There’syours！Now，withaone-side-poisonedknifeOnemightsnufflifeAndleaveone’sfriendwith——\"fool\"forepitaph！
Anoldtrick？Truth！ButwhenonehastheitchForprettythingsandisn’tveryrich……
There，eatitallorI’llBeangry！Youfeelgiddy？Well，it’shot！
ThisbergamotTakehomeandsmell——itpurgesbloodofbile！
AndwhenyoukissBianca’sdimpledknee，ThinkofthepoorPopeinhismisery！
Nowyoumaykissmyring！
Hothere，theCardinal’slitter！——YoumustdineWhenthenewwineIsin，againwithme——hearBicesing，Evenadmiremyfrescoes——thoughthey’renoughtBesidethecalmGreekgloriesyouhavebought！
Godspeed，SirCardinal！
Andtakeaweakman’sblessing！HelphimthereTothecoolair！……
Lucreziahere？You’rereadyfortheball？
——He’lldiewithintenhours，Isuppose——
MhM！Kissyourpooroldfather，littlerose！
TheBreakingPointItwasnotwhentemptationcame，Swiftlyandblastinglyasflame，Andsearedmewhitewithburningscars；
WhenIstoodupforage-longwarsAndheldtheveryFiendatgrips；
WhenallmymutinousbodyroseTorangeitselfbesidemyfoes，And，likeagreyhoundintheslips，TheBeastthatdwellswithinmeroared，Lungingandstrainingathiscord……
ForalltheblusteringsofHell，ItwasnotthenIslippedandfell；
Forallthestorm，forallthehate，Ikeptmysoulinviolate！
Butwhenthefightwasfoughtandwon，AndtherewasPeaceasstillasDeathOneverythingbeneaththesun。
JustasIstartedtodrawbreath，Andyawn，andstretch，andpatmyself，——Thegrassbegantowhisperthings——
Andeverytreebecameanelf，Thatgrinnedandchuckledcounsellings：
Birds，beasts，onethingalonetheysaid，Beatinganddinningatmyhead。
Icouldnotfly。Icouldnotshunit。
Slimilytwisting，slowandblind，Itcreptandcreptintomymind。
Whisperedandshouted，sneeredandlaughed，Screamedoutuntilmybrainwasdaft……
Onesnakyword，\"WHATIFYOU’DDONEIT？\"
AndIbegantothink……
Ah，well，WhatmatterhowIslippedandfell？
Oryou，yougutter-searchersay！
Tellwhereyoufoundmeyesterday！
LonelyBurialTherewerenotmanyatthatlonelyplace，Wheretwoscourgedhillsmetinalittleplain。
Thewindcriedloudingusts，thenlowagain。
Threepinesstraineddarkly，runnersinaraceUnseenbyany。TowardthefurtherwoodsAdimharshnoiseofvoicesroseandceased。
——Weweremostsilentinthosesolitudes——
Then，suddenasaflame，theblack-robedpriest，TheclottedearthpiledroughlyupaboutThehackedredoblongofthenew-madething，ShortwordsinswordlikeLatin——andaroutOfdreamsmostimpotent，unwearying。
Then，likeablinddoorshutonacarouse，Theterriblebarenessofthesoul’slasthouse。
DinnerinaQuickLunchRoomSoupshouldbeheraldedwithamellowhorn，Blowingclearnotesofgoldagainstthestars；
StrangeentreeswithajangleofglassbarsFantasticallyalivewithsubtlescorn；
Fish，byaplopping，gurglingrushofwaters，Clear，vibrantwaters，beautifullyaustere；
Roast，withathunderofdrumstostuntheear，Ascreamingfife，avoicefromancientslaughters！
Overthesaladletthewoodwindsmoan；
Thenthegreensilenceofmanywatercresses；
Dessert，abalalaika，strummedalone；
Coffee，aslow，lowsingingnopassionstresses；
Sucharemythoughtsas——clang！crash！bang！——IbroodAndgorgethestickymessthesefoolscallfood！
TheHemp（AVirginiaLegend。）
ThePlantingoftheHemp。
CaptainHawkscourgedcleantheseas（Blackisthegapbelowtheplank）
FromtheGreatNorthBanktotheCaribbees（Downbythemarshthehempgrowsrank）。
Hisfearwasontheseaporttowns，Theweightofhishandheldhardthedowns。
Andthemerchantscursedhim，bitterandblack，Foraredflameinthesea-fog’swrackWasalloftheirshipsthatmightcomeback。
Forallhehadonewordalone，Oneclodofdirtintheirfacesthrown，\"Thehempthatshallhangmeisnotgrown！\"
HisnamebestrodetheseaslikeDeath。
Thewaterstrembledathisbreath。
Thisisthetaleofhowhefell，Ofthelongsweepandtheheavyswell，Andtheropethatdraggedhimdowntohell。
Thefightwasdone，andtheguttedship，Strippedlikeasharkthesea-gullsstrip，Lurchedblindly，eatenoutwithflame，Backtothelandfromwhereshecame，Askimminghorror，aneyelessshame。
AndHawkstooduponhisquarter-deck，Andsawtheskyandsawthewreck。
Below，abuttforsailors’jeers，Whiteastheskywhenawhitesquallnears，Huddledthecrowdoftheprisoners。
Overthebridgeofthetotteringplank，Wheretheseashookandthegulfyawnedblank，Theyshriekedandstruggledanddroppedandsank，Pinionedarmsandhandsboundfast。
Onegirlalonewasleftatlast。
