Part 46 (2/2)

My lonely heart has listened for thee long; And now I seem to hear Across the crowded market-place of life, Thy measured foot-fall, ringing light and clear Above unmeaning noises and unruly strife.

In quiet cadence, sweet and slow, Serenely pacing to and fro, Thy far-off steps are magical and dear,-- Ah, turn this way, come close and speak to me!

From this dull bed of languor set my spirit free, And bid me rise, and let me walk awhile with thee.

II

INVOCATION

Where wilt thou lead me first?

In what still region Of thy domain, Whose provinces are legion, Wilt thou restore me to myself again, And quench my heart's long thirst?

I pray thee lay thy golden girdle down, And put away thy starry crown: For one dear restful hour a.s.sume a state more mild.

Clad only in thy blossom-broidered gown That breathes familiar scent of many a flower, Take the low path that leads through pastures green; And though thou art a Queen, Be Rosamund awhile, and in thy bower, By tranquil love and simple joy beguiled, Sing to my soul, as mother to her child.

III

PLAY SONG

O lead me by the hand, And let my heart have rest, And bring me back to childhood land, To find again the long-lost band Of playmates blithe and blest.

Some quaint, old-fas.h.i.+oned air, That all the children knew, Shall run before us everywhere, Like a little maid with flying hair, To guide the merry crew.

Along the garden ways We chase the light-foot tune, And in and out the flowery maze, With eager haste and fond delays, In pleasant paths of June.

For us the fields are new, For us the woods are rife With fairy secrets, deep and true, And heaven is but a tent of blue Above the game of life.

The world is far away: The fever and the fret, And all that makes the heart grow gray, Is out of sight and far away, Dear Music, while I hear thee play That olden, golden roundelay, ”Remember and forget!”

IV

SLEEP SONG

Forget, forget!

The tide of life is turning; The waves of light ebb slowly down the west: Along the edge of dark some stars are burning To guide thy spirit safely to an isle of rest.

A little rocking on the tranquil deep Of song, to soothe thy yearning, A little slumber and a little sleep, And so, forget, forget!

Forget, forget,-- The day was long in pleasure; Its echoes die away across the hill; Now let thy heart beat time to their slow measure, That swells, and sinks, and faints, and falls, till all is still.

Then, like a weary child that loves to keep Locked in its arms some treasure, Thy soul in calm content shall fall asleep, And so forget, forget.

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