Ii

Said the Watcher by the Way To the fiery folk that hastened, To the loud and the unchastened, “You are strong, I see, to-day. Strength and hope may lead you To the journey’s end,-- Each to be the other’s friend If the Town should fail to need you.

“And are ravens there to feed you In the Town down the River, Where the gift appalls the giver And youth hardens day by day? O you brave and you unshaken, Are you truly on your way? And are sirens in the River, That you come so far to-day?”

“You are old, and we have listened,” Said the voice of one who halted; “You are sage and self-exalted, But your way is not our way. You that cannot aid us Give us words to eat. Be assured that they are sweet, And that we are as God made us.

“Not in vain have you delayed us, Though the River still be calling Through the twilight that is falling And the Town be still so far. By the whirlwind of your wisdom Leagues are lifted as leaves are; But a king without a kingdom Fails us, who have come so far.”