48 
THE TALE OF ARCHAIS 
Might match for splendour, stretch, or airy speed, 
From cluster unto cluster at her need 
Of stars, wide waving, and from star to star 
Extended, in whose span the heavens are. 
So came she to the maiden, and unseen 
Gazed on her rapt.  So sighed the amorous 
queen, 
“ For her indeed might Charicles despair ! ” 
Yet of her presence was the maiden ’ware, 
Although her mortal eyes might see her not ; 
So she knelt down upon that holy spot 
And greeted her with tears ;  for now at last 
The fountains of her sorrow, vague and vast, 
Burst from the strong inexorable chain 
Of too great passion, and a mortal pain 
Beyond belief, and so in sudden waves 
Tears welled impatient from their crystal caves. 
(Men say those barren pinnacles are set 
Since then with jewels ;  the white violet 
Was born of those pure tears ;  the snowdrop 
grew 
Where waking hope her agony shot through, 
And where the Queen of Love had touched her 
tears, 
The new-born lily evermore appears.)