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  THEWILDKANGAROO

  THErain-cloudshavegonetothedeep-

  TheEastlikeafurnacedothglow;

  Andtheday-springisfloodingthesteep,Andsheeningthelandscapebelow。

  Oh,yewhoaregiftedwithsoulsThatdelightinthemusicofbirds,Comeforthwherethescatteredmistrolls,Andlistentoeloquentwords!

  Oh,yewhoarefondofthesport,Andwouldtravelyonwildernessthrough,Gather-eachtohisplace-foralife-stirringchase,InthewakeofthewildKangaroo!

  Gather-eachtohisplace-

  Foralife-stirringchaseInthewakeofthewildKangaroo!

  Beyondthewiderentsofthefog,Thetreesareilluminedwithgold;

  Andthebarkoftheshepherd’sbravedogShootsawayfromtheshelteringfold。

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  Downthedepthsofyonrock-border’dglade,Atorrentgoesfoamingalong;

  Andtheblind-owlsretireintoshade,Andthebell-birdbeginnethitssong。

  Bythesideofthatyawningabyss,Wherethevapoursarehurryingto,Wewillmerrilypass,lookingdowntothegrassForthetracksofthewildKangaroo!

  Wewillmerrilypass,LookingdowntothegrassForthetracksofthewildKangaroo。

  Ho,brothers,awaytothewoods;

  Eurokahathclamberedthehill;

  Butthemorningthereseldomintrudes,Wherethenight-shadowsslumberonstill。

  Wewillroamo’ertheseforest-landswild,Andthreadthedarkmassesofvines,Wherethewinds,likethevoiceofachild,Aresingingaloftinthepines。

  Wemustkeepdownthegleeofourhounds;

  Wemuststealthroughtheglitteringdew;

  AndthebreezesshallsleepaswecautiouslycreepTothehauntsofthewildKangaroo。

  Andthebreezesshallsleep,AswecautiouslycreepTothehauntsofthewildKangaroo。

  WhenwepassthroughastillnesslikedeathTheswampfowlandtimorousquail,Liketheleavesinahurricane’sbreath,Willstartfromtheirnestsinthevale;

  Andtheforester,*snuffingtheair,Willboundfromhiscovertsodark,Whilewefollowalongintherear,Asarrowsspeedontotheirmark!

  Thentheswifthoundsshallbringhimtobay,Andwe’llsendforthaheartyhalloo,Aswegatherthemalltobeinatthefall-

  AtthedeathofthewildKangaroo!

  AswegatherthemallTobeinatthefall-

  AtthedeathofthewildKangaroo!

  Note:*TheKangarooPage:33

  CLARI

  TOOcold,Omybrother,toocoldformywifeIstheBeautyyoushowedmethismorning:

  NoryethaveIfoundthesweetdreamofmylife,Andgood-byetothesneeringandscorning。

  Wouldyouhavemecastdowninthedarkofherfrown,Likeotherswhobendathershrine;

  Andwouldbartertheirsoulsforastatue-likeface,Andaheartthatcanneverbemine?

  Thatcanneverbetheirsnormine。

  Goafterher,lookather,kneelatherfeet,Andmimictheloverromantic;

  Ihavehateddeceit,andshemissesthetreatOfdrivingmehopelesslyfrantic!

  Nowwatchher,asdeepinhercarriageshelies,Andloveher,myfriend,ifyoudare!

  Shewouldwitheryourlifewithherbeautifuleyes,Andstrangleyoursoulwithherhair!

  Withameshofhersplendidhair。

  WOLLONGONG

  LETmetalkofyearsevanished,letmeharpuponthetimeWhenwetrodthesesandstogether,inourboyhood’sgoldenprime;

  Letmeliftagainthecurtain,whileIgazeuponthepast,Asthesailorglanceshomewards,watchingfromthetopmostmast。

  Herewerestedonthegrasses,intheglorioussummerhours,Whenthewatershurriedseaward,fringedwithfernsandforestflowers;

  Whenouryouthfuleyes,rejoicing,sawthesunlightroundthesprayInarainbow-wreathofsplendour,glitteringunderneaththeday;

  Sunlightflashingpastthebillows,fallingcliffsandcragsamong,ClothinghopefulfriendshipbaskingontheshoresofWollongong。

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  Echoesofdepartedvoices,whispersfromforgottendreams,Comeacrossmyspirit,likethemurmursofmelodiousstreams。

  Herewebothhavewanderednightly,whenthemoonshinecoldandpaleShimmer’dontheconeofKeira,slopingdownthesleepingvale;

  Whenthemournfulwavescamesobbing,sobbingonthefurrowedshore,Liketoloneheartsweepingoverlovedonestheyshallseenomore;

  Whilethesilverripples,stealingpasttheshellsandslimystones,Brokebeneaththecaverns,dying,onebyone,inmuffledmoans;

  Asthefragrantwood-windsroaming,withafitfulcadencesung’MidtheghostlybranchesbeltingroundtheshoresofWollongong。

  Lovelyfacesflitbeforeus,friendlyformsaroundusstand;

  Gleamsofwell-rememberedgladnesstripalongtheyellowsand。

  Herethegold-greenwatersglistenedunderneathourdreaminggaze,AsthelightsofHeavenslanteddownthepallidetherhaze;

  Herethemossyrock-pool,liketoonethatstirshimselfinsleep,Trembledeverymomentattheroaringoftherestlessdeep;

  Whilethestatelyvesselsswoopingtothebreezesfairandfree,Passedawaylikesheetedspectres,fadingdownthedistantsea;

  Andourwakenedfanciessparkled,andoursoul-bornthoughtswestrungIntojoyouslyrics,singingwiththewavesofWollongong。

  Low-breathedstrainsofsweetestmusicfloataboutmyrapturedears;

  Angel-eyesareglancingatmehopefulsmilesandhappytears。

  Merryfeetgoscalinguptheoldandthunder-shatteredsteeps,Andthebillowsclamberafter,andthesurgetooceanleaps,Scatteredintofruitlessshowers,fallingwherethebreakersroll,Baffledliketheaspirationsofaproudambitioussoul。

  Faroffsoundsofsilverylaughterthroughthehollowcavernsring,Whilemyheartleapsuptocatchrevivingpleasureonthewing;

  Andtheyearscometroopingbackward,andwebothagainareyoung,WalkingsidebysideuponthelovelyshoresofWollongong。

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  Fleetingdreamsandidlefancies!Lo,thegloomyafterAgeCreepeth,likeanangryshadow,overlife’seventfulstage!

