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font-weight:bold; + font-style: normal; } + .x-ebookmaker p.dropcap:first-letter { float: left; } + </style> + </head> + + <body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78947 ***</div> + + +<div class='tnotes covernote'> + +<p class='c000'><strong>Transcriber’s Note:</strong></p> + +<p class='c000'>New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.</p> + +</div> + +<div class='figcenter id001'> +<img src='images/i_frontis.jpg' alt='Sepia-toned profile portrait of Thomas Gordon Hake with short hair and sideburns, facing right, dated 1872' class='ig001'> +</div> + +<div class='titlepage'> + +<div> + <h1 class='c001'>THE POEMS OF THOMAS GORDON HAKE<br> <span class='large'>SELECTED<br> WITH A PREFATORY NOTE BY</span><br> <span class='xlarge'>ALICE MEYNELL</span><br> <span class='large'>AND A PORTRAIT BY</span><br> <span class='xlarge'>DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI</span></h1> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>LONDON: ELKIN MATHEWS AND</div> + <div>JOHN LANE</div> + <div class='c003'>CHICAGO: STONE AND KIMBALL</div> + <div>1894</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div><span class='small'><i>Of this edition 500 copies have been printed for England</i></span></div> + <div class='c002'><span class='small'>Edinburgh: T. and A. <span class='sc'>Constable</span>, Printers to Her Majesty</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_iii'>iii</span> + <h2 class='c004'>PREFATORY NOTE</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c005'>The Poems in this collection are chosen from +volumes published at intervals over more than fifty +years—among them <cite>The Piromides</cite>, issued in 1839, +<i>Madeline</i>, reviewed by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in +the <cite>Academy</cite> in 1871; <cite>Parables and Tales</cite>, to which +Rossetti gave a <cite>Fortnightly Review</cite> article in 1873; +down to <cite>The New Day</cite>, dated 1890; together with +verses which will be new even to the readers of the +hitherto published works.</p> + +<p class='c006'>Dr. Hake has a solemn and distinct note, little +confusible with the other notes of the concerted +song of poets. Only nine years younger than the +century, he inherited, by right of his time and +place, a tradition of deep composure—poetry +aloof from the peril of excitement which knows +neither how to contain nor how to express itself. +Dr. Hake’s expression always implies long intention, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_iv'>iv</span>deliberate decision. The verse is a consequence +long foreseen.</p> + +<p class='c006'>The emotion of moments lacks indeed no swiftness +of passage, but we are made aware that it +had a past of experience and has a future of +power. It was not a gust born of the moment +and then no more. Poetic passion must be like +a wind; thou canst not tell whence it cometh +nor whither it goeth; but surely it appeared +with an approach and disappeared with a departure; +it was a thing of transitory phase, but not +of transitory life. Essentially durable and spiritual +is the passion of those infrequent poems in which +this poet, raising himself from the attitude of +meditation, gathers his word into intenser action.</p> + +<p class='c006'>He has emotion which is thus proved true. For +the proof of the authenticity of his thought, also, the +reader will look into his own experience as he reads.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c003'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span lang="it">Il poeta mi disse: Che pense?</span></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c006'>The question which Virgil asked of Dante is a poet’s +question. The world takes it as generally the reader’s +question; but it is emphatically the poet’s. Now, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span>the thought to which Dr. Hake appeals in his +reader’s mind is unquestionably not an easy nor an +obvious one. In saying this we assign to the reader +of poetry some part of the writer’s responsibility, +some part of his honour. Or, if this is too much to +say, the reader is at any rate responsible for choosing +his poet. And if a poet is worth reading at +all, he is to be trusted both with the importance +and with the distinctness of his own thought.</p> + +<p class='c006'>The exceeding solemnity of what we have called +Dr. Hake’s note—and it is as indescribable and +as peculiar as the note of a voice—suggests a +further meaning, even an allegory, where in fact +he had no intention of proposing anything beyond +the text. The more does this illusion occur, +perhaps, because Dr. Hake tells a story—a story +of events—in most meditative stanzas. He writes +movingly of dreams and sleep; and his study of +these has added to all or almost all his verse +something of the ecstasy of dreams.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-r'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>ALICE MEYNELL.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c006'><i>February 1894.</i></p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_vii'>vii</span> + <h2 class='c004'>CONTENTS</h2> +</div> + +<table class='table0'> + <tr> + <td class='c007'></td> + <th class='c008'>PAGE</th> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>ALONE</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>OLD SOULS</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_8'>8</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>VENUS URANIA</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_16'>16</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE CRIPPLE</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_17'>17</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE INFANT MEDUSA</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_28'>28</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE LILY OF THE VALLEY</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_29'>29</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE LOVER’S DAY</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_45'>45</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE DEADLY NIGHTSHADE</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_47'>47</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>FLOWERS ON THE BANK</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_57'>57</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE BLIND BOY</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_59'>59</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>WHEN I THINK OF THEE, BROTHER</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_72'>72</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>ECCE HOMO!</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_74'>74</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE SNAKE CHARMER</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_80'>80</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>PYTHAGORAS</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_88'>88</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE FIRST SAVED</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_95'>95</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>REMINISCENCE</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_101'>101</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_viii'>viii</span>THE SHEPHERDESS</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_110'>110</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>FAREWELL TO NATURE</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_117'>117</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE POET’S FEAST</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_121'>121</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE EXILE</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_122'>122</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE SIBYL</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_133'>133</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE PAINTER</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_135'>135</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE SUN-WORSHIPPER</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_139'>139</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE INSCRUTABLE</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_145'>145</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE WEDDING RING</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_149'>149</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>LET THE DEAD BURY THEIR DEAD</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_152'>152</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c007'>THE GOLDEN WEDDING</td> + <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_154'>154</a></td> + </tr> +</table> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> + <h2 class='c004'>ALONE</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Loved, wedded, and caressed,</div> + <div class='line'>Although her children died</div> + <div class='line'>She still seemed doubly blest,</div> + <div class='line'>Her helpmate at her side</div> + <div class='line'>More dear than all the rest!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But sorrow did not kill</div> + <div class='line'>The thought of those so dear,</div> + <div class='line'>Who all her feelings fill,</div> + <div class='line'>As though still with her here</div> + <div class='line'>To play about her still.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Her little children’s fate</div> + <div class='line'>She never could recall,</div> + <div class='line'>Yet lived she desolate,</div> + <div class='line'>For she had lost them all,—</div> + <div class='line'>And then she lost her mate.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>When came that hour of woe</div> + <div class='line'>And all she loved was gone,</div> + <div class='line'>Not sorrow’s keenest blow</div> + <div class='line'>Left her fond heart alone;</div> + <div class='line'>No parting could it know.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Nigh her he still appears,</div> + <div class='line'>The early times so cling;</div> + <div class='line'>Her simple heart still hears</div> + <div class='line'>Her children laugh and sing</div> + <div class='line'>As in the happy years.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The dead to her remain;</div> + <div class='line'>She heeds each gentle sound</div> + <div class='line'>Of theirs within her brain,</div> + <div class='line'>And answers smiling round:</div> + <div class='line'>‘Sweet love, say that again!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Is it that angels dwell</div> + <div class='line'>In that lone mother’s breast?</div> + <div class='line'>She knows not what befell,</div> + <div class='line'>And so is doubly blest:</div> + <div class='line'>No more her heart can tell.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span> + <h2 class='c004'>OLD SOULS</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The world, not hushed, lay as in trance;</div> + <div class='line in2'>It saw the future in its van,</div> + <div class='line'>And drew its riches in advance,</div> + <div class='line in2'>To meet the greedy wants of man;</div> + <div class='line'>Till length of days, untimely sped,</div> + <div class='line'>Left its account unaudited.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The sun, untired, still rose and set,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Swerved not an instant from its beat:</div> + <div class='line'>It had not lost a moment yet,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Nor used in vain its light and heat;</div> + <div class='line'>But, as in trance, from when it rose</div> + <div class='line'>To when it sank, man craved repose.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A holy light that shone of yore</div> + <div class='line in2'>He saw, despised, and left behind:</div> + <div class='line'>His heart was rotting to the core</div> + <div class='line in2'>Locked in the slumbers of the mind</div> + <div class='line'>Not beat of drum, nor sound of fife,</div> + <div class='line'>Could rouse it to a sense of life.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A cry was heard, intoned and slow,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of one who had no wares to vend:</div> + <div class='line'>His words were gentle, dull, and low,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And he called out, ‘Old souls to mend!’</div> + <div class='line'>He peddled on from door to door,</div> + <div class='line'>And looked not up to rich or poor.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>His step kept on as if in pace</div> + <div class='line in2'>With some old timepiece in his head,</div> + <div class='line'>Nor ever did its way retrace;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Nor right nor left turned he his tread</div> + <div class='line'>But uttered still his tinker’s cry</div> + <div class='line'>To din the ears of passers-by.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>So well they knew the olden note</div> + <div class='line in2'>Few heeded what the tinker spake,</div> + <div class='line'>Though here and there an ear it smote</div> + <div class='line in2'>And seemed a sudden hold to take;</div> + <div class='line'>But they had not the time to stay,</div> + <div class='line'>And it would do some other day.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Still on his way the tinker wends,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Though jobs be far between and few;</div> + <div class='line'>But here and there a soul he mends</div> + <div class='line in2'>And makes it look as good as new.</div> + <div class='line'>Once set to work, once fairly hired,</div> + <div class='line'>His dull old hammer seems inspired.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Over the task his features glow;</div> + <div class='line in2'>He knocks away the rusty flakes;</div> + <div class='line'>A spark flies off at every blow;</div> + <div class='line in2'>At every rap new life awakes.</div> + <div class='line'>The soul once cleansed of outward sins,</div> + <div class='line'>His subtle handicraft begins.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Like iron unannealed and crude,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The soul is plunged into the blast;</div> + <div class='line'>To temper it, however rude,</div> + <div class='line in2'>’Tis next in holy water cast;</div> + <div class='line'>Then on the anvil it receives</div> + <div class='line'>The nimblest stroke the tinker gives.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The tinker’s task is at an end:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Stamped was the cross by that last blow.</div> + <div class='line'>Again his cry, ‘Old souls to mend!’</div> + <div class='line in2'>Is heard in accents dull and low.</div> + <div class='line'>He pauses not to seek his pay,—</div> + <div class='line'>That too will do another day.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>One stops and says, ‘This soul of mine</div> + <div class='line in2'>Has been a tidy piece of ware,</div> + <div class='line'>But rust and rot in it combine,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And now corruption lays it bare.</div> + <div class='line'>Give it a look: there was a day</div> + <div class='line'>When it the morning hymn could say.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The tinker looks into his eye,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And there detects besetting sin,</div> + <div class='line'>The decent old-established lie,</div> + <div class='line in2'>That creeps through all the chinks within.</div> + <div class='line'>Lank are its tendrils, thick its shoots,</div> + <div class='line'>And like a worm’s nest coil the roots.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Like flowers that deadly berries bear,</div> + <div class='line in2'>His seed, if tended from the pod,</div> + <div class='line'>Had grown in beauty with the year,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Like deodara drawn to God;</div> + <div class='line'>Now like a dank and curly brake,</div> + <div class='line'>It fosters venom for the snake.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The tinker takes the weed in tow,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And roots it out with tooth and nail;</div> + <div class='line'>His labour patient to bestow,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Lest like the herd of men he fail.</div> + <div class='line'>How best to extirpate the weed,</div> + <div class='line'>Has grown with him into a creed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>His tack is steady, slow, and sure:</div> + <div class='line in2'>He plucks it out, despite the howl,</div> + <div class='line'>With gentle hand and look demure,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As cunning maiden draws a fowl.</div> + <div class='line'>He knows the job he is about,</div> + <div class='line'>And pulls till all the lie is out.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Now steadfastly regard the man</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who wrought your cure of rust and rot!</div> + <div class='line'>You saw him ere the work began:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Is he the same, or is he not?</div> + <div class='line'>You saw the tinker; now behold</div> + <div class='line'>The Envoy of a God of old.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>This said, he on the forehead stamps</div> + <div class='line in2'>A downward stroke and one across,</div> + <div class='line'>Then straight upon his way he tramps;</div> + <div class='line in2'>His time for profit, not for loss;</div> + <div class='line'>His task no sooner at an end</div> + <div class='line'>Than out he cries, ‘Old souls to mend!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>As night comes on he enters doors,</div> + <div class='line in2'>He crosses halls, he goes upstairs,</div> + <div class='line'>He reaches first and second floors,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Still busied on his own affairs.</div> + <div class='line'>None stop him or a question ask;</div> + <div class='line'>None heed the workman at his task.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Despite his cry, ‘Old souls to mend!’</div> + <div class='line in2'>Which into dull expression breaks,</div> + <div class='line'>Not moved are they, nor ear they lend</div> + <div class='line in2'>To him who from old habit speaks;</div> + <div class='line'>Yet does the deep and one-toned cry</div> + <div class='line'>Send thrills along eternity.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He gads where out-door wretches walk,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where outcasts under arches creep;</div> + <div class='line'>Among them holds his simple talk.</div> + <div class='line in2'>He lets them hear him in their sleep.</div> + <div class='line'>They who his name have still denied,</div> + <div class='line'>He lets them see him crucified.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>XXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>On royal steps he takes a stand</div> + <div class='line in2'>To light the beauties to the ball;</div> + <div class='line'>He holds a lantern in his hand,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And lets his simple saying fall.</div> + <div class='line'>They deem him but some sorry wit</div> + <div class='line'>Serving the Holy Spirit’s writ.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>They know not souls can rust and rot,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And deem him, while he says his say,</div> + <div class='line'>The tipsy watchman who forgot</div> + <div class='line in2'>To call out ‘Carriage stops the way!’</div> + <div class='line'>They know not what it can portend,</div> + <div class='line'>This mocking cry, ‘Old souls to mend!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>While standing on the palace stone,</div> + <div class='line in2'>He is in workhouse, brothel, jail;</div> + <div class='line'>He is to play and ball-room gone,</div> + <div class='line in2'>To hear again the beauties rail;</div> + <div class='line'>With tender pity to behold</div> + <div class='line'>The dead alive in pearls and gold.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>XXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>In meaning deep, in whispers low</div> + <div class='line in2'>As bubble bursting on the air,</div> + <div class='line'>He lets the solemn warning flow</div> + <div class='line in2'>Through jewelled ears of creatures fair,</div> + <div class='line'>Who, while they dance, their paces blend</div> + <div class='line'>With his mild words, ‘Old souls to mend!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And when to church their sins they take,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And bring them back to lunch again,</div> + <div class='line'>And fun of empty sermons make,</div> + <div class='line in2'>He whispers softly in their train;</div> + <div class='line'>And sits with them if two or more</div> + <div class='line'>Think of a promise made of yore.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Of those who stay behind to sup,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in remembrance eat the bread,</div> + <div class='line'>He leads the conscience to the cup,</div> + <div class='line in2'>His hands across the table spread.</div> + <div class='line'>When contrite hearts before him bend,</div> + <div class='line'>Glad are his words, ‘Old souls to mend.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>XXVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The little ones before the font</div> + <div class='line in2'>He clasps within his arms to bless;</div> + <div class='line'>For Childhood’s pure and guileless front</div> + <div class='line in2'>Laughs back his own sweet gentleness.</div> + <div class='line'>‘Of such,’ he says, ‘my kingdom is,</div> + <div class='line'>For they betray not with a kiss.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He goes to hear the vicars preach:</div> + <div class='line in2'>They do not always know his face,</div> + <div class='line'>Him they pretend the way to teach,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And, as one absent, ask his grace.</div> + <div class='line'>Not then his words, ‘Old souls to mend!’</div> + <div class='line'>Their spirits pierce or bosoms rend.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He goes to see the priests revere</div> + <div class='line in2'>His image as he lay in death:</div> + <div class='line'>They do not know that he is there;</div> + <div class='line in2'>They do not feel his living breath,</div> + <div class='line'>Though to his secret they pretend</div> + <div class='line'>With incense sweet, old souls to mend.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>XXX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He goes to hear the grand debate</div> + <div class='line in2'>That makes his own religion law;</div> + <div class='line'>But him the members, as he sate</div> + <div class='line in2'>Below the gangway, never saw.</div> + <div class='line'>They used his name to serve their end,</div> + <div class='line'>And others left old souls to mend.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Before the church-exchange he stands,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where those who buy and sell him, meet:</div> + <div class='line'>He sees his livings changing hands,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And shakes the dust from off his feet.</div> + <div class='line'>May be his weary head he bows,</div> + <div class='line'>While from his side fresh ichor flows.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>From mitred peers he turns his face.</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where priests convoked in session plot,</div> + <div class='line'>He would remind them of his grace</div> + <div class='line in2'>But for his now too humble lot;</div> + <div class='line'>So his dull cry on ears devout</div> + <div class='line'>He murmurs sadly from without.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>XXXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He goes where judge the law defends,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And takes the life he can’t bestow,</div> + <div class='line'>And soul of sinner recommends</div> + <div class='line in2'>To grace above, but not below;</div> + <div class='line'>Reserving for a fresh surprise</div> + <div class='line'>Whom it shall meet in Paradise.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He goes to meeting, where the saint</div> + <div class='line in2'>Exempts himself from deadly ire,</div> + <div class='line'>But in a strain admired and quaint</div> + <div class='line in2'>Consigns all others to the fire,</div> + <div class='line'>While of the damned he mocks the howl,</div> + <div class='line'>And on the tinker drops his scowl.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Go here, go there, they cite his word,</div> + <div class='line in2'>While he himself is nigh forgot.</div> + <div class='line'>He hears them use the name of Lord,</div> + <div class='line in2'>He present though they know him not.</div> + <div class='line'>Though he be there, they vision lack,</div> + <div class='line'>And talk of him behind his back.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>XXXVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Such is the Church and such the State.</div> + <div class='line in2'>Both set him up and put him down,—</div> + <div class='line'>Below the houses of debate,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Above the jewels of the crown.</div> + <div class='line'>But when ‘Old souls to mend!’ he says,</div> + <div class='line'>They send him off about his ways.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He is the humble, lowly one,</div> + <div class='line in2'>In coat of rusty velveteen,</div> + <div class='line'>Who to his daily work has gone;</div> + <div class='line in2'>In sleeves of lawn not ever seen.</div> + <div class='line'>No mitre on his forehead sticks:</div> + <div class='line'>His crown is thorny, and it pricks.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>On it the dews of mercy shine;</div> + <div class='line in2'>From heaven at dawn of day they fell;</div> + <div class='line'>And it he wears by right divine,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Like earthly kings, if truth they tell;</div> + <div class='line'>And up to heaven the few to send,</div> + <div class='line'>He still cries out, ‘Old souls to mend!’</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span> + <h2 class='c004'>VENUS URANIA</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Is this thy Paphos,—the devoted place</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where rests, in its own eventide, thy shrine?</div> + <div class='line in2'>To thee not lone is solitude divine</div> + <div class='line'>Where love-dreams o’er thy waves each other chase</div> + <div class='line'>And melt into the passion of thy face!</div> + <div class='line in2'>The twilight waters, dolphin-stained, are thine;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The silvery depths and blue, moon-orbed, entwine,</div> + <div class='line'>And in bright films thy rosy form embrace,—</div> + <div class='line'>Girdling thy loins with heaven-spun drapery</div> + <div class='line'>Wove in the looms of thy resplendent sea.</div> + <div class='line in2'>The columns point their shadows to the plain</div> + <div class='line in2'>And ancient days are dialed o’er again;</div> + <div class='line'>The floods remember: falling at thy feet,</div> + <div class='line'>Upon the sands of time they ever beat.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE CRIPPLE</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A brook beneath the hill-side flows</div> + <div class='line in2'>Amid the downs, whose chalky sweep</div> + <div class='line'>A scant though tender herbage grows,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Cropped close by scattered flocks of sheep.</div> + <div class='line'>And there a group of huts is seen</div> + <div class='line'>Dotted along a village green.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Yet, buildings of a statelier look</div> + <div class='line in2'>That poor sequestered valley grace:</div> + <div class='line'>An inn beside the village brook;</div> + <div class='line in2'>A church beside the burial-place.