第2章

Poem:AthanasiaTothatgauntHouseofArtwhichlacksfornaughtOfallthegreatthingsmenhavesavedfromTime,ThewitheredbodyofagirlwasbroughtDeaderetheworld\'sgladyouthhadtoucheditsprime,AndseenbylonelyArabslyinghidInthedimwombofsomeblackpyramid。

ButwhentheyhadunloosedthelinenbandWhichswathedtheEgyptian\'sbody,-lo!wasfoundClosedinthewastedhollowofherhandAlittleseed,whichsowninEnglishgroundDidwondroussnowofstarryblossomsbearAndspreadrichodoursthroughourspring-tideair。

WithsuchstrangeartsthisflowerdidallureThatallforgottenwastheasphodel,Andthebrownbee,thelily\'sparamour,Forsookthecupwherehewaswonttodwell,Fornotathingofearthitseemedtobe,ButstolenfromsomeheavenlyArcady。

Invainthesadnarcissus,wanandwhiteAtitsownbeauty,hungacrossthestream,Thepurpledragon-flyhadnodelightWithitsgolddusttomakehiswingsa-gleam,Ah!nodelightthejasmine-bloomtokiss,Orbrushtherain-pearlsfromtheeucharis。

ForloveofitthepassionatenightingaleForgotthehillsofThrace,thecruelking,AndthepaledovenolongercaredtosailThroughthewetwoodsattimeofblossoming,ButroundthisflowerofEgyptsoughttofloat,Withsilveredwingandamethystinethroat。

WhilethehotsunblazedinhistowerofblueAcoolingwindcreptfromthelandofsnows,AndthewarmsouthwithtendertearsofdewDrencheditswhiteleaveswhenHesperosup-roseAmidthosesea-greenmeadowsoftheskyOnwhichthescarletbarsofsunsetlie。

Butwheno\'erwastesoflily-hauntedfieldThetiredbirdshadstayedtheiramoroustune,AndbroadandglitteringlikeanargentshieldHighinthesapphireheavenshungthemoon,DidnostrangedreamorevilmemorymakeEachtremulouspetalofitsblossomsshake?

Ahno!tothisbrightflowerathousandyearsSeemedbutthelingeringofasummer\'sday,ItneverknewthetideofcankeringfearsWhichturnaboy\'sgoldhairtowitheredgrey,Thedreaddesireofdeathitneverknew,Orhowallfolkthattheywerebornmustrue。

Forwetodeathwithpipeanddancinggo,Norwouldwepasstheivorygateagain,AssomesadriverweariedofitsflowThroughthedullplains,thehauntsofcommonmen,Leapslover-likeintotheterriblesea!

Andcountsitgaintodiesogloriously。

WemarourlordlystrengthinbarrenstrifeWiththeworld\'slegionsledbyclamorouscare,ItneverfeelsdecaybutgatherslifeFromthepuresunlightandthesupremeair,WelivebeneathTime\'swastingsovereignty,Itisthechildofalleternity。

Poem:Serenade(ForMusic)

ThewesternwindisblowingfairAcrossthedarkAEgeansea,AndatthesecretmarblestairMyTyriangalleywaitsforthee。

Comedown!thepurplesailisspread,Thewatchmansleepswithinthetown,Oleavethylily-floweredbed,OLadyminecomedown,comedown!

Shewillnotcome,Iknowherwell,Oflover\'svowsshehathnocare,AndlittlegoodamancantellOfonesocruelandsofair。

Trueloveisbutawoman\'stoy,Theyneverknowthelover\'spain,AndIwholovedaslovesaboyMustloveinvain,mustloveinvain。

Onoblepilot,tellmetrue,Isthatthesheenofgoldenhair?

OrisitbutthetangleddewThatbindsthepassion-flowersthere?

GoodsailorcomeandtellmenowIsthatmyLady\'slilyhand?

Orisitbutthegleamingprow,Orisitbutthesilversand?

No!no!\'tisnotthetangleddew,\'Tisnotthesilver-frettedsand,ItismyowndearLadytrueWithgoldenhairandlilyhand!

Onoblepilot,steerforTroy,Goodsailor,plythelabouringoar,ThisistheQueenoflifeandjoyWhomwemustbearfromGrecianshore!

Thewaningskygrowsfaintandblue,Itwantsanhourstillofday,Aboard!aboard!mygallantcrew,OLadymine,away!away!

Onoblepilot,steerforTroy,Goodsailor,plythelabouringoar,Olovedasonlylovesaboy!

Olovedforeverevermore!

Poem:Endymion(ForMusic)

Theappletreesarehungwithgold,AndbirdsareloudinArcady,Thesheepliebleatinginthefold,Thewildgoatrunsacrossthewold,Butyesterdayhislovehetold,Iknowhewillcomebacktome。

Orisingmoon!OLadymoon!

Beyoumylover\'ssentinel,Youcannotchoosebutknowhimwell,Forheisshodwithpurpleshoon,Youcannotchoosebutknowmylove,Forheashepherd\'scrookdothbear,Andheissoftasanydove,Andbrownandcurlyishishair。

TheturtlenowhasceasedtocallUponhercrimson-footedgroom,Thegreywolfprowlsaboutthestall,Thelily\'ssingingseneschalSleepsinthelily-bell,andallTheviolethillsarelostingloom。

Orisenmoon!Oholymoon!

StandonthetopofHelice,Andifmyowntrueloveyousee,Ah!ifyouseethepurpleshoon,Thehazelcrook,thelad\'sbrownhair,Thegoat-skinwrappedabouthisarm,TellhimthatIamwaitingwhereTherushlightglimmersintheFarm。

Thefallingdewiscoldandchill,AndnobirdsingsinArcady,Thelittlefaunshaveleftthehill,EventhetireddaffodilHascloseditsgildeddoors,andstillMylovercomesnotbacktome。

Falsemoon!Falsemoon!Owaningmoon!

Whereismyowntruelovergone,Wherearethelipsvermilion,Theshepherd\'scrook,thepurpleshoon?

Whyspreadthatsilverpavilion,Whywearthatveilofdriftingmist?

Ah!thouhastyoungEndymion,Thouhastthelipsthatshouldbekissed!

Poem:LaBellaDonnaDellaMiaMenteMylimbsarewastedwithaflame,Myfeetaresorewithtravelling,For,callingonmyLady\'sname,Mylipshavenowforgottosing。

OLinnetinthewild-rosebrakeStrainformyLovethymelody,OLarksinglouderforlove\'ssake,MygentleLadypassethby。

SheistoofairforanymanToseeorholdhisheart\'sdelight,FairerthanQueenorcourtesanOrmoonlitwaterinthenight。

Herhairisboundwithmyrtleleaves,(Greenleavesuponhergoldenhair!)

GreengrassesthroughtheyellowsheavesOfautumncornarenotmorefair。

Herlittlelips,moremadetokissThantocrybitterlyforpain,Aretremulousasbrook-wateris,Orrosesaftereveningrain。

HerneckislikewhitemeliloteFlushingforpleasureofthesun,Thethrobbingofthelinnet\'sthroatIsnotsosweettolookupon。

Asapomegranate,cutintwain,White-seeded,ishercrimsonmouth,HercheeksareasthefadingstainWherethepeachreddenstothesouth。

Otwininghands!OdelicateWhitebodymadeforloveandpain!

OHouseoflove!OdesolatePaleflowerbeatenbytherain!

Poem:ChansonAringofgoldandamilk-whitedoveAregoodlygiftsforthee,AndahempenropeforyourownloveTohanguponatree。

ForyouaHouseofIvory,(Rosesarewhiteintherose-bower)!

Anarrowbedformetolie,(White,Owhite,isthehemlockflower)!

Myrtleandjessamineforyou,(Otheredroseisfairtosee)!

Formethecypressandtherue,(Finestofallisrosemary)!

Foryouthreeloversofyourhand,(Greengrasswhereamanliesdead)!

Formethreepacesonthesand,(Plantliliesatmyhead)!

