THEEND.
1816
ODETOPSYCHE
byJohnKeats
OGoddess！hearthesetunelessnumbers，wrung
Bysweetenforcementandremembrancedear，
Andpardonthatthysecretsshouldbesung
Evenintothineownsoft—conchedear：
SurelyIdreamtto—day，ordidIsee
ThewingedPsychewithawaken’deyes？
Iwander’dinaforestthoughtlessly，
And，onthesudden，faintingwithsurprise，
Sawtwofaircreatures，couchedsidebyside
Indeepestgrass，beneaththewhisp’ringroof
Ofleavesandtrembledblossoms，wherethereran
Abrooklet，scarceespied：
’Midhush’d，cool—rootedflowers，fragrant—eyed，
Blue，silver—white，andbuddedTyrian，
Theylaycalm—breathingonthebeddedgrass;
Theirarmsembraced，andtheirpinionstoo;
Theirlipstouch’dnot，buthadnotbadeadieu，
Asifdisjoinedbysoft—handedslumber，
Andreadystillpastkissestooutnumber
Attendereye—dawnofauroreanlove：
ThewingedboyIknew;
Butwhowastthou，Ohappy，happydove？
HisPsychetrue！
Olatestbornandloveliestvisionfar
OfallOlympus’fadedhierarchy！
FairerthanPhoebe’ssapphire—region’dstar，
OrVesper，amorousglow—wormofthesky;
Fairerthanthese，thoughtemplethouhastnone，
Noraltarheap’dwithflowers;
Norvirgin—choirtomakedeliciousmoan
Uponthemidnighthours;
Novoice，nolute，nopipe，noincensesweet
Fromchain—swungcenserteeming;
Noshrine，nogrove，nooracle，noheat
Ofpale—mouth’dprophetdreaming.
Obrightest！thoughtoolateforantiquevows，
Too，toolateforthefondbelievinglyre，
Whenholywerethehauntedforestboughs，
Holytheair，thewater，andthefire;
Yeteveninthesedayssofarretir’d
Fromhappypieties，thylucentfans，
FlutteringamongthefaintOlympians，
Isee，andsing，bymyowneyesinspir’d.
Soletmebethychoir，andmakeamoan
Uponthemidnighthours;
Thyvoice，thylute，thypipe，thyincensesweet
Fromswingedcenserteeming;
Thyshrine，thygrove，thyoracle，thyheat
Ofpale—mouth’dprophetdreaming.
Yes，Iwillbethypriest，andbuildafane
Insomeuntroddenregionofmymind，
Wherebranchedthoughts，newgrownwithpleasantpain，
Insteadofpinesshallmurmurinthewind：
Far，fararoundshallthosedark—cluster’dtrees
Fledgethewild—ridgedmountainssteepbysteep;
Andtherebyzephyrs，streams，andbirds，andbees，
Themoss—lainDryadsshallbelull’dtosleep;
Andinthemidstofthiswidequietness
ArosysanctuarywillIdress
Withthewreath’dtrellisofaworkingbrain，
Withbuds，andbells，andstarswithoutaname，
WithallthegardenerFancye’ercouldfeign，
Whobreedingflowers，willneverbreedthesame：
Andthereshallbefortheeallsoftdelight
Thatshadowythoughtcanwin，
Abrighttorch，andacasementopeatnight，
ToletthewarmLovein！
THEEND.
1816
ONADREAM
byJohnKeats
AsHermesoncetooktohisfeatherslight
WhenlulledArgus，baffled，swoon’dandslept，
SoonaDelphicreedmyidlespright
Soplay’d，socharm’d，soconquer’d，sobereft
Thedragon—worldofallitshundredeyes，
And，seeingitasleep，sofledaway：
NottopureIdawithitssnow—coldskies，
NoruntoTempewhereJovegriev’daday;
Buttothatsecondcircleofsadhell，
Where’midthegust，thewhirlwind，andtheflaw
Ofrainandhail—stones，loversneednottell
Theirsorrows.PalewerethesweetlipsIsaw，
PalewerethelipsIkiss’d，andfairtheform
Ifloatedwith，aboutthatmelancholystorm.
THEEND.
1816
ONFIRSTLOOKINGINTOCHAPMAN’SHOMER
byJohnKeats
MuchhaveItravell’dintherealmsofgold，
Andmanygoodlystatesandkingdomsseen;
RoundmanywesternislandshaveIbeen
WhichbardsinfealtytoApollohold.
OftofonewideexpansehadIbeentold
Thatdeep—brow’dHomerruledashisdemesne;
YetdidIneverbreatheitspureserene
TillIheardChapmanspeakoutloudandbold：
ThenfeltIlikesomewatcheroftheskies
Whenanewplanetswimsintohisken;
OrlikestoutCortezwhenwitheagleeyes
Hestar’datthePacific—andallhismen
Look’dateachotherwithawildsurmise—
Silent，uponapeakinDarien.
THEEND.
1816
ONSITTINGDOWNTOREADKINGLEARONCEAGAIN
byJohnKeats
OgoldentonguedRomance，withserenelute！
FairplumedSyren，Queenoffar—away！
Leavemelodizingonthiswintryday，
Shutupthineoldenpages，andbemute：
Adieu！foronceagainthefiercedispute
Betwixtdamnationandimpassion’dclay
MustIburnthrough;oncemorehumblyassay
Thebitter—sweetofthisShakespearianfruit.
