I.

Last night, or did I dream? my lady led Me to a wall I oft had passed before, And opened there a curious secret door Made by some cunning workmen ages dead. We entered furtively, and as our tread Resounded on the long untrodden floor, Back swung the portal with a clanging roar. Fleeing like startled children on we sped, And found an inner chamber, where was spread A board with gold and crystal, and a store Of fruits and flowers from every unknown shore, And curious flasks, whose contents gleaming red A ruddy radiance o’er my lady shed, And flung fantastic flames upon the floor.