Becalmed.
I.
The merchant with an anxious face1
Went slowly through the market place ;2
They called, above the hucksters’ din,3
“ Good master, be your ships come in ? ”4
But still, “ We look for them, ” he said,5
And every neighbour wagged his head.6
Quoth the grey monk against the wall,7
“ What gain in wealth, if this be all ? ”8
II.
The men-at-arms, so proud and fair,9
Were mustered in the city square ;10
Ah, youth is fair and manhood proud—11
“ And yet, ” so spake the tattling crowd,12
“ These make not half so brave a show13
As those that fell a year ago ! ”14
Quoth the grey monk against the wall,15
“ Where’s glory’s gain, if this be all ? ”16
III.
The lovers went by twos and twos,17
In garden paths between the yews ;18
Where boughs scarce let the sunbeams slip—19
Close arm to arm, quick lip to lip.20
“ When courting’s over, summer’s fled,21
The girls may weep ! ” the gossips said.22
Quoth the grey monk against the wall,23
“ What gain in love, if this be all ? ”24
IV.
A savoury scent of roasting hare25
Came steaming out upon the air ;26
“ What gain in love, or wealth, or pride ?27
Better be calm, and stand aside ;28
Give the wild world its restless way,29
And in seclusion watch and pray ! ”30
Quoth the grey monk against the wall,31
“ Truly religion’s worth them all ! ”32