We were creatures of the wood,

With them reached the hidden lair

Not pursuing, but pursued.

These, the wild and timid things,

Kinship in our hearts awoke,—

These we knew; but whisperings

Came of strange unearthly folk,—

Dwarfs, and Leprechauns and elves,—

Seen by others, not ourselves;

Though at times a cry’s escape,

Or a gliding shadow-shape,

Proved them near us as they stole

Out of sight from hole to hole;

Or when from the unknown track

Half afraid we hastened back,{27}

{27}

While the night began to close

Round us and the wind arose:

Then throughout the forest stirred

Old enchantments, and we heard

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