SeaSprayandSmokeDriftBushBallads&GallopingRhymesMiscellaneousPoemsAshtaroth：ADramaticLyric
InMemoriam。
（A。L。Gordon。）
Atrest！HardbythemarginofthatseaWhosesoundsaremingledwithhisnobleverse，NowliestheshellthatnevermorewillhouseThefine，strongspiritofmygiftedfriend。
Yea，hewhoflasheduponussuddenly，Ashiningsoulwithsyllablesoffire，WhosangthefirstgreatsongstheselandscanclaimTobetheirown；theonewhodidnotseemToknowwhatroyalplaceawaitedhimWithintheTempleoftheBeautiful，Haspassedaway；andwewhoknewhim，sitAghastindarkness，dumbwiththatgreatgrief，Whosestatureyetwecannotcomprehend；
Whileoveryonderchurchyard，hearsedwithpines，Thenight-windsingsitsimmemorialhymn，Andsobsaboveanewly-coveredgrave。
Thebard，thescholar，andthemanwholivedThatfrank，thatopen-heartedlifewhichkeepsThesplendidfireofEnglishchivalryFromdyingout；theonewhoneverwrongedAfellow-man；thefaithfulfriendwhojudgedThemany，anxioustobelovedofhim，Bywhathesaw，andnotbywhatheheard，Aslesserspiritsdo；thebravegreatsoulThatnevertoldalie，orturnedasideToflyfromdanger；he，Isay，wasoneOfthatbrightcompanythissin-stainedworldCanillaffordtolose。
Theydidnotknow，Thehundredswhohadreadhissturdyverse，Andrevelledoverringingmajornotes，ThemournfulmeaningoftheundersongWhichrunsthroughallhewrote，andoftentakesThedeepautumnal，half-prophetictoneOfforestwindsinMarch；nordidtheythinkThatonthathealthy-heartedmantherelayThewildspecificcursewhichseemstoclingForevertothePoet’stwofoldlife！
ToAdamLindsayGordon，IwholaidTwoyearsagoonLionelMichael’sgraveAtenderleafofmyregard；yeaI，WhoculledagarlandfromtheflowersofsongToplacewhereHarpursleeps；I，leftalone，ThesaddiscipleofashiningbandNowgone！toAdamLindsayGordon’snameIdedicatetheselines；andif’tistrueThat，pastthedarknessofthegrave，thesoulBecomesomniscient，thenthebardmaystoopFromhishighseattotaketheoffering，Andreaditwithasighforhumanfriends，Inhumanbonds，andgraywithhumangriefs。
Andhavingwoveandprofferedthispoorwreath，Istandto-dayasloneashewhosawAtnightfallthroughtheglimmeringmoonymists，ThelastofArthuronthewailingmere，Andstrainedinvaintohearthegoingvoice。
HenryKendall。
Preface。
ThepoemsofGordonhaveaninterestbeyondthemerepersonalonewhichhisfriendsattachtohisname。Written，astheywere，atoddtimesandleisuremomentsofastirringandadventurouslife，itisnottobewonderedatiftheyareunequalorunfinished。
Theastonishmentofthosewhoknewtheman，andcangaugethecapacityofthiscitytofosterpoeticinstinct，isthatsuchworkwaseverproducedhereatall。Intenselynervous，andfeelingmuchofthatshameattheexerciseofthehigherintelligencewhichbesetsthosewhoareknowntoberenownedinfieldsports，Gordonproducedhispoemsshyly，scribbledthemonscrapsofpaper，andsentthemanonymouslytomagazines。
Itwasnotuntilhediscoveredonemorningthateverybodyknewacoupletortwoof\"HowweBeattheFavourite\"thatheconsentedtoforegohisanonymityandappearintheunsuspectedcharacterofaversemaker。
Thesuccessofhisrepublished\"collected\"poemsgavehimcourage，andtheunreservedpraisewhichgreeted\"BushBallads\"shouldhaveurgedhimtoforgetortoconquerthoseevilpromptingswhich，unhappily，broughtabouthisuntimelydeath。
AdamLindsayGordonwasthesonofanofficerintheEnglisharmy，andwaseducatedatWoolwich，inorderthathemightfollowtheprofessionofhisfamily。AtthetimewhenhewasacadettherewasnosignofeitherofthetwogreatwarswhichwereabouttocallforththestrengthofEnglisharms，and，likemanyothermenofhisday，hequittedhisprospectsofserviceandemigrated。HewenttoSouthAustraliaandstartedasasheepfarmer。Hiseffortswereattendedwithfailure。
Helosthiscapital，and，owningnothingbutaloveforhorsemanshipandaheadfullofBrowningandShelley，plungedintothevariedlifewhichgold-mining，\"overlanding\"，andcattle-drivingaffords。
FromthisexperienceheemergedtolightinMelbourneasthebestamateursteeplechaseriderinthecolonies。ThevictoryhewonforMajorBakerin1868，whenherodeBabblerfortheCupSteeplechase，madehimpopular，andthealmostsimultaneouspublicationofhislastvolumeofpoemsgavehimwelcomeentrancetothehousesofallwhohadpretensionstoliterarytaste。ThereputationofthebookspreadtoEngland，andMajorWhyteMelvilledidnotdisdaintoplacethelinesofthedashingAustralianauthorattheheadofhisowndashingdescriptionsofsportingscenery。Unhappily，themelancholywhichGordon’sfriendshadwithpainobservedincreaseddaily，andinthefullfloodofhissuccess，withcongratulationspouringuponhimfromeveryside，hewasfounddeadintheheathernearhishomewithabulletfromhisownrifleinhisbrain。
Idonotproposetocriticisethevolumeswhichthesefewlinesofprefaceintroducetothereader。TheinfluenceofBrowningandofSwinburneuponthewriter’stasteisplain。Thereisplainlyvisiblealso，however，akeensensefornaturalbeautyandamanlyadmirationforhealthyliving。
Ifin\"Ashtaroth\"and\"Bellona\"werecognisetheswingofafamiliarmetre，insuchpoemsas\"TheSickStockrider\"weperceivethegenuinepoeticinstinctunitedtoaveryclearperceptionofthelovelinessofdutyandoflabour。
\"’Twasmerryintheglowingmorn，amongthegleaminggrass，Towanderaswe’vewanderedmanyamile，Andblowthecooltobaccocloud，andwatchthewhitewreathspass，Sittinglooselyinthesaddleallthewhile；
’Twasmerry’midtheblackwoods，whenwespiedthestationroofs，Towheelthewildscrubcattleattheyard，Witharunningfireofstockwhipsandafieryrunofhoofs，Oh！thehardestdaywasneverthentoohard！
\"Aye！wehadagloriousgallopafter`Starlight’andhisgang，WhentheyboltedfromSylvester’sontheflat；
Howthesun-driedreed-bedscrackled，howtheflint-strewnrangesrangTothestrokesof`Mountaineer’and`Acrobat’；
Hardbehindtheminthetimber，harderstillacrosstheheath，Closebehindthemthroughthetea-treescrubwedashed；
Andthegolden-tintedfernleaves，howtheyrustledunderneath！
Andthehoneysuckleosiers，howtheycrash’d！\"
Thisisgenuine。Thereisno\"poeticevolutionfromthedepthsofinternalconsciousness\"here。Thewriterhasriddenhisrideaswellaswrittenit。
Thestudentoftheseunpretendingvolumeswillberepaidforhislabour。
HewillfindinthemsomethingverylikethebeginningsofanationalschoolofAustralianpoetry。InhistoricEurope，whereeveryroodofgroundishallowedinlegendandinsong，theleastimaginativecanfindfoodforsadandsweetreflection。
WhenstrollingatnoondownanEnglishcountrylane，loungingatsunsetbysomeruinedchapelonthemarginofanIrishlake，orwatchingthemistsofmorningunveilBenLomond，wefeelallthecharmwhichspringsfromassociationwiththepast。Soothed，saddened，andcheeredbyturns，wepartakeofthevariedmoodswhichbelongnotsomuchtoourselvesastothedeadmenwho，inolddays，sung，suffered，orconqueredinthesceneswhichwesurvey。Butthisournativeoradoptedlandhasnopast，nostory。Nopoetspeakstous。DoweneedapoettointerpretNature’steachings，wemustlookintoourownhearts，ifperchancewemayfindapoetthere。
WhatisthedominantnoteofAustralianscenery？ThatwhichisthedominantnoteofEdgarAllanPoe’spoetry——WeirdMelancholy。
Apoemlike\"L’Allegro\"couldneverbewrittenbyanAustralian。Itistooairy，toosweet，toofreshlyhappy。TheAustralianmountainforestsarefunereal，secret，stern。Theirsolitudeisdesolation。
Theyseemtostifle，intheirblackgorges，astoryofsullendespair。
Notendersentimentisnourishedintheirshade。Inotherlandsthedyingyearismourned，thefallingleavesdroplightlyonhisbier。
IntheAustralianforestsnoleavesfall。Thesavagewindsshoutamongtherockclefts。Fromthemelancholygumsstripsofwhitebarkhangandrustle。Theveryanimallifeofthesefrowninghillsiseithergrotesqueorghostly。Greatgreykangarooshopnoiselesslyoverthecoarsegrass。Flightsofwhitecockatoosstreamout，shriekinglikeevilsouls。Thesunsuddenlysinks，andthemopokesburstoutintohorriblepealsofsemi-humanlaughter。
Thenativesaverthat，whennightcomes，fromoutthebottomlessdepthofsomelagoontheBunyiprises，and，informlikemonstroussea-calf，dragshisloathsomelengthfromouttheooze。Fromacornerofthesilentforestrisesadismalchant，andaroundafiredancenativespaintedlikeskeletons。Allisfear-inspiringandgloomy。
Nobrightfanciesarelinkedwiththememoriesofthemountains。
Hopelessexplorershavenamedthemoutoftheirsufferings——
MountMisery，MountDreadful，MountDespair。Aswhenamongsylvanscenesinplaces\"Madegreenwiththerunningofrivers，Andgraciouswithtemperateair，\"
thesoulissoothedandsatisfied，so，placedbeforethefrightfulgrandeurofthesebarrenhills，itdrinksintheirsentimentofdefiantferocity，andissteepedinbitterness。
