第3章

Notunderstood!HowmanybreastsareachingForlackofsympathy!Ah!daybydayHowmanycheerless，lonelyheartsarebreaking!

Howmanynoblespiritspassaway，Notunderstood。

OGod!thatmenwouldseealittleclearer，Orjudgelessharshlywheretheycannotsee!

OGod!thatmenwoulddrawalittlenearerTooneanother，——they"dbenearerThee，Andunderstood。

SpiritofSongWhereisthydwelling-place？Echoofsweetness，Seraphoftenderness，whereisthyhome？

Angelofhappiness，heraldoffleetness，Thouhastthekeyofthestar-blazon"ddome。

WherelaysthatneverendUptoGod"sthroneascend，Andourfondheart-wisheslovinglythrong，Soaringwiththeeabove，Beareroftruthandlove，Teacherofheaven"stongue——SpiritofSong!

Euphony，bornintherealmsofthetearless，MinglingthynoteswiththevoicesofEarth；

Wantingthee，allwouldbedrearyandcheerless，Weaverofharmony，giverofmirth。

Comfortofchildandsage，Withusinyouthandage，Soothingtheweakandinspiringthestrong，Illumingtheblackestnight，Makingthedaymorebright，Oh!thouartdeartous，SpiritofSong!

Oftinthespringtime，sweetwordsofaffectionArewhisperedbytheeinthytenderesttone，AndinthewinterdarkcloudsofdejectionBytheearedispelledtillallsorrowhasflown。

Thou"rtwiththezephyrslow，Andwiththebrooklet"sflow，Andwiththefeatheredchoiralltheyearlong；

Happyeachchildofthine，Blestwiththygiftsdivine，Charmingoursenses，sweetSpiritofSong!

AdaCambridge。

WhatoftheNight？

Toyou，wholookbelow，Wherelittlecandlesglow——

Wholisteninanarrowstreet，Confusedwithnoiseofpassingfeet——

Toyou"tiswildanddark；

Nolight，noguide，noark，Fortravellerslostonmoorandlea，Andship-wreckedmarinersatsea。

Buttheywhostandapart，Withhushedbutwakefulheart——

Theyhearthelullingofthegale，Andseethedawn-risefaintandpale。

AdawnwheretotheygropeIntremblingfaithandhope，Ifhaply，brightening，itmaycastAgleamonpathandgoalatlast。

Good-byeGood-bye!——"tislikeachurchyardbell——good-bye!

Poorweepingeyes!Poorhead，boweddownwithwoe!

Kissmeagain，dearlove，beforeyougo。

Ah，me，howfastthepreciousmomentsfly!

Good-bye!Good-bye!

WearelikemournerswhentheystandandcryAtopengraveinwintrywindandrain。

Yes，itisdeath。Butyoushallriseagain——

Yoursunreturntothisbenightedsky。

Good-bye!Good-bye!

Thegreatphysician，Time，shallpacifyThispartinganguishwithanotherfriend。

Yourheartisbrokennow，butitwillmend。

Thoughitisdeath，yetstillyouwillnotdie。

Good-bye!Good-bye!

Dearheart!deareyes!deartongue，thatcannotlie!

Yourloveistrue，yourgriefisdeepandsore；

Butlovewillpass——thenyouwillgrievenomore。

Newlovewillcome。Yourtearswillsoonbedry。

Good-bye!Good-bye!

TheVirginMartyrEverywildshe-birdhasnestandmateinthewarmAprilweather，Butacaptivewoman，madeforlove——nomate，nonesthasshe。

Inthespringofyoungdesire，youngmenandmaidsarewedtogether，Andthehappymothersflaunttheirblissforalltheworldtosee:

Nature"ssacramentalfeastforthese——anemptyboardforme。

I，ayoungmaidonce，anoldmaidnow，deposed，despised，forgotten——

I，likethemhavethrilledwithpassionandhavedreamedofnuptialrest，Ofthetremblinglifewithinmeofmychildrenunbegotten，Ofabreathingnew-bornbodytomyyearningbosomprest，Oftheraptureofalittlesoftmouthdrinkingatmybreast。

Time，thathealssomanysorrows，keepsmineeverfreshlyaching；

Thoughmyfaceisgrowingfurrowedandmybrownhairturningwhite，StillImournmyirremediableloss，asleeporwaking——

StillIhearmyson"svoicecalling"mother"inthedeadofnight，Andamhauntedbymygirl"seyesthatwillneverseethelight。

OmychildrenthatImighthavehad!mychildren，lostforever!

Othegoodlyyearsthatmighthavebeen——nowdesolateandbare!

OmalignantGodorFate，whathaveIdonethatIshouldneverTakemybirthrightliketheothers，takethecrownthatwomenwear，Andpossessthecommonheritagetowhichallfleshisheir？

HonourMelettheworlddisparageanddespise——

Asoneunfetteredwithitsgildedchains，Asoneuntemptedbyitssordidgains，Itspleasantvice，itsprofitablelies；

LetJustice，blindandhaltandmaimed，chastiseTherebelspiritsurginginmyveins，LettheLawdealmepenaltiesandpainsAndmakemehideousinmyneighbours"eyes。

Butletmefallnotinmineownesteem，Bypoordeceitorselfishgreeddebased。

Letmebecleanfromsecretstainandshame，Knowmyselftrue，thoughfalseashellIseem——

Knowmyselfworthy，howsoe"erdisgraced——

Knowmyselfright，thougheverytongueshouldblame。

DespairAlone!Alone!Nobeacon，farornear!

