第2章
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  ThewassailousheartoftheYearisthine!

  HisBacchicfingersdisentwineHiscoronalAtthyfestival;

  HisrevellingfingersdisentwineLeaf,flower,andall,AndletthemfallBlossomandallinthywaveringwine。

  TheSummerlooksoutfromherbrazentower,ThroughtheflashingbarsofJuly,Waitingthyripenedgoldenshower;

  Whereoftherecometh,withsandalsfleet,TheNorth—westflyingviewlessly,Withaswordtosheer,anduntameablefeet,Andthegorgon—headoftheWintershownTostiffenthegazingearthasstone。

  IncrystalHeaven’smagicspherePoisedinthepalmofthyfervidhand,ThouseesttheenchantedshowsappearThatstainFavonianfirmament;

  RicherthanevertheOccidentGaveuptobygoneSummer’swand。

  Day’sdyingdragonliesdroopinghiscrest,PantingredpantsintotheWest。

  OrthebutterflysunsetclapsitswingsWithflitteralitontheswingingblossom,Thegustyblossom,thattossesandswings,Oftheseawithitsblownandruffledbosom;

  ItsruffledbosomwherethroughthewindsingsTillthecrispedpetalsareloosenedandstrownOverblown,onthesand;

  Shed,curlingasdeadRose—leavescurl,onthefleckedstrand。

  Orhigher,holier,saintlierwhen,asnow,Allnaturesacerdotalseems,andthou。

  Thecalmhourstrikesonyongoldengong,IntonesoffloatingandmellowlightAspreadingsummonstoeven—song:

  SeehowthereThecowlednightKneelsontheEasternsanctuary—stair。

  Whatisthisfeelofincenseeverywhere?

  Clingsitroundfoldsoftheblanch—amicedclouds,Upwaftedbythesolemnthurifer,Themightyspiritunknown,ThatswingeththeslowearthbeforetheembanneredThrone?

  Oris’ttheSeasonunderalltheseshroudsOflight,andsense,andsilence,makesherknownApresenceeverywhere,Aninarticulateprayer,Ahandonthesoothedtressesoftheair?

  ButthereisonehourscantOfthisTitanian,primalliturgy;

  Asthereisbutonehourformeandthee,Autumn,fortheeandthinehierophant,Ofthisgraveendingchant。

  RoundtheearthstillandstarkHeaven’sdeath—lightskindle,yellowsparkbyspark,Beneaththedreadfulcatafalqueofthedark。

  AndIhadendedthere:

  Butagreatwindblewallthestarstoflare,Andcried,\"Isweepthepathbeforethemoon!

  Tarryyenowthecomingofthemoon,Forsheiscomingsoon;\"

  Thendiedbeforethecomingofthemoon。

  Andshecameforthuponthetrepidantair,Investureunimagined—fair,Wovenaswoofofflag—lilies;

  Andcurdledasofflag—liliesThevapouratthefeetofher,Andahazeabouthertingedinfainterwise。

  Asifshehadtroddenthestarsinpress,Tillthegoldwinespurtedoverherdress,Tillthegoldwinegushedoutroundherfeet;

  Spoutedoverherstainedwear,Andbubbledingoldenfrothatherfeet,Andhunglikeawhirlpool’smistroundher。

  Still,mightySeason,doIsee’t,Thyswayisstillmajestical!

  Thouhold’stofGod,bytitlesure,Thineindefeasibleinvestiture,Andthatrightroundthylocksarenativeto;

  Theheavensuponthybrowimperial,Thishugeterrenethyball,Ando’erthyshouldersthrownwideair’sdependingpall。

  Whatifthineearthbeblearandbleakofhue?

  Still,stilltheskiesaresweet!

  Still,Season,stillthouhastthytriumphsthere!

  HowhaveI,unaware,Forgetfulofmystraininaugural,Cleftthegreatrondureofthyreigncomplete,Yieldingtheehalf,whohastindeedtheall?

