第4章

Likethemoon,sanguineintheorientnightShinestheredflowerinherbeautifulhair。

HerbreastsaredistantislandsofdelightUponaseawhereallissoftandfair。

ThoserobesthatmakeasilkensheathForeachlitheattitudethatflowsbeneath,Shroudinginscentedfoldssweetwarmthsandtumidflowers,CallthemfarcloudsthathalfemergeBeyondasunsetocean’sutmostverge,HidinginpurpleshadeanddownpourofsoftshowersEnchantedislesbymortalfootuntrod,Andthereinhumiddellsresplendentorchidsnod;

TherealwaysfromserenehorizonsblowSoul-easinggalesandthereallspice-treesgrowThatPhoenixrobbedtolinehisfragrantnestEachhundredyearsinArabytheBlest。

StaroftheSouththatnowthroughorientmistAtnightfalloffTampicoorBelizeGreetestthesailorrisingfromthoseseasWherefirstinme,afondromanticist,Thetropicsunset’sbloomoncloudypilesCastoutindustriouscareswithdreamsoffabulousisles——

Thoulampoftheswartlovertohistryst,O’erplantedacresatthejungle’srimReekingwithorange-flowerandtuberose,DeartohiseyesthyruddysplendorglowsAmongthepalmswherebeautywaitsforhim;

BlisstoothoubringsttoourgreeningNorth,Redscintillantthroughcherry-blossomrifts,Heraldofsummer-heat,andallthegiftsAndallthejoysasummercanbringforth————

Bethoumystar,forIhavemademyaimTofollowlovelinesstillautumn-strownSunderthesinewsofthisflower-likeframeAsrose-leavessunderwhenthebudisblown。

Ay,soonerspiritandsensedisintegrateThanreconcilementtoacommonfateStriptheenchantmentfromaworldsodressedInhuesofhighromance。IcannotrestWhileaughtofbeautyinanypathuntrodSwellsintobloomandspreadssweetcharmsabroadUnworshippedofmylove。IcannotseeInLife’sprofusionandpassionatebrevityHowheartsenamoredoflifecanstraintoomuchInonelongtensiontohear,tosee,totouch。

Nowoneachrustlingnight-windfromtheSouthFarmusiccalls;beyondtheharbormouthEachoutboundargosywithsailunfurledMaypointthepaththroughthisfortuitousworldThatholdstheheartfromitsdesire。Away!

Wheretintedcoast-townsgleamatcloseofday,Wheresquaresaresweetwithbells,orshoresthicksetWithbloomandbower,withmosqueandminaret。

Bluepeaksloomupbeyondthecoast-plainshere,Whiteroadswindupthedalesanddisappear,BysilverywatersintheplainsafarGlimmerstheinlandcitylikeastar,WithgildedgatesandsunnyspiresablazeAndburnisheddomeshalf-seenthroughluminoushaze,Lo,withwhatopportunityEarthteems!

Howlikeafairitsamplebeautyseems!

Flutteringwithflagsitsproudpavilionsrise:

Whatbrightbazaars,whatmarvelousmerchandise,Downseethingalleyswhatmelodiousdin,Whatclamorimportuningfromeverybooth!

AtEarth’sgreatmarketwhereJoyistraffickedinBuywhilethypurseyetswellswithgoldenYouth!

TranslationsDante。Inferno,CantoXXVI

Florence,rejoice!Forthouo’erlandandseaSospread’stthypinionsthatthefameoftheeHathreachednolessintothedepthsofHell。

SonoblewerethefiveIfoundtodwellTherein——thysons——whenceshameaccruestomeAndnogreatpraiseisthine;butifitbeThattruthunveilindreamingsbeforedawn,ThenisthevengefulhournotfarwithdrawnWhenPratoshallexultwithinherwallsToseethysuffering。Whate’erbefalls,Letitcomesoon,sincecomeitmust,forlater,Eachyearwouldseemygrieffortheethegreater。

Weleft;andoncemoreupthecraggysideBytheblindstepsofourdescent,myguide,Remounting,drewmeon。SowepursuedTheruggedpaththroughthatsteepsolitude,WhererocksandsplinteredfragmentsstrewedthelandSothick,thatfootavailednotwithouthand。

Grieffilledmethen,andstillgreatsorrowstirsMyheartasoftasmemoryrecursTowhatIsaw;thatmoreandmoreIreinMynaturalpowers,andcurbthemlesttheystrainWhereVirtueguidenot,——thatifsomegoodstar,Orbetterthing,havemadethemwhattheyare,ThatgoodImaynotgrudge,norturntoill。

Aswhen,recliningonsomeverdanthill——

WhatseasonthehotsunleastveilshispowerThatlightensall,andinthatgloaminghourTheflyresignstotheshrillgnat——eventhen,Asrustic,lookingdown,sees,o’ertheglen,Vineyard,ortilthwherelieshishusbandry,Firefliesinnumerablesparkle:sotome,Comewhereitsmightydepthunfolded,straightWithflamesnofewerseemedtoscintillateTheshadesoftheeighthpit。AndastohimWhosewrongsthebearsavenged,dimandmoredimElijah’schariotseemed,whentotheskiesUprosetheheavenlysteeds;andstillhiseyesStrained,followingthem,tillnaughtremainedinviewButflame,likeathincloudagainsttheblue:

Sohere,themelancholygulfwithin,Wanderedtheseflames,concealingeachitssin,Yeteach,afieryintegument,Wrappedroundasinner。

Onthebridgeintent,GazingIstood,andgraspeditsflintyside,Orelse,unpushed,hadfallen。Andmyguide,Observingmesomoved,spake,saying:\"BeholdWhereswathedeachinhisunconsumingfold,Thespiritslieconfined。\"Whomanswering,\"Master,\"Isaid,\"thywordsassurancebringTothatwhichIalreadyhadsupposed;

AndIwasfaintoaskwholiesenclosedIntheembraceofthatdividingfire,Whichseemstocurlabovethefabledpyre,Wherewithhistwin-bornbrother,fiercelyhated,Eteocleswaslaid。\"Heanswered,\"MatedInpunishmentasonceinwraththeywere,UlyssesthereandDiomedincurTheeternalpains;theregroaningtheydeploreTheambushofthehorse,whichmadethedoorForRome’simperialseedtoissue:thereInanguishtootheywailthefatalsnareWhencedeadDeidamiastillmustgrieve,ReftofAchilles;likewisetheyreceiveDuepenaltyforthePalladium。\"

