"ButthoucanstturnafaceofcheerTogooddaysstillinstore;
ThouneedstnotcareforPainorFear——
Theycannotharmtheemore。"
YetIrodeonwithsullenheart,Andsaidwithbreakingbreath,"IfthouartheIthinkthouart,Thenslaymenow,ODeath!"
Theveilwasfrommyeyesightdrawn——
"Thouknowestnow,"saidhe:
"IamtheAngeloftheDawn!
Rideback,andwaitforme。"
SoIrodebackatmorninglight,Andthere,besidemybed,FearhadbecomealilywhiteAndPainaroseofred。
AliceWerner。
BannermanoftheDandenongIrodethroughtheBushintheburningnoon,Overthehillstomybride,——
Thetrackwasroughandthewaywaslong,AndBannermanoftheDandenong,Herodealongbymyside。
Aday'smarchoffmyBeautifuldwelt,BytheMurraystreamsintheWest;——
Lightlyliltingagaylove-songRodeBannermanoftheDandenong,Withablood-redroseonhisbreast。
"Red,redroseoftheWesternstreams"
Wasthesonghesangthatday——
Truestcomradeinhourofneed,——
BayMathinnahispeerlesssteed——
Ihadmyowngoodgrey。
Therefellasparkontheuplandgrass——
ThedryBushleaptintoflame;——
AndIfeltmyheartgocoldasdeath,AndBannermansmiledandcaughthisbreath,——
ButIheardhimnameHername。
Downthehill-sidethefire-floodsrushed,Ontheroaringeasternwind;——
Neckandneckwastherecklessrace,——
Everthebaymarekeptherpace,Butthegreyhorsedroppedbehind。
Heturnedinthesaddle——"Let'schange,Isay!"
Andhisbridlereinhedrew。
Hesprangtotheground,——"Looksharp!"hesaidWithabackwardtossofhiscurlyhead——
"Iridelighterthanyou!"
Downandup——itwasquicklydone——
Nowordstowastethatday!——
Swiftasaswallowshespedalong,ThegoodbaymarefromDandenong,——
AndBannermanrodethegrey。
ThehotairscorchedlikeafurnaceblastFromtheverymouthofHell:——
ThebluegumscaughtandblazedonhighLikeflamingpillarsintothesky;……
Thegreyhorsestaggeredandfell。
"Ride,ride,lad,——rideforhersake!"hecried;——
IntothegulfofflameWereswept,inlessthanabreathingspaceThelaughingeyes,andthecomelyface,AndthelipsthatnamedHERname。
Sheboremebravely,thegoodbaymare;——
Stunned,anddizzyandblind,Iheardthesoundofaminglingroar——
'TwastheLachlanRiverthatrushedbefore,Andtheflamesthatrolledbehind。
Safe——safe,atNammooragate,Ifell,andlaylikeastone。
Olove!thinearmswereaboutmethen,Thywarmtearscalledmetolifeagain,——
But——OGod!thatIcamealone!——
Wedwellinpeace,mybeautifuloneAndI,bythestreamsintheWest,——
ButoftthroughthemistofmydreamsalongRidesBannermanoftheDandenong,Withtheblood-redroseonhisbreast。
EthelCastilla。
AnAustralianGirl"She'sprettytowalkwith,Andwittytotalkwith,Andpleasant,too,tothinkon。"
SirJohnSuckling。
Shehasabeautyofherown,AbeautyofapalertoneThanEnglishbelles;
YetsouthernsunandsouthernairHavekissedhercheeks,untiltheywearThedaintytintsthatoftappearOnrosyshells。
Herfrank,cleareyesbespeakamindOld-worldtraditionsfailtobind。
SheisnotshyOrbold,butsimplyself-possessed;
HerindependenceaddsazestUntoherspeech,herpiquantjest,Herquaintreply。
O'erclassicvolumesshewillporeWithjoy;andtruescholasticloreWilloftengain。
Insportsshebearsawaythebell,Nor,undermusic'ssirenspell,Todancedivinely,flirtaswell,Doesshedisdain。
ASongofSydney1894
Highheadlandsalljealouslyhidethee,Ofairestofsea-girdledtowns!
ThineOcean-spousesmilethbesidethee,Whileeachheadlandthreatensandfrowns。
LikeVenice,upheldonsea-pinion,Andfatedtoreigno'erthefree,Thouwearest,insignofdominion,Thezoneofthesea。
Nowinterthyfertileslopehardens,OnewFlorence,setintheSouth!
Alllandsgivetheirflowerstothygardens,Thatglowtothybrightharbour'smouth;
ThewaratahandEngland'sredrosesWithstatelymagnoliasentwine,Gaysunflowersfillsea-scentedcloses,Allsweetwithwoodbine。
Thyharbour'sfairflower-crownedislandsSeeflagsofallcountriesunfurled,Thousmilestfromgreen,sunlithighlandsToopenthinearmstotheworld!
DarkEast'sandfairWest'semulationsResoundfromeachhill-shadowedquay,Andoverthesongsofallnations,Thevoiceofthesea。
FrancisWilliamLauderdaleAdams。
SomethingItissomethinginthisdarkerdreamdementedtohavewrestledwithitspleasureanditspain:
itissomethingtohavesinned,andhaverepented:
itissomethingtohavefailed,andtriedagain!
ItissomethingtohavelovedthebrightestBeautywithnohopeofaughtbutsilenceforyourvow:
itissomethingtohavetriedtodoyourduty:
itissomethingtobetrying,tryingnow!
And,inthesilentsolemnhours,whenyoursoulfloatsdownthefarfaintfloodoftime——
tothinkofEarth'sloverswhoareours,ofhersaviourssaving,suffering,sublime:
AndthatyouwithTHESEmaybeherlover,withTHESEmaysaveandsufferforhersake——
ITISJOYTOHAVELIVED,SOTODISCOVER
YOU'VEALIFEYOUCANGIVEANDSHECANTAKE!
Gordon'sGraveAlltheheatandtheglowandthehushofthesummerafternoon;
thescentofthesweet-briarbushoverbowinggrass-bladesandbroom;
thebirdsthatflitandpass;
singingthesongheknows,thegrass-hopperinthegrass;
thevoiceoftheshe-oakboughs。
Ah,andtheshatteredcolumncrownedwiththepoet'swreath。
Who,whokeepssilentandsolemnhispassingplacebeneath?
~ThiswasapoetthatlovedGod'sbreath;
hislifewasapassionatequest;
helookeddowndeepinthewellsofdeath,andnowheistakinghisrest。~
ToA。L。GordonInnight-longdays,inaeonswhereallTime'snightsareone;
wherelifeanddeathsingpaeansasofGreeksandGalileans,neverbegunordone;
wherefate,theslowswoopingcondor,comesgloomingallthesky——
asyouhaveponderedIponder,asyouhavewanderedIwander,asyouhavedied,shallIdie?
