LIBRARY I UNIVERSITY OF j CALIfOtNIA J Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2007 witii funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation littp://www.arcliive.org/details/dreamversesotlierODmacdricli DREAM VERSES, AND OTHERS Dream Verses AND OTHERS By Elizabeth Roberts MacDonald Toronto The Coppy Clark Co,, Ltd. igo6 Copyright^ jgo6 By L. C. Page & Company (incorporated) All rights reserved First Impression, May, 1906 ColDttial Prrgg Eldctrotyped and Printed by C. H. Slmonds & Co. Boston, U.S.A. ^5^ TO 5;qc: CONTENTS ♦ PAGE In Dream's Domain 3 Dreamhurst 5 The Quiet Land 8 The Dream -winds 10 At the End of the Road . . . .11 The House 13 Poppies 14 An Invocation 15 Young Delight 18 Foretellings 20 The Sweet o' the Year . . . .21 A Song of June 23 In August's Glare . ' . . . . '24 The Summons 26 Though Seasons Pass .... 28 When Fades the Year .... 30 The Fire of the Frost • • . . 33 An Autumn Leaf 35 vU CONTENTS PAGE Though White Drifts Bar the Door . 36 Snow 38 White Magic 39 When Woods Are White .... 41 Noel -tide 42 sursum corda 43 Old Friends, Old Ways .... 44 Terra Beata 46 The Parting Hour 48 The One Unchanging 50 Trust 51 A Song of Thanks 53 The Deserted Garden .... 55 Mid -winter 57 In My Garden 58 Lilacs 60 The Gates of Gold 62 Night 63 The House of Boughs . . . . 64 The Signal -smokes 66 Gloaming 68 By the River 70 Arden 71 Quietude 72 The Voice of the Wind .... 73 Damaris 75 viii CONTENTS PAGE Juliana Horatia Ewing .... 76 On Splendid Pinions . 78 One Star 79 The Spell of the Forest . 80 The Larger Claim 82 Sphere of Wonder 83 The Wind of Life 85 The House Among the Firs 87 The Good Days . 89 The Fields o:? Peace . 91 Love's Messenger 92 Via Amoris .... 93 Gray Days .... 95 The Yellow Rose 96 Dove -GRAY .... 97 Homing 98 Companioned 99 Ave 103 Nests . 104 Secrets 106 Dreamland . . . ' . 108 Journeys • • • . , no Waking 113 Whiteness .... . / . 114 The Garden . . . . 115 Good Night .... . 117 CONTENTS PAGE Fairy Favours ii8 Guarded 120 Voices 121 In Hilary's House 122 PART I. DREAM VERSES AND OTHERS IN DREAM'S DOMAIN To some green table-land, beyond our sight When daytime clips the wings of fancy's flight, I came in cool enchanted hours of night. In that glad world of dream Time cannot reach, Where true hearts answer truly, each to each. And glance or touch can utter more than speech, With hand held fast in hand along the green Dim road we ran, through drifted shade and sheen, 3 IN DREAM S DOMAIN While fresh winds sang our laughing words between. It seemed that so for ever we could run, — That all the tangled web of days was spun And life and youth immortal were begun. Dream strange and dear, how often in the throng And stress of duties, like a breath of song Your memory has returned to make me strong ! DREAMHURST My dream-house fronts the land of hope and dawn; Green fields slope round it, forests guard it close, Rich skies bend over it, and at its back What sunsets glimmer like the gates of Heaven ! I fain would let you see it. Dear my Friend, This long low house, the very heart of home, — Yet all my words must fail to give its charm. Some time, some perfect hour, I think will come When I shall take your hand and lead you so, Most gladly welcomed, through the dream-land door. Till then, I bring you what report I may. 5 DREAMHURST At one end, toward the darkling hemlock woods, My garden stretches ; here are old-time flowers. Monk's-hood and bleeding-heart, forget-me- not; Pink musk and meadowsweet, and many more From childhood loved, with other stranger blooms Whose names I know not yet, — and by the gate The dear Blue Rose of magic memories A rowan-tree, red-berried, canopies One corner ; maples spread their leafy tents. And foreign flowering shrubs lift fairy lamps Of bloom and fruitage through the greenery. (Ah, Love, these quiet paths, this garden ground, I long to lead you through.) DREAMHURST In front, my house Is sentinelled by lilacs, in whose shade The lilies of the valley droop their bells. While toward the road the grassy field dips down. And out beyond stretch hill and vale and wood In wide and varying prospect. Standing here Beside my door, I watch the moonlight wake The earth with longing such as music brings. So, dear one, when you come in dreams at last, May moonlight blend with sunset in the sky And all the air be sweet with lilac-bloom ! THE (iUIET LAND Into the land of sleep Slowly, when sinks the sun, Out of the garish streets of day We wander, one by one. Here are the hopes that drooped Seeming to fail in the strife ; Now in our eyes they gaze and smile With word of endless life. Here are the homes we planned, — Cottage, palace, and hall. Waiting the tread of our welcome feet Behind the dream-built wall. 8 THE QUIET LAND Out of the streets of day Slowly, when sinks the sun, Into the quiet land of sleep We wander, one by one. THE D REAM-WINDS Out of the dusk the dream-winds blow, — And starry hopes and rushing wings And angel faces, row on row. And golden, unforgotten days, Rich Autumns, faintly-smiling Springs, Old tunes, and tender childhood ways. Come near to touch our lips with song. Our troubled hearts to heal with peace. Till hope rewakens clear and strong. Kind arms of slumber wrap us round. The day's harsh echoes sink and cease, And soft and low the dream-winds sound. 