Page:Christabel, Kubla Khan, The Pains of Sleep - Coleridge (1816).djvu/52

 And what the sweet bird's trouble meant, That thus lay fluttering on the ground. I went and peer'd, and could descry No cause for her distressful cry; But yet for her dear lady's sake I stoop'd, methought the dove to take, When lo! I saw a bright green snake Coil'd around its wings and neck. Green as the herbs on which it couch'd, Close by the dove's its head it crouch'd; And with the dove it heaves and stirs, Swelling its neck as she swell'd hers! I woke; it was the midnight hour, The clock was echoing in the tower; But tho' my slumber was gone by, This dream it would not pass away— It seems to live upon my eye! And thence I vow'd this self-same day, With music strong and saintly song