iPli^ 'WW& LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, WtW — — i|a{t» ®tc|^tMi Ifo— ... ... Shelf ..5A/JL+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. UPS JUH 4 1866 LYRICS OF LIFE. — BY— John Grosvenor Wilson. NEW YORK : CAXTON BOOK CONCERN, Limited. 188G. Copyright, 1886, BY JOHN G. WILSON. TO LILLAH. Dearest, to thee I dedicate the fruit Of loving labor all inspired by thee, Thine were the hands that planted at the root, To thee belongs the blossom of the tree. If haply men find some small portion sweet, Worthy to hold their hearts a little space, Then will the task be not all incomplete, And my delight will be to see thy face Smile with unselfish joy, and my regret That in such weak, imperfect song as mine Scant meed of praise can come to thee — and yet I could not fashion thee a worthy shrine, Nor yield thee full, fair honor thd my pen Thrilled with all power known to gods and rru n. CONTENTS. Page. An American Ode, . 1 Reconciliation, 8 Decoration Day, 11 Chicago, . .15 Sir Philip, 18 Midwinter, 21 Ballad op Love's Grief, 25 Dance op the Fairies, .... 28 Apollo and Daphne, 31 Song of the Wind, ,.,.... 35 The Legend of Vineta (From " Nordeck "), . • 40 The Grand Salute, . . . . . 42 To a Baby, . . . . ... 47 In Rosamond's Bower, . . . . . .51 Jarl Eric's Daughter, ...... 57 Two Rondels : 1. Marc Antony, 63 2. Cosur-de-Lion, G4 Circe, 66 The Poet to the Philistine, 69 A Modern Benedick : Prologue, 77 The First Meeting, 79 The Love-Letter, 81 Accepted, 83 Absence, 85 The Engagement Ring, . 86 Courtship Days, 89 VI CONTENTS. Page. Marriage Eve, 91 Marriage Morning, 92 Epilogue, ........ 94 Echoes of Eld : Excalibur, 99 Sir Pal amides, 104 Morgain, 110 Sir Boris, . . . . . . . . 122 Ballad of Sir Launcelot, . . . . .128 isolt at the tomb of tristram, . . . 131 The Death of Guinevere, 135 Etchings : Cassius, 143 A Rainy Day in Town, 145 The Sentinel, ....... 147 Orpheus, 149 L'Enfant Terrible, 151 Personal Tributes : To Clara Morris, . 155 To Alfred Tennyson, . . , . . 157 To Algernon Charles Swinburne, . . .159 To Frank Mayo, . . . . . . 161 To William Young, .163 ToE. B., ■ . . 165 The Human Quest : Prelude, 169 Despair, . . 171 Afar, 173 Imperfection, . . . . . . . 175 If, . . . 177 Discontent, ....... 179 A Dream, i' 181 Hope, 183 Ad Astra, 185 ^ri@g © f me. AN AMERICAN ODE. T~N the very blackest night Toiled the peoples, worn and weary ; Blind, they sought the healing light, Bowed beneath a burden dreary — When a gallant seaman sailed Forth, in search of lands unhailed. LYRICS OF LIFE. Hope and Courage rigged his spars, Genius winged him for the quest, New-born science of the stars Led him ever straightly west, Till, before all eyes intent, Lo, the new-found Continent! Then the human rivers rolled, Some in gladness, some in tears, Puritans of sternest mould, High-born brilliant cavaliers, Filled with valiant d£ep unrest- Flower of England's sturdiest. Frenchmen waved their oriflamme, Stately Senors sailed from Spain, LYKICS OF LIFE. Sober men of Amsterdam Swelled the universal strain, — u Shores redeemed from isolation Be the cradle of a Nation!" Years of childhood come and go, Lo, the lusty, youthful giant Feels the blood of manhood glow, Leaps erect with shout defiant ! Vague delight the peoples stirred— Kings and priests affrighted heard- Heard the guns of Lexington! Heard the cannons' deadly roar ! Many moons waxed full and shone Crimson in tho blaze of war. LYRICS OF LIFE. On the virgin continent Freedom pitched her ample tent ; Called, and waved her snowy wand, Open flew the airy portals — Ah! the plains that stretched beyond, Canaan for all toiling mortals ; Sweet the summons, clear the voice, u Happy world, rejoice, rejoice!" Swiftly speed the pregnant years, Comes the virile age of steam, Axes bright of pioneers Through the falling forests gleam- Ever westward with the sun Still the human rivers run. LYRICS OF LIFE. £ From the German Fatherland, From the Green Isle's mournful dales, From the Scandinavian strand, From Italia' s ancient vales, Haste they to the larger life Eager for the splendid strife. But a sudden, sombre shock Makes the very heavens rattle ! Freedom's symbols reel and rock In the whirlwind of the battle ! Vague affright the peoples stirred — Kings and priests delighted heard — Heard the guns of Sumter boom ! Heard the vows of peace derided ! ■ LYRICS OF LIFE. War's huge death's-head through the gloom Grinned upon a land divided — Life in death, or death in life, O Republic, thine the strife ! But the last sad fight is fought, Freedom still maintains her sway, Southern valor goes for naught, Yet — O rapture ! — strange to say — They, the vanquished, from defeat Pluck the fruits of victory sweet. For in wild Atlantic breeze See the blowing banners curled ! By the far Pacific seas, Mark the blended stars unfurled ! LYKICS OF LIFE. While between, a giant band, Mighty States clasp hand in hand. Hand in hand, in union blent, Making one great royal Nation! Single as the firmament, Set supreme in sovereign station ! Law's upholder! Freedom's home! Of the world the glorious dome ! On Republic ! strive, nor pause, Freedom guard in all thy lands, Such as seek to wreck thy laws Crush with thy majestic hands — And thy future thou shalt find Bright with hope for all mankind. LYRICS OF LIFE. O EECONCILIATION. VOICE of the people, now thunder For brotherly love ; O freemen, forever tread under Your hate, rise above The promptings of greed and of malice, Declare to the world, — "Behold we have drained the red chalice And down it is hurled!" LYKICS OF LIFE. 9 O victors, cry out to the conquered, — "The fight has been fought, The Union is safe and fast anchored, Fair Freedom is wrought, And, brother, the old love is strengthened, Thy blood is our own, Together our days shall be lengthened, And peace shall be known." Hark, hark, from the Southland the murmur Of Industry's horde ; The hammer and plow they grasp firmer Than ever the sword ; See ! white men and black men as neighbors, All lending a hand, As Hercules toiled at his labors, Transforming the land. 10 LYUICS OF LIFE. And South winds, and winds of Atlantic, And winds of the West, Blow only one flag, one gigantic Free flag that is blest ; Its stars are the stars of the morning, Its stripes are the rays That herald the day that is dawning — The sun that shall blaze. LYRICS OF LIFE. 11 DECORATION DAY. "VTTHERE marbles and mounds lie together On hillside and dale, The glow of the bright, breezy weather Folds all in a veil Of sunshine and sweet summer gladness, Undimmed by the rain, Unknown of the shadow of sadness, The pallor of pain. 12 LYRICS OF LIFE. The voice of the wind, as it passes, Makes musical hum ; But hark ! through the rustle of grasses The beat of the drum — A sob, and a low voice that trembles, A down-drooping head, The morning of Maytime dissembles, We meet by the dead. We meet where the captains of cannon Lie under the trees With those that flew banner and pennon O'er rivers and seas, We stand by the graves of our brothers, O valorous host ! On some lie the laurels, on others The willows are crost. LYRICS OF LIFE. 13 But all are as one in their ending, No sound of the strife Comes up from the dust that is blending To fashion the life Of grasses, and sweet-scented briers, And deep -tinted blooms That burn out their delicate fires By numberless tombs. The maiden who mourns for her lover. Or friend for his friend, Learns here that the battles are over, That this is the end ; And mothers, who meet in their weeping, With quivering mouth Ask not if their sons that are sleeping Came Northward or South. 14 LYRICS OF LIFE. O gracious and glorified hours ! We gather to-day To girdle and garland with flowers Our Blue and our Gray ; We kneel by the green graves that blend us In brotherly peace, To pray that affection attend us, That hatred may cease. LYRICS OF LIFE. 15 O CHICAGO. N the shore of the Monarch of Lakes Rise column, and dome, and spire, And the light of the morning breaks On the City of Wind and Fire ! With the speed of the wind uprisen, With the strength of fire she stands, And her fingers of iron imprison The wealth of a world in her hands. 