CANTOTHEFIFTH。
WHENamatorypoetssingtheirlovesInliquidlinesmellifluouslybland,AndpairtheirrhymesasVenusyokesherdoves,Theylittlethinkwhatmischiefisinhand;
Thegreatertheirsuccesstheworseitproves,AsOvid'sversemaygivetounderstand;
EvenPetrarch'sself,ifjudgedwithdueseverity,IsthePlatonicpimpofallposterity。
Ithereforedodenounceallamorouswriting,Exceptinsuchawayasnottoattract;
Plain-simple-short,andbynomeansinviting,Butwithamoraltoeacherrortack'd,Form'dratherforinstructingthandelighting,Andwithallpassionsintheirturnattack'd;
Now,ifmyPegasusshouldnotbeshodill,Thispoemwillbecomeamoralmodel。
TheEuropeanwiththeAsianshoreSprinkledwithpalaces;theoceanstreamHereandtherestuddedwithaseventy-four;
Sophia'scupolawithgoldengleam;
Thecypressgroves;Olympushighandhoar;
Thetwelveisles,andthemorethanIcoulddream,Farlessdescribe,presenttheveryviewWhichcharm'dthecharmingMaryMontagu。
Ihaveapassionforthenameof'Mary,'
Foronceitwasamagicsoundtome;
Andstillithalfcallsuptherealmsoffairy,WhereIbeheldwhatneverwastobe;
Allfeelingschanged,butthiswaslasttovary,AspellfromwhichevenyetIamnotquitefree:
ButIgrowsad-andletatalegrowcold,Whichmustnotbepatheticallytold。
ThewindsweptdowntheEuxine,andthewaveBrokefoamingo'ertheblueSymplegades;
'Tisagrandsightfromoff'theGiant'sGraveTowatchtheprogressofthoserollingseasBetweentheBosphorus,astheylashandlaveEuropeandAsia,youbeingquiteatease;
There'snotaseathepassengere'erpukesin,TurnsupmoredangerousbreakersthantheEuxine。
'TwasarawdayofAutumn'sbleakbeginning,Whennightsareequal,butnotsothedays;
TheParcaethencutshortthefurtherspinningOfseamen'sfates,andtheloudtempestsraiseThewaters,andrepentanceforpastsinningInall,whoo'erthegreatdeeptaketheirways:
Theyvowtoamendtheirlives,andyettheydon't;
Becauseifdrown'd,theycan't-ifspared,theywon't。
Acrowdofshiveringslavesofeverynation,Andage,andsex,wereinthemarketranged;
Eachbevywiththemerchantinhisstation:
Poorcreatures!theirgoodlooksweresadlychanged。
Allsavetheblacksseem'djadedwithvexation,Fromfriends,andhome,andfreedomfarestranged;
Thenegroesmorephilosophydisplay'd,-
Usedtoit,nodoubt,aseelsaretobeflay'd。
Juanwasjuvenile,andthuswasfull,Asmostathisageare,ofhopeandhealth;
YetImustownhelookedalittledull,Andnowandthenatearstoledownbystealth;
PerhapshisrecentlossofbloodmightpullHisspiritdown;andthenthelossofwealth,Amistress,andsuchcomfortablequarters,TobeputupforauctionamongstTartars,Werethingstoshakeastoic;ne'ertheless,Uponthewholehiscarriagewasserene:
Hisfigure,andthesplendourofhisdress,Ofwhichsomegildedremnantsstillwereseen,Drewalleyesonhim,givingthemtoguessHewasabovethevulgarbyhismien;
Andthen,thoughpale,hewassoveryhandsome;
Andthen-theycalculatedonhisransom。
LikeabackgammonboardtheplacewasdottedWithwhitesandblacks,ingroupsonshowforsale,Thoughrathermoreirregularlyspotted:
Someboughtthejet,whileotherschosethepale。
Itchancedamongsttheotherpeoplelotted,Amanofthirtyratherstoutandhale,Withresolutioninhisdarkgreyeye,NextJuanstood,tillsomemightchoosetobuy。
HehadanEnglishlook;thatis,wassquareInmake,ofacomplexionwhiteandruddy,Goodteeth,withcurlingratherdarkbrownhair,And,itmightbefromthoughtortoilorstudy,Anopenbrowalittlemark'dwithcare:
Onearmhadonabandageratherbloody;
Andtherehestoodwithsuchsang-froid,thatgreaterCouldscarcebeshownevenbyamerespectator。
Butseeingathiselbowamerelad,Ofahighspiritevidently,thoughAtpresentweigh'ddownbyadoomwhichhadO'erthrownevenmen,hesoonbegantoshowAkindofbluntcompassionforthesadLotofsoyoungapartnerinthewoe,Whichforhimselfheseem'dtodeemnoworseThananyotherscrape,athingofcourse。
'Myboy!'saidhe,'amidstthismotleycrewOfGeorgians,Russians,Nubians,andwhatnot,Allragamuffinsdifferingbutinhue,Withwhomitisourlucktocastourlot,TheonlygentlemenseemIandyou;
Soletusbeacquainted,asweought:
IfIcouldyieldyouanyconsolation,'Twouldgivemepleasure-Pray,whatisyournation?'
WhenJuananswer'd-'Spanish!'hereplied,'Ithought,infact,youcouldnotbeaGreek;
Thoseserviledogsarenotsoproudlyeyed:
Fortunehasplay'dyouhereaprettyfreak,Butthat'sherwaywithallmen,tillthey'retried;
Butnevermind,-she'llturn,perhaps,nextweek;
Shehasservedmealsomuchthesameasyou,ExceptthatIhavefounditnothingnew。'
'Pray,sir,'saidJuan,'ifImaypresume,Whatbroughtyouhere?'-'Oh!nothingveryrare-
SixTartarsandadrag-chain。'-'TothisdoomButwhatconducted,ifthequestion'sfair,IsthatwhichIwouldlearn。'-'IservedforsomeMonthswiththeRussianarmyhereandthere,Andtakinglately,bySuwarrow'sbidding,Atown,wasta'enmyselfinsteadofWiddin。'
'Haveyounofriends?'-'Ihad-but,byGod'sblessing,Havenotbeentroubledwiththemlately。NowIhaveanswer'dallyourquestionswithoutpressing,Andyouanequalcourtesyshouldshow。'
'Alas!'saidJuan,''twereataledistressing,Andlongbesides。'-'Oh!if'tisreallyso,You'rerightonbothaccountstoholdyourtongue;
Asadtalesaddensdoubly,when'tislong。
'Butdroopnot:Fortuneatyourtimeoflife,Althoughafemalemoderatelyfickle,Willhardlyleaveyouasshe'snotyourwife
Foranylengthofdaysinsuchapickle。
Tostrive,too,withourfateweresuchastrifeAsifthecorn-sheafshouldopposethesickle:
Menarethesportofcircumstances,whenThecircumstancesseemthesportofmen。'
''Tisnot,'saidJuan,'formypresentdoomImourn,butforthepast;-Ilovedamaid:'-
Hepaused,andhisdarkeyegrewfullofgloom;
AsingletearuponhiseyelashstaidAmoment,andthendropp'd;'buttoresume,'Tisnotmypresentlot,asIhavesaid,WhichIdeploresomuch;forIhaveborneHardshipswhichhavethehardiestoverworn,'Ontheroughdeep。Butthislastblow-'andhereHestopp'dagain,andturn'dawayhisface。
'Ay,'quothhisfriend,'IthoughtitwouldappearThattherehadbeenaladyinthecase;
Andthesearethingswhichaskatendertear,SuchasI,too,wouldshedifinyourplace:
Icrieduponmyfirstwife'sdyingday,Andalsowhenmysecondranaway:
'Mythird-'-'Yourthird!'quothJuan,turninground;
'Youscarcelycanbethirty:haveyouthree?'
'No-onlytwoatpresentaboveground:
Surely'tisnothingwonderfultoseeOnepersonthriceinholywedlockbound!'
'Well,then,yourthird,'saidJuan;'whatdidshe?
Shedidnotrunaway,too,-didshe,sir?'
'No,faith。'-'Whatthen?'-'Iranawayfromher。'
'Youtakethingscoolly,sir,'saidJuan。'Why,'
Repliedtheother,'whatcanamando?
Therestillaremanyrainbowsinyoursky,Butminehavevanish'd。All,whenlifeisnew,Commencewithfeelingswarm,andprospectshigh;
Buttimestripsourillusionsoftheirhue,Andonebyoneinturn,somegrandmistakeCastsoffitsbrightskinyearlylikethesnake。
''Tistrue,itgetsanotherbrightandfresh,Orfresher,brighter;buttheyeargonethrough,Thisskinmustgotheway,too,ofallflesh,Orsometimesonlywearaweekortwo;-
Love'sthefirstnetwhichspreadsitsdeadlymesh;
Ambition,Avarice,Vengeance,Glory,glueTheglitteringlime-twigsofourlatterdays,Wherestillweflutteronforpenceorpraise。'
'Allthisisveryfine,andmaybetrue,'
SaidJuan;'butIreallydon'tseehowItbetterspresenttimeswithmeoryou。'
'No?'quoththeother;'yetyouwillallowBysettingthingsintheirrightpointofview,Knowledge,atleast,isgain'd;forinstance,now,Weknowwhatslaveryis,andourdisastersMayteachusbettertobehavewhenmasters。'
'Wouldweweremastersnow,ifbuttotryTheirpresentlessonsonourPaganfriendshere,'
SaidJuan,-swallowingaheart-burningsigh:
'Heavenhelpthescholarwhomhisfortunesendshere!'
'Perhapsweshallbeoneday,byandby,'
Rejoin'dtheother,whenourbadluckmendshere;
Meantimeyonoldblackeunuchseemstoeyeus
'Butafterall,whatisourpresentstate?
'Tisbad,andmaybebetter-allmen'slot:
Mostmenareslaves,nonemoresothanthegreat,Totheirownwhimsandpassions,andwhatnot;
Societyitself,whichshouldcreateKindness,destroyswhatlittlewehadgot:
TofeelfornoneisthetruesocialartOftheworld'sstoics-menwithoutaheart。'
JustnowablackoldneutralpersonageOfthethirdsexsteptup,andpeeringoverThecaptives,seem'dtomarktheirlooksandage,Andcapabilities,astodiscoverIftheywerefittedforthepurposedcage:
Noladye'erisogledbyalover,Horsebyablackleg,broadclothbyatailor,Feebyacounsel,felonbyajailor,Asisaslavebyhisintendedbidder。
'Tispleasantpurchasingourfellow-creatures;
Andallaretobesold,ifyouconsiderTheirpassions,andaredext'rous;somebyfeaturesAreboughtup,othersbyawarlikeleader,Somebyaplace-astendtheiryearsornatures;
Themostbyreadycash-butallhaveprices,Fromcrownstokicks,accordingtotheirvices。
Theeunuch,havingeyedthemo'erwithcare,Turn'dtothemerchant,andbeguntobidFirstbutforone,andafterforthepair;
Theyhaggled,wrangled,swore,too-sotheydid!
AsthoughtheywereinamereChristianfairCheapeninganox,anass,alamb,orkid;
SothattheirbargainsoundedlikeabattleForthissuperioryokeofhumancattle。
Atlasttheysettledintosimplegrumbling,Andpullingoutreluctantpurses,andTurningeachpieceofsilvero'er,andtumblingSomedown,andweighingothersintheirhand,Andbymistakesequinswithparasjumbling,Untilthesumwasaccuratelyscann'd,Andthenthemerchantgivingchange,andsigningReceiptsinfull,begantothinkofdining。
Iwonderifhisappetitewasgood?
Or,ifitwere,ifalsohisdigestion?
Methinksatmealssomeoddthoughtsmightintrude,Andconscienceaskacurioussortofquestion,AbouttherightdivinehowfarweshouldSellfleshandblood。Whendinnerhasopprestone,IthinkitisperhapsthegloomiesthourWhichturnsupoutofthesadtwenty-four。
Voltairesays'No:'hetellsyouthatCandideFoundlifemosttolerableaftermeals;
He'swrong-unlessmanwereapig,indeed,Repletionratheraddstowhathefeels,Unlesshe'sdrunk,andthennodoubthe'sfreedFromhisownbrain'soppressionwhileitreels。
OffoodIthinkwithPhilip'sson,orratherAmmon'sillpleasedwithoneworldandonefather;
IthinkwithAlexander,thattheactOfeating,withanotheractortwo,MakesusfeelourmortalityinfactRedoubled;whenaroastandaragout,Andfish,andsoup,bysomesidedishesback'd,Cangiveuseitherpainorpleasure,whoWouldpiquehimselfonintellects,whoseuseDependssomuchuponthegastricjuice?
Theotherevening'twasonFridaylast-
Thisisafactandnopoeticfable-
Justasmygreatcoatwasaboutmecast,Myhatandglovesstilllyingonthetable,Iheardashot-'twaseighto'clockscarcepast-
And,runningoutasfastasIwasable,IfoundthemilitarycommandantStretch'dinthestreet,andablescarcetopant。
Poorfellow!forsomereason,surelybad,Theyhadslainhimwithfiveslugs;andlefthimthereToperishonthepavement:soIhadHimborneintothehouseandupthestair,Andstripp'dandlook'dto-ButwhyshouldIadMorecircumstances?vainwaseverycare;
Themanwasgone:insomeItalianquarrelKill'dbyfivebulletsfromanoldgun-barrel。
Igazeduponhim,forIknewhimwell;
AndthoughIhaveseenmanycorpses,neverSawone,whomsuchanaccidentbefell,Socalm;thoughpiercedthroughstomach,heart,andliver,Heseem'dtosleep,-foryoucouldscarcelytellAshebledinwardly,nohideousriverOfgoredivulgedthecausethathewasdead:
SoasIgazedonhim,Ithoughtorsaid-
'Canthisbedeath?thenwhatislifeordeath?
Speak!'buthespokenot:'Wake!'butstillheslept:-
'Butyesterdayandwhohadmightierbreath?
AthousandwarriorsbyhiswordwerekeptInawe:hesaid,asthecenturionsaith,“Go,“andhegoeth;“come,“andforthhestepp'd。
Thetrumpandbugletillhespakeweredumb-
Andnownoughtlefthimbutthemuffleddrum。'
Andtheywhowaitedonceandworshipp'd-theyWiththeirroughfacesthrong'daboutthebedTogazeoncemoreonthecommandingclayWhichforthelast,thoughnotthefirst,timebled:
Andsuchanend!thathewhomanyadayHadfacedNapoleon'sfoesuntiltheyfled,-
Theforemostinthechargeorinthesally,Shouldnowbebutcher'dinacivicalley。
Thescarsofhisoldwoundswerenearhisnew,Thosehonourablescarswhichbroughthimfame;
Andhorridwasthecontrasttotheview-
Butletmequitthetheme;assuchthingsclaimPerhapsevenmoreattentionthanisdueFromme:IgazedasoftIhavegazedthesame
TotryifIcouldwrenchaughtoutofdeathWhichshouldconfirm,orshake,ormakeafaith;
Butitwasallamystery。Hereweare,Andtherewego:-butwhere?fivebitsoflead,Orthree,ortwo,orone,sendveryfar!
Andisthisblood,then,form'dbuttobeshed?
Caneveryelementourelementsmar?
Andair-earth-water-firelive-andwedead?
Wewhosemindscomprehendallthings?Nomore;
Butletustothestoryasbefore。
ThepurchaserofJuanandacquaintanceBoreoffhisbargainstoagildedboat,Embark'dhimselfandthem,andofftheywentthenceAsfastasoarscouldpullandwaterfloat;
Theylook'dlikepersonsbeingledtosentence,Wonderingwhatnext,tillthecaiquewasbroughtUpinalittlecreekbelowawallO'ertopp'dwithcypresses,dark-greenandtall。
HeretheirconductortappingatthewicketOfasmallirondoor,'twasopen'd,andHeledthemonward,firstthroughalowthicketFlank'dbylargegroves,whichtower'doneitherhand:
Theyalmostlosttheirway,andhadtopickit-
Fornightwasdosingeretheycametoland。
Theeunuchmadeasigntothoseonboard,Whorow'doff,leavingthemwithoutaword。
AstheywereploddingontheirwindingwayThroughorangebowers,andjasmine,andsoforthOfwhichImighthaveagooddealtosay,TherebeingnosuchprofusionintheNorthOforientalplants,'etcetera,'
ButthatoflateyourscribblersthinkitworthTheirwhiletorearwholehotbedsintheirworksBecauseonepoettravell'd'mongsttheTurks-
Astheywerethreadingontheirway,therecameIntoDonJuan'sheadathought,whichheWhisper'dtohiscompanion:-'twasthesameWhichmighthavethenoccurr'dtoyouorme。
'Methinks,'saidhe,'itwouldbenogreatshameIfweshouldstrikeastroketosetusfree;
Let'sknockthatoldblackfellowonthehead,Andmarchaway-'twereeasierdonethansaid。'
'Yes,'saidtheother,'andwhendone,whatthen?
Howgetout?howthedevilgotwein?
Andwhenweoncewerefairlyout,andwhenFromSaintBartholomewwehavesavedourskin,To-morrow'dseeusinsomeotherden,Andworseoffthanwehithertohavebeen;
Besides,I'mhungry,andjustnowwouldtake,LikeEsau,formybirthrightabeef-steak。
'Wemustbenearsomeplaceofman'sabode;-
Fortheoldnegro'sconfidenceincreeping,Withhistwocaptives,bysoqueeraroad,Showsthathethinkshisfriendshavenotbeensleeping;
Asinglecrywouldbringthemallabroad:
'Tisthereforebetterlookingbeforeleaping-
Andthere,yousee,thisturnhasbroughtusthrough,ByJove,anoblepalace!-lightedtoo。'
ItwasindeedawideextensivebuildingWhichopen'dontheirview,ando'erthefrontThereseem'dtobebesprentadealofgildingAndvarioushues,asistheTurkishwont,-
Agaudytaste;fortheyarelittleskill'dinTheartsofwhichtheselandswereoncethefont:
EachvillaontheBosphoruslooksascreenNewpainted,oraprettyopera-scene。
Andnearerastheycame,agenialsavourOfcertainstews,androast-meats,andpilaus,Thingswhichinhungrymortals'eyesfindfavour,MadeJuaninhisharshintentionspause,Andputhimselfuponhisgoodbehaviour:
Hisfriend,too,addinganewsavingclause,Said,'InHeaven'snamelet'sgetsomesuppernow,AndthenI'mwithyou,ifyou'reforarow。'
Sometalkofanappealuntosomepassion,Sometomen'sfeelings,otherstotheirreason;
Thelastofthesewasnevermuchthefashion,Forreasonthinksallreasoningoutofseason。
Somespeakerswhine,andotherslaythelashon,Butmoreorlesscontinuestilltoteaseon,Withargumentsaccordingtotheir'forte;'
Butnoonedreamsofeverbeingshort-
ButIdigress:ofallappeals,-althoughIgrantthepowerofpathos,andofgold,Ofbeauty,flattery,threats,ashilling,-noMethod'smoresureatmomentstotakeholdOfthebestfeelingsofmankind,whichgrowMoretender,asweeverydaybehold,Thanthatall-softening,overpoweringknell,Thetocsinofthesoul-thedinner-bell。
Turkeycontainsnobells,andyetmendine;
AndJuanandhisfriend,albeittheyheardNoChristianknolltotable,sawnolineOflackeysushertothefeastprepared,Yetsmeltroast-meat,beheldahugefireshine,Andcooksinmotionwiththeircleanarmsbared,AndgazedaroundthemtotheleftandrightWiththepropheticeyeofappetite。
Andgivingupallnotionsofresistance,Theyfollow'dclosebehindtheirsableguide,Wholittlethoughtthathisowncrack'dexistenceWasonthepointofbeingsetaside:
Hemotion'dthemtostopatsomesmalldistance,Andknockingatthegate,'twasopen'dwide,Andamagnificentlargehalldisplay'dTheAsianpompofOttomanparade。
Iwon'tdescribe;descriptionismyforte,ButeveryfooldescribesinthesebrightdaysHiswondrousjourneytosomeforeigncourt,Andspawnshisquarto,anddemandsyourpraise-
Deathtohispublisher,tohim'tissport;
WhileNature,torturedtwentythousandways,ResignsherselfwithexemplarypatienceToguide-books,rhymes,tours,sketches,illustrations。
Alongthishall,andupanddown,some,squattedUpontheirhams,wereoccupiedatchess;
Othersinmonosyllabletalkchatted,Andsomeseem'dmuchinlovewiththeirowndress。
AnddiverssmokedsuperbpipesdecoratedWithambermouthsofgreaterpriceorless;
Andseveralstrutted,othersslept,andsomePreparedforsupperwithaglassofrum。
Astheblackeunuchenter'dwithhisbraceOfpurchasedInfidels,someraisedtheireyesAmomentwithoutslackeningfromtheirpace;
Butthosewhosatene'erstirr'dinanywise:
Oneortwostaredthecaptivesintheface,Justasoneviewsahorsetoguesshisprice;
Somenoddedtothenegrofromtheirstation,Butnoonetroubledhimwithconversation。
Heleadsthemthroughthehall,and,withoutstopping,Onthroughafartherrangeofgoodlyrooms,Splendidbutsilent,saveinone,where,dropping,AmarblefountainechoesthroughthegloomsOfnightwhichrobethechamber,orwherepoppingSomefemaleheadmostcuriouslypresumesTothrustitsblackeyesthroughthedoororlattice,Aswonderingwhatthedevilanoisethatis。
SomefaintlampsgleamingfromtheloftywallsGavelightenoughtohinttheirfartherway,Butnotenoughtoshowtheimperialhalls,Inalltheflashingoftheirfullarray;
Perhapsthere'snothing-I'llnotsayappals,Butsaddensmorebynightaswellasday,ThananenormousroomwithoutasoulTobreakthelifelesssplendourofthewhole。
Twoorthreeseemsolittle,oneseemsnothing:
Indeserts,forests,crowds,orbytheshore,Theresolitude,weknow,hasherfullgrowthinThespotswhichwereherrealmsforevermore;
Butinamightyhallorgallery,bothinMoremodernbuildingsandthosebuiltofyore,Akindofdeathcomeso'erusallalone,Seeingwhat'smeantformanywithbutone。
Aneat,snugstudyonawinter'snight,Abook,friend,singlelady,oraglassOfclaret,sandwich,andanappetite,ArethingswhichmakeanEnglisheveningpass;
ThoughcertesbynomeanssograndasightAsisatheatrelitupbygas。
Ipassmyeveningsinlonggalleriessolely,Andthat'sthereasonI'msomelancholy。
Alas!manmakesthatgreatwhichmakeshimlittle:
Igrantyouinachurch'tisverywell:
WhatspeaksofHeavenshouldbynomeansbebrittle,Butstrongandlasting,tillnotonguecantellTheirnameswhorear'dit;buthugehousesfitill-
Andhugetombsworse-mankind,sinceAdamfell:
MethinksthestoryofthetowerofBabelMightteachthemthismuchbetterthanI'mable。
BabelwasNimrod'shunting-box,andthenAtownofgardens,walls,andwealthamazing,WhereNabuchadonosor,kingofmen,Reign'd,tillonesummer'sdayhetooktograzing,AndDanieltamedthelionsintheirden,Thepeople'saweandadmirationraising;
'Twasfamous,too,forThisbeandforPyramus,AndthecalumniatedqueenSemiramis。
ThatinjuredQueenbychroniclerssocoarseHasbeenaccusedIdoubtnotbyconspiracy
OfanimproperfriendshipforherhorseLove,likereligion,sometimesrunstoheresy:
ThismonstroustalehadprobablyitssourceForsuchexaggerationshereandthereIsee
Inwriting'Courser'bymistakefor'Courier:'
Iwishthecasecouldcomebeforeajuryhere。
Buttoresume,-shouldtherebewhatmaynotBeinthesedays?someinfidels,whodon't,Becausetheycan'tfindouttheveryspotOfthatsameBabel,orbecausetheywon'tThoughClaudiusRich,Esquire,somebrickshasgot,Andwrittenlatelytwomemoirsupon't,BelievetheJews,thoseunbelievers,whoMustbebelieved,thoughtheybelievenotyou,YetletthemthinkthatHoracehasexprestShortlyandsweetlythemasonicfollyOfthose,forgettingthegreatplaceofrest,Whogivethemselvestoarchitecturewholly;
Weknowwherethingsandmenmustendatbest:
Amorallikeallmoralsmelancholy,And'Etsepulchriimmemorstruisdomos'
Showsthatwebuildwhenweshouldbutentombus。
Atlasttheyreach'daquartermostretired,Whereechowokeasiffromalongslumber;
Thoughfullofallthingswhichcouldbedesired,Onewonder'dwhattodowithsuchanumberOfarticleswhichnobodyrequired;
HerewealthhaddoneitsutmosttoencumberWithfurnitureanexquisiteapartment,WhichpuzzledNaturemuchtoknowwhatArtmeant。
Itseem'd,however,buttoopenonArangeorsuiteoffurtherchambers,whichMightleadtoheavenknowswhere;butinthisoneThemovableswereprodigallyrich:
Sofas'twashalfasintositupon,Socostlywerethey;carpetseverystitchOfworkmanshipsorare,theymadeyouwishYoucouldglideo'erthemlikeagoldenfish。
Theblack,however,withouthardlydeigningAglanceatthatwhichwrapttheslavesinwonder,Trampledwhattheyscarcetrodforfearofstaining,AsifthemilkywaytheirfeetwasunderWithallitsstars;andwithastretchattainingAcertainpressorcupboardnichedinyonder-
Inthatremoterecesswhichyoumaysee-
Orifyoudon'tthefaultisnotinme,-
Iwishtobeperspicuous;andtheblack,Isay,unlockingtherecess,pull'dforthAquantityofclothesfitforthebackOfanyMussulman,whate'erhisworth;
Andofvarietytherewasnolack-
Andyet,thoughIhavesaidtherewasnodearth,HechosehimselftopointoutwhathethoughtMostproperfortheChristianshehadbought。
ThesuithethoughtmostsuitabletoeachWas,fortheelderandthestouter,firstACandiotecloak,whichtothekneemightreach,Andtrousersnotsotightthattheywouldburst,ButsuchasfitanAsiaticbreech;
Ashawl,whosefoldsinCashmirehadbeennurst,Slippersofsaffron,daggerrichandhandy;
Inshort,allthingswhichformaTurkishDandy。
Whilehewasdressing,Baba,theirblackfriend,HintedthevastadvantageswhichtheyMightprobablyattainbothintheend,IftheywouldbutpursuetheproperwayWhichfortuneplainlyseem'dtorecommend;
Andthenheadded,thatheneedsmustsay,''Twouldgreatlytendtobettertheircondition,Iftheywouldcondescendtocircumcision。
'Forhisownpart,hereallyshouldrejoiceToseethemtruebelievers,butnolessWouldleavehispropositiontotheirchoice。'
Theother,thankinghimforthisexcessOfgoodness,inthusleavingthemavoiceInsuchatrifle,scarcelycouldexpress'Sufficiently'hesaid'hisapprobationOfallthecustomsofthispolish'dnation。
'Forhisownshare-hesawbutsmallobjectionTosorespectableanancientrite;
And,afterswallowingdownaslightrefection,Forwhichheown'dapresentappetite,HedoubtednotafewhoursofreflectionWouldreconcilehimtothebusinessquite。'
'Willit?'saidJuan,sharply:'Strikemedead,Buttheyassoonshallcircumcisemyhead!
'Cutoffathousandheads,before-'-'Now,pray,'
Repliedtheother,'donotinterrupt:
YouputmeoutinwhatIhadtosay。
Sir!-asIsaid,assoonasIhavesupt,IshallperpendifyourproposalmayBesuchasIcanproperlyaccept;
ProvidedalwaysyourgreatgoodnessstillRemitsthemattertoourownfree-will。'
BabaeyedJuan,andsaid,'BesogoodAsdressyourself-'andpointedoutasuitInwhichaPrincesswithgreatpleasurewouldArrayherlimbs;butJuanstandingmute,Asnotbeinginamasqueradingmood,GaveitaslightkickwithhisChristianfoot;
Andwhentheoldnegrotoldhimto'Getready,'
Replied,'Oldgentleman,I'mnotalady。'
'Whatyoumaybe,Ineitherknownorcare,'
SaidBaba;'butpraydoasIdesire:
Ihavenomoretimenormanywordstospare。'
'Atleast,'saidJuan,'sureImayenquireThecauseofthisoddtravesty?'-'Forbear,'
SaidBaba,'tobecurious;'twilltranspire,Nodoubt,inproperplace,andtime,andseason:
Ihavenoauthoritytotellthereason。'
'ThenifIdo,'saidJuan,'I'llbe-'-'Hold!'
Rejoin'dthenegro,'praybenotprovoking;
Thisspirit'swell,butitmaywaxtoobold,Andyouwillfindusnottopfondofjoking。'
'What,sir!'saidJuan,'shallite'erbetoldThatIunsex'dmydress?'ButBaba,strokingThethingsdown,said,'Incenseme,andIcallThosewhowillleaveyouofnosexatall。
'Iofferyouahandsomesuitofclothes:
Awoman's,true;butthenthereisacauseWhyyoushouldwearthem。'-'What,thoughmysoulloathesTheeffeminategarb?'-thus,afterashortpause,Sigh'dJuan,mutteringalsosomeslightoaths,'WhatthedevilshallIdowithallthisgauze?'
Thusheprofanelyterm'dthefinestlaceWhiche'ersetoffamarriage-morningface。
Andthenheswore;and,sighing,onheslipp'dApairoftrousersofflesh-colour'dsilk;
Nextwithavirginzonehewasequipp'd,Whichgirtaslightchemiseaswhiteasmilk;
Buttuggingonhispetticoat,hetripp'd,Which-aswesay-or,astheScotchsay,whilkTherhymeobligesmetothis;sometimesMonarchsarelessimperativethanrhymes-
Whilk,whichorwhatyouplease,wasowingtoHisgarment'snovelty,andhisbeingawkward:
AndyetatlasthemanagedtogetthroughHistoilet,thoughnodoubtalittlebackward:
ThenegroBabahelp'dalittletoo,Whensomeuntowardpartofraimentstuckhard;
And,wrestlingbothhisarmsintoagown,Hepaused,andtookasurveyupanddown。
Onedifficultystillremain'd-hishairWashardlylongenough;butBabafoundSomanyfalselongtressesalltospare,Thatsoonhisheadwasmostcompletelycrown'd,Afterthemannertheninfashionthere;
AndthisadditionwithsuchgemswasboundAssuitedtheensembleofhistoilet,WhileBabamadehimcombhisheadandoilit。
Andnowbeingfemininelyallarray'd,Withsomesmallaidfromscissors,paint,andtweezers,Helook'dinalmostallrespectsamaid,AndBabasmilinglyexclaim'd,'Yousee,sirs,Aperfecttransformationheredisplay'd;
Andnow,then,youmustcomealongwithme,sirs,Thatis-theLady:'clappinghishandstwice,Fourblackswereathiselbowinatrice。
'You,sir,'saidBaba,noddingtotheone,'WillpleasetoaccompanythosegentlemenTosupper;butyou,worthyChristiannun,Willfollowme:notrifling,sir;forwhenIsayathing,itmustatoncebedone。
Whatfearyou?thinkyouthisalion'sden?
Why,'tisapalace;wherethetrulywiseAnticipatetheProphet'sparadise。
'Youfool!Itellyounoonemeansyouharm。'
'Somuchthebetter,'Juansaid,'forthem;
Elsetheyshallfeeltheweightofthismyarm,Whichisnotquitesolightasyoumaydeem。
Iyieldthusfar;butsoonwillbreakthecharmIfanytakemeforthatwhichIseem:
SothatItrustforeverybody'ssake,Thatthisdisguisemayleadtonomistake。'
'Blockhead!comeon,andsee,'quothBaba;whileDonJuan,turningtohiscomrade,whoThoughsomewhatgrieved,couldscarceforbearasmileUponthemetamorphosisinview,-
'Farewell!'theymutuallyexclaim'd:'thissoilSeemsfertileinadventuresstrangeandnew;
One'sturn'dhalfMussulman,andoneamaid,Bythisoldblackenchanter'sunsoughtaid。'
'Farewell!'saidJuan:'shouldwemeetnomore,Iwishyouagoodappetite。'-'Farewell!'
Repliedtheother;'thoughitgrievesmesore;
Whenwenextmeetwe'llhaveataletotell:
WeneedsmustfollowwhenFateputsfromshore。
Keepyourgoodname;thoughEveherselfoncefell。'
'Nay,'quoththemaid,'theSultan'sselfshan'tcarryme,Unlesshishighnesspromisestomarryme。
Andthustheyparted,eachbyseparatedoors;
BabaledJuanonwardroombyroomThroughglitteringgalleriesando'ermarblefloors,Tillagiganticportalthroughthegloom,Haughtyandhuge,alongthedistancelowers;
Andwaftedfararosearichperfume:
Itseem'dasthoughtheycameuponashrine,Forallwasvast,still,fragrant,anddivine。
Thegiantdoorwasbroad,andbright,andhigh,Ofgildedbronze,andcarvedincuriousguise;
Warriorsthereonwerebattlingfuriously;
Herestalksthevictor,therethevanquish'dlies;
Therecaptivesledintriumphdrooptheeye,Andinperspectivemanyasquadronflies:
ItseemstheworkoftimesbeforethelineOfRometransplantedfellwithConstantine。
ThismassyportalstoodatthewidecloseOfahugehall,andonitseithersideTwolittledwarfs,theleastyoucouldsuppose,Weresate,likeuglyimps,asifalliedInmockerytotheenormousgatewhichroseO'ertheminalmostpyramidicpride:
Thegatesosplendidwasinallitsfeatures,Youneverthoughtaboutthoselittlecreatures,Untilyounearlytrodonthem,andthenYoustartedbackinhorrortosurveyThewondroushideousnessofthosesmallmen,Whosecolourwasnotblack,norwhite,norgrey,Butanextraneousmixture,whichnopenCantrace,althoughperhapsthepencilmay;
Theyweremis-shapenpigmies,deafanddumb-
Monsters,whocostanolessmonstroussum。
Theirdutywas-fortheywerestrong,andthoughTheylook'dsolittle,didstrongthingsattimes-
Toopethisdoor,whichtheycouldreallydo,ThehingesbeingassmoothasRogers'rhymes;
Andnowandthen,withtoughstringsofthebow,AsisthecustomofthoseEasternclimes,TogivesomerebelPachaacravat;
Formutesaregenerallyusedforthat。
Theyspokebysigns-thatis,notspokeatall;
Andlookingliketwoincubi,theyglaredAsBabawithhisfingersmadethemfallToheavingbacktheportalfolds:itscaredJuanamoment,asthispairsosmallWithshrinkingserpentopticsonhimstared;
ItwasasiftheirlittlelookscouldpoisonOrfascinatewhome'ertheyfix'dtheireyeson。
Beforetheyenter'd,BabapausedtohintToJuansomeslightlessonsashisguide:
'Ifyoucouldjustcontrive,'hesaid,'tostintThatsomewhatmanlymajestyofstride,'Twouldbeaswell,andthoughthere'snotmuchin't
Toswingalittlelessfromsidetoside,Whichhasattimesanaspectoftheoddest;-
Andalsocouldyoulookalittlemodest,''Twouldbeconvenient;forthesemuteshaveeyesLikeneedles,whichmaypiercethosepetticoats;
Andiftheyshoulddiscoveryourdisguise,YouknowhownearusthedeepBosphorusfloats;
AndyouandImaychance,eremorningrise,TofindourwaytoMarmorawithoutboats,Stitch'dupinsacks-amodeofnavigationAgooddealpractisedhereuponoccasion。'
Withthisencouragement,heledthewayIntoaroomstillnoblerthanthelast;
Arichconfusionform'dadisarrayInsuchsort,thattheeyealongitcastCouldhardlycarryanythingaway,Objectonobjectflash'dsobrightandfast;
Adazzlingmassofgems,andgold,andglitter,Magnificentlymingledinalitter。
Wealthhaddonewonders-tastenotmuch;suchthingsOccurinOrientpalaces,andevenInthemorechasten'ddomesofWesternkingsOfwhichIhavealsoseensomesixorseven,WhereIcan'tsayorgoldordiamondflingsGreatlustre,thereismuchtobeforgiven;
Groupsofbadstatues,tables,chairs,andpictures,OnwhichIcannotpausetomakemystrictures。
Inthisimperialhall,atdistancelayUnderacanopy,andtherereclinedQuiteinaconfidentialqueenlyway,Alady;Babastopp'd,andkneelingsign'dToJuan,whothoughnotmuchusedtopray,Kneltdownbyinstinct,wonderinginhismind,Whatallthismeant:whileBababow'dandbendedHishead,untiltheceremonyended。
TheladyrisingupwithsuchanairAsVenusrosewithfromthewave,onthemBentlikeanantelopeaPaphianpairOfeyes,whichputouteachsurroundinggem;
Andraisingupanarmasmoonlightfair,Shesign'dtoBaba,whofirstkiss'dthehemOfherdeeppurplerobe,andspeakinglow,PointedtoJuanwhoremain'dbelow。
Herpresencewasasloftyasherstate;
Herbeautyofthatoverpoweringkind,Whoseforcedescriptiononlywouldabate:
I'dratherleaveitmuchtoyourownmind,ThanlessenitbywhatIcouldrelateOfformsandfeatures;itwouldstrikeyoublindCouldIdojusticetothefulldetail;
So,luckilyforboth,myphrasesfail。
ThusmuchhoweverImayadd,-heryearsWereripe,theymightmakesix-and-twentysprings;
ButthereareformswhichTimetotouchforbears,Andturnsasidehisscythetovulgarthings,SuchaswasMary'sQueenofScots;true-tearsAndlovedestroy;andsappingsorrowwringsCharmsfromthecharmer,yetsomenevergrowUgly;forinstance-Ninondel'Enclos。
Shespakesomewordstoherattendants,whoComposedachoirofgirls,tenoradozen,Andwereallcladalike;likeJuan,too,Whoworetheiruniform,byBabachosen;
Theyform'daverynymph-likelookingcrew,Whichmighthavecall'dDiana'schorus'cousin,'
Asfarasoutwardshowmaycorrespond;
Iwon'tbebailforanythingbeyond。
Theybow'dobeisanceandwithdrew,retiring,ButnotbythesamedoorthroughwhichcameinBabaandJuan,whichlaststoodadmiring,Atsomesmalldistance,allhesawwithinThisstrangesaloon,muchfittedforinspiringMarvelandpraise;forbothornonethingswin;
AndImustsay,Ine'ercouldseetheveryGreathappinessofthe'NilAdmirari。'
'NottoadmireisalltheartIknowPlaintruth,dearMurray,needsfewflowersofspeech
Tomakemenhappy,ortokeepthemso'
SotakeitintheverywordsofCreech-
ThusHoracewroteweallknowlongago;
AndthusPopequotestheprecepttore-teachFromhistranslation;buthadnoneadmired,WouldPopehavesung,orHoracebeeninspired?
