Part 1

THE BUSH FIRE

_AND OTHER VERSES_

THE BUSH FIRE

_AND OTHER VERSES_

BY

IDA LEE

_SECOND EDITION_

LONDON SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON & COMPANY _Limited_ St. Dunstan’s House FETTER LANE, FLEET STREET, E.C. 1897

LONDON: PRINTED BY GILBERT AND RIVINGTON, I.D., ST. JOHN’S HOUSE, CLERKENWELL ROAD, E.C.

TO MY

FATHER AND MOTHER

CONTENTS.

PAGE

THE BUSH FIRE 1

BILL, THE GROOM 4

WHITE SEA HORSES 10

SUFFOLK 13

THE FISH-GIRL’S SONG 18

PHANTOMS OF THE SEA 20

THE WATER FROG 23

THE FOREST KING’S LAMENT 25

THE DROVER’S VISION 30

THE HOMESTEAD 34

THE BUSHMAN’S WOOING 44

THE VIOLET’S MESSAGE 49

TO A FAR DISTANT FRIEND 52

THE PROMISE 54

WHERE LILIES GROW 57

NATURE’S LESSONS 59

THE BUSH FIRE.

STOCKMAN (_Loq._).

Wake up, boy! the grass is burning; See the glare across the hill! Flames are nearing the “Flat Paddock,” And the sheep are in there still. Dark you say! Yes, so I think it, Tho’ I see the field of corn; But the lights which flicker thro’ it Are not those we see at dawn. Mount the Arab! Take wet sacking! Wet it must be, mind, not dry; We must save the master’s cattle, If we perish while we try.

Ride on faster, you are younger, Tie your horse to yonder tree, Break some overhanging branches One for you and one for me. Face the fire and do not shirk it, Never mind the smoke and heat; Do not heed the dead wood cracking, Or the sparks beneath your feet. Beat and blind them, crush and kill them, Till their blackened embers lie Stark in ashes, and around you, One by one in darkness die.

See the blaze is growing greater, Now it runs with many a leap To where stand the tall white gum trees, In whose limbs the parrots sleep,-- Throws its fiery arms around them; Every bird in terror flies From its home in grief forsaken, Shrieking harsh unearthly cries. Will the wind not turn to Westward, Or those great black clouds drop rain? There was thunder! no, I doubt it, But do listen once again.

Now I hear the poor sheep bleating, How they gaze from out the gloom, Like the stake-bound men we read of Who have died the martyr’s doom. Just this moment they were rushing Thro’ the scrub down to the plain, Parch’d and weary. Now returning, They seek refuge here again.

* * * * *

It was thunder! It is raining, For the cinders, hot and red, Hiss, as cool drops fall upon them Through the branches overhead.

Sweetly blows the yellow wattle ’Cross the road and up the lane, But to me the scent is sweetest Of the damp and moist’ning rain. How it plays upon the firewood, With a pattering ceaseless sound, Like some grand and glorious music Sent to soothe the saddened ground. Take my arm, boy! I feel blinded! ’Tis with joy from such a sight. Lead me home. I will thank God there For His love to me to-night.

_“The Bush Fire” appeared in “The Sydney Mail” (Christmas Number), December 19th, 1896._

BILL, THE GROOM.

The lights burn in the stable, and I stand in the yard, Yet thro’ the open window I hear him breathing hard; They watch the bed in silence where Bill the groom lies still, For Bill the groom is surely fast going down the hill. ’Twas only yestereven, he made a solemn vow To catch and ride the chestnut; she stands outside there now, While he lies crushed and helpless upon a bed of pain; He will not see the sunset behind “The Ridge” again. The chestnut’s free and easy, a trifle too thin-skinned, I know she isn’t faultless, though sound in limb and wind; But I thought she’d give no trouble, for Bill said he could ride,-- Australian-born he was not, he came from t’other side. The young ones like to tell us the way they do things there, And tho’ I always listen (you know that’s only fair), I wonder what would happen on those great spread-out plains, If when I rode “The Nigger,” I let hang loose his reins.

When Bill first said he’d ride her, I think I did say “no,” We told him all about her, the way that she would go, That she had bucked and thrown us whene’er she’d got the chance. Bill leaped the fence and caught her, she led him such a dance! He put the saddle on her, it was not nearly tight, I ran across and fixed it,--and he rode out of sight. The hay-shed hid them from me, I watched them ’long the fence, The mare then walked so quietly, I thought she’d learnt some sense; I know he’d got his stirrups, and held the reins quite straight, And sat his saddle firmly as he went out the gate. I went and fed his horses, and forked their straw all round, Then something seemed to whisper that Bill was on the ground; I thought I heard him calling, but when I raised his head His face was white and fainting, he looked to me quite dead. I don’t know how it happened; but there! my eyes grow dim, I helped him mount the chestnut,--and she dealt his death to him.

