Poem:AthanasiaTothatgauntHouseofArtwhichlacksfornaughtOfallthegreatthingsmenhavesavedfromTime,ThewitheredbodyofagirlwasbroughtDeaderetheworld'sgladyouthhadtoucheditsprime,AndseenbylonelyArabslyinghidInthedimwombofsomeblackpyramid。
ButwhentheyhadunloosedthelinenbandWhichswathedtheEgyptian'sbody,-lo!wasfoundClosedinthewastedhollowofherhandAlittleseed,whichsowninEnglishgroundDidwondroussnowofstarryblossomsbearAndspreadrichodoursthroughourspring-tideair。
WithsuchstrangeartsthisflowerdidallureThatallforgottenwastheasphodel,Andthebrownbee,thelily'sparamour,Forsookthecupwherehewaswonttodwell,Fornotathingofearthitseemedtobe,ButstolenfromsomeheavenlyArcady。
Invainthesadnarcissus,wanandwhiteAtitsownbeauty,hungacrossthestream,Thepurpledragon-flyhadnodelightWithitsgolddusttomakehiswingsa-gleam,Ah!nodelightthejasmine-bloomtokiss,Orbrushtherain-pearlsfromtheeucharis。
ForloveofitthepassionatenightingaleForgotthehillsofThrace,thecruelking,AndthepaledovenolongercaredtosailThroughthewetwoodsattimeofblossoming,ButroundthisflowerofEgyptsoughttofloat,Withsilveredwingandamethystinethroat。
WhilethehotsunblazedinhistowerofblueAcoolingwindcreptfromthelandofsnows,AndthewarmsouthwithtendertearsofdewDrencheditswhiteleaveswhenHesperosup-roseAmidthosesea-greenmeadowsoftheskyOnwhichthescarletbarsofsunsetlie。
Butwheno'erwastesoflily-hauntedfieldThetiredbirdshadstayedtheiramoroustune,AndbroadandglitteringlikeanargentshieldHighinthesapphireheavenshungthemoon,DidnostrangedreamorevilmemorymakeEachtremulouspetalofitsblossomsshake?
Ahno!tothisbrightflowerathousandyearsSeemedbutthelingeringofasummer'sday,ItneverknewthetideofcankeringfearsWhichturnaboy'sgoldhairtowitheredgrey,Thedreaddesireofdeathitneverknew,Orhowallfolkthattheywerebornmustrue。
Forwetodeathwithpipeanddancinggo,Norwouldwepasstheivorygateagain,AssomesadriverweariedofitsflowThroughthedullplains,thehauntsofcommonmen,Leapslover-likeintotheterriblesea!
Andcountsitgaintodiesogloriously。
WemarourlordlystrengthinbarrenstrifeWiththeworld'slegionsledbyclamorouscare,ItneverfeelsdecaybutgatherslifeFromthepuresunlightandthesupremeair,WelivebeneathTime'swastingsovereignty,Itisthechildofalleternity。
Poem:SerenadeForMusic
ThewesternwindisblowingfairAcrossthedarkAEgeansea,AndatthesecretmarblestairMyTyriangalleywaitsforthee。
Comedown!thepurplesailisspread,Thewatchmansleepswithinthetown,Oleavethylily-floweredbed,OLadyminecomedown,comedown!
Shewillnotcome,Iknowherwell,Oflover'svowsshehathnocare,AndlittlegoodamancantellOfonesocruelandsofair。
Trueloveisbutawoman'stoy,Theyneverknowthelover'spain,AndIwholovedaslovesaboyMustloveinvain,mustloveinvain。
Onoblepilot,tellmetrue,Isthatthesheenofgoldenhair?
OrisitbutthetangleddewThatbindsthepassion-flowersthere?
GoodsailorcomeandtellmenowIsthatmyLady'slilyhand?
Orisitbutthegleamingprow,Orisitbutthesilversand?
No!no!'tisnotthetangleddew,'Tisnotthesilver-frettedsand,ItismyowndearLadytrueWithgoldenhairandlilyhand!
Onoblepilot,steerforTroy,Goodsailor,plythelabouringoar,ThisistheQueenoflifeandjoyWhomwemustbearfromGrecianshore!
Thewaningskygrowsfaintandblue,Itwantsanhourstillofday,Aboard!aboard!mygallantcrew,OLadymine,away!away!
Onoblepilot,steerforTroy,Goodsailor,plythelabouringoar,Olovedasonlylovesaboy!
Olovedforeverevermore!
Poem:EndymionForMusic
Theappletreesarehungwithgold,AndbirdsareloudinArcady,Thesheepliebleatinginthefold,Thewildgoatrunsacrossthewold,Butyesterdayhislovehetold,Iknowhewillcomebacktome。
Orisingmoon!OLadymoon!
Beyoumylover'ssentinel,Youcannotchoosebutknowhimwell,Forheisshodwithpurpleshoon,Youcannotchoosebutknowmylove,Forheashepherd'scrookdothbear,Andheissoftasanydove,Andbrownandcurlyishishair。
TheturtlenowhasceasedtocallUponhercrimson-footedgroom,Thegreywolfprowlsaboutthestall,Thelily'ssingingseneschalSleepsinthelily-bell,andallTheviolethillsarelostingloom。
Orisenmoon!Oholymoon!
StandonthetopofHelice,Andifmyowntrueloveyousee,Ah!ifyouseethepurpleshoon,Thehazelcrook,thelad'sbrownhair,Thegoat-skinwrappedabouthisarm,TellhimthatIamwaitingwhereTherushlightglimmersintheFarm。
Thefallingdewiscoldandchill,AndnobirdsingsinArcady,Thelittlefaunshaveleftthehill,EventhetireddaffodilHascloseditsgildeddoors,andstillMylovercomesnotbacktome。
Falsemoon!Falsemoon!Owaningmoon!
Whereismyowntruelovergone,Wherearethelipsvermilion,Theshepherd'scrook,thepurpleshoon?
Whyspreadthatsilverpavilion,Whywearthatveilofdriftingmist?
Ah!thouhastyoungEndymion,Thouhastthelipsthatshouldbekissed!
Poem:LaBellaDonnaDellaMiaMenteMylimbsarewastedwithaflame,Myfeetaresorewithtravelling,For,callingonmyLady'sname,Mylipshavenowforgottosing。
OLinnetinthewild-rosebrakeStrainformyLovethymelody,OLarksinglouderforlove'ssake,MygentleLadypassethby。
SheistoofairforanymanToseeorholdhisheart'sdelight,FairerthanQueenorcourtesanOrmoonlitwaterinthenight。
Herhairisboundwithmyrtleleaves,Greenleavesuponhergoldenhair!
GreengrassesthroughtheyellowsheavesOfautumncornarenotmorefair。
Herlittlelips,moremadetokissThantocrybitterlyforpain,Aretremulousasbrook-wateris,Orrosesaftereveningrain。
HerneckislikewhitemeliloteFlushingforpleasureofthesun,Thethrobbingofthelinnet'sthroatIsnotsosweettolookupon。
Asapomegranate,cutintwain,White-seeded,ishercrimsonmouth,HercheeksareasthefadingstainWherethepeachreddenstothesouth。
Otwininghands!OdelicateWhitebodymadeforloveandpain!
OHouseoflove!OdesolatePaleflowerbeatenbytherain!
Poem:ChansonAringofgoldandamilk-whitedoveAregoodlygiftsforthee,AndahempenropeforyourownloveTohanguponatree。
ForyouaHouseofIvory,Rosesarewhiteintherose-bower!
Anarrowbedformetolie,White,Owhite,isthehemlockflower!
Myrtleandjessamineforyou,Otheredroseisfairtosee!
Formethecypressandtherue,Finestofallisrosemary!
Foryouthreeloversofyourhand,Greengrasswhereamanliesdead!
Formethreepacesonthesand,Plantliliesatmyhead!
