第1章
加入书架 A- A+
点击下载App,搜索"Songs From The Mountains",免费读到尾

  CONTENTS

  PAGE

  DEDICATION—TOAMOUNTAIN

  3

  MARYRIVERS

  8

  KINGSBOROUGH

  13

  BEYONDKERGUELEN

  20

  BLACKLIZZIE

  25

  HY—BRASIL

  33

  JIMTHESPLITTER

  38

  MOONI

  44

  PYTHEAS

  51

  BILLTHEBULLOCKDRIVER

  58

  COORANBEAN

  64

  WHENUNDERNEATHTHEBROWNDEADGRASS

  70

  THEVOICEINTHEWILDOAK

  73

  BILLYVICKERS

  80

  PERSIA

  87

  LILITH

  92

  BOB

  96

  PETERTHEPICCANINNY

  104

  NARRARACREEK

  111

  INMEMORYOFJOHNFAIRFAX

  117

  ARALUEN

  122

  THESYDNEYINTERNATIONALEXHIBITION

  127

  CHRISTMASCREEK

  145

  ORARA

  153

  THECURSEOFMOTHERFLOOD

  158

  ONASPANISHCATHEDRAL

  164

  ROVER

  173

  THEMELBOURNEINTERNATIONALEXHIBITION

  183

  BYTHECLIFFSOFTHESEA

  189

  GALATEA

  195

  BLACKKATE

  200

  AHYDEPARKLARRIKIN

  205

  NAMESUPONASTONE

  213

  LEICHHARDT

  218

  AFTERMANYYEARS

  225

  Page:1

  SONGSFROMTHEMOUNTAINS

  Page:3

  DEDICATION

  TOAMOUNTAIN

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

  Andif,withinthecompassofthisbook,TherelivesandglowsoneverseinwhichtherebeatsThepulseofwindandtorrent—ifonelineIsherethatlikearunningwatersounds,Page:4

  Andseemsanechofromthelandsofleaf,Besurethatlineisthine。Here,inthishome,Awayfrommenandbooksandalltheschools,ItaketheeformyTeacher。InthyvoiceOfdeathlessmajesty,I,kneeling,hearGod’sgrandauthenticGospel!Yearbyyear,ThegreatsublimecantataofthystormStrikesthroughmyspirit—fillsitwithalifeOfstartlingbeauty!ThoumyBibleart,Withholyleavesofrock,andflower,andtree,Andmoss,andshiningrunnel。FromeachpageThathelpstomakethyawfulvolume,I

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

  Moreover,walkinginexaltedwoodsPage:5

  Ofnakedglory,inthegreenandgoldOfforestsunshine,IhavepausedlikeoneWithallthelifetransfigured;andafloodOflightineffablehasmademefeelAsfeltthegrandoldprophetscaughtawayByflamesofinspiration;butthewordsSufficientforthestoryofmyDreamArefartoosplendidforpoorhumanlips。

  Butthou,towhomIturnwithreverenteyes—

  OstatelyFather,whosemajesticfaceShinesfarabovethezoneofwindandcloud,Wherehighdominionofthemorningis—

  ThouhasttheSongcompleteofwhichmysongsArepallidadumbrations!CertainsoundsOfstrongauthenticsorrowinthisbookMayhavethesobofuplandtorrents—these,Andonlythese,maytouchthegreatWorld’sheart;

  For,lo!theyaretheissuesofthatgriefWhichmakesamanmorehuman,andhislifeMorelikethatfrank,exaltedlifeofthine。

  Page:6

  ButinthesepagesthereareothertonesInwhichthylarge,superiorvoiceisnot—

  ThroughwhichnobeautythatresemblesthineHasevershone。ThesearethebrokenwordsOfblindoccasions,whentheWorldhascomeBetweenmeandmyDream。NosongishereOfmightycompass;formysingingrobesI’veworninstolenmoments。AllmydaysHavebeenthedaysofalaboriouslife,AndeveronmystrugglingsoulhasburnedThefierceheatofthishurriedsphere。Butthou,TowhosefairmajestyIdedicateMybookofrhymes—thouhasttheperfectrestWhichmakestheheavenofthehighestgods!

  TotheethenoisesofthisviolenttimeArefar,faintwhispers;and,fromagetoage,Withintheworldandyetapartfromit,Thoustandest!RoundthylordlycapestheseaRollsonwithasuperbindifferenceForever;inthydeep,green,graciousglensPage:7

  Thesilverfountainssingforever。FarAbovedimghostsofwatersinthecaves,TheroyalrobeofmorningonthyheadAbidesforever。EvermorethewindIsthyaugustcompanion;andthypeersArecloud,andthunder,andthefacesublimeOfbluemid—heaven!OnthyawfulbrowIsDeity;andinthatvoiceofthineThereisthegreatimperialutteranceOfGodforever;andthyfeetaresetWhereevermore,throughallthedaysandyears,Thererollsthegrandhymnofthedeathlesswave。

  Page:8

  MARYRIVERS

  Pathbesidethesilverwaters,flashinginOctober’ssun—

  Walk,bygreenandgoldenmarginswherethesisterstreamletsrun—

  Twentyshiningspringshavevanished,fullofflower,andleaf,andbird,SincethestepofMaryRiversinyourlawnydellwasheard!

  Twentywhite—hairedJuneshaveleftus—greywithfrostandbleakwithgale—

  Sincethehandofherwelovedsopluckedtheblossomsinyourdale。

  Twentysummers,twentyautumns,fromthegrandoldhillshavepassed,Withtheirrobesofroyalcolour,sincewesawthedarlinglast。

  Page:9

  Morningcomes—theblessedmorning!andtheslowsongofthesea,Likeapsalmfromradiantaltars,floatsacrossarose—redlea;

  Thenthefair,strongnoondayblossoms,andthereaperseeksthecoolValleyofthemossandmyrtle,andtheglimmeringwater—pool。

  Noondayflamesandeveningfollows;andthelordlymountainsrestHeadsarrayedwithtenfoldsplendourontherichheartoftheWest。

  Eveningwalkswithmoonandmusicwherethehigherlifehasbeen;

  ButthefaceofMaryRiverstherewillnevermorebeseen。

  Ah!whenautumndellsaredewy,andthewaveisverystill,AndthatgreyghostcalledtheTwilightpassesfromthedistanthill—

  Page:10

  Eveninthehallowednightfall,whenthefatherssitanddream,Andthesplendidroseofheavenseesasisterinthestream—

  OftendoIwatchthewatersgleaminginastarrybay,Thinkingofabygonebeauty,andaseasonfaraway;

  Musingonthegracethatleftusinatimeofsingingrain,Ontheladywhowillneverwalkamongsttheseheathsagain。

  Fourtherewere,buttwoweretaken;andthisdarlingwedeplore,Shewassweetestofthecircle—shewasdearestofthefour!

