The Witch-Maid, and Other Verses/Chateau D'espagne
CHÂTEAU D'ESPAGNE
Castle-of-Spain is builded high,
Thrusting its towers towards the sky,
With its shot-windows looking down
Over the ribbed roofs of the town
That like a cat, her mousing done,
Stretches at ease there in the sun.
Castle-of-Spain upon the crest
Thrones like an eagle come to rest;
Shut wings ready to spread once more
And great and still in the blue to soar:—
On that day you will turn to find
Your castle gone with no wrack behind!
Castle-of-Spain is hard to take.
Your feet will bleed and your heart may break
Long ere that stony height you gain—
Better the safe and pleasant plain!
For, reach the summit, nothing's there
Save mocking sun and empty air
Or a tall cloud-tower in the heaven's span—
Small comfort that to an earthly man!
Castle-of-Spain is builded high
Up above us, beyond the sky. . . .
Easy we build you, hardly we gain,
Castle-of-Spain, Castle-of-Spain!
San Pablo, Andalusia.