16 LYRICS OF LIFE. In her towers and turrets of stone She is strong, and her walls of brick — Yet her resolute builders have known The day when the flame rolled thick r When fled as a dream was her glory And round her the smoke-clouds curled, And with wonder and weeping her story Was writ in the heart of the world. But the tokens and treasures of love Came to her from all mankind. With the smoke of the wrack yet above They came, and the self-same wind That rolled the fire over her beauty Blew message of comfort and light, And she rose from the dust to her duty, Renewed and refreshed for the fight. LYRICS OF LIFE. 17 They are gone, the dark days of despair, She is bright in her new-born fame, And she filleth the wide world's air With the glory and growth of her name. About her the great States cluster, That breathe in her nostrils life, That clothe her with joy and luster And strength for the giant strife. Lo, from street, and from crowded mart, The music of progress rings, And her citizens, great of heart, Are of commerce the lords and kings ; O, from her no years shall dissever The well- won crown of the West, For the light that endure th forever Upon lier doth rise and rest. 1883. 18 LYRICS Otf LIFE. SIR PHILIP, /^\NE morn the prairie reached afar, A sea of golden harvest fields, It was the hour when twilight yields Her misty mail of moon and star. light rosy clouds sailed far away, The dewy corn just faintly stirred, And here and there some waking bird Piped out his little roundelay. Adown the level country road A gentle wind did scarcely blow, And all was very still, when lo, Came Philip with his market-load. LYBICS OF LIFE. 19 He eyed the farm-house o'er and o'er, And thought of her who slept within : Prom such light chance doth love begin, Haply forever to endure* And as he rubbed his sunburnt brow The imp that round each lover flits, To warm his heart and fire his wits, Said slily, — "Let her hear you now." Beneath her window did he stand, Gallant as errant knight of old, Though on his breast there gleamed no gold, Nor lance nor sabre in his hand. He sang an old familiar song, Of simple words and simple strain, Half- sad, half -glad the low refrain, Perchance the notes were something wrong; 20 LYBICS 0$ LW& He heard her window softly slide, He saw her sleep-bewildered eyes, He caught her look of shy surprise. Her gesture marked with pretty pride, And off he ran. The kindling morn Lit more and more the laughing land, Small happy breezes hand-in-hand Went chattering o'er the billowy corn. Ah, ever blooms the old romance, In wood, or wild, or western plain, As under stately groves of Spain, Or in the sunny fields of France, O Youth and Lore ! Love and Youth ! Twin suns that light the wastes of Time! You put to blush the cynic 9 s rhyme, You are the sweet eternal truth, LY&ICS OF hlF&* 21 I MIDWINTER. CICLES hang Where Summer sang,, The north- winds clang From frozen lands • O'er hill and valley, Down wind-swept alley, The storm-clouds sally In wliirliiiii; bands. 22 lyrics of life* Farm-house and field, Alike concealed, Beneath the shield Of Winter lie; The world, snow-sheete „, As one defeated, A queen unseated, Makes mournful cry. The short day dies, No stars arise In serried skies That shake with snow, The rough wind whistles And hurls his missiles Where keen ice bristles On rocks below. LYRICS OF LIFE. 23 On rocks that reach Above the beach, Where sit and screech The gulls at night, By waves foam-fretted, With sea-weed netted, Their sharp teeth whetted For dark sea-fight. But winds may roll O'er sound and shoal, And cheek by jowl The storm-kings ride, Men meet together, Despite the weather, Though fierce flakes feather The roaring tide. 24 LYRICS OF LIFE. In happy homes, When darkness gloams, The beaker foams, The feast is laid, Bright fires are lighted, Sweet troths are plighted^ Fond hearts united Of youth and maid. And on lone heights The beacon-lights Burn bright o' nights For ships at sea, Though warring Winter May smite and splinter, Or ice-peaks glint, or The snows fall free. LYRICS OF LIFE. 25 BALLAD OF LOVE'S GRIEF. A MAIDEN sits with idle ball and skein, The clock's long pendulum swings to and fro, The blazoned light of day grows dim with rain, With rain that turns to sleet, and sleet to snow ; But still she sits and watches, singing low, Her voice as clear as birds' when dawn appears, " Dearest, why break your vows and leave me so? The smiles of Love are fewer than the tears." 26 LYRICS OF LIFE. A mother kneels with tortured heart and brain, She hears her baby's breath come hard and slow, And, bending, clasps the wasted face again, The little lips make piteous dumb-show And all is over — save the useless woe, The mother's plaint that some sad listener hears,- — "Ah, little life, flown fast that I may know The smiles of Love are fewer than the tears." An old dame looketh thro' the window-pane To where the village churchyard sleeps below ; Alone, she croons a half-forgotten strain That, as in dreams, recalls the long-ago ; A dreary song, that makes the salt drops flow, That rouses memory, dead to hopes or fears, "Ah, life thro' which the bitter breezes blow, The smiles of Love are fewer than the tears." LYRICS OF LIFE. 27 EKVOY. Day springs from night, from mold the roses grow, From hearts of fire are formed the tranquil spheres, Therefore put trust in recompense, although The smiles of Love are fewer than the tears. 28 LYRICS OF LIFE. DANCE OF THE FAIRIES. ~YTTHO are these that gather in the green * v moonshine Round the sleeping rose-tree and the rose- tree vine, By the folden lily and the scarlet bloom, Frightening the cuckoo in the leafy gloom ? See, they dance, dance, dance, And the trance Of a wild enchantment creepeth O'er the rose-tree as it sleepeth, And they sway, sway, sway ; For the day is far away, For the night is not yet over, And each flying fairy lover Hears the ringing joyous measure As he dances, dances, dances, LYRICS OF LIFE. 29 Thinking, — "What is life but pleasure And a happy lover's fancies?" And the green leaves bending with the trip- ping feet Hear the far-off answer ringing clear and sweet, Water-fays are dancing on the singing waves, Merry elves are dancing in the green sear caves ; See, they dance, dance, dance, And the glance Of the moon upon them falleth, Thro' the wreathing spray she calleth And they sway, sway, sway ; But they hear her voice and listen, And they shimmer and they glisten In the splendor of the spray As they dance, dance, dance, To the music of the kobold Who from out his den has hobbled, With a sea-shell at his mouth, 30 LYRICS OF LIFE. And a wind from off the south, He is blowing, blowing, blowing, And the summer-night is going, But they dance, dance, dance, dance, Dance it away. From the forest flitting out the elfin bands Meet the sea-fays dancing on the moon-lit sands, Joining hands they revel thro 7 the joyous night In the green light of the moon and the faint starlight ; See, they dance, dance, dance, And the lance Of the red star breaks upon them And the dew is shining on them As they sway, sway, sway ; Careless now of whence or whither, Skipping hither, skipping thither, In the night that soon must wither, Die, and fade away. LYRICS OF LIFE. 31 APOLLO AND DAPHNE. TT^VE o'er the sacred vale — in joyous mood m *-*^ Apollo, fresh from war with Python, trod The flowery sward, and from his shoulder slid The quiver, and the bow fell from his hand, Whereat he seized his silver lyre and sang Of Love, the lord and god of gods and men. So journeying, he marked where Daphne lay Hot from the chase — her sandals laid aside From the bright -veined, small, slender, supple feet ; Her tunic opened to the welcome wind That softly stirred the folds and half-displayed The lilies and the roses of her breast Immaculate — thus lay she, aimlessly Twisting her golden hair about her head, 32 LYRICS OF LIFE. So perfect-sweet that, struck with swift desire, The god made straight toward her, saying fast: "O love, thy love is more than victory! I lay my crown of conquest at thy feet — Thy name shall tremble on my harp until Olympus' gates are closed!' 