Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/129

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Thine own fair bosom, and I am so near! Wilt fall asleep? O let me sip that tear! And whisper one sweet word that I may know This is this world—sweet dewy blossom!"—Woe! — Even these words went echoing dismally Through the wide forest—a most fearful tone, Like one repenting in his latest moan; And while it died away a shade pass'd by, As of a thunder-cloud. When arrows fly Through the thick branches, poor, ring-doves sleek
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Their timid necks and tremble; so these both Leant to each other trembling, and sat so Waiting for some destruction—when lo! Foot-feather'd Mercury appear'd sublime Beyond the tall tree tops; and in less time Than shoots the slanted hail-storm, down he dropp'd Towards the ground; but rested not, nor stopp'd One moment from his home: only the sward He with his wand light touch'd, and heavenward Swifter than sight was gone—even before The teeming earth a sudden witness bore Of his swift magic. Diving swans appear Above the crystal circlings white and clear; And catch the cheated eye in wild surprise, How they can dive in sight and unseen rise— So from the turf outsprang two steeds jet-black, Each with large dark blue wings upon his back. The youth of Caria placed the lovely dame On one, and felt himself in spleen to tame The other's fierceness. Through the air they flew,