byGeorgeMeredith
Contents：
AReadingofLife—TheVitalChoiceAReadingofLife—WithTheHuntressAReadingofLife—WithThePersuaderAReadingofLife—TheTestOfManhoodTheCageingOfAresTheNight—WalkTheHuelessLoveSongInTheSonglessUnionInDisseveranceTheBurdenOfStrengthTheMainRegretAlternationHawardenAtTheCloseForestHistoryAGardenIdylForesightAndPatienceTheInvectiveOfAchillesTheInvectiveofAchilles—V。225。
MarshallingOfTheAchaiansAgamemnonInTheFightParisAndDiomedesHypnosOnIdaClashInArmsOfTheAchaiansAndTrojansTheHorsesOfAchillesTheMaresOfTheCamarguePoem：AReadingofLife—ThevitalchoiceI。
OrshallwerunwithArtemisOryieldthebreasttoAphrodite？
Botharemighty；
Bothgivebliss；
Eachcantortureifdivided；
Eachclaimsworshipundivided，Inherwakewouldhaveuswallow。
II。
YouthmustofferonbentkneesHomageuntooneorother；
Earth，themother，Thisdecrees；
AnduntothepallidScytherEitherpointsusshunweeitherShunortoodevoutlyfollow。
Poem：AReadingofLife—WithTheHuntressThroughthewater—eyeofnight，Midwaybetweeneveanddawn，Seethechase，therout，theflightIndeepforest；oread，faun，Goat—foot，antlerslaidonneck；
Ravenousallthelineforspeed。
SeeyonwavysparklebeckSignoftheVirginLady’slead。
DownhercourseaserpentstarCoilsandshattersatherheels；
Pealsthehornexulting，pealsPlaintive，isitnearorfar。
Huntress，arrowytopursue，Inandoutofwoodyglen，Undercliffsthatteartheblue，Overtorrent，overfen，Sheandforest，wheresheskimsFeathery，darkenandrelume：
Thoseareherwhite—lightninglimbsCleavingloadsofleafygloom。
Mountainshearherandcallback，Shrewdwithnight：afrostywailDistant：hertheemeraldvaleFolds，andwondersinhertrack。
Nowherretinueislean，Manyrearward；streamsthechaseEagerforthofcovert；seenOnehottidetherapturousrace。
Quiver—chargedandcrescent—crowned，UponaflashthelightedmoundLeapsshe，bowtoshoulder，shaftStrungtobarbwitharcher’scraft，Legslikeplaitedlyre—chords，feetSongstosee，pastpitchofsweet。
Fearfulswiftnesstheyoutrun，Shaggywildness，greyordun，Challenge，chargeoftuskselude：
Theirsthedancetotametherude；
Beast，andbeastinmanhoodtame，Followwetheirsilverflame。
Prideoffleshfrombondagefree，Reapingvigourofitswaste，Marksherservitors，andsheSanctifiestheunembraced。
Noughtofperilousshereeks；
Valourclothesheropenbreast；
Sweetbeyondthethrillofsex；
Hallowedbythesexconfessed。
Huntressarrowytopursue，Coldershethansunlessdew，She，thatbreathofupperair；
Ay，butneverlyristsang，DraughtofBacchusneversprangBloodtheblissofGodstoshare，Higho’ersweepofeaglewings，Liketherunwithher，whenringsClearherrally，andherdart，Intheforest’scavernheart，Tellsofhervictoriousaim。
Thenispauseandchatter，cheer，Laughteratsomesatyrlame，Looksuponthefallendeer，Measuringhisnoblecrest；
Hereafavouriteinhertrain，Foremostmidhernymphs，caressed；
Allapplauded。ShallshereignWorshipped？Otobewithherthere！
She，thatbreathofnimbleair，Liftsthebreasttogiantpower。
Maidandman，andmanandmaid，WhoeachotherwoulddevourElsewhere，bythechasebetrayed，Therearecomrades，ledbyher，Maid—preserver，man—maker。
Poem：AReadingofLife—WithThePersuaderWhomurmurs，hither，hither：whoWherenoughtisaudiblesofillstheear？
WherenoughtisvisiblecanmakeappearAveilwitheyesthatwaverthrough，Liketwilight’spledgeofblessednighttocome，Ordaymostgolden？Allunseenanddumb，Shebreathes，shemoves，invitingflees，Islost，andleavesthethrilleddesireToclaspandstrikeaslackenedlyre，Tilloversmilesofhyacinthseas，FlameinacrystalvesselsailsBeneathadomeofjewelledspray，ForlandthatdropstherosydayOnnightsofthrobbingnightingales。
Landwarddidthewonderflit，Orheart’sdesireofher，allearthinit。
Wesawtheheavensflingdowntheirrose；
Onrapturouswaveswesawherglide；
Thepearlysea—shellhalfenclose；
Theshoalofsea—nymphsflushthetide；
Andwe，afiretokissherfeet，nomoreBeholdthantracksalongastartledshore，WithbrightenededgesofdarkleavesthatfeignAnambushhoped，asheartlessnightremain。
Moreclosely，warmly：hither，hither！she，TheveryshecalledforthbyripenedbloodForitsnextbreathofbeing，murmurs；she，Allurement；she，fulfilment；she，Thestreamwithinusurgedtoflood；
