To My Shadow; Or, Why?--What?--How?

Dark comrade of my path! while earth and sky Thus wed their charms, in bridal light arrayed, Why in this bright hour, walkst thou ever nigh; Blackening my footsteps, with thy length of shade-- Dark comrade, WHY?

Thou mimic Shape that, mid these flowery scenes, Glidest beside me o'er each sunny spot, Saddening them as thou goest--say, what means So dark an adjunct to so bright a lot-- Grim goblin, WHAT?

Still, as to pluck sweet flowers I bend my brow, Thou bendest, too--then risest when I rise;-- Say, mute, mysterious Thing! how is't that thou Thus comest between me and those blessed skies-- Dim shadow, HOW?