第1章

CONTENTS

PAGE

DEDICATION—TOAMOUNTAIN

3

MARYRIVERS

8

KINGSBOROUGH

13

BEYONDKERGUELEN

20

BLACKLIZZIE

25

HY—BRASIL

33

JIMTHESPLITTER

38

MOONI

44

PYTHEAS

51

BILLTHEBULLOCKDRIVER

58

COORANBEAN

64

WHENUNDERNEATHTHEBROWNDEADGRASS

70

THEVOICEINTHEWILDOAK

73

BILLYVICKERS

80

PERSIA

87

LILITH

92

BOB

96

PETERTHEPICCANINNY

104

NARRARACREEK

111

INMEMORYOFJOHNFAIRFAX

117

ARALUEN

122

THESYDNEYINTERNATIONALEXHIBITION

127

CHRISTMASCREEK

145

ORARA

153

THECURSEOFMOTHERFLOOD

158

ONASPANISHCATHEDRAL

164

ROVER

173

THEMELBOURNEINTERNATIONALEXHIBITION

183

BYTHECLIFFSOFTHESEA

189

GALATEA

195

BLACKKATE

200

AHYDEPARKLARRIKIN

205

NAMESUPONASTONE

213

LEICHHARDT

218

AFTERMANYYEARS

225

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SONGSFROMTHEMOUNTAINS

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DEDICATION

TOAMOUNTAIN

TOthee,Ofatherofthestatelypeaks,Abovemeintheloftierlight—tothee,ImperialbrotherofthoseawfulhillsWhosefeetaresetinsplendidspheresofflame,Whoseheadsarewherethegodsare,andwhosesidesOfstrengtharebeltedroundwithallthezonesOfalltheworld,Idedicatethesesongs。

Andif,withinthecompassofthisbook,TherelivesandglowsoneverseinwhichtherebeatsThepulseofwindandtorrent—ifonelineIsherethatlikearunningwatersounds,Page:4

Andseemsanechofromthelandsofleaf,Besurethatlineisthine。Here,inthishome,Awayfrommenandbooksandalltheschools,ItaketheeformyTeacher。InthyvoiceOfdeathlessmajesty,I,kneeling,hearGod’sgrandauthenticGospel!Yearbyyear,ThegreatsublimecantataofthystormStrikesthroughmyspirit—fillsitwithalifeOfstartlingbeauty!ThoumyBibleart,Withholyleavesofrock,andflower,andtree,Andmoss,andshiningrunnel。FromeachpageThathelpstomakethyawfulvolume,I

Havelearnedanoblelesson。InthepsalmOfthygravewinds,andintheliturgyOfsingingwaters,lo!mysoulhasheardThehigherworship;andfromthee,indeed,ThebroadfoundationsofafinerhopeWeregatheredin;andthouhastliftedupTheblindhorizonforalargerfaith!

Moreover,walkinginexaltedwoodsPage:5

Ofnakedglory,inthegreenandgoldOfforestsunshine,IhavepausedlikeoneWithallthelifetransfigured;andafloodOflightineffablehasmademefeelAsfeltthegrandoldprophetscaughtawayByflamesofinspiration;butthewordsSufficientforthestoryofmyDreamArefartoosplendidforpoorhumanlips。

Butthou,towhomIturnwithreverenteyes—

OstatelyFather,whosemajesticfaceShinesfarabovethezoneofwindandcloud,Wherehighdominionofthemorningis—

ThouhasttheSongcompleteofwhichmysongsArepallidadumbrations!CertainsoundsOfstrongauthenticsorrowinthisbookMayhavethesobofuplandtorrents—these,Andonlythese,maytouchthegreatWorld’sheart;

For,lo!theyaretheissuesofthatgriefWhichmakesamanmorehuman,andhislifeMorelikethatfrank,exaltedlifeofthine。

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ButinthesepagesthereareothertonesInwhichthylarge,superiorvoiceisnot—

ThroughwhichnobeautythatresemblesthineHasevershone。ThesearethebrokenwordsOfblindoccasions,whentheWorldhascomeBetweenmeandmyDream。NosongishereOfmightycompass;formysingingrobesI’veworninstolenmoments。AllmydaysHavebeenthedaysofalaboriouslife,AndeveronmystrugglingsoulhasburnedThefierceheatofthishurriedsphere。Butthou,TowhosefairmajestyIdedicateMybookofrhymes—thouhasttheperfectrestWhichmakestheheavenofthehighestgods!

TotheethenoisesofthisviolenttimeArefar,faintwhispers;and,fromagetoage,Withintheworldandyetapartfromit,Thoustandest!RoundthylordlycapestheseaRollsonwithasuperbindifferenceForever;inthydeep,green,graciousglensPage:7

Thesilverfountainssingforever。FarAbovedimghostsofwatersinthecaves,TheroyalrobeofmorningonthyheadAbidesforever。EvermorethewindIsthyaugustcompanion;andthypeersArecloud,andthunder,andthefacesublimeOfbluemid—heaven!OnthyawfulbrowIsDeity;andinthatvoiceofthineThereisthegreatimperialutteranceOfGodforever;andthyfeetaresetWhereevermore,throughallthedaysandyears,Thererollsthegrandhymnofthedeathlesswave。

Page:8

MARYRIVERS

Pathbesidethesilverwaters,flashinginOctober’ssun—

Walk,bygreenandgoldenmarginswherethesisterstreamletsrun—

Twentyshiningspringshavevanished,fullofflower,andleaf,andbird,SincethestepofMaryRiversinyourlawnydellwasheard!

