第3章

WeshallbenotesinthatgreatSymphonyWhosecadencecirclesthroughtherhythmicspheres,AndalltheliveWorld\'sthrobbingheartshallbeOnewithourheart;thestealthycreepingyearsHavelosttheirterrorsnow,weshallnotdie,TheUniverseitselfshallbeourImmortality。

Poem:Impression-LeReveillonTheskyislacedwithfitfulred,Thecirclingmistsandshadowsflee,Thedawnisrisingfromthesea,Likeawhiteladyfromherbed。

AndjaggedbrazenarrowsfallAthwartthefeathersofthenight,AndalongwaveofyellowlightBreakssilentlyontowerandhall,AndspreadingwideacrossthewoldWakesintoflightsomeflutteringbird,Andallthechestnuttopsarestirred,Andallthebranchesstreakedwithgold。

Poem:AtVeronaHowsteepthestairswithinKings\'housesareForexile-weariedfeetasminetotread,AndOhowsaltandbitteristhebreadWhichfallsfromthisHound\'stable,-betterfarThatIhaddiedintheredwaysofwar,OrthatthegateofFlorencebaremyhead,Thantolivethus,byallthingscomradedWhichseektheessenceofmysoultomar。

\'CurseGodanddie:whatbetterhopethanthis?

HehathforgottentheeinalltheblissOfhisgoldcity,andeternalday\'-

Naypeace:behindmyprison\'sblindedbarsIdopossesswhatnonecantakeawayMylove,andallthegloryofthestars。

Poem:ApologiaIsitthywillthatIshouldwaxandwane,Bartermyclothofgoldforhoddengrey,AndatthypleasureweavethatwebofpainWhosebrightestthreadsareeachawastedday?

Isitthywill-LovethatIlovesowell-

ThatmySoul\'sHouseshouldbeatorturedspotWherein,likeevilparamours,mustdwellThequenchlessflame,thewormthatdiethnot?

Nay,ifitbethywillIshallendure,Andsellambitionatthecommonmart,Andletdullfailurebemyvestiture,Andsorrowdigitsgravewithinmyheart。

Perchanceitmaybebetterso-atleastIhavenotmademyheartaheartofstone,Norstarvedmyboyhoodofitsgoodlyfeast,NorwalkedwhereBeautyisathingunknown。

Manyamanhathdoneso;soughttofenceInstraitenedbondsthesoulthatshouldbefree,Troddenthedustyroadofcommonsense,Whilealltheforestsangofliberty,NotmarkinghowthespottedhawkinflightPassedonwidepinionthroughtheloftyair,TowheresomesteepuntroddenmountainheightCaughtthelasttressesoftheSunGod\'shair。

Orhowthelittleflowerhetrodupon,Thedaisy,thatwhite-featheredshieldofgold,FollowedwithwistfuleyesthewanderingsunContentifonceitsleaveswereaureoled。

ButsurelyitissomethingtohavebeenThebestbelovedforalittlewhile,TohavewalkedhandinhandwithLove,andseenHispurplewingsflitonceacrossthysmile。

Ay!thoughthegorgedaspofpassionfeedOnmyboy\'sheart,yethaveIburstthebars,StoodfacetofacewithBeauty,knownindeedTheLovewhichmovestheSunandallthestars!

Poem:QuiaMultumAmaviDearHeart,IthinktheyoungimpassionedpriestWhenfirsthetakesfromoutthehiddenshrineHisGodimprisonedintheEucharist,Andeatsthebread,anddrinksthedreadfulwine,FeelsnotsuchawfulwonderasIfeltWhenfirstmysmitteneyesbeatfullonthee,AndallnightlongbeforethyfeetIkneltTillthouwertweariedofIdolatry。

Ah!hadstthoulikedmelessandlovedmemore,Throughallthosesummerdaysofjoyandrain,Ihadnotnowbeensorrow\'sheritor,OrstoodalackeyintheHouseofPain。

Yet,thoughremorse,youth\'swhite-facedseneschal,Treadonmyheelswithallhisretinue,IammostgladIlovedthee-thinkofallThesunsthatgotomakeonespeedwellblue!

Poem:SilentiumAmorisAsoften-timesthetooresplendentsunHurriesthepallidandreluctantmoonBacktohersombrecave,ereshehathwonAsingleballadfromthenightingale,SodoththyBeautymakemylipstofail,Andallmysweetestsingingoutoftune。

AndasatdawnacrossthelevelmeadOnwingsimpetuoussomewindwillcome,AndwithitstooharshkissesbreakthereedWhichwasitsonlyinstrumentofsong,Somytoostormypassionsworkmewrong,AndforexcessofLovemyLoveisdumb。

ButsurelyuntoTheemineeyesdidshowWhyIamsilent,andmyluteunstrung;

Elseitwerebetterweshouldpart,andgo,Thoutosomelipsofsweetermelody,AndItonursethebarrenmemoryOfunkissedkisses,andsongsneversung。

Poem:HerVoiceThewildbeereelsfromboughtoboughWithhisfurrycoatandhisgauzywing,Nowinalily-cup,andnowSettingajacinthbella-swing,Inhiswandering;

Sitcloserlove:itwashereItrowImadethatvow,SworethattwolivesshouldbelikeoneAslongasthesea-gulllovedthesea,Aslongasthesunflowersoughtthesun,-

Itshallbe,Isaid,foreternity\'Twixtyouandme!

Dearfriend,thosetimesareoveranddone;

Love\'swebisspun。

LookupwardwherethepoplartreesSwayandswayinthesummerair,HereinthevalleyneverabreezeScattersthethistledown,butthereGreatwindsblowfairFromthemightymurmuringmysticalseas,Andthewave-lashedleas。

Lookupwardwherethewhitegullscreams,Whatdoesitseethatwedonotsee?

Isthatastar?orthelampthatgleamsOnsomeoutwardvoyagingargosy,-

Ah!canitbeWehavelivedourlivesinalandofdreams!

Howsaditseems。

Sweet,thereisnothinglefttosayButthis,thatloveisneverlost,KeenwinterstabsthebreastsofMayWhosecrimsonrosesbursthisfrost,Shipstempest-tossedWillfindaharbourinsomebay,Andsowemay。

AndthereisnothinglefttodoButtokissonceagain,andpart,Nay,thereisnothingweshouldrue,Ihavemybeauty,-youyourArt,Nay,donotstart,OneworldwasnotenoughfortwoLikemeandyou。

Poem:MyVoiceWithinthisrestless,hurried,modernworldWetookourhearts\'fullpleasure-YouandI,Andnowthewhitesailsofourshiparefurled,Andspenttheladingofourargosy。

Whereforemycheeksbeforetheirtimearewan,Forveryweepingismygladnessfled,Sorrowhaspaledmyyoungmouth\'svermilion,AndRuindrawsthecurtainsofmybed。

ButallthiscrowdedlifehasbeentotheeNomorethanlyre,orlute,orsubtlespellOfviols,orthemusicoftheseaThatsleeps,amimicecho,intheshell。

