BRYANT, William Cullen (1794-1878). Poems. Cambridge: Hilliard and Metcalf, 1821.

So live, that when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan, which moves
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,
Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave,
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.

First edition of Bryant's first major book, containing his famous poems Thanatopsis and To a Waterfowl. "Thanatopsis" had first appeared in The North American Review in 1817, sent in by Bryant's father without his knowledge and with an introduction written by the editor. This is its first appearance in its full form. Bryant’s Poems was a watershed in the history of American verse, heralding a new era of poetic style and skill. BAL 1587.

12mo (185 x 120mm). Original printed drab paper boards (spine perishing, front board nearly detached); modern chemise and slipcase. Provenance: S.P. Miles (bookplate and pencil inscription noting gift to:) – F. P. Appleton (inscription dated 26 December 1837)

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