FAR up the slopes of Tamalpais...

FAR up the slopes of Tamalpais,

Within a shady nook,

Was born a dainty brook.

At birth of this new silvery stream

The buds and blossoms smiled,

And kissed the restless child,

As forth it went with merry song,

Upon a winding way,

That thro’ a sweet vale lay;

And, as it went, it stronger grew,

Until, o'er rock and fall,

It dashed, unheeding all.

Upon the banks of this wild brook,

Clothed, all in richest green,

And with majestic mien,

Arose the lofty redwood trees,

Whose fragrant, leafy shade,

Sweet trysting-places made

For ferns, and flowers, and mosses rare;

And time hath been. I ween,

When this sweet, mountain stream

Hath paused to start, with whirring sound

The wheel of yon old mill

Now pulseless grown, and still