  Inthedaytimeandthedewtimecomesthephantomofherface:

  Nonewilleversitwhereshedid—nonewilleverfillherplace。

  Page:11

  WiththepassingofourMary,likeasunsetoutofsight,Passedawayourpurefirstpassion—allitslifeandallitslight!

  Allthatmadetheworldadreamland—allthegloryandtheglowOfthefine,fresh,morningfeelingvanishedtwentyyearsago。

  Girl,whosestrange,unearthlybeautyhauntsuseverinoursleep,Manygriefshavewornourheartsout—wearenowtootiredtoweep!

  Timehastriedus,yearshavechangedus;butthesweetnessshedbyyouFallsuponourspiritsdaily,likedivine,immortaldew。

  Shiningareourthoughtsaboutyou—oftheblossomspastrecall,Youarestilltheroseoflustre—stillthefairestofthemall;

  Page:12

  Inthesleepthatbringsthegarlandgatheredfromthebygonehours,YouarestillourMaryRivers—stillthequeenofalltheflowers。

  Letmeask,wherenonecanhearme—Whenyoupassedintotheshine,Andyouheardagreatlovecalling,didyouknowthatitwasmine?

  Inyourlifeoflightandmusic,tellmedidyoueversee,Shininginaholysilence,whatwasasaflameinme?

  Ah,mydarling!noonesawit。PurerthanuntroddendewWasthatfirstunhappypassionburiedinthegravewithyou。

  Birdandleafwillkeepthesecret—windandwoodwillnevertellMenthethingthatIhavewhispered。MaryRivers,fareyouwell!

  Page:13

  KINGSBOROUGH

  Awavingofhatsandofhands,Thevoicesofthousandsinone,Ashoutfromtheringandthestands,Andaglitterofheadsinthesun!

  ``Theyareoff—theyareoff!’’istheroar,Asthecrackssettledowntotherace,Withthe``yellowandblack’’tothefore,AndthePanicbloodforcingthepace。

  Atthebackofthecourse,andawayWheretherunning—groundhomeagainwheels,Grubbtravelsinfrontonthebay,Withafeather—weighthardathisheels。

  Page:14

  ButYeomans,yousee,isabout,AndthewilyNewZealanderwaits,Thoughthehigh—bloodedflyerisout,WhoseriderandcoloursareTait’s。

  Look!AshworthcomesonwitharunTotheheadoftheLevitycolt;

  Andthefleet—themagnificentsonOfPanicisshootinghisbolt。

  HurrahfortheWeatherbitstrain!

  AFireworksisfirstinthestraight;

  And``AKelpiewillwinitagain!’’

  Istheroarfromtheringtothegate。

  Theleadermusthaveit—butno!

  Forsee,fullofrunning,behindAbeautiful,wonderfulfoeWiththespeedofthethunderandwind!

  Page:15

  Aflashingofwhips,andacry,AndAshworthsitsdownonhishorse,WithKingsborough’sheadathisthighAndthe``field’’scatteredoverthecourse!

  InaclamourofcallsandacclaimThepairraceawayfromthe``ruck:’’

  Thehorsetothelastofitgame—

  Amarvelofmuscleandpluck!

  ButthefootoftheSapphoisthere,AndKingston’sinvinciblestrength;

  Andthenumbersgoupintheair—

  Thecoltisthefirstbyalength!

  Thefirst,andthefavouritetoo!

  Theterrorthatcamefromhisstall,Withthespiritoffireandofdew,Toshowtheroadhometothemall;

  Page:16

  FromthebackofthefieldtothestraightHehascome,asiseverhiswont,Andcarriedhiswelter—likeweight,Likeatradesman,rightthroughtothefront。

  Norwonderatcheeringawit,Forthisisthepopularhorse,Thatneverwasbeatenwhen``fit’’

  Byanyfourhoofsonthecourse;

  TostarterforLegerorCup,HasheevershownfeatheroffearWhensaddleandriderwereupAndthecasetobearguedwasclear?

  No!ratherthequestionlesspluckOfthebloodunaccustomedtoyield,Preferredtospread—eagletheruck,Andmakealongtailofthe``field’’。

  Page:17

  Bearwitness,yeloversofsport,Toracesofwhichhecanboast,Whenflyerbyflyerwascaught,Andbeatenbylengthsonthepost!

  Lo!thisisthebeautifulbay—

  Ofmany,themarvellousoneWhoshoweduslastseasonthewayThataLegershouldalwaysbewon。

  Therewassomethingtolookatandlearn,Yeshrewdirreproachable``touts’’,WhenthePaniccolttiredattheturn,Andthethingwasallover—butshouts!

  Aye,thatwasthe``spin’’,whenthetwainCamelockedbythebendofthecourse,TheZealanderpullinghisrein,Andtheveteranhardonhishorse!

  Page:18

  WhenAshworthwas``riding’’’twaslateForhisfriendstoapplaudonthestands,AndtheSapphocoltenteredthestraightWiththeraceoftheyearinhishands。

  Justlookathiswithers,histhighs!

  Andthewaythathecarrieshishead!

  HasRichmondmorewonderfuleyes,OrMelbournethatspringinhistread?

  Thegrand,theintelligentglanceFromaspiritthatfathomsandfeels,Makestheheartofahorse—loverdanceTillthewarm—bloodedlifeinhimreels。

  WhatcarehaveIevertoknowHisownerbysightorbyname?

  ThehorsethatIgloryinsoIsstillthemagnificentsame。

  Page:19

  IownIamproudofthepluckOfthesportsmanthatneverwasbought;

  Butthenagthatspread—eagledtheruckIsboundtobefirstinmythought。

  Forwhothathasmasculineflame,Orwhothatisthoroughatall,CanhelpfeelingjoyinthefameOfthiskingofthekingsofthestall?

  WhatoddsifassumptionhassealedHissoullesshereafterabode,Solongasheshowstohis``field’’

  Thegleamofhishoofs,andtheroad?

