TenhundredshavenpriestsdidbowtoAmmon'saltardayandnight，TenhundredlampsdidwavetheirlightthroughAmmon'scarvenhouse-andnowFoulsnakeandspeckledadderwiththeiryoungonescrawlfromstonetostoneForruinedisthehouseandpronethegreatrose-marblemonolith!
　　Wildassortrottingjackalcomesandcouchesinthemoulderinggates:
　　Wildsatyrscalluntotheirmatesacrossthefallenfluteddrums。
　　Andonthesummitofthepiletheblue-facedapeofHorussitsAndgibberswhilethefig-treesplitsthepillarsoftheperistyleThegodisscatteredhereandthere:deephiddeninthewindysandIsawhisgiantgranitehandstillclenchedinimpotentdespair。
　　Andmanyawanderingcaravanofstatelynegroessilken-shawled，Crossingthedesert，haltsappalledbeforetheneckthatnonecanspan。
　　AndmanyabeardedBedouindrawsbackhisyellow-stripedburnousTogazeupontheTitanthewsofhimwhowasthypaladin。
　　Go，seekhisfragmentsonthemoorandwashthemintheeveningdew，Andfromtheirpiecesmakeanewthymutilatedparamour!
　　Go，seekthemwheretheyliealoneandfromtheirbrokenpiecesmakeThybruisedbedfellow!Andwakemadpassionsinthesenselessstone!
　　CharmhisdullearwithSyrianhymns!helovedyourbody!oh，bekind，Pourspikenardonhishair，andwindsoftrollsoflinenroundhislimbs!
　　Windroundhisheadthefiguredcoins!stainwithredfruitsthosepallidlips!
　　Weavepurpleforhisshrunkenhips!andpurpleforhisbarrenloins!
　　AwaytoEgypt!Havenofear。OnlyoneGodhaseverdied。
　　OnlyoneGodhasletHissidebewoundedbyasoldier'sspear。
　　Butthese，thylovers，arenotdead。Stillbythehundred-cubitgateDog-facedAnubissitsinstatewithlotus-liliesforthyhead。
　　StillfromhischairofporphyrygauntMemnonstrainshislidlesseyesAcrosstheemptyland，andcrieseachyellowmorninguntothee。
　　AndNiluswithhisbrokenhornliesinhisblackandoozybedAndtillthycomingwillnotspreadhiswatersonthewitheringcorn。
　　Yourloversarenotdead，Iknow。TheywillriseupandhearyourvoiceAndclashtheircymbalsandrejoiceandruntokissyourmouth!Andso，Setwingsuponyourargosies!Sethorsestoyoureboncar!
　　BacktoyourNile!OrifyouaregrownsickofdeaddivinitiesFollowsomerovinglion'sspooracrossthecopper-
　　colouredplain，Reachoutandhalehimbythemaneandbidhimbeyourparamour!
　　CouchbyhissideuponthegrassandsetyourwhiteteethinhisthroatAndwhenyouhearhisdyingnotelashyourlongflanksofpolishedbrassAndtakeatigerforyourmate，whoseambersidesarefleckedwithblack，AndrideuponhisgildedbackintriumphthroughtheThebangate，Andtoywithhiminamorousjests，andwhenheturns，andsnarls，andgnaws，Osmitehimwithyourjasperclaws!andbruisehimwithyouragatebreasts!
　　Whyareyoutarrying？Gethence!I
　　wearyofyoursullenways，Iwearyofyoursteadfastgaze，yoursomnolentmagnificence。
　　Yourhorribleandheavybreathmakesthelightflickerinthelamp，AndonmybrowIfeelthedampanddreadfuldewsofnightanddeath。
　　Youreyesarelikefantasticmoonsthatshiverinsomestagnantlake，Yourtongueislikeascarletsnakethatdancestofantastictunes，Yourpulsemakespoisonousmelodies，andyourblackthroatisliketheholeLeftbysometorchorburningcoalonSaracenictapestries。
　　Away!Thesulphur-colouredstarsarehurryingthroughtheWesterngate!
　　Away!Oritmaybetoolatetoclimbtheirsilentsilvercars!
　　See，thedawnshiversroundthegreygilt-dialledtowers，andtherainStreamsdowneachdiamondedpaneandblurswithtearsthewannishday。
　　Whatsnake-tressedfuryfreshfromHell，withuncouthgesturesandunclean，Stolefromthepoppy-drowsyqueenandledyoutoastudent'scell？
　　Whatsonglesstonguelessghostofsincreptthroughthecurtainsofthenight，Andsawmytaperburningbright，andknocked，andbadeyouenterin？
　　Aretherenotothersmoreaccursed，whiterwithleprosiesthanI？
　　AreAbanaandPharphardrythatyoucomeheretoslakeyourthirst？
　　Gethence，youloathsomemystery!Hideousanimal，gethence!
