Fata Morgana
Fata Morgana - context Summary
Published in 1875
"Fata Morgana" was published in 1875 in Longfellow’s collection The Masque of Pandora and Other Poems. The short lyric uses mirage imagery to present the recurring Romantic theme of the poet’s pursuit of inspiration: song appears alluringly but dissolves when approached. Its setting alternates between solitary landscapes and crowded streets, emphasizing how creative vision remains persistently present yet unattainable in ordinary life.
Read Complete AnalysesO sweet illusions of song That tempt me everywhere, In the lonely fields, and the throng Of the crowded thoroughfare! I approach and ye vanish away, I grasp you, and ye are gone; But ever by night and by day, The melody soundeth on. As the weary traveller sees In desert or prairie vast, Blue lakes, overhung with trees That a pleasant shadow cast; Fair towns with turrets high, And shining roofs of gold, That vanish as he draws nigh, Like mists together rolled -- So I wander and wander along, And forever before me gleams The shining city of song, In the beautiful land of dreams. But when I would enter the gate Of that golden atmosphere, It is gone, and I wonder and wait For the vision to reappear.
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