5 But as the fawn Starts and takes flight at baying of the hounds, So Daphne ran, her lithe limbs fleet with fear — Sandalless, yet incredibly swift she fled, And he pursued — but, mortal, none could match Apollo's speed— till, panting, worn, she sank Beside the stream Peneus, silver-waved, And called to him who dwelt therein : " O thou, My father, shield me from Apollo's love!" For lo, the god stretched eager arms to her. LYRICS OF LIFE. 33 He leaned above her, that his eyes might take Foreknowledge, and he laughed right lordlily — But as he gazed she paled and shrank, and seemed A thing of mist — the river flnng fierce foam Upon her — from the thickets flew the birds And hovered o'er her, motionless and mute. Then from the mist, the cloud, upon the sward, Tall, slender, stretching heavenward, uprose A tree unlike all others, and the god Groaned as he knew the maiden changed and lost. And from the river rose a solemn voice, Hollow, as is the murmur of a shell : " O thou, who hast won glory for all time, Fixed and eternal as the changeless stars, Hast thou not learned that love is not to force ? Love is a shadow's shadow—love is fine As Summer wind, and subtle as the film 34 LYKICS OF LIFE. Spun by a spider on a rose's thorns, That hands can scarcely touch, or eyes behold. Wield thou the warrior's sword, strike harp of song, But rest content with these — relinquish love To hearts that yearn, that thirst for naught beside, Content to watch in humbleness, to spend Immortal years in wooing." So the voice Spake, and Apollo moaned disconsolate, Casting his arms in vain about the tree. A low wind smote the leaves and stirred the boughs To plaintive rustlings, and the red sun set, Wherefore the sky was dim, till scattered stars Made light, and winged-foot Mercury leapt forth, Pointing his wand across the silent world. LYRICS OF LIFE. 35 SONG OF THE WIND. TT1ROM the far frozen Plains, that are closen Ever, and chosen Only of snow-clouds, From that waste war land Known as the Nor' land, Round the bleak foreland Ride I the low clouds. 36 LYUICS OF LIFE. Fleet as the hour Speed is my dower, I am the power The spirit of motion; Hark ! the beginning ! Space for the winning! All with me spinning, Earth, island, and ocean. Ho, for the journey ! Clang, O ye horny Peaks ! the wild tourney Of tempests unravel, Who then shall bind me, Bruise me, or blind me, Yea, or shall find me, As tireless I travel % LYRICS OF LIFE. o7 Where the wave flashes, Where the spray dashes, Where the sea clashes Her cymbals, foam-hidden, Filled with the moonlight, Thrilled with the noon-light, Winter and June light, Roam I unchidden. When the thick-lying Forests are sighing, Through the boughs flying I bear their assurance Out to the arid Sands that have tarried, Harassed and harried, Worn w;ui with endurance. 38 LYRICS OF LIFE. When the skies thunder, Riven asunder, Rush I on under The lightning's long arrows, Howling and hurling, Cracking and curling, Whistling and whirling Down rivers and narrows. Then, the storm ended, Rain and earth blended, Lo, unattended, In Summer's sweet season I slip down some alley, N Or wild woodland valley Where red robins rally To wrangle and reason, LYRICS OF LIFE. 39 Or with low whirring Speed I unerring, Tenderly stirring The leaves of green covers, To blend in my flying With vows and denying And amorous sighing Of light-hearted lovers. 40 LYKICS OF LIB'E. THE LEGEND OP VINETA. (From the Drama of "Nordeclc") /^\ CITY sunk forever, Vineta ! — yet of thee The spectre glows and glistens Above the foamy sea. Wherefore thy doom was spoken No mortal tongue can tell, But from thy grave of billows Thy phantom weaves a spell. For if on thee, together, A youth and maiden gaze, Their fates are twined forever, Howe'er may trend their ways. LYRICS OF LIFE. 41 Eftsoons they love, but sorrow Pursues their hearts' sad quest, Unless again, together, On thee their eyes may rest. Then rise once more, Vineta ! Appear to those that wait ! And Love, made lord and master, Shall break the bonds of Fate. 42 LYRICS OF LIFE. THE GRAND SALUTE. rTlWO hundred busy years ago, One morn in sweet September, As fair and fresh a day did blow As any can remember. The town of Kelderheif was filled With merry noise and bustle, Nor whirr of work nor hum of guild Was heard in all the rustle. For to the town a mighty man — The Duke of Bragabenna — Was coming, by the road that ran From far-away Vienna. LYKICS OF LIFE. 43 Up rode his shining cavalcade With nodding plumes and tassels, And priest and baron, man and maid, Were each and all his vassals. The city gates swung open wide, And, as the Duke rode under, The guns that stood on either side Roared out their greeting thunder. So gay the town, the Duke rose up, And in his stirrups standing,— "Now bring," said he, u a brimming cup While this we are commanding. "Each Michaelmas, come sun or rain, In honor of our visit, The same salute shall fire again, And, that ye shall not miss it, 44 LYRICS OF LIFE. U A fund for this I here provide, A fund to last forever!" He drained the cup and, laughing, cried,- "Tll be forgotten never!" Ah, happy hope of many men, What would ye do without it? Ye toilers of the sword and pen Who daily dream about it ; Who sigh for fame, who die for fame, And after all what is it ? The roaring of a ducal name Upon a ducal visit. Two hundred busy years have fled — And now the quaint old city Drones out its life, unsung, unsaid, Save in some random ditty. LYRICS OF LIFE. 45 The whirling wheels of modern life Roll on the distant highway, The famous road of Kelderheif Is but a pleasant by-way. But every year come Michaelmas Awakes an ancient gunner, In crimson cap and bright cuirass Arrayed in martial manner. With stately mien the loud salute He fires across the meadows, The daws stop pecking at the fruit And gain the oak-tree shadows. The grazing cattle roll their eyes In drowsy meditation, The gray-haired shepherd coughs, and cries, "Ah, what a noisy nation 1" 46 LYRICS OF LIFE. Till in the Autumn haze the smoke Grows every moment thinner, And flitting from the friendly oak The daws resume their -dinner. LYRICS OF LIFE. 47 TO A BABY. /~\ LITTLE stranger, lately come From out the misty region, Now speak, before your head shall hum With science and religion, And tell us whence and what you are, And how we all appear — Don't roll your eyes and stare afar, Pretending not to hear. 48 LYRICS OF LIFE. You lie so still, and roll your eyes, Perhaps you were forbidden To talk at all, you look so wise That something must be hidden; Come, baby, let the secrets out That all the world would know, And quell at once the winds of doubt That round about us blow. A rumor runneth far and fast As to our constitution, That from an unknown protoplast We've grown by evolution ; Now, baby dear, if you would do A service to your race, Say what is false and what is true — And don't contort your face. LYKICS OF LIFE. 49 There — now you are at peace again. No doubt you were astounded To find a world of grown-up men Half-witted and confounded. You look so solemn — Ah, perchance Some other tongue you speak, Conned over in eternal trance, More fluent than the Greek. A language born of singing stars' Melodious communion In space serene, where nothing mars The peace and perfect union ; Ah, baby dear, if strains so sweet Yet echo in your ears 'Twere best if Time were not so fleet In counting up your years. 50 LYKIOS OF LIFE. For you will fret, and fume, and fuss, Grow lean, or haply fatten, And be just like the rest of us With all your lore forgotten. Come, tell us of the mysteries. You listen, but are dumb. You will but roll your elfin eyes And suck your dainty thumb. LYRICS OF LIFE. 51 IN ROSAMOND'S BOWER. SHE. PLEASANT noon A Of flowered June, In sweet attune All forest sounds , Pray, sir, a boon, Weave us a rune While last night's moon Still flies the hounds. 52 LYRICS OF LIFE. HE. When ladies pray Men must obey, There is no "nay" To ladies' prayers, So have your way, We'll sing to-day A mournful lay Of old affairs. SHE. Yon moon last night Was filled with light, Now wan and white She runs her journey, As faded quite In all men's sight As storied knight Of tilt or tourney. LYRICS OF LIFE. 53 HE. So all things fade In Time's gray shade, This very glade Hath seen the day When, half-afraid, With silken aid, To woo a maid A King found way. Ah, frail and fond Fair Rosamond ! You spun a bond For royal lover ; A silken wand It wound beyond Thro' ferny frond Of copse and cover. 54 LYRICS OF LIFE. Forgotten e'en The jealous Queen When you did lean With whispered greeting ; The leafy screen Took on a sheen Like rose-lights seen At fairy meeting. Alas; alas ! Such days must pass ; Fate holds the glass That runs for lovers, Swift to harass As winds that mass From swampy grass Where poison hovers. LYRICS OF LIFE. 55 Fate, cold and gray, Did Love betray — By Love's own way The Queen sped thither, With lips to say Despair, dismay, With hands to slay And eyes to wither. Revenge she bore To Love's sweet core, And all was o'er And Death was sated — O Eleanor! O fierce and frore I Forevermore Of all men hated. 