Hesprangfromhisgreencovert：thereshelay，
Sweetasamuskroseuponnew—madehay;
Withallherlimbsontremble，andhereyes
Shutsoftlyupalive.Tospeakhetries.
\"Fairdamsel，pityme！forgivethatI
Thusviolatethybower’ssanctity！
Opardonme，forIamfullofgrief—
Griefbornofthee，youngangel！fairestthief！
Whostolenhastawaythewingswherewith
Iwastotoptheheavens.Dearmaid，sith
Thouartmyexecutioner，andIfeel
Lovingandhatred，miseryandweal，
Willinafewshorthoursbenothingtome，
Andallmystorythatmuchpassionslewme;
Dosmileupontheeveningofmydays：
And，formytortur’dbrainbeginstocraze，
Bethoumynurse;andletmeunderstand
HowdyingIshallkissthatlillyhand.—
Dostweepforme？ThenshouldIbecontent.
Scowlon，yefates！untilthefirmament
OutblackensErebus，andthefull—cavern’dearth
Crumblesintoitself.Bythecloudgirth
OfJove，thosetearshavegivenmeathirst
Tomeetoblivion.\"—Asherheartwouldburst
Themaidensobb’dawhile，andthenreplied：
\"Whymustsuchdesolationbetide
Asthatthouspeak’stof？Arenotthesegreennooks
Emptyofallmisfortune？Dothebrooks
Utteragorgonvoice？Doesyonderthrush，
Schoolingitshalf—fledg’dlittleonestobrush
Aboutthedewyforest，whispertales？—
Speaknotofgrief，youngstranger，orcoldsnails
Willslimetherosetonight.Thoughifthouwilt，
Methinks’twouldbeaguilt—averyguilt—
Nottocompanionthee，andsighaway
Thelight—thedusk—thedark—tillbreakofday！\"
\"Dearlady，\"saidEndymion，\"’tispast：
Ilovethee！andmydayscanneverlast.
ThatImaypassinpatiencestillspeak：
Letmehavemusicdying，andIseek
Nomoredelight—Ibidadieutoall.
Didstthounotafterotherclimatescall，
AndmurmuraboutIndianstreams？\"—Thenshe，
Sittingbeneaththemidmostforesttree，
Forpitysangthisroundelay—
\"OSorrow，
Whydostborrow
Thenaturalhueofhealth，fromvermeillips？—
Togivemaidenblushes
Tothewhiterosebushes？
Oris’tthydewyhandthedaisytips？
\"OSorrow，
Whydostborrow
Thelustrouspassionfromafalcon—eye？—
Togivetheglow—wormlight？
Or，onamoonlessnight，
Totinge，onsyrenshores，thesaltsea—spry
\"OSorrow，
Whydostborrow
Themellowdittiesfromamourningtongue？—
Togiveateveningpale
Untothenightingale，
Thatthoumaystlistenthecolddewsamong？
\"OSorrow，
Whydostborrow
Heart’slightnessfromthemerrimentofMay？—
Aloverwouldnottread
Acowsliponthehead，
Thoughheshoulddancefromevetillpeepofday—
Noranydroopingflower
Heldsacredforthybower，
Whereverhemaysporthimselfandplay.
\"ToSorrow，
Ibadegood—morrow，
Andthoughttoleaveherfarawaybehind;
Butcheerly，cheerly，
Shelovesmedearly;
Sheissoconstanttome，andsokind：
Iwoulddeceiveher
Andsoleaveher，
Butah！sheissoconstantandsokind.
\"Beneathmypalmtrees，bytheriverside，
Isataweeping：inthewholeworldwide
TherewasnoonetoaskmewhyIwept，—
AndsoIkept
Brimmingthewater—lillycupswithtears
Coldasmyfears.
\"Beneathmypalmtrees，bytheriverside，
Isataweeping：whatenamour’dbride，
Cheatedbyshadowywooerfromtheclouds，
Buthidesandshrouds
Beneathdarkpalmtreesbyariverside？
\"AndasIsat，overthelightbluehills
Therecameanoiseofrevellers：therills
Intothewidestreamcameofpurplehue—
’TwasBacchusandhiscrew！
Theearnesttrumpetspake，andsilverthrills
Fromkissingcymbalsmadeamerrydin—
’TwasBacchusandhiskin！
Liketoamovingvintagedowntheycame，
Crown’dwithgreenleaves，andfacesallonflame;
Allmadlydancingthroughthepleasantvalley，
Toscarethee，Melancholy！
Othen，Othen，thouwastasimplename！
AndIforgotthee，astheberriedholly
Byshepherdsisforgotten，when，inJune，
Tallchesnutskeepawaythesunandmoon：—
Irush’dintothefolly！
\"Withinhiscar，aloft，youngBacchusstood，
Triflinghisivy—dart，indancingmood，
Withsidelonglaughing;
Andlittlerillsofcrimsonwineimbrued
Hisplumpwhitearms，andshoulders，enoughwhite
ForVenus’pearlybite：
AndnearhimrodeSilenusonhisass，
Peltedwithflowersasheondidpass
Tipsilyquaffing.
