BOBSOUTHEY!You'reapoet-Poet-laureate,Andrepresentativeofalltherace,Although'tistruethatyouturn'doutaToryatLast,-yourshaslatelybeenacommoncase;
Andnow,myEpicRenegade!whatareyeat?
WithalltheLakers,inandoutofplace?
Anestoftunefulpersons,tomyeyeLike'fourandtwentyBlackbirdsinapye;'
'Whichpyebeingopen'dtheybegantosing'
Thisoldsongandnewsimileholdsgood,'AdaintydishtosetbeforetheKing,'
OrRegent,whoadmiressuchkindoffood;-
AndColeridge,too,haslatelytakenwing,Butlikeahawkencumber'dwithhishood,-
Explainingmetaphysicstothenation-
IwishhewouldexplainhisExplanation。
You,Bob!areratherinsolent,youknow,AtbeingdisappointedinyourwishTosupersedeallwarblersherebelow,AndbetheonlyBlackbirdinthedish;
Andthenyouoverstrainyourself,orso,AndtumbledownwardliketheflyingfishGaspingondeck,becauseyousoartoohigh,Bob,Andfall,forlackofmoisture,quitea-dry,Bob!
AndWordsworth,inaratherlongExcursionIthinkthequartoholdsfivehundredpages,HasgivenasamplefromthevastyversionOfhisnewsystemtoperplexthesages;
'Tispoetry-atleastbyhisassertion,Andmayappearsowhenthedog-starrages-
AndhewhounderstandsitwouldbeableToaddastorytotheTowerofBabel。
You-Gentlemen!bydintoflongseclusionFrombettercompany,havekeptyourownAtKeswick,and,throughstillcontinuedfusionOfoneanother'sminds,atlasthavegrownTodeemasamostlogicalconclusion,ThatPoesyhaswreathsforyoualone:
Thereisanarrownessinsuchanotion,Whichmakesmewishyou'dchangeyourlakesforocean。
Iwouldnotimitatethepettythought,Norcoinmyself-lovetosobaseavice,Forallthegloryyourconversionbrought,Sincegoldaloneshouldnothavebeenitsprice。
Youhaveyoursalary;was'tforthatyouwrought?
AndWordsworthhashisplaceintheExcise。
You'reshabbyfellows-true-butpoetsstill,Anddulyseatedontheimmortalhill。
Yourbaysmayhidethebaldnessofyourbrows-
Perhapssomevirtuousblushes;-letthemgo-
ToyouIenvyneitherfruitnorboughs-
Andforthefameyouwouldengrossbelow,Thefieldisuniversal,andallowsScopetoallsuchasfeeltheinherentglow:
Scott,Rogers,Campbell,Moore,andCrabbewilltry'Gainstyouthequestionwithposterity。
Forme,who,wanderingwithpedestrianMuses,Contendnotwithyouonthewingedsteed,Iwishyourfatemayyieldye,whenshechooses,Thefameyouenvyandtheskillyouneed;
AndrecollectapoetnothinglosesIngivingtohisbrethrentheirfullmeedOfmerit,andcomplaintofpresentdaysIsnotthecertainpathtofuturepraise。
HethatreserveshislaurelsforposterityWhodoesnotoftenclaimthebrightreversion
Hasgenerallynogreatcroptospareit,heBeingonlyinjuredbyhisownassertion;
AndalthoughhereandtheresomegloriousrarityAriselikeTitanfromthesea'simmersion,ThemajorpartofsuchappelantsgoTo-Godknowswhere-fornooneelsecanknow。
If,falleninevildaysoneviltongues,Miltonappeal'dtotheAvenger,Time,IfTime,theAvenger,execrateshiswrongs,AndmakesthewordMiltonic'mean'sublime,'
Hedeign'dnottobeliehissoulinsongs,Norturnhisverytalenttoacrime;
HedidnotloathetheSiretolaudtheSon,Butclosedthetyrant-haterhebegun。
Think'stthou,couldhe-theblindOldMan-ariseLikeSamuelfromthegrave,tofreezeoncemoreThebloodofmonarchswithhisprophecies,Orbealiveagain-againallhoarWithtimeandtrials,andthosehelplesseyes,Andheartlessdaughters-worn-andpale-andpoor;
Wouldheadoreasultan?heobeyTheintellectualeunuchCastlereagh?
Cold-blooded,smooth-faced,placidmiscreant!
DabblingitssleekyounghandsinErin'sgore,Andthusforwidercarnagetaughttopant,Transferr'dtogorgeuponasistershore,ThevulgaresttoolthatTyrannycouldwant,Withjustenoughoftalent,andnomore,Tolengthenfettersbyanotherfix'd,Andofferpoisonlongalreadymix'd。
AnoratorofsuchsettrashofphraseIneffably-legitimatelyvile,Thatevenitsgrossestflatterersdarenotpraise,Norfoes-allnations-condescendtosmile,-
Notevenasprightlyblunder'ssparkcanblazeFromthatIxiongrindstone'sceaselesstoil,ThatturnsandturnstogivetheworldanotionOfendlesstormentsandperpetualmotion。
Abunglereveninitsdisgustingtrade,Andbotching,patching,leavingstillbehindSomethingofwhichitsmastersareafraid,Statestobecurb'dandthoughtstobeconfined,ConspiracyorCongresstobemade-
Cobblingatmanaclesforallmankind-
Atinkeringslave-maker,whomendsoldchains,WithGodandman'sabhorrenceforitsgains。
Ifwemayjudgeofmatterbythemind,EmasculatedtothemarrowItHathbuttwoobjects,howtoserveandbind,Deemingthechainitwearsevenmenmayfit,Eutropiusofitsmanymasters,-blindToworthasfreedom,wisdomastowit,Fearless-becausenofeelingdwellsinice,Itsverycouragestagnatestoavice。
WhereshallIturnmenottoviewitsbonds,ForIwillneverfeelthem?-Italy!
ThylaterevivingRomansouldespondsBeneaththeliethisState-thingbreathedo'erthee-
Thyclankingchain,andErin'syetgreenwounds,Havevoices,tonguestocryaloudforme。
Europehasslaves,allies,kings,armiesstill,AndSoutheylivestosingthemveryill。
Meantime,SirLaureate,Iproceedtodedicate,Inhonestsimpleverse,thissongtoyou。
And,ifinflatteringstrainsIdonotpredicate,'TisthatIstillretainmy'buffandblue;'
Mypoliticsasyetarealltoeducate:
Apostasy'ssofashionable,too,Tokeeponecreed'sataskgrownquiteHerculean;
Isitnotso,myTory,ultra-Julian?
