Illtherose-redandthesablefeatherBlendinonecrown\'splume,asgriefwithmirth:
Illmetstillarewarmandwintryweather,Deathandbirth.
BIRTHANDDEATH
Birthanddeath,twin-sisterandtwin-brother,Nightandday,onallthingsthatdrawbreath,Reign,whiletimekeepsfriendswithoneanotherBirthanddeath.
Eachbrow-boundwithflowersdiverseofwreath,Heaventheyhailasfather,earthasmother,Faithfulfoundabovethemandbeneath.
Smilesmaylightentears,andtearsmaysmotherSmiles,forallthatjoyorsorrowsaith:
JoynorsorrowknowsnotfromeachotherBirthanddeath.
BENEDICTION
Blestindeathandlifebeyondman\'sguessingLittlechildrenliveanddie,possestStillofgracethatkeepsthempastexpressingBlest.
Eachleastchirpthatringsfromeverynest,Eachleasttouchofflower-softfingerspressingAughtthatyearnsandtremblestobeprest,Eachleastglance,givesgiftsofgrace,redressingGrief\'sworstwrongs:eachmother\'snurturingbreastFeedsaflowerofbliss,beyondallblessingBlest.
ETUDEREALISTE
I.
ABaby\'sfeet,likesea-shellspink,Mighttempt,shouldheavenseemeet,Anangel\'slipstokiss,wethink,Ababy\'sfeet.
Likerose-huedsea-flowerstowardtheheatTheystretchandspreadandwinkTheirtensoftbudsthatpartandmeet.
Noflower-bellsthatexpandandshrinkGleamhalfsoheavenlysweetAsshineonlife\'suntroddenbrinkAbaby\'sfeet.
II.
Ababy\'shands,likerosebudsfurledWhenceyetnoleafexpands,Opeifyoutouch,thoughcloseupcurled,Ababy\'shands.
Then,fastaswarriorsgriptheirbrandsWhenbattle\'sboltishurled,Theyclose,clenchedhardliketighteningbands.
NorosebudsyetbydawnimpearledMatch,eveninloveliestlands,Thesweetestflowersinalltheworld-
Ababy\'shands.
III.
Ababy\'seyes,erespeechbegin,Erelipslearnwordsorsighs,BlessallthingsbrightenoughtowinAbaby\'seyes.
Love,whilethesweetthinglaughsandlies,Andsleepflowsoutandin,SeesperfectinthemParadise.
Theirglancemightcastoutpainandsin,Theirspeechmakedumbthewise,BymutegladgodheadfeltwithinAbaby\'seyes.
BABYHOOD
I.
AbabyshinesasbrightIfwinterorifMaybeOneyesthatkeepinsightAbaby.
Thoughdarktheskiesorgreybe,Itfillsoureyeswithlight,Ifmidnightormiddaybe.
Lovehailsit,dayandnight,ThesweetestthingthatmaybeYetcannotpraisearightAbaby.
II.
Allheaven,ineverybabyborn,Allabsoluteofearthlyleaven,Revealsitself,thoughmanmayscornAllheaven.
Yetmanmightfeelallsinforgiven,Allgriefappeased,allpainoutworn,Bythisonerevelationgiven.
Soul,nowforgetthyburdensborne:
Heart,bethyjoysnowseventimesseven:
LoveshowsinlightmorebrightthanmornAllheaven.
III.
Whatlikenessmaydefine,andstraynotFromtruth\'sexactestway,Ababy\'sbeauty?LovecansaynotWhatlikenessmay.
TheMayflowerloveliestheldinMayOfallthatshineandstaynotLaughsnotinrosierdisarray.
Sleeksatin,swansdown,budsthatplaynotAsyetwithwindsthatplay,Wouldfainbematchedwiththis,andmaynot:
Whatlikenessmay?
IV.
Rose,roundwhosebedDawn\'scloudletsclose,Earth\'sbrightest-bredRose!
Nosong,loveknows,MaypraisetheheadYourcurtainshows.
