AndIprayTheedealwithmeasThouwilt，YetthebloodofThyfoesIhavefreelyspilt，And，moreover，mineisthegreaterguiltInthesightofTheeandThyFather。
Thatsaint，Thyservant，wascounteddearWhoseswordinthegardengrazedtheearOfThineenemy，LordRedeemer！
Notthusontheshatteringvisorjarr’dInthishandtheironofthehiltcross-barr’d，Whenthebladewasswallow’duptotheguardThroughtheteethofthestrongblasphemer。
IfeverIsmoteasamanshouldsmite，IfIstruckonestrokethatseem’dgoodinThysight，ByThylovingmercyprevailing，Lord！letherstandinthelightofThyface，Cloth’dwithThyloveandcrown’dwithThygrace，WhenIgnashmyteethintheterribleplaceThatisfill’dwithweepingandwailing。
ShallIcomfortmysoulonaccountofthis？
Intheworldtocome，whatsoeveritis，Thereisnomoreearthlyill-doing——
Forthedustydarknessshallslaydesire，Andthechaffmayburnwithunquenchablefire，ButforgreenwildgrowthofthistleandbriarAtleastthereisnorenewing。
AndthisgrievousburdenoflifeshallchangeInthedimhereafter，dreamyandstrange，Andsorrowsandjoysdiurnal。
AndpartialblessingsandperishingillsShallfadeinthepraise，orthepangthatfillsThegloryofGod’seternalhills，OrthegloomofHisgulfeternal。
YetifallthingschangetothegloryofOneWhoforallill-doersgaveHisOwnsweetSon，ToHisgoodnesssoshallHechangeill，Whentheworldasawither’dleafshallbe，Andtheskylikeashrivell’dscrollshallflee，Andsoulsshallbesummon’dfromlandandsea，AttheblastofHisbrightarchangel。
Thora’sSong（\"Ashtaroth\"）
Weseveredinautumnearly，Eretheearthwastornbytheplough；
ThewheatandtheoatsandthebarleyAreripefortheharvestnow。
Wesunder’donemistymorning，Erethehillsweredimm’dbytherain，Throughtheflowersthosehillsadorning——
Thoucomestnotbackagain。
MyheartisheavyandwearyWiththeweightofawearysoul；
Themid-dayglaregrowsdreary，Anddrearythemidnightscroll。
Thecorn-stalkssighforthesickle，’Neaththeloadofthegoldengrain；
Isighforamatemorefickle——
Thoucomestnotbackagain。
Thewarmsunrisethandsetteth，Thenightbringethmoist’ningdew，ButthesoulthatlongethforgettethThewarmthandthemoisture，too；
InthehotsunrisingandsettingThereisnaughtsavefeverishpain；
Therearetearsinthenight-dewswetting——
Thoucomestnotbackagain。
ThyvoiceinmineearstillminglesWiththevoicesofwhisp’ringtrees；
ThykissonmycheekstilltinglesAteachkissofthesummerbreeze；
WhiledreamsofthepastarethrongingForsubstanceofshadesinvain，Iamwaiting，watching，andlonging——
Thoucomestnotbackagain。
Waitingandwatchingever，Longingandlingeringyet，Leavesrustleandcorn-stalksquiver，Windsmurmurandwatersfret；
Noanswertheybring，nogreeting，Nospeechsavethatsadrefrain，Norvoice，saveanechorepeating——
Hecomethnotbackagain。
TheThreeFriends（FromtheFrench）
Theswordslewoneindeadlystrife；
Oneperish’dbythebowl；
Thethirdliesself-slainbytheknife；
Forthreethebellsmaytoll——
Ilovedherbetterthanmylife，Andbetterthanmysoul。
Aye，father！hastthoucomeatlast？
’Tissomewhatlatetopray；
Life’scrimsontidesareebbingfast，Theydrainmysoulaway；
Mineeyeswithfilmareovercast，Thelightsarewaninggrey。
ThiscurlfromherbrightheadIshore，Andthisherhandsgavemine；
See，oneisstainedwithpurplegore，Andonewithpoison’dwine；
Givethesetoherwhenalliso’er——
Howserpent-liketheytwine！
Wethreewerebrethreninarms，Andsworncompanionswe；
Weheldthismotto，\"WhosoharmsTheoneshallharmthethree！\"
Till，matchlessforhersubtlecharms，Belovedofeachwasshe。
（ThesetwowereslainthatImightkissHersweetmouth。Ididwell；
Isaid，\"ThereisnogreaterblissForthoseinheaventhatdwell；\"
Ilosther；thenIsaid，\"ThereisNofiercerpanginhell！\"）
