Classic Poem

I

" O H , the hills are fair where I shall flow, "
Said the song of the brook to the boy;
" And the meadows are sweet to which I go, "
Said the song of the brook to the boy;
" For I flow on to a broader land,
To scenes where wider vales expand,
To a land where lordlier mountains stand, "
Said the song of the brook to the boy. "

" And I go into a broader land, "
Said the heart of the boy to the brook;
" To the towered towns and the cities grand, "
Said the heart of the boy to the brook.
" Oh, the coming day draws near, and then
I will leave this dreary woodland glen —
A leader of men in a world of men, "
Said the heart of the boy to the brook.

II

" Ah, me, for the peace of the hills again, "
Said the song of the stream to the man, —
" The brooding peace of the woodland glen, "
Said the song of the stream to the man.
" And, oh, for the rest of the quiet glade,
And the dreaming peace of the alder shade,
And the vales where the smiles of the morning played, "
Said the song of the stream to the man.

" And, oh, for the meadows of youth once more! "
Said the heart of the man to the stream;
" And the dewy hope of the days of yore! "
Said the heart of the man to the stream.
" And, oh, for the strength of its sunrise joy,
When living was play and the world was a toy;
And, oh, for the hope of the heart of a boy! "
Said the heart of the man to the stream.