Nochart，nocompass，andnoanchorstay!

LikemeltingfogthemiragemeltsawayInall-surroundingdarkness，voidandclear。

Drifting，Ispreadvainhands，andvainlypeerAndvainlycallforpilot，——weepandpray；

BeyondtheselimitsnotthefaintestrayShowsdistantcoastwheretothelostmaysteer。

Owhatislife，ifwemustholditthusAswind-blownsparksholdmomentaryfire？

Whatarethesegiftswithoutthelargerboon？

Owhatisart，orwealth，orfametousWhoscarcehavetimetoknowwhatwedesire？

Owhatislove，ifwemustpartsosoon？

FaithAndisthegreatcauselostbeyondrecall？

Haveallthehopesofagescometonaught？

Islifenomorewithnoblemeaningfraught？

Islifebutdeath，andloveitsfuneralpall？

Maybe。AndstillonbendedkneesIfall，Filledwithafaithnopreacherevertaught。

OGod——MYGod——bynofalseprophetwrought——

Ibelievestill，indespiteofitall!

Letgothemythsandcreedsofgropingmen。

Thisclayknowsnaught——thePotterunderstands。

IownthatPowerdivinebeyondmyken，AndstillcanleavemeinHisshapinghands。

But，OmyGod，thatmadestmetofeel，Forgivetheanguishoftheturningwheel!

AlexanderBathgate。

TheClematisFaircrownofstarsofpurestray，HungaloftonMapautree，Whatfloralbeautiesyedisplay，Starsofsnowypurity；

Aroundthedark-leavedmapau"sheadUnsulliedgarlandsyehavespread。

Concealedwereallthybeautiesrare"Neaththedarkumbrageousshade，Butstilltogaintheloftiestspray，Thyweakstemitseffortsmade；

Now，everyobstacleo"ercome，Thousmilestfromthyleafyhome。

Thathomesecure，"midsombreleavesYieldedbythystalwartspouse，Helpstheetoshowthyfairycrown，Decorateshisduskyboughs:

Hisstrength，thybeauty，bothuniteAndformapicturetodelight。

Fairflower，methinksthoudostaffordEmblemofaperfectwife，Whoseworkishiddenfromtheworld，Till，perchance，herhusband"slifeIsbyherinfluencebeautified，Andthisbyothersisdescried。

PhilipJosephHoldsworth。

QuisSeparabit？

Allmylife"sshortyearshadbeensternandsterile——

Istoodlikeonewhomtheblastsblowback——

AswithshipmenwhirledthroughthestraitsofPeril，Sofiercefoesmenacedmyeverytrack。

ButIsteeledmysoultoastrongendeavour，Ibaredmybrowasthesharpstrokesfell，AndIsaidtomyheart——"Hopeon!Hopeever:

HaveCourage——Courage，andalliswell。"

Then，brightasthebloodinmyheart"srichchalice，OBlossom，Blossom!——youcamefromfar；

Andliferangjoy，tilltheWorld"sloudmaliceShrilledtotheedgeofourutmoststar。

AndIsaid:"Onmelettheroughstormshurtle，Thegreatcloudsgatherandshroudmysun——

ButyoushallbeQueenwheretheroseandmyrtleLaughwiththeyeartilltheyearisdone。"

SomyDreamfelldead；andthefluctuantpassion——

Thestressandstrainofthepastre-grew，Theworldlaughedoninitsheedlessfashion，ButEarthwhirledworthless，becauseofyou!

InthatLakeofTearswhichmygriefdiscovered，IlaiddeadLovewithapassionatekiss，AndoverthosesoundlessdepthshashoveredThesweet，sadwraithofmyvanishedbliss。

HeartclingstoHeart——letthestrangeyearsseverThefatesoftwowhohadmet——topart；

Love"sstrengthsurvives，andtheharshworldneverShallcrushthepassionofheartforheart；

ForIknowmylife，thoughitdroopanddwindle，ShallleavemeLovetillIfadeanddie，AndwhenhereafterourSoulsre-kindle，Whoshallbefonder——YouorI？

MyQueenofDreamsInthewarmflushedheartoftherose-redwest，Whenthegreatsunquiveredanddiedto-day，Youpulsed，Ostar，byyonpine-cladcrest——

Andthrobbedtillthebrighteveashenedgrey——

ThenIsawyouswimBytheshadowyrimWherethegreygumdipstothewesternplain，AndyourayeddelightAsyouwingedyourflightTothemysticsphereswhereyourkinsmenreign。

Ostar，didyouseeher？Myqueenofdreams!

WasityouthatglimmeredthenightwestrayedAmonthagobythesescentedstreams？

Half-checkedbythelitterthemusk-budsmade？

Didyousleeporwake？

Ah，forLove"ssweetsake(Thoughtheworldshouldfailandthesoftstarswane!)

IshalldreamdelightTilloursoulstakeflightTothemysticsphereswhereyourkinsmenreign!

MaryHannayFoott。

WherethePelicanBuildsThehorseswereready，therailsweredown，Buttheriderslingeredstill——

Onehadapartingwordtosay，Andonehadhispipetofill。

Thentheymounted，onewithagrantedprayer，Andonewithagriefunguessed。

"Wearegoing，"theysaid，astheyrodeaway——

"Wherethepelicanbuildshernest!"

