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While hand seeks softer hand, and there
Seems spell-bound by the amorous air—
When love, in very silence, finds
The tone that pleads, the pledge that binds.
Hollo, my Fancy! Whither bounding?
Go where rolling orbs are sounding,
This dull nether world astounding
With celestial symphonies;
Inhale no more the soft replies
Which gurgling rills and fountains make,
Nor feed upon the fervid sighs
Of winds that fan the reedy lake;
Leave all terrestrial harmonies
That flow for pining minstrel's sake.
Skyward, adventurous Fancy! Dare
To cleave the ocean of the air;
Soaring on thy vane-like wings
Bise o'er earth and clod-like things.
Smite the rolling clouds that bar
Thy progress to those realms afar;
Career it with the Sisters seven,
Pace it through the star-paved heaven;
Snatch Orion's baldrick,—then,
Astride upon the Dragon, dare