Wehaveupheldeachother’srights，Sharedpurse，andborrow’dblade；
Havestrickensidebysideinfights；
AndsidebysidehaveprayedInchurches。WewereChristianknights，AndsheaChristianmaid。
Wemetatsunrise，heandI，Mycomrade——’twasagreedThesteelourquarrelfirstshouldtry，Thepoisonshouldsucceed；
Fortwoofthreeweredoom’dtodie，Andonewasdoom’dtobleed。
Webuckledtothedoubtfulfray，Atfirstwithsomeremorse；
Buthewhomustbeslain，orslay，Soonstrikeswithvengefulforce。
Hefell；Ilefthimwherehelay，Amongthetrampledgorse。
DidpassionwarpmyheartandheadTomadness？And，ifso，Canmadnesspalliatebloodshed？——
Itmaybe——IshallknowWhenGodshallgatherupthedeadFromwherethefourwindsblow。
Wemetatsunset，heandI——
Mysecondcomradetrue；
Twocupswithwinewerebrimminghigh，Andonewasdrugg’d——weknewNotwhich，norsoughtwetodescry；
Ourchoicebylotwedrew。
AndthereIsatwithhimtosup；
IheardhimblithelyspeakOfby-gonedays——thefatalcupForgottenseem’d——hischeekWasruddy：father，raisemeup，Myvoiceiswaxingweak。
Wedrank；hislipsturnedlividwhite，Hischeeksgrewleadenash；
Hereel’d——IheardhistemplessmiteThethresholdwithacrash！
Andfromhishand，inshiversbright，Isawthegobletflash。
Themorrowdawn’dwithfragrancerare，TheMaybreeze，fromthewest，Justfann’dthesleepyolives，whereSheheardandIconfess’d；
Myhairentangledwithherhair，Herbreaststrainedtomybreast。
OnthedreadvergeofendlessgloomMysoulrecallsthathour；
Skieslanguishingwithbalmofbloom，Andfieldsaflamewithflower；
Andslowcaressesthatconsume，Andkissesthatdevour。
Ah！nowwithstormthedayseemsrife，MydullearscatchtherollOfthunder，andthefarseastrife，Onbeachandbarandshoal——
Ilovedherbetterthanmylife，Andbetterthanmysoul。
Shefled！Icannotproveherguilt，NorwouldIanIcould；
See，lifeforlifeisfairlyspilt！
Andbloodisshedforblood；
Herwhitehandsneithertouchedthehilt，Noryetthepotionbrew’d。
Aye！turnmefromthesicklysouth，Towardsthegustynorth；
Thefruitsofsinaredustanddrouth，Theendofcrimeiswrath——
Thelipsthatpressedherrose-likemouthArechokedwithblood-redfroth。
Thendigthegrave-pitdeepandwide，Threegravesthrownintoone，Andlaythreecorpsessidebyside，Andtelltheirtaletonone；
ButbringherbackinallherprideToseewhatshehathdone。
ASongofAutumn\"WhereshallwegoforourgarlandsgladAtthefallingoftheyear，Whentheburnt-upbanksareyellowandsad，Whentheboughsareyellowandsere？
Wherearetheoldonesthatoncewehad，Andwhenarethenewonesnear？
WhatshallwedoforourgarlandsgladAtthefallingoftheyear？\"
\"Child！canItellwherethegarlandsgo？
CanIsaywherethelostleavesveerOnthebrown-burntbanks，whenthewildwindsblow，Whentheydriftthroughthedead-wooddrear？
Girl！whenthegarlandsofnextyearglow，YOUmaygatheragain，mydear——
ButIgowherethelastyear’slostleavesgoAtthefallingoftheyear。\"
TheRomanceofBritomarteAsrelatedbySergeantLeighonthenighthegothiscaptaincyattheRestoration。
I’lltellyouastory；butpassthe\"jack\"，Andletusmakemerryto-night，mymen。
Aye，thosewerethedayswhenmybeardwasblack——
Iliketorememberthemnowandthen——
ThenMileswasliving，andCuthbertthere，Onhislipwasneverasignofdown；
ButIcarryaboutsomebraidedhair，ThathasnotyetchangedfromtheglossybrownThatitshowedthedaywhenIbroketheheartOfthatbravestofdestriers，\"Britomarte\"。
SirHughwasslain（mayhissoulfindgrace！）
InthefraythatwasneitherlostnorwonAtEdgehill——thentoSt。Hubert’sChaseLordGoringdespatchedagarrison——
Butmenandhorseswereilltospare，Anderelongthesoldierswereshiftedfast。
