第4章

TenhundredshavenpriestsdidbowtoAmmon\'saltardayandnight，TenhundredlampsdidwavetheirlightthroughAmmon\'scarvenhouse-andnowFoulsnakeandspeckledadderwiththeiryoungonescrawlfromstonetostoneForruinedisthehouseandpronethegreatrose-marblemonolith! Wildassortrottingjackalcomesandcouchesinthemoulderinggates: Wildsatyrscalluntotheirmatesacrossthefallenfluteddrums。 Andonthesummitofthepiletheblue-facedapeofHorussitsAndgibberswhilethefig-treesplitsthepillarsoftheperistyleThegodisscatteredhereandthere:deephiddeninthewindysandIsawhisgiantgranitehandstillclenchedinimpotentdespair。 Andmanyawanderingcaravanofstatelynegroessilken-shawled，Crossingthedesert，haltsappalledbeforetheneckthatnonecanspan。 AndmanyabeardedBedouindrawsbackhisyellow-stripedburnousTogazeupontheTitanthewsofhimwhowasthypaladin。 Go，seekhisfragmentsonthemoorandwashthemintheeveningdew，Andfromtheirpiecesmakeanewthymutilatedparamour! Go，seekthemwheretheyliealoneandfromtheirbrokenpiecesmakeThybruisedbedfellow!Andwakemadpassionsinthesenselessstone! CharmhisdullearwithSyrianhymns!helovedyourbody!oh，bekind，Pourspikenardonhishair，andwindsoftrollsoflinenroundhislimbs! Windroundhisheadthefiguredcoins!stainwithredfruitsthosepallidlips! Weavepurpleforhisshrunkenhips!andpurpleforhisbarrenloins! AwaytoEgypt!Havenofear。OnlyoneGodhaseverdied。 OnlyoneGodhasletHissidebewoundedbyasoldier\'sspear。 Butthese，thylovers，arenotdead。Stillbythehundred-cubitgateDog-facedAnubissitsinstatewithlotus-liliesforthyhead。 StillfromhischairofporphyrygauntMemnonstrainshislidlesseyesAcrosstheemptyland，andcrieseachyellowmorninguntothee。 AndNiluswithhisbrokenhornliesinhisblackandoozybedAndtillthycomingwillnotspreadhiswatersonthewitheringcorn。 Yourloversarenotdead，Iknow。TheywillriseupandhearyourvoiceAndclashtheircymbalsandrejoiceandruntokissyourmouth!Andso，Setwingsuponyourargosies!Sethorsestoyoureboncar! BacktoyourNile!OrifyouaregrownsickofdeaddivinitiesFollowsomerovinglion\'sspooracrossthecopper- colouredplain，Reachoutandhalehimbythemaneandbidhimbeyourparamour! CouchbyhissideuponthegrassandsetyourwhiteteethinhisthroatAndwhenyouhearhisdyingnotelashyourlongflanksofpolishedbrassAndtakeatigerforyourmate，whoseambersidesarefleckedwithblack，AndrideuponhisgildedbackintriumphthroughtheThebangate，Andtoywithhiminamorousjests，andwhenheturns，andsnarls，andgnaws，Osmitehimwithyourjasperclaws!andbruisehimwithyouragatebreasts! Whyareyoutarrying？Gethence!I wearyofyoursullenways，Iwearyofyoursteadfastgaze，yoursomnolentmagnificence。 Yourhorribleandheavybreathmakesthelightflickerinthelamp，AndonmybrowIfeelthedampanddreadfuldewsofnightanddeath。 Youreyesarelikefantasticmoonsthatshiverinsomestagnantlake，Yourtongueislikeascarletsnakethatdancestofantastictunes，Yourpulsemakespoisonousmelodies，andyourblackthroatisliketheholeLeftbysometorchorburningcoalonSaracenictapestries。 Away!Thesulphur-colouredstarsarehurryingthroughtheWesterngate! Away!Oritmaybetoolatetoclimbtheirsilentsilvercars! See，thedawnshiversroundthegreygilt-dialledtowers，andtherainStreamsdowneachdiamondedpaneandblurswithtearsthewannishday。 Whatsnake-tressedfuryfreshfromHell，withuncouthgesturesandunclean，Stolefromthepoppy-drowsyqueenandledyoutoastudent\'scell？ Whatsonglesstonguelessghostofsincreptthroughthecurtainsofthenight，Andsawmytaperburningbright，andknocked，andbadeyouenterin？ Aretherenotothersmoreaccursed，whiterwithleprosiesthanI？ AreAbanaandPharphardrythatyoucomeheretoslakeyourthirst？ Gethence，youloathsomemystery!Hideousanimal，gethence! Youwakeinmeeachbestialsense，youmakemewhatIwouldnotbe。 Youmakemycreedabarrensham，youwakefouldreamsofsensuallife，AndAtyswithhisblood-stainedknifewerebetterthanthethingIam。 FalseSphinx!FalseSphinx!ByreedyStyxoldCharon，leaningonhisoar，Waitsformycoin。Gothoubefore，andleavemetomycrucifix，Whosepallidburden，sickwithpain，watchestheworldwithweariedeyes，Andweepsforeverysoulthatdies，andweepsforeverysoulinvain。 Poem:TheBalladOfReadingGaol(InmemoriamC。T。W。 SometimetrooperoftheRoyalHorseGuardsobiitH。M。prison，Reading，BerkshireJuly7，1896) I Hedidnotwearhisscarletcoat，Forbloodandwinearered，AndbloodandwinewereonhishandsWhentheyfoundhimwiththedead，Thepoordeadwomanwhomheloved，Andmurderedinherbed。 