　　Youwakeinmeeachbestialsense，youmakemewhatIwouldnotbe。
　　Youmakemycreedabarrensham，youwakefouldreamsofsensuallife，AndAtyswithhisblood-stainedknifewerebetterthanthethingIam。
　　FalseSphinx!FalseSphinx!ByreedyStyxoldCharon，leaningonhisoar，Waitsformycoin。Gothoubefore，andleavemetomycrucifix，Whosepallidburden，sickwithpain，watchestheworldwithweariedeyes，Andweepsforeverysoulthatdies，andweepsforeverysoulinvain。
　　Poem:TheBalladOfReadingGaolInmemoriamC。T。W。
　　SometimetrooperoftheRoyalHorseGuardsobiitH。M。prison，Reading，BerkshireJuly7，1896
　　I
　　Hedidnotwearhisscarletcoat，Forbloodandwinearered，AndbloodandwinewereonhishandsWhentheyfoundhimwiththedead，Thepoordeadwomanwhomheloved，Andmurderedinherbed。
　　HewalkedamongsttheTrialMenInasuitofshabbygrey；
　　Acricketcapwasonhishead，Andhisstepseemedlightandgay；
　　ButIneversawamanwholookedSowistfullyattheday。
　　IneversawamanwholookedWithsuchawistfuleyeUponthatlittletentofblueWhichprisonerscallthesky，AndateverydriftingcloudthatwentWithsailsofsilverby。
　　Iwalked，withothersoulsinpain，Withinanotherring，AndwaswonderingifthemanhaddoneAgreatorlittlething，Whenavoicebehindmewhisperedlow，'THATFELLOW'SGOTTOSWING。'
　　DearChrist!theveryprisonwallsSuddenlyseemedtoreel，AndtheskyabovemyheadbecameLikeacasqueofscorchingsteel；
　　And，thoughIwasasoulinpain，MypainIcouldnotfeel。
　　IonlyknewwhathuntedthoughtQuickenedhisstep，andwhyHelookeduponthegarishdayWithsuchawistfuleye；
　　Themanhadkilledthethingheloved，Andsohehadtodie。
　　Yeteachmankillsthethingheloves，Byeachletthisbeheard，Somedoitwithabitterlook，Somewithaflatteringword，Thecowarddoesitwithakiss，Thebravemanwithasword!
　　Somekilltheirlovewhentheyareyoung，Andsomewhentheyareold；
　　SomestranglewiththehandsofLust，SomewiththehandsofGold:
　　Thekindestuseaknife，becauseThedeadsosoongrowcold。
　　Somelovetoolittle，sometoolong，Somesell，andothersbuy；
　　Somedothedeedwithmanytears，Andsomewithoutasigh:
　　Foreachmankillsthethingheloves，Yeteachmandoesnotdie。
　　HedoesnotdieadeathofshameOnadayofdarkdisgrace，Norhaveanooseabouthisneck，Noraclothuponhisface，NordropfeetforemostthroughthefloorIntoanemptyspace。
　　HedoesnotsitwithsilentmenWhowatchhimnightandday；
　　Whowatchhimwhenhetriestoweep，Andwhenhetriestopray；
　　WhowatchhimlesthimselfshouldrobTheprisonofitsprey。
　　HedoesnotwakeatdawntoseeDreadfiguresthronghisroom，TheshiveringChaplainrobedinwhite，TheSheriffsternwithgloom，AndtheGovernorallinshinyblack，WiththeyellowfaceofDoom。
　　HedoesnotriseinpiteoushasteToputonconvict-clothes，Whilesomecoarse-mouthedDoctorgloats，andnotesEachnewandnerve-twitchedpose，FingeringawatchwhoselittleticksArelikehorriblehammer-blows。
　　HedoesnotknowthatsickeningthirstThatsandsone'sthroat，beforeThehangmanwithhisgardener'sglovesSlipsthroughthepaddeddoor，Andbindsonewiththreeleathernthongs，Thatthethroatmaythirstnomore。
　　HedoesnotbendhisheadtohearTheBurialOfficeread，Nor，whiletheterrorofhissoulTellshimheisnotdead，Crosshisowncoffin，ashemovesIntothehideousshed。
　　HedoesnotstareupontheairThroughalittleroofofglass:
　　HedoesnotpraywithlipsofclayForhisagonytopass；
　　NorfeeluponhisshudderingcheekThekissofCaiaphas。
　　II
　　Sixweeksourguardsmanwalkedtheyard，Inthesuitofshabbygrey:
　　Hiscricketcapwasonhishead，Andhisstepseemedlightandgay，ButIneversawamanwholookedSowistfullyattheday。
　　IneversawamanwholookedWithsuchawistfuleyeUponthatlittletentofblueWhichprisonerscallthesky，AndateverywanderingcloudthattrailedItsravelledfleecesby。
　　Hedidnotwringhishands，asdoThosewitlessmenwhodareTotrytorearthechangelingHopeInthecaveofblackDespair:
　　Heonlylookeduponthesun，Anddrankthemorningair。
　　Hedidnotwringhishandsnorweep，Nordidhepeekorpine，ButhedranktheairasthoughitheldSomehealthfulanodyne；
　　WithopenmouthhedrankthesunAsthoughithadbeenwine!
　　AndIandallthesoulsinpain，Whotrampedtheotherring，ForgotifweourselveshaddoneAgreatorlittlething，AndwatchedwithgazeofdullamazeThemanwhohadtoswing。
　　AndstrangeitwastoseehimpassWithastepsolightandgay，AndstrangeitwastoseehimlookSowistfullyattheday，AndstrangeitwastothinkthatheHadsuchadebttopay。
　　ForoakandelmhavepleasantleavesThatinthespringtimeshoot:
　　Butgrimtoseeisthegallows-tree，Withitsadder-bittenroot，And，greenordry，amanmustdieBeforeitbearsitsfruit!
　　TheloftiestplaceisthatseatofgraceForwhichallworldlingstry:
　　ButwhowouldstandinhempenbandUponascaffoldhigh，Andthroughamurderer'scollartakeHislastlookatthesky？
　　ItissweettodancetoviolinsWhenLoveandLifearefair:
　　Todancetoflutes，todancetolutesIsdelicateandrare:
　　ButitisnotsweetwithnimblefeetTodanceupontheair!
