The Four Angels

As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree
The Angel of the Earth came down, and offered Earth in fee;
   But Adam did not need it,
   Nor the plough he would not speed it,
 Singing: —”Earth and Water, Air and Fire,
   What more can mortal man desire?”
      (The Apple Tree’s in bud)

As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree
The Angel of the Waters offered all the Seas in fee;
   But Adam would not take ’em,
   Nor the ships he wouldn’t make ’em,
 Singing:—”Water, Earth and Air and Fire,
   What more can mortal man desire? “
      (The Apple Tree’s in leaf.)

As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree
The Angel of the Air he offered all the Air in fee;
   But Adam did not crave it,
   Nor the flight he wouldn’t brave it,
 Singing: —”Air and Water, Earth and Fire,
   What more can mortal man desire?”
      (The Apple Tree’s in bloom.)

As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree
The Angel of the Fire rose up and not a word said he;
   But he wished a flame and made it,
   And in Adam’s heart he laid it,
 Singing: —”Fire, Fire, burning Fire!
   Stand up, and reach your heart’s desire!”
      (The Apple Blossom’s set.)

As Adam was a-working outside of Eden-Wall,
He used the Earth, he used the Seas, he used the Air and all;
   Till out of black disaster
   He arose to be a master
 Of Earth and Water, Air and Fire,
   But never reached his heart’s desire!
      (The Apple Tree’s cut down!)