Thoumeaning,couldstthousee,Ofallwhichdafteththee;
Soplain,Itmocksthypain;
StoneoftheLawindeed,Thineownselfcouldstthouread;
ThyblissWithintheeis。
CompostofHeavenandmire,Slowfootandswiftdesire!
Lo,TohaveYes,chooseNo;
Gird,andthoushaltunbind;
Seeknot,andthoushaltfind;
Toeat,Denythymeat;
AndthoushaltbefulfilledWithallsweetthingsunwilled:
SobestGodlovestojestWithchildrensmall——afreakOfheavenlyhide—and—seekFitForthywaywardwit,WhoartthyselfathingOfwhimandwavering;
FreeWhenHiswingspenthee;
Solefullyblest,tofeelGodwhistletheeatheel;
DrunkupAsadew—drop,WhenHebendsdown,sun—wise,Intemperableeyes;
Mostproud,Whenutterlybowed。
TofeelthyselfandbeHisdearnonentity——
CaughtBeyondhumanthoughtInthethunder—spoutofHim,Untilthybeingdim,AndbeDeaddeathlessly。
Stoop,stoop;forthoudostfearThenettle’swrathfulspear,SoslightArtthouofmight!
Rise;forHeavenhathnofrownWhenthoutotheepluck’stdown,Strongclod!
TheneckofGod。
ASSUMPTAMARIA。
’Thouneedstnotsingnewsongs,butsaytheold。’——COWLEY。
Mortals,thatbeholdaWoman,Rising’twixttheMoonandSun;
WhoamItheheavensassume?anAllamI,andIamone。
MultitudinousascendI,Dreadfulasabattlearrayed,ForIbearyouwhithertendI;
YeareI:beundismayed!
I,theArkthatforthegravenTablesoftheLawwasmade;
Man’sownheartwasone,oneHeaven,Bothwithinmywombwerelaid。
ForthereAnteroswithErosHeavenwithmanconjoin—edwas,——
Twin—stoneoftheLaw,Ischyros,AgiosAthanatos。
I,theflesh—girtParadisesGardeneredbytheAdamnew,Daintiedo’erwithsweetdevicesWhichHeloveth,forHegrew。
I,theboundlessstrictsavannahWhichGod’sleapingfeetgothrough;
I,theheavenwhencetheManna,WearyIsrael,slidonyou!
HetheAnterosandEros,Ithebody,HetheCross;
Heupbearethme,Ischyros,AgiosAthanatos!
IamDaniel’smysticMountain,Whencethemightystonewasrolled;
IamthefourRivers’fountain,WateringParadiseofold;
Clouddown—rainingtheJustOneam,DanaeoftheShowerofGold;
ItheHosteloftheSunam;
HetheLamb,andItheFold。
HetheAnterosandEros,Ithebody,HetheCross;
Heisfasttome,Ischyros,AgiosAthanatos!
I,thepresence—hallwhereAngelsDoenwheeltheirplac—edKing——
Evenmythoughtswhich,withoutchangeelse,Cyclicburnandcyclicsing。
TothehollowofHeaventransplanted,IabreathingEdenspring,WherewithvenomalloutpantedLiestheslimedCurseshrivelling。
ForthebrazenSerpentclearonThatoldfang—edknowledgeshone;
ItoWisdomrise,Ischyron,AgionAthanaton!
SeeinhighestheavenpavilionedNowthemaidenHeavenrest,Themany—breastedskyout—millionedBythesplendoursofhervest。
Lo,theArkthisholytideisTheun—handmadeTemple’sguest,AndthedarkEgyptianbrideisWhitelytotheSpouse—Heartprest!
HetheAnterosandEros,NailmetoThee,sweetestCross!
Heisfasttome,Ischyros,AgiosAthanatos!
’Tellme,tellme,OBelov—ed,WhereThoudostinmid—dayfeed!
Formywanderingsarereprov—ed,Andmyheartissaltwithneed。’
’ThineownselfnotspellestGodin,Northelispingpapyrusreed?
Followwheretheflockshavetrodden,Followwheretheshepherdslead。’
He,theAnterosandEros,MountsmeinAEgypticcar,Twin—yoked;leadingme,Ischyros,TremblingtotheuntemptedFar。
’Makemechainlets,silvern,golden,Ithatsowshallsurelyreap;
WhileasyetmySpouseisholdenLikeaLioninmountainedsleep。’
’Makeherchainlets,silvern,golden,Shehathsownandsheshallreap;
Lookuptothemountainsolden,Whencehelpcomeswithlionedleap。’
BywhatgushedthebitterSpearon,Pain,whichsundered,makethone;
CrucifiedtoHim,Ischyron,AgionAthanaton!
ThencommandedandspaketomeHewhoframedallthingsthatbe;
AndmyMakerenteredthroughme,InmytentHisresttookHe。
Lo!Hestandeth,SpouseandBrother;
ItoHim,andHetome,WhoupraisedmewheremymotherFell,beneaththeapple—tree。
Risen’twixtAnterosandEros,BloodandWater,MoonandSun,Heupbearsme,HeIschyros,IbearHim,theAthanaton!
WhereislaidtheLordarisen?
Inthelightwewalkingloom;
Thoughthesunhasbursthisprison,Weknownothisbiding—room。
TelluswheretheLordsojourneth,Forwefindanemptytomb。
’WhenceHesprung,thereHereturneth,MysticSun,——theVirgin’sWomb。’
HiddenSun,Hisbeamssonearus,CloudenpillaredasHewasFromofold,thereHe,Ischyros,Waitsoursearch,Athanatos。
WhowillgiveHimmeforbrother,Countedofmyfamily,SuckingthesweetbreastsofmyMother?——
IHisflesh,andmineisHe;
TomyBreadmyselfthebreadis,AndmyWinedothdrinkme:see,Hislefthandbeneathmyheadis,Hisrighthandembracethme!
SweetestAnterosandEros,Lo,herarmsHeleansacross;
Deadthatwedienot,stoopedtorearus,ThanatosAthanatos。
WhoisShe,incandidvesture,Rushingupfromoutthebrine?
TreadingwithresilientgestureAir,andwiththatCupdivine?
Sheinusandweinherare,BeatingGodward:allthatpine,Lo,awonderandaterror!
TheSunhathblushedtheSeatoWine!
HetheAnterosandEros,ShetheBrideandSpirit;forNowthedaysofpromisenearus,AndtheSeashallbenomore。
Openwidethygates,OVirgin,ThattheKingmayenterthee!
Atallgatestheclangoursgurgein,God’spaludamentlightens,see!
CampofAngels!WellweevenOfthisthingmaydoubtfulbe,——
IfthouartassumedtoHeaven,OrisHeavenassumedtothee!
Consummatum。Christthepromised,Thymaidenrealmiswon,OStrong!
SincetosuchsweetKingdomcomest,Rememberme,poorThiefofSong!
Cadentfailsthestarsalong:—
Mortals,thatbeholdawomanRising’twixttheMoonandSun;
WhoamItheheavensassume?anAllamI,andIamone。
THEAFTERWOMAN。
DaughteroftheancientEve,Weknowthegiftsyegave——andgive。
WhoknowsthegiftswhichYOUshallgive,DaughterofthenewerEve?
You,ifmysoulbeaugur,youShall——Owhatshallyounot,Sweet,do?
Thecelestialtraitressplay,Andallmankindtoblissbetray;
WithsacrosanctcajoleriesAndstarrytreacheryofyoureyes,TemptusbacktoParadise!