VENICE,September16,1818。
CANTOTHEFIRST。
IWANTahero:anuncommonwant,Wheneveryyearandmonthsendsforthanewone,Till,aftercloyingthegazetteswithcant,Theagediscoversheisnotthetrueone;
OfsuchastheseIshouldnotcaretovaunt,I'llthereforetakeourancientfriendDonJuan-
Weallhaveseenhim,inthepantomime,Senttothedevilsomewhaterehistime。
Vernon,thebutcherCumberland,Wolfe,Hawke,PrinceFerdinand,Granby,Burgoyne,Keppel,Howe,Evilandgood,havehadtheirtitheoftalk,Andfill'dtheirsignpoststhen,likeWellesleynow;
EachintheirturnlikeBanquo'smonarchsstalk,Followersoffame,'ninefarrow'ofthatsow:
France,too,hadBuonaparteandDumourierRecordedintheMoniteurandCourier。
Barnave,Brissot,Condorcet,Mirabeau,Petion,Clootz,Danton,Marat,LaFayette,WereFrench,andfamouspeople,asweknow:
Andtherewereothers,scarceforgottenyet,Joubert,Hoche,Marceau,Lannes,Desaix,Moreau,Withmanyofthemilitaryset,Exceedinglyremarkableattimes,Butnotatalladaptedtomyrhymes。
NelsonwasonceBritannia'sgodofwar,Andstillshouldbeso,butthetideisturn'd;
There'snomoretobesaidofTrafalgar,'Tiswithourheroquietlyinurn'd;
Becausethearmy'sgrownmorepopular,Atwhichthenavalpeopleareconcern'd;
Besides,theprinceisallfortheland-service,ForgettingDuncan,Nelson,Howe,andJervis。
BravemenwerelivingbeforeAgamemnonAndsince,exceedingvalorousandsage,Agooddeallikehimtoo,thoughquitethesamenone;
Butthentheyshonenotonthepoet'spage,Andsohavebeenforgotten:-Icondemnnone,Butcan'tfindanyinthepresentageFitformypoemthatis,formynewone;
So,asIsaid,I'lltakemyfriendDonJuan。
Mostepicpoetsplunge'inmediasres'
Horacemakesthistheheroicturnpikeroad,Andthenyourherotells,whene'eryouplease,Whatwentbefore-bywayofepisode,Whileseatedafterdinnerathisease,Besidehismistressinsomesoftabode,Palace,orgarden,paradise,orcavern,Whichservesthehappycoupleforatavern。
Thatistheusualmethod,butnotmine-
Mywayistobeginwiththebeginning;
TheregularityofmydesignForbidsallwanderingastheworstofsinning,AndthereforeIshallopenwithalineAlthoughitcostmehalfanhourinspinning
NarratingsomewhatofDonJuan'sfather,Andalsoofhismother,ifyou'drather。
InSevillewasheborn,apleasantcity,Famousfororangesandwomen-heWhohasnotseenitwillbemuchtopity,Sosaystheproverb-andIquiteagree;
OfalltheSpanishtownsisnonemorepretty,Cadizperhaps-butthatyousoonmaysee;
DonJuan'sparentslivedbesidetheriver,Anoblestream,andcall'dtheGuadalquivir。
Hisfather'snamewasJose-Don,ofcourse,-
AtrueHidalgo,freefromeverystainOfMoororHebrewblood,hetracedhissourceThroughthemostGothicgentlemenofSpain;
Abettercavalierne'ermountedhorse,Or,beingmounted,e'ergotdownagain,ThanJose,whobegotourhero,whoBegot-butthat'stocome-Well,torenew:
Hismotherwasalearnedlady,famedForeverybranchofeveryscienceknownIneveryChristianlanguageevernamed,Withvirtuesequall'dbyherwitalone,Shemadethecleverestpeoplequiteashamed,Andeventhegoodwithinwardenvygroan,FindingthemselvessoverymuchexceededIntheirownwaybyallthethingsthatshedid。
Hermemorywasamine:sheknewbyheartAllCalderonandgreaterpartofLope,Sothatifanyactormiss'dhispartShecouldhaveservedhimfortheprompter'scopy;
ForherFeinagle'swereanuselessart,Andhehimselfobligedtoshutupshop-heCouldnevermakeamemorysofineasThatwhichadorn'dthebrainofDonnaInez。
Herfavouritesciencewasthemathematical,Hernoblestvirtuewashermagnanimity,HerwitshesometimestriedatwitwasAtticall,Herserioussayingsdarken'dtosublimity;
Inshort,inallthingsshewasfairlywhatIcallAprodigy-hermorningdresswasdimity,Hereveningsilk,or,inthesummer,muslin,Andotherstuffs,withwhichIwon'tstaypuzzling。
SheknewtheLatin-thatis,'theLord'sprayer,'
AndGreek-thealphabet-I'mnearlysure;
ShereadsomeFrenchromanceshereandthere,Althoughhermodeofspeakingwasnotpure;
FornativeSpanishshehadnogreatcare,Atleastherconversationwasobscure;
Herthoughtsweretheorems,herwordsaproblem,Asifshedeem'dthatmysterywouldennoble'em。
ShelikedtheEnglishandtheHebrewtongue,Andsaidtherewasanalogybetween'em;
Sheproveditsomehowoutofsacredsong,ButImustleavetheproofstothosewho'veseen'em;
ButthisIheardhersay,andcan'tbewrongAndallmaythinkwhichwaytheirjudgmentslean'em,''Tisstrange-theHebrewnounwhichmeans“Iam,“
Somewomenusetheirtongues-shelook'dalecture,Eacheyeasermon,andherbrowahomily,Anall-in-allsufficientself-director,LikethelamentedlateSirSamuelRomilly,TheLaw'sexpounder,andtheState'scorrector,Whosesuicidewasalmostananomaly-
Onesadexamplemore,that'Allisvanity'
Thejurybroughttheirverdictin'Insanity'。
Inshort,shewasawalkingcalculation,MissEdgeworth'snovelssteppingfromtheircovers,OrMrs。Trimmer'sbooksoneducation,Or'Coelebs'Wife'setoutinquestoflovers,Morality'sprimpersonification,InwhichnotEnvy'sselfaflawdiscovers;
Toothers'sharelet'femaleerrorsfall,'
Forshehadnotevenone-theworstofall。
Oh!shewasperfectpastallparallel-
Ofanymodernfemalesaint'scomparison;
Sofarabovethecunningpowersofhell,Herguardianangelhadgivenuphisgarrison;
EvenherminutestmotionswentaswellAsthoseofthebesttime-piecemadebyHarrison:
Invirtuesnothingearthlycouldsurpassher,Savethine'incomparableoil,'Macassar!