Poem:CharmidesI。
HewasaGrecianlad,whocominghomeWithpulpyfigsandwinefromSicilyStoodathisgalley'sprow,andletthefoamBlowthroughhiscrispbrowncurlsunconsciously,Andholdingwaveandwindinboy'sdespitePeeredfromhisdrippingseatacrossthewetandstormynight。
TillwiththedawnhesawaburnishedspearLikeathinthreadofgoldagainstthesky,Andhoistedsail,andstrainedthecreakinggear,AndbadethepilotheadherlustilyAgainstthenor'westgale,andalldaylongHeldonhisway,andmarkedtherowers'timewithmeasuredsong。
AndwhenthefaintCorinthianhillswereredDroppedanchorinalittlesandybay,Andwithfreshboughsofolivecrownedhishead,Andbrushedfromcheekandthroatthehoaryspray,Andwashedhislimbswithoil,andfromtheholdBroughtouthislinentunicandhissandalsbrazen-soled,Andarichrobestainedwiththefishers'juiceWhichofsomeswarthytraderhehadboughtUponthesunnyquayatSyracuse,AndwaswithTyrianbroideriesinwrought,AndbythequestioningmerchantsmadehiswayUpthroughthesoftandsilverwoods,andwhenthelabouringdayHadspunitstangledwebofcrimsoncloud,Clombthehighhill,andwithswiftsilentfeetCrepttothefaneunnoticedbythecrowdOfbusypriests,andfromsomedarkretreatWatchedtheyoungswainshisfrolicplaymatesbringThefirstlingoftheirlittleflock,andtheshyshepherdflingThecracklingsaltupontheflame,orhangHisstuddedcrookagainstthetemplewallToHerwhokeepsawaytheravenousfangOfthebasewolffromhomesteadandfromstall;
Andthentheclear-voicedmaidens'gantosing,Andtothealtareachmanbroughtsomegoodlyoffering,Abeechencupbrimmingwithmilkyfoam,AfairclothwroughtwithcunningimageryOfhoundsinchase,awaxenhoney-combDrippingwithoozygoldwhichscarcethebeeHadceasedfrombuilding,ablackskinofoilMeetforthewrestlers,agreatboarthefierceandwhite-tuskedspoilStolenfromArtemisthatjealousmaidTopleaseAthena,andthedappledhideOfatallstagwhoinsomemountaingladeHadmettheshaft;andthentheheraldcried,AndfromthepillaredprecinctonebyoneWentthegladGreekswellpleasedthattheytheirsimplevowshaddone。
AndtheoldpriestputoutthewaningfiresSavethatonelampwhoserestlessrubyglowedForeverinthecell,andtheshrilllyresCamefainteronthewind,asdowntheroadInjoyousdancethesecountryfolkdidpass,Andwithstouthandsthewarderclosedthegatesofpolishedbrass。
Longtimehelayandhardlydaredtobreathe,Andheardthecadenceddripofspilt-outwine,Andtherose-petalsfallingfromthewreathAsthenightbreezeswanderedthroughtheshrine,AndseemedtobeinsomeentrancedswoonTillthroughtheopenroofabovethefullandbrimmingmoonFloodedwithsheenywavesthemarblefloor,Whenfromhisnookupleapttheventurouslad,Andflingingwidethecedar-carvendoorBeheldanawfulimagesaffron-cladAndarmedforbattle!thegauntGriffinglaredFromthehugehelm,andthelonglanceofwreckandruinflaredLikearedrodofflame,stonyandsteeledTheGorgon'sheaditsleadeneyeballsrolled,Andwritheditssnakyhorrorsthroughtheshield,AndgapedaghastwithbloodlesslipsandcoldInpassionimpotent,whilewithblindgazeTheblinkingowlbetweenthefeethootedinshrillamaze。
ThelonelyfisherashetrimmedhislampFaroutatseaoffSunium,orcastThenetfortunnies,heardabrazentrampOfhorsessmitethewaves,andawildblastDividethefoldedcurtainsofthenight,Andkneltuponthelittlepoop,andprayedinholyfright。
AndguiltyloversintheirveneryForgatalittlewhiletheirstolensweets,DeemingtheyhearddreadDian'sbittercry;
AndthegrimwatchmenontheirloftyseatsRantotheirshieldsinhasteprecipitate,Orstrainedblack-beardedthroatsacrosstheduskyparapet。
Forroundthetemplerolledtheclangofarms,AndthetwelveGodsleaptupinmarblefear,AndtheairquakedwithdissonantalarumsTillhugePoseidonshookhismightyspear,Andonthefriezetheprancinghorsesneighed,Andthelowtreadofhurryingfeetrangfromthecavalcade。
Readyfordeathwithpartedlipshestood,AndwellcontentatsuchapricetoseeThatcalmwidebrow,thatterriblemaidenhood,Themarvelofthatpitilesschastity,Ah!wellcontentindeed,forneverwightSinceTroy'syoungshepherdprincehadseensowonderfulasight。
Readyfordeathhestood,butlo!theairGrewsilent,andthehorsesceasedtoneigh,Andoffhisbrowhetossedtheclusteringhair,Andfromhislimbshethrowthecloakaway;
Forwhomwouldnotsuchlovemakedesperate?
Andnighercame,andtouchedherthroat,andwithhandsviolateUndidthecuirass,andthecrocusgown,Andbaredthebreastsofpolishedivory,TillfromthewaistthepeplosfallingdownLeftvisiblethesecretmysteryWhichtonoloverwillAthenashow,Thegrandcoolflanks,thecrescentthighs,thebossyhillsofsnow。
Thosewhohaveneverknownalover'ssinLetthemnotreadmyditty,itwillbeTotheirdullearssomusiclessandthinThattheywillhavenojoyofit,butyeTowhosewancheeksnowcreepsthelingeringsmile,YewhohavelearnedwhoErosis,-Olistenyetawhile。
AlittlespacehelethisgreedyeyesRestontheburnishedimage,tillmeresightHalfswoonedforsurfeitofsuchluxuries,AndthenhislipsinhungeringdelightFedonherlips,androundthetoweredneckHeflunghisarms,norcaredatallhispassion'swilltocheck。
NeverIweendidloverholdsuchtryst,Forallnightlonghemurmuredhoneyedword,Andsawhersweetunravishedlimbs,andkissedHerpaleandargentbodyundisturbed,Andpaddledwiththepolishedthroat,andpressedHishotandbeatingheartuponherchillandicybreast。
ItwasasifNumidianjavelinsPiercedthroughandthroughhiswildandwhirlingbrain,AndhisnervesthrilledlikethrobbingviolinsInexquisitepulsation,andthepainWassuchsweetanguishthatheneverdrewHislipsfromherstilloverheadthelarkofwarningflew。
TheywhohaveneverseenthedaylightpeerIntoadarkenedroom,anddrawnthecurtain,AndwithdulleyesandweariedfromsomedearAndworshippedbodyrisen,theyforcertainWillneverknowofwhatItrytosing,Howlongthelastkisswas,howfondandlatehislingering。
Themoonwasgirdledwithacrystalrim,ThesignwhichshipmensayisominousOfwrathinheaven,thewanstarsweredim,AndthelowlighteningeastwastremulousWiththefaintflutteringwingsofflyingdawn,Erefromthesilentsombreshrinehisloverhadwithdrawn。
DownthesteeprockwithhurriedfeetandfastClombthebravelad,andreachedthecaveofPan,Andheardthegoat-footsnoringashepassed,AndleaptuponagrassyknollandranLikeayoungfawnuntoanolivewoodWhichinashadyvalleybythewell-builtcitystood;
