The Changeling

My father was a golden king, My mother was a shining queen; I heard the magic blue-bird sing . . . They wrapped me in a mantle green. They led their winged white horses out, We rode and rode till dawn was grey; We rode with many a song and shout, “Over the hills and far away.” They stole the crying human child, And left me laughing by the fire; And that is why my heart is wild, And all my life a long desire . . . The old enchantments hold me still . . . And sometimes in a waking trance I seek again the Fairy Hill, The midnight feast, the glittering dance! The wizard harpers play for me, I wear a crown upon my head, A princess in eternity, I dance and revel with the dead . . . “Vain lies!” I hear the people cry, I listen to their weary truth; Then turn again to fantasy, And the untroubled Land of Youth. I hear the laughter of the kings, I see their jewelled flagons gleam . . . O wine of Life! . . . immortal things Move in the splendour of my dream . . . My spirit is a homing dove . . . I drain a crystal cup, and fall Softly into the arms of Love . . . And then the darkness covers all.