There’syours！Now，withaone-side-poisonedknifeOnemightsnufflifeAndleaveone’sfriendwith——"fool"forepitaph！
　　Anoldtrick？Truth！ButwhenonehastheitchForprettythingsandisn’tveryrich……
　　There，eatitallorI’llBeangry！Youfeelgiddy？Well，it’shot！
　　ThisbergamotTakehomeandsmell——itpurgesbloodofbile！
　　AndwhenyoukissBianca’sdimpledknee，ThinkofthepoorPopeinhismisery！
　　Nowyoumaykissmyring！
　　Hothere，theCardinal’slitter！——YoumustdineWhenthenewwineIsin，againwithme——hearBicesing，Evenadmiremyfrescoes——thoughthey’renoughtBesidethecalmGreekgloriesyouhavebought！
　　Godspeed，SirCardinal！
　　Andtakeaweakman’sblessing！HelphimthereTothecoolair！……
　　Lucreziahere？You’rereadyfortheball？
　　——He’lldiewithintenhours，Isuppose——
　　MhM！Kissyourpooroldfather，littlerose！
　　TheBreakingPointItwasnotwhentemptationcame，Swiftlyandblastinglyasflame，Andsearedmewhitewithburningscars；
　　WhenIstoodupforage-longwarsAndheldtheveryFiendatgrips；
　　WhenallmymutinousbodyroseTorangeitselfbesidemyfoes，And，likeagreyhoundintheslips，TheBeastthatdwellswithinmeroared，Lungingandstrainingathiscord……
　　ForalltheblusteringsofHell，ItwasnotthenIslippedandfell；
　　Forallthestorm，forallthehate，Ikeptmysoulinviolate！
　　Butwhenthefightwasfoughtandwon，AndtherewasPeaceasstillasDeathOneverythingbeneaththesun。
　　JustasIstartedtodrawbreath，Andyawn，andstretch，andpatmyself，——Thegrassbegantowhisperthings——
　　Andeverytreebecameanelf，Thatgrinnedandchuckledcounsellings：
　　Birds，beasts，onethingalonetheysaid，Beatinganddinningatmyhead。
　　Icouldnotfly。Icouldnotshunit。
　　Slimilytwisting，slowandblind，Itcreptandcreptintomymind。
　　Whisperedandshouted，sneeredandlaughed，Screamedoutuntilmybrainwasdaft……
　　Onesnakyword，"WHATIFYOU’DDONEIT？"
　　AndIbegantothink……
　　Ah，well，WhatmatterhowIslippedandfell？
　　Oryou，yougutter-searchersay！
　　Tellwhereyoufoundmeyesterday！
　　LonelyBurialTherewerenotmanyatthatlonelyplace，Wheretwoscourgedhillsmetinalittleplain。
　　Thewindcriedloudingusts，thenlowagain。
　　Threepinesstraineddarkly，runnersinaraceUnseenbyany。TowardthefurtherwoodsAdimharshnoiseofvoicesroseandceased。
　　——Weweremostsilentinthosesolitudes——
　　Then，suddenasaflame，theblack-robedpriest，TheclottedearthpiledroughlyupaboutThehackedredoblongofthenew-madething，ShortwordsinswordlikeLatin——andaroutOfdreamsmostimpotent，unwearying。
　　Then，likeablinddoorshutonacarouse，Theterriblebarenessofthesoul’slasthouse。
　　DinnerinaQuickLunchRoomSoupshouldbeheraldedwithamellowhorn，Blowingclearnotesofgoldagainstthestars；
　　StrangeentreeswithajangleofglassbarsFantasticallyalivewithsubtlescorn；
　　Fish，byaplopping，gurglingrushofwaters，Clear，vibrantwaters，beautifullyaustere；
　　Roast，withathunderofdrumstostuntheear，Ascreamingfife，avoicefromancientslaughters！
　　Overthesaladletthewoodwindsmoan；
　　Thenthegreensilenceofmanywatercresses；
　　Dessert，abalalaika，strummedalone；
　　Coffee，aslow，lowsingingnopassionstresses；
　　Sucharemythoughtsas——clang！crash！bang！——IbroodAndgorgethestickymessthesefoolscallfood！
　　TheHemp（AVirginiaLegend。）
　　ThePlantingoftheHemp。
　　CaptainHawkscourgedcleantheseas（Blackisthegapbelowtheplank）
　　FromtheGreatNorthBanktotheCaribbees（Downbythemarshthehempgrowsrank）。
　　Hisfearwasontheseaporttowns，Theweightofhishandheldhardthedowns。
　　Andthemerchantscursedhim，bitterandblack，Foraredflameinthesea-fog’swrackWasalloftheirshipsthatmightcomeback。
　　Forallhehadonewordalone，Oneclodofdirtintheirfacesthrown，"Thehempthatshallhangmeisnotgrown！"
　　HisnamebestrodetheseaslikeDeath。
　　Thewaterstrembledathisbreath。
　　Thisisthetaleofhowhefell，Ofthelongsweepandtheheavyswell，Andtheropethatdraggedhimdowntohell。
　　Thefightwasdone，andtheguttedship，Strippedlikeasharkthesea-gullsstrip，Lurchedblindly，eatenoutwithflame，Backtothelandfromwhereshecame，Askimminghorror，aneyelessshame。
　　AndHawkstooduponhisquarter-deck，Andsawtheskyandsawthewreck。
　　Below，abuttforsailors’jeers，Whiteastheskywhenawhitesquallnears，Huddledthecrowdoftheprisoners。
　　Overthebridgeofthetotteringplank，Wheretheseashookandthegulfyawnedblank，Theyshriekedandstruggledanddroppedandsank，Pinionedarmsandhandsboundfast。
