12.

Then, when the wind begins among the vines, So low, so low, what shall it mean but this? “Here is the change beginning, here the lines Circumscribe beauty, set to bliss

The limit time assigns."

13.

Nothing can be as it has been before;
Better, so call it, only not the same.
To draw one beauty into our hearts' core,
And keep it changeless! such our claim ;
So answered,- Never more!

14.

Simple? Why this is the old woe o' the world; Tune, to whose rise and fall we live and die. Rise with it, then! Rejoice that man is hurled From change to change unceasingly.

His soul's wings never furled!

15.

That's a new question; still replies the fact, Nothing endures: the wind moans, saying so; We moan in acquiescence: there 's life's pact, Perhaps probation- do I know?

God does: endure his act!

16.

Only, for man, how bitter not to grave

On his soul's hands' palms one fair, good, wise thing Just as he grasped it! For himself, death's wave;

While time first washes—ah, the sting!—

O'er all he'd sink to save.

VII.

AMONG THE ROCKS.

1.

OH, good, gigantic smile o' the brown old earth,

This autumn morning! How he sets his bones To bask i̇' the sun, and thrusts out knees and feet For the ripple to run over in its mirth;

Listening the while, where on the heap of stones The white breast of the sea-lark twitters sweet.

2.

That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true;

Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows. If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you : Make the low nature better by your throes! Give earth yourself, go up for gain above!

VIII.

BESIDE THE DRAWING-BOARD.

1.

"As like as a Hand to another Hand":" Whoever said that foolish thing,

Could not have studied to understand The counsels of God in fashioning, Out of the infinite love of His heart, This Hand, whose beauty I praise, apart From the world of wonder left to praise, If I tried to learn the other ways

Of love, in its skill, or love, in its power. "As like as a Hand to another Hand": Who said that, never took his stand, Found and followed, like me, an hour The beauty in this, how free, how fine To fear, almost, - of the limit-line!

As I looked at this, and learned and drew, Drew and learned, and looked again, While fast the happy minutes flew,

Its beauty mounted into my brain,
And a fancy seized me; I was fain
To efface my work, begin anew,
Kiss what before I only drew;

Ay, laying the red chalk 'twixt my lips,
With soul to help if the mere lips failed,
I kissed all right where the drawing ailed,
Kissed fast the grace that somehow slips
Still from one's soulless finger-tips.

2.

Go, little girl, with the poor coarse hand! I have my lesson, shall understand.