ChiefPoet！andyecloudsofAlbion，
Begettersofourdeepeternaltheme！
WhenthroughtheoldoakForestIamgone，
Letmenotwanderinabarrendream，
ButwhenIamconsumedinthefire，
GivemenewPhoenixwingstoflyatmydesire.
THEEND.
1816
ONVISITINGTHETOMBOFBURNS
byJohnKeats
Thetown，thechurchyard，andthesettingsun，
Theclouds，thetrees，theroundedhillsallseem，
Thoughbeautiful，cold—strange—asinadream
Idreamedlongago，nownewbegun.
Theshort—liv’d，palysummerisbutwon
Fromwinter’sagueforonehour’sgleam;
Throughsapphirewarmtheirstarsdoneverbeam：
AlliscoldBeauty;painisneverdone.
Forwhohasmindtorelish，Minos—wise，
TherealofBeauty，freefromthatdeadhue
Sicklyimaginationandsickpride
Castwanuponit？Burns！withhonourdue
Iofthavehonour’dthee.Greatshadow，hide
Thyface;Isinagainstthynativeskies.
THEEND.
1816
OVERTHEHILLANDOVERTHEDALE
byJohnKeats
Overthehillandoverthedale，
AndoverthebourntoDawlish—
Wheregingerbreadwiveshaveascantysale
Andgingerbreadnutsaresmallish.
RantipoleBettysherandownahill
Andkickedupherpetticoatsfairly;
SaysII’llbeJackifyouwillbeGill—
Soshesatonthegrassdebonairly.
Here’ssomebodycoming，here’ssomebodycoming！
SaysI’tisthewindataparley;
Sowithoutanyfussanyhawingandhumming
Shelayonthegrassdebonairly.
Here’ssomebodyhereandhere’ssomebodythere！
SaysIholdyourtongueyouyoungGipsey;
Sosheheldhertongueandlayplumpandfair
AnddeadasaVenustipsy.
Owhowouldn’thietoDawlishfair，
Owhowouldn’tstopinaMeadow，
Owhowouldnotrumplethedaisiesthere
Andmakethewildfernforabeddo！
THEEND.
1816
SLEEPANDPOETRY
byJohnKeats
AsIlayinmybedslepefullunmete
Wasuntome，butwhythatInemight
RestInewist，fortheren’aserthlywight
[AsIsuppose]hadmoreofhertisese
ThanI，forIn’adsicknessenordisese.
CHAUCER
Whatismoregentlethanawindinsummer？
Whatismoresoothingthantheprettyhummer
Thatstaysonemomentinanopenflower，
Andbuzzescheerilyfrombowertobower？
Whatismoretranquilthanamusk—roseblowing
Inagreenisland，farfromallmen’sknowing？
Morehealthfulthantheleafinessofdales？
Moresecretthananestofnightingales？
MoreserenethanCordelia’scountenance？
Morefullofvisionsthanahighromance？
What，buttheeSleep？Softcloserofoureyes！
Lowmurmureroftenderlullabies！
Lighthovereraroundourhappypillows！
Wreatherofpoppybuds，andweepingwillows！
Silententanglerofabeauty’stresses！
Mosthappylistener！whenthemorningblesses
Theeforenliveningallthecheerfuleyes
Thatglancesobrightlyatthenewsun—rise.
Butwhatishigherbeyondthoughtthanthee？
Fresherthanberriesofamountaintree？
Morestrange，morebeautiful，moresmooth，moreregal，
Thanwingsofswans，thandoves，thandim—seeneagle？
Whatisit？AndtowhatshallIcompareit？
Ithasaglory，andnaughtelsecanshareit：
Thethoughtthereofisawful，sweet，andholy，
Chasingawayallworldlinessandfolly;
Comingsometimeslikefearfulclapsofthunder，
Orthelowrumblingsearth’sregionsunder;
Andsometimeslikeagentlewhispering
Ofallthesecretsofsomewond’rousthing
Thatbreathesaboutusinthevacantair;
Sothatwelookaroundwithpryingstare，
Perhapstoseeshapesoflight，aeriallimning，
Andcatchsoftfloatingsfromafaint—heardhymning;
Toseethelaurelwreath，onhighsuspended，
Thatistocrownournamewhenlifeisended.
Sometimesitgivesaglorytothevoice，
Andfromtheheartup—springs，rejoice！rejoice！
SoundswhichwillreachtheFramerofallthings，
Anddieawayinardentmutterings.
Noonewhooncetheglorioussunhasseen，
Andalltheclouds，andfelthisbosomclean
ForhisgreatMaker’spresence，butmustknow
What’tisImean，andfeelhisbeingglow：
ThereforenoinsultwillIgivehisspirit，
Bytellingwhatheseesfromnativemerit.
