第2章

THEWILDKANGAROO

THErain-cloudshavegonetothedeep-

TheEastlikeafurnacedothglow;

Andtheday-springisfloodingthesteep,Andsheeningthelandscapebelow。

Oh,yewhoaregiftedwithsoulsThatdelightinthemusicofbirds,Comeforthwherethescatteredmistrolls,Andlistentoeloquentwords!

Oh,yewhoarefondofthesport,Andwouldtravelyonwildernessthrough,Gather-eachtohisplace-foralife-stirringchase,InthewakeofthewildKangaroo!

Gather-eachtohisplace-

Foralife-stirringchaseInthewakeofthewildKangaroo!

Beyondthewiderentsofthefog,Thetreesareilluminedwithgold;

Andthebarkoftheshepherd’sbravedogShootsawayfromtheshelteringfold。

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Downthedepthsofyonrock-border’dglade,Atorrentgoesfoamingalong;

Andtheblind-owlsretireintoshade,Andthebell-birdbeginnethitssong。

Bythesideofthatyawningabyss,Wherethevapoursarehurryingto,Wewillmerrilypass,lookingdowntothegrassForthetracksofthewildKangaroo!

Wewillmerrilypass,LookingdowntothegrassForthetracksofthewildKangaroo。

Ho,brothers,awaytothewoods;

Eurokahathclamberedthehill;

Butthemorningthereseldomintrudes,Wherethenight-shadowsslumberonstill。

Wewillroamo’ertheseforest-landswild,Andthreadthedarkmassesofvines,Wherethewinds,likethevoiceofachild,Aresingingaloftinthepines。

Wemustkeepdownthegleeofourhounds;

Wemuststealthroughtheglitteringdew;

AndthebreezesshallsleepaswecautiouslycreepTothehauntsofthewildKangaroo。

Andthebreezesshallsleep,AswecautiouslycreepTothehauntsofthewildKangaroo。

WhenwepassthroughastillnesslikedeathTheswampfowlandtimorousquail,Liketheleavesinahurricane’sbreath,Willstartfromtheirnestsinthevale;

Andtheforester,*snuffingtheair,Willboundfromhiscovertsodark,Whilewefollowalongintherear,Asarrowsspeedontotheirmark!

Thentheswifthoundsshallbringhimtobay,Andwe’llsendforthaheartyhalloo,Aswegatherthemalltobeinatthefall-

AtthedeathofthewildKangaroo!

AswegatherthemallTobeinatthefall-

AtthedeathofthewildKangaroo!

Note:*TheKangarooPage:33

CLARI

TOOcold,Omybrother,toocoldformywifeIstheBeautyyoushowedmethismorning:

NoryethaveIfoundthesweetdreamofmylife,Andgood-byetothesneeringandscorning。

Wouldyouhavemecastdowninthedarkofherfrown,Likeotherswhobendathershrine;

Andwouldbartertheirsoulsforastatue-likeface,Andaheartthatcanneverbemine?

Thatcanneverbetheirsnormine。

Goafterher,lookather,kneelatherfeet,Andmimictheloverromantic;

Ihavehateddeceit,andshemissesthetreatOfdrivingmehopelesslyfrantic!

Nowwatchher,asdeepinhercarriageshelies,Andloveher,myfriend,ifyoudare!

Shewouldwitheryourlifewithherbeautifuleyes,Andstrangleyoursoulwithherhair!

Withameshofhersplendidhair。

WOLLONGONG

LETmetalkofyearsevanished,letmeharpuponthetimeWhenwetrodthesesandstogether,inourboyhood’sgoldenprime;

Letmeliftagainthecurtain,whileIgazeuponthepast,Asthesailorglanceshomewards,watchingfromthetopmostmast。

Herewerestedonthegrasses,intheglorioussummerhours,Whenthewatershurriedseaward,fringedwithfernsandforestflowers;

Whenouryouthfuleyes,rejoicing,sawthesunlightroundthesprayInarainbow-wreathofsplendour,glitteringunderneaththeday;

Sunlightflashingpastthebillows,fallingcliffsandcragsamong,ClothinghopefulfriendshipbaskingontheshoresofWollongong。

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Echoesofdepartedvoices,whispersfromforgottendreams,Comeacrossmyspirit,likethemurmursofmelodiousstreams。

Herewebothhavewanderednightly,whenthemoonshinecoldandpaleShimmer’dontheconeofKeira,slopingdownthesleepingvale;

Whenthemournfulwavescamesobbing,sobbingonthefurrowedshore,Liketoloneheartsweepingoverlovedonestheyshallseenomore;

Whilethesilverripples,stealingpasttheshellsandslimystones,Brokebeneaththecaverns,dying,onebyone,inmuffledmoans;

Asthefragrantwood-windsroaming,withafitfulcadencesung’MidtheghostlybranchesbeltingroundtheshoresofWollongong。

Lovelyfacesflitbeforeus,friendlyformsaroundusstand;

Gleamsofwell-rememberedgladnesstripalongtheyellowsand。

Herethegold-greenwatersglistenedunderneathourdreaminggaze,AsthelightsofHeavenslanteddownthepallidetherhaze;

Herethemossyrock-pool,liketoonethatstirshimselfinsleep,Trembledeverymomentattheroaringoftherestlessdeep;

Whilethestatelyvesselsswoopingtothebreezesfairandfree,Passedawaylikesheetedspectres,fadingdownthedistantsea;

Andourwakenedfanciessparkled,andoursoul-bornthoughtswestrungIntojoyouslyrics,singingwiththewavesofWollongong。

Low-breathedstrainsofsweetestmusicfloataboutmyrapturedears;

Angel-eyesareglancingatmehopefulsmilesandhappytears。

Merryfeetgoscalinguptheoldandthunder-shatteredsteeps,Andthebillowsclamberafter,andthesurgetooceanleaps,Scatteredintofruitlessshowers,fallingwherethebreakersroll,Baffledliketheaspirationsofaproudambitioussoul。

Faroffsoundsofsilverylaughterthroughthehollowcavernsring,Whilemyheartleapsuptocatchrevivingpleasureonthewing;

Andtheyearscometroopingbackward,andwebothagainareyoung,WalkingsidebysideuponthelovelyshoresofWollongong。

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Fleetingdreamsandidlefancies!Lo,thegloomyafterAgeCreepeth,likeanangryshadow,overlife’seventfulstage!

