第2章
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  Midwaytheroadofourlife’stermtheymet,Andoneanotherknewwithoutsurprise;

  Norcaredthatbeautystoodinmutualeyes;

  Norattheirtardymeetingnursedregret。

  TothemitwasrevealedhowtheyhadfoundThekindrednatureandtheneededmind;

  Thematebylongconspiracydesigned;

  Theflowertoplantinsanctuaryground。

  AvowedinvigilantsolicitudeForeither,whatmostlivedwithineachbreastTheyletbeseen:yeteveryhumantestDemandingrighteousnessapprovedthemgood。

  Sheleanedonastrongarm,andlittlefearedAbandonmenttohelpifheavedorsankHerheartatintervalswhileLovelookedblank,Liferosierwereshebutlessrevered。

  AnarmthatnevershookdidnotobscureHerwoman’sintuitionofthebliss—

  Theirtempter’smomento’ertheblackabyss,Acrossthenarrowplank—hecouldabjure。

  Thencameadaythatclippedforhimthethread,Andtheirfirsttouchoflips,ashelaycold,Wasallofearthlyintheirloveuntold,Beyondallearthlyknowntothemwhowed。

  SohastherecomethegustatSouth—westflungBysuddenvoltonevesoffreezingmist,Whensistersnowflakesistersnowdropkissed,Andonepassedout,andonethebell—headhung。

  Poem:SongInTheSonglessTheyhavenosong,thesedgesdry,Andstilltheysing。

  Itiswithinmybreasttheysing,AsIpassby。

  Withinmybreasttheytouchastring,Theywakeasigh。

  Thereisbutsoundofsedgesdry;

  Inmetheysing。

  Poem:UnionInDisseveranceSunsetworntoitslastvermilionhe;

  Shethatstaroverheadinslowdescent:

  Thatwhitestarwiththefrontofangelshe;

  HeundoneinhisraysofgloryspentHalo,fairasthebow—shotathisrise,Hecastsroundher,andknowshishourofrestIncomplete,werethelightforwhichhedies,Lesslikejoyofthedovethatwingstonest。

  Lustrousmomently,nearonearthshesinks;

  Life’sfullthroboverbreathlessandabased:

  Yetstandthey,thoughimpalpablethelinks,One,moreonethanthebridallyembraced。

  Poem:TheBurdenOfStrengthIfthatthouhastthegiftofstrength,thenknowThypartistoupliftthetroddenlow;

  Elseinagiant’sgraspuntiltheendAhopelesswrestlershallthysoulcontend。

  Poem:TheMainRegret[WrittenfortheCharingCrossAlbum]

  I。

  Seen,tooclearandhistoricwithinus,oursinsofomissionFrownwhentheAutumndaysstrikeusallruthlesslybare。

  Theyofourmortaldiseasesfindneverhealingphysician;

  Errorstheyofthesoul,pasttheonehopetorepair。

  II。

  Sunshinemightwehavebeenuntoseedundersoil,orhavescatteredSeedtoascendantsunsbrighterthananythatshone。

  Eventhelimp—leggedbeggarasickdesperadohasflatteredBacktoahalf—sloughedlifecheeredbythemerehumantone。

  Poem:AlternationBetweenthefountainandtherillIpassed,andsawthemightywillToleapatsky;thecarelessrun,Asearthwouldleadherlittleson。

  Beneaththemthrobsanurgentwell,Thathereisplay,andthereiswar。

  IknownotwhichhadmosttotellOfwhencewespringandwhatweare。

  Poem:HawardenWhencomesthelighteddayformentoreadLife’smeaning,withtheworkbeforetheirhandsTillthisgoodgiftofbreathfromdebtisfreed,Earthwillnothearherchildren’swailfulbandsDeplorethechieftainfall’ninsobanddirge;

  Northeylookwhereisdarkness,butonhigh。

  Thesunthatdroppeddownourhorizon’sverge,Illumeshislaboursthroughthetravelledsky,Nowseeninsum,mostglorious;and’tisknownBywhatourwarriorwroughtweholdhimfast。

  Asplendidimagebuiltofmanhasflown;

  HisdeedsinspiredofGodoutstepaPast。

  OursthegreatprivilegetohavehadoneAmonguswhocelestialtaskshasdone。

  Poem:AtTheCloseToThee,dearGodofMercy,bothappeal,Whostraightwaysoundthecalltoarms。Thouknow’st;

  Andthatblackspotineachembattledhost,Springoftheblood—stream,laterwiltreveal。

  Nowisitredartilleryandwhitesteel;

  Tillonadaywillringthevictor’sboast,That’tisThychosentowersuppermost,WhereThyrejectedgrovelsunderheel。

  Soinalltimesofman’sdescentinsaneTobrute,didstrengthandcraftcombiningstrike,EvenasaGodofArmies,hisfellblow。

  ButatthecloseheenteredThydomain,DearGodofMercy,andiflion—likeHetorethefall’n,theEternalwashisFoe。

  Poem:ForestHistoryI。

  Beneaththevansofdoomdidmenpassin。

  Heroicwhocameout;forroundthemhungAwaveringphantom’sredvolcanotongue,Withleague—longlizardtailandfishyfin:

