Class _P5_^5_3i Bon k . A> e.y Gop)Tiglit'N JO h COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. r THE CRYSTAL GAZER AND OTHER POEMS The Crystal Gazer AND OTHER POEMS By MINNIE BOND GARNER RANNEY CHICAGO RAND McNALLY & CO. 1916 Copyright, 1916, By F. G. Ranney ©CU4y39J4 DEDICATION To the Dear Memory Of a Loving Wife and Devoted Mother These Selected Verses Are Published for Those who Loved Her By Her Husband and Children "She being dead yet speakeih" NOTE The poems in this little volume are printed, with minor exceptions, in the form in which the author left them. In the indention of the longer poems especially, the manuscript form has been followed without re- vision although not conforming closely to conventional rules. — The Publishers CONTENTS PAGE The Crystal Gazer 13 The Exile 16 The Clown 19 FORTUNIO, THE LlON TamER 22 Black Browed Nan 24 Setsuko 26 Cast Out 28 Eileen of the Mill 30 The Grey Monk 32 In THE Rosary 35 A Christmas Legend 38 Cometh the Lord of Light 40 Easter Robins 43 Yonder Way 46 Peace 48 Those Heavenly Hands 50 In the Shadow of the Cross 51 The King's Lament 53 The Bridge Builders 55 Maker of Bricks 57 P^AN OF Pain 59 The Psalm of Women 61 The Puzzle 63 Who Hath Great Love 66 Love 68 To A. C. S 69 To O. W 72 Mahala! O Mahala! 74 The White Nun — Gabrielle 78 7 8 CONTENTS PAGE The Awakening 80 The Voice 82 The Purple Hellebore 85 The Magic Wreath 87 The Gnarled Old Apple Tree 88 Then the Winds of Winter Blow 90 The Signal 92 The Place of His Heart 94 How Farest Thou? 96 The Mirrored Moon 97 There Is a Bird Which Sings 99 The Silver Sailing Swans loi The Stygian Swans 103 Poseidon's Steeds 105 Breaking Waves 107 Life's Trampled Bloom 109 The Soldier's Song in My Own People Smoke the Pipe of Peace . . .113 Dis Am a Lazy Niggeh 114 The Cynic Moon 116 With Wings of Fire 118 Love 120 A Litany 123 Life's Day ' . . . . 124 Stand 125 The Watch 126 The Test 127 You Come Too Late 129 The Spinner of the Night 130 Daphne 131 Where We Must Dwell Apart 133 A Fallen Flower 134 A Wastrel Blown 135 CONTENTS 9 PAGE The Camellia 136 A Japanese Garden i37 The Blue Flower 140 Autumn — I 142 Autumn — II I43 There Is a Bland, Mysterious Land 144 Elise 146 Maiden of Snow i47 Wayward Love 148 The Little Paths i49 The Peri 150 A Geisha 151 Love's Forgiveness 152 When Night Soothes Care 153 O Love, Be Kind 154 To Crown a Cause 155 The Question 156 En Garde! 158 War — I 159 War— II 160 "The Land of Fear" 161 An Oasis 162 Where Mystery Lurks 163 The Stolen Slave 164 The Golden Stream 165 Mirame 166 The Maestro's Violin 167 A Man 168 Unconquered 169 Sappho's Servitude 170 Blight 171 Sleep 172 10 CONTENTS PAGE Blest Night 173 The Amaranthine Flower 174 My Darling 175 Then the Roses Fall 176 When You Sing 177 Love's Mystery 178 Adieu 179 THE CRYSTAL GAZER AND OTHER POEMS THE CRYSTAL GAZER AND OTHER POEMS THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE Crystal Gazer in his glass Saw a train of gypsies pass, With canvas covered wains; Floundering through a deep morass They sought the English lanes; Their crimson cheeks and lips afire Frosted with autumn stains; Like augers dire With slumbering ire Their eyes peered through the rains. The gypsies rich in scarlet cloaks And clinking golden gains; With throaty laughs at tricksy jokes — Wound plashing, through the lanes, Whilst white teeth flashed And sudden lashed The widened breadths of rain. Beneath the stalwart gypsies' vests Ho! hot love smouldered in those breasts (Where poinyards hidden were — ) Whilst fierce Love wandered on strange quests Beneath the spruce and fir; For one maid there With hanging hair [13] 14 THE CRYSTAL GAZER And lips which burned like brine, A stranger bold Besought — and sold Sweet pelf — making a furtive sign. Quoth she— "Aright I'll tell thy phght In fortune, handsome sir, When dark the shade Within the glade Beneath the crooked Fir"; And Love bore down the dales of night To seek the source of all delight, (Meshed in the skein of her long braid) Nor recked that poinyards were Neath leathern vest Like snakes at rest Coiled ready for the sting. (Intent upon his mystic sphere The Crystal Gazer shook with fear.) Light Love was slain upon the hill. That gypsy-like had had its will Beneath the spruce and fir; The Serpent sprung and made his kill — Upon the midnight plain, But aie! the shuddering eyes of her That stared up through the rain! And who may guess the roads they took O'er fallow field and shallow brook, As creaking crossed the wains, Down secret forest roads forsook, AND OTHER POEMS 15 Strange putteran they undertook, Through the windy gusts of rain, For no man saw those eery folk No yokel e'er the tribe bespoke. With cracking whips the rocking wains Went rolling down the night's long plains, But a Romany there, whose heart was bare. Crouching, clutched his matted hair — His hand — red with blood-stains ! In stealthy flight No star in sight — Fled on that ghost-like train, Upon their ancient gypsying (One branded like to Cain) ; Behind was left Withouten ring, A maid who ne'er should greet the Spring, Or cross man's palm again — And aie! the shuddering eyes of her That stared up at the crooked fir Midst the gusty flaws of rain. With cracking whips the rocking wains Went roiling down the night's long lanes, A Romany there who clutched his hair Aye, shuddered at the rains. But no man knew what mom should bring For in the night The gypsies went beyond their sight Upon their ancient gypsying. 16 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE EXILE Boris, my brother, dost thou remember Light was my heart, and my free troth pHghted, Vladimir Malakoff promised to me — Feasting on name-day, candles were lighted, Pictures were placed, and no good Saint was slighted — Clad in our best, with a fair company; Brother, my brother! what Horror descending Wrought out of Agony Exile unending ? (Brother answers.) My Sister! Brother, my brother ! dost thou remember "Basil the beautiful," Spendthrift, gay spender of kisses tmdutiful Lover and Render, By Baltic blue, where the Russ maiden slender Was won to his wishes? (Chill, blew the Autumn-wind, in that September Few were the fishes.) (Brother.) Aye, Natalia! Basil — the rich, young savage of Splendor, Basil, the powerful exile-sender. AND OTHER POEMS 17 Near to the Tzar — and conqueror Ravisher, Render Of maidens iindutiful, Basil magnificent, Basil the beautiful Giver of gifts, gay spender of kisses — Hark! Eve's serpent hisses, "Lost Eden remember!" (Brother.) Cease, Natalia ! But a stronger than he, strange exile-sender. Death, the stealthy, great binder, and blender Bore him to black Styx, which no Grand Duke misses — Deep, drove the dirk, to that high betrayer Who heeded no threat, nor a childish prayer — Basil! thou beautiful savage of Splendor, (Driver of men — and conqueror — ) Vladimir Malakoff , paid for those kisses, Ravished from us — (Hark! Eve's serpent hisses, " Lost Eden remember ! ") (Brother.) False, wert thou, Natalia! Swart was his face, and his dark eyes tender, (Lover marauder ! My senses disorder — ) Basil the bold, steel-muscled and slender Buyer of blisses ! The serf's knife ne'er misses Thy throat, for Natalia — Eve, the love-apple kisses 2 18 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Though her wise serpent hisses, "Hate! not Eden, remember!" (Brother aside.) Mad — my NataHa! Brother, my brother! dost thou remember? Deep was the snow, and the embers ashen In the early mom of a bleak December Vladimir Malakoff shot in the square Cooled all his passion! And we exiled — who waited there Fain to kiss his hand — Both Noble and Serf at the foul demand Of Fate, were sped, in a sanguine fashion; Deep was the snow — and the embers ashen In the bitter mom, of that dread December. (Brother aside.) Thus was it Sister! Horror descending — Wrought out of Agony Exile unending. AND OTHER POEMS 19 THE CLOWN When the town Doth in eve's deepening shadows drown And I am done with plaudits of renown — Fantastic gambols o'er, I close my chamber door Full fain for rest; A painted clown Who now hath done with jest; The cap and bells at last put by Flung down, quite spent, supine I lie, Lapt in soft dreams, to sigh at will — Straight laid, as one long dead and still. Without the world; now, none to chide or fear, My Soul may speak aloud unto thy listening ear, Oh, Wizard Night! What secrets hid are thine, of beings burdened grown Though they must smile E'en here a little longer while Ere all of Life is known; What mad imaginings are thine, O Night ! Of vanished Delight; Of harps with muted strings; The spiced cup of the Rose That Bulbul sings In gardens of dead things; A haunting fragrance flows Through thy lote hours, Oh, Night! Of withered bowers. 20 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Stare not with grave eyes gloomed in mine, Fond Night! To conjure ghmpses of divine Dead Beauty — white As the snow-drifts are Heaped round a lonely mountain shrine, And precious as sad Magdalene's jar — Lest Memory slay me with the sight Of my lost gardens dreaming nigh — While all the suns and moons wheel by Those Altars, stripped and desolate, Where Love was crowned — throned, in His state. Bring me thy dreams, star-sown — And flowering to some new rapture's height In Youth's brimmed heart of joy Untouched of grief's alloy, Full, nmning o'er with Song, So make days that may not belong To this worn soul of me, once more mine own; With fingers slight Weave, Night, Thy broidered tapestry; Thus, may'st thou show me Her — sweeter than lilies, far, Lovely and languid, drifting do^^'Tl a dream — And cold as they who hold their silver rite Envisaged in the stream. Unravaged of a sterner flood No breath doth stir her waxen bud; More distant than yon star — Which reels on its appointed flight AND OTHER POEMS 21 Above this Clown — mysterious Night ! So fair, so dear, so vain my vision Pale Mistress of my pain ! Rapt in the mantling moonbeams, bordered bright, I'd sleep, nor wake again. But tread those paths elysian — Where our lost gardens dreaming lie Green verdured, in their rainbowed showers. The suns, and planets proud, wheel by. And drifts from fadeless bowers, O Night ! Perfume of unknown flowers. There, radiant, walks through fields of light, Great Love — deathless in his might ! 22 THE CRYSTAL GAZER FORTUNIO, THE LION TAMER FoRTUNio, the strong, the kind, the gay, Fearless and fond, hath vanished in a day! (The Wander-Wind now blows and yonder goes. Shredding the spent leaves of the fallen rose; And finest fruit, Fate plucks from bough away.) Fortunio, king over brutes, lay dead His savage pets, whom late he captive led. Grown restive with the surge of angry pain. Awaited there his stroking hand, in vain — From alien one, refusing to be fed. Big Basil, handsome beast, who had not dined. Hung his great head low whimpering like a hind. Nor cooling drop, nor bit of blood-bright meat Could his sore heart of its rude sorrow cheat; His tail he lashed, his eyes with rage grew blind. His cage he shook, as in a proud review The gilded cars went down the avenue Before the crowd of people densely massed. That stood to watch whilst jungle creatures passed Whose master now their ire could not subdue. Then Basil voiced a deep, harsh, sudden roar. So men should hear : ' ' Fortunio is no more ! ' ' And as his dreadful protest loudly broke. Tall tower and steeples answering echoes woke, Beseeching Heaven, Fortunio restore! AND OTHER POEMS 23 Dull day by day, the Lion strangely ailed, And violent, he paced, till keepers quailed; His glowing amber orbs, at length grew dim With vigil for the muted step of him, Till conquered by fierce Grief, at last he failed. The Tawny One, coerced in savage might To follow on that master gone from sight; 'T is shown the hot heart of a brute may break Of anguish for a faithful friend's dear sake. Who daimtless did his stormy needs requite. Fortunio, the brave! the confident! Whom jungle-kind could never circumvent — His subtle power o'er tropic heats laid down, Good Knight may be, who one time played the clown In pageantry of Life's large Circus tent ! 24 THE CRYSTAL GAZER BLACK BROWED NAN Black browed and supple thewed I mended nets at Caen, When down to sea our lugger rude On every venture ran — And I, the last one of my brood When our first youth began — Bound up my black hair with a snood Of crimson, for big Dan. When scanty grew the store of food He brought his fish to "Nan" — Though I was aye a buxom prude, I took him, for my man. Black browed and supple thewed As ever was my clan — Forgotten was the village feud. And all the churchly ban — Cold poverty's vicissitude — When home came stalwart Dan, Till I knew man's ingratitude — For — I brought forth a man. Oh, strange and stormy tides imbued His soul — out of life's span — As one — some quicksand may delude To rive his barrican. AND OTHER POEMS 25 When oft to sea-ward Salvage wooed To daring — now a man — My son, the drift-log caught and hewed, Rare proud was I of Dan. But sore I wept o'er that red snood — The vanity of "Nan," A monstrous Fate my potion brewed Down by the stream of Caen. Black browed and supple the wed, My loins brought forth a man — To hang at length for murdrous mood — Now weep — ye crones! who can. 26 THE CRYSTAL GAZER SETSUKO Pale Setsulco was a Beauty high, Who dwelt where the indigo Dragons fly ; Smooth was her cheek and her almond eye Was as subtle as wise Japan. Her hair was dusk as the bat, Night's wing. Where Devil-Seas brood and the false Tides swing. Where the Star-Gods wide their lanterns fling, In the skies of this old Japan. But Setsuko, who was bought with gold For wife by the Samurai rich and old. Looked on a lover, both yoimg and bold (This is fatal in fair Japan). "My cherry-blossom, oh, who will buy?" She listening stole to the screen to spy. Smiling, she saw him there pause and sigh (As they sigh — in this strange Japan). Asleep that moon, to her side there crept The Lord of her life — swift his lean blade lept! Deep in her bosom it lithely swept As the Flame-God of fierce Japan, AND OTHER POEMS 27 His dagger drove, to the Fool-Heart sly, A blood-bright parchment, where one might descry — "My cherry-blossom, oh, who will buy?" (Thus they punish, in far Japan.) 