第1章

CONTENTS

THEMUSEOFAUSTRALIA

3

MOUNTAINS

3

KIAMA

6

ETHELINE

7

AILENE

9

KOOROORA

11

FAINTINGBYTHEWAY

12

SONGOFTHECATTLE-HUNTERS

14

FOOTFALLS

15

GODHELPOURMENATSEA

16

SITTINGBYTHEFIRE

17

BELLAMBI’SMAID

20

THECURLEWSONG

21

THEBALLADOFTANNA

22

THERAINCOMESSOBBINGDOTHEDOOR

23

URARA

25

EVENINGHYMN

26

STANZAS

27

THEWAILINTHENATIVEOAK

27

HARPSWELOVE

30

WAITINGANDWISHING

30

THEWILDKANGAROO

31

CLARI

33

WOLLONGONG

33

ELLAWITHTHESHININGHAIR

35

THEBARCOO

37

BELLSBEYONDTHEFOREST

37

ULMARRA

40

THEMAIDOFGERRINGONG

41

WATCHING

45

THEOPOSSUM-HUNTERS

46

INTHEDEPTHSOFAFOREST

47

TOCHARLESHARPUR

48

THERIVERANDTHEHILL

49

THEFATEOFTHEEXPLORERS

50

LURLINE

53

UNDERTHEFIGTREE

54

DROWNEDATSEA

54

MORNINGINTHEBUSH

56

THEGIRLILEFTBEHINDME

58

AMONGSTTHEROSES

59

SUNSET

60

DOUBTING

61

GERALDINE

62

ACHAN

63

POEMSANDSONGS

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THEMUSEOFAUSTRALIA

WHEREthepineswiththeeaglesarenestledinrifts,Andthetorrentleapsdowntothesurges,Ihavefollowedher,clamberingovertheclifts,Bythechasmsandmoon-hauntedverges。

Iknowsheisfairastheangelsarefair,ForhaveInotcaughtafaintglimpseofherthere;

Aglimpseofherfaceandherglitteringhair,AndahandwiththeHarpofAustralia?

Inevercanreachyou,tohearthesweetvoiceSofullwiththemusicoffountains!

Oh!whenwillyoumeetwiththatsoulofyourchoice,Whowillleadyoudownherefromthemountains?

Alyre-birdlitonashimmeringspace;

ItdazzledmineeyesandIturnedfromtheplace,Andweptinthedarkforagloriousface,AndahandwiththeHarpofAustralia!

MOUNTAINS

RIFTEDmountains,cladwithforests,girdedroundbygleamingpines,Wherethemorning,likeanangel,robedingoldensplendourshines;

Shimmeringmountains,throwingdownwardontheslopesamazyglareWherethenoondayglorysailsthroughgulfsofcalmandglitteringair;

Statelymountains,highandhoary,piledwithblocksofambercloud,Wherethefadingtwilightlingers,whenthewindsarewailingloud;

Grandoldmountains,overbeetlingbrawlingbrooksanddeepravines,Wherethemoonshine,paleandmournful,flowsonrocksandevergreens。

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Underneaththeseregalridges-underneaththegnarlytrees,Iamsitting,lonely-hearted,listeningtoalonelybreeze!

Sittingbyanancientcasement,castingmanyalonginglookOutacrossthehazygloaming-outbeyondthebrawlingbrook!

Overpathwaysleadingskyward-overcragandswellingcone,Pastlonghillockslookingliketowavesofoceanturnedtostone;

Yearningforablissunworldly,yearningforabrighterchange,YearningforthemysticAidenn,builtbeyondthismountainrange。

Happyyears,amongstthesevalleys,happyyearshavecomeandgone,Andmyyouthfulhopesandfriendshipswitheredwiththemonebyone;

Daysandmomentsbearingonwardmanyabrightandbeauteousdream,Allhavepassedmeliketosunstreaksflyingdownadistantstream。

Oh,thelovereturnedbylovedones!Oh,thefacesthatIknew!

Oh,thewrecksoffondaffection!Oh,theheartssowarmandtrue!

ButtheirvoicesIremember,andasomethinglingersstill,Likeadyingechoroamingsadlyroundafaroffhill。

Iwouldsojournherecontented,tranquilasIwasofyore,Andwouldneverwishtoclamber,seekingforanunknownshore;

Ihavedweltwithinthiscottagetwentysummers,andmineeyesNeverwanderederewhileroundinsearchofundiscoveredskies;

Butaspiritsitsbesideme,veiledinrobesofdazzlingwhite,Andadearone’swhisperwakenswiththesymphoniesofnight;

Andalowsadmusiccometh,bornealongonwindywings,Likeastrainfamiliarrisingfromamazeofslumberingsprings。

AndtheSpirit,bymywindow,speakethtomyrestlesssoul,Tellingoftheclimeshecamefrom,wherethesilentmomentsroll;

Tellingofthebournemysterious,wherethesunnysummersfleeCliffsandcoasts,bymanuntrodden,ridgingroundashiplesssea。

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Theretheyearsofyoreareblooming-theredepartedlife-dreamsdwell,TherethefacesbeamwithgladnessthatIlovedinyouthsowell;

Therethesongsofchildhoodtravel,overwave-wornsteepandstrand-

Overdaleanduplandstretchingoutbehindthismountainland。

``LovelyBeing,canamortal,wearyofthischangelessscene,Crossthesecloudysummitstothelandwheremanhathneverbeen?

Canhefindapathwayleadingthroughthatwilderingmassofpines,Sothatheshallreachthecountrywhereetherealgloryshines;

Sothathemayglanceatwatersneverdarkwithcomingships;

Hearingroundhimgentlelanguagefloatingfromangeliclips;

Castingoffhisearthlyfetters,livingthereforevermore;

AllthebloomsofBeautynearhim,gleamingonthatquietshore?

