第2章
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  SirHenryParkes。

  TheBuriedChiefNovember6th,1886

  WithspeechlesslipsandsolemntreadTheybroughttheLawyer-Statesmanhome:

  Theylaidhimwiththegather\'ddead,Whererichandpoorlikebrotherscome。

  Howbravelydidthestriplingclimb,Fromsteptosteptheruggedhill:

  Hisgazethro\'thatbenightedtimeFix\'donthefar-offbeaconstill。

  Hefacedthestormthato\'erhimburst,Withpridetomatchtheproudestborn:

  Heboreunblench\'dDetraction\'sworst,——

  Paidblowforblow,andscornforscorn。

  HescaledthesummitwhilethesunYetshoneuponhisconquer\'dtrack:

  Norfalter\'dtillthegoalwaswon,Norstrugglingupward,oncelook\'dback。

  Butwhatavailsthe\"prideofplace\",Orwingedchariotrollingpast?

  Heheedsnotnowwhowinstherace,Aliketohimthefirstorlast。

  ThomasAlexanderBrowne`RolfBoldrewood\'。

  PerditaSheisbeautifulyet,withherwondroushairAndeyesthatarestormywithfitfullight,ThedelicatehuesofbrowandcheekAreunmarredall,rose-clearandbright;

  ThatmatchlessframeyetholdsatbayThecrouchingbloodhounds,Remorse,Decay。

  Thereisnofearinhergreatdarkeyes——

  Nohope,nolove,nocare,StatelyandproudshelooksaroundWithafierce,defiantstare;

  Wildwordsdeformherrecklessspeech,Herlaughhasasadnesstearsneverreach。

  Whomshouldshefearonearth?CanFateOnedirertormentlendToherfewlittleyearsofglitterandgloomWiththesadoldstorytoendWhenthespectresofLoneliness,WantandPainShallariseonenightwithDeathintheirtrain?……

  IseeinavisionawomanlikeherTripdownanorchardslope,WithrosyprattlersthatshoutanameIntonesofraptureandhope;

  Whiletheyeoman,gazingatchildrenandwife,ThanksGodfortheprideandjoyofhislife……

  Whoseconscienceisheavywiththisdarkguilt?

  WhopaysatthefinaldayForawastedbody,amurderedsoul,Andhowshallheanswer,Isay,Forheroutlawedyears,herearlydoom,Anddespair——despair——beyondthetomb?

  AdamLindsayGordon。

  ADedicationTheyarerhymesrudelystrungwithintentlessOfsoundthanofwords,Inlandswherebrightblossomsarescentless,Andsonglessbrightbirds;

  Where,withfireandfiercedroughtonhertresses,InsatiablesummeroppressesSerewoodlandsandsadwildernesses,Andfaintflocksandherds。

  Whereindreariestdays,whenalldewsend,Andallwindsarewarm,WildWinter\'slargeflood-gatesareloosen\'d,Andfloods,freedfromstorm,Frombroken-upfountainheads,dashonDrydesertswithlongpentuppassion——

  Hererhymewasfirstframedwithoutfashion——

  Songshapedwithoutform。

  Whencegather\'d?——Thelocust\'sgladchirrupMayfurnishastave;

  Theringofarowelandstirrup,Thewashofawave;

  Thechauntofthemarshfroginrushes,ThatchimesthroughthepausesandhushesOfnightfall,thetorrentthatgushes,Thetempeststhatrave;

  Inthedeep\'ningofdawn,whenitdapplesTheduskofthesky,Withstreaksliketheredd\'ningofapples,Theripeningofrye。

  Toeastward,whenclusterbycluster,Dimstarsanddullplanets,thatmuster,WaxwaninaworldofwhitelustreThatspreadsfarandhigh;

  Inthegatheringofnightgloomo\'erhead,inThestillsilentchange,Allfire-flush\'dwhenforesttreesreddenOnslopesoftherange。

  Whenthegnarl\'d,knottedtrunksEucalyptianSeemcarved,likeweirdcolumnsEgyptian,Withcuriousdevice,quaintinscription,Andhieroglyphstrange;

  IntheSpring,whenthewattlegoldtrembles\'Twixtshadowandshine,Wheneachdew-ladenairdraughtresemblesAlongdraughtofwine;

  Whenthesky-line\'sblueburnish\'dresistanceMakesdeeperthedreamiestdistance,Somesonginallheartshathexistence,——

  Suchsongshavebeenmine。

  Thora\'sSongWeseveredinAutumnearly,Eretheearthwastornbytheplough;

  ThewheatandtheoatsandthebarleyAreripefortheharvestnow。

  Wesunder\'donemistymorningErethehillsweredimm\'dbytherain;

  Throughtheflowersthosehillsadorning——

  Thoucomestnotbackagain。

  MyheartisheavyandwearyWiththeweightofawearysoul;

  Themid-dayglaregrowsdreary,Anddrearythemidnightscroll。

  Thecorn-stalkssighforthesickle,\'Neaththeloadoftheirgoldengrain;

  Isighforamatemorefickle——

  Thoucomestnotbackagain。

  Thewarmsunrisethandsetteth,Thenightbringethmoisteningdew,ButthesoulthatlongethforgettethThewarmthandthemoisturetoo。

  InthehotsunrisingandsettingThereisnaughtsavefeverishpain;

  Therearetearsinthenight-dewswetting——

  Thoucomestnotbackagain。

  ThyvoiceinmyearstillminglesWiththevoicesofwhisp\'ringtrees,ThykissonmycheekstilltinglesAteachkissofthesummerbreeze。

  WhiledreamsofthepastarethrongingForsubstanceofshadesinvain,Iamwaiting,watchingandlonging——

  Thoucomestnotbackagain。

  Waitingandwatchingever,Longingandlingeringyet;

  Leavesrustleandcorn-stalksquiver,Windsmurmurandwatersfret。

  Noanswertheybring,nogreeting,Nospeech,savethatsadrefrain,Norvoice,saveanechorepeating——

