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第1章

  PoemsbyFrancisThompson
  Contents:
  DedicationLoveinDian’sLapBeforeHerPortraitinYouthToaPoetBreakingSilenceManusAnimamPinxitACarrier—SongScalaJacobiPortaqueEburneaGildedGoldHerPortraitMiscellaneousPoemsTotheDeadCardinalofWestminsterAFallenYewDream—TrystACorymbusforAutumnTheHoundofHeavenAJudgmentinHeavenPoemsonChildrenDaisyTheMakingofViolaToMyGodchildToPoppyToMonicaThoughtDyingDEDICATION——TOWILFRIDANDALICEMEYNELL
  IftheroseinmeekdutyMaydedicatehumblyTohergrowerthebeautyWherewithsheiscomely;
  IftheminetotheminerThejewelsthatpinedinit,EarthtodivinerThespringshedivinedinit;
  Tothegrapesthewine—pitcherTheirjuicethatwascrushedinit,VioltoitswitcherThemusiclayhushedinit;
  IfthelipsmaypayGladnessInlaughtersshewakened,AndthehearttoitssadnessWeepingunslakened,Ifthehidandsealedcoffer,Whosehavingnothisis,TotheloosersmayprofferTheirfinding——herethisis;
  TheirlivesifallliversTotheLifeofallliving,—
  Toyou,Odeargivers!
  Igiveyourowngiving。
  BEFOREHERPORTRAITINYOUTH
  Aslovers,banishedfromtheirlady’sfaceAndhopelessofhergrace,Fashionaghostlysweetnessinitsplace,FondlyadoreSomestealth—woncastattireshewore,Akerchieforaglove:
  Andatthelover’sbeckIntotheglovetherefleetsthehand,OratimpetuouscommandUpfromthekerchieffloatsthevirginneck:
  SoI,inverylowliheadoflove,—
  TooshylyreverencingToletonethought’slightfootfallsmoothTreadneartheliving,consecratedthing,—
  Treasuremethycastyouth。
  Thisoutwornvesture,tenantlessofthee,Hathyetmyknee,Forthat,withshowandsemblancefairOfthepastHerWhooncethebeautiful,discardedraimentbare,Itcheatethme。
  AsgaletogaledriftsbreathOfblossoms’death,SodroppingdowntheyearsfromhourtohourThisdeadyouth’sscentiswaftedmeto—day:
  Isit,andfromthefragrancedreamtheflower。
  So,then,shelooked(Isay);
  AndsoherfrontsunkdownHeavybeneaththepoet’sironcrown:
  Onhermouthmusefulsweet—
  (Evenasthetwinlipsmeet)
  Didthoughtandsadnessgreet:
  SighsInthosemournfuleyesSoputonvisibilities;
  Asviewlessetherturns,indeepondeep,todyes。
  Thus,longago,ShekepthermeditativepacesslowThroughmaidenmeads,withwavedshadowandgleamOflockshalf—liftedonthewindsofdream,Tillloveup—caughthertohischariot’sglow。
  Yet,voluntary,happierProserpine!
  ThisdroopingflowerofyouththoulettestfallI,faringinthecockshut—light,astray,Findonmy’latedway,Andstoop,andgatherformemorial,Andlayitonmybosom,andmakeitmine。
  Tothis,thealloflovethestarsallowme,Idedicateandvowme。
  IreachbackthroughthedaysAtrothedhandtothedeadthelasttrumpshallnotraise。
  Thewater—wraiththatcriesFromthoseeternalsorrowsofthypicturedeyesEntwinesanddrawsmedowntheirsoundlessintricacies!
  TOAPOETBREAKINGSILENCE
  ToowearilyhadweandsongBeenlefttolookandlefttolong,Yea,songandwetolongandlook,SincethineacquaintedfeetforsookThemountainwheretheMuseshymnForSinaiandtheSeraphim。
  Nowinboththemountains’shineDressthycountenance,twicedivine!
  FromMosesandtheMusesdrawTheTablesofthydoubleLaw!
  Hisrod—bornfountandCastalyLettheonerockbringforthforthee,RenewingsofromeitherspringThesongswhichboththycountriessing:
  Orweshallfearlest,heavenedthuslong,Thoushould’stforgetthynativesong,AndmarthymortalmelodiesWithbrokenstammeroftheskies。
  Ah!letthesweetbirdsoftheLordWithearth’swatersmakeaccord;
  TeachhowthecrucifixmaybeCarvenfromthelaurel—tree,FruitoftheHesperidesBurnishtakeonEden—trees,TheMuses’sacredgrovebewetWiththereddewofOlivet,AndSappholayherburningbrowsInwhiteCecilia’slapofsnows!
