Page:The poems of Edmund Clarence Stedman, 1908.djvu/236

POEMS OF OCCASION On the deep hearth-stone gladdens as of old,

And there is cheer, as ever in that place,

How shall our utmost nearing close the gap

Known, but till then scarce measured? Or what light

Of cheer for us, his gracious presence gone,

His speech delayed, till none shall fail to miss

That halting voice, yet sure, speaking, it seemed

The one apt word? For well the painter knew

Art's alchemy and law; her nobleness

Was in his soul, her wisdom in his speech,

And loyalty was housed in that true heart,

Gentle yet strong, and yielding not one whit

Of right or purpose. Now, not more afar

The light of last year's Yule fire than the smile

Of Gifford, nor more irreclaimable

Its vapor mingled with the wintry air.

1880.

J. G. H.

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