56 LYRICS OF LIFE. But thou shalt reign, fair one slain ! — Nor false disdain Shall keep thee lowly, Nor aught remain Of shame or stain, With perfect pain Of love made holy. SHE. A tangled knot, A mournful lot ; 1 had forgot This tale illicit — The air grows hot, We'll leave this spot, My hand, sir — what ! You dare to kiss it? LYRICS OF LIFE. 57 JAEL ERIC'S DAUGHTER. /\N Finland's waste and windy shore Jarl Eric Ibuilt a castle, And reared a massive Hall of War, Great oaken ship-beams for its floor, Huge rafters to ring back the roar Of mighty midnight wassail. No woman ever entered there Save Eric's only daughter, Sweet Gyda of the golden hair ; 58 LYRICS OF LIFE. Men sang her praises everywhere; Her eyes were bluer than the rare Deep blue of south-sea- water. And often when the dawn would creep O'er dim unfinished revel, Jarl Eric, nodding, half -asleep, Would mutter, — "She shall never weep, No man shall have her soul to keep An' be he god or devil." It chanced, one windy winter day, Jarl Eric from his doorway Looked seaward thro' the foam and spray And saw the clear cold sunlight play On seven ships in line array That flew the flag of Norway. LYRICS OF LIFE. 59 He looked and frowned, but did not see His daughter stand beside him, Until she cried,— " It is for me That Harald sails so fearlessly ; He comes to ask my hand of thee!" Quoth Eric,— "Woe betide him ! " In vain she wept, in vain she plead, He would but answer always, — "I swore a vow thou shouldst not wed." — • The ships wore round the harbor-head, — " Chain up the bridge!" — Jarl Eric said, — "Cross-bar the gates and hallways!" From every ship that shoreward drew A hundred men were landed ; Then Harald on his war-horn blew 60 LYRICS OF LIFE. A blast that shook the morning dew, Afar the startled sea-gulls flew, And wind and echo blended. "I come for Gyda," Harald cried, u Jarl Eric, she doth love me!" Quoth Eric, — "An' to win your bride Ye needs must lord it far and wide Over my castle's pith and pride, By all the gods above me!" . They stormed the walls till day was dead And came the midnight hour, The watch-fires flared a fiery red That made the sky burn overhead When Gyda from her chamber fled And climbed the castle-tower. LYBICS OF LIFE. 61 No moon above the sea did hang, But stars she counted seven ; Below, the horns of battle sang, And battle-axe on armor rang, And shield met shield with clash and clang That shook the arch of heaven. When Harald saw her standing there He cried, — "No walls shall hide thee! O sweet my love, so passing fair, The brightness of thy golden hair Shall make each jutting stone a stair Until I stand beside thee !" Then up he climbed the sheer ascent By stones and ledges narrow, Jarl Eric watched him as he went, 62 LYKICS OF LIFE. And all stood still in wonderment And on their battle-axes leant Nor shot the whizzing arrow. A thousand times he seemed to fall, But, looking up to Gyda, He held his way, they heard her call, As, leaping o'er the topmost wall, He caught her hand, and, straight and tall, Stood merrily beside her. Quoth Eric, — "He hath won her fair, He lords it o'er the castle; Grod bless her gleaming golden hair, Nor may it whiten o'er with care; My broken vow must needs beware Of mighty marriage wassail." LYKICS OF LIFE. 63 TWO RONDELS. 1. MA EC ANTONY. A FAR the trumpets blow, They call, — "To arms! to arms!' 7 Ah me, I cannot go, She holds me with strange charms. I hear . the shrill alarms — Her hands are white as snow — Afar the trumpets blow, They call, — " To arms! to arms!" Her speech is soft and slow, Her kiss jny cold mouth warms, (34 LYRICS OF LIFE. Her eyes with languor glow — And so it be, what harms? Afar the trumpets blow, They call, — "To arms, to arms! 55 % CCEUK-DE-LION. Sound, sound, a battle-charge ! Blow, horn ; and beat, O drum ! For see, along the marge The Moslem banners come. Hark ! hark ! the mighty hum — Yon crescent groweth large — Sound, sound, a battle-charge! Blow, horn ; and beat, O drum ! JLYRICS OF LIFE. 65 Shout, — " Richard and Saint George!" Shout! shout! and strike 'em dumb! Crash battle-axe thro' targe Till fright their hearts benumb — Sound, sound, a battle-charge ! Blow, horn ; and beat, O drum ! LYRICS OF LIFE. CIRCE. T MARVEL at thy beauty, love, thy white **" Satin-smooth skin, thy exquisite round breast, Thy rose-red lips, that mine so oft have prest Faint with the strong delight. I gaze into thy gray, perplexing eyes, Dilated now with consciousness of me, Within their depths, far, far, within, I see Riotous forms arise. I whisper " Helen," and the fields of Troy Glitter before me with their shielded throng Of men that fight and make eternal song For one fair woman's joy. LYRICS OF LIFE. 67 I murmur "Hero/ 5 and the waves below Leap at the sound, as if again they bore Him that for one sweet kiss left light and shore To tempt the tide's dark flow. And Phryne's name slips like a soft caress Thro' my enchanted brain ; I see again That grave assemblage of gray-bearded men Stunned #t sheer loveliness. These are thyself, and yet to thee are thrall, For love was never known till thou wert born ; I dreamt of it, till thou didst come one morn, — Therewith I knew it all. Knew, and inhaled the perfume of thy mouth, O subtler scent than of all roses slain ! That fell on me as an abundant rain Falls on the fervent south. &S: LYRICS OF LIFE. Knew, and made fast my hands about thy waist, And felt my bright blood beat from feet to brow, And kissed thee in the throat, as I do now, As thus with thee enlaced. Turn, if thou wilt, still will I look at thee ; If thou dost hide thy face,* I watch thy hair Twist at my breath into a golden snare That doth entangle me. kiss me into silence! shall I sing When thou art here to drink my life away ? — O fire of Love ! gone are the night and day, Forgotten everything ! LYKICS OF LIFE. 69 THE POET TO THE PHILISTINE. npHE creature of a thousand moods That lift him to the highest heights Or plunge him to the deepest deeps, He lives his life, awakes, and sleeps, Is jocund now with thee, or broods Alone, while flesh with spirit fights. Thou deemest him a crazy loon, Thy daughters hold him pitiful ; 70 LYRICS OF LIFE. What room in the rude, roar of life, The clash of trade and party strife, For his wild ballad to the moon Or rhyme of lovers mythical? Knight dauntless he in Freedom's lists With fiery lance of eloquence ; In clear and clarion voice he calls, And waits for answer — on him falls Thy smiling sneer at theorists, Thy scorn of callow innocence. When with free hand he scatters wide Such coin as comes to minstrelsy, Sweet laughter lieth in his eye, — In holy horror thou dost cry, — " Spendthrift !"— but O, thou wear'st with pride Thy warm, sleek suit of usury. LYRICS OF LIFE. 71 A ring of fire, a ring of ice, The cruel chaplet binds his head ; Thou thinkest to defray thy debt To him with laurel leaves, and yet His gentle art will not suffice To earn for him his daily bread. But O, poor dullard, clogged with gold, His life to thine is king to slave, The bright blood bounding in his veins "Would rack thy heart with aches and pains, The mysteries to him unrolled Would drive thee, shrinking, to thy grave. For he, as Homer, calls to life Heroes and gods, a deathless band ; As Dante, delves for truth in dream ; As Shakspeare, finds the force supreme : 72 LYRICS OF LIFE. As Goethe, calms eternal strife ; As Hugo, leads to love his land. He hears the song that sings the sea, He trills a duo with the lark, He listens to the sonorous chant Of peaks with storm made resonant ; Thou thinkest all is still, but he With keener instinct crieth, — u Hark!" For him the myriad flowers bloom With brighter hues and sweeter scent Than for another; for him rise New constellations in the skies — Where thou perceivest only gloom He scans a radiant firmament. LYKICS OF LIFE. 73 He maketh virtue beautiful, With beauty charms and conquers vice ; Thou canst not understand, nor know Why God hath made his like — for, lo, His song the grief of hell can lull And make more joy in Paradise. T v!l llloetsm KtemedidK. od&m i3ane>die&. PROLOGUE. f~\ DREARY discussion of marriage and ^-^ money ! useless debate of self-evident truth ! Certain it is that the milk and the honey Of life are the guerdon of bachelor youth. I am quite satisfied — just five-and-twenty, Modestly making a station in life ; Fond of society, pleasure, and plenty — How would it be if I took me a wife? O venomous visions of butchers and bakers ! — O fearful forebodings of milliners' bills ! — 78 LYRICS OF LIFE. Rather at once would I join with the Shakers, Vowed and devoted and shielded from ills. Heaven be praised that endowed me with reason ! I smile at the ravings of poets and fools ; Never a girl shall convict me of treason To these, my judicious and sensible rules. Old folks may maunder of days departed When youths went courting of shy sweet maids, Now we but flirt in a gay, light-hearted Fashion, and only a dunce "upbraids. O, I am armed! and from Cupid's quiver Never an arrow on me shall fall ; Why, the mere thought of it makes me shiver — But I must be off to the Charity Ball. LYRICS OF LIFE. 79 THE FIRST MEETING. rs this I, the unbeliever \ Is the ball still going on ? Or am I my own deceiver, Shall I find myself anon % Thro' the charming mimic thunder Of the strains of William Tell — O, the rapture ! O, the wonder ! — Rang her low voice like a bell. And I looked — it seemed for hours — She was standing by a vase Filled with rare and splendid flowers That enframed her flower like face. 80 LYKICS OF LIFE. Underneath lier eye-brows even Shot a glance that fell on me, And the ball-room was a Heaven, William Tell a jubilee. Vain my maxims ! Yain resistance ! — O, her eyes, that smile and shine !- Will she keep me at a distance % Dare I think to call her mine? cc LYKICS OF LIFE. II. THE LOVE-LETTER, T OVE me little, love me long" Ran the ancient poet' s rhyme ; Tame the thought that bred the song, Love, my darling, knows not time- Love me, wilt thou, for a year? I will seek no more than this, Centuries of hope and fear Can be counted in a kiss. If thou wilt not, then, O sweet, Love me for a single season, In some flowery far retreat Lost to sight or sound or reason. 81 LYRICS OF LIFE. Ah, too much I ask of thee, Love me, dearest, for a week; Seven days, wherein to be Lord of joy — but speak, love, speak; For a moment, then, as fleet As the flight of light above me, Time for hands and lips to meet— Ah, but, darling, love me, love me! LYRICS OF LIFE. 83 III. ACCEPTED. "TTTAS the wide world cold to thee, love? Did the starry skies seem cold ? Why, the winter world to me, love, Burnt bright with the flame of old. But I wandered with thee mute, love, For fear in my heart was strong That hopeless would be my suit, love, But, darling, I read thee wrong. For the hand I held and kissed, love, Was trembling with love for me, And a sudden rose-red mist, love, Rolled over the land and sea. 84: LYBICS OF LIFE» Thro' the mist's red heart a light, love, Struck swift from the dawn-touched skies, But to me more sweet, more bright, love, Were the shadows of thine eyes. LYKICS OF LIFE. &5 IV. ABSENCE. T STOOD in tlie night, and I envied the -*~ stars, For my love was away, and I stood all alone, Bnt the stars could shine on her, the glori- fied stars, And I hated them for it, as gayly they shone. Then the wind came, —the wind had blown soft by my love, _Had kissed her and fled from her, fled to tell me, — And I trembled with rage, but still from above Shone the stars, and the wind blew along to the sea. 86 LYRICS OF LIFE. THE ENGAGEMENT RING. f^\ OLDEN little emblem Of a holy vow, Glitter, gleam, and sparkle In the sunlight now, Round her slender finger Clasp your tiny band, Why, you look so yellow On so white a hand. LYRICS OF LIFE. 87 Golden little prophet, Telling of the time When the moon of marriage Up the sky shall climb, When austere December, Clad in mail of rime, Shall with merry music Ring a wedding-chime. Yes, it means, my darling, We shall thro' the years Know our joys together, Mingle all our tears ; Joy will be more joyous That I am with thee, Sorrow lose its sadness That thou art with me. 88 LYRICS OF LIFE. Hold your dainty finger Where the ring may shine, I can scarce believe, love, You and it are mine ; Silent, and so happy, At your feet I kneel, . Clasp your hands in mine, love, Heart to heart reveal. LYRICS OF LIFE, 89 VI. COURTSHIP DAYS. "TTTHEN leafy Spring with, grasses green The whole wide world doth cover, I whisper to my love, — "I ween No fairer days will e'er be seen For suit of happy lover." When golden Summer sits her throne, The flowers' fairy mother, My love and I walk all alone, — u Ah me, such days were never known," We say to one another. 90 LYRICS OF LIFE. When pleasant Fall with winds from west Blows hazes thro' the weather, My love and I, with langh and jest, Are sure these days are far the best We ever spent together. When whistling Winter's horns do wind, And Summer streams are frozen, My love and I are of one mind, The very coldest days, we find, Are just for lovers chosen. LYRICS OF LIFEo 91 VII. MARRIAGE-EVE. rTlHE light of your eyes, my darling, Is a beacon bright for me, As true as any light-house light That burns along the sea. The sound of your voice, my darling, Is sweet as that sweet strain That floated, the first Christmas-night, Above Judea's plain. And you unto me forever Shall be as that fixed star That guideth home all mariners From rolling seas afar. 92 LYRICS OF LIFE. VIII. MARRIAGE MORNING. rpO-DAY, to-day, to-day, J - ring, sweet bells ! Ring, but you cannot voice my full-fledged joy. All night I watched to catch the first faint gray That in the east foretells Latona's boy. Orion, all too slow, With unsheathed sword Threaded the glittering mazes of his march ; The moon reluctant lingered, loth to go Across the starry ford From arch to arch. LYRICS OF LIFE. 93 But, clothed with light and flame, Day leaped above, As a vast Victor who rebellion quells ; All space rang vibrant with my darling's name, For lo, her name is Love— O ring, sweet bells! 94 LYRICS OF LIFE. EPILOGUE. r I 1HE light of morn was o'er the land, When graciously you gave your hand To me — ah, happy, happy day ! I knew you could not answer nay To such a loving, sweet demand. Fortune may dwindle or expand, Now frowning dark, now smiling bland, Yet in your eyes there shines alway The light of morn. LYRICS OF LIFE. 95 Betimes with grief or care unmanned, I come to you, and ne'er withstand Your smile, that brooks no dull delay — Ah, love, though we are growing gray, Still shines for us, on hill and strand, The light of morn. :efi©eg ©f Ikld. '®R©e;s o>\ Hkld. EXCALIBUR. r 1 1H0U art here, the Lord's Anointed, King of men and knight of heaven, To the trust thou art appointed, Unto thee the sword is given ; As a sign for thee, a token That the light again is breaking Thro 5 the gloom of time unspoken To the dawn and to the waking. 100 LYRICS OF LIFE. "When the fields of heaven sounded With the roar and shout of battle. And the whirling spears rebounded From the shields with ring and rattle, This the sword that Michael wielded With a fire and strength supernal, Till the rebel hosts, unshielded, Fled from light to night eternal. "Strong as Michael shalt thou fight them, They that bow before the idols, And the blazing sword shall smite them From the horses and the bridles ; Yea, the heathen, stunned with terror, Shall behold the blade advancing, With the flame that burneth error From the hilt and jewels glancing,, LYRICS OF LIFE. 101 "Lo, the weary world is weeping In the toil of her transgression For the justice that is sleeping, For the wrong and the oppression, For the nights that quake and quiver, For the days that dawn in thunder, For the years that shrink and shiver At the shame and at the wonder. " But the guilty shalt thou scatter, And the sword will bravely brighten As the standards sink and shatter, And the foeman's face shall whiten At the sound and at the glitter Of the brand above him flashing, Till the death-shriek, shrill and bitter, Drown the din of armor clashing. 