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；