There dwells a watcher who can ill afford

To let invaders by those hoary caves.

But some day then may dreamers find the way

That leads down elfin-painted paths of gray.

VII

And past those unclean spires that ever lean

Above the windings of unpeopled streets;

And far beyond the walls and silver screen

That veils the secrets of those dim retreats,

A scarlet pathway leads that some have seen