Man’scry，earth’sanswer，heaven’sconsent；Oshe，Maid，womananddivinity；
Ourover—earthly，inner—earthlymateUnmated；she，ourhungerandourfruitUntasted；sheourwrittenfateUnread；Life’sflowering，Life’sroot：
Unread，divined；unseen，beheld；
Theevanescent，ever—presentshe，GreatNature’ssternnecessityInradianceclothed，tosoftnessquelled；
Withasword’sedgeofsweetnesskeentotakeOurbreathforbliss，ourheartsforfulnessbreak。
Themurmurhushesdown，theveilisrent。
Man’scry，earth’sanswer，heaven’sconsent，Herformisgiventopardonedsight，AndletsourmortaleyesreceiveThesovereignlovelinessofcelestialwhite；
Adoredbythemwhosolitarilypace，Induskoftheunderworld’sperpetualeve，Thepathsamongthemeadowasphodel，Remembering。NeverthereherfaceIsplanetary；reddenstoshoresea—shellAroundsuchwhitenesstheenamouredairOfnoonthatclothesher，neverthere。
Daughteroflight，thejoyfullight，Shestandsunveiledtonuptialsight，SweetinherdisregardofaidDivinetoconquerorpersuade。
Afountainjetsfrommoss；aflowerBendsgentlywherehersunsettressesshower。
ByguerdonofherbrilliancemaybeseenWitheyelidsunabashedthepassion’sQueen。
ShornofattendantGracesshecanuseHernaturalsnarestomakeherwillsupreme。
Asimplenymphitis，inclinedtomuseBeforetheleaderfootshalldipinstream：
Onearmatcurvealongaroundedthigh；
HerfirmnewbreastseachpointingitsownwayAkneehalfbenttoshadeitsfellowshy，Whereinnocence，notnature，signalsnay。
ThebudoffreshvirginityawaitsThewooer，andallroseatewillsheburst：
Shetouchesonthehourofhappymates；
Stillissheunawareshewakensthirst。
AndwhilecommandingblissfulsightbelieveItholdsherasabodystrainedtobreast，Downontheunderworld’sperpetualeveSheplungesthepossessordispossessed；
Andbidsbelievethatimage，heavingwarm，Islosttofloatliketorch—smokeafterflame；
Thephantomanybreezeblowsoutofform；
Athirst’sdelusion，adefeatedaim。
Theraptureshedthetortureweaves；
Thedirestblowonhumanheartshedeals：
Thepaintoknowtheseendeceives；
Noughttruebutwhatinsufferablyfeels。
Andstabsofherdeliciousnote，Thatisasheavenlylighttohearing，heardThroughshelterleaves，thelaughterfromherthroat，Weanswerasthemidnight’smorning’sbird。
Shelaughs，shewakensgleefulcries；
Inherdeliciouslaughterpartrevealed；
Yetmotherisshemoreofmoansandsighs，Forlongingsunappeasedandwoundsunhealed。
Yetwouldshebless，itishertasktobless：
Yonfoldedcouples，passingundershade，Areherrichharvest；biddencaress，caress，Consumethefruitinbloom；notdisobeyed。
Wedolorouscomplainershadadream，Wroughtonthevacantairfrominnerfire，WesawstandbareofhercelestialbeamThegloriousGoddess，andwedareddesire。
Thereatareshownreproachfuleyes，andlipsOfupwardcurltomeaningshalfobscure；
Andglancingwhereawood—nymphlightlyskipsShenods：atoncethatcreaturewearsherlure。
Blushofourbeingbetweenbirthanddeath：
Sobofourripenedbloodforitsnextbreath：
Herwilysemblancenoughtofherdenies；
SeemsittheGoddessruns，theGoddesshies，ThegenerousGoddessyields。AndshecanarmHerdwarfedandtwistedwithhersecretcharm；
BenevolentasEarthtofeedherown。
Fullyshalltheybefed，iftheybeseech。
Butscornshehasforthemthatwalkalone；
Blanchedmen，starvedwomen，whomnoartscanpleach。
Themenaschiefofcriminalsshedisdains，Andholdsthereasoninperceptivethought。
Morepitiable，likeriverslackingrains，Kissingcoldstones，thewomenshrinkfordrought。
Thosefacelessdiscords，outofnaturestrayed，Rankoftheputrefactioneredecayed，Inimpioussinglesbearthethornywreaths：
TheirlivesarewhereharmoniousPleasurebreathesForcouplescrownedwithflowersthatburnindew。
Comesthereatremorofnight’sforesthornAcrosshergardenfromtheinsanercrew，Shedarkenstomalignityofscorn。
Ashivercoursesthroughhergarden—grounds：
Gruntofthetuskyboar，thebayinghounds，Thehunter’sshouts，areheardafar，andbringDeadonherhearthercrimsonedflowerofSpring。
These，theirreverentofLife’sdesign，DivisionbetweennaturalanddivineWouldcast；thesevauntingbarrennessforbest，InveinsofgatheredstrengthLife’stidearrest；
Andthesebecausetherosesfloodtheircheeks，VowtheminnaturewiseaswhenLovespeaks。
Withthemiswar；andwelltheGoddessknowsWhatunderminestheracewhomounttherose；
