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BILLYVICKERS
NOsongisthisofleafandbird,Andgraciouswatersflowing;
I’msickatheart,forIhaveheardBigBillyVickers``blowing’’。
He’dnevertakealeadingplaceInchamberslegislative:
Thisboobywiththevacantface—
Thishoddy—doddynative!
Indeed,I’mforcedtosayaside,Toyou,Oreader,solely,HeonlywantsthehornsandhideTobeabullockwholly。
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But,likeallnoodles,heisvain;
Andwhenhistongueiswagging,IfeelinclinedtocopyCain,And``drop’’himforhisbragging。
He,beingBush—bred,stands,ofcourse,Sixfeethisdirtysocksin;
HislingoisconfinedtohorseAndplough,andpigandoxen。
Twoyearsagohe’dlesstosayWithinhislittlecircuit;
Butnowhehas,besidesadray,Ateamoftwelvetoworkit。
NowonderisitthathefeelsInclinedtoclackandrattleAbouthisbullocksandhiswheels—
Heownsadozencattle。
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Inshort,tobeexactandblunt,InhisownestimationHe’s``outandout’’theheadandfrontTop—sawyerofcreation!
For,markme,hecan``sitabuck’’
Forhoursandhourstogether;
AndneverhorsehashadtheluckTopitchhimfromtheleather。
Ifeverheshouldhavea``spill’’
Uponthegrassorgravel,Besureofthis,thesaddlewillWithBillyVickerstravel。
AtpunchingoxenyoumayguessThere’snothingoutcan``camp’’him:
Hehas,infact,theslouchanddressWhichbullock—driverstamphim。
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Idonotmeantogiveoffence,ButIhavevainlystrivenToferretoutthedifference’Twixtdriverandthedriven。
Ofcourse,thestatementshereinmadeIneveryotherstanzaAreBilly’sown;andI’mafraidThey’restarkextravaganza。
IfeelconstrainedtotreatastrashHisnoisyfiddle—faddleAbouthisdoingswiththelash,Hisfeatsuponthesaddle。
Butgranthe``knowshiswayabout’’,Orgrantthatheissilly,TherecannotbetheslightestdoubtOfBilly’sfaithinBilly。
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OfallthedoingsofthedayHisignoranceisutter;
Buthecanquotethepriceofhay,Thecurrentrateofbutter。
HisnotionsofourleadingmenAremixedandmistyvery:
HeknowsaCochin—Chinahen—
HeneverspeaksofBerry。
Asyou’llassume,hehasn’theardOfMadamePatti’ssinging;
ButIwillstakemysolemnwordHeknowswhatmaizeisbringing。
Surroundedbymajesticpeaks,Bylordlymountainranges,WherehighestvoiceofthunderspeaksHisaspectneverchanges。
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ThegrandPacifictherebeyondHisdirtyhutisglowing:
Heonlyseesabigsaltpond,O’erwhichhisgrainisgoing。
Theseathatcovershalfthesphere,Withallitsstatelyspeeches,IsheldbyBilltobeamereBroadhighwayforhispeaches。
ThroughNature’ssplendidtempleshePlods,undermountainshoary;
ButhehasnottheeyestoseeTheirgrandeurandtheirglory。
Abullockinabiped’sboot,Iiterate,isBilly!
HecrusheswithacarelessfootThetouchingwater—lily。
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I’vesaidenough—I’lllethimgo!
Ifhecouldreadtheseverses,He’dpeppermeforhours,Iknow,Withhispeculiarcurses。
Butthisissure,he’llneverchangeHismannersloudandflashy,NorlearnwithneatnesstoarrangeHisclothing,cheapandtrashy。
Likeotherlouts,he’lljogalong,Andswigatshantyliquors,Andchewandspit。HereendsthesongOfMr。BillyVickers。
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PERSIA
IAMwritingthissongatthecloseOfabeautifuldayofthespringInadellwherethedaffodilgrowsByagroveoftheglimmeringwing;
FromgladeswhereamusicalwordComeseverfromluminousfall,IsendyouthesongofabirdThatIwishtobedeartoyouall。
IhavegivenmydarlingthenameOfalandatthegatesoftheday,Wheremorningisalwaysthesame,Andspringneverpassesaway。
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Withaprayerforalifetimeoflight,IchristenedherPersia,yousee;
AndIhopethatsomefathersto—nightWillkneelinthespiritwithme。
SheisonlycommencingtolookAtthebeautyinwhichsheisset;
Andforestandflowerandbrook,Toherareallmysteriesyet。
IknowthattomanymywordsWillseeminsignificantthings;
ButyouwhoaremothersofbirdsWillfeelforthefatherwhosings。
ForallofyoudoubtlesshavebeenWheresorrowsaremanyandwild;
AndyouknowwhatabeautifulsceneOfthisworldcanbemadebyachild:
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Iamsure,iftheylistentothis,Sweetwomenwillquiver,andlongTotenderlystooptoandkissThePersiaI’veputinasong。
AndI’mcertainthecriticwillpause,Andexcuse,forthesakeofmybird,Mysinsagainstcriticallaws—
Theslipsinthethoughtandtheword。
AndhaplysomedearlittlefaceOfhisowntohismindwilloccur—
SomePersiawhobrightenshisplace—
AndI’llbeforgivenforher。
AlifethatisturningtogreyHashardlybeenhappy,yousee;
ButtherosethathasdroppedonmywayIsmorningandmusictome。
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Yea,shethatIholdbythehandIschangingwhitewintertogreen,Andmakingalightoftheland—
AllfatherswillknowwhatImean:
AllwomenandmenwhohaveknownThesicknessofsorrowandsin,Willfeel—havingbabesoftheirown—
Myverseandthepathostherein。
ForthatmustbetouchingwhichshowsHowalifehasbeenledfromthewildToagardenofglitterandrose,Bytheflower—likehandofachild。
Sheisstrangetothiswonderfulsphere;
OnesummerandwinterhavesetSinceGodleftherradiancehere—
Hersweetsecondyearisnotyet。
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TheworldissolovelyandnewToeyesfullofeloquentlight,And,sisters,I’mhopingthatyouWillprayformyPersiato—night。
ForI,whohavesufferedsomuch,Andknowwhatthebitternessis,AmsadtothinksorrowmusttouchSomedayevendarlingslikethis!
Butsorrowispartofthislife,And,therefore,afatherdothlongFortheblessingofmotherandwifeOnthebirdhehasputinasong。
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LILITH
Strangeisthesong,andthesoulthatissingingFaltersbecauseofthevisionitsees;
VoicethatisnotofthelivingisringingDowninthedepthswherethedarknessisclinging,EvenwhenNoonisthelordoftheleas,Fast,likeacurse,totheghostsofthetrees!
Hereinamistthatispartedinsunder,Halfwiththedarknessandhalfwiththeday;
Faceofawoman,butfaceofawonder,Vividandwildasaflameofthethunder,Flashesandfades,andthewailofthegreyWaterisloudonthestraitsofthebay!
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Father,whoseyearshavebeenmanyandweary—
Elder,whoselifeisaslovelyaslightShininginwaysthataresterileanddreary—
Tellmethenameofthisbeautifulperi,FlashingonmelikethewonderfulwhiteStar,atthemeetingofmorningandnight。
``LooktothySaviour,anddownonthyknee,man,LeanontheLord,astheZebedeeleaned;
Daughterofhellistheneighbourofthee,man—
Lilith,ofAdamtheluminousleman!
TurntotheChristtobesuccouredandscreened,Savedfromtheeyesofamarvellousfiend!
``Serpentsheisintheshapeofawoman,Brighterthanwoman,ineffablyfair!
Shelterthyselffromthesplendour,andsue,man;
LightthatwasneveralovelinesshumanLivesinthefaceofthissinistersnare,Longingtostranglethysoulwithherhair!
