Behind the Mist

He sent them forth, these softly gleaming shapes,
And said, "Go, ye, and tread enchanted ground;
With veiling mists your paths I will surround,
And shield you from the careless crowd that gapes
On what all men can see. Your charm escapes
Such gaze; by faithful lovers to be found
Behind this tender veil that wraps you round,
And all your soft beguiling gently drapes."

And these fair people, whom his hand had made,
And touched with sudden beauty, strange and sweet
As the young Morn by the first Sun-ray kissed,
Live here, immortally and unafraid,
While he—who can pursue his journeying feet?
He has gone on, and up, behind the Mist.