THE SONG OF THE HIGHLAND SWORD-MAKER.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 212, 6 September 1924, Page 24

THE SONG OF THE HIGHLAND SWORD-MAKER.

. (In tbe sixteenth century, . Andrea Ferrara had bis smithy near the Perthshire Tillage of Abcrfeldy. There he made bis* world-famous swords, and engraved oorthelr blades the, cross of. St. Andrew.) I am Ferrara, maker of swords, Out of tbe bill I take tbem. Wltb birch-fire whip I. break tbem. With kiss of torrent wake them. And In wide night-space shake tbem, ... I, I, Ferrara, maker of swords! I am Ferrara.' "prentice to God. Maker of roan's mate. To strong bill deep sleeping,* O'er heathercd breast where the ice stream blood's leaping Come. I to rend from Ills side' In wild laughter Iron rib fit for man's mating hereafter, 1, I, Ferrara, 'prentice to God! '' I am Ferrara, breaker of _ word-colts. My whips are the losb of tbe green birchflr<: flaming, Under the leaping thongs stallions 'I'm taming. Strong hands-of mine are the reins that shall mould tbem So they obey wben the hero bands bold tbem, ~'. , ' I, I, Ferrsrn. breaker of sword-colts! I am Ferrara, iinltor of lovers. I bring tbe- boy-sword to cold virgin river. She kisses Mils-lips, and the wild racking, shiver • ' . • ::•».: . - Fills all bis length, with desire of great doing;-.' .-..:. Man-sword;, heart, opens its beat in the wooing, . •'•.-- I, I. Ferrara," unltcr of lovers! I am Ferrara. singer of songs.'' Crooner of .red tnlcs to' young sword ah listening, Talcs of red heather, of red stag-blood / glistening j - Over the snow, of red flame, and night- : burning., Of great golngs-out nnd of greater, returning". 1. i'l'i..i.n, singer of songs. I am Ferrara, pointer of roads. I take the young sword all clamour for going To crest of sire-hill, and In witch-moon's \ wild glowing ilver the long earth I swing him, strong • heaving. ••-"' '*» vmir. road-way, and ail, for t)<e cleaving!" I. I. Ferrara, pointer of roads! Ism Ferrers', priest of a temple. All a long night lies the sword on the altar Of Andrew lest (n battle ordeal he falter. So in the morning I brand on bis shoulder Saints Cross that. spirit"' be purer . and bolder, I, I. Ferrara. priest of a temple! I am Ferrara, maker ot swords. I am the midwife, the nurse, and the teach .r, . - - . The," priest, and the preacher, I, I, Ferrara, maker or swords! . :. j-.'■" __J?*? B. SALMOND. N **-