　　Onegirlalonewasleftatlast。
　　SirHenryGauntwasamightylord。
　　HesatinstateattheCouncilboard；
　　Thegovernorswereasnoughttohim。
　　FromonerimtotheotherrimOfhisgreatplantations，flungoutwideLikeapurplecloak，wasafullmonth’sride。
　　Lifeanddeathinhiswhitehandslay，Andhisonlydaughterstoodatbay，Trappedlikeahareinthetoilsthatday。
　　Hesatatwineinhisgoldandhislace，Andfaraway，inabloodyplace，Hawkcamenear，andshecoveredherface。
　　Herodeinthefields，andthehuntwasbrave，AndfarawayhisdaughtergaveAshriekthattheseascriedouttohear，Andhecouldnotseeandhecouldnotsave。
　　HerwhitesoulwitheredinthemireAspapershrivelsupinfire，AndHawklaughed，andhekissedhermouth，Andherbodyhetookforhisdesire。
　　TheGrowingoftheHemp。
　　SirHenrystoodinthemanorroom，Andhiseyeswerehardgemsinthegloom。
　　Andhesaid，"GodigmefurrowsfiveWherethegreenmarshcreepslikeathingalive——
　　Thereatitsedge，wheretherushesthrive。"
　　Andwherethefurrowsrenttheground，Hesowedtheseedofhemparound。
　　AndtheblacksshrinkbackandaresoreafraidAtthefurrowsfivethatribtheglade，Andthevoodooworkofthemaster’sspade。
　　Foracoldwindblowsfromthemarshlandnear，Andwhitethingsmove，andthenightgrowsdrear，Andtheychatterandcrouchandaresickwithfear。
　　Butdownbythemarsh，wherethegrayslavesglean，Thehempsproutsup，andtheearthisseenVeiledwithatenuousmistofgreen。
　　AndHawkstillscourgestheCaribbees，Andmanymenkneelathisknees。
　　SirHenrysitsinhishousealone，Andhiseyesarehardanddulllikestone。
　　Andthewavesbeat，andthewindsroar，Andallthingsareastheywerebefore。
　　Andthedayspass，andtheweekspass，Andnothingchangesbutthegrass。
　　Butdownwherethefirefliesarelikeeyes，Andthedampsshudder，andthemistsrise，Thehemp-stalksstanduptowardtheskies。
　　AnddownfromthepoopofthepirateshipAbodyfalls，andthegreatsharksgrip。
　　Innocent，lovely，goingrace！
　　Atlastthereispeaceuponyourface。
　　AndHawklaughsloudasthecorpseisthrown，"Thehempthatshallhangmeisnotgrown！"
　　SirHenry’sfaceisirontomark，Andhegazeseverinthedark。
　　Andthedayspass，andtheweekspass，Andtheworldisasitalwayswas。
　　Butdownbythemarshthesicklesbeam，Glitteronglitter，gleamongleam，Andthehempfallsdownbythestagnantstream。
　　AndHawkbeatsupfromtheCaribbees，SwoopingtopounceintheNorthernseas。
　　SirHenrysitssunkdeepinhischair，Andwhiteashishandisgrownhishair。
　　Andthedayspass，andtheweekspass，Andthesandsrollfromthehour-glass。
　　ButdownbythemarshintheblazingsunThehempissmoothedandtwistedandspun，Theropemade，andtheworkdone。
　　TheUsingoftheHemp。
　　CaptainHawkscourgedcleantheseas（Blackisthegapbelowtheplank）
　　FromtheGreatNorthBanktotheCaribbees（Downbythemarshthehempgrowsrank）。
　　HesailedinthebroadAtlantictrack，Andtheshipsthatsawhimcamenotback。
　　Andonceagain，wherethewidetidesran，Hestoopedtoharryamerchantman。
　　Hebadeherstop。TengunsspaketrueFromherhiddenports，andahiddencrew，Lackinghisgreatshipthroughandthrough。
　　Dazedanddumbwiththesuddendeath，HescarcehadtimetodrawabreathBeforethegrappling-ironsbitdeep，Andtheboardersslewhiscrewlikesheep。
　　Hawkstoodupstraight，hisbreasttothesteel；
　　Hiscutlassmadeabloodywheel。
　　Hiscutlassmadeawheelofflame。
　　Theyshrankbeforehimashecame。
　　Andthebodiesfellinachokingcrowd，Andstillhethunderedoutaloud，"Thehempthatshallhangmeisnotgrown！"
　　Theyfledatlast。Hewasleftalone。
　　BeforehisfoeSirHenrystood。
　　"Thehempisgrown，andmywordmadegood！"
　　AndthecutlassclangedwithahissingwhirOnthelashingbladeoftherapier。
　　Hawkroaredandchargedlikeamaddenedbuck。
　　Asthecobrastrikes，SirHenrystruck，Pouringhislifeinasinglethrust，Andthecutlassshiveredtosparksanddust。
　　SirHenrystoodontheblood-staineddeck，Andsethisfootonhisfoe’sneck。
　　Thenfromthehatch，wheretherentdecksslope，Wherethedeadrollandthewoundedgrope，Hedraggedtheserpentoftherope。
　　Theskywasblue，andtheseawasstill，Thewaveslappedsoftly，hillonhill，AndbetweenonewaveandanotherwaveThedoomedman’scrieswerelittleandshrill。
　　Theseawasblue，andtheskywascalm；
　　Theairdrippedwithagoldenbalm。
　　Likeawind-blownfruitbetweenseaandsun，Ablackthingwrithedatayard-arm。
　　Slowlythen，andawesomely，Theshipsank，andthegallows-tree，Andtherewasnoughtbetweenseaandsun——
　　Noughtbutthesunandtheskyandthesea。
