第2章

Theworldishalfhidden,Bymidnight’sdarkshadow;

Thefilly,witch—ridden,Skimsoverthemeadow;

Thehouse—dogisbarking,Thenight—owlishooting,Theglow—wormissparkling,Themeteorisshooting;

Andforms,whichlieSostiffandstill,Intheirshroudssochill,Throughthelive—longday,Nowbursttheirclay,Andflitthroughthesky,Ontheirduskypinions:

Hell’sdominionsKeepholiday。

Sisters,sisters,whereveryourwatchesArekept,fleethithertome,Fleethither,fleethither,andleaveearth’swretchesAlonetotheirmisery。

[Achorusofevilspiritsanswerastheyenterfromdifferentpartsofthemountain。

Wecome!

Viceneedsnoassistance,Shemeetsnoresistance,Virtue’sexistenceIsonlyinname;

Drinkingandeating,Intriguingandcheating,Carousing,completingTheirruinandshame;

Oldageunrepenting,Manhoodunrelenting,Youthsighingandwinning,Deceivingandsinning,Deserting,repining,Allmenarethesame。

Ho!ho!

Earthquakeswiththeweightoftheanguishshebears,Herplainsandhervalleysaredelugedwithtears,Andhersighs,ifunited,weredeeperbyfar,Thanthethunderbolt’speal,whenthecloudsareatwar。

Thereis,notabosom,thatbearsnotwithinItschambers,theblotandtheburdenofsin;

Notamind,butinmanyanhourbathfeltThecurseofitsnature,thepangsofitsguilt。

Theseearth—worms!whosesirewouldhavehadustobowTohisdust—mouldedGodship!what——whataretheynow?

Inthescaleoftruegoodness,theysinkfarbelowThepoor,patientox,thattheyyoketotheplough。

Letthemrevelawhile,inthefalseglaringlightOfdeception,thatblindnessbutseemstomakebright;

Letthemgatherawhileoftime’sperishingflowers;

Therevengeofeternity!Thisshallbeours!

Ho!ho!

[Theysettlenearthefountain。ThefirstSpiritaddressesthem。

Thenightisadvancing,Come,letus,dancingIndewycirclesdeftlytread;

Andwhilewedanceround,Newschemesshallbefound,Toruintheliving,andtroublethedead。

[Theyformacircleonthemarginofthestream,anddanceroundsinging。

I。

Lifeisbutafleetingday,Halfofwhichmandreamsaway;

Night!wefollowinthytrain——

Sleep!supremeo’ertheewereign;

OursthedreamsthatcomewhenthouSit’stupontheunconsciousbrow;

Reasonthendesertsherthrone,Wethenreign,andwealone。

II。

Thenseekwe,forthemaiden’spillow,FarbeyondtheAtlantic’sbillow,Love’sapple,andwhenwehavefoundit,Drawthemagiccircleroundit;(1)

Fearlesspluckit,thennocharmThatitbearsmaydousharm;

Placeitnearthesleeper’shead,Itwillbringlove’svisionsnigh,Andwhenthepleasing,dreamsarefled,Thewaking,pensivemaidwillsigh,Tillherbosomhaspossessed,Theformthatmadeherdreamssoblest。

Andwhenamaidenfindsalover,Herhappydaysarenearlyover:

Naturehathunchastedesires,Loveawakesherslumberingfires,AndthebosomthatistrueinLoveisevernearitsruin;

Passion’spleadingmeltsthefrostOfchilliesthearts,andallislost:

For,onceviceblotsamaiden’sname,Shesoonforgetshermaidenshame。

III。

Hauntthedebaucheewithdreams,Ofthevictimofhisschemes;

Paintherwithdishevelledhair,Streamingeyes,andbosombare,Andwithaspectpaleandsad,Asaspectre’sfromthedead,Weepingo’erhernew—born,child,Hernamereproached,herfamedespoiled:

Lethergroaningsreachhisear,Piercehisheart,androusehisfearOftheretributiongiven,Tosuchdeedsashis,byHeaven。

IV。

Aroundthedrunkard’statteredcouch,Letpale—facedwantandmiserycrouch,Hischildrenshiveringo’erthehearth,Cheeredbynosoundofsocialmirth,Upbraiding,withtheirtimidglances,Theauthoroftheirsadmischances;

AndshetowhomtheholyvowOfthealtarboundhim,nowWithsunkeneye,andbeautyfaded,Tressessilvered,browo’ershaded,Clingingtohimfondlystill,Withalovethatmockseachill,WhichwouldvainlystrivetotearHersoulfromonewhooncewasdear。

Nowhastewe,eachourtasktodo,Erethestarryhourswanethrough!

[Theyflyoff,singingastheydisappear。

EretheMorning’srosywing,Hasbrushedthedampnight—shadesaway,Erethebirdstheirmatinssing,Choiringtothenew—bornday,Thoughitsbrightbirth—hourbenear,Manyasigh,andmanyatear,Shallattestthemysticmight,Ofthosewhowalktheworldbynight。

Werner(solus)。

Theruinoftheliving!ifthatbeYouronlytask,youhaveapooremploy。

Givemanhisthreescoreyears,andhewillmakeAwreck,theskillofhellmightshowforthasAsampleofitshandiwork,andthen,Exultatthecompletenessofitsruin。

Thetroublingofthedead!——ifmemorylivesInthatfarworld,towhichthespirithastens,Whenshecastsofftheclaythatclogsherwings,E’enthereyeareforestalled,formanwillneedNocurse,tomakehissecondlifeahell,Ifberetainsthememoryofhisfirst。

Hadtheclearwatersofthisgurglingbrook,Thepow’rtowashtime’sblotsfromth’mind’spage,Andallearth’smountainswerecompactofgold,Herriversnectar,andheroceanswine,Herhillsallfruitful,andhervalleysfresh,AndfulloflovelinessasEdenwas,Eresin’ssadblightfellonitslivingbow’rs,Andallweremine,I’dgivethembuttolayMywearylimbsalongthisstreamlet’sbed,Andsleepinfullforgetfulnessawhile。

But,Iforgetmytask——nowletmetoit!

[Hetakesavialfromhisbosom,andflingsitscontentsintotheair,chanting,SpiritWhereverbethyhome,Inearthorair,Mymessagehear,Andfearit。

BythepowerwhichIhaveearned,Towhichthykneehasknelt,BythespellwhichIhavelearned,Aspellwhichthou,hastfelt,Ibidtheehithercome!

[Awhitecloudappearsinthedistance,floatinguptheglen,andavoiceisheard,singingasitapproaches,I。

Isawfromportavesselsteer,Theskieswereclear,thewindswerefair,Moreswiftlythanthehunteddeer,Uponhersnowywingsofair,Sheflewalongthesilv’rywater,Asfearlesslyasifsomesprite,Familiarwiththedeep,hadtaughther,AspellbywhichtorulethemightOfwindsandwaves,whenmettotryTheirstrength,upmidwayinthesky。

II。

Alonghertracklesswateryway,Withunabatedspeedsheflew,Stillgayandcareless,tillthedayWanedpast:nightcame:theheavensgrewBlack,dreadandthreat’ning。ThenthestormCameforthinitsdevouringwrath;

BeforeitfledFear’spallidform;

Destructionfollowedinitspath;

Itpassed:themorningcame:invain,Ilookforthatlostbarkagain。

III。

Fardownbeneaththedeepbluewaves,Withinsomemerman’scoralhall,Herfatedcrewhavefoundtheirgraves;

Abovethem,fortheirburialpall,Themermaidsspreadtheirflowingtresses;

Thewaterschanttheirrequiem;

Frommanyaneyelid,PitypressesHertender,dewytearsforthem:

Thenativesoftheoceanweep,Toviewthemsleepingdeath’spalesleep。

IV。

Thou,mortal,wastthebarkIsaw;

Thewaters,weretheseaoflife;

Andthou,alas!toowelldostknow,WhatstormswereimagedinthestrifeOfwindsandwaves。Thehopesofyouth,Thou,inthatbark’slostcrew,may’stsee,——

Allburiednowwithinthatsmooth,Vast,boundlessdeep,——eternity:——

AndI,aspiritthoughIbe,Canpitystill,andweepforthee。

[Thecloudsettlesnearthefountain,and,unclosing,discoversabeautifulformlookingsteadilyatWerner。

WERNER(addressingit)。

Howbeautiful!

Ifintercoursebetweenalllivingworlds,Hadnotbeenbarr’dbyHimwhogavethemlife,Ishouldbelievethouwerttheguardianspirit,OfthatwhichmenhavenamedtheQueenofNight。

Likeher,thouartmajestic,paleandsad,Andofatenderbeauty:thosebrightcurlsThatpressthybrow,andclingaboutthyneck,Seemmadeofsunbeams,caughtupontheirwayToearth,bysomecreativehand,andwovenIntoafairyweb,oflightandlife,Consciousofitshighsource,andproudtobeApartofaughtsobeautifulasthou。

Ihaveseenmanyfull,brightmortaleyes,Thatwerealabyrinthofwitchingcharms,Inwhichtheheartofhimwholookedwaslost;

Butnonelikethine;theirlightisnotofearth;

Theirlovelinessnotlikewhatmancallslovely。

Besidethesmoothnessofthybrowandcheek,Thelily’slipwererough;eachofthylimbs,Is,initself,abeingandabeauty。

Ifthattheorbthoudidstinhabit,ereThouwertaportionofeternity,Wasworthyofsuchdwellers,oh!howfairAndglorious,musthavebeenitsfieldsandbow’rs!

Howclearitsstreams!howpureandfreshitsairs!

Howmellowwereitsfruits!howbrightitsflow’rs!

Howstrongandbravethebeings,fittoshareItwiththee!’TismoststrangethatHe,whosehandFashionssuchwondrousthings,shouldtakedelightInstrikingthemtonothingnessagain!

PerchancetheauthorofallevilhadInvadedit,andmadeitquiteunfitTobeapartofGod’sgreatuniverse。

AndyetthoulookestasifthouwertbeyondThepoweroftemptationtoassail。

Hastthoutoosinned?

Spirit。

Ihavelivedasthoulivest,diedasthouWilthavetodie,andamwhatthoushaltbe。

WernerIhavenotquestionedtheeoflifeordeath,Norofthestatewhichshallsucceedthemboth;

Icarenotforthefirst,norfearthesecond;

ThelastIleavetoHimwhogavetomanEternityforhisinheritance。

ButIwouldknowiftheunceasingwar,Whichgoodandevilwageupontheearth,Hasreachedbeyond,itsconfines。

Spirit。

HaveInotansweredthee?

TheBegetterofworlds,stars,suns,andsystems!

TheFatherofCreation!theBridegroomOftheSpirit!hathHenotwrittenthatDeathhasdominiononlyoversin?

Andthouwould’stknowifotherworldshavefeltThecursethatfellupon,andblightedthine。

Poorsimplechildofclay!nodoubtthouknow’stThestoryoftheEdenofthysire,Andthink’stthatthere,initsfresh,stainlessbreast,Thebalefulseedsofevilfirstweresown,Whichsincehavespreadsofearfullyabroad,——

Whenthesaddoom,thatcameonhimandhis,Wasbutthespray,castfromthewaveoffate,Whichjustthenreachedthynewlyfinishedorb。

Whereitfirststarted——whithertendsitscourse——

Whereitshallstop——howmanywrecksofworlds——

Oncefairerfarthanthinewasatitsbirth——

Shallstrewitsdesolateway,——isnotforthingsBroughtforthfromdusttoknow。

Whatwouldstthouofme?

Werner。

Thesoleremaininggood,ifgooditbe,Thatyetisminetoshare。IhavetriedallThatearthlyhopeholdsouttosatisfyThelongingsofman’snature。Ihaveloved,AndmadeanidolofthethingIloved,Andworshippeditwithallmysoul’sintensity;

And,forawhile,thefrenzyofmydreamShutoutallotherthoughts。Butitwasshort;

Deathpluckedmylovelyflowerfrommygrasp,Andthen,theicychillofdesolationCame,likeasnowyavalanche,uponMyheart,andfrozethefountainsofitsfeeling。

Iwasambitious。Ihavestrivenfor,Andworn,thegaudiestwreathoffame,andwhenIwouldhaveplaceditonmybrow,itgrewAmountaininitsweight。IcourtedmuchThenoticeoftheworld,andwhenmenpraised,Theverybreaththatboretheirpraisetome,Seemedcloggedwithpestilence。

Wealth,too,Icoveted,Andheapeditsshiningdustinhoardsaroundme,Andyetitwasbutdust,asbarrenofEnjoymentasthegroundwetreadupon。

Icladmyselfinpurple——heapedmyboardWithallthefairest,sweetestfruitsofearth,Andfilledmygoldengobletswithbrightjuice,Pressedfromthegoodliestgrapes,andmademycouchOfdown,andyet,Iwasmostwretchedstill。

Mygarmentswerebutcumbersome;mycouchCouldgivenorest,ande’enmygenerouswinesCouldnotremovethecrushingweightthatsat,Nightmare—like,onmyheart,untilitgrewApalpableandkeenlyachingpang。

Thereis,onepathwhichyetremainsuntrod;

Tobemyguideinit,Icalledtheehither,——

’Tisthatofknowledge。

Spirit。

ThesameInwhichthemotherofthyracewaslost,Withe’enawiser,mightierguidethanI。

Shethirsted,too,forknowledge,andshegaveHerinnocence——herhomeinParadise——

Thehappinessofhim——whosharedherlot——

Toknow——what?ThatherwnrebellioushandHadraisedtheflood—gatesofaseaofcrime,WhichwouldforeverpouritsbitterwavesUponthehelplessunprotectedrace,Whichherrashdeedhadruined。

Thinkofthesighs——thegroans——thefloodsoftears——

Thewoes——toodeepforthese——whichhavenoend,Savebutinheart—breaks!Thinkuponthetoil——

Thesweat——thepain——thestrife——thecrime——theblood——

ThemyriadsofsoulswithwhichthisoneSadlessonwasobtained!whosepriceisyetNotfullypaid,norshallbeso,untilThelastpoorsonofearthmingleswithdust!

Dostthounotfeartotreadapathlikethis?

Werner。

Ihavenofear;

ItissolongsinceIhavefeltitsthrillThat’twereapleasurenowtofeelit。

Spirit。

Whatwouldstthouknow?

Thouartfamiliarwithallearthlylore。

More:Thouhastgained,andwield’stapower,towhichTherulersoftheelementsdobow;

Thehurricane,atthycommandgoesforth,Walkingwhere’erthoubid’stit,andthestormCeasestohowlwhenthouhastsaid,——\"Bestill!\"

Thineangerstirstheocean,andthywrathFindsoutthedeepfoundationsofthemountains,Andshakesthemwithitsstrength;thesubtlefire,Thatlightsthetempestonitsgloomyway,Startsfromitscloud—rockedslumber,atthycall,Tobethymessenger。

CanstthounotbecontentwhenthouartfearedBythosewhoruleaworld?WhatisthereyetWhichthyinsatiateminddesirestoknow?

Would’stlearnimmortalmysteries?ReflectThouartbutmortal。

Werner。

Spirit,whydostthouTauntmewithmymortality?\"Weakthings,Broughtforthfromearth,\"——\"Poorsimplechildofclay,\"——

Thesearethywords,whenwellthouknows’tthatI,Thoughboundtoearthbybondsmadeofitsmire,Ammightierthanthou。Wereitnotso,Thouwould’stnotnowbefacetofacewithoneOfmortalbirth。Thou,too,canstfeelrevenge,Andknowesthowtowreakit;but,takeheed,——

Thepowerwhichbroughttheehither,can,andmayDealharshlywiththee。IfthouknowestaughtWorthyofanimmortalmindtoknow,TowhichIhavenotpierced,revealthyknowledge。

Spirit。

Wemaynottellthesecretsofeternity;

ButIcanshowtheethingsthouhastnotseen,Andtheymayprofitthee,although’twillshakeEventhyproudhearttolookuponthem。

Would’stseethem?

Werner。

Itismywish。

Spirit。

Comethen。

Werner。

Leadon;

Althoughthypathbethroughhell’sgloomygate,Itoowillpassitsportalsatthyback。

ThoucanstnotenterwhereIdarenotpass。

[Thecloudclosesaroundthem,andmovesaway,andavoicesingsasitdisappears。

Totheregionofshadow,Theregionofdeath,Wheredustisastranger,Andlifehasnobreath;

WheredarknessandsilenceTheirdimshroudshavecastRoundthephantomsofworldsThatbelongtothepast;

SpiritswhositonThethronesoftheair,Guideyeourchariot,Waftyeusthere。

[Exeunt。

ActII。

ThevergeofCreation。EnterWernerandSpirit。

Werner。

Wehaveouttravelledlightandsound:

Theharmoniesthatpealedaroundus,asThroughyonarrayofdimanddistantworldsWewingedourflight,havewhollydiedaway,Orcometoussofaintlyechoed,thatOurearsmustwatchandwaittocatchthem。

Thosestarsarenowlikewatch—fires,whichthoughseenBlazingafar,sendnottheirlighttomakeThepathofthebenightedwandererMoreplainandcheerful。

Beforeusstretchesonevastfieldofgloom,Sodenseastoappearimpenetrable:——

Darkness,thathasabodyandaform,Bothpalpabletotouchandsight,acrossOurpathabarrierrearsthatseemstobarOurfartherprogress。Iftherebe,beyondThiswallofblackness,aughtofmystery,Whatpowershallguideustoit?

Spirit。

ThymindWhich,fromtheinfluenceofmatter,freeAsitisnowandshallbetillagainThoughartreturneduntothynativeorb,Isitsownmaster,anditswillisnowItsonlyneededguide。

Strangethingsarehiddenbythatebonveil,Towhichasinglewishofthinemaybearus。

Werner。

Thenletuson:

Sinceweoursearchforknowledgehavebegun,WhereverthereisaughtthatPowerhasmade,WhichTimehasruined,orwhichFatehasdamned,Thereletusgo,thatwemaylookonit,Andlearnitshistory。WhatintensegloomsWenowarepassingthrough!IfeelthempartBefore,andclosebehindus,aswefly,AsplainlyastheswimmerfeelsthewavesThatlavehisglidinglimbs。ThissuremustbeThehomeofDeath——novoice,nosound,nosigh,Notev’nsomuchofbreathaswouldsufficeTomakealilytremble!

Spirt。

Thoughsay’sttrue,ThisisindeedtherealmofDeath,——atleastIthasnomoreoflifethanwhatthoughhastBroughtherewiththee,——Ispeakofmortallife:

WenowareneartheHadesofpastworlds,Whosespiritshavealifewhichcannotdie。

Youlaugh!andshowthehaughtyarroganceWhichinyourmortalbrethrenyoucotemn。

Thinkyouthathewhogavetomanhismind,Theundyingsparkthatquickenshisclayframe,WouldfashionfromthesamematerialSuchmightywondersasthesphereswhichgoHymningaroundhiseverlastingthrone!

GivingtothemabeautywhichaloneCouldbeconceivedbyhim,whichhasgreathandAlonecouldmouldintoreality,Andyetdenythemwhathegavetothee,Intelligence!athingthatknowsnotdeath?

Hastthoughnotseenthineearthputforthherleaves,Clothingherruggedmountaintopsandsides,Herforestsinthevale,eachtreeandshrub,Withafairfoliage?hastthoughnotbeheldHerweaving,inthesunnyspringtidehours,Afairywebofemerald—bladedgrassTorobehervalleysin?Witheveryflow’rOfgracefulform,andsoftanddownyleaf,Andtenderhue,andtint,thatBeautyowns,Todeckhergentlebreast?WhenAutumncame,Withitsrichgiftsofpleasant,mellowfruits,Hastthoughnotseenherwipehersunburntbrow,Andshakeheryellowlocksfromeveryhill?

HastthoughnotheardherholysongsofpeaceAndplentywarbledfromeachvocalgrove,Andmurmuredbyhermyriadsofstreams?

Hastthoughnotseenher,whenthehollowwinds,Whichmoantherequiemofthedyingyear,Ravedthroughherleaflessbowers,wrapaboutHerbreastamantle,wherewithtoprotectAndnursetheseed,thetrustinghusbandmanHathgiventoherkeeping?ArethineactsAsfullofwisdom,andasfreefromblame?

Ifnot,thenwhydenytoherthelifeAndspirityoupossess?

Werner。

IdidnotlaughIndisbeliefofwhatthywordsdeclare,Buttheystirsuchstrangethoughtswithinmymind,That,asIwillnotweep,Icanbutsmile。

Methinksthedarknesshasgrownlessprofound,——

Aheavy,dim,andshadowylight,likethatWhich,whenthestormhaschosenmidnight’shourOfstillygloom,toholditsrevelin,Firstglimmersthroughthecloudswhichhavebeenrent,Andtornbytheirownfierceness,handsaboutus。

Thelightincreasesstill,andinthedistance,Enormousshadows,wearingdistinctshapes,Sinceseeminglyimmovable,andothersLikemighty,mastless,sailless,vessels,movedBymagico’eratideless,wavelessocean,Incalm,majesticsilencefloatalong!

Spirit。

Letusgonearer,Nowwhatseestthough?

Werner。

WorldsliketothatIliveon,savethattheseSeemmadeoflivingshadesinsteadofdust;

Vastmountains,withtalltreesandmightyrocks,Andfountains,gushingfromtheirverysummits;

Huge,toweringcliffs,anddeepandlonelyglens,Andwide—mouthedcavesthatholdadeepergloom,——

WithprecipicesfromwhoseedgessoftAndsilverycataractsareleapingdown;

Swiftstreams,thatrushadowntheirruggedsides,Andquietlakelets,thatappeartosleepIntheembraceofthesurroundinghills;

Thecottageofthehardyhunter,perchedHighontherocks,liketoaneagle’snest:

Theshepherd’shumbleshieling,andhisfold,And,half—wayup,broadvineyards,withtheirvinesBendingwithpurpleclustersofripefruit;——

Widevalleys,withgreenmeadows,andpurestreams,Andgentlehills,whereripeningharvestsstand;

Majesticrivers,withtheirverdantbanksStuddedwithtowns,andruralvillages;

Motionlesslakes,andseaswithoutawave,Andoceanspulselessasadeadman’sheart!

Andmightycities,standingontheircoasts,Withvastywallsandgildedpalaces,Andgianttow’rs,andtaperingspires,thatseemTheguardiansofalltheyoverlook。

Churchyards,withtheirpalegravestones,thatappearLikewatchersofthedeadwhosenamestheybear!

Allthesearethere,butnotasignoflife,Nolivingthingthatcreepsalongtheground,Orfliestheair,orswimsthewave,isseen。

ItseemsasifonallthingssomestrongspellHadinthetwinklingofastarcamedownAndrockedthemtoaneverlastingsleep!

Spirit!tellmeifwhatIseeismoreThanadelusion;ifitbe,whencecameTheseshades?

Spirit。

AndhaveInotalreadysaidThatthesethingsare,thattheyarequickwithlife,——

Suchlifeasdisembodiedspiritshave,——

Thattheyaredeathless?Thouneed’stnotinquireOfmewhencetheyarecome,forthouhastseenOneoftheirnumberonitsjourneyhither。

TheperiodmaynotbefarremoteWhenthineownplanet,startingfromitssphere,ShallfrightthedwellersofthestarsthatskirtItsdestinedpathwaytothesesilentrealms!

Thou’stseenthecometrushingthroughthesky,And,gazingontheglowingtrackwhichitHadbrandedontheazurebreastofspace,Thinkingthywordswerewisdom,thouhastsaid,\"Whenitsfulltermofyearshasbeenfulfilled,Itshallreturnagain。\"NotknowingthatThelightthousawestwasreflectedfromThatsacredfire,which,intheend,shallpurgeThespiritessencewhichpervadescreation,FromthedulldustwithwhichawaywardfateHascloggeditsbeing!Questionmenomore——

RememberwhatIsaid——IdarenottellThesecretsofEternity。LookonAndlearnwhate’erthoucanst。

Werner。

ThereisonethingwhichIatlasthavelearned,——

TofeelthatwiththeincreaseofourknowledgeOursorrowsmustincrease。Iofthaveheard,Butneverbeforehavefeltthetruthofthis。

Toknowthatwereitnotforthisclaymask,IevennowmightpiercetheshadowyveilThatwrapsinmysterythethingsIsee,Andcomprehendtheirsecretprinciple,Willmakelifedoublyhardtobear,andtemptMemuchtoshakeitprematurelyoff,Andsnatchwingsformyspiritereitstime。

AtotalignorancewerebetterthanTheflashwhichfromitsslumberwakesthemind,Andthen,departing,leavesittoitself,Inthewidemazeoferror,darklygroping。

WisdomisnotthemedicinetohealAdiscontentedmind。InowknowmoreThanwhenIlefttheearth,butfeelthatI

Haveboughtmyknowledgewithincreaseofsorrow。

Spirit。

DidInottelltheethatitspathweresteep,Andhardtoclimb,andthickbesetwiththorns,——

Andthatitstempting,longed—forfruit,tho’boughtWithagreatprice,isfullofbitterness?

Ifthoughartsatisfied,letusretraceOurwaytoearthagain;wertthoutogoYetfartheron,thoumight’stregretthemoreOurcominghither。

Werner。

What!isthereaughtstillmoreremotethantheseFromthegreatcentreoftheuniverse,——

Thefairdomainoflifeandlivingthings?

Spirit。

Thereis,——

Akingdomtenantedwithsuchdarkshapes,Thatangelsshudderwhentheylookonthem!

Thousurelydostnotwishtovisitit。

Werner。

Whynot?ThereiswithinmymindavoidWhosevacantweightishardertobeborneThanthekeenstingingsofmoreactivepangs;

WhenithastracedthemysticchainofbeingToitslastlink,itmayperchanceshakeoffThemiseryofrestlessdiscontent,——

Itsfulnessthenmaysinkitintorest。

Spirit。

Ihavenopowertodisobeythyword;

Ifthouwilton,Imustproceedwiththee,EventhoughinlookingonIsharethepangsOfthosewhosuffer。

Werner。

Come,then,Itoomustseethem,tho’itcostMeyearsofpaintogazebutforamoment。

Spirit。

’TwerehardernowtofindEve’s’burieddust,ThantodeclarewhohasinheritedThelargestportionofherpryingspirit。

(Sings。)

WherePainkeepethvigilWithSorrowandCare,AndHorrorsitswatchingBydull—eyedDespair,——

WheretheSpiritaccurstMakethmoaninitswo,Thywishesdirectus,Andthitherwego。

[Exeunt。

ACTIII。

SceneI。Neartheplaceofthedamned。EnterWernerandSpirit。

Werner。

Whatpiercing,stunningsoundsassailmyear!

Wildshrieksandwrathfulcurses,groansandprayers,Achaosofallcries!makingthespaceThroughwhichtheypenetratetoflutterlikeTheheartofatrappedhare,——arerevellingroundus。

Unlikethegloomyrealmwejusthavequitted,Silentandsolemn,allisrestlesshere,Allwearstheashyhueofagony。

Aboveusbendsablackandstarlessvault,WhicheverechoesbackthefearfulvoicesThatrisefromtheabodesofwobeneath。

Aroundusgrim—broweddesolationbroods,While,farbelow,aseaofpalegrayclouds,Liketoanoceantempestbeaten,boils。

Whithershallwedirectourjourneynow?

Spirit。

Rightdownthroughyonabyssofboilingclouds,Ifthoughhastcouragetoattempttheplunge,Ourpathlesswaymustbe。AmomentmoreAndweshallstandwhereangelsseldomstand,Anddevilsalmostpitywhentheystand,——

Behold!

Werner。

EternalGod!

Whosebeing,isoflove,whosebandispow’r,Whosebreathislife,whosenoblestattribute,——

Theonemostworthyofthyself~—ismercy!

Weretheseofthineimmortalwillconceived?

Hasthyhandshapedthemouttheformstheywear?

Hasthybreathmadethemquickwith,breathinglife?

Andisthymercytotheirwailingsdeaf?

Poorcreatures!IbaddeemedthatinmybreastGriefhadcongealedthehiddenfountoftears,ButyehavedrawnthemfromtheirfrozensourceAndIdoweepforyou!

Spirit。

Whatmovestheethus?

IthoughtthyheartsosteeledinhardihoodOfuniversalhate,andpride,andscorn,Thatevenwerethewoes,whichthoudosthereBeholdenduredbyothers,heapedonthee,Thyhaughtysoulunmovedwouldfeelthemall;

AccountingitsdevelopmentofstrengthTobeartheworstdecreesofruthlessfate,Sufficientrecompense!

Werner。

Misdeemmenot,IfIhaveweptinvoluntarytearsO’erpangsbeyondmypow’rtomitigate,Believeme,’twasinpity,notinfear。

Buttellme,Spirit!isallhopeextinctInthosewhoheresojourn,ordotheylookYetforwardtosomeblestmillennialday,Whichshallredeemthemfromthishorridplace。

Spirit。

Bestaskyourtheologiansthatquestion。

Somesaythatthereareplacespurgatorial,WhereErrorpaysthepriceofhertransgressionsInsufferingsthateffacetheeffectsofsin。

AndothersomedeclarethatwhenthesoulAndclayareparted,heavensealsthedoomOfboth,beyondrepeal。LetthyownmindSitarbiter’twixtthese,andchoosethetruth。

Markwhatapproachesus,andmarkitwell。

Werner。

Icannotturnmygazefromit,andyetItmakesthewarmbloodcurdleinmyveins。

Thanit,hellcannotholdafoulerform——

Athingofmoreunholyloathsomeness!

Itsheavyeyesaredimandblearedwithblood,Itsjaws,bystrongconvulsionsfiercelyworked,Arecloggedandclottedwithmixedgoreandfoam!

Anauseousstenchitsfilthyshapeexhales,AndthroughitsheavingbosomyoumaymarkTheconstantpreyingofaquenchlessflameThatgnawsitsheartstrings!whileaharshquickmoanOfmingledwrath,andmadness,anddespair,Perpetuallyissuesfromitslips;——

Andwithunequalbutunceasingsteps,Itchasesthroughthehot,sulphureousgloom,Amockingphantom,——fairasitisfoul!

Withnakedarms,whitebreast,andebonlocks,AndbigblackeyesthatdartthehumidflameWhichsetstheheartablaze;andredmoistlips,AndchecksasspotlessasthefallingflakeEreithastouchedtheearth,andsuppleformWhereiniskniteachgraceofwomanhoodInitsperfection!andwithwantonlooksThatspeaktheburninglanguageofdesire,Itseemstowooitsloathsomefollower,——

Yeteverfromhisfoulembracesflies。

Andonhisbrowhisnameiswritten,\"Lust!\"

Dismissthespectre,foritblastsmysight,Andsearsmybrainwithitsdarkhideousness!

Spirit。

’Tisgone;lookupandseewhatnextappears。

Werner。

AframewhichmaybethatofHercules,Ithathsuchgiantmembers!anditsportIsmartialase’ermarkedaCaesar’smoving。

Itssandalsareofbrass,itsmassivebrowIshelmetedinsteel,andinitshandItbearsaswordwithwhich,inidlestrokes,Itvainlybeatstheunresistingair,Asifinbattlewithsomephantomfoe;

Andateachblowitdeals,astrongfatalityTurnsbackitssword’skeenpointonitsownbreast,Whichdeepitgashes,——theninmournfultone,Itmutterso’erando’eragainthesewords,——

\"Ifoughtforfameandwonunendingwo。\"

Hisagoniesseemlikehimself,immortal。

Spirit。

Justiceisblamelessofhissufferings:

Formanyyearshisbusy,plottingbrain,Madediscordoutofunion,strifefrompeace,AndsetthenationswarringtilltheearthWascrimsonwiththebloodpouredoutforhim!

Hebearswhatheinflicted,——lethimpassAndmarkwhatfollowshim。

Werner。

Agoodlyshape,MorefittostringandstrikeApollo’slyre,ThanbeartheshieldorwieldtheswordofMars!

Abrokenharp,suspendedathisside,Afadedgarland,wreathedabouthisbrow,Tellwhathewas,andstillemployhiscare。

Withthinwhitehand,thattremblesatitstask,Invainhestrivestobindthebrokenchords,Andtotheirprimalmelodyattunethem;——

Invain,——fortohiseffortsstillrepliesAbodingstrainofharsh,discordantsound。

Andthen,withhottearscoursingdownhischeeks,Heliftshisfadedwreathfromhispalebrow,Andgazingonitswitheredleaves,exclaims,——

\"ForearthlyfameIsungthesongsofearth,Forgetfulofallhigher,holierthemes,——

’TismeetthemeedIwonshouldperishthus。\"

IsnotthejusticewhichconfineshimhereAkintocruelty?forhissadheartSeems,ashisearthlystrainswere,fullofsoftness。

Spirit。

Eachthought,andword,anddeedofmortalman,Isbutamoralseed,which,indueseason,Mustbringforthfruitaccordingtoitskind。

ThesoilwhereinthoseseedsaresownisTime,——

Deathisthereaperoftheripenedharvest,——

ThefruitsaregarneredinEternity,Tobe,orgoodorbad,thespirit’sfood!

Ifthenourthoughts,andwords,anddeedshavebeenOfcorrupttendency,orevilnature,——

Whatmarvelifwefeedonbitterness?——

Whatshadownextappears?

Werner。

Anagedman,Lean—framedandhaggard—visaged,bowedbeneathTheweightofyears,orworldlycaresthatpressStillheavierthantheironhandoftime。

Histotteringformisfearfultobehold!

Ifthefiercescourgewhichmenonearthcallfamine,Couldincarnateitself,methinks’twouldchooseJustsuchashape,sowornandgrimandgaunt,Andwo—begoneofaspect。GropingroundHegathersfromtheburningfloorofhellSomeshiningpebbles,whichhisfondconceitTransmutestogold,andthesewithconstantcareHewatches,countingandrecountingthem,Tillsuddenlyawhirlwind,sweepingby,Bearswithitallhisfanciedhoardsaway,Leavinghimtorenewhisbootlesstask,Whicheverherenewswiththiscomplaint,——

\"Alas!howspeedilymaywealthtakewing。\"

Andonhisfronthisnameiswritten,\"Avarice。\"

Spirit。

Thereyetis,inthisshadowylandofshades,OneformwhichIwouldhavetheelookupon。

Beholditcometh!markandscanitwell。

Werner。

NeverbeforeinallmywanderingsThroughearth,orotherregions,whereabideThingsnownomoreofearth,haveIbeheldAughtsoprofoundlymournfulorsolone!

Sodarkacloudo’erhangshishaggardbrow,Thatwhereheturnsadunner,murkiergloomPrevailsalonghell’sblastingatmosphere!

Surroundedbysomegoodlyformshemoves,Formsbrightashisisdark,whoeachinturnWoohisacceptanceofthegiftstheyproffer。

Lovestretchesouthisdimpledband,whereinHeholdshisemblematicrose,andHope,BrightHope,thatmightrenewagainthepulseOflifewithinthefrozenveinsofDeath!

Beckonshimtothefuture,——andcalmFaithKindlesbeneathhiseyeherbeaconblaze;

Yet,withsuchanguishashellonlyholds,Heturnshimfromallthese,andwillnottakeLove’sprofferedrose,lest’neathitsblushingleavesShouldlurkthestingingthornofslydeceit。

Hope’ssmiletohimisdisappointment’ssignal,——

AndthebrightbeaconFaithsokindlylightsToguideuso’erthetreacherousseaoflife,Tohimisbutacheat,amockery,Anignisfatuus,kindledtomislead。

AndyetheseemsasonewhoinhislifeHadnursedbrightdreams,andcherishedloftyaims,——

Haddreamedoflove,orwooedAmbition’ssmiles,Ortotheswayofempireshadaspired,Or,higherstill,theswayofhumanhearts!

Whygazestthouonmeandnotonhim?

Spirit。

TomarkifinthineaspectImightnotDetectaconsciousnessthatIthyownsoulClaimedbrotherhoodwithhis!ThoutoohastscoffedAthumanlove,andhope,andfaith,andtruth,Nursingwithinthybosompride,andscorn,Andranklinghate,ItilltheseatlengthbecameFiendswhichthoucould’stnotmaster!Thouartwarned,Bewiseandheedthewarning。LetusnowReturnuntothyfaroff,nativeorb,O’erwhichtherosysmileofmornisbreaking,WakingitsteemingmillionstorenewTheirdailyroundsoftoilandstrifeandcrime。

[Exeunt。

ACTIV。

SceneI。ApeakoftheAlps。Werneralone。Time,morning。

Werner。

Howgloriouslybeautifulisearth!

Intheseherquiet,unfrequentedhaunts,Towhich,exceptthetimidchamois’foot,Orventuroushunter’s,ortheeagle’swing,Naughtfrombeneathascends。AsyetthesunButdartshisearliestraysofgoldenlightUponthesummitsofthetallestpeaks,Whichrobedincloudsandcappedwithglitteringice,Soarproudlyup,andbeamandblazealoft,Asiftheywouldclaimkindredwiththestars!

Andtheymayclaimsuchkindred,forthereisWithin,around,andoverthem,thesameSupreme,eternal,all—creatingspiritWhichglowsandburnsineverybeamingorbThatcirclesinimmeasurablespace!

Farastheeyecantracethemountain’screstOneitherhand,agorgeous,variedmassOfglowing,cloud—formedrangesareatrest,Reflectingbackineveryhueandtint,Purpleandcrimson,orangeandbrightgold,ThesunnysmilewithwhichMornhailstheworld。

Beneathmeallisquietyetandcalm,ForthedimshadowofthesilentnightStillrestsuponthevalley,stilltheflockSleepsundisturbedwithintheguardedfold,Thelarkyetslumbersinherlowlynest,Thedewhangsheavyuponleafandblade,Thegraymiststillo’erveilstheunruffledlake,Andallistranquilasaninfant’ssleep;

Tranquilaroundme,butnotsowithin,ForinmybreastathousandrestlessthoughtsConflictinwild,chaoticalconfusion。

Thoughtsoflongbygoneyears,andthingsthatwereButarenomore,andthoughtsthatsternlystriveTograpplewiththemysteriesIlateHavelookedupon;forI,sinceyesternight,HavetraversedthewideseaofspacethatrollsBetweentheshoresofthisandotherworlds;

Havegazeduponandscannedthoseworlds,orshadesThatwearthelineamentsofsuch;haveseenThedamnedintheirownplace,andmarkedthedeep,TerrificretributionErrorbringsTosuchasarehervotariesinlife。

AndnowIfeelhowbaselesswasmyhopeThatPeace,thesolitaryboonIcrave,Mightspringfromknowledge。Tisafataltree,Whicheverhathbornebitterfruit,sincefirst’TwassetinParadise。ButImustseekThecottageofsomehonestmountaineer,Whomayaffordmenurtureandrepose,ForIamweary,bothinmindandframe。

[Exit。

SceneII。AchamberinthecottageofManuel。Albertasleep。

Rebeccastandingbyhiscouch。

Rebecca。

Myboy!mybeautiful,mydearesthope!

ThegarnerwheremytrustoffuturejoyIstreasured。Heavenblessthee!Maythylife,IfitseemgoodtoHimwhogaveit,beBlesttothefulnessofamother’sprayer!

[Shestoopstokisshim,andcontinues。

Howwellhissleepportraysaquietmind,Theembodiedimageofasunnyday,Adaywithoutacloud,whoseonlyvoicesArisefromsighingairs,andwhisperingleaves,Andtell—talebrooksthatoftheirbanksbeseechAgift,awreathoftheirsweetflowers,wherewithTosoothetheangryGeniofthedeep!

Andfree,gladbirdsthatflitfromboughtobough,Andringtheirsongsofloveintheclearair,Tillheavenisfilledwithgushingmelody,Andtheall—glowinghorizonbecomesAthingoflife,whosebreathissweetestmusic!

[Kisseshimagain,andcontinues。

Hisbrowtomeisasaspotlesspage,WhereonistracedthestoryofmyfirstAndonlylove,thebrightandholydreamThatstoleintomybosom,whenbesideThecrystalstreamthatthreadsaneighbouringvale,Iandhisfatherwatchedourfathers’flocks,Andhewouldlayasidehisshepherd’spipe,Andinlowwords,farsweeterthanitsmusic,Talkofthesunandstarsandgentlemoon,Theearthandallitsloveliness,thetreesAndshrubsandflowers;howthesewereallpervadedAndquickenedbythespiritofdeeplove;

Till,bythefrequentblushthattingedmycheek,Thelightthatwouldbreakfrommydowncasteyes,Andthequickbeatofmytoohappyheart,Emboldened,hepouredouthisownpurepassion,Onmyenchantedear!SincethenmylifeHashadnoeras,——days,andmonths,andyears,Haveallgonebyuncounted,inthefull,Deep,fervent,soul—sufficinghappiness,OfallIprayedfor,pantedfor,obtained!

ButImustrousehim,itistimehisflockShouldleavethefold,and——

[Theboystartsandmurmursinhissleep。

Downbyyonderstream,Wherethegreenwillowsclusterthickest,thereTheydwell。’TisscarcesofarasIcouldcastApebblefrommysling。Seekit,andtheyWillministertotheewhatthoumayestneed。

[Heawakes,andrecognisinghismother,exclaims——

Ah,mother!Ihavedreamedsostrangeadream,Sostrange,andyetsopalpable,thatI

Believeditareality。MethoughtAscloselyfollowedbymybleatingflock,IclimbedtheruggedmountainsidewherespringOurgreenestpastures,singingasIwent,Imetalonelywandererinmyway,Ofbrowsopale,andeyesodarklysad,Thatmyownheart,tosadnesslittleused,Grewheavyatthesight;andheseemedwornAndveryweary,notsomuchwithtoilAsbysomehidden,inwardstrifeofsoul,Whicheventhenseemedraginginhisbreast。

HestayedtoquestionmewherehemightfindThecottageofsomehonestmountaineer,Wherehemightcravetheboonsofrestandfood,——

Andmindfulofthelessontaughtbythee,Togivethehungrybread,thewearyrest,Ipointedhimtowhereourcottagestands,Assuringhimthatthouandmysweetsister,——

Fairasaughtearthly,andaspureasfair,——

Wouldentertainhimasawelcomeguest:

Andsoweparted。

Rebecca。

ThoudidstwelltomindThelessonIsooftenhaverepeated。

ItisourfirstofdutiestogiveaidTothosewhobegforsuccouratourhands;

Forweourselves,whateverwepossess,ArebutthestewardsofthebounteousLordWhogivethtohiscreaturesallgoodgifts。

Butitistimethatthoushouldstseekthehills,Sotakethycrookandpipeandhieaway。

[Exeunt。

SceneIII。Thesideofamountain。Wernerdescending。

Enterashepherdboy,followedbyhisflock,singing。

I。

WhentheMorningstartsupfromhercouchonthedeep,Wherethroughthedimnighthours,shepillowshersleep,Istartfrommyslumbers,andhiemeawayWherethewhitetorrentdashesitsfeatheryspray,——

Iquaffthefreshstreamasitburstsfromthehill,——

Ipluckthefreshflowersthatspringbytherill,——

IwatchthegraycloudsastheycurlroundthepeakThatriseshighoverthem,barrenandbleak;

AndIthinkhowtheworldlingwhocourtsfortune’ssmile,Inhisheart,likethatpeak,maybelonelythewhile;

Andthenmyownheartsingsaloudinitsjoy,ThatHeavenhasmademeafreeshepherdboy!

II。

Whenthehornofthehunterresoundsfromonhigh,Wherethetallgiantice—cliffsirepiledtothesky,Where,shunningtheverdureofvalleysanddells,Thebraveeaglebuilds,andtheshychamoisdwells,——

Ilisttoitsgaytones,asbymetheyfloat,AndIechothemmerrilyback,notefornote;

WiththewildbirdasongfullasgladsomeIsing,Icrownmewithflowers,andsitacrownedking,——

Myflockaremysubjects,mydogmyvizier,Andmysceptre——amildone——thecrookthatIbear;

Nowantstoperplexme,nocarestoannoy,Iliveanunenvying,freeshepherdhoy!

Werner(meetsandaddresseshim)。

Thou’rtmerry,lad。

Albert。

Ay,Ihavecausetobeso。

(Aside。)

Itisthewandererofmylastnight’sdream,Thesamepalebrow,anddarklymournfuleye,Andwearygait,andmelancholyvoice,——

Ifheseeksfriendlyguidance,food,orshelter,Heshallnotwantthemlong。

Werner。

SothouhastcauseFormerriment,——thenthouperchancehastwealth,Broad,fruitfullands,andtenements,andallWhichwealthconfers。

Albert。

Nay,Ihavenoneofthese,Andyethavemorethanallwhichthouhastnamed。

Ihaveafather,whoseunsulliednameNotonguehaseverspokenwithreproach,Amother,whoseideaiswithmeAholything,andadearsister,whoIsfairaspure,andpureasisthesnowUponthesummitofthetallestpeakOfthesemynativemountains。Ihavehealth,Andstrength,andfood,andraiment,andemploy,AndshouldInotthenhaveajoyousheart?

Werner。

Yea,verilythoushouldst。

Albert。

Andthereisyet,AmongtheblessingsHeavenhasgiventome,OnewhichIhavenotnamedtothee;itisAnhumblehome,whosehospitabledoorWasneverclosedagainstthewayfarer,——

Ifthouhastneedofaughtwhichitaffords,Seekit,mymotherandmysisterwillDelighttoministeruntothywants。

Therewherethewide—armedwillowsclusterthickestUponthegreenbanksofyoncrystalstream,Ourcottagestands。ThepathtoitisshortAndeasilytraversed,——so,now,farewell。

Werner。

Stayyetamoment。Thatwhichthouhastproffered,IswhatIsought。Thouhastanobleheart,Onefittofillthebosomofaking,——

Ifainwouldgivetheeguerdon,——hereisgold。

Albert。

Keepitforthosewhocovetit。IfeverThoumeet’stwithone,boweddownbysuffering,Whocallsontheeforpityandrelief,Thenifthouheed’sthisprayerformysake,Ishallbewellrepaid。Again,farewell。

{Exeunt。

SceneIV。Afteralapseoftime。ArusticarbournearthecottageofManuel。EnterRoseandWerner。

Rose。

Nay,letmysilentblushespleadwiththeeThatthouwiltbeassilent。

Werner。

RatherletMyardentlove,whichwillnotberepressed,Pleadwiththeeforacceptanceofmysuit;

ForIdolovetheewithsuchpassionatelove,Thatlifeitself,ifweighedagainstthatlove,Werescarceafeatherinthescale。

Rose。

Alas!

I’mbutasimpleshepherd’ssimplechild,Unusedtocourtlyspeeches,andtheysayThatintheworldthynameandrankarehigh,AndthatwhensuchasthoudoprofferloveAndfaithtolowlymaidens,’tisajest,——

Andthatwhentheyhavewonourhonestlove,Theycastitfromthemwithunpityinghands,Asidlyastheywouldawitheredflower。

Werner。

Nay,maiden,letmetelltheeofthepast,Letmelaybaremyheartbeneaththygaze,Andthouwiltpityifthoucanstnotlove。

IlovedinyouthwithloveasfondanddeepAsevermadetheheartofmanitsslave,But,eremyhopescouldripentofruition,Deathcameandmademyworshippedonehisprize;

Andthoughmypeacedepartedwhenshedied,YetIwasproud,andwouldnotbondtosorrow,Butwithcalmbrowandeye,andsmilinglip,Imingledwiththegiddythoughtlessworld,SeekingfromoutitsvariedrealmstowringSomerecompenseforthatwhichIhadlost。

Wealth,fame,andpower,Isoughtforandobtained,Yetfoundthemonlygildedmockeries。

ThepathsofhiddenknowledgeIessayed,AndtrodtheirmazywindingstilltheyledMyfootsteps——whitherImaynotdisclose,——

Butallavailedmenothing,stillmyheartAchedwiththedrearyvoidlostlovehadmade,Achedevertillthatvoidwasfilledbythee!

Sincefirstfateledmetoyourkindlydoor,Threetimesthemoonwithfull—orbedlighthathshone,Thricethirtytimes,withsongofmerrybirdsAndbreathoffragrance,MornhasblesttheearthAndallitsdwellerswithherradiantpresence;

Thricethirtytimes,withstar—boundbrow,dimNightHathkepthertearfulwatchabovetheearth;

Andeverytimethefull—orb’dmoonhathshone,AndeverytimethemerryMornhathsmiled,AndeverytimedimNightwithstar—boundbrowAbovetheearthhathkepthertearfulwatch,Myhearthasaddedtoitsstoreoflove,Itspure,deep,fervent,passionateloveforthee!

Byallmyhopesofheaven,mywordsaretrue。

Dostthounotpitynow?

Rose。

Ay,more!Myheart,Anditsfulltreasuryofmaidenlove,Neverbeforesurrenderedtoanother,Ipledgetothee,asthine,forevermore!

[Exeunt。

AnAerialChorus。

Seekthedellandseekthebower,Pluckthebudandplucktheflower,Searchforbudsofsweetestbreath,Searchforflowersofbrightesthue;

Fittoweavethebridalwreath,Ofamaidsofairandtrue。

Shehasbowedthehaughtyheart,Wonthestubbornwillfromguile,WithnoaidofotherartThanthesweetspellofhersmile!

Seekthedellandseekthebower,Pluckthebudandplucktheflower,Searchforbudsofsweetestbreath,Searchforflowersofbrightesthue;

Fittoweavethebridalwreath,Ofamaidsofairandtrue!

[Exeunt。

NotetotheMisanthrope\"Thenseekwe,forthemaiden’spillow,FarbeyondtheAtlantic’sbillow,Love’sapple,——andwhenwehavefoundit,Drawthemagiccirclesroundit。\"

ConsideringtheMandrake,manyfabulousnotionswereentertainedbytheancients;andtheyneverattemptedtoextractitfromtheearth,withoutthepreviousperformanceofsuchceremoniesastheyconsideredefficaciousinpreventingthenumerousaccidents,dangers,anddiseases,towhichtheybelievedthepersonexposedwhowasdaringenoughtoundertakeitsextraction。Theusualmannerofobtainingitwasthis:——Whenfound,threetimesacirclewasdrawnarounditwiththepointofanakedsword,andadogwasthenattachedtoitandbeaten,untilbyhisstrugglesitwasdisengagedfromtheearth。

Itwassupposedtobeusefulinproducingdreams,philters,charms&c。;andalsotopossessthefacultiesofexcitinglove,andincreasingpopulation。

TheEmperorAdrian,inalettertoCalexines,writesthatheisdrinkingthejuiceoftheMandraketorenderhimamorous:henceitwascalledLove—apple。

ItgrowsinItaly,Spain,andtheLevant。

MISCELLANEOUSPOEMS

TOISABEL

ABeautifulLittleGirl。

Fairassomesea—child,inhercoralbower,Deckedwiththerare,richtreasuresofthedeep;

MildasthespiritofthedreamwhosepowerBearsbacktheinfant’ssoultoheaven,insleepBrightensthehuesofsummer’sfirst—bornflowerPureasthetearsrepentantmournersweepO’erdeedstowhichthesiren,Sin,beguiled,——

Artthou,sweet,smiling,bright—eyedcherubchild。

Thypresenceisaspellofholiness,Fromwhichunhallowedthoughtsshrinkblushingback,——

Thysmileisawarmlightthatshinestobless,Asbeamsthebeacono’erthewanderer’strack,——

Thyvoiceismusic,atwhosesoundsDistressUnbindsherwrithingvictimfromtherackOfmisery,andcharmedbywhatshehears,Forgetsherwoes,andsmilesuponhertears。

AndwhenIlookuponthee,bearingnowThepromiseofsuchloveliness,IaskIftimewillblight,thatpromise;ifthybrow,Sosunnynow,willlearntowearthemaskOfhollowsmiles,orcolddeceit,whilstthouArtlearninginthysoulthebittertaskTimeteachestoallbosoms,whentheglowOfhopeiso’er——butthisImaynotknow。

Mypathwillnotbeneartothinethroughlife,——

Kindoneswillguardandfondlyshelterthee;

Mebitternessawaits,andcareandstrife,Andallthatsorrowhasofagony;

Myfuture,asmypastwas,willberifeWithheartaches,andthepangsthat\"passnotby;\"

Eachhourshallgivetheesomenewpleasure;years,Longyearscanbringmeonlytoil’andtears。

’Tismeetthatitshouldbeso,——IhavemadeAwreckofmyownhappiness,andcastAcrossmyheart,inyouth,thedull,deepshadeThatwrinkledageflingsoverallatlastButletitgo,——IhavetoolongdelayedTheremedy,andwhatispastispast;——

AndcouldIlivethosevanishedmomentso’er,Myheartwouldwanderasitstrayedbefore。

Iknownothowitis,——myheartisstern,Andlittlegiv’ntothoughtsoftenderness;

Yetlookingonthyyoungbrowitwillyearn,Andinmybosom’sinnermostrecess,ThoughtsthathaveslumberedlongawakeandburnWithawildstrengthwhichnothingcanrepress!

Bestill,wornheart,bestill;doesnotthecoldAndheavyclay——clodminglewithhermould?

Yes,’tisthatinthysoftcheck’stenderbloom,Thyblackeyes’brightness,ineachgracefulmove,ItracethelineamentsofonetowhomMysoulwasweddedinanearlylove,——

’Twasinmyboyhood;buttheinsatiatetombClaimedherfairform,andfortherealmsaboveHerspiritfledtheearth;oh!howIweptThatmineshouldinitsbondagestillbekept。

ImindthehourIstoodbesidetheclayIhadsolovedinlife——itstillwasfair,Surpassingfair,indeath;andasshelayWiththethicktressesofherlongdarkhairGatheredabovethebrowwhencefeeling’srayHadfled,becausedeath’sshadowdarkenedthere,HermorethanearthlybeautymadeherseemTheincarnationofsomepurebrightdream。

Istoodandgazed:thepalegravesheetwaswoundAbouttheformfromwhichlife’ssparkwasfled,Foreverfled,——weteyeswereweepinground,Andvoicesfullofsorrowmournedthedead;

Icouldnotweep;asadnessmoreprofoundThanthatfromwhichthoseheart—drops,tears,areshed,Wasinmysoul,——forthentheicyspellOfdesolationfreezingo’ermefell。

AndfromthathourIhavebeenalone,Alonewhencrowdswereroundme。MaythyfateBecolouredwithabrighterhue,andstrownWithflowerswheremineisthorns;——wheremineishate,Andstrife,andbitterdiscord,maythineownBelove,andhope,andpeace——forthesecreateThesunshineofexistence;maytheirlightBeameverroundthee,warm,andglad,andbright。