Classic Poem

Well has said that wondrous prince of folly,
Soul of midnight stored with lightning gleams,
Sage despite his fancied melancholy,
That " our life is twofold, " work and dreams.

Not alone in midnight's weird expansion,
When the outer senses sink to rest,
Fancy welcomes to her magic mansion, —
No, she bids us to be alway blest.

Hovering o'er us like an angel's pinions,
Leads she on to realms before unknown,
Changeful vistas, unexplored dominions,
Full of beauty brightening every zone.

O how oft when wandering, worn and weary,
Over prairies stretching without end
In the glaring sun, or threading dreary
Woodland solitudes where shadows blend,

I have joyed to steal from all around me,
All the tangible and blank and dull,
Breaking every sordid chain that bound me,
Living only in the beautiful!

Earth and heaven with wondrous shapes were peopled;
Future past and present all were there;
Lovely nooks and cities many-steepled,
Glorious landscapes stretching broad and fair.

Faces brighter than the earth beholdeth,
Eyes that vied in lustre with the stars;
Ancient heroes that the tomb enfoldeth,
Scenes of luxury and stirring wars.

These and many another scene entrancing
Beamed upon my desert-wearied eyes.
Ever on and on before me dancing,
Like a transient gleam from Paradise.