Once Kings

Caprice (Rússia)

Compositor: 6th Century / Anonymous

In misty dreams and shadowed memories
Of fabled cities I have dwelt apace-
And from strange lakes set round with Guardian Trees
Have slacked my thirst, and scornful of the face
Of harshful reality have stooped to trace
Dark figures on the sands of alien quays.

In crystal splendor I have spanned the seas
And clothed myself in legendary grace...
In Idris I have dwelt where Serpent Stones
And flowers of dusty violet merge to form
A glimmering gate of wonder, whereto bones
Of a warrior dead are gathered in a storm
Of whirling clouds and cauldron flames and roar
Beneath the sky where great ravens …