Hush！noexclaim—yet，justlymightstthoucall
　　Cursesuponhishead.—Iwashalfglad，
　　Butmypoormistresswentdistractandmad，
　　Whentheboartusk’dhim：soawaysheflew
　　ToJove’shighthrone，andbyherplainingsdrew
　　Immortaltear—dropsdownthethunderer’sbeard;
　　Whereon，itwasdecreedheshouldberear’d
　　Eachsummertimetolife.Lo！thisishe，
　　ThatsameAdonis，safeintheprivacy
　　Ofthisstillregionallhiswinter—sleep.
　　Aye，sleep;forwhenourlove—sickqueendidweep
　　Overhiswanedcorse，thetremulousshower
　　Heal’dupthewound，and，withabalmypower，
　　Medicineddeathtoalengtheneddrowsiness：
　　Thewhichshefillswithvisions，anddothdress
　　Inallthisquietluxury;andhathset
　　Usyoungimmortals，withoutanylet，
　　Towatchhisslumberthrough.’Tiswellnighpass’d，
　　Eventoamoment’sfillingup，andfast
　　Shescudswithsummerbreezes，topantthrough
　　Thefirstlongkiss，warmfirstling，torenew
　　Embower’dsportsinCytherea’sisle.
　　Look！howthosewingedlistenersallthiswhile
　　Standanxious：see！behold！"—Thisclamantword
　　Brokethroughthecarefulsilence;fortheyheard
　　Arustlingnoiseofleaves，andoutthereflutter’d
　　Pigeonsanddoves：Adonissomethingmutter’d
　　Thewhileonehand，thaterstuponhisthigh
　　Laydormant，mov’dconvuls’dandgradually
　　Uptohisforehead.Thentherewasahum
　　Ofsuddenvoices，echoing，"Come！come！
　　Arise！awake！Clearsummerhasforthwalk’d
　　Untotheclover—sward，andshehastalk’d
　　Fullsoothinglytoeverynestedfinch：
　　Rise，Cupids！orwe’llgivetheblue—bellpinch
　　Toyourdimpledarms.Oncemoresweetlifebegin！"
　　Atthis，fromeverysidetheyhurriedin，
　　Rubbingtheirsleepyeyeswithlazywrists，
　　Anddoublingoverheadtheirlittlefists
　　Inbackwardyawns.Butallweresoonalive：
　　Forasdeliciouswinedoth，sparkling，dive
　　Innectar’dcloudsandcurlsthroughwaterfair，
　　Sofromthearbourroofdownswell’danair
　　Odorousandenlivening;makingall
　　Tolaugh，andplay，andsing，andloudlycall
　　Fortheirsweetqueen：whenlo！thewreathedgreen
　　Disparted，andfarupwardcouldbeseen
　　Blueheaven，andasilvercar，air—borne，
　　Whosesilentwheels，freshwetfromcloudsofmorn，
　　Spunoffadrizzlingdew，—whichfallingchill
　　OnsoftAdonis’shoulders，madehimstill
　　Nestleandturnuneasilyabout.
　　Soonwerethewhitedovesplain，withneckstretch’dout，
　　Andsilkentraceslighten’dindescent;
　　Andsoon，returningfromlove’sbanishment，
　　QueenVenusleaningdownwardopenarm’d：
　　Hershadowfelluponhisbreast，andcharm’d
　　Atumulttohisheart，andanewlife
　　Intohiseyes.Ah，miserablestrife，
　　Butforhercomforting！unhappysight，
　　Butmeetingherblueorbs！Who，whocanwrite
　　Ofthesefirstminutes？Theunchariestmuse
　　Toembracementswarmastheirsmakescoyexcuse.
　　Oithasruffledeveryspiritthere，
　　SavingLove’sself，whostandssuperbtoshare
　　Thegeneralgladness：awfullyhestands;
　　Asovereignquellisinhiswavinghands;
　　Nosightcanbearthelightningofhisbow;
　　Hisquiverismysterious，nonecanknow
　　Whatthemselvesthinkofit;fromforthhiseyes
　　Theredartsstrangelightofvariedhuesanddyes：
　　Ascowlissometimesonhisbrow，butwho
　　Lookfulluponitfeelanontheblue
　　Ofhisfaireyesrunliquidthroughtheirsouls.
　　Endymionfeelsit，andnomorecontrols
　　Theburningprayerwithinhim;so，bentlow，
　　Hehadbegunaplainingofhiswoe.
　　ButVenus，bendingforward，said："Mychild，
　　Favourthisgentleyouth;hisdaysarewild
　　Withlove—he—butalas！toowellIsee
　　Thouknow’stthedeepnessofhismisery.
　　Ah，smilenotso，myson：Itelltheetrue，
　　ThatwhenthroughheavyhoursIusedtorue
　　Theendlesssleepofthisnew—bornAdon’，
　　ThisstrangerayeIpitied.Forupon
　　AdrearymorningonceIfledaway
　　Intothebreezyclouds，toweepandpray
　　Forthismylove：forvexingMarshadteaz’d
　　Meeventotears：thence，whenalittleeas’d，
　　Down—looking，vacant，throughahazywood，
　　Isawthisyouthashedespairingstood：
　　Thosesamedarkcurlsblownvagrantinthewind;
　　Thosesamefullfringedlidsaconstantblind
　　Overhissulleneyes：Isawhimthrow
　　Himselfonwither’dleaves，evenasthough
　　Deathhadcomesudden;fornojothemov’d，
　　Yetmutter’dwildly.Icouldhearhelov’d
　　Somefairimmortal，andthathisembrace
　　Hadzonedherthroughthenight.Thereisnotrace
　　Ofthisinheaven：Ihavemark’deachcheek，
　　Andfinditisthevainestthingtoseek;
　　Andthatofallthings’tiskeptsecretest.
