EL DORADO

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8612, 24 December 1913, Page 9

EL DORADO

A cripple on the wayside grass, I watch the people come and go; To many a fair abode they pass, Ladies and knights, a goodly show. But though my lips prefer no sound. No less from all men I inquire: “Oh, say. I pray you, have you found The country of your heart’s desire?” Some pass with pdty for my lot, Some pass, nor heed, and other fling A glance of scorn that wounds me not. Who in my heart am murmuring : "All could you buy. or could I sell. How gold and gem, and hall and squire. You’d gladly give, like me to dwell In the country of tho heart’s desire!” You travellers in lands afar. With that world-hunger in your eyes. On every sea your galleys are. Your glances dare the darkest skies; Yet for some land unseen, unguessed. Your eager spirits faint and tire; I know the country of your quest.— The country of the heart’s desire. A sudden terror veils you round. You lovers, even as you greet; So close, so. dear, your lives are bound, Y’our spirits have no room to meet. Have peace 1 There is a deeper faith. And there is a diviner lire, A love more strong than time or death, In the country of the heart’s desire. And friends pass by with loyal mien. They aro together—lonely yet. A subtle barrier between, A longing, and a dim regret. But they are wholly satisfied. And they have done with doubt and iro. With grief and parting, who abide In the country of the heart’s desire. My country is a dream, you say? Nay. yours are dreams, and they shall cease, _' _ And yours are visions, day hy day Wherein you strive to find your peace! But fair, and fadeless, and supreme. The home to which all souls aspire. The only land that is no dream— Tho country of the heart’s desire. —May Kendall.