Whenbaffledlipsdemandedspeech，Speechtrembledintobirth——
（OnedaythelyricwordshallreachFromearthtolaughingearth）——
Whenman’sdimeyesdemandedlightThelighthesoughtwasborn——
Hiswish，aTitan，scaledtheheightAndflunghimbackthemorn！
Fromdeedtodream，fromdreamtodeed，Fromdaringhopetohope，Therestlesswish，theinstantneed，Stilllashedhimuptheslope！……
Isingnogovernedfirmament，Cold，ordered，regular——
IsingthestingingdiscontentThatleapsfromstartostar！
THEPILTDOWNSKULL
WHATwashislife，backyonderIntheduskwheretimebegan，ThisbeastuncouthwiththejawofanapeAndtheeyeandbrainofaman？——
Work，andthewooingofwoman，Fight，andthelustoffight，Play，andtheblindbeginningsOfanArtthatgropedforlight？——
Inthewonderofreddermornings，Bythebeautyofbrighterseas，Didhestand，theworld’sfirstthinker，Scorninghisclan’sdecrees？——
Seeking，withbaffledeyes，Inthedumb，inscrutableskies，AnameforthegreatergloryThatonlythedreamersees？
Oneday，whentheafterglows，Likequickandsentientthings，Witharushoftheirvast，wildwings，RoseoutoftheshakenoceanAsgreatbirdsrisefromthesod，DidtheshockoftheirsuddensplendorStirhimandstartleandthrillhim，GriphimandshakehimandfillhimWithasenseasofheightsuntrod？——
Didhetremblewithhopeandvision，AndgraspatahintofGod？
LondonstandswherethemammothCakedshagflankswithslime——
AndwhatareourlivesthatinheritThetreasuresofalltime？
Work，andthewooingofwoman，Fight，andthelustoffight，Alittleplay（andtoomuchtoil！）
WithanArtthatgropesforlight;
Andnowandthenadreamer，Rapt，fromhislonelysodLooksupandisthrilledandstartledWithafleetingsenseofGod！
THESEEKER
THEcreedshewroughtofdreamandthoughtFallfromhimatthetouchoflife，Hisoldgodsfailhiminthestrife——
Withdrawn，theheavenshesought！
Vanished，themiraclesthatled，Thecloudatnoon，theflameatnight;
Thevisionthathewing’dandspedFallsbackward，baffled，fromtheheight;
YetinthewreckofthesehestandsUpheldbysomethinggrimandstrong;
SomestubborninstinctliftsasongAndnerveshim，heartandhands:
Hedoesnotdaretocallithope;——
Itisnotaughtthatseeksreward——
Norfaith，thatupsomesunwardslopeRunsaureoledtomeetitslord;
IttouchessomethingelderfarThanfaithorcreedorthoughtinman，ItwasereyettheselivedandranLikelightfromstartostar;
Ittouchesthatstark，primalneedThatfromunpeopledvoidsandvastFashionedthefirstcrude，childishcreed，——
Andstillshallfashion，tillthelast！
Foronewordisthetaleofmen:
Theyflingtheiriconstothesod，AndhavingtrampleddownagodTheyseekagodagain！
Strippedofhiscreedsinherited，Bereftofallhissiresheldtrue，AmidthewreckofvisionsdeadHethrillsattouchofvisionsnew……
HewingsanotherDreamforflight……
HeseeksbeyondtheoutmostdawnAgodhesetthere……and，anon，Dragsthatgodfromtheheight！……
ButayefromruinedfaithsandoldThatdroopanddie，fallbruisedseeds;
AndwhennewflowersandfaithsunfoldThey’relovelierflowers，they’rekindliercreeds。
THEAWAKENING
THEsteam，thereek，thefume，ofprayerBlownoutwardforamillionyears，Becomesamistbetweenthespheres，AndwakingSentiencestrugglesthere。
Prayerstillcreatestheboonwepray;
Andgodswe’vehopedfor，fromthosehopesWillgainsufficientformonedayAndinfullgodhoodstormtheslopesWhereancientChaos，starkandgray，Alreadytremblesforhissway。
WhenthattherestlessworldswouldflyTheirwishcreatedrapidwings，ButnottillaeonshadpassedbyWithdowerofmanyidlerthings;
AndwhendumbfleshdemandedspeechSpeechstruggledtothelipsatlast;——
NowtheunpeopledVoid，andvast，CleantothatuttermostblankbeachWheretotheboldestthoughtmayreachThatvoyagesfromthevaguestpast——
（Dimrealmandultimateofspace）——
Isvexedandtroubled，stirsandshakes，Inprescienceofagodthatwakes，Bornofman’swishtoseeGod’sface！
Theendless，groping，dumbdesires，——
Theclimbingincensethickandsweet，Thelovelypurposethataspires，Thewraithsofvaporwing’dandfleetThatriseandrunwitheagerfeetForthfromamyriadaltarfires:
AllthesebecomeamistthatfillsThevalesandchasmsnebular;
AshapingSoulthatmovesandthrillsThewastesbetweenredstarandstar！
ASONGOFMEN
OUTofthesoilandtheslime，Reeking，theyclimb，Outofthemuckandthemire，Rank，theyaspire;
Filthywithmurderandmud，Blackwithshedblood，Lustandpassionandclay——
Dying，theyslay;
Stirredbyvaguehintsofagoal，Seekingasoul！
GropingthroughterrorandnightUptothelight:
LifeinthedustandtheclodSensingaGod;
FlushedoftheglamorandgleamCaughtfromadream;
Stainedofthestruggleandtoil，Stainedofthesoil，AllyofGodintheend——
Helperandfriend——
HeroandprophetandpriestOutofthebeast！
THENOBLERLESSON
CHRISTwasofvirginbirth，and，beingslain，Thecreedistssay，Herosefromdeathagain。
Oh，futileage—longtalkofdeathandbirth！——
Hislife，thatistheonethingwonder—worth;
NothowHecame，buthowHelivedonearth。
Forifgodsstoop，andwithquaintjuggleryMocknature’slaws，howshallthatprofitthee？——
ThenoblerlessonisthatmortalscanGrowgodlikethroughthisbaffledfrontofman！
ATLAST
EACHracehasdiedandlivedandfoughtforthe\"true\"godsofthatpoorrace，Unconsciously，divinestthoughtofeachracegild—
ingitsgod’sface。
Andeveryracethatlivesanddiesshallmakeitselfsomeothergods，Shallbuild，withmingledtruthandlies，newiconsfromtheworld—oldclods。
ThroughallthetangledcreedsanddreamsandshiftingshibbolethsmenholdThefalse—and—true，inwoven，gleams:amattedmassofdrossandgold。
Prove，then，thygodsinthineownsoul;allothers’
gods，forthee，arevain;
Norswervedbe，strugglingforthegoal，bybribeofjoynorthreatofpain。
Asskullsgrowbroader，sodofaiths;asoldtonguesdie，oldgodsdie，too，Andonlyghostsofgodsandwraithsmaymeetthebackward—gazer’sview。
Where，wherethefaithsofyesterday？Ah，whithervanished，whithergone？
Say，whatApollosdriveto—dayadowntheflamingslopesofdawn？
Oh，doestheblankpasthidefromviewforgottenChrists，tobereborn，ThefuturetremblewheresomenewMessiah—
Memnonsingsthemorn？
Ofalltheworlds，sayanyearth，likedustwind—
harriedtoandfro，ShallgivethenextPrometheusbirth;butsay——
atlast——youdonotknow。
HowshouldIknowwhatdawnmaygleambeyondthegatesofdarknessthere？——
Whichgodofallthegodsmendream？WhyshouldIwhipmyselftocare？
WhicheveroverallhathplacehathshapedandmademewhatIam;
Hathmademestrongtofronthisface，todaretoquestionthoughhedamn。
PerhapstocringeandcowerandbringashrineaforcedandfaithlessfaithIsfarmorefutilethantoflingyourlaughterinthefaceofDeath。
Forwritheorwhirlindervishrout，theyarenotflatteredthereonhigh，Orshambelieftohideadoubt——nogodsareminethatlovealie！
Norgodsthatbegbeliefonearthwithportentsthatsomeseerforetells——
Islifeitselfnotwonder—worththatwemustcryformiracles？
Isitnotstrangeenoughwebreathe？Doesevery—
thingnotGodreveal？
Ormustweeverweaveandwreathesomecreedthatshallhisfaceconceal？
Somecreedofwhichitsprophetscryitholdsthesecret’sall—in—all:
Somecreedwhicheverbyeandbyedothcrumble，totter，toitsfall！
Sayanydreamofallthedreamsthatdriftanddarkle，glintandglow，Holdsmostoftruthwithinitsgleams;butsay——atlast——youdonotknow。
Oh，saythesoul，fromstartostar，withvictorywing’d，leaponthroughspaceAndscalethebastionednightsthatbarthesecret’sinnerdwelling—place;
Orsayiteverroamdimgladeswherepallidwraithsoflong—deadmoonsFlitlikeblownfeathersthroughtheshades，borneonthebreathofsobbingtunes:
Sayanytideofanytime，ofallthetidesthatebbandflow，Shallbuoyusontowardanyclime;butsay——atlast——youdonotknow！
LYRICS
\"KINGPANDION，HEISDEAD\"
\"KingPandion，heisdead;
Allthyfriendsarelapp’dinlead。\"
——SHAKESPEARE。
DREAMERS，drinkers，rebelyouth，Where’sthefollyfreeandfineYouandImistookfortruth？
Witsandwastrels，friendsofwine，Wagsandpoets，friendsofmine，Gleamsandglamorsallarefled，Firesandfrenzieshalfdivine！
KingPandion，heisdead！
Time’sunmannerly，uncouth！
Here’sthecrow’s—footforasign！
And，uponourbrows，forsooth，Witsandwastrels，friendsofwine，Timehathsethismarkmalign;
Frosthastouchedus，heartandhead，Cooledthebloodanddulledtheeyne:
KingPandion，heisdead！
Time’satyrantwithoutruth:——
FanciesusedtobloomandtwineRoundacommontavernbooth，Witsandwastrels，friendsofwine，Inthatyouthofmineandthine！
’Tisforyouththefeastisspread;
Whenwedinenow——webutdine！——
KingPandion，heisdead！
Howourdreamswouldglowandshine，Witsandwastrels，friendsofwine，ErethedrabHourcamethatsaid:
KingPandion，heisdead！
DAVIDTOBATHSHEBA
VERYredaretherosesofSharon，Butredderthymouth，Thereisnard，thereismyrrh，inEnGedi，FromtheuplandsofLebanon，heavyWithbalsam，thewindsDriftfreightedandscentedandcedarn——
Butthymouthismorepreciousthanspices！
ThybreastsaretwinliliesofKedron;
Whitelilies，thatsleepIntheshallowswhereloiteringKedronBroadensoutandislostintheJordan;
Globedlilies，sowhiteThatDavid，thyKing，thybelovedDeclareththemmeetforhisgardens。
UnderthestarsverystrangelyThestillwatersgleam;
DeepdowninthewatersofHebronThesoulofthestarlightissunken，ButdeepinthineeyesStirsamorewonderfulsecretThanpoolseverlearnofthestarlight。
THEJESTERS
ATOASTtotheFools！
Pierrot，Pantaloon，Harlequin，Clown，Merry—Andrew，Buffoon——
TouchstoneandTriboulet——allofthetribe。——
Dancerandjesterandsingerandscribe。
WesighoverYorick——（unfortunatefool，TenthousandHamletshavefumbledhisskull！）——
ButwhereistheHamlettoweepo’erthebiersOfhisbrothers？
AndwhereisthepoetsolicitsourtearsFortheothers？
Theyhavepassedfromtheworldandleftneverasign，AndfewofusnowhavethecouragetosingThattheirwhimsiesmadelifeamorelivablething——
We，thatareleftoftheline，Letusdrinktothejesters——ingooseberrywine！
Thenhere’stotheFools！
FloutingthesagesThroughhistory’spagesAnddrivingthedrearyoldseersintorages——
ThehumbuggingMagisWhopratethatthewagesOfFollyareDeath——toasttheFoolsofallages！
Theyhaveriddenlikefrothdownthewhirlpoolsoftime，Theyhavejingledtheircapsinthecouncilsofstate，Theyhavesnaredhalfthewisdomoflifeinarhyme，Andtrippedintonothingnessgrinningatfate——
Ho，brothersmine，Brimuptheglasseswithgooseberrywine！
Thoughtheprincewithhisfirman，Thejudgeinhisermine，AffirmanddetermineBoldwordsneedthewhip，Letthemspareustherodandremitusthesermon，ForDeathhasaquipOfthetombandtheverminThatwillsilenceatlastthemostimpudentlip！
Istheworldbutabubble，abauble，ajoke？
Heigho，BrotherFools，nowyourbubbleisbroke，Doyouaskforatear？——orisitworthwhile？
Here’sasighforyou，then——butitendsinasmile！
Ho，BrotherDeath，Wewouldlaughatyou，too——ifyousparedusthebreath！
\"MARY，MARY，QUITECONTRARY\"
\"Mary，Mary，quitecontrary，Howdoesyourgardengrow？
Withsilverbellsandcockle—shellsAndprettymaidsallinarow！\"
——MotherGoose。
MARY，MistressMary，Howdoesyourgardengrow？
Fromyouruplandsairy，Mary，MistressMary，FloatthechimesoffaeryWhenthebreezesblow！
Mary，MistressMary，Howdoesyourgardengrow？
Withflower—maidens，singingAmongthemorninghills——
Withsilvernbellsa—ringing，Withflower—maidenssinging，Withvocallilies，springingBychantingdaffodils;
Withflower—maidens，singingAmongthemorninghills！
THETRIOLET
YOURtrioletshouldglimmerLikeabutterfly;
Ingoldenlight，ordimmer，Yourtrioletshouldglimmer，Tremble，turn，andshimmer，Flash，andflutterby;
YourtrioletshouldglimmerLikeabutterfly。
FROMTHEBRIDGE
HELDandthrilledbythevisionIstood，asthetwilightdied，WherethegreatbridgesoarslikeasongOverthecrawlingtide——
Stoodonthemiddlearch——
Andnightfloodedinfromthebay，AndwonderfulunderthestarsBeforemethecitylay;
Girdledwithswingingwaters——
Guardedbyshiponship——
AgemthatthestrongoldoceanHeldinhisgiantgrip;
TherewasplayofshadowsaboveAnddriftinggleamsbelow，AndmagicofshiftingwavesThatdarkleandglanceandglow;
Duskyandpurpleandsplendid，Bandedwithloopsoflight，Thetalltowersroselikepillars，Liftingthedomeofnight;
TheglidingcarsoftrafficSlidswiftlyupanddownLikemonsters，fierymailed，Leapingacrossthetown。
Notplannedwithathoughtofbeauty;
Builtbyalawlessbreed;
Buildedoflustforpower，Buildedofgoldandgreed。
Risenoutofthetrader’sBrutalandsordidwars——
Andyet，behold！acityWonderfulunderthestars！
\"PALADINS，PALADINS，YOUTHNOBLE—HEARTED\"
GALAHADS，Galahads，Percivals，gallop！
Bayards，tothesaddle！——theclangoroustrumpets，Hoarsewiththeirecstasy，calltothemellay。
Paladins，Paladins，Rolandsflame—hearted，Olivers，Olivers，followthebugles！
Girtwiththegloryandglamorofpower，Errorsitsthronedinthehighplaceofjustice;
Paladins，Paladins，youthnoble—hearted，Saddleandspear，forthebattle—flagsbeckon！
Thrustthekeensteelthroughthethroatoftheliar。
Star（orSanGrael）thatilluminesthypathway，Followit，followthatfarIdeal！——
Thinenottheguerdontogainitorgraspit;
Soulofthee，passing，ascendethuntoit，Augmentingitsbrightnessforthemthatcomeafter。
Heedthenthecallofthetrumpets，thetrumpets，Hoarsewiththefervor，thefrenzyofbattle，——
Paladins，Paladins，saddle！tosaddle！
Bidenot，abidenot，God’sbuglesarecalling！——
Thrustthesharpswordthroughtheheartoftheliar。
\"MYLANDS，NOTTHINE\"
MYlands，notthine，welookupon，FriendCroesus，hillandvaleandlawn。
Mineeverywoodlandmadrigal，AndminethysingingwaterfallThatvaguelyhintsofHelicon。
MarkhowthineuplandslopeshavedrawnAgoldengloryfromthedawn！——
Fool’sgold？——thydullnessprovesthemallMylands——notthine！
Forwhenalltitle—deedsaregone，Still，stillwillsatyr，nymph，andfaunThroughbrakeandcovertpipeandcallIndancesboldandbacchanal——
Forthem，forme，youholdinpawn，Mylands——notthine！
TOADANCINGDOLL
FORMAL，quaint，precise，andtrim，Youbeginyourstepsdemurely——
There’saspiritalmostprimInthefeetthatmovesosurely，Sodiscreetly，tothechimeOfthemusicthatsosweetlyMarksthetime。
ButthechordsbegintotinkleQuicker，Andyourfeettheyflashandflicker——
Twinkle！——
FlashandfluttertoatricksyFicklemeter;
Andyoufootitlikeapixie——
Onlyfleeter！
Nowourcurrent，dowdyThings——
\"Turkey—trots\"androwdyFlings——
FortheymadeyouoverseasInpolitertimesthanthese，Inanagewhengracecouldplease，EreSt。VitusClutchedandshookus，spineandknees;——
Loosedaplagueofjerkstosmiteus！
Well，ourdayisfarmorebriskAndourmannerratherslacker），AndyouarenothingmorethanbisqueAndlacquer——
ButyoushameuswiththegracesOfcourtliertimesandplacesWhenthecheapAndvulgarwasn’t\"art\"——
WhenthefaunalpranceandleapWeren’t\"smart。\"
HavewelostthetrickofweddingGracetopleasure？
MustweclownitatthebiddingOfsometawdry，commonmeasure？
Can’tyouschoolusinthegracesOfyourposeanddaintypaces？——
NowthechordsbegintotinkleQuicker——
Andyourfeettheyflashandflicker——
Twinkle！——
AndyoumockusasyoufeatlySwingandfluttertothechimeOfthemusic—boxthatsweetlyMarksthetime！
LOWERNEWYORK——ASTORM
WHITEwing’dbelowthedarklingcloudsThedrivensea—gullswheel;
TherousedseaflingsastormagainstThetowersofstoneandsteel。
TheveryvoiceofoceanringsAlongtheshakenstreet——
Dusk，storm，andbeautywhelmtheworldWhereseaandcitymeet——
Butwhatcaretheyforflashingwings，Quickbeauty，loudrefrain，Thesehuddledthousands，deafandblindToallbutgreedandgain？
ATSUNSET
THEsun—godstoopedfromouttheskyTokisstheflushingsea，WhileallthewindsofalltheworldMadejovialmelody;
ThenightcamehurryinguptohideTheloverswithhertent;
Thegovernedthunders，rankonrank，Stoodmutewithwonderment;
Thepalewornmoon，ajealousshade，Peeredfromthefirmament;
Theearlystars，thecuriousstars，CamepeeringforthtoseeWhatmightynuptialsshooktheworldWithsuchanecstasyWhenasthesun—godlefttheskyTominglewiththesea。
ACHRISTMASGIFT
ALACK—A—DAYforpoverty！
Whatjewelsmyminddothgivetothee！
Carvedagatestoneporphyrogene，Greenemeraldandberylgreen，Deepsapphineandpaleamethyst，Slyopal，cloakingwithamistThelevinofitsloveelate，Shybrides’pearls，flushedanddelicate，Sea—coloredlapislazuli，Sardonyxandchalcedony，Enkindlingdiamond，candidgold，Redrubiesandredgarnetsbold:
AndalltheirhumorsshouldbeblentInoneintolerableblaze，Barbaric，fierce，andopulent，Todazzlehimthatdaredtogaze！
Alack—a—dayforpoverty:
Myrhymesareallyougetofme！
Yet，ifyourheartreceive，behold！
Theworthlesswordsaresetingold。
SILVIA
ISTILLrememberhowshemovedAmongtherathe，wildbloomssheloved，（WhenSpringcametip—toedowntheslopes，Atremble’twixtherdoubtsandhopes，Halffearfulandallvirginal）——
HowSilviasoughtthisdelltocallHerflowersintofullfestival，Andchidthemwiththismadrigal:
\"ThebusyspiderhangsthebrushWithfilmygossamers，Thefrogsarecroakinginthecreek，Thesluggishblacksnakestirs，ButstillthegroundisbareofbloomBeneaththefragrantfirs。
\"Arise，arise，Obriarrose，Andsleepyviolet！
Awake，awake，anemone，Yourwintrydreamsforget——
Forshame，youtardymarigold，Areyounotbuddedyet？
\"TheSwallow’sback，andclaimstheeavesThatlastyearwerehishome;
TheRobinfollowswheretheplowBreaksupthecrustedloam;
AndRed—wingsspiestheThrushandpipes:
’Look！Speckle—breastiscome！’
\"Up，blooms！andstormthewoodedslopes，Thelowlandsandtheplain——
Blow，jonquil，blowyourgoldenhornAcrosstheranksofrain！
Toarms！toarms！andputtoflightTheWinter’sbrokentrain！\"
Shepausedbesidethisselfsamerill，Andassheceased，adaffodilHeldupreproachfullyhisheadAndflutteredintospeech，andsaid:
\"Chidenottheflowers！YoulittleknowOfalltheirtravail’neaththesnow，
TheirstrugglinghoursOfchokingsorrowunderground。
Chidenottheflowers！
YoulittleguessofthatprofoundAndblind，dumbagonyofours！
Yet，victorherebesidetherill，IgreetthelightthatIhavefound，ADaffodil！\"
AndwhentheDaffodilwasdoneAboastfulMarigoldspakeon:
\"Oh，chidethewhitefrost，ifyouchoose，Theheavyclod，sohardtoloose，ThepreyingpowersOfwormandinsectunderground。
Chidenottheflowers！
Forspiteofscatheandcruelwound，Unconqueredbythesunlesshours，Iriseinregalpride，aboldAndgolden—hearted，golden—crownedMarshMarigold！\"
Andwhenshecamenomore，hercreekWouldnotbelieve，butbadeusseekHither，yon，andtoandfro——
EverywherethatchildrengoWhentheSpringIsonthewingAndthewindsofAprilblow——
\"Iwillneverthinkherdead;
\"Shewillcomeagain！\"itsaid;