第2章

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BILLYVICKERS

NOsongisthisofleafandbird,Andgraciouswatersflowing;

I’msickatheart,forIhaveheardBigBillyVickers``blowing’’。

He’dnevertakealeadingplaceInchamberslegislative:

Thisboobywiththevacantface—

Thishoddy—doddynative!

Indeed,I’mforcedtosayaside,Toyou,Oreader,solely,HeonlywantsthehornsandhideTobeabullockwholly。

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But,likeallnoodles,heisvain;

Andwhenhistongueiswagging,IfeelinclinedtocopyCain,And``drop’’himforhisbragging。

He,beingBush—bred,stands,ofcourse,Sixfeethisdirtysocksin;

HislingoisconfinedtohorseAndplough,andpigandoxen。

Twoyearsagohe’dlesstosayWithinhislittlecircuit;

Butnowhehas,besidesadray,Ateamoftwelvetoworkit。

NowonderisitthathefeelsInclinedtoclackandrattleAbouthisbullocksandhiswheels—

Heownsadozencattle。

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Inshort,tobeexactandblunt,InhisownestimationHe’s``outandout’’theheadandfrontTop—sawyerofcreation!

For,markme,hecan``sitabuck’’

Forhoursandhourstogether;

AndneverhorsehashadtheluckTopitchhimfromtheleather。

Ifeverheshouldhavea``spill’’

Uponthegrassorgravel,Besureofthis,thesaddlewillWithBillyVickerstravel。

AtpunchingoxenyoumayguessThere’snothingoutcan``camp’’him:

Hehas,infact,theslouchanddressWhichbullock—driverstamphim。

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Idonotmeantogiveoffence,ButIhavevainlystrivenToferretoutthedifference’Twixtdriverandthedriven。

Ofcourse,thestatementshereinmadeIneveryotherstanzaAreBilly’sown;andI’mafraidThey’restarkextravaganza。

IfeelconstrainedtotreatastrashHisnoisyfiddle—faddleAbouthisdoingswiththelash,Hisfeatsuponthesaddle。

Butgranthe``knowshiswayabout’’,Orgrantthatheissilly,TherecannotbetheslightestdoubtOfBilly’sfaithinBilly。

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OfallthedoingsofthedayHisignoranceisutter;

Buthecanquotethepriceofhay,Thecurrentrateofbutter。

HisnotionsofourleadingmenAremixedandmistyvery:

HeknowsaCochin—Chinahen—

HeneverspeaksofBerry。

Asyou’llassume,hehasn’theardOfMadamePatti’ssinging;

ButIwillstakemysolemnwordHeknowswhatmaizeisbringing。

Surroundedbymajesticpeaks,Bylordlymountainranges,WherehighestvoiceofthunderspeaksHisaspectneverchanges。

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ThegrandPacifictherebeyondHisdirtyhutisglowing:

Heonlyseesabigsaltpond,O’erwhichhisgrainisgoing。

Theseathatcovershalfthesphere,Withallitsstatelyspeeches,IsheldbyBilltobeamereBroadhighwayforhispeaches。

ThroughNature’ssplendidtempleshePlods,undermountainshoary;

ButhehasnottheeyestoseeTheirgrandeurandtheirglory。

Abullockinabiped’sboot,Iiterate,isBilly!

HecrusheswithacarelessfootThetouchingwater—lily。

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I’vesaidenough—I’lllethimgo!

Ifhecouldreadtheseverses,He’dpeppermeforhours,Iknow,Withhispeculiarcurses。

Butthisissure,he’llneverchangeHismannersloudandflashy,NorlearnwithneatnesstoarrangeHisclothing,cheapandtrashy。

Likeotherlouts,he’lljogalong,Andswigatshantyliquors,Andchewandspit。HereendsthesongOfMr。BillyVickers。

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PERSIA

IAMwritingthissongatthecloseOfabeautifuldayofthespringInadellwherethedaffodilgrowsByagroveoftheglimmeringwing;

FromgladeswhereamusicalwordComeseverfromluminousfall,IsendyouthesongofabirdThatIwishtobedeartoyouall。

IhavegivenmydarlingthenameOfalandatthegatesoftheday,Wheremorningisalwaysthesame,Andspringneverpassesaway。

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Withaprayerforalifetimeoflight,IchristenedherPersia,yousee;

AndIhopethatsomefathersto—nightWillkneelinthespiritwithme。

SheisonlycommencingtolookAtthebeautyinwhichsheisset;

Andforestandflowerandbrook,Toherareallmysteriesyet。

IknowthattomanymywordsWillseeminsignificantthings;

ButyouwhoaremothersofbirdsWillfeelforthefatherwhosings。

ForallofyoudoubtlesshavebeenWheresorrowsaremanyandwild;

AndyouknowwhatabeautifulsceneOfthisworldcanbemadebyachild:

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Iamsure,iftheylistentothis,Sweetwomenwillquiver,andlongTotenderlystooptoandkissThePersiaI’veputinasong。

AndI’mcertainthecriticwillpause,Andexcuse,forthesakeofmybird,Mysinsagainstcriticallaws—

Theslipsinthethoughtandtheword。

AndhaplysomedearlittlefaceOfhisowntohismindwilloccur—

SomePersiawhobrightenshisplace—

AndI’llbeforgivenforher。

AlifethatisturningtogreyHashardlybeenhappy,yousee;

ButtherosethathasdroppedonmywayIsmorningandmusictome。

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Yea,shethatIholdbythehandIschangingwhitewintertogreen,Andmakingalightoftheland—

AllfatherswillknowwhatImean:

AllwomenandmenwhohaveknownThesicknessofsorrowandsin,Willfeel—havingbabesoftheirown—

Myverseandthepathostherein。

ForthatmustbetouchingwhichshowsHowalifehasbeenledfromthewildToagardenofglitterandrose,Bytheflower—likehandofachild。

Sheisstrangetothiswonderfulsphere;

OnesummerandwinterhavesetSinceGodleftherradiancehere—

Hersweetsecondyearisnotyet。

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TheworldissolovelyandnewToeyesfullofeloquentlight,And,sisters,I’mhopingthatyouWillprayformyPersiato—night。

ForI,whohavesufferedsomuch,Andknowwhatthebitternessis,AmsadtothinksorrowmusttouchSomedayevendarlingslikethis!

Butsorrowispartofthislife,And,therefore,afatherdothlongFortheblessingofmotherandwifeOnthebirdhehasputinasong。

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LILITH

Strangeisthesong,andthesoulthatissingingFaltersbecauseofthevisionitsees;

VoicethatisnotofthelivingisringingDowninthedepthswherethedarknessisclinging,EvenwhenNoonisthelordoftheleas,Fast,likeacurse,totheghostsofthetrees!

Hereinamistthatispartedinsunder,Halfwiththedarknessandhalfwiththeday;

Faceofawoman,butfaceofawonder,Vividandwildasaflameofthethunder,Flashesandfades,andthewailofthegreyWaterisloudonthestraitsofthebay!

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Father,whoseyearshavebeenmanyandweary—

Elder,whoselifeisaslovelyaslightShininginwaysthataresterileanddreary—

Tellmethenameofthisbeautifulperi,FlashingonmelikethewonderfulwhiteStar,atthemeetingofmorningandnight。

``LooktothySaviour,anddownonthyknee,man,LeanontheLord,astheZebedeeleaned;

Daughterofhellistheneighbourofthee,man—

Lilith,ofAdamtheluminousleman!

TurntotheChristtobesuccouredandscreened,Savedfromtheeyesofamarvellousfiend!

``Serpentsheisintheshapeofawoman,Brighterthanwoman,ineffablyfair!

Shelterthyselffromthesplendour,andsue,man;

LightthatwasneveralovelinesshumanLivesinthefaceofthissinistersnare,Longingtostranglethysoulwithherhair!