Joyisbutamockingphantom,throwingoutitsglitterbrief-

Short-livedasthewesternsunbeamdyingfromthecedarleaf。

Herewelinger,lonely-hearted,musingovervisionsfled,Whilethesicklytwilightwithersfromthearchesoverhead。

Semblanceofablissdelusivearethosedull,recedingrays;

Semblanceofthefaintreflectionlefttousofotherdays;

Daysofvernalhopeandgladness,hourswhentheblossomssprungRoundthefeetofblithesomeramblersbytheshoresofWollongong。

ELLAWITHTHESHININGHAIR

THROUGHmanyafragrantcedargroveAdarkenedwatermoans;

AndtherepaleMemorystoodwithLoveAmongstthemoss-greenstones。

TheshimmeringsunlightfellandkissedThegrasstree’sgoldensheaves;

ButweweretroubledwithamistOfmusicintheleaves。

Onepassedus,likeasuddengleam;

Herfacewasdeadlyfair。

``Oh,go,’’wesaid,``youhomelessDreamOfElla’sshininghair!

``Wehalt,likeonewithtiredwings,AndwewouldfainforgetThattherearetempting,maddeningthingsToohightoclutchatyet!

``ThoughsevenSpringshavefilledtheWoodWithpleasanthintsandsigns,SincefalteringfeetwentforthandstoodWithDeathamongstthepines。’’

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FrompointtopointunwittinglyWewishtoclamberstill,TillwehavelightenoughtoseeThesummitsofthehill。

``Odonotcry,mysisterdear,’’

SaidbeamingHopetoLove,``ThoughwehavebeensotroubledhereTheLandiscalmabove;

``BeyondtheregionsofthestormWe’llfindthegoldengates,Where,alltheday,aradiantForm,OurElla,sitsandwaits。’’

AndMemorymurmured:``ShewasoneOfGod’sowndarlingslent;

AndAngelsweptthatshehadgone,Andwonderedwhyshewent。

``Iknowtheycame,andtalkedtoher,Througheverygardenbreeze,AbouteternalHillsofMyrrh,AndquietJasperSeas。

``ForhertheEarthcontainednocharms;

Allthingswerestrangeandwild;

AndIbelieveaSeraph’sarmsCaughtupthesaintedChild。’’

AndLovelookedround,andsaid:``Oh,youThatsitbyBeulah’sstreams,ShakeonthisthirstylifethedewWhichbringsimmortaldreams!

``Ah!turntous,andgreetusoftWithlooksofpityingbalm,Andhintsofheaven,inwhisperssoft,Tomakeourtroublescalm。

``MyEllawiththeshininghair,Behold,thesemanyyears,We’veheldupweariedhandsinprayer;

Andgropedaboutintears。’’

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ButHopesingson:``BeyondthestormWe’llfindthegoldengatesWhere,alltheday,aradiantForm,OurElla,sitsandwaits。’’

THEBARCOO

(TheSquatter’sSong)

FROMtherunsoftheNarran,wide-dottedwithsheep,Andloudwiththelowingofcattle,WespeedforalandwherethestrangeforestssleepAndthehiddencreeksbubbleandbrattle!

Nowcallonthehorses,andleavetheblindcoursesAndsourcesofriversthatallofusknow;

For,crossingtheridges,andpassingtheledges,Andrunningupgorges,we’llcometothevergesOfgullieswherewaterseternallyflow。

Oh!theherdstheywillrushdownthespursofthehillTofeedonthegrassessocoolandsosweet;

AndIthinkthatmylifewithdelightwillstandstillWhenwehaltwiththepleasantBarcooatourfeet。

Good-byetotheBarwon,andbrigalowscrubs,AdieutotheCulgo?ranges,Butlookforthemulgaandsalt-bittenshrubs,Thoughthefaceoftheforest-landchanges。

Theleagueswemaytraveldownbedsofhotgravel,Andclay-crustedreacheswheremoisturehathbeen,Whilesearchingforwaters,mayvexusandthwartus,Yetwhowouldbequailing,orfainting,orfailing?

Notyou,whoaremenoftheNarran,Iween!

Whenweleavethedrychannelsawaytothesouth,Andreachthefarplainswearejourneyingto,Wewillcry,thoughourlipsmaybegluedwiththedrouth,Hip,hip,andhurrahforthepleasantBarcoo!

BELLSBEYONDTHEFOREST

WILD-EYEDwoodlands,hereIrestme,underneaththegauntandghastlytrees;

Underneathfantastic-frontedcavernscrammedwithmanyamuffledbreeze。

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Farawayfromduskytownsandcitiestwinklingwiththefeetofmen;

Listeningtoasoundofmellowmusicfleetingdownthegustyglen;

Sittingbyarapidtorrent,withthebrokensunsetinmyface;

Byarapid,roaringtorrent,tumblingthroughadarkandlonelyplace!

AndIhearthebellsbeyondtheforest,andthevoiceofdistantstreams;

Andafloodofswellingsinging,waftingroundaworldofruineddreams。

Liketoonewhowatchesdaylightdyingfromaloftymountainspire,Whentheautumnsplendourscatterslikeagustoffaintly-gleamingfire;

Sothesilentspiritlookeththroughamistoffadedsmilesandtears,Whileacrossitstealethallthesadandsweetdivinityofyears-

Allthescenesofshineandshadow;lightanddarknesssleepingsidebysideWhenmyheartwasweddedtoexistence,asabridegroomtohisbride:

WhileItravelledgailyonwardwiththevapourscrowdinginmywake,DeemingthatthePresenthidtheglorywherethepromisedMornwouldbreak。

Liketoonewho,bythewatersstanding,marksthereelingoceanwaveMoaning,hidehisheadalltornandshiveredunderneathhislonelycave,SothesoulwithinmeglancesatthetidesofPurposewheretheycreep,DashedtofragmentsbytheyawningridgescirclingLife’stempestuousDeep!

Oh!thetatteredleavesaredropping,droppingroundmelikeafallofrain;

Whilethedustofmanyabrokenaspirationsweepsmytroubledbrain;

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WiththeyearningsafterBeauty,andthelongingstobegoodandgreat;

AndthethoughtsofcatchingFortune,flyingonthetardywingsofFate。

Bells,beyondtheforestchiming,whereisalltheinspirationnowThatwaswonttoflushmyforehead,andtochasethepallorfrommybrow?

DidInot,amongstthesethickets,weavemythoughtsandpassionsintorhyme,Trustingthatthewordsweregolden,hopingforthepraiseofafter-time?

Wherehaveallthosefanciesfledto?Canthefonddelusionlingerstill,WhentheEveningwitherso’erme,andthenightiscreepingupthehill?

Iftheyearsofstrengthhaveleftme,andmylifebeginstofailandfade,Whowilllearnmysimpleballads;whowillstaytosingthesongsI’vemade?