``Ereyouquitthisancientcasement,tellme,isitwelltoyearnFortheevanescentvisions,vanishednevertoreturn?

IsitwellthatIshouldwithtoleavethisdrearyworldbehind,SeekingforyourfairUtopia,whichperchanceImaynotfind?

Passingthroughagloomyforest,scalingsteepslikeprisonwalls,Wherethescantysunshinewaversandthemoonlightseldomfalls?

Oh,thefeelingsre-awakened!Oh,thehopesofloftierrange!

Isitwell,thoufriendlyBeing,welltowishforsuchachange?’’

ButtheSpiritanswersnothing!andthedazzlingmantlefades;

Andawailingwhisperwandersoutfromdismalseasideshades!

``Lo,thetreesaremoaningloudly,underneaththeirhood-likeshrouds,Andthearchaboveusdarkens,scarredwithraggedthunderclouds!’’

Butthespiritanswersnothing,andIlingerallalone,GazingthroughthemoonyvapourswherethelovelyDreamhasflown;

Andmyheartisbeatingsadly,andthemusicwaxethfaint,SailinguptoholyHeaven,liketheanthemsofaSaint。

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KIAMA

TOWARDSthehillsofJamberooSomefewfantasticshadowshaste,UplitwithfiresLikecastlespiresOutshiningthroughamiragewaste。

Behold,amournfulglorysitsOnfeatheredfernsandwovenbrakes,WheresobbingwildlikerestlesschildThegustybreezeofeveningwakes!

MethinksIhearoneverybreathAloftytonegopassingby,Thatwhispers-``Weave,Thoughwoodwindsgrieve,ThefadelessbloomsofPoesy!’’

Aspirithandhasbeenabroad-

Anevilhandtoplucktheflowers-

Aworldofwealth,AndbloominghealthHasgonefromfragrantseasidebowers。

Thetwilightwaxethdimanddark,Thesadwavesmuttersoundsofwoe,Buttheevergreenretainsitssheen,Andhappyheartsexistbelow;

Butpleasuresparklesonthesward,Andvoicesutterwordsofbliss,AndwhilemybrideSitsbymyside,Oh,where’sthescenesurpassingthis?

Kiamaslumbers,robedwithmist,AllglitteringinthedewylightThat,broodingo’erTheshinglyshore,LiesrestinginthearmsofNight;

Andfoam-fleckedcragswithsurgeschill,Androcksembracedofcold-lippedspray,AremoaningloudwherebillowscrowdInangrynumbersupthebay。

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TheholystarscomelookingdownOnwindyheightsandswarthystrand,AndLifeandLove-

Thecliffsabove-

Aresittingfondlyhandinhand。

Ihearamusicinwardly,Thatfloodsmysoulwiththoughtsofjoy;

WithinmyheartEmotionsstartThatTimemaystillbutne’erdestroy。

AnancientSpringrevivesitself,Anddayswhichmadethepastdivine;

Andrichwarmgleamsfromgoldendreams,Allgloriousintheirsummershine;

Andsongsofhalfforgottenhours,Andmanyasweetmelodiousstrain,WhichstillshallriseBeneaththeskiesWhenallthingselsehavediedagain。

Awhitesailglimmersoutatsea-

Avesselwalkinginhersleep;

SomePowergoespastThatbendsthemast,Whilefrightedwavestoleewardleap。

ThemoonshineveilsthenakedsandAndripplesupwardwiththetide,AsundergroundthererollsasoundFromwherethecavernedwatersglide。

Afacethatbearsaffection’sglow,Thesoulthatspeaksfromgentleeyes,AndjoywhichslipsFromlovinglipsHavemadethisspotmyParadise!

ETHELINE

Theheartthatoncewasrichwithlight,Andhappyinyourgrace,NowliethcoldbeneaththescornThatgathersonyourface;

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Andeveryjoyitknewbefore,Andeverytempleddream,IspalerthanthedyingflashOnyondermountainstream。

Thesoul,regrettingfounderedblissAmidthewreckofyears,HathmourneditwithintensityToodeepforhumantears!

TheforestfadethunderneathTheblastthatrushesby-

Thedrippingleavesarewhitewithdeath,ButLovewillneverdie!

WebothhaveseenthestarrymossThatclingswhereRuinreigns,AndonemustknowhislonelybreastAffectionstillretains;

Throughallthesweetesthopesoflife,Thatclusteredroundandround,Arelyingnow,likewitheredthings,Forsaken-ontheground。

’Tishardtothinkofwhatwewere,Andwhatwemighthavebeen,HadnotanevilspiritcreptAcrossthetranquilscene:

HadferventfeelingsinyoursoulNotfailednorceasedtoshineAspureasthoseexistingon,Andburningstillinmine。

HadeverytreasureatyourfeetThatIwaswonttopour,BeenneverthrownlikeworthlessweedsUponabarrenshore!

Thebitteredgeofgriefhaspassed,Iwouldnotnowupbraid;

Orcounttoyouthebrokenvows,Sooftenidlymade!

IwouldnotcrossyourpathtochaseThefalsehoodfromyourbrow-

Iknow,withallthatborrowedlight,Youarenothappynow:

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SincethosethatoncehavetrampleddownAffection’searlyclaim,HavelostapeacetheyneednothopeTofindonearthagain。

AILEEN

ASPLENDIDsunbetwixtthetreesLongspikesofflamedidshoot,WhenturningtothefragrantSouth,Withlongingeyesandburningmouth,Istretchedahandathwartthedrouth,Andpluckedatcoolingfruit。

Sothirstwasquenched,andhasteningonWithstrengthreturnedtome,Isetmyfaceagainstthenoon,Andreachedadenserforestsoon;

WhichdippedintoastilllagoonHardbythesoomingsea。

AlldaytheoceanbeatonbarAndbankofgleamingsand;

Yetthatlonepoolwasalwaysmild,Itnevermovedwhenwaveswerewild,Butslumbered,likeaquietchild,Uponthelapofland。

AndwhenIrestedonthebrink,Amongstthefallenflowers,Ilayincalm;noleaveswerestirredBybreathofwind,orwingofbird;

Itwassostill,youmighthaveheardThefootfallsofthehours。

FaintslumbrousscentsofrosesfilledTheairwhichcoveredme:

Mywordswerelow-``shelovedthemso,InEdenvalessuchodoursblow:

HowstrangeitisthatrosesgrowSoneartheshoresofSea!’’

