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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -</style> -<title>THE DAFFODIL FIELDS</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="The Daffodil Fields" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="John Masefield" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1913" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="41466" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2012-11-23" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Daffodil Fields" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="The Daffodil Fields" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="daffodil.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2012-11-24T02:39:49.344241+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41466" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="John Masefield" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="2012-11-23" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20a4 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -<style type="text/css"> -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } -</style> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="the-daffodil-fields"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">THE DAFFODIL FIELDS</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: The Daffodil Fields -<br /> -<br />Author: John Masefield -<br /> -<br />Release Date: November 23, 2012 [EBook #41466] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE DAFFODIL FIELDS</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 52%" id="figure-10"> -<img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Cover</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">THE DAFFODIL FIELDS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY -<br />JOHN MASEFIELD</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">AUTHOR OF "THE EVERLASTING MERCY," "THE WIDOW IN -<br />THE BYE STREET," "THE STORY OF A -<br />ROUND-HOUSE," ETC.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">New York -<br />THE MACMILLAN COMPANY -<br />1915</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics small">All rights reserved</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container verso"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">COPYRIGHT, 1918, -<br />BY JOHN MASEFIELD.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">Set up and electrotyped. Published March, 1913. -<br />Reprinted July, December, 1913; August, 1915.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">Norwood Press -<br />J. S. Cushing Co. -- Berwick & Smith Co. -<br />Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">THE DAFFODIL FIELDS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">I</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Between the barren pasture and the wood</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There is a patch of poultry-stricken grass,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where, in old time, Ryemeadows' Farmhouse stood,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And human fate brought tragic things to pass.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A spring comes bubbling up there, cold as glass,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It bubbles down, crusting the leaves with lime,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Babbling the self-same song that it has sung through time.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Ducks gobble at the selvage of the brook,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But still it slips away, the cold hill-spring,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Past the Ryemeadows' lonely woodland nook</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where many a stubble gray-goose preens her wing,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>On, by the woodland side. You hear it sing</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Past the lone copse where poachers set their wires,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Past the green hill once grim with sacrificial fires.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Another water joins it; then it turns,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Runs through the Ponton Wood, still turning west,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Past foxgloves, Canterbury bells, and ferns,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And many a blackbird's, many a thrush's nest;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The cattle tread it there; then, with a zest</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It sparkles out, babbling its pretty chatter</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Through Foxholes Farm, where it gives white-faced cattle water.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Under the road it runs, and now it slips</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Past the great ploughland, babbling, drop and linn,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To the moss'd stumps of elm trees which it lips,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And blackberry-bramble-trails where eddies spin.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, on its left, some short-grassed fields begin,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Red-clayed and pleasant, which the young spring fills</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With the never-quiet joy of dancing daffodils.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>There are three fields where daffodils are found;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The grass is dotted blue-gray with their leaves;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Their nodding beauty shakes along the ground</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Up to a fir-clump shutting out the eaves</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of an old farm where always the wind grieves</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>High in the fir boughs, moaning; people call</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This farm The Roughs, but some call it the Poor Maid's Hall.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>There, when the first green shoots of tender corn</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Show on the plough; when the first drift of white</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Stars the black branches of the spiky thorn,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And afternoons are warm and evenings light,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The shivering daffodils do take delight,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Shaking beside the brook, and grass comes green,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And blue dog-violets come and glistening celandine.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And there the pickers come, picking for town</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Those dancing daffodils; all day they pick;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Hard-featured women, weather-beaten brown,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Or swarthy-red, the colour of old brick.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>At noon they break their meats under the rick.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The smoke of all three farms lifts blue in air</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>As though man's passionate mind had never suffered there.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And sometimes as they rest an old man comes,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Shepherd or carter, to the hedgerow-side,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And looks upon their gangrel tribe, and hums,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And thinks all gone to wreck since master died;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And sighs over a passionate harvest-tide</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Which Death's red sickle reaped under those hills,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There, in the quiet fields among the daffodils.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>When this most tragic fate had time and place,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And human hearts and minds to show it by,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ryemeadows' Farmhouse was in evil case:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Its master, Nicholas Gray, was like to die.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He lay in bed, watching the windy sky,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where all the rooks were homing on slow wings,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Cawing, or blackly circling in enormous rings.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>With a sick brain he watched them; then he took</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Paper and pen, and wrote in straggling hand</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>(Like spider's legs, so much his fingers shook)</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Word to the friends who held the adjoining land,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Bidding them come; no more he could command</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His fingers twitching to the feebling blood;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He watched his last day's sun dip down behind the wood,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>While all his life's thoughts surged about his brain:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Memories and pictures clear, and faces known--</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Long dead, perhaps; he was a child again,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Treading a threshold in the dark alone.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then back the present surged, making him moan.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He asked if Keir had come yet. "No," they said.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Nor Occleve?" "No." He moaned: "Come soon or I'll be dead."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The names like live things wandered in his mind:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Charles Occleve of The Roughs," and "Rowland Keir--</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Keir of the Foxholes"; but his brain was blind,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A blind old alley in the storm of the year,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Baffling the traveller life with "No way here,"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>For all his lantern raised; life would not tread</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Within that brain again, along those pathways red.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Soon all was dimmed but in the heaven one star.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I'll hold to that," he said; then footsteps stirred.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Down in the court a voice said, "Here they are,"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And one, "He's almost gone." The sick man heard.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Oh God, be quick," he moaned. "Only one word.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Keir! Occleve! Let them come. Why don't they come?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Why stop to tell them that?--the devil strike you dumb.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"I'm neither doll nor dead; come in, come in.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Curse you, you women, quick," the sick man flamed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I shall be dead before I can begin.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A sick man's womaned-mad, and nursed and damed."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Death had him by the throat; his wrath was tamed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Come in," he fumed; "stop muttering at the door."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The friends came in; a creaking ran across the floor.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Now, Nick, how goes it, man?" said Occleve. "Oh,"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The dying man replied, "I am dying; past;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mercy of God, I die, I'm going to go.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But I have much to tell you if I last.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Come near me, Occleve, Keir. I am sinking fast,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And all my kin are coming; there, look there.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>All the old, long dead Grays are moving in the air.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"It is my Michael that I called you for:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>My son, abroad, at school still, over sea.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>See if that hag is listening at the door.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>No? Shut the door; don't lock it, let it be.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>No faith is kept to dying men like me.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I am dipped deep and dying, bankrupt, done;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I leave not even a farthing to my lovely son.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Neighbours, these many years our children played,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Down in the fields together, down the brook;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Your Mary, Keir, the girl, the bonny maid,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And Occleve's Lion, always at his book;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Them and my Michael: dear, what joy they took</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Picking the daffodils; such friends they've been--</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>My boy and Occleve's boy and Mary Keir for queen.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"I had made plans; but I am done with, I.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Give me the wine. I have to ask you this:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I can leave Michael nothing, and I die.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>By all our friendship used to be and is,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Help him, old friends. Don't let my Michael miss</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The schooling I've begun. Give him his chance.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He does not know I am ill; I kept him there in France.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Saving expense; each penny counts. Oh, friends,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Help him another year; help him to take</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His full diploma when the training ends,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So that my ruin won't be his. Oh, make</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This sacrifice for our old friendship's sake,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And God will pay you; for I see God's hand</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Pass in most marvellous ways on souls: I understand</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"How just rewards are given for man's deeds</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And judgment strikes the soul. The wine there, wine.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Life is the daily thing man never heeds.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It is ablaze with sign and countersign.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael will not forget: that son of mine</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Is a rare son, my friends; he will go far.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I shall behold his course from where the blessed are."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Why, Nick," said Occleve, "come, man. Gather hold.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Rouse up. You've given way. If times are bad,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Times must be bettering, master; so be bold;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lift up your spirit, Nicholas, and be glad.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael's as much to me as my dear lad.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I'll see he takes his school." "And I," said Keir.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Set you no keep by that, but be at rest, my dear.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"We'll see your Michael started on the road."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"But there," said Occleve, "Nick's not going to die.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Out of the ruts, good nag, now; zook the load.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Pull up, man. Death! Death and the fiend defy.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>We'll bring the farm round for you, Keir and I.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Put heart at rest and get your health." "Ah, no,"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The sick man faintly answered, "I have got to go."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Still troubled in his mind, the sick man tossed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Old friends," he said, "I once had hoped to see</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mary and Michael wed, but fates are crossed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And Michael starts with nothing left by me.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Still, if he loves her, will you let it be?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So in the grave, maybe, when I am gone,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I'll know my hope fulfilled, and see the plan go on."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"I judge by hearts, not money," answered Keir.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"If Michael suits in that and suits my maid,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I promise you, let Occleve witness here</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He shall be free for me to drive his trade.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Free, ay, and welcome, too. Be not afraid,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I'll stand by Michael as I hope some friend</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Will stand beside my girl in case my own life end."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"And I," said Occleve; but the sick man seemed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Still ill at ease. "My friends," he said, "my friends,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael may come to all that I have dreamed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But he's a wild yarn full of broken ends.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So far his life in France has made amends.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>God grant he steady so; but girls and drink</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Once brought him near to hell, aye, to the very brink.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"There is a running vein of wildness in him:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Wildness and looseness both, which vices make</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That woman's task a hard one who would win him:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His life depends upon the course you take.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He is a fiery-mettled colt to break,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And one to curb, one to be curbed, remember."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The dying voice died down, the fire left the ember.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>But once again it flamed. "Ah me," he cried;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Our secret sins take body in our sons,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To haunt our age with what we put aside.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I was a devil for the women once.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He is as I was. Beauty like the sun's;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Within, all water; minded like the moon.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Go now. I sinned. I die. I shall be punished soon."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The two friends tiptoed to the room below.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There, till the woman came to them, they told</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of brave adventures in the long ago,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ere Nick and they had thought of growing old;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Snipe-shooting in the marshlands in the cold,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old soldiering days as yeomen, days at fairs,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Days that had sent Nick tired to those self-same chairs.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>They vowed to pay the schooling for his son.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They talked of Michael, testing men's report,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>How the young student was a lively one,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Handsome and passionate both, and fond of sport,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Eager for fun, quick-witted in retort.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The girls' hearts quick to see him cocking by,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Young April on a blood horse, with a roving eye.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And, as they talked about the lad, Keir asked</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>If Occleve's son had not, at one time, been</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Heartsick for Mary, though with passion masked.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Ay," Occleve said: "Time was. At seventeen.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It took him hard, it ran his ribs all lean,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>All of a summer; but it passed, it died.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her fancying Michael better touched my Lion's pride."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Mice flickered from the wainscot to the press,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nibbling at crumbs, rattling to shelter, squeaking.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Each ticking in the clock's womb made life less;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oil slowly dropped from where the lamp was leaking.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>At times the old nurse set the staircase creaking,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Harked to the sleeper's breath, made sure, returned,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Answered the questioning eyes, then wept. The great stars burned.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Listen," said Occleve, "listen, Rowland. Hark."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"It's Mary, come with Lion," answered Keir:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"They said they'd come together after dark."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He went to door and called "Come in, my dear."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The burning wood log blazed with sudden cheer,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So that a glowing lighted all the room.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His daughter Mary entered from the outer gloom.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The wind had brought the blood into her cheek,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Heightening her beauty, but her great grey eyes</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Were troubled with a fear she could not speak.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Firm, scarlet lips she had, not made for lies.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Gentle she seemed, pure-natured, thoughtful, wise,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And when she asked what turn the sickness took,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her voice's passing pureness on a low note shook.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Young Lion Occleve entered at her side,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A well-built, clever man, unduly grave,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>One whose repute already travelled wide</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>For skill in breeding beasts. His features gave</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Promise of brilliant mind, far-seeing, brave,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>One who would travel far. His manly grace</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Grew wistful when his eyes were turned on Mary's face.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Tell me," said Mary, "what did doctor say?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>How ill is he? What chance of life has he?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The cowman said he couldn't last the day,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And only yesterday he joked with me."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"We must be meek," the nurse said; "such things be."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"There's little hope," said Keir; "he's dying, sinking."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Dying without his son," the young girl's heart was thinking.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Does Michael know?" she asked. "Has he been called?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A slow confusion reddened on the faces,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>As when one light neglect leaves friends appalled.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"No time to think," said nurse, "in such like cases."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Occleve stooped and fumbled with his laces.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Let be," he said; "there's always time for sorrow.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He could not come in time; he shall be called to-morrow."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"There is a chance," she cried, "there always is.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Poor Mr. Gray might rally, might live on.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh, I must telegraph to tell him this.