The Poetry Corner

Merlin

By John Le Gay Brereton

O Merlin, how the magic from your eyes Bids the world flame about your idle feet, And makes a marvel of the humming street, The watchful bush, the starry-haunted skies! Dear, do you know that all such magic dies In foolish hearts that regularly beat? Blinded with dust, the elders in retreat Shake their thin locks to prove that they are wise. God help them in their tameness: you are wild. Hold fast your faith, for love has mightier spells Than yet your mouth has chattered, sung or laughed; Be drunk still with th enchanted wine youve quaffed. Awe spreads her wings above the hut where dwells, Rapt in his glow of gramarye, the child.