  Hecomethnotbackagain。

  TheSickStock-riderHoldhard,Ned!Liftmedownoncemore,andlaymeintheshade。

  Oldman,you\'vehadyourworkcutouttoguideBothhorses,andtoholdmeinthesaddlewhenIswayed,Allthroughthehot,slow,sleepy,silentride。

  Thedawnat\"Moorabinda\"wasamistrackdullanddense,Thesun-risewasasullen,sluggishlamp;

  IwasdozinginthegatewayatArbuthnot\'sbound\'ryfence,IwasdreamingontheLimestonecattlecamp。

  WecrossedthecreekatCarricksford,andsharplythroughthehaze,Andsuddenlythesunshotflamingforth;

  Tosouthwardlay\"Katawa\",withthesandpeaksallablaze,AndtheflushedfieldsofGlenLomondlaytonorth。

  Nowwestwardwindsthebridle-paththatleadstoLindisfarm,Andyonderloomsthedouble-headedBluff;

  Fromthefarsideofthefirsthill,whentheskiesareclearandcalm,YoucanseeSylvester\'swoolshedfairenough。

  FivemilesweusedtocallitfromourhomesteadtotheplaceWherethebigtreespanstheroadwaylikeanarch;

  \'TwashereweranthedingodownthatgaveussuchachaseEightyearsago——orwasitnine?——lastMarch。

  \'Twasmerryintheglowingmornamongthegleaminggrass,Towanderaswe\'vewanderedmanyamile,Andblowthecooltobaccocloud,andwatchthewhitewreathspass,Sittinglooselyinthesaddleallthewhile。

  \'Twasmerry\'midtheblackwoods,whenwespiedthestationroofs,Towheelthewildscrubcattleattheyard,Witharunningfireofstockwhipsandafieryrunofhoofs;

  Oh!thehardestdaywasneverthentoohard!

  Aye!wehadagloriousgallopafter\"Starlight\"andhisgang,WhentheyboltedfromSylvester\'sontheflat;

  Howthesun-driedreed-bedscrackled,howtheflint-strewnrangesrang,Tothestrokesof\"Mountaineer\"and\"Acrobat\"。

  Hardbehindtheminthetimber,harderstillacrosstheheath,Closebesidethemthroughthetea-treescrubwedash\'d;

  Andthegolden-tintedfernleaves,howtheyrustledunderneath;

  Andthehoneysuckleosiers,howtheycrash\'d!

  Weledthehuntthroughout,Ned,onthechestnutandthegrey,Andthetrooperswerethreehundredyardsbehind,Whileweemptiedoursix-shootersonthebushrangersatbay,Inthecreekwithstuntedbox-treesforablind!

  Thereyougrappledwiththeleader,mantoman,andhorsetohorse,Andyouroll\'dtogetherwhenthechestnutrear\'d;

  Heblazedawayandmissedyouinthatshallowwater-course——

  Anarrowshave——hispowdersingedyourbeard!

  Inthesehourswhenlifeisebbing,howthosedayswhenlifewasyoungComebacktous;howclearlyIrecallEventheyarnsJackHallinvented,andthesongsJemRopersung;

  AndwherearenowJemRoperandJackHall?

  Ay!nearlyallourcomradesoftheoldcolonialschool,Ourancientbooncompanions,Ned,aregone;

  Hardliversforthemostpart,somewhatrecklessasarule,ItseemsthatyouandIareleftalone。

  TherewasHughes,whogotintroublethroughthatbusinesswiththecards,Itmatterslittlewhatbecameofhim;

  Butasteerripp\'dupMacphersonintheCooramintayards,AndSullivanwasdrown\'datSink-or-swim;

  AndMostyn——poorFrankMostyn——diedatlast,afearfulwreck,Inthe\"horrors\"attheUpperWandinong,AndCarisbrooke,therider,attheHorsefallbrokehisneck;

  Faith!thewonderwashesavedhisnecksolong!

  Ah!thosedaysandnightswesquanderedattheLogans\'intheglen——

  TheLogans,manandwife,havelongbeendead。

  Elsie\'stallestgirlseemstallerthanyourlittleElsiethen;

  AndEthelisawomangrownandwed。

  I\'vehadmyshareofpastime,andI\'vedonemyshareoftoil,Andlifeisshort——thelongestlifeaspan;

  Icarenotnowtotarryforthecornorfortheoil,Orforwinethatmakethgladtheheartofman。

  Forgoodundone,andgiftsmisspent,andresolutionsvain,\'Tissomewhatlatetotrouble。ThisIknow——

  Ishouldlivethesamelifeover,ifIhadtoliveagain;

  AndthechancesareIgowheremostmengo。

  Thedeepblueskieswaxdusky,andthetallgreentreesgrowdim,Theswardbeneathmeseemstoheaveandfall;

  Andsickly,smokyshadowsthroughthesleepysunlightswim,Andontheverysun\'sfaceweavetheirpall。

  Letmeslumberinthehollowwherethewattleblossomswave,Withneverstoneorrailtofencemybed;

  Shouldthesturdystationchildrenpullthebush-flowersonmygrave,Imaychancetohearthemrompingoverhead。

  Idon\'tsupposeIshallthough,forIfeellikesleepingsound,Thatsleep,theysay,isdoubtful。True;butyetAtleastitmakesnodifferencetothedeadmanundergroundWhatthelivingmenrememberorforget。

  Enigmasthatperplexusintheworld\'sunequalstrife,Thefuturemayignoreormayreveal;

  Yetsome,asweakaswater,Ned,tomakethebestoflife,Havebeentofacetheworstastrueassteel。

  HenryKendall。

  PrefatorySonnetsI。

  Ipurposedoncetotakemypenandwrite,Notsongs,likesome,tormentedandawryWithpassion,butacunningharmonyOfwordsandmusiccaughtfromglenandheight,AndlucidcoloursbornofwoodlandlightAndshiningplaceswherethesea-streamslie。