　　Endymion！onedaythouwiltbeblest：
　　Sostillobeytheguidinghandthatfends
　　Theesafelythroughthesewondersforsweetends.
　　’Tisaconcealmentneedfulinextreme;
　　AndifIguess’dnotso，thesunnybeam
　　Thoushouldstmountuptowithme.Nowadieu！
　　Heremustweleavethee."—Atthesewordsupflew
　　Theimpatientdoves，uprosethefloatingcar，
　　Upwentthehumcelestial.Highafar
　　TheLatmiansawthemminishintonaught;
　　And，whenallwereclearvanish’d，stillhecaught
　　Avividlightningfromthatdreadfulbow.
　　Whenallwasdarkened，withAEtneanthroe
　　Theearthclos’d—gaveasolitarymoan—
　　Andlefthimonceagainintwilightlone.
　　Hedidnotrave，hedidnotstareaghast，
　　Forallthosevisionswereo’ergone，andpast，
　　Andheinloneliness：hefeltassur’d
　　Ofhappytimes，whenallhehadendur’d
　　Wouldseemafeathertothemightyprize.
　　So，withunusualgladness，onhehies
　　Throughcaves，andpalacesofmottledore，
　　Golddome，andcrystalwall，andturquoisfloor，
　　Blackpolish’dporticosofawfulshade，
　　And，atthelast，adiamondbalustrade，
　　Leadingafarpastwildmagnificence，
　　Spiralthroughruggedestloopholes，andthence
　　Stretchingacrossavoid，thenguidingo’er
　　Enormouschasms，where，allfoamandroar，
　　Streamssubterraneanteazetheirgranitebeds;
　　Thenheighten’djustabovethesilveryheads
　　Ofathousandfountains，sothathecoulddash
　　Thewaterswithhisspear;butatthesplash，
　　Doneheedlessly，thosespoutingcolumnsrose
　　Suddenapoplar’sheight，and’gantoenclose
　　Hisdiamondpathwithfretwork，streaminground
　　Alive，anddazzlingcool，andwithasound，
　　Haply，likedolphintumults，whensweetshells
　　WelcomethefloatofThetis.Longhedwells
　　Onthisdelight;for，everyminute’sspace，
　　Thestreamswithchangedmagicinterlace：
　　Sometimeslikedelicatestlattices，
　　Cover’dwithcrystalvines;thenweepingtrees.
　　Movingaboutasinagentlewind，
　　Which，inawink，towaterygauzerefin’d，
　　Pour’dintoshapesofcurtain’dcanopies，
　　Spangled，andrichwithliquidbroideries
　　Offlowers，peacocks，swans，andnaiadsfair.
　　Swifterthanlightningwentthesewondersrare;
　　Andthenthewater，intostubbornstreams
　　Collecting，mimick’dthewroughtoakenbeams，
　　Pillars，andfrieze，andhighfantasticroof，
　　Ofthoseduskplacesintimesfaraloof
　　Cathedralscall’d.Hebadealothfarewell
　　TothesefountsProtean，passinggulph，anddell，
　　Andtorrent，andtenthousandjuttingshapes，
　　Halfseenthroughdeepestgloom，andgrieslygapes，
　　Blackeningoneveryside，andoverhead
　　AvaulteddomelikeHeaven’s，farbespread
　　Withstarlightgems：aye，allsohugeandstrange，
　　Thesolitaryfeltahurriedchange
　　Workingwithinhimintosomethingdreary，—
　　Vex’dlikeamorningeagle，lost，andweary，
　　Andpurblindamidfoggy，midnightwolds.
　　Butherevivesatonce：forwhobeholds
　　Newsuddenthings，norcastshismentalslough？
　　Forthfromaruggedarch，intheduskbelow，
　　CamemotherCybele！alone—alone—
　　Insombrechariot;darkfoldingsthrown
　　Abouthermajesty，andfrontdeath—pale，
　　Withturretscrown’d.Fourmanedlionshale
　　Thesluggishwheels;solemntheirtoothedmaws，
　　Theirsurlyeyesbrow—hidden，heavypaws
　　Uplifteddrowsily，andnervytails
　　Coweringtheirtawnybrushes.Silentsails
　　Thisshadowyqueenathwart，andfaintsaway
　　Inanothergloomyarch.
　　Whereforedelay，
　　Youngtraveller，insuchamournfulplace？
　　Artthouwayworn，orcanstnotfurthertrace
　　Thediamondpath？Anddoesitindeedend
　　Abruptinmiddleair？Yetearthwardbend
　　Thyforehead，andtoJupitercloud—borne
　　Callardently！Hewasindeedwayworn;
　　Abrupt，inmiddleair，hiswaywaslost;
　　Tocloud—borneJovehebowed，andtherecrost
　　Towardshimalargeeagle，’twixtwhosewings，
　　Withoutoneimpiousword，himselfheflings，
　　Committedtothedarknessandthegloom：
　　Down，down，uncertaintowhatpleasantdoom，
　　Swiftasafathomingplummetdownhefell
　　Throughunknownthings;tillexhaledasphodel，
　　Androse，withspicyfanningsinterbreath’d，
　　Cameswellingforthwherelittlecaveswerewreath’d
　　Sothickwithleavesandmosses，thattheyseem’d
　　Largehoney—combsofgreen，andfreshlyteem’d
　　Withairsdelicious.Inthegreenestnook
　　Theeaglelandedhim，andfarewelltook.