  IwillnotthinkthysovereigntybegunButwiththeshepherdsunThatwashesintheseathestars’goldfleecesOrthatwithdayitceases,Whosetshisburninglipstothesaltbrine,Andpurplesittowine;

  WhileIbeholdhowerminedArtemisOrdainedweedmustwear,Andtoilthybusiness;

  Whowitnessamofher,Hertooinautumnturnedavintager;

  And,ladenwithitslampedclustersbright,Thefiery—fruitedvineyardofthisnight。

  THEHOUNDOFHEAVEN

  IfledHim,downthenightsanddownthedays;

  IfledHim,downthearchesoftheyears;

  IfledHim,downthelabyrinthinewaysOfmyownmind;andinthemistoftearsIhidfromHim,andunderrunninglaughter。

  Upvistaedhopes,Isped;

  Andshot,precipitatedAdownTitanicgloomsofchasmedfears,FromthosestrongFeetthatfollowed,followedafter。

  Butwithunhurryingchase,Andunperturbedpace,Deliberatespeed,majesticinstancy,Theybeat——andaVoicebeatMoreinstantthantheFeet—

  \"Allthingsbetraythee,whobetrayestMe。\"

  Ipleaded,outlaw—wise,Bymanyaheartedcasement,curtainedred,Trellisedwithintertwiningcharities;

  (For,thoughIknewHisloveWhofollowed,YetwasIsoreadreadLest,havingHim,Imusthavenaughtbeside)

  But,ifonelittlecasementpartedwide,ThegustofHisapproachwouldclashittoFearwistnottoevade,asLovewisttopursue。

  AcrossthemargentoftheworldIfled,Andtroubledthegoldgatewaysofthestars,Smitingforshelterontheirchangedbars;

  FrettedtodulcetjarsAndsilvernchatterthepaleportso’themoon。

  Isaidtodawn:Besudden——toeve:Besoon;

  WiththyyoungskieyblossomsheapmeoverFromthistremendousLover!

  Floatthyvagueveilaboutme,lestHesee!

  ItemptedallHisservitors,buttofindMyownbetrayalintheirconstancy,InfaithtoHimtheirficklenesstome,Theirtraitoroustrueness,andtheirloyaldeceit。

  ToallswiftthingsforswiftnessdidIsue;

  Clungtothewhistlingmaneofeverywind。

  Butwhethertheyswept,smoothlyfleet,Thelongsavannahsoftheblue;

  Orwhether,Thunder—driven,Theyclangedhischariot’thwartaheaven,Plashywithflyinglightningsroundthespurno’theirfeet:—

  FearwistnottoevadeasLovewisttopursue。

  Stillwithunhurryingchase,Andunperturbedpace,Deliberatespeed,majesticinstancy,CameonthefollowingFeet,AndaVoiceabovetheirbeat—

  \"Naughtsheltersthee,whowiltnotshelterMe。\"

  Isoughtnomorethat,afterwhichIstrayed,Infaceofmanormaid;

  Butstillwithinthelittlechildren’seyesSeemssomething,somethingthatreplies,THEYatleastareforme,surelyforme!

  Iturnedmetothemverywistfully;

  ButjustastheiryoungeyesgrewsuddenfairWithdawninganswersthere,Theirangelpluckedthemfrommebythehair。

  \"Comethen,yeotherchildren,Nature’s——shareWithme\"(saidI)\"yourdelicatefellowship;

  Letmegreetyouliptolip,Letmetwinewithyoucaresses,WantoningWithourLady—Mother’svagranttresses,BanquetingWithherinherwind—walledpalace,Underneathherazureddais,Quaffing,asyourtaintlesswayis,FromachaliceLucent—weepingoutofthedayspring。’

  Soitwasdone:

  Iintheirdelicatefellowshipwasone—

  DrewtheboltofNature’ssecrecies。

  IknewalltheswiftimportingsOnthewilfulfaceofskies;

  IknewhowthecloudsariseSpumedofthewildsea—snortings;

  Allthat’sbornordiesRoseanddroopedwith——madethemshapersOfmineownmoods,orwailfulordivine—

  Withthemjoyedandwasbereaven。

  Iwasheavywiththeeven,WhenshelitherglimmeringtapersRoundtheday’sdeadsanctities。

  Ilaughedinthemorning’seyes。

  ItriumphedandIsaddenedwithallweather,HeavenandIwepttogether,Anditssweettearsweresaltwithmortalmine;

  Againsttheredthrobofitssunset—heartIlaidmyowntobeat,Andsharecomminglingheat;

  Butnotbythat,bythat,waseasedmyhumansmart。

  InvainmytearswerewetonHeaven’sgreycheek。

  Forah!weknownotwhateachothersays,ThesethingsandI;insoundIspeak—

  THEIRsoundisbuttheirstir,theyspeakbysilences。

  Nature,poorstepdame,cannotslakemydrouth;

  Lether,ifshewouldoweme,Dropyonbluebosom—veilofsky,andshowmeThebreastso’hertenderness:

  NeverdidanymilkofhersonceblessMythirstingmouth。

  Nighandnighdrawsthechase,Withunperturbedpace,DeliberatespeedmajesticinstancyAndpastthosenoisedFeetAvoicecomesyetmorefleet—

  \"Lo!naughtcontentsthee,whocontent’stnotMe。\"

  NakedIwaitThylove’supliftedstroke!

