THOMAS TRAHERNE

And was so eager to embrace

The joyful tidings as they came, 'Twould almost leave its dwelling-place To entertain that same.

As if the tidings were the things, My very joys themselves, my foreign treasure

Or else did bear them on their wings With so much joy they came, with so much pleasure. My Soul stood at that gate

To recreate

Itself with bliss, and to Be pleased with speed. A fuller view

It fain would take, Yet journeys back would make Unto my heart ; as if 'twould fain Go out to meet, yet stay within To fit a place to entertain

And bring the tidings in.

What sacred instinct did inspire My soul in childhood with a hope so strong?

What secret force moved my desire To expect my joys beyond the seas, so young? Felicity I knew

Was out of view, And being here alone, I saw that happiness was gone From me ! For this I thirsted absent bliss, And thought that sure beyond the seas, Or else in something near at hand I knew not yet since naught did please

I knew my Bliss did stand.

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