In dreams I crossed a barren land, br A land of ruin, far away; br Around me hung on every hand br A deathful stillness of decay; br And silent, as in bleak dismay br That song should thus forsaken be, br On that forgotten ground there lay br The broken flutes of Arcady. br br The forest that was all so grand br When pipes and tabors had their sway br Stood leafless now, a ghostly band br Of skeletons in cold array. br A lonely surge of ancient spray br Told of an unforgetful sea, br But iron blows had hushed for aye br The broken flutes of Arcady. br br No more by summer breezes fanned, br The place was desolate and gray; br But still my dream was to command br New life into that shrunken clay. br I tried it. Yes, you scan to-day, br With uncommiserating glee, br The songs of one who strove to play br The broken flutes of Arcady. br br ENVOY br br So, Rock, I join the common fray, br To fight where Mammon may decree; br And leave, to crumble as they may, br The broken flutes of Arcady.