Masters of the Guild

But you--earth-fettered we shall watch your wings Topping the mountains, battling winds,--to dare Challenge the lammergeyer where she swings Down the long lanes of air.

And when you take the skylark for your guide, And soar straight up to sun-drenched shores of Time, Immortal singers there shall, eager-eyed, Await your new-born rhyme.

Their songs are charm-songs, a divine caress, Or torrents that no power of man could tame, Or time-hushed gardens of grave loveliness, But yours,--a leaping flame!

Hail, Poet! Yours the Dream Interpreted, Earth's haunting fairy-tale since life began,-- The Dragon of Unfaith, his magic dead, Slain by the Flying Man!

II

A TOURNAMENT IN THE CLOUDS

Alazais de Montfaucon was to be married, and had chosen her dearest friend Philippa to be maid of honor. None of her friends except Philippa had seen the bridegroom; he was an