　　Itwasajasminebower，allbestrown
　　Withgoldenmoss.Hiseverysensehadgrown
　　Etherealforpleasure;’bovehishead
　　Flewadelighthalf—graspable;histread
　　WasHesperean;tohiscapableears
　　Silencewasmusicfromtheholyspheres;
　　Adewyluxurywasinhiseyes;
　　Thelittleflowersfelthispleasantsighs
　　Andstirr’dthemfaintly.Verdantcaveandcell
　　Hewander’dthrough，oftwonderingatsuchswell
　　Ofsuddenexaltation：but，"Alas！"
　　Saidhe，"willallthisgushoffeelingpass
　　Awayinsolitude？Andmusttheywane，
　　Likemelodiesuponasandyplain，
　　Withoutanecho？ThenshallIbeleft
　　Sosad，somelancholy，sobereft！
　　YetstillIfeelimmortal！Omylove，
　　Mybreathoflife，whereartthou？Highabove，
　　Dancingbeforethemorninggatesofheaven？
　　Orkeepingwatchamongthosestarryseven，
　　OldAtlas’children？Artamaidofthewaters，
　　Oneofshell—windingTriton’sbright—hair’ddaughters？
　　Orart，impossible！anymphofDian’s，
　　Weavingacoronaloftenderscions
　　Forveryidleness？Where’erthouart，
　　Methinksitnowisatmywilltostart
　　Intothinearms;toscareAurora’strain，
　　Andsnatchtheefromthemorning;o’erthemain
　　Toscudlikeawildbird，andtaketheeoff
　　Fromthysea—foamycradle;ortodoff
　　Thyshepherdvest，andwootheemidfreshleaves.
　　No，no，tooeagerlymysouldeceives
　　Itspowerlessself：Iknowthiscannotbe.
　　Oletmethenbysomesweetdreamingflee
　　Toherentrancements：hither，Sleep，awhile！
　　Hither，mostgentleSleep！andsoothingfoil
　　Forsomefewhoursthecomingsolitude."
　　Thusspakehe，andthatmomentfeltendued
　　Withpowertodreamdeliciously;sowound
　　Throughadimpassage，searchingtillhefound
　　Thesmoothestmossybedanddeepest，where
　　Hethrewhimself，andjustintotheair
　　Stretchinghisindolentarms，hetook，Obliss！
　　Anakedwaist："FairCupid，whenceisthis？"
　　Awell—knownvoicesigh’d，"Sweetest，hereamI！"
　　Atwhichsoftravishment，withdotingcry
　　Theytrembledtoeachother.—Helicon！
　　Ofountain’dhill！OldHomer’sHelicon！
　　Thatthouwouldstspoutalittlestreamleto’er
　　Thesesorrypages;thentheversewouldsoar
　　Andsingabovethisgentlepair，likelark
　　Overhisnestedyoung：butallisdark
　　Aroundthineagedtop，andthyclearfount
　　Exhalesinmiststoheaven.Aye，thecount
　　OfmightyPoetsismadeup;thescroll
　　IsfoldedbytheMuses;thebrightroll
　　IsinApollo’shand：ourdazedeyes
　　Haveseenanewtingeinthewesternskies：
　　Theworldhasdoneitsduty.Yet，ohyet，
　　Althoughthesunofpoesyisset，
　　Theseloversdidembrace，andwemustweep
　　Thatthereisnooldpowerlefttosteep
　　Aquillimmortalintheirjoyoustears.
　　Longtimeinsilencedidtheiranxiousfears
　　Questionthatthusitwas;longtimetheylay
　　Fondlingandkissingeverydoubtaway;
　　Longtimeeresoftcaressingsobsbegan
　　Tomellowintowords，andthenthereran
　　Twobubblingspringsoftalkfromtheirsweetlips.
　　"OknownUnknown！fromwhommybeingsips
　　Suchdarlingessence，whereforemayInot
　　Beeverinthesearms？inthissweetspot
　　Pillowmychinforever？everpress
　　Thesetoyinghandsandkisstheirsmoothexcess？
　　Whynotforeverandforeverfeel
　　Thatbreathaboutmyeyes？Ah，thouwiltsteal
　　Awayfrommeagain，indeed，indeed—
　　Thouwiltbegoneaway，andwiltnotheed
　　Mylonelymadness.Speak，deliciousfair！
　　Is—isittobeso？No！Whowilldare
　　Toplucktheefromme？And，ofthineownwill，
　　FullwellIfeelthouwouldstnotleaveme.Still
　　Letmeentwinetheesurer，surer—now
　　Howcanwepart？Elysium！whoartthou？
　　Who，thatthoucanstnotbeforeverhere，
　　Orliftmewiththeetosomestarrysphere？
　　Enchantress！tellmebythissoftembrace，
　　Bythemostsoftcompletionofthyface，
　　Thoselips，Oslipperyblisses，twinklingeyes
　　Andbythesetenderest，milkysovereignties—
　　Thesetenderest，andbythenectar—wine，
　　Thepassion"—"Odov’dIdathedivine！
　　Endymion！dearest！Ah，unhappyme！
　　Hissoulwill’scapeus—Ofelicity！
　　Howhedoesloveme！Hispoortemplesbeat
　　Totheverytuneoflove—howsweet，sweet，sweet.
　　Revive，dearyouth，orIshallfaintanddie;
　　Revive，orthesesofthourswillhurryby
　　Intranceddulness;speak，andletthatspell
　　Affrightthislethargy！Icannotquell
　　Itsheavypressure，andwillpressatleast
　　Mylipstothine，thattheymayrichlyfeast
　　Untilwetastethelifeofloveagain.