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AsweeterfragrancenevercameAcrosstheFieldsofYore!

AndwhenIsaid-``weherewoulddwell,’’-

Alowvoiceonthesilencefell-

``Ah!ifyoulovedtheroseswell,YoulovedAileenthemore。’’

``Ay,thatIdid,andnowwouldturn,Andfallandworshipher!

ButOh,youdwellsofar-sohigh!

Onecannotreach,thoughhemaytry,TheMorningland,andJaspersky-

ThebalmyhillsofMyrrh。

``WhyvexmewithdelicioushintsOffairestface,andrarestblooms;

YouSpiritofadarlingDreamWhichlinksitselfwitheverythemeAndthoughtofminebysurforstream,Inglens-orcavernedglooms?’’

Shesaid,``thywishesledmedown,Fromamaranthinebowers:

AndsincemyfacewashauntingtheeWithroses(dearwhichusedtobe),Theyallhavehitherfollowedme,Thescentsandshapesofflowers。’’

``Thenstay,mineownevangel,stay!

Or,going,takemetoo;

Butletmesojournbyyourside,Ifherewedwellorthereabide,Itmattersnot!’’Imadlycried-

``Ionlycareforyou。’’

Oh,glitteringFormthatwouldnotstay!-

Oh,sudden,sighingbreeze!

AfaintingrainbowdroppedbelowFargleamingpeaksandwallsofsnowAndthere,awearyway,Igo,TowardstheSunriseseas。

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KOOROORA

THEgumsinthegullystandgloomyandstark,Atorrentbeneaththemisleaping,AndthewindgoesaboutlikeaghostinthedarkWhereachiefofWahibbiliessleeping!

Hedreamsofabattle-offoesofthepast,Buthehearsnotthewhoopingabroadontheblast,Northefallofthefeetthataretravellingfast。

Oh,whydostthouslumber,Kooroora?

Theycomeo’erthehillsintheirterribleire,Andspeedbythewoodlandsandwater;

Theylookdownthehillsattheflickeringfire,Alleagerandthirstyforslaughter。

Lo!thestormymoonglareslikeatorchfromthevale,Andavoiceinthebelahgrowswildinitswail,AsthecriesoftheWanneroosswellwiththegale-

Oh!rousetheeandmeetthem,Kooroora!

Hestartsfromhissleepandheclutcheshisspear,Andtheechoesrollbackwardinwonder,Forashoutingstrikesintothehollowwoodsnear,Likethesoundofagatheringthunder。

Heclamberstheridge,withhisfacetothelight,ThefoesofWahibbicomefullinhissight-

ThewatersofMookiwillreddento-night。

Go!andgloryawaitsthee,Kooroora!

Lo!yeelamanssplinterandboomerangsclash,Andaspearthroughthedarknessisdriven-

ItwhizzesalonglikeawanderingflashFromtheheartofahurricaneriven。

Theyturntothemountains,thatgloomy-browedband;

Theraindroppethdownwithamoantotheland,Andthefaceofachieftainliesburiedinsand-

Oh,thelightthatwasquenchedwithKooroora!

To-morrowtheWanneroodogswillrejoice,Andfeastinthisdesolatevalley;

Butwherearehisbrothers-thefriendsofhischoice,Andwhyartthouabsent,Ewalli?

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Nowsilencedrawsbacktotheforestagain,Andthewind,likeawayfarer,sleepsontheplain,Butthecheeksofawarriorbleachintherain。

Oh!wherearethymourners,Kooroora?

FAINTINGBYTHEWAY

SWARTHYwastelands,wideandwoodless,glitteringmilesandmilesaway,Wherethesouthwindseldomwandersandthewinterswillnotstay;

Luridwastelands,pentinsilence,thickwithhotandthirstysighs,Wherethescantythorn-leavestwinklewiththeirhaggard,hopelesseyes;

Furnacedwastelands,hunchedwithhillocks,liketostonybillowsrolled,Wherethenakedflatslieswirling,likeaseaofdarkenedgold;

Burningwastelands,glancingupwardwithaweirdandvacantstare,Wherethelanguidheavensquivero’erreddepthsofstirlessair!

``Oh,mybrother,Iamwearyofthiswilderingwasteofsand;

Inthenoontidewecannevertraveltothepromisedland!

Lo!thedesertbroadensroundus,glaringwildlyinmyface,Withlongleaguesofsunflameonit,-oh!thebarren,barrenplace!

See,behindusgleamsagreenplot,shallwethitherturnandrestTillacoldwindfluttersover,tillthedayisdownthewest?

Iwouldfollow,butIcannot!Brother,letmehereremain,Fortheheartisdeadwithinme,andImaynotriseagain。’’

``Whereforestaytotalkoffainting?-rousetheeforawhile,myfriend;

Eveninghurriesonourfootsteps,andthisjourneysoonwillend。

Whereforestaytotalkoffainting,whenthesun,withsinkingfire,Smitestheblocksofbrokenthunder,blackeningyondercraggyspire?