</div> + <div class='line'>Save at the park, the trees are few;</div> + <div class='line'>Still the old graveyard has its yew.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Beyond the park, the ring-dove’s haunt,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Red bricks insult the smokeless sky:</div> + <div class='line'>There stands the workhouse, bare and gaunt,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Like the drear soul of poverty,</div> + <div class='line'>And frowns upon a mossy fen,</div> + <div class='line'>Where willows crouch like agéd men.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>All life surrounds the roadside inn,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The home of welcome and good cheer,</div> + <div class='line'>Where barmaid scores the gill of gin</div> + <div class='line in2'>And oft-repeated pot of beer:</div> + <div class='line'>Unlike the fashion of the town—</div> + <div class='line'>To drink and fling the money down.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The wife, with eggs and milk for sale,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Wrapt in the coat of her good man,</div> + <div class='line'>Stops there and takes her drop of ale</div> + <div class='line in2'>While waiting for her empty can,</div> + <div class='line'>And, nodding at the landlord’s sport,</div> + <div class='line'>Keeps for the last her smart retort.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The goodman, always on his mare,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Stops with familiar nod and wink,</div> + <div class='line'>And bids the landlord with him share</div> + <div class='line in2'>His amber draught of foamy drink;</div> + <div class='line'>With chuckling joke concludes his say,</div> + <div class='line'>And laughs when out of hearing’s way.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There with his team the carter stays,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The water-trough his horses find;</div> + <div class='line'>Worn out himself, he little says—</div> + <div class='line in2'>No fun has he to leave behind.</div> + <div class='line'>Dull to the merry toper’s call,</div> + <div class='line'>His team he follows to their stall.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The squire, addicted not to chat,</div> + <div class='line in2'>But seldom draws the rein or speaks;</div> + <div class='line'>Seeing the landlord touch his hat,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Into a quiet trot he breaks;</div> + <div class='line'>Though at election, oft he stops</div> + <div class='line'>To praise the children and the crops.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Between the horse-trough and the door</div> + <div class='line in2'>A widow’s son was wont to stand.</div> + <div class='line'>He was a cripple, crutched and poor,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Yet always ready with a hand,</div> + <div class='line'>Pleased when on trifling errands sent,</div> + <div class='line'>With little recompense content.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>So oft a copper coin the boy</div> + <div class='line in2'>Would earn, that helped to buy him bread,</div> + <div class='line'>Too glad to get a light employ:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The parish all his mother’s dread.</div> + <div class='line'>Hard had she worked to earn him food</div> + <div class='line'>Through all her weary widowhood.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>More did that mother love her son</div> + <div class='line in2'>Than had he been the fairest born;</div> + <div class='line'>He was her pride to look upon,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Though shrunk of limb and feature worn:</div> + <div class='line'>May be she loved him all the more</div> + <div class='line'>For that his legs were crookt and sore.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>As a wrecked vessel on the sand,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The cripple to his mother clung:</div> + <div class='line'>Close to the tub he took his stand</div> + <div class='line in2'>While she the linen washed and wrung;</div> + <div class='line'>And when she hung it out to dry</div> + <div class='line'>The cripple still was standing by.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When she went out to char, he took</div> + <div class='line in2'>His fife, to play some simple snatch</div> + <div class='line'>Before the inn hard by the brook,</div> + <div class='line in2'>While for the traveller keeping watch,</div> + <div class='line'>Against the horse’s head to stand,</div> + <div class='line'>Or hold its bridle in his hand.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Sometimes the squire his penny dropped</div> + <div class='line in2'>Upon the road for him to clutch,</div> + <div class='line'>Which, as it rolled, the cripple stopped,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Striking it nimbly with his crutch.</div> + <div class='line'>The groom, with leathern belt and pad,</div> + <div class='line'>E’en found a copper for the lad.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The farmer’s wife her hand would dip</div> + <div class='line in2'>Down her deep pocket with a sigh;</div> + <div class='line'>Some halfpence in his hand would slip,</div> + <div class='line in2'>When there was no observer nigh;</div> + <div class='line'>Or give him apples for his lunch,</div> + <div class='line'>That he loved leisurely to munch.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But for the farmer, what he made,</div> + <div class='line in2'>At market table he would spend,</div> + <div class='line'>And boys who used not plough or spade</div> + <div class='line in2'>Had got the parish for their friend;</div> + <div class='line'>He paid his poor rates to the day,</div> + <div class='line'>So let the boy ask parish-pay.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Yet would the teamster feel his fob,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The little cripple’s heart to cheer,</div> + <div class='line'>Himself of penny pieces rob,</div> + <div class='line in2'>That he begrudged to spend in beer;</div> + <div class='line'>His boy, too, might be sick or sore,</div> + <div class='line'>So gave he of his thrifty store.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A sheep-worn walk along the brook</div> + <div class='line in2'>The cripple loved, for there the gush</div> + <div class='line'>Of water thralled him as it shook</div> + <div class='line in2'>The ragged roots of the green rush,</div> + <div class='line'>Which with its triple flowers of pink</div> + <div class='line'>Stood ripe for gathering at the brink.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The heather bristles round the knoll,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where inlaid moss and leaflets blend:</div> + <div class='line'>’Tis there he sits and ends his stroll,</div> + <div class='line in2'>His crutch beside him as his friend,</div> + <div class='line'>And looks upon the other bank,</div> + <div class='line'>Where blue forget-me-not grows rank;</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Where purple loosestrife paints the sedge;—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where bryony and yellow bine,</div> + <div class='line'>Locked in blush-bramble, climb the hedge,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And white convolvulus enshrine.</div> + <div class='line'>Nestled in leaves, they all appear</div> + <div class='line'>Each other’s flowers to nurse and rear.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>XXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There mused he like a child of yore—</div> + <div class='line in2'>By Nature’s simple teachings led;</div> + <div class='line'>The cog and wheel of human lore</div> + <div class='line in2'>Not yet were stirring in his head;</div> + <div class='line'>The Shaper of his destiny</div> + <div class='line'>He felt was smiling from the sky.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There with soft notes his fife he fills,</div> + <div class='line in2'>A mere tin plaything from the mart,</div> + <div class='line'>But his thin fingers as it thrills,</div> + <div class='line in2'>To that poor toy a grace impart,</div> + <div class='line'>While it obeys his lips’ control,</div> + <div class='line'>And is a crutch unto his soul.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>At church he longed his fife to try,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where oboe gave its doleful note,</div> + <div class='line'>Where fiddle scraped harsh melody,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where bass the rustic vitals smote.</div> + <div class='line'>Such old-day music was in vogue,</div> + <div class='line'>And psalms were sung in village brogue.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>XXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>His cheerful ways gave many cause</div> + <div class='line in2'>For wonder; such ill-founded joy</div> + <div class='line'>To others’ mirth would give a pause:</div> + <div class='line in2'>His soul seemed lent him for a toy,</div> + <div class='line'>Though on his infant face was age</div> + <div class='line'>To mark him for life’s latter stage.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Dead is his crutch on moping days—</div> + <div class='line in2'>’Tis so they call his sickly fits,</div> + <div class='line'>When by his side his crutch he lays,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in the chimney-corner sits,</div> + <div class='line'>Hobbling in spirit near the yew</div> + <div class='line'>That in the village churchyard grew.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Ah! it befell at harvest-time,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Such are the ways of Providence,—</div> + <div class='line'>That the poor widow in her prime</div> + <div class='line in2'>Was fever-struck, and hurried hence;</div> + <div class='line'>Then did he wish indeed to lie</div> + <div class='line'>Between her arms and with her die.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>XXVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Who shall the cripple’s woes beguile?</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who earn the bread his mouth to feed?</div> + <div class='line'>Who greet him with a mother’s smile?</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who tend him in his utter need?</div> + <div class='line'>Who lead him to the sanded floor?</div> + <div class='line'>Who put his crutch behind the door?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Who set him in his wadded chair,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And after supper say his grace?</div> + <div class='line'>Who to invite a loving air</div> + <div class='line in2'>His fife upon the table place?</div> + <div class='line'>Who, as he plays, her eyes shall lift</div> + <div class='line'>In wonder at a cripple’s gift?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Who ask him all the news that chanced—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of farmer’s wife in coat and hat,</div> + <div class='line'>Of squire who to the city pranced—</div> + <div class='line in2'>To draw him out in lively chat?</div> + <div class='line'>This flood of love, now but a surf</div> + <div class='line'>Left on a nameless mound of turf.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>XXX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Some it made sigh, and some made talk,</div> + <div class='line in2'>To see the guardian of the poor</div> + <div class='line'>Call for the boy to take a walk,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And lead him to the workhouse door:</div> + <div class='line'>With lifted hands and boding look</div> + <div class='line'>They watched him cross the village brook.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE INFANT MEDUSA</h2> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div><span class='sc'>By Poseidon</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>I loved Medusa when she was a child,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her rich brown tresses heaped in crispy curl</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where now those locks with reptile passion whirl,</div> + <div class='line'>By hate into dishevelled serpents coiled.</div> + <div class='line'>I loved Medusa when her eyes were mild,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Whose glances, narrowed now, perdition hurl,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As her self-tangled hairs their mass unfurl,</div> + <div class='line'>Bristling the way she turns with hissings wild.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Her mouth I kissed when curved with amorous spell,</div> + <div class='line'>Now shaped to the unuttered curse of hell,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Wide open for death’s orbs to freeze upon;</div> + <div class='line'>Her eyes I loved ere glazed in icy stare,</div> + <div class='line'>Ere mortals, lured into their ruthless glare,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She shrivelled in her gaze to pulseless stone.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE LILY OF THE VALLEY</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There was a wood, it does not change,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Not while the thrush pipes through its glades,</div> + <div class='line'>And she who did its thickets range</div> + <div class='line in2'>Has willed her sunbeam to its shades.</div> + <div class='line'>There still the lily weaves a net</div> + <div class='line'>With bluebell, primrose, violet.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The wood is what it was of old,</div> + <div class='line in2'>A timber-farm where wildflowers grow.</div> + <div class='line'>There woodman’s axe is never cold,</div> + <div class='line in2'>That lays the oaks and beeches low.</div> + <div class='line'>But though the hand of man deface,</div> + <div class='line'>The lily ever grows in grace.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Of loving natures, proudly shy,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The stock-doves sojourn in the tree,</div> + <div class='line'>With breasts of feathered cloud and sky,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And notes of soft though tuneless glee:</div> + <div class='line'>Hid in the leaves they take a spring,</div> + <div class='line'>And crush the stillness with their wing.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The wood is deep-boughed, and its glade</div> + <div class='line in2'>Has ruts of waggon to and fro;</div> + <div class='line'>Yet where the print of wheel is made</div> + <div class='line in2'>The bracken ventures still to grow;</div> + <div class='line'>And where the foot of man may goad,</div> + <div class='line'>The ants are toiling with their load.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The wood, even old in olden days,</div> + <div class='line in2'>No longer alters with the year.</div> + <div class='line'>The gnarléd boughs, to Nature’s ways</div> + <div class='line in2'>Inured, their honours mildly bear.</div> + <div class='line'>And she who there has fixed her beam</div> + <div class='line'>Is still remembered as a dream.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There many a legend of the wood</div> + <div class='line in2'>Has hovered from the olden time,</div> + <div class='line'>When, with their sooths and sayings good,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Men told not of its youth or prime.</div> + <div class='line'>The hollow trunks were hollow then,</div> + <div class='line'>And honoured like the bones of men.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There like nine brethren, Nature’s own,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Nine trees within a circle stand,</div> + <div class='line'>And to a temple’s shape have grown,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Each trunk a column tall and grand.</div> + <div class='line'>And, there, a raven-oak uprears</div> + <div class='line'>Its dome that whitens with the years.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>’Mid these, while on the earth at play,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She, the true beam of living spring,</div> + <div class='line'>The playmate of the lily’s ray,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Learnt of the piping thrush to sing.</div> + <div class='line'>The lily’s leaves were then her nest,</div> + <div class='line'>Its buds half-nestled in her breast.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>To her whose beam was lily-bright</div> + <div class='line in2'>’Neath brakes that hide the sky above,</div> + <div class='line'>A primrose seemed a holy sight:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Loveless itself, it taught her love.</div> + <div class='line'>It was her welcome to the bowers,</div> + <div class='line'>And lured her fingers to its flowers.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Not yet to her was Nature’s age</div> + <div class='line in2'>In gnarled and hollow shapes revealed:</div> + <div class='line'>The buds and leaflets stamped her page,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And all that Death could say concealed.</div> + <div class='line'>To gnarled and hollow Nature cold,</div> + <div class='line'>She had not caught the sense of old.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When folk who gossiped thereabout</div> + <div class='line in2'>Asked the child’s name,—the child so pale,—</div> + <div class='line'>With looks that gave a sweetness out,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She answered, ‘Lily of the Vale.’</div> + <div class='line'>Not then her eyes had dew-drops shed</div> + <div class='line'>In early tribute to the dead.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Alas! her parents came to die;</div> + <div class='line in2'>She was not then too young to weep.</div> + <div class='line'>Through all the wood was heard her cry;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Till with her sobs she fell asleep,</div> + <div class='line'>And o’er her slumber shot those beams</div> + <div class='line'>That with a shiver visit dreams.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The lilies in their nest had died,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Violets were closed, their petals crushed,</div> + <div class='line'>The bracken-stalks were parched and dried,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The flowers she loved no longer blushed.</div> + <div class='line'>Towards sorrow did her soul ascend;</div> + <div class='line'>Her dawn of joys was at an end.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The oak spread o’er her troubled sleep,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She sees a gnarled and hollow form</div> + <div class='line'>Whose riven branches seem to creep,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Loosed from their long-enchanted storm,</div> + <div class='line'>And like a phantom in the air</div> + <div class='line'>It sets on her its naked stare.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>That oak she oft had seen before,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in its empty cell had played,</div> + <div class='line'>But felt not it was bald and hoar</div> + <div class='line in2'>With the green ivy o’er it laid.</div> + <div class='line'>Now have those thoughtless moments flown</div> + <div class='line'>And with the oak she is alone.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Then she beheld o’ersnowed with age,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her grandsire trembling in the wind,</div> + <div class='line'>Smiling on her, his heritage,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The child his son had left behind.</div> + <div class='line'>Old was she now, for she could see</div> + <div class='line'>Her grandsire agéd like the tree.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>As flowers her eager heart once fired</div> + <div class='line in2'>With love for things that came and passed,</div> + <div class='line'>These visions in her soul inspired</div> + <div class='line in2'>An awe of sadder things that last:</div> + <div class='line'>The sire by age and trouble bent,</div> + <div class='line'>The tree by storm and lightning rent.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Sleep left her, but her startled gaze</div> + <div class='line in2'>Met not the sire beside the oak</div> + <div class='line'>There standing in its leafless maze</div> + <div class='line in2'>As in her dream, when she awoke.</div> + <div class='line'>Where was the sire? She could not see</div> + <div class='line'>The face that smiled beside the tree.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And then she towards the cottage ran,</div> + <div class='line in2'>There was the sire in his retreat,</div> + <div class='line'>There was he still,—the agéd man,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Calm-sitting on his mossy seat,</div> + <div class='line'>And of her dream, as true, she spoke</div> + <div class='line'>While resting ’neath the raven-oak.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He told her how the raven reared</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her young ones on the leafy crest,</div> + <div class='line'>And now the oak by lightning seared</div> + <div class='line in2'>Could give no shelter for a nest.</div> + <div class='line'>With this her simple thoughts he led</div> + <div class='line'>To how the bird the prophet fed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>XXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Then did she feel that he was poor;</div> + <div class='line in2'>That on a scanty crust he fared.</div> + <div class='line'>She longed to see within his door</div> + <div class='line in2'>The frugal meal she oft had shared,</div> + <div class='line'>And prayed the raven in her need</div> + <div class='line'>To do for them the loving deed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Through every grove she poured her lay,</div> + <div class='line in2'>This drooping Lily of the Vale;</div> + <div class='line'>As through the brakes she took her way</div> + <div class='line in2'>She told the thrush her touching tale,</div> + <div class='line'>And bade it in her service press</div> + <div class='line'>The bird that waits on man’s distress.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>So, like a creature on the wing,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She spoke her griefs to all she met.</div> + <div class='line'>The thrush had taught her how to sing</div> + <div class='line in2'>Soft notes to all things living set;</div> + <div class='line'>Conies that peeped from out the grass,</div> + <div class='line'>They had no fear and let her pass.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>XXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She thought the thrush with mellow song</div> + <div class='line in2'>Would answer to her simple strain,</div> + <div class='line'>She thought the other birds would throng</div> + <div class='line in2'>To bring the raven back again,</div> + <div class='line'>But not to her the raven sped</div> + <div class='line'>Who brought from heaven the prophet’s bread.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Meantime her grandsire day by day</div> + <div class='line in2'>Was hungered, hopeless though he smiled,</div> + <div class='line'>For he would hide his pains away</div> + <div class='line in2'>From her, the watchful, loving child.</div> + <div class='line'>She saw him sink upon his bed</div> + <div class='line'>Not by the kindly raven fed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Again through brake and bush she flew;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Beyond the wood there lay the field</div> + <div class='line'>And paths unknown broke on her view;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Must she to childish terror yield?</div> + <div class='line'>She looked at heaven and saw its scope,</div> + <div class='line'>Taught by her mother there was hope.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>XXVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And then she to her mother said,</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘Can God the prophet’s raven spare?</div> + <div class='line'>For grandsire lies upon his bed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And cannot earn his daily fare.</div> + <div class='line'>All father’s work he leaves undone,</div> + <div class='line'>And says I soon shall be alone.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Then she went on and seemed to tread</div> + <div class='line in2'>The buoyant air that past her blew,</div> + <div class='line'>But cast her looks about in dread,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As o’er the footless path she flew.</div> + <div class='line'>At last she stayed to breathe her fear,—</div> + <div class='line'>All was so strange, and no one near.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And then she to her father said,</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘Can God the prophet’s raven spare?</div> + <div class='line'>For grandsire lies upon his bed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And cannot earn his daily fare.</div> + <div class='line'>He leaves the work you left undone,</div> + <div class='line'>And says I soon shall be alone.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>XXX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Her slackening pace now plainly told</div> + <div class='line in2'>The way was long for timid feet.</div> + <div class='line'>She felt her heart no longer bold:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Oft she looked back her wood to greet.</div> + <div class='line'>Her wood from sight a moment gone,</div> + <div class='line'>She felt herself indeed alone.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She stood where hills and valleys blend;</div> + <div class='line in2'>One struggle more, and heaven seemed nigh.</div> + <div class='line'>Beyond where fields and woods ascend,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She saw a mansion towering high,</div> + <div class='line'>A noble lady’s home, that seemed</div> + <div class='line'>To her the heaven of which she dreamed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Could I,’ she thought, ‘that hill ascend,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Then should I see the lady’s face.</div> + <div class='line'>She lives above, where troubles end,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And I have found her heavenly place.</div> + <div class='line'>God gives her plenty for the poor,</div> + <div class='line'>Who come home laden from her door.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>XXXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She looked till flashed across her dreams</div> + <div class='line in2'>A sight that all her spirit fired;</div> + <div class='line'>A form behind the window gleams,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Could it be she so long desired?</div> + <div class='line'>Through windows in that stately pile,</div> + <div class='line'>She thought she saw a human smile.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And then she to the lady said,</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘Can God the prophet’s raven spare?</div> + <div class='line'>For grandsire lies upon his bed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And cannot earn his daily fare.</div> + <div class='line'>All father’s work he leaves undone,</div> + <div class='line'>And says I soon shall be alone.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The mansion stood against the sun:</div> + <div class='line in2'>There long she looked for her reply.</div> + <div class='line'>The ball of fire whose course had run,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Filled with its red the western sky,</div> + <div class='line'>’Twas awful to her childish sight:</div> + <div class='line'>She turned her troubled steps for flight.