28 THE CRYSTAL GAZER CAST OUT I KNOW the moor is broad though rough — And do not fear the midnight wind — Alas ! it is not wide enough To save me from a world unkind. For hastening on the thorny way- Till darkness falls, till night shall hide The shame that cries aloud by day, I may not pause, I must not bide. I hear the footfalls after me Of those who gibe and laugh and jeer To whelm a soul, which like the Sea, Holds but the dead, that once were dear. The trail is worn across the moor. And lorn the cry of wolf and loon ; But at my labor's end, I 'm sure To find God's peace — pray it be soon! A coverlet of cloud and mist Is warm enough, my babe, I know, And bed of earth, for me who kissed False lips of him who brought me low. But for that mouth I loved of him — Sore shod I 'd journey o'er the wold. Though rattle-snake all banded, slim. Glides where my path leads dark and cold. AND OTHER POEMS 29 Though hghtnings fright my coward heart, And tears down fall like driven rain — My child ! why dost thou bound and start ? Now welcome comes hard travail pain. Then one lost spirit, far astray Within the waste of thistles sown. Saw no man kindly succor pay; A piteous babe wailed long, alone. 30 THE CRYSTAL GAZER EILEEN OF THE MILL Beneath the rose-leaves in the dark Here lieth Eileen, cold and stark; Within her clenched and stiffened hand The Secret held — none understand. So soon to claim the cold and mould, She who hath strayed from out the fold- Now softly smiling, enters in Despite the bondage of her sin. Between the days of bud and bloom. Swept swiftl}^ down Life's rushing flume Sweet Eileen took the path which leads Below the river and its reeds. She was so weary of it all. She who stumbled, swift to fall — And thus she thought the river leapt To clutch and claim her where she stept. For little Eileen, white and still, Poor young Eileen of the mill, Had touched — and found the City's heart Hard as marble — so, apart, AND OTHER POEMS 31 She now is laid all cold and stark Beneath the rose-leaves in the dark, Yet smiles — as one who understands Death's secret, of the folded hands. 32 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE GREY MONK Grey hoods bowed low in prayer Adown the hollowed stair Each Monk creeps from his lair, But one is late. On riven air doth swell Grave Monastery-bell Tolling for him a knell To Love and Hate. For these did he retire Where hoary Griefs suspire In ashes of dead fire — A grim array. From happy birds and bees, From sunshine on the Seas — To be at last with these Who dumbly wait. The Casket's iron lid Shut down, and thus was hid The vengeance — God forbid — Ye shaven-pate. Beneath the cowl's grey pall — Dark heads are covered all, And flashing eyes must fall On saintly lore. AND OTHER POEMS 33 While all the years that be Shall change not, nor the sea Which yieldeth not— to thee Love comes no more. Dost listen for His song? Not unto thee belong His roses — but the thong, By night and day. In Deserts of Lost Days, Are lone paths, through the maze Where pale Love ever strays — Nor finds his way. Still rides thy straining soul On whelming tides that roll, And pays its tithe of dole While lightnings fleer! Yea, Monk, come tell thy beads! Fall they like blackened seeds From sere and broken reeds Round that lost meer! Through all the fruitless years With trembling and with fears Christ's Cup, of Blood and Tears Ye lifted up. When Monks are laid aside. Where all of these must bide, 3 34 THE CRYSTAL GAZER In burial, deep, and wide — They eat nor sup. Fierce battle-cries of Kings, Deep song the Minstrel sings. Strange burdens of dead Things - Are soon forgot. Where flows the river Styx Grief's tides of tears must mix Kiss, Monk, thy Crucifix! Remember not. AND OTHER POEMS 35 IN THE ROSARY Ere struck the monastery bell for hour of Nones Pacing The Rosary's worn paving stones, Counted I thrice, each ivory bead I told, As the tall stars night's pageantry unrolled. Across the purple heaven in their circling flight ; The generous Moon gave all the garden light, Save where rose-petals fallen, made a pool Of crimson, neath the black cross etched with buhl- That reared its nailed agony upon the wall Over the Fount of Mary's Tears which fall Midway the marble, in its columned space ; And suddenly, above that sacred place, I saw a wild bird go winging through the night Voicing the gladness of Life's old delight; Voicing the madness of Life's old dispair — Heard I the music of a bird somewhere. The valiant Stars that keep the service of the Moon Beheld my heart lone locked in its long swoon; Beheld my heart deep rusted with regret — And Sentinel — the Stars are watching yet. I heard the wondrous music of a bird just now — Singing, so madly singing on the bough. But all my tears had flowed away to Sea And all of grief, seemed scourged to death in me. 36 THE CRYSTAL GAZER The virile Stars looked on my sterile heart Where never more should Love's flower blow apart — Oh, in the singing of that nightingale Wailed earth-old sadness of Youth's broken tale. Poured from the souls of cloistered women of the race Pallor of woe and weeping on each face — I knew the passion of that bird somewhere Which took its flight into the upper air. Rapt in its song of life's strange gladness and dispair Heard I the music of a bird somewhere Sobbing love's requiem on the rose-tree bough, I could not weep — the rose is dead^ — and Thou? Sore singing, lo! the flower hath fallen from the tree Roses so red, know all the winds that be; Singing — the bud is blighted on the bough That blythest was — and where, lost mate, art thou? Rebelled my soul, which knows but the pale Christ's embrace Rose, that is laid in Death's stark hands a space ! Leaping, my heart thrilled to an olden heat, For blood ran in the vein of life too fleet — So sweet that winged song of loves that mix and fail Even as your notes, mating nightingale ! I heard yon songster singing in dark tree A wailing threnody, dead Love, to thee. Bewildered was my spirit neath an eery spell, Till struck twelve iron strokes of midnight's bell, AND OTHER POEMS 37 And the persuading measure of that strain Was stilled, never to be heard again. Thus — sinful monk — plumbed I the dreadful depths of hell And I, blind monk, saw heaven unclose as well — Yea, stripes with scourge this shrived penitent must pay Ere tears of blood shall wash his fault away. 38 THE CRYSTAL GAZER A CHRISTMAS LEGEND Winter wraps all the land (Hid buds must sleep) But, on a startled strand, Fresh blossoms creep. Dark grows the forest pine, Olive gives oil, Nature's pure, pent-up wine Spills golden spoil. Wide spreads the cedar tree, White waves the thorn. Out of Life's mystery A young babe is bom. Under the blowing bough. Hear the lambs bleat ! Lullabies soothe his brow. Wind- woven, sweet. Orb of the Wilderness Lighteth his bed. Leaning, the Angels press Close, by his head. Wonder, of streaming light. Shadowy wings, Hover, throughout the night. Bright Seraph sings. AND OTHER POEMS 39 Pale, bends His Mother's face, Breathing soft plea, "Dear God, now give us grace — My Son, and me." "Raise, from this lowly byre, To heaven's height! There, shall each silver lyre His praise recite." Hearing blest Mary's voice, Kneeleth dull ox ! Even the swine rejoice! "Hail!" cry the cocks. Cattle then undertake Speech, strange to hear ! Trembling, new worlds awake ! Magi draw near. Over the frozen earth, Riving the clod. Burgeon with Jesus' birth, Flowers, of God. Christ bom in poverty, Child of His love! Teach men, like Thee, to be Pure, as the Dove. 40 THE CRYSTAL GAZER COMETH THE LORD OF LIGHT Hearken ! above the night, Seraphs are singing — "Cometh the Lord of Light Mailed in His might Recompense bringing." Dark is the World, though bright Planets are burning — O'er earthly pain and blight Poised in aerial flight. Angels are yearning. Dreary the frozen fen Hushed is the Horsel — Wanderer seeks again Far from the marts of men God's cup and Morsel. Hearken ! above the night Seraphs are singing — "Cometh the Lord of Light Mailed in His might Recompense bringing." Holy the place of birth (Housed in a stable) Out of the Manger's dearth AND OTHER POEMS 41 Smiling in infant mirth Sprung strong and able. Lowly the Saviour comes! Eyes full of pity Sad-searching poisoned slums, Racked by the noisy thrums Of a World City. Hearken ! above the flight Carols are ringing! "Cometh the Lord of Light Healing the blind, with sight Recompense bringing." Breathing this message blest, "Ye who bear crosses — Ye who on life-long quest Vexed are, unknown of rest. Saddened by losses — "Ye who with anguish moan. Ye who have toiled — Each pang shall Love atone. Till to full statue grown Souls are assoiled. Hearken ! above the night Carols are ringing ! "Cometh the Lord of Light Mailed in His might Recompense bringing." 42 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Flashing on pinions white Cherubs are winging Close on this Christmas night — In the rich purple light Round the Christ singing ! AND OTHER POEMS 43 EASTER ROBINS Early robins came last week To our big red-apple tree Whilst I watched, but durst not speak, For their song was dear to me. And my heart was stirred and glad When I saw the same old three; I was minded of a lad Who had perched in that fine tree. Down the mossy orchard rang Spring's mad madrigal, set free As those Easter robins sang, "Where the storm-boimd fishers flee. ' Bome upon our pinions strong We have sought this very tree; For unto the Staunch — belong The four winds, the waves and sea! ' From a southern strand remote, We return again to thee With this message, which we quote In our ancient apple tree." Thus across Time's guarded moat Came atrailing from afar Drawn by some frail faerie boat A little child, who climbed — a Star! 44 THE CRYSTAL GAZER That grave, little boy, I was — Lying hid within the tree; Lying there so still because He could hear the wind's large glee- The chill, echoing sea-caves All aquake with mystery, And wild riot of the Waves, In the robin's ecstasy. Oh, the Song — it was more sweet Then that you might ever hear; And wide-whirring wings, more fleet Than swift planets in their sphere. Aye, sing on, my birdies sing! With the bee and butterfly Your bright, happy visions bring Of gay Youth, without a sigh. For each melting, golden note Hath the lilt of Love's rich plea — Where, in every joyous throat Life is holding jubilee. As those soaring trills find vent. Their true meaning burns in me — Lo ! 't was God's clear instrument That boy heard, within the tree. Then sing on, brave birdies, sing! Under these gray northern skies, AND OTHER POEMS 45 Of those budding bowers in Spring Where the Soul — with waking eyes — Pauses on the Threshold, still — In fair childhood's fresh surprise; Like the homing bird, athrill Finding its first Paradise ! Early robins came last week Easter-feathered , cap-a-pie — And I watched, but could not speak, Neath our ancient apple tree. 46 THE CRYSTAL GAZER YONDER WAY (to a. e. r.) A GREENING hill Hes yonder way Where the Spring has just begun — With gold flowers in their new array, And there the glad winds run. Across the shining slopes of grass, Now the hawthome sheds perfume, The ordered shadows wheel and pass. The banded wild bees boom. When the morning dew is on the sward Where the may-pinks first increase The robin keeps his faithful guard; An Angel spreadeth peace. At night the Stars come, one by one, Lighting candles for the dead : The Moon bestows her benison, And God looks down o'erhead. One heard the voice which bids men go - Calling spirit to its God; Life's tide ebbs outward in its flow Where sunshine flecks the satin sod. Soul courageous ! thy brave eyes Unafraid saw death draw near — Though here we weep, in Paradise Shed never more a tear. AND OTHER POEMS 47 I can but ask to be as thou Sleeping under that fair tree — So placid laid beneath the bough The white cross over me. A greening hill lies yonder way With gold flowers in the sun, Where Love was laid to sleep one day — For all Love's deeds are done. Bereaved heart, not so, not so! O'er the myrtle covered bed — Though all the blasts of winter blow, Each year new bloom is spread. I can but ask to be as thou On that green hill side to rest — So placid laid beneath the bough, Ended struggle, found the quest — With Spring, neath her regenerate trees Hearing heavenly harmonies. 