  MyharnesspiecebypieceThouhasthewnfromme,Andsmittenmetomyknee;

  Iamdefencelessutterly,Islept,methinks,andwoke,And,slowlygazing,findmestrippedinsleep。

  Intherashlustiheadofmyyoungpowers,IshookthepillaringhoursAndpulledmylifeuponme;grimedwithsmears,Istandamidthedusto’themoundedyears—

  Mymangledyouthliesdeadbeneaththeheap。

  Mydayshavecrackledandgoneupinsmoke,Havepuffedandburstassun—startsonastream。

  Yea,failethnowevendreamThedreamer,andthelutethelutanist;

  Eventhelinkedfantasies,inwhoseblossomytwistIswungtheearthatrinketatmywrist,Areyielding;cordsofalltooweakaccountForearthwithheavygriefssooverplussed。

  Ah!isThyloveindeedAweed,albeitanamaranthineweed,Sufferingnoflowersexceptitsowntomount?

  Ah!must—

  Designerinfinite!—

  Ah!mustThoucharthewoodereThoucanstlimnwithit?

  Myfreshnessspentitswaveringshoweri’thedust;

  Andnowmyheartisasabrokenfount,Whereintear—drippingsstagnate,spiltdowneverFromthedankthoughtsthatshiverUponthesighfulbranchesofmymind。

  Suchis;whatistobe?

  Thepulpsobitter,howshalltastetherind?

  IdimlyguesswhatTimeinmistsconfounds;

  YeteverandanonatrumpetsoundsFromthehidbattlementsofEternity,Thoseshakenmistsaspaceunsettle,thenRoundthehalf—glimpsedturretsslowlywashagain;

  ButnoterehimwhosummonethIfirsthaveseen,enwoundWithgroomingrobespurpureal,cypress—crowned;

  HisnameIknow,andwhathistrumpetsaith。

  Whetherman’sheartorlifeitbewhichyieldsTheeharvest,mustThyharvestfieldsBedungedwithrottendeath?

  NowofthatlongpursuitComesonathandthebruit;

  ThatVoiceisroundmelikeaburstingsea:

  \"Andisthyearthsomarred,Shatteredinshardonshard?

  Lo,allthingsflythee,forthoufliestMe!

  \"Strange,piteous,futilething!

  Whereforeshouldanysettheeloveapart?

  SeeingnonebutImakesmuchofnaught\"(Hesaid),\"Andhumanloveneedshumanmeriting:

  Howhastthoumerited—

  Ofallman’sclottedclaythedingiestclot?

  Alack,thouknowestnotHowlittleworthyofanylovethouart!

  Whomwiltthoufindtoloveignoblethee,SaveMe,saveonlyMe?

  AllwhichItookfromtheeIdidbuttake,Notforthyharms,Butjustthatthoumight’stseekitinMyarms。

  Allwhichthychild’smistakeFanciesaslost,Ihavestoredfortheeathome:

  Rise,claspMyhand,andcome。\"

  Haltsbymethatfootfall:

  Ismygloom,afterall,ShadeofHishand,outstretchedcaressingly?

  \"Ah,fondest,blindest,weakest,IamHeWhomthouseekest!

  Thoudravestlovefromthee,whodravestMe。\"

  AJUDGMENTINHEAVEN{1}

  AthwartthesodwhichistreadingforGod*thepoetpacedwithhissplendideyes;

  Paradise—verdurehestatelypasses*towintotheFatherofParadise,Throughtheconsciousandpalpitantgrasses*ofinter—tangledrelucentdyes。

  Theangelsa—playonitsfieldsofSummer*(theirwildwingsrustledhisguides’cymars)

  Lookedupfromdisportatthepassingcomer,*astheypeltedeachotherwithhandfulsofstars;

  Andthewarden—spiritswithstartledfeetrose,*handonsword,bytheirtetheredcars。

  Withplumesnight—tincturedenglobedandcinctured,*ofSaints,hisguidedstepsheldonTowhereonthefarcrystellinepale*ofthattranstellarHeaventhereshoneTheimmutablecroceandawn*effusingfromtheFather’sThrone。

