第2章

ThewassailousheartoftheYearisthine!

HisBacchicfingersdisentwineHiscoronalAtthyfestival;

HisrevellingfingersdisentwineLeaf,flower,andall,AndletthemfallBlossomandallinthywaveringwine。

TheSummerlooksoutfromherbrazentower,ThroughtheflashingbarsofJuly,Waitingthyripenedgoldenshower;

Whereoftherecometh,withsandalsfleet,TheNorth—westflyingviewlessly,Withaswordtosheer,anduntameablefeet,Andthegorgon—headoftheWintershownTostiffenthegazingearthasstone。

IncrystalHeaven’smagicspherePoisedinthepalmofthyfervidhand,ThouseesttheenchantedshowsappearThatstainFavonianfirmament;

RicherthanevertheOccidentGaveuptobygoneSummer’swand。

Day’sdyingdragonliesdroopinghiscrest,PantingredpantsintotheWest。

OrthebutterflysunsetclapsitswingsWithflitteralitontheswingingblossom,Thegustyblossom,thattossesandswings,Oftheseawithitsblownandruffledbosom;

ItsruffledbosomwherethroughthewindsingsTillthecrispedpetalsareloosenedandstrownOverblown,onthesand;

Shed,curlingasdeadRose—leavescurl,onthefleckedstrand。

Orhigher,holier,saintlierwhen,asnow,Allnaturesacerdotalseems,andthou。

Thecalmhourstrikesonyongoldengong,IntonesoffloatingandmellowlightAspreadingsummonstoeven—song:

SeehowthereThecowlednightKneelsontheEasternsanctuary—stair。

Whatisthisfeelofincenseeverywhere?

Clingsitroundfoldsoftheblanch—amicedclouds,Upwaftedbythesolemnthurifer,Themightyspiritunknown,ThatswingeththeslowearthbeforetheembanneredThrone?

Oris’ttheSeasonunderalltheseshroudsOflight,andsense,andsilence,makesherknownApresenceeverywhere,Aninarticulateprayer,Ahandonthesoothedtressesoftheair?

ButthereisonehourscantOfthisTitanian,primalliturgy;

Asthereisbutonehourformeandthee,Autumn,fortheeandthinehierophant,Ofthisgraveendingchant。

RoundtheearthstillandstarkHeaven’sdeath—lightskindle,yellowsparkbyspark,Beneaththedreadfulcatafalqueofthedark。

AndIhadendedthere:

Butagreatwindblewallthestarstoflare,Andcried,\"Isweepthepathbeforethemoon!

Tarryyenowthecomingofthemoon,Forsheiscomingsoon;\"

Thendiedbeforethecomingofthemoon。

Andshecameforthuponthetrepidantair,Investureunimagined—fair,Wovenaswoofofflag—lilies;

Andcurdledasofflag—liliesThevapouratthefeetofher,Andahazeabouthertingedinfainterwise。

Asifshehadtroddenthestarsinpress,Tillthegoldwinespurtedoverherdress,Tillthegoldwinegushedoutroundherfeet;

Spoutedoverherstainedwear,Andbubbledingoldenfrothatherfeet,Andhunglikeawhirlpool’smistroundher。

Still,mightySeason,doIsee’t,Thyswayisstillmajestical!

Thouhold’stofGod,bytitlesure,Thineindefeasibleinvestiture,Andthatrightroundthylocksarenativeto;

Theheavensuponthybrowimperial,Thishugeterrenethyball,Ando’erthyshouldersthrownwideair’sdependingpall。

Whatifthineearthbeblearandbleakofhue?

Still,stilltheskiesaresweet!

Still,Season,stillthouhastthytriumphsthere!

HowhaveI,unaware,Forgetfulofmystraininaugural,Cleftthegreatrondureofthyreigncomplete,Yieldingtheehalf,whohastindeedtheall?

IwillnotthinkthysovereigntybegunButwiththeshepherdsunThatwashesintheseathestars’goldfleecesOrthatwithdayitceases,Whosetshisburninglipstothesaltbrine,Andpurplesittowine;

WhileIbeholdhowerminedArtemisOrdainedweedmustwear,Andtoilthybusiness;

Whowitnessamofher,Hertooinautumnturnedavintager;

And,ladenwithitslampedclustersbright,Thefiery—fruitedvineyardofthisnight。

THEHOUNDOFHEAVEN

IfledHim,downthenightsanddownthedays;

IfledHim,downthearchesoftheyears;

IfledHim,downthelabyrinthinewaysOfmyownmind;andinthemistoftearsIhidfromHim,andunderrunninglaughter。

Upvistaedhopes,Isped;

Andshot,precipitatedAdownTitanicgloomsofchasmedfears,FromthosestrongFeetthatfollowed,followedafter。

Butwithunhurryingchase,Andunperturbedpace,Deliberatespeed,majesticinstancy,Theybeat——andaVoicebeatMoreinstantthantheFeet—

\"Allthingsbetraythee,whobetrayestMe。\"

Ipleaded,outlaw—wise,Bymanyaheartedcasement,curtainedred,Trellisedwithintertwiningcharities;

(For,thoughIknewHisloveWhofollowed,YetwasIsoreadreadLest,havingHim,Imusthavenaughtbeside)

But,ifonelittlecasementpartedwide,ThegustofHisapproachwouldclashittoFearwistnottoevade,asLovewisttopursue。

AcrossthemargentoftheworldIfled,Andtroubledthegoldgatewaysofthestars,Smitingforshelterontheirchangedbars;

FrettedtodulcetjarsAndsilvernchatterthepaleportso’themoon。

Isaidtodawn:Besudden——toeve:Besoon;

WiththyyoungskieyblossomsheapmeoverFromthistremendousLover!

Floatthyvagueveilaboutme,lestHesee!

ItemptedallHisservitors,buttofindMyownbetrayalintheirconstancy,InfaithtoHimtheirficklenesstome,Theirtraitoroustrueness,andtheirloyaldeceit。

ToallswiftthingsforswiftnessdidIsue;

Clungtothewhistlingmaneofeverywind。

Butwhethertheyswept,smoothlyfleet,Thelongsavannahsoftheblue;

Orwhether,Thunder—driven,Theyclangedhischariot’thwartaheaven,Plashywithflyinglightningsroundthespurno’theirfeet:—

FearwistnottoevadeasLovewisttopursue。

Stillwithunhurryingchase,Andunperturbedpace,Deliberatespeed,majesticinstancy,CameonthefollowingFeet,AndaVoiceabovetheirbeat—

\"Naughtsheltersthee,whowiltnotshelterMe。\"

Isoughtnomorethat,afterwhichIstrayed,Infaceofmanormaid;

Butstillwithinthelittlechildren’seyesSeemssomething,somethingthatreplies,THEYatleastareforme,surelyforme!

Iturnedmetothemverywistfully;

ButjustastheiryoungeyesgrewsuddenfairWithdawninganswersthere,Theirangelpluckedthemfrommebythehair。

\"Comethen,yeotherchildren,Nature’s——shareWithme\"(saidI)\"yourdelicatefellowship;

Letmegreetyouliptolip,Letmetwinewithyoucaresses,WantoningWithourLady—Mother’svagranttresses,BanquetingWithherinherwind—walledpalace,Underneathherazureddais,Quaffing,asyourtaintlesswayis,FromachaliceLucent—weepingoutofthedayspring。’

Soitwasdone:

Iintheirdelicatefellowshipwasone—

DrewtheboltofNature’ssecrecies。

IknewalltheswiftimportingsOnthewilfulfaceofskies;

IknewhowthecloudsariseSpumedofthewildsea—snortings;

Allthat’sbornordiesRoseanddroopedwith——madethemshapersOfmineownmoods,orwailfulordivine—

Withthemjoyedandwasbereaven。

Iwasheavywiththeeven,WhenshelitherglimmeringtapersRoundtheday’sdeadsanctities。

Ilaughedinthemorning’seyes。

ItriumphedandIsaddenedwithallweather,HeavenandIwepttogether,Anditssweettearsweresaltwithmortalmine;

Againsttheredthrobofitssunset—heartIlaidmyowntobeat,Andsharecomminglingheat;

Butnotbythat,bythat,waseasedmyhumansmart。

InvainmytearswerewetonHeaven’sgreycheek。

Forah!weknownotwhateachothersays,ThesethingsandI;insoundIspeak—

THEIRsoundisbuttheirstir,theyspeakbysilences。

Nature,poorstepdame,cannotslakemydrouth;

Lether,ifshewouldoweme,Dropyonbluebosom—veilofsky,andshowmeThebreastso’hertenderness:

NeverdidanymilkofhersonceblessMythirstingmouth。

Nighandnighdrawsthechase,Withunperturbedpace,DeliberatespeedmajesticinstancyAndpastthosenoisedFeetAvoicecomesyetmorefleet—

\"Lo!naughtcontentsthee,whocontent’stnotMe。\"

NakedIwaitThylove’supliftedstroke!

MyharnesspiecebypieceThouhasthewnfromme,Andsmittenmetomyknee;

Iamdefencelessutterly,Islept,methinks,andwoke,And,slowlygazing,findmestrippedinsleep。

Intherashlustiheadofmyyoungpowers,IshookthepillaringhoursAndpulledmylifeuponme;grimedwithsmears,Istandamidthedusto’themoundedyears—

Mymangledyouthliesdeadbeneaththeheap。

Mydayshavecrackledandgoneupinsmoke,Havepuffedandburstassun—startsonastream。

Yea,failethnowevendreamThedreamer,andthelutethelutanist;

Eventhelinkedfantasies,inwhoseblossomytwistIswungtheearthatrinketatmywrist,Areyielding;cordsofalltooweakaccountForearthwithheavygriefssooverplussed。

Ah!isThyloveindeedAweed,albeitanamaranthineweed,Sufferingnoflowersexceptitsowntomount?

Ah!must—

Designerinfinite!—

Ah!mustThoucharthewoodereThoucanstlimnwithit?

Myfreshnessspentitswaveringshoweri’thedust;

Andnowmyheartisasabrokenfount,Whereintear—drippingsstagnate,spiltdowneverFromthedankthoughtsthatshiverUponthesighfulbranchesofmymind。

Suchis;whatistobe?

Thepulpsobitter,howshalltastetherind?

IdimlyguesswhatTimeinmistsconfounds;

YeteverandanonatrumpetsoundsFromthehidbattlementsofEternity,Thoseshakenmistsaspaceunsettle,thenRoundthehalf—glimpsedturretsslowlywashagain;

ButnoterehimwhosummonethIfirsthaveseen,enwoundWithgroomingrobespurpureal,cypress—crowned;

HisnameIknow,andwhathistrumpetsaith。

Whetherman’sheartorlifeitbewhichyieldsTheeharvest,mustThyharvestfieldsBedungedwithrottendeath?

NowofthatlongpursuitComesonathandthebruit;

ThatVoiceisroundmelikeaburstingsea:

\"Andisthyearthsomarred,Shatteredinshardonshard?

Lo,allthingsflythee,forthoufliestMe!

\"Strange,piteous,futilething!

Whereforeshouldanysettheeloveapart?

SeeingnonebutImakesmuchofnaught\"(Hesaid),\"Andhumanloveneedshumanmeriting:

Howhastthoumerited—

Ofallman’sclottedclaythedingiestclot?

Alack,thouknowestnotHowlittleworthyofanylovethouart!

Whomwiltthoufindtoloveignoblethee,SaveMe,saveonlyMe?

AllwhichItookfromtheeIdidbuttake,Notforthyharms,Butjustthatthoumight’stseekitinMyarms。

Allwhichthychild’smistakeFanciesaslost,Ihavestoredfortheeathome:

Rise,claspMyhand,andcome。\"

Haltsbymethatfootfall:

Ismygloom,afterall,ShadeofHishand,outstretchedcaressingly?

\"Ah,fondest,blindest,weakest,IamHeWhomthouseekest!

Thoudravestlovefromthee,whodravestMe。\"

AJUDGMENTINHEAVEN{1}

AthwartthesodwhichistreadingforGod*thepoetpacedwithhissplendideyes;

Paradise—verdurehestatelypasses*towintotheFatherofParadise,Throughtheconsciousandpalpitantgrasses*ofinter—tangledrelucentdyes。

Theangelsa—playonitsfieldsofSummer*(theirwildwingsrustledhisguides’cymars)

Lookedupfromdisportatthepassingcomer,*astheypeltedeachotherwithhandfulsofstars;

Andthewarden—spiritswithstartledfeetrose,*handonsword,bytheirtetheredcars。

Withplumesnight—tincturedenglobedandcinctured,*ofSaints,hisguidedstepsheldonTowhereonthefarcrystellinepale*ofthattranstellarHeaventhereshoneTheimmutablecroceandawn*effusingfromtheFather’sThrone。

ThroughthereverberantEden—ways*thebruitofhisgreatadventdriven,Backfromthefulgentjustleandpress*withmightyechoingsowasgiven,Aswhenthesurlythundersmites*upontheclangedgatesofHeaven。

Overthebickeringgonfalons,*far—rangedasforTartareanwars,Wentawaverofribbedfire*——asnight—seasonphosphoricbarsLikeaflame—plumedfanshakeslowlyout*theirridgyreachofcrumblingstars。

AtlengthtowhereonHisfrettedThrone*satintheheartofHisageddominionsThegreatTriune,andMarynigh,*litroundwithspearsoftheirhauberkedminions,Thepoetdrew,inthethunderousblue*involveddreadofthosemountedpinions。

Asinasecretandtenebrouscloud*thewatcherfromthedisquietearthAtmomentaryintervals*beholdsfromitsraggedriftsbreakforthTheflashofagoldenperturbation,*thetravellingthreatofawitchedbirth;

Tillheavilypartsasinisterchasm,*agrislyjaw,whosevergessoon,Slowlyandominouslyfilled*bytheon—comingplenilune,Supportlesslycongestwithfire,*andsuddenlyspitforththemoon:—

Withbeauty,notterror,throughtanglederror*ofnight—diptplumessoburnedtheircharge;

Swayedandpartedtheglobingclusters*so,——disclosedfromtheirkindlingmarge,Roseal—chapleted,splendent—vestured,*thesingertherewhereGod’slightlaylarge。

Hu,hu!awonder!awonder!see,*claspingthesinger’sgloriesclingsAdingycreature,eventolaughter*cloakedandcladinpatchworkthings,Shrinkingclosefromtheunusedglows*oftheseraphs’

versicolouredwings。

Arhymer,rhymingafutilerhyme,*hehadcreptforconvoythroughEden—waysIntotheshadeofthepoet’sglory,*darkenedunderhisprevalentrays,Fearfullyhopingadistantwelcome*asapoorkinsmanofhislays。

Theangelslaughedwithalovelyscorning:*——\"WhohasdonethissorrydeedinThegardenofourFather,God?*’midhisblossomstosowthisweedin?

Neverourfingersknewthisstuff:*notsofashiontheloomsofEden!\"

Thesingerbowedhisbrowmajestic,*searchingthatpatchworkthroughandthrough,FeelingGod’slucentgazestraverse*hissinging—stolingandspirittoo:

Thehallowedharperswerefaintofrown*onthestrangethingcome’midtheirsacredcrew,Onlythesingerthatwasearth*hisfellow—earthandhisownselfknew。

Butthepoetrentoffrobeandwreath,*soasasloughingserpentdoth,Laidthemattherhymer’sfeet,*sheddownwreathandraimentboth,Stoodinadimandshamedstole,*likethetatteredwingofamustymoth。

\"Thougav’sttheweedandwreathofsong,*theweedandwreatharesolelyThine,Andthisdishonestvesture*istheonlyvesturethatismine;

ThelifeItextured,Thouthesong*——MYhandicraftisnotdivine!\"

Hewrestedo’ertherhymer’shead*thatgarmentingwhichwroughthimwrong;

Aflickeringtissueargentine*downdrippeditsshiveringsilverslong:—

\"Betterthouwov’stthywoofoflife*thanthoudidstweavethywoofofsong!\"

NeverachiefinSaintdomwas,*butturnedhimfromthePoetthen;

Neveraneyelookedmildonhim*’midalltheangelmyriadsten,SavesinlessMary,andsinfulMary*——theMarytitledMagdalen。

\"Turnyonrobe,\"spakeMagdalen,*\"oftornbrightsong,andseeandfeel。\"

Theyturnedtheraiment,sawandfelt*whattheirturningdidreveal—

Alltheinnersurfacepiled*withbloodiedhairs,likehairsofsteel。

\"Take,Ipray,yonchapletup,*throwndownruddiedfromhishead。\"

Theytooktherosealchapletup,*andtheystoodastonished:

Everyleafbetweentheirfingers,*astheybruisedit,burstandbled。

\"Seehistornfleshthroughthoserents;*seethepuncturesroundhishair,Asifthechaplet—flowershaddriven*deeprootsintonourishthere—

Lord,whogav’sthimrobeandwreath,*WHATwasthisThougav’stforwear?\"

\"FetchforththeParadisalgarb!\"*spaketheFather,sweetandlow;

Drewthembothbythefrightenedhand*whereMary’sthronemadeirisedbow—

\"Take,PrincessMary,ofthygoodgrace,*twospiritsgreaterthantheyknow。\"

EPILOGUE

Virtuemayunlockhell,orevenAsinturninthewardsofHeaven,(Asethicsofthetext—bookgo),Solittlementheirowndeedsknow,OrthroughtheintricatemeleeGuesswhitherwarddrawsthebattle—sway;

Solittle,iftheyknowthedeed,Discernwhattherefromshallsucceed。

Towisestmoralists’tisbutgivenToworkroughborder—lawofHeaven,Withinthisnarrowlifeofours,Thesemarches’twixtdelimitlessPowers。

Isit,ifHeaventhefutureshowed,Isittheall—severestmodeToseeourselveswiththeeyesofGod?

Godrathergrant,atHisassize,Heseeusnotwithourowneyes!

Heaven,whichman’sgenerationsdrawsNordeviatesintoreplicas,MustofasdeepdiversityInjudgmentascreationbe。

ThereisnoexpeditiousroadTopackandlabelmenforGod,Andsavethembythebarrel—load。

Somemayperchance,withstrangesurprise,HaveblunderedintoParadise。

Invastyduskoflifeabroad,TheyfondlythoughttoerrfromGod,Norknewthecirclethattheytrod;

Andwanderingallthenightabout,Foundthematmornwheretheysetout。

Deathdawned;Heavenlayinprospectwide:—

Lo!theywerestandingbyHisside!

Therhymeralifeuncomplex,Withjustsuchcaresasmortalsvex,Sosimplyfeltasallmenfeel,Livedpurelyouttohissoul’sweal。

AdoublelifethePoetlived,Andwithadoubleburthengrieved;

Thelifeoffleshandlifeofsong,Thepangstobothlivesthatbelong;

Immortalknewandmortalpain,Whointwoworldscouldloseandgain。

AndfoundimmortalfruitsmustbeMortalthroughhismortality。

Thelifeoffleshandlifeofsong!

Ifonelifeworkedtheotherwrong,WhatexpiatingagonyMayforhimdamnedtopoesyShutinthatlittlesentencebe—

Whatdeepausteritiesofstrife—

\"Helivedhislife。\"HelivedHISlife!

DAISY

WherethethistleliftsapurplecrownSixfootoutoftheturf,Andtheharebellshakesonthewindyhill—

Othebreathofthedistantsurf!—

ThehillslookoverontheSouth,Andsouthwarddreamsthesea;

And,withthesea—breezehandinhand,Cameinnocenceandshe。

Where’midthegorsetheraspberryRedforthegatherersprings,TwochildrendidwestrayandtalkWise,idle,childishthings。

Shelistenedwithbig—lippedsurprise,Breast—deepmidflowerandspine:

Herskinwaslikeagrape,whoseveinsRunsnowinsteadofwine。

Sheknewnotthosesweetwordsshespake,Norknewherownsweetway;

Butthere’sneverabird,sosweetasongThrongedinwhosethroatthatday!

Oh,therewereflowersinStorringtonOntheturfandonthespray;

ButthesweetestfloweronSussexhillsWastheDaisy—flowerthatday!

Herbeautysmoothedearth’sfurrowedface!

Shegavemetokensthree:—

Alook,awordofherwinsomemouth,Andawildraspberry。

Aberryred,aguilelesslook,Astillword,——stringsofsand!

Andyettheymademywild,wildheartFlydowntoherlittlehand。

Forstandingartlessastheair,Andcandidastheskies,Shetooktheberrieswithherhand,Andthelovewithhersweeteyes。

Thefairestthingshavefleetestend:

Theirscentsurvivestheirclose,Buttherose’sscentisbitternessTohimthatlovedtherose!

Shelookedalittlewistfully,Thenwenthersunshineway:—

Thesea’seyehadamistonit,Andtheleavesfellfromtheday。

Shewentherunrememberingway,ShewentandleftinmeThepangofallthepartingsgone,Andpartingsyettobe。

SheleftmemarvellingwhymysoulWassadthatshewasglad;

Atallthesadnessinthesweet,Thesweetnessinthesad。

Still,stillIseemedtoseeher,stillLookupwithsoftreplies,Andtaketheberrieswithherhand,Andthelovewithherlovelyeyes。

Nothingbegins,andnothingends,Thatisnotpaidwithmoan;

Forweareborninother’spain,Andperishinourown。

THEMAKINGOFVIOLA

I。

THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

Spin,daughterMary,spin,Twirlyourwheelwithsilverdin;

Spin,daughterMary,spin,SpinatressforViola。

ANGELS。

Spin,QueenMary,aBrowntressforViola!

II。

THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

Weave,handsangelical,Weaveawoofoffleshtopall—

Weave,handsangelical—

FleshtopallourViola。

ANGELS。

Weave,singingbrothers,aVelvetfleshforViola!

III。

THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

Scoop,youngJesus,forhereyes,Wood—brownedpoolsofParadise—

YoungJesus,fortheeyes,FortheeyesofViola。

ANGELS。

Tint,PrinceJesus,aDuskedeyeforViola!

IV。

THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

Castastarthereintodrown,Likeatorchincavernbrown,SinkaburningstartodrownWhelmedineyesofViola。

ANGELS。

Lave,PrinceJesus,aStarineyesofViola!

V。

THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

Breathe,LordParaclete,Toabubbledcrystalmeet—

Breathe,LordParaclete—

CrystalsoulforViola。

ANGELS。

Breathe,RegalSpirit,aFlashingsoulforViola!

VI。

THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

Child—angels,fromyourwingsFalltherosealhoverings,Child—angels,fromyourwings,OnthecheeksofViola。

ANGELS。

Linger,rosyreflex,aQuenchlessstain,onViola!

Allthingsbeingaccomplished,saiththeFatherofHeaven。

Bearherdown,andbearing,sing,Bearherdownonspylesswing,Bearherdown,andbearing,sing,Withasoundofviola。

ANGELS。

Musicashernameis,aSweetsoundofViola!

VIII。

Wheelingangels,pastespial,Dancedherdownwithsoundofviol;

Wheelingangels,pastespial,Descantingon\"Viola。\"

ANGELS。

Sing,inourfooting,aLovelyliltof\"Viola!\"

IX。

Babysmiled,motherwailed,Earthwardwhilethesweetlingsailed;

Mothersmiled,babywailed,WhentoearthcameViola。

ANDHERELDERSSHALLSAY:—

SosoonhavewetaughtyouaWaytoweep,poorViola!

X。

Smile,sweetbaby,smile,Foryouwillhaveweeping—while;

NativeinyourHeavenissmile,—

Butyourweeping,Viola?

Whenceyoursmilesweknow,butah?

Whenceyourweeping,Viola?—

OurfirstgifttoyouisaGiftoftears,myViola!

TOMYGODCHILD——FRANCISM。W。M

Thislabouring,vast,Telluriangalleon,Ridingatanchorofftheorientsun,Hadbrokenitscable,andstoodouttospaceDownsomefroreArcticoftheaerialways:

Andnow,backwarpingfromtheinclementmain,Itsvaporousshroudagedrenchedwithicyrain,Itswungintoitsazureroadsagain;

When,floatedontheprosperoussun—gale,youLit,awhitehalcyonauspice,’midourfrozencrew。

TotheSun,stranger,surelyyoubelong,Giverofgoldendaysandgoldensong;

Norisitbyanall—unhappyplanYoubearthenameofme,hisconstantMagian。

Yetah!fromanyotherthatitcame,Lestfatedtomyfateyoube,astomyname。

Whenatthefirstthosetidingsdidtheybring,Myheartturnedtroubledattheominousthing:

Thoughwellmaysuchatitlehimendower,Forwhomapoet’sprayerimploresapoet’spower。

TheAssisian,whokeptplightedfaithtothree,ToSong,toSanctitude,andPoverty,(IntwoaloneofwhommostsingersproveAfatalfaithfulnessofduringlove!);

HethesweetSales,ofwhomwescarcelykenHowGodhecouldlovemore,hesolovedmen;

ThecrownandcrownedofLauraandItaly;

AndFletcher’sfellow——fromthese,andnotfromme,Takeyouyourname,andtakeyourlegacy!

Or,ifarightsuccessiveyoudeclareWhenworms,forivies,intertwinemyhair,TakebutthisPoesythatnowfollowethMyclayeyhestwithsullenservilebreath,Madethenyourhappyfreedmanbytestatingdeath。

MysongIdobutholdforyouintrust,Iaskyoubuttoblossomfrommydust。

WhenyouhavecompassedallweakIbegan,Divinerpoet,andah!divinerman;

ThemanatfeudwiththeperduringchildInyoubeforesong’saltarnoblyreconciled;

FromthewiseheavensIhalfshallsmiletoseeHowlittleaworld,whichownedyou,neededme。

If,whileyoukeepthevigilsofthenight,Foryourwildtearsmakedarknessalltoobright,Someloneorbthroughyourlonelywindowpeeps,Asitplayedloveroveryoursweetsleeps;

Thinkitagoldencreviceinthesky,WhichIhavepiercedbuttobeholdyouby!

Andwhen,immortalmortal,droopsyourhead,Andyou,thechildofdeathlesssong,aredead;

Then,asyousearchwithunaccustomedglanceTheranksofParadiseformycountenance,TurnnotyourtreadalongtheUraniansodAmongthebeardedcounsellorsofGod;

ForifinEdenasoneartharewe,Isureshallkeepayoungercompany:

PasswherebeneaththeirrangedgonfalonsThestarrycohortsshaketheirshieldedsuns,Thedreadfulmassoftheirenridgedspears;

Passwheremajesticaltheeternalpeers,ThestatelychoiceofthegreatSaintdom,meet—

Asilvernsegregation,globedcompleteInsandalledshadowoftheTriunefeet;

Passbywherewait,youngpoet—wayfarer,Yourcousinedclusters,emuloustoshareWithyoutheroseallightningsburning’midtheirhair;

Passthecrystallinesea,theLampadsseven:—

LookformeinthenurseriesofHeaven。

THEPOPPY——TOMONICA

Summersetliptoearth’sbosombare。

Andlefttheflushedprintinapoppythere:

Likeayawnoffirefromthegrassitcame,Andthefanningwindpuffedittoflappingflame。

Withburntmouthredlikealion’sitdrankThebloodofthesunasheslaughteredsank,AnddippeditscupinthepurpurateshineWhentheeasternconduitsranwithwine。

Tillitgrewlethargiedwithfiercebliss,Andhotasaswinkedgipsyis,Anddrowsedinsleepysavageries,Withmouthwidea—poutforasultrykiss。

Achildandmanpacedsidebyside,Treadingtheskirtsofeventide;

ButbetweentheclaspofhishandandhersLay,feltnot,twentywitheredyears。

Sheturned,withtheroutofherduskSouthhair,Andsawthesleepinggipsythere;

Andsnatchedandsnappeditinswiftchild’swhim,With——\"Keepit,longasyoulive!\"——tohim。

Andhissmile,asnymphsfromtheirlavingmeres,Trembledupfromabathoftears;

Andjoy,likeamewsea—rockedapart,Tossedonthewaveofhistroubledheart。

ForHEsawwhatshedidnotsee,That——askindledbyitsownfervency—

Thevergeshrivelledinwardsmoulderingly:

Andsuddenly’twixthishandandhersHeknewthetwentywitheredyears—

Noflower,buttwentyshrivelledyears。

\"Wasneversuchthinguntilthishour,\"

Lowtohishearthesaid;\"theflowerOfsleepbringswakeningtome,Andofoblivionmemory。\"

\"Wasneverthisthingtome,\"hesaid,\"Thoughwithbruisedpoppiesmyfeetarered!\"

Andagaintohisownheartverylow:

\"Ochild!Ilove,forIloveandknow;

\"Butyou,wholovenorknowatallThediversechambersinLove’sguest—hall,Wheresomeriseearly,fewsitlong:

InhowdifferingaccentshearthethrongHisgreatPentecostaltongue;

\"Whoknownotlovefromamity,Normyreportedselffromme;

Afairfitgiftisthis,meseems,Yougive——thiswitheringflowerofdreams。

\"Ofranklyfickle,andficklytrue,Doyouknowwhatthedayswilldotoyou?

ToyourLoveandyouwhatthedayswilldo,Ofranklyfickle,andficklytrue?

\"Youhavelovedme,Fair,threelives——ordays:

’Twillpasswiththepassingofmyface。

ButwhereIgo,yourfacegoestoo,TowatchlestIplayfalsetoyou。

\"Iambut,mysweet,yourfoster—lover,KnowingwellwhencertainyearsareoverYouvanishfrommetoanother;

YetIknow,andlove,likethefoster—mother。

\"So,franklyfickle,andficklytrue!

Formybrieflife——whileItakefromyouThistoken,fairandfit,meseems,Forme——thiswitheringflowerofdreams。\"

***

Thesleep—flowerswaysinthewheatitshead,Heavywithdreams,asthatwithbread:

Thegoodlygrainandthesun—flushedsleeperThereaperreaps,andTimethereaper。

Ihang’midmenmyneedlesshead,Andmyfruitisdreams,astheirsisbread:

Thegoodlymenandthesun—hazedsleeperTimeshallreap,butafterthereaperTheworldshallgleanofme,methesleeper!

Love!love!yourflowerofwithereddreamInleavedrhymeliessafe,Ideem,Shelteredandshutinanookofrhyme,Fromthereaperman,andhisreaperTime。

Love!IfallintotheclawsofTime:

ButlastswithinaleavedrhymeAllthattheworldofmeesteems—

Mywithereddreams,mywithereddreams。

TOMONICATHOUGHTDYING

You,Othepiteousyou!

WhoallthelongnightthroughAnticipatedlyDiscloseyourselftomeAlreadyinthewaysBeyondourhumancomfortabledays;

HowcanyoudeemwhatDeathImpitiablysaithTome,wholisteningwakeForyourpoorsake?

WhenagrownwomandiesYouknowwethinkunceasinglyWhatthingsshesaid,howsweet,howwise;

Andthesedomakeourmisery。

Butyouwere(youtomeThedeadanticipatedly!)

You——elevenyears,was’tnot,orso?—

Werejustachild,youknow;

AndsoyouneversaidThingssweetimmeditatablyandwiseTointerdictfromclosuremyweteyes:

Butfoolishthings,mydead,mydead!

Littleandlaughable,Youragethatfittedwell。

Andwasitsuchthingsallunmemorable,WasitsuchthingscouldmakeMesoballnightforyourimplacablesake?

Yet,asyousaidtome,Inprettymake—believeofrevelry,SothenightlongsaidDeathWithhismagniloquentbreath;

(AndthatrememberedlaughterWhichinourdailyusesfollowedafter,Wasalluntunedtopityandtoawe):

\"Acupofchocolate,Onefarthingistherate,Youdrinkitthroughastraw。\"

HowcouldIknow,howknowThoselaughingwordswhendrenchedwithsobbingso?

Anothervoicethanyours,thanyours,hehath!

Mydear,was’tworthhisbreath,Hismightyutterance?——yethesaith,andsaith!

ThisdreadfulDeathtohisowndreadfulnessDothdreadfulwrong,Thisdreadfulchildishbabbleonhistongue!

Thatirontonguemadetospeaksentences,Andwisdominsupportablycomplete,Whyshoulditonlysaythelongnightthrough,Inmimicryofyou,—

\"Acupofchocolate,Onefarthingistherate,Youdrinkitthroughastraw,astraw,astraw!\"

Oh,ofallsentences,Piercinglyincomplete!

Whydidyouteachthatfatalmouthtodraw,Child,impermissibleawe,Fromyouroldtrivialness?

WhyhaveyoudonemethisMostunsustainablewrong,AndintoDeath’scontrolBetrayedthesecretplacesofmysoul?

Teachinghimthathislips,Utteringtheirnativeearthquakeandeclipse,CouldneversoavailTorendfromhemtohemtheultimateveilOfthismostdesolateSpirit,andleaveitstrippedanddesecrate,—

Nay,neversohavewrungFromeyesandspeechweaknessunmanned,unmeet;

AswhenhisterribledotagetorepeatItslittlelessonlearnethatyourfeet;

AswhenhesitsamongHissepulchres,toplayWithbrokentoysyourhandhascastaway,Withderelicttrinketsofthedarlingyoung。

Whyhaveyoutaught——thathemightsocompleteHisawfulpanoplyFromyourcastplaythings——why,Thisdreadfulchildishbabbletohistongue,Dreadfulandsweet?

Footnotes:

{1}Note——Ihavethroughoutthispoemusedanasterisktoindicatethecaesurainthemiddleoftheline,afterthemanneroftheoldSaxonsection—point。