10 ATTHE END OF THE ROAD Far in the height of the hills Toward the setting sun Nestle the homes our hearts shall reach When the long day's work is done, — In the height of the hills of dream They wait till the hills are won. Sometimes, when Love makes clear Life's inner vision fine. Or music breathes its word Of mystery half-divine, Suddenly, out of the dusk. We see their windows shine. II AT THE END OF THE ROAD There, when the setting sun The spirit with wonder fills, When the good day's work is ended And the voice of welcome thrills, We shall come to their shelter safe Far in the height of the hills. 12 THE HOUSE My dear house, my brown house, Set round with living green, Like a nest among the branches Your loveliness is seen ; Around your fairy casements Pink roses climb and fall, — Yet, oh my heart, the dream-house Is best beloved of all. My dear house, my brown house, How good, when day is done. In your shelter safe enfolded To feel that rest is won ; Within your walls how softly Slumber and silence fall, — Yet in our hearts the dream-house Is best beloved of all ! 13 POPPIES When all the world was white with snow, I dreamed of poppies, row on row, Breaking the white with crimson glow. So blooms, I thought, the red of love Richly, life's frozen wastes above. Breaking the bitter spell thereof! 14 AN INVOCATION Oh strong white angel, Sleep, Thou pitiful-eyed and strong. From those far fields of song On merciful pinions sweep ; Come, for the hours are long ! Come, for the cares of day With mocking faces stand ; Save with thy mother-hand From bitter eyes that slay ; Lead to the dear Dream-Land. Brush with thy bough of balm The forehead tense with pain ; Bring to the burning brain IS AN INVOCATION Soothing and hush and calm And youth's high hopes again. Bring to the hungry heart The one, the dearest smile, Then for a sacred while Set love from grief apart In some uncharted isle. Come, for the hours are dark, The solid blackness lies A weight across our eyes ; In the skies there gleams no spark, No hope in the heavy skies. See how we wait with tears, While the heart on Memory's quest Goes back and cannot rest Seeking the vanished jears And childhood's valley blest. i6 AN INVOCATION Comfort to those that weep Bring with thy mother-hand j Safely our spirits keep ; Oh strong white angel, Sleep, Lead to the dear Dream-Land ! 17 YOUNG DELIGHT Wakes the Springtime in the woodland, Lightly laughs the blithe cascade, Deep the azure dreams above us. All the world for hope is made ; — Dearest, Dearest, Might the feet of Time be stayed ! Breaks the maple into blushes, Calls the robin silver-sweet ; Far within the forest-hushes Makes the snow its last retreat ; Gleams the river Flinging off its winding-sheet. i8 YOUNG DELIGHT Love can keep his April fervour, Keep his youth in Time's despite ; Love's no changing season-server, — Nay, he mocks the years to flight ; Heart of Springtime, Hold we fast our young delight ! 19 FORETELLINGS Wild warm wind from far-ofF countries calling. Spring wakes and cries in every longing note ! What though we know the snow will yet be falling, — Snows soon shall change to cherry-blooms afloat. Wild sweet dream, from lands uncharted given, Whispering love too deep to fade or fail. Refuge and rest for hearts that long have striven, — Dost thou foretell a joy that shall prevail ? 20 THE SWEET O'THE YEAR Joy sways the wind, the Summer wind, Joy lights the fires of dawn. And wings the happy feet that glide Along the velvet lawn. (For Love has come to bide with us And never pass away ; What matters storm or shine to us If only Love may stay !) A clearer gold the lily wears, The rose a richer hue. The skies their benediction breathe From depths of burning blue. 21 THE SWEET O* THE YEAR The hillside pastures, softly green, Lie dreaming in the sun ; Their brooks with tinkling laughter light Toward the river run. And past the banks where willows gnarled Their ancient vigil keep The drowsy river slowly drifts And murmurs in its sleep. Ah sweet the wind, and glad the light. And amber-deep the shade ; On hill and stream and city street The spell of Joy is laid. (For Love has come to bide with us And never pass away ; What matters storm or shine to us If only Love may stay !) 22 A SONG OF JUNE When the days are long and lovely And the cinnamon rose in bloom, When the magic twilight hour Is rich with purple gloom, Youth's deathless dream Comes and will not depart, And the sweet hopes of childhood Are kindled in the heart. When the paths in the quiet garden Are shaded with elm and vine. When the dusk is hushed and holy. And moonlight half-divine. Thoughts sweet as June In the weary brain upstart. And love, love like a tide Rises and fills the heart. 