TenhundredshavenpriestsdidbowtoAmmon\'saltardayandnight，TenhundredlampsdidwavetheirlightthroughAmmon\'scarvenhouse-andnowFoulsnakeandspeckledadderwiththeiryoungonescrawlfromstonetostoneForruinedisthehouseandpronethegreatrose-marblemonolith!
Wildassortrottingjackalcomesandcouchesinthemoulderinggates:
Wildsatyrscalluntotheirmatesacrossthefallenfluteddrums。
Andonthesummitofthepiletheblue-facedapeofHorussitsAndgibberswhilethefig-treesplitsthepillarsoftheperistyleThegodisscatteredhereandthere:deephiddeninthewindysandIsawhisgiantgranitehandstillclenchedinimpotentdespair。
Andmanyawanderingcaravanofstatelynegroessilken-shawled，Crossingthedesert，haltsappalledbeforetheneckthatnonecanspan。
AndmanyabeardedBedouindrawsbackhisyellow-stripedburnousTogazeupontheTitanthewsofhimwhowasthypaladin。
Go，seekhisfragmentsonthemoorandwashthemintheeveningdew，Andfromtheirpiecesmakeanewthymutilatedparamour!
Go，seekthemwheretheyliealoneandfromtheirbrokenpiecesmakeThybruisedbedfellow!Andwakemadpassionsinthesenselessstone!
CharmhisdullearwithSyrianhymns!helovedyourbody!oh，bekind，Pourspikenardonhishair，andwindsoftrollsoflinenroundhislimbs!
Windroundhisheadthefiguredcoins!stainwithredfruitsthosepallidlips!
Weavepurpleforhisshrunkenhips!andpurpleforhisbarrenloins!
AwaytoEgypt!Havenofear。OnlyoneGodhaseverdied。
OnlyoneGodhasletHissidebewoundedbyasoldier\'sspear。
Butthese，thylovers，arenotdead。Stillbythehundred-cubitgateDog-facedAnubissitsinstatewithlotus-liliesforthyhead。
StillfromhischairofporphyrygauntMemnonstrainshislidlesseyesAcrosstheemptyland，andcrieseachyellowmorninguntothee。
AndNiluswithhisbrokenhornliesinhisblackandoozybedAndtillthycomingwillnotspreadhiswatersonthewitheringcorn。
Yourloversarenotdead，Iknow。TheywillriseupandhearyourvoiceAndclashtheircymbalsandrejoiceandruntokissyourmouth!Andso，Setwingsuponyourargosies!Sethorsestoyoureboncar!
BacktoyourNile!OrifyouaregrownsickofdeaddivinitiesFollowsomerovinglion\'sspooracrossthecopper-
colouredplain，Reachoutandhalehimbythemaneandbidhimbeyourparamour!
CouchbyhissideuponthegrassandsetyourwhiteteethinhisthroatAndwhenyouhearhisdyingnotelashyourlongflanksofpolishedbrassAndtakeatigerforyourmate，whoseambersidesarefleckedwithblack，AndrideuponhisgildedbackintriumphthroughtheThebangate，Andtoywithhiminamorousjests，andwhenheturns，andsnarls，andgnaws，Osmitehimwithyourjasperclaws!andbruisehimwithyouragatebreasts!
Whyareyoutarrying？Gethence!I
wearyofyoursullenways，Iwearyofyoursteadfastgaze，yoursomnolentmagnificence。
Yourhorribleandheavybreathmakesthelightflickerinthelamp，AndonmybrowIfeelthedampanddreadfuldewsofnightanddeath。
Youreyesarelikefantasticmoonsthatshiverinsomestagnantlake，Yourtongueislikeascarletsnakethatdancestofantastictunes，Yourpulsemakespoisonousmelodies，andyourblackthroatisliketheholeLeftbysometorchorburningcoalonSaracenictapestries。
Away!Thesulphur-colouredstarsarehurryingthroughtheWesterngate!
Away!Oritmaybetoolatetoclimbtheirsilentsilvercars!
See，thedawnshiversroundthegreygilt-dialledtowers，andtherainStreamsdowneachdiamondedpaneandblurswithtearsthewannishday。
Whatsnake-tressedfuryfreshfromHell，withuncouthgesturesandunclean，Stolefromthepoppy-drowsyqueenandledyoutoastudent\'scell？
Whatsonglesstonguelessghostofsincreptthroughthecurtainsofthenight，Andsawmytaperburningbright，andknocked，andbadeyouenterin？
Aretherenotothersmoreaccursed，whiterwithleprosiesthanI？
AreAbanaandPharphardrythatyoucomeheretoslakeyourthirst？
Gethence，youloathsomemystery!Hideousanimal，gethence!
