第4章
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  Likethemoon,sanguineintheorientnightShinestheredflowerinherbeautifulhair。

  HerbreastsaredistantislandsofdelightUponaseawhereallissoftandfair。

  ThoserobesthatmakeasilkensheathForeachlitheattitudethatflowsbeneath,Shroudinginscentedfoldssweetwarmthsandtumidflowers,CallthemfarcloudsthathalfemergeBeyondasunsetocean’sutmostverge,HidinginpurpleshadeanddownpourofsoftshowersEnchantedislesbymortalfootuntrod,Andthereinhumiddellsresplendentorchidsnod;

  TherealwaysfromserenehorizonsblowSoul-easinggalesandthereallspice-treesgrowThatPhoenixrobbedtolinehisfragrantnestEachhundredyearsinArabytheBlest。

  StaroftheSouththatnowthroughorientmistAtnightfalloffTampicoorBelizeGreetestthesailorrisingfromthoseseasWherefirstinme,afondromanticist,Thetropicsunset’sbloomoncloudypilesCastoutindustriouscareswithdreamsoffabulousisles——

  Thoulampoftheswartlovertohistryst,O’erplantedacresatthejungle’srimReekingwithorange-flowerandtuberose,DeartohiseyesthyruddysplendorglowsAmongthepalmswherebeautywaitsforhim;

  BlisstoothoubringsttoourgreeningNorth,Redscintillantthroughcherry-blossomrifts,Heraldofsummer-heat,andallthegiftsAndallthejoysasummercanbringforth————

  Bethoumystar,forIhavemademyaimTofollowlovelinesstillautumn-strownSunderthesinewsofthisflower-likeframeAsrose-leavessunderwhenthebudisblown。

  Ay,soonerspiritandsensedisintegrateThanreconcilementtoacommonfateStriptheenchantmentfromaworldsodressedInhuesofhighromance。IcannotrestWhileaughtofbeautyinanypathuntrodSwellsintobloomandspreadssweetcharmsabroadUnworshippedofmylove。IcannotseeInLife’sprofusionandpassionatebrevityHowheartsenamoredoflifecanstraintoomuchInonelongtensiontohear,tosee,totouch。

  Nowoneachrustlingnight-windfromtheSouthFarmusiccalls;beyondtheharbormouthEachoutboundargosywithsailunfurledMaypointthepaththroughthisfortuitousworldThatholdstheheartfromitsdesire。Away!

  Wheretintedcoast-townsgleamatcloseofday,Wheresquaresaresweetwithbells,orshoresthicksetWithbloomandbower,withmosqueandminaret。

  Bluepeaksloomupbeyondthecoast-plainshere,Whiteroadswindupthedalesanddisappear,BysilverywatersintheplainsafarGlimmerstheinlandcitylikeastar,WithgildedgatesandsunnyspiresablazeAndburnisheddomeshalf-seenthroughluminoushaze,Lo,withwhatopportunityEarthteems!

  Howlikeafairitsamplebeautyseems!

  Flutteringwithflagsitsproudpavilionsrise:

  Whatbrightbazaars,whatmarvelousmerchandise,Downseethingalleyswhatmelodiousdin,Whatclamorimportuningfromeverybooth!

  AtEarth’sgreatmarketwhereJoyistraffickedinBuywhilethypurseyetswellswithgoldenYouth!

  TranslationsDante。Inferno,CantoXXVI

  Florence,rejoice!Forthouo’erlandandseaSospread’stthypinionsthatthefameoftheeHathreachednolessintothedepthsofHell。

  SonoblewerethefiveIfoundtodwellTherein——thysons——whenceshameaccruestomeAndnogreatpraiseisthine;butifitbeThattruthunveilindreamingsbeforedawn,ThenisthevengefulhournotfarwithdrawnWhenPratoshallexultwithinherwallsToseethysuffering。Whate’erbefalls,Letitcomesoon,sincecomeitmust,forlater,Eachyearwouldseemygrieffortheethegreater。

  Weleft;andoncemoreupthecraggysideBytheblindstepsofourdescent,myguide,Remounting,drewmeon。SowepursuedTheruggedpaththroughthatsteepsolitude,WhererocksandsplinteredfragmentsstrewedthelandSothick,thatfootavailednotwithouthand。

  Grieffilledmethen,andstillgreatsorrowstirsMyheartasoftasmemoryrecursTowhatIsaw;thatmoreandmoreIreinMynaturalpowers,andcurbthemlesttheystrainWhereVirtueguidenot,——thatifsomegoodstar,Orbetterthing,havemadethemwhattheyare,ThatgoodImaynotgrudge,norturntoill。

  Aswhen,recliningonsomeverdanthill——

  WhatseasonthehotsunleastveilshispowerThatlightensall,andinthatgloaminghourTheflyresignstotheshrillgnat——eventhen,Asrustic,lookingdown,sees,o’ertheglen,Vineyard,ortilthwherelieshishusbandry,Firefliesinnumerablesparkle:sotome,Comewhereitsmightydepthunfolded,straightWithflamesnofewerseemedtoscintillateTheshadesoftheeighthpit。AndastohimWhosewrongsthebearsavenged,dimandmoredimElijah’schariotseemed,whentotheskiesUprosetheheavenlysteeds;andstillhiseyesStrained,followingthem,tillnaughtremainedinviewButflame,likeathincloudagainsttheblue:

  Sohere,themelancholygulfwithin,Wanderedtheseflames,concealingeachitssin,Yeteach,afieryintegument,Wrappedroundasinner。

  Onthebridgeintent,GazingIstood,andgraspeditsflintyside,Orelse,unpushed,hadfallen。Andmyguide,Observingmesomoved,spake,saying:\"BeholdWhereswathedeachinhisunconsumingfold,Thespiritslieconfined。\"Whomanswering,\"Master,\"Isaid,\"thywordsassurancebringTothatwhichIalreadyhadsupposed;

  AndIwasfaintoaskwholiesenclosedIntheembraceofthatdividingfire,Whichseemstocurlabovethefabledpyre,Wherewithhistwin-bornbrother,fiercelyhated,Eteocleswaslaid。\"Heanswered,\"MatedInpunishmentasonceinwraththeywere,UlyssesthereandDiomedincurTheeternalpains;theregroaningtheydeploreTheambushofthehorse,whichmadethedoorForRome’simperialseedtoissue:thereInanguishtootheywailthefatalsnareWhencedeadDeidamiastillmustgrieve,ReftofAchilles;likewisetheyreceiveDuepenaltyforthePalladium。\"

  \"Master,\"Isaid,\"ifinthatmartyrdomThepowerofhumanspeechmaystillbetheirs,Ipray——andthinkitworthathousandprayers——

