Page:The Soul of a Century.djvu/101

 With rising violence this yearning fills his heart The bosom’s heavy sighs no power can restrain His moistened eyes with bitter grief now smart, “Oh Paradise come back Be young again ”

Suddenly, on the crimson cloud appears A lovely creature of some airy spheres A light-hued image that beckons from the haze, With a smile that lights his stirring youthful dream. He used to see her with his soul agleam But ne’er beheld her with his human gaze. She quivers in the room with charms untold And lifts a crystal goblet to his lip A goblet bubbling with a foaming dew, A rosy garland forms about its tip A blushing ornament set fresh anew.

“Your burning wish now shall be satisfied. This cup of reborn youth shall weave the spell Drink By this nectar you will be revived, The stream of life’s young spring again shall swell. Your soul again with sparkling stars will shine Your bosom heavy with happiness divine The golden bird of love your heart shall spear Your eyes will sparkle with a youthful fire, Your hair again wave to your heart's desire, Your cheeks turn light, and wrinkles disappear Worry and boredom shall leave you with a wink, A Poem will refresh your soul Come, drink.”

The vision’s voice sounds like music from afar The goblet sparkles temptingly on high While with a trembling hand he reaches for the star Whose lovely scent the cup exhales so nigh, Fresh as the breath of woods ’neath summer skies A scent as sweet as the balmy breath of spring; His soul is rocked in dreams of paradise While golden bells within him sweetly ring But suddenly his outstretched hand withdraws, Shadows of doubt cause him to ask and pause, “Is there a drop with magic to forget, In all the pearly wine you hold?” he asks.

“That mystic drop my goblet truly lacks, For Lethes shores, around your dreams are set.”