LoveandDeathDeath?isitdeathyougive?Sobeit!ODeath,thouhastbeenlongmyfriend,andnowthypalecoolcheekshallhavemykiss,whilethefaintbreathexpiresonthystilllips,OlovelyDeath!
Comethen,loosehands,fairLife,withoutawail!
We'vehadgoodhourstogether,andyouweresweetwhattimelovewhisperedwiththenightingale,tho'everyourmusicbythelark'swouldfail。
Comethen,loosehands!Ourlovertimeisdone。
Nowisthemarriagewiththeeternalsun。
Thehoursarefewthatrest,arefewandfleet。
Good-bye!Thegameislost:thegameiswon。
ThomasWilliamHeney。
AbsenceAh,happyairthat,roughorsoft,Maykissthatfaceandstay;
AndhappybeamsthatfromaboveMaychoosetohertheirway;
AndhappyflowersthatnowandthenTouchlipsmoresweetthanthey!
ButitwerenotsoblesttobeOrlightorairorrose;
ThosedaintyfingerstearandtossThebloomthatinthemglows;
Andcomeorgo,bothwindandraySheheedsnot,ifsheknows。
ButifIcomethychoiceshouldbeEithertoloveornot——
ForifImightIwouldnotkissAndthenbeallforgot;
AnditwerebestthylovetoloseIfloveself-scornbegot。
ARiverinaRoadNowwhilesomanyturnwithloveandlongingTowanlandslyinginthegreyNorthSea,Totheeweturn,hearts,mem'ries,allbelonging,Dearlandofours,tothee。
West,everwest,withthestrongsunshinemarchingBeyondthemountains,farfromthissoftcoast,Untilwealmostseethegreatplainsarching,Inendlessmiragelost。
Alandofcampswhereseldomissojourning,Wheremenlikethedimfathersofourrace,Haltforatime,andnextday,unreturning,Fareeveronapace。
LastnighthowmanyaleapingblazeaffrightedThewailingbirdsofpassageintheirfile;
AnddawnseesashesdeadandemberswhitedWheremenhaddweltawhile。
Thesunmayburn,themirageshiftandvanishAndfadeandglarebyturnsalongthesky;
ThehazeofheatmayallthedistancebanishTotheuncaringeye。
Byspeech,ortongueofbirdorbrute,unbrokenSilencemaybrooduponthelifelessplain,Noranysign,faroffornear,betokenManinthisvastdomain。
Thoughtendergracethelandscapelacks,toospacious,Impassive,silent,lonely,tobefair,Theirkindnessswiftlycomesmoresoftandgracious,Wholiveortarrythere。
Allthathehas,incamporhomestead,proffersTostrangerguestatonceastrangerhost,Proudesttoseeacceptedwhatheoffers,Givenwithoutaboast。
Pass,ifyoucan,thedrover'scattlestringingAlongthemilesofthewidetravelledroad,Withoutachallengethroughthehotdustringing,Kindthoughabruptthemode。
Acloudofdustwherepolish'dwheelsareflashingPassesalong,andinitrollsthemail。
ComesfromtheboxasonthecoachgoesdashingThelonelydriver'shail。
OrinthetrackastationyoungstermountedSitsinhissaddlesmokingfora"spell",Ridesawhileonward;then,hisnewsrecounted,Partswithabrieffarewell。
To-daytheseplainsmayseemafacedefiant,Turn'dtoamortalfoe,yetscorningfear;
Aswhen,withheavenatwar,anEarth-borngiantSawtheOlympiannear。
Comeyetagain!Nochild'sfairfaceissweeterWithyoungdelightthanthiscoolbloomingland,Silentnomore,forsongsthanwingsarefleeter,Noblaze,butsunshinebland。
ThusinherlikenessthatstrangenaturemouldingMakesmanasmoody,sadandsavagetoo;
Yetinhisheart,likeher,apassionholding,Unselfish,kindandtrue。
Therefore,whilemanyturnwithloveandlongingTowanlandslyingonthegreyNorthSea,To-daypossessedbyothermem'riesthrongingWeturn,wildWest,tothee!
23rdDecember,1891。
PatrickEdwardQuinn。
AGirl'sGrave"Aged17,OFABROKENHEART,January1st,1841。"
Whatstoryishereofbrokenlove,Whatidyllicsadromance,WhatarrowfrettedthesilkendoveThatmetwithsuchgrimmischance?
Ipictureyou,sleeperoflongago,Whenyoutrifledanddancedandsmiled,Allgoldenlaughterandbeauty'sglowInagirllifesweetandwild。
Hairwiththeredgold'sluringtinge,Fineasthefinestsilk,VioleteyeswithagoldenfringeAndcheeksofrosesandmilk。
Somethingofthisyoumusthavebeen,Somethinggentleandsweet,TohavebrokenyourheartatseventeenAnddiedinsuchsaddefeat。
Hardlyoneofyourkinsfolklive,Itwasallsolongago,ThetaleofthecruellovetogiveThatlaidyouheresolow。
Loving,trusting,andfoullypaid——
Thestoryiseasilyguessed,AblottedsunandskiesthatfadeAndthisgrass-growngravetherest。
Whateverthecynicmaysourlysay,Withadashoftruth,Iween,Ofthegirlsoftheperiod,inyourdayTheyhadheartsatseventeen。
Deadofafashionoutofdate,SuchfollyhaspassedawayLikethehoopandpatchandmodishgaitThatwentoutwithanolderday。
Thestoneisbatteredandallawry,Thewordscanbescarcelyread,TherankreedsclusteringthickandhighOveryourburiedhead。
IpluckonestraightasaPaynim'slanceTokeepyourmemorygreen,ForthelordlysakeofoldRomanceAndyourown,sadseventeen。
JohnSandes。
`WithDeath'sPropheticEar'
Laymyrifleherebesideme,setmyBibleonmybreast,Foramomentletthewarningbuglescease;
AsthecenturyisclosingIamgoingtomyrest,Lord,lettestThouThyservantgoinpeace。
Butloudthroughallthebuglesringsacadenceinmineear,Andonthewindsmyhopesofpeacearestrowed。
ThosewindsthatwaftthevoicesthatalreadyIcanhearOftherooi-baatjessingingontheroad。
Yes,thered-coatsarereturning,Icanhearthesteadytramp,Aftertwentyyearsofwaiting,lulledtosleep,SincerankandfileatPotchefstroomwehemmedthemintheircamp,AndcutthemupatBronkerspruitlikesheep。
TheyshelledusatIngogo,butwegallopedintorange,AndweshottheBritishgunnerswheretheyshowed。
Iguessedtheywouldreturntous,Iknewthechancemustchange——
Hark!therooi-baatjessingingontheroad!