  Butthiswaswhentheheatofyouthglowedwhite,AndsinceI\'veputthefadedpurposeby。

  IhavenofaultlessfruitstoofferyouWhoreadthisbook;butcertainsyllablesHereinareborrowedfromunfooteddellsAndsecrethollowsdeartonoontidedew;

  Andtheseatleast,thoughfarbetweenandfew,Maycatchthesenselikesubtleforestspells。

  II。

  Sotakethesekindly,eventhoughtherebeSomenotesthatuntootherlyresbelong,Strayechoesfromtheeldersonsofsong;

  AndthinkhowfromitsneighbouringnativeseaThepensiveshelldothborrowmelody。

  IwouldnotdothelordlymasterswrongByfilchingfairwordsfromtheshiningthrongWhosemusichauntsmeasthewindatree!

  Lo,whenastrangerinsoftSyriangloomsShotthroughwithsunsettreadsthecedardells,AndhearsthebreezyringofelfinbellsFardownbywherethewhite-hairedcataractbooms,He,faintwithsweetnesscaughtfromforestsmells,Bearsthence,unwitting,plunderofperfumes。

  SeptemberinAustraliaGreyWinterhathgone,likeawearisomeguest,And,behold,forrepayment,SeptembercomesinwiththewindoftheWestAndtheSpringinherraiment!

  Thewaysofthefrosthavebeenfilledoftheflowers,WhiletheforestdiscoversWildwings,withthehaloofhyalinehours,Andthemusicoflovers。

  September,themaidwiththeswift,silverfeet!

  Sheglides,andshegracesThevalleysofcoolness,theslopesoftheheat,Withherblossomytraces;

  Sweetmonth,withamouththatismadeofarose,ShelightensandlingersInspotswheretheharpoftheeveningglows,Attunedbyherfingers。

  ThestreamfromitshomeinthehollowhillslipsInadarlingoldfashion;

  AndthedaygoethdownwithasongonitslipsWhosekey-noteispassion;

  Faroutinthefierce,bitterfrontoftheseaIstand,andrememberDeadthingsthatwerebrothersandsistersofthee,ResplendentSeptember。

  TheWest,whenitblowsatthefallofthenoonAndbeatsonthebeaches,IsfilledwithatenderandtremuloustuneThattouchesandteaches;

  ThestoriesofYouth,oftheburdenofTime,AndthedeathofDevotion,Comebackwiththewind,andarethemesoftherhymeInthewavesoftheocean。

  We,havingasecrettoothersunknown,Inthecoolmountain-mosses,Maywhispertogether,September,aloneOfourlovesandourlosses。

  Onewordforherbeauty,andoneforthegraceShegavetothehours;

  Andthenwemaykissher,andsufferherfaceTosleepwiththeflowers……

  Oh,seasonofchanges——ofshadowandshine——

  Septemberthesplendid!

  Mysonghathnomusictominglewiththine,Anditsburdenisended;

  Butthou,beingbornofthewindsandthesun,Bymountain,byriver,Maystlightenandlisten,andloiterandrun,Withthyvoicesforever。

  RoseLorraineSweetwater-moons,blownintolightsOfflyinggoldonpoolandcreek,AndmanysoundsandmanysightsOfyoungerdaysarebackthisweek。

  IcannotsayIsoughttofaceOrgreatlycaredtocrossagainThesubtlespiritoftheplaceWhoselifeismixedwithRoseLorraine。

  WhatthoughhervoiceringsclearlythroughAnightlydreamIgladlykeep,NowishhaveItostartanewHeartfountainsthathaveceasedtoleap。

  Here,facetofacewithdifferentdays,Andlaterthingsthatpleadforlove,ItwouldbeworsethanwrongtoraiseAphantomfartoovaintomove。

  But,RoseLorraine——ah!RoseLorraine,I\'llwhispernow,wherenoonehears——

  IfyoushouldchancetomeetagainThemanyoukissedinsoft,deadyears,Justsayforonce\"Hesufferedmuch,\"

  Andaddtothis\"HisfatewasworstBecauseofme,myvoice,mytouch\"——

  Thereisnopassionlikethefirst!

  IfIthatbreatheyourslowsweetname,Asonebreatheslownotesonaflute,Havevextyourpeacewithwordofblame,Thephraseisdead——thelipsaremute。

  YetwhenIturntowardsthewall,Instormynights,intimesofrain,IoftenwishyoucouldrecallYourtenderspeeches,RoseLorraine。

  Because,yousee,Ithoughtthemtrue,Anddidnotcountyouself-deceived,Andgavemyselfinalltoyou,AndlookedonLoveasLifeachieved。

  Thencamethebitter,suddenchange,Thefastenedlips,thedumbdespair:

  Thefirstfewweekswereverystrange,Andlong,andsad,andhardtobear。

  NowomanliveswithpowertoburstMypassion\'sbonds,andsetmefree;

  ForRoseislastwhereRosewasfirst,AndonlyRoseisfairtome。

  Thefaintestmemoryofherface,Thewilfulfacethathurtmeso,IsfollowedbyafierytraceThatRoseLorrainemustneverknow。

  IkeepafadedribbonstringYouusedtowearaboutyourthroat;

  Andofthispale,thisperishedthing,IthinkIknowthethreadsbyrote。

  Godhelpsuchlove!Totouchyourhand,Toloiterwhereyourfeetmightfall,Youmarvellousgirl,mysoulwouldstandTheworstofhell——itsfiresandall!