Eresleephasfled,ThewholechildglowsOnesweetliveredRose.
FIRSTFOOTSTEPS
Alittleway,moresoftandsweetThanfieldsaflowerwithMay,Ababe\'sfeet,venturing,scarcecompleteAlittleway.
EyesfullofdawningdayLookupformother\'seyestomeet,Tooblitheforsongtosay.
GladasthegoldenspringtogreetItsfirstliveleaflet\'splay,Love,laughing,leadsthelittlefeetAlittleway.
ANINTHBIRTHDAY
FEBRUARY4,1883
I.
Threetimesthricehathwinter\'sroughwhitewingCrossedandcurdledwellsandstreamswithiceSincehisbirthwhosepraiseslovewouldsingThreetimesthrice.
EarthnorseabearsflowernorpearlofpriceFittocrowntheforeheadofmyking,Honeymeettopleasehim,balm,norspice.
LovecanthinkofnoughtbutlovetobringFittoserveordohimsacrificeErehiseyeshavelookeduponthespringThreetimesthrice.
II.
Threetimesthricetheworldhasfallenonslumber,Shoneandwanedandwitheredinatrice,FrosthasfetteredThamesandTyneandHumberThreetimesthrice,Fogshaveswolntoothickforsteeltoslice,CloudandmudhavesoiledwithgrimeandumberEarthandheaven,defacedassoulswithvice,Windshaverisentowreck,snowsfallentocumber,Shipsandchariots,trappedlikeratsormice,Sincemykingfirstsmiled,whoseyearsnownumberThreetimesthrice.
III.
Threetimesthrice,inwineofsongfull-flowing,Pledge,myheart,thechildwhoseeyessuffice,Oncebeheld,tosetthyjoy-bellsgoingThreetimesthrice.
NotthelandsofpalmanddateandriceGlowmorebrightwhensummerleavesthemglowing,Laughmorelightwhensunsandwindsentice.
Noonandeveandmidnightandcock-crowing,Childwhoselovemakeslifeasparadise,LoveshouldsoundyourpraisewithclarionsblowingThreetimesthrice.
NOTACHILD
I.
\'Notachild:Icallmyselfaboy,\'
Saysmyking,withaccentsternyetmild,Nownineyearshavebroughthimchangeofjoy;
\'Notachild.\'
Howcouldreasonbesofarbeguiled,Errsofarfromsense\'ssafeemploy,Straysowideoftruth,orrunsowild?
Seeinghisfacebentoverbookortoy,ChildIcalledhim,smiling:buthesmiledBack,asonetoohighforvainannoy-
Notachild.
II.
Notachild?alacktheyear!
WhatshouldailanundefiledHeart,thathewouldfainappearNotachild?
Men,withyearsandmemoriespiledEachonother,farandnear,Fainagainwouldsobestyled:
Fainwouldcastoffhopeandfear,Rest,forget,bereconciled:
Whywouldyousofainbe,dear,Notachild?
III.
Childorboy,mydarling,whichyouwill,Stillyourpraisefindsheartandsongemploy,Heartandsongbothyearningtowardyoustill,Childorboy.
AlljoyselsemightsoonerpallorcloyLovethanthiswhichinlytakesitsfill,Dear,ofsightofyourmoreperfectjoy.
Nay,beaughtyouplease,letallfulfilAllyourpleasure;beyourworldyourtoy:
Mildorwildweloveyou,loudorstill,Childorboy.
Childoftwostrongnations,heirBornofhigh-souledhopethatsmiled,SeeingforeachbroughtforthafairChild,Bythygraciousbrows,andwildGolden-cloudedheavenofhair,Bythineeyeselateandmild,HopewouldfaintakehearttoswearMenshouldyetbereconciled,Seeingthesignshebidstheebear,Child.
THEROUNDEL
Aroundeliswroughtasaringorastarbrightsphere,Withcraftofdelightandwithcunningofsoundunsought,ThattheheartofthehearermaysmileiftopleasurehisearAroundeliswrought.
