trees over flowing waters, dramatized in dialogue

 

Yet unstained, bright and cheerful, gayly pattering  o'er  [1857: splashing 'mong] the rocks,—merry river, knowest thou, surely, where thou rushest in such haste?

Art careless now, in thy morning, of these pleasant green trees' shade?

Well, [1857: Ah!] be happy while thou mayst, round thy mountain parents' feet; smiling thou, and reflecting every hopeful smile of theirs!

Yes, whilst they shelter, dance in sunshine, now thou mayst—

F.—Hillo! what are you about? Writing in tune with the merry cotton-wood leaves? ....
(Scenes Beyond the Western Border, May 1853; and
Scenes and Adventures in the Army)

Look how these willows over-weep
The waves, and plain: 'Fleet so from us?
And wherefore? whitherward away?
Your best is here where wildings sway
And the light shadow's blown about;
Ah, tarry, for at hand's a sea
Whence ye shall never issue out
Once in.' They sing back: 'So let be!
We mad-caps hymn it as we flow—
Short life and merry! be it so!' "  (Clarel 2.27)