　　SowithcuriouseyesandsicksurmiseWewatchedhimdaybyday，AndwonderedifeachoneofusWouldendtheself-sameway，FornonecantelltowhatredHellHissightlesssoulmaystray。
　　AtlastthedeadmanwalkednomoreAmongsttheTrialMen，AndIknewthathewasstandingupIntheblackdock'sdreadfulpen，AndthatneverwouldIseehisfaceInGod'ssweetworldagain。
　　LiketwodoomedshipsthatpassinstormWehadcrossedeachother'sway:
　　Butwemadenosign，wesaidnoword，Wehadnowordtosay；
　　Forwedidnotmeetintheholynight，Butintheshamefulday。
　　Aprisonwallwasroundusboth，Twooutcastmenwewere:
　　Theworldhadthrustusfromitsheart，AndGodfromoutHiscare:
　　AndtheironginthatwaitsforSinHadcaughtusinitssnare。
　　III
　　InDebtors'Yardthestonesarehard，Andthedrippingwallishigh，SoitwastherehetooktheairBeneaththeleadensky，AndbyeachsideaWarderwalked，Forfearthemanmightdie。
　　OrelsehesatwiththosewhowatchedHisanguishnightandday；
　　Whowatchedhimwhenherosetoweep，Andwhenhecrouchedtopray；
　　WhowatchedhimlesthimselfshouldrobTheirscaffoldofitsprey。
　　TheGovernorwasstronguponTheRegulationsAct:
　　TheDoctorsaidthatDeathwasbutAscientificfact:
　　AndtwiceadaytheChaplaincalled，Andleftalittletract。
　　Andtwiceadayhesmokedhispipe，Anddrankhisquartofbeer:
　　Hissoulwasresolute，andheldNohiding-placeforfear；
　　HeoftensaidthathewasgladThehangman'shandswerenear。
　　ButwhyhesaidsostrangeathingNoWarderdaredtoask:
　　Forhetowhomawatcher'sdoomIsgivenashistask，Mustsetalockuponhislips，Andmakehisfaceamask。
　　Orelsehemightbemoved，andtryTocomfortorconsole:
　　AndwhatshouldHumanPitydoPentupinMurderers'Hole？
　　WhatwordofgraceinsuchaplaceCouldhelpabrother'ssoul？
　　WithslouchandswingaroundtheringWetrodtheFools'Parade!
　　Wedidnotcare:weknewwewereTheDevil'sOwnBrigade:
　　AndshavenheadandfeetofleadMakeamerrymasquerade。
　　WetorethetarryropetoshredsWithbluntandbleedingnails；
　　Werubbedthedoors，andscrubbedthefloors，Andcleanedtheshiningrails:
　　And，rankbyrank，wesoapedtheplank，Andclatteredwiththepails。
　　Wesewedthesacks，webrokethestones，Weturnedthedustydrill:
　　Webangedthetins，andbawledthehymns，Andsweatedonthemill:
　　ButintheheartofeverymanTerrorwaslyingstill。
　　SostillitlaythateverydayCrawledlikeaweed-cloggedwave:
　　AndweforgotthebitterlotThatwaitsforfoolandknave，Tillonce，aswetrampedinfromwork，Wepassedanopengrave。
　　WithyawningmouththeyellowholeGapedforalivingthing；
　　TheverymudcriedoutforbloodTothethirstyasphaltering:
　　AndweknewthatereonedawngrewfairSomeprisonerhadtoswing。
　　Rightinwewent，withsoulintentOnDeathandDreadandDoom:
　　Thehangman，withhislittlebag，Wentshufflingthroughthegloom:
　　AndeachmantrembledashecreptIntohisnumberedtomb。
　　ThatnighttheemptycorridorsWerefullofformsofFear，AndupanddowntheirontownStolefeetwecouldnothear，AndthroughthebarsthathidethestarsWhitefacesseemedtopeer。
　　HelayasonewholiesanddreamsInapleasantmeadow-land，Thewatcherswatchedhimasheslept，AndcouldnotunderstandHowonecouldsleepsosweetasleepWithahangmancloseathand。
　　ButthereisnosleepwhenmenmustweepWhoneveryethavewept:
　　Sowe-thefool，thefraud，theknave-
　　Thatendlessvigilkept，AndthrougheachbrainonhandsofpainAnother'sterrorcrept。
　　Alas!itisafearfulthingTofeelanother'sguilt!
　　For，rightwithin，theswordofSinPiercedtoitspoisonedhilt，AndasmoltenleadwerethetearsweshedForthebloodwehadnotspilt。
　　TheWarderswiththeirshoesoffeltCreptbyeachpadlockeddoor，Andpeepedandsaw，witheyesofawe，Greyfiguresonthefloor，AndwonderedwhymenknelttoprayWhoneverprayedbefore。
　　Allthroughthenightwekneltandprayed，Madmournersofacorse!
　　ThetroubledplumesofmidnightwereTheplumesuponahearse:
　　AndbitterwineuponaspongeWasthesavourofRemorse。
　　Thegreycockcrew，theredcockcrew，Butnevercametheday:
　　AndcrookedshapesofTerrorcrouched，Inthecornerswherewelay:
　　AndeachevilspritethatwalksbynightBeforeusseemedtoplay。
　　Theyglidedpast，theyglidedfast，Liketravellersthroughamist:
　　TheymockedthemooninarigadoonOfdelicateturnandtwist，AndwithformalpaceandloathsomegraceThephantomskepttheirtryst。
　　Withmopandmow，wesawthemgo，Slimshadowshandinhand:
　　About，about，inghostlyroutTheytrodasaraband:
　　Andthedamnedgrotesquesmadearabesques，Likethewinduponthesand!
　　Withthepirouettesofmarionettes，Theytrippedonpointedtread:
　　ButwithflutesofFeartheyfilledtheear，Astheirgrislymasquetheyled，Andloudtheysang，andlongtheysang，Fortheysangtowakethedead。
　　'Oho!'theycried，'Theworldiswide，Butfetteredlimbsgolame!