102 LYRICS OF LIFE. "So thy kingdom shall be founded, And "by justice thou shalt hold it, And its fame shall be unbounded As the wide seas that enfold it; And the harvest hailing hither Shall encamp on all the acres, And the noxious weeds shall wither As the sea-foam on the breakers. "Till the right grown wrong with surfeit Shall uprise and challenge proudly. Then the peace shall all be forfeit, And the trumpet-call sound loudly ; Then the sword shall rouse the thunder, And the echoes will awaken All along the sea, and under, Where the mermaid rides the kraken. LYRICS OF LIFE. 103 "For the cycle will be ended, And shall come the desolation, And the close shall be attended With a noise of devastation ; And the ruin will be utter, For the foe shall overmaster, And the royal flag shall flutter To defeat and to disaster. "When from out the nether regions, With a mighty thunder- rattle, Ride the clanging, shouting legions Of the storm and of the battle, Then the solemn doom shall follow, And the King shall bow before it; When the great sword striketh hollow, To the giver then restore it." 104 LYRICS OF LIFE. SIR PALAMIDES. QIR PALAMIDES, Saracen, Right worshipful among the men Of Arthur's days, rode thro' the fen. Till, past the skirts of fen and wood, On lonely Humber's bank he stood, Grateful for that sad solitude. And looking, aimless, east and west, Bemoaned his love and beat his breast, And yearned to end his ceaseless quest. When up the stream in silence sped A royal barge, and huge and red Grinned at the prow a wyvern's head. LYRICS OF LIFE. 105 Red silk swept o'er the deck, and made A stately couch, whereon was laid The body of a King, arrayed In robes of state, and in the hand It held a scroll, and to the land The barge drave fast and keeled the sand. Sir Palamides leaped on deck, — " Alack!" quoth he, "a royal wreck!" And touched the crescent at his neck, Unrolled the scroll, and this it said — "Hermance, of the City Red, Father and King, here lieth dead. " Murdered by him he loved the best. Good knight, to set his soul at rest, Pray sail the river on his quest." 106 LYRICS OF LIFE. Then swore the knight, upon his knees, To sail the quest, and with the breeze He set the prow toward the seas. Adown long Humber swif t he sailed, Anon some castle-warder hailed, Or knight that rode full-armed and mailed. He sailed into the open sea, And still the wind blew fair and free. "I marvel at this quest," quoth he. But seaward yet the vessel bore, Until an island rose before, And straight the barge drave to the shore. People that watched there to him spake, — "Thou seekest Helius, for whose sake Our King's good heart did bleed and break. LYEICS OF LIFE. ]07 "For lo, our King was kind and mild, But very old, nor blessed with child, Wherefore he sought this monster wild, "Made him as if he were his own; But he so longed to sit the throne He killed the King, and we made moan; "He and his knights then mocked and said,^ 'Bring forth the royal barge of red And set it sailing with the dead.' "The which we did, but slipt within His hand the scroll that told the sin, And now, please God, the right shall win." 'Yea," said the knight, "an' if God please:" Addressed himself, and cried,— "Let these Base knights come now; I take no ease 108 LYRICS OF LIFE. " Until I lay them low in dust And hang their armor up to rust. God and the Prophet shield the just!" Then Helius and his knights were wroth, And seizing arms they hurtled forth As when the wind blows from the north. Many they were, and woful strong ; They fought the Saracen so long, It seemed that right would yield to wrong. The people watching made great dole, And wept with pity for his soul, And shades of night began to roll. Till, with a thrust clear thro' the head, The Saracen smote Helius dead ; And who were left in terror fled. LYRICS OF LIFE. 109 Uprose great shouts of joy, and all, With banners, marching from the wall Of the Red City, loud did call, And hail him King: whereat the knight Spake thus, — "That I have won the fight I praise God's grace, not mine own might. "But as for me — alas, I needs Must wander on among the weeds, That haply I may yet do deeds 46 Of honor fair, and ease my heart, Wear out the pain, and dull the smart, Wherefore, good friends, I must depart." Then, stepping in a barget gray, Sir Palamides went his way, And sighed for Isolt, night and day. UQ LYRICS OF LIFE. MORGAIK I. THE QUESTING. /^VUT spake the King, — "My sister's hand I give to any in the land Who brings her back to me." And forth they rode in quest of her, Heart hot with hope, each plied the spur To win such high degree. By yellow fields of harvest-corn, Thro' cities old and weather-worn, Down road and winding lane, LYRICS OF LIFE. Ill By shallow ford and river-bridge, Along the rugged mountain-ridge, They rode the quest in vain. They rode, it seemed, across the world, They saw the flags of Summer furled, They felt the dead leaves fall ; The trees grew naked by the way, And from his ramparts, bleak and gray, They heard the Winter call. Once on a misty moorland waste They slackened in their headlong haste To bury one that fell ; Then on they went, but grew afraid To die and have no ghostly aid, Nor mass, nor passing bell. 112 LYRICS OF LIFE. And from that day the frozen sun Ne'er dawned but that they lost some one Of their undaunted band; But still they never backward turned, And still the strong desire burned To win the Princess' hand- Till one alone was left to climb The weary way ; the biting rime Had dulled his armor bright ; At last his horse fell under him, Then, chanting low a lover's hymn, He perished in the night. The night wore on, and very soon Uprose the white and waning moon With her thin train of stars ; LYRICS OF LIFE. 113 Withered she was, and very old, And all the stars were blue with cold, And shaken, as from wars. And when the winds of Summer blew Along the road, and flowers grew, And fell the Summer rain, They found them lying in the dust, Their armor rotted thro 5 with rust, — They rode the quest in vain. An errant minstrel wandered down To where, within the royal town, The King sat on his throne; Therewith he learned his knights were dead : u Let mass be sung for them," he said, "And carve their names in stone." 114 LYRICS OF LIFE. But when the sister of the King Heard all the royal church-bells ring, And knew the knights were dead, She came from out her hiding-place And painted red her laughing face — "The news are good," she said. IL THE MARRIAGE. But still the royal church-bells rang, And still the monks their requiem sang, And over all the land A shadow fell as of despair, For none were left with heart to dare The quest of Morgain's hand. LYRICS OF LIFE. 115 But lo ! a murmur, growing loud, — A strange knight parts the curious crowd, His step is firm and free, Tho' he has journeyed from the land Whose yellow belt of shining sand Dips in the endless sea. "God grant," said he, "I be not late." He stopped before the palace-gate And wound his silvern horn ; The gates of Merlin opened wide, The church-bells ceased, and as a bride Uprose the ruddy morn. Forthwith he spake unto the King, — "My liege, let all your church-bells ring. And make a marriage-chime." 116 ' LYRICS OF LIFE. With roses wreathed about her head The Princess came, and this she said, — "It is the foretold time." Even so he claimed the Princess' hand And broke the spell ; throughout the land Died down dark dismal fears ; And they that rode the fruitless quest Lay quiet in their graves, at rest, Mourned for with maidens' tears. But where they rode, that wedded twain, Thro' whirl of wind and rout of rain, Toward the endless sea — What quest was theirs? What woman's wile Lay lurking in the faint sweet smile That masked her reverie? LYRICS OF LIFE. 117 They rode nnto their journey's end. The Lonely Land where meet and blend The sea-waves and the shore — He left her in her bridal-room Alone.