Butnowfromsnow-sweptCanada,fromIndia'storridplains,FromloneAustralianoutposts,hitherled,Obeyingtheircommando,astheyheardthebugle'sstrains,Themeninbrownhavejoinedthemeninred。
TheycometofindthecoloursatMajubaleftandlost,Theycometopayusbackthedebttheyowed;
AndIhearnewvoiceslifted,andIseestrangecolourstossed,'Midtherooi-baatjessingingontheroad。
Theold,oldfaithsmustfalter,andtheold,oldcreedsmustfail——
Ihearitinthatdistantmurmurlow——
Theold,oldorderchanges,and'tisvainforustorail,Thegreatworlddoesnotwantus——wemustgo。
Andveldt,andspruit,andkopjetothestrangerwillbelong,Nomoretotrekbeforehimweshallload;
Toowell,toowell,Iknowit,forIhearitinthesongOftherooi-baatjessingingontheroad。
InezK。Hyland。
ToaWaveWherewereyouyesterday?InGulistan,Withrosesandthefrenziednightingales?
RatherwouldIbelieveyoushiningranWithpeacefulfloods,wherethesoftvoiceprevailsOfbuildingdovesinlordlytreessethigh,Treeswhichencloseahomewhereloveabides——
Hisloveandhers,apassionedecstasy;
YourtonehascaughtitsechoandderidesMyjoylesslot,asfacedownpressedIlieUpontheshiftingsand,andhearthereedsVoicingathin,dissonantthrenodyUntothecliffandwind-tormentedweeds。
Aswiththefainthalf-lightsofjadetowardTheshoreyoucomeandshowaviolethue,IwonderifthefaceofmyadoredWaseverheldimportraituredbyyou。
Ah,no!ifyouhadseenhisface,stillprestWithinyourholdthepicturedearwouldbe,LikethatbrightportraitwhichsomovedthebreastOffairestGurdwithsoftunrestthatshe,Borninicehalls,shewhobutraisedhereyesAndscornfulquestioned,"Whatislove,indeed?
Noneeverviewedit'neaththesenorthernskies,"——
Seeingthefacesoonlearnedlove'sgentlecreed;
Butyouholdnothingtobecounteddear——
Onlyagiftofweedandbrokenshells;
YetIwillgatherone,soIcanhearThesoftremembrancewhichstillinitdwells:
Forintheshell,thoughbroken,everliesThemurmuroftheseawhenceitwastorn——
Soinawoman'sheartthereneverdiesThememoryoflove,thoughlovebelorn。
BreadandWineAcupofopalThroughwhichthereglowsThecreamofthepearl,Theheartoftherose;
AndtheblueoftheseaWhereAustralialies,AndtheamberflushOfhersunsetskies,AndtheemeraldtintsOfthedragonflyShallstainmycupWiththeirbrilliantdye。
AndintothiscupIwouldpourthewineOfyouthandhealthAndthegiftsdivineOfmusicandsong,AndthesweetcontentWhichmusteverbelongToalifewellspent。
AndwhatbreadwouldIbreakWithmywine,thinkyou?
ThebreadofaloveThatispureandtrue。
GeorgeEssexEvans。
AnAustralianSymphonyNotasthesongsofotherlandsHersongshallbeWheredimHerpurpleshore-linestandsAbovethesea!
Aserstshestood,shestandsalone;
Herinspirationisherown。
FromsunlitplainstomangrovestrandsNotasthesongsofotherlandsHersongshallbe。
OSouthernSingers!Richandsweet,Likechimesofbells,ThecadenceswingswithrhythmicbeatThemusicswells;
Butundertones,weird,mournful,strong,Sweeplikeswiftcurrentsthro'thesong。
Indeepestchords,withpassionfraught,Insoftestnotesofsweetestthought,Thissadnessdwells。
Isthishersong,soweirdlystrange,Somixedwithpain,Thatwhereso'erherpoetsrangeIsheardthestrain?
BroodstherenospellupontheairButdesolationanddespair?
Novoice,saveSorrow's,tointrudeUponhermountainsolitudeOrsun-kissedplain?
ThesilenceandthesunshinecreepWithsoftcaressO'erbillowyplainandmountainsteepAndwilderness——
Avelvettouch,asubtlebreath,Assweetaslove,ascalmasdeath,Onearth,onair,sosoft,sofine,TillallthesoulaspelldivineO'ershadoweth。
Thegraygumsbythelonelycreek,Thestar-crownedheight,Thewind-sweptplain,thedimbluepeak,Thecoldwhitelight,ThesolitudespreadnearandfarAroundthecamp-fire'stinystar,Thehorse-bell'smelodyremote,Thecurlew'smelancholynoteAcrossthenight。
Thesehavetheirmessage;yetfromtheseOursongshavethrownO'erallourAustralhillsandleasOnesombretone。
Whencedoththemournfulkeynotestart?
FromthepuredepthsofNature'sheart?
OrfromtheheartofhimwhosingsAnddeemshishanduponthestringsIsNature'sown?
Couldtintsbedeeper,skieslessdim,Moresoftandfair,Dappledwithmilk-whitecloudsthatswimInfaintestair?
Thesoftmosssleepsuponthestone,Greenscrub-vinetraceriesenthroneThedeadgraytrunks,andbouldersred,RoofedbythepineandcarpetedWithmaidenhair。
Butfarandnear,o'ereach,o'erall,Above,below,HangsthegreatsilencelikeapallSofterthansnow。
Notsorrowisthespellitbrings,Butthoughtsofcalmer,purerthings,Likethesweettouchofhandswelove,Awoman'stendernessaboveAfeveredbrow。
Thesepurplehills,theseyellowleas,Theseforestslone,Thesemangroveshores,theseshimmeringseas,Thissummerzone——
ShalltheyinspirenonoblerstrainThansongsofbitternessandpain?
Strikeherwildharpwithfirmerhand,Andsendhermusicthro'theland,Withloftiertone!……
Hersongissilence;untoherItsmysteryclings。
SilenceistheinterpreterOfdeeperthings。
OforsonorousvoiceandstrongTochangethatsilenceintosong,TogivethatmelodyreleaseWhichsleepsinthedeepheartofpeaceWithfoldedwings!
ANocturneLikewearysea-birdsspentwithflightAndfaltering,TheslowhoursbeatacrossthenightOnleadenwing。
ThewildbirdknowswhererestshallbeSoe'erheroam。
Heartofmyheart!apartfromtheeIhavenohome。
Afarfromthee,yetnotalone,Heartofmyheart!
LikesomesofthauntingwhisperblownFromHeaventhouart。
IhearthemagicmusicrollItswavesdivine;
ThesubtlefragranceofthysoulHaspassedtomine。
NordawnnorHeavenmyheartcanknowSavethatwhichliesInlightsandshadesthatcomeandgoInthysofteyes。
HereinthenightIdreamtheday,Byloveupborne,Whenthysweeteyesshallshineandsay"Itisthemorn!"
