第1章

TodriftwitheverypassiontillmysoulIsastringedluteonwhichcanwindscanplay,IsitforthisthatIhavegivenawayMineancientwisdomandausterecontrol?

Methinksmylifeisatwice-writtenscrollScrawledoveronsomeboyishholidayWithidlesongsforpipeandvirelay,Whichdobutmarthesecretofthewhole。

SurelytherewasatimeImighthavetrodThesunlitheights,andfromlife\'sdissonanceStruckoneclearchordtoreachtheearsofGod:

Isthattimedead?lo!withalittlerodIdidbuttouchthehoneyofromance-

AndmustIloseasoul\'sinheritance?

Poem:SonnetToLibertyNotthatIlovethychildren,whosedulleyesSeenothingsavetheirownunlovelywoe,Whosemindsknownothing,nothingcaretoknow,-

ButthattheroarofthyDemocracies,ThyreignsofTerror,thygreatAnarchies,MirrormywildestpassionsliketheseaAndgivemyrageabrother-!Liberty!

ForthissakeonlydothydissonantcriesDelightmydiscreetsoul,elsemightallkingsBybloodyknoutortreacherouscannonadesRobnationsoftheirrightsinviolateAndIremainunmoved-andyet,andyet,TheseChriststhatdieuponthebarricades,GodknowsitIamwiththem,insomethings。

Poem:AveImperatrixSetinthisstormyNorthernsea,Queenoftheserestlessfieldsoftide,England!whatshallmensayofthee,Beforewhosefeettheworldsdivide?

Theearth,abrittleglobeofglass,Liesinthehollowofthyhand,Andthroughitsheartofcrystalpass,Likeshadowsthroughatwilightland,Thespearsofcrimson-suitedwar,Thelongwhite-crestedwavesoffight,AndallthedeadlyfireswhichareThetorchesofthelordsofNight。

Theyellowleopards,strainedandlean,ThetreacherousRussianknowssowell,WithgapingblackenedjawsareseenLeapthroughthehailofscreamingshell。

Thestrongsea-lionofEngland\'swarsHathlefthissapphirecaveofsea,TobattlewiththestormthatmarsThestarsofEngland\'schivalry。

Thebrazen-throatedclarionblowsAcrossthePathan\'sreedyfen,AndthehighsteepsofIndiansnowsShaketothetreadofarmedmen。

AndmanyanAfghanchief,wholiesBeneathhiscoolpomegranate-trees,ClutcheshisswordinfiercesurmiseWhenonthemountain-sideheseesThefleet-footMarriscout,whocomesTotellhowhehathheardafarThemeasuredrollofEnglishdrumsBeatatthegatesofKandahar。

ForsouthernwindandeastwindmeetWhere,girtandcrownedbyswordandfire,EnglandwithbareandbloodyfeetClimbsthesteeproadofwideempire。

OlonelyHimalayanheight,GreypillaroftheIndiansky,Wheresaw\'stthoulastinclangingflightOurwingeddogsofVictory?

Thealmond-grovesofSamarcand,Bokhara,whereredliliesblow,AndOxus,bywhoseyellowsandThegravewhite-turbanedmerchantsgo:

AndonfromthencetoIspahan,Thegildedgardenofthesun,WhencethelongdustycaravanBringscedarwoodandvermilion;

AndthatdreadcityofCaboolSetatthemountain\'sscarpedfeet,WhosemarbletanksareeverfullWithwaterforthenoondayheat:

WherethroughthenarrowstraightBazaarAlittlemaidCircassianIsled,apresentfromtheCzarUntosomeoldandbeardedkhan,-

Herehaveourwildwar-eaglesflown,Andflappedwidewingsinfieryfight;

Butthesaddove,thatsitsaloneInEngland-shehathnodelight。

InvainthelaughinggirlwillleanTogreetherlovewithlove-liteyes:

Downinsometreacherousblackravine,Clutchinghisflag,thedeadboylies。

AndmanyamoonandsunwillseeThelingeringwistfulchildrenwaitToclimbupontheirfather\'sknee;

AndineachhousemadedesolatePalewomenwhohavelosttheirlordWillkisstherelicsoftheslain-

Sometarnishedepaulette-somesword-

Poortoystosoothesuchanguishedpain。

FornotinquietEnglishfieldsArethese,ourbrothers,laintorest,WherewemightdecktheirbrokenshieldsWithalltheflowersthedeadlovebest。

ForsomearebytheDelhiwalls,AndmanyintheAfghanland,AndmanywheretheGangesfallsThroughsevenmouthsofshiftingsand。

AndsomeinRussianwaterslie,AndothersintheseaswhichareTheportalstotheEast,orbyThewind-sweptheightsofTrafalgar。

Owanderinggraves!Orestlesssleep!

Osilenceofthesunlessday!

Ostillravine!Ostormydeep!

Giveupyourprey!Giveupyourprey!

Andthouwhosewoundsareneverhealed,Whosewearyraceisneverwon,OCromwell\'sEngland!mustthouyieldForeveryinchofgroundason?

Go!crownwiththornsthygold-crownedhead,Changethygladsongtosongofpain;

Windandwildwavehavegotthydead,Andwillnotyieldthembackagain。

WaveandwildwindandforeignshorePossesstheflowerofEnglishland-

Lipsthatthylipsshallkissnomore,Handsthatshallneverclaspthyhand。

WhatprofitnowthatwehaveboundThewholeroundworldwithnetsofgold,IfhiddeninourheartisfoundThecarethatgrowethneverold?

Whatprofitthatourgalleysride,Pine-forest-like,oneverymain?

Ruinandwreckareatourside,GrimwardersoftheHouseofPain。

Wherearethebrave,thestrong,thefleet?

WhereisourEnglishchivalry?

Wildgrassesaretheirburial-sheet,Andsobbingwavestheirthrenody。

Olovedoneslyingfaraway,Whatwordoflovecandeadlipssend!

Owasteddust!Osenselessclay!

Isthistheend!isthistheend!

Peace,peace!wewrongthenobledeadTovextheirsolemnslumberso;

Thoughchildless,andwiththorn-crownedhead,UpthesteeproadmustEnglandgo,Yetwhenthisfierywebisspun,HerwatchmenshalldescryfromfarTheyoungRepubliclikeasunRisefromthesecrimsonseasofwar。

Poem:ToMiltonMilton!IthinkthyspirithathpassedawayFromthesewhitecliffsandhigh-embattledtowers;

Thisgorgeousfiery-colouredworldofoursSeemsfallenintoashesdullandgrey,AndtheagechangeduntoamimicplayWhereinwewasteourelsetoo-crowdedhours:

ForallourpompandpageantryandpowersWearebutfittodelvethecommonclay,Seeingthislittleisleonwhichwestand,ThisEngland,thissea-lionofthesea,Byignorantdemagoguesisheldinfee,Wholovehernot:DearGod!isthisthelandWhichbareatripleempireinherhandWhenCromwellspakethewordDemocracy!

Poem:LouisNapoleonEagleofAusterlitz!wherewerethywingsWhenfarawayuponabarbarousstrand,Infightunequal,byanobscurehand,FellthelastscionofthybroodofKings!