　　What！dostthoumove？dostkiss？Obliss！Opain！
　　Ilovethee，youth，morethanIcanconceive;
　　Andsolongabsencefromtheedothbereave
　　Mysoulofanyrest：yetmustIhence：
　　Yet，canInottostarryeminence
　　Upliftthee;norforveryshamecanown
　　Myselftothee：Ah，dearest，donotgroan
　　Orthouwiltforcemefromthissecrecy，
　　AndImustblushinheaven.OthatI
　　Haddone’talready;thatthedreadfulsmiles
　　Atmylostbrightness，myimpassion’dwiles，
　　HadwanedfromOlympus’solemnheight，
　　AndfromallseriousGods;thatourdelight
　　Wasquiteforgotten，saveofusalone！
　　Andwhereforesoashamed？’Tisbuttoatone
　　Forendlesspleasure，bysomecowardblushes：
　　YetmustIbeacoward！—Horrorrushes
　　Toopalpablebeforeme—thesadlook
　　OfJove—Minerva’sstart—nobosomshook
　　Withaweofpurity—noCupidpinion
　　Inreverencevailed—mycrystallinedominion
　　Halflost，andalloldhymnsmadenullity！
　　Butwhatisthistolove？OIcouldfly
　　Withtheeintothekenofheavenlypowers，
　　Sothouwouldstthus，formanysequenthours，
　　Pressmesosweetly.NowIswearatonce
　　ThatIamwise，thatPallasisadunce—
　　Perhapsherlovelikemineisbutunknown—
　　OIdothinkthatIhavebeenalone
　　Inchastity：yes，Pallashasbeensighing，
　　Whileeveryevesawmemyhairuptying
　　Withfingerscoolasaspenleaves.Sweetlove，
　　Iwasasvagueassolitarydove，
　　Norknewthatnestswerebuilt.Nowasoftkiss—
　　Aye，bythatkiss，Ivowanendlessbliss，
　　Animmortalityofpassion’sthine：
　　ErelongIwillexalttheetotheshine
　　Ofheavenambrosial;andwewillshade
　　Ourselveswholesummersbyariverglade;
　　AndIwilltelltheestoriesofthesky，
　　Andbreathetheewhispersofitsminstrelsy.
　　Myhappylovewilloverwingallbounds！
　　Oletmemeltintothee;letthesounds
　　Ofourclosevoicesmarryattheirbirth;
　　Letusentwinehoveringly—Odearth
　　Ofhumanwords！roughnessofmortalspeech！
　　LispingsempyreanwillIsometimeteach
　　Thinehoniedtongue—lute—breathings，whichIgasp
　　Tohavetheeunderstand，nowwhileIclasp
　　Theethus，andweepforfondness—Iampain’d，
　　Endymion：woe！woe！isgriefcontain’d
　　Intheverydeepsofpleasure，mysolelife？"—
　　Hereat，withmanysobs，hergentlestrife
　　Meltedintoalanguor.Hereturn’d
　　Entrancedvowsandtears.
　　Yewhohaveyearn’d
　　Withtoomuchpassion，willherestayandpity，
　　Forthemeresakeoftruth;as’tisaditty
　　Notofthesedays，butlongago’twastold
　　Byacavernwinduntoaforestold;
　　Andthentheforesttolditinadream
　　Toasleepinglake，whosecoolandlevelgleam
　　Apoetcaughtashewasjourneying
　　ToPhoebus’shrine;andinithedidfling
　　Hiswearylimbs，bathinganhour’sspace，
　　Andafter，straightinthatinspiredplace
　　Hesangthestoryupintotheair，
　　Givingituniversalfreedom.There
　　Hasitbeeneversoundingforthoseears
　　Whosetipsareglowinghot.Thelegendcheers
　　Yoncentinelstars;andhewholistenstoit
　　Mustsurelybeself—doom’dorhewillrueit：
　　Forquenchlessburningscomeupontheheart，
　　Madefiercerbyafearlestanypart
　　Shouldbeengulphedintheeddyingwind.
　　Asmuchashereispenn’ddothalwaysfind
　　Arestingplace，thusmuchcomesclearandplain;
　　Anonthestrangevoiceisuponthewane—
　　And’tisbutecho’dfromdepartingsound，
　　Thatthefairvisitantatlastunwound
　　Hergentlelimbs，andlefttheyouthasleep.—
　　Thusthetraditionofthegustydeep.
　　Nowturnwetoourformerchroniclers.—
　　Endymionawoke，thatgriefofhers
　　Sweetpainingonhisear：hesicklyguess’d
　　Howlonehewasoncemore，andsadlypress’d
　　Hisemptyarmstogether，hunghishead，
　　Andmostforlornuponthatwidow’dbed
　　Satsilently.Love’smadnesshehadknown：
　　Oftenwithmorethantorturedlion’sgroan
　　Moaningshadburstfromhim;butnowthatrage
　　Hadpass’daway：nolongerdidhewage
　　Arough—voic’dwaragainstthedoomingstars.
