LILY’SMENAGERIE。
  [Goethedescribesthismuch-admiredPoem,whichhewroteinhonourofhisloveLily,asbeingdesignedtochangehissurrenderofherintodespair,bydrolly-fretfulimages。]
  THERE’Snomenagerie,Ivow,ExcelsmyLily’satthisminute。
  Shekeepsthestrangestcreaturesinit,Andcatchesthem,sheknowsnothow。
  Oh,howtheyhop,andrun,andrave,Andtheirclipp’dpinionswildlywave,——
  Poorprinces,whomustallendureThepangsoflovethatnoughtcancure。
  Whatisthefairy’sname?——Is’tLily?——Asknotme!
  GivethankstoHeavenifshe’sunknowntothee。
  Ohwhatacackling,whatashrieking,Whennearthedoorshetakesherstand,Withherfood-basketinherhand!
  Ohwhatacroaking,whatasqueaking!
  Aliveallthetreesandthebushesappear,Whiletoherfeetwholetroopsdrawnear。
  Theveryfishwithin,thewaterclearSplashwithimpatienceandtheirheadsprotrude。
  AndthenshethrowsaroundthefoodWithsuchalook!——theverygodsdelightingTosaynoughtofbeasts。Therebegins,then,abiting,Apicking,apecking,asipping,Andeacho’erthelegsofanotheristripping,Andpushing,andpressing,andflapping,Andchasing,andfuming,andsnapping,Andallforonesmallpieceofbread,Towhich,thoughdry,herfairhandsgiveataste,Asthoughitinambrosiahadbeenplac’d。
  Andthenherlook!thetoneWithwhichshecalls:Pipi!Pipi!
  WoulddrawJove’seaglefromhisthrone。
  Yes,Venus’turtledoves,Iwean,Andthevainpeacocke’en,Wouldcome,Iswear,Soonasthattonehadreach’dthemthroughtheair。
  E’enfromaforestdarkhadsheEnticedabear,unlick’d,ill-bred,And,byherwilesalluring,ledTojointhegentlecompany,Untilastameastheywashe:
  Uptoacertainpoint,be’tunderstood!
  Howfair,and,ah,howgoodSheseem’dtobe!Iwouldhavedrain’dmybloodTowatere’enherflow’retssweet。
  Thousayest:I!Who?How?Andwhere?——
  Well,tobeplain,goodSirs——Iamthebear。
  Inanet-apron,caught,alas!
  Chain’dbyasilk-threadatherfeet。
  ButhowthiswondercametopassI’lltellsomeday,ifyearecurious。
  Justnow,mytemper’smuchtoofurious。
  Ah,whenI’minthecornerplac’d,Andhearafarthecreaturessnapping,Andseetheflippingandtheflapping,IturnaroundWithgrowlingsound,Andbackwardrunastepinhaste,AndlookaroundWithgrowlingsound。
  Thenrunagainastepinhaste,Andtomyformerpostgoround。
  Butsuddenlymyangergrows,Amightyspiritfillsmynose,Myinwardfeelingsallrevolt。
  Acreaturesuchasthou!adolt!
  Pipi,asquirrelablenutstocrack!
  IbristleupmyshaggybackUnusedaslavetobe。
  I’mlaughedatbyeachtrimandupstarttreeToscorn。Thebowling-greenIfly,Withneatly-mownandwell-keptgrass:
  TheboxmakesfacesasIpass,——
  IntothedarkestthickethastenI,Hopingto’scapefromthering,Overthepalingstospring!
  VainlyIleapandclimb。
  Ifeelaleadenspell。
  Thatpinionsmeaswell,AndwhenI’mfullyweariedoutintime,Ilaymedownbesidesomemock-cascade,Androllmyselfhalfdead,andfoam,andcry,And,ah!noOreadshearmysigh,Exceptingthoseofchinamade!
  But,ah,withsuddenpowerInallmymembersblissfulfeelingsreign!
  ’Tisshewhosingethyonderinherbower!
  Ihearthatdarling,darlingvoiceagain。
  Theairiswarm,andteemswithfragranceclear,Singssheperchanceformealonetohear?
  Ihaste,andtrampledowntheshrubsamain。
  Thetreesmakeway,thebushesallretreat,Andso——thebeastislyingatherfeet。
  Shelooksathim:Themonster’sdrollenough!
  He’s,forabear,toomild,Yet,foradog,toowild,Soshaggy,clumsy,rough!
  Uponhisbackshegentlystrokesherfoot。
  HethinkshimselfinParadise。
  Whatfeelingsthroughhissevensensesshoot!
  Butshelooksonwithcarelesseyes。
  Ilickhersoles,andkisshershoes,Asgentlyasabearwellmay。
  SoftlyIrise,andwithacleverruseLeaponherknee——OnapropitiousdayShesuffersit。myearsthenticklesshe,Andhitsmeahardblowinwantonplay。
  Igrowlwithnew-bornecstasy。
  Thenspeakssheinasweetvainjest,IwotAllonsloutdoux!eh!lamenotte!
  EtfaitesserviteurCommeunjoliseigneur。
  Thussheproceedswithsportandglee。
  Hopefillstheoft-deludedbeast。
  Yetifonemomenthewouldlazybe,Herfondnessallatoncehathceas’d。
  Shedothaflaskofbalsam-firepossess,Sweeterthanhoneybeescanmake,Onedropofwhichshe’llonherfingertake,Whensoften’dbyhisloveandfaithfulness,Wherewithhermonster’sragingthirsttoslake。
  Thenleavesmetomyself,andfliesatlast,AndI,unbound,yetprison’dfastBymagic,followinhertrain,Seekforher,tremble,flyagain。
  Thehaplesscreaturethustormentethshe,Regardlessofhispleasureorhiswoe。
  Ha!ofthalf-open’ddoessheleavethedoorforme,AndsidewayslookstolearnifIwillflyorno。
  AndI——Ohgods!yourhandsaloneCanendthespellthat’so’ermethrown。
  Freeme,andgratitudemyheartwillfill。
  Andyetfromheavenyesendmedownnoaid——
  Notquiteinvaindothlifemylimbspervade:
  Ifeelit!Strengthisleftmestill。
  1775——
  TOCHARLOTTE。
  ’MIDSTthenoiseofmerrimentandglee,’Midstfullmanyasorrow,manyacare,Charlotte,Iremember,werememberthee,How,atevening’shoursofair,Thouakindlyhanddidstreachus,Whenthou,insomehappyplaceWheremorefairisNaturesface,Manyalightly-hiddentraceOfaspiritloveddidstteachus。
  Well’tisthatthyworthIrightlyknew,——
  ThatI,inthehourwhenfirstwemet,Whilethefirstimpressionfill’dmeyet,Call’dtheethenagirlbothgoodandtrue。
  Rear’dinsilence,calmly,knowingnought,Ontheworldwesuddenlyarethrown。
  Hundredthousandbillowsroundussport。
  Allthingscharmus——manypleasealone,Manygrieveus,andashouronhourisstealing,Toandfroourrestlessnaturessway。
  Firstwefeel,andthenwefindeachfeelingBythechangefulworld-streamborneaway。
  WellIknow,weoftwithinusfindManyahopeandmanyasmart。
  Charlotte,whocanknowourmind?