  Joyisbutamockingphantom,throwingoutitsglitterbrief-

  Short-livedasthewesternsunbeamdyingfromthecedarleaf。

  Herewelinger,lonely-hearted,musingovervisionsfled,Whilethesicklytwilightwithersfromthearchesoverhead。

  Semblanceofablissdelusivearethosedull,recedingrays;

  Semblanceofthefaintreflectionlefttousofotherdays;

  Daysofvernalhopeandgladness,hourswhentheblossomssprungRoundthefeetofblithesomeramblersbytheshoresofWollongong。

  ELLAWITHTHESHININGHAIR

  THROUGHmanyafragrantcedargroveAdarkenedwatermoans;

  AndtherepaleMemorystoodwithLoveAmongstthemoss-greenstones。

  TheshimmeringsunlightfellandkissedThegrasstree’sgoldensheaves;

  ButweweretroubledwithamistOfmusicintheleaves。

  Onepassedus,likeasuddengleam;

  Herfacewasdeadlyfair。

  ``Oh,go,’’wesaid,``youhomelessDreamOfElla’sshininghair!

  ``Wehalt,likeonewithtiredwings,AndwewouldfainforgetThattherearetempting,maddeningthingsToohightoclutchatyet!

  ``ThoughsevenSpringshavefilledtheWoodWithpleasanthintsandsigns,SincefalteringfeetwentforthandstoodWithDeathamongstthepines。’’

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  FrompointtopointunwittinglyWewishtoclamberstill,TillwehavelightenoughtoseeThesummitsofthehill。

  ``Odonotcry,mysisterdear,’’

  SaidbeamingHopetoLove,``ThoughwehavebeensotroubledhereTheLandiscalmabove;

  ``BeyondtheregionsofthestormWe’llfindthegoldengates,Where,alltheday,aradiantForm,OurElla,sitsandwaits。’’

  AndMemorymurmured:``ShewasoneOfGod’sowndarlingslent;

  AndAngelsweptthatshehadgone,Andwonderedwhyshewent。

  ``Iknowtheycame,andtalkedtoher,Througheverygardenbreeze,AbouteternalHillsofMyrrh,AndquietJasperSeas。

  ``ForhertheEarthcontainednocharms;

  Allthingswerestrangeandwild;

  AndIbelieveaSeraph’sarmsCaughtupthesaintedChild。’’

  AndLovelookedround,andsaid:``Oh,youThatsitbyBeulah’sstreams,ShakeonthisthirstylifethedewWhichbringsimmortaldreams!

  ``Ah!turntous,andgreetusoftWithlooksofpityingbalm,Andhintsofheaven,inwhisperssoft,Tomakeourtroublescalm。

  ``MyEllawiththeshininghair,Behold,thesemanyyears,We’veheldupweariedhandsinprayer;

  Andgropedaboutintears。’’

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  ButHopesingson:``BeyondthestormWe’llfindthegoldengatesWhere,alltheday,aradiantForm,OurElla,sitsandwaits。’’

  THEBARCOO

  (TheSquatter’sSong)

  FROMtherunsoftheNarran,wide-dottedwithsheep,Andloudwiththelowingofcattle,WespeedforalandwherethestrangeforestssleepAndthehiddencreeksbubbleandbrattle!

  Nowcallonthehorses,andleavetheblindcoursesAndsourcesofriversthatallofusknow;

  For,crossingtheridges,andpassingtheledges,Andrunningupgorges,we’llcometothevergesOfgullieswherewaterseternallyflow。

  Oh!theherdstheywillrushdownthespursofthehillTofeedonthegrassessocoolandsosweet;

  AndIthinkthatmylifewithdelightwillstandstillWhenwehaltwiththepleasantBarcooatourfeet。

  Good-byetotheBarwon,andbrigalowscrubs,AdieutotheCulgo?ranges,Butlookforthemulgaandsalt-bittenshrubs,Thoughthefaceoftheforest-landchanges。

  Theleagueswemaytraveldownbedsofhotgravel,Andclay-crustedreacheswheremoisturehathbeen,Whilesearchingforwaters,mayvexusandthwartus,Yetwhowouldbequailing,orfainting,orfailing?

  Notyou,whoaremenoftheNarran,Iween!

  Whenweleavethedrychannelsawaytothesouth,Andreachthefarplainswearejourneyingto,Wewillcry,thoughourlipsmaybegluedwiththedrouth,Hip,hip,andhurrahforthepleasantBarcoo!

  BELLSBEYONDTHEFOREST

  WILD-EYEDwoodlands,hereIrestme,underneaththegauntandghastlytrees;

  Underneathfantastic-frontedcavernscrammedwithmanyamuffledbreeze。

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  Farawayfromduskytownsandcitiestwinklingwiththefeetofmen;

  Listeningtoasoundofmellowmusicfleetingdownthegustyglen;

  Sittingbyarapidtorrent,withthebrokensunsetinmyface;

  Byarapid,roaringtorrent,tumblingthroughadarkandlonelyplace!

  AndIhearthebellsbeyondtheforest,andthevoiceofdistantstreams;

  Andafloodofswellingsinging,waftingroundaworldofruineddreams。

  Liketoonewhowatchesdaylightdyingfromaloftymountainspire,Whentheautumnsplendourscatterslikeagustoffaintly-gleamingfire;

  Sothesilentspiritlookeththroughamistoffadedsmilesandtears,Whileacrossitstealethallthesadandsweetdivinityofyears-

  Allthescenesofshineandshadow;lightanddarknesssleepingsidebysideWhenmyheartwasweddedtoexistence,asabridegroomtohisbride:

  WhileItravelledgailyonwardwiththevapourscrowdinginmywake,DeemingthatthePresenthidtheglorywherethepromisedMornwouldbreak。

  Liketoonewho,bythewatersstanding,marksthereelingoceanwaveMoaning,hidehisheadalltornandshiveredunderneathhislonelycave,SothesoulwithinmeglancesatthetidesofPurposewheretheycreep,DashedtofragmentsbytheyawningridgescirclingLife’stempestuousDeep!

  Oh!thetatteredleavesaredropping,droppingroundmelikeafallofrain;

  Whilethedustofmanyabrokenaspirationsweepsmytroubledbrain;

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  WiththeyearningsafterBeauty,andthelongingstobegoodandgreat;

  AndthethoughtsofcatchingFortune,flyingonthetardywingsofFate。

  Bells,beyondtheforestchiming,whereisalltheinspirationnowThatwaswonttoflushmyforehead,andtochasethepallorfrommybrow?

  DidInot,amongstthesethickets,weavemythoughtsandpassionsintorhyme,Trustingthatthewordsweregolden,hopingforthepraiseofafter-time?

  Wherehaveallthosefanciesfledto?Canthefonddelusionlingerstill,WhentheEveningwitherso’erme,andthenightiscreepingupthehill?

  Iftheyearsofstrengthhaveleftme,andmylifebeginstofailandfade,Whowilllearnmysimpleballads;whowillstaytosingthesongsI’vemade?

  Bells,beyondtheforestringing,lo,Ihastentotheworldagain;

  Forthesunhassmotetheemptywindows,andthedayisonthewane!