Makeheavenlytrespass;——ay,pressinWherefaintthefledge—footseraphin,BlestFool!Beensignofourwars,Andshameusalltowarriors!
Unbanneryourbrightlocks,——advanceGirl,theirgildedpuissance,I’themysticvaward,anddrawonAfterthelovelygonfalonUstoout—follytheexcessOfyoursweetfoolhardiness;
ToadventurelikeintenseAssaultagainstOmnipotence!
Givemesong,asSheis,new,Earthshouldturnintimethereto!
New,andnew,andthricesonew,Alloldsweets,NewSweet,meantyou!
Fair,Ihadadreamofthee,Whenmyyoungheartbeatprophecy,AndinapparitionelateThylittlebreastsknewwax—edgreat,SisteroftheCanticle,AndtheeforGodgrownmarriageable。
Howmydesiredesiredyourday,That,wheeledinrumouronitsway,Shookmethuswithpresentience!ThenEden’sloppedtreeshallshootagain:
ForwhoChrist’seyesshallmiss,withthoseEyesforevidentnuncios?
OrwhobetardytoHiscallInyouraccentsaugural?
WhoshallnotfeeltheHeavenshidImpend,attrembleofyourlid,AnddivineadventshineavowedUnderthatdimandlucidcloud;
Yea,’forethesilverapocalypseFail,attheunsealingofyourlips?
WhentoloveYOUis(OChrist’sSpouse!)
TolovethebeautyofHishouse;
ThencometheIsaiandays;theoldShalldream;andouryoungmenbeholdVision——yea,thevisionofThabormount,Whichnonetoothershallrecount,Becauseinallmen’sheartsshallbeTheseeingandtheprophecy。
ForendedistheMysteryPlay,WhenChristislife,andyoutheway;
WhenEgypt’sspoilsareIsrael’sright,AndDayfulfilsthemarriedarmsofNight。
Butheremylipsarestill。
UntilYouandthehourshallberevealed,Thissongissungandsungnot,anditswordsaresealed。
GRACEOFTHEWAY。
’Mybrother!’spakeshetothesun;
ThekindredkissesofthestarsWerehers;herfeetweresetuponThemoon。IfslumbersolvedthebarsOfsense,orsensetranspicuousgrownFulfill—edseeinguntosight,Iknownot;norif’twasmyownIngatheredselfthatmadehernight。
Thewindytrammelofherdress,Herblownlocks,tookmysoulinmesh;
God’sbreaththeyspake,withvisiblenessThatstirredtheraimentofherflesh:
Andsensible,asherblownwere,BeyondtheprecinctsofherformIfeltthewomanflowfromher——
Acalmofintempestuousstorm。
Ifailedagainsttheaffluenttide;
OutofthisabjectearthofmeIwastranslatedandenskiedIntotheheavenly—regionedShe。
NowofthatvisionIbereavenThisknowledgekeep,thatmaynotdim:—
ShortarmneedsmantoreachtoHeaven,SoreadyisHeaventostooptohim。
Whichsets,tomeasureofman’sfeet,NoalienTreefortrysting—place;
Andwhocanread,mayreadthesweetDirectioninhisLady’sface。
Andpassandpassthedailycrowd,Unwares,occultedParadise;
Lovethelostplotcriessilver—loud,Noranyknowthetonguehecries。
Thelightisinthedarkness,andThedarknessdothnotcomprehend:
Godhathnohaste;andGod’ssonsstandYetaDay,tarryingfortheend。
DishonouredRahabstillhathhid,Yeastill,withinherhouseofshame,ThemessengersbyJesusbidForerunthecomingofHisName。
TheWordwasflesh,andcrucified,Fromthebeginning,andblasphemed:
Itsprofanedraimentmendivide,Damnedbywhat,reverenced,hadredeemed。
ThyLady,wasthyheartnotblind,OnehourgavetothywitlesstrustThekeythougo’stabouttofind;
Andthouhastdroppeditinthedust。
Ofher,theWay’sonemortalgrace,Own,savethyseeingbeallforgot,Thattruly,Godwasinthisplace,Andthou,unbless—ed,knew’stitnot。
Butsomehaveeyes,andwillnotsee;
Andsomewouldsee,andhavenoteyes;
Andfailthetryst,yetfindtheTree,Andtakethelessonfortheprize。
RETROSPECT。
Alas,andIhavesungMuchsongofmattersvain,Andaheaven—sweetenedtongueTurnedtounprofitingstrainOfvacantthings,whichthoughEvensotheybe,andthroughlyso,Itisnobootatallfortheetoknow,Butbabbleandfalsepain。
WhatprofitifthesunPutforthhisradiantthews,Andonhiscircuitrun,Evenaftermydevice,tothisandtothatuse;
AndthetrueOrient,Christ,MakenotHiscloudofthee?
Ihavesungvanity,Andnothingwelldevised。
AndthoughthecryofstarsGivetonguebeforehiswayGoldenlyasIsay,AndeachfromwideSaturnustohotMarsHecallethbyitsname,Lestthatitsbrightfeetstray;
Andthouhaveloreofall,ButtothineownSun’scallThypathdisorbedhastneverwittotame;
Itprofitsnotwithal,Andmyredeisbutlame。
Onlythat,’midvainvauntOfwisdomignorant,AlittlekissuponthefeetofLoveMyhastyversehasstayedSometimesaspacetoplant:
Ithasnotwhollystrayed,Notwhollymissednearsweet,fanningproudplumesabove。
ThereforeIdorepentThatwithreligionvain,Andmisconceiv—edpain,IhavemymusicbentTowasteonbootlessthingsitsskiey—genderedrain:
YetshallawiserdayFulfilmoreheavenlyway,Andwithapprov—edmusicclearthisslipItrustinGodmostsweet;
Meantimethesilentlip,Meantimetheclimbingfeet。
ANARROWVESSEL。
Beingalittledramaticsequenceontheaspectofprimitivegirl—
naturetowardsalovebeyonditscapacities。
AGIRL’SSIN。
I。——Inhereyes。
Crosschild!red,andfrowningso?
’I,thedayjustover,Gavealockofhairto——no!
HowDAREyousay,mylover?’
Heaskedyou?——Letmeunderstand;
Come,child,letmesoundit!
’Ofcourse,heWOULDhaveaskedit,and——
Andso——somehow——he——foundit。
’Hetolditoutwithgreatloudeyes——
Menhavesuchlittlewit!
HissinIeverwillchastiseBecauseIgavehimit。
’Shamelessinmethegift,alas!
Inhimhisopenbliss:
ButfortheprivilegehehasAthousandheshallmiss!
’Hiseyes,whereonceIdreadlesslaughed,Callupaburningblot:
Ihatehim,forhisshamefulcraftThataskedbyaskingnot!’
Lucklessboy!andallforhairHeneverasked,yousaid?
’Notjust——butthenhegazed——IswearHegazeditfrommyhead!
’HissilenceonmycheeklikebreathIfeltinsubtleway;
MoresweetthanaughtanothersaithWaswhathedidnotsay。
’He’llthinkmevanquished,forthislapse,Whoshouldbeabovehim;
Perhapshe’llthinkmelight;perhaps——
Perhapshe’llthinkI——lovehim!
