A Pastoral of Parnassus
"Ma io perchè venirivi? chi’l concede?"
At morning dawn I left my sheep
And sought the mountains all aglow;
The shepherds said, "The way is steep:
Ah, do not go!"
I left my pastures fresh with rain,
My water-courses edged with bloom,
A larger breathing space to gain
And singing room.
Then of a reed I wrought a flute,
And as I went I sang and played.
But though I sang, my heart was mute
And sore afraid.
Because the great hill and the sky
Were full of glooms and glorious
Beyond all light or dark that I
Imagined thus.
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