IN calm and tempest, in shine and shade, On a faultless emerald lawn, A marble fountain for ever played, From dawn unto magic dawn. No rainbow'd bliss had the fountain lacked, And its gaiety nought could mar, Till it heard the Voice of the Cataract In an Alpine gorge afar. "With thunder of battle, in glory and gloom, I have torn," said the torrent, "my way." And the fountain murmured, "My cruel doom Is to play -- and play -- and play." |