THE TWO SHIPS. As I stand by the cross on the lone mountain's crest, Looking over the ultimate sea, In the gloom of the mountain a ship lies at rest, One spreads its white wings on a far-reaching track, One hides in the shadow with sails laid aback,— But lo, in the distance the clouds break away! And I hear from the outgoing ship in the bay So I think of the luminous footprints that bore And wait for the signal to go to the shore, To the ship that is waiting for me. THE GODDESS. FOR THE SANITAPY FAIR. "WHO Comes?" The sent y's warning cry Rings sharply on the evening air: Who comes? The challeng: no reply, Yet something motions there. A woman, by those graceful folds; My name? Her name, in ancient song, Look on me! Mortals know me best The Goddess. "Enough! I know that clarion voice; 177 "The young, the brave, the good and wise, The juices of the grapes of wrath "My brother lies in yonder field, A crack upon the evening air, The sentry with his brother lies Face downward on the quiet grass And by him, in the pale moonshine, A shadow seems to pass. N No lance or warlike shield it bears: A helmet in its pitying hands Brings water from the nearest brook, To meet his last demands. Can this be she of haughty mien, The goddess of the sword and shield? Ah, yes! The Grecian poet's myth Sways still each battle-field. For not alone that rugged war Some grace or charm from beauty gains; But, when the goddess' work is done, 'The woman's still remains ADDRESS. OPENING OF THE CALIFORNIA THEATRE, SAN FRANCISCO, JAN. 19, 1870. BRIEF words, when actions wait, are well: The prompter's hand is on his bell; The coming heroes, lovers, kings, Are idly lounging at the wings; "The world's a stage," the master said. |