Frederik Hegel

I Dedication You never came here; but I go Here often and am met by you. Each room and road here must renew The thought of you and your form show Standing with helpful hand extended, As when long since in trust and deed My home you from my foes defended. … So often, while I wrote this book, The light shone from your genial eye; Then we were one, both you and I And what in silence being took; So here and there the book possesses Your spirit and your heart's fresh faith, And therefore now your name it blesses. I love the air, when growing colder It, clear and high, The purer sky Broadens with sense of freedom bolder. I find in forests joy the keenest In autumn days When fancy plays, And not when they are young and greenest. I knew a man: in autumn clearness His even course,- His heart's fine force Like autumn sky in soft-hued sheerness. His memory is, as-when a-swarming The cold blasts first Of winter burst- The gentle flame my room first warming. When all our outward longings falter, And summer's mind Within we find, Is friendship's feast round autumn's altar.