Part 3

Into the soft mist the fishing-boats go, As silent as moonlight, as silent as snow; Just where the pale sea melts into the sky, Silver-grey birds of the autumn, they fly Slowly and smoothly and statelily past Till their wide pinions are hidden at last.

From the high rock whence I watch on the hill Down to the sea, all is muffled and still. Never a leaflet stirs soft overhead, Everything living is frozen or fled, Fled through the mist to more wonderful things.... Am I the only soul left without wings?

PENZANCE.

SORROW

My Sorrow, O my Sorrow, when first you came to rest Crouched huddling on my hearthstone, I held you to my breast And cuddled and caressed you, and rocked you o’er and o’er-- My Sorrow like a baby that creeps upon the floor!

I showed you to my neighbours, I made you rhymes to sing, For I was proud to own you, the delicate small thing; And so I nursed you always, till you are grown to-day, My Sorrow, like a tiger tense-crouching for his prey.

Yea, silently and swiftly, my Sorrow, you have grown Till you are waxed so dreadful I dare not be alone-- Alone I dare not face you, lest I be slain outright-- I pray you, monster Sorrow, to sheathe your claws to-night!

SEAGULL

O that these words of mine, Leaden and dull, Shone as your feathers shine, Swift-racing gull;

Sped like your arrow-flight, Flashing between All the wide heaven’s light And the waves’ green!

Is it the wind’s caress Bears you along, Your white wings motionless, Delicate, strong?

No, in a moment more Down the steep air You shoot and whirl and soar, Effortless there.

Facing the wind you go, Splendid and free, Dark on the sky you show, White on the sea.

Now to the waves you swoop, Snatch at your prey-- Smoothly you pause and stoop, And are away,

While the sea’s rage is spent Leaping at you, Who make high merriment Up in the blue.

Then to her calming breast That pulses still You will come down to rest At your wild will.

O for the shining word Swift as the light, Showing you, gladdest bird, Angel of flight!

THE TEMPLE PRESS, PRINTERS, LETCHWORTH