第4章

\"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。 ASongofSydney(1894) 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，Itsings(Osweetandlow) Alover\'ssong，Andwindsalong，Howhappy——loversknow! ThelittlecreekgoessingingBymaidenhairandmoss，AlongitsbanksInrosyranksThewildflowerswaveandtoss； AndeverwherethefernsdipdownItsings(Osweetandlow) Alover\'ssong，Andwindsalong，Howhappy——loversknow! Thelittlecreektakescolour，Fromsummerskiesabove； Nowblue，nowgold，ItswatersfoldThecloudsinclosestlove； ButloudlywhenthethundersrollItsings(norsweet，norlow) Nolover\'ssong，Butsweepsalong，Howangry——loversknow! ThelittlecreekforeverGoeswinding，windingdown，Away，away，Bynight，byday，Wheredarktherangesfrown； Buteverasitglidesitsings，Itsings(Osweetandlow) 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；