Lights and Shadows Mary Gertrude Hamilton ^fF\ ^ ^ I ^ Class COEflRIGHT DEPO&m LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Lights and Shadows By Mary Gertrude Hamilton BOSTON 1920 p Copyright 1920 The STRATFORD CO., Publishers Boston, Mass. The Alpine Press, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. ©CI.A566848 Contents Lights and Shadows . Assurance Why the Rose Is Red To a Little Brook Night Fancies The Difference Oh, Canst Thou Hear The Voice in the Song Queen of the Night Resignation . Heaven Comparisons Abendlied A Woman's Way A Man's Way Pledges Full Moon on the Sea Entreaty Love's Day . Roses . Love's Offering PAGE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 CONTENTS PAGE Reflected Lights 24 Little Brown Bird,— Ah, Me ! . . .25 For This 26 A Night Wanderer 27 Happy Dreams 28 A Bird Song 29 Until 30 The Storm-Wind 33 The Flower of Faith 34 Supremacy 35 At Evening in Autumn . . . .37 Making Our Dreams Come True . . .39 Content 41 When You Love the Right Girl in the Only Way 43 The Quest Eternal 45 ''"^"^OUR heart, your eyes, the lips of you Y — Hesitant and full-fain your eyes ! — Make all my song: have I sung true? Make all my song: are you song-wise?" Song Burden, FRANCIS MEYNELL. Lights and Shadows LIFE'S road is all patches, Some dark, others bright ; Yet presence of shadows But proves that there 's light ! When from skies o 'er my pathway The last ray seems gone. Three words! — and the cloud's grey Is streaked with the dawn. So, Dearest, when round thee All seems like the night. Remember I love thee ! Let that be thy light ! [1] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Assurance THE lark of high hope seeks the sky, there to sing, Tho ' hidden, mayhap, in the clouds of grey sor- row. The drearest of winters must yield us the spring ! And where is the day can withhold its to-mor- row? Sing, little lark, Be the clouds bright or dark ! With the fire of thy lay fill the sky! He is up very high, but shall we not try For a spark from his song — you and I? [2] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Why the Rose Is Red A PETAL at a time, a maiden shaped her soul into a flower Of purest white — a perfect rose, — then hid it in a bower So secret, still, and consecrate, no key of earth or heaven above Could turn its lock. Its hinges were the springs of love. One day, a hand enchanted sought the portal of that bower. Full wide it swung for him. He reached with- in, and took the flower. Inside his own great, glowing heart, aflame with love, — it's said He laid the pure white rose. Since then, that rose is red ! [3] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS To a Little Brook OH, little brook with course so fleet, I envy thee thy hurrying feet ! I wish that, like thee, I might go To join an ocean that I know. Ah, little brook, if thou wilt be A message-bearer there for me. Thou 'It find the waters blue and sweet; Thou 'It time thy song to the wild waves' beat. And this will be thy simple part : Bear this red rose and brimming heart — And cast them on that boundless sea — *'The Ocean of Love". — Now, wilt thou, little brook, for me? [4] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Night Fancies I GAZE upon night's full-gemmed sky, And in each jewel-star I can descry Those lights which time and distance do defy To speed to me from your dear eye. The night-wind lulls the sleepy land. I turn because it seems that you must stand Beside me. In that breeze I feel your hand. I smile to show I understand. A single leaf drops down to rest Upon the deep lake 's pulsing breast, By tenderest ripples laved, caressed. Your lips' sweet touch? — I love it best! [5] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS The Difference THE east is red. — There's no fire in the dawning ! The dew-drenched flowers look teary, wan. — The birds are singing — plaintive notes of mourning ! Brightly shines the sun. — My heart is full of shadows, for Dearest, thou art gone ! The clouds are dark ? — I see the silver lining ! To me no silent bird seems dumb. Outside, the rain, — but in my heart, the sun is shining ! Darkness is but absence of the light within me, for Dearest, thou art come! [6] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Oh, Canst Thou Hear? OH, canst thou hear my love to thy love call Across the space that severs thee from me? Beloved, say that clear and tenderly. From out the breeze that bends the tree-tops tall. My greetings on thy listening spirit fall To cheer thy way, and set thy fancy free To cull the joys affection offers thee, And, longing, craves that it might yield thee all. Full well I know thou hearest with answering heart. I feel thee draw me close upon thy breast. Where throbbing melody, now wild,, now low, Has caught and kept, by some strange, secret art, Our every dream in rapturous hour expressed. Nor dimmed their fires, nor lost their after- glow. [7] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS The Voice in the Song HIGH