The physical world itself is a fair thing br For who has eyes to see or ears to hear. br To--day I fled on my new freedom's wind, br With the first swallows of the parting year, br Southwards from England. At the Folkestone pier br I left the burden of my sins behind, br Noting how gay the noon was, and how clear br The tide's fresh laughter rising to no wind. br A hundred souls of men there with my own br Smiled in that sunshine. 'Tis a little measure br Makes glad the heart at sea, and not alone br Do wise men kindle to its pulse of pleasure br Here all alike, peers, pedlars, squires, and dames br Forswore their griefs fog--born of Father Thames.