I need to set down coloured words
To clear the cobwebs from my mind,
And then like little painted birds
I will release them on the wind.

For I will build a castle high
More strange and tall than Babel was,
It shall have walls of ivory
And polished gates of golden brass.

And underneath the towers tall
I will make oriental rooms
With clashing colours on the wall
That blend in the mysterious gloom.

In the broad gardens I will hide
Long shadowy pathways of trim grass
With walls of flowers on each side
And petals falling as you pass.

They'll lead you to a shining pool
For dipping feet and tingling hands;
It will be shining white and cool
Upon the many-coloured lands.

And there will be a fountain rare
That spouts a glowing ruby wine,
And I will set strange fishes there,
All green and golden they will shine.

Then I will go abroad and find
A bride to give the castle to,
For I have nobody in mind,
And while alone 'twould never do.

And she will have the deep-sea eyes,
And she will have the dusky hair,
And she will have the tiny feet
And the unconscious queenly air.

Because she'll be so wonderful
The world will go to war with me,
But I will walk upon the wall
And frighten off the enemy.

Good-bye to you, I'll never see!
Good-bye my towers and white wall!
But let me have to play with me
A child who will believe it all.