Classic Poem

" That one whom I pursued, that was not she? "
" No, but an empty shadow, semblance light
of her whom each one loves, and hopes to see,

and whom he loses. The Magician's might! "
" In this steep castle won, I her may find? "
" It may be you will touch her, wandering knight. "

" Perhaps. I see her not? " " No, you are blind.
Such is the art of him Atlante hight:
afar you see her, near you do not find. "

" Never? " " Yes, if in this book you read aright
these swiftly written lines. " " They say? " " No one knows.
They who have read are silent, wandering knight. "

" And if I read? " " You know. The charm then goes. "
" Then? " " You see her. " " At once? " " Instant the sight. "
" And the high castle? " " The shadows round it close. "

" The name it bears? " " is Life, O wandering knight. "