Theyhadtoldusofpastureswideandgreen，Tobesoughtpastthesunset"sglow；

Ofriftsintherangesbyopallit；

Andgold"neaththeriver"sflow。

AndthirstandhungerwerebanishedwordsWhentheyspokeofthatunknownWest；

Nodroughttheydreaded，nofloodtheyfeared，Wherethepelicanbuildshernest!

ThecreekatthefordwasbutfetlockdeepWhenwewatchedthemcrossingthere；

Therainshavereplenisheditthricesincethen，Andthricehastherocklainbare。

ButthewatersofHopehaveflowedandfled，Andneverfrombluehill"sbreastComeback——bythesunandthesandsdevoured——

Wherethepelicanbuildshernest。

NewCountryCondehadcomewithusalltheway——

Eighthundredmiles——butthefortnight"srestMadehimfreshasayoungster，thesturdybay!

AndLurlinewaslookingherverybest。

Wearyandfootsore，thecattlestrayed"Midthesilverysaltbushwellcontent；

Wherethecreekslaycool"neaththegidya"sshadeThestock-horsesclustered，travel-spent。

Inthebrightspringmorningweleftthemall——

Camp，andcattle，andwhite，andblack——

AndrodefortheRange"swestwardfall，Wherethedingo"strailwastheonlytrack。

Slowthroughtheclay-pans，wettotheknee，Withthecane-grassrustlingoverhead；

Swifto"ertheplainswithneveratree；

Upthecliffsbyatorrent"sbed。

BridleonarmforamileormoreWetoiled，erewereachedBindanna"svergeAndsaw——asoneseesafar-offshore——

Thebluehillsboundingtheforestsurge。

Anoceanoftrees，bythewestwindstirred，Rolled，everrolled，tothegreatcliff"sbase；

Anditssoundlikethenoiseofwaveswasheard"Midtherocksandthecavesofthatlonelyplace……

WereckednotofwealthinstreamorsoilAsweheardontheheightsthebreezessing；

Wefeltnolongerourtravel-toil；

Wefearednomorewhattheyearsmightbring。

NoMessageSheheardthestoryoftheend，Eachmessage，too，sheheard；

Andtherewasoneforeveryfriend；

Forheralone——noword。

Andshallshebearaheavierheart，Anddeemhislovewasfled；

BecausehissoulfromearthcouldpartLeavinghernameunsaid？

No——No!——ThoughneithersignnorsoundApartingthoughtexpressed——

NotheedlesspassedtheHomeward-BoundOfherhelovedthebest。

Ofvoyage-perils，bravelyborne，Hewouldnottellthetale；

Ofshatteredplanksandcanvastorn，Andwarwithwindandgale。

Hewaitedtillthelight-housestarShouldriseagainstthesky；

Andfromthemainland，loomingfar，Theforestscentsblowby。

Hehopedtotell——assurancesweet!——

Thatpainandgriefwereo"er——

Whatblessingshastethesoultomeet，Ereyetwithinthedoor。

ThenonefarewellhethoughttospeakWhenalltherestwerepast——

Asintheparting-hourweseekThedearesthandthelast。

AndwhileforthisdelayingbutToseeHeaven"sopeningGate——

Lo，itreceivedhim——andwasshut——

Erehecouldsay"Iwait。"

HappyDaysAfringeofrushes——onegreenlineUponafadedplain；

Asilverstreakofwater-shine——

Above，tree-watcherstwain。

Itwasourresting-placeawhile，Andstill，withbackwardgaze，Wesay:""Tismanyawearymile——

Buttherewerehappydays。"

AndshallnoripplebreakthesandUponourfartherway？

Orreedyranksallknee-deepstand？

Orleafytree-topssway？

ThegoldofdawnissurelymetInsunset"slavishblaze；

And——inhorizonshiddenyet——

Thereshallbehappydays。

HenryLeaTwisleton。

ToaCabbageRoseThyclusteringleavesaresteepedinsplendour；

Noeveningred，nomorningdun，CanshowahueasrichandtenderAsthine——brightloverofthesun!

Whatwondroushintsofhiddenglory，Ofstrainsnohumanlipscansing；

Whatsymbolsrareoflife"sstrangestory，Dostthoufromearth"sdarkbosombring!

Whatelementshavemadethysweetness，Thyglowinghue，thyemeraldstem？

WhathandhasfashionedtocompletenessFromtinygerm，thydiadem？

Thouartthefairearth"sfondexpressionOftendernessforheavenabove——

Thevirginblushthatyieldsconfession——

Thoubright"ambassadoroflove"!

FairarethyleaveswhensummerglowingLiesinthelapofswooningspring；

Butwhereartthouwhenautumn，blowing，Bidsyouthandtendernesstakewing？

Sweetmessenger!thouwaftestbeautyWhereverhumanlivesaresown，Aroundthepeasant"shumbledutyOrwearygrandeursofathrone。

Transfusedthroughheartsinfutureages，ThyglowingpoweranewmayshineEffulgentinthepoets"pagesOrmusic"sharmonydivine。

ButnottotheefromfuturegloryCanshineoneaddedcharmorday；

Sweetisthylife"sunwrittenstoryOfradiantbloomandswiftdecay。

Give，then，tovagrantwindsthysweetness，Shine，tearful，inthesummershower；

And，heedlessofthyseason"sfleetness，Enrichwithjoythepassinghour。

Mrs。JamesGlennyWilson。

FairylandDoyourememberthatcarelessband，Ridingo"ermeadowandwetsea-sand，Oneautumnday，inamistofsunshine，Joyouslyseekingforfairyland？

Thewindinthetree-topswasscarcelyheard，Thestreamletrepeateditsonesilverword，Andfaraway，o"erthedepthsofwood-land，Floatedthebelloftheparson-bird。

Palehoar-frostglitteredinshadyslips，Wherefernsweredippingtheirfinger-tips，FrommossybranchesafaintperfumeBreathedo"erhoneyedClematislips。

AtlastweclimbedtotheridgeonhighAh，crystalvision!Dreamlandnigh!