  Charlotte,whocanknowourheart?
  Ah!’twouldfainbeunderstood,’twouldfaino’erflowInsomecreature’sfellow-feelingsblest,And,withtrust,intwofoldmeasureknowAllthegriefandjoyinNature’sbreast。
  Thenthineeyeisoftaroundtheecast,Butinvain,forallseemsclosedforever。
  Thusthefairestpartoflifeismadlypass’dFreefromstorm,butrestingnever:
  Tothysorrowthou’rtto-dayrepell’dBywhatyesterdayobey’dthee。
  CanthatworldbytheebeworthyheldWhichsooftbetray’dthee?
  Which,’midallthypleasuresandthypains,Livedinselfish,unconcern’drepose?
  See,thesoulitssecretcellsregains,Andtheheart——makeshastetoclose。
  ThusfoundIthee,andgladlywenttomeetthee。
  She’sworthyofalllove!Icried,Andpray’dthatHeavenwithpurestblissmightgreetthee,Whichinthyfrienditrichlyhathsupplied。
  1776。*——
  LOVE’SDISTRESSES。
  WHOwillhearme?WhomshallIlamentto?
  Whowouldpitymethatheardmysorrows?
  Ah,thelipthaterstsomanyrapturesUsedtotaste,andusedtogiveresponsive,Nowiscloven,anditpainsmesorely。
  AnditisnotthusseverelywoundedBymymistresshavingcaughtmefiercely,Andthengentlybittenme,intendingTosecureherfriendmorefirmlytoher:
  No,mytenderlipiscrack’dthus,onlyBythewinds,o’errimeandfrostproceeding,Pointed,sharp,unloving,havingmetme。
  Nowthenoblegrape’sbrightjuicecommingledWiththebee’ssweetjuice,uponthefireOfmyhearth,shalleasemeofmytorment。
  Ah,whatusewillallthisbe,ifwithitLoveaddsnotadropofhisownbalsam?
  1789。*——
  THEMUSAGETES。
  INthedeepestnightsofWinterTotheMuseskindoftcriedI:
  Notarayofmornisgleaming,Notasignofdaylightbreaking。
  Bring,then,atthefittingmoment,Bringthelamp’ssoftglimm’ringlustre,’SteadofPhoebusandAurora,Toenlivenmystilllabours!
  Yettheyleftmeinmyslumbers,Dullandunrefreshing,lying,Andtoeachlate-waken’dmorningFollow’ddaysdevoidofprofit。
  Whenatlengthreturn’dthespring-time,TothenightingalesthusspakeI:
  Darlingnightingales,oh,beatyeEarly,earlyatmywindow,——
  WakemefromtheheavyslumberThatchainsdowntheyouthsostrongly!
  Yetthelove-o’erflowingsongstersTheirsweetmelodiesprotractedThroughthenightbeforemywindow,Keptawakemylovingspirit,RousingnewandtenderyearningsInmynewly-waken’dbosom。
  Andthenightthusfleetedo’erme,AndAurorafoundmesleeping,——
  Ay,thesuncouldscarcearouseme。
  NowatlengthiscometheSummer,AndtheearlyflysobusyDrawsmefrommypleasingslumbersAtthefirst-bornmorning-glimmer。
  Mercilesslythenreturnsshe,Thoughthehalf-arousedoneoftenScaresherfromhimwithimpatience,Andshelureshershamelesssisters,SothatfrommywearyeyelidsKindlysleeperelongisdriven。
  FrommycouchthenboldlyspringI,AndIseekthedarlingMuses,inthebeechen-groveIfindthem,Fullofpieasuretoreceiveme。
  AndtothetormentinginsectsOweImanyagoldenhour。
  Thusbeye,unwelcomebeings,Highlyvaluedbythepoet,Asthefliesmynumberstellof。
  1798——
  MORNINGLAMENT。
  OHthoucrueldeadly-lovelymaiden,TellmewhatgreatsinhaveIcommitted,Thatthoukeep’stmetotherackthusfasten’d,Thatthouhastthysolemnpromisebroken?
  ’Twasbutyestere’enthatthouwithfondnessPress’dmyhand,andthesesweetaccentsmurmured:
  Yes,I’llcome,I’llcomewhenmornapproacheth,Come,myfriend,fullsurelytothychamber。
  OnthelatchIleftmydoors,unfasten’d,Havingfirstwithcaretriedallthehinges,Andrejoic’drightwelltofindtheycreak’dnot。
  Whatanightofexpectationpass’dI!
  ForIwatch’d,andev’rychimeInumber’d。
  IfperchanceIsleptafewshortmoments,Stillmyheartremain’dawakeforever,Andawokemefrommygentleslumbers。
  Yes,thenbless’dInight’so’erhangingdarkness,Thatsocalmlycover’dallthingsroundme。
  Ienjoy’dtheuniversalsilence,WhileIlisten’deverinthesilence,Ifperchancetheslightestsoundswerestirring。
  Hadsheonlythoughts,mythoughtsresembling,Hadsheonlyfeelings,likemyfeelings,Shewouldnotawaitthedawnofmorning。
  But,erethis,wouldsurelyhavebeenwithme。
  Skipp’dakittenontheflooraboveme,Scratch’damouseapanelinthecorner,Wasthereinthehousetheslightestmotion,EverhopedIthatIheardthyfootstep,EverthoughtIthatIheardtheecoming。
  AndsolayIlong,andeverlonger,Andalreadywasthedaylightdawning,Andbothhereandthereweresignsofmovement。
  Isityondoor?Wereitmydooronly!
  InmybedIlean’duponmyelbow,Lookingtow’rdthedoor,nowhalf-apparent,Ifperchanceitmightnotbeinmotion。
  Boththewingsuponthelatchcontinued,Onthequiethingescalmlyhanging。
  Andthedaygrewbrightandbrighterever。
  AndIheardmyneighbour’sdoorunbolted,Ashewenttoearnhisdailywages,AnderelongIheardthewaggonsrumbling,Andthecitygateswerealsoopen’d,Whilethemarket-place,inev’rycorner,Teem’dwithlifeandbustleandconfusion。
  InthehousewasgoingnowandcomingUpanddownthestairs,anddoorswerecreakingBackwardsnow,nowforwards,——footstepsclatter’dYet,asthoughitwereathingall-living,Frommycherish’dhopeIcouldnottearme。
  Whenatlengththesun,inhatedsplendour。
  Felluponmywalls,uponmywindows,UpIsprang,andhasten’dtothegarden,Theretoblendmybreath,sohotandyearning,Withthecoolrefreshingmorningbreezes,And,itmightbe,eventheretomeetthee:
  ButIcannotfindtheeinthearbour,Ortheavenueofloftylindens。
  1789。*——
  THEVISIT。
  FAINhadIto-daysurprisedmymistress,ButsoonfoundIthatherdoorwasfasten’d。
  YetIhadthekeysafeinmypocket,AndthedarlingdoorIopen’dsoftly!