Perfectshewas,butasperfectionisInsipidinthisnaughtyworldofours,Whereourfirstparentsneverlearn'dtokissTilltheywereexiledfromtheirearlierbowers,Whereallwaspeace,andinnocence,andblissIwonderhowtheygotthroughthetwelvehours,DonJose,likealinealsonofEve,Wentpluckingvariousfruitwithoutherleave。
Hewasamortalofthecarelesskind,Withnogreatloveforlearning,orthelearn'd,Whochosetogowhere'erhehadamind,Andneverdream'dhisladywasconcern'd;
Theworld,asusual,wickedlyinclinedToseeakingdomorahouseo'erturn'd,Whisper'dhehadamistress,somesaidtwo-
Butfordomesticquarrelsonewilldo。
NowDonnaInezhad,withallhermerit,Agreatopinionofherowngoodqualities;
Neglect,indeed,requiresasainttobearit,Andsuch,indeed,shewasinhermoralities;
Butthenshehadadevilofaspirit,Andsometimesmix'dupfancieswithrealities,AndletfewopportunitiesescapeOfgettingherliegelordintoascrape。
ThiswasaneasymatterwithamanOftinthewrong,andneveronhisguard;
Andeventhewisest,dothebesttheycan,Havemoments,hours,anddays,sounprepared,Thatyoumight'brainthemwiththeirlady'sfan;'
Andsometimesladieshitexceedinghard,Andfansturnintofalchionsinfairhands,Andwhyandwhereforenooneunderstands。
'TispitylearnedvirginseverwedWithpersonsofnosortofeducation,Orgentlemen,who,thoughwellbornandbred,Growtiredofscientificconversation:
Idon'tchoosetosaymuchuponthishead,I'maplainman,andinasinglestation,But-Oh!yelordsofladiesintellectual,Informustruly,havetheynothen-peck'dyouall?
DonJoseandhisladyquarrell'd-why,Notanyofthemanycoulddivine,Thoughseveralthousandpeoplechosetotry,'Twassurelynoconcernoftheirsnormine;
Iloathethatlowvice-curiosity;
Butifthere'sanythinginwhichIshine,'Tisinarrangingallmyfriends'affairs,Nothavingofmyowndomesticcares。
AndsoIinterfered,andwiththebestIntentions,buttheirtreatmentwasnotkind;
Ithinkthefoolishpeoplewerepossess'd,ForneitherofthemcouldIeverfind,Althoughtheirporterafterwardsconfess'd-
Butthat'snomatter,andtheworst'sbehind,ForlittleJuano'ermethrew,downstairs,Apailofhousemaid'swaterunawares。
Alittlecurly-headed,good-for-nothing,Andmischief-makingmonkeyfromhisbirth;
Hisparentsne'eragreedexceptindotingUponthemostunquietimponearth;
Insteadofquarrelling,hadtheybeenbutbothinTheirsenses,they'dhavesentyoungmasterforthToschool,orhadhimsoundlywhipp'dathome,Toteachhimmannersforthetimetocome。
DonJoseandtheDonnaInezledForsometimeanunhappysortoflife,Wishingeachother,notdivorced,butdead;
Theylivedrespectablyasmanandwife,Theirconductwasexceedinglywell-bred,Andgavenooutwardsignsofinwardstrife,Untilatlengththesmother'dfirebrokeout,Andputthebusinesspastallkindofdoubt。
ForInezcall'dsomedruggistsandphysicians,Andtriedtoproveherlovinglordwasmad;
Butashehadsomelucidintermissions,Shenextdecidedhewasonlybad;
Yetwhentheyask'dherforherdepositions,Nosortofexplanationcouldbehad,SavethatherdutybothtomanandGodRequiredthisconduct-whichseem'dveryodd。
Shekeptajournal,wherehisfaultswerenoted,Andopen'dcertaintrunksofbooksandletters,Allwhichmight,ifoccasionserved,bequoted;
AndthenshehadallSevilleforabettors,Besideshergoodoldgrandmotherwhodoted;
Thehearersofhercasebecamerepeaters,Thenadvocates,inquisitors,andjudges,Someforamusement,othersforoldgrudges。
AndthenthisbestandweakestwomanboreWithsuchserenityherhusband'swoes,JustastheSpartanladiesdidofyore,Whosawtheirspouseskill'd,andnoblychoseNevertosayawordaboutthemmore-
Calmlysheheardeachcalumnythatrose,Andsawhisagonieswithsuchsublimity,Thatalltheworldexclaim'd,'Whatmagnanimity!'
