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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/75489-0.txt b/75489-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..07cca6e --- /dev/null +++ b/75489-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1917 @@ + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75489 *** + + + + + + POEMS + + ⁂ + + JOSEPHINE + + DASKAM + + + + + POEMS + + BY + + JOSEPHINE DASKAM + + [Illustration] + + NEW YORK + + CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS + + MDCCCCIII + + + + + COPYRIGHT, 1903, BY CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS + + PUBLISHED OCTOBER, 1903 + + D. B. UPDIKE, THE MERRYMOUNT PRESS, BOSTON + + + + + TO + + M. A. J., + +_the first and cordial critic of many of these verses, it gives me +great pleasure to dedicate this collection of them_. + + J. D. B. + + + + + CONTENTS + + + PAGE + +MOTHERHOOD 1 + +THE SLEEPY SONG 3 + +THE GOLDEN DAYS 5 + +THE VIGIL 6 + +THE SEA MAN 8 + +THE SONS OF SLEEP 12 + +FOUR SONGS: + + I. THE PEASANT GIRL 14 + + II. AN INTERLUDE 15 + + III. HEART’S SEASONS 16 + + IV. OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY 17 + +THE SAILOR’S SONG 18 + +QUATRAIN 19 + +THE OLD COUNTRY 20 + +THE LITTLE BLIND BEGGAR 22 + +THE STRANGER CHILD 24 + +SONGS OF ISEULT DESERTED 26 + +THE OLD CAPTIVE 28 + +SONG TO OPHELIA 31 + +A CHRISTMAS HYMN FOR CHILDREN 32 + +THE GYPSY MAID 34 + +THREE SONGS: + + I. THE SAILOR 36 + + II. THE HUNTER 37 + + III. THE PRINCE 38 + +THE LITTLE DEAD CHILD 39 + +AT PARTING 42 + +THE NIXY 43 + +A JAPANESE FAN 44 + +TWO SONNETS FROM THE HEBREW + + I. THE PREPARATION 45 + + II. THE INCARNATION 46 + +ODE: WRITTEN FOR THE TWENTY-SECOND OF FEBRUARY 47 + +THE DEATH SONG 50 + +SEVEN CHILD SONGS + + I. DO YOU KNOW? 53 + + II. THE SECRET PLAYMATE 55 + + III. LONELINESS 56 + + IV. DREAMS 57 + + V. THE SHADOW 58 + + VI. HEAVEN 60 + + VII. THE PEAR TREE 61 + +INSCRIPTIONS: + + FOR A CHILD’S PLATE 62 + + FOR HIS CUP 62 + + FOR HIS CHAIR 62 + + FOR HIS BED 63 + +THE WANDERERS 64 + + + + +MOTHERHOOD + + + The night throbs on: but let me pray, dear Lord! + Crush off his name a moment from my mouth. + To thee my eyes would turn, but they go back, + Back to my arm beside me where he lay-- + So little, Lord, so little and so warm! + + I cannot think that thou hadst need of him! + He is so little, Lord, he cannot sing, + He cannot praise thee; all his lips had learned + Was to hold fast my kisses in the night. + + Give him to me--he is not happy there! + He had not felt his life: his lovely eyes + Just knew me for his mother, and he died. + + Hast thou an angel there to mother him? + I say he loves me best--if he forgets, + If thou allow it that my child forgets + And runs not out to meet me when I come-- + + What are my curses to thee? Thou hast heard + The curse of Abel’s mother, and since then + We have not ceased to threaten at thy throne, + To threat and pray thee that thou hold them still + In memory of us. + + See thou tend him well, + Thou God of all the mothers! If he lack + One of his kisses--Ah, my heart, my heart, + Do angels kiss in heaven? Give him back! + + Forgive me, Lord, but I am sick with grief, + And tired of tears and cold to comforting. + Thou art wise I know, and tender, aye, and good. + Thou hast my child and he is safe in thee, + And I believe-- + + Ah, God, my child shall go + Orphaned among the angels! All alone, + So little and alone! He knows not thee, + He only knows his mother--give him back! + + + + +THE SLEEPY SONG + + + As soon as the fire burns red and low, + And the house up-stairs is still, + She sings me a queer little sleepy song, + Of sheep that go over the hill. + + The good little sheep run quick and soft, + Their colors are gray and white: + They follow their leader nose to tail, + For they must be home by night. + + And one slips over and one comes next, + And one runs after behind, + The gray one’s nose at the white one’s tail, + The top of the hill they find. + + And when they get to the top of the hill + They quietly slip away, + But one runs over and one comes next-- + Their colors are white and gray. + + And over they go, and over they go, + And over the top of the hill, + The good little sheep run quick and soft, + And the house up-stairs is still. + + And one slips over and one comes next, + The good little, gray little sheep! + I watch how the fire burns red and low, + And she says that I fall asleep. + + + + +THE GOLDEN DAYS + + + I wonder where the Fairy-book can be, + The book from which she read to you and me, + While the warm sunlight shifted down the tree? + + _And the brown eyes turned downward to the leaf, + Tear-spotted by two tiny people’s grief, + When Death bound one more princess in his sheaf._ + + I wonder where the Rocking-horse has run + That carried us before the day was done, + To all the lands that lie beneath the sun? + + _And the dear lips of her we loved so well + Kissed us more sweetly than our tongue could tell, + When the too daring riders swayed and fell._ + + I wonder where the crimson peaches grow + We caught together when she threw them, so, + And ran with her to hide them, laughing low? + + _And her light feet were swifter yet than ours, + And her soft cheeks were like two rosy flowers-- + Ah, Time and Death, ye two malignant powers!_ + + + + +THE VIGIL + + + Nay, Lord, I pray thee call not me to fight! + I have crept out of day to bless the night. + _Hush, Son, and gather courage for the light!_ + + But see, I weary ere I have begun! + Give thou the battle to some worthier one! + _When have I offered thee to choose, my Son?_ + + Look how my eyes with loneliness are wet! + But give me once warm arms and lips close met. + _Into the desert, Son, thy way is set!_ + + Nay, then, thou leanest on a broken reed! + Music and mirth and fire and friends I need. + _They walk alone whom I have called to lead!_ + + How shall I lead who only know to stray? + Am I to shepherd them, who lose the way? + _Yet I require them of thee in that day!_ + + What if I will not? Let me be as these + That laugh and breed and die and have good ease! + _Nay, Son, the eye once bared forever sees!_ + + * * * * * + + This only, Lord: what shall my gladness be + Who fight disheartened in life’s phantom sea? + _To make the bridge whereon they cross to me!_ + + What am I, Lord, that I should strive with fate? + Bring on the dawn, before it be too late! + _My Son, the dawn shall come, and thou wilt wait!_ + + * * * * * + + Yea, Lord, and I lie broken in thy hand. + Heat me white hot, to forge as thou hast planned. + _Fear not, my Son, but I shall understand!_ + + Melt out my yielded soul in one red stream, + Perchance through thy white furnace hope may gleam-- + _My Son, a rest thou hast not dared to dream!_ + + + + +THE SEA MAN + + + It was the burgher’s daughter, + As fair as maid could be, + That loved too well the stranger, + A man from off the sea. + + “_My mother she was a sea maid; + My father he loved no shore. + Thou must bury me under billows, + Or thou ne’er shall see me more!_” + + She’s kissed him lip and forehead; + She’s given him her vow: + “Five-fathom sea shall cover thee, + But only love me now!” + + * * * * * + + For seven years her sleep is sweet + Against the sea man’s heart. + “But now hath come my time to die, + And now we twain must part. + + “Farewell, my little daughter! + Farewell, my bonny son! + Last night the waves did call my name; + My life on land is done.” + + She holds him close and closer; + The bitter tears fall down. + “Remember now thy maiden vow, + Or woe betide this town! + + “_Remember the oath ye gave me, + Nor bury me but in sea, + For the ocean will come to seek its own + If ye cheat my waves of me!_” + + Now come her haughty sisters; + Now comes her father stern. + “This deed brings little honor + For all the world to learn. + + “Our fathers lie in holy ground; + Their tombs are carven well; + A heathen stranger cast a-sea + Were too much shame to tell!” + + They’ve buried him in the minster high + That stands beside her door, + But the winds o’ the air have drowned the prayer, + And the sea foams up the shore. + + * * * * * + + “Mother, I hear the billows roll, + I hear them hiss and moan!” + “Nay, little son, their fury’s done, + ’Tis but the wind alone.” + + “Mother, I smell the salt sea wind, + I taste the salt sea spray!” + “Nay, daughter mine, some dream is thine, + I’ll sing thy fear away.” + + “Mother, we cannot hear thy voice! + The sea rolls loud and high! + It rushes up the minster street + And flings the church door by!” + + The waves pour out the windows wide, + They’ve washed the altar bare, + They’ve torn the flowers from the stranger’s tomb, + And heaped wet sea-weed there! + + * * * * * + + It was the burgher’s daughter + That made her prayer in vain, + For all that drownèd city + Was never seen again. + + For all its goodly gardens, + For all its towers so high, + Five-fathom sea rolls over it + And shuts it from the sky. + + _Then bury the sea man deeply, + Five fathom out from shore, + Lest the ocean come in to find him, + And ye see the sun no more!_ + + + + +THE SONS OF SLEEP + + + Now the wayfaring, now the restless earth, + Descrying on her dim and trackless verge + The dear, awaited dawning of the night, + Moves slowly in a languor of desire, + And drifts into the haven of her sleep. + + Like dropping of the sweet and gradual rain, + Full flooding all the parchèd doors of growth, + The multitudinous lips of all the flowers, + The whispering insistence of dry leaves, + All cool and rill-like flowing, falls our sleep. + + As the long thunderous surge of ocean waves + That lull eternally the listening shore, + Slow sweeping in from vast and caverned depths, + Comes the white tide that washes loose our souls, + To drown them tenderly in depths of sleep. + + Soft stealing like the swathed and plumèd dusk, + Enwrapped in shadows, shod with silences, + Unceasing, unresisted, unobserved, + Embosoming the lapsed and languid earth, + Slips o’er the sons of men close-feathered sleep. + + By day they walk diverse and isolate, + Sunken in self they skulk their separate ways, + Poor fugitives of fate, awhirl in time, + Groping for fellow-hands they dare not grasp, + Grudging the thriftless hours they yield to sleep. + + But now, relaxed and drifting with that stream + Whereon they taste soft moments of the voyage + Whose unknown port no seaman of us all + Evaded ever, these swift, swarming souls + As one glad band of brothers sink in sleep. + + Surely the great and tireless Heart of all, + Grievèd by day for their perversity, + Joys in them as they lie, breast soft on breast, + Hand locked in hand, a fathom deep in dreams, + And brims anew the cooling wells of sleep! + + + + +FOUR SONGS + + +I. THE PEASANT GIRL + + Beyond the sea he goes, beyond the sea. + Does he look back to Arcady and me? + And yet, how could it be? + How should he mate with such a maid as I? + Ah, let him go--good-by! + + Beyond my sight he goes, beyond my sight. + Does he look back and say, “My sweet, good-night”? + And yet, is love so light? + How should he know the pain I could not tell? + Ah, let him go--farewell! + + Beyond my prayer he goes, beyond my prayer. + Does he look back from out the great world there? + And yet, how could I dare? + How should he know if love be wrong or right? + Ah, let him go--good-night! + + +II. AN INTERLUDE + + I was within her heart that one short year + (But that is long ago and far away!). + Her soul’s sweet spring, + The while she waited for that greater thing, + Should blow to blossom all the buds of May. + + I was within her heart that one short year + (But that is hidden, lost, and gone away!). + She was not mine, + But ere the glorious harvest moon could shine + There beamed on me the crescent moon of May. + + I was within her heart that one short year + (But that has faded faint and soft away!). + Though the year’s night + Draws on, and all about the snow falls white, + Across my heart there blows a breath of May. + + +III. HEART’S SEASONS + + When Love went holidaying + Among the autumn leaves, + They bloomed in sweet betraying, + The purple clouds, soft straying, + Held daylight back, delaying + To gild the glowing sheaves-- + When Love went holidaying + Among the autumn leaves. + + When Grief came on a-sighing + Behind the flowers of spring, + They withered to their dying, + The homing birds, slow flying, + Sang wintry songs, denying + The joy that June should bring-- + When Grief came on a-sighing + Behind the flowers of spring. + + +IV. OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY + + “Over the hills,” he said, “and far away!” + Ah me! to go, to leave it all and go! + To toss my life as east wind tosses spray, + To clean forget that this land ever lay + Within my sight, that wearied of it so! + + “Over the hills,” he said, “and far away!” + Could he have felt my heart leap up and sing! + I knew the primrose path my feet would stray, + I guessed the lovely glow of the new day + That lies beyond the mountain’s purple wing. + + “Over the hills,” he said, “and far away!” + He took my heart and wandered on alone; + Doubtless some other strolls with him to-day, + A lightsome comrade on his happy way, + That way across the hills I have not known! + + + + +THE SAILOR’S SONG + + + O the wind’s to the West and the sails are filling free! + Take your head from my breast: you must say good-by to me. + You’d my heart in both your hands, but you did not hold it fast, + And the mill cannot grind with the water that is past. + + O it’s I must away, and it’s you must bide at home! + I am sped like the spray, I am fickle as the foam: + It was sweet, my dear, ’twas sweet, but ’twas all too sweet to last, + For the mill cannot grind with the water that is past. + + We have clasped, we have kissed, but you would not give me more: + I must win what we missed on some other, farther shore. + You can never hold the gray gull that swings about the mast, + And the mill cannot grind with the water that is past. + + You will mourn, you will mate, but ’twill never be with me: + I am off to my fate, and it lies across the sea. + For it’s God alone that knows where my anchor will be cast, + And the mill cannot grind with the water that is past. + + + + +QUATRAIN + + + In a wide chamber from the rest apart, + I spread the purple daïs of my heart: + An unfilled throne, with steps by men untrod, + Too high it was for them--too low for God. + + + + +THE OLD COUNTRY + + + _Where’s the land o’ Dreamland?_ + How should I know? + On the moon’s farther side, + Where the drift clouds ride, + And the stars hang low. + + _What’s the look o’ Dreamland?_ + How should I see? + All the air’s silver-gray, + Glinted with star spray, + Here and there a tree. + + _What’s the sound o’ Dreamland?_ + How should I hear? + Bell tones from far below, + Night’s haunting cockcrow, + Olden songs and dear. + + _What’s the speech o’ Dreamland?_ + How should I say? + Great eyes that fill the heart, + Soft hands that clasp and part, + Calls from far away. + + _Where’s the gate o’ Dreamland?_ + How should I tell? + Sudden you stand before, + Slip through the quiet door-- + Ah, but all’s well! + + + + +THE LITTLE BLIND BEGGAR + + + At the gate of the world where the travel flows, + And the folk stream by full-tide, + A little blind Beggar sits in the sun + And shoots afar and awide. + + He fits the arrow and twangs the bow + And low in his throat laughs he, + For well he knows he will hit his mark + Though never a face he see. + + And never his stock of arrows fails, + For the pain of the wound is sweet, + And the stricken folk bring the arrows back + To pile at the Beggar’s feet. + + So he fits the arrows and twangs the bow, + And laughs till his fingers shake, + For well he knows he can never miss, + But somewhere a heart must ache. + + Now they who are struck, they keep still tongue, + But they carry the arrows back, + And they who are spared they sound abroad + The songs of the pain they lack. + + But still or singing, and grave or gay, + Through the gate of the world they go, + And the little blind Beggar sits in the sun + And laughs as he lays them low. + + + + +THE STRANGER CHILD + + + Now the night is dark, + Now the house is still; + Comes a little stranger child + Toiling up the hill. + + Listens at the door, + Peers within the pane, + Reaches for the broken latch + Rusted with the rain. + + Murmurs in the dark, + Sobs beneath his breath, + Whispers to the empty rooms, + Quiet, now, for death. + + Wanders through the lane + Where the rosebush grew, + Tries to reach the cobwebbed sill + Drenched and dark with dew. + + Calls--and calls in vain! + For the man, alone, + Dies before a dying fire, + Hears no human tone. + + Only his soul’s voice + Calls the dull roll through; + Good so often long to wait, + Ill so quick to do. + + Only his soul’s eyes, + Shamed and tired of all, + Watch the red life ebb and flow, + Watch the last sands fall. + + And the little child, + Clinging to the sill, + Weeps and stretches tiny hands, + Weak for good or ill. + + Slow the dying coal + Drops from out the fire; + Slowly sinks the house of clay, + Empty of desire. + + Through the creaking blind + Slips the spirit now, + Shudders at the stranger child, + “Thou? my lost youth, _thou_?” + + + + +SONGS OF ISEULT DESERTED + + +I + + I do not pray for thee, most dear of all, + That ever in soft ways thy feet may fall, + For well I know that wheresoe’er thou art + Thy feet must tread forever on my heart! + + I pray thee only to walk gently, sweet, + Nor press too sharply with too cruel feet: + Remember thou how soft the way must be, + How soft--and ah, how sad--and pity me! + + +II + + Should we have loved if we had known + That love would bring one day such pain? + I cannot tell--I only kiss + The pillow where your head has lain. + + Should we have loved if we had known + That love would go to come no more? + I cannot tell--I only stand + And sob before a fast-closed door. + + +III + + Since you are gone, all dull my life has grown, + Idle among my empty days I stand: + They pass and pass, and leave me here alone-- + Ah, sweet, your hand that burned upon my hand! + + Since you are gone, gone are the joys I knew, + Slowly from out the sky the long night slips: + And my arms ache with emptiness of you-- + Ah, sweet, your lips that trembled on my lips! + + Since you are gone, the world is grown too wide, + With cruel miles that hold us two apart: + I sit and watch the white road weary-eyed-- + Ah, sweet, your heart that beat against my heart! + + + + +THE OLD CAPTIVE + + + To hear once more the thunder of the surf, + To breathe once more the salt and stinging wind, + To set my cheek once more against the wave, + To look once more across the billowy Sea! + + Chained in the pen of silent heavy hills, + I dream hot nights of that sweet long ago, + When I leaped down the beach in the dim dawn, + And plunged to meet the sun--and knew the Sea! + + _And they drove in the boats with a shout and a song, + And they spread wide the nets in the face o’ the wind, + And the ship strained and dipped like a swooping bird, + And we rushed onward, mad for the open Sea!_ + + Never to feed my eyes on strange dim coasts, + Never to touch a branch washed in by the tide, + Never to gaze on dark and silent men + From some far isle in the mysterious Sea! + + Never to see the white sails gleam and fade, + Nor watch black masts against the setting sun, + Never to glide within some wondrous port, + Nor breathe spice winds blown soft across the Sea! + + Never to feel the great sail fill and stretch, + Nor plough white fiery trails beneath the stars, + Nor float below some tow’ring rosy berg, + Nor ride the sheer gulfs of the stormy Sea! + + _And they rushed down to the beach to drag us in, + And they pulled hard at the rough and glistening rope, + And the glad keel rubbed harsh on the shelly sand, + And their arms strained us, home from the terrible Sea!_ + + Though in my life I lost thee, tired and dead, + Me they shall bring to thee, O long desired! + Me they shall lay at sunset on the sand, + Where the strong tide swings outward to the Sea. + + Me like a cradled child the waves shall rock, + Rock ’neath the moon, and sink to those dim caves, + Those wide green glooms, those clear and pallid depths, + The silence and the strange flowers of the Sea. + + _And they shall bear me down with a glorious song, + And they shall shout to the crash and boom of the surf, + And they shall thrill to the whip and sting of the spray, + While the great waves ride triumphing out to Sea!