The Golden Shoes

The winds are lashing on the sea;         The roads are blind with storm.     And it's far and far away with me;         So bide you there, stay warm.     It's forth I must, and forth to-day;         And I have no path to choose.     The highway hill, it is my way still.--         Give me my golden shoes.     God gave them me on that first day         I knew that I was young.     And I looked far forth, from west to north;         And I heard the Songs unsung.     This cloak is worn too threadbare thin,         But ah, how weatherwise!     This girdle serves to bind it in;         What heed of wondering eyes?--     And yet beside, I wear one pride         --Too bright, think you, to use?--     That I must wear, and still keep fair.--         Give here my golden shoes.     God gave them me, on that first day         I heard the Stars all chime.     And I looked forth far, from road to star;         And I knew it was far to climb.     They would buy me house and hearth, no doubt,         And the mirth to spend and share;     Could I sell that gift, and go without,         Or wear--what neighbors wear.     But take my staff, my purse, my scrip;         For I have one thing to choose.     For you,--Godspeed! May you soothe your need.         For me, my golden shoes!     He gave them me, that far, first day         When I heard all Songs unsung.     And I looked far forth, from west to north.         God saw that I was young!