Youwakeinmeeachbestialsense，youmakemewhatIwouldnotbe。
Youmakemycreedabarrensham，youwakefouldreamsofsensuallife，AndAtyswithhisblood-stainedknifewerebetterthanthethingIam。
FalseSphinx!FalseSphinx!ByreedyStyxoldCharon，leaningonhisoar，Waitsformycoin。Gothoubefore，andleavemetomycrucifix，Whosepallidburden，sickwithpain，watchestheworldwithweariedeyes，Andweepsforeverysoulthatdies，andweepsforeverysoulinvain。
Poem:TheBalladOfReadingGaolInmemoriamC。T。W。
SometimetrooperoftheRoyalHorseGuardsobiitH。M。prison，Reading，BerkshireJuly7，1896
I
Hedidnotwearhisscarletcoat，Forbloodandwinearered，AndbloodandwinewereonhishandsWhentheyfoundhimwiththedead，Thepoordeadwomanwhomheloved，Andmurderedinherbed。
HewalkedamongsttheTrialMenInasuitofshabbygrey；
Acricketcapwasonhishead，Andhisstepseemedlightandgay；
ButIneversawamanwholookedSowistfullyattheday。
IneversawamanwholookedWithsuchawistfuleyeUponthatlittletentofblueWhichprisonerscallthesky，AndateverydriftingcloudthatwentWithsailsofsilverby。
Iwalked，withothersoulsinpain，Withinanotherring，AndwaswonderingifthemanhaddoneAgreatorlittlething，Whenavoicebehindmewhisperedlow，\'THATFELLOW\'SGOTTOSWING。\'
DearChrist!theveryprisonwallsSuddenlyseemedtoreel，AndtheskyabovemyheadbecameLikeacasqueofscorchingsteel；
And，thoughIwasasoulinpain，MypainIcouldnotfeel。
IonlyknewwhathuntedthoughtQuickenedhisstep，andwhyHelookeduponthegarishdayWithsuchawistfuleye；
Themanhadkilledthethingheloved，Andsohehadtodie。
Yeteachmankillsthethingheloves，Byeachletthisbeheard，Somedoitwithabitterlook，Somewithaflatteringword，Thecowarddoesitwithakiss，Thebravemanwithasword!
Somekilltheirlovewhentheyareyoung，Andsomewhentheyareold；
SomestranglewiththehandsofLust，SomewiththehandsofGold:
Thekindestuseaknife，becauseThedeadsosoongrowcold。
Somelovetoolittle，sometoolong，Somesell，andothersbuy；
Somedothedeedwithmanytears，Andsomewithoutasigh:
Foreachmankillsthethingheloves，Yeteachmandoesnotdie。
HedoesnotdieadeathofshameOnadayofdarkdisgrace，Norhaveanooseabouthisneck，Noraclothuponhisface，NordropfeetforemostthroughthefloorIntoanemptyspace。
HedoesnotsitwithsilentmenWhowatchhimnightandday；
Whowatchhimwhenhetriestoweep，Andwhenhetriestopray；
WhowatchhimlesthimselfshouldrobTheprisonofitsprey。
HedoesnotwakeatdawntoseeDreadfiguresthronghisroom，TheshiveringChaplainrobedinwhite，TheSheriffsternwithgloom，AndtheGovernorallinshinyblack，WiththeyellowfaceofDoom。
HedoesnotriseinpiteoushasteToputonconvict-clothes，Whilesomecoarse-mouthedDoctorgloats，andnotesEachnewandnerve-twitchedpose，FingeringawatchwhoselittleticksArelikehorriblehammer-blows。
HedoesnotknowthatsickeningthirstThatsandsone\'sthroat，beforeThehangmanwithhisgardener\'sglovesSlipsthroughthepaddeddoor，Andbindsonewiththreeleathernthongs，Thatthethroatmaythirstnomore。
HedoesnotbendhisheadtohearTheBurialOfficeread，Nor，whiletheterrorofhissoulTellshimheisnotdead，Crosshisowncoffin，ashemovesIntothehideousshed。
HedoesnotstareupontheairThroughalittleroofofglass:
HedoesnotpraywithlipsofclayForhisagonytopass；
NorfeeluponhisshudderingcheekThekissofCaiaphas。
II
Sixweeksourguardsmanwalkedtheyard，Inthesuitofshabbygrey:
Hiscricketcapwasonhishead，Andhisstepseemedlightandgay，ButIneversawamanwholookedSowistfullyattheday。
IneversawamanwholookedWithsuchawistfuleyeUponthatlittletentofblueWhichprisonerscallthesky，AndateverywanderingcloudthattrailedItsravelledfleecesby。
Hedidnotwringhishands，asdoThosewitlessmenwhodareTotrytorearthechangelingHopeInthecaveofblackDespair:
Heonlylookeduponthesun，Anddrankthemorningair。
Hedidnotwringhishandsnorweep，Nordidhepeekorpine，ButhedranktheairasthoughitheldSomehealthfulanodyne；
WithopenmouthhedrankthesunAsthoughithadbeenwine!
AndIandallthesoulsinpain，Whotrampedtheotherring，ForgotifweourselveshaddoneAgreatorlittlething，AndwatchedwithgazeofdullamazeThemanwhohadtoswing。
AndstrangeitwastoseehimpassWithastepsolightandgay，AndstrangeitwastoseehimlookSowistfullyattheday，AndstrangeitwastothinkthatheHadsuchadebttopay。
ForoakandelmhavepleasantleavesThatinthespringtimeshoot:
Butgrimtoseeisthegallows-tree，Withitsadder-bittenroot，And，greenordry，amanmustdieBeforeitbearsitsfruit!
TheloftiestplaceisthatseatofgraceForwhichallworldlingstry:
ButwhowouldstandinhempenbandUponascaffoldhigh，Andthroughamurderer\'scollartakeHislastlookatthesky？
ItissweettodancetoviolinsWhenLoveandLifearefair:
Todancetoflutes，todancetolutesIsdelicateandrare:
ButitisnotsweetwithnimblefeetTodanceupontheair!
