Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Edith MatildaThomas

1165 Breath of Hampstead Heath

THE WIND of Hampstead Heath still burns my cheek

As, home returned, I muse, and see arise

Those rounded hills beneath the low, gray skies,

With gleams of haze-lapped cities far to seek.

These can I picture, but how fitly speak

Of what might not be seen with searching eyes,

And all beyond the listening ear that lies,

Best known to bards and seers in times antique?

The winds that of the spirit rise and blow

Kindle my thought, and shall for many a day,

Recalling what blithe presence filled the place

Of one who oftentimes passed up that way,

By garden close and lane where boughs bend low,

Until the breath of Hampstead touched his face.