Poem:TaediumVitaeTostabmyyouthwithdesperateknives,towearThispaltryage\'sgaudylivery,Toleteachbasehandfilchmytreasury,Tomeshmysoulwithinawoman\'shair,AndbemereFortune\'slackeyedgroom,-IswearIloveitnot!thesethingsarelesstomeThanthethinfoamthatfretsuponthesea,LessthanthethistledownofsummerairWhichhathnoseed:bettertostandaloofFarfromtheseslanderousfoolswhomockmylifeKnowingmenot,betterthelowliestroofFitforthemeanesthindtosojournin,ThantogobacktothathoarsecaveofstrifeWheremywhitesoulfirstkissedthemouthofsin。

Poem:HumanitadItisfullwinternow:thetreesarebare,SavewherethecattlehuddlefromthecoldBeneaththepine,foritdothneverwearTheautumn\'sgaudyliverywhosegoldHerjealousbrotherpilfers,butistrueTothegreendoublet;bitteristhewind,asthoughitblewFromSaturn\'scave;afewthinwispsofhayLieonthesharpblackhedges,wherethewainDraggedthesweetpillageofasummer\'sdayFromthelowmeadowsupthenarrowlane;

Uponthehalf-thawedsnowthebleatingsheepPresscloseagainstthehurdles,andtheshiveringhouse-dogscreepFromtheshutstabletothefrozenstreamAndbackagaindisconsolate,andmissThebawlingshepherdsandthenoisyteam;

AndoverheadincirclinglistlessnessThecawingrookswhirlroundthefrostedstack,Orcrowdthedrippingboughs;andinthefentheice-poolscrackWherethegauntbitternstalksamongthereedsAndflapshiswings,andstretchesbackhisneck,Andhootstoseethemoon;acrossthemeadsLimpsthepoorfrightenedhare,alittlespeck;

AndastrayseamewwithitsfretfulcryFlitslikeasuddendriftofsnowagainstthedullgreysky。

Fullwinter:andthelustygoodmanbringsHisloadoffaggotsfromthechillybyre,Andstampshisfeetuponthehearth,andflingsThesappybilletsonthewaningfire,AndlaughstoseethesuddenlighteningscareHischildrenattheirplay,andyet,-thespringisintheair;

Alreadytheslimcrocusstirsthesnow,AndsoonyonblanchedfieldswillbloomagainWithnoddingcowslipsforsomeladtomow,ForwiththefirstwarmkissesoftherainThewinter\'sicysorrowbreakstotears,Andthebrownthrushesmate,andwithbrighteyestherabbitpeersFromthedarkwarrenwherethefir-coneslie,Andtreadsonesnowdropunderfoot,andrunsOverthemossyknoll,andblackbirdsflyAcrossourpathatevening,andthesunsStaylongerwithus;ah!howgoodtoseeGrass-girdledspringinallherjoyoflaughinggreeneryDancethroughthehedgestilltheearlyrose,(Thatsweetrepentanceofthethornybriar!)

BurstfromitssheathedemeraldanddiscloseThelittlequiveringdiskofgoldenfireWhichthebeesknowsowell,forwithitcomePaleboy\'s-love,sops-in-wine,anddaffadilliesallinbloom。

Thenupanddownthefieldthesowergoes,WhileclosebehindthelaughingyounkerscaresWithshrillywhooptheblackandthievishcrows,Andthenthechestnut-treeitsglorywears,AndonthegrassthecreamyblossomfallsInodorousexcess,andfainthalf-whisperedmadrigalsStealfromthebluebells\'noddingcarillonsEachbreezymorn,andthenwhitejessamine,Thatstarofitsownheaven,snap-dragonsWithlollingcrimsontongues,andeglantineIndustyvelvetscladusurpthebedAndwoodlandempery,andwhenthelingeringrosehathshedRedleafbyleafitsfoldedpanoply,Andpansiesclosedtheirpurple-liddedeyes,ChrysanthemumsfromgildedargosyUnloadtheirgaudyscentlessmerchandise,AndvioletsgettingoverboldwithdrawFromtheirshynooks,andscarletberriesdottheleaflesshaw。

Ohappyfield!andOthricehappytree!

Soonwillyourqueenindaisy-floweredsmockAndcrownofflower-de-lucetripdownthelea,SoonwillthelazyshepherdsdrivetheirflockBacktothepasturebythepool,andsoonThroughthegreenleaveswillfloatthehumofmurmuringbeesatnoon。

Soonwillthegladebebrightwithbellamour,Theflowerwhichwantonslove,andthosesweetnunsVale-liliesintheirsnowyvestitureWilltelltheirbeadedpearls,andcarnationsWithmitredduskyleaveswillscentthewind,Andstragglingtraveller\'s-joyeachhedgewithyellowstarswillbind。

DearbrideofNatureandmostbounteousspring,Thatcanstgiveincreasetothesweet-breath\'dkine,Andtothekiditslittlehorns,andbringThesoftandsilkyblossomstothevine,WhereisthatoldnepenthewhichofyoreMangotfrompoppyrootandglossy-berriedmandragore!

TherewasatimewhenanycommonbirdCouldmakemesinginunison,atimeWhenallthestringsofboyishlifewerestirredToquickresponseormoremelodiousrhymeByeveryforestidyll;-doIchange?

Orratherdothsomeevilthingthroughthyfairpleasauncerange?

Nay,nay,thouartthesame:\'tisIwhoseekTovexwithsighsthysimplesolitude,AndbecausefruitlesstearsbedewmycheekWouldhavetheeweepwithmeinbrotherhood;

Fool!shalleachwrongedandrestlessspiritdareTotaintsuchwinewiththesaltpoisonofowndespair!

Thouartthesame:\'tisIwhosewretchedsoulTakesdiscontenttobeitsparamour,AndgivesitskingdomtotherudecontrolOfwhatshouldbeitsservitor,-forsureWisdomissomewhere,thoughthestormyseaContainitnot,andthehugedeepanswer\'\'Tisnotinme。\'

Toburnwithoneclearflame,tostanderectInnaturalhonour,nottobendthekneeInprofitlessprostrationswhoseeffectIsbyitselfcondemned,whatalchemyCanteachmethis?whatherbMedeabrewedWillbringtheunexultantpeaceofessencenotsubdued?

Theminorchordwhichendstheharmony,AndforitsansweringbrotherwaitsinvainSobbingforincompletedmelody,Diesaswan\'sdeath;butItheheirofpain,AsilentMemnonwithblanklidlesseyes,Waitforthelightandmusicofthosesunswhichneverrise。

Thequenched-outtorch,thelonelycypress-gloom,Thelittleduststoredinthenarrowurn,ThegentleXAIPEoftheAttictomb,-

WerenotthesebetterfarthantoreturnTomyoldfitfulrestlessmalady,Orspendmydayswithinthevoicelesscaveofmisery?

