Herpathswithouther？Day’sappointedswayUsurpedbydesolatenight。HerpillowedplaceWithouther？Tears，ahme！forlove’sgoodgrace，Andcoldforgetfulnessofnightorday。
Whatoftheheartwithouther？Nay，poorheart，Oftheewhatwordremainserespeechbestill？
Awayfarerbybarrenwaysandchill，Steepwaysandweary，withoutherthouart，Wherethelongcloud，thelongwood’scounterpart，Shedsdoubleddarknessupthelabouringhill。
LOVE’SFATALITY
SweetLove，——butoh！mostdreadDesireofLoveLife—thwarted。LinkedingyvesIsawthemstand，LoveshackledwithVain—longing，handtohand：
Andonewaseyedasthebluevaultabove：
Buthopetempestuouslikeafire—cloudhoveI’theothersgaze，evenasinhiswhosewandVainlyallnightwithspell—wroughtpowerhasspann’dTheunyieldingcavesofsomedeeptreasure—trove。
Alsohislips，twowrithenflakesofflame，Mademoan：’Alas0Love，thusleashedwithme！
Wing—footedthou，wing—shouldered，oncebornfree：
AndI，thycoweringself，inchainsgrowntame，Boundtothybodyandsoul，namedwiththyname，Life’sironheart，evenLove’sFatality。’
STILLBORNLOVE
Thehourwhichmighthavebeenyetmightnotbe，Whichman’sandwoman’sheartconceivedandboreYetwhereoflifewasbarren，——onwhatshoreBidesitthebreakingofTime’swearysea？
Bondchildofallconsummatejoyssetfree，Itsomewheresighsandserves，andmutebeforeThehouseofLove，hearsthroughtheechoingdoorHishourselectinchoralconsonancy。
Butlo！whatweddedsoulsnowhandinhandTogethertreadatlasttheimmortalstrandWitheyeswhereburningmemorylightslovehome？
Lo！howthelittleoutcasthourhasturnedAndleapedtothemandintheirfacesyearned：——
’Iamyourchild：0parents，yehavecome！’
TRUEWOMAN
I。HERSELF
TobeasweetnessmoredesiredthanSpring；
AbodilybeautymoreacceptableThanthewildrose—tree’sarchthatcrownsthefell；
TobeanessencemoreenvironingThanwine’sdrainedjuice；amusicravishingMorethanthepassionatepulseofPhilomel；—
Tobeallthis’neathonesoftbosom’sswellThatisthefloweroflife：——howstrangeathing！
HowstrangeathingtobewhatMancanknowButasasacredsecret！Heaven’sownscreenHideshersoul’spurestdepthandloveliestglow；
Closelywithheld，asallthingsmostunseen，——
Thewave—boweredpearl，theheart—shapedsealofgreenThatflecksthesnowdropunderneaththesnow。
II。HERLOVE
Sheloveshim；forherinfinitesoulisLove，Andheherlodestar。PassioninherisAglassfacinghisfire，wherethebrightblissIsmirrored，andtheheatreturned。YetmoveThatglass，astranger’samorousflametoprove，Anditshallturn，byinstantcontraries，Icetothemoon；whileherpurefiretohisForwhomitburns，clingsclosei’theheart’salcove。
Lo！theyareone。WithwifelybreasttobreastAndcirclingarms，shewelcomesallcommandOflove，——hersoultoansweringardoursfann’d：
Yetasmornspringsortwilightsinkstorest，Ah！whoshallsayshedeemsnotloveliestThehourofsisterlysweethand—in—hand？
III。HERHEAVEN
IftogrowoldinHeavenistogrowyoung，（AstheSeersawandsaid，）thenblestwereheWithyouthforevermore，whoseheavenshouldbeTrueWoman，shewhomtheseweaknoteshavesung。
Hereandhereafter，——choir—strainsofhertongue，——
Sky—spacesofhereyes，——sweetsignsthatfleeAbouthersoul’simmediatesanctuary，——
WereParadisealluttermostworldsamong。
ThesunrisebloomsandwithersonthehillLikeanyhillflower；andthenoblesttrothDiesheretodust。YetshallHeaven’spromiseclotheEvenyetthoseloverswhohavecherishedstillThistestforlove：——ineverykisssealedfastTofeelthefirstkissandforebodethelast。
LOVE’SLASTGIFT
Lovetohissingerheldaglisteningleaf，Andsaid：’Therose—treeandtheapple—treeHavefruitstovauntorflowerstolurethebee；