OPoesy！fortheeIholdmypen
Thatamnotyetagloriousdenizen
Ofthywideheaven—ShouldIratherkneel
Uponsomemountain—topuntilIfeel
Aglowingsplendourroundaboutmehung，
Andechobackthevoiceofthineowntongue？
OPoesy！fortheeIgraspmypen
Thatamnotyetagloriousdenizen
Ofthywideheaven;yet，tomyardentprayer，
Yieldfromthysanctuarysomeclearair，
Smooth’dforintoxicationbythebreath
Offloweringbays，thatImaydieadeath
Ofluxury，andmyyoungspiritfollow
Themorningsun—beamstothegreatApollo
Likeafreshsacrifice;or，ifIcanbear
Theo’erwhelmingsweets，’twillbringtomethefair
Visionsofallplaces：abowerynook
Willbeelysium—aneternalbook
WhenceImaycopymanyalovelysaying
Abouttheleaves，andflowers—abouttheplaying
Ofnymphsinwoods，andfountains;andtheshade
Keepingasilenceroundasleepingmaid;
Andmanyaversefromsostrangeinfluence
Thatwemusteverwonderhow，andwhence
Itcame.Alsoimaginingswillhover
Roundmyfire—side，andhaplytherediscover
Vistasofsolemnbeauty，whereI’dwander
Inhappysilence，liketheclearMeander
Throughitslonevales;andwhereIfoundaspot
Ofawfullershade，oranenchantedgrot，
Oragreenhillo’erspreadwithchequer’ddress
Offlowers，andfearfulfromitsloveliness，
Writeonmytabletsallthatwaspermitted，
Allthatwasforourhumansensesfitted.
ThentheeventsofthiswideworldI’dseize
Likeastronggiant，andmyspiritteaze
Tillatitsshouldersitshouldproudlysee
Wingstofindoutanimmortality.
Stopandconsider！lifeisbutaday;
Afragiledew—droponitsperilousway
Fromatree’ssummit;apoorIndian’ssleep
Whilehisboathastenstothemonstroussteep
OfMontmorenci.Whysosadamoan？
Lifeistherose’shopewhileyetunblown;
Thereadingofanever—changingtale;
Thelightupliftingofamaiden’sveil;
Apigeontumblinginclearsummerair;
Alaughingschool—boy，withoutgrieforcare，
Ridingthespringybranchesofanelm.
Ofortenyears，thatImayoverwhelm
Myselfinpoesy;soImaydothedeed
Thatmyownsoulhastoitselfdecreed.
ThenwillIpassthecountriesthatIsee
Inlongperspective，andcontinually
Tastetheirpurefountains.FirsttherealmI’llpass
OfFlora，andoldPan：sleepinthegrass，
Feeduponapplesred，andstrawberries，
Andchooseeachpleasurethatmyfancysees;
Catchthewhite—handednymphsinshadyplaces，
Towoosweetkissesfromavertedfaces，—
Playwiththeirfingers，touchtheirshoulderswhite
Intoaprettyshrinkingwithabite
Ashardaslipscanmakeit：tillagreed，
Alovelytaleofhumanlifewe’llread.
Andonewillteachatamedovehowitbest
Mayfanthecoolairgentlyo’ermyrest;
Another，bendingo’erhernimbletread，
Willsetagreenrobefloatingroundherhead，
Andstillwilldancewithevervariedease，
Smilingupontheflowersandthetrees：
Anotherwillenticemeon，andon
Throughalmondblossomsandrichcinnamon;
Tillinthebosomofaleafyworld
Werestinsilence，liketwogemsupcurl’d
Intherecessesofapearlyshell.
AndcanIeverbidthesejoysfarewell？
Yes，Imustpassthemforanoblerlife，
WhereImayfindtheagonies，thestrife
Ofhumanhearts：forlo！Iseeafar，
O’ersailingthebluecragginess，acar
Andsteedswithstreamymanes—thecharioteer
Looksoutuponthewindswithgloriousfear：
Andnowthenumeroustramplingsquiverlightly
Alongahugecloud’sridge;andnowwithsprightly
Wheeldownwardcometheyintofresherskies，
Tiptroundwithsilverfromthesun’sbrighteyes.
Stilldownwardwithcapaciouswhirltheyglide;
AndnowIseethemonthegreen—hill’sside
Inbreezyrestamongthenoddingstalks.
Thecharioteerwithwond’rousgesturetalks
Tothetreesandmountains;andtheresoonappear
Shapesofdelight，ofmystery，andfear，
Passingalongbeforeaduskyspace
Madebysomemightyoaks：astheywouldchase
Someever—fleetingmusicontheysweep.
Lo！howtheymurmur，laugh，andsmile，andweep：
Somewithupholdenhandandmouthsevere;
Somewiththeirfacesmuffledtotheear
Betweentheirarms;some，clearinyouthfulbloom，
Gogladandsmilinglyathwartthegloom;
Somelookingback，andsomewithupwardgaze;
Yes，thousandsinathousanddifferentways
Flitonward—nowalovelywreathofgirls
Dancingtheirsleekhairintotangledcurls;
Andnowbroadwings.Mostawfullyintent
Thedriverofthosesteedsisforwardbent，
Andseemstolisten：OthatImightknow
Allthathewriteswithsuchahurryingglow.
Thevisionsallarefled—thecarisfled
Intothelightofheaven，andintheirstead
Asenseofrealthingscomesdoublystrong，
And，likeamuddystream，wouldbearalong
Mysoultonothingness：butIwillstrive
Againstalldoubtings，andwillkeepalive
Thethoughtofthatsamechariot，andthestrange
Journeyitwent.
Istheresosmallarange
Inthepresentstrengthofmanhood，thatthehigh
Imaginationcannotfreelyfly
Asshewaswontofold？preparehersteeds，
Pawupagainstthelight，anddostrangedeeds
Upontheclouds？Hasshenotshownusall？
Fromtheclearspaceofether，tothesmall
Breathofnewbudsunfolding？Fromthemeaning
OfJove’slargeeye—brow，tothetendergreening
OfAprilmeadows？Hereheraltarshone，
E’eninthisisle;andwhocouldparagon
Thefervidchoirthatliftedupanoise
Ofharmony，towhereitayewillpoise
Itsmightyselfofconvolutingsound，
Hugeasaplanet，andlikethatrollround，
Eternallyaroundadizzyvoid？
Ay，inthosedaystheMuseswerenighcloy’d
Withhonors;norhadanyothercare
Thantosingoutandsooththeirwavyhair.