　　Andonce，ortwice，tothrowthediceIsagentlemanlygame，ButhedoesnotwinwhoplayswithSinInthesecretHouseofShame。'
　　Nothingsofairtheseanticswere，Thatfrolickedwithsuchglee:
　　Tomenwhoseliveswereheldingyves，Andwhosefeetmightnotgofree，Ah!woundsofChrist!theywerelivingthings，Mostterribletosee。
　　Around，around，theywaltzedandwound；
　　Somewheeledinsmirkingpairs；
　　WiththemincingstepofademirepSomesidledupthestairs:
　　Andwithsubtlesneer，andfawningleer，Eachhelpedusatourprayers。
　　Themorningwindbegantomoan，Butstillthenightwenton:
　　ThroughitsgiantloomthewebofgloomCrepttilleachthreadwasspun:
　　And，asweprayed，wegrewafraidOftheJusticeoftheSun。
　　ThemoaningwindwentwanderingroundTheweepingprison-wall:
　　TilllikeawheelofturningsteelWefelttheminutescrawl:
　　Omoaningwind!whathadwedoneTohavesuchaseneschal？
　　AtlastIsawtheshadowedbars，Likealatticewroughtinlead，MoverightacrossthewhitewashedwallThatfacedmythree-plankbed，AndIknewthatsomewhereintheworldGod'sdreadfuldawnwasred。
　　Atsixo'clockwecleanedourcells，Atsevenallwasstill，ButthesoughandswingofamightywingTheprisonseemedtofill，FortheLordofDeathwithicybreathHadenteredintokill。
　　Hedidnotpassinpurplepomp，Norrideamoon-whitesteed。
　　ThreeyardsofcordandaslidingboardAreallthegallows'need:
　　SowithropeofshametheHeraldcameTodothesecretdeed。
　　WewereasmenwhothroughafenOffilthydarknessgrope:
　　Wedidnotdaretobreatheaprayer，Ortogiveouranguishscope:
　　Somethingwasdeadineachofus，AndwhatwasdeadwasHope。
　　ForMan'sgrimJusticegoesitsway，Andwillnotswerveaside:
　　Itslaystheweak，itslaysthestrong，Ithasadeadlystride:
　　Withironheelitslaysthestrong，Themonstrousparricide!
　　Wewaitedforthestrokeofeight:
　　Eachtonguewasthickwiththirst:
　　ForthestrokeofeightisthestrokeofFateThatmakesamanaccursed，AndFatewillusearunningnooseForthebestmanandtheworst。
　　Wehadnootherthingtodo，Savetowaitforthesigntocome:
　　So，likethingsofstoneinavalleylone，Quietwesatanddumb:
　　Buteachman'sheartbeatthickandquick，Likeamadmanonadrum!
　　Withsuddenshocktheprison-clockSmoteontheshiveringair，AndfromallthegaolroseupawailOfimpotentdespair，LikethesoundthatfrightenedmarsheshearFromsomeleperinhislair。
　　AndasoneseesmostfearfulthingsInthecrystalofadream，WesawthegreasyhempenropeHookedtotheblackenedbeam，Andheardtheprayerthehangman'ssnareStrangledintoascream。
　　AndallthewoethatmovedhimsoThathegavethatbittercry，Andthewildregrets，andthebloodysweats，NoneknewsowellasI:
　　ForhewholivesmorelivesthanoneMoredeathsthanonemustdie。
　　IV
　　ThereisnochapelonthedayOnwhichtheyhangaman:
　　TheChaplain'sheartisfartoosick，Orhisfaceisfartoowan，OrthereisthatwritteninhiseyesWhichnoneshouldlookupon。
　　Sotheykeptusclosetillnighonnoon，Andthentheyrangthebell，AndtheWarderswiththeirjinglingkeysOpenedeachlisteningcell，Anddowntheironstairwetramped，EachfromhisseparateHell。
　　OutintoGod'ssweetairwewent，Butnotinwontedway，Forthisman'sfacewaswhitewithfear，Andthatman'sfacewasgrey，AndIneversawsadmenwholookedSowistfullyattheday。
　　IneversawsadmenwholookedWithsuchawistfuleyeUponthatlittletentofblueWeprisonerscalledthesky，AndateverycarelesscloudthatpassedInhappyfreedomby。
　　ButtherewerethoseamongstusallWhowalkedwithdowncasthead，Andknewthat，hadeachgothisdue，Theyshouldhavediedinstead:
　　Hehadbutkilledathingthatlived，Whilsttheyhadkilledthedead。
　　ForhewhosinsasecondtimeWakesadeadsoultopain，Anddrawsitfromitsspottedshroud，Andmakesitbleedagain，Andmakesitbleedgreatgoutsofblood，Andmakesitbleedinvain!
　　Likeapeorclown，inmonstrousgarbWithcrookedarrowsstarred，SilentlywewentroundandroundTheslipperyasphalteyard；
　　Silentlywewentroundandround，Andnomanspokeaword。
　　Silentlywewentroundandround，AndthrougheachhollowmindTheMemoryofdreadfulthingsRushedlikeadreadfulwind，AndHorrorstalkedbeforeeachman，AndTerrorcreptbehind。
　　TheWardersstruttedupanddown，Andkepttheirherdofbrutes，Theiruniformswerespickandspan，AndtheyworetheirSundaysuits，Butweknewtheworktheyhadbeenat，Bythequicklimeontheirboots。
　　Forwhereagravehadopenedwide，Therewasnograveatall:
　　OnlyastretchofmudandsandBythehideousprison-wall，Andalittleheapofburninglime，Thatthemanshouldhavehispall。
　　Forhehasapall，thiswretchedman，Suchasfewmencanclaim:
　　Deepdownbelowaprison-yard，Nakedforgreatershame，Helies，withfettersoneachfoot，Wraptinasheetofflame!
　　AndallthewhiletheburninglimeEatsfleshandboneaway，Iteatsthebrittlebonebynight，Andthesoftfleshbyday，Iteatsthefleshandbonebyturns，Butiteatstheheartalway。
　　ForthreelongyearstheywillnotsowOrrootorseedlingthere:
　　ForthreelongyearstheunblessedspotWillsterilebeandbare，AndlookuponthewonderingskyWithunreproachfulstare。
　　Theythinkamurderer'sheartwouldtaintEachsimpleseedtheysow。
　　Itisnottrue!God'skindlyearthIskindlierthanmenknow，Andtheredrosewouldbutblowmorered，Thewhiterosewhiterblow。
　　Outofhismouthared，redrose!
