Divine Adventure

At times a youth (so whispered legend tells),Like Hylas, stoops to drinkBy forest-hidden brink,And fair hands draw him down to darkened wells;Fair hands that hold him fastWith laughter at the lastHave power to draw him lightly down to beIn elfin chambers under the gray sea.

And I, O men of Earth, I too,When dawn was at the dew,Was drawn as Hylas downward and beheldSpirits of youth and eld—Was swung down endless caverns to the deep,Saw fervid jewels sparkle in their sleep,Saw glad gnomes working in the dusty light,Saw great rocks crouching in the primal night.I was drawn down, and after many daysReturned with stiller feet to walk the upper ways.