Song of the Axe

HIGH grew the snow beneath the low-hung sky,
And all was silent in the wilderness ;
In trance of stillness Nature heard her God
Rebuilding her spent fires, and veil'd her face
While the Great Worker brooded o'er His work.

" Bite deep and wide, O Axe, the tree,
What doth thy bold voice promise me?"

" I promise thee all joyous things,
That furnish forth the lives of kings !

" For ev'ry silver ringing blow,
Cities and palaces shall grow ! "
" Bite deep and wide, O Axe, the tree,
Tell wider prophecies to me."

" When rust hath gnaw'd me deep and red,
A nation strong shall lift his head !

" His crown the very Heav'ns shall smite,
Æons shall build him in his might ! "
" Bite deep and wide, O Axe, the tree ;
Bright Seer, help on thy prophecy ! "
Max smote the snow-weigh'd tree, and lightly laugh'd.
" See, friend," he cried to one that look'd and smil'd,
"My axe and I — we do immortal tasks —
We build up nations — this my axe and I ! "