  IntheparlourfoundInotthemaiden,Foundthemaidennotwithinhercloset,Thenherchamber-doorIgentlyopen’d,WhenIfoundherwrapp’dinpleasingslumbers,Fullydress’d,andlyingonthesofa。
  Whileatworkhadslumberstoleno’erher。
  ForherknittingandherneedlefoundI
  Restinginherfoldedbandssotender。
  AndIplacedmyselfbesidehersoftly,Andheldcounsel,whetherIshouldwakeher。
  ThenIlookeduponthebeauteousquietThatonhersweeteyelidswasreposingOnherlipswassilenttruthdepicted,Onhercheekshadlovelinessitsdwelling,AndthepurenessofaheartunsulliedInherbosomevermorewasheaving。
  Allherlimbsweregracefullyreclining,Setatrestbysweetandgodlikebalsam。
  GladlysatI,andthecontemplationHeldthestrongdesireIfelttowakeherFirmerandfirmerdown,withmysticfetters。
  Oh,thoulove,methought,Iseethatslumber,Slumberthatbetrayetheachfalsefeature,Cannotinjurethee,cannoughtdiscoverThatcouldservetoharmthyfriend’ssoftfeelings。
  Nowthybeauteouseyesarefirmlyclosed,That,whenopen,formmineonlyrapture。
  Andthysweetlipsaredevoidofmotion,Motionlessforspeakingorforkissing。
  Loosen’darethesoftandmagicfettersOfthinearms,sowonttotwinearoundme,Andthehand,theravishingcompanionOfthysweetcaresses,liesunmoving。
  Weremythoughtsoftheebutbasedonerror,WeretheloveIbeartheeself-deception,Imustnowhavefounditout,sinceAmorIs,withouthisbandage,placedbesideme。
  LongIsatthus,fullofheartfeltpleasureAtmylove,andathermatchlessmerit。
  Shehadsodelightedmewhileslumbering,ThatIcouldnotventuretoawakeher。
  ThenIonthelittletablenearherSoftlyplacedtwooranges,tworoses。
  Gently,gentlystoleIfromherchamber。
  Whenhereyesthedarlingoneshallopen,Shewillstraightwayspythesecolourdpresents,Andthefriendlygiftwillviewwithwonder,Forthedoorwillstillremainunopen’d。
  IfperchanceIseeto-nighttheangel,Howwillsherejoice,——rewardmedoublyForthissacrificeoffondaffection!
  1765——
  THEMAGICNET。
  DoIseeacontestyonder?
  SeeImiraclesorpastimes?
  Beauteousurchins,fiveinnumber,’Gainstfivesistersfaircontending,——
  Measuredisthetimethey’rebeating——
  Atabrightenchantress’bidding。
  Glitt’ringspearsbysomearewielded,Threadsareothersnimblytwining,Sothatintheirsnares,theweaponsOnewouldthink,mustneedsbecaptured,Soon,intruth,thespearsareprison’d。
  Yetthey,inthegentlewar-dance,OnebyoneescapetheirfettersIntherowofloopssotender,ThatmakehastetoseizeafreeoneSoonastheyreleaseacaptive。
  Sowithcontests,strivings,triumphs,Flyingnow,andnowreturning,Isanartfulnetsoonwoven,Initswhitenesslikethesnow-flakes,That,fromlightamidthedarkness,Drawtheirstreakylinessovaried,Ase’encoloursscarcecandrawthem。
  WhoshallnowreceivethatgarmentFarbeyondallotherswish’d-for?
  Whomourmuch-lovedmistressfavourAsherownacknowledgedservant?
  IamblestbykindlyFortune’sTokenstrue,insilencepray’dfor!
  AndIfeelmyselfheldcaptive,Toherservicenowdevoted。
  Yet,e’enwhileI,thusenraptured,Thusadorn’d,amproudlywand’ring,See!yonwantonsareentwining,Voidofstrife,withsecretardour,Othernets,eachfineandfiner,Threadsoftwilightinterweaving,Moonbeamssweet,night-violets’balsam。
  Erethenetisnoticedbyus,Isahappieroneimprison’d,Whomwe,oneandall,togetherGreetwithenvyandwithblessings。
  1803——
  THEGOBLET。
  ONCEIheldawell-carvedbrimminggoblet,——
  Inmytwohandstightlyclasp’dIheldit,Eagerlythesweetwinesipp’dIfromit,Seekingtheretodrownallcareandsorrow。
  Amorenter’din,andfoundmesitting,Andhegentlysmiledinmodestfashion,Smiledasthoughthefoolishonehepitied。
  Friend,Iknowafarmorebeauteousvessel,Onewhereintosinkthyspiritwholly。
  Say,whatwiltthougiveme,ifIgrantit,Andwithothernectarfillitforthee?
  Oh,howkindlyhathhekepthispromise!
  Fortome,wholonghadyearn’d,hegrantedThee,myLida,fill’dwithsoftaffection。
  WhenIclaspminearmsaroundtheefondly,WhenIdrinkinlove’slong-hoardedbalsamFromthydarlinglipssotrue,sofaithful,Fill’dwithblissthusspeakItomyspiritNo!avesselsuchasthis,saveAmorNevergodhathfashion’dorbeenlordof!
  Suchaformwasne’erproducedbyVulcanWithhiscunning,reason-giftedhammers!
  Ontheleaf-crown’dmountainsmayLyaeusBidhisFauns,theoldestandthewisest,Passthechoicestclustersthroughthewinepress,Andhimselfwatcho’erthefermentation:
  Suchadraughtnotoilcane’erprocurehim!
  1781——
  TOTHEGRASSHOPPER。
  AFTERANACREON。
  [ThestrongresemblanceofthisfinepoemtoCowley’sOdebearingthesamename,andbeginningHappyinsect!whatcanbe,willbeatonceseen。]
  HAPPYartthou,darlinginsect,Who,uponthetrees’tallbranches,Byamodestdraughtinspired,Singing,likeamonarchlivest!
  ThoupossessestasthyportionAllthatontheplainsthouseest,Allthatbythehoursisbroughtthee’Mongstthehusbandmenthoulivest,Asafriend,uninjuredbythem,Thouwhommortalslovetohonour,HeraldsweetofsweetSpring’sadvent!
