第2章

SirHenryParkes。 TheBuriedChief(November6th，1886) WithspeechlesslipsandsolemntreadTheybroughttheLawyer-Statesmanhome: Theylaidhimwiththegather\'ddead，Whererichandpoorlikebrotherscome。 Howbravelydidthestriplingclimb，Fromsteptosteptheruggedhill: Hisgazethro\'thatbenightedtimeFix\'donthefar-offbeaconstill。 Hefacedthestormthato\'erhimburst，Withpridetomatchtheproudestborn: Heboreunblench\'dDetraction\'sworst，—— Paidblowforblow，andscornforscorn。 HescaledthesummitwhilethesunYetshoneuponhisconquer\'dtrack: Norfalter\'dtillthegoalwaswon，Norstrugglingupward，oncelook\'dback。 Butwhatavailsthe\"prideofplace\"，Orwingedchariotrollingpast？ Heheedsnotnowwhowinstherace，Aliketohimthefirstorlast。 ThomasAlexanderBrowne(`RolfBoldrewood\')。 PerditaSheisbeautifulyet，withherwondroushairAndeyesthatarestormywithfitfullight，ThedelicatehuesofbrowandcheekAreunmarredall，rose-clearandbright； ThatmatchlessframeyetholdsatbayThecrouchingbloodhounds，Remorse，Decay。 Thereisnofearinhergreatdarkeyes—— Nohope，nolove，nocare，StatelyandproudshelooksaroundWithafierce，defiantstare； Wildwordsdeformherrecklessspeech，Herlaughhasasadnesstearsneverreach。 Whomshouldshefearonearth？CanFateOnedirertormentlendToherfewlittleyearsofglitterandgloomWiththesadoldstorytoendWhenthespectresofLoneliness，WantandPainShallariseonenightwithDeathintheirtrain？…… IseeinavisionawomanlikeherTripdownanorchardslope，WithrosyprattlersthatshoutanameIntonesofraptureandhope； Whiletheyeoman，gazingatchildrenandwife，ThanksGodfortheprideandjoyofhislife…… Whoseconscienceisheavywiththisdarkguilt？ WhopaysatthefinaldayForawastedbody，amurderedsoul，Andhowshallheanswer，Isay，Forheroutlawedyears，herearlydoom，Anddespair——despair——beyondthetomb？ AdamLindsayGordon。 ADedicationTheyarerhymesrudelystrungwithintentlessOfsoundthanofwords，Inlandswherebrightblossomsarescentless，Andsonglessbrightbirds； Where，withfireandfiercedroughtonhertresses，InsatiablesummeroppressesSerewoodlandsandsadwildernesses，Andfaintflocksandherds。 Whereindreariestdays，whenalldewsend，Andallwindsarewarm，WildWinter\'slargeflood-gatesareloosen\'d，Andfloods，freedfromstorm，Frombroken-upfountainheads，dashonDrydesertswithlongpentuppassion—— Hererhymewasfirstframedwithoutfashion—— Songshapedwithoutform。 Whencegather\'d？——Thelocust\'sgladchirrupMayfurnishastave； Theringofarowelandstirrup，Thewashofawave； Thechauntofthemarshfroginrushes，ThatchimesthroughthepausesandhushesOfnightfall，thetorrentthatgushes，Thetempeststhatrave； Inthedeep\'ningofdawn，whenitdapplesTheduskofthesky，Withstreaksliketheredd\'ningofapples，Theripeningofrye。 Toeastward，whenclusterbycluster，Dimstarsanddullplanets，thatmuster，WaxwaninaworldofwhitelustreThatspreadsfarandhigh； Inthegatheringofnightgloomo\'erhead，inThestillsilentchange，Allfire-flush\'dwhenforesttreesreddenOnslopesoftherange。 Whenthegnarl\'d，knottedtrunksEucalyptianSeemcarved，likeweirdcolumnsEgyptian，Withcuriousdevice，quaintinscription，Andhieroglyphstrange； IntheSpring，whenthewattlegoldtrembles\'Twixtshadowandshine，Wheneachdew-ladenairdraughtresemblesAlongdraughtofwine； Whenthesky-line\'sblueburnish\'dresistanceMakesdeeperthedreamiestdistance，Somesonginallheartshathexistence，—— Suchsongshavebeenmine。 Thora\'sSongWeseveredinAutumnearly，Eretheearthwastornbytheplough； ThewheatandtheoatsandthebarleyAreripefortheharvestnow。 Wesunder\'donemistymorningErethehillsweredimm\'dbytherain； Throughtheflowersthosehillsadorning—— Thoucomestnotbackagain。 MyheartisheavyandwearyWiththeweightofawearysoul； Themid-dayglaregrowsdreary，Anddrearythemidnightscroll。 Thecorn-stalkssighforthesickle，\'Neaththeloadoftheirgoldengrain； Isighforamatemorefickle—— Thoucomestnotbackagain。 Thewarmsunrisethandsetteth，Thenightbringethmoisteningdew，ButthesoulthatlongethforgettethThewarmthandthemoisturetoo。 InthehotsunrisingandsettingThereisnaughtsavefeverishpain； Therearetearsinthenight-dewswetting—— Thoucomestnotbackagain。 ThyvoiceinmyearstillminglesWiththevoicesofwhisp\'ringtrees，ThykissonmycheekstilltinglesAteachkissofthesummerbreeze。 WhiledreamsofthepastarethrongingForsubstanceofshadesinvain，Iamwaiting，watchingandlonging—— Thoucomestnotbackagain。 Waitingandwatchingever，Longingandlingeringyet； Leavesrustleandcorn-stalksquiver，Windsmurmurandwatersfret。 Noanswertheybring，nogreeting，Nospeech，savethatsadrefrain，Norvoice，saveanechorepeating—— Hecomethnotbackagain。 