  HearInotadreamyecho,soughingthroughtheraftersofthetree;

  Likeasoundofstormyrivers,ortheravingsofarestlesssea?

  ShouldIloiterheretolisten,whilethisfitfulwindisonthewing?

  No,theheartofTimeissobbing,andmyspiritisawitheredthing!

  Lettherapidtorrentstumble,letthewoodlandswhistleintheblast;

  Mightyminstrelssingbehindme,butthepromiseofmyyouthispast。

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  ULMARRA

  ALONE-alone!

  Withaheartlikeastone,ShemakethhermoanAtthefeetofthetrees,Withherfaceonherknees,Andherhairstreamingover;

  Wildly,andwildly,andwildly;

  Forshemissesthetracksofherlover!

  Doyouhearher,Ulmarra?

  Oh,wherearethetracksofherlover?

  Goby-goby!

  Theyhavetoldheralie,Whosaidhewasnigh,Inthewhite-cedarglen-

  Inthecampsofhismen:

  Andshesitteththereweeping-

  Weeping,andweeping,andweeping,Forthefaceofawarriorsleeping!

  Doyouhearher,Ulmarra?

  Oh!whereisherwarriorsleeping?

  Adream!adream!

  ThattheysawabrightgleamThroughtheduskboughsstream,Wherewildbeesdwell,Andatomahawkfell,Inmoonswhichhavefaded;

  Faded,andfaded,andfaded,Fromwoodswhereachieftainliesshaded!

  Doyouhearher,Ulmarra?

  Oh!wheredothherchieftainlieshaded?

  Bewail!bewail!

  Whowhisperedatale,Thattheyheardonthegale,Throughthedarkandthecold,Thevoiceofthebold;

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  Andaboomerangflying;

  Flying,andflying,andflying?

  Ah!herheartitiswastedwithcrying-

  Doyouhearher,Ulmarra?

  Oh!herheartitiswastedwithcrying!

  THEMAIDOFGERRINGONG

  ROLLINGthroughthegloomygorges,comestheroaringsouthernblast,Withasoundoftorrentsflying,likearoutedarmy,past,And,beneaththeshaggyforelands,strangefantasticformsofsurfFly,likewildhounds,atthedarkness,crouchingoverseaandearth;

  Swoopingroundthesunkencaverns,withanaggravatedroar;

  Fallingwherethewaterstumblefoamingonascreamingshore!

  Inanightlikethisweparted。Eyeswerewetthoughspeechwaslow,Andourthoughtswereallinmourningforthedear,deadLongAgo!

  Inanightlikethisweparted。Heartsweresadthoughtheywereyoung,Andyouleftmeverylonely,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong。

  Saidmydarling,lookingatme,throughtheradianceofhertears:

  ``Manychanges,OmylovedOne,wewillmeetinafteryears;

  Changesliketosuddensunburstsflashingdownarainysteep-

  Changesliketoswift-wingedshadowsfallingonamoonydeep!

  Andtheyaresocheerlesssometimes,leaving,whentheypassusby,Deepeningdoloursonthesweet,sadfaceofourHumanity。

  Butyou’llhope,andfailandfaintnot,withthatheartsowarmandtrue,WatchingforthecomingMorning,thatwillfloodtheWorldforyou;

  Listeningthroughathirstysilence,tillthelowwindsbearalongEagerfootfalls-pleasantvoices,’’saidtheMaidofGerringong。

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  Saidmydarling,whenthewindcamesobbingwildlyroundtheeaves:

  ``Oh,thePurposescatteredfromme,likethewitheredautumnleaves!

  Oh,thewreckofLove’sambition!Oh,thefondandfullbeliefThatIyetshouldhearthemhailyouinyourlandaGod-madechief!

  Inthelouddaytheymayslumber,butmythoughtswillnotbestillWhenthewearyworldissleeping,andthemoonisonthehill;

  Thenyourformwillbendaboveme,thenyourvoicewillriseandfall,ThoughIturnandhideindarkness,withmyfaceagainstthewall,AndmySoulmustriseandlistenwhilethosehomelessmemoriesthrongMoaninginthenightforshelter,’’saidtheMaidofGerringong。

  Ay,shepassedawayandleftme!Risingthroughtheduskoftears,Cameavisionofthatpartingeverydayformanyyears!

  Everyday,thoughshehadtoldmenottocourtthestrangesweetpain,Somethingwhispered-somethingledmetoouroldenhauntsagain:

  AndIusedtowandernightly,bythesurgesandtheships,Harpingonthoselastfondaccentsthathadtrembledfromherlips:

  Tillavesselcrossedthewaters,andIheardastrangersay,``Oneyoulovedhasdiedinsilencewithherdearfaceturnedaway。’’

  Oh!theeyesthatflashuponme,andthevoicethatcomesalong-

  Oh!mylight,mylife,mydarlingdark-hairedMaidofGerringong……

  Someonesaith,``Oh,youthatmockatPassionwithaworldlywhine,WouldyouchangethefaceofNature-wouldyoulimitGod’sdesign?

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  Hideforshamefromwell-raisedclamour,moderatefoolswhowouldbewise;

  Hideforshame-theWorldwillhootyou!LoveisLove,andneverdies’’

  Andanotherasketh,doubtingthatmybrotherspeaksthetruth,``Canweloveinageasfondlyaswedidindaysofyouth?

  Willdeadfacesalwayshauntus,inthetimeoffalteringbreath?

  Shallweyearn,andwesofeeble?’’Ay,forLoveisLoveinDeath。

  Oh!theFaithwithsurefoundation!-lettheAgesrollalong,Youaremine,andmineforever,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong。

  Lastnight,dear,Idreamtaboutyou,andIthoughtthatfarfrommenWewerewalking,bothtogether,inafragrantseasideglen;

  Downwherewecouldhearthesurgeswailingroundthecastledcliffs,Downwherewecouldseethesunsetreddeningonthedistantskiffs;

  ThereafallofmountainwaterstumbledthroughtheknottedbowersBrightwithrainbowcoloursreelingonthepurpleforestflowers。

  Andwerestedonthebenchesofacavernoldandhoar;

  AndIwhispered,``thisissurelyherIlovedindaysofyore!

  Falsehewaswhobroughtsadtidings!Whywereyouawaysolong,Whenyouknewwhowaitedforyou,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong?

  ``Didthestrangerscomearoundyou,inthefar-offforeignland?

  Didtheyleadyououtofsorrow,withkindfaceandlovinghand?

  Hadtheypleasantwaystocourtyou-hadtheysilverwordstobind?

  Hadtheysoulsmorefondandloyalthanthesoulyouleftbehind?

