Page:Florence Earle Coates Poems 1898 61.jpg

 DRYAD SONG

the wolds of Lycaeus are silvery fair,

When Maenalian forests are doubtful and dim,

When the hound strains the leash and the wolf quits his lair,

And the startled fawn flies from the fountain's cool rim;

When with panting delight we impatiently follow

The shuddering stags over hillock and hollow,—

A form from the shadows comes bounding out,

And we know it is Pan by his horrid shout.

A form from the shadows comes bounding out,

At head of the Satyrs' impetuous rout,

And we know it is Pan, we know it is Pan,

We know it is Pan by his horrid shout!

When hidden with Dian in deep woodland bower,

We loosen her quiver, her sandals unbind,

Bathe her beautiful feet in the pearl-trickling shower,

Pellucid and pure; when we deftly enwind

The silvery fillet that clasps and caresses

The wonder and wealth of her shadowy tresses,—

61