AustraliahasrightlybeennamedtheLandoftheDawning。Wrappedinthemidstofearlymorning，herhistoryloomsvagueandgigantic。
Thelonelyhorsemanridingbetweenthemoonlightandthedayseesvastshadowscreepingacrosstheshelterlessandsilentplains，hearsstrangenoisesintheprimevalforest，whereflourishesavegetationlongdeadinotherlands，andfeels，despitehisfortune，thatthetrimutilitariancivilisationwhichbredhimshrinksintoinsignificancebesidethecontemptuousgrandeurofforestandrangescoevalwithanageinwhichEuropeanscientistshavecradledhisownrace。
Thereisapoemineveryformoftreeorflower，butthepoetrywhichlivesinthetreesandflowersofAustraliadiffersfromthoseofothercountries。Europeisthehomeofknightlysong，ofbrightdeedsandclearmorningthought。Asiasinksbeneaththeweightyrecollectionsofherpastmagnificence，astheSutteesinks，jewelburdened，uponthecorpseofdreadgrandeur，destructiveeveninitsdeath。
Americaswiftlyhurriesonherway，rapid，glittering，insatiableevenasoneofherowngiantwaterfalls。FromthejunglesofAfrica，andthecreeper-tangledgrovesoftheIslandsoftheSouth，arise，fromtheglowingheartsofathousandflowers，heavyandintoxicatingodours——theUpas-poisonwhichdwellsinbarbaricsensuality。InAustraliaaloneistobefoundtheGrotesque，theWeird，thestrangescribblingsofNaturelearninghowtowrite。
Someseenobeautyinourtreeswithoutshade，ourflowerswithoutperfume，ourbirdswhocannotfly，andourbeastswhohavenotyetlearnedtowalkonallfours。Butthedwellerinthewildernessacknowledgesthesubtlecharmofthisfantasticlandofmonstrosities。
Hebecomesfamiliarwiththebeautyofloneliness。Whisperedtobythemyriadtonguesofthewilderness，helearnsthelanguageofthebarrenandtheuncouth，andcanreadthehieroglyphicsofhaggardgum-trees，blownintooddshapes，distortedwithfiercehotwinds，orcrampedwithcoldnights，whentheSouthernCrossfreezesinacloudlessskyoficyblue。ThephantasmagoriaofthatwilddreamlandtermedtheBushinterpretsitself，andthePoetofourdesolationbeginstocomprehendwhyfreeEsaulovedhisheritageofdesertsandbetterthanallthebountifulrichnessofEgypt。
MarcusClarke。
GeneralContents。
[Thepoemsarelistedbyalphabeticalorder。]
InMemoriam。ByHenryKendall。
Preface。ByMarcusClarke。
ABasketofFlowersADedicationAFragment\"AftertheQuarrel\"
AHuntingSongALegendofMadridAnExile’sFarewellArsLongaAshtaroth：ADramaticLyricASongofAutumnBanker’sDreamBellonaBorrow’dPlumesByFloodandFieldByWoodandWoldCitoPedePreteritAetasConfiteorCredatJudaeusApellaCuiBonoDelilahDeTe\"Discontent\"
DoubtfulDreams\"EarlyAdieux\"
\"Exeunt\"
ExFumoDareLucemFauconshaweFinisExoptatusFragmentaryScenesfromtheRoadtoAvernusFromLightningandTempestFromtheWreckGoneHippodromania；or，WhiffsfromthePipeHowweBeattheFavourite\"IntheGarden\"
InUtrumqueParatusLaudamusLexTalionisNoNamePastorCumPodasOkusPotters’ClayQuareFatigastiRipplingWaterSunlightontheSea\"TenPacesOff\"
TheFieldsofColeraineTheLastLeap\"TheOldLeaven\"
TheRhymeofJoyousGardeTheRolloftheKettledrum；or，TheLayoftheLastChargerTheRomanceofBritomarteTheSickStockriderTheSongoftheSurfTheSwimmerTheThreeFriendsThick-headedThoughtsThora’sSongToaProudBeautyToMySister\"TwoExhortations\"
UnshrivenVisionsintheSmokeWhisperingsinWattle-BoughsWolfandHoundWormwoodandNightshadeYeWearieWayfarer，hysBalladZuderedlenYagdSeaSprayandSmokeDriftPodasOkusAmIwaking？WasIsleeping？
Dearest，areyouwatchingyet？
TracesonyourcheeksofweepingGlitter，’tisinvainyoufret；
Driftingever！driftingonward！
IntheglassthebrightsandrunsSteadilyandslowlydownward；
HushedarealltheMyrmidons。
HasAutomedonbeenbanish’dFromhispostbesidemybed？
WherehasAgamemnonvanished？
WhereiswarlikeDiomed？
WhereisNestor？whereUlysses？
Menelaus，whereishe？
Callthemnot，moredearyourkissesThantheirprosingsaretome。
Daylightfadesandnightmustfollow，Low，whereseaandskycombine，DroopstheorbofgreatApollo，Hostilegodtomeandmine。
Throughthetent’swideentrancestreaming，Inafloodofgloryrare，Glidesthegoldensunset，gleamingOnyourgolden，gleaminghair。
Chidehimnot，theleechwhotarries，Surestaidwerealltoolate；
SurerfartheshaftofParis，WingedbyPhoebusandbyfate；