Baba,whenallthedamselswerewithdrawn,Motion'dtoJuantoapproach,andthenAsecondtimedesiredhimtokneeldown,Andkissthelady'sfoot;whichmaximwhenHeheardrepeated,JuanwithafrownDrewhimselfuptohisfullheightagain,Andsaid,'Itgrievedhim,buthecouldnotstoopToanyshoe,unlessitshodthePope。'
Baba,indignantatthisill-timedpride,Madefierceremonstrances,andthenathreatHemutter'dbutthelastwasgivenaside
Aboutabow-string-quiteinvain;notyetWouldJuanbend,though'tweretoMahomet'sbride:
There'snothingintheworldlikeetiquetteInkinglychambersorimperialhalls,Asalsoattheraceandcountyballs。
HestoodlikeAtlas,withaworldofwordsAbouthisears,andnathlesswouldnotbend:
Thebloodofallhisline'sCastilianlordsBoil'dinhisveins,andratherthandescendTostainhispedigreeathousandswordsAthousandtimesofhimhadmadeanend;
Atlengthperceivingthe'foot'couldnotstand,Babaproposedthatheshouldkissthehand。
Herewasanhonourablecompromise,Ahalf-wayhouseofdiplomaticrest,Wheretheymightmeetinmuchmorepeacefulguise;
AndJuannowhiswillingnessexprestTouseallfitandpropercourtesies,Adding,thatthiswascommonestandbest,ForthroughtheSouththecustomstillcommandsThegentlemantokissthelady'shands。
Andheadvanced,thoughwithbutabadgrace,Thoughonmorethorough-bredorfairerfingersNolipse'erlefttheirtransitorytrace;
Onsuchasthesetheliptoofondlylingers,Andforonekisswouldfainimprintabrace,Asyouwillsee,ifsheyouloveshallbringhersIncontact;andsometimesevenafairstranger'sAnalmosttwelvemonth'sconstancyendangers。
Theladyeyedhimo'erando'er,andbadeBabaretire,whichheobey'dinstyle,Asifwellusedtotheretreatingtrade;
Andtakinghintsingoodpartallthewhile,Hewhisper'dJuannottobeafraid,Andlookingonhimwithasortofsmile,Tookleave,withsuchafaceofsatisfactionAsgoodmenwearwhohavedoneavirtuousaction。
Whenhewasgone,therewasasuddenchange:
Iknownotwhatmightbethelady'sthought,Buto'erherbrightbrowflash'datumultstrange,Andintoherdearcheekthebloodwasbrought,Blood-redassunsetsummercloudswhichrangeThevergeofHeaven;andinherlargeeyeswrought,Amixtureofsensationsmightbescann'd,Ofhalfvoluptuousnessandhalfcommand。
Herformhadallthesoftnessofhersex,Herfeaturesallthesweetnessofthedevil,WhenheputonthecherubtoperplexEve,andpavedGodknowshowtheroadtoevil;
ThesunhimselfwasscarcemorefreefromspecksThanshefromaughtatwhichtheeyecouldcavil;
Yet,somehow,therewassomethingsomewherewanting,Asifsheratherorder'dthanwasgranting。
Somethingimperial,orimperious,threwAchaino'erallshedid;thatis,achainWasthrownas'twereabouttheneckofyou,-
Andrapture'sselfwillseemalmostapainWithaughtwhichlookslikedespotisminview:
Oursoulsatleastarefree,and'tisinvainWewouldagainstthemmakethefleshobey-
Thespiritintheendwillhaveitsway。
Herverysmilewashaughty,thoughsosweet;
Herverynodwasnotaninclination;
Therewasaself-willeveninhersmallfeet,Asthoughtheywerequiteconsciousofherstation-
Theytrodasuponnecks;andtocompleteHerstateitisthecustomofhernation,Aponiarddeck'dhergirdle,asthesignShewasasultan'sbridethankHeaven,notmine!。
'Tohearandtoobey'hadbeenfrombirthThelawofallaroundher;tofulfillAllphantasieswhichyieldedjoyormirth,Hadbeenherslaves'chiefpleasure,asherwill;
Herbloodwashigh,herbeautyscarceofearth:
Judge,then,ifhercapricese'erstoodstill;
HadshebutbeenaChristian,I'veanotionWeshouldhavefoundoutthe'perpetualmotion。'
Whate'ershesawandcovetedwasbrought;
Whate'ershedidnotsee,ifshesupposedItmightbeseen,withdiligencewassought,Andwhen'twasfoundstraightwaythebargainclosed;
Therewasnoenduntothethingsshebought,Nortothetroublewhichherfanciescaused;
Yetevenhertyrannyhadsuchagrace,Thewomenpardon'dallexceptherface。
Juan,thelatestofherwhims,hadcaughtHereyeinpassingonhiswaytosale;
Sheorder'dhimdirectlytobebought,AndBaba,whohadne'erbeenknowntofailInanykindofmischieftobewrought,Atallsuchauctionsknewhowtoprevail:
Shehadnoprudence,buthehad;andthisExplainsthegarbwhichJuantookamiss。
Hisyouthandfeaturesfavour'dthedisguise,And,shouldyouaskhowshe,asultan'sbride,Couldriskorcompasssuchstrangephantasies,ThisImustleavesultanastodecide:
Emperorsareonlyhusbandsinwives'eyes,Andkingsandconsortsoftaremystified,Aswemayascertainwithdueprecision,Somebyexperience,othersbytradition。
Buttothemainpoint,wherewehavebeentending:-
Shenowconceivedalldifficultiespast,Anddeem'dherselfextremelycondescendingWhen,beingmadeherpropertyatlast,Withoutmorepreface,inherblueeyesblendingPassionandpower,aglanceonhimshecast,Andmerelysaying,'Christian,canstthoulove?'
