VAILIMA, _October 1891_. XIII THE CONSECRATION OF BRAILLE TO MRS. A. BAKER I was a barren tree before, I blew a quenched coal, I could not, on their midnight shore, The lonely blind console. A moment, lend your hand, I bring My sheaf for you to bind, And you can teach my words to sing In the darkness of the blind. VAILIMA, _December 1893_. XIV SONG Light foot and tight foot, And green grass spread, Early in the morning, But hope is on ahead. Brief day and bright day, And sunset red, Early in the evening, The stars are overhead. PRINTED BY CASSELL & CO., LIMITED, LA BELLE SAUVAGE LONDON, E.C.