Poems (Scudder)/An Old Cameo
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AN OLD CAMEO
Within an oval of unshaded blue
The figure of a dancing nymph is seen
Moving with measured step and air serene
In some enthralling dance that wood-folk knew
In days when skies were of a softer hue
And forests wore a deeper, richer green
Than now. And nevermore such shape and mien
Beneath the sun shall happy mortals view.
Of less unearthly grace the forms appear
The keen frost carves from crystal. We may bless
The wind of time that froze this airy sprite
To immobility and kept her here
With all her fragile, glancing loveliness
In these uncomely years for our delight.
The figure of a dancing nymph is seen
Moving with measured step and air serene
In some enthralling dance that wood-folk knew
In days when skies were of a softer hue
And forests wore a deeper, richer green
Than now. And nevermore such shape and mien
Beneath the sun shall happy mortals view.
Of less unearthly grace the forms appear
The keen frost carves from crystal. We may bless
The wind of time that froze this airy sprite
To immobility and kept her here
With all her fragile, glancing loveliness
In these uncomely years for our delight.