23 IN AUGUST'S GLARE Could we but call them back, — The scented hours of Spring, When love was holy awe And thought took lyric wing, When the skies were full of dream. And the winds of sweet desire, When night was a purple tent, And dawn a sacred fire. The blinding heat, the dust, The mid-noon shadowless glare, Would they could pass and change To June's soft healing air ; 24 IN August's glare And the heavy hearts that creep Through hours of sordid strife, Oh, for a breath of youth To stir them back to life I 25 THE SUMMONS The wind voice calls and calls you ; Heart of the woods, return ! The little paths remember, Lonely among the fern. The Autumn fields await you, Soul of my song, Hilaire ; Their purple pennons signal. Their golden banners flare. The solemn sunset gladness Like some great organ's roll, The moonlight's white enchantment Awakening the soul : — 26 THE SUMMONS They call you home to Dreamhurst Out of the world's great glare ; Your woods and I are waiting, Heart of my heart, Hilaire ! 27 THOUGH SEASONS PASS The red vine sways in the chill sweet wind ; (Summer must die, must die!) White cloud-masses are driven and thinned Over an azure sky ; Goldenrod by the roadside gleams, And asters nod by the narrowed streams, For the year is drifting by. With magic colour the forest glows Fit for a pageant fair. Gold and scarlet, ruby and rose, Bright as a bugle's blare ; Sky and river and woodland shine, — But chill is the wind that sways the vine, And the frost no bloom shall spare. 28 THOUGH SEASONS PASS The dark days come and the bitter chill j Whispers the wood, " Good night ; " Winter lurks by the lonely hill Wrapped in his robe of white ; Soon, ah, soon, he shall banish far Forest-beacon and blossom-star, — But a dream defies his might ! 29 WHEN FADES THE YEAR Dearest, how many a thing We learn as the swift years go, How proudly we talk and sing Of all that there is to know. And the world will go on and on And grand new truths be learned. When we are dead and gone, To dust our bodies turned. Think of it. Love, to dust, — Hands that have clasped and clung. Eyes that have looked their trust. Lips that have smiled and sung; 30 WHEN FADES THE YEAR Withered and wasted and gone, Swallowed up of the night ; Eyes that were clear as dawn, Lips that were true as light ; Cheeks where the burning tear And the blush of joy have spread, Hearts that have held life dear, — All shall be stilled and dead. Heart of my heart, be true ! Strange how this Autumn day Searches my spirit through With its word that nought can stay. Nought ? Yea, the one great Love That has thought and framed us all, That is near us, beneath, above, That is given us past recall. 31 WHEN FADES THE YEAR Dearest, remembering this, Why should we dread death's night ? If our love be born of His It must surely reach the Light ! 32 THE FIRE OF THE FROST Now's the time of shortening day, Purple mist behind the wood. Golden elm and crimson vine, Visions, longings half-divine, Hopes not understood. Something that the frost foretells. Something that the woods forebode, Waits us where the sumach looms Rich in glories and in glooms Down the dreamy road. Shall we seek it, oh my dear. Hand in hand along the way. Following down this Autumn trail 33 THE FIRE OF THE FROST Through the daisies purple-pale, Past the gates of day ? All the aureole-coloured air Shines around us pure and deep ; Crowds of yellowing scented fern Bound the path at every turn, Nodding, half-asleep. On the mossy knolls a few Faded leaves are crisp and curled ; Here a violet, strayed from Spring, Sheds its blueness, marvelling. On an altered world. Love, these hours of Autumn charm. Purple shadow, topaz light, In our memory's wonder-hall Rich enchantment shall recall When the woods are white ! 34 AN AUTUMN LEAF My heart is like a golden leaf This Autumn wind has found And blown across a dreamland wall To some enchanted ground. 35 THOUGH WHITE DRIFTS BAR THE DOOR Let the blue streams of Summer Go singing down my rhyme, The little rapids clamour, The silver shallows chime ; Let the soft sound of poplars That whisper all day long, The solemn croon of pine-trees, The thrush's evening song. Make music by my hearth-side Where the dark shadows loom. And one dear face beside me Lean nearer through the gloom. 36 WHITE DRIFTS BAR THE DOOR Then the wild storms may rage From some forsaken shore, — Love has come in with Winter Though white drifts bar the door ! 37 SNOW Like fairy mist, without a sound, The white seclusion wraps us round In isolation sweet, profound. The old familiar landmarks pass As faces from a looking-glass. As dew the sun lifts off the grass ; And childhood memories awake, A dream for every starry flake. And hopes no stress of frost may break. The world fades out ; how trivial show Its empty joys, its hollow woe. Beside this vision of the snow ! 38 WHITE MAGIC The snow-swirl shuts us in, Close to our windows blown ; This old red house becomes An island all our own. An island walled with storm, Where rosy camp-fires gleam. Where in the twilight groves We pitch the tents of dream. The wind shrieks past the pane And down the chimney cries ; The gathering darkness holds The light of absent eyes. 39 WHITE MAGIC Glad laughter and the voice Of unforgotten song From the far shadowed shores And windy meadows throng. Across the mist of years They come, and in their smile The long and eager waiting Is but a little while. Let the white cloud go by. The bitter winds complain j Beside the fire we sing Our island songs again. 