The Sibyl Of Dreams

The rose she gathers is invisible, But ah! its fragrance on the visioned air-- The scent of Paphian flowers warm and fair; The breath of blossoms delicate and chill, By Dian tended on her vestal hill, And soul of that wan orchid of despair Found by Persephone, when, unaware, She bent to pluck, and hell and heaven grew still.

Oh! in what lily’s deep and splendid cup Shall ever evening dryads hope to find So marvellous a nectar of delight-- In valleys of enchantment gathered up By hesitating spirits of the wind, And borne in rapture to the lips of Night?