  DonotthinkIblameyou,dearone!Ah!myheartisgushingo’erWiththesuddenjoyandwonder,thustoseeyourfaceoncemore。

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  Happyisthechancewhichjoinsusafterlong,longyearsofpain:

  And,oh,blessedwaswhateversentyoubacktomeagain!

  Nowourpleasurewillbereal-nowourhopesagainareyoung:

  Nowwe’llclimbLife’sbrightestsummits,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong。

  ``Inthesoundofmanyfootfalls,didyoufalterwithregretForastepwhichusedtogladdeninthetimesovividyet?

  Whentheyleftyouinthenight-hours,didyoulieawakelikeme,Withthethoughtsofwhatwehadbeen-whatwenevermorecouldbe?

  Ah!youlookbutdonotanswerwhileIhaltandquestionhere,WonderingwhyIamsohappy,doubtingthatyouaresonear。

  Suretheseeyeswithloveareblinded,foryourformiswaxingfaint;

  Andadreamysplendourcrownsit,likethehaloroundasaint!

  WhenItalkofwhatwewillbe,andnewaspirationsthrong,Whyareyousosadlysilent,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong?’’

  Butshefadedintosunset,andthesunsetpassedfromsight;

  AndIfollowedmadlyafter,throughthemisty,moonynight,Crying,``donotleavemelonely!Lifehasbeensocoldanddrear,YouareallthatGodhasleftme,andIwantyoutobenear!

  Donotleavemeinthedarkness!Ihavewalkedawearyway,Listeningforyourtruantfootsteps-turnandstay,mydarling,stay!’’

  ButshecamenotthoughIwaited,watchingthroughasplendidhaze,WherethelovelyPhantomhaltedereshevanishedfrommygaze。

  ThenIthoughtthatrainwasfalling,forthereroseastormysong,AndIwokeingloomandtempest,dark-hairedMaidofGerringong!

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  WATCHING

  LIKEabeautifulfacelookingeveratmeApurebrightmooncomethoverthesea;

  AndIstandonthecrags,andhearthefallsGotumblingdown,throughtheblackriver-walls;

  AndtheheartofthegorgeisrentwiththecryOfthepent-upwindsintheiragony!

  Youarefarfromme,dear,whereIwatchandwait,Likeawearybirdforalong-lostmate,AndmylifeisasdullasthesluggishstreamFeelingitswaythroughaworldofdream;

  Forhereisawasteofdarknessandfear,AndIcallandIcall,butnoonewillhear!

  Odarlingofmine,doyoueveryearnForasomethinglost,whichwillneverreturn?

  Odarlingofmine,onthegraveofdeadHours,Doyoufeel,likeme,forahandfulofflowers?

  ThroughtheglensofthePast,doyouwanderalong,Likearestlessghostthathathdoneawrong?

  And,lyingalone,doyoulookfromthedrouthOfathirstyLifewithapleadingmouth?

  Whentherain’sontheroof,andthegalesareabroad,DoyouwashwithyourtearsthefeetofyourGod?

  Oh!Iknowyoudo,andhesittethalone,YourwoundedLove,whileyoumournandmoan-

  Oh!Iknowyoudo,andheneverwillleapFromhissilencewithsmiles,whileyouweep-andweep!

  Yourcoolnessshakedown,yegatheredgreenleaves,Formyspiritisfaintwiththelovethatitgrieves!

  Isthereaughtonthesummit,OyearnerthroughNight,Aughtonthesummitwhichlookslikethelight;

  Whenmysoulisa-weariedandloneintheland,Gropingaroundwillittouchakindhand?

  Therearechasmsbetweenusasblackasapall,Butbringustogether,OGodoverall!

  AndletmecastfrommethesefettersofFear,WhenIhearthegladsingingofFaithsonear;

  ForIknowbythecheeks,whicharepallidandwet,Andalisteninglifeweshallmingleyet!

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  Oh!thenIwillturntothoseeloquenteyes,Andclasptheeclose,withasweetsurprise;

  Andaguestwillgoinbytheheart’sholydoor,AndthechambersofLoveshallbeleftnomore。

  THEOPOSSUM-HUNTERS

  HEARyenotthewatersbeatingwheretherapidrivers,meetingWiththewindsabovethemfleeting,hurrytothedistantseas,AndasmotheredsoundofsingingfromoldOceanupwardsspringing,Sendinghollowechoesringinglikeawailingonthebreeze?

  Forthetempestroundusbrewing,comethwiththecloudspursuing,AndthebrightDay,likearuin,crumblesfromthemournfultrees。

  Whenthethunderceasespealing,andthestarsupheavenarestealing,AndtheMoonaboveuswheelingthrowsherpleasantglancesround,Fromourhomesweboldlysally’neaththetrystingtreetorally,Foranight-huntupthevalley,withourbrothersandthehound!

  Throughawild-eyedForest,staringatthelightaboveitglaring,Wewilltravel,littlecaringforthedangerswherewebound。

  Twistedboughsshalltrembleo’erus,hollowwoodsshallmoanbeforeus,Andthetorrentslikeachorusdownthegorgesdarkshallsing;

  Andthevinesshallshakeandshiver,andthestartledgrassesquiver,LikethereedsbesideariverinthegustydaysofSpring;

  Whileweforwardhastedelighted,througharegionseldomlighted-

  Soulsimpatient,heartsexcited-likeawinduponthewing!

  Oh!thesolemntonesofOcean,likethelanguageofdevotion,Oravoiceofdeepemotion,wanderroundtheeveningscene。

  Oh!theraggedshadowsclusterwhere,mybrothers,wemustmusterPage:47

  Erethewarmmoonlendsherlustretothecedarsdarklygreen;

  Andthelightslikeflowersshallblossom,inhighHeaven’skindlybosom,Whilewehuntthewildopossum,underneathitsleafyscreen;

  Underneaththewovenbowers,wherethegloomynight-hawkcowers,Throughalapseofdreamyhours,inastirlesssolitude!

  Andthehound-thatclosebesideusstillwillstaywhate’erbetideus-

  Througha’wilderingwasteshallguideus-

  throughamazewherefewintrude,Tillthegameischasedtocover,tillthestirringsportisover,Tillwebound,eachhappyrover,homewarddownthelaughingwood。

  Oh,thejoyinwanderingthither,whenfondfriendsarealltogetherAndoursoulsareliketheweather-cloudless,clearandfreshandfree!

  Letthesailorsingthestoryoftheancientocean’sglory,Forestsgolden,mountainshoary-canhelookandlovelikewe?

  Sordidworldling,hauntthycitywiththatheartsohardandgritty!

  Therearethosewhoturnwithpitywhentheyturntothinkofthee!

