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As the Time Draws Nigh.

Part of the cluster SONGS OF PARTING.

AS THE TIME DRAWS NIGH.

1

1As the time draws nigh, glooming, a cloud, A dread beyond, of I know not what, darkens me. 2I shall go forth, I shall traverse The States awhile—but I cannot tell  
 whither or how long; Perhaps soon, some day or night while I am singing,  
 my voice will suddenly cease.

2

3O book, O chants! must all then amount to but this? Must we barely arrive at this beginning of us?…  
 And yet it is enough, O soul! O soul! we have positively appear'd—that is enough.

Part of the cluster SONGS OF PARTING.

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