  II。

  OldEarth’soriginalDragon;thereretiredTohislastfastness;overthrownbyfew。

  Himalaboriousthrustofroadwayslew。

  Thenmantoplaydevorantstraightwasfired。

  III。

  MoreintimatebecametheforestfearWhilepillareddarknesshatchedmaliciouslifeAteitherelbow,wolforgnomeorknifeAndwaryslidtheglancefromeartoear。

  IV。

  Inchillness,likeacloudedlantern—ray,Theforest’sheartoffogonmossedmorass,Onpurplepoolandsilkycotton—grass,Revealedwhereluredtheswallowerbyway。

  V。

  Deadoutlook,flattenedbackwithhardreboundOffwallsofdistance,lefteachmountedheight。

  Itseemedagianthag—fiend,churningspiteOfhumblehumanbeing,heldtheground。

  VI。

  Throughfriendlesswastes,throughtreacherouswoodland,slowThefeetsustainedbytrackoffeetpursuedPainedsteps,andfoundthecommonbrotherhoodBysignofHeavenindifferent,Naturefoe。

  VII。

  Anonamason’sworkamazedthesight,Andlong—frockedmen,calledBrothers,thereabode。

  Theypointedup,bowedhead,anddugandsowed;

  Whereofwasshelter,loaf,andwarmfirelight。

  VIII。

  Whatwordstheytaughtwerenailstoscratchthehead。

  Benignantworksexplainedthechantingbrood。

  Theirmonasterylitblacksolitude,Asonemightthinkastarthatheavenwardled。

  IX。

  Uproseafairernestforwearyfeet,Likesomegoldflowernightlyinwardcurled,Wheregentlemaidensfledaroaringworld,Orplayedwithit,andhadtheirwhiteretreat。

  X。

  Intobigbooksofmetalclaspstheypored。

  Theygoverned,evenasmen;theywelcomedlays。

  Thetreasureswomenarewhoseaimispraise,Wasshowninthem:theGardenhalfrestored。

  XI。

  Adelugebillowscouredthelandoffseas,Withwidenedjaws,andslaughterwasitsfoam。

  Forfood,forclothing,ambush,refuge,home,Thelessersavageofferedbogsandtrees。

  XII。

  Whencereverenceroundgrey—hairedstorygrew:

  AndinmostspotsofancienthorrorshoneAstemplesunderbeamsoftrialsbygone;

  ForinthemsangbravetimeswithGodinview。

  XIII。

  Tillnowtrimhomesteadsborderedspacesgreen,Likenight’sfirstlittlestarsthroughclearingshowers。

  Wasrumouredhowacastle’sfalcontowersThewildernesscommandedwithfiercemien。

  XIV。

  ThereinaseriousBaronstuckhislance;

  ForminstrelsongsabeauteousDamewouldpout。

  Gayknightsandsombre,felonordevout,Prickedonward,boundfortheirunsungromance。

  XV。

  ItmightbethattwoerrantlordsacrossTheblockofeachcameedged,andatsharpcryTheychargedforthwith,thebettermantotry。

  Onerodehisway,onecouchedonquietmoss。

  XVI。

  Perchancealadysweet,whoselordlayslain,Therobbersintogruesomedurancedrew。

  Swiftshouldherherocome,likelightning’sblue!

  Sheprayedforhim,ascracklingdroughtforrain。

  XVII。

  Aswe,thateretheworstherherohaps,OfAngelsguided,nighthatloathlyden:

  Atoadycavebesideanaguefen,Wherelongforlornthelonedogwhinesandyaps。

  XVIII。

  BydaylightnowtheforestfearcouldreadItself,andatnewwonderschucklingwent。

  Straightfortheroebuck’sneckthebowmanspentAdartthatlaughedatdistanceandatspeed。

  XIX。

  Rightloudthebugle’shallalielateRangforthofmerrydinglesroundthetors;

  Anddeftesthandwashefromforeignwars,Butsoonhehailedthehome—bredyeomanmate。

  XX。

  Beforetheblackbirdpeckedtheturftheywoke;

  Atdawnthedeer’swetnostrilsblewtheirlast。

  Toforest,hauntofrunsandprimerepast,Withpayingblows,theyokelstrainedhisyoke。

  XXI。

  Thecityurchinmoonedonforestair,Ongrassysweepsandflyingarrows,thickAsswallowso’ersmoothstreams,andsighedhimsickForthinkingthathisdearerhomewasthere。

  XXII。

  Familiar,stillunseized,theforestsprangAnold—worldecho,likenomortalthing。

  Thehunter’shornmightwindajocundring,Butheldinearithadachillyclang。

  XXIII。

  Someshadowlurkedaloofofancienttime;

  Somewarninghauntedanysoundprolonged,AsthoughtheleaguesofwoodlandheldthemwrongedTohearanaxeandseeatownshipclimb。

  XXIV。

  Theforest’serewhileemperorateveHadvoicewhenloweredheavensdrummedforgales。

  Atmidnightasmallpeopledancedthedales,SothinthattheymightdwindlethroughasieveXXV。

  Ringedmushroomstoldofthem,andintheirthroats,Oldwivesthatgatheredherbsandknewtoomuch。

  Thepensionedforesterbesidehiscrutch,Struckshowersfromembersatthosebodefulnotes。

  XXVI。

  Camethentheone,allear,alleye,allheart;

  Devourer,andinsensiblydevoured;

