Sadly, along the forest ways
Came slowly toward the appointed place
The Fathers of the Fairy Race.
And as, by sacred instinct urged,
From gloom to light their forms emerged,
It seemed as if unnumbered years
Of elfin lore had made them seers.
And each one seemed to walk the sod,
Clothed in his wisdom, like a god;
But in his step, and in his air,