Poem:CharmidesI。

HewasaGrecianlad,whocominghomeWithpulpyfigsandwinefromSicilyStoodathisgalley\'sprow,andletthefoamBlowthroughhiscrispbrowncurlsunconsciously,Andholdingwaveandwindinboy\'sdespitePeeredfromhisdrippingseatacrossthewetandstormynight。

TillwiththedawnhesawaburnishedspearLikeathinthreadofgoldagainstthesky,Andhoistedsail,andstrainedthecreakinggear,AndbadethepilotheadherlustilyAgainstthenor\'westgale,andalldaylongHeldonhisway,andmarkedtherowers\'timewithmeasuredsong。

AndwhenthefaintCorinthianhillswereredDroppedanchorinalittlesandybay,Andwithfreshboughsofolivecrownedhishead,Andbrushedfromcheekandthroatthehoaryspray,Andwashedhislimbswithoil,andfromtheholdBroughtouthislinentunicandhissandalsbrazen-soled,Andarichrobestainedwiththefishers\'juiceWhichofsomeswarthytraderhehadboughtUponthesunnyquayatSyracuse,AndwaswithTyrianbroideriesinwrought,AndbythequestioningmerchantsmadehiswayUpthroughthesoftandsilverwoods,andwhenthelabouringdayHadspunitstangledwebofcrimsoncloud,Clombthehighhill,andwithswiftsilentfeetCrepttothefaneunnoticedbythecrowdOfbusypriests,andfromsomedarkretreatWatchedtheyoungswainshisfrolicplaymatesbringThefirstlingoftheirlittleflock,andtheshyshepherdflingThecracklingsaltupontheflame,orhangHisstuddedcrookagainstthetemplewallToHerwhokeepsawaytheravenousfangOfthebasewolffromhomesteadandfromstall;

Andthentheclear-voicedmaidens\'gantosing,Andtothealtareachmanbroughtsomegoodlyoffering,Abeechencupbrimmingwithmilkyfoam,AfairclothwroughtwithcunningimageryOfhoundsinchase,awaxenhoney-combDrippingwithoozygoldwhichscarcethebeeHadceasedfrombuilding,ablackskinofoilMeetforthewrestlers,agreatboarthefierceandwhite-tuskedspoilStolenfromArtemisthatjealousmaidTopleaseAthena,andthedappledhideOfatallstagwhoinsomemountaingladeHadmettheshaft;andthentheheraldcried,AndfromthepillaredprecinctonebyoneWentthegladGreekswellpleasedthattheytheirsimplevowshaddone。

AndtheoldpriestputoutthewaningfiresSavethatonelampwhoserestlessrubyglowedForeverinthecell,andtheshrilllyresCamefainteronthewind,asdowntheroadInjoyousdancethesecountryfolkdidpass,Andwithstouthandsthewarderclosedthegatesofpolishedbrass。

Longtimehelayandhardlydaredtobreathe,Andheardthecadenceddripofspilt-outwine,Andtherose-petalsfallingfromthewreathAsthenightbreezeswanderedthroughtheshrine,AndseemedtobeinsomeentrancedswoonTillthroughtheopenroofabovethefullandbrimmingmoonFloodedwithsheenywavesthemarblefloor,Whenfromhisnookupleapttheventurouslad,Andflingingwidethecedar-carvendoorBeheldanawfulimagesaffron-cladAndarmedforbattle!thegauntGriffinglaredFromthehugehelm,andthelonglanceofwreckandruinflaredLikearedrodofflame,stonyandsteeledTheGorgon\'sheaditsleadeneyeballsrolled,Andwritheditssnakyhorrorsthroughtheshield,AndgapedaghastwithbloodlesslipsandcoldInpassionimpotent,whilewithblindgazeTheblinkingowlbetweenthefeethootedinshrillamaze。

ThelonelyfisherashetrimmedhislampFaroutatseaoffSunium,orcastThenetfortunnies,heardabrazentrampOfhorsessmitethewaves,andawildblastDividethefoldedcurtainsofthenight,Andkneltuponthelittlepoop,andprayedinholyfright。

AndguiltyloversintheirveneryForgatalittlewhiletheirstolensweets,DeemingtheyhearddreadDian\'sbittercry;

AndthegrimwatchmenontheirloftyseatsRantotheirshieldsinhasteprecipitate,Orstrainedblack-beardedthroatsacrosstheduskyparapet。

Forroundthetemplerolledtheclangofarms,AndthetwelveGodsleaptupinmarblefear,AndtheairquakedwithdissonantalarumsTillhugePoseidonshookhismightyspear,Andonthefriezetheprancinghorsesneighed,Andthelowtreadofhurryingfeetrangfromthecavalcade。

Readyfordeathwithpartedlipshestood,AndwellcontentatsuchapricetoseeThatcalmwidebrow,thatterriblemaidenhood,Themarvelofthatpitilesschastity,Ah!wellcontentindeed,forneverwightSinceTroy\'syoungshepherdprincehadseensowonderfulasight。

Readyfordeathhestood,butlo!theairGrewsilent,andthehorsesceasedtoneigh,Andoffhisbrowhetossedtheclusteringhair,Andfromhislimbshethrowthecloakaway;

Forwhomwouldnotsuchlovemakedesperate?

Andnighercame,andtouchedherthroat,andwithhandsviolateUndidthecuirass,andthecrocusgown,Andbaredthebreastsofpolishedivory,TillfromthewaistthepeplosfallingdownLeftvisiblethesecretmysteryWhichtonoloverwillAthenashow,Thegrandcoolflanks,thecrescentthighs,thebossyhillsofsnow。

Thosewhohaveneverknownalover\'ssinLetthemnotreadmyditty,itwillbeTotheirdullearssomusiclessandthinThattheywillhavenojoyofit,butyeTowhosewancheeksnowcreepsthelingeringsmile,YewhohavelearnedwhoErosis,-Olistenyetawhile。

AlittlespacehelethisgreedyeyesRestontheburnishedimage,tillmeresightHalfswoonedforsurfeitofsuchluxuries,AndthenhislipsinhungeringdelightFedonherlips,androundthetoweredneckHeflunghisarms,norcaredatallhispassion\'swilltocheck。

NeverIweendidloverholdsuchtryst,Forallnightlonghemurmuredhoneyedword,Andsawhersweetunravishedlimbs,andkissedHerpaleandargentbodyundisturbed,Andpaddledwiththepolishedthroat,andpressedHishotandbeatingheartuponherchillandicybreast。

ItwasasifNumidianjavelinsPiercedthroughandthroughhiswildandwhirlingbrain,AndhisnervesthrilledlikethrobbingviolinsInexquisitepulsation,andthepainWassuchsweetanguishthatheneverdrewHislipsfromherstilloverheadthelarkofwarningflew。

TheywhohaveneverseenthedaylightpeerIntoadarkenedroom,anddrawnthecurtain,AndwithdulleyesandweariedfromsomedearAndworshippedbodyrisen,theyforcertainWillneverknowofwhatItrytosing,Howlongthelastkisswas,howfondandlatehislingering。

Themoonwasgirdledwithacrystalrim,ThesignwhichshipmensayisominousOfwrathinheaven,thewanstarsweredim,AndthelowlighteningeastwastremulousWiththefaintflutteringwingsofflyingdawn,Erefromthesilentsombreshrinehisloverhadwithdrawn。

DownthesteeprockwithhurriedfeetandfastClombthebravelad,andreachedthecaveofPan,Andheardthegoat-footsnoringashepassed,AndleaptuponagrassyknollandranLikeayoungfawnuntoanolivewoodWhichinashadyvalleybythewell-builtcitystood;

Andsoughtalittlestream,whichwellheknew,ForoftentimeswithboyishcarelessshoutThegreenandcrestedgrebehewouldpursue,Orsnareinwovennetthesilvertrout,AnddownamidthestartledreedshelayPantinginbreathlesssweetaffright,andwaitedfortheday。

Onthegreenbankhelay,andletonehandDipinthecooldarkeddieslistlessly,AndsoonthebreathofmorningcameandfannedHishotflushedcheeks,orliftedwantonlyThetangledcurlsfromoffhisforehead,whileHeontherunningwatergazedwithstrangeandsecretsmile。

