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1772–1834

TO NATURE

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

It may indeed be phantasy, when I Essay to draw from all created things Deep, heartfelt, inward joy that closely clings; And trace in leaves and flowers that round me lie

Lessons of love and earnest piety. So let it be; and if the wide world rings In mock of this belief, it brings Nor fear, nor grief, nor vain perplexity.

So will I build my altar in the fields, And the blue sky my fretted dome shall be, And the sweet fragrance that the wild flower yields Shall be the incense I will yield to Thee,

Thee only God! and thou shalt not despise Even me, the priest of this poor sacrifice.

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TO NATURE · Samuel Taylor Coleridge · Poetry Cove