Nay!forperchancethatpoppy-crownedgodIslikethewatcherbyasickman\'sbedWhotalksofsleepbutgivesitnot;hisrodHathlostitsvirtue,and,whenallissaid,Deathistoorude,tooobviousakeyTosolveonesinglesecretinalife\'sphilosophy。

AndLove!thatnoblemadness,whoseaugustAndinextinguishablemightcanslayThesoulwithhoneyeddrugs,-alas!ImustFromsuchsweetruinplaytherunaway,AlthoughtooconstantmemorynevercanForgetthearchedsplendourofthosebrowsOlympianWhichforalittleseasonmademyyouthSosoftaswoonofexquisiteindolenceThatallthechidingofmoreprudentTruthSeemedthethinvoiceofjealousy,-OhenceThouhuntressdeadlierthanArtemis!

Goseeksomeotherquarry!forofthytooperilousbliss。

Mylipshavedrunkenough,-nomore,nomore,-

ThoughLovehimselfshouldturnhisgildedprowBacktothetroubledwatersofthisshoreWhereIamwreckedandstranded,evennowThechariotwheelsofpassionsweeptoonear,Hence!Hence!Ipassuntoalifemorebarren,moreaustere。

Morebarren-ay,thosearmswillneverleanDownthroughthetrellisedvinesanddrawmysoulInsweetreluctancethroughthetangledgreen;

Someotherheadmustwearthataureole,ForIamherswholovesnotanymanWhosewhiteandstainlessbosombearsthesignGorgonian。

LetVenusgoandchuckherdaintypage,Andkisshismouth,andtosshiscurlyhair,WithnetandspearandhuntingequipageLetyoungAdonistohistrystrepair,Butmeherfondandsubtle-fashionedspellDelightsnomore,thoughIcouldwinherdearestcitadel。

Ay,thoughIwerethatlaughingshepherdboyWhofromMountIdasawthelittlecloudPassoverTenedosandloftyTroyAndknewthecomingoftheQueen,andbowedInwonderatherfeet,notforthesakeOfanewHelenwouldIbidherhandtheappletake。

ThenrisesupremeAthenaargent-limbed!

And,ifmylipsbemusicless,inspireAtleastmylife:wasnotthygloryhymnedByOnewhogavetotheehisswordandlyreLikeAEschylosatwell-foughtMarathon,AnddiedtoshowthatMilton\'sEnglandstillcouldbearason!

AndyetIcannottreadthePorticoAndlivewithoutdesire,fearandpain,OrnurturethatwisecalmwhichlongagoThegraveAthenianmastertaughttomen,Self-poised,self-centred,andself-comforted,Towatchtheworld\'svainphantasiesgobywithunbowedhead。

Alas!thatserenebrow,thoseeloquentlips,Thoseeyesthatmirroredalleternity,RestintheirownColonos,aneclipseHathcomeonWisdom,andMnemosyneIschildless;inthenightwhichshehadmadeForloftysecureflightAthena\'sowlitselfhathstrayed。

NormuchwithSciencedoIcaretoclimb,AlthoughbystrangeandsubtlewitcheryShedrewthemoonfromheaven:theMuseTimeUnrollshergorgeous-colouredtapestryTonolesseagereyes;oftenindeedInthegreatepicofPolymnia\'sscrollIlovetoreadHowAsiasenthermyriadhoststowarAgainstalittletown,andpanopliedIngildedmailwithjewelledscimitar,White-shielded,purple-crested,rodetheMedeBetweenthewavingpoplarsandtheseaWhichmencallArtemisium,tillhesawThermopylaeItssteepravinespannedbyanarrowwall,AndonthenearersidealittlebroodOfcarelesslionsholdingfestival!

Andstoodamazedatsuchhardihood,Andpitchedhistentuponthereedyshore,Andstayedtwodaystowonder,andthencreptatmidnighto\'erSomeunfrequentedheight,andcomingdownTheautumnforeststreacherouslyslewWhatSpartaheldmostdearandwasthecrownOffarEurotas,andpassedon,norknewHowGodhadstakedanevilnetforhimInthesmallbayatSalamis,-andyet,thepagegrowsdim,ItscadencedGreekdelightsmenot,IfeelWithsuchagoodlytimetoooutoftuneToloveitmuch:forliketheDial\'swheelThatfromitsblindeddarknessstrikesthenoonYetneverseesthesun,sodomyeyesRestlesslyfollowthatwhichfrommycheatedvisionflies。

OforonegrandunselfishsimplelifeToteachuswhatisWisdom!speakyehillsOfloneHelvellyn,forthisnoteofstrifeShunnedyouruntroubledcragsandcrystalrills,WhereisthatSpiritwhichlivingblamelesslyYetdaredtokissthesmittenmouthofhisowncentury!

SpeakyeRydalianlaurels!whereisheWhosegentleheadyesheltered,thatpuresoulWhosegraciousdaysofuncrownedmajestyThroughlowliestconducttouchedtheloftygoalWhereloveanddutymingle!HimatleastThemosthighLawsweregladof,hehadsatatWisdom\'sfeast;

ButweareLearning\'schangelings,knowbyroteTheclarionwatchwordofeachGrecianschoolAndfollownone,theflawlessswordwhichsmoteThepaganHydraisaneffetetoolWhichweourselveshaveblunted,whatmannowShallscaletheaugustancientheightsandtooldReverencebow?

OnesuchindeedIsaw,but,Ichabod!

GoneisthatlastdearsonofItaly,WhobeingmandiedforthesakeofGod,Andwhoseunrisenbonessleeppeacefully,Oguardhim,guardhimwell,myGiotto\'stower,Thoumarblelilyofthelilytown!letnotthelourOftherudetempestvexhisslumber,orTheArnowithitstawnytroubledgoldO\'er-leapitsmarge,nomightierconquerorClombthehighCapitolinthedaysofoldWhenRomewasindeedRome,forLibertyWalkedlikeabridebesidehim,atwhichsightpaleMysteryFledshriekingtoherfarthestsombrestcellWithanoldmanwhograbbledrustykeys,Fledshuddering,forthatimmemorialknellWithwhichoblivionburiesdynastiesSweptlikeawoundedeagleontheblast,AstotheholyheartofRomethegreattriumvirpassed。

HeknewtheholiestheartandheightsofRome,Hedravethebasewolffromthelion\'slair,AndnowliesdeadbythatempyrealdomeWhichovertopsValdarnohunginairByBrunelleschi-OMelpomeneBreathethroughthymelancholypipethysweetestthrenody!

BreathethroughthetragicstopssuchmelodiesThatJoy\'sselfmaygrowjealous,andtheNineForgetawhiletheirdiscreetemperies,MourningforhimwhoonRome\'slordliestshrineLitformen\'slivesthelightofMarathon,Andbaretosun-forgottenfieldsthefireofthesun!

Oguardhim,guardhimwell,myGiotto\'stower!

LetsomeyoungFlorentineeacheventideBringcoronalsofthatenchantedflowerWhichthedimwoodsofVallombrosahide,AnddeckthemarbletombwhereinheliesWhosesoulisassomemightyorbunseenofmortaleyes;

Somemightyorbwhosecycledwanderings,Beingtempest-driventothefarthestrimWhereChaosmeetsCreationandthewingsOftheeternalchantingCherubimArepavilionedonNothing,passedawayIntoamoonlessvoid,-andyet,thoughheisdustandclay,Heisnotdead,theimmemorialFatesForbidit,andtheclosingshearsrefrain。

Liftupyourheadsyeeverlastinggates!