Couldallthisbeforgotten？Yes，aschism
Nurturedbyfopperyandbarbarism，
MadegreatApolloblushforthishisland.
Menwerethoughtwisewhocouldnotunderstand
Hisglories：withapulinginfant’sforce
Theysway’daboutuponarockinghorse，
AndthoughtitPegasus.Ahdismalsoul’d！
Thewindsofheavenblew，theoceanroll’d
Itsgatheringwaves—yefeltitnot.Theblue
Bareditseternalbosom，andthedew
Ofsummernightscollectedstilltomake
Themorningprecious：beautywasawake！
Whywereyenotawake？Butyeweredead
Tothingsyeknewnotof，—werecloselywed
Tomustylawslinedoutwithwretchedrule
Andcompassvile：sothatyetaughtaschool
Ofdoltstosmooth，inlay，andclip，andfit，
Till，likethecertainwandsofJacob’swit，
Theirversestallied.Easywasthetask：
Athousandhandicraftsmenworethemask
OfPoesy.Ill—fated，impiousrace！
ThatblasphemedthebrightLyristtohisface，
Anddidnotknowit，—no，theywentabout，
Holdingapoor，decrepidstandardout
Mark’dwithmostflimsymottos，andinlarge
ThenameofoneBoileau！
Oyewhosecharge
Itistohoverroundourpleasanthills！
Whosecongregatedmajestysofills
Myboundlyreverence，thatIcannottrace
Yourhallowednames，inthisunholyplace，
Sonearthosecommonfolk;didnottheirshames
Affrightyou？DidouroldlamentingThames
Delightyou？Didyeneverclusterround
DeliciousAvon，withamournfulsound，
Andweep？Ordidyewhollybidadieu
Toregionswherenomorethelaurelgrew？
Ordidyestaytogiveawelcoming
Tosomelonespiritswhocouldproudlysing
Theiryouthaway，anddie？’Twasevenso：
Butletmethinkawaythosetimesofwoe：
Now’tisafairerseason;yehavebreathed
Richbenedictionso’erus;yehavewreathed
Freshgarlands：forsweetmusichasbeenheard
Inmanyplaces;—somehasbeenupstirr’d
Fromoutitscrystaldwellinginalake，
Byaswan’sebonbill;fromathickbrake，
Nestedandquietinavalleymild，
Bubblesapipe;finesoundsarefloatingwild
Abouttheearth：happyareyeandglad.
Thesethingsaredoubtless：yetintruthwe’vehad
Strangethundersfromthepotencyofsong;
Mingledindeedwithwhatissweetandstrong，
Frommajesty：butincleartruththethemes
Areuglyclubs，thePoets’Polyphemes
Disturbingthegrandsea.Adrainlessshower
Oflightispoesy;’tisthesupremeofpower;
’Tismighthalfslumb’ringonitsownrightarm.
Theveryarchingsofhereye—lidscharm
Athousandwillingagentstoobey，
Andstillshegovernswiththemildestsway：
ButstrengthalonethoughoftheMusesborn
Islikeafallenangel：treesuptorn，
Darkness，andworms，andshrouds，andsepulchres
Delightit;foritfeedsupontheburrs，
Andthornsoflife;forgettingthegreatend
Ofpoesy，thatitshouldbeafriend
Tosooththecares，andliftthethoughtsofman.
YetIrejoice：amyrtlefairerthan
E’ergrewinPaphos，fromthebitterweeds
Liftsitssweetheadintotheair，andfeeds
Asilentspacewitheversproutinggreen.
Alltenderestbirdstherefindapleasantscreen，
Creepthroughtheshadewithjauntyfluttering，
Nibblethelittlecuppedflowersandsing.
Thenletusclearawaythechokingthorns
Fromrounditsgentlestem;lettheyoungfawns，
Yeanedinaftertimes，whenweareflown，
Findafreshswardbeneathit，overgrown
Withsimpleflowers：lettherenothingbe
Moreboisterousthanalover’sbendedknee;
Noughtmoreungentlethantheplacidlook
Ofonewholeansuponaclosedbook;
Noughtmoreuntranquilthanthegrassyslopes
Betweentwohills.Allhaildelightfulhopes！
Asshewaswont，th’imagination
Intomostlovelylabyrinthswillbegone，
Andtheyshallbeaccountedpoetkings
Whosimplytellthemostheart—easingthings.
OmaythesejoysberipebeforeIdie.
WillnotsomesaythatIpresumptuously
Havespoken？thatfromhasteningdisgrace
’Twerebetterfartohidemyfoolishface？
Thatwhiningboyhoodshouldwithreverencebow
Erethedreadthunderboltcouldreach？How！
IfIdohidemyself，itsureshallbe
Intheveryfane，thelightofPoesy：
IfIdofall，atleastIwillbelaid
Beneaththesilenceofapoplarshade;
Andovermethegrassshallbesmoothshaven;
Andthereshallbeakindmemorialgraven.
ButoffDespondence！miserablebane！
Theyshouldnotknowthee，whoathirsttogain
Anobleend，arethirstyeveryhour.