AndsoontheshepherdinroughwoollencloakWithhislongcrookundidthewattledcotes,AndfromthestackathinbluewreathofsmokeCurledthroughtheairacrosstheripeningoats,Andonthehilltheyellowhouse-dogbayedAsthroughthecrispandrustlingferntheheavycattlestrayed。

Andwhenthelight-footmowerwentafieldAcrossthemeadowslacedwiththreadeddew,Andthesheepbleatedonthemistyweald,Andfromitsnestthewakingcorncrakeflew,SomewoodmensawhimlyingbythestreamAndmarvelledmuchthatanyladsobeautifulcouldseem,Nordeemedhimbornofmortals,andonesaid,\'ItisyoungHylas,thatfalserunawayWhowithaNaiadnowwouldmakehisbedForgettingHerakles,\'butothers,\'Nay,ItisNarcissus,hisownparamour,Thosearethefondandcrimsonlipsnowomancanallure。\'

Andwhentheynearercameathirdonecried,\'ItisyoungDionysoswhohashidHisspearandfawnskinbytheriversideWearyofhuntingwiththeBassarid,Andwiseindeedwereweawaytofly:

Theylivenotlongwhoonthegodsimmortalcometospy。\'

Soturnedtheyback,andfearedtolookbehind,AndtoldthetimidswainhowtheyhadseenAmidthereedssomewoodlandgodreclined,Andnomandaredtocrosstheopengreen,Andonthatdaynoolive-treewasslain,Norrushescut,butalldesertedwasthefairdomain,Savewhentheneat-herd\'slad,hisemptypailWellslunguponhisback,withleapandboundRacedontheotherside,andstoppedtohail,Hopingthathesomecomradenewhadfound,Andgatnoanswer,andthenhalfafraidPassedonhissimpleway,ordownthestillandsilentgladeAlittlegirlranlaughingfromthefarm,Notthinkingoflove\'ssecretmysteries,AndwhenshesawthewhiteandgleamingarmAndallhismanlihood,withlongingeyesWhosepassionmockedhersweetvirginityWatchedhimawhile,andthenstolebacksadlyandwearily。

Faroffheheardthecity\'shumandnoise,AndnowandthentheshrillerlaughterwhereThepassionatepurityofbrown-limbedboysWrestledorracedintheclearhealthfulair,AndnowandthenalittletinklingbellAstheshornwetherledthesheepdowntothemossywell。

Throughthegreywillowsdancedthefretfulgnat,Thegrasshopperchirpedidlyfromthetree,Insleekandoilycoatthewater-ratBreastingthelittleripplesmanfullyMadeforthewild-duck\'snest,fromboughtoboughHoppedtheshyfinch,andthehugetortoisecreptacrosstheslough。

OnthefaintwindfloatedthesilkyseedsAsthebrightscythesweptthroughthewavinggrass,Theouzel-cocksplashedcirclesinthereedsAndfleckedwithsilverwhorlstheforest\'sglass,WhichscarcehadcaughtagainitsimageryErefromitsbedtheduskytenchleaptatthedragon-fly。

ButlittlecarehadheforanythingThoughupanddownthebeechthesquirrelplayed,Andfromthecopsethelinnet\'gantosingToitsbrownmateitssweetestserenade;

Ah!littlecareindeed,forhehadseenThebreastsofPallasandthenakedwonderoftheQueen。

ButwhentheherdsmancalledhisstragglinggoatsWithwhistlingpipeacrosstherockyroad,Andtheshard-beetlewithitstrumpet-notesBoomedthroughthedarkeningwoods,andseemedtobodeOfcomingstorm,andthebelatedcranePassedhomewardlikeashadow,andthedullbigdropsofrainFellonthepatteringfig-leaves,upherose,AndfromthegloomyforestwenthiswayPastsombrehomesteadandwetorchard-close,Andcameatlastuntoalittlequay,Andcalledhismatesaboard,andtookhisseatOnthehighpoop,andpushedfromland,andloosedthedrippingsheet,Andsteeredacrossthebay,andwhenninesunsPasseddownthelongandladderedwayofgold,AndninepalemoonshadbreathedtheirorisonsTothechastestarstheirconfessors,ortoldTheirdearestsecrettothedownymothThatwillnotflyatnoonday,throughthefoamandsurgingfrothCameagreatowlwithyellowsulphurouseyesAndlitupontheship,whosetimberscreakedAsthoughtheladingofthreeargosiesWereinthehold,andflappeditswingsandshrieked,Anddarknessstraightwaystoleacrossthedeep,SheathedwasOrion\'ssword,dreadMarshimselffleddownthesteep,AndthemoonhidbehindatawnymaskOfdriftingcloud,andfromtheocean\'smargeRosetheredplume,thehugeandhornedcasque,Theseven-cubitspear,thebrazentarge!

AndcladinbrightandburnishedpanoplyAthenastrodeacrossthestretchofsickandshiveringsea!

Tothedullsailors\'sightherloosenedlooksSeemedlikethejaggedstorm-rack,andherfeetOnlythespumethatfloatsonhiddenrocks,And,markinghowtherisingwatersbeatAgainsttherollingship,thepilotcriedTotheyounghelmsmanatthesterntolufftowindwardsideButhe,theoverboldadulterer,Adearprofanerofgreatmysteries,Anardentamorousidolater,WhenhebeheldthosegrandrelentlesseyesLaughedloudforjoy,andcryingout\'Icome\'

Leaptfromtheloftypoopintothechillandchurningfoam。

Thenfellfromthehighheavenonebrightstar,Onedancerleftthecirclinggalaxy,AndbacktoAthensonherclatteringcarInalltheprideofvengeddivinityPalePallassweptwithshrillandsteelyclank,Andafewgurglingbubblesrosewhereherboyloversank。

AndthemastshudderedasthegauntowlflewWithmockinghootsafterthewrathfulQueen,AndtheoldpilotbadethetremblingcrewHoistthebigsail,andtoldhowhehadseenClosetothesternadimandgiantform,Andlikeadippingswallowthestoutshipdashedthroughthestorm。

AndnomandaredtospeakofCharmidesDeemingthathesomeevilthinghadwrought,AndwhentheyreachedthestraitSymplegadesTheybeachedtheirgalleyontheshore,andsoughtThetoll-gateofthecityhastily,Andinthemarketshowedtheirbrownandpicturedpottery。

II。

ButsomegoodTriton-godhadruth,andbareTheboy\'sdrownedbodybacktoGrecianland,AndmermaidscombedhisdankanddrippinghairAndsmoothedhisbrow,andloosedhisclenchinghand;

SomebroughtsweetspicesfromfarAraby,Andothersbadethehalcyonsinghersoftestlullaby。

AndwhenhenearedhisoldAthenianhome,AmightybillowroseupsuddenlyUponwhoseoilybacktheclottedfoamLaydiaperedinsomestrangefantasy,AndclaspinghimuntoitsglassybreastSweptlandward,likeawhite-manedsteeduponaventurousquest!

NowwhereColonosleansuntotheseaThereliesalongandlevelstretchoflawn;

Therabbitknowsit,andthemountainbeeForitdesertsHymettus,andtheFaunIsnotafraid,forneverthroughthedayComesacryruderthantheshoutofshepherdladsatplay。

ButoftenfromthethornylabyrinthAndtangledbranchesofthecirclingwoodThestealthyhunterseesyoungHyacinthHurlingthepolisheddisk,anddrawshishoodOverhisguiltygaze,andcreepsaway,Nordarestowindhishorn,or-elseatthefirstbreakofdayTheDryadscomeandthrowtheleathernballAlongthereedyshore,andcircumventSomegoat-earedPantobetheirseneschalForfearofboldPoseidon\'sravishment,Andloosetheirgirdles,withshytimorouseyes,Lestfromthesurfhisazurearmsandpurplebeardshouldrise。

