Not Aladdin magian <br />Ever such a work began; <br />Not the wizard of the Dee <br />Ever such a dream could see; <br />Not St. John, in Patmos' Isle, <br />In the passion of his toil, <br />When he saw the churches seven, <br />Golden aisl'd, built up in heaven, <br />Gaz'd at such a rugged wonder. <br />As I stood its roofing under <br />Lo! I saw one sleeping there, <br />On the marble cold and bare. <br />While the surges wash'd his feet, <br />And his garments white did beat. <br />Drench'd about the sombre rocks, <br />On his neck his well-grown locks, <br />Lifted dry above the main, <br />Were upon the curl again. <br />'What is this? and what art thou?' <br />Whisper'd I, and touch'd his brow; <br />'What art thou? and what is this?' <br />Whisper'd I, and strove to kiss <br />The spirit's hand, to wake his eyes; <br />Up he started in a trice: <br />'I am Lycidas,' said he, <br />'Fam'd in funeral minstrely! <br />This was architectur'd thus <br />By the great Oceanus!-- <br />Here his mighty waters play <br />Hollow organs all the day; <br />Here by turns his dolphins all, <br />Finny palmers great and small, <br />Come to pay devotion due-- <br />Each a mouth of pearls must strew. <br />Many a mortal of these days, <br />Dares to pass our sacred ways, <br />Dares to touch audaciously <br />This Cathedral of the Sea! <br />I have been the pontiff-priest <br />Where the waters never rest, <br />Where a fledgy sea-bird choir <br />Soars for ever; holy fire <br />I have hid from mortal man; <br />Proteus is my Sacristan. <br />But the dulled eye of mortal <br />Hath pass'd beyond the rocky portal; <br />So for ever will I leave <br />Such a taint, and soon unweave <br />All the magic of the place.' <br />* * * * * * <br />So saying, with a Spirit's glance <br />He dived!<br /><br />John Keats<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/staffa/