　　No，hehadfelttoomuchforsuchharshjars：
　　ThelyreofhissoulAEoliantun’d
　　Forgotallviolence，andbutcommun’d
　　Withmelancholythought：Ohehadswoon’d
　　Drunkenfrompleasure’snipple;andhislove
　　Henceforthwasdove—like.—Lothwashetomove
　　Fromtheimprintedcouch，andwhenhedid，
　　’Twaswithslow，languidpaces，andfacehid
　　Inmufflinghands.Sotemper’d，outhestray’d
　　Halfseeingvisionsthatmighthavedismay’d
　　Alecto’sserpents;ravishmentsmorekeen
　　ThanHermes’pipe，whenanxioushedidlean
　　Overeclipsingeyes：andatthelast
　　Itwasasoundinggrotto，vaulted，vast，
　　O’erstuddedwithathousand，thousandpearls，
　　Andcrimsonmouthedshellswithstubborncurls，
　　Ofeveryshapeandsize，eventothebulk
　　Inwhichwhalesarbourclose，tobroodandsulk
　　Againstanendlessstorm.Moreovertoo，
　　Fish—semblances，ofgreenandazurehue，
　　Readytosnorttheirstreams.Inthiscoolwonder
　　Endymionsatdown，and’gantoponder
　　Onallhislife：hisyouth，uptotheday
　　When’midacclaim，andfeasts，andgarlandsgay，
　　Hesteptuponhisshepherdthrone：thelook
　　Ofhiswhitepalaceinwildforestnook，
　　Andalltherevelshehadlordedthere：
　　Eachtendermaidenwhomheoncethoughtfair，
　　Witheveryfriendandfellow—woodlander—
　　Pass’dlikeadreambeforehim.Thenthespur
　　Oftheoldbardstomightydeeds：hisplans
　　Tonursethegoldenage’mongshepherdclans：
　　Thatwondrousnight：thegreatPan—festival：
　　Hissister’ssorrow;andhiswanderingsall，
　　Untilintotheearth’sdeepmawherush’d：
　　Thenallitsburiedmagic，tillitflush’d
　　Highwithexcessivelove."Andnow，"thoughthe，
　　"HowlongmustIremaininjeopardy
　　Ofblankamazementsthatamazenomore？
　　NowIhavetastedhersweetsoultothecore
　　Allotherdepthsareshallow：essences，
　　Oncespiritual，arelikemuddylees，
　　Meantbuttofertilizemyearthlyroot，
　　Andmakemybranchesliftagoldenfruit
　　Intothebloomofheaven：otherlight，
　　Thoughitbequickandsharpenoughtoblight
　　TheOlympianeagle’svision，isdark，
　　Darkastheparentageofchaos.Hark！
　　Mysilentthoughtsareechoingfromtheseshells;
　　Ortheyarebuttheghosts，thedyingswells
　　Ofnoisesfaraway？—list！"—Hereupon
　　Hekeptananxiousear.Thehummingtone
　　Camelouder，andbehold，thereashelay，
　　Oneithersideoutgush’d，withmistyspray，
　　Acopiousspring;andbothtogetherdash’d
　　Swift，mad，fantasticroundtherocksandlash’d
　　Amongtheconchsandshellsoftheloftygrot，
　　Leavingatricklingdew.Atlasttheyshot
　　Downfromtheceiling’sheight，pouringanoise
　　Asofsomebreathlessracerswhosehopespoize
　　Uponthelastfewsteps，andwithspentforce
　　Alongthegroundtheytookawindingcourse.
　　Endymionfollow’d—foritseem’dthatone
　　Everpursued，theotherstrovetoshun—
　　Follow’dtheirlanguidmazes，tillwellnigh
　　Hehadleftthinkingofthemystery，—
　　Andwasnowraptintenderhoverings
　　Overthevanish’dbliss.Ah！whatisitsings
　　Hisdreamaway？Whatmelodiesarethese？
　　Theysoundasthroughthewhisperingoftrees，
　　Notnativeinsuchbarrenvaults.Giveear！
　　"OArethusa，peerlessnymph！whyfear
　　Suchtendernessasmine？GreatDian，why，
　　Whydidstthouhearherprayer？OthatI
　　Wereripplingroundherdaintyfairnessnow，
　　Circlingaboutherwaist，andstrivinghow
　　Toenticehertoadive！thenstealingin
　　Betweenherlusciouslipsandeyelidsthin.
　　Othathershininghairwasinthesun，
　　AndIdistillingfromitthencetorun
　　Inamorousrilletsdownhershrinkingform！
　　Tolingeronherlillyshoulders，warm
　　Betweenherkissingbreasts，andeverycharm
　　Touchraptur’d！—SeehowpainfullyIflow：
　　Fairmaid，bepitifultomygreatwoe.
　　Stay，staythywearycourse，andletmelead，
　　Ahappywooer，totheflowerymead
　　Whereallthatbeautysnar’dme."—"Cruelgod，
　　Desist！ormyoffendedmistress’nod
　　Willstagnateallthyfountains：—teazemenot
　　Withsyrenwords—Ah，haveIreallygot
　　Suchpowertomaddenthee？Andisittrue—
　　Away，away，orIshalldearlyrue
　　Myverythoughts：inmercythenaway，
　　KindestAlpheus，forshouldIobey
　　Myowndearwill，’twouldbeadeadlybane.
　　O，Oread—Queen！wouldthatthouhadstapain
　　Likethisofmine，thenwouldIfearlessturn
　　Andbeacriminal.Alas，Iburn，
　　Ishudder—gentleriver，gettheehence.
　　Alpheus！thouenchanter！everysense
　　Ofminewasoncemadeperfectinthesewoods.
　　Freshbreezes，bowerylawns，andinnocentfloods，
　　Ripefruits，andlonelycouch，contentmentgave;
　　ButeversinceIheedlesslydidlave
　　Inthydeceitfulstream，apantingglow
　　Grewstrongwithinme：whereforeservemeso，
　　Andcallitlove？Alas，’twascruelty.
　　NotoncemoredidIclosemyhappyeye
　　Amidthethrushes’song.Away！Avaunt！
　　O’twasacruelthing."—"Nowthoudosttaunt
　　Sosoftly，Arethusa，thatIthink
　　Ifthouwastplayingonmyshadybrink，
　　Thouwouldstbatheonceagain.Innocentmaid！
　　Stiflethineheartnomore;norbeafraid
　　Ofangrypowers：therearedeities
　　Willshadeuswiththeirwings.Thosefitfulsighs
　　’Tisalmostdeathtohear：Oletmepour
　　Adewybalmuponthem！—fearnomore，
　　SweetArethusa！Dian’sselfmustfeel
　　Sometimetheseverypangs.Dearmaiden，steal
　　Blushingintomysoul，andletusfly
　　Thesedrearycavernsfortheopensky.
　　Iwilldelighttheeallmywindingcourse，
　　Fromthegreenseauptomyhiddensource
　　AboutArcadianforests;andwillshow
　　Thechannelswheremycoolestwatersflow
　　Throughmossyrocks;where，’midexuberantgreen，
　　Iroaminpleasantdarkness，moreunseen
　　ThanSaturninhisexile;whereIbrim
　　Roundfloweryislands，andtakethenceaskim
　　Ofmealysweets，whichmyriadsofbees
　　Buzzfromtheirhoney’dwings：andthoushouldstplease
　　Thyselftochoosetherichest，wherewemight
　　Beincense—pillow’deverysummernight.
