Page:The New Penelope.djvu/353

Rh Across that calm, like gales of balm,

Some low, sweet household voices came;

Thrilling, like flute-notes straying out

From land to sea, some stormy night,

The ear that listens for the shout

Of drowning boatmen lost to sight—

And died away, again so soon

The pulseless air seemed fallen in a swoon.

Once pure and clear,

Clarion strains fell on his ear:

The preacher shook the soulless creeds,

And pierced men's hearts with arrowy words,

Yet failed to stir them to good deeds:

Their new-fledged thoughts, like July birds,

Soared on the air and glanced away,

Before the eloquent voice could stay.

"'Tis very sad the man is mad,"

The men and women gaily said;

As they, laughing, thread their homeward road,

Talking of other holidays;

Of last year, how it rained or snowed;

Who went abroad, who wed a blaze

Of diamonds with his shoddy bride,

On certain days—and who had died.

"Would I were dead,

And vexed no more," the Old Year said:

"In vain may the preacher pray and warn;

The tinkling cymbals in your ears

Turn every gracious word to scorn;

Ye care not for the orphan's tears;

Your sides are fed, and your bodies clad

Is there anything heaven itself could add?"