48 THE CRYSTAL GAZER PEACE Swiftly tonight A spirit took flight Out of the city. Mounting on silver wings, Softly an angel sings, "Peace — God has pity." Lonely to-night I long for the sight Of her young beauty. Hark! how that angel sings, Soaring on salient wings, "Done is Life's duty." Coldly to-night, The Moon's pallid light Falls on the city. Hark! to that angel's song, Trailing high Heaven along, "Peace and God's pity." Softly to-night Eyes closed on my sight. Oh, cruel City. Soundly she fell asleep, But I my vigil keep. God grant His pity. AND OTHER POEMS 49 Slowly to-night Back to the fight Of the great city I come broken, as a stone, Broken heart must break alone. Hark ! how that angel sings Mounting on snow-white wings, 'Peace — God has pity." Out of the night Into the light Of the Heavenly City Death's sharp incision Opens new Vision, Out of the Nether World, Into the Other World, God's love and His pity. 50 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THOSE HEAVENLY HANDS (to m. l. g.) Those heavenly hands, frail hands that pled for me, Are quiet now beneath the white thorn-tree; Peace clasps them close through many an idle day Of green blown boughs and drifted bloom of May, Till lost to love are blossoms and the bee. My Mother's gentle hands — which lifted me High as her heart to quaflf of ecstasy ! That taught yoimg feet to make their first essay, — Those heavenly hands ! Oh, when I kissed them last, on bended knee — My veins grew iced, dread grief of loss to dree; Hold thou my spirit still, sweet Mother pray, Thy son I am — and may not go astray; In some blest hour, dear God, give back to me Those heavenly hands. AND OTHER POEMS 51 IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS Each day I take good courage in my hands To walk alone upon the King's highway; Full tithes I give to Grief in lonely lands, Then resolute I face the old dismay. And so must bear my burden all the way, Till God shall lift the weight of these my years, And touch the blinded eyes with healing clay — To heal for aye the scars of scorching tears. Lord Christ ! I know 't is best we suffer here, No price too high to pay for heaven's bliss! Oh, Thou whose Side was wounded by a spear, See! I have learned the scourging rod to kiss. Sometimes my rapt soul knows Thee watching near, Thy steadfast gaze piercing my heart with pain, Till suddenly I shrink in furtive fear Lest Thou shouldst find upon that soul a stain. Thus when most way-worn, longing for my rest, I see Thy stem, white figure standing here. And shielding arms enfold me to Thy breast. In shadowy semblance doth the Cross appear ! 52 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Oh, wide the doors of Paradise then swing! And I behold those golden stairs all bright, Where Seraphs fair — to whom the Earth-freed cling — Draw all the weary upward towards the Light. AND OTHER POEMS 53 THE KING'S LAMENT Flung, from the glowing crucible of Might That rainbow-bauble Gods call life — man found — As one knows not, who walks asleep in night, And plucks a precious jewel from the ground ; Unto the strife of day, and day's delight — Unwarned, awakened by the gongs of Sound. Between his ears, the gird of brazen sound — Aware — he shrinks — beseeching Gods of Might, Who heed him not — while soft, beneath the ground He hears the closing door 'twixt day and night ; The mortal thus his weakling spirit found — Grows its sweet flower of youth, to shed delight. And as the flower, that falls from its delight, To mourn this mystery with voice, nor sound — He feels the crushing power, of unknown Might, That bears a fruitless blossom to chill ground — Where its fresh odors fail, by day and night. Returned to earth, from whence it substance found. The Master-Soul, now roused in strength, hath found All measures of old griefs, and dead delight; Stem Labor's tumbril, with a hollow sound — That creaks with Care, down rough highwaj^s of Might To cast his prisoners in their gaol of ground — Whose bones, he scattereth, upon the night! 54 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Fate brews weird draught, e'er falls the darker night - Mixed bitter-sweet in her deep goblets found ; The heart of man stirs, waking in its might — Then Fate's strong gates close, with a final sound ; That heart must droop, from all, of known delight, And as rose petals, wind-swept to the ground — Love falls from flower, sad blighted in cold ground; Day is fulfilled! now knows he withering night: Pale One, who once life's flashing bauble found — Lays down his gem, and goes from all delight ; Mailed Winds of Death their sudden bugles sound From off the far steeps blowing in their might. Nay, King! the God of Might, from burial ground — Calls thee, to life refound — thy soul benight, Informed with Light — and Trumpet Sound! AND OTHER POEMS 55 THE BRIDGE BUILDERS We are the strong bridge-builders, Building the broad bridges white — Spanning from Paradise over To the land of our mildew and blight. And the stream of man's endless endeavor Flows imder the footsteps of Light — Our bridges shall carry them over To the luminous day, from the night. We are the high bridge-builders Building its arches aright — Poets and Painters, and lovers Of Music that soars and hovers Farther than bird on its flight ! We build for the souls of the sages Who strive for the portals of Light — We build through the numberless ages For the martyr, and mailed knight. We are the strong bridge-builders, Building the bridges of Might — And the Stream struggles over and imder. That forever sweeps on, out of sight. 56 THE CRYSTAL GAZER We build for the Rainbow-lovers The dream which forever is bright; And endless the throng that discovers The fabulous Shores of Delight. AND OTHER POEMS 57 MAKER OF BRICKS Maker of bricks am I — But the clay for my bricks hath gone dry, My kiln is all cold And a broken mold Maketh no bricks for a Palace high. How shall clay vitrify? If the worker his trade doth bely — When the kiln is cold And ruined the mold When the great Builder looks from on high? Maker of bricks am I — And I sweat, with sore many a sigh, For Labor is old As a tale oft told, Though, to make bricks for a Palace high. Arduous trade we ply — At the kilns, neath the hot, brazen sky; I toil on the road Where my masters goad Me, for sound bricks, for the Palace high. Awkward workman am I — But when this, my good clay, is put by, I '11 lay down my load On the heavenly road Leading up, to the fair Palace high. 58 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Master of men, I cry! Light my kiln from the "Light" of the sky — A Prophet's wise word Long ago we've heard, "Deeds which ne'er die — build thy Palace high!' Though the clay hath gone dry Broken the mold, and bom of a sigh Lo ! Labor is old As a tale oft told — Make I hard bricks, for that Palace high. AND OTHER POEMS 59 P^AN OF PAIN I DWELL with Pain, Strange bedfellow, Pain ! With kisses was I bought — (His kiss of bitter bane) ; In travail have I brought The child of Pain. Possessed am I by Pain, The wondrous lover, Pain ! My lips he early sought In the burdened nights of rain ; He builds and brings to naught — His high purpose to attain. I '11 fill a beaker up To Pain ! who hath me taught To mix, and pour, and sup Of the philtre he hath wrought. In the magic of his cup. Children of Pain! Our God shall make ye worth The heritage of Pain; Through dolor and through dearth, And the Sword's red, leaping stain. Till conquered heaven and earth — On the Heights — ye shall remain. 60 THE CRYSTAL GAZER What was hidden and unsought, What in silence thou wast taught In each pang of death and birth, To the soul is priceless worth — All the treasure of the earth. For our lives are not in vain If we count our golden gain, Transmuted by the touch Of the great Magician, Pain ! Though we love and lose so much Let us lift a toasting cup; Brimming full, then fill it up Till it overflow again — To Pain! to Pain! To the great Magician, Pain ! AND OTHER POEMS 61 THE PSALM OF WOMEN Thou, O God! hast assembled my bones And stretched my sinews ; Thou hast knitted my nerves, And filled the blood vessels that thirst; Thou hast said "Open!" And mine eyes beheld the veiled Mystery Of Life. Thou spreadest a Song upon the Winds, And gavest me ears to hear withal; Thou hast placed a sweet savor in my mouth, And hast smitten my tongue to speech; Thou hast bridged my nose with a high arch That I may inhale the fragrances Of many flowers. Thou madest me a body out of Nothingness — Modeling the limbs of thy creation, Breathing upon it — Beauty! My hair is as fine gold between thy palms ; Winged with fire — my feet are made glad. Spurning the clod. My loins Thou rivest asunder To bring forth the man-child after my kind : Most wonderful art Thou, O God! Blessing me with Spirit and Soul, Thou hast plucked me from the Air, The Earth, and the Water! 62 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Holding me in Thy hollow hand Thou hast shapen my members ; Causing me to know this World And, to anguish for the Other! Thou leadest me ! For — my place in not here — But with Thee, Master blender and builder, Blessed art Thou! Who hast commanded me from out the Void, And hast named me Woman. AND OTHER POEMS 63 THE PUZZLE On my birthday, a Friend brought me A puzzle, oddly shaped and gay, To wile some tedious hour away. Of queer unnumbered pieces was it made All in a beauteous pattern to be laid. With careful mien and anxious frown Hesitating — I bent down To solve the puzzle that was made for man Since this World was — and Time began. "Ah! I can fit these colored shapes!" I cried, And leaped upon my task with pride. As I the many sided pieces turned, My thoughts marched forward and Ambition burned, For Life was spread out to my hand. To mar or make, to build or brand. But soon I saw the first piece of the plan was laid, For all things fitted ; as in school The Scholar makes a map — and keeps a rule. A small piece — Innocence, flower- white And sweetly shaped, there caught my sight. Then many pieces of bright tints as youth advanced Fitted so well where e'er I glanced. Oh, one was Love — dear vision from above. And heart stirred, I saw young Mothers bending O'er infants' cradles — softly tending. Then darker shapes all heaped up high I looked upon with an impatient eye. 64 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Ah, these were meant not to be fitted here Within this picture radiant and dear, But soon I found the intricate embraced And in the lighter pieces all enlaced, For so the puzzle well begun Grew daily, from sun up, till set of sun. Then days of darkness and distress drew on When no piece met my hand, To fit in place, save a dark strand Where strange shapes were en wrought, Till I looked on distraught, At Fate, silent weaving at her loom. And then I saw the heroes of the world Whose days were early shed, Who gave themselves as heritage to the tomb. "Oh, Life is beautiful," I cried. "Unending. Who loses life, to save a life, to fuller life shall blow. " For thus the meaning vague I find. The pieces duller grew, the twisted mind, Crime, penury and woe. Fit here (dear God, I fear). And Murder's blackened Shape awry Flecked deep with red (dear God, I sigh). The empurpled Sphere of Pain, The grey one of pale Tears, On this side mark a shadow deep And heavy as the years That I have spent, to make this problem plain. AND OTHER POEMS 65 "Oh, then shall Man despair?" "Nay, for the shadows make the sunlight fair." And this the puzzle that was given to Man, Life's intricate and many sided plan. When the last piece is laid in place. So shall the dark hues, with the bright, enlace, That Panorama set for God, So beautiful shall seem, That all is good, and naught is rude, That lives and moves upon this Sod, For splendid is Life's Scheme. 66 THE CRYSTAL GAZER WHO HATH GREAT LOVE Who hath great love Reareth his cross upon a lone, dark hill Where the lion prowls, and jackal hath his will; But he must kneel and worship still. Who hath great love Poureth his strength out in a crimson stream Building a temple of the star and gleam Where but the eyes of heaven look down; And wears Christ's blood red crown — Still would I dream. Who hath great love, The lily and the passion flower entwined His pallid temples bind ; For where the fallen red-rose bleeds, Are borne upon the Wind Love's fruitless seeds — Yet would I know Love's needs. Who hath great love, Raiseth a tower where the winds unmake, Walleth his garden where lieth hid the snake, Lifteth streaming eyes to a viewless God — Yet would I bear Love's rod. Who hath great love Gives all and ever gives; Dieth a million deaths, and dying lives; AND OTHER POEMS 67 For heaven is won where Hfe recedes; Yet would I do Love's deeds. Who hath great love Hath neither peace nor rest, But struggle in the breast ; Giveth with open hands Walketh in barren lands No star above ! Still go I on Love's quest Seeking the supreme test — Then tie me with Love's strong bands Hold me with Love's firm hands Until the day of rest ! 68 THE CRYSTAL GAZER LOVE Oh, wonderful art thou — most gracious Love Lifting the mind to higher planes, above Our thought — seeking large gifts unbought Of days all glorious : How fleet are thy beginnings, How swift thy sultry sinnings, In ways so wearisome: How strong art thou, O Love ! Wrong to overthrow, how high thy song, And to what lower levels Of fiery revels Strong souls descend : Though each weareth unafraid — Thine — accolade. Higher is love than heaven, And deeper than the grave. Wider than the World, and broader than the Sun, Uplifting and rifting, until thy will is done. A Song, a burning word — Pangs and fire and sword To thee belong To conquer with, O Love ! AND OTHER POEMS 69 To A. C. S. Like to the clash of importunate swords His jeweled words Smote the tense air; My cowl of Care Aside, I tossed, To see pale passion, won and lost — Whipped Life stripped bare. "Alas, dear Love, Sore woimded dove! And art Thou naught but this?" I cried — "The beauty of a satin side, The fever fashioned in a kiss?" Ah, no, above The transport, bliss — There shines a star. Which leads men far Through sultry ways Of darkened days. To where the Blessed are ; And there, upon His Father's breast Leans Love who knows the Quest. For Love hath wings To soar o'er terrene things; His eyes shed tears For this, man's fears; 70 THE CRYSTAL GAZER His heart is tenderness, Not cruelty; He knows the soiil's distress, Its penalty: Love is not self Nor pelf. But Holiness That blessing gives; And dying, yet forever lives In spiritual worthiness; Undying seed Of life that bleeds. Recedes — All for a whole world's needs; For Love is love indeed, And dwelleth evermore Upon the crystal shore of Paradise; Proud Love hath wings To soar o'er mundane things! And so, I closed the painted book; To hide a troubled look Put on my cowl of Care, Seeking the purer air; Then high. This challenge I let fly; "Master of wondrous art, Thou standest far apart, From Love — we know not where- AND OTHER POEMS 71 His flight doth mount Into the quenchless Fount. 