第3章

Notunderstood!HowmanybreastsareachingForlackofsympathy!Ah!daybydayHowmanycheerless,lonelyheartsarebreaking!

Howmanynoblespiritspassaway,Notunderstood。

OGod!thatmenwouldseealittleclearer,Orjudgelessharshlywheretheycannotsee!

OGod!thatmenwoulddrawalittlenearerTooneanother,——they\'dbenearerThee,Andunderstood。

SpiritofSongWhereisthydwelling-place?Echoofsweetness,Seraphoftenderness,whereisthyhome?

Angelofhappiness,heraldoffleetness,Thouhastthekeyofthestar-blazon\'ddome。

WherelaysthatneverendUptoGod\'sthroneascend,Andourfondheart-wisheslovinglythrong,Soaringwiththeeabove,Beareroftruthandlove,Teacherofheaven\'stongue——SpiritofSong!

Euphony,bornintherealmsofthetearless,MinglingthynoteswiththevoicesofEarth;

Wantingthee,allwouldbedrearyandcheerless,Weaverofharmony,giverofmirth。

Comfortofchildandsage,Withusinyouthandage,Soothingtheweakandinspiringthestrong,Illumingtheblackestnight,Makingthedaymorebright,Oh!thouartdeartous,SpiritofSong!

Oftinthespringtime,sweetwordsofaffectionArewhisperedbytheeinthytenderesttone,AndinthewinterdarkcloudsofdejectionBytheearedispelledtillallsorrowhasflown。

Thou\'rtwiththezephyrslow,Andwiththebrooklet\'sflow,Andwiththefeatheredchoiralltheyearlong;

Happyeachchildofthine,Blestwiththygiftsdivine,Charmingoursenses,sweetSpiritofSong!

AdaCambridge。

WhatoftheNight?

Toyou,wholookbelow,Wherelittlecandlesglow——

Wholisteninanarrowstreet,Confusedwithnoiseofpassingfeet——

Toyou\'tiswildanddark;

Nolight,noguide,noark,Fortravellerslostonmoorandlea,Andship-wreckedmarinersatsea。

Buttheywhostandapart,Withhushedbutwakefulheart——

Theyhearthelullingofthegale,Andseethedawn-risefaintandpale。

AdawnwheretotheygropeIntremblingfaithandhope,Ifhaply,brightening,itmaycastAgleamonpathandgoalatlast。

Good-byeGood-bye!——\'tislikeachurchyardbell——good-bye!

Poorweepingeyes!Poorhead,boweddownwithwoe!

Kissmeagain,dearlove,beforeyougo。

Ah,me,howfastthepreciousmomentsfly!

Good-bye!Good-bye!

WearelikemournerswhentheystandandcryAtopengraveinwintrywindandrain。

Yes,itisdeath。Butyoushallriseagain——

Yoursunreturntothisbenightedsky。

Good-bye!Good-bye!

Thegreatphysician,Time,shallpacifyThispartinganguishwithanotherfriend。

Yourheartisbrokennow,butitwillmend。

Thoughitisdeath,yetstillyouwillnotdie。

Good-bye!Good-bye!

Dearheart!deareyes!deartongue,thatcannotlie!

Yourloveistrue,yourgriefisdeepandsore;

Butlovewillpass——thenyouwillgrievenomore。

Newlovewillcome。Yourtearswillsoonbedry。

Good-bye!Good-bye!

TheVirginMartyrEverywildshe-birdhasnestandmateinthewarmAprilweather,Butacaptivewoman,madeforlove——nomate,nonesthasshe。

Inthespringofyoungdesire,youngmenandmaidsarewedtogether,Andthehappymothersflaunttheirblissforalltheworldtosee:

Nature\'ssacramentalfeastforthese——anemptyboardforme。

I,ayoungmaidonce,anoldmaidnow,deposed,despised,forgotten——

I,likethemhavethrilledwithpassionandhavedreamedofnuptialrest,Ofthetremblinglifewithinmeofmychildrenunbegotten,Ofabreathingnew-bornbodytomyyearningbosomprest,Oftheraptureofalittlesoftmouthdrinkingatmybreast。

Time,thathealssomanysorrows,keepsmineeverfreshlyaching;

Thoughmyfaceisgrowingfurrowedandmybrownhairturningwhite,StillImournmyirremediableloss,asleeporwaking——

StillIhearmyson\'svoicecalling\"mother\"inthedeadofnight,Andamhauntedbymygirl\'seyesthatwillneverseethelight。

OmychildrenthatImighthavehad!mychildren,lostforever!

Othegoodlyyearsthatmighthavebeen——nowdesolateandbare!

OmalignantGodorFate,whathaveIdonethatIshouldneverTakemybirthrightliketheothers,takethecrownthatwomenwear,Andpossessthecommonheritagetowhichallfleshisheir?

HonourMelettheworlddisparageanddespise——

Asoneunfetteredwithitsgildedchains,Asoneuntemptedbyitssordidgains,Itspleasantvice,itsprofitablelies;

LetJustice,blindandhaltandmaimed,chastiseTherebelspiritsurginginmyveins,LettheLawdealmepenaltiesandpainsAndmakemehideousinmyneighbours\'eyes。

Butletmefallnotinmineownesteem,Bypoordeceitorselfishgreeddebased。

Letmebecleanfromsecretstainandshame,Knowmyselftrue,thoughfalseashellIseem——

Knowmyselfworthy,howsoe\'erdisgraced——

Knowmyselfright,thougheverytongueshouldblame。

DespairAlone!Alone!Nobeacon,farornear!