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>XXXVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Dared she but enter at the gate</div> + <div class='line in2'>To reach that mansion vast and fair,</div> + <div class='line'>Then could she all her tale relate</div> + <div class='line in2'>To that sweet lady dwelling there.</div> + <div class='line'>But all her little courage fled:</div> + <div class='line'>With fainting steps she homeward sped.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>First slowly, then with swifter pace,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She outran terror at her heels,</div> + <div class='line'>As if to win with Death the race,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Whose shroud now brushing by she feels.</div> + <div class='line'>She starts at every rugged bank,</div> + <div class='line'>For with the sun her spirit sank.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The orb, yet vast beyond the height,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Had set more early in the wood;</div> + <div class='line'>But o’er the trees the lingering light</div> + <div class='line in2'>Spread floating in a rosy flood.</div> + <div class='line'>The birds sank one by one to rest,</div> + <div class='line'>As pale and paler grew the west.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>XXXIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She spied her cot, O vision sweet!</div> + <div class='line in2'>A rushlight through the lattice flamed,</div> + <div class='line'>And threw its radiance at her feet,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As it the grudging twilight shamed.</div> + <div class='line'>Through diamond panes a glimpse to catch,</div> + <div class='line'>She held her finger on the latch.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XL</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>No sound, no breath she heard above,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where grandsire in the garret lay.</div> + <div class='line'>But one was there whose looks of love,</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘Poor little orphan,’ seemed to say.</div> + <div class='line'>She knew the chaplain’s kindly face;</div> + <div class='line'>The bearer of the lady’s grace.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XLI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Where hast thou been, my darling maid?</div> + <div class='line in2'>Reply to one who likes thee well.’</div> + <div class='line'>‘To fetch the raven home,’ she said;</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘And him my grandsire’s wants to tell.</div> + <div class='line'>I stood beneath the raven-tree</div> + <div class='line'>And found no bird to succour me.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>XLII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Why call the raven to thy door,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Thy little heart’s distress to share?’</div> + <div class='line'>‘Because,’ said she, ‘the sire is poor,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And has not earned his daily fare.</div> + <div class='line'>All father’s work he leaves undone,</div> + <div class='line'>And says I soon shall be alone.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XLIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘To kiss thee, child, he would have stayed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>For oft he called thee to his side.</div> + <div class='line'>Where didst thou wander, little maid?’</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘I went across the world so wide.</div> + <div class='line'>I looked at heaven and saw its scope,</div> + <div class='line'>Taught by my mother there was hope.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XLIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘I looked for mother in the sky:</div> + <div class='line in2'>She taught me there my wants to tell;</div> + <div class='line'>I looked for father standing by,</div> + <div class='line in2'>For both among the happy dwell;</div> + <div class='line'>I cried to them with heart of care,</div> + <div class='line'>Can God the prophet’s raven spare?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>XLV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Then I came nigh a stately pile,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where those who ask seek not in vain.</div> + <div class='line'>I looked, and saw a human smile,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And thought a lady looked again.</div> + <div class='line'>Through windows I beheld her face,</div> + <div class='line'>As she looked from her heavenly place.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XLVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘And then I to the lady said,</div> + <div class='line in2'>“Can God the prophet’s raven spare?</div> + <div class='line'>For grandsire lies upon his bed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And has not earned his daily fare.</div> + <div class='line'>My father’s work he leaves undone,</div> + <div class='line'>And says I soon shall be alone.”’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XLVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Thou art not all alone, my child;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Thy griefs that righteous lady hears:</div> + <div class='line'>She loves a spirit undefiled;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her heart is open to thy tears.</div> + <div class='line'>Thy father’s work at last is done,</div> + <div class='line'>And thou shalt never be alone.’</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE LOVER’S DAY</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Gorse-plains that flower their gold into the streams</div> + <div class='line in2'>Beneath the opal blossoms of the sky;</div> + <div class='line'>Sea-floods that weave their blue and purple seams;</div> + <div class='line in2'>White sails that lift the billows as they fly:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Not these in their abounding rapture vie</div> + <div class='line'>With love’s diviner dreams.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Those lovers tire not when the sun is pale;</div> + <div class='line in2'>No statelier awning than a bristled tree</div> + <div class='line'>With branches cedared by the salten gale,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Stretched back, as if with wings that cannot flee:</div> + <div class='line in2'>They linger, and the sun departs by sea;</div> + <div class='line'>He spreads his crimson sail.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>They watch him as he piles his busy deck</div> + <div class='line in2'>With golden treasure; as his sail expands;</div> + <div class='line'>They see him sink; they gaze upon the wreck</div> + <div class='line in2'>Through the still twilight of the silvery sands.</div> + <div class='line in2'>One cloud is left to the deserted lands:</div> + <div class='line'>The blue-set moon’s cold fleck.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>They linger though the pageant hath gone by,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The opal cloud is lit o’er sea and plain;</div> + <div class='line'>The moon is full of one day’s memory,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And tells the tale of Nature o’er again,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Its glory mingled in the soul’s refrain</div> + <div class='line'>Under that lover’s sky.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE DEADLY NIGHTSHADE</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There was a haunt, it does not change,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Not while the fiend its path invades;</div> + <div class='line'>But he who did its alleys range</div> + <div class='line in2'>Has willed his penance to its shades.</div> + <div class='line'>There still the nightshade breathes its pest</div> + <div class='line'>On fallen spirits not at rest.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>It is the haunt it was of yore,</div> + <div class='line in2'>A den where thieves and harlots creep,</div> + <div class='line'>Where Nature’s voice is heard no more,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where guilt-stained men night-vigil keep,</div> + <div class='line'>And crimes like months afresh appear,—</div> + <div class='line'>Ere one runs out, another near.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A haunt where all in common share</div> + <div class='line in2'>The sleepless hour, the murderous toil;</div> + <div class='line'>Where Death on all has set his stare,</div> + <div class='line in2'>To drag them forth, to grasp their spoil:</div> + <div class='line'>Between their gallows and their den,</div> + <div class='line'>A hardening sight for other men.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>This is the charnel that doth hide</div> + <div class='line in2'>A frantic woman who at play</div> + <div class='line'>Has lost her wealth of virgin pride,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And reckless games her soul away;</div> + <div class='line'>Whose scarlet rags, deep-dyed, replace</div> + <div class='line'>The blushes of her maiden face.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A mother’s bitter hour sets in;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Wrecked on her breast the infant lies,</div> + <div class='line'>As if to perish for its sin,</div> + <div class='line in2'>There set adrift from human ties</div> + <div class='line'>Till its ear-piercing scream prevail</div> + <div class='line'>And sullen pity hush the wail.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Where only shadows rise and set,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And love at morn awaketh not,</div> + <div class='line'>This child of woe his being met,</div> + <div class='line in2'>To share a loveless parent’s lot,</div> + <div class='line'>And at his birth his sentence meet</div> + <div class='line'>Before a mother’s judgment-seat.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The mother moaning in the gloom</div> + <div class='line in2'>Laughed when a peaceful breath he drew,</div> + <div class='line'>Too conscious of his early doom.</div> + <div class='line in2'>On wounded wings the tidings flew,</div> + <div class='line'>On bosoms pitiless they fell:</div> + <div class='line'>‘A child of heaven was born in hell!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>His place of birth the skies deplored,</div> + <div class='line in2'>No trees, no brooks, no meadows seen;</div> + <div class='line'>And still his heart those skies adored</div> + <div class='line in2'>Before he saw the fields were green.</div> + <div class='line'>Born amid broils, in squalor bred,</div> + <div class='line'>His soul knew not to where it sped.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The child is taught through many a blow</div> + <div class='line in2'>To shed with sobs the beggar’s tear,</div> + <div class='line'>Reared as a prodigy of woe</div> + <div class='line in2'>That gentle women pay to hear.</div> + <div class='line'>And many listened and bestowed;</div> + <div class='line'>For younger tears had never flowed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Held at his mother’s hand, he hung</div> + <div class='line in2'>A broken spray with misery’s drip;</div> + <div class='line'>And often to the ground he clung,</div> + <div class='line in2'>His passion bursting at his lip.</div> + <div class='line'>And still she dragged him o’er the stones,</div> + <div class='line'>Though tender was he to the bones.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Her eyes of prey like fangs were laid</div> + <div class='line in2'>On all who gave a hurried look.</div> + <div class='line'>And while she whined for kindly aid,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She hid away the coin she took,</div> + <div class='line'>When suddenly she begged no more</div> + <div class='line'>And rushed within a slamming door.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>With nostrils spread, and eyes aflame,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Before the shrine of death she stands,</div> + <div class='line'>The infant by her, sick and lame,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The lava trembling in her hands.</div> + <div class='line'>She drinks it with a vengeful frown;</div> + <div class='line'>She feels the fiend of sorrow drown.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Now in a prison left to rage,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She thirsts, she burns with vain desire</div> + <div class='line'>Her deadly sickness to assuage,</div> + <div class='line in2'>To quench its fiery pang in fire.</div> + <div class='line'>With what a mother sent to dwell,</div> + <div class='line'>This child of heaven reared up in hell!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Not far away from infancy—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Through weary time a single stage,</div> + <div class='line'>The livelong years had hustled by</div> + <div class='line in2'>But left him still of tender age,</div> + <div class='line'>When from his mother’s reach he fled,</div> + <div class='line'>Outside the doors to make his bed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Where odours wander, dank and foul,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Through crowded streets and alleys lone,</div> + <div class='line'>By day and night his footsteps prowl;</div> + <div class='line in2'>His wants, not many, asked by none:</div> + <div class='line'>The roads were new he hourly crossed,</div> + <div class='line'>Yet was his way not wholly lost.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When hunger like a conscience cries,</div> + <div class='line in2'>He asks the needy to bestow,</div> + <div class='line'>Afraid to raise his drooping eyes</div> + <div class='line in2'>Except to those who famine know;</div> + <div class='line'>Such he believes their crust will break,</div> + <div class='line'>And share with him for pity’s sake.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Hopeful, he glides into a den</div> + <div class='line in2'>Up whose dusk path a shudder flew,</div> + <div class='line'>And asks of sick, half-famished men</div> + <div class='line in2'>Whose strength no plenty could renew.</div> + <div class='line'>Yet with what startling oaths they rave</div> + <div class='line'>And bid him run his neck to save!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Still to the poor is his appeal,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And they his mild entreaty spurn:</div> + <div class='line'>Some whisper, Be a man and steal;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Some bid him to the gallows turn.</div> + <div class='line'>Child-like he credits all he hears,</div> + <div class='line'>And rests his troubled heart in tears.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He rests,—but oft starts up in fear;</div> + <div class='line in2'>His mother’s driving shadow breaks</div> + <div class='line'>Upon his slumber unaware,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And sleep’s too light repast awakes</div> + <div class='line'>Where dreams the festive board have spread</div> + <div class='line'>And turned his sorrow into bread.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Hope, ’mid those shapes of famine sent,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Smiles on him;—she is Childhood’s bride!</div> + <div class='line'>The mother’s image, o’er him bent,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Cannot the angel wholly hide,—</div> + <div class='line'>Not when her halo o’er him plays,</div> + <div class='line'>And all but hunger’s pang allays.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>XXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>How did he long for once to taste</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of the forbidden food whose smell</div> + <div class='line'>From cellar gratings ran to waste!</div> + <div class='line in2'>Gusts that the passing crowd repel.</div> + <div class='line'>As when a rose some maid regales,</div> + <div class='line'>The grateful vapour he inhales.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Less favoured than the dog outside,</div> + <div class='line in2'>He lingers by some savoury mass;</div> + <div class='line'>He watches mouths that open wide,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And sees them eating through the glass.</div> + <div class='line'>Oft his own lips he opes and shuts,</div> + <div class='line'>And sympathy his fancy gluts.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>So, oft a-hungered has he stood,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And yarn of fasting fancy spun,</div> + <div class='line'>As wistfully he watched the food,</div> + <div class='line in2'>With one foot out prepared to run,</div> + <div class='line'>In vague misgiving of his right</div> + <div class='line'>To revel in the dainty sight.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>XXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Harmless, yet to the base akin,</div> + <div class='line in2'>He feels a blot no eye could see,</div> + <div class='line'>And drags his rags about his skin</div> + <div class='line in2'>To hide from view his pedigree.</div> + <div class='line'>He deems himself a thief by birth,</div> + <div class='line'>An alien on the teeming earth.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He begs not, but as in a trance</div> + <div class='line in2'>Admires the gay and wealthy throng;</div> + <div class='line'>But if the curious on him glance,</div> + <div class='line in2'>He is abashed and slinks along;</div> + <div class='line'>He cares no more, the spell once broke,</div> + <div class='line'>Scenes of false plenty to invoke.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The man of charity beholds</div> + <div class='line in2'>His vagrant looks with pent-up grief;</div> + <div class='line'>He stops, reproves; he gently scolds,</div> + <div class='line in2'>But fails to give the child relief;</div> + <div class='line'>‘So sad,’ he says, ‘to see them thrive</div> + <div class='line'>Who on another’s earnings live.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>XXVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Then comes the child, this ill-sown seed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>To sweep the purlieus and the wynds,</div> + <div class='line'>But few bethink them of his need,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And scanty is the help he finds.</div> + <div class='line'>At times he walks upon his head:</div> + <div class='line'>A form of prayer for daily bread.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Now seem his days for sorrow made!</div> + <div class='line in2'>He hears that men on Sunday pray;</div> + <div class='line'>A world’s proud secret on parade</div> + <div class='line in2'>To him appears the Sabbath-day.</div> + <div class='line'>All have asked heaven to take their cares,</div> + <div class='line'>But hunger says for him his prayers.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Some words have reached him such as jar</div> + <div class='line in2'>On sinners’ ears and seem devout;</div> + <div class='line'>They are but as a light from far,</div> + <div class='line in2'>They come from heaven and soon die out,</div> + <div class='line'>Too weak as yet to turn a spell</div> + <div class='line'>Wove in the alphabet of hell.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span> + <h2 class='c004'>FLOWERS ON THE BANK</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Flowers on the bank,—we pass and call them gay:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The primroses throw pictures to the mind,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The buttercups lag dazzlingly behind,</div> + <div class='line'>And daisy-friends we spy but do not say</div> + <div class='line in2'>A word of joy;—thoughts of them follow not,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And soon are they forgot.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>What care we for wildflowers except their name?</div> + <div class='line in2'>Bright maidens at the sight in rapture start,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Which, as our smiles say, comes not from the heart:</div> + <div class='line'>Flowers dance not, sing not, all their ways are tame;</div> + <div class='line in2'>They love not, neither love in us inspire;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Nor blush when we admire.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Yet stay, the fingers of that panting child</div> + <div class='line in2'>Have culled for us the choice ones,—many a gem,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Have set their lovely colours stem to stem</div> + <div class='line'>In her fond hands they are not tame or wild,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Nestled in fringy fern so changed appears</div> + <div class='line in2'>The little gift she bears!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She gives herself, and she can dance and sing,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And she can love inspire and blush at praise;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The flowers are part of her, have caught her ways;</div> + <div class='line'>She gives herself who gives so sweet a thing.</div> + <div class='line in2'>And she is gone, with other thoughts than ours</div> + <div class='line in2'>Gathering fresh love and flowers.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE BLIND BOY</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>In dark ascent the pine-clad hills</div> + <div class='line in2'>Repose on heaven their rocky crest.</div> + <div class='line'>Lit by the flash of falling rills</div> + <div class='line in2'>That in the valley-shadow rest,</div> + <div class='line'>Chafing in rainbow-spray that finds</div> + <div class='line'>Its sunshine in the gusty winds.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Clouds folded round the topmost peaks</div> + <div class='line in2'>Shut out the gorges from the sun:</div> + <div class='line'>’Tis mid-day ere the early streaks</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of sunshine down the valley run;</div> + <div class='line'>But where the opening cliffs expand,</div> + <div class='line'>The early sea-light breaks on land.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Before the sun, like golden shields,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The clouds a lustre shed around;</div> + <div class='line'>Wild shadows gambol o’er the fields;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Tame shadows stretch upon the ground.</div> + <div class='line'>Towards noon the great rock-shadow moves,</div> + <div class='line'>And takes slow leave of all it loves.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The beam-shot clouds dissolve apace;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Stray shades that linger like a scroll,</div> + <div class='line'>Draw nearer to their craggy base,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in clefts and caverns roll;</div> + <div class='line'>The light falls down the rocky piles;</div> + <div class='line'>The vale a lake of glory smiles.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There dwell two orphans: Heaven ordains</div> + <div class='line in2'>The sister’s eyes shall live in light:</div> + <div class='line'>Her brother in the shade remains</div> + <div class='line in2'>When morning bursts upon her sight.</div> + <div class='line'>Sister and brother, far and wide</div> + <div class='line'>As one they wander side by side.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When to the shore through woods and fields</div> + <div class='line in2'>The brother has a wish to stray,</div> + <div class='line'>The sister takes the hand he yields;</div> + <div class='line in2'>She by fond habit leads the way.</div> + <div class='line'>Skipping along, oft face to face,</div> + <div class='line'>Her hand directs his timid pace.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The plains that strike the grey-white line</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where earth’s dim curve in distance fades;</div> + <div class='line'>The streams that near the dwelling shine;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The quiet meads; the rustling glades;</div> + <div class='line'>The sand-dunes waiting on the shore,</div> + <div class='line'>The sister’s eyes for him explore.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>’Tis all his own, but her loved hand,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her gentle voice, her sayings dear,</div> + <div class='line'>Are choicer gifts than all the land</div> + <div class='line in2'>That he inherits far and near,</div> + <div class='line'>For all his light is in her mind,—</div> + <div class='line'>The path he loses she can find.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>At early morn, embraced by her,</div> + <div class='line in2'>He sits within the shadow’s dip</div> + <div class='line'>To list to his sweet minister,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And paint his visions from her lip.</div> + <div class='line'>He sees the waters, earth, and skies</div> + <div class='line'>Only through her enchanted eyes.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Her eyes are bright, his now are blind;</div> + <div class='line in2'>All he once saw has passed away,</div> + <div class='line'>But her fond visions fill his mind,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And there disclose the dawn of day.</div> + <div class='line'>Her morning breaks upon his night,</div> + <div class='line'>Enlivened by her spirit’s light.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She tells him how the mountains swell,</div> + <div class='line in2'>How rocks and forests touch the skies;</div> + <div class='line'>He tells her how the shadows dwell</div> + <div class='line in2'>In purple dimness on his eyes,</div> + <div class='line'>Whose tremulous orbs the while he lifts,</div> + <div class='line'>As round his smile their spirit drifts.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>More close around his heart to wind,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She shuts her eyes in childish glee,</div> + <div class='line'>‘To share,’ she says, ‘his peace of mind;</div> + <div class='line in2'>To sit beneath his shadow-tree.’</div> + <div class='line'>So, half in play, the sister tries</div> + <div class='line'>To find his soul within her eyes.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>His hand in hers, she walks along</div> + <div class='line in2'>And leads him by the river’s brink;</div> + <div class='line'>She stays to catch the water’s song,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Closing her eyes with him to think.</div> + <div class='line'>His ear, more watchful than her own,</div> + <div class='line'>Had caught the ocean’s distant moan.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘The river’s flow is bright and clear,’</div> + <div class='line in2'>The blind boy said, ‘and were it dark</div> + <div class='line'>We should no less its music hear:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Sings not at eventide the lark?</div> + <div class='line'>Still when the ripples pause, they fade</div> + <div class='line'>Upon my spirit like a shade.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Yet, brother, when the river stops</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in the quiet bay is hushed,</div> + <div class='line'>E’en though its gentle murmur drops,</div> + <div class='line in2'>’Tis bright as when by us it rushed;</div> + <div class='line'>Not like a shade, when heard no more,</div> + <div class='line'>Except beneath the wooded shore.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Now the resounding beach, wave-swept,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Greets them; now silence softly bears</div> + <div class='line'>The likeness of the wave that leapt</div> + <div class='line in2'>Unseen, and broke upon their ears.</div> + <div class='line'>‘Dear sister, tell me once again</div> + <div class='line'>The wonders of the sea’s domain!