(It is necessary to mention, that this picture would appear to have
been in the artist's mind an allegory, which the modern spectator may
seek vainly to interpret.)
Scarcely, I think; yet it indeed _may_ be
The meaning reached him, when this music rang
Sharp through his brain, a distinct rapid pang,
And he beheld these rocks and that ridg'd sea.
But I believe he just leaned passively,
And felt their hair carried across his face
As each nymph passed him; nor gave ear to trace
How many feet; nor bent assuredly
His eyes from the blind fixedness of thought
To see the dancers. It is bitter glad
Even unto tears. Its meaning filleth it,
A portion of most secret life: to wit:--
Each human pulse shall keep the sense it had
With all, though the mind's labour run to nought.