  INTHEDEPTHSOFTHEFOREST

  INthedepthsofaForestsecludedandwild,Thenightvoiceswhisperinpassionatenumbers;

  AndI’mleaningagain,asIdidwhenachild,O’erthegravewheremyfathersoquietlyslumbers。

  TheyearshaverolledbywithathunderingsoundButIknew,Oyewoodlands,affectionwouldknowit,AndthespotwhichIstandonissanctifiedgroundBythelovethatIbeartohimsleepingbelowit。

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  Oh!wellmaythewindswithasaddeningmoanGofitfullyoverthebranchessodreary;

  AndwellmayIkneelbythetime-shatteredstone,Andrejoicethataresthasbeenfoundfortheweary。

  TOCHARLESHARPUR

  IWOULDsitatyourfeetforlongdays,TohearthesweetMuseoftheWildSpeakoutthroughthesadandthepassionatelaysOfherfirstandherfavouriteChild。

  Iwouldsitatyourfeet,formysoulDelightsinthesolitudesfree;

  AndIstandwherethecreeksandthecataractsrollWhensoeverIlistentothee!

  Iwouldsitatyourfeet,forIloveBythegulchesandtorrentstoroam;

  AndIlonginthiscityforwoodlandandgrove,Andthepeaceofawildforesthome。

  Iwouldsitatyourfeet,andwe’ddwellOnthescenesofalong-vanishedtime,WhileyourthoughtsintomusicwouldsurgeandwouldswellLikeabreezeofourbeautifulclime。

  Iwouldsitatyourfeet,forIknow,ThoughtheWorldinthePresentbeblind,ThattheamaranthblossomsofPromisewillblowWhentheAgeshaveleftyoubehind。

  Iwouldsitatyourfeet,forIfeelIamoneofagloriousbandThateverwillownyouandholdyoutheirChief,AndaMonarchofSongintheland!

  Page:49

  THERIVERANDTHEHILL

  Andtheyshooktheirsweetnessoutintheirsleep,Onthebrinkofthatbeautifulstream,ButitwanderedalongwithawearisomesongLikealoverthatwalksinadream:

  SotherosesblewWhenthewindswentthrough,Inthemoonlightsowhiteandsostill;

  ButtheriveritbeatAllnightatthefeetOfacoldandflintyhill-

  Ofahardandsenselesshill!

  Isaid,``WehaveoftenshoweredourlovesUponsomethingasdryasthedust;

  Andthefaiththatiscrost,andtheheartsthatarelost-

  Oh!howcanwewittinglytrust?

  Likethestreamwhichflows,Andwailsasitgoes,Throughthemoonlightsowhiteandsostill,TobeatandtobeatAllnightatthefeetOfacoldandflintyhill-

  Ofahardandsenselesshill?

  ``River,Istaywherethesweetrosesblow,Anddrinkoftheirpleasantperfumes!

  Oh,whydoyoumoan,inthiswideworldalone,Whensomuchaffectionhereblooms?

  Thewindswaxfaint,AndtheMoonlikeaSaintGlidesoverthewoodlandssowhiteandsostill!

  ButyoubeatandyoubeatAllnightatthefeetOfthatcoldandflintyhill-

  Ofthathardandsenselesshill!’’

  Page:50

  THEFATEOFTHEEXPLORERS

  (AFragment)

  SETyourfacetowardthedarkness-tellofdesertsweirdandwide,Whereunshakenwoodsarehuddled,andlow,languidwatersglide;

  Turnandtellofdesertslonely,lyingpathless,deepandvast,WhereinuttersilenceeverTimeseemsslowlybreathingpast-

  Silenceonlybrokenwhenthesunisfleckedwithcloudybars,Orwhentropicsquallscomehurtlingunderneaththesultrystars!

  Desertsthorny,hotandthirsty,wherethefeetofmenarestrange,AndeternalNaturesleepsinsolitudeswhichknownochange。

  Weakenedwiththeirlengthenedlabours,pastlongplainsofstoneandsand,Downthosetracklesswildstheywandered,travellersfromafar-offland,Seekingnowtojointheirbrothers,strugglingonwithfalteringfeet,Foragloriousworkwasfinished,andanobletaskcomplete。

  Andtheydreamtofwelcomefaces-dreamtthatsoonuntotheirearsFriendlygreetingswouldbethronging,withanation’swell-earnedcheers;

  Sincetheircourageneverfailedthem,butwithhigh,unflinchingsoulEachwaspressingforward,hoping,trustingallshouldreachthegoal……

  Thoughheralliedinthemorning,longbeforethecloseofdayHehadsunk,theworn-outhero,fainting,dyingbytheway!

  ButwithDeathhewrestledhardly;threetimesrisingfromthesod,Yetalittlefurtheronwardo’erthewearywastehetrod。

  FacingFatewithheartundaunted,stillthechiefwouldtotteronTilltheeveningclosedabouthim-tillthestrengthtomovewasgone;

  Page:51

  Thenhepennedhislatestwritings,and,beforehislifewasspent,Gavetherecordstohiscomrade-gavethewatchhesaidwaslent-

  Gavethemwithhislastcommandments,charginghimthatnighttostayAndtolethimlieunburiedwhenthesoulhadpassedaway。

  Throughthatnightheutteredlittle,ramblingwerethewordshespoke:

  Andheturnedanddiedinsilence,whenthetardymorningbroke。

  Manymemoriescometogetherwhilstinsightofdeathwedwell,Muchofsweetandsadreflectionthroughthewearymindmustwell。

  Asthoselonghoursglidedpasthim,tilltheeastwithlightwasfraught,Whomayknowthemournfulsecret-whocantelluswhathethought?

  Veryloneandverywretchedwasthebravemanleftbehind,Wanderingoverleaguesofwaste-land,seeking,hopinghelptofind;

  Sleepingindesertedwurleys,fearfulmanynightfallsthroughLestunfriendlyhandsshouldrobhimofhishoardofwildnardoo……

  Erehereachedtheiroldencampment-erethewell-knownspotwasgained,Somethingnervedhim-somethingwhisperedthathisotherchiefremained。

  Sohesearchedforfoodtogivehim,trustingtheymightbothsurviveTilltheaidsolongexpectedfromthecitiesshouldarrive;

  SohesearchedforfoodandtookittothegunyahwherehefoundSilencebrokenbyhisfootfalls-deathanddarknessontheground。

  Weakandweariedwithhisjourney,therethelonesurvivorstooped,Andthedisappointmentbowedhimandhisheartwithsadnessdrooped,Page:52

  Andheroseandrakedahollowwithhiswasted,feeblehands,Wherehetookandhidthehero,intherushesandthesands;

  Buthe,likeabrother,laidhimoutofreachofwindandrain,Andformanydayshesojournednearhimonthatwild-facedplain;

  Whilsthestayedbesidetheruin,whilsthelingeredwiththedead,Oh!hemusthavesatinshadow,gloomyasthetearsheshed……

  WhereournobleBurkewaslying-wherehissadcompanionstood,Camethenativesoftheforest-camethewildmenofthewood;