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Evennowthefar-offlandscapebroodsandfillswithcomingchange,Andawitheredmoongrowsbrighterbendingo’erthatshadowedrange;

Atthefeetofgrassysummitssleepsawatercalmandclear-

Thereissurelyrestbeyondit!Comrade,whereforetarryhere?

``Yetalittlelongerstruggle;wehavewalkedawilderplain,Andhavemetmoretroubles,trustme,thanwee’ershallmeetagain!

CanyouthinkofallthedangersyouandIarelivingthroughWithasoulsoweakandfearful,withthedoubtsIneverknew?

Dostthounotrememberthatthethornsareclusteredwiththerose,AndthateveryZin-likebordermayapleasantlandenclose?

Oh,acrossthesesultrydesertsmanyafruitfulscenewe’llfind,Andthebloomswegathershallbeworththewoundstheyleavebehind!’’

``Ah,mybrother,itisuseless!See,o’erburdenedwiththeirload,Allthefriendswhowentbeforeusfallorfalterbytheroad!

Wehavecomeawearydistance,seekingwhatwemaynotget,AndIthinkwearebutchildren,chasingrainbowsthroughthewet。

Tellmenotofvernalvalleys!IsitwelltoholdareedOutfordrowningmentoclutchatinthemomentsoftheirneed?

Gothyjourneyonwithoutme;itisbetterIshouldstay,Sincemylifeislikeanevening,fading,swooningfastaway!

``Whereareallthespringsyoutalkedof?HaveInotwithpleadingmouthLookedtoHeaventhroughasilencestifledinthecrimsondrouth?

HaveInot,withlipsunsated,watchedtoseethefountainsburst,WhereIsearchedtherocksforcisterns?Andtheyonlymockedmythirst!

Oh,Idreamtofcountriesfertile,brightwithlakesandflashingrillsLeapingfromtheirshadycaverns,streamingroundathousandhills!

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Leaveme,brother,allisfruitless,barren,measureless,anddry,AndmyGodwillneverhelpmethoughIpray,andfaint,anddie!’’

``Up!Itelltheethisisidle!Oh,thoumanoflittlefaith!

DoubtingonthevergeofAidenn,turningnowtocovetdeath!

Bytheferventhopeswithinme,bythestrengthwhichnervesmysoul,Bytheheartthatyearnstohelpthee,weshallliveandreachthegoal!

Riseandleanthyweightuponme。Lifeisfair,andGodisjust,AndHeyetwillshowusfountains,ifweonlylookandtrust!

Oh,Iknowit,andHeleadsustotheglensofstreamandshade,Wherethelow,sweetwatersgurgleroundthebankswhichcannotfade!’’

Thushespake,myfriendandbrother!andhetookmebythehand,AndIthinkwewalkedthedeserttillthenightwasontheland;

Thenwecametofloweryhollows,whereweheardafar-offstreamSinginginthemoonytwilight,liketheriversofmydream。

Andthebalmywindscametrippingsoftlythroughthepleasanttrees,AndIthoughttheyboreamurmurlikeavoicefromsleepingseas。

Sowetravelled,sowereachedit,andInevermorewillpartWiththepeace,ascalmassunset,foldedroundmywearyheart。

SONGOFTHECATTLEHUNTERS

WHILEthemorninglightbeamsonthefern-mattedstreams,Andthewater-poolsflashinitsglow,Downtheridgeswefly,withaloudringingcry-

Downtheridgesandgullieswego!

Andthecattlewehunt-theyareracinginfront,Witharoarlikethethunderofwaves,Asthebeatandthebeatofourswifthorses’feetStarttheechoesawayfromtheircaves!

AsthebeatandthebeatOfourswifthorses’feetStarttheechoesawayfromtheircaves!

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Likeawintryshorethatthewatersrideo’er,Allthelowlandsarefillingwithsound;

Forswiftlywegainwheretheherdsontheplain,Likeatempest,aretearingtheground!

Andwe’llfollowthemhardtotherailsoftheyard,O’erthegulchesandmountain-topsgrey,Wherethebeatandthebeatofourswifthorses’feetWilldiewiththeechoesaway!

WherethebeatandthebeatOfourswifthorses’feetWilldiewiththeechoesaway!

FOOTFALLS

THEemberswereblinkingandclinkingaway,Thecasementhalfopenwasthrown;

TherewasnothingbutcloudontheskirtsoftheDay,AndIsatonthethresholdalone!

AndsaidtotheriverwhichflowedbymydoorWithitsbeautifulfacetothehill,``Ihavewaitedandwaited,allweariedandsore,Butmyloveisawandererstill!’’

Andsaidtothewind,asitpausedinitsflightTolookthroughtheshiveringpane,``Therearememoriesmoaningandhomelessto-nightThatcanneverbetranquilagain!’’

Andsaidtothewoods,astheirburdenswereborneWithaflutterandsightotheeaves,``Theyarewrinkledandwasted,andtatteredandtorn,Andwetoohaveourwitheringleaves。’’

DidIhearalowechooffootfallsabout,Whilstwatchingthoseforesttreesstark?

OrwasitadreamthatIhurriedwithoutToclutchatandgrapplethedark?

IntheshadowIstoodforamomentandspake-

``Brightthingthatwaslovedinthepast,Oh!amIasleep-orabroadandawake?

Andareyousonearmeatlast?

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``Oh,roamerfromlandswherethevanishedyearsgo,Oh,waiffromthosemysticalzones,ComeherewhereIlongforyou,brokenandlow,Onthemossesandwaterystones!

``ComeoutofyoursilenceandtellmeifLifeIssofairinthatworldastheysay;

Wasitworthallthisyearning,andweeping,andstrifeWhenyouleftitbehindyouto-day?

``Willitendallthiswatching,anddoubting,anddread?

Dothesesorrowsdieoutwithourbreath?

Willtheypassfromoursoulslikeanightmare,’’Isaid,``WhileweglidethroughthemazesofDeath?

