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  Theworldishalfhidden,Bymidnight’sdarkshadow;

  Thefilly,witch—ridden,Skimsoverthemeadow;

  Thehouse—dogisbarking,Thenight—owlishooting,Theglow—wormissparkling,Themeteorisshooting;

  Andforms,whichlieSostiffandstill,Intheirshroudssochill,Throughthelive—longday,Nowbursttheirclay,Andflitthroughthesky,Ontheirduskypinions:

  Hell’sdominionsKeepholiday。

  Sisters,sisters,whereveryourwatchesArekept,fleethithertome,Fleethither,fleethither,andleaveearth’swretchesAlonetotheirmisery。

  [Achorusofevilspiritsanswerastheyenterfromdifferentpartsofthemountain。

  Wecome!

  Viceneedsnoassistance,Shemeetsnoresistance,Virtue’sexistenceIsonlyinname;

  Drinkingandeating,Intriguingandcheating,Carousing,completingTheirruinandshame;

  Oldageunrepenting,Manhoodunrelenting,Youthsighingandwinning,Deceivingandsinning,Deserting,repining,Allmenarethesame。

  Ho!ho!

  Earthquakeswiththeweightoftheanguishshebears,Herplainsandhervalleysaredelugedwithtears,Andhersighs,ifunited,weredeeperbyfar,Thanthethunderbolt’speal,whenthecloudsareatwar。

  Thereis,notabosom,thatbearsnotwithinItschambers,theblotandtheburdenofsin;

  Notamind,butinmanyanhourbathfeltThecurseofitsnature,thepangsofitsguilt。

  Theseearth—worms!whosesirewouldhavehadustobowTohisdust—mouldedGodship!what——whataretheynow?

  Inthescaleoftruegoodness,theysinkfarbelowThepoor,patientox,thattheyyoketotheplough。

  Letthemrevelawhile,inthefalseglaringlightOfdeception,thatblindnessbutseemstomakebright;

  Letthemgatherawhileoftime’sperishingflowers;

  Therevengeofeternity!Thisshallbeours!

  Ho!ho!

  [Theysettlenearthefountain。ThefirstSpiritaddressesthem。

  Thenightisadvancing,Come,letus,dancingIndewycirclesdeftlytread;

  Andwhilewedanceround,Newschemesshallbefound,Toruintheliving,andtroublethedead。

  [Theyformacircleonthemarginofthestream,anddanceroundsinging。

  I。

  Lifeisbutafleetingday,Halfofwhichmandreamsaway;

  Night!wefollowinthytrain——

  Sleep!supremeo’ertheewereign;

  OursthedreamsthatcomewhenthouSit’stupontheunconsciousbrow;

  Reasonthendesertsherthrone,Wethenreign,andwealone。

  II。

  Thenseekwe,forthemaiden’spillow,FarbeyondtheAtlantic’sbillow,Love’sapple,andwhenwehavefoundit,Drawthemagiccircleroundit;(1)

  Fearlesspluckit,thennocharmThatitbearsmaydousharm;

  Placeitnearthesleeper’shead,Itwillbringlove’svisionsnigh,Andwhenthepleasing,dreamsarefled,Thewaking,pensivemaidwillsigh,Tillherbosomhaspossessed,Theformthatmadeherdreamssoblest。

  Andwhenamaidenfindsalover,Herhappydaysarenearlyover:

  Naturehathunchastedesires,Loveawakesherslumberingfires,AndthebosomthatistrueinLoveisevernearitsruin;

  Passion’spleadingmeltsthefrostOfchilliesthearts,andallislost:

  For,onceviceblotsamaiden’sname,Shesoonforgetshermaidenshame。

  III。

  Hauntthedebaucheewithdreams,Ofthevictimofhisschemes;

  Paintherwithdishevelledhair,Streamingeyes,andbosombare,Andwithaspectpaleandsad,Asaspectre’sfromthedead,Weepingo’erhernew—born,child,Hernamereproached,herfamedespoiled:

  Lethergroaningsreachhisear,Piercehisheart,androusehisfearOftheretributiongiven,Tosuchdeedsashis,byHeaven。

  IV。

  Aroundthedrunkard’statteredcouch,Letpale—facedwantandmiserycrouch,Hischildrenshiveringo’erthehearth,Cheeredbynosoundofsocialmirth,Upbraiding,withtheirtimidglances,Theauthoroftheirsadmischances;

  AndshetowhomtheholyvowOfthealtarboundhim,nowWithsunkeneye,andbeautyfaded,Tressessilvered,browo’ershaded,Clingingtohimfondlystill,Withalovethatmockseachill,WhichwouldvainlystrivetotearHersoulfromonewhooncewasdear。

  Nowhastewe,eachourtasktodo,Erethestarryhourswanethrough!

  [Theyflyoff,singingastheydisappear。

  EretheMorning’srosywing,Hasbrushedthedampnight—shadesaway,Erethebirdstheirmatinssing,Choiringtothenew—bornday,Thoughitsbrightbirth—hourbenear,Manyasigh,andmanyatear,Shallattestthemysticmight,Ofthosewhowalktheworldbynight。

  Werner(solus)。

  Theruinoftheliving!ifthatbeYouronlytask,youhaveapooremploy。

  Givemanhisthreescoreyears,andhewillmakeAwreck,theskillofhellmightshowforthasAsampleofitshandiwork,andthen,Exultatthecompletenessofitsruin。

  Thetroublingofthedead!——ifmemorylivesInthatfarworld,towhichthespirithastens,Whenshecastsofftheclaythatclogsherwings,E’enthereyeareforestalled,formanwillneedNocurse,tomakehissecondlifeahell,Ifberetainsthememoryofhisfirst。

  Hadtheclearwatersofthisgurglingbrook,Thepow’rtowashtime’sblotsfromth’mind’spage,Andallearth’smountainswerecompactofgold,Herriversnectar,andheroceanswine,Herhillsallfruitful,andhervalleysfresh,AndfulloflovelinessasEdenwas,Eresin’ssadblightfellonitslivingbow’rs,Andallweremine,I’dgivethembuttolayMywearylimbsalongthisstreamlet’sbed,Andsleepinfullforgetfulnessawhile。

  But,Iforgetmytask——nowletmetoit!

  [Hetakesavialfromhisbosom,andflingsitscontentsintotheair,chanting,SpiritWhereverbethyhome,Inearthorair,Mymessagehear,Andfearit。

  BythepowerwhichIhaveearned,Towhichthykneehasknelt,BythespellwhichIhavelearned,Aspellwhichthou,hastfelt,Ibidtheehithercome!