``Lilith,whocametothefatherandboundhimFastwithhereyesinthefirstofthesprings;
Lilithsheis,butremembershedrownedhim,Sheddingherfloodofgoldtressesaroundhim—
Lulledhimtosleepwiththelyricshesings:
Melodystrangewithunspeakablethings!
``Lowishervoice,butbewareofitever,Swiftbitterdeathisthefruitofdelay;
Neverwassongofitsbeauty—ah!never—
Heardonthemountain,ormeadow,orriver,Notofthenightisit,notoftheday—
Flyfromit,stranger,awayandaway。’’
Backonthehillsaretheblossomandfeather,Gloryofnoonisonvalleyandspire;
Hereisthegraceofmagnificentweather,Whereisthewomanfromgulfsofthenether?
Whereisthefiendwiththefaceofdesire?
Gone,withacry,inmiraculousfire!
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Soundthatwasnotofthisworld,orthespaciousSplendidblueheaven,haspassedfromthelea;
Deadisthevoiceofthedevilaudacious:
Onlyadreamishermusicfallacious,Here,inthesongandtheshadowoftree,Downbythegreenandthegoldofthesea。
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BOB
SINGERofsongsofthehills—
Dreamer,bywatersunstirred,Backinavalleyofrills,Homeoftheleafandthebird!—
ReadinthisfalloftheyearJustthecompassionatephrase,Fadedwithtracesoftear,Writteninfar—awaydays:
``Goneisthelightofmylap(Lord,atThybiddingIbow),Hereismylittleone’scap,Hehasnoneedofitnow,Page:97
Giveittosomebody’sboy—
Somebody’sdarling’’—shewrote。
TouchingwasBobinhisjoy—
Bobwithoutbootsoracoat。
Onlyacap;butitgaveCaplessandcomfortlessoneHappiness,brightasthebrave,Beautifullightofthesun。
SoftmaythesanctifiedsodRestonthefatherwholedBobfromthegutter,unshod—
Coveredhiscoldlittlehead!
BobfromthefoottothecrownMeasuredayard,andnomore—
Babyaloneinthetown,Homeless,andhungry,andsore—
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Childthatwasneverachild,Hidingawayfromtherain,Draggledanddirtyandwild,Downinapipeofthedrain。
PoorlittlebeggarwasBob—
Couldn’taffordtobesick,Gettingapennyajob,Sometimesacurseandakick。
Fatherwaskilledbythedrink;
Motherwasdriventoshame;
Bobcouldn’tmanagetothink—
Hehadforgottentheirname。
Godwasinheavenabove,Flowersilluminedtheground,WomenofinfiniteloveLivedinthepalacesround—
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SaintswiththecharactersweetFoundinthefathersofold,Labouredinalleyandstreet—
Babysleptoutinthecold。
Nobodynoticedthechild—
NobodyknewofthemiteCreepingaboutlikeawildThingintheshadowofnight。
Beatenbydrunkardsandcowed—
Frightenedtospeakortosob—
Howcouldheaskyoualoud,``HaveyouapennyforBob?’’
Fewwerethepennieshegot—
Seldomcouldhidethemaway,WatchedbytheravenoussotEveratwaitforhisprey。
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Poorlittleman!HewouldweepOftforamorselofbread;
CoppershewantedtokeepWenttothetaverninstead。
Thiswashishistory,friend—
Ragged,unhoused,andalone;
HowcouldthechildcomprehendLovethatheneverhadknown?
Huntedaboutintheworld,Crouchingincrevicesdim,CrustwithacurseathimhurledStoodforakindnesswithhim。
Littleexcitedhisjoy—
Bunafterdoingajob;
Motherofbright—headedboy,ThinkofthemotherlessBob!
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HighintheheavensaugustProvidencesawhim,andsaid—
``OutofthepitsofthedustLifthim,andcoverhishead。’’
Ah,theineffablegrace,Fatherofchildren,inThee!
Boyinaradiantplace,Fannedbythebreezeofthesea—
ChildonalullabylapSaid,inthepauseofhispain,``Mother,don’tburymycap—
GiveittoBobinthelane。’’
BeautifulbiddingofDeath!
Whatcouldshedobutobey,EvenwhensufferingFaithHadn’tthepowertopray?
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So,inthefalloftheyear,SaintwiththefatherlyheadHuntedforsomebody’sdear—
``Somebody’sdarling,’’hesaid。
Bob,whowasnobody’schild,Sittingonnobody’slap,Draggledanddirtyandwild—
Bobgotthelittleone’scap。
Strangewerecompassionatewords!
WaifofthealleyandlaneDreamedofthemusicofbirdsFloatingaboutintherain。
White—headedfatherinGod,OverthybeautifulgraveGreenisthegrassofthesod,Softisthesoundofthewave。
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DownbytheslopesoftheseaOftenandoftenwillsobBoywhowasfosteredbythee—
ThisisthestoryofBob。
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PETERTHEPICANINNY
HEhasanamewhichcan’tbebroughtWithinthesphereofmetre;
But,ashe’sPeterbyreport,I’lltrothimoutasPeter。
Icallhimmine;butdon’tsupposeThatI’mhisdad,Oreader!
MywifehasgotaNormannose—
ShereadsthetalesofOuida。
Ineverlovedaniggerbelle—
Mytastesaretooaesthetic!
Theperfumefromaginis—well,Aratherstrongemetic。
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But,seeingthatmythemeisPete,ThisversewillbetheneaterIfIkeepontheproperbeat,AndstickthroughouttoPeter。
WepickedhimuptheLordknowswhere!
AtnoonwecameacrosshimAsleepbesideahunkofbear—
Hispaunchwasbulgedwith’possum。
(Laststanzawillnotbear,Iown,Apressureanalytic;
Butbardwhoseweightisfourteenstone,Isapttothumpthecritic。)
Weaskedthekidtogivehisname:
Hedidn’tseemtoowilling—
Thedarkeyplayedthedarkey’sgame—
Wetippedhimwithashilling!
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Wetippedhimwithashiningbob—
NoTommyDodd,believeus。
Wedidn’t``tumble’’tohisjob—
Ah,whydidPetedeceiveus!
I,being,asI’vesaid,abard,ResolvedatoncetofosterThismitewhoselengthwasjustayard—
Thisportableimpostor!
``Thisbabe’’—IspokeinWordsworth’stone—
(SeeWordsworth’s``Lucy’’,neighbour)
``I’llmakeadarlingofmyown;
Andhe’llrepaymylabour。
``He’llgrowasgentleasafawn—
AsquietastheblossomsThatbeautifyalandoflawn—
He’lleatnomoreopossums。
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``ThechildItomyselfwilltakeInapaternalmanner;
Andah!hewillnotswallowsnakeInfuture,or`goanna’。
``Willyouresidewithme,mydear?’’
Iaskedinaccentsmellow—
Theniggergrinnedfromeartoear,Andsaid,``Allright,oldfellow!’’
AndsomyPetewastakenhome—
Myprettypiccaninny!
And,nottospeakofsoaporcomb,Hiscleansingcostaguinea。
``Buthangexpenses!’’Iexclaimed,``I’llgivehimeducation:
A`nig’isbetterwhenhe’stamed,Perhaps,thanaCaucasian。
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``EthnologistsareinthewrongAboutoursablebrothers;
AndIintendtostopthesongOfPickeringandothers。’’
Alas,Ididn’tdoitthough!
OldPickering’sconclusionsWeretothepoint,asissuesshow,Andmineweremeredelusions。
MyinkypetwasclothedandfedFormonthsexceedingforty;
Buttotheend,itmustbesaid,Hiswayswereverynaughty。
WhentoldabouttheLandofMornAbovethisworldofMammon,He’dshout,withanemphaticscorn,``Ah,gammon,gammon,gammon!’’
