Silent before his friends. As first one bough

Whispers unto his fellow, in the wind,

Who, soft, repeats to those who neighbour him

Until the wood is filled with whisperings,

So they unto each other whispered there.

But Merow led me silent from the hall

Into the night, the company of stars

Innumerable, and of fragrant winds

Sweet with our secrets, murmuring delight....

How softly come these visions of the past!