(1844–1930). The Spirit of Man: An Anthology. 1916. L’Après-midi d’un Faune
LOV’ST 1 thou tawny trees? I can show thee soon Stranger sights than these. Throngs of wilder’d kings Their power who sold, 5 Wearing its ruddy price In coins of gold. Lov’st thou lilies white, Untrod vales where bask Fields of scented light? 10 Come where cloister’d queens By thousands sing Their virgin saintliness Warm-sheltering. Wilt thou strength and life? 15 Wilt thou beauteous ease Far from soiling strife? When thy powers surrender Their glory tall, When thy calm soft-closeth 20 At evening fall, When no joys shall please, I can still devise Fairer things than these.
Note 1. L’Après-midi d’un Faune. Romantic imagination is more far-reaching than natural beauty, but spiritual imagination is limitless. [back ]