``Lilith,whocametothefatherandboundhimFastwithhereyesinthefirstofthesprings;

Lilithsheis,butremembershedrownedhim,Sheddingherfloodofgoldtressesaroundhim—

Lulledhimtosleepwiththelyricshesings:

Melodystrangewithunspeakablethings!

``Lowishervoice,butbewareofitever,Swiftbitterdeathisthefruitofdelay;

Neverwassongofitsbeauty—ah!never—

Heardonthemountain,ormeadow,orriver,Notofthenightisit,notoftheday—

Flyfromit,stranger,awayandaway。’’

Backonthehillsaretheblossomandfeather,Gloryofnoonisonvalleyandspire;

Hereisthegraceofmagnificentweather,Whereisthewomanfromgulfsofthenether?

Whereisthefiendwiththefaceofdesire?

Gone,withacry,inmiraculousfire!

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Soundthatwasnotofthisworld,orthespaciousSplendidblueheaven,haspassedfromthelea;

Deadisthevoiceofthedevilaudacious:

Onlyadreamishermusicfallacious,Here,inthesongandtheshadowoftree,Downbythegreenandthegoldofthesea。

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BOB

SINGERofsongsofthehills—

Dreamer,bywatersunstirred,Backinavalleyofrills,Homeoftheleafandthebird!—

ReadinthisfalloftheyearJustthecompassionatephrase,Fadedwithtracesoftear,Writteninfar—awaydays:

``Goneisthelightofmylap(Lord,atThybiddingIbow),Hereismylittleone’scap,Hehasnoneedofitnow,Page:97

Giveittosomebody’sboy—

Somebody’sdarling’’—shewrote。

TouchingwasBobinhisjoy—

Bobwithoutbootsoracoat。

Onlyacap;butitgaveCaplessandcomfortlessoneHappiness,brightasthebrave,Beautifullightofthesun。

SoftmaythesanctifiedsodRestonthefatherwholedBobfromthegutter,unshod—

Coveredhiscoldlittlehead!

BobfromthefoottothecrownMeasuredayard,andnomore—

Babyaloneinthetown,Homeless,andhungry,andsore—

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Childthatwasneverachild,Hidingawayfromtherain,Draggledanddirtyandwild,Downinapipeofthedrain。

PoorlittlebeggarwasBob—

Couldn’taffordtobesick,Gettingapennyajob,Sometimesacurseandakick。

Fatherwaskilledbythedrink;

Motherwasdriventoshame;

Bobcouldn’tmanagetothink—

Hehadforgottentheirname。

Godwasinheavenabove,Flowersilluminedtheground,WomenofinfiniteloveLivedinthepalacesround—

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SaintswiththecharactersweetFoundinthefathersofold,Labouredinalleyandstreet—

Babysleptoutinthecold。

Nobodynoticedthechild—

NobodyknewofthemiteCreepingaboutlikeawildThingintheshadowofnight。

Beatenbydrunkardsandcowed—

Frightenedtospeakortosob—

Howcouldheaskyoualoud,``HaveyouapennyforBob?’’

Fewwerethepennieshegot—

Seldomcouldhidethemaway,WatchedbytheravenoussotEveratwaitforhisprey。

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Poorlittleman!HewouldweepOftforamorselofbread;

CoppershewantedtokeepWenttothetaverninstead。

Thiswashishistory,friend—

Ragged,unhoused,andalone;

HowcouldthechildcomprehendLovethatheneverhadknown?

Huntedaboutintheworld,Crouchingincrevicesdim,CrustwithacurseathimhurledStoodforakindnesswithhim。

Littleexcitedhisjoy—

Bunafterdoingajob;

Motherofbright—headedboy,ThinkofthemotherlessBob!

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HighintheheavensaugustProvidencesawhim,andsaid—

``OutofthepitsofthedustLifthim,andcoverhishead。’’

Ah,theineffablegrace,Fatherofchildren,inThee!

Boyinaradiantplace,Fannedbythebreezeofthesea—

ChildonalullabylapSaid,inthepauseofhispain,``Mother,don’tburymycap—

GiveittoBobinthelane。’’

BeautifulbiddingofDeath!

Whatcouldshedobutobey,EvenwhensufferingFaithHadn’tthepowertopray?

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So,inthefalloftheyear,SaintwiththefatherlyheadHuntedforsomebody’sdear—

``Somebody’sdarling,’’hesaid。

Bob,whowasnobody’schild,Sittingonnobody’slap,Draggledanddirtyandwild—

Bobgotthelittleone’scap。

Strangewerecompassionatewords!

WaifofthealleyandlaneDreamedofthemusicofbirdsFloatingaboutintherain。

White—headedfatherinGod,OverthybeautifulgraveGreenisthegrassofthesod,Softisthesoundofthewave。

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DownbytheslopesoftheseaOftenandoftenwillsobBoywhowasfosteredbythee—

ThisisthestoryofBob。

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PETERTHEPICANINNY

HEhasanamewhichcan’tbebroughtWithinthesphereofmetre;

But,ashe’sPeterbyreport,I’lltrothimoutasPeter。

Icallhimmine;butdon’tsupposeThatI’mhisdad,Oreader!

MywifehasgotaNormannose—

ShereadsthetalesofOuida。

Ineverlovedaniggerbelle—

Mytastesaretooaesthetic!

Theperfumefromaginis—well,Aratherstrongemetic。

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But,seeingthatmythemeisPete,ThisversewillbetheneaterIfIkeepontheproperbeat,AndstickthroughouttoPeter。

WepickedhimuptheLordknowswhere!

AtnoonwecameacrosshimAsleepbesideahunkofbear—

Hispaunchwasbulgedwith’possum。

(Laststanzawillnotbear,Iown,Apressureanalytic;

Butbardwhoseweightisfourteenstone,Isapttothumpthecritic。)

Weaskedthekidtogivehisname:

Hedidn’tseemtoowilling—

Thedarkeyplayedthedarkey’sgame—

Wetippedhimwithashilling!

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Wetippedhimwithashiningbob—

NoTommyDodd,believeus。

Wedidn’t``tumble’’tohisjob—

Ah,whydidPetedeceiveus!

I,being,asI’vesaid,abard,ResolvedatoncetofosterThismitewhoselengthwasjustayard—

Thisportableimpostor!

``Thisbabe’’—IspokeinWordsworth’stone—

(SeeWordsworth’s``Lucy’’,neighbour)

``I’llmakeadarlingofmyown;

Andhe’llrepaymylabour。

``He’llgrowasgentleasafawn—

AsquietastheblossomsThatbeautifyalandoflawn—

He’lleatnomoreopossums。

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``ThechildItomyselfwilltakeInapaternalmanner;

Andah!hewillnotswallowsnakeInfuture,or`goanna’。

``Willyouresidewithme,mydear?’’

Iaskedinaccentsmellow—

Theniggergrinnedfromeartoear,Andsaid,``Allright,oldfellow!’’

AndsomyPetewastakenhome—

Myprettypiccaninny!

And,nottospeakofsoaporcomb,Hiscleansingcostaguinea。

``Buthangexpenses!’’Iexclaimed,``I’llgivehimeducation:

A`nig’isbetterwhenhe’stamed,Perhaps,thanaCaucasian。

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``EthnologistsareinthewrongAboutoursablebrothers;

AndIintendtostopthesongOfPickeringandothers。’’

Alas,Ididn’tdoitthough!

OldPickering’sconclusionsWeretothepoint,asissuesshow,Andmineweremeredelusions。

MyinkypetwasclothedandfedFormonthsexceedingforty;

Buttotheend,itmustbesaid,Hiswayswereverynaughty。

WhentoldabouttheLandofMornAbovethisworldofMammon,He’dshout,withanemphaticscorn,``Ah,gammon,gammon,gammon!’’