Howtheripemoment，lodgedinslumberoushours，Enkindledbypersuasionoverpowers：
Whyweakasareherfrailertrailingweeds，ThestrongwhenBeautygleamso’erNature’sneeds，Andtimelyguileunguardedfindsthemlie。
Theywhoherswaywithstandaseadefy，Ateverypointofjuncturemustbeproof；
NorlookformercyfromtheincessantsurgeHerforcesmixedofcraftandpassionurgeFortheonewhelmingwavetospringaloof。
She，tenderness，ispitilesstothemResistinginhergodheadnature’struth。
Noflowertheirfaceshallbe，butwrithenstem；
Theiryouthafrost，theiragethedirgeforyouth。
Thesemiserablydisinclined，Thelamentablyunembraced，InsultthePleasuresEarthdesignedTopeopleandbeflowerthewaste。
WhereforethePleasurespassthemby：
Fordeaththeylive，inlifetheydie。
HerheadtheGoddessfromthemturns，Asfromgreymoundsofashesinbronzeurns。
Sheviewsherquiveringcouplesunconsoled，Andofherbeautymirrortheybecome，Likeorchardblossoms，apple，pearandplum，Freeofthecloud，beneaththefloodofgold。
Crownedwithwreathsthatburnindew，Hercoupleswhirl，sun—satiated，Athirstforshade，theysigh，theywed，Theyplaythemusicmadeoftwo：
Oldestofearth，earth’syoungesttillearth’send：
Cunningerthanthenumberedstrings，Formelodies，forharmonies，Formastereddiscords，andthethingsNotvocable，whosemysteriesAreinmostLove’s，Life’sreachofLifeextend。
IsitananguishoverflowingshameAndthetongue’spudencyconfidestoher，Witheyesofembers，breathofincensemyrrh，Thewoman’smarrowinsomedearyouth’sname，ThenistheGoddesstendernessMaternal，andshehasasister’stonesBenigntosootheintemperatedistress，Dividedespairfromhope，andsighsfrommoans。
HergentlenessimpartsexhalingeaseTothoseofhermilk—bearervotariesAswarmofbosom—earthasshe；ofthesourceDirect；erraticbutinheart’sexcess；
Beingmortalandill—matchedforLove’sgreatforce；
Likegreenleavescaughtwithflamesbyhisimpress。
Andpraytheyunderskieslessovercast，Thatswiftlymayherstarofevedescend，Herlustrousmorningstarflynottoofast，Tolengthenblissfulnightwillshebefriend。
Unfailingherreplytowoman’svoiceInsupplicationinstant。Isitman’s，Shehears，approveshiswords，hergardenscans，Andhim：theflowersarevarious，hehaschoice。
Perchancehiswoundisdeep；shelistenslong；
Enjoyswhatmusicfillstheplaintivesong；
Andmarkshowhe，whowouldbehawkatpoiseAbovethebird，hisplaintivesongenjoys。
ShereadshimwhenhishumbledmanhoodweepsToherinvoked：distractionisimplored。
Asmile，andheisupongodlikeleapsAbove，withhisbrightGoddessownedtheadored。
Histalesofherdeclareshecondescends；
Cansharehisfires，notalwaysgoadsandrends：
Moreover，quitsathrone，andmustencloseAqueenliergemthanwoman’swaysiderose。
Shebends，hequickens；shebreatheslow，hespringsEnraptured；lowshelaughs，hiswoesdisperse；
Aloudshelaughsandsweepshisvariedstrings。
’TistaughthimhowfortouchofmournfulverseRarelythemusicmadeoftwoascends，AndBeauty’sQueensomeotherwayiswon。
Oritmaysolvetheriddle，thatshelendsHerselftoall，andyieldsherselftonone，Saveheavenliest：thoughclaimsbymenareraisedInhotassuranceundershadeofdoubt：
AndnumerousaretheimagesbepraisedAsBeauty’sQueen，shouldpassionheadtherout。
BesuretheruddyhueisLove’s：towooLove’sFountainwemustmounttheruddyhue。
Thatishergarden’sprecept，seenwhereshinesHerblood—flower，anditsunsoughtneighbourpines。
Daughteroflight，thejoyfullight，ShebidshercouplesfacefullEast，Reflectingradiance，evenwhenfromherfeastTheiroutstretchedarmsbrowndesertsdisunite，Thelion—hauntedthicketsholdapart。
Inlovetheruddyhuedeclaresgreatheart；
HighconfidenceinherwhoseaidislentToloversliftingthetunedinstrument，Notoneofrippledstringsandfuneraltone。
Anddoththemanpursueatightenedzone，ThenbeitastheLaurelGodheruns，Confirmedtowin，withcountenancetheSun’s。
ShouldpityblessthetremulousvoiceofwoeHeliftsforpity，limphisoffspringshow。
Forhimrequiringwoman’sartstopleaseInfantiletasteswithbabereluctances，Noraceofgiants！Inthewoman’sveinsPersuasionripelyruns，throughhersthepains。
Herchoiceofhim，shouldkindoccasionnod，AspiringblendstheTitanwiththeGod；
Yetuntodwarfandmortal，she，submissInherhighLady’smandate，yieldsthekiss；
AndisitneededthatLove’sdaintierbruteBesnaredashunter，shewilltemptpursuit。