Bells,beyondtheforestringing,lo,Ihastentotheworldagain;

Forthesunhassmotetheemptywindows,andthedayisonthewane!

HearInotadreamyecho,soughingthroughtheraftersofthetree;

Likeasoundofstormyrivers,ortheravingsofarestlesssea?

ShouldIloiterheretolisten,whilethisfitfulwindisonthewing?

No,theheartofTimeissobbing,andmyspiritisawitheredthing!

Lettherapidtorrentstumble,letthewoodlandswhistleintheblast;

Mightyminstrelssingbehindme,butthepromiseofmyyouthispast。

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ULMARRA

ALONE-alone!

Withaheartlikeastone,ShemakethhermoanAtthefeetofthetrees,Withherfaceonherknees,Andherhairstreamingover;

Wildly,andwildly,andwildly;

Forshemissesthetracksofherlover!

Doyouhearher,Ulmarra?

Oh,wherearethetracksofherlover?

Goby-goby!

Theyhavetoldheralie,Whosaidhewasnigh,Inthewhite-cedarglen-

Inthecampsofhismen:

Andshesitteththereweeping-

Weeping,andweeping,andweeping,Forthefaceofawarriorsleeping!

Doyouhearher,Ulmarra?

Oh!whereisherwarriorsleeping?

Adream!adream!

ThattheysawabrightgleamThroughtheduskboughsstream,Wherewildbeesdwell,Andatomahawkfell,Inmoonswhichhavefaded;

Faded,andfaded,andfaded,Fromwoodswhereachieftainliesshaded!

Doyouhearher,Ulmarra?

Oh!wheredothherchieftainlieshaded?

Bewail!bewail!

Whowhisperedatale,Thattheyheardonthegale,Throughthedarkandthecold,Thevoiceofthebold;

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Andaboomerangflying;

Flying,andflying,andflying?

Ah!herheartitiswastedwithcrying-

Doyouhearher,Ulmarra?

Oh!herheartitiswastedwithcrying!

THEMAIDOFGERRINGONG

ROLLINGthroughthegloomygorges,comestheroaringsouthernblast,Withasoundoftorrentsflying,likearoutedarmy,past,And,beneaththeshaggyforelands,strangefantasticformsofsurfFly,likewildhounds,atthedarkness,crouchingoverseaandearth;

Swoopingroundthesunkencaverns,withanaggravatedroar;

Fallingwherethewaterstumblefoamingonascreamingshore!

Inanightlikethisweparted。Eyeswerewetthoughspeechwaslow,Andourthoughtswereallinmourningforthedear,deadLongAgo!

Inanightlikethisweparted。Heartsweresadthoughtheywereyoung,Andyouleftmeverylonely,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong。

Saidmydarling,lookingatme,throughtheradianceofhertears:

``Manychanges,OmylovedOne,wewillmeetinafteryears;

Changesliketosuddensunburstsflashingdownarainysteep-

Changesliketoswift-wingedshadowsfallingonamoonydeep!

Andtheyaresocheerlesssometimes,leaving,whentheypassusby,Deepeningdoloursonthesweet,sadfaceofourHumanity。

Butyou’llhope,andfailandfaintnot,withthatheartsowarmandtrue,WatchingforthecomingMorning,thatwillfloodtheWorldforyou;

Listeningthroughathirstysilence,tillthelowwindsbearalongEagerfootfalls-pleasantvoices,’’saidtheMaidofGerringong。

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Saidmydarling,whenthewindcamesobbingwildlyroundtheeaves:

``Oh,thePurposescatteredfromme,likethewitheredautumnleaves!

Oh,thewreckofLove’sambition!Oh,thefondandfullbeliefThatIyetshouldhearthemhailyouinyourlandaGod-madechief!

Inthelouddaytheymayslumber,butmythoughtswillnotbestillWhenthewearyworldissleeping,andthemoonisonthehill;

Thenyourformwillbendaboveme,thenyourvoicewillriseandfall,ThoughIturnandhideindarkness,withmyfaceagainstthewall,AndmySoulmustriseandlistenwhilethosehomelessmemoriesthrongMoaninginthenightforshelter,’’saidtheMaidofGerringong。

Ay,shepassedawayandleftme!Risingthroughtheduskoftears,Cameavisionofthatpartingeverydayformanyyears!

Everyday,thoughshehadtoldmenottocourtthestrangesweetpain,Somethingwhispered-somethingledmetoouroldenhauntsagain:

AndIusedtowandernightly,bythesurgesandtheships,Harpingonthoselastfondaccentsthathadtrembledfromherlips:

Tillavesselcrossedthewaters,andIheardastrangersay,``Oneyoulovedhasdiedinsilencewithherdearfaceturnedaway。’’

Oh!theeyesthatflashuponme,andthevoicethatcomesalong-

Oh!mylight,mylife,mydarlingdark-hairedMaidofGerringong……

Someonesaith,``Oh,youthatmockatPassionwithaworldlywhine,WouldyouchangethefaceofNature-wouldyoulimitGod’sdesign?

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Hideforshamefromwell-raisedclamour,moderatefoolswhowouldbewise;

Hideforshame-theWorldwillhootyou!LoveisLove,andneverdies’’

Andanotherasketh,doubtingthatmybrotherspeaksthetruth,``Canweloveinageasfondlyaswedidindaysofyouth?

Willdeadfacesalwayshauntus,inthetimeoffalteringbreath?

Shallweyearn,andwesofeeble?’’Ay,forLoveisLoveinDeath。

Oh!theFaithwithsurefoundation!-lettheAgesrollalong,Youaremine,andmineforever,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong。

Lastnight,dear,Idreamtaboutyou,andIthoughtthatfarfrommenWewerewalking,bothtogether,inafragrantseasideglen;

Downwherewecouldhearthesurgeswailingroundthecastledcliffs,Downwherewecouldseethesunsetreddeningonthedistantskiffs;

ThereafallofmountainwaterstumbledthroughtheknottedbowersBrightwithrainbowcoloursreelingonthepurpleforestflowers。

Andwerestedonthebenchesofacavernoldandhoar;

AndIwhispered,``thisissurelyherIlovedindaysofyore!

Falsehewaswhobroughtsadtidings!Whywereyouawaysolong,Whenyouknewwhowaitedforyou,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong?

``Didthestrangerscomearoundyou,inthefar-offforeignland?

Didtheyleadyououtofsorrow,withkindfaceandlovinghand?

Hadtheypleasantwaystocourtyou-hadtheysilverwordstobind?

Hadtheysoulsmorefondandloyalthanthesoulyouleftbehind?

