University of Virginia Library


98

SONNET XXV. “SOMETHING WAS WANTING.”

Though the sun slept upon the yellow sand,
And though the ferns waved idly in the breeze,
And though the green resplendent sun-kissed trees
Lifted tall gracious heads on either hand,—
And though the purple heather filled the land,
And the pine-odour wafted o'er the leas
Seemed softer than the salt strong scent of seas,—
I felt a pain I could not understand.
Something was wanting.—Then I climbed a hill
And the blue Brighton downs beneath their haze
Stretched far before me. With one wild soul-thrill
And one long eager tearful burning gaze
I yearned towards these, and felt my heart grow still:
Then turned again to the green woodland ways.