The Flitting of the Fairies

From “The End of Elfintown” *        *        *        *        *FOR this holds true—too true, alas! The sky that eve was clear as glass, Yet no man saw the Faeries pass     Where azure pathways glisten; And true it is—too true, ay me— That nevermore on lawn or lea Shall mortal man a Faery see,     Though long he look and listen. Only the twilit woods among A wild-winged breeze hath sometimes flung Dim echoes borne from strains soft sung     Beyond sky-reaches hollow; Still further, fainter up the height, Receding past the deep-zoned night— Far chant of Fays who lead that flight,     Faint call of Fays who follow.