DonotthinkIblameyou,dearone!Ah!myheartisgushingo’erWiththesuddenjoyandwonder,thustoseeyourfaceoncemore。

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Happyisthechancewhichjoinsusafterlong,longyearsofpain:

And,oh,blessedwaswhateversentyoubacktomeagain!

Nowourpleasurewillbereal-nowourhopesagainareyoung:

Nowwe’llclimbLife’sbrightestsummits,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong。

``Inthesoundofmanyfootfalls,didyoufalterwithregretForastepwhichusedtogladdeninthetimesovividyet?

Whentheyleftyouinthenight-hours,didyoulieawakelikeme,Withthethoughtsofwhatwehadbeen-whatwenevermorecouldbe?

Ah!youlookbutdonotanswerwhileIhaltandquestionhere,WonderingwhyIamsohappy,doubtingthatyouaresonear。

Suretheseeyeswithloveareblinded,foryourformiswaxingfaint;

Andadreamysplendourcrownsit,likethehaloroundasaint!

WhenItalkofwhatwewillbe,andnewaspirationsthrong,Whyareyousosadlysilent,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong?’’

Butshefadedintosunset,andthesunsetpassedfromsight;

AndIfollowedmadlyafter,throughthemisty,moonynight,Crying,``donotleavemelonely!Lifehasbeensocoldanddrear,YouareallthatGodhasleftme,andIwantyoutobenear!

Donotleavemeinthedarkness!Ihavewalkedawearyway,Listeningforyourtruantfootsteps-turnandstay,mydarling,stay!’’

ButshecamenotthoughIwaited,watchingthroughasplendidhaze,WherethelovelyPhantomhaltedereshevanishedfrommygaze。

ThenIthoughtthatrainwasfalling,forthereroseastormysong,AndIwokeingloomandtempest,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong!

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WATCHING

LIKEabeautifulfacelookingeveratmeApurebrightmooncomethoverthesea;

AndIstandonthecrags,andhearthefallsGotumblingdown,throughtheblackriver-walls;

AndtheheartofthegorgeisrentwiththecryOfthepent-upwindsintheiragony!

Youarefarfromme,dear,whereIwatchandwait,Likeawearybirdforalong-lostmate,AndmylifeisasdullasthesluggishstreamFeelingitswaythroughaworldofdream;

Forhereisawasteofdarknessandfear,AndIcallandIcall,butnoonewillhear!

Odarlingofmine,doyoueveryearnForasomethinglost,whichwillneverreturn?

Odarlingofmine,onthegraveofdeadHours,Doyoufeel,likeme,forahandfulofflowers?

ThroughtheglensofthePast,doyouwanderalong,Likearestlessghostthathathdoneawrong?

And,lyingalone,doyoulookfromthedrouthOfathirstyLifewithapleadingmouth?

Whentherain’sontheroof,andthegalesareabroad,DoyouwashwithyourtearsthefeetofyourGod?

Oh!Iknowyoudo,andhesittethalone,YourwoundedLove,whileyoumournandmoan-

Oh!Iknowyoudo,andheneverwillleapFromhissilencewithsmiles,whileyouweep-andweep!

Yourcoolnessshakedown,yegatheredgreenleaves,Formyspiritisfaintwiththelovethatitgrieves!

Isthereaughtonthesummit,OyearnerthroughNight,Aughtonthesummitwhichlookslikethelight;

Whenmysoulisa-weariedandloneintheland,Gropingaroundwillittouchakindhand?

Therearechasmsbetweenusasblackasapall,Butbringustogether,OGodoverall!

AndletmecastfrommethesefettersofFear,WhenIhearthegladsingingofFaithsonear;

ForIknowbythecheeks,whicharepallidandwet,Andalisteninglifeweshallmingleyet!

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Oh!thenIwillturntothoseeloquenteyes,Andclasptheeclose,withasweetsurprise;

Andaguestwillgoinbytheheart’sholydoor,AndthechambersofLoveshallbeleftnomore。

THEOPOSSUM-HUNTERS

HEARyenotthewatersbeatingwheretherapidrivers,meetingWiththewindsabovethemfleeting,hurrytothedistantseas,AndasmotheredsoundofsingingfromoldOceanupwardsspringing,Sendinghollowechoesringinglikeawailingonthebreeze?

Forthetempestroundusbrewing,comethwiththecloudspursuing,AndthebrightDay,likearuin,crumblesfromthemournfultrees。

Whenthethunderceasespealing,andthestarsupheavenarestealing,AndtheMoonaboveuswheelingthrowsherpleasantglancesround,Fromourhomesweboldlysally’neaththetrystingtreetorally,Foranight-huntupthevalley,withourbrothersandthehound!

Throughawild-eyedForest,staringatthelightaboveitglaring,Wewilltravel,littlecaringforthedangerswherewebound。

Twistedboughsshalltrembleo’erus,hollowwoodsshallmoanbeforeus,Andthetorrentslikeachorusdownthegorgesdarkshallsing;

Andthevinesshallshakeandshiver,andthestartledgrassesquiver,LikethereedsbesideariverinthegustydaysofSpring;

Whileweforwardhastedelighted,througharegionseldomlighted-

Soulsimpatient,heartsexcited-likeawinduponthewing!

Oh!thesolemntonesofOcean,likethelanguageofdevotion,Oravoiceofdeepemotion,wanderroundtheeveningscene。

Oh!theraggedshadowsclusterwhere,mybrothers,wemustmusterPage:47

Erethewarmmoonlendsherlustretothecedarsdarklygreen;

Andthelightslikeflowersshallblossom,inhighHeaven’skindlybosom,Whilewehuntthewildopossum,underneathitsleafyscreen;

Underneaththewovenbowers,wherethegloomynight-hawkcowers,Throughalapseofdreamyhours,inastirlesssolitude!

Andthehound-thatclosebesideusstillwillstaywhate’erbetideus-

Througha’wilderingwasteshallguideus-

throughamazewherefewintrude,Tillthegameischasedtocover,tillthestirringsportisover,Tillwebound,eachhappyrover,homewarddownthelaughingwood。

Oh,thejoyinwanderingthither,whenfondfriendsarealltogetherAndoursoulsareliketheweather-cloudless,clearandfreshandfree!

Letthesailorsingthestoryoftheancientocean’sglory,Forestsgolden,mountainshoary-canhelookandlovelikewe?

Sordidworldling,hauntthycitywiththatheartsohardandgritty!

Therearethosewhoturnwithpitywhentheyturntothinkofthee!

