Likethemoon,sanguineintheorientnightShinestheredflowerinherbeautifulhair。
HerbreastsaredistantislandsofdelightUponaseawhereallissoftandfair。
ThoserobesthatmakeasilkensheathForeachlitheattitudethatflowsbeneath,Shroudinginscentedfoldssweetwarmthsandtumidflowers,CallthemfarcloudsthathalfemergeBeyondasunsetocean’sutmostverge,HidinginpurpleshadeanddownpourofsoftshowersEnchantedislesbymortalfootuntrod,Andthereinhumiddellsresplendentorchidsnod;
TherealwaysfromserenehorizonsblowSoul-easinggalesandthereallspice-treesgrowThatPhoenixrobbedtolinehisfragrantnestEachhundredyearsinArabytheBlest。
StaroftheSouththatnowthroughorientmistAtnightfalloffTampicoorBelizeGreetestthesailorrisingfromthoseseasWherefirstinme,afondromanticist,Thetropicsunset’sbloomoncloudypilesCastoutindustriouscareswithdreamsoffabulousisles——
Thoulampoftheswartlovertohistryst,O’erplantedacresatthejungle’srimReekingwithorange-flowerandtuberose,DeartohiseyesthyruddysplendorglowsAmongthepalmswherebeautywaitsforhim;
BlisstoothoubringsttoourgreeningNorth,Redscintillantthroughcherry-blossomrifts,Heraldofsummer-heat,andallthegiftsAndallthejoysasummercanbringforth————
Bethoumystar,forIhavemademyaimTofollowlovelinesstillautumn-strownSunderthesinewsofthisflower-likeframeAsrose-leavessunderwhenthebudisblown。
Ay,soonerspiritandsensedisintegrateThanreconcilementtoacommonfateStriptheenchantmentfromaworldsodressedInhuesofhighromance。IcannotrestWhileaughtofbeautyinanypathuntrodSwellsintobloomandspreadssweetcharmsabroadUnworshippedofmylove。IcannotseeInLife’sprofusionandpassionatebrevityHowheartsenamoredoflifecanstraintoomuchInonelongtensiontohear,tosee,totouch。
Nowoneachrustlingnight-windfromtheSouthFarmusiccalls;beyondtheharbormouthEachoutboundargosywithsailunfurledMaypointthepaththroughthisfortuitousworldThatholdstheheartfromitsdesire。Away!
Wheretintedcoast-townsgleamatcloseofday,Wheresquaresaresweetwithbells,orshoresthicksetWithbloomandbower,withmosqueandminaret。
Bluepeaksloomupbeyondthecoast-plainshere,Whiteroadswindupthedalesanddisappear,BysilverywatersintheplainsafarGlimmerstheinlandcitylikeastar,WithgildedgatesandsunnyspiresablazeAndburnisheddomeshalf-seenthroughluminoushaze,Lo,withwhatopportunityEarthteems!
Howlikeafairitsamplebeautyseems!
Flutteringwithflagsitsproudpavilionsrise:
Whatbrightbazaars,whatmarvelousmerchandise,Downseethingalleyswhatmelodiousdin,Whatclamorimportuningfromeverybooth!
AtEarth’sgreatmarketwhereJoyistraffickedinBuywhilethypurseyetswellswithgoldenYouth!
TranslationsDante。Inferno,CantoXXVI
Florence,rejoice!Forthouo’erlandandseaSospread’stthypinionsthatthefameoftheeHathreachednolessintothedepthsofHell。
SonoblewerethefiveIfoundtodwellTherein——thysons——whenceshameaccruestomeAndnogreatpraiseisthine;butifitbeThattruthunveilindreamingsbeforedawn,ThenisthevengefulhournotfarwithdrawnWhenPratoshallexultwithinherwallsToseethysuffering。Whate’erbefalls,Letitcomesoon,sincecomeitmust,forlater,Eachyearwouldseemygrieffortheethegreater。
Weleft;andoncemoreupthecraggysideBytheblindstepsofourdescent,myguide,Remounting,drewmeon。SowepursuedTheruggedpaththroughthatsteepsolitude,WhererocksandsplinteredfragmentsstrewedthelandSothick,thatfootavailednotwithouthand。
Grieffilledmethen,andstillgreatsorrowstirsMyheartasoftasmemoryrecursTowhatIsaw;thatmoreandmoreIreinMynaturalpowers,andcurbthemlesttheystrainWhereVirtueguidenot,——thatifsomegoodstar,Orbetterthing,havemadethemwhattheyare,ThatgoodImaynotgrudge,norturntoill。
Aswhen,recliningonsomeverdanthill——
WhatseasonthehotsunleastveilshispowerThatlightensall,andinthatgloaminghourTheflyresignstotheshrillgnat——eventhen,Asrustic,lookingdown,sees,o’ertheglen,Vineyard,ortilthwherelieshishusbandry,Firefliesinnumerablesparkle:sotome,Comewhereitsmightydepthunfolded,straightWithflamesnofewerseemedtoscintillateTheshadesoftheeighthpit。AndastohimWhosewrongsthebearsavenged,dimandmoredimElijah’schariotseemed,whentotheskiesUprosetheheavenlysteeds;andstillhiseyesStrained,followingthem,tillnaughtremainedinviewButflame,likeathincloudagainsttheblue:
Sohere,themelancholygulfwithin,Wanderedtheseflames,concealingeachitssin,Yeteach,afieryintegument,Wrappedroundasinner。
Onthebridgeintent,GazingIstood,andgraspeditsflintyside,Orelse,unpushed,hadfallen。Andmyguide,Observingmesomoved,spake,saying:\"BeholdWhereswathedeachinhisunconsumingfold,Thespiritslieconfined。\"Whomanswering,\"Master,\"Isaid,\"thywordsassurancebringTothatwhichIalreadyhadsupposed;