’Arehiseyesconsciousandelate,IhatehimthatIblush;
Oraretheyinnocent,stillIhate——
Theymeanathing’stohush。
’Beforehenoughtamisscoulddo,Nowallthingsshowamiss;
’Twasallmyfault,Iknowthattrue,Butallmyfaultwashis。
’Ihatehimforhismutedistress,’Tisinsultheshouldcare!
Becausemyheart’sallhumbleness,Allprideisinmyair。
’Withhim,eachfavourthatIdoIsboldsuit’shallowingtext;
Eachgiftabastionlevelled,toThenextoneandthenext。
’EachwishwhosegrantmayhimbefallIscloggedbythosewithstood;
Hetrembles,hopingonemeansall,AndI,lestperhapsitshould。
’BehindmepiecemealgiftsIcast,Myfleeingselftosave;
Andthat’sthethingmustgoatlast,Forthat’sthethinghe’dhave。
’Mylocktheenforc—edsteeldidgrateTocut;itsroot—thrillscameDowntomybosom。ItmightsateHislustformypoorshame!
’HissifteddaintythisshouldbeForascoreambrosialyears!
ButhistoomuchhumilityAlarumsmewithfears。
’MygraciousgraceabreachhecountsForgracelessescalade;
And,thoughhe’ssilenterehemounts,Mywatchisnotbetrayed。
’Myhearthidesfrommysoulhe’ssweet:
Ahdread,ifhedivine!
Onetouch,Imightfallathisfeet,Andhemightrisefrommine。
’Tohearhimpraisemyeyes’browngleamsWasnative,safedelight;
Butnowitusurpationseems,BecauseI’vegivenhimright。
’BeforeI’dhavehimnotremove,Nowwouldnothavehimnear;
WithsacrificeIcalledonLove,Andtheapparition’sFear。’
Foolishtogiveit!——’Twasmywhim,Whenhemightpartedbe,TothinkthatIshouldstaybyhimInalittlepieceofme。
’Healwayssaidmyhairwassoft——
Whattoucheshewillsteal!
Eachtouchandlook(andhe’lllookoft)
IalmostthoughtI’dfeel。
’Andthen,whenfirsthesawthehair,Tothinkhisdearamazement!
Asifhewishedfromskiesastar,Andfounditinhiscasement。
’He’skissthelock——andIhadtoyedWithdreameddelightofthis:
Butah,inproof,delightwasvoid——
IcouldnotSEEhiskiss!’
So,fondone,halfthisagonyWerespared,whichmyhandhushes,Couldyouhaveplayed,Sweet,thesweetspy,Andblushednotforyourblushes!
AGIRL’SSIN。
II。——Inhiseyes。
CanIforgethercrueltyWho,brownmiracle,gaveyoume?
OrwithunmoistedeyesthinkonTheproudsurrenderovergone,(Lowliheadinhaughtydress),Ofthetendertyranness?
Anderethouformyjoywasgiven,Howroughtheroadtothatblestheaven!
WithwhatpangsIfore—expiatedThycoldoutlawryfromherhead;
HowwasItrampledandbroughtlow,Becausehervirginneckwasso;
HowthralledbeneaththejealousstateShestoodatpointtoabdicate;
Howsacrificed,beforetomeShesacrificedherprideandthee;
Howdidshe,strugglingtoabaseHerselftodomestrange,sweetgrace,EnforceunwittingmetoshareHerthroesandabjectnesswithher;
ThenceheighteningthathourwhenherloverHergrace,withtrembling,shoulddiscover,AndinadoringtroublebeHumbledatherhumility!
AndwithwhatpitilessnesswasI
Afterslain,topacifyTheuneasymanesofhershame,Herhauntingblushes!——Minetheblame:
WhatfairinjusticedidIrueForwhatI——didnottemptherto?
NoraughtthejudgingmaidmightwinMetoassoilfromHERsweetsin。
ButnoughtwereextremepunishmentForthatbeyond—divinecontent,Whenmywith—thee—first—giddiedeyesStoopederetheirdueonParadise!
OhourofconsternatingblissWhenIheavenedmeinthykiss;
Thysoftness(daringovermuch!)
Profan—edwithmylicensedtouch;
Worshipped,withtears,onhappyknee,Herdoubt,hertrust,hershynessfree,Hertimorousaudacity!
LOVEDECLARED。
Ilooked,shedrooped,andneitherspake,andcold,Westood,howunlikeallforecastedthoughtOfthatdesir—edminute!ThenIleanedDoubting;whereatshelifted——oh,braveeyesUnfrighted:——forwardlikeawind—blownflameCamebosomandmouthtomine!
ThatfallingkissTouchinglong—laidexpectance,allwentupSuddenlyintopassion;yea,thenightCaught,blazed,andwraptusroundinvibrantfire。
Time’sbeatingwingsubsided,andthewindsCaughtuptheirbreathing,andtheworld’sgreatpulseStayedinmid—throb,andthewildtrainoflifeReeledby,andleftusstrandedonahush。
ThismomentisastatueuntoLoveCarvedfromafairwhitesilence。
Lo,hestandsWithinus——arewenotonenow,one,oneroof,Hisroof,andthepartitionofweakfleshGonedownbeforehim,andnomore,forever?——
Standslikeabirdnew—lit,andashelit,Poisedinourquietbeing;only,onlyWithinourshakenheartstheairofpassion,Cleftbyhissuddencoming,eddiesstillAndwhirsroundhisenchantedmovelessness。
Afilmoftrancebetweentwostirrings!Lo,Itbursts;yetdream’ssnappedlinksclingroundthelimbsOfwaking:likearunningeveningstreamWhichnomanhears,orsees,orknowstorun,(Glazedwithdimquiet),savethattherethemoonIsshatteredtoacreamyflickerofflame,Oureyes’sweettroublewerehid,savethattheloveTremblesalittleontheirimpassionedcalms。
THEWAYOFAMAID。
TheloverwhosesoulshakenisInsomedecumanbillowofbliss,Whofeelshisgradual—wadingfeetSinkinsomesuddenhollowofsweet,And’midlove’sus—edconversecomesSharponamoodwhichalljoysums——
Aninstant’sfinecompendiumofTheliberal—leav—edwritoflove;
HisabashedpulsesbeatingthickAttheexigentjoyandquick,Isdumbed,byaimingutterancegreatUptothemiracleofhisfate。
Thewisegirl,suchIcarianfallSavedbyherconfidencethatshe’ssmall,——
AswhatnokindredwordwillfitIsutteredbestbyopposite,Loveinthetongueofhateexprest,Anddeepestanguishinajest,——
FeelingtheinfinitemustbeBestsaidbytriviality,Speaks,whereexpressionbatesitswings,Justhappy,alien,littlethings;
WhatofallwordsisinexcessImpliesinasweetnothingness,WithdailiestbabbleshowshersenseThatfullspeechwerefullimpotence;
Andwhileshefeelstheheavensliebare,Sheonlytalksaboutherhair。
BEGINNINGOFEND。
ShewasawearyofthehoveringOfLove’sincessanttumultuouswing;
Herlover’stokensshewouldanswernot——
’Twerewellsheshouldbestrangewithhimsomewhat:
Aprettybabe,thisLove,——butfieonit,Thatwouldnotsufferherlayitdownawhit!