  ThroughthereverberantEden—ways*thebruitofhisgreatadventdriven,Backfromthefulgentjustleandpress*withmightyechoingsowasgiven,Aswhenthesurlythundersmites*upontheclangedgatesofHeaven。

  Overthebickeringgonfalons,*far—rangedasforTartareanwars,Wentawaverofribbedfire*——asnight—seasonphosphoricbarsLikeaflame—plumedfanshakeslowlyout*theirridgyreachofcrumblingstars。

  AtlengthtowhereonHisfrettedThrone*satintheheartofHisageddominionsThegreatTriune,andMarynigh,*litroundwithspearsoftheirhauberkedminions,Thepoetdrew,inthethunderousblue*involveddreadofthosemountedpinions。

  Asinasecretandtenebrouscloud*thewatcherfromthedisquietearthAtmomentaryintervals*beholdsfromitsraggedriftsbreakforthTheflashofagoldenperturbation,*thetravellingthreatofawitchedbirth;

  Tillheavilypartsasinisterchasm,*agrislyjaw,whosevergessoon,Slowlyandominouslyfilled*bytheon—comingplenilune,Supportlesslycongestwithfire,*andsuddenlyspitforththemoon:—

  Withbeauty,notterror,throughtanglederror*ofnight—diptplumessoburnedtheircharge;

  Swayedandpartedtheglobingclusters*so,——disclosedfromtheirkindlingmarge,Roseal—chapleted,splendent—vestured,*thesingertherewhereGod’slightlaylarge。

  Hu,hu!awonder!awonder!see,*claspingthesinger’sgloriesclingsAdingycreature,eventolaughter*cloakedandcladinpatchworkthings,Shrinkingclosefromtheunusedglows*oftheseraphs’

  versicolouredwings。

  Arhymer,rhymingafutilerhyme,*hehadcreptforconvoythroughEden—waysIntotheshadeofthepoet’sglory,*darkenedunderhisprevalentrays,Fearfullyhopingadistantwelcome*asapoorkinsmanofhislays。

  Theangelslaughedwithalovelyscorning:*——\"WhohasdonethissorrydeedinThegardenofourFather,God?*’midhisblossomstosowthisweedin?

  Neverourfingersknewthisstuff:*notsofashiontheloomsofEden!\"

  Thesingerbowedhisbrowmajestic,*searchingthatpatchworkthroughandthrough,FeelingGod’slucentgazestraverse*hissinging—stolingandspirittoo:

  Thehallowedharperswerefaintofrown*onthestrangethingcome’midtheirsacredcrew,Onlythesingerthatwasearth*hisfellow—earthandhisownselfknew。

  Butthepoetrentoffrobeandwreath,*soasasloughingserpentdoth,Laidthemattherhymer’sfeet,*sheddownwreathandraimentboth,Stoodinadimandshamedstole,*likethetatteredwingofamustymoth。

  \"Thougav’sttheweedandwreathofsong,*theweedandwreatharesolelyThine,Andthisdishonestvesture*istheonlyvesturethatismine;

  ThelifeItextured,Thouthesong*——MYhandicraftisnotdivine!\"

  Hewrestedo’ertherhymer’shead*thatgarmentingwhichwroughthimwrong;

  Aflickeringtissueargentine*downdrippeditsshiveringsilverslong:—

  \"Betterthouwov’stthywoofoflife*thanthoudidstweavethywoofofsong!\"

  NeverachiefinSaintdomwas,*butturnedhimfromthePoetthen;

  Neveraneyelookedmildonhim*’midalltheangelmyriadsten,SavesinlessMary,andsinfulMary*——theMarytitledMagdalen。

  \"Turnyonrobe,\"spakeMagdalen,*\"oftornbrightsong,andseeandfeel。\"

  Theyturnedtheraiment,sawandfelt*whattheirturningdidreveal—

  Alltheinnersurfacepiled*withbloodiedhairs,likehairsofsteel。

  \"Take,Ipray,yonchapletup,*throwndownruddiedfromhishead。\"

  Theytooktherosealchapletup,*andtheystoodastonished:

  Everyleafbetweentheirfingers,*astheybruisedit,burstandbled。

  \"Seehistornfleshthroughthoserents;*seethepuncturesroundhishair,Asifthechaplet—flowershaddriven*deeprootsintonourishthere—

  Lord,whogav’sthimrobeandwreath,*WHATwasthisThougav’stforwear?\"