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Heneverlingered,likethebard,Tosniffatroseexpanding。

``Melike,’’hesaid,``emcattle—yard—

Finesmell—desmellofbranding!’’

Thesoulofman,Itriedtoshow,Wentupbeyondourvision。

``Youebberseedatfellowgo?’’

Heaskedinsheerderision。

Inshort,itsoonoccurredtomeThiskidofsixorseven,Whowouldn’tlearnhisABC,Washardlyripeforheaven。

Heneverlosthisappetite—

Hebiggergrew,andbigger;

Andproved,witheveryinchofheight,Aniggerisanigger。

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And,lookingfromthismomentback,IhaveastrongpersuasionThat,afterall,afinishedblackIsnotthe``clean’’—Caucasian。

DearPeterfrommythresholdwent,Onemorninginthebody:

He``dropped’’me,toobligeagent—

Agentwithspearandwaddy!

Heshelvedmeforaboomerang—

Weneverhadaquarrel;

And,ifamoralheredothhang,Whyletithang—themoral!

Mymournfultaleitscoursehasrun—

MyPete,whenlastIspiedhim,Waseating’possumunderdone:

Hehadhisginbesidehim。

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NARRARACREEK

(WrittenintheShadowof1872)

FROMtherainyhill—heads,where,instartsandinspasms,Leapswildthewhitetorrentfromchasmstochasms—

Fromthehomeofboldechoes,whosevoicesofwonderFlyoutofblindcavernsstruckblackbyhighthunder—

Throughgorgesaugust,inwhosenetherrecessesIsheardthefarpsalmofunseenwildernesses—

Likeadominantspirit,astrong—handedsharerOfspoilwiththetempest,comesdowntheNarrara。

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Yea,wherethegreatswordofthehurricanecleavethTheforestedfellsthatthedarkneverleaveth—

Byfierce—featuredcrags,inwhoseevilabyssesTheclammysnakecoils,andtheflatadderhisses—

Pastlordlyrocktemples,whereSilenceisrivenBytheanthemssupremeofthefourwindsofheaven—

Itspeeds,withthecryofthestreamsofthefountainsItchainedtoitssides,anddraggeddownfromthemountains!

Butwhenitgoesforthfromtheslopeswithasally—

Beingstrengthenedwithtributefrommanyavalley—

Itbroadensandbrightens,andthereuponmarchesAbovethestreamsapphiresandundergreenarches,Withtherhythmofmajesty—carelessofcumber—

Itsmightinreposeanditsfiercenessinslumber—

Tillitbeamsontheplains,wherethewindisabearerOfwordsfromtheseatothestatelyNarrara!

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Narrara!grandsonofthehaughtyhilltorrent,ToolateinmydayhaveIlookedatthycurrent—

ToolateinmylifetodiscernandinheritThesoulofthybeauty,thejoyofthyspirit!

Withtheyearsoftheyouthandthehairsofthehoary,Isitlikeashadowoutsideofthyglory;

Norlookwiththemorning—likefeelings,Oriver,Thatilluminedtheboyinthedaysgoneforever!

Ah!sadarethesoundsofoldballadswhichborrowOne—halfoftheirgrieffromthelistener’ssorrow;

AndsadaretheeyesofthepilgrimwhotracesTheruinsofTimeinrevisitedplaces;

ButsadderthanallisthesenseofhislossesThatcomethtoonewhenasuddenagecrossesAndcrippleshismanhood。So,strickenbyfate,I

Feltolderatthirtythansomedoateighty。

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BecauseIbelieveinthebeautifulstory,ThepoemofGreeceinthedaysofherglory—

Thatthehigh—seatedLordofthewoodsandthewatersHaspeopledHisworldwithHisdeifieddaughters—

ThatflowerfulforestsandwaterwaysstreamingAregraciouswithgoddessesglowingandgleaming—

Ipraythatthysingingdivinity,fairerThanwonderfulwomen,maylisten,Narrara!

Ospiritofsea—goingcurrents!—thou,beingThechildofimmortals,all—knowing,all—seeing—

ThouhastatthyheartthedarktruththatIborrowForthesongthatIsingthee,nofancifulsorrow;

InthesightofthineeyesisthehistorywrittenOfLovesmittendownasthestrongleafissmitten;

AndbeforetheetheregoethaphantombeseechingForfacultiesforfeited—hopesbeyondreaching。

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Thouknowest,OsisterofdeitiesblazingWithsplendourineffable,beautyamazing,Whatlifethegodsgaveme—whatlargessItasted—

Theyouththrownaway,andthefacultieswasted。

Imight,asthouseest,havestoodinhighplaces,Insteadofinpitswherethebrandofdisgraceis,Abywordforscoffers—abuttandacaution,WiththegraveofpoorBurnsandMaginnformyportion。

ButtheheartoftheFatherSupremeisoffended,AndmylifeinthelightofHisfavourisended;

And,whippedbyinflexibledevils,Ishiver,Withahollow``Toolate’’inmyhearingforever;

Butthou—beingsinless,exalted,supernal,Thedaughterofdiademedgods,theeternal—

ShaltshineinthywaterswhentimeandexistenceHavedwindled,likestars,inunspeakabledistance。

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Butthefaceofthyriver—thetorrentedpowerThatsmitesattherockwhileitfosterstheflower—

Shallgleaminmydreamswiththesummer—looksplendid,Andthebeautyofwoodlandsandwaterfallsblended;

AndoftenI’llthinkoffar—forestednoises,Andtheemphasisdeepofgrandsea—goingvoices,AndturntoNarraratheeyesofalover,Whenthesorrowfuldaysofmysingingareover。

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INMEMORYOFJOHNFAIRFAX

WRITTENAFTERREADINGATOUCHINGPOEMBYMRSBROWNING

BECAUSEthismanfulfilledhisdays,LikeonewhowalkswithsteadfastgazeAvertedfromforbiddenwaysWithluresoffair,falsefloweragedeep,BeholdtheLordwhosethroneisdimWithfiresofflamingseraphim—

TheChristthatsufferedsentforhim:

``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’

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ThinknotthatsoulswhosedeedsaugustPutsintoshameandmakemenjustBecomeatlastthehelplessdustThatwinteringwindsthroughwaste—landssweep!

Thehigherlifewithinuscries,Likesomefinespiritfromtheskies,``TheFather’sblessingonuslies—

`HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’’

Nothumansleep—thefitfulrestWithevilshapesofdreamsdistressed,—

Butperfectquiet,unexpressedByanyworldlywordwekeep。

ThedimHereafterframedincreedsMaynotbethis;butHewhoreadsOurlives,setsflowersonwaysideweeds—

``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’

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BesurethisherowhohaspassedThehumanspace—theoutervast—

Whoworkedinharnesstothelast,Dothnowahallowedharvestreap。

Loveseeshisgrave,norturnsaway—

Theeyesoffaithareliketheday,Andgriefhasnotawordtosay—

``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’

Thatfair,rarespirit,Honour,throwsAlight,whichputstoshametherose,Acrosshisgrave,becausesheknowsThesonwhoseashesitdothkeep;

And,likefarmusic,thisisheard—

``Beholdthemanwhoneverstirred,Bywordofhis,anangryword!—

`HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’’

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Heearnedhisplace。Withinhishands,Thepowerwhichcounselsandcommands,Andshapesthesociallifeoflands,Becameablessingpureanddeep。

Note:ThePressThroughthirtyyearsofturbulenceOurthoughtsweresweetenedwithasenseOfhisbenignantinfluence—

``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’

Nosplendidtalents,whichexciteLikemusic,songs,orfloodsoflight,Werehis;but,rather,allthosebright,CalmqualitiesofsoulwhichreapAmute,butcertain,finerespect,Notonlyfromasourceelect,Butfromtheheartsofeverysect—

``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’

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HegivethHisbelovedrest!

