I could not know the message that he I HEAR the bells at eventide Peal slowly one by one, Near and far off they break and glide, Across the stream float faintly beautiful The antiphonal bells of Hull; The day is done, done, done, The day is done. Gilbert Parker SONNETS FROM "A LOVER'S DIARY" LOVE'S OUTSET As one would stand who saw a sudden light Flood down the world, and so encompass him, And in that world illumined Seraphim Brooded above and gladdened to his sight; So stand I in the flame of one great thought, That broadens to my soul from where she waits, Who, yesterday, drew wide the inner gates Of all my being to the hopes I sought. INVINCIBLE ENVOY WHY, let them rail! God's full anointed ones Have heard the world exclaim, "We know you not!" They who by their soul's travailing have brought Us nearer to the wonder of the suns. The wire that flashes lightning to the ground So, men may strike quick stabs at Cæsar's worth, They only make his life an endless force, 'Scaped from its penthouse, flashing through the earth, And whelming those who railed about his corse. Men's moods disturb not those born truly great: They know their end; they can afford to wait. WHEN you and I have played the little hour, Have seen the tall subaltern Life to Death Yield up his sword; and, smiling, draw the breath, The first long breath of freedom; when the flower Of Recompense hath fluttered to our feet, As to an actor's; and the curtain down, Clasped hands, pressed lips, and so clasped hands again; No words. But as the proud wind fills the sail, My love to yours shall reach, then one deep moan Of joy; and then our infinite Alone. |