　　Butdownbythemarshwherethefeverbreeds，Onlythewaterchucklesandpleads；
　　Forthehempclingsfasttoadeadman’sthroat，AndblindFategathersbackherseeds。
　　PoorDevil！
　　Well，Iwastiredoflife；thesillyfolk，Thetiresomenoises，allthecommonthingsIlovedonce，crushedmewithanironyoke。
　　Ilongedforthecoolquietandthedark，UnderthecommonsodwhereloutsandkingsLiedown，serene，unheeding，careless，stark，Nevertoriseormoveorfeelagain，Filledwiththeecstasyofbeingdead……
　　IputtheshiningpistoltomyheadAndpulledthetriggerhard——Ifeltnopain，Nopainatall；thepistolhadmissedfireIthought；then，lookingatthefloor，IsawMyhuddledbodylyingthere——andaweSweptoverme。Itrembled——andlookedup。
　　Aboutmewas——notthat，myheart’sdesire，Thatsmallanddarkabodeofdeathandpeace——
　　ButallfromwhichIsoughtavainrelease！
　　Thesky，thepeopleandthestaringsunGlaredatmeasbefore。Iwasundone。
　　Mylaststatetentimesworsethanwasmyfirst。
　　HelplessIstood，befooled，betrayed，accursed，FetteredtoLifeforever，horribly；
　　CaughtinthemeshesofEternity，Nofurtherdoorstobreakorbarstoburst！
　　GhostsofaLunaticAsylumHere，wheremen’seyeswereemptyandasbrightAstheblankwindowssetinglaringbrick，Whenthewindstrengthensfromthesea——andnightDropslikeafogandmakesthebreathcomethick；
　　Bythedesertedpaths，thevacanthalls，Onemayseefigures，twistedshadesandlean，LikethemadshapesthatcrawlanIndianscreen，Orpaunchysmearsyoufindonprisonwalls。
　　Turntheknobgently！There’stheThumblessMan，Stillweavingglassandsilkintoadream，Althoughthewallshowsthroughhim——andtheKhanJourneysCathaybesideapaperstream。
　　ARabbitWomanchittersbythedoor——
　　——Chillythegrave-smellcomesfromtheturnedsod——
　　Come——liftthecurtain——andbecoldbeforeThesilenceoftheeightmenwhowereGod！
　　TheWhitePeacock（France——AncientRegime。）
　　I。
　　Goaway！
　　Goaway；Iwillnotconfesstoyou！
　　Hisblackbirettaclingslikeahangman’scap；underhistwitchingfingersthebeadsshiverandclick，Ashemumblesinhiscorner，theshadowdeepensuponhim；
　　Iwillnotconfess！……
　　Ishethereorisitintensershadow？
　　Darkhuddledcoilingsfromtheobscenedepths，Black，formlessshadow，Shadow。
　　Doorscreak；fromsecretpartsofthechateaucomethescuffleandworryofrats。
　　Orangelightdripsfromthegutteringcandles，EddyingoverthevastembroideriesofthebedStirringthemonstroustapestries，RetreatingbeforethesableimpendinggloomofthecanopyWithaswiftthrustandsparkleofgold，Lippingmyhands，ThenRipplingbackabashedbeforetheominoussilencesLiketheswiftturnsandstartsofanoverpoweredfencerWhoseesbeforehimHorrorBehindhimdarkness，Shadow。
　　Theclockjarsandstrikes，athin，suddennotelikethesobofachild。
　　Clock，buhlclockthattickedoutthetortuoushoursofmybirth，Clock，evil，wizeneddwarfofaclock，howmanyyearsofagonyhaveyourelentlesslymeasured，Yardstickofmystiflingshroud？
　　IamAumaurydeMontreuil；oncequick，soontobeeatenofworms。
　　Youhear，Father？Hsh，heisasleepinthenight’scloak。
　　Overmetoostealssleep。
　　Sleeplikeawhitemistontherottingpaintingsofcupidsandgodsontheceiling；
　　Sleeponthecarvenshieldsandknotsatthefootofthebed，Oozing，blurringoutlines，obliteratingcolors，Death。
　　Father，Father，Imustnotsleep！
　　Itdoesnothear——thatshadowcrouchedinthecorner……
　　Isitashadow？
　　Onemightthinksoindeed，saveforthecalmface，yellowaswax，thatliftslikethefaceofadrownedmanfromthechokingdarkness。
　　II。
　　Outofthedrowsyfogmybodycreepsbacktome。
　　Itisthewhitetimebeforedawn。
　　Moonlight，watery，pellucid，lifeless，ripplesovertheworld。
　　Thegrassbeneathitisgray；thestarspaleinthesky。
　　Thenightdewhasfallen；
　　Aninfinityoflittledrops，crystalsfromwhichalllighthasbeentaken，Glintonthesighingbranches。
　　Allispurity，withoutcolor，withoutstir，withoutpassion。
　　Suddenlyapeacockscreams。
　　Myheartshocksandstops；
　　Sweat，coldcorpse-sweatCoversmyrigidbody。
　　Myhairstandsonend。Icannotstir。Icannotspeak。
　　Itisterror，terrorthatiswalkingthepalesickgardensAndtheeyelessfacenomanmayseeandlive！
　　Ah-h-h-h-h！
　　Father，Father，wake！wakeandsaveme！
　　Inhiscornerallisshadow。
　　Deadthingscreepfromtheground。
　　Itissolongagothatshedied，solongago！
　　Dustcrushesher，earthholdsher，moldgripsher。
　　Fiends，doyounotknowthatsheisdead？……
　　"Letusdancethepavon！"shesaid；thewaxlightsglitteredlikeswordsonthepolishedfloor。