Appointedtrystdefiantlyshebalked,Andwithherlightestcomradelightlywalked,WhoscaredthechiddenLovetohideapart,Andpeepfromsomeunnoticedcornerofherheart。
Shethoughtnotofherlover,deemitnot(Thereyonder,inthehollow,that’sHIScot),Butsheforgotnotthathewasforgot。
Shesawhimathisgate,yetstilledhertongue——
Soweakshefelther,thatshewouldfeelstrong,Andshemustpunishhimfordoinghimwrong:
Passed,unobliviousofoblivionstill;
Andifsheturneduponthebrowo’thehill,Itwassoopenly,solightlydone,Yousawshethoughthewasnotthoughtupon。
Hethroughthegatewentbackinbitterness;
Shethatnightwokeandstirred,withnodistress,Gladofherdoing,——seduloustobeglad,Lestperhapsherfoolishheartsuspectthatitwassad。
PENELOPE。
Love,likeawind,shookwideyourblosmyeyes,Youtrembled,andyourbreathcamesobbing—wiseForthatyoulovedme。
Youweresokind,sosweet,nonecouldwithholdToadore,butthatyouweresostrange,socold;
Forthatyoulovedme。
LiketoaboxofspikenarddidyoubreakYourheartaboutmyfeet。Whatwordsyouspake!
Forthatyoulovedme。
Lifefelltodustwithoutme;soyoutriedAllcarefullestwaystodrivemefromyourside,Forthatyoulovedme。
Yougaveyourselfaschildrengive,thatweepAndsnatchback,with——’Imeantyounottokeep!’
Forthatyoulovedme。
Iamnowoman,girl,noreverknewThatlovecouldteachallwaysthathatecoulddoToherthatlovedme。
Havelessoflove,orlessofwomaninYourlove,orlossmayevenfromthisbegin——
Thatyousoloveme。
For,wildPenelope,thewebyouwoveYoustillunweave,unlovingallyourlove;
Isthistoloveme,OrwhatrightshaveIthatscorncoulddeny?
Evenofyourlove,alas,poorLovemustdie,Ifsoyouloveme!
THEENDOFIT。
Shedidnotlovetolove;buthatedhimFormakinghertolove,andsoherwhimFrompassiontaughtmisprisiontobegin;
AndallthissinWasbecauselovetocastouthadnoskillSelf,whichwasregentstill。
Herownself—willmadevoidherownself’swillEPILOGUE。
IfIhavestudiedhereinpartAtaleasoldasmaiden’sheart,’TisthatIdoseehereinShadowofmorepiteoussin。
She,thatbutgivingpart,notwhole,Tookeventhepartback,istheSoul:
Andthatsodisdain—edLover——
Bestunthought,sinceLoveisover。
Lovetoinvite,desire,andfear,AndLove’sexactionscosttoodearCountforLove’spossession,——ah,Thyway,miseraAnima!
Togivethepledge,andyetbepinedThatapledgeshouldhaveforcetobind,This,OSoul,toooftenstillIstherecreanceofthywill!
OutofLove’sarmstomakefondchain,And,becausestrugglebringethpain,HateLoveforLove’ssweetconstraint,IsthewayofSoulsthatfaint。
SuchaSoul,forsaddestend,FindsLovethefoeinLovethefriend;
And——ah,griefincredible!——
TreadsthewayofHeaven,toHell。
MISCELLANEOUSODES。
ODETOTHESETTINGSUN。
PRELUDE。
ThewailfulsweetnessoftheviolinFloatsdownthehush—edwatersofthewind,Theheart—stringsofthethrobbingharpbeginTolonginachingmusic。Spirit—pined,Inwaftsthatpoignantsweetnessdrifts,untilThewoundedsouloozesadness。Theredsun,Abubbleoffire,dropsslowlytowardthehill,Whileonebirdprattlesthatthedayisdone。
OsettingSun,thatasinreverentdaysSinkestinmusictothysmooth—edsleep,Discrownedofhomage,thoughyetcrownedwithrays,Hymnednotatharvestmore,thoughreapersreap:
Fortheethismusicwakesnot。Odeceived,IfthouhearinthesethoughtlessharmoniesApiousphantomofadoringsreaved,Andechooffairancientflatteries!
Yet,inthisfieldwheretheCrossplantedreigns,IknownotwhatstrangepassionbowsmyheadTothee,whosegreatcommanduponmyveinsProvestheeagodformenotdead,notdead!
Forworshipitistooincredulous,Fordoubt——oh,toobelieving—passionate!
WhatwilddivinitymakesmyheartthusAfountofmostbaptismaltears?——ThystraightLongbeamliessteadyontheCross。Ahme!
Whatsecretwouldthyradiantfingershow?
Ofthybrightmastershipisthisthekey?
IsTHISthysecret,then?Andisitwoe?
Flingfromthineeartheburningcurls,andharkAsongthouhastnotheardinNorthernday;
ForRometoodaring,andforGreecetoodark,Sweetwithwildwingsthatpass,thatpassaway!
ODE。
AlphaandOmega,sadnessandmirth,Thespringingmusic,anditswastingbreath——
ThefairestthingsinlifeareDeathandBirth,AndofthesetwothefairerthingisDeath。
MysticaltwinsofTimeinseparable,Theyoungerhaththeholierarray,Andhaththeawfullersway:
Itisthefallingstarthattrailsthelight,Itisthebreakingwavethathaththemight,Thepassingshowerthatrainbowsmaniple。
Isitnotso,Othoudown—strickenDay,Thatdraw’stthysplendoursroundtheeinthyfall?
HighwasthineEasternpompinaugural;
Butthoudostsetinstatelierpageantry,Laudedwithtumultsofafirmament:
Thyvisiblemusic—blastsmakedeafthesky,ThycymbalsclangtofiretheOccident,Thoudostthydyingsotriumphally:
ISEEthecrimsonblaringofthyshawms!
WhydothoselucentpalmsStrewthyfeet’sfailingthicklierthantheirmight,Whodostbuthoodthygloriouseyeswithnight,Andvextheheelsofalltheyesterdays?
Lo!thisloud,lackeyingpraiseWillstaybehindtogreettheusurpingmoon,Whentheyhavecloud—barredovertheetheWest。
Oh,shakethebrightdustfromthypartingshoon!
Theearthnotpaeansthee,norservesthyhest,BegoddednotbyHeaven!avertthyface,AndleavetoblankdisgraceTheobliviousworld!unsceptretheeofstateandplace!
Ha!butbethinktheewhatthougazedston,EreyetthesnakeDecayhadvenomedtooth;
Thenamethoubar’stinthosevastseasonsgone——
CandidHyperion,Cladinthelightofthineimmortalyouth!
EreDionysusbledthyvines,OrArtemisdraveherclamoursthroughthewood,Thousaw’sthowonceagainstOlympus’heightThebrawnyTitansstood,Andshookthegods’world’bouttheirears,andhowEnceladus(whomEtnacumbersnow)
ShoulderedmePelionwithitsswingingpines,Theriverunrecked,thatdiditsbrokenfloodSpurtonhisback:beforethemountainousshockTherank—edgodsdislock,Scaredtotheirskies;wideo’errout—tramplednightFlewspurnedthepebbledstars:thosesplendoursthenHadtempestedonearth,staruponstarMoundedinruin,ifalongerwarHadquakedOlympusandcold—fearingmen。
ThendidtheamplemargeAndcircuitofthytargeSullenlyreddenallthevawardfight,AbovetheblusterousclashWheeledthyswungfalchion’sflashAndhewedtheirforcesintosplinteredflight。
YetereOlympusthouwast,andagod!
Thoughwedenythynod,Wecannotspoiltheeofthydivinity。
Whatknowweelderthanthee?
