Wind-pedlars
PURPLE and grey the vacant moor lies spread
And all the storms of heaven sweep and cry
Among the barrows of forgotten dead,
Who died as we shall die.
And all the storms of heaven sweep and cry
Among the barrows of forgotten dead,
Who died as we shall die.
There dwelt of yore, upon such desert land,
Strange merchants of a stranger merchandise,
Who stole the Winds from out God's hollowed hand
And loosed them, at a price.
Strange merchants of a stranger merchandise,
Who stole the Winds from out God's hollowed hand
And loosed them, at a price.
Thither mayhap the reiving marchman rode
And bought a gale to ruffle the red cock
That he would set upon his foe's abode,
And leave no standing stock.
And bought a gale to ruffle the red cock
That he would set upon his foe's abode,
And leave no standing stock.
And thither, with hearts tossing to and fro
On stormy seas, came foolish maids and fain,
And chaffered for a favouring wind to blow
Their lovers home again.
On stormy seas, came foolish maids and fain,
And chaffered for a favouring wind to blow
Their lovers home again.
Oh, were such mighty witches living still,
Whose whistle tempests and light airs obeyed,
We have more need the wind should do our will
Than e'er had love-sick maid.
Whose whistle tempests and light airs obeyed,
We have more need the wind should do our will
Than e'er had love-sick maid.
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