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!)

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