  Yes,thou’rtlovedbyalltheMuses,Phoebus’self,too,needsmustlovethee。
  Theytheirsilvervoicesgavethee,Agecanneverstealuponthee。
  Wiseandgentlefriendofpoets,Bornacreaturefleshless,bloodless,ThoughEarth’sdaughter,freefromsuff’ring,Tothegodse’enalmostequal。
  1781——
  FROM’THESORROWSOFYOUNGWERTHER。’
  [Prefixedtothesecondedition。]
  EV’RYyouthforlove’ssweetportionsighs,Ev’rymaidensighstowinman’slove。
  Why,alas!shouldbitterpainariseFromthenoblestpassionthatweprove?
  Thou,kindsoul,bewailest,lov’sthimwell,Fromdisgracehismemory’ssavedbythee。
  Lo,hisspiritsignsfromoutitscell:
  BEAMAN,NORSEEKTOFOLLOWME。
  1775——
  TRILOGYOFPASSION。
  I。TOWERTHER。
  [Thispoem,writtenattheageofseventy-five,wasappendedtoaneditionof’Werther,’publishedatthattime。]
  ONCEmore,then,much-weptshadow,thoudostdareBoldlytofacetheday’sclearlight,Tomeetmeonfreshbloomingmeadowsfair,Anddostnottrembleatmysight。
  Thosehappytimesappearreturn’doncemore。
  Whenononefieldwequaff’drefreshingdew,And,whentheday’sunwelcometoilswereo’er,Thefarewellsunbeamsbless’dourravish’dview。
  Fatebadetheego,——tolingerherewasmine,——
  Goingthefirst,thesmallerlosswasthine。
  Thelifeofmanappearsagloriousfate:
  Thedayhowlovely,andthenighthowgreat!
  Andwe’midParadise-likerapturesplac’d,Thesun’sbrightgloryscarcehavelearn’dtotaste。
  Whenstrangecontendingfeelingsdimlycover,Nowus,andnowtheformsthatroundushover。
  One’sfeelingsbynootheraresupplied,’Tisdarkwithout,ifallisbrightinside。
  Anoutwardbrightnessveilsmysadden’dmood,WhenFortunesmiles,——howseldomunderstood!
  Nowthinkwethatweknowher,andwithmightAwoman’sbeauteousforminstilsdelight。
  Theyouth,asgladasinhisinfancy,Thespring-timetreads,asthoughthespringwereheRavish’d,amazed,heasks,howthisisdone?
  Helooksaround,theworldappearshisown。
  Withcarelessspeedhewandersonthroughspace,Norwalls,norpalacescancheckhisrace。
  Assomegayflightofbirdsroundtree-topsplays,So’tiswithhimwhoroundhismistressstrays。
  HeseeksfromAEther,whichhe’dleavebehindhim,Thefaithfullookthatfondlyservestobindhim。
  Yetfirsttooearlywarn’d,andthentoolate,Hefeelshisflightrestrain’d,iscaptur’dstraightTomeetagainissweet,topartissad,Againtomeetagainisstillmoreglad,Andyearsinoneshortmomentareenshrin’d。
  But,oh,theharshfarewellishidbehind!
  Thousmilest,friend,withfittingthoughtsinspired。
  Byadreadpartingwasthyfameacquired,Thymournfuldestinywesorrow’do’er,Forwealandwoethouleft’stusevermore,Andthenagainthepassions’waveringforceDrewusalonginlabyrinthinecourse。
  Andwe,consumedbyconstantmisery,Atlengthmustpart——andpartingistodie!
  Howmovingisit,whentheminstrelsings,To’scapethedeaththatseparationbrings!
  Ohgrant,somegod,toonewhosuffersso,Totell,half-guilty,hissadtaleofwoe1824
  II。ELEGY。
  Whenmanhadceasedtoutterhislament,Agodthenletmetellmytaleofsorrow。
  WHAThopeofoncemoremeetingistherenowInthestill-closedblossomsofthisday?
  Bothheavenandhellthrownopenseestthou。
  Whatwav’ringthoughtswithinthebosomplayNolongerdoubt!Descendingfromthesky,Sheliftstheeinherarmstorealmsonhigh。
  AndthusthouintoParadisewertbrought,Asworthyofapureandendlesslife。
  Nothingwasleft,nowish,nohope,nothought,Herewastheboundaryofthineinmoststrife:
  Andseeingonesofair,soglorified,Thefountofyearningtearswasstraightwaydried。
  Nomotionstirr’dtheday’srevolvingwheel,Intheirownfronttheminutesseem’dtogo。
  Theeveningkiss,atrueandbindingseal,Ne’erchangingtillthemorrow’ssunlightglow。
  Thehoursresembledsistersastheywent。
  Yeteachonefromanotherdifferent。
  Thelasthour’skiss,sosadlysweet,effac’dAbeauteousnetworkofentwininglove。
  Nowonthethresholdpausethefeet,nowhaste。
  Asthoughaflamingcherubbadethemmove。
  Theunwillingeyethedarkroadwanderso’er,Backwarditlooks,butcloseditseesthedoor。
  Andnowwithinitselfisclosedthisbreast,Asthoughitne’erwereopen,andasthough,Vyingwithev’rystar,nomomentsblestHad,initspresence,feltakindlingglow。
  Sadness,reproach,repentance,weightofcare,Hangheavyonitinthesultryair。
  Isnottheworldstillleft?Therockysteeps,Aretheywithholyshadesnolongercrown’d?
  Growsnottheharvestripe?NolongercreepsTheespalierbythestream,——thecopsearound?
  Dothnotthewondrousarchofheavenstillrise,Nowrichinshape,nowshapelesstotheeyes?