SowithcuriouseyesandsicksurmiseWewatchedhimdaybyday，AndwonderedifeachoneofusWouldendtheself-sameway，FornonecantelltowhatredHellHissightlesssoulmaystray。
AtlastthedeadmanwalkednomoreAmongsttheTrialMen，AndIknewthathewasstandingupIntheblackdock\'sdreadfulpen，AndthatneverwouldIseehisfaceInGod\'ssweetworldagain。
LiketwodoomedshipsthatpassinstormWehadcrossedeachother\'sway:
Butwemadenosign，wesaidnoword，Wehadnowordtosay；
Forwedidnotmeetintheholynight，Butintheshamefulday。
Aprisonwallwasroundusboth，Twooutcastmenwewere:
Theworldhadthrustusfromitsheart，AndGodfromoutHiscare:
AndtheironginthatwaitsforSinHadcaughtusinitssnare。
III
InDebtors\'Yardthestonesarehard，Andthedrippingwallishigh，SoitwastherehetooktheairBeneaththeleadensky，AndbyeachsideaWarderwalked，Forfearthemanmightdie。
OrelsehesatwiththosewhowatchedHisanguishnightandday；
Whowatchedhimwhenherosetoweep，Andwhenhecrouchedtopray；
WhowatchedhimlesthimselfshouldrobTheirscaffoldofitsprey。
TheGovernorwasstronguponTheRegulationsAct:
TheDoctorsaidthatDeathwasbutAscientificfact:
AndtwiceadaytheChaplaincalled，Andleftalittletract。
Andtwiceadayhesmokedhispipe，Anddrankhisquartofbeer:
Hissoulwasresolute，andheldNohiding-placeforfear；
HeoftensaidthathewasgladThehangman\'shandswerenear。
ButwhyhesaidsostrangeathingNoWarderdaredtoask:
Forhetowhomawatcher\'sdoomIsgivenashistask，Mustsetalockuponhislips，Andmakehisfaceamask。
Orelsehemightbemoved，andtryTocomfortorconsole:
AndwhatshouldHumanPitydoPentupinMurderers\'Hole？
WhatwordofgraceinsuchaplaceCouldhelpabrother\'ssoul？
WithslouchandswingaroundtheringWetrodtheFools\'Parade!
Wedidnotcare:weknewwewereTheDevil\'sOwnBrigade:
AndshavenheadandfeetofleadMakeamerrymasquerade。
WetorethetarryropetoshredsWithbluntandbleedingnails；
Werubbedthedoors，andscrubbedthefloors，Andcleanedtheshiningrails:
And，rankbyrank，wesoapedtheplank，Andclatteredwiththepails。
Wesewedthesacks，webrokethestones，Weturnedthedustydrill:
Webangedthetins，andbawledthehymns，Andsweatedonthemill:
ButintheheartofeverymanTerrorwaslyingstill。
SostillitlaythateverydayCrawledlikeaweed-cloggedwave:
AndweforgotthebitterlotThatwaitsforfoolandknave，Tillonce，aswetrampedinfromwork，Wepassedanopengrave。
WithyawningmouththeyellowholeGapedforalivingthing；
TheverymudcriedoutforbloodTothethirstyasphaltering:
AndweknewthatereonedawngrewfairSomeprisonerhadtoswing。
Rightinwewent，withsoulintentOnDeathandDreadandDoom:
Thehangman，withhislittlebag，Wentshufflingthroughthegloom:
AndeachmantrembledashecreptIntohisnumberedtomb。
ThatnighttheemptycorridorsWerefullofformsofFear，AndupanddowntheirontownStolefeetwecouldnothear，AndthroughthebarsthathidethestarsWhitefacesseemedtopeer。
HelayasonewholiesanddreamsInapleasantmeadow-land，Thewatcherswatchedhimasheslept，AndcouldnotunderstandHowonecouldsleepsosweetasleepWithahangmancloseathand。
ButthereisnosleepwhenmenmustweepWhoneveryethavewept:
Sowe-thefool，thefraud，theknave-
Thatendlessvigilkept，AndthrougheachbrainonhandsofpainAnother\'sterrorcrept。
Alas!itisafearfulthingTofeelanother\'sguilt!
For，rightwithin，theswordofSinPiercedtoitspoisonedhilt，AndasmoltenleadwerethetearsweshedForthebloodwehadnotspilt。
TheWarderswiththeirshoesoffeltCreptbyeachpadlockeddoor，Andpeepedandsaw，witheyesofawe，Greyfiguresonthefloor，AndwonderedwhymenknelttoprayWhoneverprayedbefore。
Allthroughthenightwekneltandprayed，Madmournersofacorse!
ThetroubledplumesofmidnightwereTheplumesuponahearse:
AndbitterwineuponaspongeWasthesavourofRemorse。
Thegreycockcrew，theredcockcrew，Butnevercametheday:
AndcrookedshapesofTerrorcrouched，Inthecornerswherewelay:
AndeachevilspritethatwalksbynightBeforeusseemedtoplay。
Theyglidedpast，theyglidedfast，Liketravellersthroughamist:
TheymockedthemooninarigadoonOfdelicateturnandtwist，AndwithformalpaceandloathsomegraceThephantomskepttheirtryst。
Withmopandmow，wesawthemgo，Slimshadowshandinhand:
About，about，inghostlyroutTheytrodasaraband:
Andthedamnedgrotesquesmadearabesques，Likethewinduponthesand!
Withthepirouettesofmarionettes，Theytrippedonpointedtread:
ButwithflutesofFeartheyfilledtheear，Astheirgrislymasquetheyled，Andloudtheysang，andlongtheysang，Fortheysangtowakethedead。
\'Oho!\'theycried，\'Theworldiswide，Butfetteredlimbsgolame!