  [Awhitecloudappearsinthedistance,floatinguptheglen,andavoiceisheard,singingasitapproaches,I。

  Isawfromportavesselsteer,Theskieswereclear,thewindswerefair,Moreswiftlythanthehunteddeer,Uponhersnowywingsofair,Sheflewalongthesilv’rywater,Asfearlesslyasifsomesprite,Familiarwiththedeep,hadtaughther,AspellbywhichtorulethemightOfwindsandwaves,whenmettotryTheirstrength,upmidwayinthesky。

  II。

  Alonghertracklesswateryway,Withunabatedspeedsheflew,Stillgayandcareless,tillthedayWanedpast:nightcame:theheavensgrewBlack,dreadandthreat’ning。ThenthestormCameforthinitsdevouringwrath;

  BeforeitfledFear’spallidform;

  Destructionfollowedinitspath;

  Itpassed:themorningcame:invain,Ilookforthatlostbarkagain。

  III。

  Fardownbeneaththedeepbluewaves,Withinsomemerman’scoralhall,Herfatedcrewhavefoundtheirgraves;

  Abovethem,fortheirburialpall,Themermaidsspreadtheirflowingtresses;

  Thewaterschanttheirrequiem;

  Frommanyaneyelid,PitypressesHertender,dewytearsforthem:

  Thenativesoftheoceanweep,Toviewthemsleepingdeath’spalesleep。

  IV。

  Thou,mortal,wastthebarkIsaw;

  Thewaters,weretheseaoflife;

  Andthou,alas!toowelldostknow,WhatstormswereimagedinthestrifeOfwindsandwaves。Thehopesofyouth,Thou,inthatbark’slostcrew,may’stsee,——

  Allburiednowwithinthatsmooth,Vast,boundlessdeep,——eternity:——

  AndI,aspiritthoughIbe,Canpitystill,andweepforthee。

  [Thecloudsettlesnearthefountain,and,unclosing,discoversabeautifulformlookingsteadilyatWerner。

  WERNER(addressingit)。

  Howbeautiful!

  Ifintercoursebetweenalllivingworlds,Hadnotbeenbarr’dbyHimwhogavethemlife,Ishouldbelievethouwerttheguardianspirit,OfthatwhichmenhavenamedtheQueenofNight。

  Likeher,thouartmajestic,paleandsad,Andofatenderbeauty:thosebrightcurlsThatpressthybrow,andclingaboutthyneck,Seemmadeofsunbeams,caughtupontheirwayToearth,bysomecreativehand,andwovenIntoafairyweb,oflightandlife,Consciousofitshighsource,andproudtobeApartofaughtsobeautifulasthou。

  Ihaveseenmanyfull,brightmortaleyes,Thatwerealabyrinthofwitchingcharms,Inwhichtheheartofhimwholookedwaslost;

  Butnonelikethine;theirlightisnotofearth;

  Theirlovelinessnotlikewhatmancallslovely。

  Besidethesmoothnessofthybrowandcheek,Thelily’slipwererough;eachofthylimbs,Is,initself,abeingandabeauty。

  Ifthattheorbthoudidstinhabit,ereThouwertaportionofeternity,Wasworthyofsuchdwellers,oh!howfairAndglorious,musthavebeenitsfieldsandbow’rs!

  Howclearitsstreams!howpureandfreshitsairs!

  Howmellowwereitsfruits!howbrightitsflow’rs!

  Howstrongandbravethebeings,fittoshareItwiththee!’TismoststrangethatHe,whosehandFashionssuchwondrousthings,shouldtakedelightInstrikingthemtonothingnessagain!

  PerchancetheauthorofallevilhadInvadedit,andmadeitquiteunfitTobeapartofGod’sgreatuniverse。

  AndyetthoulookestasifthouwertbeyondThepoweroftemptationtoassail。

  Hastthoutoosinned?

  Spirit。

  Ihavelivedasthoulivest,diedasthouWilthavetodie,andamwhatthoushaltbe。

  WernerIhavenotquestionedtheeoflifeordeath,Norofthestatewhichshallsucceedthemboth;

  Icarenotforthefirst,norfearthesecond;

  ThelastIleavetoHimwhogavetomanEternityforhisinheritance。

  ButIwouldknowiftheunceasingwar,Whichgoodandevilwageupontheearth,Hasreachedbeyond,itsconfines。

  Spirit。

  HaveInotansweredthee?

  TheBegetterofworlds,stars,suns,andsystems!

  TheFatherofCreation!theBridegroomOftheSpirit!hathHenotwrittenthatDeathhasdominiononlyoversin?

  Andthouwould’stknowifotherworldshavefeltThecursethatfellupon,andblightedthine。

  Poorsimplechildofclay!nodoubtthouknow’stThestoryoftheEdenofthysire,Andthink’stthatthere,initsfresh,stainlessbreast,Thebalefulseedsofevilfirstweresown,Whichsincehavespreadsofearfullyabroad,——

  Whenthesaddoom,thatcameonhimandhis,Wasbutthespray,castfromthewaveoffate,Whichjustthenreachedthynewlyfinishedorb。

  Whereitfirststarted——whithertendsitscourse——

  Whereitshallstop——howmanywrecksofworlds——

  Oncefairerfarthanthinewasatitsbirth——

  Shallstrewitsdesolateway,——isnotforthingsBroughtforthfromdusttoknow。

  Whatwouldstthouofme?

  Werner。

  Thesoleremaininggood,ifgooditbe,Thatyetisminetoshare。IhavetriedallThatearthlyhopeholdsouttosatisfyThelongingsofman’snature。Ihaveloved,AndmadeanidolofthethingIloved,Andworshippeditwithallmysoul’sintensity;

  And,forawhile,thefrenzyofmydreamShutoutallotherthoughts。Butitwasshort;

  Deathpluckedmylovelyflowerfrommygrasp,Andthen,theicychillofdesolationCame,likeasnowyavalanche,uponMyheart,andfrozethefountainsofitsfeeling。

  Iwasambitious。Ihavestrivenfor,Andworn,thegaudiestwreathoffame,andwhenIwouldhaveplaceditonmybrow,itgrewAmountaininitsweight。IcourtedmuchThenoticeoftheworld,andwhenmenpraised,Theverybreaththatboretheirpraisetome,Seemedcloggedwithpestilence。

  Wealth,too,Icoveted,Andheapeditsshiningdustinhoardsaroundme,Andyetitwasbutdust,asbarrenofEnjoymentasthegroundwetreadupon。

  Icladmyselfinpurple——heapedmyboardWithallthefairest,sweetestfruitsofearth,Andfilledmygoldengobletswithbrightjuice,Pressedfromthegoodliestgrapes,andmademycouchOfdown,andyet,Iwasmostwretchedstill。

  Mygarmentswerebutcumbersome;mycouchCouldgivenorest,ande’enmygenerouswinesCouldnotremovethecrushingweightthatsat,Nightmare—like,onmyheart,untilitgrewApalpableandkeenlyachingpang。

  Thereis,onepathwhichyetremainsuntrod;

  Tobemyguideinit,Icalledtheehither,——

  ’Tisthatofknowledge。

  Spirit。

  ThesameInwhichthemotherofthyracewaslost,Withe’enawiser,mightierguidethanI。

  Shethirsted,too,forknowledge,andshegaveHerinnocence——herhomeinParadise——

  Thehappinessofhim——whosharedherlot——

  Toknow——what?ThatherwnrebellioushandHadraisedtheflood—gatesofaseaofcrime,WhichwouldforeverpouritsbitterwavesUponthehelplessunprotectedrace,Whichherrashdeedhadruined。

  Thinkofthesighs——thegroans——thefloodsoftears——

  Thewoes——toodeepforthese——whichhavenoend,Savebutinheart—breaks!Thinkuponthetoil——

  Thesweat——thepain——thestrife——thecrime——theblood——

  ThemyriadsofsoulswithwhichthisoneSadlessonwasobtained!whosepriceisyetNotfullypaid,norshallbeso,untilThelastpoorsonofearthmingleswithdust!

