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1865–1914

PAN.

Madison Julius Cawein

Haunter of green intricacies, Where the sunlight's amber laces Deeps of darkest violet; Where the ugly Satyr chases

Shining Dryads, fair as Graces, Whose lithe limbs with dew are wet; Piper in hid mountain places, Where the blue-eyed Oread braces

Winds which in her sweet cheeks set Of Aurora rosy traces, Whiles the Faun from myrtle mazes Watcheth with an eye of jet:

What art thou and these dim races, Thou, O Pan! of many faces, Who art ruler yet? Tell me, piper, have I ever

Heard thy hollow syrinx quiver Trickling music in the trees? Where dark hazel copses shiver, Have I heard its dronings sever

The warm silence, or the bees? Ripple murmurings, that never Could be born of fall or river, Whisperings and subtleties,

Melodies so very clever, None can doubt that thou, the giver, Master Nature's keys. What glad awes of storm are given

Thy mad power, which has striven,— Where the craggy forests glare,— In wild mockery, when Heaven Splits with thunder wedges driven

Red through night and rainy air! What art thou, whose presence, even While its fear the heart hath riven, Heals it with a prayer?

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PAN. · Madison Julius Cawein · Poetry Cove