I have a King, who does not speak --
So -- wondering -- thro' the hours meek
I trudge1 the day away --
Half glad when it is night, and sleep,
If, haply, thro' a dream, to peep
In parlors2, shut by day.
And if I do -- when morning comes --
It is as if a hundred drums
Did round my pillow roll,
And shouts fill all my Childish sky,
And Bells keep saying Victory
From steeples in my soul!
And if I don't -- the little Bird
Within the Orchard3, is not heard,
And I omit to pray
Father, thy will be done today
For my will goes the other way,
And it were perjury4!