_ + + Where the pale light strains down through undreamed deeps + To glimmer o’er the vast unpeopled plains, + The ancient treasure piles of dead kings’ fleets, + The mighty bones long bleached beneath the Sea, + + There where cool corals and still seaweeds twine, + There on the solemn level ocean floor, + Till God’s great arm shall terribly plough the deep, + I shall lie long and rest beneath the Sea. + + + + +SONG TO OPHELIA + + + Unto thy grass-hidden charms + Nature worketh no alarms; + Changeth all thy breath to dew, + And thine eyes to violets blue, + Weaveth all thy waving hair + Into beams to light the air! + _Thus the song--and yet he saith_ + “_Ah! how sad a thing is Death!_” + + Over thy earth-covered breast + Springtime snow doth lightly rest; + Never hath been spun a sheet + For thy purity more meet; + Lovelier the earth shall be + Now that it doth prison thee! + _Thus the song--and yet he saith_ + “_Ah! how sad a thing is Death!_” + + + + +A CHRISTMAS HYMN FOR CHILDREN + + + Our bells ring out to all the earth, + _In excelsis gloria!_ + But none for Thee made chimes of mirth + On that great morning of Thy birth. + + Our coats they lack not silk nor fur, + _In excelsis gloria!_ + Not such Thy Blessed Mother’s were; + Full simple garments covered Her. + + Our churches rise up goodly high, + _In excelsis gloria!_ + Low in a stall Thyself did lie, + With hornèd oxen standing by. + + Incense we breathe and scent of wine, + _In excelsis gloria!_ + Around Thee rose the breath of kine, + Thy only drink Her breast divine. + + We take us to a happy tree, + _In excelsis gloria!_ + The seed was sown that day for Thee + That blossomed but at Calvary. + + Teach us to feed Thy poor with meat, + _In excelsis gloria!_ + Who turnest not when we entreat, + Who givest us Thy Bread to eat. + Amen. + + + + +THE GYPSY MAID + + + She met them on the forest edge, + A maid all brown and slim, + She beckoned them to leave the path + That girt the forest rim. + + At first they shake their heads at her, + At last they follow meek, + She smiles at them with crimson lips, + And sweet her bright eyes speak. + + They go as in a faëry dream, + The forest shuts them round, + Save for the leaves that whisper low + They hear no earthly sound. + + The quiet miles have grown to leagues, + The trees are strange and tall, + They listen for the gypsy’s steps + And follow where they fall. + + She sings a song of Wander-land, + For very joy they weep: + Adown the hills the dying day + Soft like a cloud doth creep. + + The forest folk have gone to rest, + The trees are dark and high: + The gypsy’s song it crooneth soft + Their mother’s lullaby. + + A misty moon now rides the clouds, + They sink in happy sleep: + The gypsy laughing low at them + Slips in the forest deep. + + They wake into a fearsome dawn, + Lost in a gloomy fen: + They follow no more gypsy maids + In all their life again. + + + + +THREE SONGS + + +I. THE SAILOR + + You hold me for a day, my dear, + I lose you for a life, + And that’s the sailor’s way, my dear, + A love, but not a wife. + ’Tis never I will blame you, + ’Tis not my eyes are wet, + But ’tis I that must remember-- + ’Tis you that will forget. + + You kiss me for a night, my dear, + I kiss you for the years, + And that’s the sailor’s right, my dear, + And life’s too short for tears. + ’Tis never I will stay you + When once the moon has set, + But ’tis I that must remember-- + ’Tis you that will forget. + + +II. THE HUNTER + + One came chasing the fallow deer + When all the wood was green, + But through my heart an arrow went + That ne’er by him was seen-- + Ah me! + That ne’er by him was seen. + + One came hunting the eagle-king + When all the wood was brown, + But over me a lure was cast + That dragged my proud heart down-- + Ah me! + That dragged my proud heart down. + + One came tracking the mighty boar + When all the wood was white, + But from my wound the red drops fell + That guided him that night-- + Ah me! + That guided him that night. + + +III. THE PRINCE + + My heart it was a cup of gold + That at his lip did long to lie, + But he hath drunk the red wine down, + And tossed the goblet by. + + My heart it was a floating bird + That through the world did wander free, + But he hath locked it in a cage, + And lost the silver key. + + My heart it was a white, white rose + That bloomed upon a broken bough, + He did but wear it for an hour, + And it is withered now. + + + + +THE LITTLE DEAD CHILD + + + When all but her were sleeping fast, + And the night was nearly fled, + The little dead child came up the stair + And stood by his mother’s bed. + + “Ah, God!” she cried, “the nights are three, + And yet I have not slept!” + The little dead child he sat him down, + And sank his head, and wept. + + * * * * * + + “And is it thou, my little dead child, + Come in from out the storm? + Ah, lie thou back against my heart, + And I will keep thee warm!” + + _That is long ago, mother, + Long and long ago! + Shall I grow warm who lay three nights + Beneath the winter snow?_ + + * * * * * + + “Hast thou not heard the old nurse weep? + She sings to us no more; + And thy brothers leave the broken toys + And whisper in the door.” + + _That is far away, mother, + Far and far away! + Above my head the stone is white, + My hands forget to play._ + + * * * * * + + “What wilt thou then, my little dead child, + Since here thou may’st not lie? + Ah, me! that snow should be thy sheet, + And winds thy lullaby!” + + _Down within my grave, mother, + I heard, I know not how, + “Go up to God, thou little child, + Go up and meet him now!”_ + + _That is far to fare, mother, + Far and far to fare! + I come for thee to carry me + The way from here to there._ + + “O hold thy peace, my little dead child, + My heart will break in me! + Thy way to God thou must go alone, + I may not carry thee!” + + * * * * * + + The cock crew out the early dawn + Ere she could stay her moan; + She heard the cry of a little child, + Upon his way alone. + + + + +AT PARTING + + + Oh, all too well beloved, at last I know + That for us two the parting of the ways + Has come, and brought the ending of sweet days. + Bid me good-bye, and loose my hand, and go. + To-day’s fair peak we ran to climb, and low + Before us, glowing in our last sun’s rays, + The path slopes down, nor undivided stays; + The path slopes down, but separate and slow. + + Henceforward you and I alone must fare. + Nay, look not all so sad! Was ever done + A deed to merit all that we have won + Of joy? I tell you, there are those whose prayer + Is nightly on their knees that they might bear + Our shadow, could they but have known our sun! + + + + +THE NIXY + + + They brought her honey and milk, + They brought her curds and wine, + “But oh!” she cried, “for the river side, + And the rushes that were mine!” + + They robed her body with silk, + They filled her lap with gold, + “But oh!” she prayed, “for the mossy shade, + And the green depths, pure and cold!” + + They kissed her ankles for love, + They worshiped at her eyes, + “But oh!” she moaned, “for the flood, deep-toned, + And the sweeping spray that flies!” + + They draped her chamber with black, + They wept there at her bier, + But her glad soul fled when her heart was dead, + And flowed with the river clear. + + + + +A JAPANESE FAN + + + Is it so warm in old Japan? + Do flowers flaunt out such riot glare? + Hangs that soft, golden mist so low? + Ah me, ah me, to journey there! + + Inked out against the yellow glow + One sharp peak rises, blackly bare; + A stately swan steers up the sky-- + Ah me, ah me, to journey there! + + And see her as she furls her fan! + Was ever lady half so fair? + She beckons to me with her eyes-- + Ah me, ah me, to journey there! + + Were ever feet so dainty small? + Was ever coiled such shining hair? + Her hands are like curled lily-buds-- + Ah me, ah me, to journey there! + + Fan-pictured, dear Japan, thy calm + Fills us of West with dull despair! + (The palm-leaves sift the sunlight through) + Ah me, ah me, to journey there! + + + + +TWO SONNETS FROM THE HEBREW + + +I. THE PREPARATION + +“_And he said, I will not destroy it for the ten’s sake._” + + Look back and see this brooding tenderness! + Ye wait till Bethlehem? Nay then, not I! + Under the law doth Israel ever sigh? + Is there no mercy till the great redress? + See now, amid the nameless wickedness + Love dreadeth lest one soul of his should die, + Spareth and faltereth and passeth by, + Soft’ning the law to ease a son’s distress. + + Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? + Aye, child, and more! thou hast not learned to spell + Love’s first great letter: centuries of pain + Still leave him terrible in thy scared sight + Who quencheth with his tears the fires of hell, + And yearneth o’er the cities of the Plain! + + +II. THE INCARNATION + +“_Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee!_” + + “Speak thou for us: with God we will not speak!” + Ye will have prophet, yea, and saviour too, + And saint and creed and priest to worship through, + Whereat Love smiles and gives them, ye being weak. + And most ye clutch at her, that virgin meek + With cradling arms: ah, child of Love, but who + Curved her soft breast, and taught the dove to coo, + And sent the shepherd forth the lamb to seek? + + Surely great wings are wrapped around our world! + And the one pulse that in us ebbs and flows + Leaps at her name, for she has understood: + In our hearts’ lowest leaves her love is curled, + Unshrined, she yet hath comfort for all woes, + If not God’s mother, still God’s motherhood! + + + + +ODE: WRITTEN FOR THE TWENTY-SECOND OF FEBRUARY + + + Upon the shore of God’s unfinished years, + Waiting impatient while the slow mist clears, + The younger sister of the nations stands, + And shades her eyes with mighty, eager hands. + + So great, so proud, so strong! with youthful scorn + She leaves behind her sisters elder born, + And stands before the parting of the ways, + Unburdened with their weight of yesterdays. + + Hard eyes and restless hers, agleam for gain, + And peevish children struggle in her train; + Yet her broad brows have bloody laurels pressed, + And she hath nourished heroes at her breast. + + Half scornful of her children of to-day, + She dreams how long ago and far away + Her firstborn brought across the new-found seas + Their mighty faith, long gone, alas, from these! + + She sees them, where th’ untrodden forest waves, + Building new homes upon their thick-set graves, + Raising new altars to a stern, high creed, + Training in fear of God their stalwart breed. + + She hears them fling across the hostile sea + That cry that cheered her on to victory; + She feels again the thrill that shook her soul + When wondering nations watched her flag unroll. + + She sees--and ah, her heart grows big with tears + From out the mists of those long-vanished years,-- + She sees her best beloved come, her pride; + There stands again her hero at her side. + + Her eyes are soft with love, and to her heart + There comes anew with sweet, resistless smart + Her long-forgotten motherhood, she turns, + And toward her children as of old she yearns. + + “Oh, grown beyond my power to curb or stay, + Turn ye a moment from your sordid way, + Lift ye your restless, weary eyes on high, + This son your mother bore in days gone by! + + “Ye will not see me old before my time! + Ye will not make me barren in my prime! + Help me to bear ye men again like these! + Make me the greatest land the great sun sees!” + + Ashamed and dumb her summoned children stand, + And love with the old love their Mother-land. + Deep in their hearts her elder son is set: + Thinking on him, they cannot quite forget! + + Before his gracious calm their fevered schemes + Awhile are gone, and flushed with the old dreams, + They see in him writ large the old, high aim, + They point, though backward, to one perfect fame! + + + + +THE DEATH SONG + +“The island of Martinique will not, in all probability, be built up +again.” + + + Hearken, my father the lowering Sky! + Hearken, my brother the heaving Sea! + Who but thy sister calls to thee? + I, the Mountain, make end and die. + + Bridled was I and bitted sure? + Bridged with homes and with gardens chained? + God’s tame beast to his uses trained? + Ye to go free, and I endure? + + See, my father, I cloud like thee! + See, my brother, like thee I swell! + Ye league with death, but I rule all hell, + And the Lord of heaven shall shrink from me. + + Once I groaned, and the scared wind sighed, + Twice I heaved, and the sick earth turned, + Thrice I spat out my blood that burned, + Roaring with torture, aflame with pride. + + Down below me they swarmed and stirred, + Ants in an ant-hill, row on row. + “Haste!” I cried to them, “haste and go!” + Have I not warned? but they have not heard. + + “Pains of the deep hold me in thrall, + World-old cancers that eat my heart, + Blood o’ the earth--I feel it start-- + Gone, get ye gone, or it floods you all!” + + Living and breeding, still they smile, + Ants of the ant-hill, pygmy men, + “Pelée stirs? she will rest again; + Live and love me and dance awhile!” + + * * * * * + + Ha, my heart it is rent in twain! + Up and out in a fiery path + Sweeps a river of molten wrath, + Falls a torrent of scorching rain! + + Ho, my brother, you boil and hiss! + Ho, my father, I hide your sun! + Up, at last, little ants, and run! + Shrivel and blanch at Pelée’s kiss! + + Hark! did I hear from below my hill + Rise and echo a puny din? + Through my thunder a wailing thin? + When I listened, the ants were still. + + One throe more, and the sea is death, + Yet again, and the land is bare: + Brother, your glory is all to share-- + I have outmurdered ye, breath for breath! + + Lone I must lie in my stately doom, + Stark and still on my island bier: + Ashen silence shall wrap me here-- + Pelée the Mountain makes her tomb! + + + + +SEVEN CHILD SONGS + + +I. DO YOU KNOW? + + Behind the currant bushes, when the night was coming on, + There was such a funny whisper--do you know? + It made us shiver-shiver, and it made our hearts beat quick, + And we knew it wasn’t any good to carry out a stick, + But we did it just the same, or else you never would have gone-- + _Do you know?_ + + Beyond the old syringa, when the stars were peeping out, + There was such a funny shadow--do you know? + And over in the flower-bed you had left your father’s spade, + And you had to go and get it, and you said you weren’t afraid, + But you told me afterward about the creeping Indian scout-- + _Do you know?_ + + Beneath the kitchen window, when the moon was climbing high, + There was such a funny coldness--do you know? + No matter if ’twas summer, it was cool just like a well, + And the reason was because a ghost--but when you tried to tell, + I put my fingers in my ears, and how I used to cry! + _Do you know?_ + + +II. THE SECRET PLAYMATE + + When I am playing underneath the tree, + I look around--and there he is with me! + + Among the shadows of the boughs he stands, + And shakes the leaves at me with both his hands. + + And then upon the mossy roots we lie, + And watch the leaves make pictures on the sky. + + And then we swing and float from bough to bough-- + And never fall? I can’t remember now. + + The games I play with him are always best, + And yet we cannot teach them to the rest. + + For when the others come to join our play, + I look around--and he has slipped away! + + They ask me if he speaks--I cannot tell; + But no one else can play with me so well. + + +III. LONELINESS + + How can I play any longer with my doll? + You know she has lost her head. + And Mary’s the one that used to mend her for me-- + _And Mary, you say, is dead._ + + Why do I leave the sand-heap all alone? + Because it has dried and spread. + And Mary’s the one that always brought the water-- + _And Mary, you say, is dead._ + + More on the beach? Well, I think I know that, too! + And _you_ are the one that said + That Mary and I should sleep in a room together-- + _And now you say Mary’s dead._ + + No, I don’t like the hotel--I’d be alone; + I’d cry in that great big bed: + And Mary and I played tent in the morning early-- + _And now Mary can’t--she’s dead._ + + Happier? no, not a bit! not a single bit! + Then why are your eyes so red? + And Mary’s the one that never liked angel-stories-- + _And Mary’s the one that’s dead._ + + +IV. DREAMS + + One night I climbed a mountain all of snow, + A great black creature showed me where to go: + We went into a church with no one there, + And cried because the wind began to blow. + + And then a King that wore a golden crown + Climbed up the spire and tried to help me down, + But I spread out my arms, and flew and flew, + And all the people watched us from the town. + + They chased me through the streets, but I ran fast, + And got into a secret place at last. + I’d float down stairways, touching just my toes, + And laugh and mock at them as I went past. + + And then we went to Cinderella’s ball, + I had no shoes nor stockings on at all: + They smiled and pointed at me till I cried, + And woke up just as when you slip and fall. + + +V. THE SHADOW + + If you and I should join our hands + And go at night soft through the hall, + I wonder could we hope to catch + That shadow sliding from the wall? + + He slips and slips and slips away, + I touched his arm--and he was gone! + I cannot see his face, can you? + What wall can that be painted on? + + Because they say he isn’t real, + They say he’s just a flattened form; + But me, I don’t believe it’s true, + _I touched his arm, and it was warm_! + + Right through the wall he slips and sinks: + The room behind, you know, is mine. + What can he want there in the dark? + He never makes a sound nor sign. + + He never goes there in the day, + Only at night, right after tea, + And then I go to bed, you know, + And then he runs ahead of me. + + If you will hold my hand quite close, + And creep along with me quite still, + We’ll make a sudden jump--but no! + We’ll touch him then--I know we will! + + +VI. HEAVEN + + She says that when we all have died + We’ll walk in white there (then she cried) + All free from sorrow, sin, and care-- + But I’m not sure I’d like it there. + + She cannot tell me what we’ll do, + I couldn’t sing the whole day through: + The angels might not care to play, + Or else I mightn’t like their way. + + I never loved my Uncle Ned, + So I can’t love him now he’s dead. + He’d be the only one I know-- + She says it’s wicked to talk so. + + I’d like to see how God would look, + I’d like to see that Judgment Book: + But pretty soon I’d want to be + Where the real people were, you see. + + When people turn dead in a dream, + I wake up, and I scream and scream: + And since they’re all dead there, you know, + I’m sure that I should feel just so! + + +VII. THE PEAR TREE + + We lived out under the pear tree, + We dined upon tarts and cream, + I married you there for ever, + But, dear, ’twas only a dream! + + We sailed away in the branches + To countries strange and new, + For we owned estates in Dreamland, + But, sweetheart, it isn’t true! + + We made a church in the pear tree, + Where the angels came to sing, + We stroked their wings--but, dearest, + You mustn’t believe a thing! + + We cut our names in the tree trunk, + So the bark could never grow, + And the Dryad cried! But, my darling, + ’Twas none of it really so! + + + + +INSCRIPTIONS + + + + +FOR A CHILD’S PLATE + + + My Child, when from this Plate you Eat, + Give Thanks to God, who Sends your Meat. + Beware you Show no Haste nor Greed, + To those who Serve pay Gentle Heed, + Spare out some Bread to Feed the Poor, + And you shall Never Want, be Sure. + + + + +FOR HIS CUP + + + When drinking, Child, from out this Cup + To Ease your thirsty Pain, + Think how the Earth to God looks up + And Thanks Him for the Rain. + + + + +FOR HIS CHAIR + + + When in this Chair you Rest, my Child, + Let all your Thoughts be Kind and Mild, + Your Face and Hands quite Neat: + Rise up until your Elders sit, + Seek not to Show a Saucy Wit, + Nor all you Hear Repeat. + + + + +FOR HIS BED + + + Go not to Sleep in this White Bed, + My Child, before your Prayers are Said. + Give Thanks to God for all your Joys, + For Mother, Home, and Friends and Toys. + Ask Pardon for the Sins you’ve Done, + Then Shut your Eyes until the Sun: + Your Dream shall be a happy one. + + + + +THE WANDERERS + + + THE PRINCE + A MAN-AT-ARMS + A GYPSY + + _Scene: The Edge of the Forest_ + + THE PRINCE + + So then, I am crowned to-morrow? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + Yes, my lord. + + PRINCE + + How fleet the time runs by! But yesterday + I played in the fountain with the great white hound. + My old, old nurse that died.... + But all is changed. + I am a man now? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + So it seems, my lord. + + PRINCE + + And I am king to-morrow. + Ah, dear saints! + This is the saddest day of all my life. + Farewell, farewell, sweet Yesterday! Farewell, + Thou once so sweet To-morrow! Thou for me + Shalt no more beckon down the widening road + That flows through all the forests and the fields, + That flowers into the sunset and the sea! + Henceforth companioned by the same To-day, + The dull, cramped state, the tired formality, + False thoughtfulness and feigned remembrances, + I yoke my life to one recurring task, + No sooner done than all’s to do again! + I would I were a child with one white hound + That lapped the fountain.... + Wherefore do you sigh? + Why are you sad? You need not be a king. + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + My lord, I love you. + + PRINCE + + I know it. Oh, my friend, + Listen, and I will tell you. Only you + Are friendly-souled in all this cruel court; + And that is strange, for you must ever dog me, + That I go not afield nor roam the woods. + Why may I not? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + My lord, it is forbidden. + + PRINCE + + But why? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + I know not. What would you tell me, sir? + + PRINCE + + Why, this. + Last night I leaned far out the tower + To catch the smell o’ the woods and hear the birds + Quiet their young to sleep, and watch the stars + Slip one by one to sight, and feel the wind, + That blows so soft at night, come floating by. + And on my ear there fell a sudden song: + So throstle-sweet it was, so faëry-gay, + My heart stood still to hear it. It rose high, + And all my soul rose with it; it sank low-- + My cheeks were wet with tears. + I tell you, friend, + My years slipped from me like a mantle dropped. + I felt the wonderful, the wild, sweet dreams + That blessed those nights when I, a little boy, + Trembled a moment on the forest brink, + Then flung myself into its dusky arms, + Swung in the billowy boughs and pressed the moss, + Drank from the pool beside the spotted deer, + And at the murmurous swaying of the pines + Wept in my childish sleep for joy too great. + + (_The Gypsy song is heard._) + + _Oh, the goodwife turns the wheel at home, + And the bird will keep her nest, + But it’s ah me! for the world’s to see + Or ever my heart have rest!_ + + + PRINCE + + There, there! You heard it? Ah, unhappy prince! + For me the green earth spreads her fields in vain, + The forest pleads in vain with dusky arms: + I shall die caged. + Ah, do you see him there? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + See whom, my lord? + + PRINCE + + The stranger in the wood. + How brown, how bright! How gallantly it swings, + That tattered robe! And see his gleaming chain, + His scarlet berries! + Nay, I will not go! + Nay, if you touch me I shall kill you! Nay, + I will speak with him if I die for it! + He turns his eye upon me-- + Ah, dear saints! + I mind me of my mother suddenly, + That died for sorrow when she brought me forth + To chain me to a throne. Ah me, ah me! + When did my mother die? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + The queen, my lord, + Left life behind her at the early dawn, + Just as the spring was coming on. + + PRINCE + + And where? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + How can I tell? + + PRINCE + + I know you will tell true. + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + My lord, the queen, your mother, grew distraught, + And ere her time was come she crept at night + Between her watchers while they drowsed, and found + A glade among the hills that spring had kissed, + And underneath green boughs she laid her down. + + PRINCE + + And I was born there? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + Aye, my lord. Below + The first faint budding bough we found you there. + + PRINCE + + You should have told me this. + See, he comes near! + + (_To the Gypsy._) God save you, sir! + + GYPSY + + I lie within his hand. + + PRINCE + + Where go you? + + GYPSY + + Where the cool brown river runs, + Over the shining pebbles, through deep pools + The setting sun turns first to molten gold, + Then hues with pigeons’ breasts, purple and pink, + Then fills with inky shadows where the moon + Plunges at midnight. + ’Neath the glimmering stacks + Below the waiting stars I dream good dreams, + And catch the sky’s faint blush, and bathe in the brook, + And tread the firm green grass and follow the clouds, + Till drowsy noon. + I sing before her door, + And the farmer’s wife brings honey to me, and bread + And milk beneath the pink, sweet apple-boughs. + + PRINCE + + Will you not sing to me? + + (_Gypsy sings._) + + _The king he wooed the Gypsy maid + And kissed her to the throne; + She fell asleep, but blood runs deep, + And the forest claims its own!_ + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + Leave us, I say! + + PRINCE + + You shall not threaten him! + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + Go, or I strike! + + PRINCE + + Where is your love for me? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + Sir, if my care for you had matched my love + We two had long ago been far from here. + With every moment’s lingering, my lord, + I move one step the nearer to my death: + Will you not come? + + PRINCE + + I cannot. + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + Then for me + Life is not long, it seems. I pray you, sir, + Remember always that I loved you well! + + (_Gypsy sings._) + + _Ah, vain for him the diadem, + Heavy the scepter’s load, + For he was lord o’ the windy wood, + And prince o’ the winding road!_ + + PRINCE + + I come, I come! + Nay, weep not so, good friend! + This is no fault of thine; for you and me + God’s plan is kindly. Never did I loose + The hare entrapped or set the song-bird free + But I had faith that He would serve me so! + Come with me: little love have they for us + In that hot, weary glitter of the court. + Hast thou not seen the new queen grudge at me + And nurse her son to scorn me? + Let them reign! + We’ll make a dearer court. + The trees shall bend + And bow to us, but not with flattery; + The little leaves shall whisper, but their lisp + Is clean of lies and slander; the sleek deer + Shall lead their tender fawns to kiss our hand, + Nor plot us evil with the soft caress; + The wind and rain shall be our councilors, + Nor urge us to do war, nor press the poor, + Nor waste our souls in bitter rivalries, + Nor match a petty kingdom with great powers + That smile at us for folly. + Let them reign! + + (_Gypsy sings._) + + _And it’s we will fling the world away, + And reap where God has sowed, + And we’ll roam for ay the windy wood, + And wander the winding road!_ + + + PRINCE + + Friend, must I go alone? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + My lord, these hands + Lifted you first from where you lay and smiled + Beside the dead queen ’neath the hawthorn-tree. + I walked beside the horse when first you rode, + I set the hawk upon your little arm, + I have lain years before your door at night. + The death I stay to meet were not so hard + As life without you. + + PRINCE + + Will you follow me? + + MAN-AT-ARMS + + To the death, my lord! + + PRINCE + + Why, then, good friends, your hands! + We three are bound for the woods: God needs some souls + To love the world as he made it. + Come with me! + + (_They enter the forest; the Gypsy song is heard._) + + _Oh, the goodwife turns the wheel at home, + And the bird will keep her nest, + But it’s ah me! for the world’s to see + Or ever my heart have rest!_ + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75489 *** diff --git a/75489-h/75489-h.htm b/75489-h/75489-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..59f0221 --- /dev/null +++ b/75489-h/75489-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2825 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + Poems | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .51em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .49em; + text-indent: 1em; +} + +.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} +.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: 33.5%; + margin-right: 33.5%; + clear: both; 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+ height: auto; +} +.w10 {width: 20%;} +.x-ebookmaker .w10 {width: 25%;} + +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + max-width: 100%; +} + +/* Poetry */ + +.poetry { + display: block; + text-align: left; + margin-left: 0 + } +/* uncomment the next line for centered poetry in browsers */ +/* .poetry {display: inline-block;} */ +/* large inline blocks don't split well on paged devices */ +@media print { .poetry {display: block;} } + +.x-ebookmaker .poetry { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 5% + } +.poetry-container { + margin: 1.5em auto; + text-align: center; + font-size: 98%; + display: flex; + justify-content: center + } +.poetry .stanza { + padding: 0.5em 0; + page-break-inside: avoid + } +.poetry .verse { + text-indent: -3em; + padding-left: 3em + } + +.xbig {font-size: 2em;} +.big {font-size: 1.3em;} + +abbr[title] { + text-decoration: none; +} + +/* Poetry indents */ +.poetry .indent0 {text-indent: -3em;} +.poetry .indent11 {text-indent: 2.5em;} +.poetry .indent14 {text-indent: 4em;} +.poetry .indent15 {text-indent: 4.5em;} +.poetry .indent16 {text-indent: 5em;} +.poetry .indent17 {text-indent: 5.5em;} +.poetry .indent18 {text-indent: 6em;} +.poetry .indent19 {text-indent: 6.5em;} +.poetry .indent2 {text-indent: -2em;} +.poetry .indent20 {text-indent: 7em;} +.poetry .indent21 {text-indent: 7.5em;} +.poetry .indent22 {text-indent: 8em;} +.poetry .indent23 {text-indent: 8.5em;} +.poetry .indent24 {text-indent: 9em;} +.poetry .indent25 {text-indent: 9.5em;} +.poetry .indent27 {text-indent: 10.5em;} +.poetry .indent28 {text-indent: 11em;} +.poetry .indent29 {text-indent: 11.5em;} +.poetry .indent30 {text-indent: 12em;} +.poetry .indent31 {text-indent: 12.5em;} +.poetry .indent32 {text-indent: 13em;} +.poetry .indent33 {text-indent: 13.5em;} +.poetry .indent34 {text-indent: 14em;} +.poetry .indent37 {text-indent: 15.5em;} +.poetry .indent4 {text-indent: -1em;} +.poetry .indent41 {text-indent: 17.5em;} +.poetry .indent8 {text-indent: 1em;} + +/* Illustration classes */ +.illowp76 {width: 76%;} + + + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75489 ***</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</span></p> + + + + + +<h1>POEMS</h1> + +<p class="center">⁂<br> +<br><span class="big"> +JOSEPHINE +DASKAM</span> +</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</span></p> +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center xbig"> +POEMS<br> +</p> +</div> + +<p class="center"> +BY<br><span class="big"> +JOSEPHINE DASKAM</span> +</p> +<figure class="figcenter illowp76" id="001" style="max-width: 16.5em;"> + <img class="w10 p2" src="images/001.jpg" alt=""> +</figure> + +<p class="center p4"> +NEW YORK<br> +CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS<br> +MDCCCCIII<br> +</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</span></p> +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center"> +COPYRIGHT, 1903, BY CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS<br> +PUBLISHED OCTOBER, 1903</p> + +<p class="center p2"> +D. B. UPDIKE, THE MERRYMOUNT PRESS, BOSTON<br> +</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</span></p> +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center"> +TO<br> +M. A. J.,<br> + +<i>the first and cordial critic of many of these verses, it gives me +great pleasure to dedicate this collection of them</i>. +</p> +</div> +<p class="right"> +J. D. B.<br> +</p> +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS</h2> +</div> + +<table class="autotable"> +<tr><th></th><th class="tdr page">PAGE</th></tr> +<tr><td> +MOTHERHOOD </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE SLEEPY SONG </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE GOLDEN DAYS </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE VIGIL </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE SEA MAN </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE SONS OF SLEEP </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"> +FOUR SONGS:</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + I. THE PEASANT GIRL </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + II. AN INTERLUDE </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + III. HEART’S SEASONS </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + IV. OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE SAILOR’S SONG </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +QUATRAIN </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE OLD COUNTRY </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE LITTLE BLIND BEGGAR </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE STRANGER CHILD </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +SONGS OF ISEULT DESERTED </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE OLD CAPTIVE </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +SONG TO OPHELIA </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +A CHRISTMAS HYMN FOR CHILDREN </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE GYPSY MAID </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="pagenum" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</span> +THREE SONGS:</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + I. THE SAILOR </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + II. THE HUNTER </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + III. THE PRINCE </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE LITTLE DEAD CHILD </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +AT PARTING </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE NIXY </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +A JAPANESE FAN </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"> +TWO SONNETS FROM THE HEBREW</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + I. THE PREPARATION </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + II. THE INCARNATION </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +ODE: WRITTEN FOR THE TWENTY-SECOND OF + FEBRUARY </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE DEATH SONG </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> + +SEVEN CHILD SONGS</td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + I. DO YOU KNOW? </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + II. THE SECRET PLAYMATE </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + III. LONELINESS </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + IV. DREAMS </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + V. THE SHADOW </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + VI. HEAVEN </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + VII. THE PEAR TREE </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> +INSCRIPTIONS:<span class="pagenum" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</span></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + FOR A CHILD’S PLATE </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + FOR HIS CUP </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + FOR HIS CHAIR </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tdc"> + + FOR HIS BED </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> + +THE WANDERERS </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_64">64</a></td></tr> +</table> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</span></p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="MOTHERHOOD">MOTHERHOOD</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The night throbs on: but let me pray, dear Lord!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Crush off his name a moment from my mouth.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To thee my eyes would turn, but they go back,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Back to my arm beside me where he lay—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So little, Lord, so little and so warm!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I cannot think that thou hadst need of him!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He is so little, Lord, he cannot sing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He cannot praise thee; all his lips had learned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was to hold fast my kisses in the night.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Give him to me—he is not happy there!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He had not felt his life: his lovely eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Just knew me for his mother, and he died.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Hast thou an angel there to mother him?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I say he loves me best—if he forgets,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If thou allow it that my child forgets</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And runs not out to meet me when I come—</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">What are my curses to thee? Thou hast heard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The curse of Abel’s mother, and since then</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We have not ceased to threaten at thy throne,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To threat and pray thee that thou hold them still</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In memory of us.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent14">See thou tend him well,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou God of all the mothers! If he lack</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One of his kisses—Ah, my heart, my heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Do angels kiss in heaven? Give him back!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Forgive me, Lord, but I am sick with grief,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And tired of tears and cold to comforting.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou art wise I know, and tender, aye, and good.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou hast my child and he is safe in thee,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And I believe—</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent14">Ah, God, my child shall go</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Orphaned among the angels! All alone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So little and alone! He knows not thee,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He only knows his mother—give him back!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_SLEEPY_SONG">THE SLEEPY SONG</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">As soon as the fire burns red and low,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the house up-stairs is still,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She sings me a queer little sleepy song,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of sheep that go over the hill.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The good little sheep run quick and soft,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their colors are gray and white:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They follow their leader nose to tail,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For they must be home by night.