Poems (Probyn)/Bells

by May Probyn

For works with similar titles, see Bells.

BELLS.

Bells that chime, and bells that toll—
 Know we never which suit best;
Sound of joyaunce, sound of dole,
 Hearts that beat, and hearts at rest.
 South, and north, and east, and west
Winds must change, and waves must roll—
Crossing currents, shifting goal—
 Never meaning all confessed.

Do they knell a parting soul?
 Lo, we listen undistrest!
 Next, with weeping scarce repressed,
 And heart breaking in our breast,
Hear them peal from pole to pole;
Many minglings make a whole,—
Bells that chime, and bells that toll—
 Know we never which suit best.