Whenthoudidst,burstingfromthegreatvoid’shusk,Leaplikealiononthethroato’thedusk;
Whentheangelsrose—chapletedSangeachtoother,ThevaultedblazeoverheadOftheirvastpinionsspread,Hailingtheebrother;
Howchaosrolledbackfromthewonder,AndtheFirstMornkneltdowntothyvisageofthunder!
ThoudidstdrawtothysideThyyoungAuroralbride,Andliftherveilofnightandmystery;
TelluswithbabyhandsShookoffherswaddling—bands,Andfromtheunswath—edvapourslaughedtothee。
Thoutwi—formdeity,nurseatonceandsire!
Thougenitorthatallthingsnourishest!
Theearthwassuckledatthyshiningbreast,Andinherveinsisquickthymilkyfire。
Whoscarfedherwiththemorning?andwhosetUponherbrowtheday—fall’scarcanet?
Whoqueenedherfrontwiththeenronduredmoon?
Whodugnight’sjewelsfromtheirvaultymineTodowerher,pastaneasternwizard’sdreams,Whenhoveringonhimthroughhishaschish—swoon,AlltherainedgemsoftheoldTartarianlineShiverinlustrousthrobbingsoftingedflame?
WhereofamoietyinthePaolis’seamsStatelilybuildedtheirVenetianname。
Thouhastenwoof—edherAnempressoftheair,Andallherbirthsarepropertiedbythee:
HerteemingcenturiesDrewbeingfromthineeyes:
Thoufatt’stthemarrowofallquality。
Wholitthefurnaceofthemammoth’sheart?
WhoshaggedhimlikePilatus’ribb—edflanks?
WhoraisedthecolumnedranksOfthatoldpre—diluvianforestry,Whichlikeacontinenttornoppressedthesea,Whentheancientheavensdidinrainsdepart,Whilethehigh—danc—edwhirlsOfthetossedscudmadehissthydrench—edcurls?
Thourear’dsttheenormousbrood;
WhohastwithlifeimbuedThelionmanedintawnymajesty,Thetigervelvet—barred,Thestealthy—steppingpard,Andthelithepanther’sflexuoussymmetry。
Howcametheentomb—edtreealight—bearer,Thoughsunkinlightlesslair?
Friendoftheforgersofearth,Mateoftheearthquakeandthundersvolcanic,ClaspedinthearmsoftheforcesTitanicWhichrocklikeacradlethegirthOftheether—hungworld;
Swartsonoftheswarthymine,WhenflameonthebreathofhisnostrilsfeedsHowishiscountenancehalf—divine,Liketheeinthysanguineweeds?
Thougavesthimhislight,ThoughsepulturedinnightBeneaththedeadbonesofaperishedworld;
OverhisprostrateformThoughcold,andheat,andstorm,Themountainouswrackofacreationhurled。
WhomadethesplendidroseSaturatewithpurpleglows;
Cuppedtothemargewithbeauty;aperfume—pressWhencethewindvintagesGushesofwarm—edfragrancericherfarThanalltheflavorousoozeofCyprus’vats?
Lo,inyongalewhichwaveshergreencymar,WithduskycheeksburntredSheswaysherheavyhead,Drunkwiththemustofherownodorousness;
WhileinamotedtroublethevexedgnatsMaze,andvibrate,andteasethenoontidehush。
Whogirtdissolv—edlightningsinthegrape?
SummeredtheopalwithanIrisedflush?
Isitnotthouthatdostthetulipdrape,Andhuestthedaffodilly,Yetwhohastsnowedthelily,Andherfrailsister,whomthewatersname,Dostvestal—vesture’midtheblazeofJune,Coldasthenew—sprunggirlhoodofthemoonEreAutumn’skisssultryhercheekwithflame?
Thousway’stthysceptredbeamO’eralldelightanddream,Beautyisbeautifulbutinthyglance:
AndlikeajocundmaidIngarland—flowersarrayed,BeforethyarkEarthkeepshersacreddance。
Andnow,Oshakenfromthineantiquethrone,Andsunkenfromthycoeruleempery,NowthattheredglareofthyfallisblownInsmokeandflameaboutthewindysky,WherearethewailingvoicesthatshouldmeetFromhill,stream,grove,andallofmortalshapeWhotreadthygifts,invineyardsasstrayfeetPulptheglobedweightofjuicedIberia’sgrape?
Whereisthethreneo’thesea?
AndwhynotdirgestheeThewind,thatsingstohimselfashemakesstrideLonelyandterribleontheAndeanheight?
WhereistheNaiad’midherswordedsedge?
TheNymphwan—glimmeringbyherwanfount’sverge?
TheDryadattimidgazebythewood—side?
TheOreadjuttinglightOnoneup—strain—edsolefromtherock—ledge?
TheNereidtip—toeonthescudo’thesurge,Withwhistlingtressesdankathwartherface,AndallherfigurepoisedinlitheCirceangrace?
Whywitherstheirlament?
Theirtressestear—besprent,Havetheysighedhencewithtrailinggarment—gem?
Osweet,Osad,Ofair!
Icatchyourflyinghair,Drawyoureyesdowntome,anddreamonthem!
Aspace,andtheyfleetfromme。Mustyefade——
Oold,essentialcandours,yewhomadeTheearthalivingandaradiantthing——
Andleavehercorpseinourstrained,cheatedarms?
Loeverthus,whenSongwithchordedcharmsDrawsfromdulldeathhislostEurydice,Loeverthus,evenatconsummating,Evenintheswooningminutethatclaimsherhis,EvenashetremblestotheimpassionedkissOfreincarnateBeauty,hiscontrolClaspsthecoldbody,andforegoesthesoul!
WhatsolookslovelilyIsbuttherainbowonlife’sweepingrain。
Whyhavewelongingsofimmortalpain,Andallwelongformortal?Woeisme,Andallourchantsbutchapletsomedecay,Asminethisvanishing——nay,vanishedDay。
Thelowsky—lineduskstoaleadenhue,Noriftdisturbstheheavyshadeandchill,Saveone,wherethecharredfirmamentletsthroughThescorchingdazzleofHeaven;’gainstwhichthehill,Out—flattenedsombrely,Standsblackaslifeagainsteternity。
Againsteternity?
AriftinglightinmeBurnsthroughtheleadenbroodingsofthemind:
Obless—edSun,thystateUprisenorderogateDaftsmenomorewithdoubt;Iseekandfind。
IfwithexultanttreadThoufoottheEasternsea,OrlikeagoldenbeeStingtheWesttoangryred,Thoudostimage,thoudostfollowThatKing—MakerofCreation,Who,ereHellashailedApollo,Gavethee,angel—god,thystation;
ThouartofHimatypememorial。
LikeHimthouhang’stindreadfulpompofbloodUponthyWesternrood;
AndHisstainedbrowdidveillikethinetonight,YetliftoncemoreItslight,And,risen,againdepartedfromourball,ButwhenItsetoneartharoseinHeaven。
ThushathHeuntodeathHisbeautygiven:
AndsoofallwhichforminheritethThefalldothpasstheriseinworth;
Forbirthhathinitselfthegermofdeath,Butdeathhathinitselfthegermofbirth。
Itisthefallingacornbudsthetree,Thefallingrainthatbearsthegreenery,Thefern—plantsmoulderwhenthefernsarise。
Forthereisnothinglivesbutsomethingdies,Andthereisnothingdiesbutsomethinglives。
Tillskiesbefugitives,TillTime,thehiddenrootofchange,updries,AreBirthandDeathinseparableonearth;
Fortheyaretwainyetone,andDeathisBirth。
AFTER—STRAIN。
NowwithwanraythatothersunofSongSetsinthebleakeningwatersofmysoul:
Onestep,andlo!theCrossstandsgauntandlong’Twixtmeandyetbrightskies,apresageddole。
Evenso,OCross!thineisthevictory。
Thyrootsarefastwithinourfairestfields;
BrightnessmayemanateinHeavenfromthee,Herethydreadsymbolonlyshadowyields。
Ofreap—edjoysthouarttheheavysheafWhichmustbelifted,thoughthereapergroan;
Yea,wemaycrytillHeaven’sgreatearbedeaf,Butwemustbearthee,andmustbearalone。
VainwereaSimon;oftheAntipodesOurnightnotborrowsthesuperfluousday。
Yetwoetohimthatfromhisburdenflees!