AndIwasfaintoaskwholiesenclosedIntheembraceofthatdividingfire,Whichseemstocurlabovethefabledpyre,Wherewithhistwin-bornbrother,fiercelyhated,Eteocleswaslaid。\"Heanswered,\"MatedInpunishmentasonceinwraththeywere,UlyssesthereandDiomedincurTheeternalpains;theregroaningtheydeploreTheambushofthehorse,whichmadethedoorForRome’simperialseedtoissue:thereInanguishtootheywailthefatalsnareWhencedeadDeidamiastillmustgrieve,ReftofAchilles;likewisetheyreceiveDuepenaltyforthePalladium。\"
\"Master,\"Isaid,\"ifinthatmartyrdomThepowerofhumanspeechmaystillbetheirs,Ipray——andthinkitworthathousandprayers——
That,tillthishornedflamebecomemorenigh,Wemayabidehere;forthouseestthatI
Withgreatdesireinclinetoit。\"Andhe:
\"Thyprayerdeservesgreatpraise;whichwillinglyIgrant;butthourefrainfromspeaking;leaveThattasktome;forfullyIconceiveWhatthingthouwouldst,anditmightfallperchanceThatthese,beingGreeks,wouldscornthineutterance。\"
SowhentheflamehadcomewheretimeandplaceSeemednotunfittingtomyguidewithgraceToquestion,thushespokeatmydesire:
\"Oyethataretwosoulswithinonefire,IfinyoureyessomemeritIhavewon——
Merit,ormoreorless——fortributedoneWhenintheworldIframedmyloftyverse:
Movenot;butfainwerewethatonerehearseBywhatstrangefortunestohisdeathhecame。\"
TheeldercrescentoftheantiqueflameBegantowave,asintheupperairAflameistempest-tortured,hereandthereTossingitsangryheight,andinitssoundAshumanspeechitsuddenlyhadfound,Rolledforthavoiceofthunder,saying:\"When,ThetwelvemonthpastinCirce’shalls,againIleftGaeta’sstrand(erethithercameAeneas,andhadgivenitthatname)
Notloveofson,norfilialreverence,NorthataffectionthatmightrecompenseThewearyvigilofPenelope,CouldsofarquenchthehotdesireinmeToprovemorewondersoftheteemingearth,——
Ofhumanfrailtyandofmanlyworth。
Inonesmallbark,andwiththefaithfulbandThatallawardshadsharedofFortune’shand,Ilaunchedoncemoreupontheopenmain。
BothshoresIvisitedasfarasSpain,——
Sardinia,andMorocco,andwhatmoreThemidlandseauponitsbosomwore。
ThehourofourliveswasgrowinglateWhenwearrivedbeforethatnarrowstraitWhereHerculeshadsethisboundstoshowThatthereMan’sfootshallpause,andfurthernoneshallgo。
BornewiththegalepastSevilleontheright,AndontheleftnowsweptbyCeuta’ssite,`Brothers,’Icried,`thatintothefarWestThroughperilsnumberlessarenowaddressed,InthisbriefrespitethatourmortalsenseYethath,shrinknotfromnewexperience;
Butsailingstillagainstthesettingsun,SeekwenewworldswhereManhasneverwonBeforeus。Ponderyourprouddestinies:
Bornwereyenotlikebrutesforswinishease,Butvirtueandhighknowledgetopursue。’
MycomradeswithsuchzealdidIimbueBythesebriefwords,thatscarcelycouldIthenHaveturnedthemfromtheirpurpose;soagainWesetoutpoopagainstthemorningsky,AndmadeouroarsaswingswherewithtoflyIntotheUnknown。AndeverfromtherightOurcoursedeflecting,inthebalmynightAllsouthernstarswesaw,andourssolow,Thatscarceabovethesea-margeitmightshow。
Sofiverevolvingperiodsthesoft,PalelighthadrobbedofCynthia,andasoftReplenishedsinceourstart,whenfaranddimOverthemistyocean’sutmostrim,Roseagreatmountain,thatforveryheightPassedanyIhadseen。BoundlessdelightFilledus——alas,andquicklyturnedtodole:
For,springingfromourscarce-discoveredgoal,Awhirlwindstrucktheship;incirclesthreeItwhirledushelplessintheeddyingsea;
Highonthefourththefragilesternuprose,Thebowdrovedown,and,asAnotherchose,Overourheadsweheardthesurgingbillowsclose。\"
Ariosto。OrlandoFurioso,CantoX,91-99
Ruggiero,toamazetheBritishhost,Andwakemorewonderintheirwonderingranks,Thebridleofhiswingedcourserloosed,Andclappedhisspursintothecreature’sflanks;
Highintheair,eventothetopmostbanksOfcruddedcloud,uprosetheflyinghorse,AndnowabovetheWelsh,andnowtheManx,Andnowacrosstheseaheshapedhiscourse,TillgleamingfarbelowlayErin’semeraldshores。
ThereroundHibernia’sfabledrealmhecoasted,Wheretheoldsainthadlefttheholycave,SoughtforthefamousvirtuethatitboastedTopurgethesinfulvisitorandsave。
Thencebackreturningoverlandandwave,Ruggierocamewherethebluecurrentsflow,TheshoresofLesserBrittanytolave,And,lookingdownwhilesailingtoandfro,HesawAngelicachainedtotherockbelow。
’TwasontheIslandofComplaint——wellnamed,Fortheretothatinhospitableshore,Asavagepeople,cruelanduntamed,Broughttherichprizeofmanyahatefulwar。
Tofeedamonsterthatbesteadthemsore,Theyoffairladiesthosethatloveliestshone,Oftendermaidenstheythetenderestbore,And,drownedintearsandmakingpiteousmoan,Leftforthatraveningbeast,chainedontherocksalone。
Thithertransportedbyenchanter’sart,Angelicafromdreamsmostinnocent(Asthetalementionedinanotherpart)
Awoke,thevictimforthatsadevent。
Beautysorare,norbirthsoexcellent,NortearsthatmakesweetBeautylovelierstill,Couldturnthatpeoplefromtheirharshintent。
Alas,whattemperisconceivedsoillBut,Pitymovingnot,Love’ssoftenthralmentwill?