Andonce，ortwice，tothrowthediceIsagentlemanlygame，ButhedoesnotwinwhoplayswithSinInthesecretHouseofShame。\'
Nothingsofairtheseanticswere，Thatfrolickedwithsuchglee:
Tomenwhoseliveswereheldingyves，Andwhosefeetmightnotgofree，Ah!woundsofChrist!theywerelivingthings，Mostterribletosee。
Around，around，theywaltzedandwound；
Somewheeledinsmirkingpairs；
WiththemincingstepofademirepSomesidledupthestairs:
Andwithsubtlesneer，andfawningleer，Eachhelpedusatourprayers。
Themorningwindbegantomoan，Butstillthenightwenton:
ThroughitsgiantloomthewebofgloomCrepttilleachthreadwasspun:
And，asweprayed，wegrewafraidOftheJusticeoftheSun。
ThemoaningwindwentwanderingroundTheweepingprison-wall:
TilllikeawheelofturningsteelWefelttheminutescrawl:
Omoaningwind!whathadwedoneTohavesuchaseneschal？
AtlastIsawtheshadowedbars，Likealatticewroughtinlead，MoverightacrossthewhitewashedwallThatfacedmythree-plankbed，AndIknewthatsomewhereintheworldGod\'sdreadfuldawnwasred。
Atsixo\'clockwecleanedourcells，Atsevenallwasstill，ButthesoughandswingofamightywingTheprisonseemedtofill，FortheLordofDeathwithicybreathHadenteredintokill。
Hedidnotpassinpurplepomp，Norrideamoon-whitesteed。
ThreeyardsofcordandaslidingboardAreallthegallows\'need:
SowithropeofshametheHeraldcameTodothesecretdeed。
WewereasmenwhothroughafenOffilthydarknessgrope:
Wedidnotdaretobreatheaprayer，Ortogiveouranguishscope:
Somethingwasdeadineachofus，AndwhatwasdeadwasHope。
ForMan\'sgrimJusticegoesitsway，Andwillnotswerveaside:
Itslaystheweak，itslaysthestrong，Ithasadeadlystride:
Withironheelitslaysthestrong，Themonstrousparricide!
Wewaitedforthestrokeofeight:
Eachtonguewasthickwiththirst:
ForthestrokeofeightisthestrokeofFateThatmakesamanaccursed，AndFatewillusearunningnooseForthebestmanandtheworst。
Wehadnootherthingtodo，Savetowaitforthesigntocome:
So，likethingsofstoneinavalleylone，Quietwesatanddumb:
Buteachman\'sheartbeatthickandquick，Likeamadmanonadrum!
Withsuddenshocktheprison-clockSmoteontheshiveringair，AndfromallthegaolroseupawailOfimpotentdespair，LikethesoundthatfrightenedmarsheshearFromsomeleperinhislair。
AndasoneseesmostfearfulthingsInthecrystalofadream，WesawthegreasyhempenropeHookedtotheblackenedbeam，Andheardtheprayerthehangman\'ssnareStrangledintoascream。
AndallthewoethatmovedhimsoThathegavethatbittercry，Andthewildregrets，andthebloodysweats，NoneknewsowellasI:
ForhewholivesmorelivesthanoneMoredeathsthanonemustdie。
IV
ThereisnochapelonthedayOnwhichtheyhangaman:
TheChaplain\'sheartisfartoosick，Orhisfaceisfartoowan，OrthereisthatwritteninhiseyesWhichnoneshouldlookupon。
Sotheykeptusclosetillnighonnoon，Andthentheyrangthebell，AndtheWarderswiththeirjinglingkeysOpenedeachlisteningcell，Anddowntheironstairwetramped，EachfromhisseparateHell。
OutintoGod\'ssweetairwewent，Butnotinwontedway，Forthisman\'sfacewaswhitewithfear，Andthatman\'sfacewasgrey，AndIneversawsadmenwholookedSowistfullyattheday。
IneversawsadmenwholookedWithsuchawistfuleyeUponthatlittletentofblueWeprisonerscalledthesky，AndateverycarelesscloudthatpassedInhappyfreedomby。
ButtherewerethoseamongstusallWhowalkedwithdowncasthead，Andknewthat，hadeachgothisdue，Theyshouldhavediedinstead:
Hehadbutkilledathingthatlived，Whilsttheyhadkilledthedead。
ForhewhosinsasecondtimeWakesadeadsoultopain，Anddrawsitfromitsspottedshroud，Andmakesitbleedagain，Andmakesitbleedgreatgoutsofblood，Andmakesitbleedinvain!
Likeapeorclown，inmonstrousgarbWithcrookedarrowsstarred，SilentlywewentroundandroundTheslipperyasphalteyard；
Silentlywewentroundandround，Andnomanspokeaword。
Silentlywewentroundandround，AndthrougheachhollowmindTheMemoryofdreadfulthingsRushedlikeadreadfulwind，AndHorrorstalkedbeforeeachman，AndTerrorcreptbehind。
TheWardersstruttedupanddown，Andkepttheirherdofbrutes，Theiruniformswerespickandspan，AndtheyworetheirSundaysuits，Butweknewtheworktheyhadbeenat，Bythequicklimeontheirboots。
Forwhereagravehadopenedwide，Therewasnograveatall:
OnlyastretchofmudandsandBythehideousprison-wall，Andalittleheapofburninglime，Thatthemanshouldhavehispall。
Forhehasapall，thiswretchedman，Suchasfewmencanclaim:
Deepdownbelowaprison-yard，Nakedforgreatershame，Helies，withfettersoneachfoot，Wraptinasheetofflame!
AndallthewhiletheburninglimeEatsfleshandboneaway，Iteatsthebrittlebonebynight，Andthesoftfleshbyday，Iteatsthefleshandbonebyturns，Butiteatstheheartalway。
ForthreelongyearstheywillnotsowOrrootorseedlingthere:
ForthreelongyearstheunblessedspotWillsterilebeandbare，AndlookuponthewonderingskyWithunreproachfulstare。
Theythinkamurderer\'sheartwouldtaintEachsimpleseedtheysow。
Itisnottrue!God\'skindlyearthIskindlierthanmenknow，Andtheredrosewouldbutblowmorered，Thewhiterosewhiterblow。
Outofhismouthared，redrose!