Nodoubtthispatience,whentheworldisdamningus,Isphilosophicinourformerfriends;
'Tisalsopleasanttobedeem'dmagnanimous,Themoresoinobtainingourownends;
Andwhatthelawyerscalla'malusanimus'
Conductlikethisbynomeanscomprehends;
Revengeinperson'scertainlynovirtue,Butthen'tisnotmyfault,ifothershurtyou。
Andifyourquarrelsshouldripupoldstories,Andhelpthemwithalieortwoadditional,I'mnottoblame,asyouwellknow-nomoreisAnyoneelse-theywerebecometraditional;
Besides,theirresurrectionaidsourgloriesBycontrast,whichiswhatwejustwerewishingall:
Andscienceprofitsbythisresurrection-
Deadscandalsformgoodsubjectsfordissection。
Theirfriendshadtriedatreconciliation,Thentheirrelations,whomademattersworse。
'TwerehardtotelluponalikeoccasionTowhomitmaybebesttohaverecourse-
Ican'tsaymuchforfriendoryetrelation:
Thelawyersdidtheirutmostfordivorce,ButscarceafeewaspaidoneithersideBefore,unluckily,DonJosedied。
Hedied:andmostunluckily,because,AccordingtoallhintsIcouldcollectFromcounsellearnedinthosekindsoflawsAlthoughtheirtalk'sobscureandcircumspect,Hisdeathcontrivedtospoilacharmingcause;
AthousandpitiesalsowithrespectTopublicfeeling,whichonthisoccasionWasmanifestedinagreatsensation。
But,ah!hedied;andburiedwithhimlayThepublicfeelingandthelawyers'fees:
Hishousewassold,hisservantssentaway,AJewtookoneofhistwomistresses,Apriesttheother-atleastsotheysay:
Iask'dthedoctorsafterhisdisease-
Hediedoftheslowfevercall'dthetertian,Andlefthiswidowtoherownaversion。
YetJosewasanhonourableman,ThatImustsaywhoknewhimverywell;
ThereforehisfrailtiesI'llnofurtherscanIndeedtherewerenotmanymoretotell;
AndifhispassionsnowandthenoutranDiscretion,andwerenotsopeaceableAsNuma'swhowasalsonamedPompilius,Hehadbeenillbroughtup,andwasbornbilious。
Whate'ermightbehisworthlessnessorworth,Poorfellow!hehadmanythingstowoundhim。
Let'sown-sinceitcandonogoodonearth-
ItwasatryingmomentthatwhichfoundhimStandingalonebesidehisdesolatehearth,Whereallhishouseholdgodslayshiver'droundhim:
Nochoicewaslefthisfeelingsorhispride,SavedeathorDoctors'Commons-sohedied。
Dyingintestate,JuanwassoleheirToachancerysuit,andmessuages,andlands,Which,withalongminorityandcare,Promisedtoturnoutwellinproperhands:
Inezbecamesoleguardian,whichwasfair,Andanswer'dbuttonature'sjustdemands;
AnonlysonleftwithanonlymotherIsbroughtupmuchmorewiselythananother。
Sagestofwomen,evenofwidows,sheResolvedthatJuanshouldbequiteaparagon,AndworthyofthenoblestpedigreeHissirewasofCastile,hisdamfromAragon:
Thenforaccomplishmentsofchivalry,Incaseourlordthekingshouldgotowaragain,Helearn'dtheartsofriding,fencing,gunnery,Andhowtoscaleafortress-oranunnery。
ButthatwhichDonnaInezmostdesired,AndsawintoherselfeachdaybeforeallThelearnedtutorswhomforhimshehired,Was,thathisbreedingshouldbestrictlymoral;
Muchintoallhisstudiessheinquired,Andsotheyweresubmittedfirsttoher,all,Arts,sciences,nobranchwasmadeamysteryToJuan'seyes,exceptingnaturalhistory。
Thelanguages,especiallythedead,Thesciences,andmostofalltheabstruse,Thearts,atleastallsuchascouldbesaidTobethemostremotefromcommonuse,Inallthesehewasmuchanddeeplyread;
Butnotapageofanythingthat'sloose,Orhintscontinuationofthespecies,Waseversuffer'd,lestheshouldgrowvicious。
Hisclassicstudiesmadealittlepuzzle,Becauseoffilthylovesofgodsandgoddesses,Whointheearlieragesraisedabustle,Butneverputonpantaloonsorbodices;
Hisreverendtutorshadattimesatussle,AndfortheirAEneids,Iliads,andOdysseys,Wereforcedtomakeanoddsort!ofapology,ForDonnaInezdreadedtheMythology。
Ovid'sarake,ashalfhisversesshowhim,Anacreon'smoralsareastillworsesample,Catullusscarcelyhasadecentpoem,Idon'tthinkSappho'sOdeagoodexample,AlthoughLonginustellsusthereisnohymnWherethesublimesoarsforthonwingsmoreample:
ButVirgil'ssongsarepure,exceptthathorridoneBeginningwith'FormosumPastorCorydon。'
Lucretius'irreligionistoostrong,Forearlystomachs,toprovewholesomefood;
Ican'thelpthinkingJuvenalwaswrong,Althoughnodoubthisrealintentwasgood,Forspeakingoutsoplainlyinhissong,Somuchindeedastobedownrightrude;
AndthenwhatproperpersoncanbepartialToallthosenauseousepigramsofMartial?
Juanwastaughtfromoutthebestedition,Expurgatedbylearnedmen,whoplaceJudiciously,fromouttheschoolboy'svision,Thegrosserparts;but,fearfultodefaceToomuchtheirmodestbardbythisomission,Andpityingsorehismutilatedcase,Theyonlyaddthemallinanappendix,Whichsaves,infact,thetroubleofanindex;
Fortherewehavethemall'atonefellswoop,'
Insteadofbeingscatter'dthroughthePages;
Theystandforthmarshall'dinahandsometroop,Tomeettheingenuousyouthoffutureages,TillsomelessrigideditorshallstoopTocallthembackintotheirseparatecages,Insteadofstandingstaringalltogether,Likegardengods-andnotsodecenteither。
TheMissaltooitwasthefamilyMissal
WasornamentedinasortofwayWhichancientmass-booksoftenare,andthisallKindsofgrotesquesillumined;andhowthey,Whosawthosefiguresonthemarginkissall,Couldturntheiropticstothetextandpray,IsmorethanIknow-ButDonJuan'smotherKeptthisherself,andgavehersonanother。
Sermonsheread,andlecturesheendured,Andhomilies,andlivesofallthesaints;
ToJeromeandtoChrysostominured,Hedidnottakesuchstudiesforrestraints;
Buthowfaithisacquired,andthenensured,SowellnotoneoftheaforesaidpaintsAsSaintAugustineinhisfineConfessions,Whichmakethereaderenvyhistransgressions。
This,too,wasaseal'dbooktolittleJuan-
Ican'tbutsaythathismammawasright,Ifsuchaneducationwasthetrueone。
Shescarcelytrustedhimfromouthersight;
Hermaidswereold,andifshetookanewone,Youmightbesureshewasaperfectfright;
Shedidthisduringevenherhusband'slife-
Irecommendasmuchtoeverywife。
YoungJuanwax'dingoodlinessandgrace;
Atsixacharmingchild,andatelevenWithallthepromiseofasfineafaceAse'ertoman'smaturergrowthwasgiven:
Hestudiedsteadily,andgrewapace,Andseem'd,atleast,intherightroadtoheaven,Forhalfhisdayswerepass'datchurch,theotherBetweenhistutors,confessor,andmother。
Atsix,Isaid,hewasacharmingchild,Attwelvehewasafine,butquietboy;
Althoughininfancyalittlewild,Theytamedhimdownamongstthem:todestroyHisnaturalspiritnotinvaintheytoil'd,Atleastitseem'dso;andhismother'sjoyWastodeclarehowsage,andstill,andsteady,Heryoungphilosopherwasgrownalready。
Ihadmydoubts,perhapsIhavethemstill,ButwhatIsayisneitherherenorthere:
Iknewhisfatherwell,andhavesomeskillIncharacter-butitwouldnotbefairFromsiretosontoaugurgoodorill:
Heandhiswifewereanill-sortedpair-
Butscandal'smyaversion-IprotestAgainstallevilspeaking,eveninjest。
FormypartIsaynothing-nothing-butThisIwillsay-myreasonsaremyown-
ThatifIhadanonlysontoputToschoolasGodbepraisedthatIhavenone,'TisnotwithDonnaInezIwouldshutHimuptolearnhiscatechismalone,No-no-I'dsendhimoutbetimestocollege,ForthereitwasIpick'dupmyownknowledge。
Forthereonelearns-'tisnotformetoboast,ThoughIacquired-butIpassoverthat,AswellasalltheGreekIsincehavelost:
Isaythatthere'stheplace-but'Verbumsat。'
IthinkIpick'duptoo,aswellasmost,Knowledgeofmatters-butnomatterwhat-
Inevermarried-but,Ithink,IknowThatsonsshouldnotbeeducatedso。
YoungJuannowwassixteenyearsofage,Tall,handsome,slender,butwellknit:heseem'dActive,thoughnotsosprightly,asapage;
Andeverybodybuthismotherdeem'dHimalmostman;butsheflewinarageAndbitherlipsforelseshemighthavescream'd
Ifanysaidso,fortobeprecociousWasinhereyesathingthemostatrocious。
Amongsthernumerousacquaintance,allSelectedfordiscretionanddevotion,TherewastheDonnaJulia,whomtocallPrettywerebuttogiveafeeblenotionOfmanycharmsinherasnaturalAssweetnesstotheflower,orsalttoocean,HerzonetoVenus,orhisbowtoCupidButthislastsimileistriteandstupid。
ThedarknessofherOrientaleyeAccordedwithherMoorishoriginHerbloodwasnotallSpanish,bytheby;
InSpain,youknow,thisisasortofsin;
WhenproudGranadafell,and,forcedtofly,Boabdilwept,ofDonnaJulia'skinSomewenttoAfrica,somestay'dinSpain,Hergreat-great-grandmammachosetoremain。
ShemarriedIforgetthepedigree
WithanHidalgo,whotransmitteddownHisbloodlessnoblethansuchbloodshouldbe;
Atsuchallianceshissireswouldfrown,InthatpointsopreciseineachdegreeThattheybredinandin,asmightbeshown,Marryingtheircousins-nay,theiraunts,andnieces,Whichalwaysspoilsthebreed,ifitincreases。
Thisheathenishcrossrestoredthebreedagain,Ruin'ditsblood,butmuchimproveditsflesh;
ForfromaroottheugliestinOldSpainSprungupabranchasbeautifulasfresh;
Thesonsnomorewereshort,thedaughtersplain:
Butthere'sarumourwhichIfainwouldhush,'TissaidthatDonnaJulia'sgrandmammaProducedherDonmoreheirsatlovethanlaw。
Howeverthismightbe,theracewentonImprovingstillthrougheverygeneration,Untilitcentredinanonlyson,Wholeftanonlydaughter;mynarrationMayhavesuggestedthatthissingleoneCouldbebutJuliawhomonthisoccasionIshallhavemuchtospeakabout,andsheWasmarried,charming,chaste,andtwenty-three。
HereyeI'mveryfondofhandsomeeyes
Waslargeanddark,suppressinghalfitsfireUntilshespoke,thenthroughitssoftdisguiseFlash'danexpressionmoreofpridethanire,Andlovethaneither;andtherewouldariseAsomethinginthemwhichwasnotdesire,Butwouldhavebeen,perhaps,butforthesoulWhichstruggledthroughandchasten'ddownthewhole。
Herglossyhairwascluster'do'erabrowBrightwithintelligence,andfair,andsmooth;
Hereyebrow'sshapewasliketh'aerialbow,Hercheekallpurplewiththebeamofyouth,Mountingattimestoatransparentglow,Asifherveinsranlightning;she,insooth,Possess'danairandgracebynomeanscommon:
Herstaturetall-Ihateadumpywoman。
Weddedshewassomeyears,andtoamanOffifty,andsuchhusbandsareinplenty;
Andyet,Ithink,insteadofsuchaONE
'TwerebettertohaveTWOoffive-and-twenty,Especiallyincountriesnearthesun:
AndnowIthinkon't,'mivieninmente,'
LadiesevenofthemostuneasyvirtuePreferaspousewhoseageisshortofthirty。
'Tisasadthing,Icannotchoosebutsay,Andallthefaultofthatindecentsun,Whocannotleavealoneourhelplessclay,Butwillkeepbaking,broiling,burningon,Thathowsoeverpeoplefastandpray,Thefleshisfrail,andsothesoulundone:
Whatmencallgallantry,andgodsadultery,Ismuchmorecommonwheretheclimate'ssultry。
HappythenationsofthemoralNorth!
