Burst, with wild and ringing laughter, in upon my wildered sight.

Like a golden dream she came to me, and like a dream she fled,

Crushing crystal dews beneath her, as the diamonds in their bed;

And a spirit seemed to linger round the covert whence she came,

As a glow is oft reflected from the brightness of a flame.

Far within the solemn forest disappeared her sylphide form,

As the gentle star of even pales before presaging storm;

Every songster’s notes were silent, all the wild-flowers wore a blush,

And throughout the wood’s dark mazes was a calm and holy hush.

Such a gush of richest melody as then bestirred the air,