SirHenryGauntwasamightylord。
HesatinstateattheCouncilboard；
Thegovernorswereasnoughttohim。
FromonerimtotheotherrimOfhisgreatplantations，flungoutwideLikeapurplecloak，wasafullmonth’sride。
Lifeanddeathinhiswhitehandslay，Andhisonlydaughterstoodatbay，Trappedlikeahareinthetoilsthatday。
Hesatatwineinhisgoldandhislace，Andfaraway，inabloodyplace，Hawkcamenear，andshecoveredherface。
Herodeinthefields，andthehuntwasbrave，AndfarawayhisdaughtergaveAshriekthattheseascriedouttohear，Andhecouldnotseeandhecouldnotsave。
HerwhitesoulwitheredinthemireAspapershrivelsupinfire，AndHawklaughed，andhekissedhermouth，Andherbodyhetookforhisdesire。
TheGrowingoftheHemp。
SirHenrystoodinthemanorroom，Andhiseyeswerehardgemsinthegloom。
Andhesaid，\"GodigmefurrowsfiveWherethegreenmarshcreepslikeathingalive——
Thereatitsedge，wheretherushesthrive。\"
Andwherethefurrowsrenttheground，Hesowedtheseedofhemparound。
AndtheblacksshrinkbackandaresoreafraidAtthefurrowsfivethatribtheglade，Andthevoodooworkofthemaster’sspade。
Foracoldwindblowsfromthemarshlandnear，Andwhitethingsmove，andthenightgrowsdrear，Andtheychatterandcrouchandaresickwithfear。
Butdownbythemarsh，wherethegrayslavesglean，Thehempsproutsup，andtheearthisseenVeiledwithatenuousmistofgreen。
AndHawkstillscourgestheCaribbees，Andmanymenkneelathisknees。
SirHenrysitsinhishousealone，Andhiseyesarehardanddulllikestone。
Andthewavesbeat，andthewindsroar，Andallthingsareastheywerebefore。
Andthedayspass，andtheweekspass，Andnothingchangesbutthegrass。
Butdownwherethefirefliesarelikeeyes，Andthedampsshudder，andthemistsrise，Thehemp-stalksstanduptowardtheskies。
AnddownfromthepoopofthepirateshipAbodyfalls，andthegreatsharksgrip。
Innocent，lovely，goingrace！
Atlastthereispeaceuponyourface。
AndHawklaughsloudasthecorpseisthrown，\"Thehempthatshallhangmeisnotgrown！\"
SirHenry’sfaceisirontomark，Andhegazeseverinthedark。
Andthedayspass，andtheweekspass，Andtheworldisasitalwayswas。
Butdownbythemarshthesicklesbeam，Glitteronglitter，gleamongleam，Andthehempfallsdownbythestagnantstream。
AndHawkbeatsupfromtheCaribbees，SwoopingtopounceintheNorthernseas。
SirHenrysitssunkdeepinhischair，Andwhiteashishandisgrownhishair。
Andthedayspass，andtheweekspass，Andthesandsrollfromthehour-glass。
ButdownbythemarshintheblazingsunThehempissmoothedandtwistedandspun，Theropemade，andtheworkdone。
TheUsingoftheHemp。
CaptainHawkscourgedcleantheseas（Blackisthegapbelowtheplank）
FromtheGreatNorthBanktotheCaribbees（Downbythemarshthehempgrowsrank）。
HesailedinthebroadAtlantictrack，Andtheshipsthatsawhimcamenotback。
Andonceagain，wherethewidetidesran，Hestoopedtoharryamerchantman。
Hebadeherstop。TengunsspaketrueFromherhiddenports，andahiddencrew，Lackinghisgreatshipthroughandthrough。
Dazedanddumbwiththesuddendeath，HescarcehadtimetodrawabreathBeforethegrappling-ironsbitdeep，Andtheboardersslewhiscrewlikesheep。
Hawkstoodupstraight，hisbreasttothesteel；
Hiscutlassmadeabloodywheel。
Hiscutlassmadeawheelofflame。
Theyshrankbeforehimashecame。
Andthebodiesfellinachokingcrowd，Andstillhethunderedoutaloud，\"Thehempthatshallhangmeisnotgrown！\"
Theyfledatlast。Hewasleftalone。
BeforehisfoeSirHenrystood。
\"Thehempisgrown，andmywordmadegood！\"
AndthecutlassclangedwithahissingwhirOnthelashingbladeoftherapier。
Hawkroaredandchargedlikeamaddenedbuck。
Asthecobrastrikes，SirHenrystruck，Pouringhislifeinasinglethrust，Andthecutlassshiveredtosparksanddust。
SirHenrystoodontheblood-staineddeck，Andsethisfootonhisfoe’sneck。
Thenfromthehatch，wheretherentdecksslope，Wherethedeadrollandthewoundedgrope，Hedraggedtheserpentoftherope。
Theskywasblue，andtheseawasstill，Thewaveslappedsoftly，hillonhill，AndbetweenonewaveandanotherwaveThedoomedman’scrieswerelittleandshrill。
Theseawasblue，andtheskywascalm；
Theairdrippedwithagoldenbalm。
Likeawind-blownfruitbetweenseaandsun，Ablackthingwrithedatayard-arm。
Slowlythen，andawesomely，Theshipsank，andthegallows-tree，Andtherewasnoughtbetweenseaandsun——
Noughtbutthesunandtheskyandthesea。
Butdownbythemarshwherethefeverbreeds，Onlythewaterchucklesandpleads；