  Downtheylooked,andsawthestranger-hewhothereinquietslept-

  Downtheyknelt,ando’erthechieftainbitterlytheymoanedandwept:

  Bitterlytheymournedtoseehimalluncoveredtotheblast-

  Alluncoveredtothetempestasitwailedandwhistledpast;

  Andtheyshroudedhimwithbushes,soindeaththathemightlie,Likeawarrioroftheirnation,shelteredfromthestormysky……

  Yemustriseandsingtheirpraises,Oyebardswithsoulsoffire,Forthepeople’svoiceshallechothroughthewailingsofyourlyre;

  Andwe’llwelcomebacktheircomrade,thoughoureyeswithtearsbeblindAtthethoughtsofpromiseperished,andtheshadowleftbehind;

  Nowtheleavesarebleachingroundthem-nowthegalesabovethemglide,Buttheendwasallaccomplished,andtheirfameisfarandwide。

  Thoughthisfadelessglorycannothideagratefulnation’sgrief,Andtheirlaurelshavebeenblendedwiththegloomycypressleaf。

  Page:53

  Letthemrestwheretheyhavelaboured!but,mycountry,mournandmoan;

  Wemustbuildwithhumansorrowgrandermonumentsthanstone。

  Letthemrest,foroh!remember,thatinlonghereaftertimeSonsofScienceoftshallwandero’erthatsolitaryclime!

  Citiesbrightshallriseaboutit,AgeandBeautythereshallstray,Andthefathersofthepeople,pointingtothegraves,shallsay:

  ``Heretheyfell,thegloriousmartyrs!whentheseplainswerewoodlandsdeep;

  Hereafriend,abrother,laidthem;herethewildmencametoweep。’’

  LURLINE

  (InscribedtoMadameLucyEscott。)

  ASyouglidedandglidedbeforeusthattime,Amystical,magicalmaiden,WefanciedwelookedonafacefromtheclimeWherethepoetshavebuildedtheirAidenn!

  Andoh,thesweetshadows!Andoh,thewarmgleamsWhichlayonthelandofourbeautifuldreams,WhilewewalkedbythemarginsofmusicalstreamsAndheardyourwildwarblingaroundus!

  WeforgotwhatwewerewhenwestoodwiththetreesNearthebanksofthosesilverywaters;

  Aseverinfragmentstheycameonthebreeze,ThesongsofoldRhineandhisdaughters!

  AndthenyouwouldpasswiththoseradianteyesWhichflashedlikealightinthetropicalskies-

  Andah!thebrightthoughtsthatwouldsparkleandriseWhileweheardyourwildwarblingaroundus。

  WillyoueverflybacktothiscityofoursWithyourharpandyourvoiceandyourbeauty?

  GodknowswerejoicewhenwemeetwithsuchflowersOnthehardroadofLifeandofDuty!

  Oh!comeasyoudid,withthatfaceandthattone,Forwewistfullylooktothehourswhichhaveflown,AndlongforaglimpseofthegladnessthatshoneWhenweheardyourwildwarblingaroundus。

  Page:54

  UNDERTHEFIGTREE

  LIKEdriftsofbalmfromcedaredglens,thosedarlingmemoriescome,Withsoftlowsongs,anddearoldtales,familiartoourhome。

  Thenbreatheagainthatfaintrefrain,sotender,sad,andtrue,Mysoulturnsroundwithlisteningeyesuntotheharpandyou!

  ThefragmentsofabrokenPastarefloatingdownthetide,Andshecomesgleamingthroughthedark,mylove,mylife,mybride!

  Oh!sitandsing-Iknowherwell,thatphantomdeadlyfairWithlargesurprise,andsuddensighs,andstreamingmidnighthair!

  Iknowherwell,forfacetofacewestoodamongstthesheaves,Ourvoicesminglingwithamistofmusicintheleaves!

  Iknowherwell,forhandinhandwewalkedbesidethesea,AndheardthehuddlingwatersboombeneaththisoldFigtree。

  Godhelpthemanthatgoesabroadamongstthewindypines,Andwanders,likeagloomybat,wherenevermorningshines!

  Thatstealsaboutamidsttheroutofbrokenstonesandgraves,Whenroundthecliffsthemerryskiffsgoscuddingthroughthewaves;

  When,downthebay,thechildrenplay,andscamperonthesand,AndLifeandMirthillumetheEarth,andBeautyfillstheLand!

  Godhelptheman!HeonlyhearsandfearsthesleeplesscriesOfsmittenLove-ofhomelessLoveandmoaningMemories。

  Oh!whenarhymeofoldentimeissungbyonesodear,IfeelagainthesweetestpainI’veknownformanyayear;

  Andfromadeep,dullseaofsleepfaintfanciescometome,AndIforgethowlonewesitbeneaththisoldFigtree。

  DROWNEDATSEA

  GLOOMYcliffs,sowornandwastedwiththewashingofthewaves,Areyenotlikegianttombstonesroundthoselonelyoceangraves?

  Areyenotthesadmemorials,tellingofamightygrief-

  Darkwithrecordsgroundandletteredintocavernedrockandreef?

  Oh!yeshowthem,andIknowthem,andmythoughtsinmourninggoDownamongstyoursunlesschasms,deepintothesurfbelow!

  Oh!yebearthem,anddeclarethem,ando’ereverycleftandscar,IhaveweptfordeardeadbrothersperishedinthelostDunbar!

  Yesmitten-yebattered,AndsplinteredandshatteredCliffsoftheSea!

  Restlesswaves,sodimwithdreamsofsuddenstormsandgustysurge,Roaringlikeagatheredwhirlwindreelingroundamountainverge,Wereyenotlikeloosenedmaniacs,inthenightwhenBeautypaleCalleduponherGod,beseechingthroughtheuproarofthegale?

  WereyenotlikemaddeneddemonswhileyoungchildrenfaintwithfearCriedandcriedandcriedforsuccour,andnohelpinghandwasnear?

  Oh,thesorrowofthemorrow!-lamentationsnearandfar!-

  Oh,thesobsfordeardeadsistersperishedinthelostDunbar!-

  Yeruthless,unsated,Andhateful,andhatedWavesoftheSea!

  Ay,westoopedandmoanedindarkness-

  eyesmightstrainandheartsmightplead,Fortheirdarlingscryingwildly,theywouldneverrisenorheed!

  Ay,weyearnedintotheirfaceslookingforthelifeinvain,Wailingliketochildrenblindedwithamistofsuddenpain!

  Dearhandsclenched,anddeareyesrigidinasternandstonystare,Dearlipswhitefrompastaffliction,deadtoallourmaddespair,Ah,thegroaningandthemoaning-ah,thethoughtswhichriseintearsWhenweturntoallthoselovedones,lookingbackwardfivelongyears!

