1. As nearing departure, As the time draws nigh, glooming, a cloud, A dread beyond, of I know not what, darkens me. 2. 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. 3. 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 appeared—that is enough.