Forthehempclingsfasttoadeadman’sthroat，AndblindFategathersbackherseeds。
PoorDevil！
Well，Iwastiredoflife；thesillyfolk，Thetiresomenoises，allthecommonthingsIlovedonce，crushedmewithanironyoke。
Ilongedforthecoolquietandthedark，UnderthecommonsodwhereloutsandkingsLiedown，serene，unheeding，careless，stark，Nevertoriseormoveorfeelagain，Filledwiththeecstasyofbeingdead……
IputtheshiningpistoltomyheadAndpulledthetriggerhard——Ifeltnopain，Nopainatall；thepistolhadmissedfireIthought；then，lookingatthefloor，IsawMyhuddledbodylyingthere——andaweSweptoverme。Itrembled——andlookedup。
Aboutmewas——notthat，myheart’sdesire，Thatsmallanddarkabodeofdeathandpeace——
ButallfromwhichIsoughtavainrelease！
Thesky，thepeopleandthestaringsunGlaredatmeasbefore。Iwasundone。
Mylaststatetentimesworsethanwasmyfirst。
HelplessIstood，befooled，betrayed，accursed，FetteredtoLifeforever，horribly；
CaughtinthemeshesofEternity，Nofurtherdoorstobreakorbarstoburst！
GhostsofaLunaticAsylumHere，wheremen’seyeswereemptyandasbrightAstheblankwindowssetinglaringbrick，Whenthewindstrengthensfromthesea——andnightDropslikeafogandmakesthebreathcomethick；
Bythedesertedpaths，thevacanthalls，Onemayseefigures，twistedshadesandlean，LikethemadshapesthatcrawlanIndianscreen，Orpaunchysmearsyoufindonprisonwalls。
Turntheknobgently！There’stheThumblessMan，Stillweavingglassandsilkintoadream，Althoughthewallshowsthroughhim——andtheKhanJourneysCathaybesideapaperstream。
ARabbitWomanchittersbythedoor——
——Chillythegrave-smellcomesfromtheturnedsod——
Come——liftthecurtain——andbecoldbeforeThesilenceoftheeightmenwhowereGod！
TheWhitePeacock（France——AncientRegime。）
I。
Goaway！
Goaway；Iwillnotconfesstoyou！
Hisblackbirettaclingslikeahangman’scap；underhistwitchingfingersthebeadsshiverandclick，Ashemumblesinhiscorner，theshadowdeepensuponhim；
Iwillnotconfess！……
Ishethereorisitintensershadow？
Darkhuddledcoilingsfromtheobscenedepths，Black，formlessshadow，Shadow。
Doorscreak；fromsecretpartsofthechateaucomethescuffleandworryofrats。
Orangelightdripsfromthegutteringcandles，EddyingoverthevastembroideriesofthebedStirringthemonstroustapestries，RetreatingbeforethesableimpendinggloomofthecanopyWithaswiftthrustandsparkleofgold，Lippingmyhands，ThenRipplingbackabashedbeforetheominoussilencesLiketheswiftturnsandstartsofanoverpoweredfencerWhoseesbeforehimHorrorBehindhimdarkness，Shadow。
Theclockjarsandstrikes，athin，suddennotelikethesobofachild。
Clock，buhlclockthattickedoutthetortuoushoursofmybirth，Clock，evil，wizeneddwarfofaclock，howmanyyearsofagonyhaveyourelentlesslymeasured，Yardstickofmystiflingshroud？
IamAumaurydeMontreuil；oncequick，soontobeeatenofworms。
Youhear，Father？Hsh，heisasleepinthenight’scloak。
Overmetoostealssleep。
Sleeplikeawhitemistontherottingpaintingsofcupidsandgodsontheceiling；
Sleeponthecarvenshieldsandknotsatthefootofthebed，Oozing，blurringoutlines，obliteratingcolors，Death。
Father，Father，Imustnotsleep！
Itdoesnothear——thatshadowcrouchedinthecorner……
Isitashadow？
Onemightthinksoindeed，saveforthecalmface，yellowaswax，thatliftslikethefaceofadrownedmanfromthechokingdarkness。
II。
Outofthedrowsyfogmybodycreepsbacktome。
Itisthewhitetimebeforedawn。
Moonlight，watery，pellucid，lifeless，ripplesovertheworld。
Thegrassbeneathitisgray；thestarspaleinthesky。
Thenightdewhasfallen；
Aninfinityoflittledrops，crystalsfromwhichalllighthasbeentaken，Glintonthesighingbranches。
Allispurity，withoutcolor，withoutstir，withoutpassion。
Suddenlyapeacockscreams。
Myheartshocksandstops；
Sweat，coldcorpse-sweatCoversmyrigidbody。
Myhairstandsonend。Icannotstir。Icannotspeak。
Itisterror，terrorthatiswalkingthepalesickgardensAndtheeyelessfacenomanmayseeandlive！
Ah-h-h-h-h！
Father，Father，wake！wakeandsaveme！
Inhiscornerallisshadow。
Deadthingscreepfromtheground。
Itissolongagothatshedied，solongago！
Dustcrushesher，earthholdsher，moldgripsher。
Fiends，doyounotknowthatsheisdead？……
\"Letusdancethepavon！\"shesaid；thewaxlightsglitteredlikeswordsonthepolishedfloor。
