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forerunners. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, vol. 9 (Poems) [1909]

Edition used:

The Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, in 12 vols. Fireside Edition (Boston and New York, 1909).

Part of: The Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, in 12 vols. (Fireside Edition).

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forerunners.

    • Long I followed happy guides,
    • I could never reach their sides;
    • Their step is forth, and, ere the day
    • Breaks up their leaguer, and away.
    • Keen my sense, my heart was young,
    • Right good-will my sinews strung,
    • But no speed of mine avails
    • To hunt upon their shining trails.
    • On and away, their hasting feet
    • Make the morning proud and sweet;
    • Flowers they strew,—I catch the scent;
    • Or tone of silver instrument
    • Leaves on the wind melodious trace;
    • Yet I could never see their face.
    • On eastern hills I see their smokes,
    • Mixed with mist by distant lochs.
    • I met many travellers
    • Who the road had surely kept;
    • They saw not my fine revellers,—
    • These had crossed them while they slept.
    • Some had heard their fair report,
    • In the country or the court.
    • Fleetest couriers alive
    • Never yet could once arrive,
    • As they went or they returned,
    • At the house where these sojourned.
    • Sometimes their strong speed they slacken,
    • Though they are not overtaken;
    • In sleep their jubilant troop is near,—
    • I tuneful voices overhear;
    • It may be in wood or waste,—
    • At unawares 't is come and past.
    • Their near camp my spirit knows
    • By signs gracious as rainbows.
    • I thenceforward and long after
    • Listen for their harp-like laughter,
    • And carry in my heart, for days,
    • Peace that hallows rudest ways.