  Thefathersandmothers,ThesistersandbrothersDrownedatSea!

  MORNINGINTHEBUSH

  (AJuvenileFragment)

  ABOVEtheskirtsofyellowclouds,Thegod-likeSun,arrayedInblindingsplendour,swiftlyrose,Andlookedathwarttheglade;

  ThesleepydingowatchedhimbreakThebondsthatcurbedhisflight;

  AndfromhisgoldentressesshakeThefadinggemsofNight!

  AndwildgoburraslaughedaloudTheirmerrymorningsongs,AsEchoansweredinthedepthsWithathousandthousandtongues;

  Thegully-depthswheremanyavineOfancientgrowthhadcrept,Toclusterroundthehoarypine,Wherescantymosseswept。

  Hugestones,anddampandbrokencrags,Inwildchaoticheap,WerelyingatthebarrenbaseOfthefernyhillsidesteep;

  Betweenthosefragmentshollowslay,Upfilledwithfruitfulground,Wheremanyamodestfloweretgrew,Toscentthewind-breathsround;

  AsfertilepatchesbloomwithinAdriedandworldlyheart,WhensomethatlookcanonlyseeThecold,thebarrenpart!

  TheMiser,fullwiththoughtsofgain,Themeanestofhisrace,Mayinhisbreastsomeverdurehide,Thoughnonethatverduretrace。

  Wheretime-worncliffswerejuttingout,Withroughandraggededges,Thesnowymountain-lilysleptBehindtheearthyledges;

  Page:57

  LikesomesweetOrientalMaid,WhoblindlydeemsitdutyTowearaveilbeforeherface,Andhideherpeerlessbeauty;

  OrliketoInnocencethatthrivesInmidstofsinandsorrows,NorfromthecheerlessscenearoundTheleastinfectionborrows,Butstayethouthermortallife-

  Thoughinthatlifetimelonely-

  WithVirtue’slustreroundherheart,AndVirtue’slustreonly。

  ApatchofsunshinehereandthereLayonaleaf-strewnwater-pool,WhosetributetrickleddowntherocksIngurglingripples,clearandcool!

  Asiguanas,fromtheclefts,Wouldstealalongwithrustlingsound,TowheretherestlesseddiesroamedAmongstthearrowyrushesround。

  While,scanningthemwithangryeyesFromoffafallenmyrtlelogThatbranchlessbridgedthebrushycreek,Therestoodandbarked,aShepherd’sDog!

  AndunderneathaneighbouringmassOfwattlesintertwining,HisMasterlay-hisbackagainstThegrassybanksreclining。

  Beneaththeshadeofironbarks,Stretchedo’erthevalley’sslopingbed-

  Halfhiddeninatea-treescrub,Aflockofduskysheepwerespread;

  AndfitfulbleatingfaintlycameOneveryjoyousbreathofwind,Thatupthestonyhillswouldfly,Andleavethehollowsfarbehind!

  WildtonesofmusicfromtheCreekWereinterminglingwiththebreeze,Theloud,richlaysofcountlessbirdsPerchedonthedarkmimosatrees;

  Page:58

  Thosemerrybirds,withwingsoflightWhichrivaleverygoldenrayOut-flashingfromthelampsofNight,Orstreamingo’erthebrowofDay。

  Amongstthegnarlyapple-trees,Agorgeoustribeofparrotscame;

  Andscreaming,leaptfromboughtobough,Likelivingjetsofcrimsonflame!

  Andwherethehillside-growinggumsTheirweb-likefoliageupwardthrew,OldNaturerangwithechoesfromTheloud-voicedmountaincockatoo;

  Andathousandnamelesstwitteringthings,Betweentherustlingsaplingsprays,Wereflashingthroughthefragrantleaves,Anddancingliketofabledfays;

  RejoicinginthegloriouslightThatbeauteousMorninghadunfurledTomaketheheartofNatureglad,AndclothewithsmilesaweepingWorld。

  THEGIRLILEFTBEHIND

  (NewWordstoanOldAir。)

  WITHsweetRegret-(thedearestthingthatYesterdayhasleftus)-

  WeoftenturnourhomelesseyestosceneswhenceFatehasreftus。

  Heresittingbyafadingflame,wildwaifsofsongremindmeOfAnniewithhergentleways,theGirlIleftbehindme。

  Istoodbesidethesurgingsea,withlipsofsilentpassion-

  Ifacedyoubythesurgingsea,Obrowsofmildrepression!

  Ineversaid-``mydarling,stay!’’-themomentsseemedtobindmeTosomethingstiflingallmywordsfortheGirlIleftbehindme。

  Thepathoswornbycommonthings-byeverywaysideflower,OrAutumnleafonlonelywinds,revivesthepartinghour。

  Page:59

  Yeswooningthoughtswithoutavoice-yetearswhichrosetoblindme,WhydidshefadeintotheDark,theGirlIleftbehindme。

  Atnighttheyalwayscometome,thetenderandtrue-hearted;

  Andinmydreamswejoinagainthehandswhichnowareparted;

  And,lookingthroughthegatesofSleep,thepleasantMoondothfindmeForeverwanderingwithmyLove,theGirlIleftbehindme。

  Youknowmylifeisincomplete,Ofar-offfaintIdeal!

  WhenshallIreachyoufromadepthofdarknesswhichisreal?

  SoImaymingle,soulinsoul,withherthatHeavenassignedme;

  Soshemayleanuponmylove,theGirlIleftbehindme。

  AMONGSTTHEROSES

  IWALKEDthroughaForest,beneaththehotnoon,OnEthelinecallingandcalling!

  Onesaid:``Shewillhearyouandcometoyousoon,Whenthecoolness,mybrother,isfalling。’’

  ButIwhispered:``ODarling,Ifalterwithpain!’’

  Andthethirstyleavesrustled,andhissedfortherain,Whereawayfarerhaltedandsleptontheplain;

  AnddreamtofagardenofRoses!

  Ofacoolsweetplace,AndanestlingfaceInadanceandadazzleofRoses。

  InthedrouthofaDesert,outwearied,Iwept,OEtheline,darkenedwithdolours!

  But,foldedinsunset,howlonghaveyousleptBytheRosesallreelingwithcolours?

  Atreefromitstressesablossomdidshake,Itfellonherface,andIfearedshewouldwake,SoIbrusheditawayforhersweetsake;

  InthatgardenofbeautifulRoses!

  InthedreamyperfumesFromripe-redbloomsInadanceandadazzleofRoses。

  Page:60

  SUNSET

  ITisbetter,Oday,thatyougotoyourrest,Foryougolikeaguestwhowaslothtoremain!

