“And one is fain to be climbing where only angels have trod,
But is fettered and tied to another's side who fears that it might look odd.”

"Ballad of the Double-Soul"
The Certain Hour (1916)
Context: For this is the song of the double-soul, distortedly two in one, —
Of the wearied eyes that still behold the fruit ere the seed be sown,
And derive affright for the nearing night from the light of the noontide sun.
For one that with hope in the morning set forth, and knew never a fear,
They have linked with another whom omens bother; and he whispers in one's ear.
And one is fain to be climbing where only angels have trod,
But is fettered and tied to another's side who fears that it might look odd.

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James Branch Cabell 130
American author 1879–1958

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