\"Whencecameye，merryDamsels！whencecameye！
Somany，andsomany，andsuchglee？
Whyhaveyeleftyourbowersdesolate，
Yourlutesandgentlerfate？—
’WefollowBacchus！Bacchusonthewing，
Aconquering！
Bacchus，youngBacchus！goodorillbetide，
Wedancebeforehimthoroughkingdomswide
Comehither，ladyfair，andjoinedbe
Toourwildminstrelsy！’
\"Whencecameye，jollySatyrs！whencecameye！
Somany，andsomany，andsuchglee？
Whyhaveyeleftyourforesthaunts，whyleft
Yournutsinoak—treecleft？—
’Forwine，forwineweleftourkerneltree;
Forwineweleftourheath，andyellowbrooms，
Andcoldmushrooms;
ForwinewefollowBacchusthroughtheearth;
GreatGodofbreathlesscupsandchirpingmirth！—
Comehither，ladyfair，andjoinedbe
Toourmadminstrelsy！’
\"Overwidestreamsandmountainsgreatwewent，
And，savewhenBacchuskepthisivytent，
Onwardthetigerandtheleopardpants，
WithAsianelephants：
Onwardthesemyriads—withsonganddance，
Withzebrasstriped，andsleekArabians’prance，
Web—footedalligators，crocodiles，
Bearingupontheirscalybacks，infiles，
Plumpinfantlaughersmimickingthecoil
Ofseamen，andstoutgalley—rowers’toil：
Withtoyingoarsandsilkensailstheyglide，
Norcareforwindandtide.
\"Mountedonpanthers’fursandlions’manes，
Fromreartovantheyscourabouttheplains;
Athreedays’journeyinamomentdone：
Andalways，attherisingofthesun，
Aboutthewildstheyhuntwithspearandhorn，
Onspleenfulunicorn.
\"IsawOsirianEgyptkneeladown
Beforethevine—wreathcrown！
Isawparch’dAbyssiniarouseandsing
Tothesilvercymbals’ring！
Isawthewhelmingvintagehotlypierce
OldTartarythefierce！
ThekingsofIndetheirjewel—sceptresvail，
Andfromtheirtreasuresscatterpearledhail;
GreatBrahmafromhismysticheavengroans，
Andallhispriesthoodmoans;
BeforeyoungBacchus’eye—winkturningpale.—
IntotheseregionscameIfollowinghim，
Sickhearted，weary—soItookawhim
Tostrayawayintotheseforestsdrear
Alone，withoutapeer：
AndIhavetoldtheeallthoumayesthear.
\"Youngstranger！
I’vebeenaranger
Insearchofpleasurethroughouteveryclime：
Alas，’tisnotforme！
Bewitch’dIsuremustbe，
Toloseingrievingallmymaidenprime.
\"Comethen，Sorrow！
SweetestSorrow！
LikeanownbabeInursetheeonmybreast：
Ithoughttoleavethee
Anddeceivethee，
ButnowofalltheworldIlovetheebest.
\"Thereisnotone，
No，no，notone
Buttheetocomfortapoorlonelymaid;
Thouarthermother，
Andherbrother，
Herplaymate，andherwooerintheshade.\"
Owhatasighshegaveinfinishing，
Andlook，quitedeadtoeveryworldlything！
Endymioncouldnotspeak，butgazedonher;
Andlistenedtothewindthatnowdidstir
Aboutthecrispedoaksfulldrearily，
Yetwithassweetasoftnessasmightbe
Remember’dfromitsvelvetsummersong.
Atlasthesaid：\"Poorlady，howthuslong
HaveIbeenabletoendurethatvoice？
FairMelody！kindSyren！I’venochoice;
Imustbethysadservantevermore：
Icannotchoosebutkneelhereandadore.
Alas，Imustnotthink—byPhoebe，no！
Letmenotthink，softAngel！shallitbeso？
Say，beautifullest，shallIneverthink？
Othoucould’stfostermebeyondthebrink
Ofrecollection！makemywatchfulcare
Closeupitsbloodshoteyes，norseedespair！
Dogentlymurderhalfmysoul，and
Shallfeeltheotherhalfsoutterly！—
I’mgiddyatthatcheeksofairandsmooth;
Oletitblushsoever！letitsoothe
Mymadness！letitmantlerosy—warm
Withthetingeoflove，pantinginsafealarm.—
Thiscannotbethyhand，andyetitis;
Andthisissurethineothersoftling—this
Thineownfairbosom，andIamsonear！
Wiltfallasleep？Oletmesipthattear！
AndwhisperonesweetwordthatImayknow
Thisisthisworld—sweetdewyblossom！\"—Woe！
Woe！WoetothatEndymion！Whereishe？—
Eventhesewordswentechoingdismally
Throughthewideforest—amostfearfultone，
Likeonerepentinginhislatestmoan;
Andwhileitdiedawayashadepass’dby，
Asofathundercloud.Whenarrowsfly
Throughthethickbranches，poorring—dovessleekforth
Theirtimidnecksandtremble;sotheseboth
Leanttoeachothertrembling，andsatso
Waitingforsomedestruction—whenlo，
Foot—feather’dMercuryappear’dsublime
Beyondthetalltreetops;andinlesstime
Thanshootstheslantedhail—storm，downhedropt
Towardstheground;butrestednot，norstopt
Onemomentfromhishome：onlythesward
Hewithhiswandlighttouch’d，andheavenward
Swifterthansightwasgone—evenbefore
Theteemingearthasuddenwitnessbore
Ofhisswiftmagic.Divingswansappear
Abovethecrystalcirclingswhiteandclear;
Andcatchthecheatedeyeinwidesurprise，
Howtheycandiveinsightandunseenrise—
Sofromtheturfoutsprangtwosteedsjet—black，
Eachwithlargedarkbluewingsuponhisback.
TheyouthofCariaplac’dthelovelydame
Onone，andfelthimselfinspleentotame
Theother’sfierceness.Throughtheairtheyflew，
Highastheeagles.Liketwodropsofdew
Exhal’dtoPhoebus’lips，awaytheyaregone，
Farfromtheearthaway—unseen，alone，
Amongcoolcloudsandwinds，butthatthefree，
Thebuoyantlifeofsongcanfloatingbe
Abovetheirheads，andfollowthemuntir’d.—
Museofmynativeland，amIinspir’d？
Thisisthegiddyair，andImustspread
Widepinionstokeephere;nordoIdread
Orheight，ordepth，orwidth，oranychance
Precipitous：Ihavebeneathmyglance
Thosetoweringhorsesandtheirmournfulfreight.