Poorboy!thoushaltnotflauntthycloakofred,OrrideinstatethroughParisinthevanOfthyreturninglegions,butinsteadThymotherFrance,freeandrepublican,ShallonthydeadandcrownlessforeheadplaceThebetterlaurelsofasoldier\'scrown,ThatnotdishonouredshouldthysoulgodownTotellthemightySireofthyraceThatFrancehathkissedthemouthofLiberty,Andfounditsweeterthanhishoniedbees,AndthatthegiantwaveDemocracyBreaksontheshoreswhereKingslaycouchedatease。

Poem:OnTheMassacreOfTheChristiansInBulgariaChrist,dostThouliveindeed?orareThybonesStillstraitenedintheirrock-hewnsepulchre?

AndwasThyRisingonlydreamedbyherWhoseloveofTheeforallhersinatones?

Forheretheairishorridwithmen\'sgroans,ThepriestswhocalluponThynameareslain,DostThounothearthebitterwailofpainFromthosewhosechildrenlieuponthestones?

Comedown,OSonofGod!incestuousgloomCurtainstheland,andthroughthestarlessnightOverThyCrossaCrescentmoonIsee!

IfThouinverytruthdidstburstthetombComedown,OSonofMan!andshowThymightLestMahometbecrownedinsteadofThee!

Poem:QuantumMutataTherewasatimeinEuropelongagoWhennomandiedforfreedomanywhere,ButEngland\'slionleapingfromitslairLaidhandsontheoppressor!itwassoWhileEnglandcouldagreatRepublicshow。

WitnessthemenofPiedmont,chiefestcareOfCromwell,whenwithimpotentdespairThePontiffinhispaintedporticoTrembledbeforeoursternambassadors。

HowcomesitthenthatfromsuchhighestateWehavethusfallen,savethatLuxuryWithbarrenmerchandisepilesupthegateWherenoblethoughtsanddeedsshouldenterby:

ElsemightwestillbeMilton\'sheritors。

Poem:LibertatisSacraFamesAlbeitnurturedindemocracy,AndlikingbestthatstaterepublicanWhereeverymanisKinglikeandnomanIscrownedabovehisfellows,yetIsee,SpiteofthismodernfretforLiberty,BettertheruleofOne,whomallobey,ThantoletclamorousdemagoguesbetrayOurfreedomwiththekissofanarchy。

WhereforeIlovethemnotwhosehandsprofanePlanttheredflaguponthepiled-upstreetFornorightcause,beneathwhoseignorantreignArts,Culture,Reverence,Honour,allthingsfade,SaveTreasonandthedaggerofhertrade,OrMurderwithhissilentbloodyfeet。

Poem:TheoretikosThismightyempirehathbutfeetofclay:

OfallitsancientchivalryandmightOurlittleislandisforsakenquite:

Someenemyhathstolenitscrownofbay,AndfromitshillsthatvoicehathpassedawayWhichspakeofFreedom:Ocomeoutofit,Comeoutofit,mySoul,thouartnotfitForthisviletraffic-house,wheredaybydayWisdomandreverencearesoldatmart,AndtherudepeopleragewithignorantcriesAgainstanheritageofcenturies。

Itmarsmycalm:whereforeindreamsofArtAndloftiestcultureIwouldstandapart,NeitherforGod,norforhisenemies。

Poem:TheGardenOfErosItisfullsummernow,theheartofJune;

NotyetthesunburntreapersareastirUpontheuplandmeadowwheretoosoonRichautumntime,theseason\'susurer,Willlendhishoardedgoldtoallthetrees,Andseehistreasurescatteredbythewildandspendthriftbreeze。

Toosoonindeed!yetherethedaffodil,Thatlove-childoftheSpring,haslingeredonTovextherosewithjealousy,andstillTheharebellspreadsherazurepavilion,AndlikeastrayedandwanderingrevellerAbandonedofitsbrothers,whomlongsinceJune\'smessengerThemissel-thrushhasfrightedfromtheglade,OnepalenarcissusloitersfearfullyClosetoashadowynook,wherehalfafraidOftheirownlovelinesssomevioletslieThatwillnotlookthegoldsuninthefaceForfearoftoomuchsplendour,-ah!methinksitisaplaceWhichshouldbetroddenbyPersephoneWhenweariedoftheflowerlessfieldsofDis!

OrdancedonbytheladsofArcady!

ThehiddensecretofeternalblissKnowntotheGrecianhereamanmightfind,Ah!youandImayfinditnowifLoveandSleepbekind。

TherearetheflowerswhichmourningHeraklesStrewedonthetombofHylas,columbine,Itswhitedovesalla-flutterwherethebreezeKissedthemtooharshly,thesmallcelandine,Thatyellow-kirtledchoristerofeve,Andlilaclady\'s-smock,-butletthembloomalone,andleaveYonspiredhollyhockred-crocketedToswayitssilentchimes,elsemustthebee,Itslittlebellringer,goseekinsteadSomeotherpleasaunce;theanemoneThatweepsatdaybreak,likeasillygirlBeforeherlove,andhardlyletsthebutterfliesunfurlTheirpaintedwingsbesideit,-biditpineInpalevirginity;thewintersnowWillsuititbetterthanthoselipsofthineWhosefireswouldbutscorchit,rathergoAndpluckthatamorousflowerwhichbloomsalone,Fedbythepanderwindwithdustofkissesnotitsown。

Thetrumpet-mouthsofredconvolvulusSodeartomaidens,creamymeadow-sweetWhiterthanJuno\'sthroatandodorousAsallArabia,hyacinthsthefeetOfHuntressDianwouldbelothtomarForanydappledfawn,-pluckthese,andthosefondflowerswhichareFairerthanwhatQueenVenustroduponBeneaththepinesofIda,eucharis,Thatmorningstarwhichdoesnotdreadthesun,AndbuddingmarjoramwhichbuttokissWouldsweetenCytheraea\'slipsandmakeAdonisjealous,-theseforthyhead,-andforthygirdletakeYoncurvingsprayofpurpleclematisWhosegorgeousdyeoutflamestheTyrianKing,Andfoxgloveswiththeirnoddingchalices,ButthatonenarcisswhichthestartledSpringLetfromherkirtlefallwhenfirstsheheardInherownwoodsthewildtempestuoussongofsummer\'sbird,Ah!leaveitforasubtlememoryOfthosesweettremulousdaysofrainandsun,WhenAprillaughedbetweenhertearstoseeTheearlyprimrosewithshyfootstepsrunFromthegnarledoak-treerootstillallthewold,Spiteofitsbrownandtrampledleaves,grewbrightwithshimmeringgold。

Nay,pluckittoo,itisnothalfsosweetAsthouthyself,mysoul\'sidolatry!

Andwhenthouarta-weariedatthyfeetShalloxlipsweavetheirbrightesttapestry,FortheethewoodbineshallforgetitsprideAndveilitstangledwhorls,andthoushaltwalkondaisiespied。

AndIwillcutareedbyyonderspringAndmakethewood-godsjealous,andoldPanWonderwhatyoungintruderdarestosingInthesestillhaunts,whereneverfootofmanShouldtreadatevening,lesthechancetospyThemarblelimbsofArtemisandallhercompany。

AndIwilltelltheewhythejacinthwearsSuchdreadembroideryofdolorousmoan,AndwhythehaplessnightingaleforbearsTosinghersongatnoon,butweepsaloneWhenthefleetswallowsleeps,andrichmenfeast,Andwhythelaureltrembleswhensheseesthelighteningeast。

AndIwillsinghowsadProserpinaUntoagraveandgloomyLordwaswed,Andlurethesilver-breastedHelenaBackfromthelotusmeadowsofthedead,SoshaltthouseethatawfullovelinessForwhichtwomightyHostsmetfearfullyinwar\'sabyss!