``ComeoutofthatdarknessandteachmetheloreYouhavelearnedsinceIlookedonyourface;

Bythesummersthatblossomedandfadedofyore-

Bythelightswhichhavefledtothatplace!

``YouanswermenotwhenIknowthatyoucould-

WhenIknowthatyoucouldandyoushould;

Thoughthestormsbeabroadonthewave;

Thoughtheraindroppethdownwithawailtothewood,Andmyheartisascoldasyourgrave!’’

GODHELPOURMENATSEA

Thewildnightcomeslikeanowltoitslair,Theblackcloudsfollowfast,Andthesun-gleamsdie,andthelightningsglare,Andtheshipsgoheavingpast,past,past-

Theshipsgoheavingpast!

Barthedoors,andhigher,higherPilethefaggotsonthefire:

Nowabroad,bymanyalight,Emptyseatsthereareto-night-

Emptyseatsthatnonemayfill,Forthestormgrowslouderstill:

Howitsurgesandswellsthroughthegorgesanddells,Undertheledgesandoverthelea,Whereawaterysoundgoethmoaningaround-

Godhelpourmenatsea!

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Oh!neveratempestblewontheshoreButthatsomeheartdidmoanForadarlingvoiceitwouldhearnomoreAndafacethathadleftitlone,lone,lone-

Afacethathadleftitlone!

IamwatchingbyapaneDarkenedwiththegustyrain,Watching,throughamistoftears,Sadwiththoughtsofotheryears,ForabrotherIdidmissInastormytimelikethis。

Ah!thetorrenthowlspast,likeafiendontheblast,Undertheledgesandoverthelea;

Andthepentwatersgleam,andthewildsurgesscream-

Godhelpourmenatsea!

Ah,Lord!theymaygropethroughthedarktofindThyhandwithinthegale;

AndcriesmayriseonthewingsofthewindFrommarinerswearyandpale,pale,pale-

Frommarinerswearyandpale!

’Tisafearfulthingtoknow,Whilethestorm-windsloudlyblow,ThatamancansometimescomeTooneartohisfather’shome;

Sothatheshallkneelandsay,``Lord,Iwouldbefaraway!’’

Ho!thehurricanesroarroundadangerousshore,Undertheledgesandoverthelea;

Andtheretwinklesalightonthebillowssowhite-

Godhelpourmenatsea!

SITTINGBYTHEFIRE

BarrenAgeandwitheredWorld!

Oh!thedyingleaves,Likeadrizzlingrain,Fallingroundtheroof-

Patteringonthepane!

FrostyAgeandcold,coldWorld!

Ghostsofotherdays,Troopingpastthefadedfire,Flitbeforethegaze。

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NowthewindgoessoughingwildO’erthewhistlingEarth;

Andwefrontafeebleflame,Sittingroundthehearth!

Sittingbythefire,Watchinginitsglow,GhostsofotherdaysTroopingtoandfro……

Oh,thenights-thenightswe’vespent,Sittingbythefire,Cheerfulinitsglow;

Twentysummersback-

Twentyyearsago!

IfthedaysweredaysoftoilWhereforeshouldwemourn;

Therewereshadowsneartheshine,Flowerswiththethorn?

AndwestillcanrecollectEveningsspentinmirth-

Fragmentsofabrokenlife,Sittingroundthehearth:

Sittingbythefire,Cheerfulinitsglow,Twentysummersback-

Twentyyearsago。

Beautystoopedtoblessusonce,Sittingbythefire,Happyinitsglow;

Fortysummersback-

Fortyyearsago。

Wordsoflovewereinterchanged,Maidenheartswestole;

AndthelightaffectionthrowsSleptoneverysoul。

Oh,thehourswentflyingpast-

Hoursofpricelessworth;

ButwetooknonoteofTime,Sittingroundthehearth:

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Sittingbythefire,Happyinitsglow,Fortysummersback-

Fortyyearsago。

Gleesomechildrenwerewenot?

Sittingbythefire,Ruddyinitsglow,Sixtysummersback-

Sixtyyearsago。

Laughingvoicesfilledtheroom;

Oh,thesongswesung,Whentheeveningshurriedby-

Whenourheartswereyoung!

Pleasantfaceswatchedtheflame-

Eyesillumedwithmirth-

Andwetoldsomemerrytales,Sittingroundthehearth:

Sittingbythefire,Ruddyinitsglow,Sixtysummersback-

Sixtyyearsago……

BarrenAgeandwitheredWorld!

Oh,thedyingleaves,Likeadrizzlingrain,Fallingroundtheroof-

Patteringonthepane!

FrostyAgeandcold,coldWorld!

Ghostsofotherdays,Troopingpastthefadedfire,Flitbeforethegaze。

NowthewindgoessoughingwildO’erthewhistlingEarth;

Andwefrontafeebleflame,Sittingroundthehearth:

Sittingbythefire,Watching,initsglow,GhostsofotherdaysTroopingtoandfro!

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BELLAMBI’SMAID

AMONGSTthethunder-splinteredcavesOnOcean’slongandwindyshore,IcatchthevoiceofdyingwavesBelowtheridgesoldandhoar;

Thespraydescendsinsilvershowers,Andlovelywhisperscomeandgo,LikeechoesfromthehappyhoursInevermoremayhopetoknow!

ThelowmimosadroopswithlocksOfyellowhair,indewyglade,WhilefarabovethecavernedrocksIhearthedarkBellambi’sMaid!

ThemoonlightdreamsuponthesailThatdrivestherestlessshiptosea;

Thecloudstrooppastthemountainvale,Andsinklikespiritsdownthelee;

ThefoggypeakofCorrimal,Uplifted,bearsthepallidglowThatstreamsfromyonderairyhallAndrobesthesleepinghillsbelow;

ThewanderingmeteorsoftheskyBeneaththedistantwaterswade,Whilemysticmusichurriesby-

ThesongsofdarkBellambi’sMaid!