TheSickStock-riderHoldhard，Ned!Liftmedownoncemore，andlaymeintheshade。 Oldman，you\'vehadyourworkcutouttoguideBothhorses，andtoholdmeinthesaddlewhenIswayed，Allthroughthehot，slow，sleepy，silentride。 Thedawnat\"Moorabinda\"wasamistrackdullanddense，Thesun-risewasasullen，sluggishlamp； IwasdozinginthegatewayatArbuthnot\'sbound\'ryfence，IwasdreamingontheLimestonecattlecamp。 WecrossedthecreekatCarricksford，andsharplythroughthehaze，Andsuddenlythesunshotflamingforth； Tosouthwardlay\"Katawa\"，withthesandpeaksallablaze，AndtheflushedfieldsofGlenLomondlaytonorth。 Nowwestwardwindsthebridle-paththatleadstoLindisfarm，Andyonderloomsthedouble-headedBluff； Fromthefarsideofthefirsthill，whentheskiesareclearandcalm，YoucanseeSylvester\'swoolshedfairenough。 FivemilesweusedtocallitfromourhomesteadtotheplaceWherethebigtreespanstheroadwaylikeanarch； \'TwashereweranthedingodownthatgaveussuchachaseEightyearsago——orwasitnine？——lastMarch。 \'Twasmerryintheglowingmornamongthegleaminggrass，Towanderaswe\'vewanderedmanyamile，Andblowthecooltobaccocloud，andwatchthewhitewreathspass，Sittinglooselyinthesaddleallthewhile。 \'Twasmerry\'midtheblackwoods，whenwespiedthestationroofs，Towheelthewildscrubcattleattheyard，Witharunningfireofstockwhipsandafieryrunofhoofs； Oh!thehardestdaywasneverthentoohard! Aye!wehadagloriousgallopafter\"Starlight\"andhisgang，WhentheyboltedfromSylvester\'sontheflat； Howthesun-driedreed-bedscrackled，howtheflint-strewnrangesrang，Tothestrokesof\"Mountaineer\"and\"Acrobat\"。 Hardbehindtheminthetimber，harderstillacrosstheheath，Closebesidethemthroughthetea-treescrubwedash\'d； Andthegolden-tintedfernleaves，howtheyrustledunderneath； Andthehoneysuckleosiers，howtheycrash\'d! Weledthehuntthroughout，Ned，onthechestnutandthegrey，Andthetrooperswerethreehundredyardsbehind，Whileweemptiedoursix-shootersonthebushrangersatbay，Inthecreekwithstuntedbox-treesforablind! Thereyougrappledwiththeleader，mantoman，andhorsetohorse，Andyouroll\'dtogetherwhenthechestnutrear\'d； Heblazedawayandmissedyouinthatshallowwater-course—— Anarrowshave——hispowdersingedyourbeard! Inthesehourswhenlifeisebbing，howthosedayswhenlifewasyoungComebacktous；howclearlyIrecallEventheyarnsJackHallinvented，andthesongsJemRopersung； AndwherearenowJemRoperandJackHall？ Ay!nearlyallourcomradesoftheoldcolonialschool，Ourancientbooncompanions，Ned，aregone； Hardliversforthemostpart，somewhatrecklessasarule，ItseemsthatyouandIareleftalone。 TherewasHughes，whogotintroublethroughthatbusinesswiththecards，Itmatterslittlewhatbecameofhim； Butasteerripp\'dupMacphersonintheCooramintayards，AndSullivanwasdrown\'datSink-or-swim； AndMostyn——poorFrankMostyn——diedatlast，afearfulwreck，Inthe\"horrors\"attheUpperWandinong，AndCarisbrooke，therider，attheHorsefallbrokehisneck； Faith!thewonderwashesavedhisnecksolong! Ah!thosedaysandnightswesquanderedattheLogans\'intheglen—— TheLogans，manandwife，havelongbeendead。 Elsie\'stallestgirlseemstallerthanyourlittleElsiethen； AndEthelisawomangrownandwed。 I\'vehadmyshareofpastime，andI\'vedonemyshareoftoil，Andlifeisshort——thelongestlifeaspan； Icarenotnowtotarryforthecornorfortheoil，Orforwinethatmakethgladtheheartofman。 Forgoodundone，andgiftsmisspent，andresolutionsvain，\'Tissomewhatlatetotrouble。ThisIknow—— Ishouldlivethesamelifeover，ifIhadtoliveagain； AndthechancesareIgowheremostmengo。 Thedeepblueskieswaxdusky，andthetallgreentreesgrowdim，Theswardbeneathmeseemstoheaveandfall； Andsickly，smokyshadowsthroughthesleepysunlightswim，Andontheverysun\'sfaceweavetheirpall。 Letmeslumberinthehollowwherethewattleblossomswave，Withneverstoneorrailtofencemybed； Shouldthesturdystationchildrenpullthebush-flowersonmygrave，Imaychancetohearthemrompingoverhead。 Idon\'tsupposeIshallthough，forIfeellikesleepingsound，Thatsleep，theysay，isdoubtful。True；butyetAtleastitmakesnodifferencetothedeadmanundergroundWhatthelivingmenrememberorforget。 Enigmasthatperplexusintheworld\'sunequalstrife，Thefuturemayignoreormayreveal； Yetsome，asweakaswater，Ned，tomakethebestoflife，Havebeentofacetheworstastrueassteel。 HenryKendall。 PrefatorySonnetsI。 Ipurposedoncetotakemypenandwrite，Notsongs，likesome，tormentedandawryWithpassion，butacunningharmonyOfwordsandmusiccaughtfromglenandheight，AndlucidcoloursbornofwoodlandlightAndshiningplaceswherethesea-streamslie。 