Thefaithfulsoulthatonwardpressed,Unswerving,fromLife’seasttowest,Bypathsaustereandpassessteep,Ispastalltoil;and,overDeath,Withreverenthandsandprayerfulbreath,Iplantthisflower,alivewithfaith—

``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’

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ARALUEN

TAKEthisrose,andverygentlyplaceitonthetender,deepMosseswhereourlittledarling,Araluen,liesasleep。

Puttheblossomclosetobaby—kneelwithme,mylove,andpray;

Wemustleavethebirdwe’veburied—saygood—byetoherto—day。

Intheshadowofourtroublewemustgotootherlands,Andtheflowerswehavefosteredwillbelefttootherhands:

Othereyeswillwatchthemgrowing—otherfeetwillsoftlytreadPage:123

Wheretwoheartsarenearlybreaking,wheresomanytearsareshed。

Bitteristheworldwelivein:lifeandlovearemixedwithpain;

Wewillneverseethesedaisies—neverwaterthemagain。

Ah!thesaddestthoughtinleavingbabyinthisbushaloneIsthatwehavenotbeenableonhergravetoplaceastone:

Wehavebeentoopoortodoit;but,mydarling,nevermind—

Godisinthegraciousheavens,andHissunandrainarekind:

Theywilldressthespotwithbeauty,theywillmakethegrassesgrow:

Manywindswilllullourbirdie,manysongswillcomeandgo。

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Heretheblue—eyedSpringwilllinger,heretheshiningmonthwillstay,Likeafriend,byAraluen,whenwetwoarefaraway;

Butbeyondthewild,widewaters,wewilltreadanothershore—

Wewillneverwatchthisblossom,neverseeitanymore。

Girl,whosehandatGod’shighaltarinthedear,deadyearIpressed,Leanyourstrickenheaduponme—thisisstillyourlover’sbreast!

Shewhosleepswasfirstandsweetest—nonewehavetotakeherplace;

Emptyisthelittlecradle—absentisthelittleface。

Otherchildrenmaybegiven;butthisrosebeyondrecall,Butthisgarlandofyourgirlhood,willbedearestofthemall。

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Nonewillever,Araluen,nestlewhereyouusedtobe,Inmyheartofhearts,youdarling,whentheworldwasnewtome;

Wewereyoungwhenyouwerewithus,lifeandlovewerehappythingsToyourfatherandyourmothereretheangelsgaveyouwings。

Youthatsitandsobbesideme—you,uponwhosegoldenheadManyrainsofmanysorrowshavefromdaytodaybeenshed;

Whobecauseyourlovewasnoble,facedwithmethelotaustereEverpressingwithitshardshiponthemanoflettershere—

Letmefeelthatyouarenearme,layyourhandwithinmineown;

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YouareallIhavetolivefor,nowthatweareleftalone。

Threetherewere,butonehasvanished。Sinsofminehavemadeyouweep;

Butforgiveyourbaby’sfathernowthatbabyisasleep。

Letusgo,fornightisfalling;leavethedarlingwithherflowers;

Otherhandswillcomeandtendthem—otherfriendsinotherhours。

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THESYDNEYINTERNATIONALEXHIBITION

(APrizePoempublishedwiththekindpermissionoftheProprietorsofthe``SydneyMorningHerald’’)

NOW,whileOrion,flamingsouth,dothsetAshiningfootonhillsofwindandwet—

FarhaughtyhillsbeyondthefountainscoldAnddellsofglimmeringgreennessmanifold—

WhileAugustsingstheadventoftheSpring,AndinthecalmisheardSeptember’swing,ThelordlyvoiceofsongIaskofthee,High,deathlessradiance—crownedCalliope!

Whatthoughweneverhearthegreatgod’slaysWhichmadeallmusictheHellenicdays—

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WhatthoughthefaceofthyfairheavenbeamsStillonlyonthecrystalGrecianstreams—

Whatthoughaskyofnew,strangebeautyshinesWherenowhiteDryadsingswithinthepines:

Hereisalandwhoselarge,imperialgraceMusttemptthee,goddess,inthineholyplace!

Herearethedellsofpeaceandplenilune,Thehillsofmorningandtheslopesofnoon;

Herearethewatersdeartodaysofblue,Anddark—greenhollowsofthenoontidedew;

Hereliestheharp,byfragrantwood—windsfanned,Thatwaitsthecomingofthyquickeninghand!

AndshallAustralia,framedandsetinsea,Augustwithglory,waitinvainforthee?

ShallmorethanTempe’sbeautybeunsungBecauseitsshineisstrange—itscoloursyoung?

No!bythefull,livelightwhichputstoshameThefar,fairsplendoursofThessalianflame—

ByyonderforestpsalmwhichsinksandswellsLikethatofPhocis,gravewithoracles—

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BydeeppropheticwindsthatcomeandgoWherewhisperingspringsofponderingmountainsflow—

Bylute—likeleavesandmany—languagedcaves,Wheresoundsthestronghosannaofthewaves,ThisgreatnewmajestyshallnotremainUnhonouredbythehighimmortalstrain!

Soon,soon,themusicofthesouthernlyreShallstartandblossomwithaspeechlikefire!

Soon,soon,shallflowerandflowinflamedivineThysongs,Apollo,andEuterpe,thine!

Strong,shiningsonsofDelphicusshallriseWithalltheirfather’sgloryintheireyes;

AndthenshallbeamonyonderslopesandspringsThelightthatswimsuponthelightofthings。

Andtherefore,lingeringinalandoflawn,I,standinghere,asingerofthedawn,WithgazeupturnedtowherewansummitslieAgainstthemorningflowingupthesky—

WhoseeyesindreamsofmanycoloursseePage:130

Aglitteringvisionoftheyearstobe—

Doaskofthee,Calliope,onehourOflifepre—eminentwithperfectpower,ThatImayleaveasongwhoselonelyraysMayshinehereafterfromthesesonglessdays。

FornowtherebreaksacrossthefaintgreyrangeTherose—reddawningofaradiantchange。

Asoft,sweetvoiceisinthevalleysdeep,Wheredarknessdroopsandsingsitselftosleep。

Thegrave,mutewoods,thatyetthesilenceholdOfdim,deadages,gleamwithhintsofgold。

Yoneasterncapethatmeetsthestraitenedwave—

Atwofoldtowerabovethewhistlingcave—

Whosestrengthinthundershieldsthegentlelea,Andmakesawhitewrathofaleagueofsea,Nowwearsthefaceofpeace;andinthebayTheweak,spentvoiceofWinterdiesaway。

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Ineverydellthereisawhisperingwing,OneverylawnaglimmeroftheSpring;

Byeveryhillaregrowthsoftendergreen—

Oneveryslopeafair,newlifeisseen;

Andlo!beneaththemorning’sblossomingfires,Theshiningcityofahundredspires,Inmistsofgold,bycountlesshavensfurled,Andgladwithalltheflagsofalltheworld!

Thesearetheshores,where,inadreamoffear,Cathaysawdarknessdwellinghalftheyear!

Note:Accordingtothateminentauthority,Mr。R。H。Major,andothers,theGreatSouthernLandisreferredtoinoldChineserecordsasapolarcontinent,subjecttothelongpolarnights。

ThesearethecoaststhatoldfallacioustalesChaineddownwithiceandringedwithsleeplessgales!

Thisisthelandthat,inthehourofawe,Page:132

FromIndianpeakstheraptVenetiansaw!

Note:MarcoPolomentionsalargelandcalledbytheMalaysLochac。

Thenortherncoastwassupposedtobeinlatitude10[degree]S。(VideBennett,andothers。

HereisthelonggreylineofstrangeseawallThatcheckedtheprowoftheaudaciousGaul,Whattimehesteeredtowardsthesouthernsnow,Fromzonetozone,fourhundredyearsago!