Onthissideandonthatarockycave,Hungwiththeyellow-belledlaburnum,standsSmoothisthebeach,savewheresomeebbingwaveLeavesitsfaintoutlineetcheduponthesands,AsthoughitfearedtobetoosoonforgotBythegreenrush,itsplayfellow,-andyet,itisaspotSosmall,thattheinconstantbutterflyCouldstealthehoardedmoneyfromeachflowerEreitwasnoon,andstillnotsatisfyItsover-greedylove,-withinanhourAsailorboy,werehebutrudeenowTolandandpluckagarlandforhisgalley\'spaintedprow,Wouldalmostleavethelittlemeadowbare,Foritknowsnothingofgreatpageantry,OnlyafewnarcissihereandthereStandseparateinsweetausterity,Dottingtheunmowngrasswithsilverstars,Andhereandthereadaffodilwavestinyscimitars。

Hitherthebillowbroughthim,andwasgladOfsuchdearservitude,andwherethelandWasvirginofallwaterslaidtheladUponthegoldenmargentofthestrand,AndlikealingeringloveroftreturnedTokissthosepallidlimbswhichoncewithintensefireburned,Erethewetseashadquenchedthatholocaust,Thatself-fedflame,thatpassionatelustihead,EregrislydeathwithchillandnippingfrostHadwitheredupthoselilieswhiteandredWhich,whiletheboywouldthroughtheforestrange,Answeredeachotherinasweetantiphonalcounter-change。

Andwhenatdawnthewood-nymphs,hand-in-hand,Threadedtheboskydell,theirsatyrspiedTheboy\'spalebodystretcheduponthesand,AndfearedPoseidon\'streachery,andcried,AndlikebrightsunbeamsflittingthroughagladeEachstartledDryadsoughtsomesafeandleafyambuscade。

Saveonewhitegirl,whodeemeditwouldnotbeSodreadathingtofeelasea-god\'sarmsCrushingherbreastsinamoroustyranny,AndlongedtolistentothosesubtlecharmsInsidiousloversweavewhentheywouldwinSomefencedfortress,andstolebackagain,northoughtitsinToyieldhertreasureuntoonesofair,Andlaybesidehim,thirstywithlove\'sdrouth,Calledhimsoftnames,playedwithhistangledhair,AndwithhotlipsmadehavocofhismouthAfraidhemightnotwake,andthenafraidLesthemightwaketoosoon,fledback,andthen,fondrenegade,Returnedtofreshassault,andalldaylongSatathisside,andlaughedathernewtoy,Andheldhishand,andsanghersweetestsong,ThenfrownedtoseehowfrowardwastheboyWhowouldnotwithhermaidenhoodentwine,NorknewthatthreedayssincehiseyeshadlookedonProserpine;

Norknewwhatsacrilegehislipshaddone,Butsaid,\'Hewillawake,Iknowhimwell,HewillawakeateveningwhenthesunHangshisredshieldonCorinth\'scitadel;

ThissleepisbutacrueltreacheryTomakemelovehimmore,andinsomecavernoftheseaDeeperthaneverfallsthefisher\'slineAlreadyahugeTritonblowshishorn,AndweavesagarlandfromthecrystallineAnddriftingocean-tendrilstoadornTheemeraldpillarsofourbridalbed,Forspheredinfoamingsilver,andwithcoralcrownedhead,Wetwowillsituponathroneofpearl,Andabluewavewillbeourcanopy,Andatourfeetthewater-snakeswillcurlInalltheiramethystinepanoplyOfdiamondedmail,andwewillmarkThemulletsswimmingbythemastofsomestorm-founderedbark,Vermilion-finnedwitheyesofbossygoldLikeflakesofcrimsonlight,andthegreatdeepHisglassy-portaledchamberwillunfold,AndwewillseethepainteddolphinssleepCradledbymurmuringhalcyonsontherocksWhereProteusinquaintsuitofgreenpastureshismonstrousflocks。

Andtremulousopal-huedanemonesWillwavetheirpurplefringeswherewetreadUponthemirroredfloor,andargosiesOffishesfleckedwithtawnyscaleswillthreadThedriftingcordageoftheshatteredwreck,Andhoney-colouredamberbeadsourtwininglimbswilldeck。\'

ButwhenthatbaffledLordofWartheSunWithgaudypennonflyingpassedawayIntohisbrazenHouse,andonebyoneThelittleyellowstarsbegantostrayAcrossthefieldofheaven,ah!thenindeedShefearedhislipsuponherlipswouldnevercaretofeed,Andcried,\'Awake,alreadythepalemoonWashesthetreeswithsilver,andthewaveCreepsgreyandchillyupthissandydune,Thecroakingfrogsareout,andfromthecaveThenightjarshrieks,theflutteringbatsrepass,Andthebrownstoatwithhollowflankscreepsthroughtheduskygrass。

Nay,thoughthouartagod,benotsocoy,ForinyonstreamthereisalittlereedThatoftenwhispershowalovelyboyLaywithheronceuponagrassymead,WhowhenhiscruelpleasurehehaddoneSpreadwingsofrustlinggoldandsoaredaloftintothesun。

Benotsocoy,thelaureltremblesstillWithgreatApollo\'skisses,andthefirWhoseclusteringsistersfringetheseawardhillHathmanyataleofthatboldravisherWhommencallBoreas,andIhaveseenThemockingeyesofHermesthroughthepoplar\'ssilverysheen。

EventhejealousNaiadscallmefair,AndeverymornayoungandruddyswainWoosmewithapplesandwithlocksofhair,AndseekstosoothemyvirginaldisdainByallthegiftsthegentlewood-nymphslove;

Butyesterdayhebroughttomeaniris-plumageddoveWithlittlecrimsonfeet,whichwithitsstoreOfsevenspottedeggsthecruelladHadstolenfromtheloftysycamoreAtdaybreak,whenheramorouscomradehadFlownoffinsearchofberriedjuniperWhichmosttheylove;thefretfulwasp,thatearliestvintagerOfthebluegrapes,hathnotpersistencySoconstantasthissimpleshepherd-boyFormypoorlips,hisjoyouspurityAndlaughingsunnyeyesmightwelldecoyADryadfromheroathtoArtemis;

Forverybeautifulishe,hismouthwasmadetokiss;

Hisargentforehead,likearisingmoonOvertheduskyhillsofmeetingbrows,Iscrescentshaped,thehotandTyriannoonLeadsfromthemyrtle-grovenogoodlierspouseForCytheraea,thefirstsilkydownFringeshisblushingcheeks,andhisyounglimbsarestrongandbrown;

Andheisrich,andfatandfleecyherdsOfbleatingsheepuponhismeadowslie,AndmanyanearthenbowlofyellowcurdsIsinhishomesteadforthethievishflyToswimanddrownin,thepinkclovermeadKeepsitssweetstoreforhim,andhecanpipeonoatenreed。

AndyetIlovehimnot;itwasfortheeIkeptmylove;Iknewthatthouwould\'stcomeToridmeofthispallidchastity,ThoufairestfloweroftheflowerlessfoamOfallthewideAEgean,brighteststarOfocean\'sazureheavenswherethemirroredplanetsare!

Iknewthatthouwould\'stcome,forwhenatfirstThedrywoodburgeoned,andthesapofspringSwelledinmygreenandtenderbarkorburstTomyriadmultitudinousblossomingWhichmockedthemidnightwithitsmimicmoonsThatdidnotdreadthedawn,andfirstthethrushes\'rapturoustunesStartledthesquirrelfromitsgranary,Andcuckooflowersfringedthenarrowlane,ThroughmyyoungleavesasensuousecstasyCreptlikenewwine,andeverymossyveinThrobbedwiththefitfulpulseofamorousblood,Andthewildwindsofpassionshookmyslimstem\'smaidenhood。

ThetroopingfawnsateveningcameandlaidTheircoolblacknosesonmylowestboughs,AndonmytopmostbranchtheblackbirdmadeAlittlenestofgrassesforhisspouse,AndnowandthenatwitteringwrenwouldlightOnathintwigwhichhardlybaretheweightofsuchdelight。

IwastheAtticshepherd\'strystingplace,BeneathmyshadowAmaryllislay,AndroundmytrunkwouldlaughingDaphnischaseThetimorousgirl,tilltiredoutwithplayShefelthishotbreathstirhertangledhair,Andturned,andlooked,andflednomorefromsuchdelightfulsnare。