  Inwhomthecityoverforestflowered,Theforestwreathedthecity’sdrama—mart。

  XXVII。

  TherefoundheinnewformthatDragonold,Fromtangledsolitudesexpelled;andtaughtHowblindlyeachitsantidotebesought;

  Foreither’sbreaththeneedsofeithertold。

  XXVIII。

  Nowdeepinwoods,withsongnosermon’sdrone,Heshowedwhatcharmthehumanconcourseworks:

  Amidthepressofmen,whatvirtuelurksWherebubblesacredwellsofwildnesslone。

  XXIX。

  Ourconquestthese:ifhaplyweretainThereverencethatne’erwilloverrunDueboundariesofrealmsfromNaturewon,Norletthepoet’saweinrapturewane。

  Poem:AGardenIdylWithsagestcraftArachneworkedHerweb,andatacornerlurked,Awaitingwhatshouldplumphersoon,Tocaseitinthedeath—cocoon。

  SagaciouslyherhomeshechoseForvisitsthatwouldneverclose;

  Insidemychalet—porchherfeastPluckedallthewindsbutchillNorth—east。

  Thefinishedstructure,baronbar,Hadsnatchedfromlighttoformastar,Andstruckonsight,whenquickwithdews,LikemusicoftheveryMuse。

  Greatartistspassoursinglesense;

  Wehearinseeing,strungtotense;

  Thenhaplymarvel,groanmayhap,Tothinksuchbeautymeansatrap。

  ButNature’sgenius,evenman’sAtbest,ispracticalinplans;

  Subservienttotheneedythought,Howeverraretheweaponwrought。

  AslongasNatureholdsitgoodTourgehercreatures’questforfoodWillbeautystampthejustintentOfweaponsuponservicebent。

  ForbeautyisaflowerofrootsEmbeddedlowerthanourboots;

  Outoftheprimalstratasprings,AndshowsforcrownofusefulthingsArachne’sdreamofpreytosizeAspired;soshecouldnighdespiseThepunyspecksthebreezesroundSupplied,andletthemshakeunwound;

  Assuredofherfatflytocome;

  Perhapsablue,thespider’splum;

  Whotakesthefataloddsinfight,Andgivesrepastanappetite,Byplunging,whizzing,tillhiswingsArewebbed,andinthelistsheswings,Ashroudedlump,forhertoseeHerbanquetinhervictory。

  Thismatronoftheunnumberedthreads,Onedayofdandelions’headsDistributingtheirgrayperruquesUpeverygust,IwatchedwithlooksDiscreetbesidethechalet—door;

  Andgracefullyalightwindbore,Directuponmywebster’swall,Amonsterintheformofball;

  Themildestcaptiveeversnared,Thatneitherstrugglednordespaired,Onhalfthenetinvadinghung,Andplainasinhermothertongue,Whilelowtheweavercursedherlures,Remarked,\"Youhaveme;Iamyours。\"

  Thricemagnified,inphantomshape,Herdreamofsizeshesaw,agape。

  Midwaythevastround—rayingbeardAdesiccatedmidgeappeared;

  Whosebodyprickedthenameofmeal,Whosehairhadgrowthinearth’sunreal;

  Provocativeofdreadandwrath,Contemptandhorror,inonefroth,Inextricable,insensible,Hispoisonpresencetherewoulddwell,Declaringhimherdreamfulfilled,Acatchtocomplimenttheskilled;

  Andshereducedtobeakyskin,DisgracefulamongkithandkinAgainsthercorner,humpedandaged,Arachnewrinkled,pastenraged,Beyonddisgustorhopeinguile。

  RidiculouslyvolatileHeseemedtoherlastsparkofmind;

  AndthatinpallidashdeclinedBeneaththeblowbyknowledgedealt,WhereinthroughoutherframeshefeltThathe,thelightwind’slibertine,Withoutascoff,withoutagrin,Andmanneredlikethecourtlyfew,Whomerelydancedwhenlightwindsblew,Impervioustobeakandclaws,Tradition’sruinousWhitebeardwas;

  Ofwhom,asactorsinoldscenes,Hadgrannamweaverswarnedtheirweans,Withword,thatlessthanfeather—weight,HesmotetheweblikeboltofFate。

  Thismuteddrama,hourbyhour,Iwatchedamidaworldinflower,EreyetAutumnalthreadshadlaidTheirgray—blueo’erthegrass’sblade,Andstillalongthegarden—runTheblindwormstretchedhim,drunkofsun。

  Arachnecrouchedunmoved;perchanceHervisitorperformedadance;

  Shepuckeredthinner;hethesameAswhenonthatlightwindhecame。

  NextdaywastoldwhatdeedsofnightWeredone;thewebhadvanishedquite;

  Withitthestrangeopposingpair;

  Andlistlesswavedonvacantair,Forheradieutoheart’scontent,Asolitaryfilament。

  Poem:ForesightAndPatienceSprungofthefatherblood,themotherbrain,Aretheywhopointourpathwayandsustain。

  Theyrarelymeet;onesoars,onewalksretired。

  Whentheydomeet,itisourearthinspired。

  ToseeLife’sformlessoffspringandsubdueDesireoftimesunripe,wehavethesetwo,Whoseunionisrightreason:jointheyhands,Theworldshallknowitselfandwhereitstands;

  WhatcoweringangelandwhatuprightbeastMakeman,behold,norcountthelowtheleast,Norlessthestarshaverounditthanitsflowers。