  \"FetchforththeParadisalgarb!\"*spaketheFather,sweetandlow;

  Drewthembothbythefrightenedhand*whereMary’sthronemadeirisedbow—

  \"Take,PrincessMary,ofthygoodgrace,*twospiritsgreaterthantheyknow。\"

  EPILOGUE

  Virtuemayunlockhell,orevenAsinturninthewardsofHeaven,(Asethicsofthetext—bookgo),Solittlementheirowndeedsknow,OrthroughtheintricatemeleeGuesswhitherwarddrawsthebattle—sway;

  Solittle,iftheyknowthedeed,Discernwhattherefromshallsucceed。

  Towisestmoralists’tisbutgivenToworkroughborder—lawofHeaven,Withinthisnarrowlifeofours,Thesemarches’twixtdelimitlessPowers。

  Isit,ifHeaventhefutureshowed,Isittheall—severestmodeToseeourselveswiththeeyesofGod?

  Godrathergrant,atHisassize,Heseeusnotwithourowneyes!

  Heaven,whichman’sgenerationsdrawsNordeviatesintoreplicas,MustofasdeepdiversityInjudgmentascreationbe。

  ThereisnoexpeditiousroadTopackandlabelmenforGod,Andsavethembythebarrel—load。

  Somemayperchance,withstrangesurprise,HaveblunderedintoParadise。

  Invastyduskoflifeabroad,TheyfondlythoughttoerrfromGod,Norknewthecirclethattheytrod;

  Andwanderingallthenightabout,Foundthematmornwheretheysetout。

  Deathdawned;Heavenlayinprospectwide:—

  Lo!theywerestandingbyHisside!

  Therhymeralifeuncomplex,Withjustsuchcaresasmortalsvex,Sosimplyfeltasallmenfeel,Livedpurelyouttohissoul’sweal。

  AdoublelifethePoetlived,Andwithadoubleburthengrieved;

  Thelifeoffleshandlifeofsong,Thepangstobothlivesthatbelong;

  Immortalknewandmortalpain,Whointwoworldscouldloseandgain。

  AndfoundimmortalfruitsmustbeMortalthroughhismortality。

  Thelifeoffleshandlifeofsong!

  Ifonelifeworkedtheotherwrong,WhatexpiatingagonyMayforhimdamnedtopoesyShutinthatlittlesentencebe—

  Whatdeepausteritiesofstrife—

  \"Helivedhislife。\"HelivedHISlife!

  DAISY

  WherethethistleliftsapurplecrownSixfootoutoftheturf,Andtheharebellshakesonthewindyhill—

  Othebreathofthedistantsurf!—

  ThehillslookoverontheSouth,Andsouthwarddreamsthesea;

  And,withthesea—breezehandinhand,Cameinnocenceandshe。

  Where’midthegorsetheraspberryRedforthegatherersprings,TwochildrendidwestrayandtalkWise,idle,childishthings。

  Shelistenedwithbig—lippedsurprise,Breast—deepmidflowerandspine:

  Herskinwaslikeagrape,whoseveinsRunsnowinsteadofwine。

  Sheknewnotthosesweetwordsshespake,Norknewherownsweetway;

  Butthere’sneverabird,sosweetasongThrongedinwhosethroatthatday!

  Oh,therewereflowersinStorringtonOntheturfandonthespray;

  ButthesweetestfloweronSussexhillsWastheDaisy—flowerthatday!

  Herbeautysmoothedearth’sfurrowedface!

  Shegavemetokensthree:—

  Alook,awordofherwinsomemouth,Andawildraspberry。

  Aberryred,aguilelesslook,Astillword,——stringsofsand!

  Andyettheymademywild,wildheartFlydowntoherlittlehand。

  Forstandingartlessastheair,Andcandidastheskies,Shetooktheberrieswithherhand,Andthelovewithhersweeteyes。

  Thefairestthingshavefleetestend:

  Theirscentsurvivestheirclose,Buttherose’sscentisbitternessTohimthatlovedtherose!