  As,seraph-like,fromoutthedarkclouds’chorus,Withsoftnesswoven,graceful,light,andfair,ResemblingHer,intheblueaethero’erus,Aslenderfigurehoversintheair,——
  Thusdidstthouseeherjoyouslyadvance,Thefairestofthefairestinthedance。
  YetbutamomentdostthouboldlydareToclaspanairyforminsteadofhers。
  Backtothineheart!thou’ltfinditbetterthere,ForthereinchangefulguiseherimagestirsWhaterstwasone,tomanyturnethfast,Inthousandforms,eachdearerthanthelast。
  Asatthedoor,onmeetinglingerdshe,Andstepbystepmyfaithfulardourbless’d,Forthelastkissherselfentreatedme,Andonmylipsthelastlastkissimpress’d,——
  Thusclearlytraced,thelov’done’sformweview,Withflamesengravenonaheartsotrue,——
  Aheartthat,firmassomeembattledtower,Itselfforher,herinitselfreveres,Forherrejoicesinitslastingpower,Consciousalone,whensheherselfappears。
  Feelsitselffreerinsosweetathrall,Andonlybeatstogiveherthanksinall。
  Thepowerofloving,andallyearningsighsForloveresponsivewereeffacedanddrown’d。
  WhilelonginghopeforjoyousenterpriseWasform’d,andrapidactionstraightwayfound。
  Iflovecane’eralovingoneinspire,Mostlovinglyitgavemenowitsfire。
  And’twasthroughher!——aninwardsorrowlayOnsoulandbody,heavilyoppress’d。
  Tomournfulphantomswasmysightaprey,Inthedrearvoidofasadtorturedbreast。
  Nowonthewell-knownthresholdHopehathsmil’d,Herselfappearethinthesunlightmild。
  UntothepeaceofGod,which,asweread,Blessethusmorethanreasone’erbathdone,Love’shappypeacewouldIcompareindeed,Wheninthepresenceofthedearestone。
  Therereststheheart,andtherethatsweetestthought,Thethoughtofbeinghers,ischeck’dbynought。
  Inthepurebosomdothayearningfloat,Untoaholier,purer,unknownBeingItsgratefulaspirationtodevote,TheEver-Namelessthenunriddledseeing。
  Wecallit:piety!——suchblestdelightIfeelasharein,whenbeforehersight。
  Beforehersight,as’neaththesun’shotray,Beforeherbreath,as’neaththespring’ssoftwind,InitsdeepwintrycavernmeltsawaySelf-love,solonginicychainsconfin’d。
  Noselfishnessandnoself-willarenigh,Foratheradventtheywereforcedtofly。
  Itseemsasthoughshesaid:AshourspassbyTheyspreadbeforeuslifewithkindlyplan。
  Smallknowledgedidtheyesterdaysupply,Toknowthemorrowisconceal’dfromman。
  Andifthethoughtofeveningmademestart,Thesunatsettinggladden’dstraightmyheart。
  Act,then,asI,andlook,withjoyousmind,Themomentintheface。norlingerthou!
  Meetitwithspeed,sofraughtwithlife,sokindInaction,andinlovesoradiantnow。
  Letallthingsbewherethouart,childlikeever,Thusthoultbeall,thus,thou’ltbevanquish’dnever。
  Thouspeakestwell,methought,forasthyguideThemoment’sfavourdidagodassign,Andeachonefeelshimselfwhenbythyside,Fate’sfav’riteinamomentsodivine。
  Itrembleatthylookthatbidsmego,WhyshouldIcaresuchwisdomvasttoknow?
  NowamIfar!AndwhatwouldbestbefitThepresentminute?Icouldscarcelytell。
  Fullmanyarichpossessionoffersit,Thesebutoffend,andIwouldfainrepel。
  Yearningsunquenchablestilldrivemeon,Allcounsel,saveunboundedtears,isgone。
  Flowon,flowoninnever-ceasingcourse,Yetmayyeneverquenchmyinwardfire!
  Withinmybosomheavesamightyforce,Wheredeathandlifecontendincombatdire。
  Medicinesmayservethebody’spangstostill。
  Noughtbutthespiritfailsinstrengthofwill,——
  Failsinconception。whereforefailsitso?
  Athousandtimesherimageitportrays。
  Enchantingnow,andnowcompell’dtogo,Nowindistinct,nowclothedinpurestrays!
  Howcouldthesmallestcomfortherebeflowing?
  Theebbandflood,thecomingandthegoing!
  ******
  Leavemeherenow,mylife’scompanionstrue!
  Leavemealoneonrock,inmoorandheath。
  Butcourage!openliestheworldtoyou,Thegloriousheavensabove,theearthbeneath。
  Observe,investigate,withsearchingeyes,Andnaturewilldisclosehermysteries。
  Tomeisall,Itomyselfamlost,Whotheimmortals’fav’riteerstwasthought。
  They,tempting,sentPandorastomycost,Sorichinwealth,withdangerfarmorefraught。
  Theyurgedmetothoselips,withrapturecrown’d,Desertedme,andhurl’dmetotheground。
  1823。
  III。ATONEMENT。
  [Composed,when74yearsold,foraPolishlady,whoexcelledinplayingonthepianoforte。]
  PASSIONbringsreason——whocanpacifyAnanguish’dheartwhoselosshathbeensogreat?
  Wherearethehoursthatfledsoswiftlyby?
  Invainthefairestthoudidstgainfromfate。
  Sadisthesoul,confusedtheenterprise。
  Thegloriousworld,howonthesenseitdies!
  Inmilliontonesentwinedforevermore,Musicwithangel-pinionshoversthere,Topierceman’sbeingtoitsinmostcore,Eternalbeautyhasitsfruittobear。
  Theeyegrowsmoist,inyearningsblestreveresThegodlikeworthofmusicasoftears。
  Andsothelighten’dheartsoonlearnstoseeThatitstilllives,andbeats,andoughttobeat,Off’ringitselfwithjoyandwillingly,Ingratefulpaymentforagiftsosweet。
  Andthenwasfelt,——ohmayitconstantprove!——
  Thetwofoldblissofmusicandoflove。
  1823——
  THEremembranceoftheGoodKeepusevergladinmood。
  TheremembranceoftheFairMakesamortalraptureshare。
  Theremembranceofone’sLoveBlestIs,ifitconstantprove。
  TheremembranceoftheOneIsthegreatestjoythat’sknown。
  1828——
  [Writtenattheageof77。]
  WHENIwasstillayouthfulwight,Sofullofenjoymentandmerry,Thepaintersusedtoassert,inspite,Thatmyfeaturesweresmall——yes,very。
  YetthenfullmanyabeauteouschildWithtrueaffectionuponmesmil’d。
  NowasagreybeardIsithereinstate,Bystreetandbylaneheldinawe,sirs。
  Andmaybeseen,likeoldFredericktheGreat,Onpipebowls,oncups,andonsaucers。
  Yetthebeauteousmaidens,theykeepafar。
  Ohvisionofyouth!Ohgoldenstar!