  Whenthesetwomeet,apointoftimeisours。

  Asinalandofwaterfalls,thatflowSmoothfortheleapontheirgreatvoicebelow,Someeddiesnearthebrinkborneswiftalong,Willcapturehearingwiththeliquidsong,So,whiletheheadlongworld’simperiousforceResoundedunder,heardIthesediscourse。

  Firstwords,wheredownmywoodlandwalksheled,ToherblindsisterPatience,Foresightsaid:

  —Yourfaithinmeappals,toshakemyown,WhenstillIfindyouinthismirealone。

  —ThefewstepstakenatafuneralpaceBymenhadslainmebutforthoseyoutrace。

  —LookIonceback,abrokenpinionI:

  Blackastherebelangelsrainedfromsky!

  —Needsmustyoudrinkofmewhilehereyoulive,AndmakemerichinfeelingIcangive。

  —AbraveTo—beisdawnuponmybrow:

  YetmustIreadmysisterfortheHow。

  MydaisybetterknowsherGodofbeamsThandothaneaglethattomounthimseems。

  ShehaththesecretneverfieriestreachOfwingshallmastertillmenhearherteach。

  —Likertheclodflakedbythedrivingplough,MysemblancewhenIhaveyounotasnow。

  ThequietcreatureswhoescapemishapBearlikenesstopuregrowthsofthegreensap:

  ApictureofthesettledpeacedesiredBycowardsshunningstrifeorstriverstired。

  Ilistenattheirbreasts:istherenojarOfwrestlingsandofstranglings,deadtheyare,AndsuchapictureasthepiercingmindRanksbeneathvegetation。NotresignedAremytruepupilswhiletheworldisbrute。

  Whatedictofthestrongerkeepsmemute,Strongerimpelsthemotionofmyheart。

  IamnotResignation’scounterpart。

  IfthatIteach,’tislittlethedryword,Content,buthowtosavourhopedeferred。

  Wecomeofearth,andrichofearthmaybe;

  Sooncarrionifveryeartharewe!

  Thecoursingveins,theconstantbreath,theuseOfsleep,declarethatstrifeallowsshorttruce;

  Unlessweclaspdecay,acceptdefeat,Andpassdespised;\"a—coldforlackofheat,\"

  Likeothercorpses,butwithoutdeath’splea。

  —Mysistercallsforbattle;isitshe?

  —Ratheraworldofpressingmeninarms,Thanstagnant,wherethesensualpipercharmsEachdrowsymaladyandcoilingviceWithdreamsofeasewhereofthesoulpaysprice!

  Nohomeishereforpeacewhileevilbreeds,Whileerrorgoverns,none;andmusttheseedsYousow,youthatforlonghavereapeddisdain,Liebarrenatthedoorwayofthebrain,Letstoutcontentiondrivedeepfurrows,bloodMoisten,andmakenewchannelsofitsflood!

  —Mysoberlittlemaid,whenwemeetfirst,Drinksofmeeverwithaneagerthirst。

  SocanInotofhertillcircumstanceDrugscravings。HereweseehowmenadvanceAdoubtfulfoot,butcircleifmuchstirred,Likedeadweedsonwhippedwaters。ShoutthewordPromptingtheirhungers,andtheygrandlymarch,Astoband—musicunderVictory’sarch。

  Thuswasit,andthusisit;savethatthenThebeautyoffrankanimalshadmen。

  —Observethem,anddownrearwardforaterm,Gazetotheprimaltwistingsoftheworm。

  Thencelookthisway,acrossthefieldsthatshowMen’searlyformofspeechforYesandNo。

  Mysisterabruisedinfant’sutterancehad;

  Andissuingstronger,tomankind’twasmad。

  IknewmyhomewhereIhadchoicetofeelThetoadbeneathaharroworaheel。

  —SpeakofthisAge。

  —WhenyouitshalldiscernBrightasyouare,tometheAgewillturn。

  —Forneitherofushasitanycare;

  ItslearningisthroughSciencetodespair。

  —Despairliesdownandgrovels,grapplesnotWithevil,caststheburdenofitslot。

  ThisAgeclimbsearth。

  —Tochallengeheaven。

  —NotlessThelowerdeeps。ItlaughsatHappiness!

  ThatknowI,thoughtheechoesofitwail,Foronestepupwardonthecragsyouscale。

  BraveistheAgewhereinthewordwillrust,Whichmeansoursoulasleeporbody’slust,Untilfromwarmthofmanybreasts,thatbeatAtemperatecommonmusic,sunlikeheatThehappinessnotpredatorysheds!

  —ButyourfierceYesandNoofbuttingheads,NowragestooutdoahornyPast。

  ShadesofawildDestroyeronthevastArethrownbyeverynovellightupraised。

  Theworld’swholeroundsmokesominously,amazedAndtremblingasitspregnantAEtnaswells。

  CombustiblesonhotcombustiblesRunpiling,foronesparktorollinfireThemountain—torrentofinfernalireAndleavethetrackofdevilswheremenbuilt。

  Perceptiveofadoom,thesinner’sguiltConfessesinacryforhelpshrillloud,Ifdropsthechillnessofapassingcloud,Toconscience,reason,humanlove;invain:

  Nonesavetheybutthesoulswhichthemcontain。

  NoextramuralGod,theGodwithinAlonegivesaidtocitychargedwithsin。

  Aworldthatforthespuroffoolandknave,Sweatsinitslaboratory,whatshallsave?