Yeargentclarions,soundaloftierstrainForthevilethinghehatedlurkswithinItssombrehouse,alonewithGodandmemoriesofsin。

StillwhatavailsitthatshesoughthercaveThatmurderousmotherofredharlotries?

AtMunichonthemarblearchitraveTheGrecianboysdiesmiling,buttheseasWhichwashAEginafretinlonelinessNotmirroringtheirbeauty;soourlivesgrowcolourlessForlackofourideals,ifonestarFlametorch-likeintheheavenstheunjustSwiftdaylightkillsit,andnotrumpofwarCanwaketopassionatevoicethesilentdustWhichwasMazzinionce!richNiobeForallherstonysorrowshathhersons;butItaly,WhatEasterDayshallmakeherchildrenrise,WhowerenotGodsyetsuffered?whatsurefeetShallfindtheirgrave-clothesfolded?whatcleareyesShallseethembodily?OitweremeetTorollthestonefromoffthesepulchreAndkissthebleedingrosesoftheirwounds,inloveofher,OurItaly!ourmothervisible!

Mostblessedamongnationsandmostsad,ForwhosedearsaketheyoungCalabrianfellThatdayatAspromonteandwasgladThatinanagewhenGodwasboughtandsoldOnemancoulddieforLiberty!butwe,burntoutandcold,SeeHonoursmittenonthecheekandgyvesBindthesweetfeetofMercy:PovertyCreepsthroughoursunlesslanesandwithsharpknivesCutsthewarmthroatsofchildrenstealthily,Andnowordsaid:-OwearewretchedmenUnworthyofourgreatinheritance!whereisthepenOfaustereMilton?wherethemightyswordWhichslewitsmasterrighteously?theyearsHavelosttheirancientleader,andnowordBreaksfromthevoicelesstripodonourears:

WhileasaruinedmotherinsomespasmBearsabasechildandloathesit,soourbestenthusiasmGendersunlawfulchildren,AnarchyFreedom\'sownJudas,thevileprodigalLicencewhostealsthegoldofLibertyAndyethasnothing,IgnorancetherealOneFraticidesinceCain,EnvytheaspThatstingsitselftoanguish,AvaricewhosepalsiedgraspIsinitsextentstiffened,moneyedGreedForwhosedullappetitemenwasteawayAmidthewhirrofwheelsandaretheseedOfthingswhichslaytheirsower,theseeachdaySeesrifeinEngland,andthegentlefeetOfBeautytreadnomorethestonesofeachunlovelystreet。

WhatevenCromwellsparedisdesecratedByweedandworm,lefttothestormyplayOfwindandbeatingsnow,orrenovatedBymoredestructfulhands:Time\'sworstdecayWillwreatheitsruinswithsomeloveliness,ButthesenewVandalscanbutmakearain-proofbarrenness。

WhereisthatArtwhichbadetheAngelssingThroughLincoln\'sloftychoir,tilltheairSeemsfromsuchmarbleharmoniestoringWithsweetersongthancommonlipscandareTodrawfromactualreed?ah!whereisnowThecunninghandwhichmadethefloweringhawthornbranchesbowForSouthwell\'sarch,andcarvedtheHouseofOneWholovedtheliliesofthefieldwithallOurdearestEnglishflowers?thesamesunRisesforus:theseasonsnaturalWeavethesametapestryofgreenandgrey:

Theunchangedhillsarewithus:butthatSpirithathpassedaway。

Andyetperchanceitmaybebetterso,ForTyrannyisanincestuousQueen,Murderherbrotherisherbedfellow,AndthePlaguechamberswithher:inobsceneAndbloodypathshertreacherousfeetareset;

Bettertheemptydesertandasoulinviolate!

Forgentlebrotherhood,theharmonyOflivinginthehealthfulair,theswiftCleanbeautyofstronglimbswhenmenarefreeAndwomenchaste,thesearethethingswhichliftOursoulsupmorethanevenAgnolo\'sGauntblindedSibylporingo\'erthescrollofhumanwoes,OrTitian\'slittlemaidenonthestairWhiteasherownsweetlilyandastall,OrMonaLisasmilingthroughherhair,-

Ah!somehowlifeisbiggerafterallThananypaintedangel,couldweseeTheGodthatiswithinus!TheoldGreekserenityWhichcurbsthepassionofthatlevellineOfmarbleyouths,whowithuntroubledeyesAndchastenedlimbsrideroundAthena\'sshrineAndmirrorherdivineeconomies,AndbalancedsymmetryofwhatinmanWouldelsewageceaselesswarfare,-thisatleastwithinthespanBetweenourmother\'skissesandthegraveMightsoinformourlives,thatwecouldwinSuchmightyempiresthatfromhercaveTemptationwouldgrowhoarse,andpallidSinWouldwalkashamedofhisadulteries,AndPassioncreepfromouttheHouseofLustwithstartledeyes。

TomakethebodyandthespiritoneWithallrightthings,tillnothingliveinvainFrommorntonoon,butinsweetunisonWitheverypulseoffleshandthrobofbrainThesoulinflawlessessencehighenthroned,Againstalloutervainattackinvinciblybastioned,MarkwithsereneimpartialityThestrifeofthings,andyetbecomforted,KnowingthatbythechaincausalityAllseparateexistencesarewedIntoonesupremewhole,whoseutteranceIsjoy,orholierpraise!ah!surelythisweregovernanceOfLifeinmostaugustomnipresence,ThroughwhichtherationalintellectwouldfindInpassionitsexpression,andmeresense,Ignobleelse,lendfiretothemind,AndbeingjoinedwithitinharmonyMoremysticalthanthatwhichbindsthestarsplanetary,StrikefromtheirseveraltonesoneoctavechordWhosecadencebeingmeasurelesswouldflyThroughallthecirclingspheres,thentoitsLordReturnrefreshedwithitsnewemperyAndmoreexultantpower,-thisindeedCouldwebutreachitweretofindthelast,theperfectcreed。

Ah!itwaseasywhentheworldwasyoungTokeepone\'slifefreeandinviolate,Fromoursadlipsanothersongisrung,Byourownhandsourheadsaredesecrate,Wanderersindrearexile,anddispossessedOfwhatshouldbeourown,wecanbutfeedonwildunrest。

Somehowthegrace,thebloomofthingshasflown,AndofallmenwearemostwretchedwhoMustliveeachother\'slivesandnotourownForverypity\'ssakeandthenundoAllthatwelivedfor-itwasotherwiseWhensoulandbodyseemedtoblendinmysticsymphonies。

ButwehaveleftthosegentlehauntstopassWithwearyfeettothenewCalvary,Wherewebehold,asonewhoinaglassSeeshisownface,self-slainHumanity,AndinthedumbreproachofthatsadgazeLearnwhatanawfulphantomtheredhandofmancanraise。

Osmittenmouth!Oforeheadcrownedwiththorn!

Ochaliceofallcommonmiseries!

