Nor know that when they have camped again

And sleep, Life will restore

Unto her world the hope they have withdrawn.

[Pg 73]

[Pg 73]

THE CHRISTIAN IN EXILE

(Mandalay)

The palms along the old fort wall are paling,

The mountains in the evening light are red,

The moon has dropped into the moat from heaven,

A spell barbaric over all is spread.

But what is that to him, a stranger lonely,

In a land strange to all his faith and dim?

He cares not for old splendours, he would only

Hear on the air a simple Sabbath hymn.

The paddy-birds their snowy flight are taking

From the tall tamarind unto their nest,

The bullock-carts along the road are creaking,

The bugles o'er the wall are sounding rest.

[Pg 74]

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