A Border Keep

A roofless Border keep that once
Held reiver bold its walls within,
Heard question high and stern response,
And clash of spear and battle din.

To-day there is no sound at all
Save sounds that hint of perfect peace;
The cattle grazing by the wall,
The stream whose murmurs never cease.

The bird that whistles for his mate,
A low sweet whistle half-aloud;
The lark that sings in lonely state
Far up upon his throne of cloud.