HewalkedamongsttheTrialMenInasuitofshabbygrey； Acricketcapwasonhishead，Andhisstepseemedlightandgay； ButIneversawamanwholookedSowistfullyattheday。 IneversawamanwholookedWithsuchawistfuleyeUponthatlittletentofblueWhichprisonerscallthesky，AndateverydriftingcloudthatwentWithsailsofsilverby。 Iwalked，withothersoulsinpain，Withinanotherring，AndwaswonderingifthemanhaddoneAgreatorlittlething，Whenavoicebehindmewhisperedlow，\'THATFELLOW\'SGOTTOSWING。\' DearChrist!theveryprisonwallsSuddenlyseemedtoreel，AndtheskyabovemyheadbecameLikeacasqueofscorchingsteel； And，thoughIwasasoulinpain，MypainIcouldnotfeel。 IonlyknewwhathuntedthoughtQuickenedhisstep，andwhyHelookeduponthegarishdayWithsuchawistfuleye； Themanhadkilledthethingheloved，Andsohehadtodie。 Yeteachmankillsthethingheloves，Byeachletthisbeheard，Somedoitwithabitterlook，Somewithaflatteringword，Thecowarddoesitwithakiss，Thebravemanwithasword! Somekilltheirlovewhentheyareyoung，Andsomewhentheyareold； SomestranglewiththehandsofLust，SomewiththehandsofGold: Thekindestuseaknife，becauseThedeadsosoongrowcold。 Somelovetoolittle，sometoolong，Somesell，andothersbuy； Somedothedeedwithmanytears，Andsomewithoutasigh: Foreachmankillsthethingheloves，Yeteachmandoesnotdie。 HedoesnotdieadeathofshameOnadayofdarkdisgrace，Norhaveanooseabouthisneck，Noraclothuponhisface，NordropfeetforemostthroughthefloorIntoanemptyspace。 HedoesnotsitwithsilentmenWhowatchhimnightandday； Whowatchhimwhenhetriestoweep，Andwhenhetriestopray； WhowatchhimlesthimselfshouldrobTheprisonofitsprey。 HedoesnotwakeatdawntoseeDreadfiguresthronghisroom，TheshiveringChaplainrobedinwhite，TheSheriffsternwithgloom，AndtheGovernorallinshinyblack，WiththeyellowfaceofDoom。 HedoesnotriseinpiteoushasteToputonconvict-clothes，Whilesomecoarse-mouthedDoctorgloats，andnotesEachnewandnerve-twitchedpose，FingeringawatchwhoselittleticksArelikehorriblehammer-blows。 HedoesnotknowthatsickeningthirstThatsandsone\'sthroat，beforeThehangmanwithhisgardener\'sglovesSlipsthroughthepaddeddoor，Andbindsonewiththreeleathernthongs，Thatthethroatmaythirstnomore。 HedoesnotbendhisheadtohearTheBurialOfficeread，Nor，whiletheterrorofhissoulTellshimheisnotdead，Crosshisowncoffin，ashemovesIntothehideousshed。 HedoesnotstareupontheairThroughalittleroofofglass: HedoesnotpraywithlipsofclayForhisagonytopass； NorfeeluponhisshudderingcheekThekissofCaiaphas。 II Sixweeksourguardsmanwalkedtheyard，Inthesuitofshabbygrey: Hiscricketcapwasonhishead，Andhisstepseemedlightandgay，ButIneversawamanwholookedSowistfullyattheday。 IneversawamanwholookedWithsuchawistfuleyeUponthatlittletentofblueWhichprisonerscallthesky，AndateverywanderingcloudthattrailedItsravelledfleecesby。 Hedidnotwringhishands，asdoThosewitlessmenwhodareTotrytorearthechangelingHopeInthecaveofblackDespair: Heonlylookeduponthesun，Anddrankthemorningair。 Hedidnotwringhishandsnorweep，Nordidhepeekorpine，ButhedranktheairasthoughitheldSomehealthfulanodyne； WithopenmouthhedrankthesunAsthoughithadbeenwine! AndIandallthesoulsinpain，Whotrampedtheotherring，ForgotifweourselveshaddoneAgreatorlittlething，AndwatchedwithgazeofdullamazeThemanwhohadtoswing。 AndstrangeitwastoseehimpassWithastepsolightandgay，AndstrangeitwastoseehimlookSowistfullyattheday，AndstrangeitwastothinkthatheHadsuchadebttopay。 ForoakandelmhavepleasantleavesThatinthespringtimeshoot: Butgrimtoseeisthegallows-tree，Withitsadder-bittenroot，And，greenordry，amanmustdieBeforeitbearsitsfruit! TheloftiestplaceisthatseatofgraceForwhichallworldlingstry: ButwhowouldstandinhempenbandUponascaffoldhigh，Andthroughamurderer\'scollartakeHislastlookatthesky？ ItissweettodancetoviolinsWhenLoveandLifearefair: Todancetoflutes，todancetolutesIsdelicateandrare: ButitisnotsweetwithnimblefeetTodanceupontheair! SowithcuriouseyesandsicksurmiseWewatchedhimdaybyday，AndwonderedifeachoneofusWouldendtheself-sameway，FornonecantelltowhatredHellHissightlesssoulmaystray。 AtlastthedeadmanwalkednomoreAmongsttheTrialMen，AndIknewthathewasstandingupIntheblackdock\'sdreadfulpen，AndthatneverwouldIseehisfaceInGod\'ssweetworldagain。 LiketwodoomedshipsthatpassinstormWehadcrossedeachother\'sway: Butwemadenosign，wesaidnoword，Wehadnowordtosay； Forwedidnotmeetintheholynight，Butintheshamefulday。 