Crushedinthefallofwhathecastaway。
Therefore,OtenderLady,QueenMary,ThougentlenessthatdostenmossanddrapeTheCross’srigorousausterity,Wipethouthebloodfromwoundsthatneedsmustgape。
’Lo,thoughsunsriseandset,butcrossesstay,Ileavetheeever,’saithshe,’lightofcheer。’
’Tisso:yonskystillthinksupontheDay,Andshowersaerialblossomsonhisbier。
Yoncloudwithwrinkledfireisedg—edsharp;
Andoncemorewellingthroughtheair,ahme!
Howthesweetviolplainshimtotheharp,Whosepang—edsobbingsthrongtumultuously。
Oh,thisMedusa—pleasurewithherstings!
Thisessenceofallsuffering,whichisjoy!
Iamnotthanklessforthespellitbrings,Thoughtearsmustbetolddownforthecharmedtoy。
No;whilesoul,sky,andmusicbleedtogether,Letmegivethanksevenforthosegriefsinme,TherestlesswindwardstirringsofwhosefeatherProvethemthebroodofimmortality。
Mysoulisquittedofdeath—neighbouringswoon,WhoshallnotslakeherimmitigablescarsUntilshehear’Mysister!’fromthemoon,Andtakethekindredkissesofthestars。
ACAPTAINOFSONG。
(OnaportraitofCoventryPatmorebyJ。S。Sargent,R。A。)
Lookonhim。Thisishewhoseworksyeknow;
Yehaveadored,thanked,lovedhim,——no,nothim!
ButthatofhimwhichproudportentouswoeToitsowngrimPresentmentwasnotpotenttosubdue,NorallthereekofErebustodim。
This,andnothim,yeknew。
Lookonhimnow。Love,worshipifyecan,Theveryman。
Yemaynot。Hehastrodthewaysafar,Thefatalwaysofpartingandfarewell,Whereallthepathsofpain—edgreatnessare;
WhereroundandalwaysroundTheabhorr—edwordsresound,Thewordsaccursedofcomfortablemen,——
’Forever’;andinfinitegloomsintolerableWithspaciousreplicationgiveagain,Andhollowjar,Thewordsabhorredofcomfortablemen。
YouthesternpitiesofthegodsdebarTodrinkwherehehasdrunkThemoonlessmereofsighs,Andpacetheplacesinfamoustotell,WhereGodwipesnotthetearsfromanyeyes,Where—throughthewaysofdreadfulgreatnessareHeknowstheperilousroutThatallthosewaysaboutSinkintodoom,andsinking,stillaresunk。
AndifhissoleandsolemntermthereoutHehasattained,toloveyeshallnotdareOnewhohasjourneyedthere;
YeshallmarkwellThemightycrueltieswhicharmandmarThatcountenanceofcontrol,WithminatorywarningsofasoulThathathtoitsownselfhoodbeenmostfell,Andisnotweaktospare:
Andlo,thathairIsblanch—edwiththetravel—heatsofhell。
IfanybeThatshallwithritesofreverentpietyApproachthisstrongSadsoulofsovereignSong,Norfailandfalterwiththeintimidatethrong;
Ifsuchtherebe,These,theseareonlytheyHavetrodtheself—sameway;
Thenever—twice—revolvingportalsheardBehindthemclanginfernal,andthatwordAbhorr—edsighedofkindmortality,Ashe——
Ah,evenashe!
AGAINSTURANIA。
LoI,Song’smosttruelover,plainmesoreThatworsethanotherwomenshecandeceive,Forshebeinggoddess,IhavegivenhermoreThanmortalladiesfromtheirlovesreceive;
AndfirstofherembraceShewasnotcoy,andgraciouswereherways,ThatIforgotallvirginstoadore;
NordidIgreatlygrieveTobearthroughariddaysTheprettyfoilofherdivinedelays;
AndonebyonetocastLife,love,andhealth,Content,andwealth,Beforeher,thinkingeveronherpraise,UntilatlastNoughthadIleftshewouldbegraciousfor。
NowofhercozeningIcomplainmesore,Seeingheruses,Thatstill,moreconstantlysheispursued,Andstraitlierwooed,Heronly—ador—edfavourmorerefuses,AndleavesmetoimploreRememberedbooninbitternessofblood。
Frommortalwomanthoumay’stknowfullwell,Opoet,thatdostdeemthefairandtallUraniaofherwaysnotmutable,WhenthingsshalltheebefallWhatthouarttoil—edinhersweet,wildspell。
DotheystrowforthyfeetAlittletenderfavouranddeceitOverthesuddenmouthofhiddenhell?——
AsmoreintolerableHerpit,asherfirstkissisheavenlier—sweet。
Arethey,themorethousigh,Stillthemorewatchful—crueltodeny?——
Knowthis,thatinherservicethoushaltlearnHowharderthantheheartofwomanisTheimmortalcrueltyOfthehighgoddesses。
Trueishiswitnesswhodothwitnessthis,Whosegazetooearlyfell——
Northenceshallturn,Norinthosefiresshallceasetoweepandburn——
Uponherruinouseyesandineludible。
ANANTHEMOFEARTH。
Proemion。
ImmeasurableEarth!
ThroughtheloudvastandpopulacyofHeaven,Tempestedwithgoldschoolsofponderousorbs,Thatcleav’stwithdeep—revoltingharmoniesPassageperpetual,andbehindtheedraw’stAfurrowsweet,acometarywakeOftrailingmusic!Whatlargeeffluence,Notsolethecloudysighingofthyseas,Northyblue—coifingair,encasestheeFrompryingofthestars,andthebroadshaftsOfthrustingsunlighttempers?For,droppednearFrommyremov—edtourinthesereneOfutmostcontemplation,Iscentlives。
Thisistheeffluxofthyrocksandfields,Andwind—cuffedforestage,andthesoulsofmen,Andauraofalltreadersoverthee;
Asentientexhalation,whereincloseTheodorouslivesofmany—throatedflowers,Andeachthing’smettleeffused;thatsothouwear’st,Evenlikeabreatheronafrostymorn,Thypropersuspiration。ForIknow,Albeit,withcustom—dulledperceivingness,Nestledagainstthybreast,mysensenottakeThebreathingsofthynostrils,there’snotree,Nograinofdust,nornocold—seemingstone,Butwearsafumeofitscircumfluousself。
Thineownlifeandthelivesofallthatlive,Theissueofthyloins,Isthisthygaberdine,WhereinthouwalkestthroughthylargedemesneAndspherypleasances,——
Amazingtheunstal—edeyesofHeaven,AndusthatstillapreciousseeinghaveBehindthisdimandmortaljelly。
Ah!
