Poems by Jean Ingelow, In Two Volumes, Volume I. by Jean Ingelow
page 38 of 413 (09%)
page 38 of 413 (09%)
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That in a golden mesh of HIS callow eaglets sleep.
"Men must die when all is said, e'en the kite and glead know it, And the lad's father knew it, and the lad, the lad too; It was never kept a secret, waters bring it and winds blow it, And he met it on the mountain--why then make ado?" With that he spread his white wings, and swept across the water, Lit upon the hooded head, and it and all went down; And they laughed as they went under, and I woke, "the old man's daughter." And looked across the slope of grass, and at Cromer town. And I said, "Is that the sky, all gray and silver-suited?" And I thought, "Is that the sea that lies so white and wan? I have dreamed as I remember: give me time--I was reputed Once to have a steady courage--O, I fear 'tis gone!" And I said, "Is this my heart? if it be, low 'tis beating So he lies on the mountain, hard by the eagles' brood; I have had a dream this evening, while the white and gold were fleeting, But I need not, need not tell it--where would be the good? "Where would be the good to them, his father and his mother? For the ghost of their dead hope appeareth to them still. While a lonely watch-fire smoulders, who its dying red would smother, That gives what little light there is to a darksome hill?" I rose up, I made no moan, I did not cry nor falter, But slowly in the twilight I came to Cromer town. What can wringing of the hands do that which is ordained to alter? |
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