Outofhisheartawhite!
Forwhocansaybywhatstrangeway，ChristbringsHiswilltolight，SincethebarrenstaffthepilgrimboreBloomedinthegreatPope\'ssight？
Butneithermilk-whiterosenorredMaybloominprison-air；
Theshard，thepebble，andtheflint，Arewhattheygiveusthere:
ForflowershavebeenknowntohealAcommonman\'sdespair。
Soneverwillwine-redroseorwhite，Petalbypetal，fallOnthatstretchofmudandsandthatliesBythehideousprison-wall，TotellthemenwhotramptheyardThatGod\'sSondiedforall。
Yetthoughthehideousprison-wallStillhemshimroundandround，AndaspiritmaynotwalkbynightThatiswithfettersbound，AndaspiritmaybutweepthatliesInsuchunholyground，Heisatpeace-thiswretchedman-
Atpeace，orwillbesoon:
Thereisnothingtomakehimmad，NordoesTerrorwalkatnoon，ForthelamplessEarthinwhichheliesHasneitherSunnorMoon。
Theyhangedhimasabeastishanged:
TheydidnoteventollArequiemthatmighthavebroughtResttohisstartledsoul，Buthurriedlytheytookhimout，Andhidhiminahole。
Theystrippedhimofhiscanvasclothes，Andgavehimtotheflies:
Theymockedtheswollenpurplethroat，Andthestarkandstaringeyes:
AndwithlaughterloudtheyheapedtheshroudInwhichtheirconvictlies。
TheChaplainwouldnotkneeltoprayByhisdishonouredgrave:
NormarkitwiththatblessedCrossThatChristforsinnersgave，BecausethemanwasoneofthoseWhomChristcamedowntosave。
Yetalliswell；hehasbutpassedToLife\'sappointedbourne:
AndalientearswillfillforhimPity\'slong-brokenurn，Forhismournerswillbeoutcastmen，AndoutcastsalwaysmournV
IknownotwhetherLawsberight，OrwhetherLawsbewrong；
AllthatweknowwholieingaolIsthatthewallisstrong；
Andthateachdayislikeayear，Ayearwhosedaysarelong。
ButthisIknow，thateveryLawThatmenhavemadeforMan，SincefirstMantookhisbrother\'slife，Andthesadworldbegan，ButstrawsthewheatandsavesthechaffWithamostevilfan。
ThistooIknow-andwiseitwereIfeachcouldknowthesame-
ThateveryprisonthatmenbuildIsbuiltwithbricksofshame，AndboundwithbarslestChristshouldseeHowmentheirbrothersmaim。
Withbarstheyblurthegraciousmoon，Andblindthegoodlysun:
AndtheydowelltohidetheirHell，ForinitthingsaredoneThatSonofGodnorsonofManEvershouldlookupon!
Thevilestdeedslikepoisonweeds，Bloomwellinprison-air；
ItisonlywhatisgoodinManThatwastesandwithersthere:
PaleAnguishkeepstheheavygate，AndtheWarderisDespair。
FortheystarvethelittlefrightenedchildTillitweepsbothnightandday:
Andtheyscourgetheweak，andflogthefool，Andgibetheoldandgrey，Andsomegrowmad，andallgrowbad，Andnoneawordmaysay。
EachnarrowcellinwhichwedwellIsafoulanddarklatrine，AndthefetidbreathoflivingDeathChokesupeachgratedscreen，Andall，butLust，isturnedtodustInHumanity\'smachine。
ThebrackishwaterthatwedrinkCreepswithaloathsomeslime，AndthebitterbreadtheyweighinscalesIsfullofchalkandlime，AndSleepwillnotliedown，butwalksWild-eyed，andcriestoTime。
ButthoughleanHungerandgreenThirstLikeaspwithadderfight，Wehavelittlecareofprisonfare，ForwhatchillsandkillsoutrightIsthateverystoneoneliftsbydayBecomesone\'sheartbynight。
Withmidnightalwaysinone\'sheart，Andtwilightinone\'scell，Weturnthecrank，orteartherope，EachinhisseparateHell，AndthesilenceismoreawfulfarThanthesoundofabrazenbell。
AndneverahumanvoicecomesnearTospeakagentleword:
AndtheeyethatwatchesthroughthedoorIspitilessandhard:
Andbyallforgot，werotandrot，Withsoulandbodymarred。
AndthuswerustLife\'sironchainDegradedandalone:
Andsomemencurse，andsomemenweep，Andsomemenmakenomoan:
ButGod\'seternalLawsarekindAndbreaktheheartofstone。
Andeveryhumanheartthatbreaks，Inprison-celloryard，IsasthatbrokenboxthatgaveItstreasuretotheLord，Andfilledtheuncleanleper\'shouseWiththescentofcostliestnard。
Ah!happytheywhoseheartscanbreakAndpeaceofpardonwin!
HowelsemaymanmakestraighthisplanAndcleansehissoulfromSin？
HowelsebutthroughabrokenheartMayLordChristenterin？
Andheoftheswollenpurplethroat，Andthestarkandstaringeyes，WaitsfortheholyhandsthattookTheThieftoParadise；
AndabrokenandacontriteheartTheLordwillnotdespise。
ThemaninredwhoreadstheLawGavehimthreeweeksoflife，ThreelittleweeksinwhichtohealHissoulofhissoul\'sstrife，AndcleansefromeveryblotofbloodThehandthatheldtheknife。
Andwithtearsofbloodhecleansedthehand，Thehandthatheldthesteel:
Foronlybloodcanwipeoutblood，Andonlytearscanheal:
AndthecrimsonstainthatwasofCainBecameChrist\'ssnow-whiteseal。
VI
InReadinggaolbyReadingtownThereisapitofshame，AndinitliesawretchedmanEatenbyteethofflame，Inaburningwinding-sheethelies，Andhisgravehasgotnoname。
Andthere，tillChristcallforththedead，Insilencelethimlie:
Noneedtowastethefoolishtear，Orheavethewindysigh:
Themanhadkilledthethingheloved，Andsohehadtodie。
Andallmenkillthethingtheylove，Byallletthisbeheard，Somedoitwithabitterlook，Somewithaflatteringword，Thecowarddoesitwithakiss，Thebravemanwithasword!