ThouforoursakesthatlovedtheenothastborneAnagonyofendlesscenturies,AndwewerevainandignorantnorknewThatwhenwestabbedthyheartitwasourownrealheartsweslew。

Beingourselvesthesowersandtheseeds,Thenightthatcoversandthelightsthatfade,Thespearthatpiercesandthesidethatbleeds,Thelipsbetrayingandthelifebetrayed;

Thedeephathcalm:themoonhathrest:butweLordsofthenaturalworldareyetourowndreadenemy。

IsthistheendofallthatprimalforceWhich,initschangesbeingstillthesame,FromeyelessChaoscleftitsupwardcourse,Throughravenousseasandwhirlingrocksandflame,TillthesunsmetinheavenandbeganTheircycles,andthemorningstarssang,andtheWordwasMan!

Nay,nay,wearebutcrucified,andthoughThebloodysweatfallsfromourbrowslikerainLoosenthenails-weshallcomedownIknow,Staunchtheredwounds-weshallbewholeagain,Noneedhaveweofhyssop-ladenrod,Thatwhichispurelyhuman,thatisgodlike,thatisGod。

Poem:[GreekTitle]

Sweet,Iblameyounot,forminethefaultwas,hadInotbeenmadeofcommonclayIhadclimbedthehigherheightsunclimbedyet,seenthefullerair,thelargerday。

FromthewildnessofmywastedpassionIhadstruckabetter,clearersong,Litsomelighterlightoffreerfreedom,battledwithsomeHydra-headedwrong。

Hadmylipsbeensmittenintomusicbythekissesthatbutmadethembleed,YouhadwalkedwithBiceandtheangelsonthatverdantandenamelledmead。

IhadtrodtheroadwhichDantetreadingsawthesunsofsevencirclesshine,Ay!perchancehadseentheheavensopening,astheyopenedtotheFlorentine。

Andthemightynationswouldhavecrownedme,whoamcrownlessnowandwithoutname,AndsomeorientdawnhadfoundmekneelingonthethresholdoftheHouseofFame。

Ihadsatwithinthatmarblecirclewheretheoldestbardisastheyoung,Andthepipeiseverdroppinghoney,andthelyre\'sstringsareeverstrung。

Keatshadlifteduphishymenealcurlsfromoutthepoppy-seededwine,Withambrosialmouthhadkissedmyforehead,claspedthehandofnobleloveinmine。

Andatspringtide,whentheapple-blossomsbrushtheburnishedbosomofthedove,Twoyoungloverslyinginanorchardwouldhavereadthestoryofourlove。

Wouldhavereadthelegendofmypassion,knownthebittersecretofmyheart,Kissedaswehavekissed,butneverpartedaswetwoarefatednowtopart。

Forthecrimsonflowerofourlifeiseatenbythecankerwormoftruth,Andnohandcangatherupthefallenwitheredpetalsoftheroseofyouth。

YetIamnotsorrythatIlovedyou-ah!whatelsehadIaboytodo,-

Forthehungryteethoftimedevour,andthesilent-footedyearspursue。

Rudderless,wedriftathwartatempest,andwhenoncethestormofyouthispast,Withoutlyre,withoutluteorchorus,Deaththesilentpilotcomesatlast。

Andwithinthegravethereisnopleasure,fortheblindwormbattensontheroot,AndDesireshuddersintoashes,andthetreeofPassionbearsnofruit。

Ah!whatelsehadItodobutloveyou,God\'sownmotherwaslessdeartome,AndlessdeartheCytheraeanrisinglikeanargentlilyfromthesea。

Ihavemademychoice,havelivedmypoems,and,thoughyouthisgoneinwasteddays,Ihavefoundthelover\'scrownofmyrtlebetterthanthepoet\'scrownofbays。

Poem:FromSpringDaysToWinter(ForMusic)

Inthegladspringtimewhenleavesweregreen,Omerrilythethrostlesings!

Isought,amidthetangledsheen,Lovewhommineeyeshadneverseen,Othegladdovehasgoldenwings!

Betweentheblossomsredandwhite,Omerrilythethrostlesings!

Mylovefirstcameintomysight,Operfectvisionofdelight,Othegladdovehasgoldenwings!

Theyellowapplesglowedlikefire,Omerrilythethrostlesings!

OLovetoogreatforliporlyre,Blownroseofloveandofdesire,Othegladdovehasgoldenwings!

Butnowwithsnowthetreeisgrey,Ah,sadlynowthethrostlesings!

Myloveisdead:ah!well-a-day,SeeathersilentfeetIlayAdovewithbrokenwings!

Ah,Love!ah,Love!thatthouwertslain-

FondDove,fondDovereturnagain!

Poem:Tristitiae[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced]

OwellforhimwholivesateaseWithgarneredgoldinwidedomain,Norheedsthesplashingoftherain,Thecrashingdownofforesttrees。

Owellforhimwhone\'erhathknownThetravailofthehungryyears,Afathergreywithgriefandtears,Amotherweepingallalone。

ButwellforhimwhosefoothathtrodThewearyroadoftoilandstrife,Yetfromthesorrowsofhislife。

BuildsladderstobenearerGod。

Poem:TheTrueKnowledge[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced]

Thouknowestall;IseekinvainWhatlandstotillorsowwithseed-

Thelandisblackwithbriarandweed,Norcaresforfallingtearsorrain。

Thouknowestall;IsitandwaitWithblindedeyesandhandsthatfail,TillthelastliftingoftheveilAndthefirstopeningofthegate。

Thouknowestall;Icannotsee。

ItrustIshallnotliveinvain,IknowthatweshallmeetagainInsomedivineeternity。

Poem:LeJardinThelily\'switheredchalicefallsArounditsrodofdustygold,Andfromthebeech-treesonthewoldThelastwood-pigeoncoosandcalls。

ThegaudyleoninesunflowerHangsblackandbarrenonitsstalk,AnddownthewindygardenwalkThedeadleavesscatter,-hourbyhour。

Paleprivet-petalswhiteasmilkAreblownintoasnowymass:

TheroseslieuponthegrassLikelittleshredsofcrimsonsilk。

Poem:LaMerAwhitemistdriftsacrosstheshrouds,AwildmooninthiswintryskyGleamslikeanangrylion\'seyeOutofamaneoftawnyclouds。

ThemuffledsteersmanatthewheelIsbutashadowinthegloom;-

Andinthethrobbingengine-roomLeapthelongrodsofpolishedsteel。

TheshatteredstormhasleftitstraceUponthishugeandheavingdome,ForthethinthreadsofyellowfoamFloatonthewaveslikeravelledlace。

Poem:UnderTheBalconyObeautifulstarwiththecrimsonmouth!

Omoonwiththebrowsofgold!

Riseup,riseup,fromtheodoroussouth!

Andlightformyloveherway,LestherlittlefeetshouldstrayOnthewindyhillandthewold!

Obeautifulstarwiththecrimsonmouth!

Omoonwiththebrowsofgold!

Oshipthatshakesonthedesolatesea!

Oshipwiththewet,whitesail!

Putin,putin,totheporttome!

FormyloveandIwouldgoTothelandwherethedaffodilsblowIntheheartofavioletdale!

Oshipthatshakesonthedesolatesea!

Oshipwiththewet,whitesail!