Butthiswaswhentheheatofyouthglowedwhite，AndsinceI\'veputthefadedpurposeby。 IhavenofaultlessfruitstoofferyouWhoreadthisbook；butcertainsyllablesHereinareborrowedfromunfooteddellsAndsecrethollowsdeartonoontidedew； Andtheseatleast，thoughfarbetweenandfew，Maycatchthesenselikesubtleforestspells。 II。 Sotakethesekindly，eventhoughtherebeSomenotesthatuntootherlyresbelong，Strayechoesfromtheeldersonsofsong； AndthinkhowfromitsneighbouringnativeseaThepensiveshelldothborrowmelody。 IwouldnotdothelordlymasterswrongByfilchingfairwordsfromtheshiningthrongWhosemusichauntsmeasthewindatree! Lo，whenastrangerinsoftSyriangloomsShotthroughwithsunsettreadsthecedardells，AndhearsthebreezyringofelfinbellsFardownbywherethewhite-hairedcataractbooms，He，faintwithsweetnesscaughtfromforestsmells，Bearsthence，unwitting，plunderofperfumes。 SeptemberinAustraliaGreyWinterhathgone，likeawearisomeguest，And，behold，forrepayment，SeptembercomesinwiththewindoftheWestAndtheSpringinherraiment! Thewaysofthefrosthavebeenfilledoftheflowers，WhiletheforestdiscoversWildwings，withthehaloofhyalinehours，Andthemusicoflovers。 September，themaidwiththeswift，silverfeet! Sheglides，andshegracesThevalleysofcoolness，theslopesoftheheat，Withherblossomytraces； Sweetmonth，withamouththatismadeofarose，ShelightensandlingersInspotswheretheharpoftheeveningglows，Attunedbyherfingers。 ThestreamfromitshomeinthehollowhillslipsInadarlingoldfashion； AndthedaygoethdownwithasongonitslipsWhosekey-noteispassion； Faroutinthefierce，bitterfrontoftheseaIstand，andrememberDeadthingsthatwerebrothersandsistersofthee，ResplendentSeptember。 TheWest，whenitblowsatthefallofthenoonAndbeatsonthebeaches，IsfilledwithatenderandtremuloustuneThattouchesandteaches； ThestoriesofYouth，oftheburdenofTime，AndthedeathofDevotion，Comebackwiththewind，andarethemesoftherhymeInthewavesoftheocean。 We，havingasecrettoothersunknown，Inthecoolmountain-mosses，Maywhispertogether，September，aloneOfourlovesandourlosses。 Onewordforherbeauty，andoneforthegraceShegavetothehours； Andthenwemaykissher，andsufferherfaceTosleepwiththeflowers…… Oh，seasonofchanges——ofshadowandshine—— Septemberthesplendid! Mysonghathnomusictominglewiththine，Anditsburdenisended； Butthou，beingbornofthewindsandthesun，Bymountain，byriver，Maystlightenandlisten，andloiterandrun，Withthyvoicesforever。 RoseLorraineSweetwater-moons，blownintolightsOfflyinggoldonpoolandcreek，AndmanysoundsandmanysightsOfyoungerdaysarebackthisweek。 IcannotsayIsoughttofaceOrgreatlycaredtocrossagainThesubtlespiritoftheplaceWhoselifeismixedwithRoseLorraine。 WhatthoughhervoiceringsclearlythroughAnightlydreamIgladlykeep，NowishhaveItostartanewHeartfountainsthathaveceasedtoleap。 Here，facetofacewithdifferentdays，Andlaterthingsthatpleadforlove，ItwouldbeworsethanwrongtoraiseAphantomfartoovaintomove。 But，RoseLorraine——ah!RoseLorraine，I\'llwhispernow，wherenoonehears—— IfyoushouldchancetomeetagainThemanyoukissedinsoft，deadyears，Justsayforonce\"Hesufferedmuch，\" Andaddtothis\"HisfatewasworstBecauseofme，myvoice，mytouch\"—— Thereisnopassionlikethefirst! IfIthatbreatheyourslowsweetname，Asonebreatheslownotesonaflute，Havevextyourpeacewithwordofblame，Thephraseisdead——thelipsaremute。 YetwhenIturntowardsthewall，Instormynights，intimesofrain，IoftenwishyoucouldrecallYourtenderspeeches，RoseLorraine。 Because，yousee，Ithoughtthemtrue，Anddidnotcountyouself-deceived，Andgavemyselfinalltoyou，AndlookedonLoveasLifeachieved。 Thencamethebitter，suddenchange，Thefastenedlips，thedumbdespair: Thefirstfewweekswereverystrange，Andlong，andsad，andhardtobear。 NowomanliveswithpowertoburstMypassion\'sbonds，andsetmefree； ForRoseislastwhereRosewasfirst，AndonlyRoseisfairtome。 Thefaintestmemoryofherface，Thewilfulfacethathurtmeso，IsfollowedbyafierytraceThatRoseLorrainemustneverknow。 IkeepafadedribbonstringYouusedtowearaboutyourthroat； Andofthispale，thisperishedthing，IthinkIknowthethreadsbyrote。 Godhelpsuchlove!Totouchyourhand，Toloiterwhereyourfeetmightfall，Youmarvellousgirl，mysoulwouldstandTheworstofhell——itsfiresandall! ToaMountainTothee，Ofatherofthestatelypeaks，Abovemeintheloftierlight——tothee，ImperialbrotherofthoseawfulhillsWhosefeetaresetinsplendidspheresofflame，Whoseheadsarewherethegodsare，andwhosesidesOfstrengtharebeltedroundwithallthezonesOfalltheworld，Idedicatethesesongs。 