  Shelookedalittlewistfully,Thenwenthersunshineway:—

  Thesea’seyehadamistonit,Andtheleavesfellfromtheday。

  Shewentherunrememberingway,ShewentandleftinmeThepangofallthepartingsgone,Andpartingsyettobe。

  SheleftmemarvellingwhymysoulWassadthatshewasglad;

  Atallthesadnessinthesweet,Thesweetnessinthesad。

  Still,stillIseemedtoseeher,stillLookupwithsoftreplies,Andtaketheberrieswithherhand,Andthelovewithherlovelyeyes。

  Nothingbegins,andnothingends,Thatisnotpaidwithmoan;

  Forweareborninother’spain,Andperishinourown。

  THEMAKINGOFVIOLA

  I。

  THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

  Spin,daughterMary,spin,Twirlyourwheelwithsilverdin;

  Spin,daughterMary,spin,SpinatressforViola。

  ANGELS。

  Spin,QueenMary,aBrowntressforViola!

  II。

  THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

  Weave,handsangelical,Weaveawoofoffleshtopall—

  Weave,handsangelical—

  FleshtopallourViola。

  ANGELS。

  Weave,singingbrothers,aVelvetfleshforViola!

  III。

  THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

  Scoop,youngJesus,forhereyes,Wood—brownedpoolsofParadise—

  YoungJesus,fortheeyes,FortheeyesofViola。

  ANGELS。

  Tint,PrinceJesus,aDuskedeyeforViola!

  IV。

  THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

  Castastarthereintodrown,Likeatorchincavernbrown,SinkaburningstartodrownWhelmedineyesofViola。

  ANGELS。

  Lave,PrinceJesus,aStarineyesofViola!

  V。

  THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

  Breathe,LordParaclete,Toabubbledcrystalmeet—

  Breathe,LordParaclete—

  CrystalsoulforViola。

  ANGELS。

  Breathe,RegalSpirit,aFlashingsoulforViola!

  VI。

  THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。

  Child—angels,fromyourwingsFalltherosealhoverings,Child—angels,fromyourwings,OnthecheeksofViola。

  ANGELS。

  Linger,rosyreflex,aQuenchlessstain,onViola!

  Allthingsbeingaccomplished,saiththeFatherofHeaven。

  Bearherdown,andbearing,sing,Bearherdownonspylesswing,Bearherdown,andbearing,sing,Withasoundofviola。

  ANGELS。

  Musicashernameis,aSweetsoundofViola!

  VIII。

  Wheelingangels,pastespial,Dancedherdownwithsoundofviol;

  Wheelingangels,pastespial,Descantingon\"Viola。\"

  ANGELS。

  Sing,inourfooting,aLovelyliltof\"Viola!\"

  IX。

  Babysmiled,motherwailed,Earthwardwhilethesweetlingsailed;

  Mothersmiled,babywailed,WhentoearthcameViola。

  ANDHERELDERSSHALLSAY:—

  SosoonhavewetaughtyouaWaytoweep,poorViola!

  X。

  Smile,sweetbaby,smile,Foryouwillhaveweeping—while;

  NativeinyourHeavenissmile,—

  Butyourweeping,Viola?

  Whenceyoursmilesweknow,butah?

  Whenceyourweeping,Viola?—

  OurfirstgifttoyouisaGiftoftears,myViola!

  TOMYGODCHILD——FRANCISM。W。M

  Thislabouring,vast,Telluriangalleon,Ridingatanchorofftheorientsun,Hadbrokenitscable,andstoodouttospaceDownsomefroreArcticoftheaerialways:

  Andnow,backwarpingfromtheinclementmain,Itsvaporousshroudagedrenchedwithicyrain,Itswungintoitsazureroadsagain;

  When,floatedontheprosperoussun—gale,youLit,awhitehalcyonauspice,’midourfrozencrew。

  TotheSun,stranger,surelyyoubelong,Giverofgoldendaysandgoldensong;

  Norisitbyanall—unhappyplanYoubearthenameofme,hisconstantMagian。

  Yetah!fromanyotherthatitcame,Lestfatedtomyfateyoube,astomyname。

  Whenatthefirstthosetidingsdidtheybring,Myheartturnedtroubledattheominousthing:

  Thoughwellmaysuchatitlehimendower,Forwhomapoet’sprayerimploresapoet’spower。

  TheAssisian,whokeptplightedfaithtothree,ToSong,toSanctitude,andPoverty,(IntwoaloneofwhommostsingersproveAfatalfaithfulnessofduringlove!);

  HethesweetSales,ofwhomwescarcelykenHowGodhecouldlovemore,hesolovedmen;

  ThecrownandcrownedofLauraandItaly;

  AndFletcher’sfellow——fromthese,andnotfromme,Takeyouyourname,andtakeyourlegacy!

