Marcus Andrew Hislop Clarke

Marcus Andrew Hislop Clarke was an English-born Australian novelist and poet. He is best known for his novel "For the Term of His Natural Life," a gripping tale of convicts and colonial Australia. Clarke also wrote numerous short stories and articles, contributing significantly to Australian literature. A colorful figure in Victorian literary circles, his works continue to be celebrated for their vivid storytelling and historical detail.

April 24, 1846

August 2, 1881

English

The Song of Tigilau

The song of Tigilau the brave,
Sinas wild lover,
Who across the heaving wave
From Samoa came over:
Came over, Sina, at the setting moon!

The moon shines round and bright;
She, with her dark-eyed maidens at her side,
Watches the rising tide.
While balmy breathes the starry southern night,
While languid heaves the lazy southern tide;
The rising tide, O Sina, and the setting moon!

The night is past, is past and gone,
The moon sinks to the West,
The sea-heart beats opprest,
And Sinas passionate breast
Heaves like the sea, when the pale moon has gone,
Heaves like the passionate sea, Sina, left by the moon alone!

Silver on silver sands, the rippling waters meet
Will he come soon?
The rippling waters kiss her delicate feet,
The...

Marcus Andrew Hislop Clarke