Whenhecrouch’dbehindthegable，HadIoncehisfeaturesscann’d，Phoebus’selfhadscarcebeenableTohavenervedhistremblinghand。
Blue-eyedmaiden！dearAthena！
Goddesschaste，andwiseandbrave，FromthesnaresofPolyxenaThouwould’stfainthyfavouritesave。
Tellme，isitnotfarbetterThatitshouldbeasitis？
Jove’sbehestwecannotfetter，Fate’sdecreesarealwayshis。
Manyseekforpeaceandriches，Lengthofdaysandlifeofease；
Ihavesoughtforonething，whichisFaireruntomethanthese。
Often，too，I’veheardthestory，Inmyboyhood，ofthedoomWhichthefatesassignedme——Glory，Coupledwithanearlytomb。
SwiftassaultandsuddensallyUnderneaththeTrojanwall；
Charge，andcountercharge，andrally，War-cryloud，andtrumpetcall；
Doubtfulstrainofdesp’ratebattle，Cutandthrustandgrapplefierce，Swordsthatringonshieldsthatrattle，Bladesthatgashanddartsthatpierce；——
Ihavedonewiththeseforever；
Bytheloudresoundingsea，Wherethereedyjav’linsquiver，Thereisnownoplaceforme。
Daybydayourranksdiminish，Wearefallingdaybyday；
Butoursonsthestrifewillfinish，Wheremantarriesmanmustslay。
Life，’tissaid，toallmensweetis，Deathtoallmustbitterbe；
Whereforethus，oh，motherThetis！
NonecanbaffleJove’sdecree？
Iamready，Iamwilling，Toresignmystormylife；
Wearyofthislongblood-spilling，Satedwiththisceaselessstrife。
ShorterdoomI’vepictureddimly，Onabedofcrimsonsand；
Fightinghardanddyinggrimly，Silentlips，andstrikinghand。
Butthetoughestlivesarebrittle，AndthebravestandthebestLightlyfall——itmatterslittle；
NowIonlylongforrest。
Ihaveseenenoughofslaughter，SeenScamander’storrentred，Seenhotbloodpouredoutlikewater，Seenthechampaignheapedwithdead。
Menwillcallmeunrelenting，Pitiless，vindictive，stern；
Fewwillraiseavoicedissenting，Fewwillbetterthingsdiscern。
Speak！thefiresoflifearereeling，Likethewildfiresonthemarsh，WasItoafriendunfeeling？
WasItoamistressharsh？
WastherenoughtsavebloodshedthrobbingInthisheartandonthisbrow？
Whisper！girl，insilencesobbing！
DeadPatroclus！answerthou！
Drythosevioletorbsthatglisten，Darling，Ihavehadmyday；
Placeyourhandinmineandlisten，ErethestrongsoulcleavesitswayThroughthedeathmisthoveringo’erme，Asthestoutshipcleavesthewave，Tomyfathersgonebeforeme，Tothegodswholovethebrave！
Courage，wemustpartforcertain；
Shadesthatsinkandshadesthatrise，Blendinginashroud-likecurtain，Gathero’erthesewearyeyes。
O’erthefieldsweusedtoroam，inBrighterdaysandlightercheer，Gathersthusthequietgloaming——
Now，Iween，theendisnear。
Forthehandthatclaspsyourfingers，Closinginthedeath-griptight，Scarcelyfeelsthewarmththatlingers，Scarcelyheedsthepressurelight；
Whilethefailingpulsethatalters，Changing’neathadeathchilldamp，Flickers，flutters，flags，andfalters，Feeblylikeawaninglamp。
Think’stthou，love，’twillchafemyghostinHades’realm，whereheroesshine，ShouldIheartheshepherdboastingTohisArgiveconcubine？
Lethimboast，thegirlishvictor，Lethimbrag；notthus，Itrow，WerethelaurelstornfromHector，Notsoverylongago。
Doesmyvoicesoundthickandhusky？
Ismyhandnolongerwarm？
RoundthatneckwherepearlslookduskyLetmeoncemorewindmyarm；
Restmyheaduponthatshoulder，Whereitrestedoftofyore；
Warmandwhite，yetseemingcolderNowthane’eritseem’dbefore。
’TwasthefraudofPriam’sdaughter，NottheforceofPriam’sson，Slewme——asknotwhyIsoughther，’Twasmydoom——herworkisdone！
Fairerfarthanshe，anddearer，Byathousandfoldthouart；
Come，myownone，nestlenearer，Cheatingdeathofhalfhissmart。
Slowly，whileyourambertressesShowerdowntheirgoldenrain，Letmedrinkthoselastcaresses，Nevertobefeltagain；
Yetth’Elysianhallsarespacious，SomewherenearmeImaykeepRoom——whoknows？——Thegodsaregracious；
Laymelower——letmesleep！
Loweryet，mysenseswander，AndmyspiritseemstorollWiththetideofswiftScamanderRushingtoaviewlessgoal。
Inmyears，likedistantwashingOfthesurfupontheshore，Dronesamurmur，faintlysplashing，’TisthesplashofCharon’soar。
Loweryet，myownBriseis，Densershadowsveilthelight；
Hush，whatistobe，tobeis，Closemyeyes，andsaygood-night。
Lightlylayyourredlips，kissing，Onthiscoldmouth，whileyourthumbsLieonthesecoldeyelidspressing——
Pallas！thusthysoldiercomes！
GoneInCollins-streetstandethastatuetall——*