IfnotinalltoolateandfrozenadayIcomeinrearwardofthethroatsofsong,Untothedeafsenseoftheag—edyearSingingwithdoomuponme;yetgiveheed!
Onepoetwithsickpinion,thatstillfeelsBreaththroughtheOrientgatewaysclosingfast,Fastclosingt’wardtheundelightednight!
Anthem。
Innescientness,innescientness,Mother,weputthesefleshlylendingsonThouyield’sttothypoorchildren;tookthygiftOflife,whichmust,inalltheafter—days,Becravedagainwithtears,——
Withfreshandstill—petitionarytears。
Beingonceboundthinealmsmenforthatgift,Weareboundtobeggary,norourowncancallThejournaldoleofcustomarylife,Butaftersuitobsequiousfor’ttothee。
Indeedthisflesh,OMother,Abeggar’sgown,aclient’sbadging,Wefind,whichfromthyhandswesimplytook,Noughtdreamingoftheafterpenury,Innescientness。
Inalittlejoy,inalittlejoy,Wewearawhilethysoreinsignia,Norknowthyheelo’theneck。OMother!Mother!
ThenwhatuseknewIofthysolemnrobes,Butasachild,toplaywiththem?IbadetheeLeavethygreathusbandries,thygravedesigns,Thytediousstatewhichirkedmyignorantyears,Thywinter—watches,sucklingofthegrain,SeverepremeditationtaciturnUponthebroodedSummer,thychillcares,Andallthyministriesmajestical,Tosportwithme,thydarling。ThoughtInotThouset’stthyseasonsforthprocessionalTopampermewithpageant,——thouthyselfMyfellow—gamester,appanageofminearms?
ThenwhatwildDionysiaI,youngBacchanal,Dancedinthylap!Ahforthygravity!
Then,OEarth,thourang’stbeneathme,RockedtoEastward,rockedtoWestward,EvenwiththeshiftedPoiseandfootingofmythought!
Ibrakethroughthydoorsofsunset,Ranbeforethehoovesofsunrise,ShookthymatrontressesdowninfanciesWildandwilfulAsapoet’shandcouldtwinethem;
Caughtinmyfantasy’scrystalchaliceTheBow,asitscataractofcoloursPlashedtotheedownward;
Thenwhenthycircuitswungtonightward,Nighttheabhorr—ed,nightwasanewdawning,CelestialdawningOvertheultimatemargesofthesoul;
Duskgrewturbulentwithfirebeforeme,Andlikeawindyarraswavedwithdreams。
SleepItooknotformybedfellow,WhocouldwakenToarevel,aninexhaustibleWassailoforgiacimageries;
ThenwhileIworethysoreinsigniaInalittlejoy,OEarth,inalittlejoy;
Lovingthybeautyinallcreaturesbornofthee,Children,andthesweet—essencedbodyofwoman;
Feelingnotyetuponmyneckthyfoot,ButbreathingwarmoftheeasinfantsbreatheNewfromtheirmother’smorningbosom。SoI,Risenfromthee,restlesswinnoweroftheheaven,MostHermes—like,didkeepMyvitalandresilientpath,andfeltTheplayofwingsaboutmyfledg—edheel——
Sureonthevergesofprecipitousdream,SwiftinitsspringingFromjuttojutofinaccessiblefancies,Inalittlejoy。
Inalittlethought,inalittlethought,Westandandeyetheeinagravedismay,Withsadanddoubtfulquestioning,whenfirstThouspeak’sttousasmen:likesonswhohearNewlytheirmother’shistory,unthoughtBefore,andsay——’Sheisnotaswedreamed:
Ahme!wearebeguiled!’Whatartthou,then,Thatartnotourconceiving?ArtthounotToooldforthyyoungchildren?Orperchance,Keep’stthouayouthperpetual—burnishableBeyondthysonsdecrepit?ItislongSinceTimewasfirstafledgling;
Yetthoumay’stbebutasapendantbullaAgainsthisstriplingbosomswung。Alack!
ForthatweseemindeedTohaveslippedtheworld’sgreatleaping—time,andcomeUponthypinchedanddozingdays:theseweeds,Thesecorporalleavings,thounotcast’stusnew,Freshfromthycraftship,likethelilies’coats,Butfoist’stusoffWithhastytarnishedpiecingsnegligent,SnippetsandwasteFromoldancestralwearings,Thathaveseensorrierusage;remainder—fleshAfterourfather’ssurfeits;naywithchinks,Someofus,thatifspeechmayhavefreeleaveOursoulsgooutatelbows。WearesadWithmorethanoursires’heaviness,andwithMorethantheirweaknessweak;weshallnotbeMightywithalltheirmightiness,norshallnotRejoicewithalltheirjoy。Ay,Mother!Mother!
WhatisthisMan,thydarlingkissedandcuffed,Thoulustinglyengender’st,Tosweat,andmakehisbrag,androt,Crownedwithallhonourandallshamefulness?
FromnightlytowersHedogsthesecretfootstepsoftheheavens,Siftsinhishandsthestars,weighsthemasgold—dust,AndyetishesuccessiveuntonothingButpatrimonyofalittlemould,Andentailoffourplanks。ThouhastmadehismouthAvidofalldominionandallmightiness,Allsorrow,alldelight,alltoplessgrandeurs,Allbeauty,andallstarrymajesties,Anddimtranstellarthings;——eventhatitmay,Filledintheendingwithapuffofdust,Confess——’Itisenough。’TheworldleftemptyWhatthatpoormouthfulcrams。HisheartisbuildedForpride,forpotency,infinity,Allheights,alldeeps,andallimmensities,Arrasedwithpurplelikethehouseofkings,——
Tostallthegrey—rat,andthecarrion—wormStatelilylodge。Motherofmysteries!