Twentywhite—hairedJuneshaveleftus—greywithfrostandbleakwithgale—

Sincethehandofherwelovedsopluckedtheblossomsinyourdale。

Twentysummers,twentyautumns,fromthegrandoldhillshavepassed,Withtheirrobesofroyalcolour,sincewesawthedarlinglast。

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Morningcomes—theblessedmorning!andtheslowsongofthesea,Likeapsalmfromradiantaltars,floatsacrossarose—redlea;

Thenthefair,strongnoondayblossoms,andthereaperseeksthecoolValleyofthemossandmyrtle,andtheglimmeringwater—pool。

Noondayflamesandeveningfollows;andthelordlymountainsrestHeadsarrayedwithtenfoldsplendourontherichheartoftheWest。

Eveningwalkswithmoonandmusicwherethehigherlifehasbeen;

ButthefaceofMaryRiverstherewillnevermorebeseen。

Ah!whenautumndellsaredewy,andthewaveisverystill,AndthatgreyghostcalledtheTwilightpassesfromthedistanthill—

Page:10

Eveninthehallowednightfall,whenthefatherssitanddream,Andthesplendidroseofheavenseesasisterinthestream—

OftendoIwatchthewatersgleaminginastarrybay,Thinkingofabygonebeauty,andaseasonfaraway;

Musingonthegracethatleftusinatimeofsingingrain,Ontheladywhowillneverwalkamongsttheseheathsagain。

Fourtherewere,buttwoweretaken;andthisdarlingwedeplore,Shewassweetestofthecircle—shewasdearestofthefour!

Inthedaytimeandthedewtimecomesthephantomofherface:

Nonewilleversitwhereshedid—nonewilleverfillherplace。

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WiththepassingofourMary,likeasunsetoutofsight,Passedawayourpurefirstpassion—allitslifeandallitslight!

Allthatmadetheworldadreamland—allthegloryandtheglowOfthefine,fresh,morningfeelingvanishedtwentyyearsago。

Girl,whosestrange,unearthlybeautyhauntsuseverinoursleep,Manygriefshavewornourheartsout—wearenowtootiredtoweep!

Timehastriedus,yearshavechangedus;butthesweetnessshedbyyouFallsuponourspiritsdaily,likedivine,immortaldew。

Shiningareourthoughtsaboutyou—oftheblossomspastrecall,Youarestilltheroseoflustre—stillthefairestofthemall;

Page:12

Inthesleepthatbringsthegarlandgatheredfromthebygonehours,YouarestillourMaryRivers—stillthequeenofalltheflowers。

Letmeask,wherenonecanhearme—Whenyoupassedintotheshine,Andyouheardagreatlovecalling,didyouknowthatitwasmine?

Inyourlifeoflightandmusic,tellmedidyoueversee,Shininginaholysilence,whatwasasaflameinme?

Ah,mydarling!noonesawit。PurerthanuntroddendewWasthatfirstunhappypassionburiedinthegravewithyou。

Birdandleafwillkeepthesecret—windandwoodwillnevertellMenthethingthatIhavewhispered。MaryRivers,fareyouwell!

Page:13

KINGSBOROUGH

Awavingofhatsandofhands,Thevoicesofthousandsinone,Ashoutfromtheringandthestands,Andaglitterofheadsinthesun!

``Theyareoff—theyareoff!’’istheroar,Asthecrackssettledowntotherace,Withthe``yellowandblack’’tothefore,AndthePanicbloodforcingthepace。

Atthebackofthecourse,andawayWheretherunning—groundhomeagainwheels,Grubbtravelsinfrontonthebay,Withafeather—weighthardathisheels。

Page:14

ButYeomans,yousee,isabout,AndthewilyNewZealanderwaits,Thoughthehigh—bloodedflyerisout,WhoseriderandcoloursareTait’s。

Look!AshworthcomesonwitharunTotheheadoftheLevitycolt;

Andthefleet—themagnificentsonOfPanicisshootinghisbolt。

HurrahfortheWeatherbitstrain!

AFireworksisfirstinthestraight;

And``AKelpiewillwinitagain!’’

Istheroarfromtheringtothegate。

Theleadermusthaveit—butno!

Forsee,fullofrunning,behindAbeautiful,wonderfulfoeWiththespeedofthethunderandwind!

Page:15

Aflashingofwhips,andacry,AndAshworthsitsdownonhishorse,WithKingsborough’sheadathisthighAndthe``field’’scatteredoverthecourse!

InaclamourofcallsandacclaimThepairraceawayfromthe``ruck:’’

Thehorsetothelastofitgame—

Amarvelofmuscleandpluck!

ButthefootoftheSapphoisthere,AndKingston’sinvinciblestrength;

Andthenumbersgoupintheair—

Thecoltisthefirstbyalength!

Thefirst,andthefavouritetoo!

Theterrorthatcamefromhisstall,Withthespiritoffireandofdew,Toshowtheroadhometothemall;

Page:16

FromthebackofthefieldtothestraightHehascome,asiseverhiswont,Andcarriedhiswelter—likeweight,Likeatradesman,rightthroughtothefront。

Norwonderatcheeringawit,Forthisisthepopularhorse,Thatneverwasbeatenwhen``fit’’

Byanyfourhoofsonthecourse;

TostarterforLegerorCup,HasheevershownfeatheroffearWhensaddleandriderwereupAndthecasetobearguedwasclear?

No!ratherthequestionlesspluckOfthebloodunaccustomedtoyield,Preferredtospread—eagletheruck,Andmakealongtailofthe``field’’。

Page:17

Bearwitness,yeloversofsport,Toracesofwhichhecanboast,Whenflyerbyflyerwascaught,Andbeatenbylengthsonthepost!

Lo!thisisthebeautifulbay—

Ofmany,themarvellousoneWhoshoweduslastseasonthewayThataLegershouldalwaysbewon。

Therewassomethingtolookatandlearn,Yeshrewdirreproachable``touts’’,WhenthePaniccolttiredattheturn,Andthethingwasallover—butshouts!

Aye,thatwasthe``spin’’,whenthetwainCamelockedbythebendofthecourse,TheZealanderpullinghisrein,Andtheveteranhardonhishorse!

Page:18

WhenAshworthwas``riding’’’twaslateForhisfriendstoapplaudonthestands,AndtheSapphocoltenteredthestraightWiththeraceoftheyearinhishands。

Justlookathiswithers,histhighs!

Andthewaythathecarrieshishead!

HasRichmondmorewonderfuleyes,OrMelbournethatspringinhistread?

Thegrand,theintelligentglanceFromaspiritthatfathomsandfeels,Makestheheartofahorse—loverdanceTillthewarm—bloodedlifeinhimreels。

WhatcarehaveIevertoknowHisownerbysightorbyname?