ThencomeawayuntomyambuscadeWhereclusteringwoodbineweavesacanopyForamorouspleasaunce,andtherustlingshadeOfPaphianmyrtlesseemstosanctifyThedearestritesoflove;thereinthecoolAndgreenrecessesofitsfarthestdepththereispool,Theouzel\'shaunt,thewildbee\'spasturage,ForrounditsrimgreatcreamyliliesfloatThroughtheirflatleavesinverdantanchorage,Eachcupawhite-sailedgolden-ladenboatSteeredbyadragon-fly,-benotafraidToleavethiswanandwave-kissedshore,surelytheplacewasmadeForloverssuchaswe;theCyprianQueen,Onearmaroundherboyishparamour,Straysoftenthereateve,andIhaveseenThemoonstripoffhermistyvestitureForyoungEndymion\'seyes;benotafraid,ThepantherfeetofDiannevertreadthatsecretglade。

Nayifthouwill\'st,backtothebeatingbrine,Backtotheboisterousbillowletusgo,AndwalkalldaybeneaththehyalineHugevaultofNeptune\'swateryportico,AndwatchthepurplemonstersofthedeepSportinungainlyplay,andfromhislairkeenXiphiasleap。

ForifmymistressfindmelyinghereShewillnotruthorgentlepityshow,Butlayherboar-speardown,andwithaustereRelentlessfingersstringthecornelbow,Anddrawthefeatherednotchagainstherbreast,Andloosethearchedcord;aye,evennowuponthequestIhearherhurryingfeet,-awake,awake,Thoulaggardinlove\'sbattle!onceatleastLetmedrinkdeepofpassion\'swine,andslakeMyparchedbeingwiththenectarousfeastWhichevengodsaffect!Ocome,Love,come,Stillwehavetimetoreachthecavernofthineazurehome。\'

ScarcehadshespokenwhentheshudderingtreesShook,andtheleavesdivided,andtheairGrewconsciousofagod,andthegreyseasCrawledbackward,andalonganddismalblareBlewfromsometasselledhorn,asleuth-houndbayed,Andlikeaflameabarbedreedflewwhizzingdowntheglade。

AndwherethelittleflowersofherbreastJustbrakeintotheirmilkyblossoming,Thismurderousparamour,thisunbiddenguest,Piercedandstruckdeepinhorridchambering,Andploughedabloodyfurrowwithitsdart,Anddugalongredroad,andcleftwithwingeddeathherheart。

SobbingherlifeoutwithabittercryOntheboy\'sbodyfelltheDryadmaid,Sobbingforincompletevirginity,Andrapturesunenjoyed,andpleasuresdead,Andallthepainofthingsunsatisfied,Andthebrightdropsofcrimsonyouthcreptdownherthrobbingside。

Ah!pitifulitwastohearhermoan,AndverypitifultoseeherdieEreshehadyieldeduphersweets,orknownThejoyofpassion,thatdreadmysteryWhichnottoknowisnottoliveatall,Andyettoknowistobeheldindeath\'smostdeadlythrall。

ButasithapttheQueenofCythere,WhowithAdonisallnightlonghadlainWithinsomeshepherd\'shutinArcady,OnteamofsilverdovesandgildedwainWasjourneyingPaphos-ward,highupafarFrommortalkenbetweenthemountainsandthemorningstar,Andwhenlowdownshespiedthehaplesspair,AndheardtheOread\'sfaintdespairingcry,WhosecadenceseemedtoplayupontheairAsthoughitwereaviol,hastilyShebadeherpigeonsfoldeachstrainingplume,Anddropttoearth,andreachedthestrand,andsawtheirdolorousdoom。

ForasagardenerturningbackhisheadTocatchthelastnotesofthelinnet,mowsWithcarelessscythetoonearsomeflowerbed,Andcutsthethornypillaroftherose,Andwiththeflower\'sloosenedlonelinessStrewsthebrownmould;orassomeshepherdladinwantonnessDrivinghislittleflockalongthemeadTreadsdowntwodaffodils,whichsidebyaideHaveluredthelady-birdwithyellowbredeAndmadethegaudymothforgetitspride,TreadsdowntheirbrimminggoldenchalicesUnderlightfeetwhichwerenotmadeforsuchruderavages;

OrasaschoolboytiredofhisbookFlingshimselfdownuponthereedygrassAndpluckstwowater-liliesfromthebrook,Andforatimeforgetsthehourglass,Thenweariesoftheirsweets,andgoeshisway,Andletsthehotsunkillthem,evengotheseloverslay。

AndVenuscried,\'ItisdreadArtemisWhosebitterhandhathwroughtthiscruelty,OrelsethatmightiermaidwhosecareitisToguardherstrongandstainlessmajestyUponthehillAthenian,-alas!

ThattheywholovedsowellunlovedintoDeath\'shouseshouldpass。\'

SowithsofthandsshelaidtheboyandgirlInthegreatgoldenwaggontenderly(HerwhitethroatwhiterthanamoonypearlJustthreadedwithabluevein\'stapestryHadnotyetceasedtothrob,andstillherbreastSwayedlikeawind-stirredlilyinambiguousunrest)

Andtheneachpigeonspreaditsmilkyvan,Thebrightcarsoaredintothedawningsky,AndlikeacloudtheaerialcaravanPassedovertheAEgeansilently,TillthefaintairwastroubledwiththesongFromthewanmouthsthatcallonbleedingThammuzallnightlong。

ButwhenthedoveshadreachedtheirwontedgoalWherethewidestairoforbedmarbledipsItssnowsintothesea,herflutteringsoulJustshookthetremblingpetalsofherlipsAndpassedintothevoid,andVenusknewThatonefairmaidthelesswouldwalkamidherretinue,AndbadeherservantscarveacedarchestWithallthewonderofthishistory,WithinwhosescentedwombtheirlimbsshouldrestWhereolive-treesmaketendertheblueskyOnthelowhillsofPaphos,andtheFaunPipesinthenoonday,andthenightingalesingsontilldawn。

Norfailedtheytoobeyherhest,andereThemorningbeehadstungthedaffodilWithtinyfretfulspear,orfromitslairThewakingstaghadleaptacrosstherillAndrousedtheouzel,orthelizardcreptAthwartthesunnyrock,beneaththegrasstheirbodiesslept。

Andwhendaybrake,withinthatsilvershrineFedbytheflamesofcressetstremulous,QueenVenuskneltandprayedtoProserpineThatshewhosebeautymadeDeathamorousShouldbegaguerdonfromherpallidLord,AndletDesirepassacrossdreadCharon\'sicyford。

III

InmelancholymoonlessAcheron,FarmforthegoodlyearthandjoyousdayWherenospringeverbuds,norripeningsunWeighsdowntheappletrees,norfloweryMayChequerswithchestnutbloomsthegrassyfloor,Wherethrushesneversing,andpipinglinnetsmatenomore,TherebyadimanddarkLethaeanwellYoungCharmideswaslying;wearilyHepluckedtheblossomsfromtheasphodel,AndwithitslittlerifledtreasuryStrewedthedullwatersoftheduskystream,Andwatchedthewhitestarsfounder,andthelandwaslikeadream,WhenashegazedintothewateryglassAndthroughhisbrownhair\'scurlytanglesscannedHisownwanface,ashadowseemedtopassAcrossthemirror,andalittlehandStoleintohis,andwarmlipstimidlyBrushedhispalecheeks,andbreathedtheirsecretforthintoasigh。

Thenturnedheroundhiswearyeyesandsaw,Andevernigherstilltheirfacescame,AndnighereverdidtheiryoungmouthsdrawUntiltheyseemedoneperfectroseofflame,Andlongingarmsaroundherneckhecast,Andfeltherthrobbingbosom,andhisbreathcamehotandfast,Andallhishoardedsweetswereherstokiss,Andallhermaidenhoodwashistoslay,AndlimbtolimbinlongandrapturousblissTheirpassionwaxedandwaned,-OwhyessayTopipeagainoflove,tooventurousreed!

Enough,enoughthatEroslaugheduponthatflowerlessmead。

Tooventurouspoesy,OwhyessayTopipeagainofpassion!foldthywingsO\'erdaringIcarusandbidthylaySleephiddeninthelyre\'ssilentstringsTillthouhastfoundtheoldCastalianrill,OrfromtheLesbianwaterspluckeddrownedSappho\'sgoldenquid!

