Absorbed in thought, in contemplation lost,
Unconscious that a day and night had passed.
I cannot reason with such earnestness--
I dare not chide such deep and tender love,
But much I fear his reason's overthrow
Or that he may become like that recluse
He shuddered at, and not a mighty king
With power to crush the wrong and aid the right.
How can we turn his mind from such sad thoughts
To life's full joys, the duties of a king,
And his great destiny so long foretold?"

The oldest and the wisest answered him:
"Most noble king, your thoughts have long been mine.
Oft have I seen him lost in musings sad,
And overwhelmed with this absorbing love.
I know no cure for such corroding thoughts
But thoughts less sad, for such absorbing love
But stronger love."
"But how awake such thoughts?"
The king replied. "How kindle such a love?
His loves seem but as phosphorescent flames
That skim the surface, leaving him heart-whole--
All but this deep and all-embracing love
That folds within its arms a suffering world."

"Yes, noble king, so roams the antlered deer,
Adding each year a branch to his great horns,
Until the unseen archer lays him low.
So lives our prince; but he may see the day