Solitude

Stranger, think long before you enter,
for these corridors amuse not passing travelers.
But if you enter, keep your voice to yourself.
Nor should you tinkle and toll your tongue.
These columns rose not, for such as you.
But For those urgent pilgrim feet that wander
on lonely ways, seeking the roots of rootless trees.

The earth has many flowery roads; choose one that
pleases your whim, and gods be with you.
But now leave! - leave me to my dark green solitude
which like the deep dream world of the sea
has its moving shapes; corals; ancient coins;
carved urns and ruins of ancient ships and gods;
and mermaids, with flowing golden hair
that charms a patch of silent darkness into singing sunlight.

- Inscription on an ancient temple.