To A.J. Scott, May, 1857

When, long ago, the daring of my youth Drew nigh thy greatness with a little thing, Thou didst receive me; and thy sky of truth Has domed me since, a heaven of sheltering, Made homely by the tenderness and grace Which round thy absolute friendship ever fling A radiant atmosphere. Turn not thy face From that small part of earnest thanks, I pray, Which, spoken, leaves much more in speechless case. I see thee far before me on thy way Up the great peaks, and striding stronger still; Thy intellect unrivalled in its sway, Upheld and ordered by a regnant will; Thy wisdom, seer and priest of holy fate, Searching all truths its prophecy to fill; But this my joy: throned in thy heart so great, High Love is queen, and sits without a mate.