'T is there He preens his strong white wings And deathless sings!" 72 THE CRYSTAL GAZER To O. W. Since his first youth He had been serf to Thee, Mysterious Love! Fawning on wounded knee Through anguished hours — From out a blood red sheaf In faerie bud and leaf, He bound for Thee a wreath Of scarlet passion-flowers. Ere fell their withered sheath In ruined bowers. He saw Thee in thy naked truth. High Lord of Destiny ! His world above, Gazing into the eyes of agony — Oh, terrible, and stern and dumb. With palHd lips withdrawn — Mute beckoning — Come! For Thou art the soul's still breath Mysterious Love, The cymbal and the shawm; Twin spirit of all joy, all grief, Wizard of unbelief Juggling with death. Thou Master-builder — Brooder of the tribes which melt Under the burning sun. AND OTHER POEMS 73 Where is there such another Nathless of ruth — Though Sorrow is thy twin brother ? From Crucifixion tree Where once, two thieves hung limb by hmb, Pale Love looks down on him Whose theft is done. 74 THE CRYSTAL GAZER MAHALA! O MAHALA! Mahala! O Mahala! I am goaded by desire, My soul it yearneth to thee And ever draweth nigher. Mahala! O Mahala! Thou art like a lotus flower; My hand hath reached to pluck thee And hold thee in its power. Mahala! O Mahala! Thy burning eyes — at night Like two distant stars of evening — Are my sorrow and delight. Mahala! O Mahala! Lift the curtain of thy hair Each tress, a serpent stings me And keeps me swooning there. Mahala! O Mahala! Dark lily of despair Thou strangleth with a strand of it — That long and lustrous hair. Mahala! Mahala! I am goaded by desire My Yaghatan could slay thee If that would bring thee nigher. AND OTHER POEMS 75 Mahala! O Mahala! Thou art like the water gourd To thirsting lips, When desert-ships Are frugal of their hoard. Mahala! O Mahala! The Bedouin's steed waits near — His bridle hangeth on his neck, He snorteth in his fear. Mahala! O Mahala! The strength of my desire Is as a flood that followeth And ever mountcth higher. Mahala! O Mahala! A flash, the deed is done; The Turk hath fallen on his face The lotus flower is won ! For I would wear the lily's grace That leans too near the Sun ! Mahala! O Mahala! Now we are brought to ride Upon the desert billows, Sahara's shifting tide. Mahala! O Mahala! I '11 pluck thee, brightest Star 76 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Sweet flower of night, For my delight Where e'er my rich tents are. Mahala! O Mahala! Till flowers the rose of dawn, We'll fly the foe As swift we go, Far fleeter than the fawn — Red wounds betide The blackened hide, Of the Slave that follows on ! Mahala! O Mahala! The anklets, jewel set — Thy Lord hath laid before thee. He bids thee to forget; See! rubies rare. For breast and hair, (Thy breast is rarer yet.) Mahala! Mahala! Where the crescent pearl is set In the silence I shall heal thee Thou shalt stifle all regret. Mahala! O Mahala! When the stars leap up the sky. And beneath thy tenting tresses Even Love shall cease to sigh, AND OTHER POEMS 77 Lo! thy Lord with his caresses Proves his love that shall not die. Mahala! O Mahala! Like to the Hindu pyre — Soars ever bright A stream of light, The flame of my desire. 78 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE WHITE NUN — GABRIELLE Here in the light a strange, still radiance grows — Bright flower of youth, the White nun, Gabrielle; That in her Cloister burgeons as the rose Through sun and dew, in quiet peace to dwell ; And like a flower, doth pearly sweets disclose More than the tongues of earthly lovers tell. The nightingale, some moon-flecked night, may tell. Perchance, the secret of how Beauty grows, In arbors dim, amidst whose branches dwell Love's birds of song; for as the lovely rose Uplifts to heaven, the young nun, Gabrielle, Lifts her clear eyes, that beauteous thoughts disclose. Where circling arcs of God in flames disclose, Mayhap solution is, if Love should tell Her pattern, and how subtle-sweet she grows; For on her mouth. His finger-print doth dwell — The petaled perfume of the enchanting rose In silence folds the heart of Gabrielle. Unto the soul of virgin Gabrielle Love promised once His mystery to disclose, Nor half of joy nor half of pain would tell; How, evermore His woven wonder grows Though in the breast He needs small space to dwell. (Thus in its bosom, bee hides in the rose!) AND OTHER POEMS 79 And all of joy, delight, hides in this rose, Life's flower of youth, the White nun, Gabrielle — That in the cloister, vital, blooming grows, And as the rose, doth tale of beauty tell — Which fears nor fades, whose perfumes still disclose Though shadow may sometime on roses dwell. Oh, should The Shadow sweep where flowers dwell Unshrinking, as the garden's radiant rose. No more of earth, were known of Gabrielle — There, where Love's royal, fadeless bowers disclose. His kiss upon her lips, at last she'd tell That secret which she keeps, how Beauty grows! Teach us, how grows the Word of Love to dwell Therein, secure Gabrielle! pure fragrance which the Rose Doth silently disclose — for thou — couldst tell! 80 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE AWAKENING If Love, when we awaken From death's enchanted slumber, Out of the earth-dream taken Upon some high star-strand, Glad cherubim no eye may number Shall greet us in a morning land, And you shall come to meet me, heaven's blisses like a brand Of flaming lusters blazing round you, youngest Seraph of the band, A newer Orb, from darker night arisen Riving the clod which is the Soul's cold prison. Then I shall understand. Life's devious ways — Its wonder and its rapture, bleak and broken days, O Love, that knows no future in this tangled maze; If, to your eyes in Paradise I waken, Yea, I shall understand The crux of our assuageless yearning — How the planets from God's hand Seem great burnished blossoms shaken, Their swinging lamps of incense burning Aye, to Day and Night returning; And at His large demand. Death's bleak sea breaks in thunder Till leash-held Worlds disband. Each driven to doom thereunder — At His iron reprimand. AND OTHER POEMS 81 For we shall know How first the bourgeoning rose doth blow; The Source of mighty rivers; the diapason of the Sea; And why mankind travaileth (Each derelict that saileth) Unto Eternity! When imto Light we waken, Your lips shall silence all my questioning of Woe; Then lost, white Angel! Teach me thy sweet evangel, And these cross-roads forsaken. Out of long torment taken The Spirit's strange thirst slaken: From This, arising Unto a Peace surprising. Joyous I shall go! 82 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE VOICE PRELUDE One, walking alone, heareth a wild melody, unknowing — and crieth upon Love — who answereth. O Love ! O Love ! I hear A song, so sweet and clear, Falling like a golden flail, Smiting all the bosky dale. The Voice. It is the lovely nightingale. Nay, not the nightingale, O Love! But some divine song from above, By angels, clothed in heavenly mail. Clasping asphodels, all pale — Transfused, with burning lusters white, Whose perfume of Man's lost delight Drifts throughout the beauteous vale. The Voice. 'Tis but the lonely nightingale. Love ! that flight doth steer Where dreams a lilied meer, While sinks, and swells, like silver bells, Weird melody, far o'er the fells Forever in the heart it dwells! AND OTHER POEMS 83 The Voice. Telling her mysterious tale, It is the soaring nightingale. O Love ! O Love ! I hear The whimperings of Fear — A sudden gale shakes all the dale. The Voice. There fails the wounded nightingale. O Love ! I hear, I hear Full many a falling tear, And storms that rail o'er the torn sail. The Voice. Nay, Child, it is the nightingale. O Love ! those saddened notes Like sobs from women's throats- — Yea, mourners frail, beneath a veil! The Voice. Hid in her tree, wails nightingale. O Love! those cries so desolate! They pierce the stars, which scintillate In pallid fire, and never tire. When Cynthia rides, and seeks and hides — Above the vale. 84 THE CRYSTAL GAZER The Voice. For her lost mate, grieves nightingale. O Love! I hear, I hear That song without a peer — Of bliss, of pangs, of fear, That riven soul doth tear With ecstacy, despair! All rapture and all fire Which doth from heaven suspire, Smote from a Seraph's lyre — The Voice, of Thy Desire! The Voice. Making other music stale, Hark ! the wondrous nightingale ! O Love ! I needs must fear Thy griefs austere — My heart is bound, by a wild spell. Grave melodies of heaven and hell — Strange Mystic — singing in the dale — The Voice. Lo — 'tis, lost Eden's nightingale! AND OTHER POEMS 85 THE PURPLE HELLEBORE Resplendent still — the moonbeams quiver On the surface of this river, Which doth reflect the star-strown floor Of thy new heaven, Elinore ! See ! where the bending rushes shiver, All the star-lit reach of river Is fringed with purple hellebore. Though late, autumnal winds are sore. Like some rathe, waxen bud, unclosing, Idly floating, deep reposing. Dumb, drifting, from the wind-bound shore- 'T was thus I found thee, Elinore. In the enchanted, moon-light floating — All this sad Stream softly doting On my white lily's golden core, The virgin lily — Elinore! So pale and peaceful thou wert lying. Whilst the melancholy crying Of one lone bittern by the shore, Was thy last requiem, Elinore! Sweet! thou wert young — so soon outgoing On the flood tides seaward flowing To that far bourne, unknown before Of thy blithe spirit — Elinore! 86 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Now — all of Earth in me forgiven — Dost thou dream of me, in heaven, As thy true lover evermore — lily maiden — Elinore? Or hath a Seraph-lover taught thee In his glory, to forget me, His richer ritual to explore. My angel maiden, Elinore? When full the Moon's great golden quiver Where the whispering sedges shiver, Once Love translated faerie lore That now no tongue can e'er restore. Oh, could I find that long lost Aiden In the breast of my dead maiden, Again, beside our secret Shore, We 'd pluck the purple hellebore. For never shall the moonbeams quiver On a starlit reach of river Where booms the bittern, as of yore, But, soft, will open Memory's door. And like a waxen bud, unclosing, Idly floating, deep reposing, Dumb, drifting from the wind-bound shore, 1 shall behold thee, Elinore! AND OTHER POEMS 87 THE MAGIC WREATH Here, the water-nixies bound thee, And with water-laurel crowned thee, With their garlands green as beryl. As the lotus-lilies, peril Closed about thy body bright. Thus the grief of death enwound me, For its waves for aye surround thee. And my life seems vain and sterile, Dreaming ever of hid peril Where the lotus bloom is white. Still, this shadowed pool before me, Like a magic-mirror shows me Thy pale beauty crowned with beryl, Midst green wreaths, and woven peril Of the lilies, in the night. Winding wreaths of water-laurel, Lo! I hear the pixies quarrel With the fays, that searching, found thee. And with arais of welcome round thee Bore thee sleeping — far from sight. THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE GNARLED OLD APPLE-TREE There is a slant-hill, rising toward the sunset Where western winds are winging free; There is an Apple-tree, which crowns the summit, A gnarled and sturdy apple-tree ! The long, long shining slope is hung with hare-bells All bluer blowing than the sea — And robin's raptured throat with fierce, wild joy swells, While singing in that apple-tree. Upon its branches, rose and snow were drifted, (A fitting bower made for thee), 'T was there, the sands of Time we sadly sifted, (Gnarled was the bole — Yea! like to me.) Your face you turned from me, against the sunset. As I went downward to the sea — Forever seeking, never have I found yet. The Treasure lost beneath that tree! When overhead the rose-white stars are sifted, A dream — I see you turn from me — With rose and snow upon its branches drifted, I seek again that apple-tree. AND OTHER POEMS 89 Where western Winds go marching in the sunset, Like some old Anchoret may be — Still that lone apple-tree guards on the summit The steep approaches from the sea. 90 THE CRYSTAL GAZER WHEN THE WINDS OF WINTER BLOW When the winter winds are blowing Frozen snows, their pearls are sowing, Sad to hear are cattle lowing. Poor blind beasts, unknown, unknowing, Dream they of the summer glowing. And the reaper at his mowing ? Or of some cool river flowing, As they stand neath branches blowing, Patient beasts of God, unknowing? Where like miser's gold, are showing. On the edges by the sedges Yellow cowslips blithely blowing? Hear they still the young herbs growing. Tender shoots on them bestowing Though the bitter winds are blowing ? Till, along the river towing Worn old barges, on the marges, Pass the men and maidens rowing ! Beasts of God! unknown, unknowing. Sad the sound of their sad lowing When white snows, like pearls, are strowing, AND OTHER POEMS 91 All the pastures, and the blowing, Winter winds, freeze rivers flowing, Sad to hear are cattle lowing ! 