Itsjewelofmusiciscarvenofallorofaught-
Love,laughter,ormourning——remembranceofraptureorfear-
Thatfancymayfashiontohangintheearofthought.
Asabird\'squicksongrunsround,andtheheartsinushearPauseanswertopause,andagainthesamestraincaught,Somovesthedevicewhence,roundasapearlortear,Aroundeliswrought.
ATSEA
\'Farewellandadieu\'wastheburdenprevailingLongsinceinthechantofahome-faringcrew;
Andtheheartinusechoes,withlaughingorwailing,Farewellandadieu.
Eachyearthatweliveshallwesingitanew,WithawateruntravelledbeforeusforsailingAndawaterbehindusthatwrecksmaybestrew.
Thestarsofthepastandthebeaconsarepaling,Theheavensandthewatersarehoarierofhue:
ButtheheartinuschantsnotanallunavailingFarewellandadieu.
WASTEDLOVE
WhatshallbedoneforsorrowWithlovewhoseraceisrun?
Wherehelpisnonetoborrow,Whatshallbedone?
InvainhishandshavespunTheweb,ordrawnthefurrow:
Noresttheirtoilhathwon.
Histaskisallgonethorough,Andfruitthereofisnone:
Andwhodaresayto-morrowWhatshallbedone?
BEFORESUNSET
Love\'stwilightwanesinheavenabove,Oneartheretwilightreigns:
Erefearmayfeelthechillthereof,Love\'stwilightwanes.
Ereyettheinsatiateheartcomplains\'Toomuch,andscarceenough,\'
Thelipsolateathirstrefrains.
SoftontheneckofeitherdoveLove\'shandsletslipthereins:
AndwhilewelookforlightofloveLove\'stwilightwanes.
ASINGINGLESSON
Far-fetchedanddear-bought,astheproverbrehearses,Isgood,orwasheldso,forladies:butnoughtInasongcanbegoodiftheturnoftheverseisFar-fetchedanddear-bought.
Astheturnofawaveshoulditsound,andthethoughtRingsmooth,andaslightasthespraythatdispersesBethegleamofthewordsforthegarbthereofwrought.
LetthesoulinitshinethroughthesoundasitpiercesMen\'sheartswithpossessionofmusicunsought;
Forthebountiesofsongarenojealousgod\'smercies,Far-fetchedanddear-bought.
FLOWER-PIECES
I——LOVELIESBLEEDING
LoveliesbleedinginthebedwhereoverRosesleanwithsmilingmouthsorpleading:
Earthlieslaughingwherethesun\'sdartcloveher:
Loveliesbleeding.
Statelyshinehispurpleplumes,exceedingPrideofprinces:norshallmaidorloverFindonearthafairersignworthheeding.
Yetmaylove,sorewoundedscarcerecoverStrengthandspiritagain,withlifereceding:
Hopeandjoy,wind-winged,abouthimhover:
Loveliesbleeding.
II——LOVEINAMIST
Lightloveinamist,bythemidsummermoonmisguided,Scarceseeninthetwilightgardenifgloominsist,SeemsvainlytoseekforastarwhosegleamhasderidedLightloveinamist.
Alldayinthesun,whenthebreezesdoalltheylist,HissoftblueraimentofcloudlikeblossomabidedUnrentandunwitheredofwindsandofraysthatkissed.
Blithe-heartedorsad,asthecloudorthesunsubsided,LovesmiledintheflowerwithameaningwhereofnonewistSavetwothatbeheld,asagleamthatbeforethemglided,Lightloveinamist.
THREEFACES
I——VENTIMIGLIA
Theskyandseaglaredhardandbrightandblank:
Downtheonesteepstreet,withslowstepsfirmandfree,Atallgirlpaced,witheyestooproudtothankTheskyandsea.
Onedeadflatsapphire,voidofwrathorglee,ThroughbayonbayshoneblindfrombanktobankThewearyMediterranean,dreartosee.