Astatuetallonapillarofstone，Tellingitsstory，togreatandsmall，Ofthedustreclaimedfromthesandwastelone。
Wearyandwasted，andwornandwan，Feebleandfaint，andlanguidandlow，Helayonthedesertadyingman，Whohasgone，myfriends，whereweallmustgo。
Thereareperilsbyland，andperilsbywater，Short，Iween，aretheobsequiesOfthelandsmanlost，buttheymaybeshorterWiththemarinerlostinthetracklessseas；
Andwellforhimwhenthetimbersstart，Andthestoutshipreelsandsettlesbelow，WhogoestohisdoomwithasboldaheartAsthatdeadmangonewhereweallmustgo。
Manisstubbornhisrightstoyield，AndredderthandewsateventideArethedewsofbattle，shedonthefield，Byanation’swrathoradespot’spride；
Butfewwhohaveheardtheirdeath-knellroll，Fromthecannon’slipswheretheyfacedthefoe，HavefallenasstoutandsteadyofsoulAsthatdeadmangonewhereweallmustgo。
Traverseyonspaciousburial-ground，Manyaresleepingsoundlythere，Whopass’dwithmournersstandingaround，Kindredandfriends，andchildrenfair；
Didheenvysuchending？’twerehardtosay；
Hadhecausetoenvysuchending？no；
CanthespiritfeelforthesenselessclayWhenitoncehasgonewhereweallmustgo？
Whatmattersthesandorthewhiteningchalk，Theblightedherbage，theblack’ninglog，Thecrookedbeakoftheeagle-hawk，Orthehotredtongueofthenativedog？
Thatcouchwasrugged，thosesextonsrude，Yet，inspiteofaleadenshroud，weknowThatthebravestandfairestareearth-worms’food，Whenoncethey’vegonewhereweallmustgo。
Withthepistolclenchedinhisfailinghand，Withthedeathmistspreado’erhisfadingeyes，Hesawthesungodownonthesand，Andheslept，andneversawitrise；
’Twaswell；hetoil’dtillhistaskwasdone，Constantandcalminhislatestthroe；
Thestormwasweathered，thebattlewaswon，Whenhewent，myfriends，whereweallmustgo。
Godgrantthatwhenever，soonorlate，Ourcourseisrunandourgoalisreach’d，WemaymeetourfateassteadyandstraightAshewhosebonesinyondesertbleach’d；
Notearsareneeded——ourcheeksaredry，Wehavenonetowasteuponlivingwoe；
Shallwesighforonewhohasceasedtosigh，Havinggone，myfriends，whereweallmustgo？
Wetarryyet，wearetoilingstill，Heisgoneandhefaresthebest，Hefoughtagainstodds，hestruggleduphill，Hehasfairlyearnedhisseasonofrest；
Notearsareneeded——filloutthewine，Letthegobletsclash，andthegrapejuiceflow；
Ho！pledgemeadeath-drink，comrademine，Toabravemangonewhereweallmustgo。
*TheextensionofthetramwayshasnecessitatedtheremovalofthisstatuetoSpring-street。
UnshrivenOh！thesunroseonthelea，andthebirdsangmerrilie，Andthesteedstoodreadyharness’dinthehall，Andhelefthislady’sbower，andhesoughttheeasterntower，Andheliftedcloakandweaponfromthewall。
\"Wewerewedbutyester-noon，mustweseparatesosoon？
Mustyoutravelunassoiledand，aye，unshriven，Withthebloodstainonyourhand，andtheredstreakonyourbrand，Andyourguiltallunconfessedandunforgiven？\"
\"Tho’itwerebutyester-evenwewerewedded，stillunshriven，AcrossthemoorthismorningImustride；
Imustgallopfastandstraight，formyerrandwillnotwait；
Fearnaught，Ishallreturnateventide。\"
\"IfIfear，itisforthee，thywealisdeartome，Yonmoorwithretributionseemethrife；
Aswe’vesownsomustwereap，andI’vestartedinmysleepAtthevoiceoftheavenger，`Lifeforlife’。\"
\"Myarmisstrong，Iween，andmytrustybladeiskeen，AndthecourserthatIrideisswiftandsure，AndIcannotbreakmyoath，thoughtoleavetheeIamloth，ThereisonethatImustmeetuponthemoor。\"
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Oh！thesunshoneonthelea，andthebirdsangmerrilie，Downtheavenueandthroughtheirongate，Spurr’dandbelted，soherode，steeltodrawandsteeltogoad，Andacrossthemoorhegallopedfastandstraight。
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Oh！thesunshoneonthelea，andthebirdsangfullofglee，Erethemistsofeveninggather’dchillandgrey；
Butthewildbird’smerrynoteonthedeafearneversmote，Andthesunshineneverwarmedthelifelessclay。
Erethesunbegantodroop，orthemistbegantostoop，Theyouthfulbridelayswooninginthehall；
Emptysaddleonhisback，brokenbridlehangingslack，Thesteedreturnedfullgalloptothestall。
Oh！thesunsankinthesea，andthewindwaileddrearilie；
Letthebellsinyondermonasterytoll，Forthenightracknestlesdarkroundthebodystiffandstark，AndunshriventoitsMakerfliesthesoul。
YeWearieWayfarer，hysBalladInEightFyttes。
