THE MEETING
Reading edition
Once I lay beside a fountain, Lulled me with its gentle song, And my thoughts o'er dale and mountain With the clouds were borne along.
There I saw old castles flinging Shadowy gleams on moveless seas, Saw gigantic forests swinging To and fro without a breeze;
And in dusky alleys straying, Many a giant shape of power, Troops of nymphs in sunshine playing, Singing, dancing, hour on hour.
I, too, trod these plains Elysian, Heard their ringing tones of mirth, But a brighter, fairer vision Called me back again to earth.
From the forest shade advancing, See, where comes a lovely May; The dew, like gems, before her glancing, As she brushes it away!
Straight I rose, and ran to meet her, Seized her hand—the heavenly blue Of her eyes smiled brighter, sweeter, As she asked me—"Who are you?"
To that question came another— What its aim I still must doubt— And she asked me, "How's your mother? Does she know that you are out?"
"No! my mother does not know it, Beauteous, heaven-descended muse!" "Then be off, my handsome poet, And say I sent you with the news!"