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And one slips over and one comes next,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And one runs after behind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The gray one’s nose at the white one’s tail,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The top of the hill they find.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And when they get to the top of the hill</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They quietly slip away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But one runs over and one comes next—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their colors are white and gray.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And over they go, and over they go,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And over the top of the hill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The good little sheep run quick and soft,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the house up-stairs is still.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And one slips over and one comes next,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The good little, gray little sheep!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I watch how the fire burns red and low,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And she says that I fall asleep.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_GOLDEN_DAYS">THE GOLDEN DAYS</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I wonder where the Fairy-book can be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The book from which she read to you and me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While the warm sunlight shifted down the tree?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>And the brown eyes turned downward to the leaf,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Tear-spotted by two tiny people’s grief,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>When Death bound one more princess in his sheaf.</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I wonder where the Rocking-horse has run</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That carried us before the day was done,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To all the lands that lie beneath the sun?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>And the dear lips of her we loved so well</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Kissed us more sweetly than our tongue could tell,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>When the too daring riders swayed and fell.</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I wonder where the crimson peaches grow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We caught together when she threw them, so,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ran with her to hide them, laughing low?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>And her light feet were swifter yet than ours,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>And her soft cheeks were like two rosy flowers—</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Ah, Time and Death, ye two malignant powers!</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_VIGIL">THE VIGIL</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Nay, Lord, I pray thee call not me to fight!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have crept out of day to bless the night.</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Hush, Son, and gather courage for the light!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But see, I weary ere I have begun!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Give thou the battle to some worthier one!</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>When have I offered thee to choose, my Son?</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Look how my eyes with loneliness are wet!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But give me once warm arms and lips close met.</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Into the desert, Son, thy way is set!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Nay, then, thou leanest on a broken reed!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Music and mirth and fire and friends I need.</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>They walk alone whom I have called to lead!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">How shall I lead who only know to stray?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Am I to shepherd them, who lose the way?</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Yet I require them of thee in that day!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">What if I will not? Let me be as these</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That laugh and breed and die and have good ease!</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Nay, Son, the eye once bared forever sees!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> + +<hr class="tb"></div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">This only, Lord: what shall my gladness be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who fight disheartened in life’s phantom sea?</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>To make the bridge whereon they cross to me!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">What am I, Lord, that I should strive with fate?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bring on the dawn, before it be too late!</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>My Son, the dawn shall come, and thou wilt wait!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> + +<hr class="tb"></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yea, Lord, and I lie broken in thy hand.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Heat me white hot, to forge as thou hast planned.</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Fear not, my Son, but I shall understand!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Melt out my yielded soul in one red stream,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Perchance through thy white furnace hope may gleam—</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>My Son, a rest thou hast not dared to dream!</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_SEA_MAN">THE SEA MAN</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It was the burgher’s daughter,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">As fair as maid could be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That loved too well the stranger,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">A man from off the sea.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“<i>My mother she was a sea maid;</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>My father he loved no shore.</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Thou must bury me under billows,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Or thou ne’er shall see me more!</i>”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She’s kissed him lip and forehead;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">She’s given him her vow:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Five-fathom sea shall cover thee,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But only love me now!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> + +<hr class="tb"></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For seven years her sleep is sweet</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Against the sea man’s heart.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“But now hath come my time to die,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And now we twain must part.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Farewell, my little daughter!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Farewell, my bonny son!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Last night the waves did call my name;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">My life on land is done.”</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She holds him close and closer;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The bitter tears fall down.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Remember now thy maiden vow,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Or woe betide this town!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“<i>Remember the oath ye gave me,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Nor bury me but in sea,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>For the ocean will come to seek its own</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>If ye cheat my waves of me!</i>”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now come her haughty sisters;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Now comes her father stern.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“This deed brings little honor</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For all the world to learn.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Our fathers lie in holy ground;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Their tombs are carven well;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A heathen stranger cast a-sea</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Were too much shame to tell!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They’ve buried him in the minster high</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That stands beside her door,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the winds o’ the air have drowned the prayer,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the sea foams up the shore.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> + +<hr class="tb"></div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Mother, I hear the billows roll,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I hear them hiss and moan!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Nay, little son, their fury’s done,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">’Tis but the wind alone.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Mother, I smell the salt sea wind,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I taste the salt sea spray!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Nay, daughter mine, some dream is thine,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I’ll sing thy fear away.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Mother, we cannot hear thy voice!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The sea rolls loud and high!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It rushes up the minster street</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And flings the church door by!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The waves pour out the windows wide,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They’ve washed the altar bare,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They’ve torn the flowers from the stranger’s tomb,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And heaped wet sea-weed there!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> + +<hr class="tb"></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It was the burgher’s daughter</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That made her prayer in vain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For all that drownèd city</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Was never seen again.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For all its goodly gardens,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For all its towers so high,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Five-fathom sea rolls over it</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And shuts it from the sky.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Then bury the sea man deeply,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Five fathom out from shore,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Lest the ocean come in to find him,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>And ye see the sun no more!</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_SONS_OF_SLEEP">THE SONS OF SLEEP</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the wayfaring, now the restless earth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Descrying on her dim and trackless verge</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The dear, awaited dawning of the night,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Moves slowly in a languor of desire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And drifts into the haven of her sleep.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Like dropping of the sweet and gradual rain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Full flooding all the parchèd doors of growth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The multitudinous lips of all the flowers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The whispering insistence of dry leaves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All cool and rill-like flowing, falls our sleep.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">As the long thunderous surge of ocean waves</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That lull eternally the listening shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Slow sweeping in from vast and caverned depths,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Comes the white tide that washes loose our souls,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To drown them tenderly in depths of sleep.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Soft stealing like the swathed and plumèd dusk,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Enwrapped in shadows, shod with silences,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unceasing, unresisted, unobserved,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Embosoming the lapsed and languid earth,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Slips o’er the sons of men close-feathered sleep.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">By day they walk diverse and isolate,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sunken in self they skulk their separate ways,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Poor fugitives of fate, awhirl in time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Groping for fellow-hands they dare not grasp,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grudging the thriftless hours they yield to sleep.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But now, relaxed and drifting with that stream</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whereon they taste soft moments of the voyage</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose unknown port no seaman of us all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Evaded ever, these swift, swarming souls</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As one glad band of brothers sink in sleep.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Surely the great and tireless Heart of all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grievèd by day for their perversity,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Joys in them as they lie, breast soft on breast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hand locked in hand, a fathom deep in dreams,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And brims anew the cooling wells of sleep!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="FOUR_SONGS">FOUR SONGS</h2> +</div> + + +<h3>I. THE PEASANT GIRL</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Beyond the sea he goes, beyond the sea.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Does he look back to Arcady and me?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And yet, how could it be?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How should he mate with such a maid as I?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah, let him go—good-by!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Beyond my sight he goes, beyond my sight.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Does he look back and say, “My sweet, good-night”?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And yet, is love so light?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How should he know the pain I could not tell?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah, let him go—farewell!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Beyond my prayer he goes, beyond my prayer.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Does he look back from out the great world there?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And yet, how could I dare?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How should he know if love be wrong or right?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah, let him go—good-night!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span></p> + +<h3>II. AN INTERLUDE</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I was within her heart that one short year</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(But that is long ago and far away!).</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Her soul’s sweet spring,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The while she waited for that greater thing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Should blow to blossom all the buds of May.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I was within her heart that one short year</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(But that is hidden, lost, and gone away!).</div> + <div class="verse indent2">She was not mine,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But ere the glorious harvest moon could shine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There beamed on me the crescent moon of May.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I was within her heart that one short year</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(But that has faded faint and soft away!).</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Though the year’s night</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Draws on, and all about the snow falls white,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Across my heart there blows a breath of May.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span></p> + +<h3>III. HEART’S SEASONS</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When Love went holidaying</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Among the autumn leaves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They bloomed in sweet betraying,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The purple clouds, soft straying,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Held daylight back, delaying</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To gild the glowing sheaves—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When Love went holidaying</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Among the autumn leaves.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When Grief came on a-sighing</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Behind the flowers of spring,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They withered to their dying,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The homing birds, slow flying,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sang wintry songs, denying</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The joy that June should bring—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When Grief came on a-sighing</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Behind the flowers of spring.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span></p> + +<h3>IV. OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Over the hills,” he said, “and far away!”</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah me! to go, to leave it all and go!