Hadhethenwrong’daheartwheresorrowkept？
Hadhe，thoughblindlycontumelious，brought
Rheumtokindeyes，astingtohumanethought，
Convulsiontoamouthofmanyyears？
Hehadintruth;andhewasripefortears.
Thepenitentshowerfell，asdownheknelt
Beforethatcare—wornsage，whotremblingfelt
Abouthislargedarklocks，andfaulteringspake：
\"Arise，goodyouth，forsacredPhoebus’sake！
Iknowthineinmostbosom，andIfeel
Averybrother’syearningfortheesteal
Intomineown：forwhy？thouopenest
Theprisongatesthathavesolongopprest
Mywearywatching.Thoughthouknow’stitnot，
Thouartcommission’dtothisfatedspot
Forgreatenfranchisement.Oweepnomore;
Iamafriendtolove，tolovesofyore：
Aye，hadstthouneverlov’danunknownpower，
Ihadbeengrievingatthisjoyoushour.
Butevennowmostmiserableold，
Isawthee，andmybloodnolongercold
Gavemightypulses：inthistotteringcase
Grewanewheart，whichatthismomentplays
Asdancinglyasthine.Benotafraid，
Forthoushalthearthissecretalldisplay’d，
Nowaswespeedtowardsourjoyoustask.\"
Sosaying，thisyoungsoulinage’smask
WentforwardwiththeCariansidebyside：
Resumingquicklythus：whileocean’stide
Hungswollenattheirbacks，andjewel’dsands
Tooksilentlytheirfoot—prints.
\"Mysoulstands
Nowpastthemidwayfrommortality，
AndsoIcanpreparewithoutasigh
Totelltheebrieflyallmyjoyandpain.
Iwasafisheronce，uponthismain，
Andmyboatdanc’dineverycreekandbay;
Roughbillowsweremyhomebynightandday，—
Thesea—gullsnotmoreconstant;forIhad
Nohousingfromthestormandtempestsmad，
Buthollowrocks，—andtheywerepalaces
Ofsilenthappiness，ofslumberousease：
Longyearsofmiseryhavetoldmeso.
Aye，thusitwasonethousandyearsago.
Onethousandyears！—Isitthenpossible
Tolooksoplainlythroughthem？todispel
Athousandyearswithbackwardglancesublime？
Tobreatheawayas’twereallscummyslime
Fromoffacrystalpool，toseeitsdeep，
Andone’sownimagefromthebottompeep？
Yes：nowIamnolongerwretchedthrall，
Mylongcaptivityandmoaningsall
Arebutaslime，athin—pervadingscum，
ThewhichIbreatheaway，andthrongingcome
Likethingsofyesterdaymyyouthfulpleasures.
\"Itouch’dnolute，Isangnot，trodnomeasures：
Iwasalonelyyouthondesertshores.
Mysportswerelonely，’midcontinuousroars，
Andcraggyisles，andsea—mew’splaintivecry
Plainingdiscrepantbetweenseaandsky.
Dolphinswerestillmyplaymates;shapesunseen
Wouldletmefeeltheirscalesofgoldandgreen，
Norbemydesolation;and，fulloft，
Whenadreadwaterspouthadrear’daloft
Itshungryhugeness，seemingreadyripe
Toburstwithhoarsestthunderings，andwipe
Mylifeawaylikeavastspongeoffate，
Somefriendlymonster，pityingmysadstate，
Hasdivedtoitsfoundations，gulph’ditdown，
Andleftmetossingsafely.Butthecrown
Ofallmylifewasutmostquietude：
MoredidIlovetolieincavernrude，
KeepinginwaitwholedaysforNeptune’svoice，
Andifitcameatlast，hark，andrejoice！
Thereblush’dnosummerevebutIwouldsteer
Myskiffalonggreenshelvingcoasts，tohear
Theshepherd’spipecomeclearfromaerysteep，
Mingledwithceaselessbleatingsofhissheep：
Andneverwasadayofsummershine，
ButIbehelditsbirthuponthebrine：
ForIwouldwatchallnighttoseeunfold
Heaven’sgates，andAEthonsnorthismorninggold
Wideo’ertheswellingstreams：andconstantly
Atbrimofday—tide，onsomegrassylea，
Mynetswouldbespreadout，andIatrest.
Thepoorfolkofthesea—countryIblest
Withdailyboonoffishmostdelicate：
Theyknewnotwhencethisbounty，andelate
Wouldstrewsweetflowersonasterilebeach.
\"WhywasInotcontented？Whereforereach
Atthingswhich，butforthee，OLatmian！
Hadbeenmydrearydeath？Fool！Ibegan
Tofeeldistemper’dlongings：todesire
Theutmostprivilegethatocean’ssire
Couldgrantinbenediction：tobefree
Ofallhiskingdom.Longinmisery
Iwasted，ereinoneextremestfit
Iplung’dforlifeordeath.Tointerknit
One’ssenseswithsodenseabreathingstuff
Mightseemaworkofpain;sonotenough
CanIadmirehowcrystal—smoothitfelt，
Andbuoyantroundmylimbs.AtfirstIdwelt
Wholedaysanddaysinsheerastonishment;
Forgetfulutterlyofself—intent;
Movingbutwiththemightyebbandflow.
Then，likeanewfledg’dbirdthatfirstdothshow
Hisspreadedfeatherstothemorrowchill，
Itriedinfearthepinionsofmywill.
’Twasfreedom！andatonceIvisited
Theceaselesswondersofthisocean—bed.
Noneedtotelltheeofthem，forIsee
Thatthouhastbeenawitness—itmustbe—
FortheseIknowthoucanstnotfeeladrouth，
Bythemelancholycornersofthatmouth.
SoIwillinmystorystraightwaypass
Tomoreimmediatematter.Woe，alas！
Thatloveshouldbemybane！Ah，Scyllafair！
WhydidpoorGlaucusever—everdare
Tosuetheetohisheart？Kindstranger—youth！
Ilov’dhertotheverywhiteoftruth，
Andshewouldnotconceiveit.Timidthing！
Shefledmeswiftassea—birdonthewing，
Roundeveryisle，andpoint，andpromontory，
FromwherelargeHerculeswounduphisstory
FarasEgyptianNile.Mypassiongrew
Themore，themoreIsawherdaintyhue
Gleamdelicatelythroughtheazureclear：
Until’twastoofierceagonytobear;
Andinthatagony，acrossmygrief
Itflash’d，thatCircemightfindsomerelief—
Cruelenchantress！Soabovethewater
Irear’dmyhead，andlook’dforPhoebus’daughter，
AEaea’sislewaswonderingatthemoon：—
Itseem’dtowhirlaroundme，andaswoon
Leftmedead—driftingtothatfatalpower.
\"WhenIawoke，’twasinatwilightbower;
Justwhenthelightofmorn，withhumofbees，
Stolethroughitsverdurousmattingoffreshtrees.
Howsweet，andsweeter！forIheardalyre，
Andoveritasighingvoiceexpire.
Itceased—Icaughtlightfootsteps;andanon
Thefairestfacethatmorne’erlook’dupon
Push’dthroughascreenofroses.StarryJove！
Withtears，andsmiles，andhoney—wordsshewove
Anetwhosethraldomwasmoreblissthanall
Therangeofflower’dElysium.Thusdidfall
Thedewofherrichspeech：’Ah！Artawake？
’Oletmeheartheespeak，forCupid’ssake！
’Iamsooppress’dwithjoy！Why，Ihaveshed
’Anurnoftears，asthoughthouwertcolddead;
’AndnowIfindtheeliving，Iwillpour
’Fromthesedevotedeyestheirsilverstore，
’Untilexhaustedofthelatestdrop，
’Soitwillpleasurethee，andforcetheestop
’Here，thatItoomaylive：butifbeyond
’Suchcoolandsorrowfulofferings，thouartfond
’Ofsoothingwarmth，ofdalliancesupreme;
’Ifthouartripetotastealonglovedream;
’Ifsmiles，ifdimples，tonguesforardourmute，
’Hanginthyvisionlikeatemptingfruit，
’Oletmepluckitforthee.’Thusshelink’d
Hercharmingsyllables，tillindistinct
Theirmusiccametomyo’er—sweeten’dsoul;
Andthenshehover’doverme，andstole
Sonear，thatifnonearerithadbeen
Thisfurrow’dvisagethouhadstneverseen.
\"YoungmanofLatmos！thusparticular
AmI，thatthoumay’stplainlyseehowfar
Thisfiercetemptationwent：andthoumay’stnot
Exclaim，Howthen，wasScyllaquiteforgot？
\"Whocouldresist？Whointhisuniverse？
Shedidsobreatheambrosia;soimmerse
Myfineexistenceinagoldenclime.
Shetookmelikeachildofsucklingtime，
Andcradledmeinroses.Thuscondemn’d，
Thecurrentofmyformerlifewasstemm’d，
Andtothisarbitraryqueenofsense
Ibow’datrancedvassal：norwouldthence
Havemov’d，eventhoughAmphion’sharphadwoo’d
MebacktoScyllao’erthebillowsrude.
ForasApolloeachevedothdevise
Anewapparelingforwesternskies;
Soeveryeve，nayeveryspendthrifthour
Shedbalmyconsciousnesswithinthatbower.
AndIwasfreeofhauntsumbrageous;
Couldwanderinthemazyforest—house
Ofsquirrels，foxesshy，andantler’ddeer，
Andbirdsfromcovertsinnermostanddrear
Warblingforveryjoymellifluoussorrow—
Tomenewborndelights！
\"Nowletmeborrow，
Formomentsfew，atemperamentasstern
AsPluto’ssceptre，thatmywordsnotburn
Theseutteringlips，whileIincalmspeechtell
Howspeciousheavenwaschangedtorealhell.
\"Onemornsheleftmesleeping：halfawake
Isoughtforhersmootharmsandlips，toslake
Mygreedythirstwithnectarouscamel—draughts;
Butshewasgone.Whereatthebarbedshafts
Ofdisappointmentstuckinmesosore，
ThatoutIranandsearch’dtheforesto’er.
Wanderingaboutinpineandcedargloom
Dampaweassail’dme;forthere’gantoboom
Asoundofmoan，anagonyofsound，
Sepulchralfromthedistanceallaround.
Thencameaconqueringearth—thunder，andrumbled
Thatfiercecomplaintosilence：whileIstumbled
Downaprecipitouspath，asifimpell’d.
Icametoadarkvalley.—Groaningsswell’d
Poisonousaboutmyears，andloudergrew，
ThenearerIapproach’daflame’sgauntblue，
Thatglar’dbeforemethroughathornybrake.
Thisfire，liketheeyeofgordiansnake，
Bewitch’dmetowards;andIsoonwasnear
Asighttoofearfulforthefeeloffear：
InthickethidIcurs’dthehaggardscene—
Thebanquetofmyarms，myarbourqueen，
Seateduponanuptornforestroot;
Andallaroundhershapes，wizardandbrute，
Laughing，andwailing，groveling，serpenting，
Showingtooth，tusk，andvenom—bag，andsting！
Osuchdeformities！OldCharon’sself，
Shouldhegiveupawhilehispennypelf，
Andtakeadream’mongrushesStygian，
Itcouldnotbesophantasied.Fierce，wan，
Andtyrannizingwasthelady’slook，
Asoverthemagnarledstaffsheshook.
Oft—timesuponthesuddenshelaugh’dout，
Andfromabasketemptiedtotherout
Clustersofgrapes，thewhichtheyraven’dquick
Androar’dformore;withmanyahungrylick
Abouttheirshaggyjaws.Avenging，slow，
Anonshetookabranchofmistletoe，
Andemptiedon’tablackdull—gurglingphial：
Groan’doneandall，asifsomepiercingtrial
Wassharpeningfortheirpitiablebones.
Sheliftedupthecharm：appealinggroans
Fromtheirpoorbreastswentsueingtoherear
Invain;remorselessasaninfant’sbier
Shewhisk’dagainsttheireyesthesootyoil.
Whereatwasheardanoiseofpainfultoil，
Increasinggradualtoatempestrage，
Shrieks，yells，andgroansoftorture—pilgrimage;
Untiltheirgrievedbodies’gantobloat
Andpufffromthetail’sendtostifledthroat：
Thenwasappallingsilence：thenasight
Morewilderingthanallthathoarseaffright;
Forthewholeherd，asbyawhirlwindwrithen，
WentthroughthedismalairlikeonehugePython
AntagonizingBoreas，—andsovanish’d.
Yettherewasnotabreathofwind：shebanish’d
Thesephantomswithanod.Lo！fromthedark
Camewaggishfauns，andnymphs，andsatyrsstark，
Withdancingandloudrevelry，—andwent
Swifterthancentaursafterrapinebent.—
Sighinganelephantappear’dandbow’d
Beforethefiercewitch，speakingthusaloud
Inhumanaccent：’Potentgoddess！chief
’Ofpainsresistless！makemybeingbrief，
’Orletmefromthisheavyprisonfly：
’Orgivemetotheair，orletmedie！
’Isuenotformyhappycrownagain;
’Isuenotformyphalanxontheplain;
’Isuenotformylone，mywidow’dwife;
’Isuenotformyruddydropsoflife，
’Mychildrenfair，mylovelygirlsandboys！
’Iwillforgetthem;Iwillpassthesejoys;
’Asknoughtsoheavenward，sotoo—toohigh：
’OnlyIpray，asfairestboon，todie，
’Orbedeliver’dfromthiscumbrousflesh，
’Fromthisgross，detestable，filthymesh，
’Andmerelygiventothecoldbleakair.
’Havemercy，Goddess！Circe，feelmyprayer！’
\"Thatcurstmagician’snamefellicynumb
Uponmywildconjecturing：truthhadcome
Nakedandsabre—likeagainstmyheart.
Isawafurywhettingadeath—dart;
Andmyslainspirit，overwroughtwithfright，
Faintedawayinthatdarklairofnight.
Think，mydeliverer，howdesolate
Mywakingmusthavebeen！disgust，andhate，
Andterrorsmanifolddividedme
Aspoilamongstthem.Iprepar’dtoflee
Intothedungeoncoreofthatwildwood：
Ifledthreedays—whenlo！beforemestood
Glaringtheangrywitch.ODis，evennow，
Aclammydewisbeadingonmybrow，
Atmererememberingherpalelaugh，andcurse.
’Ha！ha！SirDainty！theremustbeanurse
’Madeofroseleavesandthistledown，express，
’Tocradletheemysweet，andlullthee：yes，
’Iamtooflinty—hardforthynicetouch：
’Mytenderestsqueezeisbutagiant’sclutch.
’So，fairy—thing，itshallhavelullabies
’Unheardofyet：anditshallstillitscries
’Uponsomebreastmorelilly—feminine.
’Oh，no—itshallnotpine，andpine，andpine
’Morethanonepretty，triflingthousandyears;
’Andthen’twerepity，butfate’sgentleshears
’Cutshortitsimmortality.Sea—flirt！
’Youngdoveofthewaters！trulyI’llnothurt
’Onehairofthine：seehowIweepandsigh，
’Thatourheart—brokenpartingissonigh.
’Andmustwepart？Ah，yes，itmustbeso.
’Yeterethouleavestmeinutterwoe，
’Letmesobovertheemylastadieus，
’Andspeakablessing：Markme！Thouhastthews
’Immortal，forthouartofheavenlyrace：
’Butsuchaloveismine，thathereIchace
’Eternallyawayfromtheeallbloom
’Ofyouth，anddestinetheetowardsatomb.
’Henceshaltthouquicklytothewateryvast;
’Andthere，eremanydaysbeoverpast，
’Disabledageshallseizethee;andeventhen
’Thoushaltnotgothewayofagedmen;
’Butliveandwither，crippleandstillbreathe
’Tenhundredyears：whichgone，Ithenbequeath
’Thyfragilebonestounknownburial.
’Adieu，sweetlove，adieu！’—Asshotstarsfall，
ShefledereIcouldgroanformercy.Stung
Andpoison’dwasmyspirit：despairsung
Awar—songofdefiance’gainstallhell.
Ahandwasatmyshouldertocompel
Mysullensteps;another’foremyeyes
Movedonwithpointedfinger.Inthisguise
Enforced，atthelastbyocean’sfoam
Ifoundme;bymyfresh，mynativehome.
Itstemperingcoolness，tomylifeakin，
CamesalutaryasIwadedin;
And，withablindvoluptuousrage，Igave
Battletotheswollenbillow—ridge，anddrave
Largefrothbeforeme，whilethereyetremain’d
Halestrength，norfrommybonesallmarrowdrain’d.
\"Younglover，Imustweep—suchhellishspite
Withdrycheekwhocantell？Whilethusmymight
Provinguponthiselement，dismay’d，
Uponadeadthing’sfacemyhandIlaid;
Ilook’d—’twasScylla！Cursed，cursedCirce！
Ovulture—witch，hastneverheardofmercy？
Couldnotthyharshestvengeancebecontent，
Butthoumustnipthistenderinnocent
BecauseIlov’dher？—Cold，Ocoldindeed
Wereherfairlimbs，andlikeacommonweed
Thesea—swelltookherhair.Deadasshewas
Iclungaboutherwaist，norceas’dtopass
Fleetasanarrowthroughunfathom’dbrine，
Untilthereshoneafabriccrystalline，
Ribb’dandinlaidwithcoral，pebble，andpearl.
HeadlongIdarted;atoneeagerswirl
Gain’ditsbrightportal，enter’d，andbehold！
’Twasvast，anddesolate，andicy—cold;
Andallaround—Butwhereforethistothee
Whoinfewminutesmorethyselfshaltsee？—
IleftpoorScyllainanicheandfled.
Myfever’dparchingsup，myscathingdread
Metpalsyhalfway：soontheselimbsbecame
Gaunt，wither’d，sapless，feeble，cramp’d，andlame.
\"Nowletmepassacruel，cruelspace，
Withoutonehope，withoutonefaintesttrace
Ofmitigation，orredeemingbubble
Ofcolour’dphantasy;forIfear’twouldtrouble
Thybraintolossofreason：andnexttell
Howarestoringchancecamedowntoquell
Onehalfofthewitchinme.
\"Onaday，
Sittinguponarockabovethespray，
Isawgrowupfromthehorizon’sbrink
Agallantvessel：soonsheseem’dtosink
Awayfrommeagain，asthoughhercourse
Hadbeenresum’dinspiteofhinderingforce—
Sovanish’d：andnotlong，beforearose
Darkclouds，andmutteringofwindsmorose.
OldAEoluswouldstiflehismadspleen，
Butcouldnot：thereforeallthebillowsgreen
Toss’dupthesilverspumeagainsttheclouds.
Thetempestcame：Isawthatvessel’sshrouds
Inperilousbustle;whileuponthedeck
Stoodtremblingcreatures.Ibeheldthewreck;
Thefinalgulphing;thepoorstrugglingsouls：
Iheardtheircriesamidloudthunder—rolls.
Otheyhadallbeensav’dbutcrazedeld
Annull’dmyvigorouscravings：andthusquell’d
Andcurb’d，thinkon’t，OLatmian！didIsit
Writhingwithpity，andacursingfit
Againstthathell—bornCirce.Thecrewhadgone，
Byoneandone，topaleoblivion;
AndIwasgazingonthesurgesprone，
Withmanyascaldingtearandmanyagroan，
Whenatmyfeetemerg’danoldman’shand，
Graspingthisscroll，andthissameslenderwand.
Ikneltwithpain—reach’doutmyhand—hadgrasp’d
Thesetreasures—touch’dtheknuckles—theyunclasp’d—
Icaughtafinger：butthedownwardweight
O’erpoweredme—itsank.Then’ganabate
Thestorm，andthroughchillaguishgloomoutburst
Thecomfortablesun.Iwasathirst
Tosearchthebook，andinthewarmingair
Parteditsdrippingleaveswitheagercare.
Strangemattersdidittreatof，anddrewon
Mysoulpageafterpage，tillwell—nighwon
Intoforgetfulness;when，stupefied，
Ireadthesewords，andreadagain，andtried
Myeyesagainsttheheavens，andreadagain.
Owhataloadofmiseryandpain
EachAtlas—lineboreoff！—ashineofhope
Camegoldaroundme，cheeringmetocope
Strenuouswithhellishtyranny.Attend！
Forthouhastbroughttheirpromisetoanend.
\"Inthewideseatherelivesaforlornwretch，
Doom’dwithenfeebledcarcasetooutstretch
Hisloath’dexistencethroughtencenturies，
Andthentodiealone.Whocandevise
Atotalopposition？Noone.So
Onemilliontimesoceanmustebbandflow，
Andheoppressed.Yetheshallnotdie，
Thesethingsaccomplish’d：—Ifheutterly
Scansallthedepthsofmagic，andexpounds
Themeaningsofallmotions，shapesandsounds;
Ifheexploresallformsandsubstances
Straighthomewardtotheirsymbol—essences;
Heshallnotdie.Moreover，andinchief，
Hemustpursuethistaskofjoyandgrief
Mostpiously;—allloverstempest—tost，
Andinthesavageoverwhelminglost，
Heshalldepositsidebyside，until
Time’screepingshallthedrearyspacefulfil：
Whichdone，andalltheselaboursripened，
Ayouth，byheavenlypowerlov’dandled，
Shallstandbeforehim;whomheshalldirect
Howtoconsummateall.Theyouthelect
Mustdothething，orbothwillbedestroy’d.\"—
\"Then，\"criedtheyoungEndymion，overjoy’d，
\"Wearetwinbrothersinthisdestiny！
Say，Iintreatthee，whatachievementhigh
Is，inthisrestlessworld，formereserv’d.
What！iffromtheemywanderingfeethadswerv’d，
Hadwebothperish’d？\"—\"Look！\"thesagereplied，
\"Dostthounotmarkagleamingthroughthetide，
Ofdiversebrilliances？’tistheedifice
Itoldtheeof，wherelovelyScyllalies;
AndwhereIhaveenshrinedpiously
Alllovers，whomfellstormshavedoom’dtodie
Throughoutmybondage.\"Thusdiscoursing，on
Theywenttillunobscur’dtheporchesshone;
Whichhurryinglytheygain’d，andenter’dstraight.
SureneversincekingNeptuneheldhisstate
Wasseensuchwonderunderneaththestars.
TurntosomelevelplainwherehaughtyMars
Haslegion’dallhisbattle;andbehold
Howeverysoldier，withfirmfoot，dothhold
Hisevenbreast：see，manysteeledsquares，
Andrigidranksofiron—whencewhodares
Onestep？Imaginefurther，linebyline，
Thesewarriorthousandsonthefieldsupine：—
Sointhatcrystalplace，insilentrows，
Poorloverslayatrestfromjoysandwoes.—
Thestrangerfromthemountains，breathless，trac’d
Suchthousandsofshuteyesinorderplac’d;
Suchrangesofwhitefeet，andpatientlips
Allruddy，—forheredeathnoblossomnips.
Hemark’dtheirbrowsandforeheads;sawtheirhair
Putsleeklyononesidewithnicestcare;
Andeachone’sgentlewrists，withreverence，
Putcross—wisetoitsheart.
\"Letuscommence，\"
Whisper’dtheguide，stutteringwithjoy，\"evennow.\"
Hespake，and，tremblinglikeanaspen—bough，
Begantotearhisscrollinpiecessmall，
Utteringthewhilesomemumblingsfuneral.
Hetoreitintopiecessmallassnow
Thatdriftsunfeather’dwhenbleaknorthernsblow;
Andhavingdoneit，tookhisdarkbluecloak
AndbounditroundEndymion：thenstruck
Hiswandagainsttheemptyairtimesnine.—
\"Whatmorethereistodo，youngman，isthine：
Butfirstalittlepatience;firstundo
Thistangledthread，andwindittoaclue.
Ah，gentle！’tisasweakasspider’sskein;
Andshouldstthoubreakit—What，isitdonesoclean？
Apowerovershadowsthee！O，brave！
Thespiteofhellistumblingtoitsgrave.
Hereisashell;’tispearlyblanktome，
Normark’dwithanysignorcharactery—
Canstthoureadaught？Oreadforpity’ssake！
Olympus！wearesafe！Now，Carian，break
Thiswandagainstyonlyreonthepedestal.\"
’Twasdone：andstraightwithsuddenswellandfall
Sweetmusicbreath’dhersoulaway，andsigh’d
Alullabytosilence.—\"Youth！nowstrew
Thesemincedleavesonme，andpassingthrough
Thosefilesofdead，scatterthesamearound，
Andthouwiltseetheissue.\"—’Midthesound
Offlutesandviols，ravishinghisheart，
EndymionfromGlaucusstoodapart，
Andscatter’dinhisfacesomefragmentslight.
Howlightning—swiftthechange！ayouthfulwight
Smilingbeneathacoraldiadem，
Out—sparklingsuddenlikeanupturn’dgem，
Appear’d，and，steppingtoabeauteouscorse，
Kneel’ddownbesideit，andwithtenderestforce
Press’ditscoldhand，andwept，—andScyllasigh’d！
Endymion，withquickhand，thecharmapplied—
Thenympharose：heleftthemtotheirjoy，
Andonwardwentuponhishighemploy，
Showeringthosepowerfulfragmentsonthedead.
And，ashepass’d，eachliftedupitshead，
AsdothafloweratApollo’stouch.
Deathfeltittohisinwards：’twastoomuch：
Deathfellaweepinginhischarnel—house.
TheLatmianpersever’dalong，andthus
Allwerere—animated.Therearose
Anoiseofharmony，pulsesandthroes
Ofgladnessintheair—whilemany，who
Haddiedinmutualarmsdevoutandtrue，
Sprangtoeachothermadly;andtherest
Feltahighcertaintyofbeingblest.
Theygaz’duponEndymion.Enchantment
Grewdrunken，andwouldhaveitsheadandbent.
Delicioussymphonies，likeairyflowers，
Budded，andswell’d，and，full—blown，shedfullshowers
Oflight，soft，unseenleavesofsoundsdivine.
Thetwodelivererstastedapurewine
Ofhappiness，fromfairy—pressooz’dout.
Speechlesstheyeyedeachother，andabout
Thefairassemblywander’dtoandfro，
Distractedwiththerichestoverflow
Ofjoythateverpour’dfromheaven.
—\"Away！\"
Shoutedthenewborngod;\"Follow，andpay
OurpietytoNeptunussupreme！\"—
ThenScylla，blushingsweetlyfromherdream，
Theyledonfirst，benttohermeeksurprise，
Throughportalcolumnsofagiantsize，
Intothevaulted，boundlessemerald.
Joyousallfollow’dastheleadercall’d，
Downmarblesteps;pouringaseasily
Ashour—glasssand，—andfast，asyoumightsee
Swallowsobeyingthesouthsummer’scall，
Orswansuponagentlewaterfall.
Thuswentthatbeautifulmultitude，norfar，
Erefromamongsomerocksofglitteringspar，
Justwithinken，theysawdescendingthick
Anothermultitude.Whereatmorequick
Movedeitherhost.Onawidesandtheymet，
Andofthosenumberseveryeyewaswet;
Foreachtheiroldlovefound.Amurmuringrose，
Likewhatwasneverheardinallthethroes
Ofwindandwaters：’tispasthumanwit
Totell;’tisdizzinesstothinkofit.
Thismightyconsummationmade，thehost
Mov’donformanyaleague;andgain’d，andlost
Hugesea—marks;vanwardswellinginarray，
Andfromthereardiminishingaway，—
Tillafaintdawnsurpris’dthem.Glaucuscried，
\"Behold！behold，thepalaceofhispride！
GodNeptune’spalaces！\"Withnoiseincreas’d，
Theyshoulder’dontowardsthatbrighteningeast.
Ateveryonwardstepprouddomesarose
Inprospect，—diamondgleams，andgoldenglows
Ofamber’gainsttheirfaceslevelling.
Joyous，andmanyastheleavesinspring，
Stillonward;stillthesplendourgradualswell’d.
Richopaldomeswereseen，onhighupheld
Byjasperpillars，lettingthroughtheirshafts
Ablushofcoral.Copiouswonder—draughts
Eachgazerdrank;anddeeperdrankmorenear.
Forwhatpoormortalsfragmentup，asmere
Asmarblewastherelavish，tothevast
Ofonefairpalace，thatfarfarsurpass’d，
Evenforcommonbulk，thoseoldenthree，
Memphis，andBabylon，andNineveh.
Aslarge，asbright，ascolour’dasthebow
OfIris，whenunfadingitdothshow
Beyondasilveryshower，wasthearch
ThroughwhichthisPaphianarmytookitsmarch，
IntotheoutercourtsofNeptune’sstate：
Whencecouldbeseen，direct，agoldengate，
Towhichtheleaderssped;butnothalfraught
Ereitburstopenswiftasfairythought，
Andmadethosedazzledthousandsveiltheireyes
Likecalloweaglesatthefirstsunrise.
Soonwithaneaglenativenesstheirgaze
Ripefromhue—goldenswoonstookalltheblaze，
Andthen，behold！largeNeptuneonhisthrone
Ofemeralddeep：yetnotexaltalone;
AthisrighthandstoodwingedLove，andon
HisleftsatsmilingBeauty’sparagon.
Farasthemarineronhighestmast
Canseeallrounduponthecalmedvast，
SowidewasNeptune’shall：andastheblue
Dothvaultthewaters，sothewatersdrew
Theirdomingcurtains，high，magnificent，
Aw’dfromthethronealoof;—andwhenstorm—rent
Disclos’dthethunder—gloomingsinJove’sair;
Butsooth’dasnow，flash’dsuddeneverywhere，
Noiseless，sub—marinecloudlets，glittering
Deathtoahumaneye：fortheredidspring
Fromnaturalwest，andeast，andsouth，andnorth，
Alightasoffoursunsets，blazingforth
Agold—greenzenith’bovetheSea—God’shead.
Ofluciddepththefloor，andfaroutspread
Asbreezelesslake，onwhichtheslimcanoe
Offeather’dIndiandartsabout，asthrough
Thedelicatestair：airverily，
Butfortheportraitureofcloudsandsky：
Thispalacefloorbreath—air，—butfortheamaze
Ofdeep—seenwondersmotionless，—andblaze
Ofthedomepomp，reflectedinextremes，
Globingagoldensphere.
Theystoodindreams
TillTritonblewhishorn.Thepalacerang;
TheNereidsdanc’d;theSyrensfaintlysang;
AndthegreatSea—Kingbow’dhisdrippinghead.
ThenLovetookwing，andfromhispinionsshed
Onallthemultitudeanectarousdew.
Theooze—bornGoddessbeckonedanddrew
FairScyllaandherguidestoconference;
Andwhentheyreach’dthethronedeminence
Shekistthesea—nymph’scheek，—whosatherdown
Atoyingwiththedoves.Then，—\"Mightycrown
Andsceptreofthiskingdom！\"Venussaid，
\"ThyvowswereonatimetoNaispaid：
Behold！\"—Twocopioustear—dropsinstantfell
FromtheGod’slargeeyes;hesmil’ddelectable，
AndoverGlaucusheldhisblessinghands.—
\"Endymion！Ah！stillwanderinginthebands
Oflove？Nowthisiscruel.Sincethehour
Imettheeinearth’sbosom，allmypower
HaveIputforthtoservethee.What，notyet
Escap’dfromdullmortality’sharshnet？
Alittlepatience，youth！’twillnotbelong，
OrIamskillessquite：anidletongue，
Ahumideye，andstepsluxurious，
Wherethesearenewandstrange，areominous.
Aye，Ihaveseenthesesignsinoneofheaven，
Whenotherswereallblind：andwereIgiven
Touttersecrets，haplyImightsay
Somepleasantwords：—butLovewillhavehisday.
Sowaitawhileexpectant.Pr’ytheesoon，
Eveninthepassingofthinehoney—moon，
VisitthoumyCythera：thouwiltfind
Cupidwell—natured，myAdoniskind;
Andpraypersuadewiththee—Ah，Ihavedone，
Allblissesbeuponthee，mysweetson！\"—
Thusthefairgoddess：WhileEndymion
Knelttoreceivethoseaccentshalcyon.
Meantimeagloriousrevelrybegan
BeforetheWater—Monarch.Nectarran
Incourteousfountainstoallcupsoutreach’d;
Andplunder’dvines，teemingexhaustless，pleach’d
Newgrowthabouteachshellandpendentlyre;
Thewhich，indisentanglingfortheirfire，
Pull’ddownfreshfoliageandcoverture
Fordaintytoying.Cupid，empire—sure，
Flutter’dandlaugh’d，andoft—timesthroughthethrong
Madeadelightfulway.Thendance，andsong，
Andgarlandinggrewwild;andpleasurereign’d.
Inharmlesstendriltheyeachotherchain’d，
Andstrovewhoshouldbesmother’ddeepestin
Freshcrushofleaves.
O’tisaverysin
Foronesoweaktoventurehispoorverse
Insuchaplaceasthis.Odonotcurse，
HighMuses！lethimhurrytotheending.
Allsuddenlyweresilent.Asoftblending
Ofdulcetinstrumentscamecharmingly;
Andthenahymn.
\"Kingofthestormysea！
BrotherofJove，andco—inheritor
Ofelements！Eternallybefore
Theethewavesawfulbow.Fast，stubbornrock，
Atthyfear’dtridentshrinking，dothunlock
Itsdeepfoundations，hissingintofoam.
Allmountain—rivers，lostinthewidehome
Ofthycapaciousbosom，everflow.
Thoufrownest，andoldAEeolusthyfoe
Skulkstohiscavern，’midthegruffcomplaint
Ofallhisrebeltempests.Darkcloudsfaint
When，fromthydiadem，asilvergleam
Slantsoverbluedominion.Thybrightteam
Gulphsinthemorninglight，andscudsalong
Tobringtheenearertothatgoldensong
Apollosingeth，whilehischariot
Waitsatthedoorsofheaven.Thouartnot
Forsceneslikethis：anempiresternhastthou;
Andithathfurrow’dthatlargefront：yetnow，
Asnewlycomeofheaven，dostthousit
Toblendandinterknit
Subduedmajestywiththisgladtime.
Oshell—borneKingsublime！
Welayourheartsbeforetheeevermore—
Wesing，andweadore！
\"Breathesoftly，flutes;
Betenderofyourstrings，yesoothinglutes;
Norbethetrumpetheard！Ovain，Ovain;
NotflowersbuddinginanAprilrain，
Norbreathofsleepingdove，norriver’sflow，—
No，northeAEoliantwangofLove’sownbow，
Canminglemusicfitforthesoftear
OfgoddessCytherea！
Yetdeign，whiteQueenofBeauty，thyfaireyes
Onoursouls’sacrifice.
\"Bright—wingedChild！
Whohasanothercarewhenthouhastsmil’d？
Unfortunatesonearth，weseeatlast
Alldeath—shadows，andgloomsthatovercast
Ourspirits，fann’dawaybythylightpinions.
Osweetestessence！sweetestofallminions！
Godofwarmpulses，anddishevell’dhair，
Andpantingbosomsbare！
Dearunseenlightindarkness！eclipser
Oflightinlight！deliciouspoisoner！
Thyvenom’dgobletwillwequaffuntil
Wefill—wefill！
AndbythyMother’slips—\"
Washeardnomore
Forclamour，whenthegoldenpalacedoor
Openedagain，andfromwithout，inshone
Anewmagnificence.Onoozythrone
Smooth—movingcameOceanustheold，
Totakealatestglimpseathissheep—fold，
Beforehewentintohisquietcave
Tomuseforever—Thenalucidwave，
Scoop’dfromitstremblingsistersofmid—sea，
Afloat，andpillowingupthemajesty
OfDoris，andtheAEgeanseer，herspouse—
Next，onadolphin，cladinlaurelboughs，
ThebanAmphionleaningonhislute：
Hisfingerswentacrossit—Allweremute
TogazeonAmphitrite，queenofpearls，
AndThetispearlytoo.—
Thepalacewhirls
AroundgiddyEndymion;seeinghe
Wastherefarstrayedfrommortality.
Hecouldnotbearit—shuthiseyesinvain;
Imaginationgaveadizzierpain.
\"OIshalldie！sweetVenus，bemystay！
Whereismylovelymistress？Well—away！
Idie—Ihearhervoice—Ifeelmywing—\"
AtNeptune’sfeethesank.Asuddenring
OfNereidswereabouthim，inkindstrife
Tousherbackhisspiritintolife：
Butstillheslept.Atlasttheyinterwove
Theircradlingarms，andpurpos’dtoconvey
Towardsacrystalbowerfaraway.
Lo！whileslowcarriedthroughthepityingcrowd，
Tohisinwardsensesthesewordsspakealoud;
Writteninstar—lightonthedarkabove：
DearestEndymion！myentirelove！
HowhaveIdweltinfearoffate：’tisdone—
Immortalblissformetoohastthouwon.
Arisethen！forthehen—doveshallnothatch
Herreadyeggs，beforeI’llkissingsnatch
Theeintoendlessheaven.Awake！awake！
Theyouthatoncearose：aplacidlake
Camequiettohiseyes;andforestgreen，
Coolerthanallthewondershehadseen，
Lull’dwithitssimplesonghisflutteringbreast.
Howhappyonceagainingrassynest！
BOOKIV.
Museofmynativeland！loftiestMuse！
Ofirst—bornonthemountains！bythehues
Ofheavenonthespiritualairbegot：
Longdidstthousitaloneinnortherngrot，
WhileyetourEnglandwasawolfishden;
Beforeourforestsheardthetalkofmen;
BeforethefirstofDruidswasachild;—
Longdidstthousitamidourregionswild
Raptinadeeppropheticsolitude.
Therecameaneasternvoiceofsolemnmood
Yetwastthoupatient.ThensangforththeNine，
Apollo’sgarland：—yetdidstthoudivine
Suchhome—bredglory，thattheycry’dinvain，
\"Comehither，SisteroftheIsland！\"Plain
SpakefairAusonia;andoncemoreshespake
Ahighersummons：—stilldidstthoubetake
Theetothynativehopes.Othouhastwon
Afullaccomplishment！Thethingisdone，
Whichundone，theseourlatterdayshadrisen
Onbarrensouls.GreatMuse，thouknow’stwhatprison，
Offleshandbone，curbs，andconfines，andfrets
Ourspirit’swings：despondencybesets
Ourpillows;andthefreshto—morrowmorn
Seemstogiveforthitslightinveryscorn
Ofourdull，uninspired，snail—pacedlives.
LonghaveIsaid，howhappyhewhoshrives
Tothee！ButthenIthoughtonpoetsgone，
Andcouldnotpray：—norcouldInow—soon
Imovetotheendinlowlinessofheart.—
\"Ah，woeisme！thatIshouldfondlypart
Frommydearnativeland！Ah，foolishmaid！
Gladwasthehour，when，withthee，myriadsbade
AdieutoGangesandtheirpleasantfields！
Toonesofriendlesstheclearfreshetyields
Abittercoolness;theripegrapeissour：
YetIwouldhave，greatgods！butoneshorthour
Ofnativeair—letmebutdieathome.\"
Endymiontoheaven’sairydome
Wasofferingupahecatombofvows，
Whenthesewordsreach’dhim.Whereuponhebows
Hisheadthroughthorny—greenentanglement
Ofunderwood，andtothesoundisbent，
Anxiousashindtowardsherhiddenfawn.
\"Isnooneneartohelpme？Nofairdawn
Oflifefromcharitablevoice？Nosweetsaying
Tosetmydullandsadden’dspiritplaying？
Nohandtotoywithmine？Nolipssosweet
ThatImayworshipthem？Noeyelidsmeet
Totwinkleonmybosom？Noonedies
Beforeme，tillfromtheseenslavingeyes
Redemptionsparkles！—Iamsadandlost.\"
Thou，Carianlord，hadstbetterhavebeentost
Intoawhirlpool.Vanishintoair，
Warmmountaineer！forcanstthouonlybear
Awoman’ssighaloneandindistress？
Seenothercharms！IsPhoebepassionless？
Phoebeisfairerfar—Ogazenomore：—
Yetifthouwiltbeholdallbeauty’sstore，
Beholdherpantingintheforestgrass！
Donotthosecurlsofglossyjetsurpass
Fortendernessthearmssoidlylain
Amongstthem？Feelestnotakindredpain，
Toseesuchlovelyeyesinswimmingsearch
Aftersomewarmdelight，thatseemstoperch
Dovelikeinthedimcelllyingbeyond
Theirupperlids？—Hist！
\"OforHermes’wand，
Totouchthisflowerintohumanshape！
ThatwoodlandHyacinthuscouldescape
Fromhisgreenprison，andherekneelingdown
Callmehisqueen，hissecondlife’sfaircrown！
Ahme，howIcouldlove！—Mysouldothmelt
Fortheunhappyyouth—Love！Ihavefelt
Sofaintakindness，suchameeksurrender
Towhatmyownfullthoughtshadmadetootender，
Thatbutfortearsmylifehadfledaway！—
Yedeafandsenselessminutesoftheday，
Andthou，oldforest，holdyethisfortrue，
Thereisnolightning，noauthenticdew
Butintheeyeoflove：there’snotasound，
Melodioushowsoever，canconfound
Theheavensandearthinonetosuchadeath
Asdoththevoiceoflove：there’snotabreath
Willminglekindlywiththemeadowair，
Tillithaspantedround，andstolenashare
Ofpassionfromtheheart！\"—
Uponabough
Heleant，wretched.Hesurelycannotnow
Thirstforanotherlove：Oimpious，
Thathecaneverdreamuponitthus！—
Thoughthe，\"WhyamInotasarethedead，
SincetoawoelikethisIhavebeenled
Throughthedarkearth，andthroughthewondroussea？
Goddess！Ilovetheenottheless：fromthee
ByJuno’ssmileIturnnot—no，no，no—
Whilethegreatwatersareatebbandflow.—
Ihaveatriplesoul！Ofondpretence—
Forboth，forbothmyloveissoimmense，
Ifeelmyheartiscutforthemintwain.\"
Andsohegroan’d，asonebybeautyslain.
Thelady’sheartbeatquick，andhecouldsee
Hergentlebosomheavetumultuously.