THE DYING SWAN. 1. THE plain was grassy, wild and bare, An under-roof of doleful gray. And loudly did lament. And took the reed-tops as it went. 5 10 2. Some blue peaks in the distance rose, One willow over the river wept, And shook the wave as the wind did sigh; Above in the wind was the swallow, 20 Chasing itself at its own wild will, Shot over with purple, and green, and yellow. 3. The wild swan's death-hymn took the soul Hidden in sorrow: at first to the ear The warble was low, and full and clear; 25 And floating about the under-sky, Prevailing in weakness, the coronach stole 30 Flow'd forth on a carol free and bold; With shawms, and with cymbals, and harps of gold, Thro' the open gates of the city afar, 35 To the shepherd who watcheth the evening star. And the creeping mosses and clambering weeds, And the willow-branches hoar and dank, And the wavy swell of the soughing reeds, A DIRGE. 1. Now is done thy long day's work; Fold thine arms, turn to thy rest. Let them rave. Shadows of the silver birk Sweep the green that folds thy grave. 2. Thee nor carketh care nor slander; Let them rave. Light and shadow ever wander 5 10 E 3. 5 Thou wilt not turn upon thy bed; Thou wilt never raise thine head 20 From the green that folds thy grave. Let them rave. 25 4. Crocodiles wept tears for thee; Drip sweeter dews than traitor's tear. Rain makes music in the tree O'er the green that folds thy grave. Let them rave. 5. Round thee blow, self-pleached deep, Jo Bramble-roses, faint and pale, 35 These in Let them rave. every shower creep Thro' the green that folds thy grave. Let them rave. 6. The gold-eyed kingcups fine; The frail bluebell peereth over Kings have no such couch as thine, 40 7. Wild words wander here and there; God's great gift of speech abused But let them rave. The balm-cricket carols clear In the green that folds thy grave. Let them rave. 45 |