  1826——
  FOREVER。
  THEhappinessthatman,whilstprison’dhere,Iswontwithheavenlyrapturetocompare,——
  TheharmonyofTruth,fromwaveringclear,——
  OfFriendshipthatisfreefromdoubtingcare,——
  ThelightwhichinstraythoughtsalonecancheerThewise,——thebardaloneinvisionsfair,——
  InmybesthoursIfoundinherallthis,Andmademineown,tomineexceedingbliss。
  1820。*——
  FROMANALBUMOF1604。
  HOPEprovideswingstothought,andlovetohope。
  RiseuptoCynthia,love,whennightisclearest,Andsay,thatasonhighherfigurechangeth,So,uponearth,myjoydecaysandgrows。
  Andwhisperinherearwithmodestsoftness,Howdoubtofthungitshead,andtruthoftwept。
  Andohyethoughts,distrustfullyinclined,Ifyearethereforebythelovedonechided,Answer:’tistrueyechange,butalternot,Assheremainsthesame,yetchangethever。
  Doubtmayinvadetheheart,butpoisonsnot,Forloveissweeter,bysuspicionflavour’d。
  Ifitwithangerovercaststheeye,Andheaven’sbrightpurityperverselyblackens,Thenzephyr-sighsstraightscarethecloudsaway,And,changedtotears,dissolvethemintorain。
  Thought,hope,andloveremainthereasbefore,TillCynthiagleamsuponmeasofold。
  1820。*——
  LINESONSEEINGSCHILLER’SSKULL。
  [ThiscuriousimitationoftheternarymetreofDantewaswrittenattheageof77。]
  WITHINagloomycharnel-houseonedayIview’dthecountlessskulls,sostrangelymated,AndofoldtimesIthought,thatnowweregrey。
  Closepack’dtheystand,thatoncesofiercelyhated,Andhardybones,thattothedeathcontended,Arelyingcross’d,——tolieforever,fated。
  Whatheldthosecrookedshoulder-bladessuspended?
  Noonenowasks。andlimbswithvigourfired,Thehand,thefoot——theiruseinlifeisended。
  Vainlyyesoughtthetombforrestwhentired。
  Peaceinthegravemaynotbeyours。ye’redrivenBackintodaylightbyaforceinspired。
  Butnonecanlovethewither’dhusk,thoughevenAgloriousnoblekernelitcontained。
  Tome,anadept,wasthewritinggivenWhichnottoallitsholysenseexplained,When’midthecrowd,theiricyshadowsflinging,Isawaform,thatgloriousstillremained。
  Andeventhere,wheremouldanddampwereclinging,Gavemeablest,arapture-fraughtemotion,Asthoughfromdeathalivingfountwerespringing。
  WhatmysticjoyIfelt!Whatraptdevotion!
  Thatform,howpregnantwithagodliketrace!
  Alook,howdiditwhirlmetow’rdthatoceanWhoserollingbillowsmightiershapesembrace!
  Mysteriousvessel!Oraclehowdear!
  Eventograsptheeismyhandtoobase,ExcepttostealtheefromthyprisonhereWithpiouspurpose,anddevoutlygoBacktotheair,freethoughts,andsunlightclear。
  Whatgreatergaininlifecanmane’erknowThanwhenGod-NaturewilltohimexplainHowintoSpiritsteadfastnessmayflow,Howsteadfast,too,theSpirit-Bornremain。
  1826——
  ROYALPRAYER。
  HA,Iamthelordofearth!Thenoble,Who’reinmyservice,loveme。
  Ha,Iamthelordofearth!Thenoble,O’erwhommyswayextendeth,loveI。
  Oh,grantme,GodinHeaven,thatImayne’erDispensewithloftinessandlove!
  1815。*——
  HUMANFEELINGS。
  AH,yegods!yegreatimmortalsInthespaciousheavensaboveus!
  WouldyeonthisearthbutgiveusSteadfastmindsanddauntlesscourageWe,ohkindlyones,wouldleaveyouAllyourspaciousheavensaboveus!
  1815。*——
  ONTHEDIVAN。
  HEwhoknowshimselfandothersHerewillalsosee,ThattheEastandWest,likebrothers,Partedne’ershallbe。
  Thoughtfullytofloatforever’Tweentwoworlds,beman’sendeavour!
  SobetweentheEastandWestTorevolve,bemybehest!
  1833。*——
  EXPLANATIONOFANANCIENTWOODCUT,REPRESENTING
  HANSSACHS’POETICALMISSION。
  [IfeelconsiderablehesitationinventuringtoofferthisversionofapoemwhichCarlyledescribestobe’abeautifulpieceaveryHansSacksbeatified,bothincharacterandstyle,whichwewishtherewasanypossibilityoftranslating。’ThereaderwillbeawarethatHansSachswasthecelebratedMinstrel-
  CobblerofNuremberg,whoWrote208plays,1700comictales,andbetween4000and5000lyricpoems。Heflourishedthroughoutalmostthewholeofthe16thcentury。]
  EARLYwithinhisworkshophere,OnSundaysstandsourmasterdear。
  Hisdirtyapronheputsaway,Andwearsacleanlydoubletto-day。
  Letswax’dthread,hammer,andpincersrest,Andlayshisawlwithinhischest。
  TheseventhdayhetakesreposeFrommanypullsandmanyblows。
  Soonasthespring-sunmeetshisview,Reposebegetshimlabouranew。
  HefeelsthatheholdswithinhisbrainAlittleworld,thatbroodsthereamain,Andthatbeginstoactandtolive,Whichhetootherswouldgladlygive。
  Hehadaskilfuleyeandtrue,Andwasfullkindandlovingtoo。
  Forcontemplation,clearandpure,——
  Formakingallhisownagain,sure。
  Hehadatonguethatcharm’dwhen’twasheard,Andgracefulandlightflow’dev’ryword。
  WhichmadetheMusesinhimrejoice,TheMaster-singeroftheirchoice。
  Andnowamaidenenter’dthere,Withswellingbreast,andbodyfair。
  Withfootingfirmshetookherplace,Andmovedwithstately,noblegrace。
  Shedidnotwalkinwantonmood,Norlookaroundwithglanceslewd。
  Sheheldameasureinherhand,Hergirdlewasagoldenband,Awreathofcornwasonherhead,Hereyetheday’sbrightlustreshed。
  HernameishonestIndustry,Else,Justice,Magnanimity。
  Sheenter’dwithakindlygreeting。
  Hefeltnowonderatthemeeting,For,kindandfairasshemightbe,Helonghadknownher,fanciedhe。
  Ihaveselectedthee,shesaid,Fromallwhoearth’swildmazestread,Thatthoushouldsthaveclear-sightedsense,Andnoughtthat’swrongshouldste’ercommence。
  Whenothersruninstrangeconfusion,ThygazeshallseethrougheachillusionWhenothersdolefullycomplain,Thycausewithjestingthoushaltgain,Honourandrightshaltvalueduly,Ineverythingactsimply,truly,——
  Virtueandgodlinessproclaim,Andcallallevilbyitsname,Noughtsoftendown,attemptnoquibble,Noughtpolishup,noughtvainlyscribble。