Aprisonwallwasroundusboth，Twooutcastmenwewere: Theworldhadthrustusfromitsheart，AndGodfromoutHiscare: AndtheironginthatwaitsforSinHadcaughtusinitssnare。 III InDebtors\'Yardthestonesarehard，Andthedrippingwallishigh，SoitwastherehetooktheairBeneaththeleadensky，AndbyeachsideaWarderwalked，Forfearthemanmightdie。 OrelsehesatwiththosewhowatchedHisanguishnightandday； Whowatchedhimwhenherosetoweep，Andwhenhecrouchedtopray； WhowatchedhimlesthimselfshouldrobTheirscaffoldofitsprey。 TheGovernorwasstronguponTheRegulationsAct: TheDoctorsaidthatDeathwasbutAscientificfact: AndtwiceadaytheChaplaincalled，Andleftalittletract。 Andtwiceadayhesmokedhispipe，Anddrankhisquartofbeer: Hissoulwasresolute，andheldNohiding-placeforfear； HeoftensaidthathewasgladThehangman\'shandswerenear。 ButwhyhesaidsostrangeathingNoWarderdaredtoask: Forhetowhomawatcher\'sdoomIsgivenashistask，Mustsetalockuponhislips，Andmakehisfaceamask。 Orelsehemightbemoved，andtryTocomfortorconsole: AndwhatshouldHumanPitydoPentupinMurderers\'Hole？ WhatwordofgraceinsuchaplaceCouldhelpabrother\'ssoul？ WithslouchandswingaroundtheringWetrodtheFools\'Parade! Wedidnotcare:weknewwewereTheDevil\'sOwnBrigade: AndshavenheadandfeetofleadMakeamerrymasquerade。 WetorethetarryropetoshredsWithbluntandbleedingnails； Werubbedthedoors，andscrubbedthefloors，Andcleanedtheshiningrails: And，rankbyrank，wesoapedtheplank，Andclatteredwiththepails。 Wesewedthesacks，webrokethestones，Weturnedthedustydrill: Webangedthetins，andbawledthehymns，Andsweatedonthemill: ButintheheartofeverymanTerrorwaslyingstill。 SostillitlaythateverydayCrawledlikeaweed-cloggedwave: AndweforgotthebitterlotThatwaitsforfoolandknave，Tillonce，aswetrampedinfromwork，Wepassedanopengrave。 WithyawningmouththeyellowholeGapedforalivingthing； TheverymudcriedoutforbloodTothethirstyasphaltering: AndweknewthatereonedawngrewfairSomeprisonerhadtoswing。 Rightinwewent，withsoulintentOnDeathandDreadandDoom: Thehangman，withhislittlebag，Wentshufflingthroughthegloom: AndeachmantrembledashecreptIntohisnumberedtomb。 ThatnighttheemptycorridorsWerefullofformsofFear，AndupanddowntheirontownStolefeetwecouldnothear，AndthroughthebarsthathidethestarsWhitefacesseemedtopeer。 HelayasonewholiesanddreamsInapleasantmeadow-land，Thewatcherswatchedhimasheslept，AndcouldnotunderstandHowonecouldsleepsosweetasleepWithahangmancloseathand。 ButthereisnosleepwhenmenmustweepWhoneveryethavewept: Sowe-thefool，thefraud，theknave- Thatendlessvigilkept，AndthrougheachbrainonhandsofpainAnother\'sterrorcrept。 Alas!itisafearfulthingTofeelanother\'sguilt! For，rightwithin，theswordofSinPiercedtoitspoisonedhilt，AndasmoltenleadwerethetearsweshedForthebloodwehadnotspilt。 TheWarderswiththeirshoesoffeltCreptbyeachpadlockeddoor，Andpeepedandsaw，witheyesofawe，Greyfiguresonthefloor，AndwonderedwhymenknelttoprayWhoneverprayedbefore。 Allthroughthenightwekneltandprayed，Madmournersofacorse! ThetroubledplumesofmidnightwereTheplumesuponahearse: AndbitterwineuponaspongeWasthesavourofRemorse。 Thegreycockcrew，theredcockcrew，Butnevercametheday: AndcrookedshapesofTerrorcrouched，Inthecornerswherewelay: AndeachevilspritethatwalksbynightBeforeusseemedtoplay。 Theyglidedpast，theyglidedfast，Liketravellersthroughamist: TheymockedthemooninarigadoonOfdelicateturnandtwist，AndwithformalpaceandloathsomegraceThephantomskepttheirtryst。 Withmopandmow，wesawthemgo，Slimshadowshandinhand: About，about，inghostlyroutTheytrodasaraband: Andthedamnedgrotesquesmadearabesques，Likethewinduponthesand! Withthepirouettesofmarionettes，Theytrippedonpointedtread: ButwithflutesofFeartheyfilledtheear，Astheirgrislymasquetheyled，Andloudtheysang，andlongtheysang，Fortheysangtowakethedead。 \'Oho!\'theycried，\'Theworldiswide，Butfetteredlimbsgolame! Andonce，ortwice，tothrowthediceIsagentlemanlygame，ButhedoesnotwinwhoplayswithSinInthesecretHouseofShame。\' Nothingsofairtheseanticswere，Thatfrolickedwithsuchglee: Tomenwhoseliveswereheldingyves，Andwhosefeetmightnotgofree，Ah!woundsofChrist!theywerelivingthings，Mostterribletosee。 Around，around，theywaltzedandwound； Somewheeledinsmirkingpairs； WiththemincingstepofademirepSomesidledupthestairs: Andwithsubtlesneer，andfawningleer，Eachhelpedusatourprayers。 