Nochart,nocompass,andnoanchorstay!

LikemeltingfogthemiragemeltsawayInall-surroundingdarkness,voidandclear。

Drifting,Ispreadvainhands,andvainlypeerAndvainlycallforpilot,——weepandpray;

BeyondtheselimitsnotthefaintestrayShowsdistantcoastwheretothelostmaysteer。

Owhatislife,ifwemustholditthusAswind-blownsparksholdmomentaryfire?

Whatarethesegiftswithoutthelargerboon?

Owhatisart,orwealth,orfametousWhoscarcehavetimetoknowwhatwedesire?

Owhatislove,ifwemustpartsosoon?

FaithAndisthegreatcauselostbeyondrecall?

Haveallthehopesofagescometonaught?

Islifenomorewithnoblemeaningfraught?

Islifebutdeath,andloveitsfuneralpall?

Maybe。AndstillonbendedkneesIfall,Filledwithafaithnopreacherevertaught。

OGod——MYGod——bynofalseprophetwrought——

Ibelievestill,indespiteofitall!

Letgothemythsandcreedsofgropingmen。

Thisclayknowsnaught——thePotterunderstands。

IownthatPowerdivinebeyondmyken,AndstillcanleavemeinHisshapinghands。

But,OmyGod,thatmadestmetofeel,Forgivetheanguishoftheturningwheel!

AlexanderBathgate。

TheClematisFaircrownofstarsofpurestray,HungaloftonMapautree,Whatfloralbeautiesyedisplay,Starsofsnowypurity;

Aroundthedark-leavedmapau\'sheadUnsulliedgarlandsyehavespread。

Concealedwereallthybeautiesrare\'Neaththedarkumbrageousshade,Butstilltogaintheloftiestspray,Thyweakstemitseffortsmade;

Now,everyobstacleo\'ercome,Thousmilestfromthyleafyhome。

Thathomesecure,\'midsombreleavesYieldedbythystalwartspouse,Helpstheetoshowthyfairycrown,Decorateshisduskyboughs:

Hisstrength,thybeauty,bothuniteAndformapicturetodelight。

Fairflower,methinksthoudostaffordEmblemofaperfectwife,Whoseworkishiddenfromtheworld,Till,perchance,herhusband\'slifeIsbyherinfluencebeautified,Andthisbyothersisdescried。

PhilipJosephHoldsworth。

QuisSeparabit?

Allmylife\'sshortyearshadbeensternandsterile——

Istoodlikeonewhomtheblastsblowback——

AswithshipmenwhirledthroughthestraitsofPeril,Sofiercefoesmenacedmyeverytrack。

ButIsteeledmysoultoastrongendeavour,Ibaredmybrowasthesharpstrokesfell,AndIsaidtomyheart——\"Hopeon!Hopeever:

HaveCourage——Courage,andalliswell。\"

Then,brightasthebloodinmyheart\'srichchalice,OBlossom,Blossom!——youcamefromfar;

Andliferangjoy,tilltheWorld\'sloudmaliceShrilledtotheedgeofourutmoststar。

AndIsaid:\"Onmelettheroughstormshurtle,Thegreatcloudsgatherandshroudmysun——

ButyoushallbeQueenwheretheroseandmyrtleLaughwiththeyeartilltheyearisdone。\"

SomyDreamfelldead;andthefluctuantpassion——

Thestressandstrainofthepastre-grew,Theworldlaughedoninitsheedlessfashion,ButEarthwhirledworthless,becauseofyou!

InthatLakeofTearswhichmygriefdiscovered,IlaiddeadLovewithapassionatekiss,AndoverthosesoundlessdepthshashoveredThesweet,sadwraithofmyvanishedbliss。

HeartclingstoHeart——letthestrangeyearsseverThefatesoftwowhohadmet——topart;

Love\'sstrengthsurvives,andtheharshworldneverShallcrushthepassionofheartforheart;

ForIknowmylife,thoughitdroopanddwindle,ShallleavemeLovetillIfadeanddie,AndwhenhereafterourSoulsre-kindle,Whoshallbefonder——YouorI?

MyQueenofDreamsInthewarmflushedheartoftherose-redwest,Whenthegreatsunquiveredanddiedto-day,Youpulsed,Ostar,byyonpine-cladcrest——

Andthrobbedtillthebrighteveashenedgrey——

ThenIsawyouswimBytheshadowyrimWherethegreygumdipstothewesternplain,AndyourayeddelightAsyouwingedyourflightTothemysticsphereswhereyourkinsmenreign。

Ostar,didyouseeher?Myqueenofdreams!

WasityouthatglimmeredthenightwestrayedAmonthagobythesescentedstreams?

Half-checkedbythelitterthemusk-budsmade?

Didyousleeporwake?

Ah,forLove\'ssweetsake(Thoughtheworldshouldfailandthesoftstarswane!)

IshalldreamdelightTilloursoulstakeflightTothemysticsphereswhereyourkinsmenreign!

MaryHannayFoott。

WherethePelicanBuildsThehorseswereready,therailsweredown,Buttheriderslingeredstill——

Onehadapartingwordtosay,Andonehadhispipetofill。

Thentheymounted,onewithagrantedprayer,Andonewithagriefunguessed。

\"Wearegoing,\"theysaid,astheyrodeaway——

\"Wherethepelicanbuildshernest!\"

Theyhadtoldusofpastureswideandgreen,Tobesoughtpastthesunset\'sglow;

Ofriftsintherangesbyopallit;

Andgold\'neaththeriver\'sflow。

AndthirstandhungerwerebanishedwordsWhentheyspokeofthatunknownWest;

Nodroughttheydreaded,nofloodtheyfeared,Wherethepelicanbuildshernest!

ThecreekatthefordwasbutfetlockdeepWhenwewatchedthemcrossingthere;

Therainshavereplenisheditthricesincethen,Andthricehastherocklainbare。

ButthewatersofHopehaveflowedandfled,Andneverfrombluehill\'sbreastComeback——bythesunandthesandsdevoured——

Wherethepelicanbuildshernest。

NewCountryCondehadcomewithusalltheway——

Eighthundredmiles——butthefortnight\'srestMadehimfreshasayoungster,thesturdybay!

AndLurlinewaslookingherverybest。

Wearyandfootsore,thecattlestrayed\'Midthesilverysaltbushwellcontent;

Wherethecreekslaycool\'neaththegidya\'sshadeThestock-horsesclustered,travel-spent。

Inthebrightspringmorningweleftthemall——

Camp,andcattle,andwhite,andblack——

AndrodefortheRange\'swestwardfall,Wherethedingo\'strailwastheonlytrack。

Slowthroughtheclay-pans,wettotheknee,Withthecane-grassrustlingoverhead;

Swifto\'ertheplainswithneveratree;

Upthecliffsbyatorrent\'sbed。

BridleonarmforamileormoreWetoiled,erewereachedBindanna\'svergeAndsaw——asoneseesafar-offshore——

Thebluehillsboundingtheforestsurge。

Anoceanoftrees,bythewestwindstirred,Rolled,everrolled,tothegreatcliff\'sbase;

Anditssoundlikethenoiseofwaveswasheard\'Midtherocksandthecavesofthatlonelyplace……

WereckednotofwealthinstreamorsoilAsweheardontheheightsthebreezessing;

Wefeltnolongerourtravel-toil;

Wefearednomorewhattheyearsmightbring。

NoMessageSheheardthestoryoftheend,Eachmessage,too,sheheard;

Andtherewasoneforeveryfriend;

Forheralone——noword。

Andshallshebearaheavierheart,Anddeemhislovewasfled;

BecausehissoulfromearthcouldpartLeavinghernameunsaid?

No——No!——ThoughneithersignnorsoundApartingthoughtexpressed——

NotheedlesspassedtheHomeward-BoundOfherhelovedthebest。

Ofvoyage-perils,bravelyborne,Hewouldnottellthetale;

Ofshatteredplanksandcanvastorn,Andwarwithwindandgale。

Hewaitedtillthelight-housestarShouldriseagainstthesky;

Andfromthemainland,loomingfar,Theforestscentsblowby。

Hehopedtotell——assurancesweet!——

Thatpainandgriefwereo\'er——

Whatblessingshastethesoultomeet,Ereyetwithinthedoor。

ThenonefarewellhethoughttospeakWhenalltherestwerepast——

Asintheparting-hourweseekThedearesthandthelast。

AndwhileforthisdelayingbutToseeHeaven\'sopeningGate——

Lo,itreceivedhim——andwasshut——

Erehecouldsay\"Iwait。\"

HappyDaysAfringeofrushes——onegreenlineUponafadedplain;

Asilverstreakofwater-shine——

Above,tree-watcherstwain。

Itwasourresting-placeawhile,Andstill,withbackwardgaze,Wesay:\"\'Tismanyawearymile——

Buttherewerehappydays。\"

AndshallnoripplebreakthesandUponourfartherway?

Orreedyranksallknee-deepstand?

Orleafytree-topssway?

ThegoldofdawnissurelymetInsunset\'slavishblaze;

And——inhorizonshiddenyet——

Thereshallbehappydays。

HenryLeaTwisleton。

ToaCabbageRoseThyclusteringleavesaresteepedinsplendour;

Noeveningred,nomorningdun,CanshowahueasrichandtenderAsthine——brightloverofthesun!

Whatwondroushintsofhiddenglory,Ofstrainsnohumanlipscansing;

Whatsymbolsrareoflife\'sstrangestory,Dostthoufromearth\'sdarkbosombring!

Whatelementshavemadethysweetness,Thyglowinghue,thyemeraldstem?

WhathandhasfashionedtocompletenessFromtinygerm,thydiadem?

Thouartthefairearth\'sfondexpressionOftendernessforheavenabove——

Thevirginblushthatyieldsconfession——

Thoubright\"ambassadoroflove\"!

FairarethyleaveswhensummerglowingLiesinthelapofswooningspring;

Butwhereartthouwhenautumn,blowing,Bidsyouthandtendernesstakewing?

Sweetmessenger!thouwaftestbeautyWhereverhumanlivesaresown,Aroundthepeasant\'shumbledutyOrwearygrandeursofathrone。

Transfusedthroughheartsinfutureages,ThyglowingpoweranewmayshineEffulgentinthepoets\'pagesOrmusic\'sharmonydivine。

ButnottotheefromfuturegloryCanshineoneaddedcharmorday;

Sweetisthylife\'sunwrittenstoryOfradiantbloomandswiftdecay。

Give,then,tovagrantwindsthysweetness,Shine,tearful,inthesummershower;

And,heedlessofthyseason\'sfleetness,Enrichwithjoythepassinghour。

Mrs。JamesGlennyWilson。

FairylandDoyourememberthatcarelessband,Ridingo\'ermeadowandwetsea-sand,Oneautumnday,inamistofsunshine,Joyouslyseekingforfairyland?

