Page:The roamer and other poems (1920).djvu/136

To the rude altar. "Peace go with you, friend,"
He said, "who bringest gentle tidings here
Of unknown scriptures in the book of time!
Fair be your journey, sweet your last repose!"
And, as if fascinated, saw him go
O'er the bright sand, as at the spirit's call.
⁠Wonderful was the scene through which then moved
The Roamer, compassed by horizons free,
By high clouds hung, and swept by sunburst lights
That traveled the vast round—a virgin world,
Still shining from the great Creator's hand,
Fresh from the infinite that yet abode
In all its features; sky and wind and sun
The impress of the eternal presence bore
Wherefrom it issued, clothed in light and life,
From the foundation of the world prepared
The soul's wide mansion; awe illimitable
Of power, unsensed but felt, upon him stole
From the great scene, dune rolling beyond dune;
And like a solitary bark at sea
Far out from land, he seemed unto himself;
And, imaged in his breast, the solemn sight
Filled his lone thought, and fashioned forth his words.

"What signify," he said, "cerulean walls,