A MYSTERY

That sunless day no living shadow swept

Across the hills, fleet shadow chasing light,

Twin of the sailing cloud: but mists wool-white,

Slow-stealing mists, on those heaved shoulders crept,

And wrought about the strong hills while they slept

In witches’ wise, and rapt their forms from sight.

Dreams were they; less than dream, the noblest height

And farthest; and the chilly woodland wept.

A sunless day and sad: yet all the while