Poems (Scudder)/An Old Cameo
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.