Andsoughtalittlestream,whichwellheknew,ForoftentimeswithboyishcarelessshoutThegreenandcrestedgrebehewouldpursue,Orsnareinwovennetthesilvertrout,AnddownamidthestartledreedshelayPantinginbreathlesssweetaffright,andwaitedfortheday。
Onthegreenbankhelay,andletonehandDipinthecooldarkeddieslistlessly,AndsoonthebreathofmorningcameandfannedHishotflushedcheeks,orliftedwantonlyThetangledcurlsfromoffhisforehead,whileHeontherunningwatergazedwithstrangeandsecretsmile。
AndsoontheshepherdinroughwoollencloakWithhislongcrookundidthewattledcotes,AndfromthestackathinbluewreathofsmokeCurledthroughtheairacrosstheripeningoats,Andonthehilltheyellowhouse-dogbayedAsthroughthecrispandrustlingferntheheavycattlestrayed。
Andwhenthelight-footmowerwentafieldAcrossthemeadowslacedwiththreadeddew,Andthesheepbleatedonthemistyweald,Andfromitsnestthewakingcorncrakeflew,SomewoodmensawhimlyingbythestreamAndmarvelledmuchthatanyladsobeautifulcouldseem,Nordeemedhimbornofmortals,andonesaid,'ItisyoungHylas,thatfalserunawayWhowithaNaiadnowwouldmakehisbedForgettingHerakles,'butothers,'Nay,ItisNarcissus,hisownparamour,Thosearethefondandcrimsonlipsnowomancanallure。'
Andwhentheynearercameathirdonecried,'ItisyoungDionysoswhohashidHisspearandfawnskinbytheriversideWearyofhuntingwiththeBassarid,Andwiseindeedwereweawaytofly:
Theylivenotlongwhoonthegodsimmortalcometospy。'
Soturnedtheyback,andfearedtolookbehind,AndtoldthetimidswainhowtheyhadseenAmidthereedssomewoodlandgodreclined,Andnomandaredtocrosstheopengreen,Andonthatdaynoolive-treewasslain,Norrushescut,butalldesertedwasthefairdomain,Savewhentheneat-herd'slad,hisemptypailWellslunguponhisback,withleapandboundRacedontheotherside,andstoppedtohail,Hopingthathesomecomradenewhadfound,Andgatnoanswer,andthenhalfafraidPassedonhissimpleway,ordownthestillandsilentgladeAlittlegirlranlaughingfromthefarm,Notthinkingoflove'ssecretmysteries,AndwhenshesawthewhiteandgleamingarmAndallhismanlihood,withlongingeyesWhosepassionmockedhersweetvirginityWatchedhimawhile,andthenstolebacksadlyandwearily。
Faroffheheardthecity'shumandnoise,AndnowandthentheshrillerlaughterwhereThepassionatepurityofbrown-limbedboysWrestledorracedintheclearhealthfulair,AndnowandthenalittletinklingbellAstheshornwetherledthesheepdowntothemossywell。
Throughthegreywillowsdancedthefretfulgnat,Thegrasshopperchirpedidlyfromthetree,Insleekandoilycoatthewater-ratBreastingthelittleripplesmanfullyMadeforthewild-duck'snest,fromboughtoboughHoppedtheshyfinch,andthehugetortoisecreptacrosstheslough。
OnthefaintwindfloatedthesilkyseedsAsthebrightscythesweptthroughthewavinggrass,Theouzel-cocksplashedcirclesinthereedsAndfleckedwithsilverwhorlstheforest'sglass,WhichscarcehadcaughtagainitsimageryErefromitsbedtheduskytenchleaptatthedragon-fly。
ButlittlecarehadheforanythingThoughupanddownthebeechthesquirrelplayed,Andfromthecopsethelinnet'gantosingToitsbrownmateitssweetestserenade;
Ah!littlecareindeed,forhehadseenThebreastsofPallasandthenakedwonderoftheQueen。
ButwhentheherdsmancalledhisstragglinggoatsWithwhistlingpipeacrosstherockyroad,Andtheshard-beetlewithitstrumpet-notesBoomedthroughthedarkeningwoods,andseemedtobodeOfcomingstorm,andthebelatedcranePassedhomewardlikeashadow,andthedullbigdropsofrainFellonthepatteringfig-leaves,upherose,AndfromthegloomyforestwenthiswayPastsombrehomesteadandwetorchard-close,Andcameatlastuntoalittlequay,Andcalledhismatesaboard,andtookhisseatOnthehighpoop,andpushedfromland,andloosedthedrippingsheet,Andsteeredacrossthebay,andwhenninesunsPasseddownthelongandladderedwayofgold,AndninepalemoonshadbreathedtheirorisonsTothechastestarstheirconfessors,ortoldTheirdearestsecrettothedownymothThatwillnotflyatnoonday,throughthefoamandsurgingfrothCameagreatowlwithyellowsulphurouseyesAndlitupontheship,whosetimberscreakedAsthoughtheladingofthreeargosiesWereinthehold,andflappeditswingsandshrieked,Anddarknessstraightwaystoleacrossthedeep,SheathedwasOrion'ssword,dreadMarshimselffleddownthesteep,AndthemoonhidbehindatawnymaskOfdriftingcloud,andfromtheocean'smargeRosetheredplume,thehugeandhornedcasque,Theseven-cubitspear,thebrazentarge!
AndcladinbrightandburnishedpanoplyAthenastrodeacrossthestretchofsickandshiveringsea!
Tothedullsailors'sightherloosenedlooksSeemedlikethejaggedstorm-rack,andherfeetOnlythespumethatfloatsonhiddenrocks,And,markinghowtherisingwatersbeatAgainsttherollingship,thepilotcriedTotheyounghelmsmanatthesterntolufftowindwardsideButhe,theoverboldadulterer,Adearprofanerofgreatmysteries,Anardentamorousidolater,WhenhebeheldthosegrandrelentlesseyesLaughedloudforjoy,andcryingout'Icome'
Leaptfromtheloftypoopintothechillandchurningfoam。
Thenfellfromthehighheavenonebrightstar,Onedancerleftthecirclinggalaxy,AndbacktoAthensonherclatteringcarInalltheprideofvengeddivinityPalePallassweptwithshrillandsteelyclank,Andafewgurglingbubblesrosewhereherboyloversank。
AndthemastshudderedasthegauntowlflewWithmockinghootsafterthewrathfulQueen,AndtheoldpilotbadethetremblingcrewHoistthebigsail,andtoldhowhehadseenClosetothesternadimandgiantform,Andlikeadippingswallowthestoutshipdashedthroughthestorm。
AndnomandaredtospeakofCharmidesDeemingthathesomeevilthinghadwrought,AndwhentheyreachedthestraitSymplegadesTheybeachedtheirgalleyontheshore,andsoughtThetoll-gateofthecityhastily,Andinthemarketshowedtheirbrownandpicturedpottery。
II。
ButsomegoodTriton-godhadruth,andbareTheboy'sdrownedbodybacktoGrecianland,AndmermaidscombedhisdankanddrippinghairAndsmoothedhisbrow,andloosedhisclenchinghand;
SomebroughtsweetspicesfromfarAraby,Andothersbadethehalcyonsinghersoftestlullaby。
AndwhenhenearedhisoldAthenianhome,AmightybillowroseupsuddenlyUponwhoseoilybacktheclottedfoamLaydiaperedinsomestrangefantasy,AndclaspinghimuntoitsglassybreastSweptlandward,likeawhite-manedsteeduponaventurousquest!