  Page:20

  BEYONDKERGUELEN

  DownintheSouth,bythewastewithoutsailonit,Farfromthezoneoftheblossomandtree,Lieth,withwinterandwhirlwindandwailonit,Ghostofalandbytheghostofasea。

  Weirdisthemistfromthesummittobaseofit;

  Sunofitsheaveniswizenedandgrey;

  Phantomoflifeisthelightonthefaceofit—

  Neverisnightonit,neverisday!

  Hereistheshorewithoutflowerorbirdonit;

  Hereisnolitanysweetofthesprings—

  Onlythehaughty,harshthunderisheardonit,Onlythestorm,withtheroarinitswings!

  Page:21

  Shadowofmoonisthemoonintheskyofit—

  Wanasthefaceofawizard,andfar!

  NeverthereshinesfromthefirmamenthighofitGraceoftheplanetorgloryofstar。

  Alltheyearround,intheplaceofwhitedaysonit—

  Alltheyearroundwherethereneverisnight—

  Liesagreatsinister,bitter,blindhazeonit:

  Growththatisneitherofdarknessnorlight!

  Wildisthecryoftheseainthecavesbyit—

  Seathatissmittenbyspearsofthesnow;

  Desolatesongsarethesongsofthewavesbyit—

  Downinthesouth,wheretheshipsnevergo。

  StormfromthePoleisthesingerthatsingstoitHymnsofthelandattheplanet’sgreyverge。

  Thunderdisclosesdark,wonderfulthingstoit—

  Thunderandrain,andthedoloroussurge。

  Hillswithnohopeofawingoraleafonthem,Scarredwiththechronicleswrittenbyflame,Page:22

  Stare,throughthegloomofinscrutablegriefonthem,Downonthehornsofthegulfswithoutname。

  Cliffs,withtherecordsoffierceflyingfiresonthem—

  Loomoverperilouspitsofeclipse;

  Alps,withanathemastampedinthespiresonthem—

  Outbythewavewithacurseonitslips。

  Neverissignofsoft,beautifulgreenonit—

  Neverthecolour,thegloryofrose!

  Neitherthefountainnorriverisseenonit,Nakeditscragsare,andbarrenitssnows!

  Blueasthefaceofthedrownedistheshoreofit—

  Shore,withthecapesofindefinitecave。

  Strangeisthevoiceofitswind,andtheroarofitStartlesthemountainandhushesthewave。

  Outtothesouthandawaytothenorthofit,Spectralandsadarethespacesuntold!

  Alltheyearroundagreatcrygoethforthofit—

  Sobofthisleperoflandsinthecold。

  Page:23

  Nomanhathstood,allitsbleak,bitteryearsonit—

  Fallofafootonitswastesisunknown:

  Onlythesoundofthehurricane’sspearsonitBreakswiththeshoutfromtheuttermostzone。

  Blindareitsbayswiththeshadowofbaleonthem;

  Stormsofthenadirtheirrockshaveuphurled;

  Earthquakehathregistereddeeplyitstaleonthem—

  Taleofdistressfromthedawnoftheworld!

  Therearethegaps,withthesurgesthatseetheinthem—

  Gapsinwhosejawsisamenacethatglares!

  Therethewanreefs,withthemercilessteethinthem,Gleamonachaosthatstartlesandscares!

  Backinthedawnofthisbeautifulsphere,onit—

  Landofthedolorous,desolateface—

  Beamedtheblueday;andthebountifulyearonitFosteredtheleafandtheblossomofgrace。

  Grandwerethelightsofitsmidsummernoononit—

  Morningsofmajestyshoneonitsseas;

  Page:24

  GlitterofstarandthegloryofmoononitFell,inthemarchofthemusicalbreeze。

  Valleysandhills,withthewhisperofwinginthem,Dellsofthedaffodil—spacesimpearled,FloweredandflashedwiththesplendourofSpringinthem—

  Backinthemornofthiswonderfulworld。

  Softwerethewordsthatthethunderthensaidtoit—

  Saidtothislustreofemeraldplain;

  Sunbroughttheyellow,thegreen,andtheredtoit—

  Sweetwerethesongsofitssilveryrain。

  VoicesofwaterandwindinthebaysofitLingered,andlulledlikethepsalmofadream。

  Fairwerethenightsandeffulgentthedaysofit—

  Moonwasinshadowandshadeinthebeam。

  Summer’schiefthronewasthemarvellouscoastofit,HomeoftheSpringwasitsluminouslea:

  Gardenofglitter!ButonlytheghostofitMoansinthesouthbytheghostofasea。

  Page:25

  BLACKLIZZIE

  TheglovedandjewelledbardswhosingOfPippa,Maud,andDorothea,HavehardlydonethehandsomethingForyou,myinkyCytherea。

  FlowerofalandwhosesunnyskiesArelikethedomeofDante’sclime,Theymighthavepraisedyourlips,youreyes,And,eke,youranklesintheirrhyme!

  Butletthempass!Torightyourwrong,AspasiaoftheardentSouth,YourpoetmeanstosingasongWithsomeprolixityofmouth。

  Page:26

  I’llevensketchyouasyouareInHerrick’sstyleofcarelessness,NotoverstockedwiththingsthatbarAnampleview—towit,withdress。

  Youhaveyourblanket,itistrue;

  Butthen,ifIamrightatall,WhatbestwouldsuitadamelikeyouWaswornbyEvebeforetheFall。

  Indeed,the``fashion’’isathingThatnevercrampedyourcornlesstoes:

  YoursinglejewelisaringSlunginyourpenetratednose。

  Ican’tdetecttheflowinglinesOfGrecianfeaturesinyourface,NoraretherepatentanysignsThatlinkyouwiththeRomanrace。

  Page:27

  Inshort,IdonotthinkyourmouldResembles,withitsknobsofbone,ThefairHellenicshapesofoldWhoseperfectformssurviveinstone。

  Still,ifthecharmcalledBeautyliesInamplenessofearandlip,Andnostrilsofexceedingsize,Youareagem,myladyship!

  Here,squattingbythedoubtfulflameOfthreepoorsticks,withoutaroofAboveyourhead,impassivedameYouliveon—somewhathunger—proof。

  ThecurrentscandalsofthedayDon’ttroubleyou—youseemtotakeThingsinthecoolestsortofway—

  Andwisest—foryouhavenoache。

  Page:28

  Yousmokeapipe—ofcourse,youdo!