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Heneverlingered,likethebard,Tosniffatroseexpanding。
``Melike,’’hesaid,``emcattle—yard—
Finesmell—desmellofbranding!’’
Thesoulofman,Itriedtoshow,Wentupbeyondourvision。
``Youebberseedatfellowgo?’’
Heaskedinsheerderision。
Inshort,itsoonoccurredtomeThiskidofsixorseven,Whowouldn’tlearnhisABC,Washardlyripeforheaven。
Heneverlosthisappetite—
Hebiggergrew,andbigger;
Andproved,witheveryinchofheight,Aniggerisanigger。
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And,lookingfromthismomentback,IhaveastrongpersuasionThat,afterall,afinishedblackIsnotthe``clean’’—Caucasian。
DearPeterfrommythresholdwent,Onemorninginthebody:
He``dropped’’me,toobligeagent—
Agentwithspearandwaddy!
Heshelvedmeforaboomerang—
Weneverhadaquarrel;
And,ifamoralheredothhang,Whyletithang—themoral!
Mymournfultaleitscoursehasrun—
MyPete,whenlastIspiedhim,Waseating’possumunderdone:
Hehadhisginbesidehim。
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NARRARACREEK
(WrittenintheShadowof1872)
FROMtherainyhill—heads,where,instartsandinspasms,Leapswildthewhitetorrentfromchasmstochasms—
Fromthehomeofboldechoes,whosevoicesofwonderFlyoutofblindcavernsstruckblackbyhighthunder—
Throughgorgesaugust,inwhosenetherrecessesIsheardthefarpsalmofunseenwildernesses—
Likeadominantspirit,astrong—handedsharerOfspoilwiththetempest,comesdowntheNarrara。
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Yea,wherethegreatswordofthehurricanecleavethTheforestedfellsthatthedarkneverleaveth—
Byfierce—featuredcrags,inwhoseevilabyssesTheclammysnakecoils,andtheflatadderhisses—
Pastlordlyrocktemples,whereSilenceisrivenBytheanthemssupremeofthefourwindsofheaven—
Itspeeds,withthecryofthestreamsofthefountainsItchainedtoitssides,anddraggeddownfromthemountains!
Butwhenitgoesforthfromtheslopeswithasally—
Beingstrengthenedwithtributefrommanyavalley—
Itbroadensandbrightens,andthereuponmarchesAbovethestreamsapphiresandundergreenarches,Withtherhythmofmajesty—carelessofcumber—
Itsmightinreposeanditsfiercenessinslumber—
Tillitbeamsontheplains,wherethewindisabearerOfwordsfromtheseatothestatelyNarrara!
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Narrara!grandsonofthehaughtyhilltorrent,ToolateinmydayhaveIlookedatthycurrent—
ToolateinmylifetodiscernandinheritThesoulofthybeauty,thejoyofthyspirit!
Withtheyearsoftheyouthandthehairsofthehoary,Isitlikeashadowoutsideofthyglory;
Norlookwiththemorning—likefeelings,Oriver,Thatilluminedtheboyinthedaysgoneforever!
Ah!sadarethesoundsofoldballadswhichborrowOne—halfoftheirgrieffromthelistener’ssorrow;
AndsadaretheeyesofthepilgrimwhotracesTheruinsofTimeinrevisitedplaces;
ButsadderthanallisthesenseofhislossesThatcomethtoonewhenasuddenagecrossesAndcrippleshismanhood。So,strickenbyfate,I
Feltolderatthirtythansomedoateighty。
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BecauseIbelieveinthebeautifulstory,ThepoemofGreeceinthedaysofherglory—
Thatthehigh—seatedLordofthewoodsandthewatersHaspeopledHisworldwithHisdeifieddaughters—
ThatflowerfulforestsandwaterwaysstreamingAregraciouswithgoddessesglowingandgleaming—
Ipraythatthysingingdivinity,fairerThanwonderfulwomen,maylisten,Narrara!
Ospiritofsea—goingcurrents!—thou,beingThechildofimmortals,all—knowing,all—seeing—
ThouhastatthyheartthedarktruththatIborrowForthesongthatIsingthee,nofancifulsorrow;
InthesightofthineeyesisthehistorywrittenOfLovesmittendownasthestrongleafissmitten;
AndbeforetheetheregoethaphantombeseechingForfacultiesforfeited—hopesbeyondreaching。
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*
*
*
*
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Thouknowest,OsisterofdeitiesblazingWithsplendourineffable,beautyamazing,Whatlifethegodsgaveme—whatlargessItasted—
Theyouththrownaway,andthefacultieswasted。
Imight,asthouseest,havestoodinhighplaces,Insteadofinpitswherethebrandofdisgraceis,Abywordforscoffers—abuttandacaution,WiththegraveofpoorBurnsandMaginnformyportion。
ButtheheartoftheFatherSupremeisoffended,AndmylifeinthelightofHisfavourisended;
And,whippedbyinflexibledevils,Ishiver,Withahollow``Toolate’’inmyhearingforever;
Butthou—beingsinless,exalted,supernal,Thedaughterofdiademedgods,theeternal—
ShaltshineinthywaterswhentimeandexistenceHavedwindled,likestars,inunspeakabledistance。
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Butthefaceofthyriver—thetorrentedpowerThatsmitesattherockwhileitfosterstheflower—
Shallgleaminmydreamswiththesummer—looksplendid,Andthebeautyofwoodlandsandwaterfallsblended;
AndoftenI’llthinkoffar—forestednoises,Andtheemphasisdeepofgrandsea—goingvoices,AndturntoNarraratheeyesofalover,Whenthesorrowfuldaysofmysingingareover。
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INMEMORYOFJOHNFAIRFAX
WRITTENAFTERREADINGATOUCHINGPOEMBYMRSBROWNING
BECAUSEthismanfulfilledhisdays,LikeonewhowalkswithsteadfastgazeAvertedfromforbiddenwaysWithluresoffair,falsefloweragedeep,BeholdtheLordwhosethroneisdimWithfiresofflamingseraphim—
TheChristthatsufferedsentforhim:
``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’
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ThinknotthatsoulswhosedeedsaugustPutsintoshameandmakemenjustBecomeatlastthehelplessdustThatwinteringwindsthroughwaste—landssweep!
Thehigherlifewithinuscries,Likesomefinespiritfromtheskies,``TheFather’sblessingonuslies—
`HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’’
Nothumansleep—thefitfulrestWithevilshapesofdreamsdistressed,—
Butperfectquiet,unexpressedByanyworldlywordwekeep。
ThedimHereafterframedincreedsMaynotbethis;butHewhoreadsOurlives,setsflowersonwaysideweeds—
``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’
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BesurethisherowhohaspassedThehumanspace—theoutervast—
Whoworkedinharnesstothelast,Dothnowahallowedharvestreap。
Loveseeshisgrave,norturnsaway—
Theeyesoffaithareliketheday,Andgriefhasnotawordtosay—
``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’
Thatfair,rarespirit,Honour,throwsAlight,whichputstoshametherose,Acrosshisgrave,becausesheknowsThesonwhoseashesitdothkeep;
And,likefarmusic,thisisheard—
``Beholdthemanwhoneverstirred,Bywordofhis,anangryword!—
`HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’’
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Heearnedhisplace。Withinhishands,Thepowerwhichcounselsandcommands,Andshapesthesociallifeoflands,Becameablessingpureanddeep。
Note:ThePressThroughthirtyyearsofturbulenceOurthoughtsweresweetenedwithasenseOfhisbenignantinfluence—
``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’
Nosplendidtalents,whichexciteLikemusic,songs,orfloodsoflight,Werehis;but,rather,allthosebright,CalmqualitiesofsoulwhichreapAmute,butcertain,finerespect,Notonlyfromasourceelect,Butfromtheheartsofeverysect—
``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’
Page:121
HegivethHisbelovedrest!
