The God of the Open Air. 
19 
V. 
From ihc iirisuii of anxious tliou^lit th.'it -reed has builded, 
From tlie fetters tliat envy lias wrought and pride has gilded, 
iM-om the noise of the crowded ways, and the fierce confusion, 
j'rom the folly that w astes its days in a world of illusion. 
(O, but the life is lost that frets and languishes there ! ) 
1 would escape ai:d be free in the joy of the open air. 
By the breadth of the blue that shines in silence o'er me. 
By the length of the mountain-lines that stretch before me, 
By the height of the cloud that sails, with rest in motion, 
Over the plains and the vales to the measureless ocean, 
(( ), how the sight of things that are great enlarges the eyes ! ) 
Lead me out of the narrow life to the peace of the hills and the 
skies. 
While tlie tremulous leafy haze on the woodland is spreading. 
And the bloom on the meadow betrays where May has been 
treading, 
While the birds on the branches above, and the brooks flowing 
under 
Are singing together of love in a world full of wonder, 
(Lo. in the marvel of springtime dreams are changed into 
truth ! ) 
Quicken my heart and restore the beautiful hopes of youth. 
By faith that the flowers show when they bloom unbidden. 
By tlie calm of the rivers' flow to a goal that is hidden. 
By the trust of the tree that clings to its deep foundation, 
By the courage of wild birds' wings on the long migration, 
(Wonderful secret of peace that abides in nature's breast!) 
Teach me how to confide, and live my life, and rest. 
For the comforting warmth of the sun that my body embraces. 
For the cool of the waters that run through the shadow^y places 
For the balm of the breezes that brush my face with their 
fingers, 
f-'or the vesper-hymn of the thrush when the twilight lingers, 
l'"or the long breath, the deep breath, the breath of a heart 
without care, 
1 will give thanks and adore Thee, Gou of the open air, 