APastoralNaturefeelsthetouchofnoon;
Notarustlestirsthegrass;
Notashadowflecksthesky,Savethebrownhawkhoveringnigh;
NotarippledimstheglassOfthewidelagoon。
Darkly,likeanarmedhostSeenafaragainsttheblue,Risethehills,andyellow-greySleepstheplainincoveandbay,LikeashiningseathatdreamsRoundasilentcoast。
Fromtheheartofthesebluehills,Likethejoythatflowsfrompeace,CreepstheriverfarbelowFringedwithwillow,sinuous,slow。
SurelyherethereseemssurceaseFromthecarethatkills。
SurelyheremightradiantLoveFillwithhappinesshiscup,Wherethepurplelucerne-bloomFloodstheairwithsweetperfume,Nature'sincensefloatingupTotheGodsabove。
'Neaththegnarled-boughedappletreesMotionlessthecattlestand;
Chequeredcornfield,homesteadwhite,Sleepinginthestreaminglight,Fordeeptranceiso'ertheland,Andthewingsofpeace。
Here,OPowerthatmovestheheart,Thouartinthequietair;
Here,unvexedofcodeorcreed,Manmaybreathehisbitterneed;
NorwithimpiouslipsdeclareWhatThouwertandart。
AllthestrongsoulsoftheraceThro'theaeonsthathaverun,TheyhavecriedaloudtoThee——
"Thouartthatwhichstirsinme!"
AstheflameleapstowardsthesunTheyhavesoughtThyface。
Butthefaithshavefloweredandflown,Andthetruthisbutinpart;
ManyacreedandmanyagradeForThypurposeThouhastmade。
NonecanknowTheewhatThouart,Fathomless!Unknown!
TheWomenoftheWestTheyleftthevine-wreathedcottageandthemansiononthehill,Thehousesinthebusystreetswherelifeisneverstill,Thepleasuresofthecity,andthefriendstheycherishedbest:
Forlovetheyfacedthewilderness——theWomenoftheWest。
Theroar,andrush,andfeverofthecitydiedaway,Andtheold-timejoysandfaces——theyweregoneformanyaday;
Intheirplacethelurchingcoach-wheel,orthecreakingbullockchains,O'ertheeverlastingsamenessofthenever-endingplains。
Intheslab-built,zinc-roofedhomesteadofsomelatelytakenrun,Inthetentbesidethebankmentofarailwayjustbegun,Inthehutsonnewselections,inthecampsofman'sunrest,OnthefrontiersoftheNation,livetheWomenoftheWest。
Theredsunrobstheirbeauty,and,inwearinessandpain,Theslowyearsstealthenamelessgracethatnevercomesagain;
Andtherearehoursmencannotsoothe,andwordsmencannotsay——
Thenearestwoman'sfacemaybeahundredmilesaway。
Thewidebushholdsthesecretsoftheirlonginganddesires,Whenthewhitestarsinreverencelighttheirholyaltarfires,Andsilence,likethetouchofGod,sinksdeepintothebreast——
PerchanceHehearsandunderstandstheWomenoftheWest。
Forthemnotrumpetsoundsthecall,nopoetplieshisarts——
Theyonlyhearthebeatingoftheirgallant,lovinghearts。
Buttheyhavesungwithsilentlivesthesongallsongsabove——
Theholinessofsacrifice,thedignityoflove。
Wellhaveweheldourfather'screed。Nocallhaspassedusby。
Wefacedandfoughtthewilderness,wesentoursonstodie。
Andwehaveheartstodoanddare,andyet,o'eralltherest,TheheartsthatmadetheNationweretheWomenoftheWest。
MaryColborne-Veel。
`WhatLookhathShe?'
Whatlookhathshe,Whatmajestie,Thatmustsohighapproveher?
WhatgracesmoveThatIsolove,ThatIsogreatlyloveher?
NomajestieButTruthhathShe;
Thoughtssweetandgraciousmoveher;
ThatstraightapproveMyhearttolove,Andallmylifetoloveher!
SaturdayNightSaturdaynightinthecrowdedtown;
Pleasureandpaingoingupanddown,MurmuringlowontheeartherebeatEchoesunceasingofvoiceandfeet。
Witheredage,withitsloadofcare,Comeinthistumultoflifetoshare,Childhoodgladinitsradiancebrief,Happiest-heartedorbowedwithgrief,Meetalike,asthestarslookdownWeekbyweekonthecrowdedtown。
~Andinakingdomofmystery,RaptfromthiswearifulworldtoseeMagicsightsintheyellowglare,Breathingdelightinthegas-litair,Carelessofsorrow,ofgrieforpain,Twobytwo,againandagain,StrephonandChloetogethermove,WalkinginArcady,landoflove。~
WhatarethemeaningsthatburdenallThesemurmuringvoicesthatriseandfall?
Tragedieswhisperedof,secretstold,Overthebasketsofboughtandsold;
Joyousspeechofthelatelywed;
Brokenlamentingsthatnamethedead:
Endlessrunesofthegossip'srede,Andgatheredhomewiththeweeklyneed,KindlygreetingsasneighboursmeetThereinthestirofthebusystreet。
ThenistheglareofthegaslightrayGiftedwithpotencystrangeto-day,Recordsoftime-writtenhistoryFlashintosightaseachfacegoesby。
There,asthehundredsslowmovinggo,Eachwithhisburdenofjoyorwoe,Souls,inthemeetingofstranger'seyes,Startledthiskinshiptorecognise,——
Meetandpart,asthestarslookdown,Weekbyweekonthecrowdedtown。
~Andstill,inthemidstofthebusyhum,Raptintheirdreamofdelighttheycome。
Heedlessofsorrow,ofgrieforcare,Wanderingoninenchantedair,Farfromthehauntingshadowofpain:
Twobytwo,againandagain,StrephonandChloetogethermove,WalkinginArcady,landoflove。~
`Resurgam'
AutumnSong
ChillbreezesmoaningareWhereleaveshangyellow:
O'erthegreyhillsafarFliesthelastswallow;
Tocomeagain,mylove,tocomeagainBlithewiththesummer。
ButAh!thelongmonthserewewelcomethenThatbrightnewcomer。
ColdlietheflowersanddeadWhereleavesarefalling。
MeeklytheybowedandspedAtAutumn'scalling。
Tocomeagain,mylove,tocomeagainBlithewiththeswallow。
Ah!mightIdreaminglieatresttillthen,Orriseandfollow!
Thesummerbloomsaregone,Andbrightbirdsdarting;
Coldliestheearthforlorn;
Andweareparting。
Tomeetagain,mylove,tomeetagainIndeathlessgreeting,Butah!whatwintrybitternessofpainErethatfarmeeting!
