SEM. (_youths_). Or wouldst thou mine a passage deep Until the darksome fire is found, Which prisoned long in seething sleep Vexes the caverns underground? SEM. (_maidens_). Or bid us join our palms perchance, To cup the slant and chinkèd beam, Which mounting morn hath sent to dance Across our chamber while we dream? SEM. (_youths_). Say whence and how shall we fetch this fire for the king? Our hope is impatient of vain debating. 810 SEM. (_maidens_). My heart is stirred at the name of the wondrous thing, And trembles awaiting. _ODE._ A coy inquisitive spirit, the spirit of wonder, Possesses the child in his cradle, when mortal things Are new, yet a varied surface and nothing under. It busies the mind on trifles and toys and brings Her grasp from nearer to further, from smaller to greater, And slowly teaches flight to her fledgeling wings. Where'er she flutters and falls surprises await her: She soars, and beauty's miracles open in sight, 820 The flowers and trees and beasts of the earth ; and later The skies of day, the moon and the stars of night; 'Neath which she scarcely venturing goes demurely, With mystery clad, in the awe of depth and height. O happy for still unconscious, for ah ! how surely, How soon and surely will disenchantment come, When first to herself she boasts to walk securely, And drives the master spirit away from his home; Seeing the marvellous things that make the morning Are marvels of every-day, familiar, and some 830 Have lost with use, like earthly robes, their adorning, As earthly joys the charm of a first delight, And some are fallen from awe to neglect and scorning; Until-- O tarry not long, dear needed sprite! Till thou, though uninvited, with fancy returnest To hallow beauty and make the dull heart bright: To inhabit again thy gladdened kingdom in earnest; Wherein-- from the smile of beauty afar forecasting The pleasure of god, thou livest at peace and yearnest With wonder everlasting. 840 SECOND PART _Re-enter from the palace_ INACHUS, _with_ ARGEIA _and_ IO. _INACHUS._