AndthenI\'llpipetotheethatGreciantaleHowCynthialovestheladEndymion,AndhiddeninagreyandmistyveilHiestothecliffsofLatmosoncetheSunLeapsfromhisoceanbedinfruitlesschaseOfthosepaleflyingfeetwhichfadeawayinhisembrace。

Andifmyflutecanbreathesweetmelody,WemaybeholdHerfacewholongagoDweltamongmenbytheAEgeansea,AndwhosesadhousewithpillagedporticoAndfriezelesswallandcolumnstoppleddownLoomso\'ertheruinsofthatfairandvioletcincturedtown。

SpiritofBeauty!tarrystillawhile,Theyarenotdead,thineancientvotaries;

SomefewtherearetowhomthyradiantsmileIsbetterthanathousandvictories,ThoughallthenoblyslainofWaterlooRiseupinwrathagainstthem!tarrystill,thereareafewWhoforthysakewouldgivetheirmanlihoodAndconsecratetheirbeing;IatleastHavedoneso,madethylipsmydailyfood,AndinthytemplesfoundagoodlierfeastThanthisstarvedagecangiveme,spiteofallItsnew-foundcreedssoscepticalandsodogmatical。

HerenotCephissos,notIlissosflows,ThewoodsofwhiteColonosarenothere,Onourbleakhillstheoliveneverblows,NosimplepriestconductshislowingsteerUpthesteepmarbleway,northroughthetownDolaughingmaidensbeartotheethecrocus-floweredgown。

Yettarry!fortheboywholovedtheebest,WhoseverynameshouldbeamemoryTomaketheelinger,sleepsinsilentrestBeneaththeRomanwalls,andmelodyStillmournshersweetestlyre;nonecanplayTheluteofAdonais:withhislipsSongpassedaway。

Nay,whenKeatsdiedtheMusesstillhadleftOnesilvervoicetosinghisthrenody,Butah!toosoonofitwewerebereftWhenonthatrivennightandstormyseaPantheaclaimedhersingerasherown,Andslewthemouththatpraisedher;sincewhichtimewewalkalone,Saveforthatfieryheart,thatmorningstarOfre-arisenEngland,whosecleareyeSawfromourtotteringthroneandwasteofwarThegrandGreeklimbsofyoungDemocracyRisemightilylikeHesperusandbringThegreatRepublic!himatleastthylovehathtaughttosing,AndhehathbeenwiththeeatThessaly,AndseenwhiteAtalantafleetoffootInpassionlessandfiercevirginityHuntingthetuskedboar,hishoniedluteHathpiercedthecavernofthehollowhill,AndVenuslaughstoknowonekneewillbowbeforeherstill。

AndhehathkissedthelipsofProserpine,AndsungtheGalilaean\'srequiem,ThatwoundedforeheaddashedwithbloodandwineHehathdiscrowned,theAncientGodsinhimHavefoundtheirlast,mostardentworshipper,AndthenewSigngrowsgreyanddimbeforeitsconqueror。

SpiritofBeauty!tarrywithusstill,Itisnotquenchedthetorchofpoesy,ThestarthatshookabovetheEasternhillHoldsunassaileditsargentarmouryFromallthegatheringgloomandfretfulfight-

Otarrywithusstill!forthroughthelongandcommonnight,Morris,oursweetandsimpleChaucer\'schild,DearheritorofSpenser\'stunefulreed,WithsoftandsylvanpipehasoftbeguiledThewearysoulofmanintroublousneed,AndfromthefarandflowerlessfieldsoficeHasbroughtfairflowerstomakeanearthlyparadise。

Weknowthemall,Gudrunthestrongmen\'sbride,AslaugandOlafsonweknowthemall,HowgiantGrettirfoughtandSigurddied,AndwhatenchantmentheldthekinginthrallWhenlonelyBrynhildwrestledwiththepowersThatwaragainstallpassion,ah!howoftthroughsummerhours,LonglistlesssummerhourswhenthenoonBeingenamouredofadamaskroseForgetstojourneywestward,tillthemoonThepaleusurperofitstributegrowsFromathinsickletoasilvershieldAndchidesitsloiteringcar-howoft,insomecoolgrassyfieldFarfromthecricket-groundandnoisyeight,AtBagley,wheretherustlingbluebellscomeAlmostbeforetheblackbirdfindsamateAndoverstaytheswallow,andthehumOfmanymurmuringbeesflitsthroughtheleaves,HaveIlainporingonthedreamytaleshisfancyweaves,AndthroughtheirunrealwoesandmimicpainWeptformyself,andsowaspurified,Andintheirsimplemirthgrewgladagain;

ForasIsaileduponthatpicturedtideThestrengthandsplendourofthestormwasmineWithoutthestorm\'sredruin,forthesingerisdivine;

ThelittlelaughofwaterfallingdownIsnotsomusical,theclammygoldClosehoardedinthetinywaxentownHaslessofsweetnessinit,andtheoldHalf-witheredreedsthatwavedinArcadyTouchedbyhislipsbreakforthagaintofresherharmony。

SpiritofBeauty,tarryyetawhile!

AlthoughthecheatingmerchantsofthemartWithironroadsprofaneourlovelyisle,AndbreakonwhirlingwheelsthelimbsofArt,Ay!thoughthecrowdedfactoriesbegetTheblindwormIgnorancethatslaysthesoul,Otarryyet!

ForOneatleastthereis,-HebearshisnameFromDanteandtheseraphGabriel,-

WhosedoublelaurelsburnwithdeathlessflameTolightthinealtar;Hetoolovestheewell,WhosawoldMerlinluredinVivien\'ssnare,Andthewhitefeetofangelscomingdownthegoldenstair,Lovestheesowell,thatalltheWorldforhimAgorgeous-colouredvestituremustwear,AndSorrowtakeapurplediadem,OrelsebenomoreSorrow,andDespairGilditsownthorns,andPain,likeAdon,beEveninanguishbeautiful;-suchistheemperyWhichPaintershold,andsuchtheheritageThisgentlesolemnSpiritdothpossess,BeingabettermirrorofhisageInallhispity,love,andweariness,Thanthosewhocanbutcopycommonthings,AndleavetheSoulunpaintedwithitsmightyquestionings。

Buttheyarefew,andallromancehasflown,Andmencanprophesyaboutthesun,Andlectureonhisarrows-how,alone,Throughawastevoidthesoullessatomsrun,Howfromeachtreeitsweepingnymphhasfled,Andthatnomore\'midEnglishreedsaNaiadshowsherhead。

MethinksthesenewActaeonsboasttoosoonThattheyhavespiedonbeauty;whatifweHaveanalysedtherainbow,robbedthemoonOfhermostancient,chastestmystery,ShallI,thelastEndymion,loseallhopeBecauserudeeyespeeratmymistressthroughatelescope!

WhatprofitifthisscientificageBurstthroughourgateswithallitsretinueOfmodernmiracles!CanitassuageOnelover\'sbreakingheart?whatcanitdoTomakeonelifemorebeautiful,onedayMoregodlikeinitsperiod?butnowtheAgeofClayReturnsinhorridcycle,andtheearthHathborneagainanoisyprogenyOfignorantTitans,whoseungodlybirthHurlsthemagainsttheaugusthierarchyWhichsatuponOlympus;totheDustTheyhaveappealed,andtothatbarrenarbitertheymustRepairforjudgment;letthem,iftheycan,FromNaturalWarfareandinsensateChance,CreatethenewIdealruleforman!