  Or,ifarightsuccessiveyoudeclareWhenworms,forivies,intertwinemyhair,TakebutthisPoesythatnowfollowethMyclayeyhestwithsullenservilebreath,Madethenyourhappyfreedmanbytestatingdeath。

  MysongIdobutholdforyouintrust,Iaskyoubuttoblossomfrommydust。

  WhenyouhavecompassedallweakIbegan,Divinerpoet,andah!divinerman;

  ThemanatfeudwiththeperduringchildInyoubeforesong’saltarnoblyreconciled;

  FromthewiseheavensIhalfshallsmiletoseeHowlittleaworld,whichownedyou,neededme。

  If,whileyoukeepthevigilsofthenight,Foryourwildtearsmakedarknessalltoobright,Someloneorbthroughyourlonelywindowpeeps,Asitplayedloveroveryoursweetsleeps;

  Thinkitagoldencreviceinthesky,WhichIhavepiercedbuttobeholdyouby!

  Andwhen,immortalmortal,droopsyourhead,Andyou,thechildofdeathlesssong,aredead;

  Then,asyousearchwithunaccustomedglanceTheranksofParadiseformycountenance,TurnnotyourtreadalongtheUraniansodAmongthebeardedcounsellorsofGod;

  ForifinEdenasoneartharewe,Isureshallkeepayoungercompany:

  PasswherebeneaththeirrangedgonfalonsThestarrycohortsshaketheirshieldedsuns,Thedreadfulmassoftheirenridgedspears;

  Passwheremajesticaltheeternalpeers,ThestatelychoiceofthegreatSaintdom,meet—

  Asilvernsegregation,globedcompleteInsandalledshadowoftheTriunefeet;

  Passbywherewait,youngpoet—wayfarer,Yourcousinedclusters,emuloustoshareWithyoutheroseallightningsburning’midtheirhair;

  Passthecrystallinesea,theLampadsseven:—

  LookformeinthenurseriesofHeaven。

  THEPOPPY——TOMONICA

  Summersetliptoearth’sbosombare。

  Andlefttheflushedprintinapoppythere:

  Likeayawnoffirefromthegrassitcame,Andthefanningwindpuffedittoflappingflame。

  Withburntmouthredlikealion’sitdrankThebloodofthesunasheslaughteredsank,AnddippeditscupinthepurpurateshineWhentheeasternconduitsranwithwine。

  Tillitgrewlethargiedwithfiercebliss,Andhotasaswinkedgipsyis,Anddrowsedinsleepysavageries,Withmouthwidea—poutforasultrykiss。

  Achildandmanpacedsidebyside,Treadingtheskirtsofeventide;

  ButbetweentheclaspofhishandandhersLay,feltnot,twentywitheredyears。

  Sheturned,withtheroutofherduskSouthhair,Andsawthesleepinggipsythere;

  Andsnatchedandsnappeditinswiftchild’swhim,With——\"Keepit,longasyoulive!\"——tohim。

  Andhissmile,asnymphsfromtheirlavingmeres,Trembledupfromabathoftears;

  Andjoy,likeamewsea—rockedapart,Tossedonthewaveofhistroubledheart。

  ForHEsawwhatshedidnotsee,That——askindledbyitsownfervency—

  Thevergeshrivelledinwardsmoulderingly:

  Andsuddenly’twixthishandandhersHeknewthetwentywitheredyears—

  Noflower,buttwentyshrivelledyears。

  \"Wasneversuchthinguntilthishour,\"

  Lowtohishearthesaid;\"theflowerOfsleepbringswakeningtome,Andofoblivionmemory。\"

  \"Wasneverthisthingtome,\"hesaid,\"Thoughwithbruisedpoppiesmyfeetarered!\"

  Andagaintohisownheartverylow:

  \"Ochild!Ilove,forIloveandknow;

  \"Butyou,wholovenorknowatallThediversechambersinLove’sguest—hall,Wheresomeriseearly,fewsitlong:

  InhowdifferingaccentshearthethrongHisgreatPentecostaltongue;

  \"Whoknownotlovefromamity,Normyreportedselffromme;

  Afairfitgiftisthis,meseems,Yougive——thiswitheringflowerofdreams。

  \"Ofranklyfickle,andficklytrue,Doyouknowwhatthedayswilldotoyou?

  ToyourLoveandyouwhatthedayswilldo,Ofranklyfickle,andficklytrue?

