Part 1 (2/2)

I like one little band of winds that blow In the ash trees here: For we are quite alone Here mid the ash trees.

[Footnote 1: Prefatory note at end of volume.]

Cino

_Italian Campagna_ 1309, _the open road._

Bah! I have sung women in three cities, But it is all the same; And I will sing of the sun.

Lips, words, and you snare them, Dreams, words, and they are as jewels, Strange spells of old deity, Ravens, nights, allurement: And they are not; Having become the souls of song.

Eyes, dreams, lips, and the night goes.

Being upon the road once more, They are not.

Forgetful in their towers of our tuneing Once for Wind-runeing They dream us-toward and Sighing, say, ”Would Cino, Pa.s.sionate Cino, of the wrinkling eyes, Gay Cino, of quick laughter, Cino, of the dare, the jibe, Frail Cino, strongest of his tribe That tramp old ways beneath the sun-light, Would Cino of the Luth were here!”

Once, twice, a year-- Vaguely thus word they:

”Cino?” ”Oh, eh, Cino Polnesi The singer is't you mean?”

”Ah yes, pa.s.sed once our way, A saucy fellow, but....

(Oh they are all one these vagabonds), Peste! 'tis his own songs?

Or some other's that he sings?

But _you_, My Lord, how with your city?

But you ”My Lord,” G.o.d's pity!

And all I knew were out, My Lord, you Were Lack-land Cino, e'en as I am, O Sinistro.

I have sung women in three cities.

But it is all one.

I will sing of the sun.

.... eh?.... they mostly had grey eyes, But it is all one, I will sing of the sun.

”'Pollo Phoibee, old tin pan, you Glory to Zeus' aegis-day, s.h.i.+eld o' steel-blue, th' heaven o'er us Hath for boss thy l.u.s.tre gay!

'Pollo Phoibee, to our way-fare Make thy laugh our wander-lied; Bid thy 'fulgence bear away care.

Cloud and rain-tears pa.s.s they fleet!

Seeking e'er the new-laid rast-way To the gardens of the sun....

I have sung women in three cities But it is all one.

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