Thefaithfulsoulthatonwardpressed,Unswerving,fromLife’seasttowest,Bypathsaustereandpassessteep,Ispastalltoil;and,overDeath,Withreverenthandsandprayerfulbreath,Iplantthisflower,alivewithfaith—
``HegivethHisbelovedsleep。’’
Page:122
ARALUEN
TAKEthisrose,andverygentlyplaceitonthetender,deepMosseswhereourlittledarling,Araluen,liesasleep。
Puttheblossomclosetobaby—kneelwithme,mylove,andpray;
Wemustleavethebirdwe’veburied—saygood—byetoherto—day。
Intheshadowofourtroublewemustgotootherlands,Andtheflowerswehavefosteredwillbelefttootherhands:
Othereyeswillwatchthemgrowing—otherfeetwillsoftlytreadPage:123
Wheretwoheartsarenearlybreaking,wheresomanytearsareshed。
Bitteristheworldwelivein:lifeandlovearemixedwithpain;
Wewillneverseethesedaisies—neverwaterthemagain。
Ah!thesaddestthoughtinleavingbabyinthisbushaloneIsthatwehavenotbeenableonhergravetoplaceastone:
Wehavebeentoopoortodoit;but,mydarling,nevermind—
Godisinthegraciousheavens,andHissunandrainarekind:
Theywilldressthespotwithbeauty,theywillmakethegrassesgrow:
Manywindswilllullourbirdie,manysongswillcomeandgo。
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Heretheblue—eyedSpringwilllinger,heretheshiningmonthwillstay,Likeafriend,byAraluen,whenwetwoarefaraway;
Butbeyondthewild,widewaters,wewilltreadanothershore—
Wewillneverwatchthisblossom,neverseeitanymore。
Girl,whosehandatGod’shighaltarinthedear,deadyearIpressed,Leanyourstrickenheaduponme—thisisstillyourlover’sbreast!
Shewhosleepswasfirstandsweetest—nonewehavetotakeherplace;
Emptyisthelittlecradle—absentisthelittleface。
Otherchildrenmaybegiven;butthisrosebeyondrecall,Butthisgarlandofyourgirlhood,willbedearestofthemall。
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Nonewillever,Araluen,nestlewhereyouusedtobe,Inmyheartofhearts,youdarling,whentheworldwasnewtome;
Wewereyoungwhenyouwerewithus,lifeandlovewerehappythingsToyourfatherandyourmothereretheangelsgaveyouwings。
Youthatsitandsobbesideme—you,uponwhosegoldenheadManyrainsofmanysorrowshavefromdaytodaybeenshed;
Whobecauseyourlovewasnoble,facedwithmethelotaustereEverpressingwithitshardshiponthemanoflettershere—
Letmefeelthatyouarenearme,layyourhandwithinmineown;
Page:126
YouareallIhavetolivefor,nowthatweareleftalone。
Threetherewere,butonehasvanished。Sinsofminehavemadeyouweep;
Butforgiveyourbaby’sfathernowthatbabyisasleep。
Letusgo,fornightisfalling;leavethedarlingwithherflowers;
Otherhandswillcomeandtendthem—otherfriendsinotherhours。
Page:127
THESYDNEYINTERNATIONALEXHIBITION
(APrizePoempublishedwiththekindpermissionoftheProprietorsofthe``SydneyMorningHerald’’)
NOW,whileOrion,flamingsouth,dothsetAshiningfootonhillsofwindandwet—
FarhaughtyhillsbeyondthefountainscoldAnddellsofglimmeringgreennessmanifold—
WhileAugustsingstheadventoftheSpring,AndinthecalmisheardSeptember’swing,ThelordlyvoiceofsongIaskofthee,High,deathlessradiance—crownedCalliope!
Whatthoughweneverhearthegreatgod’slaysWhichmadeallmusictheHellenicdays—
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WhatthoughthefaceofthyfairheavenbeamsStillonlyonthecrystalGrecianstreams—
Whatthoughaskyofnew,strangebeautyshinesWherenowhiteDryadsingswithinthepines:
Hereisalandwhoselarge,imperialgraceMusttemptthee,goddess,inthineholyplace!
Herearethedellsofpeaceandplenilune,Thehillsofmorningandtheslopesofnoon;
Herearethewatersdeartodaysofblue,Anddark—greenhollowsofthenoontidedew;
Hereliestheharp,byfragrantwood—windsfanned,Thatwaitsthecomingofthyquickeninghand!
AndshallAustralia,framedandsetinsea,Augustwithglory,waitinvainforthee?
ShallmorethanTempe’sbeautybeunsungBecauseitsshineisstrange—itscoloursyoung?
No!bythefull,livelightwhichputstoshameThefar,fairsplendoursofThessalianflame—
ByyonderforestpsalmwhichsinksandswellsLikethatofPhocis,gravewithoracles—
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BydeeppropheticwindsthatcomeandgoWherewhisperingspringsofponderingmountainsflow—
Bylute—likeleavesandmany—languagedcaves,Wheresoundsthestronghosannaofthewaves,ThisgreatnewmajestyshallnotremainUnhonouredbythehighimmortalstrain!
Soon,soon,themusicofthesouthernlyreShallstartandblossomwithaspeechlikefire!
Soon,soon,shallflowerandflowinflamedivineThysongs,Apollo,andEuterpe,thine!
Strong,shiningsonsofDelphicusshallriseWithalltheirfather’sgloryintheireyes;
AndthenshallbeamonyonderslopesandspringsThelightthatswimsuponthelightofthings。
Andtherefore,lingeringinalandoflawn,I,standinghere,asingerofthedawn,WithgazeupturnedtowherewansummitslieAgainstthemorningflowingupthesky—
WhoseeyesindreamsofmanycoloursseePage:130
Aglitteringvisionoftheyearstobe—
Doaskofthee,Calliope,onehourOflifepre—eminentwithperfectpower,ThatImayleaveasongwhoselonelyraysMayshinehereafterfromthesesonglessdays。
FornowtherebreaksacrossthefaintgreyrangeTherose—reddawningofaradiantchange。
Asoft,sweetvoiceisinthevalleysdeep,Wheredarknessdroopsandsingsitselftosleep。
Thegrave,mutewoods,thatyetthesilenceholdOfdim,deadages,gleamwithhintsofgold。
Yoneasterncapethatmeetsthestraitenedwave—
Atwofoldtowerabovethewhistlingcave—
Whosestrengthinthundershieldsthegentlelea,Andmakesawhitewrathofaleagueofsea,Nowwearsthefaceofpeace;andinthebayTheweak,spentvoiceofWinterdiesaway。
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Ineverydellthereisawhisperingwing,OneverylawnaglimmeroftheSpring;
Byeveryhillaregrowthsoftendergreen—
Oneveryslopeafair,newlifeisseen;
Andlo!beneaththemorning’sblossomingfires,Theshiningcityofahundredspires,Inmistsofgold,bycountlesshavensfurled,Andgladwithalltheflagsofalltheworld!
Thesearetheshores,where,inadreamoffear,Cathaysawdarknessdwellinghalftheyear!
Note:Accordingtothateminentauthority,Mr。R。H。Major,andothers,theGreatSouthernLandisreferredtoinoldChineserecordsasapolarcontinent,subjecttothelongpolarnights。
ThesearethecoaststhatoldfallacioustalesChaineddownwithiceandringedwithsleeplessgales!
Thisisthelandthat,inthehourofawe,Page:132
FromIndianpeakstheraptVenetiansaw!