  That,tillthishornedflamebecomemorenigh,Wemayabidehere;forthouseestthatI

  Withgreatdesireinclinetoit。\"Andhe:

  \"Thyprayerdeservesgreatpraise;whichwillinglyIgrant;butthourefrainfromspeaking;leaveThattasktome;forfullyIconceiveWhatthingthouwouldst,anditmightfallperchanceThatthese,beingGreeks,wouldscornthineutterance。\"

  SowhentheflamehadcomewheretimeandplaceSeemednotunfittingtomyguidewithgraceToquestion,thushespokeatmydesire:

  \"Oyethataretwosoulswithinonefire,IfinyoureyessomemeritIhavewon——

  Merit,ormoreorless——fortributedoneWhenintheworldIframedmyloftyverse:

  Movenot;butfainwerewethatonerehearseBywhatstrangefortunestohisdeathhecame。\"

  TheeldercrescentoftheantiqueflameBegantowave,asintheupperairAflameistempest-tortured,hereandthereTossingitsangryheight,andinitssoundAshumanspeechitsuddenlyhadfound,Rolledforthavoiceofthunder,saying:\"When,ThetwelvemonthpastinCirce’shalls,againIleftGaeta’sstrand(erethithercameAeneas,andhadgivenitthatname)

  Notloveofson,norfilialreverence,NorthataffectionthatmightrecompenseThewearyvigilofPenelope,CouldsofarquenchthehotdesireinmeToprovemorewondersoftheteemingearth,——

  Ofhumanfrailtyandofmanlyworth。

  Inonesmallbark,andwiththefaithfulbandThatallawardshadsharedofFortune’shand,Ilaunchedoncemoreupontheopenmain。

  BothshoresIvisitedasfarasSpain,——

  Sardinia,andMorocco,andwhatmoreThemidlandseauponitsbosomwore。

  ThehourofourliveswasgrowinglateWhenwearrivedbeforethatnarrowstraitWhereHerculeshadsethisboundstoshowThatthereMan’sfootshallpause,andfurthernoneshallgo。

  BornewiththegalepastSevilleontheright,AndontheleftnowsweptbyCeuta’ssite,`Brothers,’Icried,`thatintothefarWestThroughperilsnumberlessarenowaddressed,InthisbriefrespitethatourmortalsenseYethath,shrinknotfromnewexperience;

  Butsailingstillagainstthesettingsun,SeekwenewworldswhereManhasneverwonBeforeus。Ponderyourprouddestinies:

  Bornwereyenotlikebrutesforswinishease,Butvirtueandhighknowledgetopursue。’

  MycomradeswithsuchzealdidIimbueBythesebriefwords,thatscarcelycouldIthenHaveturnedthemfromtheirpurpose;soagainWesetoutpoopagainstthemorningsky,AndmadeouroarsaswingswherewithtoflyIntotheUnknown。AndeverfromtherightOurcoursedeflecting,inthebalmynightAllsouthernstarswesaw,andourssolow,Thatscarceabovethesea-margeitmightshow。

  Sofiverevolvingperiodsthesoft,PalelighthadrobbedofCynthia,andasoftReplenishedsinceourstart,whenfaranddimOverthemistyocean’sutmostrim,Roseagreatmountain,thatforveryheightPassedanyIhadseen。BoundlessdelightFilledus——alas,andquicklyturnedtodole:

  For,springingfromourscarce-discoveredgoal,Awhirlwindstrucktheship;incirclesthreeItwhirledushelplessintheeddyingsea;

  Highonthefourththefragilesternuprose,Thebowdrovedown,and,asAnotherchose,Overourheadsweheardthesurgingbillowsclose。\"

  Ariosto。OrlandoFurioso,CantoX,91-99

  Ruggiero,toamazetheBritishhost,Andwakemorewonderintheirwonderingranks,Thebridleofhiswingedcourserloosed,Andclappedhisspursintothecreature’sflanks;

  Highintheair,eventothetopmostbanksOfcruddedcloud,uprosetheflyinghorse,AndnowabovetheWelsh,andnowtheManx,Andnowacrosstheseaheshapedhiscourse,TillgleamingfarbelowlayErin’semeraldshores。

  ThereroundHibernia’sfabledrealmhecoasted,Wheretheoldsainthadlefttheholycave,SoughtforthefamousvirtuethatitboastedTopurgethesinfulvisitorandsave。

  Thencebackreturningoverlandandwave,Ruggierocamewherethebluecurrentsflow,TheshoresofLesserBrittanytolave,And,lookingdownwhilesailingtoandfro,HesawAngelicachainedtotherockbelow。

  ’TwasontheIslandofComplaint——wellnamed,Fortheretothatinhospitableshore,Asavagepeople,cruelanduntamed,Broughttherichprizeofmanyahatefulwar。

  Tofeedamonsterthatbesteadthemsore,Theyoffairladiesthosethatloveliestshone,Oftendermaidenstheythetenderestbore,And,drownedintearsandmakingpiteousmoan,Leftforthatraveningbeast,chainedontherocksalone。

  Thithertransportedbyenchanter’sart,Angelicafromdreamsmostinnocent(Asthetalementionedinanotherpart)

  Awoke,thevictimforthatsadevent。

  Beautysorare,norbirthsoexcellent,NortearsthatmakesweetBeautylovelierstill,Couldturnthatpeoplefromtheirharshintent。

  Alas,whattemperisconceivedsoillBut,Pitymovingnot,Love’ssoftenthralmentwill?

  Onthecoldgraniteattheocean’srimThesefolkhadchainedherfastandgonetheirway;

  FreshinthesoftnessofeachdelicatelimbThepityoftheirbruisingviolencelay。

  Overherbeauty,fromtheeyeofdayTohideitspleadingcharms,noveilwasthrown。

  Onlythefragmentsofthesaltsea-sprayRosefromthechurningofthewaves,wind-blown,Todashuponawhitenesscreamierthantheirown。

  Carvedoutofcandidmarblewithoutflaw,Oralabasterblemishlessandrare,Ruggieromighthavefanciedwhathesaw,Forstatue-likeitseemed,andfastenedthereBycraftofcunningestartificer;

  SaveinthewistfuleyesRuggierothoughtAteardropgleamed,andwiththeripplinghairTheoceanbreezesplayedasiftheysoughtInitsloosedepthstohidethatwhichherhandmightnot。

  PityandwonderandawakeningloveStroveinthebosomoftheMoorishKnight。

  DownfromhissoaringintheskiesaboveHeurgedthetenorofhiscourser’sflight。

  FairerwitheveryfootoflesseningheightShonethesweetprisoner。WithtighteningreinsHedrewmorenigh,andgentlyashemight:

  \"Olady,worthyonlyofthechainsWithwhichhisboundenslavestheGodofLoveconstrains,\"Andleastforthisoranyilldesigned,Oh,whatunnaturalandpervertedraceCouldthesweetfleshwithflushingstricturebind,AndleavetosufferinthiscoldembraceThatthewarmarmssohungertoreplace?\"

  Intothedamsel’scheekssuchcolorflewAsbythealchemyofancientdaysIfwhitestivoryshouldtakethehueOfcoralwhereitbloomsdeepintheliquidblue。

  NoryetsotightlydrawnthecruelchainsClaspedtheslimanklesandthewoundedhands,Butwithsoft,cringingattitudesinvainShestrovetoshieldherfromthatardentglance。

  So,clingingtothewallsofsomeoldmanse,Therose-vinestrivestoshieldhertenderflowers,Whentherudewind,asautumnweeksadvance,BeatsonthewallsandwhirlsaboutthetowersAndspillsateveryblastherprideinpiteousshowers。

  Andfirstforchokingsobsshemightnotspeak,Andthen,\"Alas!\"shecried,\"ah,woeisme!\"

  Andmorehadsaidinaccentsfaintandweak,Pleadingforsuccorandsweetliberty。

  Buthark!acrossthewidewaysoftheseaRoseofasuddensuchafierceaffrayThatanybutthebravehadturnedtoflee。

  Ruggiero,turning,looked。Tohisdismay,Lo,wherethemonstercametoclaimhisquiveringprey!

  OnaThemeintheGreekAnthologyThypetalsyetarecloselycurled,Roseoftheworld,Aroundtheirscented,goldencore;

  NoryethasSummerpurpledo’erThytenderclustersthatbeginToswellwithinThedewyvine-leaves’earlyscreenOfshelteringgreen。

  OheartsthatareLove’shelplessprey,Whileyetyoumay,Fly,eretheshaftisonthestring!

  ThefirethatnowissmoulderingShallbetheconflagrationsoonWhosepathsarestrewnWithtormentofblanchedlipsandeyesThatagonize。

  AfteranEpigramofClementMarotTheladIwasIlongernowNoramnorshallbeevermore。

  Spring’slovelyblossomsfrommybrowHaveshedtheirpetalsonthefloor。

  Thou,Love,hastbeenmylord,thyshrineAboveallgods’bestservedbyme。

  DearLove,couldlifeagainbemineHowbetteredshouldthatservicebe!

  LastPoems1916

  TheAisne(1914-15)

  WefirstsawfireonthetragicslopesWheretheflood-tideofFrance’searlygain,Bigwithwreckedpromiseandabandonedhopes,BrokeinasurfofbloodalongtheAisne。

  Thechargeherheroesleftus,weassumed,What,dying,theyreconquered,wepreserved,Inthechilltrenches,harried,shelled,entombed,Wintercamedownonus,butnomanswerved。

  Wintercamedownonus。Thelowclouds,tornInthestarkbranchesoftherivenpines,BlurredthewhiterocketsthatfromdusktillmornTracedthewidecurveoftheclose-grapplinglines。

  Inrain,andfogthatonthewitheredhillFrozebeforedawn,thelurkingfoedrewdown;

  OrlightsnowsfellthatmadeforlornerstillTheravagedcountryandtheruinedtown;

  Orthelongcloudswouldend。Intenselyfair,Thewinterconstellationsblazingforth——

  Perseus,theTwins,Orion,theGreatBear——

  Gleamedonourbayonetspointingtothenorth。

  AndthelonesentinelwouldstartandsoarOnwingsofstrongemotionasheknewThatkinshipwiththestarsthatonlyWarIsgreatenoughtoliftman’sspiritto。

  Andeverdownthecurvingfront,aglowWiththepalerockets’intermittentlight,Heheard,likedistantthunder,growlandgrowTherumbleoffarbattlesinthenight,——

  Rumors,reverberant,indistinct,remote,BornefromredfieldswhosemartialnameshavewonThepowertothrilllikeafartrumpet-note,——

  Vic,Vailly,Soupir,Hurtelise,Craonne……

  Craonne,beforethycannon-sweptplateau,WherelikesereleaveslaystrewnSeptember’sdead,IfoundforalldearthingsIforfeitedArecompenseIwouldnotnowforego。

  ForthathighfellowshipwasoursthenWiththosewho,championinganother’sgood,MorethandullPeaceoritspoorvotariescould,Taughtusthedignityofbeingmen。

  Therewedraineddeeperthedeepcupoflife,Andonsublimersummitscametolearn,Aftersoftthings,theterribleandstern,AftersweetLove,themajestyofStrife;

  TherewherewefacedunderthosefrowningheightsTheblastthatmaims,thehurricanethatkills;

  TherewherethewatchlightsonthewinterhillsFlickeredlikebalefirethroughinclementnights;

  Therewhere,firmlinksintheunyieldingchain,Wherefellthelong-plannedblowandfellinvain——

  Heartsworthyofthehonorandthetrial,WehelpedtoholdthelinesalongtheAisne。

  Champagne(1914-15)

  Inthegladrevels,inthehappyfetes,Whencheeksareflushed,andglassesgiltandpearledWiththesweetwineofFrancethatconcentratesThesunshineandthebeautyoftheworld,Drinksometimes,youwhosefootstepsyetmaytreadTheundisturbed,delightfulpathsofEarth,Tothosewhoseblood,inpiousdutyshed,Hallowsthesoilwherethatsamewinehadbirth。

  Here,bydevotedcomradeslaidaway,Alongourlinestheyslumberwheretheyfell,BesidethecraterattheFermed’AlgerAndupthebloodyslopesofLaPompelle,AndroundthecitywhosecathedraltowersTheenemiesofBeautydaredprofane,AndinthematofmulticoloredflowersThatclothethesunnychalk-fieldsofChampagne。

  UnderthelittlecrosseswheretheyriseThesoldierrests。NowroundhimundismayedThecannonthunders,andatnightheliesAtpeacebeneaththeeternalfusillade……

  Thatothergenerationsmightpossess——

  Fromshameandmenacefreeinyearstocome——

  Aricherheritageofhappiness,Hemarchedtothatheroicmartyrdom。

  EsteeminglesstheforfeitthathepaidThanundishonoredthathisflagmightfloatOverthetowersofliberty,hemadeHisbreastthebulwarkandhisbloodthemoat。

  Obscurelysacrificed,hisnamelesstomb,Bareofthesculptor’sart,thepoet’slines,Summershallflushwithpoppy-fieldsinbloom,AndAutumnyellowwithmaturingvines。