Twinklingonjewelledsnuffboxes，beamingsavagelyfromthecrassgoldofcandelabra，Fromthewhiteshouldersofgirlsandthewhitepowderedwigsofmen……
Alllifewasthatdance。
Themocking，resistlesscurrent，Thebeauty，thepassion，theperilousmadness——
Asshetookmyhand，releaseditandspreadherdresseslikepetals，Turning，swayinginbeauty，Alily，bowedbytherain，——
Moonlightshewas，andherbodyofmoonlightandfoam，Andhereyesstars。
Ohthedancehasapattern！
Butthecleargraceofherthrilledthroughthenotesoftheviols，Tremulous，pleading，escaping，immortal，untamed，And，asweended，Sheblewmeakissfromherhandlikeadriftingwhiteblossom——
Andthestarshinewasgone；andshefledlikeabirdupthestair。
Underneaththewindowapeacockscreams，Andclawsclick，scrapeLikelittlelacqueredbootsontheroughstone。
Ohthelongfantasyofthekiss；theceaselesshunger，ceaselessly，divinelyappeased！
Theachingpresenceofthebeloved’sbeauty！
Thewisdom，theincense，thebrightness！
Oncemoreontheice-brightfloortheydancedthepavonButIturnedtothegardenandherfromthelightedcandles。
SoftlyItrodthelushgrassbetweentheblackhedgesofbox。
Softly，forIshouldtakeherunawaresandcatchherarms，Andembraceher，dearandstartled。
BythearborallthemoonlightflowedinsilverAndherheadwasonhisbreast。
ShedidnotscreamorshudderWhenmyswordwaswhereherheadhadlainInthequietmoonlight；
Butturnedtomewithonepalehanduplifted，Allhersatinsfierywiththestarshine，Nacreous，shimmering，weeping，iridescent，Likethequiveringplumageofapeacock……
ThenherheaddroopedandIgrippedherhair，Ohsoft，scentedcloudacrossmyfingers！——
Bendingherwhiteneckback……
Bloodwrithedonmyhands；Itrodinblood……
StupidlyagazeAtthatcrumpledheapofsilkandmoonlight，Whereliketwitchingpinions，anarmtwisted，Palely，andwasstillAsthefaceofchalk。
Thebuhlclockstrikes。
Thirtyyears。Christ，thirtyyears！
Agony。Agony。
Somethingstirsinthewindow，Shatteringthemoonlight。
Whitewingsfan。
Father，Father！
Allitsplumagefierywiththestarshine，Nacreous，shimmering，weeping，iridescent，Itdriftsacrossthefloorandmountsthebed，Tothetapoflittlesatinshoes。
Gazingwithinfernaleyes。
Itsquickbeakthrusting，rending，devil’scrimson……
Screams，greattorturedscreamsshakethedarkcanopy。
Thelightflickers，theshadowinthecornerstirs；
Thewaxfacelifts；theeyesopen。
Athintrickleofbloodwormsdarklyagainstthevastredcoverletandspreadstoapoolonthefloor。
Colors（ForD。M。C。）
ThelittlemanwiththevaguebeardandguisePulledatthewicket。\"Comeinside！\"hesaid，\"I’llshowyouallwe’vegotnow——itwassizeYouwanted？——oh，drycolors！Well\"——heledToadimalleylinedwithmustybins，Andpulledonefiercely。ViolentandboldAsuddentempestofmad，shriekingsinsScarletscreamedoutabovethebatteredgoldOftinsandpicture-frames。Iheldmybreath。
Hetuggedanotherhard——andsapphireskiesSpreadinvastquietude，sereneasdeath，O’erwaveslikecrackledturquoise——andmyeyesBurntwiththeblindingbrillianceofcalmsea！
\"We’resellingthatlotthereoutcheap！\"saidhe。
AMinorPoetIamashell。FrommeyoushallnothearThesplendidtramplingsofinsistentdrums，Theorbedgoldoftheviol’svoicethatcomes，Heavywithradiance，languorousandclear。
Yet，ifyouholdmecloseagainsttheear，Adim，farwhisperrisesclamorously，Thethunderousbeatandpassionofthesea，Theslowsurgeofthetidesthatdrownthemere。
Otherswithsubtlehandsmaypluckthestrings，MakingevenLoveinmusicaudible，Andearthoneglory。IambutashellThatmoves，notofitself，andmovingsings；
Leavingafragrance，faintaswinenew-shed，Atremulousmurmurfromgreatdayslongdead。
TheLoverinHellEternallythechokingsteamgoesupFromtheblackpoolsofseethingoil……
HowmerryThoselittledevilsare！They’vestolenthepitchforkFromBel，there，asheslept……Look！——ohlook，look！
They’vegotatNero！Ohitisn’tfair！
Lord，howhesqueals！Stopit……it’s，well——indecent！
Butfunny！……See，Bel’swaked。They’llcatchitnow！……Eternallythatstiflingreekarises，Blottingthedomewithsmoky，terribletowers，Black，stranglingtrees，whisperingobscenethingsAmongsttheirbranches，clutchingwithmaimedhands，Oroozingslowly，likeblindtentaclesUptothegates；higherthanthatheapedbrickManpiledtosmitethesun。AndallaroundAredevils。Onecanlaugh……butthathunchedshapeThefaceonestone，likethoseAssyriankings！