FytteI
ByWoodandWold[APreamble]
\"Beneaththegreenwoodbough。\"——W。Scott。
Lightlythebreathofthespringwindblows，Thoughladenwithfaintperfume，’Tisthefragrancerarethatthebushmanknows，Thescentofthewattlebloom。
Two-thirdsofourjourneyatleastaredone，Oldhorse！letustakeaspellIntheshadefromtheglareofthenoondaysun，Thusfarwehavetravell’dwell；
YourbridleI’llslip，yoursaddleungirth，Andlaythembesidethislog，Foryou’llrollinthattrackofreddishearth，Andshakelikeawater-dog。
Uponyonderrisethere’saclumpoftrees——
Theirshadowslookcoolandbroad——
Youcancropthegrassasfastasyouplease，WhileIstretchmylimbsonthesward；
’Tispleasant，Iween，withaleafyscreenO’erthewearyhead，tolieOnthemossycarpetofemeraldgreen，’Neaththevaultoftheazuresky；
Thusallalonebythewoodandwold，IyieldmyselfonceagainTothememoriesoldthat，liketalesfreshtold，Comeflittingacrossthebrain。
FytteII
ByFloodandField[ALegendoftheCottiswold]
\"Theyhavesaddledahundredmilk-whitesteeds，Theyhavebridledahundredblack。\"——OldBallad。
\"Heturnedinhissaddle，nowfollowwhodare。
Irideformycountry，quoth**。\"——Lawrence。
Iremembertheloweringwintrymorn，AndthemistontheCotswoldhills，WhereIonceheardtheblastofthehuntsman’shorn，Notfarfromthesevenrills。
JackEsdalewasthere，andHughSt。Clair，BobChapmanandAndrewKerr，AndbigGeorgeGriffithsonDevil-May-Care，And——blackTomOliver。
Andonewhorodeonadark-brownsteed，Cleanjointed，sinewy，spare，WiththeleangameheadoftheBlacklockbreed，Andtheresoluteeyethatlovesthelead，Andthequartersmassiveandsquare——
Atowerofstrength，withapromiseofspeed（TherewasCelticbloodinthepair）。
Irememberhowmerryastartwegot，Whentheredfoxbrokefromthegorse，Inacountrysodeep，withascentsohot，Thatthehoundcouldoutpacethehorse；
Irememberhowfewinthefrontrankshew’d，Howendlessappearedthetail，Onthebrownhill-side，wherewecross’dtheroad，Andheadedtowardsthevale。
Thedark-brownsteedontheleftwasthere，Ontherightwasadappledgrey，Andbetweenthepair，onachestnutmare，Thedufferwhowritesthislay。
Whatbusinesshad\"thischild\"theretoride？
Butlittleornoneatall；
YetIheldmyownforawhilein\"theprideThatgoethbeforeafall。\"
Thoughrashnesscanhopeforbutoneresult，Weareheedlesswhenfatedrawsnighus，Andthemaximholdsgood，\"QuemperderevultDeus，dementatprius。\"
Therighthandmantothelefthandsaid，Asdowninthevalewewent，\"Hardenyourheartlikeamillstone，Ned，Andsetyourfaceasflint；
SolidandtallistheraspingwallThatstretchesbeforeusyonder；
Youmusthaveitatspeedornotatall，’Twerebettertohaltthantoponder，Forthestreamrunswideonthetake-offside，Andwashestheclaybankunder；
Heregoesforapull，’tisamadman’sride，Andabrokenneckifyoublunder。\"
Nowordinreplyhiscomradespoke，Norwaver’dnoroncelook’dround，ButIsawhimshortenhishorse’sstrokeAswesplash’dthroughthemarshyground；
IrememberthelaughthatallthewhileOnhisquietfeaturesplay’d：——
Soherodetohisdeath，withthatcarelesssmile，Inthevanofthe\"LightBrigade\"；
SostrickenbyRussiangrape，thecheerRangout，whilehetoppledback，FromtheshatteredlungsasmerryandclearAsitdidwhenitrousedthepack。
Letneveratearhismemorystain，Givehisashesneverasigh，Oneofmanywhoperished，NOTINVAIN，ASATYPEOFOURCHIVALRY——
Irememberonethrusthegavetohishat，Andtwototheflanksofthebrown，Andstillasastatueofoldhesat，Andheshottothefront，handsdown；
Irememberthesnortandthestag-likeboundOfthesteedsixlengthstothefore，Andthelaughoftheriderwhile，landingsound，Heturnedinhissaddleandglancedaround；
Iremember——butlittlemore，Saveabird’s-eyegleamofthedashingstream，Ajarringthudonthewall，Ashockandtheblankofanightmare’sdream——
Iwasdownwithastunningfall。
FytteIII
ZuderedlenYagd[ATreatiseonTrees——Vine-treev。Saddle-tree]
\"Now，welcome，welcome，mastersmine，Thricewelcometothenoblechase，Norearthlysport，norsportdivine，Cantakesuchhonourableplace。\"——BalladoftheWildHuntsman。
（FreeTranslation。）
Iremembersomewordsmyfathersaid，WhenIwasanurchinvain；——
Godresthissoul，inhisnarrowbedThesetenlongyearshehathlain。
WhenIthinkonedropofthebloodheboreThisfaintheartsurelymusthold，Itmaybemyfancyandnothingmore，Butthefaintheartseemethbold。