  Therethegrape-pickersattheirharvestingShalllightlytreadandloadtheirwickertrays,BlessinghismemoryastheytoilandsingIntheslantsunshineofOctoberdays……

  IlovetothinkthatifmybloodshouldbeSoprivilegedtosinkwherehishassunk,IshallnotpassfromEarthentirely,Butwhenthebanquetrings,whenhealthsaredrunk,AndfacesthatthejoysoflivingfillGlowradiantwithlaughterandgoodcheer,InbeamingcupssomesparkofmeshallstillBrimtowardthelipsthatonceIheldsodear。

  SoshallonecovetingnohigherplaneThannatureclothesincolorandfleshandtone,EvenfromthegraveputupwardtoattainThedreamsyouthcherishedandmissedandmighthaveknown;

  AndthatstrongneedthatstroveunsatisfiedTowardearthlybeautyinallformsitwore,NotdeathitselfshallutterlydivideFromthebelovedshapesitthirstedfor。

  Alas,howmanyanadeptforwhosearmsLifehelddeliciousofferingsperishedhere,Howmanyintheprimeofallthatcharms,Crownedwithallgiftsthatconquerandendear!

  Honorthemnotsomuchwithtearsandflowers,Butyouwithwhomthesweetfulfilmentlies,WhereintheanguishofatrocioushoursTurnedtheirlastthoughtsandclosedtheirdyingeyes,RatherwhenmusiconbrightgatheringslaysItstenderspell,andjoyisuppermost,Bemindfulofthementheywere,andraiseYourglassestotheminonesilenttoast。

  Drinktothem——amorousofdearEarthaswell,Theyaskednotributelovelierthanthis——

  Andinthewinethatripenedwheretheyfell,Oh,frameyourlipsasthoughitwereakiss。

  __

  Champagne,France,July,1915。

  TheHostsPurged,withthelifetheyleft,ofallThatmakeslifepaltryandmeanandsmall,IntheirnewdedicationchargedWithsomethingheightened,enriched,enlarged,ThatlendsalighttotheirlustybrowsAndasongtotherhythmoftheirtrampingfeet,Thesearethementhathavetakenvows,Thesearethehardy,theflower,theelite,——

  ThesearethementhataremovednomoreBythewilltotrafficandgraspandstoreAndringwithpleasureandwealthandloveThecirclesthatselfisthecenterof;

  ButtheyaremovedbythepowersthatforceTheseaforevertoebbandrise,ThatholdArcturusinhiscourse,AndmarshalatnoonintropicskiesThecloudsthattoweronsomesnow-cappedchainAnddriftoutoverthepeopledplain。

  Theyarebigwiththebeautyofcosmicthings。

  Markhowtheircolumnssurge!TheyseemTofollowthegoddesswithoutspreadwingsThatpointstowardGlory,thesoldier’sdream。

  Withbayonetsbareandflagsunfurled,TheyscalethesummitsoftheworldAndfadeonthefarthestgoldenheightInfairhorizonsfulloflight。

  Comradesinarmsthere——friendorfoe——

  Thattrodtheperilous,toilsometrailThroughaworldofruinandbloodandwoeIntheyearsofthegreatdecision——hail!

  Friendorfoe,itshallmatternought;

  Thisonlymatters,infine:wefought。

  ForwewereyoungandinloveorstrifeSoughtexultationandcravedexcess:

  TosoundthewildestdebauchinlifeWestakedouryouthanditsloveliness。

  LetidlersarguetherightandwrongAndweighwhatmeritourcauseshad。

  Puttingourfaithinbeingstrong——

  Abovethelevelofgoodandbad——

  Forus,webattledandburnedandkilledBecauseevolvingNaturewilled,AnditwasourprideandboasttobeTheinstrumentsofDestiny。

  TherewasastatelydramawritBythehandthatpeopledtheearthandairAndsetthestarsintheinfiniteAndmadenightgorgeousandmorningfair,AndallthathadsensetoreasonknewThatbloodydramamustbegonethrough。

  Somesatandwatchedhowtheactionveered——

  Waited,profited,trembled,cheered——

  Wesawnotclearlynorunderstood,Butyieldingourselvestothemasterhand,Eachinhispartasbesthecould,Weplayeditthroughastheauthorplanned。

  MaktoobAshellsurprisedourpostonedayAndkilledacomradeatmyside。

  MyheartwassicktoseethewayHesufferedashedied。

  Idugabouttheplacehefell,Andfound,nobiggerthanmythumb,AfragmentofthesplinteredshellInwarmaluminum。

  Imeltedit,andmadeamould,Andpoureditintheopening,Andworkedit,whenthecastwascold,Intoashapelyring。

  Andwhenmyringwassmoothandbright,Holdingitonaroundedstick,Forseal,IbadeaTurcowrite`Maktoob’inArabic。

  `Maktoob!’\"’Tiswritten!\"……Sotheythink,Thesechildrenofthedesert,whoFromitsimmenseexpansesdrinkSomeofitsgrandeurtoo。

  WithinthebookofDestiny,Whoseleavesaretime,whosecover,space,Thedaywhenyoushallceasetobe,Thehour,themode,theplace,Aremarked,theysay;andyoushallnotBytakingthoughtorusingwitAlterthatcertainfateonejot,Postponeorconjureit。

  Learntodrivefear,then,fromyourheart。

  Ifyoumustperish,know,Oman,’TisaninevitablepartOfthepredestinedplan。

  And,seeingthatthroughtheebondoorOnceonlyyoumaypass,andmeetOfthosethathavegonethroughbeforeThemighty,theelite————

  GuardthatnotbowednorblanchedwithfearYouenter,butserene,erect,AsyouwouldwishmosttoappearTothoseyoumostrespect。

  SodieasthoughyourfuneralUsheredyouthroughthedoorsthatledIntoastatelybanquethallWhereheroesbanqueted;

  AnditshallalldependthereinWhetheryoucomeasslaveorlord,IftheyacclaimyouastheirkinOrspurnyoufromtheirboard。

  So,whentheordercomes:\"Attack!\"

  Andtheassaultingwavedeploys,AndthehearttremblestolookbackOnlifeandallitsjoys;

  OrinaditchthattheyseemnearTofind,androundyourshallowtroughDropthebigshellsthatyoucanhearComingahalfmileoff;

  When,nottohear,sometrytotalk,Andsometocleantheirguns,orsing,Andsomedigdeeperinthechalk——

  Ilookuponmyring:

  Andnervesrelaxthatweremosttense,AndDeathcomeswhistlingdownunheard,AsIconsiderallthesenseHeldinthatmysticword。

