Lost And Found

In the mildest, greenest grove Blest by sprite or fairy, Where the melting echoes rove, Voices sweet and airy; Where the streams Drink the beams Of the Sun, As they run Riverward Through the sward, A shepherd went astray- E'en gods have lost their way. Every bird had sought its nest, And each flower-spirit Dreamed of that delicious rest Mortals ne'er inherit; Through the trees Swept the breeze, Bringing airs Unawares Through the grove, Until love Came down upon his heart, Refusing to depart. Hungrily he quaffed the strain, Sweeter still, and clearer, Drenched with music's mellow rain, Nearer-nearer-dearer! Chains of sound Gently bound The lost Youth, Till, in sooth, He stood there A prisoner, Raised between earth and heaven By love's divinest leaven. Was there ever such a face? Was it not a vision? Had he climbed the starry space, To the fields Elysian? Through the glade The milk-maid With her pail, To the vale Passed along, Breathing song Through all his ravished sense, To gladden his suspense. 'Love is swift as hawk or hind, Chamois-like in fleetness, None are lost that love can find,' Sang the maid, with sweetness. 'True, in sooth,' Thought the Youth, 'Strong, as swift, Love can lift Mountain weights To the gates Of the celestial skies, Where all else fades and dies.' Lightly flew the sunny days, Joy and gladness sending; Life becomes a song of praise When true hearts are blending. Guileless truth Won the Youth, Kept him there, A prisoner; While dear Love From above Poured down enduring dreams, In calm supernal gleams.