24. 
’I was no longer mad, and yet methought
My breasts were swoln and changed:—­in every vein
The blood stood still one moment, while that thought
Was passing—­with a gush of sickening pain 3040
It ebbed even to its withered springs again: 
When my wan eyes in stern resolve I turned
From that most strange delusion, which would fain
Have waked the dream for which my spirit yearned
With more than human love,—­then left it unreturned. 3045

25. 
’So now my reason was restored to me
I struggled with that dream, which, like a beast
Most fierce and beauteous, in my memory
Had made its lair, and on my heart did feast;
But all that cave and all its shapes, possessed 3050
By thoughts which could not fade, renewed each one
Some smile, some look, some gesture which had blessed
Me heretofore:  I, sitting there alone,
Vexed the inconstant waves with my perpetual moan.

26. 
’Time passed, I know not whether months or years; 3055
For day, nor night, nor change of seasons made
Its note, but thoughts and unavailing tears: 
And I became at last even as a shade,
A smoke, a cloud on which the winds have preyed,
Till it be thin as air; until, one even, 3060
A Nautilus upon the fountain played,
Spreading his azure sail where breath of Heaven
Descended not, among the waves and whirlpools driven.

27. 
’And, when the Eagle came, that lovely thing,
Oaring with rosy feet its silver boat, 3065
Fled near me as for shelter; on slow wing,
The Eagle, hovering o’er his prey did float;
But when he saw that I with fear did note
His purpose, proffering my own food to him,
The eager plumes subsided on his throat—­ 3070
He came where that bright child of sea did swim,
And o’er it cast in peace his shadow broad and dim.

28. 
’This wakened me, it gave me human strength;
And hope, I know not whence or wherefore, rose,
But I resumed my ancient powers at length; 3075
My spirit felt again like one of those
Like thine, whose fate it is to make the woes
Of humankind their prey—­what was this cave? 
Its deep foundation no firm purpose knows
Immutable, resistless, strong to save, 3080
Like mind while yet it mocks the all-devouring grave.

29. 
’And where was Laon? might my heart be dead,
While that far dearer heart could move and be? 
Or whilst over the earth the pall was spread,
Which I had sworn to rend?  I might be free, 3085
Could I but win that friendly bird to me,
To bring me ropes; and long in vain I sought
By intercourse of mutual imagery
Of objects, if such aid he could be taught;
But fruit, and flowers, and boughs, yet never ropes he brought. 3090