NowwhereColonosleansuntotheseaThereliesalongandlevelstretchoflawn;
Therabbitknowsit,andthemountainbeeForitdesertsHymettus,andtheFaunIsnotafraid,forneverthroughthedayComesacryruderthantheshoutofshepherdladsatplay。
ButoftenfromthethornylabyrinthAndtangledbranchesofthecirclingwoodThestealthyhunterseesyoungHyacinthHurlingthepolisheddisk,anddrawshishoodOverhisguiltygaze,andcreepsaway,Nordarestowindhishorn,or-elseatthefirstbreakofdayTheDryadscomeandthrowtheleathernballAlongthereedyshore,andcircumventSomegoat-earedPantobetheirseneschalForfearofboldPoseidon'sravishment,Andloosetheirgirdles,withshytimorouseyes,Lestfromthesurfhisazurearmsandpurplebeardshouldrise。
Onthissideandonthatarockycave,Hungwiththeyellow-belledlaburnum,standsSmoothisthebeach,savewheresomeebbingwaveLeavesitsfaintoutlineetcheduponthesands,AsthoughitfearedtobetoosoonforgotBythegreenrush,itsplayfellow,-andyet,itisaspotSosmall,thattheinconstantbutterflyCouldstealthehoardedmoneyfromeachflowerEreitwasnoon,andstillnotsatisfyItsover-greedylove,-withinanhourAsailorboy,werehebutrudeenowTolandandpluckagarlandforhisgalley'spaintedprow,Wouldalmostleavethelittlemeadowbare,Foritknowsnothingofgreatpageantry,OnlyafewnarcissihereandthereStandseparateinsweetausterity,Dottingtheunmowngrasswithsilverstars,Andhereandthereadaffodilwavestinyscimitars。
Hitherthebillowbroughthim,andwasgladOfsuchdearservitude,andwherethelandWasvirginofallwaterslaidtheladUponthegoldenmargentofthestrand,AndlikealingeringloveroftreturnedTokissthosepallidlimbswhichoncewithintensefireburned,Erethewetseashadquenchedthatholocaust,Thatself-fedflame,thatpassionatelustihead,EregrislydeathwithchillandnippingfrostHadwitheredupthoselilieswhiteandredWhich,whiletheboywouldthroughtheforestrange,Answeredeachotherinasweetantiphonalcounter-change。
Andwhenatdawnthewood-nymphs,hand-in-hand,Threadedtheboskydell,theirsatyrspiedTheboy'spalebodystretcheduponthesand,AndfearedPoseidon'streachery,andcried,AndlikebrightsunbeamsflittingthroughagladeEachstartledDryadsoughtsomesafeandleafyambuscade。
Saveonewhitegirl,whodeemeditwouldnotbeSodreadathingtofeelasea-god'sarmsCrushingherbreastsinamoroustyranny,AndlongedtolistentothosesubtlecharmsInsidiousloversweavewhentheywouldwinSomefencedfortress,andstolebackagain,northoughtitsinToyieldhertreasureuntoonesofair,Andlaybesidehim,thirstywithlove'sdrouth,Calledhimsoftnames,playedwithhistangledhair,AndwithhotlipsmadehavocofhismouthAfraidhemightnotwake,andthenafraidLesthemightwaketoosoon,fledback,andthen,fondrenegade,Returnedtofreshassault,andalldaylongSatathisside,andlaughedathernewtoy,Andheldhishand,andsanghersweetestsong,ThenfrownedtoseehowfrowardwastheboyWhowouldnotwithhermaidenhoodentwine,NorknewthatthreedayssincehiseyeshadlookedonProserpine;
Norknewwhatsacrilegehislipshaddone,Butsaid,'Hewillawake,Iknowhimwell,HewillawakeateveningwhenthesunHangshisredshieldonCorinth'scitadel;
ThissleepisbutacrueltreacheryTomakemelovehimmore,andinsomecavernoftheseaDeeperthaneverfallsthefisher'slineAlreadyahugeTritonblowshishorn,AndweavesagarlandfromthecrystallineAnddriftingocean-tendrilstoadornTheemeraldpillarsofourbridalbed,Forspheredinfoamingsilver,andwithcoralcrownedhead,Wetwowillsituponathroneofpearl,Andabluewavewillbeourcanopy,Andatourfeetthewater-snakeswillcurlInalltheiramethystinepanoplyOfdiamondedmail,andwewillmarkThemulletsswimmingbythemastofsomestorm-founderedbark,Vermilion-finnedwitheyesofbossygoldLikeflakesofcrimsonlight,andthegreatdeepHisglassy-portaledchamberwillunfold,AndwewillseethepainteddolphinssleepCradledbymurmuringhalcyonsontherocksWhereProteusinquaintsuitofgreenpastureshismonstrousflocks。
Andtremulousopal-huedanemonesWillwavetheirpurplefringeswherewetreadUponthemirroredfloor,andargosiesOffishesfleckedwithtawnyscaleswillthreadThedriftingcordageoftheshatteredwreck,Andhoney-colouredamberbeadsourtwininglimbswilldeck。'
ButwhenthatbaffledLordofWartheSunWithgaudypennonflyingpassedawayIntohisbrazenHouse,andonebyoneThelittleyellowstarsbegantostrayAcrossthefieldofheaven,ah!thenindeedShefearedhislipsuponherlipswouldnevercaretofeed,Andcried,'Awake,alreadythepalemoonWashesthetreeswithsilver,andthewaveCreepsgreyandchillyupthissandydune,Thecroakingfrogsareout,andfromthecaveThenightjarshrieks,theflutteringbatsrepass,Andthebrownstoatwithhollowflankscreepsthroughtheduskygrass。
Nay,thoughthouartagod,benotsocoy,ForinyonstreamthereisalittlereedThatoftenwhispershowalovelyboyLaywithheronceuponagrassymead,WhowhenhiscruelpleasurehehaddoneSpreadwingsofrustlinggoldandsoaredaloftintothesun。
Benotsocoy,thelaureltremblesstillWithgreatApollo'skisses,andthefirWhoseclusteringsistersfringetheseawardhillHathmanyataleofthatboldravisherWhommencallBoreas,andIhaveseenThemockingeyesofHermesthroughthepoplar'ssilverysheen。
EventhejealousNaiadscallmefair,AndeverymornayoungandruddyswainWoosmewithapplesandwithlocksofhair,AndseekstosoothemyvirginaldisdainByallthegiftsthegentlewood-nymphslove;
Butyesterdayhebroughttomeaniris-plumageddoveWithlittlecrimsonfeet,whichwithitsstoreOfsevenspottedeggsthecruelladHadstolenfromtheloftysycamoreAtdaybreak,whenheramorouscomradehadFlownoffinsearchofberriedjuniperWhichmosttheylove;thefretfulwasp,thatearliestvintagerOfthebluegrapes,hathnotpersistencySoconstantasthissimpleshepherd-boyFormypoorlips,hisjoyouspurityAndlaughingsunnyeyesmightwelldecoyADryadfromheroathtoArtemis;
Forverybeautifulishe,hismouthwasmadetokiss;
Hisargentforehead,likearisingmoonOvertheduskyhillsofmeetingbrows,Iscrescentshaped,thehotandTyriannoonLeadsfromthemyrtle-grovenogoodlierspouseForCytheraea,thefirstsilkydownFringeshisblushingcheeks,andhisyounglimbsarestrongandbrown;
Andheisrich,andfatandfleecyherdsOfbleatingsheepuponhismeadowslie,AndmanyanearthenbowlofyellowcurdsIsinhishomesteadforthethievishflyToswimanddrownin,thepinkclovermeadKeepsitssweetstoreforhim,andhecanpipeonoatenreed。
AndyetIlovehimnot;itwasfortheeIkeptmylove;Iknewthatthouwould'stcomeToridmeofthispallidchastity,ThoufairestfloweroftheflowerlessfoamOfallthewideAEgean,brighteststarOfocean'sazureheavenswherethemirroredplanetsare!
