Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By James HerbertMorse

797 The Wayside

THERE are some quiet ways—

Ay, not a few—

Where the affections grow,

And noble days

Distil a gentle praise

That, as cool dew,

Or aromatic gums

Within a bower,

In after-times becomes

A calm, perennial dower.

There wayside bush and briar!

These lend a grace,

Flashing a glad assent

To sweet desire.

All their interior choir

The woodlands place

At service to command;

Man need not know,

In such a favored land,

The ways that proud folk go.

Perhaps the day may be,

Dear heart of mine,

When riches press too near

Outside, and we,

To live unfettered, flee

The great and fine,

And hide our little home

In some deep grove,

Where they alone may come

Who only come for love.