_The Wishing-Spring_

I knelt beside the fairy spring, Among the tasseled weeds; Far off, with dreamy murmuring, The wind piped through the reeds.

Once, twice, the brimming cup I raised With trembling finger-tips, And in its limpid crystal gazed, Nor laid it to my lips.

Ah me! the eager heart-desires, So thronging swift they came, My spirit surged like wind-swept fires, I knew not which to name.

—Then all at once, I quickly quaffed The shining drops; but lo, The wish with that enchanted draught No man must ever know!