WhatthoughIamnotwealthyinthedower
Ofspanningwisdom;thoughIdonotknow
Theshiftingsofthemightywindsthatblow
Hitherandthitherallthechangingthoughts
Ofman：thoughnogreatminist’ringreasonsorts
Outthedarkmysteriesofhumansouls
Toclearconceiving：yetthereeverrolls
Avastideabeforeme，andIglean
Therefrommyliberty;thencetooI’veseen
TheendandaimofPoesy.’Tisclear
Asanythingmosttrue;asthattheyear
Ismadeofthefourseasons—manifest
Asalargecross，someoldcathedral’screst，
Liftedtothewhiteclouds.ThereforeshouldI
Bebuttheessenceofdeformity，
Acoward，didmyveryeye—lidswink
AtspeakingoutwhatIhavedaredtothink.
Ah！ratherletmelikeamadmanrun
Oversomeprecipice;letthehotsun
MeltmyDedalianwings，anddrivemedown
Convuls’dandheadlong！Stay！aninwardfrown
Ofconsciencebidsmebemorecalmawhile.
Anoceandim，sprinkledwithmanyanisle，
Spreadsawfullybeforeme.Howmuchtoil！
Howmanydays！whatdesperateturmoil！
EreIcanhaveexploreditswidenesses.
Ah，whatatask！uponmybendedknees，
Icouldunsaythose—no，impossible！
Impossible！
ForsweetreliefI’lldwell
Onhumblerthoughts，andletthisstrangeassay
Beguningentlenessdiesoaway.
E’ennowalltumultfrommybosomfades：
Iturnfullheartedtothefriendlyaids
Thatsmooththepathofhonour;brotherhood，
Andfriendlinessthenurseofmutualgood.
Theheartygraspthatsendsapleasantsonnet
Intothebrainereonecanthinkuponit;
Thesilencewhensomerhymesarecomingout;
Andwhenthey’recome，theverypleasantrout：
Themessagecertaintobedoneto—morrow.
’Tisperhapsaswellthatitshouldbetoborrow
Somepreciousbookfromoutitssnugretreat，
Toclusterrounditwhenwenextshallmeet.
ScarcecanIscribbleon;forlovelyairs
Areflutteringroundtheroomlikedovesinpairs;
Manydelightsofthatgladdayrecalling，
Whenfirstmysensescaughttheirtenderfalling.
Andwiththeseairscomeformsofelegance
Stoopingtheirshoulderso’erahorse’sprance，
Careless，andgrand—fingerssoftandround
Partingluxuriantcurls;—andtheswiftbound
OfBacchusfromhischariot，whenhiseye
MadeAriadne’scheeklookblushingly.
ThusIrememberallthepleasantflow
Ofwordsatopeningaportfolio.
Thingssuchastheseareeverharbingers
Totrainsofpeacefulimages：thestirs
Ofaswan’sneckunseenamongtherushes：
Alinnetstartingallaboutthebushes：
Abutterfly，withgoldenwingsbroadparted，
Nestlingarose，convuls’dasthoughitsmarted
Withoverpleasure—many，manymore，
MightIindulgeatlargeinallmystore
Ofluxuries：yetImustnotforget
Sleep，quietwithhispoppycoronet：
Forwhattheremaybeworthyintheserhymes
Ipartlyowetohim：andthus，thechimes
Offriendlyvoiceshadjustgivenplace
Toassweetasilence，whenI’ganretrace
Thepleasantday，uponacouchatease.
Itwasapoet’shousewhokeepsthekeys
Ofpleasure’stemple.Roundaboutwerehung
Thegloriousfeaturesofthebardswhosung
Inotherages—coldandsacredbusts
Smiledateachother.Happyhewhotrusts
ToclearFuturityhisdarlingfame！
Thentherewerefaunsandsatyrstakingaim
Atswellingappleswithafriskyleap
Andreachingfingers，’midalusciousheap
Ofvine—leaves.Thenthererosetoviewafane
Oflinymarble，andtheretoatrain
Ofnymphsapproachingfairlyo’erthesward：
One，loveliest，holdingherwhitehandtoward
Thedazzlingsun—rise：twosisterssweet
Bendingtheirgracefulfigurestilltheymeet
Overthetrippingsofalittlechild：
Andsomearehearing，eagerly，thewild
Thrillingliquidityofdewypiping.
See，inanotherpicture，nymphsarewiping
CherishinglyDiana’stimorouslimbs;—
Afoldoflawnymantledabblingswims
Atthebath’sedge，andkeepsagentlemotion
Withthesubsidingcrystal：aswhenocean
Heavescalmlyitsbroadswellingsmoothnesso’er
Itsrockymarge，andbalancesoncemore
Thepatientweeds;thatnowunshentbyfoam
Feelallabouttheirundulatinghome.
Sappho’smeekheadwastherehalfsmilingdown
Atnothing;justasthoughtheearnestfrown
Ofoverthinkinghadthatmomentgone
Fromoffherbrow，andleftherallalone.
GreatAlfred’stoo，withanxious，pityingeyes，
Asifhealwayslistenedtothesighs
Ofthegoadedworld;andKosciusko’sworn
Byhorridsuffrance—mightilyforlorn.
Petrarch，outsteppingfromtheshadygreen，
StartsatthesightofLaura;norcanwean
Hiseyesfromhersweetface.Mosthappythey！
Foroverthemwasseenafreedisplay
Ofout—spreadwings，andfrombetweenthemshone
ThefaceofPoesy：fromoffherthrone
Sheoverlook’dthingsthatIscarcecouldtell.
