286 ANIMAL SKETCHES. CHAP. xix. 



A NOISELESS PATIENT SPIDER. 



I marked where, on a little promontory, it stood isolated ; 

 Mark'd how to explore the vacant, vast surrounding, 

 It launched forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself ; 

 Ever unreeling them ever tirelessly speeding them. 

 And you, my soul, where you stand 

 Surrounded, surrounded, in measureless oceans of space, 

 Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to con- 

 nect them ; 



Till the bridge you will need be formed till the ductile anchor hold ; 

 Till the gossamer thread you fling, catch somewhere, my soul." 



WALT WHITMAN. 