Far，farbelowus，thewidePacificSlumberedinazurefromskytosky。

Andcloudandshadow，acrossthedeepWavered，orpausedinenchantedsleep，Andeastward，thepurple-mistedisletsFrettedthewavewithterraceandsteep。

Welookedonthetranquil，glassybay，Onheadlandssheetedindazzlingspray，AndthewhiteningribsofawreckforlornThatfortwentyyearshadwastedaway。

Allwassocalm，andpureandfair，Itseemedthehourofworshipthere，Silent，aswherethegreatNorth-MinsterRisesforever，avisibleprayer。

Thenweturnedfromthemurmurousforest-land，Androdeovershingleandsilversand，Forsofairwastheearthinthegoldenautumn，ThatwesoughtnofartherforFairyland。

AWinterDaybreakFromthedarkgorge，whereburnsthemorningstar，IheartheglacierriverrattlingonAndsweepingo"erhisice-ploughedshingle-bar，Whilewoodowlsshoutinsombreunison，Andflutteringsoutherndancersglideandgo；

Andblackswan"sairytrumpetswildly，sweetlyblow。

Thecockcrowsinthewindywintermorn，ThenmustIriseandflingthecurtainby。

Alldark!ButforastripoffieryskyBehindtheraggedmountains，peakedandtorn。

Oneplanetglittersintheicycold，Poisedlikeahawkabovethefrozenpeaks，Andnowagainthewildnor"-westerspeaks，Andbendsthecypress，shuddering，tohisfold，Whileeverytimber，everycasementcreaks。

Butstilltheskylarkssingaloudandbold；

Thewoodedhillsarise；thewhitecascadeShakeswithwildlaughterallthesilentshadowyglade。

NowfromtheshutteredeastasilverybarShinesthroughthemist，andshowsthemilddaystar。

Thestorm-wrappedpeaksstartoutandfadeagain，Androsyvapoursskirtthepastoralplain；

Thegardenpathswithhoaryrimearewet；

Andsweetlybreathesthewinterviolet；

Thejonquilhalfunfoldsherivorycup，Withcloudsofgold-eyeddaisieswakingup。

PleasantitistoturnandseethefireDanceonthehearth，ashewouldnevertire；

Thehome-bakedloaf，theIndianbean"sperfume，Fillwiththeirhomelycheerthepanelledroom。

Come，crazystorm!Andthou，wildglitteringhail，Raveo"ertheroofandwaveyouricyveil；

Shoutinourearsandtakeyourmadcapway!

Ilaughatstorms!forRoderickcomesto-day。

TheLark"sSongThemorningiswildanddark，Thenightmistrunsonthevale，BrightLuciferdiestoaspark，Andthewindwhistlesupforagale。

AndstormythedaymaybeThatbreaksthroughitsprisonbars，Butitbringsnoregrettome，ForIsingatthedoorofthestars!

Alongthedimocean-vergeIseetheshipslabouringon；

TheyriseontheliftingsurgeOnemoment，andtheyaregone。

IseeonthetwilightplainTheflashoftheflyingcars；

Mentravailinjoyorpain——

ButIsingatthedoorofthestars!

Iseethegreen，sleepingworld，Thepasturesallglazedwithrime；

Thesmokefromthechimneycurled；

Ihearthefaintchurchbellschime。

Iseethegreymountaincrest，Theslopes，andtheforestspars，Withthedyingmoonontheirbreast——

WhileIsingatthedoorofthestars!

EdwardBoothLoughran。

DeadLeavesWhenthesedeadleavesweregreen，love，November"sskieswereblue，Andsummercamewithlipsaflame，Thegentlespringtowoo；

Andtous，wanderinghandinhand，Lifewasafairyscene，ThatgoldenmorninginthewoodsWhenthesedeadleavesweregreen!

Howdream-likenowthatdewymorn，Sweetwiththewattle"sflowers，Whenlove，love，lovewasallourtheme，Andyouthandhopewereours!

TwohappierheartsinallthelandTherewerenotthen，Iween，Thanthoseyounglovers"——yoursandmine——

Whenthesedeadleavesweregreen。

HowgailydidyouplucktheseleavesFromtheacacia"sbough，Tomarkthelyricwehadread——

Icanrepeatitnow!

Whilecamethewords，likemusicsweet，Yoursmilinglipsbetween——

"Sofoldmylovewithinyourheart，"

Whenthesedeadleavesweregreen!