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Down the moist sands she guides his way,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And gazes on the lonesome shores,</div> + <div class='line'>Where desultory waves at play,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Enthral her looks ere she explores</div> + <div class='line'>The far-off deep; ere those quick eyes</div> + <div class='line'>Rove o’er the waters, cliffs, and skies.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘The farthest seas bend as a bow</div> + <div class='line in2'>Into the light, o’er-arching sky;</div> + <div class='line'>There, curdled breakers row on row</div> + <div class='line in2'>With scarce a motion, distant lie;</div> + <div class='line'>Or if one vanish from the rest,</div> + <div class='line'>It shows again its snowy crest.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘But nearer, midway toward the sands,</div> + <div class='line in2'>I see long lines of billows creep;</div> + <div class='line'>One stops and into froth expands,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Then fades away upon the deep;</div> + <div class='line'>Close to the shore the waves contend,</div> + <div class='line'>And shouting reach the journey’s end.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>While her bright tones upon him broke</div> + <div class='line in2'>The curtain from his soul was drawn;</div> + <div class='line'>His spirit quickened as she spoke,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Then flashed as at a sudden dawn,</div> + <div class='line'>With visions of a world once known,</div> + <div class='line'>That for the moment seemed his own.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>XXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘O tell me of the changing sky,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Sunless once more!’ ‘’Neath lovely blue,’</div> + <div class='line'>The sister says, ‘the clouds float by,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of orange, white, and inky hue.</div> + <div class='line'>The shifting waves that cannot rest</div> + <div class='line'>Are ’neath the gusty breezes pressed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘A cloud is loosened from the sun;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The sea’s sky-blue now skims the green,</div> + <div class='line'>Chasing the billows as they run</div> + <div class='line in2'>And drip their foam in troughs between.</div> + <div class='line'>Oh, could you see them as they roar,</div> + <div class='line'>Scooping away the glistening shore!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘The waves,’ he said, ‘before me fall,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And memories of a long-lost light</div> + <div class='line'>From far-off mornings on me call,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And what I hear comes into sight.</div> + <div class='line'>The beauteous skies flash back again,</div> + <div class='line'>But, ah! the light will not remain!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>XXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Awhile he pauses; as he stops,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her little hand the sister moves</div> + <div class='line'>And pebbles on the water drops,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As it runs up the sandy grooves,</div> + <div class='line'>Or to her ear a shell applies,</div> + <div class='line'>With parted lips and dreaming eyes.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘That noise!’ said he, with lifted hand.</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘The sea-gull’s scream and flapping wings,</div> + <div class='line'>Before the wind it flies to land,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And omens of a tempest brings.’</div> + <div class='line'>She tells him how the sea-bird pale</div> + <div class='line'>Whirls wildly on the coming gale.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘And is the sea alone? Even now</div> + <div class='line in2'>I hear faint mutterings,—not the waves’;</div> + <div class='line'>It seems a murmur sweeping low</div> + <div class='line in2'>And hurrying through the distant caves.</div> + <div class='line'>I hear again that smothered tone,</div> + <div class='line'>As if the sea were not alone.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>XXVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Heaven slopes o’er us on every side,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And shuts us from the distant land.</div> + <div class='line'>The waters only here abide,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And we who sit upon the sand.</div> + <div class='line'>A porpoise revels in the spray,</div> + <div class='line'>And purple vapours veil the bay.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Come, hasten,’ cries she, ‘to the woods</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where twisted boughs are thickly set,</div> + <div class='line'>For soon the rain must fall in floods:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Here is no shelter from the wet.</div> + <div class='line'>While like a sea the sky upheaves,</div> + <div class='line'>We’ll watch beneath the matted leaves.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Stay, sister! Listen to that sound;—</div> + <div class='line in2'>It thunders—does the flash appear?’</div> + <div class='line'>‘It lightens now, and, whirling round,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The gull dips low, as if in fear.’</div> + <div class='line'>The boy now turns his floating eyes,</div> + <div class='line'>Though not the way the sea-bird flies.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>XXX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘The wind is balmy on my cheek,</div> + <div class='line in2'>But now I feel the rain-drop plash.</div> + <div class='line'>Let us,’ he said, ‘the woodland seek,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And hear it on the foliage dash.</div> + <div class='line'>On the ground-ivy we shall tread,</div> + <div class='line'>And through the grove its perfume spread.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And so they prattle as they leave</div> + <div class='line in2'>The sandy beach, in pensive mood,</div> + <div class='line'>His ear turned to the billow’s heave,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her vision leaning on the wood,</div> + <div class='line'>While, as the honeysuckle clings,</div> + <div class='line'>About his neck her arm she flings.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Better than she the blind boy hears</div> + <div class='line in2'>The whispers of the patient shore,</div> + <div class='line'>While yet the wave its crest uprears</div> + <div class='line in2'>To break once more,—and evermore.</div> + <div class='line'>Better than she the blind boy feels</div> + <div class='line'>The simple pictures she reveals.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>XXXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Clapping her hands, she spies above</div> + <div class='line in2'>Rich elms, the turrets grey and old,—</div> + <div class='line'>But love of home was only love</div> + <div class='line in2'>When to her darling brother told.</div> + <div class='line'>Thus ever to his soul replies</div> + <div class='line'>The infant passion of her eyes.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>While they return, the dwelling near,</div> + <div class='line in2'>One word must yet the sister say.</div> + <div class='line'>She lifts her voice: ‘O brother dear,</div> + <div class='line in2'>If good my eyes have been to-day,</div> + <div class='line'>Kiss them for every new delight</div> + <div class='line'>That kindles in your spirit’s sight!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Deep in his eyes the love-lights strove;</div> + <div class='line in2'>He clasped her in a close embrace:—</div> + <div class='line'>With lips that shook with grateful love</div> + <div class='line in2'>He kissed her eyes—he kissed her face—</div> + <div class='line'>He wept upon that tender brow;</div> + <div class='line'>‘Dearest, the darkness leaves me now!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>XXXVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘I view all beauty through your eyes;</div> + <div class='line in2'>I see within, you see outside.</div> + <div class='line'>Your love has raised me to the skies,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Once narrow,—lofty now and wide,</div> + <div class='line'>And not, as once, of sombre hue;</div> + <div class='line'>For I can dream the dark to blue.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘The upward-toiling hill; the stream;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The valley; the wide ocean’s sweep;</div> + <div class='line'>All take the colours of a dream,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>The glories of the land of sleep.</div> + <div class='line'>You are my soul, my eyes, my sight;</div> + <div class='line'>’Tis dark no more, you are my light.’</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span> + <h2 class='c004'>WHEN I THINK OF THEE, BROTHER</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When I think of thee, brother,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Is my heart not all thine?</div> + <div class='line'>Yet the face of another</div> + <div class='line in2'>Seems bending o’er mine.</div> + <div class='line'>I call thee by name, yet a name not thy own</div> + <div class='line'>Has whispered already its dear undertone.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When I think thine eyes greet me,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Their sweet flash of blue</div> + <div class='line'>Brings another’s to meet me</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of somberer hue;</div> + <div class='line'>And ever before me they seem to remain,</div> + <div class='line'>Though my heart but repines to behold thee again.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When I list, and would hear thee</div> + <div class='line in2'>Once more in our home,</div> + <div class='line'>And thy voice appears near me,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Another’s has come.</div> + <div class='line'>I dream of thee only, for thee only sigh,</div> + <div class='line'>Yet thy image forsakes me; another’s is nigh.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When thy fond smiles come o’er me,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As in moments now flown,</div> + <div class='line'>There riseth before me</div> + <div class='line in2'>A look not thy own:</div> + <div class='line'>’Tis thee I recall to my mind, O my brother!</div> + <div class='line'>Yet ever with thine comes the gaze of another.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span> + <h2 class='c004'>ECCE HOMO!</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He strikes his staff to find his way,</div> + <div class='line'>He feels but may not see the day.</div> + <div class='line'>The warm sun floods his sightless eyes</div> + <div class='line'>That tremble in answer to the skies:</div> + <div class='line'>Yet oft he stays as if to look</div> + <div class='line in2'>At memories of the scenes of yore,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>The vine and fig-tree at his door,</div> + <div class='line'>The pleasant places by the brook.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The voice within him sighs aloud,</div> + <div class='line'>When murmurs of a moving crowd</div> + <div class='line'>Fall on his ear; he breathes the dust</div> + <div class='line'>But, with a blind man’s sturdy trust,</div> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>He grasps his staff, and oft he cries,</div> + <div class='line'>‘Who cometh here?’ A voice replies,</div> + <div class='line'>‘O blind man, turn thy step aside,</div> + <div class='line'>’Tis Christ!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in10'>The name rings in his ears:</div> + <div class='line'>With flashing hopes and ashen fears,</div> + <div class='line in2'>There stands he breathless, startling all.</div> + <div class='line'>Some stop, some into ranks divide,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Their arms outspreading lest he fall.</div> + <div class='line'>He drops his staff, throws out his hands,</div> + <div class='line in2'>His fingers are creeping like things that see:</div> + <div class='line'>’Mid all the multitude he stands</div> + <div class='line in2'>And shouts, ‘Have mercy, Lord, on me!’</div> + <div class='line'>His shaking beard, his tottering frame,</div> + <div class='line in2'>His eye-balls in their sockets turning,</div> + <div class='line'>His lips delirious with that name,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>O’er his blind face a look is burning</div> + <div class='line'>Of dreadful greed, with mouth agape,</div> + <div class='line'>Crazed for some good that may escape.</div> + <div class='line'>‘Take my hand, some one; let me feel</div> + <div class='line'>His raiment only; it may heal.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Christ heard the blind man’s cry, and grieved</div> + <div class='line'>Because a soul in darkness heaved.</div> + <div class='line in2'>He said, ‘What seekest thou of Me?’</div> + <div class='line'>But in that presence came a fear:</div> + <div class='line'>The man held earthly blessings dear,</div> + <div class='line'>Yet more than all was heavenly light.</div> + <div class='line'>‘Lord, that I may receive my sight,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>That I may my Redeemer see!’</div> + <div class='line'>Christ loved him and his anguish soothed.</div> + <div class='line'>He took his hand, He gently smoothed</div> + <div class='line'>The seams upon his wrinkled brow:</div> + <div class='line'>‘Tell Me what thou beholdest now.’</div> + <div class='line'>‘Men, dim as shaking trees, I see:</div> + <div class='line'>O Lord, I crave to look on Thee!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Then said the Saviour, ‘Look afar.’</div> + <div class='line in2'>The blind man raised his dazèd eyes.</div> + <div class='line'>‘I see, Lord, above Thee a new-risen star,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>And beneath it a babe in a manger lies.</div> + <div class='line in2'>Hoary men, kneeling, their gifts prefer:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Frankincense, gold, and sacred myrrh.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>Now a mother, a father, a babe softly sleeping</div> + <div class='line in2'>By waters that dream where the lotus bloom reigns;</div> + <div class='line'>Shadows of evening over them creeping;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The broad moon breaking o’er palm-bearing plains,</div> + <div class='line'>Where the ibis croaks and the jackal cries,</div> + <div class='line'>And pyramids point to the purpling skies.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in2'>He pauses, still he looks afar.</div> + <div class='line in2'>He still beholds the guiding star,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And dreamlight of a sacred river</div> + <div class='line in2'>O’er his lone eyes seems still to quiver.</div> + <div class='line'>Sudden, as if the distant air</div> + <div class='line in2'>Stripped the blue curtain from the skies,</div> + <div class='line'>He sees prophetic nature bare,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>When, as with far-off voice, he cries—</div> + <div class='line'>‘Lo! a face to heaven in agony gleaming,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Stained of sorrow, but soil-less of sin,</div> + <div class='line'>Sweat that is blood breaking and streaming</div> + <div class='line'>From brows that are throbbing of anguish within,—</div> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>Praying for those that do strip Him and scourge Him</div> + <div class='line in2'>As a cross on His quivering shoulders they place.</div> + <div class='line'>’Neath its burden He sinks while they mock Him, they urge Him,</div> + <div class='line in2'>They crown Him with thorns, they spit in His face.</div> + <div class='line'>They are lifting Him, bruising Him, piercing Him, nailing Him</div> + <div class='line in2'>To the cross, that is dyed in a crimson flood.</div> + <div class='line'>See, the sun hides his head, see the vapour enveiling him,</div> + <div class='line'>Hark, the earth and the skies in the darkness bewailing Him</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who dieth for those that are shedding His blood.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He starts, a hand is on his brow.</div> + <div class='line in2'>He looks at Christ in meek surprise,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Tears gather in his new-lit eyes;</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘’Tis He, the crucified!’ he cries:</div> + <div class='line'>‘Yes, I behold the Saviour now!’</div> + <div class='line in2'>The adoring people kneel around;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The healed one sinks on the hallowed ground,</div> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>Then goes his way in silence and in awe;</div> + <div class='line in2'>For his unsullied eyes had seen</div> + <div class='line in2'>The sight that from the first had been,</div> + <div class='line'>The sight that nature like a prophet saw.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE SNAKE CHARMER</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The forest rears on lifted arms</div> + <div class='line in2'>Its leafy dome whence verdurous light</div> + <div class='line'>Shakes through the shady depths and warms</div> + <div class='line in2'>Proud trunk and stealthy parasite,</div> + <div class='line'>There where those cruel coils enclasp</div> + <div class='line'>The trees they strangle in their grasp.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>An old man creeps from out the woods,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Breaking the vine’s entangling spell;</div> + <div class='line'>He thrids the jungle’s solitudes</div> + <div class='line in2'>O’er bamboos rotting where they fell;</div> + <div class='line'>Slow down the tiger’s path he wends</div> + <div class='line'>Where at the pool the jungle ends.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>No moss-greened alley tells the trace</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of his lone step, no sound is stirred,</div> + <div class='line'>Even when his tawny hands displace</div> + <div class='line in2'>The boughs, that backward sweep unheard:</div> + <div class='line'>His way as noiseless as the trail</div> + <div class='line'>Of the swift snake and pilgrim snail.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The old snake-charmer,—once he played</div> + <div class='line in2'>Soft music for the serpent’s ear,</div> + <div class='line'>But now his cunning hand is stayed;</div> + <div class='line in2'>He knows the hour of death is near.</div> + <div class='line'>And all that live in brake and bough,</div> + <div class='line'>All know the brand is on his brow.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Yet where his soul is he must go:</div> + <div class='line in2'>He crawls along from tree to tree.</div> + <div class='line'>The old snake-charmer, doth he know</div> + <div class='line in2'>If snake or beast of prey he be?</div> + <div class='line'>Bewildered at the pool he lies</div> + <div class='line'>And sees as through a serpent’s eyes.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Weeds wove with white-flowered lily crops</div> + <div class='line in2'>Drink of the pool, and serpents hie</div> + <div class='line'>To the thin brink as noonday drops,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in the froth-daubed rushes lie.</div> + <div class='line'>There rests he now with fastened breath</div> + <div class='line'>’Neath a kind sun to bask in death.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The pool is bright with glossy dyes</div> + <div class='line in2'>And cast-up bubbles of decay:</div> + <div class='line'>A green death-leaven overlies</div> + <div class='line in2'>Its mottled scum, where shadows play</div> + <div class='line'>As the snake’s hollow coil, fresh shed,</div> + <div class='line'>Rolls in the wind across its bed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>No more the wily note is heard</div> + <div class='line in2'>From his full flute—the riving air</div> + <div class='line'>That tames the snake, decoys the bird,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Worries the she-wolf from her lair.</div> + <div class='line'>Fain would he bid its parting breath</div> + <div class='line'>Drown in his ears the voice of death.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Still doth his soul’s vague longing skim</div> + <div class='line in2'>The pool beloved: he hears the hiss</div> + <div class='line'>That siffles at the sedgy rim,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Recalling days of former bliss,</div> + <div class='line'>And the death-drops, that fall in showers,</div> + <div class='line'>Seem honied dews from shady flowers.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There is a rustle of the breeze</div> + <div class='line in2'>And twitter of the singing bird;</div> + <div class='line'>He snatches at the melodies</div> + <div class='line in2'>And his faint lips again are stirred:</div> + <div class='line'>The olden sounds are in his ears;</div> + <div class='line'>But still the snake its crest uprears.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>His eyes are swimming in the mist</div> + <div class='line in2'>That films the earth like serpent’s breath;</div> + <div class='line'>And now—as if a serpent hissed—</div> + <div class='line in2'>The husky whisperings of Death</div> + <div class='line'>Fill ear and brain—he looks around—</div> + <div class='line'>Serpents seem matted o’er the ground.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Soon visions of past joys bewitch</div> + <div class='line in2'>His crafty soul; his hands would set</div> + <div class='line'>Death’s snare, while now his fingers twitch</div> + <div class='line in2'>At tasselled reed as ’twere his net.</div> + <div class='line'>But his thin lips no longer fill</div> + <div class='line'>The woods with song; his flute is still.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Those lips still quaver to the flute,</div> + <div class='line in2'>But fast the life-tide ebbs away;</div> + <div class='line'>Those lips now quaver and are mute,</div> + <div class='line in2'>But nature throbs in breathless play:</div> + <div class='line'>Birds are in open song, the snakes</div> + <div class='line'>Are watching in the silent brakes.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>In sudden fear of snares unseen</div> + <div class='line in2'>The birds like crimson sunset swarm,</div> + <div class='line'>All gold and purple, red and green,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And seek each other for the charm.</div> + <div class='line'>Lizards dart up the feathery trees</div> + <div class='line'>Like shadows of a rainbow breeze.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The wildered birds again have rushed</div> + <div class='line in2'>Into the charm,—it is the hour</div> + <div class='line'>When the shrill forest-note is hushed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And they obey the serpent’s power,—</div> + <div class='line'>Drawn, to its gaze with troubled whirr,</div> + <div class='line'>As by the thread of falconer.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>As ’twere to feed, on slanting wings</div> + <div class='line in2'>They drop within the serpent’s glare:</div> + <div class='line'>Eyes flashing fire in burning rings</div> + <div class='line in2'>Which spread into the dazzled air;</div> + <div class='line'>They flutter in the glittering coils;</div> + <div class='line'>The charmer dreads the serpent’s toils.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>While Music swims away in death</div> + <div class='line in2'>Man’s spell is passing to his slaves:</div> + <div class='line'>The snake feeds on the charmer’s breath,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The vulture screams, the parrot raves,</div> + <div class='line'>The lone hyena laughs and howls,</div> + <div class='line'>The tiger from the jungle growls.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Then mounts the eagle—flame-flecked folds</div> + <div class='line in2'>Belt its proud plumes; a feather falls:</div> + <div class='line'>He hears the death-cry, he beholds</div> + <div class='line in2'>The king-bird in the serpent’s thralls,</div> + <div class='line'>He looks with terror on the feud,—</div> + <div class='line'>And the sun shines through dripping blood.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The deadly spell a moment gone—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Birds, from a distant Paradise,</div> + <div class='line'>Strike the winged signal and have flown,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Trailing rich hues through azure skies:</div> + <div class='line'>The serpent falls; like demon wings</div> + <div class='line'>The far-out branching cedar swings.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The wood swims round; the pool and skies</div> + <div class='line in2'>Have met; the death-drops down that cheek</div> + <div class='line'>Fall faster; for the serpent’s eyes</div> + <div class='line in2'>Grow human, and the charmer’s seek.</div> + <div class='line'>A gaze like man’s directs the dart</div> + <div class='line'>Which now is buried at his heart.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>XXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The monarch of the world is cold:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The charm he bore has passed away:</div> + <div class='line'>The serpent gathers up its fold</div> + <div class='line in2'>To wind about its human prey.</div> + <div class='line'>The red mouth darts a dizzy sting,</div> + <div class='line'>And clenches the eternal ring.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span> + <h2 class='c004'>PYTHAGORAS</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>’Twas not the hour of death the Master feared:</div> + <div class='line in2'>He oft had died before, his soul had passed</div> + <div class='line'>Through many moulds, as each new cycle neared</div> + <div class='line in2'>Hoping the Golden Day had come at last.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But like a giant ’neath the weight of age</div> + <div class='line in2'>Hope was bowed down, and oft had ceased to see</div> + <div class='line'>Among the spheres the looked for heritage</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where rest the pure from earth’s illusions free.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Whither doth this metempsychosis tend?</div> + <div class='line in2'>Doubt stirs the heavy question in his breast.</div> + <div class='line'>All that begins is toiling towards its end;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Oblivion hath for all its day of rest.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And when a universe of death absorbs</div> + <div class='line in2'>Into its hungry vortex all that is:</div> + <div class='line'>The compact colonies of settled orbs,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The untamed meteors of the free abyss;</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And when, at length, the lamp of day is spent,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And the charred air of night supplants the skies,</div> + <div class='line'>What were the soul without its tenement,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Without these feeling hands, these seeing eyes?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Even the blest dawn he once had hoped to find</div> + <div class='line in2'>May rise while he in darkness dwells below;</div> + <div class='line'>Yes, all may fail him now; the troubled mind</div> + <div class='line in2'>May end at last, and not its ending know.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Such were his thoughts, and while his death hour grew</div> + <div class='line in2'>They pressed into his heart such poignant pangs</div> + <div class='line'>As even the lordliest intellect subdue</div> + <div class='line in2'>When life, yet wavering, in the balance hangs.