James Russell Lowell (1819–1891)

WHEN in a book I find a pleasant thought

Which some small flower in the woods to me

Had told, as if in straitest secrecy,

That I might speak it in sweet verses wrought,

With what best feelings is such meeting fraught!

It shows how nature’s life will never be

Shut up from speaking out full clear and free

Her wonders to the soul that will be taught.

And what though I have but this single chance

Of saying that which every gentle soul

Shall answer with a glad, uplifting glance?

Nature is frank to him whose spirit whole

Doth love Truth more than praise, and in good time,

My flower will tell me sweeter things to rhyme.