Many thoughts, many thoughts,--who can catch them all? The best are ever swiftest winged, the duller lag behind: For, behold, in these vast themes, my mind is as a forest of the West, And flocking pigeons come in clouds, and bend the groaning branches; Here for a rest, then off and away,--they have sped to other climes, And leave me to my peace once more, a holiday from thoughts. I dare not lure them back, for the mighty subject of Society Would tempt to many a hackneyed note in many a weary key: Sage warnings, stout advice, experiences ever to be learned, The foolish floatiness of vanity, and solemn trumperies of pride,-- Economy, the poor man's mint,--extravagance, the rich man's pitfall, Harmful copings with the better, and empty-headed apings of the worse, Circumstance and custom, sympathies, antipathies, diverse kinds of conversation, Vapid pleasures, the weariness of gaiety, the strife and bustle of the world, Home comforts, the miseries of style, the cobweb lines of etiquette, The hollowness of courtesies, and substance of deceits,--idleness, business, and pastime,-- The multitude of matters to be done, the when, and where, and how, And varying shades of character, to do, undo, or miss them,-- All these, and many more alike, thick converging fancies, Flit in throngs about my theme, as honey-bees at even to their hive. Find an end, or make one: these seeds are dragon's teeth: Sown thoughts grow to things, and fill that field, the world: Many wise have gone before, and used the sickle well; Who can find a corner now, where none have bound the sheaves? So, other some may reap: I do but glean and gather: My sorry handful hath been culled after the ripe harvest of Society. OF SOLITUDE. [Illustration: "W"] Who hath known his brother,--or found him in his freedom unrestrained? Even he, whose hidden glance hath watched his deepest Solitude. For we walk the world in domino, putting on characters and habits, And wear a social Janus mask, while others stand around: I speak not of the hypocrite, nor dream of meant deceptions, But of that quick unconscious change, whereof the best know most.