IV.

And more and more smiled Isobel To see the baby sleep so well-- She knew not that she smiled. Against the lattice, dull and wild Drive the heavy droning drops, Drop by drop, the sound being one; As momently time's segments fall On the ear of God, who hears through all Eternity's unbroken monotone: And more and more smiled Isobel To see the baby sleep so well-- She knew not that she smiled. The wind in intermission stops Down in the beechen forest, Then cries aloud As one at the sorest, Self-stung, self-driven, And rises up to its very tops, Stiffening erect the branches bowed, Dilating with a tempest-soul The trees that with their dark hands break Through their own outline, and heavy roll Shadows as massive as clouds in heaven Across the castle lake And more and more smiled Isobel To see the baby sleep so well; She knew not that she smiled; She knew not that the storm was wild; Through the uproar drear she could not hear The castle clock which struck anear-- She heard the low, light breathing of her child.