　　Outofhisheartawhite!
　　Forwhocansaybywhatstrangeway，ChristbringsHiswilltolight，SincethebarrenstaffthepilgrimboreBloomedinthegreatPope'ssight？
　　Butneithermilk-whiterosenorredMaybloominprison-air；
　　Theshard，thepebble，andtheflint，Arewhattheygiveusthere:
　　ForflowershavebeenknowntohealAcommonman'sdespair。
　　Soneverwillwine-redroseorwhite，Petalbypetal，fallOnthatstretchofmudandsandthatliesBythehideousprison-wall，TotellthemenwhotramptheyardThatGod'sSondiedforall。
　　Yetthoughthehideousprison-wallStillhemshimroundandround，AndaspiritmaynotwalkbynightThatiswithfettersbound，AndaspiritmaybutweepthatliesInsuchunholyground，Heisatpeace-thiswretchedman-
　　Atpeace，orwillbesoon:
　　Thereisnothingtomakehimmad，NordoesTerrorwalkatnoon，ForthelamplessEarthinwhichheliesHasneitherSunnorMoon。
　　Theyhangedhimasabeastishanged:
　　TheydidnoteventollArequiemthatmighthavebroughtResttohisstartledsoul，Buthurriedlytheytookhimout，Andhidhiminahole。
　　Theystrippedhimofhiscanvasclothes，Andgavehimtotheflies:
　　Theymockedtheswollenpurplethroat，Andthestarkandstaringeyes:
　　AndwithlaughterloudtheyheapedtheshroudInwhichtheirconvictlies。
　　TheChaplainwouldnotkneeltoprayByhisdishonouredgrave:
　　NormarkitwiththatblessedCrossThatChristforsinnersgave，BecausethemanwasoneofthoseWhomChristcamedowntosave。
　　Yetalliswell；hehasbutpassedToLife'sappointedbourne:
　　AndalientearswillfillforhimPity'slong-brokenurn，Forhismournerswillbeoutcastmen，AndoutcastsalwaysmournV
　　IknownotwhetherLawsberight，OrwhetherLawsbewrong；
　　AllthatweknowwholieingaolIsthatthewallisstrong；
　　Andthateachdayislikeayear，Ayearwhosedaysarelong。
　　ButthisIknow，thateveryLawThatmenhavemadeforMan，SincefirstMantookhisbrother'slife，Andthesadworldbegan，ButstrawsthewheatandsavesthechaffWithamostevilfan。
　　ThistooIknow-andwiseitwereIfeachcouldknowthesame-
　　ThateveryprisonthatmenbuildIsbuiltwithbricksofshame，AndboundwithbarslestChristshouldseeHowmentheirbrothersmaim。
　　Withbarstheyblurthegraciousmoon，Andblindthegoodlysun:
　　AndtheydowelltohidetheirHell，ForinitthingsaredoneThatSonofGodnorsonofManEvershouldlookupon!
　　Thevilestdeedslikepoisonweeds，Bloomwellinprison-air；
　　ItisonlywhatisgoodinManThatwastesandwithersthere:
　　PaleAnguishkeepstheheavygate，AndtheWarderisDespair。
　　FortheystarvethelittlefrightenedchildTillitweepsbothnightandday:
　　Andtheyscourgetheweak，andflogthefool，Andgibetheoldandgrey，Andsomegrowmad，andallgrowbad，Andnoneawordmaysay。
　　EachnarrowcellinwhichwedwellIsafoulanddarklatrine，AndthefetidbreathoflivingDeathChokesupeachgratedscreen，Andall，butLust，isturnedtodustInHumanity'smachine。
　　ThebrackishwaterthatwedrinkCreepswithaloathsomeslime，AndthebitterbreadtheyweighinscalesIsfullofchalkandlime，AndSleepwillnotliedown，butwalksWild-eyed，andcriestoTime。
　　ButthoughleanHungerandgreenThirstLikeaspwithadderfight，Wehavelittlecareofprisonfare，ForwhatchillsandkillsoutrightIsthateverystoneoneliftsbydayBecomesone'sheartbynight。
　　Withmidnightalwaysinone'sheart，Andtwilightinone'scell，Weturnthecrank，orteartherope，EachinhisseparateHell，AndthesilenceismoreawfulfarThanthesoundofabrazenbell。
　　AndneverahumanvoicecomesnearTospeakagentleword:
　　AndtheeyethatwatchesthroughthedoorIspitilessandhard:
　　Andbyallforgot，werotandrot，Withsoulandbodymarred。
　　AndthuswerustLife'sironchainDegradedandalone:
　　Andsomemencurse，andsomemenweep，Andsomemenmakenomoan:
　　ButGod'seternalLawsarekindAndbreaktheheartofstone。
　　Andeveryhumanheartthatbreaks，Inprison-celloryard，IsasthatbrokenboxthatgaveItstreasuretotheLord，Andfilledtheuncleanleper'shouseWiththescentofcostliestnard。
　　Ah!happytheywhoseheartscanbreakAndpeaceofpardonwin!