Andif，withinthecompassofthisbook，TherelivesandglowsONEverseinwhichtherebeatsThepulseofwindandtorrent——ifONElineIsherethatlikearunningwatersounds，Andseemsanechofromthelandsofleaf，Besurethatlineisthine。Here，inthishome，Awayfrommenandbooksandalltheschools，ItaketheeformyTeacher。InthyvoiceOfdeathlessmajesty，I，kneeling，hearGod\'sgrandauthenticGospel!Yearbyyear，ThegreatsublimecantataofthystormStrikesthroughmyspirit——fillsitwithalifeOfstartlingbeauty!ThoumyBibleartWithholyleavesofrock，andflower，andtree，Andmoss，andshiningrunnel。FromeachpageThathelpstomakethyawfulvolume，I Havelearnedanoblelesson。InthepsalmOfthygravewinds，andintheliturgyOfsingingwaters，lo!mysoulhasheardThehigherworship；andfromthee，indeed，ThebroadfoundationsofafinerhopeWeregatheredin；andthouhastliftedupTheblindhorizonforalargerfaith! Moreover，walkinginexaltedwoodsOfnakedglory，inthegreenandgoldOfforestsunshine，IhavepausedlikeoneWithallthelifetransfigured:andafloodOflightineffablehasmademefeelAsfeltthegrandoldprophetscaughtawayByflamesofinspiration；butthewordsSufficientforthestoryofmyDreamArefartoosplendidforpoorhumanlips! Butthou，towhomIturnwithreverenteyes—— OstatelyFather，whosemajesticfaceShinesfarabovethezoneofwindandcloud，Wherehighdominionofthemorningis—— ThouhasttheSongcompleteofwhichmysongsArepallidadumbrations!CertainsoundsOfstrongauthenticsorrowinthisbookMayhavethesobofuplandtorrents——these，Andonlythese，maytouchthegreatWorld\'sheart； For，lo!theyaretheissuesofthatgriefWhichmakesamanmorehuman，andhislifeMorelikethatfrankexaltedlifeofthine。 ButinthesepagesthereareothertonesInwhichthylarge，superiorvoiceisnot—— ThroughwhichnobeautythatresemblesthineHasevershone。THESEarethebrokenwordsOfblindoccasions，whentheWorldhascomeBetweenmeandmyDream。NosongishereOfmightycompass；formysingingrobesI\'veworninstolenmoments。AllmydaysHavebeenthedaysofalaboriouslife，AndeveronmystrugglingsoulhasburnedThefierceheatofthishurriedsphere。Butthou，TowhosefairmajestyIdedicateMybookofrhymes——thouhasttheperfectrestWhichmakestheheavenofthehighestgods! TotheethenoisesofthisviolenttimeArefar，faintwhispers；and，fromagetoage，Withintheworldandyetapartfromit，Thoustandest!RoundthylordlycapestheseaRollsonwithasuperbindifferenceForever；inthydeep，green，graciousglensThesilverfountainssingforever。FarAbovedimghostsofwatersinthecaves，TheroyalrobeofmorningonthyheadAbidesforever!EvermorethewindIsthyaugustcompanion；andthypeersArecloud，andthunder，andthefacesublimeOfbluemid-heaven!OnthyawfulbrowIsDeity；andinthatvoiceofthineThereisthegreatimperialutteranceOfGodforever；andthyfeetaresetWhereevermore，throughallthedaysandyears，Thererollsthegrandhymnofthedeathlesswave。 AraluenTakethisrose，andverygentlyplaceitonthetender，deepMosseswhereourlittledarling，Araluen，liesasleep。 Puttheblossomclosetobaby——kneelwithme，mylove，andpray； Wemustleavethebirdwe\'veburied——saygood-byetoherto-day； Intheshadowofourtroublewemustgotootherlands，Andtheflowerswehavefosteredwillbelefttootherhands。 Othereyeswillwatchthemgrowing——otherfeetwillsoftlytreadWheretwoheartsarenearlybreaking，wheresomanytearsareshed。 Bitteristheworldwelivein:lifeandlovearemixedwithpain； Wewillneverseethesedaisies——neverwaterthemagain…… Heretheblue-eyedSpringwilllinger，heretheshiningmonthwillstay，Likeafriend，byAraluen，whenwetwoarefaraway； But，beyondthewild，widewaters，wewilltreadanothershore—— Wewillneverwatchthisblossom，neverseeitanymore。 Girl，whosehandatGod\'shighaltarinthedear，deadyearIpressed，Leanyourstrickenheaduponme——thisisstillyourlover\'sbreast! Shewhosleepswasfirstandsweetest——nonewehavetotakeherplace! Emptyisthelittlecradle——absentisthelittleface。 Otherchildrenmaybegiven；butthisrosebeyondrecall，Butthisgarlandofyourgirlhood，willbedearestofthemall。 Nonewillever，Araluen，nestlewhereyouusedtobe，Inmyheartofhearts，youdarling，whentheworldwasnewtome； Wewereyoungwhenyouwerewithus，lifeandlovewerehappythingsToyourfatherandyourmothereretheangelsgaveyouwings。 Youthatsitandsobbesideme——you，uponwhosegoldenheadManyrainsofmanysorrowshavefromdaytodaybeenshed； Who，becauseyourlovewasnoble，facedwithmethelotaustereEverpressingwithitshardshiponthemanoflettershere—— Letmefeelthatyouarenearme，layyourhandwithinmineown； YouareallIhavetolivefor，nowthatweareleftalone。 Threetherewere，butonehasvanished。Sinsofminehavemadeyouweep； Butforgiveyourbaby\'sfathernowthatbabyisasleep。 Letusgo，fornightisfalling，leavethedarlingwithherflowers； Otherhandswillcomeandtendthem——otherfriendsinotherhours。 