Low Tide on Grand Pré: A Book of Lyrics

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <div class='figcenter id001'> <ANTIMG src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /></div> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div> <span class='pageno' id='Page_i'>i</span> <h1 class='c001'>LOW TIDE ON GRAND PRÉ</h1></div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_iii'>iii</span> <h2 class='c002'>LOW TIDE ON GRAND PRÉ:<br/>A BOOK OF LYRICS:<br/>BY<br/>BLISS CARMAN</h2></div> <div class='figcenter id002'> <ANTIMG src='images/i_003.jpg' alt='logo' width-obs="50" /></div> <div class='nf-center-c1'> <div class='nf-center c003'> <div>CHARLES L. WEBSTER AND COMPANY</div> <div>PUBLISHERS NEW YORK MDCCCXCIII</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c1'> <div class='nf-center c004'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_iv'>iv</span><span class='sc'>Copyright, 1893,</span></div> <div><span class='sc'>By BLISS CARMAN.</span></div> <div>(<i>All rights reserved.</i>)</div> <div class='c000'><span class='small'>PRESS OF</span></div> <div><span class='small'><span class='sc'>Jenkins &amp; McCowan</span>,</span></div> <div><span class='small'>NEW YORK.</span></div> </div></div> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <p class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span>The poems in this volume have been collected with reference to their similarity of tone. They are variations on a single theme, more or less aptly suggested by the title, <i>Low Tide on Grand Pré</i>. It seemed better to bring together between the same covers only those pieces of work which happened to be in the same key, rather than to publish a larger book of more uncertain aim.</p> <div class='c006'>B. C.</div> <p class='c007'><i>By Grand Pré, September, 1893.</i></p> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_vii'>vii</span> <h2 class='c002'>CONTENTS</h2></div> <table class='table0' summary='' cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td class='c008'>&nbsp;</td> <td class='c009'>PAGE</td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Low Tide on Grand Pré</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_11'>11</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Why</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_15'>15</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>The Unreturning</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_18'>18</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>A Windflower</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_19'>19</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>In Lyric Season</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_21'>21</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>The Pensioners</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_23'>23</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>At the Voice of a Bird</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_27'>27</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>When the Guelder Roses Bloom</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_31'>31</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Seven Things</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_44'>44</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>A Sea Child</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_47'>47</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Pulvis et Umbra</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_48'>48</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Through the Twilight</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_61'>61</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Carnations in Winter</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_63'>63</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>A Northern Vigil</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_65'>65</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>The Eavesdropper</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_73'>73</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>In Apple Time</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_77'>77</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Wanderer</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_79'>79</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Afoot</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_89'>89</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Wayfaring</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_94'>94</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>The End of the Trail</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_103'>103</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>The Vagabonds</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_111'>111</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Whither</span></td> <td class='c009'><SPAN href='#Page_118'>118</SPAN></td> </tr> </table> <div class='nf-center-c1'> <div class='nf-center c004'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_ix'>ix</span>TO</div> <div class='c000'>S. M. C.</div> <div class='c000'><i>Spiritus haeres sit patriae quae tristia nescit.</i></div> </div></div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>LOW TIDE ON GRAND PRÉ</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The sun goes down, and over all</div> <div class='line in2'>These barren reaches by the tide</div> <div class='line'>Such unelusive glories fall,</div> <div class='line in2'>I almost dream they yet will bide</div> <div class='line in2'>Until the coming of the tide.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And yet I know that not for us,</div> <div class='line in2'>By any ecstasy of dream,</div> <div class='line'>He lingers to keep luminous</div> <div class='line in2'>A little while the grievous stream,</div> <div class='line in2'>Which frets, uncomforted of dream—</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>A grievous stream, that to and fro</div> <div class='line in2'>Athrough the fields of Acadie</div> <div class='line'>Goes wandering, as if to know</div> <div class='line in2'>Why one beloved face should be</div> <div class='line in2'>So long from home and Acadie.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Was it a year or lives ago</div> <div class='line in2'>We took the grasses in our hands,</div> <div class='line'>And caught the summer flying low</div> <div class='line in2'>Over the waving meadow lands,</div> <div class='line in2'>And held it there between our hands?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The while the river at our feet—</div> <div class='line in2'>A drowsy inland meadow stream—</div> <div class='line'>At set of sun the after-heat</div> <div class='line in2'>Made running gold, and in the gleam</div> <div class='line in2'>We freed our birch upon the stream.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>There down along the elms at dusk</div> <div class='line in2'>We lifted dripping blade to drift,</div> <div class='line'>Through twilight scented fine like musk,</div> <div class='line in2'>Where night and gloom awhile uplift,</div> <div class='line in2'>Nor sunder soul and soul adrift.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And that we took into our hands</div> <div class='line in2'>Spirit of life or subtler thing—</div> <div class='line'>Breathed on us there, and loosed the bands</div> <div class='line in2'>Of death, and taught us, whispering,</div> <div class='line in2'>The secret of some wonder-thing.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Then all your face grew light, and seemed</div> <div class='line in2'>To hold the shadow of the sun;</div> <div class='line'>The evening faltered, and I deemed</div> <div class='line in2'>That time was ripe, and years had done</div> <div class='line in2'>Their wheeling underneath the sun.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>So all desire and all regret,</div> <div class='line in2'>And fear and memory, were naught;</div> <div class='line'>One to remember or forget</div> <div class='line in2'>The keen delight our hands had caught;</div> <div class='line in2'>Morrow and yesterday were naught.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The night has fallen, and the tide....</div> <div class='line in2'>Now and again comes drifting home,</div> <div class='line'>Across these aching barrens wide,</div> <div class='line in2'>A sigh like driven wind or foam:</div> <div class='line in2'>In grief the flood is bursting home.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>WHY</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>For a name unknown,</div> <div class='line'>Whose fame unblown</div> <div class='line'>Sleeps in the hills</div> <div class='line in2'>For ever and aye;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>For her who hears</div> <div class='line'>The stir of the years</div> <div class='line'>Go by on the wind</div> <div class='line in2'>By night and day;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>And heeds no thing</div> <div class='line'>Of the needs of spring,</div> <div class='line'>Of autumn's wonder</div> <div class='line in2'>Or winter's chill;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>For one who sees</div> <div class='line'>The great sun freeze,</div> <div class='line'>As he wanders a-cold</div> <div class='line in2'>From hill to hill;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And all her heart</div> <div class='line'>Is a woven part</div> <div class='line'>Of the flurry and drift</div> <div class='line in2'>Of whirling snow;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>For the sake of two</div> <div class='line'>Sad eyes and true,</div> <div class='line'>And the old, old love</div> <div class='line in2'>So long ago.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>THE UNRETURNING</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The old eternal spring once more</div> <div class='line in2'>Comes back the sad eternal way,</div> <div class='line'>With tender rosy light before</div> <div class='line in2'>The going-out of day.