　　HowelsemaymanmakestraighthisplanAndcleansehissoulfromSin？
　　HowelsebutthroughabrokenheartMayLordChristenterin？
　　Andheoftheswollenpurplethroat，Andthestarkandstaringeyes，WaitsfortheholyhandsthattookTheThieftoParadise；
　　AndabrokenandacontriteheartTheLordwillnotdespise。
　　ThemaninredwhoreadstheLawGavehimthreeweeksoflife，ThreelittleweeksinwhichtohealHissoulofhissoul'sstrife，AndcleansefromeveryblotofbloodThehandthatheldtheknife。
　　Andwithtearsofbloodhecleansedthehand，Thehandthatheldthesteel:
　　Foronlybloodcanwipeoutblood，Andonlytearscanheal:
　　AndthecrimsonstainthatwasofCainBecameChrist'ssnow-whiteseal。
　　VI
　　InReadinggaolbyReadingtownThereisapitofshame，AndinitliesawretchedmanEatenbyteethofflame，Inaburningwinding-sheethelies，Andhisgravehasgotnoname。
　　Andthere，tillChristcallforththedead，Insilencelethimlie:
　　Noneedtowastethefoolishtear，Orheavethewindysigh:
　　Themanhadkilledthethingheloved，Andsohehadtodie。
　　Andallmenkillthethingtheylove，Byallletthisbeheard，Somedoitwithabitterlook，Somewithaflatteringword，Thecowarddoesitwithakiss，Thebravemanwithasword!
　　Poem:RavennaNewdigateprizepoemrecitedintheSheldonianTheatreOxfordJune26th，1878。
　　TomyfriendGeorgeFlemingauthorof'TheNileNovel'and'Mirage'
　　I。
　　AyearagoIbreathedtheItalianair，-
　　Andyet，methinksthisnorthernSpringisfair，-
　　ThesefieldsmadegoldenwiththeflowerofMarch，Thethrostlesingingonthefeatheredlarch，Thecawingrooks，thewood-dovesflutteringby，Thelittlecloudsthatraceacrossthesky；
　　Andfairtheviolet'sgentledroopinghead，Theprimrose，paleforloveuncomforted，Therosethatburgeonsontheclimbingbriar，Thecrocus-bed，thatseemsamoonoffireRound-girdledwithapurplemarriage-ring；
　　AndalltheflowersofourEnglishSpring，Fondsnowdrops，andthebright-starreddaffodil。
　　Upstartsthelarkbesidethemurmuringmill，Andbreaksthegossamer-threadsofearlydew；
　　Anddowntheriver，likeaflameofblue，Keenasanarrowfliesthewater-king，Whilethebrownlinnetsinthegreenwoodsing。
　　Ayearago!-itseemsalittletimeSincelastIsawthatlordlysouthernclime，Whereflowerandfruittopurpleradianceblow，Andlikebrightlampsthefabledapplesglow。
　　FullSpringitwas-andbyrichfloweringvines，Darkolive-grovesandnobleforest-pines，Irodeatwill；themoistgladairwassweet，Thewhiteroadrangbeneathmyhorse'sfeet，AndmusingonRavenna'sancientname，Iwatchedthedaytill，markedwithwoundsofflame，Theturquoiseskytoburnishedgoldwasturned。
　　Ohowmyheartwithboyishpassionburned，WhenfarawayacrossthesedgeandmereIsawthatHolyCityrisingclear，Crownedwithhercrownoftowers!-OnandonIgalloped，racingwiththesettingsun，Anderethecrimsonafter-glowwaspassed，IstoodwithinRavenna'swallsatlast!
　　II。
　　Howstrangelystill!nosoundoflifeorjoyStartlestheair；nolaughingshepherd-boyPipesonhisreed，noreverthroughthedayComesthegladsoundofchildrenattheirplay:
　　Osad，andsweet，andsilent!surelyhereAmanmightdwellapartfromtroublousfear，WatchingthetideofseasonsastheyflowFromamorousSpringtoWinter'srainandsnow，Andhavenothoughtofsorrow；-here，indeed，AreLethe'swaters，andthatfatalweedWhichmakesamanforgethisfatherland。
　　Ay!amidlotus-meadowsdostthoustand，LikeProserpine，withpoppy-ladenhead，Guardingtheholyashesofthedead。
　　Forthoughthybroodofwarriorsonshathceased，Thynobledeadarewiththee!-theyatleastArefaithfultothinehonour:-guardthemwell，Ochildlesscity!foramightyspell，Towakemen'sheartstodreamsofthingssublime，ArethelonetombswhereresttheGreatofTime。
　　III。
　　Yonlonelypillar，risingontheplain，MarkswherethebravestknightofFrancewasslain，-
　　ThePrinceofchivalry，theLordofwar，GastondeFoix:forsomeuntimelystarLedhimagainstthycity，andhefell，Asfallssomeforest-lionfightingwell。
　　Takenfromlifewhilelifeandlovewerenew，HeliesbeneathGod'sseamlessveilofblue；
　　Talllance-likereedswavesadlyo'erhishead，Andoleandersbloomtodeeperred，Wherehisbrightyouthflowedcrimsonontheground。
　　Lookfarthernorthuntothatbrokenmound，-
　　There，prisonednowwithinalordlytombRaisedbyadaughter'shand，inlonelygloom，Huge-limbedTheodoric，theGothicking，Sleepsafterallhiswearyconquering。
　　Timehathnotsparedhisruin，-windandrainHavebrokendownhisstronghold；andagainWeseethatDeathismightylordofall，AndkingandclowntoashendustmustfallMightyindeedTHEIRglory!yettomeBarbaricking，orknightofchivalry，Orthegreatqueenherself，werepoorandvain，BesidethegravewhereDanterestsfrompain。
　　Hisgildedshrineliesopentotheair；
　　Andcunningsculptor'shandshavecarventhereThecalmwhitebrow，ascalmasearliestmorn，Theeyesthatflashedwithpassionateloveandscorn，ThelipsthatsangofHeavenandofHell，Thealmond-facewhichGiottodrewsowell，ThewearyfaceofDante；-tothisday，Hereinhisplaceofresting，farawayFromArno'syellowwaters，rushingdownThroughthewidebridgesofthatfairytown，WherethetalltowerofGiottoseemstoriseAmarblelilyundersapphireskies!