Howmanyspringshavepassedsincethen？

Ah，whereforeshouldwecount，Theyearsthatsped，likewatersfledFromTime"sunstayingfount？

We"vehadourshareofhappiness，Ourshareofcarehaveseen；

ButlovealonehasneverflownSincethesedeadleavesweregreen。

Yourheartiskindandlovingstill，Yourfacetomeasfair，Aswhen，thatmorn，thesunshineplayedAmidyourgoldenhair。

So，dearest，sweetheartsstillwe"llbe，Aswehaveeverbeen，AndkeepourloveasfreshandtrueAswhentheseleavesweregreen。

IsolationManlivesalone；star-like，eachsoulInitsownorbitcirclesever；

Myriadsmaybyorrounditroll——

Thewaysmaymeet，butminglenever。

Self-pois"d，eachsoulitscoursepursuesInlightordark，companionless:

Dropintodropmayblendthedews——

Thespirit"slawisloneliness。

Ifseeminglytwosoulsunite，"TisbutasjoinsyonsilentmereThestreamthatthroughit，flashingbright，Carriesitswatersswiftandclear。

ThefringesoftherushingtideMayonthelake"scalmbosomsleep——

ItshiddenspiritdothabideApart，stillbearingtowardthedeep。

OLove，tomemoredearthanlife!

OFriend，morefaithfulthanabrother!

HowmanyabitterinwardstrifeOursoulshavenevertoldeachother!

Wejourneysidebysideforyears，Wedreamourlives，ourhopesareone——

Andwithsomechance-saidwordappearsThespanlessgulf，solongunknown!

Forcandour"swantyetneitherblame；

Eventoourselvesbuthalf-confessed，Glowsineachheartsomesilentflame，Bloomssomehope-violetofthebreast。

Andtemptingsdark，andstrugglesdeepThereare，eachsoulalonemustbear，Throughmidnighthoursunblestwithsleep，Throughburningnoontidesofdespair。

AndkindlyistheordinancesentBywhicheachspiritdwellsapart——

CouldLoveorFriendshiplive，ifrentThe"Bluebeardchambersoftheheart"？

IshmonieThetravellertellshow，inthatancientclimeWhosemysticmonumentsandruinshoarStillstrugglewiththeantiquary"slore，Toguardthesecretsofaby-gonetime，Hesaw，uprisingfromthedesertbare，Likeawhiteghost，acityofthedead，Withpalacesandtempleswondrousfair，Wheremoon-horn"dIsisoncewasworshipped。

Butsilence，likeapall，didallenfold，Andtheinhabitantswereturn"dtostone——

Yea，stonetheveryheartofeveryone!

OncetoarichmanIthistalere-told。

"Stonehearts!Atraveller"smyth!"——heturn"daside，AsHungerbegg"d，pale-featuredandwild-eyed。

JohnLiddellKelly。

ImmortalityAttwenty-fiveIcastmyhoroscope，Andsawafuturewithallgoodthingsrife——

AfirmassuranceofeternallifeInworldsbeyond，andinthisworldthehopeOfdeathlessfame。ButnowmysundothslopeTosetting，andthetoilofsordidstrife，Thecareoffoodandraiment，childandwife，Havedimmedandnarrowedallmyspirit"sscope。

Eternallife——arivergulphedinsands!

Undyingfame——arainbowlostinclouds!

WhathopeofimmortalityremainsButthis:"SomesoulthatlovesandunderstandsShallsavetheefromthedarknessthatenshrouds"；

Andthis:"Thybloodshallcourseinothers"veins"？

HeredityMorethanafleshlyimmortalityIsmine。ThoughImyselfreturnagainTodust，myqualitiesofheartandbrain，Ofsoulandspirit，shallnotceasetobe。

Iviewthemgrowing，daybyday，inthee，Myfirst-begottenson；ItracethemplainInyou，mydaughters；andIcountitgainMyselfrenewedandmultipliedtosee。

Butsadnessmingleswithmyselfishjoy，Atthoughtofwhatyoumaybecalledtobear。

Oh，passionatemaid!Oh，glad，impulsiveboy!

Yourfather"ssadexperienceyoumustshare——

Self-torture，theunfeelingworld"sannoy，Grosspleasure，fierceexultance，grimdespair!

RobertRichardson。

ABalladeofWattleBlossomThere"salandthatishappyandfair，Setgem-likeinhalcyonseas；

Thewhitewintersvisitnotthere，Tosaddenitsblossomingleas，MoreblandthantheHesperides，OranywarmisleoftheWest，Wherethewattle-bloomperfumesthebreeze，Andthebell-birdbuildshernest。

Whentheoakandtheelmarebare，Andwildwindsvextheshudderingtrees；

Theretheclematiswhitenstheair，AndthehusbandmanlaughsasheseesThegrassripplinggreentohisknees，Andhisvineyardsinemeralddrest——

Wherethewattle-bloombendsinthebreeze，Andthebell-birdbuildshernest。

Whatlandiswiththistocompare？

NotthegreenhillsofHybla，withbeesHoney-sweet，aremoreradiantandrareIncolourandfragrancethantheseBoonshores，wherethestorm-cloudscease，Andthewindandthewaveareatrest——

Wherethewattle-bloomwavesinthebreeze，Andthebell-birdbuildshernest。

Envoy。

Sweetheart，letthempraiseastheypleaseOtherlands，butweknowwhichisbest——

Wherethewattle-bloomperfumesthebreeze，Andthebell-birdbuildshernest。

ASongAboveusonlyTheSouthernstars，Andthemoono"erbrimmingHergoldenbars。

AndasongsweetandclearAsthebell-bird"splaint，HumslowinmyearLikeadream-echofaint。

Thekindoldsong——

Howdiditgo？

Withitsrippleandflow，Thatyouusedtosing，dear，Longago。

Handfastinhand，I，love，andthou；

Handlockedinhand，AndonmybrowYourperfumedlipsBreathingloveandlife——

Theloveofthemaiden，Thetrustofthewife。

AndI"mlisteningstillTotherippleandflow——

Howdiditgo？——

OfthelittleFrenchsongOfthatlongago。

CanyourecallitAcrosstheyears？

YouusedtosingitWithlaughterandtears。

Ifyousangitnow，dear，Thatkindoldrefrain，ItwouldbringbackthefragranceOfthedeadyearsagain。

