\"Life，likeadomeofmany—colouredglass，StainsthewhiteradianceofEternity。\"
Shelley，\"Adonais\"。
\"Lesilenceestsigrandquemoncoeurenfrissonne，Seul，lebruitdemespassurlepaveresonne。\"
AlbertSamain。
ContentsLyricalPoemsBeforetheAltarSuggestedbytheCoverofaVolumeofKeats’sPoemsApplesofHesperidesAzureandGoldPetalsVenetianGlassFatigueAJapaneseWood—CarvingALittleSongBehindaWallAWinterRideAColouredPrintbyShokeiSongTheFoolErrantTheGreenBowlHoraStellatrixFragmentLoonPointSummer\"To—morrowtoFreshWoodsandPasturesNew\"
TheWayDiya{originaltitleisGreek，Delta—iota—psi—alpha}
RoadsTeatroBambino。Dublin，N。H。
TheRoadtoAvignonNewYorkatNightAFairyTaleCrownedToElizabethWardPerkinsThePromiseoftheMorningStarJ——K。HuysmansMarchEveningSonnetsLeisureOnCarpaccio’sPicture:TheDreamofSt。UrsulaTheMatrixMonadnockinEarlySpringTheLittleGardenToanEarlyDaffodilListeningTheLampofLifeHero—WorshipInDarknessBeforeDawnThePoetAtNightTheFruitGardenPathMirageToaFriendAFixedIdeaDreamsFrankincenseandMyrrhFromOneWhoStaysCrepusculeduMatinAftermathTheEndTheStarlingMarketDayEpitaphinaChurch—YardinCharleston，SouthCarolinaFrancisII，KingofNaplesToJohnKeatsTheBostonAthenaeumTheBostonAthenaeumVersesforChildrenSeaShellFringedGentiansThePaintedCeilingTheCrescentMoonClimbingTheTroutWindThePleiadesThanksareduetotheeditorofthe`AtlanticMonthly’，andtoMessrs。G。Schirmer，Inc。，fortheircourteouspermissiontoreprintcertainofthesepoemswhichhavebeencopyrightedbythem。
[Allthesecopyrightsarenowexpired。]
LyricalPoemsBeforetheAltarBeforetheAltar，bowed，hestandsWithemptyhands；
UponitperfumedofferingsburnWreathingwithsmokethesacrificialurn。
Notoneofallthesehashegiven，NoflameofhishasleapttoHeavenFiresouled，vermilion—hearted，Forked，anddarted，ConsumingwhatafewsparepenceHavecheaplybought，toflingfromhenceInidly—askedpetition。
HissoleconditionLoveandpoverty。
AndwhilethemoonSwingsslowacrossthesky，Athwartawavingpinetree，AndsoonTipsalltheneedlesthereWithsilversparkles，bitterlyHegazes，whilehissoulGrowshardwiththinkingofthepoornessofhisdole。
\"ShininganddistantGoddess，hearmyprayerWhereyouswiminthehighair！
Withcharitylookdownonme，Underthistree，TendingthegiftsIhavenotbrought，TherareandgoodlythingsIhavenotsought。
Instead，takefrommeallmylife！
\"UponthewingsOfshimmeringmoonbeamsIpackmypoet’sdreamsForyou。
Mywearyingstrife，Mycourage，myloss，IntothenightItossForyou。
GoldenDivinity，DeigntolookdownonmeWhosounworthilyOfferstoyou:
Alllifehasknown，Seedswitheredunsown，Hopesturningquicktofears，Laughterwhichdiesintears。
TheshreddedremnantofamanIsallthespanAndcompassofmyofferingtoyou。
\"Emptyandsilent，I
Kneelbeforeyourpure，calmmajesty。
Onthisstone，inthisurnIpourmyheartandwatchitburn，Myselfthesacrifice；butbeStillunmoved:Divinity。\"
Fromthealtar，bathedinmoonlight，Thesmokerosestraightinthequietnight。
SuggestedbytheCoverofaVolumeofKeats’sPoemsWildlittlebird，whochosetheeforasignToputuponthecoverofthisbook？
Whoheardtheesinginginthedistancedim，Thevague，fargreennessoftheenshroudingwood，WhenthedampfreshnessofthemorningearthWasfullofpungentsweetnessandthysong？
Whofollowedovermossandtwistedroots，AndpushedthroughthewetleavesoftrailingvinesWhereslantingsunbeamsgleameduncertainly，Whileeverclearercamethedroppingnotes，Until，atlast，twowideningtrunksdisclosedTheesingingonasprayofbranchingbeech，Hidden，thenseen；andalwaysthatsamesongOfjoyfulsweetness，raptureincarnate，Filledthehushed，rustlingstillnessofthewood？
Wedonotknowwhatbirdthouart。PerhapsThatfairybird，fabledinislandtale，Whoneversingsbutonce，andthenhissongIsofsuchfearfulbeautythathediesFromsheerexuberanceofmelody。
Forthistheytookthee，littlebird，forthisTheycapturedthee，tiltingamongtheleaves，Andstampedtheeforasymbolonthisbook。