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The great white moon across my door</div> <div class='line in2'>A shadow in the twilight stirs;</div> <div class='line'>But now forever comes no more</div> <div class='line in2'>That wondrous look of Hers.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>A WINDFLOWER</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Between the roadside and the wood,</div> <div class='line in2'>Between the dawning and the dew,</div> <div class='line'>A tiny flower before the sun,</div> <div class='line in2'>Ephemeral in time, I grew.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And there upon the trail of spring,</div> <div class='line in2'>Not death nor love nor any name</div> <div class='line'>Known among men in all their lands</div> <div class='line in2'>Could blur the wild desire with shame.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>But down my dayspan of the year</div> <div class='line in2'>The feet of straying winds came by;</div> <div class='line'>And all my trembling soul was thrilled</div> <div class='line in2'>To follow one lost mountain cry.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And then my heart beat once and broke</div> <div class='line in2'>To hear the sweeping rain forebode</div> <div class='line'>Some ruin in the April world,</div> <div class='line in2'>Between the woodside and the road.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>To-night can bring no healing now;</div> <div class='line in2'>The calm of yesternight is gone;</div> <div class='line'>Surely the wind is but the wind,</div> <div class='line in2'>And I a broken waif thereon.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>IN LYRIC SEASON</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The lyric April time is forth</div> <div class='line in2'>With lyric mornings, frost and sun;</div> <div class='line in2'>From leaguers vast of night undone</div> <div class='line'>Auroral mild new stars are born.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And ever at the year's return,</div> <div class='line in2'>Along the valleys gray with rime,</div> <div class='line in2'>Thou leadest as of old, where time</div> <div class='line'>Can naught but follow to thy sway.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>The trail is far through leagues of spring,</div> <div class='line in2'>And long the quest to the white core</div> <div class='line in2'>Of harvest quiet, yet once more</div> <div class='line'>I gird me to the old unrest.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>I know I shall not ever meet</div> <div class='line in2'>Thy still regard across the year,</div> <div class='line in2'>And yet I know thou wilt draw near,</div> <div class='line'>When the last hour of pain and loss</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Drifts out to slumber, and the deeps</div> <div class='line in2'>Of nightfall feel God's hand unbar</div> <div class='line in2'>His lyric April, star by star,</div> <div class='line'>And the lost twilight land reveal.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>THE PENSIONERS</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>We are the pensioners of Spring,</div> <div class='line in2'>And take the largess of her hand</div> <div class='line'>When vassal warder winds unbar</div> <div class='line in2'>The wintry portals of her land;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The lonely shadow-girdled winds,</div> <div class='line in2'>Her seraph almoners, who keep</div> <div class='line'>This little life in flesh and bone</div> <div class='line in2'>With meagre portions of white sleep.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>Then all year through with starveling care</div> <div class='line in2'>We go on some fool's idle quest,</div> <div class='line'>And eat her bread and wine in thrall</div> <div class='line in2'>To a fool's shame with blind unrest.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Until her April train goes by,</div> <div class='line in2'>And then because we are the kin</div> <div class='line'>Of every hill flower on the hill</div> <div class='line in2'>We must arise and walk therein.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Because her heart as our own heart,</div> <div class='line in2'>Knowing the same wild upward stir,</div> <div class='line'>Beats joyward by eternal laws,</div> <div class='line in2'>We must arise and go with her;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>Forget we are not where old joys</div> <div class='line in2'>Return when dawns and dreams retire;</div> <div class='line'>Make grief a phantom of regret,</div> <div class='line in2'>And fate the henchman of desire;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Divorce unreason from delight;</div> <div class='line in2'>Learn how despair is uncontrol,</div> <div class='line'>Failure the shadow of remorse,</div> <div class='line in2'>And death a shudder of the soul.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Yea, must we triumph when she leads.</div> <div class='line in2'>A little rain before the sun,</div> <div class='line'>A breath of wind on the road's dust,</div> <div class='line in2'>The sound of trammeled brooks undone,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>Along red glinting willow stems</div> <div class='line in2'>The year's white prime, on bank and stream</div> <div class='line'>The haunting cadence of no song</div> <div class='line in2'>And vivid wanderings of dream,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>A range of low blue hills, the far</div> <div class='line in2'>First whitethroat's ecstasy unfurled:</div> <div class='line'>And we are overlords of change,</div> <div class='line in2'>In the glad morning of the world,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Though we should fare as they whose life</div> <div class='line in2'>Time takes within his hands to wring</div> <div class='line'>Between the winter and the sea,</div> <div class='line in2'>The weary pensioners of Spring.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>AT THE VOICE OF A BIRD</span><br/> <br/><span class='small'><i>Consurgent ad vocem volucris.</i></span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Call to me, thrush,</div> <div class='line in2'>When night grows dim,</div> <div class='line'>When dreams unform</div> <div class='line in2'>And death is far!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>When hoar dews flush</div> <div class='line in2'>On dawn's rathe brim,</div> <div class='line'>Wake me to hear</div> <div class='line in2'>Thy wildwood charm,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>As a lone rush</div> <div class='line in2'>Astir in the slim</div> <div class='line'>White stream where sheer</div> <div class='line in2'>Blue mornings are.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Stir the keen hush</div> <div class='line in2'>On twilight's rim</div> <div class='line'>When my own star</div> <div class='line in2'>Is white and clear.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Fly low to brush</div> <div class='line in2'>Mine eyelids grim,</div> <div class='line'>Where sleep and storm</div> <div class='line in2'>Will set their bar;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>For God shall crush</div> <div class='line in2'>Spring balm for him,</div> <div class='line'>Stark on his bier</div> <div class='line in2'>Past fault or harm,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Who once, as flush</div> <div class='line in2'>Of day might skim</div> <div class='line'>The dusk, afar</div> <div class='line in2'>In sleep shall hear</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Thy song's cool rush</div> <div class='line in2'>With joy rebrim</div> <div class='line'>The world, and calm</div> <div class='line in2'>The deep with cheer.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>Then, Heartsease, hush!</div> <div class='line in2'>If sense grow dim,</div> <div class='line'>Desire shall steer</div> <div class='line in2'>Us home from far.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>WHEN THE GUELDER ROSES BLOOM</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>When the Guelder roses bloom,</div> <div class='line'>Love, the vagrant, wanders home.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Love, that died so long ago,</div> <div class='line'>As we deemed, in dark and snow,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Comes back to the door again,</div> <div class='line'>Guendolen, Guendolen.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>In his hands a few bright flowers,</div> <div class='line'>Gathered in the earlier hours,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Speedwell-blue, and poppy-red,</div> <div class='line'>Withered in the sun and dead,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>With a history to each,</div> <div class='line'>Are more eloquent than speech.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>In his eyes the welling tears</div> <div class='line'>Plead against the lapse of years.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>And that mouth we knew so well,</div> <div class='line'>Hath a pilgrim's tale to tell.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Hear his litany again:</div> <div class='line'>"Guendolen, Guendolen!"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"No, love, no, thou art a ghost!</div> <div class='line'>Love long since in night was lost.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Thou art but the shade of him,</div> <div class='line'>For thine eyes are sad and dim."</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>"Nay, but they will shine once more,</div> <div class='line'>Glad and brighter than before,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"If thou bring me but again</div> <div class='line'>To my mother Guendolen!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"These dark flowers are for thee,</div> <div class='line'>Gathered by the lonely sea.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"And these singing shells for her</div> <div class='line'>Who first called me wanderer,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>"In whose beauty glad I grew,</div> <div class='line'>When this weary life was new."