It traced the seven-coloured bow.

It spoke of rifts in frothy clouds,

Of silent lakes illumed with stars,

Of earth-mirage in misty air,

Of spirit force that light unbars.

The trees were still and hearkened now;

But shallow cups hold little draught

And soon the weary listeners tired,

Some curled their leaves, while others laughed.

Then beauty spilled and fell to earth