I.
Therewasanaughtyboy，
Anaughtyboywashe，
Hewouldnotstopathome，
Hecouldnotquietbe—
Hetook
Inhisknapsack
Abook
Fullofvowels
Andashirt
Withsometowels，
Aslightcap
Fornightcap，
Ahairbrush，
Combditto，
Newstockings
Foroldones
WouldsplitO！
Thisknapsack
Tightat’sback
Herivettedclose
Andfollowedhisnose
Tothenorth，
Tothenorth，
Andfollow’dhisnose
Tothenorth.
II.
Therewasanaughtyboy
Andanaughtyboywashe，
Fornothingwouldhedo
Butscribblepoetry—
Hetook
Aninkstand
Inhishand
Andapen
Bigasten
Intheother，
Andaway
Inapother
Heran
Tothemountains
Andfountains
Andghostes
Andpostes
Andwitches
Andditches
Andwrote
Inhiscoat
Whentheweather
Wascool，
Fearofgout，
Andwithout
Whentheweather
Waswarm—
Ochthecharm
Whenwechoose
Tofollowone’snose
Tothenorth，
Tothenorth，
Tofollowone’snose
Tothenorth！
III.
Therewasanaughtyboy
Andanaughtyboywashe，
Hekeptlittlefishes
Inwashingtubsthree
Inspite
Ofthemight
Ofthemaid
Norafraid
OfhisGranny—good—
Heoftenwould
Hurlyburly
Getupearly
Andgo
Byhookorcrook
Tothebrook
Andbringhome
Miller’sthumb，
Tittlebat
Notoverfat，
Minnowssmall
Asthestall
Ofaglove，
Notabove
Thesize
Ofanice
Littlebaby’s
Littlefingers—
Ohemade
’Twashistrade
Offishaprettykettle
Akettle—
Akettle
Offishaprettykettle
Akettle！
IV.
Therewasanaughtyboy，
Andanaughtyboywashe，
HeranawaytoScotland
Thepeoplefortosee—
Therehefound
Thattheground
Wasashard，
Thatayard
Wasaslong，
Thatasong
Wasasmerry，
Thatacherry
Wasasred，
Thatlead
Wasasweighty，
Thatfourscore
Wasaseighty，
Thatadoor
Wasaswooden
AsinEngland—
Sohestoodinhisshoes
Andhewonder’d，
Hewonder’d，
Hestoodinhis
Shoesandhewonder’d.
THEEND.
1816
CHARACTEROFCHARLESBROWN
byJohnKeats
I.
Heistoweetamelancholycarle：
Thininthewaist，withbushyheadofhair
Ashaththeseededthistlewheninparle
ItholdstheZephyr，ereitsendethfair
Itslightballoonsintothesummerair;
Thertohisbeardhadnotbeguntobloom，
Nobrushhadtouch’dhischinorrazorsheer;
Nocarehadtouch’dhischeekwithmortaldoom，
ButnewhewasandbrightasscarffromPersianloom.
II.
Necaredheforwine，orhalf—and—half;
Necaredheforfishorfleshorfowl，
Andsaucesheldheworthlessasthechaff，
He’sdeignedtheswine—headatthewassail—bowl;
Newithlewdribbaldssathecheekbyjowl，
NewithslyLemansinthescorner’schair;
Butafterwater—brooksthisPilgrim’ssoul
Panted，andallhisfoodwaswoodlandair
Thoughhewouldoft—timesfeastongilliflowersrare.
III.
Theslangofcitiesinnowiseheknew，
TippingthewinktohimwasheathenGreek;
Hesipp’dnooldenTomorruinblue，
Ornantzorcherry—brandydrankfullmeek
Bymanyadamselhoarseandrougeofcheek;
Nordidheknoweachagedwatchman’sbeat，
Norinobscuredpurlieuswouldheseek
ForcurledJewesseswithanklesneat，
Whoastheywalkabroadmaketinklingwiththeirfeet.
THEEND.
1816
DEDICATION[OFPOEMS，1817]TOLEIGHHUNT，ESQ.
byJohnKeats
Gloryandlovelinesshavepass’daway;
Forifwewanderoutinearlymorn，
Nowreathedincensedoweseeupborne
Intotheeast，tomeetthesmilingday：
Nocrowdofnymphssoftvoic’dandyoung，andgay，
Inwovenbasketsbringingearsofcorn，
Roses，andpinks，andviolets，toadorn
TheshrineofFlorainherearlyMay.
Butthereareleftdelightsashighasthese，
AndIshalleverblessmydestiny，
Thatinatime，whenunderpleasanttrees
Panisnolongersought，Ifeelafree，
Aleafyluxury，seeingIcouldplease
Withthesepoorofferings，amanlikethee.
THEEND.
1816
ENDYMION：APOETICROMANCE
byJohnKeats
PREFACE
"Thestretchedmetreofanantiquesong"
INSCRIBEDTOTHEMEMORYOFTHOMASCHATTERTON
PREFACE
KNOWINGwithinmyselfthemannerinwhichthisPoemhasbeen
produced，itisnotwithoutafeelingofregretthatImakeitpublic.
WhatmannerImean，willbequitecleartothereader，whomustsoon
perceivegreatinexperience，immaturity，andeveryerrordenotinga
feverishattempt，ratherthanadeedaccomplished.Thetwofirst
books，andindeedthetwolast，Ifeelsensiblearenotofsuch
completionastowarranttheirpassingthepress;norshouldtheyifI
thoughtayear’scastigationwoulddothemanygood;—itwillnot：the
foundationsaretoosandy.Itisjustthatthisyoungstershoulddie
away：asadthoughtforme，ifIhadnotsomehopethatwhileitis
dwindlingImaybeplotting，andfittingmyselfforversesfitto
live.
Thismaybespeakingtoopresumptuously，andmaydeservea
punishment：butnofeelingmanwillbeforwardtoinflictit：hewill
leavemealone，withtheconvictionthatthereisnotfiercerhell
thanthefailureinagreatobject.Thisisnotwrittenwiththe
leastatomofpurposetoforestallcriticismsofcourse，butfromthe
desireIhavetoconciliatemenwhoarecompetenttolook，andwhodo
lookwithazealouseye，tothehonourofEnglishliterature.
Theimaginationofaboyishealthy，andthematureimaginationofa
manishealthy;butthereisaspaceoflifebetween，inwhichthe
soulisinaferment，thecharacterundecided，thewayoflife
uncertain，theambitionthick—sighted：thenceproceedsmawkishness，
andallthethousandbitterswhichthosemenIspeakofmust
necessarilytasteingoingoverthefollowingpages.
IhopeIhavenotintoolateadaytouchedthebeautiful
mythologyofGreeceanddulleditsbrightness：forIwishtotry
oncemore，beforeIbiditfarewell.
TEIGNMOUTH，
April10，1818
BOOKI.
Athingofbeautyisajoyforever：
Itslovelinessincreases;itwillnever
Passintonothingness;butstillwillkeep
Abowerquietforus，andasleep
Fullofsweetdreams，andhealth，andquietbreathing.
Therefore，oneverymorrow，arewewreathing
Aflowerybandtobindustotheearth，
Spiteofdespondence，oftheinhumandearth
Ofnoblenatures，ofthegloomydays，
Ofalltheunhealthyando’er—darkenedways
Madeforoursearching：yes，inspiteofall，
Someshapeofbeautymovesawaythepall
Fromourdarkspirits.Suchthesun，themoon，
Treesold，andyoung，sproutingashadyboon
Forsimplesheep;andsucharedaffodils
Withthegreenworldtheylivein;andclearrills
Thatforthemselvesacoolingcovertmake
’Gainstthehotseason;themidforestbrake，
Richwithasprinklingoffairmusk—roseblooms：
Andsuchtooisthegrandeurofthedooms
Wehaveimaginedforthemightydead;
Alllovelytalesthatwehaveheardorread：
Anendlessfountainofimmortaldrink，
Pouringuntousfromtheheaven’sbrink.
Nordowemerelyfeeltheseessences
Foroneshorthour;no，evenasthetrees
Thatwhisperroundatemplebecomesoon
Dearasthetemple’sself，sodoesthemoon，
Thepassionpoesy，gloriesinfinite，
Hauntustilltheybecomeacheeringlight
Untooursouls，andboundtoussofast，
That，whethertherebeshine，orgloomo’ercast，
Theyalwaymustbewithus，orwedie.
Therefore，’tiswithfullhappinessthatI
WilltracethestoryofEndymion.
Theverymusicofthenamehasgone
Intomybeing，andeachpleasantscene
Isgrowingfreshbeforemeasthegreen
Ofourownvallies：soIwillbegin
NowwhileIcannothearthecity’sdin;
Nowwhiletheearlybuddersarejustnew，
Andruninmazesoftheyoungesthue
Aboutoldforests;whilethewillowtrails
Itsdelicateamber;andthedairypails
Bringhomeincreaseofmilk.And，astheyear
Growslushinjuicystalks，I’llsmoothlysteer
Mylittleboat，formanyquiethours，
Withstreamsthatdeepenfreshlyintobowers.
ManyandmanyaverseIhopetowrite，
Beforethedaisies，vermeilrimm’dandwhite，
Hideindeepherbage;andereyetthebees
Humaboutglobesofcloverandsweetpeas，
Imustbenearthemiddleofmystory.
Omaynowintryseason，bareandhoary，
Seeithalffinish’d：butletAutumnbold，
Withuniversaltingeofsobergold，
BeallaboutmewhenImakeanend.
Andnowatonce，adventuresome，Isend
Myheraldthoughtintoawilderness：
Thereletitstrumpetblow，andquicklydress
Myuncertainpathwithgreen，thatImayspeed
Easilyonward，thoroughflowersandweed.
UponthesidesofLatmoswasoutspread
Amightyforest;forthemoistearthfed
Soplenteouslyallweed—hiddenroots
Intoo’er—hangingboughs，andpreciousfruits.
Andithadgloomyshades，sequestereddeep，
Wherenomanwent;andiffromshepherd’skeep
Alambstray’dfara—downthoseinmostglens，
Neveragainsawhethehappypens
Whitherhisbrethren，bleatingwithcontent，
Overthehillsateverynightfallwent.
Amongtheshepherds，’twasbelievedever，
Thatnotonefleecylambwhichthusdidsever
Fromthewhiteflock，butpass’dunworried
Byangrywolf，orpardwithpryinghead，
Untilitcametosomeunfootedplains
WherefedtheherdsofPan：ayegreathisgains
Whothusonelambdidlose.Pathsthereweremany，
Windingthroughpalmyfern，andrushesfenny，
Andivybanks;allleadingpleasantly
Toawidelawn，whenceonecouldonlysee
Stemsthrongingallaroundbetweentheswell
Ofturfandslantingbranches：whocouldtell
Thefreshnessofthespaceofheavenabove，
Edg’droundwithdarktreetops？throughwhichadove
Wouldoftenbeatitswings，andoftentoo
Alittlecloudwouldmoveacrosstheblue.
Fullinthemiddleofthispleasantness
Therestoodamarblealtar，withatress
Offlowersbuddednewly;andthedew
Hadtakenfairyphantasiestostrew
Daisiesuponthesacredswardlasteve，
Andsothedawnedlightinpompreceive.
For’twasthemorn：Apollo’supwardfire
Madeeveryeasterncloudasilverypyre
Ofbrightnesssounsullied，thattherein
Amelancholyspiritwellmightwin
Oblivion，andmeltouthisessencefine
Intothewinds：rain—scentedeglantine
Gavetemperatesweetstothatwell—wooingsun;
Thelarkwaslostinhim;coldspringshadrun
Towarmtheirchilliestbubblesinthegrass;
Man’svoicewasonthemountains;andthemass
Ofnature’slivesandwonderspuls’dtenfold，
Tofeelthissun—riseanditsgloriesold.
Nowwhilethesilentworkingsofthedawn
Werebusiest，intothatself—samelawn
Allsuddenly，withjoyfulcries，theresped
Atroopoflittlechildrengarlanded;
Whogatheringroundthealtar，seem’dtopry
Earnestlyroundaswishingtoespy
Somefolkofholiday：norhadtheywaited
Formanymoments，eretheirearsweresated
Withafaintbreathofmusic，whichev’nthen
Fill’doutitsvoice，anddiedawayagain.
Withinalittlespaceagainitgave
Itsairyswellings，withagentlewave，
Tolight—hungleaves，insmoothestechoesbreaking
Throughcopse—cladvallies，—eretheirdeath，o’ertaking
Thesurgymurmursofthelonelysea.
Andnow，asdeepintothewoodaswe
Mightmarkalynx’seye，thereglimmeredlight
Fairfacesandarushofgarmentswhite，
Plainerandplainershowing，tillatlast
Intothewidestalleytheyallpast，
Makingdirectlyforthewoodlandaltar.
Okindlymuse！letnotmyweaktonguefaulter
Intellingofthisgoodlycompany，
Oftheiroldpiety，andoftheirglee：
Butletaportionofetherealdew
Fallonmyhead，andpresentlyunmew
Mysoul;thatImaydare，inwayfaring，
TostammerwhereoldChaucerus’dtosing.
Leadingtheway，youngdamselsdancedalong，
Bearingtheburdenofashepherdsong;
Eachhavingawhitewickeroverbrimm’d
WithApril’stenderyounglings：next，welltrimm’d，
Acrowdofshepherdswithassunburntlooks
AsmaybereadofinArcadianbooks;
SuchassatlisteningroundApollo’spipe，
Whenthegreatdeity，forearthtooripe，
Lethisdivinityo’erflowingdie
Inmusic，throughthevalesofThessaly：
Someidlytrail’dtheirsheep—hooksontheground，
Andsomekeptupashrillymellowsound
Withebon—tippedflutes：closeafterthese，
Nowcomingfrombeneaththeforesttrees，
Avenerablepriestfullsoberly，
Begirtwithministringlooks：alwayhiseye
Stedfastuponthemattedturfhekept，
Andafterhimhissacredvestmentsswept.
