Of bracken, whin, and sweet bell-heather,
And knew the joy of gold gorse feather
Flaming like love in wintriest weather, 20
While snug below, in sun and snow,
It heard the beat of the padding feet
Of foal and dam, and ewe and lamb,
And the stamp of old bell-wether;—
Within the coal,

Where forests lie entombed,

Oak, elm, and chestnut, beech, and red pine bole;

God shrined His sunshine, and enwombed For you these stores of light and heat, Your life-joys to complete.

30

These all have died that you might live;
Yours now the high prerogative
To loose their long captivities,

And through these new activities

A wider life to give.

Kneel always when you light a fire!
Kneel reverently,

And grateful be

For God's unfailing charity!

(1918)

THE DAWN OF PEACE

ALFRED NOYES

[This poem, written before the Great War of 1914-1918, seemed during the years of that struggle to represent a forgotten hope; yet the editor had intended to print it at the close of this volume, even if the volume had appeared while the war still went on, as a prophecy of the day toward which humanity continues to strive.]

Yes-"on our brows we feel the breath

Of dawn," though in the night we wait! An arrow is in the heart of Death,

A God is at the doors of Fate! The spirit that moved upon the Deep Is moving through the minds of men: The nations feel it in their sleep,

A change has touched their dreams again.

Beating the shores of Europe?—hark! Then-if ye will-uplift your word Of cynic wisdom! Once again Tell us He came to bring a sword,Tell us He lived and died in vain.