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Would it were day still and the message gone."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She rose, her breath came fast, her grey eyes shone.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She said, "Come, Lion; see me through the wood.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael must know." Keir sighed. "Girl, it will do no good.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Our friend is on the brink and almost passed."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"All the more need," she said, "for word to go;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael could well arrive before the last.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He'd see his father's face at least. I know</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The office may be closed; but even so,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Father, I must. Come, Lion." Out they went,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Into the roaring woodland where the saplings bent.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Like breakers of the sea the leafless branches</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Swished, bowing down, rolling like water, roaring</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Like the sea's welcome when the clipper launches</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And full affronted tideways call to warring.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Daffodils glimmered underfoot, the flooring</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of the earthy woodland smelt like torn-up moss;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Stones in the path showed white, and rabbits ran across.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>They climbed the rise and struck into the ride,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Talking of death, while Lion, sick at heart,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Thought of the woman walking at his side,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And as he talked his spirit stood apart,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old passion for her made his being smart,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Rankling within. Her thought for Michael ran</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Like glory and like poison through his inner man.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"This will break Michael's heart," he said at length.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Poor Michael," she replied; "they wasted hours.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He loved his father so. God give him strength.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This is a cruel thing this life of ours."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The windy woodland glimmered with shut flowers,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>White wood anemones that the wind blew down.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The valley opened wide beyond the starry town.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Ten," clanged out of the belfry. Lion stayed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>One hand upon a many-carven bole.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary," he said. "Dear, my beloved maid,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I love you, dear one, from my very soul."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her beauty in the dusk destroyed control.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary, my dear, I've loved you all these years."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Oh, Lion, no," she murmured, choking back her tears.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"I love you," he repeated. "Five years since</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This thing began between us: every day</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh sweet, the thought of you has made me wince;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The thought of you, my sweet, the look, the way.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It's only you, whether I work or pray,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You and the hope of you, sweet you, dear you.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I never spoke before; now it has broken through.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Oh, my beloved, can you care for me?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She shook her head. "Oh, hush, oh, Lion dear,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Don't speak of love, for it can never be</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Between us two, never, however near.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Come on, my friend, we must not linger here."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>White to the lips she spoke; he saw her face</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>White in the darkness by him in the windy place.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary, in time you could, perhaps," he pleaded.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"No," she replied, "no, Lion; never, no."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Over the stars the boughs burst and receded.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The nobleness of Love comes in Love's woe.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"God bless you then, beloved, let us go.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Come on," he said, "and if I gave you pain,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Forget it, dear; be sure I never will again."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>They stepped together down the ride, their feet</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Slipped on loose stones. Little was said; his fate,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Staked on a kingly cast, had met defeat.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nothing remained but to endure and wait.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She was still wonderful, and life still great.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Great in that bitter instant side by side,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Hallowed by thoughts of death there in the blinded ride.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He heard her breathing by him, saw her face</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dim, looking straight ahead; her feet by his</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Kept time beside him, giving life a grace;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Night made the moment full of mysteries.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"You are beautiful," he thought; "and life is this:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Walking a windy night while men are dying,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To cry for one to come, and none to heed our crying."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary," he said, "are you in love with him,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With Michael? Tell me. We are friends, we three."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They paused to face each other in the dim.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Tell me," he urged. "Yes, Lion," answered she;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I love him, but he does not care for me.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I trust your generous mind, dear; now you know,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You, who have been my brother, how our fortunes go.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Now come; the message waits." The heavens cleared,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Cleared, and were starry as they trod the ride.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Chequered by tossing boughs the moon appeared;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A whistling reached them from the Hall House side;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Climbing, the whistler came. A brown owl cried.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The whistler paused to answer, sending far</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That haunting, hunting note. The echoes laughed Aha!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Something about the calling made them start.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Again the owl note laughed; the ringing cry</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Made the blood quicken within Mary's heart.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Like a dead leaf a brown owl floated by.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Michael?" said Lion. "Hush." An owl's reply</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Came down the wind; they waited; then the man,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Content, resumed his walk, a merry song began.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Michael," they cried together. "Michael, you?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Who calls?" the singer answered. "Where away?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Is that you, Mary?" Then with glad halloo</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The singer ran to meet them on the way.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It was their Michael; in the moonlight grey,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They made warm welcome; under tossing boughs,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They met and told the fate darkening Ryemeadows' House.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>As they returned at speed their comrade spoke</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Strangely and lightly of his coming home,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Saying that leaving France had been a joke,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But that events now proved him wise to come.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Down the steep 'scarpment to the house they clomb,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And Michael faltered in his pace; they heard</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>How dumb rebellion in the much-wronged cattle stirred.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And as they came, high, from the sick man's room,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Gray burst out a-singing of the light</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Streaming upon him from the outer gloom,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>As his eyes dying gave him mental sight.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Triumphing swords," he carolled, "in the bright;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh fire, Oh beauty fire," and fell back dead.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Occleve took Michael up to kneel beside the bed.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>So the night passed; the noisy wind went down;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The half-burnt moon her starry trackway rode.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then the first fire was lighted in the town,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And the first carter stacked his early load.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Upon the farm's drawn blinds the morning glowed;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And down the valley, with little clucks and trills,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The dancing waters danced by dancing daffodils.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">II</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>They buried Gray; his gear was sold; his farm</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Passed to another tenant. Thus men go;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The dropped sword passes to another arm,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And different waters in the river flow.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His two old faithful friends let Michael know</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His father's ruin and their promise. Keir</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Brought him to stay at Foxholes till a path was clear.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>There, when the sale was over, all three met</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To talk about the future, and to find</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Upon what project Michael's heart was set.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Gentle the two old men were, thoughtful, kind.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They urged the youth to speak his inmost mind,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>For they would compass what he chose; they told</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>How he might end his training; they would find the gold.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Thanks, but I cannot," Michael said. He smiled.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Cannot. They've kicked me out. I've been expelled;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Kicked out for good and all for being wild.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They stopped our evening leave, and I rebelled.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I am a gentle soul until compelled,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And then I put my ears back. The old fool</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Said that my longer presence might inflame the school.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"And I am glad, for I have had my fill</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of farming by the book with those old fools,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Exhausted talkatives whose blood is still,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Who strive to bind a living man with rules.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This fettered kind of life, these laws, these schools,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>These codes, these checks, what are they but the clogs</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Made by collected sheep to mortify the dogs?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"And I have had enough of them; and now</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I make an end of them. I want to go</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Somewhere where man has never used a plough,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nor ever read a book; where clean winds blow,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And passionate blood is not its owner's foe,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And land is for the asking for it. There</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Man can create a life and have the open air.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"The River Plate's the country. There, I know,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A man like me can thrive. There, on the range,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The cattle pass like tides; they ebb and flow,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And life is changeless in unending change,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And one can ride all day, and all day strange,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Strange, never trodden, fenceless, waiting there,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To feed unending cattle for the men who dare.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"There I should have a chance; this land's too old."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Occleve grunted at the young man's mood;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Keir, who was losing money, thought him bold,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And thought the scheme for emigration good.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He said that, if he wished to go, he should.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>South to the pampas, there to learn the trade.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Occleve thought it mad, but no objection made.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>So it was settled that the lad should start,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A place was found for him, a berth was taken;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And Michael's beauty plucked at Mary's heart,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And now the fabric of their lives was shaken:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>For now the hour's nearness made love waken</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>In Michael's heart for Mary. Now Time's guile</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Granted her passionate prayer, nor let her see his smile.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Granted his greatest gifts; a night time came</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>When the two walking down the water learned</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That life till then had only been a name;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Love had unsealed their spirits: they discerned.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mutely, at moth time there, their spirits yearned.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I shall be gone three years, dear soul," he said.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Dear, will you wait for me?" "I will," replied the maid.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>So troth was pledged between them. Keir received</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael as Mary's suitor, feeling sure</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That the lad's fortunes would be soon retrieved,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Having a woman's promise as a lure.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The three years' wait would teach them to endure.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He bade them love and prosper and be glad.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And fast the day drew near that was to take the lad.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Cowslips had come along the bubbling brook,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Cowslips and oxlips rare, and in the wood</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The many-blossomed stalks of bluebells shook;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The outward beauty fed their mental mood.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Thought of the parting stabbed her as he wooed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Walking the brook with her, and day by day,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The precious fortnight's grace dropped, wasted, slipped away.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Till only one clear day remained to her:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>One whole clear, precious day, before he sailed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Some forty hours, no more, to minister</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To months of bleakness before which she quailed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mist rose along the brook; the corncrake railed;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dim red the sunset burned. He bade her come</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Into the wood with him; they went, the night came dumb.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Still as high June, the very water's noise</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Seemed but a breathing of the earth; the flowers</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Stood in the dim like souls without a voice.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The wood's conspiracy of occult powers</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Drew all about them, and for hours on hours</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>No murmur shook the oaks, the stars did house</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Their lights like lamps upon those never-moving boughs.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Under their feet the woodland sloped away</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Down to the valley, where the farmhouse lights</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Were sparks in the expanse the moon made grey.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>June's very breast was bare this night of nights.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Moths blundered up against them, greys and whites</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Moved on the darkness where the moths were out,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nosing for sticky sweet with trembling uncurled snout.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>But all this beauty was but music played,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While the high pageant of their hearts prepared.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A spirit thrilled between them, man to maid,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mind flowed in mind, the inner heart was bared,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They needed not to tell how much each cared;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>All the soul's strength was at the other's soul.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Flesh was away awhile, a glory made them whole.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Nothing was said by them; they understood,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They searched each other's eyes without a sound,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Alone with moonlight in the heart of the wood,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Knowing the stars and all the soul of the ground.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary," he murmured. "Come." His arms went round,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A white moth glimmered by, the woods were hushed;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The rose at Mary's bosom dropped its petals, crushed.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>No word profaned the peace of that glad giving,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But the warm dimness of the night stood still,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Drawing all beauty to the point of living,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There in the beech-tree's shadow on the hill.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Spirit to spirit murmured; mingling will</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Made them one being; Time's decaying thought</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fell from them like a rag; it was the soul they sought.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The moonlight found an opening in the boughs;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It entered in, it filled that sacred place</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With consecration on the throbbing brows;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It came with benediction and with grace.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A whispering came from face to yearning face:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Beloved, will you wait for me?" "My own."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I shall be gone three years, you will be left alone;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"You'll trust and wait for me?" "Yes, yes," she sighed;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She would wait any term of years, all time--</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So faithful to first love these souls abide,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Carrying a man's soul with them as they climb.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Life was all flower to them; the church bells' chime</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Rang out the burning hour ere they had sealed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Love's charter there below the June sky's starry field.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Sweetly the church bells' music reached the wood,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Chiming an old slow tune of some old hymn,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Calling them back to life from where they stood</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Under the moonlit beech-tree grey and dim.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary," he murmured; pressing close to him,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her kiss came on the gift he gave her there,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A silken scarf that bore her name worked in his hair.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>But still the two affixed their hands and seals</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To a life compact witnessed by the sky,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where the great planets drove their glittering wheels,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Bringing conflicting fate, making men die.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They loved, and she would wait, and he would try.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Oh, beauty of my love," "My lovely man."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So beauty made them noble for their little span.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Time cannot pause, however dear the wooer;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The moon declined, the sunrise came, the hours,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Left to the lovers, dwindled swiftly fewer,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Even as the seeds from dandelion-flowers</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Blow, one by one, until the bare stalk cowers,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And the June grass grows over; even so</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Daffodil-picker Time took from their lives the glow,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Stole their last walk along the three green fields,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Their latest hour together; he took, he stole</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The white contentment that a true love yields;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He took the triumph out of Mary's soul.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Now she must lie awake and blow the coal</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of sorrow of heart. The parting hour came;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They kissed their last good-bye, murmuring the other's name.