Fromhisrighthandthereswungavase，milk—white，
Ofmingledwine，out—sparklinggenerouslight;
Andinhisleftheheldabasketfull
Ofallsweetherbsthatsearchingeyecouldcull：
Wildthyme，andvalley—lillieswhiterstill
ThanLeda’slove，andcressesfromtherill.
Hisagedhead，crownedwithbeechenwreath，
Seem’dlikeapollofivyintheteeth
Ofwinterhoar.Thencameanothercrowd
Ofshepherds，liftinginduetimealoud
Theirshareoftheditty.Afterthemappear’d，
Up—followedbyamultitudethatrear’d
Theirvoicestotheclouds，afairwroughtcar，
Easilyrollingsoasscarcetomar
Thefreedomofthreesteedsofdapplebrown：
Whostoodthereindidseemofgreatrenown
Amongthethrong.Hisyouthwasfullyblown，
ShowinglikeGanymedetomanhoodgrown;
And，forthosesimpletimes，hisgarmentswere
Achieftainking’s：beneathhisbreast，halfbare，
Washungasilverbugle，andbetween
Hisnervykneestherelayaboar—spearkeen.
Asmilewasonhiscountenance;heseem’d，
Tocommonlookerson，likeonewhodream’d
OfidlenessingrovesElysian：
Butthereweresomewhofeelinglycouldscan
Alurkingtroubleinhisnetherlip，
Andseethatoftentimesthereinswouldslip
Throughhisforgottenhands：thenwouldtheysigh，
Andthinkofyellowleaves，ofowlets’cry，
Oflogspiledsolemnly.—Ah，well—a—day，
WhyshouldouryoungEndymionpineaway！
Soontheassembly，inacirclerang’d，
Stoodsilentroundtheshrine：eachlookwaschang’d
Tosuddenveneration：womenmeek
Beckon’dtheirsonstosilence;whileeachcheek
Ofvirginbloompaledgentlyforslightfear.
Endymiontoo，withoutaforestpeer，
Stood，wan，andpale，andwithanawedface，
Amonghisbrothersofthemountainchace.
Inmidstofall，thevenerablepriest
Eyedthemwithjoyfromgreatesttotheleast，
And，afterliftinguphisagedhands，
Thusspakehe："MenofLatmos！shepherdbands！
Whosecareitistoguardathousandflocks：
Whetherdescendedfrombeneaththerocks
Thatovertopyourmountains;whethercome
Fromvallieswherethepipeisneverdumb;
Orfromyourswellingdowns，wheresweetairstirs
Bluehare—bellslightly，andwherepricklyfurze
Budslavishgold;orye，whosepreciouscharge
Nibbletheirfillatocean’sverymarge，
Whosemellowreedsaretouch’dwithsoundsforlorn
BythedimechoesofoldTriton’shorn：
Mothersandwives！whodaybydayprepare
Thescrip，withneedments，forthemountainair;
Andallyegentlegirlswhofosterup
Udderlesslambs，andinalittlecup
Willputchoicehoneyforafavouredyouth：
Yea，everyoneattend！foringoodtruth
OurvowsarewantingtoourgreatgodPan.
Arenotourlowingheiferssleekerthan
Night—swollenmushrooms？Arenotourwideplains
Speckledwithcountlessfleeces？Havenotrains
Green’doverApril’slap？Nohowlingsad
Sickensourfearfulewes;andwehavehad
GreatbountyfromEndymionourlord.
Theearthisglad：themerrylarkhaspour’d
Hisearlysongagainstyonbreezysky，
Thatspreadssoclearo’eroursolemnity."
Thusending，ontheshrineheheap’daspire
Ofteemingsweets，enkindlingsacredfire;
Anonhestain’dthethickandspongysod
Withwine，inhonouroftheshepherd—god.
