Part 10 (1/2)

Said, ”G.o.d had quickened my flesh, bestowing Joys without measure, Made for its pleasure, An Eden's garden for ever glowing.

Gave me to Man, his care and protection To gain and to give, And bid us so live In united bonds of help and affection.

”Man wrecked our garden, so we were hurled Out from the skies Of Paradise Into the sorrows of a weeping world.

He forgets my care, I, as G.o.d has said, Give still affection For that connection Which into all our bodies life has breathed.

”And why are you abusing G.o.d, and praising With mock effacement And false abas.e.m.e.nt Your own heart's kindness, deeming it amazing That you should do this duty for my sake, Which is His bidding, Nor blame for ridding Himself of me, your neighbour, he who spake hard words, Hard words and drove me forth all sore and ill?”

Thus while I tended This dog I friended Gave back my faith in Heaven by G.o.d's will.

”I PRAYED SO EAGERLY”

I prayed so eagerly, ”Turn and see How bitter I have striven- A word and all forgiven.”

I prayed so eagerly.

I prayed so eagerly- Not to be, You turned and pa.s.sed. Good-bye!

Fates smile for me, dreamed I- Yet I prayed eagerly.

”WHEN THE DARK COMES”

When the dark comes, ”Is this the end?” I pray, No answer from the night, And then once more the day.

I take the world again Upon my neck and go Pace with the serious hours.

Since fate will have it so, Begone dead man, unclasp Your hands from round my heart, I and my burden pa.s.s, You and your peace depart.

DISTANT VOICES

I left my home for travelling; Because I heard the strange birds sing In foreign skies, and felt their wing

Brush past my soul impatiently; I saw the bloom on flower and tree That only grows beyond the sea.

Methought the distant voices spake More wisdom than near tongues can make; I followed-lest my heart should break.

And what is past is past and done.

I dreamt, and here the dream begun: I saw a salmon in the sun

Leap from the river to the sh.o.r.e- Ah! strange mishap, so wounded sore, To his sweet stream to turn no more.

A bird from 'neath his mother's breast, Spread his weak wings in vain request; Never again to reach his nest.

I saw a blossom bloom too soon Upon a summer's afternoon; 'Twill breathe no more beneath the moon.