  Anditbrings,quietinglikebalmMyheartwhoseflutteringshaveceased,TheresignationandthecalmAndwisdomoftheEast。

  IHaveaRendezvouswithDeath……

  IhavearendezvouswithDeathAtsomedisputedbarricade,WhenSpringcomesbackwithrustlingshadeAndapple-blossomsfilltheair——

  IhavearendezvouswithDeathWhenSpringbringsbackbluedaysandfair。

  ItmaybeheshalltakemyhandAndleadmeintohisdarklandAndclosemyeyesandquenchmybreath——

  ItmaybeIshallpasshimstill。

  IhavearendezvouswithDeathOnsomescarredslopeofbatteredhill,WhenSpringcomesroundagainthisyearAndthefirstmeadow-flowersappear。

  Godknows’twerebettertobedeepPillowedinsilkandscenteddown,WhereLovethrobsoutinblissfulsleep,Pulsenightopulse,andbreathtobreath,Wherehushedawakeningsaredear……

  ButI’vearendezvouswithDeathAtmidnightinsomeflamingtown,WhenSpringtripsnorthagainthisyear,AndItomypledgedwordamtrue,Ishallnotfailthatrendezvous。

  Sonnets:-

  SonnetI-

  Sidney,inwhomtheheydayofromanceCametoitspreciousandmostperfectflower,WhetheryoutourneyedwithvictoriouslanceOrbroughtsweetroundelaystoStella’sbower,IgivemyselfsomecreditforthewayIhavekeptcleanofwhatenslavesandlowers,ShunnedtheidealsofourpresentdayAndstudiedthosethatwereesteemedinyours;

  For,turningfromthemobthatbuysSuccessBysacrificingallLife’sbetterpart,DownthefreeroadsofhumanhappinessIfrolicked,poorofpursebutlightofheart,AndlivedinstrictdevotionallalongTomythreeidols——LoveandArmsandSong-

  SonnetII-

  NotthatIalwaysstruckthepropermeanOfwhatmankindmustgiveforwhattheygain,But,whenIthinkofthosewhomdullroutineAndthepursuitofcheerlesstoilenchain,Whofromtheirdesk-chairsseeingasummercloudRacethroughblueheavenonitsjoyfulcourseSighsometimesforalifelesscrampedandbowed,IthinkImighthavedoneagreatdealworse;

  ForIhaveevergoneuntiedandfree,Thestarsandmyhighthoughtsforcompany;

  Wetwiththesalt-sprayandthemountainshowers,Ihavehadthesenseofspaceandamplitude,Andloveinmanyplaces,silver-shoed,Hascomeandscatteredallmypathwithflowers-

  SonnetIII-

  Whyshouldyoubeastonishedthatmyheart,Plungedforsolongindarknessandindearth,Shouldberevivedbyyou,andstirandstartAsbywarmAprilnow,revivingEarth?

  IamthefieldofundulatinggrassAndyouthegentleperfumedbreathofSpring,Andallmylyricbeing,whenyoupass,Isbowedandfilledwithsuddenmurmuring。

  Iaskedyounothingandexpectedless,But,withthatdeep,impassionedtendernessOfoneapproachingwhathemostadores,IonlywishedtolosealittlespaceAllthoughtofmyownlife,andinitsplaceToliveanddreamandhavemyjoyinyours-

  SonnetIV-

  To……inchurchIfIwasdrawnherefromadistantplace,’Twasnottopraynorhearourfriend’saddress,But,gazingoncemoreonyourwinsomeface,ToworshipthereIdealLoveliness。

  OnthatpureshrinethathastoolongignoredThegiftsthatonceIbroughtsofrequentlyIlaythisvotiveoffering,torecordHowsweetyourquietbeautyseemedtome。

  Enchantinggirl,myfaithisnotathingByfutileprayersandvapidpsalm-singingToventincrowdednaveandpublicpew。

  Mycreedissimple:thattheworldisfair,Andbeautythebestthingtoworshipthere,AndIconfessitbyadoringyou。

  __

  Biarritz,Sunday,March26,1916-

  SonnetV-

  Seeingyouhavenotcomewithme,norspentThisday’ssuggestivebeautyasweought,IhavegoneforthaloneandbeencontentTomakeyoumistressonlyofmythought。

  AndIhaveblessedthefatethatwassokindInmylife’sagitationstoincludeThismoment’srefugewheremysensecanfindRefreshment,andmysoulbeatitude。

  Oh,bemygentlelovealittlewhile!

  Walkwithmesometimes。Letmeseeyousmile。

  Watchingsomenightunderawintrysky,Beforethecharge,oronthebedofpain,TheseblessedmemoriesshallreviveagainAndbeapowertocheerandfortify-

  SonnetVI-

  Oh,youaremoredesirabletomeThanallIstakedinanimpulsivehour,Makingmyyouththesportofchance,tobeBlightedortorninitsmostperfectflower;

  ForIthinklessofwhatthatchancemaybringThanhow,beforereturningintofire,TomakemydearestmemoryofthethingThatisbutnowmyultimatedesire。

  AndinoldtimesIshouldhaveprayedtoherWhosehauntthegrovesofwindyCypruswere,ToprospermeandcrownwithgoodsuccessMywilltomakeofyoutherose-twinedbowlFromwhoseinebriatingbrimmysoulShalldrinkitslastofearthlyhappiness-

  SonnetVII-

  TherehavebeentimeswhenIcouldstormandplead,Butyoushallneverhearmesupplicate。

  TheselongmonthsthathavemagnifiedmyneedHavemademyaskinglessimportunate,FornowsmallfavorsseemtomesogreatThatnotthecourteousloversofoldtimeWeremorecontenttorulethemselvesandwait,Easingdesirewithdiscourseandsweetrhyme。

  Nay,becapricious,willful;havenofearTowoundmewithunkindnessdoneorsaid,LestmutualdevotionmaketoodearMylifethathangsbyasoslenderthread,AndhappyloveunnervemebeforeMayForthatsternpartthatIhaveyettoplay-

  SonnetVIII-

  Oh,loveofwoman,youareknowntobeApassionsenttoplaguetheheartsofmen;

  ForeveryoneyoubringfelicityBringingrebuffsandwretchednesstoten。

  IhavebeenoftwherehumanlifesoldcheapAndseenmen’sbrainsspilledoutabouttheirearsAndyetthatnevercostmeanysleep;

  IliveduntroubledandIshednotears。

  Foolspratehowwarisanatrociousthing;

  IalwaysknewthatnothingitimpliedEqualledtheagonyofsufferingOfhimwholovesandlovesunsatisfied。