INTHEDEPTHSOFTHEFOREST

INthedepthsofaForestsecludedandwild,Thenightvoiceswhisperinpassionatenumbers;

AndI’mleaningagain,asIdidwhenachild,O’erthegravewheremyfathersoquietlyslumbers。

TheyearshaverolledbywithathunderingsoundButIknew,Oyewoodlands,affectionwouldknowit,AndthespotwhichIstandonissanctifiedgroundBythelovethatIbeartohimsleepingbelowit。

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Oh!wellmaythewindswithasaddeningmoanGofitfullyoverthebranchessodreary;

AndwellmayIkneelbythetime-shatteredstone,Andrejoicethataresthasbeenfoundfortheweary。

TOCHARLESHARPUR

IWOULDsitatyourfeetforlongdays,TohearthesweetMuseoftheWildSpeakoutthroughthesadandthepassionatelaysOfherfirstandherfavouriteChild。

Iwouldsitatyourfeet,formysoulDelightsinthesolitudesfree;

AndIstandwherethecreeksandthecataractsrollWhensoeverIlistentothee!

Iwouldsitatyourfeet,forIloveBythegulchesandtorrentstoroam;

AndIlonginthiscityforwoodlandandgrove,Andthepeaceofawildforesthome。

Iwouldsitatyourfeet,andwe’ddwellOnthescenesofalong-vanishedtime,WhileyourthoughtsintomusicwouldsurgeandwouldswellLikeabreezeofourbeautifulclime。

Iwouldsitatyourfeet,forIknow,ThoughtheWorldinthePresentbeblind,ThattheamaranthblossomsofPromisewillblowWhentheAgeshaveleftyoubehind。

Iwouldsitatyourfeet,forIfeelIamoneofagloriousbandThateverwillownyouandholdyoutheirChief,AndaMonarchofSongintheland!

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THERIVERANDTHEHILL

Andtheyshooktheirsweetnessoutintheirsleep,Onthebrinkofthatbeautifulstream,ButitwanderedalongwithawearisomesongLikealoverthatwalksinadream:

SotherosesblewWhenthewindswentthrough,Inthemoonlightsowhiteandsostill;

ButtheriveritbeatAllnightatthefeetOfacoldandflintyhill-

Ofahardandsenselesshill!

Isaid,``WehaveoftenshoweredourlovesUponsomethingasdryasthedust;

Andthefaiththatiscrost,andtheheartsthatarelost-

Oh!howcanwewittinglytrust?

Likethestreamwhichflows,Andwailsasitgoes,Throughthemoonlightsowhiteandsostill,TobeatandtobeatAllnightatthefeetOfacoldandflintyhill-

Ofahardandsenselesshill?

``River,Istaywherethesweetrosesblow,Anddrinkoftheirpleasantperfumes!

Oh,whydoyoumoan,inthiswideworldalone,Whensomuchaffectionhereblooms?

Thewindswaxfaint,AndtheMoonlikeaSaintGlidesoverthewoodlandssowhiteandsostill!

ButyoubeatandyoubeatAllnightatthefeetOfthatcoldandflintyhill-

Ofthathardandsenselesshill!’’

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THEFATEOFTHEEXPLORERS

(AFragment)

SETyourfacetowardthedarkness-tellofdesertsweirdandwide,Whereunshakenwoodsarehuddled,andlow,languidwatersglide;

Turnandtellofdesertslonely,lyingpathless,deepandvast,WhereinuttersilenceeverTimeseemsslowlybreathingpast-

Silenceonlybrokenwhenthesunisfleckedwithcloudybars,Orwhentropicsquallscomehurtlingunderneaththesultrystars!

Desertsthorny,hotandthirsty,wherethefeetofmenarestrange,AndeternalNaturesleepsinsolitudeswhichknownochange。

Weakenedwiththeirlengthenedlabours,pastlongplainsofstoneandsand,Downthosetracklesswildstheywandered,travellersfromafar-offland,Seekingnowtojointheirbrothers,strugglingonwithfalteringfeet,Foragloriousworkwasfinished,andanobletaskcomplete。

Andtheydreamtofwelcomefaces-dreamtthatsoonuntotheirearsFriendlygreetingswouldbethronging,withanation’swell-earnedcheers;

Sincetheircourageneverfailedthem,butwithhigh,unflinchingsoulEachwaspressingforward,hoping,trustingallshouldreachthegoal……

Thoughheralliedinthemorning,longbeforethecloseofdayHehadsunk,theworn-outhero,fainting,dyingbytheway!

ButwithDeathhewrestledhardly;threetimesrisingfromthesod,Yetalittlefurtheronwardo’erthewearywastehetrod。

FacingFatewithheartundaunted,stillthechiefwouldtotteronTilltheeveningclosedabouthim-tillthestrengthtomovewasgone;

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Thenhepennedhislatestwritings,and,beforehislifewasspent,Gavetherecordstohiscomrade-gavethewatchhesaidwaslent-

Gavethemwithhislastcommandments,charginghimthatnighttostayAndtolethimlieunburiedwhenthesoulhadpassedaway。

Throughthatnightheutteredlittle,ramblingwerethewordshespoke:

Andheturnedanddiedinsilence,whenthetardymorningbroke。

Manymemoriescometogetherwhilstinsightofdeathwedwell,Muchofsweetandsadreflectionthroughthewearymindmustwell。

Asthoselonghoursglidedpasthim,tilltheeastwithlightwasfraught,Whomayknowthemournfulsecret-whocantelluswhathethought?

Veryloneandverywretchedwasthebravemanleftbehind,Wanderingoverleaguesofwaste-land,seeking,hopinghelptofind;

Sleepingindesertedwurleys,fearfulmanynightfallsthroughLestunfriendlyhandsshouldrobhimofhishoardofwildnardoo……

Erehereachedtheiroldencampment-erethewell-knownspotwasgained,Somethingnervedhim-somethingwhisperedthathisotherchiefremained。

Sohesearchedforfoodtogivehim,trustingtheymightbothsurviveTilltheaidsolongexpectedfromthecitiesshouldarrive;

SohesearchedforfoodandtookittothegunyahwherehefoundSilencebrokenbyhisfootfalls-deathanddarknessontheground。

Weakandweariedwithhisjourney,therethelonesurvivorstooped,Andthedisappointmentbowedhimandhisheartwithsadnessdrooped,Page:52

Andheroseandrakedahollowwithhiswasted,feeblehands,Wherehetookandhidthehero,intherushesandthesands;

Buthe,likeabrother,laidhimoutofreachofwindandrain,Andformanydayshesojournednearhimonthatwild-facedplain;

Whilsthestayedbesidetheruin,whilsthelingeredwiththedead,Oh!hemusthavesatinshadow,gloomyasthetearsheshed……