Thewindinthetree-topswasscarcelyheard,Thestreamletrepeateditsonesilverword,Andfaraway,o\'erthedepthsofwood-land,Floatedthebelloftheparson-bird。

Palehoar-frostglitteredinshadyslips,Wherefernsweredippingtheirfinger-tips,FrommossybranchesafaintperfumeBreathedo\'erhoneyedClematislips。

AtlastweclimbedtotheridgeonhighAh,crystalvision!Dreamlandnigh!

Far,farbelowus,thewidePacificSlumberedinazurefromskytosky。

Andcloudandshadow,acrossthedeepWavered,orpausedinenchantedsleep,Andeastward,thepurple-mistedisletsFrettedthewavewithterraceandsteep。

Welookedonthetranquil,glassybay,Onheadlandssheetedindazzlingspray,AndthewhiteningribsofawreckforlornThatfortwentyyearshadwastedaway。

Allwassocalm,andpureandfair,Itseemedthehourofworshipthere,Silent,aswherethegreatNorth-MinsterRisesforever,avisibleprayer。

Thenweturnedfromthemurmurousforest-land,Androdeovershingleandsilversand,Forsofairwastheearthinthegoldenautumn,ThatwesoughtnofartherforFairyland。

AWinterDaybreakFromthedarkgorge,whereburnsthemorningstar,IheartheglacierriverrattlingonAndsweepingo\'erhisice-ploughedshingle-bar,Whilewoodowlsshoutinsombreunison,Andflutteringsoutherndancersglideandgo;

Andblackswan\'sairytrumpetswildly,sweetlyblow。

Thecockcrowsinthewindywintermorn,ThenmustIriseandflingthecurtainby。

Alldark!ButforastripoffieryskyBehindtheraggedmountains,peakedandtorn。

Oneplanetglittersintheicycold,Poisedlikeahawkabovethefrozenpeaks,Andnowagainthewildnor\'-westerspeaks,Andbendsthecypress,shuddering,tohisfold,Whileeverytimber,everycasementcreaks。

Butstilltheskylarkssingaloudandbold;

Thewoodedhillsarise;thewhitecascadeShakeswithwildlaughterallthesilentshadowyglade。

NowfromtheshutteredeastasilverybarShinesthroughthemist,andshowsthemilddaystar。

Thestorm-wrappedpeaksstartoutandfadeagain,Androsyvapoursskirtthepastoralplain;

Thegardenpathswithhoaryrimearewet;

Andsweetlybreathesthewinterviolet;

Thejonquilhalfunfoldsherivorycup,Withcloudsofgold-eyeddaisieswakingup。

PleasantitistoturnandseethefireDanceonthehearth,ashewouldnevertire;

Thehome-bakedloaf,theIndianbean\'sperfume,Fillwiththeirhomelycheerthepanelledroom。

Come,crazystorm!Andthou,wildglitteringhail,Raveo\'ertheroofandwaveyouricyveil;

Shoutinourearsandtakeyourmadcapway!

Ilaughatstorms!forRoderickcomesto-day。

TheLark\'sSongThemorningiswildanddark,Thenightmistrunsonthevale,BrightLuciferdiestoaspark,Andthewindwhistlesupforagale。

AndstormythedaymaybeThatbreaksthroughitsprisonbars,Butitbringsnoregrettome,ForIsingatthedoorofthestars!

Alongthedimocean-vergeIseetheshipslabouringon;

TheyriseontheliftingsurgeOnemoment,andtheyaregone。

IseeonthetwilightplainTheflashoftheflyingcars;

Mentravailinjoyorpain——

ButIsingatthedoorofthestars!

Iseethegreen,sleepingworld,Thepasturesallglazedwithrime;

Thesmokefromthechimneycurled;

Ihearthefaintchurchbellschime。

Iseethegreymountaincrest,Theslopes,andtheforestspars,Withthedyingmoonontheirbreast——

WhileIsingatthedoorofthestars!

EdwardBoothLoughran。

DeadLeavesWhenthesedeadleavesweregreen,love,November\'sskieswereblue,Andsummercamewithlipsaflame,Thegentlespringtowoo;

Andtous,wanderinghandinhand,Lifewasafairyscene,ThatgoldenmorninginthewoodsWhenthesedeadleavesweregreen!

Howdream-likenowthatdewymorn,Sweetwiththewattle\'sflowers,Whenlove,love,lovewasallourtheme,Andyouthandhopewereours!

TwohappierheartsinallthelandTherewerenotthen,Iween,Thanthoseyounglovers\'——yoursandmine——

Whenthesedeadleavesweregreen。

HowgailydidyouplucktheseleavesFromtheacacia\'sbough,Tomarkthelyricwehadread——

Icanrepeatitnow!

Whilecamethewords,likemusicsweet,Yoursmilinglipsbetween——

\"Sofoldmylovewithinyourheart,\"

Whenthesedeadleavesweregreen!

Howmanyspringshavepassedsincethen?

Ah,whereforeshouldwecount,Theyearsthatsped,likewatersfledFromTime\'sunstayingfount?