　　Twinklingonjewelledsnuffboxes，beamingsavagelyfromthecrassgoldofcandelabra，Fromthewhiteshouldersofgirlsandthewhitepowderedwigsofmen……
　　Alllifewasthatdance。
　　Themocking，resistlesscurrent，Thebeauty，thepassion，theperilousmadness——
　　Asshetookmyhand，releaseditandspreadherdresseslikepetals，Turning，swayinginbeauty，Alily，bowedbytherain，——
　　Moonlightshewas，andherbodyofmoonlightandfoam，Andhereyesstars。
　　Ohthedancehasapattern！
　　Butthecleargraceofherthrilledthroughthenotesoftheviols，Tremulous，pleading，escaping，immortal，untamed，And，asweended，Sheblewmeakissfromherhandlikeadriftingwhiteblossom——
　　Andthestarshinewasgone；andshefledlikeabirdupthestair。
　　Underneaththewindowapeacockscreams，Andclawsclick，scrapeLikelittlelacqueredbootsontheroughstone。
　　Ohthelongfantasyofthekiss；theceaselesshunger，ceaselessly，divinelyappeased！
　　Theachingpresenceofthebeloved’sbeauty！
　　Thewisdom，theincense，thebrightness！
　　Oncemoreontheice-brightfloortheydancedthepavonButIturnedtothegardenandherfromthelightedcandles。
　　SoftlyItrodthelushgrassbetweentheblackhedgesofbox。
　　Softly，forIshouldtakeherunawaresandcatchherarms，Andembraceher，dearandstartled。
　　BythearborallthemoonlightflowedinsilverAndherheadwasonhisbreast。
　　ShedidnotscreamorshudderWhenmyswordwaswhereherheadhadlainInthequietmoonlight；
　　Butturnedtomewithonepalehanduplifted，Allhersatinsfierywiththestarshine，Nacreous，shimmering，weeping，iridescent，Likethequiveringplumageofapeacock……
　　ThenherheaddroopedandIgrippedherhair，Ohsoft，scentedcloudacrossmyfingers！——
　　Bendingherwhiteneckback……
　　Bloodwrithedonmyhands；Itrodinblood……
　　StupidlyagazeAtthatcrumpledheapofsilkandmoonlight，Whereliketwitchingpinions，anarmtwisted，Palely，andwasstillAsthefaceofchalk。
　　Thebuhlclockstrikes。
　　Thirtyyears。Christ，thirtyyears！
　　Agony。Agony。
　　Somethingstirsinthewindow，Shatteringthemoonlight。
　　Whitewingsfan。
　　Father，Father！
　　Allitsplumagefierywiththestarshine，Nacreous，shimmering，weeping，iridescent，Itdriftsacrossthefloorandmountsthebed，Tothetapoflittlesatinshoes。
　　Gazingwithinfernaleyes。
　　Itsquickbeakthrusting，rending，devil’scrimson……
　　Screams，greattorturedscreamsshakethedarkcanopy。
　　Thelightflickers，theshadowinthecornerstirs；
　　Thewaxfacelifts；theeyesopen。
　　Athintrickleofbloodwormsdarklyagainstthevastredcoverletandspreadstoapoolonthefloor。
　　Colors（ForD。M。C。）
　　ThelittlemanwiththevaguebeardandguisePulledatthewicket。"Comeinside！"hesaid，"I’llshowyouallwe’vegotnow——itwassizeYouwanted？——oh，drycolors！Well"——heledToadimalleylinedwithmustybins，Andpulledonefiercely。ViolentandboldAsuddentempestofmad，shriekingsinsScarletscreamedoutabovethebatteredgoldOftinsandpicture-frames。Iheldmybreath。
　　Hetuggedanotherhard——andsapphireskiesSpreadinvastquietude，sereneasdeath，O’erwaveslikecrackledturquoise——andmyeyesBurntwiththeblindingbrillianceofcalmsea！
　　"We’resellingthatlotthereoutcheap！"saidhe。
　　AMinorPoetIamashell。FrommeyoushallnothearThesplendidtramplingsofinsistentdrums，Theorbedgoldoftheviol’svoicethatcomes，Heavywithradiance，languorousandclear。
　　Yet，ifyouholdmecloseagainsttheear，Adim，farwhisperrisesclamorously，Thethunderousbeatandpassionofthesea，Theslowsurgeofthetidesthatdrownthemere。
　　Otherswithsubtlehandsmaypluckthestrings，MakingevenLoveinmusicaudible，Andearthoneglory。IambutashellThatmoves，notofitself，andmovingsings；
　　Leavingafragrance，faintaswinenew-shed，Atremulousmurmurfromgreatdayslongdead。
　　TheLoverinHellEternallythechokingsteamgoesupFromtheblackpoolsofseethingoil……
　　HowmerryThoselittledevilsare！They’vestolenthepitchforkFromBel，there，asheslept……Look！——ohlook，look！
　　They’vegotatNero！Ohitisn’tfair！
　　Lord，howhesqueals！Stopit……it’s，well——indecent！
　　Butfunny！……See，Bel’swaked。They’llcatchitnow！……Eternallythatstiflingreekarises，Blottingthedomewithsmoky，terribletowers，Black，stranglingtrees，whisperingobscenethingsAmongsttheirbranches，clutchingwithmaimedhands，Oroozingslowly，likeblindtentaclesUptothegates；higherthanthatheapedbrickManpiledtosmitethesun。AndallaroundAredevils。Onecanlaugh……butthathunchedshapeThefaceonestone，likethoseAssyriankings！