Onthecoldgraniteattheocean’srimThesefolkhadchainedherfastandgonetheirway;
FreshinthesoftnessofeachdelicatelimbThepityoftheirbruisingviolencelay。
Overherbeauty,fromtheeyeofdayTohideitspleadingcharms,noveilwasthrown。
Onlythefragmentsofthesaltsea-sprayRosefromthechurningofthewaves,wind-blown,Todashuponawhitenesscreamierthantheirown。
Carvedoutofcandidmarblewithoutflaw,Oralabasterblemishlessandrare,Ruggieromighthavefanciedwhathesaw,Forstatue-likeitseemed,andfastenedthereBycraftofcunningestartificer;
SaveinthewistfuleyesRuggierothoughtAteardropgleamed,andwiththeripplinghairTheoceanbreezesplayedasiftheysoughtInitsloosedepthstohidethatwhichherhandmightnot。
PityandwonderandawakeningloveStroveinthebosomoftheMoorishKnight。
DownfromhissoaringintheskiesaboveHeurgedthetenorofhiscourser’sflight。
FairerwitheveryfootoflesseningheightShonethesweetprisoner。WithtighteningreinsHedrewmorenigh,andgentlyashemight:
\"Olady,worthyonlyofthechainsWithwhichhisboundenslavestheGodofLoveconstrains,\"Andleastforthisoranyilldesigned,Oh,whatunnaturalandpervertedraceCouldthesweetfleshwithflushingstricturebind,AndleavetosufferinthiscoldembraceThatthewarmarmssohungertoreplace?\"
Intothedamsel’scheekssuchcolorflewAsbythealchemyofancientdaysIfwhitestivoryshouldtakethehueOfcoralwhereitbloomsdeepintheliquidblue。
NoryetsotightlydrawnthecruelchainsClaspedtheslimanklesandthewoundedhands,Butwithsoft,cringingattitudesinvainShestrovetoshieldherfromthatardentglance。
So,clingingtothewallsofsomeoldmanse,Therose-vinestrivestoshieldhertenderflowers,Whentherudewind,asautumnweeksadvance,BeatsonthewallsandwhirlsaboutthetowersAndspillsateveryblastherprideinpiteousshowers。
Andfirstforchokingsobsshemightnotspeak,Andthen,\"Alas!\"shecried,\"ah,woeisme!\"
Andmorehadsaidinaccentsfaintandweak,Pleadingforsuccorandsweetliberty。
Buthark!acrossthewidewaysoftheseaRoseofasuddensuchafierceaffrayThatanybutthebravehadturnedtoflee。
Ruggiero,turning,looked。Tohisdismay,Lo,wherethemonstercametoclaimhisquiveringprey!
OnaThemeintheGreekAnthologyThypetalsyetarecloselycurled,Roseoftheworld,Aroundtheirscented,goldencore;
NoryethasSummerpurpledo’erThytenderclustersthatbeginToswellwithinThedewyvine-leaves’earlyscreenOfshelteringgreen。
OheartsthatareLove’shelplessprey,Whileyetyoumay,Fly,eretheshaftisonthestring!
ThefirethatnowissmoulderingShallbetheconflagrationsoonWhosepathsarestrewnWithtormentofblanchedlipsandeyesThatagonize。
AfteranEpigramofClementMarotTheladIwasIlongernowNoramnorshallbeevermore。
Spring’slovelyblossomsfrommybrowHaveshedtheirpetalsonthefloor。
Thou,Love,hastbeenmylord,thyshrineAboveallgods’bestservedbyme。
DearLove,couldlifeagainbemineHowbetteredshouldthatservicebe!
LastPoems1916
TheAisne(1914-15)
WefirstsawfireonthetragicslopesWheretheflood-tideofFrance’searlygain,Bigwithwreckedpromiseandabandonedhopes,BrokeinasurfofbloodalongtheAisne。
Thechargeherheroesleftus,weassumed,What,dying,theyreconquered,wepreserved,Inthechilltrenches,harried,shelled,entombed,Wintercamedownonus,butnomanswerved。
Wintercamedownonus。Thelowclouds,tornInthestarkbranchesoftherivenpines,BlurredthewhiterocketsthatfromdusktillmornTracedthewidecurveoftheclose-grapplinglines。
Inrain,andfogthatonthewitheredhillFrozebeforedawn,thelurkingfoedrewdown;
OrlightsnowsfellthatmadeforlornerstillTheravagedcountryandtheruinedtown;
Orthelongcloudswouldend。Intenselyfair,Thewinterconstellationsblazingforth——
Perseus,theTwins,Orion,theGreatBear——
Gleamedonourbayonetspointingtothenorth。
AndthelonesentinelwouldstartandsoarOnwingsofstrongemotionasheknewThatkinshipwiththestarsthatonlyWarIsgreatenoughtoliftman’sspiritto。
Andeverdownthecurvingfront,aglowWiththepalerockets’intermittentlight,Heheard,likedistantthunder,growlandgrowTherumbleoffarbattlesinthenight,——
Rumors,reverberant,indistinct,remote,BornefromredfieldswhosemartialnameshavewonThepowertothrilllikeafartrumpet-note,——
Vic,Vailly,Soupir,Hurtelise,Craonne……
Craonne,beforethycannon-sweptplateau,WherelikesereleaveslaystrewnSeptember’sdead,IfoundforalldearthingsIforfeitedArecompenseIwouldnotnowforego。
ForthathighfellowshipwasoursthenWiththosewho,championinganother’sgood,MorethandullPeaceoritspoorvotariescould,Taughtusthedignityofbeingmen。
Therewedraineddeeperthedeepcupoflife,Andonsublimersummitscametolearn,Aftersoftthings,theterribleandstern,AftersweetLove,themajestyofStrife;
TherewherewefacedunderthosefrowningheightsTheblastthatmaims,thehurricanethatkills;
TherewherethewatchlightsonthewinterhillsFlickeredlikebalefirethroughinclementnights;
Therewhere,firmlinksintheunyieldingchain,Wherefellthelong-plannedblowandfellinvain——
Heartsworthyofthehonorandthetrial,WehelpedtoholdthelinesalongtheAisne。
Champagne(1914-15)
Inthegladrevels,inthehappyfetes,Whencheeksareflushed,andglassesgiltandpearledWiththesweetwineofFrancethatconcentratesThesunshineandthebeautyoftheworld,Drinksometimes,youwhosefootstepsyetmaytreadTheundisturbed,delightfulpathsofEarth,Tothosewhoseblood,inpiousdutyshed,Hallowsthesoilwherethatsamewinehadbirth。
Here,bydevotedcomradeslaidaway,Alongourlinestheyslumberwheretheyfell,BesidethecraterattheFermed’AlgerAndupthebloodyslopesofLaPompelle,AndroundthecitywhosecathedraltowersTheenemiesofBeautydaredprofane,AndinthematofmulticoloredflowersThatclothethesunnychalk-fieldsofChampagne。
UnderthelittlecrosseswheretheyriseThesoldierrests。NowroundhimundismayedThecannonthunders,andatnightheliesAtpeacebeneaththeeternalfusillade……
Thatothergenerationsmightpossess——
Fromshameandmenacefreeinyearstocome——
Aricherheritageofhappiness,Hemarchedtothatheroicmartyrdom。
EsteeminglesstheforfeitthathepaidThanundishonoredthathisflagmightfloatOverthetowersofliberty,hemadeHisbreastthebulwarkandhisbloodthemoat。
Obscurelysacrificed,hisnamelesstomb,Bareofthesculptor’sart,thepoet’slines,Summershallflushwithpoppy-fieldsinbloom,AndAutumnyellowwithmaturingvines。
Therethegrape-pickersattheirharvestingShalllightlytreadandloadtheirwickertrays,BlessinghismemoryastheytoilandsingIntheslantsunshineofOctoberdays……
IlovetothinkthatifmybloodshouldbeSoprivilegedtosinkwherehishassunk,IshallnotpassfromEarthentirely,Butwhenthebanquetrings,whenhealthsaredrunk,AndfacesthatthejoysoflivingfillGlowradiantwithlaughterandgoodcheer,InbeamingcupssomesparkofmeshallstillBrimtowardthelipsthatonceIheldsodear。
SoshallonecovetingnohigherplaneThannatureclothesincolorandfleshandtone,EvenfromthegraveputupwardtoattainThedreamsyouthcherishedandmissedandmighthaveknown;
AndthatstrongneedthatstroveunsatisfiedTowardearthlybeautyinallformsitwore,NotdeathitselfshallutterlydivideFromthebelovedshapesitthirstedfor。
Alas,howmanyanadeptforwhosearmsLifehelddeliciousofferingsperishedhere,Howmanyintheprimeofallthatcharms,Crownedwithallgiftsthatconquerandendear!
