Thus, for awhile, as leaving thee in joy, was I loth to break that spell; I roamed to other things and thoughts, and fashioned other books. But in a season of reflection, after many days, A thought stood before me in its garment of the past,--and lo, a legion with it! They came in thronging bands,--I could not fight nor fly them,-- And so they took me to their tent, the prisoner of thoughts. Then, I bade thee greet me well, and heed my cheerful counsels; For every day we have a Friend, who changeth not with time. Gladly did I speak of my commission, for I felt it graven on my heart, And could not hold my wiser peace, but magnified mine office. Mystery had left her echoes in my mind, and I discoursed her secret: And thence I turned aside to man, and judged him for his Gifts. Beauty, noble thesis, had a world of sweets to sing of, And dated all her praise from God, the birthday of the soul. Thence grew Fame; and Flattery came like Agag; But this was as the nauseous dregs, of that inspiring cup: Forth from Flattery sprang in opposition harsh and dull Neglect; And kind Contentment's gentle face to smile away the sadness. Life, all buoyancy and light, and Death, that sullen silence, Sped the soul to Immortality, the final home of man. Then, in metaphysical review, passed a triple troop, Swift Ideas, sounding Names, and heavily armed Things: Faith spake of her achievements even among men her brethren; And Honesty, with open mouth, would vindicate himself: The retrospect of Social life had many truths to tell of, And then I left thee to thy Solitude, learning there of Wisdom.