40 WHEN WOODS ARE WHITE The woods are wrapped in whirling white, The wind-voice calls from height to height ; Soft drifts across the pastures sweep, The lovely paths are buried deep ; And where there waved the blossoming vine Only the ghostly frost- flowers shine : But in our hearts, in spite of storm. Love's fairy fire burns clear and warm. And round our caves the dream-winds blow, — Though all the woods are wrapped in snow. 41 NOEL-TIDE Oh, Christmas wind, blow round the world, Blow out the bitter fires of hate, Flaunt the white flag of love unfurled From every golden gate. Shine, Christmas dawn, and break the gloom Of sordid greed, of soulless might, In every hearth as in a room The sacred hearth-fire light. Call, Christmas voices, wake and call ; Glad bells, the jubilant message shout ; In every soul break down the wall That shuts the Christ-child out. 42 SURSUM CORDA When Christmas blossoms like a rose Of ruddy splendour set in snows, When children's voices sweet and shrill Uplift the tidings : " Peace, Good-will," And bells with rich sonorous notes Give greeting mild from brazen throats, When happy folk with dancing feet Glad time to Christmas music beat. And old, old hopes and childhood-dreams Wake softly where the Yule log gleams, - Oh, sorrowing ones, awhile forget The bitter tears, the vain regret. And lift your hearts to Him who smiled So long ago, on earth, a child. 43 OLD FRIENDS, OLD WAYS Old friends, old hopes for Christmas, And the dreams of days gone by ! Hark how the bells are clanging Beneath the frosty sky ; The world is full of gladness. Greeting and clasp and song. And in our hearts a music wakes That has been silent long. Old ways, old words for Christmas, And the love that knows no bar ^ Though some true hearts are near us And some are scattered far ; OLD FRIENDS, OLD WAYS The world is full of partings, — But space and time are vain To blur the glass that memory holds When Yule-tide comes again ! 45 TERRA BEATA Land where our love and longing Lead us by ways of pain, Climbing the storm-swept mountain, Crossing the bitter plain ; Hills of the purple distance. Home of the sunset's fire. When shall we win thy haven, Land of our hearts' desire ! ^ Who at the gate shall meet us ? Ah, how the swift feet throng. Surely there will be silence Before that burst of song. 46 TERRA BE ATA Though all the way grows steeper, Strong is the guiding hand ; Love, lead us onward, upward. Safe to the longed-for Land ! 47 THE PARTING HOUR When the great darkness wraps us round And watching anguished faces fade, When we drift helpless from the bound Of clinging arms about us laid, — Lend us, oh lend us. Lord of Death, Strong aid in that most bitter hour When earth reclaims her dower. Oh show us, through the parting pain, Across the dusk of severing years. Those dearest hands in ours again. Those eyes where Love wipes off the 48 THE PARTING HOUR Enlighten, strengthen, Lord of Life, Lest, when the dread command goes out, Our spirits pass in doubt. 49 THE ONE UNCHANGING When all the weight of all the world's despair, All sobs that ever shook the midnight air, Press heavily against the labouring heart And death and pain loom darkly everywhere ; When one great grief brings home all other grief. And careless joy is driven like a leaf Before the wind of bitterness and tears. While far behind fades sunshine all too brief; Then, then how small the things that yesterday Had power to move with gladness or dismay, — Love, only Love, maintains his fixed estate In that dark hour that severs soul from clay. 50 TRUST Out of the shadow of death, Out of the prison of pain, Brought to the house of life And the paths of joy again. What has the soul to tell That has tasted Heaven and Hell ? Is it worth, is it worth the while, Or is it all in vain ? And the soul made swift reply; " In spite of pain and tears Life shall fulfil its promise And Love redeem the years ! " 5» TRUST What of the whisper of God Heard at the tempest's height ? What of the star of hope Seen in the deepest night ? Is there ever a goal For the striving eager soul. Or is the One who blesses Also the One to smite ? And the soul made swift reply : " He who is Love Supreme Shall conquer death and anguish, And the heart attain its dream. 52 A SONG OF THANKS For the gladness life has brought, For the beauties passing thought, For the song, the dream, the quest, Dawn's clear impulse, evening's rest ; For the lure of Spring that wakes When the frost's dark barrier breaks, For the magic voice that calls Over Summer's viewless walls ; For the memories deeply dear Passing time but leaves more clear. For the friendship strong and fine. For the faith that proves us Thine ; — 53 A SONG OF THANKS Lord of gladness, hope, and dream. Shadowing cloud and wakening gleam. Thee we praise, who dost renew Love's white fire the long years through. 54 THE DESERTED GARDEN In the lonely garden Yellow lilies blow. And the small white roses. Globes of perfumed snow ; O'er the bower deserted Climbs the blossoming vine ; Where are they whose footsteps Made the paths divine ? Every leaf of lilac. Every frond of fern. Whispers at my passing : " They shall not return." 55 THE DESERTED GARDEN All the deep June evenings, All the purple hours, Mourn a vanished gladness Here among the flowers. Down these garden places Would the Summer came Now no more to haunt me With its heart of flame ! 