SheisgreatNature’severintimateInbreast，anddothasreadyhandmaidwait，Untilpervertedbyhersenselessmale，Sheplaysthewindingsnake，theshrinkingsnail，Theflyingdeer，alltricksofevilfame，Elusivetoallure，sincehegrewtame。
HencehastheGoddess，Nature’searliestPower，Andgreatestandmostpresent，withherdowerOfthetranscendentbeauty，gainedreputeFormeditatedguile。ShelaughstohearAchargehergarden’slabyrinthsscarceconfute，Hergarden’shistoriestelloftoallnear。
Letitbesaid，ButlessuponherguileDothsherelyforherimmortalsmile。
Stilllettherumourspread，andterrorscreensTopushherconquestsbythesimplestmeans。
Whilemanabjuresnotlustihead，norswervesFromearth’sgoodlabours，Beauty’sQueenheserves。
Herspaciousgardenandhergarden’sgrantSheoffersinrewardforhandsomecheer：
ChoiceofthenymphswhoselookswillslantThesecretdownadewyleerOfcornereyelidsintohaze：
ManyafairAphrosyneLikeflower—belltohoney—bee：
AndheretheyflickerroundthemazeBewilderinghiminheartandhead：
Andheretheyweartheclosedemure，Withsubtlepeepstoreassure：
Othersparadewherelovehasbled，Andofitscrimsonweavetheirmesh：
Otherstosnapoffingersleap，Asbearingbreastwithloveasleep。
Theseareherlaughtersintheflesh。
Orwouldshefitawarriormood，Shelightsherseemingunsubdued，Andindicatesthefortress—key。
Orisitheartforheartthatcraves，SheflecksalongarunofwavesTheonetopromisedeepersea。
Bandsofherlimpidprimitives，Orpatternedinthecuriousbraid，Aretheblestman’s；andwhatsoeverhegives，Forwhathegivesisherepaid。
Goodisitifbyhim’tisheldHewinsthefairesteverwelledFromNature’sfounts：shewhispersit：EvenI
Notfairer！andforbidshimtodeny，Elselittleishelover。Thoseheclasps，Intentastempest，worshipfulasprayer，—
Andbetheydovesorbetheyasps，—
Mustseemtohimthesovereigntyfair；
Elsecountshesoonamonglife’swhollytamed。
Himwhomfromuttersavageshereclaimed，Halfsavagemusthestay，wouldhebecrownedThelover。Else，pastripeness，deathwardbound，Hereasons；andthetottererEarthdetests，Loveshuns，grimlogicscrewsingrasp，ishe。
DothmandividedivineNecessityFromJoy，betweentheQueenofBeauty’sbreastsAswordisdriven；forthosemostglorioustwainPresenther；armedtoblessandtoconstrain。
Ofthisheperishes；notshe，thethronedOnrocksthatspouttheirspringstothesacredmounts。
AloftierReasonoutofdeeperfountsEarth’schosenGoddessbears：bynonedisownedWhileredbloodrunstoswellthepulse，sheboasts，AndBeauty，likeherstar，descendsthesky；
Earth’sanswer，heaven’sconsentuntoman’scry，Upliftedbytheinnumerablehosts。
QuickenedofNature’seyeandear，WhenthewildsapathightidesmitesWithinus；orbenignlyclearTovision；orastheirislightsOnfluctuantwaters；sheisoursTillsetofman：thedreamed，theseen；
Flushingtheworldwithodorousflowers：
AsoftcompulsiononterreneByheavenly：andtheworldishersWhilehungerafterBeautyspurs。
SoisitsunginanyspaceShefills，withlaughatshallowlawsForbiddinglove’sdevisedembrace，ThemusicBeautyfromitdraws。
Poem：AReadingofLife—TheTestOfManhoodLikeafloodriverwhirledatrockybanks，Anarmyissuesoutofwilderness，Withbattlepluckingrounditsraggedflanks；
Obstructioninthevan；insaneexcessOftattheheart；yethardtheonwardstressUntomorespacious，wheremoveorderedranks，Andrisehushedtemplesbuiltofshapelystone，Theworkofhandsnotpledgedtogrindorslay。
Theygaveourearthadressoffleshonbone；
Atonguetospeakwithansweringheavengavethey。
Thenwasthegraciousbirthofman’snewday；
Dividedfromthehauntednightitshone。
ThatquietdawnwasReverence；whereofsprangEtherealBeautyinfullmorningtide。
Anothersunhadrisentoclasphisbride：
Itwasanotherearthuntohimsang。
CameReverencefromtheHuntressonherheights？
FromthePersuadercameit，inthosevalesWhereuntoshemelodiouslyinvites，Hertroopsofeagerservitorsregales？
NotfarthosetwogreatPowersofNaturespeedDisciplestepsonearthwhensoletheylead；
Noreitherpointsforusthewayofflame。
Fromhimpredestinedmightieritcame；
Histasktoholdthembothinbreast，andyieldTheirduestoeach，andoftheirwarbefield。
Thefoesthatinrepulsionneverceased，Musthe，whooncehasbeenthegoodlybeastOfoneorother，atwhosebeckheran，Constraintomakehimserviceableman；