DistantAuthors"AquiestaencerradaelalmalicenciadoPedroGarcias。"
Dearbooks!andeachthelivingsoul,Ourheartsaver,ofmenunseen,Whosepowertostrengthen,charm,control,Surmountsallearth'sgreenmilesbetween。
ForusatleasttheartistsshowApartfromfretofwork-dayjars:
Weknowthembutasfriendsmayknow,Ortheyareknownbeyondthestars。
Theirmirth,theirgrief,theirsoul'sdesire,Whentwilightmurmuringofstreams,Orskiesfartouchedbysunsetfire,Exaltthemtopureworldsofdreams;
Theirloveofgood;theirrageatwrong;
Theirhourswhenstrugglingthoughtmakesway;
TheirhourswhenfancydriftstosongLightlyandgladasbird-trillsmay;
Allthesearetruths。AndifastrueMoregracelessscrutinythatreads,"Thesefruitsamidstrangehuskinggrew;"
"Theseliliesblossomedamongstweeds;"
Herenodespoilingdoubtsshallblow,Nofretoffeud,ofwork-dayjars。
Weknowthembutasfriendsmayknow,Ortheyareknownbeyondthestars。
JohnBernardO'Hara。
HappyCreekThelittlecreekgoeswindingThro'gumsofwhiteandblue,AsilverarmAroundthefarmItflings,alovertrue;
Andsoftly,wheretherusheslean,ItsingsOsweetandlow
Alover'ssong,Andwindsalong,Howhappy——loversknow!
ThelittlecreekgoessingingBymaidenhairandmoss,AlongitsbanksInrosyranksThewildflowerswaveandtoss;
AndeverwherethefernsdipdownItsingsOsweetandlow
Alover'ssong,Andwindsalong,Howhappy——loversknow!
Thelittlecreektakescolour,Fromsummerskiesabove;
Nowblue,nowgold,ItswatersfoldThecloudsinclosestlove;
ButloudlywhenthethundersrollItsingsnorsweet,norlow
Nolover'ssong,Butsweepsalong,Howangry——loversknow!
ThelittlecreekforeverGoeswinding,windingdown,Away,away,Bynight,byday,Wheredarktherangesfrown;
Buteverasitglidesitsings,ItsingsOsweetandlow
Alover'ssong,Andwindsalong,Howhappy——loversknow!
ACountryVillageAmongthefoldinghillsItlies,aquietnook,WheredreamingnaturefillsSweetpagesofherbook,WhilethroughthemeadowflowersShesingsinsummerhours,OrwedsthewoodlandrillsLow-laughingtothebrook。
ThegraveyardwhitelygleamsAcrossthesoundlessvale,Sosad,sosweet,yetseemsAwatchercoldandpaleThatwaitsthroughmanyspringsThetributeoldTimebrings,Andknows,thoughlifebeloud,Thereapermaynotfail。
HerecomenotfeetofchangeFromyeartofadingyear;
RingedbytherollingrangeNoworld-widenotesmenhear。
ThewheelsoftimemaystandHereinalonelyland,AgeafteragemaypassUntouchedofchangeorcheer;
AsstillthefarmerkeepsThesamedullroundofthings;
Hereapsandsowsandreaps,Andclings,asivyclings,Toold-timetrust,norcaresWhatsciencedoesordares,Whatlevermovestheworld,Whatprogressspreadsitswings。
Yethere,ofwomanborn,Arelivesthatknownotrest,WithfiercedesiresthatscornThequietlifeasbest;
ThatseeinwiderwaysLife'srichersplendoursblaze,Andfeelambition'sfireBurnintheirardentbreast。
Yea,somethatfainwouldknowLife'spurposestrangeandvast,Howwideishumanwoe,WhatwailingofthepastStillstrikesthepresentdumb,WhatphantomsgoandcomeOfwrongsthatcryaloud,"Atlast,OGod!atlast!"
Here,too,aredreamsthatwingRichregionsofRomance;
LovewakingwhentheSpringBeginsitsfirstwilddance,Loveredderthantherose,Lovepalerthanthesnows,LovefrailascornthattiltsWithmorningwindsalance。
ForneverlandsoloneThatlovecouldfindnotwingsIneverywindthat'sblownBylipsofjewelledsprings,Forloveislife'ssweetpain,AndwhensweetlifeisslainItfindsaradiantrestBeyondthechangeofthings。
Beyondtheshocksthatjar,Thechanceofchangingfate,Wherefraudandviolenceare,Andheedlesslustandhate;
Yetstillwherefaithisclear,Andhonourheldmostdear,AndhopethatseeksthedawnLooksupwithheartelate。
FlindersHelefthisislandhomeForleaguesofsleeplessfoam,Forstressofalienseas,Wherewildwindseverblow;
ForEngland'ssakehesoughtFreshfieldsoffame,andfoughtAstormyworldfortheseAhundredyearsago。
AndwheretheAustralshoreHeardsouthwardfartheroarOfrisingtidesthatcameFromlandsoficeandsnow,BeneathagraciousskyTofadelessmemoryHeleftadeathlessnameAhundredyearsago。
Yea,leftanamesublimeFromthatwilddawnofTime,WhoselighthehaplysawInsupremesunriseflow,Andfromtheshadowsvast,Thatfilledthedimdeadpast,Abrighterglorydraw,Ahundredyearsago。
Perchance,hesawindreamsBesideoursunlitstreamsInsomemajestichourOldEngland'sbannersblow;
Mayhap,theradiantmornOfthisgreatnationborn,Augustwithperfectpower,Ahundredyearsago。
Weknownot,——yetfortheeFarmaytheseasonbe,WhoseharpinshamefulsleepIssoundlesslyinglow!
FarbethenotelesshourThatholdsoffamenoflowerForthosewhodaredourdeepAhundredyearsago。
M。A。Sinclair。
TheChatelaineIhavebuiltone,sohaveyou;
Pavedwithmarble,domedwithblue,Battlementandladies'bower,Donjonkeepandwatchman'stower。
Ihaveclimbed,asyouhavedone,Tothetoweratsetofsun——
Cryingfromitsparlousheight,"Watchman,tellusofthenight。"
Ihavestolenatmidnightbell,Likeyou,tothesecretcell,Shudderingatitscharnelbreath——
Leftlockfastthespectre,Death。
IhaveusedyourluretocallChoicegueststomygoldenhall:
Rarelywelcome,rarelyfreeTomyhospitality。
InaglowofrosylightHours,likeminutes,taketheirflight——
Asfromyoutheyfledaway,When,likeyou,Ibadethemstay。
Ah!theprettyflowofwit,Andthegoodheartsunderit;
WhilethewheelsoflifegoroundWithamostmelodioussound。
NotavestigeanywhereOfourgrimfamiliar,Care——
Roses!fromthetreesofyoreBloomingbytheriversfour。
Notajar,andnotafret;
Ecstasyandlongingmet。
ButwhyshouldIthusdefine——
Isnotyourchateaulikemine?
ScarcelywereitstrangetomeetInthatmagicrealmsosweet,So!I'lltakethisdreamlandtrainBoundformychateauinSpain。
SydneyJephcott。
ChaucerOgraciousmorningeglantine,MakingthefaroldEnglishwaysdivine!
