Poems (Whitney)/To the spirit

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TO THE SPIRIT. BY A PRODIGAL'S FAVORITE.
Thou teachest better things unto my heart,Than with my mouth I sing, I would fain beThe Memnon of the sunrise that I see:I would the uprising flame would dartForth from my lips in living melody:Or might I mock that inward hymn—! In vainLike the poor bird that seeks so passionatelyTo-breathe its rival's more melodious strain,I beat my wings for nought. And yet, O soul,Life, love and nature, better thus to liveWith you in close embrace, as whole in whole,Than to give happily with less to give;I drink continually the nectar up,Yet never see the bottom of the cup.
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