Asforme，IneverwasquarteredthereTillMarstonMoorhadbeenlost；atlast，Asluckwouldhaveit，alone，andlateInthenight，Irodetothenortherngate。
Ithought，asIpassedthroughthemoonlitpark，OntheboyishdaysIusedtospendInthehallsoftheknightlyingstiffandstark——
Thoughtonhislady，myfather’sfriend（Mine，too，inspiteofmysinisterbar，Butwiththatmystoryhasnaughttodo）——
Shediedthewinterbeforethewar——
DiedgivingbirthtothebabyHugh。
Hepass’derethegreenleavesclothedthebough，Andtheorphangirlwastheheiressnow。
WhenIwasarudeandarecklessboy，Andsheabraveandabeautifulchild，Iwasherpage，herplaymate，hertoy——
Ihavecrown’dherhairwiththefield-flowerswild，Cowslipandcrow-footandcolt’s-footbright——
Ihavecarriedhermileswhenthewoodswerewet，Ihavereadherromancesofdameandknight；
Shewasmyprincess，mypride，mypet，Therewasthenthisproverbustwainbetween，ForthegloryofGodandofGwendoline。
Shehadgrowntoamaidenwonderfulfair，ButforyearsIhadscarcelyseenherface。
Now，withtroopersHoldsworth，Huntly，andClare，OldMileskeptguardatSt。Hubert’sChase，AndthechatelainewasaMistressRuth，SirHugh’shalf-sister，anancientdame，Butamettlesomesoulhadsheforsooth，Assheshow’dwhenthetimeofhertrialcame。
IboredespatchestoMilesandtoher，TowarnthemagainstthebandsofKerr。
AndminewouldhavebeenaperilousrideWiththerebelhorsemen——weknewnotwhereTheywerescatteredoverthatcountryside，——
Ifithadnotbeenformybravebrownmare。
Shewasiron-sinew’dandsatin-skinn’d，Ribb’dlikeadrumandlimb’dlikeadeer，Fierceasthefireandfleetasthewind——
Therewasnothingshecouldn’tclimborclear——
Richlordshadvex’dme，invain，topart，Fortheirgoldandsilver，withBritomarte。
Nextmornwemuster’dscarcehalfascore，Withtheservingmen，whowerepoorlyarm’d——
Fivesoldiers，countingmyself，nomore，Andaculverin，whichmightwellhaveharm’dUs，hadweusedit，butnotourfoes，When，withhorsesandfoot，toourdoorstheycame，Andapsalm-singersummon’dus（throughhisnose），Anddeliver’d——\"This，inthepeople’sname，Untowhosoholdeththisfortresshere，Surrender！orbidethesiege——JohnKerr。\"
’Twasamansionbuiltinastyletoonew，Acastlebycourtesy，heliedWhocalleditafortress——yet，’tistrue，Ithadbeenindifferentlyfortified——
Wewerewellprovidedwithboltandbar——
AndwhileIhurriedtoplaceourmen，OldMileswascall’dtoacouncilofwarWithMistressRuthandwithHER，andwhenTheyhadarguedloudlyandlong，thosethree，Theysent，asalastresource，forme。
InthechairofstatesaterectDameRuth；
Shehadcastasideherembroidery；
Shehadbeenabeauty，theysay，inheryouth，Therewasmuchfiercefireinherboldblackeye。
\"AmIdeceivedinyouboth？\"quothshe。
\"Ifonesparkofherfather’sspiritlivesInthisgirlhere——so，thisLeigh，RalphLeigh，Letushearwhatcounselthespringaldgives。\"
ThenIstammer’d，somewhattakenaback——
（Simon，youale-swiller，passthe\"jack\"）。
Thedamewax’dhotter——\"Speakout，lad，say，Mustwefallinthatcantingcaitiff’spower？
Shallweyieldtoaknaveandaturncoat？Nay，Ihadlieverleapfromourtopmosttower。
Forawhilewecansurelyawaitrelief；
Ourwallsarehighandourdoorsarestrong。\"
ThisKerrwasindeedacantingthief——
Iknownotrightly，someprivatewrongHehaddoneSirHugh，butIknowthismuch，Traitororturncoat，hesuffer’dassuch。
QuothMiles——\"Enough！yourwillshallbedone；
Reliefmayarrivebythemerestchance，Butyourhouseereduskwillbelostandwon；
Theyhavegotthreepiecesofordnance。\"
ThenIcried，\"LordGuy，withfourtroopsofhorse，EvennowisbidingatWestbrooketown；
Ifaridercouldbreakthroughtherebelforce，Hewouldbringrelieferethesungoesdown；
ThroughtheposterndoorcouldImakeonedart，IcouldbafflethemalluponBritomarte。\"