\"Master,\"Isaid,\"ifinthatmartyrdomThepowerofhumanspeechmaystillbetheirs,Ipray——andthinkitworthathousandprayers——

That,tillthishornedflamebecomemorenigh,Wemayabidehere;forthouseestthatI

Withgreatdesireinclinetoit。\"Andhe:

\"Thyprayerdeservesgreatpraise;whichwillinglyIgrant;butthourefrainfromspeaking;leaveThattasktome;forfullyIconceiveWhatthingthouwouldst,anditmightfallperchanceThatthese,beingGreeks,wouldscornthineutterance。\"

SowhentheflamehadcomewheretimeandplaceSeemednotunfittingtomyguidewithgraceToquestion,thushespokeatmydesire:

\"Oyethataretwosoulswithinonefire,IfinyoureyessomemeritIhavewon——

Merit,ormoreorless——fortributedoneWhenintheworldIframedmyloftyverse:

Movenot;butfainwerewethatonerehearseBywhatstrangefortunestohisdeathhecame。\"

TheeldercrescentoftheantiqueflameBegantowave,asintheupperairAflameistempest-tortured,hereandthereTossingitsangryheight,andinitssoundAshumanspeechitsuddenlyhadfound,Rolledforthavoiceofthunder,saying:\"When,ThetwelvemonthpastinCirce’shalls,againIleftGaeta’sstrand(erethithercameAeneas,andhadgivenitthatname)

Notloveofson,norfilialreverence,NorthataffectionthatmightrecompenseThewearyvigilofPenelope,CouldsofarquenchthehotdesireinmeToprovemorewondersoftheteemingearth,——

Ofhumanfrailtyandofmanlyworth。

Inonesmallbark,andwiththefaithfulbandThatallawardshadsharedofFortune’shand,Ilaunchedoncemoreupontheopenmain。

BothshoresIvisitedasfarasSpain,——

Sardinia,andMorocco,andwhatmoreThemidlandseauponitsbosomwore。

ThehourofourliveswasgrowinglateWhenwearrivedbeforethatnarrowstraitWhereHerculeshadsethisboundstoshowThatthereMan’sfootshallpause,andfurthernoneshallgo。

BornewiththegalepastSevilleontheright,AndontheleftnowsweptbyCeuta’ssite,`Brothers,’Icried,`thatintothefarWestThroughperilsnumberlessarenowaddressed,InthisbriefrespitethatourmortalsenseYethath,shrinknotfromnewexperience;

Butsailingstillagainstthesettingsun,SeekwenewworldswhereManhasneverwonBeforeus。Ponderyourprouddestinies:

Bornwereyenotlikebrutesforswinishease,Butvirtueandhighknowledgetopursue。’

MycomradeswithsuchzealdidIimbueBythesebriefwords,thatscarcelycouldIthenHaveturnedthemfromtheirpurpose;soagainWesetoutpoopagainstthemorningsky,AndmadeouroarsaswingswherewithtoflyIntotheUnknown。AndeverfromtherightOurcoursedeflecting,inthebalmynightAllsouthernstarswesaw,andourssolow,Thatscarceabovethesea-margeitmightshow。

Sofiverevolvingperiodsthesoft,PalelighthadrobbedofCynthia,andasoftReplenishedsinceourstart,whenfaranddimOverthemistyocean’sutmostrim,Roseagreatmountain,thatforveryheightPassedanyIhadseen。BoundlessdelightFilledus——alas,andquicklyturnedtodole:

For,springingfromourscarce-discoveredgoal,Awhirlwindstrucktheship;incirclesthreeItwhirledushelplessintheeddyingsea;

Highonthefourththefragilesternuprose,Thebowdrovedown,and,asAnotherchose,Overourheadsweheardthesurgingbillowsclose。\"

Ariosto。OrlandoFurioso,CantoX,91-99

Ruggiero,toamazetheBritishhost,Andwakemorewonderintheirwonderingranks,Thebridleofhiswingedcourserloosed,Andclappedhisspursintothecreature’sflanks;

Highintheair,eventothetopmostbanksOfcruddedcloud,uprosetheflyinghorse,AndnowabovetheWelsh,andnowtheManx,Andnowacrosstheseaheshapedhiscourse,TillgleamingfarbelowlayErin’semeraldshores。

ThereroundHibernia’sfabledrealmhecoasted,Wheretheoldsainthadlefttheholycave,SoughtforthefamousvirtuethatitboastedTopurgethesinfulvisitorandsave。

Thencebackreturningoverlandandwave,Ruggierocamewherethebluecurrentsflow,TheshoresofLesserBrittanytolave,And,lookingdownwhilesailingtoandfro,HesawAngelicachainedtotherockbelow。

’TwasontheIslandofComplaint——wellnamed,Fortheretothatinhospitableshore,Asavagepeople,cruelanduntamed,Broughttherichprizeofmanyahatefulwar。

Tofeedamonsterthatbesteadthemsore,Theyoffairladiesthosethatloveliestshone,Oftendermaidenstheythetenderestbore,And,drownedintearsandmakingpiteousmoan,Leftforthatraveningbeast,chainedontherocksalone。

Thithertransportedbyenchanter’sart,Angelicafromdreamsmostinnocent(Asthetalementionedinanotherpart)

Awoke,thevictimforthatsadevent。

Beautysorare,norbirthsoexcellent,NortearsthatmakesweetBeautylovelierstill,Couldturnthatpeoplefromtheirharshintent。

Alas,whattemperisconceivedsoillBut,Pitymovingnot,Love’ssoftenthralmentwill?

Onthecoldgraniteattheocean’srimThesefolkhadchainedherfastandgonetheirway;

FreshinthesoftnessofeachdelicatelimbThepityoftheirbruisingviolencelay。

Overherbeauty,fromtheeyeofdayTohideitspleadingcharms,noveilwasthrown。

Onlythefragmentsofthesaltsea-sprayRosefromthechurningofthewaves,wind-blown,Todashuponawhitenesscreamierthantheirown。

Carvedoutofcandidmarblewithoutflaw,Oralabasterblemishlessandrare,Ruggieromighthavefanciedwhathesaw,Forstatue-likeitseemed,andfastenedthereBycraftofcunningestartificer;

SaveinthewistfuleyesRuggierothoughtAteardropgleamed,andwiththeripplinghairTheoceanbreezesplayedasiftheysoughtInitsloosedepthstohidethatwhichherhandmightnot。

PityandwonderandawakeningloveStroveinthebosomoftheMoorishKnight。

DownfromhissoaringintheskiesaboveHeurgedthetenorofhiscourser’sflight。

FairerwitheveryfootoflesseningheightShonethesweetprisoner。WithtighteningreinsHedrewmorenigh,andgentlyashemight:

\"Olady,worthyonlyofthechainsWithwhichhisboundenslavestheGodofLoveconstrains,\"Andleastforthisoranyilldesigned,Oh,whatunnaturalandpervertedraceCouldthesweetfleshwithflushingstricturebind,AndleavetosufferinthiscoldembraceThatthewarmarmssohungertoreplace?\"

Intothedamsel’scheekssuchcolorflewAsbythealchemyofancientdaysIfwhitestivoryshouldtakethehueOfcoralwhereitbloomsdeepintheliquidblue。

NoryetsotightlydrawnthecruelchainsClaspedtheslimanklesandthewoundedhands,Butwithsoft,cringingattitudesinvainShestrovetoshieldherfromthatardentglance。

So,clingingtothewallsofsomeoldmanse,Therose-vinestrivestoshieldhertenderflowers,Whentherudewind,asautumnweeksadvance,BeatsonthewallsandwhirlsaboutthetowersAndspillsateveryblastherprideinpiteousshowers。

Andfirstforchokingsobsshemightnotspeak,Andthen,\"Alas!\"shecried,\"ah,woeisme!\"

Andmorehadsaidinaccentsfaintandweak,Pleadingforsuccorandsweetliberty。

Buthark!acrossthewidewaysoftheseaRoseofasuddensuchafierceaffrayThatanybutthebravehadturnedtoflee。

Ruggiero,turning,looked。Tohisdismay,Lo,wherethemonstercametoclaimhisquiveringprey!

OnaThemeintheGreekAnthologyThypetalsyetarecloselycurled,Roseoftheworld,Aroundtheirscented,goldencore;

NoryethasSummerpurpledo’erThytenderclustersthatbeginToswellwithinThedewyvine-leaves’earlyscreenOfshelteringgreen。

OheartsthatareLove’shelplessprey,Whileyetyoumay,Fly,eretheshaftisonthestring!

ThefirethatnowissmoulderingShallbetheconflagrationsoonWhosepathsarestrewnWithtormentofblanchedlipsandeyesThatagonize。

AfteranEpigramofClementMarotTheladIwasIlongernowNoramnorshallbeevermore。

Spring’slovelyblossomsfrommybrowHaveshedtheirpetalsonthefloor。

Thou,Love,hastbeenmylord,thyshrineAboveallgods’bestservedbyme。

DearLove,couldlifeagainbemineHowbetteredshouldthatservicebe!

LastPoems1916

TheAisne(1914-15)

WefirstsawfireonthetragicslopesWheretheflood-tideofFrance’searlygain,Bigwithwreckedpromiseandabandonedhopes,BrokeinasurfofbloodalongtheAisne。

Thechargeherheroesleftus,weassumed,What,dying,theyreconquered,wepreserved,Inthechilltrenches,harried,shelled,entombed,Wintercamedownonus,butnomanswerved。

Wintercamedownonus。Thelowclouds,tornInthestarkbranchesoftherivenpines,BlurredthewhiterocketsthatfromdusktillmornTracedthewidecurveoftheclose-grapplinglines。

Inrain,andfogthatonthewitheredhillFrozebeforedawn,thelurkingfoedrewdown;

OrlightsnowsfellthatmadeforlornerstillTheravagedcountryandtheruinedtown;

Orthelongcloudswouldend。Intenselyfair,Thewinterconstellationsblazingforth——

Perseus,theTwins,Orion,theGreatBear——

Gleamedonourbayonetspointingtothenorth。

AndthelonesentinelwouldstartandsoarOnwingsofstrongemotionasheknewThatkinshipwiththestarsthatonlyWarIsgreatenoughtoliftman’sspiritto。

Andeverdownthecurvingfront,aglowWiththepalerockets’intermittentlight,Heheard,likedistantthunder,growlandgrowTherumbleoffarbattlesinthenight,——

Rumors,reverberant,indistinct,remote,BornefromredfieldswhosemartialnameshavewonThepowertothrilllikeafartrumpet-note,——

Vic,Vailly,Soupir,Hurtelise,Craonne……

Craonne,beforethycannon-sweptplateau,WherelikesereleaveslaystrewnSeptember’sdead,IfoundforalldearthingsIforfeitedArecompenseIwouldnotnowforego。

ForthathighfellowshipwasoursthenWiththosewho,championinganother’sgood,MorethandullPeaceoritspoorvotariescould,Taughtusthedignityofbeingmen。

Therewedraineddeeperthedeepcupoflife,Andonsublimersummitscametolearn,Aftersoftthings,theterribleandstern,AftersweetLove,themajestyofStrife;

TherewherewefacedunderthosefrowningheightsTheblastthatmaims,thehurricanethatkills;

TherewherethewatchlightsonthewinterhillsFlickeredlikebalefirethroughinclementnights;

Therewhere,firmlinksintheunyieldingchain,Wherefellthelong-plannedblowandfellinvain——

Heartsworthyofthehonorandthetrial,WehelpedtoholdthelinesalongtheAisne。

Champagne(1914-15)

Inthegladrevels,inthehappyfetes,Whencheeksareflushed,andglassesgiltandpearledWiththesweetwineofFrancethatconcentratesThesunshineandthebeautyoftheworld,Drinksometimes,youwhosefootstepsyetmaytreadTheundisturbed,delightfulpathsofEarth,Tothosewhoseblood,inpiousdutyshed,Hallowsthesoilwherethatsamewinehadbirth。

Here,bydevotedcomradeslaidaway,Alongourlinestheyslumberwheretheyfell,BesidethecraterattheFermed’AlgerAndupthebloodyslopesofLaPompelle,AndroundthecitywhosecathedraltowersTheenemiesofBeautydaredprofane,AndinthematofmulticoloredflowersThatclothethesunnychalk-fieldsofChampagne。

UnderthelittlecrosseswheretheyriseThesoldierrests。NowroundhimundismayedThecannonthunders,andatnightheliesAtpeacebeneaththeeternalfusillade……

Thatothergenerationsmightpossess——

Fromshameandmenacefreeinyearstocome——

Aricherheritageofhappiness,Hemarchedtothatheroicmartyrdom。

EsteeminglesstheforfeitthathepaidThanundishonoredthathisflagmightfloatOverthetowersofliberty,hemadeHisbreastthebulwarkandhisbloodthemoat。