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To toss my life as east wind tosses spray,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To clean forget that this land ever lay</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Within my sight, that wearied of it so!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Over the hills,” he said, “and far away!”</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Could he have felt my heart leap up and sing!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I knew the primrose path my feet would stray,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I guessed the lovely glow of the new day</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That lies beyond the mountain’s purple wing.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Over the hills,” he said, “and far away!”</div> + <div class="verse indent2">He took my heart and wandered on alone;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Doubtless some other strolls with him to-day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A lightsome comrade on his happy way,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That way across the hills I have not known!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_SAILORS_SONG">THE SAILOR’S SONG</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">O the wind’s to the West and the sails are filling free!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Take your head from my breast: you must say good-by to me.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You’d my heart in both your hands, but you did not hold it fast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the mill cannot grind with the water that is past.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">O it’s I must away, and it’s you must bide at home!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I am sped like the spray, I am fickle as the foam:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It was sweet, my dear, ’twas sweet, but ’twas all too sweet to last,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the mill cannot grind with the water that is past.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We have clasped, we have kissed, but you would not give me more:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I must win what we missed on some other, farther shore.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You can never hold the gray gull that swings about the mast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the mill cannot grind with the water that is past.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">You will mourn, you will mate, but ’twill never be with me:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I am off to my fate, and it lies across the sea.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For it’s God alone that knows where my anchor will be cast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the mill cannot grind with the water that is past.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="QUATRAIN">QUATRAIN</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In a wide chamber from the rest apart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I spread the purple daïs of my heart:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An unfilled throne, with steps by men untrod,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Too high it was for them—too low for God.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_OLD_COUNTRY">THE OLD COUNTRY</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Where’s the land o’ Dreamland?</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2">How should I know?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the moon’s farther side,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the drift clouds ride,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the stars hang low.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>What’s the look o’ Dreamland?</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2">How should I see?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the air’s silver-gray,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Glinted with star spray,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Here and there a tree.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>What’s the sound o’ Dreamland?</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2">How should I hear?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bell tones from far below,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Night’s haunting cockcrow,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Olden songs and dear.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>What’s the speech o’ Dreamland?</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2">How should I say?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Great eyes that fill the heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soft hands that clasp and part,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Calls from far away.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Where’s the gate o’ Dreamland?</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2">How should I tell?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sudden you stand before,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Slip through the quiet door—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah, but all’s well!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_LITTLE_BLIND_BEGGAR">THE LITTLE BLIND BEGGAR</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">At the gate of the world where the travel flows,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the folk stream by full-tide,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A little blind Beggar sits in the sun</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And shoots afar and awide.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He fits the arrow and twangs the bow</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And low in his throat laughs he,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For well he knows he will hit his mark</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Though never a face he see.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And never his stock of arrows fails,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For the pain of the wound is sweet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the stricken folk bring the arrows back</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To pile at the Beggar’s feet.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So he fits the arrows and twangs the bow,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And laughs till his fingers shake,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For well he knows he can never miss,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But somewhere a heart must ache.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now they who are struck, they keep still tongue,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But they carry the arrows back,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they who are spared they sound abroad</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The songs of the pain they lack.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But still or singing, and grave or gay,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through the gate of the world they go,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the little blind Beggar sits in the sun</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And laughs as he lays them low.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_STRANGER_CHILD">THE STRANGER CHILD</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the night is dark,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Now the house is still;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Comes a little stranger child</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Toiling up the hill.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Listens at the door,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Peers within the pane,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Reaches for the broken latch</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Rusted with the rain.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Murmurs in the dark,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Sobs beneath his breath,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whispers to the empty rooms,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Quiet, now, for death.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Wanders through the lane</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Where the rosebush grew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tries to reach the cobwebbed sill</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Drenched and dark with dew.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Calls—and calls in vain!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For the man, alone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dies before a dying fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Hears no human tone.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Only his soul’s voice</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Calls the dull roll through;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Good so often long to wait,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ill so quick to do.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Only his soul’s eyes,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Shamed and tired of all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Watch the red life ebb and flow,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Watch the last sands fall.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And the little child,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Clinging to the sill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Weeps and stretches tiny hands,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Weak for good or ill.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Slow the dying coal</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Drops from out the fire;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Slowly sinks the house of clay,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Empty of desire.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Through the creaking blind</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Slips the spirit now,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shudders at the stranger child,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Thou? my lost youth, <i>thou</i>?”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="SONGS_OF_ISEULT_DESERTED">SONGS OF ISEULT DESERTED</h2> +</div> + + +<h3>I</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I do not pray for thee, most dear of all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That ever in soft ways thy feet may fall,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For well I know that wheresoe’er thou art</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy feet must tread forever on my heart!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I pray thee only to walk gently, sweet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor press too sharply with too cruel feet:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Remember thou how soft the way must be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How soft—and ah, how sad—and pity me!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<h3>II</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Should we have loved if we had known</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That love would bring one day such pain?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I cannot tell—I only kiss</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The pillow where your head has lain.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Should we have loved if we had known</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That love would go to come no more?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I cannot tell—I only stand</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And sob before a fast-closed door.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span></p> + +<h3>III</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Since you are gone, all dull my life has grown,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Idle among my empty days I stand:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They pass and pass, and leave me here alone—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah, sweet, your hand that burned upon my hand!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Since you are gone, gone are the joys I knew,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Slowly from out the sky the long night slips:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And my arms ache with emptiness of you—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah, sweet, your lips that trembled on my lips!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Since you are gone, the world is grown too wide,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With cruel miles that hold us two apart:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I sit and watch the white road weary-eyed—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah, sweet, your heart that beat against my heart!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_OLD_CAPTIVE">THE OLD CAPTIVE</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">To hear once more the thunder of the surf,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To breathe once more the salt and stinging wind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To set my cheek once more against the wave,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To look once more across the billowy Sea!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Chained in the pen of silent heavy hills,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I dream hot nights of that sweet long ago,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When I leaped down the beach in the dim dawn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And plunged to meet the sun—and knew the Sea!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And they drove in the boats with a shout and a song,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And they spread wide the nets in the face o’ the wind,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And the ship strained and dipped like a swooping bird,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And we rushed onward, mad for the open Sea!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Never to feed my eyes on strange dim coasts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Never to touch a branch washed in by the tide,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Never to gaze on dark and silent men</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From some far isle in the mysterious Sea!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Never to see the white sails gleam and fade,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor watch black masts against the setting sun,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Never to glide within some wondrous port,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor breathe spice winds blown soft across the Sea!</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Never to feel the great sail fill and stretch,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor plough white fiery trails beneath the stars,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor float below some tow’ring rosy berg,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor ride the sheer gulfs of the stormy Sea!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And they rushed down to the beach to drag us in,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And they pulled hard at the rough and glistening rope,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And the glad keel rubbed harsh on the shelly sand,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And their arms strained us, home from the terrible Sea!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Though in my life I lost thee, tired and dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Me they shall bring to thee, O long desired!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Me they shall lay at sunset on the sand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the strong tide swings outward to the Sea.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Me like a cradled child the waves shall rock,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rock ’neath the moon, and sink to those dim caves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Those wide green glooms, those clear and pallid depths,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The silence and the strange flowers of the Sea.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And they shall bear me down with a glorious song,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And they shall shout to the crash and boom of the surf,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>And they shall thrill to the whip and sting of the spray,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>While the great waves ride triumphing out to Sea!</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the pale light strains down through undreamed deeps</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To glimmer o’er the vast unpeopled plains,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">The ancient treasure piles of dead kings’ fleets,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The mighty bones long bleached beneath the Sea,</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There where cool corals and still seaweeds twine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There on the solemn level ocean floor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till God’s great arm shall terribly plough the deep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I shall lie long and rest beneath the Sea.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="SONG_TO_OPHELIA">SONG TO OPHELIA</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Unto thy grass-hidden charms</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nature worketh no alarms;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Changeth all thy breath to dew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thine eyes to violets blue,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Weaveth all thy waving hair</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into beams to light the air!</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Thus the song—and yet he saith</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<i>Ah! how sad a thing is Death!</i>”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Over thy earth-covered breast</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Springtime snow doth lightly rest;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Never hath been spun a sheet</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For thy purity more meet;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lovelier the earth shall be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now that it doth prison thee!</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Thus the song—and yet he saith</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">“<i>Ah! how sad a thing is Death!</i>”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_CHRISTMAS_HYMN_FOR_CHILDREN">A CHRISTMAS HYMN FOR CHILDREN</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Our bells ring out to all the earth,</div> + <div class="verse indent8"><i>In excelsis gloria!