Iknewthatthouwould'stcome,forwhenatfirstThedrywoodburgeoned,andthesapofspringSwelledinmygreenandtenderbarkorburstTomyriadmultitudinousblossomingWhichmockedthemidnightwithitsmimicmoonsThatdidnotdreadthedawn,andfirstthethrushes'rapturoustunesStartledthesquirrelfromitsgranary,Andcuckooflowersfringedthenarrowlane,ThroughmyyoungleavesasensuousecstasyCreptlikenewwine,andeverymossyveinThrobbedwiththefitfulpulseofamorousblood,Andthewildwindsofpassionshookmyslimstem'smaidenhood。
ThetroopingfawnsateveningcameandlaidTheircoolblacknosesonmylowestboughs,AndonmytopmostbranchtheblackbirdmadeAlittlenestofgrassesforhisspouse,AndnowandthenatwitteringwrenwouldlightOnathintwigwhichhardlybaretheweightofsuchdelight。
IwastheAtticshepherd'strystingplace,BeneathmyshadowAmaryllislay,AndroundmytrunkwouldlaughingDaphnischaseThetimorousgirl,tilltiredoutwithplayShefelthishotbreathstirhertangledhair,Andturned,andlooked,andflednomorefromsuchdelightfulsnare。
ThencomeawayuntomyambuscadeWhereclusteringwoodbineweavesacanopyForamorouspleasaunce,andtherustlingshadeOfPaphianmyrtlesseemstosanctifyThedearestritesoflove;thereinthecoolAndgreenrecessesofitsfarthestdepththereispool,Theouzel'shaunt,thewildbee'spasturage,ForrounditsrimgreatcreamyliliesfloatThroughtheirflatleavesinverdantanchorage,Eachcupawhite-sailedgolden-ladenboatSteeredbyadragon-fly,-benotafraidToleavethiswanandwave-kissedshore,surelytheplacewasmadeForloverssuchaswe;theCyprianQueen,Onearmaroundherboyishparamour,Straysoftenthereateve,andIhaveseenThemoonstripoffhermistyvestitureForyoungEndymion'seyes;benotafraid,ThepantherfeetofDiannevertreadthatsecretglade。
Nayifthouwill'st,backtothebeatingbrine,Backtotheboisterousbillowletusgo,AndwalkalldaybeneaththehyalineHugevaultofNeptune'swateryportico,AndwatchthepurplemonstersofthedeepSportinungainlyplay,andfromhislairkeenXiphiasleap。
ForifmymistressfindmelyinghereShewillnotruthorgentlepityshow,Butlayherboar-speardown,andwithaustereRelentlessfingersstringthecornelbow,Anddrawthefeatherednotchagainstherbreast,Andloosethearchedcord;aye,evennowuponthequestIhearherhurryingfeet,-awake,awake,Thoulaggardinlove'sbattle!onceatleastLetmedrinkdeepofpassion'swine,andslakeMyparchedbeingwiththenectarousfeastWhichevengodsaffect!Ocome,Love,come,Stillwehavetimetoreachthecavernofthineazurehome。'
ScarcehadshespokenwhentheshudderingtreesShook,andtheleavesdivided,andtheairGrewconsciousofagod,andthegreyseasCrawledbackward,andalonganddismalblareBlewfromsometasselledhorn,asleuth-houndbayed,Andlikeaflameabarbedreedflewwhizzingdowntheglade。
AndwherethelittleflowersofherbreastJustbrakeintotheirmilkyblossoming,Thismurderousparamour,thisunbiddenguest,Piercedandstruckdeepinhorridchambering,Andploughedabloodyfurrowwithitsdart,Anddugalongredroad,andcleftwithwingeddeathherheart。
SobbingherlifeoutwithabittercryOntheboy'sbodyfelltheDryadmaid,Sobbingforincompletevirginity,Andrapturesunenjoyed,andpleasuresdead,Andallthepainofthingsunsatisfied,Andthebrightdropsofcrimsonyouthcreptdownherthrobbingside。
Ah!pitifulitwastohearhermoan,AndverypitifultoseeherdieEreshehadyieldeduphersweets,orknownThejoyofpassion,thatdreadmysteryWhichnottoknowisnottoliveatall,Andyettoknowistobeheldindeath'smostdeadlythrall。
ButasithapttheQueenofCythere,WhowithAdonisallnightlonghadlainWithinsomeshepherd'shutinArcady,OnteamofsilverdovesandgildedwainWasjourneyingPaphos-ward,highupafarFrommortalkenbetweenthemountainsandthemorningstar,Andwhenlowdownshespiedthehaplesspair,AndheardtheOread'sfaintdespairingcry,WhosecadenceseemedtoplayupontheairAsthoughitwereaviol,hastilyShebadeherpigeonsfoldeachstrainingplume,Anddropttoearth,andreachedthestrand,andsawtheirdolorousdoom。
ForasagardenerturningbackhisheadTocatchthelastnotesofthelinnet,mowsWithcarelessscythetoonearsomeflowerbed,Andcutsthethornypillaroftherose,Andwiththeflower'sloosenedlonelinessStrewsthebrownmould;orassomeshepherdladinwantonnessDrivinghislittleflockalongthemeadTreadsdowntwodaffodils,whichsidebyaideHaveluredthelady-birdwithyellowbredeAndmadethegaudymothforgetitspride,TreadsdowntheirbrimminggoldenchalicesUnderlightfeetwhichwerenotmadeforsuchruderavages;
OrasaschoolboytiredofhisbookFlingshimselfdownuponthereedygrassAndpluckstwowater-liliesfromthebrook,Andforatimeforgetsthehourglass,Thenweariesoftheirsweets,andgoeshisway,Andletsthehotsunkillthem,evengotheseloverslay。
AndVenuscried,'ItisdreadArtemisWhosebitterhandhathwroughtthiscruelty,OrelsethatmightiermaidwhosecareitisToguardherstrongandstainlessmajestyUponthehillAthenian,-alas!
ThattheywholovedsowellunlovedintoDeath'shouseshouldpass。'
SowithsofthandsshelaidtheboyandgirlInthegreatgoldenwaggontenderlyHerwhitethroatwhiterthanamoonypearlJustthreadedwithabluevein'stapestryHadnotyetceasedtothrob,andstillherbreastSwayedlikeawind-stirredlilyinambiguousunrest
Andtheneachpigeonspreaditsmilkyvan,Thebrightcarsoaredintothedawningsky,AndlikeacloudtheaerialcaravanPassedovertheAEgeansilently,TillthefaintairwastroubledwiththesongFromthewanmouthsthatcallonbleedingThammuzallnightlong。
ButwhenthedoveshadreachedtheirwontedgoalWherethewidestairoforbedmarbledipsItssnowsintothesea,herflutteringsoulJustshookthetremblingpetalsofherlipsAndpassedintothevoid,andVenusknewThatonefairmaidthelesswouldwalkamidherretinue,AndbadeherservantscarveacedarchestWithallthewonderofthishistory,WithinwhosescentedwombtheirlimbsshouldrestWhereolive-treesmaketendertheblueskyOnthelowhillsofPaphos,andtheFaunPipesinthenoonday,andthenightingalesingsontilldawn。
Norfailedtheytoobeyherhest,andereThemorningbeehadstungthedaffodilWithtinyfretfulspear,orfromitslairThewakingstaghadleaptacrosstherillAndrousedtheouzel,orthelizardcreptAthwartthesunnyrock,beneaththegrasstheirbodiesslept。
Andwhendaybrake,withinthatsilvershrineFedbytheflamesofcressetstremulous,QueenVenuskneltandprayedtoProserpineThatshewhosebeautymadeDeathamorousShouldbegaguerdonfromherpallidLord,AndletDesirepassacrossdreadCharon'sicyford。
III
InmelancholymoonlessAcheron,FarmforthegoodlyearthandjoyousdayWherenospringeverbuds,norripeningsunWeighsdowntheappletrees,norfloweryMayChequerswithchestnutbloomsthegrassyfloor,Wherethrushesneversing,andpipinglinnetsmatenomore,TherebyadimanddarkLethaeanwellYoungCharmideswaslying;wearilyHepluckedtheblossomsfromtheasphodel,AndwithitslittlerifledtreasuryStrewedthedullwatersoftheduskystream,Andwatchedthewhitestarsfounder,andthelandwaslikeadream,WhenashegazedintothewateryglassAndthroughhisbrownhair'scurlytanglesscannedHisownwanface,ashadowseemedtopassAcrossthemirror,andalittlehandStoleintohis,andwarmlipstimidlyBrushedhispalecheeks,andbreathedtheirsecretforthintoasigh。
Thenturnedheroundhiswearyeyesandsaw,Andevernigherstilltheirfacescame,AndnighereverdidtheiryoungmouthsdrawUntiltheyseemedoneperfectroseofflame,Andlongingarmsaroundherneckhecast,Andfeltherthrobbingbosom,andhisbreathcamehotandfast,Andallhishoardedsweetswereherstokiss,Andallhermaidenhoodwashistoslay,AndlimbtolimbinlongandrapturousblissTheirpassionwaxedandwaned,-OwhyessayTopipeagainoflove,tooventurousreed!
Enough,enoughthatEroslaugheduponthatflowerlessmead。
Tooventurouspoesy,OwhyessayTopipeagainofpassion!foldthywingsO'erdaringIcarusandbidthylaySleephiddeninthelyre'ssilentstringsTillthouhastfoundtheoldCastalianrill,OrfromtheLesbianwaterspluckeddrownedSappho'sgoldenquid!