Themorningwindbegantomoan，Butstillthenightwenton: ThroughitsgiantloomthewebofgloomCrepttilleachthreadwasspun: And，asweprayed，wegrewafraidOftheJusticeoftheSun。 ThemoaningwindwentwanderingroundTheweepingprison-wall: TilllikeawheelofturningsteelWefelttheminutescrawl: Omoaningwind!whathadwedoneTohavesuchaseneschal？ AtlastIsawtheshadowedbars，Likealatticewroughtinlead，MoverightacrossthewhitewashedwallThatfacedmythree-plankbed，AndIknewthatsomewhereintheworldGod\'sdreadfuldawnwasred。 Atsixo\'clockwecleanedourcells，Atsevenallwasstill，ButthesoughandswingofamightywingTheprisonseemedtofill，FortheLordofDeathwithicybreathHadenteredintokill。 Hedidnotpassinpurplepomp，Norrideamoon-whitesteed。 ThreeyardsofcordandaslidingboardAreallthegallows\'need: SowithropeofshametheHeraldcameTodothesecretdeed。 WewereasmenwhothroughafenOffilthydarknessgrope: Wedidnotdaretobreatheaprayer，Ortogiveouranguishscope: Somethingwasdeadineachofus，AndwhatwasdeadwasHope。 ForMan\'sgrimJusticegoesitsway，Andwillnotswerveaside: Itslaystheweak，itslaysthestrong，Ithasadeadlystride: Withironheelitslaysthestrong，Themonstrousparricide! Wewaitedforthestrokeofeight: Eachtonguewasthickwiththirst: ForthestrokeofeightisthestrokeofFateThatmakesamanaccursed，AndFatewillusearunningnooseForthebestmanandtheworst。 Wehadnootherthingtodo，Savetowaitforthesigntocome: So，likethingsofstoneinavalleylone，Quietwesatanddumb: Buteachman\'sheartbeatthickandquick，Likeamadmanonadrum! Withsuddenshocktheprison-clockSmoteontheshiveringair，AndfromallthegaolroseupawailOfimpotentdespair，LikethesoundthatfrightenedmarsheshearFromsomeleperinhislair。 AndasoneseesmostfearfulthingsInthecrystalofadream，WesawthegreasyhempenropeHookedtotheblackenedbeam，Andheardtheprayerthehangman\'ssnareStrangledintoascream。 AndallthewoethatmovedhimsoThathegavethatbittercry，Andthewildregrets，andthebloodysweats，NoneknewsowellasI: ForhewholivesmorelivesthanoneMoredeathsthanonemustdie。 IV ThereisnochapelonthedayOnwhichtheyhangaman: TheChaplain\'sheartisfartoosick，Orhisfaceisfartoowan，OrthereisthatwritteninhiseyesWhichnoneshouldlookupon。 Sotheykeptusclosetillnighonnoon，Andthentheyrangthebell，AndtheWarderswiththeirjinglingkeysOpenedeachlisteningcell，Anddowntheironstairwetramped，EachfromhisseparateHell。 OutintoGod\'ssweetairwewent，Butnotinwontedway，Forthisman\'sfacewaswhitewithfear，Andthatman\'sfacewasgrey，AndIneversawsadmenwholookedSowistfullyattheday。 IneversawsadmenwholookedWithsuchawistfuleyeUponthatlittletentofblueWeprisonerscalledthesky，AndateverycarelesscloudthatpassedInhappyfreedomby。 ButtherewerethoseamongstusallWhowalkedwithdowncasthead，Andknewthat，hadeachgothisdue，Theyshouldhavediedinstead: Hehadbutkilledathingthatlived，Whilsttheyhadkilledthedead。 ForhewhosinsasecondtimeWakesadeadsoultopain，Anddrawsitfromitsspottedshroud，Andmakesitbleedagain，Andmakesitbleedgreatgoutsofblood，Andmakesitbleedinvain! Likeapeorclown，inmonstrousgarbWithcrookedarrowsstarred，SilentlywewentroundandroundTheslipperyasphalteyard； Silentlywewentroundandround，Andnomanspokeaword。 Silentlywewentroundandround，AndthrougheachhollowmindTheMemoryofdreadfulthingsRushedlikeadreadfulwind，AndHorrorstalkedbeforeeachman，AndTerrorcreptbehind。 TheWardersstruttedupanddown，Andkepttheirherdofbrutes，Theiruniformswerespickandspan，AndtheyworetheirSundaysuits，Butweknewtheworktheyhadbeenat，Bythequicklimeontheirboots。 Forwhereagravehadopenedwide，Therewasnograveatall: OnlyastretchofmudandsandBythehideousprison-wall，Andalittleheapofburninglime，Thatthemanshouldhavehispall。 Forhehasapall，thiswretchedman，Suchasfewmencanclaim: Deepdownbelowaprison-yard，Nakedforgreatershame，Helies，withfettersoneachfoot，Wraptinasheetofflame! AndallthewhiletheburninglimeEatsfleshandboneaway，Iteatsthebrittlebonebynight，Andthesoftfleshbyday，Iteatsthefleshandbonebyturns，Butiteatstheheartalway。 ForthreelongyearstheywillnotsowOrrootorseedlingthere: ForthreelongyearstheunblessedspotWillsterilebeandbare，AndlookuponthewonderingskyWithunreproachfulstare。 Theythinkamurderer\'sheartwouldtaintEachsimpleseedtheysow。 Itisnottrue!God\'skindlyearthIskindlierthanmenknow，Andtheredrosewouldbutblowmorered，Thewhiterosewhiterblow。 