  Aboutaninchinlengthorless,Which,fromasexualpointofview,Marssomehowyourattractiveness。

  But,ratherthanresigntheweed,You’dshockus,whites,bychewingit;

  ForetiquetteisnotindeedAthingthatbothersyouabit。

  Yourpeople—takethemasawhole—

  Arecarelessonthescoreofgrace;

  Andhenceyouneedn’tcombyourpollOrdecorateyourunctuousface。

  Still,seeingthatalittlesoapWouldsoftenanexcessoftint,You’llpardonmyadvance,Ihope,Ingivingyouagentlehint。

  Page:29

  Youhaveyourlovers—duskybeauxNotmadeofthepoeticstuffThatsportsanApolloniannose,AndwearsasleekByroniccuff。

  ButratherofarougherclayUnmixedwithovermuchromance,FarbetteratthewildwoodfrayThanspinninginaballroomdance。

  ThesescarcelyarethesonneteersThatsingtheirlovesinfaultlessclothes:

  YourfriendshavemoredecidedearsAndmorecapaciousnessofnose。

  Nodoubttheysuityoubest—althoughTheywooyouroughlyitissaid:

  TheirwayofcourtshipisablowStruckwithanullahonthehead。

  Page:30

  Itdoesn’thurtyoumuch—thethingIshardlynoveltoyourlife;

  And,sansthefeastandmarriagering,Youmakeagoodimpromptuwife。

  Thishastysortofweddingmight,Inothercases,bringdistress;

  Butthen,yourdraper’sbillsarelight—

  You’refrugalinregardtodress。

  Youhavenopassionfortheplay,Orpark,orothershowyscenes;

  And,hence,youhavenoscorestopay,Andlivewithinyourhusband’smeans。

  Ofcourse,hisincomeisn’tlarge,—

  Andnottoocertain—stillyouthriveBysteeringwellinsidethemarge,Andkeepyourlittleonesalive。

  Page:31

  Inshort,insomerespectsyousetAfineexample;andafewOfthosewhitematronsIhavemetWouldshowsomesensebycopyingyou。

  Hereletuspart!Iwillnotsay,Oladyfreefromscentsandstarch,Thatyouarelike,inanyway,Theauthoressof``Middlemarch’’。

  OnecannotmatchherperfectphraseWithcommonplacesfromyourlip;

  AndyettherearesomesexualtraitsThatshowyourdimrelationship。

  Indeed,inspiteofallthemistsThatgrowfromsocialcodes,IseeTheliberallikenesswhichexistsThroughoutourwholehumanity。

  Page:32

  AndthoughI’velaughedatyourexpense,ODryadoftheduskyrace,NomanwhohasaheartandsenseWouldbringdispleasuretoyourface。

  Page:33

  HY—BRASIL

  ``DAUGHTER,’’saidtheancientfather,pausingbytheeveningsea,``Turnthyfacetowardsthesunset—turnthyfaceandkneelwithme!

  Prayerandpraiseandholyfasting,lipsofloveandlifeoflight,Theseandthesehavemadetheeperfect—shiningsaintwithseraph’ssight!

  Looktowardsthatflamingcrescent—lookbeyondthatglowingspace—

  Tellme,sisteroftheangels,whatisbeaminginthyface?’’

  Andthedaughter,whohadfasted,whohadspentherdaysinprayer,Page:34

  TillthegloryoftheSaviourtouchedherheadandrestedthere,Turnedhereyestowardsthesea—line—sawbeyondthefierycrest,Floatingoverwavesofjasper,farHy—Brasilinthewest。

  Allthecalmnessandthecolour—allthesplendourandrepose,Flowingwherethesunsetflowered,likeasilver—heartedrose!

  ThereindeedwassingingEden,wherethegreatgoldriverrunsPasttheporchandgatesofcrystal,ringedbystrongandshiningones!

  ThereindeedwasGod’sowngarden,sailingdownthesapphiresea—

  Lawnydellsandslopesofsummer,dazzlingstreamandradianttree!

  Page:35

  Outagainstthehushedhorizon—outbeneaththereverentday,FlamedtheWonderonthewaters—flamedandflashedandpassedaway。

  Andthemaidenwhohadseenitfeltahandwithinherown,Andanangelthatweknownotledhertothelandsunknown。

  Neversincehatheyebeheldit—neversincehathmortal,dazedByitsstrange,unearthlysplendour,onthefloatingEdengazed!

  OnlyoncesinceEvewentweepingthroughathrongofglitteringwings,HaththeholyseenHy—Brasilwherethegreatgoldriversings!

  Onlyoncebyquietwaters,understill,resplendentskies,Page:36

  DidthesisteroftheseraphskneelinsightofParadise!

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

  ThereforeGodtheFatherwhisperedtoaradiantspiritnear—

  ``ShowOurdaughterfairHy—Brasil—showherthis,andleadherhere。’’

  Butbeyondthehallsofsunset,butwithinthewondrouswest,Ontherose—redseasofevening,sailstheGardenoftheBlest。

  Stillthegatesofglassybeauty,stillthewallsofglowinglight,Shineonwavesthatnomanknowsof,outofsoundandoutofsight。

  Page:37

  Yettheslopesandlawnsoflustre,yetthedellsofsparklingstreams,Diptotranquilshoresofjasper,wherethewatchingangelbeams。

  But,behold,oureyesarehuman,andourwayispavedwithpain,WecanneverfindHy—Brasil,neverseeitshillsagain;

  Neverlookonbaysofcrystal,neverbendthereverentkneeInthesightofEdenfloating—floatingonthesapphiresea!

  Page:38

  JIMTHESPLITTER

  ThebardwhoissingingofWollombiJimIshardlyjustnowintherequisitetrimTositonhisPegasusfairly;

  Besides,heisbluntlyinformedbytheMuseThatJimisasubjectnosingershouldchoose;

  ForJimispoeticalrarely。

  ButbeingfullupofthemythsthatareGreek—

  Oftheclassic,and``noble,andnude,andantique,’’

  Whichmeansnotaragbutthepelton;

  ThispoetintendstogiveDaphnetheslip,Forthesakeofaheroinmoleskinandkip,Withajumperandsnake—bucklebelton。

  Page:39

  NopartyisJimofthePericlestype—

  Heismodernrightupfromthetoetothepipe;

  Andbeingnoreaderorroamer,Hehasn’tEuripidesmuchinthehead;

  Andletitbecarefully,tenderlysaid,HeneverhasanalysedHomer。

  Hecanroaroutasongofthetwopennykind;

  But,knowingthebeggarsowell,I’minclinedTobelievethata``par’’aboutKelly,Therascalwhoskulkedundershadowofcurse,IsmoreinhislinethanthehappiestverseOntheglitteringpagesofShelley。

  Youmustn’t,however,adjudgehiminhaste,BecausearedrobberismoretohistasteThanRuskin,Rossetti,orDante!