  Warisarefugetoaheartlikethis;

  Loveonlytellsitwhattruetortureis-

  SonnetIX-

  Well,seeingIhavenohope,thenletuspart;

  Havinglongtaughtmyfleshtomasterfear,Ishouldhavelearnedbynowtorulemyheart,Although,Heavenknows,’tisnotsoeasynear。

  Oh,youweremadetomakemenmiserableAndtorturethosewhowouldhavejoyinyou,ButI,whocouldhavelovedyou,dear,sowell,Takeprideinbeingagoodlosertoo;

  Andithasnotbeenwhollyunsuccess,ForIhaverescuedfromforgetfulnessSomemomentsofthisprecioustimethatflies,AddingtomypastwealthofmemoryTheprettywayyouoncelookedupatme,Yourlow,sweetvoice,yoursmile,andyourdeareyes-

  SonnetX-

  IhavesoughtHappiness,butithasbeenAlovelyrainbow,bafflingallpursuit,AndtastedPleasure,butitwasafruitMorefairofoutwardhuethansweetwithin。

  Renouncingboth,aflakeinthefermentOfbattlinghoststhatconquerorrecoil,Thereonly,chastenedbyfatigueandtoil,Iknewwhatcamethenearesttocontent。

  ForthereatleastmytroubledfleshwasfreeFromthegadflyDesirethatplagueditso;

  DiscordandStrifewerewhatIusedtoknow,Heartaches,deception,murderousjealousy;

  ByWartransportedfarfromallofthese,AmidtheclashofarmsIwasatpeace-

  SonnetXI-

  OnReturningtotheFrontafterLeaveApartsweetwomen(forwhomHeavenbeblessed),Comrades,youcannotthinkhowthinandblueLooktheleftoversofmankindthatrest,Nowthatthecreamhasbeenskimmedoffinyou。

  Warhasitshorrors,buthasthisofgood——

  ThatitssureprocessessortoutandbindBraveheartsinoneintrepidbrotherhoodAndleavetheshamsandimbecilesbehind。

  Nowturnwejoyfultothegreatattacks,NotonlythatwefaceinafairfieldOurvaliantfoeandallhisdeadlytools,ButalsothatweturndisdainfulbacksOnthatpoorworldwescornyetdietoshield——

  Thatworldofcowards,hypocrites,andfools-

  SonnetXII-

  Cloudsrosy-tintedinthesettingsun,Depthsoftheazureeasternskybetween,Plainswherethepoplar-borderedhighwaysrun,Patchedwithahundredtintsofbrownandgreen,——

  BeautyofEarth,wheninthyharmoniesThecannon’snotehasceasedtobeapart,IshallreturnoncemoreandbringtotheseTheworshipofanundividedheart。

  OfthosesweetpotentialitiesthatwaitFormyheart’sdeepdesiretofecundateIshallresumethesearch,ifFortunegrants;

  AndthegreatcitiesoftheworldshallyetBegoldenframesformeinwhichtosetNewmasterpiecesofmorerareromance。

  BellingliseI

  DeepintheslopingforestthatsurroundsTheheadofagreenvalleythatIknow,SpreadthefairgardensandancestralgroundsOfBellinglise,thebeautifulchateau。

  Throughshadygrovesandfieldsofunmowngrass,Itwasmyjoytocomeatduskandsee,Fillingalittlepond’suntroubledglass,Itsantiquetowersandmoulderingmasonry。

  Oh,shouldIfallto-morrow,laymehere,Thato’ermytomb,witheachrevivingyear,Wood-flowersmayblossomandthewood-dovescroon;

  Andloversbythatunrecordedplace,Passing,maypause,andclingalittlespace,Close-bosomed,attherisingofthemoon。

  II

  Here,whereinhappiertimesthehuntsman’shornEchoingfromfarmadesweetmidsummereves,Nowserriedcannonthundernightandmorn,Tearingwithironthegreenwood’stenderleaves。

  YethassweetSpringnoparticlewithdrawnOfheroldbounty;stillthesong-birdshail,Eventhroughourfusillade,delightfulDawn;

  Eveninourwirebloomliliesofthevale。

  Youwholoveflowers,takethese;theirfragilebellsHavetrembledwiththeshockofvolleyedshells,AndinblacknightswhenstealthyfoesadvanceTheyhavebeenlitbythepalerockets’glowThato’erscarredfieldsandancienttownslaidlowTraceinwhitefirethebravefrontiersofFrance。

  __

  May22,1916。

  LiebestodIwho,conceivedbeneathanotherstar,Hadbeenaprinceandplayedwithlife,insteadHavebeenitsslave,anoutcastexiledfarFromthefairthingsmyfaithhasmerited。

  MywayshavebeenthewaysthatwandererstreadAndthosethatmakeromanceofpoverty——

  Soldier,Isharedthesoldier’sboardandbed,AndJoyhasbeenathingmoreofttomeWhisperedbysummerwindandsummerseaThanknownincarnateinthehoursitliesAllwarmagainstourheartsandlaughsintooureyes。

  IknownotifinriskingmybestdaysIshallleaveutterlybehindmehereThisdreamthatlightenedmethroughlonesomewaysAndthatnodisappointmentmadelessdear;

  SometimesIthinkthat,wherethehilltopsrearTheirwhiteentrenchmentsbackoftangledwire,BehindthemistDeathonlycanmakeclear,There,likeBrunhilderingedwithflamingfire,Lieswhatshalleasemyheart’simmensedesire:

  There,wherebeyondthehorrorandthepainOnlythebraveshallpass,onlythestrongattain。

  Truthordelusion,beitasitmay,Yetthinkittrue,dearfriends,for,thinkingso,ThatthoughtshallnerveoursinewsonthedayWhentothelastassaultourbuglesblow:

  Recklessofpainandperilweshallgo,Headshighandheartsaflameandbayonetsbare,AndweshallbraveeternityasthoughEyeslookedonusinwhichwewouldseemfair——

  Onewaitedinwhosepresencewewouldwear,Evenasaloverwhowouldbewell-seen,Ourmanhoodfaultlessandourhonorclean。

  ResurgamExiledafarfromyouthandhappylove,IfDeathshouldravishmyfondspirithenceIhavenodoubtbut,likeahomingdove,Itwouldreturntoitsdearresidence,AndthroughathousandstarsfindouttheroadBackintoearthlyfleshthatwasitslovedabode。

  AMessagetoAmericaYouhavethegritandtheguts,Iknow;

  YouarereadytoanswerblowforblowYouarevirile,combative,stubborn,hard,Butyourhonorendswithyourownback-yard;

  Eachmanintentonhisprivategoal,Youhavenofeelingforthewhole;

  WhatsinglynonewouldtolerateYouletunpunishedhitthestate,UnmindfulthateachmanmustshareThestainheletshiscountrywear,And(whatnotravellerignores)

  Thathergoodnameisoftenyours。

  Youareproudinthepridethatfeelsitsmight;

  FromyourimaginaryheightMenofanotherraceorhueAremenofalesserbreedtoyou:

  TheneighboratyoursoutherngateYoutreatwiththescornthathasbredhishate。

  TolendaspicetoyourdisrespectYoucallhimthe\"greaser\"。Butreflect!