</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Hear him raving! "It is I.</div> <div class='line'>Love once born can never die."</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Thou, poor love, thou art gone mad</div> <div class='line'>With the hardships thou hast had.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"True, it is the spring of year,</div> <div class='line'>But thy mother is not here.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>"True, the Guelder roses bloom</div> <div class='line'>As long since about this room,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Where thy blessed self was born</div> <div class='line'>In the early golden morn</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"But the years are dead, good lack!</div> <div class='line'>Ah, love, why hast thou come back,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Pleading at the door again,</div> <div class='line'>'Guendolen, Guendolen'?"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>When the Guelder roses bloom,</div> <div class='line'>And the vernal stars resume</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Their old purple sweep and range,</div> <div class='line'>I can hear a whisper strange</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>As the wind gone daft again,</div> <div class='line'>"Guendolen, Guendolen!"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"When the Guelder roses blow,</div> <div class='line'>Love that died so long ago,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>"Why wilt thou return so oft,</div> <div class='line'>With that whisper sad and soft</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"On thy pleading lips again,</div> <div class='line'>'Guendolen, Guendolen'!"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Still the Guelder roses bloom,</div> <div class='line'>And the sunlight fills the room,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Where love's shadow at the door</div> <div class='line'>Falls upon the dusty floor.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>And his eyes are sad and grave</div> <div class='line'>With the tenderness they crave,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Seeing in the broken rhyme</div> <div class='line'>The significance of time,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Wondrous eyes that know not sin</div> <div class='line'>From his brother death, wherein</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>I can see thy look again,</div> <div class='line'>Guendolen, Guendolen.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>And love with no more to say,</div> <div class='line'>In this lovely world to-day</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Where the Guelder roses bloom,</div> <div class='line'>Than the record on a tomb,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Only moves his lips again,</div> <div class='line'>"Guendolen, Guendolen!"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Then he passes up the road</div> <div class='line'>From this dwelling, where he bode</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>In the by-gone years. And still,</div> <div class='line'>As he mounts the sunset hill</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Where the Guelder roses blow</div> <div class='line'>With their drifts of summer snow,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>I can hear him, like one dazed</div> <div class='line'>At a phantom he has raised,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Murmur o'er and o'er again,</div> <div class='line'>"Guendolen, Guendolen!"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>And thus every year, I know,</div> <div class='line'>When the Guelder roses blow,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Love will wander by my door,</div> <div class='line'>Till the spring returns no more;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Till no more I can withstand,</div> <div class='line'>But must rise and take his hand</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Through the countries of the night,</div> <div class='line'>Where he walks by his own sight,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>To the mountains of a dawn</div> <div class='line'>That has never yet come on,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Out of this fair land of doom</div> <div class='line'>Where the Guelder roses bloom,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Till I come to thee again,</div> <div class='line'>Guendolen, Guendolen.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span> <h2 class='c002'>SEVEN THINGS</h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The fields of earth are sown</div> <div class='line in2'>From the hand of the striding rain,</div> <div class='line'>And kernels of joy are strewn</div> <div class='line in2'>Abroad for the harrow of pain.</div> </div></div> </div> <h3 class='c010'>I.</h3> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The first song-sparrow brown</div> <div class='line in2'>That wakes the earliest spring,</div> <div class='line'>When time and fear sink down,</div> <div class='line in2'>And death is a fabled thing.</div> </div></div> </div> <div> <span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span> <h3 class='c010'>II.</h3></div> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The stealing of that first dawn</div> <div class='line in2'>Over the rosy brow,</div> <div class='line'>When thy soul said, "World, fare on,</div> <div class='line in2'>For Heaven is here and now!"</div> </div></div> </div> <h3 class='c010'>III.</h3> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The crimson shield of the sun</div> <div class='line in2'>On the wall of this House of Doom,</div> <div class='line'>With the garb of war undone</div> <div class='line in2'>At last in the narrow room.</div> </div></div> </div> <h3 class='c010'>IV.</h3> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>A heart that abides to the end,</div> <div class='line in2'>As the hills for sureness and peace,</div> <div class='line'>And is neither weary to wend</div> <div class='line in2'>Nor reluctant at last of release.</div> </div></div> </div> <div> <span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span> <h3 class='c010'>V.</h3></div> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Thy mother's cradle croon</div> <div class='line in2'>To haunt thee over the deep,</div> <div class='line'>Out of the land of Boon</div> <div class='line in2'>Into the land of Sleep.</div> </div></div> </div> <h3 class='c010'>VI.</h3> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The sound of the sea in storm,</div> <div class='line in2'>Hearing its captain cry,</div> <div class='line'>When the wild, white riders form,</div> <div class='line in2'>And the Ride to the Dark draws nigh.</div> </div></div> </div> <h3 class='c010'>VII.</h3> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>But last and best, the urge</div> <div class='line in2'>Of the great world's desire,</div> <div class='line'>Whose being from core to verge</div> <div class='line in2'>Only attains to aspire.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>A SEA CHILD</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The lover of child Marjory</div> <div class='line in2'>Had one white hour of life brim full;</div> <div class='line'>Now the old nurse, the rocking sea,</div> <div class='line in2'>Hath him to lull.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The daughter of child Marjory</div> <div class='line in2'>Hath in her veins, to beat and run,</div> <div class='line'>The glad indomitable sea,</div> <div class='line in2'>The strong white sun.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>PULVIS ET UMBRA</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>There is dust upon my fingers,</div> <div class='line in2'>Pale gray dust of beaten wings,</div> <div class='line'>Where a great moth came and settled</div> <div class='line in2'>From the night's blown winnowings.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Harvest with her low red planets</div> <div class='line in2'>Wheeling over Arrochar;</div> <div class='line'>And the lonely hopeless calling</div> <div class='line in2'>Of the bell-buoy on the bar,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>Where the sea with her old secret</div> <div class='line in2'>Moves in sleep and cannot rest.</div> <div class='line'>From that dark beyond my doorway,</div> <div class='line in2'>Silent the unbidden guest</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Came and tarried, fearless, gentle,</div> <div class='line in2'>Vagrant of the starlit gloom,</div> <div class='line'>One frail waif of beauty fronting</div> <div class='line in2'>Immortality and doom;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Through the chambers of the twilight</div> <div class='line in2'>Roaming from the vast outland,</div> <div class='line'>Resting for a thousand heart-beats</div> <div class='line in2'>In the hollow of my hand.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>"Did the volley of a thrush-song</div> <div class='line in2'>Lodge among some leaves and dew</div> <div class='line'>Hillward, then across the gloaming</div> <div class='line in2'>This dark mottled thing was you?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Or is my mute guest whose coming</div> <div class='line in2'>So unheralded befell</div> <div class='line'>From the border wilds of dreamland,</div> <div class='line in2'>Only whimsy Ariel,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Gleaning with the wind, in furrows</div> <div class='line in2'>Lonelier than dawn to reap,</div> <div class='line'>Dust and shadow and forgetting,</div> <div class='line in2'>Frost and reverie and sleep?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>"In the hush when Cleopatra</div> <div class='line in2'>Felt the darkness reel and cease,</div> <div class='line'>Was thy soul a wan blue lotus</div> <div class='line in2'>Laid upon her lips for peace?