56 MID-WINTER Would it were not a dream, but Springtime really here, — Not only these tender skies, misty with dove- like blue. Not only this vernal air breaking the heart of the year, And this magic hint and whisper, old and yet ever new, — Ah, not only these, but the sound of wakened streams, The brown birds wild with song, the maples blossomed fair. Silver catkin-flags a-wave where the river gleams. And the deep, deep woods rejoicing, — and my hand in yours, Hilaire ! 57 IN MY GARDEN To my garden, oh my garden, When the soft wind blows. Come the beauty and the vision That the dreamer knows ; Blooms the rose of vanished summers. Wakes the lure of days to be ; Hope and love and memory's passion Breathe from flower and tree : In my garden, oh my garden. When the soft wind blows. Here upon the breeze the lilac All its sweet bestows. Here in shadowed nooks the fairy Pink linnaea grows ; S8 IN MY GARDEN Honeysuckle droops its riches Over every bower and wall, And the hush of azure heavens Broods above it all : In my garden, oh my garden. When the soft wind blows. 59 LILACS When the lilac-blooms again Wake the memories that have lain Sleeping only, never slain, Then the garden places throng With the footsteps vanished long, Youth's clear laughter, childhood's song. Thoughts that answered swift our own, Voices in whose tender tone Harsher note was never known. All our unforgotten, dear Shades of many a priceless year Down the quiet paths draw near. 60 LILACS Oh the garden, loved of old, — How its memories manifold Wake when lilac-buds unfold ! 6i THE GATES OF GOLD The stormy gold of sunset Burned low behind the trees, The blue-gray clouds rushed over Like wind-swept argosies. The gates of Heaven were opened, And in that moment's gleam Shone peace past understanding And love beyond a dream. 62 NIGHT The whispering wind around my eaves Its Merlin-charm of magic weaves ; I hear the secrets of the leaves ; Blown from the forest's spacious gloom, Vision and song and purple bloom, Dream windflowers, light the dusky room ; And from that world, so near, so far. Where all our hopes and memories are. One white face glimmers like a star. 63 THE HOUSE OF BOUGHS (to m. s. p.) In green Acadian woods one day We built of boughs a fragrant home ; As glad as children are at play. We draped the walls with mosses gray. But left the mighty sky for dome. In green Acadian woods that day. Shall we return that shadowy way To tread the mossy forest loam In green Acadian woods some day ? I knew what dreams too dear to say In your deep heart had found a home, — Glad, not as children are at play. 64 THE HOUSE OF BOUGHS The world might go if love would stay ; Our play-house had the sky for dome In green Acadian woods that day When Heaven and Earth were ours, in play. 6S THE SIGNAL-SMOKES Among the frozen woods, the lonely hills, The golden Summer fires are still alight ; Ah Love, they lure us out, their signal-smokes Are purple on the height. What matter, all the Winter's bitterness, Harsh winds that buffet, sullen frosts that slay ? The folk of dream have lit the beacon-fires, The heart of hope holds sway. What voices call, what visions manifold, — The comrade hearts, the camp above the shore, 66 THE S I G N A L- S M O K E S The Starlight on the water, and the clasp Of hands we hold no more. Through the white storm we see them, still our own; — Love, let us go, though vision droop and tire : They wait us at the turning of the road, The tents of our desire. 67 GLOAMING Dear Heart, the hours have been so long That day has kept you far from me, But now the gloaming brings you back. The home-kiss sets you free. So tired ? Then lay your hand in mine And we will wander, singing low. To sunset fields beyond the day By paths the dream-led know. We'll rest beneath the slumber-tree Whose branches shine with starry flame ; We'll hear the grasses whispering And call the winds by name. 68 GLOAMING We'll climb the hemlock-sheltered hill Where once the frost-king's palace stood, And pluck the dear Blue Rose of dreams Beside the magic wood. Dear Heart, the hours will not be long The while we wander, singing low. To fairy fields beyond the day By paths the dream-led know. 69 BY THE RIVER Over the river wandering A wind came fraught with dream ; It bent the gray shore-willows, And tipped the waves with cream. Out of a land of mystery To this grave earth it came, And in my heart the music Of youth leapt up like flame. 70 ARDEN What will I seek in Arden ? Rich sleep to wrap me round, Soft fold on fold of slumber Unstirred by any sound ; And then, when soul and body Are soothed and strong and clear, A waking sweet as sunrise In the Spring-time of the year. 71 QUIETUDE The grasses bent and whispered, The scented wind sighed low, The blue sky-fields above us Were heaped with drifts like snow. And dream-deep, where cares sleep. We let the moments go. Our hearts were filled with gladness, For Nature's tender hand Had beckoned us and led us Across the low green land, And wind-song and stream-song Were ours to understand. 