ConceivedthatphrasewasquiteenoughtomoveAndsoitwas,inpropertimeandplace;
ButJuan,whohadstillhismindo'erflowingWithHaidee'sisleandsoftIonianface,Feltthewarmblood,whichinhisfacewasglowing,Rushbackuponhisheart,whichfill'dapace,Andlefthischeeksaspaleassnowdropsblowing;
ThesewordswentthroughhissoullikeArab-spears,Sothathespokenot,butburstintotears。
Shewasagooddealshock'd;notshock'dattears,Forwomenshedandusethemattheirliking;
Butthereissomethingwhenman'seyeappearsWet,stillmoredisagreeableandstriking;
Awoman'stear-dropmelts,aman'shalfsears,Likemoltenlead,asifyouthrustapikeinHishearttoforceitout,fortobeshorter
Tothem'tisarelief,tousatorture。
Andshewouldhaveconsoled,butknewnothow:
Havingnoequals,nothingwhichhade'erInfectedherwithsympathytillnow,Andneverhavingdreamtwhat'twastobearAughtofaserious,sorrowingkind,althoughTheremightarisesomepoutingpettycareTocrossherbrow,shewonder'dhowsonearHereyesanother'seyecouldshedatear。
Butnatureteachesmorethanpowercanspoil,And,whenastrongalthoughastrangesensationMoves-femaleheartsaresuchagenialsoilForkinderfeelings,whatsoe'ertheirnation,Theynaturallypourthe'wineandoil,'
Samaritansineverysituation;
AndthusGulbeyaz,thoughsheknewnotwhy,Feltanoddglisteningmoistureinhereye。
Buttearsmuststoplikeallthingselse;andsoonJuan,whoforaninstanthadbeenmovedTosuchasorrowbytheintrusivetoneOfonewhodaredtoaskif'hehadloved,'
Call'dbackthestoictohiseyes,whichshoneBrightwiththeveryweaknesshereproved;
Andalthoughsensitivetobeauty,heFeltmostindignantstillatnotbeingfree。
Gulbeyaz,forthefirsttimeinherdays,Wasmuchembarrass'd,neverhavingmetInallherlifewithaughtsaveprayersandpraise;
Andasshealsorisk'dherlifetogetHimwhomshemeanttotutorinlove'swaysIntoacomfortabletete-a-tete,Tolosethehourwouldmakeherquiteamartyr,Andtheyhadwastednowalmostaquarter。
IalsowouldsuggestthefittingtimeTogentlemeninanysuchlikecase,Thatistosayinameridianclime-
Withusthereismorelawgiventothechase,Buthereasmalldelayformsagreatcrime:
SorecollectthattheextremestgraceIsjusttwominutesforyourdeclaration-
Amomentmorewouldhurtyourreputation。
Juan'swasgood;andmighthavebeenstillbetter,ButhehadgotHaideeintohishead:
Howeverstrange,hecouldnotyetforgether,Whichmadehimseemexceedinglyill-bred。
Gulbeyaz,wholook'donhimasherdebtorForhavinghadhimtoherpalaceled,Begantoblushuptotheeyes,andthenGrowdeadlypale,andthenblushbackagain。
Atlength,inanimperialway,shelaidHerhandonhis,andbendingonhimeyesWhichneedednotanempiretopersuade,Look'dintohisforlove,wherenonereplies:
Herbrowgrewblack,butshewouldnotupbraid,Thatbeingthelastthingaproudwomantries;
Sherose,andpausingonechastemoment,threwHerselfuponhisbreast,andthereshegrew。
Thiswasanawkwardtest,asJuanfound,Buthewassteel'dbysorrow,wrath,andpride:
Withgentleforceherwhitearmsheunwound,Andseatedheralldroopingbyhisside,Thenrisinghaughtilyheglancedaround,Andlookingcoldlyinherface,hecried,'Theprison'deaglewillnotpair,norServeaSultana'ssensualphantasy。
'Thouask'stifIcanlove?bethistheproofHowmuchIhaveloved-thatIlovenotthee!
Inthisvilegarb,thedistaff,web,andwoof,Werefitterforme:Loveisforthefree!
Iamnotdazzledbythissplendidroof,Whate'erthypower,andgreatitseemstobe;
Headsbow,kneesbend,eyeswatcharoundathrone,Andhandsobey-ourheartsarestillourown。'
Thiswasatruthtousextremelytrite;
Notsotoher,whone'erhadheardsuchthings:
Shedeem'dherleastcommandmustyielddelight,Earthbeingonlymadeforqueensandkings。
IfheartslayontheleftsideortherightShehardlyknew,tosuchperfectionbringsLegitimacyitsbornvotaries,whenAwareoftheirdueroyalrightso'ermen。
Besides,ashasbeensaid,shewassofairAseveninamuchhumblerlothadmadeAkingdomorconfusionanywhere,Andalso,asmaybepresumed,shelaidSomestressoncharms,whichseldomare,ife'er,Bytheirpossessorsthrownintotheshade:
Shethoughthersgaveadouble'rightdivine;'
Andhalfofthatopinion'salsomine。
Remember,orifyoucannotimagine,Ye,whohavekeptyourchastitywhenyoung,WhilesomemoredesperatedowagerhasbeenwagingLovewithyou,andbeeninthedog-daysstungByyourrefusal,recollectherraging!
OrrecollectallthatwassaidorsungOnsuchasubject;thensupposethefaceOfayoungdownrightbeautyinthiscase。
Suppose,-butyoualreadyhavesupposed,ThespouseofPotiphar,theLadyBooby,Phaedra,andallwhichstoryhasdisclosedOfgoodexamples;pitythatsofewbyPoetsandprivatetutorsareexposed,Toeducate-yeyouthofEurope-youby!
Butwhenyouhavesupposedthefewweknow,Youcan'tsupposeGulbeyaz'angrybrow。
Atigressrobb'dofyoung,alioness,Oranyinterestingbeastofprey,AresimilesathandforthedistressOfladieswhocannothavetheirownway;
Butthoughmyturnwillnotbeservedwithless,Thesedon'texpressonehalfwhatIshouldsay:
Forwhatisstealingyoungones,fewormany,Tocuttingshorttheirhopesofhavingany?
Theloveofoffspring'snature'sgenerallaw,Fromtigressesandcubstoducksandducklings;
There'snothingwhetsthebeak,orarmstheclawLikeaninvasionoftheirbabesandsucklings;
Andallwhohaveseenahumannursery,sawHowmotherslovetheirchildren'ssquallsandchucklings;
ThisstrongextremeeffecttotirenolongerYourpatienceshowsthecausemuststillbestronger。
IfIsaidfireflash'dfromGulbeyaz'eyes,'Twerenothing-forhereyesflash'dalwaysfire;
Orsaidhercheeksassumedthedeepestdyes,Ishouldbutbringdisgraceuponthedyer,Sosupernaturalwasherpassion'srise;
Forne'ertillnowsheknewacheck'ddesire:
Evenyewhoknowwhatacheck'dwomanisEnough,Godknows!wouldmuchfallshortofthis。
Herragewasbutaminute's,and'twaswell-
Amoment'smorehadslainher;butthewhileItlasted'twaslikeashortglimpseofhell:
Nought'smoresublimethanenergeticbile,Thoughhorribletoseeyetgrandtotell,Likeoceanwarring'gainstarockyisle;
AndthedeeppassionsflashingthroughherformMadeherabeautifulembodiedstorm。
Avulgartempest'tweretoatyphoonTomatchacommonfurywithherrage,Andyetshedidnotwanttoreachthemoon,LikemoderateHotspurontheimmortalpage;
Herangerpitch'dintoalowertune,Perhapsthefaultofhersoftsexandage-
Herwishwasbutto'kill,kill,kill,'likeLear's,Andthenherthirstofbloodwasquench'dintears。
Astormitraged,andlikethestormitpass'd,Pass'dwithoutwords-infactshecouldnotspeak;
Andthenhersex'sshamebrokeinatlast,Asentimenttilltheninherbutweak,Butnowitflow'dinnaturalandfast,Aswaterthroughanunexpectedleak;
Forshefelthumbled-andhumiliationIssometimesgoodforpeopleinherstationItteachesthemthattheyarefleshandblood,Italsogentlyhintstothemthatothers,Althoughofclay,areyetnotquiteofmud;
Thaturnsandpipkinsarebutfragilebrothers,Andworksofthesamepottery,badorgood,Thoughnotallbornofthesamesiresandmothers:
Itteaches-Heavenknowsonlywhatitteaches,Butsometimesitmaymend,andoftenreaches。