  ToaMountainTothee,Ofatherofthestatelypeaks,Abovemeintheloftierlight——tothee,ImperialbrotherofthoseawfulhillsWhosefeetaresetinsplendidspheresofflame,Whoseheadsarewherethegodsare,andwhosesidesOfstrengtharebeltedroundwithallthezonesOfalltheworld,Idedicatethesesongs。

  Andif,withinthecompassofthisbook,TherelivesandglowsONEverseinwhichtherebeatsThepulseofwindandtorrent——ifONElineIsherethatlikearunningwatersounds,Andseemsanechofromthelandsofleaf,Besurethatlineisthine。Here,inthishome,Awayfrommenandbooksandalltheschools,ItaketheeformyTeacher。InthyvoiceOfdeathlessmajesty,I,kneeling,hearGod\'sgrandauthenticGospel!Yearbyyear,ThegreatsublimecantataofthystormStrikesthroughmyspirit——fillsitwithalifeOfstartlingbeauty!ThoumyBibleartWithholyleavesofrock,andflower,andtree,Andmoss,andshiningrunnel。FromeachpageThathelpstomakethyawfulvolume,I

  Havelearnedanoblelesson。InthepsalmOfthygravewinds,andintheliturgyOfsingingwaters,lo!mysoulhasheardThehigherworship;andfromthee,indeed,ThebroadfoundationsofafinerhopeWeregatheredin;andthouhastliftedupTheblindhorizonforalargerfaith!

  Moreover,walkinginexaltedwoodsOfnakedglory,inthegreenandgoldOfforestsunshine,IhavepausedlikeoneWithallthelifetransfigured:andafloodOflightineffablehasmademefeelAsfeltthegrandoldprophetscaughtawayByflamesofinspiration;butthewordsSufficientforthestoryofmyDreamArefartoosplendidforpoorhumanlips!

  Butthou,towhomIturnwithreverenteyes——

  OstatelyFather,whosemajesticfaceShinesfarabovethezoneofwindandcloud,Wherehighdominionofthemorningis——

  ThouhasttheSongcompleteofwhichmysongsArepallidadumbrations!CertainsoundsOfstrongauthenticsorrowinthisbookMayhavethesobofuplandtorrents——these,Andonlythese,maytouchthegreatWorld\'sheart;

  For,lo!theyaretheissuesofthatgriefWhichmakesamanmorehuman,andhislifeMorelikethatfrankexaltedlifeofthine。

  ButinthesepagesthereareothertonesInwhichthylarge,superiorvoiceisnot——

  ThroughwhichnobeautythatresemblesthineHasevershone。THESEarethebrokenwordsOfblindoccasions,whentheWorldhascomeBetweenmeandmyDream。NosongishereOfmightycompass;formysingingrobesI\'veworninstolenmoments。AllmydaysHavebeenthedaysofalaboriouslife,AndeveronmystrugglingsoulhasburnedThefierceheatofthishurriedsphere。Butthou,TowhosefairmajestyIdedicateMybookofrhymes——thouhasttheperfectrestWhichmakestheheavenofthehighestgods!

  TotheethenoisesofthisviolenttimeArefar,faintwhispers;and,fromagetoage,Withintheworldandyetapartfromit,Thoustandest!RoundthylordlycapestheseaRollsonwithasuperbindifferenceForever;inthydeep,green,graciousglensThesilverfountainssingforever。FarAbovedimghostsofwatersinthecaves,TheroyalrobeofmorningonthyheadAbidesforever!EvermorethewindIsthyaugustcompanion;andthypeersArecloud,andthunder,andthefacesublimeOfbluemid-heaven!OnthyawfulbrowIsDeity;andinthatvoiceofthineThereisthegreatimperialutteranceOfGodforever;andthyfeetaresetWhereevermore,throughallthedaysandyears,Thererollsthegrandhymnofthedeathlesswave。

  AraluenTakethisrose,andverygentlyplaceitonthetender,deepMosseswhereourlittledarling,Araluen,liesasleep。

  Puttheblossomclosetobaby——kneelwithme,mylove,andpray;

  Wemustleavethebirdwe\'veburied——saygood-byetoherto-day;

  Intheshadowofourtroublewemustgotootherlands,Andtheflowerswehavefosteredwillbelefttootherhands。

  Othereyeswillwatchthemgrowing——otherfeetwillsoftlytreadWheretwoheartsarenearlybreaking,wheresomanytearsareshed。

  Bitteristheworldwelivein:lifeandlovearemixedwithpain;

  Wewillneverseethesedaisies——neverwaterthemagain……

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

  But,beyondthewild,widewaters,wewilltreadanothershore——

  Wewillneverwatchthisblossom,neverseeitanymore。

  Girl,whosehandatGod\'shighaltarinthedear,deadyearIpressed,Leanyourstrickenheaduponme——thisisstillyourlover\'sbreast!

  Shewhosleepswasfirstandsweetest——nonewehavetotakeherplace!

  Emptyisthelittlecradle——absentisthelittleface。

  Otherchildrenmaybegiven;butthisrosebeyondrecall,Butthisgarlandofyourgirlhood,willbedearestofthemall。

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

  Wewereyoungwhenyouwerewithus,lifeandlovewerehappythingsToyourfatherandyourmothereretheangelsgaveyouwings。

  Youthatsitandsobbesideme——you,uponwhosegoldenheadManyrainsofmanysorrowshavefromdaytodaybeenshed;

  Who,becauseyourlovewasnoble,facedwithmethelotaustereEverpressingwithitshardshiponthemanoflettershere——

  Letmefeelthatyouarenearme,layyourhandwithinmineown;

  YouareallIhavetolivefor,nowthatweareleftalone。

  Threetherewere,butonehasvanished。Sinsofminehavemadeyouweep;

  Butforgiveyourbaby\'sfathernowthatbabyisasleep。

  Letusgo,fornightisfalling,leavethedarlingwithherflowers;

  Otherhandswillcomeandtendthem——otherfriendsinotherhours。

  AfterManyYearsThesongthatonceIdreamedabout,Thetender,touchingthing,Asradiantastherosewithout,Theloveofwindandwing:

  Theperfectverses,tothetuneOfwoodlandmusicset,Asbeautifulasafternoon,Remainunwrittenyet。

  Itistoolatetowritethemnow——

  Theancientfireiscold;

  Noardentlightsillumethebrow,Asinthedaysofold。

  Icannotdreamthedreamagain;

  But,whenthehappybirdsAresinginginthesunnyrain,IthinkIhearitswords。

  IthinkIheartheechostillOflong-forgottentones,WheneveningwindsareonthehillAndsunsetfiresthecones;

  Butonlyinthehourssupreme,Withsongsoflandandsea,Thelyricsoftheleafandstream,Thisechocomestome。

  NolongerdoththeearthrevealHergraciousgreenandgold;

  Isitwhereyouthwasonce,andfeelThatIamgrowingold。

  ThelustrefromthefaceofthingsIswearingallaway;

  Likeonewhohaltswithtiredwings,Irestandmuseto-day。

  ThereisariverintherangeIlovetothinkabout;

  PerhapsthesearchingfeetofchangeHaveneverfounditout。

  Ah!oftentimesIusedtolookUponitsbanks,andlongTostealthebeautyofthatbrookAndputitinasong。

  Iwonderiftheslopesofmoss,Indreamssodeartome——

  Thefallsofflower,andflower-likefloss——

  Areastheyusedtobe!

  Iwonderifthewaterfalls,Thesingersfarandfair,Thatgleamedbetweenthewet,greenwalls,Arestillthemarvelsthere!

  Ah!letmehopethatinthatplaceThoseoldfamiliarthingsTowhichIturnawistfulfaceHavenevertakenwings。

  LetmeretainthefancystillThat,pastthelordlyrange,Therealwaysshines,infoldsofhill,Onespotsecurefromchange!

  ItrustthatyetthetenderscreenThatshadesacertainnookRemains,withallitsgoldandgreen,Thegloryofthebrook。

  IthidesasecrettothebirdsAndwatersonlyknown:

  Thelettersoftwolovelywords——

  Apoemonastone。

  PerhapstheladyofthepastUpontheselinesmaylight,Thepurestverses,andthelast,ThatImayeverwrite:

  Sheneednotfearawordofblame:

  Hertaletheflowerskeep——

  ThewindthatheardmebreathehernameHasbeenforyearsasleep。

  Butinthenight,andwhentherainThetroubledtorrentfills,IoftenthinkIseeagainTheriverinthehills;

  Andwhenthedayisverynear,Andbirdsareonthewing,MyspiritfanciesitcanhearThesongIcannotsing。

  Hy-Brasil\"Daughter,\"saidtheancientfather,pausingbytheeveningsea,\"Turnthyfacetowardsthesunset——turnthyfaceandkneelwithme!

  Prayerandpraiseandholyfasting,lipsofloveandlifeoflight,Theseandthesehavemadetheeperfect——shiningsaintwithseraph\'ssight!

  Looktowardsthatflamingcrescent——lookbeyondthatglowingspace——

  Tellme,sisteroftheangels,whatisbeaminginthyface?\"

  Andthedaughter,whohadfasted,whohadspentherdaysinprayer,TillthegloryoftheSaviourtouchedherheadandrestedthere,Turnedhereyestowardsthesea-line——sawbeyondthefierycrest,Floatingoverwavesofjasper,farHy-BrasilintheWest。

  Allthecalmnessandthecolour——allthesplendourandrepose,Flowingwherethesunsetflowered,likeasilver-heartedrose!

  ThereindeedwassingingEden,wherethegreatgoldriverrunsPasttheporchandgatesofcrystal,ringedbystrongandshiningones!

  ThereindeedwasGod\'sowngarden,sailingdownthesapphiresea——

  Lawnydellsandslopesofsummer,dazzlingstreamandradianttree!

  Outagainstthehushedhorizon——outbeneaththereverentday,FlamedtheWonderonthewaters——flamed,andflashed,andpassedaway。

  Andthemaidenwhohadseenitfeltahandwithinherown,Andanangelthatweknownotledhertothelandsunknown。

  Neversincehatheyebeheldit——neversincehathmortal,dazedByitsstrange,unearthlysplendour,onthefloatingEdengazed!

  OnlyoncesinceEvewentweepingthroughathrongofglitteringwings,HaththeholyseenHy-Brasilwherethegreatgoldriversings!

  Onlyoncebyquietwaters,understill,resplendentskies,DidthesisteroftheseraphskneelinsightofParadise!

  She,thepure,theperfectwoman,sanctifiedbypatientprayer,HadtheeyesofsaintsofHeaven,alltheirgloryinherhair:

  ThereforeGodtheFatherwhisperedtoaradiantspiritnear——

  \"ShowOurdaughterfairHy-Brasil——showherthis,andleadherhere。\"

  Butbeyondthehallsofsunset,butwithinthewondrousWest,Ontherose-redseasofevening,sailstheGardenoftheBlest。

  Stillthegatesofglassybeauty,stillthewallsofglowinglight,Shineonwavesthatnomanknowsof,outofsoundandoutofsight。

  Yettheslopesandlawnsoflustre,yetthedellsofsparklingstreams,Diptotranquilshoresofjasper,wherethewatchingangelbeams。

  But,behold!oureyesarehuman,andourwayispavedwithpain,WecanneverfindHy-Brasil,neverseeitshillsagain!

  Neverlookonbaysofcrystal,neverbendthereverentkneeInthesightofEdenfloating——floatingonthesapphiresea!

  OutreMerIsee,asoneindreaming,Abroad,bright,quietsea;

  Beyonditliesahaven——

  Theonlyhomeforme。

  Somemengrowstrongwithtrouble,Butallmystrengthispast,Andtiredandfullofsorrow,Ilongtosleepatlast。

  ByforceofchanceandchangesMan\'slifeishardatbest;

  And,seeingrestisvoiceless,Thedearestthingisrest。

  Beyondthesea——beholdit,ThehomeIwishtoseek,Therefugeoftheweary,Thesolaceoftheweak!