Thoughfromthystockourmatelessrosewasbred,Stainingtheworld'sskieswithitsred,Ourgardengivesnoscentsofreshasthine,Sweet,thorny-seemingeglantine。
WhitePaperSmoothwhitepaper'neaththepen;
Richestfieldthatironploughs,Germinatingthoughtsofmen,Thoughnoheavenitsrainallows;
Tilltheyripen,thousandfold,Andourspiritsreapthecorn,Inaday-longdreamofgold;
Foodforallthesoulsunborn。
Likethemurmuroftheearth,Whenwelistenstoopinglow;
Likethesapthatsingsinmirth,Hasteningupthetreesthatgrow;
EvermoreatinysongSingsthepenuntoit,whileThought'selixirflowsalong,DivinerthantheholyNile。
Greaterthanthespheringsea,Foritholdstheseaandland;
SeedofallideastobeDownitscurrentbornelikesand。
HowourfathersinthedarkPoredonittheplansobscure,Bystar-lightorstake-firesstarkTracingtherethepathsecure。
ThepoorpaperdrawnaskanceWiththespellofTruthhalf-known,HoldsbackHellofignorance,Roaringroundus,thronged,alone。
Owhitelistofchampions,Spiritborn,andschooledforfight,Mailedinarmourofthesun'sWhoshallwinourutmostright!
Thinkofpaperlightlysold,WhichfewpencehadmadetoodearOnitsblanktohaveenscrolledBeatrice,Lucifer,orLear!
ThinkofpaperMiltontook,Written,inhishandstofeel,MusingofwhatthingsalookDownitspageswouldreveal。
OthegloriousHeavenwroughtByCadmeansoulsofyore,Frompureelementofthought!
Andthyleavestheyareitsdoor!
Lighttheyopen,andwestandPastthesovereigntyofFate,Gladamongstthem,calmandgrand,TheCreatorsandCreate!
SplittingMorning。
Outfromthehutatbreakofday,Andupthehillsinthedawninggrey;
WiththeyoungwindflowingFromtheblueeast,growingRedwiththewhitesun'sray!
Loneandclearasadeep-brightdreamUndermid-night'sandmid-slumber'sstream,Uprisesthemountagainstthesunriseshower,Vastasakingdom,fairasaflower:
O'eritdoththefoamoffoliagereamInvividsoftnessserene,Pearly-purpleandmarblegreen;
Clearintheirminglingtinges,UpawaytothecrestthatfringesSkiesstuddedwithcloud-cragssheen。
Day。
Likebirdsfrayedfromtheirlurking-shaw,Likeripplesfleet'neathafuriousflaw,Theechoesre-echo,flyingDownfromthemaulshot-plying;
Clattertheaxes,gridesthesaw。
Ruddyandwhitethechipsout-spring,Likemoneysownbyapageantking;
Thefreewoodyieldstothedrivenwedges,Withitswhitesap-edges,Andheartinthesunshineglistening。
Broadlytheice-clearazurefloodsdown,Wherethegreattree-topsareoverthrown;
Asonthroughtheendlessdaywelabour;
Thesunforournearestneighbour,Upo'erthemountainslone。
Andsointenselyitdothillume,Thatitshutsbytimestogloom;
Intheopenspacesthrilling;
FromthedeadleavesdistillingAhotandharshperfume。
Evening。
Giveover!AllthevalleysinsightFill,fillwiththerisingtideofnight;
Whilethesunsetwithgold-dustbridgesTheblack-ravinedridges,Whosemightymusclescurveinitslight。
Inourwearyclimb,whilenightdyesdeep,Downthebrokenandstonysteep,HowourjadedbodiesareshakenByeachstepinhalf-blindnesstaken——
One'sthoughtslieheapedlikebrutesasleep。
Openthedoorofthedismalhut,SilenceanddarknesslonewereshutInit,asatidalpool,untilreturningNightdrownstheland,——noember'sburning,——
Oneistoowearythefoodtocut。
Bodyandsoulwitheveryblow,Wastedforever,andwhowillknow,Where,pastthismountainednightoftoiling,Redlifeinitsthousandveinsisboiling,Ofchipsscatteredonthemountain'sbrow?
Home-woeThewreckageofsomename-forgottenbarque,Half-buriedbythedolorousshore;
WheretothelivingwatersnevermoreTheirurgentbillowspour;
Butthesaltspraycanreachandcark——
Soliesmyspirit,lonelyandforlorn,OnBeing'sstrangeandperilousstrand。
AndrustedswordandfleshlesshandPointfromthesmotheringsand;
Andanchorchainlessandout-worn。
Buto'erwhatDeep,unconqueredanduncharted,Andsteeringbywhatvanishedstar;
Andwheremydim-imaginedconsortsare,Orhiddenharbourfar,Fromwhencemysails,unblessed,departed,Canmemory,norstillintuitionteach。
AndsoIwatchwithalieneyesThisWorld'sremoteandunrememberedskies;
WhilearoundmewearyriseThebabblingsofaforeignspeech。
ABalladofthelastKingofThuleTherewasaKingofThuleWhomaWitch-wifestoleatbirth;
Inacountryknownbutnewly,Allunderthedumb,hugeEarth。
ThatKing'sinaForesttoiling;
AndheneverthegreenswarddelvesButheseesallhisgreenwavesboilingOverhissandsandshelves;
Inthesesunsetsvastandfiery,InthesedawnsdivineheseesHy-Brasil,MannanandEire,AndtheIsleofAppletrees;
Hewatches,heart-stillandbreathless,Thecloudsthroughthedeepdaytrailing,Asthewhite-wingedvesselsgathered,Intohisharbourssailing;
RankedIbisandlazyEaglesInthegreatblueflamemayrise,Butne'erSea-meworSolanbeatingUpthroughtheirgreylowskies;
Whenthestorm-ledfiresarebreaking,Greatwavesofthemoltennight,DeepinhiseyescomesachingTheicyBorealLight……
O,lostKing,andO,peopleperished,YourThulehasgrownonegrave!
Unvisitedasuncherished,Savebythewanderingwave!
Thebillowsburstinhisdoorways,Thesprayswoopsoverhiswalls!——
O,hisbannersthatthrobdishonouredO'erarmsthathideinhishalls——
Deservedisyourdesolation!——
WhycouldyounotstirandsaveThelast-bornheirofyournation?——
SoldintotheSouth,aslaveTillhedies,andisburieddulyInthehotAustralianearth——
Thelorn,lostKingofThule,WhomaWitch-wifestoleatbirth。
AFragmentBut,underall,myheartbelievesthedayWasnotdivineroverAthens,norTheWestwindsweeterthro'theCycladesThanhereandnow;andfromthealtarofTo-dayTheeloquent,quicktonguesofflameupriseAsfervid,ifnotunfalteringasofold,AndlifeatoneswithspeedandplenitudeForcoarsertexture。Ourpoorpresentwill,Farinthebroodingfuture,makeapastFullofthemorning'smusicstill,andstarredWithgreattearsshiningontheeyelids'eavesOfourimmortalfacesyearningt'wardsthesun。
AndrewBartonPaterson`Banjo'。
TheDaylightisDyingThedaylightisdyingAwayinthewest,ThewildbirdsareflyingInsilencetorest;
InleafageandfrondageWhereshadowsaredeep,Theypasstotheirbondage——
Thekingdomofsleep。
AndwatchedintheirsleepingBystarsintheheight,Theyrestinyourkeeping,Oh,wonderfulnight。
WhennightdothhergloriesOfstarshineunfold,'TisthenthatthestoriesOfbushlandaretold。
UnnumberedIholdthemInmemoriesbright,Butwhocouldunfoldthem,Orreadthemaright?