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>’Tis past: A cycle’s lustres have run out,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And his unquickened soul in ashes sleeps,</div> + <div class='line'>Perturbed no longer by the wasting doubt,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Weak as a babe ere in the womb it leaps;</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Still as a vessel stranded by the tide</div> + <div class='line in2'>In shallows whereunto no waters drift,</div> + <div class='line'>Looming at anchor on its mouldering side</div> + <div class='line in2'>That neither winds disturb nor billows lift.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Yet throes half-stir the drowsings of the grave,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As when one turns in sleep with heavy sense</div> + <div class='line'>That what suspended being he may have</div> + <div class='line in2'>Is better, yet awhile, with Providence.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But all is like the passing of a breath.</div> + <div class='line in2'>No eager promptings snatch the loosened thread</div> + <div class='line'>Wherein is meshed the memory of death:</div> + <div class='line in2'>He knows himself, but not that he is dead.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Another cycle bears the cumbrous night</div> + <div class='line in2'>Unbroken, save as funeral clouds may roll</div> + <div class='line'>And for a moment cross the path of light:</div> + <div class='line in2'>So shines the ethereal darkness of his soul.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Still through these mists of death the cycles shone,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>His soul benumbed, in utter silence hushed,</div> + <div class='line'>Advancing time-like through oblivion,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And pace for pace with all that o’er him rushed,—</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When to his grave a sense of nature came,</div> + <div class='line in2'>But with no conscious meaning or surprise:</div> + <div class='line'>’Twas the old flutter of the dying flame,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Tremulousness of being without eyes.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>At last a voice, familiar as to seem</div> + <div class='line in2'>His own, heard in his sleep and heeded not,</div> + <div class='line'>Broke through the patient whisper of his dream,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Remembered but to be as soon forgot.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>It presages some mighty morrow near</div> + <div class='line in2'>When his long baffled soul once more shall rise:</div> + <div class='line'>The muffled cycles fall upon his ear,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And his dust flutters with the centuries.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Awake, Pythagoras, it seems to say,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>The looked-for morn is breaking o’er the earth:</div> + <div class='line'>It grows, it brightens to the perfect day;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Behold man’s resurrectionary birth!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>His thoughts take shape, his pent-up senses move,</div> + <div class='line in2'>His soul looks out from that abysmal sleep.</div> + <div class='line'>Lo! shadows of the living world above</div> + <div class='line in2'>Before his eyes in dreamy pageant sweep.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And in the midst there shone a god-like youth,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who on his brow the Crown of Sorrow wore,</div> + <div class='line'>And there was meekness, innocence, and truth;—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Eidolon of his highest hope of yore.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>XX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Hath it then come at last, the world of peace?</div> + <div class='line in2'>Hath he awakened to that ampler life</div> + <div class='line'>Where hate and lust of blood shall ever cease,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And all the bitter days of human strife?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The world is hushed: must then the cycles end</div> + <div class='line in2'>That ever deepen his immortal tomb?</div> + <div class='line'>The wondrous ladder must he re-ascend</div> + <div class='line in2'>To truths revolving round a virgin womb?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Even so it seems when, hark! the upper air</div> + <div class='line in2'>Rings to the battle’s rage—the soldier’s tread</div> + <div class='line'>Echoes above his tomb! In dark despair</div> + <div class='line in2'>He turns his face unto the silent dead.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The Master sleeps—the ages onward roll—</div> + <div class='line in2'>O twice nine stormy cycles since o’erpast!</div> + <div class='line'>Bore they through eddying lives and deaths a soul</div> + <div class='line in2'>Still dreaming towards its Golden Day at last?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>XXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The heavens are as they were, the sun, unworn,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Seems on the blue of yesterday to rest,</div> + <div class='line'>And drops below; but when shall come the morn</div> + <div class='line in2'>He dreamt of, when shall break that morrow blest?</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE FIRST SAVED</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Lucilla lives in yon half-hidden star</div> + <div class='line in2'>Bowered in a dreamy, soft-skied, watery vale,</div> + <div class='line'>Where angels gather from bright worlds afar,</div> + <div class='line in2'>To see her face, and listen to her tale.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>As if all sunset revelled in the air,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The rosy clouds float o’er her paradise,—</div> + <div class='line'>Home of the once lone daughter of despair</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who prayed through tears with ever downcast eyes.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The lucent hills pant in the azure beams,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Behind empurpled steeps that blend below</div> + <div class='line'>With trembling woods and crystal-bearing streams,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in the sky-paved water-mirrors glow.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>As rising stars entangle in their spheres</div> + <div class='line in2'>All the blue ether round, her look of thought</div> + <div class='line'>Hangs in heaven’s light, where her sad life appears</div> + <div class='line in2'>A sunless vision in new sunshine wrought.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There doth she stand, bliss-stricken as by fear.</div> + <div class='line in2'>On one soft hand she rests her chin and cheek,</div> + <div class='line'>Paling with rapture ere the blush appear;</div> + <div class='line in2'>And lips in tremors whisper that would speak.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Yes, I am here, and Heaven is undefiled!</div> + <div class='line in2'>This sinless face and these all-loving eyes</div> + <div class='line'>God gave me when I was a little child,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Because I was to be in Paradise.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘I heard a voice and slavery’s loosened bond</div> + <div class='line in2'>Fell from my soul, awaking me to die;</div> + <div class='line'>I looked into death’s mirror and beyond</div> + <div class='line in2'>I saw these halls of immortality.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘My wounded heart lay in this bosom dead</div> + <div class='line in2'>Ere it had loved—yet oft as I did pray</div> + <div class='line'>That these wan hands might labour for their bread,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Hope only came to prayer but did not stay.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Sin compassed me, it was my deadly fate;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Yet lovely visions in the darkness came,</div> + <div class='line'>And I fled trembling to the Temple’s gate</div> + <div class='line in2'>But durst not cross the threshold for my shame.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘While on the Temple’s steps I sat in tears,</div> + <div class='line in2'>One came and spoke: I gazed and I adored!</div> + <div class='line'>Then did a voice that only woman hears</div> + <div class='line in2'>Whisper within: I listened, self-abhorred.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘’Twas He whose image visited my sleep.</div> + <div class='line in2'>But still He spake to me in words that gave</div> + <div class='line'>A world, and had soul-echoes clear and deep</div> + <div class='line in2'>Which widened ever like the circling wave.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘His image grew before my wondering mind—</div> + <div class='line in2'>His, ’mid whose many griefs my life began.</div> + <div class='line'>Enrapt I gazed, until my eyes were blind,</div> + <div class='line in2'>On Him who in His pity dies for man.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘When the blest vision ceased, my eyes would droop</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in great dreams that holy Being meet;</div> + <div class='line'>Then would He clothe me, lowly would He stoop,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And with His hands anoint my weary feet.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Thenceforth He was the rock that safely drew</div> + <div class='line in2'>My heart to shelter, as the gentle shore</div> + <div class='line'>Receives the broken wave: to Him it flew</div> + <div class='line in2'>And the lulled sorrow beat on me no more.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Then o’er me flowed that stream of heavenly grace</div> + <div class='line in2'>Which all my infant innocence restored:</div> + <div class='line'>From that glad hour has rested on my face</div> + <div class='line in2'>This happy gaze of one who has adored.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘The living Saviour had my heart enthralled!</div> + <div class='line in2'>I saw His face, in His blessed footsteps moved;</div> + <div class='line'>And in my dreams His holy word recalled;</div> + <div class='line in2'>I knew not who He was: I only loved.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Then did I but remember things to come,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The reveries of pure delights above;</div> + <div class='line'>Yes, to this blissful height my passion clomb,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And sin was silenced in the hush of love.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘In that o’ershadowing trance till death I lay:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Peace weighed upon me like the Saviour’s kiss.</div> + <div class='line'>Towards the beloved my eyes would fondly stray</div> + <div class='line in2'>In sleeping rapture and awaking bliss.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Death with dis-shadowed hand had come betimes,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And bore my grave into the open skies.</div> + <div class='line'>And then I hearkened to the heavenly chimes</div> + <div class='line in2'>That cheered my soul’s ascent to Paradise.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>XX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘My end seemed consummated in the clouds:</div> + <div class='line in2'>There with the purple morn my slumber broke;</div> + <div class='line'>But tempting spirits hovered round in crowds</div> + <div class='line in2'>And gathered like a storm as I awoke.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Upon the Temple’s highest pinnacle</div> + <div class='line in2'>The Saviour stood in glory like the sun.</div> + <div class='line'>The rapture of my soul was at the full:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Eternal life had unawares begun.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘He from that holy height upon me gazed;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The angels in His glorious presence trod:</div> + <div class='line'>With outstretched wings I rushed to them amazed</div> + <div class='line in2'>And flew into the open arms of God.’</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span> + <h2 class='c004'>REMINISCENCE</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>So you would leave me, little Rose?</div> + <div class='line in2'>Dear child, with all your mother’s ways;</div> + <div class='line in2'>That look she had in girlish days,</div> + <div class='line'>The look that with your beauty grows.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Oft when you bring her to my mind,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Before my heart has time for pain,</div> + <div class='line in2'>In you she seems to live again,</div> + <div class='line'>As though no sorrow were behind.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And when that happy, trustful gaze</div> + <div class='line in2'>Meets him you love, yet more I see</div> + <div class='line in2'>Your mother as she looked at me:</div> + <div class='line'>It is her own dear, watchful face.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And when he takes your hand in his,</div> + <div class='line in2'>There flits across your lips and eyes</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her own pleased smile of half surprise:</div> + <div class='line'>It seems not like departed bliss.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Ah! what a heart-locked memory stirs—</div> + <div class='line in2'>I look, ’tis she, and you are gone!</div> + <div class='line in2'>Yes, though so many springs have flown,</div> + <div class='line'>Her peace remains, our love is hers.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She sees your arms my neck enclose;</div> + <div class='line in2'>She sees your lips upon my brow.</div> + <div class='line in2'>No truer hour of love than now</div> + <div class='line'>Awaits your heart, my happy Rose!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>How they come back those days of old!</div> + <div class='line in2'>And now that ’tis your wedding-eve,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Now that for other scenes you leave,</div> + <div class='line'>One happy legend shall be told,—</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Told in this home, this sunny vale</div> + <div class='line in2'>That for long years has been our own,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Sacred in days that long have gone</div> + <div class='line'>To many another lover’s tale.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>It was an hour like this, the sun</div> + <div class='line in2'>Was sinking, yet had far to go:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The richness of his overflow</div> + <div class='line'>Down river, wood, and pasture shone.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Two lovers in this porch had met</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where often they had met in play:</div> + <div class='line in2'>’Twas on this memorable day—</div> + <div class='line'>As though that sun had never set.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>These grey-mossed tiles still ’neath it scorch;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The glare and shade still side by side</div> + <div class='line in2'>Aslant the mullioned casements glide</div> + <div class='line'>From yon old gable to the porch.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A youth has hurried from these walls—</div> + <div class='line in2'>He stops, as in a day-dream stands:</div> + <div class='line in2'>His shadow with fast-folded hands</div> + <div class='line'>As from yon stone sun-dial falls.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>His eyes are full of one loved face</div> + <div class='line in2'>Sunk pallid in her fingers cleft;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The long-loved one who just had left</div> + <div class='line'>In timid haste his wild embrace.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The love that with her childhood grew</div> + <div class='line in2'>Had still to her unruffled clung;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Engaging, playful, ever young,—</div> + <div class='line'>And without change was ever new.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Not its glad pastimes she disowns;</div> + <div class='line in2'>He drew her to a higher love;</div> + <div class='line in2'>But while the pale emotion strove</div> + <div class='line'>She fled from his impassioned tones.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Transparent isles of rushes bind</div> + <div class='line in2'>The rivers light with bars of green</div> + <div class='line in2'>That catch the water’s blue between,</div> + <div class='line'>To where it darkens in the wind.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>There lies his boat, and now the sun,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Still going westward with the stream,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Appears to tow him on his dream</div> + <div class='line'>As they advance in unison.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Along the white and yellow meads,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Which buttercup and daisy share,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The crowding cattle idly stare</div> + <div class='line'>As he winds through the matted reeds.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But her loved image fills his mind,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And, ever gazing at him, screens</div> + <div class='line in2'>His eyes from those long-happy scenes,</div> + <div class='line'>As he drifts by them, nature-blind.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>XX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The white-flowered weed whose tresses float,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Combed by the stream and water-waved,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Seems her bright hair in crystal laved,</div> + <div class='line'>Struggling to overtake his boat.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>His sculls drip o’er the glossy wash:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The ripple of the mellow tide</div> + <div class='line in2'>He scarce feels o’er their edges glide;</div> + <div class='line'>He lists not for the thrilling plash,</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But thinks, when last the tide he clove,</div> + <div class='line in2'>How bank-side elms before him flew,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And quiet lay the distant view</div> + <div class='line'>Of woodland hill where dwelt his love.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>His memory holds it as the stream</div> + <div class='line in2'>Holds all the shining summer round:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The sky, the woods, the very sound</div> + <div class='line'>Of cuckoos chanting in a dream.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>XXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And how she loved the grey old bridge!</div> + <div class='line in2'>Those arches mirrored deep below,</div> + <div class='line in2'>That meet the pillars row to row,</div> + <div class='line'>Quivering from their ruffled ridge—</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Three tunnels open to the skies!</div> + <div class='line in2'>The tasselled mosses as they float,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Now still, now heaving with the boat</div> + <div class='line'>That passes while the vision flies.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>As melt, with all the watery heaven,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Those arches hanging o’er a sky—</div> + <div class='line in2'>So in the quiet of a sigh</div> + <div class='line'>The yearnings of his soul seemed riven.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The far-off boom of yonder weir</div> + <div class='line in2'>Now rushes down the narrowed day:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Like sirens battling with the spray,</div> + <div class='line'>Once came its music to her ear.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>XXVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The sun now trembles like a ball</div> + <div class='line in2'>Heaven-forged and glittering in its blast;</div> + <div class='line in2'>A pale green halo round him cast—</div> + <div class='line'>Half quenched behind the waterfall.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>White streaks are creeping through the shade;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The moon climbs up the poplar trees:</div> + <div class='line in2'>But a loved form of light he sees,</div> + <div class='line'>As if her spirit walked the glade.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Well might it be, as since hath seemed,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>So holy are the vanished years.</div> + <div class='line in2'>But then her cheeks were under tears:</div> + <div class='line'>It was on them the moonlight gleamed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Her sobbings at his bosom fall;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Fonder than words can tell, they say</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her heart was his, half love, half play,</div> + <div class='line'>But now all love she gives it all.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>XXXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>’Twas she, your mother! While she hung</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her head, and hid her tears, and crept</div> + <div class='line in2'>To me, as one who, erring, wept;</div> + <div class='line'>Wept more the closer that she clung;</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She seemed an infant in my arms—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Kissed me as would a child bereaved:</div> + <div class='line in2'>And then, as ’twere for joy, she grieved—</div> + <div class='line'>Her heart released from its alarms.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>God bless you, Rose! That loving face—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Could she but see it! Well I knew</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her thoughts when last she looked at you,</div> + <div class='line'>Who now have grown up in her place.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Ah, leave me, Rose! these memories stir</div> + <div class='line in2'>Depths that you may not dream of, child!</div> + <div class='line in2'>These tears till now your love has wiled;</div> + <div class='line'>Leave me, that I may think of her.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE SHEPHERDESS</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>By one whose heart kept watch was heard the fame</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of a bright world that, like a ship of war,</div> + <div class='line'>Was launched in heaven beside the last that came</div> + <div class='line in2'>O’er the sky’s outer bar:</div> + <div class='line'>Her land Chaldea, she that blessed name</div> + <div class='line in2'>Gave to the coming star.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Child of a lord, they called on her to reign</div> + <div class='line in2'>O’er that old story-land whose shepherds deem</div> + <div class='line'>The stars a flock that studs a holy plain;</div> + <div class='line in2'>And she had learned in dream</div> + <div class='line'>That her loved land, through her, that star should gain</div> + <div class='line in2'>And with its blessings teem.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But heartless deeds were of her father told</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who the fair daughters, in the mountains born,</div> + <div class='line'>Had captured and to days of slavery sold</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where bends the Golden Horn:</div> + <div class='line'>A shepherd chief, who robbed his neighbour’s fold,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And took the lamb unshorn.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She bears her crook o’er living plains, her way</div> + <div class='line in2'>Through tents in which the thoughtful shepherds dwell</div> + <div class='line'>Who watch the heavens where the bright grazers stray</div> + <div class='line in2'>And think they hear the bell</div> + <div class='line'>Whose holy tinklings, as they softly play,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The fates of men foretell.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>So doth she haste to meet her shepherd-seers,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And see the promised star that shall eclipse</div> + <div class='line'>The one which filled her father’s land with tears,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And learn from their own lips</div> + <div class='line'>The happy portents that to man it bears</div> + <div class='line in2'>From the new heaven it skips.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>While Tigris and Euphrates still o’erleap</div> + <div class='line in2'>Their shallow bounds her camel slowly goes,</div> + <div class='line'>When nigh her tent, on vengeful errand, creep</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her father’s olden foes,</div> + <div class='line'>And seize her, helpless, in her noon-day sleep</div> + <div class='line in2'>While all her tribes repose.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>In a barred chamber, and in chains, a slave,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She weeps with eyes upon the Golden Horn,</div> + <div class='line'>And thinks of far-off waters as they lave</div> + <div class='line in2'>Blest homes in Capricorn,</div> + <div class='line'>Where happy beings find the Heaven that gave</div> + <div class='line in2'>To her the star new-born.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Strangers have come and through her prison-gate</div> + <div class='line in2'>They count her price and would her love allure;</div> + <div class='line'>But her eyes restless watch and wide dilate;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Their look can none endure,</div> + <div class='line'>So wild in sorrow and so mild in hate,</div> + <div class='line in2'>In majesty so pure.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>One comes towards whom the look of prayer she bends</div> + <div class='line in2'>That seems to utter ‘Thou, my star, arise!’</div> + <div class='line'>And while that heaven-adoring thought ascends</div> + <div class='line in2'>New sorrows fill her eyes,</div> + <div class='line'>That tell how Love is dead and beauty ends</div> + <div class='line in2'>When human pity dies!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>All that he has, the mystic life he bears,</div> + <div class='line in2'>What is their worth, her soul in slavery?</div> + <div class='line'>He pays the ransom, breaks the chain she wears,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As though some god were he:</div> + <div class='line'>Voiceless, she offers up to him the tears</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her anguish has set free.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Handmaids and armed protectors are at hand,</div> + <div class='line in2'>All that to queenly power and pomp pertains,</div> + <div class='line'>And, passing waters from the stranger-land,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her star-roofed home she gains,</div> + <div class='line'>Where her sleek camels, crimson-girded, stand</div> + <div class='line in2'>To bear her o’er the plains.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>In her slow path the faithful seers arrive</div> + <div class='line in2'>And with prophetic tidings bid her cheer:</div> + <div class='line'>That night, they tell, the older worlds shall strive,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As the new star comes near,</div> + <div class='line'>And into depths of unknown darkness dive</div> + <div class='line in2'>And find no other sphere.