There monsters entrance bar to mortal men,-- And take this ring, 'twill keep thee safe from all Can hurt or harm within our Fairy Hall. I but repay a debt I owe to thee For leaving still unploughed upon the lea That elfin ring, where oft, in days of yore, My forebears danced, before they left this shore; And other kindly things that I and mine Have got from you and yours in 'auld langsyne.' While here, ne'er eat nor drink; not for your life! For, if ye do, ye'll ne'er see your Goodwife." Forward they passed, and through the entrance hall, Its roof upborne by pillars magical; A line of silver columns flashing bright, And flinging back the toying gleams of light; No sun, no moon shone in the azure sky, Yet there was light o'er all, afar and nigh, Flowing from sources hid far, far beyond, Like springs outgushing streams of diamond. And there were gentle hills; and there above, Crowning their tops, was many a lovely grove Waving its leaves and branches to and fro, O'er emerald moss that clustering lay below. And there were valleys carpeted with flowers; There sweet retreats and honeysuckled bowers; And lakes with wavelets playing too and fro, Waking soft music in their rippling flow. And on their surface many a tiny sail-- Gently impelled by Zephyr's mildest gale-- Parting the elfin billows with a sheen Like opals set upon an emerald-green. And crimson corals lined the peaceful shore, Disturbed by no wild surge's angry roar; Close to the brink was many an elfin home-- Bow'rs built of amber--bathed in silver foam. And there a cataract, in elfin glee, Danced music, splashing to the elfin sea; Now gently stealing, now in bursts, along The tones came warbling low or loud in song. 'Twas sweet to see the waters leaping so, Like bairns at play, that ne'er knew sin or woe. Upon a gentle sward that lay beyond, High on a solid rock of diamond, Was placed a throne of yellow burnished gold Of rarest work the elfin art could mould; Its steps were gemmed with chrysolite and pearl, Its canopy with topazes and beryl; And on it sat the Queen, as spotless fair As new fallen snow, pure as a child of air. Upon her brow the richly jewelled wreath Could add no beauty to the hair beneath; Those queenly tresses were of raven hue, And sparkled bright with crystal-dropping dew; While music, like a flood, broke round the throne Whereon she sat like morning star alone, Welcoming right royally each coming guest From far or near, from south, north, east, or west. To cheer the guests with music and with song, With harp and pipe, the elfin minstrels throng. The harpers sat--waiting the royal glance. _That_, smiling given, the bardic chiefs advance Sweeping the chords--the wires responsive rung-- And in harmonious concert thus they sung:--