Enough,enoughthathewhoselifehadbeenAfierypulseofsin,asplendidshame,CouldinthelovelesslandofHadesgleanOnescorchingharvestfromthosefieldsofflameWherepassionwalkswithnakedunshodfeetAndisnotwounded,-ah!enoughthatoncetheirlipscouldmeetInthatwildthrobwhenallexistencesSeemednarrowedtoonesingleecstasyWhichdiesthroughitsownsweetnessandthestressOftoomuchpleasure,erePersephoneHadbadethemserveherbytheebonthroneOfthepaleGodwhointhefieldsofEnnaloosedherzone。
Poem:LesSilhouettesTheseaisfleckedwithbarsofgrey,Thedulldeadwindisoutoftune,AndlikeawitheredleafthemoonIsblownacrossthestormybay。
EtchedclearuponthepallidsandLiestheblackboat:asailorboyClambersaboardincarelessjoyWithlaughingfaceandgleaminghand。
Andoverheadthecurlewscry,WherethroughtheduskyuplandgrassTheyoungbrown-throatedreaperspass,Likesilhouettesagainstthesky。
Poem:LaFuiteDeLaLuneTooutersensesthereispeace,AdreamypeaceoneitherhandDeepsilenceintheshadowyland,Deepsilencewheretheshadowscease。
SaveforacrythatechoesshrillFromsomelonebirddisconsolate;
Acorncrakecallingtoitsmate;
Theanswerfromthemistyhill。
AndsuddenlythemoonwithdrawsHersicklefromthelighteningskies,Andtohersombrecavernflies,Wrappedinaveilofyellowgauze。
Poem:TheGraveOfKeatsRidoftheworld'sinjustice,andhispain,HerestsatlastbeneathGod'sveilofblue:
TakenfromlifewhenlifeandlovewerenewTheyoungestofthemartyrshereislain,FairasSebastian,andasearlyslain。
Nocypressshadeshisgrave,nofuneralyew,ButgentlevioletsweepingwiththedewWeaveonhisbonesanever-blossomingchain。
Oproudestheartthatbrokeformisery!
OsweetestlipssincethoseofMitylene!
Opoet-painterofourEnglishLand!
Thynamewaswritinwater-itshallstand:
Andtearslikeminewillkeepthymemorygreen,AsIsabelladidherBasil-tree。
ROME。
Poem:Theocritus-AVillanelleOsingerofPersephone!
InthedimmeadowsdesolateDostthourememberSicily?
StillthroughtheivyflitsthebeeWhereAmaryllisliesinstate;
OSingerofPersephone!
SimaethacallsonHecateAndhearsthewilddogsatthegate;
DostthourememberSicily?
StillbythelightandlaughingseaPoorPolyphemebemoanshisfate;
OSingerofPersephone!
AndstillinboyishrivalryYoungDaphnischallengeshismate;
DostthourememberSicily?
SlimLaconkeepsagoatforthee,Fortheethejocundshepherdswait;
OSingerofPersephone!
DostthourememberSicily?
Poem:InTheGoldRoom-AHarmonyHerivoryhandsontheivorykeysStrayedinafitfulfantasy,LikethesilvergleamwhenthepoplartreesRustletheirpale-leaveslistlessly,OrthedriftingfoamofarestlessseaWhenthewavesshowtheirteethintheflyingbreeze。
HergoldhairfellonthewallofgoldLikethedelicategossamertanglesspunOntheburnisheddiskofthemarigold,OrthesunflowerturningtomeetthesunWhenthegloomofthedarkbluenightisdone,Andthespearofthelilyisaureoled。
AndhersweetredlipsontheselipsofmineBurnedliketherubyfiresetIntheswinginglampofacrimsonshrine,Orthebleedingwoundsofthepomegranate,OrtheheartofthelotusdrenchedandwetWiththespilt-outbloodoftherose-redwine。
Poem:BalladeDeMargueriteNormande
IamwearyoflyingwithinthechaseWhentheknightsaremeetinginmarket-place。
Nay,gonotthoutothered-roofedtownLestthehoofsofthewar-horsetreadtheedown。
ButIwouldnotgowheretheSquiresride,IwouldonlywalkbymyLady'sside。
Alack!andalack!thouartoverbold,AForester'ssonmaynoteatoffgold。
WillshelovemethelessthatmyFatherisseenEachMartinmasdayinadoubletgreen?
Perchancesheissewingattapestrie,Spindleandloomarenotmeetforthee。
Ah,ifsheisworkingthearrasbrightImightravelthethreadsbythefire-light。
Perchancesheishuntingofthedeer,Howcouldyoufollowo'erhillandmere?
Ah,ifsheisridingwiththecourt,Imightrunbesideherandwindthemorte。
PerchancesheiskneelinginSt。Denys,OnhersoulmayourLadyhavegramercy!
Ah,ifsheisprayinginlonechapelle,Imightswingthecenserandringthebell。
Comein,myson,foryoulooksaepale,Thefathershallfilltheeastoupofale。
Butwhoaretheseknightsinbrightarray?
Isitapageanttherichfolksplay?
'TistheKingofEnglandfromoversea,Whohascomeuntovisitourfaircountrie。
Butwhydoesthecurfewtollsaelow?
Andwhydothemournerswalka-row?
O'tisHughofAmiensmysister'ssonWhoislyingstark,forhisdayisdone。
Nay,nay,forIseewhiteliliesclear,Itisnostrongmanwholiesonthebier。
O'tisoldDameJeannettethatkeptthehall,Iknewshewoulddieattheautumnfall。
DameJeannettehadnotthatgold-brownhair,OldJeannettewasnotamaidenfair。
O'tisnoneofourkithandnoneofourkin,HersoulmayourLadyassoilfromsin!
ButIheartheboy'svoicechauntingsweet,'Elleestmorte,laMarguerite。'
Comein,myson,andlieonthebed,Andletthedeadfolkburytheirdead。
Omother,youknowIlovedhertrue:
Omother,hathonegraveroomfortwo?
Poem:TheDoleOfTheKing'sDaughterBreton
Sevenstarsinthestillwater,Andseveninthesky;
SevensinsontheKing'sdaughter,Deepinhersoultolie。
Redrosesareatherfeet,Rosesareredinherred-goldhair
AndOwhereherbosomandgirdlemeetRedrosesarehiddenthere。
FairistheknightwholiethslainAmidtherushandreed,SeetheleanfishesthatarefainUpondeadmentofeed。
Sweetisthepagethatlieththere,Clothofgoldisgoodlyprey,
Seetheblackravensintheair,Black,Oblackasthenightarethey。
Whatdotheytheresostarkanddead?
Thereisblooduponherhand
Whyaretheliliesfleckedwithred?
Thereisbloodontheriversand。
Therearetwothatridefromthesouthandeast,Andtwofromthenorthandwest,Fortheblackravenagoodlyfeast,FortheKing'sdaughterrest。
Thereisonemanwholoveshertrue,Red,Ored,isthestainofgore!
Hehathduggenagravebythedarksomeyew,Onegravewilldoforfour。
Nomooninthestillheaven,Intheblackwaternone,Thesinsonhersoulareseven,Thesinuponhisisone。
Poem:AmorIntellectualisOfthavewetrodthevalesofCastalyAndheardsweetnotesofsylvanmusicblownFromantiquereedstocommonfolkunknown:
AndoftenlaunchedourbarkuponthatseaWhichthenineMusesholdinempery,Andploughedfreefurrowsthroughthewaveandfoam,NorspreadreluctantsailformoresafehomeTillwehadfreightedwellourargosy。
Ofwhichdespoiledtreasurestheseremain,Sordello'spassion,andthehoneyedlineOfyoungEndymion,lordlyTamburlaineDrivinghispamperedjades,andmorethanthese,Theseven-foldvisionoftheFlorentine,Andgrave-browedMilton'ssolemnharmonies。
Poem:SantaDeccaTheGodsaredead:nolongerdowebringTogrey-eyedPallascrownsofolive-leaves!