  \"Youhavelovedme,Fair,threelives——ordays:

  ’Twillpasswiththepassingofmyface。

  ButwhereIgo,yourfacegoestoo,TowatchlestIplayfalsetoyou。

  \"Iambut,mysweet,yourfoster—lover,KnowingwellwhencertainyearsareoverYouvanishfrommetoanother;

  YetIknow,andlove,likethefoster—mother。

  \"So,franklyfickle,andficklytrue!

  Formybrieflife——whileItakefromyouThistoken,fairandfit,meseems,Forme——thiswitheringflowerofdreams。\"

  ***

  Thesleep—flowerswaysinthewheatitshead,Heavywithdreams,asthatwithbread:

  Thegoodlygrainandthesun—flushedsleeperThereaperreaps,andTimethereaper。

  Ihang’midmenmyneedlesshead,Andmyfruitisdreams,astheirsisbread:

  Thegoodlymenandthesun—hazedsleeperTimeshallreap,butafterthereaperTheworldshallgleanofme,methesleeper!

  Love!love!yourflowerofwithereddreamInleavedrhymeliessafe,Ideem,Shelteredandshutinanookofrhyme,Fromthereaperman,andhisreaperTime。

  Love!IfallintotheclawsofTime:

  ButlastswithinaleavedrhymeAllthattheworldofmeesteems—

  Mywithereddreams,mywithereddreams。

  TOMONICATHOUGHTDYING

  You,Othepiteousyou!

  WhoallthelongnightthroughAnticipatedlyDiscloseyourselftomeAlreadyinthewaysBeyondourhumancomfortabledays;

  HowcanyoudeemwhatDeathImpitiablysaithTome,wholisteningwakeForyourpoorsake?

  WhenagrownwomandiesYouknowwethinkunceasinglyWhatthingsshesaid,howsweet,howwise;

  Andthesedomakeourmisery。

  Butyouwere(youtomeThedeadanticipatedly!)

  You——elevenyears,was’tnot,orso?—

  Werejustachild,youknow;

  AndsoyouneversaidThingssweetimmeditatablyandwiseTointerdictfromclosuremyweteyes:

  Butfoolishthings,mydead,mydead!

  Littleandlaughable,Youragethatfittedwell。

  Andwasitsuchthingsallunmemorable,WasitsuchthingscouldmakeMesoballnightforyourimplacablesake?

  Yet,asyousaidtome,Inprettymake—believeofrevelry,SothenightlongsaidDeathWithhismagniloquentbreath;

  (AndthatrememberedlaughterWhichinourdailyusesfollowedafter,Wasalluntunedtopityandtoawe):

  \"Acupofchocolate,Onefarthingistherate,Youdrinkitthroughastraw。\"

  HowcouldIknow,howknowThoselaughingwordswhendrenchedwithsobbingso?

  Anothervoicethanyours,thanyours,hehath!

  Mydear,was’tworthhisbreath,Hismightyutterance?——yethesaith,andsaith!

  ThisdreadfulDeathtohisowndreadfulnessDothdreadfulwrong,Thisdreadfulchildishbabbleonhistongue!

  Thatirontonguemadetospeaksentences,Andwisdominsupportablycomplete,Whyshoulditonlysaythelongnightthrough,Inmimicryofyou,—

  \"Acupofchocolate,Onefarthingistherate,Youdrinkitthroughastraw,astraw,astraw!\"

  Oh,ofallsentences,Piercinglyincomplete!

  Whydidyouteachthatfatalmouthtodraw,Child,impermissibleawe,Fromyouroldtrivialness?

  WhyhaveyoudonemethisMostunsustainablewrong,AndintoDeath’scontrolBetrayedthesecretplacesofmysoul?

  Teachinghimthathislips,Utteringtheirnativeearthquakeandeclipse,CouldneversoavailTorendfromhemtohemtheultimateveilOfthismostdesolateSpirit,andleaveitstrippedanddesecrate,—

  Nay,neversohavewrungFromeyesandspeechweaknessunmanned,unmeet;

  AswhenhisterribledotagetorepeatItslittlelessonlearnethatyourfeet;

  AswhenhesitsamongHissepulchres,toplayWithbrokentoysyourhandhascastaway,Withderelicttrinketsofthedarlingyoung。

  Whyhaveyoutaught——thathemightsocompleteHisawfulpanoplyFromyourcastplaythings——why,Thisdreadfulchildishbabbletohistongue,Dreadfulandsweet?

  Footnotes:

  {1}Note——Ihavethroughoutthispoemusedanasterisktoindicatethecaesurainthemiddleoftheline,afterthemanneroftheoldSaxonsection—point。

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