  ThychildhoodmusthavefeltthestingsOftoodivineo’ershadowings;
  ItsodoroushearthavebeenablossomThatindarknessdidunbosom,Thosefire—fliesofGodtoinvite,Burningspirits,whichbynightBearupontheirladenwingTosuchheartsimpregnating。
  Forflowersthatnight—wingsfertilizeMockdownthestars’unsteadyeyes,Andwithahappy,sleeplessglanceGazethemoonoutofcountenance。
  Ithinkthygirlhood’swatchersmustHavetookthyfoldedsongsontrust,Andfeltthem,asonefeelsthestirOfstilllightningsinthehair,WhenconscioushushexpectsthecloudTospeakthegoldensecretloudWhichtacitairisprivyto;
  Flaskedinthegrapethewinetheyknew,Erethypoet—mouthwasableForitsfirstyoungstarrybabble。
  Keep’stthounotyetthatsubtlegrace?
  Yea,inthissilentinterspace,GodsetsHispoemsinthyface!
  Theloomwhichmortalverseaffords,Outofweakandmortalwords,Wovestthouthysinging—weedin,ToaruneofthyfarEden。
  Vainarealldisguises!Ah,Heavenlyincognita!
  ThymienbewrayeththroughthatwrongThegreatUranianHouseofSong!
  AsthevintagesofearthTasteofthesunthatripedtheirbirth,WeknowwhatnevercadentSunThylampedclustersthrobbedupon,Whatplumedfeetthewinepresstrod;
  ThywineisflavorousofGod。
  Whateversinging—robethouwearHastheParadisalair;
  AndsomegoldfeatherithaskeptShowswhatFlooritlatelyswept!
  "MANUSANIMAMPINXIT"
  Ladywhohold’stonmedominion!
  Withinyourspirit’sarmsIstaymefastAgainstthefellImmitigateraveningofthegatesofhell;
  Andclaimmyrightinyou,mosthardlywon,Ofchastefidelityuponthechaste:
  Holdmeandholdbyme,lestbothshouldfall(Oinhighescaladehighcompanion!)
  EveninthebreachofHeaven’sassaultedwall。
  Liketoawind—sownsaplinggrowIfromTheclift,Sweet,ofyourskyward—jettingsoul,—
  Shookbyallguststhatsweepit,overcomeByallitscloudsincumbent:ObetrueToyoursoul,dearest,asmylifetoyou!
  Forifthatsoilgrowsterile,thenthewholeOfmemustshrivel,fromthetopmostshootOfclimbingpoesy,andmylife,killedthrough,Drydownandperishtothefoodlessroot。
  SweetSummer!untoyouthisswallowdrew,Bysecretinstinctsinappeasable,Thatdiddirecthimwell,LuredfromhisgelidNorthwhichwroughthimwrong,Winteredofsunningsong;—
  Byhappyinstinctsinappeasable,Ahyes!thatledhimwell,LuredtotheuntriedregionsandthenewClimesofauspiciousyou;
  Totwitterthere,andinhissingingdwell。
  Butah!ifyou,mySummer,shouldgrowwaste,Withgrievingskieso’ercast,ForsuchmigrationmypoorwingwasstrongButonce;ithasnopowertofareagainFortho’ertheheadsofmen,NorotherSummersforitsSanctuary:
  Butfromyourmind’schilledskyItneedsmustdrop,andliewithstiffenedwingsAmongyoursoul’sforlornestthings;
  Aspeckuponyourmemory,alack!
  Adeadflyinadustywindow—crack。
  OthereforeyouwhoareWhatwords,beingtosuchmysteriesAsraimenttothebodyis,Shouldratherhidethantell;
  Chasteandintelligentiallove:
  WhoseformisasagroveHushedwiththecooingofanunseendove;
  WhosespirittomytouchthrillspurerfarThanisthetinglingofasilverbell;
  WhosebodyotherladieswellmightbearAssoul,——yea,whichitprofanationwereForallbutyoutotakeasfleshlywoof,Beingspirittruestproof;
  WhosespiritsureislinealtothatWhichsangMagnificat:
  Chastest,sincesuchyouare,Takethiscurbedspiritofmine,Whichyourowneyesinvestwithlightdivine,ForloftyloveandhighauxiliarIndailyexaltempriseWhichoutsoarsmortaleyes;
  Thissoulwhichonyoursoulislaid,Asmaid’sbreastagainstbreastofmaid;
  BeholdinghowyourownIhaveengravedOnit,andwithwhatpurgingthoughtshavelavedThisloveofminefromallmortalityIndeedthecopyisapainfulone,Andwithlonglabourdone!