Note:Mr。R。H。MajorhasdiscoveredamapofTerraAustralisdatedA。D。1542,andbearingthenameofLeTestu,aFrenchpilot。LeTestumusthavevisitedthesecoastssomeyearsbeforethedateofthechart。

Byyondergulf,whosemarchingwatersmeetThewine—darkcurrentsfromtheislesofheat,StrongsonsofEurope,inafardimyear,Facedghastlyfoes,andfeltthealienspear!

There,inalaterdawn,byshiplesswaves,Thetendergrassesfoundforgottengraves。

Note:ThesailorsoftheDuyfhen,aDutchvesselwhichenteredCarpentaria,inA。D。1605,wereattackedbythenatives。Inthefray,someofthewhiteswerekilled。

Nodoubt,theseunluckyadventurerswerethefirstEuropeansburiedinAustralia。(VideWoods,andothers。)

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Farinthewest,beyondthosehillssublime,DirkHartoganchoredintheoldentime;

There,byawild—facedbay,andinacleft,Hisshiningnamethefair—hairedNorthmanleft;

Note:DirkHartogleftatinplate,bearinghisname,inShark’sBay,WesternAustralia。ItwaslastseeninA。D。1803。

And,onthosebroadimperialwaters,farBeneaththelordlyoccidentalstar,SailedTasmandownagreatandglowingspaceWhosesofterlightswerelikehislady’sface。

Indreamsofherherovedfromzonetozone,Andgaveherlovelynametocoastsunknown;

Andsaw,instreamingsunseteverywhere,Thecuriousbeautyofhergoldenhair。

Note:AbelTasman’sloveforMariaVanDiemaniswellknown。

Tasmania,andmanyoftheislandsandpointsontheN。W。coastsofAustraliawerenamedafterher。

Byflamingtractsoftropicafternoon,Whereinlowheavenshangsafourfoldmoon。

Here,onthetidesofaresplendentyear,Page:134

Bycapesofjasper,camethebuccaneer。

Note:Dampier。

Then,then,thewildmen,flyingfromthebeach,Firstheardtheclear,boldsoundsofEnglishspeech;

AndthenfirstfellacrossaSouthernplainThebroad,strongshadowsofaSaxontrain。

Nearyonderwallofstatelycliff,thatbravesThearroganceofcongregatedwaves,ThedaringsonofgreyoldYorkshirestoodAnddreamedinamajesticsolitude,WhattimeagentleAprilsheditsshowers,Aflamewithsunset,ontheBayofFlowers。

Note:BotanyBayThenobleseamanwhowithheldthehand,AndsparedtheHectorofhisnativeland—

Thesinglesavage,yellingonthebeachThedark,strangecursesofbarbaricspeech。

Exaltedsailor!whosebenignantphraseShinesfullofbeautyintheselatterdays;

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WhometthenakedtribesoffieryskiesWithgreat,divinecompassioninhiseyes;

Whodied,likeHimofhoaryNazareth,Thatdeathaugust—theradiantmartyr’sdeath;

WhointhelasthourshowedtheChristianfaceWhosecrumblingbeautyshamedthealienrace。

InpeacehesleepswheredeepeternalcalmsLieroundthelandofheavy—fruitedpalms。

Lo!inthatdell,behindasingingbar,Wheredeep,purepoolsofglitteringwatersare,Beyondamossy,yellow,gleamingglade,ThelastofForbySutherlandwaslaid—

Theblue—eyedSaxonfromthehillsofsnowWhofellasleepahundredyearsago。

Inflowerfulshades,wheregoldandgreenarerife,Stillreststheshellofhisforgottenlife。

Far,faraway,beneathsomenorthernskyThefathersofhishumblehouseholdlie;

Butbyhislonelygravearesapphirestreams,Andgraciouswoodlands,wherethefire—flygleams;

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AndevercomesacrossasilverleaThehymnsublimeoftheeternalsea。

Onthatboldhill,againstabroadbluestream,StoodArthurPhillipinadayofdream:

Whattimethemistsofmorningwestwardrolled,Andheavenfloweredonabayofgold!

Here,inthehourthatshinesandsoundsafar,FlamedfirstoldEngland’sbannerlikeastar;

Here,inatimeaugustwithprayerandpraise,Wasbornthenationofthesesplendiddays;

Andherethisland’smajesticyesterdayOfimmemorialsilencediedaway。

Wherearethewoodsthat,ninetysummersback,Stoodhoarwithagesbythewater—track?

Wherearethevalleysoftheflashingwing,Page:137

Thedimgreenmarginsandtheglimmeringspring?

Wherenowthewarrioroftheforestrace,Hisglaringwar—paintandhisfearlessface?

ThebanksofAprilandthegrovesofbird,Thegladesofsilenceandthepoolsunstirred,Thegleamingsavageandthewhistlingspear,Passedwiththepassingofawildoldyear!

Asingletorrentsingingbythewave,Ashadowyrelicinamountaincave,Aghostoffireinimmemorialhills,Thewhittledtreebyfoldedwaysiderills,Thecallofbirdthathidesinhollowsfar,Wherefeetofthunder,wingsofwinterare—

OfallthatPast,thesewrecksofwindandrain,Thesetouchingmemories—thesealoneremain!

Whatsunisthisthatbeamsandbroadenswest?

Whatwonderthis,indeathlessglorydressed?

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Whatstrange,sweetharpofhighestgodtookflameAndgavethisTroyitslife,itslight,itsname?

WhatawfullyreofmarvellouspowerandrangeUpraisedthisIlion—wroughtthisdazzlingchange?

NoshiningsingerofHellenicdreamsSetyondersplendourbythemorningstreams!

NogodwhoglimmersinadoubtfulsphereShedglorythere—createdbeautyhere!

Thisisthecitythatourfathersframed—

Thesearethecrescentsbytheeldersnamed!

Thehumanhandsofstrong,heroicmenBrokedownthemountain,filledthegapingglen,Ranstreetsthroughswamp,builtbanksagainstthefoam,Andbentthearchandraisedthelordlydome!

Herearethetowersthatthefoundersmade!

HerearethetempleswheretheseRomansprayed!

Herestandthecourtsinwhichtheirleadersmet!

Herearetheirhomes,andheretheiraltarsyet!

HeresleepthegrandoldmenwhoselivessublimePage:139

Ofthoughtandactionshineandsoundthroughtime!

Whoworkedindarkness—onwardfoughttheirwaysTobringabouttheselargemajesticdays—

WholefttheirsonstheheartsandhighdesiresWhichbuiltthiscityofthehundredspires!

AstatelyMorningrisesonthewing,Thehillstakecolour,andthevalleyssing。

AstrongSeptemberflamesbeyondthelea—

Asilvervisiononasilversea。

AnewAge,``castinadivinermould’’,Comescrownedwithlustre,zonedandshodwithgold!

Whatdreamisthisonlawnyspacesset?

Whatmiracleofdomeandminaret?

WhatgreatmutemajestyisthisthattakesThefirstofmorningerethesong—birdwakes?

Lo,thiswasbuilttohonourgatheringlandsByCeltic,Saxon,Australasianhands!

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ThesearethehallswherealltheflagsunfurledBreakintospeechthatwelcomesalltheworld。

Andlo,ourfriendsareherefromeveryzone—

Fromisleswedreamofandfromtractsunknown!

HerearethefathersfromthestatelyspaceWhereIrelandisandEngland’ssacredface!

HerearetheNorsemenfromtheirstrongsea—wall,Thegrave,grandTeutonandthebrilliantGaul!

