Solitude

There is a charm in solitude

     Which cannot be expressed;

We seek it oft in happy mood,

     But oftener when distressed.

When wandering through the shady wood

     This wish will rise within:

“Would I could dwell in solitude

     And leave this world of sin.”

The flowers that bloom so fresh and fair

     Must have the shining sun;

And rarer kinds must have the care

     And shelter of a home.

So ‘tis with us; we can compare

     The human race with these;

We need the sunshine and the care

     With sociabilities.

July 17, ‘90

Pub. in Cam. Chronicle