AfterManyYearsThesongthatonceIdreamedabout，Thetender，touchingthing，Asradiantastherosewithout，Theloveofwindandwing: Theperfectverses，tothetuneOfwoodlandmusicset，Asbeautifulasafternoon，Remainunwrittenyet。 Itistoolatetowritethemnow—— Theancientfireiscold； Noardentlightsillumethebrow，Asinthedaysofold。 Icannotdreamthedreamagain； But，whenthehappybirdsAresinginginthesunnyrain，IthinkIhearitswords。 IthinkIheartheechostillOflong-forgottentones，WheneveningwindsareonthehillAndsunsetfiresthecones； Butonlyinthehourssupreme，Withsongsoflandandsea，Thelyricsoftheleafandstream，Thisechocomestome。 NolongerdoththeearthrevealHergraciousgreenandgold； Isitwhereyouthwasonce，andfeelThatIamgrowingold。 ThelustrefromthefaceofthingsIswearingallaway； Likeonewhohaltswithtiredwings，Irestandmuseto-day。 ThereisariverintherangeIlovetothinkabout； PerhapsthesearchingfeetofchangeHaveneverfounditout。 Ah!oftentimesIusedtolookUponitsbanks，andlongTostealthebeautyofthatbrookAndputitinasong。 Iwonderiftheslopesofmoss，Indreamssodeartome—— Thefallsofflower，andflower-likefloss—— Areastheyusedtobe! Iwonderifthewaterfalls，Thesingersfarandfair，Thatgleamedbetweenthewet，greenwalls，Arestillthemarvelsthere! Ah!letmehopethatinthatplaceThoseoldfamiliarthingsTowhichIturnawistfulfaceHavenevertakenwings。 LetmeretainthefancystillThat，pastthelordlyrange，Therealwaysshines，infoldsofhill，Onespotsecurefromchange! ItrustthatyetthetenderscreenThatshadesacertainnookRemains，withallitsgoldandgreen，Thegloryofthebrook。 IthidesasecrettothebirdsAndwatersonlyknown: Thelettersoftwolovelywords—— Apoemonastone。 PerhapstheladyofthepastUpontheselinesmaylight，Thepurestverses，andthelast，ThatImayeverwrite: Sheneednotfearawordofblame: Hertaletheflowerskeep—— ThewindthatheardmebreathehernameHasbeenforyearsasleep。 Butinthenight，andwhentherainThetroubledtorrentfills，IoftenthinkIseeagainTheriverinthehills； Andwhenthedayisverynear，Andbirdsareonthewing，MyspiritfanciesitcanhearThesongIcannotsing。 Hy-Brasil\"Daughter，\"saidtheancientfather，pausingbytheeveningsea，\"Turnthyfacetowardsthesunset——turnthyfaceandkneelwithme! Prayerandpraiseandholyfasting，lipsofloveandlifeoflight，Theseandthesehavemadetheeperfect——shiningsaintwithseraph\'ssight! Looktowardsthatflamingcrescent——lookbeyondthatglowingspace—— Tellme，sisteroftheangels，whatisbeaminginthyface？\" Andthedaughter，whohadfasted，whohadspentherdaysinprayer，TillthegloryoftheSaviourtouchedherheadandrestedthere，Turnedhereyestowardsthesea-line——sawbeyondthefierycrest，Floatingoverwavesofjasper，farHy-BrasilintheWest。 Allthecalmnessandthecolour——allthesplendourandrepose，Flowingwherethesunsetflowered，likeasilver-heartedrose! ThereindeedwassingingEden，wherethegreatgoldriverrunsPasttheporchandgatesofcrystal，ringedbystrongandshiningones! ThereindeedwasGod\'sowngarden，sailingdownthesapphiresea—— Lawnydellsandslopesofsummer，dazzlingstreamandradianttree! Outagainstthehushedhorizon——outbeneaththereverentday，FlamedtheWonderonthewaters——flamed，andflashed，andpassedaway。 Andthemaidenwhohadseenitfeltahandwithinherown，Andanangelthatweknownotledhertothelandsunknown。 Neversincehatheyebeheldit——neversincehathmortal，dazedByitsstrange，unearthlysplendour，onthefloatingEdengazed! OnlyoncesinceEvewentweepingthroughathrongofglitteringwings，HaththeholyseenHy-Brasilwherethegreatgoldriversings! Onlyoncebyquietwaters，understill，resplendentskies，DidthesisteroftheseraphskneelinsightofParadise! She，thepure，theperfectwoman，sanctifiedbypatientprayer，HadtheeyesofsaintsofHeaven，alltheirgloryinherhair: ThereforeGodtheFatherwhisperedtoaradiantspiritnear—— \"ShowOurdaughterfairHy-Brasil——showherthis，andleadherhere。\" Butbeyondthehallsofsunset，butwithinthewondrousWest，Ontherose-redseasofevening，sailstheGardenoftheBlest。 Stillthegatesofglassybeauty，stillthewallsofglowinglight，Shineonwavesthatnomanknowsof，outofsoundandoutofsight。 Yettheslopesandlawnsoflustre，yetthedellsofsparklingstreams，Diptotranquilshoresofjasper，wherethewatchingangelbeams。 But，behold!oureyesarehuman，andourwayispavedwithpain，WecanneverfindHy-Brasil，neverseeitshillsagain! Neverlookonbaysofcrystal，neverbendthereverentkneeInthesightofEdenfloating——floatingonthesapphiresea! OutreMerIsee，asoneindreaming，Abroad，bright，quietsea； Beyonditliesahaven—— Theonlyhomeforme。 