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Every wild wing of the harried, the hunted,
Every fleet foot of the stalked, the pursued,
Every bright eye of the fearful, the followed
Solace may find in this blithe solitude.

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Where the tree dips to the wide placid water,
Where the reed bends to the stately slow tide,
Where the moon rises o'er leagues of dim marshland
Glimmering greenly, there may they abide.
Hither they speed over moorland and mountain,
Wary and valiant, far-sighted and brave;
Hither they come to the call of compassion,
Here they may rest in the wood, on the wave.

Beautiful wings of the air and the river,
Wonderful eyes of the forest and glade,
Marvelous voices atune with the dawn-wind,
Welcome, ah welcome, to sun and to shade!
Here you may have the desired, the cherished,
Only the longing in freedom to live;

Here in this solitude stayed is the hand of man,
Opened the heart of man, — refuge to give!

15

THEODOSIA GARRISON (FAULKS)

THE GREEN INN

I sicken of men's company,

The crowded tavern's din,

Where all day long with oath and song
Sit they who entrance win,

So come I out from noise and rout
To rest in God's Green Inn.

Here none may mock an empty purse
Or ragged coat and poor,

But Silence waits within the gates,

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And peace beside the door;
The weary guest is welcomest,
The richest pays no score.

The roof is high and arched and blue,
The floor is spread with pine;

On my four walls the sunlight falls

In golden flecks and fine;

And swift and fleet on noiseless feet
The Four Winds bring me wine.

Upon my board they set my store-
Great drinks mixed cunningly,
Wherein the scent of furze is blent
With odor of the sea;

As from a cup I drink it up
To thrill the veins of me.

It's I will sit in God's Green Inn
Unvexed by man or ghost,

Yet ever fed and comforted,
Companioned by mine host,

And watched at night by that white light
High swung from coast to coast.

Oh, you who in the House of Strife

Quarrel and game and sin,

Come out and see what cheer may be
For starveling souls and thin,

Who come at last from drought and fast
To sit in God's Green Inn.

NOTES

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