Whereallisvirtue,andthewinterseasonSendssin,withoutaragon,shiveringforth'TwassnowthatbroughtSt。Anthonytoreason;
Wherejuriescastupwhatawifeisworth,Bylayingwhate'ersuminmulcttheypleaseonThelover,whomustpayahandsomeprice,Becauseitisamarketablevice。
AlfonsowasthenameofJulia'slord,Amanwelllookingforhisyears,andwhoWasneithermuchbelovednoryetabhorr'd:
Theylivedtogether,asmostpeopledo,Sufferingeachother'sfoiblesbyaccord,Andnotexactlyeitheroneortwo;
Yethewasjealous,thoughhedidnotshowit,Forjealousydislikestheworldtoknowit。
Juliawas-yetInevercouldseewhy-
WithDonnaInezquiteafavouritefriend;
Betweentheirtastestherewassmallsympathy,FornotalinehadJuliaeverpenn'd:
Somepeoplewhisperbutnodoubttheylie,Formalicestillimputessomeprivateend
ThatInezhad,ereDonAlfonso'smarriage,Forgotwithhimherveryprudentcarriage;
Andthatstillkeepinguptheoldconnection,Whichtimehadlatelyrender'dmuchmorechaste,Shetookhisladyalsoinaffection,Andcertainlythiscoursewasmuchthebest:
Sheflatter'dJuliawithhersageprotection,AndcomplimentedDonAlfonso'staste;
Andifshecouldnotwhocan?silencescandal,Atleastsheleftitamoreslenderhandle。
Ican'ttellwhetherJuliasawtheaffairWithotherpeople'seyes,orifherownDiscoveriesmade,butnonecouldbeawareOfthis,atleastnosymptome'erwasshown;
Perhapsshedidnotknow,ordidnotcare,Indifferentfromthefirstorcallousgrown:
I'mreallypuzzledwhattothinkorsay,Shekepthercounselinsocloseaway。
Juanshesaw,and,asaprettychild,Caress'dhimoften-suchathingmightbeQuiteinnocentlydone,andharmlessstyled,Whenshehadtwentyyears,andthirteenhe;
ButIamnotsosureIshouldhavesmiledWhenhewassixteen,Juliatwenty-three;
Thesefewshortyearsmakewondrousalterations,Particularlyamongstsun-burntnations。
Whate'erthecausemightbe,theyhadbecomeChanged;forthedamegrewdistant,theyouthshy,Theirlookscastdown,theirgreetingsalmostdumb,Andmuchembarrassmentineithereye;
TheresurelywillbelittledoubtwithsomeThatDonnaJuliaknewthereasonwhy,ButasforJuan,hehadnomorenotionThanhewhoneversawtheseaofocean。
YetJulia'sverycoldnessstillwaskind,AndtremulouslygentlehersmallhandWithdrewitselffromhis,butleftbehindAlittlepressure,thrilling,andsoblandAndslight,soveryslight,thattothemind'Twasbutadoubt;butne'ermagician'swandWroughtchangewithallArmida'sfairyartLikewhatthislighttouchleftonJuan'sheart。
Andifshemethim,thoughshesmilednomore,Shelook'dasadnesssweeterthanhersmile,AsifherhearthaddeeperthoughtsinstoreShemustnotown,butcherish'dmorethewhileForthatcompressioninitsburningcore;
Eveninnocenceitselfhasmanyawile,Andwillnotdaretotrustitselfwithtruth,Andloveistaughthypocrisyfromyouth。
Butpassionmostdissembles,yetbetraysEvenbyitsdarkness;astheblackestskyForetellstheheaviesttempest,itdisplaysItsworkingsthroughthevainlyguardedeye,AndinwhateveraspectitarraysItself,'tisstillthesamehypocrisy;
Coldnessoranger,evendisdainorhate,Aremasksitoftenwears,andstilltoolate。
Thenthereweresighs,thedeeperforsuppression,Andstolenglances,sweeterforthetheft,Andburningblushes,thoughfornotransgression,Tremblingswhenmet,andrestlessnesswhenleft;
Allthesearelittlepreludestopossession,Ofwhichyoungpassioncannotbebereft,AndmerelytendtoshowhowgreatlyloveisEmbarrass'datfirststartingwithanovice。
PoorJulia'sheartwasinanawkwardstate;
Shefeltitgoing,andresolvedtomakeThenoblesteffortsforherselfandmate,Forhonour's,pride's,religion's,virtue'ssake;
Herresolutionsweremosttrulygreat,AndalmostmighthavemadeaTarquinquake:
Shepray'dtheVirginMaryforhergrace,Asbeingthebestjudgeofalady'scase。
Shevow'dsheneverwouldseeJuanmore,Andnextdaypaidavisittohismother,Andlook'dextremelyattheopeningdoor,Which,bytheVirgin'sgrace,letinanother;
Gratefulshewas,andyetalittlesore-
Againitopens,itcanbenoother,'TissurelyJuannow-No!I'mafraidThatnighttheVirginwasnofurtherpray'd。
ShenowdeterminedthatavirtuouswomanShouldratherfaceandovercometemptation,Thatflightwasbaseanddastardly,andnomanShouldevergiveherhearttheleastsensation;
Thatistosay,athoughtbeyondthecommonPreference,thatwemustfeeluponoccasionForpeoplewhoarepleasanterthanothers,Butthentheyonlyseemsomanybrothers。
Andevenifbychance-andwhocantell?
Thedevil'ssoverysly-sheshoulddiscoverThatallwithinwasnotsoverywell,And,ifstillfree,thatsuchorsuchaloverMightpleaseperhaps,avirtuouswifecanquellSuchthoughts,andbethebetterwhenthey'reover;
Andifthemanshouldask,'tisbutdenial:
Irecommendyoungladiestomaketrial。
Andthentherearesuchthingsaslovedivine,Brightandimmaculate,unmix'dandpure,Suchastheangelsthinksoveryfine,Andmatronswhowouldbenolesssecure,Platonic,perfect,'justsuchloveasmine;'
ThusJuliasaid-andthoughtso,tobesure;
AndsoI'dhaveherthink,wereIthemanOnwhomherreveriescelestialran。
Suchloveisinnocent,andmayexistBetweenyoungpersonswithoutanydanger。
Ahandmayfirst,andthenalipbekist;
Formypart,tosuchdoingsI'mastranger,ButhearthesefreedomsformtheutmostlistOfallo'erwhichsuchlovemaybearanger:
Ifpeoplegobeyond,'tisquiteacrime,Butnotmyfault-Itellthemallintime。
Love,then,butlovewithinitsproperlimits,WasJulia'sinnocentdeterminationInyoungDonJuan'sfavour,andtohimitsExertionmightbeusefulonoccasion;
And,lightedattoopureashrinetodimitsEthereallustre,withwhatsweetpersuasionHemightbetaught,byloveandhertogether-
Ireallydon'tknowwhat,norJuliaeither。
Fraughtwiththisfineintention,andwellfencedInmailofproof-herpurityofsoul-
She,forthefutureofherstrengthconvinced。
Andthatherhonourwasarock,ormole,ExceedingsagelyfromthathourdispensedWithanykindoftroublesomecontrol;
ButwhetherJuliatothetaskwasequalIsthatwhichmustbemention'dinthesequel。
Herplanshedeem'dbothinnocentandfeasible,And,surely,withastriplingofsixteenNotscandal'sfangscouldfixonmuchthat'sseizable,Oriftheydidso,satisfiedtomeanNothingbutwhatwasgood,herbreastwaspeaceable-
Aquietconsciencemakesonesoserene!
