The Castle in the Air

In the region of clouds, where the whirlwinds arise,
My castle of fancy was built;
The turrets reflected the blue of the skies,
And the windows with sunbeams were gilt.

The rainbow sometimes in its beautiful state
Enameled the mansion around;
And the figures that fancy in clouds can create
Supplied me with gardens and ground.

I had grottos and fountains and orange-tree groves;
I had all that enchantment has told;
I had sweet shady walks for the gods and their loves;
I had mountains of coral and gold.

But a storm that I felt not had risen and rolled,
While wrapped in a slumber I lay;
And when I awoke in the morning, behold,
My castle was carried away!

It passed over rivers and valleys and groves;
The world, it was all in my view;
I thought of my friends, of their fates, of their loves,
And often, full often, of you.

At length it came over a beautiful scene,
Which Nature in silence had made;
The place was but small, but 't was sweetly serene,
And checkered with sunshine and shade.

I gazed and I envied, with painful good-will,
And grew tired of my seat in the air;
When all of a sudden my castle stood still,
As if some attraction was there.

Like a lark in the sky it came fluttering down,
And placed me exactly in view,
When, whom should I meet in this charming retreat,
This corner of calmness, but you!

Delighted to find you in honor and ease,
I felt no more sorrow nor pain;
But, the wind coming fair, I ascended the breeze,
And went back to my castle again.