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"And through all the years that wayward</div> <div class='line in2'>Passion in one mortal breath,</div> <div class='line'>Making thee a thing of silence,</div> <div class='line in2'>Made thee as the lords of death?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Or did goblin men contrive thee</div> <div class='line in2'>In the forges of the hills</div> <div class='line'>Out of thistle-drift and sundown</div> <div class='line in2'>Lost amid their tawny rills,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>"Every atom on their anvil</div> <div class='line in2'>Beaten fine and bolted home,</div> <div class='line'>Every quiver wrought to cadence</div> <div class='line in2'>From the rapture of a gnome?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Then the lonely mountain wood-wind,</div> <div class='line in2'>Straying up from dale to dale,</div> <div class='line'>Gave thee spirit, free forever,</div> <div class='line in2'>Thou immortal and so frail!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Surely thou art not that sun-bright</div> <div class='line in2'>Psyche, hoar with age, and hurled</div> <div class='line'>On the northern shore of Lethe,</div> <div class='line in2'>To this wan Auroral world!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>"Ghost of Psyche, uncompanioned,</div> <div class='line in2'>Are the yester-years all done?</div> <div class='line'>Have the oars of Charon ferried</div> <div class='line in2'>All thy playmates from the sun?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"In thy wings the beat and breathing</div> <div class='line in2'>Of the wind of life abides,</div> <div class='line'>And the night whose sea-gray cohorts</div> <div class='line in2'>Swing the stars up with the tides.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Did they once make sail and wander</div> <div class='line in2'>Through the trembling harvest sky,</div> <div class='line'>Where the silent Northern streamers</div> <div class='line in2'>Change and rest not till they die?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>"Or from clouds that tent and people</div> <div class='line in2'>The blue firmamental waste,</div> <div class='line'>Did they learn the noiseless secret</div> <div class='line in2'>Of eternity's unhaste?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Where learned they to rove and loiter,</div> <div class='line in2'>By the margin of what sea?</div> <div class='line'>Was it with outworn Demeter,</div> <div class='line in2'>Searching for Persephone?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Or did that girl-queen behold thee</div> <div class='line in2'>In the fields of moveless air?</div> <div class='line'>Did these wings which break no whisper</div> <div class='line in2'>Brush the poppies in her hair?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>"Is it thence they wear the pulvil—</div> <div class='line in2'>Ash of ruined days and sleep,</div> <div class='line'>And the two great orbs of splendid</div> <div class='line in2'>Melting sable deep on deep!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Pilot of the shadow people,</div> <div class='line in2'>Steering whither by what star</div> <div class='line'>Hast thou come to hapless port here,</div> <div class='line in2'>Thou gray ghost of Arrochar?"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>For man walks the world with mourning</div> <div class='line in2'>Down to death, and leaves no trace,</div> <div class='line'>With the dust upon his forehead,</div> <div class='line in2'>And the shadow in his face.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>Pillared dust and fleeing shadow</div> <div class='line in2'>As the roadside wind goes by,</div> <div class='line'>And the fourscore years that vanish</div> <div class='line in2'>In the twinkling of an eye.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Beauty, the fine frosty trace-work</div> <div class='line in2'>Of some breath upon the pane;</div> <div class='line'>Spirit, the keen wintry moonlight</div> <div class='line in2'>Flashed thereon to fade again.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Beauty, the white clouds a-building</div> <div class='line in2'>When God said and it was done;</div> <div class='line'>Spirit, the sheer brooding rapture</div> <div class='line in2'>Where no mid-day brooks no sun.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>So. And here, the open casement</div> <div class='line in2'>Where my fellow-mate goes free;</div> <div class='line'>Eastward, the untrodden star-road</div> <div class='line in2'>And the long wind on the sea.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>What's to hinder but I follow</div> <div class='line in2'>This my gypsy guide afar,</div> <div class='line'>When the bugle rouses slumber</div> <div class='line in2'>Sounding taps on Arrochar?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Where, my brother, wends the by-way,</div> <div class='line in2'>To what bourne beneath what sun,</div> <div class='line'>Thou and I are set to travel</div> <div class='line in2'>Till the shifting dream be done?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>"Comrade of the dusk, forever</div> <div class='line in2'>I pursue the endless way</div> <div class='line'>Of the dust and shadew kindred,</div> <div class='line in2'>Thou art perfect for a day.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Yet from beauty marred and broken,</div> <div class='line in2'>Joy and memory and tears,</div> <div class='line'>I shall crush the clearer honey</div> <div class='line in2'>In the harvest of the years.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Thou art faultless as a flower</div> <div class='line in2'>Wrought of sun and wind and snow,</div> <div class='line'>I survive the fault and failure.</div> <div class='line in2'>The wise Fates will have it so.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>"For man walks the world in twilight,</div> <div class='line in2'>But the morn shall wipe all trace</div> <div class='line'>Of the dust from off his forehead,</div> <div class='line in2'>And the shadow from his face.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Cheer thee on, my tidings-bearer!</div> <div class='line in2'>All the valor of the North</div> <div class='line'>Mounts as soul from flesh escaping</div> <div class='line in2'>Through the night, and bids thee forth.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Go, and when thou hast discovered</div> <div class='line in2'>Her whose dark eyes match thy wings,</div> <div class='line'>Bid that lyric heart beat lighter</div> <div class='line in2'>For the joy thy beauty brings."</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>Then I leaned far out and lifted</div> <div class='line in2'>My light guest up, and bade speed</div> <div class='line'>On the trail where no one tarries</div> <div class='line in2'>That wayfarer few will heed.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Pale gray dust upon my fingers;</div> <div class='line in2'>And from this my cabined room</div> <div class='line'>The white soul of eager message</div> <div class='line in2'>Racing seaward in the gloom.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Far off shore, the sweet low calling</div> <div class='line in2'>Of the bell-buoy on the bar,</div> <div class='line'>Warning night of dawn and ruin</div> <div class='line in2'>Lonelily on Arrochar.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>THROUGH THE TWILIGHT</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The red vines bar my window way;</div> <div class='line in2'>The Autumn sleeps beside his fire,</div> <div class='line'>For he has sent this fleet-foot day</div> <div class='line'>A year's march back to bring to me</div> <div class='line in2'>One face whose smile is my desire,</div> <div class='line in10'>Its light my star.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Surely you will come near and speak,</div> <div class='line in2'>This calm of death from the day to sever!</div> <div class='line'>And so I shall draw down your cheek</div> <div class='line'>Close to my face—So close!—and know</div> <div class='line in2'>God's hand between our hands forever</div> <div class='line in10'>Will set no bar.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>Before the dusk falls—even now</div> <div class='line in2'>I know your step along the gravel,</div> <div class='line'>And catch your quiet poise of brow,</div> <div class='line'>And wait so long till you turn the latch!</div> <div class='line in2'>Is the way so hard you had to travel?</div> <div class='line in10'>Is the land so far?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The dark has shut your eyes from mine,</div> <div class='line in2'>But in this hush of brooding weather</div> <div class='line'>A gleam on twilight's gathering line</div> <div class='line'>Has riven the barriers of dream:</div> <div class='line in2'>Soul of my soul, we are together</div> <div class='line in10'>As the angels are!</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>CARNATIONS IN WINTER</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Your carmine flakes of bloom to-night</div> <div class='line in2'>The fire of wintry sunsets hold;</div> <div class='line'>Again in dreams you burn to light</div> <div class='line in2'>A far Canadian garden old.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The blue north summer over it</div> <div class='line in2'>Is bland with long ethereal days;</div> <div class='line'>The gleaming martins wheel and flit</div> <div class='line in2'>Where breaks your sun down orient ways.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>There, when the gradual twilight falls,</div> <div class='line in2'>Through quietudes of dusk afar,</div> <div class='line'>Hermit antiphonal hermit calls</div> <div class='line in2'>From hills below the first pale star.