　　Oneseesincarvings，watchingmenflayedredHorriblylaughableinleapsandwrithes；
　　Thatface——utterlyevil，cloudedroundWithevillikeasmoke——itturnssmilessour！……AndNerothere，theflabbycheeksastrainAndsweatingagony……longagony……
　　Imperishable，unappeasableForever……well……itdroopsthemouth。TillI
　　Lookup。
　　There’sonebluepatchnosmokedarestouch。
　　Sky，clear，ineffable，alivewithlight，Alwaysthesame……
　　Before，IneverknewRestandgreenpeace。
　　Shestandsthereinthesun……Itseemssoquaintsheshouldhavelonggoldwings。
　　Ineverhavegotused——foldedacrossHerbreast，orflutteringwithfierce，purelight，Likeshakensteel。Hercrowntoo。Well，it’squeer！
　　AndthenshenevercaredmuchfortheharpOnearth。Here，though……
　　Sheisallpeace，allquiet，Allpassionatedesires，theeloquentthunderOfnew，gladsuns，shoutingaloudforjoy，Overfreshworldsandclean，tramplingtheairLikestoopinghawks，tothelongwindofhorns，FlungfromthebastionsofEternity……
　　Andsheisthelowlake，drowsyandgentle，Andgoodwordsspokenfromthetonguesoffriends，Andcalmnessintheevening，anddeepthoughts，Fallinglikedreamsfromthestars’solemnmouths。
　　Allthese。
　　Theysaidshewasunfaithfulonce。
　　OrIrememberedit——andso，forthat，Iliehere，Isuppose。Yes，sotheysaid。
　　Youseesheissotroubled，lookingdown，Sorrowingdeeplyformytorments。I
　　Ofcourse，feelnothingwhileIseeher——saveThatsometimeswhenIthinkthematterout，Andwhatearth-peoplesaidofus，ofher，ItseemsasifImustbe，here，inheaven，Andshe——……ThenIgrowproud；andsuddenlyTherecomesasplatterofoilagainstmyskin，Hurtingthistime。AndIforgetmypride：
　　Andmyfacewrithes。
　　SomedaythelittleladderOfwhitewordsthatIbuildup，up，toherMayfetchmeout。Meanwhileitisn’tbad……
　　ButwhatasenseofhumorGodmusthave！
　　WingedManThemoon，asweepingscimitar，dippedinthestormystraits，Thedawn，acrimsoncataract，burstthroughtheeasterngates，Thecliffswererobedinscarlet，thesandswerecinnabar，Wherefirsttwomenspreadwingsforflightanddaredthehawkafar。
　　Therestandsthecunningworkman，thecraftypastallpraise，ThemanwhochainedtheMinotaur，themanwhobuilttheMaze。
　　Hisyoungsonisbesidehimandtheboy’sfaceisalight，Alightofdawnandwonderandofvalorinfinite。
　　Theirgreatvansbeattheclovenair，likeeaglestheymountup，Motesinthewineofmorning，specksinacrystalcup，AndlesthiswingsshouldmeltapaceoldDaedalusflieslow，ButIcarusbeatsup，beatsup，hegoeswherelightningsgo。
　　Hecaresnomoreforwarnings，herushesthroughthesky，Bravingthecragsofether，daringthegodsonhigh，Black’gainstthecrimsonsunset，goldeno’ercloudysnows，WithallAdventureinhisheartthefirstwingedmanarose。
　　Droppinggold，droppinggold，wherethemistsofmorningrolled，Onhekepthiswayundaunted，thoughhisbreathswerestabsofcold，Throughthemysteryofdawningthatnomortalmaybehold。
　　Nowheshouts，nowhesingsintheraptureofhiswings，Andhisgreatheartburnsintenserwiththestrengthofhisdesire，Ashecircleslikeaswallow，wheeling，flaming，gyreongyre。
　　Gazingstraightatthesun，halfhispilgrimageisdone，Andhestaggersforamoment，hurrieson，reelsbackward，swervesInarainofscatteredfeathersashefallsinbrokencurves。
　　Icarus，Icarus，thoughtheendispiteous，Yetforever，yea，foreverweshallseetheerisingthus，Seethefirstsupernalglory，nottheruinhideous。
　　YouwereMan，youwhoranfartherthanoureyescanscan，Manabsurd，gigantic，eagerforimpossibleRomance，OverthrowingallHell’slegionswithonewarpedandbrokenlance。
　　OnthehigheststeepsofSpacehewillhavehisdwelling-place，Inthosefar，terrificregionswherethecoldcomesdownlikeDeathGleamstheredglintofhispinions，smokesthevaporofhisbreath。
　　Floatingdownward，veryclear，stilltheechoesreachtheearOfalittletunehewhistlesandalittlesonghesings，Mounting，mountingstill，triumphant，onhistornandbrokenwings！
　　MusicMyfriendwenttothepiano；spunthestoolAlittlehigher；lefthispipetocool；
　　Pickedupafatgreenvolumefromthechest；
　　Andproppeditopen。
　　Whitelywithoutrest，Hisfingerssweptthekeysthatflashedlikeswords，……Andtothebrutedrumsofbarbarianhordes，Roaringandthunderousandweapon-bare，Anarmystormedthebastionsoftheair！
　　Dreadfulwithbanners，firetoslayandparch，Marchingtogetherasthelightningsmarch，Andswiftasstorm-clouds。BrazenhelmsandcarsClangedtoafierceresurgenceofoldwarsAbovethescreaminghorns。Instatetheypassed，Tramplingandsplendidonandsoughtthevast——
