Eastward. - Westward.

 

Eastward; where the desert sands

In dunes and plains so sullen,

Pass into the lotus lands

Where drooping roofs are fallen;

Where cherry blossoms sighing

In passing breezes gather,

From crooked trees all flying,

And land on crowds together.

Where Oriental customs

Are everywhere in number,

Where talk is many fustians,

And common peasants slumber.

Where cats in monsoon shelter,

When the hangdog workers drink

The liquid of a maltster,

And quick'ning blood is pink

In sallow faces' gladness;

Where hats triangle covers'

Shield from the summer's heating,

Where shyness of the lovers,

Is beauty, lovely, fleeting;

Near on Arabian cusps,

Where life is hard and passioned,

Where infuses spice in wisps

Into the food they fashioned;

And towered domes on alleys

Project their thicker shadows,

And roused up soldier ralleys,

Stain scarlet fields and hollows;

There are the pleasant rivers,

In boldened sunset redness,

And silhouetted figures,

Where marries now a princess,

And gladdens chosen singers.

 

 

Westward; ever changing Cross,

Where faithful men are flagging,

Where too much tongues tell of loss,

And hopes are lately sagging.

Fail not, O stately spires, soar

Still up toward the Heavens,

And having faith, have the more,

In holy bands of Sevens.

See now the churches unite,

Accordant with the Saviour,

And heal the internal plight

With countless holy favour.

Civilisations! Athens,

Rome, Paris, London, Berlin,

Tear off bonds and cuffs in tens

These so many drops, this sin!

You have led unto these times

With unremitting ardour,

Now forget your former crimes,

Regain your holy fervour!

The Mediterranean

Brings life into your cultures,

I see the paintings' meaning!

I see the marble sculptures!

I see the arcades' beauties!

I see the fountains flourish!

Now take again thy duties,

And blush with purpose, nourish,

Your never failing meaning.

Not failing, neither ailing,

And dauntless to the mission

Never checked, never paling,

The Westlands holy vision!