White clouds, whose shadows haunt the deep, 
Light mists, whose soft embraces keep 
The sunshine on the hills asleep ! 
O isles of calm! — O dark, still wood! 
And stiller skies that overbrood 
Your rest with deeper quietude ! 
O shapes and hues, dim beckoning, through 
Yon mountain gaps, my longing vi ew 
Beyond the purple and the blue, 
To stiller sea and greener land, 
And softer lights and airs more bland, 
And skies — the hollow of God’s hand! 
Transfused through you, O mountain friends! 
With mine your solemn spirit blends, 
And life no more hath separate ends. 
I read each misty mountain sign, 
I know the voice of wave and pine, 
And I am yours, and ye are mine. 
Life’s burdens fall, its discords cease, 
I lapse into the glad release 
Of Nature’s own exceeding peace. 
O, welcome calm of heart and mind! 
As falls yon fir-tree’s loosened rind 
To leave a tenderer growth behind, 
So fall the weary years away; 
A child again, my head I lay 
Upon the lap of this sweet day. 
69 