  Theworldshallstandbeforethee,then,AsseenbyAlbertDurer’sken,Inmanlinessandchangelesslife,Ininwardstrength,withfirmnessrife。
  FairNature’sGeniusbythehandShallleadtheeonthrougheveryland,Teachtheeeachdifferentlifetoscan,Showtheethewondrouswaysofman,Hisshifts,confusions,thrustings,anddrubbings,Pushings,tearings,pressings,andrubbings。
  Thevaryingmadnessofthecrew,Theanthill’sravingsbringtoview。
  Butthoushaltseeallthisexpress’d,Asthough’twereinamagicchest。
  Writethesethingsdownforfolksonearth,Inhopestheymaytowitgivebirth——
  Thensheawindowopen’dwide,Andshow’damotleycrowdoutside,Allkindsofbeings’neaththesky,Asinhiswritingsonemayspy。
  Ourmasterdearwas,afterthis,OnNaturethinking,fullofbliss,Whentow’rdhim,fromtheothersideHesawanagedwomanglide。
  Thenameshebears,Historia,Mythologia,Fabula。
  WithfootsteptotteringandunstableShedragg’dalargeandwoodencarved-table,Where,withwidesleevesandhumanmien,TheLordwascatechizingseen。
  Adam,Eve,Eden,theSerpent’sseduction,GomorrahandSodom’sawfuldestruction,Thetwelveillustriouswomen,too,Thatmirrorofhonourbroughttoview。
  Allkindsofbloodthirstiness,murder,andsin,Thetwelvewickedtyrantsalsowerein,Andallkindsofgoodlydoctrineandlaw。
  SaintPeterwithhisscourgeyousaw,Withtheworld’swaysdissatisfied,AndbyourLordwithpowersupplied。
  Hertrainanddress,behindandbefore,Ande’entheseams,werepaintedo’erWithtalesofworldlyvirtueandcrime——
  Ourmasterview’dallthisforatime。
  Thesightrightgladlyhesurvey’d,Sousefulforhiminhistrade,WhencehewasabletoprocureExamplegoodandpreceptsure,Recountingallwithtruthfulcare,Asthoughhehadbeenpresentthere。
  Hisspiritseem’dfromearthtofly,Hene’erhadturnedawayhiseye,DidhenotjustbehindhimhearArattleofbellsapproachingnear。
  Andnowafooldothcatchhiseye,Withgoatandape’sleapdrawingnighAmerryinterludepreparingWithfooleriesandjestsunsparing。
  Behindhim,inalinedrawnout,Hedragg’dallfools,theleanandstout,Thegreatandlittle,theemptyandfull,Alltoowitty,andalltoodull,Alashheflourish’doverhead,Asthoughadanceofapesheled,Abusingthemwithbitterness,Asthoughhiswrathwouldne’ergrowless。
  Whileonthissightourmastergazed,Hisheadwasgrowingwell-nighcrazed:
  Whatwordsforallcouldhee’erfind,Couldsuchamedleybecombined?
  CouldhecontinuewithdelightForevermoretosingandwrite?
  Whenlo,fromoutacloud’sdarkbedInattheupperwindowspedTheMuse,inallhermajesty,Asfairasourlovedmaidswesee。
  WithclearnessshearoundhimthrewHertruth,thateverstrongergrew。
  I,toordaintheecome,shespake:
  Soprosper,andmyblessingtake!
  Theholyfirethatslumb’ringliesWithinthee,inbrightflamesshallrise。
  Yetthatthineever-restlesslifeMaystillwithkindlystrengthberife,I,forthineinwardspirit’scalm。
  Havegrantednourishmentandbalm,Thatrapturemaythysoulimbue,Likesomefairblossombathedindew——
  BehindhishousethensecretlyOutsidethedoorwaypointedshe,Where,inashadygarden-nook,AbeauteousmaidwithdowncastlookWassittingwhereastreamwasflowing,Withelderbushesnearitgrowing,Shesatbeneathanappletree,Andnoughtaroundherseem’dtosee。
  Herlapwasfullofrosesfair,Whichinawreathshetwinedwithcare。
  And,withthem,leavesandblossomsblended:
  Forwhomwasthatsweetwreathintended?
  Thussatshe,modestandretired,Herbosomthrobb’d,withhopeinspired。
  Suchdeepforebodingsfill’dhermind,Noroomforwishingcouldshefind,Andwiththethoughtsthato’eritflew,Perchanceasighwasmingledtoo。
  Butwhyshouldsorrowcloudthybrow?
  That,dearestlove,whichfillstheenowIsfraughtwithjoyandecstasy。
  Preparedinonealoneforthee,ThathewithinthineeyemayfindSolacewhenfortuneprovesunkind,Andbenewbornthroughmanyakiss,Thathereceiveswithinwardbliss。
  When’erheclaspstheetohisbreast。
  MayhefromallhistoilsfindrestWhenheinthydeararmsshallsink,Mayhenewlifeandvigourdrink:
  Freshjoysofyouthshaltthouobtain,Inmerryjestrejoiceagain。
  Withrailleryandroguishspite,Thounowshaltteasehim,nowdelight。
  ThusLovewillnevermoregrowold,Thuswilltheminstrelne’erbecold!
  Whilehethuslives,insecretbless’d,AbovehiminthecloudsdothrestAnoak-wreath,verdantandsublime,Placedonhisbrowinafter-time。
  Whiletheyarebanish’dtotheslough,Whotheirgreatmasterdisavow。
  1776——
  SONNETS——
  LovinglyI’llsingoflove。
  Evercomesshefromabove——
  THEFRIENDLYMEETING。
  INspreadingmantletomychinconceald,Itrodtherockypath,sosteepandgrey,ThentothewintryplainIbentmywayUneasily,toflightmybosomsteel’d。
  Butsuddenwasthenewborndayreveal’d:
  Amaidencame,inheavenlybrightarray,Likethefaircreaturesofthepoet’slayInrealmsofsong。Myyearningheartwasheal’d。
  Yetturn’dIthence,tillshehadonwardpass’d,WhilecloserstillthefoldstodrawItried,Asthoughwithheatself-kindledtogrowwarm。
  Butfollow’dher。Shestood。Thediewascast!
  NomorewithinmymantlecouldIhide。
  Ithrewitoff,——shelaywithinminearm。
  1807-8——
  INAWORD。
  THUStobechain’dforever,canIbear?
  Averytormentthat,intruth,wouldbe。
  Thisverydaymynewresolveshallsee——
  I’llnotgonearthelately-worshipp’dFair。
  Yetwhatexcuse,myheart,canIprepareInsuchacase,fornotconsultingthee?
  Butcourage!whileoursorrowsutterweIntoneswherelove,grief,gladnesshaveashare。
  Butsee!theminstrel’sbiddingtoobey,Itsmelodypoursforththesoundinglyre,Yearningasacrificeoflovetobring。
  Scarcewouldstthouthinkit——readyisthelay。
  Well,butwhatthen?MethoughtinthefirstfireWetoherpresenceflew,thatlaytosing。
  1807?——
  THEMAIDENSPEAKS。
  Howgravethouloookest,lovedone!whereforeso?
