Page:Themes and variations (IA themesvariations00wils).pdf/88
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
76
Themes and Variations
ESTHER’S SONG (2).
I know a place where rows of giant pines
By nature’s hand were planted long ago;
Their ruddy boles in long unbroken lines
Scenting with sandal-wood the path below.
By nature’s hand were planted long ago;
Their ruddy boles in long unbroken lines
Scenting with sandal-wood the path below.
Sometimes the long light spangles all the glade,
And gilds the turf with tremulous filigrees—
Sunshine entangled in a net of shade—
That moves with every movement of the trees.
And gilds the turf with tremulous filigrees—
Sunshine entangled in a net of shade—
That moves with every movement of the trees.
Three centuries, in these dim, cloistered lines,
They have stood waiting on the forest floor;
Their branches hung with rigging of dead vines,
Like ships deserted on a weary shore.
They have stood waiting on the forest floor;
Their branches hung with rigging of dead vines,
Like ships deserted on a weary shore.
The blinded light, the verdurous atmasphere,
The ever-wandering whisper of the breeze,
Will solace me. My footsteps almost fear
To break this endless Sabbath of the trees.
The ever-wandering whisper of the breeze,
Will solace me. My footsteps almost fear
To break this endless Sabbath of the trees.
Give me your counsel, melancholy friends!
Bend, bend your branches over me and hear!
Show me the bourne to which my pathway tends,
And lend me something of your solemn cheer.
Bend, bend your branches over me and hear!
Show me the bourne to which my pathway tends,
And lend me something of your solemn cheer.