THE DEATH OF SIR JOHN FRANKLIN
Mere recollection of all dearer things.
Slight words they used to say, slight work to do,
When every day was more than many springs,
And the strong April moved at heart, and made
Sweet mock at fortune and the seat of kings;
The naked sea and the bare lengths of land
And all the years that fade and grow and fade
Were pleasant years for them to live upon,
And time's gold raiment was not rent nor frayed;
But now they know not if such things be done,
Nor how the old ways and old places fare,
Nor whether there be change in the glad sun,
Defect and loss in all the fragrant air,
New feet are in the waymarks of their feet,
The bitter savour of remembered sweet
No doubt did touch their lips in some sharp guise,
No doubt the pain of thought and fever-heat
Put passion in the patience of their eyes.
Slight words they used to say, slight work to do,
When every day was more than many springs,
And the strong April moved at heart, and made
Sweet mock at fortune and the seat of kings;
The naked sea and the bare lengths of land
And all the years that fade and grow and fade
Were pleasant years for them to live upon,
And time's gold raiment was not rent nor frayed;
But now they know not if such things be done,
Nor how the old ways and old places fare,
Nor whether there be change in the glad sun,
Defect and loss in all the fragrant air,
New feet are in the waymarks of their feet,
The bitter savour of remembered sweet
No doubt did touch their lips in some sharp guise,
No doubt the pain of thought and fever-heat
Put passion in the patience of their eyes.
IX
Yet in the edge and keenest nerve of pain,—
For such no comfort ever wholly dies,—
And as hurt patience healed and grew again,
This knowledge came, that neither land nor life
Nor all soft things whereof the will is fain
Nor love of friends nor wedded faith of wife
Yet in the edge and keenest nerve of pain,—
For such no comfort ever wholly dies,—
And as hurt patience healed and grew again,
This knowledge came, that neither land nor life
Nor all soft things whereof the will is fain
Nor love of friends nor wedded faith of wife
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