Enough,enoughthathewhoselifehadbeenAfierypulseofsin,asplendidshame,CouldinthelovelesslandofHadesgleanOnescorchingharvestfromthosefieldsofflameWherepassionwalkswithnakedunshodfeetAndisnotwounded,-ah!enoughthatoncetheirlipscouldmeetInthatwildthrobwhenallexistencesSeemednarrowedtoonesingleecstasyWhichdiesthroughitsownsweetnessandthestressOftoomuchpleasure,erePersephoneHadbadethemserveherbytheebonthroneOfthepaleGodwhointhefieldsofEnnaloosedherzone。

Poem:LesSilhouettesTheseaisfleckedwithbarsofgrey,Thedulldeadwindisoutoftune,AndlikeawitheredleafthemoonIsblownacrossthestormybay。

EtchedclearuponthepallidsandLiestheblackboat:asailorboyClambersaboardincarelessjoyWithlaughingfaceandgleaminghand。

Andoverheadthecurlewscry,WherethroughtheduskyuplandgrassTheyoungbrown-throatedreaperspass,Likesilhouettesagainstthesky。

Poem:LaFuiteDeLaLuneTooutersensesthereispeace,AdreamypeaceoneitherhandDeepsilenceintheshadowyland,Deepsilencewheretheshadowscease。

SaveforacrythatechoesshrillFromsomelonebirddisconsolate;

Acorncrakecallingtoitsmate;

Theanswerfromthemistyhill。

AndsuddenlythemoonwithdrawsHersicklefromthelighteningskies,Andtohersombrecavernflies,Wrappedinaveilofyellowgauze。

Poem:TheGraveOfKeatsRidoftheworld\'sinjustice,andhispain,HerestsatlastbeneathGod\'sveilofblue:

TakenfromlifewhenlifeandlovewerenewTheyoungestofthemartyrshereislain,FairasSebastian,andasearlyslain。

Nocypressshadeshisgrave,nofuneralyew,ButgentlevioletsweepingwiththedewWeaveonhisbonesanever-blossomingchain。

Oproudestheartthatbrokeformisery!

OsweetestlipssincethoseofMitylene!

Opoet-painterofourEnglishLand!

Thynamewaswritinwater-itshallstand:

Andtearslikeminewillkeepthymemorygreen,AsIsabelladidherBasil-tree。

ROME。

Poem:Theocritus-AVillanelleOsingerofPersephone!

InthedimmeadowsdesolateDostthourememberSicily?

StillthroughtheivyflitsthebeeWhereAmaryllisliesinstate;

OSingerofPersephone!

SimaethacallsonHecateAndhearsthewilddogsatthegate;

DostthourememberSicily?

StillbythelightandlaughingseaPoorPolyphemebemoanshisfate;

OSingerofPersephone!

AndstillinboyishrivalryYoungDaphnischallengeshismate;

DostthourememberSicily?

SlimLaconkeepsagoatforthee,Fortheethejocundshepherdswait;

OSingerofPersephone!

DostthourememberSicily?

Poem:InTheGoldRoom-AHarmonyHerivoryhandsontheivorykeysStrayedinafitfulfantasy,LikethesilvergleamwhenthepoplartreesRustletheirpale-leaveslistlessly,OrthedriftingfoamofarestlessseaWhenthewavesshowtheirteethintheflyingbreeze。

HergoldhairfellonthewallofgoldLikethedelicategossamertanglesspunOntheburnisheddiskofthemarigold,OrthesunflowerturningtomeetthesunWhenthegloomofthedarkbluenightisdone,Andthespearofthelilyisaureoled。

AndhersweetredlipsontheselipsofmineBurnedliketherubyfiresetIntheswinginglampofacrimsonshrine,Orthebleedingwoundsofthepomegranate,OrtheheartofthelotusdrenchedandwetWiththespilt-outbloodoftherose-redwine。

Poem:BalladeDeMarguerite(Normande)

IamwearyoflyingwithinthechaseWhentheknightsaremeetinginmarket-place。

Nay,gonotthoutothered-roofedtownLestthehoofsofthewar-horsetreadtheedown。

ButIwouldnotgowheretheSquiresride,IwouldonlywalkbymyLady\'sside。

Alack!andalack!thouartoverbold,AForester\'ssonmaynoteatoffgold。

WillshelovemethelessthatmyFatherisseenEachMartinmasdayinadoubletgreen?

Perchancesheissewingattapestrie,Spindleandloomarenotmeetforthee。

Ah,ifsheisworkingthearrasbrightImightravelthethreadsbythefire-light。

Perchancesheishuntingofthedeer,Howcouldyoufollowo\'erhillandmere?

Ah,ifsheisridingwiththecourt,Imightrunbesideherandwindthemorte。

PerchancesheiskneelinginSt。Denys,(OnhersoulmayourLadyhavegramercy!)

Ah,ifsheisprayinginlonechapelle,Imightswingthecenserandringthebell。

Comein,myson,foryoulooksaepale,Thefathershallfilltheeastoupofale。

Butwhoaretheseknightsinbrightarray?

Isitapageanttherichfolksplay?

\'TistheKingofEnglandfromoversea,Whohascomeuntovisitourfaircountrie。

Butwhydoesthecurfewtollsaelow?

Andwhydothemournerswalka-row?

O\'tisHughofAmiensmysister\'ssonWhoislyingstark,forhisdayisdone。

Nay,nay,forIseewhiteliliesclear,Itisnostrongmanwholiesonthebier。

O\'tisoldDameJeannettethatkeptthehall,Iknewshewoulddieattheautumnfall。

DameJeannettehadnotthatgold-brownhair,OldJeannettewasnotamaidenfair。

O\'tisnoneofourkithandnoneofourkin,(HersoulmayourLadyassoilfromsin!)

ButIheartheboy\'svoicechauntingsweet,\'Elleestmorte,laMarguerite。\'

Comein,myson,andlieonthebed,Andletthedeadfolkburytheirdead。

Omother,youknowIlovedhertrue:

Omother,hathonegraveroomfortwo?

Poem:TheDoleOfTheKing\'sDaughter(Breton)

Sevenstarsinthestillwater,Andseveninthesky;

SevensinsontheKing\'sdaughter,Deepinhersoultolie。

Redrosesareatherfeet,(Rosesareredinherred-goldhair)

AndOwhereherbosomandgirdlemeetRedrosesarehiddenthere。

FairistheknightwholiethslainAmidtherushandreed,SeetheleanfishesthatarefainUpondeadmentofeed。

Sweetisthepagethatlieththere,(Clothofgoldisgoodlyprey,)

Seetheblackravensintheair,Black,Oblackasthenightarethey。

Whatdotheytheresostarkanddead?

(Thereisblooduponherhand)

Whyaretheliliesfleckedwithred?

(Thereisbloodontheriversand。)

Therearetwothatridefromthesouthandeast,Andtwofromthenorthandwest,Fortheblackravenagoodlyfeast,FortheKing\'sdaughterrest。

Thereisonemanwholoveshertrue,(Red,Ored,isthestainofgore!)

Hehathduggenagravebythedarksomeyew,(Onegravewilldoforfour。)

Nomooninthestillheaven,Intheblackwaternone,Thesinsonhersoulareseven,Thesinuponhisisone。

Poem:AmorIntellectualisOfthavewetrodthevalesofCastalyAndheardsweetnotesofsylvanmusicblownFromantiquereedstocommonfolkunknown:

AndoftenlaunchedourbarkuponthatseaWhichthenineMusesholdinempery,Andploughedfreefurrowsthroughthewaveandfoam,NorspreadreluctantsailformoresafehomeTillwehadfreightedwellourargosy。

Ofwhichdespoiledtreasurestheseremain,Sordello\'spassion,andthehoneyedlineOfyoungEndymion,lordlyTamburlaineDrivinghispamperedjades,andmorethanthese,Theseven-foldvisionoftheFlorentine,Andgrave-browedMilton\'ssolemnharmonies。

Poem:SantaDeccaTheGodsaredead:nolongerdowebringTogrey-eyedPallascrownsofolive-leaves!