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But little heed gives she to their appeals:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The coming star, alas! not yet is found;</div> + <div class='line'>Deep-sighing in her silence, she reveals</div> + <div class='line in2'>A heart in slavery bound:</div> + <div class='line'>Her bonds are there, and there it is she feels</div> + <div class='line in2'>The chain about her wound.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>’Mid joyous shouts she sees her open gates,</div> + <div class='line in2'>But enters not, up-gazing in the thought</div> + <div class='line'>That never sleeps or in her breast abates,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where is the star she sought!</div> + <div class='line'>But now a greater seer her advent waits;</div> + <div class='line in2'>He hath the tidings brought.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘The hour is come, the star is now in sight;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Portents of blessed change the heavens bestrew:</div> + <div class='line'>The shepherds upward gaze, the air is bright,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The sky is gold and blue,</div> + <div class='line'>The ancient stars are on their downward flight</div> + <div class='line in2'>And others come anew.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘And in the shower of burning worlds, self-hurled</div> + <div class='line in2'>From heaven to heaven, a lord is on his way</div> + <div class='line'>Around whose hosts the golden dust is whirled,</div> + <div class='line in2'>While, in divine array,</div> + <div class='line'>Green floats his shepherd-banner, wide-unfurled,</div> + <div class='line in2'>With flocks thereon at play.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The hour has come in clouds that hurry o’er</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her palace towers, and scatter while the rays</div> + <div class='line'>Of new-made light upon the valleys pour;</div> + <div class='line in2'>While flocks awake and graze,</div> + <div class='line'>And shepherds sing and the new star adore:</div> + <div class='line in2'>But she, beholding, prays.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The seer of seers stands forth, he takes her hands;</div> + <div class='line in2'>He cries, ‘Thy star is come! Be it to thee</div> + <div class='line'>A rich reward and to these teeming lands;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The lord, who made thee free,</div> + <div class='line'>Now in his earthly place before thee stands,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Thy guiding-star to be.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She looks at heaven; afar the cloud-vane drifts;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her face is pale, he comes, the lord is found:</div> + <div class='line'>She kneels, once more his slave; the stranger lifts</div> + <div class='line in2'>The virgin from the ground,</div> + <div class='line'>And offers up for sacred wedding gifts</div> + <div class='line in2'>The chains her heart had bound.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span> + <h2 class='c004'>FAREWELL TO NATURE</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Vain love for Nature! How these heartaches rust</div> + <div class='line'>Into the soul as we return to dust!</div> + <div class='line'>Hope’s shadow only masks our eventide,</div> + <div class='line'>Feigning to lead us to its brighter side,</div> + <div class='line'>While yet the mellowing skies that wondrous grow,</div> + <div class='line'>Seem left in waiting for the dead below.</div> + <div class='line'>But those tranced sunsets,—little they avail,</div> + <div class='line'>None travel hence in their alluring trail;</div> + <div class='line'>All is a dream, an ancient dream, the same</div> + <div class='line'>From the first mortal to the last that came.</div> + <div class='line'>Yet could we but for once our eyes unclose</div> + <div class='line'>When through the distant days the pageant goes!</div> + <div class='line'>Familiar vision, and so soon to be</div> + <div class='line'>Entombed within the dead eternity.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Doth Nature know our dream, or is the mind</div> + <div class='line'>A passing breath her beauty leaves behind?</div> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>Ah! not for this our grateful souls have wrought</div> + <div class='line'>Around her sphere a universe of thought.</div> + <div class='line'>’Tis she inspires our dreams, but no reply</div> + <div class='line'>Vouchsafes the loving hearts that for her die,</div> + <div class='line'>Who only pray, when life’s surprise is o’er,</div> + <div class='line'>They may partake a glimpse of her once more.</div> + <div class='line'>Is it too late? She sees not to the end;</div> + <div class='line'>What she hath done she never can amend:</div> + <div class='line'>Yet once by us beloved, once only known,</div> + <div class='line'>She seems from all the past to be our own.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Last wish of age! How sweet one glance would be</div> + <div class='line'>Even from the sod the olden haunts to see;</div> + <div class='line'>To watch the long-drawn wavelets as they reach</div> + <div class='line'>The silent plains of the deserted beach;</div> + <div class='line'>To look where light once was, if but to know</div> + <div class='line'>Of its faint struggle through the winnowed snow.</div> + <div class='line'>Ah! whence this dream that like the cuckoo-guest</div> + <div class='line'>Pleads in such winning accents for a nest,</div> + <div class='line'>And with its cloud-note ever on us calls,</div> + <div class='line'>And though it passes the fond heart enthralls?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Little it seems, this wish, when oft our sight</div> + <div class='line'>Tires of the world, yet what a fresh delight</div> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>Were it sometimes in death those scenes to view,</div> + <div class='line'>The olden scenes that to our youth were new,</div> + <div class='line'>To linger o’er a sound whose murmurs swell</div> + <div class='line'>Upon the heart,—the tinkling village bell,—</div> + <div class='line'>To find that all was safe, all gliding on</div> + <div class='line'>In beauty’s leisure ways though we were gone;</div> + <div class='line'>To see brave Nature in her perilous scheme</div> + <div class='line'>Advance without our help, without our dream.</div> + <div class='line'>At least ’twould hold ajar death’s open door</div> + <div class='line'>To think our love was honoured evermore,—</div> + <div class='line'>In dying, on the forward thought to dwell</div> + <div class='line'>That it was not our very last farewell.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Could hope unveil and not its mystic fire</div> + <div class='line'>Be lost among the embers of desire!</div> + <div class='line'>Ill though desponding hearts their burden bear,</div> + <div class='line'>Is not the soul the master of despair?</div> + <div class='line'>Is this great life, hard won, achieved in vain,</div> + <div class='line'>Is good once found to never be again?</div> + <div class='line'>Ask of the worlds if they their path forget,</div> + <div class='line'>Ask hope that never ends, its time to set.</div> + <div class='line'>One deep desire throughout all being cries,</div> + <div class='line'>And this is hope, our future in disguise.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>O living lamp, O Hope, the only Seer;</div> + <div class='line'>Of Nature’s after-time the pioneer,</div> + <div class='line'>Keep in advance across our starless way,</div> + <div class='line'>Be the new morrow of our orphan day!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE POET’S FEAST</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The golden feast for jovial souls prepare</div> + <div class='line in2'>Whose wants the wants of nature far exceed;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The nectar of the sun such palates need;</div> + <div class='line'>To them the fatted calf is vulgar fare.</div> + <div class='line'>Earth’s dripping fruits may wandering Arabs share</div> + <div class='line in2'>Pleased with the pulp and juice whereon they feed;</div> + <div class='line in2'>And bread alone is still the poor man’s meed,</div> + <div class='line'>Though milk abound and honey be to spare.</div> + <div class='line'>So dreams the Poet, with his crust content:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The crumbs that from the rich man’s table fall</div> + <div class='line'>To him are sorry signs of merriment</div> + <div class='line in2'>To show the world has food enough for all.</div> + <div class='line'>At festive boards he has but little part—</div> + <div class='line'>To him ’twas given to feed on his own heart.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE EXILE</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>They bore her to the northern snows</div> + <div class='line in2'>Whose floods down ice-domed caverns run,</div> + <div class='line'>From lands where that calm river flows</div> + <div class='line in2'>Whose depths decoy the vagrant sun,</div> + <div class='line'>Where palms o’er latticed shadows rise</div> + <div class='line'>With boughs that web the sultry skies.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Where roses climb the scent-steeped hills</div> + <div class='line in2'>And channelled leaves with dew-drops flash,</div> + <div class='line'>Bending beneath the trickled rills</div> + <div class='line in2'>That fall and the pink clusters splash;</div> + <div class='line'>Where aloe-flowers, all flaming red,</div> + <div class='line'>Like watch-fires o’er the summit spread.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>They bore her to a desert plain</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where the dry, creviced mosses cling,</div> + <div class='line'>Sand-sprinkled as by drizzling rain;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where dark and ragged pine-boughs swing,</div> + <div class='line'>And the free cygnet in its flight</div> + <div class='line'>Darts with a meteor’s wingèd light.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Her father, last of mighty lords</div> + <div class='line in2'>Whose deeds the war-like peasants tell,</div> + <div class='line'>Fearless had met the northern hordes</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in the battle’s frenzy fell.</div> + <div class='line'>Full-armed he sleeps, and still the brave</div> + <div class='line'>Salute him as they pass his grave.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Now young, she thinks not of her race</div> + <div class='line in2'>But feels its glory and its pride.</div> + <div class='line'>She still recalls her mother’s face</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who in her stately sorrow died,</div> + <div class='line'>And those large eyes her image keep,</div> + <div class='line'>And dream beside it in love’s sleep.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Eyes that are of the sultry zone—</div> + <div class='line in2'>That ofttimes in their musing moods</div> + <div class='line'>See rosy banks that seem their own</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where lies the waste: her olive-woods,</div> + <div class='line'>Her sky with cypress-skirted folds,</div> + <div class='line'>All that she loves, her heart remoulds.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>As in a desert one red rose</div> + <div class='line in2'>Seems like a garden full of bloom,</div> + <div class='line'>She charms the wilderness, and throws</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her own bright colours o’er its gloom;</div> + <div class='line'>Then at the falling cone’s rebound</div> + <div class='line'>Pomegranates gild the enchanted ground.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And lest when dear illusions come</div> + <div class='line in2'>They melt o’er-fast, she hides her eyes,</div> + <div class='line'>And feigns to see her native home,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And shouts in play her soul’s surprise.</div> + <div class='line'>So while the southern glory burns</div> + <div class='line'>The haunting vision still returns.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When spring bursts o’er the wintry plain</div> + <div class='line in2'>And violet skies dissolve in spray,</div> + <div class='line'>And marsh-pools echo drops of rain</div> + <div class='line in2'>That o’er the bud’s new secret play,</div> + <div class='line'>Her soul seems darting from her eyes</div> + <div class='line'>To snatch at nature’s rhapsodies.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The serf who toils upon the road</div> + <div class='line in2'>From waste to waste with back that bears</div> + <div class='line'>Across the steppes another’s load,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>With eyes that homeward gaze in tears,—</div> + <div class='line'>Chills not for long a heart that glows</div> + <div class='line'>In its own fire ’mid northern snows.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Where plough may delve or harrow graze,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She tramps beside the sluggish team</div> + <div class='line'>As fain to urge its tardy pace:</div> + <div class='line in2'>And when she drifts into some dream</div> + <div class='line'>Her laugh, her look of childish glee,</div> + <div class='line'>Is still the joy of memory.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But fears flash o’er her mellow eyes</div> + <div class='line in2'>When gaunt sand-fountains, side by side,</div> + <div class='line'>Like giants in the distance rise,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Pass slowly by and onward glide,</div> + <div class='line'>Like shadows from her father’s land</div> + <div class='line'>That seek some rumoured icy strand.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Then day breaks through a sullen sky;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The keen air shivers;—doth she know</div> + <div class='line'>The blackened clouds now sailing by</div> + <div class='line in2'>Are freighted with the virgin snow?</div> + <div class='line'>Dark ships of winter that unload</div> + <div class='line'>The widespread famine they forbode.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The snow-flakes build a prison-wall</div> + <div class='line in2'>That slants high o’er her window sill;</div> + <div class='line'>She watches while they slowly fall,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Till heaven appears a sinking hill,</div> + <div class='line'>And darkness gathers o’er her mind:</div> + <div class='line'>Home is too far for hope to find.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>In new despair she sees heaven’s sand</div> + <div class='line in2'>Has drifted o’er her cottage gate!</div> + <div class='line'>She fears that now her native land</div> + <div class='line in2'>Is like the desert desolate.</div> + <div class='line'>The snow still falls and still it clings,</div> + <div class='line'>Soft dropped like insects’ broken wings.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Through the strange dusk she hears the shriek</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of trees snapped by the dreaded wind;</div> + <div class='line'>The casements shake, the rafters creak;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Ah! could she now her mother find!</div> + <div class='line'>With timid wings too weak for flight</div> + <div class='line'>She hangs upon the edge of night.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A wind’s moan utters, ‘Stir and go’:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Upon its gust she seems to glide</div> + <div class='line'>Towards lands beyond the falling snow</div> + <div class='line in2'>But reaches not its further side.</div> + <div class='line'>She drops on the cold hilly steeps</div> + <div class='line'>And in her distant reverie sleeps.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>No longer now the large-eyed child,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who draws her charm so fresh from heaven,</div> + <div class='line'>Gives up its beauty to the wild;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The spell of infant faith is riven:</div> + <div class='line'>Where the sun’s tender rays were sown</div> + <div class='line'>Stones have sprung up and ice-fields grown.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The spring still comes, when shallow snows</div> + <div class='line in2'>Melt o’er a crisping flame of green</div> + <div class='line'>Wherein the nestled herbage glows</div> + <div class='line in2'>Through its white shell,—but there is seen</div> + <div class='line'>A heart that still unthawed remains;</div> + <div class='line'>An exile of the loveless plains.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>When winter’s sun through summer shines,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The joys are banished that she brought:</div> + <div class='line'>For home, not dreams of home, she pines;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Thought is the food of famished thought.</div> + <div class='line'>It is her heart-corroding hour:</div> + <div class='line'>The rose-tree is without a flower.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>XXI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She feeds in broken reveries</div> + <div class='line in2'>On her chilled soul: within the light</div> + <div class='line'>Of those black lashes, those dark eyes,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The paling cheek seems over-bright,</div> + <div class='line'>With lips, like hanging fruit, whose hue</div> + <div class='line'>Is ruby ’neath a bloom of blue.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The friends who love her as their own</div> + <div class='line in2'>Stir self-upbraidings in her breast,</div> + <div class='line'>For in their midst she is alone</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in their peace is without rest.</div> + <div class='line'>Is there some home by them forgot?</div> + <div class='line'>Exiles they seem and suffer not.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Their native games to her impart</div> + <div class='line in2'>A fitful joy, that sad appears,</div> + <div class='line'>Only because her eyes and heart</div> + <div class='line in2'>Are vacant, and have room for tears.</div> + <div class='line'>She knows not yet ’tis love’s first throe:</div> + <div class='line'>The snowdrop breaking through the snow.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>XXIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>At length comes one whose love ere told</div> + <div class='line in2'>Seems wafted o’er a flowery plain,</div> + <div class='line'>And brings her back that charm of old:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The days of childhood live again;</div> + <div class='line'>Griefs softened into joys return;</div> + <div class='line'>In love’s new-kindled incense burn.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>In silver-crimson trappings gay,</div> + <div class='line in2'>His tinkling barbs with billowy manes</div> + <div class='line'>Toss their strong necks before his sleigh—</div> + <div class='line in2'>And he has crossed the snowy plains.</div> + <div class='line'>She hails him, and, with heart aflame,</div> + <div class='line'>She wonders how such passion came.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Beauty and man’s strong soul are his.</div> + <div class='line in2'>Be the earth bare, paved o’er with ice,</div> + <div class='line'>’Tis full even to its dome in bliss:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The desert is her paradise,</div> + <div class='line'>Where now the hourly deepening sky</div> + <div class='line'>Rains down on her love’s mystery.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>XXVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She hears his love and hears no more.</div> + <div class='line in2'>As waves might cease to beat, as winds</div> + <div class='line'>Might drop away on some charmed shore,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The word a soul-deep echo finds—</div> + <div class='line'>All her fond life is without breath,</div> + <div class='line'>And sinks away in rapturous death.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>New paths to home are overlaid</div> + <div class='line in2'>With such deep sunshine, not a tree</div> + <div class='line'>In densest woods can cast a shade.</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her glorious soul again is free,—</div> + <div class='line'>Free in those bonds of love that wind</div> + <div class='line'>In bliss about the heart they bind.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XXIX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Warmer than in its childhood’s flush</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her cheek in this new passion glows;</div> + <div class='line'>Not softer is the fitful blush</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of lily ’neath the swaying rose.</div> + <div class='line'>Her head droops not as when she pined,</div> + <div class='line'>Now bowed in love’s own southern wind.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>XXX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A sun of passion is above;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her home is here,—in cloudless eyes</div> + <div class='line'>She sees the birth-place of her love,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And snows dissolve in burning skies.</div> + <div class='line'>Palm-leaves above her seem to bow</div> + <div class='line'>When bridal roses wreathe her brow.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE SIBYL</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A maid who mindful of her playful time</div> + <div class='line in2'>Steps to her summer, bearing childhood on</div> + <div class='line'>To woman’s beauty, heedless of her prime:</div> + <div class='line in2'>The early day but not the pastime gone:</div> + <div class='line'>She is the Sibyl, uttering a doom</div> + <div class='line'>Out of her spotless bloom.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She is the Sibyl; seek not, then, her voice;—</div> + <div class='line in2'>A laugh, a song, a sorrow, but thy share,</div> + <div class='line'>With woes at hand for many who rejoice</div> + <div class='line in2'>That she shall utter; that shall many hear;</div> + <div class='line'>That warn all hearts who seek of her their fates,</div> + <div class='line'>Her love but one awaits.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She is the Sibyl; days that distant lie</div> + <div class='line in2'>Bend to the promise that her word shall give;</div> + <div class='line'>Already hath she eyes that prophesy,</div> + <div class='line in2'>For of her beauty shall all beauty live:</div> + <div class='line'>Unknown to her, in her slow opening bloom,</div> + <div class='line'>She turns the leaves of doom.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE PAINTER</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Summer has done her work,’ the painter cries,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And saunters down his garden by the shore.</div> + <div class='line'>‘The fig is cracked and dry; upon it lies,</div> + <div class='line in2'>In crystals, the sweet oozing of its core.</div> + <div class='line'>The peach melts in its dusk and yellow bloom,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Grapes cluster to the earth in diadems</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of dripping purple; from their slender stems,</div> + <div class='line'>’Mid paler leaves, the dark-green citrons loom.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Summer has done her work; she, lingering, sees</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her shady places glare: yet cooler grow</div> + <div class='line'>The breezes as they stir the sunny trees</div> + <div class='line in2'>Whose shaking twigs their ruby berries sow.</div> + <div class='line'>Ripe is the fairy-grass, we breathe its seeds,</div> + <div class='line in2'>But, hanging o’er the rocks that belt the shore,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Safe from the sea, above its bustling roar,</div> + <div class='line'>Here ripen, still, the blossom-swinging weeds.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Pale cressets on the summer waters shine,</div> + <div class='line in2'>No ripple there but flings its jet of fire.</div> + <div class='line'>Rich amber wrack still bronzing in the brine</div> + <div class='line in2'>Is tossed ashore in daylight to expire.</div> + <div class='line'>Here wallowing waves the rocky shoal enwreathe,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And in loose spray, cascades of bubbles fall,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And steeps of watery, coral-mantled wall</div> + <div class='line'>Drink of the billow, and the sunshine breathe.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Summer has done her work, but mine remains.</div> + <div class='line in2'>How shall I shape these ever-murmuring waves,</div> + <div class='line'>How interweave these rumours and refrains,</div> + <div class='line in2'>These wind-tossed echoes of the listening caves?</div> + <div class='line'>The restless rocky roar, the billow’s splash,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And the all-hushing shingle—hark! it blends,</div> + <div class='line in2'>In open melody that never ends,</div> + <div class='line'>The drone, the cavern-whisper, and the clash.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘And this wide ruin of a once new shore</div> + <div class='line in2'>Scooped by new waves to waves of solid rock,</div> + <div class='line'>Dark-shelving, white-veined, as if marbled o’er</div> + <div class='line in2'>By the fresh surf still trickling block to block!</div> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>O worn-out waves of night, long set aside—</div> + <div class='line in2'>The moulded storm in dead, contending rage,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Like monster-breakers of a by-gone age!</div> + <div class='line'>And now the gentle waters o’er you ride.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Can my hand darken in swift rings of flight</div> + <div class='line in2'>The air-path cut by the black sea-bird’s wings,</div> + <div class='line'>Then fill the dubious track with influent light,</div> + <div class='line in2'>While to my eyes the vanished vision clings?</div> + <div class='line'>While at their sudden whirr the billows start,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Can my hand hush the cymbal-sounding sea,</div> + <div class='line in2'>That breaks with louder roar its reverie</div> + <div class='line'>As those fast pinions into silence dart?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Press on, ye summer waves, still gently swell,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>The rainbow’s parent-waters overrun!</div> + <div class='line'>Can my poor brush your snaky greenness tell,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Raising your sidelong bellies to the sun?</div> + <div class='line'>What touch can pour you in yon pool of blue</div> + <div class='line in2'>Circled with surging froth of liquid snow,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Which now dissolves to emerald, now below</div> + <div class='line'>Glazes the sunken rocks with umber hue?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Summer has done her work; dare I begin—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Painting a desert, though my pencil craves</div> + <div class='line'>To intertwine all tints with heaven akin?</div> + <div class='line in2'>Nature has flung her palette to the waves!</div> + <div class='line'>Then bid my eyes on cloudy landscape dwell,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Not revel in thy blaze, O beauteous scene!</div> + <div class='line in2'>Between thy art and mine is nature’s screen,—</div> + <div class='line'>Transparent only to the soul,—farewell!