  Yousee,hewasbredinabangalowwood,AndbangalowpithwastheprincipalfoodHismotherservedoutinhershanty。

  Page:40

  Hisknowledgeisthis—hecantellinthedarkWhattimberwillsplitbythefeelofthebark;

  Androughashismannerofspeechis,HiswitstotheforehecanreadilybringInpassingoffashasthegenuinethingWhenscarceintheforestthebeechis。

  Ingirthingatreethathesells``intheround,’’

  Heassumes,asarule,thatthebodyissound,Andmeasures,forgettingtobarkit!

  Hemaybeaninny,butstilltheolddogCanplugtoperfectionthepipeofalogAnd``palmit’’awayonthemarket。

  Hesplitsafairshingle,butholdstotheruleOfhisfather’s,and,haply,hisgrandfather’sschool;

  Whichmeansthatheneverhasblundered,Whentyinghisshingles,byslinginginmoreThantherecognizednumberofninetyandfourTothebundlehesellsforahundred!

  Page:41

  Whenaskedbythemarketforironbarkred,ItalwaysoccurstotheWollombiheadTodoa``mahogany’’swindle。

  Inforestswherenevertheironbarkgrew,WhenJimisatwork,itwouldflabbergastyouToseehowthe``ironbarks’’dwindle。

  Hecansticktothesaddle,canWollombiJim,Andwhenabuckjumperdispenseswithhim,Theleathergoesoffwiththerider。

  And,astoateam,overgullyandhillHecantravelwithtwelveonthebreadthofaquillAndbosstheunlucky``offsider。’’

  Heshinesathisbestatthetillerofsaw,Onthetopofthepit,wherehiswhisperislawTothegentlemanworkingbelowhim。

  Whenthepairofthempauseinacircleofdust,Likeamonarchheposes—exalted,august—

  There’snothingthisplanetcanshowhim!

  Page:42

  Foramanisamanwhocan``sharpen’’and``set;’’

  AndheistheonlythingmasculineyetAccordingtosawyerandsplitter—

  OrratheraccordingtoWollombiJim;

  Andnothingwilltemptmetodifferfromhim,ForJimisabitofahitter。

  But,beingfullup,we’llallowhimtorip,Alongwithhislingo,hissaw,andhiswhip—

  Heisn’ttheclassical``notion;’’

  And,afteranightinhis``humpy,’’yousee,ApersonoforthodoxhabitswouldbeRefreshedbyadipintheocean。

  Totothimrightupfromtheheeltothehead,Heisn’ttheGrecianofwhomwehaveread—

  Hisfaceisatrifletooshady。

  ThenymphingreenvalleysofThessalydimWouldnever``jackup’’heroldloverforhim,Forshehasthetastesofalady。

  Page:43

  Somuchforourhero!AstatuesquefootWouldsufferbywearingthatheavy—nailedboot—

  ItsownerishardlyAchilles。

  However,he’shappy!Hecutsagreat``fig’’

  Inthelandwhereacoatisnopartofthe``rig’’—

  Inthecountryofdamperand``billies。’’

  Page:44

  MOONI

  (WrittenintheShadowof1872)

  AH,tobebyMooninow!

  Wherethegreatdarkhillsofwonder,ScarredwithstormandcleftasunderBythestrongswordofthethunder,Makeanightonmorning’sbrow!

  JusttostandwhereNature’sfaceisFlushedwithpowerinforestplaces—

  WhereofGodauthentictraceis—

  Ah,tobebyMooninow!

  Page:45

  JusttobebyMooni’ssprings!

  Theretostand,theshiningsharerOfthatlargerlife,andrarerBeautycaughtfrombeautyfairerThanthehumanfaceofthings!

  SoulofminefromsinabhorrentFainwouldhidebyflashingcurrent,Likeasisterofthetorrent,FarawaybyMooni’ssprings。

  HethatisbyMooninow,Seesthewater—sapphiresgleamingWheretheRiverSpirit,dreaming,SleepsbyfallandfountainstreamingUnderluteofleafandbough—

  Hears,wherestampofstormwithstressis,PsalmsfromunseenwildernessesDeepamongstfarhill—recesses—

  HethatisbyMooninow。

  Page:46

  Yea,forhimbyMooni’smargeSingstheyellow—hairedSeptember,WiththefacethegodsrememberWhentheridgeisburnttoember,Andthedumbseachainsthebarge!

  Wherethemountlikemoltenbrassis,Downbeneathfern—featheredpasses,NoondaydewincoolgreengrassesGleamsonhimbyMooni’smarge。

  WhothatdwellsbyMooniyet,Feels,inflowerfulforestarches,SmitingwingsandbreaththatparchesWherestrongSummer’spathofmarchis,Andthesunsinthunderset?

  HousedbeneaththegraciouskirtleOftheshadowywatermyrtle,Windsmayhisswithheat,andhurtle—

  HeissafebyMooniyet!

  Page:47

  Daystherewerewhenhewhosings(Dumbsolongthroughpassion’slosses)

  StoodwhereMooni’swatercrossesShiningtractsofgreen—hairedmosses,Likeasoulwithradiantwings;

  Thenthepsalmthewindrehearses—

  ThenthesongthestreamdispersesLentabeautytohisverses,Whoto—nightofMoonisings。

  Ah,thetheme—thesad,greytheme!

  Certaindaysarenotaboveme,Certainheartshaveceasedtoloveme,CertainfanciesfailtomovemeLiketheaffluentmorningdream。

  Headwhereonthewhiteisstealing,Heartwhosehurtsarepastallhealing,Whereisnowthefirstpurefeeling?

  Ah,thetheme—thesad,greytheme!

  Page:48

  Sinandshamehavelefttheirtrace!

  Hewhomocksthemighty,graciousLoveofChrist,witheyesaudacious,Huntingafterfiresfallacious,Wearstheissueinhisface。

  SoulthatfloutedgiftandGiver,LikethebrokenPersianriver,Thouhastlostthystrengthforever!

