Before I got my eye put out
I liked as well to see
As other Creatures, that have Eyes,
And know no other way —

But were it told to me — Today —
That I might have the sky    
For mine — I tell you that my Heart
Would split, for size of me.  

The Meadows — mine —
The Mountains — mine —
All Forests — Stintless Stars —     
As much of Noon as I could take    
Between my finite eyes —  

The Motions of the Dipping Birds —     
The lightning’s jointed road — *    
For mine to look at when I liked, —
The News would strike me dead —     

So safer — guess — with just my soul    
Upon the Window-pane —   
Where other Creatures put their eyes —    
Incautious — of the Sun —

* The Morning's Amber Road —