第2章

ThewassailousheartoftheYearisthine！ HisBacchicfingersdisentwineHiscoronalAtthyfestival； HisrevellingfingersdisentwineLeaf，flower，andall，AndletthemfallBlossomandallinthywaveringwine。 TheSummerlooksoutfromherbrazentower，ThroughtheflashingbarsofJuly，Waitingthyripenedgoldenshower； Whereoftherecometh，withsandalsfleet，TheNorth—westflyingviewlessly，Withaswordtosheer，anduntameablefeet，Andthegorgon—headoftheWintershownTostiffenthegazingearthasstone。 IncrystalHeaven’smagicspherePoisedinthepalmofthyfervidhand，ThouseesttheenchantedshowsappearThatstainFavonianfirmament； RicherthanevertheOccidentGaveuptobygoneSummer’swand。 Day’sdyingdragonliesdroopinghiscrest，PantingredpantsintotheWest。 OrthebutterflysunsetclapsitswingsWithflitteralitontheswingingblossom，Thegustyblossom，thattossesandswings，Oftheseawithitsblownandruffledbosom； ItsruffledbosomwherethroughthewindsingsTillthecrispedpetalsareloosenedandstrownOverblown，onthesand； Shed，curlingasdeadRose—leavescurl，onthefleckedstrand。 Orhigher，holier，saintlierwhen，asnow，Allnaturesacerdotalseems，andthou。 Thecalmhourstrikesonyongoldengong，IntonesoffloatingandmellowlightAspreadingsummonstoeven—song： SeehowthereThecowlednightKneelsontheEasternsanctuary—stair。 Whatisthisfeelofincenseeverywhere？ Clingsitroundfoldsoftheblanch—amicedclouds，Upwaftedbythesolemnthurifer，Themightyspiritunknown，ThatswingeththeslowearthbeforetheembanneredThrone？ Oris’ttheSeasonunderalltheseshroudsOflight，andsense，andsilence，makesherknownApresenceeverywhere，Aninarticulateprayer，Ahandonthesoothedtressesoftheair？ ButthereisonehourscantOfthisTitanian，primalliturgy； Asthereisbutonehourformeandthee，Autumn，fortheeandthinehierophant，Ofthisgraveendingchant。 RoundtheearthstillandstarkHeaven’sdeath—lightskindle，yellowsparkbyspark，Beneaththedreadfulcatafalqueofthedark。 AndIhadendedthere： Butagreatwindblewallthestarstoflare，Andcried，\"Isweepthepathbeforethemoon！ Tarryyenowthecomingofthemoon，Forsheiscomingsoon；\" Thendiedbeforethecomingofthemoon。 Andshecameforthuponthetrepidantair，Investureunimagined—fair，Wovenaswoofofflag—lilies； Andcurdledasofflag—liliesThevapouratthefeetofher，Andahazeabouthertingedinfainterwise。 Asifshehadtroddenthestarsinpress，Tillthegoldwinespurtedoverherdress，Tillthegoldwinegushedoutroundherfeet； Spoutedoverherstainedwear，Andbubbledingoldenfrothatherfeet，Andhunglikeawhirlpool’smistroundher。 Still，mightySeason，doIsee’t，Thyswayisstillmajestical！ Thouhold’stofGod，bytitlesure，Thineindefeasibleinvestiture，Andthatrightroundthylocksarenativeto； Theheavensuponthybrowimperial，Thishugeterrenethyball，Ando’erthyshouldersthrownwideair’sdependingpall。 Whatifthineearthbeblearandbleakofhue？ Still，stilltheskiesaresweet！ Still，Season，stillthouhastthytriumphsthere！ HowhaveI，unaware，Forgetfulofmystraininaugural，Cleftthegreatrondureofthyreigncomplete，Yieldingtheehalf，whohastindeedtheall？ IwillnotthinkthysovereigntybegunButwiththeshepherdsunThatwashesintheseathestars’goldfleecesOrthatwithdayitceases，Whosetshisburninglipstothesaltbrine，Andpurplesittowine； WhileIbeholdhowerminedArtemisOrdainedweedmustwear，Andtoilthybusiness； Whowitnessamofher，Hertooinautumnturnedavintager； And，ladenwithitslampedclustersbright，Thefiery—fruitedvineyardofthisnight。 THEHOUNDOFHEAVEN IfledHim，downthenightsanddownthedays； IfledHim，downthearchesoftheyears； IfledHim，downthelabyrinthinewaysOfmyownmind；andinthemistoftearsIhidfromHim，andunderrunninglaughter。 Upvistaedhopes，Isped； Andshot，precipitatedAdownTitanicgloomsofchasmedfears，FromthosestrongFeetthatfollowed，followedafter。 Butwithunhurryingchase，Andunperturbedpace，Deliberatespeed，majesticinstancy，Theybeat——andaVoicebeatMoreinstantthantheFeet— \"Allthingsbetraythee，whobetrayestMe。\" Ipleaded，outlaw—wise，Bymanyaheartedcasement，curtainedred，Trellisedwithintertwiningcharities； （For，thoughIknewHisloveWhofollowed，YetwasIsoreadreadLest，havingHim，Imusthavenaughtbeside） But，ifonelittlecasementpartedwide，ThegustofHisapproachwouldclashittoFearwistnottoevade，asLovewisttopursue。 AcrossthemargentoftheworldIfled，Andtroubledthegoldgatewaysofthestars，Smitingforshelterontheirchangedbars； FrettedtodulcetjarsAndsilvernchatterthepaleportso’themoon。 Isaidtodawn：Besudden——toeve：Besoon； WiththyyoungskieyblossomsheapmeoverFromthistremendousLover！ Floatthyvagueveilaboutme，lestHesee！ ItemptedallHisservitors，buttofindMyownbetrayalintheirconstancy，InfaithtoHimtheirficklenesstome，Theirtraitoroustrueness，andtheirloyaldeceit。 ToallswiftthingsforswiftnessdidIsue； Clungtothewhistlingmaneofeverywind。 Butwhethertheyswept，smoothlyfleet，Thelongsavannahsoftheblue； Orwhether，Thunder—driven，Theyclangedhischariot’thwartaheaven，Plashywithflyinglightningsroundthespurno’theirfeet：— FearwistnottoevadeasLovewisttopursue。 Stillwithunhurryingchase，Andunperturbedpace，Deliberatespeed，majesticinstancy，CameonthefollowingFeet，AndaVoiceabovetheirbeat— \"Naughtsheltersthee，whowiltnotshelterMe。\" Isoughtnomorethat，afterwhichIstrayed，Infaceofmanormaid； Butstillwithinthelittlechildren’seyesSeemssomething，somethingthatreplies，THEYatleastareforme，surelyforme！ Iturnedmetothemverywistfully； ButjustastheiryoungeyesgrewsuddenfairWithdawninganswersthere，Theirangelpluckedthemfrommebythehair。 \"Comethen，yeotherchildren，Nature’s——shareWithme\"（saidI）\"yourdelicatefellowship； Letmegreetyouliptolip，Letmetwinewithyoucaresses，WantoningWithourLady—Mother’svagranttresses，BanquetingWithherinherwind—walledpalace，Underneathherazureddais，Quaffing，asyourtaintlesswayis，FromachaliceLucent—weepingoutofthedayspring。’ Soitwasdone： Iintheirdelicatefellowshipwasone— DrewtheboltofNature’ssecrecies。 IknewalltheswiftimportingsOnthewilfulfaceofskies； IknewhowthecloudsariseSpumedofthewildsea—snortings； Allthat’sbornordiesRoseanddroopedwith——madethemshapersOfmineownmoods，orwailfulordivine— Withthemjoyedandwasbereaven。 Iwasheavywiththeeven，WhenshelitherglimmeringtapersRoundtheday’sdeadsanctities。 Ilaughedinthemorning’seyes。 ItriumphedandIsaddenedwithallweather，HeavenandIwepttogether，Anditssweettearsweresaltwithmortalmine； Againsttheredthrobofitssunset—heartIlaidmyowntobeat，Andsharecomminglingheat； Butnotbythat，bythat，waseasedmyhumansmart。 InvainmytearswerewetonHeaven’sgreycheek。 Forah！weknownotwhateachothersays，ThesethingsandI；insoundIspeak— THEIRsoundisbuttheirstir，theyspeakbysilences。 Nature，poorstepdame，cannotslakemydrouth； Lether，ifshewouldoweme，Dropyonbluebosom—veilofsky，andshowmeThebreastso’hertenderness： NeverdidanymilkofhersonceblessMythirstingmouth。 