We brought him in and laid him upon his bed to rest, And night and day we’ve waited, just hoping for the best, And done our utmost for him--the family are away,-- The doctor says he cannot see out another day; Tho’ living’s mostly trouble, my life I’m sure I’d give, If I could bring back yesterday, and let poor Billy live. He’s waking now, they tell me, but not for long, poor lad, If he but had his mother, ’twould make his end less sad.

For years they have been parted, yet strange enough it seems, Last night she came in spirit to calm his troubled dreams. They say she is in England, across the ocean blue: I know she here was watching her boy the long night through. Don’t say it all was fancy! I’m not a bushman raw; Bill saw her when she entered, first in the open door, He followed every footstep until she reached his bed, And caught her hand and held it, as she stroked his tired head. And when she rose to leave us, the light, a narrow streak, Crept underneath the windows, and tears stole down her cheek; Her face was drooping lowly, it looked so pained and sad, As once her glances rested upon the sleeping lad.

* * * * *

He asks about his horses, and wants to bid good-bye To “Colonel” and to “Captain,” to “Mill” and “Marjorie,” And even to the chestnut! he says it was his fault, She only bucked just once or twice, and when she seemed to halt, He pulled against the bridle, then up she reared in air And fell right over on him--he lay beneath her there. Come, wheel his bed among them and turn them in their stalls, ’Tis hard if he can’t see them before his strength quite falls.

They seem to know he’s going--they lick his outstretched hand, And as he speaks they whinny, the sight is really grand! But when he sees the chestnut (for in the door she stood), I never thought a youngster could be one half as good, He pats her, and he pets her, and strokes her bright red mane; The beast I’m sure is sorry she’s caused him all this pain (I do believe I’m crying, tho’ Bill wears such a smile, He hardly could be wicked with a face so free from guile).

And there, among the horses, he said he heard a call, Tho’ everyone kept silent and solemn thro’ it all. His voice once broke the stillness, “That’s not the stable bell? The angels call me, mother!”--I caught him as he fell; We did not try to raise him; I saw it was no use; The horses they were standing, with halters swinging loose, To watch our every movement: we took his bed inside, And now I know they’re grieving because poor Bill has died.

WHITE SEA HORSES.

Glad sea horses! Sad sea horses! Rear the head, and toss the mane, Spread out wide in bands together. Face the boundless deep again! Grand white horses! Stand, white horses! Just one moment calm and still, In the bright and sparkling sunshine! None would dream your wrath would kill.

Great sea horses! Stately horses! When you gallop still be kind: Where is strength to curb your fury, Where are reins your mouths to bind? Urging onward, surging onward, Wild your onset, fierce and free! Proudly rides a ship to battle O’er the line ’twixt sky and sea.

Wait, white horses! Bait, white horses! While you don those trappings new; Now your noble chests are wrapt in Sumptuous folds of green-fringed blue. Tall white horses! Small white horses! Can it be in peace or war, Thus you madly race the ocean Till you reach the sand-strewn bar?

Champing horses! Ramping horses! Mid the roaring, mid the noise, Ere your fetlocks churn the billows, Proudly they uplifted poise. Darting horses! Parting horses! They have broken loose away, Flinging far behind their traces, As they plunge among the spray!

Racing horses! Pacing horses! When you speed with foam-shod feet, Does, unseen, some ghost or spirit Prick your flanks with spurrings fleet? Vain sea horses! Strain, sea horses, With the sinews you possess, Dashing high, above the waters, Heads which never knew distress!

Fighting horses! Biting horses! Open mouths and nostrils wide, Arching necks and tangled forelocks, Snapping jaws on either side. Fierce wild horses! Pierce wild horses! As the ship doth glide along, They have struck athwart the bulwarks Blow on blow, dealt loud and strong.

Mad white horses! Bad white horses! Has the vessel spoilt your chase? How you turn aside to lash it, In a passionate embrace! Splashing horses! Crashing horses! Soon you frolic left and right, Angels guard storm-beaten sailors Who encounter you to-night!

SUFFOLK.

AN EVENING IN AUTUMN.

Gray shadows speed the fading day, And creeping mists assert their sway; They rise arrayed in varied hue, From sober black to faintest blue, As smoke mounts o’er a slumbering fire, Or lingers round some funeral pyre. Across the fields and in the wood, Where pheasant nestles o’er her brood, No sound is heard; the lifeless trees Scarce move their branches in the breeze, And fallen leaves lie curled and damp Where glow-worm shows his tiny lamp. Soon too with day the shadowed light Will folded sleep, in arms of night. Upon the marsh and up the hill Wild rabbits scamper with a will. The crimson sun so warm and red Now sunken lies, in regal bed, And tinted clouds float gently by, Like rose-leaves o’er a painted sky. The bending river wends its way, Through meadows green where oxen stray; It stretches out its lengthy arm, Which twists and turns past heath and farm. Here, wild fowl often make their nest, And plover, too, with golden crest, From off its banks will fly or run Amid the reeds at setting sun. The village wrapt in sweet content Reviews, ere night, the day well spent; And cotters lean without their door To talk with friends the season o’er. Beyond the sward, smooth lies the beach Whence mighty waters onward reach, And to the shore still rippling send Sweet murmurings that do not end. So softly do the wavelets move, They seem to breathe but words of love As if they feared or trembled, lest They hurt one shell upon its breast; Or cast one pebble on the sand, Lest it should know their strength of hand. Thus fades the day before my sight While nature waits the coming night.

MORNING.

Dark broke the daylight, cold and gray, And sea-birds flecked the foaming spray, Above the deep. The waves now dashed, And rolling huge, so heavily lashed Their watery fleece against the strand. But yesterday, with loving hand, They laved its face with warm caress, And softly on its cheek did press. The glowing sun, which blessed that day, Now frowning clouds hid far away. No tinted rays could burst the veil, Which falling thick in showers of hail, And stinging sleet, that blew so fierce, The smallest floweret seemed to pierce; And tossed aside the golden sheaf, Or cut like steel each tiny leaf. The breeze arose, but not to jest, Or soothe those fears which breathe unrest; It sprang up strong--not lightly gay-- Nor deigned with one rose-leaf to play; But rushing madly to the wood, Uprooted trees as there they stood, Then threw them down among the gorse, And crushed the ferns with cruel force. When, whistling by the sea-girt dale, It caused the fisherwife to pale; And made the worn-out rafters quake, The sleepers suddenly awake. The busy smacksmen set their sail, And trim their boats to ride the gale; While aged seamen creep in sight To glean the dangers of the night. They long to join the gallant band, Though wan of face and weak of hand, And gaze upon the angry sea, Which stirs the fading memory To bring some peril past to each, A lesson new, their age to teach, When walking back to humble cot, Each ache and ailment is forgot. And in their homes the threadbare tale Of wreck and rescue will not fail The hours to enliven thro’ the day, And chase aside the shadows gray, Which, round their lives’ uncertain sea, Now deepen where the warnings be Of one last voyage which must be made Ere sailings be for ever stayed.

NOON.

At noon’s sweet hour came peace once more, Wide open Nature laid her store Of fragrant flowers--the birds sang gay, To blot the sins of dawn away. The sea herself, though foaming still, Acknowledged then a stronger will, Altho’ at night the mourner’s tear Fell thick and fast. Yet ever here Tears dew the sorrow-stricken eyes, While grief sits by to foster sighs. Men only learn in Heaven above The wisdom of our Father’s love.

THE FISH-GIRL’S SONG.

Clang! Clang! Clang! I set my basket down; The bells hang high in the belfry tower, And tell the folk ’tis the evening hour, Through in and out the town.

Clang! Clang! Clang! O hush my wooden shoon! When gently I swing the sacred door, And kneel me down on the marble floor To beg a heavenly boon.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Be silent, wooden shoon; And cease your noise while I say my prayers, When vespers soar through the winding stairs, Up to the lonely moon.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Good things all end too soon; I bow the knee as I say good-bye, To holy place, with its spire on high: Such restless wooden shoon!

Clang! Clang! Clang! Work, morning, night and noon; For daily bread, and for nightly rest! My heart is cheered and my soul is blest, Ring out, O wooden shoon!

PHANTOMS OF THE SEA.

Black phantoms gather o’er the sea, And move in groups mysteriously; With shears in hand they watching wait. The night grows old; the hour is late; The ocean foams with angry glee, Its waters roll tempestuously, And dash the white salt-spangled spray Against the rocks, in rudest play.

The glimmering light around, below, A sad wan face there fain would show; But darkness claims the night’s last hour, Enchaining it with mystic power. In rugged outlines where they stand, Tall, spectral cliffs shut out the land, And shelter lend those forms who creep On evil wings above the deep.

All noiselessly, with one consent, Their work but on one object bent, They carry out a sovereign will, And never rest, and ne’er are still. They look like beings who frequent A nether world--their time is spent In weaving sorrow, grief, and pain For those who sail the boundless main.

Quite unaware, from out the night, A ship glides forth so tall and white Amid the darkness. Straightway she Steers headlong to Eternity. The vessel bears across the deep A freight, who all unconscious sleep. Gray gloom hath topped each frowning height Which rising phantoms hide from sight; With outstretched hands in air they loom, The ship to beckon to its doom. But no, not yet; ’tis not to be; Thou’rt cheated! Look, thou angry sea! Above the heights, there doth appear A form, upholding high a spear Of sparkling light! It is the morn! The night is dead! The day is born! “Begone!” she cries, her hand she rears; “Bend low your heads, let fall your shears! Away, you evil-meaning bands! Aye! Hide your faces in your hands. Together link yourselves and flee, And leave the brave in peace with me.”