BeyondalldenialsThestarsintheirgloriesThebreezeinthemyallsArepartofthesestories。
Thewavingofgrasses,ThesongoftheriverThatsingsasitpassesForeverandever,Thehobble-chains'rattle,Thecallingofbirds,ThelowingofcattleMustblendwiththewords。
Withoutthese,indeed,youWouldfinditerelong,AsthoughIshouldreadyouThewordsofasongThatlamelywouldlingerWhenlackingtherune,Thevoiceofthesinger,Theliltofthetune。
But,asonehalf-hearingAnold-timerefrain,Withmemoryclearing,Recallsitagain,Thesetales,roughlywroughtofThebushanditsways,MaycallbackathoughtofThewanderingdays。
And,blendingwitheachInthemem'riesthatthrong,TherehaplyshallreachYousomeechoofsong。
ClancyoftheOverflowIhadwrittenhimaletterwhichIhad,forwantofbetterKnowledge,senttowhereImethimdowntheLachlan,yearsago,HewasshearingwhenIknewhim,soIsentthelettertohim,Just"onspec",addressedasfollows,"Clancy,ofTheOverflow"。
Andananswercamedirectedinawritingunexpected,AndIthinkthesamewaswrittenwithathumb-naildippedintar
'Twashisshearingmatewhowroteit,andverbatimIwillquoteit:
"Clancy'sgonetoQueenslanddroving,andwedon'tknowwhereheare。"……
InmywilderraticfancyvisionscometomeofClancyGonea-droving"downtheCooper"wheretheWesterndroversgo;
Asthestockareslowlystringing,Clancyridesbehindthemsinging,Forthedrover'slifehaspleasuresthatthetownsfolkneverknow。
Andthebushhathfriendstomeethim,andtheirkindlyvoicesgreethimInthemurmurofthebreezesandtheriveronitsbars,Andheseesthevisionsplendidofthesunlitplainsextended,Andatnightthewondrousgloryoftheeverlastingstars……
Iamsittinginmydingylittleoffice,whereastingyRayofsunlightstrugglesfeeblydownbetweenthehousestall,Andthefoetidairandgrittyofthedusty,dirtycity,Throughtheopenwindowfloating,spreadsitsfoulnessoverall。
Andinplaceoflowingcattle,IcanhearthefiendishrattleOfthetramwaysandthe'busesmakinghurrydownthestreet,Andthelanguageuninvitingofthegutterchildrenfighting,Comesfitfullyandfaintlythroughtheceaselesstrampoffeet。
Andthehurryingpeopledauntme,andtheirpallidfaceshauntmeAstheyshoulderoneanotherintheirrushandnervoushaste,Withtheireagereyesandgreedy,andtheirstuntedformsandweedy,Fortownsfolkhavenotimetogrow,theyhavenotimetowaste。
AndIsomehowratherfancythatI'dliketochangewithClancy,Liketotakeaturnatdrovingwheretheseasonscomeandgo,Whilehefacedtheroundeternalofthecash-bookandthejournal——
ButIdoubthe'dsuittheoffice,Clancy,of"TheOverflow"。
BlackSwansAsIlieatrestonapatchofcloverIntheWesternParkwhenthedayisdone,IwatchasthewildblackswansflyoverWiththeirphalanxturnedtothesinkingsun;
AndIheartheclangoftheirleadercryingToalaggingmateintherearwardflying,Andtheyfadeawayinthedarknessdying,Wherethestarsaremusteringonebyone。
Oh!yewildblackswans,'twereaworldofwonderForawhiletojoininyourwestwardflight,Withthestarsaboveandthedimearthunder,Throughthecoolingairofthegloriousnight。
Aswesweptalongonourpinionswinging,Weshouldcatchthechimeofachurch-bellringing,Orthedistantnoteofatorrentsinging,Orthefar-offflashofastationlight。
Fromthenorthernlakeswiththereedsandrushes,Wherethehillsareclothedwithapurplehaze,Wherethebell-birdschimeandthesongsofthrushesMakemusicsweetinthejunglemaze,Theywillholdtheircoursetothewestwardever,Tilltheyreachthebanksoftheoldgreyriver,Wherethewaterswash,andthereed-bedsquiverIntheburningheatofthesummerdays。
Oh!yestrangewildbirds,willyebearagreetingTothefolkthatliveinthatwesternland?
Thenforeverysweepofyourpinionsbeating,Yeshallbearawishtothesunburntband,TothestalwartmenwhoarestoutlyfightingWiththeheatanddroughtandthedust-stormsmiting,Yetwhoselifesomehowhasastrangeinviting,Whenoncetotheworktheyhaveputtheirhand。
Facingityet!Oh,myfriendstout-hearted,Whatdoesitmatterforrainorshine,Forthehopesdeferredandthegaindeparted?
