These glisten and shine in eternal winter,
And those of bronze, multicolored, alluring;
From them flow jewels like drops of sinter
And flicker and flame with candles enduring.
The streams that above, on the higher level,
Like scarlet, granite and rubies are glowing,
Turn paler as downward they move in a bevel
And hence like rose-buds are gently flowing.
On lakes, deep-green, in harbors hidden,
The skiffs spurning oars are rocking and swaying,
They can pierce and plow the billows when bidden
Past grasping cliffs and dragons preying.
Of creation, where he has but roused and directed
A newness exalted is oft his delight,
Where save his own will no will is reflected
And where he holds sway o'er the weather and light.
AUGURY
I beheld white swallows winging
In a silv'ry snow-white swarm,
Saw them in the breezes swinging
In the breezes clear and warm.
Jays I saw, bright-colored, tripping,
Parrot, too, and colibri
Through the palmcrists boldly slipping
In the woods of Tusferi.
I beheld great flutt'ring ravens.
Black and gray daws passed mine eyes
Hard above the reptiles' havens
Where th' enchanted clearing lies.
Swallows once again are winging
In a silv'ry swarm, snow-shite,
See them in the breezes swinging,
In the breezes cold and bright!