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Then in your passionate love's foredoom</div> <div class='line in2'>Once more your spirit stirs the air,</div> <div class='line'>And you are lifted through the gloom</div> <div class='line in2'>To warm the coils of her dark hair.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>A NORTHERN VIGIL</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Here by the gray north sea,</div> <div class='line in2'>In the wintry heart of the wild,</div> <div class='line'>Comes the old dream of thee,</div> <div class='line in2'>Guendolen, mistress and child.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The heart of the forest grieves</div> <div class='line in2'>In the drift against my door;</div> <div class='line'>A voice is under the eaves,</div> <div class='line in2'>A footfall on the floor.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>Threshold, mirror and hall,</div> <div class='line in2'>Vacant and strangely aware,</div> <div class='line'>Wait for their soul's recall</div> <div class='line in2'>With the dumb expectant air.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Here when the smouldering west</div> <div class='line in2'>Burns down into the sea,</div> <div class='line'>I take no heed of rest</div> <div class='line in2'>And keep the watch for thee.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>I sit by the fire and hear</div> <div class='line in2'>The restless wind go by,</div> <div class='line'>On the long dirge and drear,</div> <div class='line in2'>Under the low bleak sky.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>When day puts out to sea</div> <div class='line in2'>And night makes in for land,</div> <div class='line'>There is no lock for thee,</div> <div class='line in2'>Each door awaits thy hand!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>When night goes over the hill</div> <div class='line in2'>And dawn comes down the dale,</div> <div class='line'>It's O for the wild sweet will</div> <div class='line in2'>That shall no more prevail!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>When the zenith moon is round,</div> <div class='line in2'>And snow-wraiths gather and run,</div> <div class='line'>And there is set no bound</div> <div class='line in2'>To love beneath the sun,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>O wayward will, come near</div> <div class='line in2'>The old mad willful way,</div> <div class='line'>The soft mouth at my ear</div> <div class='line in2'>With words too sweet to say!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Come, for the night is cold,</div> <div class='line in2'>The ghostly moonlight fills</div> <div class='line'>Hollow and rift and fold</div> <div class='line in2'>Of the eerie Ardise hills!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The windows of my room</div> <div class='line in2'>Are dark with bitter frost,</div> <div class='line'>The stillness aches with doom</div> <div class='line in2'>Of something loved and lost.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>Outside, the great blue star</div> <div class='line in2'>Burns in the ghostland pale,</div> <div class='line'>Where giant Algebar</div> <div class='line in2'>Holds on the endless trail.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Come, for the years are long,</div> <div class='line in2'>And silence keeps the door,</div> <div class='line'>Where shapes with the shadows throng</div> <div class='line in2'>The firelit chamber floor.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Come, for thy kiss was warm,</div> <div class='line in2'>With the red embers' glare</div> <div class='line'>Across thy folding arm</div> <div class='line in2'>And dark tumultuous hair!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>And though thy coming rouse</div> <div class='line in2'>The sleep-cry of no bird,</div> <div class='line'>The keepers of the house</div> <div class='line in2'>Shall tremble at thy word.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Come, for the soul is free!</div> <div class='line in2'>In all the vast dreamland</div> <div class='line'>There is no lock for thee,</div> <div class='line in2'>Each door awaits thy hand.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Ah, not in dreams at all,</div> <div class='line in2'>Fleering, perishing, dim,</div> <div class='line'>But thy old self, supple and tall,</div> <div class='line in2'>Mistress and child of whim!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>The proud imperious guise,</div> <div class='line in2'>Impetuous and serene,</div> <div class='line'>The sad mysterious eyes,</div> <div class='line in2'>And dignity of mien!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Yea, wilt thou not return,</div> <div class='line in2'>When the late hill-winds veer,</div> <div class='line'>And the bright hill-flowers burn</div> <div class='line in2'>With the reviving year?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>When April comes, and the sea</div> <div class='line in2'>Sparkles as if it smiled,</div> <div class='line'>Will they restore to me</div> <div class='line in2'>My dark Love, empress and child?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>The curtains seem to part;</div> <div class='line in2'>A sound is on the stair,</div> <div class='line'>As if at the last ... I start;</div> <div class='line in2'>Only the wind is there.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Lo, now far on the hills</div> <div class='line in2'>The crimson fumes uncurled,</div> <div class='line'>Where the caldron mantles and spills</div> <div class='line in2'>Another dawn on the world!</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>THE EAVESDROPPER</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>In a still room at hush of dawn,</div> <div class='line in2'>My Love and I lay side by side</div> <div class='line'>And heard the roaming forest wind</div> <div class='line in2'>Stir in the paling autumn-tide.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>I watched her earth-brown eyes grow glad</div> <div class='line in2'>Because the round day was so fair;</div> <div class='line'>While memories of reluctant night</div> <div class='line in2'>Lurked in the blue dusk of her hair.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>Outside, a yellow maple tree,</div> <div class='line in2'>Shifting upon the silvery blue</div> <div class='line'>With small innumerable sound,</div> <div class='line in2'>Rustled to let the sunlight through.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The livelong day the elvish leaves</div> <div class='line in2'>Danced with their shadows on the floor;</div> <div class='line'>And the lost children of the wind</div> <div class='line in2'>Went straying homeward by our door.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And all the swarthy afternoon</div> <div class='line in2'>We watched the great deliberate sun</div> <div class='line'>Walk through the crimsoned hazy world,</div> <div class='line in2'>Counting his hilltops one by one.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>Then as the purple twilight came</div> <div class='line in2'>And touched the vines along our eaves,</div> <div class='line'>Another Shadow stood without</div> <div class='line in2'>And gloomed the dancing of the leaves.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The silence fell on my Love's lips;</div> <div class='line in2'>Her great brown eyes were veiled and sad</div> <div class='line'>With pondering some maze of dream,</div> <div class='line in2'>Though all the splendid year was glad.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Restless and vague as a gray wind</div> <div class='line in2'>Her heart had grown, she knew not why.</div> <div class='line'>But hurrying to the open door,</div> <div class='line in2'>Against the verge of western sky</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>I saw retreating on the hills,</div> <div class='line in2'>Looming and sinister and black,</div> <div class='line'>The stealthy figure swift and huge</div> <div class='line in2'>Of One who strode and looked not back.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>IN APPLE TIME</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The apple harvest days are here,</div> <div class='line in2'>The boding apple harvest days,</div> <div class='line in2'>And down the flaming valley ways,</div> <div class='line'>The foresters of time draw near.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Through leagues of bloom I went with Spring,</div> <div class='line in2'>To call you on the slopes of morn,</div> <div class='line in2'>Where in imperious song is borne</div> <div class='line'>The wild heart of the golden wing.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>I roamed through alien summer lands,</div> <div class='line in2'>I sought your beauty near and far;</div> <div class='line in2'>To-day, where russet shadows are,</div> <div class='line'>I hold your face between my hands.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>On runnels dark by slopes of fern,</div> <div class='line in2'>The hazy undern sleeps in sun.</div> <div class='line in2'>Remembrance and desire, undone,</div> <div class='line'>From old regret to dreams return.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The apple harvest time is here,</div> <div class='line in2'>The tender apple harvest time;</div> <div class='line in2'>A sheltering calm, unknown at prime,</div> <div class='line'>Settles upon the brooding year.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>WANDERER</span></h2></div> <h3 class='c010'>I</h3> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Wanderer, wanderer, whither away?</div> <div class='line in2'>What saith the morning unto thee?</div> <div class='line'>"Wanderer, wanderer, hither, come hither,</div> <div class='line in2'>Into the eld of the East with me!"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Saith the wide wind of the low red morning,</div> <div class='line in2'>Making in from the gray rough sea.</div> <div class='line'>"Wanderer, come, of the footfall weary,</div> <div class='line in2'>And heavy at heart as the sad-heart sea.