Ifyoubutscantilyholdoutthehand，
Thatveryinstantnotonewillremain;
Butturnyoureye，andtheyarethereagain.
Theripplesseemrightgladtoreachthosecresses，
Andcoolthemselvesamongtheem’raldtresses;
Thewhiletheycoolthemselves，theyfreshnessgive，
Andmoisture，thatthebowerygreenmaylive：
Sokeepingupaninterchangeoffavours，
Likegoodmeninthetruthoftheirbehaviours.
Sometimesgoldfinchesonebyonewilldrop
Fromlowhungbranches;littlespacetheystop;
Butsip，andtwitter，andtheirfeatherssleek;
Thenoffatonce，asinawantonfreak：
Orperhaps，toshowtheirblack，andgoldenwings，
Pausingupontheiryellowflutterings.
WereIinsuchaplace，Isureshouldpray
Thatnaughtlesssweet，mightcallmythoughtsaway，
Thanthesoftrustleofamaiden’sgown
Fanningawaythedandelion’sdown;
Thanthelightmusicofhernimbletoes
Pattingagainstthesorrelasshegoes.
Howshewouldstart，andblush，thustobecaught
Playinginallherinnocenceofthought.
Oletmeleadhergentlyo’erthebrook，
Watchherhalf—smilinglips，anddownwardlook;
Oletmeforonemomenttouchherwrist;
Letmeonemomenttoherbreathinglist;
Andassheleavesmemaysheoftenturn
Herfaireyeslookingthroughherlocksauburne.
Whatnext？Atuftofeveningprimroses，
O’erwhichthemindmayhovertillitdozes;
O’erwhichitwellmighttakeapleasantsleep，
Butthat’tiseverstartledbytheleap
Ofbudsintoripeflowers;orbytheflitting
Ofdiversemoths，thatayetheirrestarequitting;
Orbythemoonliftinghersilverrim
Aboveacloud，andwithagradualswim
Comingintothebluewithallherlight.
OMakerofsweetpoets，deardelight
Ofthisfairworld，andallitsgentlelivers;
Spanglerofclouds，haloofcrystalrivers，
Minglerwithleaves，anddewandtumblingstreams，
Closeroflovelyeyestolovelydreams，
Loverofloneliness，andwandering，
Ofupcasteye，andtenderpondering！
TheemustIpraiseaboveallotherglories
Thatsmileusontotelldelightfulstories.
Forwhathasmadethesageorpoetwrite
ButthefairparadiseofNature’slight？
Inthecalmgrandeurofasoberline，
Weseethewavingofthemountainpine;
Andwhenataleisbeautifullystaid，
Wefeelthesafetyofahawthornglade：
Whenitismovingonluxuriouswings，
Thesoulislostinpleasantsmotherings：
Fairdewyrosesbrushagainstourfaces，
Andfloweringlaurelsspringfromdiamondvases;
O’erheadweseethejasmineandsweetbriar，
Andbloomygrapeslaughingfromgreenattire;
Whileatourfeet，thevoiceofcrystalbubbles
Charmsusatonceawayfromallourtroubles：
Sothatwefeelupliftedfromtheworld，
Walkinguponthewhitecloudswreath’dandcurl’d.
Sofelthe，whofirsttold，howPsychewent
Onthesmoothwindtorealmsofwonderment;
WhatPsychefelt，andLove，whentheirfulllips
Firsttouch’d;whatamorous，andfondlingnips
Theygaveeachother’scheeks;withalltheirsighs，
Andhowtheykisteachother’stremulouseyes：
Thesilverlamp，—theravishment，—thewonder—
Thedarkness，—loneliness，—thefearfulthunder;
Theirwoesgoneby，andbothtoheavenupflown，
TobowforgratitudebeforeJove’sthrone.
Sodidhefeel，whopull’dtheboughsaside，
Thatwemightlookintoaforestwide，
TocatchaglimpseofFauns，andDryades
Comingwithsoftestrustlethroughthetrees;
Andgarlandswovenofflowerswild，andsweet，
Upheldonivorywrists，orsportingfeet：
Tellingushowfair，tremblingSyrinxfled
ArcadianPan，withsuchafearfuldread.
Poornymph，—poorPan，—howhedidweeptofind，
Noughtbutalovelysighingofthewind
Alongthereedystream;ahalf—heardstrain，
Fullofsweetdesolation—balmypain.
Whatfirstinspiredabardofoldtosing
Narcissuspiningo’ertheuntaintedspring？
Insomedeliciousramble，hehadfound
Alittlespace，withboughsallwovenround;
Andinthemidstofall，aclearerpool
Thane’erreflectedinitspleasantcool，
Theblueskyhere，andthere，serenelypeeping
Throughtendrilwreathsfantasticallycreeping.
Andonthebankalonelyflowerhespied，
Ameekandforlornflower，withnaughtofpride，
Droopingitsbeautyo’erthewateryclearness，
Towooitsownsadimageintonearness：
DeaftolightZephyrusitwouldnotmove;
Butstillwouldseemtodroop，topine，tolove.
Sowhilethepoetstoodinthissweetspot，
Somefaintergleamingso’erhisfancyshot;
Norwasitlongerehehadtoldthetale
OfyoungNarcissus，andsadEcho’sbale.
Wherehadhebeen，fromwhosewarmheadout—flew
Thatsweetestofallsongs，thatevernew，
Thatayerefreshing，puredeliciousness，
Comingevertobless
Thewandererbymoonlight？tohimbringing
Shapesfromtheinvisibleworld，unearthlysinging
Fromoutthemiddleair，fromflowerynests，
Andfromthepillowysilkinessthatrests
Fullinthespeculationofthestars.
