Close in the nest is folded every weary wing, Hushed all the joyful voices, and we, who held you dear, Eastward we turn and homeward, alone, remembering... Day that I loved, day that I loved, the Night is here! *On the Death of Smet-Smet, the Hippopotamus-Goddess* SONG OF A TRIBE OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS (_The Priests within the Temple_) She was wrinkled and huge and hideous? She was our Mother. She was lustful and lewd?—but a God; we had none other. In the day She was hidden and dumb, but at nightfall moaned in the shade; We shuddered and gave Her Her will in the darkness; we were afraid. (_The People without_) She sent us pain, And we bowed before Her; She smiled again And bade us adore Her. She solaced our woe And soothed our sighing; And what shall we do Now God is dying? (_The Priests within_) She was hungry and ate our children;—how should we stay Her? She took our young men and our maidens;—ours to obey Her. We were loathed and mocked and reviled of all nations; that was our pride. She fed us, protected us, loved us, and killed us; now She has died. (_The People without_) She was so strong; But Death is stronger. She ruled us long; But Time is longer. She solaced our woe And soothed our sighing; And what shall we do Now God is dying? *Second Best* Here in the dark, O heart; Alone with the enduring Earth, and Night, And Silence, and the warm strange smell of clover; Clear-visioned, though it break you; far apart From the dead best, the dear and old delight; Throw down your dreams of immortality, O faithful, O foolish lover! Here’s peace for you, and surety; here the one Wisdom—the truth!—"All day the good glad sun Showers love and labour on you, wine and song; The greenwood laughs, the wind blows, all day long Till night." And night ends all things. Then shall be No lamp relumed in heaven, no voices crying, Or changing lights, or dreams and forms that hover! (And, heart, for all your sighing, That gladness and those tears are over, over....)