92 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE SIGNAL Hark! I hear in the distance a sighing, And a hoof's muffled beat — as of yore All the Wilderness voices are crying, "Return, to the ultimate shore!" Where I made from a reed for my pleasure, A rude pipe, whose soft exquisite strain Held the lost note of Arcady's measure — Untouched of life's madness and pain. Under cedars, and tamarac tangle, I shall quaff an elixir divine, Trodden out all the world's fret and jangle — And sweet as Falernian wine. Neath the gnarled, rough-woven, bough-rafter In hoar forests, of tall spruce and pine, Loud I '11 shout, in hale Homeric laughter. As glad as the God of the Vine. I shall sleep to the mumurous lapping Of bland waves, that caress the pale sand. And the sound of a wood-pecker tapping The Sentinel-birch, by the strand. And the timorous stag I shall follow. Though he 's fleet as the vanishing wind — AND OTHER POEMS 93 Disappearing down in the deep hollow Which dips, where the free trail goes blind. Winged is my feathered sharp arrow, Speeding true, from the strong-bow malign, Shrill it sings, as it searches his marrow, He falls ! and the red deer is mine ! Up ! Away ! I am fain to be turning Where I '11 stand, at Earth's wide outer door, And translate my vexed dreams into burning Rich runes, of a mystical lore. Out of berried thorn-bushes and bracken, Hoofed Satyrs crowd close to my knee. Swift unbind they — and bound muscles slacken. The Voice — I hear, calling to me — That is urging, canoe from its cover. While it signals, my soul, from the Wild — Lo! I come — with the haste of a lover. And the eager, sure steps of a child ! 94 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE PLACE OF HIS HEART Though he had journeyed so far, so late, He found the little postern gate, With the scroll overhead — Hark! what sighed, as he read, "To Arden, now welcome whoever ye be": Oh, one blood-red rose, from her flaming cup. Shed a tear for lost Eden, whilst she looked up, And trembled at Fate's decree; As he entered that gorgeous garden Which leans to the sapphire sea, Old ivy that follows the grey, rock wall, And rich rhododendron tree Heard the wild bird answer his wild heart's call, Voicing the ancient plea. On these paths where he wandered 'twixt Pride and Love Ere manhood set him free. Prizing the power, of Place above. Youth's wonderful ecstacy: Yellow broom fringes the seaward side Where the copper cliff drops to the sea. Rambler rose and rose of the bride Broider the grill, and the pansy pied; " Lady Dorchester," thrall of the patched, brown moth. Forever pledging to her his troth; And like pale ghosts flickering under the trees. Honied white fox-glove, freckled and tall, AND OTHER POEMS 95 Beloved of marauder bees, Yearn for the snows at the Peak's Divide. And berryless holly at bend of the fall Where the jasmines blow, though roses cease (For banished days, reminders all). Watch the galleons glad that outward go. Dreaming of ships, that forever bide, As they linger, and Hsten to the hammering Tide Forging the grief, of the turbulent seas, And like wind-bells, swayed on the landward breeze. Tall alien Palms, on high terraces, whispering sibilant Psalms, Till curving crescent, and pointed star Peer forth in the west, o'er black break-water bar. And the hot soul calms, midst eve's dews and balms, Visioning home — where the vanished are. Thus his longing was lulled, unto still repose. As he dreamed, by that sapphire sea. And the blossom's breath, the flame of the rose, Was as breath of Her breath — And deep as the sea, full brighter than grows Living light of the stars, were her eyes — In those gardens, which bloom, all scatheless of death On the borders of Paradise; While the moon sailed high, o'er its silvery main, Like perfimies of flowers set free — That hour was emptied of olden pain. When he pressed the roses apart. Till he found the place of his heart again He found the place of his heart. 96 THE CRYSTAL GAZER HOW FAREST THOU? How f arest thou, Sweet ? adown the crystal fosses Past Azrael's asphodels of living bloom — Lured from the angels unseen, through velvet mosses To seek again — the entrance to the tomb. Oh, lily-pale lady! now the garden dozes, And every bee is drowsing in its bower Eve's solace spreaded — in the dim cloister-closes. Till to the night-wind leans each languid flower. And our tall plumed Pine his darkened feather tosses Round empty seats; the bats like goblins cower Above the fountain; violet dusk embosses Dream-peristyle, and plinth, and terrace tower. In deepened shade, where marble Clytie poses. Sheds nightingale her silver song's thin shower; Come! tread thou softly, lest thy bereaved roses Awake, and weeping, know their lonely hour! Across the smooth sward, ere full, the moonlight crosses On satin tip-toe steal, lest my Heart awake! Breathe there no whisper, else for lost Eden's losses Lamenting, it might hear thee, and would break. AND OTHER l^OEMS 97 Tllli MIRRORED MOON In this dark, deceitful river, Through the hnden branches leaninj:? Stares the Moon, as in a mirror. Leans and looks, deep in the river. As one seeks for hidden meanin^^ In a pale face, lonely lc;aning. While dim jj;hastly shades convening;, Drift across the silver mirror Of the shining, silent river. From the silver water gleaning Some faint light, of some far river. Where another Moon is leaning. High, briglit Algol intervening, As within a tripple mirror, Shining, like this silver water. Mother Night, tlie young Stars weaning, To their craflle-clouds convening — Shadow falls, upon the river. Neath the lacey lindens, screening: All the silent water gleaning Gleams, and glimpses as a mirror. 7 98 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Swung within a lattice, screening — Shows the moon upon the river, Curved reflection there careening. Till mysterious Midnight, spleening — Darkens all that silver Mirror, Lost ! the pale face, sadly teening. Beyond all power, of mind, or meaning, Is the wonder of this mirror, Made for Beauty — lonely leaning. AND OTHER POEMS 99 THERE IS A BIRD WHICH SINGS There is a bird which sings And preens his purple wings Before the Manna-Tree Throughout Eternity — That wails sweet melody Above the doom of Hell — With golden beak, And swift enchanted tongue to speak Such raptures as were never known By mortals here, who dwell; Sad with the Earth- Wind's moan, And the Deep's immensity. Hjmining before the Jasper Throne Of towering Majesty — Where God's great stars are sown — There is a bird that wails Enravished tales Of wondrous melody, That with set silver sails Soaring, wings the seas remote Of liquid Song — who with exquisite throat Poureth undying out. His passion, In deathless fashion. Too dazzling for human eyes. That bird of Paradise — From his enchanted beak For aye doth speak — 100 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Strange music of Love's high sphere - Strained of all men's fear, Minted of selfless tear, Smiting as with a rod Within the Ear of God! AND OTHER POEMS 101 THE SILVER, SAILING SWANS Behold the silver, sailing swan ! With curd- white wings and silver tread, Pale Beauty's perfect paragon — Before the satin lotus bed The sparkling river-drops they shed; An irridescent shadow flecks The arching marvel of their necks, As, streaming down the water side With graceful, preening perks and pecks, The snowy cohort takes the tide. Now, pacing like a Spanish Don Who holdeth high his haughty head — Down b}^ the castle wall anon. The water-folk pause to be fed With goodly gift of wheaten bread; For where the ilex-shadow checks The water-stair, with purple specks. And lazy lapping ripples ride — With curtesies and nods and becks The snowy cohort takes the tide. And while the sun above them shone Within the Sky far overhead, Full whiter than the lilies wan — Lo ! trailing like a silver thread, Adown the distance vanished The mute white swan, that nothing recks, 102 THE CRYSTAL GAZER When pacing on his sliding decks — A perfect pageantry of pride The snowy cohort takes the tide. Prince — how the purple shadow flecks The arching marvel of their necks, That sway and bend from side to side- With many a flutter, nod, and beck. The snowy cohort takes the tide ! AND OTHER POEMS 103 THE STYGIAN SWANS The Stygian Swans now take the tide With all an Emperor's purple pride, To cleave the lake, where lilies flake Reflected shadows of the brake With cups of pearl; And blue flags furl Their banners where the kittiwake Sweeps down the quiet water side. Oh! See the great, imperial Swans, Magnificent black paragons — That Nero once, in days by gone Fed at the marble basins' brink — Ah! Here Water-Gods leaned low to drink. Black as the pampered panther-pet On which Caligula was set — Behold the great imperial Swans! Proud Nature's perfect paragons. What 's in the color of the skin ? So living beauty bides therein — The Soul of man a paragon — Even as the high and lordly Swan ! Or white or black There shall not lack, As, sailing on the heavenward track, The silver surface of that Sea 104 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Is ruffled by the wings of Ye — And onward sails the eternal Soul Till black, and white, are both made whole. AND OTHER POEMS 105 POSEIDON'S STEEDS Oh, hark to the furious tramping Of the strong Sea-horses ! With wild tumult ramping Down low, barren reaches Of the worn sea-beaches. Where the Storm-King courses. Now watch them! high up-rearing- Monstrous white Sea-horses! All the pained shore fearing, All her shells, and leeches — As the rude gale screeches Over ravished torses. Poseidon, fierce — obeying, Hear the fabled Morses Roar, beneath his flaying, Whilst with fiery speeches Urging them, he teaches — Leaping drifting corses. Oh, hear the charge resounding Of the rapid horses ! Through bleak tempest pounding, Mounting broken beaches Though ruined shore beseeches Peace ! from their rough forces. 106 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Close to the land are wheeling Mournful albatrosses Down the night-rack reeling — On those distant reaches Where a lost ship breaches And red rocket crosses! Come, mark the Winds — untying All the tethered horses ! Shoal-reef take they flying, Trampling on bare beaches That bruised wreck, which impeaches What the storm indorses. Yea — I shall hear the tramping Of the Ocean-horses — When gyves of life un clamping, Soul from body passes And the eye-ball glasses; Lone, my sailor bleaches On those far, dun reaches Till, Poseidon stern — unhorses' AND OTHER POEMS 107 BREAKING WAVES Rouse thee, O Wave! to break, and rise, and break — Deep bosomed beaches to thy touch awake And wait the wave they knew, in swift return, But never more, of that same wave partake. Break ! for the wave which breaks may yet rebound In might to overflow some higher ground ! Nor fail of rapture — for the least that wake Of all its creatures, know that heaven profound. Yearns o'er the lapsing wave in starry fire ! For breaking, still the wave may yet aspire; And breaking hearts may breaking bum, till slake The fervid fevers of age-old desire. High hearts and waves, to hour of breaking come. Break Heart! break Wave! none knows the heavy sum Of all thy breakings — when the Winds unmake! Nor purpose — the eternal Gods are dumb. Strive Heart! and conquer, like the storming wave! Held in thy depths, as in a deep sea-cave Thy jewel Faith, enlightening each heart-ache. Gleams through the murk — that gem, the great Gods gave. 108 THE CRYSTAL GAZER We shall be glad — of all the waves that run — (High hearts and waves) when long heart-break is done, Though striving on — fleet Waves! ye fuse and slake, To molten melt — beneath a molten sun! Oh, Heart of man! Thou — art a pulsing sea! Nor rest nor peace hath any part in Thee — Thy lot is with the breaking waves — to break, Till all of This — whelms in Eternity. AND OTHER POEMS 109 LIFE'S TRAMPLED BLOOM Across a field of peaceful poppies blown I heard the pained Wind — which grieves alone; With visor closed, rude War The ground had strown With trampled bloom, bright as those poppies bore. Upon a field of blood-red poppies sown With faces white as is the burial stone, I saw the harrowed Dead Like flowers strown When day is done, and all of love is said. How long shall women weep dure pangs of birth ? Their empty arms sore wasted from hope's dearth, On that cold, dreadful morn When War to earth Strikes youth in its ftill siunmer, like the com ! Still up on high the Sun sat on his throne ; Whilst from its scabbard flashed the Sword, full grown To War's great two-edged blade Which layeth prone Life's youthful bloom, more red than poppies made. no THE CRYSTAL GAZER Then saw I hosts of misty phantoms rise From that flood-field; and in strange, altered guise They slowly passed from sight To Paradise By God's eyes upward drawn into the light. AND OTHER POEMS 111 THE SOLDIERS' SONG Long we've caroused together, My friend! In blythe or boisterous weather The Gods might choose to send. Aye ! we have drained together, Good friend ! Life's blood-red wine — and whether We drained a bitter blend. For we have slept together, Old friend! In soft beds, or in leather. Armed, ready to defend. Yea ! we have grieved together, Good friend! And buried under heather With tears, the fallen friend. So let us drink together. Old friend! Laugh lightly (though a feather The Wind may rend). Once, we sought Love together, Good friend 1 112 THE CRYSTAL GAZER One maid we loved, and whether She frowned — did still contend. When Fate unties Life's tether, My friend! May we meet Death together. Together make an end ! AND OTHER POEMS 113 MY OWN PEOPLE SMOKE THE PIPE OF PEACE My own people smoke the Pipe of Peace, To happier hunting-grounds they now are gone — But never more shall my lost tribe increase Though Summer spreads the new wheat's yellow awn. Their taut-strung bows, in many a ghostly dawn — Bring down the water-buck, and great wild geese; My own people smoke the Pipe of Peace — To happier hunting-grounds they now are gone. Their noiseless hands, the birch-canoes release To paddle naked, in their bronze-red brawn; While all the Indian-Summer days decrease They track the young hart, in his haunts withdrawn; My own people smoke the Pipe of Peace — To happier hunting-grounds they now are gone. 114 THE CRYSTAL GAZER DIS AM A LAZY NIGGEH Dis am a lazy niggeh — an he knows hit mighty well, Foh he lubs ter sit an dream de hours away, Wen de biimbly-bee's a hummin, an sweet de roses smell, An de ripply waves am runnin roun de bay. Yep! dose HI waves dey mines him, wen a jumpin up an down, Ob de leap-frog dat de chilluns uster play; An de oysters shore war fat uns, down dar about de soun, Whar he cotched em, spry an early, in de day! But shucks! wha cars foh wokin wen hit am de lubly June, An de gahden dere am bloomin laik a bower? Not dis niggeh, no how, foh he done hyear de crazy tune Ob de yaller wabler, singin ebery hour. Yas, sassy bird, hid en de bush yo sits an jaws at him, Foh de rose am needin wattah hon hits leabes — Hits fresh perfume's so powerfu dis ol man's sight so dim, Dat sly Time go pas — a larfin in hims sleebes. AND OTHER POEMS 115 So, dis no count ol darkie, woul des sneak a hind de trees, An hucctim it happen, dat he bat hims eye. Hit am but de cool sof wes win, a breshin up a breeze Dat done mek im feel so snoozy — laik ter die ! 