Hesaidthatasfromthebloodofgrape，Orfromjuicedistilledfromthegrain，Falsevigour，soontoevaporate，Islenttonerveandbrain，SothecowardwilldareonthegallanthorseWhatheneverwoulddarealone，Becauseheexultsinaborrowedforce，Andahardihoodnothisown。
Anditmaybeso，yetthisdifferencelies’Twixtthevineandthesaddle-tree，ThespuriouscouragethatdrinksuppliesSetsourbaserpassionsfree；
ButthestimulantwhichthehorsemanfeelsWhenhegallopsfastandstraight，Tohisbetternaturemostappeals，Andcharityconquershate。
Asthekindlysunshinethawsthesnow，E’enmaliceandspitewillyield，WecouldalmostwelcomeourmortalfoeInthesaddlebyfloodandfield；
AndchivalrydawnsinthemerrytaleThat\"MarketHarborough\"writes，Andtheyarnsof\"Nimrod\"and\"Martingale\"
Seemlegendsofloyalknights。
Nowtellmeforonce，oldhorseofmine，Grazingroundmelooseandfree，DoesyourancientequineheartrepineForaburstinsuchcompanie，Where\"thePOWERSthatbe\"inthefrontrankride，Toholdyourownwiththethrong，Ortoplungeat\"Faugh-a-Ballagh’s\"sideIntherapidsofDandenong。
Don’ttreadonmytoes，you’renofoolishweight，SoIfoundtomycost，asunderYourcarcaseIlay，whenyourosetoolate，YetIblameyounotfortheblunder。
What！sulkyoldman，yourunder-lipfalls！
YouthinkI，too，readytorailamAtyourkinshipremotetothatdufferatwalls，ThetalkativeroadsterofBalaam。
FytteIV
InUtrumqueParatus[ALogicalDiscussion]
\"Thenheyforbootandhorse，lad！
Androundtheworldaway！
Youngbloodwillhaveitscourse，lad！
Andeverydoghisday！\"——C。Kingsley。
There’saformulawhichthewestcountryclownsOnceused，eretheirblowsfellthick，AtthefairsontheDevonandCornwalldowns，Intheirboutswiththesingle-stick。
Youmayreadamoral，notfaramiss，Ifyoucaretomoralise，Inthecrossing-guard，wheretheash-plantskiss，Tothewords\"Godspareoureyes\"。
NogamewaseveryetwortharapForarationalmantoplay，Intowhichnoaccident，nomishap，Couldpossiblyfinditsway。
Ifyouholdthewillow，ashooterfromWillsMaytransformyouintoahopper，Andthefootballmeadowisrifewithspills，Ifyoufeeldisposedforacropper；
InarattlinggallopwithhoundandhorseYoumaychancetoreversethemedalOnthesward，withthesaddleyourloinsacross，Andyourhunter’sloinsonthesaddle；
Inthestubblesyou’llfindithardtoframeAremonstrancefirm，yetcivil，Whenoftas\"ourmutualfriend\"takesaim，Longoddsmaybelaidontherisinggame，Andagainstyourgaiterslevel；
There’sdangerevenwherefisharecaught，Tothosewhoawettingfear；
Forwhat’sworthhavingmustayebebought，Andsport’slikelifeandlife’slikesport，\"Itain’tallskittlesandbeer。\"
Thehoneybagliesclosetothesting，Theroseisfencedbythethorn，Shallweleavetootherstheirgathering，AndturnfromclusteringfruitsthatclingTothegardenwallinscorn？
Albeitthosepurplegrapeshanghigh，Likethefoxintheancienttale，Letuspauseandtry，erewepassthemby，Thoughwe，likethefox，mayfail。
Allhurryisworsethanuseless；thinkOntheadage，\"’Tispacethatkills\"；
Shunbadtobacco，avoidstrongdrink，AbstainfromHolloway’spills，Wearwoollensocks，they’rethebestyou’llfind，Bewarehowyouleaveoffflannel；
Andwhateveryoudo，don’tchangeyourmindWhenonceyouhavepickedyourpanel；
Withabankofcloudinthesouthsouth-east，Standreadytoshortensail；
Fightshyofacorporationfeast；
Don’ttrusttoamartingale；
Keepyourpowderdry，andshutoneeye，Notboth，whenyoutouchyourtrigger；
Don’tstopwithyourheadtoofrequently（Thisadviceain’tmeantforanigger）；
Lookbeforeyouleap，ifyoulike，butifYoumeanleaping，don’tlooklong，Ortheweakestplacewillsoongrowstiff，Andthestrongestdoublystrong；
Asfarasyoucan，toeveryman，Letyouraidbefreelygiven，Andhitoutstraight，’tisyourshortestplan，Whenagainsttheropesyou’redriven。
Merepluck，thoughnotintheleastsublime，Iswiserthanblankdismay，Since\"Nosparrowcanfallbeforeitstime\"，Andwe’revaluedhigherthanthey；
SohopeforthebestandleavetherestInchargeofastrongerhand，Likethehonestboorsinthefar-offwest，Withtheformulaterseandgrand。
Theyweremenforthemostpartroughandrude，Dullandilliterate，Buttheynursednoquarrel，theycherishednofeud，Theywerestrangerstospiteandhate；
Inakindlyspirittheytooktheirstand，ThatbrothersandsonsmightlearnHowamanshouldupholdthesportsofhisland，Andstrikehisbestwithastrongrighthand，Andtakehisstrokesinreturn。