  Sinandshamehavelefttheirtrace。

  Intheyearsthatusedtobe,Whenthelarge,supremeoccasionBroughtthelifeofinspiration,Likeagod’stransfigurationWastheshiningchangeinme。

  Then,whereMooni’sgloryglances,Clear,divinercountenancesBeamedonmelikeblessedchances,Intheyearsthatusedtobe。

  Page:49

  Ah,thebeautyofoldways!

  ThenthemanwhosoresembledLordsoflightunstained,unhumbled,TouchedtheskirtsofChrist,nortrembledAtthegrandbenignantgaze!

  NowheshrinksbeforethesplendidFaceofDeityoffended,Allthelovelinessisended!

  Allthebeautyofoldways!

  StilltobebyMoonicool—

  Wherethewater—blossomsglister,And,bygleamingvaleandvista,SitstheEnglishApril’ssisterSoftandsweetandwonderful。

  JusttorestbeyondtheburningOuterworld—itssneersandspurning—

  Ah!myheart—myheartisyearningStilltobebyMoonicool!

  Page:50

  Now,byMooni’sfairhillheads,Lo,thegoldgreenlightsareglowing,Where,becausenowindisblowing,FancyhearstheflowersgrowingIntheherbywatersheds!

  Faintitis—thesoundofthunderFromthetorrentsfarthereunder,Wherethemeetingmountainsponder—

  Now,byMooni’sfairhillheads。

  JusttobewhereMooniis,EvenwherethefiercefallracesDownaugust,unfathomedplaces,Whereofsunormoonnotraceis,Andthestreamsofshadowshiss!

  HaveInotanamplereasonSotolongfor—sickoftreason—

  Somethingofthegrandoldseason,JusttobewhereMooniis?

  Page:51

  PYTHEAS

  GAULwhosekeelinfar,dimagesploughedwanwidthsofpolarsea—

  GrayoldsailorofMassilia,whohathwovenwreathforthee?

  Whoamongsttheworld’shighsingerseverbreathedthetalesublimeOfthemanwhocoastedEnglandinthemistydawnoftime?

  Leavesoflaurel,lightsofmusic—theseandthesehavenevershedGloryonthenameunheardof,lustreonthevanishedhead。

  Page:52

  Lordsofsong,andthesearemany,neveryethaveraisedthelayForthewhite,wind—beatenseamanofawild,forgottenday。

  HarpofshiningsonofGodheadstillisasavoiceaugust;

  ButthemanwhofirstsawBritainsleepsbeneathunnoticeddust。

  Fromthefair,calmbaysHellenic,fromthecrescentsandthebends,RoundthewallofcrystalAthens,glowingingoldevening—ends,Sailedabroadthegrand,strongfather,withhisfacetowardsthesnowOftheawfulnorthernmountains,twentycenturiesago。

  Ontheseasthatnonehadheardof,bytheshoreswherenonehadfurledPage:53

  Wingofcanvas,passedthiseldertothelimitsoftheworld。

  Luridlimits,loudwiththunderandtheroarofflamingcone,Ghastlytractsoficeandwhirlwindlyinginadim,blindzone,Bitterbeltsofnakedregion,girtaboutbycliffsoffear,WheretheSpiritoftheDarknessdwellsinheavenhalftheyear。

  Yea,againstthewild,weirdThule,steeredthestrangerthroughthegatesOpenedbyafireeternal,intotempest—trampledstraits—

  Thule,lyinglikeanightmareonthebordersofthePole:

  Neitherland,norair,norwater,butamixtureofthewhole!

  Page:54

  Dumb,deadchaos,greyasspectre,nowamistandnowacloud,Wherethewindscryoutforever,andthewaveisalwaysloud。

  Herethelordofmanywaters,inthegreatexaltedyears,Sawthesightthatnomanknowsof—heardthesoundthatnomanhears—

  FeltthatGodwasintheShadowereheturnedhisprowandspedTothesweetgreenfieldsofEnglandwiththesunshineoverhead。

  InthedaywhenpallidPersiafledbeforetheThraciansteel,BythelandthatnowisLondonpassedthestrangeHellenickeel。

  Upthebendsofquietriver,hardbybanksofgroveandflower,Page:55

  Sailedthefatherthroughasilenceintheoldmajestichour。

  Notasoundoffinorfeather,notanoteofwaveorbreeze,Vextthefaceofsleepingstreamlets,broketherestofstirlesstrees。

  Notafootwasintheforest,notavoicewasinthewood,WhentheelderfromMassiliaoverEnglishwatersstood。

  Allwasnew,andhushed,andholy—allwaspureuntroddenspace,Whenthelordofmanyoceansturnedtoitareverentface。

  ManwhoknewresplendentAthens,setandframedinsilversea,DidnotdreamadreamofEngland—Englandoftheyearstobe!

  Page:56

  FriendoffathersliketoPlato—bardsaugustandhallowedseers—

  Didnotseethattenfoldglory,Britainofthefutureyears!

  SpiritfilledwithGrecianmusic,songsthatcharmthedarkaway,Onthatlarge,supremeoccasion,didnotnotedivinerlay—

  DidnothearthevoiceofShakespeare—allthemightylifewasstill,Downtheslopesthatdippedtoseaward,ontheshouldersofthehill;

  ButthegoldandgreenwerebrighterthanthebloomofThraciansprings,Andastrange,surpassingbeautyshoneuponthefaceofthings。

  Inagravethatnomanthinksof—backfromfar—forgottenbays—

  Page:57

  Sleepsthegrey,wind—beatensailoroftheoldexalteddays。

  HethatcoastedWalesandDover,hethatfirstsawSussexplains,PassedawaywithheadunlaurelledinthewildThessalianrains。

  Inaspacebyhanduntended,byafenofvapoursblind,Liesthekingofmanywaters—outofsightandoutofmind!

  Noonebringstheyearlyblossom—noonecullstheflowerofgrace,Fortheshellofmightyfatherburiedinthatlonelyplace;

  Butthewindsarelowandholy,andthesongsofsweetnessflow,Wherehefellasleepforever,twentycenturiesago。

  Page:58

  BILLTHEBULLOCKDRIVER

  THEleadersofmillions,thelordsofthelands,WhoswaythewideworldwiththeirwillAndshakethegreatglobewiththestrengthoftheirhands,Flashpastus—unnoticedbyBill。

  TheeldersofsciencewhomeasurethespheresAndweighthevastbulkofthesun—

  Whoseethegrandlightsbeyondaeonsofyears,Arelessthanabullocktoone~。

  Thesingersthatsweetenalltimewiththeirsong—

  PurevoicesthatmakeusforgetHumanity’sdramaofmarvellouswrong—

  ToBillareasmysteriesyet。

  Page:59

  Bythundersofbattleandnationsuphurled,Bill’ssympathiesneverwerestirred:

  ThehelmsmenwhostandatthewheeloftheworldByhimareunknownandunheard。

  WhattroublehasBillfortheruinoflands,Orthequarrelsoftempleandthrone,SolongasthewhipthatheholdsinhishandsAndtheteamthathedrivesarehisown?

