BUSH BALLADS ^GALLOPING 

 RHYMES By LINDSAY GORDON 



A DEDICATION 



TO THE AUTHOR OF " HOLMBY HOUSE " 



They are rhymes rudely strungwith intent less 



Of sound than of words, 

 In lands where bright blossoms are scentless, 



And songless bright birds ; 

 Where, with fire and fierce drought on her 



tresses. 

 Insatiable Summer oppresses 

 Sere woodlands and sad wildernesses, 



And faint flocks and herds. 



Where in dreariest days, when all dews end, 



And all winds are warm, 

 Wild Winter's large floodgates are loosen'd, 



And floods, free'd by storm 

 From broken up fountain heads, dash on 

 Dry deserts with long pent up passion — 

 Here rhyme was first framed without fashion, 

 Song shaped without form. 



Whence gather'd ? — The locust's glad chirrup 



May furnish a stave ; 



The ring of a rowel and stirrup. 



The wash of a wave. 

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