Milesmutter’d\"Madness！\"DameRuthlook’dgrave，Said，\"True，thoughwecannotkeeponehourThecourtyard，no，northestablessave，Theywillhavetobatterpiecemealthetower，Andthus————\"Butsuddenlyshehaltedthere。
WithashininghandonmyshoulderlaidStoodGwendoline。Shehadleftherchair，And，\"Nay，ifitneedsmustbedone，\"shesaid，\"RalphLeighwillgladlydoit，Iween，ForthegloryofGodandofGwendoline。\"
IhadundertakenaheaviertaskForalighterword。Isaddledwithcare，Norcumber’dmyselfwithcorseletnorcasque（Beinglothtoburdenthebravebrownmare）。
YoungClarekeptwatchonthewall——hecried，\"Now，haste，Ralph！thisisthetimetoseize；
Therebelsareroundusoneveryside，Butheretheystragglebytwosandthrees。\"
ThenoutIledher，andupIsprung，Andtheposterndooronitshingesswung。
Ihaddrawnthissword——youmaydrawitandfeel，ForthisisthebladethatIborethatday——
There’sanotchevennowonthelonggreysteel，Anickthathasneverbeenrasp’daway。
Ibow’dmyheadandIburiedmyspurs，Oneboundbroughttheglidinggreenbeneath；
Icouldtellbyherback-flung，flatten’dears，Shehadfairlytakenthebitinherteeth——
（What，Jack，haveyoudrain’dyournamesakedry，Leftnothingtoquenchthethirstofafly？）
Thesethingsaredone，andaredonewith，lad，Infarlesstimethanyourtalkertells；
Theswardwiththeirhoof-strokesshooklikemad，Andrangwiththeircarbinesandpetronels；
Andtheyshouted，\"Crosshimandcuthimoff，\"
\"Surroundhim，\"\"Seizehim，\"\"Capturetheclown，Orkillhim，\"\"ShallheescapetoscoffInyourfaces？\"\"Shoothimorcuthimdown。\"
Andtheirbulletswhistledoneveryside；
Manywerenearusandmorewerewide。
NotabullettolduponBritomarte；
Suddenlysnorting，shelaunchedalong；
Sotheospreydiveswheretheseagullsdart，Sothefalconswoopswherethekestrelsthrong。
Andfullinmyfrontonepistolflash’d，Andrightinmypaththeirsergeantgot。
Howarejack-bootsjarr’d，howarestirrupsclash’d，Whilethemarelikeameteorpasthimshot；
ButIclovehisskullwithabackstrokeclean，ForthegloryofGodandofGwendoline。
Andasonewhomthefiercewindstormsintheface，Withspikesofhailandwithsplintersofrain，I，whilewefledthroughSt。Hubert’sChase，Benttillmycheekwasamongsthermane。
Tothenorth，fullaleagueofthedeer-parklay，Smooth，springyturf，andshefairlyflew，Andthesoundoftheirhoof-strokesdiedaway，Andtheirfarshotsfaintinthedistancegrew。
LoudlyIlaughed，havingwonthestart，AtthefollyoffollowingBritomarte。
Theyhadpostedaguardatthenortherngate——
Somedozenofpikemenandmusketeers。
TothetallparkpalingsIturn’dherstraight；
Sheveer’dinherflightastheswallowveers。
Andsomeblewmatchesandsomedrewswords，Andoneofthemwildlyhurl’dhispike，Butsheclear’dbyinchestheoakenboards，Andshecarriedmeyardsbeyondthedyke；
ThengailyoverthelonggreendownWegallop’d，headingforWestbrooketown。
Thegreendownslopestothegreatgreymoor，ThegreymoorsinkstothegleamingSkelt——
Suddenandsullen，andswiftandsure，Thewhirlingwaterwasroundmybelt。
Shebreastedthebankwithasavagesnort，Andabackwardglanceofherbloodshoteye，And\"OurLadyofAndover’s\"flash’dlikethought，AndflittedSt。Agatha’snunnery，Andthefirsat\"TheFerngrove\"fledontheright，And\"Falconer’sTower\"onthelefttookflight。
Andover\"TheRavenswold\"weraced——
Weroundedthehillby\"TheHermit’sWell\"——
WeburstontheWestbrookeBridge——\"Whathaste？
Whaterrand？\"shoutedthesentinel。
\"ToBeelzebubwiththeBrewer’sknave！\"
\"CarolusRexandheoftheRhine！\"
Gallopingpasthim，IgotandgaveInthegalloppasswordandcountersign，Allsoak’dwithwaterandsoil’dwithmud，Withthesleeveofmyjerkinhalfdrench’dinblood。
Now，HeavenbepraisedthatIfoundhimthere——