  Oifyoudoubtthethingyouare,lady,Comethen,andlookinme;
  Yourbeauty,Dian,dressandcontemplateWithinapooltoDianconsecrate!
  Unveilthisspirit,lady,whenyouwill,Foruntoallbutyou’tisveiledstill:
  Unveil,andfearlessgazethere,youalone,Andifyoulovetheimage——’tisyourown!
  ACARRIERSONG
  I。
  Sinceyouhavewanedfromus,Fairestofwomen!
  IamadarkenedcageSongcannothymnin。
  Mysongshavefollowedyou,Likebirdsthesummer;
  Ah!bringthembacktome,Swiftly,dearcomer!
  Seraphim,Hertohymn,Mightleavetheirportals;
  AndatmyfeetlearnTheharpingofmortals!
  II。
  Wherewingstorustleuse,Butthispoortarrier—
  Searchingmyspirit’seaves—
  FindIforcarrier。
  Ah!bringthembacktomeSwiftly,sweetcomer!
  Swift,swift,andbringwithyouSong’sIndiansummer!
  Seraphim,Hertohymn,Mightleavetheirportals;
  AndatmyfeetlearnTheharpingofmortals!
  III。
  Wheresoyourangelis,Myangelgoeth;
  Iamleftguardianless,Paradiseknoweth!
  IhavenoHeavenleftToweepmywrongsto;
  Heaven,whenyouwentfromus;
  Wentwithmysongstoo。
  Seraphim,Hertohymn,Mightleavetheirportals;
  AndatmyfeetlearnTheharpingofmortals!
  IV。
  IhavenoangelsleftNow,Sweet,toprayto:
  WhereyouhavemadeyourshrineTheyareawayto。
  TheyhavestruckHeaven’stent,Andgonetocoveryou:
  WheresoyoukeepyourstateHeavenispitchedoveryou!
  Seraphim,Hertohymn,Mightleavetheirportals;
  AndatmyfeetlearnTheharpingofmortals!
  V。
  ShethatisHeaven’sQueenHertitleborrows,ForthatshepitifulBearethoursorrows。
  Sothou,Reginami,Spesinfirmorum;
  WithallourgrievingcrownedMaterdolorum!
  Seraphim,Hertohymn,Mightleavetheirportals;
  AndatmyfeetlearnTheharpingofmortals!
  VI。
  Yet,enviouscoveterOfother’sgrieving!
  Thislonelylongingyet’Scapethyourreaving。
  Cruel!totakefromaSinnerhisHeaven!
  ThinkyouwithcontritesmilesTobeforgiven?
  Seraphim,Hertohymn,Mightleavetheirportals;
  AndatmyfeetlearnTheharpingofmortals!
  VII。
  Penitent!givemebackAngels,andHeaven;
  Renderyourstolenself,Andbeforgiven!
  HowfrontierHeavenfromyou?
  Formysoulprays,Sweet,StilltoyourfaceinHeaven,Heaveninyourface,Sweet!
  Seraphim,Hertohymn,Mightleavetheirportals;
  AndatmyfeetlearnTheharpingofmortals!
  SCALAJACOBIPORTAQUEEBURNEA
  HersoulfromearthtoHeavenlies,Liketheladderofthevision,WhereongoToandfro,Inascensionanddemission,Star—fleckedfeetofParadise。
  Nowsheisdrawnupfromme,Allmyangels,wet—eyed,tristful,GazefromgreatHeaven’sgateLikepentchildren,verywistful,Thatbelowaplaymatesee。
  Dream—dispensingfaceofhers!
  IvoryportwhichlooseduponmeWings,Iwist,WhoseamethystTrepidationshaveforgoneme,—
  Hesper’sfilmytraffickers!
  GILDEDGOLD
  Thoudosttorichattireagrace,Toletitdeckitselfwiththee,AndteachestpompstrangecunningwaysTobethoughtsimplicity。
  Butlilies,stolenfromgrassymold,NomorecurledstateunfoldTranslatedtoavaseofgold;
  InburningthronethoughtheykeepstillSerenitiesunthawedandchill。
  Therefore,albeitthou’rtstatelyso,Instatelierstatethouus’dsttogo。
  ThoughjewelsshouldphosphoricburnThroughthosenight—watersofthinehair,AflowerfromitstranslucidurnPouredsilverflamemorelunar—fair。
  ThesefutiletrappingsbutrecallDegenerateworshipperswhofallInpurfledkirtleandbrocadeTo’parelthewhiteMother—Maid。
  For,asherimagestoodarrayedInvestsofitsself—substancewroughtTomeasureofthesculptor’sthought—
  Slurredbythoseaddedbraveries;
  SoforthyspiritdiddeviseItsMakerseemlygarniture,Ofitsownessenceparcelpure,—
  Fromgravesimplicitiesadress,Andreticentdemurenesses,Andloveencincturedwithreserve;
  Whichthewovenvestureshouldsubserve。
  ForoutwardrobesintheirostentsShouldshowthesoul’shabiliments。
  ThereforeIsay,——Thou’rtfairevenso,ButbetterFairIusetoknow。
  ThevioletwouldthyduskhairdeckWithgraceslikethineownunsought。
  Ah!butsuchplacewoulddazeandwreckItssimple,lowlyrusticthought。
  Forsoadvanced,dear,tothee,Itwouldunlearnhumility!
