VERSE: OVER THE MOUNTAIN

Like dreary prison walls The stern grey mountains rise, Until their topmost crags Touch the far gloomy skies: One steep and narrow path Winds up the mountain's crest, And from our valley leads Out to the golden West.

I dwell here in content, Thankful for tranquil days; And yet, my eyes grow dim, As still I gaze and gaze Upon that mountain pass, That leads--or so it seems - To some far happy land, Known in a world of dreams.

And as I watch that path Over the distant hill, A foolish longing comes My heart and soul to fill, A painful, strange desire To break some weary bond, A vague unuttered wish For what might lie beyond!

In that far world unknown, Over that distant hill, May dwell the loved and lost, Lost--yet beloved still; I have a yearning hope, Half longing, and half pain, That by that mountain pass They may return again.

Space may keep friends apart, Death has a mighty thrall; There is another gulf Harder to cross than all; Yet watching that far road, My heart beats full and fast - If they should come once more, If they should come at last!

See, down the mountain side The silver vapours creep; They hide the rocky cliffs. They hide the craggy steep, They hide the narrow path That comes across the hill - Oh, foolish longing, cease, Oh, beating Heart, be still!