Outofhismouthared，redrose! Outofhisheartawhite! Forwhocansaybywhatstrangeway，ChristbringsHiswilltolight，SincethebarrenstaffthepilgrimboreBloomedinthegreatPope\'ssight？ Butneithermilk-whiterosenorredMaybloominprison-air； Theshard，thepebble，andtheflint，Arewhattheygiveusthere: ForflowershavebeenknowntohealAcommonman\'sdespair。 Soneverwillwine-redroseorwhite，Petalbypetal，fallOnthatstretchofmudandsandthatliesBythehideousprison-wall，TotellthemenwhotramptheyardThatGod\'sSondiedforall。 Yetthoughthehideousprison-wallStillhemshimroundandround，AndaspiritmaynotwalkbynightThatiswithfettersbound，AndaspiritmaybutweepthatliesInsuchunholyground，Heisatpeace-thiswretchedman- Atpeace，orwillbesoon: Thereisnothingtomakehimmad，NordoesTerrorwalkatnoon，ForthelamplessEarthinwhichheliesHasneitherSunnorMoon。 Theyhangedhimasabeastishanged: TheydidnoteventollArequiemthatmighthavebroughtResttohisstartledsoul，Buthurriedlytheytookhimout，Andhidhiminahole。 Theystrippedhimofhiscanvasclothes，Andgavehimtotheflies: Theymockedtheswollenpurplethroat，Andthestarkandstaringeyes: AndwithlaughterloudtheyheapedtheshroudInwhichtheirconvictlies。 TheChaplainwouldnotkneeltoprayByhisdishonouredgrave: NormarkitwiththatblessedCrossThatChristforsinnersgave，BecausethemanwasoneofthoseWhomChristcamedowntosave。 Yetalliswell；hehasbutpassedToLife\'sappointedbourne: AndalientearswillfillforhimPity\'slong-brokenurn，Forhismournerswillbeoutcastmen，AndoutcastsalwaysmournV IknownotwhetherLawsberight，OrwhetherLawsbewrong； AllthatweknowwholieingaolIsthatthewallisstrong； Andthateachdayislikeayear，Ayearwhosedaysarelong。 ButthisIknow，thateveryLawThatmenhavemadeforMan，SincefirstMantookhisbrother\'slife，Andthesadworldbegan，ButstrawsthewheatandsavesthechaffWithamostevilfan。 ThistooIknow-andwiseitwereIfeachcouldknowthesame- ThateveryprisonthatmenbuildIsbuiltwithbricksofshame，AndboundwithbarslestChristshouldseeHowmentheirbrothersmaim。 Withbarstheyblurthegraciousmoon，Andblindthegoodlysun: AndtheydowelltohidetheirHell，ForinitthingsaredoneThatSonofGodnorsonofManEvershouldlookupon! Thevilestdeedslikepoisonweeds，Bloomwellinprison-air； ItisonlywhatisgoodinManThatwastesandwithersthere: PaleAnguishkeepstheheavygate，AndtheWarderisDespair。 FortheystarvethelittlefrightenedchildTillitweepsbothnightandday: Andtheyscourgetheweak，andflogthefool，Andgibetheoldandgrey，Andsomegrowmad，andallgrowbad，Andnoneawordmaysay。 EachnarrowcellinwhichwedwellIsafoulanddarklatrine，AndthefetidbreathoflivingDeathChokesupeachgratedscreen，Andall，butLust，isturnedtodustInHumanity\'smachine。 ThebrackishwaterthatwedrinkCreepswithaloathsomeslime，AndthebitterbreadtheyweighinscalesIsfullofchalkandlime，AndSleepwillnotliedown，butwalksWild-eyed，andcriestoTime。 ButthoughleanHungerandgreenThirstLikeaspwithadderfight，Wehavelittlecareofprisonfare，ForwhatchillsandkillsoutrightIsthateverystoneoneliftsbydayBecomesone\'sheartbynight。 Withmidnightalwaysinone\'sheart，Andtwilightinone\'scell，Weturnthecrank，orteartherope，EachinhisseparateHell，AndthesilenceismoreawfulfarThanthesoundofabrazenbell。 AndneverahumanvoicecomesnearTospeakagentleword: AndtheeyethatwatchesthroughthedoorIspitilessandhard: Andbyallforgot，werotandrot，Withsoulandbodymarred。 AndthuswerustLife\'sironchainDegradedandalone: Andsomemencurse，andsomemenweep，Andsomemenmakenomoan: ButGod\'seternalLawsarekindAndbreaktheheartofstone。 Andeveryhumanheartthatbreaks，Inprison-celloryard，IsasthatbrokenboxthatgaveItstreasuretotheLord，Andfilledtheuncleanleper\'shouseWiththescentofcostliestnard。 Ah!happytheywhoseheartscanbreakAndpeaceofpardonwin! HowelsemaymanmakestraighthisplanAndcleansehissoulfromSin？ HowelsebutthroughabrokenheartMayLordChristenterin？ Andheoftheswollenpurplethroat，Andthestarkandstaringeyes，WaitsfortheholyhandsthattookTheThieftoParadise； AndabrokenandacontriteheartTheLordwillnotdespise。 ThemaninredwhoreadstheLawGavehimthreeweeksoflife，ThreelittleweeksinwhichtohealHissoulofhissoul\'sstrife，AndcleansefromeveryblotofbloodThehandthatheldtheknife。 Andwithtearsofbloodhecleansedthehand，Thehandthatheldthesteel: Foronlybloodcanwipeoutblood，Andonlytearscanheal: AndthecrimsonstainthatwasofCainBecameChrist\'ssnow-whiteseal。 VI InReadinggaolbyReadingtownThereisapitofshame，AndinitliesawretchedmanEatenbyteethofflame，Inaburningwinding-sheethelies，Andhisgravehasgotnoname。 