— Night wove her garb of gloom, Earth shivered to the core. She watched — the moon, a very skull, Floated upon the sea-rim, dull The scant stars gleamed above ; Then Morgain laughed, then Morgain cried,— "O, dying moon! O, happy bride! To live, to laugh, to love!" III. THE BURIAL. Time lied — he heard the Princess say, — 118 LYRICS OF LIFE. "O knight of mine, the weary way Is passed, the path is straight, Lo, thou art mine, and I am fair, Live, laugh, and love, nor wile nor snare Can keep one from his fate." Whereat he fled in shame and fear, But always did he think to hear Her voice, and see her face, And feel her red lips kiss and cling, Till world and sky did reel and ring With memory of her grace. Nathless he came to her again — She said,— u Be thou the lord of men, Yet shall thy proud heart bend ; LYRICS OF LIFE. 119 With weak white hands I hold thee mine, Thy thread of life shall twist and twine With mine unto the end." Shamefaced and hot, he held her fast, Cried,— " Fling the future to the past ! Thy eyes burn fiercely bright." Soft blew the summer wind along, A fieldfare trilled his evening song, And day lay wound with night. So Morgain wrought a pure knight' s fate ; Upon him full the heavy weight Of sins and sorrows done : She watched him, ever at her side, Wax wan and worn and hollow-eyed, She whispered, — "I have won." 120 LYRICS OF LIFE. But lo, she clutched him in the night — With bloodless lace, and lips all white, She cried, — "My time is fled! Hark ! they that rode the fruitless quest Are riding now!" — and on his breast, Shrieking, she fell — struck dead. Thereafter came the royal hearse, But none would bless; a muttered curse Greeted the funeral-day ; The moon uprist, so white and lean That scarce her shadow could be seen Across the graveyard-way. By the green grave he stood, and said, — "O Death, with Love corruption spread, For nothing lies before." LYKICS OF LIFE. 121 Even as he spake the earth grew gray, The endless sea stretched far away In quest of unknown shore. 122 LYKICS OF LIFE, SIR BORIS. A S DANK a night as ever man had seen On field and town and sullen sea -coast The waning moon, maligned with mist, looked green, The ship-lights flickered feebly from the bay, And all was still, save where, with head aslant, The white owl croaked his melancholy chant. LYBICS OF LIFE. 123 It was a night when fairies hied them home, Their kirtles wet, and clinging at the knee, And eerie elves from caverns forth did roam With one-eyed dwarfs who kept them company, If haply they might meet with some poor wight And fill his head with visions of the night. Townward Sir Boris held his joyful way, The mist hung on his hair, his eyes were wet, And, as he passed along, one heard him say, As in a dream,— "My little Margaret;"— And on his finger shone a single gem Rarer than aught in the King's diadem. 124 LYRICS OF LIFE. Onward he pressed, hard by the town he came, When suddenly a low, sweet, clear voice cried, — • "Sir Boris!" — Marvelling thus to hear his name, The knight reined horse, and, standing at his side, Beheld a fair young girl, with naked feet, And long hair golden as Sicilian wheat. She stood as in a hollow of the mist That curled away and from her breathing shrank ; Her eyes, more violet than the amethyst, Shot lovely light; adown o'er breast and flank Streamed the remorseless mantle of her hair, But left her arms uplifted, white and bare. LYRICS OF LIFE. 1^5 Elsewhere the mist was heavy, fold on fold It wrapped around the owlets in their nest ; Sir Boris shivered, smitten with the cold, Wherefore the maiden clasped him to her breast, And, grateful for the warmth, he closed his eyes, While soft she sang to him of Paradise. She watched his sleep with eyes intent and glad, And from his finger drew the precious stone ; Sir Boris started, and as one gone mad Ran for the town — but, nevermore alone, Behind him danced the maiden, and did sing,— "See how the mists to Mistress Moon do cling. 55 * ¥i % * tt * -* 126 LYRICS OF LIFE. Meantime fair Margaret slept, and in a dream Dreamed of her knight and how he won the gem, When suddenly through that sweet sleep a scream Kang, and a strong voice loudly shrieked her name ; "Surely," she said, "it was a dream," and yet Again the voice, now faint, cried, " Marga- ret ! " And all was hushed— arisen from her bed In chaste, cold fear, that shook her like a bride, She crossed the room with swift, uncertain tread, And flung the lattice-window open wide — Only the mist she saw, that seemed to writhe In sickly serpent shapes, alert and lithe. LYRICS OF LIFE. 127 Nor of that night could any watcher say If from the coast a girl sang or a bell Tolled for a good man's soul — if from the bay The ship-lights flickered or the flames of hell- But nevermore on night or fine or wet Hastened Sir Boris to his Margaret. 128 LYRICS OF LIFE. BALLAD OF SIR LAUNCELOT. ""DIDING the quest f the Grail alone, Guinevere, Guinevere, pity me ! All thro' the day and the night I moan, Yearning to catch but a glimpse of thee. Tho' I make halt by the wan west sea, Seeking a sign in the high God's name, Lo, as I tremble and bow the knee, Gleameth thy face with the eyes aflame! LYRICS OF LIFE. 129 " Me have I scourged till the blood hath flown, Weeping hot tears of misery ; Still thro 5 the day and the night I moan, Yearning to catch but a glimpse of thee. — Yea, have I striven and sought to flee, Ever and ever the same — the same — Blinding my soul with sweet rarity, Grleameth thy face with the eyes aflame ! u Sleeping, I dreamed that the Grail was shown, Marvellous bright with clemency ; Waking, I lay on the chancel-stone — Ah, but I yearned for the touch of thee ! — Tho' I may bow and make piteous plea Unto the Christ and our Holy Dame, Sweeter by far than all visions be, Gleameth thy face with the eyes aflame.' ' 130 LYEICS OF LIFE. ENVOY. Guinevere maketh a day of glee, — " Who is it cometh. to join onr game?"- "Launcelot rideth with bridle free, Grleameth thy face with the eyes aflame !" LYRICS OF LIFE. 131 ISOLT AT THE TOMB OF TRISTRAM. "~1 FERE, with my arms curled round the sacred cross That in white warning stands above his bones, I crouch, with hot limbs pressed against the stones, And moan his name, and wail and weep his loss. " Stand back, good sirs — ye shall not drag me hence ; But, pray ye, keep between me and King Mark ; My husband? yes — God pity me — but hark, Surely ye know not his most foul offence. 132 LYEICS OF LIFE. " Yet know ye how he came, that rainy day, When Tristram played the harp to me, to keep The hours in joyance. — Ah, sirs, could ye sleep, And in a dream but hear Sir Tristram play— "How like the tinkle of a silver bell The sweet notes from his cunning fingers tripped, In airy melody that softly slipped Into the heart, with sunny stir and swell. — "In very heaven of joy I heard him play, And saw his eyes with love grow master- ful ; When, at a sudden, stealthy, noiseless pull, The curtains parted and for Mark made way. LYRICS OF LIFE. 133 "I felt my lips were frozen in a smile, And with that fixed smile I watched King Mark Drive his sharp glaive thro' Tristram's throat, till stark My Tristram lay — and I said nanght the while, " Until that man came to me — half in fear, I wot — whereat I shrieked, and in a swoon Fell down, and knew no more until the moon Rose yesternight, and then I hurried here. "Now shall Mark come to judge me? — he? — who knew All of my Tristram's love from first to last. And knowing how that love would bind him fast Made use of him to keep his kingdom true. 134: LYKICS OF LIFE. "Has any man who profits by a sin, In ways direct or indirect, a right To sit as judge of what is black or white, Or join his voice to the accusing din? " O, I can say no more ! — do what ye will ! My heart grows sick above my Tristram's tomb — O loyal love, how fares it in the gloom \ Dost hear my voice % hath it the old-time thrill % "Rest, rest, my love — I grow so weak and faint, Thou shalt not wait me long. O blessed hour! When from the gate of heaven's portal- tower Thou wilt rush forth to still my cold complaint." A LYRICS OF LIFE. 135 THE DEATH OF GUINEVERE. T ALMESBURY the lights are low— With muffled step the Sisters go, And come, and go, in tears, for lo, With crucifix held o'er her head, The Abbess-Queen lies on her bed, Soon to be gathered with the dead. They deem her holy; she hath taught How hope may come and faith be bought But now she thinks — and this the thought : l o a "To die. O God! what breadth of doom Awaits me in the ghostly gloom That stretcheth out beyond the tomb? 136 LYRICS OF LIFE. "To die — to die — to go where I May meet with Arthur passing by? I cannot die — I cannot die! "I whisper to myself his name, I count the years, I count the shame, And feel the torture of the flame. " I loved him not, yet well I know I took his life — and deep and slow I wrought the wound, I dealt the blow. "I know not where his body lies— I dare not meet his clear, large eyes, Bright with the light of Paradise. " Why, they would cut me thro' and thro' Like yonder star, that from the blue Dissevers this clear drop of dew. LYRICS OF LIFE. 137 a O Christ! a little time, I pray, Yet let me live — perchance some day I may not fear to tread the way. " Cease, cease, vain prayer — I am grown old. The thin white hair that once was gold, The sunken cheeks, half -gray, half-cold, "The shrivelled breast, the sightless eye, All wan and worn — they mutely cry, — "Tis time to die ! 