As the Time Draws Nigh + 

As the time draws nigh glooming a cloud, + 

A dread beyond of I know not what darkens me. + 

I 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. + 

O 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. + 