New Zealand Verse/Faerie
CXXV.
Faerie.
Why have we in these isles no fairy dell,
No haunted wood, nor wild enchanted mere?
Our woods are dark, our lakelets’ waters clear,
As those of any land where fairies dwell.
In every verdant vale our streamlets tell
Their simple story to the list’ning ear,
Our craggy mountains steep are full of fear—
E’en rugged men have felt their awful spell.
No haunted wood, nor wild enchanted mere?
Our woods are dark, our lakelets’ waters clear,
As those of any land where fairies dwell.
In every verdant vale our streamlets tell
Their simple story to the list’ning ear,
Our craggy mountains steep are full of fear—
E’en rugged men have felt their awful spell.
Yet lack they glamour of the fairy tale,
Nor gnome nor goblin do they e’er recall,
Though Nature speaks, e’en in the wind’s sad wail.
Who shall give meaning to Her voices all?
The poet’s art,—as yet without avail,—
Must weave the story of both great and small.
Nor gnome nor goblin do they e’er recall,
Though Nature speaks, e’en in the wind’s sad wail.
Who shall give meaning to Her voices all?
The poet’s art,—as yet without avail,—
Must weave the story of both great and small.