　　Alas!myDante!thouhastknownthepainOfmeanerlives，-theexile'sgallingchain，Howsteepthestairswithinkings'housesare，AndallthepettymiserieswhichmarMan'snoblernaturewiththesenseofwrong。
　　Yetthisdullworldisgratefulforthysong；
　　Ournationsdotheehomage，-evenshe，Thatcruelqueenofvine-cladTuscany，Whoboundwithcrownofthornsthylivingbrow，Hathdeckedthineemptytombwithlaurelsnow，Andbegsinvaintheashesofherson。
　　Omightiestexile!allthygriefisdone:
　　ThysoulwalksnowbesidethyBeatrice；
　　Ravennaguardsthineashes:sleepinpeace。
　　IV。
　　Howlonethispalaceis；howgreythewalls!
　　Nominstrelnowwakesechoesinthesehalls。
　　Thebrokenchainliesrustingonthedoor，Andnoisomeweedshavesplitthemarblefloor:
　　Herelurksthesnake，andherethelizardsrunBythestonelionsblinkinginthesun。
　　ByrondwelthereinloveandrevelryFortwolongyears-asecondAnthony，WhooftheworldanotherActiummade!
　　Yetsufferednothisroyalsoultofade，Orlyretobreak，orlancetogrowlesskeen，'NeathanywilesofanEgyptianqueen。
　　ForfromtheEasttherecameamightycry，AndGreecestooduptofightforLiberty，AndcalledhimfromRavenna:neverknightRodeforthmorenoblytowildscenesoffight!
　　Nonefellmorebravelyonensanguinedfield，BornelikeaSpartanbackuponhisshield!
　　OHellas!Hellas!inthinehourofpride，Thydayofmight，rememberhimwhodiedTowrestfromoffthylimbsthetrammellingchain:
　　OSalamis!OlonePlataeanplain!
　　OtossingwavesofwildEuboeansea!
　　Owind-sweptheightsofloneThermopylae!
　　Helovedyouwell-ay，notaloneinword，Whofreelygavetotheehislyreandsword，LikeAEschylosatwell-foughtMarathon:
　　AndEngland，too，shallgloryinherson，Herwarrior-poet，firstinsongandfight。
　　NolongernowshallSlander'svenomedspiteCrawllikeasnakeacrosshisperfectname，Ormarthelordlyscutcheonofhisfame。
　　Forastheolive-garlandoftherace，Whichlightswithjoyeacheagerrunner'sface，Astheredcrosswhichsavethmeninwar，Asaflame-beardedbeaconseenfromfarBymarinersuponastorm-tossedsea，-
　　SuchwashisloveforGreeceandLiberty!
　　Byron，thycrownsareeverfreshandgreen:
　　RedleavesofrosefromSapphicMityleneShallbindthybrows；themyrtlebloomsforthee，InhiddengladesbylonelyCastaly；
　　Thelaurelswaitthycoming:allarethine，Androundthyheadoneperfectwreathwilltwine。
　　V。
　　Thepine-topsrockedbeforetheeveningbreezeWiththehoarsemurmurofthewintryseas，Andthetallstemswerestreakedwithamberbright；-
　　Iwanderedthroughthewoodinwilddelight，Somestartledbird，withflutteringwingsandfleet，Madesnowofalltheblossoms；atmyfeet，Likesilvercrowns，thepalenarcissilay，Andsmallbirdssangoneverytwiningspray。
　　Owavingtrees，Oforestliberty!
　　Withinyourhauntsatleastamanisfree，Andhalfforgetsthewearyworldofstrife:
　　Thebloodflowshotter，andasenseoflifeWakesi'thequickeningveins，whileonceagainThewoodsarefilledwithgodswefanciedslain。
　　LongtimeIwatched，andsurelyhopedtoseeSomegoat-footPanmakemerryminstrelsyAmidthereeds!somestartledDryad-maidIngirlishflight!orlurkingintheglade，Thesoftbrownlimbs，thewantontreacherousfaceOfwoodlandgod!QueenDianinthechase，White-limbedandterrible，withlookofpride，Andleashofboar-houndsleapingatherside!
　　OrHylasmirroredintheperfectstream。
　　Oidleheart!OfondHellenicdream!
　　Erelong，withmelancholyriseandswell，Theeveningchimes，theconvent'svesperbell，Struckonmineearsamidtheamorousflowers。
　　Alas!alas!thesesweetandhoniedhoursHadwhelmedmyheartlikesomeencroachingsea，AnddrownedallthoughtsofblackGethsemane。
　　VI。
　　OloneRavenna!manyataleistoldOfthygreatgloriesinthedaysofold:
　　TwothousandyearshavepassedsincethoudidstseeCaesarrideforthtoroyalvictory。
　　MightythynamewhenRome'sleaneaglesflewFromBritain'sislestofarEuphratesblue；
　　Andofthepeoplesthouwastnoblequeen，TillinthystreetstheGothandHunwereseen。
　　Discrownedbyman，desertedbythesea，Thousleepest，rockedinlonelymisery!
　　Nolongernowuponthyswellingtide，Pine-forest-like，thymyriadgalleysride!
　　Forwherethebrass-beakedshipswerewonttofloat，Thewearyshepherdpipeshismournfulnote；
　　AndthewhitesheeparefreetocomeandgoWhereAdria'spurplewatersusedtoflow。
　　Ofair!Osad!OQueenuncomforted!
　　Inruinedlovelinessthouliestdead，Aloneofallthysisters；foratlastItalia'sroyalwarriorhathpassedRome'slordliestentrance，andhathwornhiscrownInthehightemplesoftheEternalTown!
　　ThePalatinehathwelcomedbackherking，Andwithhisnamethesevenmountainsring!