Demeter'schildnomorehathtitheofsheaves,Andinthenoonthecarelessshepherdssing,ForPanisdead,andallthewantoningBysecretgladeanddevioushauntiso'er:
YoungHylasseeksthewater-springsnomore;
GreatPanisdead,andMary'ssonisKing。
Andyet-perchanceinthissea-trancedisle,Chewingthebitterfruitofmemory,SomeGodlieshiddenintheasphodel。
AhLove!ifsuchtherebe,thenitwerewellForustoflyhisanger:nay,butsee,Theleavesarestirring:letuswatchawhile。
CORFU。
Poem:AVisionTwocrownedKings,andOnethatstoodaloneWithnogreenweightoflaurelsroundhishead,Butwithsadeyesasoneuncomforted,Andweariedwithman'snever-ceasingmoanForsinsnobleatingvictimcanatone,Andsweetlonglipswithtearsandkissesfed。
Girtwasheinagarmentblackandred,AndathisfeetImarkedabrokenstoneWhichsentuplilies,dove-like,tohisknees。
Nowattheirsight,myheartbeinglitwithflame,IcriedtoBeatrice,'Whoarethese?'
Andshemadeanswer,knowingwelleachname,'AEschylosfirst,thesecondSophokles,Andlastwidestreamoftears!Euripides。'
Poem:ImpressionDeVoyageTheseawassapphirecoloured,andtheskyBurnedlikeaheatedopalthroughtheair;
Wehoistedsail;thewindwasblowingfairForthebluelandsthattotheeastwardlie。
FromthesteepprowImarkedwithquickeningeyeZakynthos,everyolivegroveandcreek,Ithaca'scliff,Lycaon'ssnowypeak,Andalltheflower-strewnhillsofArcady。
Theflappingofthesailagainstthemast,Therippleofthewaterontheside,Therippleofgirls'laughteratthestern,Theonlysounds:-when'gantheWesttoburn,Andaredsunupontheseastoride,IstooduponthesoilofGreeceatlast!
KATAKOLO。
Poem:TheGraveOfShelleyLikeburnt-outtorchesbyasickman'sbedGauntcypress-treesstandroundthesun-bleachedstone;
Heredoththelittlenight-owlmakeherthrone,Andtheslightlizardshowhisjewelledhead。
And,wherethechalicedpoppiesflametored,InthestillchamberofyonpyramidSurelysomeOld-WorldSphinxlurksdarklyhid,Grimwarderofthispleasaunceofthedead。
Ah!sweetindeedtorestwithinthewombOfEarth,greatmotherofeternalsleep,ButsweeterfarfortheearestlesstombInthebluecavernofanechoingdeep,OrwherethetallshipsfounderinthegloomAgainsttherocksofsomewave-shatteredsteep。
ROME。
Poem:ByTheArnoTheoleanderonthewallGrowscrimsoninthedawninglight,ThoughthegreyshadowsofthenightLieyetonFlorencelikeapall。
Thedewisbrightuponthehill,Andbrighttheblossomsoverhead,Butah!thegrasshoppershavefled,ThelittleAtticsongisstill。
OnlytheleavesaregentlystirredBythesoftbreathingofthegale,Andinthealmond-scentedvaleThelonelynightingaleisheard。
Thedaywillmaketheesilentsoon,Onightingalesingonforlove!
WhileyetupontheshadowygroveSplinterthearrowsofthemoon。
BeforeacrossthesilentlawnInsea-greenvestthemorningsteals,Andtolove'sfrightenedeyesrevealsThelongwhitefingersofthedawnFastclimbinguptheeasternskyTograspandslaytheshudderingnight,Allcarelessofmyheart'sdelight,Orifthenightingaleshoulddie。
Poem:FabienDeiFranchiTomyFriendHenryIrving
Thesilentroom,theheavycreepingshade,Thedeadthattravelfast,theopeningdoor,Themurderedbrotherrisingthroughthefloor,Theghost'swhitefingersonthyshoulderslaid,Andthenthelonelyduelintheglade,Thebrokenswords,thestifledscream,thegore,Thygrandrevengefuleyeswhenalliso'er,-
Thesethingsarewellenough,-butthouwertmadeFormoreaugustcreation!frenziedLearShouldatthybiddingwanderontheheathWiththeshrillfooltomockhim,RomeoFortheeshouldlurehislove,anddesperatefearPluckRichard'srecreantdaggerfromitssheath-
ThoutrumpetsetforShakespeare'slipstoblow!
Poem:PhedreToSarahBernhardt
HowvainanddullthiscommonworldmustseemTosuchaOneasthou,whoshould'sthavetalkedAtFlorencewithMirandola,orwalkedThroughthecoololivesoftheAcademe:
Thoushould'sthavegatheredreedsfromagreenstreamForGoat-footPan'sshrillpiping,andhaveplayedWiththewhitegirlsinthatPhaeaciangladeWheregraveOdysseuswakenedfromhisdream。
Ah!surelyoncesomeurnofAtticclayHeldthywandust,andthouhastcomeagainBacktothiscommonworldsodullandvain,Forthouwertwearyofthesunlessday,Theheavyfieldsofscentlessasphodel,ThelovelesslipswithwhichmenkissinHell。
Poem:PortiaToEllenTerry
ImarvelnotBassaniowassoboldToperilallhehaduponthelead,OrthatproudAragonbentlowhisheadOrthatMorocco'sfieryheartgrewcold:
ForinthatgorgeousdressofbeatengoldWhichismoregoldenthanthegoldensunNowomanVeroneselookeduponWashalfsofairasthouwhomIbehold。
YetfairerwhenwithwisdomasyourshieldThesober-suitedlawyer'sgownyoudonned,AndwouldnotletthelawsofVeniceyieldAntonio'shearttothataccursedJew-
OPortia!takemyheart:itisthydue:
IthinkIwillnotquarrelwiththeBond。
Poem:QueenHenriettaMariaToEllenTerry
Inthelonetent,waitingforvictory,Shestandswitheyesmarredbythemistsofpain,Likesomewanlilyoverdrenchedwithrain:
Theclamorousclangofarms,theensanguinedsky,War'sruin,andthewreckofchivalryToherproudsoulnocommonfearcanbring:
BravelyshetarriethforherLordtheKing,Hersoula-flamewithpassionateecstasy。
OHairofGold!OCrimsonLips!OFaceMadefortheluringandtheloveofman!
WiththeeIdoforgetthetoilandstress,Thelovelessroadthatknowsnorestingplace,Time'sstraitenedpulse,thesoul'sdreadweariness,Myfreedom,andmyliferepublican!
Poem:CammaToEllenTerry
AsonewhoporingonaGrecianurnScansthefairshapessomeAttichandhathmade,Godwithslimgoddess,goodlymanwithmaid,Andfortheirbeauty'ssakeislothtoturnAndfacetheobviousday,mustInotyearnFormanyasecretmoonofindolentbliss,WheninmidmostshrineofArtemisIseetheestanding,antique-limbed,andstern?
Andyet-methinksI'dratherseetheeplayThatserpentofoldNile,whosewitcheryMadeEmperorsdrunken,-come,greatEgypt,shakeOurstagewithallthymimicpageants!Nay,Iamgrownsickofunrealpassions,makeTheworldthineActium,methineAnthony!
Poem:PantheaNay,letuswalkfromfireuntofire,Frompassionatepaintodeadlierdelight,-
Iamtooyoungtolivewithoutdesire,TooyoungartthoutowastethissummernightAskingthoseidlequestionswhichofoldMansoughtofseerandoracle,andnoreplywastold。
For,sweet,tofeelisbetterthantoknow,Andwisdomisachildlessheritage,Onepulseofpassion-youth'sfirstfieryglow,-
Areworththehoardedproverbsofthesage:
Vexnotthysoulwithdeadphilosophy,Havewenotlipstokisswith,heartstoloveandeyestosee!
