Return

Return

Muse, in my boyhood’s careless days

My rev’rence for thee was not small,

Altho’ I roam’d by Star and Sea

And left thee, seeking other ways—

I left thee, for I knew that all

Return by Sea and Star to thee.

Not worthy he to hear thy song,

Him thou thyself despisest most,

Who dares not leave thee and arise

To face the World’s discordant throng;

Since thou’rt best gain’d by being lost,

And Earth is in thy Heav’nly eyes.

1886-7.