Tale of Archais

THE TALE OF ARCHAIS 75 Thus that most reverend sound through all the vale Pealed in low cadences that rise and fail, And all the augurs promise happy days, And all the men for Archais have praise, And all maids’ eyes are fixed on Charicles. Then, to the tune of musical slow seas, The wind began to murmur on the mead, And he, unconscious, drew his eager reed From the loose tunic ; now they seat themselves On moss worn smooth by feet of many elves Dancing at midnight through them, and their voice Bids all the woodland echoes to rejoice Because the lovers are made one at last. And Charicles began to play ; they cast Tunic and snood and sandal, and began To foot a happy measure for a span, While still Archais at his feet would sit, Gaze in his eyes, by love and triumph lit, And listen to the music. And the fire Of his light reed so kindled her desire That she with new glad confidence would quire A new song exquisite, whose tender tune Was nurtured at the bosom of the moon