Honorthemnotsomuchwithtearsandflowers,Butyouwithwhomthesweetfulfilmentlies,WhereintheanguishofatrocioushoursTurnedtheirlastthoughtsandclosedtheirdyingeyes,RatherwhenmusiconbrightgatheringslaysItstenderspell,andjoyisuppermost,Bemindfulofthementheywere,andraiseYourglassestotheminonesilenttoast。
Drinktothem——amorousofdearEarthaswell,Theyaskednotributelovelierthanthis——
Andinthewinethatripenedwheretheyfell,Oh,frameyourlipsasthoughitwereakiss。
__
Champagne,France,July,1915。
TheHostsPurged,withthelifetheyleft,ofallThatmakeslifepaltryandmeanandsmall,IntheirnewdedicationchargedWithsomethingheightened,enriched,enlarged,ThatlendsalighttotheirlustybrowsAndasongtotherhythmoftheirtrampingfeet,Thesearethementhathavetakenvows,Thesearethehardy,theflower,theelite,——
ThesearethementhataremovednomoreBythewilltotrafficandgraspandstoreAndringwithpleasureandwealthandloveThecirclesthatselfisthecenterof;
ButtheyaremovedbythepowersthatforceTheseaforevertoebbandrise,ThatholdArcturusinhiscourse,AndmarshalatnoonintropicskiesThecloudsthattoweronsomesnow-cappedchainAnddriftoutoverthepeopledplain。
Theyarebigwiththebeautyofcosmicthings。
Markhowtheircolumnssurge!TheyseemTofollowthegoddesswithoutspreadwingsThatpointstowardGlory,thesoldier’sdream。
Withbayonetsbareandflagsunfurled,TheyscalethesummitsoftheworldAndfadeonthefarthestgoldenheightInfairhorizonsfulloflight。
Comradesinarmsthere——friendorfoe——
Thattrodtheperilous,toilsometrailThroughaworldofruinandbloodandwoeIntheyearsofthegreatdecision——hail!
Friendorfoe,itshallmatternought;
Thisonlymatters,infine:wefought。
ForwewereyoungandinloveorstrifeSoughtexultationandcravedexcess:
TosoundthewildestdebauchinlifeWestakedouryouthanditsloveliness。
LetidlersarguetherightandwrongAndweighwhatmeritourcauseshad。
Puttingourfaithinbeingstrong——
Abovethelevelofgoodandbad——
Forus,webattledandburnedandkilledBecauseevolvingNaturewilled,AnditwasourprideandboasttobeTheinstrumentsofDestiny。
TherewasastatelydramawritBythehandthatpeopledtheearthandairAndsetthestarsintheinfiniteAndmadenightgorgeousandmorningfair,AndallthathadsensetoreasonknewThatbloodydramamustbegonethrough。
Somesatandwatchedhowtheactionveered——
Waited,profited,trembled,cheered——
Wesawnotclearlynorunderstood,Butyieldingourselvestothemasterhand,Eachinhispartasbesthecould,Weplayeditthroughastheauthorplanned。
MaktoobAshellsurprisedourpostonedayAndkilledacomradeatmyside。
MyheartwassicktoseethewayHesufferedashedied。
Idugabouttheplacehefell,Andfound,nobiggerthanmythumb,AfragmentofthesplinteredshellInwarmaluminum。
Imeltedit,andmadeamould,Andpoureditintheopening,Andworkedit,whenthecastwascold,Intoashapelyring。
Andwhenmyringwassmoothandbright,Holdingitonaroundedstick,Forseal,IbadeaTurcowrite`Maktoob’inArabic。
`Maktoob!’\"’Tiswritten!\"……Sotheythink,Thesechildrenofthedesert,whoFromitsimmenseexpansesdrinkSomeofitsgrandeurtoo。
WithinthebookofDestiny,Whoseleavesaretime,whosecover,space,Thedaywhenyoushallceasetobe,Thehour,themode,theplace,Aremarked,theysay;andyoushallnotBytakingthoughtorusingwitAlterthatcertainfateonejot,Postponeorconjureit。
Learntodrivefear,then,fromyourheart。
Ifyoumustperish,know,Oman,’TisaninevitablepartOfthepredestinedplan。
And,seeingthatthroughtheebondoorOnceonlyyoumaypass,andmeetOfthosethathavegonethroughbeforeThemighty,theelite————
GuardthatnotbowednorblanchedwithfearYouenter,butserene,erect,AsyouwouldwishmosttoappearTothoseyoumostrespect。
SodieasthoughyourfuneralUsheredyouthroughthedoorsthatledIntoastatelybanquethallWhereheroesbanqueted;
AnditshallalldependthereinWhetheryoucomeasslaveorlord,IftheyacclaimyouastheirkinOrspurnyoufromtheirboard。
So,whentheordercomes:\"Attack!\"
Andtheassaultingwavedeploys,AndthehearttremblestolookbackOnlifeandallitsjoys;
OrinaditchthattheyseemnearTofind,androundyourshallowtroughDropthebigshellsthatyoucanhearComingahalfmileoff;
When,nottohear,sometrytotalk,Andsometocleantheirguns,orsing,Andsomedigdeeperinthechalk——
Ilookuponmyring:
Andnervesrelaxthatweremosttense,AndDeathcomeswhistlingdownunheard,AsIconsiderallthesenseHeldinthatmysticword。
Anditbrings,quietinglikebalmMyheartwhoseflutteringshaveceased,TheresignationandthecalmAndwisdomoftheEast。
IHaveaRendezvouswithDeath……
IhavearendezvouswithDeathAtsomedisputedbarricade,WhenSpringcomesbackwithrustlingshadeAndapple-blossomsfilltheair——
IhavearendezvouswithDeathWhenSpringbringsbackbluedaysandfair。
ItmaybeheshalltakemyhandAndleadmeintohisdarklandAndclosemyeyesandquenchmybreath——
ItmaybeIshallpasshimstill。
IhavearendezvouswithDeathOnsomescarredslopeofbatteredhill,WhenSpringcomesroundagainthisyearAndthefirstmeadow-flowersappear。
Godknows’twerebettertobedeepPillowedinsilkandscenteddown,WhereLovethrobsoutinblissfulsleep,Pulsenightopulse,andbreathtobreath,Wherehushedawakeningsaredear……