Ah！surelyhehadburstourmortalbars;
Intosomewond’rousregionhehadgone，
Tosearchforthee，divineEndymion！
HewasaPoet，surealovertoo，
WhostoodonLatmus’top，whattimethereblew
Softbreezesfromthemyrtlevalebelow;
Andbroughtinfaintnesssolemn，sweet，andslow
AhymnfromDian’stemple;whileupswelling，
Theincensewenttoherownstarrydwelling.
Butthoughherfacewasclearasinfant’seyes，
Thoughshestoodsmilingo’erthesacrifice，
ThePoetweptathersopiteousfate，
Weptthatsuchbeautyshouldbedesolate：
Soinfinewrathsomegoldensoundshewon，
AndgavemeekCynthiaherEndymion.
Queenofthewideair;thoumostlovelyqueen
Ofallthebrightnessthatmineeyeshaveseen！
Asthouexceedestallthingsinthyshine，
Soeverytale，doesthissweettaleofthine.
Oforthreewordsofhoney，thatImight
Tellbutonewonderofthybridalnight！
Wheredistantshipsdoseemtoshowtheirkeels，
Phoebusawhiledelay’dhismightywheels，
Andturn’dtosmileuponthybashfuleyes，
Erehehisunseenpompwouldsolemnize.
Theeveningweatherwassobright，andclear，
Thatmenofhealthwereofunusualcheer;
SteppinglikeHomeratthetrumpet’scall，
OryoungApolloonthepedestal：
Andlovelywomenwereasfairandwarm，
AsVenuslookingsidewaysinalarm.
Thebreezeswereethereal，andpure，
Andcreptthroughhalf—closedlatticestocure
Thelanguidsick;itcool’dtheirfever’dsleep，
Andsoothedthemintoslumbersfullanddeep.
Soontheyawokecleareyed：norburntwiththirsting，
Norwithhotfingers，norwithtemplesbursting：
Andspringingup，theymetthewond’ringsight
Oftheirdearfriends，nighfoolishwithdelight;
Whofeeltheirarms，andbreasts，andkissandstare，
Andontheirplacidforeheadspartthehair.
Youngmen，andmaidensateachothergaz’d
Withhandsheldback，andmotionless，amaz’d
Toseethebrightnessineachother’seyes;
Andsotheystood，fill’dwithasweetsurprise，
Untiltheirtongueswereloos’dinpoesy.
Thereforenoloverdidofanguishdie：
Butthesoftnumbers，inthatmomentspoken，
Madesilkenties，thatnevermaybebroken.
Cynthia！Icannottellthegreaterblisses，
Thatfollow’dthine，andthydearshepherd’skisses：
Wasthereapoetborn？—butnownomore，
Mywand’ringspiritmustnofurthersoar.—
THEEND.
1816
IMITATIONOFSPENSER
byJohnKeats
NowMorningfromherorientchambercame，
Andherfirstfootstepstouch’daverdanthill;
Crowningitslawnycrestwithamberflame，
Silv’ringtheuntaintedgushesofitsrill;
Which，purefrommossybeds，diddowndistill，
Andafterpartingbedsofsimpleflowers，
Bymanystreamsalittlelakedidfill，
Whichrounditsmargereflectedwovenbowers，
And，initsmiddlespace，askythatneverlowers.
Theretheking—fishersawhisplumagebright
Vieingwithfishofbrilliantdyebelow;
Whosesilkenfins，andgoldenscales’light
Castupward，throughthewaves，arubyglow：
Theresawtheswanhisneckofarchedsnow，
Andoar’dhimselfalongwithmajesty;
Sparkledhisjettyeyes;hisfeetdidshow
BeneaththewaveslikeAfric’sebony，
Andonhisbackafayreclinedvoluptuously.
Ah！couldItellthewondersofanisle
Thatinthatfairestlakehadplacedbeen，
Icoulde’enDidoofhergriefbeguile;
OrrobfromagedLearhisbitterteen：
Forsuresofairaplacewasneverseen，
Ofallthatevercharm’dromanticeye：
Itseem’danemeraldinthesilversheen
Ofthebrightwaters;oraswhenonhigh，
Throughcloudsoffleecywhite，laughsthecoeruleansky.
Andallarounditdipp’dluxuriously
Slopingsofverdurethroughtheglossytide，
Which，asitwereingentleamity，
Rippleddelightedupthefloweryside;
Asiftogleantheruddytears，ittried，
Whichfellprofuselyfromtherose—treestem！
Haplyitwastheworkingsofitspride，
Instrifetothrowupontheshoreagem
OutvieingallthebudsinFlora’sdiadem.
THEEND.
1816
ISABELLA;OR，THEPOTOFBASIL
byJohnKeats
ISABELLA
AStoryfromBoccaccio
I.
FairIsabel，poorsimpleIsabel！
Lorenzo，ayoungpalmerinLove’seye！
Theycouldnotintheself—samemansiondwell
Withoutsomestirofheart，somemalady;
Theycouldnotsitatmealsbutfeelhowwell
Itsoothedeachtobetheotherby;
Theycouldnot，sure，beneaththesameroofsleep
Buttoeachotherdream，andnightlyweep.
II.
Witheverymorntheirlovegrewtenderer，
Witheveryevedeeperandtendererstill;
Hemightnotinhouse，field，orgardenstir，
Butherfullshapewouldallhisseeingfill;
Andhiscontinualvoicewaspleasanter
Toher，thannoiseoftreesorhiddenrill;
Herlute—stringgaveanechoofhisname，
Shespoiltherhalf—donebroiderywiththesame.
