The Poetical Works of William Motherwell/The Hunter's Well

by William Motherwell

The Hunter's Well.

 

Life of this wilderness,
Pure gushing stream,
Dear to the Summer
Is thy murmuring!
Note of the song-bird,
Warbling on high,
Ne'er with my spirit made
Such harmony
As do thy deep waters,
O'er rock, leaf, and flower,
Bubbling and babbling
The long sunny hour!

Tongue of this desert spot,
Spelling sweet tones,
To the mute listeners—
Old mossy stones;
Who ranged these stones near
Thy silver rim,
Guarding the temple
Where rises thy hymn?

Some thirst-stricken Hunter—
Swarth priest of the wood,
Around thee hath strewn them,
In fond gratitude.

Orb of the green waste,
Open and clear,
Friend of the Hunter,
Loved of the deer;
Brilliantly breaking
Beneath the blue sky,
Gladdening the leaflets
That tremulous sigh;
Star of my wandering,
Symbol of love,
Lead me to dream of
The Fountain above!