We\'vehadourshareofhappiness,Ourshareofcarehaveseen;

ButlovealonehasneverflownSincethesedeadleavesweregreen。

Yourheartiskindandlovingstill,Yourfacetomeasfair,Aswhen,thatmorn,thesunshineplayedAmidyourgoldenhair。

So,dearest,sweetheartsstillwe\'llbe,Aswehaveeverbeen,AndkeepourloveasfreshandtrueAswhentheseleavesweregreen。

IsolationManlivesalone;star-like,eachsoulInitsownorbitcirclesever;

Myriadsmaybyorrounditroll——

Thewaysmaymeet,butminglenever。

Self-pois\'d,eachsoulitscoursepursuesInlightordark,companionless:

Dropintodropmayblendthedews——

Thespirit\'slawisloneliness。

Ifseeminglytwosoulsunite,\'TisbutasjoinsyonsilentmereThestreamthatthroughit,flashingbright,Carriesitswatersswiftandclear。

ThefringesoftherushingtideMayonthelake\'scalmbosomsleep——

ItshiddenspiritdothabideApart,stillbearingtowardthedeep。

OLove,tomemoredearthanlife!

OFriend,morefaithfulthanabrother!

HowmanyabitterinwardstrifeOursoulshavenevertoldeachother!

Wejourneysidebysideforyears,Wedreamourlives,ourhopesareone——

Andwithsomechance-saidwordappearsThespanlessgulf,solongunknown!

Forcandour\'swantyetneitherblame;

Eventoourselvesbuthalf-confessed,Glowsineachheartsomesilentflame,Bloomssomehope-violetofthebreast。

Andtemptingsdark,andstrugglesdeepThereare,eachsoulalonemustbear,Throughmidnighthoursunblestwithsleep,Throughburningnoontidesofdespair。

AndkindlyistheordinancesentBywhicheachspiritdwellsapart——

CouldLoveorFriendshiplive,ifrentThe\"Bluebeardchambersoftheheart\"?

IshmonieThetravellertellshow,inthatancientclimeWhosemysticmonumentsandruinshoarStillstrugglewiththeantiquary\'slore,Toguardthesecretsofaby-gonetime,Hesaw,uprisingfromthedesertbare,Likeawhiteghost,acityofthedead,Withpalacesandtempleswondrousfair,Wheremoon-horn\'dIsisoncewasworshipped。

Butsilence,likeapall,didallenfold,Andtheinhabitantswereturn\'dtostone——

Yea,stonetheveryheartofeveryone!

OncetoarichmanIthistalere-told。

\"Stonehearts!Atraveller\'smyth!\"——heturn\'daside,AsHungerbegg\'d,pale-featuredandwild-eyed。

JohnLiddellKelly。

ImmortalityAttwenty-fiveIcastmyhoroscope,Andsawafuturewithallgoodthingsrife——

AfirmassuranceofeternallifeInworldsbeyond,andinthisworldthehopeOfdeathlessfame。ButnowmysundothslopeTosetting,andthetoilofsordidstrife,Thecareoffoodandraiment,childandwife,Havedimmedandnarrowedallmyspirit\'sscope。

Eternallife——arivergulphedinsands!

Undyingfame——arainbowlostinclouds!

WhathopeofimmortalityremainsButthis:\"SomesoulthatlovesandunderstandsShallsavetheefromthedarknessthatenshrouds\";

Andthis:\"Thybloodshallcourseinothers\'veins\"?

HeredityMorethanafleshlyimmortalityIsmine。ThoughImyselfreturnagainTodust,myqualitiesofheartandbrain,Ofsoulandspirit,shallnotceasetobe。

Iviewthemgrowing,daybyday,inthee,Myfirst-begottenson;ItracethemplainInyou,mydaughters;andIcountitgainMyselfrenewedandmultipliedtosee。

Butsadnessmingleswithmyselfishjoy,Atthoughtofwhatyoumaybecalledtobear。

Oh,passionatemaid!Oh,glad,impulsiveboy!

Yourfather\'ssadexperienceyoumustshare——

Self-torture,theunfeelingworld\'sannoy,Grosspleasure,fierceexultance,grimdespair!

RobertRichardson。

ABalladeofWattleBlossomThere\'salandthatishappyandfair,Setgem-likeinhalcyonseas;

Thewhitewintersvisitnotthere,Tosaddenitsblossomingleas,MoreblandthantheHesperides,OranywarmisleoftheWest,Wherethewattle-bloomperfumesthebreeze,Andthebell-birdbuildshernest。

Whentheoakandtheelmarebare,Andwildwindsvextheshudderingtrees;

Theretheclematiswhitenstheair,AndthehusbandmanlaughsasheseesThegrassripplinggreentohisknees,Andhisvineyardsinemeralddrest——

Wherethewattle-bloombendsinthebreeze,Andthebell-birdbuildshernest。

Whatlandiswiththistocompare?

NotthegreenhillsofHybla,withbeesHoney-sweet,aremoreradiantandrareIncolourandfragrancethantheseBoonshores,wherethestorm-cloudscease,Andthewindandthewaveareatrest——

Wherethewattle-bloomwavesinthebreeze,Andthebell-birdbuildshernest。

Envoy。

Sweetheart,letthempraiseastheypleaseOtherlands,butweknowwhichisbest——

Wherethewattle-bloomperfumesthebreeze,Andthebell-birdbuildshernest。

ASongAboveusonlyTheSouthernstars,Andthemoono\'erbrimmingHergoldenbars。

AndasongsweetandclearAsthebell-bird\'splaint,HumslowinmyearLikeadream-echofaint。

Thekindoldsong——

Howdiditgo?

Withitsrippleandflow,Thatyouusedtosing,dear,Longago。

Handfastinhand,I,love,andthou;

Handlockedinhand,AndonmybrowYourperfumedlipsBreathingloveandlife——

Theloveofthemaiden,Thetrustofthewife。

AndI\'mlisteningstillTotherippleandflow——

Howdiditgo?——

OfthelittleFrenchsongOfthatlongago。

CanyourecallitAcrosstheyears?

