As nearing departure,
As the time draws nigh, glooming, a cloud,
A dread beyond, of I know not what, darkens me.

I shall go forth,
I shall traverse The States -- but I cannot tell whither or how long;
Perhaps soon, some day or night while I am singing,
   my voice will suddenly cease.

O book and chant! must all then amount to but this?
Must we barely arrive at this beginning of me? ...
   And yet it is enough, O soul!
O soul! we have positively appear'd -- that is enough.