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
Page:1
SONGSFROMTHEMOUNTAINS
Page:3
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。
Page:6
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。
Page:9
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。
Page:11
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。
Page:26
I’llevensketchyouasyouareInHerrick’sstyleofcarelessness,NotoverstockedwiththingsthatbarAnampleview—towit,withdress。
Youhaveyourblanket,itistrue;
Butthen,ifIamrightatall,WhatbestwouldsuitadamelikeyouWaswornbyEvebeforetheFall。
Indeed,the``fashion’’isathingThatnevercrampedyourcornlesstoes:
YoursinglejewelisaringSlunginyourpenetratednose。
Ican’tdetecttheflowinglinesOfGrecianfeaturesinyourface,NoraretherepatentanysignsThatlinkyouwiththeRomanrace。
Page:27
Inshort,IdonotthinkyourmouldResembles,withitsknobsofbone,ThefairHellenicshapesofoldWhoseperfectformssurviveinstone。
Still,ifthecharmcalledBeautyliesInamplenessofearandlip,Andnostrilsofexceedingsize,Youareagem,myladyship!
Here,squattingbythedoubtfulflameOfthreepoorsticks,withoutaroofAboveyourhead,impassivedameYouliveon—somewhathunger—proof。
ThecurrentscandalsofthedayDon’ttroubleyou—youseemtotakeThingsinthecoolestsortofway—
Andwisest—foryouhavenoache。
Page:28
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。
Page:29
Youhaveyourlovers—duskybeauxNotmadeofthepoeticstuffThatsportsanApolloniannose,AndwearsasleekByroniccuff。
ButratherofarougherclayUnmixedwithovermuchromance,FarbetteratthewildwoodfrayThanspinninginaballroomdance。
ThesescarcelyarethesonneteersThatsingtheirlovesinfaultlessclothes:
YourfriendshavemoredecidedearsAndmorecapaciousnessofnose。
Nodoubttheysuityoubest—althoughTheywooyouroughlyitissaid:
TheirwayofcourtshipisablowStruckwithanullahonthehead。
Page:30
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。
Page:31
Inshort,insomerespectsyousetAfineexample;andafewOfthosewhitematronsIhavemetWouldshowsomesensebycopyingyou。
Hereletuspart!Iwillnotsay,Oladyfreefromscentsandstarch,Thatyouarelike,inanyway,Theauthoressof``Middlemarch’’。
OnecannotmatchherperfectphraseWithcommonplacesfromyourlip;
AndyettherearesomesexualtraitsThatshowyourdimrelationship。
Indeed,inspiteofallthemistsThatgrowfromsocialcodes,IseeTheliberallikenesswhichexistsThroughoutourwholehumanity。
Page:32
AndthoughI’velaughedatyourexpense,ODryadoftheduskyrace,NomanwhohasaheartandsenseWouldbringdispleasuretoyourface。
Page:33
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!
Page:35
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。
Page:37
Yettheslopesandlawnsoflustre,yetthedellsofsparklingstreams,Diptotranquilshoresofjasper,wherethewatchingangelbeams。
But,behold,oureyesarehuman,andourwayispavedwithpain,WecanneverfindHy—Brasil,neverseeitshillsagain;
Neverlookonbaysofcrystal,neverbendthereverentkneeInthesightofEdenfloating—floatingonthesapphiresea!
Page:38
JIMTHESPLITTER
ThebardwhoissingingofWollombiJimIshardlyjustnowintherequisitetrimTositonhisPegasusfairly;
Besides,heisbluntlyinformedbytheMuseThatJimisasubjectnosingershouldchoose;
ForJimispoeticalrarely。
ButbeingfullupofthemythsthatareGreek—
Oftheclassic,and``noble,andnude,andantique,’’
Whichmeansnotaragbutthepelton;
ThispoetintendstogiveDaphnetheslip,Forthesakeofaheroinmoleskinandkip,Withajumperandsnake—bucklebelton。
Page:39
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。
Page:40
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!
Page:41
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!
Page:42
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。
Page:43
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。