Whycomesyourvoice,youlonelyOne,Alongthewildharp’swailingstrings?

Havenotourhoursofmeetinggone,Likefadingdreamsonphantomwings?

ArenotthegrassesroundyourgraveYetspringinggreenandfreshtoview?

AnddoesthegleamonOcean’swaveTidegladnessnowtomeandyou?

Oh!coldandcheerlessfallsthenightOnwitheredheartsandhopesdecayed:

AndIhaveseenbutlittlelightSincediedthedarkBellambi’sMaid!

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THECURLEWSONG

Theviewlessblastfliesmoaningpast,Awaytotheforesttrees,WheregiantpinesandleaflessvinesBend’neaththewanderingbreeze!

Fromfernystreams,unearthlyscreamsAreheardinthemidnightblue;

Asafartheyroamtotheshepherd’shome,TheshrieksofthewildCurlew!

AsafartheyroamTotheshepherd’shome,TheshrieksofthewildCurlew!

Themistsarecurledo’eradark-facedworld,Andtheshadowssleeparound,WheretheclearlagoonreflectsthemoonInherhazyglorycrowned;

Whiledingoeshowl,andwakethegrowlOfthewatchdogbraveandtrue;

Whoseloud,roughbarkshootsupinthedark,WiththesongoftheloneCurlew!

Whoseloud,roughbarkShootsupinthedark,WiththesongoftheloneCurlew!

NearherbybanksthedarkgreenranksOftherushesstooptodrink;

Andtherippleschime,inameasuredtime,Onthesmoothandmossybrink;

Aswind-breathssigh,andpass,anddie,Tostartfromtheswampsanew,Andjoinagaino’erridgeandplainWiththewailsofthesadCurlew!

AndjoinagainO’erridgeandplainWiththewailsofthesadCurlew!

ThecloudsarethrownaroundtheconeOfthemountainbareandhigh,(Whosecraggypeakuprearstothecheek-

Tothefaceofthesombresky)

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Whendownbeneaththefoggywreath,Fullmanyagullythrough,Theyrendtheair,likecriesofdespair,ThescreamsofthewildCurlew!

Theyrendtheair,Likecriesofdespair,ThescreamsofthewildCurlew!

Theviewlessblastfliesmoaningpast,Awaytotheforesttrees;

WheregiantpinesandleaflessvinesBend’neaththewanderingbreeze!

Fromfernystreams,unearthlyscreamsAreheardinthemidnightblue;

Asafartheyroamtotheshepherd’shome,TheshrieksofthewildCurlew!

AsafartheyroamTotheshepherd’shome,TheshrieksofthewildCurlew!

THEBALLADOFTANNA

Shekneltbythedead,inherpassionategrief,BeneathaweirdforestofTanna;

Shekissedthesternbrowofherfatherandchief,AndcursedthedarkraceofAlkanna。

Withfacesaswildasthecloudsintherain,ThesonsofKerraracamedowntotheplain,Andspoketothemournerandburiedtheslain。

Oh,theglorythatdiedwithDeloya!

``Wahina,’’theywhispered,``Alkannalieslow,Andtheghostofthysirehathbeengladdened,ForthemenofhispeoplehavefoughtwiththefoeTilltheriversofWarraarereddened!’’

Sheliftedhereyestotheglimmeringhill,Thenspoke,withavoicelikeamusicalrill,``Thetimeistooshort;canIsojournherestill?’’

Oh,theYouththatwassadforDeloya!

``Wahina,whylinger,’’Annatanamsaid,``Whenthetentofachieftainislonely?

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Thereareotherswhogrieveforthelightthathasfled,Andonewhowaitshereforyouonly!’’

``Go-leaveme!’’shecried。``Iwouldfainbealone;

Imuststaywherethetreesandthewildwatersmoan;

Formyheartisascoldasawave-beatenstone。’’

Oh,theBeautythatwasbrokeforDeloya!

``Wahina,whyweepo’erahandfulofdust,Whenthesoulsofthebraveareapproaching?

Oh,looktothefiresthatarelitforthejust,AndthemightywhosleepinArrochin!’’

Butsheturnedfromtheglareoftheflame-smittensea,Andacry,likeawhirlwind,cameoverthelea-

``Awaytothemountainsandleaveherwithme!’’

Oh,theheartthatwasbrokeforDeloya!

THERAINCOMESSOBBINGTOTHEDOOR

THEnightgrowsdark,andweird,andcold;andthickdropspatteronthepane;

Therecomesawailingfromthesea;thewindiswearyoftherain。

Theredcoalsclickbeneaththeflame,andsee,withslowandsilentfeetThehoodedshadowscrossthewoodstowherethetwilightwatersbeat!

Now,fan-wisefromtheruddyfire,abrilliancesweepsathwartthefloor;

As,streamingdownthelattices,theraincomessobbingtothedoor:

As,streamingdownthelattices,Theraincomessobbingtothedoor。

Dullechoesroundthecasementfall,andthroughtheemptychambersgo,Likeformsunseenwhomwecanhearontip-toestealingtoandfro。

Butfillyourglassestothebrims,and,throughamistofsmilesandtears,Oureyesshalltellhowmuchwelovetotoasttheshadesofotheryears!

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Andhithertheywillflockagain,theghostsofthingsthatarenomore,While,streamingdownthelattices,theraincomessobbingtothedoor:

While,streamingdownthelattices,Theraincomessobbingtothedoor。

Thetempest-troddenwastelandsmoan-thetreesarethreshingattheblast;

Andnowtheycome,thepallidshapesofDreamsthatperishedinthepast;

And,whenweliftthewindowsup,asmotheredwhisperroundusstrays,Likesomelonewanderingvoicefromgravesthatholdthewrecksofbygonedays。

ItellyethatIlovethestorm,forthinkwenotofthoughtsofyore,When,streamingdownthelattices,theraincomessobbingtothedoor?