Obscurelysacrificed,hisnamelesstomb,Bareofthesculptor’sart,thepoet’slines,Summershallflushwithpoppy-fieldsinbloom,AndAutumnyellowwithmaturingvines。

Therethegrape-pickersattheirharvestingShalllightlytreadandloadtheirwickertrays,BlessinghismemoryastheytoilandsingIntheslantsunshineofOctoberdays……

IlovetothinkthatifmybloodshouldbeSoprivilegedtosinkwherehishassunk,IshallnotpassfromEarthentirely,Butwhenthebanquetrings,whenhealthsaredrunk,AndfacesthatthejoysoflivingfillGlowradiantwithlaughterandgoodcheer,InbeamingcupssomesparkofmeshallstillBrimtowardthelipsthatonceIheldsodear。

SoshallonecovetingnohigherplaneThannatureclothesincolorandfleshandtone,EvenfromthegraveputupwardtoattainThedreamsyouthcherishedandmissedandmighthaveknown;

AndthatstrongneedthatstroveunsatisfiedTowardearthlybeautyinallformsitwore,NotdeathitselfshallutterlydivideFromthebelovedshapesitthirstedfor。

Alas,howmanyanadeptforwhosearmsLifehelddeliciousofferingsperishedhere,Howmanyintheprimeofallthatcharms,Crownedwithallgiftsthatconquerandendear!

Honorthemnotsomuchwithtearsandflowers,Butyouwithwhomthesweetfulfilmentlies,WhereintheanguishofatrocioushoursTurnedtheirlastthoughtsandclosedtheirdyingeyes,RatherwhenmusiconbrightgatheringslaysItstenderspell,andjoyisuppermost,Bemindfulofthementheywere,andraiseYourglassestotheminonesilenttoast。

Drinktothem——amorousofdearEarthaswell,Theyaskednotributelovelierthanthis——

Andinthewinethatripenedwheretheyfell,Oh,frameyourlipsasthoughitwereakiss。

__

Champagne,France,July,1915。

TheHostsPurged,withthelifetheyleft,ofallThatmakeslifepaltryandmeanandsmall,IntheirnewdedicationchargedWithsomethingheightened,enriched,enlarged,ThatlendsalighttotheirlustybrowsAndasongtotherhythmoftheirtrampingfeet,Thesearethementhathavetakenvows,Thesearethehardy,theflower,theelite,——

ThesearethementhataremovednomoreBythewilltotrafficandgraspandstoreAndringwithpleasureandwealthandloveThecirclesthatselfisthecenterof;

ButtheyaremovedbythepowersthatforceTheseaforevertoebbandrise,ThatholdArcturusinhiscourse,AndmarshalatnoonintropicskiesThecloudsthattoweronsomesnow-cappedchainAnddriftoutoverthepeopledplain。

Theyarebigwiththebeautyofcosmicthings。

Markhowtheircolumnssurge!TheyseemTofollowthegoddesswithoutspreadwingsThatpointstowardGlory,thesoldier’sdream。

Withbayonetsbareandflagsunfurled,TheyscalethesummitsoftheworldAndfadeonthefarthestgoldenheightInfairhorizonsfulloflight。

Comradesinarmsthere——friendorfoe——

Thattrodtheperilous,toilsometrailThroughaworldofruinandbloodandwoeIntheyearsofthegreatdecision——hail!

Friendorfoe,itshallmatternought;

Thisonlymatters,infine:wefought。

ForwewereyoungandinloveorstrifeSoughtexultationandcravedexcess:

TosoundthewildestdebauchinlifeWestakedouryouthanditsloveliness。

LetidlersarguetherightandwrongAndweighwhatmeritourcauseshad。

Puttingourfaithinbeingstrong——

Abovethelevelofgoodandbad——

Forus,webattledandburnedandkilledBecauseevolvingNaturewilled,AnditwasourprideandboasttobeTheinstrumentsofDestiny。

TherewasastatelydramawritBythehandthatpeopledtheearthandairAndsetthestarsintheinfiniteAndmadenightgorgeousandmorningfair,AndallthathadsensetoreasonknewThatbloodydramamustbegonethrough。

Somesatandwatchedhowtheactionveered——

Waited,profited,trembled,cheered——

Wesawnotclearlynorunderstood,Butyieldingourselvestothemasterhand,Eachinhispartasbesthecould,Weplayeditthroughastheauthorplanned。

MaktoobAshellsurprisedourpostonedayAndkilledacomradeatmyside。

MyheartwassicktoseethewayHesufferedashedied。

Idugabouttheplacehefell,Andfound,nobiggerthanmythumb,AfragmentofthesplinteredshellInwarmaluminum。

Imeltedit,andmadeamould,Andpoureditintheopening,Andworkedit,whenthecastwascold,Intoashapelyring。

Andwhenmyringwassmoothandbright,Holdingitonaroundedstick,Forseal,IbadeaTurcowrite`Maktoob’inArabic。

`Maktoob!’\"’Tiswritten!\"……Sotheythink,Thesechildrenofthedesert,whoFromitsimmenseexpansesdrinkSomeofitsgrandeurtoo。

WithinthebookofDestiny,Whoseleavesaretime,whosecover,space,Thedaywhenyoushallceasetobe,Thehour,themode,theplace,Aremarked,theysay;andyoushallnotBytakingthoughtorusingwitAlterthatcertainfateonejot,Postponeorconjureit。

Learntodrivefear,then,fromyourheart。

Ifyoumustperish,know,Oman,’TisaninevitablepartOfthepredestinedplan。

And,seeingthatthroughtheebondoorOnceonlyyoumaypass,andmeetOfthosethathavegonethroughbeforeThemighty,theelite————

GuardthatnotbowednorblanchedwithfearYouenter,butserene,erect,AsyouwouldwishmosttoappearTothoseyoumostrespect。

SodieasthoughyourfuneralUsheredyouthroughthedoorsthatledIntoastatelybanquethallWhereheroesbanqueted;

AnditshallalldependthereinWhetheryoucomeasslaveorlord,IftheyacclaimyouastheirkinOrspurnyoufromtheirboard。

So,whentheordercomes:\"Attack!\"

Andtheassaultingwavedeploys,AndthehearttremblestolookbackOnlifeandallitsjoys;

OrinaditchthattheyseemnearTofind,androundyourshallowtroughDropthebigshellsthatyoucanhearComingahalfmileoff;

When,nottohear,sometrytotalk,Andsometocleantheirguns,orsing,Andsomedigdeeperinthechalk——

Ilookuponmyring:

Andnervesrelaxthatweremosttense,AndDeathcomeswhistlingdownunheard,AsIconsiderallthesenseHeldinthatmysticword。