in the apple bough jauntily swing- ing, Hid by the branches in bridal array, Straight from his heart, all his life in his sing- ing, Chants a wee bird, lures his mate with his lay. ''Sweet, sweet, my sweet. Hear, I entreat! Say, love, together, this bright sunny weather, Gold of the west we shall weave in a nest ! Have no fear ! Trust me, dear ! Sunshine of May that will gild every day Pledge I to thee if thou It harken to me.'' Lo! in the light thro' the gay branches stream- ing. Quivering in answer to all the bird sings. Warm on a breath, leaps a soul with love gleaming. Speeds to its mate on its glittering wings. "Dear, on thy breast Earth yields its best ! [8] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Loud in the singing I heard thy call ringing, Pleading and strong in the voice of the song. Whisper low, — Yes, just so! — Softly revealing the depth of thy feeling, Words in whose fire glow thy love and desire." [9] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Queen of the Night QUEEN of the night, Reigning supreme in thine awe-dimmed sky, Veiling their eyes, the shy stars peep. Watching thee fling over a world asleep. Thy silvery wealth of mysterious light, While cataracts leap and the dark pine-trees sigh. Look down on me ! Owest thou thy calm to thy cold, ashen heart? Gainest thou content by thy prodigal giving ? No! dead to thyself, anew thou art living. Resplendent in glory thy god sheds on thee. Thy peace in thy rapture to my soul impart ! [10] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS N Resignation need of words, dear — I understand. A glance from your eye — a touch of your hand. What are distance and time and toil's galling pressure ? I hoard in my heart your deposited treasure. I want you with coming of morn's flaming tips — Oh, Sweetheart, dawning eternal's in the touch of your lips ! Thus and forever, I could name your love's charms, But, Dearest, — I need you! Fold me close in your arms! [11] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Heaven I TRY to think what Heaven can be — I strive to pierce the baffling blue That from me veils eternity — And all my straining eyes can see Is you, Sweetheart, just you! I think of years outnumbering grains of sand- Where agons pass, yet all stays new — I glimpse the glory of that hidden land — By a sea of gold, a crystal strand, — And then I turn to you ! Suppose I win the humblest place — In spite of faults, of merits few — Before the Great All-Father's face, I'll offer as my saving grace. My love, My Own, for you ! [12] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Comparisons THERE are eyes and eyes and more eyes, too! The snapping black and the Irish blue — The grey eye cold or soft as dew — But I love brown eyes — those dear eyes of you. There's blond hair and black hair and hair as white as milk — And curly hair and straight hair — but what I love the best Is dark and fine and glossy — the very softest silk. Oh, what I'd give this minute to press it to my breast ! [13] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Abendlied COME, Precious One, it is time now to rest, — Thy cradle, my arms; thy pillow, my breast. Close thy bright eyes at the touch of my lips. I'll stroke thy white brow with my fond finger-tips. Dreams thou shalt have filled with joys fair and sweet. I'll choose them myself, and I'll breathe them to thee. I '11 press thee, caress thee, and softly repeat : I love thee, my Darling, and thou lovest me ! One and another, and then one — two — more — Thy hair and thy cheeks and thy warm, rosy lips ! Thus, as thou sleepest, I add to my store. It 's sweeter than nectar the honey-bee sips ! [14] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS A Woman's Way INDEED, I love you ! Yes, I do ! Was ever man more brave, more true ! But, listen. Dearest, — just take care Not to catch my net or muss my hair. You know that life's concentered charms I find within your circling arms — Just see my collar all awry ! What is it. Dear? I heard you sigh. Like them !: — Shower them on me like the rain ! And when you finish, — why, — begin again ! Be careful. Darling ! — Oh, dear me ! You mustn 't let the neighbors see ! [15] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS A Man's Way OF course, I love you! Don't you know? I told you I did, not so long ago. Do you think I can change over night? — in a day? You like me to say it ! A woman 's way ! No letter! Well, no. — So you worried! You should have known I was tired or hurried — "No news is good news" — you've heard me say— So you were anxious ! A woman 's way ! Didn't you miss a day in writing to me? When I don't hear, I'm troubled, you see — You didn't dream I counted on one every day? Want them ! I live on them while I'm away ! [16] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Pledges THE autumn leaves are dropping, Sere brown and yellow-red. They fill me with foreboding; They seem like pleasures fled. But see! Each naked branch discloses A