Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
George William Russell ('A. E.'). b. 1853872. By the Margin of the Great Deep
WHEN the breath of twilight blows to flame the misty skies, | |
All its vaporous sapphire, violet glow and silver gleam, | |
With their magic flood me through the gateway of the eyes; | |
I am one with the twilight’s dream. | |
When the trees and skies and fields are one in dusky mood, | 5 |
Every heart of man is rapt within the mother’s breast: | |
Full of peace and sleep and dreams in the vasty quietude, | |
I am one with their hearts at rest. | |
From our immemorial joys of hearth and home and love | |
Stray’d away along the margin of the unknown tide, | 10 |
All its reach of soundless calm can thrill me far above | |
Word or touch from the lips beside. | |
Aye, and deep and deep and deeper let me drink and draw | |
From the olden fountain more than light or peace or dream, | |
Such primæval being as o’erfills the heart with awe, | 15 |
Growing one with its silent stream. |