But where? If I come to a pine-wood, I can't say Now I am arrived! What are so many straight trees to me! STERZING 

 SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN ITALY THE man and the maid go side by side With an interval of space between; And his hands are awkward and want to hide, She braves it out since she must be seen. When some one passes he drops his head Shading his face in his black felt hat, While the hard girl hardens; nothing is said, There is nothing to wonder or cavil at. Alone on the open road again With the mountain snows across the lake Flushing the afternoon, they are uncomfortable, The loneliness daunts them, their stiff throats ache. And he sighs with relief when she parts from him; Her proud head held in its black silk scarf Gone under the archway, home, he can join The men that lounge in a group on the wharf. His evening is a flame of wine Among the eager, cordial men. And she with her women hot and hard Moves at her ease again. She is marked, she is singled out For the fire:        The brand is upon him, look—you, Of desire. They are chosen, ah, they are fated For the fight! Champion her, all you women! Men, menfolk Hold him your light! Nourish her, train her, harden her Women all! Fold him, be good to him, cherish him Men, ere he fall. Women, another champion! This, men, is yours! Wreathe and enlap and anoint them Behind separate doors. GARGNANO 

  

  

 WINTER DAWN 

      GREEN star Sirius Dribbling over the lake; The stars have gone so far on their road, Yet we're awake! Without a sound The new young year comes in      And is half-way over the lake. We must begin Again. This love so full Of hate has hurt us so, We lie side by side Moored—but no, Let me get up And wash quite clean Of this hate.—      So green The great star goes! I am washed quite clean, Quite clean of it all. But e'en So cold, so cold and clean Now the hate is gone! It is all no good, I am chilled to the bone Now the hate is gone; There is nothing left; I am pure like bone, Of all feeling bereft. 

      A BAD BEGINNING THE yellow sun steps over the mountain-top And falters 

 Prev. P 20/42 next