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Then the flag waved, the engine snorted, then</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Slowly the couplings tautened, and the train</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Moved, bearing off from her her man of men;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She looked towards its going blind with pain.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her father turned and drove her home again.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It was a different home. Awhile she tried</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To cook the dinner there, but flung her down and cried.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Then in the dusk she wandered down the brook,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Treading again the trackway trod of old,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>When she could hold her loved one in a look.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The night was all unlike those nights of gold.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael was gone, and all the April old,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Withered and hidden. Life was full of ills;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She flung her down and cried i' the withered daffodils</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">III</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The steaming river loitered like old blood</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>On which the tugboat bearing Michael beat,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Past whitened horse bones sticking in the mud.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The reed stems looked like metal in the heat.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then the banks fell away, and there were neat,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Red herds of sullen cattle drifting slow.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A fish leaped, making rings, making the dead blood flow.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Wormed hard-wood piles were driv'n in the river bank,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The steamer threshed alongside with sick screws</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Churning the mud below her till it stank;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Big gassy butcher-bubbles burst on the ooze.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There Michael went ashore; as glad to lose</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>One not a native there, the Gauchos flung</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His broken gear ashore, one waved, a bell was rung.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The bowfast was cast off, the screw revolved,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Making a bloodier bubbling; rattling rope</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fell to the hatch, the engine's tune resolved</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Into its steadier beat of rise and slope;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The steamer went her way; and Michael's hope</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Died as she lessened; he was there alone.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The lowing of the cattle made a gradual moan.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He thought of Mary, but the thought was dim;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That was another life, lived long before.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His mind was in new worlds which altered him.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The startling present left no room for more.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The sullen river lipped, the sky, the shore</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Were vaster than of old, and lonely, lonely.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Sky and low hills of grass and moaning cattle only.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>But for a hut bestrewn with skulls of beeves,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Round which the flies danced, where an Indian girl</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Bleared at him from her eyes' ophthalmic eaves,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Grinning a welcome; with a throaty skirl,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She offered him herself; but he, the churl,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Stared till she thought him fool; she turned, she sat,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Scratched in her short, black hair, chewed a cigar-end, spat.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Up, on the rise, the cattle bunched; the bulls</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Drew to the front with menace, pawing bold,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Snatching the grass-roots out with sudden pulls,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The distant cattle raised their heads; the wold</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Grew dusty at the top; a waggon rolled,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Drawn by a bickering team of mules whose eyes</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Were yellow like their teeth and bared and full of vice.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Down to the jetty came the jingling team,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>An Irish cowboy driving, while a Greek</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Beside him urged the mules with blow and scream.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They cheered the Indian girl and stopped to speak.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then lifting her aloft they kissed her cheek,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Calling to Michael to be quick aboard,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Or they (they said) would fall from virtue, by the Lord.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>So Michael climbed aboard, and all day long</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He drove the cattle range, rise after rise,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dotted with limber shorthorns grazing strong,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Cropping sweet-tasted pasture, switching flies;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dull trouble brooded in their smoky eyes.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Some horsemen watched them. As the sun went down,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The waggon reached the estancia builded like a town.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>With wide corrales where the horses squealed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Biting and lashing out; some half-wild hounds</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Gnawed at the cowbones littered on the field,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Or made the stallions stretch their picket bounds.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Some hides were drying; horsemen came from rounds,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Unsaddled stiff, and turned their mounts to feed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And then brewed bitter drink and sucked it through a reed.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The Irishman removed his pipe and spoke:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"You take a fool's advice," he said. "Return.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Go back where you belong before you're broke;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You'll spoil more clothes at this job than you'll earn;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It's living death, and when you die you'll burn:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Body and soul it takes you. Quit it. No?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Don't say I never told you, then. Amigos. Ho.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Here comes a Gringo; make him pay his shot.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Pay up your footing, Michael; rum's the word,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It suits my genius, and I need a lot."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So the great cauldron full was mixed and stirred.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And all night long the startled cattle heard</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Shouting and shooting, and the moon beheld</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mobs of dim, struggling men, who fired guns and yelled</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>That they were Abel Brown just come to town,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael among them. By a bonfire some</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Betted on red and black for money down,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Snatching their clinking winnings, eager, dumb.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Some danced unclad, rubbing their heads with rum.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The grey dawn, bringing beauty to the skies,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Saw Michael stretched among them, far too drunk to rise.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>His footing paid, he joined the living-shed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lined with rude bunks and set with trestles: there</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He, like the other ranchers, slept and fed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Save when the staff encamped in open air,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Rounding the herd for branding. Rude and bare</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That barrack was; men littered it about</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With saddles, blankets blue, old headstalls, many a clout</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Torn off to wipe a knife or clean a gun,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Tin dishes, sailors' hookpots, all the mess</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Made where the outdoor work is never done</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And every cleaning makes the sleeping less.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Men came from work too tired to undress,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And slept all standing like the trooper's horse;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then with the sun they rose to ride the burning course,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Whacking the shipment cattle into pen,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where, in the dust, among the stink of burning,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The half-mad heifers bolted from the men,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And tossing horns arose and hoofs were churning,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A lover there had little time for yearning;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But all day long, cursing the flies and heat,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael was handling steers on horseback till his feet</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Gave on dismounting. All day long he rode,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, when the darkness came, his mates and he</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Entered dog-tired to the rude abode</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And ate their meat and sucked their bitter tea,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And rolled themselves in rugs and slept. The sea</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Could not make men more drowsy; like the dead,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They lay under the lamp while the mosquitoes fed.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>There was no time to think of Mary, none;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>For when the work relaxed, the time for thought</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Was broken up by men demanding fun:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Cards, or a well-kept ring while someone fought,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Or songs and dancing; or a case was bought</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of white Brazilian rum, and songs and cheers</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And shots and oaths rang loud upon the twitching ears</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Of the hobbled horses hopping to their feed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So violent images displaced the rose</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>In Michael's spirit; soon he took the lead;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>None was more apt than he for games or blows.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Even as the battle-seeking bantam crows,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So crowed the cockerel of his mind to feel</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Life's bonds removed and blood quick in him toe to heel.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>But sometimes when her letters came to him,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Full of wise tenderness and maiden mind,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He felt that he had let his clearness dim;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The riot with the cowboys seemed unkind</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To that far faithful heart; he could not find</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Peace in the thought of her; he found no spur</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To instant upright action in his love for her.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>She faded to the memory of a kiss,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There in the rough life among foreign faces;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Love cannot live where leisure never is;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He could not write to her from savage places,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where drunken mates were betting on the aces,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And rum went round and smutty songs were lifted.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He would not raise her banner against that; he drifted,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Ceasing, in time, to write, ceasing to think,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But happy in the wild life to the bone;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The riding in vast space, the songs, the drink,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Some careless heart beside him like his own,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The racing and the fights, the ease unknown</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>In older, soberer lands; his young blood thrilled.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The pampas seemed his own, his cup of joy was filled.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And one day, riding far after strayed horses,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He rode beyond the ranges to a land</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Broken and made most green by watercourses,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Which served as strayline to the neighbouring brand.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A house stood near the brook; he stayed his hand,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Seeing a woman there, whose great eyes burned,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So that he could not choose but follow when she turned.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>After that day he often rode to see</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That woman at the peach farm near the brook,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And passionate love between them came to be</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ere many days. Their fill of love they took;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And even as the blank leaves of a book</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The days went over Mary, day by day,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Blank as the last, was turned, endured, passed, turned away.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Spring came again greening the hawthorn buds;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The shaking flowers, new-blossomed, seemed the same,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And April put her riot in young bloods;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The jays flapped in the larch clump like blue flame.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She did not care; his letter never came.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Silent she went, nursing the grief that kills,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And Lion watched her pass among the daffodils.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">IV</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Time passed, but still no letter came; she ceased,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Almost, to hope, but never to expect.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The June moon came which had beheld love's feast,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then waned, like it; the meadow-grass was flecked</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With moon-daisies, which died; little she recked</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of change in outward things, she did not change;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her heart still knew one star, one hope, it did not range,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Like to the watery hearts of tidal men,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Swayed by all moons of beauty; she was firm,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>When most convinced of misery firmest then.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She held a light not subject to the worm.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The pageant of the summer ran its term,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The last stack came to staddle from the wain;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The snow fell, the snow thawed, the year began again.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>With the wet glistening gold of celandines,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And snowdrops pushing from the withered grass,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Before the bud upon the hawthorn greens,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Or blackbirds go to building; but, alas!</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>No spring within her bosom came to pass.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"You're going like a ghost," her father said;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Now put him out of mind, and be my prudent maid."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>It was an April morning brisk with wind,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She wandered out along the brook sick-hearted,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Picking the daffodils where the water dinned,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While overhead the first-come swallow darted.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There, at the place where all the passion started,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where love first knocked about her maiden heart,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Young Lion Occleve hailed her, calling her apart</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>To see his tulips at The Roughs, and take</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A spray of flowering currant; so she went.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It is a bitter moment, when hearts ache,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To see the loved unhappy; his intent</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Was but to try to comfort her; he meant</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To show her that he knew her heart's despair,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And that his own heart bled to see her wretched there.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>So, as they talked, he asked her, had she heard</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>From Michael lately? No, she had not; she</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Had been a great while now, without a word.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"No news is always good news," answered he.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"You know," he said, "how much you mean to me;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You've always been the queen. Oh, if I could</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Do anything to help, my dear, you know I would."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Nothing," she said, much touched. "But you believe--</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You still believe in him?" "Why, yes," he said.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lie though it was he did not dare deceive</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The all too cruel faith within the maid.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"That ranching is a wild and lonely trade,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Far from all posts; it may be hard to send;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>All puzzling things like this prove simple in the end.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"We should have heard if he were ill or dead.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Keep a good heart. Now come"; he led the way</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Beyond the barton to the calving-shed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where, on a strawy litter topped with hay,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A double-pedigree prize bull-calf lay.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Near three weeks old," he said, "the Wrekin's pet;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Come up, now, son, come up; you haven't seen him yet.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"We have done well," he added, "with the stock,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But this one, if he lives, will make a name."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The bull-calf gambolled with his tail acock,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then shyly nosed towards them, scared but tame;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His troublous eyes were sulky with blue flame.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Softly he tip-toed, shying at a touch;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He nosed, his breath came sweet, his pale tongue curled to clutch.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>They rubbed his head, and Mary went her way,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Counting the dreary time, the dreary beat</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of dreary minutes dragging through the day;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Time crawled across her life with leaden feet;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There still remained a year before her sweet</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Would come to claim her; surely he would come;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Meanwhile there was the year, her weakening father, home.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Home with its deadly round, with all its setting,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Things, rooms, and fields and flowers to sting, to burn</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With memories of the love time past forgetting</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ere absence made her very being yearn.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"My love, be quick," she moaned, "return, return;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Come when the three years end, oh, my dear soul,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It's bitter, wanting you." The lonely nights took toll,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Putting a sadness where the beauty was,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Taking a lustre from the hair; the days</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Saw each a sadder image in the glass.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And when December came, fouling the ways,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And ashless beech-logs made a Christmas blaze,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Some talk of Michael came; a rumour ran,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Someone had called him "wild" to some returning mail,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Who, travelling through that cattle-range, had heard</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nothing more sure than this; but this he told</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>At second-hand upon a cowboy's word.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It struck on Mary's heart and turned her cold.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That winter was an age which made her old.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"But soon," she thought, "soon the third year will end;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>March, April, May, and June, then I shall see my friend.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"He promised he would come; he will not fail.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh, Michael, my beloved man, come soon;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Stay not to make a home for me, but sail.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Love and the hour will put the world in tune.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You in my life for always is the boon</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I ask from life--we two, together, lovers."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So leaden time went by who eats things and discovers.