Andthere，tillChristcallforththedead，Insilencelethimlie: Noneedtowastethefoolishtear，Orheavethewindysigh: Themanhadkilledthethingheloved，Andsohehadtodie。 Andallmenkillthethingtheylove，Byallletthisbeheard，Somedoitwithabitterlook，Somewithaflatteringword，Thecowarddoesitwithakiss，Thebravemanwithasword! Poem:Ravenna(NewdigateprizepoemrecitedintheSheldonianTheatreOxfordJune26th，1878。 TomyfriendGeorgeFlemingauthorof\'TheNileNovel\'and\'Mirage\') I。 AyearagoIbreathedtheItalianair，- Andyet，methinksthisnorthernSpringisfair，- ThesefieldsmadegoldenwiththeflowerofMarch，Thethrostlesingingonthefeatheredlarch，Thecawingrooks，thewood-dovesflutteringby，Thelittlecloudsthatraceacrossthesky； Andfairtheviolet\'sgentledroopinghead，Theprimrose，paleforloveuncomforted，Therosethatburgeonsontheclimbingbriar，Thecrocus-bed，(thatseemsamoonoffireRound-girdledwithapurplemarriage-ring)； AndalltheflowersofourEnglishSpring，Fondsnowdrops，andthebright-starreddaffodil。 Upstartsthelarkbesidethemurmuringmill，Andbreaksthegossamer-threadsofearlydew； Anddowntheriver，likeaflameofblue，Keenasanarrowfliesthewater-king，Whilethebrownlinnetsinthegreenwoodsing。 Ayearago!-itseemsalittletimeSincelastIsawthatlordlysouthernclime，Whereflowerandfruittopurpleradianceblow，Andlikebrightlampsthefabledapplesglow。 FullSpringitwas-andbyrichfloweringvines，Darkolive-grovesandnobleforest-pines，Irodeatwill；themoistgladairwassweet，Thewhiteroadrangbeneathmyhorse\'sfeet，AndmusingonRavenna\'sancientname，Iwatchedthedaytill，markedwithwoundsofflame，Theturquoiseskytoburnishedgoldwasturned。 Ohowmyheartwithboyishpassionburned，WhenfarawayacrossthesedgeandmereIsawthatHolyCityrisingclear，Crownedwithhercrownoftowers!-OnandonIgalloped，racingwiththesettingsun，Anderethecrimsonafter-glowwaspassed，IstoodwithinRavenna\'swallsatlast! II。 Howstrangelystill!nosoundoflifeorjoyStartlestheair；nolaughingshepherd-boyPipesonhisreed，noreverthroughthedayComesthegladsoundofchildrenattheirplay: Osad，andsweet，andsilent!surelyhereAmanmightdwellapartfromtroublousfear，WatchingthetideofseasonsastheyflowFromamorousSpringtoWinter\'srainandsnow，Andhavenothoughtofsorrow；-here，indeed，AreLethe\'swaters，andthatfatalweedWhichmakesamanforgethisfatherland。 Ay!amidlotus-meadowsdostthoustand，LikeProserpine，withpoppy-ladenhead，Guardingtheholyashesofthedead。 Forthoughthybroodofwarriorsonshathceased，Thynobledeadarewiththee!-theyatleastArefaithfultothinehonour:-guardthemwell，Ochildlesscity!foramightyspell，Towakemen\'sheartstodreamsofthingssublime，ArethelonetombswhereresttheGreatofTime。 III。 Yonlonelypillar，risingontheplain，MarkswherethebravestknightofFrancewasslain，- ThePrinceofchivalry，theLordofwar，GastondeFoix:forsomeuntimelystarLedhimagainstthycity，andhefell，Asfallssomeforest-lionfightingwell。 Takenfromlifewhilelifeandlovewerenew，HeliesbeneathGod\'sseamlessveilofblue； Talllance-likereedswavesadlyo\'erhishead，Andoleandersbloomtodeeperred，Wherehisbrightyouthflowedcrimsonontheground。 Lookfarthernorthuntothatbrokenmound，- There，prisonednowwithinalordlytombRaisedbyadaughter\'shand，inlonelygloom，Huge-limbedTheodoric，theGothicking，Sleepsafterallhiswearyconquering。 Timehathnotsparedhisruin，-windandrainHavebrokendownhisstronghold；andagainWeseethatDeathismightylordofall，AndkingandclowntoashendustmustfallMightyindeedTHEIRglory!yettomeBarbaricking，orknightofchivalry，Orthegreatqueenherself，werepoorandvain，BesidethegravewhereDanterestsfrompain。 Hisgildedshrineliesopentotheair； Andcunningsculptor\'shandshavecarventhereThecalmwhitebrow，ascalmasearliestmorn，Theeyesthatflashedwithpassionateloveandscorn，ThelipsthatsangofHeavenandofHell，Thealmond-facewhichGiottodrewsowell，ThewearyfaceofDante；-tothisday，Hereinhisplaceofresting，farawayFromArno\'syellowwaters，rushingdownThroughthewidebridgesofthatfairytown，WherethetalltowerofGiottoseemstoriseAmarblelilyundersapphireskies! Alas!myDante!thouhastknownthepainOfmeanerlives，-theexile\'sgallingchain，Howsteepthestairswithinkings\'housesare，AndallthepettymiserieswhichmarMan\'snoblernaturewiththesenseofwrong。 