第2章

类别:其他 作者:George Meredith字数:15596更新时间:18/12/25 10:09:04
Midwaytheroadofourlife’stermtheymet,Andoneanotherknewwithoutsurprise; Norcaredthatbeautystoodinmutualeyes; Norattheirtardymeetingnursedregret。 TothemitwasrevealedhowtheyhadfoundThekindrednatureandtheneededmind; Thematebylongconspiracydesigned; Theflowertoplantinsanctuaryground。 AvowedinvigilantsolicitudeForeither,whatmostlivedwithineachbreastTheyletbeseen:yeteveryhumantestDemandingrighteousnessapprovedthemgood。 Sheleanedonastrongarm,andlittlefearedAbandonmenttohelpifheavedorsankHerheartatintervalswhileLovelookedblank,Liferosierwereshebutlessrevered。 AnarmthatnevershookdidnotobscureHerwoman’sintuitionofthebliss— Theirtempter’smomento’ertheblackabyss,Acrossthenarrowplank—hecouldabjure。 Thencameadaythatclippedforhimthethread,Andtheirfirsttouchoflips,ashelaycold,Wasallofearthlyintheirloveuntold,Beyondallearthlyknowntothemwhowed。 SohastherecomethegustatSouth—westflungBysuddenvoltonevesoffreezingmist,Whensistersnowflakesistersnowdropkissed,Andonepassedout,andonethebell—headhung。 Poem:SongInTheSonglessTheyhavenosong,thesedgesdry,Andstilltheysing。 Itiswithinmybreasttheysing,AsIpassby。 Withinmybreasttheytouchastring,Theywakeasigh。 Thereisbutsoundofsedgesdry; Inmetheysing。 Poem:UnionInDisseveranceSunsetworntoitslastvermilionhe; Shethatstaroverheadinslowdescent: Thatwhitestarwiththefrontofangelshe; HeundoneinhisraysofgloryspentHalo,fairasthebow—shotathisrise,Hecastsroundher,andknowshishourofrestIncomplete,werethelightforwhichhedies,Lesslikejoyofthedovethatwingstonest。 Lustrousmomently,nearonearthshesinks; Life’sfullthroboverbreathlessandabased: Yetstandthey,thoughimpalpablethelinks,One,moreonethanthebridallyembraced。 Poem:TheBurdenOfStrengthIfthatthouhastthegiftofstrength,thenknowThypartistoupliftthetroddenlow; Elseinagiant’sgraspuntiltheendAhopelesswrestlershallthysoulcontend。 Poem:TheMainRegret[WrittenfortheCharingCrossAlbum] I。 Seen,tooclearandhistoricwithinus,oursinsofomissionFrownwhentheAutumndaysstrikeusallruthlesslybare。 Theyofourmortaldiseasesfindneverhealingphysician; Errorstheyofthesoul,pasttheonehopetorepair。 II。 Sunshinemightwehavebeenuntoseedundersoil,orhavescatteredSeedtoascendantsunsbrighterthananythatshone。 Eventhelimp—leggedbeggarasickdesperadohasflatteredBacktoahalf—sloughedlifecheeredbythemerehumantone。 Poem:AlternationBetweenthefountainandtherillIpassed,andsawthemightywillToleapatsky;thecarelessrun,Asearthwouldleadherlittleson。 Beneaththemthrobsanurgentwell,Thathereisplay,andthereiswar。 IknownotwhichhadmosttotellOfwhencewespringandwhatweare。 Poem:HawardenWhencomesthelighteddayformentoreadLife’smeaning,withtheworkbeforetheirhandsTillthisgoodgiftofbreathfromdebtisfreed,Earthwillnothearherchildren’swailfulbandsDeplorethechieftainfall’ninsobanddirge; Northeylookwhereisdarkness,butonhigh。 Thesunthatdroppeddownourhorizon’sverge,Illumeshislaboursthroughthetravelledsky,Nowseeninsum,mostglorious;and’tisknownBywhatourwarriorwroughtweholdhimfast。 Asplendidimagebuiltofmanhasflown; HisdeedsinspiredofGodoutstepaPast。 OursthegreatprivilegetohavehadoneAmonguswhocelestialtaskshasdone。 Poem:AtTheCloseToThee,dearGodofMercy,bothappeal,Whostraightwaysoundthecalltoarms。Thouknow’st; Andthatblackspotineachembattledhost,Springoftheblood—stream,laterwiltreveal。 