Page:Songs from the Southern Seas and Other Poems (1873).djvu/62

58 The far-off light upon him, and he cried From that wrecked cabin threshold for a guide To lead him, old and weary, to his own. And surely some kind spirit heard his moan, And led him to the graves where they were laid. The evening found him in the tuads' shade, And like a child at work upon the spot Where they were sleeping, though he knew it not.

Next day the children found him, and they gazed In fear at first, for they were sore amazed To see a man so old they never knew, Whose garb was savage, and whose white hair grew And flowed upon his shoulders; but their awe Was changed to love and pity when they saw The simple work he wrought at; and they came And gathered flowers for him, and asked his name, And laughed at his strange language; and he smiled To hear them laugh, as though himself a child.