Note:MarcoPolomentionsalargelandcalledbytheMalaysLochac。
Thenortherncoastwassupposedtobeinlatitude10[degree]S。(VideBennett,andothers。
HereisthelonggreylineofstrangeseawallThatcheckedtheprowoftheaudaciousGaul,Whattimehesteeredtowardsthesouthernsnow,Fromzonetozone,fourhundredyearsago!
Note:Mr。R。H。MajorhasdiscoveredamapofTerraAustralisdatedA。D。1542,andbearingthenameofLeTestu,aFrenchpilot。LeTestumusthavevisitedthesecoastssomeyearsbeforethedateofthechart。
Byyondergulf,whosemarchingwatersmeetThewine—darkcurrentsfromtheislesofheat,StrongsonsofEurope,inafardimyear,Facedghastlyfoes,andfeltthealienspear!
There,inalaterdawn,byshiplesswaves,Thetendergrassesfoundforgottengraves。
Note:ThesailorsoftheDuyfhen,aDutchvesselwhichenteredCarpentaria,inA。D。1605,wereattackedbythenatives。Inthefray,someofthewhiteswerekilled。
Nodoubt,theseunluckyadventurerswerethefirstEuropeansburiedinAustralia。(VideWoods,andothers。)
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Farinthewest,beyondthosehillssublime,DirkHartoganchoredintheoldentime;
There,byawild—facedbay,andinacleft,Hisshiningnamethefair—hairedNorthmanleft;
Note:DirkHartogleftatinplate,bearinghisname,inShark’sBay,WesternAustralia。ItwaslastseeninA。D。1803。
And,onthosebroadimperialwaters,farBeneaththelordlyoccidentalstar,SailedTasmandownagreatandglowingspaceWhosesofterlightswerelikehislady’sface。
Indreamsofherherovedfromzonetozone,Andgaveherlovelynametocoastsunknown;
Andsaw,instreamingsunseteverywhere,Thecuriousbeautyofhergoldenhair。
Note:AbelTasman’sloveforMariaVanDiemaniswellknown。
Tasmania,andmanyoftheislandsandpointsontheN。W。coastsofAustraliawerenamedafterher。
Byflamingtractsoftropicafternoon,Whereinlowheavenshangsafourfoldmoon。
Here,onthetidesofaresplendentyear,Page:134
Bycapesofjasper,camethebuccaneer。
Note:Dampier。
Then,then,thewildmen,flyingfromthebeach,Firstheardtheclear,boldsoundsofEnglishspeech;
AndthenfirstfellacrossaSouthernplainThebroad,strongshadowsofaSaxontrain。
Nearyonderwallofstatelycliff,thatbravesThearroganceofcongregatedwaves,ThedaringsonofgreyoldYorkshirestoodAnddreamedinamajesticsolitude,WhattimeagentleAprilsheditsshowers,Aflamewithsunset,ontheBayofFlowers。
Note:BotanyBayThenobleseamanwhowithheldthehand,AndsparedtheHectorofhisnativeland—
Thesinglesavage,yellingonthebeachThedark,strangecursesofbarbaricspeech。
Exaltedsailor!whosebenignantphraseShinesfullofbeautyintheselatterdays;
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WhometthenakedtribesoffieryskiesWithgreat,divinecompassioninhiseyes;
Whodied,likeHimofhoaryNazareth,Thatdeathaugust—theradiantmartyr’sdeath;
WhointhelasthourshowedtheChristianfaceWhosecrumblingbeautyshamedthealienrace。
InpeacehesleepswheredeepeternalcalmsLieroundthelandofheavy—fruitedpalms。
Lo!inthatdell,behindasingingbar,Wheredeep,purepoolsofglitteringwatersare,Beyondamossy,yellow,gleamingglade,ThelastofForbySutherlandwaslaid—
Theblue—eyedSaxonfromthehillsofsnowWhofellasleepahundredyearsago。
Inflowerfulshades,wheregoldandgreenarerife,Stillreststheshellofhisforgottenlife。
Far,faraway,beneathsomenorthernskyThefathersofhishumblehouseholdlie;
Butbyhislonelygravearesapphirestreams,Andgraciouswoodlands,wherethefire—flygleams;
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AndevercomesacrossasilverleaThehymnsublimeoftheeternalsea。
Onthatboldhill,againstabroadbluestream,StoodArthurPhillipinadayofdream:
Whattimethemistsofmorningwestwardrolled,Andheavenfloweredonabayofgold!
Here,inthehourthatshinesandsoundsafar,FlamedfirstoldEngland’sbannerlikeastar;
Here,inatimeaugustwithprayerandpraise,Wasbornthenationofthesesplendiddays;
Andherethisland’smajesticyesterdayOfimmemorialsilencediedaway。
Wherearethewoodsthat,ninetysummersback,Stoodhoarwithagesbythewater—track?
Wherearethevalleysoftheflashingwing,Page:137
Thedimgreenmarginsandtheglimmeringspring?
Wherenowthewarrioroftheforestrace,Hisglaringwar—paintandhisfearlessface?
ThebanksofAprilandthegrovesofbird,Thegladesofsilenceandthepoolsunstirred,Thegleamingsavageandthewhistlingspear,Passedwiththepassingofawildoldyear!
Asingletorrentsingingbythewave,Ashadowyrelicinamountaincave,Aghostoffireinimmemorialhills,Thewhittledtreebyfoldedwaysiderills,Thecallofbirdthathidesinhollowsfar,Wherefeetofthunder,wingsofwinterare—
OfallthatPast,thesewrecksofwindandrain,Thesetouchingmemories—thesealoneremain!
Whatsunisthisthatbeamsandbroadenswest?
Whatwonderthis,indeathlessglorydressed?
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Whatstrange,sweetharpofhighestgodtookflameAndgavethisTroyitslife,itslight,itsname?
WhatawfullyreofmarvellouspowerandrangeUpraisedthisIlion—wroughtthisdazzlingchange?
NoshiningsingerofHellenicdreamsSetyondersplendourbythemorningstreams!
NogodwhoglimmersinadoubtfulsphereShedglorythere—createdbeautyhere!
Thisisthecitythatourfathersframed—
Thesearethecrescentsbytheeldersnamed!
Thehumanhandsofstrong,heroicmenBrokedownthemountain,filledthegapingglen,Ranstreetsthroughswamp,builtbanksagainstthefoam,Andbentthearchandraisedthelordlydome!
Herearethetowersthatthefoundersmade!
HerearethetempleswheretheseRomansprayed!
Herestandthecourtsinwhichtheirleadersmet!
Herearetheirhomes,andheretheiraltarsyet!
HeresleepthegrandoldmenwhoselivessublimePage:139
Ofthoughtandactionshineandsoundthroughtime!
Whoworkedindarkness—onwardfoughttheirwaysTobringabouttheselargemajesticdays—
WholefttheirsonstheheartsandhighdesiresWhichbuiltthiscityofthehundredspires!
AstatelyMorningrisesonthewing,Thehillstakecolour,andthevalleyssing。
AstrongSeptemberflamesbeyondthelea—
Asilvervisiononasilversea。
AnewAge,``castinadivinermould’’,Comescrownedwithlustre,zonedandshodwithgold!
Whatdreamisthisonlawnyspacesset?
Whatmiracleofdomeandminaret?
WhatgreatmutemajestyisthisthattakesThefirstofmorningerethesong—birdwakes?
Lo,thiswasbuilttohonourgatheringlandsByCeltic,Saxon,Australasianhands!
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ThesearethehallswherealltheflagsunfurledBreakintospeechthatwelcomesalltheworld。
Andlo,ourfriendsareherefromeveryzone—
Fromisleswedreamofandfromtractsunknown!
HerearethefathersfromthestatelyspaceWhereIrelandisandEngland’ssacredface!
HerearetheNorsemenfromtheirstrongsea—wall,Thegrave,grandTeutonandthebrilliantGaul!