Offendingneither，northenaturalclaimEachpressed，denying，forhistrueman’sname。
Ah，whatasweatofanguishinthatstrifeToholdthemfastconjoinedwithinhimstill；
SubmissivetohiswillAlongtheroadoflife！
AndmarvelnothewaveredifatwhilesTheforwardstepmetfrowns，thebackwardsmiles。
ForPleasurewitchedhimhersweetcuptodrain；
Repentanceofferedecstasyinpain。
DeliciouslicencecalleditNature’scry；
Asceticrigourscrushedthefleshlysigh；
AtreadonshingletimedhislameadvanceFlungasthedieofBacchanalianChance，HeofthetroubledmarchingarmyleanedOngodheadvisible，ongodheadscreened；
Theradiantroseate，thecurtainedwhite；
Yetsharphisbattlestrainedthroughday，throughnight。
Hedrankoffictions，tillcelestialaidMightseemaccordedwhenhefawnedandprayed；
SagelythegenerousGivercircumspect，Tochooseforgrantstheegregious，hiselect；
AndeverthatimaginedsuccourslewThesoulofbrotherhoodwhenceReverencedrew。
Infellowshipreligionhasitsfounts：
ThesolitaryhisownGodreveres：
AscendnosacredMountsOurhungersorourfears。
AsonlyforthenumbersNature’scareIsshown，andshethepersonalnothingheeds，SotoDivinitythespringofprayerFrombrotherhoodtheonewayupwardleads。
LikethesustainingairArebothforflowersandweeds。
Buthewhoclaimsinspirittobeflower，Willfindthembothanairthatdothdevour。
Wherebyhesmelthistreason，whoimploredExternalgiftsbestowedbutonthesword；
Beheldhimself，withlessandlessdisguise，Throughthoseblood—cataractswhichdimmedhiseyes，Hisarmy’sfoe，condemnedtostriveandfail；
Seeablackadversary’sghostprevail；
Never，thoughtriumphshailedhim，hopetowinWhilestilltheconflicttorehisbreastwithin。
Outofthatagony，misreadforthoseImprisonedPowerswarringunappeased，Theghostofhisblackadversaryrose，Tosmotherlight，shutheaven，showearthdiseased。
AndlongwithhimwaswrestlingereemergedAmindtoreadinhimthereflexshadeOfitsfiercetorment；thisway，thatwayurged；
Bycravencompromiseshourlyswayed。
Crouchedasanestling，stillitswingsuntried，Theman’smindopenedunderweightofcloud。
Topenetratethedarkwasitendowed；
Stooddaybeforeavisionshootingwide。
Whereatthespectralenemylostform；
Thetraversedwildernessexposeditstrack。
Hefeltthefaradvanceinlookingback；
Thencetrustinhisfootforwardthroughthestorm。
Underthelow—browedtempest’seyeofire，Thatereitlightenedsmoteacowardheart，EarthnervedherchastenedsontohailathwartAllventuresperiloushisshroudedSire；
Astrangerstill，religiouslydivined；
Notyetwithunderstandingreadaright。
Butwhenthemind，thecherishablemind，Themultitude’sgraveshepherd，tookfullflight，Himselfasmirrorraisedamonghiskind，Hesaw，andfirstofbrotherhoodhadsight：
Knewthathisforcetofly，hiswilltosee，Hisheartenlargedbeyonditsribbeddomain，Hadcomeofmanyagripinmastery，Whichheldconjoinedthehostilerivaltwain，Andofhisbosommadehimlord，tokeepThestarryroofofhisunruffledframeAwaketoearth，toheaven，andplumbthedeepBelow，above，ayewithawistfulaim。
Themasteringmindinhim，bytempestsblown，Bytraitorinmatesbaited，upwardburned；
Perforceofgrowth，theMasterminddiscerned，TheGreatUnseen，nowisetheDarkUnknown。
TowhomunwittinglydidheaspireInwilderness，wherebitterwashisneed：
Towhominblindness，asanearthyseedForlightandair，hestruckthroughcrimsonmire。
Butnotereheupheldaforeheadlamp，Andviewedanarmy，oncetheseemingdoomed，Allchoralinitsfruitfulgardencamp，Thespiritualthepalpableillumed。
Thisgiftofpenetrationandembrace，Hisprizefromtidalbattleslostorwon，Revealstheschemetoanimatehisrace：
Howthatitisawarfarebutbegun；
Unending；withnoPowertointerpose；
Noprayer，saveforstrengthtokeephisground，HeardoftheHighest；neverbattle’sclose，Thevictorycompleteandvictorcrowned：
Norsolaceindefeat，savefromthatsenseOfstrengthwellspent，whichisthestrengthrenewed。
Inmanhoodmusthefindhiscompetence；
Inhisclearmindthespiritualfood：
Godbeingtherewhilehehisfightmaintains；
ThroughouthismindtheMasterMindbeingthere，Whileherejectsthesuicidedespair；
Acceptsthespurofexplicablepains；
ObedienttoNature，notherslave：
Herlord，iftoherrigidlawshebows；
Herdust，ifwithhisconscienceheplaysknave，AndbidsthePassionsonthePleasuresbrowse：—