116 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE CYNIC MOON Lo! every heart which knows itself a fool — Of dream-silk winding Life's rich rainbow-balls, Must own at last, the lure of Love's misrule. Where they are flimg, like weary. War-spent Gauls — When, in the dust, the ruined fabric falls, And shattered lie the Vases of Delight In glittering fragments — Memory hides from sight: Again, upon the dreaming face of June, Young Summer dotes, deep chambered in the night, Neath chill enchantment of the cynic Moon! Crafts-woman weird is she whose burrel-tool Doth burnish bright the high Cathedral stalls Of forest-pine, inlaying all with buhl; 'Tis there the langored nightingale still lolls. And sobbing, voices yet the old recalls — The little baby Loves doth she invite To hold with her, for aye, their singing rite — Which make the air, with music nigh to swoon While water-flowers are silvered o'er with light, Neath chill enchantment of the cynic Moon. For those wan lovers. Peace doth ridicule — And every Spirit which strange Love enthralls Forever winds the silk from off the Spool Of Life, to weave anew Love's velvet palls — And lay him straightened, 'twixt the earth's cold walls; Nor any hour shall that lorn heart requite. AND OTHER POEMS 117 Which doth beat on, in treacherous Love's despite, To pluck again the blossom of the prune, When other Junes and other lips invite Neath chill enchantment of the cynic Moon. Prince ! in each clime, on every shore benight, Doth Love the very rudest heart incite — He craves His jest, the painted, gay buffoon! When silent is the tent, all hushed and white Neath chill enchantment of the cynic Moon. 118 THE CRYSTAL GAZER WITH WINGS OF FIRE One groped alone, and sore afraid, Till in the Temple once he prayed, ' Oh, draw me up unto the height Where I would be. Lord Christ with Thee — To seek the face of my Delight." There suddenly a Seraph came, With eyes of fire And wings of flame; Till soft was heard His whispered word, ' I am the Soul of thy Desire Which leads thee on, and shall not tire — For aye the same." Thus all the darkness wavering broke. And from that neck there fell the yoke Of grief and shame; While 'neath the fringes of his cloak Bright birds came crowding tame ! Afar the riven mountains woke From out the mist again — And flashing high, as some proud pyre, The riven wings of his Desire Rode up the air like flame — Then sweet the hymn of Morning spoke To one all healed and sane. AND OTHER POEMS 119 He saw the eyes of his Desire Become more like to God's — Which — smiting with strange rods, Girds Men — till higher They must aspire With larger aim. Thrilled as he watched — far out of sight He saw take up the heaven-ward flight — With eyes like flame And wings of fire — The marvel of — his Soul's Desire! 120 THE CRYSTAL GAZER LOVE Love is a sentinel keeping His lone watch o'er the sleeping And counteth not the cost; Love is pale nun weeping, Love is bright fountain leaping, Love is the smi and frost. Love is an angel singing, Triumphant paean ringing; Love is a sharpen'd knife; Love is a deep dirge sounding, And Love like breakers pounding Makes music out of strife. Love is pure water steeping Where flame through forest creeping Spreads awful holocaust. Love is a plowman reaping Wheat for his brother's keeping. Love saves when all seems lost. On battle field outgoing Love is man's life-blood flowing; Love is a piping fife. Love planteth and he hoeth, He reapeth and he moweth On the fields of Life. AND OTHER POEMS 121 Love is man's red blood bounding Selfless and free and rounding The corners all of life. Love is a dagger and a flame ; Love is a cross, Love is Christ's name; Love is sweet peace and strife. Love is a trumpet calling Where blood and wounds are falling For banners wildly tossed. Love is the Soldier marching ; Love is the rainbow arching Where lightning flames across. Love is pale mother bending O'er small white cradle tending; To prayer Love is the call. Love is the lone wind from a far steep crying; Love is stern living and strong dying, Living and dying all. Love is cowled monk beads telling; Love is loud anthem swelling Where Mary bows her head. Love on Christ hangs dimibly Where Magdalene kneels numbly Because her Lord is dead. Love is a miner — for his brother Shouldering pick-axe lest he smother 122 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Under fallen crust. Love is a fire-man, where aspire Red flames of devouring fire, Keeping all his trust. Love is the world's heart beating; Safe in the great God's keeping, Though storms and floods are rife. From cinders of desire Love kindles holy fire. Oh ! Love is all of life ! AND OTHER POEMS 123 A LITANY Out of the dream and the waking, Out of the leaving and taking — "Whatever Gods there be — " Earth's primal, hot thirst slaking, I pray deliver me ! From the black heart — mischief making, From the poor soul, scant virtue faking, "Whatever Gods there be — " I pray, all sin forsaking. This day deliver me ! Out of the flowering and falling To the frosts of a Winter appalling, I pray to the Gods — "Let be — " For over death's waste, calling, I hear the Eternal Sea! From tears, to the eyelids welling. From Judas — betraying and selling, At the Market Gates set free — I beg of the Gods indwelHng, This hour deliver me ! 124 THE CRYSTAL GAZER LIFE'S DAY A LITTLE day, to sit upon the hill, A little day! A little day, to wait upon God's will; A little day! A little day, to see the sapphire smoke Fold distant fields, when Autumn dons her cloak; A little day! A little day — e'en where the valley dips, To feel the chilling air on failing lips; A little day! A little day, and then — The weary hand lays down a fruitless pen; A little day ! A little day— oh. Men! With purer thought, and surer aim, To find the long loved work, the broken thread again, And write, as angels write — with fire and flame — Oh, largerMay! AND OTHER POEMS 125 STAND Stand! midst the ruins of thy friendships, Soul! Courage shall cure. Stand! though falls the flow'r of love's beauty, Soul! Thy worn heart inure; Stand ! though Time with his scythe Moweth the blossom blythe; Sorrow abjure. Stand! though Pain's serpents writhe. Give not to grief one tithe, Christ shall assure! Stand ! till thy Judgment day ; Stand! though all pass away, In patient forfeiture. Stand ! midst the ruins of thy body, Soul ! Stand and endure; Stand! midst the ruins of thy riches, Soul! In God, secure. 126 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE WATCH When Night's grey curtains fall, The weary sleep — Sad mothers weep ! But God doth keep His still watch over all. The hour-glass runneth out its sand Though tears are shed On midnight bed For buried dead, through sea and land; Soft, kind, and bland God's healing find Breathed over heart and mind ; He holds us in His hand ! AND OTHER POEMS 127 THE TEST Yea, I would stake all, on a final test — So, out of the lengthened pain Come, lift me up, to the ardent breast Of my own love, once again. What is there of peace here, without his hand Now to ease my aching brain — To guide my steps in a barren land Where my tears are like the rain. Without his brave eyes to relume my skies High above this darkened plain — Dead stars that rise, till the last moon dies, They still beacon me on in vain. Then give to me back, O thou vagrant Love! Golden gauds of thine again — The world was fair, where a fleckless dove Took its flight, to the trackless main. And never, I know, shall grey Time bring back Unto us who now are twain. His gathered spoils — on a shoreless track Buried they must remain. Yea! I would stake all on a final test — Couldst thou come and whisper to me, ' Fly, little bird, to thy first found nest In the Oak — thy Protector-Tree." 128 THE CRYSTAL GAZER My heart would leap up, at that old, sweet word, As my being ebbed to thee — Nay, Love ! We know — there shall not be heard Twice there-over — love's first, wild plea. To stead me who faints in a barren land. When my tears are like the rain — Lay on my heart, thy cool, easeful hand, Tender Ghost, for it breaks again. AND OTHER POEMS 129 YOU COME TOO LATE You come too late — the mournful Minstrel's dead, So, wreathe no chaplets for his humbled head — For what to him are ardent lips, or song Which now, forevermore can not prolong Spent rapture — or the bloom of Summer sped? Now Autumn droops, where once the roses bled. Oh! had you come ere life's last word was said, Though it were ever with so soft a tread — The singer's heart had never known love's wrong — You come too late ! The baffling maze of death his footsteps led. Hid, path by path, down to this myrtled bed — Where praise and blame are one — nor long The years tmcomforted. No passion strong E'er wakes his Lute, to chilling Silence wed, For lorn laid by — with woven cobwebs spread; You come too late! 130 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE SPINNER OF THE NIGHT I SIT beside my dying fire and spin The web of Dream within the Loom of Thought, Where many a broidered phantasy is wrought With jeweled strands of Memory therein. Where pure proud faces all life's fabric limn That in the past strange necromancy taught Of love's lost lore, in palaces unsought This later day, amidst the modem din. And all the weft is golden with rich hues As my large loom hums with a mystic song. To sit and dream and spin, who would not choose. If losing love, to find the love you lose Emblazoned all Time's tapestry along. AND OTHER POEMS 131 DAPHNE Daphne ! I may but miss you through the years Who long ago went on the StarHt way; For I walk desolate, each weary day Untouched of tears. Tears freeze for cold Despair; Sweet was the youthful blossoming of you, Even as the pearl-white fever-few — Which dies in winter air. Daphne ! I m.ay but feed my heart In dreams of you Who years agone went on O'er fields apart : Ere flew the Summer's lark You paused within the dark, Of a Supremer Mom ; The Sunshine and the Dew A part of You, My pearl-white fever-few! In woods remote Silenced the Song-bird's throat At menace of the Frost; But even so No note Of mystic Harmony Shall flow 132 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Unto the Lost ; It circles still the Sea Of vast Eternity, (Oh ! subtle penalty !) Forever onward tossed ! Daphne, alone, I may but dream of you Who walks amidst the morning dew Of radiant heaven; And, if forgiven At last I go, And melt with you Into the flow of living Light, Sure, safe, and shriven. My pearl-white fever-few I '11 find, still blooming white. AND OTHER POEMS 133 WHERE WE MUST DWELL APART All the winds of midnight Sweep across thee now, And all the stars of heaven Bend above thy pallid brow — There in one grave of seven Beneath the ilix bough. Asleep within thy starlight Very rich art thou, For of thy love no leaven, Remaineth with thee now, The peace of God's white chrism Is shed upon thy brow. Lonely winds of midnight Beat cold upon thy heart And all the stars of heaven Dwell, where we must dwell apart, Thy grave — the one in seven. Is the grave of my lone heart. 134 THE CRYSTAL GAZER A FALLEN FLOWER Love's broken flower was she — when radiant night grown wan Out of the dusk and dalHance broke, the sterner dawn — And all the stars grew hush, that early shone. The Rose which dies, sore bruised by Love's inconstant hand — To fall forlorn, upon a parched and futile strand, Unkissed, unblest, making no more demand. She knows not when to earth the bright, resurgent Day Once more awakes, or if again, white bosomed May Treads those green aisles where Love was wont to stray. A faded rose, dropt from Life's tree — and failing Song! Oh, lover nightingale ! lone wailing of Love's wrong Unto processional Hours, pacing along. Swept cowering to death, where all of these disband, As blossoms fall, she fell, and did not understand — For Eros crowns — but those, he may not brand. AND OTHER POEMS 135 A WASTREL BLOWN A WASTREL blown — before the winds of Night With spirit urgent for each new delight, At last lies wounded on drear barren ground; Where only wrecks of men, who long lay drowned In siren arms, are fallen from their might. The waste shore of his life is bitter sight; The evening falls ; and with the fair daylight His soul fast fades into the gloom profound, A wastrel blown! No mate is his — to wait upon his flight. Nor tiny nestlings in a nest requite His labor and his love ; like a stricken hound He goes into the storm that makes its round, Spreading the ravage of Life's winter blight, A wastrel blown ! 