LordGuy。Hesaid，havingheardmytale，\"Leigh，letmyownmanlooktoyourmare，Restandrecruitwithourwineandale；
Butfirstmustoursurgeonattendtoyou；
Youaresomewhatshrewdlystricken，nodoubt。\"
Thenhesnatchedahornfromthewallandblew，Making\"BootandSaddle\"ringsharplyout。
\"HaveIdonegoodservicethisday？\"quothI。
\"ThenIwillridebackinyourtroop，LordGuy。\"
InthestreetIheardhowthetrumpetspeal’d，AndIcaughtthegleamofamorionFromthewindow——thentothedoorIreel’d；
IhadlostmorebloodthanIreckon’dupon；
Heeyedmecalmlywithkeengreyeyes——
Sterngreyeyesofasteel-bluegrey——
Said，\"Thewilfulmancanneverbewise，Nathless，thewilfulmusthavehisway，\"
Andhepour’dfromaflagonsomefierywine；
Idrain’dit，andstraightwaystrengthwasmine。
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Iwaswiththemallthewayonthebrown——
\"Guytotherescue！\"\"Godandtheking！\"
Wewerejustintime，forthedoorsweredown；
Anddidn’toursword-bladesraspandring，Anddidn’twehewanddidn’twehack？
Thesportscarcelastedminutesten——
（Aye，thosewerethedayswhenmybeardwasblack；
Iliketorememberthemnowandthen）。
Thoughtheyfoughtlikefiends，wewerefourtoone，Andwecapturedthosethatrefusedtorun。
Wehavenotforgottenit，Cuthbert，boy！
Thatsupperscenewhenthelampswerelit；
Howthewomen（someofthem）sobb’dforjoy，Howthesoldiersdrankthedeeperforit；
Howthedamedidhonours，andGwendoline，Howgrandlysheglidedintothehall，Howshestoop’dwiththegraceofagirlishqueen，Andkiss’dmegravelybeforethemall；
AndthesternLordGuy，howgailyhelaugh’d，Tillmoreofhiscupwasspiltthanquaff’d。
BrownBritomartelaydeadinherstrawNextmorn——weburiedher——braveoldgirl！
JohnKerr，wetriedhimbymartiallaw，Andwetwistedsomehempforthetrait’rouschurl；
Andshe——Imetheralone——saidshe，\"Youhaverisk’dyourlife，youhavelostyourmare，AndwhatcanIgiveinreturn，RalphLeigh？\"
Ireplied，\"Onebraidofthatbrightbrownhair。\"
Andwiththatshebow’dherbeautifulhead，\"Youcantakeasmuchasyouchoose，\"shesaid。
AndItookit——itmaybe，morethanenough——
AndIshoreitrudely，closetotheroots。
Thewineorwoundsmayhavemademerough，Andmenatthebottomaremerelybrutes。
ThreeweeksIsleptatSt。Hubert’sChase；
WhenIwokefromthefeverofwoundsandwine，IcouldscarcebelievethattheghastlyfaceThattheglassreflectedwasreallymine。
Isoughtthehall——whereaweddingHADBEEN——
TheweddingofGuyandofGwendoline。
Theromanceofagrizzledoldtrooper’slifeMaymakeyoulaughinyoursleeves：laughout，Lads；wehavemostofusseensomestrife；
Wehaveallofushadsomesport，nodoubt。
Ihavewonsomehonourandgain’dsomegold，Nowthatourkingreturnstohisown；
Ifthepulsesbeatslow，ifthebloodrunscold，Andiffriendshavefadedandloveshaveflown，Thenthegreaterreasonisourstodrink，Andthemoreweswallowthelessweshallthink。
AtthebattleofNaseby，Mileswasslain，AndHuntlysankfromhiswoundsthatweek；
WeleftyoungClareuponWorcesterplain——
Howthe\"Ironside\"gash’dhisgirlishcheek。
Aye，strut，andswagger，andruffleanew，Gaygallants，nowthatthewarisdone！
Theyfoughtlikefiends（givethefiendhisdue）——
Wefoughtlikefops，itwasthustheywon。
HoldsworthislivingforaughtIknow，Atleasthewaslivingtwoyearsago，AndGuy——LordGuy——sostatelyandstern，Heischanged，ImethimatWinchester；
Hehasgrownquitegloomyandtaciturn。
Gwendoline！——whydoyouaskforher？
Diedashermotherhaddiedbefore——
DiedgivingbirthtothebabyGuy！
Didmyvoiceshake？ThenamIfoolthemore。
Soonerorlaterweallmustdie；
But，atleast，letuslivewhileweliveto-night。
TheDAYSmaybedark，buttheLAMPSarebright。
Fortomethesunlightseemswornandwan：
Thesun，heislosinghissplendournow——