Oneseesincarvings，watchingmenflayedredHorriblylaughableinleapsandwrithes；
Thatface——utterlyevil，cloudedroundWithevillikeasmoke——itturnssmilessour！……AndNerothere，theflabbycheeksastrainAndsweatingagony……longagony……
Imperishable，unappeasableForever……well……itdroopsthemouth。TillI
Lookup。
There’sonebluepatchnosmokedarestouch。
Sky，clear，ineffable，alivewithlight，Alwaysthesame……
Before，IneverknewRestandgreenpeace。
Shestandsthereinthesun……Itseemssoquaintsheshouldhavelonggoldwings。
Ineverhavegotused——foldedacrossHerbreast，orflutteringwithfierce，purelight，Likeshakensteel。Hercrowntoo。Well，it’squeer！
AndthenshenevercaredmuchfortheharpOnearth。Here，though……
Sheisallpeace，allquiet，Allpassionatedesires，theeloquentthunderOfnew，gladsuns，shoutingaloudforjoy，Overfreshworldsandclean，tramplingtheairLikestoopinghawks，tothelongwindofhorns，FlungfromthebastionsofEternity……
Andsheisthelowlake，drowsyandgentle，Andgoodwordsspokenfromthetonguesoffriends，Andcalmnessintheevening，anddeepthoughts，Fallinglikedreamsfromthestars’solemnmouths。
Allthese。
Theysaidshewasunfaithfulonce。
OrIrememberedit——andso，forthat，Iliehere，Isuppose。Yes，sotheysaid。
Youseesheissotroubled，lookingdown，Sorrowingdeeplyformytorments。I
Ofcourse，feelnothingwhileIseeher——saveThatsometimeswhenIthinkthematterout，Andwhatearth-peoplesaidofus，ofher，ItseemsasifImustbe，here，inheaven，Andshe——……ThenIgrowproud；andsuddenlyTherecomesasplatterofoilagainstmyskin，Hurtingthistime。AndIforgetmypride：
Andmyfacewrithes。
SomedaythelittleladderOfwhitewordsthatIbuildup，up，toherMayfetchmeout。Meanwhileitisn’tbad……
ButwhatasenseofhumorGodmusthave！
WingedManThemoon，asweepingscimitar，dippedinthestormystraits，Thedawn，acrimsoncataract，burstthroughtheeasterngates，Thecliffswererobedinscarlet，thesandswerecinnabar，Wherefirsttwomenspreadwingsforflightanddaredthehawkafar。
Therestandsthecunningworkman，thecraftypastallpraise，ThemanwhochainedtheMinotaur，themanwhobuilttheMaze。
Hisyoungsonisbesidehimandtheboy’sfaceisalight，Alightofdawnandwonderandofvalorinfinite。
Theirgreatvansbeattheclovenair，likeeaglestheymountup，Motesinthewineofmorning，specksinacrystalcup，AndlesthiswingsshouldmeltapaceoldDaedalusflieslow，ButIcarusbeatsup，beatsup，hegoeswherelightningsgo。
Hecaresnomoreforwarnings，herushesthroughthesky，Bravingthecragsofether，daringthegodsonhigh，Black’gainstthecrimsonsunset，goldeno’ercloudysnows，WithallAdventureinhisheartthefirstwingedmanarose。
Droppinggold，droppinggold，wherethemistsofmorningrolled，Onhekepthiswayundaunted，thoughhisbreathswerestabsofcold，Throughthemysteryofdawningthatnomortalmaybehold。
Nowheshouts，nowhesingsintheraptureofhiswings，Andhisgreatheartburnsintenserwiththestrengthofhisdesire，Ashecircleslikeaswallow，wheeling，flaming，gyreongyre。
Gazingstraightatthesun，halfhispilgrimageisdone，Andhestaggersforamoment，hurrieson，reelsbackward，swervesInarainofscatteredfeathersashefallsinbrokencurves。
Icarus，Icarus，thoughtheendispiteous，Yetforever，yea，foreverweshallseetheerisingthus，Seethefirstsupernalglory，nottheruinhideous。
YouwereMan，youwhoranfartherthanoureyescanscan，Manabsurd，gigantic，eagerforimpossibleRomance，OverthrowingallHell’slegionswithonewarpedandbrokenlance。
OnthehigheststeepsofSpacehewillhavehisdwelling-place，Inthosefar，terrificregionswherethecoldcomesdownlikeDeathGleamstheredglintofhispinions，smokesthevaporofhisbreath。
Floatingdownward，veryclear，stilltheechoesreachtheearOfalittletunehewhistlesandalittlesonghesings，Mounting，mountingstill，triumphant，onhistornandbrokenwings！
MusicMyfriendwenttothepiano；spunthestoolAlittlehigher；lefthispipetocool；
Pickedupafatgreenvolumefromthechest；
Andproppeditopen。
Whitelywithoutrest，Hisfingerssweptthekeysthatflashedlikeswords，……Andtothebrutedrumsofbarbarianhordes，Roaringandthunderousandweapon-bare，Anarmystormedthebastionsoftheair！
Dreadfulwithbanners，firetoslayandparch，Marchingtogetherasthelightningsmarch，Andswiftasstorm-clouds。BrazenhelmsandcarsClangedtoafierceresurgenceofoldwarsAbovethescreaminghorns。Instatetheypassed，Tramplingandsplendidonandsoughtthevast——