Nowwhiletheearthwasdrinkingit，andwhile
Bayleaveswerecracklinginthefragrantpile，
Andgummyfrankincensewassparklingbright
’Neathsmotheringparsley，andahazylight
Spreadgreylyeastward，thusachorussang：
"Othou，whosemightypalaceroofdothhang
Fromjaggedtrunks，andovershadoweth
Eternalwhispers，glooms，thebirth，life，death
Ofunseenflowersinheavypeacefulness;
Wholov’sttoseethehamadryadsdress
Theirruffledlockswheremeetinghazelsdarken;
Andthroughwholesolemnhoursdostsit，andhearken
Thedrearymelodyofbeddedreeds—
Indesolateplaces，wheredankmoisturebreeds
Thepipyhemlocktostrangeovergrowth;
Bethinkingthee，howmelancholyloth
ThouwasttolosefairSyrinx—dothounow，
Bythylove’smilkybrow！
Byallthetremblingmazesthatsheran，
Hearus，greatPan！
"Othou，forwhosesoul—soothingquiet，turtles
Passiontheirvoicescooingly’mongmyrtles，
Whattimethouwanderestateventide
Throughsunnymeadows，thatoutskirttheside
Ofthineenmossedrealms：Othou，towhom
Broadleavedfigtreesevennowforedoom
Theirripen’dfruitage;yellowgirtedbees
Theirgoldenhoneycombs;ourvillageleas
Theirfairestblossom’dbeansandpoppiedcorn;
Thechucklinglinnetitsfiveyoungunborn，
Tosingforthee;lowcreepingstrawberries
Theirsummercoolness;pentupbutterflies
Theirfreckledwings;yea，thefreshbuddingyear
Allitscompletions—bequicklynear，
Byeverywindthatnodsthemountainpine，
Oforesterdivine！
"Thou，towhomeveryfaunandsatyrflies
Forwillingservice;whethertosurprise
Thesquattedharewhileinhalfsleepingfit;
Orupwardraggedprecipicesflit
Tosavepoorlambkinsfromtheeagle’smaw;
Orbymysteriousenticementdraw
Bewilderedshepherdstotheirpathagain;
Ortotreadbreathlessroundthefrothymain，
Andgatherupallfancifullestshells
FortheetotumbleintoNaiads’cells，
And，beinghidden，laughattheirout—peeping;
Ortodelighttheewithfantasticleaping，
Thewhiletheypelteachotheronthecrown
Withsilveryoakapples，andfirconesbrown—
Byalltheechoesthatabouttheering，
Hearus，Osatyrking！
"OHearkenertotheloudclappingshears
Whileeverandanontohisshornpeers
Aramgoesbleating：Winderofthehorn，
Whensnoutedwild—boarsroutingtendercorn
Angerourhuntsmen：Breatherroundourfarms，
Tokeepoffmildews，andallweatherharms：
Strangeministrantofundescribedsounds，
Thatcomeaswooningoverhollowgrounds，
Andwitherdrearilyonbarrenmoors：
Dreadopenerofthemysteriousdoors
Leadingtouniversalknowledge—see，
GreatsonofDryope，
Themanythatarecometopaytheirvows
Withleavesabouttheirbrows！
"Bestilltheunimaginablelodge
Forsolitarythinkings;suchasdodge
Conceptiontotheverybourneofheaven，
Thenleavethenakedbrain：bestilltheleaven，
Thatspreadinginthisdullandcloddedearth
Givesitatouchethereal—anewbirth：
Bestillasymbolofimmensity;
Afirmamentreflectedinasea;
Anelementfillingthespacebetween;
Anunknown—butnomore：wehumblyscreen
Withuplifthandsourforeheads，lowlybending，
Andgivingoutashoutmostheavenrending，
ConjuretheetoreceiveourhumblePaean，
UponthyMountLycean！"
Evenwhiletheybroughttheburdentoaclose，
Ashoutfromthewholemultitudearose，
Thatlingeredintheairlikedyingrolls
Ofabruptthunder，whenIonianshoals
Ofdolphinsbobtheirnosesthroughthebrine.
Meantime，onshadylevels，mossyfine，
Youngcompaniesnimblybegandancing
Totheswifttreblepipe，andhummingstring.
Aye，thosefairlivingformsswamheavenly
Totunesforgotten—outofmemory：
Faircreatures！whoseyoungchildren’schildrenbred
Thermopylaeitsheroes—notyetdead，
Butinoldmarbleseverbeautiful.
Highgenitors，unconsciousdidtheycull
Time’ssweetfirst—fruits—theydanc’dtoweariness，
Andtheninquietcirclesdidtheypress
Thehillockturf，andcaughtthelatterend
Ofsomestrangehistory，potenttosend
Ayoungmindfromitsbodilytenement.
Ortheymightwatchthequoit—pitchers，intent
Oneitherside;pityingthesaddeath
OfHyacinthus，whenthecruelbreath
OfZephyrslewhim，—Zephyrpenitent，
Whonow，erePhoebusmountsthefirmament，
Fondlesthefloweramidthesobbingrain.
