The fool's judgment hear thou shalt, and the cold mob's laughter -

Calm stand, and firm be, and - sober!

Thou art king: live alone. On the free road

Walk, whither draws thee thy spirit free:

Ever the fruits of beloved thoughts ripening,

Never reward for noble deeds demanding.

In thyself reward seek. Thine own highest court thou art;

Severest judge, thine own works canst measure.

Art thou content, O fastidious craftsman?

Content? Then let the mob scold,

And spit upon the altar, where blazes thy fire.

Thy tripod in childlike playfulness let it shake.

THE THREE SPRINGS.

IN the world's desert, sombre and shoreless

Mysteriously three springs have broken thro':

Of youth the spring, a boisterous spring and rapid;

It boils, it runs, it sparkles, and it murmurs.

The Castalian Spring, with wave of inspiration

In the world's deserts its exiles waters;

The last spring - the cold spring of forgetfulness,

Of all sweetest, quench it does the heart's fire.

1827.

THE TASK.

THE longed-for moment here is. Ended is my long-yeared task.

Why then sadness strange me troubles secretly?

My task done, like needless hireling am I to stand,

My wage in hand, to other task a stranger?

Or my task regret I, of night companion silent mine,

Gold Aurora's friend, the friend of my sacred household gods?

1830.

SLEEPLESSNESS.

I CANNOT sleep, I have no light;

Darkness 'bout me, and sleep is slow;

The beat monotonous alone

Near me of the clock is heard.

Of the Fates the womanish babble,