  Sweetangelfingersbeckon,SweetangelvoicesaskMysoultocrossthewaters;

  AndyetIdreadthetask。

  GodhelpthemanwhosetrialsAretaresthathemustreap!

  Hecannotfacethefuture——

  Hisonlyhopeissleep。

  AcrossthemainavisionOfsunsetcoasts,andskies,Andwidthsofwatersgleaming,Enchantmyhumaneyes。

  I,whohavesinnedandsuffered,Havesought——withtearshavesought——

  Torulemylifewithgoodness,Andshapeittomythought。

  AndyetthereisnorefugeToshieldmefromdistress,ExcepttherealmofslumberAndgreatforgetfulness。

  MarcusClarke。

  TheSongofTigilauThesongofTigilauthebrave,Sina\'swildlover,WhoacrosstheheavingwaveFromSamoacameover:

  Cameover,Sina,atthesettingmoon!

  Themoonshinesroundandbright;

  She,withherdark-eyedmaidensatherside,Watchestherisingtide。

  Whilebalmybreathesthestarrysouthernnight,Whilelanguidheavesthelazysoutherntide;

  Therisingtide,OSina,andthesettingmoon!

  Thenightispast,ispastandgone,ThemoonsinkstotheWest,Thesea-heartbeatsopprest,AndSina\'spassionatebreastHeaveslikethesea,whenthepalemoonhasgone,Heaveslikethepassionatesea,Sina,leftbythemoonalone!

  Silveronsilversands,theripplingwatersmeet——

  Willhecomesoon?

  Theripplingwaterskissherdelicatefeet,Theripplingwaters,lispinglowandsweet,Ripplewiththetide,Therisingtide,Therisingtide,OSina,andthesettingmoon!

  Hecomes!——herlover!

  Tigilau,thesonofTuiViti。

  Hermaidensroundherhover,Therisingwavesherwhitefeetcover。

  OTigilau,sonofTuiViti,Throughthemellowduskthyproasglide,Sosoon!

  Sosoonbytherisingtide,Therisingtide,mySina,andthesettingmoon!

  Themooring-polesareleft,Thewhiteningwavesarecleft,BytheprowsofTuiViti!

  BythesharpkeelsofTuiViti!

  Broadisthesea,anddeep,TheyellowSamoanssleep,Buttheywillwakeandweep——

  Weepintheirluxuriousodorousvales,WhilethelandbreezeswellsthesailsOfTuiViti!

  TuiViti——farupontherisingtide,Therisingtide——

  Therisingtide,mySina,beneaththesettingmoon!

  Sheleapstomeethim!

  HermouthtogreethimBurnsathisown。

  Away!Tothecanoes,Totheyokedwarcanoes!

  TheseainmurmuroustoneWhispersthestoryoftheirloves,Re-echoesthestoryoftheirloves——

  ThestoryofTuiViti,OfSinaandTuiViti,Bytherisingtide,Therisingtide,Sina,beneaththesettingmoon!

  Shehasgone!

  Shehasfled!

  Sina!

  Sina,forwhomthewarriorsdeckedtheirshininghair,Wreathingwithpearlstheirbosomsbrownandbare,FlingingbeneathherdaintyfeetMatscrimsonwiththefeathersoftheparrakeet。

  Ho,Samoans!rouseyourwarriorsfullsoon,ForSinaisacrosstheripplingwave,WithTigilau,theboldandbrave。

  Far,farupontherisingtide!

  Farupontherisingtide!

  Farupontherisingtide,Sina,beneaththesettingmoon。

  PatrickMoloney。

  MelbourneOsweetQueen-cityofthegoldenSouth,Piercingtheeveningwiththystar-litspires,ThouwertawitnesswhenIkissedthemouthOfherwhoseeyesoutblazedtheskyeyfires。

  Isawtheparallelsofthylongstreets,Withlampslikeangelsshiningalla-row,WhileoverheadtheempyreanseatsOfgodsweresteepedinparadisicglow。

  ThePleiadeswithrarerfiresweretipt,Hespersatthroneduponhisjewelledchair,Thebeltedgiant\'striplestarswerediptInallthesplendourofOlympianair,Onhightobless,theSouthernCrossdidshine,Likethatwhichblazedo\'erconqueringConstantine。

  AlfredDomett。

  AnInvitationWell!ifTruthbeallwelcomedwithhardyreliance,AllthelovelyunfoldingsofluminousScience,AllthatLogiccanproveordisprovebeavowed:

  Isthereroomfornofaith——thoughsuchEvilintrude——

  InthedominancestillofaSpiritofGood?

  Isthereroomfornohope——suchahandbreadthwescan——

  InthepermanenceyetoftheSpiritofMan?——

  Mayweblessthefarseeker,norblamethefinedreamer?

  LeaveReasonherradiance——Doubtherduecloud;

  NortheirRainbowsenshroud?——

  FromourLifeofrealities——hard——shallow-hearted,HasRomance——hasallgloryidyllicdeparted——

  FromtheworkadayWorldallthewondermentflown?

  Well,butwhatiftheregleamed,inanAgecoldasthis,ThedivinestofPoets\'idealofbliss?

  Yea,anEdencouldlurkinthisEmpireofours,Withtheloneliestloveintheloveliestbowers?——

  Inanerasorapidwithrailwayandsteamer,AndwithPanandtheDryadslikeRaphaelgone——

  Whatifthiscouldbeshown?

  Omyfriends,neverdeaftothecharmsofDenial,Wereitscomfortlesscomfortingworthalife-trial——

  Discontentedcontentwithachillingdespair?——

  Betteraskaswefloatdownasong-floodunchecked,IfourSkywithnoIrisbeglory-bedecked?