Nowisitredartilleryandwhitesteel; Tillonadaywillringthevictor’sboast,That’tisThychosentowersuppermost,WhereThyrejectedgrovelsunderheel。 Soinalltimesofman’sdescentinsaneTobrute,didstrengthandcraftcombiningstrike,EvenasaGodofArmies,hisfellblow。 ButatthecloseheenteredThydomain,DearGodofMercy,andiflion—likeHetorethefall’n,theEternalwashisFoe。 Poem:ForestHistoryI。 Beneaththevansofdoomdidmenpassin。 Heroicwhocameout;forroundthemhungAwaveringphantom’sredvolcanotongue,Withleague—longlizardtailandfishyfin: II。 OldEarth’soriginalDragon;thereretiredTohislastfastness;overthrownbyfew。 Himalaboriousthrustofroadwayslew。 Thenmantoplaydevorantstraightwasfired。 III。 MoreintimatebecametheforestfearWhilepillareddarknesshatchedmaliciouslifeAteitherelbow,wolforgnomeorknifeAndwaryslidtheglancefromeartoear。 IV。 Inchillness,likeacloudedlantern—ray,Theforest’sheartoffogonmossedmorass,Onpurplepoolandsilkycotton—grass,Revealedwhereluredtheswallowerbyway。 V。 Deadoutlook,flattenedbackwithhardreboundOffwallsofdistance,lefteachmountedheight。 Itseemedagianthag—fiend,churningspiteOfhumblehumanbeing,heldtheground。 VI。 Throughfriendlesswastes,throughtreacherouswoodland,slowThefeetsustainedbytrackoffeetpursuedPainedsteps,andfoundthecommonbrotherhoodBysignofHeavenindifferent,Naturefoe。 VII。 Anonamason’sworkamazedthesight,Andlong—frockedmen,calledBrothers,thereabode。 Theypointedup,bowedhead,anddugandsowed; Whereofwasshelter,loaf,andwarmfirelight。 VIII。 Whatwordstheytaughtwerenailstoscratchthehead。 Benignantworksexplainedthechantingbrood。 Theirmonasterylitblacksolitude,Asonemightthinkastarthatheavenwardled。 IX。 Uproseafairernestforwearyfeet,Likesomegoldflowernightlyinwardcurled,Wheregentlemaidensfledaroaringworld,Orplayedwithit,andhadtheirwhiteretreat。 X。 Intobigbooksofmetalclaspstheypored。 Theygoverned,evenasmen;theywelcomedlays。 Thetreasureswomenarewhoseaimispraise,Wasshowninthem:theGardenhalfrestored。 XI。 Adelugebillowscouredthelandoffseas,Withwidenedjaws,andslaughterwasitsfoam。 Forfood,forclothing,ambush,refuge,home,Thelessersavageofferedbogsandtrees。 XII。 Whencereverenceroundgrey—hairedstorygrew: AndinmostspotsofancienthorrorshoneAstemplesunderbeamsoftrialsbygone; ForinthemsangbravetimeswithGodinview。 XIII。 Tillnowtrimhomesteadsborderedspacesgreen,Likenight’sfirstlittlestarsthroughclearingshowers。 Wasrumouredhowacastle’sfalcontowersThewildernesscommandedwithfiercemien。 XIV。 ThereinaseriousBaronstuckhislance; ForminstrelsongsabeauteousDamewouldpout。 Gayknightsandsombre,felonordevout,Prickedonward,boundfortheirunsungromance。 XV。 ItmightbethattwoerrantlordsacrossTheblockofeachcameedged,andatsharpcryTheychargedforthwith,thebettermantotry。 Onerodehisway,onecouchedonquietmoss。 XVI。 Perchancealadysweet,whoselordlayslain,Therobbersintogruesomedurancedrew。 Swiftshouldherherocome,likelightning’sblue! Sheprayedforhim,ascracklingdroughtforrain。 XVII。 Aswe,thateretheworstherherohaps,OfAngelsguided,nighthatloathlyden: Atoadycavebesideanaguefen,Wherelongforlornthelonedogwhinesandyaps。 XVIII。 BydaylightnowtheforestfearcouldreadItself,andatnewwonderschucklingwent。 Straightfortheroebuck’sneckthebowmanspentAdartthatlaughedatdistanceandatspeed。 XIX。 Rightloudthebugle’shallalielateRangforthofmerrydinglesroundthetors; Anddeftesthandwashefromforeignwars,Butsoonhehailedthehome—bredyeomanmate。 XX。 Beforetheblackbirdpeckedtheturftheywoke; Atdawnthedeer’swetnostrilsblewtheirlast。 