Fromgreen,sweetgrovesthedark—eyedLusianssail,AndproudIberialeavesthegrape—flushedvale。

HerearethelordswhosestarrybannershinesFromfierceMagellantotheArcticpines。

Herecomethestrangersfromthegatesofday—

FromhillsofsunriseandfromwhiteCathay。

Thespicyislandssendtheirswarthysons,TheloftyNorthitsmailedandmightyones。

Venetiankeelsarefloatingonoursea;

OureyesaregladwithradiantItaly!

Yea,NorthandSouth,andglowingWestandEast,Aregatheringheretograceoursplendidfeast!

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ThechiefsfrompeaksaugustwithAsiansnow,Theeldersbornwhereregalrosesgrow,Comehither,withtheflowerofthatfairlandThatbloomsbeyondthefierytractsofsandWhereSyriansunstheirangrylustresflingAcrossblindchannelsofthebygonespring。

Andonthisgreat,auspiciousday,theflowersOflabourglorifymajestichours。

ThesingingangelfromthestarrysphereOfdazzlingScienceshowshiswondershere;

AndArt,thedream—cladspirit,starts,andbringsFromFairylandherstrange,sweet,glitteringthings。

Herearetheworksmandid,whattimehisfaceWastouchedbyGodinsomeexaltedplace;

Hereglowsthesplendour—herethemarvelwroughtWhenHeavenflasheduponthemaker’sthought!

Yea,hereareallthemiraclessublime—

ThelightsofGeniusandthestarsofTime!

And,beingliftedbythisnoblenoon,Australiabroadenslikeatropicmoon。

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Herwhite,purelustrebeamsacrossthezones;

Thenationsgreetherfromtheirawfulthrones。

FromhencethemorningbeautyofhernameWillshineafar,likeanexceedingflame。

Herplacewillbewithmightylords,whoseswayControlsthethunderandthemarchingday。

HercrownwillshinebesidethecrownsofkingsWhoshapetheseasons,rulethecourseofthings,ThefameofheracrosstheyearstobeWillspreadlikelightonasurpassingsea;

Andgracedwithglory,girtwithpoweraugust,Herlifewilllasttillallthingsturntodust。

ToTheethefaceofsongisliftednow,OLord!towhomtheawfulmountainsbow;

Whosehands,unseen,thetenfoldstormscontrol;

Whosethundersshakethespheresfrompoletopole;

WhofromThyhighestheavenlookestdown,Page:143

TheseaThyfootstool,andthesunThycrown;

AroundwhosethronethedeathlessplanetssingHosannastotheirhigh,eternalKing。

ToTheethesoulofprayerthismorningturns,Withfaiththatglitters,andwithhopethatburns!

And,inthemomentsofmajesticcalmThatfilltheheartinpausesofthepsalm,SheasksThyblessingforthisfairyounglandThatflowerswithinthehollowofThinehand!

SheseeksofTheethatboon,thatgiftsublime,TheChristianradiance,forthishopeofTime!

AndThouwiltlisten!andThyfacewillbendTosmileuponus—Master,Father,Friend!

TheChristtowhompurepleadinghearthathcreptWashumanonce,andinthedarknesswept;

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ThegraciouslovethathelpeduslongagoWillonuslikeasummersunriseflow,Andbealighttoguidethenation’sfeetOnholypaths—onsacredwaysandsweet。

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CHRISTMASCREEK

PHANTOMstreamswereinthedistance—mockinglightsoflakeandpool—

Ghostsoftreesofsoftgreenlustre—grovesofshadowsdeepandcool!

Yea,somedevilranbeforethemchangingskiesofbrasstoblue,Settingbloomwherecurseisplanted,whereagrass—bladenevergrew。

Sixtherewere,andhighabovethemglaredawildandwizenedsun,Page:146

Ninetyleaguesfromwherethewatersofthesingingvalleysrun。

Therebeforethem,therebehindthem,wasthegreat,stark,stubbornplain,Wherethedrywindshissforever,andtheblindearthmoansforrain!

Ringedaboutbytracksoffurnace,ninetyleaguesfromstreamandtree,Sixtherewere,withwastedfaces,workingnorthwardstothesea!

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Ah,thebitter,hopelessdesert!HerethesebrokenhumanwrecksPage:147

Trodthewildswheresandoffireiswiththespitefulspinifex,Toiledthroughspheresthatnobirdknowsof,wherewithfieryemphasisHellhathstampeditsawfulmint—markdeeponeverythingthatis!

Toiledandthirsted,stroveandsuffered!ThiswaswhereDecember’sbreathAsawindofsmitingflameisonweird,haggardwastesofdeath!

Thiswaswhereawitheredmoanis,andthegleamofweak,wanstar,Andathunderfullofmenacesendsitsmightyvoicesfar!

Thiswaswhereblackexecrations,fromsomedarktribunalhurled,Page:148

Setthebrandofcurseonallthingsinthemorningoftheworld!

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Onemanyielded—thenanother—thenaladofnineteenyearsReeledandfell,withEnglishriverssingingsoftlyinhisears,Englishgrassesstartedroundhim—thenthegraceofSussexleaCameandtouchedhimwiththebeautyofagreenlandbythesea!

Old—worldfacesthrongedabouthim—old—worldvoicesspoketohim;

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Buthisspeechwaslikeawhisper,andhiseyeswereverydim。

Inadreamofgoldenevening,beamingonaquietstrand,LaythestrangertillabrightOnecameandtookhimbythehand。

Englandvanished;diedthevoices;butheheardaholiertone,Andanangelthatweknownotledhimtothelandsunknown!

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Sixtherewere,butthreeweretaken!Threewerelefttostrugglestill;

Butagainsttheredhorizonflamedahornofbrindledhill!

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Butbeyondthenorthernskyline,pastawallofsteepaustere,LaythelandoflightandcoolnessinanApril—colouredyear!

``Courage,brothers!’’criedtheleader。``OntheslopeofyonderpeakTherearetractsofherbandshadow,andthechannelsofthecreek!’’

Sotheymadeonelastgreateffort—

haledtheirbeaststhroughbrakeandbriar,Settheirfeetonspursoffurnace,grappledspikesandcragsoffire,Foughtthestubbornmountainforces,smotedownnaked,naturalpowers,TilltheygazedfromthronesofMorningonasphereofstreamsandflowers。

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Outbehindthemwasthedesert,glaringlikeaseaofbrass!

Herebeforethemwerethevalleys,fairwithmoonlight—colouredgrass!

Attheirbackswerehaggardwaste—lands,bickeringinawickedblaze!

Intheirfacesbeamedthewaters,marchingdownmelodiousways!

Touchingwasthecool,softlustreoverlapsoflawnandlea;

AndmajesticwasthegreatroadMorningmadeacrossthesea。

OnthesacreddayofChristmas,aftersevenmonthsofgrief,Restedthreeofsixwhostarted,onabankofmossandleaf—

Page:152

Restedbyarunningriver,inahushed,aholyweek;

Andtheynamedthestreamthatsavedthem—nameditfitly—``ChristmasCreek’’。

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ORARA

THEstrongsobofthechafingstreamThatseawardfightsitswayDowncragsofglitter,dellsofgleam,Isinthehillsto—day。

Butfarandfaint,agrey—wingedformHangswherethewildlightswane—

Thephantomofabygonestorm,Aghostofwindandrain。

ThesoftwhitefeetofafternoonAreontheshiningmeads,ThebreezeisasapleasanttuneAmongstthehappyreeds。

Page:154

Thefierce,disastrous,flyingfire,Thatmadethegreatcavesring,Andscarredtheslope,andbrokethespire,Isaforgottenthing。

Theairisfullofmellowsounds,Thewethill—headsarebright,Anddownthefalloffragrantgrounds,Thedeepwaysflamewithlight。

Arose—redspaceofstreamIsee,Pastbanksoftenderfern;

Aradiantbrook,unknowntomeBeyonditsupperturn。

Thesinging,silverlifeIhear,Whosehomeisinthegreen,Far—foldedwoodsoffountainsclear,WhereIhaveneverbeen。

Page:155

Ah,brookabovetheupperbend,IoftenlongtostandWhereyouinsoft,coolshadesdescendFromtheuntroddenland!

