The Wizard People
Reading edition
Adown the ways of winter, Above the vasts of snow, With woven flame their sandals shod, Through airy wastes by paths untrod, The wizard people go. By day their feats are hidden, But night beholds their mirth, When in the abysses of the air Their sorceries they flaunt and flare Above a wondering earth. In vain the hilltops hearken, Their lips no sound reveal; But ever on, from arc to arc, Across the spangled depths of dark Their pennons whirl and wheel. Why come they? Who can answer? Whence go they? Who can tell? Flaming and fading down the night, A mystery, a dream-delight, A splendor and a spell! Such are the wizard people, The brethren of the pole; And though man long has sought to gain Their secret, suns shall wax and wane Ere he shall read their soul!