When I undertake to tell the best I find I cannot,
My tongue is ineffectual on its pivots,
My breath will not be obedient to its organs,
I become a dumb man.

The best of the earth cannot be told anyhow, all or any is
     best,
It is not what you anticipated, it is cheaper, easier, nearer,
Things are not dismiss'd from the places they held before,
The earth is just as positive and direct as it was before,
Facts, religions, improvements, politics, trades, are as real
     as before,
But the soul is also real, it too is positive and direct,
No reasoning, no proof has establish'd it,
Undeniable growth has establish'd it.

These to echo the tones of souls and the phrases of souls,
(If they did not echo the phrases of souls what were they
     then?
If they had not reference to you in especial what were they
     then?)
I swear I will never henceforth have to do with the faith that
     tells the best,
I will have to do only with that faith that leaves the best
     untold.

Say on, sayers! sing on, singers!
Delve! mould! pile the words of the earth!
Work on, age after age, nothing is to be lost,
It may have to wait long, but it will certainly come in use,
When the materials are all prepared and ready, the
     architects shall appear.

I swear to you the architects shall appear without fail,
I swear to you they will understand you and justify you,
The greatest among them shall be he who best knows you,
     and encloses all and is faithful to all,
He and the rest shall not forget you, they shall perceive that
     you are not an iota less than they,
You shall be fully glorified in them.

1856 1881

YOUTH, DAY, OLD AGE AND NIGHT

YOUTH, large, lusty, loving — youth full
     of grace, force, fascination,
Do you know that Old Age may come after you with equal
     grace, force, fascination?
Day full-blown and splendid — day of the immense
     sun, action, ambition, laughter,
The Night follows close with millions of suns, and sleep and
     restoring darkness.

1881 1881