Anditbrings,quietinglikebalmMyheartwhoseflutteringshaveceased,TheresignationandthecalmAndwisdomoftheEast。

IHaveaRendezvouswithDeath……

IhavearendezvouswithDeathAtsomedisputedbarricade,WhenSpringcomesbackwithrustlingshadeAndapple-blossomsfilltheair——

IhavearendezvouswithDeathWhenSpringbringsbackbluedaysandfair。

ItmaybeheshalltakemyhandAndleadmeintohisdarklandAndclosemyeyesandquenchmybreath——

ItmaybeIshallpasshimstill。

IhavearendezvouswithDeathOnsomescarredslopeofbatteredhill,WhenSpringcomesroundagainthisyearAndthefirstmeadow-flowersappear。

Godknows’twerebettertobedeepPillowedinsilkandscenteddown,WhereLovethrobsoutinblissfulsleep,Pulsenightopulse,andbreathtobreath,Wherehushedawakeningsaredear……

ButI’vearendezvouswithDeathAtmidnightinsomeflamingtown,WhenSpringtripsnorthagainthisyear,AndItomypledgedwordamtrue,Ishallnotfailthatrendezvous。

Sonnets:-

SonnetI-

Sidney,inwhomtheheydayofromanceCametoitspreciousandmostperfectflower,WhetheryoutourneyedwithvictoriouslanceOrbroughtsweetroundelaystoStella’sbower,IgivemyselfsomecreditforthewayIhavekeptcleanofwhatenslavesandlowers,ShunnedtheidealsofourpresentdayAndstudiedthosethatwereesteemedinyours;

For,turningfromthemobthatbuysSuccessBysacrificingallLife’sbetterpart,DownthefreeroadsofhumanhappinessIfrolicked,poorofpursebutlightofheart,AndlivedinstrictdevotionallalongTomythreeidols——LoveandArmsandSong-

SonnetII-

NotthatIalwaysstruckthepropermeanOfwhatmankindmustgiveforwhattheygain,But,whenIthinkofthosewhomdullroutineAndthepursuitofcheerlesstoilenchain,Whofromtheirdesk-chairsseeingasummercloudRacethroughblueheavenonitsjoyfulcourseSighsometimesforalifelesscrampedandbowed,IthinkImighthavedoneagreatdealworse;

ForIhaveevergoneuntiedandfree,Thestarsandmyhighthoughtsforcompany;

Wetwiththesalt-sprayandthemountainshowers,Ihavehadthesenseofspaceandamplitude,Andloveinmanyplaces,silver-shoed,Hascomeandscatteredallmypathwithflowers-

SonnetIII-

Whyshouldyoubeastonishedthatmyheart,Plungedforsolongindarknessandindearth,Shouldberevivedbyyou,andstirandstartAsbywarmAprilnow,revivingEarth?

IamthefieldofundulatinggrassAndyouthegentleperfumedbreathofSpring,Andallmylyricbeing,whenyoupass,Isbowedandfilledwithsuddenmurmuring。

Iaskedyounothingandexpectedless,But,withthatdeep,impassionedtendernessOfoneapproachingwhathemostadores,IonlywishedtolosealittlespaceAllthoughtofmyownlife,andinitsplaceToliveanddreamandhavemyjoyinyours-

SonnetIV-

To……inchurchIfIwasdrawnherefromadistantplace,’Twasnottopraynorhearourfriend’saddress,But,gazingoncemoreonyourwinsomeface,ToworshipthereIdealLoveliness。

OnthatpureshrinethathastoolongignoredThegiftsthatonceIbroughtsofrequentlyIlaythisvotiveoffering,torecordHowsweetyourquietbeautyseemedtome。

Enchantinggirl,myfaithisnotathingByfutileprayersandvapidpsalm-singingToventincrowdednaveandpublicpew。

Mycreedissimple:thattheworldisfair,Andbeautythebestthingtoworshipthere,AndIconfessitbyadoringyou。

__

Biarritz,Sunday,March26,1916-

SonnetV-

Seeingyouhavenotcomewithme,norspentThisday’ssuggestivebeautyasweought,IhavegoneforthaloneandbeencontentTomakeyoumistressonlyofmythought。

AndIhaveblessedthefatethatwassokindInmylife’sagitationstoincludeThismoment’srefugewheremysensecanfindRefreshment,andmysoulbeatitude。

Oh,bemygentlelovealittlewhile!

Walkwithmesometimes。Letmeseeyousmile。

Watchingsomenightunderawintrysky,Beforethecharge,oronthebedofpain,TheseblessedmemoriesshallreviveagainAndbeapowertocheerandfortify-

SonnetVI-

Oh,youaremoredesirabletomeThanallIstakedinanimpulsivehour,Makingmyyouththesportofchance,tobeBlightedortorninitsmostperfectflower;

ForIthinklessofwhatthatchancemaybringThanhow,beforereturningintofire,TomakemydearestmemoryofthethingThatisbutnowmyultimatedesire。

AndinoldtimesIshouldhaveprayedtoherWhosehauntthegrovesofwindyCypruswere,ToprospermeandcrownwithgoodsuccessMywilltomakeofyoutherose-twinedbowlFromwhoseinebriatingbrimmysoulShalldrinkitslastofearthlyhappiness-

SonnetVII-

TherehavebeentimeswhenIcouldstormandplead,Butyoushallneverhearmesupplicate。

TheselongmonthsthathavemagnifiedmyneedHavemademyaskinglessimportunate,FornowsmallfavorsseemtomesogreatThatnotthecourteousloversofoldtimeWeremorecontenttorulethemselvesandwait,Easingdesirewithdiscourseandsweetrhyme。

Nay,becapricious,willful;havenofearTowoundmewithunkindnessdoneorsaid,LestmutualdevotionmaketoodearMylifethathangsbyasoslenderthread,AndhappyloveunnervemebeforeMayForthatsternpartthatIhaveyettoplay-

SonnetVIII-

Oh,loveofwoman,youareknowntobeApassionsenttoplaguetheheartsofmen;

ForeveryoneyoubringfelicityBringingrebuffsandwretchednesstoten。

IhavebeenoftwherehumanlifesoldcheapAndseenmen’sbrainsspilledoutabouttheirearsAndyetthatnevercostmeanysleep;

IliveduntroubledandIshednotears。

Foolspratehowwarisanatrociousthing;

IalwaysknewthatnothingitimpliedEqualledtheagonyofsufferingOfhimwholovesandlovesunsatisfied。

