You who desired so muchin vain to ask Yet fed your hunger like an endless task, Dared dignify the labor, bless the quest Achieved that stillness ultimately best, Being, of all, least sought for: Emily, hear!
I have desired to go Where springs not fail, To fields where flies no sharp and sided hail And a few lilies blow And I have asked to be Where no storms come, Where the green swell is in the havens dumb, And out of the swing of the sea.
At me you smiled, but unbeguiled I saw the snare, and I retired: The daughter of a hundred Earls, You are not one to be desired.