The City of Gold

Years onward have swept,
Aye, long ages have rolled—
Since the billows first slept
O’er the City of Gold!

’Neath its eddy of white
Where the green wave is swelling,
In their halls of delight
Are the fairy tribes dwelling.

And but seldom the eye
Of a mortal may scan,
Where those palaces high
Rise unaided by man.

Yet, at times the waves sever,
And then you may view
The yellow walls ever
’Neath the ocean’s deep blue.

But I warn thee, O man!
Never seek to behold,
Where the crystal streams ran
In the City of Gold!

Like a beauty with guile,
When some young knight has found her,
There is death in her smile,
And dark ruin around her!

Like a poet’s first dream
In his longings for glory;
A dagger whose gleam
With the life-blood is gory.

Like wishes possessed,
And for which we have panted,
When we find us unblest,
Tho’ our prayers have been granted.

Like ought that’s forbidden
Weak man to behold,
Death and sorrow are hid in
The City of Gold.

Rash youth! dost thou view it,
The ransom thou’lt pay,
Alas! thou must rue it,
Death takes thee to-day!

Anonymous.