RONDEAU—BEYOND THE VERGE

BEYOND the verge of night dost sigh

To watch the glow of reddening sky,

While sleep the worldlings wrapt in grey

Of mist and dreams that round them play

In semblance of reality?

Thought’s craggy cliff is steep to try,

That walls the future, yet Hope’s eye

Doth catch the breaking beacon ray

Beyond the verge.

Now gleam and glance in gold array

Bright vanes on towers that meet half-way

Like spears and torches held on high,

And flashing as the wind sweeps by—

The herald’s fleet of that new day

Beyond the verge.