Thearcherstoo，uponawiderplain，
Besidethefeatherywhizzingoftheshaft，
Andthedulltwangingbowstring，andtheraft
Branchdownsweepingfromatallashtop，
Call’dupathousandthoughtstoenvelope
Thosewhowouldwatch.Perhaps，thetremblingknee
AndfranticgapeoflonelyNiobe，
Poor，lonelyNiobe！whenherlovelyyoung
Weredeadandgone，andhercaressingtongue
Layalostthinguponherpalylip，
Andvery，verydeadlinessdidnip
Hermotherlycheeks.Arous’dfromthissadmood
Byone，whoatadistanceloudhalloo’d，
Upliftinghisstrongbowintotheair，
Manymightafterbrightervisionsstare：
AftertheArgonauts，inblindamaze
TossingaboutonNeptune’srestlessways，
Until，fromthehorizon’svaultedside，
Thereshotagoldensplendourfarandwide，
Spanglingthosemillionpoutingsofthebrine
Withquiveringore：’twasevenanawfulshine
FromtheexaltationofApollo’sbow;
Aheavenlybeaconintheirdrearywoe.
Whothuswereripeforhighcontemplating，
Mightturntheirstepstowardsthesoberring
WheresatEndymionandtheagedpriest
’Mongshepherdsgoneineld，whoselooksincreas’d
Thesilverysettingoftheirmortalstar.
Theretheydiscours’duponthefragilebar
Thatkeepsusfromourhomesethereal;
Andwhatourdutiesthere：tonightlycall
Vesper，thebeauty—crestofsummerweather;
Tosummonallthedowniestcloudstogether
Forthesun’spurplecouch;toemulate
Inministringthepotentruleoffate
Withspeedoffire—tail’dexhalations;
Totintherpallidcheekwithbloom，whocons
Sweetpoesybymoonlight：besidesthese，
Aworldofotherunguess’doffices.
Anontheywander’d，bydivineconverse，
IntoElysium;vieingtorehearse
Eachonehisownanticipatedbliss.
Onefeltheart—certainthathecouldnotmiss
Hisquickgonelove，amongfairblossom’dboughs，
Whereeveryzephyr—sighpouts，andendows
Herlipswithmusicforthewelcoming.
Anotherwish’d，midthateternalspring，
Tomeethisrosychild，withfeatherysails，
Sweeping，eye—earnestly，throughalmondvales：
Who，suddenly，shouldstoopthroughthesmoothwind，
Andwiththebalmiestleaveshistemplesbind;
And，everafter，throughthoseregionsbe
Hismessenger，hislittleMercury.
Somewereathirstinsoultoseeagain
Theirfellowhuntsmeno’erthewidechampaign
Intimeslongpast;tositwiththem，andtalk
Ofallthechancesintheirearthlywalk;
Comparing，joyfully，theirplenteousstores
Ofhappiness，towhenuponthemoors，
Benighted，closetheyhuddledfromthecold，
Andshar’dtheirfamish’dscrips.Thusallout—told
Theirfondimaginations，—savinghim
Whoseeyelidscurtain’duptheirjewelsdim，
Endymion：yethourlyhadhestriven
Tohidethecankeringvenom，thathadriven
Hisfaintingrecollections.Nowindeed
Hissenseshadswoon’doff：hedidnotheed
Thesuddensilence，orthewhisperslow，
Ortheoldeyesdissolvingathiswoe，
Oranxiouscalls，orcloseoftremblingpalms，
Ormaiden’ssigh，thatgriefitselfembalms：
Butintheself—samefixedtrancehekept，
Likeonewhoontheearthhadneverstept.
Aye，evenasdeadstillasamarbleman，
FrozeninthatoldtaleArabian.
Whowhispershimsopantinglyandclose？
Peona，hissweetsister：ofallthose，
Hisfriends，thedearest.Hushingsignsshemade，
Andbreath’dasister’ssorrowtopersuade
Ayieldingup，acradlingonhercare.
Hereloquencedidbreatheawaythecurse：
Sheledhim，likesomemidnightspiritnurse
Ofhappychangesinemphaticdreams，
Alongapathbetweentwolittlestreams，—
Guardinghisforehead，withherroundelbow，
Fromlow—grownbranches，andhisfootstepsslow
Fromstumblingoverstumpsandhillockssmall;
Untiltheycametowherethesestreamletsfall，
Withmingledbubblingsandagentlerush，
Intoariver，clear，brimful，andflush
Withcrystalmockingofthetreesandsky.
Alittleshallop，floatingtherehardby，
Pointeditsbeakoverthefringedbank;
Andsoonitlightlydipt，androse，andsank，
Anddiptagain，withtheyoungcouple’sweight，—
Peonaguiding，throughthewaterstraight，
Towardsaboweryislandopposite;
Whichgainingpresently，shesteeredlight
Intoashady，fresh，andripplycove，
Wherenestedwasanarbour，overwove
Bymanyasummer’ssilentfingering;
Towhosecoolbosomshewasusedtobring
Herplaymates，withtheirneedlebroidery，
Andminstrelmemoriesoftimesgoneby.
