To a Friend

by Margaret Fuller

　　

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To a Friend was published in Fuller's collection, Summer on the Lakes, 1843. Some dried grass-tufts from the wide flowery plain,A muscle shell from the lone fairy shore,Some antlers from tall woods which never moreTo the wild deer a safe retreat can yield,An eagle's feather which adorned a Brave,Well-nigh the last of his despairing band,For such slight gifts wilt thou extend thy handWhen weary hours a brief refreshment crave?I give you what I can, not what I would,If my small drinking-cup would hold a flood,As Scandinavia sung those must containWith which the giants gods may entertain;In our dwarf day we drain few drops, and soon must thirst again.

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