　　Rendingthedarknesslikealeapingknife，Theflame，thenoblepageantofourlife！
　　Theburningsealthatstampsman’shighindentureTovainattemptandmostforlornadventure；
　　Romance，andpurpleseas，andtopplingtowns，Andthewind’svaliancecryingo’erthedowns；
　　Thatnervesthesillyhand，thefeeblebrain，FromtheloosenetofwordstodeedsagainAndtoallcourage！PerilousandsharpThelastchordshookmeaswindshakesaharp！……Andmyfriendswungroundonhisstool，andfromgodsweweremen，"Howpretty！"wesaid；andwentonwithourtalkagain。
　　TheInnovator（APharaohSpeaks。）
　　Isaid，"WhyshouldapyramidStandalwaysdullyonitsbase？
　　I’llchangeit！Letthetopbehid，Thebottomtaketheapex-place！"
　　AndasIbadetheydid。
　　Thepeopleflockedin，scoresonscores，Toseeitbalanceonitstip。
　　Theypraisedmewiththepraisethatbores，Mygodlikemindoneverylip。
　　——Untilitfell，ofcourse。
　　AndthentheytookmybodyoutFrommycrushedpalace，madwithrage，——Well，halfthetownWASwrecked，nodoubt——
　　TheircrazyangertoassuageBydraggingitabout。
　　Theend？Foulbirdsdefilemyskull。
　　Thenewking’spraisesfilltheland。
　　Heclingstoprecept，simple，dull；
　　HISpyramidsonbasesstand。
　　But——Lord，howusual！
　　LoveinTwilightThereisdarknessbehindthelight——andthepalelightdripsColdonvagueshapesandfigures，that，half-seenloomLikethecarvenprowsofproud，far-triumphingships——
　　Andthefirelightwaversandchangesabouttheroom，Asthethreelogscrackleandburnwithasmallstillsound；
　　Half-blottingwithdarkthedeeperdarkofherhair，Whereshelies，headpillowedonarm，andonehandcurvedroundToshieldthewhitefaceandneckfromthefaintthinglare。
　　Gentlyshebreathes——andthelonglimbslieatease，Andtheriseandfalloftheyoung，slim，virginalbreastIsascertain-sweetasthemarchofslowwindthroughtrees，Orthegreatsoftpassageofcloudsinaskyatrest。
　　Ikneel，andourarmsenlace，andwekisslong，long。
　　Iamdrownedinherasinsleep。Thereisnomorepain。
　　OnlytherustleofflameslikeabrokensongThatringshalf-heardthroughthedustyhallsofthebrain。
　　Oneshakingandfragilemomentofecstasy，Whilethegreygloomfluttersandbeatslikeanowlabove。
　　AndIwouldnotmoveorspeakfortheseaortheskyOrtheflame-brightwingsofthemiraculousDove！
　　TheFiddlingWoodGods，whatablack，fierceday！Thecloudswereiron，Wrenchedtostrange，ruggedshapes；theredsunwinkedOvertheroughcrestofthehairywoodInangryscorn；thegreyroadtwisted，kinked，Likeasickserpent，seemingtoenvironThetreeswithmagic。Allthewoodwasstill——
　　Cracked，cranniedpinesbentlikemaliciouscripplesBeforethegustywind；theyseemedtonose，Nudge，pokeeachother，cacklingwithillmirth——
　　Enchantment’sdayswereover——sh！——SupposeThatcrouchinglogthere，wherethewhitelightstipplesShould——breakitsquiet！WASTHATCRIMSON——EARTH？
　　Itsmirchedthegroundlikealewdwhisper，"Danger！"——
　　Ihunchedmycloakaboutme——then，appalled，Turnediceandfirebyturns——for——someonestirredThebrown，dryneedlessharply！TerrorcrawledAlongmyspine，asforththerestepped——aStranger！
　　Andallthepinescroonedlikeadrowsybird！
　　Hisstockwasblack。Hisgreatshoe-bucklesglistened。
　　Hisfurcuffsendedinasheenofrings。
　　Andunderneathhiscoatacasebulgedblackly——
　　Heswepthisbeaverinarushofwings！
　　Thentookthefiddleout，and，asIlistened，Tightenedandtunedtheyellowedstrings，hungslackly。
　　Ping！Pang！Theclearnotesswoopedandcurvedanddarted，Risinglikegulls。Then，withafingerskinny，Herubbedthebowwithrosin，said，"YourpardonSignor！——MaestroNicoloPaganiniTheyusedtocallme！Tchk！——ThecoldgripshardonApoormusician’sfingers！"——Hislipsparted。
　　Atorturedsoulscreamedsuddenlyandloud，Fromthebrown，quiveringcase！Then，faster，faster，Dancinginflame-likewhorls，wild，beating，screaming，Themusicwailedunutterabledisaster；
　　Heartbrokenmurmursfrompalelipsonceproud，Dead，chokingmoansfromheartsoncenoblydreaming。
　　Tillallresolvedinanguish——diedawayUpononeminorchord，andwasresumedInanguish；fellagaintoalowcry，Thenrosetriumphantwherethewhitefiresfumed，Terrible，marching，trampling，reeling，gay，Hurlingmad，brokenlegionsdowntodieThrougheverlastinghells——ThetearsweresaltUponmyfingers——Then，Isaw，behindThefuryoftheplayer，allthetreesCrouchedlikeviolinists，boughscrooked，jerking，blind，Sweepingmadbowstomusicwithoutfault，Greycheekstogreyerfiddles，witheredknees。