Poem:RavennaNewdigateprizepoemrecitedintheSheldonianTheatreOxfordJune26th，1878。
TomyfriendGeorgeFlemingauthorof\'TheNileNovel\'and\'Mirage\'
I。
AyearagoIbreathedtheItalianair，-
Andyet，methinksthisnorthernSpringisfair，-
ThesefieldsmadegoldenwiththeflowerofMarch，Thethrostlesingingonthefeatheredlarch，Thecawingrooks，thewood-dovesflutteringby，Thelittlecloudsthatraceacrossthesky；
Andfairtheviolet\'sgentledroopinghead，Theprimrose，paleforloveuncomforted，Therosethatburgeonsontheclimbingbriar，Thecrocus-bed，thatseemsamoonoffireRound-girdledwithapurplemarriage-ring；
AndalltheflowersofourEnglishSpring，Fondsnowdrops，andthebright-starreddaffodil。
Upstartsthelarkbesidethemurmuringmill，Andbreaksthegossamer-threadsofearlydew；
Anddowntheriver，likeaflameofblue，Keenasanarrowfliesthewater-king，Whilethebrownlinnetsinthegreenwoodsing。
Ayearago!-itseemsalittletimeSincelastIsawthatlordlysouthernclime，Whereflowerandfruittopurpleradianceblow，Andlikebrightlampsthefabledapplesglow。
FullSpringitwas-andbyrichfloweringvines，Darkolive-grovesandnobleforest-pines，Irodeatwill；themoistgladairwassweet，Thewhiteroadrangbeneathmyhorse\'sfeet，AndmusingonRavenna\'sancientname，Iwatchedthedaytill，markedwithwoundsofflame，Theturquoiseskytoburnishedgoldwasturned。
Ohowmyheartwithboyishpassionburned，WhenfarawayacrossthesedgeandmereIsawthatHolyCityrisingclear，Crownedwithhercrownoftowers!-OnandonIgalloped，racingwiththesettingsun，Anderethecrimsonafter-glowwaspassed，IstoodwithinRavenna\'swallsatlast!
II。
Howstrangelystill!nosoundoflifeorjoyStartlestheair；nolaughingshepherd-boyPipesonhisreed，noreverthroughthedayComesthegladsoundofchildrenattheirplay:
Osad，andsweet，andsilent!surelyhereAmanmightdwellapartfromtroublousfear，WatchingthetideofseasonsastheyflowFromamorousSpringtoWinter\'srainandsnow，Andhavenothoughtofsorrow；-here，indeed，AreLethe\'swaters，andthatfatalweedWhichmakesamanforgethisfatherland。
Ay!amidlotus-meadowsdostthoustand，LikeProserpine，withpoppy-ladenhead，Guardingtheholyashesofthedead。
Forthoughthybroodofwarriorsonshathceased，Thynobledeadarewiththee!-theyatleastArefaithfultothinehonour:-guardthemwell，Ochildlesscity!foramightyspell，Towakemen\'sheartstodreamsofthingssublime，ArethelonetombswhereresttheGreatofTime。
III。
Yonlonelypillar，risingontheplain，MarkswherethebravestknightofFrancewasslain，-
ThePrinceofchivalry，theLordofwar，GastondeFoix:forsomeuntimelystarLedhimagainstthycity，andhefell，Asfallssomeforest-lionfightingwell。
Takenfromlifewhilelifeandlovewerenew，HeliesbeneathGod\'sseamlessveilofblue；
Talllance-likereedswavesadlyo\'erhishead，Andoleandersbloomtodeeperred，Wherehisbrightyouthflowedcrimsonontheground。
Lookfarthernorthuntothatbrokenmound，-
There，prisonednowwithinalordlytombRaisedbyadaughter\'shand，inlonelygloom，Huge-limbedTheodoric，theGothicking，Sleepsafterallhiswearyconquering。
Timehathnotsparedhisruin，-windandrainHavebrokendownhisstronghold；andagainWeseethatDeathismightylordofall，AndkingandclowntoashendustmustfallMightyindeedTHEIRglory!yettomeBarbaricking，orknightofchivalry，Orthegreatqueenherself，werepoorandvain，BesidethegravewhereDanterestsfrompain。
Hisgildedshrineliesopentotheair；
Andcunningsculptor\'shandshavecarventhereThecalmwhitebrow，ascalmasearliestmorn，Theeyesthatflashedwithpassionateloveandscorn，ThelipsthatsangofHeavenandofHell，Thealmond-facewhichGiottodrewsowell，ThewearyfaceofDante；-tothisday，Hereinhisplaceofresting，farawayFromArno\'syellowwaters，rushingdownThroughthewidebridgesofthatfairytown，WherethetalltowerofGiottoseemstoriseAmarblelilyundersapphireskies!