ButI’vearendezvouswithDeathAtmidnightinsomeflamingtown,WhenSpringtripsnorthagainthisyear,AndItomypledgedwordamtrue,Ishallnotfailthatrendezvous。
Sonnets:-
SonnetI-
Sidney,inwhomtheheydayofromanceCametoitspreciousandmostperfectflower,WhetheryoutourneyedwithvictoriouslanceOrbroughtsweetroundelaystoStella’sbower,IgivemyselfsomecreditforthewayIhavekeptcleanofwhatenslavesandlowers,ShunnedtheidealsofourpresentdayAndstudiedthosethatwereesteemedinyours;
For,turningfromthemobthatbuysSuccessBysacrificingallLife’sbetterpart,DownthefreeroadsofhumanhappinessIfrolicked,poorofpursebutlightofheart,AndlivedinstrictdevotionallalongTomythreeidols——LoveandArmsandSong-
SonnetII-
NotthatIalwaysstruckthepropermeanOfwhatmankindmustgiveforwhattheygain,But,whenIthinkofthosewhomdullroutineAndthepursuitofcheerlesstoilenchain,Whofromtheirdesk-chairsseeingasummercloudRacethroughblueheavenonitsjoyfulcourseSighsometimesforalifelesscrampedandbowed,IthinkImighthavedoneagreatdealworse;
ForIhaveevergoneuntiedandfree,Thestarsandmyhighthoughtsforcompany;
Wetwiththesalt-sprayandthemountainshowers,Ihavehadthesenseofspaceandamplitude,Andloveinmanyplaces,silver-shoed,Hascomeandscatteredallmypathwithflowers-
SonnetIII-
Whyshouldyoubeastonishedthatmyheart,Plungedforsolongindarknessandindearth,Shouldberevivedbyyou,andstirandstartAsbywarmAprilnow,revivingEarth?
IamthefieldofundulatinggrassAndyouthegentleperfumedbreathofSpring,Andallmylyricbeing,whenyoupass,Isbowedandfilledwithsuddenmurmuring。
Iaskedyounothingandexpectedless,But,withthatdeep,impassionedtendernessOfoneapproachingwhathemostadores,IonlywishedtolosealittlespaceAllthoughtofmyownlife,andinitsplaceToliveanddreamandhavemyjoyinyours-
SonnetIV-
To……inchurchIfIwasdrawnherefromadistantplace,’Twasnottopraynorhearourfriend’saddress,But,gazingoncemoreonyourwinsomeface,ToworshipthereIdealLoveliness。
OnthatpureshrinethathastoolongignoredThegiftsthatonceIbroughtsofrequentlyIlaythisvotiveoffering,torecordHowsweetyourquietbeautyseemedtome。
Enchantinggirl,myfaithisnotathingByfutileprayersandvapidpsalm-singingToventincrowdednaveandpublicpew。
Mycreedissimple:thattheworldisfair,Andbeautythebestthingtoworshipthere,AndIconfessitbyadoringyou。
__
Biarritz,Sunday,March26,1916-
SonnetV-
Seeingyouhavenotcomewithme,norspentThisday’ssuggestivebeautyasweought,IhavegoneforthaloneandbeencontentTomakeyoumistressonlyofmythought。
AndIhaveblessedthefatethatwassokindInmylife’sagitationstoincludeThismoment’srefugewheremysensecanfindRefreshment,andmysoulbeatitude。
Oh,bemygentlelovealittlewhile!
Walkwithmesometimes。Letmeseeyousmile。
Watchingsomenightunderawintrysky,Beforethecharge,oronthebedofpain,TheseblessedmemoriesshallreviveagainAndbeapowertocheerandfortify-
SonnetVI-
Oh,youaremoredesirabletomeThanallIstakedinanimpulsivehour,Makingmyyouththesportofchance,tobeBlightedortorninitsmostperfectflower;
ForIthinklessofwhatthatchancemaybringThanhow,beforereturningintofire,TomakemydearestmemoryofthethingThatisbutnowmyultimatedesire。
AndinoldtimesIshouldhaveprayedtoherWhosehauntthegrovesofwindyCypruswere,ToprospermeandcrownwithgoodsuccessMywilltomakeofyoutherose-twinedbowlFromwhoseinebriatingbrimmysoulShalldrinkitslastofearthlyhappiness-
SonnetVII-
TherehavebeentimeswhenIcouldstormandplead,Butyoushallneverhearmesupplicate。
TheselongmonthsthathavemagnifiedmyneedHavemademyaskinglessimportunate,FornowsmallfavorsseemtomesogreatThatnotthecourteousloversofoldtimeWeremorecontenttorulethemselvesandwait,Easingdesirewithdiscourseandsweetrhyme。
Nay,becapricious,willful;havenofearTowoundmewithunkindnessdoneorsaid,LestmutualdevotionmaketoodearMylifethathangsbyasoslenderthread,AndhappyloveunnervemebeforeMayForthatsternpartthatIhaveyettoplay-
SonnetVIII-
Oh,loveofwoman,youareknowntobeApassionsenttoplaguetheheartsofmen;
ForeveryoneyoubringfelicityBringingrebuffsandwretchednesstoten。
IhavebeenoftwherehumanlifesoldcheapAndseenmen’sbrainsspilledoutabouttheirearsAndyetthatnevercostmeanysleep;
IliveduntroubledandIshednotears。
Foolspratehowwarisanatrociousthing;
IalwaysknewthatnothingitimpliedEqualledtheagonyofsufferingOfhimwholovesandlovesunsatisfied。
Warisarefugetoaheartlikethis;
Loveonlytellsitwhattruetortureis-
SonnetIX-
Well,seeingIhavenohope,thenletuspart;
Havinglongtaughtmyfleshtomasterfear,Ishouldhavelearnedbynowtorulemyheart,Although,Heavenknows,’tisnotsoeasynear。
Oh,youweremadetomakemenmiserableAndtorturethosewhowouldhavejoyinyou,ButI,whocouldhavelovedyou,dear,sowell,Takeprideinbeingagoodlosertoo;
Andithasnotbeenwhollyunsuccess,ForIhaverescuedfromforgetfulnessSomemomentsofthisprecioustimethatflies,AddingtomypastwealthofmemoryTheprettywayyouoncelookedupatme,Yourlow,sweetvoice,yoursmile,andyourdeareyes-