AndgoldenshaftsareinthefeatheredsheafOfthegreatharvest—marshal，theyear’schief，VictoriousSummer；aye，and’neathwarmseaStrangesecretgrasseslurkinviolablyBetweenthefilteringchannelsofsunkreef。
Allaremyblooms；andallsweetbloomsofloveTotheeIgavewhileSpringandSummersang；
ButAutumnstopstolisten，withsomepangFromthoseworsethingsthewindismoaningof。
Onlythislaureldreadsnowinterdays：
Takemylastgift；thyhearthathsungmypraise。’
PARTII。CHANGEANDFATE
TRANSFIGUREDLIFE
AsgrowthofformormomentaryglanceInachild’sfeatureswillrecalltomindThefather’swiththemother’sfacecombin’d，——
Sweetinterchangethatmemoriesstillenhance：
Andyet，aschildhood’syearsandyouth’sadvance，Thegradualmouldingsleaveonestampbehind，TillintheblendedlikenessnowwefindAseparateman’sorwoman’scountenance：——
SointheSong，thesinger’sJoyandPain，Itsveryparents，evermoreexpandTobidthepassion’sfullgrownbirthremain，ByArt’stransfiguringessencesubtlyspann’d；
Andfromthatsong—cloudshapedasaman’shandTherecomesthesoundasofabundantrain。
THESONG—THROE
Bythineowntearsthysongmusttearsbeget，0Singer！MagicmirrorthouhastnoneExceptthymanifestheart；andsavethineownAnguishorardour，elsenoamulet。
CisternedinPride，verseisthefeatheryjetOfsoullessair—flungfountains；nay，moredryThantheDeadSeaforthroatsthatthirstandsigh，Thatsongo’erwhichnosinger’slidsgrewwet。
TheSong—god——HetheSun—god——isnoslaveOfthine：thyHunterhe，whoforthysoulFledgeshisshaft：tonoaugustcontrolOfthyskilledhandhisquiveredstorehegave：
Butifthylips’loudcryleaptohissmart，Theinspir’drecoilshallpiercethybrother’sheart。
THESOUL’SSPHERE
Comeprisonedmooninsteepcloud—fastnesses，——
Thronedqueenandthralled；somedyingsunwhosepyreBlazedwithmomentousmemorablefire；——
Whohathnotyearnedandfedhisheartwiththese？
Who，sleepless，hathnotanguishedtoappeaseTragicalshadow’srealmofsoundandsightConjecturedinthelamentablenight？……
Lo！thesoul’ssphereofinfiniteimages！
Whatsenseshallcountthem？WhetheritforecastTherose—wingedhoursthatflutterinthevanOfLove’sunquestioningunreveale’dspan，——
Visionsofgoldenfutures：orthatlastWildpageantoftheaccumulatedpastThatclangsandflashesforadrowningman。
INCLUSIVENESS
Thechangingguests，eachinadifferentmood，Sitattheroadsidetableandarise：
AndeverylifeamongtheminlikewiseIsasoul’sboardsetdailywithnewfood。
Whatmanhasbento’erhisson’ssleep，tobroodHowthatfaceshallwatchhiswhencolditlies？——
Orthought，ashisownmotherkissedhiseyes，Ofwhatherkisswaswhenhisfatherwooed？
Maynotthisancientroomthousit’stindwellInseparatelivingsoulsforjoyorpain？
Nay，allitscornersmaybepaintedplainWhereHeavenshowspicturesofsomelifespentwell；
Andmaybestamped，amemoryallinvain，UponthesightoflidlesseyesinHell。
ARDOURANDMEMORY
Thecuckoo—throb，theheartbeatoftheSpring；
Therosebud’sblushthatleavesitasitgrowsIntothefull—eyedfairunblushingrose；
ThesummercloudsthatvisiteverywingWithfiresofsunriseandofsunsetting；
Thefurtiveflickeringstreamstolightre—born’Midairsnew—fledgedandvalorouslustsofmorn，Whileallthedaughtersofthedaybreaksing：——
Theseardourloves，andmemory：andwhenflownAlljoys，andthroughdarkforest—boughsinflightThewindswoopsonwardbrandishingthelight，Evenyettherose—tree’sverdureleftaloneWillflushallruddythoughtherosebegone；
Withdittiesandwithdirgesinfinite。
KNOWNINVAIN
Astwowhoselove，firstfoolish，wideningscope，Knowssuddenly，withmusichighandsoft，TheHolyofholies；whobecausetheyscoff’dArenowamazedwithshame，nordaretocopeWiththewholetruthaloud，lestheavenshouldope；