Soshewasgentlygladtoseehimlaid
Underherfavouritebower’squietshade，
Onherowncouch，newmadeofflowerleaves，
Driedcarefullyonthecoolersideofsheaves
Whenlastthesunhisautumntressesshook，
Andthetann’dharvestersricharmfulstook.
Soonwashequietedtoslumbrousrest：
But，ereitcreptuponhim，hehadprest
Peona’sbusyhandagainsthislips，
Andstill，asleeping，heldherfinger—tips
Intenderpressure.Andasawillowkeeps
Apatientwatchoverthestreamthatcreeps
Windinglybyit，sothequietmaid
Heldherinpeace：sothatawhisperingblade
Ofgrass，awailfulgnat，abeebustling
Downintheblue—bells，orawrenlightrustling
Amongsereleavesandtwigs，mightallbeheard.
Omagicsleep！Ocomfortablebird，
Thatbroodesto’erthetroubledseaofthemind
Tillitishush’dandsmooth！Ounconfin’d
Restraint！imprisonedliberty！greatkey
Togoldenpalaces，strangeminstrelsy，
Fountainsgrotesque，newtrees，bespangledcaves，
Echoinggrottos，fulloftumblingwaves
Andmoonlight;aye，toallthemazyworld
Ofsilveryenchantment！—who，upfurl’d
Beneaththydrowsywingatriplehour，
Butrenovatesandlives？—Thus，inthebower，
Endymionwascalm’dtolifeagain.
Openinghiseyelidswithahealthierbrain，
Hesaid："Ifeelthisthineendearinglove
Allthroughmybosom：thouartasadove
Tremblingitsclosedeyesandsleekedwings
Aboutme;andthepearliestdewnotbrings
SuchmorningincensefromthefieldsofMay，
Asdothosebrighterdropsthattwinklingstray
Fromthosekindeyes，—theveryhomeandhaunt
Ofsisterlyaffection.CanIwant
Aughtelse，aughtnearerheaven，thansuchtears？
Yetdrythemup，inbiddinghenceallfears
That，anylonger，Iwillpassmydays
Aloneandsad.No，Iwilloncemoreraise
Myvoiceuponthemountain—heights;oncemore
Makemyhornparleyfromtheirforeheadshoar：
Againmytroopinghoundstheirtonguesshallloll
Aroundthebreathedboar：againI’llpoll
Thefair—grownyewtree，forachosenbow：
And，whenthepleasantsunissettinglow，
AgainI’lllingerinaslopingmead
Tohearthespeckledthrushes，andseefeed
Ouridlesheep.Sobethoucheered，sweet，
And，ifthyluteishere，softlyintreat
Mysoultokeepinitsresolvedcourse."
HereatPeona，intheirsilversource，
Shutherpuresorrowdropswithgladexclaim，
Andtookalute，fromwhichtherepulsingcame
Alivelyprelude，fashioningtheway
Inwhichhervoiceshouldwander.’Twasalay
Moresubtlecadenced，moreforestwild
ThanDryope’slonelullingofherchild;
Andnothingsincehasfloatedintheair
Somournfulstrange.Surelysomeinfluencerare
Went，spiritual，throughthedamsel’shand;
Forstill，withDelphicemphasis，shespann’d
Thequickinvisiblestrings，eventhoughshesaw
Endymion’sspiritmeltawayandthaw
Beforethedeepintoxication.
Butsoonshecame，withsuddenburst，upon
Herself—possession—swungtheluteaside，
Andearnestlysaid："Brother，’tisvaintohide
Thatthoudostknowofthingsmysterious，
Immortal，starry;suchalonecouldthus
Weighdownthynature.Hastthousinn’dinaught
Offensivetotheheavenlypower？Caught
APaphiandoveuponamessagesent？
Thydeathfulbowagainstsomedeer—herdbent
SacredtoDian？Haply，thouhastseen
Hernakedlimbsamongthealdersgreen;
Andthat，alas！isdeath.No，Icantrace
Somethingmorehighperplexinginthyface！"
Endymionlook’dather，andpress’dherhand，
Andsaid，"Artthousopale，whowastsobland
Andmerryinourmeadows？Howisthis？
Tellmethineailment：tellmeallamiss！—
Ah！thouhastbeenunhappyatthechange
Wroughtsuddenlyinme.Whatindeedmorestrange？
Ormorecompletetooverwhelmsurmise？
Ambitionissosluggard;’tisnoprize，
Thattoilingyearswouldputwithinmygrasp，
ThatIhavesighedfor：withsodeadlygasp
Nomane’erpantedforamortallove.