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, in the winds of March, her father rode,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Hunting the Welland country on Black Ned;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The tenor cry gave tongue past Clencher's Lode,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And on he galloped, giving the nag his head;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, at the brook, he fell, was picked up dead.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Hounds were whipped off; men muttered with one breath,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"We knew that hard-mouthed brute would some day be his death."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>They bore his body on a hurdle home;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then came the burial, then the sadder day</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>When the peaked lawyer entered like a gnome,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With word to quit and lists of debts to pay.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There was a sale; the Foxholes passed away</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To strangers, who discussed the points of cows,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where love had put such glory on the lovers' brows.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Kind Lion Occleve helped the maid's affairs.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her sorrow brought him much beside her; he</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Caused her to settle, having stilled her cares,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>In the long cottage under Spital Gree.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He had no hope that she would love him; she</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Still waited for her lover, but her eyes</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Thanked Lion to the soul; he made the look suffice.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>By this the yearling bull-calf had so grown</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That all men talked of him; mighty he grew,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Huge-shouldered, scaled above a hundred stone,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With deep chest many-wrinkled with great thew,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Plain-loined and playful-eyed; the Occleves knew</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That he surpassed his pasture; breeders came</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>From far to see this bull; he brought the Occleves fame.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Till a meat-breeding rancher on the plains</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where Michael wasted, sent to buy the beast,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Meaning to cross his cows with heavier strains</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Until his yield of meat and bone increased.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He paid a mighty price; the yearling ceased</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To be the wonder of the countryside.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He sailed in Lion's charge, south, to the Plate's red tide.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>There Lion landed with the bull, and there</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The great beast raised his head and bellowed loud,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Challenging that expanse and that new air;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Trembling, but full of wrath and thunder-browed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Far from the daffodil fields and friends, but proud,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His wild eye kindled at the great expanse.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Two scraps of Shropshire life they stood there; their advance</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Was slow along the well-grassed cattle land,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But at the last an end was made; the brute</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ate his last bread crust from his master's hand,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And snuffed the foreign herd and stamped his foot;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Steers on the swelling ranges gave salute.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The great bull bellowed back and Lion turned;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His task was now to find where Michael lived; he learned</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The farm's direction, and with heavy mind,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Thinking of Mary and her sorrow, rode,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Leaving the offspring of his fields behind.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A last time in his ears the great bull lowed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, shaking up his horse, the young man glowed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To see the unfenced pampas opening out</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Grass that makes old earth sing and all the valleys shout.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>At sunset on the second day he came</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To that white cabin in the peach-tree plot</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where Michael lived; they met, the Shropshire name</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Rang trebly dear in that outlandish spot.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old memories swam up dear, old joys forgot,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old friends were real again; but Mary's woe</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Came into Lion's mind, and Michael vexed him so,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Talking with careless freshness, side by side</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With that dark Spanish beauty who had won,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>As though no heart-broke woman, heavy-eyed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mourned for him over sea, as though the sun</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Shone but to light his steps to love and fun,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While she, that golden and beloved soul,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Worth ten of him, lay wasting like an unlit coal.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>So supper passed; the meat in Lion's gorge</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Stuck at the last, he could not bide that face.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The idle laughter on it plied the forge</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where hate was smithying tools; the jokes, the place,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Wrought him to wrath; he could not stay for grace.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The tin mug full of red wine spilled and fell.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He kicked his stool aside with "Michael, this is hell.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Come out into the night and talk to me."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The young man lit a cigarette and followed;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The stars seemed trembling at a brink to see;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A little ghostly white-owl stooped and holloed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Beside the stake-fence Lion stopped and swallowed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While all the wrath within him made him grey.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael stood still and smoked, and flicked his ash away.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Well, Lion," Michael said, "men make mistakes,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And then regret them; and an early flame</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Is frequently the worst mistake man makes.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I did not seek this passion, but it came.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Love happens so in life. Well? Who's to blame?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You'll say I've broken Mary's heart; the heart</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Is not the whole of life, but an inferior part,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Useful for some few years and then a curse.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nerves should be stronger. You have come to say</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The three-year term is up; so much the worse.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I cannot meet the bill; I cannot pay.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I would not if I could. Men change. To-day</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I know that that first choice, however sweet,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Was wrong and a mistake; it would have meant defeat,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Ruin and misery to us both. Let be.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You say I should have told her this? Perhaps.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You try to make a loving woman see</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That the warm link which holds you to her snaps.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Neglect is deadlier than the thunder-claps.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Yet she is bright and I am water. Well,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I did not make myself; this life is often hell.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Judge if you must, but understand it first.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>We are old friends, and townsmen, Shropshire born,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Under the Wrekin. You believe the worst.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You have no knowledge how the heart is torn,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Trying for duty up against the thorn.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Now say I've broken Mary's heart: begin.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Break hers, or hers and mine, which were the greater sin?"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Michael," said Lion, "I have heard you. Now</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Listen to me. Three years ago you made</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With a most noble soul a certain vow.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Now you reject it, saying that you played.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She did not think so, Michael, she has stayed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Eating her heart out for a line, a word,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>News that you were not dead; news that she never heard.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Not once, after the first. She has held firm</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To what you counted pastime; she has wept</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Life, day by weary day throughout the term,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While her heart sickened, and the clock-hand crept.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While you, you with your woman here, have kept</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Holiday, feasting; you are fat; you smile.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You have had love and laughter all the ghastly while.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"I shall be back in England six weeks hence,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Standing with your poor Mary face to face;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Far from a pleasant moment, but intense.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I shall be asked to tell her of this place.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And she will eye me hard and hope for grace,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Some little crumb of comfort while I tell;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And every word will burn like a red spark from hell,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"That you have done with her, that you are living</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Here with another woman; that you care</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nought for the pain you've given and are giving;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That all your lover's vows were empty air.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This I must tell: thus I shall burn her bare,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Burn out all hope, all comfort, every crumb,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>End it, and watch her whiten, hopeless, tearless, dumb.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Or do I judge you wrongly?" He was still.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The cigarette-end glowed and dimmed with ash;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A preying night bird whimpered on the hill.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael said "Ah!" and fingered with his sash,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then stilled. The night was still; there came no flash</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of sudden passion bursting. All was still;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A lonely water gurgled like a whip-poor-will.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Now I must go," said Lion; "where's the horse?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"There," said his friend; "I'll set you on your way."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They caught and rode, both silent, while remorse</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Worked in each heart, though neither would betray</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>What he was feeling, and the moon came grey,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then burned into an opal white and great,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Silvering the downs of grass where these two travelled late,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Thinking of English fields which that moon saw,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fields full of quiet beauty lying hushed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>At midnight in the moment full of awe,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>When the red fox comes creeping, dewy-brushed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But neither spoke; they rode; the horses rushed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Scattering the great clods skywards with such thrills</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>As colts in April feel there in the daffodils.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">V</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The river brimming full was silvered over</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>By moonlight at the ford; the river bank</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Smelt of bruised clote buds and of yellow clover.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nosing the gleaming dark the horses drank,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Drooping and dripping as the reins fell lank;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The men drooped too; the stars in heaven drooped;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Rank after hurrying rank the silver water trooped</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>In ceaseless bright procession past the shallows,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Talking its quick inconsequence. The friends,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Warmed by the gallop on the unfenced fallows,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Felt it a kindlier thing to make amends.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"A jolly burst," said Michael; "here it ends.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Your way lies straight beyond the water. There.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Watch for the lights, and keep those two stars as they bear."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Something august was quick in all that sky,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Wheeling in multitudinous march with fire;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The falling of the wind brought it more nigh,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They felt the earth take solace and respire;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The horses shifted foothold in the mire,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Splashing and making eddies. Lion spoke:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Do you remember riding past the haunted oak</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"That Christmas Eve, when all the bells were ringing,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So that we picked out seven churches' bells,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ringing the night, and people carol-singing?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It hummed and died away and rose in swells</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Like a sea breaking. We have been through hells</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Since then, we two, and now this being here</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Brings all that Christmas back, and makes it strangely near."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Yes," Michael answered, "they were happy times,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Riding beyond there; but a man needs change;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I know what they connote, those Christmas chimes,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fudge in the heart, and pudding in the grange.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It stifles me all that; I need the range,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Like this before us, open to the sky;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There every wing is clipped, but here a man can fly."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Ah," said his friend, "man only flies in youth,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A few short years at most, until he finds</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That even quiet is a form of truth,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And all the rest a coloured rag that blinds.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Life offers nothing but contented minds.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Some day you'll know it, Michael. I am grieved</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That Mary's heart will pay until I am believed."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>There was a silence while the water dripped</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>From the raised muzzles champing on the steel.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Flogging the crannied banks the water lipped.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Night up above them turned her starry wheel;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And each man feared to let the other feel</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>How much he felt; they fenced; they put up bars.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The moon made heaven pale among the withering stars.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Michael," said Lion, "why should we two part?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ride on with me; or shall we both return,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Make preparation, and to-morrow start,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And travel home together? You would learn</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>How much the people long to see you; turn.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>We will ride back and say good-bye, and then</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Sail, and see home again, and see the Shropshire men,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"And see the old Shropshire mountain and the fair,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Full of drunk Welshmen bringing mountain ewes;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And partridge shooting would be starting there."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael hung down his head and seemed to choose.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The horses churned fresh footing in the ooze.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then Michael asked if Tom were still alive,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Tom, who fought the Welshman under Upton Drive,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>For nineteen rounds, on grass, with the bare hands?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Shaky," said Lion, "living still, but weak;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Almost past speaking, but he understands."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"And old Shon Shones we teased so with the leek?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Dead." "When?" "December." Michael did not speak,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But muttered "Old Jones dead." A minute passed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"What came to little Sue, his girl?" he said at last.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Got into trouble with a man and died;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her sister keeps the child." His hearer stirred.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Dead, too? She was a pretty girl," he sighed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"A graceful pretty creature, like a bird.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>What is the child?" "A boy. Her sister heard</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Too late to help; poor Susan died; the man</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>None knew who he could be, but many rumours ran."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Ah," Michael said. The horses tossed their heads;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A little wind arising struck in chill;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Time," he began, "that we were in our beds."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A distant heifer challenged from the hill,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Scraped at the earth with 's forefoot and was still.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Come with me," Lion pleaded. Michael grinned;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He turned his splashing horse, and prophesied a wind.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"So long," he said, and "Kind of you to call.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Straight on, and watch the stars"; his horse's feet</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Trampled the firmer foothold, ending all.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He flung behind no message to his sweet,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>No other word to Lion; the dull beat</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of his horse's trample drummed upon the trail;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion could watch him drooping in the moonlight pale,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Drooping and lessening; half expectant still</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That he would turn and greet him; but no sound</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Came, save the lonely water's whip-poor-will</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And the going horse hoofs dying on the ground.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Michael," he cried, "Michael!" A lonely mound</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Beyond the water gave him back the cry.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"That's at an end," he said, "and I have failed her--I."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Soon the far hoof-beats died, save for a stir</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Half heard, then lost, then still, then heard again.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A quickening rhythm showed he plied the spur.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then a vast breathing silence took the plain.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The moon was like a soul within the brain</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of the great sleeping world; silent she rode</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The water talked, talked, talked; it trembled as it flowed.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>A moment Lion thought to ride in chase.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He turned, then turned again, knowing his friend.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He forded through with death upon his face,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And rode the plain that seemed never to end.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Clumps of pale cattle nosed the thing unkenned,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Riding the night; out of the night they rose,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Snuffing with outstretched heads, stamping with surly lows,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Till he was threading through a crowd, a sea</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of curious shorthorns backing as he came,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Barring his path, but shifting warily;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He slapped the hairy flanks of the more tame.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Unreal the ghostly cattle lumbered lame.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His horse kept at an even pace; the cows</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Broke right and left like waves before advancing bows.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Lonely the pampas seemed amid that herd.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The thought of Mary's sorrow pricked him sore;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He brought no comfort for her, not a word;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He would not ease her pain, but bring her more.