bud in every scar ; So in thy heart reposes, Too safe for frosts to mar — New joy for me ! [17] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Full Moon on the Sea THE full moon shone on the deep, dark sea ; To his hidden heart her warm gold flowed. "Dear God," I prayed, "so let it be With the love that I've bestowed!" The moon looked into the soul of the sea, But all she saw was her own bright face. Again I prayed : ^ ' Oh, Lord, help me My image thus in light to trace ! ' ' [18] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Entreaty BLOW, thou fierce sea wind ! Thine icy chill may cool my burning brain. I bare my heart to thy wild gale — Thou only fanst to hotter fire its flame ! You waves that pound upon the shore, Take my sad soul upon your crest. Dash it against yon jagged crags ! They are less cruel than the storm that beats my breast ! [19] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Love's Day THY love is like the sun, dear, So what have I to fear? That threatening cloud is not a shroud,- Just sorrow's counterpart. And that will go like May-time snow In the sunlight strong and bright. I pray for the sun. Sweetheart ! [20] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Roses I LOVE the daisies of the field And every flower that grows, But in my heart, I wear concealed, A lovely big red rose. Someone knows Why I love the rose Above any flower that blows; So, when he comes, and when he goes, He brings or he leaves me a sweet red rose. [21] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Love's Offering BY the roadside — smiling, Cheery, — all the day's long Hours with thought beguiling, Toiling to her soul-song Music, — in the sunshine, 'Neath the stars; concealing In her breast hope's dew-wine. Blooms a flower, love's faith revealing; Day by day uplifting Chalice-cup alluring. All the sunshine sifting. Finest gold insuring; Secretly distilling Zephyr's breath and glowing Dawn-fires; trembling, thrilling With delight at love 's bestowing ; Far her fragrance flinging, — Perfumed words of greeting — With the wind she's singing Lovingly, entreating: [22] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS ''Velvet Bee, affection Harkens for thy humming ; Craving joy's perfection, Yearning, eager, waits thy coming. ''Come! — With warm caressing Petals, soft as cloud-mist, Gently round thee pressing ; Dusted o'er with sun-kissed Powder — hoarded treasure — Gather all, securing. Captives of thy pleasure. Flower, heart, and love enduring!" [23] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Reflected Lights THOUGH our lives may be cast by the piti- less waves On the rocks of some sad circumstance, In the tiniest fragments a cruel sea laves, Little sunbeams find place there to dance. [24] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Little Brown Bird, — Ah, Me! LITTLE brown bird, in your low-swinging nest, Looking so wildly at me, I would not harm you! Now, haven't you guessed Why I am looking so enviously? I know a nest soft as down on your breast, One that was made just for me. Little brown bird, you are wondrously blest. That's why I'm longingly looking. — Ah me! [25] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS For This IF I had but one moment to live, Just one breath for a single request, That moment and breath would I give For the joy of a life-time compressed In this : Thy kiss! [26] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS A Night Wanderer I KNOW that somewhere I have read A wise psychologist has said That while we lie asleep and still, The soul may wander forth at will. So if in hours of dreamy rest, You feel a tapping, tapping at your breast, Take my soul in, and, lovingly. Just lock the door, — then throw away the key ! [27] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Happy Dreams LAST night as I lay dreaming A warm south wind blew over me And laid a rose, deep red, upon my lips. My hand reached up; my trembling finger-tips Made real this wondrous seeming, — Their touch found thee. My Own, found thee! Night laid us on a lovr-hung cloud Swift-scudding towards the morning. Thou clasped me close, and breathed aloud : "Love's day, at last, Dear Heart! And this is but the dawning!" [28] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS A Bird Song PEEP ! peep, peep, peep ! How silly to weep This bright, smiling day When flowers are gay, And the little brooks run ! Such cheering alway In one shiny ray It 's foolish to cry for the sun ! Peep, peep ! Peep, peep, peep ! [29] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Until ALONG the water's sedgy brim I walk and think and long for him. I ask the sun coquetting with the lake ; I question brooding birds hid in the brake ; I catch the notes of cooing dove, In search of answer from my Love. Will he come ? Will he come ? I hope he will! Be calm, my heart, and wait — until Until — ? I watch a maiden tripping by With joy aglow in cheek and eye. I wonder if she knows some certain, subtle