YouusedtosingitWithlaughterandtears。

Ifyousangitnow,dear,Thatkindoldrefrain,ItwouldbringbackthefragranceOfthedeadyearsagain。

Leprintempspourl\'amour——

Howdiditgo?

Onlyweknow;

Singit,sweetheart,to-night,Asyoudidlongago。

JamesListerCuthbertson。

AustraliaFederataAustralia!landoflonelylakeAndserpent-hauntedfen;

LandofthetorrentandthefireAndforest-sunderedmen:

ThouartnotnowasthoushaltbeWhenthesterninvaderscome,Inthehushbeforethehurricane,Thedreadbeforethedrum。

AlouderthundershallbeheardThanechoesonthyshore,Wheno\'ertheblackenedbasaltcliffsTheforeigncannonroar——

Whenthestandismadeinthesheoaks\'shadeWhenheroesfallforthee,AndthecreeksingloomygulliesrunDarkcrimsontothesea:

Whenunderhoneysucklesgray,Andwattles\'swayinggold,Thestalwartarmmaystrikenomore,Thevaliantheartiscold——

Whenthoushaltknowtheagony,Thefever,andthestrifeOfthosewhowrestleagainstoddsForlibertyandlife:

ThenisthegreatDominionborn,Thesevensistersbound,FromSydney\'sgreenlywoodedportToloneKingGeorge\'sSound——

Thenshalltheislandsofthesouth,Thelandsofbloomandsnow,ForthfromtheirisolationcomeTomeetthecommonfoe。

Then,onlythen——whenafterwarIspeacewithhonourborn,WhenfromthebosomofthenightComesgolden-sandalledmorn,Whenlaurelledvictoryisthine,Andthedayofbattledone,Shalltheheartofamightypeoplestir,AndAustraliabeasone。

AtCapeSchanckDowntothelighthousepillarTherollingwoodlandcomes,Gaywiththegoldofshe-oaksAndthegreenofthestuntedgums,Withthesilver-greyofhoneysuckle,Withthewastedbrackenred,WithatuftofsoftestemeraldAndacloud-fleckedskyo\'erhead。

Weclimbedbyridgeandboulder,Umberandyellowscarred,Outtotheutmostprecipice,Tothepointthatwasocean-barred,TillwelookedbelowonthefastnessOfthebreedingeagle\'snest,AndCapeWollomaiopenedeastwardAndtheOtwayonthewest。

OverthemirrorofazureThepurpleshadowscrept,LeagueuponleagueofrollersLandwardevermoreswept,Andburstupongleamingbasalt,Andfoamedincrannyandcrack,Andmountedinsheetsofsilver,Andhurriedreluctantback。

Andthesea,socalmoutyonder,Whereverweturnedoureyes,Liketheblastofanangel\'strumpetRangouttotheearthandskies,TillthereefsandtherockyrampartsThrobbedtothegiantfray,AndthegulliesandjuttingheadlandsWerebathedinamistyspray。

Oh,sweetinthedistantranges,Totheearofinlandmen,IstherippleoffallingwaterInsassafras-hauntedglen,ThestirintheripeningcornfieldThatgentlyrustlesandswells,Thewindinthewattlesighing,Thetinkleofcattlebells。

Butbestisthevoiceofocean,Thatstrikestotheheartandbrain,ThatlullswithitspassionatemusicTroubleandgriefandpain,ThatmurmurstherequiemsweetestForthosewhohavelovedandlost,AndthundersajubilantanthemTobraveheartstempest-tossed。

ThattakestoitsboundlessbosomTheburdenofallourcare,Thatwhispersofsorrowvanquished,Ofhoursthatmayyetbefair,ThattellsofaHarbourofRefugeBeyondlife\'sstormystraits,Ofaninfinitepeacethatgladdens,Ofaninfinitelovethatwaits。

WattleandMyrtleGoldofthetangledwildernessofwattle,Breakinthelonegreenhollowsofthehills,Flameontheironheadlandsoftheocean,Gleamonthemarginofthehurryingrills。

ComewiththysaffrondiademandscatterOdoursofArabythathaunttheair,Queenofourwoodland,rivaloftheroses,Springintheyellowtressesofthyhair。

Surelytheoldgods,dwellersonOlympus,Underthyshininglovelinesshavestrayed,Crownedwiththyclusters,magicalApollo,Panwithhisreedymusicmayhaveplayed。

Surelywithinthyfastness,Aphrodite,Sheofthesea-ways,fallenfromabove,Wanderedbeneaththycanopyofblossom,Nothingdisdainfulofamortal\'slove。

Aye,andHersweetbreathlingersonthewattle,Aye,andHermyrtledominatestheglade,AndwithadeepandperilousenchantmentMeltsintheheartofloverandofmaid。

TheAustralianSunriseTheMorningStarpaledslowly,theCrosshunglowtothesea,Anddowntheshadowyreachesthetidecameswirlingfree,ThelustrouspurpleblacknessofthesoftAustraliannight,Wanedinthegrayawakeningthatheraldedthelight;

Stillinthedyingdarkness,stillintheforestdimThepearlydewofthedawningclungtoeachgiantlimb,Tillthesuncameupfromocean,redwiththecoldseamist,Andsmoteonthelimestoneridges,andtheshiningtree-topskissed;

ThenthefieryScorpionvanished,themagpie\'snotewasheard,Andthewindintheshe-oakwavered,andthehoneysucklesstirred,Theairygoldenvapourrosefromtheriverbreast,Thekingfishercamedartingoutofhiscranniednest,Andthebulrushesandreed-bedsputofftheirsallowgrayAndburntwithcloudycrimsonatdawningoftheday。

JohnFarrell。

AustraliatoEnglandJune22nd,1897

WhatoftheyearsofEnglishmen?