  Dostthounotfeartotreadapathlikethis?

  Werner。

  Ihavenofear;

  ItissolongsinceIhavefeltitsthrillThat’twereapleasurenowtofeelit。

  Spirit。

  Whatwouldstthouknow?

  Thouartfamiliarwithallearthlylore。

  More:Thouhastgained,andwield’stapower,towhichTherulersoftheelementsdobow;

  Thehurricane,atthycommandgoesforth,Walkingwhere’erthoubid’stit,andthestormCeasestohowlwhenthouhastsaid,——\"Bestill!\"

  Thineangerstirstheocean,andthywrathFindsoutthedeepfoundationsofthemountains,Andshakesthemwithitsstrength;thesubtlefire,Thatlightsthetempestonitsgloomyway,Startsfromitscloud—rockedslumber,atthycall,Tobethymessenger。

  CanstthounotbecontentwhenthouartfearedBythosewhoruleaworld?WhatisthereyetWhichthyinsatiateminddesirestoknow?

  Would’stlearnimmortalmysteries?ReflectThouartbutmortal。

  Werner。

  Spirit,whydostthouTauntmewithmymortality?\"Weakthings,Broughtforthfromearth,\"——\"Poorsimplechildofclay,\"——

  Thesearethywords,whenwellthouknows’tthatI,Thoughboundtoearthbybondsmadeofitsmire,Ammightierthanthou。Wereitnotso,Thouwould’stnotnowbefacetofacewithoneOfmortalbirth。Thou,too,canstfeelrevenge,Andknowesthowtowreakit;but,takeheed,——

  Thepowerwhichbroughttheehither,can,andmayDealharshlywiththee。IfthouknowestaughtWorthyofanimmortalmindtoknow,TowhichIhavenotpierced,revealthyknowledge。

  Spirit。

  Wemaynottellthesecretsofeternity;

  ButIcanshowtheethingsthouhastnotseen,Andtheymayprofitthee,although’twillshakeEventhyproudhearttolookuponthem。

  Would’stseethem?

  Werner。

  Itismywish。

  Spirit。

  Comethen。

  Werner。

  Leadon;

  Althoughthypathbethroughhell’sgloomygate,Itoowillpassitsportalsatthyback。

  ThoucanstnotenterwhereIdarenotpass。

  [Thecloudclosesaroundthem,andmovesaway,andavoicesingsasitdisappears。

  Totheregionofshadow,Theregionofdeath,Wheredustisastranger,Andlifehasnobreath;

  WheredarknessandsilenceTheirdimshroudshavecastRoundthephantomsofworldsThatbelongtothepast;

  SpiritswhositonThethronesoftheair,Guideyeourchariot,Waftyeusthere。

  [Exeunt。

  ActII。

  ThevergeofCreation。EnterWernerandSpirit。

  Werner。

  Wehaveouttravelledlightandsound:

  Theharmoniesthatpealedaroundus,asThroughyonarrayofdimanddistantworldsWewingedourflight,havewhollydiedaway,Orcometoussofaintlyechoed,thatOurearsmustwatchandwaittocatchthem。

  Thosestarsarenowlikewatch—fires,whichthoughseenBlazingafar,sendnottheirlighttomakeThepathofthebenightedwandererMoreplainandcheerful。

  Beforeusstretchesonevastfieldofgloom,Sodenseastoappearimpenetrable:——

  Darkness,thathasabodyandaform,Bothpalpabletotouchandsight,acrossOurpathabarrierrearsthatseemstobarOurfartherprogress。Iftherebe,beyondThiswallofblackness,aughtofmystery,Whatpowershallguideustoit?

  Spirit。

  ThymindWhich,fromtheinfluenceofmatter,freeAsitisnowandshallbetillagainThoughartreturneduntothynativeorb,Isitsownmaster,anditswillisnowItsonlyneededguide。

  Strangethingsarehiddenbythatebonveil,Towhichasinglewishofthinemaybearus。

  Werner。

  Thenletuson:

  Sinceweoursearchforknowledgehavebegun,WhereverthereisaughtthatPowerhasmade,WhichTimehasruined,orwhichFatehasdamned,Thereletusgo,thatwemaylookonit,Andlearnitshistory。WhatintensegloomsWenowarepassingthrough!IfeelthempartBefore,andclosebehindus,aswefly,AsplainlyastheswimmerfeelsthewavesThatlavehisglidinglimbs。ThissuremustbeThehomeofDeath——novoice,nosound,nosigh,Notev’nsomuchofbreathaswouldsufficeTomakealilytremble!

  Spirt。

  Thoughsay’sttrue,ThisisindeedtherealmofDeath,——atleastIthasnomoreoflifethanwhatthoughhastBroughtherewiththee,——Ispeakofmortallife:

  WenowareneartheHadesofpastworlds,Whosespiritshavealifewhichcannotdie。

  Youlaugh!andshowthehaughtyarroganceWhichinyourmortalbrethrenyoucotemn。

  Thinkyouthathewhogavetomanhismind,Theundyingsparkthatquickenshisclayframe,WouldfashionfromthesamematerialSuchmightywondersasthesphereswhichgoHymningaroundhiseverlastingthrone!

  GivingtothemabeautywhichaloneCouldbeconceivedbyhim,whichhasgreathandAlonecouldmouldintoreality,Andyetdenythemwhathegavetothee,Intelligence!athingthatknowsnotdeath?

  Hastthoughnotseenthineearthputforthherleaves,Clothingherruggedmountaintopsandsides,Herforestsinthevale,eachtreeandshrub,Withafairfoliage?hastthoughnotbeheldHerweaving,inthesunnyspringtidehours,Afairywebofemerald—bladedgrassTorobehervalleysin?Witheveryflow’rOfgracefulform,andsoftanddownyleaf,Andtenderhue,andtint,thatBeautyowns,Todeckhergentlebreast?WhenAutumncame,Withitsrichgiftsofpleasant,mellowfruits,Hastthoughnotseenherwipehersunburntbrow,Andshakeheryellowlocksfromeveryhill?

  HastthoughnotheardherholysongsofpeaceAndplentywarbledfromeachvocalgrove,Andmurmuredbyhermyriadsofstreams?

  Hastthoughnotseenher,whenthehollowwinds,Whichmoantherequiemofthedyingyear,Ravedthroughherleaflessbowers,wrapaboutHerbreastamantle,wherewithtoprotectAndnursetheseed,thetrustinghusbandmanHathgiventoherkeeping?ArethineactsAsfullofwisdom,andasfreefromblame?

  Ifnot,thenwhydenytoherthelifeAndspirityoupossess?