art To sway a will or mould a heart. She goes her way. Perhaps she sighs ; I cannot tell. — The song replies : Will he come ? Will he come ? I hope he will ! Have courage still! Just wait and wait and wait until — Until — ? [30] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS The fresh young grass on tiny spears Holds up to me Morn's myriad tears, Wherein I see the dazzling skies That blaze with fires that in his eyes Have burned for me when he compressed ''A world of love" — protesting so much still was unexpressed — In one warm touch whose silent, sweet appealing Lives on the breeze and in the rose, desire's im- print revealing. Will he come ? Will he come ? I think he will, For over me's stealing an old happy feeling That if I wait and wait and wait and wait until — Until—? When Nature wakes her slumbering force, And racing brook ignores its confines and its course ; When mating birds that build their leaf -hid nest Start clamorous longing in his yearning breast; When hearts leap free from bondage, — Oh, it's SPRING ! The voice within my soul with truth will sing : [31] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS He will come ! He will come ! I know it ! I know it ! He will! Yes, he will! If I wait till the call In the wood-notes shall fall On his listening ear.^ — So 1 11 wait ! [32] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS The Storm- Wind THE voice of the storm-wind insistently cries ; It swells into fury, then sobbingly sighs; And ever its question, the long night-hours through : ''Ah, who — 00 ? — Say, who-oo! — Oh, who?" My heart calls in answer : ' ' You — you — you ! ' ' The reckless abandon that rides in that gale, The pulse of lone longing that beats in its wail. Are pleadings in code that the elements bear; And so to the weird, whistled note of its "Where?" From me : ' ' With you ! — Anywhere ! — I don 't care ! ' ' [33] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS The Flower of Faith SINCE God decrees that we should climb In separate paths Yet side by side ■ — Our way beset with bristling thorns That mark our routes And grow between, And make a wall impenetrable To touch and glance and word and sigh, — And wills that we should travel on and on. Not stopping once to reason why, — He will not chide us if we reach To pluck a rose Which rare and sweet Amid the thorns assurance speaks That Love which hung That emblem there With pity views our bleeding feet. And counts those roses pledges given To trusting hearts by struggle riven, To be redeemed by Him in Heaven. [34] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Supremacy A PILGRIM tapped at the rude lodge door. Amazed was the hermit, for never before Had such a suppliant breathed such a prayer As came from the lips of the stranger there. *'My soul is sick of the world and its strife, For pleasure and plenty — they are not life ! I seek a heart that is warm and true — An angel directed me here to you. ' ' The hermit looked on the upturned face. Then studied the jewels, the rare old lace. He struck his breast and fell on his knees, And lifted his gaze over tallest trees. ' ' Oh, God ! " he cried, ' ' why now to me — To me who have pledged my all to Thee — Hast Thou sent this pilgrim, rich and fair ? And what with her wouldst Thou have me share ? ' * The vagrant may have half my hearth ; I '11 guide the lost to the travelled path ; 111 feed the hungry, support the lame; [35] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS I '11 give to the poor, and — in Thy name — Relieve the body, and strive to find Thy light and grace for a troubled mind. ' ' If I yield to this pilgrim, to my own heart The giving returns in so great part, I fear it's indulging in forbidden pleasure To follow desire and heap high her measure. My heart — it is warm ; my love — it is true. Shall I share them with her, Lord ? What ought I to do?" In a moment the wind and the bird-songs were still ; A light from the heavens broke over the hill ; And a voice most amazing in exquisite sound Gave answer with tenderness, simple, profound : "Lives given for others are moulded on Mine. Hearts spent in true loving alone are divine. And love in a heart that with My Heart doth beat Makes that life of all lives the one life complete. So open thy heart ; take the suppliant within. Is not God Himself Love — and thy strength against sin?" [36] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS At Evening in Autumn TWILIGHT with his dusky fingers Sketches earth in glowing grey, Splashes gold along the sky-line, Throws low clouds a rosy ray; Adds broad bands of richest russet, — Here and there a purple sweep ; Swings his brush the vast vault through. Paints the whole a melting blue. In this ground of purest azure, Lights one point of radiant fire. Lifts it high and ever higher. Way above the domes of elm trees. Far atop the fir-tree's spire Traced in ink upon the gold. All the world beholds the glory ; Tries to capture bits of splendor; Flings