Rendingthedarknesslikealeapingknife，Theflame，thenoblepageantofourlife！
Theburningsealthatstampsman’shighindentureTovainattemptandmostforlornadventure；
Romance，andpurpleseas，andtopplingtowns，Andthewind’svaliancecryingo’erthedowns；
Thatnervesthesillyhand，thefeeblebrain，FromtheloosenetofwordstodeedsagainAndtoallcourage！PerilousandsharpThelastchordshookmeaswindshakesaharp！……Andmyfriendswungroundonhisstool，andfromgodsweweremen，\"Howpretty！\"wesaid；andwentonwithourtalkagain。
TheInnovator（APharaohSpeaks。）
Isaid，\"WhyshouldapyramidStandalwaysdullyonitsbase？
I’llchangeit！Letthetopbehid，Thebottomtaketheapex-place！\"
AndasIbadetheydid。
Thepeopleflockedin，scoresonscores，Toseeitbalanceonitstip。
Theypraisedmewiththepraisethatbores，Mygodlikemindoneverylip。
——Untilitfell，ofcourse。
AndthentheytookmybodyoutFrommycrushedpalace，madwithrage，——Well，halfthetownWASwrecked，nodoubt——
TheircrazyangertoassuageBydraggingitabout。
Theend？Foulbirdsdefilemyskull。
Thenewking’spraisesfilltheland。
Heclingstoprecept，simple，dull；
HISpyramidsonbasesstand。
But——Lord，howusual！
LoveinTwilightThereisdarknessbehindthelight——andthepalelightdripsColdonvagueshapesandfigures，that，half-seenloomLikethecarvenprowsofproud，far-triumphingships——
Andthefirelightwaversandchangesabouttheroom，Asthethreelogscrackleandburnwithasmallstillsound；
Half-blottingwithdarkthedeeperdarkofherhair，Whereshelies，headpillowedonarm，andonehandcurvedroundToshieldthewhitefaceandneckfromthefaintthinglare。
Gentlyshebreathes——andthelonglimbslieatease，Andtheriseandfalloftheyoung，slim，virginalbreastIsascertain-sweetasthemarchofslowwindthroughtrees，Orthegreatsoftpassageofcloudsinaskyatrest。
Ikneel，andourarmsenlace，andwekisslong，long。
Iamdrownedinherasinsleep。Thereisnomorepain。
OnlytherustleofflameslikeabrokensongThatringshalf-heardthroughthedustyhallsofthebrain。
Oneshakingandfragilemomentofecstasy，Whilethegreygloomfluttersandbeatslikeanowlabove。
AndIwouldnotmoveorspeakfortheseaortheskyOrtheflame-brightwingsofthemiraculousDove！
TheFiddlingWoodGods，whatablack，fierceday！Thecloudswereiron，Wrenchedtostrange，ruggedshapes；theredsunwinkedOvertheroughcrestofthehairywoodInangryscorn；thegreyroadtwisted，kinked，Likeasickserpent，seemingtoenvironThetreeswithmagic。Allthewoodwasstill——
Cracked，cranniedpinesbentlikemaliciouscripplesBeforethegustywind；theyseemedtonose，Nudge，pokeeachother，cacklingwithillmirth——
Enchantment’sdayswereover——sh！——SupposeThatcrouchinglogthere，wherethewhitelightstipplesShould——breakitsquiet！WASTHATCRIMSON——EARTH？
Itsmirchedthegroundlikealewdwhisper，\"Danger！\"——
Ihunchedmycloakaboutme——then，appalled，Turnediceandfirebyturns——for——someonestirredThebrown，dryneedlessharply！TerrorcrawledAlongmyspine，asforththerestepped——aStranger！
Andallthepinescroonedlikeadrowsybird！
Hisstockwasblack。Hisgreatshoe-bucklesglistened。
Hisfurcuffsendedinasheenofrings。
Andunderneathhiscoatacasebulgedblackly——
Heswepthisbeaverinarushofwings！
Thentookthefiddleout，and，asIlistened，Tightenedandtunedtheyellowedstrings，hungslackly。
Ping！Pang！Theclearnotesswoopedandcurvedanddarted，Risinglikegulls。Then，withafingerskinny，Herubbedthebowwithrosin，said，\"YourpardonSignor！——MaestroNicoloPaganiniTheyusedtocallme！Tchk！——ThecoldgripshardonApoormusician’sfingers！\"——Hislipsparted。
Atorturedsoulscreamedsuddenlyandloud，Fromthebrown，quiveringcase！Then，faster，faster，Dancinginflame-likewhorls，wild，beating，screaming，Themusicwailedunutterabledisaster；
Heartbrokenmurmursfrompalelipsonceproud，Dead，chokingmoansfromheartsoncenoblydreaming。
Tillallresolvedinanguish——diedawayUpononeminorchord，andwasresumedInanguish；fellagaintoalowcry，Thenrosetriumphantwherethewhitefiresfumed，Terrible，marching，trampling，reeling，gay，Hurlingmad，brokenlegionsdowntodieThrougheverlastinghells——ThetearsweresaltUponmyfingers——Then，Isaw，behindThefuryoftheplayer，allthetreesCrouchedlikeviolinists，boughscrooked，jerking，blind，Sweepingmadbowstomusicwithoutfault，Greycheekstogreyerfiddles，witheredknees。