  Yetdonot,withanalteredlook,Intheseweaknumbersreadrebuke;
  WhicharebutjealouslesttoomuchGod’smaster—piecethoushouldstretouch。
  Whereasweetnessiscomplete,Addnotsweetsuntothesweet!
  Or,asthouwilt,forotherssoInunfamiliarrichnessgo;
  ButkeepformineacquaintedeyesThefashionsofthyParadise。
  HERPORTRAIT
  Oh,buttheheavenlygrammardidIholdOfthathighspeechwhichangels’tonguesturngold!
  Soshouldherdeathlessbeautytakenowrong,Praisedinherowngreatkindred’sfitandcognatetongue。
  Orifthatlanguageyetwithusabode。
  WhichAdaminthegardentalkedwithGod!
  Butouruntemperedspeechdescends——poorheirs!
  Grimyandrough—caststillfromBabel’sbricklayers:
  Curseonthebrutishjargonweinherit,Strongbuttodamn,notmemorise,aspirit!
  Acheek,alip,alimb,abosom,theyMovewithlighteaseinspeechofworking—day;
  Andwomenwedousetopraiseevenso。
  Butherethegatesweburst,andtothetemplego。
  Theirpraisewereherdispraise;whodare,whodare,Adulatetheseraphimfortheirburninghair?
  How,ifwiththemIdared,hereshouldIdareit?
  Howpraisethewoman,whobutknowthespirit?
  Howpraisethecolourofhereyes,uncaughtWhiletheywerecolouredwithhervaryingthoughtHowhermouth’sshape,whoonlyusetoknowWhattendershapeherspeechwillfititto?
  Orherlips’redness,whentheirjoinedveilSong’sfervidhandhaspartedtillitworethempale?
  IfIwouldpraisehersoul(temerariousif!),Allmustbemysteryandhieroglyph。
  Heaven,whichnotoftisprodigalofitsmoreTosingers,intheirsongtoogreatbefore;
  BywhichthehierarchoflargepoesyisRestrainedtohisoncesacredbenefice;
  OnlyforherthesalutaryaweRelaxesandsterncanonofitslaw;
  Toheraloneconcedespluralities,InheralonetoreconcileagreesTheMuse,theGraces,andtheCharities;
  Toher,whocanthetrustsowellconductToheritgivestheuse,toustheusufruct。
  WhatofthedearadministressthenmayIutter,thoughIspokeherowncarvedperfectway?
  Whatofherdailygraciousconverseknown,WhoseheavenlydespotismmustneedsdethroneAndsubjugateallsweetnessbutitsown?
  Deepinmyheartsubsidestheinfrequentword,Andtherediesslowlythrobbinglikeawoundedbird。
  Whatofhersilence,thatoutsweetensspeech?
  Whatofherthoughts,highmarksformineownthoughtstoreach?
  Yet(Chaucer’santiquesentencesototurn),Mostgladlywillsheteach,andgladlylearn;
  Andteachingher,byherenchantingart,Themasterthreefoldlearnsforallhecanimpart。
  Nowallissaid,andallbeingsaid,——ayeme!
  ThereyetremainsunsaidtheveryShe。
  Nay,toconclude(sotoconcludeIdare),Ifofhervirtuesyouevadethesnare,Thenforherfaultsyou’llfallinlovewithher。
  Alas,andIhavespokenofherMuse—
  HerMuse,thatdiedwithherauroraldews!
