Page:Marlborough and other poems, Sorley, 1919.djvu/99

 XXXVI

not brought my Odyssey

With me here across the sea;

But you'll remember, when I say

How, when they went down Sparta way,

To sandy Sparta, long ere dawn

Horses were harnessed, rations drawn,

Equipment polished sparkling bright,

And breakfasts swallowed (as the white

Of Eastern heavens turned to gold)—

The dogs barked, swift farewells were told.

The sun springs up, the horses neigh,

Crackles the whip thrice—then away!

From sun-go-up to sun-go-down

All day across the sandy down

The gallant horses galloped, till

The wind across the downs more chill

Blew, the sun sank and all the road

Was darkened, that it only showed

Right at the end the town's red light

And twilight glimmering into night.

The horses never slackened till

They reached the doorway and stood still.

Then came the knock, the unlading; then

The honey-sweet converse of men, 81