</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">But none for Thee made chimes of mirth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On that great morning of Thy birth.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Our coats they lack not silk nor fur,</div> + <div class="verse indent8"><i>In excelsis gloria!</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not such Thy Blessed Mother’s were;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Full simple garments covered Her.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Our churches rise up goodly high,</div> + <div class="verse indent8"><i>In excelsis gloria!</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Low in a stall Thyself did lie,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With hornèd oxen standing by.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Incense we breathe and scent of wine,</div> + <div class="verse indent8"><i>In excelsis gloria!</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Around Thee rose the breath of kine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy only drink Her breast divine.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We take us to a happy tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent8"><i>In excelsis gloria!</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">The seed was sown that day for Thee</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That blossomed but at Calvary.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Teach us to feed Thy poor with meat,</div> + <div class="verse indent8"><i>In excelsis gloria!</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who turnest not when we entreat,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who givest us Thy Bread to eat.</div> + <div class="verse indent28">Amen.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_GYPSY_MAID">THE GYPSY MAID</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She met them on the forest edge,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">A maid all brown and slim,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She beckoned them to leave the path</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That girt the forest rim.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">At first they shake their heads at her,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">At last they follow meek,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She smiles at them with crimson lips,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And sweet her bright eyes speak.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They go as in a faëry dream,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The forest shuts them round,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Save for the leaves that whisper low</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They hear no earthly sound.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The quiet miles have grown to leagues,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The trees are strange and tall,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They listen for the gypsy’s steps</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And follow where they fall.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She sings a song of Wander-land,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For very joy they weep:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Adown the hills the dying day</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Soft like a cloud doth creep.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The forest folk have gone to rest,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The trees are dark and high:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The gypsy’s song it crooneth soft</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Their mother’s lullaby.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">A misty moon now rides the clouds,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They sink in happy sleep:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The gypsy laughing low at them</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Slips in the forest deep.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They wake into a fearsome dawn,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Lost in a gloomy fen:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They follow no more gypsy maids</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In all their life again.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THREE_SONGS">THREE SONGS</h2> +</div> + + +<h3>I. THE SAILOR</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">You hold me for a day, my dear,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I lose you for a life,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that’s the sailor’s way, my dear,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">A love, but not a wife.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis never I will blame you,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">’Tis not my eyes are wet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But ’tis I that must remember—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">’Tis you that will forget.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">You kiss me for a night, my dear,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I kiss you for the years,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that’s the sailor’s right, my dear,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And life’s too short for tears.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis never I will stay you</div> + <div class="verse indent2">When once the moon has set,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But ’tis I that must remember—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">’Tis you that will forget.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span></p> + +<h3>II. THE HUNTER</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">One came chasing the fallow deer</div> + <div class="verse indent2">When all the wood was green,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But through my heart an arrow went</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That ne’er by him was seen—</div> + <div class="verse indent20">Ah me!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That ne’er by him was seen.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">One came hunting the eagle-king</div> + <div class="verse indent2">When all the wood was brown,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But over me a lure was cast</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That dragged my proud heart down—</div> + <div class="verse indent20">Ah me!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That dragged my proud heart down.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">One came tracking the mighty boar</div> + <div class="verse indent2">When all the wood was white,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But from my wound the red drops fell</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That guided him that night—</div> + <div class="verse indent20">Ah me!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That guided him that night.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span></p> + +<h3>III. THE PRINCE</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">My heart it was a cup of gold</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That at his lip did long to lie,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he hath drunk the red wine down,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And tossed the goblet by.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">My heart it was a floating bird</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That through the world did wander free,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he hath locked it in a cage,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And lost the silver key.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">My heart it was a white, white rose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That bloomed upon a broken bough,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He did but wear it for an hour,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And it is withered now.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_LITTLE_DEAD_CHILD">THE LITTLE DEAD CHILD</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When all but her were sleeping fast,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the night was nearly fled,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The little dead child came up the stair</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And stood by his mother’s bed.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Ah, God!” she cried, “the nights are three,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And yet I have not slept!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The little dead child he sat him down,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And sank his head, and wept.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> + +<hr class="tb"></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“And is it thou, my little dead child,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Come in from out the storm?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ah, lie thou back against my heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And I will keep thee warm!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>That is long ago, mother,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>Long and long ago!</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Shall I grow warm who lay three nights</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>Beneath the winter snow?</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> + +<hr class="tb"></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Hast thou not heard the old nurse weep?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">She sings to us no more;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thy brothers leave the broken toys</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And whisper in the door.”</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>That is far away, mother,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>Far and far away!</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Above my head the stone is white,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>My hands forget to play.</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> + +<hr class="tb"></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“What wilt thou then, my little dead child,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Since here thou may’st not lie?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ah, me! that snow should be thy sheet,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And winds thy lullaby!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Down within my grave, mother,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>I heard, I know not how,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>“Go up to God, thou little child,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>Go up and meet him now!”</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>That is far to fare, mother,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>Far and far to fare!</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>I come for thee to carry me</i></div> + <div class="verse indent4"><i>The way from here to there.</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“O hold thy peace, my little dead child,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">My heart will break in me!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy way to God thou must go alone,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I may not carry thee!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> + +<hr class="tb"></div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The cock crew out the early dawn</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ere she could stay her moan;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She heard the cry of a little child,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Upon his way alone.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="AT_PARTING">AT PARTING</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Oh, all too well beloved, at last I know</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That for us two the parting of the ways</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Has come, and brought the ending of sweet days.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bid me good-bye, and loose my hand, and go.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To-day’s fair peak we ran to climb, and low</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Before us, glowing in our last sun’s rays,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The path slopes down, nor undivided stays;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The path slopes down, but separate and slow.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Henceforward you and I alone must fare.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Nay, look not all so sad! Was ever done</div> + <div class="verse indent2">A deed to merit all that we have won</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of joy? I tell you, there are those whose prayer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is nightly on their knees that they might bear</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Our shadow, could they but have known our sun!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_NIXY">THE NIXY</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They brought her honey and milk,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They brought her curds and wine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“But oh!” she cried, “for the river side,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the rushes that were mine!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They robed her body with silk,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They filled her lap with gold,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“But oh!” she prayed, “for the mossy shade,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the green depths, pure and cold!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They kissed her ankles for love,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They worshiped at her eyes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“But oh!” she moaned, “for the flood, deep-toned,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the sweeping spray that flies!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They draped her chamber with black,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They wept there at her bier,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But her glad soul fled when her heart was dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And flowed with the river clear.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_JAPANESE_FAN">A JAPANESE FAN</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Is it so warm in old Japan?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Do flowers flaunt out such riot glare?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hangs that soft, golden mist so low?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah me, ah me, to journey there!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Inked out against the yellow glow</div> + <div class="verse indent2">One sharp peak rises, blackly bare;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A stately swan steers up the sky—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah me, ah me, to journey there!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And see her as she furls her fan!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Was ever lady half so fair?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She beckons to me with her eyes—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah me, ah me, to journey there!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Were ever feet so dainty small?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Was ever coiled such shining hair?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her hands are like curled lily-buds—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah me, ah me, to journey there!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Fan-pictured, dear Japan, thy calm</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Fills us of West with dull despair!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(The palm-leaves sift the sunlight through)</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ah me, ah me, to journey there!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="TWO_SONNETS_FROM_THE_HEBREW">TWO SONNETS FROM THE HEBREW</h2> +</div> + + +<h3>I. THE PREPARATION</h3> + +<p class="center">“<i>And he said, I will not destroy it for the ten’s sake.</i>”</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent2">Look back and see this brooding tenderness!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ye wait till Bethlehem? Nay then, not I!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Under the law doth Israel ever sigh?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Is there no mercy till the great redress?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">See now, amid the nameless wickedness</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Love dreadeth lest one soul of his should die,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Spareth and faltereth and passeth by,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Soft’ning the law to ease a son’s distress.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Aye, child, and more! thou hast not learned to spell</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Love’s first great letter: centuries of pain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still leave him terrible in thy scared sight</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who quencheth with his tears the fires of hell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And yearneth o’er the cities of the Plain!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</span></p> + +<h3>II. THE INCARNATION</h3> + +<p class="center">“<i>Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee!</i>”</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent2">“Speak thou for us: with God we will not speak!”</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ye will have prophet, yea, and saviour too,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And saint and creed and priest to worship through,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Whereat Love smiles and gives them, ye being weak.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And most ye clutch at her, that virgin meek</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With cradling arms: ah, child of Love, but who</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Curved her soft breast, and taught the dove to coo,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And sent the shepherd forth the lamb to seek?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Surely great wings are wrapped around our world!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the one pulse that in us ebbs and flows</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leaps at her name, for she has understood:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In our hearts’ lowest leaves her love is curled,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unshrined, she yet hath comfort for all woes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If not God’s mother, still God’s motherhood!