I went out to the farthest meadow, I lay down in the deepest shadow; And I said unto the earth, "Hold me," And unto the night, "O enfold me!" And unto the wind petulantly I cried, "You know not for you are free!" And I begged the little leaves to lean Low and together for a safe screen; Then to the stars I told my tale: "That is my home-light, there in the vale, "And O, I know that I shall return, But let me lie first mid the unfeeling fern; "For there is a flame that has blown too near, And there is a name that has grown too dear, And there is a fear" . . . . And to the still hills and cool earth and far sky I made moan, "The heart in my bosom is not my own! "O would I were free as the wind on wing; Love is a terrible thing!" Grace Fallow Norton