Toforest,hauntofrunsandprimerepast,Withpayingblows,theyokelstrainedhisyoke。 XXI。 Thecityurchinmoonedonforestair,Ongrassysweepsandflyingarrows,thickAsswallowso’ersmoothstreams,andsighedhimsickForthinkingthathisdearerhomewasthere。 XXII。 Familiar,stillunseized,theforestsprangAnold—worldecho,likenomortalthing。 Thehunter’shornmightwindajocundring,Butheldinearithadachillyclang。 XXIII。 Someshadowlurkedaloofofancienttime; Somewarninghauntedanysoundprolonged,AsthoughtheleaguesofwoodlandheldthemwrongedTohearanaxeandseeatownshipclimb。 XXIV。 Theforest’serewhileemperorateveHadvoicewhenloweredheavensdrummedforgales。 Atmidnightasmallpeopledancedthedales,SothinthattheymightdwindlethroughasieveXXV。 Ringedmushroomstoldofthem,andintheirthroats,Oldwivesthatgatheredherbsandknewtoomuch。 Thepensionedforesterbesidehiscrutch,Struckshowersfromembersatthosebodefulnotes。 XXVI。 Camethentheone,allear,alleye,allheart; Devourer,andinsensiblydevoured; Inwhomthecityoverforestflowered,Theforestwreathedthecity’sdrama—mart。 XXVII。 TherefoundheinnewformthatDragonold,Fromtangledsolitudesexpelled;andtaughtHowblindlyeachitsantidotebesought; Foreither’sbreaththeneedsofeithertold。 XXVIII。 Nowdeepinwoods,withsongnosermon’sdrone,Heshowedwhatcharmthehumanconcourseworks: Amidthepressofmen,whatvirtuelurksWherebubblesacredwellsofwildnesslone。 XXIX。 Ourconquestthese:ifhaplyweretainThereverencethatne’erwilloverrunDueboundariesofrealmsfromNaturewon,Norletthepoet’saweinrapturewane。 Poem:AGardenIdylWithsagestcraftArachneworkedHerweb,andatacornerlurked,Awaitingwhatshouldplumphersoon,Tocaseitinthedeath—cocoon。 SagaciouslyherhomeshechoseForvisitsthatwouldneverclose; Insidemychalet—porchherfeastPluckedallthewindsbutchillNorth—east。 Thefinishedstructure,baronbar,Hadsnatchedfromlighttoformastar,Andstruckonsight,whenquickwithdews,LikemusicoftheveryMuse。 Greatartistspassoursinglesense; Wehearinseeing,strungtotense; Thenhaplymarvel,groanmayhap,Tothinksuchbeautymeansatrap。 ButNature’sgenius,evenman’sAtbest,ispracticalinplans; Subservienttotheneedythought,Howeverraretheweaponwrought。 AslongasNatureholdsitgoodTourgehercreatures’questforfoodWillbeautystampthejustintentOfweaponsuponservicebent。 ForbeautyisaflowerofrootsEmbeddedlowerthanourboots; Outoftheprimalstratasprings,AndshowsforcrownofusefulthingsArachne’sdreamofpreytosizeAspired;soshecouldnighdespiseThepunyspecksthebreezesroundSupplied,andletthemshakeunwound; Assuredofherfatflytocome; Perhapsablue,thespider’splum; Whotakesthefataloddsinfight,Andgivesrepastanappetite,Byplunging,whizzing,tillhiswingsArewebbed,andinthelistsheswings,Ashroudedlump,forhertoseeHerbanquetinhervictory。 Thismatronoftheunnumberedthreads,Onedayofdandelions’headsDistributingtheirgrayperruquesUpeverygust,IwatchedwithlooksDiscreetbesidethechalet—door; Andgracefullyalightwindbore,Directuponmywebster’swall,Amonsterintheformofball; Themildestcaptiveeversnared,Thatneitherstrugglednordespaired,Onhalfthenetinvadinghung,Andplainasinhermothertongue,Whilelowtheweavercursedherlures,Remarked,\"Youhaveme;Iamyours。\" Thricemagnified,inphantomshape,Herdreamofsizeshesaw,agape。 Midwaythevastround—rayingbeardAdesiccatedmidgeappeared; Whosebodyprickedthenameofmeal,Whosehairhadgrowthinearth’sunreal; Provocativeofdreadandwrath,Contemptandhorror,inonefroth,Inextricable,insensible,Hispoisonpresencetherewoulddwell,Declaringhimherdreamfulfilled,Acatchtocomplimenttheskilled; Andshereducedtobeakyskin,DisgracefulamongkithandkinAgainsthercorner,humpedandaged,Arachnewrinkled,pastenraged,Beyonddisgustorhopeinguile。 