That rolls before the fearless child

Its ancient mysteries:

Onward and onward, if we can,

To Old Japan—to Old Japan.

PART I

EMBARKATION

When the firelight, red and clear,

Flutters in the black wet pane,

It is very good to hear

Howling winds and trotting rain:

It is very good indeed,

When the nights are dark and cold,

Near the friendly hearth to read

Tales of ghosts and buried gold.

So with cozy toes and hands

We were dreaming, just like you;

Till we thought of palmy lands

Coloured like a cockatoo;

All in drowsy nursery nooks

Near the clutching fire we sat,

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