HecannevershineasofoldheshoneOnherglorioushairandglitteringbrow。
Ah！thoseDAYSTHATWERE，whenmybeardwasblack，NOWIhaveonlytheNIGHTSTHATARE。
What，landlord，ho！bringinhasteburntsack，Andaflaskofyourfiercestusquebaugh。
You，Cuthbert！surelyyouknowbyheartThestoryofHERandofBritomarte。
LaudamusTheLordshallslayortheLordshallsave！
HeisrighteouswhetherHesaveorslay——
Brother，givethanksforthegiftsHegave，ThoughthegiftsHegaveHehathtakenaway。
Shallwestriveforthatwhichisnothing？Nay。
Shallwehateeachotherforthatwhichfled？
Sheisbutamarvelofmodelledclay，Andthesmooth，clearwhite，andthesoft，purered，Thatwecoveted，shallendurenoday。
WasitwiseorwellthatIhatedyouForthefruitthathungtoohighonthetree？
Fortheblossomoutofourreachthatgrew，Wasitwellorwisethatyouhatedme？——
Myhatehasflown，andyourhateshallflee。
Letusveilourfaceslikechildrenchid——
CanthatvioletorbwesworebyseeThroughthatviolet-vein’d，transparentlid？——
NowtheLordforbidthatthisstrifeshouldbe。
Wouldyouknittheforeheadorclenchthefist，Forthecurlsthatneverwerewellcaress’d——
Fortheredthatneverwasfairlykiss’d——
Forthewhitethatneverwasfondlypress’d？
ShallwenourishwrathwhilesheliesatrestBetweenus？Surelyourwrathshallcease。
Wewouldfainknowbetter——theLordknowsbest——
Istherepeacebetweenus？Yea，thereispeace，Inthesoul’sreleasesheatleastisblest。
LetusthanktheLordforHisbountiesall，Forthebraveolddaysofpleasureandpain，Whentheworldforbothofusseem’dtoosmall——
Thoughthelovewasvoidandthehatewasvain——
Thoughthewordwasbitterbetweenustwain，Andthebitterwordwaskintotheblow，Forherglossandrippleofrichgoldrain，Forhervelvetcrimsonandsatinsnow——
Thoughwenevershallknowtheolddaysagain。
TheLord！——Hismercyisgreat，mensay；
Hiswrath，mensay，isaburningbrand——
LetuspraiseHimwhetherHesaveorslay，Andaboveherbodylethandjoinhand。
Weshallmeet，myfriend，inthespiritland——
Willourstriferenew？Nay，Idarenottrust，Forthegrim，greatgulfthatcannotbespann’dWilldivideusfromher。TheLordisjust，Sheshallnotbethrustwhereourspiritsstand。
ABasketofFlowersfromDawntoDuskDawnOnskiesstillandstarlitWhitelustrestakehold，Andgreyflushesscarlet，Andredflashesgold。
Andsun-gloriescoverTheroseshedaboveher，LikeloverandloverTheyflameandunfold。
*****
StillbloominthegardenGreengrass-plot，freshlawn，ThoughpasturelandshardenAnddroughtfissuresyawn。
Whileleavesnotafewfall，Letroseleavesforyoufall，Leavespearl-strungwithdew-fall，Andgoldshotwithdawn。
Doesthegrass-plotrememberThefallofyourfeetInautumn’sredember，Whendroughtleagueswithheat，WhenthelastoftherosesDespairinglyclosesInthelullthatreposesErestormwindswaxfleet？
Love’smelodieslanguishIn\"Chastelard’s\"strain，And\"Abelard’s\"anguishIslove’spleasantpain！
And\"Sappho\"rehearsesLove’sblessingsandcursesInpassionateversesAgainandagain。
AndI！——IhaveheardofAlltheselongago，YetneveronewordofTheirsong-loreIknow；
NotundermyfingerInsongsofthesingerLove’slitanieslinger，Love’srhapsodiesflow。
Freshflowersinabasket——
Anofferingtoyou——
Thoughyoudidnotaskit，UnbiddenIstrew；
Withheatanddroughtstriving，SomeblossomsstilllivingMayrenderthanksgivingFordawnandfordew。
ThegarlandsIgather，TherhymesIstringfast，ArehurriedlyratherThanheedlesslycast。
Yontree’sshadyawningIsshort’ning，andwarningFarspentisthemorning，AndImustridefast。
Songsempty，yetairy，I’vestriventowrite，Forfailure，dearMary！
Forgiveme——Good-night！
Songsandflowersmaybesetyou，Icanonlyregretyou，WhilethesoilwhereImetyouRecedesfrommysight。