'tis time to die! 5 " O, I am old and changed ! and what If I should meet with Launcelot And he should pass and know me not? " Methinks my heart would throb and swell Until it broke again — ah well, 'Twould make of heaven a twofold hell. 138 LYBICS OF LIFE. "To think that we two souls had met And he had passed, with quiet face set Away from me, so old — and yet "It was not love for him I felt; No love in me hath ever dwelt Save love of self. Why, I have knelt "And prayed to God for grace for me. Have moaned and prayed for strength to see Some hope in gray eternity. "And in my prayer no name has mixt With mine, lest it should come betwixt My thoughts and God's, and leave unfixt "The grace for which I prayed; and now The death-damp gathers on my brow, But to God's will I cannot bow. LYRICS OF LIFE. 139 "O, I would live! I dread this death, This sudden sinking of the breath, With all tho mystery beneath; "With all the fear beyond the pain, With all the mist beyond the rain — O God! O Christ! I would remain!" She lieth dead — the church-bells toll — Fair Father Christ, receive her soul And make the broken image whole. i :t@fim<2ts. OASSIUS. TjpRECT! — with, strained nerves list'ning to the blare Of Caesar's trumpets— from his strong grasp slips A world of empire — brow, and chin, and lips Knit in a grim half-frown, half-sneer — despair 144 LYRICS OF LIFE. Pants in his breath. Above the trodden plain The golden eagles leer and onward press ; As one that seeketh freedom from duress His bloodshot eyes roll right and left, in vain, But with a somber joy grow fixed to greet The dinted steel, dull red with battle- rust, And, at the bidding of the warrior's thrust, Light, Night, and Death on swart Philippi meet. LYEICS OF LIFE. 145 A KAINY DAY IN TOWN. r)AIN, rain, and rain ! all day the ceaseless patter Makes the streets moist and dim— the dampened smoke Hangs in the air — the buildings reek and soak — Bedraggled horses trot with splash and clat- ter — The wet pedestrians tread a yellow batter Out of the mud — old women cough and choke — Young women with umbrellas push and poke, 146 LYKICS OF LIFE. And wretched fog makes worse the dismal matter. So down a dirty tide the dull day floats Till evening with no friendly hand spreads out A shivering darkness — work-girls hurry by With poor thin shawls pinned tight about their throats — The street-lamps blearing thro' the rainy rout, Each like a winking, sickly evil-eye. LYKICS OF LIFE. 147 THE SENTINEL. rFlHE midnight moon behind the forest trees Slow-moving, cowled in fleecy mist and cloud, The poplars rustled by the passing breeze, The sleepless spiders spinning shroud on shroud. The frowning turrets and the arch of stone, The great gate barred, with massive bolt across, The upraised drawbridge, and the sullen moan Of sluggish waters in the open fosse. 148 LYRICS OF LIFE. A gleam of light — and, on his lonely round, With lantern at his belt, and levied spear, Whistling a summons to his laggard hound, With stride and strut goes by the hal- berdier. LYRICS OF LIFE. 149 ORPHEUS. A LEVEL stretch of turnpike, winding round Thro' pasturelands and fields of waving grain Fresh-blown with perfume of the April rain — A little grove — and, stretched upon the ground, A way-worn tinker, lolling at his ease Beneath an elm, and trolling out his song — s An old romaunt — in mellow voice, and strong, While thrush and blackbird, flitting from the trees, 150 LYEICS OF LIFE. Perch on his head, and chatter round his feet, And feast on crumbs from out his friendly- hand, And sing in rivalry, till thro 5 the land The chorus swells, melodiously sweet. LYKICS OF LIFE. 151 L'ENFANT TERRIBLE. A RUINED keep, with rusty gate Creaking below a broken arch, The forest heavy with the weight Of rugged pine and clustered larch. A shout ! a leap ! and mounted on The wind-blown gate, with white head bare, An urchin sits, and whoops anon Till frolic echoes shake the air. With swinging legs he madly rides, Both hands above his head held fast ; The huge red sun behind him slides And shapes a shadow long and vast. jre>r$0n®\ (^)ribu\e>g. TO CLARA MORRIS. (After eeeing "Alixe.") IjTRESH as the winds of morn upon the sea, Fair as the first red rose of joyous June, Pure as a white cloud blown across the moon When summer nights glow soft on hill and lea — 156 LYRICS OF LIFE. How shall I fitly yield my praise to thee? For thine the subtle charm no rhyme or rune Can shadow forth, nor music set to tune ; Lo, thou beyond all reach of art dost flee ; With silver chime of happy girlish mirth, With lambent virgin eyes that open up To Love, as violets to the winter sun— And O, when comes the cruel curse of earth Thy firm young lips drain dry the bitter cup — Yes, blood of martyrs in thy veins doth run. LYRICS OF LIFE. 157 TO ALFRED TENNYSON. f~\ THOU that wear' st so well the poet's wreath, Behold thy songs flown hither o'er the seas To make unto our souls sweet melodies, To show the truth and love that lie beneath All things— men's hearts, or brambles of the heath, Or rolling stars, or dim immensities— The spirit of thy song strikes light from these, A sword of flame drawn from a starry sheath. 158 LYRICS OF LIFE. And when the deepening shadows shall have rolled O'er this onr age, on dusty winds upborne, Still shall men speak of thee with loving stress ; Tho' many sounds be hushed in that gray fold, Still thro' the years shall wind the silver horn Blown from the sea-girt walls of Lyonesse. LYBICS OF LIFE. 159 TO ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE. ORD of the lyre ! of languaged lightning lord I Master of matchless, melting melody ! Phosphor of Freedom! foe of falsity! Smiter of sin with song's swift, sleepless sword ! — Lo, tyrants tremble as they turn toward Thee, pearled and panoplied in poesy, Winged for the warfield, waiting wistfully Thy ripe Republic of all rights restored. 160 LYRICS OF LIFE. Not vain thy voice ! lo, vague and vilified, Divine Democracy draws near, discerned Of hinds and heroes, halting yet, half- turned To watch this West, whence, wonderful and wide, Plashes the flame of Freedom's firmament, Crowning our crownless, kingless conti- nent LYKICS OF LIFE. 161 TO FRANK MAYO. ~^\EAR friend and brother— brother by more than blood, By the close ties of mind, the bonds of soul, Whereby we know us atoms of one whole, Twin drops in the immeasurable flood; In thee I love to watch the blossoming bud Of thought, that, slow of growth as bed- ded coal, Developed points to truth's far-flaming goal And shows to others the way from mire and mud. 162 LYRICS OF LIFE. Not for thy matchless, masterful player's art, With which thou mak'st me laugh or weep at will, Do I my full affection render thee ; Nay, rather for thy loyal, noble heart, Thy brave, true manhood, that among us still Keeps fresh the flower and fruit of chiv- alry. LYRICS OF LIFE. 163 TO WILLIAM YOUNG. "OELOVED comrade in the gracious art Of rhyme and song, what shall I say to thee? Save as some brooklet, purling nigh the sea, Sings to the sea in wonder-stricken start : "O, vast and strong! O, passionate of heart! That hast the knowledge of much mys- tery ! Thou suiferest for thy very majesty. In that forever thou must dwell apart. 164 LYRICS OF LIFE. Yet in thy loneliness is compensation, For thou art filled with limitless, sweet light, And in thy storms lurk poignant ecstacies ; Up to the sun life-giving exhalation Thou flingest, and the amorous moon at night Disturbs thy breast with ardent vagaries." LYRICS OF LIFE. 165 TO E. B. /~\ FAIR it is to see some mighty oak Lording the forest with his great green crown, And fair to see, above the clustered town, The towered fort that shields from foreign yoke ; But fairer yet, creation's masterstroke, A strong, brave man, who scorns the fret and frown Of Fortune -one who looks not back nor down But stands high-hearted, firm amid his folk. 166 LYRICS OF LIFE. A type of our great race, persistent, loyal, Ready to dare and do in Right's defence, Or bear such work-day toil as heroes can ; In loving, steadfast ; and in giving, royal — Even so, my friend, in thee I reverence A stalwart, sovereign, self-swayed, Saxon man. !|)6e i^amaia xQu&si. jpfie; r)ucn