Moredeep,moreliving,shonehereyesthatdrankThebreathlesslightandshedagainonme,TillpalebeforetheirsplendourwanedandshrankTheskyandsea.
II——GENOA
Againthesamestrangemightofeyes,thatsawInheavenandearthnoughtfairer,overcameMysightwithraptureofreiterateawe,Againthesame.
Theself-samepulseofwondershooklikeflameThespiritofsensewithinme:whatstrangelawHadbidthisbe,forblessingorforblame?
TowhatveiledendthatfateorchanceforesawCameforththissecondsisterface,thatcameAbsolute,perfect,fairwithoutaflaw,Againthesame?
III——VENICE
Outofthedarkpuretwilight,wherethestreamFlowsglimmering,streakedbymanyabirdlikebarkThatskimsthegloomwhencetowersandbridgesgleamOutofthedark,OncemoreafacenoglancemightchoosebutmarkShonepaleandbright,witheyeswhosedeepslowbeamMadequickthetwilight,lifelesselseandstark.
Thesameitseemed,ormysterymadeitseem,Asthosebeforebeholden;butSt.MarkRuledherethewaysthatshoweditlikeadreamOutofthedark.
EROS
I.
Eros,fromrestinislesfar-famed,WithrisingAnthesterionrose,AndallHellenicheightsacclaimedEros.
Theseaonepearl,theshoreonerose,Allroundhimalltheflower-monthflamedAndlightened,laughingoffrepose.
Earth\'sheart,sublimeandunashamed,Knew,evenperchanceasman\'sheartknows,Thethirstofallmen\'snaturenamedEros.
II.
Eros,afireofheartuntamed,Alightofspiritinsensethatglows,FlamedheavenwardstillereearthdefamedEros.
NorfearnorshamedurstcurborcloseHisgoldengodhead,marredandmaimed,Fastroundwithbondsthatburntandfroze.
EreevilfaithstruckblindandlamedLove,pureasfireorflowersorsnows,EarthhailedasblamelessandunblamedEros.
III.
Eros,withshaftsbythousandsaimedAtlaughingloversroundinrows,FadesfromtheirsightwhosetonguesproclaimedEros.
ButhigherthantransientshapesorshowsThelightofloveinlifeinflamedSprings,towardnogoalthatthesedisclose.
AbovethoseheavenswhichpassionclaimedShines,veiledbychangethatebbsandflows,Thesoulinallthingsbornorframed,Eros.
SORROW
Sorrow,onwingthroughtheworldforever,HereandthereforawhilewouldborrowRest,ifrestmighthaplydeliverSorrow.
OnethoughtliescloseinherheartgnawnthoroughWithpain,aweedinadried-upriver,Arust-redshareinanemptyfurrow.
HeartsthatstrainatherchainwoneverSorrow.
SLEEP
Sleep,whenasoulthatherowncloudscoverWailsthatsorrowshouldalwayskeepWatch,norseeinthegloomaboveherSleep,Down,throughdarknessnakedandsteep,Sinks,andthegiftsofhisgracerecoverSoonthesoul,thoughherwoundbedeep.
Godbelovedofus,allmen\'slover,AllmostwearythatsmileorweepFeeltheeafaroranearthemhover,Sleep.
ONANOLDROUNDEL
TRANSLATEDBYD.C.ROSSETTIFROMTHEFRENCHOFVILLON
I.
Death,fromthyrigouravoiceappealed,Andmenstillhearwhatthesweetcrysaith,Cryingaloudinthineearsfastsealed,Death.
Asavoiceinavisionthatvanisheth,Throughthegrave\'sgatebarredandtheportalsteeledThesoundofthewailofittravelleth.
Wailingaloudfromaheartunhealed,ItwokeresponseofmelodiousbreathFromlipsnowtoobythykisscongealed,DeathII.
Agesago,fromthelipsofasadgladpoetWhosesoulwasawilddovelostinthewhirlingsnow,ThesoftkeenplaintofhispaintookvoicetoshowitAgesago.