Ah,foldedwoods,thathidethegraceOfmossandtorrentsstrong,IoftenwishtoknowthefaceOfthatwhichsingsyoursong!

ButImaylinger,long,andlookTillnightisoverall:

Myeyeswillneverseethebrook,Orsweet,strangewaterfall。

Theworldisroundmewithitsheat,Andtoil,andcaresthattire;

IcannotwithmyfeeblefeetClimbaftermydesire。

Page:156

But,onthelapoflandsunseen,Withinasecretzone,ThereshinedivinergoldandgreenThanmanhaseverknown。

AndwherethesilverwaterssingDownhushedandholydells,TheflowerofacelestialSpring—

Atenfoldsplendour,dwells。

Yea,inmydreamoffallandbrookByfarsweetforestsfurled,IseethatlightforwhichIlookInvainthroughalltheworld—

ThegloryofalargerskyOnslopesofhillssublime,ThatspeakwithGodandmorning,highAbovethewaysofTime!

Page:157

Ah!haplyinthissphereofchangeWhereshadowsspoilthebeam,ItwouldnotdotoclimbthatrangeAndtestmyradiantDream。

Theslightestglimpseofyonderplace,Untroddenandalone,Mightwhollykillthatnamelessgrace,Thecharmoftheunknown。

Andtherefore,thoughIlookandlong,PerhapsthelotisbrightWhichkeepstheriverofthesongAbeautyoutofsight。

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THECURSEOFMOTHERFLOOD

Wizenedthewoodis,andwanisthewaythroughit;

Whiteasacorpseisthefaceofthefen;

Onlyblueaddersabideinandstraythroughit—

Addersandvenomandhorrorstomen。

Hereisthe``ghostofagarden’’whoseministerFostersstrangeblossomsthatstartleandscare。

Redasman’sbloodisthesunthat,withsinisterFlame,isamenaceofhellintheair。

Wrinkledandhaggardthehillsare—thejagsofthemGapeliketolivingandominousthings:

Stormanddrythundercryoutinthecragsofthem—

Fire,andthewindwithawoeinitswings。

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Neveramoonwithoutclammy—coldshroudonitHitherwardcomes,oraflower—likestar!

Onlythehissofthetempestisloudonit—

Hiss,andthemoanofabitterseabar。

Hereonthiswaste,andtoleftandtorightofit,Neverislisportherippleofrain:

Fierceisthedaytimeandwildisthenightofit,Flamewithoutlimitandfrostwithoutwane!

Treeshalfalive,withthesenseofacurseonthem,Shudderandshrinkfromtheblackheavygale;

Ghastly,withboughsliketheplumesofahearseonthem:

Barrenofblossomandblastedwithbale。

Underthecliffthatstaresdowntothesouthofit—

Backbythehornsofahazardoushill,DumbisthegorgewithagraveinthemouthofitStill,asacorpseinacoffinisstill。

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NevertherehoversahopeoftheSpringbyit—

Neveraglimmerofyellowandgreen:

OnlythebatwithawhisperofwingbyitFlitslikealifeoutoffleshandunseen。

Herearethegrowthsthatarelividandglutinous,Speckled,andbloatedwithpoisonousblood:

Thisisthehauntoftheviper—breedmutinous:

CursedwiththecurseofweirdCatherineFlood。

Hethathathlookedonit—hurriedaghastfromit,Hairofhimfrozenwithhorrorstraightway,Chasedbyasuddenstrangepestilentblastfromit—

Whereisthespeechofhim—whatcanhesay?

Hathhenotseenthefierceghostofahaginit?

Heardmaledictionsthatstartlethestars?

Dumbishismouthasamouthwithagaginit—

Muteishislifeasalifewithinbars。

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Justtheoneglimpseofthatgrey,shriekingwomanthereRingedbyacircleoffurnaceandfiend!

Hethatwenthappyandhealthyandhumanthere—

Whereshallthewhiteleperflytobecleaned?

Here,inapitwithindefinitedoomonit,Here,inthefumesofafeculentmoat,Underanalpwithinscrutablegloomonit,Squatsthewildwitchwithaghoulatherthroat!

Blackexecrationthatcannotbespokenof—

SpeechofredhellthatwouldsuffocateSong,StartsfromthisterrorwithneveratokenofDayanditslovelinessalltheyearlong。

Sinwithoutnametoit—manneverheardofit—

Crimethatwouldstartleafiendfromhislair,BlastedthisGlen,andtheleafandthebirdofit—

Whereistherehopeforit,Father,Owhere?

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Farinthedaysofourfathers,thelifeinitBlossomedandbeamedinthesightofthesun:

Yellowandgreenandthepurplewererifeinit,Singersofmorningandwatersthatrun。

Stormoftheequinoxshednodistressonit,Thunderspokesoftly,andsummer—timeleftSunset’sforsakenbrightbeautifuldressonit—

Blessingthatshonehalfthenightinthecleft。

Hymnsofthehighlands—hosannasfromhillsbyit,Psalmsofgreatforestsmadeholythespot:

Coolwerethemossesandclearweretherillsbyit—

FarinthedayswhentheHorrorwasnot。

Twentymilessouthisthestrong,shiningHawkesbury—

Spaciousandsplendid,andlordlywithblooms。

There,betweenmountainsmagnificent,walksburyMilesoftheirbeautyingreenmyrtleglooms。

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There,inthedell,isthefountainwithfallsbyit—

Falls,andatorrentofsummeringstream:

Thereisthecavewiththehyalinehallsbyit—

Hauntoftheechoandhomeofthedream。

Overthehill,bythemarvellousbaseofit,WandersthewindwithasonginitsbreathOuttotheseawiththegoldonthefaceofit—

TwentymilessouthoftheValleyofDeath。

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ONASPANISHCATHEDRAL

Note:EveryExpressioninthesestanza’smayfairlybeclaimedbytheHon。W。B。DalleyDEEPunderthespiresofahill,bythefeetofthethunder—cloudtrod,Ipauseinaluminous,still,magnificenttempleofGod!

Atthestepsofthealtaraugust—avisionofangelsinstone—

Ikneel,withmyheadtothedust,onthefloorsbytheseraphimknown。

NofatherinJesusisnear,withthehigh,thecompassionateface;

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ButthegloryofGodheadishere—itspresencetransfigurestheplace!

Beholdinthisbeautifulfane,withthelightsofblueheavenimpearled,IthinkoftheEldersofSpain,inthedeserts—thewildsoftheworld!

Ithinkofthewandererspoorwhokneltontheflintsandthesands,WhenthemightyandmercilessMoorwaslordoftheLadyofLands。

WheretheAfricanscimitarflamed,withaswift,bitterdeathinitskiss,Thefathers,unknownandunnamed,foundGodincathedralslikethis!

TheglowofHisSpirit—thebeamofHisblessing—madelordsofthemenPage:166

Whosefoodwastheherbofthestream,whoseroofwasthedomeoftheden。

And,farinthehillsbythesea,theseawfulhierophantsprayedForRomeanditstemplestobe—inatemplebyDeitymade。

Whoknowsoftheirfaith—ofitspower?Perhaps,withthelightintheireyes,Theysaw,insomewonderfulhour,themarvelofcenturiesrise!

Perhapsinsomemomentsupreme,whenthemountainswereholyandstill,TheydreamedthemagnificentdreamthatcametothemonksofSeville!