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Oh! could I paint thee with these ravished eyes,—</div> + <div class='line in2'>Catch in my hollow palm thy overflow,</div> + <div class='line'>Who broadcast fling’st away thy witcheries!</div> + <div class='line in2'>Yet would I not desponding turn and go.</div> + <div class='line'>Be it a feeble hand to thee I raise,</div> + <div class='line in2'>’Tis still the worship of the soul within:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Summer has done her work,—let mine begin,</div> + <div class='line'>Though as the grass it wither in thy blaze.’</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE SUN-WORSHIPPER</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>As a wild comet through the night she hies,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her face bent towards the temple of the sun,</div> + <div class='line'>With golden hair that on the darkness lies</div> + <div class='line in2'>Like break of dawn when daylight, scarce begun,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Meanders into flame whose flashes run</div> + <div class='line'>Along the lower skies.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Soon as the sun lifts up the morning haze</div> + <div class='line in2'>She rushes towards him; sinks unto the ground</div> + <div class='line'>And, clasping the all-shining Presence, prays</div> + <div class='line in2'>In his first beams: again her god is found;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The startled shadows that her heart surround</div> + <div class='line'>Are dizzy in his rays.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Thee I adore, O Sun! this heart is thine!</div> + <div class='line in2'>The youth who blindly claims its ecstasy</div> + <div class='line'>Seeks not thy temple, honours not thy shrine;</div> + <div class='line in2'>He kneels not, utters not his vows to thee,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who all the worlds beyond this world canst see,</div> + <div class='line'>And mak’st all things divine.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The sunflowers turn to heaven as still she kneels;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Shall then her heart its coming vow deplore?</div> + <div class='line'>Not uttered yet, all utterance it reveals,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And she restrains her ecstasy no more:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her burning lips the hasty vow outpour</div> + <div class='line'>Which her heart-trouble seals.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Never, O Sun! till sinking in the west</div> + <div class='line in2'>Thou risest where thy wondrous setting spreads,</div> + <div class='line'>While all who love thee slumber in thy rest,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Shall he, who proudly in thy presence treads,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Enthrall me in the light his beauty sheds,</div> + <div class='line'>Or wed me to his breast!’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Silence has tongues; she hears a sister say,</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘List to the voice of thy companion-mind!</div> + <div class='line'>Thy love is still the same as yesterday;</div> + <div class='line in2'>It has not passed, it only lags behind,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And thou art lonely as the wistful wind</div> + <div class='line'>Thou meet’st upon the way.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Yet she repeats her vow, her heart in pain,</div> + <div class='line in2'>To draw some love from heaven, as from the well</div> + <div class='line'>Whose radiant springs she once craved not in vain:</div> + <div class='line in2'>But ebbing hope allures her by its spell</div> + <div class='line in2'>To past despair, on other days to dwell,—</div> + <div class='line'>And suffer them again.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Across the hills of heliotrope she creeps,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Or winds within the many-shadowed wolds,</div> + <div class='line'>Till once again the sun her pathway sweeps,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And from her weary feet the way withholds;</div> + <div class='line in2'>The sacred flowers embrace her in their folds;</div> + <div class='line'>From dawn to dawn she sleeps.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She sleeps; so still, not even her shadow veers,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Save when from side to side the moonflood roves;</div> + <div class='line'>But in sky-dreams the sun to her appears,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Yet with the visage of the one she loves;—</div> + <div class='line in2'>All through her sleep in phantom light he moves,</div> + <div class='line'>And still that face he bears.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She sleeps, and with the beaming of a bride</div> + <div class='line in2'>Beholds that face; ah! never to be wed!</div> + <div class='line'>Yet why a tear, no sorrow shall betide:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Though distant borne, his rays on her are shed;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her soul, along his way of glory sped,</div> + <div class='line'>Shall in his light abide.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She wakes up with the sun, but in his rise</div> + <div class='line in2'>Sees the rich twilight of her love-dream wane:</div> + <div class='line'>Day seems to sink in the deserted skies,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Whose broken, many-coloured beams remain</div> + <div class='line in2'>As of her dream whose night comes back again;</div> + <div class='line'>’Twas dawn had closed her eyes.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The cloud-slopes blossom still, but cold and lone;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Down them she floated in those heavenly dreams,</div> + <div class='line'>And still the veil that o’er her slumbers shone</div> + <div class='line in2'>Hangs gold-wrought in the fervour of those beams.</div> + <div class='line in2'>She kneels while watching the last fading gleams</div> + <div class='line'>O’er the grey twilight thrown.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>With speechless lips she questions the chill blaze:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Behold the sun returns; that brighter flush</div> + <div class='line'>Were surely day? Yet she mistrusts her gaze</div> + <div class='line in2'>Though the light widens and with lordly rush</div> + <div class='line in2'>The sun bursts forth in morning’s youthful blush</div> + <div class='line'>And floods the heaven with rays.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Trembling she sees the paleness of her face</div> + <div class='line in2'>In those white clouds which now the sun surround,</div> + <div class='line'>Who doth in heaven his spectral way retrace.</div> + <div class='line in2'>Behold, the days brought back, the hours unwound,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The angry sun unto the zenith bound</div> + <div class='line'>And the pale moon replace!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Perplexed, all lost, she staggers to the height</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where the twelve pillars in their beauty shine,</div> + <div class='line'>The temple circling in the blessed light;</div> + <div class='line in2'>There prostrate doth she o’er her vow repine;</div> + <div class='line in2'>But fears to meet the arbiter divine</div> + <div class='line'>Who banishes the night.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>From the lone steps at length she looks above:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Behold, the face is there that filled her dreams;</div> + <div class='line'>The youth adored, triumphant o’er her love,</div> + <div class='line in2'>There radiant shines amid descending beams;</div> + <div class='line in2'>His lustrous hair in the rich sunshine streams,</div> + <div class='line'>With golden lights inwove.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She lifts her arms, she falls upon the face</div> + <div class='line in2'>She loved in heaven; her yearning heart, too blest,</div> + <div class='line'>Doth in deep sobs its erring way retrace.</div> + <div class='line in2'>All passion weeps, while gathers in her breast</div> + <div class='line in2'>A bliss that bears her spirit to its rest</div> + <div class='line'>In that divine embrace.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE INSCRUTABLE</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Dread under-life whose dreams</div> + <div class='line in2'>Along the midnight rush,</div> + <div class='line'>Poured out like cavern-streams</div> + <div class='line in2'>That from the darkness gush,</div> + <div class='line'>A murderous thought has issued forth to flood</div> + <div class='line'>A maiden’s sleep in blood.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He that hath swum the heaven</div> + <div class='line in2'>Of woman’s loving eyes—</div> + <div class='line'>To him a dream is given,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As helplessly he lies,</div> + <div class='line'>A dream that never nigh his thought had passed,</div> + <div class='line'>Till in that slumber cast.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He loves her and she loves,</div> + <div class='line in2'>But stern her father’s heart</div> + <div class='line'>That every passion moves</div> + <div class='line in2'>Their holy hope to thwart.</div> + <div class='line'>Can they, meek sleepers, on dream-demons call</div> + <div class='line'>To burst the iron thrall?</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>That night in dreams that sway</div> + <div class='line in2'>The soul to shedding blood,</div> + <div class='line'>One hears his own voice say</div> + <div class='line in2'>In sleep’s half-weary mood,</div> + <div class='line'>‘Take down your father’s sword and quickly slide</div> + <div class='line'>The blade into his side.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Disguise the seeming guilt,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And bend his fingers round,</div> + <div class='line'>And put them on the hilt,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And leave him to his wound.’</div> + <div class='line'>In that strange dream until the break of day,</div> + <div class='line'>Asleep the lover lay.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>He wakes, aghast; he strives</div> + <div class='line in2'>To get the vision hence</div> + <div class='line'>That into morning lives,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And fastens on his sense.</div> + <div class='line'>’Tis but a dream, but should her hand fulfil</div> + <div class='line'>His will within her will!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>She comes up wild and pale,</div> + <div class='line in2'>She wrings her hands in pain,</div> + <div class='line'>She utters with a wail—</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘Who hath my father slain!</div> + <div class='line'>My anguished heart sobbed all night in its sleep;</div> + <div class='line'>I felt it sob and weep.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘I saw you while I slept,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And to my dream you spoke;</div> + <div class='line'>All night your words I kept,</div> + <div class='line in2'>I heard them when I woke:</div> + <div class='line'>“Take down your father’s sword and quickly slide</div> + <div class='line'>The blade into his side.”</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘“Disguise the seeming guilt,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And bend his fingers round,</div> + <div class='line'>And put them on the hilt,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And leave him to his wound.”</div> + <div class='line'>O the false voice, that it so true should seem</div> + <div class='line'>In that unthought-of dream!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘I hurried to the bed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>I saw that he was slain,</div> + <div class='line'>I saw the blood was shed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>I saw the deep,—deep stain.</div> + <div class='line'>His sword was in his side,—thrust,—to the hilt,—</div> + <div class='line'>His fingers took the guilt.’</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE WEDDING RING</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16'>LADY</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Give me a ring, good jeweller,</div> + <div class='line in2'>By no one worn before,</div> + <div class='line'>And you shall boast you gave it her</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who wears it evermore.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in12 c002'>JEWELLER</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Then it shall be a ruby ring,</div> + <div class='line in2'>With hoop of richest gold,</div> + <div class='line'>And it shall be my offering</div> + <div class='line in2'>For benefits of old.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>LADY</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘A ruby ring it must not be,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Which is a thing to shine;</div> + <div class='line'>An iron ring is best for me,</div> + <div class='line in2'>No other can be mine.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in12 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>JEWELLER</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘But surely such a ring ’twere sad</div> + <div class='line in2'>To see a lady wear</div> + <div class='line'>Among her guests in jewels clad,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And she so young and fair.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>LADY</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘An iron ring is all I crave</div> + <div class='line in2'>Upon my wedding night,</div> + <div class='line'>For I must wear it in the grave,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where it is out of sight.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in12 c002'>JEWELLER</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Is it to be a ring to bind</div> + <div class='line in2'>Your heart in wedlock’s bond,</div> + <div class='line'>Or but to link the day behind</div> + <div class='line in2'>And days that are beyond?’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>LADY</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘It is to link me to his peace</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who is not far away;</div> + <div class='line'>And when her lonely term may cease,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The bride shall with him stay.’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in12 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>JEWELLER</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘Who is this bridegroom you would wed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And yet for ever mourn,</div> + <div class='line'>As though you would espouse the dead,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who never can return?’</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in16 c002'>LADY</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>‘It is the dead I would espouse,</div> + <div class='line in2'>With him lie side by side;</div> + <div class='line'>There is a chamber in his house</div> + <div class='line in2'>He furnished for his bride.’</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span> + <h2 class='c004'>LET THE DEAD BURY THEIR DEAD</h2> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div><span class='sc'>Luke</span> ix. 60</div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Where marshes venom-steeped the life-breeze taint</div> + <div class='line in2'>And fitful meteors lap the watery wild,</div> + <div class='line'>A moon sinks in the cloud-mire, dazed and faint,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Its pearly flush defiled,</div> + <div class='line'>Halo’d in sallow vapours like a saint</div> + <div class='line in2'>Through paths impure beguiled.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But worse the gloom within the castle walls</div> + <div class='line in2'>Where moans the lord whom pestilence devours:</div> + <div class='line'>The serfs awe-stricken flee his festering halls,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The plague-star o’er him lowers,</div> + <div class='line'>On his glazed eyes the fatal glimmer falls</div> + <div class='line in2'>While night weighs down his towers.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A crescent moon whose advent stays the pest</div> + <div class='line in2'>Embalms the dead with heavenly obsequies,</div> + <div class='line'>But there are none to bear him to his rest,</div> + <div class='line in2'>His body shroudless lies;</div> + <div class='line'>Anointed not, by pious rites unblest,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Unto the grave he cries.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>A great half-moon now dominates the dome,</div> + <div class='line in2'>With stern upbraidings yet not less benign:</div> + <div class='line'>But the blank gazers to his final home</div> + <div class='line in2'>The dead dare not consign,</div> + <div class='line'>Lured on by sullen spectres of the gloam</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who their own dead enshrine.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Again the drowsy marshes pillow night</div> + <div class='line in2'>And darkness severs sky and earth in two,</div> + <div class='line'>But with a rush of cloud dispersing might</div> + <div class='line in2'>A full moon hurries through;</div> + <div class='line'>The corpse is shrouded as in living light,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The castle walls look new.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The heaven is one blue wave; it seems to break</div> + <div class='line in2'>While lucid spray with dreamlight floods the air:</div> + <div class='line'>The coffins in the quickened graveyards quake,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The bones know they are there,</div> + <div class='line'>And ghostly shades their buried depths forsake</div> + <div class='line in2'>To gather in the glare.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>As dusk descends, by its scared rays illumed,</div> + <div class='line in2'>A soul-procession dense and denser grows:</div> + <div class='line'>Hearse after hearse night-horsed and sable-plumed</div> + <div class='line in2'>A mirage heavenward throws:</div> + <div class='line'>The newly dead is by the dead entombed</div> + <div class='line in2'>And nature has repose.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span> + <h2 class='c004'>THE GOLDEN WEDDING</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The day but not the bride is come,</div> + <div class='line in2'>As in her blossom-time;</div> + <div class='line'>But golden lights sustain the home</div> + <div class='line in2'>She cherished in her prime.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>May we not call upon the band?</div> + <div class='line in2'>May we not ask the priest?</div> + <div class='line'>Our golden wedding is at hand,</div> + <div class='line in2'>And we shall hold a feast.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But where is he in snow-white stole</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who the old service read,</div> + <div class='line'>That made us one in heart and soul?</div> + <div class='line in2'>Long, long has he been dead.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The bridesmaids clad in silken fold</div> + <div class='line in2'>Who waited on the bride,</div> + <div class='line'>Where are they now? Their tale is told:</div> + <div class='line in2'>Long, long ago they died.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>Where is the groomsman, chosen friend,</div> + <div class='line in2'>The true, the well-beloved;</div> + <div class='line'>His term, alas! is at an end;</div> + <div class='line in2'>Too soon was he removed.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Where is the bride, ah! such a bride</div> + <div class='line in2'>As every joy foretells?</div> + <div class='line'>I see her walking by my side,</div> + <div class='line in2'>I hear the wedding-bells.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Where is she now? That we should say</div> + <div class='line in2'>She did not live to know</div> + <div class='line'>How passed her silver wedding-day,</div> + <div class='line in2'>So many years ago!</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>But come, and for your mother’s sake,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Though vain it were to weep,</div> + <div class='line'>Let us the silent feast partake,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Her golden wedding keep.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div><span class='small'>Printed by T. and A. <span class='sc'>Constable</span>, Printers to Her Majesty, at the Edinburgh University Press.</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='pbb'> + <hr class='pb c003'> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c009'> + <div><span class='large'>List of Books</span></div> + <div class='c003'>in</div> + <div class='c003'><span class='xlarge'>Belles Lettres</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='figcenter id001'> +<img src='images/i_belles_lettres.jpg' alt='An ornate, black-and-white illustrated publisher's mark featuring a decorative, wrought-iron style border enclosing stylized calligraphy that reads: 'Elkin Mathews & John Lane: Publishers and Vendors of Choice & Rare Editions in Belles Lettres.'' class='ig001'> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> + <div class='nf-center'> + <div>ALL BOOKS IN THIS CATALOGUE</div> + <div>ARE PUBLISHED AT NET PRICES</div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-l'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><i>1894</i></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-r'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><i>Telegraphic Address</i>—</div> + <div class='line in2'>‘<span class='sc'>Bodleian, London</span>’</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c006'>A word must be said for the manner in which the publishers +have produced the volume (<i>i.e.</i> “The Earth Fiend”), a +sumptuous folio, printed by <span class='sc'>Constable</span>, the etchings on Japanese +paper by <span class='sc'>Mr. Goulding</span>. The volume should add not only to +<span class='sc'>Mr. Strang’s</span> fame but to that of <span class='sc'>Messrs. Elkin Mathews and +John Lane</span>, who are rapidly gaining distinction for their beautiful +editions of belles-lettres.’—<cite>Daily Chronicle</cite>, Sept. 24, 1892.</p> + +<p class='c006'><i>Referring to</i> <span class='sc'>Mr. Le Gallienne’s</span> ‘English Poems’ <i>and</i> +‘Silhouettes’ by <span class='sc'>Mr. Arthur Symons</span>:—‘We only refer to them +now to note a fact which they illustrate, and which we have been +observing of late, namely, the recovery to a certain extent of good +taste in the matter of printing and binding books. These two +books, which are turned out by <span class='sc'>Messrs. Elkin Mathews and +John Lane</span>, are models of artistic publishing, and yet they are +simplicity itself. The books with their excellent printing and their +very simplicity make a harmony which is satisfying to the artistic +sense.’—<cite>Sunday Sun</cite>, Oct. 2, 1892.</p> + +<p class='c006'>‘<span class='sc'>Mr. Le Gallienne</span> is a fortunate young gentleman. I don’t +know by what legerdemain he and his publishers work, but here, +in an age as stony to poetry as the ages of Chatterton and Richard +Savage, we find the full edition of his book sold before publication. +How is it done, <span class='sc'>Messrs. Elkin Mathews and John Lane</span>? +for, without depreciating <span class='sc'>Mr. Le Gallienne’s</span> sweetness and +charm, I doubt that the marvel would have been wrought under +another publisher. These publishers, indeed, produce books so delightfully +that it must give an added pleasure to the hoarding of first +editions.’—<span class='sc'>Katharine Tynan</span> in <cite>The Irish Daily Independent</cite>.</p> + +<p class='c006'>‘To <span class='sc'>Messrs. Elkin Mathews and John Lane</span> almost more +than to any other, we take it, are the thanks of the grateful singer +especially due; for it is they who have managed, by means of +limited editions and charming workmanship, to impress book-buyers +with the belief that a volume may have an æsthetic and +commercial value. They have made it possible to speculate in the +latest discovered poet, as in a new company—with the difference +that an operation in the former can be done with three half-crowns.’</p> + +<div class='c010'><cite>St. James’s Gazette.</cite></div> + +<div class='c011'><i>January 1894.</i></div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> + <div class='nf-center'> + <div><span class='xlarge'>List of Books</span></div> + <div class='c003'>IN</div> + <div class='c003'><span class='large'><cite>BELLES LETTRES</cite></span></div> + <div class='c003'><span class='small'>(<i>Including some Transfers</i>)</span></div> + <div class='c003'>PUBLISHED BY</div> + <div class='c003'><span class='xlarge'>Elkin Mathews and John Lane</span></div> + <div class='c003'><span class='blackletter'>The Bodley Head</span></div> + <div class='c003'>VIGO STREET, LONDON, W.</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c006'><i>N.B.—The Authors and Publishers reserve the right of reprinting +any book in this list if a second edition is called for, except in cases +where a stipulation has been made to the contrary, and of printing +a separate edition of any of the books for America irrespective of the +numbers to which the English editions are limited. The numbers +mentioned do not include the copies sent for review or to the public +libraries.</i></p> + +<p class='c012'>ADAMS (FRANCIS).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Essays in Modernity.</span> Cr. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>ALLEN (GRANT).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Lower Slopes</span>: A Volume of Verse. 600 copies. +Cr. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Immediately.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>ANTÆUS.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Backslider and other Poems.</span> 100 only. +Small 4to. 7s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>BEECHING (H. C.), J. W. MACKAIL, & +J. B. B. NICHOLS.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Love in Idleness.</span> With Vignette by <span class='sc'>W. B. Scott</span>. +Fcap. 8vo, half vellum. 12s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c013'><i>Transferred by the Authors to the present Publishers.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>BENSON (ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Poems.</span> 550 copies. Fcap. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>BENSON (EUGENE).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>From the Asolan Hills</span>: A Poem. 300 copies. Imp. +16mo. 5s. net.</p> +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>BINYON (LAURENCE).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Poems.</span> 16mo. 5s. net.</p> +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>BOURDILLON (F. W.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>A Lost God</span>: A Poem. With Illustrations by <span class='sc'>H. J. Ford</span>. +500 copies. 8vo. 6s. net.</p> +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>BOURDILLON (F. W.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Ailes d’Alouette.</span> Poems printed at the private press +of Rev. <span class='sc'>H. Daniel</span>, Oxford. 100 only. 16mo. +£1, 10s. net.</p> +<div class='c014'>[<i>Not published.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>BRIDGES (ROBERT).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Growth of Love.</span> Printed in Fell’s old English +type at the private press of Rev. <span class='sc'>H. Daniel</span>, Oxford. +100 only. Fcap. 4to. £2, 12s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Not published.