　　Doffallsadfears，thouwhitedeliciousness，
　　Andletusbethuscomforted;unless
　　Thoucouldstrejoicetoseemyhopelessstream
　　HurrydistractedfromSol’stemperatebeam，
　　Andpourtodeathalongsomehungrysands."—
　　"WhatcanIdo，Alpheus？Dianstands
　　Severebeforeme：persecutingfate！
　　UnhappyArethusa！thouwastlate
　　Ahuntressfreein"—Atthis，suddenfell
　　Thosetwosadstreamsadownafearfuldell.
　　TheLatmianlisten’d，butheheardnomore，
　　Saveecho，faintrepeatingo’erando’er
　　ThenameofArethusa.Ontheverge
　　Ofthatdarkgulphhewept，andsaid："Iurge
　　Thee，gentleGoddessofmypilgrimage，
　　Byoureternalhopes，tosoothe，toassuage，
　　Ifthouartpowerful，theselovers’pains;
　　Andmakethemhappyinsomehappyplains."
　　Heturn’d—therewasawhelmingsound—hestept，
　　Therewasacoolerlight;andsohekept
　　Towardsitbyasandypath，andlo！
　　Moresuddenlythandothamomentgo，
　　Thevisionsoftheearthweregoneandfled—
　　Hesawthegiantseaabovehishead.
　　BOOKIII.
　　Therearewholordito’ertheirfellow—men
　　Withmostprevailingtinsel：whounpen
　　Theirbaaingvanities，tobrowseaway
　　Thecomfortablegreenandjuicyhay
　　Fromhumanpastures;or，Otorturingfact！
　　Who，throughanidiotblink，willseeunpack’d
　　Fire—brandedfoxestosearupandsinge
　　Ourgoldandripe—ear’dhopes.Withnotonetinge
　　Ofsanctuarysplendour，notasight
　　Abletofaceanowl’s，theystillaredight
　　Bytheblear—eyednationsinempurpledvests，
　　Andcrowns，andturbans.Withunladenbreasts，
　　Saveofblownself—applause，theyproudlymount
　　Totheirspirit’sperch，theirbeing’shighaccount，
　　Theirtiptopnothings，theirdullskies，theirthrones—
　　Amidthefierceintoxicatingtones
　　Oftrumpets，shoutings，andbelabour’ddrums，
　　Andsuddencannon.Ah！howallthishums，
　　Inwakefulears，likeuproarpastandgone—
　　LikethundercloudsthatspaketoBabylon，
　　AndsetthoseoldChaldeanstotheirtasks.—
　　Arethenregalitiesallgildedmasks？
　　No，therearethronedseatsunscalable
　　Butbyapatientwing，aconstantspell，
　　Orbyetherealthingsthat，unconfin’d，
　　Canmakealadderoftheeternalwind，
　　Andpoizeaboutincloudythunder—tents
　　Towatchtheabysm—birthofelements.
　　Aye，’bovethewitheringofold—lipp’dFate
　　AthousandPowerskeepreligiousstate，
　　Inwater，fieryrealm，andairybourne;
　　And，silentasaconsecratedurn，
　　Holdspherysessionsforaseasondue.
　　Yetfewofthesefarmajesties，ah，few！
　　Havebaredtheiroperationstothisglobe—
　　Few，whowithgorgeouspageantryenrobe
　　Ourpieceofheaven—whosebenevolence
　　ShakeshandwithourownCeres;everysense
　　Fillingwithspiritualsweetstoplenitude，
　　Asbeesgorgefulltheircells.And，bythefeud
　　’TwixtNothingandCreation，Ihereswear，
　　EterneApollo！thatthySisterfair
　　Isofallthesethegentlier—mightiest.
　　Whenthygoldbreathismistinginthewest，
　　Sheunobservedstealsuntoherthrone，
　　Andthereshesitsmostmeekandmostalone;
　　Asifshehadnotpompsubservient;
　　Asifthineeye，highPoet！wasnotbent
　　TowardsherwiththeMusesinthineheart;
　　Asiftheministringstarskeptnotapart，
　　Waitingforsilver—footedmessages.
　　OMoon！theoldestshades’mongoldesttrees
　　Feelpalpitationswhenthoulookestin：
　　OMoon！oldboughslispforthaholierdin
　　Thewhiletheyfeelthineairyfellowship.
　　Thoudostblesseverywhere，withsilverlip
　　Kissingdeadthingstolife.Thesleepingkine，
　　Couch’dinthybrightness，dreamoffieldsdivine：
　　Innumerablemountainsrise，andrise，
　　Ambitiousforthehallowingofthineeyes;
　　Andyetthybenedictionpassethnot
　　Oneobscurehiding—place，onelittlespot
　　Wherepleasuremaybesent：thenestedwren
　　Hasthyfairfacewithinitstranquilken，
　　Andfrombeneathashelteringivyleaf
　　Takesglimpsesofthee;thouartarelief
　　Tothepoorpatientoyster，whereitsleeps
　　Withinitspearlyhouse.—Themightydeeps，
　　Themonstrousseaisthine—themyriadsea！
　　OMoon！far—spoomingOceanbowstothee，
　　AndTellusfeelshisforehead’scumbrousload.
