The Land Of Fable

 ("L'Orient! qu'y voyez-vous, poëtes?") 
 
 {PRELUDE, b.} 


 Now, vot'ries of the Muses, turn your eyes, 
 Unto the East, and say what there appears! 
 "Alas!" the voice of Poesy replies, 
 "Mystic's that light between the hemispheres!" 
 
 "Yes, dread's the mystic light in yonder heaven— 
 Dull is the gleam behind the distant hill; 
 Like feeble flashes in the welkin driven, 
 When the far thunder seems as it were still! 
 
 "But who can tell if that uncertain glare 
 Be Phoebus' self, adorned with glowing vest; 
 Or, if illusions, pregnant in the air, 
 Have drawn our glances to the radiant west? 
 
 "Haply the sunset has deceived the sight— 
 Perchance 'tis evening, while we look for morning; 
 Bewildered in the mazes of twilight, 
 That lucid sunset may appear a dawning!" 
 
 G.W.M. REYNOLDS 


 





Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace