taken from A Winter Piece

The time has been that these wild solitudes,
Yet beautiful as wild, were trod by me
Oftener than now; and when the ills of life
Had chafed my spirit -- when the unsteady pulse
Beat with strange flutterings -- I would wander forth
And seek the woods. The sunshine on my path
Was to me a friend. The swelling hills,
The quiet dells retiring far between,
With gentle invitation to explore
Their windings, were a calm society
That talked with me and soothed me. Then the chant
Of birds, and chime of brooks, and soft caress
Of the fresh sylvan air, made me forget
The thoughts that broke my peace, and I began
To gather simples by the fountain's brink,
And lose myself in day-dreams.

William Cullen Bryant

Biography

William Cullen Bryant was born in Cummington MA on November 3, 1792. He was the son of Dr Peter Bryant who served in both the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives. William Cullen Bryant attended Williams College for two years before leaving to persue law studies under Judge Howe of Worthington and Mr. William Baylies of Bridgewater. Bryant was first published at the age of 12 in the Hampshire Gazette. His first major work entitled "Thanatopsis" was written in his 18th year.