  Thegreaserhasspatonyoumorethanonce;

  Hehashandedyoumultipleaffronts;

  Hehasrobbedyou,banishedyou,burnedandkilled;

  Hehasgoneuntrouncedforthebloodhespilled;

  Hehasjeeringusedforhisbootblack’sragThestarsandstripesofthegringo’sflag;

  Andyou,inthedepthsofyoureasy-chair——

  Whatdidyoudo,whatdidyoucare?

  DidyoufindtheseasontoocoldanddampTochangethecounterforthecamp?

  WereyoufrightenedbyfeversinMexico?

  Ican’timagine,butthisIknow——

  YouareimpassionedvastlymoreBythenewsofthedailybaseballscoreThantohearthatadozencountrymenHaveperishedsomewhereinDarien,ThatgreasershavetakentheirinnocentlivesAndrobbedtheirholdingsandrapedtheirwives。

  NotbyroughtonguesandreadyfistsCanyouhopetojiltinthemodernlists。

  ThearmiesofalittlerfolkShallpassyouunderthevictor’syoke,SobeitanationthattrainshersonsToridetheirhorsesandpointtheirguns——

  SobeitapeoplethatcomprehendsThelimitwhereprivatepleasureendsAndwheretheirpublicduesbegin,ApeoplemadestrongbydisciplineWhoarewillingtogive——whatyou’venomindto——

  Andunderstand——whatyouareblindto——

  ThethingsthattheindividualMustsacrificeforthegoodofall。

  Youhavealeaderwhoknows——themanMostfittobecalledAmerican,AprophetthatonceingenerationsIsgiventopointtoerringnationsBrighteridealstowardwhichtopressAndleadthemoutofthewilderness。

  Willyouturnyourbackonhimonceagain?

  WillyougivethetilleroncemoretomenWhohavemadeyourcountrythelaughing-stockFortheolderpeoplestoscornandmock,Whowouldmakeyouservile,despised,andweak,Acountrythatturnstheothercheek,Whocarenothowbravelyyourflagmayfloat,Whoansweraninsultwithanote,Whosewayistheeasywayinall,And,seeingthatpolishedarmsappalTheirmarrowofmilk-fedpacifist,Wouldtellyoumenacedoesnotexist?

  Arethese,intheworld’sgreatparliament,ThemenyouwouldchoosetorepresentYourhonor,yourmanhood,andyourpride,Andthevirtuesyourfathersdignified?

  Oh,burythemdeeperthantheseaInuniversalobloquy;

  Forgetthegroundwheretheylie,orwriteForepitaph:\"Tooproudtofight。\"

  Ihavebeentoolongfrommycountry’sshoresToreckonwhatstateofmindisyours,ButasformyselfIknowrightwellIwouldgothroughfireandshotandshellAndfacenewperilsandmakemybedInnewprivations,ifROOSEVELTled;

  ButIhavegivenmyheartandhandToserve,inservinganotherland,Idealskeptbrightthatwithyouaredim;

  Heremencanthrilltotheircountry’shymn,ForthepassionthatwellsintheMarseillaiseIsthesamethatfirestheFrenchthesedays,And,whentheflagthattheylovegoesby,WithswellingbosomandmoistenedeyeTheycanlook,fortheyknowthatitfloatstherestillBythemightoftheirhandsandthestrengthoftheirwill,AndthroughperilscountlessandtrialsunknownItshonoreachmanhasmadehisown。

  Theywantedthewarnomorethanyou,Buttheysawhowthecertainmenacegrew,AndtheygavetwoyearsoftheiryouthorthreeThemoretoinsuretheirlibertyWhenthewrathofriflesandpennonedspearsShouldrolllikeafloodontheirwreckedfrontiers。

  Theywantedthewarnomorethanyou,ButwhenthedreadfulsummonsblewAndthetimetosettlethequarrelcameTheysprangtotheirguns,eachmanwasgame;

  AndmarkiftheyfightnottothelastFortheirhearths,theiraltars,andtheirpast:

  Yea,fighttilltheirveinshavebeenbleddryForloveofthecountrythatWILLnotdie。

  Ofriends,inyourfortunatepresentease(Yetfacedbytheself-samefactsasthese),IfyouwouldseehowaracecansoarThathasnolove,butnofear,ofwar,HoweachcanturnfromhisprivateroleThatallmayactasaperfectwhole,HowmencanliveuptotheplacetheyclaimAndanation,jealousofitsgoodname,Betruetoitsproudinheritance,Oh,lookoverhereandlearnfromFRANCE!

  IntroductionandConclusionofaLongPoemIhavegonesometimesbythegatesofDeathAndstoodbesidethecavernthroughwhosedoorsEnterthevoyagersintotheunseen。

  Fromthatdreadthresholdonly,gazingback,HaveeyesinswiftilluminationseenLifeutterlyrevealed,andguessedthereinWhatthingswerevitalandwhatthingswerevain。

  Knowthen,likeavastoceanfrommyfeetSpreadingawayintothemorningsky,Isawunrolledmyvanisheddays,and,lo,OblivionlikeamorningmistobscuredToils,trials,ambitions,agitations,ease,Andlikegreenisles,sun-kissed,withsweetperfumeLoadingtheairsblownbackfromthatdimgulf,Gleamedonlythroughtheall-involvinghazeThehourswhenwehavelovedandbeenbeloved。

  Therefore,sweetfriends,asoftenasbyLoveYouriseabsorbedintotheharmonyOfplanetssingingroundmagneticsuns,LetnotproprietynorprejudiceNorthepreceptsofjealousagedenyWhatSensesoincontestablyaffirms;

  ClingtotheblessedmomentanddrinkdeepOfthesweetcupittends,astherealoneWerethatwhichmakeslifeworththepaintolive。

  WhatissofairasloversintheirjoyThatdiesinsleep,theirsleepthatwakesinjoy?