Leprintempspourl"amour——

Howdiditgo？

Onlyweknow；

Singit，sweetheart，to-night，Asyoudidlongago。

JamesListerCuthbertson。

AustraliaFederataAustralia!landoflonelylakeAndserpent-hauntedfen；

LandofthetorrentandthefireAndforest-sunderedmen:

ThouartnotnowasthoushaltbeWhenthesterninvaderscome，Inthehushbeforethehurricane，Thedreadbeforethedrum。

AlouderthundershallbeheardThanechoesonthyshore，Wheno"ertheblackenedbasaltcliffsTheforeigncannonroar——

Whenthestandismadeinthesheoaks"shadeWhenheroesfallforthee，AndthecreeksingloomygulliesrunDarkcrimsontothesea:

Whenunderhoneysucklesgray，Andwattles"swayinggold，Thestalwartarmmaystrikenomore，Thevaliantheartiscold——

Whenthoushaltknowtheagony，Thefever，andthestrifeOfthosewhowrestleagainstoddsForlibertyandlife:

ThenisthegreatDominionborn，Thesevensistersbound，FromSydney"sgreenlywoodedportToloneKingGeorge"sSound——

Thenshalltheislandsofthesouth，Thelandsofbloomandsnow，ForthfromtheirisolationcomeTomeetthecommonfoe。

Then，onlythen——whenafterwarIspeacewithhonourborn，WhenfromthebosomofthenightComesgolden-sandalledmorn，Whenlaurelledvictoryisthine，Andthedayofbattledone，Shalltheheartofamightypeoplestir，AndAustraliabeasone。

AtCapeSchanckDowntothelighthousepillarTherollingwoodlandcomes，Gaywiththegoldofshe-oaksAndthegreenofthestuntedgums，Withthesilver-greyofhoneysuckle，Withthewastedbrackenred，WithatuftofsoftestemeraldAndacloud-fleckedskyo"erhead。

Weclimbedbyridgeandboulder，Umberandyellowscarred，Outtotheutmostprecipice，Tothepointthatwasocean-barred，TillwelookedbelowonthefastnessOfthebreedingeagle"snest，AndCapeWollomaiopenedeastwardAndtheOtwayonthewest。

OverthemirrorofazureThepurpleshadowscrept，LeagueuponleagueofrollersLandwardevermoreswept，Andburstupongleamingbasalt，Andfoamedincrannyandcrack，Andmountedinsheetsofsilver，Andhurriedreluctantback。

Andthesea，socalmoutyonder，Whereverweturnedoureyes，Liketheblastofanangel"strumpetRangouttotheearthandskies，TillthereefsandtherockyrampartsThrobbedtothegiantfray，AndthegulliesandjuttingheadlandsWerebathedinamistyspray。

Oh，sweetinthedistantranges，Totheearofinlandmen，IstherippleoffallingwaterInsassafras-hauntedglen，ThestirintheripeningcornfieldThatgentlyrustlesandswells，Thewindinthewattlesighing，Thetinkleofcattlebells。

Butbestisthevoiceofocean，Thatstrikestotheheartandbrain，ThatlullswithitspassionatemusicTroubleandgriefandpain，ThatmurmurstherequiemsweetestForthosewhohavelovedandlost，AndthundersajubilantanthemTobraveheartstempest-tossed。

ThattakestoitsboundlessbosomTheburdenofallourcare，Thatwhispersofsorrowvanquished，Ofhoursthatmayyetbefair，ThattellsofaHarbourofRefugeBeyondlife"sstormystraits，Ofaninfinitepeacethatgladdens，Ofaninfinitelovethatwaits。

WattleandMyrtleGoldofthetangledwildernessofwattle，Breakinthelonegreenhollowsofthehills，Flameontheironheadlandsoftheocean，Gleamonthemarginofthehurryingrills。

ComewiththysaffrondiademandscatterOdoursofArabythathaunttheair，Queenofourwoodland，rivaloftheroses，Springintheyellowtressesofthyhair。

Surelytheoldgods，dwellersonOlympus，Underthyshininglovelinesshavestrayed，Crownedwiththyclusters，magicalApollo，Panwithhisreedymusicmayhaveplayed。

Surelywithinthyfastness，Aphrodite，Sheofthesea-ways，fallenfromabove，Wanderedbeneaththycanopyofblossom，Nothingdisdainfulofamortal"slove。

Aye，andHersweetbreathlingersonthewattle，Aye，andHermyrtledominatestheglade，AndwithadeepandperilousenchantmentMeltsintheheartofloverandofmaid。

TheAustralianSunriseTheMorningStarpaledslowly，theCrosshunglowtothesea，Anddowntheshadowyreachesthetidecameswirlingfree，ThelustrouspurpleblacknessofthesoftAustraliannight，Wanedinthegrayawakeningthatheraldedthelight；

Stillinthedyingdarkness，stillintheforestdimThepearlydewofthedawningclungtoeachgiantlimb，Tillthesuncameupfromocean，redwiththecoldseamist，Andsmoteonthelimestoneridges，andtheshiningtree-topskissed；