Nighandnighdrawsthechase，Withunperturbedpace，DeliberatespeedmajesticinstancyAndpastthosenoisedFeetAvoicecomesyetmorefleet— \"Lo！naughtcontentsthee，whocontent’stnotMe。\" NakedIwaitThylove’supliftedstroke！ MyharnesspiecebypieceThouhasthewnfromme，Andsmittenmetomyknee； Iamdefencelessutterly，Islept，methinks，andwoke，And，slowlygazing，findmestrippedinsleep。 Intherashlustiheadofmyyoungpowers，IshookthepillaringhoursAndpulledmylifeuponme；grimedwithsmears，Istandamidthedusto’themoundedyears— Mymangledyouthliesdeadbeneaththeheap。 Mydayshavecrackledandgoneupinsmoke，Havepuffedandburstassun—startsonastream。 Yea，failethnowevendreamThedreamer，andthelutethelutanist； Eventhelinkedfantasies，inwhoseblossomytwistIswungtheearthatrinketatmywrist，Areyielding；cordsofalltooweakaccountForearthwithheavygriefssooverplussed。 Ah！isThyloveindeedAweed，albeitanamaranthineweed，Sufferingnoflowersexceptitsowntomount？ Ah！must— Designerinfinite！— Ah！mustThoucharthewoodereThoucanstlimnwithit？ Myfreshnessspentitswaveringshoweri’thedust； Andnowmyheartisasabrokenfount，Whereintear—drippingsstagnate，spiltdowneverFromthedankthoughtsthatshiverUponthesighfulbranchesofmymind。 Suchis；whatistobe？ Thepulpsobitter，howshalltastetherind？ IdimlyguesswhatTimeinmistsconfounds； YeteverandanonatrumpetsoundsFromthehidbattlementsofEternity，Thoseshakenmistsaspaceunsettle，thenRoundthehalf—glimpsedturretsslowlywashagain； ButnoterehimwhosummonethIfirsthaveseen，enwoundWithgroomingrobespurpureal，cypress—crowned； HisnameIknow，andwhathistrumpetsaith。 Whetherman’sheartorlifeitbewhichyieldsTheeharvest，mustThyharvestfieldsBedungedwithrottendeath？ NowofthatlongpursuitComesonathandthebruit； ThatVoiceisroundmelikeaburstingsea： \"Andisthyearthsomarred，Shatteredinshardonshard？ Lo，allthingsflythee，forthoufliestMe！ \"Strange，piteous，futilething！ Whereforeshouldanysettheeloveapart？ SeeingnonebutImakesmuchofnaught\"（Hesaid），\"Andhumanloveneedshumanmeriting： Howhastthoumerited— Ofallman’sclottedclaythedingiestclot？ Alack，thouknowestnotHowlittleworthyofanylovethouart！ Whomwiltthoufindtoloveignoblethee，SaveMe，saveonlyMe？ AllwhichItookfromtheeIdidbuttake，Notforthyharms，Butjustthatthoumight’stseekitinMyarms。 Allwhichthychild’smistakeFanciesaslost，Ihavestoredfortheeathome： Rise，claspMyhand，andcome。\" Haltsbymethatfootfall： Ismygloom，afterall，ShadeofHishand，outstretchedcaressingly？ \"Ah，fondest，blindest，weakest，IamHeWhomthouseekest！ Thoudravestlovefromthee，whodravestMe。\" AJUDGMENTINHEAVEN{1} AthwartthesodwhichistreadingforGod*thepoetpacedwithhissplendideyes； Paradise—verdurehestatelypasses*towintotheFatherofParadise，Throughtheconsciousandpalpitantgrasses*ofinter—tangledrelucentdyes。 Theangelsa—playonitsfieldsofSummer*（theirwildwingsrustledhisguides’cymars） Lookedupfromdisportatthepassingcomer，*astheypeltedeachotherwithhandfulsofstars； Andthewarden—spiritswithstartledfeetrose，*handonsword，bytheirtetheredcars。 Withplumesnight—tincturedenglobedandcinctured，*ofSaints，hisguidedstepsheldonTowhereonthefarcrystellinepale*ofthattranstellarHeaventhereshoneTheimmutablecroceandawn*effusingfromtheFather’sThrone。 ThroughthereverberantEden—ways*thebruitofhisgreatadventdriven，Backfromthefulgentjustleandpress*withmightyechoingsowasgiven，Aswhenthesurlythundersmites*upontheclangedgatesofHeaven。 Overthebickeringgonfalons，*far—rangedasforTartareanwars，Wentawaverofribbedfire*——asnight—seasonphosphoricbarsLikeaflame—plumedfanshakeslowlyout*theirridgyreachofcrumblingstars。 AtlengthtowhereonHisfrettedThrone*satintheheartofHisageddominionsThegreatTriune，andMarynigh，*litroundwithspearsoftheirhauberkedminions，Thepoetdrew，inthethunderousblue*involveddreadofthosemountedpinions。 Asinasecretandtenebrouscloud*thewatcherfromthedisquietearthAtmomentaryintervals*beholdsfromitsraggedriftsbreakforthTheflashofagoldenperturbation，*thetravellingthreatofawitchedbirth； Tillheavilypartsasinisterchasm，*agrislyjaw，whosevergessoon，Slowlyandominouslyfilled*bytheon—comingplenilune，Supportlesslycongestwithfire，*andsuddenlyspitforththemoon：— Withbeauty，notterror，throughtanglederror*ofnight—diptplumessoburnedtheircharge； Swayedandpartedtheglobingclusters*so，——disclosedfromtheirkindlingmarge，Roseal—chapleted，splendent—vestured，*thesingertherewhereGod’slightlaylarge。 Hu，hu！awonder！awonder！see，*claspingthesinger’sgloriesclingsAdingycreature，eventolaughter*cloakedandcladinpatchworkthings，Shrinkingclosefromtheunusedglows*oftheseraphs’ versicolouredwings。 Arhymer，rhymingafutilerhyme，*hehadcreptforconvoythroughEden—waysIntotheshadeofthepoet’sglory，*darkenedunderhisprevalentrays，Fearfullyhopingadistantwelcome*asapoorkinsmanofhislays。 Theangelslaughedwithalovelyscorning：*——\"WhohasdonethissorrydeedinThegardenofourFather，God？*’midhisblossomstosowthisweedin？ Neverourfingersknewthisstuff：*notsofashiontheloomsofEden！\" Thesingerbowedhisbrowmajestic，*searchingthatpatchworkthroughandthrough，FeelingGod’slucentgazestraverse*hissinging—stolingandspirittoo： Thehallowedharperswerefaintofrown*onthestrangethingcome’midtheirsacredcrew，Onlythesingerthatwasearth*hisfellow—earthandhisownselfknew。 Butthepoetrentoffrobeandwreath，*soasasloughingserpentdoth，Laidthemattherhymer’sfeet，*sheddownwreathandraimentboth，Stoodinadimandshamedstole，*likethetatteredwingofamustymoth。 \"Thougav’sttheweedandwreathofsong，*theweedandwreatharesolelyThine，Andthisdishonestvesture*istheonlyvesturethatismine； ThelifeItextured，Thouthesong*——MYhandicraftisnotdivine！\" Hewrestedo’ertherhymer’shead*thatgarmentingwhichwroughthimwrong； Aflickeringtissueargentine*downdrippeditsshiveringsilverslong：— \"Betterthouwov’stthywoofoflife*thanthoudidstweavethywoofofsong！\" NeverachiefinSaintdomwas，*butturnedhimfromthePoetthen； Neveraneyelookedmildonhim*’midalltheangelmyriadsten，SavesinlessMary，andsinfulMary*——theMarytitledMagdalen。 \"Turnyonrobe，\"spakeMagdalen，*\"oftornbrightsong，andseeandfeel。\" Theyturnedtheraiment，sawandfelt*whattheirturningdidreveal— Alltheinnersurfacepiled*withbloodiedhairs，likehairsofsteel。 \"Take，Ipray，yonchapletup，*throwndownruddiedfromhishead。\" Theytooktherosealchapletup，*andtheystoodastonished： Everyleafbetweentheirfingers，*astheybruisedit，burstandbled。 \"Seehistornfleshthroughthoserents；*seethepuncturesroundhishair，Asifthechaplet—flowershaddriven*deeprootsintonourishthere— Lord，whogav’sthimrobeandwreath，*WHATwasthisThougav’stforwear？\" \"FetchforththeParadisalgarb！\"*spaketheFather，sweetandlow； Drewthembothbythefrightenedhand*whereMary’sthronemadeirisedbow— \"Take，PrincessMary，ofthygoodgrace，*twospiritsgreaterthantheyknow。\" EPILOGUE Virtuemayunlockhell，orevenAsinturninthewardsofHeaven，（Asethicsofthetext—bookgo），Solittlementheirowndeedsknow，OrthroughtheintricatemeleeGuesswhitherwarddrawsthebattle—sway； Solittle，iftheyknowthedeed，Discernwhattherefromshallsucceed。 Towisestmoralists’tisbutgivenToworkroughborder—lawofHeaven，Withinthisnarrowlifeofours，Thesemarches’twixtdelimitlessPowers。 Isit，ifHeaventhefutureshowed，Isittheall—severestmodeToseeourselveswiththeeyesofGod？ Godrathergrant，atHisassize，Heseeusnotwithourowneyes！ Heaven，whichman’sgenerationsdrawsNordeviatesintoreplicas，MustofasdeepdiversityInjudgmentascreationbe。 ThereisnoexpeditiousroadTopackandlabelmenforGod，Andsavethembythebarrel—load。 Somemayperchance，withstrangesurprise，HaveblunderedintoParadise。 Invastyduskoflifeabroad，TheyfondlythoughttoerrfromGod，Norknewthecirclethattheytrod； Andwanderingallthenightabout，Foundthematmornwheretheysetout。 Deathdawned；Heavenlayinprospectwide：— Lo！theywerestandingbyHisside！ Therhymeralifeuncomplex，Withjustsuchcaresasmortalsvex，Sosimplyfeltasallmenfeel，Livedpurelyouttohissoul’sweal。 AdoublelifethePoetlived，Andwithadoubleburthengrieved； Thelifeoffleshandlifeofsong，Thepangstobothlivesthatbelong； Immortalknewandmortalpain，Whointwoworldscouldloseandgain。 AndfoundimmortalfruitsmustbeMortalthroughhismortality。 Thelifeoffleshandlifeofsong！ Ifonelifeworkedtheotherwrong，WhatexpiatingagonyMayforhimdamnedtopoesyShutinthatlittlesentencebe— Whatdeepausteritiesofstrife— \"Helivedhislife。\"HelivedHISlife！ DAISY WherethethistleliftsapurplecrownSixfootoutoftheturf，Andtheharebellshakesonthewindyhill— Othebreathofthedistantsurf！— ThehillslookoverontheSouth，Andsouthwarddreamsthesea； And，withthesea—breezehandinhand，Cameinnocenceandshe。 Where’midthegorsetheraspberryRedforthegatherersprings，TwochildrendidwestrayandtalkWise，idle，childishthings。 Shelistenedwithbig—lippedsurprise，Breast—deepmidflowerandspine： Herskinwaslikeagrape，whoseveinsRunsnowinsteadofwine。 Sheknewnotthosesweetwordsshespake，Norknewherownsweetway； Butthere’sneverabird，sosweetasongThrongedinwhosethroatthatday！ Oh，therewereflowersinStorringtonOntheturfandonthespray； ButthesweetestfloweronSussexhillsWastheDaisy—flowerthatday！ Herbeautysmoothedearth’sfurrowedface！ Shegavemetokensthree：— Alook，awordofherwinsomemouth，Andawildraspberry。 Aberryred，aguilelesslook，Astillword，——stringsofsand！ Andyettheymademywild，wildheartFlydowntoherlittlehand。 Forstandingartlessastheair，Andcandidastheskies，Shetooktheberrieswithherhand，Andthelovewithhersweeteyes。 Thefairestthingshavefleetestend： Theirscentsurvivestheirclose，Buttherose’sscentisbitternessTohimthatlovedtherose！ Shelookedalittlewistfully，Thenwenthersunshineway：— Thesea’seyehadamistonit，Andtheleavesfellfromtheday。 Shewentherunrememberingway，ShewentandleftinmeThepangofallthepartingsgone，Andpartingsyettobe。 SheleftmemarvellingwhymysoulWassadthatshewasglad； Atallthesadnessinthesweet，Thesweetnessinthesad。 Still，stillIseemedtoseeher，stillLookupwithsoftreplies，Andtaketheberrieswithherhand，Andthelovewithherlovelyeyes。 Nothingbegins，andnothingends，Thatisnotpaidwithmoan； Forweareborninother’spain，Andperishinourown。 THEMAKINGOFVIOLA I。 THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。 Spin，daughterMary，spin，Twirlyourwheelwithsilverdin； Spin，daughterMary，spin，SpinatressforViola。 ANGELS。 Spin，QueenMary，aBrowntressforViola！ II。 THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。 Weave，handsangelical，Weaveawoofoffleshtopall— Weave，handsangelical— FleshtopallourViola。 ANGELS。 Weave，singingbrothers，aVelvetfleshforViola！ III。 THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。 Scoop，youngJesus，forhereyes，Wood—brownedpoolsofParadise— YoungJesus，fortheeyes，FortheeyesofViola。 ANGELS。 Tint，PrinceJesus，aDuskedeyeforViola！ IV。 THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。 Castastarthereintodrown，Likeatorchincavernbrown，SinkaburningstartodrownWhelmedineyesofViola。 ANGELS。 Lave，PrinceJesus，aStarineyesofViola！ V。 THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。 Breathe，LordParaclete，Toabubbledcrystalmeet— Breathe，LordParaclete— CrystalsoulforViola。 ANGELS。 Breathe，RegalSpirit，aFlashingsoulforViola！ VI。 THEFATHEROFHEAVEN。 Child—angels，fromyourwingsFalltherosealhoverings，Child—angels，fromyourwings，OnthecheeksofViola。 ANGELS。 Linger，rosyreflex，aQuenchlessstain，onViola！ Allthingsbeingaccomplished，saiththeFatherofHeaven。 Bearherdown，andbearing，sing，Bearherdownonspylesswing，Bearherdown，andbearing，sing，Withasoundofviola。 ANGELS。 Musicashernameis，aSweetsoundofViola！ VIII。 Wheelingangels，pastespial，Dancedherdownwithsoundofviol； Wheelingangels，pastespial，Descantingon\"Viola。\" ANGELS。 Sing，inourfooting，aLovelyliltof\"Viola！\" IX。 Babysmiled，motherwailed，Earthwardwhilethesweetlingsailed； Mothersmiled，babywailed，WhentoearthcameViola。 ANDHERELDERSSHALLSAY：— SosoonhavewetaughtyouaWaytoweep，poorViola！ X。 Smile，sweetbaby，smile，Foryouwillhaveweeping—while； NativeinyourHeavenissmile，— Butyourweeping，Viola？ Whenceyoursmilesweknow，butah？ Whenceyourweeping，Viola？— OurfirstgifttoyouisaGiftoftears，myViola！ TOMYGODCHILD——FRANCISM。W。M Thislabouring，vast，Telluriangalleon，Ridingatanchorofftheorientsun，Hadbrokenitscable，andstoodouttospaceDownsomefroreArcticoftheaerialways： Andnow，backwarpingfromtheinclementmain，Itsvaporousshroudagedrenchedwithicyrain，Itswungintoitsazureroadsagain； When，floatedontheprosperoussun—gale，youLit，awhitehalcyonauspice，’midourfrozencrew。 TotheSun，stranger，surelyyoubelong，Giverofgoldendaysandgoldensong； Norisitbyanall—unhappyplanYoubearthenameofme，hisconstantMagian。 Yetah！fromanyotherthatitcame，Lestfatedtomyfateyoube，astomyname。 Whenatthefirstthosetidingsdidtheybring，Myheartturnedtroubledattheominousthing： Thoughwellmaysuchatitlehimendower，Forwhomapoet’sprayerimploresapoet’spower。 TheAssisian，whokeptplightedfaithtothree，ToSong，toSanctitude，andPoverty，（IntwoaloneofwhommostsingersproveAfatalfaithfulnessofduringlove！）； HethesweetSales，ofwhomwescarcelykenHowGodhecouldlovemore，hesolovedmen； ThecrownandcrownedofLauraandItaly； AndFletcher’sfellow——fromthese，andnotfromme，Takeyouyourname，andtakeyourlegacy！ Or，ifarightsuccessiveyoudeclareWhenworms，forivies，intertwinemyhair，TakebutthisPoesythatnowfollowethMyclayeyhestwithsullenservilebreath，Madethenyourhappyfreedmanbytestatingdeath。 MysongIdobutholdforyouintrust，Iaskyoubuttoblossomfrommydust。 WhenyouhavecompassedallweakIbegan，Divinerpoet，andah！divinerman； ThemanatfeudwiththeperduringchildInyoubeforesong’saltarnoblyreconciled； FromthewiseheavensIhalfshallsmiletoseeHowlittleaworld，whichownedyou，neededme。 If，whileyoukeepthevigilsofthenight，Foryourwildtearsmakedarknessalltoobright，Someloneorbthroughyourlonelywindowpeeps，Asitplayedloveroveryoursweetsleeps； Thinkitagoldencreviceinthesky，WhichIhavepiercedbuttobeholdyouby！ Andwhen，immortalmortal，droopsyourhead，Andyou，thechildofdeathlesssong，aredead； Then，asyousearchwithunaccustomedglanceTheranksofParadiseformycountenance，TurnnotyourtreadalongtheUraniansodAmongthebeardedcounsellorsofGod； ForifinEdenasoneartharewe，Isureshallkeepayoungercompany： PasswherebeneaththeirrangedgonfalonsThestarrycohortsshaketheirshieldedsuns，Thedreadfulmassoftheirenridgedspears； Passwheremajesticaltheeternalpeers，ThestatelychoiceofthegreatSaintdom，meet— Asilvernsegregation，globedcompleteInsandalledshadowoftheTriunefeet； Passbywherewait，youngpoet—wayfarer，Yourcousinedclusters，emuloustoshareWithyoutheroseallightningsburning’midtheirhair； Passthecrystallinesea，theLampadsseven：— LookformeinthenurseriesofHeaven。 THEPOPPY——TOMONICA Summersetliptoearth’sbosombare。 Andlefttheflushedprintinapoppythere： Likeayawnoffirefromthegrassitcame，Andthefanningwindpuffedittoflappingflame。 Withburntmouthredlikealion’sitdrankThebloodofthesunasheslaughteredsank，AnddippeditscupinthepurpurateshineWhentheeasternconduitsranwithwine。 Tillitgrewlethargiedwithfiercebliss，Andhotasaswinkedgipsyis，Anddrowsedinsleepysavageries，Withmouthwidea—poutforasultrykiss。 Achildandmanpacedsidebyside，Treadingtheskirtsofeventide； ButbetweentheclaspofhishandandhersLay，feltnot，twentywitheredyears。 Sheturned，withtheroutofherduskSouthhair，Andsawthesleepinggipsythere； Andsnatchedandsnappeditinswiftchild’swhim，With——\"Keepit，longasyoulive！\"——tohim。 Andhissmile，asnymphsfromtheirlavingmeres，Trembledupfromabathoftears； Andjoy，likeamewsea—rockedapart，Tossedonthewaveofhistroubledheart。 ForHEsawwhatshedidnotsee，That——askindledbyitsownfervency— Thevergeshrivelledinwardsmoulderingly： Andsuddenly’twixthishandandhersHeknewthetwentywitheredyears— Noflower，buttwentyshrivelledyears。 \"Wasneversuchthinguntilthishour，\" Lowtohishearthesaid；\"theflowerOfsleepbringswakeningtome，Andofoblivionmemory。\" \"Wasneverthisthingtome，\"hesaid，\"Thoughwithbruisedpoppiesmyfeetarered！\" Andagaintohisownheartverylow： \"Ochild！Ilove，forIloveandknow； \"Butyou，wholovenorknowatallThediversechambersinLove’sguest—hall，Wheresomeriseearly，fewsitlong： InhowdifferingaccentshearthethrongHisgreatPentecostaltongue； \"Whoknownotlovefromamity，Normyreportedselffromme； Afairfitgiftisthis，meseems，Yougive——thiswitheringflowerofdreams。 \"Ofranklyfickle，andficklytrue，Doyouknowwhatthedayswilldotoyou？ ToyourLoveandyouwhatthedayswilldo，Ofranklyfickle，andficklytrue？ \"Youhavelovedme，Fair，threelives——ordays： ’Twillpasswiththepassingofmyface。 