Yetthisdullworldisgratefulforthysong； Ournationsdotheehomage，-evenshe，Thatcruelqueenofvine-cladTuscany，Whoboundwithcrownofthornsthylivingbrow，Hathdeckedthineemptytombwithlaurelsnow，Andbegsinvaintheashesofherson。 Omightiestexile!allthygriefisdone: ThysoulwalksnowbesidethyBeatrice； Ravennaguardsthineashes:sleepinpeace。 IV。 Howlonethispalaceis；howgreythewalls! Nominstrelnowwakesechoesinthesehalls。 Thebrokenchainliesrustingonthedoor，Andnoisomeweedshavesplitthemarblefloor: Herelurksthesnake，andherethelizardsrunBythestonelionsblinkinginthesun。 ByrondwelthereinloveandrevelryFortwolongyears-asecondAnthony，WhooftheworldanotherActiummade! Yetsufferednothisroyalsoultofade，Orlyretobreak，orlancetogrowlesskeen，\'NeathanywilesofanEgyptianqueen。 ForfromtheEasttherecameamightycry，AndGreecestooduptofightforLiberty，AndcalledhimfromRavenna:neverknightRodeforthmorenoblytowildscenesoffight! Nonefellmorebravelyonensanguinedfield，BornelikeaSpartanbackuponhisshield! OHellas!Hellas!inthinehourofpride，Thydayofmight，rememberhimwhodiedTowrestfromoffthylimbsthetrammellingchain: OSalamis!OlonePlataeanplain! OtossingwavesofwildEuboeansea! Owind-sweptheightsofloneThermopylae! Helovedyouwell-ay，notaloneinword，Whofreelygavetotheehislyreandsword，LikeAEschylosatwell-foughtMarathon: AndEngland，too，shallgloryinherson，Herwarrior-poet，firstinsongandfight。 NolongernowshallSlander\'svenomedspiteCrawllikeasnakeacrosshisperfectname，Ormarthelordlyscutcheonofhisfame。 Forastheolive-garlandoftherace，Whichlightswithjoyeacheagerrunner\'sface，Astheredcrosswhichsavethmeninwar，Asaflame-beardedbeaconseenfromfarBymarinersuponastorm-tossedsea，- SuchwashisloveforGreeceandLiberty! Byron，thycrownsareeverfreshandgreen: RedleavesofrosefromSapphicMityleneShallbindthybrows；themyrtlebloomsforthee，InhiddengladesbylonelyCastaly； Thelaurelswaitthycoming:allarethine，Androundthyheadoneperfectwreathwilltwine。 V。 Thepine-topsrockedbeforetheeveningbreezeWiththehoarsemurmurofthewintryseas，Andthetallstemswerestreakedwithamberbright；- Iwanderedthroughthewoodinwilddelight，Somestartledbird，withflutteringwingsandfleet，Madesnowofalltheblossoms；atmyfeet，Likesilvercrowns，thepalenarcissilay，Andsmallbirdssangoneverytwiningspray。 Owavingtrees，Oforestliberty! Withinyourhauntsatleastamanisfree，Andhalfforgetsthewearyworldofstrife: Thebloodflowshotter，andasenseoflifeWakesi\'thequickeningveins，whileonceagainThewoodsarefilledwithgodswefanciedslain。 LongtimeIwatched，andsurelyhopedtoseeSomegoat-footPanmakemerryminstrelsyAmidthereeds!somestartledDryad-maidIngirlishflight!orlurkingintheglade，Thesoftbrownlimbs，thewantontreacherousfaceOfwoodlandgod!QueenDianinthechase，White-limbedandterrible，withlookofpride，Andleashofboar-houndsleapingatherside! OrHylasmirroredintheperfectstream。 Oidleheart!OfondHellenicdream! Erelong，withmelancholyriseandswell，Theeveningchimes，theconvent\'svesperbell，Struckonmineearsamidtheamorousflowers。 Alas!alas!thesesweetandhoniedhoursHadwhelmedmyheartlikesomeencroachingsea，AnddrownedallthoughtsofblackGethsemane。 VI。 OloneRavenna!manyataleistoldOfthygreatgloriesinthedaysofold: TwothousandyearshavepassedsincethoudidstseeCaesarrideforthtoroyalvictory。 MightythynamewhenRome\'sleaneaglesflewFromBritain\'sislestofarEuphratesblue； Andofthepeoplesthouwastnoblequeen，TillinthystreetstheGothandHunwereseen。 Discrownedbyman，desertedbythesea，Thousleepest，rockedinlonelymisery! Nolongernowuponthyswellingtide，Pine-forest-like，thymyriadgalleysride! Forwherethebrass-beakedshipswerewonttofloat，Thewearyshepherdpipeshismournfulnote； AndthewhitesheeparefreetocomeandgoWhereAdria\'spurplewatersusedtoflow。 Ofair!Osad!OQueenuncomforted! Inruinedlovelinessthouliestdead，Aloneofallthysisters；foratlastItalia\'sroyalwarriorhathpassedRome\'slordliestentrance，andhathwornhiscrownInthehightemplesoftheEternalTown! ThePalatinehathwelcomedbackherking，Andwithhisnamethesevenmountainsring! AndNapleshathoutlivedherdreamofpain，Andmockshertyrant!Venicelivesagain，Newrisenfromthewaters!andthecryOfLightandTruth，ofLoveandLiberty，IsheardinlordlyGenoa，andwhereThemarblespiresofMilanwoundtheair，RingsfromtheAlpstotheSicilianshore，AndDante\'sdreamisnowadreamnomore。 