WhenceEvilinaworldunreadbefore；
Thatmysterytosimplespringsresolved。
HisGodtheKnown，divinertoadore，ShowsNature’ssavageriddleskindlysolved。
Inconscient，insensitive，shereignsInironlaws，thoughrapturousfairherface。
BacktotheprimalbruteshallheretraceHispath，dothhepermittoforceherchainsAsoftPersuadercoursingthroughhisveins，AnicyHuntressstringingtothechase：
Whatonetheflashdisdains；
Whatonesogivesitgrace。
Butisherightlymanfulinhereyes，Asplendidbloodlessknighttogaintheskies，Ablood—hotsonofEarthbyallhersigns，Desireinganddesireableheshines；
Aspeaches，thathavecaughtthesun’supriseAndkissedwarmgoldtillnoonday，evenasvines。
Earthfillshimwithherjuices，withoutfearThatshewillcasthimdrunkendownthesteeps。
Allwomanisshetothismanmostdear；
Hesowsforbread，andsheinspiritreaps：
Sheconscient，shesensitive，inhim；
Withhimenwound，hisbraveambitionhers：
Byhimhumanermade；byhiskeenspursPrickedtoracepasttheprideingiantlimb，Hercrazyadorationofbigthews，Proudinherprimalsons，whencragstheyhurled，WerethunderspittinglightningsontheworldIndailydeeds，andshetheireveningMuse。
Thisman，thishero，worksnottodestroy；
Thisgodlike—astherockinoceanstands；—
Heofthemyriadeyes，themyriadhandsCreative；inhisedificehasjoy。
HowstrengthmayserveforpurityisshownWhenhehimselfcanscourgetomakeitclean。
WithalhispitchofpridewouldnotdisownAsoberworldthatwalksthebalancedmeanBetweenitstempters，rarelyoverthrown：
Andsuchattimeshisarmy’smarchhasbeen。
NearishetogreatNatureinthethoughtEachchangingSeasonintimatelysaith，Thatnoughtsaveapparitionknowsthedeath；
TotheGod—lightedmindofman’tisnought。
Shecountsnotlossawordofanyweight；
ItmaybefalhispassionsandhisgreedsTolosetheirtreasures，liketheveinthatbleeds，Butlifegonebreathlesswillshereinstate。
CloseontheheartofEarthhisbosombeats，Whenhethemandatelodgedinitobeys，Alivetobreastafuturewrappedinhaze，Strikecamp，andonward，likethewind’scloud—fleets。
Unrestingshe，unrestinghe，fromchangeTochange，asrainofcloud，asfruitofrain；
Shefeelsherblood—treethrobbinginhergrain，Yetskywardbranched，withloftiermarkandrange。
Nomiraclethesproutofwheatfromclod，Sheknows，norgrowthofmaningrislybrute；
Buthe，thefloweratheadandsoilatroot，Ismiracle，guideshethebrutetoGod。
Andthatwayseemshebound；thatwaytheroad，Withhisdark—lanternmind，unled，alone，Wearifullythroughforest—tractsunsown，Hetravels，urgedbysomeinternalgoad。
Dareshebeholdthethingheis，whatthingHewouldbecomeisinhisminditschild；
Astir，demandingbirthtolightandwing；
Forbattleprompt，bypleasureunbeguiled。
Somovesheforthinfaith，ifhehasmadeHismindGod’stemple，dedicatetotruth。
Earth’snourishingdelights，nomoregainsaid，Hetastes，asdoththebridegroomrichinyouth。
ThenknowsheLove，thatbeckonsandcontrols；
Thestarofskyuponhisfootwaycast；
Thenmatchinhimwhoholdshistemptersfast，Thebody’sloveandmind’s，whereofthesoul’s。
ThenEarthhermanforwomanfindsatlast，Tospeedthepairuntohergoalofgoals。
Oris’tthewidowed’sdreamofhernewmate？
Seenhasshevirulentdaysofheatinflood；
TheslyPersuadersnakyinhisblood；
WithherthebarrenHuntressalternate；
HisroughrefractoryoffonkickingheelsTorear；themandraggedrearward，shamed，amazed；
Andasatorrentstreamwherecattlegrazed，Histumbledworld。What，then，thefaithshefeels？
Maynothisaspect，likeherownsofairReflexively，thecentralforcebelie，Andhe，theoncewildoceanstormingsky，Berebelatthecore？Whathopeisthere？
’Tisthatineachrecoveryhepreserves，Betweenhisupperandhisnetherwit，Senseofhismarchahead，morebrightlylit；
Helesstheshakenthingoflustsandnerves；
WithsuchagraspuponhisbruteastellsOfwisdomfromthatvilerelapsingspun。
ASungoesdowninwastedfire，aSunResplendentsprings，tofaithrefreshedcompels。
Poem：TheCageingOfAres[Iliad，v。V。385—DedicatedtotheCouncilatTheHague。]
HowbigofbreastourMotherGaealaughedAtsightofherboyGiantsontheleapEachoverotherastheyneighbouredhome，Frontingtheday’sdescentacrossgreenslopes，Andupfiredmountaincragstheirshadowsdanced。