WhathavetheybroughtofgrowthandgraceSincemud-builtLondonbyitsfenBecametheBriton\'sbreeding-place?

WhatoftheVillage,whereourbloodWasbrewedbysires,halfman,halfbrute,Invesselsofwildwomanhood,FrombloodofSaxon,CeltandJute?

Whatareitsgifts,thisHarvestHomeOfEnglishtilthandEnglishcost,WherefellthehamletwonbyRomeAndrosethecitythatshelost?

O!terribleandgrandandstrangeBeyondallphantasythatgleamsWhenHope,asleep,seesradiantChangeCometoherthroughthehallsofdreams!

Aheavingseaoflife,thatbeatsLikeEngland\'sheartofprideto-day,AndupfromroaringmilesofstreetsFlingsontheroofsitshumanspray;

Andflutteringmilesofflagsaflow,Andcannon\'svoice,andboomofbell,Andseasoffireto-night,asthoughAhundredcitiesflamedandfell;

While,undermanyafairfestoonAndfloweringcrescent,setablazeWithallthedyesthatEnglishJuneCanlendtodeckadayofdays,Andpastwheremartandpalacerise,Andshrineandtemplelifttheirspears,BelowfivemillionmistedeyesGoesagreyQueenofSixtyYears——

Golords,andservantsofthelordsOfearth,withhomageontheirlips,AndkinsmencarryingEnglishswords,AndofferingEnglandbattle-ships;

Andtribute-payers,onwhosehandsTheirEnglishfettersscarceappear;

AndgatheredroundfromutmostlandsAmbassadorsofLoveandFear!

Dimsignsofgreetingwavedafar,Fartrumpetsblownandflagsunfurled,AndEngland\'snameanAvatarOflightandsoundthroughouttheworld——

HailedEmpressamongnations,QueenEnthronedinsolemnmajesty,Onsplendidproofsofwhathasbeen,Andpresagesofwhatwillbe!

Forthisyoursons,foreseeingnotOrheedingnot,theaftermath,BecausetheirstrenuousheartswerehotWentfirstonmanyacruelpath,And,trustingfirstandlasttoblows,FeddeathwithsuchaswouldgainsayTheirinstantpassing,oropposeWithtalkofRightstrength\'srightofway!

ForthistheirnamesareonthestoneOfmountainspires,andcarventreesThatstandinflickeringwastesunknownWaitwiththeirdyingmessages;

WhenfireblastsdancewithdesertdriftsTheEnglishbonesshowwhitebelow,And,notsowhite,whensummerliftsThecounterpaneofYukon\'ssnow。

CondemnedbybloodtoreachforgrapesThathanginsight,howeverhigh,BeyondthesmokeofAsiancapes,Thenameless,dauntless,deadoneslie;

AndwhereSierranmorningshinesOnsummitsrollingoutlikewaves,BymanyabrowofroyalpinesThenoisiestfindquietgraves。

Bylustoffleshandlustofgold,AnddepthofloinsandhairybreadthOfbreast,andhandstotakeandhold,Andboastfulscornofpainanddeath,AndsomethingmoreofmanlinessThantamermen,andgrowingshameOfshamefulthings,andsomethinglessOffinalfaithinswordandflame——

Bymanyabattlefoughtforwrong,Andmanyabattlefoughtforright,Sohaveyougrownaugustandstrong,Magnificentinallmen\'ssight——

Avoiceforwhichthekingshaveears,Afacethecraftieststatesmenscan;

Amindtomouldtheafteryears,Andmintthedestiniesofman!

Redsinswereyours:theavidgreedOfpiratefathers,smockedasGrace,SentJudasmissionerstoreadChrist\'sWordtomanyafeeblerrace——

FalsepriestsofTruthwhomadetheirtrystAtMammon\'sshrine,andreftorslew——

SomehandsyoutaughttopraytoChristHaveprayedHiscursetorestonyou!

YourwayhasbeentopluckthebladeTooreadily,andtraintheguns。

Wehere,apartandunafraidOfenviousfoes,arebutyoursons:

WestretchedaheedlesshandtosmutchOurspotlessflagwithMurder\'sblight——

ForonelesssacrilegioustouchGod\'svengeanceblastedUzzawhite!

Youvauntedmostoffortsandfleets,Andcourageprovedinbattle-feasts,ThecourageofthebeastthateatsHistornandquiveringfellow-beasts;

Yourprideofdeadliestarmament——

Whatisitbuttheself-samedintOfjoywithwhichtheCavemanbentToshapeabloodieraxeofflint?

Butpraisetoyou,andmorethanpraiseAndthankfulness,forsomethingsdone;

Andblessedness,andlengthofdaysAslongasearthshalllast,orsun!

YoufirstamongthepeoplesspokeSharpwordsandangryquestioningsWhichburstthebondsandshedtheyokeThatmadeyourmentheslavesofKings!

Yousetandshowedthewholeworld\'sschoolThelessonitwillsurelyread,Thateachoneruledhasrighttorule——

ThealphabetofFreedom\'screedWhichslowlywinsitproselytesAndmakesuneasiermanyathrone;

YoutaughtthemalltoprateofRightsInlanguagegrowinglikeyourown!

