University of Virginia Library

previous section Sonnets Round the Coast
next section
29

IX. AT THE LIZARD.

Here first the south wind brings her gift of flowers,
Here last about the cliffs the swallows play,
Yet neither bird nor flower for long can stay
Forth driven by the inhospitable hours.
But Hope remains, and here she builds her towers,
More durable than granite, bearded grey,
Expectant of the bark that passed away
From dawn to noon, from noon till night-time lowers.
Her stout heart dies not with the dwindling sail,
She soonest sees the rising vessel come,
The storm winds burst, black skies and ocean meet,
Her voice of prayer is heard above the gale,
And, when the dead are laid about her feet,
She murmurs, “Lo the loved one steers for home.”
previous section Sonnets Round the Coast
next section