Classic Poem

In the lonely passage through the world which I till now have made,
I've seen more storms than sunshine, and less of light than shade;
Yet sometimes a new planet has sweetly shone for me,
And sometimes a green island has risen from the sea.

My childhood knew misfortune of a strange and weary kind,
And I have always worn a chain, though not upon my mind,
And I render thanks to thee, oh God! from my prison, that I live
Unshorn of that best privilege, which thou alone canst give!

I mean a soul to apprehend the beauty that is spread
Above me and around me and beneath my feeble tread;
And though I may not climb the mount or thread the winding vale,
Yet mount and vale to me impart delights that never fail.

The dewy springtime comes to me with melody of birds,
Familiar as my sister's song, and tender as her words.
I love the summer's scented blooms and autumn's bright decay,
And winter's frozen jewels made, like hopes, to melt away.

My heart is like a river in the leafy month of June,
With a never ceasing gush of waves that chime a merry tune;
Though its surface may be broken, when the gale of sorrow blows,
A living fount supplies it, and it always sings and flows.

Great cause have I for gratitude to the Giver of my life —
For love is still my talisman, in danger, toil and strife;
And though bereft of freedom in the body, I can fly
As high as Heaven on wings of thought, like an eagle to the sky.