The Argonauts

ACTUS QUARTUS Between the islands sheer and steep Our craft treads noiseless o’er the deep. Turned to the gold heart of the west, The sun’s last sigh of love expressed Ere the lake glimmer, borrow sleep From clouds and tinge their edges; weep That night brings love not to his breast, But only rest. We move toward the golden track Shed in the water: we look back Eastward, where rose is set to warn Promise and prophecy of dawn Reflected, lest the ocean lack In any space serene or slack Some colour, blushing o’er the fawn Dim-lighted lawn. And under all the shadowy shapes Of steep and silent bays and capes The water takes its darkest hue; Catches no laughter from the blue; No purple ray or gold escapes, But dim green shadow comes and drapes Its lustre: thus the night burns through Tall groves of yew. Thither, ah thither! Hollow vales Trembling with early nightingales! 23