Gasping，Ifled！——butstillthatdevilishtuneStunnedearsandbrainalike——tillcloudsofdustBlottedthepicture，andthenoisegrewdim——
Shaking，Ireachedthetown——andturned——intrust——
Wind-smitten，dread，againstthesky-line’srim，Black，dragonbrancheswhippedbelowamoon！
PortraitofaBoyAfterthewhippinghecrawledintobed，Acceptingtheharshfactwithnogreatweeping。
Howfunnyuncle’shathadlookedstripedred！
Hechuckledsilently。Themooncame，sweepingAblack，frayedragoftatteredcloudbeforeInscorning；verypureandpalesheseemed，Floodinghisbedwithradiance。OnthefloorFatmotesdanced。Hesobbed，closedhiseyesanddreamed。
Warmsandflowedroundhim。BlurtsofcrimsonlightSplashedthewhitegrainslikeblood。Pastthecave’smouthShonewithalarge，fiercesplendor，wildlybright，ThecrookedconstellationsoftheSouth；
HeretheCrossswung；andthere，affrontingMars，TheCentaurstormedasideafrothofstars。
Within，greatcasks，likewattledaldermen，Sighedofenormousfeasts，andclothofgoldGlowedonthewallslikehotdesire。Again，Besidewebbedpurplesfromsomegalleon’shold，AblackchestboretheskullandbonesinwhiteAboveascrawled\"Gunpowder！\"Bytheflames，Deckedoutincrimson，gemmedwithsyenite，Hailingtheirfellowswithoutrageousnames，Thepiratessatanddiced。Theireyesweremoons。
\"Doubloons！\"theysaid。Thewordscrashedgold。\"Doubloons！\"
PortraitofaBabyHelaywithinawarm，softworldOfmotion。Colorsbloomedandfled，Maroonandturquoise，saffron，red，WaveuponwavethatbrokeandwhirledTovanishinthegrey-greengloom，Perspectivelessandshadowy。
Abulgingworldthathadnowalls，Aflowingworld，mostlikethesea，CompassingallinfinityWithinashapeless，ebbingroom，Anendlesstidethatswellsandfalls……
Hesleptandwokeandsleptagain。
AsaveildropsTimedroppedaway；
Spacegrewatoyforchildren’splay，SleepboltedfastthegatesofSense——
Helayinnakedimpotence；
LikeadrenchedmoththatcreepsandcrawlsHeavilyupbrown，light-bakedwalls，Tofallinwreck，hertaskundone，Yetsomehowstrivingtowardthesun。
So，asheslept，hishandsclenchedtighter，Shutintheoldwayofthefighter，Hisfeetcurleduptogriptheground，Hismusclestautenedforabound；
Andthoughhefelt，andfeltalone，Strangebrightnessstirredhimtothebone，Cravingstorise——tilldeepersleepBuriedthehope，thecall，theleap；
Awindpuffedouthismind’sfaintspark。
Hewasabsorbedintothedark。
HewokeagainandfeltasurgeWithinhim，amysteriousurgeThatgrewonehungryflameofpassion；
Thewholeworldalteredshapeandfashion。
Deceived，befooled，bereftandtorn，Hescourgedtheheavenswithhisscorn，LiftingabittervoicetocryAgainsttheeternaltreachery——
Till，suddenly，hefoundthebreast，Andceased，andallthingswereatrest，TheearthgrewonewarmlanguidseaAndheawave。Joy，tingling，creptThroughouthim。Hewasquenchedandslept。
So，whilethemoonmadebroadherring，Hesleptandcriedandwasaking。
So，worthily，heactedo’erTheendlessmiracleoncemore。
Facingimmenseadventuresdaily，Hestrovestillonward，weeping，gaily，Conqueredorfledfromthem，butgrewAssoil-starved，roughpine-saplingsdo。
Till，oneday，crawlingseemedsuspect。
HegrippedtheairandstooderectAndsplendid。WithimmortalrageHeenteredonman’sheritage！
TheGeneralPublic\"Ah，didyouonceseeShelleyplain？\"——Browning。
\"Shelley？Oh，yes，Isawhimoftenthen，\"
Theoldmansaid。AdrysmilecreasedhisfaceWithmanywrinkles。\"That’sagreatpoem，now！
ThatoneofBrowning’s！Shelley？Shelleyplain？
ThetimethatIrememberbestisthis——
Athinmirecreptalongtheruttedways，AndallthetreeswereharriedbycoldrainThatdroveamomentfiercelyandthenceased，FallingsoslowithunglikeagreymistOvertheschool。Thewalkswerelikeblurredglass。
Thebuildingsreekedwithvapor，blackandharshAgainstthedeepeningdarknessofthesky；
Andeachlampwasahazyyellowmoon，Fillingthespaceaboutwithgoldenmotes，Andmakingallthingslargerthantheywere。
Oneyellowhalohungaboveadoor，Thatgaveonablackpassage。RoundaboutStruggledahowlingcrowdofboys，pell-mell，Pushingandjostlinglikeastormysea，Withshoutingfaces，turnedapastywhiteBythestrangelight，forfoam。Theyallhadclods，Orslimyballsofmud。Afewgrippedstones。
Andthere，hisbackagainstthebattereddoor，Hispileofbooksscatteredabouthisfeet，StoodShelleywhiletwoothersheldhimfast，Andtheclodsbeatuponhim。`Shelley！Shelley！’
