Beyond the woodland's shading,
Beyond the sun-kissed field,
Where laughs in joy unfading
The garden of the weald,
Look southward where uplifted
Against the shining skies.
In secret vesture shifted,
The silent Downs arise.
Until you see delusive
Flash from the guardian down
A visioned land elusive,
Dream of an unknown town,
And longing for the wonder,
Strive what you dare not ask,
To rend the veil asunder
And pluck away the mask.
Oh keep your spirit's vision
Although your eyes be blind,
Nor tempt the gods* derision
Of him that cannot find,
Lest you should lose the city
That once afar you saw,
And with it lose — ah, pity I —
All that was yours before.
Better dream on for ever
What once you dreamt was true.
Ere knowledge can dissever
Your visioned truth from you,
And from the weald and gazing
Watch how the sunset crowns
With dreamful beacons blazing
Your kingdom of the Downs.