  Learn,thewisecherubimfromharpsofgoldSeduceatrepidatingmusicmanifold;
  ButthesuperiorseraphimdoknowNoneothermusicbuttoflameandglow。
  Soshefirstlightedonourfrostyearth,Asadmusician,ofcherubicbirth,Playingtoalienears——whichdidnotprizeTheuncomprehendedmusicoftheskies—
  TheexiledairsofherfarParadise。
  Butsoonfromherownharpingstakingfire,Inloveandlighthermelodiesexpire。
  NowHeavenaffordsher,forhersilencedhymn,Adoubleportionoftheseraphim。
  Attherichodoursfromherheartthatrise,MysoulremembersitslostParadise,AndantenatalgalesblowfromHeaven’sshoresofspice;
  Igrowessentialall,uncloakingmeFromthisencumberingvirility,Andfeeltheprimalsexofheavenandpoetry:
  Andpartingfromher,inmelingeronVaguesnatchesofUranianantiphon。
  HowtothepettyprisoncouldsheshrinkOffemineity?——Nay,butIthinkInadearcourtesyherspiritwouldWomanassume,forgracetowomanhood。
  Or,votaresstothevirginSanctitudeOfreticentwithdrawal’ssweet,courtedpale,Shetookthecloistralflesh,thesexualveil,Ofhersad,aboriginalsisterhood;
  ThehabitofcloistralfleshwhichfoundingEveindued。
  ThusdoIknowher:butforwhatmencallBeauty——thelovelinesscorporeal,ItsmostjustpraiseathingunproperwereTosingerortolistener,meorher。
  ShewearsthatbodybutasoneinduesArobe,halfcareless,foritistheuse;
  Althoughhersoulanditsofairagree,Wesuremay,unattaintofheresy,Conceititmightthesoul’sbegetterbe。
  Theimmortalcouldweceasetocontemplate,Themortalpartsuggestsitseverytrait。
  GodlaidHisfingersontheivoriesOfherpuremembersasonsmoothedkeys,Andthereout—breathedherspirit’sharmoniesI’llspeakalittleproudly:—IdisdainTocountthebeautyworthmywishorgaze,Whichthedulldailyfoolcancovetorobtain。
  Idoconfessthefairnessofthespoil,Butfromsuchrivalryittakesasoil。
  ForherI’llproudlierspeak:—howcoulditbeThatIshouldpraisethegildingonthepsaltery?
  ’Tisnotforhertoholdthatprizeaprize,Orpraisemuchpraise,thoughproudestinitswise,Towhichevenhopesofmerelywomenrise。
  Suchstrifewouldtothevanquishedlaurelsyield,AgainstHERsufferedtohavelostafield。
  Herselfmustwithherselfbesolecompeer,UnlessthepeopleofherdistantsphereSomegoldmigrationsendtomelodisetheyear。
  Butfirstourheartsmustburninlargerguise,Toreformatetheuncharitableskies,Andsothedeathlessplumagetoacclimatise:
  Sincethis,theirsolecongenerinourclime,Droopshersad,ruffledthoughtsforhalftheshiveringtime。
  YetIhavefeltwhatterrorsmayconsortInwomen’scheeks,theGraces’softresort;
  Myhandhathshookatgentlehands’access,Andtrembledatthewavingofatress;
  Mybloodknownpanicfear,andfleddismayed,Whereladies’eyeshavesettheirambuscade。
  TherustleofarobehathbeentomeTheveryrattleoflove’smusketry;
  Althoughmyhearthathbeattheloudadvance,Ihaverecoiledbeforeachallengingglance,Provedgayalarmswherewarlikeribbonsdance。
  Andfromitall,thisknowledgehaveIgot,—
  Thewholethatothershave,islessthantheyhavenot;
  Allwhichmakesotherwomennotedfair,Unnotedwouldremainandovershoneinher。
  HowshouldIgaugewhatbeautyisherdole,Whocannotseehercountenanceforhersoul;
  Asbirdsseenotthecasementforthesky?
  Andas’tischecktheyproveitspresenceby,IknownotofherbodytillIfindMyflightdebarredtheheavenofhermind。
  Hersisthefacewhenceallshouldcopiedbe,DidGodmakereplicasofsuchasshe;
  Itspresencefeltbywhatitdoesabate,Becausethesoulshinesthroughtemperedandmitigate:
  Where——asafigurelabouringatnightBesidethebodyofasplendidlight—
  DarkTimeworkshiddenbyitsluminousness;
  AndeverylinehelabourstoimpressTurnsaddedbeauty,liketheveinsthatrunAthwartaleafwhichhangsagainstthesun。
  ThereregentMelancholywidecontrols;
  ThereEarth—andHeaven—Loveplayforaureoles;
  ThereSweetnessoutofSadnessbreaksatfits,Likebubblesondarkwater,orasflitsAsuddensilverfinthroughitsdeepinfinites;
  ThereamorousThoughthassuckedpaleFancy’sbreath,AndTendernesssitslookingtowardthelandsofdeathThereFeelingstillsherbreathingwithherhand,AndDreamfromMelancholypartwreststhewandAndonthislady’sheart,lookedyousodeep,PoorPoetryhasrockedhimselftosleep:
  UpontheheavyblossomofherlipsHangsthebeeMusing;nighherlidseclipseEachhalf—occultedstarbeneaththatlies;
  Andinthecontemplationofthoseeyes,Passionlesspassion,wildtranquillities。
  EPILOGUE——TOTHEPOET’SSITTER,WhereinheexcusethhimselfforthemannerofthePortrait。
  Alas!nowwiltthouchide,andsay(Ideem),Myfigureddescanthidesthesimpletheme:
  Orinanotherwisereproving,sayIillobservethineownhighreticentway。
  Oh,pardon,thatItestifyoftheeWhatthoucouldstneverspeak,norothersbe!