Closewiththemintheirfun，shescarcecouldguess，Thoughthesetwobillowyurchinsreekedofcraft，Itsignalledsomeadventurousmaster—trickTosetOlympiansbuzzingindebate，Lestitmightbetheirgodheadundermined，TheTyrannymenaced。EphialteshighOnshouldersofhisbrotherOtoswavedForthebull—bellowingsgiventograndgoodnews，Compact，complexionedinhisgleefulroarWhileOtosapedtheprisoner’swristsandknees，Withdolefulsniffsbetweenrecurrenthowls；
TillGaea’slapreceivingthem，theystretched，Andbothuponherbosomshakentospeech，Burstthehotstoryoutofthroatsofboth，Likerockyhead—founts，bafflingintheirglutThehurriedspout。AndaswhendriftingstormDisburdenedlosesclaspofhereandyonApeak，aforestmound，avalley’sgleamOfgrassandtheriver’scrooksandsnakycoils，Significationmarvellousshecaught，Throughgurglingsoftriumphantjollity，Whichnowengulphedandnowgaveeye；atlastSubsided，andtheseriousnakeddeed，Withmountain—cloudoflaughterbankedaround，Stoodinhersightconfirmed：shecouldbelieveThatthese，hersproutsofpromise，hermostprized，Thesetwomadeupoflion，bearandfox，Hersportive，sucklingmammoths，heryoungjoy，Stillbythereckoninginfantsamongmen，HaddonethedeedtostriketheTitanhostInenvydumb，inenviousheartelate：
Thesetwocombiningstrengthandcrafthadsnared，Enmeshed，boundfastwiththongs，discreetlycagedTheblood—shedder，theterribleLordofWar；
Destroyer，ravager，superbinplumes；
Thebarrenfurrowerofanointedfields；
Thescarletheelintowns，foulsmoketosky，Herhatedenemy，toolongherscourge：
GreatAres。AndtheygaggedhistrumpetmouthWhentheyhadseizedonhisimplacablespear，HuggedhimtoreedyhelplessnessdespiteHisgodlikefurystartledfromamaze。
Forhehadeyedthemnearinghiminplay，Thegiantcubs，whogambolledandwhosnarled，Unheedinghisfellpresence，bythemountOssa，besideabrushwoodcavern；thereOnEarth’soriginalfisticuffstheycalledForeaseofsharpdispute：whereattheGod，Approving，deemedthatsometimetrainedtoarms，GoodservitorsofArestheywouldbe，AndplythepointedspeartodominateTheirrebelrestlessfellows，villainbroodVowedtodefyImmortals。SoitchancedAmusedlyhewatchedthem，andasoneThelustytwainwereonhimandtheyhadhim。
Breathtous，Powersofair，forlaughterloud！
CockofOlympushe，superbinplumes！
Boundlikeawheatensheafbythosetwobabes！
BecausetheyknewourMotherGaealoathedhim，Knewhimthefamine，pestilenceandwaste；
AdesolatingfiretoblindthesightWithsplendourbuiltoffruitfulthingsinashes；
Thegorychariot—wheeloncriesforjustice；
Herdeepestplantedandherliveliestvoice，Heardfromthebabeasfromthebrokencrone。
Beholdhiminhisvesselofbronzeencased，Andtumbleddownthecave。Butratherlook—
Ah，thatthewomantattlerhadnotsought，OfalltheGodstolethersecretfly，Hermes，afterthethirteensongfulmonths！
PromptingtheDexteroustoworkhisarts，Andshatterearth’sdeliriousholiday，Thenfirst，aswherethefountainrunsastream，Resolvingtocomposureonitsthrobs。
ButseeherintheSeasonsthroughthatyear；
Thatonegladyearandthefairopeningmonth。
HadneverourGreatMothersuchsweetface！
Warwithher，gentlewarwithher，eachdayHersonsanddaughtersurged；atevewereflung，Onthemorrowstoodtochallenge；intheirstrengthRenewed，indomitable；whereoftheywon，Fromhourlywrestlingsuptoshutoflids，Herreadysecret：theaboundinglifeReturnedforvaliantlabour：sheandtheyDefeatedandvictoriousturnbyturn；
Bylossenriched，byoverthrowrestored。
Exchangeofpowersofthisconflictcame；
Defacementnone，noreversquanderedforce。
Isbattlenature’smandate，hereitreigned，Asmusicuntothehandthatsmotethestrings；
Andshetherosierfromtheirshowerybrows，Theyfruitfulfromherploughedandharrowedbreast。
BacktotheprimalrationalofthoseWhosucktheteatsofmilkyearth，andclaspStabilityinhatredoftheinsane，Manstepped；withwitslessfearfultopronounceThemortalmind’sconceptofearth’sdivorcedAbove；thosebeautiful，thosemasterful，Thoselawless。Hightheysit，andifdescend，Descendtoreap，notsowing。Isitjust？
Earthinherhappychildrenaskedthatword，Wheretowithintheirbreastwasherreply。
Thosebeautiful，thosemasterful，thoselawless，Enjoythelifeprolonged，outleaptheyears；