Dostthounothearthemurmuringnightingale,Likewaterbubblingfromasilverjar,Sosoftshesingstheenviousmoonispale,ThathighinheavensheishungsofarShecannothearthatlove-enrapturedtune,-
Markhowshewreatheseachhornwithmist,yonlateandlabouringmoon。
Whitelilies,inwhosecupsthegoldbeesdream,ThefallensnowofpetalswherethebreezeScattersthechestnutblossom,orthegleamOfboyishlimbsinwater,-arenottheseEnoughforthee,dostthoudesiremore?
Alas!theGodswillgivenoughtelsefromtheireternalstore。
ForourhighGodshavesickandweariedgrownOfallourendlesssins,ourvainendeavourForwasteddaysofyouthtomakeatoneBypainorprayerorpriest,andnever,never,Hearkentheynowtoeithergoodorill,Butsendtheirrainuponthejustandtheunjustatwill。
Theysitatease,ourGodstheysitatease,Strewingwithleavesofrosetheirscentedwine,Theysleep,theysleep,beneaththerockingtreesWhereasphodelandyellowlotustwine,MourningtheoldgladdaysbeforetheyknewWhatevilthingstheheartofmancoulddream,anddreamingdo。
AndfarbeneaththebrazenfloortheyseeLikeswarmingfliesthecrowdoflittlemen,Thebustleofsmalllives,thenwearilyBacktotheirlotus-hauntstheyturnagainKissingeachothers'mouths,andmixmoredeepThepoppy-seededdraughtwhichbringssoftpurple-liddedsleep。
Therealldaylongthegolden-vesturedsun,Theirtorch-bearer,standswithhistorchablaze,And,whenthegaudywebofnoonisspunByitstwelvemaidens,throughthecrimsonhazeFreshfromEndymion'sarmscomesforththemoon,AndtheimmortalGodsintoilsofmortalpassionsswoon。
TherewalksQueenJunothroughsomedewymead,HergrandwhitefeetfleckedwiththesaffrondustOfwind-stirredlilies,whileyoungGanymedeLeapsinthehotandamber-foamingmust,Hiscurlsalltossed,aswhentheeaglebareThefrightenedboyfromIdathroughtheblueIonianair。
ThereinthegreenheartofsomegardencloseQueenVenuswiththeshepherdatherside,HerwarmsoftbodylikethebriarroseWhichwouldbewhiteyetblushesatitspride,Laughslowforlove,tilljealousSalmacisPeersthroughthemyrtle-leavesandsighsforpainoflonelybliss。
Thereneverdoesthatdrearynorth-windblowWhichleavesourEnglishforestsbleakandbare,Noreverfallstheswiftwhite-featheredsnow,Noreverdoththered-toothedlightningdareTowaketheminthesilver-frettednightWhenwelieweepingforsomesweetsadsin,somedeaddelight。
Alas!theyknowthefarLethaeanspring,Theviolet-hiddenwaterswelltheyknow,WhereonewhosefeetwithtiredwanderingArefaintandbrokenmaytakeheartandgo,AndfromthosedarkdepthscoolandcrystallineDrink,anddrawbalm,andsleepforsleeplesssouls,andanodyne。
Butweoppressournatures,GodorFateIsourenemy,westarveandfeedOnvainrepentance-Oweareborntoolate!
WhatbalmforusinbruisedpoppyseedWhocrowdintoonefinitepulseoftimeThejoyofinfiniteloveandthefiercepainofinfinitecrime。
Oweareweariedofthissenseofguilt,Weariedofpleasure'sparamourdespair,Weariedofeverytemplewehavebuilt,Weariedofeveryright,unansweredprayer,Formanisweak;Godsleeps:andheavenishigh:
Onefiery-colouredmoment:onegreatlove;andlo!wedie。
Ah!butnoferry-manwithlabouringpoleNearshisblackshalloptotheflowerlessstrand,NolittlecoinofbronzecanbringthesoulOverDeath'srivertothesunlessland,Victimandwineandvowareallinvain,Thetombissealed;thesoldierswatch;thedeadrisenotagain。
Weareresolvedintothesupremeair,Wearemadeonewithwhatwetouchandsee,Withourheart'sbloodeachcrimsonsunisfair,Withouryoungliveseachspring-impassionedtreeFlamesintogreen,thewildestbeaststhatrangeThemoorourkinsmenare,alllifeisone,andallischange。
WithbeatofsystoleandofdiastoleOnegrandgreatlifethrobsthroughearth'sgiantheart,AndmightywavesofsingleBeingrollFromnervelessgermtoman,forwearepartOfeveryrockandbirdandbeastandhill,Onewiththethingsthatpreyonus,andonewithwhatwekill。
FromlowercellsofwakinglifewepassTofullperfection;thustheworldgrowsold:
WewhoaregodlikenowwereonceamassOfquiveringpurplefleckedwithbarsofgold,Unsentientorofjoyormisery,Andtossedinterribletanglesofsomewildandwind-sweptsea。
ThishothardflamewithwhichourbodiesburnWillmakesomemeadowblazewithdaffodil,Ay!andthoseargentbreastsofthinewillturnTowater-lilies;thebrownfieldsmentillWillbemorefruitfulforourloveto-night,Nothingislostinnature,allthingsliveinDeath'sdespite。
Theboy'sfirstkiss,thehyacinth'sfirstbell,Theman'slastpassion,andthelastredspearThatfromthelilyleaps,theasphodelWhichwillnotletitsblossomsblowforfearOftoomuchbeauty,andthetimidshameOftheyoungbridegroomathislover'seyes,-thesewiththesameOnesacramentareconsecrate,theearthNotwealonehathpassionshymeneal,TheyellowbuttercupsthatshakeformirthAtdaybreakknowapleasurenotlessrealThanwedo,wheninsomefresh-blossomingwood,Wedrawthespringintoourhearts,andfeelthatlifeisgood。
SowhenmenburyusbeneaththeyewThycrimson-stainedmoutharosewillbe,Andthysofteyeslushbluebellsdimmedwithdew,AndwhenthewhitenarcissuswantonlyKissesthewinditsplaymatesomefaintjoyWillthrillourdust,andwewillbeagainfondmaidandboy。
Andthuswithoutlife'sconscioustorturingpainInsomesweetflowerwewillfeelthesun,Andfromthelinnet'sthroatwillsingagain,Andastwogorgeous-mailedsnakeswillrunOverourgraves,orastwotigerscreepThroughthehotjunglewheretheyellow-eyedhugelionssleepAndgivethembattle!HowmyheartleapsupTothinkofthatgrandlivingafterdeathInbeastandbirdandflower,whenthiscup,Beingfilledtoofullofspirit,burstsforbreath,AndwiththepaleleavesofsomeautumndayThesoulearth'searliestconquerorbecomesearth'slastgreatprey。
Othinkofit!WeshallinformourselvesIntoallsensuouslife,thegoat-footFaun,TheCentaur,orthemerrybright-eyedElvesThatleavetheirdancingringstospitethedawnUponthemeadows,shallnotbemorenearThanyouandItonature'smysteries,forweshallhearThethrush'sheartbeat,andthedaisiesgrow,AndthewansnowdropsighingforthesunOnsunlessdaysinwinter,weshallknowBywhomthesilvergossamerisspun,Whopaintsthediaperedfritillaries,Onwhatwidewingsfromshiveringpinetopinetheeagleflies。
Ay!hadweneverlovedatall,whoknowsIfyonderdaffodilhadluredthebeeIntoitsgildedwomb,oranyroseHadhungwithcrimsonlampsitslittletree!
Methinksnoleafwouldeverbudinspring,Butforthelovers'lipsthatkiss,thepoets'lipsthatsing。
Isthelightvanishedfromourgoldensun,Oristhisdaedal-fashionedearthlessfair,Thatwearenature'sheritors,andoneWitheverypulseoflifethatbeatstheair?
Rathernewsunsacrosstheskyshallpass,Newsplendourcomeuntotheflower,newglorytothegrass。
Andwetwoloversshallnotsitafar,Criticsofnature,butthejoyousseaShallbeourraiment,andthebeardedstarShootarrowsatourpleasure!WeshallbePartofthemightyuniversalwhole,AndthroughallaeonsmixandminglewiththeKosmicSoul!