  Werner。

  IdidnotlaughIndisbeliefofwhatthywordsdeclare,Buttheystirsuchstrangethoughtswithinmymind,That,asIwillnotweep,Icanbutsmile。

  Methinksthedarknesshasgrownlessprofound,——

  Aheavy,dim,andshadowylight,likethatWhich,whenthestormhaschosenmidnight’shourOfstillygloom,toholditsrevelin,Firstglimmersthroughthecloudswhichhavebeenrent,Andtornbytheirownfierceness,handsaboutus。

  Thelightincreasesstill,andinthedistance,Enormousshadows,wearingdistinctshapes,Sinceseeminglyimmovable,andothersLikemighty,mastless,sailless,vessels,movedBymagico’eratideless,wavelessocean,Incalm,majesticsilencefloatalong!

  Spirit。

  Letusgonearer,Nowwhatseestthough?

  Werner。

  WorldsliketothatIliveon,savethattheseSeemmadeoflivingshadesinsteadofdust;

  Vastmountains,withtalltreesandmightyrocks,Andfountains,gushingfromtheirverysummits;

  Huge,toweringcliffs,anddeepandlonelyglens,Andwide—mouthedcavesthatholdadeepergloom,——

  WithprecipicesfromwhoseedgessoftAndsilverycataractsareleapingdown;

  Swiftstreams,thatrushadowntheirruggedsides,Andquietlakelets,thatappeartosleepIntheembraceofthesurroundinghills;

  Thecottageofthehardyhunter,perchedHighontherocks,liketoaneagle’snest:

  Theshepherd’shumbleshieling,andhisfold,And,half—wayup,broadvineyards,withtheirvinesBendingwithpurpleclustersofripefruit;——

  Widevalleys,withgreenmeadows,andpurestreams,Andgentlehills,whereripeningharvestsstand;

  Majesticrivers,withtheirverdantbanksStuddedwithtowns,andruralvillages;

  Motionlesslakes,andseaswithoutawave,Andoceanspulselessasadeadman’sheart!

  Andmightycities,standingontheircoasts,Withvastywallsandgildedpalaces,Andgianttow’rs,andtaperingspires,thatseemTheguardiansofalltheyoverlook。

  Churchyards,withtheirpalegravestones,thatappearLikewatchersofthedeadwhosenamestheybear!

  Allthesearethere,butnotasignoflife,Nolivingthingthatcreepsalongtheground,Orfliestheair,orswimsthewave,isseen。

  ItseemsasifonallthingssomestrongspellHadinthetwinklingofastarcamedownAndrockedthemtoaneverlastingsleep!

  Spirit!tellmeifwhatIseeismoreThanadelusion;ifitbe,whencecameTheseshades?

  Spirit。

  AndhaveInotalreadysaidThatthesethingsare,thattheyarequickwithlife,——

  Suchlifeasdisembodiedspiritshave,——

  Thattheyaredeathless?Thouneed’stnotinquireOfmewhencetheyarecome,forthouhastseenOneoftheirnumberonitsjourneyhither。

  TheperiodmaynotbefarremoteWhenthineownplanet,startingfromitssphere,ShallfrightthedwellersofthestarsthatskirtItsdestinedpathwaytothesesilentrealms!

  Thou’stseenthecometrushingthroughthesky,And,gazingontheglowingtrackwhichitHadbrandedontheazurebreastofspace,Thinkingthywordswerewisdom,thouhastsaid,\"Whenitsfulltermofyearshasbeenfulfilled,Itshallreturnagain。\"NotknowingthatThelightthousawestwasreflectedfromThatsacredfire,which,intheend,shallpurgeThespiritessencewhichpervadescreation,FromthedulldustwithwhichawaywardfateHascloggeditsbeing!Questionmenomore——

  RememberwhatIsaid——IdarenottellThesecretsofEternity。LookonAndlearnwhate’erthoucanst。

  Werner。

  ThereisonethingwhichIatlasthavelearned,——

  TofeelthatwiththeincreaseofourknowledgeOursorrowsmustincrease。Iofthaveheard,Butneverbeforehavefeltthetruthofthis。

  Toknowthatwereitnotforthisclaymask,IevennowmightpiercetheshadowyveilThatwrapsinmysterythethingsIsee,Andcomprehendtheirsecretprinciple,Willmakelifedoublyhardtobear,andtemptMemuchtoshakeitprematurelyoff,Andsnatchwingsformyspiritereitstime。

  AtotalignorancewerebetterthanTheflashwhichfromitsslumberwakesthemind,Andthen,departing,leavesittoitself,Inthewidemazeoferror,darklygroping。

  WisdomisnotthemedicinetohealAdiscontentedmind。InowknowmoreThanwhenIlefttheearth,butfeelthatI

  Haveboughtmyknowledgewithincreaseofsorrow。

  Spirit。

  DidInottelltheethatitspathweresteep,Andhardtoclimb,andthickbesetwiththorns,——

  Andthatitstempting,longed—forfruit,tho’boughtWithagreatprice,isfullofbitterness?

  Ifthoughartsatisfied,letusretraceOurwaytoearthagain;wertthoutogoYetfartheron,thoumight’stregretthemoreOurcominghither。

  Werner。

  What!isthereaughtstillmoreremotethantheseFromthegreatcentreoftheuniverse,——

  Thefairdomainoflifeandlivingthings?

  Spirit。

  Thereis,——

  Akingdomtenantedwithsuchdarkshapes,Thatangelsshudderwhentheylookonthem!

  Thousurelydostnotwishtovisitit。

  Werner。

  Whynot?ThereiswithinmymindavoidWhosevacantweightishardertobeborneThanthekeenstingingsofmoreactivepangs;

  WhenithastracedthemysticchainofbeingToitslastlink,itmayperchanceshakeoffThemiseryofrestlessdiscontent,——

  Itsfulnessthenmaysinkitintorest。

  Spirit。

  Ihavenopowertodisobeythyword;

  Ifthouwilton,Imustproceedwiththee,EventhoughinlookingonIsharethepangsOfthosewhosuffer。

  Werner。

  Come,then,Itoomustseethem,tho’itcostMeyearsofpaintogazebutforamoment。

  Spirit。

  ’TwerehardernowtofindEve’s’burieddust,ThantodeclarewhohasinheritedThelargestportionofherpryingspirit。

  (Sings。)

  WherePainkeepethvigilWithSorrowandCare,AndHorrorsitswatchingBydull—eyedDespair,——

  WheretheSpiritaccurstMakethmoaninitswo,Thywishesdirectus,Andthitherwego。

  [Exeunt。

  ACTIII。

  SceneI。Neartheplaceofthedamned。EnterWernerandSpirit。

  Werner。

  Whatpiercing,stunningsoundsassailmyear!

  Wildshrieksandwrathfulcurses,groansandprayers,Achaosofallcries!makingthespaceThroughwhichtheypenetratetoflutterlikeTheheartofatrappedhare,——arerevellingroundus。

  Unlikethegloomyrealmwejusthavequitted,Silentandsolemn,allisrestlesshere,Allwearstheashyhueofagony。

  Aboveusbendsablackandstarlessvault,WhicheverechoesbackthefearfulvoicesThatrisefromtheabodesofwobeneath。

  Aroundusgrim—broweddesolationbroods,While,farbelow,aseaofpalegrayclouds,Liketoanoceantempestbeaten,boils。

  Whithershallwedirectourjourneynow?