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ODE_WRITTEN_FOR_THE_TWENTY-SECOND_OF_FEBRUARY">ODE: WRITTEN FOR THE TWENTY-SECOND OF FEBRUARY</h2> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon the shore of God’s unfinished years,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Waiting impatient while the slow mist clears,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The younger sister of the nations stands,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And shades her eyes with mighty, eager hands.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So great, so proud, so strong! with youthful scorn</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She leaves behind her sisters elder born,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And stands before the parting of the ways,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unburdened with their weight of yesterdays.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Hard eyes and restless hers, agleam for gain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And peevish children struggle in her train;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet her broad brows have bloody laurels pressed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And she hath nourished heroes at her breast.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Half scornful of her children of to-day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She dreams how long ago and far away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her firstborn brought across the new-found seas</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their mighty faith, long gone, alas, from these!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She sees them, where th’ untrodden forest waves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Building new homes upon their thick-set graves,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Raising new altars to a stern, high creed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Training in fear of God their stalwart breed.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She hears them fling across the hostile sea</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That cry that cheered her on to victory;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She feels again the thrill that shook her soul</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When wondering nations watched her flag unroll.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She sees—and ah, her heart grows big with tears</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From out the mists of those long-vanished years,—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She sees her best beloved come, her pride;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There stands again her hero at her side.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Her eyes are soft with love, and to her heart</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There comes anew with sweet, resistless smart</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her long-forgotten motherhood, she turns,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And toward her children as of old she yearns.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Oh, grown beyond my power to curb or stay,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Turn ye a moment from your sordid way,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lift ye your restless, weary eyes on high,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This son your mother bore in days gone by!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Ye will not see me old before my time!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ye will not make me barren in my prime!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Help me to bear ye men again like these!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Make me the greatest land the great sun sees!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ashamed and dumb her summoned children stand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And love with the old love their Mother-land.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep in their hearts her elder son is set:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thinking on him, they cannot quite forget!</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Before his gracious calm their fevered schemes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Awhile are gone, and flushed with the old dreams,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They see in him writ large the old, high aim,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They point, though backward, to one perfect fame!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_DEATH_SONG">THE DEATH SONG</h2> +</div> + +<p class="center">“The island of Martinique will not, in all probability, be built up +again.”</p> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Hearken, my father the lowering Sky!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Hearken, my brother the heaving Sea!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Who but thy sister calls to thee?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I, the Mountain, make end and die.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Bridled was I and bitted sure?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Bridged with homes and with gardens chained?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">God’s tame beast to his uses trained?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ye to go free, and I endure?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">See, my father, I cloud like thee!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">See, my brother, like thee I swell!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ye league with death, but I rule all hell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Lord of heaven shall shrink from me.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Once I groaned, and the scared wind sighed,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Twice I heaved, and the sick earth turned,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Thrice I spat out my blood that burned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Roaring with torture, aflame with pride.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Down below me they swarmed and stirred,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ants in an ant-hill, row on row.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Haste!” I cried to them, “haste and go!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have I not warned? but they have not heard.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Pains of the deep hold me in thrall,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">World-old cancers that eat my heart,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Blood o’ the earth—I feel it start—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Gone, get ye gone, or it floods you all!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Living and breeding, still they smile,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ants of the ant-hill, pygmy men,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Pelée stirs? she will rest again;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Live and love me and dance awhile!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"> + +<hr class="tb"></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ha, my heart it is rent in twain!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Up and out in a fiery path</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Sweeps a river of molten wrath,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Falls a torrent of scorching rain!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ho, my brother, you boil and hiss!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ho, my father, I hide your sun!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Up, at last, little ants, and run!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shrivel and blanch at Pelée’s kiss!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Hark! did I hear from below my hill</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Rise and echo a puny din?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through my thunder a wailing thin?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When I listened, the ants were still.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">One throe more, and the sea is death,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Yet again, and the land is bare:</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Brother, your glory is all to share—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have outmurdered ye, breath for breath!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Lone I must lie in my stately doom,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Stark and still on my island bier:</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ashen silence shall wrap me here—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pelée the Mountain makes her tomb!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="SEVEN_CHILD_SONGS">SEVEN CHILD SONGS</h2> +</div> + + +<h3>I. DO YOU KNOW?</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Behind the currant bushes, when the night was coming on,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">There was such a funny whisper—do you know?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It made us shiver-shiver, and it made our hearts beat quick,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And we knew it wasn’t any good to carry out a stick,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But we did it just the same, or else you never would have gone—</div> + <div class="verse indent20"><i>Do you know?</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Beyond the old syringa, when the stars were peeping out,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">There was such a funny shadow—do you know?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And over in the flower-bed you had left your father’s spade,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And you had to go and get it, and you said you weren’t afraid,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But you told me afterward about the creeping Indian scout—</div> + <div class="verse indent20"><i>Do you know?</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Beneath the kitchen window, when the moon was climbing high,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">There was such a funny coldness—do you know?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No matter if ’twas summer, it was cool just like a well,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">And the reason was because a ghost—but when you tried to tell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I put my fingers in my ears, and how I used to cry!</div> + <div class="verse indent20"><i>Do you know?</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span></p> + +<h3>II. THE SECRET PLAYMATE</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When I am playing underneath the tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I look around—and there he is with me!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Among the shadows of the boughs he stands,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And shakes the leaves at me with both his hands.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And then upon the mossy roots we lie,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And watch the leaves make pictures on the sky.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And then we swing and float from bough to bough—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And never fall? I can’t remember now.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The games I play with him are always best,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And yet we cannot teach them to the rest.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For when the others come to join our play,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I look around—and he has slipped away!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They ask me if he speaks—I cannot tell;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But no one else can play with me so well.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span></p> + +<h3>III. LONELINESS</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">How can I play any longer with my doll?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">You know she has lost her head.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Mary’s the one that used to mend her for me—</div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>And Mary, you say, is dead.</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Why do I leave the sand-heap all alone?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Because it has dried and spread.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Mary’s the one that always brought the water—</div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>And Mary, you say, is dead.</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">More on the beach? Well, I think I know that, too!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And <i>you</i> are the one that said</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That Mary and I should sleep in a room together—</div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>And now you say Mary’s dead.</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">No, I don’t like the hotel—I’d be alone;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I’d cry in that great big bed:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Mary and I played tent in the morning early—</div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>And now Mary can’t—she’s dead.</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Happier? no, not a bit! not a single bit!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Then why are your eyes so red?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Mary’s the one that never liked angel-stories—</div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>And Mary’s the one that’s dead.</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span></p> + +<h3>IV. DREAMS</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">One night I climbed a mountain all of snow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A great black creature showed me where to go:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We went into a church with no one there,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And cried because the wind began to blow.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And then a King that wore a golden crown</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Climbed up the spire and tried to help me down,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But I spread out my arms, and flew and flew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all the people watched us from the town.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">They chased me through the streets, but I ran fast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And got into a secret place at last.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’d float down stairways, touching just my toes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And laugh and mock at them as I went past.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And then we went to Cinderella’s ball,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I had no shoes nor stockings on at all:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They smiled and pointed at me till I cried,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And woke up just as when you slip and fall.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span></p> + +<h3>V. THE SHADOW</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">If you and I should join our hands</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And go at night soft through the hall,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I wonder could we hope to catch</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That shadow sliding from the wall?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He slips and slips and slips away,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I touched his arm—and he was gone!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I cannot see his face, can you?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">What wall can that be painted on?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Because they say he isn’t real,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They say he’s just a flattened form;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But me, I don’t believe it’s true,</div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>I touched his arm, and it was warm</i>!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Right through the wall he slips and sinks:</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The room behind, you know, is mine.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What can he want there in the dark?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">He never makes a sound nor sign.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">He never goes there in the day,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Only at night, right after tea,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then I go to bed, you know,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And then he runs ahead of me.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">If you will hold my hand quite close,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And creep along with me quite still,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We’ll make a sudden jump—but no!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">We’ll touch him then—I know we will!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span></p> + +<h3>VI. HEAVEN</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She says that when we all have died</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We’ll walk in white there (then she cried)</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All free from sorrow, sin, and care—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But I’m not sure I’d like it there.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">She cannot tell me what we’ll do,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I couldn’t sing the whole day through:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The angels might not care to play,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or else I mightn’t like their way.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I never loved my Uncle Ned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So I can’t love him now he’s dead.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He’d be the only one I know—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She says it’s wicked to talk so.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I’d like to see how God would look,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’d like to see that Judgment Book:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But pretty soon I’d want to be</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the real people were, you see.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When people turn dead in a dream,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I wake up, and I scream and scream:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And since they’re all dead there, you know,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’m sure that I should feel just so!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span></p> + +<h3>VII. THE PEAR TREE</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We lived out under the pear tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">We dined upon tarts and cream,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I married you there for ever,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But, dear, ’twas only a dream!