Slavswiththeirpeasant，Christ-likeheads，andcourtezanslikepowderedmoths，AndpeddlersfromAlgiers，withclothsbright-huedandstitchedwithgoldenthreads;
Andpainterswithbig，seriouseyesgoraptindreams，fantasticshapesIncorduroysandSpanishcapesandlocksuncutandflowingties;
Andloverswandertwobytwo，obliviousamongthepress，Andmakingoneofthemnoless，allloversshallbedeartoyou：
Alllaughinglipsyoumoveamong，allhappyheartsthat，knowingwhatMakeslifeworthwhile，havewastednotthesweetreprieveofbeingyoung。
\"Commentcava！\"\"Monvieux！\"\"Moncher！\"
Friendsgreetandbanterastheypass。
’Tissweettoseeamongthemasscomradesandloverseverywhere，Alawthat’ssane，aLovethat’sfree，andmenofeverybirthandbloodAlliedinonegreatbrotherhoodofArtandJoyandPoverty……
Theopencafe-windowsframeloungersattheirliqueursandbeer，AndwalkingpastthemonecanhearfragmentsofToscaandBoheme。
Andinthebrilliant-lighteddoorofcinemasthebarkercalls，AndluridposterspaintthewallswithscenesofLoveandcrimeandwar。
Butfollowpasttheflaminglights，borneonwardwiththestreamoffeet，WhereBullier’sfurtherupthestreetismarvellousonThursdaynights。
HereallBohemiaflocksapace;youcouldnotoftenfindelsewhereSomanyhappyheadsandfairassembledinonetimeandplace。
Undertheglareandnoiseandheatthegalaxyofdancingwhirls，Smokers，withcoveredheads，andgirlsdressedinthecostumeofthestreet。
FromtablespackedaroundthewallthecrowdsthatdrinkandfrolicthereSpinserpentinesintotheairfaroutoverthereekinghall，That，settlingwherethecoilsunroll，tanglewithpinkandgreenandblueThecrowdsthatragto\"Hitchy-koo\"andbostontothe\"Barcarole\"……
HereMimiventures，atfifteen，tomakeherdebutinromance，Andjoinhersistersinthedanceandseethelifethattheyhaveseen。
Herhair，atighthatjustallowstobrushbeneaththenarrowbrim，Docked，inthemodel’spresentwhim，`frise’andbangedabovethebrows。
Uncorseted，herclingingdresswitheverystepandturnbetrays，Inprettyandprovokingwaysheradolescentloveliness，AsguidingGabyorLucileshedances，emulatingthemIneachdisturbingstratagemandeachlasciviousappeal。
Eachturnachallenge，everyposeaninvitationtocompete，Alongthemazeofwhirlingfeetthegrave-eyedlittlewantongoes，And，flauntingallthehuethatliesinchildishcheeksandnubilewaist，Shepasses，charminglyunchaste，illuminingignobleeyes……
ButnowthebloodfromeveryheartleapsmadderthroughaboundingveinsAsfirstthefascinatingstrainsof\"ElIrresistible\"start。
Caughtinthespellofpulsingsound，impatientelbowsliftandyieldThescentedsoftnessestheyshieldtoarmsthatcatchandclosethemround，Surrender，swifttobepossessed，thesilkensuppleformsbeneathToalltheblissthemeasuresbreatheandallthemadnesstheysuggest。
Crowdscongregateandmakearing。FourdeeptheystandandstraintoseeThetangoinitsecstasyofglowinglivesthatclaspandcling。
Lithelimbsrelaxed，exaltedeyesfastenedonvacancy，theyseemTofloatupontheperfumedstreamofsomevoluptuousParadise，Or，raptinsomeArabianNight，torockthere，cradledandsubdued，Inaluxuriouslassitudeofrhythmandsensualdelight。
AndonlywhenthemeasuresceaseandterminatetheflowingdanceTheywakenfromtheirmagictranceandjointhecriesthatclamor\"Bis！\"……
Midnightadjournsthefestival。Thecouplesclimbthecrowdedstair，Andoutintothewarmnightairgosingingfragmentsoftheball。
Close-foldedindesiretheypass，orstoptodrinkandtalkawhileInthecafesalongthemilefromBullier’sbacktoMontparnasse：
The\"Closerie\"or\"LaRotonde\"，wheresmoking，underlamplittrees，SitArt’senamoreddevotees，chattingacrosstheir`brune’and`blonde’……
MakeoneofthemandcometoknowsweetParis——notasmanydo，Seeingbutthefollyofthefew，thefroth，thetinsel，andtheshow——
ButtakingsomewhiteprofferedhandthatfromEarth’sbarreneverydayCanleadyoubytheshortestwayintoLove’sfloridfairyland。
AndthatdivineenchantedlifethatlurksunderLife’scommonguise——
ThatcityofromancethatlieswithintheCity’stoilandstrife——
Shall，knocking，opentoyourhands，forLoveisallitsgoldenkey，Andone’snamemurmuredtenderlytheonlymagicitdemands。
Andwhenallelseisgrayandvoidinthevastgulfofmemory，Greenislandsofdelightshallbeallblessedmomentssoenjoyed：
Whenvaultedwiththecityskies，onitscathedralfloorsyoustood，And，priestofabrightbrotherhood，performedthemysticsacrifice，AtLove’shighaltarfittostand，withfireandincenseaureoled，ThecelebrantinclothofgoldwithSpringandYouthoneitherhand。
III
ChoralSongHaveyegazedonitsgrandeurOrstoodwhereitstandsWithopalandamberAdorningthelands，AndorchardeddomesOfthehueofallflowers？
SweetmelodyroamsThroughitsblossomingbowers，Sweetbellsusherinfromitsbelfriesthetrainofthehoney-sweethour。
Acityresplendent，Fulfilledofgoodthings，OnitsrampartsarependentThebucklersofkings。
BroadbannersunfurledAreafloatinitsair。
ThelordsoftheworldLookforharboragethere。
Nonefindssavehecomesasabridegroom，havingrosesandvineinhishair。
’TisthecityofLovers，Theremanypathsmeet。
Blessedheaboveothers，Withfalteringfeet，WhopastitsproudspiresIntendsnotnorhearsThenoiseofitslyresGrowfaintinhisears！
Menreachitthroughportalsoftriumph，butleavethroughaposternoftears。
