Greybeards at Play — The Oneness of the Philosopher with Nature

ENVOY

THE ONENESS OF THE PHILOSOPHER WITH NATURE.

I love to see the little stars All dancing to one tune;

I think quite highly of the Sun, And kindly of the Moon.

[Illustration] The million forests of the Earth Come trooping in to tea.

The great Niagara waterfall Is never shy with me.

[Illustration] I am the tiger's confidant, And never mention names: The lion drops the formal "Sir," And lets me call him James.

[Illustration] Into my ear the blushing Whale Stammers his love.

I know Why the Rhinoceros is sad, --Ah, child!

'twas long ago.

[Illustration] I am akin to all the Earth By many a tribal sign: The aged Pig will often wear That sad, sweet smile of mine.

[Illustration] My niece, the Barnacle, has got My piercing eyes of black;

The Elephant has got my nose, I do not want it back.

[Illustration] I know the strange tale of the Slug;

The Early Sin--the Fall-- The Sleep--the Vision--and the Vow-- The Quest--the Crown--the Call.

[Illustration] And I have loved the Octopus, Since we were boys together.

I love the Vulture and the Shark: I even love the weather.

[Illustration] I love to bask in sunny fields, And when that hope is vain, I go and bask in Baker Street, All in the pouring rain.

[Illustration] Come snow!

where fly, by some strange law, Hard snowballs--without noise-- Through streets untenanted, except By good unconscious boys.

[Illustration] Come fog!

exultant mystery-- Where, in strange darkness rolled, The end of my own nose becomes A lovely legend old.

Come snow, and hail, and thunderbolts, Sleet, fire, and general fuss;

Come to my arms, come all at once-- Oh photograph me thus!

[Illustration]