Soallhavesetmyheaviergriefabove
Thesethingswhichhappen.Rightlyhavetheydone：
I，whostillsawthehorizontalsun
Heavehisbroadshouldero’ertheedgeoftheworld，
Out—facingLucifer，andthenhadhurl’d
Myspearaloft，assignalforthechace—
I，who，forverysportofheart，wouldrace
WithmyownsteedfromAraby;pluckdown
Avulturefromhistoweryperching;frown
Alionintogrowling，lothretire—
Tolose，atonce，allmytoil—breedingfire，
Andsinkthuslow！butIwilleasemybreast
Ofsecretgrief，hereinthisbowerynest.
"Thisriverdoesnotseethenakedsky，
Tillitbeginstoprogresssilverly
Aroundthewesternborderofthewood，
Whence，fromacertainspot，itswindingflood
Seemsatthedistancelikeacrescentmoon：
Andinthatnook，theveryprideofJune，
HadIbeenusedtopassmywearyeves;
Theratherforthesununwillingleaves
Sodearapictureofhissovereignpower，
AndIcouldwitnesshismostkinglyhour，
Whenhedothtightenupthegoldenreins，
Andpacesleisurelydownamberplains
Hissnortingfour.Nowwhenhischariotlast
Itsbeamsagainstthezodiac—lioncast，
Thereblossom’dsuddenlyamagicbed
Ofsacredditamy，andpoppiesred：
AtwhichIwonderedgreatly，knowingwell
Thatbutonenighthadwroughtthisfloweryspell;
And，sittingdowncloseby，begantomuse
Whatitmightmean.Perhaps，thoughtI，Morpheus，
Inpassinghere，hisowletpinionsshook;
Or，itmaybe，erematronNightuptook
Herebonurn，youngMercury，bystealth，
Haddipthisrodinit：suchgarlandwealth
Camenotbycommongrowth.ThusonIthought，
Untilmyheadwasdizzyanddistraught.
Moreover，throughthedancingpoppiesstole
Abreeze，mostsoftlylullingtomysoul;
Andshapingvisionsallaboutmysight
Ofcolours，wings，andburstsofspanglylight;
Thewhichbecamemorestrange，andstrange，anddim，
Andthenweregulph’dinatumultuousswim：
AndthenIfellasleep.Ah，canItell
Theenchantmentthatafterwardsbefel？
Yetitwasbutadream：yetsuchadream
Thatnevertongue，althoughitoverteem
Withmellowutterance，likeacavernspring，
Couldfigureoutandtoconceptionbring
AllIbeheldandfelt.MethoughtIlay
Watchingthezenith，wherethemilkyway
Amongthestarsinvirginsplendourpours;
Andtravellingmyeye，untilthedoors
Ofheavenappear’dtoopenformyflight，
Ibecamelothandfearfultoalight
Fromsuchhighsoaringbyadownwardglance：
Sokeptmestedfastinthatairytrance，
Spreadingimaginarypinionswide.
When，presently，thestarsbegantoglide，
Andfaintaway，beforemyeagerview：
AtwhichIsigh’dthatIcouldnotpursue，
Anddroptmyvisiontothehorizon’sverge;
Andlo！fromopeningclouds，Isawemerge
Theloveliestmoon，thateversilver’do’er
AshellforNeptune’sgoblet：shedidsoar
Sopassionatelybright，mydazzledsoul
Comminglingwithherargentspheresdidroll
Throughclearandcloudy，evenwhenshewent
Atlastintoadarkandvapourytent—
Whereat，methought，thelidless—eyedtrain
Ofplanetsallwereintheblueagain.
Tocommunewiththoseorbs，oncemoreIrais’d
Mysightrightupward：butitwasquitedazed
Byabrightsomething，sailingdownapace，
Makingmequicklyveilmyeyesandface：
AgainIlook’d，and，Oyedeities，
WhofromOlympuswatchourdestinies！
Whencethatcompletedformofallcompleteness？
Whencecamethathighperfectionofallsweetness？
Speak，stubbornearth，andtellmewhere，Owhere
Hastthouasymbolofhergoldenhair？
Notoat—sheavesdroopinginthewesternsun;
Not—thysofthand，fairsister！letmeshun
Suchfollyingbeforethee—yetshehad，
Indeed，locksbrightenoughtomakememad;
Andtheyweresimplygordian’dupandbraided，
Leaving，innakedcomeliness，unshaded，
Herpearlroundears，whiteneck，andorbedbrow;
Thewhichwereblendedin，Iknownothow，
Withsuchaparadiseoflipsandeyes，
Blush—tintedcheeks，halfsmiles，andfaintestsighs，
That，whenIthinkthereon，myspiritclings
Andplaysaboutitsfancy，tillthestings
Ofhumanneighbourhoodenvenomall.