  Butmenwhoplytheirwitsinsuchaschool,Mustpraythemercyoftheknaveandfool。

  —MuchhaveIstudiedhardNecessity!

  ToknowherWisdom’smother,andthatweMaydeemtheharshnessofherlatercriesInlabourasuregoadtoprickthewise,Ifmenamongthewarningswhichconvulse,Cangravelydreadwithoutthecraven’spulse。

  LongeretherisingofthisAgeofours,TheknaveandfoolwerestampedasmonstrousPowers。

  Ofhumanlustsandlassitudestheyspring,Andareaslastingastheparentthing。

  Yetnumberinglocusthosts,benttheytodrill,Theymighto’ermatchandhavemankindatwill。

  Beholdsucharmygathering:oursthespur,Noscatteredfoetoface,butLucifer。

  NotfoolorknaveisnowtheenemyO’ershadowingmen,’tisFolly,Knavery!

  Asea;norstaysthatseathebastionedbeach。

  Nowmustthebrothersoulaliveineach,HistraitorousindividualdevildomHoldsubjectlestthegranddestructioncome。

  DimlymenseeitmenacingapaceTooverthrow,perchanceuproottherace。

  Within,without,theyareafieldoftares:

  Fruitfullerforthemwhenthecontestsquares,Andwhereforewarriorservicetheymustyield,Shinesvisibleaslifeoneitherfield。

  Thatismycomfort,followingshockonshock,Whichsetsfaithquakingontheirfirmestrock。

  Sincewithhisweapons,allthearmsofNight,FrailmenhavechallengedLucifertofight,Havematchedinhostileranks,enrolled,erect,ThehumanandSatanicintellect,DeterminedfortheirusestocontrolWhatforcesontheearthandunderroll,Theirgraniterockrunsigneous;nowtheystandPledgedtotheheavensforsafetyoftheirland。

  Theycannotlearnsavegrossly,grossthatare:

  Throughfeartheylearnwhoseaidisgoodinwar。

  —Mysister,asIreadtheminmyglass,Theirfieldoftarestheytakeforpasturegrass。

  HowwakenthemthathavenotanybentSavebrowsing—theconcreteindifferent!

  FriendLucifersuppliesthemsolidstuff:

  Theyfearnotfortheracewhenfullthetrough。

  Theyhavemuchfearofgivinguptheghost;

  Andtheseareofmankindtheunnumberedhost。

  —IfIcouldseewithyou,anddidnotfaintInbeatingwing,thefutureIwouldpaint。

  Thosemassedindifferentswilllearntoquake:

  Nowmeanwhileisanothermassawake,Oncedenserthanthegruntersofthesty。

  IfIcouldseewithyou!CouldIbutfly!

  —Thelengthofdaysthatyouwiththemhavehoused,Anoutcastelse,approvestheircauseespoused。

  —Otrue,theyhaveacause,andwoeforus,Whilestilltheyhaveacausetoopiteous!

  Yet,happyforuswhen,theircausedefined,Theywalknolongerwithastumblerblind,Andquickeninthevirtueoftheircause,Tothinkmeapoormoutherofoldsaws!

  IwaittheissueofabattlingAge;

  Thetoilerswithyour\"troughsters\"nowengage;

  Instructingthemthroughtheiracutestsense,Howclosethedangersofindifference!

  Alreadyhavemypeopleshowntheirworth,Morelovetheylight,whichfoldstheloveofEarth。

  Thatlovetoloveoflabourleads:thenceloveOfhumankind—earth’sincenseflungabove。

  —Admitsomeotherfeatures:Faithless,mean;

  Encasedinmatter;vowedtoGodsobscene;

  Contemptuousoftheimpalpable,itswellsOnDoubt;forpastimeswallowsmiracles;

  AndifIbiditfacewhatIobserve,Declaresmehoodwinkedbymyopticnerve!

  —Ofthasyourprophet,forrewardoftoil,Seennestsofseemingcockatricescoil:

  DisownedthemastheunholiestofTime,Whichwerehisoffspring,bornofflameonslime。

  Norhim,theirsire,haveknownthefilialfry:

  AslittleasTime’searliestknewthesky。

  PerchanceamongthemshootsalustrousflameAtintervals,inproofofwhomtheycame。

  TostrengthenourfoundationsisthetaskOfthistoughAge;notinyourbeamstobask,Though,lightedbyyourbeams,downminingcavesTherockitblasts,thehoardedfoulnessbraves。

  Mysisterseesnoroundbeyondhermood;

  TohawkthisAgehasdressedherheadinhood。

  Outofthecourseofancientrutsandgrooves,Itmoves:Omuchformetosayitmoves!

