Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
England: Vols. I–IV. 1876–79.

Ampton

Written at Ampton, Suffolk, January, 1838

By Henry Alford (1810–1871)

ONCE more I stray among this wilderness

Of ancient trees, and through the rustling fern,

Golden and sere, brush forward; at each turn

Meeting fresh avenues in winter dress

Of long gray moss, or yellow lichen bright;

While the long lines of intercepted shade,

Spread into distance through the turfy glade,

Checkered with rosy paths of evening light.

Here first I learned to tune my youthful thoughts

To themes of blessed import: woods and sky,

And waters, as they rushed or slumbered by,

For my poetic soul refreshment brought;

And now within me rise, unbidden long,

Fresh springs of life, fresh themes of earnest song.