Read "Murmurs in the Gloom" by Thomas Hardy online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
(NOCTURNE)
I WAYFARED at the nadir of the sun / Where populations meet, though seen of none; / And millions seemed to sigh around / As though their haunts were nigh around, / And unknown throngs to cry around / Of things late done.
"O Seers, who well might high ensample show" / (Came throbbing past in plainsong small and slow), / "Leaders who lead us aimlessly, / Teachers who train us shamelessly, / Why let ye smoulder flamelessly / The truths ye trow?
"Ye scribes, that urge the old medicament, / Whose fusty vials have long dried impotent, / Why prop ye meretricious things, / Denounce the sane as vicious things, / And call outworn factitious things / Expedient?
"O Dynasties that sway and shake us so, / Why rank your magnanimities so low / That grace can smooth no waters yet, / But breathing threats and slaughters yet / Ye grieve Earth's sons and daughters yet / As long ago?
"Live there no heedful ones of searching sight, / Whose accents might be oracles that smite / To hinder those who frowardly / Conduct us, and untowardly; / To lead the nations vawardly / From gloom to light? "