Nothingcouldconquerthatheartofthine。
AndthyhealthandstrengtharebeyondconfessingAstheonlyjoysthatareworthpossessing。
MaythedaystocomebeasrichinblessingAsthedayswespentintheauldlangsyne。
Iwouldfaingobacktotheoldgreyriver,Totheoldbushdayswhenourheartswerelight,But,alas!thosedaystheyhavefledforever,Theyareliketheswansthathavesweptfromsight。
AndIknowfullwellthatthestrangers'facesWouldmeetusnowinourdearestplaces;
ForourdayisdeadandhasleftnotracesButthethoughtsthatliveinmymindto-night。
Therearefolklongdead,andourheartswouldsicken——
Wewouldgrieveforthemwithabitterpain,Ifthepastcouldliveandthedeadcouldquicken,Wethenmightturntothatlifeagain。
Butonlonelynightswewouldhearthemcalling,Weshouldheartheirstepsonthepathwaysfalling,WeshouldloathethelifewithahateappallingInourlonelyridesbytheridgeandplain……
Inthesilentparkisascentofclover,Andthedistantroarofthetownisdead,AndIhearoncemoreastheswansflyoverTheirfar-offclamourfromoverhead。
Theyareflyingwest,bytheirinstinctguided,Andformanlikewiseishisfatedecided,AndgriefsapportionedandjoysdividedByamightypowerwithapurposedread。
TheTravellingPostOfficeTherovingbreezescomeandgo,thereedbedssweepandsway,Thesleepyrivermurmurslow,andloitersonitsway,Itisthelandoflotso'timealongtheCastlereagh。
Theoldman'ssonhadleftthefarm,hefounditdullandslow,HedriftedtothegreatNorth-westwherealltheroversgo。
"He'sgonesolong,"theoldmansaid,"he'sdroppedrightoutofmind,Butifyou'dwritealinetohimI'dtakeitverykind;
He'sshearinghereandfencingthere,akindofwaifandstray,He'sdrovingnowwithConroy'ssheepalongtheCastlereagh。
Thesheeparetravellingforthegrass,andtravellingveryslow;
TheymaybeatMundoorannow,orpasttheOverflow,OrtrampingdowntheblacksoilflatsacrossbyWaddiwong,Butallthoselittlecountrytownswouldsendtheletterwrong,Themailman,ifhe'sextratired,wouldpasstheminhissleep,It'ssafesttoaddressthenoteto`CareofConroy'ssheep',Forfiveandtwentythousandheadcanscarcelygoastray,Youwriteto`CareofConroy'ssheepalongtheCastlereagh'。"……
Byrockandridgeandriversidethewesternmailhasgone,AcrossthegreatBlueMountainRangetotakethatletteron。
Amomentonthetopmostgradewhileopenfiredoorsglare,Shepauseslikealivingthingtobreathethemountainair,ThenlaunchesdowntheothersideacrosstheplainsawayTobearthatnoteto"Conroy'ssheepalongtheCastlereagh"。
Andnowbycoachandmailman'sbagitgoesfromtowntotown,AndConroy'sGapandConroy'sCreekhavemarkedit"furtherdown"。
Beneathaskyofdeepestbluewherenevercloudabides,Aspeckuponthewasteofplainthelonelymailmanrides。
WherefiercehotwindshavesetthepineandmyallboughsasweepHehailstheshearerspassingbyfornewsofConroy'ssheep。
Bybiglagoonswherewildfowlplayandcrestedpigeonsflock,Bycampfireswherethedroversridearoundtheirrestlessstock,AndpasttheteamstertoilingdowntofetchthewoolawayMyletterchasesConroy'ssheepalongtheCastlereagh。
TheOldAustralianWaysTheLondonlightsarefarabeamBehindabankofcloud,Alongtheshorethegaslightsgleam,Thegaleispipingloud;
AnddowntheChannel,gropingblind,WedriveherthroughthehazeTowardsthelandweleftbehind——
Thegoodoldlandof"nevermind",AndoldAustralianways。
ThenarrowwaysofEnglishfolkArenotforsuchaswe;
Theybearthelong-accustomedyokeOfstaidconservancy:
Butallourroadsarenewandstrange,AndthroughourbloodthererunsThevagabondingloveofchangeThatdroveuswestwardoftherangeAndwestwardofthesuns。
ThecityfolkgotoandfroBehindaprison'sbars,TheyneverfeelthebreezesblowAndneverseethestars;
TheyneverhearinblossomedtreesThemusiclowandsweetOfwildbirdsmakingmelodies,NorcatchthelittlelaughingbreezeThatwhispersinthewheat。
OurfatherscameofrovingstockThatcouldnotfixedabide:
AndwehavefollowedfieldandflockSincee'erwelearnttoride;
Byminer'scampandshearingshed,Inlandofheatanddrought,Wefollowedwhereourfortunesled,WithfortunealwaysonaheadAndalwaysfurtherout。
Thewindisinthebarley-grass,Thewattlesareinbloom;
ThebreezesgreetusastheypassWithhoney-sweetperfume;
TheparrakeetsgoscreamingbyWithflashofgoldenwing,Andfromtheswampthewild-duckscryTheirlong-drawnnoteofrevelry,RejoicingattheSpring。
SothrowthewearypenasideAndletthepapersrest,ForwemustsaddleupandrideTowardsthebluehill'sbreast;
AndwemusttravelfarandfastAcrosstheirruggedmaze,TofindtheSpringofYouthatlast,AndcallbackfromtheburiedpastTheoldAustralianways。
WhenClancytookthedrover'strackInyearsoflongago,HedriftedtotheouterbackBeyondtheOverflow;
Byrollingplainandrockyshelf,Withstockwhipinhishand,Hereachedatlast,ohluckyelf!
TheTownofCome-and-help-yourselfInRough-and-readyLand。
AndifitbethatyouwouldknowThetracksheusedtoride,ThenyoumustsaddleupandgoBeyondtheQueenslandside——
Beyondthereachofruleorlaw,Toridethelongdaythrough,InNature'shomestead——filledwithawe:
YouthenmightseewhatClancysawAndknowwhatClancyknew。
BytheGreyGulf-WaterFartotheNorthwardthereliesaland,Awonderfullandthatthewindsblowover,AndnonemayfathomnorunderstandThecharmitholdsfortherestlessrover;
Agreatgreychaos——alandhalfmade,Whereendlessspaceisandnolifestirreth;
AndthesoulofamanwillrecoilafraidFromthesphinx-likevisagethatNatureweareth。
ButoldDameNature,thoughscornful,cravesHerdoleofdeathandhershareofslaughter;
ManyindeedarethenamelessgravesWherehervictimssleepbytheGreyGulf-water。
Slowlyandslowlythosegreystreamsglide,Driftingalongwithalanguidmotion,Lappingthereed-bedsoneitherside,WendingtheirwaytotheNorthernOcean。
GreyaretheplainswheretheemuspassSilentandslow,withtheirstaiddemeanour;
Overthedeadmen'sgravesthegrassMaybeiswavingatriflegreener。
DownintheworldwherementoilandspinDameNaturesmilesasman'shandhastaughther;
OnlythedeadmenhersmilescanwinInthegreatlonelandbytheGreyGulf-water。
Forthestrengthofmanisaninsect'sstrengthInthefaceofthatmightyplainandriver,Andthelifeofamanisamoment'slengthTothelifeofthestreamthatwillrunforever。
AndsoitcomeththeytakenopartInsmall-worldworries;eachhardyroverRidethabroadandislightofheart,Withtheplainsaroundandtheblueskyover。
AndupintheheavensthebrownlarksingsThesongsthatthestrangewildlandhastaughther;
Fullofthanksgivinghersweetsongrings——
AndIwishIwerebackbytheGreyGulf-water。
JessieMackay。
TheGreyCompanyOthegrey,greycompanyOfthepalliddawn!
Otheghostlyfaces,Ashen-likeanddrawn!
TheLord'slonesentinelsDotteddowntheyears,ThelittlegreycompanyBeforethepioneers。
DreamingofUtopiasErethetimewasripe,Theyawoketoscorning,Thejeeringandthestrife。
DreamingofmillenniumsInaworldofwars,TheyawoketoshudderAtaflamingMars。
NeverwasaLutherButaHusswasfirst——
AfountainunregardedIntheprimalthirst。
NeverwasaNewtonCrownedandhonouredwell,Butfirst,alone,GalileoWastedinacell。
Ineachother'sfacesLookedthepioneers;
DrankthewineofcourageAlltheirbattleyears。
FortheirwearysowingThroughtheworldwide,GreentheysawtheharvestErethedaytheydied。
Butthegrey,greycompanyStoodeverymanaloneInthechillydawnlight,ScarcelyhadtheyknownErethedaytheyperished,Thattheirbeacon-starWasnotglintofmarsh-lightIntheshadowsfar。
ThebravewhitewitnessesTothetruthwithinTookthedartoffolly,Tookthejeerofsin;