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

By Josephine PrestonPeabody

1667 A Changeling Grateful

HERE they give me greeting,

House me warm within,

Break their bread and share it

With the heart of kin.

Here the ruddy hearth-light

Singes not a moth,

Gives a summer welcome

As a red rose doth.

I would leave a gift here

If I might: not I!—

Like a homeless laughter,

Vagrant wind gone by.

But while I am a glow-worm

I will shine and stay:

When I am a shadow…

I will creep away.