back gold in boldest challenge From the panes of hut and mansion ; Shows a star of equal beauty Trembling in the mill-pond 's bosom ; Spreads the russet, rose, and purple — Wanton waste — upon the waters; [37] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Till before her face all-blushing Evening draws Night's shadow screen, And the chastened earth And humbled heavens Do obeisance, as, in triumph. Pure and stately, dignified, serene. From the clouds, in her effulgence. Comes the moon, acknowledged queen. In my heart for thee. Beloved, As the day is on the wane. All the ardent joys of loving, All affection's colors shine. In its deepest pool thy star gleams; On my spirit 's glow thy form is traced ; And the message my love sends thine Flashes back in flame to mine, Till my soul with sunset brilliance Burns at thought of clasping thine ! Then I tame its fiery ardor Lest it daze thee by its glare. Hold thee close and still more closely, — Real, at last, our hope 's long dream ! Answered now our fervent prayer! In this moment I proclaim thee Of my life the queen supreme ! [38] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Making Our Dreams Come True OH, all our dreams that will never come true, With their fair rosy lights and their shadows ' soft hue ! But we '11 treasure their beams, from their shade seek their glow. Be so wrapped in their beauty we never shall know That the dreams we are dreaming are not really true. Thus dreaming, dreaming, dreaming, Neath skies all grey or blue, Your love-fire brightly gleaming Will guide me straight and true; Your eyes' exultant beaming Shall be my proof anew That all my happy dreaming, My Sweetheart, is just you ! Why should we not hidden pathways bestrew With our dream-roses wet with desire's fire-lit dew? [39] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS From the fields of delight gather gay, fragrant flowers, Bloom immortal and sweet, yielding most in those hours Separation obscures with her storm-cloud's dark hue? Thus dreaming, dreaming, dreaming, Neath skies all grey or blue. Your love-fire brightly gleaming Will guide me straight and true; Your eyes' exultant beaming Shall be my proof anew That all my happy dreaming. My Sweetheart, is just you! What ! are the thorns and leaves only the true ? Does delusion's false brush paint the rose peep- ing through? Still I'll hold to my dreams with the faith true love knows. For eternity 's dawning the truth will disclose That the soul of my dream-self, my Sweetheart, is you ! [40] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Content GIVE them their mansions of fabulous rent, With costliest furnishings fit for a king, And all of the luxuries the great ships can bring, And feasting and dancing and life in full swing — But give me, oh, give me, a snug little tent ! I'll not complain at the money that's spent For linen and glassware and rare silverplate. Let them set forth their tables for dinners of state. For luncheons and suppers and every old fete, As long as they leave me my snug little tent. Behind it, the forest ; overhead, the blue sky ; — The beach where the waves whisper secrets to me; — The sweep of the sea-wind that blows wild and free. — Ah, that is the place where you ought to be ! [41] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS There's naught like the joy there! Now, just come and try ! You never repent The days that are spent In a snug little tent ! [42] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS When You Love the Right Girl in the Only Way HOW little does it matter if the shadows come a-creeping Till there isn't left a sun-spot that may fleck your dusty way, When a pair of eyes are shining clear as stars in summer skies, And you know them for your beacons never failing night or day. When you love the right girl in the only way There's a warmth within your heart And a glow its fires impart That will gladden every hour of the longest, dullest day. When the road is rough and rugged, and your feet and heart are weary. And your courage's down to nothing 'cause the plodding 's lone and drear. Then a hand comes softly stealing, nestling close within your own, [43] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS And a cheery voice beside you makes you know the goal is near. When you love the right girl in the only way There's a warmth within your heart And a glow its fires impart That will gladden every hour of the longest, dullest day. Can the world seem cold and cruel when a soul that's big and loving Suffers pain and sorrow with you, laughs aloud when you are gay? Don't you do your work more nobly, don't you crave success anew, When dear eyes flash back your triumph, and sweet lips your toil repay ? When you love the right girl in the only way There's a warmth within your heart And a glow its fires impart That will gladden every hour of the longest, dullest day. [44] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS The Quest Eternal A STATELY spirit with