Orapturousbirdwiththelow,sweetnote!

Obirdthatsitsonthespray!

Singon,singon,fromyoursoftbrownthroat!

AndmyloveinherlittlebedWilllisten,andliftherheadFromthepillow,andcomemyway!

Orapturousbirdwiththelow,sweetnote!

Obirdthatsitsonthespray!

Oblossomthathangsinthetremulousair!

Oblossomwithlipsofsnow!

Comedown,comedown,formylovetowear!

Youwilldieonherheadinacrown,Youwilldieinafoldofhergown,Toherlittlelightheartyouwillgo!

Oblossomthathangsinthetremulousair!

Oblossomwithlipsofsnow!

Poem:TheHarlot\'sHouseWecaughtthetreadofdancingfeet,Weloitereddownthemoonlitstreet,Andstoppedbeneaththeharlot\'shouse。

Inside,abovethedinandfray,WeheardtheloudmusiciansplayThe\'TreuesLiebesHerz\'ofStrauss。

Likestrangemechanicalgrotesques,Makingfantasticarabesques,Theshadowsracedacrosstheblind。

WewatchedtheghostlydancersspinTosoundofhornandviolin,Likeblackleaveswheelinginthewind。

Likewire-pulledautomatons,SlimsilhouettedskeletonsWentsidlingthroughtheslowquadrille,Thentookeachotherbythehand,Anddancedastatelysaraband;

Theirlaughterechoedthinandshrill。

SometimesaclockworkpuppetpressedAphantomlovertoherbreast,Sometimestheyseemedtotrytosing。

SometimesahorriblemarionetteCameout,andsmokeditscigaretteUponthestepslikealivething。

Then,turningtomylove,Isaid,\'Thedeadaredancingwiththedead,Thedustiswhirlingwiththedust。\'

Butshe-sheheardtheviolin,Andleftmyside,andenteredin:

Lovepassedintothehouseoflust。

Thensuddenlythetunewentfalse,Thedancersweariedofthewaltz,Theshadowsceasedtowheelandwhirl。

Anddownthelongandsilentstreet,Thedawn,withsilver-sandalledfeet,Creptlikeafrightenedgirl。

Poem:LeJardinDesTuileriesThiswinterairiskeenandcold,Andkeenandcoldthiswintersun,ButroundmychairthechildrenrunLikelittlethingsofdancinggold。

SometimesaboutthepaintedkioskThemimicsoldiersstrutandstride,Sometimestheblue-eyedbrigandshideInthebleaktanglesofthebosk。

Andsometimes,whiletheoldnurseconsHerbook,theystealacrossthesquare,AndlaunchtheirpapernavieswhereHugeTritonwrithesingreenishbronze。

Andnowinmimicflighttheyflee,Andnowtheyrush,aboisterousband-

And,tinyhandontinyhand,Climbuptheblackandleaflesstree。

Ah!crueltree!ifIwereyou,Andchildrenclimbedme,fortheirsakeThoughitbewinterIwouldbreakIntospringblossomswhiteandblue!

Poem:OnTheSaleByAuctionOfKeats\'LoveLettersThesearetheletterswhichEndymionwroteToonehelovedinsecret,andapart。

AndnowthebrawlersoftheauctionmartBargainandbidforeachpoorblottednote,Ay!foreachseparatepulseofpassionquoteThemerchant\'sprice。IthinktheylovenotartWhobreakthecrystalofapoet\'sheartThatsmallandsicklyeyesmayglareandgloat。

Isitnotsaidthatmanyyearsago,InafarEasterntown,somesoldiersranWithtorchesthroughthemidnight,andbeganTowrangleformeanraiment,andtothrowDiceforthegarmentsofawretchedman,NotknowingtheGod\'swonder,orHiswoe?

Poem:TheNewRemorseThesinwasmine;Ididnotunderstand。

Sonowismusicprisonedinhercave,SavewheresomeebbingdesultorywaveFretswithitsrestlesswhirlsthismeagrestrand。

AndinthewitheredhollowofthislandHathSummerdugherselfsodeepagrave,ThathardlycantheleadenwillowcraveOnesilverblossomfromkeenWinter\'shand。

Butwhoisthiswhocomethbytheshore?

(Nay,love,lookupandwonder!)WhoisthisWhocomethindyedgarmentsfromtheSouth?

Itisthynew-foundLord,andheshallkissTheyetunravishedrosesofthymouth,AndIshallweepandworship,asbefore。

Poem:LePanneauUndertherose-tree\'sdancingshadeTherestandsalittleivorygirl,PullingtheleavesofpinkandpearlWithpalegreennailsofpolishedjade。

Theredleavesfalluponthemould,Thewhiteleavesflutter,onebyone,Downtoabluebowlwherethesun,Likeagreatdragon,writhesingold。

Thewhiteleavesfloatupontheair,Theredleavesflutteridlydown,Somefalluponheryellowgown,Andsomeuponherravenhair。

Shetakesanamberluteandsings,AndasshesingsasilvercraneBeginshisscarletnecktostrain,Andflaphisburnishedmetalwings。

Shetakesaluteofamberbright,AndfromthethicketwhereheliesHerlover,withhisalmondeyes,Watcheshermovementsindelight。

Andnowshegivesacryoffear,Andtinytearsbegintostart:

AthornhaswoundedwithitsdartThepink-veinedsea-shellofherear。

Andnowshelaughsamerrynote:

TherehasfallenapetaloftheroseJustwheretheyellowsatinshowsTheblue-veinedflowerofherthroat。

Withpalegreennailsofpolishedjade,Pullingtheleavesofpinkandpearl,TherestandsalittleivorygirlUndertherose-tree\'sdancingshade。

Poem:LesBallonsAgainsttheseturbidturquoiseskiesThelightandluminousballoonsDipanddriftlikesatinmoons,Driftlikesilkenbutterflies;

Reelwitheverywindygust,Riseandreellikedancinggirls,Floatlikestrangetransparentpearls,Fallandfloatlikesilverdust。

Nowtothelowleavestheycling,Eachwithcoyfantasticpose,EachapetalofaroseStrainingatagossamerstring。

Thentothetalltreestheyclimb,Likethinglobesofamethyst,WanderingopalskeepingtrystWiththerubiesofthelime。

Poem:CanzonetIhavenostoreOfgryphon-guardedgold;

Now,asbefore,Bareistheshepherd\'sfold。

RubiesnorpearlsHaveItogemthythroat;

YetwoodlandgirlsHavelovedtheshepherd\'snote。

ThenpluckareedAndbidmesingtothee,ForIwouldfeedThineearswithmelody,WhoartmorefairThanfairestfleur-de-lys,MoresweetandrareThansweetestambergris。

Whatdostthoufear?

