Page:Aurora Australis.djvu/136

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AURORA AUSTRALIS.

They, weary, wayworn, and sleepless, through the long withering night,

Grimly clung to your iron sides till with laggard Dawn came the light:

Both heart and brain upheld them, till the long-drawn strain was o’er,

Victors then on your crown they stood and gazed at the Western Shore;

The distant glory of that land in broad splendour lay unrolled,

With icefield, cape, and mountain height, flame rose in a sea of gold.

Oh! Herald of returning Suns to the waiting lands below;

Beacon to their home-seeking feet, far across the Southern snow.

In the Northland in the years to be, pale Winter’s first white sign

Will turn again their thoughts to thee, and the glamour that is thine.

NEMO.