  Swingopen,yegatesoftheeastandthewest,Andletoutthewildshadows-thenightandtherain。

  Yewinds,yearedead,withyourvoicesattuned,Thatthrilledthegreenlifeinthesweet-scentedsheaves,WhenItouchedawarmhandwhichhasfaded,andswoonedToatranceofthedarkness,andblightontheleaves。

  Ihadstudiedtheloreinhermaiden-likeways,Andthelarge-heartedloveofmyAnniewaswon,’EreSummerhadpassedintopassionatedays,OrAutumnmadereadyherfruitsfortheSun。

  Somylifewascomplete,andthehoursthatwentby,Andthemoonandthewillow-wooedwatersaround,Mighthaveknownthatwerested,myAnnieandI,Inhappinesscalmastheslumberofsound。

  OnSundayswewandered,asgladasabreeze,Bytherocksandthewavesonaglitteringbeach;

  Orweloiteredingardensmelodiouswithbees,Andsuckedthesweetpulpoftheplumandthepeach。

  ``TheForestwillshowmethesecretsofFame,’’

  Isaidtomyselfinthegum-shadowedglen,``Iwillcalleveryblossomandtreebyitsname,Andthepeopleshalldeemmeamanofthemen。

  ``IwillgatherRosesofSharon,mySoul,-

  TheRosesofSharonsocoolandsosweet;

  AndourbrothersshallseemeentwiningthewholeForagarlandtodropatmydearAnnie’sfeet。’’

  Itisbetter,Oday,thatyougotoyourrest,Foryougolikeaguestwhowaslothtoremain!

  Swingopen,yegatesoftheeastandthewest,Andletoutthewildshadows-thenightandtherain。

  Page:61

  DOUBTING

  ABROTHERwanderedforthwithme,Besideabarrenbeach:

  Heharpedonthingsbeyondthesea,Andoutofreach。

  Hehintedonceofunknownskies,AndthenIwouldnothark,Butturnedawayfromsteadfasteyes,Intothedark。

  Andsaid-``anancientfaithisdeadAndwonderfillsmymind:

  ImarvelhowtheblindhaveledSolongtheblind。

  ``BeholdthistruthweonlyknowThatnightisontheland!

  AndweawearywaymustgoTofindGod’shand。’’

  Iwept-``Ourfatherstoldus,Lord,ThatThouwertkindandjust,Butlo!ourwailingsflyabroadForbrokentrust。

  ``HowmanyevilonesarehereWhomockinggoabout,BecausewearetoofaintwithfearTowrestleDoubt!

  ``ThyriddlesarebeyondthekenOfcreaturesofthesod:

  Rememberthatwearebutmen,AndThouartGod!

  ``O,dotingworld,methinksyourstayIsweakerthanareed!

  OurFatherturnsHisfaceaway;

  ’Tisdarkindeed。’’

  Page:62

  Theeveningwoodslayhuddledthere,Allwrappedinsilencestrange:

  Asuddenwind-andlo!theairWasfilledwithchange。

  ``Yourwordsarewild,’’mybrothersaid,``ForGod’svoicefillsthebreeze;

  Go-hideyourself,asAdamdid,Amongstthetrees。

  ``Iplucktheshoesfromoffmyfeet,Butdaretolookaround;

  Behold,’’hesaid,``myLordIgreet,Onholyground!``

  AndGodspakethroughthewindtome-

  ``ShakeoffthatgloomofFear,YoufaintingsoulwhocouldnotseeThatIwasnear。

  ``Whyvexmecryingdayandnight?-

  Youcallonmetohark!

  ButwhenIblessyourworldwithlight,Whomakesitdark?

  ``IstherearavelledriddleleftThatyouwouldhaveundone?

  Whatotherdoubtsaretheretosift?’’

  Ianswered-``None。’’

  ``Myson,lookup,ifyouwouldseeThePromiseonyourway,Andturnatrustfulfacetome。’’

  Iwhispered-``Yea。’’

  GERALDINE

  MYheadisfilledwitholdenrhymesbesidethismoaningsea,ButmanyandmanyadayhasgonesinceIwasdeartothee!

  Iknowmypassionfadesaway,andthereforeoftregretThatsomewholoveindeedcanpartandintheyearsforget。

  Page:63

  Ah!throughthetwilightswhenwestoodthewattletreesbetween,Wedidnotdreamofsuchatimeasthis,fairGeraldine。

  Idonotsaythatallhasgoneofpassionandofpain;

  IyearnformanyhappythoughtsIshallnotthinkagain!

  Andoftenwhenthewindisup,andwailingroundtheeaves,YousighforwitheredPurposeshredandscatteredliketheleaves,ThePurposebloomingwhenwemeteachotheronthegreen;

  Thesunsetheavyinyourcurls,mygoldenGeraldine。

  IthinkwelivedaloftierlifethroughhoursofLongAgo,Forinthelargenedeveningearthourspiritsseemedtogrow。

  Well,thathaspassed,andhereIstand,uponalonelyplace,WhileNightisstealingroundtheland,likeTimeacrossmyface;

  ButIcancalmlyrecollectourshadowypartingscene,Andswooningthoughtsthathadnovoice-noutterance,Geraldine。

  ACHAN

  (From``Jephthah’’。)

  HATHhenotfollowedastarthroughthedarkness,YepeoplewhositatthetableofJephthah?

  Oh!turnwiththefacetoalightinthemountains,BeholditisfurtherfromAchanthanever!

  ``IknowhowitiswithmybrothersinMizpeh,’’

  SaidAchan,theswift-footedrunnerofZorah,``Theylookatthewoodtheyhavehewnforthealtar;

  Andthinkofashadowinsackclothandashes。

  ``IknowhowitiswiththedaughterofJephthah,(OAda,mylove,andthefairestofwomen!)

  ShewailsinthetimewhenherheartissozealousForGodwhohathstrickenthechildrenofAmmon。

  ``IsaidIwouldbringhertheodoursofEdom,Andarmfulsofspicestosetatthebanquet!

  BeholdIhavefrontedthechieftainherfather;

  Andstrongmenhaveweptfortheleaderofthousands!

  Page:64

  ``MyloveisaroseoftherosesofSharon,AlllonelyandbrightastheMooninthemyrtles!

  Herlips,liketohoneycombs,fillwiththesweetnessThatAchanthethirstyishinderedfromdrinking。

  ``HerwomenhaveweptforthelovethatiswastedLikewine,whichisspiltwhenthepeoplearewanting,AndhotwindshavedriedallthecisternsofElim!

  Forlovethatiswastedherwomenwerewailing!

  ``Thetimbrelsfallsilent!Anddostthounothearit,Avoice,likethesoundofalutewhenweloiter,AndsitbythepoolsinthevalleysofArnon,Andsuckthecoolgrapesthataregrowinginclusters?

  ``Sheglides,likeamyrrh-scentedwind,throughthewillows,OAda!beholditisAchanthatspeaketh:

  Iknowthouartnearme,butnevercanseethee,Becauseofthehorribledrouthinmineeyelids。’’

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