As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree <br />The Angel of the Earth came down, and offered Earth in fee; <br />But Adam did not need it, <br />Nor the plough he would not speed it, <br />Singing: --"Earth and Water, Air and Fire, <br />What more can mortal man desire?" <br />(The Apple Tree's in bud) <br /> <br />As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree <br />The Angel of the Waters offered all the Seas in fee; <br />But Adam would not take 'em, <br />Nor the ships he wouldn't make 'em, <br />Singing:--"Water, Earth and Air and Fire, <br />What more can mortal man desire? " <br />(The Apple Tree's in leaf.) <br /> <br />As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree <br />The Angel of the Air he offered all the Air in fee; <br />But Adam did not crave it, <br />Nor the flight he wouldn't brave it, <br />Singing: --"Air and Water, Earth and Fire, <br />What more can mortal man desire:" <br />(The Apple Tree's in bloom.) <br /> <br />As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree <br />The Angel of the Fire rose up and not a word said he; <br />But he wished a flame and made it, <br />And in Adam's heart he laid it, <br />Singing: --"Fire, Fire, burning Fire! <br />Stand up, and reach your heart's desire!" <br />(The Apple Blossom's set.) <br /> <br />As Adam was a-working outside of Eden-Wall, <br />He used the Earth, he used the Seas, he used the Air and all; <br />Till out of black disaster <br />He arose to be a master <br />Of Earth and Water, Air and Fire, <br />But never reached his heart's desire! <br />(The Apple Tree's cut down!)<br /><br />Rudyard Kipling<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-four-angels/