Warisarefugetoaheartlikethis;

Loveonlytellsitwhattruetortureis-

SonnetIX-

Well,seeingIhavenohope,thenletuspart;

Havinglongtaughtmyfleshtomasterfear,Ishouldhavelearnedbynowtorulemyheart,Although,Heavenknows,’tisnotsoeasynear。

Oh,youweremadetomakemenmiserableAndtorturethosewhowouldhavejoyinyou,ButI,whocouldhavelovedyou,dear,sowell,Takeprideinbeingagoodlosertoo;

Andithasnotbeenwhollyunsuccess,ForIhaverescuedfromforgetfulnessSomemomentsofthisprecioustimethatflies,AddingtomypastwealthofmemoryTheprettywayyouoncelookedupatme,Yourlow,sweetvoice,yoursmile,andyourdeareyes-

SonnetX-

IhavesoughtHappiness,butithasbeenAlovelyrainbow,bafflingallpursuit,AndtastedPleasure,butitwasafruitMorefairofoutwardhuethansweetwithin。

Renouncingboth,aflakeinthefermentOfbattlinghoststhatconquerorrecoil,Thereonly,chastenedbyfatigueandtoil,Iknewwhatcamethenearesttocontent。

ForthereatleastmytroubledfleshwasfreeFromthegadflyDesirethatplagueditso;

DiscordandStrifewerewhatIusedtoknow,Heartaches,deception,murderousjealousy;

ByWartransportedfarfromallofthese,AmidtheclashofarmsIwasatpeace-

SonnetXI-

OnReturningtotheFrontafterLeaveApartsweetwomen(forwhomHeavenbeblessed),Comrades,youcannotthinkhowthinandblueLooktheleftoversofmankindthatrest,Nowthatthecreamhasbeenskimmedoffinyou。

Warhasitshorrors,buthasthisofgood——

ThatitssureprocessessortoutandbindBraveheartsinoneintrepidbrotherhoodAndleavetheshamsandimbecilesbehind。

Nowturnwejoyfultothegreatattacks,NotonlythatwefaceinafairfieldOurvaliantfoeandallhisdeadlytools,ButalsothatweturndisdainfulbacksOnthatpoorworldwescornyetdietoshield——

Thatworldofcowards,hypocrites,andfools-

SonnetXII-

Cloudsrosy-tintedinthesettingsun,Depthsoftheazureeasternskybetween,Plainswherethepoplar-borderedhighwaysrun,Patchedwithahundredtintsofbrownandgreen,——

BeautyofEarth,wheninthyharmoniesThecannon’snotehasceasedtobeapart,IshallreturnoncemoreandbringtotheseTheworshipofanundividedheart。

OfthosesweetpotentialitiesthatwaitFormyheart’sdeepdesiretofecundateIshallresumethesearch,ifFortunegrants;

AndthegreatcitiesoftheworldshallyetBegoldenframesformeinwhichtosetNewmasterpiecesofmorerareromance。

BellingliseI

DeepintheslopingforestthatsurroundsTheheadofagreenvalleythatIknow,SpreadthefairgardensandancestralgroundsOfBellinglise,thebeautifulchateau。

Throughshadygrovesandfieldsofunmowngrass,Itwasmyjoytocomeatduskandsee,Fillingalittlepond’suntroubledglass,Itsantiquetowersandmoulderingmasonry。

Oh,shouldIfallto-morrow,laymehere,Thato’ermytomb,witheachrevivingyear,Wood-flowersmayblossomandthewood-dovescroon;

Andloversbythatunrecordedplace,Passing,maypause,andclingalittlespace,Close-bosomed,attherisingofthemoon。

II

Here,whereinhappiertimesthehuntsman’shornEchoingfromfarmadesweetmidsummereves,Nowserriedcannonthundernightandmorn,Tearingwithironthegreenwood’stenderleaves。

YethassweetSpringnoparticlewithdrawnOfheroldbounty;stillthesong-birdshail,Eventhroughourfusillade,delightfulDawn;

Eveninourwirebloomliliesofthevale。

Youwholoveflowers,takethese;theirfragilebellsHavetrembledwiththeshockofvolleyedshells,AndinblacknightswhenstealthyfoesadvanceTheyhavebeenlitbythepalerockets’glowThato’erscarredfieldsandancienttownslaidlowTraceinwhitefirethebravefrontiersofFrance。

__

May22,1916。

LiebestodIwho,conceivedbeneathanotherstar,Hadbeenaprinceandplayedwithlife,insteadHavebeenitsslave,anoutcastexiledfarFromthefairthingsmyfaithhasmerited。

MywayshavebeenthewaysthatwandererstreadAndthosethatmakeromanceofpoverty——

Soldier,Isharedthesoldier’sboardandbed,AndJoyhasbeenathingmoreofttomeWhisperedbysummerwindandsummerseaThanknownincarnateinthehoursitliesAllwarmagainstourheartsandlaughsintooureyes。

IknownotifinriskingmybestdaysIshallleaveutterlybehindmehereThisdreamthatlightenedmethroughlonesomewaysAndthatnodisappointmentmadelessdear;

SometimesIthinkthat,wherethehilltopsrearTheirwhiteentrenchmentsbackoftangledwire,BehindthemistDeathonlycanmakeclear,There,likeBrunhilderingedwithflamingfire,Lieswhatshalleasemyheart’simmensedesire:

There,wherebeyondthehorrorandthepainOnlythebraveshallpass,onlythestrongattain。

Truthordelusion,beitasitmay,Yetthinkittrue,dearfriends,for,thinkingso,ThatthoughtshallnerveoursinewsonthedayWhentothelastassaultourbuglesblow:

Recklessofpainandperilweshallgo,Headshighandheartsaflameandbayonetsbare,AndweshallbraveeternityasthoughEyeslookedonusinwhichwewouldseemfair——

Onewaitedinwhosepresencewewouldwear,Evenasaloverwhowouldbewell-seen,Ourmanhoodfaultlessandourhonorclean。

ResurgamExiledafarfromyouthandhappylove,IfDeathshouldravishmyfondspirithenceIhavenodoubtbut,likeahomingdove,Itwouldreturntoitsdearresidence,AndthroughathousandstarsfindouttheroadBackintoearthlyfleshthatwasitslovedabode。

AMessagetoAmericaYouhavethegritandtheguts,Iknow;

YouarereadytoanswerblowforblowYouarevirile,combative,stubborn,hard,Butyourhonorendswithyourownback-yard;

Eachmanintentonhisprivategoal,Youhavenofeelingforthewhole;

WhatsinglynonewouldtolerateYouletunpunishedhitthestate,UnmindfulthateachmanmustshareThestainheletshiscountrywear,And(whatnotravellerignores)

Thathergoodnameisoftenyours。

Youareproudinthepridethatfeelsitsmight;

FromyourimaginaryheightMenofanotherraceorhueAremenofalesserbreedtoyou:

TheneighboratyoursoutherngateYoutreatwiththescornthathasbredhishate。

TolendaspicetoyourdisrespectYoucallhimthe\"greaser\"。Butreflect!

Thegreaserhasspatonyoumorethanonce;

Hehashandedyoumultipleaffronts;

Hehasrobbedyou,banishedyou,burnedandkilled;

Hehasgoneuntrouncedforthebloodhespilled;

Hehasjeeringusedforhisbootblack’sragThestarsandstripesofthegringo’sflag;

Andyou,inthedepthsofyoureasy-chair——

Whatdidyoudo,whatdidyoucare?

DidyoufindtheseasontoocoldanddampTochangethecounterforthecamp?

WereyoufrightenedbyfeversinMexico?

Ican’timagine,butthisIknow——

YouareimpassionedvastlymoreBythenewsofthedailybaseballscoreThantohearthatadozencountrymenHaveperishedsomewhereinDarien,ThatgreasershavetakentheirinnocentlivesAndrobbedtheirholdingsandrapedtheirwives。

NotbyroughtonguesandreadyfistsCanyouhopetojiltinthemodernlists。

ThearmiesofalittlerfolkShallpassyouunderthevictor’syoke,SobeitanationthattrainshersonsToridetheirhorsesandpointtheirguns——

SobeitapeoplethatcomprehendsThelimitwhereprivatepleasureendsAndwheretheirpublicduesbegin,ApeoplemadestrongbydisciplineWhoarewillingtogive——whatyou’venomindto——

Andunderstand——whatyouareblindto——

ThethingsthattheindividualMustsacrificeforthegoodofall。

Youhavealeaderwhoknows——themanMostfittobecalledAmerican,AprophetthatonceingenerationsIsgiventopointtoerringnationsBrighteridealstowardwhichtopressAndleadthemoutofthewilderness。

Willyouturnyourbackonhimonceagain?

WillyougivethetilleroncemoretomenWhohavemadeyourcountrythelaughing-stockFortheolderpeoplestoscornandmock,Whowouldmakeyouservile,despised,andweak,Acountrythatturnstheothercheek,Whocarenothowbravelyyourflagmayfloat,Whoansweraninsultwithanote,Whosewayistheeasywayinall,And,seeingthatpolishedarmsappalTheirmarrowofmilk-fedpacifist,Wouldtellyoumenacedoesnotexist?

Arethese,intheworld’sgreatparliament,ThemenyouwouldchoosetorepresentYourhonor,yourmanhood,andyourpride,Andthevirtuesyourfathersdignified?

Oh,burythemdeeperthantheseaInuniversalobloquy;

Forgetthegroundwheretheylie,orwriteForepitaph:\"Tooproudtofight。\"

Ihavebeentoolongfrommycountry’sshoresToreckonwhatstateofmindisyours,ButasformyselfIknowrightwellIwouldgothroughfireandshotandshellAndfacenewperilsandmakemybedInnewprivations,ifROOSEVELTled;

ButIhavegivenmyheartandhandToserve,inservinganotherland,Idealskeptbrightthatwithyouaredim;

Heremencanthrilltotheircountry’shymn,ForthepassionthatwellsintheMarseillaiseIsthesamethatfirestheFrenchthesedays,And,whentheflagthattheylovegoesby,WithswellingbosomandmoistenedeyeTheycanlook,fortheyknowthatitfloatstherestillBythemightoftheirhandsandthestrengthoftheirwill,AndthroughperilscountlessandtrialsunknownItshonoreachmanhasmadehisown。

Theywantedthewarnomorethanyou,Buttheysawhowthecertainmenacegrew,AndtheygavetwoyearsoftheiryouthorthreeThemoretoinsuretheirlibertyWhenthewrathofriflesandpennonedspearsShouldrolllikeafloodontheirwreckedfrontiers。

Theywantedthewarnomorethanyou,ButwhenthedreadfulsummonsblewAndthetimetosettlethequarrelcameTheysprangtotheirguns,eachmanwasgame;

AndmarkiftheyfightnottothelastFortheirhearths,theiraltars,andtheirpast:

Yea,fighttilltheirveinshavebeenbleddryForloveofthecountrythatWILLnotdie。

Ofriends,inyourfortunatepresentease(Yetfacedbytheself-samefactsasthese),IfyouwouldseehowaracecansoarThathasnolove,butnofear,ofwar,HoweachcanturnfromhisprivateroleThatallmayactasaperfectwhole,HowmencanliveuptotheplacetheyclaimAndanation,jealousofitsgoodname,Betruetoitsproudinheritance,Oh,lookoverhereandlearnfromFRANCE!

IntroductionandConclusionofaLongPoemIhavegonesometimesbythegatesofDeathAndstoodbesidethecavernthroughwhosedoorsEnterthevoyagersintotheunseen。

Fromthatdreadthresholdonly,gazingback,HaveeyesinswiftilluminationseenLifeutterlyrevealed,andguessedthereinWhatthingswerevitalandwhatthingswerevain。

Knowthen,likeavastoceanfrommyfeetSpreadingawayintothemorningsky,Isawunrolledmyvanisheddays,and,lo,OblivionlikeamorningmistobscuredToils,trials,ambitions,agitations,ease,Andlikegreenisles,sun-kissed,withsweetperfumeLoadingtheairsblownbackfromthatdimgulf,Gleamedonlythroughtheall-involvinghazeThehourswhenwehavelovedandbeenbeloved。

Therefore,sweetfriends,asoftenasbyLoveYouriseabsorbedintotheharmonyOfplanetssingingroundmagneticsuns,LetnotproprietynorprejudiceNorthepreceptsofjealousagedenyWhatSensesoincontestablyaffirms;

ClingtotheblessedmomentanddrinkdeepOfthesweetcupittends,astherealoneWerethatwhichmakeslifeworththepaintolive。

WhatissofairasloversintheirjoyThatdiesinsleep,theirsleepthatwakesinjoy?

Caressingarmsaretheirlightpillows。TheyThatlikeloststarshavewanderedhithertoLonesomeandlightlessthroughtheuniverse,NowglowtransfiredatNature’sflamingcore;

Theyarethecentre;constellatedheavenIstheembroideredpanoplyspreadroundTheirbridal,andthemusicofthespheresRockstheminhushedepithalamium……

IknowthattherearethosewhoseidletonguesBlasphemethebeautyoftheworldthatwasSowondrousandsoworshipfultome。

Icallthemthosethat,inthepalacewhereDownperfumedhallstheSleepingBeautylay,Wanderedwithoutthesecretorthekey。

Iknowthattherearethose,ofgentlerheart,Brokenbygrieforbydeceptionbowed,WhoinsomerealmbeyondthegraveconceiveTheblisstheyfoundnothere;but,asforme,InthesoftfibresofthetenderfleshIsawpotentialitiesofJoyTenthousandlifetimescouldnotuse。DearEarth,InthisdarkmonthwhendeepasmorningdewOnthymaternalbreastshallfallthebloodOfthosethatwerethyloveliestandthybest,Ifitbefatethatmineshallmixwiththeirs,Hearthismynaturalprayer,for,purifiedBythatLetheanagonyandcladInmoreresplendentpowers,IasknoughtelseThanreincarnatetoretracemypath,Bebornagainofwoman,walkoncemoreThroughChildhood’sfragrant,flowerywonderlandAnd,enteredinthegoldenrealmofYouth,FarestillapilgrimtowardthecopiousjoysIsavoredhereyetscarcebegantosip;

Yea,withthecomradesthatIlovedsowellResumethebanquetwehadscarcebegunWheninthestreetweheardtheclarion-callAndeachmansprangtoarms——ay,evenmyselfWholovedsweetYouthtootrulynottoshareItspainnolessthanitsdelight。IfprayersAretobeprayed,lo,hereismine!BethisMyresurrection,thismyrecompense!

OdeinMemoryoftheAmericanVolunteersFallenforFrance(TohavebeenreadbeforethestatueofLafayetteandWashingtoninParis,onDecorationDay,May30,1916。)

I

Ay,itisfittingonthisholiday,Commemorativeofoursoldierdead,When——withsweetflowersofourNewEnglandMayHidingthelichenedstonesbyfiftyyearsmadegray——

Theirgravesineverytownaregarlanded,ThatpioustributeshouldbegiventooToourintrepidfewObscurelyfallenherebeyondtheseas。

Thosetopreservetheircountry’sgreatnessdied;

ButbythedeathoftheseSomethingthatwecanlookuponwithprideHasbeenachieved,norwhollyunrepliedCansneererstriumphinthechargetheymakeThatfromawarwhereFreedomwasatstakeAmericawithheldand,daunted,stoodaside。

II

Betheyrememberedherewitheachrevivingspring,NotonlythatinMay,whenlifeisloveliest,AroundNeuville-Saint-VaastandthedisputedcrestOfVimy,they,superb,unfaltering,Inthatfineonslaughtthatnofirecouldhalt,Partedimpetuoustotheirfirstassault;

ButthattheybroughtfreshheartsandspringliketooTothathighmission,and’tismeettostrewWithtwigsoflilacandspring’searliestroseThecenotaphofthoseWhointhecausethathistorymostendearsFellinthesunnymornandfloweroftheiryoungyears。

III

Yetsoughttheyneitherrecompensenorpraise,NortobementionedinanotherbreathThantheirbluecoatedcomradeswhosegreatdaysItwastheirpridetoshare——ay,shareeventothedeath!

Nay,rather,France,toyoutheyrenderedthanks(Seeingtheycameforhonor,notforgain),Who,openingtothemyourgloriousranks,Gavethemthatgrandoccasiontoexcel,ThatchancetolivethelifemostfreefromstainAndthatrareprivilegeofdyingwell。

IV

Ofriends!IknownotsincethatwarbeganFromwhichnopeoplenoblystandsaloofIfinallmomentswehavegivenproofOfvirtuesthatwerethoughtAmerican。

IknownotifinallthingsdoneandsaidAllhasbeenwellandgood,OrifeachoneofuscanholdhisheadAsproudlyasheshould,Or,fromthepatternofthosemightydeadWhoseshadesourcountryveneratesto-day,Ifwe’venotsomewhatfallenandsomewhatgoneastray。

Butyoutowhomourland’sgoodnameisdear,IftherebeanyhereWhowonderifhermanhoodbedecreased,RelaxeditssinewsanditsbloodlessredThanthatatShilohandAntietamshed,Beproudofthese,havejoyinthisatleast,Andcry:\"NowheavenbepraisedThatinthathourthatmostimperilledher,MenacedherlibertywhoforemostraisedEurope’sbrightflagoffreedom,sometherewereWho,notunmindfuloftheantiquedebt,CamebackthegenerouspathofLafayette;

AndwhenofamostformidablefoeShecheckedeachonset,arduoustostem——

Foiledandfrustratedthem——

OnthoseredfieldswhereblowwithfuriousblowWascountered,whetherthegiganticfrayRolledbytheMeuseorattheBoisSabot,Accentsofourswereinthefiercemelee;

AndonthosefurthestrimsofhallowedgroundWheretheforlorn,thegallantchargeexpires,Whentheslainbuglerhaslongceasedtosound,AndonthetangledwiresThelastwildrallystaggers,crumbles,stops,Witheredbeneaththeshrapnel’sironshowers:——

Nowheavenbethanked,wegaveafewbravedrops;

Nowheavenbethanked,afewbravedropswereours。\"

V

There,holdingstill,infrozensteadfastness,Theirbayonetstowardthebeckoningfrontiers,Theylie——ourcomrades——lieamongtheirpeers,Cladinthegloryoffallenwarriors,Grimclustersunderthornytrellises,Dry,furthestfoamupondisastrousshores,Leavesthatmadelastyearbeautiful,stillstrewnEvenastheyfell,unchanged,beneaththechangingmoon;

AndearthinherdivineindifferenceRollson,andmanypaltrythingsandmeanPratetobeheardandcapertobeseen。

Buttheyaresilent,calm;theireloquenceIsthatincomparableattitude;

Nohumanpresencestheirwitnessare,Butsummercloudsandsunsetcrimson-hued,Andshowersandnightwindsandthenorthernstar。

Nay,evenoursalutationsseemprofane,OpposedtotheirElysianquietude;

Oursalutationscallingfromafar,FromourignoblerplaneAndundistinctionofourlesserparts:

Hail,brothers,andfarewell;youaretwiceblest,bravehearts。

Doubleyourgloryiswhoperishedthus,ForyouhavediedforFranceandvindicatedus。