Sayerofdarksayingsinathousandtongues,WhobringestforthnosayingyetsodarkAsweourselves,thydarkest!Wetheyoung,Inalittlethought,inalittlethought,Atlastconfrontthee,andourselvesinthee,Andwakedisgarmentedofglory:asoneOnamountstanding,andagainsthimstands,Onthemountadverse,crownedwithwesteringrays,Thegoldensun,andtheytwobrotherlyGazeeachoneach;
HefaringdownTothedullvale,hisGodheadpeelsfromhimTillhecanscarcelyspurnthepebble——
Fornothingnessofnew—foundmortality——
Thatmutiniesagainsthisgall—edfoot。
Littlyhesetshimtothedailyway,Withallaroundthevalleysgrowinggrave,Andknownthingschangedandstrange;butheholdson,Thoughallthelandoflightbewidow—ed,Inalittlethought。
Inalittlestrength,inalittlestrength,Weaffrontthyunveiledfaceintolerable,Whichyetwedosustain。
ThoughItheOrientnevermoreshallfeelBreaklikeaclashofcymbals,andmyheartClangthroughmyshakenbodylikeagong;
NorevermorewithspurtedfeetshalltreadI’thewinepressesofsong;nought’strulylostThatmouldstosproutforthgain:nowIhaveonmeThehighPhoebeanpriesthood,andthatcravesAnunrashutterance;notwithflauntedhemMaytheMuseenterinbehindtheveil,Nor,thoughweholdthesacreddancesgood,ShalltheholyVirginsmaenadize:ruledlipsBefitavotaressMuse。
Thencewithnomutable,nornogelidlove,Ikeep,OEarth,thyworship,Thoughlifeslow,andthesoberingGeniuschangeToalamphisgustytorch。WhatthoughnomoreAthwartitsrosealglowThyfacelookforthtriumphal?Thouput’stonStrangesanctitiesofpathos;likethisknollMadederelictofday,Couchantandshadow—edUnderdimVesper’soverloosenedhair:
This,whereemboss—edwiththehalf—blownseedThesolemnpurplethistlestandsingrassGreyasanexhalation,whenthebankHoldsmistforwaterinthenightsofFall。
Nottotheboy,althoughhiseyesbepureAstheprimesnowdropis,EretherashPhoebusbreakhercloisterOfsanctimonioussnow;
OrWinterfastingsoleonHimalaySincethosedove—nuncioeddaysWhenAsiarosefrombathing;
Nottosucheyes,Uneuphrasiedwithtears,thehierarchicalVisionliesunoccult,rankunderrankThroughallcreatedown—wheeling,fromtheThroneEventothebasesofthepregnantooze。
Thisistheenchantment,thistheexaltation,Theall—compensatingwonder,GivingtocommonthingswildkindredWiththegold—tesseratefloorsofJove;
LinkingsuchheightsandsuchhumilitiesHandinhandinordinaldances,ThatIdothinkmytread,Stirringtheblossomsinthemeadow—grass,Flickerstheunwitheringstars。
ThistotheshunlessfardeloftheworldNervesmyuncurb—edback;thatIendure,ThemonstrousTemple’smovelesscaryatid,Withwideeyescalmuponthewholeofthings,Inalittlestrength。
Inalittlesight,inalittlesight,WelearnfromwhatintheeiscredibleTheincredible,withbloodyclutchandfeetClingingthepainfuljutsofjagg—edfaith。
Science,oldnoserinitspridefulstraw,ThatwithanatomisingscalpeltentsItsthree—inchofthyskin,andbrags——’All’sbare,’
Theeyelessworm,thatboringworksthesoil,MakingitcapableforthecropsofGod;
AgainstitsowndullwillMinisterspoppiestoourtroublousthought,ABalaamcometoprophecy,——parables,Norofitsparableitselfisware,Grosslyunwotting;allthingshasexpoundedRefluxandinflux,countsthesepulchreTheseminaryofbeing,andextinctionTheCeresofexistence:itdiscoversLifeinputridity,vigourindecay;
Dissolutioneven,anddisintegration,Whichinourdullthoughtssymbolisedisorder,FindsinGod’sthoughtsirrefragableorder,AndadmirablethemannerofourcorruptionAsofourhealth。ItgraftsuponthecypressThetreeofLife——DeathdiesonhisowndartPromisingtoourashesperpetuity,AndtoourperishableelementsTheirproperimperishability;extractingMedicamentsfromoutmortalityAgainsttoomortalcogitation;tillEvenofthecaputmortuumwedothusMakeamementovivere。TosuchusesIputtheblindingknowledgeofthefool,Whoinnoorderseethordinance;
Northrustmyarminnatureshoulder—high,Andcry——’There’snoughtbeyond!’HowshouldIso,ThatcannotwiththesearmsofmineengirdleAllwhichIam;thatamaforeignerInmineownregion?WhothechartshalldrawOfthestrangecourtsandvaultylabyrinths,Thespacioustenementsandwidepleasances,Innumerablecorridorsfar—withdrawn,WhereIwanderdarkling,ofmyself?
DarklingIwander,norIdareexploreThelongarcaneofthosedimcatacombs,Wheretheratmemorydoesitsburrowsmake,Close—sealthemasImay,andmystolentreadStartspopulace,agenslucifuga;
Thattoostraitseemsmymindmymindtohold,AndImyselfincontinentofme。
ThengoI,myfoul—ventingignoranceWithscabbysapienceplastered,ayeforsooth!
Clapmywisefoot—ruletothewallso’theworld,Andvow——Agoodlyhouse,butsomethingancient,AndIcanfindnoMaster?Rather,nay,Bybaffledseeing,somethingIdivineWhichbaffles,andaseeingsetbeyond;
Andsowithstrenuousgazessoundingdown,Liketotheday—longporeronastream,Whoselastlookishisdeepest,IbesideThisslowperpetualTimestandpatiently,Inalittlesight。
Inalittledust,inalittledust,Earth,thoureclaim’stus,whodoallourlivesFindoftheebutEgyptianvilleinage。
Thoudostthisbody,thisenhavockedrealm,Subjecttoancientandancestralshadows;
Descendedpassionsswayit;itisdistraughtWithghostlyusurpation,dinnedandfrettedWiththestill—tyrannousdead;ahauntedtenement,Peopledfrombarrowsandoutwornossuaries。
Thougiv’stuslifenothalfsowillinglyAsthouundostthygiving;thouthatteem’stThestealthyterrorofthesinuouspard,Thelionmanedwithcurl—edpuissance,Theserpent,andallfairstrongbeastsofravin,Thyselfmostfairandpotentbeastofravin;
Andthygreateatersthou,thegreatest,eat’st。
Thouhastdevouredmammothandmastodon,Andmanyafloatingbankoffangs,Thescalyscourgesofthyprimalbrine,Andthetower—crestedplesiosaure。
Thoufill’stthymouthwithnations,gorgestslowOnpurpleaeonsofkings;man’shulkingtowersArecarcaseforthee,andtomodernsunDisglutt’sttheirsplinteredbones。
RabbleofPharaohsandArsacidaeKeeptheircoldhousewithinthee;thouhastsuckeddownHowmanyNinevehsandHecatompyloi,AndperishedcitieswhosegreatphantasmataO’erbrowthesilentcitizensofDis:—
Hastnotthyfill?
Tarryawhile,leanEarth,forthoushaltdrink,Eventillthydullthroatsicken,Thedraughtthougrow’stmostfaton;hear’stthounotTheworld’sknivesbickeringintheirsheaths?Opatience!
Muchoffalofafoulworldcomesthyway,Andman’ssuperfluouscloudshallsoonbelaidInalittleblood。
Inalittlepeace,inalittlepeace,ThoudostrebatethyrigidpurposesOfimposedbeing,andrelenting,mend’stToomuch,withnought。ThewesteringPhoebus’horsePawsi’thelucentdustaswhenheshockedTheEastwithrising;OhowmayItraceInthisdeclinethatmorningwhenwedidSport’twixttheclawsofnewly—whelpedexistence,Whichhadnotyetlearnedrending?wedidthenDivinelystand,notknowingyetagainstusSentencehadpassedoflife,norcommutationPetitioningintodeath。What’shethatofTheFreeStateargues?Tellus!bidhimstoop,Evenwherethelowhicjacetanswershim;
Thuslow,OMan!there’sfreedom’sseignory,Tellus’mostreverendsolefreecommonweal,Andmodeldeeply—policied:therenoneStandsonprecedence,norambitiouslyWoostheimpartialworm,whosefavourskissWithliberallargesseall;thereeachisfreeTobee’enwhathemust,whichheredidstriveSomuchtobehecouldnot;therealldoTheirusesjust,withnoflownquestioning。
TobetookbythehandofequalearthTheydoffherlivery,sliptotheworm,Whichlacqueysthem,theirsuitsofmaintenance,Andthatsoiledworkadayapparelcast,Putoncondition:Death’sungentlebuffetAlonemakesceremonialmanumission;
Soaretheheavenlystatutesset,andthoseUraniantablesoftheprimalLaw。