Somemengrowstrongwithtrouble，Butallmystrengthispast，Andtiredandfullofsorrow，Ilongtosleepatlast。 ByforceofchanceandchangesMan\'slifeishardatbest； And，seeingrestisvoiceless，Thedearestthingisrest。 Beyondthesea——beholdit，ThehomeIwishtoseek，Therefugeoftheweary，Thesolaceoftheweak! Sweetangelfingersbeckon，SweetangelvoicesaskMysoultocrossthewaters； AndyetIdreadthetask。 GodhelpthemanwhosetrialsAretaresthathemustreap! Hecannotfacethefuture—— Hisonlyhopeissleep。 AcrossthemainavisionOfsunsetcoasts，andskies，Andwidthsofwatersgleaming，Enchantmyhumaneyes。 I，whohavesinnedandsuffered，Havesought——withtearshavesought—— Torulemylifewithgoodness，Andshapeittomythought。 AndyetthereisnorefugeToshieldmefromdistress，ExcepttherealmofslumberAndgreatforgetfulness。 MarcusClarke。 TheSongofTigilauThesongofTigilauthebrave，Sina\'swildlover，WhoacrosstheheavingwaveFromSamoacameover: Cameover，Sina，atthesettingmoon! Themoonshinesroundandbright； She，withherdark-eyedmaidensatherside，Watchestherisingtide。 Whilebalmybreathesthestarrysouthernnight，Whilelanguidheavesthelazysoutherntide； Therisingtide，OSina，andthesettingmoon! Thenightispast，ispastandgone，ThemoonsinkstotheWest，Thesea-heartbeatsopprest，AndSina\'spassionatebreastHeaveslikethesea，whenthepalemoonhasgone，Heaveslikethepassionatesea，Sina，leftbythemoonalone! Silveronsilversands，theripplingwatersmeet—— Willhecomesoon？ Theripplingwaterskissherdelicatefeet，Theripplingwaters，lispinglowandsweet，Ripplewiththetide，Therisingtide，Therisingtide，OSina，andthesettingmoon! Hecomes!——herlover! Tigilau，thesonofTuiViti。 Hermaidensroundherhover，Therisingwavesherwhitefeetcover。 OTigilau，sonofTuiViti，Throughthemellowduskthyproasglide，Sosoon! Sosoonbytherisingtide，Therisingtide，mySina，andthesettingmoon! Themooring-polesareleft，Thewhiteningwavesarecleft，BytheprowsofTuiViti! BythesharpkeelsofTuiViti! Broadisthesea，anddeep，TheyellowSamoanssleep，Buttheywillwakeandweep—— Weepintheirluxuriousodorousvales，WhilethelandbreezeswellsthesailsOfTuiViti! TuiViti——farupontherisingtide，Therisingtide—— Therisingtide，mySina，beneaththesettingmoon! Sheleapstomeethim! HermouthtogreethimBurnsathisown。 Away!Tothecanoes，Totheyokedwarcanoes! TheseainmurmuroustoneWhispersthestoryoftheirloves，Re-echoesthestoryoftheirloves—— ThestoryofTuiViti，OfSinaandTuiViti，Bytherisingtide，Therisingtide，Sina，beneaththesettingmoon! Shehasgone! Shehasfled! Sina! Sina，forwhomthewarriorsdeckedtheirshininghair，Wreathingwithpearlstheirbosomsbrownandbare，FlingingbeneathherdaintyfeetMatscrimsonwiththefeathersoftheparrakeet。 Ho，Samoans!rouseyourwarriorsfullsoon，ForSinaisacrosstheripplingwave，WithTigilau，theboldandbrave。 Far，farupontherisingtide! Farupontherisingtide! Farupontherisingtide，Sina，beneaththesettingmoon。 PatrickMoloney。 MelbourneOsweetQueen-cityofthegoldenSouth，Piercingtheeveningwiththystar-litspires，ThouwertawitnesswhenIkissedthemouthOfherwhoseeyesoutblazedtheskyeyfires。 Isawtheparallelsofthylongstreets，Withlampslikeangelsshiningalla-row，WhileoverheadtheempyreanseatsOfgodsweresteepedinparadisicglow。 ThePleiadeswithrarerfiresweretipt，Hespersatthroneduponhisjewelledchair，Thebeltedgiant\'striplestarswerediptInallthesplendourofOlympianair，Onhightobless，theSouthernCrossdidshine，Likethatwhichblazedo\'erconqueringConstantine。 AlfredDomett。 AnInvitationWell!ifTruthbeallwelcomedwithhardyreliance，AllthelovelyunfoldingsofluminousScience，AllthatLogiccanproveordisprovebeavowed: Isthereroomfornofaith——thoughsuchEvilintrude—— InthedominancestillofaSpiritofGood？ Isthereroomfornohope——suchahandbreadthwescan—— InthepermanenceyetoftheSpiritofMan？—— Mayweblessthefarseeker，norblamethefinedreamer？ LeaveReasonherradiance——Doubtherduecloud； NortheirRainbowsenshroud？—— FromourLifeofrealities——hard——shallow-hearted，HasRomance——hasallgloryidyllicdeparted—— FromtheworkadayWorldallthewondermentflown？ Well，butwhatiftheregleamed，inanAgecoldasthis，ThedivinestofPoets\'idealofbliss？ Yea，anEdencouldlurkinthisEmpireofours，Withtheloneliestloveintheloveliestbowers？—— Inanerasorapidwithrailwayandsteamer，AndwithPanandtheDryadslikeRaphaelgone—— Whatifthiscouldbeshown？ Omyfriends，neverdeaftothecharmsofDenial，Wereitscomfortlesscomfortingworthalife-trial—— Discontentedcontentwithachillingdespair？—— Betteraskaswefloatdownasong-floodunchecked，IfourSkywithnoIrisbeglory-bedecked？ ThroughthegloomofeclipseaswewistfullystealIfnodarklingaureolarraysmayrevealThattheFutureishaplynotutterlycheerless: WhilethePresenthasjoyandadventureasrareAsthePastwhenmostfair？ AndifwearyofmistsyouwillroamundisdainingToalandwherethefancifulfountainsarerainingSwiftbrilliantsofboilingandbeautifulsprayInthevioletsplendourofskiesthatillumeSuchawealthofgreenfernsandrarecrimsontree-bloom； Whereapeopleprimevalisvanishingfast，Withitsfaithsanditsfablesandwaysofthepast: Owithreasonandfancyunfetteredandfearless，ComeplungewithusdeepintoregionsofDay—— Comeaway——andaway!—— AMaoriGirl\'sSong\"Alas，andwell-a-day!theyaretalkingofmestill: Bythetinglingofmynostril，Ifeartheyaretalkingill； PoorhaplessI——poorlittleI——somanymouthstofill—— Andallforthisstrangefeeling——O，thissad，sweetpain! \"O!senselessheart——Osimple!toyearnso，andtopineForonesofaraboveme，confesto\'eralltoshine，Foroneahundreddoteupon，whonevercanbemine! O，\'tisafoolishfeeling——allthisfond，sweetpain! \"WhenIwasquiteachild——notsomanymoonsago—— Ahappylittlemaiden——O，thenitwasnotso； Likeasunny-dancingwaveletthenIsparkledtoandfro； AndIneverhadthisfeeling——O，thissad，sweetpain! \"IthinkitmustbeowingtotheidlelifeIleadInthedreamyhouseforeverthatthisnewbosom-weedHassproutedupandspreaditsshootstillittroublesmeindeedWitharestless，wearyfeeling——suchasad，sweetpain! \"Sointhispleasantislet，O，nolongerwillIstay—— AndtheshadowysummerdwellingIwillleavethisveryday； OnArapaI\'lllaunchmyskiff，andsoonbeborneawayFromallthatfeedsthisfeeling——O，thisfond，sweetpain! \"I\'llgoandseedearRima——she\'llwelcomeme，Iknow，Andaflaxencloak——hergayest——o\'ermywearyshouldersthrow，Withpurfleredandpointssofree——O，quitealovelyshow—— Tocharmawaythisfeeling——O，thissad，sweetpain! \"TwofeathersIwillborrow，andsogracefullyI\'llwearTwofeatherssoftandsnowy，formylong，black，lustroushair。 Ofthealbatross\'sdownthey\'llbe——O，howcharmingthey\'lllookthere—— Alltochaseawaythisfeeling——O，thisfond，sweetpain! \"Thentheladswillflockaroundmewithflatteringtalkallday—— And，withanxiouslittlepinches，slyhintsofloveconvey； AndIshallblushwithhappypridetohearthem，Idaresay，Andquiteforgetthisfeeling——O，thissad，sweetpain!\" JamesBruntonStephens。 TheDominionofAustralia(AForecast，1877) Sheisnotyet；buthewhoseearThrillstothatfineratmosphereWherefootfallsofappointedthings，Reverberantofdaystobe，Areheardinforecastechoings，Likewave-beatsfromaviewlesssea—— HearsinthevoicefultremorsoftheskyAuroralheraldswhispering，\"Sheisnigh。\" Sheisnotyet；buthewhosesightForeknowstheadventofthelight，WhosesoultomorningradianceturnsErenighthercurtainhathwithdrawn，AndinitsquiveringfoldsdiscernsThemutemonitionsofthedawn，WithurgentsensestrainedonwardtodescryHerdistanttokens，startstofindHernigh。 Notyetherday。Howlong\"notyet\"？…… Therecomestheflushofviolet! Andheavenwardfaces，allaflameWithsanguineimminenceofmorn，Waitbutthesun-kisstoproclaimTheDayofTheDominionborn。 Prelusivebaptism!——erethenatalhourNamedwiththenameandprophecyofpower。 Alreadyheretoheartsintense，Aspirit-force，transcendingsense，Inheightsunscaled，indeepsunstirred，Beneaththecalm，abovethestorm，ShewaitstheincorporatingwordTobidhertrembleintoform。 Already，likedivining-rods，men\'ssoulsBenddowntowheretheunseenriverrolls；—— Forevenas，fromsightconcealed，Byneverflushofdawnrevealed，Nore\'erillumedbygoldennoon，Norsunset-streakedwithcrimsonbar，Norsilver-spannedbywakeofmoon，Norvisitedofanystar，Beneaththeselandsariverwaitstobless(Somendivine)ourutmostwilderness，—— Rollsdark，butyetshallknowourskies，SoonasthewisdomofthewiseConspireswithnaturetodiscloseTheblessingprisonedandunseen，TillroundourlesseningwastesthereglowsAperfectzoneofbroadeninggreen，—— Tillallourland，AustraliaFelixcalled，BecomeoneContinent-IsleofEmerald； SoflowsbeneathourgoodandillAviewlessstreamofCommonWill，Agatheringforce，apresentmight，ThatfromitssilentdepthsofgloomAtWisdom\'svoiceshallleaptolight，Andhideourbarrenfeudsinbloom，Till，alloursunderinglineswithloveo\'ergrown，Ourboundsshallbethegirdlingseasalone。 TheDarkCompanionThereisanorbthatmockedtheloreofsagesLongtimewithmysteryofstrangeunrest； ThesteadfastlawthatroundsthestarryagesGavedoubtfultokenofsupremebehest。 ButtheywhoknewthewaysofGodunchanging，Concludedsomefarinfluenceunseen—— Somekindredspherethroughviewlessethersranging，Whosestrongpersuasionsspannedthevoidbetween。 