  Yet(forthebookisnotmoreinnocentOfwhatthegazer’seyesmakessointent),Shewillbutsmile,perhaps,thatIfindmyfairSufficingscopeinsuchstraitthemeasher。
  "Birdofthesun!thestars’wildhoney—bee!
  Isyourgoldbrowsingdonesothoroughly?
  Orsinksasingedwingtonarrownestinme?"
  (Thusshemightsay:fornotthislowlyveinOut—deprecatesherdeprecatingstrain。)
  Oh,youmistake,dearlady,quite;norknowEtherwasstrictasyou,itsloftinessaslow!
  TheheavensdonotadvancetheirmajestyOvertheirmarge;beyondhisemperyTheensignsofthewindarenotunfurled,Hisreignishoopedinbythepaleo’theworld。
  ’Tisnotthecontinent,butthecontained,Thatpleasauncemakesorprison,looseorchained。
  Toomuchalikeorlittlecaptivesme,Foralloppressioniscaptivity。
  Whatgrowethtoitsheightdemandsnohigher;
  Thelimitlimitsnot,butthedesire。
  Givebutmyspirititsdesiredscope,—
  Agiantinapismire,Inotgrope;
  Denyit,——andanant,withonmybackAfirmament,theskieyvaultwillcrack。
  OurmindsmaketheirownTermini,norcallTheissuingcircumscriptionsgreatorsmall;
  SohighconstructingNaturelessonstousall:
  WhoopticsgivesaccommodatetoseeYourcountenancelargeaslooksthesuntobe,Anddistantgreatnesslessthannearhumanity。
  We,therefore,withasureinstinctivemind,AnequalspaciousnessofbondagefindInconfinesfarornear,ofairorourownkind。
  Ourlooksandlongings,whichaffrontthestars,Mostrichlybruisedagainsttheirgoldenbars,Delightedcaptivesoftheirflamingspears,FindarestraintrestrainlesswhichappearsAsthatis,andsosimplynatural,Inyou;——thefairdetentionfreedomcall,Andoverscrollwithfanciesthelovedprison—wall。
  Suchsweetcaptivity,andonlysuch,Inyou,asinthosegoldenbars,wetouch!
  OurgazesforsufficinglimitsknowThefirmamentabove,yourfacebelow;
  Ourlongingsarecontentedwiththeskies,Contentedwiththeheaven,andyoureyes。
  Myrestlesswings,thatbeatthewholeworldthrough,Flagontheconfinesofthesunandyou;
  Andfindthehumanpaleremoterofthetwo。
  TOTHEDEADCARDINALOFWESTMINSTER
  IwillnotperturbateThyParadisalstateWithpraiseOfthydeaddays;
  Tothenew—heavenedsay,—
  "Spirit,thouwertfineclay:"
  Thisdo,Thypraisewhoknew。
  ThereforemyspiritclingsHeaven’sporterbythewings,AndholdsItsgatedgoldsApart,withtheetopressAprivatebusiness;—
  Whence,Deignmeaudience。
  Anchorite,whodidstdwellWithalltheworldforcellMysoulRoundmedothrollAsequestrationbare。
  Toofaralikewewere,ToofarDissimilar。
  ForitsburningfruitageI
  Doclimbthetreeo’thesky;
  DoprizeSomehumaneyes。
  YOUsmelttheHeaven—blossoms,AndallthesweetembosomsThedearUranianyear。
  ThoseEyesmyweakgazeshuns,WhichtothesunsareSuns。
  DidNotaffrayyourlid。
  Thecarpetwasletdown(Withgoldenmouldingsstrown)
  ForyouOftheangels’blue。
  ButI,ex—Paradised,TheshoulderofyourChristFindhighToleanthereby。
  Soflapsmyhelplesssail,Bellyingwithneithergale,OfHeavenNorOrcuseven。
  LifeisacoquetryOfDeath,whichweariesme,ToosureOftheamour;
  Atiring—roomwhereI
  Death’sdiversgarmentstry,TillfitSomefashionsit。
  ItseemethmetoomuchIdorehearseforsuchAmeanAndsinglescene。
  Thesandyglasshencebear—
  Antiqueremembrancer;
  MyveinsDospareitspains。
  WithsecretsympathyMythoughtsrepeatinmeInfirmTheturno’thewormBeneathmyappointedsod:
  Thegraveisinmyblood;
  IshakeTowindsthattakeItsgrassesbythetop;
  TherainsthereonthatdropPerturbWithdripacerbMysubtlyansweringsoul;
  ThefeetacrossitsknollDojarMefromafar。
  Assapforetastesthespring;
  AsEarthereblossomingThrillsWithfardaffodils,AndfeelsherbreastturnsweetWiththeunconceivedwheat;
  SodothMyfleshforeloatheTheabhorredspringofDis,WithseethingpresciencesAffirmThepreparateworm。
  IhavenothoughtthatI,WhenatthelastIdie,ShallreachTogainyourspeech。
  Butyou,shouldthatbeso,Mayverywell,Iknow,MaywellTomeinhellWithrecognisingeyesLookfromyourParadise—
  "GodblessThyhopelessness!"
