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Ebony and Crystal/Mirage

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For works with similar titles, see Mirage.
18996Ebony and Crystal — MirageClark Ashton Smith

MIRAGE

Deem ye the veiling vision will abide—The marvel, and the glamour, and the dream,Which lies in light upon the barren world?********The wings of Phoenix towering to the sun,Nor opals, nor the morning foam, may holdThe hueful flame that as from faery moonsIs mirrored on the sand; where many a time,From fields that hem with golden asphodelA river like a dragon coiled in light,Rise to the noon the hovering minaretsAnd soaring walls of cities Ilion-like,Till the dim winds are hung with palacesOf orient madreperl.Forever lost—Like sunset on a land of old romance,—The splendour fails, and leaves the travellerIn endless deserts flaming to the day.