　　Gasping，Ifled！——butstillthatdevilishtuneStunnedearsandbrainalike——tillcloudsofdustBlottedthepicture，andthenoisegrewdim——
　　Shaking，Ireachedthetown——andturned——intrust——
　　Wind-smitten，dread，againstthesky-line’srim，Black，dragonbrancheswhippedbelowamoon！
　　PortraitofaBoyAfterthewhippinghecrawledintobed，Acceptingtheharshfactwithnogreatweeping。
　　Howfunnyuncle’shathadlookedstripedred！
　　Hechuckledsilently。Themooncame，sweepingAblack，frayedragoftatteredcloudbeforeInscorning；verypureandpalesheseemed，Floodinghisbedwithradiance。OnthefloorFatmotesdanced。Hesobbed，closedhiseyesanddreamed。
　　Warmsandflowedroundhim。BlurtsofcrimsonlightSplashedthewhitegrainslikeblood。Pastthecave’smouthShonewithalarge，fiercesplendor，wildlybright，ThecrookedconstellationsoftheSouth；
　　HeretheCrossswung；andthere，affrontingMars，TheCentaurstormedasideafrothofstars。
　　Within，greatcasks，likewattledaldermen，Sighedofenormousfeasts，andclothofgoldGlowedonthewallslikehotdesire。Again，Besidewebbedpurplesfromsomegalleon’shold，AblackchestboretheskullandbonesinwhiteAboveascrawled"Gunpowder！"Bytheflames，Deckedoutincrimson，gemmedwithsyenite，Hailingtheirfellowswithoutrageousnames，Thepiratessatanddiced。Theireyesweremoons。
　　"Doubloons！"theysaid。Thewordscrashedgold。"Doubloons！"
　　PortraitofaBabyHelaywithinawarm，softworldOfmotion。Colorsbloomedandfled，Maroonandturquoise，saffron，red，WaveuponwavethatbrokeandwhirledTovanishinthegrey-greengloom，Perspectivelessandshadowy。
　　Abulgingworldthathadnowalls，Aflowingworld，mostlikethesea，CompassingallinfinityWithinashapeless，ebbingroom，Anendlesstidethatswellsandfalls……
　　Hesleptandwokeandsleptagain。
　　AsaveildropsTimedroppedaway；
　　Spacegrewatoyforchildren’splay，SleepboltedfastthegatesofSense——
　　Helayinnakedimpotence；
　　LikeadrenchedmoththatcreepsandcrawlsHeavilyupbrown，light-bakedwalls，Tofallinwreck，hertaskundone，Yetsomehowstrivingtowardthesun。
　　So，asheslept，hishandsclenchedtighter，Shutintheoldwayofthefighter，Hisfeetcurleduptogriptheground，Hismusclestautenedforabound；
　　Andthoughhefelt，andfeltalone，Strangebrightnessstirredhimtothebone，Cravingstorise——tilldeepersleepBuriedthehope，thecall，theleap；
　　Awindpuffedouthismind’sfaintspark。
　　Hewasabsorbedintothedark。
　　HewokeagainandfeltasurgeWithinhim，amysteriousurgeThatgrewonehungryflameofpassion；
　　Thewholeworldalteredshapeandfashion。
　　Deceived，befooled，bereftandtorn，Hescourgedtheheavenswithhisscorn，LiftingabittervoicetocryAgainsttheeternaltreachery——
　　Till，suddenly，hefoundthebreast，Andceased，andallthingswereatrest，TheearthgrewonewarmlanguidseaAndheawave。Joy，tingling，creptThroughouthim。Hewasquenchedandslept。
　　So，whilethemoonmadebroadherring，Hesleptandcriedandwasaking。
　　So，worthily，heactedo’erTheendlessmiracleoncemore。
　　Facingimmenseadventuresdaily，Hestrovestillonward，weeping，gaily，Conqueredorfledfromthem，butgrewAssoil-starved，roughpine-saplingsdo。
　　Till，oneday，crawlingseemedsuspect。
　　HegrippedtheairandstooderectAndsplendid。WithimmortalrageHeenteredonman’sheritage！
　　TheGeneralPublic"Ah，didyouonceseeShelleyplain？"——Browning。
　　"Shelley？Oh，yes，Isawhimoftenthen，"
　　Theoldmansaid。AdrysmilecreasedhisfaceWithmanywrinkles。"That’sagreatpoem，now！
　　ThatoneofBrowning’s！Shelley？Shelleyplain？
　　ThetimethatIrememberbestisthis——
　　Athinmirecreptalongtheruttedways，AndallthetreeswereharriedbycoldrainThatdroveamomentfiercelyandthenceased，FallingsoslowithunglikeagreymistOvertheschool。Thewalkswerelikeblurredglass。
　　Thebuildingsreekedwithvapor，blackandharshAgainstthedeepeningdarknessofthesky；
　　Andeachlampwasahazyyellowmoon，Fillingthespaceaboutwithgoldenmotes，Andmakingallthingslargerthantheywere。
　　Oneyellowhalohungaboveadoor，Thatgaveonablackpassage。RoundaboutStruggledahowlingcrowdofboys，pell-mell，Pushingandjostlinglikeastormysea，Withshoutingfaces，turnedapastywhiteBythestrangelight，forfoam。Theyallhadclods，Orslimyballsofmud。Afewgrippedstones。
　　Andthere，hisbackagainstthebattereddoor，Hispileofbooksscatteredabouthisfeet，StoodShelleywhiletwoothersheldhimfast，Andtheclodsbeatuponhim。`Shelley！Shelley！’
