Walter Murdoch (1874–1970). The Oxford Book of Australasian Verse. 1918.

32. Natural Magic

WE air tired who follow after

Phantasy and truth that flies:

You with only look and laughter

Stain our hearts with richest dyes.

When you break upon our study

Vanish all our frosty cares;

As the diamond deep grows ruddy,

Filled with morning unawares.

With the stuff that dreams are made of

But an empty house we build:

Glooms we are ourselves afraid of,

By the ancient starlight chilled.

All unwise in thought or duty—

Still our wisdom envies you:

We who lack the living beauty

Half our secret knowledge rue.

Thought nor fear in you nor dreaming

Veil the light with mist about;

Joy, as through a crystal gleaming,

Flashes from the gay heart out.

Pain and penitence forsaking,

Hearts like cloisters dim and grey,

By your laughter lured, awaking

Join with you the dance of day.