Walden Pond

Self-sown my stately garden grows;
The winds and wind-blown seed,
Cold April rain and colder snows
My hedges plant and feed.

From mountains far and valleys near

The harvests sown to-day

Thrive in all weathers without fear, -
Wild planters, plant away!

In cities high the careful crowds
Of woe-worn mortals darkling go,
But in these sunny solitudes
My quiet roses blow.

Methought the sky looked scornful down

On all was base in man,

And airy tongues did taunt the town, 'Achieve our peace who can!'

What need I holier dew

Than Walden's haunted wave, Distilled from heaven's alembic blue, Steeped in each forest cave?

[If Thought unlock her mysteries,
If Friendship on me smile,

I walk in marble galleries,
I talk with kings the while.]