TheverysenseofwhereIwasmightwell
KeepSleepaloof：butmorethanthattherecame
Thoughtafterthoughttonourishuptheflame
Withinmybreast;sothatthemorninglight
Surprisedmeevenfromasleeplessnight;
AndupIroserefresh’d，andglad，andgay，
Resolvingtobeginthatveryday
Theselines;andhowsoevertheybedone，
Ileavethemasafatherdoeshisson.
THEEND.
1816
STANZAS
（\"INDREAR—NIGHTEDDECEMBER\"）
byJohnKeats
STANZAS
I.
Indrear—nightedDecember，
Toohappy，happytree，
Thybranchesne’erremember
Theirgreenfelicity：
Thenorthcannotundothem，
Withasleetywhistlethroughthem;
Norfrozenthawingsgluethem
Frombuddingattheprime.
II.
Indrear—nightedDecember，
Toohappy，happybrook，
Thybubblingsne’erremember
Apollo’ssummerlook;
Butwithasweetforgetting，
Theystaytheircrystalfretting，
Never，neverpetting
Aboutthefrozentime.
III.
Ah！would’tweresowithmany
Agentlegirlandboy！
Butwerethereeverany
Writh’dnotofpassedjoy？
Thefeelofnottofeelit，
Whenthereisnonetohealit，
Nornumbedsensetosteelit，
Wasneversaidinrhyme.
THEEND.
1816
THEDAYISGONE，ANDALLITSSWEETSAREGONE！
byJohnKeats
Thedayisgone，andallitssweetsaregone！
Sweetvoice，sweetlips，softhand，andsofterbreast，
Warmbreath，lightwhisper，tendersemi—tone，
Brighteyes，accomplish’dshape，andlang’rouswaist！
Fadedtheflowerandallitsbuddedcharms，
Fadedthesightofbeautyfrommyeyes，
Fadedtheshapeofbeautyfrommyarms，
Fadedthevoice，warmth，whiteness，paradise—
Vanish’dunseasonablyatshutofeve，
Whentheduskholidayorholinight
Offragrant—curtain’dlovebeginstoweave
Thewoofofdarknessthick，forhiddelight;
But，asI’vereadlove’smissalthroughto—day，
He’llletmesleep，seeingIfastandpray.
THEEND.
1816
THEEVEOFSAINTMARK
byJohnKeats
UponaSabbath—dayitfell;
TwiceholywastheSabbath—bell
Thatcall’dthefolktoeveningprayer;
Thecitystreetswerecleanandfair
FromwholesomedrenchofAprilrains;
And，onthewesternwindowpanes，
Thechillysunsetfaintlytold
Ofunmatur’dgreenvalliescold，
Ofthegreenthornybloomlesshedge，
Ofriversnewwithspring—tidesedge，
Ofprimrosesbyshelter’drills，
Anddaisiesontheaguishhills.
TwiceholywastheSabbath—bell：
Thesilentstreetswerecrowdedwell
Withstaidandpiouscompanies，
Warmfromtheirfire—sideorat’ries，
Andmovingwithdemurestair
Toeven—songandvesperprayer.
Eacharchedporchandentrylow
Wasfill’dwithpatientfolkandslow，
Withwhispershush，andshufflingfeet，
Whileplay’dtheorganloudandsweet.
Thebellshadceas’d，theprayersbegun，
AndBerthahadnotyethalfdone
Acuriousvolume，patch’dandtorn，
Thatalldaylong，fromearliestmorn，
Hadtakencaptivehertwoeyes
Amongitsgoldenbroideries;
Perplex’dherwithathousandthings，—
ThestarsofHeaven，andangels’wings，
Martyrsinafieryblaze，
Azuresaintsinsilverrays，
Moses’breastplate，andtheseven
CandlesticksJohnsawinHeaven，
ThewingedLionofSaintMark，
AndtheCovenantalArk
Withitsmanymysteries，
Cherubimandgoldenmice.
Berthawasamaidenfair，
DwellingintheoldMinster—square;
Fromherfire—sideshecouldsee
Sidelongitsrichantiquity，
FarastheBishop’sgarden—wall;
Wheresycamoresandelm—treestall，
Full—leav’d，theforesthadoutstript，
Bynosharpnorth—windevernipt，
Soshelter’dbythemightypile.
Berthaarose，andreadawhile
Withforehead’gainstthewindow—pane.
Againshetry’d，andthenagain，
Untiltheduskeveleftherdark
UponthelegendofSt.Mark.
Fromplaitedlawn—frill，fineandthin，
Shelifteduphersoftwarmchin，
Withachingneckandswimmingeyes，
Anddaz’dwithsaintlyimageries.
Allwasgloom，andsilentall，
Savenowandthenthestillfoot—fall
Ofonereturninghomewardslate
Pasttheechoingminster—gate.
Theclamorousdaws，thatalltheday
Abovetree—topsandtowersplay，
Pairbypairhadgonetorest，
Eachinitsancientbelfry—nest，
Whereasleeptheyfallbetimes
Tomusicofthedrowsychimes.
Allwassilent，allwasgloom
Abroadandinthehomelyroom：
Downshesat，poorcheatedsoul！
Andstruckalampfromthedismalcoal;
Lean’dforwardwithbrightdroopinghair
Andslantbookfullagainsttheglare.