  Thymarbleimageseemsatypeofthee。
  Likeit,nosignoflifethougiv’sttome。
  Comparedwiththee,thestoneappearstoglow。
  Behindhisshieldinambushlurksthefoe,Thefriend’sbrowall-unruffledweshouldsee。
  Iseekthee,butthouseek’stawaytoflee。
  Fix’dasthissculpturedfigure,learntogrow!
  Tellme,towhichshouldIthepreferencepay?
  MustIfrombothwithcoldnessmeetalone?
  Theoneislifeless,thouwithlifeartblest。
  Inshort,nolongertothrowwordsaway,I’llfondykissandkissandkissthisstone,Tillthoudosttearmehencewithenviousbreast。
  1807——
  GROWTH。
  O’ERfieldandplain,inchildhood’sartlessdays,Thousprang’stwithme,onmanyaspring-mornfair。
  Forsuchadaughter,withwhatpleasingcare,WouldI,asfather,happydwellingsraise!
  Andwhenthouontheworlddidstcastthygaze,Thyjoywastheninhouseholdtoilstoshare。
  WhydidItrusther,whyshetrustmee’er?
  Forsuchasister,howIHeavenshouldpraise!
  Nothingcannowthebeauteousgrowthretard。
  Love’sglowingflamewithinmybreastisfann’d。
  ShallIembraceherform,mygrieftoend?
  TheeasaqueenmustI,alas,regard:
  Sohighabovemeplacedthouseem’sttostand。
  BeforeapassinglookImeeklybend。
  1807?——
  FOODINTRAVEL。
  IFtohereyes’brightlustreIwereblind,Nolongerwouldtheyservemylifetogild。
  Thewillofdestinymustbefulfilid,——
  Thisknowing,Iwithdrewwithsadden’dmind。
  NofurtherhappinessInowcouldfind:
  Theformerlongingsofmyheartwerestill’d。
  Isoughtherlooksalone,whereontobuildMyjoyinlife,——allelsewasleftbehind。
  Wine’sgenialglow,thefestalbanquetgay,Ease,sleep,andfriends,allwontedpleasuresgladIspurn’d,tilllittlethereremain’dtoprove。
  NowcalmlythroughtheworldIwendmyway:
  ThatwhichIcravemayeverywherebehad,WithmeIbringtheonethingneedful——love。
  1807?——
  DEPARTURE。
  WITHmanyathousandkissnotyetcontent,AtlengthwithOnekissIwasforcedtogo。
  Afterthatbitterparting’sdepthofwoe,Ideem’dtheshorefromwhichmystepsIbent,Itshills,streams,dwellings,mountains,asIwent,Apledgeofjoy,tilldaylightceasedtoglow。
  ThenonmysightdidblissfulvisionsgrowInthedim-lighted,distantfirmament,Andwhenatlengththeseaconfinedmygaze,Myardentlongingfill’dmyheartoncemore。
  WhatIhadlost,unwillinglyIsought。
  ThenHeavenappear’dtosheditskindlyrays:
  MethoughtthatallIhadpossess’dofyoreRemain’dstillmine——thatIwasreftofnought。
  1807?——
  THELOVINGONEWRITES。
  THElookthatthysweeteyesonmineimpressThepledgethylipstomineconvey,——thekiss,——
  Hewho,likeme,hathknowledgesureofthis,Canheinaughtbesidefindhappiness?
  Removedfromthee,friend-sever’d,indistress,ThesethoughtsIvainlystruggletodismiss:
  Theystillreturntothatonehourofbliss,Theonlyone。thentearsmygriefconfess。
  Butunawaresthetearmakeshastetodry:
  Heloves,methinks,e’entothesegladessostill,——
  Andshaltnotthoutodistantlandsextend?
  Receivethemurmursofhislovingsigh。
  Myonlyjoyonearthisinthywill,Thykindlywilltow’rdme。atokensend!
  1807?——
  THELOVINGONEONCEMORE。
  WHYdoIo’ermypaperoncemorebend?
  Asknottooclosely,dearestone,IprayFor,tospeaktruth,I’venothingnowtosay。
  Yettothyhandsatlength’twillcome,dearfriend。
  SinceIcancomenotwithit,whatIsendMyundividedheartshallnowconvey,Withallitsjoys,hopes,pleasures,pains,to-day:
  Allthishathnobeginning,hathnoend。
  HenceforwardImayne’ertotheeconfideHow,farasthought,wish,fancy,will,canreach,Myfaithfulheartwiththineissurelyblended。
  ThusstoodIonceenrapturedbythyside,Gazedonthee,andsaidnought。Whatneedofspeech?
  Myverybeinginitselfwasended。
  1807?——
  SHECANNOTEND。
  WHENuntotheeIsentthepageallwhite,Insteadoffirstthereoninscribingaught,Thespacethoudoubtlessfilledstupinsport。
  Andsentitme,tomakemyjoygrowbright。
  Assoonasthebluecovermetmysight,Aswellbecomesawoman,quickasthoughtItoreitopen,leavinghiddennought,Andreadthewell-knownwordsofpuredelight:
  MYONLYBEING!DEARESTHEART!SWEETCHILD!
  HowkindlythoumyyearningthendidststillWithgentlewords,enthrallingmetothee。
  IntruthmethoughtIreadthywhispersmildWherewiththoulovinglymysouldidstfill,E’entomyselfforayeennoblingme。
  1807?——
  NEMESIS。
  WHENthroughthenationsstalkscontagionwild,Wefromthemcautiouslyshouldstealaway。
  E’enIhaveoftwithling’ringanddelayShunn’dmanyaninfluence,nottobedefil’d。
  Ande’enthoughAmoroftmyhoursbeguil’d,Atlengthwithhimpreferr’dInottoplay,Andso,too,withthewretchedsonsofclay,Whenfourandthree-linedversestheycompil’d。
  Butpunishmentpursuesthescofferstraight,Asifbyserpent-torchoffuriesledFrombilltovale,fromlandtoseatofly。
  Ihearthegenie’slaughteratmyfate。
  YetdoIfindallpowerofthinkingfledInsonnet-rageandlove’sfierceecstasy。
  1807-8——
  THECHRISTMAS-BOX。
  THISbox,mineownsweetdarling,thouwiltfindWithmanyavariedsweetmeat’sformsupplied。
  ThefruitsaretheyofholyChristmastide,Butbakedindeed,forchildren’susedesign’d。
  I’dfain,inspeechessweetwithskillcombin’d,Poeticsweetmeatsforthefeastprovide。
  Butwhyinsuchfrivolitiesconfide?
  Perishthethought,withflatterytoblind!
  Onesweetthingthereisstill,thatfromwithin,Withinusspeaks,——thatmaybefeltafar。
  Thismaybewaftedo’ertotheealone。
  Ifthouarecollectionfondcanstwin,Asifwithpleasuregleam’deachwell-knownstar,Thesmallestgiftthouneverwiltdisown。
  1807