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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - Ultima Thule: The Iron Pen
Work rating: Medium

I thought this Pen would arise
From the casket where it lies--
  Of itself would arise and write
My thanks and my surprise. 

When you gave it me under the pines,
I dreamed these gems from the mines
  Of Siberia, Ceylon, and Maine
Would glimmer as thoughts in the lines; 

That this iron link from the chain
Of Bonnivard might retain
  Some verse of the Poet who sang
Of the prisoner and his pain; 

That this wood from the frigate`s mast
Might write me a rhyme at last,
  As it used to write on the sky
The song of the sea and the blast. 

But motionless as I wait,
Like a Bishop lying in state
  Lies the Pen, with its mitre of gold,
And its jewels inviolate. 

Then must I speak, and say
That the light of that summer day
  In the garden under the pines
Shall not fade and pass away. 

I shall see you standing there,
Caressed by the fragrant air,
  With the shadow on your face,
And the sunshine on your hair. 

I shall hear the sweet low tone
Of a voice before unknown,
  Saying, "This is from me to you--
From me, and to you alone." 

And in words not idle and vain
I shall answer and thank you again
  For the gift, and the grace of the gift,
O beautiful Helen of Maine! 

And forever this gift will be
As a blessing from you to me,
  As a drop of the dew of your youth
On the leaves of an aged tree.
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