ThehorsethatIgloryinsoIsstillthemagnificentsame。

Page:19

IownIamproudofthepluckOfthesportsmanthatneverwasbought;

Butthenagthatspread—eagledtheruckIsboundtobefirstinmythought。

Forwhothathasmasculineflame,Orwhothatisthoroughatall,CanhelpfeelingjoyinthefameOfthiskingofthekingsofthestall?

WhatoddsifassumptionhassealedHissoullesshereafterabode,Solongasheshowstohis``field’’

Thegleamofhishoofs,andtheroad?

Page:20

BEYONDKERGUELEN

DownintheSouth,bythewastewithoutsailonit,Farfromthezoneoftheblossomandtree,Lieth,withwinterandwhirlwindandwailonit,Ghostofalandbytheghostofasea。

Weirdisthemistfromthesummittobaseofit;

Sunofitsheaveniswizenedandgrey;

Phantomoflifeisthelightonthefaceofit—

Neverisnightonit,neverisday!

Hereistheshorewithoutflowerorbirdonit;

Hereisnolitanysweetofthesprings—

Onlythehaughty,harshthunderisheardonit,Onlythestorm,withtheroarinitswings!

Page:21

Shadowofmoonisthemoonintheskyofit—

Wanasthefaceofawizard,andfar!

NeverthereshinesfromthefirmamenthighofitGraceoftheplanetorgloryofstar。

Alltheyearround,intheplaceofwhitedaysonit—

Alltheyearroundwherethereneverisnight—

Liesagreatsinister,bitter,blindhazeonit:

Growththatisneitherofdarknessnorlight!

Wildisthecryoftheseainthecavesbyit—

Seathatissmittenbyspearsofthesnow;

Desolatesongsarethesongsofthewavesbyit—

Downinthesouth,wheretheshipsnevergo。

StormfromthePoleisthesingerthatsingstoitHymnsofthelandattheplanet’sgreyverge。

Thunderdisclosesdark,wonderfulthingstoit—

Thunderandrain,andthedoloroussurge。

Hillswithnohopeofawingoraleafonthem,Scarredwiththechronicleswrittenbyflame,Page:22

Stare,throughthegloomofinscrutablegriefonthem,Downonthehornsofthegulfswithoutname。

Cliffs,withtherecordsoffierceflyingfiresonthem—

Loomoverperilouspitsofeclipse;

Alps,withanathemastampedinthespiresonthem—

Outbythewavewithacurseonitslips。

Neverissignofsoft,beautifulgreenonit—

Neverthecolour,thegloryofrose!

Neitherthefountainnorriverisseenonit,Nakeditscragsare,andbarrenitssnows!

Blueasthefaceofthedrownedistheshoreofit—

Shore,withthecapesofindefinitecave。

Strangeisthevoiceofitswind,andtheroarofitStartlesthemountainandhushesthewave。

Outtothesouthandawaytothenorthofit,Spectralandsadarethespacesuntold!

Alltheyearroundagreatcrygoethforthofit—

Sobofthisleperoflandsinthecold。

Page:23

Nomanhathstood,allitsbleak,bitteryearsonit—

Fallofafootonitswastesisunknown:

Onlythesoundofthehurricane’sspearsonitBreakswiththeshoutfromtheuttermostzone。

Blindareitsbayswiththeshadowofbaleonthem;

Stormsofthenadirtheirrockshaveuphurled;

Earthquakehathregistereddeeplyitstaleonthem—

Taleofdistressfromthedawnoftheworld!

Therearethegaps,withthesurgesthatseetheinthem—

Gapsinwhosejawsisamenacethatglares!

Therethewanreefs,withthemercilessteethinthem,Gleamonachaosthatstartlesandscares!

Backinthedawnofthisbeautifulsphere,onit—

Landofthedolorous,desolateface—

Beamedtheblueday;andthebountifulyearonitFosteredtheleafandtheblossomofgrace。

Grandwerethelightsofitsmidsummernoononit—

Morningsofmajestyshoneonitsseas;

Page:24

GlitterofstarandthegloryofmoononitFell,inthemarchofthemusicalbreeze。

Valleysandhills,withthewhisperofwinginthem,Dellsofthedaffodil—spacesimpearled,FloweredandflashedwiththesplendourofSpringinthem—

Backinthemornofthiswonderfulworld。

Softwerethewordsthatthethunderthensaidtoit—

Saidtothislustreofemeraldplain;

Sunbroughttheyellow,thegreen,andtheredtoit—

Sweetwerethesongsofitssilveryrain。

VoicesofwaterandwindinthebaysofitLingered,andlulledlikethepsalmofadream。

Fairwerethenightsandeffulgentthedaysofit—

Moonwasinshadowandshadeinthebeam。

Summer’schiefthronewasthemarvellouscoastofit,HomeoftheSpringwasitsluminouslea:

Gardenofglitter!ButonlytheghostofitMoansinthesouthbytheghostofasea。

Page:25

BLACKLIZZIE

TheglovedandjewelledbardswhosingOfPippa,Maud,andDorothea,HavehardlydonethehandsomethingForyou,myinkyCytherea。

FlowerofalandwhosesunnyskiesArelikethedomeofDante’sclime,Theymighthavepraisedyourlips,youreyes,And,eke,youranklesintheirrhyme!

Butletthempass!Torightyourwrong,AspasiaoftheardentSouth,YourpoetmeanstosingasongWithsomeprolixityofmouth。

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I’llevensketchyouasyouareInHerrick’sstyleofcarelessness,NotoverstockedwiththingsthatbarAnampleview—towit,withdress。

Youhaveyourblanket,itistrue;

Butthen,ifIamrightatall,WhatbestwouldsuitadamelikeyouWaswornbyEvebeforetheFall。

Indeed,the``fashion’’isathingThatnevercrampedyourcornlesstoes:

YoursinglejewelisaringSlunginyourpenetratednose。

Ican’tdetecttheflowinglinesOfGrecianfeaturesinyourface,NoraretherepatentanysignsThatlinkyouwiththeRomanrace。

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Inshort,IdonotthinkyourmouldResembles,withitsknobsofbone,ThefairHellenicshapesofoldWhoseperfectformssurviveinstone。

Still,ifthecharmcalledBeautyliesInamplenessofearandlip,Andnostrilsofexceedingsize,Youareagem,myladyship!