　　Thehighshoutsrangthroughallthecorridors，`Shelley！MadShelley！Comealongandhelp！’
　　Andallthecrowddugmadlyattheearth，Scratchingandclawingatthestreamingmud，Andfouledeachotherandthemselves。AndstillShelleystoodup。HiseyeswerelikeaflameSetinsomewhite，stillroom；forallhisfaceWaswhite，awhitenesslikenohumancolor，Butwhiteanddreadfulasconsumingfire。
　　Hishandsshooknowandthen，likeslendercordsWhichbeartooheavyweights。Hedidnotspeak。
　　SoIsawShelleyplain。"
　　"Andyou？"Isaid。
　　"I？Ithrewstraighterthanthemostofthem，Andhadfirmclods。Ihithim——well，atleastThriceintheface。Hemadegoodsportthatnight。"
　　RoadandHillsIshallgoawayTothebrownhills，thequietones，Thevast，themountainous，therolling，Sun-firedanddrowsy！
　　MyhorsesnuffsdelicatelyAtthestrangewind；
　　Hesettlestoaswingingtrot；hishoofstrampthedust。
　　Theroadwinds，straightens，Slashesamarsh，Shouldersoutabridge，Then——
　　Againthehills。
　　Unchanged，innumerable，Bowinghuge，roundbacks；
　　Holdingsecret，immenseconverse：
　　Ingustyvoices，Fruitful，fecund，toilingLikeyokedblackoxen。
　　Thecloudspasslikegreat，slowthoughtsAndvanishIntheintenseblue。
　　Myhorselopes；thesaddlecreaksandsways。
　　Athousandglitteringspearsofsunslantfromonhigh。
　　Theimmensity，thespaces，ArelikethespacesBetweenstarandstar。
　　Thehillssleep。
　　IfIputmyhandonone，Iwouldfeelthevastheaveofitsbreath。
　　IwouldstartawaybeforeitawakenedAndshooktheworldfromitsshoulders。
　　Acicada’scrydeepensthehotsilence。
　　ThehillsopenToshowaslopeofpoppies，Ardent，noble，heroic，Aflare，agreatflameoforange；
　　Givingsleepy，brittlescentThatstingsthelungs。
　　Acreepingwindslipsthroughthemlikeaferret；theybowanddance，answeringBeauty’svoice……
　　Thehorsewhinnies。IdismountAndtiehimtothegreywornfence。
　　Isetmyselfagainstthejavelinsofgrassandsun；
　　Andclimbtheroundedbreast，Thatflowslikeasea-wave。
　　Thesummitcrackleswithheat，thereisnoshelter，nohollowfromtheflagellatingglare。
　　Iliedownandlookatthesky，shadingmyeyes。
　　Mybodybecomesstrange，thesuntakesitandchangesit，itdoesnotfeel，itislikethebodyofanother。
　　Theairblazes。Theairisdiamond。
　　Smallnoisesmoveamongthegrass……
　　Blackly，Ahawkmounts，mountsintheinaneSeekingthestar-road，Seekingtheend……
　　Butthereisnoend。
　　Here，inthislight，thereisnoend……
　　ElegyforanEnemy（ForG。H。）
　　Say，doesthatstupidearthWheretheyhavelaidher，Bindstillhersullenmirth，Mirthwhichbetrayedher？
　　Dothelushgrasseshold，Greenlyandglad，Thatbrittle-perfectgoldShealonehad？
　　Smuglythecommoncrew，Overtheirknitting，Mournher——asbutchersdoSheep-throatsthey’reslitting！
　　Shewasmyenemy，Oneofthebestofthem。
　　Wouldshecomebacktome，Goddamntherestofthem！
　　Damnthem，theflabby，fat，Sleeklittledarlings！
　　Wegavethemtitfortat，Snarlingsforsnarlings！
　　Squashypomposities，Shockedatourviolence，LetnotonetactfulhissBreakhernewsilence！
　　Maidsofantiquity，Lookwelluponher；
　　Icewasherchastity，Spotlessherhonor。
　　Neighbors，withbreastsofsnow，Damesofmuchvirtue，Howshecouldflameandglow！
　　Lord，howshehurtyou！
　　Shewasawoman，andTender——attimes！
　　（Delicatewasherhand）
　　Oneofhercrimes！
　　Hairthatstrayedelfinly，Lipsredashaws，You，withthereadylie，Wasthatthecause？
　　Restyou，myenemy，Slainwithoutfault，LifesmacksbuttastelesslyLackingyoursalt！
　　StuckinabogwhencenaughtMaycatapultme，Comefromthegrave，long-sought，Comeandinsultme！
　　WEknewthatsugaredstuffPoisonedtheother；
　　Roughasthewindisrough，Sisterandbrother！
　　BreathingtheetherclearOthersforlornhavefound——
　　Oh，forthatpeaceaustereSheandherscornhavefound！
　　BiographicalNote：
　　StephenVincentBene’t（22July1898-13March1943）wasfromafamilywithrootsinFlorida，whichexplainstheSpanishname。AlthoughborninBethlehem，Pennsylvania，hisfatherwasacolonelintheU。S。Army，andhencehegrewupinCaliforniaandGeorgia。HeattendedYalestartingin1915andthatsameyearpublishedhisfirstbookofpoems，`FiveMenandPompey’。`YoungAdventure’（1918）isconsideredhisfirstmaturebookofpoetry，andhewentontowintwoPulitzerPrizes，in1929for`JohnBrown’sBody’andin1944for`WesternStar’。
　　Itappearsthatthewholefamilyhadgreattalents，ashisgrandfatherwasaBrigadierGeneral，hisfatheraColonel，andbothStephenandhisbrotherWilliamRoseBenetwonPulitzerPrizesforpoetry。