XXX.

Sudden along the snowy tide That swelled to meet their footsteps’ fall, The sylphs of heaven were seen to glide, Attired in sunset’s crimson pall; Around the Fay they weave the dance, They skip before him on the plain, And one has taken his wasp-sting lance, And one upholds his bridle-rein; With warblings wild they lead him on To where through clouds of amber seen, Studded with stars, resplendent shone The palace of the sylphid queen. Its spiral columns gleaming bright Were streamers of the northern light; Its curtains’ light and lovely flush Was of the morning’s rosy blush, And the ceiling fair that rose aboon The white and feathery fleece of noon.