To Charles Harpur
I would sit at your feet for long days,To hear the sweet Muse of the WildSpeak out through the sad and the passionate laysOf her first and her favourite Child.
I would sit at your feet, for my soulDelights in the solitudes free;And I stand where the creeks and the cataracts rollWhensoever I listen to thee!
I would sit at your feet, for I loveBy the gulches and torrents to roam;And I long in this city for woodland and grove,And the peace of a wild forest home.
I would sit at your feet, and we’d dwellOn the scenes of a long-vanished time,While your thoughts into music would surge and would swellLike a breeze of our beautiful clime.
I would sit at your feet, for I know,Though the World in the Present be blind,That the amaranth blossoms of Promise will blowWhen the Ages have left you behind.
I would sit at your feet, for I feelI am one of a glorious bandThat ever will own you and hold you their Chief,And a Monarch of Song in the land!