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The long miles dropped behind; lights rose before,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lights and the seaport and the briny air;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And so he sailed for home to comfort Mary there.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>When Mary knew the worst she only sighed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Looked hard at Lion's face, and sat quite still,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>White to the lips, but stern and stony-eyed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Beaten by life in all things but the will.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Though the blow struck her hard it did not kill.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She rallied on herself, a new life bloomed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Out of the ashy heart where Michael lay entombed.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And more than this: for Lion touched a sense</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That he, the honest humdrum man, was more</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Than he by whom the glory and the offence</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Came to her life three bitter years before.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This was a treason in her being's core;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It smouldered there; meanwhile as two good friends</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They met at autumn dusks and winter daylight-ends.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And once, after long twilight talk, he broke</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His strong restraint upon his passion for her,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And burningly, most like a man he spoke,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Until her pity almost overbore her.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It could not be, she said; her pity tore her;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But still it could not be, though this was pain.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then on a frosty night they met and spoke again.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And then he wooed again, clutching her hands,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Calling the maid his mind, his heart, his soul,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Saying that God had linked their lives in bands</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>When the worm Life first started from the goal;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That they were linked together, past control,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Linked from all time, could she but pity; she</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Pitied him from the soul, but said it could not be.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary," he asked, "you cannot love me? No?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"No," she replied; "would God I could, my dear."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"God bless you, then," he answered, "I must go,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Go over sea to get away from here,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I cannot think of work when you are near;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>My whole life falls to pieces; it must end.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This meeting now must be 'good-bye,' beloved friend."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>White-lipped she listened, then with failing breath,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She asked for yet a little time; her face</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Was even as that of one condemned to death.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She asked for yet another three months' grace,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Asked it, as Lion inly knew, in case</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael should still return; and "Yes" said he,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I'll wait three months for you, beloved; let it be."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Slowly the three months dragged: no Michael came.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>March brought the daffodils and set them shaking.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>April was quick in Nature like green flame;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>May came with dog-rose buds, and corncrakes craking,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then dwindled like her blossom; June was breaking.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary," said Lion, "can you answer now?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>White like a ghost she stood, he long remembered how.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Wild-eyed and white, and trembling like a leaf,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She gave her answer, "Yes"; she gave her lips,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Cold as a corpse's to the kiss of grief,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Shuddering at him as if his touch were whips.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then her best nature, struggling to eclipse</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This shrinking self, made speech; she jested there;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They searched each other's eyes, and both souls saw despair.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>So the first passed, and after that began</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A happier time: she could not choose but praise</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That recognition of her in the man</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Striving to salve her pride in myriad ways;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He was a gentle lover: gentle days</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Passed like a music after tragic scenes;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her heart gave thanks for that; but still the might-have-beens</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Haunted her inner spirit day and night,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And often in his kiss the memory came</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of Michael's face above her, passionate, white,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His lips at her lips murmuring her name,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then she would suffer sleepless, sick with shame,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And struggle with her weakness. She had vowed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To give herself to Lion; she was true and proud.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He should not have a woman sick with ghosts,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But one firm-minded to be his; so time</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Passed one by one the summer's marking posts,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The dog-rose and the foxglove and the lime.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then on a day the church-bells rang a chime.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Men fired the bells till all the valley filled</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With bell-noise from the belfry where the jackdaws build.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion and she were married; home they went,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Home to The Roughs as man and wife; the news</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Was printed in the paper. Mary sent</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A copy out to Michael. Now we lose</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Sight of her for a time, and the great dews</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fall, and the harvest-moon grows red and fills</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Over the barren fields where March brings daffodils.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">VI</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The rider lingered at the fence a moment,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Tossed out the pack to Michael, whistling low,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then rode, waving his hand, without more comment,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Down the vast grey-green pampas sloping slow.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael's last news had come so long ago,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He wondered who had written now; the hand</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Thrilled him with vague alarm, it brought him to a stand.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He opened it with one eye on the hut,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lest she within were watching him, but she</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Was combing out her hair, the door was shut,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The green sun-shutters closed, she could not see.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Out fell the love-tryst handkerchief which he</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Had had embroidered with his name for her;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It had been dearly kept, it smelt of lavender.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Something remained: a paper, crossed with blue,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where he should read; he stood there in the sun,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Reading of Mary's wedding till he knew</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>What he had cast away, what he had done.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He was rejected, Lion was the one.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion, the godly and the upright, he.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The black lines in the paper showed how it could be.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He pocketed the love gift and took horse,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And rode out to the pay-shed for his savings.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then turned, and rode a lonely water-course,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Alone with bitter thoughts and bitter cravings.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Sun-shadows on the reeds made twinkling wavings;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>An orange-bellied turtle scooped the mud;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mary had married Lion, and the news drew blood.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And with the bitterness, the outcast felt</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A passion for those old kind Shropshire places,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The ruined chancel where the nuns had knelt;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>High Ercall and the Chase End and the Chases,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The glimmering mere, the burr, the well-known faces,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>By Wrekin and by Zine and country town.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The orange-bellied turtle burrowed further down.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He could remember Mary now; her crying</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Night after night alone through weary years,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Had touched him now and set the cords replying;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He knew her misery now, her ache, her tears,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The lonely nights, the ceaseless hope, the fears,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The arm stretched out for one not there, the slow</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Loss of the lover's faith, the letting comfort go.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Now I will ride," he said. Beyond the ford</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He caught a fresh horse and rode on. The night</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Found him a guest at Pepe Blanco's board,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Moody and drinking rum and ripe for fight;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Drawing his gun, he shot away the light,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And parried Pepe's knife and caught his horse,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And all night long he rode bedevilled by remorse.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>At dawn he caught an eastward-going ferry,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And all day long he steamed between great banks</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Which smelt of yellow thorn and loganberry.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then wharves appeared, and chimneys rose in ranks,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mast upon mast arose; the river's flanks</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Were filled with English ships, and one he found</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Needing another stoker, being homeward bound.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And all the time the trouble in his head</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ran like a whirlwind moving him; he knew</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Since she was lost that he was better dead.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He had no project outlined, what to do,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Beyond go home; he joined the steamer's crew.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She sailed that night: he dulled his maddened soul,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Plying the iron coal-slice on the bunker coal.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Work did not clear the turmoil in his mind;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Passion takes colour from the nature's core;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His misery was as his nature, blind.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Life was still turmoil when he went ashore.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To see his old love married lay before;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To see another have her, drink the gall,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Kicked like a dog without, while he within had all.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Soon he was at the Foxholes, at the place</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Whither, from over sea, his heart had turned</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Often at evening-ends in times of grace.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But little outward change his eye discerned;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A red rose at her bedroom window burned,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Just as before. Even as of old the wasps</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Poised at the yellow plums: the gate creaked on its hasps,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And the white fantails sidled on the roof</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Just as before; their pink feet, even as of old,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Printed the frosty morning's rime with proof.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Still the zew-tallat's thatch was green with mould;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The apples on the withered boughs were gold.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Men and the times were changed: "And I," said he,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Will go and not return, since she is not for me.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"I'll go, for it would be a scurvy thing</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To spoil her marriage, and besides, she cares</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>For that half-priest she married with the ring.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Small joy for me in seeing how she wears,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Or seeing what he takes and what she shares.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That beauty and those ways: she had such ways,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There in the daffodils in those old April days."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>So with an impulse of good will he turned,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Leaving that place of daffodils; the road</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Was paven sharp with memories which burned;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He trod them strongly under as he strode.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>At the Green Turning's forge the furnace glowed;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Red dithying sparks flew from the crumpled soft</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fold from the fire's heart; down clanged the hammers oft.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>That was a bitter place to pass, for there</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mary and he had often, often stayed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To watch the horseshoe growing in the glare.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It was a tryst in childhood when they strayed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There was a stile beside the forge; he laid</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His elbows on it, leaning, looking down</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The river-valley stretched with great trees turning brown.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Infinite, too, because it reached the sky,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And distant spires arose and distant smoke;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The whiteness on the blue went stilly by;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Only the clinking forge the stillness broke.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ryemeadows brook was there; The Roughs, the oak</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where the White Woman walked; the black firs showed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Around the Occleve homestead Mary's new abode.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>A long, long time he gazed at that fair place,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So well remembered from of old; he sighed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I will go down and look upon her face,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>See her again, whatever may betide.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Hell is my future; I shall soon have died,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But I will take to hell one memory more;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She shall not see nor know; I shall be gone before;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Before they turn the dogs upon me, even.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I do not mean to speak; but only see.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Even the devil gets a peep at heaven;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>One peep at her shall come to hell with me;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>One peep at her, no matter what may be."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He crossed the stile and hurried down the slope.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Remembered trees and hedges gave a zest to hope.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>A low brick wall with privet shrubs beyond</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ringed in The Roughs upon the side he neared.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Eastward some bramble bushes cloaked the pond;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Westward was barley-stubble not yet cleared.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He thrust aside the privet boughs and peered.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The drooping fir trees let their darkness trail</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Black like a pirate's masts bound under easy sail.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The garden with its autumn flowers was there;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Few that his wayward memory linked with her.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Summer had burnt the summer flowers bare,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But honey-hunting bees still made a stir.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Sprigs were still bluish on the lavender,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And bluish daisies budded, bright flies poised;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The wren upon the tree-stump carolled cheery-voiced.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He could not see her there. Windows were wide,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Late wasps were cruising, and the curtains shook.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Smoke, like the house's breathing, floated, sighed;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Among the trembling firs strange ways it took.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But still no Mary's presence blessed his look;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The house was still as if deserted, hushed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Faint fragrance hung about it as if herbs were crushed.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Fragrance that gave his memory's guard a hint</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of times long past, of reapers in the corn,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Bruising with heavy boots the stalks of mint,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>When first the berry reddens on the thorn.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Memories of her that fragrance brought. Forlorn</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That vigil of the watching outcast grew;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He crept towards the kitchen, sheltered by a yew.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The windows of the kitchen opened wide.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Again the fragrance came; a woman spoke;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Mrs. Occleve talked to one inside.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A smell of cooking filled a gust of smoke.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then fragrance once again, for herbs were broke;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Pourri was being made; the listener heard</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Things lifted and laid down, bruised into sweetness, stirred.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>While an old woman made remarks to one</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Who was not the beloved: Michael learned</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That Roger's wife at Upton had a son,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And that the red geraniums should be turned;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A hen was missing, and a rick was burned;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Our Lord commanded patience; here it broke;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The window closed, it made the kitchen chimney smoke.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Steps clacked on flagstones to the outer door;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A dairy-maid, whom he remembered well,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lined, now, with age, and grayer than before,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Rang a cracked cow-bell for the dinner-bell.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He saw the dining-room; he could not tell</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>If Mary were within: inly he knew</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That she was coming now, that she would be in blue,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Blue with a silver locket at the throat,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And that she would be there, within there, near,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With the little blushes that he knew by rote,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And the grey eyes so steadfast and so dear,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The voice, pure like the nature, true and clear,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Speaking to her belov'd within the room.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The gate clicked, Lion came: the outcast hugged the gloom,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Watching intently from below the boughs,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While Lion cleared his riding-boots of clay,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Eyed the high clouds and went within the house.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His eyes looked troubled, and his hair looked gray.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dinner began within with much to say.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Occleve roared aloud at his own joke.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mary, it seemed, was gone; the loved voice never spoke.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Nor could her lover see her from the yew;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She was not there at table; she was ill,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ill, or away perhaps--he wished he knew.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Away, perhaps, for Occleve bellowed still.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"If sick," he thought, "the maid or Lion will</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Take food to her." He watched; the dinner ended.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The staircase was not used; none climbed it, none descended.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Not here," he thought; but wishing to be sure,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He waited till the Occleves went to field,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then followed, round the house, another lure,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Using the well-known privet as his shield.