AndknowingitalonethroughperturbationAndvaguedisquietofanotherstar，Theynamedit，tillthedayofrevelation，\"TheDarkCompanion\"——darklyguessedafar。 Butwhen，throughnewperfectionofappliance，Faithmergedatlengthinundisputedsight，Themysticmoverwasrevealedtoscience，NoDarkCompanion，but——aspeckoflight。 NoDarkCompanion，butasunofglory； Nofelldisturber，butabrightcompeer； Theshiningcomplementthatcrownedthestory； Thegoldenlinkthatmadethemeaningclear。 Oh，DarkCompanion，journeyingeverbyus，Oh，grimPerturberofourworksandways—— Oh，potentDread，unseen，yetevernighus，Disquietingallthetenorofourdays—— Oh，DarkCompanion，Death，whosewideembracesO\'ertakeremotestchangeofclimeandskies—— Oh，DarkCompanion，Death，whosegrievoustracesArescatteredshredsofrivenenterprise—— Thou，too，inthiswise，when，oureyesunsealing，Theclearerdayshallchangeourfaithtosight，Shaltshowthyself，inthatsupremerevealing，NoDarkCompanion，butathingoflight。 Noruthlesswreckerofharmoniousorder； Noalienheartofdiscordandcaprice； AbeckoninglightupontheBlissfulBorder； Akindredelementoflawandpeace。 So，too，ourstrangeunrestinthisourdwelling，Thetremblingthatthoujoinestwithourmirth，Arebutthymagnet-communingscompellingOurspiritsfartherfromthescopeofearth。 So，doubtless，whenbeneaththypotenceswerving，\'Tisthatthoulead\'stusbyapathunknown，OurseemingdeviationsallsubservingTheperfectorbitroundthecentralthrone…… Thenightwindmoans。TheAustralwildsareroundme。 Thelovedwholive——ah，God!howfewtheyare! Ilookedabove；andheaveninmercyfoundmeThisparableofcomfortinastar。 DayLinger，ohSun，foralittle，norcloseyetthisdayofamillion! Istherenotgloryenoughintherose-curtainedhallsoftheWest？ Hastthounojoyinthepassion-huedfoldsofthykinglypavilion？ Whyshouldstthouonlypassthroughit？Ohresttheealittlewhile，rest! WhyshouldtheNightcomeandtakeit，thewanNightthatcannotenjoyit，Bringingpaleargentforgolden，andchangingvermiliontogrey？ WhyshouldtheNightcomeandshadowit，enteringbuttodestroyit？ Rest\'midthyruby-trailedsplendours!Ohstaytheealittlewhile，stay! Resttheeatleastabriefhourinit!\'Tisarightroyalpavilion。 Lo，therearethronesforhighdallianceallgloriouslycanopiedo\'er! Lo，therearehangingsofpurple，andhangingsofblueandvermilion，Andtherearefleecesofgoldforthyfeetonthediaperedfloor! Linger，alittlewhilelinger。To-morrowmyheartmaynotsingtothee: ThisshallbeYesterday，numberedwithmemories，foldedaway。 Nowshouldmyflesh-fetteredsoulbesetfree!Iwouldsoartothee，clingtothee，Andbethyrere-wardAurora，pursuingtheskirtsofTo-day! NightHarkhowthetremulousnight-windispassinginjoy-ladensighs； Softthroughmywindowitcomes，likethefanningofpinionsangelic，Whisperingtoceasefrommyself，andlookoutontheinfiniteskies。 Outontheorb-studdednight，andthecrescenteffulgenceofDian； Outonthefar-gleamingstar-dustthatmarkswheretheangelshavetrod； Outonthegem-pointedCross，andtheglitteringpompofOrion，Flaminginmeasurelessazure，thecoronaljewelsofGod； Luminousstreamsofdelightinthesilentimmensityflowing，Journeyingsurgelesslyonthroughimpalpableethersofpeace。 HowcanIthinkofmyselfwheninfinitudeo\'ermeisglowing，Glowingwithtokensoflovefromthelandwheremysorrowsshallcease？ Oh，summer-nightoftheSouth!Oh，sweetlanguorofzephyrslove-sighing! Oh，mightycircuitofshadowysolitude，holyandstill! Musicscarceaudible，echo-lessharmonyjoyouslydying，Dyinginfaintsuspirationso\'ermeadow，andforest，andhill! Imustgoforthandbepartofit，partofthenightanditsgladness。 Butafewsteps，andIpauseonthemargeoftheshininglagoon。 Herethen，atlength，Ihaverest；andIlaydownmyburdenofsadness，Kneelingalone\'neaththestarsandthesilveryarcofthemoon。 ThomasBracken。 NotUnderstoodNotunderstood，wemovealongasunder； OurpathsgrowwiderastheseasonscreepAlongtheyears；wemarvelandwewonderWhylifeislife，andthenwefallasleepNotunderstood。 Notunderstood，wegatherfalseimpressionsAndhugthemcloserastheyearsgoby； Tillvirtuesoftenseemtoustransgressions； Andthusmenriseandfall，andliveanddieNotunderstood。 Notunderstood!PoorsoulswithstuntedvisionOftmeasuregiantswiththeirnarrowgauge； ThepoisonedshaftsoffalsehoodandderisionAreoftimpelled\'gainstthosewhomouldtheage，Notunderstood。 Notunderstood!ThesecretspringsofactionWhichliebeneaththesurfaceandtheshow，Aredisregarded；withself-satisfactionWejudgeourneighbours，andtheyoftengoNotunderstood。 Notunderstood!Howtriflesoftenchangeus! ThethoughtlesssentenceandthefanciedslightDestroylongyearsoffriendship，andestrangeus，Andonoursoulstherefallsafreezingblight； Notunderstood。