ThenthefieryScorpionvanished，themagpie"snotewasheard，Andthewindintheshe-oakwavered，andthehoneysucklesstirred，Theairygoldenvapourrosefromtheriverbreast，Thekingfishercamedartingoutofhiscranniednest，Andthebulrushesandreed-bedsputofftheirsallowgrayAndburntwithcloudycrimsonatdawningoftheday。

JohnFarrell。

AustraliatoEnglandJune22nd，1897

WhatoftheyearsofEnglishmen？

WhathavetheybroughtofgrowthandgraceSincemud-builtLondonbyitsfenBecametheBriton"sbreeding-place？

WhatoftheVillage，whereourbloodWasbrewedbysires，halfman，halfbrute，Invesselsofwildwomanhood，FrombloodofSaxon，CeltandJute？

Whatareitsgifts，thisHarvestHomeOfEnglishtilthandEnglishcost，WherefellthehamletwonbyRomeAndrosethecitythatshelost？

O!terribleandgrandandstrangeBeyondallphantasythatgleamsWhenHope，asleep，seesradiantChangeCometoherthroughthehallsofdreams!

Aheavingseaoflife，thatbeatsLikeEngland"sheartofprideto-day，AndupfromroaringmilesofstreetsFlingsontheroofsitshumanspray；

Andflutteringmilesofflagsaflow，Andcannon"svoice，andboomofbell，Andseasoffireto-night，asthoughAhundredcitiesflamedandfell；

While，undermanyafairfestoonAndfloweringcrescent，setablazeWithallthedyesthatEnglishJuneCanlendtodeckadayofdays，Andpastwheremartandpalacerise，Andshrineandtemplelifttheirspears，BelowfivemillionmistedeyesGoesagreyQueenofSixtyYears——

Golords，andservantsofthelordsOfearth，withhomageontheirlips，AndkinsmencarryingEnglishswords，AndofferingEnglandbattle-ships；

Andtribute-payers，onwhosehandsTheirEnglishfettersscarceappear；

AndgatheredroundfromutmostlandsAmbassadorsofLoveandFear!

Dimsignsofgreetingwavedafar，Fartrumpetsblownandflagsunfurled，AndEngland"snameanAvatarOflightandsoundthroughouttheworld——

HailedEmpressamongnations，QueenEnthronedinsolemnmajesty，Onsplendidproofsofwhathasbeen，Andpresagesofwhatwillbe!

Forthisyoursons，foreseeingnotOrheedingnot，theaftermath，BecausetheirstrenuousheartswerehotWentfirstonmanyacruelpath，And，trustingfirstandlasttoblows，FeddeathwithsuchaswouldgainsayTheirinstantpassing，oropposeWithtalkofRightstrength"srightofway!

ForthistheirnamesareonthestoneOfmountainspires，andcarventreesThatstandinflickeringwastesunknownWaitwiththeirdyingmessages；

WhenfireblastsdancewithdesertdriftsTheEnglishbonesshowwhitebelow，And，notsowhite，whensummerliftsThecounterpaneofYukon"ssnow。

CondemnedbybloodtoreachforgrapesThathanginsight，howeverhigh，BeyondthesmokeofAsiancapes，Thenameless，dauntless，deadoneslie；

AndwhereSierranmorningshinesOnsummitsrollingoutlikewaves，BymanyabrowofroyalpinesThenoisiestfindquietgraves。

Bylustoffleshandlustofgold，AnddepthofloinsandhairybreadthOfbreast，andhandstotakeandhold，Andboastfulscornofpainanddeath，AndsomethingmoreofmanlinessThantamermen，andgrowingshameOfshamefulthings，andsomethinglessOffinalfaithinswordandflame——

Bymanyabattlefoughtforwrong，Andmanyabattlefoughtforright，Sohaveyougrownaugustandstrong，Magnificentinallmen"ssight——

Avoiceforwhichthekingshaveears，Afacethecraftieststatesmenscan；

Amindtomouldtheafteryears，Andmintthedestiniesofman!

Redsinswereyours:theavidgreedOfpiratefathers，smockedasGrace，SentJudasmissionerstoreadChrist"sWordtomanyafeeblerrace——

FalsepriestsofTruthwhomadetheirtrystAtMammon"sshrine，andreftorslew——

SomehandsyoutaughttopraytoChristHaveprayedHiscursetorestonyou!

YourwayhasbeentopluckthebladeTooreadily，andtraintheguns。

Wehere，apartandunafraidOfenviousfoes，arebutyoursons:

WestretchedaheedlesshandtosmutchOurspotlessflagwithMurder"sblight——

ForonelesssacrilegioustouchGod"svengeanceblastedUzzawhite!

Youvauntedmostoffortsandfleets，Andcourageprovedinbattle-feasts，ThecourageofthebeastthateatsHistornandquiveringfellow-beasts；

Yourprideofdeadliestarmament——

Whatisitbuttheself-samedintOfjoywithwhichtheCavemanbentToshapeabloodieraxeofflint？

Butpraisetoyou，andmorethanpraiseAndthankfulness，forsomethingsdone；

Andblessedness，andlengthofdaysAslongasearthshalllast，orsun!

YoufirstamongthepeoplesspokeSharpwordsandangryquestioningsWhichburstthebondsandshedtheyokeThatmadeyourmentheslavesofKings!

Yousetandshowedthewholeworld"sschoolThelessonitwillsurelyread，Thateachoneruledhasrighttorule——

ThealphabetofFreedom"screedWhichslowlywinsitproselytesAndmakesuneasiermanyathrone；

YoutaughtthemalltoprateofRightsInlanguagegrowinglikeyourown!

