第2章

Eithersomeone,likeus,night—founderedhere,Orelsesomeneighbourwoodman,or,atworst,Somerovingrobbercallingtohisfellows。

SEC。BRO。Heavenkeepmysister!Again,again,andnear!

Bestdraw,andstanduponourguard。

ELD。BRO。I’llhallo!

Ifhebefriendly,hecomeswell:ifnot,Defenceisagoodcause,andHeavenbeforus!

TheATTENDANTSPIRIT,habitedlikeashepherd。

ThathalloIshouldknow。Whatareyou?speak。

Comenottoonear;youfallonironstakeselse。

SPIR。Whatvoiceisthat?myyoungLord?speakagain。

SEC。BRO。Obrother,Ttismyfather’sShepherd,sure。

ELD。BRO。Thyrsis!whoseartfulstrainshaveofdelayedThehuddlingbrooktohearhismadrigal,Andsweetenedeverymusk—roseofthedale。

Howcamestthouhere,goodswain?HathanyramSlippedfromthefold,oryoungkidlosthisdam,Orstragglingwetherthepentflockforsook?

Howcouldstthoufindthisdarksequesterednook?

SPIR。Omylovedmaster’sheir,andhisnextjoy,IcamenothereonsuchatrivialtoyAsastrayedewe,ortopursuethestealthOfpilferingwolf;notallthefleecywealthThatdothenrichthesedownsisworthathoughtTothismyerrand,andthecareitbrought。

But,oh!myvirginLady,whereisshe?

Howchancesheisnotinyourcompany?

ELD。BRO。Totelltheesadly,Shepherd,withoutblameOrourneglect,welostheraswecame。

SPIR。Aymeunhappy!thenmyfearsaretrue。

ELD。BRO。Whatfears,goodThyrsis?Pritheebrieflyshew。

SPIR。I’lltellye。’Tisnotvainorfabulous(Thoughsoesteemedbyshallowigrlorance)

Whatthesagepoets,taughtbytheheavenlyMuse,StoriedofoldinhighimmortalverseOfdireChimerasandenchantedisles,AndriftedrockswhoseentranceleadstoHell;

Forsuchtherebe,butunbeliefisblind。

Withinthenavelofthishideouswood,Immuredincypressshades,asorcererdwells,OfBacchusandofCirceborn,greatComus,Deepskilledinallhismother’switcheries,AndheretoeverythirstywandererByslyenticementgiveshisbanefulcup,Withmanymurmursmixed,whosepleasingpoisonThevisagequitetransformsofhimthatdrinks,AndtheingloriouslikenessofabeastFixesinstead,unmouldingreason’smintageCharacteredintheface。ThishaveIlearntTendingmyflockshardbyi’thehillycroftsThatbrowthisbottomglade;whencenightbynightHeandhismonstrousroutareheardtohowlLikestabledwolves,ortigersattheirprey,DoingabhorredritestoHecateIntheirobscuredhauntsofinmostbowers。

YethavetheymanybaitsandguilefulspellsToinveigleandinvitetheunwarysenseOfthemthatpassunweetingbytheway。

Thiseveninglate,bythenthechewingflocksHadta’entheirsupperonthesavouryherbOfknot—grassdew—besprent,andwereinfold,IsatmedowntowatchuponabankWithivycanopied,andinterwoveWithflauntinghoneysuckle,andbegan,Wraptinapleasingfitofmelancholy,Tomeditatemyruralminstrelsy,Tillfancyhadherfill。ButereacloseThewontedroarwasupamidstthewoods,Andfilledtheairwithbarbarousdissonance;

AtwhichIceased,andlistenedthemawhile,TillanunusualstopofsuddensilenceGaverespitetothedrowsy—flightedsteedsThatdrawthelitterofclose—curtainedSleep。

Atlastasoftandsolemn—breathingsoundRoselikeasteamofrichdistilledperfumes,Andstoleupontheair,thatevenSilenceWastookereshewasware,andwishedshemightDenyhernature,andbenevermore,Stilltobesodisplaced。Iwasallear,AndtookinstrainsthatmightcreateasoulUndertheribsofDeath。But,oh!erelongToowellIdidperceiveitwasthevoiceOfmymosthonouredLady,yourdearsister。

AmazedIstood,harrowedwithgriefandfear;

AndROpoorhaplessnightingale,\"thoughtI,Howsweetthousing’st,hownearthedeadlysnare!\"

ThendownthelawnsIranwithheadlonghaste,Throughpathsandturningsoftentrodbyday,Till,guidedbymineear,IfoundtheplaceWherethatdamnedwizard,hidinslydisguise(ForsobycertainsignsIknew),hadmetAlready,eremybestspeedcouldprevent,Theaidlessinnocentlady,hiswishedprey;

Whogentlyaskedifhehadseensuchtwo,Supposinghimsomeneighbourvillager。

LongerIdurstnotstay,butsoonIguessedYewerethetwoshemeant;withthatIsprungIntoswiftflight,tillIhadfoundyouhere;

ButfurtherknowInot。

SEC。BRO。Onightandshades,HowareyejoinedwithhellintripleknotAgainsttheunarmedweaknessofonevirgin,Aloneandhelpless!IsthistheconfidenceYougaveme,brother?

ELD。BRO。Yes,andkeepitstill;

Leanonitsafely;notaperiodShallbeunsaidforme。AgainstthethreatsOfmaliceorofsorcery,orthatpowerWhicherringmencallChance,thisIholdfirm:

Virtuemaybeassailed,butneverhurt,Surprisedbyunjustforce,butnotenthralled;

Yea,eventhatwhichMischiefmeantmostharmShallinthehappytrialprovemostglory。

Butevilonitselfshallbackrecoil,Andmixnomorewithgoodness,whenatlast,Gatheredlikescum,andsettledtoitself,ItshallbeineternalrestlesschangeSelf—fedandself—consumed。Ifthisfail,Thepillaredfirmamentisrottenness,Andearth’sbasebuiltonstubble。Butcome,let’son!

AgainsttheopposingwillandarmofheavenMayneverthisjustswordbeliftedup;

But,forthatdamnedmagician,lethimbegirtWithallthegrieslylegionsthattroopUnderthesootyflagofAcheron,HarpiesandHydras,orallthemonstrousforms’TwixtAfricaandInd,I’llfindhimout,Andforcehimtoreturnhispurchaseback,Ordraghimbythecurlstoafouldeath,Cursedashislife。

SPIR。Alas!goodventurousyouth,Ilovethycourageyet,andboldemprise;

Butherethyswordcandotheelittlestead。

FarotherarmsandotherweaponsmustBethosethatquellthemightofhellishcharms。

Hewithhisbarewandcanunthreadthyjoints,Andcrumbleallthysinews。

ELD。BRO。Why,prithee,Shepherd,HowdurstthouthenthyselfapproachsonearAstomakethisrelation?

SPIR。CareandutmostshiftsHowtosecuretheLadyfromsurprisalBroughttomymindacertainshepherdlad,Ofsmallregardtoseeto,yetwellskilledIneveryvirtuousplantandhealingherbThatspreadsherverdantleaftothemorningray。

Helovedmewell,andoftwouldbegmesing;

WhichwhenIdid,heonthetendergrassWouldsit,andhearkeneventoecstasy,Andinrequitalopehisleathernscrip,Andshowmesimplesofathousandnames,Tellingtheirstrangeandvigorousfaculties。

Amongsttherestasmallunsightlyroot,Butofdivineeffect,heculledmeout。

Theleafwasdarkish,andhadpricklesonit,Butinanothercountry,ashesaid,Boreabrightgoldenflower,butnotinthissoil:

Unknown,andlikeesteemed,andthedullswainTreadsonitdailywithhiscloutedshoon;

Andyetmoremed’cinalisitthanthatMolyThatHermesoncetowiseUlyssesgave。

HecalleditHaemony,andgaveitme,Andbademekeepitasofsovranuse’Gainstallenchantments,mildewblast,ordamp,OrghastlyFuries’apparition。

Ipurseditup,butlittlereckoningmade,Tillnowthatthisextremitycompelled。

ButnowIfindittrue;forbythismeansIknewthefoulenchanter,thoughdisguised,Enteredtheverylime—twigsofhisspells,Andyetcameoff。Ifyouhavethisaboutyou(AsIwillgiveyouwhenwego),youmayBoldlyassaultthenecromancer’shall;

Whereifhebe,withdauntlesshardihoodAndbrandishedbladerushonhim:breakhisglass,Andshedthelusciousliquorontheground;

Butseizehiswand。ThoughheandhiscurstcrewFiercesignofbattlemake,andmenacehigh,Or,likethesonsofVulcan,vomitsmoke,Yetwilltheysoonretire,ifhebutshrink。

ELD。BRO。Thyrsis,leadonapace;I’llfollowthee;

Andsomegoodangelbearashieldbeforeus!

TheScenechangestoastatelypalace,setoutwithallmannerofdeliciousness:softmusic,tablesspreadwithalldainties。Comusappearswithhisrabble,andtheLADYsetinanenchantedchair;

towhomheoffershisglass;whichsheputsby,andgoesabouttorise。

COMUS。Nay,Lady,sit。IfIbutwavethiswand,Yournervesareallchainedupinalabaster,Andyouastatue,orasDaphnewas,Root—bound,thatfledApollo。

LADY。Fool,donotboast。

ThoucanstnottouchthefreedomofmymindWithallthycharms,althoughthiscorporalrindThouhastimmanacledwhileHeavenseesgood。

COMUS。Whyareyouvexed,Lady?whydoyoufrown?

Heredwellnofrowns,noranger;fromthesegatesSorrowfliesfar。See,herebeallthepleasuresThatfancycanbegetonyouthfulthoughts,Whenthefreshbloodgrowslively,andreturnsBriskastheAprilbudsinprimroseseason。

Andfirstbeholdthiscordialjulephere,Thatflamesanddancesinhiscrystalbounds,Withspiritsofbalmandfragrantsyrupsmixed。

NotthatNepentheswhichthewifeofThoneInEgyptgavetoJove—bornHelenaIsofsuchpowertostirupjoyasthis,Tolifesofriendly,orsocooltothirst。

Whyshouldyoubesocrueltoyourself,Andtothosedaintylimbs,whichNaturelentForgentleusageandsoftdelicacy?

Butyouinvertthecovenantsofhertrust,Andharshlydeal,likeanillborrower,Withthatwhichyoureceivedonotherterms,ScorningtheunexemptconditionBywhichallmortalfrailtymustsubsist,Refreshmentaftertoil,easeafterpain,Thathavebeentiredalldaywithoutrepast,Andtimelyresthavewanted。But,fairvirgin,Thiswillrestoreallsoon。

LADY。’Twillnot,falsetraitor!

’TwillnotrestorethetruthandhonestyThatthouhastbanishedfromthytonguewithlies。

WasthisthecottageandthesafeabodeThoutold’stmeof?Whatgrimaspectsarethese,Theseoughly—headedmonsters?Mercyguardme!

Hencewiththybrewedenchantments,fouldeceiver!

HastthoubetrayedmycredulousinnocenceWithvizoredfalsehoodandbaseforgery?

Andwould’stthouseekagaintotrapmehereWithliquorishbaits,fittoensnareabrute?

WereitadraughtforJunowhenshebanquets,Iwouldnottastethytreasonousoffer。NoneButsuchasaregoodmencangivegoodthings;

AndthatwhichisnotgoodisnotdeliciousToawell—governedandwiseappetite。

COMUS。0foolishnessofmen!thatlendtheirearsTothosebudgedoctorsoftheStoicfur,AndfetchtheirpreceptsfromtheCynictub,PraisingtheleanandsallowAbstinence!

WhereforedidNaturepourherbountiesforthWithsuchafullandunwithdrawinghand,Coveringtheearthwithodours,fruits,andflocks,Throngingtheseaswithspawninnumerable,Butalltopleaseandsatethecurioustaste?

Andsettoworkmillionsofspinningworms,Thatintheirgreenshopsweavethesmooth—hairedsilk,Todeckhersons;and,thatnocornermightBevacantofherplenty,inherownloinsShehutchedtheall—worshippedoreandpreciousgems,Tostoreherchildrenwith。IfalltheworldShould,inapetoftemperance,feedonpulse,Drinktheclearstream,andnothingwearbutfrieze,TheAll—giverwouldbeunthanked,wouldbeunpraised,Nothalfhisrichesknownandyetdespised;

Andweshouldservehimasagrudgingmaster,Asapenuriousniggardofhiswealth,AndlivelikeNature’sbastards,nothersons,Whowouldbequitesurchargedwithherownweight,Andstrangledwithherwastefertility:

Theearthcumbered,andthewingedairdarkedwithplumes,Theherdswouldover—multitudetheirlords;

Theseao’erfraughtwouldswell,andtheunsoughtdiamondsWouldsoemblazetheforeheadofthedeep,Andsobestudwithstars,thattheybelowWouldgrowinuredtolight,andcomeatlastTogazeuponthesunwithshamelessbrows。

List,Lady;benotcoy,andbenotcozenedWiththatsamevauntedname,Virginity。

BeautyisNature’scoin;mustnotbehoarded,Butmustbecurrent;andthegoodthereofConsistsinmutualandpartakenbliss,Unsavouryintheenjoymentofitself。

Ifyouletsliptime,likeaneglectedroseItwithersonthestalkwithlanguishedhead。

BeautyisNature’sbrag,andmustbeshownIncourts,atfeasts,andhighsolemnities,Wheremostmaywonderattheworkmanship。

Itisforhomelyfeaturestokeephome;

Theyhadtheirnamethence:coarsecomplexionsAndcheeksofsorrygrainwillservetoplyThesampler,andtoteasethehuswife’swool。

Whatneedavermeil—tincturedlipforthat,Love—dartingeyes,ortresseslikethemorn?

Therewasanothermeaninginthesegifts;

Thinkwhat,andbeadvised;youarebutyoungyet。

LADY。IhadnotthoughttohaveunlockedmylipsInthisunhallowedair,butthatthisjugglerWouldthinktocharmmyjudgment,asmineeyes,Obtrudingfalserulesprankedinreason’sgarb。

IhatewhenvicecanboltherargumentsAndvirtuehasnotonguetocheckherpride。

Impostor!donotchargemostinnocentNature,AsifshewouldherchildrenshouldberiotousWithherabundance。She,goodcateress,Meansherprovisiononlytothegood,Thatliveaccordingtohersoberlaws,AndholydictateofspareTemperance。

IfeveryjustmanthatnowpineswithwantHadbutamoderateandbeseemingshareOfthatwhichlewdly—pamperedLuxuryNowheapsuponsomefewwithvastexcess,Nature’sfullblessingswouldbewelldispensedInunsuperfluousevenproportion,Andshenowhitencumberedwithherstore;

AndthentheGiverwouldbebetterthanked,Hispraiseduepaid:forswinishgluttonyNe’erlookstoHeavenamidsthisgorgeousfeast,ButwithbesottedbaseingratitudeCrams,andblasphemeshisFeeder。ShallIgoonOrhaveIsaidenow?TohimthatdaresArmhisprofanetonguewithcontemptuouswordsAgainstthesun—cladpowerofchastityFainwouldIsomethingsay;——yettowhatend?

Thouhastnorear,norsoul,toapprehendThesublimenotionandhighmysteryThatmustbeutteredtounfoldthesageAndseriousdoctrineofVirginity;

AndthouartworthythatthoushouldstnotknowMorehappinessthanthisthypresentlot。

Enjoyyourdearwit,andgayrhetoric,Thathathsowellbeentaughtherdazzlingfence;

Thouartnotfittohearthyselfconvinced。

Yet,shouldItry,theuncontrolledworthOfthispurecausewouldkindlemyraptspiritsTosuchaflameofsacredvehemenceThatdumbthingswouldbemovedtosympathise,AndthebruteEarthwouldlendhernerves,andshake,Tillallthymagicstructures,rearedsohigh,Wereshatteredintoheapso’erthyfalsehead。

COMUS。Shefablesnot。IfeelthatIdofearHerwordssetoffbysomesuperiorpower;

And,thoughnotmortal,yetacoldshudderingdewDipsmeallo’er,aswhenthewrathofJoveSpeaksthunderandthechainsofErebusTosomeofSaturn’screw。Imustdissemble,Andtryheryetmorestrongly。——Come,nomore!

Thisismeremoralbabble,anddirectAgainstthecanonlawsofourfoundation。

Imustnotsufferthis;yet’tisbuttheleesAndsettlingsofamelancholyblood。

Butthiswillcureallstraight;onesipofthisWillbathethedroopingspiritsindelightBeyondtheblissofdreams。Bewise,andtaste。

TheBROTHERSrushinwithswordsdrawn,wresthisglassoutofhishand,andbreakitagainsttheground:hisroutmakesignofresistance,butarealldrivenin。TheATTENDANTSPIRITcomesin。

SPIR。What!haveyouletthefalseenchanterscape?

Oyemistook;yeshouldhavesnatchedhiswand,Andboundhimfast。Withouthisrodreversed,Andbackwardmuttersofdisseveringpower,WecannotfreetheLadythatsitshereInstonyfettersfixedandmotionless。

Yetstay:benotdisturbed;nowIbethinkme,SomeothermeansIhavewhichmaybeused,WhichonceofMeliboeusoldIlearnt,Thesoothestshepherdthate’erpipedonplains。

ThereisagentleNymphnotfarfromhence,ThatwithmoistcurbswaysthesmoothSevernstream:

Sabrinaishername:avirginpure;

WhilomshewasthedaughterofLocrine,ThathadthesceptrefromhisfatherBrute。

She,guiltlessdamsel,flyingthemadpursuitOfherenragedstepdame,Guendolen,CommendedherfairinnocencetothefloodThatstayedherflightwithhiscross—flowingcourse。

Thewater—nymphs,thatinthebottomplayed,Helduptheirpearledwrists,andtookherin,BearingherstraighttoagedNereus’hall;

Who,piteousofherwoes,rearedherlankhead,AndgavehertohisdaughterstoimbatheInnectaredlaversstrewedwithasphodil,AndthroughtheporchandinletofeachsenseDroptinambrosialoils,tillsherevived,Andunderwentaquickimmortalchange,MadeGoddessoftheriver。StillsheretainsHermaidengentleness,andoftateveVisitstheherdsalongthetwilightmeadows,Helpingallurchinblasts,andill—lucksignsThattheshrewdmeddlingelfdelightstomake,Whichshewithpreciousvialedliquorsheals:

Forwhichtheshepherds,attheirfestivals,Carolhergoodnessloudinrusticlays,AndthrowsweetgarlandwreathsintoherstreamOfpansies,pinks,andgaudydaffodils。

And,astheoldswainsaid,shecanunlockTheclaspingcharm,andthawthenumbingspell,Ifsheberightinvokedinwarbledsong;

Formaidenhoodsheloves,andwillbeswiftToaidavirgin,suchaswasherself,Inhard—besettingneed。ThiswillItry,Andaddthepowerofsomeadjuringverse。

SONG。

Sabrinafair,ListenwherethouartsittingUndertheglassy,cool,translucentwave,IntwistedbraidsofliliesknittingTheloosetrainofthyamber—droppinghair;

Listenfordearhonour’ssake,Goddessofthesilverlake,Listenandsave!

Listen,andappeartous,InnameofgreatOceanus。

Bytheearth—shakingNeptune’smace,AndTethys’gravemajesticpace;

ByhoaryNereus’wrinkledlook,AndtheCarpathianwizard’shook;

ByscalyTriton’swindingshell,AndoldsoothsayingGlaucus’spell;

ByLeucothea’slovelyhands,Andhersonthatrulesthestrands;

ByThetis’tinsel—slipperedfeet,AndthesongsofSirenssweet;

BydeadParthenope’sdeartomb,AndfairLigea’sgoldencomb,WherewithshesitsondiamondrocksSleekinghersoftalluringlocks;

ByalltheNymphsthatnightlydanceUponthystreamswithwilyglance;

Rise,rise,andheavethyrosyheadFromthycoral—pavenbed,Andbridleinthyheadlongwave,Tillthouoursummonsansweredhave。

Listenandsave!

SABRINArises,attendedbywater—nymphs,andsings。

Bytherushy—fringedbank,Wheregrowsthewillowandtheosierdank,Myslidingchariotstays,Thicksetwithagate,andtheazurnsheenOfturkisblue,andemeraldgreen,Thatinthechannelstrays;

WhilstfromoffthewatersfleetThusIsetmyprintlessfeetO’erthecowslip’svelvethead,ThatbendsnotasItread。

Gentleswain,atthyrequestIamhere!

SPIR。Goddessdear,WeimplorethypowerfulhandToundothecharmedbandOftruevirginheredistressedThroughtheforceandthroughthewileOfunblessedenchantervile。

SABR。Shepherd,’tismyofficebestTohelpensnaredchastity。

BrightestLady,lookonme。

ThusIsprinkleonthybreastDropsthatfrommyfountainpureIhavekeptofpreciouscure;

Thriceuponthyfinger’stip,Thriceuponthyrubiedlip:

Nextthismarblevenomedseat,Smearedwithgumsofglutinousheat,Itouchwithchastepalmsmoistandcold。

Nowthespellhathlosthishold;

AndImusthasteeremorninghourTowaitinAmphitrite’sbower。

SABRINAdescends,andtheLADYrisesoutofherseat。

SPIR。Virgin,daughterofLocrine,SprungofoldAnchises’line,MaythybrimmedwavesforthisTheirfulltributenevermissFromathousandpettyrills,Thattumbledownthesnowyhills:

SummerdrouthorsingedairNeverscorchthytressesfair,NorwetOctober’storrentfloodThymoltencrystalfillwithmud;

MaythybillowsrollashoreTheberylandthegoldenore;

MaythyloftyheadbecrownedWithmanyatowerandterraceround,AndhereandtherethybanksUponWithgrovesofmyrrhandcinnamon。

Come,Lady;whileHeavenlendsusgrace,Letusflythiscursedplace,LestthesorcererusenticeWithsomeothernewdevice。

NotawasteorneedlesssoundTillwecometoholierground。

IshallbeyourfaithfulguideThroughthisgloomycovertwide;

AndnotmanyfurlongsthenceIsyourFather’sresidence,WherethisnightaremetinstateManyafriendtogratulateHiswishedpresence,andbesideAlltheswainsthatthereabideWithjigsandruraldanceresort。

Weshallcatchthemattheirsport,AndoursuddencomingthereWilldoublealltheirmirthandcheer。

Come,letushaste;thestarsgrowhigh,ButNightsitsmonarchyetinthemidsky。

TheScenechanges,presentingLudlowTown,andthePresidentUsCastle:thencomeinCountryDancers;afterthemtheATTENDANT

SPIRIT,withthetwoBROTHERSandtheLADY。

SONG。

SPIR。Back,shepherds,back!EnoughyourplayTillnextsun—shineholiday。

Herebe,withoutduckornod,OthertrippingstobetrodOflightertoes,andsuchcourtguiseAsMercurydidfirstdeviseWiththemincingDryadesOnthelawnsandontheleas。

ThesecondSongpresentsthemtotheirFatherandMother。

NobleLordandLadybright,Ihavebroughtyenewdelight。

HerebeholdsogoodlygrownThreefairbranchesofyourown。

Heavenhathtimelytriedtheiryouth,Theirfaith,theirpatience,andtheirtruth,AndsentthemherethroughhardassaysWithacrownofdeathlesspraise,TotriumphinvictoriousdanceO’ersensualfollyandintemperance。

Thedancesended,theSPIRITepiloguizes。

SPIR。TotheoceannowIfly,AndthosehappyclimesthatlieWheredaynevershutshiseye,Upinthebroadfieldsofthesky。

ThereIsucktheliquidair,AllamidstthegardensfairOfHesperus,andhisdaughtersthreeThatsingaboutthegoldentree。

AlongthecrispedshadesandbowersRevelsthespruceandjocundSpring;

TheGracesandtherosy—bosomedHoursThitheralltheirbountiesbring。

ThereeternalSummerdwells;

AndwestwindswithmuskywingAboutthecedarnalleysflingNardandcassia’sbalmysmells。

IristherewithhumidbowWaterstheodorousbanks,thatblowFlowersofmoremingledhueThanherpurfledscarfcanshew,AnddrencheswithElysiandew(List,mortals,ifyourearsbetrue)

Bedsofhyacinthandroses,WhereyoungAdonisoftreposes,Waxingwellofhisdeepwound,Inslumbersoft,andonthegroundSadlysitstheAssyrianqueen。

Butfarabove,inspangledsheen,CelestialCupid,herfamedson,advancedHoldshisdearPsyche,sweetentrancedAfterherwanderinglabourslong,TillfreeconsentthegodsamongMakeherhiseternalbride,AndfromherfairunspottedsideTwoblissfultwinsaretobeborn,YouthandJoy;soJovehathsworn。

Butnowmytaskissmoothlydone:

Icanfly,orIcanrun,Quicklytothegreenearth’send,Wherethebowedwelkinslowdothbend,AndfromthencecansoarassoonTothecornersofthemoon。

Mortals,thatwouldfollowme,Lovevirtue;shealoneisfree。

ShecanteachyehowtoclimbHigherthanthespherychime;

Or,ifVirtuefeeblewere,Heavenitselfwouldstooptoher。

LYCIDAS

InthisMonodytheauthorbewailsalearnedFriend,unfortunatelydrownedinhispassagefromChesterontheIrishSeas,1637;

and,byoccasion,foretellstheruinofourcorruptedClergy,thenintheirheight。

YEToncemore,Oyelaurels,andoncemore,Yemyrtlesbrown,withivyneversere,Icometopluckyourberriesharshandcrude,AndwithforcedfingersrudeShatteryourleavesbeforethemellowingyear。

BitterconstraintandsadoccasiondearCompelsmetodisturbyourseasondue;

ForLycidasisdead,deaderehisprime,YoungLycidas,andhathnotlefthispeer。

WhowouldnotsingforLycidas?heknewHimselftosing,andbuildtheloftyrhyme。

HemustnotfloatuponhiswaterybierUnwept,andweltertotheparchingwind,Withoutthemeedofsomemelodioustear。

Begin,then,SistersofthesacredwellThatfrombeneaththeseatofJovedothspring;

Begin,andsomewhatloudlysweepthestring。

Hencewithdenialvainandcoyexcuse:

SomaysomegentleMuseWithluckywordsfavourmydestinedurn,Andashepassesturn,Andbidfairpeacebetomysableshroud!

Forwewerenursedupontheself—samehill,Fedthesameflock,byfountain,shade,andrill;

Togetherboth,erethehighlawnsappearedUndertheopeningeyelidsoftheMorn,Wedrovea—field,andbothtogetherheardWhattimethegrey—flywindshersultryhorn,Batteningourflockswiththefreshdewsofnight,OfttillthestarthatroseateveningbrightTowardheaven’sdescenthadslopedhiswesteringwheel。

Meanwhiletheruraldittieswerenotmute;

Temperedtotheoatenflute,RoughSatyrsdanced,andFaunswithclovenheelFromthegladsoundwouldnotbeabsentlong;

AndoldDamoetaslovedtohearoursong。

But,oh!theheavychange,nowthouartgone,Nowthouartgoneandnevermustreturn!

Thee,Shepherd,theethewoodsanddesertcaves,Withwildthymeandthegaddingvineo’ergrown,Andalltheirechoes,mourn。

Thewillows,andthehazelcopsesgreen,ShallnownomorebeseenFanningtheirjoyousleavestothysoftlays。

Askillingasthecankertotherose,Ortaint—wormtotheweanlingherdsthatgraze,Orfrosttoflowers,thattheirgaywardrobewear,Whenfirstthewhite—thornblows;

Such,Lycidas,thylosstoshepherd’sear。

Wherewereye,Nymphs,whentheremorselessdeepClosedo’ertheheadofyourlovedLycidas?

ForneitherwereyeplayingonthesteepWhereyouroldbards,thefamousDruids,lie,NorontheshaggytopofMonahigh,NoryetwhereDevaspreadsherwizardstream。

Ayme!IfondlydreamRHadyebeenthere,S……forwhatcouldthathavedone?

WhatcouldtheMuseherselfthatOrpheusbore,TheMuseherself,forherenchantingson,Whomuniversalnaturedidlament,When,bytheroutthatmadethehideousroar,Hisgoryvisagedownthestreamwassent,DowntheswiftHebrustotheLesbianshore?

Alas!whatbootsitwithuncessantcareTotendthehomely,slighted,shepherd’strade,AndstrictlymeditatethethanklessMuse?

Wereitnotbetterdone,asothersuse,TosportwithAmaryllisintheshade,OrwiththetanglesofNeaera’shair?

Fameisthespurthattheclearspiritdothraise(Thatlastinfirmityofnoblemind)

Toscorndelightsandlivelaboriousdays;

But,thefairguerdonwhenwehopetofind,Andthinktoburstoutintosuddenblaze,ComestheblindFurywiththeabhorredshears,Andslitsthethin—spunlife。RButnotthepraise,\"

Phoebusreplied,andtouchedmytremblingears:

RFameisnoplantthatgrowsonmortalsoil,NorintheglisteringfoilSetofftotheworld,norinbroadrumourlies,ButlivesandspreadsaloftbythosepureeyesAndperfectwitnessofall—judgingJove;

Ashepronounceslastlyoneachdeed,Ofsomuchfameinheavenexpectthymeed。\"

OfountainArethuse,andthouhonouredflood,Smooth—slidingMincius,crownedwithvocalreeds,ThatstrainIheardwasofahighermood。

Butnowmyoatproceeds,AndlistenstotheHeraldoftheSea,ThatcameinNeptune’splea。

Heaskedthewaves,andaskedthefelonwinds,Whathardmishaphathdoomedthisgentleswain?

AndquestionedeverygustofruggedwingsThatblowsfromoffeachbeakedpromontory。

Theyknewnotofhisstory;

AndsageHippotadestheiranswerbrings,Thatnotablastwasfromhisdungeonstrayed:

Theairwascalm,andonthelevelbrineSleekPanopewithallhersistersplayed。

Itwasthatfatalandperfidiousbark,Builtintheeclipse,andriggedwithcursesdark,Thatsunksolowthatsacredheadofthine。

Next,Camus,reverendsire,wentfootingslow,Hismantlehairy,andhisbonnetsedge,Inwroughtwithfiguresdim,andontheedgeLiketothatsanguineflowerinscribedwithwoe。

Ah!whohathreft,\"quothhe,Rmydearestpledge?\"

Lastcame,andlastdidgo,ThePilotoftheGalileanLake;

Twomassykeysheboreofmetalstwain。

(Thegoldenopes,theironshutsamain)。

Heshookhismitredlocks,andsternbespake:——

RHowwellcouldIhavesparedforthee,youngswain,Enowofsuchas,fortheirbellies’sake,Creep,andintrude,andclimbintothefold!

OfothercaretheylittlereckoningmakeThanhowtoscrambleattheshearers’feast,Andshoveawaytheworthybiddenguest。

Blindmouths!thatscarcethemselvesknowhowtoholdAsheep—hook,orhavelearntaughtelsetheleastThattothefaithfulherdman’sartbelongs!

Whatrecksitthem?Whatneedthey?Theyaresped:

And,whentheylist,theirleanandflashysongsGrateontheirscrannelpipesofwretchedstraw;

Thehungrysheeplookup,andarenotfed,But,swolnwithwindandtherankmisttheydraw,Rotinwardly,andfoulcontagionspread;

BesideswhatthegrimwolfwithprivypawDailydevoursapace,andnothingsaid。

Butthattwo—handedengineatthedoorStandsreadytosmiteonce,andsmitenomore。\"

Return,Alpheus;thedreadvoiceispastThatshrunkthystreams;returnSicilianMuse,Andcallthevales,andbidthemhithercastTheirbellsandfloweretsofathousandhues。

Yevalleyslow,wherethemildwhispersuseOfshades,andwantonwinds,andgushingbrooks,Onwhosefreshlaptheswartstarsparelylooks,Throwhitherallyourquaintenamelledeyes,Thatonthegreenturfsuckthehoneyedshowers,Andpurpleallthegroundwithvernalflowers。

Bringtheratheprimrosethatforsakendies,Thetuftedcrow—toe,andpalejessamine,Thewhitepink,andthepansyfreakedwithjet,Theglowingviolet,Themusk—rose,andthewell—attiredwoodbine,Withcowslipswanthathangthepensivehead,Andeveryflowerthatsadembroiderywears;

Bidamaranthusallhisbeautyshed,Anddaffadilliesfilltheircupswithtears,TostrewthelaureatehearsewhereLycidlies。

Forso,tointerposealittleease,Letourfrailthoughtsdallywithfalsesurmise,Ayme!whilsttheetheshoresandsoundingseasWashfaraway,where’erthybonesarehurled;

WhetherbeyondthestormyHebrides,WherethouperhapsunderthewhelmingtideVisit’stthebottomofthemonstrousworld;

Orwhetherthou,toourmoistvowsdenied,Sleep’stbythefableofBellerusold,WherethegreatVisionoftheguardedmountLookstowardNamancosandBayona’shold。

Lookhomeward,Angel,now,andmeltwithruth:

And,Oyedolphins,waftthehaplessyouth。

Weepnomore,woefulshepherds,weepnomore,ForLycidas,yoursorrow,isnotdead,Sunkthoughhebebeneaththewateryfloor。

Sosinkstheday—starintheoceanbed,Andyetanonrepairshisdroopinghead,Andtrickshisbeams,andwithnew—spangledoreFlamesintheforeheadofthemorningsky:

SoLycidassunklow,butmountedhigh,ThroughthedearmightofHimthatwalkedthewaves,Where,othergrovesandotherstreamsalong,Withnectarpurehisoozylockshelaves,Andhearstheunexpressivenuptialsong,Intheblestkingdomsmeekofjoyandlove。

ThereentertainhimalltheSaintsabove,Insolemntroops,andsweetsocieties,ThatSing,andsingingintheirglorymove,Andwipethetearsforeverfromhiseyes。

Now,Lycidas,theshepherdsweepnomore;

HenceforththouarttheGeniusoftheshore,Inthylargerecompense,andshaltbegoodToallthatwanderinthatperilousflood。

Thussangtheuncouthswaintotheoaksandrills,Whilethestillmornwentoutwithsandalsgrey:

Hetouchedthetenderstopsofvariousquills,WitheagerthoughtwarblinghisDoriclay:

Andnowthesunhadstretchedoutallthehills,Andnowwasdroptintothewesternbay。

Atlastherose,andtwitchedhismantleblue:

Tomorrowtofreshwoods,andpasturesnew。