They took them fresh violets all dripping with dew,
Dwarf-women had plucked them, the morn,—
And stained with their juice the clear sapphires blue,
King Dan in his crown since hath worn.
Then for emeralds they searched out the brightest green
Which the young spring meadow wears.
And dropped round pearls, without flaw or stain,
From widows’ and maidens’ tears.
And all around the cavern might plainly be shown
Where giants had once been at play;