How long? Ask earth, ask heaven. Nothing has changed.

The sea was always here.”—

I went my way.

And in a thousand ages I returned.

The sea had vanished. Where the ships had sailed

Warm vineyards basked, among the enfolding hills.

I saw, below me, on the winding road,

Two milk-white oxen, under a wooden yoke,

Drawing a waggon, loaded black with grapes.

Beside them walked a slim brown-ankled girl.