great, soft wings Touched a restless human soul, And said with a smile that allured : ''My name is Ideal. Be a child again, And come with me to the heights of life — To the Land of Happiness ! The way is long, and the climb is steep, The path is often rough. But hold my hand and trust in me; Your courage will grow as we go. ' ' They climbed and climbed for ever so long ; They came to a green plateau. The sky above was a cold, clear blue ; The air was fresh and keen. Sounds from below uprose to the heights: — The crystalline ring of childish glee. The care-free shouts of inconsequent youth. With now and anon, maturer mirth And the ready laugh of a blithe content. [45] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Dropping the hand of the spirit, the curious child Hastened to gaze on the scene. Everywhere children, bright and gay. Shedding a light that followed their flitting ; Peasant folk singing at toil in the fields ; Shy, sturdy lads in the grass-covered lanes Plaiting flowery crowns for the maidens beside them. Jostling, surging, a feverish throng Struggled in fruitless endeavor To enter a structure whose colorful blaze Dazzled the eyes that braved the glare Of a pennant of gauze With its flaming inscription: ** Pleasure' ) y ' ' The City of Happiness ! ' ' cried the child. Alive with desire to be taken there. She returned to the spirit forsaken erstwhile, But no words answered her eager request. The wondering eyes grew wide with fright. The spirit seemed so terribly still, so awfully tall; The city below was forgotten. The little one touched the robe of its guide ; The garment was stiff and queer: [46] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS The tiny hand sought the larger one; The fingers were cold, and the clasp was slight : The face of the spirit was turned to the sky. The great tears rolled down the rounded cheeks, And loneliness weighted the anxious heart ; The spell of the angel seemed passing. Crushed by sorrow, and all confused, The child sank down at the ice-cold feet of the spirit. Like mists that lift from the green hillsides. The mask of childhood vanished, Revealing a maiden, young and fair. No one knew how long she lay Like dead at that spirit's feet. Solitary, sad, there appeared one day A figure against the horizon. Towards the maiden he came — nearer, nearer. His head was bent in despairing fatigue ; Borne on the wind, his deep-drawn sigh, Like a sob from a mighty god. Suddenly lifting his eyes, he saw The spirit — the maid at its feet. He started, stopped, then stared. Like approaching morn behind a cloud, [47] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS A light suffused his face: — One understanding look: — The stranded soul — the cold ideal ! Alas ! too well he knew the plight ! Stooping, he lifted the maiden ; Softly, with infinite tenderness, Stroked her numb, limp hand, And smoothed the rippling hair ; Lovingly, eagerly, read the face. Within him revived the flame of hope. Closer he pressed his burden To his heart, grown stout and warm. Dawning color tinged the cheeks; The eyelids moved, the lips half smiled ; Relaxed, she nestled against his breast. With patience he watched the returning life, His heart expanding like a rose in the sun. Could it — he questioned — ah ! could it be, At last he had found what he had ceased to seek — That which alone could satisfy His ardent, exacting soul? He pressed one hand to his own warm lips, Kissed the hair, the brow, the cheeks. [48] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Slowly, so slowly, the opening eyes Wonderingly looked into his. Dimmed in an instant the light in their depths By a scudding, questioning shadow. The powerful arms then tightened their hold, And a voice all -vibrant with manhood's wealth, And soothing as gentlest woman 's. Spoke cheerful reassuring: ' ' Maiden fair, you need not fear ! Like you, I sought these heights. Lost hope — then found you here ! By the fire of love in my yearning heart I've rekindled your own life-spark. Let me be your guide henceforth ! With me seek the longed-for land — The Kingdom of Hearts' Desire — The realm of undying ideals!" The love-light leaped to the maiden's eye, With flame it dyed her cheek. The joy that rose in her throbbing throat Was joy that makes words weak. ' ' And can you — will you — take me there ? ' ' She asked, with sweet, shy trembling, all agleam. ' ' See ! roses, roses everywhere ! [49] LIGHTS AND SHADOWS It is not all a dream ? — And where is the land whereof you speak — On earth or in heaven above ? ' ' Then he: "It's heaven on earth, My Own, we seek. And its name is simply 'Love' !" [50] **OJ O when you turn your eyes away |i^ From mirrored eyes, and when you stay Love-hearing with reluctant hand, Straight then your heart-throbs will betray That you have read, and understand!" Song Burden, FRANCIS MEYNELL. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS IMI iiiii iiiii III 11 liiii ijlll illl! I!!!! ilil! Ii|l| ini 015 907 497 3