  Spirit。

  Rightdownthroughyonabyssofboilingclouds,Ifthoughhastcouragetoattempttheplunge,Ourpathlesswaymustbe。AmomentmoreAndweshallstandwhereangelsseldomstand,Anddevilsalmostpitywhentheystand,——

  Behold!

  Werner。

  EternalGod!

  Whosebeing,isoflove,whosebandispow’r,Whosebreathislife,whosenoblestattribute,——

  Theonemostworthyofthyself~—ismercy!

  Weretheseofthineimmortalwillconceived?

  Hasthyhandshapedthemouttheformstheywear?

  Hasthybreathmadethemquickwith,breathinglife?

  Andisthymercytotheirwailingsdeaf?

  Poorcreatures!IbaddeemedthatinmybreastGriefhadcongealedthehiddenfountoftears,ButyehavedrawnthemfromtheirfrozensourceAndIdoweepforyou!

  Spirit。

  Whatmovestheethus?

  IthoughtthyheartsosteeledinhardihoodOfuniversalhate,andpride,andscorn,Thatevenwerethewoes,whichthoudosthereBeholdenduredbyothers,heapedonthee,Thyhaughtysoulunmovedwouldfeelthemall;

  AccountingitsdevelopmentofstrengthTobeartheworstdecreesofruthlessfate,Sufficientrecompense!

  Werner。

  Misdeemmenot,IfIhaveweptinvoluntarytearsO’erpangsbeyondmypow’rtomitigate,Believeme,’twasinpity,notinfear。

  Buttellme,Spirit!isallhopeextinctInthosewhoheresojourn,ordotheylookYetforwardtosomeblestmillennialday,Whichshallredeemthemfromthishorridplace。

  Spirit。

  Bestaskyourtheologiansthatquestion。

  Somesaythatthereareplacespurgatorial,WhereErrorpaysthepriceofhertransgressionsInsufferingsthateffacetheeffectsofsin。

  AndothersomedeclarethatwhenthesoulAndclayareparted,heavensealsthedoomOfboth,beyondrepeal。LetthyownmindSitarbiter’twixtthese,andchoosethetruth。

  Markwhatapproachesus,andmarkitwell。

  Werner。

  Icannotturnmygazefromit,andyetItmakesthewarmbloodcurdleinmyveins。

  Thanit,hellcannotholdafoulerform——

  Athingofmoreunholyloathsomeness!

  Itsheavyeyesaredimandblearedwithblood,Itsjaws,bystrongconvulsionsfiercelyworked,Arecloggedandclottedwithmixedgoreandfoam!

  Anauseousstenchitsfilthyshapeexhales,AndthroughitsheavingbosomyoumaymarkTheconstantpreyingofaquenchlessflameThatgnawsitsheartstrings!whileaharshquickmoanOfmingledwrath,andmadness,anddespair,Perpetuallyissuesfromitslips;——

  Andwithunequalbutunceasingsteps,Itchasesthroughthehot,sulphureousgloom,Amockingphantom,——fairasitisfoul!

  Withnakedarms,whitebreast,andebonlocks,AndbigblackeyesthatdartthehumidflameWhichsetstheheartablaze;andredmoistlips,AndchecksasspotlessasthefallingflakeEreithastouchedtheearth,andsuppleformWhereiniskniteachgraceofwomanhoodInitsperfection!andwithwantonlooksThatspeaktheburninglanguageofdesire,Itseemstowooitsloathsomefollower,——

  Yeteverfromhisfoulembracesflies。

  Andonhisbrowhisnameiswritten,\"Lust!\"

  Dismissthespectre,foritblastsmysight,Andsearsmybrainwithitsdarkhideousness!

  Spirit。

  ’Tisgone;lookupandseewhatnextappears。

  Werner。

  AframewhichmaybethatofHercules,Ithathsuchgiantmembers!anditsportIsmartialase’ermarkedaCaesar’smoving。

  Itssandalsareofbrass,itsmassivebrowIshelmetedinsteel,andinitshandItbearsaswordwithwhich,inidlestrokes,Itvainlybeatstheunresistingair,Asifinbattlewithsomephantomfoe;

  Andateachblowitdeals,astrongfatalityTurnsbackitssword’skeenpointonitsownbreast,Whichdeepitgashes,——theninmournfultone,Itmutterso’erando’eragainthesewords,——

  \"Ifoughtforfameandwonunendingwo。\"

  Hisagoniesseemlikehimself,immortal。

  Spirit。

  Justiceisblamelessofhissufferings:

  Formanyyearshisbusy,plottingbrain,Madediscordoutofunion,strifefrompeace,AndsetthenationswarringtilltheearthWascrimsonwiththebloodpouredoutforhim!

  Hebearswhatheinflicted,——lethimpassAndmarkwhatfollowshim。

  Werner。

  Agoodlyshape,MorefittostringandstrikeApollo’slyre,ThanbeartheshieldorwieldtheswordofMars!

  Abrokenharp,suspendedathisside,Afadedgarland,wreathedabouthisbrow,Tellwhathewas,andstillemployhiscare。

  Withthinwhitehand,thattremblesatitstask,Invainhestrivestobindthebrokenchords,Andtotheirprimalmelodyattunethem;——

  Invain,——fortohiseffortsstillrepliesAbodingstrainofharsh,discordantsound。

  Andthen,withhottearscoursingdownhischeeks,Heliftshisfadedwreathfromhispalebrow,Andgazingonitswitheredleaves,exclaims,——

  \"ForearthlyfameIsungthesongsofearth,Forgetfulofallhigher,holierthemes,——

  ’TismeetthemeedIwonshouldperishthus。\"

  IsnotthejusticewhichconfineshimhereAkintocruelty?forhissadheartSeems,ashisearthlystrainswere,fullofsoftness。

  Spirit。

  Eachthought,andword,anddeedofmortalman,Isbutamoralseed,which,indueseason,Mustbringforthfruitaccordingtoitskind。

  ThesoilwhereinthoseseedsaresownisTime,——

  Deathisthereaperoftheripenedharvest,——

  ThefruitsaregarneredinEternity,Tobe,orgoodorbad,thespirit’sfood!

  Ifthenourthoughts,andwords,anddeedshavebeenOfcorrupttendency,orevilnature,——

  Whatmarvelifwefeedonbitterness?——

  Whatshadownextappears?

  Werner。

  Anagedman,Lean—framedandhaggard—visaged,bowedbeneathTheweightofyears,orworldlycaresthatpressStillheavierthantheironhandoftime。

  Histotteringformisfearfultobehold!

  Ifthefiercescourgewhichmenonearthcallfamine,Couldincarnateitself,methinks’twouldchooseJustsuchashape,sowornandgrimandgaunt,Andwo—begoneofaspect。GropingroundHegathersfromtheburningfloorofhellSomeshiningpebbles,whichhisfondconceitTransmutestogold,andthesewithconstantcareHewatches,countingandrecountingthem,Tillsuddenlyawhirlwind,sweepingby,Bearswithitallhisfanciedhoardsaway,Leavinghimtorenewhisbootlesstask,Whicheverherenewswiththiscomplaint,——

  \"Alas!howspeedilymaywealthtakewing。\"

  Andonhisfronthisnameiswritten,\"Avarice。\"

  Spirit。

  Thereyetis,inthisshadowylandofshades,OneformwhichIwouldhavetheelookupon。

  Beholditcometh!markandscanitwell。

  Werner。

  NeverbeforeinallmywanderingsThroughearth,orotherregions,whereabideThingsnownomoreofearth,haveIbeheldAughtsoprofoundlymournfulorsolone!

