The Old Road to Paradise/Songs from a Masque

by Margaret Widdemer

SONGS FROM A MASQUE

THE WOODFOLK SWEEP THROUGH

The Water-Spirit:
Water flows in the wild wood deep,
 Dreamy water that slips and sighs,
I shall whisper your heart to sleep,
 Flowing down on your lips and eyes—
Dance and dream—dance and dream—
Folk of woodland and tree and stream!

The Fire-Spirit:
Fire shall burn and be always new,
 Flames leap wild on the flashing air;
I shall sweep from the heart of you,
 Worldly fever of love and care—
Dance and leap—dance and leap—
Folk of woodland and wind and steep!

The Earth-Spirit:
Earth is kind in the peace of night,
 Earth that loves when all else is done—
I will hide you at loss of light
 Deep from hurt of the snow or sun—
Dance till night—dance till night—
Folk of woodland and vale and height!

Chorus of Woodfolk:
Wild the heart of the magic wood,
 Wild the dream that shall never stay,
Flute and laughter and dance are good,
 Joy and singing the while we may—
Joy is good—joy is good—
Folk of river and field and wood!

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SWANHILD SINGS UNSEEN:

White wings, far wings,
 Fade down the sky,
Dream things, fair things
 Follow and fly;

Young heart, wild heart,
 Ah, could you follow
All the clouds, all the dreams,
 Down the world's hollow!

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SWANHILD SINGS TO THE KNIGHT:

What shall I do with my heart
 That will not go with thee,
Lover of mine, knight of mine,
 Guide to the heights afar?
There is a dream to follow
 That will not let me be—
I must go down to the marshland's water,
 Hiding from wind and star!

What shall I do with thy heart,
 Seeking me without rest,
I who must strip all hands from me,
 Guarding my steps in fear!
Turn from the fairy woodland,
 Pass to thy holy quest—
I must go seek for the track of the swan
 And the sound of the step of the deer!