Straight the jocund throng desisted from their pastime and their play, While the king of all the fairies to the childling thus ’gan say:— “Lovely mortal! wilt thou, wilt thou quit with us thy childhood’s bowers, And in our enchanted Eden wander through a world of flowers? All delights that thou hast dreamed of, gathered there shall be, and thine; Flowers that fade not, games that end not, skies that always mildliest shine; Kneaded cates of amber honey, and the rosebud’s dewy wine; Wreaths of jewels, combs of silver, beads and bracelets all of gold, And a diamond girdle round thee; mine I give thee now, behold! Bowls of rubies thou shalt sip from, and from crystal tables dine, And, at eve, on lily leaves, and mingled violets recline; Wilt thou with me, sweet one, tell me!” “King,” she answered, “I am thine.” All the fairy court with rapture danced when thus they heard her say; “Noble chieftain, child of beauty, let us haste,” they cried, “away!” “Seal the covenant first,” quoth Oberon; and a magic cup of wine Straight was brought him, when the king bethought him of the charm divine, Which the eyes of life had opened, to perceive their secret line. Deep within the rosy goblet he the four-fold leaflet dipped, Drank thereof, and to the damsel gave it; daintily she sipped. Then to horse; the gallant knighthood lift their ladies to the sells; Every steed was shod with silver, every bridle hung with bells, Like the lilies of the valley, only all of silver. Swells Soft the moonlight air with strains aforetime never heard; More sweet than tone of nymph, or muse, or god, to both preferred. So they ambled on until they reached a green and grove-crowned hill, Which, without a gate, they entered, opening at the monarch’s will: Then the portals closed upon her; woe is me for that dear child, ’Mid the insubstantial regions of the fairies thus beguiled. Streams of bubbling gold flowed round her; fountains flung their diamond spray, O’er the fields a pearl-dew glistened; polished loadstone paved the way; Trees were leafed with golden florins; daisies chimed like silver crowns, Musical and odorous breezes breathed across the velvet downs. Soon they neared the regal palace twinkling in the aëry dyes, Lilac, pearl, and beryl blended, of that country’s sunless skies; While the fay-queen and her ladies, with their flower-robed damsels fair, Came forthright to greet her crowned spouse, and royal guestling there.