Demeter\'schildnomorehathtitheofsheaves,Andinthenoonthecarelessshepherdssing,ForPanisdead,andallthewantoningBysecretgladeanddevioushauntiso\'er:

YoungHylasseeksthewater-springsnomore;

GreatPanisdead,andMary\'ssonisKing。

Andyet-perchanceinthissea-trancedisle,Chewingthebitterfruitofmemory,SomeGodlieshiddenintheasphodel。

AhLove!ifsuchtherebe,thenitwerewellForustoflyhisanger:nay,butsee,Theleavesarestirring:letuswatchawhile。

CORFU。

Poem:AVisionTwocrownedKings,andOnethatstoodaloneWithnogreenweightoflaurelsroundhishead,Butwithsadeyesasoneuncomforted,Andweariedwithman\'snever-ceasingmoanForsinsnobleatingvictimcanatone,Andsweetlonglipswithtearsandkissesfed。

Girtwasheinagarmentblackandred,AndathisfeetImarkedabrokenstoneWhichsentuplilies,dove-like,tohisknees。

Nowattheirsight,myheartbeinglitwithflame,IcriedtoBeatrice,\'Whoarethese?\'

Andshemadeanswer,knowingwelleachname,\'AEschylosfirst,thesecondSophokles,Andlast(widestreamoftears!)Euripides。\'

Poem:ImpressionDeVoyageTheseawassapphirecoloured,andtheskyBurnedlikeaheatedopalthroughtheair;

Wehoistedsail;thewindwasblowingfairForthebluelandsthattotheeastwardlie。

FromthesteepprowImarkedwithquickeningeyeZakynthos,everyolivegroveandcreek,Ithaca\'scliff,Lycaon\'ssnowypeak,Andalltheflower-strewnhillsofArcady。

Theflappingofthesailagainstthemast,Therippleofthewaterontheside,Therippleofgirls\'laughteratthestern,Theonlysounds:-when\'gantheWesttoburn,Andaredsunupontheseastoride,IstooduponthesoilofGreeceatlast!

KATAKOLO。

Poem:TheGraveOfShelleyLikeburnt-outtorchesbyasickman\'sbedGauntcypress-treesstandroundthesun-bleachedstone;

Heredoththelittlenight-owlmakeherthrone,Andtheslightlizardshowhisjewelledhead。

And,wherethechalicedpoppiesflametored,InthestillchamberofyonpyramidSurelysomeOld-WorldSphinxlurksdarklyhid,Grimwarderofthispleasaunceofthedead。

Ah!sweetindeedtorestwithinthewombOfEarth,greatmotherofeternalsleep,ButsweeterfarfortheearestlesstombInthebluecavernofanechoingdeep,OrwherethetallshipsfounderinthegloomAgainsttherocksofsomewave-shatteredsteep。

ROME。

Poem:ByTheArnoTheoleanderonthewallGrowscrimsoninthedawninglight,ThoughthegreyshadowsofthenightLieyetonFlorencelikeapall。

Thedewisbrightuponthehill,Andbrighttheblossomsoverhead,Butah!thegrasshoppershavefled,ThelittleAtticsongisstill。

OnlytheleavesaregentlystirredBythesoftbreathingofthegale,Andinthealmond-scentedvaleThelonelynightingaleisheard。

Thedaywillmaketheesilentsoon,Onightingalesingonforlove!

WhileyetupontheshadowygroveSplinterthearrowsofthemoon。

BeforeacrossthesilentlawnInsea-greenvestthemorningsteals,Andtolove\'sfrightenedeyesrevealsThelongwhitefingersofthedawnFastclimbinguptheeasternskyTograspandslaytheshudderingnight,Allcarelessofmyheart\'sdelight,Orifthenightingaleshoulddie。

Poem:FabienDeiFranchi(TomyFriendHenryIrving)

Thesilentroom,theheavycreepingshade,Thedeadthattravelfast,theopeningdoor,Themurderedbrotherrisingthroughthefloor,Theghost\'swhitefingersonthyshoulderslaid,Andthenthelonelyduelintheglade,Thebrokenswords,thestifledscream,thegore,Thygrandrevengefuleyeswhenalliso\'er,-

Thesethingsarewellenough,-butthouwertmadeFormoreaugustcreation!frenziedLearShouldatthybiddingwanderontheheathWiththeshrillfooltomockhim,RomeoFortheeshouldlurehislove,anddesperatefearPluckRichard\'srecreantdaggerfromitssheath-

ThoutrumpetsetforShakespeare\'slipstoblow!

Poem:Phedre(ToSarahBernhardt)

HowvainanddullthiscommonworldmustseemTosuchaOneasthou,whoshould\'sthavetalkedAtFlorencewithMirandola,orwalkedThroughthecoololivesoftheAcademe:

Thoushould\'sthavegatheredreedsfromagreenstreamForGoat-footPan\'sshrillpiping,andhaveplayedWiththewhitegirlsinthatPhaeaciangladeWheregraveOdysseuswakenedfromhisdream。

Ah!surelyoncesomeurnofAtticclayHeldthywandust,andthouhastcomeagainBacktothiscommonworldsodullandvain,Forthouwertwearyofthesunlessday,Theheavyfieldsofscentlessasphodel,ThelovelesslipswithwhichmenkissinHell。

Poem:Portia(ToEllenTerry)

ImarvelnotBassaniowassoboldToperilallhehaduponthelead,OrthatproudAragonbentlowhisheadOrthatMorocco\'sfieryheartgrewcold:

ForinthatgorgeousdressofbeatengoldWhichismoregoldenthanthegoldensunNowomanVeroneselookeduponWashalfsofairasthouwhomIbehold。

YetfairerwhenwithwisdomasyourshieldThesober-suitedlawyer\'sgownyoudonned,AndwouldnotletthelawsofVeniceyieldAntonio\'shearttothataccursedJew-

OPortia!takemyheart:itisthydue:

IthinkIwillnotquarrelwiththeBond。

Poem:QueenHenriettaMaria(ToEllenTerry)

Inthelonetent,waitingforvictory,Shestandswitheyesmarredbythemistsofpain,Likesomewanlilyoverdrenchedwithrain:

Theclamorousclangofarms,theensanguinedsky,War\'sruin,andthewreckofchivalryToherproudsoulnocommonfearcanbring:

BravelyshetarriethforherLordtheKing,Hersoula-flamewithpassionateecstasy。

OHairofGold!OCrimsonLips!OFaceMadefortheluringandtheloveofman!

WiththeeIdoforgetthetoilandstress,Thelovelessroadthatknowsnorestingplace,Time\'sstraitenedpulse,thesoul\'sdreadweariness,Myfreedom,andmyliferepublican!

Poem:Camma(ToEllenTerry)

AsonewhoporingonaGrecianurnScansthefairshapessomeAttichandhathmade,Godwithslimgoddess,goodlymanwithmaid,Andfortheirbeauty\'ssakeislothtoturnAndfacetheobviousday,mustInotyearnFormanyasecretmoonofindolentbliss,WheninmidmostshrineofArtemisIseetheestanding,antique-limbed,andstern?

Andyet-methinksI\'dratherseetheeplayThatserpentofoldNile,whosewitcheryMadeEmperorsdrunken,-come,greatEgypt,shakeOurstagewithallthymimicpageants!Nay,Iamgrownsickofunrealpassions,makeTheworldthineActium,methineAnthony!

Poem:PantheaNay,letuswalkfromfireuntofire,Frompassionatepaintodeadlierdelight,-

Iamtooyoungtolivewithoutdesire,TooyoungartthoutowastethissummernightAskingthoseidlequestionswhichofoldMansoughtofseerandoracle,andnoreplywastold。

For,sweet,tofeelisbetterthantoknow,Andwisdomisachildlessheritage,Onepulseofpassion-youth\'sfirstfieryglow,-

Areworththehoardedproverbsofthesage:

Vexnotthysoulwithdeadphilosophy,Havewenotlipstokisswith,heartstoloveandeyestosee!

