University of Virginia Library

WIND OF THE IRON PEAKS.

Wind of the iron peaks, wind of the northern sky
Bearing the word that speaks out of Eternity;
Blown through the ages down with the old hero breath,
Fashioning ripe renown, mingled of life and death;
Wrapt in the sheeted foam written on keels, that proud
Wrestle with thee and roam under the belied cloud!
Come, be my playmate yet, carry me in thine arms
High above snares that fret bosoms with silken charms;
Mix me with thee and make strong as thy stubborn feet,
Shadow me round and shake rudely in rapture sweet;
Strike with that stinging goad, till I become a part
Now of thy rugged road and of thy stormy heart.
Wander with thee I must, here on the hoary mount
Kindling my faded trust, there at the flashing fount;
Thus I renew the springs ebbing in me, and fly
Forth upon fairer wings large as thy liberty;
Thus out of leaping flood churned by thy path, I gain
Life for re-leavened blood, glory of pleasant pain.
Then in the yellow land, where the red lichens rest
Painted by autumn's hand, gather me to thy breast;

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Rock me in troubled sleep, pouring about my bed
Grace from the Unknown Deep which thy own circuits tread;
So that my utter need, drinking thy gusts, may grow
Crowned to some loftier deed, feeling thee through me flow.