The hopes and prophecies were dead: they could not blossom where the feet

Walked amid rottenness, or where the brawling shouters stamped the street.

Where was the beauty that the Lord gave man when first he towered in pride?

But one came by me at whose word the bitter condemnation died.

His brows were crowned with thorns of light: his eyes were bright as one who sees

The starry palaces shine o'er the sparkle of the heavenly seas.

'Is it not beautiful?' he cried. Our Faery Land of Hearts' Desire

Is mingled through the mire and mist, yet stainless keeps its lovely fire.

The pearly phantoms with blown hair are dancing where the drunkards reel:

[20]

The cloud frail daffodils shine out where filth is splashing from the heel.

O sweet, and sweet, and sweet to hear, the melodies in rivers run:

The rapture of their crowded notes is yet the myriad voice of One.

Those who are lost and fallen here, to-night in sleep shall pass the gate,

And wear the purples of the King, and know them masters of their fate.

Each wrinkled hag shall reassume the plumes and hues of paradise:

Each brawler be enthroned in calm among the Children of the Wise.

Yet in the council with the gods no one will falter to pursue

His lofty purpose, but come forth the cyclic labours to renew;

And take the burden of the world and dim his beauty in a shroud,

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