Page:The roamer and other poems (1920).djvu/136

126 To the rude altar. "Peace go with you, friend,"

He said, "who bringest gentle tidings here

Of unknown scriptures in the book of time!

Fair be your journey, sweet your last repose!"

And, as if fascinated, saw him go

O'er the bright sand, as at the spirit's call.

Wonderful was the scene through which then moved

The Roamer, compassed by horizons free,

By high clouds hung, and swept by sunburst lights

That traveled the vast round—a virgin world,

Still shining from the great Creator's hand,

Fresh from the infinite that yet abode

In all its features; sky and wind and sun

The impress of the eternal presence bore

Wherefrom it issued, clothed in light and life,

From the foundation of the world prepared

The soul's wide mansion; awe illimitable

Of power, unsensed but felt, upon him stole

From the great scene, dune rolling beyond dune;

And like a solitary bark at sea

Far out from land, he seemed unto himself;

And, imaged in his breast, the solemn sight

Filled his lone thought, and fashioned forth his words.

"What signify," he said, "cerulean walls,