Christianshaveburnteachother,quitepersuadedThatalltheApostleswouldhavedoneastheydid。
Andifinthemeantimeherhusbanddied,ButHeavenforbidthatsuchathoughtshouldcrossHerbrain,thoughinadream!andthenshesigh'd
Nevercouldshesurvivethatcommonloss;
Butjustsupposethatmomentshouldbetide,Ionlysaysupposeit-internos。
Thisshouldbeentrenous,forJuliathoughtInFrench,butthentherhymewouldgofornaught。
Ionlysaysupposethissupposition:
Juanbeingthengrownuptoman'sestateWouldfullysuitawidowofcondition,Evensevenyearshenceitwouldnotbetoolate;
Andintheinterimtopursuethisvision
Themischief,afterall,couldnotbegreat,Forhewouldlearntherudimentsoflove,Imeantheseraphwayofthoseabove。
SomuchforJulia。Nowwe'llturntoJuan。
Poorlittlefellow!hehadnoideaOfhisowncase,andneverhitthetrueone;
InfeelingsquickasOvid'sMissMedea,Hepuzzledoverwhathefoundanewone,ButnotasyetimagineditcouldbeThingquiteincourse,andnotatallalarming,Which,withalittlepatience,mightgrowcharming。
Silentandpensive,idle,restless,slow,Hishomedesertedforthelonelywood,Tormentedwithawoundhecouldnotknow,His,likealldeepgrief,plungedinsolitude:
I'mfondmyselfofsolitudeorso,Butthen,Ibegitmaybeunderstood,BysolitudeImeanasultan's,notAhermit's,withaharamforagrot。
'OhLove!insuchawildernessasthis,Wheretransportandsecurityentwine,Hereistheempireofthyperfectbliss,Andherethouartagodindeeddivine。'
ThebardIquotefromdoesnotsingamiss,Withtheexceptionofthesecondline,Forthatsametwining'transportandsecurity'
Aretwistedtoaphraseofsomeobscurity。
Thepoetmeant,nodoubt,andthusappealsTothegoodsenseandsensesofmankind,Theverythingwhicheverybodyfeels,Asallhavefoundontrial,ormayfind,Thatnoonelikestobedisturb'datmealsOrlove-Iwon'tsaymoreabout'entwined'
Or'transport,'asweknewallthatbefore,Butbeg'Security'willboltthedoor。
YoungJuanwander'dbytheglassybrooks,Thinkingunutterablethings;hethrewHimselfatlengthwithintheleafynooksWherethewildbranchofthecorkforestgrew;
Therepoetsfindmaterialsfortheirbooks,Andeverynowandthenwereadthemthrough,Sothattheirplanandprosodyareeligible,Unless,likeWordsworth,theyproveunintelligible。
He,JuanandnotWordsworth,sopursuedHisself-communionwithhisownhighsoul,Untilhismightyheart,initsgreatmood,Hadmitigatedpart,thoughnotthewholeOfitsdisease;hedidthebesthecouldWiththingsnotverysubjecttocontrol,Andturn'd,withoutperceivinghiscondition,LikeColeridge,intoametaphysician。
Hethoughtabouthimself,andthewholeearthOfmanthewonderful,andofthestars,Andhowthedeucetheyevercouldhavebirth;
Andthenhethoughtofearthquakes,andofwars,Howmanymilesthemoonmighthaveingirth,Ofair-balloons,andofthemanybarsToperfectknowledgeoftheboundlessskies;-
AndthenhethoughtofDonnaJulia'seyes。
InthoughtslikethesetruewisdommaydiscernLongingssublime,andaspirationshigh,Whichsomearebornwith,butthemostpartlearnToplaguethemselveswithal,theyknownotwhy:
'TwasstrangethatonesoyoungshouldthusconcernHisbrainabouttheactionofthesky;
Ifyouthink'twasphilosophythatthisdid,Ican'thelpthinkingpubertyassisted。
Heporedupontheleaves,andontheflowers,Andheardavoiceinallthewinds;andthenHethoughtofwood-nymphsandimmortalbowers,Andhowthegoddessescamedowntomen:
Hemiss'dthepathway,heforgotthehours,Andwhenhelook'duponhiswatchagain,HefoundhowmucholdTimehadbeenawinner-
Healsofoundthathehadlosthisdinner。
Sometimesheturn'dtogazeuponhisbook,Boscan,orGarcilasso;-bythewindEvenasthepageisrustledwhilewelook,SobythepoesyofhisownmindOverthemysticleafhissoulwasshook,Asif'twereonewhereonmagiciansbindTheirspells,andgivethemtothepassinggale,Accordingtosomegoodoldwoman'stale。
ThuswouldhewhilehislonelyhoursawayDissatisfied,norknowingwhathewanted;
Norglowingreverie,norpoet'slay,Couldyieldhisspiritthatforwhichitpanted,Abosomwhereonhehisheadmightlay,Andheartheheartbeatwiththeloveitgranted,With-severalotherthings,whichIforget,Orwhich,atleast,Ineednotmentionyet。
Thoselonelywalks,andlengtheningreveries,CouldnotescapethegentleJulia'seyes;
ShesawthatJuanwasnotathisease;
Butthatwhichchieflymay,andmustsurprise,Is,thattheDonnaInezdidnotteaseHeronlysonwithquestionorsurmise:
Whetheritwasshedidnotsee,orwouldnot,Or,likeallverycleverpeople,couldnot。
Thismayseemstrange,butyet'tisverycommon;
Forinstance-gentlemen,whoseladiestakeLeavetoo'erstepthewrittenrightsofwoman,Andbreakthe-Whichcommandmentis'ttheybreak?