72 THE VOICE OF THE WIND The voice of the wind has spoken; has not your spirit heard ? Out of the night a whisper, out of the dusk a word. Once, it seemed to be sorrow only its crooning told, Sorrow and helpless longing and memories manifold. But now when I wake and listen I hear a love- lier strain, A crying of " Rise and follow ; the quest shall not be vain ! " 73 THE VOICE OF THE WIND A murmur of " Trust and conquer ; dearer than words can tell Is the answer that waits our longing, in the Land where all is well." So when the wind comes calling by night about your eaves Say not that always, only, for some lost hope it grieves. But hear the whispered tidings of countries Love has known, And catch, beneath the sighing, joy's endless undertone. 74 DAMARIS Vague as a half-remembered dream Her shadowy presence passes, And gentle as the Summer wind That breathes among the grasses, Yet ah, what thoughts awaken And what old hopes return, When Damaris goes singing Among the upland fern. Her voice is like the sighing Of cedars on the height, Her eyes have caught the glamour Of the moon's mysterious light ; And ah, what thoughts awaken And what old hopes return. When Damaris goes singing Among the upland fern. 75 JULIANA HORATIA EWING White face, with that down-droop we love &o well, And all that weight of golden hair for crown, You glimmered, a clear fine star of genius, once Through these dear streets, this quiet Cana- dian town J Then England took you home ; too soon, too soon, Beyond love's sight the fair tired head was laid. Among the pale prophetic flowers of Spring In English yew-tree shade. How many a soul you gladdened as you climbed With smiles and tears life's difficult rocky height, 76 JULIANA HORATIA EWING And ever, where you passed, some garden sprang. Set by your slender hands with heart's - delight : White spirit, though now in lovelier fields you walk. Your high and human radiance lights us here; These willows by the blue Canadian stream Shall keep your memory dear. 77 ON SPLENDID PINIONS Wonderful wind-swept sky Where the torch of sunset flares, Where banners of cloud sweep by And the bugle of storm out-blares, — Rapture of rose-bright flame. Guerdon of colour and sound. Vision beyond a name From the fields that have no bound, — Would that the heart might sweep On your splendid pinions far To the place where joy is deep As here men's sorrows are ! 78 ONE STAR One bright star in the quiet sky Over the forest gleams ; So for your comfort, Dear, would I Shine in your lonely dreams. 79 THE SPELL OF THE FOREST Not like the calm of the broad and placid meadows With their child-heart daisies laughing in the sun, Is the passionate peace of the dear mysterious forest Where life and dream are one. Hour after hour in its depths we are fain to linger, Filled with its fulness, hushed in its amber gloom. Breathing the breath of the wind that among its branches Murmurs of bud and bloom. 80 THE SPELL OF THE FOREST Far from the haunts of man, and the weary clamour Of folk that for ever toil without content, There let us rest and rejoice in the fragrant shadow Under the fir-tree*s tent. 8i THE LARGER CLAIM Love's breath is life undying ; scorn, my heart, Passion that claims alone the earthly part ; Look upward, onward ; see how Love's domain Unbounded is, nor set on any chart. Shall love of this green whirling globe be less Because a larger fealty we confess ? Nay, yet more dear each field and forest grows, Each daily joy has added power to bless. This land is yours ; claim, too, that country vast To which all aspiration turns at last, Across whose boundaries so many feet That walked a little while with ours have passed. 82 SPHERE OF WONDER Sphere of wonder, swinging grandly, Lit with myriad lights agleam. Swayed to music, Love-begotten, Strange earth, green earth, roofed with dream ; Swift the marvel of thy sweeping So through star-deep fields of space, Great-winged angels of creation Leading on from place to place. Sphere of colour, shifting, changing, Green and ruby, gold and blue. One of God's own jewels, turning On an orbit He keeps true, — 83 SPHERE OF WONDER Little world among so many, How, despite your graves and tears. We your puzzled children love you. Singing, swinging down the years ! THE WIND OF LIFE The wind calls, the wind calls, from far-off fairy meadows Where children's feet go lightly all day long; Would I might catch those fine aerial measures And read that wonder-song. Low drifts of love-words sweet as garden- closes. Great shouts of youth that wins in mighty strife. Kindness, rejoicing, all we love and long for, Are in that song of life. 85 THE WIND OF LIFE The rich wind, the sweet wind, from some dear region blowing Where all is well, and death is overthrown, — How we lift up our hearts to learn its meaning And hold it for our own ! 