_Poesie_. Vanquished again! Was ever mortal maid By wild, illusive phantoms so betrayed? Taught by a wise old seer that Idylcourt Of guiding genii is the famed resort, I've wandered in and out for weary hours, Seeking the leaders of those mighty powers That robe the earth in beauty, seasons guide, Hang out the stars, and shift the changing tide, Endow with action all the sons of earth, And to the good and beautiful give birth. Alas! my search is vain. About me glide Tormenting shadows, that my calls deride. I feel their presence in the fragrant breeze; I touch their fingers in the fruited trees; I spy their images in mirrored fount; I hear their music in the echoing mount. I know that at their touch fair cities rise; That at their call delighted progress flies; That at their smiles e'en towering genius soars To loftier heights, and richer spoil secures. And yet far off they stand. I cannot meet The love-light of their eyes, or at their feet Drink in the wisdom of inspiring speech. The springs of power rise far beyond my reach. Hear me, ye spirits, wonderful and grand! Upon your charmèd ground I fearless stand. Come ye in frightful shapes, or forms of grace, I challenge you to meet me face to face. _Chorus: "The Fairy's Revel."_ The mountains are sending their forces in might; The fields are upspringing, and girding for fight; The sea is outpouring, the air is alive, For thee, fair Primeva, in tourney to strive. _During which, enter_, R., PRIMEVA; FLORA, _bearing flowers_; POMONA, _bearing basket of fruit_; AGRIA, _with a bundle of dried grass, hay, and grain_; OCEANA, SHELLIE, WAVA, MAJESTA, LOFTIE, AERIE, _and take positions according to following diagram_:— [Illustration] _Chorus_, R. C. _Chorus_, L. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── _Chorus_, R. WAV. SHEL. POESIE. _Chorus_, L. _Chorus_, R. OC. _Chorus_, L. _Chorus_, R. POM. LOFT. _Chorus_, L. _Chorus_, R. AGR. PRIM. AER. _Chorus_, L. _Chorus_, R. FLO. MAJ. _Chorus_, L. _Poesie._ Conquered at last; and yet with strange affright I am possessed at this most dazzling sight. Fair spirits, at my call you've kindly met. I'm little skilled in your court etiquette: Accept the homage of a grateful heart, That long will cherish what you may impart.