"Ne'er in the breast of full-grown Poet Fluttered so faint a heart before;-- Was it the music of the spheres That overpowered your mortal ears? --Such din shall trouble them no more. 85 "These nether precincts do not lack Charms of their own;--then come with me; I want a comrade, and for you There's nothing that I would not do; Nought is there that you shall not see. 90 "Haste! and above Siberian snows We'll sport amid the boreal morning; Will mingle with her lustres gliding Among the stars, the stars now hiding, And now the stars adorning. 95 "I know the secrets of a land Where human foot did never stray; Fair is that land [13] as evening skies, And cool, though in the depth it lies Of burning Africa. 100 "Or we'll into the realm of Faery, Among the lovely shades of things; The shadowy forms of mountains bare, And streams, and bowers, and ladies fair, The shades of palaces and kings! 105 "Or, if you thirst with hardy zeal Less quiet regions to explore, Prompt voyage shall to you reveal How earth and heaven are taught to feel The might of magic lore!" 110 "My little vagrant Form of light, My gay and beautiful Canoe, Well have you played your friendly part; As kindly take what from my heart Experience forces--then adieu! 115 "Temptation lurks among your words; But, while these pleasures you're pursuing Without impediment or let, No wonder if you quite forget [14] What on the earth is doing. 120 "There was a time when all mankind Did listen with a faith sincere To tuneful tongues in mystery versed; _Then_ Poets fearlessly rehearsed The wonders of a wild career. 125 "Go--(but the world's a sleepy world, And 'tis, I fear, an age too late) Take with you some ambitious Youth! For, restless Wanderer! I, in truth, [15] Am all unfit to be your mate. 130 "Long have I loved what I behold, The night that calms, the day that cheers; The common growth of mother-earth Suffices me--her tears, her mirth, Her humblest mirth and tears. 135 "The dragon's wing, the magic ring, I shall not covet for my dower, If I along that lowly way With sympathetic heart may stray, And with a soul of power. 140 "These given, what more need I desire To stir, to soothe, or elevate? What nobler marvels than the mind May in life's daily prospect find, May find or there create? 145 "A potent wand doth Sorrow wield; What spell so strong as guilty Fear! Repentance is a tender Sprite; If aught on earth have heavenly might, 'Tis lodged within her silent tear. 150