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From
the Book of Valentines
by
Bliss Carman
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THE
MANSION
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I
thought it chill and lonesome,
And too far from the road
For an ideal dwelling,
When here I first abode.
But
yesterday a lodger
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5 |
Smiled
as she passed my door,
With mien of gay contentment
That lured me to explore.
Unerringly
she leads me,
Compassionate and wise,
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10 |
Soul
of immortal beauty
Wearing the mortal guise.
She knows from sill to attic
The great house through and through,
Its treasures of the ages,
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15 |
| Surprises
ever new.
From room to room I follow,
Entranced with each in turn,
Enchanted by each wonder
She bids my look discern.
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20 |
She names them: here is First-love,
A chamber by the sea;
Here in a flood of noonday
Is spacious Charity.
Here is a cell, Devotion;
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25 |
And
lonely Courage here,
Where child-deserted windows
Look on the Northern year;
Friendship and Faith and Gladness,
Fragrant of air and bloom,
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30 |
Where
one might spend a lifetime
Secure from fear of gloom.
And often as we wander,
I fancy we have neared
The Master of the Mansion,
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35 |
| Who
has not yet appeared. |
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