In Cornwall and Across the Sea With Poems Written in Devonshire. By Douglas B. W. Sladen |
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 | In Cornwall and Across the Sea |  |
127
GUARDAFUI.
Written off Guardafui.
A week ago, we left the verdant shore
Of Asia's pendent jewel, Taprobane,
Palm-shaded to the margin of the main
And with rich fruits and foliage teeming o'er.
To-day we stand at Afric's Eastern door,
Thee, Guardafui, home of the hurricane
And heat and mist, whose grim slopes entertain
No single leaf. Thou seemest evermore
Like a huge giant, watching the approach
To Egypt's treasures, suddenly transformed
By Genies, whom thou lettedst not encroach
Upon thy trust, into a stone, yet warmed,
With faithful rage, whenever ships intrude
Upon thy once scarce broken solitude.
| In Cornwall and Across the Sea | |