28. This Lady never slept, but lay in trance All night within the fountain-as in sleep. Like fireflies-and withal did ever keep 29. And, when the whirlwinds and the clouds descended 30. Within the which she lay when the fierce war In many a mimic moon and bearded star, O'er woods and lawns. The serpent heard it flicker In sleep, and, dreaming still, he crept afar. And, when the windless snow descended thicker 31. She had a boat which some say Vulcan wrought But it was found too feeble to be fraught And so she sold it, and Apollo bought And gave it to this daughter: from a car, 32. And others say that, when but three hours old, Stole a strange seed, and wrapped it up in mould, 33. The plant grew strong and green-the snowy flower Of which Love scooped this boat, and with soft motion 34. This boat she moored upon her fount, and lit Couched on the fountain-like a panther tame Or on blind Homer's heart a winged thought— 35. Then by strange art she kneaded fire and snow It seemed to have developed no defect In gentleness and strength its limbs were decked; 37. From its smooth shoulders hung two rapid wings She led her creature to the boiling springs Where the light boat was moored, and said "Sit here," And pointed to the prow, and took her seat Beside the rudder with opposing feet. 38. And down the streams which clove those mountains vast, Around their inland islets, and amid The panther-peopled forests (whose shade cast In melancholy gloom) the pinnace passed; 39. The silver moon into that winding dell, With slanted gleam athwart the forest tops, A green and glowing light, like that which drops 40. And, ever as she went, the Image lay With folded wings and unawakened eyes; The busy dreams, as thick as summer flies, And drinking the warm tears, and the sweet sighs They had aroused from that full heart and brain. 41. And ever down the prone vale, like a cloud Upon a stream of wind, the pinnace went : Now lingering on the pools, in which abode The calm and darkness of the deep content In which they paused; now o'er the shallow road Of white and dancing waters, all besprent With sand and polished pebbles: -mortal boat In such a shallow rapid could not float. 42. And down the earthquaking cataracts, which shiver Their snow-like waters into golden air, Or under chasms unfathomable ever Sepulchre them, till in their rage they tear A subterranean portal for the river, It fled. The circling sunbows did upbear 43. And, when the Wizard Lady would ascend 44. And it unfurled its heaven-coloured pinions; In which Spring clothes her emerald-wingèd minions, And moonlight splendour of intensest rime With which frost paints the pines in winter time. 45. And then it winnowed the elysian air Which ever hung about that Lady bright, Breasting the whirlwind with impetuous flight, |