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>"For long ago, when the world was making,</div> <div class='line in2'>I walked through Eden with God for guide;</div> <div class='line'>And since that time in my heart forever</div> <div class='line in2'>His calm and wisdom and peace abide.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"I am thy spirit and thy familiar,</div> <div class='line in2'>Child of the teeming earth's unrest!</div> <div class='line'>Before God's joy upon gloom begot thee</div> <div class='line in2'>I had hungered and searched and ended the quest.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"I sit by the roadside wells of knowledge;</div> <div class='line in2'>I haunt the streams of the springs of thought;</div> <div class='line'>But because my voice is the voice of silence,</div> <div class='line in2'>The heart within thee regardeth not.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>"Yet I await thee, assured, unimpatient,</div> <div class='line in2'>Till thy small tumult of striving be past.</div> <div class='line'>How long, O wanderer, wilt thou a-weary,</div> <div class='line in2'>Keep thee afar from my arms at the last?"</div> </div></div> </div> <h3 class='c010'>II</h3> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Wanderer, wanderer, whither away?</div> <div class='line in2'>What saith the high noon unto thee?</div> <div class='line'>"Wanderer, wanderer, hither, turn hither,</div> <div class='line in2'>Far to the burning South with me,"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Saith the soft wind on the high June headland,</div> <div class='line in2'>Sheering up from the summer sea,</div> <div class='line'>"While the implacable warder, Oblivion,</div> <div class='line in2'>Sleeps on the marge of a foamless sea!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>"Come where the urge of desire availeth,</div> <div class='line in2'>And no fear follows the children of men;</div> <div class='line'>For a handful of dust is the only heirloom</div> <div class='line in2'>The morrow bequeaths to its morrow again.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Touch and feel how the flesh is perfect</div> <div class='line in2'>Beyond the compass of dream to be!</div> <div class='line'>'Bone of my bone,' said God to Adam;</div> <div class='line in2'>'Core of my core,' say I to thee.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Look and see how the form is goodly</div> <div class='line in2'>Beyond the reach of desire and art!</div> <div class='line'>For he who fashioned the world so easily</div> <div class='line in2'>Laughed in his sleeve as he walked apart.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>"Therefore, O wanderer, cease from desiring;</div> <div class='line in2'>Take the wide province of seaway and sun!</div> <div class='line'>Here for the infinite quench of thy craving,</div> <div class='line in2'>Infinite yearning and bliss are one."</div> </div></div> </div> <h3 class='c010'>III</h3> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Wanderer, wanderer, whither away?</div> <div class='line in2'>What saith the evening unto thee?</div> <div class='line'>"Wanderer, wanderer, hither, haste hither,</div> <div class='line in2'>Into the glad-heart West with me!"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Saith the strong wind of the gold-green twilight,</div> <div class='line in2'>Gathering out of the autumn hills,</div> <div class='line'>"I am the word of the world's first dreamer</div> <div class='line in2'>Who woke when Freedom walked on the hills.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>"And the secret triumph from daring to doing,</div> <div class='line in2'>From musing to marble, I will be,</div> <div class='line'>Till the last fine fleck of the world is finished,</div> <div class='line in2'>And Freedom shall walk alone by the sea.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Who is thy heart's lord, who is thy hero?</div> <div class='line in2'>Bruce or Cæsar or Charlemagne,</div> <div class='line'>Hannibal, Olaf, Alaric, Roland?</div> <div class='line in2'>Dare as they dared and the deed's done again!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Here where they come of the habit immortal,</div> <div class='line in2'>By the open road to the land of the Name,</div> <div class='line'>Splendor and homage and wealth await thee</div> <div class='line in2'>Of builded cities and bruited fame.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>"Let loose the conquering toiler within thee;</div> <div class='line in2'>Know the large rapture of deeds begun!</div> <div class='line'>The joy of the hand that hews for beauty</div> <div class='line in2'>Is the dearest solace beneath the sun."</div> </div></div> </div> <h3 class='c010'>IV</h3> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Wanderer, wanderer, whither away?</div> <div class='line in2'>What saith the midnight unto thee?</div> <div class='line'>"Wanderer, wanderer, hither turn home,</div> <div class='line in2'>Back to thy North at last to me!"</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Saith the great forest wind and lonely,</div> <div class='line in2'>Out of the stars and the wintry hills.</div> <div class='line'>"Weary, bethink thee of rest, and remember</div> <div class='line in2'>Thy waiting auroral Ardise hills!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>"Was it not I, when thy mother bore thee</div> <div class='line in2'>In the sweet, solemn April night,</div> <div class='line'>Took thee safe in my arms to fondle,</div> <div class='line in2'>Filled thy dream with the old delight?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Told thee tales of more marvelous summers</div> <div class='line in2'>Of the far away and the long ago,</div> <div class='line'>Made thee my own nurse-child forever</div> <div class='line in2'>In the tender dear dark land of the snow?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>"Have I not rocked thee, have I not lulled thee,</div> <div class='line in2'>Crooned thee in forest, and cradled in foam,</div> <div class='line'>Then with a smile from the hearthstone of childhood</div> <div class='line in2'>Bade thee farewell when thy heart bade thee roam?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>"Ah, my wide-wanderer, thou blessed vagrant,</div> <div class='line in2'>Dear will thy footfall be nearing my door.</div> <div class='line'>How the glad tears will give vent at thy coming,</div> <div class='line in2'>Wayward or sad-heart to wander no more!"</div> </div></div> </div> <h3 class='c010'>V</h3> <div class='lg-container-b c000'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Morning and midday I wander, and evening,</div> <div class='line in2'>April and harvest and golden fall;</div> <div class='line'>Seaway or hillward, taut sheet or saddle-bow,</div> <div class='line in2'>Only the night wind brings solace at all.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Then when the tide of all being and beauty</div> <div class='line in2'>Ebbs to the utmost before the first dawn,</div> <div class='line'>Comes the still voice of the morrow revealing</div> <div class='line in2'>Inscrutable valorous hope—and is gone.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>Therefore is joy more than sorrow, foreseeing</div> <div class='line in2'>The lust of the mind and the lure of the eye</div> <div class='line'>And the pride of the hand have their hour of triumph,</div> <div class='line in2'>But the dream of the heart will endure by-and-by.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>AFOOT</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>There's a garden in the South</div> <div class='line in2'>Where the early violets come,</div> <div class='line'>Where they strew the floor of April</div> <div class='line in2'>With their purple, bloom by bloom.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>There the tender peach-trees blow,</div> <div class='line in2'>Pink against the red brick wall,</div> <div class='line'>And the hand of twilight hushes</div> <div class='line in2'>The rain-children's least footfall,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>Till at midnight I can hear</div> <div class='line in2'>The dark Mother croon and lean</div> <div class='line'>Close above me. And her whisper</div> <div class='line in2'>Bids the vagabonds convene.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Then the glad and wayward heart</div> <div class='line in2'>Dreams a dream it must obey;</div> <div class='line'>And the wanderer within me</div> <div class='line in2'>Stirs a foot and will not stay.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>I would journey far and wide</div> <div class='line in2'>Through the provinces of spring,</div> <div class='line'>Where the gorgeous white azaleas</div> <div class='line in2'>Hear the sultry yorlin sing.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>I would wander all the hills</div> <div class='line in2'>Where my fellow-vagrants wend,</div> <div class='line'>Following the trails of shadows</div> <div class='line in2'>To the country where they end.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Well I know the gypsy kin,</div> <div class='line in2'>Roving foot and restless hand,</div> <div class='line'>And the eyes in dark elusion</div> <div class='line in2'>Dreaming down the summer land.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>On the frontier of desire</div> <div class='line in2'>I will drink the last regret,</div> <div class='line'>And then forth beyond the morrow</div> <div class='line in2'>Where I may but half forget.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>So another year shall pass,</div> <div class='line in2'>Till some noon the gardener Sun</div> <div class='line'>Wanders forth to lay his finger</div> <div class='line in2'>On the peach-buds one by one.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And the Mother there once more</div> <div class='line in2'>Will rewhisper her dark word,</div> <div class='line'>That my brothers all may wonder,</div> <div class='line in2'>Hearing then as once I heard.