Methinksthatwasnotmyinheritance;

ForIwasnurturedotherwise,mysoulPassesfromhigherheightsoflifetoamoresupremegoal。

Lo!whilewespaketheearthdidturnawayHervisagefromtheGod,andHecate\'sboatRosesilver-laden,tillthejealousdayBlewallitstorchesout:IdidnotnoteThewaninghours,toyoungEndymionsTime\'spalsiedfingerscountinvainhisrosaryofsuns!

MarkhowtheyellowiriswearilyLeansbackitsthroat,asthoughitwouldbekissedByitsfalsechamberer,thedragon-fly,Who,likeablueveinonagirl\'swhitewrist,Sleepsonthatsnowyprimroseofthenight,Which\'ginstoflushwithcrimsonshame,anddiebeneaththelight。

Comeletusgo,againstthepallidshieldOfthewanskythealmondblossomsgleam,ThecorncrakenestedintheunmownfieldAnswersitsmate,acrossthemistystreamOnfitfulwingthestartledcurlewsfly,Andinhissedgybedthelark,forjoythatDayisnigh,Scattersthepearleddewfromoffthegrass,Intremulousecstasytogreetthesun,WhosooningildedpanoplywillpassForthfromyonorange-curtainedpavilionHungintheburningeast:see,theredrimO\'ertopstheexpectanthills!itistheGod!forloveofhimAlreadytheshrilllarkisoutofsight,Floodingwithwavesofsongthissilentdell,-

Ah!thereissomethingmoreinthatbird\'sflightThancouldbetestedinacrucible!-

Buttheairfreshens,letusgo,whysoonThewoodmenwillbehere;howwehavelivedthisnightofJune!

Poem:RequiescatTreadlightly,sheisnearUnderthesnow,Speakgently,shecanhearThedaisiesgrow。

AllherbrightgoldenhairTarnishedwithrust,ShethatwasyoungandfairFallentodust。

Lily-like,whiteassnow,ShehardlyknewShewasawoman,soSweetlyshegrew。

Coffin-board,heavystone,Lieonherbreast,Ivexmyheartalone,Sheisatrest。

Peace,Peace,shecannothearLyreorsonnet,Allmylife\'sburiedhere,Heapearthuponit。

AVIGNON

Poem:SonnetOnApproachingItalyIreachedtheAlps:thesoulwithinmeburned,Italia,myItalia,atthyname:

Andwhenfromoutthemountain\'sheartIcameAndsawthelandforwhichmylifehadyearned,Ilaughedasonewhosomegreatprizehadearned:

AndmusingonthemarvelofthyfameIwatchedtheday,tillmarkedwithwoundsofflameTheturquoiseskytoburnishedgoldwasturned。

Thepine-treeswavedaswavesawoman\'shair,AndintheorchardseverytwiningsprayWasbreakingintoflakesofblossomingfoam:

ButwhenIknewthatfarawayatRomeInevilbondsasecondPeterlay,Iwepttoseethelandsoveryfair。

TURIN。

Poem:SanMiniatoSee,IhaveclimbedthemountainsideUptothisholyhouseofGod,WhereoncethatAngel-PaintertrodWhosawtheheavensopenedwide,AndthroneduponthecrescentmoonTheVirginalwhiteQueenofGrace,-

Mary!couldIbutseethyfaceDeathcouldnotcomeatalltoosoon。

OcrownedbyGodwiththornsandpain!

MotherofChrist!Omysticwife!

MyheartiswearyofthislifeAndover-sadtosingagain。

OcrownedbyGodwithloveandflame!

OcrownedbyChristtheHolyOne!

OlistenerethesearchingsunShowtotheworldmysinandshame。

Poem:AveMariaGratiaPlenaWasthisHiscoming!IhadhopedtoseeAsceneofwondrousglory,aswastoldOfsomegreatGodwhoinarainofgoldBrokeopenbarsandfellonDanae:

OradreadvisionaswhenSemeleSickeningforloveandunappeaseddesirePrayedtoseeGod\'sclearbody,andthefireCaughtherbrownlimbsandslewherutterly:

WithsuchgladdreamsIsoughtthisholyplace,AndnowwithwonderingeyesandheartIstandBeforethissuprememysteryofLove:

Somekneelinggirlwithpassionlesspaleface,Anangelwithalilyinhishand,AndoverboththewhitewingsofaDove。

FLORENCE。

Poem:ItaliaItalia!thouartfallen,thoughwithsheenOfbattle-spearsthyclamorousarmiesstrideFromthenorthAlpstotheSiciliantide!

Ay!fallen,thoughthenationshailtheeQueenBecauserichgoldineverytownisseen,Andonthysapphire-lakeintossingprideOfwind-filledvansthymyriadgalleysrideBeneathoneflagofredandwhiteandgreen。

OFairandStrong!OStrongandFairinvain!

LooksouthwardwhereRome\'sdesecratedtownLiesmourningforherGod-anointedKing!

Lookheaven-ward!shallGodallowthisthing?

Nay!butsomeflame-girtRaphaelshallcomedown,AndsmitetheSpoilerwiththeswordofpain。

VENICE。

Poem:HolyWeekAtGenoaIwanderedthroughScoglietto\'sfarretreat,Theorangesoneacho\'erhangingsprayBurnedasbrightlampsofgoldtoshametheday;

SomestartledbirdwithflutteringwingsandfleetMadesnowofalltheblossoms;atmyfeetLikesilvermoonsthepalenarcissilay:

AndthecurvedwavesthatstreakedthegreatgreenbayLaughedi\'thesun,andlifeseemedverysweet。

Outsidetheyoungboy-priestpassedsingingclear,\'JesusthesonofMaryhasbeenslain,OcomeandfillHissepulchrewithflowers。\'

Ah,God!Ah,God!thosedearHellenichoursHaddrownedallmemoryofThybitterpain,TheCross,theCrown,theSoldiersandtheSpear。

Poem:RomeUnvisitedI。

Thecornhasturnedfromgreytored,SincefirstmyspiritwanderedforthFromthedrearcitiesofthenorth,AndtoItalia\'smountainsfled。

AndhereIsetmyfacetowardshome,Forallmypilgrimageisdone,Although,methinks,yonblood-redsunMarshalsthewaytoHolyRome。

OBlessedLady,whodostholdUponthesevenhillsthyreign!

OMotherwithoutblotorstain,Crownedwithbrightcrownsoftriplegold!

ORoma,Roma,atthyfeetIlaythisbarrengiftofsong!

For,ah!thewayissteepandlongThatleadsuntothysacredstreet。

II。

AndyetwhatjoyitwereformeToturnmyfeetuntothesouth,AndjourneyingtowardstheTibermouthTokneelagainatFiesole!

AndwanderingthroughthetangledpinesThatbreakthegoldofArno\'sstream,ToseethepurplemistandgleamOfmorningontheApenninesBymanyavineyard-hiddenhome,Orchardandolive-gardengrey,TillfromthedrearCampagna\'swayThesevenhillsbearupthedome!

III。

Apilgrimfromthenorthernseas-

WhatjoyformetoseekaloneThewondroustempleandthethroneOfhimwhoholdstheawfulkeys!