136 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE CAMELLIA Rose of Japan ! once in the long ago — Beside the waterfall I saw thee grow In loveliness so subtle, secret wrought As is some hidden gem in mines unsought, That but the Master Alchemist doth know. The Jewel-Hunter came — where cherries blow And all the paths are deep with plum-tree snow ; Thy childish hands, filled with gay toys — he bought. Rose of Japan ! Thy satin hair, purpler than any sloe — Holds him no longer. Since thine overthrow The Rose's beauty, plucked — is come to naught And cast upon the earth-bed, to sorrow brought. Left there to searing thoughts no man may know Rose of Japan ! AND OTHER POEMS 137 A JAPANESE GARDEN Within this garden Japanese Gay lantern-lights flared in the breeze; The cherries with their fallen flowers Made white the paths by iris bowers. Young Beauty lingered at her ease Here, in this garden Japanese, And twinkling, tiny water-falls Ran tinkling by the palace walls. An hundred years ran out their lease, And yet the curious dwarf fir trees. With twisted branches trained to grow, Bend over to the stream below. Neath stepping-stones, in jade-green pools, The golden carp swam by in schools; But now the lotus flowers decrease Within the garden Japanese. Blue butterflies and amber bees Displayed their airy coquetries. The mauve wistaria's trellised bloom Shed overhead a faint perfume. Fair was this garden Japanese; i.\zaleas spilled their wine-red lees Of ruined petals on each bed O Tomi San long since is fled, 138 THE CRYSTAL GAZER Who shyly smiled, her lord to please. Like beads of golden rosaries The hours of lanquid love she told, Till Time stole every bead of gold. Soon waxed and waned (as buds that freeze) The olden, sweet idolatries; An Autumn Wind blew from the shore, A Rose-girl closed the palace door. Still, in this garden Japanese, An Idol squatteth on his knees, Ah! deaf and dumb he is, and blind To ghosts that drift adown the wind. Soft whispering, sad mysteries Of many a garden Japanese Where fireflies at twilight flit. And bats, by lanterns, now unlit. Though lanterns, wreathed with peonies For those lost lovers Japanese, May swing at night, from ghostly stem, Alas ! no man recks aught of them. While all the lonely moons increase A cunning maze doth hide and sieze; High hedges close the paths about; Love may not in, that once flew out. AND OTHER POEMS 139 He is a God none may displease, Deserted garden, Japanese, Fierce Dragon guards His palace door; Who issues thence, ne'er enters more! 140 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE BLUE FLOWER The rare flower, the blue flower, The sweet and the dear flower That in my garden grows ! Others may love, all flowers above, The stately Lady-Rose, But I love the blue flower That hue of heaven shows. The fresh shower, the cool shower. That from the deep cloud flows, Hearkens when the blossoms sigh. Pours its blessings from on high On every flower that grows. Others may love all flowers above. The stately Lady-Rose, But I love the blue flower That blue as heaven blows. When tempest's lower at midnight's hour. Her petals shed from her rose-red flower. There bends my Lady-Rose ; But my blue flower bears the Storm-King's power Here in the garden close And lifts to the clouds her trusting eye As though she said, "Yea here am I, True and blue as God's blue sky." AND OTHER POEMS 141 She such good courage shows That I do love all flowers above, Though stately is the rose — The rare flower, the blue flower That blue as heaven blows. 142 THE CRYSTAL GAZER AUTUMN I The roan-red leaves are driven down the wind, For Autumn wields her lash of twisting gales, And where the purple of the primrose pales The jeweled ash doth follow on behind. With all her whips she scourges bleak and blind The writhing trees, and boistrous jeers and rails At spineless ghosts who bury in the dales Dead Summer's grace, with nioldered roses twined. . When stark and bare, the blackened boughs are tossed Beneath the menace of a darker sky. And shadowed eyes search for Love's footprints lost — As through the wold, the riven dead leaves fly — The sheeted Rain scores window-pane across — Beloved, even the dearest Rose must die. AND OTHER POEMS 143 AUTUMN II Now Autumn walks upon her breezy hills And scatters largess with a lavish hand ; To feed the hungry of a foreign land With yellow corn, her gamers full she fills. Red, ripened fruit her generous apron spills; One heedeth not that all the flowers disband — For gilded trees in every coppice stand Of richer hue than Spring's dear daffodils; Within the orchard-close, the raven crows Are chattering, in search of fallen seeds; Full thankful for the harvest God bestows ; And where the crimson of the Maple bleeds, Above yon runlet, which clear amber shows — Reed-birds fly south — and desolate the reeds! 144 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THERE IS A BLAND, MYSTERIOUS LAND There is a bland, mysterious land. Where lilies blow, more white Than is the petrel's silver wing In its far flashing flight ; Where roses grow, whose colors flow In flames of living light, — Whose perfumes bring their pleasuring To Seraphs mailed in Might. These blooms are wonderful ; like Souls All shaken with delight Their petals breathe of Joy and Spring, Untouched of terrene blight. And from their chambered glories fling Some competence bewildering O'er singing Space, that comets lace. The Spirit mastering. The Lure of Song doth here belong, Enraptured, hid from sight; And Love, glad bird that once you've heard, Nests in the velvet night. Blue fountains fall, and over all Rayed-rainbows fret each parapet; AND OTHER POEMS 145 Adown the curving sapphire Stair Strays Youth, forever fair! And, like a giant marigold, From out The Potter's prisom'd Jars In wide, concentric rings unfold Pied passion-flowers of air, Than winged Peace more rare! But oh! the high, proud, sabered-Stars Guard all the treasures there. 10 146 THE CRYSTAL GAZER ELISE Elise is like a waxen rose Nuns tend behind their cloister-screen, Protected from each wind that blows. Her spotless bloom white as far snows That never stain of step have seen ; Elise is like a waxen rose. Which unto fragile beauty grows Where fountains fret, and lindens lean. Protected from each wind that blows. But of her heart no lover knows — (Thus hides the flower her thorns between) - Elise is like a waxen rose ! Her soul lies locked in still repose. By dreams unstirred, a lake serene, Protected from each wind that blows. Sweet as pale buds the Nims dispose Upon hushed altar of heaven's Queen, Protected from each wind that blows, Elise is like a waxen rose ! AND OTHER POEMS 147 MAIDEN OF SNOW Pale maid, and slender — Proud smile, and slow, Graces attend her. Maiden of Snow ! Shy maid, more tender Than Spring-buds blow — Angels defend her. Maiden of Snow ! They must have told her Their secrets — so Lips of her render Kind words below. Pure maid and tender. Lashes laid low — Pale maid, and slender, Maiden of Snow ! The World may not bend her; But this I know. Dear maid and tender, Where young Love shall go, Oft doth he kindle his flame in the snow ! 11 148 THE CRYSTAL GAZER WAYWARD LOVE The world seems large and lonely, And sore desolate the sea; A chill wind blows from the farther Shore, That coaxed my wa3nA^ard Love from me. For she was slight and wayward As the sown grass of the lea; And sweet as grasses but newly shorn When mower reaps, at early mom. The Waves were her fleet kindred, And the frail Anemone — Where I go seeking forever more My wayward Love who went from me. Her feet were white as the sea-foam Tossed hither by the sea; Her tresses wan as the beach-sand blown ; Her soul, the shore where breakers moan. Alone I 'm left to mourn And watch beside the sea. A chill wind blows from the father Shore That coaxed my wayw^ard Love from me. AND OTHER POEMS 149 THE LITTLE PATHS Come, pluck the blue-bells in the rocky glen, This little path you may not take again — Gather the roses on the lower rise; That way may lead to Paradise. And dip a cool cup where the were-wolf's den Hides near j^on foaming brook, for not again Such beaker shall you lift for any lip ; Then there, kneel down, and joyous sip! Oh, ease the wounded, though 't were but a wren ! The Way of Wounds you may not tread again ; Cheer thus in passing every human heart; From paths of Love you shall not part. When hushed, on dying ears, are earthly wails, And reached the gleaming heights beyond these trails, Then shall our Father smile on us, and say, "The little paths you took led all this way." 150 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE PERI A Peri strayed, lone-lost and lost- wise singing (Afar, the bells of elf -land softly swinging), "I loved a Mortal, and the God of Love Within His shrine red roses hung above — Saw mine heaped arms, pale, wreathed blossoms bringing." From His exalted place there, lightly springing. His gorgeous wings He spread and went a-winging, Full murmurous as some plaintive, pecking dove A Peri strayed. Beside the silver Ash-tree frightened clinging, Her little flower-like hands then wildly wringing, "My bridal-bower I twined with the white fox-glove, The wicked faeries stole it, and flown is Love!" And thus all lonely-lost, and lost-wise singing, A Peri strayed. AND OTHER POEMS 151 A GEISHA Pomegranate bloom, Oh^ ! is red, and fair, Set in the ebon satin of her hair, But not so rose as is that petaled lip Whence men, like wandering bees, must long to sip. The lotus-bud, wan pearl! is white, but rare; Her golden little feet — how debonair They poise and wheel on tiny pointed tip — Pomegranate Bloom! She bruised otir hearts within her silver snare Of sighing Song, and with dark, childish stare Besought — as one who lets her soft veil slip To show a subtle smile, like honey, drip O'er sudden flashing teeth, and swift forbear — Pomegranate Bloom! 152 THE CRYSTAL GAZER LOVE'S FORGIVENESS The wounds of love ! they score so deep ! (Give me thy Httle careless hands to keep, Now they are folded whitely, m soft sleep.) The wounds of love ! they goad so sore ! (Give me thy reckless lips that scorn; Restore Love's first caress, lest love should be no more.) A rapier is love, with blade full keen ! (Gods ! I forgive if on my breast you lean To flick me with a flower, insouciant, serene.) The wounds of love ! they gird so deep ! (But I forget them all when night and sleep Give me thy little wayward hands to keep.) AND OTHER POEMS 153 WHEN NIGHT SOOTHES CARE When night soothes care, oppressed Men kneel, and are confessed Of all the hopes that cheat, As life's stern pulses beat And barren joys protest. Grief's garment wan, unblest. Shed as one sheds a vest — For souls from flesh retreat When night soothes care. Then dream I on thy breast My burdened heart finds rest ; Love runs with footsteps fleet The naked soul to greet, His losses all redressed When night soothes care. 154 THE CRYSTAL GAZER O LOVE, BE KIND O Love, be kind to us — forever kind. Lo! dark forbidding Shades, to night resigned, Across yon hill like troopers worn and grey Addrest to Death, show forth the last forray — And fallen Suns, each Shadow leaves behind. The trail is lost, where ardent days declined; Give us thine hands, thy lips we can not find Alas, dear Heart ! we may not longer stay, O Love, be kind ! For us no wreath of splendid roses bind, To clasp with frozen fingers intertwined When we shall cease from thoughts that hearts affray ; Still solace us, and be not far av/ay Where whispers but the solitary Wind; O Love, be kind ! AND OTHER POEMS 155 TO CROWN A CAUSE These fare not forth, where bitter foemen fight To crown a Cause — they early lipped the dust — Their rearing chargers, in the blood-black must Trod out the dead and living, on their flight. All, frantic with wide wounds, and War's spent might, The dying bare full many a parting thrust And sacrifice complete, gave up their trust While yet the battle blared upon each height: For they who early felt the heat of that first fire, The cannister and ball, dread petronel — Intrepid broke upon the ramparts — dire. With flame and sword, stared into the pits of Hell — And pouring life out on that heathen pyre. Unshrinking, surfeited with conquest — fell. 156 THE CRYvSTAL GAZER THE QUESTION How still this burden lies upon the caisson, Wrapt in the flag which doth Death's door emblazon With splendor of rude War, and roaring strife. Laid neath the banner bullet-holed and gory, Is this enough for thee, and all of glory? Is this enough for thee of stalwart life? Stem warrior, who passed in cruel fashion. And fought his fight, to die in stress of passion, Quite peaceful sleeping, patient, freed from strife. Whose youth was fain of warfare, when no pleading Would hold the blue-steel bayonet — receding When life-blood followed fast upon the knife. Is it better to lose a life, grey and hoary, Than in its first full blossom of its glory? Canst tell us, pallid loser in the strife? Thy lips might yield the answer we await ; Thine hands might lift the veil that curtains fate Now that ye wake no more to drum and fife. Though all the years are like a tragic story Soon put aside — no Spirit from its glory Returns to tell the riddle of his life. AND OTHER POEMS 157 Dead soldier, borne upon the cannon-carriage — To Silence wedded, in strange, barren marriage. Who holds thee in her arms as rightful wife — Speak! ere earth thy day shall darken, And sky shut out, then mayst thou never hearken. Nor thrill to hear Love's voice, or screaming fife. Still silent! under earthen roof and rafter. Blind to sun and cloud and flower, shall the brave laughter Cease with the hour, and the trumpet's call with life? When cold the blood, shall tears of women weeping Melt the cold heart of one sound sleeper sleeping — Who takes at last his rest from battle-strife? Come speak! and tell us from the known hereafter What hast thou found, tears or laughter. Or dream of love immortal in an immortal life? 158 THE CRYSTAL GAZER EN GARDE! En garde! I am thy foeman, Death! 