WhereournobleBurkewaslying-wherehissadcompanionstood,Camethenativesoftheforest-camethewildmenofthewood;

Downtheylooked,andsawthestranger-hewhothereinquietslept-

Downtheyknelt,ando’erthechieftainbitterlytheymoanedandwept:

Bitterlytheymournedtoseehimalluncoveredtotheblast-

Alluncoveredtothetempestasitwailedandwhistledpast;

Andtheyshroudedhimwithbushes,soindeaththathemightlie,Likeawarrioroftheirnation,shelteredfromthestormysky……

Yemustriseandsingtheirpraises,Oyebardswithsoulsoffire,Forthepeople’svoiceshallechothroughthewailingsofyourlyre;

Andwe’llwelcomebacktheircomrade,thoughoureyeswithtearsbeblindAtthethoughtsofpromiseperished,andtheshadowleftbehind;

Nowtheleavesarebleachingroundthem-nowthegalesabovethemglide,Buttheendwasallaccomplished,andtheirfameisfarandwide。

Thoughthisfadelessglorycannothideagratefulnation’sgrief,Andtheirlaurelshavebeenblendedwiththegloomycypressleaf。

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Letthemrestwheretheyhavelaboured!but,mycountry,mournandmoan;

Wemustbuildwithhumansorrowgrandermonumentsthanstone。

Letthemrest,foroh!remember,thatinlonghereaftertimeSonsofScienceoftshallwandero’erthatsolitaryclime!

Citiesbrightshallriseaboutit,AgeandBeautythereshallstray,Andthefathersofthepeople,pointingtothegraves,shallsay:

``Heretheyfell,thegloriousmartyrs!whentheseplainswerewoodlandsdeep;

Hereafriend,abrother,laidthem;herethewildmencametoweep。’’

LURLINE

(InscribedtoMadameLucyEscott。)

ASyouglidedandglidedbeforeusthattime,Amystical,magicalmaiden,WefanciedwelookedonafacefromtheclimeWherethepoetshavebuildedtheirAidenn!

Andoh,thesweetshadows!Andoh,thewarmgleamsWhichlayonthelandofourbeautifuldreams,WhilewewalkedbythemarginsofmusicalstreamsAndheardyourwildwarblingaroundus!

WeforgotwhatwewerewhenwestoodwiththetreesNearthebanksofthosesilverywaters;

Aseverinfragmentstheycameonthebreeze,ThesongsofoldRhineandhisdaughters!

AndthenyouwouldpasswiththoseradianteyesWhichflashedlikealightinthetropicalskies-

Andah!thebrightthoughtsthatwouldsparkleandriseWhileweheardyourwildwarblingaroundus。

WillyoueverflybacktothiscityofoursWithyourharpandyourvoiceandyourbeauty?

GodknowswerejoicewhenwemeetwithsuchflowersOnthehardroadofLifeandofDuty!

Oh!comeasyoudid,withthatfaceandthattone,Forwewistfullylooktothehourswhichhaveflown,AndlongforaglimpseofthegladnessthatshoneWhenweheardyourwildwarblingaroundus。

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UNDERTHEFIGTREE

LIKEdriftsofbalmfromcedaredglens,thosedarlingmemoriescome,Withsoftlowsongs,anddearoldtales,familiartoourhome。

Thenbreatheagainthatfaintrefrain,sotender,sad,andtrue,Mysoulturnsroundwithlisteningeyesuntotheharpandyou!

ThefragmentsofabrokenPastarefloatingdownthetide,Andshecomesgleamingthroughthedark,mylove,mylife,mybride!

Oh!sitandsing-Iknowherwell,thatphantomdeadlyfairWithlargesurprise,andsuddensighs,andstreamingmidnighthair!

Iknowherwell,forfacetofacewestoodamongstthesheaves,Ourvoicesminglingwithamistofmusicintheleaves!

Iknowherwell,forhandinhandwewalkedbesidethesea,AndheardthehuddlingwatersboombeneaththisoldFigtree。

Godhelpthemanthatgoesabroadamongstthewindypines,Andwanders,likeagloomybat,wherenevermorningshines!

Thatstealsaboutamidsttheroutofbrokenstonesandgraves,Whenroundthecliffsthemerryskiffsgoscuddingthroughthewaves;

When,downthebay,thechildrenplay,andscamperonthesand,AndLifeandMirthillumetheEarth,andBeautyfillstheLand!

Godhelptheman!HeonlyhearsandfearsthesleeplesscriesOfsmittenLove-ofhomelessLoveandmoaningMemories。

Oh!whenarhymeofoldentimeissungbyonesodear,IfeelagainthesweetestpainI’veknownformanyayear;

Andfromadeep,dullseaofsleepfaintfanciescometome,AndIforgethowlonewesitbeneaththisoldFigtree。

DROWNEDATSEA

GLOOMYcliffs,sowornandwastedwiththewashingofthewaves,Areyenotlikegianttombstonesroundthoselonelyoceangraves?

Areyenotthesadmemorials,tellingofamightygrief-

Darkwithrecordsgroundandletteredintocavernedrockandreef?

Oh!yeshowthem,andIknowthem,andmythoughtsinmourninggoDownamongstyoursunlesschasms,deepintothesurfbelow!

Oh!yebearthem,anddeclarethem,ando’ereverycleftandscar,IhaveweptfordeardeadbrothersperishedinthelostDunbar!

Yesmitten-yebattered,AndsplinteredandshatteredCliffsoftheSea!

Restlesswaves,sodimwithdreamsofsuddenstormsandgustysurge,Roaringlikeagatheredwhirlwindreelingroundamountainverge,Wereyenotlikeloosenedmaniacs,inthenightwhenBeautypaleCalleduponherGod,beseechingthroughtheuproarofthegale?

WereyenotlikemaddeneddemonswhileyoungchildrenfaintwithfearCriedandcriedandcriedforsuccour,andnohelpinghandwasnear?

Oh,thesorrowofthemorrow!-lamentationsnearandfar!-

Oh,thesobsfordeardeadsistersperishedinthelostDunbar!-

Yeruthless,unsated,Andhateful,andhatedWavesoftheSea!

Ay,westoopedandmoanedindarkness-

eyesmightstrainandheartsmightplead,Fortheirdarlingscryingwildly,theywouldneverrisenorheed!

Ay,weyearnedintotheirfaceslookingforthelifeinvain,Wailingliketochildrenblindedwithamistofsuddenpain!

Dearhandsclenched,anddeareyesrigidinasternandstonystare,Dearlipswhitefrompastaffliction,deadtoallourmaddespair,Ah,thegroaningandthemoaning-ah,thethoughtswhichriseintearsWhenweturntoallthoselovedones,lookingbackwardfivelongyears!