Alas!myDante!thouhastknownthepainOfmeanerlives，-theexile\'sgallingchain，Howsteepthestairswithinkings\'housesare，AndallthepettymiserieswhichmarMan\'snoblernaturewiththesenseofwrong。
Yetthisdullworldisgratefulforthysong；
Ournationsdotheehomage，-evenshe，Thatcruelqueenofvine-cladTuscany，Whoboundwithcrownofthornsthylivingbrow，Hathdeckedthineemptytombwithlaurelsnow，Andbegsinvaintheashesofherson。
Omightiestexile!allthygriefisdone:
ThysoulwalksnowbesidethyBeatrice；
Ravennaguardsthineashes:sleepinpeace。
IV。
Howlonethispalaceis；howgreythewalls!
Nominstrelnowwakesechoesinthesehalls。
Thebrokenchainliesrustingonthedoor，Andnoisomeweedshavesplitthemarblefloor:
Herelurksthesnake，andherethelizardsrunBythestonelionsblinkinginthesun。
ByrondwelthereinloveandrevelryFortwolongyears-asecondAnthony，WhooftheworldanotherActiummade!
Yetsufferednothisroyalsoultofade，Orlyretobreak，orlancetogrowlesskeen，\'NeathanywilesofanEgyptianqueen。
ForfromtheEasttherecameamightycry，AndGreecestooduptofightforLiberty，AndcalledhimfromRavenna:neverknightRodeforthmorenoblytowildscenesoffight!
Nonefellmorebravelyonensanguinedfield，BornelikeaSpartanbackuponhisshield!
OHellas!Hellas!inthinehourofpride，Thydayofmight，rememberhimwhodiedTowrestfromoffthylimbsthetrammellingchain:
OSalamis!OlonePlataeanplain!
OtossingwavesofwildEuboeansea!
Owind-sweptheightsofloneThermopylae!
Helovedyouwell-ay，notaloneinword，Whofreelygavetotheehislyreandsword，LikeAEschylosatwell-foughtMarathon:
AndEngland，too，shallgloryinherson，Herwarrior-poet，firstinsongandfight。
NolongernowshallSlander\'svenomedspiteCrawllikeasnakeacrosshisperfectname，Ormarthelordlyscutcheonofhisfame。
Forastheolive-garlandoftherace，Whichlightswithjoyeacheagerrunner\'sface，Astheredcrosswhichsavethmeninwar，Asaflame-beardedbeaconseenfromfarBymarinersuponastorm-tossedsea，-
SuchwashisloveforGreeceandLiberty!
Byron，thycrownsareeverfreshandgreen:
RedleavesofrosefromSapphicMityleneShallbindthybrows；themyrtlebloomsforthee，InhiddengladesbylonelyCastaly；
Thelaurelswaitthycoming:allarethine，Androundthyheadoneperfectwreathwilltwine。
V。
Thepine-topsrockedbeforetheeveningbreezeWiththehoarsemurmurofthewintryseas，Andthetallstemswerestreakedwithamberbright；-
Iwanderedthroughthewoodinwilddelight，Somestartledbird，withflutteringwingsandfleet，Madesnowofalltheblossoms；atmyfeet，Likesilvercrowns，thepalenarcissilay，Andsmallbirdssangoneverytwiningspray。
Owavingtrees，Oforestliberty!
Withinyourhauntsatleastamanisfree，Andhalfforgetsthewearyworldofstrife:
Thebloodflowshotter，andasenseoflifeWakesi\'thequickeningveins，whileonceagainThewoodsarefilledwithgodswefanciedslain。
LongtimeIwatched，andsurelyhopedtoseeSomegoat-footPanmakemerryminstrelsyAmidthereeds!somestartledDryad-maidIngirlishflight!orlurkingintheglade，Thesoftbrownlimbs，thewantontreacherousfaceOfwoodlandgod!QueenDianinthechase，White-limbedandterrible，withlookofpride，Andleashofboar-houndsleapingatherside!
OrHylasmirroredintheperfectstream。
Oidleheart!OfondHellenicdream!
Erelong，withmelancholyriseandswell，Theeveningchimes，theconvent\'svesperbell，Struckonmineearsamidtheamorousflowers。
Alas!alas!thesesweetandhoniedhoursHadwhelmedmyheartlikesomeencroachingsea，AnddrownedallthoughtsofblackGethsemane。
VI。
OloneRavenna!manyataleistoldOfthygreatgloriesinthedaysofold:
TwothousandyearshavepassedsincethoudidstseeCaesarrideforthtoroyalvictory。
MightythynamewhenRome\'sleaneaglesflewFromBritain\'sislestofarEuphratesblue；
Andofthepeoplesthouwastnoblequeen，TillinthystreetstheGothandHunwereseen。
Discrownedbyman，desertedbythesea，Thousleepest，rockedinlonelymisery!
Nolongernowuponthyswellingtide，Pine-forest-like，thymyriadgalleysride!
Forwherethebrass-beakedshipswerewonttofloat，Thewearyshepherdpipeshismournfulnote；
AndthewhitesheeparefreetocomeandgoWhereAdria\'spurplewatersusedtoflow。
Ofair!Osad!OQueenuncomforted!
Inruinedlovelinessthouliestdead，Aloneofallthysisters；foratlastItalia\'sroyalwarriorhathpassedRome\'slordliestentrance，andhathwornhiscrownInthehightemplesoftheEternalTown!
ThePalatinehathwelcomedbackherking，Andwithhisnamethesevenmountainsring!