Here,squattingbythedoubtfulflameOfthreepoorsticks,withoutaroofAboveyourhead,impassivedameYouliveon—somewhathunger—proof。

ThecurrentscandalsofthedayDon’ttroubleyou—youseemtotakeThingsinthecoolestsortofway—

Andwisest—foryouhavenoache。

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Yousmokeapipe—ofcourse,youdo!

Aboutaninchinlengthorless,Which,fromasexualpointofview,Marssomehowyourattractiveness。

But,ratherthanresigntheweed,You’dshockus,whites,bychewingit;

ForetiquetteisnotindeedAthingthatbothersyouabit。

Yourpeople—takethemasawhole—

Arecarelessonthescoreofgrace;

Andhenceyouneedn’tcombyourpollOrdecorateyourunctuousface。

Still,seeingthatalittlesoapWouldsoftenanexcessoftint,You’llpardonmyadvance,Ihope,Ingivingyouagentlehint。

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Youhaveyourlovers—duskybeauxNotmadeofthepoeticstuffThatsportsanApolloniannose,AndwearsasleekByroniccuff。

ButratherofarougherclayUnmixedwithovermuchromance,FarbetteratthewildwoodfrayThanspinninginaballroomdance。

ThesescarcelyarethesonneteersThatsingtheirlovesinfaultlessclothes:

YourfriendshavemoredecidedearsAndmorecapaciousnessofnose。

Nodoubttheysuityoubest—althoughTheywooyouroughlyitissaid:

TheirwayofcourtshipisablowStruckwithanullahonthehead。

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Itdoesn’thurtyoumuch—thethingIshardlynoveltoyourlife;

And,sansthefeastandmarriagering,Youmakeagoodimpromptuwife。

Thishastysortofweddingmight,Inothercases,bringdistress;

Butthen,yourdraper’sbillsarelight—

You’refrugalinregardtodress。

Youhavenopassionfortheplay,Orpark,orothershowyscenes;

And,hence,youhavenoscorestopay,Andlivewithinyourhusband’smeans。

Ofcourse,hisincomeisn’tlarge,—

Andnottoocertain—stillyouthriveBysteeringwellinsidethemarge,Andkeepyourlittleonesalive。

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Inshort,insomerespectsyousetAfineexample;andafewOfthosewhitematronsIhavemetWouldshowsomesensebycopyingyou。

Hereletuspart!Iwillnotsay,Oladyfreefromscentsandstarch,Thatyouarelike,inanyway,Theauthoressof``Middlemarch’’。

OnecannotmatchherperfectphraseWithcommonplacesfromyourlip;

AndyettherearesomesexualtraitsThatshowyourdimrelationship。

Indeed,inspiteofallthemistsThatgrowfromsocialcodes,IseeTheliberallikenesswhichexistsThroughoutourwholehumanity。

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AndthoughI’velaughedatyourexpense,ODryadoftheduskyrace,NomanwhohasaheartandsenseWouldbringdispleasuretoyourface。

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HY—BRASIL

``DAUGHTER,’’saidtheancientfather,pausingbytheeveningsea,``Turnthyfacetowardsthesunset—turnthyfaceandkneelwithme!

Prayerandpraiseandholyfasting,lipsofloveandlifeoflight,Theseandthesehavemadetheeperfect—shiningsaintwithseraph’ssight!

Looktowardsthatflamingcrescent—lookbeyondthatglowingspace—

Tellme,sisteroftheangels,whatisbeaminginthyface?’’

Andthedaughter,whohadfasted,whohadspentherdaysinprayer,Page:34

TillthegloryoftheSaviourtouchedherheadandrestedthere,Turnedhereyestowardsthesea—line—sawbeyondthefierycrest,Floatingoverwavesofjasper,farHy—Brasilinthewest。

Allthecalmnessandthecolour—allthesplendourandrepose,Flowingwherethesunsetflowered,likeasilver—heartedrose!

ThereindeedwassingingEden,wherethegreatgoldriverrunsPasttheporchandgatesofcrystal,ringedbystrongandshiningones!

ThereindeedwasGod’sowngarden,sailingdownthesapphiresea—

Lawnydellsandslopesofsummer,dazzlingstreamandradianttree!

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Outagainstthehushedhorizon—outbeneaththereverentday,FlamedtheWonderonthewaters—flamedandflashedandpassedaway。

Andthemaidenwhohadseenitfeltahandwithinherown,Andanangelthatweknownotledhertothelandsunknown。

Neversincehatheyebeheldit—neversincehathmortal,dazedByitsstrange,unearthlysplendour,onthefloatingEdengazed!

OnlyoncesinceEvewentweepingthroughathrongofglitteringwings,HaththeholyseenHy—Brasilwherethegreatgoldriversings!

Onlyoncebyquietwaters,understill,resplendentskies,Page:36

DidthesisteroftheseraphskneelinsightofParadise!

She,thepure,theperfectwoman,sanctifiedbypatientprayer,HadtheeyesofsaintsofHeaven,alltheirgloryinherhair:

ThereforeGodtheFatherwhisperedtoaradiantspiritnear—

``ShowOurdaughterfairHy—Brasil—showherthis,andleadherhere。’’

Butbeyondthehallsofsunset,butwithinthewondrouswest,Ontherose—redseasofevening,sailstheGardenoftheBlest。

Stillthegatesofglassybeauty,stillthewallsofglowinglight,Shineonwavesthatnomanknowsof,outofsoundandoutofsight。

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Yettheslopesandlawnsoflustre,yetthedellsofsparklingstreams,Diptotranquilshoresofjasper,wherethewatchingangelbeams。

But,behold,oureyesarehuman,andourwayispavedwithpain,WecanneverfindHy—Brasil,neverseeitshillsagain;

Neverlookonbaysofcrystal,neverbendthereverentkneeInthesightofEdenfloating—floatingonthesapphiresea!