Soclear,sodeep,thedivinedrearaccentsflow,Nosoulthatlistensmaychoosebutthrilltoknowit,Piercedandwrungbythepassionatemusic\'sthroe.
Forustheremurmursanearervoicebelowit,Knownonceofearsthatneveragainshallknow,Nowmuteasthemouthwhichfeltdeath\'swaveo\'erflowitAgesago.
ALANDSCAPEBYCOURBET
Lowliesthemerebeneaththemoorside,stillAndgladofsilence:downthewoodsweepsclearTotheutmostvergewherefedwithmanyarillLowliesthemere.
Thewindspeaksonlysummer:eyenorearSeesaughtatallofdark,hearsaughtofshrill,Fromsoundorshadowfeltorfanciedhere.
Strange,aswepraisethedeadman\'smightandskill,Strangethatharshthoughtsshouldmakesuchheavycheer,While,clothedwithpeacebyheaven\'smostgentlewill,Lowliesthemere.
AFLOWER-PIECEBYFANTIN
Heart\'seaseorpansy,pleasureorthought,Whichwouldthepicturegiveusofthese?
SurelytheheartthatconceiveditsoughtHeart\'sease.
SurelybygladanddivinedegreesTheheartimpellingthehandthatwroughtWroughtcomforthereforasoul\'sdisease.
Deepflowers,withlustreanddarknessfraught,FromglassthatgleamsasthechillstillseasLeanandlendforaheartdistraughtHeart\'sease.
ANIGHT-PIECEBYMILLET
Windandseaandcloudandcloud-forsakingMirthofmoonlightwherethestormleavesfreeHeavenawhile,forallthewrathofwakingWindandsea.
Brightwithgladmadrapture,fiercewithglee,Laughsthemoon,borneonpastcloud\'so\'ertakingFast,itseems,aswindorsailcanflee.
Oneblownsailbeneathher,hardlymakingForth,wild-wingedforharbourageyettobe,StrivesandleapsandpantsbeneaththebreakingWindandsea.
\'MARZOPAZZO\'
MadMarch,withthewindinhiswingswide-spread,Leapsfromheaven,andthedeepdawn\'sarchHailsre-risenagainfromthedeadMadMarch.
SoftsmallflamesonrowanandlarchBreakforthaslaughteronlipsthatsaidNoughttillthepulseinthembeatlove\'smarch.
Buttheheartbeatnowinthelipsrose-redSpeakslifetotheworld,andthewindsthatparchBringAprilforthasabridetowedMadMarch.
DEADLOVE
Deadlove,bytreasonslain,liesstark,Whiteasadeadstark-strickendove:
NonethatpassbyhimpausetomarkDeadlove.
Hisheart,thatstrainedandyearnedandstroveAstowardthesundawnstrivesthelark,Iscoldasalltheoldjoythereof.
Deadmen,re-risenfromdust,mayharkWhenringsthetrumpetblownabove:
ItwillnotraisefromoutthedarkDeadlove.
DISCORD
Unreconciledbylife\'sfleetyears,thatfledWithchangefulclangofpinionswideandwild,Thoughtwogreatspiritshadlived,andhencehadspedUnreconciled;
Thoughtimeandchange,harshtime\'simperiouschild,Thatwedstrangehandstogether,mightnotwedHighheartsbyhope\'smisprisiononcebeguiled;
Faith,bythelightfromeither\'smemoryshed,Sees,radiantastheirendswereundefiled,Onegoalforeach——nottwainamongthedeadUnreconciled.
CONCORD
Reconciledbydeath\'smildhand,thatgivingPeacegiveswisdom,notmorestrongthanmild,Lovebeholdsthem,eachwithoutmisgivingReconciled.
Eachonearthalikeofearthreviled,Hated,feared,derided,andforgiving,Eachalikehadheavenatheart,andsmiled.
Bothbrightnames,clothedroundwithman\'sthanksgiving,Shine,twinstarsabovethestorm-driftspiled,Deadanddeathless,whomwesawnotlivingReconciled.