Thefathersandmothers,ThesistersandbrothersDrownedatSea!

MORNINGINTHEBUSH

(AJuvenileFragment)

ABOVEtheskirtsofyellowclouds,Thegod-likeSun,arrayedInblindingsplendour,swiftlyrose,Andlookedathwarttheglade;

ThesleepydingowatchedhimbreakThebondsthatcurbedhisflight;

AndfromhisgoldentressesshakeThefadinggemsofNight!

AndwildgoburraslaughedaloudTheirmerrymorningsongs,AsEchoansweredinthedepthsWithathousandthousandtongues;

Thegully-depthswheremanyavineOfancientgrowthhadcrept,Toclusterroundthehoarypine,Wherescantymosseswept。

Hugestones,anddampandbrokencrags,Inwildchaoticheap,WerelyingatthebarrenbaseOfthefernyhillsidesteep;

Betweenthosefragmentshollowslay,Upfilledwithfruitfulground,Wheremanyamodestfloweretgrew,Toscentthewind-breathsround;

AsfertilepatchesbloomwithinAdriedandworldlyheart,WhensomethatlookcanonlyseeThecold,thebarrenpart!

TheMiser,fullwiththoughtsofgain,Themeanestofhisrace,Mayinhisbreastsomeverdurehide,Thoughnonethatverduretrace。

Wheretime-worncliffswerejuttingout,Withroughandraggededges,Thesnowymountain-lilysleptBehindtheearthyledges;

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LikesomesweetOrientalMaid,WhoblindlydeemsitdutyTowearaveilbeforeherface,Andhideherpeerlessbeauty;

OrliketoInnocencethatthrivesInmidstofsinandsorrows,NorfromthecheerlessscenearoundTheleastinfectionborrows,Butstayethouthermortallife-

Thoughinthatlifetimelonely-

WithVirtue’slustreroundherheart,AndVirtue’slustreonly。

ApatchofsunshinehereandthereLayonaleaf-strewnwater-pool,WhosetributetrickleddowntherocksIngurglingripples,clearandcool!

Asiguanas,fromtheclefts,Wouldstealalongwithrustlingsound,TowheretherestlesseddiesroamedAmongstthearrowyrushesround。

While,scanningthemwithangryeyesFromoffafallenmyrtlelogThatbranchlessbridgedthebrushycreek,Therestoodandbarked,aShepherd’sDog!

AndunderneathaneighbouringmassOfwattlesintertwining,HisMasterlay-hisbackagainstThegrassybanksreclining。

Beneaththeshadeofironbarks,Stretchedo’erthevalley’sslopingbed-

Halfhiddeninatea-treescrub,Aflockofduskysheepwerespread;

AndfitfulbleatingfaintlycameOneveryjoyousbreathofwind,Thatupthestonyhillswouldfly,Andleavethehollowsfarbehind!

WildtonesofmusicfromtheCreekWereinterminglingwiththebreeze,Theloud,richlaysofcountlessbirdsPerchedonthedarkmimosatrees;

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Thosemerrybirds,withwingsoflightWhichrivaleverygoldenrayOut-flashingfromthelampsofNight,Orstreamingo’erthebrowofDay。

Amongstthegnarlyapple-trees,Agorgeoustribeofparrotscame;

Andscreaming,leaptfromboughtobough,Likelivingjetsofcrimsonflame!

Andwherethehillside-growinggumsTheirweb-likefoliageupwardthrew,OldNaturerangwithechoesfromTheloud-voicedmountaincockatoo;

Andathousandnamelesstwitteringthings,Betweentherustlingsaplingsprays,Wereflashingthroughthefragrantleaves,Anddancingliketofabledfays;

RejoicinginthegloriouslightThatbeauteousMorninghadunfurledTomaketheheartofNatureglad,AndclothewithsmilesaweepingWorld。

THEGIRLILEFTBEHIND

(NewWordstoanOldAir。)

WITHsweetRegret-(thedearestthingthatYesterdayhasleftus)-

WeoftenturnourhomelesseyestosceneswhenceFatehasreftus。

Heresittingbyafadingflame,wildwaifsofsongremindmeOfAnniewithhergentleways,theGirlIleftbehindme。

Istoodbesidethesurgingsea,withlipsofsilentpassion-

Ifacedyoubythesurgingsea,Obrowsofmildrepression!

Ineversaid-``mydarling,stay!’’-themomentsseemedtobindmeTosomethingstiflingallmywordsfortheGirlIleftbehindme。

Thepathoswornbycommonthings-byeverywaysideflower,OrAutumnleafonlonelywinds,revivesthepartinghour。

Page:59

Yeswooningthoughtswithoutavoice-yetearswhichrosetoblindme,WhydidshefadeintotheDark,theGirlIleftbehindme。

Atnighttheyalwayscometome,thetenderandtrue-hearted;

Andinmydreamswejoinagainthehandswhichnowareparted;

And,lookingthroughthegatesofSleep,thepleasantMoondothfindmeForeverwanderingwithmyLove,theGirlIleftbehindme。

Youknowmylifeisincomplete,Ofar-offfaintIdeal!

WhenshallIreachyoufromadepthofdarknesswhichisreal?

SoImaymingle,soulinsoul,withherthatHeavenassignedme;

Soshemayleanuponmylove,theGirlIleftbehindme。

AMONGSTTHEROSES

IWALKEDthroughaForest,beneaththehotnoon,OnEthelinecallingandcalling!

Onesaid:``Shewillhearyouandcometoyousoon,Whenthecoolness,mybrother,isfalling。’’

ButIwhispered:``ODarling,Ifalterwithpain!’’

Andthethirstyleavesrustled,andhissedfortherain,Whereawayfarerhaltedandsleptontheplain;

AnddreamtofagardenofRoses!

Ofacoolsweetplace,AndanestlingfaceInadanceandadazzleofRoses。

InthedrouthofaDesert,outwearied,Iwept,OEtheline,darkenedwithdolours!

But,foldedinsunset,howlonghaveyousleptBytheRosesallreelingwithcolours?

Atreefromitstressesablossomdidshake,Itfellonherface,andIfearedshewouldwake,SoIbrusheditawayforhersweetsake;

InthatgardenofbeautifulRoses!

InthedreamyperfumesFromripe-redbloomsInadanceandadazzleofRoses。

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SUNSET

ITisbetter,Oday,thatyougotoyourrest,Foryougolikeaguestwhowaslothtoremain!