  AbouthisAEthiopHighlandsNileisNile,Thoughnotthestreamofthepaternalsmile:

  Andwherehistideofnourishmenthedrives,AnAbyssinianwantonnessrevives。

  Calmashislotus—leafto—dayheswims;

  Heistheyellowcrops,theroundedlimbs,ThePastyetflowing,thefairtimethatfills;

  Breathofallmouthsandgristofmanymills。

  To—morrow,warningnonewithtempest—showers,HeisthevastInsensatewhodevoursHisgoldenpromiseoverleaguesofseed,Thensitsinasmoothlakeuponthedeed。

  Theraceswhichonbarbarousforcebegin,Inheritonwardoftheirorigin,AndcancelledblessingswillthecurrentlengthRevealtilltheyknowneedofshapingstrength。

  ’TisnotinmentorecognizetheneedBeforetheyclashinhosts,inhoststheybleed。

  Thenmaysharpsufferingtheirnaturegrind;

  OfrabblepassionsgrowthechieftainMind。

  YetmarkwherestillbroadNileboaststhousandsfed,Fortensupthesafemountainsathishead。

  Fewwouldbefed,notfarhiscourseprolong,Saveforthetroublousbloodwhichmakeshimstrong。

  —Thatringsoftruth!Moredoyourpeoplethrive;

  YourManyaremoremerrilyaliveThanerewhilewhenIgloriedinthepageOfradiantsingerandanointedsage。

  Greecewasmylamp:burntoutforlackofoil;

  Rome,PythonRome,preyofitsrobberspoil!

  AllstructuresbuiltuponanarrowspaceMustfall,fromhavingnotyourhostsforbase。

  Othricemustonebeyou,toseethemshiftAlongtheirdesertflats,heredash,theredrift;

  Withfaith,thatofprivationsandspiltblood,ComesReasonarmedtoclearorbanktheflood!

  Andthricemustonebeyou,towaitreleaseFromduressintheswampoftheirincrease。

  Atwhichoppressivescene,beyondarrest,Adarknessnotwithstarsofheavendressed,Philosophersbehold;despondingview。

  YourManynourished,starvedmybrilliantfew;

  Thenflingingheels,ascharioteersthereins,DivedownthefumyAEtnaoftheirbrains。

  Belatedvesselsonarisingsea,Theyseem:theypass!

  —ButnotPhilosophy!

  —Ay,bewefaithfultoourselves:despiseNoughtbutthecowardinus!ThatwayliesThewisdommakingpassagethroughourslough。

  AmInotheard,myheadtoEarthshallbow;

  Likeher,shallwaittosee,andseeingwait。

  PhilosophyisLife’sonematchforFate。

  ThatphotosphereofourhighfountainOne,Ourspirit’sLordandReason’sfosteringsun,Philosophy,shalllightusintheshade,Warminthefrost,makeGoodouraimandaid。

  Companionedbythesweetest,ayrenewed,Unconquerable,whoseaimforaidisGood!

  AdvantagetotheMany:thatwenameGod’svoice;havetherethesuretyinouraim。

  ThisthoughtuntomysisterdoIowe,Andironyandsatireoffmethrow。

  Theycrackachildishwhip,drivepunyherds,Wherenumberscravetheirsustenanceinwords。

  Nowlettheperilsthicken:clearerseen,YourChieftainMindmountsoverthemserene。

  WhoneveryetofscatteredlampswasbornTospeedaworld,amarchingworldtowarn,ButsunwardfromthevividManysprings,Countsconquestbutastep,andthroughdisastersings。

  FragmentsoftheIliadinEnglishHexameterVersePoem:TheInvectiveOfAchilles[Iliad,B。I。V。149]

  \"Heighme!brazenoffront,thougluttonforplunder,howcanone,Servantheretothymandates,heedtheeamongourAchaians,Eitherthemissionhieonorstoutlydofightwiththefoemen?

  I,nothitherIfaredonaccountofthespear—armedTrojans,Pledgedtothecombat;theyuntomehaveinnowiseaharmdone;

  Neverhavethey,ofatruth,comeliftingmyhorsesoroxen;

  Neverindeep—soiledPhthia,thenurserofheroes,myharvestsRavaged,they;forbetweenusisnumberedfullmanyadarksomeMountain,ay,therewithtoothestretchofthewindysea—waters。

  Ohugelyshameless!theedidwefollowtoheartenthee,justicePluckfromtheDardansforhim,Menelaos,theetoo,thoudog—eyed!

  Whereoflittlethythoughtis,noughtwhateverthoureckest。

  Worse,itisthouwhosethreat’tistoravishmyprizefromme,portionWonwithmuchlabour,thewhichmygiftfromthesonsofAchaia。

  Never,insooth,haveIknownmyprizeequalthinewhenAchaiansGavesomeflourishingpopulousTrojantownuptopillage。

  Nay,sure,minewerethehandsdidmostinthestormofthecombat,Yetwhencameperadventureshareofthebootyamongstus,Biggertotheewenttheprize,whileIsomesmallblessedthingboreOfftotheships,myshareofrewardformytoilinthebloodshed!

  SonowgoItoPhthia,forbetterbymuchitbeseemsmeHomewardgowithmybeakedshipsnow,andIholdnotinprospect,Ibeingoutraged,thoumaystgatherhereplunderandwealth—store。\"

  Poem:TheInvectiveofAchilles—V。225。

  \"Bibberbesotted,withscowlofacur,havingheartofadeer,thou!