CouldIthussail，andsee，andthusawait
Fearlessforpowerofthought，withoutthineaid？—
Thereisasleepydusk，anodorousshade
Fromsomeapproachingwonder，andbehold
Thosewingedsteeds，withsnortingnostrilsbold
Snuffatitsfaintextreme，andseemtotire，
Dyingtoembersfromtheirnativefire！
Therecurl’dapurplemistaroundthem;soon，
Itseem’daswhenaroundthepalenewmoon
SadZephyrdroopsthecloudslikeweepingwillow：
’TwasSleepslowjourneyingwithheadonpillow.
Forthefirsttime，sincehecamenighdeadborn
Fromtheoldwombofnight，hiscaveforlorn
Hadheleftmoreforlorn;forthefirsttime，
Hefeltaloofthedayandmorning’sprime—
BecauseintohisdepthCimmerian
Therecameadream，showinghowayoungman，
Erealeanbatcouldplumpitswinteryskin，
WouldathighJove’sempyrealfootstoolwin
Animmortality，andhowespouse
Jove’sdaughter，andbereckon’dofhishouse.
Nowwasheslumberingtowardsheaven’sgate，
Thathemightatthethresholdonehourwait
Tohearthemarriagemelodies，andthen
Sinkdownwardtohisduskycaveagain.
Hislitterofsmoothsemilucentmist，
Diverselyting’dwithroseandamethyst，
Puzzledthoseeyesthatforthecentresought;
Andscarcelyforonemomentcouldbecaught
Hissluggishformreposingmotionless.
Thosetwoonwingedsteeds，withallthestress
Ofvisionsearch’dforhim，asonewouldlook
Athwartthesallowsofarivernook
Tocatchaglanceatsilver—throatedeels，—
OrfromoldSkiddaw’stop，whenfogconceals
Hisruggedforeheadinamantlepale，
Withaneye—guesstowardssomepleasantvale
Descryafavouritehamletfaintandfar.
Theseravenhorses，thoughtheyfoster’dare
Ofearth’sspleneticfire，dullydrop
Theirfull—vein’dears，nostrilsbloodwide，andstop;
Uponthespiritlessmisthavetheyoutspread
Theiramplefeathers，areinslumberdead，—
Andonthosepinions，levelinmidair，
Endymionsleepethandtheladyfair.
Slowlytheysail，slowlyasicyisle
Uponacalmseadrifting：andmeanwhile
Themournfulwandererdreams.Behold！hewalks
Onheaven’spavement;brotherlyhetalks
Todivinepowers：fromhishandfullfain
Juno’sproudbirdsarepeckingpearlygrain：
HetriesthenerveofPhoebus’goldenbow，
Andaskethwherethegoldenapplesgrow：
UponhisarmhebracesPallas’shield，
Andstrivesinvaintounsettleandwield
AJovianthunderbolt：archHebebrings
Afull—brimm’dgoblet，danceslightly，sings
Andtantalizeslong;atlasthedrinks，
Andlostinpleasureatherfeethesinks，
Touchingwithdazzledlipsherstarlighthand.
Heblowsabugle，—anetherealband
Arevisibleabove：theSeasonsfour，—
Green—kyrtledSpring，flushSummer，goldenstore
InAutumn’ssickle，Winterfrostyhoar，
JoindancewithshadowyHours;whilestilltheblast
Inswellsunmitigated，stilldothlast
Toswaytheirfloatingmorris.\"Whoseisthis？
Whosebugle？\"heinquires;theysmile—\"ODis！
Whyisthismortalhere？Dostthounotknow
Itsmistress’lips？Notthou？—’TisDian’s：lo！
Sherisescrescented！\"Helooks，’tisshe，
Hisverygoddess;good—byeearth，andsea，
Andair，andpains，andcare，andsuffering;
Good—byetoallbutlove！Thendothhespring
Towardsher，andawakes—and，strange，o’erhead，
Ofthosesamefragrantexhalationsbred，
Beheldawakehisverydream：thegods
Stoodsmiling;merryHebelaughsandnods;
AndPhoebebendstowardshimcrescented.
Ostateperplexing！Onthepinionbed，
Toowellawake，hefeelsthepantingside
Ofhisdeliciouslady.Hewhodied
Forsoaringtooaudaciousinthesun，
Whenthatsametreacherouswaxbegantorun，
Feltnotmoretongue—tiedthanEndymion.
Hisheartleaptupastoitsrightfulthrone，
Tothatfairshadow’dpassionpuls’ditsway—
Ah，whatperplexity！Ah，welladay！
Sofond，sobeauteouswashisbed—fellow，
Hecouldnothelpbutkissher：thenhegrew
Awhileforgetfulofallbeautysave
YoungPhoebe’s，goldenhair’d;andso’gancrave
Forgiveness：yetheturn’doncemoretolook
Atthesweetsleeper，—allhissoulwasshook，—
Shepress’dhishandinslumber;sooncemore
Hecouldnothelpbutkissherandadore.
Atthistheshadowwept，meltingaway.
TheLatmianstartedup：\"Brightgoddess，stay！
Searchmymosthiddenbreast！Bytruth’sowntongue，
Ihavenodaedaleheart：whyisitwrung
Todesperation？Istherenoughtforme，
Uponthebourneofbliss，butmisery？\"
Thesewordsawokethestrangerofdarktresses：
Herdawninglove—lookraptEndymionblesses
With’havioursoft.Sleepyawn’dfromunderneath.
\"ThouswanofGanges，letusnomorebreathe
Thismurkyphantasm！thoucontentedseem’st
Pillow’dinlovelyidleness，nordream’st
Whathorrorsmaydiscomforttheeandme.