  ThroughthegloomofeclipseaswewistfullystealIfnodarklingaureolarraysmayrevealThattheFutureishaplynotutterlycheerless:

  WhilethePresenthasjoyandadventureasrareAsthePastwhenmostfair?

  AndifwearyofmistsyouwillroamundisdainingToalandwherethefancifulfountainsarerainingSwiftbrilliantsofboilingandbeautifulsprayInthevioletsplendourofskiesthatillumeSuchawealthofgreenfernsandrarecrimsontree-bloom;

  Whereapeopleprimevalisvanishingfast,Withitsfaithsanditsfablesandwaysofthepast:

  Owithreasonandfancyunfetteredandfearless,ComeplungewithusdeepintoregionsofDay——

  Comeaway——andaway!——

  AMaoriGirl\'sSong\"Alas,andwell-a-day!theyaretalkingofmestill:

  Bythetinglingofmynostril,Ifeartheyaretalkingill;

  PoorhaplessI——poorlittleI——somanymouthstofill——

  Andallforthisstrangefeeling——O,thissad,sweetpain!

  \"O!senselessheart——Osimple!toyearnso,andtopineForonesofaraboveme,confesto\'eralltoshine,Foroneahundreddoteupon,whonevercanbemine!

  O,\'tisafoolishfeeling——allthisfond,sweetpain!

  \"WhenIwasquiteachild——notsomanymoonsago——

  Ahappylittlemaiden——O,thenitwasnotso;

  Likeasunny-dancingwaveletthenIsparkledtoandfro;

  AndIneverhadthisfeeling——O,thissad,sweetpain!

  \"IthinkitmustbeowingtotheidlelifeIleadInthedreamyhouseforeverthatthisnewbosom-weedHassproutedupandspreaditsshootstillittroublesmeindeedWitharestless,wearyfeeling——suchasad,sweetpain!

  \"Sointhispleasantislet,O,nolongerwillIstay——

  AndtheshadowysummerdwellingIwillleavethisveryday;

  OnArapaI\'lllaunchmyskiff,andsoonbeborneawayFromallthatfeedsthisfeeling——O,thisfond,sweetpain!

  \"I\'llgoandseedearRima——she\'llwelcomeme,Iknow,Andaflaxencloak——hergayest——o\'ermywearyshouldersthrow,Withpurfleredandpointssofree——O,quitealovelyshow——

  Tocharmawaythisfeeling——O,thissad,sweetpain!

  \"TwofeathersIwillborrow,andsogracefullyI\'llwearTwofeatherssoftandsnowy,formylong,black,lustroushair。

  Ofthealbatross\'sdownthey\'llbe——O,howcharmingthey\'lllookthere——

  Alltochaseawaythisfeeling——O,thisfond,sweetpain!

  \"Thentheladswillflockaroundmewithflatteringtalkallday——

  And,withanxiouslittlepinches,slyhintsofloveconvey;

  AndIshallblushwithhappypridetohearthem,Idaresay,Andquiteforgetthisfeeling——O,thissad,sweetpain!\"

  JamesBruntonStephens。

  TheDominionofAustraliaAForecast,1877

  Sheisnotyet;buthewhoseearThrillstothatfineratmosphereWherefootfallsofappointedthings,Reverberantofdaystobe,Areheardinforecastechoings,Likewave-beatsfromaviewlesssea——

  HearsinthevoicefultremorsoftheskyAuroralheraldswhispering,\"Sheisnigh。\"

  Sheisnotyet;buthewhosesightForeknowstheadventofthelight,WhosesoultomorningradianceturnsErenighthercurtainhathwithdrawn,AndinitsquiveringfoldsdiscernsThemutemonitionsofthedawn,WithurgentsensestrainedonwardtodescryHerdistanttokens,startstofindHernigh。

  Notyetherday。Howlong\"notyet\"?……

  Therecomestheflushofviolet!

  Andheavenwardfaces,allaflameWithsanguineimminenceofmorn,Waitbutthesun-kisstoproclaimTheDayofTheDominionborn。

  Prelusivebaptism!——erethenatalhourNamedwiththenameandprophecyofpower。

  Alreadyheretoheartsintense,Aspirit-force,transcendingsense,Inheightsunscaled,indeepsunstirred,Beneaththecalm,abovethestorm,ShewaitstheincorporatingwordTobidhertrembleintoform。

  Already,likedivining-rods,men\'ssoulsBenddowntowheretheunseenriverrolls;——

  Forevenas,fromsightconcealed,Byneverflushofdawnrevealed,Nore\'erillumedbygoldennoon,Norsunset-streakedwithcrimsonbar,Norsilver-spannedbywakeofmoon,Norvisitedofanystar,BeneaththeselandsariverwaitstoblessSomendivineourutmostwilderness,——

  Rollsdark,butyetshallknowourskies,SoonasthewisdomofthewiseConspireswithnaturetodiscloseTheblessingprisonedandunseen,TillroundourlesseningwastesthereglowsAperfectzoneofbroadeninggreen,——

  Tillallourland,AustraliaFelixcalled,BecomeoneContinent-IsleofEmerald;

  SoflowsbeneathourgoodandillAviewlessstreamofCommonWill,Agatheringforce,apresentmight,ThatfromitssilentdepthsofgloomAtWisdom\'svoiceshallleaptolight,Andhideourbarrenfeudsinbloom,Till,alloursunderinglineswithloveo\'ergrown,Ourboundsshallbethegirdlingseasalone。

  TheDarkCompanionThereisanorbthatmockedtheloreofsagesLongtimewithmysteryofstrangeunrest;

  ThesteadfastlawthatroundsthestarryagesGavedoubtfultokenofsupremebehest。

  ButtheywhoknewthewaysofGodunchanging,Concludedsomefarinfluenceunseen——

  Somekindredspherethroughviewlessethersranging,Whosestrongpersuasionsspannedthevoidbetween。