Ihaveforgotthenumber,andthinknomanShouldrashlyquote,forfearofamistake。
Isay,whenthesesamegentlemenarejealous,Theymakesomeblunder,whichtheirladiestellus。
Arealhusbandalwaysissuspicious,Butstillnolesssuspectsinthewrongplace,Jealousofsomeonewhohadnosuchwishes,Orpanderingblindlytohisowndisgrace,Byharbouringsomedearfriendextremelyvicious;
Thelastindeed'sinfalliblythecase:
Andwhenthespouseandfriendaregoneoffwholly,Hewondersattheirvice,andnothisfolly。
Thusparentsalsoareattimesshort-sighted;
Thoughwatchfulasthelynx,theyne'erdiscover,Thewhilethewickedworldbeholdsdelighted,YoungHopeful'smistress,orMissFanny'slover,TillsomeconfoundedescapadehasblightedTheplanoftwentyyears,andallisover;
Andthenthemothercries,thefatherswears,Andwonderswhythedevilhegotheirs。
ButInezwassoanxious,andsoclearOfsight,thatImustthink,onthisoccasion,ShehadsomeothermotivemuchmorenearForleavingJuantothisnewtemptation;
Butwhatthatmotivewas,Isha'n'tsayhere;
PerhapstofinishJuan'seducation,PerhapstoopenDonAlfonso'seyes,Incasehethoughthiswifetoogreataprize。
Itwasuponaday,asummer'sday;-
Summer'sindeedaverydangerousseason,AndsoisspringabouttheendofMay;
Thesun,nodoubt,istheprevailingreason;
Butwhatsoe'erthecauseis,onemaysay,Andstandconvictedofmoretruththantreason,Thattherearemonthswhichnaturegrowsmoremerryin,-
Marchhasitshares,andMaymusthaveitsheroine。
'Twasonasummer'sday-thesixthofJune:-
Iliketobeparticularindates,Notonlyoftheage,andyear,butmoon;
Theyareasortofpost-house,wheretheFatesChangehorses,makinghistorychangeitstune,Thenspurawayo'erempiresando'erstates,Leavingatlastnotmuchbesideschronology,Exceptingthepost-obitsoftheology。
'TwasonthesixthofJune,aboutthehourOfhalf-pastsix-perhapsstillnearerseven-
WhenJuliasatewithinasprettyabowerAse'erheldhouriinthatheathenishheavenDescribedbyMahomet,andAnacreonMoore,Towhomthelyreandlaurelshavebeengiven,Withallthetrophiesoftriumphantsong-
Hewonthemwell,andmayhewearthemlong!
Shesate,butnotalone;IknownotwellHowthissameinterviewhadtakenplace,AndevenifIknew,Ishouldnottell-
Peopleshouldholdtheirtonguesinanycase;
Nomatterhoworwhythethingbefell,ButthereweresheandJuan,facetoface-
Whentwosuchfacesareso,'twouldbewise,Butverydifficult,toshuttheireyes。
Howbeautifulshelook'd!herconsciousheartGlow'dinhercheek,andyetshefeltnowrong。
OhLove!howperfectisthymysticart,Strengtheningtheweak,andtramplingonthestrong,Howself-deceitfulisthesagestpartOfmortalswhomthylurehathledalong-
Theprecipiceshestoodonwasimmense,Sowashercreedinherowninnocence。
Shethoughtofherownstrength,andJuan'syouth,Andofthefollyofallprudishfears,Victoriousvirtue,anddomestictruth,AndthenofDonAlfonso'sfiftyyears:
Iwishtheselasthadnotoccurr'd,insooth,Becausethatnumberrarelymuchendears,Andthroughallclimes,thesnowyandthesunny,Soundsillinlove,whate'eritmayinmoney。
Whenpeoplesay,'I'vetoldyoufiftytimes,'
Theymeantoscold,andveryoftendo;
Whenpoetssay,'I'vewrittenfiftyrhymes,'
Theymakeyoudreadthatthey'llrecitethemtoo;
Ingangsoffifty,thievescommittheircrimes;
Atfiftyloveforloveisrare,'tistrue,Butthen,nodoubt,itequallyastrueis,AgooddealmaybeboughtforfiftyLouis。
Juliahadhonour,virtue,truth,andlove,ForDonAlfonso;andsheinlyswore,Byallthevowsbelowtopowersabove,Sheneverwoulddisgracetheringshewore,Norleaveawishwhichwisdommightreprove;
Andwhilesheponder'dthis,besidesmuchmore,OnehandonJuan'scarelesslywasthrown,Quitebymistake-shethoughtitwasherown;
Unconsciouslyshelean'dupontheother,Whichplay'dwithinthetanglesofherhair:
AndtocontendwiththoughtsshecouldnotsmotherSheseem'dbythedistractionofherair。
'TwassurelyverywronginJuan'smotherToleavetogetherthisimprudentpair,Shewhoformanyyearshadwatch'dhersonso-
I'mverycertainminewouldnothavedoneso。
ThehandwhichstillheldJuan's,bydegreesGently,butpalpablyconfirm'ditsgrasp,Asifitsaid,'Detainme,ifyouplease;'
Yetthere'snodoubtsheonlymeanttoclaspHisfingerswithapurePlatonicsqueeze:
Shewouldhaveshrunkasfromatoad,orasp,HadsheimaginedsuchathingcouldrouseAfeelingdangeroustoaprudentspouse。
IcannotknowwhatJuanthoughtofthis,Butwhathedid,ismuchwhatyouwoulddo;
Hisyounglipthank'ditwithagratefulkiss,Andthen,abash'datitsownjoy,withdrewIndeepdespair,lesthehaddoneamiss,-
Loveissoverytimidwhen'tisnew:
Sheblush'd,andfrown'dnot,butshestrovetospeak,Andheldhertongue,hervoicewasgrownsoweak。
Thesunset,anduprosetheyellowmoon:
Thedevil'sinthemoonformischief;theyWhocall'dherCHASTE,methinks,begantoosoonTheirnomenclature;thereisnotaday,Thelongest,notthetwenty-firstofJune,SeeshalfthebusinessinawickedwayOnwhichthreesinglehoursofmoonshinesmile-
Andthenshelookssomodestallthewhile。
Thereisadangeroussilenceinthathour,Astillness,whichleavesroomforthefullsoulToopenallitself,withoutthepowerOfcallingwhollybackitsself-control;
Thesilverlightwhich,hallowingtreeandtower,Shedsbeautyanddeepsoftnesso'erthewhole,Breathesalsototheheart,ando'eritthrowsAlovinglanguor,whichisnotrepose。