Foritcontainsasongsurpassingthine，Richer，moresweet，morepoignant。AndthepoetWhofeltthisburningbeauty，andwhoseheartWasfullofloveliestthings，sangallheknewAlittlewhile，andthenhedied；toofrailTobearthisuntamed，passionateburstofsong。
ApplesofHesperidesGlintinggoldenthroughthetrees，ApplesofHesperides！
Throughthemoon—piercedwarpofnightShootpaleshaftsofyellowlight，SwayingtothekissingbreezeSwingsthetreasure，golden—gleaming，ApplesofHesperides！
Farandloftyyettheyglimmer，ApplesofHesperides！
Blindedbytheirradiantshimmer，Pushingforwardjustforthese；
Dew—besprinkled，bramble—marred，Poordupedmortal，travel—scarred，AlwaysthinkingsoontoseizeAndpossessthegolden—glisteningApplesofHesperides！
Orbed，andglittering，andpendent，ApplesofHesperides！
Notonemissing，stilltranscendent，Clusteringlikeaswarmofbees。
Yieldingtonoman’sdesire，Glowingwithasaffronfire，Splendid，unassailed，thegoldenApplesofHesperides！
AzureandGoldAprilhadcoveredthehillsWithflickeringyellowsandreds，ThesparkleandcoolnessofsnowWasblownfromthemountainbeds。
Acrossadeep—sunkenstreamThepinkofblossomingtrees，AndfromwindlessapplebloomsThehummingofmanybees。
TheairwasofroseandgoldArabesquedwiththesongofbirdsWho，swingingunseenunderleaves，Mademusicmoreeagerthanwords。
Ofasudden，aslanttheroad，Abrightnesstodazzleandstun，Aglintofthebluestblue，Aflashfromasapphiresun。
Blue—birdssoblue，’twasadream，Animpossible，unconceivedhue，ThehighskyofsummerdroppeddownSomerapturousoceantowoo。
Suchacolour，suchinfinitelight！
Theheartofafabulousgem，Many—faceted，brilliantandrare。
CentreStoneoftheearth’sdiadem！……
CentreStoneoftheCrownoftheWorld，\"Sincerity\"gravedonyouryouth！
Andyoureyesholdtheblue—birdflash，Thesapphireshaft，whichistruth。
PetalsLifeisastreamOnwhichwestrewPetalbypetaltheflowerofourheart；
Theendlostindream，Theyfloatpastourview，Weonlywatchtheirglad，earlystart。
Freightedwithhope，Crimsonedwithjoy，Wescattertheleavesofouropeningrose；
Theirwideningscope，Theirdistantemploy，Wenevershallknow。AndthestreamasitflowsSweepsthemaway，EachoneisgoneEverbeyondintoinfiniteways。
WealonestayWhileyearshurryon，Theflowerfaredforth，thoughitsfragrancestillstays。
VenetianGlassAsonewhosailsuponawide，blueseaFaroutofsightofland，hismindintentUponthesailingofhislittleboat，Ontighteningropesandshapingfairhiscourse，Hearssuddenly，acrosstherestlesssea，Therhythmicstrikingofsometoweredclock，Andwakesfromthoughtlessidlenesstotime:
Time，theslowpulsewhichbeatseternity！
SothroughthevacancyofbusylifeAtintervalsyoucrossmypathandbringThedeepsolemnityofpassingyears。
ForyouIhaveshedbittertears，foryouIhaverelinquishedthatforwhichmyheartCriedoutinselfishlonging。Andto—nightHavingjustleftyou，Icansay:\"’Tiswell。
ThankGodthatIhaveknownasoulsotrue，Sonoblyjust，soworthytobeloved！\"
FatigueStupefymyhearttoeveryday’smonotony，Sealupmyeyes，Iwouldnotlooksofar，Chastenmystepstopeacefulregularity，BowdownmyheadlestIbeholdastar。
Fillmydayswithwork，athousandcalmnecessitiesLeavingnomomenttoconsecratetohope，GirdlemythoughtswithinthedullcircumferencesOffactswhichformtheactualinoneshorthour’sscope。
Givemedreamlesssleep，andloosenight’spoweroverme，Shutmyearstosoundsonlytumultuousthen，BidFancyslumber，andstealawayitspotency，OrNaturewakesandstrivestoliveagain。
Leteachdaypass，wellorderedinitsusefulness，Unlitbysunshine，unscarredbystorm；
Dowermewithstrengthandcurballfoolisheagerness——
Thelawexactsobedience。Instruct，Iwillconform。
AJapaneseWood—CarvingHighupabovetheopen，welcomingdoorIthangs，apieceofwoodwithcoloursdim。
Once，longago，itwasawavingtreeAndknewthesunandshadowthroughtheleavesOfforesttrees，inathickeasternwood。
Thewintersnowshadbentitsbranchesdown，Thespringhadswelleditsbudswithcomingflowers，Summerhadrunlikefirethroughitsveins，Whileautumnpelteditwithchestnutburrs，Andstrewedtheleafygroundwithacorncups。
DarkmidnightstormshadroaredandcrashedamongItsbranches，breakinghereandtherealimb；
ButeverynowandthenbroadsunlitdaysLovinglylingered，caughtamongtheleaves。
Yes，ithadknownallthis，andyettousItdoesnotspeakofmossyforestways，Ofwhisperingpinetreesortheshimmeringbirch；
Butofquickwinds，andthesalt，stingingsea！
Anartistonce，withpatient，carefulknife，Hadfashioneditliketotheuntamedsea。
Herewavesuprearthemselves，theirtopsblownbackBythegay，sunnywind，whichwhipstheblueAndbreaksitintogleamsandsparksoflight。
AmongtheflashingwavesaretwowhitebirdsWhichswoop，andsoar，andscreamforveryjoyAtthewildsport。Nowdivingquicklyin，Questingsomeglisteningfish。Nowflyingup，Theirdrippingfeathersshininginthesun，Whilethewetdropslikelittleglintsoflight，Fallpatteringbackwardtotheparentsea。
Glidingalongthegreenandfoam—fleckedhollows，Orskimmingsomewhitecrestabouttobreak，ThespiritsoftheskydeigningtostoopAndplaywithoceaninasummermood。
Hangingabovethehigh，wideopendoor，Itbringstousinquiet，firelitroom，Thefreedomoftheearth’svastsolitudes，Whereheaping，sunnywavestumbleandroll，Andseabirdsscreaminwantonhappiness。
ALittleSongWhenyou，myDear，areaway，away，Howwearilygoesthecreepingday。
Ayeardragsaftermorning，andnightStartsanotheryearofcandlelight。
OPausingSunandLingeringMoon！
Grantme，Ibegofyou，thisboon。
WhirlroundtheearthasneversunHashisdiurnaljourneyrun。
And，Moon，slippasttheladdersofairInasingleflash，whileyourstreaminghairCatchesthestarsandpullsthemdownToshineonsomeslumberingChinesetown。
OKindlySun！UnderstandingMoon！
Bringeveningtocrowdthefootstepsofnoon。
ButwhenthatlongawaiteddayHangsripeintheheavens，yourvoyagingstay。
Bemorning，OSun！withthelarkinsong，Beafternoonforageslong。
And，Moon，letyouandyourlesserlightsWatchoveracenturyofnights。
BehindaWallIownasolaceshutwithinmyheart，AgardenfullofmanyaquaintdelightAndwarmwithdrowsy，poppiedsunshine；bright，FlamingwithliliesoutofwhosecupsdartShiningthingsWithpowderedwings。
Hereterracesinkstoterrace，arborscloseTheendsofdreamingpaths；awantonwindJostlesthehalf—ripepears，andthen，unkind，Tumblesa—slumberinapillarrose，WithcontentGrownindolent。
Bynightmygardeniso’erhungwithgemsFixedinanonyxsetting。FirefliesFlickertheirlanternsinmydazzledeyes。
InserriedrowsIguessthestraight，stiffstemsOfhollyhocksAgainsttherocks。
Sofarandstillitisthat，listening，Iheartheflowerstalkinginthedawn；
Andwhereasunkenbasincutsthelawn，Cincturedwithiris，paleandglistening，ThesuddenswishOfawakingfish。
AWinterRideWhoshalldeclarethejoyoftherunning！
Whoshalltellofthepleasuresofflight！
Springingandspurningthetuftsofwildheather，Sweeping，wide—winged，throughthebluedomeoflight。
Everythingmortalhasmomentsimmortal，SwiftandGod—gifted，immeasurablybright。
Sowiththestretchofthewhiteroadbeforeme，Shiningsnowcrystalsrainbowedbythesun，Fieldsthatarewhite，stainedwithlong，cool，blueshadows，Strongwiththestrengthofmyhorseaswerun。
Joyinthetouchofthewindandthesunlight！
Joy！WiththevigorousearthIamone。
AColouredPrintbyShokeiItwindsalongthefaceofacliffThispathwhichIlongtoexplore，Andoveritdashesawaterfall，AndtheairisfulloftheroarAndthethunderousvoiceofwaterswhichsweepInasilvertorrentoversomesteep。
ItclearsthepathwithamightyboundAndtumblesbelowandaway，AndthetreesandthebusheswhichgrowintherocksArewetwithitsjewelledspray；
Theairismistyandheavywithsound，Andsmall，wetwildflowersstartheground。
Oh！Thedampnessisverygoodtosmell，Andthepathissofttotread，Andbeyondthefallitwindsupandon，WhilelittlestreamletsthreadTheirownmeanderingwaydownthehillEachsingingitsownlittlesong，untilIforgetthat’tisonlyapicturedpath，AndIhearthewaterandwind，Andlookthroughthemist，andstrainmyeyesToseewhatthereisbehind；
Foritmustleadtoahappyland，Thislittlepathbyawaterfallspanned。
SongOh！TobeaflowerNoddinginthesun，Bending，thenupspringingAsthebreezesrun；
HoldingupAscent—brimmedcup，Fullofsummer’sfragrancetothesummersun。
Oh！TobeabutterflyStill，uponaflower，Winkingwithitspaintedwings，Happyinthehour。
BlossomsholdMinesofgoldDeepwithinthefarthestheartofeachchalicedflower。
Oh！TobeacloudBlowingthroughtheblue，Shadowingthemountains，RushingloudlythroughValleysdeepWheretorrentskeepAlwaystheirplungingthunderandtheirmistyarchofblue。
Oh！TobeawaveSplinteringonthesand，Drawingback，butleavingLingeringlytheland。
RainbowlightFlashesbrightTellingtalesofcoralcaveshalfhidinyellowsand。
Soontheydie，theflowers；
Insectsliveaday；
Cloudsdissolveinshowers；
OnlywavesatplayLastforever。
ShallendeavorMakeaseaofpurposemightierthanwedreamto—day？
TheFoolErrantTheFoolErrantsatbythehighwayoflifeAndhisgazewanderedupandhisgazewandereddown，Avigorousyouth，butwithnowishtowalk，Yethislongingwasgreatforthedistanttown。
HewhistledalittlefrivoloustuneWhichhefelttobepulsingwithecstasy，Forhethoughtthatsuccessalwaysfolloweddesire，Suchaverysuperlativefoolwashe。
Amaidencamebyonanamblingmule，Hergownwasrose—redandherkerchiefblue，Onherlapshecarriedabasketofeggs。
Thoughtthefool，\"Thereiscertainlyroomfortwo。\"
SohejauntilyswaggeredtowardsthemaidAndputouthishandtothebridle—rein。
\"Myprettygirl，\"quoththefool，\"takemeup，FortoridewithyoutothetownIamfain。\"
ButthemaidenstruckathisupraisedarmAndpeltedhimhotlywitheggs，ascore。
Themule，lashedintoafury，ran；
Thefoolwentbacktohisstoneandswore。
ThenoutofthecloudofsettlingdustTheburlyformofanabbotappeared，Readinghisofficeherodetothetown。
Andthefoolgotup，forhisheartwascheered。
Hestoodinthemidstofthelong，whiteroadAndsweptoffhiscaptillittouchedtheground。
\"Ah，ReverentSir，wellmet，\"saidthefool，\"Aworthiertransportneverwasfound。
\"Iprayyouallowmetomountwithyou，Yourpalfreyseemsbothsturdyandyoung。\"
TheabbotlookedupfromtheholybookAndcriedoutinanger，\"Holdyourtongue！
\"HowdareyouobstructtheKing’shighroad，Yousaucyvarlet，getoutofmyway。\"
ThenhegavethefoolacutwithhiswhipAndleavinghimsmarting，herodeaway。
Thefoolwasangry，thefoolwassore，Andhecursedthefollyofmonksandmaids。
\"IfIcouldbutmeetwithaman，\"sighedthefool，\"Forawomanfears，andafriarupbraids。\"
ThenhesawaflashingofdistantsteelAndtheclankingofharnessgreetedhisears，Anduptheroadjourneyedknights—at—arms，Withwavingplumesandglitteringspears。
Thefooltooknoticeandslowlyarose，Notquitesosurewashisfoolishheart。
IfpriestsandwomenwouldnoneofhimWasitlikelyaknightwouldtakehispart？
Theysangastheyrode，theselustyboys，Whenonechancedtoturntowardthehighway’sside，\"There’sasorryfigureoffun，\"jestedhe，\"Well，Sirrah！moveback，thereisscarceroomtoride。\"
\"GoodSirs，KindSirs，\"beggedthecrestfallenfool，\"Iprayofyourcourtesyspeechwithyou，I’mforyondertown，andhavenohorsetoride，Haveyouneverachargerwillcarrytwo？\"
Thenthecompanyhaltedandlaughedoutloud。
\"Wassucharequestevermadetoaknight？\"
\"Andwhereareyourlegs，\"askedone，\"ifyoustart，Youmaybeinsidethetowngatesto—night。\"
\"’Tisalazyfellow，lethimalone，They’venoroominthetownforsuchidlersashe。\"
Butonebentfromhissaddleandsaid，\"Myman，Artthounotashamedtobegcharity！
\"Thouartwellsetup，andthylegsarestrong，Butitmuchmisgivesmelestthou’rtafool；
Forbeggarsgetonlyabeggar’scrust，Wisemenarerearedinadifferentschool。\"
Thentheyclatteredawayinthedustandthewind，Andthefoolslunkbacktohislonelystone；
HebegantoseethatthemanwhoasksMustlikewisegiveandnotaskalone。
Purpletree—shadowscreptovertheroad，Thelevelsunflunganorangelight，Andthefoollaidhisheadonthehard，graystoneAndweptasherealizedadvancingnight。
Agreat，roundmoonroseoverahillAndthesteadywindblewyetmorecool；
Andcrouchedonastoneawayfarersobbed，Foratlastheknewhewasonlyafool。
TheGreenBowlThislittlebowlislikeamossypoolInaSpringwood，wheredogtoothvioletsgrowNoddinginchequeredsunshineofthetrees；
Aquietplace，still，withthesoundofbirds，Where，thoughunseen，isheardtheendlesssongAndmurmuroftheneverrestingsea。
’Twaswinter，Roger，whenyoumadethiscup，ButcomingSpringguidedyoureagerhandAndroundtheedgeyoufashionedyounggreenleaves，AproperchalicemadetoholdtheshyAndlittleflowersofthewoods。AndhereTheywillforgettheirsaduprooting，lostInpleasurethatthiscircleofbrightleavesShouldbetheirsetting；oncemoretheywilldreamTheyhearwindswanderingthroughloftytreesAndseethesunsmilingbetweentheleaves。
HoraStellatrixThestarshangthickintheappletree，Thesouthwindsmellsofthepungentsea，Goldtulipcupsareheavywithdew。
Thenight’sforyou，Sweetheart，foryou！
Starfirerainsfromthevaultedblue。
Listen！Thedancingofunseenleaves。
Adrowsyswallowstirsintheeaves。
Onlyamaidenissorrowing。
’Tisnightandspring，Sweetheart，andspring！
Starfirelightsyourheart’sblossoming。
Intheintimatedarkthere’sneveranear，Thoughthetulipsstandontiptoetohear，Sogive；ripefruitmustshrivelorfall。
Asyouaremine，Sweetheart，giveall！
Starfiresparkles，yourcoronal。
FragmentWhatispoetry？IsitamosaicOfcolouredstoneswhichcuriouslyarewroughtIntoapattern？Ratherglassthat’staughtBypatientlaboranyhuetotakeAndglowingwithasumptuoussplendor，makeBeautyathingofawe；wheresunbeamscaught，TransmutedfallinsheafsofrainbowsfraughtWithstoriedmeaningforreligion’ssake。
LoonPointSoftlythewaterripplesAgainstthecanoe’scurvingside，SoftlythebirchtreesrustleFlingingoverusbrancheswide。
SoftlythemoonglintsandglistensAsthewatertakesandleaves，LikegoldenearsofcornWhichfallfromloose—boundsheaves，Orlikethesnow—whitepetalsWhichdropfromanoverblownrose，WhenSummerripenstoAutumnAndthefreightedyearmustclose。
Fromtheshorecomethescentsofagarden，AndbetweenagapinthetreesAproudwhitestatueglimmersIncold，disdainfulease。
Thechildofasouthernpeople，Thethoughtofanalienrace，Whatdoessheinthispale，northerngarden，Howreconcileitwithhergrace？
ButthemooninherwaywardbeautyIseverandalwaysthesame，AslovelyaswhenuponLatmosShewatchedtillEndymioncame。
ThroughthewaterthemoonwritesherlegendsInlight，onthesmooth，wetsand；
Theyendureforamoment，andvanish，Andnoonemayunderstand。
AllroundusthesecretofNatureIstellingitselftooursight，WemayguessathermeaningbutneverCanknowthefullmysteryofnight。
Butherpowerofenchantmentisonus，Webowtothespellwhichsheweaves，MadeupofthemurmurofwavesAndthemanifoldwhisperofleaves。
SummerSomementherearewhofindinnatureallTheirinspiration，hersthesympathyWhichspursthemontoanygreatendeavor，Tothemthefieldsandwoodsareclosestfriends，Andtheyholddearcommunionwiththehills；
Thevoiceofwaterssoothesthemwithitsfall，Andthegreatwindsbringhealingintheirsound。
TothemacityisaprisonhouseWherepentuphumanforceslabourandstrive，Wherebeautydwellsnot，drivenforthbyman；
ButwhereinwintertheymustliveuntilSummergivesbackthespacesofthehills。
Tomeitisnotso。IlovetheearthAndallthegiftsofhersolavishhand:
Sunshineandflowers，riversandrushingwinds，Thickbranchesswayinginawinterstorm，Andmoonlightplayinginaboat’swidewake；
Butmorethanthese，andmuch，ah，howmuchmore，Ilovetheveryhumanheartofman。
Abovemespreadsthehot，bluemid—daysky，FardownthehillsideliesthesleepinglakeLazilyreflectingbackthesun，AndscarcelyruffledbythelittlebreezeWhichwandersidlythroughthenoddingferns。
Thebluecrestofthedistantmountain，topsThegreencrestofthehillonwhichIsit；
Anditissummer，glorious，deep—tonedsummer，Theverycrownofnature’schangingyearWhenallhersurginglifeisatitsfull。
Tomealoneitisatimeofpause，Avoidandsilentspacebetweentwoworlds，Wheninspirationlags，andfeelingsleeps，Gatheringstrengthforeffortsyettocome。
Forlifealoneiscreatoroflife，AndclosestcontactwiththehumanworldIslikealanternshininginthenightTolightmetoaknowledgeofmyself。
IlovethevividlifeofwintermonthsInconstantintercoursewithhumanminds，WheneverynewexperienceisgainAndonallsideswefeelthegreatworld’sheart；
Thepulseandthroboflifewhichmakesusmen！
\"To—morrowtoFreshWoodsandPasturesNew\"
Asforamomenthestands，inhardymasculinebeauty，Poisedonthefircrestedrock，overthepoolwhichbelowhimGleamsinthewaveringsunlight，waitingtheshockofhisplunging。
SoforamomentIstand，myfeetplantedfirminthepresent，Eagerlyscanningthefuturewhichissosoontopossessme。
TheWayAtfirstamerethreadofafootpathhalfblottedoutbythegrassesSweepingtriumphantacrossit，itwoundbetweenhedgesofrosesWhoseblossomswerepoisedaboveleavesaspondliliesfloatonthewater，Whilehiddenbybloominahawthornabirdfilledthemorningwithsinging。
Itwidenedahighway，majestic，stretchingevertodistanthorizons，Whereshadowsoftree—brancheswavered，vagueoutlinesinvadedbysunshine；
Nosoundbutthewindasitwhisperedthesecretsofearthtotheflowers，Andthehumoftheyellowbees，honey—ladenanddustywithpollen。
AndSummersaid，\"Come，followonward，withnothoughtsavethelongingtowander，Thewind，andthebees，andtheflowers，allsingingthegreatsongofNature，Areminstrelsofchangeandofpromise，theyheraldthejoyoftheFuture。\"
Laterthesolitudevanished，confusedanddistractedtheroadWheremanywereseekingandjostling。Leftbehindwerethetreesandtheflowers，Thehalf—realizedbeautyofquiet，thesacredunconsciouscommuning。
Andnowheiscometoariver，alineofgray，sullenwater，Notblueandsplashing，butdark，rollingsomberlyontotheocean。
Butonthefarsideisacitywhosewindowsflamegoldinthesunset。
Itliesfairandshiningbeforehim，agemsetbetwixtskyandwater，Andspanningtheriverabridge，frailpromisetolongingdesire，Flungbymaninhisinfinitecourage，acrossthesternforceofthewater；
Andhelooksattheriverandfears，thebridgeissoslight，yetheventuresHislifetoitsfragilekeeping，ifitfailsthewaveswillengulfhim。
OArches！bestrongtoupholdhim，andbearhimacrosstothecity，Thebeautifulcitywhosespiresstillglowwiththefiresofsunset！
Diya{originaltitleisGreek，Delta—iota—psi—alpha}
Look，Dear，howbrightthemoonlightisto—night！
SeewhereitcaststheshadowofthattreeFaroutuponthegrass。AndeverygustOflightnightwindcomesladenwiththescentOfopeningflowerswhichneverbloombyday:
Night—scentedstocks，andfour—o’clocks，andthatPaleyellowdisk，uprearedonitstallstalk，Theeveningprimrose，comradeofthestars。
ItseemsasthoughthegardenwhichyouloveWerelikeaswingingcenser，itsincenseFloatingbeforeusasareverentactTosanctifyandblessournightoflove。
Tellmeoncemoreyouloveme，that’tisyouYes，reallyyou，Itouch，so，withmyhand；
AndtellmeitisbyyourownfreewillThatyouarehere，andthatyouliketobeJusthere，withme，underthissailingpine。
IneedtohearitoftenformyheartDoubtsnaturally，andfindsithardtotrust。
Ah，Dearest，youaregoodtolovemeso，AndyetIwouldnothaveitgoodness，ratherExcessofselfishnessinyoutoneedMethroughandthrough，asflowersneedthesun。
IwondercanitreallybethatyouAndIareherealone，andthatthenightIsfullofhours，andalltheworldasleep，Andnonecancalltoyoutocomeaway；
ForyouhavegivenallyourselftomeMakingmegentlebyyourwillingness。
Hasyourlifetoobeenwaitingforthistime，Notonlyminethesharpnessofthisjoy？
DearHeart，Iloveyou，worshipyouasthoughIwereapriestbeforeaholyshrine。
I’mgladthatyouarebeautiful，althoughWereyounotlovelystillIneedsmustlove；
Butyouareallthings，itmusthavebeensoForotherwiseitwerenotyou。Come，close；
WhenyouareinthecircleofmyarmFaithgrowsamountainandItakemystandUponitsutmosttop。Yes，yes，oncemoreKissme，andletmefeelyouverynearWantingmewholly，evenasIwantyou。
Haveyearsbehindbeendark？WillthosetocomeBringunguessedsorrowsintoourtwolives？
Whatdoesitmatter，wehavehadto—night！
To—nightwillmakeusstrong，forwebelieveEachintheother，thisisasacrament。
Beloved，isittrue？
RoadsIknowacountrylacedwithroads，Theyjointhehillsandtheyspanthebrooks，Theyweavelikeashuttlebetweenbroadfields，Andslidediscreetlythroughhiddennooks。
TheyarecanopiedlikeaPersiandomeAndcarpetedwithorientdyes。
Theyaremyriad—voiced，andmusical，Andscentedwithhappiestmemories。
OWindingroadsthatIknowsowell，Everytwistandturn，everyhollowandhill！
TheyaresetinmyhearttoapulsingtuneGayasahoney—beehumminginJune。
’Tistherhythmicbeatofahorse’sfeetAndthepatteringpawsofasheep—dogbitch；
’Tisthecreakingtrees，andthesingingbreeze，Andtherustleofleavesintheroad—sideditch。
AcowinameadowshakesherbellAndthenotescutsharpthroughtheautumnair，EachchatteringbrookbearsafleetofleavesTheircargotherainbow，andjustnowwhereThesunsplashedbrightontheroadaheadAstartledrabbitquiveredandfled。
OUphillroadsandroadsthatdipdown！
Youcurlyoursun—spatteredlengthalong，AndyourmarchisbeatenintoasongBythesoftlyringinghoofsofahorseAndthepantingbreathofthedogsIlove。
ThepageantofAutumnfollowsitscourseAndtheblueskyofAutumnlaughsabove。
Andthesongandthecountrybecomeasone，Iseeitasmusic，Ihearitaslight；
Prismaticandshimmering，tremblingtotone，Thelandofdesire，mysoul’sdelight。
AndalwaysitbeatsinmylisteningearsWiththegentlethudofahorse’sstride，Withtheswift—fallingstepsofmanydogs，Following，followingatmyside。
ORoadsthatjourneytofairyland！
Radianthighwayswhosevistasgleam，Leadingmeon，undercrimsonleaves，TotheopalinegatesoftheCastlesofDream。
TeatroBambino。Dublin，N。H。
Howstillitis！SunshineitselfherefallsInquietshaftsoflightthroughthehightreesWhich，arching，makearoofabovethewallsChangingfromsuntoshadowaseachbreezeLingersamoment，charmedbythestrangesightOfanItaliantheatre，storied，seerOfvagueromance，andtime’slonghistory；
Wheretiersofgrass—grownseatssprinkledwithwhite，Sweet—scentedclover，formabrokensphereGroupedroundthestageinhushedexpectancy。
Whatsoundisthatwhichechoesthroughthewood？
Isitthereedynoteofanoatenpipe？
PerchanceaminutemorewillseethebroodOftheshaggyforestgod，andonhislipWillresttherushesheiswonttoplay。
HistraininwovenbasketsbearripefruitAndweaveadancewithropesofgrayacorns，SolighttheirtouchthegrassesscarcelyswayAstheythemeasuretreadtotheliltingflute。
Alas！’tisonlyFancythusadorns。
Aclouddriftsidlyovertheshiningsun。
Howdampitseems，howsilent，still，andstrange！
Surely’twasheresometragedywasdone，Andherethechorussangeachcomingchange？
Surethisisdeepinsomesweet，southernwood，Thesearenotpines，butcypresstallanddark；
Thatisnothrushwhichsingssorapturously，ButthenightingaleinhismostpassionatemoodBurstinghislittleheartwithanguish。Hark！
Thetreadofsandalledfeetcomesnoiselessly。
Thesilencealmostisasound，anddreamsTakeonthesemblancesoffinitethings；
SopotentisthespellthatwhatbutseemsElsewhere，isliftedhereonFancy’swings。
Thelittlewoodlandtheatreseemstowait，Alltremulouswithhopeandwistfuljoy，Forsomethingthatissuretocomeatlast，Somedeepemotion，satisfying，great。
Itgrowsalivingpresence，boldandshy，Cradlingthefutureinagloriouspast。
TheRoadtoAvignonAMinstrelstandsonamarblestair，Blownbythebrightwind，debonair；
Belowliesthesea，asapphirefloor，AboveontheterraceaturretdoorFramesalady，listlessandwan，Butfairfortheeyetorestupon。
Theminstrelplucksathissilverstrings，Andlookinguptothelady，sings:——
DowntheroadtoAvignon，Thelong，longroadtoAvignon，AcrossthebridgetoAvignon，Onemorninginthespring。
TheoctagontowercastsashadeCoolandgraylikeacutlassblade；
Insun—bakedvinesthecicalasspin，Thelittlegreenlizardsrunoutandin。
Asaildipsovertheocean’srim，Andbubblesrisetothefountain’sbrim。
Theminstreltoucheshissilverstrings，Andgazinguptothelady，sings:——
DowntheroadtoAvignon，Thelong，longroadtoAvignon，AcrossthebridgetoAvignon，Onemorninginthespring。
Slowlyshewalkstothebalustrade，IdlynoteshowtheblossomsfadeInthesun’scaress；thencrosseswhereTheshadowsheltersacarvenchair。
Withinitscurve，supineshelies，Andwearilycloseshertiredeyes。
Theminstrelbeseecheshissilverstrings，Andholdingtheladyspellbound，sings:——
DowntheroadtoAvignon，Thelong，longroadtoAvignon，AcrossthebridgetoAvignon，Onemorninginthespring。
Cloudssailoverthedistanttrees，Petalsareshakendownbythebreeze，Theyfallontheterracetileslikesnow；
Thesighingofwavessounds，farbelow。
Ahumming—birdkissesthelipsofaroseThenladenwithhoneyandlovehegoes。
Theminstrelwooswithhissilverstrings，Andclimbinguptothelady，sings:——
DowntheroadtoAvignon，Thelong，longroadtoAvignon，AcrossthebridgetoAvignon，Onemorninginthespring。
Stepbystep，andhecomestoher，Fearfullestshesuddenlystir。
Sunshineandsilence，andeachtoeach，Theluteandhissingingtheironlyspeech；
Heleansaboveher，hereyesunclose，Thehumming—birdentersanotherrose。
Theminstrelhusheshissilverstrings。
Hark！Thebeatingofhumming—birds’wings！
DowntheroadtoAvignon，Thelong，longroadtoAvignon，AcrossthebridgetoAvignon，Onemorninginthespring。
NewYorkatNightAnearhorizonwhosesharpjagsCutbrutallyintoaskyOfleadenheaviness，andcragsOfhouseslifttheirmasonryUglyandfoul，andchimneyslieAndsnort，outlinedagainstthegrayOflowhungcloud。IhearthesighThegoadedcitygives，notdayNornightcaneaseherheart，heranguishedlaboursstay。
Below，straightstreets，monotonous，Fromnorthandsouth，fromeastandwest，Stretchglittering；andluminousAbove，onetowertopstherestAndholdsaloftman’sconstantquest:
Time！JoylessemblemofthegreedOfmillions，robberofthebestWhichearthcangive，thevulgarcreedHasseareduponthenightitsflamingruthlessscreed。
ONight！WhosesoothingpresencebringsThequietshiningofthestars。
ONight！WhosecloakofdarknessclingsSointimatelyclosethatscarsArehidfromourowneyes。BeggarsByday，ourwealthishavingnightToburnoursoulsbeforealtarsDimandtree—shadowed，wherethelightIsshedfromayoungmoon，mysteriouslybright。
Whereartthouhiding，wherethypeace？
Thisisthehour，butthouartnot。
Willwakingtumultnevercease？
Hastthouthyvotaryforgot？
Natureforsakesthisman—begotAndfesteringwilderness，andnowThelongstillhoursarehere，nojotOfdearcommuningdoIknow；
Insteadtheglaring，man—filledcitygroansbelow！
AFairyTaleOnwinternightsbesidethenurseryfireWereadthefairytale，whileglowingcoalsBuildeditspictures。TherebeforeoureyesWesawthevaultedhalloftraceriedstoneUprearitself，thedistantceilinghungWithpendentstalactiteslikefrozenvines；
Andallalongthewallsatintervals，Curledupwardsintopillars，rosesclimbed，Andrampedandwereconfined，andclusteredleavesDividedwheretherepeeredalaughingface。
Thefoliageseemedtorustleinthewind，Asilentmurmur，carvedinstill，graystone。
HighpointedwindowspiercedthesouthernwallWhenceproudescutcheonsflungprismaticfiresTostainthetessellatedmarblefloorWithpoolsofred，andquiveringgreen，andblue；
Andintheshadebeyondthefurtherdoor，ItssobersquaresofblackandwhitewerehidBeneatharestless，shuffling，wide—eyedmobOflackeysandretainerscometoviewTheChristening。
Asuddenblareoftrumpets，andthethrongAbouttheentrancepartedastheguestsFiledsinglyinwithrareandpreciousgifts。
Oureagerfanciesnotedalltheybrought，Theglorious，unattainabledelights！
ButalwaystherewasoneunbiddenguestWhocursedthechildandleftitbitterness。
Thefirefallsasunder，allischanged，Iamnomoreachild，andwhatIseeIsnotafairytale，butlife，mylife。
Thegiftsarethere，themanypleasantthings:
Health，wealth，long—settledfriendships，withanameWhichhonorsallwhobearit，andthepowerOfmakingwordsobedient。Thisismuch；
Butovershadowingallisstillthecurse，ThatnevershallIbefulfilledbylove！
AlongtheparchinghighroadoftheworldNoothersoulshallbearminecompany。
AlwaysshallIbeteasedwithsemblances，Withcruelimpostures，whichItrustawhileThendashtopieces，asacarelessboyFlingsakaleidoscope，whichshatteringStrewsallthegroundaboutwithcolouredsherds。
SoIbeholdmyvisionsonthegroundNolongerradiant，anignobleheapOfbroken，dustyglass。Andso，unlit，Evenbyhopeorfaith，mydraggingstepsForcemeforeverthroughthepassingdays。
CrownedYoucametomebearingbrightroses，Redlikethewineofyourheart；
YoutwistedthemintoagarlandTosetmeasidefromthemart。