　　AndNapleshathoutlivedherdreamofpain，Andmockshertyrant!Venicelivesagain，Newrisenfromthewaters!andthecryOfLightandTruth，ofLoveandLiberty，IsheardinlordlyGenoa，andwhereThemarblespiresofMilanwoundtheair，RingsfromtheAlpstotheSicilianshore，AndDante'sdreamisnowadreamnomore。
　　Butthou，Ravenna，betterlovedthanall，ThyruinedpalacesarebutapallThathidesthyfallengreatness!andthynameBurnslikeagreyandflickeringcandle-flameBeneaththenoondaysplendourofthesunOfnewItalia!forthenightisdone，Thenightofdarkoppression，andthedayHathdawnedinpassionatesplendour:farawayTheAustrianhoundsarehuntedfromtheland，Beyondthoseice-crownedcitadelswhichstandGirdlingtheplainofroyalLombardy，FromthefarWestuntotheEasternsea。
　　Iknow，indeed，thatsonsofthinehavediedInLissa'swaters，bythemountain-sideOfAspromonte，onNovara'splain，-
　　Norhavethychildrendiedfortheeinvain:
　　Andyet，methinks，thouhastnotdrunkthiswineFromgrapesnew-crushedofLibertydivine，ThouhastnotfollowedthatimmortalStarWhichleadsthepeopleforthtodeedsofwar。
　　Wearyoflife，thouliestinsilentsleep，Asonewhomarksthelengtheningshadowscreep，Carelessofallthehurryinghoursthatrun，Mourningsomedayofglory，forthesunOfFreedomhathnotshewntotheehisface，Andthouhastcaughtnoflambeauintherace。
　　Yetwakenotfromthyslumbers，-resttheewell，Amidstthyfieldsofamberasphodel，Thylily-sprinkledmeadows，-resttheethere，Tomockallhumangreatness:whowoulddareToventthepaltrysorrowsofhislifeBeforethyruins，ortopraisethestrifeOfkings'ambition，andthebarrenprideOfwarringnations!wertnotthoutheBrideOfthewildLordofAdria'sstormysea!
　　TheQueenofdoubleEmpires!andtotheeWerenotthenationsgivenasthyprey!
　　Andnow-thygateslieopennightandday，Thegrassgrowsgreenoneverytowerandhall，Theghastlyfighathcleftthybastionedwall；
　　AndwherethymailedwarriorsstoodatrestThemidnightowlhathmadehersecretnest。
　　Ofallen!fallen!fromthyhighestate，OcitytrammelledinthetoilsofFate，Dothnoughtremainofallthygloriousdays，Butadullshield，acrownofwitheredbays!
　　Yetwhobeneaththisnightofwarsandfears，Fromtranquiltowercanwatchthecomingyears；
　　Whocanforetellwhatjoysthedayshallbring，Orwhybeforethedawnthelinnetssing？
　　Thou，eventhou，maystwake，aswakestheroseTocrimsonsplendourfromitsgraveofsnows；
　　Astherichcorn-fieldsrisetoredandgoldFromthesebrownlands，nowstiffwithWinter'scold；
　　Asfromthestorm-rackcomesaperfectstar!
　　Omuch-lovedcity!IhavewanderedfarFromthewave-circledislandsofmyhome；
　　HaveseenthegloomymysteryoftheDomeRiseslowlyfromthedrearCampagna'sway，Clothedintheroyalpurpleoftheday:
　　IfromthecityofthevioletcrownHavewatchedthesunbyCorinth'shillgodown，Andmarkedthe'myriadlaughter'oftheseaFromstarlithillsofflower-starredArcady；
　　Yetbacktotheereturnsmyperfectlove，Astoitsforest-nesttheeveningdove。
　　Opoet'scity!onewhoscarcehasseenSometwentysummerscasttheirdoubletsgreenForAutumn'slivery，wouldseekinvainTowakehislyretosingalouderstrain，Ortellthydaysofglory；-poorindeedIsthelowmurmuroftheshepherd'sreed，Wheretheloudclarion'sblastshouldshakethesky，Andflameacrosstheheavens!andtotrySuchloftythemeswerefolly:yetIknowThatneverfeltmyheartanoblerglowThanwhenIwokethesilenceofthystreetWithclamoroustramplingofmyhorse'sfeet，AndsawthecitywhichnowItrytosing，Afterlongdaysofwearytravelling。
　　VII。
　　Adieu，Ravenna!butayearago，IstoodandwatchedthecrimsonsunsetglowFromthelonechapelonthymarshyplain:
　　TheskywasasashieldthatcaughtthestainOfbloodandbattlefromthedyingsun，AndinthewestthecirclingcloudshadspunAroyalrobe，whichsomegreatGodmightwear，Whileintoocean-seasofpurpleairSankthegoldgalleyoftheLordofLight。
　　YetherethegentlestillnessofthenightBringsbacktheswellingtideofmemory，Andwakesagainmypassionateloveforthee:
　　NowistheSpringofLove，yetsoonwillcomeOnmeadowandtreetheSummer'slordlybloom；
　　Andsoonthegrasswithbrighterflowerswillblow，Andsendupliliesforsomeboytomow。
　　ThenbeforelongtheSummer'sconqueror，RichAutumn-time，theseason'susurer，Willlendhishoardedgoldtoallthetrees，Andseeitscatteredbythespendthriftbreeze；
　　AndafterthattheWintercoldanddrear。
　　Sorunstheperfectcycleoftheyear。
　　Andsofromyouthtomanhooddowego，Andfalltowearydaysandlocksofsnow。
　　Loveonlyknowsnowinter；neverdies:
　　NorcaresforfrowningstormsorleadenskiesAndminefortheeshallneverpassaway，Thoughmyweaklipsmayfalterinmylay。
　　Adieu!Adieu!yonsilenteveningstar，Thenight'sambassador，dothgleamafar，Andbidtheshepherdbringhisflockstofold。
　　PerchancebeforeourinlandseasofgoldAregarneredbythereapersintosheaves，PerchancebeforeIseetheAutumnleaves，Imaybeholdthycity；andlaydownLowatthyfeetthepoet'slaurelcrown。
　　Adieu!Adieu!yonsilverlamp，themoon，Whichturnsourmidnightintoperfectnoon，Dothsurelylightthytowers，guardingwellWhereDantesleeps，whereByronlovedtodwell。