Out of what deeps arising, all the flower-bells fling,

Unknowing the enchanted odorous song they sing!

Oh, never was an eve so living yet: the wood

Stirs not but breathes enraptured quietide.

Here in these shades the Ancient knows itself, the Soul,

And out of slumber waking starts unto the goal.

What bright companions nod and go along with it!

Out of the teeming dark what dusky creatures flit,

[23]

That through the long leagues of the island night above

Come by me, wandering, whispering, beseeching love;

As in the twilight children gather close and press

Nigh and more nigh with shadowy tenderness,

Feeling they know not what, with noiseless footsteps glide

Seeking familiar lips or hearts to dream beside.

O voices, I would go with you, with you, away,

Facing once more the radiant gateways of the day;

With you, with you, what memories arise, and nigh

Trampling the crowded figures of the dawn go by,

Dread deities, the giant powers that warred on men

 Prev. P 24/37 next