YoungHyacinthisslain,Panisnothere,Andwillnotcomeagain。

NohornedFaunTreadsdowntheyellowleas,NoGodatdawnStealsthroughtheolivetrees。

Hylasisdead,Norwillhee\'erdivineThoselittleredRose-petalledlipsofthine。

OnthehighhillNoivorydryadsplay,SilverandstillSinksthesadautumnday。

Poem:SymphonyInYellowAnomnibusacrossthebridgeCrawlslikeayellowbutterfly,And,hereandthere,apasser-byShowslikealittlerestlessmidge。

BigbargesfullofyellowhayAremooredagainsttheshadowywharf,And,likeayellowsilkenscarf,Thethickfoghangsalongthequay。

TheyellowleavesbegintofadeAndflutterfromtheTempleelms,AndatmyfeetthepalegreenThamesLieslikearodofrippledjade。

Poem:InTheForestOutofthemid-wood\'stwilightIntothemeadow\'sdawn,Ivorylimbedandbrown-eyed,FlashesmyFaun!

Heskipsthroughthecopsessinging,Andhisshadowdancesalong,AndIknownotwhichIshouldfollow,Shadoworsong!

OHunter,snaremehisshadow!

ONightingale,catchmehisstrain!

ElsemoonstruckwithmusicandmadnessItrackhiminvain!

Poem:ToMyWife-WithACopyOfMyPoemsIcanwritenostatelyproemAsapreludetomylay;

FromapoettoapoemIwoulddaretosay。

ForifofthesefallenpetalsOnetoyouseemfair,LovewillwaftittillitsettlesOnyourhair。

AndwhenwindandwinterhardenAllthelovelessland,Itwillwhisperofthegarden,Youwillunderstand。

Poem:WithACopyOf\'AHouseOfPomegranates\'

Go,littlebook,Tohimwho,onalutewithhornsofpearl,SangofthewhitefeetoftheGoldenGirl:

AndbidhimlookIntothypages:itmayhapthatheMayfindthatgoldenmaidensdancethroughthee。

Poem:RosesAndRue(ToL。L。)

Couldwedigupthislong-buriedtreasure,Wereitworththepleasure,Wenevercouldlearnlove\'ssong,Wearepartedtoolong。

CouldthepassionatepastthatisfledCallbackitsdead,Couldweliveitalloveragain,Wereitworththepain!

IrememberweusedtomeetByaniviedseat,AndyouwarbledeachprettywordWiththeairofabird;

Andyourvoicehadaquaverinit,Justlikealinnet,Andshook,astheblackbird\'sthroatWithitslastbignote;

Andyoureyes,theyweregreenandgreyLikeanAprilday,ButlitintoamethystWhenIstoopedandkissed;

Andyourmouth,itwouldneversmileForalong,longwhile,ThenitrippledalloverwithlaughterFiveminutesafter。

Youwerealwaysafraidofashower,Justlikeaflower:

IrememberyoustartedandranWhentherainbegan。

IrememberInevercouldcatchyou,Fornoonecouldmatchyou,Youhadwonderful,luminous,fleet,Littlewingstoyourfeet。

Irememberyourhair-didItieit?

Foritalwaysranriot-

Likeatangledsunbeamofgold:

Thesethingsareold。

Iremembersowelltheroom,AndthelilacbloomThatbeatatthedrippingpaneInthewarmJunerain;

Andthecolourofyourgown,Itwasamber-brown,AndtwoyellowsatinbowsFromyourshouldersrose。

AndthehandkerchiefofFrenchlaceWhichyouheldtoyourface-

Hadasmalltearleftastain?

Orwasittherain?

OnyourhandasitwavedadieuTherewereveinsofblue;

Inyourvoiceasitsaidgood-byeWasapetulantcry,\'Youhaveonlywastedyourlife。\'

(Ah,thatwastheknife!)

WhenIrushedthroughthegardengateItwasalltoolate。

Couldweliveitoveragain,Wereitworththepain,CouldthepassionatepastthatisfledCallbackitsdead!

Well,ifmyheartmustbreak,Dearlove,foryoursake,Itwillbreakinmusic,Iknow,Poets\'heartsbreakso。

ButstrangethatIwasnottoldThatthebraincanholdInatinyivorycellGod\'sheavenandhell。

Poem:DesespoirTheseasonssendtheirruinastheygo,ForinthespringthenarcissshowsitsheadNorwitherstilltherosehasflamedtored,Andintheautumnpurplevioletsblow,Andtheslimcrocusstirsthewintersnow;

WhereforeyonleaflesstreeswillbloomagainAndthisgreylandgrowgreenwithsummerrainAndsendupcowslipsforsomeboytomow。

ButwhatoflifewhosebitterhungryseaFlowsatourheels,andgloomofsunlessnightCoversthedayswhichnevermorereturn?

Ambition,loveandallthethoughtsthatburnWelosetoosoon,andonlyfinddelightInwitheredhusksofsomedeadmemory。

Poem:Pan-DoubleVillanelleI

Ogoat-footGodofArcady!

Thismodernworldisgreyandold,Andwhatremainstousofthee?

NomoretheshepherdladsingleeThrowapplesatthywattledfold,Ogoat-footGodofArcady!

NorthroughthelaurelscanoneseeThysoftbrownlimbs,thybeardofgold,Andwhatremainstousofthee?

AnddullanddeadourThameswouldbe,Forherethewindsarechillandcold,Ogoat-footGodofArcady!

ThenkeepthetombofHelice,Thineolive-woods,thyvine-cladwold,Andwhatremainstousofthee?

ThoughmanyanunsungelegySleepsinthereedsourrivershold,Ogoat-footGodofArcady!

Ah,whatremainstousofthee?

II

Ah,leavethehillsofArcady,Thysatyrsandtheirwantonplay,Thismodernworldhathneedofthee。

NonymphorFaunindeedhavewe,ForFaunandnymphareoldandgrey,Ah,leavethehillsofArcady!

ThisisthelandwherelibertyLitgrave-browedMiltononhisway,Thismodernworldhathneedofthee!

AlandofancientchivalryWheregentleSidneysawtheday,Ah,leavethehillsofArcady!

Thisfiercesea-lionofthesea,ThisEnglandlackssomestrongerlay,Thismodernworldhathneedofthee!

Thenblowsometrumpetloudandfree,Andgivethineoatenpipeaway,Ah,leavethehillsofArcady!

Thismodernworldhathneedofthee!

Poem:TheSphinx(ToMarcelSchwobinfriendshipandinadmiration)

InadimcornerofmyroomforlongerthanmyfancythinksAbeautifulandsilentSphinxhaswatchedmethroughtheshiftinggloom。

InviolateandimmobileshedoesnotriseshedoesnotstirForsilvermoonsarenaughttoherandnaughttoherthesunsthatreel。

Redfollowsgreyacrosstheair,thewavesofmoonlightebbandflowButwiththeDawnshedoesnotgoandinthenight-timesheisthere。

DawnfollowsDawnandNightsgrowoldandallthewhilethiscuriouscatLiescouchingontheChinesematwitheyesofsatinrimmedwithgold。

UponthematsheliesandleersandonthetawnythroatofherFluttersthesoftandsilkyfurorripplestoherpointedears。

Comeforth,mylovelyseneschal!sosomnolent,sostatuesque!

Comeforthyouexquisitegrotesque!halfwomanandhalfanimal!

ComeforthmylovelylanguorousSphinx!andputyourheaduponmyknee!

