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。