When,brightwithpurpleandwithgoldComepriestandholycardinal,AndborneabovetheheadsofallThegentleShepherdoftheFold。

OjoytoseebeforeIdieTheonlyGod-anointedking,AndhearthesilvertrumpetsringAtriumphashepassesby!

Oratthebrazen-pillaredshrineHoldshighthemysticsacrifice,AndshowshisGodtohumaneyesBeneaththeveilofbreadandwine。

IV。

Forlo,whatchangestimecanbring!

ThecyclesofrevolvingyearsMayfreemyheartfromallitsfears,Andteachmylipsasongtosing。

BeforeyonfieldoftremblinggoldIsgarneredintodustysheaves,Oreretheautumn\'sscarletleavesFlutterasbirdsadownthewold,Imayhaverunthegloriousrace,Andcaughtthetorchwhileyetaflame,AndcalledupontheholynameOfHimwhonowdothhideHisface。

ARONA。

Poem:UrbsSacraAeternaRome!whatascrollofHistorythinehasbeen;

InthefirstdaysthyswordrepublicanRuledthewholeworldformanyanage\'sspan:

ThenofthepeopleswertthouroyalQueen,TillinthystreetsthebeardedGothwasseen;

Andnowuponthywallsthebreezesfan(Ah,citycrownedbyGod,discrownedbyman!)

Thehatedflagofredandwhiteandgreen。

Whenwasthyglory!wheninsearchforpowerThineeaglesflewtogreetthedoublesun,Andthewildnationsshudderedatthyrod?

Nay,butthyglorytarriedforthishour,WhenpilgrimskneelbeforetheHolyOne,TheprisonedshepherdoftheChurchofGod。

MONTREMARIO。

Poem:SonnetOnHearingTheDiesIraeSungInTheSistineChapelNay,Lord,notthus!whiteliliesinthespring,Sadolive-groves,orsilver-breasteddove,TeachmemoreclearlyofThylifeandloveThanterrorsofredflameandthundering。

ThehillsidevinesdearmemoriesofTheebring:

AbirdateveningflyingtoitsnestTellsmeofOnewhohadnoplaceofrest:

IthinkitisofTheethesparrowssing。

Comeratheronsomeautumnafternoon,Whenredandbrownareburnishedontheleaves,Andthefieldsechotothegleaner\'ssong,ComewhenthesplendidfulnessofthemoonLooksdownupontherowsofgoldensheaves,AndreapThyharvest:wehavewaitedlong。

Poem:EasterDayThesilvertrumpetsrangacrosstheDome:

Thepeoplekneltuponthegroundwithawe:

AndborneuponthenecksofmenIsaw,LikesomegreatGod,theHolyLordofRome。

Priest-like,heworearobemorewhitethanfoam,And,king-like,swathedhimselfinroyalred,Threecrownsofgoldrosehighuponhishead:

InsplendourandinlightthePopepassedhome。

MyheartstolebackacrosswidewastesofyearsToOnewhowanderedbyalonelysea,Andsoughtinvainforanyplaceofrest:

\'Foxeshaveholes,andeverybirditsnest。

I,onlyI,mustwanderwearily,Andbruisemyfeet,anddrinkwinesaltwithtears。\'

Poem:ETenebrisComedown,OChrist,andhelpme!reachThyhand,ForIamdrowninginastormierseaThanSimononThylakeofGalilee:

Thewineoflifeisspiltuponthesand,Myheartisassomefamine-murderedlandWhenceallgoodthingshaveperishedutterly,AndwellIknowmysoulinHellmustlieIfIthisnightbeforeGod\'sthroneshouldstand。

\'Hesleepsperchance,orridethtothechase,LikeBaal,whenhisprophetshowledthatnameFrommorntonoononCarmel\'ssmittenheight。\'

Nay,peace,Ishallbehold,beforethenight,Thefeetofbrass,therobemorewhitethanflame,Thewoundedhands,thewearyhumanface。

Poem:VitaNuovaIstoodbytheunvintageableseaTillthewetwavesdrenchedfaceandhairwithspray;

ThelongredfiresofthedyingdayBurnedinthewest;thewindpipeddrearily;

Andtothelandtheclamorousgullsdidflee:

\'Alas!\'Icried,\'mylifeisfullofpain,AndwhocangarnerfruitorgoldengrainFromthesewastefieldswhichtravailceaselessly!\'

Mynetsgapedwidewithmanyabreakandflaw,NathlessIthrewthemasmyfinalcastIntothesea,andwaitedfortheend。

Whenlo!asuddenglory!andIsawFromtheblackwatersofmytorturedpastTheargentsplendourofwhitelimbsascend!

Poem:MadonnaMiaAlily-girl,notmadeforthisworld\'spain,Withbrown,softhairclosebraidedbyherears,AndlongingeyeshalfveiledbyslumberoustearsLikebluestwaterseenthroughmistsofrain:

Palecheekswhereonnolovehathleftitsstain,Redunderlipdrawninforfearoflove,Andwhitethroat,whiterthanthesilvereddove,Throughwhosewanmarblecreepsonepurplevein。

Yet,thoughmylipsshallpraiseherwithoutcease,EventokissherfeetIamnotbold,Beingo\'ershadowedbythewingsofawe,LikeDante,whenhestoodwithBeatriceBeneaththeflamingLion\'sbreast,andsawTheseventhCrystal,andtheStairofGold。

Poem:TheNewHelenWherehastthoubeensinceroundthewallsofTroyThesonsofGodfoughtinthatgreatemprise?

Whydostthouwalkourcommonearthagain?

Hastthouforgottenthatimpassionedboy,HispurplegalleyandhisTyrianmenAndtreacherousAphrodite\'smockingeyes?

Forsurelyitwasthou,who,likeastarHunginthesilversilenceofthenight,DidstluretheOldWorld\'schivalryandmightIntotheclamorouscrimsonwavesofwar!

Ordidstthourulethefire-ladenmoon?

InamorousSidonwasthytemplebuiltOverthelightandlaughteroftheseaWhere,behindlatticescarlet-wroughtandgilt,Somebrown-limbedgirldidweavetheetapestry,Allthroughthewasteandweariedhoursofnoon;

Tillherwancheekwithflameofpassionburned,Andsheroseupthesea-washedlipstokissOfsomegladCypriansailor,safereturnedFromCalpeandthecliffsofHerakles!

No!thouartHelen,andnoneotherone!

ItwasfortheethatyoungSarpedondied,AndMemnon\'smanhoodwasuntimelyspent;

Itwasfortheegold-crestedHectortriedWithThetis\'childthatevilracetorun,Inthelastyearofthybeleaguerment;

Ay!evennowthegloryofthyfameBurnsinthosefieldsoftrampledasphodel,WherethehighlordswhomIlionknewsowellClashghostlyshields,andcalluponthyname。

Wherehastthoubeen?inthatenchantedlandWhoseslumberingvalesforlornCalypsoknew,WherenevermowerroseatbreakofdayButallunswathedthetrammellinggrassesgrew,AndthesadshepherdsawthetallcornstandTillsummer\'sredhadchangedtowitheredgrey?

DidstthoulietherebysomeLethaeanstreamDeepbroodingonthineancientmemory,Thecrashofbrokenspears,thefierygleamFromshiveredhelm,theGrecianbattle-cry?