Forthesakeofpasthours，Fortheloveofoldtimes，Take\"ABasketofFlowers\"，Andabundleofrhymes；
ThoughallthebloomperishE’enYOURhandcancherish，WhilechurlishandbearishTheverse-jinglechimes。
AndEastwardbyNor’wardLoomssadlyMYtrack，AndImustrideforward，AndstillIlookback，——
Lookback——ah，howvainly！
ForwhileIseeplainly，MyhandsonthereinslieUncertainandslack。
Thewarmwindbreathesstrongbreath，Thedustdimsmineeye，AndIdrawonelongbreath，Andstifleonesigh。
Greenslopes，softlyshaded，Haveflittedandfaded——
Mydreamsflitastheydid——
Good-night！——and——Good-bye！
*****
DuskLostrose！endmystory！
Deadcoreanddryhusk——
DepartedthygloryAndtaintedthymusk。
NightspreadsherdarklimbsonThefaceofthedimsun，SoflamefadestocrimsonAndcrimsontodusk。
AFragmentTheysaythatpoison-sprinkledflowersAresweeterinperfumeThanwhen，untouchedbydeadlydew，Theyglowedinearlybloom。
TheysaythatmencondemnedtodieHavequaffedthesweetenedwineWithhigherrelishthanthejuiceOftheuntamperedvine。
Theysaythatinthewitch’ssong，Thoughrudeandharshitbe，Thereblendsawild，mysteriousstrainOfweirdestmelody。
AndIbelievethedevil’svoiceSinksdeeperinourearThananywhispersentfromHeaven，Howeversweetandclear。
[EndofBushBallads。]
MiscellaneousPoemsToMySisterLineswrittenbythelateA。L。GordonOn4thAugust，1853，BeingthreedaysbeforehesailedforAustralia。
AcrossthetracklessseasIgo，Nomatterwhenorwhere，Andfewmyfuturelotwillknow，Andfewerstillwillcare。
Myhopesaregone，mytimeisspent，Ilittleheedtheirloss，AndifIcannotfeelcontent，Icannotfeelremorse。
Myparentsbidmecrosstheflood，Mykindredfrownedatme；
TheysayIhavebeliedmyblood，Andstainedmypedigree。
ButImustturnfromthosewhochide，Andlaughatthosewhofrown；
Icannotquenchmystubbornpride，Norkeepmyspiritsdown。
IoncehadtalentsfittowinSuccessinlife’scareer，AndifIchoseapartofsin，Mychoicehascostmedear。
ButthosewhobrandmewithdisgraceWillscarcelydaretosayTheyspokethetauntbeforemyface，Andwentunscathedaway。
Myfriendswillmissacomrade’sface，Andpledgemeontheseas，Whosharedthewine-cuporthechase，Orfolliesworsethanthese。
Acarelesssmile，apartingglass，Ahandthatwavesadieu，Andfrommysighttheysoonwillpass，Andfrommymemorytoo。
Ilovedagirlnotlongago，And，tillmysuitwastold，Ithoughtherbreastasfairassnow，’Twasverynearascold；
AndyetIspoke，withfeelingsmoreOfrecklessnessthanpain，ThosewordsIneverspokebefore，Nornevershallagain。
Hercheekgrewpale，inherdarkeyeIsawthetear-dropshine；
Herredlipsfalteredinreply，Andthenwerepressedtomine。
Aquickpulsationoftheheart！
Aflutterofthebreath！
Asmotheredsob——andthuswepart，Tomeetnomoretilldeath。
AndyetImayattimesrecallHermemorywithasigh；
AttimesformethetearsmayfallAnddimhersparklingeye。
Butabsentfriendsaresoonforgot，Andinayearorless’Twilldoubtlessbeanother’slotThoseverylipstopress！
WithadversefatewebestcancopeWhenallweprizehasfled；
Andwherethere’slittlelefttohope，There’slittlelefttodread！
Oh，timeglideseverquicklyby！
Destroyingallthat’sdear；
Onearththere’slittleworthasigh，Andnothingworthatear！
WhatfearshaveI？Whathopesinlife？
WhatjoyscanIcommand？
AfewshortyearsoftoilandstrifeInastrangeanddistantland！
Whengreengrasssproutsabovethisclay（Andthatmightbeerelong），Somefriendsmayreadtheselinesandsay，Theworldhasjudgedhimwrong。
ThereisaspotnotfarawayWheremyyoungsistersleeps，Whoseemsalivebutyesterday，Sofreshhermemorykeeps；
ForwehaveplayedinchildhoodthereBeneaththehawthorn’sbough，AndbentourkneeinchildishprayerIcannotutternow！
Oflatesorecklessandsowild，ThatspotrecallstomeThatIwasoncealaughingchild，Asinnocentasshe；