When,streamingdownthelattices,Theraincomessobbingtothedoor?

We’lldrinktothosewesadlymiss,andsingsomemournfulsongweknow,Sincetheymaychancetohearitall,andmuseonfriendsthey’veleftbelow。

Whoknows-ifsoulsinblisscanleavethebordersoftheirEden-home-

Butthatsomelovingonemaynowabouttheancientthresholdroam?

Oh,likeanexile,hewouldhailaglimpseofthefamiliarfloor,Though,streamingdownthelattices,theraincomessobbingtothedoor!

Though,streamingdownthelattices,Theraincomessobbingtothedoor!

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URARA

Note:AnotherspellingofOrara,atributaryoftheriverClarence。

EUROKA,gooverthetopsofthehill,FortheDeath-cloudshavepassedusto-day,Andwe’llcryinthedarkforthefoot-fallsstill,Andthetrackswhicharefadingaway!

Letthemyelltotheirlubras,theBulginbahdogs,Andsayhowourbrotherswereslain,Weshallwipeoutourgriefinthebloodoftheirchief,Andtwentymoredeadontheplain-

Ontheblood-spatteredspursoftheplain!

Butthelowwindssigh,Andthedeadleavesfly,Whereourwarriorslie,Inthedingoes’den-inthewhite-cedarglenOnthebanksofthegloomyUrara!

Urara!Urara!

OnthebanksofthegloomyUrara!

TheWallaroosgropethroughthetuftsofthegrass,Andcrawltotheircovertsforfear;

Butwe’llsitintheashesandletthempassWheretheboomerangssleepwiththespear!

Oh!ourheartswillbelonelyandlowto-nightWhenwethinkofthehuntsofyore;

Andthefoesthatwesought,andthefightswhichwefought,Withthosewhowillbattlenomore-

Whowillgotothebattlenomore!

Forthedullwindssigh,Andthedeadleavesfly,Whereourwarriorslie,Inthedingoes’den-inthewhite-cedarglenOnthebanksofthegloomyUrara!

Urara!Urara!

OnthebanksofthegloomyUrara!

Oh!thegorgesandgulliesareblackwithcrows,Andtheyfeastonthefleshofthebrave;

ButtheforestisloudwiththehowlsofourfoesForthosewhomtheynevercansave!

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Letuscrouchwithourfacesdowntoourknees,Andhideinthedarkofourhair;

Forwewillnotreturnwherethecamp-firesburn,Andseewhatissmoulderingthere-

Whatissmouldering,moulderingthere!

Wherethesadwindssigh-

Thedeadleavesfly,Andourwarriorslie;

Inthedingoes’den-inthewhite-cedarglenOnthebanksofthegloomyUrara!

Urara!Urara!

OnthebanksofthegloomyUrara!

EVENINGHYMN

THEcrag-pentbreezessobandmoanwherehiddenwatersglide;

Andtwilightwandersroundtheearthwithslowandshadowystride。

Thegleamingclouds,abovethebrowsofwesternsteepsuphurled,Looklikethespiresofsomefairtownthatboundsabrighterworld。

Lo,fromthedepthsofyonderwood,wheremanyablindcreekstrays,ThepureAustralianmooncomesforth,enwreathedwithsilverhaze。

Therainymistsaretroopingdownthefoldinghillsbehind,Anddistanttorrent-voicesriselikebellsuponthewind。

Theecheu’s*songsaredying,withtheflute-bird’smellowtone,Andnightrecallsthegloomyowltorovethewildsalone;

Night,holynight,inrobesofblue,withgoldenstarsencrowned,AscendingmountainsliketowallsthathemanEdenround。

Note:*Therufous-breastedthickhead。

Oh,lovelymoon!oh,holynight!howgoodyourGodmustbe,When,throughthegloriesofyourlight,Hestoopstolookatme!

Oh,glitteringcloudsandsilveryshapes,thatvanishonebyone!

IsnotthekindnessofourLordtoogreattothinkupon?

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IfhumansongcouldflowasfreeasHiscreatedbreeze,When,slopingfromsomehoaryheight,itsweepsthevacantseas,Thenshouldmyvoicetoheavenascend,mytunefullyrebestrung,Andmusicsweeterthanthewindsshouldroamtheseglensamong。

Goby,yegolden-footedhours,toyourmysteriousbourne,Andhidethesinsyebearfromhence,sothattheyne’erreturn。

Teachme,yebeauteousstars,tokisskindMercy’schasteningrod,And,lookingupfromNature’sface,toworshipNature’sGod。

STANZAS

THEsunsetsfallandthesunsetsfade,ButstillIwalkthisshadowyland;

AndgrapplethedarkandonlythedarkInmysearchforalovinghand。

Forit’shereastill,deepwoodlandlies,Withspursofpineandsheavesoffern;

ButIwanderwild,andwaillikeachildForafacethatwillneverreturn!

Andit’shereamightywaterflows,Withdriftsofwindandwimpledwaves;

ButthedarlingheadofadearonedeadIshiddenbeneathitscaves。

THEWAILINTHENATIVEOAK

WHEREthelonecreek,chafingnightlyinthecoldandsadmoonshine,Beatsbeneaththetwistedfern-rootsandthedrenchedanddrippingvine;

Wherethegumtrees,ringedandragged,fromthemazymarginsrise,Staringoutagainsttheheavenswiththeirlanguidgapingeyes;

ThereIlistened-thereIheardit!Oh,thatmelancholysound,Wanderinglikeaghostlywhisper,throughthedreamingdarknessround!