Nay,thouwerthiddeninthathollowhillWithonewhoisforgottenutterly,ThatdiscrownedQueenmencalltheErycine;

HiddenawaythatnevermightstthouseeThefaceofHer,beforewhosemoulderingshrineTo-dayatRomethesilentnationskneel;

WhogatfromLovenojoyousgladdening,ButonlyLove\'sintolerablepain,Onlyaswordtopierceherheartintwain,Onlythebitternessofchild-bearing。

Thelotus-leaveswhichhealthewoundsofDeathLieinthyhand;O,bethoukindtome,WhileyetIknowthesummerofmydays;

ForhardlycanmytremulouslipsdrawbreathTofillthesilvertrumpetwiththypraise,SobowedamIbeforethymystery;

SobowedandbrokenonLove\'sterriblewheel,ThatIhavelostallhopeandhearttosing,YetcareInotwhatruintimemaybringIfinthytemplethouwiltletmekneel。

Alas,alas,thouwiltnottarryhere,But,likethatbird,theservantofthesun,Whofliesbeforethenorthwindandthenight,Sowiltthouflyourevillandanddrear,Backtothetowerofthineolddelight,AndtheredlipsofyoungEuphorion;

NorshallIeverseethyfaceagain,Butinthispoisonousgarden-closemuststay,Crowningmybrowswiththethorn-crownofpain,Tillallmylovelesslifeshallpassaway。

OHelen!Helen!Helen!yetawhile,Yetforalittlewhile,O,tarryhere,Tillthedawncomethandtheshadowsflee!

ForinthegladsomesunlightofthysmileOfheavenorhellIhavenothoughtorfear,SeeingIknownoothergodbutthee:

Noothergodsavehim,beforewhosefeetInnetsofgoldthetiredplanetsmove,TheincarnatespiritofspiritualloveWhointhybodyholdshisjoyousseat。

Thouwertnotbornascommonwomenare!

But,girtwithsilversplendourofthefoam,Didstfromthedepthsofsapphireseasarise!

Andatthycomingsomeimmortalstar,Beardedwithflame,blazedintheEasternskies,Andwakedtheshepherdsonthineisland-home。

Thoushaltnotdie:noaspsofEgyptcreepCloseatthyheelstotaintthedelicateair;

Nosullen-bloomingpoppiesstainthyhair,Thosescarletheraldsofeternalsleep。

Lilyoflove,pureandinviolate!

Towerofivory!redroseoffire!

Thouhastcomedownourdarknesstoillume:

Forwe,close-caughtinthewidenetsofFate,WeariedwithwaitingfortheWorld\'sDesire,AimlesslywanderedintheHouseofgloom,AimlesslysoughtsomeslumberousanodyneForwastedlives,forlingeringwretchedness,Tillwebeheldthyre-arisenshrine,Andthewhitegloryofthyloveliness。

Poem:TheBurdenOfItysThisEnglishThamesisholierfarthanRome,ThoseharebellslikeasuddenflushofseaBreakingacrossthewoodland,withthefoamOfmeadow-sweetandwhiteanemoneToflecktheirbluewaves,-GodislikelierthereThanhiddeninthatcrystal-heartedstarthepalemonksbear!

Thoseviolet-gleamingbutterfliesthattakeYoncreamylilyfortheirpavilionAremonsignores,andwheretherushesshakeAlazypikeliesbaskinginthesun,Hiseyeshalfshut,-heissomemitredoldBishopinPARTIBUS!lookatthosegaudyscalesallgreenandgold。

ThewindtherestlessprisonerofthetreesDoeswellforPalaestrina,onewouldsayThemightymaster\'shandswereonthekeysOftheMariaorgan,whichtheyplayWhenearlyonsomesapphireEastermornInahighlitterredasbloodorsinthePopeisborneFromhisdarkHouseouttotheBalconyAbovethebronzegatesandthecrowdedsquare,WhoseveryfountainsseemforecstasyTotosstheirsilverlancesintheair,AndstretchingoutweakhandstoEastandWestInvainsendspeacetopeacelesslands,torestlessnationsrest。

Isnotyonlingeringorangeafter-glowThatstaystovexthemoonmorefairthanallRome\'slordliestpageants!strange,ayearagoIkneltbeforesomecrimsonCardinalWhobaretheHostacrosstheEsquiline,Andnow-thosecommonpoppiesinthewheatseemtwiceasfine。

Theblue-greenbeanfieldsyonder,tremulousWiththelastshower,sweeterperfumebringThroughthiscooleveningthantheodorousFlame-jewelledcenserstheyoungdeaconsswing,Whenthegreypriestunlocksthecurtainedshrine,AndmakesGod\'sbodyfromthecommonfruitofcornandvine。

PoorFraGiovannibawlingatthemassWereoutoftunenow,forasmallbrownbirdSingsoverhead,andthroughthelongcoolgrassIseethatthrobbingthroatwhichonceIheardOnstarlithillsofflower-starredArcady,OncewherethewhiteandcrescentsandofSalamismeetssea。

SweetistheswallowtwitteringontheeavesAtdaybreak,whenthemowerwhetshisscythe,Andstock-dovesmurmur,andthemilkmaidleavesHerlittlelonelybed,andcarolsblitheToseetheheavy-lowingcattlewaitStretchingtheirhugeanddrippingmouthsacrossthefarmyardgate。

AndsweetthehopsupontheKentishleas,Andsweetthewindthatliftsthenew-mownhay,AndsweetthefretfulswarmsofgrumblingbeesThatroundandroundthelindenblossomsplay;

Andsweettheheiferbreathinginthestall,Andthegreenburstingfigsthathanguponthered-brickwall,AndsweettohearthecuckoomockthespringWhilethelastvioletloitersbythewell,AndsweettoheartheshepherdDaphnissingThesongofLinusthroughasunnydellOfwarmArcadiawherethecornisgoldAndtheslightlithe-limbedreapersdanceaboutthewattledfold。

AndsweetwithyoungLycoristoreclineInsomeIllyrianvalleyfaraway,WherecanopiedonherbsamaracineWetoomightwastethesummer-tranceddayMatchingourreedsinsportiverivalry,Whilefarbeneathusfretsthetroubledpurpleofthesea。

Butsweeterfarifsilver-sandalledfootOfsomelong-hiddenGodshouldevertreadTheNunehammeadows,ifwithreededflutePressedtohislipssomeFaunmightraisehisheadBythegreenwater-flags,ah!sweetindeedToseetheheavenlyherdsmancallhiswhite-fleecedflocktofeed。

Thensingtomethoutunefulchorister,Thoughwhatthousing\'stbethineownrequiem!