'Ware the sable Kjaight, Or he shall have thy breath Thine eyes, thy sight. En garde ! If through thy golden mail My chill blade entereth, The centered life shall quail, I am thy foeman, Death! AND OTHER POEMS 159 WAR No MORE to fight where alien armies merge, But fallen to the dust in red decay, Their kinsman, Earth, claims them as kindred clay; Unheeding with dull ears the bugles' urge, While smoking ranks of grim battalions surge, And screaming shells tear flesh and bone away ; Alike are stricken — the blue and the gray: The crashing cannon's mighty funeral dirge ! The rushing legions in the sudden charge. Enraged with blood, and slaughter's lust and lure, Impassioned, driving down to Hell's black marge, And there to forfeit life's investiture; Then Night's dark walls, so lonely and so large, Prisoners of Death on battlefield immure. 160 THE CRYSTAL GAZER WAR II No MORE to gallop on the conflict's verge, When friends and foemen mingle as one clay; To starkly lie nor heed the bugle's urge, ' While souls go out in blood to God this day; Prostrate to watch the rushing battle-charge Flooding the meadows like a tidal sea, And there receding unto death's bleak marge Where riderless, full many horses flee: Then with her dew and darkness Night apace Bends down and spreads again her ancient lure. Her planet peers above a young, dead face, But all is well with them that sleep secure; Red War threshed here — with his hard, iron flails, Good Wheat there was, reaped from an hundred dales. AND OTHER POEMS 161 "THE LAND OF FEAR" (Blad El KouJ) The grayness of vast spaces without sound — Here Desolation sits; pale, arid sands Stretch endless on, forgot of fertile lands; The Desert broods, perpetual and profound, Like some sad prisoner, in shackles bound. Hopeless of aught, with shriveled, empty hands Unfructile holden, by his iron bands. Whom enemies invisible surround; The Scorching Sun — that weaves his cruel thirst - Deliritmi — who dreams of rivers free. And hideous Death — of all the best and worst — For bones lie bleaching, where no waters be. Beneath a sky of bronze, assoiled, accurst — Immeasurable, dreadful Destiny! 162 THE CRYSTAL GAZER AN OASIS Across the parching waste, the caravan With tinkhng bells went steadfast on, and slow, Tall camels bearing, under sun's red glow. Rich burdened bales, from far off Ispahan. When weary day was done, and night began, Men slept supine, beneath God's portico. Whence blazing stars — like lanterns bright — swung low, The Desert still, their well tried strength foreran; Till dust-worn drivers babbled of the sheen Of fluent waters, near mimosa trees; Their dazed eyes saw a swelling, ribbed lateen In weird mirage — at last, an algid breeze Cooled girded blood, from an Oasis green, — Dark Arabs praised wise Allah on their knees. AND OTHER POEMS 163 WHERE MYSTERY LURKS Within this tropic, dusk, fear-haunted glade — Its strange ferns shaken by some gorgeous bird Which flies the serpent, or wild creature furred — Rare, giant blooms imsheathe a blood-red blade; Late lily cups uplift their pearl and jade, The great bronze ibis and old saurians herd Through water-ways the sultry silence gird With pause and stir. Against the pale brocade Of orchid flowers gleams like sun stricken shard Of precious ruby, scarlet cockatoo With shrilling cry, as through the dusk he hies To deeper treasuries of musk and nard Where still pools rear the hyacinth, rich blue, And Mystery lurks, v/ith veiled and humid eyes. 164 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE STOLEN SLAVE Dost thou regret within the place of palms, Where attar-sweet, slow, eastern fountains fret Neath harem-grate and lifted minaret The Desert's hush, of starred and crystal calms? When slave-girls swathe those rounded, ivory arms In soft rose veils of gauze; thick tresses set With pearls of price — at ease canst thou forget Our tent ? the withering simoon, alarms Of fleeing horses — and the sudden Sword? Wild cries and frantic haste, torn from my hold — Bold Turk may prize thy beauty, dimmed by tears. And count as treasure all my golden hoard; But like a panther springing on his fold — Thy Desert-Lord, shall pay, with storming spears. AND OTHER POEMS 165 THE GOLDEN STREAM In lotus dreams of love, we lingered down The banks of Nile's broad amber flood, and thou! With hands like lilies trailed beneath the prow, Pale flower of light! The shadows, madder-brown, Grew darker, as day slipped away, to drown In night. Then as the stars rose, burning vow On vow fell from hot lips; thy perfect brow Drooped on my breast; Love lifted up his crown. Ere dawn the pallid wraith of bliss was fled. Upon the water's widened, umbered waste A lotus bloom of wondrous hue was shed Of petals frail; the wandering Winds cried, "Haste! Gold moon sets soon, in mom's rich swath of red. The tropic path of love is not retraced." 12 166 THE CRYSTAL GAZER MIRAME 'T IS LONG since I have looked upon thy face — As twilight, dusk — O sweet, dark Mirame! At thy small feet have knelt and worshiped thee, So supple slender, in thy classic grace. For where thou wert, all lovely things found place. Ah ! deep thine eyes, and sad, as erst the Sea, That in the midnight rests, alone and free — Beneath the moon-pearl swinging high in space. And thus I dreamed — tame in thy beauty's lure — Till those lost years fell from me, bare and lean. But my cold, barren heart must still endure The anguish of glad days that once have been: Binds Mirame — in memory secure, The love she took — when my young world was green. AND OTHER POEMS 167 THE MAESTRO'S VIOLIN The Maestro played upon his violin — Rich mellowed with the alchemy of years It wailed with voices of lost women's tears, Regrets, remorses of unchastened sin. Low plaint of love, lost broken things therein; Hot grief (the iron that the raw soul sears) Swift mutterings of Memory — cold fears — Lives ended ere they did full well begin; With winnowing wings the music upward flown Unhindered, floating toward some heaven-boimd dell. Enraptured touched a far and fevered zone — Thence dropped to earth, and plunged to deepest HeU, Till one bright strain — now shall God's love atone- Spoke in the final chord — and silence fell. 168 THE CRYSTAL GAZER A MAN As ONE who long for loss hath ceased to grieve, He looks on life, with clear and tranquil eyes ; If oft he hears the bells of Paradise From heights unseen their mystic music weave, He gives no sign. Thus doth he generous leave To other men each loved and rich emprize. That blesses them, and the donor sanctifies; From seed broad-cast, expecting to achieve No rare reward — or argent wealth of Bay To bind his brows; he holds a larger Creed — For they, that often in strange temples pray, Where many alien sects are not agreed. Confused with argument, all gospels weigh. Truth's voice alone, compels his every deed. AND OTHER POEMS 169 UNCONQUERED (to j. l. g.) My Father — never had I seen you look In life thus masterful and subtly sweet, While we so sorrowfiil were left; ah, fleet Was Death, to find that ingle-side's still nook. And you to meet him there arose, your book Long loved, so gently laid aside; 'twas meet He found you reading — as fond friends may greet After long absence, His chill hand you took And smiling softly, this green world forsook; Calm in swift agony — shone clear, Faith's gleam, Your soul unstirred and noble to the last; As wearied sleeper, full content to dream; And there upon you was strange beauty cast, Though you were Death's, your spirit ruled supreme. 170 THE CRYSTAL GAZER SAPPHO'S SERVITUDE All Ye! who servitude for Sappho bear — Neath that hid tree, whereof the cuckoo sings, Have seen the flutter of her faerie wings; Pale primrose of the wold is not so fair As her small head, wreathed with its yellow hair, Nor blanched lilies, where the wild bee stings, Are as white as She — laved in those lucid springs Known by the nymph and faun — Oh, well aware Her false fond eyes — as Sea pools beryline — In which swoon Souls that Peace bespeaks no more; Sad exiles hearing from an alien shore Their Angels calling — but strange Sappho, queen! Who asketh all, doth never tithe restore Of flotsom blown to her storm-swept demesne. AND OTHER POEMS 171 BLIGHT The fragile bloom of the young May was here, And robins sang again the olden rune Of fragrant things to be in promised June, Till all was hushed by sharp and sudden fear; A black cloud swept across the ruffled meer; The rifted sands were whirled above the dune. And freezing hail soon hid the blighted moon; Then all was past of Spring — so fresh, so dear: Thus is the flower of a maiden's heart Bereaved and broken, when that frost forlorn Of trust betrayed, and innocence forgot, Sweeps over Youth, and with its icy dart So levels life to one bleak winter mom That joy shall be no more — bitter lot! 172 THE CRYSTAL GAZER SLEEP Along the vague, dim borders of a dream — The Soul swept round scant shoals of Sleep ; unknown Wan shores peered through dank drifting fog, o'er blown From farther head-lands of a darker stream: The heron from dun reeds with startled scream Arose, and stealthy as the dusk, was flown, And yet the Soul went naked and alone, Descending gulfs obscure; day's shuttered gleam Pierced consciousness with crude imaginings Till subtler deeps flowed over sound and sense. As, onward set, to some strange hospice bound — Of slumber rapt, it knew not futile things, Adrift in night — now stripped of all defense — And silent vanished, where no strand is found! AND OTHER POEMS 173 BLEST NIGHT Blest Night! thou Shepherdess of wayward Stars — Bend down thy tender beauty and embrace The waiting Earth — on every weary face Shed peace, and heal us of our burning scars; Show forth thy flaming oracle, red Mars, And men shall dream within thy holy place Wrapt round with sleep, whilst thou shalt Care unlace As corselet worn — unlock Wrong's prison bars, And shed upon the evil ones and just Mysterious dews, from out thy cisterns cold To quench their fevers — parching is the dust Where Worlds advance! Take to thy hallowed fold Worn souls who yield themselves into thy trust, And lift them heavenward — from the clod and mould. 174 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THE AMARANTHINE FLOWER Bring me thine Amaranthine flower of rest To ease a heart long wearied and full sore With conflicts vain. To me my dreams restore. So shalt thou bind me tranquil Sleep's pale guest Who weeps nor smiles however Time may jest At happiness — Ah! long forgotten lore; They keep the festival of Life no more Whose love lies sterile in bereaved breast: Then crown me Victor with thy garland bright, Sweet are thy dreams of purer bliss — Bend, Death ! Above this fevered bed and seal me thine, Then may I pour that rich immortal wine The Gods have drunk, where Love remembereth — And in that hour, it shall no more be night. AND OTHER POEMS 175 MY DARLING (to l. g. r.) Within our heaven — my darling! Thine eyes like the tranquil stars Over my dark soul shaken Light all the midnight hours; Thy lips my kisses waken Like roses in their bowers ; And smooth as clustered lilies Thy bosom — white as flowers; Oh, like some golden river That streams within the Sun, Thy golden hair is spun ! How is it God hath given Such treasure unto me, Whose soul with tempest riven Is one — with storm and sea? 176 THE CRYSTAL GAZER THEN THE ROSES FALL One by one their petals fade, Then the roses fall, On the bare brown patient breast Of Earth, who mothers all. Swift at length, through each decade, Years grow lean and tall, Found, the end of each fair quest ; Old Earth! who mothers all. Soon our final talent paid, Tears, with rose-leaves fall, Spent at last, we ask but rest, Of Earth, who mothers all. AND OTHER POEMS 177 WHEN YOU SING When you sing, All is possible to me That I had once hoped to be, Ere Time brushed away the dew From Life's rose. When you sing Tears mount to my burning eyes ; And my heart with muffled cries Mourns for what can never be, This side of Eternity And Death's repose. 178 THE CRYSTAL GAZER LOVE'S MYSTERY Is Love pain? Is Love bliss? We can not tell what'^Love's^mystery is. Love is pain;^when]our'^Dead we kiss, Warm living lips that we press 'are bliss. Only God knows what Love's mystery is, For bHss and pain alike are His. AND OTHER POEMS 179 ADIEU I WILL go down to the silent valleys Where the Mothers of men may sleep — I will enter the caverns of silence Though I hear the children weep. Sore was the parting, but under The slope of the shining sod, Low is muffled the thunder Of Juggernaut wheels — God hath broken the rod. (July 30, 1915-)