III.
Heknewwhosegentlehandwasatthelatch
Beforethedoorhadgivenhertohiseyes;
Andfromherchamber—windowhewouldcatch
Herbeautyfartherthanthefalconspies;
Andconstantashervesperswouldhewatch，
Becauseherfacewasturn’dtothesameskies;
Andwithsicklongingallthenightoutwear，
Tohearhermorning—stepuponthestair.
IV.
AwholelongmonthofMayinthissadplight
MadetheircheekspalerbythebreakofJune：
\"To—morrowwillIbowtomydelight，
\"To—morrowwillIaskmylady’sboon.\"—
\"OmayIneverseeanothernight，
\"Lorenzo，ifthylipsbreathenotlove’stune.\"—
Sospaketheytotheirpillows;but，alas，
Honeylessdaysanddaysdidheletpass;
V.
UntilsweetIsabella’suntouch’dcheek
Fellsickwithintherose’sjustdomain，
Fellthinasayoungmother’s，whodothseek
Byeverylulltocoolherinfant’spain：
\"Howillsheis，\"saidhe，\"Imaynotspeak，
\"AndyetIwill，andtellmyloveallplain：
\"Iflooksspeaklove—laws，Iwilldrinkhertears，
\"Andattheleast’twillstartleoffhercares.\"
VI.
Sosaidheonefairmorning，andallday
Hisheartbeatawfullyagainsthisside;
Andtohisheartheinwardlydidpray
Forpowertospeak;butstilltheruddytide
Stifledhisvoice，andpuls’dresolveaway—
Fever’dhishighconceitofsuchabride，
Yetbroughthimtothemeeknessofachild：
Alas！whenpassionisbothmeekandwild！
VII.
Sooncemorehehadwak’dandanguished
Adrearynightofloveandmisery，
IfIsabel’squickeyehadnotbeenwed
Toeverysymbolonhisforeheadhigh;
Shesawitwaxingverypaleanddead，
Andstraightallflush’d;so，lispedtenderly，
\"Lorenzo！\"—heresheceas’dhertimidquest，
Butinhertoneandlookhereadtherest.
VIII.
\"OIsabella，Icanhalfperceive
\"ThatImayspeakmygriefintothineear;
\"Ifthoudidsteveranythingbelieve，
\"BelievehowIlovethee，believehownear
\"Mysoulistoitsdoom：Iwouldnotgrieve
\"Thyhandbyunwelcomepressing，wouldnotfear
\"Thineeyesbygazing;butIcannotlive
\"Anothernight，andnotmypassionshrive.
IX.
\"Love！thouartleadingmefromwintrycold，
\"Lady！thouleadestmetosummerclime，
\"AndImusttastetheblossomsthatunfold
\"Initsripewarmththisgraciousmorningtime.\"
Sosaid，hiserewhiletimidlipsgrewbold，
Andpoesiedwithhersindewyrhyme：
Greatblisswaswiththem，andgreathappiness
Grew，likealustyflowerinJune’scaress.
X.
Partingtheyseem’dtotreadupontheair，
Twinrosesbythezephyrblownapart
Onlytomeetagainmoreclose，andshare
Theinwardfragranceofeachother’sheart.
She，toherchambergone，adittyfair
Sang，ofdeliciousloveandhoney’ddart;
Hewithlightstepswentupawesternhill，
Andbadethesunfarewell，andjoy’dhisfill.
XI.
Allclosetheymetagain，beforethedusk
Hadtakenfromthestarsitspleasantveil，
Allclosetheymet，alleves，beforethedusk
Hadtakenfromthestarsitspleasantveil，
Closeinabowerofhyacinthandmusk，
Unknownofany，freefromwhisperingtale.
Ah！betterhaditbeenforeverso，
Thanidleearsshouldpleasureintheirwoe.
XII.
Weretheyunhappythen？—Itcannotbe—
Toomanytearsforlovershavebeenshed，
Toomanysighsgivewetotheminfee，
Toomuchofpityaftertheyaredead，
Toomanydolefulstoriesdowesee，
Whosematterinbrightgoldwerebestberead;
ExceptinsuchapagewhereTheseus’spouse
Overthepathlesswavestowardshimbows.
XIII.
But，forthegeneralawardoflove，
Thelittlesweetdothkillmuchbitterness;
ThoughDidosilentisinunder—grove，
AndIsabella’swasagreatdistress，
ThoughyoungLorenzoinwarmIndianclove
Wasnotembalm’d，thistruthisnottheless—
Evenbees，thelittlealmsmenofspring—bowers，
Knowthereisrichestjuiceinpoison—flowers.
XIV.
Withhertwobrothersthisfairladydwelt，
Enrichedfromancestralmerchandize，
Andforthemmanyawearyhanddidswelt
Intorchedminesandnoisyfactories，
Andmanyonceproud—quiver’dloinsdidmelt
Inbloodfromstingingwhip;—withholloweyes
Manyalldayindazzlingriverstood，
Totaketherich—oreddriftingsoftheflood.
XV.
ForthemtheCeylondiverheldhisbreath，
Andwentallnakedtothehungryshark;
Forthemhisearsgush’dblood;forthemindeath
Thesealonthecoldicewithpiteousbark
Layfullofdarts;forthemalonedidseethe
Athousandmenintroubleswideanddark：
Half—ignorant，theyturn’daneasywheel，
Thatsetsharpracksatwork，topinchandpeel.
XVI.