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JIMTHESPLITTER

ThebardwhoissingingofWollombiJimIshardlyjustnowintherequisitetrimTositonhisPegasusfairly;

Besides,heisbluntlyinformedbytheMuseThatJimisasubjectnosingershouldchoose;

ForJimispoeticalrarely。

ButbeingfullupofthemythsthatareGreek—

Oftheclassic,and``noble,andnude,andantique,’’

Whichmeansnotaragbutthepelton;

ThispoetintendstogiveDaphnetheslip,Forthesakeofaheroinmoleskinandkip,Withajumperandsnake—bucklebelton。

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NopartyisJimofthePericlestype—

Heismodernrightupfromthetoetothepipe;

Andbeingnoreaderorroamer,Hehasn’tEuripidesmuchinthehead;

Andletitbecarefully,tenderlysaid,HeneverhasanalysedHomer。

Hecanroaroutasongofthetwopennykind;

But,knowingthebeggarsowell,I’minclinedTobelievethata``par’’aboutKelly,Therascalwhoskulkedundershadowofcurse,IsmoreinhislinethanthehappiestverseOntheglitteringpagesofShelley。

Youmustn’t,however,adjudgehiminhaste,BecausearedrobberismoretohistasteThanRuskin,Rossetti,orDante!

Yousee,hewasbredinabangalowwood,AndbangalowpithwastheprincipalfoodHismotherservedoutinhershanty。

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Hisknowledgeisthis—hecantellinthedarkWhattimberwillsplitbythefeelofthebark;

Androughashismannerofspeechis,HiswitstotheforehecanreadilybringInpassingoffashasthegenuinethingWhenscarceintheforestthebeechis。

Ingirthingatreethathesells``intheround,’’

Heassumes,asarule,thatthebodyissound,Andmeasures,forgettingtobarkit!

Hemaybeaninny,butstilltheolddogCanplugtoperfectionthepipeofalogAnd``palmit’’awayonthemarket。

Hesplitsafairshingle,butholdstotheruleOfhisfather’s,and,haply,hisgrandfather’sschool;

Whichmeansthatheneverhasblundered,Whentyinghisshingles,byslinginginmoreThantherecognizednumberofninetyandfourTothebundlehesellsforahundred!

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Whenaskedbythemarketforironbarkred,ItalwaysoccurstotheWollombiheadTodoa``mahogany’’swindle。

Inforestswherenevertheironbarkgrew,WhenJimisatwork,itwouldflabbergastyouToseehowthe``ironbarks’’dwindle。

Hecansticktothesaddle,canWollombiJim,Andwhenabuckjumperdispenseswithhim,Theleathergoesoffwiththerider。

And,astoateam,overgullyandhillHecantravelwithtwelveonthebreadthofaquillAndbosstheunlucky``offsider。’’

Heshinesathisbestatthetillerofsaw,Onthetopofthepit,wherehiswhisperislawTothegentlemanworkingbelowhim。

Whenthepairofthempauseinacircleofdust,Likeamonarchheposes—exalted,august—

There’snothingthisplanetcanshowhim!

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Foramanisamanwhocan``sharpen’’and``set;’’

AndheistheonlythingmasculineyetAccordingtosawyerandsplitter—

OrratheraccordingtoWollombiJim;

Andnothingwilltemptmetodifferfromhim,ForJimisabitofahitter。

But,beingfullup,we’llallowhimtorip,Alongwithhislingo,hissaw,andhiswhip—

Heisn’ttheclassical``notion;’’

And,afteranightinhis``humpy,’’yousee,ApersonoforthodoxhabitswouldbeRefreshedbyadipintheocean。

Totothimrightupfromtheheeltothehead,Heisn’ttheGrecianofwhomwehaveread—

Hisfaceisatrifletooshady。

ThenymphingreenvalleysofThessalydimWouldnever``jackup’’heroldloverforhim,Forshehasthetastesofalady。

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Somuchforourhero!AstatuesquefootWouldsufferbywearingthatheavy—nailedboot—

ItsownerishardlyAchilles。

However,he’shappy!Hecutsagreat``fig’’

Inthelandwhereacoatisnopartofthe``rig’’—

Inthecountryofdamperand``billies。’’

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MOONI

(WrittenintheShadowof1872)

AH,tobebyMooninow!

Wherethegreatdarkhillsofwonder,ScarredwithstormandcleftasunderBythestrongswordofthethunder,Makeanightonmorning’sbrow!

JusttostandwhereNature’sfaceisFlushedwithpowerinforestplaces—

WhereofGodauthentictraceis—

Ah,tobebyMooninow!

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JusttobebyMooni’ssprings!

Theretostand,theshiningsharerOfthatlargerlife,andrarerBeautycaughtfrombeautyfairerThanthehumanfaceofthings!

SoulofminefromsinabhorrentFainwouldhidebyflashingcurrent,Likeasisterofthetorrent,FarawaybyMooni’ssprings。

HethatisbyMooninow,Seesthewater—sapphiresgleamingWheretheRiverSpirit,dreaming,SleepsbyfallandfountainstreamingUnderluteofleafandbough—

Hears,wherestampofstormwithstressis,PsalmsfromunseenwildernessesDeepamongstfarhill—recesses—

HethatisbyMooninow。

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Yea,forhimbyMooni’smargeSingstheyellow—hairedSeptember,WiththefacethegodsrememberWhentheridgeisburnttoember,Andthedumbseachainsthebarge!

Wherethemountlikemoltenbrassis,Downbeneathfern—featheredpasses,NoondaydewincoolgreengrassesGleamsonhimbyMooni’smarge。

WhothatdwellsbyMooniyet,Feels,inflowerfulforestarches,SmitingwingsandbreaththatparchesWherestrongSummer’spathofmarchis,Andthesunsinthunderset?

HousedbeneaththegraciouskirtleOftheshadowywatermyrtle,Windsmayhisswithheat,andhurtle—

HeissafebyMooniyet!

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Daystherewerewhenhewhosings(Dumbsolongthroughpassion’slosses)

StoodwhereMooni’swatercrossesShiningtractsofgreen—hairedmosses,Likeasoulwithradiantwings;

Thenthepsalmthewindrehearses—

ThenthesongthestreamdispersesLentabeautytohisverses,Whoto—nightofMoonisings。

Ah,thetheme—thesad,greytheme!

Certaindaysarenotaboveme,Certainheartshaveceasedtoloveme,CertainfanciesfailtomovemeLiketheaffluentmorningdream。

Headwhereonthewhiteisstealing,Heartwhosehurtsarepastallhealing,Whereisnowthefirstpurefeeling?

Ah,thetheme—thesad,greytheme!

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Sinandshamehavelefttheirtrace!

