Whose happiest days were far away, through fields, in woods, on hills, he and another, wandering hand
in hand, they twain, apart from other men,
Who oft as he sauntered the streets, curved with his arm the shoulder of his friend — while the arm of his friend rested upon him also.
11.
When I heard at the close of the day how my name had been received with plaudits in the capitol, still it was not a happy night for me that fol- lowed ;
And else, when I caroused, or when my plans were accomplished, still I was not happy ;
But the day when I rose at dawn from the bed of perfect health, refreshed, singing, inhaling the ripe breath of autumn,
When I saw the full moon in the west grow pale and disappear in the morning light,
When I wandered alone over the beach, and, undressing, bathed, laughing with the cool waters, and saw the sun rise.
And when I thought how my dear friend, my lover, was on his way coming, then I was happy;
O then each breath tasted sweeter — and all that day my food nourished me more — And the beautiful day passed well.
And the next came with equal joy — And with the next, at evening, came my friend;