AndnowyourholiestandbestAndwisestdreamofsuchatieAs，holdingheartsfromEasttoWest，Shallstrengthenwhiletheyearsgoby:

AndofatimewheneverymanForeveryfellow-manwilldoHiskindliest，workingbytheplanGodsethim。Maythedreamcometrue!

Andgreaterdreams!OEnglishmen，BesurethesafesttimeofallForeventhemightiestStateiswhenNoteventheleastdesiresitsfall!

MakeEnglandstandsupremeforaye，Becausesupremeforpeaceandgood，WarnedwellbywrecksofyesterdayThatstrongestfeetmayslipinblood!

ArthurPatchettMartin。

BushlandNotsweetertothestorm-tossedmarinerIsglimpseofhome，wherewifeandchildrenwaitTowelcomehimwithkissesatthegate，Thantothetown-wornmanthebreezystirOfmountainwindsonruggedpathlessheights:

Hislong-pentsouldrinksinthedeepdelightsThatNaturehathinstore。Thesun-kissedbayGleamsthro"thegrandoldgnarledgum-treeboughsLikeburnishedbrass；thestrong-wingedbirdofpreySweepsby，uponhislonelyvengefulway——

Whileoverall，likebreathofholyvows，Thesweetairsblow，andthehigh-vaultedskyLooksdowninpitythisfairSummerdayOnallpoorearth-borncreaturesdoomedtodie。

DouglasBrookeWheeltonSladen。

UndertheWattle"WhyshouldnotwattledoFormistletoe？"

Askedone——theywerebuttwo——

Wherewattlesgrow。

Hewasherlover，too，Whourgedherso——

"WhyshouldnotwattledoFormistletoe？"

Arose-cheekrosiergrew；

Rose-lipsbreathedlow；

"Sinceitishere，andYOU，IhardlyknowWhywattleshouldnotdo。"

VictorJamesDaley。

PlayersAndafterall——andafterall，Ourpassionateprayers，andsighs，andtears，Islifearecklesscarnival？

Andaretheylost，ourgoldenyears？

Ah，no；ah，no；for，longago，Eretimecouldsear，orcarecouldfret，TherewasayouthcalledRomeo，TherewasamaidnamedJuliet。

Theplayersofthepastaregone；

Theracesrise；theracespass；

AndsoftlyoverallisdrawnThequietCurtainoftheGrass。

ButwhentheworldwentwildwithSpring，Whatdayswehad!Doyouforget？

WhenIofalltheworldwasKing，AndyouweremyQueenJuliet？

Thethingsthatare；thethingsthatseem——

Whoshalldistinguishshapefromshow？

Thegreatprocessional，splendiddreamOflifeisallIwishtoknow。

ThegodstheirfacesturnawayFromnationsandtheirlittlewars；

ButweourgoldendramaplayBeforethefootlightsofthestars。

Therelives——thoughTimeshouldceasetoflow，Andstarstheircoursesshouldforget——

Therelivesagrey-hairedRomeo，WholovesagoldenJuliet。

AnnaThepalediscrownedstacksofmaize，Likespectresinthesun，StandshiveringnighAvonaise，Whereallisdeadandgone。

Thesereleavesmakeamusicvain，Withmelancholychords；

Likecriesfromsomeoldbattle-plain，Likeclashofphantomswords。

ButwhenthemaizewaslushandgreenWithmusicalgreenwaves，Shewent，itsplumedranksbetween，Untothehillofgraves。

ThereyoumayseesweetflowerssetO"erdamselsando"erdames——

Rose，Ellen，Mary，Margaret——

Thesweetoldquietnames。

Thegravestonesshowinlongarray，Thoughwhiteorgreenwithmoss，HowlinkedinLifeandDeatharethey——

TheShamrockandtheCross。

ThegravestonesfacetheGoldenEast，AndinthemorntheytakeTheblessingoftheGreatHighPriest，Beforethelivingwake。

Whowasshe？Neveraskhername，HerbeautyandhergraceHavepassed，withherpoorlittleshame，IntotheSilentPlace。

InAvonaise，inAvonaise，Whereallisdeadanddone，ThefolkwhoresttherealltheirdaysCarenotformoonorsun。

Theycarenot，whenthelivingpass，Whethertheysighorsmile；

TheyhearabovetheirgravesthegrassThatsighs——"Alittlewhile!"

AwhitestonemarkshersmallgreenbedWith"Anna"and"Adieu"。

MadonnaMary，restherheadOnyourdearlapofblue!

TheNightRideTheredsunonthelonelylandsGazed，undercloudsofrose，AsonewhounderknittedhandsTakesonelastlookandgoes。

ThenPain，withherwhitesisterFear，Creptnearertomybed:

"Thesandsarerunning；dostthouhearThysobbingheart？"shesaid。

Therecamearidertothegate，Andsternandclearspakehe:

"Formeatordrinkthoumustnotwait，Butriseandridewithme。"

Iwaitednotformeatordrink，Orkiss，orfarewellkind——

Butoh!myheartwassoretothinkOffriendsIleftbehind。

Werodeo"erhillsthatseemedtosweepSkywardlikeswellingwaves；

Thelivingstirrednotintheirsleep，Thedeadsleptintheirgraves。

AndeveraswerodeIheardAmoanofanguishsore——

Novoiceofmanorbeastorbird，Butalloftheseandmore。

"IsitthemoaningoftheEarth？

DarkRider，answerme!"

"Itisthecryoflifeatbirth"

Heansweredquietly: