Ballade of Broken Flutes

In dreams I crossed a barren land,

       &nbsp A land of ruin, far away;

Around me hung on every hand

       &nbsp A deathful stillness of decay;

       &nbsp And silent, as in bleak dismay

That song should thus forsaken be,

       &nbsp On that forgotten ground there lay

The broken flutes of Arcady.



The forest that was all so grand

       &nbsp When pipes and tabors had their sway

Stood leafless now, a ghostly band

       &nbsp Of skeletons in cold array.

       &nbsp A lonely surge of ancient spray

Told of an unforgetful sea,

       &nbsp But iron blows had hushed for aye

The broken flutes of Arcady.



No more by summer breezes fanned,

       &nbsp The place was desolate and gray;

But still my dream was to command

       &nbsp New life into that shrunken clay.

       &nbsp I tried it. Yes, you scan to-day,

With uncommiserating glee,

       &nbsp The songs of one who strove to play

The broken flutes of Arcady.



       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp ENVOY



So, Rock, I join the common fray,

       &nbsp To fight where Mammon may decree;

And leave, to crumble as they may,

       &nbsp The broken flutes of Arcady.