Page:A midsummer holiday and other poems (IA midsummerholiday00swin).pdf/92

 Hardly the breadth of a few brief paces, Hardly the length of a strong man's stride, The small court flower-lit with children's faces Scarce held scope for a bird to hide. Yet here was a man's brood reared and hidden Between the rocks and the towers and the foam, Where peril and pity and peace were bidden As guests to the same sure home.

Here would pity keep watch for peril, And surety comfort his heart with peace. No flower save one, where the reefs lie sterile, Gave of the seed of its heart's increase. Pity and surety and peace most lowly Were the root and the stem and the bloom of the flower: And the light and the breath of the buds kept holy That maid's else blossomless bower.