And those of earth about her porch

Of shadow cool and grey

Their sidelong beaks in silence lean,

And silent flit away.

[Pg 57]

[Pg 57]

NEVER-TO-BE

Down by the waters of the sea,

Reigns the King of Never-to-be.

His palace walls are black with night;

His torches star and moonès light,

And for his timepiece deep and grave

Beats on the green unhastening wave.

Windswept are his high corridors;

His pleasance the sea-mantled shores;

For sentinel a shadow stands

With hair in heaven, and cloudy hands;

And round his bed, king's guards to be,

Watch pines in iron solemnity.

His hound is mute; his steed at will

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