TellmethytalethouhaplesschroniclerOfthineowntragedies!donotcontemnTheseunfamiliarhaunts,thisEnglishfield,FormanyalovelycoronalournorthernislecanyieldWhichGrecianmeadowsknownot,manyaroseWhichalldaylonginvalesAEolianAladmightseekinvainforover-growsOurhedgeslikeawantoncourtesanUnthriftyofitsbeauty;liliestooIlissosnevermirroredstarourstreams,andcocklesblueDotthegreenwheatwhich,thoughtheyarethesignsForswallowsgoingsouth,wouldneverspreadTheirazuretentsbetweentheAtticvines;

Eventhatlittleweedofraggedred,Whichbidstherobinpipe,inArcadyWouldbeatrespasser,andmanyanunsungelegySleepsinthereedsthatfringeourwindingThamesWhichtoawakeweresweeterravishmentThaneverSyrinxweptfor;diademsOfbrownbee-studdedorchidswhichweremeantForCytheraea\'sbrowsarehiddenhereUnknowntoCytheraea,andbyyonderpasturingsteerThereisatinyyellowdaffodil,Thebutterflycanseeitfromafar,Althoughonesummerevening\'sdewcouldfillItslittlecuptwiceovererethestarHadcalledthelazyshepherdtohisfoldAndbenoprodigal;eachleafisfleckedwithspottedgoldAsifJove\'sgorgeouslemanDanaeHotfromhisgildedarmshadstoopedtokissThetremblingpetals,oryoungMercuryLow-flyingtotheduskyfordofDisHadwithonefeatherofhispinionsJustbrushedthem!theslightstemwhichbearstheburdenofitssunsIshardlythickerthanthegossamer,OrpoorArachne\'ssilvertapestry,-

MensayitbloomeduponthesepulchreOfOneIsometimeworshipped,buttomeItseemstobringdivinermemoriesOffaun-lovedHeliconiangladesandbluenymph-hauntedseas,OfanuntroddenvaleatTempewhereOntheclearriver\'smargeNarcissuslies,Thetangleoftheforestinhishair,Thesilenceofthewoodlandinhiseyes,WooingthatdriftingimagerywhichisNosoonerkissedthanbroken;memoriesofSalmacisWhoisnotboynorgirlandyetisboth,FedbytwofiresandunsatisfiedThroughtheirexcess,eachpassionbeinglothForlove\'sownsaketoleavetheother\'ssideYetkillinglovebystaying;memoriesOfOreadspeepingthroughtheleavesofsilentmoonlittrees,OflonelyAriadneonthewharfAtNaxos,whenshesawthetreacherouscrewFaroutatsea,andwavedhercrimsonscarfAndcalledfalseTheseusbackagainnorknewThatDionysosonanamberpardWasclosebehindher;memoriesofwhatMaeonia\'sbardWithsightlesseyesbeheld,thewallofTroy,QueenHelenlyingintheivoryroom,Andathersideanamorousred-lippedboyTrimmingwithdaintyhandhishelmet\'splume,Andfarawaythemoil,theshout,thegroan,AsHectorshieldedoffthespearandAjaxhurledthestone;

OfwingedPerseuswithhisflawlessswordCleavingthesnakytressesofthewitch,AndallthosetalesimperishablystoredInlittleGrecianurns,freightagemorerichThananygaudygalleonofSpainBarefromtheIndiesever!theseatleastbringbackagain,ForwellIknowtheyarenotdeadatall,TheancientGodsofGrecianpoesy:

Theyareasleep,andwhentheyheartheecallWillwakeandthink\'tisveryThessaly,ThisThamestheDaulianwaters,thiscoolgladeTheyellow-irisedmeadwhereonceyoungItyslaughedandplayed。

Ifitwasthoudearjasmine-cradledbirdWhofromtheleafystillnessofthythroneSangtothewondrousboy,untilheheardThehornofAtalantafaintlyblownAcrosstheCumnorhills,andwanderingThroughBagleywoodateveningfoundtheAtticpoets\'spring,-

Ah!tinysober-suitedadvocateThatpleadestforthemoonagainsttheday!

IfthoudidstmaketheshepherdseekhismateOnthatsweetquesting,whenProserpinaForgotitwasnotSicilyandleantAcrossthemossySandfordstileinravishedwonderment,-

Light-wingedandbright-eyedmiracleofthewood!

IfeverthoudidstsoothewithmelodyOneofthatlittleclan,thatbrotherhoodWhichlovedthemorning-starofTuscanyMorethantheperfectsunofRaphaelAndisimmortal,singtome!forItoolovetheewell。

Singon!singon!letthedullworldgrowyoung,Letelementalthingstakeformagain,AndtheoldshapesofBeautywalkamongThesimplegarthsandopencrofts,aswhenThesonofLetobarethewillowrod,AndthesoftsheepandshaggygoatsfollowedtheboyishGod。

Singon!singon!andBacchuswillbehereAstrideuponhisgorgeousIndianthrone,AndoverwhimperingtigersshakethespearWithyellowivycrownedandgummycone,WhileathissidethewantonBassaridWillthrowthelionbythemaneandcatchthemountainkid!

Singon!andIwillweartheleopardskin,AndstealthemoonedwingsofAshtaroth,UponwhoseicychariotwecouldwinCithaeroninanhourerethefrothHasover-brimmedthewine-vatortheFaunCeasedfromthetreading!ay,beforetheflickeringlampofdawnHasscaredthehootingowlettoitsnest,Andwarnedthebattocloseitsfilmyvans,SomeMaenadgirlwithvine-leavesonherbreastWillfilchtheirbeech-nutsfromthesleepingPansSosoftlythatthelittlenestedthrushWillneverwake,andthenwithshrillylaughandleapwillrushDownthegreenvalleywherethefallendewLiesthickbeneaththeelmandcountherstore,TillthebrownSatyrsinajollycrewTrampletheloosestrifedownalongtheshore,AndwheretheirhornedmastersitsinstateBringstrawberriesandbloomyplumsuponawickercrate!

Singon!andsoonwithpassion-weariedfaceThroughthecoolleavesApollo\'sladwillcome,TheTyrianprincehisbristledboarwillchaseAdownthechestnut-copsesalla-bloom,Andivory-limbed,grey-eyed,withlookofpride,Afteryonvelvet-coateddeerthevirginmaidwillride。

Singon!andIthedyingboywillseeStainwithhispurplebloodthewaxenbellThatoverweighsthejacinth,andtomeThewretchedCyprianherwoewilltell,AndIwillkisshermouthandstreamingeyes,Andleadhertothemyrtle-hiddengrovewhereAdonlies!

CryoutaloudonItys!memoryThatfoster-brotherofremorseandpainDropspoisoninmineear,-Otobefree,Toburnone\'soldships!andtolaunchagainIntothewhite-plumedbattleofthewavesAndfightoldProteusforthespoilofcoral-floweredcaves!

OforMedeawithherpoppiedspell!

OforthesecretoftheColchianshrine!

OforoneleafofthatpaleasphodelWhichbindsthetiredbrowsofProserpine,AndshedssuchwondrousdewsatevethatsheDreamsofthefieldsofEnna,bythefarSiciliansea,Whereoftthegolden-girdledbeeshechasedFromlilytolilyonthelevelmead,EreyethersombreLordhadbidhertasteThedeadlyfruitofthatpomegranateseed,EretheblacksteedshadharriedherawayDowntothefaintandflowerlessland,thesickandsunlessday。

OforonemidnightandasparamourTheVenusofthelittleMelianfarm!

OthatsomeantiquestatueforonehourMightwaketopassion,andthatIcouldcharmTheDawnatFlorencefromitsdumbdespair,Mixwiththosemightylimbsandmakethatgiantbreastmylair!

Singon!singon!Iwouldbedrunkwithlife,Drunkwiththetrampledvintageofmyyouth,Iwouldforgetthewearyingwastedstrife,Therivenveil,theGorgoneyesofTruth,Theprayerlessvigilandthecryforprayer,Thebarrengifts,theliftedarms,thedullinsensateair!

