Page:The Secret Key and Other Verses - Evans.djvu/65

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A PASTORAL
43
Surely here might radiant Love
Fill with happiness his cup,
Where the purple lucerne-bloom
Floods the air with sweet perfume,
Nature's incense floating up
     To the Gods above.

'Neath the gnarled-boughed apple trees
Motionless the cattle stand;
Chequered cornfield, homestead white,
Sleeping in the streaming light,
For deep trance is o'er the land,
     And the wings of peace.

Here, Power that moves the heart,
Thou art in the quiet air;
Here, unvexed of code or creed,
Man may breathe his bitter need;
Nor with impious lips declare
     What Thou wert and art.

All the strong souls of the race
Thro' the aeons that have run,
They have cried aloud to Thee–
"Thou art that which stirs in me!"
As the flame leaps towards the sun
     They have sought Thy face.