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>There will come the whitethroat's cry,</div> <div class='line in2'>That far lonely silver strain,</div> <div class='line'>Piercing, like a sweet desire,</div> <div class='line in2'>The seclusion of the rain.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>And though I be far away,</div> <div class='line in2'>When the early violets come</div> <div class='line'>Smiling at the door with April,</div> <div class='line in2'>Say, "The vagabonds are home!"</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>WAYFARING</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Across the harbor's tangled yards</div> <div class='line in2'>We watch the flaring sunset fail;</div> <div class='line'>Then the forever questing stars</div> <div class='line in2'>File down along the vanished trail,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>To no discovered country, where</div> <div class='line in2'>They will forgather when the hands</div> <div class='line'>Of the strong Fates shall take away</div> <div class='line in2'>Their burdens and unloose their bands.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>Westward and lone the hill-road gray</div> <div class='line in2'>Mounts to the skyline sheer and wan,</div> <div class='line'>Where many a weary dream puts forth</div> <div class='line in2'>To strike the trail where they are gone.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The sleepless guide to that outland</div> <div class='line in2'>Is the great Mother of us all,</div> <div class='line'>Whose molded dust and dew we are</div> <div class='line in2'>With the blown flowers by the wall.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Girt with the twilight she is grave,</div> <div class='line in2'>The strong companion, wise and free;</div> <div class='line'>She leads beyond the dales of time,</div> <div class='line in2'>The earldom of the calling sea—</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>Beyond these dull green miles of dike,</div> <div class='line in2'>And gleaming breakers on the bar—</div> <div class='line'>To the white kingdom of her lord,</div> <div class='line in2'>The nameless Word, whose breath we are.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And all the world is but a scheme</div> <div class='line in2'>Of busy children in the street,</div> <div class='line'>A play they follow and forget</div> <div class='line in2'>On summer evenings, pale with heat.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The dusty courtyard flags and walls</div> <div class='line in2'>Are like a prison gate of stone,</div> <div class='line'>To every spirit for whose breath</div> <div class='line in2'>The long sweet hill-winds once have blown.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>But waiting in the fields for them</div> <div class='line in2'>I see the ancient Mother stand,</div> <div class='line'>With the old courage of her smile,</div> <div class='line in2'>The patience of her sunbrown hand.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>They heed her not, until there comes</div> <div class='line in2'>A breath of sleep upon their eyes,</div> <div class='line'>A drift of dust upon their face;</div> <div class='line in2'>Then in the closing dusk they rise,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And turn them to the empty doors;</div> <div class='line in2'>But she within whose hands alone</div> <div class='line'>The days are gathered up as fruit,</div> <div class='line in2'>Doth habit not in brick and stone.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>But where the wild shy things abide,</div> <div class='line in2'>Along the woodside and the wheat,</div> <div class='line'>Is her abiding, deep withdrawn;</div> <div class='line in2'>And there, the footing of her feet.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>There is no common fame of her</div> <div class='line in2'>Upon the corners, yet some word</div> <div class='line'>Of her most secret heritage</div> <div class='line in2'>Her lovers from her lips have heard.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Her daisies sprang where Chaucer went;</div> <div class='line in2'>Her darkling nightingales with spring</div> <div class='line'>Possessed the soul of Keats for song;</div> <div class='line in2'>And Shelley heard her skylark sing;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>With reverent clear uplifted heart</div> <div class='line in2'>Wordsworth beheld her daffodils;</div> <div class='line'>And he became too great for haste,</div> <div class='line in2'>Who watched the warm green Cumner hills.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>She gave the apples of her eyes</div> <div class='line in2'>For the delight of him who knew,</div> <div class='line'>With all the wisdom of a child,</div> <div class='line in2'>"A bank whereon the wild thyme grew."</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Still the old secret shifts, and waits</div> <div class='line in2'>The last interpreter; it fills</div> <div class='line'>The autumn song no ear hath heard</div> <div class='line in2'>Upon the dreaming Ardise hills.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>The poplars babble over it</div> <div class='line in2'>When waking winds of dawn go by;</div> <div class='line'>It fills her rivers like a voice,</div> <div class='line in2'>And leads her wanderers till they die.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>She knows the morning ways whereon</div> <div class='line in2'>The windflowers and the wind confer;</div> <div class='line'>Surely there is not any fear</div> <div class='line in2'>Upon the farthest trail with her!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And yet, what ails the fir-dark slopes,</div> <div class='line in2'>That all night long the whippoorwills</div> <div class='line'>Cry their insatiable cry</div> <div class='line in2'>Across the sleeping Ardise hills?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>Is it that no fair mortal thing,</div> <div class='line in2'>Blown leaf, nor song, nor friend can stray</div> <div class='line'>Beyond the bourne and bring one word</div> <div class='line in2'>Back the irremeable way?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The noise is hushed within the street;</div> <div class='line in2'>The summer twilight gathers down;</div> <div class='line'>The elms are still; the moonlit spires</div> <div class='line in2'>Track their long shadows through the town.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>With looming willows and gray dusk</div> <div class='line in2'>The open hillward road is pale,</div> <div class='line'>And the great stars are white and few</div> <div class='line in2'>Above the lonely Ardise trail.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>And with no haste nor any fear,</div> <div class='line in2'>We are as children going home</div> <div class='line'>Along the marshes where the wind</div> <div class='line in2'>Sleeps in the cradle of the foam.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>THE END OF THE TRAIL</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Once more the hunters of the dusk</div> <div class='line in2'>Are forth to search the moorlands wide,</div> <div class='line'>Among the autumn-colored hills,</div> <div class='line in2'>And wander by the shifting tide.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>All day along the haze-hung verge</div> <div class='line in2'>They scour upon a fleeing trace,</div> <div class='line'>Between the red sun and the sea,</div> <div class='line in2'>Where haunts the vision of your face.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>The plane at Martock lies and drinks</div> <div class='line in2'>The long Septembral gaze of blue;</div> <div class='line'>The royal leisure of the hills</div> <div class='line in2'>Hath wayward reveries of you.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Far rovers of the ancient dream</div> <div class='line in2'>Have all their will of musing hours:</div> <div class='line'>Your eyes were gray-deep as the sea,</div> <div class='line in2'>Your hands lay open in the flowers!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>From mining Rawdon to Pereau,</div> <div class='line in2'>For all the gold they delve and share,</div> <div class='line'>The goblins of the Ardise hills</div> <div class='line in2'>Can horde no treasure like your hair.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>The swirling tide, the lonely gulls,</div> <div class='line in2'>The sweet low wood-winds that rejoice—</div> <div class='line'>No sound nor echo of the sea</div> <div class='line in2'>But hath tradition of your voice.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The crimson leaves, the yellow fruit,</div> <div class='line in2'>The basking woodlands mile on mile—</div> <div class='line'>No gleam in all the russet hills</div> <div class='line in2'>But wears the solace of your smile.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>A thousand cattle rove and feed</div> <div class='line in2'>On the great marshes in the sun,</div> <div class='line'>And wonder at the restless sea;</div> <div class='line in2'>But I am glad the year is done,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>Because I am a wanderer</div> <div class='line in2'>Upon the roads of endless quest,</div> <div class='line'>Between the hill-wind and the hills,</div> <div class='line in2'>Along the margin men call rest.