Swingopen,yegatesoftheeastandthewest,Andletoutthewildshadows-thenightandtherain。

Yewinds,yearedead,withyourvoicesattuned,Thatthrilledthegreenlifeinthesweet-scentedsheaves,WhenItouchedawarmhandwhichhasfaded,andswoonedToatranceofthedarkness,andblightontheleaves。

Ihadstudiedtheloreinhermaiden-likeways,Andthelarge-heartedloveofmyAnniewaswon,’EreSummerhadpassedintopassionatedays,OrAutumnmadereadyherfruitsfortheSun。

Somylifewascomplete,andthehoursthatwentby,Andthemoonandthewillow-wooedwatersaround,Mighthaveknownthatwerested,myAnnieandI,Inhappinesscalmastheslumberofsound。

OnSundayswewandered,asgladasabreeze,Bytherocksandthewavesonaglitteringbeach;

Orweloiteredingardensmelodiouswithbees,Andsuckedthesweetpulpoftheplumandthepeach。

``TheForestwillshowmethesecretsofFame,’’

Isaidtomyselfinthegum-shadowedglen,``Iwillcalleveryblossomandtreebyitsname,Andthepeopleshalldeemmeamanofthemen。

``IwillgatherRosesofSharon,mySoul,-

TheRosesofSharonsocoolandsosweet;

AndourbrothersshallseemeentwiningthewholeForagarlandtodropatmydearAnnie’sfeet。’’

Itisbetter,Oday,thatyougotoyourrest,Foryougolikeaguestwhowaslothtoremain!

Swingopen,yegatesoftheeastandthewest,Andletoutthewildshadows-thenightandtherain。

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DOUBTING

ABROTHERwanderedforthwithme,Besideabarrenbeach:

Heharpedonthingsbeyondthesea,Andoutofreach。

Hehintedonceofunknownskies,AndthenIwouldnothark,Butturnedawayfromsteadfasteyes,Intothedark。

Andsaid-``anancientfaithisdeadAndwonderfillsmymind:

ImarvelhowtheblindhaveledSolongtheblind。

``BeholdthistruthweonlyknowThatnightisontheland!

AndweawearywaymustgoTofindGod’shand。’’

Iwept-``Ourfatherstoldus,Lord,ThatThouwertkindandjust,Butlo!ourwailingsflyabroadForbrokentrust。

``HowmanyevilonesarehereWhomockinggoabout,BecausewearetoofaintwithfearTowrestleDoubt!

``ThyriddlesarebeyondthekenOfcreaturesofthesod:

Rememberthatwearebutmen,AndThouartGod!

``O,dotingworld,methinksyourstayIsweakerthanareed!

OurFatherturnsHisfaceaway;

’Tisdarkindeed。’’

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Theeveningwoodslayhuddledthere,Allwrappedinsilencestrange:

Asuddenwind-andlo!theairWasfilledwithchange。

``Yourwordsarewild,’’mybrothersaid,``ForGod’svoicefillsthebreeze;

Go-hideyourself,asAdamdid,Amongstthetrees。

``Iplucktheshoesfromoffmyfeet,Butdaretolookaround;

Behold,’’hesaid,``myLordIgreet,Onholyground!``

AndGodspakethroughthewindtome-

``ShakeoffthatgloomofFear,YoufaintingsoulwhocouldnotseeThatIwasnear。

``Whyvexmecryingdayandnight?-

Youcallonmetohark!

ButwhenIblessyourworldwithlight,Whomakesitdark?

``IstherearavelledriddleleftThatyouwouldhaveundone?

Whatotherdoubtsaretheretosift?’’

Ianswered-``None。’’

``Myson,lookup,ifyouwouldseeThePromiseonyourway,Andturnatrustfulfacetome。’’

Iwhispered-``Yea。’’

GERALDINE

MYheadisfilledwitholdenrhymesbesidethismoaningsea,ButmanyandmanyadayhasgonesinceIwasdeartothee!

Iknowmypassionfadesaway,andthereforeoftregretThatsomewholoveindeedcanpartandintheyearsforget。

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Ah!throughthetwilightswhenwestoodthewattletreesbetween,Wedidnotdreamofsuchatimeasthis,fairGeraldine。

Idonotsaythatallhasgoneofpassionandofpain;

IyearnformanyhappythoughtsIshallnotthinkagain!

Andoftenwhenthewindisup,andwailingroundtheeaves,YousighforwitheredPurposeshredandscatteredliketheleaves,ThePurposebloomingwhenwemeteachotheronthegreen;

Thesunsetheavyinyourcurls,mygoldenGeraldine。

IthinkwelivedaloftierlifethroughhoursofLongAgo,Forinthelargenedeveningearthourspiritsseemedtogrow。

Well,thathaspassed,andhereIstand,uponalonelyplace,WhileNightisstealingroundtheland,likeTimeacrossmyface;

ButIcancalmlyrecollectourshadowypartingscene,Andswooningthoughtsthathadnovoice-noutterance,Geraldine。

ACHAN

(From``Jephthah’’。)

HATHhenotfollowedastarthroughthedarkness,YepeoplewhositatthetableofJephthah?

Oh!turnwiththefacetoalightinthemountains,BeholditisfurtherfromAchanthanever!

``IknowhowitiswithmybrothersinMizpeh,’’

SaidAchan,theswift-footedrunnerofZorah,``Theylookatthewoodtheyhavehewnforthealtar;

Andthinkofashadowinsackclothandashes。

``IknowhowitiswiththedaughterofJephthah,(OAda,mylove,andthefairestofwomen!)

ShewailsinthetimewhenherheartissozealousForGodwhohathstrickenthechildrenofAmmon。

``IsaidIwouldbringhertheodoursofEdom,Andarmfulsofspicestosetatthebanquet!

BeholdIhavefrontedthechieftainherfather;

Andstrongmenhaveweptfortheleaderofthousands!

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``MyloveisaroseoftherosesofSharon,AlllonelyandbrightastheMooninthemyrtles!

Herlips,liketohoneycombs,fillwiththesweetnessThatAchanthethirstyishinderedfromdrinking。

``HerwomenhaveweptforthelovethatiswastedLikewine,whichisspiltwhenthepeoplearewanting,AndhotwindshavedriedallthecisternsofElim!

Forlovethatiswastedherwomenwerewailing!

``Thetimbrelsfallsilent!Anddostthounothearit,Avoice,likethesoundofalutewhenweloiter,AndsitbythepoolsinthevalleysofArnon,Andsuckthecoolgrapesthataregrowinginclusters?

``Sheglides,likeamyrrh-scentedwind,throughthewillows,OAda!beholditisAchanthatspeaketh:

Iknowthouartnearme,butnevercanseethee,Becauseofthehorribledrouthinmineeyelids。’’