CXXIV. Here she leaves off, and with a graceful hand Waves thrice three splendid circles round his head; Which, though deserted by the radiant wand, Wears still the glory which her waving shed, Such as erst crown'd the old Apostle's head, To show the thoughts there harbour'd were divine, And on immortal contemplations fed: Goodly it was to see that glory shine Around a brow so lofty and benign! CXXV. Goodly it was to see the elfin brood That had their mortal enemy withstood, And stay'd their lives, fast ebbing with the sand. Long while this strife engag'd the pretty band; But now bold Chanticleer, from farm to farm, Challeng'd the dawn creeping o'er eastern land, And well the fairies knew that shrill alarm, Which sounds the knell of every elfish charm. 64 THE PLEA OF THE MIDSUMMER FAIRIES. CXXVI. And soon the rolling mist, that 'gan arise Like flocking linnets, vanish'd in a cloud. ΤΟ S. T. COLERIDGE, Esq. It is not with a hope my feeble praise Can add one moment's honour to thy own, That with thy mighty name I grace these lays; I seek to glorify myself alone : For that some precious favour thou hast shown To my endeavour in a by-gone time, And by this token, I would have it known It is my dear ambition now to climb Still higher in thy thought, — if my bold pen |