86 THE HOUSE AMONG THE FIRS A low gray house is set among the firs, And softly night and winter wall it round ; Among its garden-ways no creature stirs, And from its frozen meadows breathes no sound. But ah, within those quiet walls what light ! Lamps globed like mimic moons, and fire- light's glow. And eyes of childhood still with wonder bright Above some fairy record bending low. The mother gazes on the fire and builds Dream's mighty architecture, — Love knows how, — 87 THE HOUSE AMONG THE FIRS And one beside her thinks how firelight gilds Her hair, and shows the splendour of her brow. Keep watch about it, Kindly Powers, and let No evil thing draw nigh that dear abode, — The low gray house of quiet, safely set Among its firs beyond the winding road. \ THE GOOD DAYS Oh do you mind the old days, when life was in its Spring, When every hour had promise, and hope was strong of wing, — The drifting on the river, the singing on the shore. In the good days, the old days, the days that are no more ? The sunrise lights have faded and hearts grown grave since then, And we have worked and wearied in a world of busy men, 89 THE GOOD DAYS Yet Still the magic lingers that wakes the smile and sigh For the good days, the glad days, the days that have gone by. So let us live that these days, in looking back, may prove As rich with happy memories, as bright with constant love, — That we may call them also, when our heads are white like snow, "The good days, the dear days, the days of long ago ! " 90 THE FIELDS OF PEACE Oh, to be out in the wild sweet starry spaces Under the open sky, Your hand in mine, and the soft wind in our faces. To watch the hours go by ; There to be glad as children are glad together, Crowned with a dream of peace. Holding the round world leashed in a golden tether Waiting a word's release ! 91 LOVE'S MESSENGER Take him, oh wind, a dream ! Bid far the city's tumult fade and cease ; Ah lead him softly where the poplars gleam. And wrap his soul in peace. Take him, oh wind, this word. And he shall rise and know the outstretched hand. And follow swiftly as the homing bird To this dear forest-land. 92 VIA AMORIS Up the hill in the faery weather. Over the hill and into the wood, You and I and our dream together Went, and the way was good. Oh, but our hearts were light with loving. Fair around us the wide world spread. Life before us was ours for proving. Doubt was conquered and dead. Now we have known the wintry weather, Loss and sorrow and bitter tears, — You and I and our dream together, — Still we out-brave the years ; 93 VIA AMORIS Still we whisper, the closer leaning, " Golden sunlight or skies of gray, Wild white storm or the sweet woods greening,— Love shall show us the way ! " 94 GRAY DAYS By the lonely river Spring has lost her way, All the willows shiver, All the skies are gray. Softly comes the gloaming, Sighs our cedar-tree ; Now the birds are homing, — Thou art far from me. Here last year together Found we love supreme : Now 'tis gray, gray weather, By the sobbing stream. 95 THE YELLOW ROSE A yellow rose my true love brought With Summer in its petals caught; I look thereon and read his thought. Wishes and fancies half-untold, Dear dreams and longings manifold, Are nestled in its heart of gold. His love is flower, and altar-flame, And magic star without a name. And life is gladness, — since he came. Oh, yellow rose, my yellow rose, Swiftly his whispered word disclose That in your golden bosom glows ! 96 DOVE-GRAY Gray the day, but such a grayness, — Blue-gray, dove-gray, full of peace ; Hushed with Spring, the doubts of Winter Sink and cease. Gray my thoughts, but such a grayness, — Blue-gray, dove-gray, full of rest, Gathered in a holy quiet To thy breast. 97 HOMING My heart is like a homing bird, That flies to thee, to thee, Across the lonely leagues of earth, Across the restless sea. A wandering dove and all forespent It beats against the pane ; Oh open wide the casement, Dear, And take it home again. 98 COMPANIONED Your Thought went with me through the street, The noisy dark unhappy street ; It whispered, — in my ears the sound Shut out the sound of hurrying feet ; It held me Hke a kind close arm. It went before me like a light. And rich and warm and wonderful Grew all the lonely night ! 99 PART II, AVE All the little birds are singing Just to greet so dear a child, Tiny bells of Elfland ringing, Wind-songs waking sweet and wild ; Pale sweet blooms in shadowy places, Flags unfurled from every bough, Baby ferns with crumpled faces, — None so sweet as thou ! 103 NESTS What was wrong, my Sweet, my Elfling ; (Hush while mother croons) Would he be a baby robin Learning birdland runes ? Ah, the wind-songs wake the robins, — Thou, my bird, shalt rest. Watched and sung to, loved and guarded In thy own white nest. Would he be a gentle wee lamb. Following the sheep Through the spruce and blueberry bushes Down the pastured steep ? Ah, the darksome hours would fright thee, Dews make cold thy bed ; 104 NESTS On a warmer, softer pillow Rest that downy head. Would he be a pale May-blossom Under leafy shade, Sung to by the woodland voices. Listening half-afraid ? Tiny feet would scamper by thee. Branches strangely mourn ; You would droop and fade, my May-flower, Lonely and forlorn. Little Bird and Lamb and Flower, Each and all thou art, — Field and nest and shadowed forest Found in mother's heart; True love's eyes bend low above thee Those first smiles to greet. True love's arms are thine for shelter ; Rest thee, oh, my Sweet. I OS SECRETS Coo and croon thy story Close to mother's ear, Murmur all the secrets Wise men long to hear. I will tell you, Dearie, What the woods have told ; Where the first fair adder' s-tongue Lifts its speckled gold ; Where the wee white violet Through the last year's leaves Smiles in baby wonder When the sad wind grieves. 