  Call,holysoul,OcallThehostsangelical,Andsay,—
  "See,faraway"LiesoneIsawonearth;
  OnestrickenfromhisbirthWithcurseOfdestinateverse。
  "WhatplacedothHeyeserveForsuchsadspiritreserve,—
  Given,IndarklieuofHeaven,"TheimpitiableDaemon,Beauty,toadoreanddreamon,TobePerpetually"Hers,butsheneverhis?
  Hereapethmiseries,ForeknowsHiswageswoes;
  "Helivesdetacheddays;
  Heservethnotforpraise;
  ForgoldHeisnotsold;
  "Deafishetoworld’stongue;
  HescornethforhissongTheloudShoutsofthecrowd;
  "Heaskethnotworld’seyes;
  Nottoworld’searshecries;
  Saith,——’TheseShut,ifyeplease;’
  "Hemeasurethworld’spleasure,World’seaseasSaintsmightmeasure;
  ForhireJustloveentire"Heasks,notgrudgingpain;
  Andknowshisaskingvain,Andcries—
  ’Love!Love!’anddies;
  "Inguerdonoflongduty,UnownedbyLoveorBeauty;
  Andgoes—
  Tell,tell,whoknows!
  "AliensfromHeaven’sworth,Finebeastswhonosei’theearth,DothereRewardprepare。
  "ButareHISgreatdesiresFoodbutfornetherfires?
  Ahme,Amystery!
  "Canitbehisalone,Tofindwhenallisknown,ThatwhatHesolelysought"Islost,andtheretolostAllthatitsseekingcost?
  ThatheMustfinally,"Throughsacrificialtears,Andanchoreticyears,TrystWiththesensualist?"
  Soask;andiftheytellThesecretterrible,Goodfriend,IpraytheesendSomehighgoldembassageToteachmyunripeage。
  Tell!
  Lestmyfeetwalkhell。
  AFALLENYEW
  Itseemedcorrivaloftheworld’sgreatprime,Madetoun—edgethescytheofTime,Andlastwithstateliestrhyme。
  NotenderDryadeverdidindueThatrigidchitonofroughyew,Tofretherwhitefleshthrough:
  ButsomegodliketothosegrimAsgardlords,WhowalkthefablesofthehordesFromScandinavianfjords,Upheaveditsstubborngirth,andraisedunriven,Againstthewhirl—blastandthelevin,DefiantarmstoHeaven。
  Whendoompuffedoutthestars,wemighthavesaid,Itwoulddeclineitsheavyhead,Andseetheworldtobed。
  Forthisfirmyewdidfromthevassalleas,Andrainandair,itstributaries,Itsrevenuesincrease,Andlevyimpostonthegoldensun,Taketheblindyearsastheymightrun,Andnofateseekorshun。
  Butnowouryewisstrook,isfallen——yeaHackedlikedullwoodofeverydayTothisandthat,mensay。
  Never!—ToHades’shadowyshipyardsgone,DimbargeofDis,downAcheronItdrops,orLethewan。
  Stirredbyitsfall——poordestinedbarkofDis!—
  AlongmysoulabruitthereisOfechoingimages,Reverberationsofmortality:
  Speltbackwardfromitsdeath,tomeItslifereadssaddenedly。
  Itsbreastwashollowedasthetoothofeld;
  Andboys,theircreepingunbeheld,Alaughingmomentdwelled。
  Yetthey,withinitsveryheartsocrept,ReachednottheheartthatcouragekeptWithwindsandyearsbeswept。
  AndinitsboughsdidcloseandkindlynestThebirds,astheywithinitsbreast,Byallitsleavescaressed。
  ButbirdnorchildmighttouchbyanyartEachother’sorthetree’shidheart,AwholeGod’sbreadthapart;
  ThebreadthofGod,hebreadthofdeathandlife!