SonnetX-
IhavesoughtHappiness,butithasbeenAlovelyrainbow,bafflingallpursuit,AndtastedPleasure,butitwasafruitMorefairofoutwardhuethansweetwithin。
Renouncingboth,aflakeinthefermentOfbattlinghoststhatconquerorrecoil,Thereonly,chastenedbyfatigueandtoil,Iknewwhatcamethenearesttocontent。
ForthereatleastmytroubledfleshwasfreeFromthegadflyDesirethatplagueditso;
DiscordandStrifewerewhatIusedtoknow,Heartaches,deception,murderousjealousy;
ByWartransportedfarfromallofthese,AmidtheclashofarmsIwasatpeace-
SonnetXI-
OnReturningtotheFrontafterLeaveApartsweetwomen(forwhomHeavenbeblessed),Comrades,youcannotthinkhowthinandblueLooktheleftoversofmankindthatrest,Nowthatthecreamhasbeenskimmedoffinyou。
Warhasitshorrors,buthasthisofgood——
ThatitssureprocessessortoutandbindBraveheartsinoneintrepidbrotherhoodAndleavetheshamsandimbecilesbehind。
Nowturnwejoyfultothegreatattacks,NotonlythatwefaceinafairfieldOurvaliantfoeandallhisdeadlytools,ButalsothatweturndisdainfulbacksOnthatpoorworldwescornyetdietoshield——
Thatworldofcowards,hypocrites,andfools-
SonnetXII-
Cloudsrosy-tintedinthesettingsun,Depthsoftheazureeasternskybetween,Plainswherethepoplar-borderedhighwaysrun,Patchedwithahundredtintsofbrownandgreen,——
BeautyofEarth,wheninthyharmoniesThecannon’snotehasceasedtobeapart,IshallreturnoncemoreandbringtotheseTheworshipofanundividedheart。
OfthosesweetpotentialitiesthatwaitFormyheart’sdeepdesiretofecundateIshallresumethesearch,ifFortunegrants;
AndthegreatcitiesoftheworldshallyetBegoldenframesformeinwhichtosetNewmasterpiecesofmorerareromance。
BellingliseI
DeepintheslopingforestthatsurroundsTheheadofagreenvalleythatIknow,SpreadthefairgardensandancestralgroundsOfBellinglise,thebeautifulchateau。
Throughshadygrovesandfieldsofunmowngrass,Itwasmyjoytocomeatduskandsee,Fillingalittlepond’suntroubledglass,Itsantiquetowersandmoulderingmasonry。
Oh,shouldIfallto-morrow,laymehere,Thato’ermytomb,witheachrevivingyear,Wood-flowersmayblossomandthewood-dovescroon;
Andloversbythatunrecordedplace,Passing,maypause,andclingalittlespace,Close-bosomed,attherisingofthemoon。
II
Here,whereinhappiertimesthehuntsman’shornEchoingfromfarmadesweetmidsummereves,Nowserriedcannonthundernightandmorn,Tearingwithironthegreenwood’stenderleaves。
YethassweetSpringnoparticlewithdrawnOfheroldbounty;stillthesong-birdshail,Eventhroughourfusillade,delightfulDawn;
Eveninourwirebloomliliesofthevale。
Youwholoveflowers,takethese;theirfragilebellsHavetrembledwiththeshockofvolleyedshells,AndinblacknightswhenstealthyfoesadvanceTheyhavebeenlitbythepalerockets’glowThato’erscarredfieldsandancienttownslaidlowTraceinwhitefirethebravefrontiersofFrance。
__
May22,1916。
LiebestodIwho,conceivedbeneathanotherstar,Hadbeenaprinceandplayedwithlife,insteadHavebeenitsslave,anoutcastexiledfarFromthefairthingsmyfaithhasmerited。
MywayshavebeenthewaysthatwandererstreadAndthosethatmakeromanceofpoverty——
Soldier,Isharedthesoldier’sboardandbed,AndJoyhasbeenathingmoreofttomeWhisperedbysummerwindandsummerseaThanknownincarnateinthehoursitliesAllwarmagainstourheartsandlaughsintooureyes。
IknownotifinriskingmybestdaysIshallleaveutterlybehindmehereThisdreamthatlightenedmethroughlonesomewaysAndthatnodisappointmentmadelessdear;
SometimesIthinkthat,wherethehilltopsrearTheirwhiteentrenchmentsbackoftangledwire,BehindthemistDeathonlycanmakeclear,There,likeBrunhilderingedwithflamingfire,Lieswhatshalleasemyheart’simmensedesire:
There,wherebeyondthehorrorandthepainOnlythebraveshallpass,onlythestrongattain。
Truthordelusion,beitasitmay,Yetthinkittrue,dearfriends,for,thinkingso,ThatthoughtshallnerveoursinewsonthedayWhentothelastassaultourbuglesblow:
Recklessofpainandperilweshallgo,Headshighandheartsaflameandbayonetsbare,AndweshallbraveeternityasthoughEyeslookedonusinwhichwewouldseemfair——
Onewaitedinwhosepresencewewouldwear,Evenasaloverwhowouldbewell-seen,Ourmanhoodfaultlessandourhonorclean。
ResurgamExiledafarfromyouthandhappylove,IfDeathshouldravishmyfondspirithenceIhavenodoubtbut,likeahomingdove,Itwouldreturntoitsdearresidence,AndthroughathousandstarsfindouttheroadBackintoearthlyfleshthatwasitslovedabode。
AMessagetoAmericaYouhavethegritandtheguts,Iknow;
YouarereadytoanswerblowforblowYouarevirile,combative,stubborn,hard,Butyourhonorendswithyourownback-yard;
Eachmanintentonhisprivategoal,Youhavenofeelingforthewhole;
WhatsinglynonewouldtolerateYouletunpunishedhitthestate,UnmindfulthateachmanmustshareThestainheletshiscountrywear,And(whatnotravellerignores)
Thathergoodnameisoftenyours。
Youareproudinthepridethatfeelsitsmight;
FromyourimaginaryheightMenofanotherraceorhueAremenofalesserbreedtoyou:
TheneighboratyoursoutherngateYoutreatwiththescornthathasbredhishate。
TolendaspicetoyourdisrespectYoucallhimthe\"greaser\"。Butreflect!