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We sailed away in the branches</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To countries strange and new,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For we owned estates in Dreamland,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But, sweetheart, it isn’t true!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We made a church in the pear tree,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Where the angels came to sing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We stroked their wings—but, dearest,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">You mustn’t believe a thing!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We cut our names in the tree trunk,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">So the bark could never grow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Dryad cried! But, my darling,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">’Twas none of it really so!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="INSCRIPTIONS">INSCRIPTIONS</h2> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h3 class="nobreak" id="FOR_A_CHILDS_PLATE">FOR A CHILD’S PLATE</h3> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">My Child, when from this Plate you Eat,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Give Thanks to God, who Sends your Meat.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beware you Show no Haste nor Greed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To those who Serve pay Gentle Heed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Spare out some Bread to Feed the Poor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And you shall Never Want, be Sure.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h3 class="nobreak" id="FOR_HIS_CUP">FOR HIS CUP</h3> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When drinking, Child, from out this Cup</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To Ease your thirsty Pain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Think how the Earth to God looks up</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Thanks Him for the Rain.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h3 class="nobreak" id="FOR_HIS_CHAIR">FOR HIS CHAIR</h3> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When in this Chair you Rest, my Child,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let all your Thoughts be Kind and Mild,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Your Face and Hands quite Neat:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rise up until your Elders sit,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seek not to Show a Saucy Wit,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor all you Hear Repeat.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</span></p> +<h3 class="nobreak" id="FOR_HIS_BED">FOR HIS BED</h3> +</div> + + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Go not to Sleep in this White Bed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My Child, before your Prayers are Said.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Give Thanks to God for all your Joys,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For Mother, Home, and Friends and Toys.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ask Pardon for the Sins you’ve Done,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then Shut your Eyes until the Sun:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Your Dream shall be a happy one.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_WANDERERS">THE WANDERERS</h2> +</div> + + +<p class="center"> +<span class="smcap">The Prince</span><br> +<span class="smcap">A Man-at-Arms</span><br> +<span class="smcap">A Gypsy</span><br> +</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Scene: The Edge of the Forest</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">THE PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So then, I am crowned to-morrow?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent33">Yes, my lord.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">How fleet the time runs by! But yesterday</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I played in the fountain with the great white hound.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My old, old nurse that died....</div> + <div class="verse indent32">But all is changed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I am a man now?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent16">So it seems, my lord.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And I am king to-morrow.</div> + <div class="verse indent25">Ah, dear saints!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This is the saddest day of all my life.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Farewell, farewell, sweet Yesterday! Farewell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou once so sweet To-morrow! Thou for me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shalt no more beckon down the widening road</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That flows through all the forests and the fields,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">That flowers into the sunset and the sea!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Henceforth companioned by the same To-day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The dull, cramped state, the tired formality,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">False thoughtfulness and feigned remembrances,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I yoke my life to one recurring task,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No sooner done than all’s to do again!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I would I were a child with one white hound</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That lapped the fountain....</div> + <div class="verse indent29">Wherefore do you sigh?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why are you sad? You need not be a king.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">My lord, I love you.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent21">I know it. Oh, my friend,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Listen, and I will tell you. Only you</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are friendly-souled in all this cruel court;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And that is strange, for you must ever dog me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That I go not afield nor roam the woods.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why may I not?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent15">My lord, it is forbidden.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent41">But why?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I know not. What would you tell me, sir?</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Why, this.</div> + <div class="verse indent11">Last night I leaned far out the tower</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To catch the smell o’ the woods and hear the birds</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quiet their young to sleep, and watch the stars</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Slip one by one to sight, and feel the wind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That blows so soft at night, come floating by.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And on my ear there fell a sudden song:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So throstle-sweet it was, so faëry-gay,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My heart stood still to hear it. It rose high,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all my soul rose with it; it sank low—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My cheeks were wet with tears.</div> + <div class="verse indent31">I tell you, friend,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My years slipped from me like a mantle dropped.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I felt the wonderful, the wild, sweet dreams</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That blessed those nights when I, a little boy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Trembled a moment on the forest brink,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then flung myself into its dusky arms,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Swung in the billowy boughs and pressed the moss,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Drank from the pool beside the spotted deer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And at the murmurous swaying of the pines</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wept in my childish sleep for joy too great.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="right"> +(<i>The Gypsy song is heard.</i>)<br> +</p> + +<p class="center"> +<i>Oh, the goodwife turns the wheel at home,</i><br> +<i>And the bird will keep her nest,</i><br> +<i>But it’s ah me! for the world’s to see</i><br> +<i>Or ever my heart have rest!</i><br> +</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There, there! You heard it? Ah, unhappy prince!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For me the green earth spreads her fields in vain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The forest pleads in vain with dusky arms:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I shall die caged.</div> + <div class="verse indent19">Ah, do you see him there?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">See whom, my lord?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent19">The stranger in the wood.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How brown, how bright! How gallantly it swings,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That tattered robe! And see his gleaming chain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His scarlet berries!</div> + <div class="verse indent21">Nay, I will not go!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nay, if you touch me I shall kill you! Nay,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I will speak with him if I die for it!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He turns his eye upon me—</div> + <div class="verse indent27">Ah, dear saints!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I mind me of my mother suddenly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That died for sorrow when she brought me forth</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To chain me to a throne. Ah me, ah me!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When did my mother die?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent24">The queen, my lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Left life behind her at the early dawn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Just as the spring was coming on.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent34">And where?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">How can I tell?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent16">I know you will tell true.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">My lord, the queen, your mother, grew distraught,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ere her time was come she crept at night</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Between her watchers while they drowsed, and found</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A glade among the hills that spring had kissed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And underneath green boughs she laid her down.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And I was born there?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent22">Aye, my lord. Below</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The first faint budding bough we found you there.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">You should have told me this.</div> + <div class="verse indent30">See, he comes near!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">(<i>To the Gypsy.</i>) God save you, sir!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">GYPSY</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent37">I lie within his hand.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Where go you?</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">GYPSY</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent14">Where the cool brown river runs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Over the shining pebbles, through deep pools</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The setting sun turns first to molten gold,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then hues with pigeons’ breasts, purple and pink,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then fills with inky shadows where the moon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Plunges at midnight.</div> + <div class="verse indent21">’Neath the glimmering stacks</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Below the waiting stars I dream good dreams,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And catch the sky’s faint blush, and bathe in the brook,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And tread the firm green grass and follow the clouds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till drowsy noon.</div> + <div class="verse indent18">I sing before her door,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the farmer’s wife brings honey to me, and bread</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And milk beneath the pink, sweet apple-boughs.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Will you not sing to me?</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="right"> +(<i>Gypsy sings.</i>)<br> +</p> + +<p class="center"> +<i>The king he wooed the Gypsy maid</i><br> +<i>And kissed her to the throne;</i><br> +<i>She fell asleep, but blood runs deep,</i><br> +<i>And the forest claims its own!</i><br> +</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Leave us, I say!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent17">You shall not threaten him!</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Go, or I strike!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent17">Where is your love for me?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Sir, if my care for you had matched my love</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We two had long ago been far from here.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With every moment’s lingering, my lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I move one step the nearer to my death:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will you not come?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent19">I cannot.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent29">Then for me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Life is not long, it seems. I pray you, sir,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Remember always that I loved you well!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="right"> +(<i>Gypsy sings.</i>)<br> +</p> + +<p class="center"> +<i>Ah, vain for him the diadem,</i><br> +<i>Heavy the scepter’s load,</i><br> +<i>For he was lord o’ the windy wood,</i><br> +<i>And prince o’ the winding road!</i><br> +</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I come, I come!</div> + <div class="verse indent16">Nay, weep not so, good friend!</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">This is no fault of thine; for you and me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">God’s plan is kindly. Never did I loose</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The hare entrapped or set the song-bird free</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But I had faith that He would serve me so!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Come with me: little love have they for us</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In that hot, weary glitter of the court.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hast thou not seen the new queen grudge at me</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And nurse her son to scorn me?</div> + <div class="verse indent31">Let them reign!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We’ll make a dearer court.</div> + <div class="verse indent27">The trees shall bend</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And bow to us, but not with flattery;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The little leaves shall whisper, but their lisp</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is clean of lies and slander; the sleek deer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shall lead their tender fawns to kiss our hand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor plot us evil with the soft caress;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The wind and rain shall be our councilors,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor urge us to do war, nor press the poor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor waste our souls in bitter rivalries,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor match a petty kingdom with great powers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That smile at us for folly.</div> + <div class="verse indent28">Let them reign!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="right"> +(<i>Gypsy sings.</i>)<br> +</p> + +<p class="center"> +<i>And it’s we will fling the world away,</i><br> +<i>And reap where God has sowed,</i><br> +<i>And we’ll roam for ay the windy wood,</i><br> +<i>And wander the winding road!</i><br> +</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Friend, must I go alone?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent25">My lord, these hands</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lifted you first from where you lay and smiled</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beside the dead queen ’neath the hawthorn-tree.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I walked beside the horse when first you rode,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I set the hawk upon your little arm,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have lain years before your door at night.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The death I stay to meet were not so hard</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As life without you.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent21">Will you follow me?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MAN-AT-ARMS</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">To the death, my lord!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRINCE</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent23">Why, then, good friends, your hands!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We three are bound for the woods: God needs some souls</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To love the world as he made it.</div> + <div class="verse indent33">Come with me!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="right"> +(<i>They enter the forest; the Gypsy song is heard.</i>)<br> +</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Oh, the goodwife turns the wheel at home,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>And the bird will keep her nest,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>But it’s ah me! for the world’s to see</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Or ever my heart have rest!</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75489 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + diff --git a/75489-h/images/001.jpg b/75489-h/images/001.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d84a4a6 --- /dev/null +++ b/75489-h/images/001.jpg diff --git a/75489-h/images/cover.jpg b/75489-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7398d5f --- /dev/null +++ b/75489-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. 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