第2章
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  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。

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