Whyweretheyproud？Becausetheirmarblefounts
Gush’dwithmorepridethandoawretch’stears？—
Whyweretheyproud？Becausefairorange—mounts
Wereofmoresoftascentthanlazarstairs？—
Whyweretheyproud？Becausered—lin’daccounts
WerericherthanthesongsofGrecianyears？—
Whyweretheyproud？againweaskaloud，
WhyinthenameofGloryweretheyproud？
XVII.
YetweretheseFlorentinesasself—retired
Inhungryprideandgainfulcowardice，
AstwocloseHebrewsinthatlandinspired，
Paledinandvineyardedfrombeggar—spies;
Thehawksofship—mastforests—theuntired
Andpannier’dmulesforducatsandoldlies—
Quickcat’s—pawsonthegenerousstray—away，—
GreatwitsinSpanish，Tuscan，andMalay.
XVIII.
Howwasitthesesameledger—mencouldspy
FairIsabellainherdownynest？
HowcouldtheyfindoutinLorenzo’seye
Astrayingfromhistoil？HotEgypt’spest
Intotheirvisioncovetousandsly！
Howcouldthesemoney—bagsseeeastandwest？—
Yetsotheydid—andeverydealerfair
Mustseebehind，asdoththehuntedhare.
XIX.
OeloquentandfamedBoccaccio！
Oftheewenowshouldaskforgivingboon，
Andofthyspicymyrtlesastheyblow，
Andofthyrosesamorousofthemoon，
Andofthylillies，thatdopalergrow
Nowtheycannomorehearthyghittern’stune，
Forventuringsyllablesthatillbeseem
Thequietgloomsofsuchapiteoustheme.
XX.
Grantthouapardonhere，andthenthetale
Shallmoveonsoberly，asitismeet;
Thereisnoothercrime，nomadassail
Tomakeoldproseinmodernrhymemoresweet：
Butitisdone—succeedtheverseorfail—
Tohonourthee，andthygonespiritgreet;
TosteadtheeasaverseinEnglishtongue，
Anechooftheeinthenorth—windsung.
XXI.
Thesebrethrenhavingfoundbymanysigns
WhatloveLorenzofortheirsisterhad，
Andhowshelov’dhimtoo，eachunconfines
Hisbitterthoughtstoother，wellnighmad
Thathe，theservantoftheirtradedesigns，
Shouldintheirsister’slovebeblitheandglad，
When’twastheirplantocoaxherbydegrees
Tosomehighnobleandhisolive—trees.
XXII.
Andmanyajealousconferencehadthey，
Andmanytimestheybittheirlipsalone，
Beforetheyfix’duponasurestway
Tomaketheyoungsterforhiscrimeatone;
Andatthelast，thesemenofcruelclay
CutMercywithasharpknifetothebone;
Fortheyresolvedinsomeforestdim
TokillLorenzo，andthereburyhim.
XXIII.
Soonapleasantmorning，asheleant
Intothesun—rise，o’erthebalustrade
Ofthegarden—terrace，towardshimtheybent
Theirfootingthroughthedews;andtohimsaid，
\"Youseemthereinthequietofcontent，
\"Lorenzo，andwearemostlothtoinvade
\"Calmspeculation;butifyouarewise，
\"Bestrideyoursteedwhilecoldisintheskies.
XXIV.
\"To—daywepurpose，aye，thishourwemount
\"TospurthreeleaguestowardstheApennine;
\"Comedown，wepraythee，erethehotsuncount
\"Hisdewyrosaryontheeglantine.\"
Lorenzo，courteouslyashewaswont，
Bow’dafairgreetingtotheseserpents’whine;
Andwentinhaste，togetinreadiness，
Withbelt，andspur，andbracinghuntsman’sdress.
XXV.
Andashetothecourt—yardpass’dalong，
Eachthirdstepdidhepause，andlisten’doft
Ifhecouldhearhislady’smatin—song，
Orthelightwhisperofherfootstepsoft;
Andashethusoverhispassionhung，
Heheardalaughfullmusicalaloft;
When，lookingup，hesawherfeaturesbright
Smilethroughanin—doorlattice，alldelight.
XXVI.
\"Love，Isabel！\"saidhe，\"Iwasinpain
\"LestIshouldmisstobidtheeagoodmorrow：
\"Ah！whatifIshouldlosethee，whensofain
\"Iamtostiflealltheheavysorrow
\"Ofapoorthreehours’absence？butwe’llgain
\"Outoftheamorousdarkwhatdaydothborrow.
\"Goodbye！I’llsoonbeback.\"—\"Goodbye！\"saidshe：—
Andashewentshechantedmerrily.
XXVII.
Sothetwobrothersandtheirmurder’dman
RodepastfairFlorence，towhereArno’sstream
Gurglesthroughstraiten’dbanks，andstilldothfan
Itselfwithdancingbulrush，andthebream
Keepsheadagainstthefreshets.Sickandwan
Thebrothers’facesintheforddidseem，
Lorenzo’sflushwithlove.—Theypass’dthewater
Intoaforestquietfortheslaughter.
XXVIII.
TherewasLorenzoslainandburiedin，
Thereinthatforestdidhisgreatlovecease;
Ah！whenasouldoththusitsfreedomwin，
Itachesinloneliness—isillatpeace
Asthebreak—covertblood—houndsofsuchsin：
Theydipp’dtheirswordsinthewater，anddidtease
Theirhorseshomeward，withconvulsedspur，
Eachricherbyhisbeingamurderer.
XXIX.
Theytoldtheirsisterhow，withsuddenspeed，
Lorenzohadta’enshipforforeignlands，
Becauseofsomegreaturgencyandneed
Intheiraffairs，requiringtrustyhands.
PoorGirl！putonthystiflingwidow’sweed，
And’scapeatoncefromHope’saccursedbands;
To—daythouwiltnotseehim，norto—morrow，
Andthenextdaywillbeadayofsorrow.
XXX.
Sheweepsaloneforpleasuresnottobe;
Sorelysheweptuntilthenightcameon，
Andthen，insteadoflove，Omisery！
Shebroodedo’ertheluxuryalone：
Hisimageinthedusksheseem’dtosee，
Andtothesilencemadeagentlemoan，
Spreadingherperfectarmsupontheair，
Andonhercouchlowmurmuring\"Where？Owhere？\"
XXXI.
ButSelfishness，Love’scousin，heldnotlong
Itsfieryvigilinhersinglebreast;
Shefrettedforthegoldenhour，andhung
Uponthetimewithfeverishunrest—
Notlong—forsoonintoherheartathrong
Ofhigheroccupants，aricherzest，
Cametragic;passionnottobesubdued，
Andsorrowforherloveintravelsrude.
XXXII.
Inthemiddaysofautumn，ontheireves
ThebreathofWintercomesfromfaraway，
Andthesickwestcontinuallybereaves
Ofsomegoldtinge，andplaysaroundelay
Ofdeathamongthebushesandtheleaves，
Tomakeallbarebeforehedarestostray
Fromhisnorthcavern.SosweetIsabel
Bygradualdecayfrombeautyfell，
XXXIII.
BecauseLorenzocamenot.Oftentimes
Sheask’dherbrothers，withaneyeallpale，
Strivingtobeitself，whatdungeonclimes
Couldkeephimoffsolong？Theyspakeatale
Timeaftertime，toquiether.Theircrimes
Cameonthem，likeasmokefromHinnom’svale;
Andeverynightindreamstheygroan’daloud，
Toseetheirsisterinhersnowyshroud.
XXXIV.
Andshehaddiedindrowsyignorance，
Butforathingmoredeadlydarkthanall;
Itcamelikeafiercepotion，drunkbychance，
Whichsavesasickmanfromthefeather’dpall
Forsomefewgaspingmoments;likealance，
WakinganIndianfromhiscloudyhall
Withcruelpierce，andbringinghimagain
Senseofthegnawingfireatheartandbrain.
XXXV.
Itwasavision.—Inthedrowsygloom，
Thedullofmidnight，athercouch’sfoot
Lorenzostood，andwept：theforesttomb
Hadmarr’dhisglossyhairwhichoncecouldshoot
Lustreintothesun，andputcolddoom
Uponhislips，andtakenthesoftlute
Fromhislornvoice，andpasthisloamedears
Hadmadeamirychannelforhistears.
XXXVI.
Strangesounditwas，whenthepaleshadowspake;
Fortherewasstriving，initspiteoustongue，
Tospeakaswhenonearthitwasawake，
AndIsabellaonitsmusichung：
Languortherewasinit，andtremulousshake，
AsinapalsiedDruid’sharpunstrung;
Andthroughitmoan’daghostlyunder—song，
Likehoarsenight—gustssepulchralbriarsamong.
XXXVII.
Itseyes，thoughwild，werestillalldewybright
Withlove，andkeptallphantomfearaloof
Fromthepoorgirlbymagicoftheirlight，
Thewhileitdidunthreadthehorridwoof
Ofthelatedarken’dtime，—themurderousspite
Ofprideandavarice，—thedarkpineroof
Intheforest，—andthesoddenturfeddell，
Where，withoutanyword，fromstabshefell.
XXXVIII.
Sayingmoreover，\"Isabel，mysweet！
\"Redwhortle—berriesdroopabovemyhead，
\"Andalargeflint—stoneweighsuponmyfeet;
\"Aroundmebeechesandhighchestnutsshed
\"Theirleavesandpricklynuts;asheep—foldbleat
\"Comesfrombeyondtherivertomybed：
\"Go，shedonetearuponmyheather—bloom，
\"Anditshallcomfortmewithinthetomb.
XXXIX.
\"Iamashadownow，alas！alas！
\"Upontheskirtsofhuman—naturedwelling
\"Alone：Ichantalonetheholymass，
\"Whilelittlesoundsoflifeareroundmeknelling，
\"Andglossybeesatnoondofieldwardpass，
\"Andmanyachapelbellthehouristelling，
\"Painingmethrough：thosesoundsgrowstrangetome，
\"AndthouartdistantinHumanity.
XL.
\"Iknowwhatwas，Ifeelfullwellwhatis，
\"AndIshouldrage，ifspiritscouldgomad;
\"ThoughIforgetthetasteofearthlybliss，
\"Thatpalenesswarmsmygrave，asthoughIhad
\"ASeraphchosenfromthebrightabyss
\"Tobemyspouse：thypalenessmakesmeglad;
\"Thybeautygrowsuponme，andIfeel
\"Agreaterlovethroughallmyessencesteal.\"
XLI.
TheSpiritmourn’d\"Adieu！\"—dissolv’dandleft
Theatomdarknessinaslowturmoil;
Aswhenofhealthfulmidnightsleepbereft，
Thinkingonruggedhoursandfruitlesstoil，
Weputoureyesintoapillowycleft，
Andseethespanglygloomfrothupandboil：
ItmadesadIsabella’seyelidsache，
Andinthedawnshestartedupawake;
XLII.
\"Ha！ha！\"saidshe，\"Iknewnotthishardlife，
\"Ithoughttheworstwassimplemisery;
\"IthoughtsomeFatewithpleasureorwithstrife
\"Portion’dus—happydays，orelsetodie;
\"Butthereiscrime—abrother’sbloodyknife！
\"SweetSpirit，thouhastschool’dmyinfancy：
\"I’llvisittheeforthis，andkissthineeyes，
\"Andgreettheemornandevenintheskies.\"
XLIII.
Whenthefullmorningcame，shehaddevised
Howshemightsecrettotheforesthie;
Howshemightfindtheday，sodearlyprized，
Andsingtoitonelatestlullaby;
Howhershortabsencemightbeunsurmised，
Whileshetheinmostofthedreamwouldtry.
Resolv’d，shetookwithheranagednurse，
Andwentintothatdismalforest—hearse.
XLIV.
See，astheycreepalongtheriverside，
HowshedothwhispertothatagedDame，
And，afterlookingroundthechampaignwide，
Showsheraknife.—\"Whatfeveroushecticflame
\"Burnsinthee，child？—Whatgoodcantheebetide，
\"Thatthoushould’stsmileagain？\"—Theeveningcame，
AndtheyhadfoundLorenzo’searthybed;
Theflintwasthere，theberriesathishead.
XLV.
Whohathnotloiter’dinagreenchurch—yard，
Andlethisspirit，likeademon—mole，
Workthroughtheclayeysoilandgravelhard，
Toseescull，coffin’dbones，andfuneralstole;
PityingeachformthathungryDeathhathmarr’d
Andfillingitoncemorewithhumansoul？
Ah！thisisholidaytowhatwasfelt
WhenIsabellabyLorenzoknelt.
XLVI.
Shegaz’dintothefresh—thrownmould，asthough
Oneglancedidfullyallitssecretstell;
Clearlyshesaw，asothereyeswouldknow
Palelimbsatbottomofacrystalwell;
Uponthemurderousspotsheseem’dtogrow，
Liketoanativelillyofthedell：
Thenwithherknife，allsudden，shebegan
Todigmoreferventlythanmiserscan.
XLVII.
Soonsheturn’dupasoiledglove，whereon
Hersilkhadplay’dinpurplephantasies，
Shekiss’ditwithalipmorechillthanstone，
Andputitinherbosom，whereitdries
Andfreezesutterlyuntothebone
Thosedaintiesmadetostillaninfant’scries：
Then’gansheworkagain;norstay’dhercare，
Buttothrowbackattimesherveilinghair.
XLVIII.
Thatoldnursestoodbesideherwondering，
Untilherheartfeltpitytothecore
Atsightofsuchadismallabouring，
Andsoshekneeled，withherlocksallhoar，
Andputherleanhandstothehorridthing：
Threehourstheylabour’datthistravailsore;
Atlasttheyfeltthekernelofthegrave，
AndIsabelladidnotstampandrave.
XLIX.
Ah！whereforeallthiswormycircumstance？
Whylingerattheyawningtombsolong？
OforthegentlenessofoldRomance，
Thesimpleplainingofaminstrel’ssong！
Fairreader，attheoldtaletakeaglance，
Forhere，intruth，itdothnotwellbelong
Tospeak：—Oturntheetotheverytale，
Andtastethemusicofthatvisionpale.
L.
WithdullersteelthanthePerseansword
Theycutawaynoformlessmonster’shead，
Butone，whosegentlenessdidwellaccord
Withdeath，aslife.Theancientharpshavesaid，
Loveneverdies，butlives，immortalLord：
IfLoveimpersonatewaseverdead，
PaleIsabellakiss’dit，andlowmoan’d.
’Twaslove;cold，—deadindeed，butnotdethroned.
LI.
Inanxioussecrecytheytookithome，
AndthentheprizewasallforIsabel：
Shecalm’ditswildhairwithagoldencomb，
Andallaroundeacheye’ssepulchralcell
Pointedeachfringedlash;thesmearedloam
Withtears，aschillyasadrippingwell，
Shedrench’daway：—andstillshecomb’d，andkept
Sighingallday—andstillshekiss’d，andwept.
LII.
Theninasilkenscarf，—sweetwiththedews
Ofpreciousflowerspluck’dinAraby，
Anddivineliquidscomewithodorousooze
Throughthecoldserpent—piperefreshfully，—
Shewrapp’ditup;andforitstombdidchoose
Agarden—pot，whereinshelaiditby，
Andcover’ditwithmould，ando’eritset
SweetBasil，whichhertearskepteverwet.
LIII.
Andsheforgotthestars，themoon，andsun，
Andsheforgottheblueabovethetrees，
Andsheforgotthedellswherewatersrun，
Andsheforgotthechillyautumnbreeze;
Shehadnoknowledgewhenthedaywasdone，
Andthenewmornshesawnot：butinpeace
HungoverhersweetBasilevermore，
Andmoisten’ditwithtearsuntothecore.
LIV.
Andsosheeverfeditwiththintears，
Whencethick，andgreen，andbeautifulitgrew，
Sothatitsmeltmorebalmythanitspeers
OfBasil—tuftsinFlorence;foritdrew
Nurturebesides，andlife，fromhumanfears，
Fromthefastmoulderingheadthereshutfromview：
Sothatthejewel，safelycasketed，
Cameforth，andinperfumedleafitsspread.
LV.
OMelancholy，lingerhereawhile！
OMusic，Music，breathedespondingly！
OEcho，Echo，fromsomesombreisle，
Unknown，Lethean，sightous—Osigh！
Spiritsingrief，liftupyourheads，andsmile;
Liftupyourheads，sweetSpirits，heavily，
Andmakeapalelightinyourcypressglooms，
Tintingwithsilverwanyourmarbletombs.
LVI.
Moanhither，allyesyllablesofwoe，
FromthedeepthroatofsadMelpomene！
Throughbronzedlyreintragicordergo，
Andtouchthestringsintoamystery;
Soundmournfullyuponthewindsandlow;
ForsimpleIsabelissoontobe
Amongthedead：Shewithers，likeapalm
CutbyanIndianforitsjuicybalm.
LVII.
Oleavethepalmtowitherbyitself;
LetnotquickWinterchillitsdyinghour！—
Itmaynotbe—thoseBaalitesofpelf，
Herbrethren，notedthecontinualshower
Fromherdeadeyes;andmanyacuriouself，
Amongherkindred，wonder’dthatsuchdower
Ofyouthandbeautyshouldbethrownaside
Byonemark’douttobeaNoble’sbride.
LVIII.
And，furthermore，herbrethrenwonder’dmuch
WhyshesatdroopingbytheBasilgreen，
Andwhyitflourish’d，asbymagictouch;
Greatlytheywonder’dwhatthethingmightmean：
Theycouldnotsurelygivebelief，thatsuch
Averynothingwouldhavepowertowean
Herfromherownfairyouth，andpleasuresgay，
Andevenremembranceofherlove’sdelay.
LIX.
Thereforetheywatch’datimewhentheymightsift
Thishiddenwhim;andlongtheywatch’dinvain;
Forseldomdidshegotochapel—shrift，
Andseldomfeltsheanyhunger—pain;
Andwhensheleft，shehurriedback，asswift
Asbirdonwingtobreastitseggsagain;
And，patientasahen—bird，satherthere
BesideherBasil，weepingthroughherhair.
LX.
Yettheycontriv’dtostealtheBasil—pot，
Andtoexamineitinsecretplace;
Thethingwasvilewithgreenandlividspot，
AndyettheyknewitwasLorenzo’sface：
Theguerdonoftheirmurdertheyhadgot，
AndsoleftFlorenceinamoment’sspace，
Nevertoturnagain.—Awaytheywent，
Withbloodupontheirheads，tobanishment.
LXI.
OMelancholy，turnthineeyesaway！
OMusic，Music，breathedespondingly！
OEcho，Echo，onsomeotherday，
FromislesLethean，sightous—Osigh！
Spiritsofgrief，singnotyour\"Well—a—way！\"
ForIsabel，sweetIsabel，willdie;
Willdieadeathtooloneandincomplete，
Nowtheyhaveta’enawayherBasilsweet.
LXII.
Piteousshelook’dondeadandsenselessthings，
AskingforherlostBasilamorously;
Andwithmelodiouschuckleinthestrings
Ofherlornvoice，sheoftentimeswouldcry
AfterthePilgriminhiswanderings，
ToaskhimwhereherBasilwas;andwhy
’Twashidfromher：\"Forcruel’tis，\"saidshe，
\"TostealmyBasil—potawayfromme.\"
LXIII.
Andsoshepined，andsoshediedforlorn，
ImploringforherBasiltothelast.
NoheartwasthereinFlorencebutdidmourn
Inpityofherlove，soovercast.
Andasaddittyofthisstoryborn
Frommouthtomouththroughallthecountrypass’d：
Stillistheburthensung—\"Ocruelty，
\"TostealmyBasil—potawayfromme！\"
THEEND.
1816
LINESRHYMEDINALETTERFROMOXFORD
byJohnKeats
I.
TheGothiclookssolemn，
TheplainDoriccolumn
SupportsanoldBishopandCrosier;
Themoulderingarch，
Shadedo’erbyalarch
StandsnextdoortoWilsontheHosier.
II.
Vice—thatis，byturns，—
O’erpalefacesmourns
Theblacktassell’dtrencherandcommonhat;
TheChantryboysings，
TheSteeple—bellrings，
AndasfortheChancellor—dominat.
III.
Thereareplentyoftrees，
Andplentyofease，
AndplentyoffatdeerforParsons;
Andwhenitisvenison，
Shortisthebenison，—
Theneachonalegorthighfastens.
THEEND.
1816
OSOLITUDE！IFIMUSTWITHTHEEDWELL
byJohnKeats
OSolitude！ifImustwiththeedwell，
Letitnotbeamongthejumbledheap
Ofmurkybuildings;climbwithmethesteep，—
Nature’sobservatory—whencethedell，
Itsfloweryslopes，itsriver’scrystalswell，
Mayseemaspan;letmethyvigilskeep
’Mongstboughspavillion’d，wherethedeer’sswiftleap
Startlesthewildbeefromthefox—glovebell.
ButthoughI’llgladlytracethesesceneswiththee，
Yetthesweetconverseofaninnocentmind，
Whosewordsareimagesofthoughtsrefin’d，
Ismysoul’spleasure;anditsuremustbe
Almostthehighestblissofhuman—kind，
Whentothyhauntstwokindredspiritsflee.
THEEND.
1816
ODE
（\"BARDSOFPASSIONANDOFMIRTH\"）
byJohnKeats
ODE
BardsofPassionandofMirth，
Yehaveleftyoursoulsonearth！
Haveyesoulsinheaventoo，
Double—livedinregionsnew？
Yes，andthoseofheavencommune
Withthespheresofsunandmoon;
Withthenoiseoffountainswond’rous，
Andtheparleofvoicesthund’rous;
Withthewhisperofheaven’strees
Andoneanother，insoftease
SeatedonElysianlawns
Brows’dbynonebutDian’sfawns;
Underneathlargeblue—bellstented，
Wherethedaisiesarerose—scented，
Andtheroseherselfhasgot
Perfumewhichonearthisnot;
Wherethenightingaledothsing
Notasenseless，trancedthing，
Butdivinemelodioustruth;
Philosophicnumberssmooth;
Talesandgoldenhistories
Ofheavenanditsmysteries.
Thusyeliveonhigh，andthen
Ontheearthyeliveagain;
Andthesoulsyeleftbehindyou
Teachus，here，thewaytofindyou，
Whereyourothersoulsarejoying，
Neverslumber’d，nevercloying.
Here，yourearth—bornsoulsstillspeak
Tomortals，oftheirlittleweek;
Oftheirsorrowsanddelights;
Oftheirpassionsandtheirspites;
Oftheirgloryandtheirshame;
Whatdothstrengthenandwhatmaim.
Thusyeteachus，everyday，
Wisdom，thoughfledfaraway.
BardsofPassionandofMirth，
Yehaveleftyoursoulsonearth！
Yehavesoulsinheaventoo，
Double—livedinregionsnew！
THEEND.
1816
ODEONINDOLENCE
byJohnKeats
Theytoilnot，neitherdotheyspin.
I.
Onemornbeforemewerethreefiguresseen，
Withbowednecks，andjoinedhands，side—faced;
Andonebehindtheotherstepp’dserene，
Inplacidsandals，andinwhiterobesgraced;
Theypass’d，likefiguresonamarbleurn
Whenshiftedroundtoseetheotherside;
Theycameagain，as，whentheurnoncemore
Isshiftedround，thefirstseenshadesreturn;
Andtheywerestrangetome，asmaybetide
Withvases，toonedeepinPhidianlore.
II.
Howisit，Shadows！thatIknewyenot？
Howcameyemuffledinsohushamasque？
Wasitasilentdeep—disguisedplot
Tostealaway，andleavewithoutatask
Myidledays？Ripewasthedrowsyhour;
Theblissfulcloudofsummer—indolence
Benumb’dmyeyes;mypulsegrewlessandless;
Painhadnosting，andpleasure’swreathnoflower：
O，whydidyenotmelt，andleavemysense
Unhauntedquiteofallbut—nothingness？
III.
Athirdtimecametheyby;—alas！wherefore？
Mysleephadbeenembroider’dwithdimdreams;
Mysoulhadbeenalawnbesprinkledo’er
Withflowers，andstirringshades，andbaffledbeams：
Themornwasclouded，butnoshowerfell，
ThoughinherlidshungthesweettearsofMay;
Theopencasementpress’danew—leav’dvine，
Letinthebuddingwarmthandthrostle’slay;
OShadows！’twasatimetobidfarewell！
Uponyourskirtshadfallennotearsofmine.
IV.
Athirdtimepass’dtheyby，and，passing，turn’d
Eachonethefaceamomentwhilestome;
Thenfaded，andtofollowthemIburn’d
Andach’dforwingsbecauseIknewthethree;
ThefirstwasafairMaid，andLovehername;
ThesecondwasAmbition，paleofcheek，
Andeverwatchfulwithfatiguedeye;
Thelast，whomIlovemore，themoreofblame
Isheap’duponher，maidenmostunmeek，—
IknewtobemydemonPoesy.
V.
Theyfaded，and，forsooth！Iwantedwings：
Ofolly！Whatislove！andwhereisit？
AndforthatpoorAmbition！itsprings
Fromaman’slittleheart’sshortfever—fit;
ForPoesy！—no，—shehasnotajoy，—
Atleastforme，—sosweetasdrowsynoons，
Andeveningssteep’dinhoniedindolence;
O，foranagesoshelter’dfromannoy，
ThatImayneverknowhowchangethemoons，
Orhearthevoiceofbusycommon—sense！
VI.
So，yethreeGhosts，adieu！Yecannotraise
Myheadcool—beddedintheflowerygrass;
ForIwouldnotbedietedwithpraise，
Apet—lambinasentimentalfarce！
Fadesoftlyfrommyeyes，andbeoncemore
Inmasque—likefiguresonthedreamyurn;
Farewell！Iyethavevisionsforthenight，
Andforthedayfaintvisionsthereisstore;
Vanish，yePhantoms！frommyidlespright，
Intotheclouds，andnevermorereturn！
THEEND.
1816
ODEONMELANCHOLY
byJohnKeats
I.
No，no，gonottoLethe，neithertwist
Wolf’s—bane，tight—rooted，foritspoisonouswine;
Norsufferthypaleforeheadtobekiss’d
Bynightshade，rubygrapeofProserpine;
Makenotyourrosaryofyew—berries，
Norletthebeetle，northedeath—mothbe
YourmournfulPsyche，northedownyowl
Apartnerinyoursorrow’smysteries;
Forshadetoshadewillcometoodrowsily，
Anddrownthewakefulanguishofthesoul.
II.
Butwhenthemelancholyfitshallfall
Suddenfromheavenlikeaweepingcloud，
Thatfostersthedroop—headedflowersall，
AndhidesthegreenhillinanAprilshroud;
Thenglutthysorrowonamorningrose，
Orontherainbowofthesaltsand—wave，
Oronthewealthofglobedpeonies;
Orifthymistresssomerichangershows，
Emprisonhersofthand，andletherrave，
Andfeeddeep，deepuponherpeerlesseyes.
III.
ShedwellswithBeauty—Beautythatmustdie;
AndJoy，whosehandiseverathislips
Biddingadieu;andachingPleasurenigh，
TurningtoPoisonwhilethebee—mouthsips：
Ay，intheverytempleofdelight
Veil’dMelancholyhashersovranshrine，
Thoughseenofnonesavehimwhosestrenuoustongue
CanburstJoy’sgrapeagainsthispalatefine;
Hissoulshalltastethesadnessofhermight，
Andbeamonghercloudytrophieshung.