Dostthounothearthemurmuringnightingale,Likewaterbubblingfromasilverjar,Sosoftshesingstheenviousmoonispale,ThathighinheavensheishungsofarShecannothearthatlove-enrapturedtune,-

Markhowshewreatheseachhornwithmist,yonlateandlabouringmoon。

Whitelilies,inwhosecupsthegoldbeesdream,ThefallensnowofpetalswherethebreezeScattersthechestnutblossom,orthegleamOfboyishlimbsinwater,-arenottheseEnoughforthee,dostthoudesiremore?

Alas!theGodswillgivenoughtelsefromtheireternalstore。

ForourhighGodshavesickandweariedgrownOfallourendlesssins,ourvainendeavourForwasteddaysofyouthtomakeatoneBypainorprayerorpriest,andnever,never,Hearkentheynowtoeithergoodorill,Butsendtheirrainuponthejustandtheunjustatwill。

Theysitatease,ourGodstheysitatease,Strewingwithleavesofrosetheirscentedwine,Theysleep,theysleep,beneaththerockingtreesWhereasphodelandyellowlotustwine,MourningtheoldgladdaysbeforetheyknewWhatevilthingstheheartofmancoulddream,anddreamingdo。

AndfarbeneaththebrazenfloortheyseeLikeswarmingfliesthecrowdoflittlemen,Thebustleofsmalllives,thenwearilyBacktotheirlotus-hauntstheyturnagainKissingeachothers\'mouths,andmixmoredeepThepoppy-seededdraughtwhichbringssoftpurple-liddedsleep。

Therealldaylongthegolden-vesturedsun,Theirtorch-bearer,standswithhistorchablaze,And,whenthegaudywebofnoonisspunByitstwelvemaidens,throughthecrimsonhazeFreshfromEndymion\'sarmscomesforththemoon,AndtheimmortalGodsintoilsofmortalpassionsswoon。

TherewalksQueenJunothroughsomedewymead,HergrandwhitefeetfleckedwiththesaffrondustOfwind-stirredlilies,whileyoungGanymedeLeapsinthehotandamber-foamingmust,Hiscurlsalltossed,aswhentheeaglebareThefrightenedboyfromIdathroughtheblueIonianair。

ThereinthegreenheartofsomegardencloseQueenVenuswiththeshepherdatherside,HerwarmsoftbodylikethebriarroseWhichwouldbewhiteyetblushesatitspride,Laughslowforlove,tilljealousSalmacisPeersthroughthemyrtle-leavesandsighsforpainoflonelybliss。

Thereneverdoesthatdrearynorth-windblowWhichleavesourEnglishforestsbleakandbare,Noreverfallstheswiftwhite-featheredsnow,Noreverdoththered-toothedlightningdareTowaketheminthesilver-frettednightWhenwelieweepingforsomesweetsadsin,somedeaddelight。

Alas!theyknowthefarLethaeanspring,Theviolet-hiddenwaterswelltheyknow,WhereonewhosefeetwithtiredwanderingArefaintandbrokenmaytakeheartandgo,AndfromthosedarkdepthscoolandcrystallineDrink,anddrawbalm,andsleepforsleeplesssouls,andanodyne。

Butweoppressournatures,GodorFateIsourenemy,westarveandfeedOnvainrepentance-Oweareborntoolate!

WhatbalmforusinbruisedpoppyseedWhocrowdintoonefinitepulseoftimeThejoyofinfiniteloveandthefiercepainofinfinitecrime。

Oweareweariedofthissenseofguilt,Weariedofpleasure\'sparamourdespair,Weariedofeverytemplewehavebuilt,Weariedofeveryright,unansweredprayer,Formanisweak;Godsleeps:andheavenishigh:

Onefiery-colouredmoment:onegreatlove;andlo!wedie。

Ah!butnoferry-manwithlabouringpoleNearshisblackshalloptotheflowerlessstrand,NolittlecoinofbronzecanbringthesoulOverDeath\'srivertothesunlessland,Victimandwineandvowareallinvain,Thetombissealed;thesoldierswatch;thedeadrisenotagain。

Weareresolvedintothesupremeair,Wearemadeonewithwhatwetouchandsee,Withourheart\'sbloodeachcrimsonsunisfair,Withouryoungliveseachspring-impassionedtreeFlamesintogreen,thewildestbeaststhatrangeThemoorourkinsmenare,alllifeisone,andallischange。

WithbeatofsystoleandofdiastoleOnegrandgreatlifethrobsthroughearth\'sgiantheart,AndmightywavesofsingleBeingrollFromnervelessgermtoman,forwearepartOfeveryrockandbirdandbeastandhill,Onewiththethingsthatpreyonus,andonewithwhatwekill。

FromlowercellsofwakinglifewepassTofullperfection;thustheworldgrowsold:

WewhoaregodlikenowwereonceamassOfquiveringpurplefleckedwithbarsofgold,Unsentientorofjoyormisery,Andtossedinterribletanglesofsomewildandwind-sweptsea。

ThishothardflamewithwhichourbodiesburnWillmakesomemeadowblazewithdaffodil,Ay!andthoseargentbreastsofthinewillturnTowater-lilies;thebrownfieldsmentillWillbemorefruitfulforourloveto-night,Nothingislostinnature,allthingsliveinDeath\'sdespite。

Theboy\'sfirstkiss,thehyacinth\'sfirstbell,Theman\'slastpassion,andthelastredspearThatfromthelilyleaps,theasphodelWhichwillnotletitsblossomsblowforfearOftoomuchbeauty,andthetimidshameOftheyoungbridegroomathislover\'seyes,-thesewiththesameOnesacramentareconsecrate,theearthNotwealonehathpassionshymeneal,TheyellowbuttercupsthatshakeformirthAtdaybreakknowapleasurenotlessrealThanwedo,wheninsomefresh-blossomingwood,Wedrawthespringintoourhearts,andfeelthatlifeisgood。

SowhenmenburyusbeneaththeyewThycrimson-stainedmoutharosewillbe,Andthysofteyeslushbluebellsdimmedwithdew,AndwhenthewhitenarcissuswantonlyKissesthewinditsplaymatesomefaintjoyWillthrillourdust,andwewillbeagainfondmaidandboy。

Andthuswithoutlife\'sconscioustorturingpainInsomesweetflowerwewillfeelthesun,Andfromthelinnet\'sthroatwillsingagain,Andastwogorgeous-mailedsnakeswillrunOverourgraves,orastwotigerscreepThroughthehotjunglewheretheyellow-eyedhugelionssleepAndgivethembattle!HowmyheartleapsupTothinkofthatgrandlivingafterdeathInbeastandbirdandflower,whenthiscup,Beingfilledtoofullofspirit,burstsforbreath,AndwiththepaleleavesofsomeautumndayThesoulearth\'searliestconquerorbecomesearth\'slastgreatprey。

Othinkofit!WeshallinformourselvesIntoallsensuouslife,thegoat-footFaun,TheCentaur,orthemerrybright-eyedElvesThatleavetheirdancingringstospitethedawnUponthemeadows,shallnotbemorenearThanyouandItonature\'smysteries,forweshallhearThethrush\'sheartbeat,andthedaisiesgrow,AndthewansnowdropsighingforthesunOnsunlessdaysinwinter,weshallknowBywhomthesilvergossamerisspun,Whopaintsthediaperedfritillaries,Onwhatwidewingsfromshiveringpinetopinetheeagleflies。

Ay!hadweneverlovedatall,whoknowsIfyonderdaffodilhadluredthebeeIntoitsgildedwomb,oranyroseHadhungwithcrimsonlampsitslittletree!

Methinksnoleafwouldeverbudinspring,Butforthelovers\'lipsthatkiss,thepoets\'lipsthatsing。

Isthelightvanishedfromourgoldensun,Oristhisdaedal-fashionedearthlessfair,Thatwearenature\'sheritors,andoneWitheverypulseoflifethatbeatstheair?

Rathernewsunsacrosstheskyshallpass,Newsplendourcomeuntotheflower,newglorytothegrass。

Andwetwoloversshallnotsitafar,Criticsofnature,butthejoyousseaShallbeourraiment,andthebeardedstarShootarrowsatourpleasure!WeshallbePartofthemightyuniversalwhole,AndthroughallaeonsmixandminglewiththeKosmicSoul!