SurroundedbypillarsandspireswhosesummitsshoneoutintheglarePage:167

Ofthehigh,theomnipotentfires,whoknowswhatwasseenbythemthere?

Besure,iftheysaw,inthenoonoftheirfaith,someineffablefane,TheylookedonthechurchlikeamoondroppeddownbytheLordintoSpain。

AndtheElderswhoshoneinthetimewhenChristoverChristendombeamedMayhavedreamedattheiraltarssublimethedreamthattheirfathershaddreamed,BythegloryofItalymoved—themajestyshininginRome—

Theyturnedtothelandthattheyloved,andprayedforachurchintheirhome;

Andasoulofunspeakablefiredescendedonthem,andtheyfoughtPage:168

Andlabouredalifeforthespireandtoweranddomeoftheirthought!

Thesegrewunderblessingandpraise,asmorninginsummertimegrows—

AsTroyinthedawnofthedaystothemusicofDelphicusrose。

Inalandofbewilderinglight,wherethefeetoftheseasonareSpring’s,Theyworkedinthedayandthenight,surroundedbybeautifulthings。

Thewonderfulblossomsinstone—theflowerandleafoftheMoor,Oncolumnandcupolashone,andgleamedontheglimmeringfloor。

Inasplendourofcolourandform,fromthemarvellousAfrican’shandsPage:169

Yetvividandshiningandwarm,theyplantedtheFloweroftheLands。

Inspiredbythepatiencesupremeofthemute,themagnificentpast,Theytoiledtillthedomeoftheirdreaminthefirmamentblossomedatlast!

Justthinkofthesemen—oftheirtime—ofthedaysoftheirdeed,andthescene!

Howtouchingtheirzeal—howsublimetheirsuppressionofselfmusthavebeen!

InacityyethackedbytheswordandscarredbytheflameoftheMoor,TheystartedtheworkoftheirLord,sad,silent,andsolemnlypoor。

Thesefathers,howlittletheythoughtofthemselves,andhowmuchofthedaysPage:170

Whenthechildrenofmenwouldbebroughttoprayintheirtemple,andpraise!

Ah!fulloftheradiant,still,heroicoldlifethathasflown,ThemercifulmonksofSevilletoiledon,anddiedbareandunknown。

Themusic,thecolour,thegleamoftheirmightycathedralwillbeHereafteraluminousdreamoftheheavenInevermaysee;

Toaspiritthatsuffersandseeksforthecalmofacompetentcreed,Thistemple,whosemajestyspeaks,becomesareligionindeed;

Thepassionatelights—theintense,theineffablebeautyofsound—

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Gostraighttotheheartthroughthesense,asasongwouldofseraphimcrowned。

Andlo!bythesealtarsaugust,thelifethatishighestwelive,Andarefilledwiththeinfinitetrustandthepeacethattheworldcannotgive。

Theyhavepassed,havetheeldersoftime—theyhavegone;buttheworkoftheirhands,Pre—eminent,peerless,sublime,likeatypeofeternitystands!

Theyaremute,arethefatherswhomadethischurchinthecenturydim;

Butthedomewiththeirbeautyarrayedremains,aperpetualhymn。

Theirnamesareunknown;butsolongasthehumbleinspiritandpurePage:172

Areworshippedinspeechandinsong,ourloveforthesemonkswillendure;

AndthelessonbysacrificetaughtwillliveinthelightoftheyearsWithareverencenottobebought,andatendernessdeeperthantears。

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ROVER

NoclassicwarriortemptsmypenTofillwithversethesepages—

Nolordly—heartedmanofmenMyMuse’sthoughtengages。

Letotherschoosethemightydead,Andsingtheirbattlesover!

Mychampion,too,hasfoughtandbled—

Mythemeisone—eyedRover。

Agraveolddog,withtatteredearsToosoretocockup,reader!—

Afour—leggedhero,fullofyears,Butsturdyasacedar。

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Still,ageisage;andifmyrhymeIsdashedwithwordspathetic,Don’twonder,friend;I’veseenthetimeWhenRovewasmoreathletic。

Heliescoiledupbeforemenow,Acomfortablecrescent。

Hisnight—blacknoseandgrizzledbrowFixedinafashionpleasant。

ButeverandanonheliftsTheonegoodeyeImention,AndtriesathousanddoggishshiftsTorivetmyattention。

Justletmenamehisname,andupYou’llseehimstartandpatterTowardsme,likeasix—months’pupInpointofspeed,butfatter。

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Hepokeshisheaduponmylap,Norheedsthewhipabovehim;

Becauseheknows,thedearoldchap,Hishumanfriendsalllovehim。

OuryoungerdogscutofffromhenceAtsightoflashuplifted;

ButRove,withgrandindifference,Remains,andcan’tbeshifted。

And,ah!thesetuponhisphizAtmealsdefiesexpression;

ForIconfessthatRoverisAcadgerbyprofession。

ThelesserfavouritesoftheplaceAtdinnerkeeptheirdistance;

ButbymychaironegrizzledfaceBegsonwithbravepersistence。

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Hisjawspresentatoothlesssight,ButstillmyheartyheroCansatisfyanappetiteWhichbringsabonetozero。

AndwhileSpotbarksandpussymews,Tomovethecook’scompassion,Hetakeshisafter—dinnersnoozeIngenuinebipedfashion。

Infact,inthis,ourancientpetSohitsoffhumannature,ThatIattimesalmostforgetHe’sbutadoginfeature。

BetweenhistailandbrightoldeyeTheswiftcommunicationsOutstripthemessageswhichflyFromtelegraphicstations。

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And,ah!thattail’sricheloquenceConveystooclearamoral,FormenwhohaveagrainofsenseAboutitsdrifttoquarrel。

Atnight,hisvoiceisonlyheardWhenitiswantedbadly;

ForRoveristoocuteabirdTofollowshadowsmadly。

ThepupandCarlointhedarkWillstartatcricketschirring;

ButwhenweheartheolddogbarkWeknowthere’ssomethingstirring。

Heknowsagun,doesRoverhere;

AndifIcockatrigger,HemakeshimselffromtailtoearAnadmirablefigure。

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For,oncethefowlingpieceisout,Andgameisonthetapis,Thesetuponmyhero’ssnoutWouldmakeacocklehappy。

Andasforhorses,why,betwixtOurchestnutmareandRoverThemutualfriendshipisasfixedAsanyloveoflover。

Andwhenhismaster’shandresignsThebridleforthepaddle,Hisdogshiponthegrassreclines,Andstaysandmindsthesaddle。

Ofotherfriendshehasnolack;

Greypussyishiscrony,Andkittensmountuponhisback,Asyoungstersmountapony。

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Theytalkofman’ssuperiorsense,AndchargethefewwithtreasonWhothinkadog’sintelligenceIsverylikeourreason。

ButthoughPhilosophyhastriedAscoreofdefinitions,’Twixtmananddogitcan’tdecideTherelativepositions。

AndIbelieveuponthewhole(Thoughyoumycreeddeny,sir),ThatRove’sentitledtoasoulAsmuchasyouorI,sir!

Indeed,IfailtoseetheforceOfyourderisivelaughterBecauseIwillnotsaymyhorseHasnotsomehorse—hereafter。

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Afigfordogmas—letthempass!

There’smuchinlifetogrieveus;

Andwhatmostgrievesisthis,alas!

Thatallourbestfriendsleaveus。

AndwhenIsipmynightlygrog,AndwatcholdRoverblinking,ThisroyalruinofadogCallsforthsomeseriousthinking。

For,thoughhe’slightlytouchedbyFate,IcannothelpremarkingThestepofageisinhisgait,Itshoarsenessinhisbarking。

HestillgoesonhisroundsatnightTokeepoffforestprowlers;

But,ah!hehasnoteethtobiteThecunning—heartedhowlers。