The tendrils yet had but begun to twine
Round the pale stems that would be hidden soon ;
But, in the cradling furrows lodged between.
Peeped sprouting maize, and grasses newly green.
H



98 THE HUMAN TRAGEDY

xcm

And here and there with glistering lemon bowers
The lower landward terraces were crowned,
Or shapely orange groves, whose fragrant flowers
Make of the land a bride the whole year round.
Pink petals from the almond fell in showers,
Making a vernal carpet for the ground ;
Over the walls peered tufts of yellow broom,
And oleanders reddening into bloom.
xciv

And ever and anon some quiet town
Came into view, and thro' it straight they passed,
Though once mayhap its name had won renown
In this strange world, where nothing great doth last.
With braided hair, bronzed limbs, and girded gown,
Ranged round a fountain flowing clear and fast,
Their eyes as bright as day, yet dark as night,
Bent stalwart women, washing linen white.
xcv

And round the open thresholds children fair,
Happy and lithe as lizards, romped and ran,
Their grandams sitting by in sunny chair ;
But, in the ways, never a sign of man.
He was away, driving the ox-drawn share.
Trimming the vine-clasped elm to shapely span,
Or through his maize in many a trivial course
Scattering the rampart torrent's forward force.
11 THE HUMAN TRA.GEDY 99

XCVI

In each broad market-place a church there was,
With campanile soaring straight in air,
And open door for whosoe'er should pass.
And once or twice, to say a hasty prayer,
Olympia stole within, though he, alas !
Without remained, mute in the noontide glare.
But ne'er a shrine they saw which, to their mind,
Was half so fair as that one left behind.