Hewhomocksthemighty,graciousLoveofChrist,witheyesaudacious,Huntingafterfiresfallacious,Wearstheissueinhisface。

SoulthatfloutedgiftandGiver,LikethebrokenPersianriver,Thouhastlostthystrengthforever!

Sinandshamehavelefttheirtrace。

Intheyearsthatusedtobe,Whenthelarge,supremeoccasionBroughtthelifeofinspiration,Likeagod’stransfigurationWastheshiningchangeinme。

Then,whereMooni’sgloryglances,Clear,divinercountenancesBeamedonmelikeblessedchances,Intheyearsthatusedtobe。

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Ah,thebeautyofoldways!

ThenthemanwhosoresembledLordsoflightunstained,unhumbled,TouchedtheskirtsofChrist,nortrembledAtthegrandbenignantgaze!

NowheshrinksbeforethesplendidFaceofDeityoffended,Allthelovelinessisended!

Allthebeautyofoldways!

StilltobebyMoonicool—

Wherethewater—blossomsglister,And,bygleamingvaleandvista,SitstheEnglishApril’ssisterSoftandsweetandwonderful。

JusttorestbeyondtheburningOuterworld—itssneersandspurning—

Ah!myheart—myheartisyearningStilltobebyMoonicool!

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Now,byMooni’sfairhillheads,Lo,thegoldgreenlightsareglowing,Where,becausenowindisblowing,FancyhearstheflowersgrowingIntheherbywatersheds!

Faintitis—thesoundofthunderFromthetorrentsfarthereunder,Wherethemeetingmountainsponder—

Now,byMooni’sfairhillheads。

JusttobewhereMooniis,EvenwherethefiercefallracesDownaugust,unfathomedplaces,Whereofsunormoonnotraceis,Andthestreamsofshadowshiss!

HaveInotanamplereasonSotolongfor—sickoftreason—

Somethingofthegrandoldseason,JusttobewhereMooniis?

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PYTHEAS

GAULwhosekeelinfar,dimagesploughedwanwidthsofpolarsea—

GrayoldsailorofMassilia,whohathwovenwreathforthee?

Whoamongsttheworld’shighsingerseverbreathedthetalesublimeOfthemanwhocoastedEnglandinthemistydawnoftime?

Leavesoflaurel,lightsofmusic—theseandthesehavenevershedGloryonthenameunheardof,lustreonthevanishedhead。

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Lordsofsong,andthesearemany,neveryethaveraisedthelayForthewhite,wind—beatenseamanofawild,forgottenday。

HarpofshiningsonofGodheadstillisasavoiceaugust;

ButthemanwhofirstsawBritainsleepsbeneathunnoticeddust。

Fromthefair,calmbaysHellenic,fromthecrescentsandthebends,RoundthewallofcrystalAthens,glowingingoldevening—ends,Sailedabroadthegrand,strongfather,withhisfacetowardsthesnowOftheawfulnorthernmountains,twentycenturiesago。

Ontheseasthatnonehadheardof,bytheshoreswherenonehadfurledPage:53

Wingofcanvas,passedthiseldertothelimitsoftheworld。

Luridlimits,loudwiththunderandtheroarofflamingcone,Ghastlytractsoficeandwhirlwindlyinginadim,blindzone,Bitterbeltsofnakedregion,girtaboutbycliffsoffear,WheretheSpiritoftheDarknessdwellsinheavenhalftheyear。

Yea,againstthewild,weirdThule,steeredthestrangerthroughthegatesOpenedbyafireeternal,intotempest—trampledstraits—

Thule,lyinglikeanightmareonthebordersofthePole:

Neitherland,norair,norwater,butamixtureofthewhole!

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Dumb,deadchaos,greyasspectre,nowamistandnowacloud,Wherethewindscryoutforever,andthewaveisalwaysloud。

Herethelordofmanywaters,inthegreatexaltedyears,Sawthesightthatnomanknowsof—heardthesoundthatnomanhears—

FeltthatGodwasintheShadowereheturnedhisprowandspedTothesweetgreenfieldsofEnglandwiththesunshineoverhead。

InthedaywhenpallidPersiafledbeforetheThraciansteel,BythelandthatnowisLondonpassedthestrangeHellenickeel。

Upthebendsofquietriver,hardbybanksofgroveandflower,Page:55

Sailedthefatherthroughasilenceintheoldmajestichour。

Notasoundoffinorfeather,notanoteofwaveorbreeze,Vextthefaceofsleepingstreamlets,broketherestofstirlesstrees。

Notafootwasintheforest,notavoicewasinthewood,WhentheelderfromMassiliaoverEnglishwatersstood。

Allwasnew,andhushed,andholy—allwaspureuntroddenspace,Whenthelordofmanyoceansturnedtoitareverentface。

ManwhoknewresplendentAthens,setandframedinsilversea,DidnotdreamadreamofEngland—Englandoftheyearstobe!

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FriendoffathersliketoPlato—bardsaugustandhallowedseers—

Didnotseethattenfoldglory,Britainofthefutureyears!

SpiritfilledwithGrecianmusic,songsthatcharmthedarkaway,Onthatlarge,supremeoccasion,didnotnotedivinerlay—

DidnothearthevoiceofShakespeare—allthemightylifewasstill,Downtheslopesthatdippedtoseaward,ontheshouldersofthehill;

ButthegoldandgreenwerebrighterthanthebloomofThraciansprings,Andastrange,surpassingbeautyshoneuponthefaceofthings。

Inagravethatnomanthinksof—backfromfar—forgottenbays—

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Sleepsthegrey,wind—beatensailoroftheoldexalteddays。

HethatcoastedWalesandDover,hethatfirstsawSussexplains,PassedawaywithheadunlaurelledinthewildThessalianrains。

Inaspacebyhanduntended,byafenofvapoursblind,Liesthekingofmanywaters—outofsightandoutofmind!

