I wandered by the brookside

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Brookside..

English (original)

I wandered by the brookside, I wandered by the mill; I could not hear the brook flow, The noisy wheel was still.

— Richard Monckton Milnes, 1st Baron Houghton

The hills of manhood wear a noble face When seen from far; The mist of light from which they take their grace Hides what they are.

Great thoughts, great feelings came to them, Like instincts, unawares.

Oh glory, that we wrestle So valiantly with Time!

The beating of my own heart Was all the sound I heard.

But on and up, where Nature’s heart Beats strong amid the hills.

A man’s best things are nearest him, Lie close about his feet.