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!)

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)