  Caressingarmsaretheirlightpillows。TheyThatlikeloststarshavewanderedhithertoLonesomeandlightlessthroughtheuniverse,NowglowtransfiredatNature’sflamingcore;

  Theyarethecentre;constellatedheavenIstheembroideredpanoplyspreadroundTheirbridal,andthemusicofthespheresRockstheminhushedepithalamium……

  IknowthattherearethosewhoseidletonguesBlasphemethebeautyoftheworldthatwasSowondrousandsoworshipfultome。

  Icallthemthosethat,inthepalacewhereDownperfumedhallstheSleepingBeautylay,Wanderedwithoutthesecretorthekey。

  Iknowthattherearethose,ofgentlerheart,Brokenbygrieforbydeceptionbowed,WhoinsomerealmbeyondthegraveconceiveTheblisstheyfoundnothere;but,asforme,InthesoftfibresofthetenderfleshIsawpotentialitiesofJoyTenthousandlifetimescouldnotuse。DearEarth,InthisdarkmonthwhendeepasmorningdewOnthymaternalbreastshallfallthebloodOfthosethatwerethyloveliestandthybest,Ifitbefatethatmineshallmixwiththeirs,Hearthismynaturalprayer,for,purifiedBythatLetheanagonyandcladInmoreresplendentpowers,IasknoughtelseThanreincarnatetoretracemypath,Bebornagainofwoman,walkoncemoreThroughChildhood’sfragrant,flowerywonderlandAnd,enteredinthegoldenrealmofYouth,FarestillapilgrimtowardthecopiousjoysIsavoredhereyetscarcebegantosip;

  Yea,withthecomradesthatIlovedsowellResumethebanquetwehadscarcebegunWheninthestreetweheardtheclarion-callAndeachmansprangtoarms——ay,evenmyselfWholovedsweetYouthtootrulynottoshareItspainnolessthanitsdelight。IfprayersAretobeprayed,lo,hereismine!BethisMyresurrection,thismyrecompense!

  OdeinMemoryoftheAmericanVolunteersFallenforFrance(TohavebeenreadbeforethestatueofLafayetteandWashingtoninParis,onDecorationDay,May30,1916。)

  I

  Ay,itisfittingonthisholiday,Commemorativeofoursoldierdead,When——withsweetflowersofourNewEnglandMayHidingthelichenedstonesbyfiftyyearsmadegray——

  Theirgravesineverytownaregarlanded,ThatpioustributeshouldbegiventooToourintrepidfewObscurelyfallenherebeyondtheseas。

  Thosetopreservetheircountry’sgreatnessdied;

  ButbythedeathoftheseSomethingthatwecanlookuponwithprideHasbeenachieved,norwhollyunrepliedCansneererstriumphinthechargetheymakeThatfromawarwhereFreedomwasatstakeAmericawithheldand,daunted,stoodaside。

  II

  Betheyrememberedherewitheachrevivingspring,NotonlythatinMay,whenlifeisloveliest,AroundNeuville-Saint-VaastandthedisputedcrestOfVimy,they,superb,unfaltering,Inthatfineonslaughtthatnofirecouldhalt,Partedimpetuoustotheirfirstassault;

  ButthattheybroughtfreshheartsandspringliketooTothathighmission,and’tismeettostrewWithtwigsoflilacandspring’searliestroseThecenotaphofthoseWhointhecausethathistorymostendearsFellinthesunnymornandfloweroftheiryoungyears。

  III

  Yetsoughttheyneitherrecompensenorpraise,NortobementionedinanotherbreathThantheirbluecoatedcomradeswhosegreatdaysItwastheirpridetoshare——ay,shareeventothedeath!

  Nay,rather,France,toyoutheyrenderedthanks(Seeingtheycameforhonor,notforgain),Who,openingtothemyourgloriousranks,Gavethemthatgrandoccasiontoexcel,ThatchancetolivethelifemostfreefromstainAndthatrareprivilegeofdyingwell。

  IV

  Ofriends!IknownotsincethatwarbeganFromwhichnopeoplenoblystandsaloofIfinallmomentswehavegivenproofOfvirtuesthatwerethoughtAmerican。

  IknownotifinallthingsdoneandsaidAllhasbeenwellandgood,OrifeachoneofuscanholdhisheadAsproudlyasheshould,Or,fromthepatternofthosemightydeadWhoseshadesourcountryveneratesto-day,Ifwe’venotsomewhatfallenandsomewhatgoneastray。

  Butyoutowhomourland’sgoodnameisdear,IftherebeanyhereWhowonderifhermanhoodbedecreased,RelaxeditssinewsanditsbloodlessredThanthatatShilohandAntietamshed,Beproudofthese,havejoyinthisatleast,Andcry:\"NowheavenbepraisedThatinthathourthatmostimperilledher,MenacedherlibertywhoforemostraisedEurope’sbrightflagoffreedom,sometherewereWho,notunmindfuloftheantiquedebt,CamebackthegenerouspathofLafayette;

  AndwhenofamostformidablefoeShecheckedeachonset,arduoustostem——

  Foiledandfrustratedthem——

  OnthoseredfieldswhereblowwithfuriousblowWascountered,whetherthegiganticfrayRolledbytheMeuseorattheBoisSabot,Accentsofourswereinthefiercemelee;

  AndonthosefurthestrimsofhallowedgroundWheretheforlorn,thegallantchargeexpires,Whentheslainbuglerhaslongceasedtosound,AndonthetangledwiresThelastwildrallystaggers,crumbles,stops,Witheredbeneaththeshrapnel’sironshowers:——

  Nowheavenbethanked,wegaveafewbravedrops;

  Nowheavenbethanked,afewbravedropswereours。\"

  V

  There,holdingstill,infrozensteadfastness,Theirbayonetstowardthebeckoningfrontiers,Theylie——ourcomrades——lieamongtheirpeers,Cladinthegloryoffallenwarriors,Grimclustersunderthornytrellises,Dry,furthestfoamupondisastrousshores,Leavesthatmadelastyearbeautiful,stillstrewnEvenastheyfell,unchanged,beneaththechangingmoon;

  AndearthinherdivineindifferenceRollson,andmanypaltrythingsandmeanPratetobeheardandcapertobeseen。

  Buttheyaresilent,calm;theireloquenceIsthatincomparableattitude;

  Nohumanpresencestheirwitnessare,Butsummercloudsandsunsetcrimson-hued,Andshowersandnightwindsandthenorthernstar。

  Nay,evenoursalutationsseemprofane,OpposedtotheirElysianquietude;

  Oursalutationscallingfromafar,FromourignoblerplaneAndundistinctionofourlesserparts:

  Hail,brothers,andfarewell;youaretwiceblest,bravehearts。

  Doubleyourgloryiswhoperishedthus,ForyouhavediedforFranceandvindicatedus。

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