New Zealand Verse/The Forty-Mile Bush
XXV.
The Forty-Mile Bush.
Far through the forest’s aromatic shade We rode one afternoon of golden ease.The long road ran through sunshine and through shade, Lulled by the somnolent stories of the trees.
Sometimes a bell-bird fluted far away; Sometimes the murmur of the leafy deep,Rising and falling through the autumnal day, Sang louder on the hills, then sank to sleep.
Before us stretched the pine-trees’ sombre miles, Soft lay the moss, like furs upon the floor;Behind, the woodland’s green monotonous aisles, Closed far away by sunset’s amber door.
League after league the same. The sky grew red, And through the trees appeared a snowy gleamOf lonely peak and spectral mountain-head, And gulfs that nurse the glacier and the stream.
Deep in the glen, the merry waters racing Sent forth their turbulent voices to the night;The stars above began their solemn pacing, And home-like shone the distant village light.
Mysterious forest! In this humming city I seem to hear thy music-breathing tree,Thy branches wave and beckon me in pity, To seek again thy hospitality!