Classic Poem

Now, welcome swallow! welcome! take thy rest —
The spring is melting every icy stream —
Build 'neath my roof thine unmolested nest;
Here be thy quiet home of peace — nor deem
The bard intrusive, if he bid thee tell
Of distant lands and distant beauties — say
If from yon plains, where all the graces dwell,
She gave thee no sweet message on thy way.
" Thither I flew, for I had often heard
Of charms that dazzled every flitting bird —
Thither I flew, to gaze upon the maid:
But I was so bewilder'd, when I saw,
That eloquent fame itself had failed to draw
Her form — I fled — in silence and afraid. "