  Asstraightandassoundasaslabwithoutcrack,OurBillisakinginhisway;

  Thoughhecampsbythesideofashingletrack,Andsleepsonthebedofhisdray。

  Awhip—lashtohimisasdearasaroseWouldbetoadelicatemaid;

  Hecarrieshisdarlingswhereverhegoes,Inapocket—booktatteredandfrayed。

  Page:60

  ThejoyofabardwhenhehappenstowriteAsonglikethesongofhisdreamIsnothingatalltoourhero’sdelightInthepluckandthestrengthofhisteam。

  Forthekingsoftheearth,forthefacesaugustOfprinces,themillionsmayshout;

  ToBill,ashelumbersalonginthedust,Abullock’sthegrandestthingout。

  Hisfour—footedfriendsarethefriendsofhischoice—

  NoloverisBillofyourdames;

  ButthecattlethatturnatthesoundofhisvoiceHavethesweetestoffeaturesandnames。

  Afather’schiefjoyisafavouriteson,Whenhereachessomeeminentgoal,ButtheprideofBill’sheartisthehairy—leggedoneThatpullswithawillatthepole。

  Page:61

  Hisdrayisnoliving,responsiblething,Buthegivesitthegenderoflife;

  And,seeinghisfancyisfreeinthewing,Itsuitshimaswellasawife。

  HethriveslikeanArab。BetweenthetwowheelsIshisbedroom,where,lyingup—curled,Hethinksforhimself,likeasultan,andfeelsThathishomeisthebestintheworld。

  For,eventhoughcattle,likesubjects,willbreakAttimesfromtheyokeandtheband,Billknowshowtoactwhenhisruleisatstake,Andisthereforealordoftheland。

  Ofcoursehemustdream;butbesurethathisdreams,Ifhappy,mustcompass,alas!

  Fatbullocksatfeedbyimprobablestreams,Knee—deepinimprobablegrass。

  Page:62

  NopoetisBill,forthevisionsofnightTohimareasvisionsofday;

  AndthepipethatinsleepheendeavourstolightIsthepipethathesmokesonthedray。

  Tothemighty,magnificenttemplesofGod,Intheheartsofthedominanthills,Bill’seyesareasblindasthefire—blackenedclodThatburnsfarawayfromtherills。

  Throughbeautiful,bountifulforeststhatscreenAmarvelofblossomsfromheat—

  Whoselightsarethemellowandgoldenandgreen—

  Billwalkswithirreverentfeet。

  ThemanifoldsplendoursofmountainandwoodByBilllikenonentitiesslip;

  HelovestheblackmyrtlebecauseitisgoodAsahandletolashtohiswhip。

  Page:63

  Andthusthroughtheworld,withaswinginhistread,Ourheroself—satisfiedgoes;

  Withhiscabbage—treehatonthebackofhishead,Andthestringofitunderhisnose。

  PoorbullockyBill!InthecirclesselectOfthescholarshehasn’taplace;

  Buthewalkslikeaman,withhisforeheaderect,AndhelooksatGod’sdayintheface。

  For,roughasheseems,hewouldshuddertowrongAdogwiththelossofahair;

  AndtheangelsofshineandsuperlativesongSeehisheartandthedeitythere。

  Fewknowhim,indeed;butthebeautythatglowsIntheforestislovelinessstill;

  AndProvidencehelpingthelifeoftheroseIsaFriendandaFathertoBill。

  Page:64

  COORANBEAN

  YEARSfifty,andseventoboot,havesmittenthechildrenofmenSincesoundofavoiceorafootcameoutoftheheadofthatglen。

  Thebrandofblackdevilisthere—anevilwindmoanetharound—

  Thereisdoom,thereisdeathintheair:acursegrowethupfromtheground!

  Nonoiseoftheaxeorthesawinthathollowunholyisheard,Nofallofthehooforthepaw,nowhirrofthewingofthebird;

  Butagreymotherdownbythesea,aswanasthefoamonthestrait,Hascountedthebeadsonherkneetheseforty—ninewintersandeight。

  Page:65

  Wheneveranelderisasked—awhite—headedmanofthewoods—

  Oftheterriblemysterymaskedwherethedarkeverlastinglybroods,Besurehewillturntothebay,withhisbacktotheglenintherange,Andglidelikeaphantomaway,withacountenancepallidwithchange。

  Fromthelineofdeadtimberthatliessupineatthefootoftheglade,Thefierce—featuredeaglehawkflies—afraidasadoveisafraid;

  Butbackinthatwildernessdreadareafallandtheforksofaford—

  Ah!prayanduncoveryourhead,andleanlikeachildontheLord。

  Asinisterfogatthewane—atthechangeofthemooncomethforthPage:66

  Likeanominousghostinthetrainofabitter,blackstormofthenorth!

  Attheheadofthegullyunknownithangslikeaspiritofbale。

  Andthenoiseofashriekandagroanstrikesupinthegustsofthegale。

  Inthethroatofafeculentpitisthebeardofabloody—redsedge;

  Andafoamlikethefoamofafitsweatsoutofthelipsoftheledge。

  Butdowninthewaterofdeath,inthelivid,deadpoolatthebase—

  Bowlow,withinaudiblebreath,beseechwiththehandstotheface!

  Afurlongoffetid,blackfen,withgelid,greenpatchesofpond,Liesdumbbythehornsoftheglen—atthegatesofthehorrorbeyond;

  Page:67

  Andthosewhohavelookedonittelloftheterriblegrowthsthatarethere—

  Thefloweragefosteredbyhell,theblossomsthatstartleandscare。

  IfeverawanderingbirdshouldlightonGehennaslikethisBesurethatacrywillbeheard,andthesoundoftheflatadder’shiss。

  ButhardbythejawsofthebendisaghastlyThingmattedwithmoss—

  Ah,Lord!beafather,afriend,forthesakeoftheChristoftheCross。

  BlackTom,withthesinewsoffive—thatneverahangmancouldhang—

  Inthedaysoftheshackleandgyve,brokeloosefromtheguardsofthegang。

  Thereafter,forseasonsascore,thisdevilprowledundertheban;

  Page:68

  Amateofredtalonandpaw,awolfintheshapeofaman。

  But,ringedbyineffablefire,inathunderandwindofthenorth,TheswordofOmnipotentire—theboltofhighHeavenwentforth!

