Page:Poems, Volume 1, Coates, 1916.djvu/42



DREAMER midst the stars doth dwell,

Known to the gods as Israfel.

His heart-strings are a lute;

And when, the magic notes outpouring,

He parts his lips, the gods, adoring,

Listen in transport mute,

Subdued and softened by the spell

Of the dreamer, Israfel!

And mortals, as they toil apart,

Listen with awe, and call him—Art,

And fain his gift to gain,

Essay to imitate the fashion

Of his rare song, and breathe its passion,—

But, ah, they strive in vain;

For his song is more than art,

Whose lute-strings are his heart!

And others, unto whom he wings

The sweetest melodies he sings,