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He meant to run a risk; his heart was steeled.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He knew of old which bedroom would be hers;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He crouched upon the north front in among the firs.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The house stared at him with its red-brick blank,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Its vacant window-eyes; its open door,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With old wrought bridle ring-hooks at each flank,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Swayed on a creaking hinge as the wind bore.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nothing had changed; the house was as before,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The dull red brick, the windows sealed or wide:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I will go in," he said. He rose and stepped inside.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>None could have seen him coming; all was still;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He listened in the doorway for a sign.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Above, a rafter creaked, a stir, a thrill</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Moved, till the frames clacked on the picture line.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Old Mother Occleve sleeps, the servants dine,"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He muttered, listening. "Hush." A silence brooded.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Far off the kitchen dinner clattered; he intruded.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Still, to his right, the best room door was locked.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Another door was at his left; he stayed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Within, a stately timepiece ticked and tocked,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To one who slumbered breathing deep; it made</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>An image of Time's going and man's trade.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He looked: Old Mother Occleve lay asleep,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Hands crossed upon her knitting, rosy, breathing deep.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He tiptoed up the stairs which creaked and cracked.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The landing creaked; the shut doors, painted gray,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Loomed, as if shutting in some dreadful act.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The nodding frames seemed ready to betray.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The east room had been closed in Michael's day,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Being the best; but now he guessed it hers;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The fields of daffodils lay next it, past the firs.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Just as he reached the landing, Lion cried,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Somewhere below, "I'll get it." Lion's feet</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Struck on the flagstones with a hasty stride.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"He's coming up," thought Michael, "we shall meet."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He snatched the nearest door for his retreat,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Opened with thieves' swift silence, dared not close,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But stood within, behind it. Lion's footsteps rose,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Running two steps at once, while Michael stood,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Not breathing, only knowing that the room</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Was someone's bedroom smelling of old wood,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Hung with engravings of the day of doom.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The footsteps stopped; and Lion called, to whom?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A gentle question, tapping at a door,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And Michael shifted feet, and creakings took the floor.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The footsteps recommenced, a door-catch clacked;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Within an eastern room the footsteps passed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Drawers were pulled loudly open and ransacked,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Chattels were thrust aside and overcast.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>What could the thing be that he sought. At last</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His voice said, "Here it is." The wormed floor</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Creaked with returning footsteps down the corridor.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The footsteps came as though the walker read,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Or added rows of figures by the way;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There was much hesitation in the tread;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion seemed pondering which, to go or stay;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, seeing the door, which covered Michael, sway,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He swiftly crossed and shut it. "Always one</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>For order," Michael muttered. "Now be swift, my son."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The action seemed to break the walker's mood;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The footsteps passed downstairs, along the hall,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Out at the door and off towards the wood.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Gone," Michael muttered. "Now to hazard all."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Outside, the frames still nodded on the wall.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael stepped swiftly up the floor to try</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The door where Lion tapped and waited for reply.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>It was the eastmost of the rooms which look</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Over the fields of daffodils; the bound</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Scanned from its windows is Ryemeadows brook,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Banked by gnarled apple trees and rising ground.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Most gently Michael tapped; he heard no sound,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Only the blind-pull tapping with the wind;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The kitchen-door was opened; kitchen-clatter dinned.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>A woman walked along the hall below,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Humming; a maid, he judged; the footsteps died,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Listening intently still, he heard them go,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then swiftly turned the knob and went inside.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The blind-pull at the window volleyed wide;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The curtains streamed out like a waterfall;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The pictures of the fox-hunt clacked along the wall.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>No one was there; no one; the room was hers.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A book of praise lay open on the bed;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The clothes-press smelt of many lavenders,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her spirit stamped the room; herself was fled.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Here she found peace of soul like daily bread,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Here, with her lover Lion; Michael gazed;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He would have been the sharer had he not been crazed.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He took the love-gift handkerchief again;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He laid it on her table, near the glass,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So opened that the broidered name was plain;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Plain," he exclaimed, "she cannot let it pass.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It stands and speaks for me as bold as brass.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>My answer, my heart's cry, to tell her this,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That she is still my darling: all she was she is.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"So she will know at least that she was wrong,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That underneath the blindness I was true.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fate is the strongest thing, though men are strong;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Out from beyond life I was sealed to you.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But my blind ways destroyed the cords that drew;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And now, the evil done, I know my need;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Fate has his way with those who mar what is decreed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"And now, goodbye." He closed the door behind him,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then stept, with firm swift footstep down the stair,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Meaning to go where she would never find him;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He would go down through darkness to despair.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Out at the door he stept; the autumn air</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Came fresh upon his face; none saw him go.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Goodbye, my love," he muttered; "it is better so."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Soon he was on the high road, out of sight</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of valley and farm; soon he could see no more</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The oast-house pointing finger take the light</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>As tumbling pigeons glittered over; nor</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Could he behold the wind-vane gilded o'er,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Swinging above the church; the road swung round.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Now, the last look," he cried: he saw that holy ground.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Goodbye," he cried; he could behold it all,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Spread out as in a picture; but so clear</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That the gold apple stood out from the wall;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Like a red jewel stood the grazing steer.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Precise, intensely coloured, all brought near,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>As in a vision, lay that holy ground.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary is there," he moaned, "and I am outward bound.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"I never saw this place so beautiful,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Never like this. I never saw it glow.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Spirit is on this place; it fills it full.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So let the die be cast; I will not go.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But I will see her face to face and know</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>From her own lips what thoughts she has of me;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And if disaster come: right; let disaster be."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Back, by another way, he turned. The sun</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fired the yew-tops in the Roman woods.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lights in the valley twinkled one by one,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The starlings whirled in dropping multitudes.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dusk fingered into one earth's many moods,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Back to The Roughs he walked; he neared the brook;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A lamp burned in the farm; he saw; his fingers shook.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He had to cross the brook, to cross a field,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where daffodils were thick when years were young.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, were she there, his fortunes should be sealed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Down the mud trackway to the brook he swung;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then while the passion trembled on his tongue,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dim, by the dim bridge-stile, he seemed to see</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A figure standing mute; a woman--it was she.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>She stood quite stilly, waiting for him there.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She did not seem surprised; the meeting seemed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Planned from all time by powers in the air</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To change their human fates; he even deemed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That in another life this thing had gleamed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This meeting by the bridge. He said, "It's you."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Yes, I," she said, "who else? You must have known; you knew</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"That I should come here to the brook to see,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>After your message." "You were out," he said.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Gone, and I did not know where you could be.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where were you, Mary, when the thing was laid?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Old Mrs. Gale is dying, and I stayed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Longer than usual, while I read the Word.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You could have hardly gone." She paused, her bosom stirred.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary, I sinned," he said. "Not that, dear, no,"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She said; "but, oh, you were unkind, unkind,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Never to write a word and leave me so,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But out of sight with you is out of mind."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary, I sinned," he said, "and I was blind.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh, my beloved, are you Lion's wife?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Belov'd sounds strange," she answered, "in my present life.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"But it is sweet to hear it, all the same.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It is a language little heard by me</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Alone, in that man's keeping, with my shame.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I never thought such miseries could be.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I was so happy in you, Michael. He</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Came when I felt you changed from what I thought you.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Even now it is not love, but jealousy that brought you."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"That is untrue," he said. "I am in hell.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You are my heart's beloved, Mary, you.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>By God, I know your beauty now too well.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>We are each other's, flesh and soul, we two."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"That was sweet knowledge once," she said; "we knew</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That truth of old. Now, in a strange man's bed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I read it in my soul, and find it written red."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Is he a brute?" he asked. "No," she replied.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I did not understand what it would mean.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And now that you are back, would I had died;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Died, and the misery of it not have been.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion would not be wrecked, nor I unclean.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I was a proud one once, and now I'm tame;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh, Michael, say some word to take away my shame."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>She sobbed; his arms went round her; the night heard</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Intense fierce whispering passing, soul to soul,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Love running hot on many a murmured word,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Love's passionate giving into new control.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Their present misery did but blow the coal,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Did but entangle deeper their two wills,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While the brown brook ran on by buried daffodils.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">VII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Upon a light gust came a waft of bells,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ringing the chimes for nine; a broken sweet,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Like waters bubbling out of hidden wells,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dully upon those lovers' ears it beat,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Their time was at an end. Her tottering feet</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Trod the dim field for home; he sought an inn.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Oh, I have sinned," she cried, "but not a secret sin."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Inside The Roughs they waited for her coming;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Eyeing the ticking clock the household sat.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Nine," the clock struck; the clock-weights ran down drumming;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Mother Occleve stretched her sewing flat.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"It's nine," she said. Old Occleve stroked the cat.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Ah, cat," he said, "hast had good go at mouse?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion sat listening tense to all within the house</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Mary is late to-night," the gammer said.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"The times have changed," her merry husband roared.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Young married couples now like lonely trade,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Don't think of bed at all, they think of board.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>No multiplying left in people. Lord!</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>When I was Lion's age I'd had my five.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There was some go in folk when us two took to wive."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion arose and stalked and bit his lip.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Or was it six?" the old man muttered, "six.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Us had so many I've alost the tip.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Us were two right good souls at getting chicks.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Two births of twins, then Johnny's birth, then Dick's" ...</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Now give a young man time," the mother cried.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mary came swiftly in and flung the room door wide.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion was by the window when she came,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Occleve and his wife were by the fire;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Big shadows leapt the ceiling from the flame.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She fronted the three figures and came nigher.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Lion," she whispered, "I return my hire."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She dropped her marriage-ring upon the table.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, in a louder voice, "I bore what I was able,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"And Time and marriage might have worn me down,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Perhaps, to be a good wife and a blest,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With little children clinging to my gown,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And little blind mouths fumbling for my breast,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And this place would have been a place of rest</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>For you and me; we could have come to know</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The depth; but that is over; I have got to go.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"He has come back, and I have got to go.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Our marriage ends." She stood there white and breathed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Occleve got upon his feet with "So."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Blazing with wrath upon the hearth he seethed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A log fell from the bars; blue spirals wreathed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Across the still old woman's startled face;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The cat arose and yawned. Lion was still a space.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Occleve turned to Lion. Lion moved</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nearer to Mary, picking up the ring.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His was grim physic from the soul beloved;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His face was white and twitching with the sting.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"You are my wife, you cannot do this thing,"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He said at last. "I can respect your pride.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This thing affects your soul; my judgment must decide.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"You are unsettled, shaken from the shock."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Not so," she said. She stretched a hand to him,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>White, large and noble, steady as a rock,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Cunning with many powers, curving, slim.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The smoke, drawn by the door-draught, made it dim.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Right," Lion answered. "You are steady. Then</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There is but one world, Mary; this, the world of men.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"And there's another world, without its bounds,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Peopled by streaked and spotted souls who prize</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The flashiness that comes from marshy grounds</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Above plain daylight. In their blinkered eyes</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nothing is bright but sentimental lies,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Such as are offered you, dear, here and now;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lies which betray the strongest, God alone knows how.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"You, in your beauty and your whiteness, turn</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Your strong, white mind, your faith, your fearless truth,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>All for these rotten fires that so burn.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A sentimental clutch at perished youth.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I am too sick for wisdom, sick with ruth,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And this comes suddenly; the unripe man</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Misses the hour, oh God. But you, what is your plan?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"What do you mean to do, how act, how live?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>What warrant have you for your life? What trust?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You are for going sailing in a sieve.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This brightness is too mortal not to rust.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So our beginning marriage ends in dust.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I have not failed you, Mary. Let me know</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>What you intend to do, and whither you will go."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Go from this place; it chokes me," she replied.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"This place has branded me; I must regain</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>My truth that I have soiled, my faith, my pride,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It is all poison and it leaves a stain.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I cannot stay nor be your wife again.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Never. You did your best, though; you were kind.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I have grown old to-night and left all that behind.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Goodbye." She turned. Old Occleve faced his son.