Itwasthither，ambitious，WecameforYouth’sright，WhenourlipsyearnedforkissesAsmothsforthelight，WhenoursoulscriedforLoveAsforlife-givingrainWanleavesofthegrove，Witheredgrassoftheplain，AndourfleshachedforLove-fleshbesideitwithbitter，intolerablepain。
Underarborandtrellis，Fullofflutes，fullofflowers，Whatmadfortunesbefellus，Whatgladorgieswereours！
Inthedaysofouryouth，Inourfestalattire，Whenthesweetfleshwassmooth，Whentheswiftbloodwasfire，AndallEarthpaidinorangeandpurpletopavilionthebedofDesire！
TheSultan’sPalaceMyspiritonlylivedtolookonBeauty’sface，Asonlywhentheyclaspthearmsseemservedaright;
Asintheirfleshinherestheimpulsetoembrace，TogazeonLovelinesswasmysoul’sappetite。
Ihaveroamedfarinsearch;whiteroadandplungingbowWerekeysinthebluedoorswheremydesirewasset;
Obedienttotheirlure，mylipsandlaughingbrowThehill-showersandthesprayofmanyseashavewet。
Hotareenamoredhands，thefragrantzoneunbound，Toleavenodeardelightunfelt，unfondledo’er，ThewillpossessedmyhearttogirdleEartharoundWiththeirinsatiateneedtowonderandadore。
Theflowersinthefields，thesurfuponthesands，Thesunsetandthecloudsitturnedtobloodandwine，WereshredsofthethinveilbehindwhosebeadedstrandsAradiantvisagerose，serene，august，divine。
Anoiseofsummerwindastirinstarlittrees，Asongwheresensuallove’sdeliriumroseandfell，Wereritesthatmovedmysoulmorethanthedevotee’sWhenfromtheblazingchoirringsoutthealtarbell。
Iwokeamidthepompofaproudpalace;writIntintedarabesqueonwallsthatgemso’erlay，Thenamesofcaliphswerewhoonceheldcourtinit，Theirbathsandbowerswereminetodwellinforaday。
Theirrobesandringswereminetodrawfromshimmeringtrays——
Brocadesandbroideredsilks，topazandtourmaline——
Theirturban-clothstowindinproudcapriciousways，Andfastenplumesandpearlsandpendentsapphiresin。
Irose;farmusicdrewmystepsinfondpursuitDowntessellatedfloorsandtoweringperistyles：
Throughgrovesofcolonnadesfairlampswereblushingfruit，Onseasofgreenmosaicsoftrugswerefloweryisles。
Andtherewereverdurouscourtsthatscallopedarcheswreathed，Wherefountainsplashedinbowlsoflapislazuli。
Throughenigmaticdoorsvoluptuousaccentsbreathed，AndhavingYouthIhadtheirOpenSesame。
Ipausedwhereshadowywallswerehungwithclothsofgold，Andtintedtwilightstreamedthroughstoriedpanesabove。
InlamplitalcovesdeepasflowerswhentheyunfoldSoftcushionscalledtorestandfragrantfumestolove。
Ihungered;atmyhanddeliciousdaintiesteemed——
Fairpyramidsoffruit;pastryinsugaredpiles。
Ithirsted;incoolcupsinvitingvintagebeamed——
SweetsyrupsfromtheSouth;brownmuscatfromtheisles。
IyearnedforpassionateLove;faintgauzesfellaway。
PillowedinrosylightIfoundmyheart’sdesire。
Overthesilksanddownherfloridbeautylay，Asoverorientcloudsthesunset’scoralfire。
Joysthathadsmiledafar，avisionaryform，Behindtherangeshid，remoteandrainbow-dyed，Drewnearuntomyheart，awondersoftandwarm，Totouch，tostroke，toclasp，tosleepandwakebeside。
Joy，thatwheresummerseasandhothorizonsshoneHadbeentheoutspreadarmsIgavemyyouthtoseek，Drewnear;awhileitspulsestrovesweetlywithmyown，AwhileIfeltitsbreathastiruponmycheek。
Iwassohappythere;sofleetingwasmystay，——
Whatwonderif，assailedwithvistassodivine，IonlylivedtosearchandsamplethemthedayWhenbetweendawnandduskthesultan’scourtsweremine！
Speaknotofotherworldsofhappinesstobe，AsthoughinanyfondimaginarysphereLaymoretotemptman’ssoultoimmortalityThanripensforhisblissabundantnowandhere！
FlowerlikeIhopetodieasflowerlikewasmybirth。
RootedinNature’sjustbenignantlawlikethem，IwantnobetterjoysthanthosethatfromgreenEarthMyspirit’sblossomdrewthroughthesweetbody’sstem。
Iseenodreadindeath，nohorrortoabhor。
IneverthoughtitelsethanbuttoceasetodwellSpectator，andresolvemostnaturallyoncemoreIntothedearlylovedeternalspectacle。
UntothefieldsandflowersthisfleshIfoundsofairIyield;doyou，dearfriend，overyourrose-crownedwine，Murmurmynamesomedayasthoughmylipswerethere，Andframeyourmouthasthoughitsblushingkissweremine。
Yea，wherethebanquet-hallisbrilliantwithyoungmen，Youwhosebrightyouthitmighthavethrilledmybreasttoknow，Drink……andperhapsmylips，insatiateeventhenOflipstohangupon，mayfindtheirlovedonesso。
UntotheflushofdawnandeveningIcommendThisimmaterialselfandflamelikepartofme，——
Untotheazurehazethathangsattheworld’send，Thesunshineonthehills，thestarlightonthesea，——
UntoangelicEarth，whereofthelivesofthoseWholoveanddreamgreatdreamsanddeeplyfeelmaybeTheelementalcellsandnervulesthatcomposeItsdivineconsciousnessandjoyandharmony。
FragmentsI
InthatfaircapitalwherePleasure，crownedAmidsthermyriadcourtiers，riotsandrules，Itoohavebeenasuitor。RadianteyesWeremylife’swarmthandsunshine，outspreadarmsMygildeddeephorizons。IrejoicedInyieldingtoallamorousinfluenceAndmultipleimpulsionoftheflesh，TofeelwithinmybeingsurgeandswayTheforcethatallthestarsacknowledgetoo。
AmidthenebuloushumanityWhereIanatomcrawledandcleavedandsundered，Isawamillionmotions，butonelaw;
Andfromthecity’ssplendortomyeyesThevaporspassedandtherewasnoughtbutLove，Afermentturbulent，intenselyfair，WhereBeautybeckonedandwhereStrengthpursued。
