Classic Poem

See, how the couple revolve in undulatory motion
Gliding, the wingèd foot scarcely oppresses the earth.
Are these phantoms of air that I see, released from the body?
Or are they moonlight elves winding in merry array?
Light as the smoke which wreathes through space at the touch of the Zephyr,
Light as the dancing skiff borne on the silvery tide,
Capers the disciplined foot to the tune's melodious measure;
And the murmuring strings buoy up the body in air.
Now, as though they would burst by force through the ranks of the dancers,
Right in the thick of the crowd whirls an hilarious pair.
Rapidly opens a path in front, and closes behind them;
Opened and shut is the way as by a magical hand.
Lo! they have vanished from sight: involved in utter confusion
Crumbles the edifice fair built of this versatile world.
Stay, it rises again, its intricate fetters escaping;
'Tis the established rule, only with varying charm.
Oft destroyed, so oft new life creation engenders,
And to a silent law each metamorphosis owns.
Say, how is it that, ever replaced, the figures are reeling,
Yet there exists repose in the light flexible form?
How that each one is free, his own heart's counsel obeying,
The true path to find, spite of his hurrying course?
Wouldst thou know the reason? 'Tis euphony's might that imposes
Form on the sociable dance, curbs the too-boisterous bound;
Which, like Nemesis, calms with the golden bridle of measure
Over-exuberant mirth, and the intractable tames.
Do they appeal in vain, the sphere's harmonious numbers?
Art thou not carried away, rapt, in the rhythmical stream?
Rapt, in the cadence sublime which all creation is beating?
Rapt, in the eddying dance, which through the ocean of space
Launches glittering suns in bold meandering courses?
Measure, all honoured in sport, thou dost in action abjure.