AndnowyourholiestandbestAndwisestdreamofsuchatieAs,holdingheartsfromEasttoWest,Shallstrengthenwhiletheyearsgoby:

AndofatimewheneverymanForeveryfellow-manwilldoHiskindliest,workingbytheplanGodsethim。Maythedreamcometrue!

Andgreaterdreams!OEnglishmen,BesurethesafesttimeofallForeventhemightiestStateiswhenNoteventheleastdesiresitsfall!

MakeEnglandstandsupremeforaye,Becausesupremeforpeaceandgood,WarnedwellbywrecksofyesterdayThatstrongestfeetmayslipinblood!

ArthurPatchettMartin。

BushlandNotsweetertothestorm-tossedmarinerIsglimpseofhome,wherewifeandchildrenwaitTowelcomehimwithkissesatthegate,Thantothetown-wornmanthebreezystirOfmountainwindsonruggedpathlessheights:

Hislong-pentsouldrinksinthedeepdelightsThatNaturehathinstore。Thesun-kissedbayGleamsthro\'thegrandoldgnarledgum-treeboughsLikeburnishedbrass;thestrong-wingedbirdofpreySweepsby,uponhislonelyvengefulway——

Whileoverall,likebreathofholyvows,Thesweetairsblow,andthehigh-vaultedskyLooksdowninpitythisfairSummerdayOnallpoorearth-borncreaturesdoomedtodie。

DouglasBrookeWheeltonSladen。

UndertheWattle\"WhyshouldnotwattledoFormistletoe?\"

Askedone——theywerebuttwo——

Wherewattlesgrow。

Hewasherlover,too,Whourgedherso——

\"WhyshouldnotwattledoFormistletoe?\"

Arose-cheekrosiergrew;

Rose-lipsbreathedlow;

\"Sinceitishere,andYOU,IhardlyknowWhywattleshouldnotdo。\"

VictorJamesDaley。

PlayersAndafterall——andafterall,Ourpassionateprayers,andsighs,andtears,Islifearecklesscarnival?

Andaretheylost,ourgoldenyears?

Ah,no;ah,no;for,longago,Eretimecouldsear,orcarecouldfret,TherewasayouthcalledRomeo,TherewasamaidnamedJuliet。

Theplayersofthepastaregone;

Theracesrise;theracespass;

AndsoftlyoverallisdrawnThequietCurtainoftheGrass。

ButwhentheworldwentwildwithSpring,Whatdayswehad!Doyouforget?

WhenIofalltheworldwasKing,AndyouweremyQueenJuliet?

Thethingsthatare;thethingsthatseem——

Whoshalldistinguishshapefromshow?

Thegreatprocessional,splendiddreamOflifeisallIwishtoknow。

ThegodstheirfacesturnawayFromnationsandtheirlittlewars;

ButweourgoldendramaplayBeforethefootlightsofthestars。

Therelives——thoughTimeshouldceasetoflow,Andstarstheircoursesshouldforget——

Therelivesagrey-hairedRomeo,WholovesagoldenJuliet。

AnnaThepalediscrownedstacksofmaize,Likespectresinthesun,StandshiveringnighAvonaise,Whereallisdeadandgone。

Thesereleavesmakeamusicvain,Withmelancholychords;

Likecriesfromsomeoldbattle-plain,Likeclashofphantomswords。

ButwhenthemaizewaslushandgreenWithmusicalgreenwaves,Shewent,itsplumedranksbetween,Untothehillofgraves。

ThereyoumayseesweetflowerssetO\'erdamselsando\'erdames——

Rose,Ellen,Mary,Margaret——

Thesweetoldquietnames。

Thegravestonesshowinlongarray,Thoughwhiteorgreenwithmoss,HowlinkedinLifeandDeatharethey——

TheShamrockandtheCross。

ThegravestonesfacetheGoldenEast,AndinthemorntheytakeTheblessingoftheGreatHighPriest,Beforethelivingwake。

Whowasshe?Neveraskhername,HerbeautyandhergraceHavepassed,withherpoorlittleshame,IntotheSilentPlace。

InAvonaise,inAvonaise,Whereallisdeadanddone,ThefolkwhoresttherealltheirdaysCarenotformoonorsun。

Theycarenot,whenthelivingpass,Whethertheysighorsmile;

TheyhearabovetheirgravesthegrassThatsighs——\"Alittlewhile!\"

AwhitestonemarkshersmallgreenbedWith\"Anna\"and\"Adieu\"。

MadonnaMary,restherheadOnyourdearlapofblue!

TheNightRideTheredsunonthelonelylandsGazed,undercloudsofrose,AsonewhounderknittedhandsTakesonelastlookandgoes。

ThenPain,withherwhitesisterFear,Creptnearertomybed:

\"Thesandsarerunning;dostthouhearThysobbingheart?\"shesaid。

Therecamearidertothegate,Andsternandclearspakehe:

\"Formeatordrinkthoumustnotwait,Butriseandridewithme。\"

Iwaitednotformeatordrink,Orkiss,orfarewellkind——

Butoh!myheartwassoretothinkOffriendsIleftbehind。

Werodeo\'erhillsthatseemedtosweepSkywardlikeswellingwaves;

Thelivingstirrednotintheirsleep,Thedeadsleptintheirgraves。

AndeveraswerodeIheardAmoanofanguishsore——

Novoiceofmanorbeastorbird,Butalloftheseandmore。

\"IsitthemoaningoftheEarth?

DarkRider,answerme!\"

\"Itisthecryoflifeatbirth\"

Heansweredquietly: