When the great markets by the sea shut fast

West of these out to seas colder than the Hebrides I must go Where the fleet of stars is anchored and the young Star captains glow.

When even lovers find their peace at last, And Earth is but a star, that once had shone.

O friend unseen, unborn, unknown, Student of our sweet English tongue, Read out my words at night, alone: I was a poet, I was young.

I care not if you bridge the seas, Or ride secure the cruel sky, Or build consummate palaces Of metal or of masonry. But have you wine and music still, And statues and a bright-eyed love,

We who with songs beguile your pilgrimage: And swear that Beauty lives though lilies die, We Poets of the proud old lineage Who sing to find your hearts, we know not why.

I have seen old ships sail like swans asleep.