Butthou，Ravenna，betterlovedthanall，ThyruinedpalacesarebutapallThathidesthyfallengreatness!andthynameBurnslikeagreyandflickeringcandle-flameBeneaththenoondaysplendourofthesunOfnewItalia!forthenightisdone，Thenightofdarkoppression，andthedayHathdawnedinpassionatesplendour:farawayTheAustrianhoundsarehuntedfromtheland，Beyondthoseice-crownedcitadelswhichstandGirdlingtheplainofroyalLombardy，FromthefarWestuntotheEasternsea。 Iknow，indeed，thatsonsofthinehavediedInLissa\'swaters，bythemountain-sideOfAspromonte，onNovara\'splain，- Norhavethychildrendiedfortheeinvain: Andyet，methinks，thouhastnotdrunkthiswineFromgrapesnew-crushedofLibertydivine，ThouhastnotfollowedthatimmortalStarWhichleadsthepeopleforthtodeedsofwar。 Wearyoflife，thouliestinsilentsleep，Asonewhomarksthelengtheningshadowscreep，Carelessofallthehurryinghoursthatrun，Mourningsomedayofglory，forthesunOfFreedomhathnotshewntotheehisface，Andthouhastcaughtnoflambeauintherace。 Yetwakenotfromthyslumbers，-resttheewell，Amidstthyfieldsofamberasphodel，Thylily-sprinkledmeadows，-resttheethere，Tomockallhumangreatness:whowoulddareToventthepaltrysorrowsofhislifeBeforethyruins，ortopraisethestrifeOfkings\'ambition，andthebarrenprideOfwarringnations!wertnotthoutheBrideOfthewildLordofAdria\'sstormysea! TheQueenofdoubleEmpires!andtotheeWerenotthenationsgivenasthyprey! Andnow-thygateslieopennightandday，Thegrassgrowsgreenoneverytowerandhall，Theghastlyfighathcleftthybastionedwall； AndwherethymailedwarriorsstoodatrestThemidnightowlhathmadehersecretnest。 Ofallen!fallen!fromthyhighestate，OcitytrammelledinthetoilsofFate，Dothnoughtremainofallthygloriousdays，Butadullshield，acrownofwitheredbays! Yetwhobeneaththisnightofwarsandfears，Fromtranquiltowercanwatchthecomingyears； Whocanforetellwhatjoysthedayshallbring，Orwhybeforethedawnthelinnetssing？ Thou，eventhou，maystwake，aswakestheroseTocrimsonsplendourfromitsgraveofsnows； Astherichcorn-fieldsrisetoredandgoldFromthesebrownlands，nowstiffwithWinter\'scold； Asfromthestorm-rackcomesaperfectstar! Omuch-lovedcity!IhavewanderedfarFromthewave-circledislandsofmyhome； HaveseenthegloomymysteryoftheDomeRiseslowlyfromthedrearCampagna\'sway，Clothedintheroyalpurpleoftheday: IfromthecityofthevioletcrownHavewatchedthesunbyCorinth\'shillgodown，Andmarkedthe\'myriadlaughter\'oftheseaFromstarlithillsofflower-starredArcady； Yetbacktotheereturnsmyperfectlove，Astoitsforest-nesttheeveningdove。 Opoet\'scity!onewhoscarcehasseenSometwentysummerscasttheirdoubletsgreenForAutumn\'slivery，wouldseekinvainTowakehislyretosingalouderstrain，Ortellthydaysofglory；-poorindeedIsthelowmurmuroftheshepherd\'sreed，Wheretheloudclarion\'sblastshouldshakethesky，Andflameacrosstheheavens!andtotrySuchloftythemeswerefolly:yetIknowThatneverfeltmyheartanoblerglowThanwhenIwokethesilenceofthystreetWithclamoroustramplingofmyhorse\'sfeet，AndsawthecitywhichnowItrytosing，Afterlongdaysofwearytravelling。 VII。 Adieu，Ravenna!butayearago，IstoodandwatchedthecrimsonsunsetglowFromthelonechapelonthymarshyplain: TheskywasasashieldthatcaughtthestainOfbloodandbattlefromthedyingsun，AndinthewestthecirclingcloudshadspunAroyalrobe，whichsomegreatGodmightwear，Whileintoocean-seasofpurpleairSankthegoldgalleyoftheLordofLight。 YetherethegentlestillnessofthenightBringsbacktheswellingtideofmemory，Andwakesagainmypassionateloveforthee: NowistheSpringofLove，yetsoonwillcomeOnmeadowandtreetheSummer\'slordlybloom； Andsoonthegrasswithbrighterflowerswillblow，Andsendupliliesforsomeboytomow。 ThenbeforelongtheSummer\'sconqueror，RichAutumn-time，theseason\'susurer，Willlendhishoardedgoldtoallthetrees，Andseeitscatteredbythespendthriftbreeze； AndafterthattheWintercoldanddrear。 Sorunstheperfectcycleoftheyear。 Andsofromyouthtomanhooddowego，Andfalltowearydaysandlocksofsnow。 Loveonlyknowsnowinter；neverdies: NorcaresforfrowningstormsorleadenskiesAndminefortheeshallneverpassaway，Thoughmyweaklipsmayfalterinmylay。 Adieu!Adieu!yonsilenteveningstar，Thenight\'sambassador，dothgleamafar，Andbidtheshepherdbringhisflockstofold。 PerchancebeforeourinlandseasofgoldAregarneredbythereapersintosheaves，PerchancebeforeIseetheAutumnleaves，Imaybeholdthycity；andlaydownLowatthyfeetthepoet\'slaurelcrown。 Adieu!Adieu!yonsilverlamp，themoon，Whichturnsourmidnightintoperfectnoon，Dothsurelylightthytowers，guardingwellWhereDantesleeps，whereByronlovedtodwell。