Eclectic Rhapsodics: Come, Said the World

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Come, Said the World (1:03)

Come, said the world, thy youth is not all play,

Upon these hills vast palaces must rise,

And over this green plain that calmly lies

In peace, a mighty city must have sway.

These weak and murmuring reeds cannot gainsay

The building of my wharves; this flood that flies

Unfathomed clear must bear my merchandise,

And sweep my burdens on their seaward way.

No, cried my heart, this thing I cannot do,

This is my home, this plain and water clear

Are my companions faultless as the sky—

I cannot, will not give them up to you.

And if you come upon them I shall fear,

And if you steal them from me I shall die.