The ship is stayed. The helm they turn, While sailors’ hearts within them burn To see the rocks, the seething foam, The whirlpool eddying round its home, And giant cliffs so near at hand. A treacherous path those spirits planned, To lead them onward to their doom. There soon they must have found a tomb, Had not the morning’s early light Reclaimed them from the clutch of night.

THE WATER FROG.

I wander far by bank and stream, Then paddle back thro’ wave and foam, Cross pebble stones, where waters leap; A froth-clad doorway hides my home. ’Neath fern leaves’ shade I gently dream, While circling weeds around me throng; The restless waters softly flow, Their babbling sounds like some sweet song.

When stronger grows the northern breeze, The driven stream with noisy roar, Blown foremost by the boisterous wind, Bursts headlong thro’ my shivered door. A twisted twig I hop or climb, ’Tis maddening pace at times we ride; First, twirling gaily round in air, Then smoothly on the waters glide.

Great frowning rocks above look down: With scornful glance they watch my glee, Aloud I croak, and broadly smile. What matter if they angry be? Our fleeting life is far too short, Tho’ merry as it well can be; The good, together with the bad, Can sweeten still this world for me.

And when I reach my cosy home, The bubbling waters shout “Hurrah,” And hurrying onward, tell the tale To other streams both near and far; How I have braved the tempest’s din. And now beneath the lofty pine, While angry thunders make reply, In sweet contentment I recline.

THE FOREST KING’S LAMENT.

Where linger the people I once called my own? In depths of the forest I stand here alone; Where waits my beloved one, my queen and my bride? ’Twas seldom she wandered thus far from my side. I hear not, I see not the world where they live; No day-dream reveals it, or comfort will give To passionate longing; hope dies in the heart Of man when he dwells from his fellows apart. With weary complaining I question again; ’Mid rivers and mountains I hear a refrain From cliff to the valley seem clearly to ring-- “Alone in thy kingdom where once thou wert king!”

From over wide seas the white chieftains had come To rest in our mountains and claim our dear home; ’Twas morn in the vale when we rose up to fight, ’Twas darker than darkness, that fell ere the night. Our farewells were short, as thro’ thicket we sprang, All armed with sharp spears and the curved boomerang; My people loud shouted their battle-cry old, A quick answer came, by the bullet soon told! I prayed as I fell, “May I speedily die With those who, around me, now silently lie Like reeds in a tempest, struck low by the rain, Who never to life will awaken again!”

I dragged myself back, yet scarce knew it was day, Or if any escaped from the heat of the fray; No voice there I heard, not a sigh, not a sound, As fainting, I lay on the grass-trodden ground. But morning brought life, and the noonday gave strength, The day slowly passed, and with evening at length (Kind Nature had nourished my famishing frame) I found I could rise, though enfeebled and lame. Though why should I value that newly found breath? For bitter is life to me, sweeter is death, And if I felt sure I should find them at last, With joy would I join those true friends of the past.

I’ve sought the deep hollows, the gorge, and ravine, From mallee to plain not a creature is seen. White chieftains have journeyed and left me to rest, They scour all the country from east to the west. Alone in my camp, now, when fadeth the day, I sit in the firelight the lizard to flay; Tho’ nights are as fine as were those we could choose To dance the corroboree, feast or carouse Around the bush fire piled with myall and pine, And box, red and white, or the cedar-wood fine! Once danced we the war-dance from dark till the dawn, And stayed not to rest until sunlight was born.

Warm sunshine still plays among myriad leaves, Where silver-like thread the tarantula weaves; I see thro’ the green the bright web he hath spun, And kingfishers dazzling the light of the sun; From nests in the banks quick they flash in and out. While jackass sits laughing with comical shout ’Mid branches o’erhead, wearing plumage of brown, The river beneath floweth steadily down. Thus murmuring, the ripples bring tears to my eye, They sound like the tones of my loved one’s reply; I turn right away, just to stifle the pain Of knowing she never will hear them again.

Alone on the marshes the water-hens float, With cresses and rushes surrounding their throat, They pluck at the circles of mud-coloured slime, Which harden and bake in the summer’s sweet time. If water be scarce, or if river run dry, There sandpiper, too, on occasion will hie, And heron or pelican often be seen, Food patiently seeking in silence serene. At times I do wonder if haply they know What power has arisen my sway to o’erthrow?-- What memories they stir! When they rise on the wing I dream of the days when I reigned here as king.