Ah，shouldstthoudiefrommyheart—treachery！—
Yetdidshemerelyweep—hergentlesoul
Hathnorevengeinit：asitiswhole
Intenderness，wouldIwerewholeinlove！
CanIprizethee，fairmaid，allpriceabove，
EvenwhenIfeelastrueasinnocence？
Ido，Ido.—Whatisthissoulthen？Whence
Cameit？Itdoesnotseemmyown，andI
Havenoself—passionoridentity.
Somefearfulendmustbe：where，whereisit？
ByNemesis，Iseemyspiritflit
Aloneaboutthedark—Forgiveme，sweet：
Shallweaway？\"Herous’dthesteeds：theybeat
Theirwingschivalrousintotheclearair，
LeavingoldSleepwithinhisvapourylair.
Thegood—nightblushofevewaswaningslow，
AndVesper，risenstar，begantothroe
Intheduskheavenssilverly，whenthey
ThussprangdirecttowardstheGalaxy.
Nordidspeedhinderconversesoftandstrange—
Eternaloathsandvowstheyinterchange，
Insuchwise，insuchtemper，soaloof
Upinthewinds，beneathastarryroof，
Sowitlessoftheirdoom，thatverily
’Tiswellnighpastman’ssearchtheirheartstosee;
Whethertheywept，orlaugh’d，orgriev’d，ortoy’d—
Mostlikewithjoygonemad，withsorrowcloy’d.
Fullfacingtheirswiftflight，fromebonstreak，
Themoonputforthalittlediamondpeak，
Nobiggerthananunobservedstar，
Ortinypointoffairyscymetar;
Brightsignalthatsheonlystoop’dtotie
Hersilversandals，eredeliciously
Shebow’dintotheheavenshertimidhead.
Slowlysherose，asthoughshewouldhavefled，
WhiletohisladymeektheCarianturn’d，
Tomarkifherdarkeyeshadyetdiscern’d
Thisbeautyinitsbirth—Despair！despair！
Hesawherbodyfadinggauntandspare
Inthecoldmoonshine.Straightheseiz’dherwrist;
Itmeltedfromhisgrasp：herhandhekiss’d，
And，horror！kiss’dhisown—hewasalone.
Hersteedalittlehighersoar’d，andthen
Dropthawkwisetotheearth.
Thereliesaden，
Beyondtheseemingconfinesofthespace
Madeforthesoultowanderinandtrace
Itsownexistence，ofremotestglooms.
Darkregionsarearoundit，wherethetombs
Ofburiedgriefsthespiritsees，butscarce
Onehourdothlingerweeping，forthepierce
Ofnew—bornwoeitfeelsmoreinlysmart：
Andintheseregionsmanyavenom’ddart
Atrandomflies;theyaretheproperhome
Ofeveryill：themanisyettocome
Whohathnotjourneyedinthisnativehell.
Butfewhaveeverfelthowcalmandwell
Sleepmaybehadinthatdeepdenofall.
Thereanguishdoesnotsting;norpleasurepall：
Woe—hurricanesbeateveratthegate，
Yetallisstillwithinanddesolate.
Besetwithplainfulgusts，withinyehear
Nosoundsoloudaswhenoncurtain’dbier
Thedeath—watchtickisstifled.Enternone
Whostrivetherefore：onthesuddenitiswon.
Justwhenthesuffererbeginstoburn，
Thenitisfreetohim;andfromanurn，
Stillfedbymeltingice，hetakesadraught—
YoungSemelesuchrichnessneverquaft
Inhermaternallonging！Happygloom！
DarkParadise！wherepalebecomesthebloom
Ofhealthbydue;wheresilencedreariest
Ismostarticulate;wherehopesinfest;
Wherethoseeyesarethebrightestfarthatkeep
Theirlidsshutlongestinadreamlesssleep.
Ohappyspirit—home！Owondroussoul！
Pregnantwithsuchadentosavethewhole
Inthineowndepth.Hail，gentleCarian！
For，neversincethygriefsandwoesbegan，
Hastthoufeltsocontent：agrievousfeud
HathledtheetothisCaveofQuietude.
Aye，hislull’dsoulwasthere，althoughupborne
Withdangerousspeed：andsohedidnotmourn
Becauseheknewnotwhitherhewasgoing.
Sohappywashe，nottheaerialblowing
Oftrumpetsatclearparleyfromtheeast
Couldrousefromthatfinerelish，thathighfeast.
Theystungthefeather’dhorse：withfiercealarm
Heflapp’dtowardsthesound.Alas，nocharm
CouldliftEndymion’shead，orhehadview’d
Askyeymask，apinion’dmultitude，—
Andsilverywasitspassing：voicessweet
Warblingthewhileasiftolullandgreet
Thewandererinhispath.Thuswarbledthey，
Whilepastthevisionwentinbrightarray.
\"Who，whofromDian’sfeastwouldbeaway？
Forallthegoldenbowersoftheday
Areemptyleft？Who，whoawaywouldbe
FromCynthia’sweddingandfestivity？
NotHesperus：lo！uponhissilverwings
Heleansawayforhighestheavenandsings，
Snappinghislucidfingersmerrily！—
Ah，Zephyrus！arthere，andFloratoo！
Yetenderbibbersoftherainanddew，
Youngplaymatesoftheroseanddaffodil，
Becareful，ereyeenterin，tofill
Yourbasketshigh
Withfennelgreen，andbalm，andgoldenpines，
Savory，latter—mint，andcolumbines，
Coolparsley，basilsweet，andsunnythyme;
Yea，everyflowerandleafofeveryclime，
Allgather’dinthedewymorning：hie
Away！fly，fly！—
Crystallinebrotherofthebeltofheaven，
Aquarius！towhomkingJovehasgiven
Twoliquidpulsestreams’steadoffeather’dwings，
Twofan—likefountains，—thineilluminings
ForDianplay：
Dissolvethefrozenpurityofair;
Letthywhiteshoulderssilveryandbare
Showcoldthroughwaterpinions;makemorebright
TheStar—Queen’screscentonhermarriagenight：
Haste，hasteaway！—
CastorhastamedtheplanetLion，see！
AndoftheBearhasPolluxmastery：
Athirdisintherace！whoisthethird
Speedingawayswiftastheeaglebird？
TherampingCentaur！
TheLion’smane’sonend：theBearhowfierce！
TheCentaur’sarrowreadyseemstopierce
Someenemy：farforthhisbowisbent
Intotheblueofheaven.He’llbeshent，
Paleunrelentor，
Whenheshallheartheweddinglutesaplaying.—
Andromeda！sweetwoman！whydelaying
Sotimidlyamongthestars：comehither！
Jointhisbrightthrong，andnimblyfollowwhither
Theyallaregoing.
Danae’sSon，beforeJovenewlybow’d，
Hasweptforthee，callingtoJovealoud.
Thee，gentlelady，didhedisenthral：
Yeshallforeverliveandlove，forall
Thytearsareflowing.—
ByDaphne’sfright，beholdApollo！—\"
More
Endymionheardnot：downhissteedhimbore，
Pronetothegreenheadofamistyhill.
Hisfirsttouchoftheearthwentnightokill.
\"Alas！\"saidhe，\"wereIbutalwaysborne
Throughdangerouswinds，hadbutmyfootstepsworn
Apathinhell，foreverwouldIbless
Horrorswhichnourishanuneasiness
Formyownsullenconquering：tohim
Wholivesbeyondearth’sboundary，griefisdim，
Sorrowisbutashadow：nowIsee
Thegrass;Ifeelthesolidground—Ah，me！
Itisthyvoice—divinest！Where？—who？who
Lefttheesoquietonthisbedofdew？
Beholduponthishappyearthweare;
Letusayeloveeachother;letusfare
Onforest—fruits，andnever，nevergo
Amongtheabodesofmortalsherebelow，
Orbebyphantomsduped.Odestiny！
Intoalabyrinthnowmysoulwouldfly，
ButwiththybeautywillIdeadenit.
Wheredidstthoumeltto？BytheewillIsit
Forever：letourfatestophere—akid
Ionthisspotwilloffer：Panwillbid
Usliveinpeace，inloveandpeaceamong
Hisforestwildernesses.Ihaveclung
Tonothing，lov’danothing，nothingseen
Orfeltbutagreatdream！OIhavebeen
Presumptuousagainstlove，againstthesky，
Againstallelements，againstthetie
Ofmortalseachtoeach，againsttheblooms
Offlowers，rushofrivers，andthetombs
Ofheroesgone！Againsthisproperglory
Hasmyownsoulconspired：somystory
WillItochildrenutter，andrepent.
Thereneverliv’damortalman，whobent
Hisappetitebeyondhisnaturalsphere，
Butstarv’danddied.MysweetestIndian，here，
HerewillIkneel，forthouredeemedhast
Mylifefromtoothinbreathing：goneandpast
Arecloudyphantasms.Cavernslone，farewell！
Andairofvisions，andthemonstrousswell
Ofvisionaryseas！No，nevermore
Shallairyvoicescheatmetotheshore
Oftangledwonder，breathlessandaghast.
Adieu，mydaintiestDream！althoughsovast
Myloveisstillforthee.Thehourmaycome
Whenweshallmeetinpureelysium.
OnearthImaynotlovethee;andtherefore
DoveswillIofferup，andsweeteststore
Allthroughtheteemingyear：sothouwiltshine
Onme，andonthisdamselfairofmine，
Andblessoursilverlives.MyIndianbliss！
Myriver—lillybud！onehumankiss！
Onesighofrealbreath—onegentlesqueeze，
Warmasadove’snestamongsummertrees，
Andwarmwithdewatoozefromlivingblood！
Whitherdidstmelt？Ah，whatofthat！—allgood
We’lltalkabout—nomoreofdreaming.—Now，
Whereshallourdwellingbe？Underthebrow
Ofsomesteepmossyhill，whereivydun
Wouldhideusup，althoughspringleaveswerenone;
Andwheredarkyewtrees，aswerustlethrough，
Willdroptheirscarletberrycupsofdew？
Othouwouldstjoytoliveinsuchaplace;
Duskforourloves，yetlightenoughtograce
Thosegentlelimbsonmossybedreclin’d：
Forbyonesteptheblueskyshouldstthoufind，
Andbyanother，indeepdellbelow，
See，throughthetrees，alittlerivergo
Allinitsmid—daygoldandglimmering.
HoneyfromoutthegnarledhiveI’llbring，
Andapples，wanwithsweetness，gatherthee，—
Cressesthatgrowwherenomanmaythemsee，
Andsorreluntornbythedew—claw’dstag：
PipeswillIfashionofthesyrinxflag，
ThatthoumaystalwaysknowwhitherIroam，
Whenitshallpleasetheeinourquiethome
Tolistenandthinkoflove.Stillletmespeak;
StillletmediveintothejoyIseek，—
Foryetthepastdothprisonme.Therill，
Thouhaplymaystdelightin，willIfill
Withfairyfishesfromthemountaintarn，
Andthoushaltfeedthemfromthesquirrel’sbarn.
ItsbottomwillIstrewwithambershells，
Andpebblesbluefromdeepenchantedwells.
ItssidesI’llplantwithdew—sweeteglantine，
Andhoneysucklesfullofclearbee—wine.
Iwillenticethiscrystalrilltotrace
Love’ssilvernameuponthemeadow’sface.
I’llkneeltoVesta，foraflameoffire;
AndtogodPhoebus，foragoldenlyre;
ToEmpressDian，forahuntingspear;
ToVesper，foratapersilver—clear，
ThatImayseethybeautythroughthenight;
ToFlora，andanightingaleshalllight
Tameonthyfinger;totheRiver—gods，
Andtheyshallbringtheetaperfishing—rods
Ofgold，andlinesofNaiads’longbrighttress.
Heavenshieldtheeforthineutterloveliness！
Thymossyfootstoolshallthealtarbe
’ForewhichI’llbend，bending，dearlove，tothee：
ThoselipsshallbemyDelphos，andshallspeak
Lawstomyfootsteps，colourtomycheek，
Tremblingorstedfastnesstothissamevoice，
Andofthreesweetestpleasuringsthechoice：
Andthataffectionatelight，thosediamondthings，
Thoseeyes，thosepassions，thosesupremepearlsprings，
Shallbemygrief，ortwinklemetopleasure.
Say，isnotblisswithinourperfectseisure？
OthatIcouldnotdoubt！\"
Themountaineer
Thusstrovebyfanciesvainandcrudetoclear
Hisbriar’dpathtosometranquillity.
Itgavebrightgladnesstohislady’seye，
Andyetthetearssheweptweretearsofsorrow;
Answeringthus，justasthegoldenmorrow
Beam’dupwardfromthevalliesoftheeast：
\"Othattheflutterofthishearthadceas’d，
Orthesweetnameoflovehadpass’daway.
Youngfeather’dtyrant！byaswiftdecay
Wiltthoudevotethisbodytotheearth：
AndIdothinkthatatmyverybirth
Ilisp’dthybloomingtitlesinwardly;
Foratthefirst，firstdawnandthoughtofthee，
WithuplifthandsIblestthestarsofheaven.
Artthounotcruel？EverhaveIstriven
Tothinktheekind，butah，itwillnotdo！
Whenyetachild，Iheardthatkissesdrew
Favourfromthee，andsoIkissesgave
Tothevoidair，biddingthemfindoutlove：
ButwhenIcametofeelhowfarabove
Allfancy，pride，andficklemaidenhood，
Allearthlypleasure，allimagin’dgood，
Wasthewarmtrembleofadevoutkiss，—
Eventhen，thatmoment，atthethoughtofthis，
FaintingIfellintoabedofflowers，
Andlanguish’dtherethreedays.Yemilderpowers，
AmInotcruellywrong’d？Believe，believe
Me，dearEndymion，wereItoweave
Withmyownfanciesgarlandsofsweetlife，
Thoushouldstbeoneofall.Ah，bitterstrife！
Imaynotbethylove：Iamforbidden—
IndeedIam—thwarted，affrighted，chidden，
BythingsItrembledat，andgorgonwrath.
Twicehastthouask’dwhitherIwent：henceforth
Askmenomore！Imaynotutterit，
NormayIbethylove.Wemightcommit
Ourselvesatoncetovengeance;wemightdie;
Wemightembraceanddie：voluptuousthought！
Enlargenottomyhunger，orI’mcaught
Intrammelsofperversedeliciousness.
No，no，thatshallnotbe：theewillIbless，
Andbidalongadieu.\"
TheCarian
Nowordreturn’d：bothlovelorn，silent，wan，
Intothevalliesgreentogetherwent.
Farwandering，theywereperforcecontent
Tositbeneathafairlonebeechentree;
Norateachothergaz’d，butheavily
Por’donitshazlecirqueofsheddedleaves.
Endymion！unhappy！itnighgrieves
Metobeholdtheethusinlastextreme：
Ensky’derethis，buttrulythatIdeem
Truththebestmusicinafirst—bornsong.
Thylute—voic’dbrotherwillIsingerelong，
Andthoushaltaid—hastthounotaidedme？
Yes，moonlightEmperor！felicity
Hasbeenthymeedformanythousandyears;
YetoftenhaveI，onthebrinkoftears，
Mourn’dasifyetthouwertaforester;—
Forgettingtheoldtale.
Hedidnotstir
Hiseyesfromthedeadleaves，oronesmallpulse
Ofjoyhemighthavefelt.Thespiritculls
Unfadedamaranth，whenwilditstrays
Throughtheoldgarden—groundofboyishdays.
Alittleonwardrantheverystream
Bywhichhetookhisfirstsoftpoppydream;
Andontheverybark’gainstwhichheleant
Acrescenthehadcarv’d，androunditspent
Hisskillinlittlestars.Theteemingtree
Hadswollenandgreen’dthepiouscharactery，
Butnotta’enout.Why，therewasnotaslope
Upwhichhehadnotfear’dtheantelope;
Andnotatree，beneathwhoserootyshade
Hehadnotwithhistamedleopardsplay’d：
Norcouldanarrowlight，orjavelin，
Flyintheairwherehishadneverbeen—
Andyetheknewitnot.
Otreachery！
Whydoeshisladysmile，pleasinghereye
Withallhissorrowing？Heseeshernot.
Butwhosostaresonhim？Hissistersure！
Peonaofthewoods！—Cansheendure—
Impossible—howdearlytheyembrace！
Hisladysmiles;delightisinherface;
Itisnotreachery.
\"Dearbrothermine！
Endymion，weepnotso！Whyshouldstthoupine
WhenallgreatLatmossoexaltwillbe？
Thankthegreatgods，andlooknotbitterly;
Andspeaknotonepaleword，andsighnomore.
SureIwillnotbelievethouhastsuchstore
Ofgrief，tolasttheetomykissagain.
Thousurelycanstnotbearamindinpain，
Comehandinhandwithonesobeautiful.
Behappybothofyou！forIwillpull
Theflowersofautumnforyourcoronals.
Pan’sholypriestforyoungEndymioncalls;
Andwhenheisrestor’d，thou，fairestdame，
Shaltbeourqueen.Now，isitnotashame
Toseeyethus，—notvery，verysad？
Perhapsyearetoohappytobeglad：
Ofeelasifitwereacommonday;
Free—voic’dasonewhoneverwasaway.
Notongueshallask，whencecomeye？butyeshall
Begodsofyourownrestimperial.
NotevenI，foronewholemonth，willpry
Intothehoursthathavepass’dusby，
SinceinmyarbourIdidsingtothee.
OHermes！onthisverynightwillbe
AhymninguptoCynthia，queenoflight;
Forthesoothsayersoldsawyesternight
Goodvisionsintheair，—whencewillbefal，
Assaythesesages，healthperpetual
Toshepherdsandtheirflocks;andfurthermore，
InDian’sfacetheyreadthegentlelore：
Thereforeforherthesevesper—carolsare.
Ourfriendswillallbetherefromnighandfar.
Manyuponthydeathhavedittiesmade;
Andmany，evennow，theirforeheadsshade
Withcypress，onadayofsacrifice.
Newsingingforourmaidsshaltthoudevise，
Andpluckthesorrowfromourhuntsmen’sbrows.
Tellme，mylady—queen，howtoespouse
Thiswaywardbrothertohisrightfuljoys！
Hiseyesareontheebent，asthoudidstpoize
Hisfatemostgoddess—like.Helpme，Ipray，
Tolure—Endymion，dearbrother，say
Whatailsthee？\"Hecouldbearnomore，andso
Benthissoulfiercelylikeaspiritualbow，
Andtwang’ditinwardly，andcalmlysaid：
\"Iwouldhavetheemyonlyfriend，sweetmaid！
Myonlyvisitor！notignorantthough，
Thatthosedeceptionswhichforpleasurego
’Mongmen，arepleasuresrealasrealmaybe：
ButtherearehigheronesImaynotsee，
IfimpiouslyanearthlyrealmItake.
SinceIsawthee，Ihavebeenwideawake
Nightafternight，anddaybyday，until
OftheempyreanIhavedrunkmyfill.
Letitcontentthee，Sister，seeingme
Morehappythanbetidesmortality.
Ahermityoung，I’llliveinmossycave，
Wherethoualoneshaltcometome，andlave
ThyspiritinthewondersIshalltell.
Throughmetheshepherdrealmshallprosperwell;
FortothytonguewillIallhealthconfide.
And，formysake，letthisyoungmaidabide
Withtheeasadearsister.Thoualone，
Peona，maystreturntome.Iown
Thismaysoundstrangely：butwhen，dearestgirl，
Thouseestitformyhappiness，nopearl
Willtrespassdownthosecheeks.Companionfair！
Wiltbecontenttodwellwithher，toshare
Thissister’slovewithme？\"Likeoneresign’d
Andbentbycircumstance，andtherebyblind
Inself—commitment，thusthatmeekunknown：
\"Aye，butabuzzingbymyearshasflown，
OfjubileetoDian：—truthIheard？
Wellthen，Iseethereisnolittlebird，
Tendersoever，butisJove’sowncare，
LonghaveIsoughtforrest，and，unaware，
BeholdIfindit！soexaltedtoo！
Soaftermyownheart！Iknew，Iknew
Therewasaplaceuntenantedinit：
InthatsamevoidwhiteChastityshallsit，
Andmonitormenightlytoloneslumber.
WithsanestlipsIvowmetothenumber
OfDian’ssisterhood;and，kindlady，
Withthygoodhelp，thisverynightshallsee
Myfuturedaystoherfaneconsecrate.\"
Asfeelsadreamerwhatdothmostcreate
Hisownparticularfright，sothesethreefelt：
Orlikeonewho，inafterages，knelt
ToLuciferorBaal，whenhe’dpine
Afteralittlesleep：orwheninmine
Farunder—ground，asleepermeetshisfriends
Whoknowhimnot.Eachdiligentlybends
Towardscommonthoughtsandthingsforveryfear;
Strivingtheirghastlymaladytocheer，
Bythinkingitathingofyesandno，
Thathousewivestalkof.Butthespirit—blow
Wasstruck，andallweredreamers.Atthelast
Endymionsaid：\"Arenotourfatesallcast？
Whystandwehere？Adieu，yetenderpair！
Adieu！\"Whereatthosemaidens，withwildstare，
Walk’ddizzilyaway.Painedandhot
Hiseyeswentafterthem，untiltheygot
Neartoacypressgrove，whosedeadlymaw，
Inoneswiftmoment，wouldwhatthenhesaw
Engulphforever.\"Stay！\"hecried，\"ah，stay！
Turn，damsels！hist！onewordIhavetosay.
SweetIndian，Iwouldseetheeonceagain.
ItisathingIdoteon：soI’dfain，
Peona，yeshouldhandinhandrepair
Intothoseholygroves，thatsilentare
BehindgreatDian’stemple.I’llbeyon，
AtVesper’searliesttwinkle—theyaregone—
Butonce，once，onceagain—\"Atthishepress’d
Hishandsagainsthisface，andthendidrest
Hisheaduponamossyhillockgreen，
Andsoremain’dasheacorpsehadbeen
Allthelongday;savewhenhescantlylifted
Hiseyesabroad，toseehowshadowsshifted
Withtheslowmoveoftime，—sluggishandweary
Untilthepoplartops，injourneydreary，
Hadreach’dtheriver’sbrim.Thenupherose，
And，slowlyasthatveryriverflows，
Walk’dtowardsthetemplegrovewiththislament：
\"Whysuchagoldeneve？Thebreezeissent
Carefulandsoft，thatnotaleafmayfall
Beforetheserenefatherofthemall
Bowsdownhissummerheadbelowthewest.
NowamIofbreath，speech，andspeedpossest，
ButatthesettingImustbidadieu
Toherforthelasttime.Nightwillstrew
Onthedampgrassmyriadsoflingeringleaves，
AndwiththemshallIdie;normuchitgrieves
Todie，whensummerdiesonthecoldsward.
Why，Ihavebeenabutterfly，alord
Offlowers，garlands，love—knots，sillyposies，
Groves，meadows，melodies，andarbourroses;
Mykingdom’satitsdeath，andjustitis
ThatIshoulddiewithit：soinallthis
Wemiscallgrief，bale，sorrow，heartbreak，woe，
Whatistheretoplainof？ByTitan’sfoe
Iambutrightlyserv’d.\"Sosaying，he
Tripp’dlightlyon，insortofdeathfulglee;
Laughingattheclearstreamandsettingsun，
Asthoughtheyjestshadbeen：norhadhedone
Hislaughatnature’sholycountenance，
Untilthatgroveappear’d，asifperchance，
Andthenhistonguewithsoberseemlihed
Gaveutteranceasheenter’d：\"Ha！Isaid，
Kingofthebutterflies;butbythisgloom，
AndbyoldRhadamanthus’tongueofdoom，
Thisduskreligion，pompofsolitude，
AndthePrometheanclaybythiefendued，
ByoldSaturnus’forelock，byhishead
Shookwitheternalpalsy，Ididwed
Myselftothingsoflightfrominfancy;
Andthustobecastout，thuslorntodie，
Issureenoughtomakeamortalman
Growimpious.\"Soheinwardlybegan
Onthingsforwhichnowordingcanbefound;
Deeperanddeepersinking，untildrown’d
Beyondthereachofmusic：forthechoir
OfCynthiaheheardnot，thoughroughbriar
Normufflingthicketinterpos’dtodull
Thevesperhymn，farswollen，softandfull，
Throughthedarkpillarsofthosesylvanaisles.
Hesawnotthetwomaidens，northeirsmiles，
Wanasprimrosesgather’datmidnight
Bychillyfinger’dspring.\"Unhappywight！
Endymion！\"saidPeona，\"wearehere！
Whatwouldstthouereweallarelaidonbier？\"
Thenheembrac’dher，andhislady’shand
Press’d，saying：\"Sister，Iwouldhavecommand，
Ifitwereheaven’swill，onoursadfate.\"
Atwhichthatdark—eyedstrangerstoodelate
Andsaid，inanewvoice，butsweetaslove，
ToEndymion’samaze：\"ByCupid’sdove，
Andsothoushalt！andbythelillytruth
Ofmyownbreastthoushalt，belovedyouth！\"
Andasshespake，intoherfacetherecame
Light，asreflectedfromasilverflame：
Herlongblackhairswell’dampler，indisplay
Fullgolden;inhereyesabrighterday
Dawn’dblueandfulloflove.Aye，hebeheld
Phoebe，hispassion！joyoussheupheld
Herlucidbow，continuingthus：\"Drear，drear
Hasourdelayingbeen;butfoolishfear
Withheldmefirst;andthendecreesoffate;
Andthen’twasfitthatfromthismortalstate
Thoushouldst，mylove，bysomeunlook’dforchange
Bespiritualiz’d.Peona，weshallrange
Theseforests，andtotheetheysafeshallbe
Aswasthycradle;hithershaltthouflee
Tomeetusmanyatime.\"NextCynthiabright
Peonakiss’d，andbless’dwithfairgoodnight：
Herbrotherkiss’dhertoo，andkneltadown
Beforehisgoddess，inablissfulswoon.
Shegaveherfairhandstohim，andbehold，
Beforethreeswiftestkisseshehadtold，
Theyvanish’dfaraway！—Peonawent
Homethroughthegloomywoodinwonderment.
THEEND.
1816
FORTHERE’SBISHOP’STEIGN
byJohnKeats
I.
Forthere’sBishop’steign
AndKing’steign
AndCoombattheclearTeignhead—
Whereclosebythestream
Youmayhaveyourcream
Allspreaduponbarleybread.
II.
There’sArchBrook
Andthere’sLarchBrook
Bothturningmanyamill，
Andcoolingthedrouth
Ofthesalmon’smouth
Andfatteninghissilvergill.
III.
ThereisWildWood，
Amildhood
Tothesheepontheleao’thedown，
Wherethegoldenfurze，
Withitsgreen，thinspurs，
Dothcatchatthemaiden’sgown.
IV.
ThereisNewtonMarsh
Withitsspeargrassharsh—
Apleasantsummerlevel
Wherethemaidenssweet
OftheMarketStreet
Domeetinthedusktorevel.
V.
There’stheBartonrich
Withdykeandditch
Andhedgeforthethrushtolivein，
Andthehollowtree
Forthebuzzingbee
Andabankforthewasptohivein.
VI.
AndO，and
Thedaisiesblow
Andtheprimrosesarewaken’d，
Andvioletswhite
Sitinsilverplight，
Andthegreenbud’saslongasthespikeend.
VII.
Thenwhowouldgo
IntodarkSoho
Andchatterwithdack’d—hair’dcritics，
Whenhecanstay
Forthenew—mownhay
Andstartlethedappledprickets？
THEEND.
1816
HOWMANYBARDSGILDTHELAPSESOFTIME！
byJohnKeats
Howmanybardsgildthelapsesoftime！
Afewofthemhaveeverbeenthefood
Ofmydelightedfancy，—Icouldbrood
Overtheirbeauties，earthly，orsublime：
Andoften，whenIsitmedowntorhyme，
Thesewillinthrongsbeforemymindintrude：
Butnoconfusion，nodisturbancerude
Dotheyoccasion;’tisapleasingchime.
Sotheunnumber’dsoundsthateveningstore;
Thesongsofbirds—thewhisp’ringoftheleaves—
Thevoiceofwaters—thegreatbellthatheaves
Withsolemnsound，—andthousandothersmore，
Thatdistanceofrecognizancebereaves，
Makepleasingmusic，andnotwilduproar.