Noonebringstheyearlyblossom—noonecullstheflowerofgrace,Fortheshellofmightyfatherburiedinthatlonelyplace;

Butthewindsarelowandholy,andthesongsofsweetnessflow,Wherehefellasleepforever,twentycenturiesago。

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BILLTHEBULLOCKDRIVER

THEleadersofmillions,thelordsofthelands,WhoswaythewideworldwiththeirwillAndshakethegreatglobewiththestrengthoftheirhands,Flashpastus—unnoticedbyBill。

TheeldersofsciencewhomeasurethespheresAndweighthevastbulkofthesun—

Whoseethegrandlightsbeyondaeonsofyears,Arelessthanabullocktoone~。

Thesingersthatsweetenalltimewiththeirsong—

PurevoicesthatmakeusforgetHumanity’sdramaofmarvellouswrong—

ToBillareasmysteriesyet。

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Bythundersofbattleandnationsuphurled,Bill’ssympathiesneverwerestirred:

ThehelmsmenwhostandatthewheeloftheworldByhimareunknownandunheard。

WhattroublehasBillfortheruinoflands,Orthequarrelsoftempleandthrone,SolongasthewhipthatheholdsinhishandsAndtheteamthathedrivesarehisown?

Asstraightandassoundasaslabwithoutcrack,OurBillisakinginhisway;

Thoughhecampsbythesideofashingletrack,Andsleepsonthebedofhisdray。

Awhip—lashtohimisasdearasaroseWouldbetoadelicatemaid;

Hecarrieshisdarlingswhereverhegoes,Inapocket—booktatteredandfrayed。

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ThejoyofabardwhenhehappenstowriteAsonglikethesongofhisdreamIsnothingatalltoourhero’sdelightInthepluckandthestrengthofhisteam。

Forthekingsoftheearth,forthefacesaugustOfprinces,themillionsmayshout;

ToBill,ashelumbersalonginthedust,Abullock’sthegrandestthingout。

Hisfour—footedfriendsarethefriendsofhischoice—

NoloverisBillofyourdames;

ButthecattlethatturnatthesoundofhisvoiceHavethesweetestoffeaturesandnames。

Afather’schiefjoyisafavouriteson,Whenhereachessomeeminentgoal,ButtheprideofBill’sheartisthehairy—leggedoneThatpullswithawillatthepole。

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Hisdrayisnoliving,responsiblething,Buthegivesitthegenderoflife;

And,seeinghisfancyisfreeinthewing,Itsuitshimaswellasawife。

HethriveslikeanArab。BetweenthetwowheelsIshisbedroom,where,lyingup—curled,Hethinksforhimself,likeasultan,andfeelsThathishomeisthebestintheworld。

For,eventhoughcattle,likesubjects,willbreakAttimesfromtheyokeandtheband,Billknowshowtoactwhenhisruleisatstake,Andisthereforealordoftheland。

Ofcoursehemustdream;butbesurethathisdreams,Ifhappy,mustcompass,alas!

Fatbullocksatfeedbyimprobablestreams,Knee—deepinimprobablegrass。

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NopoetisBill,forthevisionsofnightTohimareasvisionsofday;

AndthepipethatinsleepheendeavourstolightIsthepipethathesmokesonthedray。

Tothemighty,magnificenttemplesofGod,Intheheartsofthedominanthills,Bill’seyesareasblindasthefire—blackenedclodThatburnsfarawayfromtherills。

Throughbeautiful,bountifulforeststhatscreenAmarvelofblossomsfromheat—

Whoselightsarethemellowandgoldenandgreen—

Billwalkswithirreverentfeet。

ThemanifoldsplendoursofmountainandwoodByBilllikenonentitiesslip;

HelovestheblackmyrtlebecauseitisgoodAsahandletolashtohiswhip。

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Andthusthroughtheworld,withaswinginhistread,Ourheroself—satisfiedgoes;

Withhiscabbage—treehatonthebackofhishead,Andthestringofitunderhisnose。

PoorbullockyBill!InthecirclesselectOfthescholarshehasn’taplace;

Buthewalkslikeaman,withhisforeheaderect,AndhelooksatGod’sdayintheface。

For,roughasheseems,hewouldshuddertowrongAdogwiththelossofahair;

AndtheangelsofshineandsuperlativesongSeehisheartandthedeitythere。

Fewknowhim,indeed;butthebeautythatglowsIntheforestislovelinessstill;

AndProvidencehelpingthelifeoftheroseIsaFriendandaFathertoBill。

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COORANBEAN

YEARSfifty,andseventoboot,havesmittenthechildrenofmenSincesoundofavoiceorafootcameoutoftheheadofthatglen。

Thebrandofblackdevilisthere—anevilwindmoanetharound—

Thereisdoom,thereisdeathintheair:acursegrowethupfromtheground!

Nonoiseoftheaxeorthesawinthathollowunholyisheard,Nofallofthehooforthepaw,nowhirrofthewingofthebird;

Butagreymotherdownbythesea,aswanasthefoamonthestrait,Hascountedthebeadsonherkneetheseforty—ninewintersandeight。

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Wheneveranelderisasked—awhite—headedmanofthewoods—

Oftheterriblemysterymaskedwherethedarkeverlastinglybroods,Besurehewillturntothebay,withhisbacktotheglenintherange,Andglidelikeaphantomaway,withacountenancepallidwithchange。

Fromthelineofdeadtimberthatliessupineatthefootoftheglade,Thefierce—featuredeaglehawkflies—afraidasadoveisafraid;

Butbackinthatwildernessdreadareafallandtheforksofaford—

Ah!prayanduncoveryourhead,andleanlikeachildontheLord。

Asinisterfogatthewane—atthechangeofthemooncomethforthPage:66

Likeanominousghostinthetrainofabitter,blackstormofthenorth!

Attheheadofthegullyunknownithangslikeaspiritofbale。

Andthenoiseofashriekandagroanstrikesupinthegustsofthegale。

Inthethroatofafeculentpitisthebeardofabloody—redsedge;

Andafoamlikethefoamofafitsweatsoutofthelipsoftheledge。

Butdowninthewaterofdeath,inthelivid,deadpoolatthebase—

Bowlow,withinaudiblebreath,beseechwiththehandstotheface!

