The Complaints III

There are many countries that I have not seen, And many kinds of men I have not met, But all the gracious towns where I have been Haunt in my brain and whisper there and set Strange echoes going with their lovely names, Birdlip and Paris, Fontainebleau and Wells, Places that live in me like happy dreams And sound in the present day like distant bells. Here I am set and there's no end, no end ; Too soon the vision closes, too long remains, Like the last long talk one had with a lost friend, Whose memory lingers on, when friendship wanes.

Better to stay at home ! The towns one sees Trammel the day with stupid memories.