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>COLERIDGE (HON. STEPHEN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Sanctity of Confession</span>: A Romance. Second +Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. net.</p> +<div class='c014'>[<i>A few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>CRANE (WALTER).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Renascence</span>: A Book of Verse. Frontispiece and 38 +designs by the Author.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Small paper edition out of print.</i></div> + +<p class='c013'>There remain a few large paper copies, fcap. 4to. £1, 1s. net. +And a few fcap. 4to, Japanese vellum. £1, 15s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>CROSSING (WM.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Ancient Crosses of Dartmoor.</span> With 11 plates. +8vo, cloth. 4s. 6d. net.</p> +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>DAVIDSON (JOHN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Plays</span>: An Unhistorical Pastoral; A Romantic Farce; +Bruce, a Chronicle Play; Smith, a Tragic Farce; +Scaramouch in Naxos, a Pantomime, with a Frontispiece, +Title-page, and Cover Design by <span class='sc'>Aubrey +Beardsley</span>. 500 copies. Small 4to. 7s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Immediately.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>DAVIDSON (JOHN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Fleet Street Eclogues.</span> Second Edition. Fcap. 8vo, +buckram. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>DAVIDSON (JOHN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>A Random Itinerary</span>: Prose Sketches, with a Ballad. +Frontispiece, Title-page, and Cover Design by <span class='sc'>Laurence +Housman</span>. Fcap. 8vo. Uniform with ‘Fleet +Street Eclogues.’ 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>DAVIDSON (JOHN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The North Wall.</span> Fcap. 8vo. 2s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'><i>The few remaining copies transferred by the Author +to the present Publishers.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>DE GRUCHY (AUGUSTA).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Under the Hawthorn, and other Verses.</span> Frontispiece +by <span class='sc'>Walter Crane</span>. 300 copies. Crown 8vo. +5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c013'>Also 30 copies on Japanese vellum. 15s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>DE TABLEY (LORD).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Poems, Dramatic and Lyrical.</span> By <span class='sc'>John Leicester +Warren</span> (Lord De Tabley). Illustrations and Cover +Design by <span class='sc'>C. S. Ricketts</span>. Second Edition. +Crown 8vo. 7s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>DIAL (THE).</p> + +<p class='c013'>No. 1 of the Second Series. Illustrations by <span class='sc'>Ricketts</span>, +<span class='sc'>Shannon</span>, <span class='sc'>Pissarro</span>. 200 only. 4to. £1, 1s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c013'><i>The present series will be continued at irregular intervals.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>EGERTON (GEORGE).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Keynotes</span>: Short Stories. With Title-page by <span class='sc'>Aubrey +Beardsley</span>. Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d. +net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>FIELD (MICHAEL).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Sight and Song.</span> (Poems on Pictures.) 400 copies. +Fcap. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>FIELD (MICHAEL).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Stephania</span>: A Trialogue in Three Acts. 250 copies. +Pott 4to. 6s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>GALE (NORMAN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Orchard Songs.</span> Fcap. 8vo. With Title-page and +Cover Design by <span class='sc'>J. Illingworth Kay</span>. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also a Special Edition limited in number on hand-made paper +bound in English vellum. £1, 1s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>GARNETT (RICHARD).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>A Volume of Poems.</span> 350 copies. Crown 8vo. With +Title-page designed by <span class='sc'>J. Illingworth Kay</span>. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>GOSSE (EDMUND).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Letters of Thomas Lovell Beddoes.</span> Now +first edited. Pott 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Immediately.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>GRAHAME (KENNETH).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Pagan Papers</span>: A Volume of Essays. Fcap. 8vo. +5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>GREENE (G. A.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Italian Lyrists of To-day.</span> Translations in the +original metres from about thirty-five living Italian +poets, with bibliographical and biographical notes. +Crown 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>HAKE (DR. T. GORDON).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>A Selection from his Poems.</span> Edited by Mrs. +<span class='sc'>Meynell</span>. With a Portrait after <span class='sc'>D. G. Rossetti</span>. +Crown 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Immediately.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>HALLAM (ARTHUR HENRY).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Poems</span>, together with his essay ‘On Some of the +Characteristics of Modern Poetry and on the Lyrical +Poems of <span class='sc'>Alfred Tennyson</span>.’ Edited, with an +Introduction, by <span class='sc'>Richard Le Gallienne</span>. 550 +copies. Fcap. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>HAMILTON (COL. IAN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Ballad of Hadji and other Poems.</span> Etched +Frontispiece by <span class='sc'>Wm. Strang</span>. 50 copies. Fcap. 8vo. +3s. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'><i>Transferred by the Author to the present Publishers.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>HAYES (ALFRED).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Vale of Arden and Other Poems.</span> With Title-page +and Cover Design by <span class='sc'>Laurence Housman</span>. +Fcap. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>HICKEY (EMILY H.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Verse Tales, Lyrics and Translations.</span> 300 copies. +Imp. 16mo. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>HORNE (HERBERT P.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Diversi Colores</span>: Poems. With ornaments by the +Author. 250 copies. 16mo. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>IMAGE (SELWYN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Carols and Poems.</span> With decorations by <span class='sc'>H. P. Horne</span>. +250 copies. 16mo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>JAMES (W. P.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Romantic Professions</span>: A Volume of Essays, with Title-page +by <span class='sc'>J. Illingworth Kay</span>. Crown 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Immediately.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>JOHNSON (EFFIE).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>In the Fire and Other Fancies.</span> Frontispiece by +<span class='sc'>Walter Crane</span>. 500 copies. Imp. 16mo. 3s. 6d. +net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>JOHNSON (LIONEL).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Art of Thomas Hardy</span>: Six Essays. With +Etched Portrait by <span class='sc'>Wm. Strang</span>, and Bibliography +by <span class='sc'>John Lane</span>. Crown 8vo. 5s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also 150 copies, large paper, with proofs of the portrait. £1, 1s. +net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very shortly.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>JOHNSON (LIONEL).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>A Volume of Poems.</span> Fcap. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>KEATS (JOHN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Three Essays</span>, now issued in book form for the first time. +Edited by <span class='sc'>H. Buxton Forman</span>. With Life-mask +by <span class='sc'>Haydon</span>. Fcap. 4to. 10s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>LEATHER (R. K.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Verses.</span> 250 copies. Fcap. 8vo. 3s. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'><i>Transferred by the Author to the present Publishers.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>LEATHER (R. K.), & RICHARD LE GALLIENNE.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Student and the Body-Snatcher and Other +Trifles.</span></p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Small paper edition out of print.</i></div> + +<p class='c013'>There remain a very few of the 50 large paper copies. 7s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>LE GALLIENNE (RICHARD).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Prose Fancies.</span> With a Portrait of the Author. Cr. 8vo. +5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also a limited large paper edition. 12s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>LE GALLIENNE (RICHARD).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Book Bills of Narcissus.</span> An Account rendered +by <span class='sc'>Richard le Gallienne</span>. Second Edition. +Crown 8vo, buckram. 3s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>LE GALLIENNE (RICHARD).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>English Poems.</span> Third Edition. Cr. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>LE GALLIENNE (RICHARD).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>George Meredith</span>: Some Characteristics. With a Bibliography +(much enlarged) by <span class='sc'>John Lane</span>, portrait, etc. +Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 5s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>LE GALLIENNE (RICHARD).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Religion of a Literary Man.</span> Cr. 8vo. 3rd +thousand. 3s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also a special rubricated edition on hand-made paper. 8vo. +10s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>LETTERS TO LIVING ARTISTS.</p> + +<p class='c013'>500 copies. Fcap. 8vo. 3s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>MARSTON (PHILIP BOURKE).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>A Last Harvest: Lyrics and Sonnets from the +Book of Love.</span> Edited by <span class='sc'>Louise Chandler +Moulton</span>. 500 copies. Fcap. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also 50 copies on large paper, hand-made. 10s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>MARTIN (W. WILSEY).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Quatrains, Life’s Mystery and other Poems.</span> 16mo. +2s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>MARZIALS (THEO.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Gallery of Pigeons and Other Poems.</span> Fcap. +8vo. 4s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c013'><i>Transferred by the Author to the present Publishers.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>MEYNELL (MRS.), (ALICE C. THOMPSON).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Poems.</span> Second Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 3s. 6d. net. A +few of the 50 large paper copies (First Edition) remain, +12s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>MEYNELL (MRS.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Rhythm of Life, and other Essays.</span> Second +Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 3s. 6d. net. A few of the 50 +large paper copies (First Edition) remain. 12s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>MURRAY (ALMA).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Portrait as Beatrice Cenci.</span> With critical notice +containing four letters from <span class='sc'>Robert Browning</span>. +8vo, wrapper. 2s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>NETTLESHIP (J. T.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Robert Browning</span>: Essays and Thoughts. Third +Edition. Crown 8vo. 5s. 6d. net. Half a dozen of +the Whatman large paper copies (First Edition) +remain. £1, 1s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>NOBLE (JAS. ASHCROFT).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Sonnet in England and Other Essays.</span> Title-page +and Cover Design by <span class='sc'>Austin Young</span>. 600 +copies. Crown 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also 50 copies large paper. 12s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>NOEL (HON. RODEN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Poor People’s Christmas.</span> 250 copies. 16mo. 1s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>OXFORD CHARACTERS.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A series of lithographed portraits by <span class='sc'>Will Rothenstein</span>, +with text by <span class='sc'>F. York Powell</span> and others. To be +issued monthly in term. Each number will contain +two portraits. Part I. contains portraits of <span class='sc'>Sir Henry +Acland</span> and Mr. <span class='sc'>W. A. L. Fletcher</span>, and Part II. +of Mr. <span class='sc'>Robinson K. Ellis</span>, and <span class='sc'>Lord St. Cyres</span>. +200 copies only, folio, wrapper, 5s. net per part; 25 +special copies containing proof impressions of the portraits +signed by the artist, 10s. 6d. net per part.</p> + +<p class='c015'>PINKERTON (PERCY).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Galeazzo</span>: A Venetian Episode and other Poems. +Etched Frontispiece. 16mo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c013'><i>Transferred by the Author to the present Publishers.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>RADFORD (DOLLIE).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Songs.</span> A New Volume of Verse.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>RADFORD (ERNEST).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Chambers Twain.</span> Frontispiece by <span class='sc'>Walter Crane</span>. +250 copies. Imp. 16mo. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also 50 copies large paper. 10s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>RHYMERS’ CLUB, THE BOOK OF THE.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A second series is in preparation.</p> + +<p class='c015'>SCHAFF (DR. P.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Literature and Poetry</span>: Papers on Dante, etc. +Portrait and Plates, 100 copies only. 8vo. 10s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>SCOTT (WM. BELL).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>A Poet’s Harvest Home: with an Aftermath.</span> +300 copies. Fcap. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c016'> + <div>⁂ <i>Will not be reprinted.</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c015'>SHAW (A. D. L.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Happy Wanderer.</span> Poems. Fcap. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>STODDARD (R. H.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Lion’s Cub; with other Verse.</span> Portrait. +100 copies only, bound in an illuminated Persian +design. Fcap. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>SYMONDS (JOHN ADDINGTON).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>In the Key of Blue, and other Prose Essays.</span> +Cover designed by <span class='sc'>C. S. Ricketts</span>. Second Edition. +Thick Crown 8vo. 8s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>THOMPSON (FRANCIS).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>A Volume of Poems.</span> With Frontispiece, Title-page +and Cover Design by <span class='sc'>Laurence Housman</span>. Second +Edition. Pott 4to. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>TODHUNTER (JOHN).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>A Sicilian Idyll.</span> Frontispiece by <span class='sc'>Walter Crane</span>. +250 copies. Imp. 16mo. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also 50 copies large paper, fcap. 4to. 10s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very few remain.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>TOMSON (GRAHAM R.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>After Sunset.</span> A Volume of Poems. With Title-page and +Cover Design by <span class='sc'>R. Anning Bell</span>. Fcap. 8vo. 5s. +net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also a limited large paper edition. 12s. 6d. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>TREE (H. BEERBOHM).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Imaginative Faculty</span>: A Lecture delivered at the +Royal Institution. With portrait of Mr. <span class='sc'>Tree</span> from +an unpublished drawing by the Marchioness of Granby. +Fcap. 8vo, boards. 2s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>TYNAN HINKSON (KATHARINE).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Cuckoo Songs.</span> With Title-page and Cover Design by +<span class='sc'>Laurence Housman</span>. 500 copies. Fcap. 8vo. 5s. +net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>VAN DYKE (HENRY).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Poetry of Tennyson.</span> Third Edition, enlarged. +Crown 8vo. 5s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'><i>The late Laureate himself gave valuable aid in correcting +various details.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>WATSON (WILLIAM).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Eloping Angels</span>: A Caprice. Second Edition. +Square 16mo, buckram. 3s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>WATSON (WILLIAM).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Excursions in Criticism</span>: being some Prose Recreations +of a Rhymer. Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>WATSON (WILLIAM).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Prince’s Quest, and other Poems.</span> With a +Bibliographical Note added. Second Edition. Fcap. +8vo. 4s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>WEDMORE (FREDERICK).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Pastorals of France—Renunciations.</span> A volume of +Stories. Title-page by <span class='sc'>John Fulleylove</span>, R.I. +Crown 8vo. 5s. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'><i>A few of the large paper copies of Renunciations (First Edition) +remain. 10s. 6d. net.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>WICKSTEED (P. H.).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Dante.</span> Six Sermons. Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 2s. net.</p> + +<p class='c015'>WILDE (OSCAR).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>The Sphinx.</span> A poem decorated throughout in line and +colour, and bound in a design by <span class='sc'>Charles Ricketts</span>. +250 copies. £2, 2s. net. 25 copies large paper. +£5, 5s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Very shortly.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>WILDE (OSCAR).</p> + +<p class='c013'>The incomparable and ingenious history of Mr. W. H., +being the true secret of Shakespear’s sonnets now for +the first time here fully set forth, with initial letters +and cover design by <span class='sc'>Charles Ricketts</span>. 500 copies, +10s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also 50 copies large paper. 21s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>WILDE (OSCAR).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Dramatic Works</span>, now printed for the first time with a +specially designed Title-page and binding to each +volume, by <span class='sc'>Charles Shannon</span>. 500 copies. Small +4to. 7s. 6d. net per vol.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also 50 copies large paper. 15s. net per vol.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Vol. <span class='fss'>I</span>. <span class='sc'>Lady Windermere’s Fan</span>: A Comedy in +Four Acts.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Ready.</i></div> + +<p class='c013'>Vol. <span class='fss'>II</span>. <span class='sc'>A Woman of No Importance</span>: A Comedy +in Four Acts.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Shortly.</i></div> + +<p class='c013'>Vol. <span class='fss'>III</span>. <span class='sc'>The Duchess of Padua</span>: A Blank Verse +Tragedy in Five Acts.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>In preparation.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>WILDE (OSCAR).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Salomé</span>: A Tragedy in one Act, done into English. +With 11 Illustrations, title-page, and Cover Design +by <span class='sc'>Aubrey Beardsley</span>. 500 copies. Small 4to. +15s. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Also 100 copies, large paper. 30s. net.</p> + +<div class='c014'>[<i>Shortly.</i></div> + +<p class='c015'>WYNNE (FRANCES).</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='sc'>Whisper.</span> A Volume of Verse. With a Memoir by +<span class='sc'>Katharine Tynan</span> and a Portrait added. Fcap. 8vo. +2s. 6d. net.</p> + +<p class='c013'><i>Transferred by the Author to the present Publishers.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>The Hobby Horse</p> + +<p class='c015'>A new series of this illustrated magazine will be published +quarterly by subscription, under the Editorship of Herbert +P. Horne. Subscription £1 per annum, post free, for the +four numbers. Quarto, printed on hand-made paper, and +issued in a limited edition to subscribers only. The +Magazine will contain articles upon Literature, Music, +Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, and the Decorative Arts; +Poems; Essays; Fiction; original Designs; with reproductions +of pictures and drawings by the old masters and +contemporary artists. There will be a new title-page +and ornaments designed by the Editor. +Among the contributors to the +Hobby Horse are:</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c017'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The late <span class='sc'>Matthew Arnold</span>.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Laurence Binyon.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Wilfrid Blunt.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Ford Madox Brown.</span></div> + <div class='line'>The late <span class='sc'>Arthur Burgess</span>.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>E. Burne-Jones</span>, A.R.A.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Austin Dobson.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Richard Garnett</span>, LL.D.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>A. J. Hipkins</span>, F.S.A.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Selwyn Image.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Lionel Johnson.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Richard Le Gallienne.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Sir F. Leighton</span>, Bart., P.R.A.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>T. Hope McLachlan.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>May Morris.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>C. Hubert H. Parry</span>, Mus. Doc.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>A. W. Pollard.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>F. York Powell.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Christina G. Rossetti.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>W. M. Rossetti.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>John Ruskin</span>, D.C.L., LL.D.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Frederick Sandys.</span></div> + <div class='line'>The late <span class='sc'>W. Bell Scott</span>.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Frederick J. Shields.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>J. H. Shorthouse.</span></div> + <div class='line'>The late <span class='sc'>James Smetham</span>.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Simeon Solomon.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>A. Somervell.</span></div> + <div class='line'>The late <span class='sc'>J. Addington Symonds</span>.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Katharine Tynan.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>G. F. Watts</span>, R.A.</div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Frederick Wedmore.</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Oscar Wilde.</span></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'><i>Prospectuses on Application.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'>THE BODLEY HEAD, VIGO STREET, LONDON, W.</p> + +<p class='c018'>‘Nearly every book put out by Messrs. Elkin Mathews & +John Lane, at the Sign of the Bodley Head, is a satisfaction to +the special senses of the modern bookman for bindings, shapes, +types, and papers. They have surpassed themselves, and +registered a real achievement in English bookmaking by the +volume of “Poems, Dramatic and Lyrical,” of Lord De Tabley.’—<cite>Newcastle Daily Chronicle.</cite></p> + +<p class='c018'>‘A ray of hopefulness is stealing again into English poetry +after the twilight greys of Clough and Arnold and Tennyson. +Even unbelief wears braver colours. Despite the jeremiads, +which are the dirges of the elder gods, England is still a nest +of singing-birds (<i>teste</i> the Catalogue of Elkin Mathews and John +Lane).’—Mr. <span class='sc'>Zangwill</span> in <cite>Pall Mall Magazine</cite>.</p> + +<p class='c018'>‘All Messrs. Mathews & Lane’s Books are so beautifully +printed and so tastefully issued, that it rejoices the heart of a +book-lover to handle them; but they have shown their sound +judgment not less markedly in the literary quality of their +publications. The choiceness of form is not inappropriate to +the matter, which is always of something more than ephemeral +worth. This was a distinction on which the better publishers +at one time prided themselves; they never lent their names to +trash; but some names associated with worthy traditions have +proved more than once a delusion and a snare. The record of +Messrs. Elkin Mathews & John Lane is perfect in this respect, +and their imprint is a guarantee of the worth of what they +publish.’—<cite>Birmingham Daily Post</cite>, Nov. 6, 1893.</p> + +<p class='c018'>‘One can nearly always be certain when one sees on the title-page +of any given book the name of Messrs Elkin Mathews & +John Lane as being the publishers thereof that there will be +something worth reading to be found between the boards.’—<cite>World.</cite></p> + +<div class='c002 figcenter id002'> +<img src='images/i_colophone.jpg' alt='Publisher's colophon showing a sailing ship within an oval emblem and the text 'Edinburgh: T. and A. Constable, Printers to Her Majesty'' class='ig001'> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c019'> + <div><span class='small'>Edinburgh: T. and A. <span class='sc'>Constable</span></span></div> + <div><span class='small'>Printers to Her Majesty</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='pbb'> + <hr class='pb c003'> +</div> +<div class='tnotes x-ebookmaker c020'> + +<div class='chapter ph2'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c009'> + <div>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + + <ul class='ul_1 c002'> + <li>Fixed typos; non-standard spelling and dialect retained. + </li> + </ul> + +</div> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78947 ***</div> +</body> +<!-- created with ppgen.py 3.57i (with regex) on 2026-05-25 18:55:19 GMT --> +</html> diff --git a/78947-h/images/cover.jpg b/78947-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..92f0045 --- /dev/null +++ b/78947-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/78947-h/images/i_belles_lettres.jpg b/78947-h/images/i_belles_lettres.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..489095d --- /dev/null +++ b/78947-h/images/i_belles_lettres.jpg diff --git a/78947-h/images/i_colophone.jpg b/78947-h/images/i_colophone.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..168376d --- /dev/null +++ b/78947-h/images/i_colophone.jpg diff --git a/78947-h/images/i_frontis.jpg b/78947-h/images/i_frontis.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e26ce14 --- /dev/null +++ b/78947-h/images/i_frontis.jpg |