II
TherewasatimewhenIthoughtmuchofFame，AndlaidthegoldenedificetobeThatintheclearlightofeternityShouldfitlyhousethegloryofmyname。
Butswifterthanmyfingerspushedtheirplan，Overthefairfoundationscarcebegun，WhileIwithloversdalliedinthesun，Theivyclamberedandtherose-vineran。
Andnow，toolatetoseemyvision，rise，Inplaceofgoldenpinnaclesandtowers，Onlysomesunnymoundsofleavesandflowers，Onlybelovedofbirdsandbutterflies。
Myfriendswereduped，myfavorersdeceived;
Butsometimes，musingsorrowfullythere，ThatfloweredwreckhasseemedtomesofairIscarceregretthetempleunachieved。
III
Fortherewerenights……mylovetohimwhosebrowHasglistenedwiththespoilsofnightslikethose，Hometurningasaconquerorturnshome，WhattimegreendawndowneverystreetuprearsArchesoftriumph！HehasdrainedaswellJoy’sperfumedbowlandcriedasIhavecried：
BeFametheirmistresswhomLovepassesby。
Thisonlymatters：fromsomeflowerybed，Ladenwithsweetnesslikeahomingbee，Ifonehaveknownwhatblissitistocome，BearingonhandsandbreastandlaughinglipsThefragranceofhisyouth’sdearrose。TohimThehillshavebaredtheirtreasure，thefarcloudsUnveiledthevisionthato’ersummerseasDrewonhisthirstingarms。Thislastthingknown，Hecancourtdanger，laughatperilousodds，And，pillowedonamemorysosweet，UntoobliviouseternityWithoutregretyieldhisvictorioussoul，Theblessedpilgrimofavowfulfilled。
IV
WhatisSuccess？OutoftheendlessoreOfdeepdesiretocointheutmostgoldOfpassionatememory;tohavelivedsowellThatthefifthmoon，whenitswimsuponcemoreThroughorchardboughswherematingoriolesbuildAndappleflowersunfold，FindnotofthatdearneedthatallthingstellTheheartunburdenednorthearmsunfilled。
OLove，whereofmyboyhoodwasthedream，Myyouththebeautifulnovitiate，Lifewassoslightathingandthousogreat，HowcouldImaketheelessthanall-supreme！
InthysweettransportsnotaloneIthoughtMingledthetwainthatpantedbreasttobreast。
Thesunandstarsthrobbedwiththem;theywerecaughtIntothepulseofNatureandpossessedBythesamelightthatconsecratesitso。
Love！——’tisthepaymentofthedebtweoweThebeautyoftheworld，andwhensoe’erInsilksandperfumeandunloosenedhairThelovelinessoflovers，facetoface，Liesfoldedintheadorableembrace，DoubtnotasofaperfectsacrificeThatsoulpartakeswhoseinspirationfillsThespringtimeandthedepthofsummerskies，Therainbowandthecloudsbehindthehills，ThatexcellenceinearthandairandseaThatmakesthingsastheyaretherealdivinity。
ThirtySonnets：
SonnetI
DownthestraitvistaswhereacitystreetFadesinpaledustandvaporousdistances，StainedwithfarfumesthelightgrowslessandlessAndtheskyreddensroundtheday’sretreat。
Nowoutoforientchambers，coolandsweet，LikeNature’spurelustration，Duskcomesdown。
NowthelampsbrightenandthequickeningtownRingswiththetrampleofreturningfeet。
AndPleasure，risenfromherownwarmmouldSunkallthedrowsyandunloveddaylightInlayersofodoroussoftness，PaphiangirlsCoverwithgauze，withsatin，andwithpearls，Crown，andaboutherspanglyvestmentsfoldTheermineoftheempireoftheNight。
SonnetII
Hercourtsarebythefluxofflamingways，BetweentheriversandtheilluminedskyWhoseferviddepthsreverberatefromonhighFiercelustresmingledinafieryhaze。
Theymarkitinland;blitheandfairoffaceHersuitorsfollow，guessingbytheglareBeyondthehilltopsintheeveningairHowbrightthecressetsatherportalsblaze。
OnthepurefrontsDefeateremanyadayFallslikethesootanddirtoncity-snow;
Therehopesdeferredliesunkinpiteousseams。
Herpathsaredisillusionanddecay，Withruinspiledandunapparentwoe，ThegravesofBeautyandthewreckofdreams。
SonnetIII
TherewasayoutharoundwhoseearlywayWhiteangelshunginconverseandsweetchoir，Teachinginsummercloudshisthoughttostray，——
Incloudandfarhorizontodesire。
Hislifewasnursedinbeauty，likethestreamBornofclearshowersandthemountaindew，Closeundersnow-cladsummitswheretheygleamForeverpureagainstheaven’sorientblue。
Withinthecity’sshadeshewalkedatlast。
FaintandmorefaintinsadrecessionalDownthedimcorridorsofTimeoutworn，Achorusebbedfromthatforsakenpast，AhymnofgloriesfledbeyondrecallWiththelostheightsandsplendoroflife’smorn。
SonnetIV
UpathisatticsilltheSouthwindcameAnddaysofsunandstormbutneverpeace。
Alongthetown’stumultuousarteriesHeheardtheheart-throbsofasentientframe：
Eachnightthewhistlesinthebay，thesameWhirlofincessantwheelsandclangingcars：
Forsmokethathalfobscured，thecirclingstarsBurntlikehisyouthwithbutasicklyflame。
Uptohisatticcamethecitycries——
Thethroeswithwhichherironsinewsheave——
AndyetforeverbehindprisondoorsWelledinhisheartandtrembledinhiseyesThelightthathangsondeserthillsateveAndtintstheseaonsolitaryshores……
SonnetV
AtideofbeautywithreturningMayFloodsthefaircity;fromwarmpavementsfumeOdorsendeared;downavenuesinbloomThechestnut-treeswithphallicspiresaregay。
Overtheterraceflowsthethrongedcafe;
Theboulevardsarestreamsofhurryingsound;
Andthroughthestreets，likeveinswhentheyabound，Thelustforpleasurethrobsitselfaway。
Hereletmelive，hereletmestillpursuePhantomsofblissthatbeckonandrecede，——
