Where runs the river? Whocan say,
Who hath not followed all the way
By alders green and sedges gray

And blossoms blue?

Where runs the river? Hill and wood
Curve round to hem the eager flood,

It cannot straighten as it would

Its path pursue.

Yet this we know; o'er white plains
Or rocks or waterfalls it strains,
Al last, the vast, the stream attains;

And I, and you.

Francis WM. BouRDILLON.