Fromgreen,sweetgrovesthedark—eyedLusianssail,AndproudIberialeavesthegrape—flushedvale。
HerearethelordswhosestarrybannershinesFromfierceMagellantotheArcticpines。
Herecomethestrangersfromthegatesofday—
FromhillsofsunriseandfromwhiteCathay。
Thespicyislandssendtheirswarthysons,TheloftyNorthitsmailedandmightyones。
Venetiankeelsarefloatingonoursea;
OureyesaregladwithradiantItaly!
Yea,NorthandSouth,andglowingWestandEast,Aregatheringheretograceoursplendidfeast!
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ThechiefsfrompeaksaugustwithAsiansnow,Theeldersbornwhereregalrosesgrow,Comehither,withtheflowerofthatfairlandThatbloomsbeyondthefierytractsofsandWhereSyriansunstheirangrylustresflingAcrossblindchannelsofthebygonespring。
Andonthisgreat,auspiciousday,theflowersOflabourglorifymajestichours。
ThesingingangelfromthestarrysphereOfdazzlingScienceshowshiswondershere;
AndArt,thedream—cladspirit,starts,andbringsFromFairylandherstrange,sweet,glitteringthings。
Herearetheworksmandid,whattimehisfaceWastouchedbyGodinsomeexaltedplace;
Hereglowsthesplendour—herethemarvelwroughtWhenHeavenflasheduponthemaker’sthought!
Yea,hereareallthemiraclessublime—
ThelightsofGeniusandthestarsofTime!
And,beingliftedbythisnoblenoon,Australiabroadenslikeatropicmoon。
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Herwhite,purelustrebeamsacrossthezones;
Thenationsgreetherfromtheirawfulthrones。
FromhencethemorningbeautyofhernameWillshineafar,likeanexceedingflame。
Herplacewillbewithmightylords,whoseswayControlsthethunderandthemarchingday。
HercrownwillshinebesidethecrownsofkingsWhoshapetheseasons,rulethecourseofthings,ThefameofheracrosstheyearstobeWillspreadlikelightonasurpassingsea;
Andgracedwithglory,girtwithpoweraugust,Herlifewilllasttillallthingsturntodust。
ToTheethefaceofsongisliftednow,OLord!towhomtheawfulmountainsbow;
Whosehands,unseen,thetenfoldstormscontrol;
Whosethundersshakethespheresfrompoletopole;
WhofromThyhighestheavenlookestdown,Page:143
TheseaThyfootstool,andthesunThycrown;
AroundwhosethronethedeathlessplanetssingHosannastotheirhigh,eternalKing。
ToTheethesoulofprayerthismorningturns,Withfaiththatglitters,andwithhopethatburns!
And,inthemomentsofmajesticcalmThatfilltheheartinpausesofthepsalm,SheasksThyblessingforthisfairyounglandThatflowerswithinthehollowofThinehand!
SheseeksofTheethatboon,thatgiftsublime,TheChristianradiance,forthishopeofTime!
AndThouwiltlisten!andThyfacewillbendTosmileuponus—Master,Father,Friend!
TheChristtowhompurepleadinghearthathcreptWashumanonce,andinthedarknesswept;
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ThegraciouslovethathelpeduslongagoWillonuslikeasummersunriseflow,Andbealighttoguidethenation’sfeetOnholypaths—onsacredwaysandsweet。
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CHRISTMASCREEK
PHANTOMstreamswereinthedistance—mockinglightsoflakeandpool—
Ghostsoftreesofsoftgreenlustre—grovesofshadowsdeepandcool!
Yea,somedevilranbeforethemchangingskiesofbrasstoblue,Settingbloomwherecurseisplanted,whereagrass—bladenevergrew。
Sixtherewere,andhighabovethemglaredawildandwizenedsun,Page:146
Ninetyleaguesfromwherethewatersofthesingingvalleysrun。
Therebeforethem,therebehindthem,wasthegreat,stark,stubbornplain,Wherethedrywindshissforever,andtheblindearthmoansforrain!
Ringedaboutbytracksoffurnace,ninetyleaguesfromstreamandtree,Sixtherewere,withwastedfaces,workingnorthwardstothesea!
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Ah,thebitter,hopelessdesert!HerethesebrokenhumanwrecksPage:147
Trodthewildswheresandoffireiswiththespitefulspinifex,Toiledthroughspheresthatnobirdknowsof,wherewithfieryemphasisHellhathstampeditsawfulmint—markdeeponeverythingthatis!
Toiledandthirsted,stroveandsuffered!ThiswaswhereDecember’sbreathAsawindofsmitingflameisonweird,haggardwastesofdeath!
Thiswaswhereawitheredmoanis,andthegleamofweak,wanstar,Andathunderfullofmenacesendsitsmightyvoicesfar!
Thiswaswhereblackexecrations,fromsomedarktribunalhurled,Page:148
Setthebrandofcurseonallthingsinthemorningoftheworld!
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Onemanyielded—thenanother—thenaladofnineteenyearsReeledandfell,withEnglishriverssingingsoftlyinhisears,Englishgrassesstartedroundhim—thenthegraceofSussexleaCameandtouchedhimwiththebeautyofagreenlandbythesea!
Old—worldfacesthrongedabouthim—old—worldvoicesspoketohim;
Page:149
Buthisspeechwaslikeawhisper,andhiseyeswereverydim。
Inadreamofgoldenevening,beamingonaquietstrand,LaythestrangertillabrightOnecameandtookhimbythehand。
Englandvanished;diedthevoices;butheheardaholiertone,Andanangelthatweknownotledhimtothelandsunknown!
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Sixtherewere,butthreeweretaken!Threewerelefttostrugglestill;
Butagainsttheredhorizonflamedahornofbrindledhill!
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Butbeyondthenorthernskyline,pastawallofsteepaustere,LaythelandoflightandcoolnessinanApril—colouredyear!
``Courage,brothers!’’criedtheleader。``OntheslopeofyonderpeakTherearetractsofherbandshadow,andthechannelsofthecreek!’’
Sotheymadeonelastgreateffort—
haledtheirbeaststhroughbrakeandbriar,Settheirfeetonspursoffurnace,grappledspikesandcragsoffire,Foughtthestubbornmountainforces,smotedownnaked,naturalpowers,TilltheygazedfromthronesofMorningonasphereofstreamsandflowers。
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Outbehindthemwasthedesert,glaringlikeaseaofbrass!
Herebeforethemwerethevalleys,fairwithmoonlight—colouredgrass!
Attheirbackswerehaggardwaste—lands,bickeringinawickedblaze!
Intheirfacesbeamedthewaters,marchingdownmelodiousways!
Touchingwasthecool,softlustreoverlapsoflawnandlea;
AndmajesticwasthegreatroadMorningmadeacrossthesea。
OnthesacreddayofChristmas,aftersevenmonthsofgrief,Restedthreeofsixwhostarted,onabankofmossandleaf—
Page:152
Restedbyarunningriver,inahushed,aholyweek;
Andtheynamedthestreamthatsavedthem—nameditfitly—``ChristmasCreek’’。
Page:153
ORARA
THEstrongsobofthechafingstreamThatseawardfightsitswayDowncragsofglitter,dellsofgleam,Isinthehillsto—day。
Butfarandfaint,agrey—wingedformHangswherethewildlightswane—
Thephantomofabygonestorm,Aghostofwindandrain。
ThesoftwhitefeetofafternoonAreontheshiningmeads,ThebreezeisasapleasanttuneAmongstthehappyreeds。
Page:154
Thefierce,disastrous,flyingfire,Thatmadethegreatcavesring,Andscarredtheslope,andbrokethespire,Isaforgottenthing。
Theairisfullofmellowsounds,Thewethill—headsarebright,Anddownthefalloffragrantgrounds,Thedeepwaysflamewithlight。
Arose—redspaceofstreamIsee,Pastbanksoftenderfern;
Aradiantbrook,unknowntomeBeyonditsupperturn。
Thesinging,silverlifeIhear,Whosehomeisinthegreen,Far—foldedwoodsoffountainsclear,WhereIhaveneverbeen。
Page:155
Ah,brookabovetheupperbend,IoftenlongtostandWhereyouinsoft,coolshadesdescendFromtheuntroddenland!