Thystrangeallurements，CitythatIlove，Mazeofromance，whereIhavefollowedtooThedreamYouthtreasuresofitsdearestneedAndstarsbeyondthytowersbringtidingsof。
SonnetVI
Givemethetrebleofthyhornsandhoofs，Theponderousundertonesof’busandtram，AgarretandaglimpseacrosstheroofsOfcloudsblowneastwardoverNotreDame，Theglad-eyedstreetsandradiantgatheringsWhereIdrankdeeptheblissofbeingyoung，ThestrifeandsweetpotentialfluxofthingsIsoughtYouth’sdreamofhappinessamong！
Itwalkshereaureoledwiththecity-light，Foreverthroughthemyriad-featuredmassFlauntingnotfaritsfugitiveembrace，——
Heardsometimesinasongacrossthenight，Caughtinaperfumefromthecrowdsthatpass，Andwhenloveyieldstoloveseenfacetoface。
SonnetVII
Tome，apilgrimonthatjourneyboundWhosestationsBeauty’sbrightexamplesare，AsofasilkencityfamedafarOverthesandsforwealthandholyground，Camethereportofone——awomancrownedWithallperfection，blemishlessandhigh，Asthefullmoonamidthemoonlitsky，Withtheworld’spraiseandwondercladaround。
AndIwhoheldthisnotionofsuccess：
ToleavenoformofNature’slovelinessUnworshipped，ifgladeyeshaveaccessthere，——
BeyondallearthlyboundshavemademygoalTofindwherethatsweetshrineisandextolThehandthattriumphedinaworksofair。
SonnetVIII
Oftasbychance，alittlewhileapartThepallofempty，lovelesshourswithdrawn，SweetBeauty，openingontheimpoverishedheart，Beamslikethejewelonthebreastofdawn：
NotthoughhighheavenshouldrendwoulddeeperaweFillmethanpenetratesmyspiritthus，NorallthosesignsthePatmianprophetsawSeemanewheavenandearthsomarvelous;
But，cladthenceforthiniridescentdyes，Thefairworldglistens，andinafterdaysThememoryofkindlipsandlaughingeyesLivesinmystepandlightensallmyface，——
SotheywhofoundtheEarthlyParadiseStillbreathed，returned，ofthatsweet，joyfulplace。
SonnetIX
AmidthefloridmultitudeherfaceWaslikethefullmoonseenbehindthelaceOforchardboughswherecloudedblossomspartWhenSpringshinesintheworldandintheheart。
Asthefull-moon-beamstothefernyfloorOfsummerwoodsthroughflowerandfoliagepour，Sotomybeing’sinnermostrecessFloodedthelightofsomuchloveliness;
SheheldasinavaseofpricelesswareThewinethatoveraridwaysandbareMyyouthwasthepatheticthirstingfor，AndwhereshemovedtheveilofNaturegrewDiaphanousandthatradiancemantledthroughWhich，whenIsee，Itrembleandadore。
SonnetX
Asplendor，flamelike，borntobepursued，WithpalmsextentforamorouscharityAndeyesincensedwithloveforalltheysee，Awondermoretobeadoredthanwooed，OnwhomthegraceofconsciouswomanhoodAdorningeverylittlethingshedoesSitslikeenchantment，makinggloriousAcarelesspose，acasualattitude;
Aroundherlovelyshouldersmantle-wiseHathcometherealmofthoseoldfabulousqueensWhosestoriedlovesareArt’srichheritage，TokeepaliveinthisourlatterageThatforcethatmovingthroughsweetBeauty’smeansLiftsupMan’ssoultotoweringenterprise。
SonnetXI
*AparaphraseofPetrarca，`Quandofral’altredonne……’
WhenamongcreaturesfairofcountenanceLovecomesenformedinsuchproudcharacter，Sofarasotherbeautyyieldstoher，Sofarthebreastwithfiercerlongingpants;
Iblessthespot，andhour，andcircumstance，Thatweddesiretoathingsohigh，Andsay，Gladsoul，rejoice，forthouandI
Ofblissunpairedaremadeparticipants;
HencehavecomeardentthoughtsandwakingdreamsThat，feedingFancyfromsosweetacup，Leaveitnolustforgrossimaginings。
Throughherthewoman’sperfectbeautygleamsThatwhileitgazesliftsthespiritupTothathighsourcefromwhichallbeautysprings。
SonnetXII
Likeasadryad，fromhernativeboleComingatdusk，whenthedimstarsemerge，ToaslowriveratwhosesilentvergeTallpoplarstrembleanddeepgrassesroll，Comethounolessand，kneelinginashoalOfthefreakedflagandmeadowbuttercup，BendtillthineimagefromthepoolbeamupArchedwithblueheavenlikeanaureole。
SeehowadorableinfancythenLivesthefairfaceitmirrorsevenso，OthouwhosebeautymovingamongmenIslikethewind’swayonthewoodsbelow，FillingallnaturewhereitspathwayliesWitharmsthatsupplicateandtremblingsighs。
SonnetXIII
Ifancied，whileyoustoodconversingthere，Superb，ineveryattitudeaqueen，HererminethusBoadiceabare，SomovedamidthemultitudeFaustine。
Mylife，whosewholereligionBeautyis，BechargedwithsinifeverbeforeyoursAlesserfeelingcrossedmymindthanhisWhoowninggrandeurmarvelsandadores。
Nay，ratherinmydream-world’sivorytowerImadeyourimagethehighpearlysill，Andmountingthereinmanyawistfulhour，Burdenedwithlove，Itrembledandwasstill，SeeingdiscoveredfromthatazureheightRemote，untrodhorizonsofdelight。
SonnetXIV
ItmaybefortheworldofweedsandtaresAnddearthinNatureofsweetBeauty’sroseThatoftasFortunefromtenthousandshowsOnefromthetrainofLove’struecourtiersStraightwayonhimwhogazes，unawares，Deepwonderseizesandswifttremblinggrows，Reftbythatsightofpurposeandrepose，Hardlyitsweighthisfaintingbreastupbears。
ThenonthesoulfromsomeancestralplaceFloodsbackremembranceofitsheavenlybirth，When，inthelightofthatserenersphere，ItsawidealbeautyfacetofaceThatthroughtheformsofthisourmeanerEarthShineswithabeamlesssteadfastandlessclear。
SonnetXV
AbovetheruinofGod’sholyplace，Whereman-forsakenlaythebleedingrood，Whosehands，whenmenhadcravedsubstantialfood，Gavenot，norfoldedwhentheycried，Embrace，IsawexaltedinthelatterdaysHerwhomwestwindswithnatalfoambedewed，WaftedtowardCyprus，lily-breasted，nude，Standingwitharmsout-stretchedandflower-likeface。
And，sickwithallthosecenturiesoftearsShedinthepenanceforfactitiouswoe，OncemoreIsawthenationsatherfeet，ForLoveshoneintheireyes，andintheirearsComeuntome，Lovebeckonedthem，forlo！
Thebreastyourlipsabjuredisstillassweet。
SonnetXVI
Whoshallinvokeher，whoshallbeherpriest，Withsingleritesthecommondebttopay？
OnsomegreenheadlandfrontingtotheEastOurfairestboyshallkneelatbreakofday。
Naked，upliftinginaladentrayNewmilkandhoneyandsweet-tincturedwine，Notwithouttwigsofclusteringapple-sprayTowreathagarlandforOurLady’sshrine。
ThemorningplanetpoisedabovetheseaShalldropsweetinfluencethroughherdrowsinglid;
Dew-drenched，hisdelicatevirginityShallscarcedisturbtheflowershekneelsamid，That，wakedsolightly，shallliftuptheireyes，Cushionhisknees，andnodbetweenhisthighs。
KyrenaikosLaymewheresoftCyreneramblesdownIngroveandgardentothesapphiresea;
Twineyellowrosesforthedrinker’scrown;
Letmusicreachandfairheadscircleme，WatchingblueoceanwherethewhitesailssteerFruit-ladenforthorwiththewaresandnewsOfmerchantcitiesseekourharborshere，CarelesshowCorinthfares，howSyracuse;
Buthere，withloveandsleepinhercaress，WarmnightshallsinkandutterlypersuadeThegentledoctrineAristippusbare，——
Night-winds，andonewhosewhiteyouth’sloveliness，Inafloweredbalconybesidemelaid，Dreams，withthestarlightonherfragranthair。
AntinousStretchedonasunnybankhelayatrest，Fernsathiselbow，liliesroundhisknees，Withsweetfleshpatternedwherethecoolturfpressed，Flowerlikecrepto’erwithemeraldaphides。
Singlehecouchedthere，tohiscirclingflocksPipingattimessomehappyshepherd’stune，Nude，withthewarmwindinhisgoldenlocks，AndarchedwiththeblueAsianafternoon。
Pasthim，gorse-purpled，tothedistantcoastRolledtheclearfoothills。Therehiswhite-walledtown，There，ablueband，theplacidEuxinelay。
Beyond，onfieldsofazurelightembossedHewatchedfromnoontilldewyevecamedownThesummercloudspileupandfadeaway。
VivienHereyesundertheirlasheswerebluepoolsFringedroundwithlilies;herbrighthairunfurledClothedherassunshineclothesthesummerworld。
Herrobesweregauzes——goldandgreenandgules，Allfurrythingsflockedroundher，fromherhandNibblingtheirfoodsandfawningatherfeet。
TwopeacockswatchedherwhereshemadeherseatBesideafountaininBroceliande。
Sometimesshesang……WhoeverheardforgotErrandandaim，andknightsatnoontidehere，Ridingfromfabulousgestesbeyondtheseas，Wouldfollow，tranced，andseek……andfindhernot……
Butwakethatnight，lost，bysomewoodlandmere，Powderedwithstarsandrimmedwithsilenttrees。
ILoved……
IlovedillustriouscitiesandthecrowdsThateddythroughtheirincandescentnights。
IlovedremotehorizonswithfarcloudsGirdled，andfringedaboutwithsnowyheights。
Ilovedfairwomen，theirsweet，consciouswaysOfwearingamonghandsthatcovetandpleadTheroseablossomattherainbow’sbaseThatboundstheworld’sdesireandallitsneed。
NatureIworshipped，whosefecundityEmbraceseveryvisionthemostfair，Ofperfectbenediction。FromaboyIgloatedonexistence。EarthtomeSeemedall-sufficientandmysojournthereOnetremblingopportunityforjoy。
VirginibusPuerisque……
IcarenotthatonelistenifhelivesForaughtbutlife’sromance，norputsaboveAlllife’snecessitiestheneedtolove，NorcountshisgreatestwealthwhatBeautygives。
Butsometimeonanafternooninspring，Whendandelionsdotthefieldswithgold，Andunderrustlingshadeafewweeksold’Tissweettostrollandhearthebluebirdssing，Doyou，blondhead，whombeautyandthepowerOfbeingyoungandwinsomehavepreparedForlife’slastprivilegethatreallypays，MakethecompanionofanidlehourTheserelicsofthetimewhenItoofaredAcrossthesweetfifthlustrumofmydays。
WithaCopyofShakespeare’sSonnetsonLeavingCollegeAsoneofsomefattillagedispossessed，Weighingtheyieldofthesefourfadedyears，Ifanyaskwhatfruitseemsloveliest，Whatlastinggoldamongthegarneredears，——
Ah，thenI’llsaywhathoursIhadofthine，ThereinIreapedTime’srichestrevenue，ReadinthytextthesenseofDavid’sline，ThroughtheeachievedthelovethatShakespeareknew。
Takethenhisbook，ladenwithmineownloveAsflowersmadesweeterbydeep-drunkenrain，ThatwhenyearssunderandbetweenusmoveWidewaters，andlesskindlybondsconstrain，Thoumay’stturnhere，dearboy，andreadingseeSomepartofwhatthyfriendoncefeltforthee。
WritteninaVolumeoftheComtessedeNoaillesBemycompanionundercoolarcadesThatframesomedrowsystreetanddazzlingsquareBeyondwhoseflowersandpalm-treepromenadesWhitebelfriesburninthebluetropicair。
LienearmeindimforestswherethecroonOfwood-dovessoundsandmoss-bankedwaterflows，OrmusinglatetillthemidsummermoonBreaksthroughsomeruinedabbey’semptyrose。
Sweetestofthoseto-daywhosepioushandsTendthesequesteredaltarofRomance，Wherefewerofferingsburn，andfewerkneel，Pourthereyourpassionatebeautyonmyheart，And，gladdeningsuchsolitudes，impartHowsweetthefellowshipofthosewhofeel！
CoucyTherooksaclamorwhenoneentershereStartletheemptytowersfaroverhead;
Throughgapingwallsthesummerfieldsappear，Green，tan，or，poppy-mingled，tingedwithred。
ThecourtswhererevelrangdeepgrassandmossCover，andtangledvineshaveovergrownThegatewherebannersblazonedwithacrossRolledforthtotossroundTyreandAscalon。
Decayconsumesit。Theoldcausesfade。
AndfrettingforthecontestmanyaheartWaitstheirTyrtaeustochantonthenew。
Oh，passhimbywho，inthishauntedshadeMusingenthralled，hasonlythismuchart，Tolovethethingsthebirdsandflowerslovetoo。
TezcotzincoThoughthouartnowaruinbareandcold，Thouwertsometimethegardenofaking。
Thebirdshavesoughtalovelierplacetosing。
Theflowersarefew。Itwasnotsoofold。
ItwasnotthuswhenhandinhandtherestrolledThrougharborsperfumedwithundyingSpringBarebodiesbeautiful，brown，glistening，Deckedwithgreenplumesandringsofyellowgold。
DoyousupposetheherdsmansometimeshearsVagueechoesbornebeneaththemoon’spalerayFromthoseold，old，far-off，forgottenyears？
Whoknows？HerewherehisancientkingsheldswayHestands。Theirnamesarestrangerstohisears。
Eventheirmemoryhaspassedaway。
TheOldLoweHouse，StatenIslandAnotherprospectpleasedthebuilder’seye，AndFashiontenanted（whereFashionwanes）
HereinthesorrowfulsuburbanlanesWhenfirstthesegablesroseagainstthesky。
Relicofaromantictastegoneby，Thisstatelymonumentaloneremains，Vacant，withlichenedwallsandwindow-panesBlankasthewindowsofaskull。ButI，OneveningswhenautumnalwindshavestirredIntheporch-vines，tothisgrayoracleHavelaidawonderingearandoft-timesheard，Asfromthehollowofastrandedshell，Oldvoicesechoing（ormyfancyerred）
Thingsindistinct，butnotinsensible。
OneataAhilltopsoughtbyeverysoothingbreezeThatlovesthemelodyofmurmuringboughs，Coolshades，greenacreage，andantiquehouseFrontingtheoceanandthedawn;thantheseOldmonksbuiltneverforthespirit’seaseCloistersmorecalm——notClunynorClairvaux;
Sweetarethenoisesfromthebaybelow，Andcuckooscallinginthetulip-trees。
Here，ayetemptysuitorinthytrain，BelovedPoesy，greatjoywasmineTowhilealistlessspellofsummerdays，Happierthanhoarderineachevening’sgain，Wheneveningsfoundmericherbyoneline，Oneversewellturned，orserviceablephrase。
OntheCliffs，NewportTonightashimmerofgoldliesmantledo’erSmoothlovelyOcean。ThroughthelustrousgloomAsavorstealsfromlindentreesinbloomAndgardensrangedatmanyapalacedoor。
Proudwallsrisehere，and，wherethemoonbeamspourTheirpaleenchantmentdownthedimcoast-line，Terraceandlawn，trimhedgeandfloweringvine，Crownwithfaircultureallthesoundingshore。
Howsweet，tosuchaplace，onsuchanight，Fromhallswithbeautyandfestivala-glare，Tocomedistractand，stretchedonthecoolturf，Yieldtosomefond，improbabledelight，Whilethemoon，reddening，sinks，andalltheairSighswiththemuffledtumultofthesurf！
ToEnglandattheOutbreakoftheBalkanWarAcloudhasloweredthatshallnotsoonpasso’er。
Theworldtakessides：whetherforimpiousaimsWithTyrannywhosebloodytollenflamesAgenerouspeopletoheroicwar;
WhetherwithFreedom，stretchedinherowngore，WhosepleadinghandsandsuppliantdistressStillofferheartsthatthirstforRighteousnessAgloriouscausetostrikeorperishfor。
England，whichsideisthine？ThouhasthadsonsWouldshrinknotfromthechoicehowevergrim，WereJusticetrampledonandCouragedowned;
Whichwilltheybe——cravensorchampions？
Oh，ifadoubtintrude，rememberhimWhosedeathmadeMissolonghiholyground。
AttheTombofNapoleonBeforetheElectionsinAmerica——November，1912
Istoodbesidehissepulchrewhosefame，HurledoverEuropeonceonboltandblast，Nowglowsfaroffasstorm-cloudsoverpastGlowinthesunsetflushedwithgloriousflame。
HasNaturemarredhismould？CanArtacclaimNoheronow，nomanwithwhommensideAswiththeirhearts’highneedspersonified？
Therearewillsay，Onesuchourlipscouldname;
Columbiagavehimbirth。HimGeniusmostGiftedtorule。Againsttheworld’sgreatmanLifttheirlowcalumnyandsneeringcriesThePharisaicmultitude，thehostOfpiddlingslandererswhoselittleeyesKnownotwhatgreatnessisandnevercan。
TheRendezvousHefaintswithhopeandfear。Itisthehour。
Distant，acrossthethunderingorgan-swell，Insweetdiscordfromthecathedral-tower，Fallthefaintchimesandthethrice-sequentbell。
Overthecrowdhiseyeuneasyroves。
Heseesaplume，afur;hisheartdilates——
Soars……andthensinksagain。Itisnothersheloves。
Shewillnotcome，thewomanthathewaits。
BraidedwithstreamsofsilverincenseriseTheantiqueprayersandponderousantiphones。
`GloriaPatri’echoestotheskies;
`Nuncetinsaecula’thechoirintones。
Hemarksnotthemonotonousrefrain，Thepriestthatservesnorhimthatcelebrates，Buteverscanstheaisleforhisblondehead……Invain！
Shewillnotcome，thewomanthathewaits。
HowlikeaflowerseemedtheperfumedplaceWherethesweetfleshlayloveliesttokiss;
Andherwhitehandsinwhatdeliciousways，Withwhatunfeignedcaresses，answeredhis！
Eachtendercharmintolerabletolose，Eachhappyscenehisfancyrecreates。
Andhecallsouthernameandspreadshisarms……Nouse！
Shewillnotcome，thewomanthathewaits。
Butthelongvespersclose。ThepriestonhighRaisesthethingthatChrist’sownfleshenforms;
AnddowntheGothicnavethecrowdflowsbyAndthroughtheportal’scarvenentryswarms。
MaddenedhepeersuponeachpassingfaceTillthelongdrabprocessionterminates。
Noprincesspassesoutwithproudmajesticpace。
Shehasnotcome，thewomanthathewaits。
BackintheemptysilentchurchaloneHewalkswithachingheart。Awhite-robedboyPutsoutthealtar-candlesonebyone，Evenasbyinchesdarkensallhisjoy。
Hedreamsofthesweetnighttheirlipsfirstmet，Andgroans——andturnstoleave——andhesitates……
Poorstrickenheart，hewill，hecannotfancyyetShewillnotcome，thewomanthathewaits。
ButinanarchwheredeepestshadowsfallHesitsandstudiestheold，storiedpanes，AndthecalmcrucifixthatfromthewallLooksonaworldthatquaversandcomplains。
Hopeless，abandoned，desolate，aghast，Onmodesofviolentdeathhemeditates。
Andthetower-clocktollsfive，andheadmitsatlast，Shewillnotcome，thewomanthathewaits。
Throughthestainedrosethewinterdaylightdies，AndallthetideofanguishunrepressedSwellsinhisthroatandgathersinhiseyes;
Hekneelsandbowshisheaduponhisbreast，Andfeignsaprayertohidehisburningtears，Whilethesatanicvoicereiterates`Tonight，tomorrow，nay，noralltheimpendingyears，Shewillnotcome，’thewomanthathewaits。
Fond，ferventheartoflife’senamoredspring，Sotrue，soconfident，sopassingfair，ThatthoughtofLoveassomesweet，tenderthing，Andnotaswar，redtoothandnaillaidbare，Howinthathouritsinnocencewasslain，Howfromthathourourdisillusiondates，Whenfirstwelearnedthysense，ironicalrefrain，Shewillnotcome，thewomanthathewaits。
DoYouRememberOnce……
I
Doyourememberonce，inParisofgladfaces，Thenightwewanderedoffunderthethirdmoon’sraysAnd，leavingfarbehindbrightstreetsandbusyplaces，StoodwheretheSeinefloweddownbetweenitsquietquais？
Thecity’svoicewashushed;theplacid，lustrouswatersMirroredthewallsacrosswhereorangewindowsburned。
OutofthestarrysouthprovokingrumorsbroughtusFarpromiseofthespringalreadynorthwardturned。
Andbreastdrewneartobreast，androunditssoftdesireMyarmuncertainstoleandclungthereunrepelled。
IthoughtthatnevermoremyheartwouldhovernigherTothelastflowerofblissthatNature’sgardenheld。
There，inyourbeauty’ssweetabandonmenttopleasure，Themute，half-openlipsandtender，wonderingeyes，IsawembodiedfirstsmilebackonmethetreasureLongsoughtacrosstheseasandbackofsummerskies。
Dearface，whencourtedDeathshallclaimmylimbsandfindthemLaidinsomedesertplace，aloneorwherethetidesOfwar’stumultuouswavesonthewetsandsbehindthemLeaveriftsofgaspinglifewhentheirredfloodsubsides，Outofthepast’sremotedeliriousabyssesShineforthoncemoreasthenyoushone，——belovedhead，Laidbackinecstasybetweenourblindingkisses，Transfiguredwiththeblissofbeingsocoveted。
Andmysickarmswillpart，andthoughhotfeversearit，Mymouthwillcurveagainwiththeold，tenderflame。
Anddarknesswillcomedown，stillfindinginmyspiritThedreamofyourbrieflove，andonmylipsyourname。
II
Youlovedmeonthatmoonlitnightlongsince。
YouweremyqueenandIthecharmingprinceElectedfromaworldofmortalmen。
Youlovedmeonce……Whatpitywasit，then，YoulovednotLove……Deepintheemeraldwest，LikeareturningcaravelcaressedBybreezesthatloadalltheambientairsWithclingingfragranceofthebalesitbearsFromharborswherethecaravanscomedown，Iseeovertheroof-topsofthetownThenewmoonbackagain，butshallnotseeThejoythatonceithadinstoreforme，Norknowagainthevoiceuponthestair，Thelittlestudiointhecandle-glare，AndallthatmakesinwordandtouchandglanceTheblissofthefirstnightsofaromanceWhenwilltoloveandbebelovedcastsoutThewanttoquestionorthewilltodoubt。
Youlovedmeonce……UnderthewesternseasThepalemoonsettlesandthePleiades。
Thefirelightsinks;outsidethenight-windsmoan——
Thehouradvances，andIsleepalone。*
——
*
——
III
Farewell，dearheart，enoughofvaindespairing！
IfIhaveerredIpleadbutoneexcuse——
ThejewelwerealesserjoyinwearingThatcostalesseragonytolose。
IhadnotbidforbeautifullerhoursHadInotfoundthedoorsonearunsealed，Norhoped，hadyounotfilledmyarmswithflowers，Forthatoneflowerthatbloomedtoofarafield。
IfIhavewept，itwasbecause，forsaken，IfeltperhapsmorepoignantlythansomeTheblanketernityfromwhichwewakenAndalltheblanketernitytocome。
AndIbetrayedhowsweetathingandtender（Intheregretwithwhichmylipwascurled）
Seemedinitstragic，momentarysplendorMytransitthroughthebeautyoftheworld。
TheBayadereFlaked，driftingcloudshidenotthefullmoon’sraysMorethanherbeautifulbrightlimbswerehidBythelightveilstheyburnedandblushedamid，Skilledtoprovokeinsoft，lasciviousways，AndtherewasinvitationinhervoiceAndlaughinglipsandwonderfuldarkeyes，AsthoughabovethegatesofParadiseFairversesbade，Bewelcomeandrejoice！
O’errugswheremottledblueandgreenandredBlentinthepatternsoftheOrientloom，Likeabrightbutterflyfrombloomtobloom，Shefloatedwithdeliciousarmsoutspread。
Therewasnoposeshetook，nomoveshemade，Butallthefeverous，love-envenomedfleshWrappedroundasinthegladiator’smeshAndsmoteaswithhistriple-forkedblade。
IthoughtthatroundhersinuousbeautycurledFierceexhalationsofhothumanlove，——
AroundherbeautyvaluableaboveThesunnyoutspreadkingdomsoftheworld;
FlowingaseverlikeadancingfireFlowedherbelledanklesandbejewelledwrists，AroundherbeautysweptlikesanguinemistsThenimbusofathousandhearts’desire。
EudaemonOhappiness，Iknownotwhatfarseas，Bluehillsanddeep，thysunnyrealmssurround，ThatthusinMusic’swistfulharmoniesAndconcertofsweetsoundArumorsteals，fromsomeuncertainshore，Oflovelythingsoutwornorgladnessyetinstore：
Whetherthybeamsbepitifulandcome，Acrossthesunderingofvanishedyears，Fromchildhoodandthehappyfieldsofhome，LikeeyesinstinctwithtearsFeltthroughgreenbrakesofhedgeandapple-boughRoundhauntsdelightfulonce，desertandsilentnow;
OryetifprescienceofunrealizedloveStartlethebreastwitheachmelodiousair，AndgiftsthatgentlehandsaredonorsofStillwaitintactsomewhere，FurledupallgoldeninaperfumedplaceWithinthefoldedpetalsofforthcomingdays。
Onlyforever，intheoldunrestOfwindsandwatersandthevaryingyear，AlitanyfromislandsoftheblessedAnswers，Nothere……nothere！
AndoverthewideworldthatwanderingcryShallleadmysearchingheartunsootheduntilIdie。
BroceliandeBroceliande！intheperilousbeautyofsilenceandmenacingshade，Thouartsetontheshoresoftheseadownthehazeofhorizonsuntravelled，unscanned。
Untroubled，untouchedwiththewoesofthisworldarethemoon-marshalledhoststhatinvadeBroceliande。
Onlyatdusk，whenlavendercloudsintheorienttwilightdisband，Vanishingwherealltheblueafternoontheyhavedriftedinsolemnparade，SometimesawhispercomesdownonthewindfromthevalleysofFairyland————
Sometimesanechomostmournfulandfaintlikethehornofahuntsmanstrayed，Faintandforlorn，halfdrownedinthemurmuroffoliagefitfullyfanned，BreathesinaburdenofnamelessregrettillIstartle，disturbedandaffrayed：
Broceliande——
Broceliande——
Broceliande……
LyonesseInLyonessewasbeautyenough，mensay：
LongSummerloadedtheorchardstoexcess，Andfertilelowlandslengtheningfaraway，InLyonesse。
Cameatermtothatland’soldfavoredness：
Pastthesea-walls，crumbledinthunderingspray，Rolledthegreenwaves，ravening，merciless。
Throughbeardedboughsimmobileincooldecay，Wheresea-bloomcoverscorrodingpalaces，Themermaidglideswithacuriousglanceto-day，InLyonesse。
TithonusSowhentheverdureofhislifewasshed，Withallthegraceofripenedmanlihead，Andonhislocks，butnowsolovable，Oldagelikedesolatingwinterfell，Leavingthemwhiteandflowerlessandforlorn：
ThenfromhisbedtheGoddessoftheMornSoftlywithheld，yetcherishedhimnolessWithpiousworksofpityingtenderness;
Tillwhenatlengthwithvacant，heedlesseyes，AndhoaryheightbentdownnoneotherwiseThanburdenedwillowsbendbeneaththeirweightOfsnowwhenwinterwindsturntemperate，——
Sobowedwithyears——whenstillhelingeredon：
ThentothedaughterofHyperionThiscounselseemedthebest：forshe，afarBydove-grayseasunderthemorningstar，Where，onthewideworld’suttermostextremes，Heramber-walled，auroralpalacegleams，HighinanorientchamberbadeprepareAneverlastingcouch，andlaidhimthere，Andleaving，closedtheshiningdoors。Buthe，DeathlessbyJove’scompassionlessdecree，Foundnot，asothersfind，adreamlessrest。
Therewakeful，withhalf-wakingdreamsoppressed，Stillinanaural，visionaryhazeFloatroundhimvanishedformsofhappierdays;
StillathissidehefanciestobeholdTherosy，radiantthingbelovedofold;
Andoft，asoverdewymeadsatmorn，FarinlandfromasunrisecoastisborneThedrowsy，muffledmoaningofthesea，Evensohisvoiceflowsonunceasingly，——
Lispingsweetnamesofpassionoverblown，Breakingwithdull，persistentundertoneThebreathlesssilencethatforeverbroodsRoundthosecolossal，lustroussolitudes。
Timeschange。Man’sfortuneprospers，oritfalls。
ChangeharborsnotinthoseeternalhallsAndtranquilchamberwhereTithonuslies。
ButthroughhiswindowtheretheeasternskiesFallpalelyfairtothedimocean’send。
There，inbluemistwhereairandoceanblend，Thelazycloudsthatsailthewideworldo’erFalterandturnwheretheycansailnomore。
Theresinginggroves，therespaciousgardensblow——
Cedarsandsilverpoplars，rowonrow，Throughwhoseblackboughsonherappointednight，Floodinghischamberwithenchantedlight，Liftsthefullmoon’simmeasurablesphere，Crimsonandhugeandwonderfullynear。
AnOdetoAntaresAtdusk，whenlowlandswheredarkwatersglideRobeingraymist，andthroughthegreeninghillsThehoot-owlcallshismate，andwhippoorwillsClamorfromeverycopseandorchard-side，IwatchedtheredstarrisingintheEast，AndwhilehisfellowsoftheflamingsignFromprisoningdaylightmoreandmorereleased，Lifttheirpalelamps，and，climbinghigher，higher，OutoftheirlocksthewatersoftheLineShakingincloudsofphosphorescentfire，Roseinthesplendoroftheircurvingflight，Theirdolphinleapacrosstheaustralnight，FromwindowssouthwardopeningontheseaWhateyes，Iwondered，mightbewatching，too，Orbedinsomeblossom-ladenbalcony。
Where，fromthegardentotherailabove，Asthoughalover’sgreetingtohisloveShouldborrowbodyandformandhueAndtowerintorrentsoffloralflame，Thecrimsonbougainvilleagrew，WhatstarlitbrowupliftedtothesameMajesticregressofthesummeringsky，Whatultimatething——hushed，holy，thronedashighAbovethecurrentsthattarnishandprofaneAssilversummitsarewhosepurereposeNocuriouseyesdiscloseNoranyfootfallsstain，ButroundtheirbeautyonazureeveningsOnlytheoreadsgoongauzywings，OnlytheoreadstroopwithdanceandsongAndairybeingsinrainbowmistswhothrongOutofthosewonderfulworldsthatlieafarBetwixttheoutmostcloudandtheneareststar。