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Wrath at the woman's impudence was blent,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Upon his face, with wrath that such an one</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Should stand unthrashed until her words were spent.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He stayed for Lion's wrath; but Mary went</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Unchecked; he did not stir. Her footsteps ground</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The gravel to the gate; the gate-hinge made a sound</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Like to a cry of pain after a shot.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Swinging, it clicked, it clicked again, it swung</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Until the iron latch bar hit the slot.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mary had gone, and Lion held his tongue.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Old Mother Occleve sobbed; her white head hung</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Over her sewing while the tears ran down</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her worn, blood-threaded cheeks and splashed upon her gown.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Yes, it is true," said Lion, "she must go.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael is back. Michael was always first,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I did but take his place. You did not know.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Now it has happened, and you know the worst.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So passion makes the passionate soul accurst</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And crucifies his darling. Michael comes</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And the savage truth appears and rips my life to thrums."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Upon Old Occleve's face the fury changed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>First to contempt, and then to terror lest</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion, beneath the shock, should be deranged.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But Lion's eyes were steady, though distressed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Father, good-night," he said, "I'm going to rest.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Good-night, I cannot talk. Mother, good-night."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He kissed her brow and went; they heard him strike a light,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And go with slow depressed step up the stairs,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Up to the door of her deserted bower;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They heard him up above them, moving chairs;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The memory of his paleness made them cower.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They did not know their son; they had no power</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To help, they only saw the new-won bride</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Defy their child, and faith and custom put aside.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>After a time men learned where Mary was:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Over the hills, not many miles away,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Renting a cottage and a patch of grass</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where Michael came to see her. Every day</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Taught her what fevers can inhabit clay,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Shaking this body that so soon must die.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The time made Lion old: the winter dwindled by.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Till the long misery had to end or kill:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And "I must go to see her," Lion cried;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I am her standby, and she needs me still;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>If not to love she needs me to decide.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dear, I will set you free. Oh, my bright bride,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lost in such piteous ways, come back." He rode</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Over the wintry hills to Mary's new abode.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And as he topped the pass between the hills,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Towards him, up the swerving road, there came</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael, the happy cause of all his ills;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Walking as though repentance were the shame,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Sucking a grass, unbuttoned, still the same,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Humming a tune; his careless beauty wild</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Drawing the women's eyes; he wandered with a child.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Who heard, wide-eyed, the scraps of tales which fell</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Between the fragments of the tune; they seemed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A cherub bringing up a soul from hell.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Meeting unlike the meeting long since dreamed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion dismounted; the great valley gleamed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With waters far below; his teeth were set</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His heart thumped at his throat; he stopped; the two men met.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The child well knew that fatal issues joined;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He stood round-eyed to watch them, even as Fate</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Stood with his pennypiece of causes coined</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ready to throw for issue; the bright hate</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Throbbed, that the heavy reckoning need not wait.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion stepped forward, watching Michael's eyes.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"We are old friends," he said. "Now, Michael, you be wise,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"And let the harm already done suffice;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Go, before Mary's name is wholly gone.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Spare her the misery of desertion twice,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There's only ruin in the road you're on--</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ruin for both, whatever promise shone</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>In sentimental shrinkings from the fact.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So, Michael, play the man, and do the generous act.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"And go; if not for my sake, go for hers.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You only want her with your sentiment.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You are water roughed by every wind that stirs,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>One little gust will alter your intent</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>All ways, to every wind, and nothing meant,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Is your life's habit. Man, one takes a wife,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Not for a three months' fancy, but the whole of life.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"We have been friends, and so I speak you fair.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>How will you bear her ill, or cross, or tired?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Sentiment sighing will not help you there.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You call a half life's volume not desired.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I know your love for her. I saw it mired,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mired, past going, by your first sharp taste</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of life and work; it stopped; you let her whole life waste,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Rather than have the trouble of such love,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You will again; but if you do it now,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It will mean death, not sorrow. But enough.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You know too well you cannot keep a vow.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There are gray hairs already on her brow.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You brought them there. Death is the next step. Go,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Before you take the step." "No," Michael answered, "No.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"As for my past, I was a dog, a cur,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And I have paid blood-money, and still pay.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But all my being is ablaze with her;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There is no talk of giving up to-day.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I will not give her up. You used to say</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Bodies are earth. I heard you say it. Liar!</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You never loved her, you. She turns the earth to fire."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Michael," said Lion, "you have said such things</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of other women; less than six miles hence</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You and another woman felt love's wings</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Rosy and fair, and so took leave of sense.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She's dead, that other woman, dead, with pence</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Pressed on her big brown eyes, under the ground;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She that was merry once, feeling the world go round.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Her child (and yours) is with her sister now,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Out there, behind us, living as they can;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Pinched by the poverty that you allow.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>All a long autumn many rumours ran</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>About Sue Jones that was: you were the man.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The lad is like you. Think about his mother,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Before you turn the earth to fire with another."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"That is enough," said Michael, "you shall know</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Soon, to your marrow, what my answer is;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Know to your lying heart; now kindly go.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The neighbours smell that something is amiss.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>We two will keep a dignity in this,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Such as we can. No quarrelling with me here.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mary might see; now go; but recollect, my dear,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"That if you twit me with your wife, you lie;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And that your further insult waits a day</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>When God permits that Mary is not by;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I keep the record of it, and shall pay.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And as for Mary; listen: we betray</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>No one. We keep our troth-plight as we meant.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Now go, the neighbours gather." Lion bowed and went.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Home to his memories for a month of pain,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Each moment like a devil with a tongue,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Urging him, "Set her free," or "Try again,"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Or "Kill that man and stamp him into dung."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"See her," he cried. He took his horse and swung</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Out on the road to her; the rain was falling;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her dropping house-eaves splashed him when he knocked there, calling.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Drowned yellow jasmine dripped; his horse's flanks</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Steamed, and dark runnels on his yellow hair</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Streaked the groomed surface into blotchy ranks.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The noise of water dropping filled the air.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He knocked again; but there was no one there;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>No one within, the door was locked, no smoke</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Came from the chimney stacks, no clock ticked, no one spoke.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Only the water dripped and dribble-dripped,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And gurgled through the rain-pipe to the butt;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Drops, trickling down the windows paused or slipped;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A wet twig scraked as though the glass were cut.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The blinds were all drawn down, the windows shut.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>No one was there. Across the road a shawl</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Showed at a door a space; a woman gave a call.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"They're gone away," she cried. "They're gone away.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Been gone a matter of a week." Where to?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The woman thought to Wales, but could not say,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nor if she planned returning; no one knew.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She looked at Lion sharply; then she drew</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The half-door to its place and passed within,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Saying she hoped the rain would stop and spring begin.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion rode home. A month went by, and now</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Winter was gone; the myriad shoots of green</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Bent to the wind, like hair, upon the plough,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And up from withered leaves came celandine.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And sunlight came, though still the air was keen,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So that the first March market was most fair,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And Lion rode to market, having business there.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And in the afternoon, when all was done,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While Lion waited idly near the inn,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Watching the pigeons sidling in the sun,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>As Jim the ostler put his gelding in,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He heard a noise of rioting begin</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Outside the yard, with catcalls; there were shouts</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of "Occleve. Lion Occleve," from a pack of louts,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Who hung about the courtyard-arch, and cried,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Yah, Occleve, of The Roughs, the married man,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Occleve, who had the bed and not the bride."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>At first without the arch; but some began</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To sidle in, still calling; children ran</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To watch the baiting; they were farmer's leavings</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Who shouted thus, men cast for drunkenness and thievings.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion knew most of them of old; he paid</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>No heed to them, but turned his back and talked</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To Jim, of through-pin in his master's jade,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And how no horse-wounds should be stuped or caulked.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The rabble in the archway, not yet baulked,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Came crowding nearer, and the boys began,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Who was it took your mistress, master married man?"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Who was it, master, took your wife away?"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I wouldn't let another man take mine."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"She had two husbands on her wedding day."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"See at a blush: he blushed as red as wine."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"She'd ought a had a cart-whip laid on fine."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The farmers in the courtyard watched the baiting,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Grinning, the barmaids grinned above the window grating.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Then through the mob of brawlers Michael stepped</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Straight to where Lion stood. "I come," he said,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"To give you back some words which I have kept</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Safe in my heart till I could see them paid.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You lied about Sue Jones; she died a maid</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>As far as I'm concerned, and there's your lie,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Full in your throat, and there, and there, and in your eye.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"And there's for stealing Mary" ... as he struck,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He slipped upon a piece of peel and dropped</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Souse in a puddle of the courtyard muck;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Loud laughter followed when he rose up sopped.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Friends rushed to intervene, the fight was stopped.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The two were hurried out by different ways.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Men said, "'Tis stopped for now, but not for many days."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>April appeared, the green earth's impulse came,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Pushing the singing sap until each bud</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Trembled with delicate life as soft as flame,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Filled by the mighty heart-beat as with blood;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Death was at ebb, and Life in brimming flood.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But little joy in life could Lion see,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Striving to gird his will to set his loved one free,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>While in his heart a hope still struggled dim</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That the mad hour would pass, the darkness break,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The fever die, and she return to him,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The routed nightmare let the sleeper wake.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Then we could go abroad," he cried, "and make</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A new life, soul to soul; oh, love! return."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Too late," his heart replied. At last he rode to learn.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Bowed, but alive with hope, he topped the pass,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And saw, below, her cottage by the way,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>White, in a garden green with springing grass,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And smoke against the blue sky going gray.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"God make us all the happier for to-day,"</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He muttered humbly; then, below, he spied,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mary and Michael entering, walking side by side.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Arm within arm, like lovers, like dear lovers</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Matched by the happy stars and newly wed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Over whose lives a rosy presence hovers.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion dismounted, seeing hope was dead.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A child was by the road, he stroked his head,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And "Little one," he said, "who lives below</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There, in the cottage there, where those two people go?"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"They do," the child said, pointing: "Mrs. Gray</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lives in the cottage there, and he does, too.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They've been back near a week since being away."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It was but seal to what he inly knew.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He thanked the child and rode. The Spring was blue,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Bluer than ever, and the birds were glad;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Such rapture in the hedges all the blackbirds had.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He was not dancing to that pipe of the Spring.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He reached The Roughs, and there, within her room,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Bowed for a time above her wedding ring,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Which had so chained him to unhappy doom;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>All his dead marriage haunted in the gloom</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Of that deserted chamber; all her things</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lay still as she had left them when her love took wings.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He kept a bitter vigil through the night,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Knowing his loss, his ten years' passion wasted,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His life all blasted, even at its height,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His cup of life's fulfilment hardly tasted.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Gray on the budding woods the morning hasted,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And looking out he saw the dawn come chill</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Over the shaking acre pale with daffodil.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Birds were beginning in the meadows; soon</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The blackbirds and the thrushes with their singing</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Piped down the withered husk that was the moon,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And up the sky the ruddy sun came winging.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Cows plodded past, yokes clanked, the men were bringing</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Milk from the barton. Someone shouted "Hup,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dog, drive them dangy red ones down away on up."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Some heavy hours went by before he rose.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He went out of the house into the grass,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Down which the wind flowed much as water flows;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The daffodils bowed down to let it pass.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>At the brook's edge a boggy bit there was,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Right at the field's north corner, near the bridge,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fenced by a ridge of earth; he sat upon the ridge,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Watching the water running to the sea,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Watching the bridge, the stile, the path beyond,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where the white violet's sweetness brought the bee.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He paid the price of being overfond.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The water babbled always from the pond</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Over the pretty shallows, chattering, tinkling,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>With trembles from the sunlight in its clearness wrinkling.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>So gazing, like one stunned, it reached his mind,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That the hedge-brambles overhung the brook</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>More than was right, making the selvage blind;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The dragging brambles too much flotsam took.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dully he thought to mend. He fetched a hook,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And standing in the shallow stream he slashed,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>For hours, it seemed; the thorns, the twigs, the dead leaves splashed,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Splashed and were bobbed away across the shallows;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Pale grasses with the sap gone from them fell,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Sank, or were carried down beyond the sallows.