And who can say what wizardise Had fashioned them in marvellous wise, And given them power to stoop and rise More high than thought hath travelled? Somewhat of cloud their frames consist, But more of meteor’s luminous mist, All girt with strands of seven-hued twist From rainbow’s verge unravelled. ’Tis said, and I believe it well, That whoso mounts their magic sell, Goes, if he list, invisible Beneath the broadest noonlight; That virtue comes of Faery-fern, Lone-lived where hill-slopes starward turn Thro’ frore night hours that bid it burn Flame-fronded in the moonlight; For this holds true--too true, alas!-- The sky that eve was clear as glass, Yet no man saw the Faeries pass Where azure pathways glisten; And true it is--too true, ay me-- That nevermore on lawn or lea Shall mortal man a Faery see, Tho’ long he look and listen. Only the twilit woods among A wild-winged breeze hath sometimes flung Dim echoes borne from strains soft-sung Beyond sky-reaches hollow; Still further, fainter up the height, Receding past the deep-zoned night-- Far chant of Fays who lead that flight, Faint call of Fays who follow: (_Fays following._) Red-rose mists o’erdrift Moth-moon’s glimmering white, Lit by sheen-silled west Barred with fiery bar; Fleeting, following swift, Whither across the night Seek we bourne of rest? (_Fays leading._) Afar. (_Fays following._) Vailing crest on crest Down the shadowy height, Earth with shores and seas Dropt, a dwindling gleam. Dusk, and bowery nest, Dawn, and dells dew-bright, What shall bide of these? (_Fays leading._) A dream. (_Fays following._) Fled, ah fled, our sight. Yea, but thrills of fire Throbbed adown yon deep, Faint and very far Who shall rede aright? Say, what wafts us nigher, Beckoning up the steep? (_Fays leading._) A star. (_Fays following._) List, a star! a star! Oh, our goal of light! Yet the winged shades sweep, Yet the void looms vast. Weary our wild dreams are: When shall cease our flight Soft on shores of sleep? (_Fays leading._) At last. [Illustration] [Illustration]