Hershadow，inuneasyguise，
hover’dabout，agiantsize，
Onceiling—beamandoldoakchair，
Theparrot’scage，andpanelsquare;
Andthewarmangledwinterscreen，
Onwhichweremanymonstersseen，
Call’ddovesofSiam，Limamice，
AndleglessbirdsofParadise，
Macaw，andtenderAvadavat，
Andsilken—furr’dAngoracat.
Untir’dsheread，hershadowstill
Glower’daboutasitwouldfill
Theroomwithwildestformsandshades，
Asthoughsomeghostlyqueenofspades
Hadcometomockbehindherback，
Anddance，andrufflehergarmentsblack.
Untir’dshereadthelegendpage
OfholyMark，fromyouthtoage，
Onland，onsea，inpaganchains，
Rejoicingforhismanypains.
SometimesthelearnedEremite
Withgoldenstar，ordaggerbright，
Referr’dtopiouspoesies
Writteninsmallestcrow—quillsize
Beneaththetext;andthustherhyme
Wasparcell’doutfromtimetotime：
\"Gifyewolstondenhardiewight—
Amiddesoftheblackenight—
Righteinthechurcheporch，pardie
Yewolbeholdacompanie
Approchentheefulldolourouse
Forsoothtosainfromeverichhouse
BeitinCityorvillage
WolcomethePhantomandimage
Ofilkagentandilkacarle
WhomcoldeDeathehathinparle
Andwolsomedaythatveryyear
Touchenwithfoulevenimespear
Andsadlydothemalltodie—
Hemallshaltthouseeverilie—
Andeverichonshallbytheepass
AllwhomustdiethatyearAlas
—Alswritithheofswevenis
Menhanbefornetheywakeinbliss，
Whannethathirfriendesthinkehembound
Incrimpedshroudefarreundergrounde;
Andhowalitlingchildmotebe
Asainteritsnativitie，
Gifthatthemodre（Godherblesse！）
Kepeninsolitarinesse，
Andkissendevoutetheholycroce.
OfGoddesloveandSathan’sforce
Hewritith;andthingesmanymo：
OfswichethingesImaynotshow，
BotImusttellenverilie
SomdelofSainteCicilie，
Andchiefliewhatheauctorethe
OfSainteMarkislifeanddethe：\"
Atlengthherconstanteyelidscome
Upontheferventmartyrdom;
Thenlastlytohisholyshrine，
Exaltamidthetapers’shine
AtVenice，—
THEEND.
1816
THEPOET
AFRAGMENT
byJohnKeats
Where’sthePoet？showhim！showhim，
Musesnine！thatImayknowhim！
’Tisthemanwhowithaman
Isanequal，beheKing
Orpoorestofthebeggar—clan，
Oranyotherwondrousthing
Amanmaybe’twixtapeandPlato;
’Tisthemanwhowithabird，
Wrenoreagle，findshiswayto
Allitsinstincts;hehathheard
Thelion’sroaring，andcantell
Whathishornythroatexpresseth，
Andtohimthetiger’syell
Comesarticulateandpresseth
Onhisearlikemother—tongue
THEEND.
1816
TO—
（\"WHATCANIDOTODRIVEAWAY\"）
byJohnKeats
WhatcanIdotodriveaway
Remembrancefrommyeyes？fortheyhaveseen，
Aye，anhourago，mybrilliantQueen！
Touchhasamemory.Osay，love，say，
WhatcanIdotokillitandbefree
Inmyoldliberty？
WheneveryfaironethatIsawwasfair
Enoughtocatchmeinbuthalfasnare，
Notkeepmethere：
When，howe’erpoororparticolour’dthings，
Mymusehadwings，
Andeverreadywastotakehercourse
WhitherIbentherforce，
Unintellectual，yetdivinetome;—
Divine，Isay！—Whatsea—birdo’erthesea
Isaphilosopherthewhilehegoes
Wingingalongwherethegreatwaterthroes？
HowshallIdo
Togetanew
Thosemoultedfeathers，andsomountoncemore
Above，above
ThereachofflutteringLove，
AndmakehimcowerlowlywhileIsoar？
ShallIgulpwine？No，thatisvulgarism，
Aheresyandschism，
Foistedintothecanonlawoflove;—
No，—wineisonlysweettohappymen;
Moredismalcares
Seizeonmeunawares，—
WhereshallIlearntogetmypeaceagain？
Tobanishthoughtsofthatmosthatefulland，
Dungeonerofmyfriends，thatwickedstrand
Wheretheywerewreck’dandliveawreckedlife;
Thatmonstrousregion，whosedullriverspour
Everfromtheirsordidurnsuntotheshore，
Unown’dofanyweedy—hairedgods;
Whosewinds，allzephyrless，holdscourgingrods，
Icedinthegreatlakes，toafflictmankind;
Whoserank—grownforests，frosted，black，andblind，
WouldfrightaDryad;whoseharshherbag’dmeads
Makeleanandlankthestarv’doxwhilehefeeds;
Thereflowershavenoscent，birdsnosweetsong，
AndgreatunerringNatureonceseemswrong.
O，forsomesunnyspell
Todissipatetheshadowsofthishell！
Saytheyaregone，—withthenewdawninglight
Stepsforthmyladybright！
O，letmeoncemorerest
Mysouluponthatdazzlingbreast！
Letonceagaintheseachingarmsbeplac’d，
Thetendergaolersofthywaist！
Andletmefeelthatwarmbreathhereandthere
Tospreadaraptureinmyveryhair，—
O，thesweetnessofthepain！
Givemethoselipsagain！
Enough！Enough！itisenoughforme
Todreamofthee！
THEEND.