Thehighshoutsrangthroughallthecorridors，`Shelley！MadShelley！Comealongandhelp！’
Andallthecrowddugmadlyattheearth，Scratchingandclawingatthestreamingmud，Andfouledeachotherandthemselves。AndstillShelleystoodup。HiseyeswerelikeaflameSetinsomewhite，stillroom；forallhisfaceWaswhite，awhitenesslikenohumancolor，Butwhiteanddreadfulasconsumingfire。
Hishandsshooknowandthen，likeslendercordsWhichbeartooheavyweights。Hedidnotspeak。
SoIsawShelleyplain。\"
\"Andyou？\"Isaid。
\"I？Ithrewstraighterthanthemostofthem，Andhadfirmclods。Ihithim——well，atleastThriceintheface。Hemadegoodsportthatnight。\"
RoadandHillsIshallgoawayTothebrownhills，thequietones，Thevast，themountainous，therolling，Sun-firedanddrowsy！
MyhorsesnuffsdelicatelyAtthestrangewind；
Hesettlestoaswingingtrot；hishoofstrampthedust。
Theroadwinds，straightens，Slashesamarsh，Shouldersoutabridge，Then——
Againthehills。
Unchanged，innumerable，Bowinghuge，roundbacks；
Holdingsecret，immenseconverse：
Ingustyvoices，Fruitful，fecund，toilingLikeyokedblackoxen。
Thecloudspasslikegreat，slowthoughtsAndvanishIntheintenseblue。
Myhorselopes；thesaddlecreaksandsways。
Athousandglitteringspearsofsunslantfromonhigh。
Theimmensity，thespaces，ArelikethespacesBetweenstarandstar。
Thehillssleep。
IfIputmyhandonone，Iwouldfeelthevastheaveofitsbreath。
IwouldstartawaybeforeitawakenedAndshooktheworldfromitsshoulders。
Acicada’scrydeepensthehotsilence。
ThehillsopenToshowaslopeofpoppies，Ardent，noble，heroic，Aflare，agreatflameoforange；
Givingsleepy，brittlescentThatstingsthelungs。
Acreepingwindslipsthroughthemlikeaferret；theybowanddance，answeringBeauty’svoice……
Thehorsewhinnies。IdismountAndtiehimtothegreywornfence。
Isetmyselfagainstthejavelinsofgrassandsun；
Andclimbtheroundedbreast，Thatflowslikeasea-wave。
Thesummitcrackleswithheat，thereisnoshelter，nohollowfromtheflagellatingglare。
Iliedownandlookatthesky，shadingmyeyes。
Mybodybecomesstrange，thesuntakesitandchangesit，itdoesnotfeel，itislikethebodyofanother。
Theairblazes。Theairisdiamond。
Smallnoisesmoveamongthegrass……
Blackly，Ahawkmounts，mountsintheinaneSeekingthestar-road，Seekingtheend……
Butthereisnoend。
Here，inthislight，thereisnoend……
ElegyforanEnemy（ForG。H。）
Say，doesthatstupidearthWheretheyhavelaidher，Bindstillhersullenmirth，Mirthwhichbetrayedher？
Dothelushgrasseshold，Greenlyandglad，Thatbrittle-perfectgoldShealonehad？
Smuglythecommoncrew，Overtheirknitting，Mournher——asbutchersdoSheep-throatsthey’reslitting！
Shewasmyenemy，Oneofthebestofthem。
Wouldshecomebacktome，Goddamntherestofthem！
Damnthem，theflabby，fat，Sleeklittledarlings！
Wegavethemtitfortat，Snarlingsforsnarlings！
Squashypomposities，Shockedatourviolence，LetnotonetactfulhissBreakhernewsilence！
Maidsofantiquity，Lookwelluponher；
Icewasherchastity，Spotlessherhonor。
Neighbors，withbreastsofsnow，Damesofmuchvirtue，Howshecouldflameandglow！
Lord，howshehurtyou！
Shewasawoman，andTender——attimes！
（Delicatewasherhand）
Oneofhercrimes！
Hairthatstrayedelfinly，Lipsredashaws，You，withthereadylie，Wasthatthecause？
Restyou，myenemy，Slainwithoutfault，LifesmacksbuttastelesslyLackingyoursalt！
StuckinabogwhencenaughtMaycatapultme，Comefromthegrave，long-sought，Comeandinsultme！
WEknewthatsugaredstuffPoisonedtheother；
Roughasthewindisrough，Sisterandbrother！
BreathingtheetherclearOthersforlornhavefound——
Oh，forthatpeaceaustereSheandherscornhavefound！
BiographicalNote：
StephenVincentBene’t（22July1898-13March1943）wasfromafamilywithrootsinFlorida，whichexplainstheSpanishname。AlthoughborninBethlehem，Pennsylvania，hisfatherwasacolonelintheU。S。Army，andhencehegrewupinCaliforniaandGeorgia。HeattendedYalestartingin1915andthatsameyearpublishedhisfirstbookofpoems，`FiveMenandPompey’。`YoungAdventure’（1918）isconsideredhisfirstmaturebookofpoetry，andhewentontowintwoPulitzerPrizes，in1929for`JohnBrown’sBody’andin1944for`WesternStar’。
Itappearsthatthewholefamilyhadgreattalents，ashisgrandfatherwasaBrigadierGeneral，hisfatheraColonel，andbothStephenandhisbrotherWilliamRoseBenetwonPulitzerPrizesforpoetry。