Yet，attheirmeetings，laughnotastheyInspeech；norspeak，atlength；butsittingoftTogether，withinhopelesssightofhopeForhoursaresilent：——SoithappenethWhenWorkandWillawaketoolate，togazeAftertheirlifesailedby，andholdtheirbreath。
Ah！whoshalldaretosearchthroughwhatsadmazeThenceforththeirincommunicablewaysFollowthedesultoryfeetofDeath？
HEARTOFTHENIGHT
Fromchildtoyouth；fromyouthtoarduousman；
Fromlethargytofeveroftheheart；
Fromfaithfullifetodream—dowereddaysapart；
Fromtrusttodoubt；fromdoubttobrinkofban；——
ThusmuchofchangeinoneswiftcycleranTillnow。Alas，thesoul！——howsoonmustsheAcceptherprimalimmortality，——
Thefleshresumeitsdustwhenceitbegan？
0Lordofworkandpeace！OLordoflife！
0Lord，theawfulLordofwill！thoughlate，Evenyetrenewthissoulwithduteousbreath：
Thatwhenthepeaceisgarneredinfromstrife，Theworkretrieved，thewillregenerate，Thissoulmayseethyface，0Lordofdeath！
THELANDMARK
Was_that_thelandmark？What，——thefoolishwellWhosewave，lowdown，Ididnotstooptodrink，ButsatandflungthepebblesfromitsbrinkInsporttosenditsimagedskiespell—mell，（Andmineownimage，hadInotedwell！）
Wasthatmypointofturning？——IhadthoughtThestationsofmycourseshouldriseunsought，Asaltar—stoneorensignedcitadel。
Butlo！thepathismissed，Imustgoback，AndthirsttodrinkwhennextIreachthespringWhichonceIstained，whichsincemayhavegrownblack。
YetthoughnolightbeleftnorbirdnowsingAshereIturn，I’llthankGod，hastening，Thatthesamegoalisstillonthesametrack。
ADARKDAY
ThegloomthatbreathesuponmewiththeseairsIslikethedropswhichstrikethetraveller’sbrowWhoknowsnot，darkling，iftheybringhimnowFreshstorm，orbeoldrainthecovertbears。
Ah！bodesthishoursomeharvestofnewtares，OrhathbutmemoryofthedaywhoseploughSowedhungeronce，——thenightatlengthwhenthou，0prayerfoundvain，didstfallfromoutmyprayers？
Howpricklywerethegrowthswhichyethowsmooth，Alongthehedgerowsofthisjourneyshed，LiebyTime’sgracetillnightandsleepmaysoothe！
EvenasthethistledownfrompathsidesdeadGleanedbyagirlinautumnsofheryouth，Whichonenewyearmakessofthermarriage—bed。
AUTUMNIDLENESS
ThissunlightshamesNovemberwherehegrievesIndeadredleaves，andwillnotlethimshunTheday，thoughboughwithboughbeover—run。
ButwithablessingeverygladereceivesHighsalutation；whilefromhillock—eavesThedeergazecalling，dappledwhiteanddun，Asif，beingforestersofold，thesunHadmarkedthemwiththeshadeofforest—leaves。
Heredawnto—dayunveiledhermagicglass；
Herenoonnowgivesthethirstandtakesthedew；
Tillevebringrestwhenothergoodthingspass。
AndherethelosthoursthelosthoursrenewWhileIstillleadmyshadowo’erthegrass，Norknow，forlonging，thatwhichIshoulddo。
THEHILLSUMMIT
Thisfeast—dayofthesun，hisaltarthereInthebroadwesthasblazedforvesper—song；
AndIhaveloiteredinthevaletoolongAndgazenowabelatedworshipper。
YetmayInotforgetthatIwas’ware，Sojourneying，ofhisfaceatintervalsTransfiguredwherethefringedhorizonfalls，——
Afierybushwithcoruscatinghair。
AndnowthatIhaveclimbedandwonthisheight，ImusttreaddownwardthroughtheslopingshadeAndtravelthebewilderedtrackstillnight。
YetforthishourIstillmayherebestayedAndseethegoldairandthesilverfadeAndthelastbirdflyintothelastlight。
THECHOICE
I
Eatthouanddrink；to—morrowthoushaltdie。
Surelytheearth，thatswisebeingveryold，Needsnotourhelp。Thenlooseme，love，andholdThysultryhairupfrommyfacethatI
Maypourfortheethisyellowwine，brim—high，Tillroundtheglassthyfingersglowlikegold。
We’lldrownallhours：thysong，whilehourstoil’d，Shallleap，asfountainsveilthechangingsky。
Nowkiss，andthinkthattherearereallythose，Myownhigh—bosomedbeauty，whoincreaseVaingold，vainlore，andyetmightchooseourwayThroughmanydaystheytoil；thencomesadayTheydienot，——neverhavinglived，——butcease；
Androundtheirnarrowlipsthemouldfallsclose。
II
Watchthouandfear；to—morrowthoushaltdie。
Orartthousurethoushalthavetimefordeath？
IsnotthedaywhichGod’swordpromisethTocomemanknowsnotwhen？Inyondersky，Nowwhilewespeak，thesunspeedsforth：canI
Orthouassurehimofhisgoal？God’sbreathEvenatthemomenthaplyquickenethTheairtoaflame；tillspirits，alwaysnighThoughscreenedandhid，shallwalkthedaylighthere。
Anddostthouprateofallthatmanshalldo？
Canstthou，whohastbutplagues，presumetobeGladinhisgladnessthatcomesafterthee？
Will_his_strengthslay_thy_worminHell？Goto：
Coverthycountenance，andwatch，andfear。
Thinkthouandact；to—morrowthoushaltdie。
Outstretchedinthesun’swarmthupontheshore，Thousay’st：’Man’smeasuredpathisallgoneo’er：
Upallhisyears，steeply，withstrainandsigh，Manclomb*untilhetouchedthetruth；andI，EvenI，amhewhomitwasdestinedfor。’
Howshouldthisbe？ArtthouthensomuchmoreThantheywhosowed，thatthoushouldstreapthereby？
Nay，comeuphither。Fromthiswave—washedmoundUntothefurthestflood—brimlookwithme；
Thenreachonwiththythoughttillitbedrown’d。
Milesandmilesdistantthoughthegreylinebe，Andthoughthysoulsailleaguesandleaguesbeyond，——
Still，leaguesbeyondthoseleaguesthereismoresea。
*[sic]
OLDANDNEWART
I。ST。LUKETHEPAINTER
GivehonouruntoLukeEvangelist；
Forheitwas（theagedlegendssay）
WhofirsttaughtArttofoldherhandsandpray。
ScarcelyatonceshedaredtorendthemistOfdevioussymbols：butsoonhavingwistHowsky—breadthandfield—silenceandthisdayAresymbolsalsoinsomedeeperway，ShelookedthroughthesetoGodandwasGod’spriest。
Andif，pastnoon，hertoilbegantoirk，Andshesoughttalismans，andturnedinvainTosoullessself—reflectionsofman’sskill，Yetnow，inthisthetwilight，shemightstillKneelinthelattergrasstoprayagain，Erethenightcomethandshemaynotwork。
II。NOTASTHESE
’Iamnotastheseare，’thepoetsaithInyouth’spride，andthepainter，amongmenAtbay，whereneverpencilcomesnorpen，Andshutaboutwithhisownfrozenbreath。
Toothers，forwhomonlyrhymewinsfaithAspoets，——onlypaintaspainters，——thenHeturnsinthecoldsilence；andagainShrinking，’Iamnotastheseare，’hesaith。
Andsaythatthisisso，whatfollowsit？
Forwerethineeyessetbackwardsinthinehead，Suchwordswerewell；buttheyseeon，andfar。
UntothelightsofthegreatPast，new—litFairfortheFuture’strack，lookthouinstead，——
Saythouinstead’Iamnotas_these_are。’
III。THEHUSBANDMEN
ThoughGod，asonethatisanhouseholder，Calledthesetolabourinhisvine—yardfirst，BeforethehuskofdarknesswaswellburstBiddingthemgropetheirwayoutandbestir，（Who，questionedoftheirwages，answered，’Sir，Untoeachmanapenny：’）thoughtheworstBurthenofheatwastheirsandthedrythirst：
ThoughGodhathsincefoundnonesuchasthesewereTodotheirworklikethem：——BecauseofthisStandnotyeidleinthemarket—place。
Whichofyeknoweth_he_isnotthatlastWhomaybefirstbyfaithandwill？——yea，hisThehandwhichaftertheappointeddaysAndhoursshallgiveaFuturetotheirPast？
SOUL’SBEAUTY
UnderthearchofLife，whereloveanddeath，Terrorandmystery，guardhershrine，IsawBeautyenthroned；andthoughhergazestruckawe，Idrewitinassimplyasmybreath。
Hersaretheeyeswhich，overandbeneath，Theskyandseabendonthee，——whichcandraw，Byseaorskyorwoman，toonelaw，Theallottedbondmanofherpalmandwreath。
ThisisthatLadyBeauty，inwhosepraiseThyvoiceandhandshakestill，——longknowntotheeByflyinghairandflutteringhem，——thebeatFollowingherdailyofthyheartandfeet，Howpassionatelyandirretrievably，Inwhatfondflight，howmanywaysanddays！
BODY’SBEAUTY
OfAdam’sfirstwife，Lilith，itistold（ThewitchhelovedbeforethegiftofEve，）
That，erethesnake’s，hersweettonguecoulddeceive，Andherenchantedhairwasthefirstgold。
Andstillshesits，youngwhiletheearthisold，And，subtlyofherselfcontemplative，Drawsmentowatchthebrightwebshecanweave，Tillheartandbodyandlifeareinitshold。
Theroseandpoppyareherflowers；forwhereIshenotfound，0Lilith，whomshedscentAndsoft—shedkissesandsoftsleepshallsnare？
Lo！asthatyouth’seyesburnedatthine，sowentThyspellthroughhim，andlefthisstraightneckbentAndroundhisheartonestranglinggoldenhair。
THEMONOCHORD
Isitthissky’svastvaultorocean’ssoundThatisLife’sselfanddrawsmylifefromme，AndbyinstinctineffabledecreeHoldsmybreathquailingonthebitterbound？
Nay，isitLifeorDeath，thusthunder—crown’d，That’midthetideofallemergencyNownotesmyseparatewave，andtowhatseaItsdifficulteddieslabourintheground？
Oh！whatisthisthatknowstheroadIcame，Theflameturnedcloud，thecloudreturnedtoflame，Theliftedshiftedsteepsandalltheway？——
Thatdrawsroundmeatlastthiswind—warmspace，AndinregenerateraptureturnsmyfaceUponthedeviouscovertsofdismay？
FROMDAWNTONOON
Asthechildknowsnotifhismother’sfaceBefair；norofhiseldersyetcandeemWhateachmostis；butasofhillorstreamAtdawn，allglimmeringlifesurroundshisplace：
Whoyet，tow’rdnoonofhishalf—wearyrace，Pausingawhilebeneaththehighsun—beamAndgazingsteadilyback，——asthroughadream，Inthingslongpastnewfeaturesnowcantrace：——
EvensothethoughtthatisatlengthfullgrownTurnsbacktonotethesun—smitpaths，allgreyAndmarvellousonce，wherefirstitwalkedalone；
Andhaplydoubts，amidtheunblenchingday，Whichmostorleastimpelleditsonwardway，——
Thoseunknownthingsorthesethingsoverknown。
MEMORIALTHRESHOLDS
Whatplacesostrange，——thoughunrevealedsnowWithunimaginablefiresariseAttheearth’send，——whatpassionofsurpriseLikefrost—boundfire—girtscenesoflongago？
Lo！thisisnonebutIthishour；andlo！
ThisistheveryplacewhichtomineeyesThosemortalhoursinvainimmortalize，’Midhurryingcrowds，withwhataloneIknow。
City，ofthineasinglesimpledoor，BysomenewPowerreduplicate，mustbeEvenyetmylife—porchineternity，Evenwithonepresencefilled，asonceofyoreOrmockingwindswhirlroundachaff—strownfloorTheeandthyyearsandthesemywordsandme。
HOARDEDJOY
Isaid：’Nay，plucknot，——letthefirstfruitbe：
Evenasthousayest，itissweetandred，Butletitripenstill。Thetree’sbentheadSeesinthestreamitsownfecundityAndbidesthedayoffulness。ShallnotweAtthesun’shourthatdaypossesstheshade，Andclaimourfruitbeforeitsripenessfade，Andeatitfromthebranchandpraisethetree？’
Isay：’Alas！ourfruithathwooedthesunToolong，——’tisfallenandfloatsadownthestream。
Lo，thelastclusters！Pluckthemeveryone，Andletussupwithsummer；erethegleamOfautumnsettheyear’spentsorrowfree，Andthewoodswaillikeechoesfromthesea。’
BARRENSPRING
Sonowthechangedyear’sturningwheelreturnsAndasagirlsailsbalancedinthewind，AndnowbeforeandnowagainbehindStoopsasitswoops，withcheekthatlaughsandburns，——
SoSpringcomesmerrytowardsmenow，butearnsNoansweringsmilefromme，whoselifeistwin’dWiththedeadboughsthatwinterstillmustbind，Andwhomto—daytheSpringnomoreconcerns。
Behold，thiscrocusisawitheringflame；
Thissnowdrop，snow；thisapple—blossom’spartTobreedthefruitthatbreedstheserpent’sart。
Nay，fortheseSpring—flowers，turnthyfacefromthem，Norgazetillontheyear’slastlily—stemThewhitecupshrivelsroundthegoldenheart。
FAREWELLTOTHEGLEN
Sweetstream—fedglen，whysay’farewell’totheeWhofar’stsowellandfind’stforeversmoothThebrowofTimewheremanmayreadnoruth？
Nay，dothourathersay’farewell’tome，WhonowfareforthinbittererfantasyThanerstwasminewhereothershademightsootheByotherstreams，whatwhileinfragrantyouthTheblissofbeingsadmademelancholy。
Andyet，farewell！ForbettershaltthoufareWhenchildrenbathesweetfacesinthyflowAndhappyloversblendsweetshadowsthereInhourstocome，thanwhenanhouragoThineechoeshadbutoneman’ssighstobearAndthytreeswhisperedwhathefearedtoknow。
VAINVIRTUES
WhatisthesorriestthingthatentersHell？
Noneofthesins，——butthisandthatfairdeedWhichasoul’ssinatlengthcouldsupersede。
Theseyetarevirgins，whomdeath’stimelyknellMightoncehavesainted；whomthefiendscompelTogethernow，insnake—boundshudderingsheavesOfanguish，whilethescorchingbridegroomleavesTheirrefusemaidenhoodabominable。
Nightsucksthemdown，thegarbageofthepit，Whosenames，halfenteredinthebookofLife，WereGod’sdesireatnoon。AndastheirhairAndeyessinklast，theTorturerdeignsnowhitTogaze，but，yearning，waitshisworthierwife，TheSinstillblitheonearththatsentthemthere。
LOSTDAYS
Thelostdaysofmylifeuntilto—day，Whatwerethey，couldIseethemonthestreetLieastheyfell？WouldtheybeearsofwheatSownonceforfoodbuttroddenintoclay？
Orgoldencoinssquanderedandstilltopay？
Ordropsofblooddabblingtheguiltyfeet？
OrsuchspiltwaterasindreamsmustcheatThethroatsofmeninHell，whothirstalway？
Idonotseethemhere；butafterdeathGodknowsIknowthefacesIshallsee，Eachoneamurderedself，withlowlastbreath。
’Iamthyself，——whathastthoudonetome？’
’AndI——andI——thyself，’（lo！eachonesaith，）
’Andthouthyselftoalleternity！’
DEATH’SSONGSTERS
Whenfirstthathorse，withinwhosepopulouswombThebirthwasdeath，o’ershadowedTroywithfate，Herelders，dubiousofitsGrecianfreight，BroughtHelentheretosingthesongsofhome：
Shewhispered，’Friends，Iamalone；come，come！’
Then，crouchedwithin，Ulysseswaxedafraid，Andonhiscomrades’quiveringmouthshelaidHishands，andheldthemtillthevoicewasdumb。
Thesamewashewho，lashedtohisownmast，Therewherethesea—flowersscreenthecharnel—caves，Besidethesirens’singingislandpass’d，Tillsweetnessfailedalongtheinveteratewaves……
Say，soul，——aresongsofDeathnoheaventothee，NorshamesherlipthecheekofVictory？
HERO’SLAMP*
Thatlampthoufill’stinErosnameto—night，0Hero，shalltheSestianaugurstakeTo—morrow，andfordrownedLeander’ssakeToAnterositsfirelesslipshallplight。
Aye，wafttheunspokenvow：yetdawn’sfirstlightOnebbingstormandlifetwiceebb’dmustbreak；
While’neathnosunrise，bytheAvernianLake，LowhereLovewalks，Death’spallidneophyte。
ThatlampwithinAnteros’shadowyshrineShallstandunlit（forsothegodsdecree）
TillsomeonemanthehappyissueseeOfalife’slove，andbiditsflametoshine：
Whichstillmayrestunfir’d；for，theirsorthine，0brother，whatbroughtlovetothemorthee？
*AfterthedeathsofLeanderandHero，thesignal—lampwasdedicatedtoAnteros，witIltheedictthatnomanshouldlightitunlesshislovehadprovedfortunate。
THETREESOFTHEGARDEN
YewhohavepassedDeath’shaggardhills；andyeWhomtreesthatknewyoursiresshallceasetoknowAndstillstandsilent：——isitallashow，Awispthatlaughsuponthewall？——decreeOfsomeinexorablesupremacyWhichever，asmanstrainshisblindsurmiseFromdepthtoominousdepth，lookspasthiseyes，Sphinx—facedwithunabashedaugury？
Nay，ratherquestiontheEarth’sself。InvokeThestorm—felledforest—treesmoss—grownto—dayWhoserootsarehillockswherethechildrenplay；
Oraskthesilversapling’neathwhatyokeThosestars，hisspray—crown’sclusteringgems，shallwageTheirjourneystillwhenhisboughsshrinkwithage。
’RETROME，SATHANA！’
Gettheebehindme。Evenas，heavy—curled，Stoopingagainstthewind，acharioteerIssnatchedfromouthischariotbythehair，SoshallTimebe；andasthevoidcar，hurledAbroadbyreinlesssteeds，evensotheworld：
Yea，evenaschariot—dustupontheair，Itshallbesoughtandnotfoundanywhere。
Gettheebehindme，Satan。Oftunfurled，ThyperilouswingscanbeatandbreaklikelathMuchmightinessofmentowintheepraise。
Leavetheseweakfeettotreadinnarrowways。
Thoustill，uponthebroadvine—shelteredpath，MaystwaittheturningofthephialsofwrathForcertainyears，forcertainmonthsanddays。
LOSTONBOTHSIDES
Aswhentwomenhavelovedawomanwell，Eachhatingeach，throughLove’sandDeath’sdeceit；
Sincenotforeitherthisstarkmarriage—sheetAndthelongpausesofthisweddingbell；
Yeto’erhergravethenightanddaydispelAtlasttheirfeudforlorn，withcoldandheat；
NorotherthandearfriendstodeathmayfleetThetwolivesleftthatmostofhercantell：——
Soseparatehopes，whichinasoulhadwooedTheonesamePeace，strovewitheachotherlong，AndPeacebeforetheirfacesperishedsince：
Sothroughthatsoul，inrestlessbrotherhood，Theyroamtogethernow，andwindamongItsbye—streets，knockingatthedustyinns。
THESUN’SSHAME
I
BeholdingyouthandhopeinmockerycaughtFromlife；andmockingpulsesthatremainWhenthesoul’sdeathofbodilydeathisfain；
Honourunknown，andhonourknownunsought；
Andpenury’ssedulousself—torturingthoughtOngold，whosemastertherewithbuyshisbane；
Andlonged—forwomanlongingallinvainForlonelymanwithlove’sdesiredistraught；
Andwealth，andstrength，andpower，andpleasantness，Givenuntobodiesofwhosesoulsmensay，Nonepoorandweak，slavishandfoul，asthey：——
Beholdingthesethings，IbeholdnolessTheblushingmornandblushingeveconfessTheshamethatloadstheintolerableday。
Assometruechiefofmen，boweddownwithstressOflife’sdisastrouseld，onblossomingyouthMaygaze，andmurmurwithself—pityandruth，’MightIthyfruitlesstreasurebutpossess，Suchblessingofmineallcomingyearsshouldbless；’——
Thensendsonesighforthtotheunknowngoal，AndbitterlyfeelsbreatheagainsthissoulThehourswift—wingedofnearernothingness：——
EvensotheWorld’sgreySoultothegreenWorldPerchanceonehourmustcry：’Woe’sme，forwhomInveteracyofillportendsthedoom，——
Whoseheart’soldfireinshadowofshameisfurl’d：
Whilethouevenasofyoreartjourneying，Allsoullessnow，yetmerrywiththeSpring！’
MICHELANGELO’SKISS
GreatMichelangelo，withagegrownbleakAnduttermostlabours，havingonceo’ersaidAllgrievousmemoriesonhislonglifeshed，Thisworstregrettoonetrueheartcouldspeak：——
Thatwhen，withsorrowingloveandreverencemeek，Hestoopedo’ersweetColonna’sdyingbed，HisMuseanddominantLady，spirit—wed，Herhandhekissed，butnotherbroworcheek。
0Buonarruoti，——goodatArt’sfire—wheelsTourgeherchariot！——eventhustheSoul，Touchingatlengthsomesorely—chastenedgoal，Earnsoftenestbutalittle：herappealsWeredeepandmute，——lowlyherclaim。Letbe：
WhatholdsforherDeath’sgarner？Andforthee？
THEVASEOFLIFE
AroundthevaseofLifeatyourslowpaceHehasnotcrept，butturneditwithhishands，Andallitssidesalreadyunderstands。
There，girt，onebreathesalertforsomegreatrace；
Whoseroadrunsfarbysandsandfruitfulspace；
Wholaughs，yetthroughthejollythronghaspass’d；
Whoweeps，norstaysforweeping；whoatlast，Ayouth，standssomewherecrowned，withsilentface。
Andhehasfilledthisvasewithwineforblood，Withbloodfortears，withspiceforburningvow，Withwateredflowersforburiedlovemostfit；
Andwouldhavecastitshatteredtotheflood，YetinFate’snamehaskeptitwhole；whichnowStandsemptytillhisashesfallinit。
LIFETHEBELOVED
Asthyfriend’sface，withshadowofsoulo’erspread，SomewhileuntothysightperchancehathbeenGhastlyandstrange，yetneversoisseenInthought，buttoallfortunatefavourwed；
Asthylove’sdeath—boundfeaturesneverdeadTomemory’sglassreturn，butcontraveneFrailfugitivedays，andalwayskeep，IweenThanallnewlifealivelierlovelihead：——
SoLifeherself，thyspirit’sfriendandlove，EvenstillasSpring’sauthenticharbingerGlowswithfreshhoursforhopetoglorify；
ThoughpaleshelaywheninthewintergroveHerfuneralflowersweresnow—flakesshedonherAndtheredwingsoffrost—firerentthesky。
ASUPERSCRIPTION
Lookinmyface；mynameisMight—have—been；
IamalsocalledNo—more，Too—late，Farewell；
UntothineearIholdthedead—seashellCastupthyLife’sfoam—frettedfeetbetween；
UntothineeyestheglasswherethatisseenWhichhadLife’sformandLove’s，butbymyspellIsnowashakenshadowintolerable，Ofultimatethingsunutteredthefrailscreen。
Markme，howstillIam！ButshouldtheredartOnemomentthroughthysoulthesoftsurpriseOfthatwingedPeacewhichlullsthebreathofsighs，Thenshaltthouseemesmile，andturnapartThyvisagetomineambushatthyheartSleeplesswithcoldcommemorativeeyes。
HEANDI
Whencecamehisfeetintomyfield，andwhy？
Howisitthatheseesitallsodrear？
HowdoIseehisseeing，andhowhearThenamehisbittersilenceknowsitby？
ThiswasthelittlefoldofseparateskyWhosepasturingcloudsinthesoul’satmosphereDrewlivinglightfromonecontinualyear：
Howshouldhefinditlifeless？He，orI？
Lo！thisnewSelfnowwandersroundmyfield，Withplaintsforeveryflower，andforeachtreeAmoan，thesighingwind’sauxiliary：
Ando’ersweetwatersofmylife，thatyieldUntohislipsnodraughtbuttearsunseal’d，Eveninmyplaceheweeps。EvenI，nothe。
NEWBORNDEATH
I
To—dayDeathseemstomeaninfantchildWhichherwornmotherLifeuponmykneeHassettogrowmyfriendandplaywithme；
Ifhaplysomyheartmightbebeguil’dTofindnoterrorsinafacesomild，——
IfhaplysomywearyheartmightbeUntothenewbornmilkyeyesofthee，0Death，beforeresentmentreconcil’d。
Howlong，0Death？AndshallthyfeetdepartStillayoungchild’swithmine，orwiltthoustandFullgrownthehelpfuldaughterofmyheart，WhattimewiththeeindeedIreachthestrandOfthepalewavewhichknowstheewhatthouart，Anddrinkitinthehollowofthyhand？
II
Andthou，0Life，theladyofallbliss，Withwhom，whenourfirstheartbeatfullandfast，Iwanderedtillthehauntsofmenwerepass’d，AndinfairplacesfoundallbowersamissTillonlywoodsandwavesmighthearourkiss，WhiletothewindsallthoughtofDeathwecast：
Ah，Life！andmustIhavefromtheeatlastNosmiletogreetmeandnobabebutthis？
Lo！Love，thechildonceours；andSong，whosehairBlewlikeaflameandblossomedlikeawreath；
AndArt，whoseeyeswereworldsbyGodfoundfair；
Theseo’erthebookofNaturemixedtheirbreathWithneck—twinedarms，asoftwewatchedthemthere：
AnddidthesediethatthoumightstbearmeDeath？
THEONEHOPE
WhenalldesireatlastandallregretGohandinhandtodeath，andallisvain，WhatshallassuagetheunforgottenpainAndteachtheunforgetfultoforget？
ShallPeacebestillasunkstreamlongunmet，——
OrmaythesoulatonceinagreenplainStoopthroughthesprayofsomesweetlife—fountainAndcullthedew—drenchedfloweringamulet？
Ah！whenthewansoulinthatgoldenairBetweenthescripturedpetalssoftlyblownPeersbreathlessforthegiftofgraceunknown，Ah！letnoneotherwrittenspellsoe’erButonlytheoneHope’sonenamebethere，——
Notlessnormore，buteventhatwordalone。