MOURNING
Alasmybrother!thecryofthemournersofoldThatcriedoneachother,Allcryingaloudonthedeadasthedeath-noterolled,Alasmybrother!
AsflashesofdawnthatmistsfromaneastwindsmotherWithfolduponfold,Thepastyearsgleamthatlinkedusonewithanother.
TimesundersheartsasofbrethrenwhoseeyesbeholdNomoretheirmother:
Butacrysoundsyetfromtheshrinewhosefireswaxcold,Alasmybrother!
APEROTOSEROS
Strongasdeath,andcruelasthegrave,Clothedwithcloudandtempest\'sblackeningbreath,Knownofdeath\'sdreadself,whomnoneoutbrave,Strongasdeath,Love,brow-boundwithanguishforawreath,Fiercewithpain,atyrant-heartedslave,Burnsaboveaworldthatgroansbeneath.
Hathnotpitypowerontheetosave,Love?hathpowernopity?Noughthesaith,Answering:blindhewalksaswindorwave,Strongasdeath.
TOCATULLUS
Mybrother,myValerius,dearestheadOfallwhosecrowningbay-leavescrowntheirmotherRome,inthenotesfirstheardofthineIreadMybrother.
NodustthatdeathortimecanstrewmaysmotherLoveandthesenseofkinshipinlybredFromlovesandhatesatonewithoneanother.
TotheewasCaesar\'sselfnordearnordread,Songandtheseaweresweetereachthanother:
HowshouldIlivingfeartocalltheedeadMybrother?
\'INSULARUMOCELLE\'
Sark,fairerthanaughtintheworldthatthelitskiescover,Laughsinlybehindhercliffs,andtheseafarersmarkAsashrinewherethesunlightserves,thoughtheblowncloudshover,Sark.
Wemourn,forloveofasongthatoutsangthelark,ThatnoughtsolovelybeholdenofSirmio\'sloverMadegladinPropontistheflightofhisPonticbark.
Hereearthlieslordly,triumphalasheavenisaboveher,Andsplendidandstrangeastheseathatupbearsasanark,Asasignfortheraptureofstorm-spenteyestodiscover,Sark.
INSARK
Abreastandaheadoftheseaisacrag\'sfrontclovenasunderWithstrongsea-breachandwithwastingofwindswhenceterrorisshedAsashadowofdeathfromthewingsofthedarknessonwatersthatthunderAbreastandahead.
Atitsedgeisasepulchrehollowedandhewnforaloneman\'sbed,Proppedopenwithrockandagapeontheskyandtheseathereunder,Butroofedandwalledinwellfromthewrathofthemsleptitsdead.
Heremightnotamandrinkraptureofrest,ordelightabovewonder,Beholding,asouldisembodied,thedaysandthenightsthatfled,Withsplendourandsoundofthetempestaroundandabovehimandunder,Abreastandahead?
INGUERNSEY
TOTHEODOREWATTS
I.
Theheavenlybay,ringedroundwithcliffsandmoors,Storm-stainedravines,andcragsthatlawnsinlay,SoothesaswithlovetherockswhoseguardsecuresTheheavenlybay.
Ofriend,shalltimetakeeverthisaway,Thisblessinggivenofbeautythatendures,Thisgloryshownus,nottopassbutstay?
Thoughsightbechangedformemory,loveensuresWhatmemory,changedbylovetosight,wouldsay-
ThewordthatsealsforevermineandyoursTheheavenlybay.
II.
Mymothersea,myfostress,whatnewstrand,Whatnewdelightofwaters,maythisbe,Thefairestfoundsincetime\'sfirstbreezesfannedMymothersea?
OncemoreIgivemebodyandsoultothee,Whohastmysoulforever:cliffandsandRecede,andhearttoheartoncemorearewe.
Myheartspringsfirstandplunges,eremyhandStrikeoutfromshore:morecloseitbringstome,Morenearanddearthanseemsmyfatherland,Mymothersea.
