YOU see this dog. It was but yesterday

YOU see this dog. It was but yesterday

      I mused forgetful of his presence here

Till thought on thought drew downward tear on tear;

When from the pillow, where wet-cheeked I lay,

A head as hairy as Faunus, thrust its way

Right sudden against my face,—two golden-clear

Large eyes astonished mine,—a drooping ear

Did flap me on either cheek, to dry the spray!

I started first, as some Arcadian,

Amazed by goatly God in twilight grove:

But as my bearded vision closelier ran

My tears off, I knew Flush, and rose above

Surprise and sadness; thanking the true Pan,

Who, by low creatures, leads to heights of love.

FINITE AND INFINITE.

THE wind sounds only in opposing straights,

      The sea, beside the shore; man's spirit rends

Its quiet only up against the ends

Of wants and oppositions, loves and hates,

Where worked and worn by passionate debates,

And losing by the loss it apprehends,

Its flesh rocks round, and every breath it sends,

Is ravelled to a sigh. All tortured states

Suppose a straightened place. Jehovah Lord,

Make room for rest, around me! Out of sight

Now float me, of the vexing land abhorred,

Till, in deep calms of space, my soul may right

Her nature; shoot large sail on lengthening cord,

And rush exultant on the Infinite.

TWO SKETCHES.