THE PAST IS -DEAD 



Broad water-lilies lay tremulously, 



And starry river-buds glimmered by, 



And around them the soft stream did glide and 



dance 

 With a motion of sweet sound and radiance. 



And the sinuous paths of lawn and of moss, 

 Which led through the garden along and across, 

 Some open at once to the sun and the breeze, 

 Some lost among bowers of blossoming trees, 



Were all paved with daisies and delicate bells 

 As fair as the fabulous asphodels, 

 And flowrets which drooping as day drooped too 

 Fell into pavilions, white, purple, and blue, 

 To roof the glow-worm from the evening dew. 



And from this undefiled Paradise, 

 The flowers (as an infant's awakening eyes 

 Smile on its mother, whose singing sweet 

 Can first lull, and at last must awaken it), 



WTien Heaven's blithe winds had unfolded them, 

 As mine-lamps enkindle a hidden gem, 



[155] 