Afurlongoffetid,blackfen,withgelid,greenpatchesofpond,Liesdumbbythehornsoftheglen—atthegatesofthehorrorbeyond;

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Andthosewhohavelookedonittelloftheterriblegrowthsthatarethere—

Thefloweragefosteredbyhell,theblossomsthatstartleandscare。

IfeverawanderingbirdshouldlightonGehennaslikethisBesurethatacrywillbeheard,andthesoundoftheflatadder’shiss。

ButhardbythejawsofthebendisaghastlyThingmattedwithmoss—

Ah,Lord!beafather,afriend,forthesakeoftheChristoftheCross。

BlackTom,withthesinewsoffive—thatneverahangmancouldhang—

Inthedaysoftheshackleandgyve,brokeloosefromtheguardsofthegang。

Thereafter,forseasonsascore,thisdevilprowledundertheban;

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Amateofredtalonandpaw,awolfintheshapeofaman。

But,ringedbyineffablefire,inathunderandwindofthenorth,TheswordofOmnipotentire—theboltofhighHeavenwentforth!

But,wanasthesorrowfulfoam,agreymotherwaitsbytheseaFortheboysthathavenevercomehomethesefifty—fourwintersandthree。

Fromthefoldsoftheforestedhillsthereareravelledandroundabouttracks,Becauseoftheterrorthatfillsthestrong—handedmenoftheaxe!

Oftheworkersawayintherangethereisnonethatwillwaitforthenight,Whenthestorm—strickenmoonisinchangeandthesinisterfogisinsight。

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Andlateranddeepinthedark,whenthebitterwindwhistlesabout,Thereisneverahowlorabarkfromthedoginthekennelwithout,Butthewhitefathersfastenthedoor,andoftenandoftentheystart,Atasoundlikeafootonthefloorandatouchlikeahandontheheart。

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WHENUNDERNEATHTHEBROWNDEADGRASS

WHENunderneaththebrowndeadgrassMywearybonesarelaid,IhopeIshallnotseetheglassAtninetyintheshade。

Itrustindeedthat,whenIlieBeneaththechurchyardpine,Ishallnothearthatstartlingcry```Thermom’isninety—nine!’’

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Ifoneshouldwhisperthroughmysleep``Comeupandbealive,’’

I’danswer—No,unlessyou’llkeepTheglassatsixty—five。

ImightbewillingifallowedTowearoldAdam’srig,AndmixamongstthecitycrowdLikePolynesian``nig’’。

Farbetterinthesodtolie,Withpasturingpigabove,Thanbroilbeneathacoppersky—

InsightofallIlove!

FarbettertobeturnedtograssTofeedthepoleycow,Thanbethehalfboiledbream,alas,ThatIamreallynow!

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ForcowandpigIwouldnothear,AndhoofIwouldnotsee;

ButiftheseitemsdidappearTheywouldn’ttroubleme。

Forah!thepeltofmortalmanWeighslessthanhalfaton,AndanysightisbetterthanAsultrysouthernsun。

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THEVOICEINTHEWILDOAK

(WrittenintheShadowof1872)

TWELVEyearsago,whenIcouldfaceHighheaven’sdomewithdifferenteyes—

Indaysfull—floweredwithhoursofgrace,Andnightsnotsadwithsighs—

IwroteasonginwhichIstroveToshadowforththystrainofwoe,Darkwidowedsisterofthegrove!—

Twelvewastedyearsago。

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ButyouthwasthentooyoungtofindThosehighauthenticsyllables,WhosevoiceislikethewinteringwindBysunlessmountainfells;

NorhadIsinnedandsufferedthenTothatsuperlativedegreeThatIwouldratherseek,thanmen,Wildfellowshipwiththee!

ButhewhohearsthisautumndayThymorethandeepautumnalrhyme,IsonewhosehairwasshotwithgreyByGriefinsteadofTime。

Hehasnoneed,likemanyabard,Tosingimaginarypain,Becausehebears,andfindsithard,ThepunishmentofCain。

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NomoreheseestheaffluenceWhichmakestheheartofNatureglad;

Forhehaslostthefine,firstsenseOfBeautythathehad。

TheolddelightGod’shappybreezeWaswonttogive,toGriefhasgrown;

Andtherefore,Niobeoftrees,Hissongislikethineown!

ButI,whoamthatperishedsoul,Havewastedsothesepowersofmine,ThatIcanneverwritethatwhole,Pure,perfectspeechofthine。

Somelordofwordsaugust,supreme,Thegrave,grandmelodydemands;

ThedarktranslationofthythemeIleavetootherhands。

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Yethere,whereploversnightlycallAcrossdim,melancholyleas—

WherecomesbywhistlingfenandfallThemoanoffar—offseas—

Agrey,oldFancyoftensitsBeneaththyshadewithtiredwings,Andfillsthystrong,strangerhymebyfitsWithawfulutterings。

ThentimestherearewhenallthewordsArelikethesentencesofoneShutinbyFatefromwindandbirdsAndlightofstarsandsun,Nodazzlingdryad,butadarkDream—hauntedspiritdoomedtobeImprisoned,cramptinbandsofbark,Foralleternity。

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Yea,likethespeechofoneaghastAtImmortalityinchains,WhattimethelordlystormridespastWithflamesandarrowyrains:

SomewanTithonusofthewood,Whitewithimmeasurableyears—

AnawfulghostinsolitudeWithmoaningmoorsandmeres。

AndwhenhighthundersmitesthehillAndhuntsthewilddogtohisden,Thycries,likemaledictions,shrillAndshriekfromglentoglen,AsifafrightfulmemorywhippedThysoulforsomeinfernalcrimeThatleftitblasted,blind,andstript—

AdreadtoDeathandTime!

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Butwhenthefair—hairedAugustdies,Andflowerswaxstrongandbeautiful,ThysongsarestatelyharmoniesBywood—lightsgreenandcool—

MostlikethevoiceofonewhoshowsThroughsufferingsfierce,infinerelief,Anoblepatienceandrepose—

Adignityingrief。

But,ah!conceptionsfadeaway,Andstillthelifethatlivesinthee—

Thesoulofthymajesticlay—

Remainsamystery!

Andhemustspeakthespeechdivine—

Thelanguageofthehigh—thronedlords—

Who’dgivethatgrandoldthemeofthineItssenseinfaultlesswords。

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Byhollowlandsandsea—tractsharsh,Withruinofthefourfoldgale,Wheresighsthesedgeandsobsthemarsh,Stillwailthylonelywail;

And,yearbyyear,onestepwillbreakThesleepoffarhill—foldedstreams,Andseek,ifonlyforthysakeThyhomeofmanydreams。