Singon!singon!OfeatheredNiobe,Thoucanstmakesorrowbeautiful,andstealFromjoyitssweetestmusic,notasweWhobydeadvoicelesssilencestrivetohealOurtoountentedwounds,anddobutkeepPainbarricadoedinourhearts,andmurderpillowedsleep。

Singlouderyet,whymustIstillbeholdThewanwhitefaceofthatdesertedChrist,Whosebleedinghandsmyhandsdidonceenfold,Whosesmittenlipsmylipssoofthavekissed,AndnowinmuteandmarblemiserySitsinhislonedishonouredHouseandweeps,perchanceforme?

OMemorycastdownthywreathedshell!

BreakthyhoarseluteOsadMelpomene!

OSorrow,SorrowkeepthycloisteredcellNordimwithtearsthislimpidCastaly!

Cease,Philomel,thoudosttheforestwrongTovexitssylvanquietwithsuchwildimpassionedsong!

Cease,cease,orif\'tisanguishtobedumbTakefromthepastoralthrushhersimplerair,WhosejocundcarelessnessdothmorebecomeThisEnglishwoodlandthanthykeendespair,Ah!ceaseandletthenorthwindbearthylayBacktotherockyhillsofThrace,thestormyDaulianbay。

Amomentmore,thestartledleaveshadstirred,EndymionwouldhavepassedacrossthemeadMoonstruckwithlove,andthisstillThameshadheardPanplashandpaddlegropingforsomereedTolurefromherbluecavethatNaiadmaidWhoforsuchpipinglistenshalfinjoyandhalfafraid。

Amomentmore,thewakingdovehadcooed,ThesilverdaughterofthesilverseaWiththefondgyvesofclinginghandshadwooedHerwantonfromthechase,andDryopeHadthrustasidethebranchesofheroakToseethelustygold-hairedladreininhissnortingyoke。

Amomentmore,thetreeshadstoopedtokissPaleDaphnejustawakeningfromtheswoonOftremulouslaurels,lonelySalmacisHadbaredhisbarrenbeautytothemoon,AndthroughthevalewithsadvoluptuoussmileAntinoushadwandered,theredlotusoftheNileDownleaningfromhisblackandclusteringhair,Toshadethoseslumberouseyelids\'cavernedbliss,OrelseonyondergrassyslopewithbareHigh-tunicedlimbsunravishedArtemisHadbadeherhoundsgivetongue,androusedthedeerFromhisgreenambuscadewithshrillhallooandprickingspear。

Liestill,liestill,Opassionateheart,liestill!

OMelancholy,foldthyravenwing!

OsobbingDryad,fromthyhollowhillComenotwithsuchdespondentanswering!

NomorethouwingedMarsyascomplain,Apollolovethnottohearsuchtroubledsongsofpain!

Itwasadream,thegladeistenantless,NosoftIonianlaughtermovestheair,TheThamescreepsoninsluggishleadenness,AndfromthecopseleftdesolateandbareFledisyoungBacchuswithhisrevelry,YetstillfromNunehamwoodtherecomesthatthrillingmelodySosad,thatonemightthinkahumanheartBrakeineachseparatenote,aqualityWhichmusicsometimeshas,beingtheArtWhichismostnightotearsandmemory;

PoormourningPhilomel,whatdostthoufear?

Thysisterdothnothauntthesefields,Pandionisnothere,HereisnocruelLordwithmurderousblade,Nowovenwebofbloodyheraldries,Butmossydellsforrovingcomradesmade,WarmvalleyswherethetiredstudentliesWithhalf-shutbook,andmanyawindingwalkWhererusticloversstrayateveinhappysimpletalk。

TheharmlessrabbitgambolswithitsyoungAcrossthetrampledtowing-path,wherelateAtroopoflaughingboysinjostlingthrongCheeredwiththeirnoisycriestheracingeight;

Thegossamer,withravelledsilverthreads,Worksatitslittleloom,andfromtheduskyred-eavedshedsOftheloneFarmaflickeringlightshinesoutWheretheswinkedshepherddriveshisbleatingflockBacktotheirwattledsheep-cotes,afaintshoutComesfromsomeOxfordboatatSandfordlock,Andstartsthemoor-henfromthesedgyrill,Andthedimlengtheningshadowsflitlikeswallowsupthehill。

Theheronpasseshomewardtothemere,Thebluemistcreepsamongtheshiveringtrees,Goldworldbyworldthesilentstarsappear,AndlikeablossomblownbeforethebreezeAwhitemoondriftsacrosstheshimmeringsky,Mutearbitressofallthysad,thyrapturousthrenody。

Shedoesnotheedthee,whereforeshouldsheheed,SheknowsEndymionisnotfaraway;

\'TisI,\'tisI,whosesoulisasthereedWhichhasnomessageofitsowntoplay,Sopipesanother\'sbidding,itisI,Driftingwitheverywindonthewideseaofmisery。

Ah!thebrownbirdhasceased:oneexquisitetrillAboutthesombrewoodlandseemstoclingDyinginmusic,elsetheairisstill,Sostillthatonemighthearthebat\'ssmallwingWanderandwheelabovethepines,ortellEachtinydew-dropdrippingfromthebluebell\'sbrimmingcell。

Andfarawayacrossthelengtheningwold,Acrossthewillowyflatsandthicketsbrown,Magdalen\'stalltowertippedwithtremulousgoldMarksthelongHighStreetofthelittletown,Andwarnsmetoreturn;Imustnotwait,Hark!\'tisthecurfewboomingfromthebellatChristChurchgate。

Poem:ImpressionDuMatinTheThamesnocturneofblueandgoldChangedtoaHarmonyingrey:

Abargewithochre-colouredhayDroptfromthewharf:andchillandcoldTheyellowfogcamecreepingdownThebridges,tillthehouses\'wallsSeemedchangedtoshadowsandSt。Paul\'sLoomedlikeabubbleo\'erthetown。

ThensuddenlyarosetheclangOfwakinglife;thestreetswerestirredWithcountrywaggons:andabirdFlewtotheglisteningroofsandsang。

Butonepalewomanallalone,Thedaylightkissingherwanhair,Loiteredbeneaththegaslamps\'flare,Withlipsofflameandheartofstone。

Poem:MagdalenWalksThelittlewhitecloudsareracingoverthesky,AndthefieldsarestrewnwiththegoldoftheflowerofMarch,Thedaffodilbreaksunderfoot,andthetasselledlarchSwaysandswingsasthethrushgoeshurryingby。

Adelicateodourisborneonthewingsofthemorningbreeze,Theodourofdeepwetgrass,andofbrownnew-furrowedearth,ThebirdsaresingingforjoyoftheSpring\'sgladbirth,Hoppingfrombranchtobranchontherockingtrees。

AndallthewoodsarealivewiththemurmurandsoundofSpring,Andtherose-budbreaksintopinkontheclimbingbriar,Andthecrocus-bedisaquiveringmoonoffireGirdledroundwiththebeltofanamethystring。

Andtheplanetothepine-treeiswhisperingsometaleofloveTillitrustleswithlaughterandtossesitsmantleofgreen,Andthegloomofthewych-elm\'shollowislitwiththeirissheenOftheburnishedrainbowthroatandthesilverbreastofadove。

See!thelarkstartsupfromhisbedinthemeadowthere,Breakingthegossamerthreadsandthenetsofdew,Andflashingadowntheriver,aflameofblue!

Thekingfisherflieslikeanarrow,andwoundstheair。