rds of that old tale had part,
Changing its sweet to bitter, to despair
The foolish hope that once had glittered there--
Or think, that in some bay of that far home
They then had sat, and watched the green waves come
Up to their feet with many promises;
Or the light wind midst blossom-laden trees,
In the sweet Spring had weighted many a word
Of no worth now, and many a hope had stirred
Long dead for ever.
Howsoe'er that be
Among strange folk they now sat quietly,
As though that tale with them had nought to do,
As though its hopes and fears were something new
But though, indeed, the outworn, dwindled band
Had no tears left for that once longed-for land,
The very wind must moan for their decay,
And from the sky, grown dull, and low, and grey,
Cold tears must fall upon the lonely field,
That such fair golden hopes erewhile did yield;
And on the blackening woods, wherein the doves
Sat silent now, forgetful of their loves.
Yet, since a little life at least was left,
They were not yet of every joy bereft,
For long ago was past the agony,
Midst which they found that they indeed must die;
And now well-nigh as much their pain was past
As though death's veil already had been cast
Over their heads--so, midst some little mirth,
They watched the dark night hide the gloomy earth.

Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO
Edinburgh & London

Transcriber's Notes:

Passages in italics are indicated by _underscore_.

Page "118" has been corrected to "112" in the Contents.

Some quotes are opened with marks but are not closed and, since they
require interpretation, have been left open as presented in the original
text.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Earthly Paradise, by William Morris

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