In open circle seated round, and hushed

As the unbreathing air, when not a leaf

Stirs in the mighty woods.—So did he speak:

The words he uttered shall not pass away

Dispersed, like music that the wind takes up

By snatches, and lets fall, to be forgotten;

No—they sank into me,[409] the bounteous gift

Of one whom time and nature had made wise,

Gracing his doctrine[410] with authority

Which hostile spirits silently allow;