  AndknowingitalonethroughperturbationAndvaguedisquietofanotherstar,Theynamedit,tillthedayofrevelation,\"TheDarkCompanion\"——darklyguessedafar。

  Butwhen,throughnewperfectionofappliance,Faithmergedatlengthinundisputedsight,Themysticmoverwasrevealedtoscience,NoDarkCompanion,but——aspeckoflight。

  NoDarkCompanion,butasunofglory;

  Nofelldisturber,butabrightcompeer;

  Theshiningcomplementthatcrownedthestory;

  Thegoldenlinkthatmadethemeaningclear。

  Oh,DarkCompanion,journeyingeverbyus,Oh,grimPerturberofourworksandways——

  Oh,potentDread,unseen,yetevernighus,Disquietingallthetenorofourdays——

  Oh,DarkCompanion,Death,whosewideembracesO\'ertakeremotestchangeofclimeandskies——

  Oh,DarkCompanion,Death,whosegrievoustracesArescatteredshredsofrivenenterprise——

  Thou,too,inthiswise,when,oureyesunsealing,Theclearerdayshallchangeourfaithtosight,Shaltshowthyself,inthatsupremerevealing,NoDarkCompanion,butathingoflight。

  Noruthlesswreckerofharmoniousorder;

  Noalienheartofdiscordandcaprice;

  AbeckoninglightupontheBlissfulBorder;

  Akindredelementoflawandpeace。

  So,too,ourstrangeunrestinthisourdwelling,Thetremblingthatthoujoinestwithourmirth,Arebutthymagnet-communingscompellingOurspiritsfartherfromthescopeofearth。

  So,doubtless,whenbeneaththypotenceswerving,\'Tisthatthoulead\'stusbyapathunknown,OurseemingdeviationsallsubservingTheperfectorbitroundthecentralthrone……

  Thenightwindmoans。TheAustralwildsareroundme。

  Thelovedwholive——ah,God!howfewtheyare!

  Ilookedabove;andheaveninmercyfoundmeThisparableofcomfortinastar。

  DayLinger,ohSun,foralittle,norcloseyetthisdayofamillion!

  Istherenotgloryenoughintherose-curtainedhallsoftheWest?

  Hastthounojoyinthepassion-huedfoldsofthykinglypavilion?

  Whyshouldstthouonlypassthroughit?Ohresttheealittlewhile,rest!

  WhyshouldtheNightcomeandtakeit,thewanNightthatcannotenjoyit,Bringingpaleargentforgolden,andchangingvermiliontogrey?

  WhyshouldtheNightcomeandshadowit,enteringbuttodestroyit?

  Rest\'midthyruby-trailedsplendours!Ohstaytheealittlewhile,stay!

  Resttheeatleastabriefhourinit!\'Tisarightroyalpavilion。

  Lo,therearethronesforhighdallianceallgloriouslycanopiedo\'er!

  Lo,therearehangingsofpurple,andhangingsofblueandvermilion,Andtherearefleecesofgoldforthyfeetonthediaperedfloor!

  Linger,alittlewhilelinger。To-morrowmyheartmaynotsingtothee:

  ThisshallbeYesterday,numberedwithmemories,foldedaway。

  Nowshouldmyflesh-fetteredsoulbesetfree!Iwouldsoartothee,clingtothee,Andbethyrere-wardAurora,pursuingtheskirtsofTo-day!

  NightHarkhowthetremulousnight-windispassinginjoy-ladensighs;

  Softthroughmywindowitcomes,likethefanningofpinionsangelic,Whisperingtoceasefrommyself,andlookoutontheinfiniteskies。

  Outontheorb-studdednight,andthecrescenteffulgenceofDian;

  Outonthefar-gleamingstar-dustthatmarkswheretheangelshavetrod;

  Outonthegem-pointedCross,andtheglitteringpompofOrion,Flaminginmeasurelessazure,thecoronaljewelsofGod;

  Luminousstreamsofdelightinthesilentimmensityflowing,Journeyingsurgelesslyonthroughimpalpableethersofpeace。

  HowcanIthinkofmyselfwheninfinitudeo\'ermeisglowing,Glowingwithtokensoflovefromthelandwheremysorrowsshallcease?

  Oh,summer-nightoftheSouth!Oh,sweetlanguorofzephyrslove-sighing!

  Oh,mightycircuitofshadowysolitude,holyandstill!

  Musicscarceaudible,echo-lessharmonyjoyouslydying,Dyinginfaintsuspirationso\'ermeadow,andforest,andhill!

  Imustgoforthandbepartofit,partofthenightanditsgladness。

  Butafewsteps,andIpauseonthemargeoftheshininglagoon。

  Herethen,atlength,Ihaverest;andIlaydownmyburdenofsadness,Kneelingalone\'neaththestarsandthesilveryarcofthemoon。

  ThomasBracken。

  NotUnderstoodNotunderstood,wemovealongasunder;

  OurpathsgrowwiderastheseasonscreepAlongtheyears;wemarvelandwewonderWhylifeislife,andthenwefallasleepNotunderstood。

  Notunderstood,wegatherfalseimpressionsAndhugthemcloserastheyearsgoby;

  Tillvirtuesoftenseemtoustransgressions;

  Andthusmenriseandfall,andliveanddieNotunderstood。

  Notunderstood!PoorsoulswithstuntedvisionOftmeasuregiantswiththeirnarrowgauge;

  ThepoisonedshaftsoffalsehoodandderisionAreoftimpelled\'gainstthosewhomouldtheage,Notunderstood。

  Notunderstood!ThesecretspringsofactionWhichliebeneaththesurfaceandtheshow,Aredisregarded;withself-satisfactionWejudgeourneighbours,andtheyoftengoNotunderstood。

  Notunderstood!Howtriflesoftenchangeus!

  ThethoughtlesssentenceandthefanciedslightDestroylongyearsoffriendship,andestrangeus,Andonoursoulstherefallsafreezingblight;

  Notunderstood。

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