Thegreaserhasspatonyoumorethanonce;
Hehashandedyoumultipleaffronts;
Hehasrobbedyou,banishedyou,burnedandkilled;
Hehasgoneuntrouncedforthebloodhespilled;
Hehasjeeringusedforhisbootblack’sragThestarsandstripesofthegringo’sflag;
Andyou,inthedepthsofyoureasy-chair——
Whatdidyoudo,whatdidyoucare?
DidyoufindtheseasontoocoldanddampTochangethecounterforthecamp?
WereyoufrightenedbyfeversinMexico?
Ican’timagine,butthisIknow——
YouareimpassionedvastlymoreBythenewsofthedailybaseballscoreThantohearthatadozencountrymenHaveperishedsomewhereinDarien,ThatgreasershavetakentheirinnocentlivesAndrobbedtheirholdingsandrapedtheirwives。
NotbyroughtonguesandreadyfistsCanyouhopetojiltinthemodernlists。
ThearmiesofalittlerfolkShallpassyouunderthevictor’syoke,SobeitanationthattrainshersonsToridetheirhorsesandpointtheirguns——
SobeitapeoplethatcomprehendsThelimitwhereprivatepleasureendsAndwheretheirpublicduesbegin,ApeoplemadestrongbydisciplineWhoarewillingtogive——whatyou’venomindto——
Andunderstand——whatyouareblindto——
ThethingsthattheindividualMustsacrificeforthegoodofall。
Youhavealeaderwhoknows——themanMostfittobecalledAmerican,AprophetthatonceingenerationsIsgiventopointtoerringnationsBrighteridealstowardwhichtopressAndleadthemoutofthewilderness。
Willyouturnyourbackonhimonceagain?
WillyougivethetilleroncemoretomenWhohavemadeyourcountrythelaughing-stockFortheolderpeoplestoscornandmock,Whowouldmakeyouservile,despised,andweak,Acountrythatturnstheothercheek,Whocarenothowbravelyyourflagmayfloat,Whoansweraninsultwithanote,Whosewayistheeasywayinall,And,seeingthatpolishedarmsappalTheirmarrowofmilk-fedpacifist,Wouldtellyoumenacedoesnotexist?
Arethese,intheworld’sgreatparliament,ThemenyouwouldchoosetorepresentYourhonor,yourmanhood,andyourpride,Andthevirtuesyourfathersdignified?
Oh,burythemdeeperthantheseaInuniversalobloquy;
Forgetthegroundwheretheylie,orwriteForepitaph:\"Tooproudtofight。\"
Ihavebeentoolongfrommycountry’sshoresToreckonwhatstateofmindisyours,ButasformyselfIknowrightwellIwouldgothroughfireandshotandshellAndfacenewperilsandmakemybedInnewprivations,ifROOSEVELTled;
ButIhavegivenmyheartandhandToserve,inservinganotherland,Idealskeptbrightthatwithyouaredim;
Heremencanthrilltotheircountry’shymn,ForthepassionthatwellsintheMarseillaiseIsthesamethatfirestheFrenchthesedays,And,whentheflagthattheylovegoesby,WithswellingbosomandmoistenedeyeTheycanlook,fortheyknowthatitfloatstherestillBythemightoftheirhandsandthestrengthoftheirwill,AndthroughperilscountlessandtrialsunknownItshonoreachmanhasmadehisown。
Theywantedthewarnomorethanyou,Buttheysawhowthecertainmenacegrew,AndtheygavetwoyearsoftheiryouthorthreeThemoretoinsuretheirlibertyWhenthewrathofriflesandpennonedspearsShouldrolllikeafloodontheirwreckedfrontiers。
Theywantedthewarnomorethanyou,ButwhenthedreadfulsummonsblewAndthetimetosettlethequarrelcameTheysprangtotheirguns,eachmanwasgame;
AndmarkiftheyfightnottothelastFortheirhearths,theiraltars,andtheirpast:
Yea,fighttilltheirveinshavebeenbleddryForloveofthecountrythatWILLnotdie。
Ofriends,inyourfortunatepresentease(Yetfacedbytheself-samefactsasthese),IfyouwouldseehowaracecansoarThathasnolove,butnofear,ofwar,HoweachcanturnfromhisprivateroleThatallmayactasaperfectwhole,HowmencanliveuptotheplacetheyclaimAndanation,jealousofitsgoodname,Betruetoitsproudinheritance,Oh,lookoverhereandlearnfromFRANCE!
IntroductionandConclusionofaLongPoemIhavegonesometimesbythegatesofDeathAndstoodbesidethecavernthroughwhosedoorsEnterthevoyagersintotheunseen。
Fromthatdreadthresholdonly,gazingback,HaveeyesinswiftilluminationseenLifeutterlyrevealed,andguessedthereinWhatthingswerevitalandwhatthingswerevain。
Knowthen,likeavastoceanfrommyfeetSpreadingawayintothemorningsky,Isawunrolledmyvanisheddays,and,lo,OblivionlikeamorningmistobscuredToils,trials,ambitions,agitations,ease,Andlikegreenisles,sun-kissed,withsweetperfumeLoadingtheairsblownbackfromthatdimgulf,Gleamedonlythroughtheall-involvinghazeThehourswhenwehavelovedandbeenbeloved。
Therefore,sweetfriends,asoftenasbyLoveYouriseabsorbedintotheharmonyOfplanetssingingroundmagneticsuns,LetnotproprietynorprejudiceNorthepreceptsofjealousagedenyWhatSensesoincontestablyaffirms;
ClingtotheblessedmomentanddrinkdeepOfthesweetcupittends,astherealoneWerethatwhichmakeslifeworththepaintolive。
WhatissofairasloversintheirjoyThatdiesinsleep,theirsleepthatwakesinjoy?