  Sodarkacloudo’erhangshishaggardbrow,Thatwhereheturnsadunner,murkiergloomPrevailsalonghell’sblastingatmosphere!

  Surroundedbysomegoodlyformshemoves,Formsbrightashisisdark,whoeachinturnWoohisacceptanceofthegiftstheyproffer。

  Lovestretchesouthisdimpledband,whereinHeholdshisemblematicrose,andHope,BrightHope,thatmightrenewagainthepulseOflifewithinthefrozenveinsofDeath!

  Beckonshimtothefuture,——andcalmFaithKindlesbeneathhiseyeherbeaconblaze;

  Yet,withsuchanguishashellonlyholds,Heturnshimfromallthese,andwillnottakeLove’sprofferedrose,lest’neathitsblushingleavesShouldlurkthestingingthornofslydeceit。

  Hope’ssmiletohimisdisappointment’ssignal,——

  AndthebrightbeaconFaithsokindlylightsToguideuso’erthetreacherousseaoflife,Tohimisbutacheat,amockery,Anignisfatuus,kindledtomislead。

  AndyetheseemsasonewhoinhislifeHadnursedbrightdreams,andcherishedloftyaims,——

  Haddreamedoflove,orwooedAmbition’ssmiles,Ortotheswayofempireshadaspired,Or,higherstill,theswayofhumanhearts!

  Whygazestthouonmeandnotonhim?

  Spirit。

  TomarkifinthineaspectImightnotDetectaconsciousnessthatIthyownsoulClaimedbrotherhoodwithhis!ThoutoohastscoffedAthumanlove,andhope,andfaith,andtruth,Nursingwithinthybosompride,andscorn,Andranklinghate,ItilltheseatlengthbecameFiendswhichthoucould’stnotmaster!Thouartwarned,Bewiseandheedthewarning。LetusnowReturnuntothyfaroff,nativeorb,O’erwhichtherosysmileofmornisbreaking,WakingitsteemingmillionstorenewTheirdailyroundsoftoilandstrifeandcrime。

  [Exeunt。

  ACTIV。

  SceneI。ApeakoftheAlps。Werneralone。Time,morning。

  Werner。

  Howgloriouslybeautifulisearth!

  Intheseherquiet,unfrequentedhaunts,Towhich,exceptthetimidchamois’foot,Orventuroushunter’s,ortheeagle’swing,Naughtfrombeneathascends。AsyetthesunButdartshisearliestraysofgoldenlightUponthesummitsofthetallestpeaks,Whichrobedincloudsandcappedwithglitteringice,Soarproudlyup,andbeamandblazealoft,Asiftheywouldclaimkindredwiththestars!

  Andtheymayclaimsuchkindred,forthereisWithin,around,andoverthem,thesameSupreme,eternal,all—creatingspiritWhichglowsandburnsineverybeamingorbThatcirclesinimmeasurablespace!

  Farastheeyecantracethemountain’screstOneitherhand,agorgeous,variedmassOfglowing,cloud—formedrangesareatrest,Reflectingbackineveryhueandtint,Purpleandcrimson,orangeandbrightgold,ThesunnysmilewithwhichMornhailstheworld。

  Beneathmeallisquietyetandcalm,ForthedimshadowofthesilentnightStillrestsuponthevalley,stilltheflockSleepsundisturbedwithintheguardedfold,Thelarkyetslumbersinherlowlynest,Thedewhangsheavyuponleafandblade,Thegraymiststillo’erveilstheunruffledlake,Andallistranquilasaninfant’ssleep;

  Tranquilaroundme,butnotsowithin,ForinmybreastathousandrestlessthoughtsConflictinwild,chaoticalconfusion。

  Thoughtsoflongbygoneyears,andthingsthatwereButarenomore,andthoughtsthatsternlystriveTograpplewiththemysteriesIlateHavelookedupon;forI,sinceyesternight,HavetraversedthewideseaofspacethatrollsBetweentheshoresofthisandotherworlds;

  Havegazeduponandscannedthoseworlds,orshadesThatwearthelineamentsofsuch;haveseenThedamnedintheirownplace,andmarkedthedeep,TerrificretributionErrorbringsTosuchasarehervotariesinlife。

  AndnowIfeelhowbaselesswasmyhopeThatPeace,thesolitaryboonIcrave,Mightspringfromknowledge。Tisafataltree,Whicheverhathbornebitterfruit,sincefirst’TwassetinParadise。ButImustseekThecottageofsomehonestmountaineer,Whomayaffordmenurtureandrepose,ForIamweary,bothinmindandframe。

  [Exit。

  SceneII。AchamberinthecottageofManuel。Albertasleep。

  Rebeccastandingbyhiscouch。

  Rebecca。

  Myboy!mybeautiful,mydearesthope!

  ThegarnerwheremytrustoffuturejoyIstreasured。Heavenblessthee!Maythylife,IfitseemgoodtoHimwhogaveit,beBlesttothefulnessofamother’sprayer!

  [Shestoopstokisshim,andcontinues。

  Howwellhissleepportraysaquietmind,Theembodiedimageofasunnyday,Adaywithoutacloud,whoseonlyvoicesArisefromsighingairs,andwhisperingleaves,Andtell—talebrooksthatoftheirbanksbeseechAgift,awreathoftheirsweetflowers,wherewithTosoothetheangryGeniofthedeep!

  Andfree,gladbirdsthatflitfromboughtobough,Andringtheirsongsofloveintheclearair,Tillheavenisfilledwithgushingmelody,Andtheall—glowinghorizonbecomesAthingoflife,whosebreathissweetestmusic!

  [Kisseshimagain,andcontinues。

  Hisbrowtomeisasaspotlesspage,WhereonistracedthestoryofmyfirstAndonlylove,thebrightandholydreamThatstoleintomybosom,whenbesideThecrystalstreamthatthreadsaneighbouringvale,Iandhisfatherwatchedourfathers’flocks,Andhewouldlayasidehisshepherd’spipe,Andinlowwords,farsweeterthanitsmusic,Talkofthesunandstarsandgentlemoon,Theearthandallitsloveliness,thetreesAndshrubsandflowers;howthesewereallpervadedAndquickenedbythespiritofdeeplove;

  Till,bythefrequentblushthattingedmycheek,Thelightthatwouldbreakfrommydowncasteyes,Andthequickbeatofmytoohappyheart,Emboldened,hepouredouthisownpurepassion,Onmyenchantedear!SincethenmylifeHashadnoeras,——days,andmonths,andyears,Haveallgonebyuncounted,inthefull,Deep,fervent,soul—sufficinghappiness,OfallIprayedfor,pantedfor,obtained!