\"’Twasabarbarouspractice，\"theQuakercries，\"’Tisathingofthepast，thankheaven\"——
KeepyourthankstillthecombativeinstinctdiesWiththetaintoftheoldenleaven；
Yes，thetimesarechanged，forbetterorworse，TheprayerthatnoharmbefallHasgivenitsplacetoadrunkencurse，Andthemanlygametoabrawl。
Ourburdensareheavy，ournaturesweak，SomepastimedevoidofharmMaywelookfor？\"Puritanelder，speak！\"
\"Yea，friend，peradventurethoumayestseekRecreationsingingapsalm。\"
IfIdid，yourvisagesogrimandsternWouldrelaxinaghastlysmile，ForofmusicIneveronenotecouldlearn，AndmyfeebleminstrelsywouldturnYourchanttodiscordvile。
Tho’thePhilistine’smailcouldnotavail，Northespearlikeaweaver’sbeam，ThereareepisodesyetinthePsalmist’stale，Toobliteratewhichhispoemsfail，Whichhisexploitsfailtoredeem。
CantheHittite’swrongsforgottenbe？
DoesHEwarble\"NonnobisDomine\"，Withhismonarchinblissfulconcert，freeFromallmalicetofleshinherent；
Zeruiah’soffspring，whoservedsowell，Yetbetweenthehornsofthealtarfell——
DoesHISvoicethe\"Quidgloriaris\"swell，Orthe\"Quarefremuerunt\"？
ItmaywellbethuswhereDAVIDsings，AndUriahjoinsinthechorus，Butwhileearthtoearthymatterclings，NeitheryounorthebravestofJudah’skingsAsapatterncanstandbeforeus。
FytteV
LexTalionis[AMoralDiscourse]
\"Andifthere’sblooduponhishand，’Tisbutthebloodofdeer。\"——W。Scott。
Tobeastsofthefield，andfowlsoftheair，Andfishoftheseaalike，Man’shandiseverslowtospare，Andeverreadytostrike；
Withalicensetokill，andtoworkourwill，Inseasonbylandorbywater，Toourheart’scontentwemaytakeourfillOfthejoyswederivefromslaughter。
Andfew，Ireckon，ourrightsgainsayInthisworldofrapineandwrong，WheretheweakandthetimidseemlawfulpreyFortheresoluteandthestrong；
Fins，furs，andfeathers，theyareandwereForouruseandpleasurecreated，Wecanshoot，andhunt，andangle，andsnare，Unquestioned，ifnotunsated。
Ihaveneitherthewillnortherighttoblame，Yettomany（thoughnottoall）
ThesweetsofdestructionaresomewhattameWhennopersonalrisksbefall；
Ourvictimssufferbutlittle，wetrust（Mereguess-workandblankenigma），Iftheysufferatall，ourfieldsportsmustOfcrueltybearthestigma。
Shallwe，hard-heartedtotheirfates，thusSoft-heartedshrinkfromourown，Whenthemeasurewemeteismetedtous，Whenwereapaswe’vealwayssown？
Shallwewhoforpastimehavesquander’dlife，Whoarestyled\"theLordsofCreation\"，Recoilfromourchanceofmoreequalstrife，Andourriskofretaliation？
Thoughshortisthedyingpheasant’spain，Scantpityyouwellmayspare，Andthepartridgeslainisatriumphvain，Andariskthatachildmaydare；
Youfeel，whenyoulowerthesmokinggun，Someruthforyonslaughteredhare，Andhitormiss，inyourselfishfunThewidgeonhaslittleshare。
Butyou’venoremorsefulqualmsorpangsWhenyoukneelbythegrizzly’slair，Onthatconicalbulletyoursolechancehangs，’Tistheweakone’sadvantagefair，Andtheshaggygiant’sterrificfangsArereadytocrushandtear；
Shouldyoumiss，onevisionofhomeandfriends，Fivewordsofunfinishedprayer，Threesavageknifestabs，soyoursportendsIntheworryinggrapplethatchokesandrends；——
Raresport，atleast，forthebear。
Shortshrift！sharpfate！darkdoomtodree！
Hardstruggle，thoughquicklyending！
Athomeorabroad，bylandorsea，Inpeaceorwar，soretrialsmustbe，Andworsemayhappentoyouortome，Fornonearesecure，andnonecanfleeFromadestinyimpending。
Ah！friend，didyouthinkwhentheLONDONsank，Timberbytimber，plankbyplank，Inacauldronofboilingsurf，Howaloneatleast，withneveraflinch，Inarallycontestedinchbyinch，Youcouldfallonthetrampledturf？
Whenalividwallofthesealeapshigh，Intheluridlightofaleadensky，Andburstsonthequarterrailing；
Whilethehowlingstorm-gustseemstovieWiththecrashofsplinteredbeamsthatfly，YetfailstooofttosmotherthecryOfwomenandchildrenwailing？
ThenthosewholisteninsinkingshipsTodespairingsobsfromtheirlov’done’slips，Wherethegreenwavethusslowlyshatters，Maylongforthecrescent-clawthatripsThebisonintoribbonsandstrips，Andtearsthestrongelktotatters。
Oh！sunderingsshortofbodyandbreath！
Oh！\"battleandmurderandsuddendeath！\"
AgainstwhichtheLiturgypreaches；
Bythewillofajust，yetamercifulPower，Lessbitter，perchance，inthemystichour，Whenthewingsoftheshadowyangellower，Thanmaninhisblindnessteaches！