Caressingarmsaretheirlightpillows。TheyThatlikeloststarshavewanderedhithertoLonesomeandlightlessthroughtheuniverse,NowglowtransfiredatNature’sflamingcore;
Theyarethecentre;constellatedheavenIstheembroideredpanoplyspreadroundTheirbridal,andthemusicofthespheresRockstheminhushedepithalamium……
IknowthattherearethosewhoseidletonguesBlasphemethebeautyoftheworldthatwasSowondrousandsoworshipfultome。
Icallthemthosethat,inthepalacewhereDownperfumedhallstheSleepingBeautylay,Wanderedwithoutthesecretorthekey。
Iknowthattherearethose,ofgentlerheart,Brokenbygrieforbydeceptionbowed,WhoinsomerealmbeyondthegraveconceiveTheblisstheyfoundnothere;but,asforme,InthesoftfibresofthetenderfleshIsawpotentialitiesofJoyTenthousandlifetimescouldnotuse。DearEarth,InthisdarkmonthwhendeepasmorningdewOnthymaternalbreastshallfallthebloodOfthosethatwerethyloveliestandthybest,Ifitbefatethatmineshallmixwiththeirs,Hearthismynaturalprayer,for,purifiedBythatLetheanagonyandcladInmoreresplendentpowers,IasknoughtelseThanreincarnatetoretracemypath,Bebornagainofwoman,walkoncemoreThroughChildhood’sfragrant,flowerywonderlandAnd,enteredinthegoldenrealmofYouth,FarestillapilgrimtowardthecopiousjoysIsavoredhereyetscarcebegantosip;
Yea,withthecomradesthatIlovedsowellResumethebanquetwehadscarcebegunWheninthestreetweheardtheclarion-callAndeachmansprangtoarms——ay,evenmyselfWholovedsweetYouthtootrulynottoshareItspainnolessthanitsdelight。IfprayersAretobeprayed,lo,hereismine!BethisMyresurrection,thismyrecompense!
OdeinMemoryoftheAmericanVolunteersFallenforFrance(TohavebeenreadbeforethestatueofLafayetteandWashingtoninParis,onDecorationDay,May30,1916。)
I
Ay,itisfittingonthisholiday,Commemorativeofoursoldierdead,When——withsweetflowersofourNewEnglandMayHidingthelichenedstonesbyfiftyyearsmadegray——
Theirgravesineverytownaregarlanded,ThatpioustributeshouldbegiventooToourintrepidfewObscurelyfallenherebeyondtheseas。
Thosetopreservetheircountry’sgreatnessdied;
ButbythedeathoftheseSomethingthatwecanlookuponwithprideHasbeenachieved,norwhollyunrepliedCansneererstriumphinthechargetheymakeThatfromawarwhereFreedomwasatstakeAmericawithheldand,daunted,stoodaside。
II
Betheyrememberedherewitheachrevivingspring,NotonlythatinMay,whenlifeisloveliest,AroundNeuville-Saint-VaastandthedisputedcrestOfVimy,they,superb,unfaltering,Inthatfineonslaughtthatnofirecouldhalt,Partedimpetuoustotheirfirstassault;
ButthattheybroughtfreshheartsandspringliketooTothathighmission,and’tismeettostrewWithtwigsoflilacandspring’searliestroseThecenotaphofthoseWhointhecausethathistorymostendearsFellinthesunnymornandfloweroftheiryoungyears。
III
Yetsoughttheyneitherrecompensenorpraise,NortobementionedinanotherbreathThantheirbluecoatedcomradeswhosegreatdaysItwastheirpridetoshare——ay,shareeventothedeath!
Nay,rather,France,toyoutheyrenderedthanks(Seeingtheycameforhonor,notforgain),Who,openingtothemyourgloriousranks,Gavethemthatgrandoccasiontoexcel,ThatchancetolivethelifemostfreefromstainAndthatrareprivilegeofdyingwell。
IV
Ofriends!IknownotsincethatwarbeganFromwhichnopeoplenoblystandsaloofIfinallmomentswehavegivenproofOfvirtuesthatwerethoughtAmerican。
IknownotifinallthingsdoneandsaidAllhasbeenwellandgood,OrifeachoneofuscanholdhisheadAsproudlyasheshould,Or,fromthepatternofthosemightydeadWhoseshadesourcountryveneratesto-day,Ifwe’venotsomewhatfallenandsomewhatgoneastray。
Butyoutowhomourland’sgoodnameisdear,IftherebeanyhereWhowonderifhermanhoodbedecreased,RelaxeditssinewsanditsbloodlessredThanthatatShilohandAntietamshed,Beproudofthese,havejoyinthisatleast,Andcry:\"NowheavenbepraisedThatinthathourthatmostimperilledher,MenacedherlibertywhoforemostraisedEurope’sbrightflagoffreedom,sometherewereWho,notunmindfuloftheantiquedebt,CamebackthegenerouspathofLafayette;
AndwhenofamostformidablefoeShecheckedeachonset,arduoustostem——
Foiledandfrustratedthem——
OnthoseredfieldswhereblowwithfuriousblowWascountered,whetherthegiganticfrayRolledbytheMeuseorattheBoisSabot,Accentsofourswereinthefiercemelee;
AndonthosefurthestrimsofhallowedgroundWheretheforlorn,thegallantchargeexpires,Whentheslainbuglerhaslongceasedtosound,AndonthetangledwiresThelastwildrallystaggers,crumbles,stops,Witheredbeneaththeshrapnel’sironshowers:——
Nowheavenbethanked,wegaveafewbravedrops;
Nowheavenbethanked,afewbravedropswereours。\"
V
There,holdingstill,infrozensteadfastness,Theirbayonetstowardthebeckoningfrontiers,Theylie——ourcomrades——lieamongtheirpeers,Cladinthegloryoffallenwarriors,Grimclustersunderthornytrellises,Dry,furthestfoamupondisastrousshores,Leavesthatmadelastyearbeautiful,stillstrewnEvenastheyfell,unchanged,beneaththechangingmoon;
AndearthinherdivineindifferenceRollson,andmanypaltrythingsandmeanPratetobeheardandcapertobeseen。
Buttheyaresilent,calm;theireloquenceIsthatincomparableattitude;
Nohumanpresencestheirwitnessare,Butsummercloudsandsunsetcrimson-hued,Andshowersandnightwindsandthenorthernstar。
Nay,evenoursalutationsseemprofane,OpposedtotheirElysianquietude;
Oursalutationscallingfromafar,FromourignoblerplaneAndundistinctionofourlesserparts:
Hail,brothers,andfarewell;youaretwiceblest,bravehearts。
Doubleyourgloryiswhoperishedthus,ForyouhavediedforFranceandvindicatedus。