III.
Acrossandalong,asthebay\'sbreadthopens,ando\'erusWildautumnexultsinthewind,swiftraptureandstrongImpelsus,andbroaderthewidewavesbrightenbeforeusAcrossandalong.
Thewholeworld\'sheartisuplifted,andknowsnotwrong;
Thewholeworld\'slifeisachanttothesea-tide\'schorus;
Arewenotaswavesofthewater,asnotesofthesong?
Likechildrenunwornofthepassionsandtoilsthatworeus,Webreastforaseasonthebreadthoftheseasthatthrong,Rejoicingasthey,tobeborneasofoldtheyboreusAcrossandalong.
IV.
OnDante\'strackbysomefunerealspellDrawndownthroughdesperatewaysthatleadnotbackWeseemtomove,boundforthpastfloodandfellOnDante\'strack.
Thegreypathends:thegauntrocksgape:theblackDeephollowtortuousnight,asoundlessshell,Glaresdarkness:arethefiresofoldgrownslack?
Nay,then,whatflamesarethesethatleapandswellAs\'tweretoshow,whereearth\'sfoundationscrack,ThesecretsofthesepulchresofhellOnDante\'strack?
V.
Bymeremen\'shandstheflamewaslit,weknow,Fromheapsofdrywastewhinandcasualbrands:
Yet,knowing,wescarcebelieveitkindledsoBymeremen\'shands.
Above,around,high-vaultedhellexpands,Steep,dense,alabyrinthwalledandroofedwithwoe,Whosemysteriesevenitselfnotunderstands.
ThescorninFarinata\'seyesaglowSeemsvisibleinthisflame:thereGeryonstands:
Nostageofearth\'sishere,setforthtoshowBymeremen\'shands.
VI.
Night,inutmostnoonforlornandstrong,withheartathirstandfasting,Hungershere,barredupforever,whenceasonewhomdreamsaffrightDayrecoilsbeforethelow-browedlintelthreateningdoomandcastingNight.
Allthereefsandislands,allthelawnsandhighlands,clothedwithlight,Laughforlove\'ssakeintheirsleepoutside:butherethenightspeaks,blastingDaywithsilentspeechandscornofallthingsknownfromdepthtoheight.
Lowerthandivethethoughtsofspirit-strickenfearinsoulsforecastingHell,thedeepvoidseemstoyawnbeyondfear\'sreach,andhigherthansightRisethewallsandroofsthatcompassitaboutwitheverlastingNight.
VII.
Thehouseaccurst,withcursingsealedandsigned,Heedsnotwhatstormsaboutitburnandburst:
NofearmorefearfulthanitsownmayfindThehouseaccurst.
Barrenascrime,anhungeredandathirst,Blankmilesofmoorsweepinland,sereandblind,Wheresummer\'sbestrebukesnotwinter\'sworst.
ThelowbleaktowerwithnoughtsavewastesbehindStaresdowntheabysswhereonchancerearedandnursedThistypeandlikenessoftheaccurstman\'smind,Thehouseaccurst.
VIII.
Belovedandblest,litwarmwithloveandfame,ThehousethathadthelightoftheearthforguestHearsforhisname\'ssakeallmenhailitsnameBelovedandblest.
Thiseyriewasthehomelesseagle\'snestWhenstormlaidwastehiseyrie:hencehecameAgain,whenstormsmotesorehismother\'sbreast.
Bowdownmenbadeus,orbeclothedwithblameAndmockedformadness:worst,theysware,wasbest:
Butgriefshonehere,whilejoywasonewithshame,Belovedandblest.
ENVOI
Fly,whitebutterflies,outtosea,Frailpalewingsforthewindstotry,SmallwhitewingsthatwescarcecanseeFly.
Hereandtheremayachance-caughteyeNoteinascoreofyoutwainorthreeBrighterordarkeroftingeordye.
Someflylightasalaughofglee,Someflysoftasalowlongsigh:
AlltothehavenwhereeachwouldbeFly.
