II
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aid the Watcher by the WayTo the fiery folk that hastened,To the loud and the unchastened,“You are strong, I see, to-day.Strength and hope may lead youTo the journey’s end,--Each to be the other’s friendIf the Town should fail to need you. “And are ravens there to feed youIn the Town down the River,Where the gift appalls the giverAnd youth hardens day by day?O you brave and you unshaken,Are you truly on your way?And are sirens in the River,That you come so far to-day?” “You are old, and we have listened,”Said the voice of one who halted;“You are sage and self-exalted,But your way is not our way.You that cannot aid usGive us words to eat.Be assured that they are sweet,And that we are as God made us. “Not in vain have you delayed us,Though the River still be callingThrough the twilight that is fallingAnd the Town be still so far.By the whirlwind of your wisdomLeagues are lifted as leaves are;But a king without a kingdomFails us, who have come so far.”
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