Yetthey（’twastheGreatMother’svoiceinspiredTheaudaciousthought），they，gloriousoverdust，Outleapnother；disrootedfromhersoar，Tomeetthecertainfateofearth’sdivorced，Andclaplamewingsacrossawintryhaze，Uptothefarthestbourne：immortalstill，Thenceforthinnocuous；lovelierthanwhenruledTheTyranny。Thishervoicewithinthemtold，WhensoftlytheGreatMotherchidhersonsNotofthegiantbrood，whodidcreateThoselawlessGods，firstoffspringofourbrainSetmovingbyanabjectblood，thatwakedTowantonunderelementsmorebenign，AndplantedaliensonOlympianheights；—
Imagination’scradlepoesyBecomeamonstrouspressureuponmen；—
FoesofgoodGaea；untildispossessedBylightfromher，bornoftheloveofher，TheirlordshiptheilluminedbrainrejectsForearth’sbeneficent，thesonsofLaw，Herothername。Sospakesheintheirheart，Amongthewheat—bladesproudofstalk；beneathYoungvine—leavespushingtimidfingersforth，Confidentlytocling。AndwhenbrowncornSwayedarmiedrankswithsoftenedcricketsong，Withgoldnecksbentforanyzephyr’skiss；
Whenvine—rootsdailydownarubblesoilDrankfireofheavenathirsttoswellthegrape；
Whenswelledthegrape，andinitheldaray，Richissueoftheembraceofheavenandearth；
Theveryeyeofpassiondrowsedbyexcess，Andyetaburninglionforthespring；
Theninthattimeofgeneralcherishment，Sweetbreathingbalmandflutesbycoolwood—side，Hetheharshrouserofirebeingabsent，caged，ThendidgoodGaea’schildrengratefullyLifthymnstoGodstheyjudged，butpraisedforpeace，DelightfulPeace，thatanswersReason’scallHarmoniouslyandimagesherLaw；
Reflects，andthoughshort—livedasthen，revives，InmemoriesmadepresentonthebrainBynaturalyearnings，allthehappyscenes；
Thepictureofanearthalliedtoheaven；
Betweenthemtheknownsmilebehindblackmasks；
Rightlytheirvariousmoodsinterpreted；
AndfrolicbecausetoilfulchildrenborneWithlargercomprehensionofEarth’saimAtloftier，clearer，sweeter，bytheiraid。
Poem：TheNight—WalkAwakesformeandleapsfromshroudAllradiantlythemoon’sownnightOffoldedshowersinstreamercloud；
OurshadowsdownthehighwaywhiteOrdeepinwoodlandwoven—boughed，Withyonandyonastemalight。
IseemarauderrunagatesAcrossusshoottheirduskywink；
IheartheparliamentofchatsInhawsbesidetheriver’sbrink；
Anddropsthevoleoffalder—banks，Topushhisarrowthroughthestream。
ThesebusypeoplehadourthanksForticklingsightandsound，butthemeTheywerenotmorethanbreathwedrewDelightedwithourworld’sembrace：
Themoss—rootsmellwherebeechesgrew，Andwateredgrassinbreezyspace；
Thesilkenheights，ofghostlybloomAmongtheirfolds，bydistancedraped。
’TwasYouth，rapacioustoconsume，Thatcriedtohaveitschaosshaped：
Absorbing，littlenoting，stillEnriched，andthinkingitbestowed；
WithwistfullooksoneachfarhillForsomethinghidden，somethingowed。
Untohismantledsister，DayHadgiventhesecretthingswesoughtAndshewasgraveandsaintlygay；
Attimesshefluttered，spokeherthought；
Sheflewonit，thenfoldedwings，Inmeditationpassinglone，Tobreathearoundthesecretthings，Whichhavenoword，andyetareknown；
Ofthirstforthemareknown，asairIshealthinblood：wegainedenoughBythistofeelithonestfare；
Impalpable，notbarren，stuff。
AprideoflegsinmotionkeptOurspiritstotheirtaskmeanwhile，Andwhatwasdeepestdreamingslept：
Thepoststhatnamedtheswallowedmile；
BesidethestraightcanalthehutAbandoned；neartheriver’ssourceItsinfantchirp；theshortestcut；
Theroadwaymissed；wereourdiscourse；
Attimesdearpoets，whomsomeviewTranscendentorsubduedevokedTospeakthememorable，thetrue，Theluminousasamoonuncloaked；
Forproofthatthere，amongearth’sdumb，Asoulhadpassedandsaidourbest。
OritmightbewechimedonsomeHistoricfavourite’sastralcrest，Withparttoreverenceinitsgleam，Andparttorivalrytheshout：
Soroyal，unuttered，isyouth’sdreamOfpowerwithintostrikewithout。
Butmostthesilencesweresweet，Likemothers’breasts，tobiditfeelItlivedinsuchdivineconceitAsenviesaughtwestampforreal。
ToeitherthenanuntoldtaleWasLife，andauthor，hero，we。
Thechaptersholdingpeakstoscale，Ordepthstofathom，madeourglee；
Forwewerearmedofinnerfires，Unbledinustheripedesires；
Andpassionrolledaquietsea，WhereonwasLovethephantomsail。
Poem：TheHuelessLoveUntothatlovemustwethroughfireattain，Whichthosetwoheldasbreathofcommonair；
Thehandsofwhomweregiveninbondelsewhere；
WhomHonourwasuntroubledtorestrain。