AndletmestrokeyourthroatandseeyourbodyspottedliketheLynx!

AndletmetouchthosecurvingclawsofyellowivoryandgraspThetailthatlikeamonstrousAspcoilsroundyourheavyvelvetpaws!

AthousandwearycenturiesarethinewhileIhavehardlyseenSometwentysummerscasttheirgreenforAutumn\'sgaudyliveries。

ButyoucanreadtheHieroglyphsonthegreatsandstoneobelisks,AndyouhavetalkedwithBasilisks,andyouhavelookedonHippogriffs。

Otellme,wereyoustandingbywhenIsistoOsirisknelt?

AnddidyouwatchtheEgyptianmeltherunionforAntonyAnddrinkthejewel-drunkenwineandbendherheadinmimicaweToseethehugeproconsuldrawthesaltedtunnyfromthebrine?

AnddidyoumarktheCypriankisswhiteAdononhiscatafalque?

AnddidyoufollowAmenalk,theGodofHeliopolis?

AnddidyoutalkwithThoth,anddidyouhearthemoon-hornedIoweep?

Andknowthepaintedkingswhosleepbeneaththewedge-shapedPyramid?

Liftupyourlargeblacksatineyeswhicharelikecushionswhereonesinks!

Fawnatmyfeet,fantasticSphinx!andsingmeallyourmemories!

SingtomeoftheJewishmaidwhowanderedwiththeHolyChild,Andhowyouledthemthroughthewild,andhowtheysleptbeneathyourshade。

SingtomeofthatodorousgreenevewhencrouchingbythemargeYouheardfromAdrian\'sgildedbargethelaughterofAntinousAndlappedthestreamandfedyourdrouthandwatchedwithhotandhungrystareTheivorybodyofthatrareyoungslavewithhispomegranatemouth!

SingtomeoftheLabyrinthinwhichthetwi-

formedbullwasstalled!

Singtomeofthenightyoucrawledacrossthetemple\'sgraniteplinthWhenthroughthepurplecorridorsthescreamingscarletIbisflewInterror,andahorriddewdrippedfromthemoaningMandragores,Andthegreattorpidcrocodilewithinthetankshedslimytears,AndtarethejewelsfromhisearsandstaggeredbackintotheNile,AndthepriestscursedyouwithshrillpsalmsasinyourclawsyouseizedtheirsnakeAndcreptawaywithittoslakeyourpassionbytheshudderingpalms。

Whowereyourlovers?whoweretheywhowrestledforyouinthedust?

WhichwasthevesselofyourLust?WhatLemanhadyou,everyday?

DidgiantLizardscomeandcrouchbeforeyouonthereedybanks?

DidGryphonswithgreatmetalflanksleaponyouinyourtrampledcouch?

Didmonstroushippopotamicomesidlingtowardyouinthemist?

Didgilt-scaleddragonswritheandtwistwithpassionasyoupassedthemby?

Andfromthebrick-builtLyciantombwhathorribleChimeracameWithfearfulheadsandfearfulflametobreednewwondersfromyourwomb?

OrhadyoushamefulsecretquestsanddidyouharrytoyourhomeSomeNereidcoiledinamberfoamwithcuriousrockcrystalbreasts?

OrdidyoutreadingthroughthefrothcalltothebrownSidonianFortidingsofLeviathan,LeviathanorBehemoth?

Ordidyouwhenthesunwassetclimbupthecactus-coveredslopeTomeetyourswarthyEthiopwhosebodywasofpolishedjet?

OrdidyouwhiletheearthenskiffsdroppeddownthegreyNiloticflatsAttwilightandtheflickeringbatsflewroundthetemple\'stripleglyphsStealtotheborderofthebarandswimacrossthesilentlakeAndslinkintothevaultandmakethePyramidyourlupanarTillfromeachblacksarcophagusroseupthepaintedswatheddead?

Ordidyoulureuntoyourbedtheivory-hornedTragelaphos?

OrdidyoulovethegodofflieswhoplaguedtheHebrewsandwassplashedWithwineuntothewaist?orPasht,whohadgreenberylsforhereyes?

Orthatyounggod,theTyrian,whowasmoreamorousthanthedoveOfAshtaroth?ordidyoulovethegodoftheAssyrianWhosewings,likestrangetransparenttalc,rosehighabovehishawk-facedhead,PaintedwithsilverandwithredandribbedwithrodsofOreichalch?

OrdidhugeApisfromhiscarleapdownandlaybeforeyourfeetBigblossomsofthehoney-sweetandhoney-

colourednenuphar?

Howsubtle-secretisyoursmile!Didyoulovenonethen?Nay,IknowGreatAmmonwasyourbedfellow!HelaywithyoubesidetheNile!

Theriver-horsesintheslimetrumpetedwhentheysawhimcomeOdorouswithSyriangalbanumandsmearedwithspikenardandwiththyme。

Hecamealongtheriverbanklikesometallgalleyargent-sailed,Hestrodeacrossthewaters,mailedinbeauty,andthewaterssank。

Hestrodeacrossthedesertsand:hereachedthevalleywhereyoulay:

Hewaitedtillthedawnofday:thentouchedyourblackbreastswithhishand。

Youkissedhismouthwithmouthsofflame:

youmadethehornedgodyourown:

Youstoodbehindhimonhisthrone:youcalledhimbyhissecretname。

Youwhisperedmonstrousoraclesintothecavernsofhisears:

Withbloodofgoatsandbloodofsteersyoutaughthimmonstrousmiracles。

WhiteAmmonwasyourbedfellow!YourchamberwasthesteamingNile!

Andwithyourcurvedarchaicsmileyouwatchedhispassioncomeandgo。

WithSyrianoilshisbrowswerebright:

andwide-spreadasatentatnoonHismarblelimbsmadepalethemoonandlentthedayalargerlight。

Hislonghairwasninecubits\'spanandcolouredlikethatyellowgemWhichhiddenintheirgarment\'shemthemerchantsbringfromKurdistan。

Hisfacewasasthemustthatliesuponavatofnew-madewine:

Theseascouldnotinsapphirinetheperfectazureofhiseyes。

Histhicksoftthroatwaswhiteasmilkandthreadedwiththinveinsofblue:

Andcuriouspearlslikefrozendewwerebroideredonhisflowingsilk。

Onpearlandporphyrypedestalledhewastoobrighttolookupon:

Foronhisivorybreastthereshonethewondrousocean-emerald,ThatmysticmoonlitjewelwhichsomediveroftheColchiancavesHadfoundbeneaththeblackeningwavesandcarriedtotheColchianwitch。

Beforehisgildedgaliotrannakedvine-wreathedcorybants,Andlinesofswayingelephantskneltdowntodrawhischariot,AndlinesofswarthyNubiansbareuphislitterasherodeDownthegreatgranite-pavenroadbetweenthenoddingpeacock-fans。

ThemerchantsbroughthimsteatitefromSidonintheirpaintedships:

Themeanestcupthattouchedhislipswasfashionedfromachrysolite。

Themerchantsbroughthimcedarchestsofrichapparelboundwithcords:

HistrainwasbornebyMemphianlords:youngkingsweregladtobehisguests。