1816
TOAILSAROCK
byJohnKeats
Hearken，thoucraggyoceanpyramid！
Giveanswerfromthyvoice，thesea—fowls’screams！
Whenwerethyshouldersmantledinhugestreams？
Whenfromthesunwasthybroadforeheadhid？
Howlongis’tsincethemightyPowerbid
Theeheavetoairysleepfromfathomdreams？
Sleepinthelapofthunderorsunbeams，
Orwhengreycloudsarethycoldcoverlid？
Thouanswer’stnot，forthouartdeadasleep;
Thylifeisbuttwodeadeternities—
Thelastinair，theformerinthedeep;
Firstwiththewhales，lastwiththeeagle—skies—
Drown’dwastthoutillanearthquakemadetheesteep，
Anothercannotwakethygiantsize.
THEEND.
1816
TOHOMER
byJohnKeats
Standingaloofingiantignorance，
OftheeIhearandoftheCyclades，
Asonewhositsashoreandlongsperchance
Tovisitdolphin—coralindeepseas.
Sothouwastblind！—butthentheveilwasrent，
ForJoveuncurtain’dHeaventolettheelive，
AndNeptunemadefortheeaspumytent，
AndPanmadesingfortheehisforest—hive;
Aye，ontheshoresofdarknessthereislight，
Andprecipicesshowuntroddengreen;
Thereisabuddingmorrowinmidnight;
Thereisatriplesightinblindnesskeen;
Suchseeinghadstthouasitoncebefel
ToDian，QueenofEarth，andHeaven，andHell.
THEEND.
1816
TOONEWHOHASBEENLONGINCITYPENT
byJohnKeats
Toonewhohasbeenlongincitypent，
’Tisverysweettolookintothefair
Andopenfaceofheaven，—tobreatheaprayer
Fullinthesmileofthebluefirmament.
Whoismorehappy，when，withheart’scontent，
Fatiguedhesinksintosomepleasantlair
Ofwavygrass，andreadsadebonair
Andgentletaleofloveandlanguishment？
Returninghomeatevening，withanear
CatchingthenotesofPhilomel，—aneye
Watchingthesailingcloudlet’sbrightcareer，
Hemournsthatdaysosoonhasglidedby：
E’enlikethepassageofanangel’stear
Thatfallsthroughtheclearethersilently.
THEEND.
1816
TOSLEEP
byJohnKeats
Osoftembalmerofthestillmidnight，
Shuttingwithcarefulfingersandbenign
Ourgloom—pleas’deyes，embower’dfromthelight，
Enshadedinforgetfulnessdivine：
OsoothestSleep！ifsoitpleasethee，close
Inmidstofthisthinehymnmywillingeyes，
Orwaittheamenerethypoppythrows
Aroundmybeditslullingcharities.
Thensaveme，orthepasseddaywillshine
Uponmypillow，breedingmanywoes;
Savemefromcuriousconscience，thatstilllords
Itsstrengthfordarkness，burrowinglikeamole;
Turnthekeydeftlyintheoiledwards，
Andsealthehushedcasketofmysoul.
THEEND.
1816
TRANSLATEDFROMRONSARD
byJohnKeats
NaturewithheldCassandraintheskies
Formoreadornmentafullthousandyears;
ShetooktheircreamofBeauty’sfairestdyes，
Andshap’dandtintedheraboveallPeers：
MeanwhileLovekeptherdearlywithhiswings，
Andunderneaththeirshadowfill’dhereyes
WithsucharichnessthatthecloudyKings
OfhighOlympusutter’dslavishsighs.
WhenfromtheHeavensIsawherfirstdescend
Myhearttookfire，andonlyburningpains
Theyweremypleasures—theymyLife’ssadend;
Lovepour’dherbeautyintomywarmveins
******
******
THEEND.
1816
WHENIHAVEFEARSTHATIMAYCEASETOBE
byJohnKeats
WhenIhavefearsthatImayceasetobe
Beforemypenhasglean’dmyteemingbrain，
Beforehigh—piledbooksincharact’ry
Holdlikerichgarnersthefullripen’dgrain;
WhenIbeholduponthenight’sstarr’dface
Hugecloudysymbolsofahighromance，
AndthinkthatImayneverlivetotrace
Theirshadowswiththemagichandofchance;
AndwhenIfeel，faircreatureofanhour，
ThatIshallneverlookupontheemore，
Neverhaverelishinthefaerypower
Ofunreflectinglove;—thenontheshore
OfthewideworldIstandalone，andthink
Tillloveandfametonothingnessdosink.
THEEND.
1816
WHYDIDILAUGHTO—NIGHT？NOVOICEWILLTELL
byJohnKeats
WhydidIlaughto—night？Novoicewilltell：
NoGod，noDemonofsevereresponse，
DeignstoreplyfromHeavenorfromHell.
ThentomyhumanheartIturnatonce.
Heart！ThouandIareheresadandalone;
Isay，whydidIlaugh！Omortalpain！
ODarkness！Darkness！evermustImoan，
ToquestionHeavenandHellandHeartinvain.
WhydidIlaugh？IknowthisBeing’slease，
Myfancytoitsutmostblissesspreads;
YetwouldIonthisverymidnightcease，
Andtheworld’sgaudyensignsseeinshreds.
Verse，Fame，andBeautyareintenseindeed，
ButDeathintenser—DeathisLife’shighmeed.