　　Cynthia！whereartthounow？Whatfarabode
　　Ofgreenorsilverybowerdothenshrine
　　Suchutmostbeauty？Alas，thoudostpine
　　Foroneassorrowful：thycheekispale
　　Foronewhosecheekispale：thoudostbewail
　　Histears，whoweepsforthee.Wheredostthousigh？
　　Ah！surelythatlightpeepsfromVesper’seye，
　　Orwhatathingislove！’TisShe，butlo！
　　Howchang’d，howfullofache，howgoneinwoe！
　　Shediesatthethinnestcloud;herloveliness
　　IswanonNeptune’sblue：yetthere’sastress
　　Oflove—spangles，justoffyoncapeoftrees，
　　Dancinguponthewaves，asiftoplease
　　Thecurlyfoamwithamorousinfluence.
　　O，notsoidle：fordown—glancingthence
　　Shefathomseddies，andrunswildabout
　　O’erwhelmingwater—courses;scaringout
　　Thethornysharksfromhiding—holes，andfright’ning
　　Theirsavageeyeswithunaccustom’dlightning.
　　Wherewillthesplendourbecontenttoreach？
　　Olove！howpotenthastthoubeentoteach
　　Strangejourneyings！Whereverbeautydwells，
　　Ingulphoraerie，mountainsordeepdells，
　　Inlight，ingloom，instarorblazingsun，
　　Thoupointestouttheway，andstraight’tiswon.
　　Amidhistoilthougav’stLeanderbreath;
　　ThouleddestOrpheusthroughthegleamsofdeath;
　　ThoumadestPlutobearthinelement;
　　Andnow，OwingedChieftain！thouhastsent
　　Amoon—beamtothedeep，deepwater—world，
　　TofindEndymion.
　　Ongoldsandimpearl’d
　　Withlillyshells，andpebblesmilkywhite，
　　PoorCynthiagreetedhim，andsooth’dherlight
　　Againsthispallidface：hefeltthecharm
　　Tobreathlessness，andsuddenlyawarm
　　Ofhisheart’sblood：’twasverysweet;hestay’d
　　Hiswanderingsteps，andhalf—entrancedlaid
　　Hisheaduponatuftofstragglingweeds，
　　Totastethegentlemoon，andfresheningbeads，
　　Lash’dfromthecrystalroofbyfishes’tails.
　　Andsohekept，untiltherosyveils
　　Mantlingtheeast，byAurora’speeringhand
　　Wereliftedfromthewater’sbreast，andfann’d
　　Intosweetair;andsober’dmorningcame
　　Meeklythroughbillows：—whenliketaper—flame
　　Leftsuddenbyadallyingbreathofair，
　　Heroseinsilence，andoncemore’ganfare
　　Alonghisfatedway.
　　Farhadheroam’d，
　　Withnothingsavethehollowvast，thatfoam’d，
　　Above，around，andathisfeet;savethings
　　MoredeadthanMorpheus’imaginings：
　　Oldrustedanchors，helmets，breast—plateslarge
　　Ofgonesea—warriors;brazenbeaksandtarge;
　　Ruddersthatforahundredyearshadlost
　　Theswayofhumanhand;goldvaseemboss’d
　　Withlong—forgottenstory，andwherein
　　Norevellerhadeverdipp’dachin
　　ButthoseofSaturn’svintage;moulderingscrolls，
　　Writinthetongueofheaven，bythosesouls
　　Whofirstwereontheearth;andsculpturesrude
　　Inponderousstone，developingthemood
　　OfancientNox;—thenskeletonsofman，
　　Ofbeast，behemoth，andleviathan，
　　Andelephant，andeagle，andhugejaw
　　Ofnamelessmonster.Acoldleadenawe
　　Thesesecretsstruckintohim;andunless
　　Dianhadchacedawaythatheaviness，
　　Hemighthavedied：butnow，withcheeredfeel，
　　Heonwardkept;wooingthesethoughtstosteal
　　Aboutthelabyrinthinhissouloflove.
　　"Whatisthereinthee，Moon！thatthoushouldstmove
　　Myheartsopotently？Whenyetachild
　　Iofthavedriedmytearswhenthouhastsmil’d.
　　Thouseem’dstmysister：handinhandwewent
　　Fromevetomornacrossthefirmament.
　　NoappleswouldIgatherfromthetree，
　　Tillthouhadstcool’dtheircheeksdeliciously：
　　Notumblingwatereverspakeromance，
　　Butwhenmyeyeswiththinethereoncoulddance：
　　Nowoodsweregreenenough，nobowerdivine，
　　Untilthouliftedstupthineeyelidsfine：
　　Insowingtimene’erwouldIdibbletake，
　　Ordropaseed，tillthouwastwideawake;
　　And，inthesummertideofblossoming，
　　Noonebuttheehathheardmeblithlysing
　　Andmeshmydewyflowersallthenight.
　　Nomelodywaslikeapassingspright
　　Ifitwentnottosolemnizethyreign.
　　Yes，inmyboyhood，everyjoyandpain
　　Bytheewerefashion’dtotheself—sameend;
　　AndasIgrewinyears，stilldidstthoublend
　　Withallmyardours：thouwastthedeepglen;
　　Thouwastthemountain—top—thesage’spen—
　　Thepoet’sharp—thevoiceoffriends—thesun;
　　Thouwasttheriver—thouwastglorywon;
　　Thouwastmyclarion’sblast—thouwastmysteed—
　　Mygobletfullofwine—mytopmostdeed：—
　　Thouwastthecharmofwomen，lovelyMoon！
　　Owhatawildandharmonizedtune
　　Myspiritstruckfromallthebeautiful！
　　OnsomebrightessencecouldIlean，andlull
　　Myselftoimmortality：Iprest
　　Nature’ssoftpillowinawakefulrest.
　　But，gentleOrb！therecameanearerbliss—
　　Mystrangelovecame—Felicity’sabyss！
　　Shecame，andthoudidstfade，andfadeaway—
　　Yetnotentirely;no，thystarrysway
　　Hasbeenanunder—passiontothishour.
