With Pipe And Flute

WITH pipe and flute the rustic Pan  
Of old made music sweet for man;  
 And wonder hushed the warbling bird,  
 And closer drew the calm-eyed herd,—  
The rolling river slowlier ran.
 
Ah! would,—ah! would, a little span,  
Some air of Arcady could fan  
 This age of ours, too seldom stirred  
 With pipe and flute!  
 
But now for gold we plot and plan;
And, from Beersheba unto Dan,  
 Apollo’s self might pass unheard,  
 Or find the night-jar’s note preferred;—  
Not so it fared, when time began,  
 With pipe and flute!