Ah,foldedwoods,thathidethegraceOfmossandtorrentsstrong,IoftenwishtoknowthefaceOfthatwhichsingsyoursong!
ButImaylinger,long,andlookTillnightisoverall:
Myeyeswillneverseethebrook,Orsweet,strangewaterfall。
Theworldisroundmewithitsheat,Andtoil,andcaresthattire;
IcannotwithmyfeeblefeetClimbaftermydesire。
Page:156
But,onthelapoflandsunseen,Withinasecretzone,ThereshinedivinergoldandgreenThanmanhaseverknown。
AndwherethesilverwaterssingDownhushedandholydells,TheflowerofacelestialSpring—
Atenfoldsplendour,dwells。
Yea,inmydreamoffallandbrookByfarsweetforestsfurled,IseethatlightforwhichIlookInvainthroughalltheworld—
ThegloryofalargerskyOnslopesofhillssublime,ThatspeakwithGodandmorning,highAbovethewaysofTime!
Page:157
Ah!haplyinthissphereofchangeWhereshadowsspoilthebeam,ItwouldnotdotoclimbthatrangeAndtestmyradiantDream。
Theslightestglimpseofyonderplace,Untroddenandalone,Mightwhollykillthatnamelessgrace,Thecharmoftheunknown。
Andtherefore,thoughIlookandlong,PerhapsthelotisbrightWhichkeepstheriverofthesongAbeautyoutofsight。
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THECURSEOFMOTHERFLOOD
Wizenedthewoodis,andwanisthewaythroughit;
Whiteasacorpseisthefaceofthefen;
Onlyblueaddersabideinandstraythroughit—
Addersandvenomandhorrorstomen。
Hereisthe``ghostofagarden’’whoseministerFostersstrangeblossomsthatstartleandscare。
Redasman’sbloodisthesunthat,withsinisterFlame,isamenaceofhellintheair。
Wrinkledandhaggardthehillsare—thejagsofthemGapeliketolivingandominousthings:
Stormanddrythundercryoutinthecragsofthem—
Fire,andthewindwithawoeinitswings。
Page:159
Neveramoonwithoutclammy—coldshroudonitHitherwardcomes,oraflower—likestar!
Onlythehissofthetempestisloudonit—
Hiss,andthemoanofabitterseabar。
Hereonthiswaste,andtoleftandtorightofit,Neverislisportherippleofrain:
Fierceisthedaytimeandwildisthenightofit,Flamewithoutlimitandfrostwithoutwane!
Treeshalfalive,withthesenseofacurseonthem,Shudderandshrinkfromtheblackheavygale;
Ghastly,withboughsliketheplumesofahearseonthem:
Barrenofblossomandblastedwithbale。
Underthecliffthatstaresdowntothesouthofit—
Backbythehornsofahazardoushill,DumbisthegorgewithagraveinthemouthofitStill,asacorpseinacoffinisstill。
Page:160
NevertherehoversahopeoftheSpringbyit—
Neveraglimmerofyellowandgreen:
OnlythebatwithawhisperofwingbyitFlitslikealifeoutoffleshandunseen。
Herearethegrowthsthatarelividandglutinous,Speckled,andbloatedwithpoisonousblood:
Thisisthehauntoftheviper—breedmutinous:
CursedwiththecurseofweirdCatherineFlood。
Hethathathlookedonit—hurriedaghastfromit,Hairofhimfrozenwithhorrorstraightway,Chasedbyasuddenstrangepestilentblastfromit—
Whereisthespeechofhim—whatcanhesay?
Hathhenotseenthefierceghostofahaginit?
Heardmaledictionsthatstartlethestars?
Dumbishismouthasamouthwithagaginit—
Muteishislifeasalifewithinbars。
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Justtheoneglimpseofthatgrey,shriekingwomanthereRingedbyacircleoffurnaceandfiend!
Hethatwenthappyandhealthyandhumanthere—
Whereshallthewhiteleperflytobecleaned?
Here,inapitwithindefinitedoomonit,Here,inthefumesofafeculentmoat,Underanalpwithinscrutablegloomonit,Squatsthewildwitchwithaghoulatherthroat!
Blackexecrationthatcannotbespokenof—
SpeechofredhellthatwouldsuffocateSong,StartsfromthisterrorwithneveratokenofDayanditslovelinessalltheyearlong。
Sinwithoutnametoit—manneverheardofit—
Crimethatwouldstartleafiendfromhislair,BlastedthisGlen,andtheleafandthebirdofit—
Whereistherehopeforit,Father,Owhere?
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Farinthedaysofourfathers,thelifeinitBlossomedandbeamedinthesightofthesun:
Yellowandgreenandthepurplewererifeinit,Singersofmorningandwatersthatrun。
Stormoftheequinoxshednodistressonit,Thunderspokesoftly,andsummer—timeleftSunset’sforsakenbrightbeautifuldressonit—
Blessingthatshonehalfthenightinthecleft。
Hymnsofthehighlands—hosannasfromhillsbyit,Psalmsofgreatforestsmadeholythespot:
Coolwerethemossesandclearweretherillsbyit—
FarinthedayswhentheHorrorwasnot。
Twentymilessouthisthestrong,shiningHawkesbury—
Spaciousandsplendid,andlordlywithblooms。
There,betweenmountainsmagnificent,walksburyMilesoftheirbeautyingreenmyrtleglooms。
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There,inthedell,isthefountainwithfallsbyit—
Falls,andatorrentofsummeringstream:
Thereisthecavewiththehyalinehallsbyit—
Hauntoftheechoandhomeofthedream。
Overthehill,bythemarvellousbaseofit,WandersthewindwithasonginitsbreathOuttotheseawiththegoldonthefaceofit—
TwentymilessouthoftheValleyofDeath。
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ONASPANISHCATHEDRAL
Note:EveryExpressioninthesestanza’smayfairlybeclaimedbytheHon。W。B。DalleyDEEPunderthespiresofahill,bythefeetofthethunder—cloudtrod,Ipauseinaluminous,still,magnificenttempleofGod!
Atthestepsofthealtaraugust—avisionofangelsinstone—
Ikneel,withmyheadtothedust,onthefloorsbytheseraphimknown。
NofatherinJesusisnear,withthehigh,thecompassionateface;
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ButthegloryofGodheadishere—itspresencetransfigurestheplace!
Beholdinthisbeautifulfane,withthelightsofblueheavenimpearled,IthinkoftheEldersofSpain,inthedeserts—thewildsoftheworld!
Ithinkofthewandererspoorwhokneltontheflintsandthesands,WhenthemightyandmercilessMoorwaslordoftheLadyofLands。
WheretheAfricanscimitarflamed,withaswift,bitterdeathinitskiss,Thefathers,unknownandunnamed,foundGodincathedralslikethis!
TheglowofHisSpirit—thebeamofHisblessing—madelordsofthemenPage:166
Whosefoodwastheherbofthestream,whoseroofwasthedomeoftheden。
And,farinthehillsbythesea,theseawfulhierophantsprayedForRomeanditstemplestobe—inatemplebyDeitymade。
Whoknowsoftheirfaith—ofitspower?Perhaps,withthelightintheireyes,Theysaw,insomewonderfulhour,themarvelofcenturiesrise!
Perhapsinsomemomentsupreme,whenthemountainswereholyandstill,TheydreamedthemagnificentdreamthatcametothemonksofSeville!