1 06 SECRETS Now, my dear, my wise one, Teach me how to win That enchanted island Far from toil and din. Where there bloom forever. Fadeless and secure. Loves that cannot perish. Friendships that endure. Oh, my dear, my wise one. Crooning like a dove. Still our greatest secret Is always — Love — and Love. 107 DREAMLAND Angel of Dreamland, Come for my sweet; Show him the country Where parted ones meetj The willows of slumber With tassels of gold, The white baby poppies Like lambs in the fold ; The river of Dreamland That sings in its sleep A song for my dearie To learn and to keep ; 1 08 DREAMLAND The bonnie wee palace That's built for our home When into the regions Of wonder we come. Angel of Dreamland, Come for my sweet; Show him the country Where parted ones meet. 109 JOURNEYS So wide is the world, and so many its wonders, We would be voyagers, Baby and I ; Where shall we go in the Hushaby boat, dear. To what fairy country our fortunes to try ? Shall we go to that island far down the blue river Where once the white tents made a city of dream, Where hearts now far-severed were glad all together. With sunrise and sunset, with woodland and stream ? no JOURNEYS Shall we go to the forest, moonlighted, en- chanted. Where Ash-Pet and Rushy-Coat, happy at last. Come wandering by with their brave bonnie princes. And white-bearded gnomes from their castles march past ? Shall we seek for the fair storied land of adven- ture Where good Sir Bors wanders, and brave Galahad, Where the lily-white maid guards her shield in the tower. And tourney and joust make Camelot glad ? Come then on the journey, with mother for pilot, III JOURNEYS My sweet one, my small one ; not long is the way; Close, close those dear eyes that are weary with wonder, — Our boat's at the mooring in Slumberland Bay. 112 WAKING White lambkin, white lambkin, come up from the fold To the dear daylight meadows all spangled with gold; The blue laughing river sings low for thy sake, The robins call softly; — white lambkin, awake ! "3 WHITENESS Dear white bird, into Sleepland fly ; Sunset fades in the tender sky ; Fair is day, but the gloaming's best, And laughter is sweet, but sweeter rest, Dear white bird ! Dear white rose, in your garden set With lad's-love bushes and mignonette. Bend in slumber that tiny head ; Night's best blessings are on you shed. Dear white rose ! Dear white heart, while you softly sleep Watch may angels around you keep ; Happy visions at set of sun Come in dreams to my lovely one, Dear white heart ! 114 THE GARDEN A fairy lamb as white as snow Through all your dreams shall come and go, And you shall follow where he leads Through dusk-deep woods and blossomy meads, To where a little garden stands Laid out for you by fairy hands. Set round with red-coned tamarack — Four walls to keep the great world back — With lovely avenues whose shade By spruce and eglantine is made. With oread ferns in shady spots And shoals of blue forget-me-nots. With rows of crimson hollyhocks. And columbine, and spicy stocks. And other, fairer blossoms, known "5 THE GARDEN To folk of childlike heart alone ; — The yellow lily, whose romance Grew not on any field of France, One white, ethereal immortelle From those lost woods we loved so well. And that Blue Rose whose petals gleam So richly by the paths of dream. Oh, Baby, let your wee hands keep Some flowers, when you come back from sleep ! ii6 GOOD NIGHT Now I have sung thee to sleep, Wonderful treasure of mine ; May the Great Shepherd keep Thee close in the care divine; Under the eyes of love Perfect and pure and deep I lay thee, my lamb, my dove. Safe through the dark to sleep. 117 FAIRY FAVOURS The moon looked in at Hilary And loved her gentle face ; It dowered her with mystery ' Of moonlight grace. The trees looked in at Hilary And heard her plaintive voice ; They whispered : " Little Heart of Dream, Thou shalt rejoice." The golden stars brought Hilary Report of lands unknown, The fairy people welcomed her As half their own. FAIRY FAVOURS Oh, little daughter, Hilary, We too our offering make. Such love as watches day and night For thy dear sake. 119 GUARDED Sleep, my lamb, my dearie ; All the birds are sleeping ; Through the dusky chamber Baby dreams come creeping. Sleep, my star, my flower. Mother rests beside thee. Love keeps watch above us, — How can harm betide thee ? 1 20 VOICES What do the little leaves say to my daughter ? Beautiful, wonderful words, Stories and stories the dryads have taught them, Songs they have learned from the birds. What do the Summer winds say to my daugh- ter? Legends of ages ago, Lullabies sung in the days of the Pharaohs, Secrets the pyramids know. What does the drowsy dusk say to my daugh- ter? " Sleep, sweetly sleep, all night through ; Stars glimmer softly like kind eyes to watch you. Out of the shadowy blue." 121 IN HILARY'S HOUSE In Hilary's house the walls are green, - Her house of tree and vine j Through all the garden-world is seen Its roof of quaint design. The floor of Hilary's house is strewn With shifting sun and shade, The winds about her casement croon A fairy serenade. Oh Autumn, Autumn, come not thou To Hilary's house at all ; Let Summer linger sweet as now. And leaves forget to fall ! 122