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The bruised ground-ivy gave out earthy smell.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"I must be dead," he thought, "and this is hell."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fiercely he slashed, till, glancing at the stile,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He saw that Michael stood there, watching, with a smile,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>His old contemptuous smile of careless ease,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>As though the world with all its myriad pain</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Sufficed, but only just sufficed, to please.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Michael was there, the robber come again.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>A tumult ran like flame in Lion's brain;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, looking down, he saw the flowers shake:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Gold, trembling daffodils; he turned, he plucked a stake</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Out of the hedge that he had come to mend,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And flung his hook to Michael, crying, "Take;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>We two will settle our accounts, my friend,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Once and for ever. May the Lord God make</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You see your sins in time." He whirled his stake</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And struck at Michael's head; again he struck;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While Michael dodged and laughed, "Why, man, I bring you luck.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Don't kill a bringer of good news. You fool,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Stop it and listen. I have come to say:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion, for God's sake, listen and be cool.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You silly hothead, put that stake away.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Listen, I tell you." But he could not stay</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The anger flaming in that passionate soul.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Blows rained upon him thick; they stung; he lost control.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Till, "If you want to fight," he cried, "let be.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Let me get off the bridge and we will fight.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That firm bit by the quag will do for me.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>So. Be on guard, and God defend the right.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You foaming madman, with your hell's delight,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Smashing a man with stakes before he speaks:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>On guard. I'll make you humbler for the next few weeks."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The ground was level there; the daffodils</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Glimmered and danced beneath their cautious feet,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Quartering for openings for the blow that kills.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Beyond the bubbling brook a thrush was sweet.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Quickly the footsteps slid; with feint and cheat,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The weapons poised and darted and withdrew.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Now stop it," Michael said, "I want to talk to you."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"We do not stop till one of us is dead,",</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Said Lion, rushing in. A short blow fell</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dizzily, through all guard, on Michael's head.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His hedging-hook slashed blindly but too well:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It struck in Lion's side. Then, for a spell,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Both, sorely stricken, staggered, while their eyes</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dimmed under mists of blood; they fell, they tried to rise,--</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Tried hard to rise, but could not, so they lay,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Watching the clouds go sailing on the sky,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Touched with a redness from the end of day.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>There was all April in the blackbird's cry.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And lying there they felt they had to die,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Die and go under mould and feel no more</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>April's green fire of life go running in earth's core.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"There was no need to hit me," Michael said;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"You quiet thinking fellows lose control.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>This fighting business is a foolish trade.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And now we join the grave-worm and the mole.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I tried to stop you. You're a crazy soul;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You always were hot-headed. Well, let be:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You deep and passionate souls have always puzzled me.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"I'm sorry that I struck you. I was hit,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And lashed out blindly at you; you were mad.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It would be different if you'd stopped a bit.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You are too blind when you are angry, lad.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh, I am giddy, Lion; dying, bad,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dying." He raised himself, he sat, his look</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Grew greedy for the water bubbling in the brook.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And as he watched it, Lion raised his head;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Out of a bloodied clump of daffodil.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Michael," he moaned, "I, too, am dying: dead.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You're nearer to the water. Could you fill</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Your hat and give me drink? Or would it spill?</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Spill, I expect." "I'll try," said Michael, "try--</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I may as well die trying, since I have to die."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Slowly he forced his body's failing life</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Down to the water; there he stooped and filled;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And as his back turned Lion drew his knife,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And hid it close, while all his being thrilled</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To see, as Michael came, the water spilled,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Nearer and ever nearer, bright, so bright.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Drink," muttered Michael, "drink. We two shall sleep to-night."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>He tilted up the hat, and Lion drank.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion lay still a moment, gathering power,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then rose, as Michael gave him more, and sank.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, like a dying bird whom death makes tower,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He raised himself above the bloodied flower</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And struck with all his force in Michael's side.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"You should not have done that," his stricken comrade cried.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"No; for I meant to tell you, Lion; meant</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To tell you; but I cannot now; I die.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That hit me to the heart and I am spent.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mary and I have parted; she and I</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Agreed she must return, lad. That is why</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I came to see you. She is coming here,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Back to your home to-night. Oh, my beloved dear,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"You come to tread a bloody path of flowers.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>All the gold flowers are covered up with blood,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And the bright bugles blow along the towers;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The bugles triumph like the Plate in flood."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His spilled life trickled down upon the mud</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Between weak, clutching fingers. "Oh," he cried,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"This isn't what we planned here years ago." He died.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Lion lay still while the cold tides of death</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Came brimming up his channels. With one hand</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>He groped to know if Michael still drew breath.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>His little hour was running out its sand.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then, in a mist, he saw his Mary stand</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Above. He cried aloud, "He was my brother.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I was his comrade sworn, and we have killed each other.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Oh desolate grief, beloved, and through me.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>We wise who try to change. Oh, you wild birds,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Help my unhappy spirit to the sea.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The golden bowl is scattered into sherds."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And Mary knelt and murmured passionate words</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To that poor body on the dabbled flowers:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Oh, beauty, oh, sweet soul, oh, little love of ours--</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Michael, my own heart's darling, speak; it's me,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Mary. You know my voice. I'm here, dear, here.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh, little golden-haired one, listen. See,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It's Mary, Michael. Speak to Mary, dear.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh, Michael, little love, he cannot hear;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And you have killed him, Lion; he is dead.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>My little friend, my love, my Michael, golden head.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"We had such fun together, such sweet fun,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>My love and I, my merry love and I.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh, love, you shone upon me like the sun.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh, Michael, say some little last good-bye."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then in a great voice Lion called, "I die.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Go home and tell my people. Mary. Hear.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Though I have wrought this ruin, I have loved you, dear.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Better than he; not better, dear, as well.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>If you could kiss me, dearest, at this last.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>We have made bloody doorways from our hell,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Cutting our tangle. Now, the murder past,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>We are but pitiful poor souls; and fast</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The darkness and the cold come. Kiss me, sweet;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>I loved you all my life; but some lives never meet</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Though they go wandering side by side through Time.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Kiss me," he cried. She bent, she kissed his brow:</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Oh, friend," she said, "you're lying in the slime."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Three blind ones, dear," he murmured, "in the slough,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Caught fast for death; but never mind that now;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Go home and tell my people. I am dying,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dying, dear, dying now." He died; she left him lying,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And kissed her dead one's head and crossed the field.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"They have been killed," she called, in a great crying.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Killed, and our spirits' eyes are all unsealed.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The blood is scattered on the flowers drying."</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It was the hush of dusk, and owls were flying;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They hooted as the Occleves ran to bring</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>That sorry harvest home from Death's red harvesting.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>They laid the bodies on the bed together.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And "You were beautiful," she said, "and you</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Were my own darling in the April weather.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You knew my very soul, you knew, you knew.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Oh, my sweet, piteous love, I was not true.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Fetch me fair water and the flowers of spring;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>My love is dead, and I must deck his burying."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>They left her with her dead; they could not choose</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But grant the spirit burning in her face</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Rights that their pity urged them to refuse.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They did her sorrow and the dead a grace.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>All night they heard her passing footsteps trace</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Down to the garden from the room of death.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>They heard her singing there, lowly, with gentle breath,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>To the cool darkness full of sleeping flowers,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Then back, still singing soft, with quiet tread,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But at the dawn her singing gathered powers</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Like to the dying swan who lifts his head</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>On Eastnor, lifts it, singing, dabbled red,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Singing the glory in his tumbling mind,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Before the doors burst in, before death strikes him blind.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>So triumphing her song of love began,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Ringing across the meadows like old woe</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Sweetened by poets to the help of man</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Unconquered in eternal overthrow;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Like a great trumpet from the long ago</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her singing towered; all the valley heard.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Men jingling down to meadow stopped their teams and stirred.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>And they, the Occleves, hurried to the door,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And burst it, fearing; there the singer lay</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Drooped at her lover's bedside on the floor,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Singing her passionate last of life away.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>White flowers had fallen from a blackthorn spray</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Over her loosened hair. Pale flowers of spring</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Filled the white room of death; they covered everything.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Primroses, daffodils, and cuckoo-flowers.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>She bowed her singing head on Michael's breast.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>"Oh, it was sweet," she cried, "that love of ours.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>You were the dearest, sweet; I loved you best.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Beloved, my beloved, let me rest</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>By you forever, little Michael mine.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Now the great hour is stricken, and the bread and wine</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>"Broken and spilt; and now the homing birds</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Draw to a covert, Michael; I to you.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Bury us two together," came her words.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The dropping petals fell about the two.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her heart had broken; she was dead. They drew</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Her gentle head aside; they found it pressed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Against the broidered 'kerchief spread on Michael's breast,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>The one that bore her name in Michael's hair,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Given so long before. They let her lie,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>While the dim moon died out upon the air,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And happy sunlight coloured all the sky.</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The last cock crowed for morning; carts went by;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Smoke rose from cottage chimneys; from the byre</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>The yokes went clanking by, to dairy, through the mire.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>In the day's noise the water's noise was stilled,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But still it slipped along, the cold hill-spring,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Dropping from leafy hollows, which it filled,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>On to the pebbly shelves which made it sing;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Glints glittered on it from the 'fisher's wing;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>It saw the moorhen nesting; then it stayed</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>In a great space of reeds where merry otters played.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Slowly it loitered past the shivering reeds</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Into a mightier water; thence its course</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Becomes a pasture where the salmon feeds,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Wherein no bubble tells its humble source;</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But the great waves go rolling, and the horse</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Snorts at the bursting waves and will not drink,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And the great ships go outward, bubbling to the brink,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="left line"><span>Outward, with men upon them, stretched in line,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Handling the halliards to the ocean's gates,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Where flicking windflaws fill the air with brine,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>And all the ocean opens. Then the mates</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>Cry, and the sunburnt crew no longer waits,</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>But sing triumphant and the topsail fills</span></div> -<div class="left line"><span>To this old tale of woe among the daffodils.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">Printed In the United States of America.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">The following pages contain advertisements of -<br />Macmillan poems by the same author.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">JOHN MASEFIELD'S</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="large">The Everlasting Mercy, and The Widow in Bye Street</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><em class="italics medium">Decorated boards, $1.25. Postpaid, $1.38</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"The Everlasting Mercy" was awarded the Edward de Polignac -prize of $500 by the Royal Society of Literature for the best -imaginative work of the year.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"John Masefield is the man of the hour, and the man of to-morrow -too, in poetry and in the playwriting craft."--JOHN GALSWORTHY.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"--recreates a wholly new drama of existence."--WILLIAM -STANLEY BRAITHWAITE, </span><em class="italics">N. Y. Times</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Masefield comes like a flash of light across contemporary -English poetry, and he trails glory where his imagination reveals the -substances of life. The improbable has been accomplished by -Mr. Masefield; he has made poetry out of the very material that has -refused to yield it for almost a score of years. It has only yielded it -with a passion of Keats, and shaped it with the imagination of -Coleridge."--</span><em class="italics">Boston Evening Transcript</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Originality, force, distinction, and deep knowledge of the human -heart."--</span><em class="italics">Chicago Record-Herald</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They are truly great pieces."--Kentucky Post.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A vigor and sincerity rare in modern English literature."--</span><em class="italics">The -Independent</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If Mr. Masefield has occasionally appeared to touch a reminiscent -chord with George Meredith, it is merely an example of his good taste -and the sameness of big themes."--GEORGE MIDDLETON in </span><em class="italics">La -Foliette's Magazine</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">JOHN MASEFIELD'S</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="large">The Story of a Round-House, and other Poems</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"John Masefield has produced the finest literature of the -year."--J. W. BARRIE.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"John Masefield is the most interesting poetic personality of the -day."--</span><em class="italics">The Continent</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! the story of that rounding the Horn! Never in prose has the -sea been so tremendously described."--</span><em class="italics">Chicago Evening Post</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Masefield's new book attracts the widest attention from those who -in any degree are interested in the quality of present-day -literature."--</span><em class="italics">Boston Transcript</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A remarkable poem of the sea."--</span><em class="italics">San Francisco Chronicle</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vivid and thrillingly realistic."--</span><em class="italics">Current Literature</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A genuine sailor and a genuine poet are a rare combination; they -have produced a rare poem of the sea, which has made Mr. Masefield's -position in literature secure beyond the reach of -caviling."--</span><em class="italics">Everybody's Magazine</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Masefield has prisoned in verse the spirit of life at -sea."--</span><em class="italics">N. Y. Sun</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is strength about everything Masefield writes that compels -the feeling that he has an inward eye on which he draws to shape new -films of old pictures. In these pictures is freshness combined with -power, which form the keynotes of his poetry."--</span><em class="italics">N. Y. Globe</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">Publishers -- 64-66 Fifth Avenue -- New York</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="backmatter"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line"><span>*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE DAFFODIL FIELDS</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="cleardoublepage"> -</div> -<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><span>A Word from Project Gutenberg</span></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>We will update this book if we find any errors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This book can be found under: </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41466"><span>http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41466</span></a></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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