　　NowIbegintofeelthineorbypower
　　Iscomingfreshuponme：Obekind，
　　Keepbackthineinfluence，anddonotblind
　　Mysovereignvision.—Dearestlove，forgive
　　ThatIcanthinkawayfromtheeandlive！—
　　Pardonme，airyplanet，thatIprize
　　Onethoughtbeyondthineargentluxuries！
　　Howfarbeyond！"Atthisasurpris’dstart
　　Frostedthespringingverdureofhisheart;
　　Forashelifteduphiseyestoswear
　　Howhisowngoddesswaspastallthingsfair，
　　Hesawfarintheconcavegreenofthesea
　　Anoldmansittingcalmandpeacefully.
　　Uponaweededrockthisoldmansat，
　　Andhiswhitehairwasawful，andamat
　　Ofweedswerecoldbeneathhiscoldthinfeet;
　　And，ampleasthelargestwinding—sheet，
　　Acloakofbluewrapp’duphisagedbones，
　　O’erwroughtwithsymbolsbythedeepestgroans
　　Ofambitiousmagic：everyocean—form
　　Waswoveninwithblackdistinctness;storm，
　　Andcalm，andwhispering，andhideousroar，
　　Quicksand，andwhirlpool，anddesertedshore，
　　Wereemblem’dinthewoof;witheveryshape
　　Thatskims，ordives，orsleeps，’twixtcapeandcape.
　　Thegulphingwhalewaslikeadotinthespell，
　　Yetlookuponit，and’twouldsizeandswell
　　Toitshugeself;andtheminutestfish
　　Wouldpasstheveryhardestgazer’swish，
　　Andshowhislittleeye’sanatomy.
　　Thentherewaspictur’dtheregality
　　OfNeptune;andtheseanymphsroundhisstate，
　　Inbeauteousvassalage，lookupandwait.
　　Besidethisoldmanlayapearlywand，
　　Andinhislapabook，thewhichheconn’d
　　Sostedfastly，thatthenewdenizen
　　Hadtimetokeephiminamazedken，
　　Tomarktheseshadowings，andstandinawe.
　　Theoldmanrais’dhishoaryheadandsaw
　　Thewilder’dstranger—seemingnottosee，
　　Hisfeaturesweresolifeless.Suddenly
　　Hewokeasfromatrance;hissnow—whitebrows
　　Wentarchingup，andliketwomagicploughs
　　Furrow’ddeepwrinklesinhisforeheadlarge，
　　Whichkeptasfixedlyasrockymarge，
　　Tillroundhiswither’dlipshadgoneasmile.
　　Thenupherose，likeonewhosetedioustoil
　　Hadwatch’dforyearsinforlornhermitage，
　　Whohadnotfrommid—lifetoutmostage
　　Eas’dinoneaccenthiso’er—burden’dsoul，
　　Eventothetrees.Herose：hegrasp’dhisstole，
　　Withconvuls’dclencheswavingitabroad，
　　Andinavoiceofsolemnjoy，thataw’d
　　Echointooblivion，hesaid：—
　　"Thouarttheman！NowshallIlaymyhead
　　Inpeaceuponmywaterypillow：now
　　Sleepwillcomesmoothlytomywearybrow.
　　OJove！Ishallbeyoungagain，beyoung！
　　Oshell—borneNeptune，Iampierc’dandstung
　　Withnew—bornlife！WhatshallIdo？Wherego，
　　WhenIhavecastthisserpent—skinofwoe？—
　　I’llswimtothesyrens，andonemomentlisten
　　Theirmelodies，andseetheirlonghairglisten;
　　Anonuponthatgiant’sarmI’llbe，
　　ThatwrithesabouttherootsofSicily：
　　TonorthernseasI’llinatwinklingsail，
　　Andmountuponthesnortingsofawhale
　　Tosomeblackcloud;thencedownI’llmadlysweep
　　Onforkedlightning，tothedeepestdeep，
　　WherethroughsomesuckingpoolIwillbehurl’d
　　Withrapturetotheothersideoftheworld！
　　O，Iamfullofgladness！Sistersthree，
　　Ibowfullheartedtoyourolddecree！
　　Yes，everygodbethank’d，andpowerbenign，
　　ForInomoreshallwither，droop，andpine.
　　Thouarttheman！"Endymionstartedback
　　Dismay’d;and，likeawretchfromwhomtherack
　　Tortureshotbreath，andspeechofagony，
　　Mutter’d："WhatlonelydeathamItodie
　　Inthiscoldregion？Willheletmefreeze，
　　Andfloatmybrittlelimbso’erpolarseas？
　　Orwillhetouchmewithhissearinghand，
　　Andleaveablackmemorialonthesand？
　　Ortearmepiece—mealwithabonysaw，
　　Andkeepmeasachosenfoodtodraw
　　Hismagianfishthroughhatedfireandflame？
　　Omiseryofhell！resistless，tame，
　　AmItobeburntup？No，Iwillshout，
　　Untilthegodsthroughheaven’sbluelookout！—
　　OTartarus！butsomefewdaysagone
　　Hersoftarmswereentwiningme，andon
　　HervoiceIhunglikefruitamonggreenleaves：
　　Herlipswereallmyown，and—ah，ripesheaves
　　Ofhappiness！yeonthestubbledroop，
　　Butnevermaybegarner’d.Imuststoop
　　Myhead，andkissdeath’sfoot.Love！love，farewell！
　　Istherenohopefromthee？Thishorridspell
　　Wouldmeltatthysweetbreath.—ByDian’shind
　　Feedingfromherwhitefingers，onthewind
　　Iseethystreaminghair！andnow，byPan，
　　Icarenotforthisoldmysteriousman！"
　　Hespake，andwalkingtothatagedform，
　　Look’dhighdefiance.Lo！hisheart’ganwarm
　　Withpity，forthegrey—hair’dcreaturewept.