AndNapleshathoutlivedherdreamofpain，Andmockshertyrant!Venicelivesagain，Newrisenfromthewaters!andthecryOfLightandTruth，ofLoveandLiberty，IsheardinlordlyGenoa，andwhereThemarblespiresofMilanwoundtheair，RingsfromtheAlpstotheSicilianshore，AndDante\'sdreamisnowadreamnomore。
Butthou，Ravenna，betterlovedthanall，ThyruinedpalacesarebutapallThathidesthyfallengreatness!andthynameBurnslikeagreyandflickeringcandle-flameBeneaththenoondaysplendourofthesunOfnewItalia!forthenightisdone，Thenightofdarkoppression，andthedayHathdawnedinpassionatesplendour:farawayTheAustrianhoundsarehuntedfromtheland，Beyondthoseice-crownedcitadelswhichstandGirdlingtheplainofroyalLombardy，FromthefarWestuntotheEasternsea。
Iknow，indeed，thatsonsofthinehavediedInLissa\'swaters，bythemountain-sideOfAspromonte，onNovara\'splain，-
Norhavethychildrendiedfortheeinvain:
Andyet，methinks，thouhastnotdrunkthiswineFromgrapesnew-crushedofLibertydivine，ThouhastnotfollowedthatimmortalStarWhichleadsthepeopleforthtodeedsofwar。
Wearyoflife，thouliestinsilentsleep，Asonewhomarksthelengtheningshadowscreep，Carelessofallthehurryinghoursthatrun，Mourningsomedayofglory，forthesunOfFreedomhathnotshewntotheehisface，Andthouhastcaughtnoflambeauintherace。
Yetwakenotfromthyslumbers，-resttheewell，Amidstthyfieldsofamberasphodel，Thylily-sprinkledmeadows，-resttheethere，Tomockallhumangreatness:whowoulddareToventthepaltrysorrowsofhislifeBeforethyruins，ortopraisethestrifeOfkings\'ambition，andthebarrenprideOfwarringnations!wertnotthoutheBrideOfthewildLordofAdria\'sstormysea!
TheQueenofdoubleEmpires!andtotheeWerenotthenationsgivenasthyprey!
Andnow-thygateslieopennightandday，Thegrassgrowsgreenoneverytowerandhall，Theghastlyfighathcleftthybastionedwall；
AndwherethymailedwarriorsstoodatrestThemidnightowlhathmadehersecretnest。
Ofallen!fallen!fromthyhighestate，OcitytrammelledinthetoilsofFate，Dothnoughtremainofallthygloriousdays，Butadullshield，acrownofwitheredbays!
Yetwhobeneaththisnightofwarsandfears，Fromtranquiltowercanwatchthecomingyears；
Whocanforetellwhatjoysthedayshallbring，Orwhybeforethedawnthelinnetssing？
Thou，eventhou，maystwake，aswakestheroseTocrimsonsplendourfromitsgraveofsnows；
Astherichcorn-fieldsrisetoredandgoldFromthesebrownlands，nowstiffwithWinter\'scold；
Asfromthestorm-rackcomesaperfectstar!
Omuch-lovedcity!IhavewanderedfarFromthewave-circledislandsofmyhome；
HaveseenthegloomymysteryoftheDomeRiseslowlyfromthedrearCampagna\'sway，Clothedintheroyalpurpleoftheday:
IfromthecityofthevioletcrownHavewatchedthesunbyCorinth\'shillgodown，Andmarkedthe\'myriadlaughter\'oftheseaFromstarlithillsofflower-starredArcady；
Yetbacktotheereturnsmyperfectlove，Astoitsforest-nesttheeveningdove。
Opoet\'scity!onewhoscarcehasseenSometwentysummerscasttheirdoubletsgreenForAutumn\'slivery，wouldseekinvainTowakehislyretosingalouderstrain，Ortellthydaysofglory；-poorindeedIsthelowmurmuroftheshepherd\'sreed，Wheretheloudclarion\'sblastshouldshakethesky，Andflameacrosstheheavens!andtotrySuchloftythemeswerefolly:yetIknowThatneverfeltmyheartanoblerglowThanwhenIwokethesilenceofthystreetWithclamoroustramplingofmyhorse\'sfeet，AndsawthecitywhichnowItrytosing，Afterlongdaysofwearytravelling。
VII。
Adieu，Ravenna!butayearago，IstoodandwatchedthecrimsonsunsetglowFromthelonechapelonthymarshyplain:
TheskywasasashieldthatcaughtthestainOfbloodandbattlefromthedyingsun，AndinthewestthecirclingcloudshadspunAroyalrobe，whichsomegreatGodmightwear，Whileintoocean-seasofpurpleairSankthegoldgalleyoftheLordofLight。
YetherethegentlestillnessofthenightBringsbacktheswellingtideofmemory，Andwakesagainmypassionateloveforthee:
NowistheSpringofLove，yetsoonwillcomeOnmeadowandtreetheSummer\'slordlybloom；
Andsoonthegrasswithbrighterflowerswillblow，Andsendupliliesforsomeboytomow。
ThenbeforelongtheSummer\'sconqueror，RichAutumn-time，theseason\'susurer，Willlendhishoardedgoldtoallthetrees，Andseeitscatteredbythespendthriftbreeze；
AndafterthattheWintercoldanddrear。
Sorunstheperfectcycleoftheyear。
Andsofromyouthtomanhooddowego，Andfalltowearydaysandlocksofsnow。
Loveonlyknowsnowinter；neverdies:
NorcaresforfrowningstormsorleadenskiesAndminefortheeshallneverpassaway，Thoughmyweaklipsmayfalterinmylay。
Adieu!Adieu!yonsilenteveningstar，Thenight\'sambassador，dothgleamafar，Andbidtheshepherdbringhisflockstofold。
PerchancebeforeourinlandseasofgoldAregarneredbythereapersintosheaves，PerchancebeforeIseetheAutumnleaves，Imaybeholdthycity；andlaydownLowatthyfeetthepoet\'slaurelcrown。
Adieu!Adieu!yonsilverlamp，themoon，Whichturnsourmidnightintoperfectnoon，Dothsurelylightthytowers，guardingwellWhereDantesleeps，whereByronlovedtodwell。