  Evenso,evenso,inundreamedstrifeWithpulselessLaw,thewife,—
  Thesweetestwifeonsweetestmarriage—day,—
  Theirsoulsatgrappleinmid—way,Sweettohersweetmaysay:
  "Itakeyoutomyinmostheart,mytrue!"
  Ah,fool!butthereisoneheartyouShallnevertakehimto!
  Theholdthatfallsnotwhenthetownisgot,Theheart’sheart,whoseimmuredplotHathkeysyourselfkeepnot!
  Itsportsyoucannotburst——youarewithstood—
  ForhimthattoyourlisteningbloodSendspreceptsashewould。
  ItsgatesaredeaftoLove,highsummoner;
  Yea,Love’sgreatwarrantrunsnotthere:
  Youareyourprisoner。
  YourselfarewithyourselfthesoleconsortressInthatunleaguerablefortress;
  ItknowsyounotforportressItskeysareatthecincturehungofGod;
  ItsgatesaretrepidanttoHisnod;
  ByHimitsfloorsaretrod。
  AndifHisfeetshallrockthosefloorsinwrath,OrblestaspersionsleekHispath,Isonlychoiceithath。
  Yea,inthatultimateheart’soccultabodeTolieasinanoublietteofGod,Orasaboweruntrod,BuiltbyasecretLoverforHisSpouse;—
  Solechoiceisthisyourlifeallows,Sadtree,whoseperishingboughsSofewbirdshouse!
  DREAM—TRYST
  ThebreathsofkissingnightanddayWeremingledintheeasternHeaven:
  ThrobbingwithunheardmelodyShookLyraallitsstar—chordseven:
  Whenduskshrunkcold,andlighttrodshy,Anddawn’sgreyeyesweretroubledgrey;
  Andsoulswentpalelyupthesky,AndminetoLucide。
  TherewasnochangeinhersweeteyesSincelastIsawthosesweeteyesshine;
  TherewasnochangeinherdeepheartSincelastthatdeepheartknockedatmine。
  Hereyeswereclear,hereyeswereHope’s,WhereindidevercomeandgoThesparkleofthefountain—dropsFromhersweetsoulbelow。
  ThechambersinthehouseofdreamsArefedwithsodivineanair,ThatTime’shoarwingsgrowyoungtherein,Andtheywhowalktherearemostfair。
  Ijoyedforme,Ijoyedforher,WhowiththePastmeetgirtabout:
  Whereourlastkissstillwarmstheair,Norcanhereyesgoout。
  ACORYMBUSFORAUTUMN
  Hearkenmychant,’tisAsaBacchante’s,Agrape—spurt,avine—splash,atossedtress,flownvaunt’tis!
  Suffermysinging,GipsyofSeasons,erethougowinging;
  EreWinterthrowsHisslakingsnowsInthyfeasting—flagon’simpurpurateglows!
  Thesoppedsun——toperaseverdrankhard—
  Staresfoolish,hazed,Rubicund,dazed,TottywiththineOctobertankard。
  Tannedmaiden!withcheekslikeapplesrusset,Andbreastabrownagaricfaint—flushingattip,Andamouthtooredforthemoontobussit,Buthercheekunvowitsvestalship;
  ThymistsenclipHersteel—clearcircuitilluminous,UntilitcrustRubiginousWiththegloriousgulesofaglowingrust。
  Farothersawwe,otherindeed,Thecrescentmoon,intheMay—daysdead,FlyupwithitsslenderwhitewingsspreadOutofitsnestinthesea’swavedmead!
  Howaretheveinsofthee,Autumn,laden?
  Umberedjuices,AndpulpedoozesPappyoutofthecherry—bruises,Froththeveinsofthee,wild,wildmaiden!
  WithhairthatmustersInglobedclusters,Intumblingclusters,likeswarthygrapes,Roundthybrowandthineearso’ershaden;
  Withtheburningdarknessofeyeslikepansies,LikevelvetpansiesWherethroughescapesThesplendidmightofthyconflagratefancies;
  Withrobegold—tawnynothidingtheshapesOfthefeetwhereuntoitfallethdown,Thynakedfeetunsandalled;
  Withrobegold—tawnythatdoesnotveilFeetwheretheredIsmeshedinthebrown,LikearubiedsuninaVenice—sail。