  ButImustrousehim,itistimehisflockShouldleavethefold,and——

  [Theboystartsandmurmursinhissleep。

  Downbyyonderstream,Wherethegreenwillowsclusterthickest,thereTheydwell。’TisscarcesofarasIcouldcastApebblefrommysling。Seekit,andtheyWillministertotheewhatthoumayestneed。

  [Heawakes,andrecognisinghismother,exclaims——

  Ah,mother!Ihavedreamedsostrangeadream,Sostrange,andyetsopalpable,thatI

  Believeditareality。MethoughtAscloselyfollowedbymybleatingflock,IclimbedtheruggedmountainsidewherespringOurgreenestpastures,singingasIwent,Imetalonelywandererinmyway,Ofbrowsopale,andeyesodarklysad,Thatmyownheart,tosadnesslittleused,Grewheavyatthesight;andheseemedwornAndveryweary,notsomuchwithtoilAsbysomehidden,inwardstrifeofsoul,Whicheventhenseemedraginginhisbreast。

  HestayedtoquestionmewherehemightfindThecottageofsomehonestmountaineer,Wherehemightcravetheboonsofrestandfood,——

  Andmindfulofthelessontaughtbythee,Togivethehungrybread,thewearyrest,Ipointedhimtowhereourcottagestands,Assuringhimthatthouandmysweetsister,——

  Fairasaughtearthly,andaspureasfair,——

  Wouldentertainhimasawelcomeguest:

  Andsoweparted。

  Rebecca。

  ThoudidstwelltomindThelessonIsooftenhaverepeated。

  ItisourfirstofdutiestogiveaidTothosewhobegforsuccouratourhands;

  Forweourselves,whateverwepossess,ArebutthestewardsofthebounteousLordWhogivethtohiscreaturesallgoodgifts。

  Butitistimethatthoushouldstseekthehills,Sotakethycrookandpipeandhieaway。

  [Exeunt。

  SceneIII。Thesideofamountain。Wernerdescending。

  Enterashepherdboy,followedbyhisflock,singing。

  I。

  WhentheMorningstartsupfromhercouchonthedeep,Wherethroughthedimnighthours,shepillowshersleep,Istartfrommyslumbers,andhiemeawayWherethewhitetorrentdashesitsfeatheryspray,——

  Iquaffthefreshstreamasitburstsfromthehill,——

  Ipluckthefreshflowersthatspringbytherill,——

  IwatchthegraycloudsastheycurlroundthepeakThatriseshighoverthem,barrenandbleak;

  AndIthinkhowtheworldlingwhocourtsfortune’ssmile,Inhisheart,likethatpeak,maybelonelythewhile;

  Andthenmyownheartsingsaloudinitsjoy,ThatHeavenhasmademeafreeshepherdboy!

  II。

  Whenthehornofthehunterresoundsfromonhigh,Wherethetallgiantice—cliffsirepiledtothesky,Where,shunningtheverdureofvalleysanddells,Thebraveeaglebuilds,andtheshychamoisdwells,——

  Ilisttoitsgaytones,asbymetheyfloat,AndIechothemmerrilyback,notefornote;

  WiththewildbirdasongfullasgladsomeIsing,Icrownmewithflowers,andsitacrownedking,——

  Myflockaremysubjects,mydogmyvizier,Andmysceptre——amildone——thecrookthatIbear;

  Nowantstoperplexme,nocarestoannoy,Iliveanunenvying,freeshepherdhoy!

  Werner(meetsandaddresseshim)。

  Thou’rtmerry,lad。

  Albert。

  Ay,Ihavecausetobeso。

  (Aside。)

  Itisthewandererofmylastnight’sdream,Thesamepalebrow,anddarklymournfuleye,Andwearygait,andmelancholyvoice,——

  Ifheseeksfriendlyguidance,food,orshelter,Heshallnotwantthemlong。

  Werner。

  SothouhastcauseFormerriment,——thenthouperchancehastwealth,Broad,fruitfullands,andtenements,andallWhichwealthconfers。

  Albert。

  Nay,Ihavenoneofthese,Andyethavemorethanallwhichthouhastnamed。

  Ihaveafather,whoseunsulliednameNotonguehaseverspokenwithreproach,Amother,whoseideaiswithmeAholything,andadearsister,whoIsfairaspure,andpureasisthesnowUponthesummitofthetallestpeakOfthesemynativemountains。Ihavehealth,Andstrength,andfood,andraiment,andemploy,AndshouldInotthenhaveajoyousheart?

  Werner。

  Yea,verilythoushouldst。

  Albert。

  Andthereisyet,AmongtheblessingsHeavenhasgiventome,OnewhichIhavenotnamedtothee;itisAnhumblehome,whosehospitabledoorWasneverclosedagainstthewayfarer,——

  Ifthouhastneedofaughtwhichitaffords,Seekit,mymotherandmysisterwillDelighttoministeruntothywants。

  Therewherethewide—armedwillowsclusterthickestUponthegreenbanksofyoncrystalstream,Ourcottagestands。ThepathtoitisshortAndeasilytraversed,——so,now,farewell。

  Werner。

  Stayyetamoment。Thatwhichthouhastproffered,IswhatIsought。Thouhastanobleheart,Onefittofillthebosomofaking,——

  Ifainwouldgivetheeguerdon,——hereisgold。

  Albert。

  Keepitforthosewhocovetit。IfeverThoumeet’stwithone,boweddownbysuffering,Whocallsontheeforpityandrelief,Thenifthouheed’sthisprayerformysake,Ishallbewellrepaid。Again,farewell。

  {Exeunt。

  SceneIV。Afteralapseoftime。ArusticarbournearthecottageofManuel。EnterRoseandWerner。

  Rose。

  Nay,letmysilentblushespleadwiththeeThatthouwiltbeassilent。

  Werner。

  RatherletMyardentlove,whichwillnotberepressed,Pleadwiththeeforacceptanceofmysuit;

  ForIdolovetheewithsuchpassionatelove,Thatlifeitself,ifweighedagainstthatlove,Werescarceafeatherinthescale。

  Rose。

  Alas!

  I’mbutasimpleshepherd’ssimplechild,Unusedtocourtlyspeeches,andtheysayThatintheworldthynameandrankarehigh,AndthatwhensuchasthoudoprofferloveAndfaithtolowlymaidens,’tisajest,——

  Andthatwhentheyhavewonourhonestlove,Theycastitfromthemwithunpityinghands,Asidlyastheywouldawitheredflower。

  Werner。

  Nay,maiden,letmetelltheeofthepast,Letmelaybaremyheartbeneaththygaze,Andthouwiltpityifthoucanstnotlove。

  IlovedinyouthwithloveasfondanddeepAsevermadetheheartofmanitsslave,But,eremyhopescouldripentofruition,Deathcameandmademyworshippedonehisprize;

  Andthoughmypeacedepartedwhenshedied,YetIwasproud,andwouldnotbondtosorrow,Butwithcalmbrowandeye,andsmilinglip,Imingledwiththegiddythoughtlessworld,SeekingfromoutitsvariedrealmstowringSomerecompenseforthatwhichIhadlost。

  Wealth,fame,andpower,Isoughtforandobtained,Yetfoundthemonlygildedmockeries。

  ThepathsofhiddenknowledgeIessayed,AndtrodtheirmazywindingstilltheyledMyfootsteps——whitherImaynotdisclose,——

  Butallavailedmenothing,stillmyheartAchedwiththedrearyvoidlostlovehadmade,Achedevertillthatvoidwasfilledbythee!