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Wandering,likeafearfulwarning,wherethewitheredtwilightbrokeThroughamassofmournfultresses,droopingdowntheNativeOak。

AndIcaughtaglimpseofsunsetfadingfromafar-offwild,AsIsatmedowntofancy,likeathoughtful,wistfulchild-

Satmedowntofancywhatmightmeanthosehollow,hopelesstones,Soomingroundtheswooningsilence,dyingoutinsmotheredmoans!

Whatmightmeanthatmuffledsobbing?Didalonelyphantomwail,Pentamongstthosetangledbranchesbarringoutthemoonlightpale?

Weptitforthatgleamofglorywastingfromtheforestaisles;

Forthatfaintinggleamofglorysadwithflickering,sicklysmiles?

InthesewoodlandsIwasrestless!Ihadseenalightdepart,Andanacheforsomethingvanishedfilledandchilledmylongingheart,AndIlinkedmythoughtstogether-``Allseemedstillanddullto-day,Butapainfulsymbolgrowethfromtheshinethatpalesaway!

Thismaynotbeidledreaming;ifthespiritroams,’’Isaid,``Thisissurelyone,awandererfromtheageswhichhavefled!

Whocanlookbeyondthedarkness;whocanseesohemaytellWherethesunsetsallhavegoneto;wherethesoulsthatleaveusdwell?

``Thismightbealovingexile,fullwithfadedthoughtsreturned,Seekingforfamiliarfaces,friendsforwhomhelonghadyearned。

Herehisfathersmusthavesojourned-herehispeoplemayhavedied,Or,perchance,todistantforestsallwerescatteredfarandwide。

Sohemoansandsohelingers!weepingo’erthewastedwild;

Weepingo’erthedesolation,likealost,benightedchild!

Sohemoans,andsohelingers!Hencethesefitful,fretfulsighs,Deepwithintheoaktreesolemn!Hencetheseweary,wearycries!

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``Orwhoknowsbutthatsomesecretliesbeneathyondismalmound?

Ha!adreary,dreadfulsecretmustbeburiedunderground!

Notaraggedbladeofverdure-notonerootofmossisthere;

Whohathtornthegrassesfromit-whereforeisthatbarrowbare?

Darknessshutstheforestroundme。HereIstandand,OmyGod!

Thismaybesomeinjuredspiritravingroundandroundthesod。

Hush!thetempest,howittravels!Bloodhathherebeensurelyshed-

Hush!thethunder,howitmutters!Oh,theunrequitedDead!’’

Cameafootfallpastthewater-cameawildmanthroughthegloom,Downhestoopedandfacedthecurrent,silentasthesilenttomb;

Downhestoopedandlappedtheripples:notasinglewordhespoke,ButIwhispered,``HecantellmeoftheSecretintheOak?

Verythoughtfulseemsthatforehead;manylegendshemayknow;

Manytalesandoldtraditionslinkedtowhatisherebelow!

Imustaskhim-restIcannot-thoughmylifeuponithung-

Thoughthesewailsarewaxinglouder,Imustgivemythoughtsatongue。

``Shakethatsilencefromyou,wildman!Ihavelookedintoyourface,HopingIshouldlearnthestorythereaboutthisfearfulplace。

Slakeyourthirst,butstayandtellme:didyourheartwithterrorbeat,Whenyousteppedacrossthebareandblastedhillockatyourfeet?

Hearkentothesecroonssowretcheddeepwithintheduskboughspent!

Holdyounotsomestrangetraditioncoupledwiththisstrangelament?

Whenyourtribeabouttheircamp-fireshearthathollow,brokencry,Dotheyhintofdeedsmysterious,hiddeninthedaysgoneby?’’

Butheroselikeonebewildered,shookhisheadandglidedpast;

Huddlingwhispershurriedafter,hissinginthehowlingblast!

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Nowasheetofluridsplendoursweptathwartthemountainspire,Andamidnightsquallcametrumpingdownonzigzagpathsoffire!

Throughthetumultdashedatorrentflankingoutinfoamingstreams,Whilstthewoodlandsgroanedandmutteredlikeamonstervexedwithdreams。

ThenIswoonedawayinhorror。Oh!thatshriekwhichrenttheair,Likethevoiceofsomefelldemonharrowedbyamaddespair。

HARPSWELOVE

THEharpwelovehatharoyalburst!

Itsstringsaremightyforesttrees;

Andbranches,swayingtoandfro,Arefingerssoundingsymphonies。

Theharpwelovehathasolemnsound!

AndrocksamongsttheshallowseasArestringsfromwhichtherollingwavesDrawforththeirstirringharmonies。

Theharpwelovehathalowsweetvoice!

Itsstringsareinthebosomdeep,AndLovewillpressthosehiddenchordsWhenallthebaserpassionssleep。

WAITINGANDWISHING

ILOITERbythissurgingsea,Here,bythissurging,soomingsea,Here,bythiswailing,wild-facedsea,Dreamingthroughthedreamynight;

Yearningforastrangedelight!

Willitever,ever,everflytome,Bythissurgingsea,Bythissurging,soomingsea,Bythiswailing,wild-facedsea?

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Iknowsomegentlespiritlives,Someloving,lonelyspiritlives,Somemelancholyspiritlives,Walkingo’ertheearthforme,Searchingroundtheworldforme!

Willsheever,ever,everhithercome?

Wherethewatersroam,Wherethesobbingwatersroam!

Wheretheravingwatersroam!

Allwornandwastedbythestorms,Allgappedandfracturedbythestorms,Allsplitandsplinteredbythestorms,Overheadthecavernsgroan,Gloomy,ghastlycavernsgroan!-

Willsheever,ever,everfillthisheart?

Peace,Olongingheart!

Peace,Olonging,beatingheart!

Peace,Obeating,wearyheart!