Page:An anthology of Australian verse (IA anthologyofaustr00stev).pdf/122

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A WINTER DAYBREAK

While every timber, every casement creaks. But still the skylarks sing aloud and bold;The wooded hills arise; the white cascadeShakes with wild laughter all the silent shadowy glade.
Now from the shuttered east a silvery bar Shines through the mist, and shows the mild day-star.The storm-wrapped peaks start out and fade again, And rosy vapours skirt the pastoral plain;The garden paths with hoary rime are wet; And sweetly breathes the winter violet;The jonquil half unfolds her ivory cup,With clouds of gold-eyed daisies waking up.
Pleasant it is to turn and see the fire Dance on the hearth, as he would never tire;The home-baked loaf, the Indian bean’s perfume, Fill with their homely cheer the panelled room,Come, crazy storm! And thou, wild glittering hail, Rave o’er the roof and wave your icy veil;Shout in our ears and take your madcap way!I laugh at storms! for Roderick comes to-day.

THE LARK’S SONG

The morning is wild and dark, The night mist runs on the vale,Bright Lucifer dies to a spark, And the wind whistles up for a gale.

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