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Because there lies upon my lips</div> <div class='line in2'>A whisper of the wind at morn,</div> <div class='line'>A murmur of the rolling sea</div> <div class='line in2'>Cradling the land where I was born;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Because its sleepless tides and storms</div> <div class='line in2'>Are in my heart for memory</div> <div class='line'>And music, and its gray-green hills</div> <div class='line in2'>Run white to bear me company;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>Because in that sad time of year,</div> <div class='line in2'>With April twilight on the earth</div> <div class='line'>And journeying rain upon the sea,</div> <div class='line in2'>With the shy windflowers was my birth;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Because I was a tiny boy</div> <div class='line in2'>Among the thrushes of the wood,</div> <div class='line'>And all the rivers in the hills</div> <div class='line in2'>Were playmates of my solitude;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Because the holy winter night</div> <div class='line in2'>Was for my chamber, deep among</div> <div class='line'>The dark pine forests by the sea,</div> <div class='line in2'>With woven red auroras hung,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>Silent with frost and floored with snow,</div> <div class='line in2'>With what dream folk to people it</div> <div class='line'>And bring their stories from the hills,</div> <div class='line in2'>When all the splendid stars were lit;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Therefore I house me not with kin,</div> <div class='line in2'>But journey as the sun goes forth,</div> <div class='line'>By stream and wood and marsh and sea,</div> <div class='line in2'>Through dying summers of the North;</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Until, some hazy autumn day,</div> <div class='line in2'>With yellow evening in the skies</div> <div class='line'>And rime upon the tawny hills,</div> <div class='line in2'>The far blue signal smoke shall rise,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>To tell my scouting foresters</div> <div class='line in2'>Have heard the clarions of rest</div> <div class='line'>Bugling, along the outer sea,</div> <div class='line in2'>The end of failure and of quest.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Then all the piping Nixie folk,</div> <div class='line in2'>Where lonesome meadow winds are low,</div> <div class='line'>Through all the valleys in the hills</div> <div class='line in2'>Their river reeds shall blow and blow,</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>To lead me like a joy, as when</div> <div class='line in2'>The shining April flowers return,</div> <div class='line'>Back to a footpath by the sea</div> <div class='line in2'>With scarlet hip and ruined fern.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>For I must gain, ere the long night</div> <div class='line in2'>Bury its travelers deep with snow,</div> <div class='line'>That trail among the Ardise hills</div> <div class='line in2'>Where first I found you years ago.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>I shall not fail, for I am strong,</div> <div class='line in2'>And Time is very old, they say,</div> <div class='line'>And somewhere by the quiet sea</div> <div class='line in2'>Makes no refusal to delay.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>There will I get me home, and there</div> <div class='line in2'>Lift up your face in my brown hand,</div> <div class='line'>With all the rosy rusted hills</div> <div class='line in2'>About the heart of that dear land.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>THE VAGABONDS</span></h2></div> <p class='c011'><span class='small'>"Such as wake on the night and sleep on the day, and haunt customable taverns and alehouses and routs about, and no man wot from whence they came, nor whither they go."—<i>Old English Statute.</i></span></p> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>We are the vagabonds of time,</div> <div class='line in2'>And rove the yellow autumn days,</div> <div class='line'>When all the roads are gray with rime</div> <div class='line in2'>And all the valleys blue with haze.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>We came unlooked for as the wind</div> <div class='line in2'>Trooping across the April hills,</div> <div class='line'>When the brown waking earth had dreams</div> <div class='line in2'>Of summer in the Wander Kills.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>How far afield we joyed to fare,</div> <div class='line in2'>With June in every blade and tree!</div> <div class='line'>Now with the sea-wind in our hair</div> <div class='line in2'>We turn our faces to the sea.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>We go unheeded as the stream</div> <div class='line in2'>That wanders by the hill-wood side,</div> <div class='line'>Till the great marshes take his hand</div> <div class='line in2'>And lead him to the roving tide.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>The roving tide, the sleeping hills,</div> <div class='line in2'>These are the borders of that zone</div> <div class='line'>Where they may fare as fancy wills</div> <div class='line in2'>Whom wisdom smiles and calls her own.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>It is a country of the sun,</div> <div class='line in2'>Full of forgotten yesterdays,</div> <div class='line'>When time takes Summer in his care,</div> <div class='line in2'>And fills the distance of her gaze.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>It stretches from the open sea</div> <div class='line in2'>To the blue mountains and beyond;</div> <div class='line'>The world is Vagabondia</div> <div class='line in2'>To him who is a vagabond.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>In the beginning God made man</div> <div class='line in2'>Out of the wandering dust, men say;</div> <div class='line'>And in the end his life shall be</div> <div class='line in2'>A wandering wind and blown away.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>We are the vagabonds of time,</div> <div class='line in2'>Willing to let the world go by,</div> <div class='line'>With joy supreme, with heart sublime,</div> <div class='line in2'>And valor in the kindling eye.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>We have forgotten where we slept,</div> <div class='line in2'>And guess not where we sleep to-night,</div> <div class='line'>Whether among the lonely hills</div> <div class='line in2'>In the pale streamers' ghostly light</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>We shall lie down and hear the frost</div> <div class='line in2'>Walk in the dead leaves restlessly,</div> <div class='line'>Or somewhere on the iron coast</div> <div class='line in2'>Learn the oblivion of the sea.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>It matters not. And yet I dream</div> <div class='line in2'>Of dreams fulfilled and rest somewhere</div> <div class='line'>Before this restless heart is stilled</div> <div class='line in2'>And all its fancies blown to air.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Had I my will!... The sun burns down</div> <div class='line in2'>And something plucks my garment's hem;</div> <div class='line'>The robins in their faded brown</div> <div class='line in2'>Would lure me to the south with them.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>'Tis time for vagabonds to make</div> <div class='line in2'>The nearest inn. Far on I hear</div> <div class='line'>The voices of the Northern hills</div> <div class='line in2'>Gather the vagrants of the year.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>Brave heart, my soul! Let longings be!</div> <div class='line in2'>We have another day to wend.</div> <div class='line'>For dark or waylay what care we</div> <div class='line in2'>Who have the lords of time to friend?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>And if we tarry or make haste,</div> <div class='line in2'>The wayside sleep can hold no fear.</div> <div class='line'>Shall fate unpoise, or whim perturb,</div> <div class='line in2'>The calm-begirt in dawn austere?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>There is a tavern, I have heard,</div> <div class='line in2'>Not far, and frugal, kept by One</div> <div class='line'>Who knows the children of the Word,</div> <div class='line in2'>And welcomes each when day is done.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>Some say the house is lonely set</div> <div class='line in2'>In Northern night, and snowdrifts keep</div> <div class='line'>The silent door; the hearth is cold,</div> <div class='line in2'>And all my fellows gone to sleep....</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Had I my will! I hear the sea</div> <div class='line in2'>Thunder a welcome on the shore;</div> <div class='line'>I know where lies the hostelry</div> <div class='line in2'>And who should open me the door.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span> <h2 class='c002'><span class='xxlarge'>WHITHER</span></h2></div> <div class='lg-container-b c003'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>What shall we do, dearie,</div> <div class='line in2'>Dreaming such dreams?</div> <div class='line'>Will they come true, dearie?</div> <div class='line in2'>Never, it seems.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Leave the wise thrush alone;</div> <div class='line in2'>He knows such things.</div> <div class='line'>How rich the silences</div> <div class='line in2'>Fall when he sings!</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>When shall we come, dearie,</div> <div class='line in2'>Into that land</div> <div class='line'>Once was our home, dearie,</div> <div class='line in2'>Perfect as planned?</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>When the wind calling us,</div> <div class='line in2'>Some summer day,</div> <div class='line'>Into the long ago</div> <div class='line in2'>Lures us away.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>Where shall we go, dearie,</div> <div class='line in2'>Wandering thus?</div> <div class='line'>Far to and fro, dearie,</div> <div class='line in2'>Life leads for us.</div> </div> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>Thou with the morrow's sun</div> <div class='line in2'>Hillward and free,</div> <div class='line'>I to the vast and hoar</div> <div class='line in2'>Lone of the sea.</div> </div></div> </div> <p class='c'>1886-1893.</p> <div class='chapter'> <h2 class='c002'>Transcriber's Note</h2></div> <p class='c'>The original spelling and punctuation has been retained.</p> <p class='c'>Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.</p> <SPAN name="endofbook"></SPAN> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />