Suddenlythelong，unpicturesque`guerredetranchees’wasatanend，andthefieldreallypresentedtheaspectofthefamiliarbattlepictures，——
thebattalionsinmanoeuvre，theofficers，superblyindifferenttodanger，gallopingaboutontheirchargers。ButnowtheGermanguns，movedback，begantogetourrange，andtheshellstoburstoverandaroundbatteriesandtroops，manywithadmirableprecision。Heremybestcomradewasstruckdownbyshrapnelatmyside，——painfullybutnotmortallywounded。
Ioftenenviedhimafterthat。FornowouradvancedtroopswereincontactwiththeGermansecond-linedefenses，andtheseprovedtobeofacharactersoformidablethatallfurtheradvancewithoutapreliminaryartillerypreparationwasoutofthequestion。Andourrole，thatoftroopsinreserve，wastoliepassiveinanopenfieldunderashellfirethateveryhourbecamemoreterrific，whileaeroplanesandcaptiveballoons，towhichwewereentirelyexposed，regulatedthefire。
Thatnightwespentintherain。Withportablepicksandshovelseachmandughimselfinaswellaspossible。Thenextdayourconcentratedartilleryagainbeganthebombardment，andagainthefusilladeannouncedtheentranceoftheinfantryintoaction。
Butthistimeonlythewoundedappearedcomingback，noprisoners。
Iwentoutandgavewatertooneofthese，eagertogetnews。
Itwasayoungsoldier，woundedinthehand。Hisfaceandvoicebespoketheemotionoftheexperiencehehadbeenthrough，inawaythatIwillneverforget。\"Ah，lessalauds！\"hecried，\"Theyletuscomerightuptothebarbedwirewithoutfiring。Thenahailofgrenadesandballs。Mycomradefell，shotthroughtheleg，gotup，andthenextmomenthadhisheadtakenoffbyagrenadebeforemyeyes。\"
\"Andthebarbedwire，wasn’titcutdownbythebombardment？\"
\"Notatallinfrontofus。\"Icongratulatedhimonhavinga`blessureheureuse’andbeingwelloutoftheaffair。
ButhethoughtonlyofhiscomradeandwentondowntheroadtowardSouainnursinghismangledhand，withthestreamofwoundedseekingtheir`postesdesecours’。
==
Hethentellshow，inspiteofsubstantialgains，itgradually\"becamemoreandmoreevidentthattheGermansecondlineofdefencepresentedobstaclestooserioustoattemptovercomingforthemoment，andwebegangoingupatnighttoworkatconsolidatingouradvancedtrenchesandturningthemintoanewpermanentline。\"Tothistime，perhaps，belongstheincidentrelatedbyRifBaer，anEgyptian，whowashiscomradeandbestfriendintheregiment。
Apieceofdifficulttrenchworkwasallottedtothemen，tobefinishedinonenight。\"Eachwasgiventhelimit，thathewassupposedtobeabletocompleteinthetime。
IthappenedthatRifBaerwasill，and，afterworkingawhile，hisstrengthgaveout。AlancompletedhisownjobandR。B。’salso，andalthoughhewasquiteexhaustedbytheextralabour，hiseyesglowedwithhappiness，andhesaidhehadneverdoneanythinginhislifethatgavehimsuchentiresatisfaction。\"
Summinguptheresultsofthebattle，Alanwrote（stillinthesameletter，October25）：\"Itwasasatisfactionatleasttogetoutofthetrenches，tomeettheenemyfacetofaceandtoseeGermanarroganceturnedintosuppliance。Weknewmanysplendidmoments，worthhavingenduredmanytrialsfor。Butinourlargeraim，ofpiercingtheirline，ofbreakingthelongdeadlock，ofenteringVouziersintriumph，ofcoursewefailed。\"Thenheproceeds：
==
Thisaffaironlydeepenedmyadmirationfor，myloyaltyto，theFrench。
Ifwedidnotentirelysucceed，itwasnotthefaultoftheFrenchsoldier。
Heisabetterman，manforman，thantheGerman。AnyonewhohadseenthechargeoftheMarsouinsatSouainwouldacknowledgeit。
Neverwasanythingmoremagnificent。Irememberacaptain，badlywoundedintheleg，ashepassedus，bornebackonalitterbyfourGermanprisoners。Heaskeduswhatregimentwewere，andwhenwetoldhim，hecried\"VivelaLegion，\"andkeptrepeating\"Nouslesavonsen。Nouslesavonsen。\"Hewassuffering，but，obliviousofhiswound，wasstillfiredwiththeenthusiasmoftheassaultandallradiantwithvictory。WhatacontrastwiththeGermanwoundedonwhosefaceswasnothingbutterroranddespair。Whatisthestimulusintheirslogansof\"Gottmituns\"and\"FuerKoenigundVaterland\"
besidethatofmenreallyfightingindefenseoftheircountry？
Whateverbetheforceininternationalconflictsofhavingjusticeandalltheprinciplesofpersonalmoralityonone’sside，itatleastgivestheFrenchsoldierastrengththat’slikethestrengthoftenagainstanadversarywhoseweaponisonlybruteviolence。
ItisinconceivablethataFrenchman，forcedtoyield，couldbehaveasIsawGermanprisonersbehave，trembling，ontheirknees，foralltheworldlikecriminalsatlengthoverpoweredandbroughttojustice。
Suchmenhavetobedriventotheassault，orintoxicated。
ButtheFrenchmanwhogoesupispossessedwithapassionbesidewhichanyoftheotherformsofexperiencethatarereckonedtomakelifeworthwhileseempaleincomparison。
==
AreportappearedintheAmericannewspapersthathehadbeenkilledinthebattleofChampagne。Onlearningofit，hewrotetohismother：
==
Iam`navre’tothinkofyourhavingsufferedso。
Ishouldhavearrangedtocableaftertheattack，hadIknownthatanysuchabsurdrumourshadbeenstarted。Hereonehasawholesomenotionoftheunimportanceoftheindividual。
Itneedsaneffortofimaginationtoconceiveofitsmakinganyparticulardifferencetoanyoneoranythingifonegoesunder。
Somanybettermenhavegone，andyettheworldrollsonjustthesame。
==
AfterChampagne，hisregimentpassedtotherearanddidnotreturntothefrontuntilMay1916。OnFebruary1sthewrites：\"Iaminhospitalforthefirsttime，notforawound，unfortunately，butforsickness。\"
Hithertohishealth，sincehejoinedthearmy，hadbeensuperb。
Asayouthhehadneverbeenrobust;butthesoldier’slifesuitedhimtoperfection，andallremnantsofanymischiefleftbehindbytheillnessofhischildhoodseemedtohavevanished。
Itwasnowasharpattackofbronchitisthatsenthimtohospital。
Onhisrecoveryheobtainedtwomonths`congedeconvalescence’，partofwhichhespentatBiarritzandpartinParis。Aboutthistime，muchtohissatisfaction，heoncemorecameintothepossessionof\"Juvenilia\"。OnApril13thhewrotetohismother：
==
DidItellyouthattheEmbassyhavemanagedtogetmyM。S。forme？
Itwasveryinterestingtore-readthiswork，whichIhadalmostforgotten。
Ifoundmuchthatwasgoodinit，butmuchthatwasjuveniletoo，andamnotsoanxioustopublishitasitstands。IshallprobablymakeextractsfromitandjoinitwithwhatIhavedonesince。
IshallgobacktothefrontonthefirstofMaywithoutregrets。
Thesevisitstotherearonlyconfirmmeinmyconvictionthattheworkupthereonthefrontissofarthemostinterestingworkamancanbedoingatthismoment，thatnothingelsecountsincomparison。
==
OnMay13thhewrotetohis\"marraine\"，Mrs。Weeks：\"Thechateauinthegroundsofwhichwearebarracked，hasamostbeautifulname——
Bellinglise。Isn’titpretty？Ishallhavetowriteasonnettoencloseit，asaringismadeexpressforajewel。Itisawonderfuloldseventeenth-centurymanor，surroundedbyalordlyestate。
Whatisthatexquisitestanzain`Maud’about`intheeveningthroughthelilacs（orlaurels）oftheoldmanorialhome’？*
Lookitupandsendittome。\"Tendayslaterhewrotetothesamelady：
——
*Hewasdoubtlessthinkingofthis：
Alasforherthatmetme，Thatheardmesoftlycall，Cameglimmeringthro’thelaurelsInthequietevenfall，InthegardenbytheturretsOftheoldmanorialhall。
——
==
Theweekinthetrencheswasaweekofthemostbeautifulweather……
ThesedaysweresaddenedbythedeathofpoorColetteinthebombardment，andbythesufferingofhisbrotherwhohasnowreturnedaftertheburial。
Theyweremarkedontheotherhandbytwoafternoonsofrathermemorableemotion。Exasperatedbytheinactivityofthesectorhere，andtemptedbydanger，Istoleofftwiceafterguard，andmadeapatrolallbymyselfthroughthewoodpathsandtrailsbetweenthelines。Inthefrontofthese，atacrossingofpathsnotfarfromoneofourposts，Ifoundaburntrocket-stickplantedintheground，andascrapofpaperstuckinthetop，placedtherebythebochestoguidetheirlittlemischief-makingpartieswhentheycometovisitusinthenight。Thescrapofpaperwasnothingelsethanabitofthe`BerlinerTageblatt’。
ThisseemedsointerestingtomethatIreportedittothecaptain，thoughmygoingoutalonethiswayisathingstrictlyforbidden。
Hewasverydecentaboutitthough，andseemedreallyinterestedintheinformation。YesterdayafternoonIrepeatedthisexploit，followinganothertrail，andIwentsofarthatIcameclearuptotheGermanbarbedwire，whereIleftacardwithmyname。
Itwasverythrillingwork，\"courtingdestructionwithtaunts，withinvitations\"asWhitmanwouldsay。Ihaveneverbeeninasectorlikethis，wherepatrolscouldbemadeindaylight。
Herethedeepforestpermitsit。Italsogreatlyfacilitatesambushes，foronemustkeeptothepaths，owingtotheunderbrush。
Iandafewothersaregoingtotrytogetpermissiontogoouton`patrouillesd’embuscade’andbringinsomeliveprisoners。
Itwouldbequiteanextraordinaryfeatifwecouldpullitoff。
InourpresentexistenceitistheonlywayIcanthinkoftogettheCroixdeGuerre。AndtobeworthyofmymarraineIthinkthatIoughttohavetheCroixdeGuerre。
==
HehadhopedtohavebeeninParisonDecorationDay，May30th，toread，beforethestatueofLafayetteandWashington，the\"OdeinMemoryoftheAmericanVolunteersFallenforFrance\"，whichhehadwrittenattherequestofaCommitteeofAmericanresidents;
buthis\"permission\"unfortunatelydidnotarriveintime。Completedintwodays，duringwhichhewasengagedinthehardestsortoflabourinthetrenches，thisOdeiscertainlythecrownofthepoet’sachievement。
Itisentirelyadmirable，entirelyadequatetothehistoricoccasion。
Ifthewarhasproducedanoblerutterance，ithasnotcomemyway。
OnJune24th，heagainwrote，givinganaccountofamarch，whichwas\"withoutexceptionthehardesthehadevermade\"——
\"20kilometersthroughtheblazingsunandinacloudofdust。
Somethingaround30kilogramsontheback。About50percentdroppedbytheway。Bymakingasupremeeffort，Imanagedtogetinatthefinish，withthefifteenmenthatwereallthatwasleftofthesection。\"
Henowknewthatthegreatoffensivewasimminent。\"Thesituation，\"
hewrote，\"ismostinterestingandexciting，butIamnotatlibertytosayanythingaboutit。Mygreatestpreoccupationnowiswhetherthisaffairiscomingoffbeforeorafterthe4thofJuly。
Theindicationsarethatitisgoingtobreakverysoon。
Inthatcasenothingdoinginthewayofpermission。
ButIstillhavehopesofgettingin。\"
HishopesofgettingtoPariswerefrustrated，aswereallhisotherhopessaveone——thehopeofThatrareprivilegeofdyingwell。
OnJuly1st，thegreatadvancebegan。AtsixintheeveningofJuly4th，theLegionwasorderedtocleartheenemyoutofthevillageofBelloy-en-Santerre。AlanSeegeradvancedinthefirstrush，andhissquadwasenfiladedbythefireofsixGermanmachineguns，concealedinahollowway。Mostofthemwentdown，andAlanamongthem——
woundedinseveralplaces。Butthefollowingwavesofattackweremorefortunate。Ashiscomradescameuptohim，Alancheeredthemon;andastheylefthimbehind，theyheardhimsingingamarching-songinEnglish：——
Accentsofourswereinthefiercemelee。
Theytookthevillage，theydrovetheinvadersout;
butforsomereasonunknown——perhapsaverygoodone——
thebattlefieldwasleftunvisitedthatnight。Nextmorning，AlanSeegerlaydead。
Thereislittletoadd。Hewrotehisownbestepitaphinthe\"Ode\"：——
AndonthosefurthestrimsofhallowedgroundWheretheforlorn，thegallantchargeexpires，Whentheslainbuglerhaslongceasedtosound，AndonthetangledwiresThelastwildrallystaggers，crumbles，stops，Witheredbeneaththeshrapnel’sironshowers：——
Nowheavenbethanked，wegaveafewbravedrops，Nowheavenbethanked，afewbravedropswereours。
HisdeathwasbrieflynoticedinoneortwoFrenchpapers。
The`Matin’publishedatranslationofpartofthepoem，\"Champagne，1914-15\"，andremarkedthat\"CyranodeBergeracwouldhavesignedit。\"
ButFrancehadnotime，evenifshehadhadtheknowledge，torealizethegreatnessofthesacrificethathadbeenmadeforher。
Thatwillcomelater。OnedayFrancewillknowthatthisunassumingsoldieroftheLegion，Who，notunmindfuloftheantiquedebt，CamebackthegenerouspathofLafayette，wasonewhomevenshemaybeproudtohavereckonedamongherdefenders。
The\"LastPoems\"speakforthemselves。Theycontainlineswhichhewoulddoubtlesshaveremodelledhadhelivedtoreviewthemintranquillity——
perhapsoneortwopieces，sprungfromamomentarymood，which，onreflectionhewouldhaverejected。*Buttheynotonlyshowagreatadvanceonhisearlierwork：theyrankhigh，orIammuchmistaken，amongthehithertonotverynumerouspoemsintheEnglishlanguageproduced，notinmerememoryorimaginationofwar，butinitsactualstressandunderitshauntingmenace。
——
*Neitherinthe\"Juvenilia\"norinthe\"LastPoems\"
hasanythingbeensuppressedthathehimselfeverthoughtofpublishing。
Indeednothingatallhasbeenomitted，excepttwoearlypoemsonwhichhehadwritten\"Theseareworthless。\"
——
Againandagaininthe\"LastPoems\"——notablyin\"Maktoob\"
withitstributetoTheresignationandthecalmAndwisdomoftheEast，hereturnstothenoteoffatalism。HerehehasnotonlythewisdomoftheEastbutthelogicoftheWestonhisside。
Necessityisasincontrovertibletothoughtasitisincredibletofeeling。
Butinthepotentillusionoffree-will（ifillusionitbe）restsallmoralityandalltheadmirationthatwefeelforgoodandevildeeds。
NotevenatAlanSeeger’sbiddingcanwequitepersuadeourselvesthat，whenhetookuparmsforFrance，hewasexercisingnobrave，nogenerouschoice，butwastheconscriptofDestiny。
WilliamArcher。
PoemsbyAlanSeegerJuvenilia1914
AnOdetoNaturalBeautyThereisapowerwhoseinspirationfillsNature’sfairfabric，sun-andstar-inwrought，Likeairydewereanydropdistils，Likeperfumeintheladenflower，likeaughtUnseenwhichinterfusedthroughoutthewholeBecomesitsquickeningpulseandprincipleandsoul。
Nowwhen，thedriftofolddesirerenewing，Warmtidesflownorthwardovervalleyandfield，Whenhalf-forgottensoundandscentarewooingFromtheirdeep-chamberedrecesseslongsealedSuchmemoriesasbreatheoncemoreOfchildhoodandthehappyhuesitwore，Now，withafervorthathasneverbeenInyearsgoneby，itstirsmetorespond，——
NotasaforcewhosefountainsarewithinThefacultiesofthepercipientmind，Subjectwiththemtodarknessanddecay，Butsomethingabsolute，somethingbeyond，OftmetliketenderorbsthatseemtopeerFrompalehorizons，luminousbehindSomefringeoftintedcloudatcloseofday;
Andinthisfloodoftherevivingyear，Whentotheloitererbysylvanstreams，DeepinthosecaresthatmakeYouthloveliest，NatureineverycommonaspectseemsTocommentontheburdeninhisbreast——
Thejoyshecovetsandthedreamshedreams——
OnethenwithallbeneaththeradiantskiesThatlaughswithhimorsighs，Itcoursesthroughthelilac-scentedair，Ablessingonthefields，awondereverywhere。
SpiritofBeauty，whosesweetimpulses，Flungliketheroseofdawnacrossthesea，AlonecanflushtheexaltedconsciousnessWithshaftsofsensibledivinity——
LightoftheWorld，essentialloveliness：
HimwhomtheMusehathmadethyvotaryNotfromherpathsandgentlepreceptureShallvulgarendsengage，norbreakthespellThattaughthimfirsttofeelthysecretcharmsAndo’ertheearth，obedienttotheirlure，Theirsweetsurpriseandendlessmiracle，Tofolloweverwithinsatiatearms。
Onsummerafternoons，Whenfromthebluehorizontotheshore，Castingfaintsilverpathwayslikethemoon’sAcrosstheOcean’sglassy，mottledfloor，FarcloudsupreartheirgleamingbattlementsDrawntothecrestofsomebleakeminence，WhenautumntwilightfadesontheserehillAndautumnwindsarestill;
TowatchtheEastforsomeemergingsign，WintryCapellaorthePleiadesOrthatgreathuntsmanwiththegoldengear;
RavishedinhoursliketheseBeforethyuniversalshrineTofeeltheinvokedpresencehoveringnear，Hestandsenthusiastic。Star-lithoursSpentontheroadsofwanderingsolitudeHavesettheirsoberimpressonhisbrow，Andhe，withharmoniesofwindandwoodAndtorrentandthetreadofmountainshowers，HasmingledmanyadedicativevowThatholdshim，tillthylastdelightbeknown，Boundinthyserviceandinthinealone。
I，too，amongthevisionarythrongWhochoosetofollowwherethypathwayleads，Havesoldmypatrimonyforasong，Anddonnedthesimple，lowlypilgrim’sweeds。
Fromthatfirstimageofbelovedwalls，Deep-boweredinumbrageofancestraltrees，Whereearliestthysweetenchantmentfalls，Tingeingachild’sfantasticreveriesWithradiancesofairitseemstobeOfheavensjustlostthelingeringevidenceFromthatfirstdawnofroseateinfancy，SolongbeneaththytenderinfluenceMybreasthasthrilled。AsoftforonebriefsecondTheveilthroughwhichthoseinfiniteoffersbeckonedHasseemedtotremble，lettingthroughSomeswiftintolerableviewOfvistaspastthesenseofmortalseeing，Sooft，asonewhosestrickeneyesmightseeInfernydellstherusticdeity，Istood，likehim，possessed，andallmybeing，Floodedaninstantwithunwontedlight，Quiveredwithcosmicpassion;whetherthenOnwoodypassorglisteningmountain-heightIwalkedinfellowshipwithwindsandclouds，Whetherincitiesandthethrongsofmen，Acurioussauntererthroughfriendlycrowds，Enamoredoftheglanceinpassingeyes，Unutteredsalutations，mutereplies，——
IneverycharacterwherelightofthineHasshedonearthlythingsthehueofthingsdivineIsoughteternalLoveliness，andseeking，IfevertransportcrossedmybrowbespeakingSuchfireasapropheticheartmightfeelWheresimpleworshipblendsinferventzeal，ItwasthefaiththatonlyloveoftheeNeededinhumanheartsforEarthtoseeSurpassedthevisionpoetshavehelddearOfjoydiffusedinmostcommunionhere;
Thatwhomsoe’erthyvisitationswarmed，Loveroftheeinallthyraysinformed，NeedednodifficulterdisciplineToseekhisrighttohappinesswithinThan，sensibleofNature’sloveliness，ToyieldhimtothegenerousimpulsesBysuchasentimentevoked。Thethought，BrightSpirit，whoseilluminingsIsought，ThatthouuntothyworshippermightbeAnall-sufficientlaw，abodewithme，ImportingsomethingmorethanunsubstantialdreamsTovigilsbyloneshoresandwalksbymurmuringstreams。
Youth’sflowerslikechildhood’sfadeandareforgot。
Fametwinesatardycrownofyellowingleaves。
Howswiftweredisillusion，wereitnotThatthouartsteadfastwhereallelsedeceives！
SolaceandInspiration，PowerdivineThatbysomemysticsympathyofthine，Whenleastitwaitsandmosthathneedofthee，CanstartlethedullspiritsuddenlyWithgrandeurwelledfromunsuspectedsprings，——
Longasthelightoffulgentevenings，WhenfromwarmshowersthepearlyshadesdisbandAndsunsetopenso’erthehumidland，Showsthyveiledimmanenceinorientskies，——
LongaspalemistandopalescentdyesHungonfarisleorvanishingmountain-crest，FieldsofremoteenchantmentcansuggestSosweettowanderinitmattersnought，Theyholdnoplacebutinimpassionedthought，LongasonedraughtfromaclearskymaybeAscentedluxury;
Bethoumyworship，thoumysoledesire，Thypathsmypilgrimage，mysensealyreAeolianforthineeverybreathtostir;
Oftwhenherfull-blownperiodsrecur，Toseethebirthofday’stransparentmoonFarfromcrampedwallsmayfadingafternoonFindmeexpectantonsomerisinglawn;
Oftendepressedindewygrassatdawn，Me，fromsweetslumberunderneathgreenboughs，Erethestarsfleemayforestmatinsrouse，AfootwhenthegreatsuninamberfloodsPourshorizontalthroughthesteamingwoodsAndwindlessfumesfromearlychimneysstartAndmanyacock-crowcheersthetraveller’sheartEagerforaughtthecomingdayaffordInhillsuntoppedandvalleysunexplored。
Givemethewhiteroadintotheworld’sends，Loverofroadsidehazard，roadsidefriends，LoitereroftbyuplandfarmstogazeOnampleprospects，lostinglimmeringhazeAtnoon，orwheredownodorousdalestwilit，Filledwithlowthunderingofthemountainstream，OvertheplainwhereblueseasborderitThetorridcoast-townsgleam。
Ihavefaredtoofartoturnbacknow;mybreastBurnswiththelustforsplendorsunrevealed，Starsofmidsummer，cloudsoutofthewest，Pallidhorizons，windsthatvalleyandfieldLadenwithjoy，beyemyrefugestill！
Whatthoughdistressandpovertyassail！
Thoughothervoiceschide，yoursneverwill。
Thegraceofablueskycanneverfail。
Powersthatmychildhoodwithaspellsosweet，Myyouthwithvisionsofsuchglorynursed，Yehavebeheld，noreverseenmyfeetOnanyventureset，but’twasthethirstForBeautywilledthem，yea，whateverbeThefaultsIwantedwingstoriseabove;
IamcheeredyettothinkhowsteadfastlyIhavebeenloyaltotheloveofLove！
TheDesertedGardenIknowavillageinafar-offlandWherefromasunny，mountain-girdledplainWithtintedwallsaspaceoneitherhandAndfedbymanyanolive-darkenedlaneThehigh-roadmounts，andthenceasilverbandThroughvineyardslopesaboveandrollinggrain，WindsofftothatdimcorneroftheskiesWherebehindsunsethillsastatelycitylies。
Here，amongtreeswhoseoverhangingshadeStrewspetalsonthelittledrovesbelow，PatteringtownwardinthemorningweighedWithgreensfrommanyanuplandgarden-row，Runsanoldwall;longcenturieshavefrayedItsscallopededge，andpasserstoandfroHeardneverfrombeyonditscrumblingheightSweetlaughterringatnoonorplaintivesongatnight。
ButherewherelittlelizardsbaskandblinkThetendrilsofthetrumpet-vinehaverun，AtwhoseredbellsthehummingbirdtodrinkStopsoftbeforehisgardenfeastisdone;
Androse-geraniums，withthattenderpinkThatcloud-banksborrowfromthesettingsun，Havecoveredpartofthisoldwall，entwinedWithfairplumbago，blueaseveningheavensbehind。
AndcrowningotherpartsthewildwhiteroseRivalsthehoney-sucklewiththebees。
AbovetheoldabandonedorchardshowsAndallwithinbeneaththedense-settrees，Tallandluxurianttherankgrassgrows，ThatsettledinitswavydepthoneseesGrassmeltinleaves，themossytrunksbetween，Downfadingavenuesofimplicatedgreen;
WhereinnolackofflowerstheverdurousnightWithstarsandpearlynebulao’erlay;
Azalea-boughshalfrosyandhalfwhiteShinethroughthegreenandclusteringapple-spray，Suchasthefairy-queenbeforeherknightWavedinoldstory，luringhimawayWhereroundlostislesHesperianbillowsbreakOrtowersloomupbeneaththeclear，translucentlake;
Andunderthedeepgrassbluehare-bellshide，Andmyrtleplotswithdew-falleverwet，Gaytiger-liliesflammulateandpied，Sometimeonpathwaybordersneatlyset，Nowblossomthroughthebrakeoneitherside，Whereheliotropeandweedymignonette，Withvinesinbloomandflower-bearingtrees，Mingletheirincensealltoswelltheperfumedbreeze，ThatsprunglikeHermesfromhisnatalcaveInsomebluerampartofthecurvingWest，Comesupthevalleyswheregreencornfieldswave，Ravelsthecloudaboutthemountaincrest，BreathesonthelaketillgentleripplespaveItsplacidfloor;atlengthalong-lovedguest，Hestealsacrossthisplotofpleasantground，Wakingthevocalleavestoasweetvernalsound。
HeremanyadayrightgladlyhaveIsped，Contentamidthewavyplumestolie，AndthroughthewovenbranchesoverheadWatchthewhite，ever-wanderingcloudsgoby，AndsoaringbirdsmaketheirdissolvingbedFarintheazuredepthsofsummersky，Ornearerthatsmallhuntsmanoftheair，Thefly-catcher，dartnimblyfromhisleafylair;
PillowedateasetohearthemerrytuneOfmatingwarblersintheboughsaboveAndshrillcicadaswhomthehottestnoonKeepsnotfromdrowsysong;themourningdovePoursdownthemurmuringgrovehisplaintivecroonThatlikethevoiceofvisionaryloveOfthaveIrisentoseekthroughthisgreenmaze（Evenasmyfeetthreadnowthegreatworld’sgarden-ways）;
And，partingtangledbushesasIpassedDownbeechenalleysbeautifulanddim，Perhapsbysomedeep-shadedpoolatlastMyfeetwouldpause，wheregoldfishpoiseandswim，Andsnowycallas’velvetcupsaremassedAroundthemossy，fern-encircledbrim。
Here，then，thatmagicsummoningwouldcease，Orsoundfaroffagainamongtheorchardtrees。
AndherewheretheblanchedliliesofthevaleAndvioletsandyellowstar-flowersteem，AndpinkandpurplehyacinthsexhaleTheirheavyfume，oncemoretodrowseanddreamMyheadwouldsink，frommanyanoldentaleDrawingimagination’sfervidtheme，OrhaplypeoplingthisenchantingspotOnlywithfaircreationsoffantasticthought。
ForoftIthink，inyearslongsincegoneby，ThatgentleheartsdwelthereandgentlehandsStoredallthisboweryblisstobeautifyTheparadiseofsomeunsungromance;
Here，safefromallexceptthelovedone’seye，’Tissweettothinkwhitelimbswerewonttoglance，WellpleasedtowantonliketheflowersandshareTheirsimplelovelinesswiththeenamoredair。
ThricedeartothemwhosevotivefingersdeckedThealtarsofFirstLovewerethesegreenways，——
TheselawnsandverdurousbrakesforeverfleckedWiththewarmsunshineofmidsummerdays;
OftwherethelongstraightalliesintersectAndmarbleseatssurroundtheopenspace，Whereatiledpoolandsculpturedfountainstand，HathEveningfoundthemseated，silent，handinhand。
Whentwilightdeepened，inthegatheringshadeBeneaththatoldtitaniccypressrow，WhosesombrevaultandtoweringcolonnadeDwarfedtheenfoldedformsthatmovedbelow，Oftwithclosestepsthesehappyloversstrayed，TilldownitsdarkeningaislethesunsetglowGrewlessandpatterningthegardenfloorFaintflakesoffilteringmoonlightmantledmoreandmore。
AndthestrangetempestthatatouchimpartsThroughthemidfibreofthemoltenframe，WhenthesweetfleshinearlyyouthassertsItsheydayverveandlittlehintsenflame，Disturbedthemastheywalked;fromtheirfullheartsWelledthesoftword，andmanyatendernameStroveontheirlipsasbreasttobreasttheystrainedAndthedeepjoytheydrankseemednever，neverdrained。
Love’ssoulthatisthedepthofstarryskiesSetinthesplendorofoneupturnedfaceTobeamadorablythroughhalf-closedeyes;
Love’sbodywherethebreadthofsummerdaysAndallthebeautyearthandaircompriseCometothecompassofanarm’sembrace，ToburnamomentonimpassionedlipsAndyieldintemperatejoytoquiveringfinger-tips，Theyknew;andherewheremorning-gloriesclingRoundcarvenformsofcarefullestartifice，TheymadeabowerwhereeveryoutwardthingShouldcommentonthecauseoftheirownbliss;
WithflowersofliveliesthueencompassingThatflowerthatthebelovedbodyis——
ThatrosethatforthebanquetofLove’sbeeHasbuddedalltheaeonsofpasteternity。
Buttheirchoiceseatwaswherethegardenwall，Crowningalittlesummit，farandnear，LooksovertuftedtreetopsontoallThepleasantoutercountry;risinghereFromrustlingfoliagewherecuckooscallOnsummerevenings，standsabelvedere，Buff-hued，ofantiqueplaster，overrunWithfloweringvinesandweatherwornbyrainandsun。
StillroundtheturretsofthisantiquetowerThebougainvilleahangsacrimsoncrown，Wistaria-vinesandclematisinflower，Wreathingthelowersurfacefurtherdown，HidetheoldplasterinaveryshowerOfmotleyblossomslikeabroideredgown。
Outside，ascendingfromthegardengrove，Acrumblingstairwaywindstotheoneroomabove。
AndwhosomountsbythisdismantledstairFindstheoldpleasure-hall，longdisarrayed，Brick-tiledandraftered，andthewallsfoursquareRingedallaboutwithatwofoldarcade。
BackwarddensebranchesintercepttheglareOfafternoonwitheucalyptusshade;
Eastwardthelevelvalley-plainsexpand，Sweetasaqueen’ssurveyofherownFairyland。
Forthroughthatframetheiviedarchesmake，Widetractsofsunnymidlandcharmtheeye，Frequentwithhamlet，grove，andlucentlakeWherethebluehills’invertedcontourslie;
FartotheeastwherebillowymountainsbreakInsurfofsnowagainstasapphiresky，Hugethunderheadsloomupbehindtheranges，Changingfromgoldtopinkasdeepeningsunsetchanges;
AndoverplainandfarsierraspreadThefulgentraysoffadingafternoon，ShowingeachutmostpeakandwatershedAllclarified，eachtasselandfestoonOffloatingcloudembroideredoverhead，Likelotus-leavesonbluestwatersstrewn，Flushingwithrose，whileallbreathesfreshandfreeInpeaceandamplitudeandblandtranquillity。
Dearweresucheveningstothisgentlepair;
Love’stidethatlaunchedonwithablasttoostrongSweepstowardthefoamingreef，thehiddensnare，Bafflingwithfondillusion’ssiren-song，Toofaint，onidleshoals，tolingerthereFarfromYouth’sglowingdream，borethemalong，WithpurplesailandsteeredbyseraphhandsToislesresplendentinthesunsetofromance。
Andoutofthisoldhouseafloweryfane，Abridalbower，apearlypleasure-dome，Theybuilt，andfurnisheditwithgoldandgrain，Andbadeallspiritsofbeautyhithercome，AndwingedLovetoenterwithhistrainAndblesstheirpillow，andinthishishomeMakethemhispriestsasHerowasofyoreInhersweetgirlhoodbytheblueDardanianshore。
Tree-ferns，therefore，andpottedpalmstheybrought，Tripodsandurnsinrareandcurioustaste，PolychromechestsandcabinetsinwroughtWithpearlandivoryetchedandinterlaced;
Pendantbrocadeswithmassivebraidwerecaught，Andchain-slung，orientallampssoplacedTolighttheloungeronsomelowdivan，SunkeninswellingdownandsilksfromHindustan。
Andtherewasspread，upontheamplefloors，WorkoftheLevantine’slaboriousloom，SuchasbyEuxineorIonianshoresCarpetsthedimseraglio’sscentedgloom。
Eachmornrenewed，thegarden’sflowerystoresBlushedinfairvases，ochreandpeach-bloom，AndlittlebirdsthroughwickerdoorsleftwideFlewintotrillaspacefromthegreenworldoutside。
Andtherewasmanyadaintyattitude，Bronzeandeburnean。Allbutdisarrayed，HereineternaldoubtsweetPsychestoodFainofthebath’sdelight，yetstillafraidLestaughtinthatpalatialsolitudeLurkedofmostmenacetoahelplessmaid。
Thereforeforeverfalteringshestands，Noryetthelastloosefoldslipsripplingfromherhands。
Closebyuponaberylcolumn，cladInthefreshflowerofadolescentgrace，TheysetthedearBithynianshepherdlad，ThenudeAntinous。Thatgentleface，Foreverbeautiful，foreversad，Showsbutoneaspect，moon-like，toourgaze，YetFancypictureshowthoselipscouldsmileAtrevelriesinRome，andbanquetsontheNile。
AndtherewereshapesofBeautymyriadsmore，Clusteringtheirrosybridalbedaround，WhosescentedbreadthasilkenfabricworeBroideredwithpeacockhuesoncreamiestground，FittohavegracedthebargethatCydnusboreOrVenus’bedinherenchantedmound，WhilepillowsswelledinstuffsofOrientdyes，AllbroideredwithstrangefruitsandbirdsofParadise。
’TwassuchabowerasYouthhasvisionsof，Thitherwithonefairspirittoretire，Lieuponrose-leaves，sleepandwakewithLoveAndfeastonkissestotheheart’sdesire;
Wherebyacasementopeningonagrove，Widetothewood-windsandthesweetbirds’choir，Agirlmightstandandgazeintogreenboughs，LikeCredheatthewindowofhergoldenhouse。
OrmostlikeVivien，theenchantingfay，Wherewithherfriend，inthestrangetowertheyplanned，Sheliesanddreamseternityaway，AbovethetreetopsinBroceliande，SometimesattwilightwhenthewoodsaregrayAndwolf-packshowlfaroutacrossthelande，Wakingtolove，whileupbehindthetreesThelargemidsummermoonlifts——evensolovedthese。
Forhere，theirpleasurewastocomeandsitOftwhenthesunslopedmidwaytothewest，WatchingwithsweetenjoymentinterknitThelonglightslantacrossthegreenearth’sbreast，Andcloudsupontherangesopposite，Rolledupintoagleamingthundercrest，Toppleandbreakandfallinpurplerain，Andmistofsummershowerstrailoutacrosstheplain。
Whereontheshaftsofardentlight，far-flungAcrosstheluminousazureoverhead，OfttimesinarcsoftransientbeautyhungThefragmentaryrainbow’sgreenandred。
Joyitwasheretoloveandtobeyoung，Towatchthesunsinktohiswesternbed，AndstreamingbackoutoftheirflamingcoreThevesperalaurora’sgloriousbannerssoar。
Tingingeachaltitudeofheaveninturn，Thosefieryrayswouldsweep。ThecumuliThatpeepedabovethemountain-topswouldburnCarmineaspace;thecirrus-whorlsonhigh，Moredelicatethanspraysofmaidenfern，Streakwithpalerosethepeacock-breastedsky，Thenblanch。Aswater-liliesfoldatnight，Sankbackintothemselvesthoseplumesoffervidlight。
Andtheywouldwatchthefirstfaintstarsappear，TheblueEastblendwiththebluehillsbelow，AsloverswhentheirshudderingblissdrawsnearIntoonepulseoffluidrapturegrow。
NewfragranceonthefresheningatmosphereWouldstealwithevening，andthesunsetglowDrawdeeperdownintothewondrouswestRoundvalesofProserpineandislandsoftheblest。
Soduskwouldcomeandminglelakeandshore，Thesnow-peaksfadetofrostyopaline，Topearlthedomedcloudsthemountainsbore，Wherelatethesun’seffulgentfirehadbeen——
ShowingasdarknessdeepenedmoreandmoreTheincandescentlightningsflarewithin，AndNightthatfurlsthelilyintheglenAndtwinesimpatientarmswouldfall，andthen——andthen……
Sometimesthepeasant，cominglatefromtownWithemptypanniersonhislittledrovePasttheoldlookoutwhentheNorthernCrownGlitteredwithCygnusthroughthescentedgrove，Wouldhearsoftnoiseoflute-stringswafteddownAndvoicessingingthroughtheleavesaboveThosesongsthatwellfromthewarmheartthatwoosAtbalconiesinMeridaorVeraCruz。
Andhewouldpauseunderthegardenwall，Caughtinthespellofthatvoluptuousstrain，WithallthesultrySouthinit，andallItsimportunityofloveandpain;
AndhewouldwaittillthelastpassionatefallDiedonthenight，andallwasstillagain，——
Thentohisuplandvillagewanderhome，Marvellingwhencethatfloodofelfinsongmightcome。
OlyrethatLove’swhiteholyhandscaress，Youth，fromthybosomwelledtheirpassionatelays——
SweetopportunityforhappinessSobrief，sopassingbeautiful——Odays，Whentotheheart’sdivineindulgencesAllearthinsmilingministrationpays——
Thinewasthesourcewhoseplenitude，pastover，Whatprizeshallresttopluck，whatsecrettodiscover！
ThewakeofcolorthatfollowsherwhenMayWalksonthehillsloose-hairedanddaisy-crowned，Thedeephorizonsofasummer’sday，Faircities，andthepleasuresthataboundWheremusiccalls，andcrowdsinbrightarrayGatherbynighttofindandtobefound;
WhatweretheseworthoralldelightfulthingsWithoutthineeyestoreadtheirtrueinterpretings！
Fortheethemountainsopengloriousgates，Totheewhitearmsputoutfromorientskies，Earth，likeajewelledbrideforoneshewaits，Decksbuttobedeliciousinthineeyes，Thouguestofhonorforoneday，whosefetesEternityhastravailedtodevise;
Ah，gracethemwellinthebriefhourtheylast！
Another’sturnprepares，anotherfollowsfast。
YetnotwithoutonefondmemorialLetmysunsetwhofoundtheworldsofair！
Frailverse，whenTimethesinger’scoronalHasrent，andstrippedtherose-leavesfromhishair，Bethoumytabletonthetemplewall！
Amongthepioustestimonialsthere，WitnesshowsweetlyonmyheartaswellThemiraclesofdawnandstarryeveningfell！
Speakofonethenwhohadthelusttofeel，And，fromthehuesthatfarhorizonstake，Andcloudandsunset，drankthewildappeal，Toodeeptoliveforaughtbutlife’ssweetsake，WhoseonlymotivewasthewilltokneelWhereBeauty’spurestbenedictionspake，WhoonlycovetedwhatgroveandfieldAndsunshineandgreenEarthandtenderarmscouldyield——
Anympholept，throughpleasantdaysanddrearSeekinghisfaultlessadolescentdream，ApilgrimdownthepathsthatdisappearInmistandrainbowsontheworld’sextreme，AhelplessvoyagerwhoalltoonearThemouthofLife’sfairflower-borderedstream，ClutchedatLove’ssinglerespiteinhisneedMorethanthedrowningswimmerclutchesatareed——
ThatcomingonewhosefeetinotherdaysShallbleedlikemineforeverhaving，moreThananypurpose，felttheneedtopraiseAndseektheangelicimagetoadore，InlovewithLove，itswonderful，sweetwaysCountingwhatmostmakeslifeworthlivingfor，ThatsosomerelicmaybehistoseeHowIlovedthesethingstooandtheyweredeartome。
IsometimesthinkaconscioushappinessMantlesthroughalltherose’ssentientvineWhensummerwindswithmyriadcalycesOfbloomitsclamberingheightincarnadine;
Isometimesthinkthatcleavinglips，noless，AndlimbsthatcrowneddesiresatlengthentwineArenervesthroughwhichthatbeingdrinksdelight，WhoseframeisthegreenEarthrobedroundwithdayandnight。
Andsuchweretheirs：thetravellerwithout，Pausingatnightundertheorchardtrees，Wonderedandcrossedhimselfinholydoubt，ForthroughtheirsongandinthemurmuringbreezeItseemedangelicchoirswereallaboutMinglinginuniversalharmonies，Asthough，responsivetothechordstheywoke，AllNatureintosweetepithalamiumbroke。
Andstilltheythinkaspirithauntstheplace：
’Tissaid，whenNighthasdrawnherjewelledpallAndthroughthebranchestwinklingfirefliestraceTheirmimicconstellations，ifitfallThatoneshouldseethemoonrisethroughthelaceOfblossomyboughsabovethegardenwall，ThatsurelywouldhetakegreatillthereofAndfamishinafitofunexpressivelove。
ButthisIknownot，forwhattimethewainWasloosenedandthelily’spetalfurled，ThenIwouldrise，climbtheoldwallagain，Andpausinglookforthonthesundownworld，Scanthewidereachesofthewondrousplain，Thehamletsiteswheresettlingsmokelaycurled，Thepoplar-borderedroads，andfarawayFairsnowpeakscoloredwiththesun’slastray。
Wavesoffaintsoundwouldpulsatefromafar——
Faintsongandpreludesofthesummernight;
DeepinthecloudlesswesttheeveningstarHung’twixttheorangeandtheemeraldlight;
FromthedarkvalewhereshadescrepuscularDimmedtheoldgrove-girtbelfryglimmeringwhite，Throbbing，asgentlestbreezesroseorfell，Camethesweetinvocationoftheeveningbell。
TheTortureofCuauhtemocTheirstrengthhadfedonthiswhenDeath’swhitearmsCamesleevedinvaporsandmiasmaldew，Curlingacrossthejungle’sfernyfloor，Beckingeachfeveredbrain。Onbleakdivides，WhereSleepgrewniggardlyfornippingcoldThattwingedbluelipsintoamouthedcurse，NotbacktoSevilleanditssunnyplainsWingedtheirbrief-bidingdreams，butonceagain，LordsofapalaceinTenochtitlan，TheyguardedMontezuma’streasure-hoard。
Gold，likesomefinnyharvestofthesea，Pouredoutkneedeeparoundtheriftedfloors，Shinyandsparkling，——armsandcrownsandrings：
Gold，sweettotoywithasbelovedhair，——
Toplungethelustful，crawlingfingersdown，Armselbowdeep，anddrawthemoutagain，Andwatchtheglintingmetaltrickleoff，Evenasatnightsomefisherman，homeboundWithspeckledcargoinhishollowkeelCaughtoffCampecheortheIsleofPines，Dipsinhispaddle，liftsitforthagain，AndlaughstoseetheluminouswhitedropsFallbackinflakesoffire……GoldwasthedreamThatcheeredthatdesperateenterprise。Andnow？……
VictorywaitedonthearmsofSpain，Fallenwasthelovelycitybythelake，ThesunnyVeniceofthewesternworld;
Theremanycorpses，rottinginthewind，Pokedupstifflimbs，butintheleprousragsNojewelcaughtthesun，notawnychainGleamed，asthepryinghalberdsrakedthemo’er。
Pillagethatranred-handedthroughthestreetsCamerailinghomeateveningempty-palmed;
Andthey，onthatsadnightatwelvemonthgone，Who，ouncebyounce，dearastheirownlife’sbloodRetreating，castthecumbrousloadaway：
They，whenbrownfoemenloppedthebridgesdown，WhotippedthongedchestsintothestreambelowAndoverwealththatmighthaveransomedkingsPassedontosafety;——cheated，guerdonless——
Found（throughtheirfingersthebrightbootyslipped）
Acitynaked，ofthatgoldendreamShorninonemomentlikeasunsetsky。
DeepinachamberthatnocheerfulrayPurgedofdampair，whereinunbrokennightBlackscorpionsnestedinthesootybeams，Helplessandmanacledtheyledhimdown——
Cuauhtemotzin——andotherlordsbeside——
Allchieftainsofthepeople，heroesall——
AndstrippedtheirfeatheredrobesandboundthemthereOnshortstonesettlesslopingtothehead，Butwherethefeetprojected，underneathHeapedtheredcoals。Theirswarthyfrontsillumed，ThebeardedSpaniards，helmedandhaubergeoned，Pacedupanddownbeneaththeluridvault。
Somekneelingfannedtheglowingbraziers;someStoodatthesufferers’headsandallthewhileHissedintheirears：\"Thegold……thegold……thegold。
Wherehaveyehiddenit——thechestedgold？
Speak——andthetormentscease！\"
Theyanswerednot。
PastthoseproudlipswhosekeytheirsovereignclaimedNoaccentfelltochideortobetray，OnlyitchancedthatboundbesidethekingLayonewhomNature，morethanothermenFramingfordelicateandperfumedease，Notyet，alongthehappywaysofYouth，HadweanedfromgentleusagessofarToteachthatfortitudethatwarriorsfeelAndgloryintheproof。Heanswerednot，Butwrithingwithintolerablepain，Convulsedineverylimb，andallhisfaceWroughttodistortionwiththeagony，Turnedonhislordalookofwildappeal，Thesecrethalfatrembleonhislips，Lividandquivering，thatwaitedyetForleave——forleavetoutterit——onesign——
Oneword——onelittleword——toeasehispain。
Asonereclininginthebanquethall，Proppedonanelbow，garlandedwithflowers，SawlustandgreedandboisterousrevelrySurgeroundhimonthetidesofwine，buthe，Staunchintheethicofanantiqueschool——
StoicorCynicorofPyrrho’smind——
Withsteadyeyessurveyedtheunbridledscene，Himselfimpassive，silent，self-contained：
SosattheIndianprince，withbrowunblanched，Amidthetorturedandthetorturers。
Hewhohadseenhishopesmadedesolate，Hisrealmdespoiled，hisearlycrowndeprivedhim，AndwatchedwhilePestilenceandFaminepiledHisstrickenpeopleintheirreekingdoors，WhenceglassyeyeslookedoutandleanbrownarmsStretcheduptogreethiminonelastfarewellAsbackandforthhepacedalongthestreetsWithwordsofhopelesscomfort——whatwasthisThatoneshouldweakennow？Heweakenednot。
Whate’erwasinhisheart，heneitherdealtInpitynorinscorn，but，turninground，Metthatrackedvisagewithhisownunmoved，Bentonthesuffererhismildcalmeyes，Andwhilethepangssmotesharper，inavoice，AswhowouldspeaknotallingentlenessNoralldisdain，said：\"Yes！Andam-I-thenUponabedofroses？\"
Stungwithshame——
Shamebittererthanhisanguish——tobetraySuchcowardicebeforethemanheloved，Andmeritsuchrebuke，theboygrewcalm;
Andstilledhisstrugglinglimbsandmoaningcries，Andshookawayhistears，andstrovetosmile，Andturnedhisfaceagainstthewall——anddied。
TheNympholeptTherewasaboy——notabovechildishfears——
Withstepsthatfalterednowandstrainingears，Timid，irresolute，yetdauntlessstill，Whoonebrightdawn，wheneachremotesthillStoodsharpandclearinHeaven’suncloudedblueAndallEarthshimmeredwithfresh-beadeddew，Riseninthefirstbeamsofthegladdeningsun，Walkedupintothemountains。OnebyoneEachtoweringtrunkbeneathhissturdystrideFellback，andeverwiderandmorewideTheboundlessprospectopened。Longhestrayed，FromdawntillthelasttraceofslantingshadeHadvanishedfromthecanyons，and，dismayedAtthatfarlengthtowhichhispathhadled，Hepaused——atsuchaheightwhereoverheadThecloudshungclose，theaircamethinandchill，Andallwashushedandcalmandverystill，Save，fromabysmalgorges，wherethesoundOftumblingwatersrose，andallaroundThepines，bythosekeenuppercurrentsblown，Mutteredinmultitudinousmonotone。
Here，withthewindinlovelylockslaidbare，Witharmsoftraisedindedicativeprayer，Lostinmuteraptureandadoringwonder，Hestood，tillthefarnoiseofnoontidethunder，RolleddownuponthemuffledharmoniesOfwindandwaterfallandwhisperingtrees，Madelonelinessmorelone。SomePanicfearWouldseizehimthen，astheywhoseemedtohearInTracianvalleysorThessalianwoodsThegod’shallooingwaketheleafysolitudes;
Ithinkitwasthesame：somepiercingsenseOfDeity’spervasiveimmanence，TheLifethatvisibleNaturedothindwellGrowngreatandnearandallbutpalpable……
Hemightnotlinger，butwithwingedstridesLikeonepursued，fleddownthemountain-sides——
Downthelongridgethatedgedthesteepravine，Bygladeandflowerylawnanduplandgreen，AndneverpausednorfeltassuredagainButwherethegrassyfoothillsopened。Then，WhileshadowslengthenedontheplainbelowAndthesunvanishedandthesunset-glowLookedbackupontheworldwithfervideyeThroughthebarredwindowsofthewesternsky，Homewardhefared，whilemanyalookbehindShowedtherecedingrangesdim-outlined，Highlandandhollowwherehispathhadlain，Veiledindeeppurpleofthemountainrain。
TheWandererToseethecloudshisspirityearnedtowardsoOvernewmountainspiledandunploughedwaves，Backofold-storiedspiresandarchitravesTowatchArcturusriseorFomalhaut，Androusedbystreet-criesinstrangetongueswhendayFloodedwithgoldsomedomedmetropolis，BetweennewtowerstowakenandnewblissSpreadonhispillowinawondrousway：
Thesewerehisjoys。Oftunderbulgingcrates，Comingtomarketwithhismorningload，ThepeasantfoundhimearlyonhisroadTogreetthesunriseatthecity-gates，——
Therewherethemeadowswakeninitsrays，Goldenwithmist，andthegreatroadscommence，Andbackward，wherethechimney-topsaredense，Cathedral-archesglimmerthroughthehaze。
Whitedunesthatbreakingshowastripofsea，Aplowmanandhisteamagainsttheblue，Swisspasturesmusicalwithcowbells，too，Andpoplar-linedcanalsinPicardie，Andcoast-townswherethevulturesbackandforthSailinthecleardepthsofthetropicsky，AndswallowsinthesunsetwheretheyflyOvergrayGothiccitiesinthenorth，Andthewine-cellarandthechorusthere，Thedance-hallandafaceamongthecrowd，——
WerealldelightsthatmadehimsingaloudForjoytosojourninaworldsofair。
BackofhisfootstepsashejourneyedfellRangeafterrange;aheadbluehillsemerged。
BeforehimtirelesstoapplauditsurgedThesweetinterminablespectacle。
AndlikethewestbehindasundownseaShonethepastjoyshismemoryretraced，AndbrightastheblueeasthealwaysfacedBeckonedthelovesandjoysthatweretobe。
FromeverybranchablossomforhisbrowHegathered，singingdownLife’sflower-linedroad，AndyouthimpelledhisspiritashestrodeLikewingedVictoryonthegalley’sprow。
ThatLovelinesswhosebeingsunandstar，GreenEarthanddawnandambereveningrobe，ThatlampwhereoftheopalescentglobeTheseason’semulativesplendorsare，ThatveileddivinitywhosebeamstranspireFromeveryporeofuniversalspace，Asthefairsoulillumesthelovelyface——
Thatwashisguest，hispassion，hisdesire。
HishearttheloveofBeautyheldashidesOnegemmostpureacasketofpuregold。
Itwastoorichalesserthingtohold;
Itwasnotlargeenoughforaughtbesides。
TheNeedtoLoveTheneedtolovethatallthestarsobeyEnteredmyheartandbanishedallbeside。
BarewerethegardenswhereIusedtostray;
Fadedtheflowersthatonetimesatisfied。
Beforethebeautyofthewestonfire，Themoonlithillsfromcloister-casementsviewed，Cloud-likearosetheimageofdesire，Andcastoutpeaceandmaddenedsolitude。
IsoughttheCityandthehopesitheld：
Withsmokeandbroodingvaporsintercurled，Asthethickroofsandwallsclose-paralleledShutoutthefairhorizonsoftheworld——
Atruantfromthefieldsandrusticjoy，InmychangedthoughtthatimageevensoShutoutthegodsIworshippedasaboyAndallthepuredelightsIusedtoknow。
OftentheveilhastrembledatsometideOflovelyreminiscenceandrevealedHowmuchofbeautyNatureholdsbesideSweetlipsthatsacrificeandarmsthatyield：
Clouds，window-framed，beyondthehuddledeavesWhensummercumulatestheirgoldenchains，Orfromtheparksthesmellofburningleaves，Fragrantofchildhoodinthecountrylanes，Anorgan-grinder’smelancholytuneInrainystreets，orfromanatticsillTheblueskiesofawindyafternoonWhereourkitesclimbedoncefromsomegrassyhill：
AndmysouloncemorewouldbewrappedentireInthepurepeaceandblessingofthoseyearsBeforethefierceinfectionofDesireHadravagedalltheflesh。ThroughstartingtearsShonethatlostParadise;but，ifitdid，Againerelongtheprison-shadeswouldfallThatYouthcondemnsitselftowalkamid，Sonarrow，butsobeautifulwithal。
AndIhavefollowedFamewithlessdevotion，AndkeptnorealambitionbuttoseeRisefromthefoamofNature’ssunlitoceanMydreamofpalpabledivinity;
AndaughttheworldcontendsfortomineeyeSeemednotsorealameaningofsuccessAsonlyoncetoclaspbeforeIdieMyvisionofembodiedhappiness。
ElExtraviadoOvertheradiantridgesborneoutontheoffshorewind，IhavesailedasabutterflysailswhoseprimingwingsunfurledLeavethefamiliargardensandvisitedfieldsbehindTofollowacloudintheeastrose-flushedontherimoftheworld。
IhavestrayedfromthetroddenhighwayforwalkingwithupturnedeyesOnthewayofthewindinthetreetops，andthedriftofthetintedrack。
ForthewilltobelosingnowonderofsunnyorstarlitskiesIhavechosenthesodformypillowandathreadbarecoatformyback。
Eveningofamplehorizons，opaline，delicate，pure，Shadowofcloudsongreenvalleys，trailedovermeadowsandtrees，CitiesofardentadventurewheretheharvestsofJoymature，Forestswhosemurmuringvoicesareamorousprophecies，Worldofromanceandprofusion，stillroundmyjourneyspreadTheglamours，theglints，theenthralments，thenurtureofonewhosefeetFromhoursunblessedbybeautynorlightedbylovehavefledAstheshadeofthetombonhispathwayandthescentofthewinding-sheet。
InevercouldrestfromrovingnorputfrommyheartthisneedTobeseeinghowlovablyNatureinflowerandfacehathwrought，——
InflowerandmeadowandmountainandheavenwherethewhitecloudsbreedAndthecunningofsilkenmesheswheretheheart’sdesireliescaught。
Overtheazureexpanses，ontheoffshorebreezesborne，Ihavesailedasabutterflysails，norreckedwheretheimpulseled，Sufficedwiththesunshineandfreedom，thewarmthandthesummermorn，Theinfiniteglorysurrounding，theinfiniteblueahead。
LaNueOftwhensweetmusicundulatedround，LikethefullmoonoutofaperfumedseaThineimagefromthewavesofblissfulsoundRoseandthysuddenlightilluminedme。
Andinthecountry，leafandflowerandairWouldalterandtheeternalshapeemerge;
Becausetheyspokeoftheethefieldsseemedfair，AndJoytowaitatthehorizon’sverge。
Thelittlecloud-gapsintheeastthatfilledGrayafternoonswithbitsoftenderestblueWerewindowsinapalacepearly-silledThatthyvoluptuoustraitscameglimmeringthrough。
Andinthecity，dominantdesireForwhichmentoilwithinitsprison-bars，IwatchedthywhitefeetmovinginthemireAndthywhiteforeheadhidamongthestars。
Mystical，feminine，provoking，nude，Radianttherewithrosyarmsoutspread，Sumoffulfillment，sovereignattitude，Sensualwithlaughinglipsandthrown-backhead，Drapedintherainbowonthesummerhills，Hiddeninsea-mistdownthehotcoast-line，Couchedonthecloudsthatfierysunsetfills，Blessed，remote，impersonal，divine;
Thegoldallcolorandgracearefoldedo’er，Thewarmthallbeautyandtendernessembower，——
ThouquiverestatNature’sperfumedcore，Thepistilofamyriad-petalledflower。
Roundtheerevolves，illimitablywide，Theworld’sdesire，asstarsaroundtheirpole。
RoundtheeallearthlylovelinessbesideIsbuttheradiate，infiniteaureole。
Thouartthepoemonthecosmicpage——
Inrubricwrittenonitsgoldenground——
ThatNaturepaintsherflowersandfoliageAndrich-illuminedcommentaryround。
Thouarttherosethattheworld’ssmilesandtearsHoveraboutlikebutterfliesandbees。
ThouartthethemethemusicofthespheresEchoesinendless，variantharmonies。
Thouarttheidolinthealtar-nicheFacedbyLove’scongregatedworshippers，ThouarttheholysacramentroundwhichThevastcathedralistheuniverse。
Thouartthesecretinthecrystalwhere，ForthelastlightuponthemysteryMan，Inhislonetowerandultimatedespair，Searchedthegray-beardedZoroastrian。
Andsoftandwarmasinthemagicsphere，Deep-orbedasinitserubescentfire，Soinmyheartthineimagewouldappear，Curledroundwiththeredflamesofmydesire。
AllThat’sNotLove……
Allthat’snotloveisthedearthofmydays，Theleavesofthevolumewithrubricunwrit，Thetempleintimeswithoutprayer，withoutpraise，Thealtarunsetandthecandleunlit。
LetmesurvivenotthelovableswayOfearlydesire，norseewhenitgoesThecourtsofLife’sabbeyinivieddecay，Whencesometimesweetanthemsandincensearose。
ThedelicatehuesofitssevenfoldringsTherainbowoutlivesnot;theiryellowandblueThebutterflyseesnotdissolvefromhiswings，Butevenwiththeirbeautylifefadesfromthemtoo。
NomorewouldIlingerpastLove’sardentboundsNorliveforaughtelsebutthejoythatitcraves，That，burdenandessenceofallthatsurrounds，Isthesonginthewindandthesmileonthewaves。
ParisI
First，London，foritsmyriads;foritsheight，Manhattanheapedintoweringstalagmite;
ButParisforthesmoothnessofthepathsThatleadtheheartuntotheheart’sdelight……
FairloitereronthethresholdofthosedaysWhenthere’snolovelierprizetheworlddisplaysThan，havingbeautyandyourtwentyyears，Youhavethemeanstoconquerandtheways，AndcomingwherethecrossroadsseparateAnddowneachvistagloriesandwonderswait，CrowningeachpathwithpinnaclessofairYouknownotwhichtochoose，andhesitate——
Oh，gotoParis……InthemiddaygloomOfsomeoldquartertakealittleroomThatlooksoffoverParisanditstowersFromSaintGervaisroundtotheEmperor’sTomb，——
SohighthatyoucanhearamatingdoveCroondownthechimneyfromtheroofabove，SeeNotreDameandknowhowsweetitisTowakebetweenOurLadyandourlove。
AndhavealittlebalconytobringFairplantstofillwithverdureandblossoming，Thatsparrowsseek，tofeedfromprettyhands，AndswallowscircleoverintheSpring。
ThereofaneveningyoushallsitateaseInthesweetmonthoffloweringchestnut-trees，Therewithyourlittledarlinginyourarms，Yourprettydark-eyedManonorLouise。
AndlookingoutoverthedomesandtowersThatchimethefleetingquartersandthehours，WhilethebrightcloudsbankedeastwardbackofthemBlushinthesunset，pinkashawthornflowers，Youcannotfailtothink，asIhavedone，Someoflife’sendsattained，soyoubeoneWhomeasureslife’sattainmentbythehoursThatJoyhasrescuedfromoblivion。
II
Comeoutintotheeveningstreets。Thegreenlightlessensinthewest。
Thecitylaughsandliveliestherfervidpulseofpleasurebeats。
ThebelfryonSaintSeverinstrikeseightacrossthesmokingeaves：
ComeoutunderthelightsandleavestotheReineBlancheonSaintGermain……
Nowcrowdeddinersfillthefloorofbrasserieandrestaurant。
Shrillvoicescry\"L’Intransigeant，\"andcornersecho\"Paris-Sport。\"
Whererowsoftablesfromthestreetarescreenedwithshootsofboxandbay，Theraggedminstrelssingandplayandgathersousfromthosethateat。
Andoldmenstandwithmenu-cards，invitingpassers-bytodineOnthebrightterracesthatlinetheLatinQuarterboulevards……
But，havingdrunkandeatenwell，’tispleasantthentostrollalongAndminglewiththemerrythrongthatpromenadesonSaintMichel。
Heresauntertypesofeverysort。Theshoddyjostlewiththechic：
TurkandRoumanianandGreek;studentandofficerandsport;