About the portal—myriad creatures bright

As the intensest light

Of phosphor flame—small as the motes that rise,

When the sun’s beam comes warm

From its far throne in the uncurtained skies.

Among the elves and fairies moves their queen;

Tell me, dear Fancy, delicate Ariel—say,

Have I not oft a like expression seen,

An eye, a brow, illumined by a ray

As pure and soft? Oh, take the misty screen