Page:Writings of Henry David Thoreau (1906) v5.djvu/460

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POEMS

INSPIRATION

If thou wilt but stand by my ear,
When through the field thy anthem 's rung,
When that is done I will not fear
But the same power will abet my tongue.


MISSION

I've searched my faculties around,
To learn why life to me was lent:
I will attend the faintest sound,
And then declare to man what God hath meant.


DELAY

No generous action can delay
Or thwart our higher, steadier aims;
But if sincere and true are they,
It will arouse our sight, and nerve our frames.


PRAYER

Great God! I ask thee for no meaner pelf
Than that I may not disappoint myself;
That in my action I may soar as high
As I can now discern with this clear eye;


And next in value, which thy kindness lends,
That I may greatly disappoint my friends,
Howe'er they think or hope it that may be,
They may not dream how thou 'st distinguished me;