  Sincefirstfateledmetoyourkindlydoor,Threetimesthemoonwithfull—orbedlighthathshone,Thricethirtytimes,withsongofmerrybirdsAndbreathoffragrance,MornhasblesttheearthAndallitsdwellerswithherradiantpresence;

  Thricethirtytimes,withstar—boundbrow,dimNightHathkepthertearfulwatchabovetheearth;

  Andeverytimethefull—orb’dmoonhathshone,AndeverytimethemerryMornhathsmiled,AndeverytimedimNightwithstar—boundbrowAbovetheearthhathkepthertearfulwatch,Myhearthasaddedtoitsstoreoflove,Itspure,deep,fervent,passionateloveforthee!

  Byallmyhopesofheaven,mywordsaretrue。

  Dostthounotpitynow?

  Rose。

  Ay,more!Myheart,Anditsfulltreasuryofmaidenlove,Neverbeforesurrenderedtoanother,Ipledgetothee,asthine,forevermore!

  [Exeunt。

  AnAerialChorus。

  Seekthedellandseekthebower,Pluckthebudandplucktheflower,Searchforbudsofsweetestbreath,Searchforflowersofbrightesthue;

  Fittoweavethebridalwreath,Ofamaidsofairandtrue。

  Shehasbowedthehaughtyheart,Wonthestubbornwillfromguile,WithnoaidofotherartThanthesweetspellofhersmile!

  Seekthedellandseekthebower,Pluckthebudandplucktheflower,Searchforbudsofsweetestbreath,Searchforflowersofbrightesthue;

  Fittoweavethebridalwreath,Ofamaidsofairandtrue!

  [Exeunt。

  NotetotheMisanthrope\"Thenseekwe,forthemaiden’spillow,FarbeyondtheAtlantic’sbillow,Love’sapple,——andwhenwehavefoundit,Drawthemagiccirclesroundit。\"

  ConsideringtheMandrake,manyfabulousnotionswereentertainedbytheancients;andtheyneverattemptedtoextractitfromtheearth,withoutthepreviousperformanceofsuchceremoniesastheyconsideredefficaciousinpreventingthenumerousaccidents,dangers,anddiseases,towhichtheybelievedthepersonexposedwhowasdaringenoughtoundertakeitsextraction。Theusualmannerofobtainingitwasthis:——Whenfound,threetimesacirclewasdrawnarounditwiththepointofanakedsword,andadogwasthenattachedtoitandbeaten,untilbyhisstrugglesitwasdisengagedfromtheearth。

  Itwassupposedtobeusefulinproducingdreams,philters,charms&c。;andalsotopossessthefacultiesofexcitinglove,andincreasingpopulation。

  TheEmperorAdrian,inalettertoCalexines,writesthatheisdrinkingthejuiceoftheMandraketorenderhimamorous:henceitwascalledLove—apple。

  ItgrowsinItaly,Spain,andtheLevant。

  MISCELLANEOUSPOEMS

  TOISABEL

  ABeautifulLittleGirl。

  Fairassomesea—child,inhercoralbower,Deckedwiththerare,richtreasuresofthedeep;

  MildasthespiritofthedreamwhosepowerBearsbacktheinfant’ssoultoheaven,insleepBrightensthehuesofsummer’sfirst—bornflowerPureasthetearsrepentantmournersweepO’erdeedstowhichthesiren,Sin,beguiled,——

  Artthou,sweet,smiling,bright—eyedcherubchild。

  Thypresenceisaspellofholiness,Fromwhichunhallowedthoughtsshrinkblushingback,——

  Thysmileisawarmlightthatshinestobless,Asbeamsthebeacono’erthewanderer’strack,——

  Thyvoiceismusic,atwhosesoundsDistressUnbindsherwrithingvictimfromtherackOfmisery,andcharmedbywhatshehears,Forgetsherwoes,andsmilesuponhertears。

  AndwhenIlookuponthee,bearingnowThepromiseofsuchloveliness,IaskIftimewillblight,thatpromise;ifthybrow,Sosunnynow,willlearntowearthemaskOfhollowsmiles,orcolddeceit,whilstthouArtlearninginthysoulthebittertaskTimeteachestoallbosoms,whentheglowOfhopeiso’er——butthisImaynotknow。

  Mypathwillnotbeneartothinethroughlife,——

  Kindoneswillguardandfondlyshelterthee;

  Mebitternessawaits,andcareandstrife,Andallthatsorrowhasofagony;

  Myfuture,asmypastwas,willberifeWithheartaches,andthepangsthat\"passnotby;\"

  Eachhourshallgivetheesomenewpleasure;years,Longyearscanbringmeonlytoil’andtears。

  ’Tismeetthatitshouldbeso,——IhavemadeAwreckofmyownhappiness,andcastAcrossmyheart,inyouth,thedull,deepshadeThatwrinkledageflingsoverallatlastButletitgo,——IhavetoolongdelayedTheremedy,andwhatispastispast;——

  AndcouldIlivethosevanishedmomentso’er,Myheartwouldwanderasitstrayedbefore。

  Iknownothowitis,——myheartisstern,Andlittlegiv’ntothoughtsoftenderness;

  Yetlookingonthyyoungbrowitwillyearn,Andinmybosom’sinnermostrecess,ThoughtsthathaveslumberedlongawakeandburnWithawildstrengthwhichnothingcanrepress!

  Bestill,wornheart,bestill;doesnotthecoldAndheavyclay——clodminglewithhermould?

  Yes,’tisthatinthysoftcheck’stenderbloom,Thyblackeyes’brightness,ineachgracefulmove,ItracethelineamentsofonetowhomMysoulwasweddedinanearlylove,——

  ’Twasinmyboyhood;buttheinsatiatetombClaimedherfairform,andfortherealmsaboveHerspiritfledtheearth;oh!howIweptThatmineshouldinitsbondagestillbekept。

  ImindthehourIstoodbesidetheclayIhadsolovedinlife——itstillwasfair,Surpassingfair,indeath;andasshelayWiththethicktressesofherlongdarkhairGatheredabovethebrowwhencefeeling’srayHadfled,becausedeath’sshadowdarkenedthere,HermorethanearthlybeautymadeherseemTheincarnationofsomepurebrightdream。

  Istoodandgazed:thepalegravesheetwaswoundAbouttheformfromwhichlife’ssparkwasfled,Foreverfled,——weteyeswereweepinground,Andvoicesfullofsorrowmournedthedead;

  Icouldnotweep;asadnessmoreprofoundThanthatfromwhichthoseheart—drops,tears,areshed,Wasinmysoul,——forthentheicyspellOfdesolationfreezingo’ermefell。

  AndfromthathourIhavebeenalone,Alonewhencrowdswereroundme。MaythyfateBecolouredwithabrighterhue,andstrownWithflowerswheremineisthorns;——wheremineishate,Andstrife,andbitterdiscord,maythineownBelove,andhope,andpeace——forthesecreateThesunshineofexistence;maytheirlightBeameverroundthee,warm,andglad,andbright。

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