Before the Battle
Music of whispering trees
Hushed by a broad—winged breeze
Where shaken water gleams;
And evening radiance falling
With reedy bird—notes calling.
O bear me safe through dark, you low—voiced streams.
I have no need to pray
That fear may pass away;
I scorn the growl and rumble of the fight
That summons me from cool
Silence of marsh and pool
And yellow lilies is landed in light
O river of stars and shadows, lead me through the night.
(1916)
