[Three children clambering up a grassy slope,older boy carrying brushwood]

Verse 12: Thus, wandered they on, through the long afternoon, In weariness, hunger, and pain; and often sat down for sorrowful cry, Then struggled on bravely again. When evening drew on, with its gathering gloom, Once more they crawled up on a mound, The silent blue heaven was over them spread, The dim frowning desert lay round.