University of Virginia Library

Search this document 

220

ABOVE THE VALES

We went by ways of bygone days,
Up mountain heights of story,
Where, lost in vague, historic haze,
Tradition, crowned with battle-bays,
Sat 'mid her ruins hoary.
Where, wing to wing, the eagles cling
And torrents have their sources,
War rose with bugle voice to sing
Of woods of spears and swords a-swing,
And rush of men and horses.
Then deep below, where orchards show
A home here, there a steeple,
We heard a simple shepherd go,
Singing,—within the afterglow,—
A love-song of the people.

221

As 'mid the trees his song did cease,
With voice most sweet and holy,
Peace,—'mid the cornlands of increase
And rose-beds of love's victories,—
Took up his music lowly.