SurroundedbypillarsandspireswhosesummitsshoneoutintheglarePage:167
Ofthehigh,theomnipotentfires,whoknowswhatwasseenbythemthere?
Besure,iftheysaw,inthenoonoftheirfaith,someineffablefane,TheylookedonthechurchlikeamoondroppeddownbytheLordintoSpain。
AndtheElderswhoshoneinthetimewhenChristoverChristendombeamedMayhavedreamedattheiraltarssublimethedreamthattheirfathershaddreamed,BythegloryofItalymoved—themajestyshininginRome—
Theyturnedtothelandthattheyloved,andprayedforachurchintheirhome;
Andasoulofunspeakablefiredescendedonthem,andtheyfoughtPage:168
Andlabouredalifeforthespireandtoweranddomeoftheirthought!
Thesegrewunderblessingandpraise,asmorninginsummertimegrows—
AsTroyinthedawnofthedaystothemusicofDelphicusrose。
Inalandofbewilderinglight,wherethefeetoftheseasonareSpring’s,Theyworkedinthedayandthenight,surroundedbybeautifulthings。
Thewonderfulblossomsinstone—theflowerandleafoftheMoor,Oncolumnandcupolashone,andgleamedontheglimmeringfloor。
Inasplendourofcolourandform,fromthemarvellousAfrican’shandsPage:169
Yetvividandshiningandwarm,theyplantedtheFloweroftheLands。
Inspiredbythepatiencesupremeofthemute,themagnificentpast,Theytoiledtillthedomeoftheirdreaminthefirmamentblossomedatlast!
Justthinkofthesemen—oftheirtime—ofthedaysoftheirdeed,andthescene!
Howtouchingtheirzeal—howsublimetheirsuppressionofselfmusthavebeen!
InacityyethackedbytheswordandscarredbytheflameoftheMoor,TheystartedtheworkoftheirLord,sad,silent,andsolemnlypoor。
Thesefathers,howlittletheythoughtofthemselves,andhowmuchofthedaysPage:170
Whenthechildrenofmenwouldbebroughttoprayintheirtemple,andpraise!
Ah!fulloftheradiant,still,heroicoldlifethathasflown,ThemercifulmonksofSevilletoiledon,anddiedbareandunknown。
Themusic,thecolour,thegleamoftheirmightycathedralwillbeHereafteraluminousdreamoftheheavenInevermaysee;
Toaspiritthatsuffersandseeksforthecalmofacompetentcreed,Thistemple,whosemajestyspeaks,becomesareligionindeed;
Thepassionatelights—theintense,theineffablebeautyofsound—
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Gostraighttotheheartthroughthesense,asasongwouldofseraphimcrowned。
Andlo!bythesealtarsaugust,thelifethatishighestwelive,Andarefilledwiththeinfinitetrustandthepeacethattheworldcannotgive。
Theyhavepassed,havetheeldersoftime—theyhavegone;buttheworkoftheirhands,Pre—eminent,peerless,sublime,likeatypeofeternitystands!
Theyaremute,arethefatherswhomadethischurchinthecenturydim;
Butthedomewiththeirbeautyarrayedremains,aperpetualhymn。
Theirnamesareunknown;butsolongasthehumbleinspiritandpurePage:172
Areworshippedinspeechandinsong,ourloveforthesemonkswillendure;
AndthelessonbysacrificetaughtwillliveinthelightoftheyearsWithareverencenottobebought,andatendernessdeeperthantears。
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ROVER
NoclassicwarriortemptsmypenTofillwithversethesepages—
Nolordly—heartedmanofmenMyMuse’sthoughtengages。
Letotherschoosethemightydead,Andsingtheirbattlesover!
Mychampion,too,hasfoughtandbled—
Mythemeisone—eyedRover。
Agraveolddog,withtatteredearsToosoretocockup,reader!—
Afour—leggedhero,fullofyears,Butsturdyasacedar。
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Still,ageisage;andifmyrhymeIsdashedwithwordspathetic,Don’twonder,friend;I’veseenthetimeWhenRovewasmoreathletic。
Heliescoiledupbeforemenow,Acomfortablecrescent。
Hisnight—blacknoseandgrizzledbrowFixedinafashionpleasant。
ButeverandanonheliftsTheonegoodeyeImention,AndtriesathousanddoggishshiftsTorivetmyattention。
Justletmenamehisname,andupYou’llseehimstartandpatterTowardsme,likeasix—months’pupInpointofspeed,butfatter。
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Hepokeshisheaduponmylap,Norheedsthewhipabovehim;
Becauseheknows,thedearoldchap,Hishumanfriendsalllovehim。
OuryoungerdogscutofffromhenceAtsightoflashuplifted;
ButRove,withgrandindifference,Remains,andcan’tbeshifted。
And,ah!thesetuponhisphizAtmealsdefiesexpression;
ForIconfessthatRoverisAcadgerbyprofession。
ThelesserfavouritesoftheplaceAtdinnerkeeptheirdistance;
ButbymychaironegrizzledfaceBegsonwithbravepersistence。
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Hisjawspresentatoothlesssight,ButstillmyheartyheroCansatisfyanappetiteWhichbringsabonetozero。
AndwhileSpotbarksandpussymews,Tomovethecook’scompassion,Hetakeshisafter—dinnersnoozeIngenuinebipedfashion。
Infact,inthis,ourancientpetSohitsoffhumannature,ThatIattimesalmostforgetHe’sbutadoginfeature。
BetweenhistailandbrightoldeyeTheswiftcommunicationsOutstripthemessageswhichflyFromtelegraphicstations。
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And,ah!thattail’sricheloquenceConveystooclearamoral,FormenwhohaveagrainofsenseAboutitsdrifttoquarrel。
Atnight,hisvoiceisonlyheardWhenitiswantedbadly;
ForRoveristoocuteabirdTofollowshadowsmadly。
ThepupandCarlointhedarkWillstartatcricketschirring;
ButwhenweheartheolddogbarkWeknowthere’ssomethingstirring。
Heknowsagun,doesRoverhere;
AndifIcockatrigger,HemakeshimselffromtailtoearAnadmirablefigure。
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For,oncethefowlingpieceisout,Andgameisonthetapis,Thesetuponmyhero’ssnoutWouldmakeacocklehappy。
Andasforhorses,why,betwixtOurchestnutmareandRoverThemutualfriendshipisasfixedAsanyloveoflover。
Andwhenhismaster’shandresignsThebridleforthepaddle,Hisdogshiponthegrassreclines,Andstaysandmindsthesaddle。
Ofotherfriendshehasnolack;
Greypussyishiscrony,Andkittensmountuponhisback,Asyoungstersmountapony。
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Theytalkofman’ssuperiorsense,AndchargethefewwithtreasonWhothinkadog’sintelligenceIsverylikeourreason。
ButthoughPhilosophyhastriedAscoreofdefinitions,’Twixtmananddogitcan’tdecideTherelativepositions。
AndIbelieveuponthewhole(Thoughyoumycreeddeny,sir),ThatRove’sentitledtoasoulAsmuchasyouorI,sir!
Indeed,IfailtoseetheforceOfyourderisivelaughterBecauseIwillnotsaymyhorseHasnotsomehorse—hereafter。
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Afigfordogmas—letthempass!
There’smuchinlifetogrieveus;
Andwhatmostgrievesisthis,alas!
Thatallourbestfriendsleaveus。
AndwhenIsipmynightlygrog,AndwatcholdRoverblinking,ThisroyalruinofadogCallsforthsomeseriousthinking。
For,thoughhe’slightlytouchedbyFate,IcannothelpremarkingThestepofageisinhisgait,Itshoarsenessinhisbarking。
HestillgoesonhisroundsatnightTokeepoffforestprowlers;
But,ah!hehasnoteethtobiteThecunning—heartedhowlers。