ButwhereIgo，yourfacegoestoo，TowatchlestIplayfalsetoyou。 \"Iambut，mysweet，yourfoster—lover，KnowingwellwhencertainyearsareoverYouvanishfrommetoanother； YetIknow，andlove，likethefoster—mother。 \"So，franklyfickle，andficklytrue！ Formybrieflife——whileItakefromyouThistoken，fairandfit，meseems，Forme——thiswitheringflowerofdreams。\" *** Thesleep—flowerswaysinthewheatitshead，Heavywithdreams，asthatwithbread： Thegoodlygrainandthesun—flushedsleeperThereaperreaps，andTimethereaper。 Ihang’midmenmyneedlesshead，Andmyfruitisdreams，astheirsisbread： Thegoodlymenandthesun—hazedsleeperTimeshallreap，butafterthereaperTheworldshallgleanofme，methesleeper！ Love！love！yourflowerofwithereddreamInleavedrhymeliessafe，Ideem，Shelteredandshutinanookofrhyme，Fromthereaperman，andhisreaperTime。 Love！IfallintotheclawsofTime： ButlastswithinaleavedrhymeAllthattheworldofmeesteems— Mywithereddreams，mywithereddreams。 TOMONICATHOUGHTDYING You，Othepiteousyou！ WhoallthelongnightthroughAnticipatedlyDiscloseyourselftomeAlreadyinthewaysBeyondourhumancomfortabledays； HowcanyoudeemwhatDeathImpitiablysaithTome，wholisteningwakeForyourpoorsake？ WhenagrownwomandiesYouknowwethinkunceasinglyWhatthingsshesaid，howsweet，howwise； Andthesedomakeourmisery。 Butyouwere（youtomeThedeadanticipatedly！） You——elevenyears，was’tnot，orso？— Werejustachild，youknow； AndsoyouneversaidThingssweetimmeditatablyandwiseTointerdictfromclosuremyweteyes： Butfoolishthings，mydead，mydead！ Littleandlaughable，Youragethatfittedwell。 Andwasitsuchthingsallunmemorable，WasitsuchthingscouldmakeMesoballnightforyourimplacablesake？ Yet，asyousaidtome，Inprettymake—believeofrevelry，SothenightlongsaidDeathWithhismagniloquentbreath； （AndthatrememberedlaughterWhichinourdailyusesfollowedafter，Wasalluntunedtopityandtoawe）： \"Acupofchocolate，Onefarthingistherate，Youdrinkitthroughastraw。\" HowcouldIknow，howknowThoselaughingwordswhendrenchedwithsobbingso？ Anothervoicethanyours，thanyours，hehath！ Mydear，was’tworthhisbreath，Hismightyutterance？——yethesaith，andsaith！ ThisdreadfulDeathtohisowndreadfulnessDothdreadfulwrong，Thisdreadfulchildishbabbleonhistongue！ Thatirontonguemadetospeaksentences，Andwisdominsupportablycomplete，Whyshoulditonlysaythelongnightthrough，Inmimicryofyou，— \"Acupofchocolate，Onefarthingistherate，Youdrinkitthroughastraw，astraw，astraw！\" Oh，ofallsentences，Piercinglyincomplete！ Whydidyouteachthatfatalmouthtodraw，Child，impermissibleawe，Fromyouroldtrivialness？ WhyhaveyoudonemethisMostunsustainablewrong，AndintoDeath’scontrolBetrayedthesecretplacesofmysoul？ Teachinghimthathislips，Utteringtheirnativeearthquakeandeclipse，CouldneversoavailTorendfromhemtohemtheultimateveilOfthismostdesolateSpirit，andleaveitstrippedanddesecrate，— Nay，neversohavewrungFromeyesandspeechweaknessunmanned，unmeet； AswhenhisterribledotagetorepeatItslittlelessonlearnethatyourfeet； AswhenhesitsamongHissepulchres，toplayWithbrokentoysyourhandhascastaway，Withderelicttrinketsofthedarlingyoung。 Whyhaveyoutaught——thathemightsocompleteHisawfulpanoplyFromyourcastplaythings——why，Thisdreadfulchildishbabbletohistongue，Dreadfulandsweet？ Footnotes： {1}Note——Ihavethroughoutthispoemusedanasterisktoindicatethecaesurainthemiddleoftheline，afterthemanneroftheoldSaxonsection—point。