  But,wanasthesorrowfulfoam,agreymotherwaitsbytheseaFortheboysthathavenevercomehomethesefifty—fourwintersandthree。

  Fromthefoldsoftheforestedhillsthereareravelledandroundabouttracks,Becauseoftheterrorthatfillsthestrong—handedmenoftheaxe!

  Oftheworkersawayintherangethereisnonethatwillwaitforthenight,Whenthestorm—strickenmoonisinchangeandthesinisterfogisinsight。

  Page:69

  Andlateranddeepinthedark,whenthebitterwindwhistlesabout,Thereisneverahowlorabarkfromthedoginthekennelwithout,Butthewhitefathersfastenthedoor,andoftenandoftentheystart,Atasoundlikeafootonthefloorandatouchlikeahandontheheart。

  Page:70

  WHENUNDERNEATHTHEBROWNDEADGRASS

  WHENunderneaththebrowndeadgrassMywearybonesarelaid,IhopeIshallnotseetheglassAtninetyintheshade。

  Itrustindeedthat,whenIlieBeneaththechurchyardpine,Ishallnothearthatstartlingcry```Thermom’isninety—nine!’’

  Page:71

  Ifoneshouldwhisperthroughmysleep``Comeupandbealive,’’

  I’danswer—No,unlessyou’llkeepTheglassatsixty—five。

  ImightbewillingifallowedTowearoldAdam’srig,AndmixamongstthecitycrowdLikePolynesian``nig’’。

  Farbetterinthesodtolie,Withpasturingpigabove,Thanbroilbeneathacoppersky—

  InsightofallIlove!

  FarbettertobeturnedtograssTofeedthepoleycow,Thanbethehalfboiledbream,alas,ThatIamreallynow!

  Page:72

  ForcowandpigIwouldnothear,AndhoofIwouldnotsee;

  ButiftheseitemsdidappearTheywouldn’ttroubleme。

  Forah!thepeltofmortalmanWeighslessthanhalfaton,AndanysightisbetterthanAsultrysouthernsun。

  Page:73

  THEVOICEINTHEWILDOAK

  (WrittenintheShadowof1872)

  TWELVEyearsago,whenIcouldfaceHighheaven’sdomewithdifferenteyes—

  Indaysfull—floweredwithhoursofgrace,Andnightsnotsadwithsighs—

  IwroteasonginwhichIstroveToshadowforththystrainofwoe,Darkwidowedsisterofthegrove!—

  Twelvewastedyearsago。

  Page:74

  ButyouthwasthentooyoungtofindThosehighauthenticsyllables,WhosevoiceislikethewinteringwindBysunlessmountainfells;

  NorhadIsinnedandsufferedthenTothatsuperlativedegreeThatIwouldratherseek,thanmen,Wildfellowshipwiththee!

  ButhewhohearsthisautumndayThymorethandeepautumnalrhyme,IsonewhosehairwasshotwithgreyByGriefinsteadofTime。

  Hehasnoneed,likemanyabard,Tosingimaginarypain,Becausehebears,andfindsithard,ThepunishmentofCain。

  Page:75

  NomoreheseestheaffluenceWhichmakestheheartofNatureglad;

  Forhehaslostthefine,firstsenseOfBeautythathehad。

  TheolddelightGod’shappybreezeWaswonttogive,toGriefhasgrown;

  Andtherefore,Niobeoftrees,Hissongislikethineown!

  ButI,whoamthatperishedsoul,Havewastedsothesepowersofmine,ThatIcanneverwritethatwhole,Pure,perfectspeechofthine。

  Somelordofwordsaugust,supreme,Thegrave,grandmelodydemands;

  ThedarktranslationofthythemeIleavetootherhands。

  Page:76

  Yethere,whereploversnightlycallAcrossdim,melancholyleas—

  WherecomesbywhistlingfenandfallThemoanoffar—offseas—

  Agrey,oldFancyoftensitsBeneaththyshadewithtiredwings,Andfillsthystrong,strangerhymebyfitsWithawfulutterings。

  ThentimestherearewhenallthewordsArelikethesentencesofoneShutinbyFatefromwindandbirdsAndlightofstarsandsun,Nodazzlingdryad,butadarkDream—hauntedspiritdoomedtobeImprisoned,cramptinbandsofbark,Foralleternity。

  Page:77

  Yea,likethespeechofoneaghastAtImmortalityinchains,WhattimethelordlystormridespastWithflamesandarrowyrains:

  SomewanTithonusofthewood,Whitewithimmeasurableyears—

  AnawfulghostinsolitudeWithmoaningmoorsandmeres。

  AndwhenhighthundersmitesthehillAndhuntsthewilddogtohisden,Thycries,likemaledictions,shrillAndshriekfromglentoglen,AsifafrightfulmemorywhippedThysoulforsomeinfernalcrimeThatleftitblasted,blind,andstript—

  AdreadtoDeathandTime!

  Page:78

  Butwhenthefair—hairedAugustdies,Andflowerswaxstrongandbeautiful,ThysongsarestatelyharmoniesBywood—lightsgreenandcool—

  MostlikethevoiceofonewhoshowsThroughsufferingsfierce,infinerelief,Anoblepatienceandrepose—

  Adignityingrief。

  But,ah!conceptionsfadeaway,Andstillthelifethatlivesinthee—

  Thesoulofthymajesticlay—

  Remainsamystery!

  Andhemustspeakthespeechdivine—

  Thelanguageofthehigh—thronedlords—

  Who’dgivethatgrandoldthemeofthineItssenseinfaultlesswords。

  Page:79

  Byhollowlandsandsea—tractsharsh,Withruinofthefourfoldgale,Wheresighsthesedgeandsobsthemarsh,Stillwailthylonelywail;

  And,yearbyyear,onestepwillbreakThesleepoffarhill—foldedstreams,Andseek,ifonlyforthysakeThyhomeofmanydreams。

点击下载App,搜索"Songs From The Mountains",免费读到尾