

"When abroad in heat of noon-day, 



Vainly will he seek the shade; 

 Vainly trust his footsteps soon may 

 Lead him to some sheltered glade. 



When for cooling draughts he'll long, 

 Hushed will be the brook's glad song. 



IX 



"Poet and his artist brother, 

 Sick of ocean's monotone, 

 Will begin to search for other 

 Subjects in the forests lone. 



But of these no trace they'll find 

 Save the dead roots left behind." 



With surprise in growing measure 



Did these words the wood-nymphs hear ; 

 Gone, the speaker marked with pleasure, 

 Were repining sigh and tear. 



Then he finished: "Man should weigh 

 'Gainst his gains, the price to pay !" 



XI 



"Now, my nymphs, I'm weary dwelling 



On man's folly, in good sooth, 

 Gained my object, all-compelling. 

 Which was to convey this truth : 

 That revenge will yet be ours, 

 E'en though dealt by higher Powers." 



XII 



"Then your counsel is, O brother." 

 Cried a Dryad young and fair, 

 "That we struggle not, but smother 

 Love of life in meek despair. 



This your pardon, I entreat 

 This is neither wise nor meet ! 



XIII 



"Now, if we succeed in showing. 

 Poor, dull-witted man that he 

 For his own loved race is sowing 

 Seeds of future misery 



Haply he will pause take breath. 

 Think and stop his work of death." 



XIV 



Such the cordial, hearty tercet hit:. 



Given to this hopeful speech 

 That when dawn 1irkc up tin- niretinu, 

 l-ai-h nymph pledged herself to teach 

 Erring man his ways to mend. 

 That he -pare his life's true friend! 



iTT^^ 