Andthere，whileAugust’swildflow’rswave，Iwanderedallalone，Strewedblossomsonherlittlegrave，Andkneltbesidethestone。
Iseemtohavealoadtobear，Aheavy，chokinggrief；
CouldIhaveforcedasingletearImighthavefeltrelief。
IthinkmyhotandrestlessheartHasscorchedthechannelsdry，FromwhichthosesighsofsorrowstartTomoistencheekandeye。
Sister，farewell！farewelloncemoreToeveryyouthfultie！
Friends！parents！kinsmen！nativeshore！
Toeachandallgood-bye！
AndthoughtswhichforthemomentseemTobindmewithaspell，Ambitioushope！love’sboyishdream！
Toyoualastfarewell！
\"TheOldLeaven\"
ADialogueMark：
So，Maurice，yousailto-morrow，yousay？
Andyoumayormaynotreturn？
Besociable，man！foronceinaway，Unlessyou’retoooldtolearn。
TheshadowsarecoolbythewatersideWherethewillowsgrowbythepond，Andtheyellowlaburnum’sdroopingprideShedsagoldengleambeyond。
Fortheblendedtintsofthesummerflowers，Forthescentsofthesummerair，Forallnature’scharmsinthisworldofours，’Tislittleornaughtyoucare。
YetIknowforcertainyouhaven’tstirredSincenoonfromyourchosenspot；
Andyou’vehardlyspokenasingleword——
Areyoutired，orcross，orwhat？
You’refrettingaboutthosesharesyoubought，Theyweretohavegoneupfast；
ButIheardhowtheyfelltonothing——inshort，Theyweregivenawayatlast。
Maurice：
No，Mark，I’mnotsoeasilycross’d；
’TistruethatI’vehadarunOfbadlucklately；indeed，I’velost；
Well！somebodyelsehaswon。
Mark：
Theglasshasfallen，perhapsyoufearAreturnofyourancientstitch——
ThatsouveniroftheLady’sMere，Parkpalingsanddoubleditch。
Maurice：
You’rewrong。I’mnotintheleastafraidOfthat。Ifthetruthbetold，Whenthestiffnessvisitsmyshoulder-blade，Ithinkonthedaysofold；
Itrecallstherushofthefresheningwind，Thestrainofthechestnutspringing，Andtherollingthunderofhoofsbehind，LiketheRataplanchorusringing。
Mark：
Areyouboundtoborrow，orlothtolend？
Haveyoupurchasedanotherscrew？
Orbackedabillforanotherfriend？
Orhadabadnightatloo？
Maurice：
Notoneofthose，you’reallinthedark，Ifyouchooseyoucanguessagain；
Butyou’dbettergiveoverguessing，Mark，It’sonlylabourinvain。
Mark：
I’lltryoncemore；doesitplagueyoustill，Thattrifleofleadyoucarry？
Aguestthatlingersagainstyourwill，Unwelcome，yetboundtotarry。
Maurice：
Notso！ThatburdenI’musedtobear，’Tisseldomitgivesmetrouble；
AndtoearnitasIdidthenandthere，I’dcarryadeadweightdouble。
AshocklikethatforasplinteredribCanathousand-foldrepay——
Astheswallowskimsthroughthespider’sweb，Werodethroughtheirranksthatday！
Mark：
Come，Maurice，yousha’n’tescapemeso！
I’llhazardanotherguess：
Thatgirlthatjiltedyoulongago，You’rethinkingofher，confess！
Maurice：
Tho’thebluelakeflush’dwitharosylight，Reflectedfromyondersky，MightconjureavisionofAphroditeToapoet’sorpainter’seye；
Tho’thegoldendrop，withitsdroopingcurl，Betweenthewaterandwood，HangsdownlikethetressofawaywardgirlInherdreamymaidenhood：
SuchboyishfanciesseemoutofdateToonehalfinclinedtocensureTheirfolly，andyet——yourshaftflewstraight，Thoughyoudrewyourbowataventure。
IsawmyladytheothernightInthecrowdedoperahall，Whentheboxessparkledwithfacesbright，Iknewheramongstthemall。
Tho’littleforthesethingsnowIreck，IsingledherfromthethrongBythequeenlycurvesofherheadandneck，Bythedroopofhereyelashlong。
Oh！passionless，placid，andcalm，andcold，DoesthefirestilllurkwithinThatlithermagnificenteyesofold，Andcolouredhermarbleskin？
Forawearylookontheproudfacehung，Whilethemusicclash’dandswell’d，AndtherestlesschildtothesilkskirtclungUnnoticedtho’unrepelled。