Where the darkest clouds have gathered
And the mountain region changes,
There protrude two mighty boulders
Like a pair of massive shoulders,
Set beneath the mountain ranges;
Over these the clouds are scattered
Thus a narrow entrance making.
Close beyond this portal gathered
Crimson flames that are swiftly breaking,
And within their band of brightness
That is ever westward spreading,
Birds of night with eerie lightness
Flit across this crimson glimmer.
Then, as toward the gateway heading,
They fly off and slowly vanish.
And the flame grows dimmer@dimmer,
Till with dew of night aweeping,
Endless skies all gladness banish,
Earth and self in sadness steeping.
Within the cool dale's darkened lap,
Where aged oak frees form a gap,
A grieving chorus sits around;
All wrapped within their cloaks of white.
They are the comrades of the night.
Each gazes ahead at the dark, still ground.
Without words and without motion
As if fear's relentless ocean
Changed them info lifeless molds.
As an evening song unfolds,
Softly whisp'ring—softly sighing
Thus the circle trembles gravely,
44
