The Happy Traveller

By Isabel Ecclestone Mackay

WHO is the monarch of the Road?

I, the happy rover!

Lord of the way which lies before

Up to the hill and over —

Owner of all beneath the blue,

On till the end, and after, too!

I am the monarch of the Road!

Mine are the keys of morning,

I know where evening keeps her store

Of stars for night's adorning,

I know the wind's wild will, and why

The lone thrush hurries down the sky!

I am the monarch of the Road!

My court I hold with singing,

Each bird a gay ambassador,

Each flower a censer, swinging;

And every little roadside thing

A wonder to confound a king.

I am the monarch of the Road!

I ask no leave for living;

I take no less, I seek no more

Than nature's fullest giving —

And ever, westward with the day,

I travel to the far away!