I am made up of an intensest life, Of a most clear idea of consciousness Of self, distinct from all its qualities, From all affections, passions, feelings, powers; And thus far it exists, if tracked, in all: But linked, in me, to self-supremacy, Existing as a centre to all things, Most potent to create and rule and call Upon all things to minister to it; And to a principle of restlessness Which would be all, have, see, know, taste, feel, all-- This is myself; and I should thus have been Though gifted lower than the meanest soul. And of my powers, one springs up to save From utter death a soul with such desire Confined to clay--of powers the only one Which marks me--an imagination which Has been a very angel, coming not In fitful visions, but beside me ever And never failing me; so, though my mind Forgets not, not a shred of life forgets, Yet I can take a secret pride in calling The dark past up to quell it regally. A mind like this must dissipate itself, But I have always had one lode-star; now, As I look back, I see that I have halted Or hastened as I looked towards that star-- A need, a trust, a yearning after God: A feeling I have analyzed but late, But it existed, and was reconciled With a neglect of all I deemed his laws, Which yet, when seen in others, I abhorred. I felt as one beloved, and so shut in From fear: and thence I date my trust in signs And omens, for I saw God everywhere; And I can only lay it to the fruit Of a sad after-time that I could doubt Even his being--e'en the while I felt His presence, never acted from myself, Still trusted in a hand to lead me through All danger; and this feeling ever fought Against my weakest reason and resolve. And I can love nothing--and this dull truth Has come the last: but sense supplies a love Encircling me and mingling with my life. These make myself: I have long sought in vain To trace how they were formed by circumstance, Yet ever found them mould my wildest youth Where they alone displayed themselves, converted All objects to their use: now see their course!