  Nevertojointothywarriorsarmedforthepressoftheconflict,NeverforambushforthwiththeprinceliestsonsofAchaiaDaredthysoul,fortotheethatthingwouldhavelookedasadeath—stroke。

  Sooth,moreeasyitseems,downthelengthenedarrayofAchaians,Snatchattheprizeoftheonewhosevoicehasbeenliftedagainstthee。

  Raveningkingofthefolk,forthatthouhastthyruleoverabjects;

  Else,sonofAtreus,nowwerethisoutrageonmethylastone。

  Nay,butItellthee,andIdoswearabigoathonitlikewise:

  Yea,bythesceptrehere,anditsurelybearsbranchesandleaf—

  budsNeveragain,sincefirstitwasloppedfromitstrunkonthemountains,Nomoresprouting;forrounditallcleanhasthesharpmetalclippedoffLeavesandthebark;ay,verifynowdothesonsofAchaia,GuardianhandsofthecounselsofZeus,pronouncingthejudgement,Holditaloft;sonowuntotheeshalltheoathhaveitsportent;

  LoudwillthecryforAchillesburstfromthesonsofAchaiaThroughoutthearmy,andthouchafepowerless,thoughinananguish,Howtogivesuccourwhenvastcropsdownunderman—slayingHectorTumbleexpiring;andthoudeepintheeshalttearatthyheart—

  strings,Rage—wrung,thou,thatinnoughtthoudidsthonourtheflowerofAchaians。\"

  Poem:MarshallingOfTheAchaians[Iliad,B。IIV。455]

  Likeasaterriblefirefeedsfastonaforestenormous,Uponamountainheight,andtheblazeofitradiatesroundfar,SoonthebrightblestarmsofthehostintheirmarchdidthesplendourGleamwideroundthroughthecircleofairrightuptothesky—

  vault。

  They,now,aswhenswarmthickintheairmultitudinouswingedflocks,Beitofgeeseorofcranesorthelong—neckedtroopsofthewild—

  swans,OffthatAsianmead,bytheflowofthewatersofKaistros;

  Hitherandyonflythey,andrejoicinginprideoftheirpinions,Clamour,shapedtotheirranks,andthemeadallaboutthemresoundeth;

  SothosenumeroustribesfromtheirshipsandtheirshelteringspouredforthOnthatplainofScamander,andhorriblerumbledbeneaththemEarthtothequick—pacedfeetofthemenandthetrampofthehorse—hooves。

  Stoppedtheythenonthefair—flower’dfieldofScamander,theirthousandsManyasleavesandtheblossomsbornoftheflowerfulseason。

  Evenascountlesshot—pressedfliesintheirmultitudestraverse,Cloudsofthem,undersomeherdsman’swonning,wherethenarethemilk—pailsAlso,fulloftheirmilk,inthebountifulseasonofspring—time;

  Evensothicklythelong—hairedsonsofAchaiatheplainheld,PromptforthedashattheTrojanhost,withthepassiontocrushthem。

  Those,likewise,asthegoatherds,eyeingtheirvastflocksofgoats,knowEasilyonefromtheotherwhenallgetmixedo’erthepasture,Sodidthechieftainsrankthemherethereintheirplacesforonslaught,Hardonthepushofthefray;andamongthemKingAgamemnon,He,forhiseyesandhishead,aswhenZeusglowsgladinhisthunder,HewiththegirdleofAres,hewiththebreastofPoseidon。

  Poem:AgamemnonInTheFight[Iliad,B。XI。V。148]

  These,then,heleft,andawaywhererankswerenowclashingthethickest,Onwardrushed,andwithhimrushedallofthebright—greavedAchaians。

  Footthenfootmenslew,thatwereflyingfromdirefulcompulsion,Horseatthehorsemen(upfromoffunderthemmountedthedust—

  cloud,Upofftheplain,raisedupcloud—thickbythethunderinghorse—

  hooves)

  Hewedwiththesword’ssharpedge;andsomeanwhileLordAgamemnonFollowed,chasingandslaughteringaye,on—urgeingtheArgives。

  Now,aswhenfirevoraciouscatchestheunclippedwood—land,Thiswaybearsitandthatthegreatwhirlofthewind,andthescrubwoodStretchesuptorn,flungforwardalengthbythefire’sfuryrageing,SobeneathAtreidesAgamemnonheadsofthescatteredTrojansfell;andinnumbersamanythehorses,neck—stiffened,Rattledtheirvacantcarsdowntheroadwaygapsofthewar—field,Missingtheblamelesscharioteers,but,forthese,theywereoutstretchedFlatuponearth,fardearertovulturesthantotheirhome—mates。

  Poem:ParisAndDiomedes[Iliad;B。XIV。378]

  Sohe,withaclearshoutoflaughter,Forthofhisambushleapt,andhevauntedhim,utteringthiswise:

  \"Hitthouart!notinvainflewtheshaft;howbyrightsithadpiercedtheeIntotheundermostgut,therewithtohaverivedtheeoflife—

  breath!

  FollowingthathadtheTrojanspluckedanewbreathfromtheirdirest,Theyallfrightedofthee,asthegoatsbleatinflightfromalion。\"

  ThenuntohimuntroubledmadeanswerstoutDiomedes:

  \"Bow—puller,jiber,thybowforthyglorying,spyeratvirgins!

  Ifthatthoudared’stfacemehereoutintheopenwithweapons,Nothingthenwouldavailtheethybowandthythickshotofarrows。

  Nowthouplumesttheevainlybecauseofagrazeofmyfootsole;

  ReckIaswerethatstrokefromawomanorsomepettishinfant。

  Ayefliesbluntedthedartofthemanthat’semasculate,noughtworth!

  Otherwisehits,forthflyingfromme,andbutstrikesittheslightest,Mykeenshaft,anditnumbersamanofthedeadfallenstraightway。

  Torn,troth,thenarethecheeksofthewifeofthatmanfallenslaughtered,Orphanshisbabes,fullsurelyhereddenstheearthwithhisblood—

  drops,Rotting,roundhimthebirds,morenumeroustheythanthewomen。\"

  Poem:HypnosOnIda[Iliad,B。XIV。V。283]

  Theythentofountain—abundantIda,motherofwildbeasts,Came,andtheyfirstleftoceantofareovermainlandatLektos,Whereunderneathoftheirfeetwavedloftiestgrowthsofthewoodland。

  TherehungHypnosfast,erethevisionofZeuswasobservant,Mounteduponatallpine—tree,tallestofpinesthatonIdaLustilyspringoffsoilfortheshootupaloftintoaether。

  Theredidhesitwell—cloakedbythewide—branchedpineforconcealment,Thatloudbird,inhisformlike,thatperchedhighupinthemountains,ChalkisisnamedbytheGods,butofmortalsknownasKymindis。

  Poem:ClashInArmsOfTheAchaiansAndTrojans[Iliad,B。XIV。V。394]

  Notthesea—wavesobellowsabroadwhenitburstsuponshingle,Whippedfromthesea’sdeepsupbytheterribleblastoftheNorthwind;

  Nay,norisevertheroarofthefiercefire’srushsoarousing,Downalongmountain—glades,whenitsurgestokindleawoodland;

  Nay,norsotonantthundersthestressofthegaleintheoak—

  trees’

  Foliage—tresseshigh,whenitragestoraveingitsutmost;

  AsrosethenstupendoustheTrojan’scryandAchaians’,Dreadupshoutingasonewhentogethertheyclashedintheconflict。

  Poem:TheHorsesOfAchilles[Iliad,B。XVII。V。426]

  SonowthehorsesofAiakides,offwideofthewar—ground,Wept,sincefirsttheywerewareoftheircharioteeroverthrownthere,Castdownlowinthewhirlofthedustunderman—slayingHector。

  Sooth,meanwhile,thendidAutomedon,bravesonofDiores,Oft,ontheonehand,urgethemwithflicksoftheswiftwhip,andoft,too,Coaxentreatingly,hurriedly;whilesdidheangrilythreaten。

  Vainly,forthesewouldnottotheships,totheHellespontspacious,Backwardturn,norbewhippedtothebattleamongtheAchaians。

  Nay,asapillarremainsimmovable,fixedonthetombstone,Haply,ofsomedeadmanoritmaybeawomanthere—under;

  Evenlikehardstoodtheythereattachedtothegloriouswar—car,Earthwardbowedwiththeirheads;andofthemsolamentingincessantRanthehotteardropsdownwardontotheearthfromtheireyelids,Mourningtheircharioteer;alltheirlustrousmanesdusty—clotted,Rightsideandleftoftheyoke—ringtossed,tothebreadthoftheyoke—bow。

  NowwhentheissueofKronosbeheldthatsorrow,hisheadshookPityingthemfortheirgrief,thesewordsthenhespakeinhisbosom;

  \"Why,yehapless,gavewetoPeleusyou,toamortalMaster;yethatareagelessboth,yebothofyoudeathless!

  Wasitthatyeamongmenmostwretchedshouldcometohaveheart—

  grief?

  ’Tismosttrue,thantheraceofthesemenistherewretchedernowhereAughtoverearth’srangefoundthatisgiftedwithbreathandhasmovement。\"

  Poem:TheMaresOfTheCamargue[FromtheMIREIOofMistral]

  Ahundredmares,allwhite!theirmanesLikemace—reedofthemarshyplainsThick—tufted,wavy,freeo’theshears:

  AndwhenthefierysquadronrearsBurstingatspeed,eachmaneappearsEvenasthewhitescarfofafayFloatingupontheirnecksalongtheheavensaway。

  Oraceofhumankind,takeshame!

  Forneveryetahandcouldtame,NorbitterspurthatripstheflankssubdueThemaresoftheCamargue。Ihaveknown,Bytreasonsnared,somecaptivesshown;

  ExpatriatefromtheirnativeRhone,Ledoff,theirsalinepasturesfarfromview:

  Andonaday,withpromptrebound,Theyhaveflungtheirriderstotheground,Andatasinglegallop,scouringfree,Wide—nostril’dtothewind,twicetenOflongmarsh—leaguesdevour’d,andthen,BacktotheVacaresagain,AftertenyearsofslaveryjusttobreathesaltseaForofthissavageraceunbent,Theoceanistheelement。

  OfoldescapedfromNeptune’scar,fullsure,Stillwiththewhitefoamfleck’darethey,Andwhentheseapuffsblackfromgrey,Andshipspartcables,loudlyneighThestallionsofCamargue,alljoyfulintheroar;

  AndkeenasawhiptheylashandcrackTheirtailsthatdragthedust,andbackScratchuptheearth,andfeel,enteringtheirflesh,wherehe,TheGod,drivesdeephistridentteeth,Whoinonehorror,above,beneath,Bidsstormandwaterydelugeseethe,Andshatterstotheirdepthstheabyssesofthesea。

  Cant。iv。

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