RidiculouslyvolatileHeseemedtoherlastsparkofmind; AndthatinpallidashdeclinedBeneaththeblowbyknowledgedealt,WhereinthroughoutherframeshefeltThathe,thelightwind’slibertine,Withoutascoff,withoutagrin,Andmanneredlikethecourtlyfew,Whomerelydancedwhenlightwindsblew,Impervioustobeakandclaws,Tradition’sruinousWhitebeardwas; Ofwhom,asactorsinoldscenes,Hadgrannamweaverswarnedtheirweans,Withword,thatlessthanfeather—weight,HesmotetheweblikeboltofFate。 Thismuteddrama,hourbyhour,Iwatchedamidaworldinflower,EreyetAutumnalthreadshadlaidTheirgray—blueo’erthegrass’sblade,Andstillalongthegarden—runTheblindwormstretchedhim,drunkofsun。 Arachnecrouchedunmoved;perchanceHervisitorperformedadance; Shepuckeredthinner;hethesameAswhenonthatlightwindhecame。 NextdaywastoldwhatdeedsofnightWeredone;thewebhadvanishedquite; Withitthestrangeopposingpair; Andlistlesswavedonvacantair,Forheradieutoheart’scontent,Asolitaryfilament。 Poem:ForesightAndPatienceSprungofthefatherblood,themotherbrain,Aretheywhopointourpathwayandsustain。 Theyrarelymeet;onesoars,onewalksretired。 Whentheydomeet,itisourearthinspired。 ToseeLife’sformlessoffspringandsubdueDesireoftimesunripe,wehavethesetwo,Whoseunionisrightreason:jointheyhands,Theworldshallknowitselfandwhereitstands; WhatcoweringangelandwhatuprightbeastMakeman,behold,norcountthelowtheleast,Norlessthestarshaverounditthanitsflowers。 Whenthesetwomeet,apointoftimeisours。 Asinalandofwaterfalls,thatflowSmoothfortheleapontheirgreatvoicebelow,Someeddiesnearthebrinkborneswiftalong,Willcapturehearingwiththeliquidsong,So,whiletheheadlongworld’simperiousforceResoundedunder,heardIthesediscourse。 Firstwords,wheredownmywoodlandwalksheled,ToherblindsisterPatience,Foresightsaid: —Yourfaithinmeappals,toshakemyown,WhenstillIfindyouinthismirealone。 —ThefewstepstakenatafuneralpaceBymenhadslainmebutforthoseyoutrace。 —LookIonceback,abrokenpinionI: Blackastherebelangelsrainedfromsky! —Needsmustyoudrinkofmewhilehereyoulive,AndmakemerichinfeelingIcangive。 —AbraveTo—beisdawnuponmybrow: YetmustIreadmysisterfortheHow。 MydaisybetterknowsherGodofbeamsThandothaneaglethattomounthimseems。 ShehaththesecretneverfieriestreachOfwingshallmastertillmenhearherteach。 —Likertheclodflakedbythedrivingplough,MysemblancewhenIhaveyounotasnow。 ThequietcreatureswhoescapemishapBearlikenesstopuregrowthsofthegreensap: ApictureofthesettledpeacedesiredBycowardsshunningstrifeorstriverstired。 Ilistenattheirbreasts:istherenojarOfwrestlingsandofstranglings,deadtheyare,AndsuchapictureasthepiercingmindRanksbeneathvegetation。NotresignedAremytruepupilswhiletheworldisbrute。 Whatedictofthestrongerkeepsmemute,Strongerimpelsthemotionofmyheart。 IamnotResignation’scounterpart。 IfthatIteach,’tislittlethedryword,Content,buthowtosavourhopedeferred。 Wecomeofearth,andrichofearthmaybe; Sooncarrionifveryeartharewe! Thecoursingveins,theconstantbreath,theuseOfsleep,declarethatstrifeallowsshorttruce; Unlessweclaspdecay,acceptdefeat,Andpassdespised;\"a—coldforlackofheat,\" Likeothercorpses,butwithoutdeath’splea。 —Mysistercallsforbattle;isitshe? —Ratheraworldofpressingmeninarms,Thanstagnant,wherethesensualpipercharmsEachdrowsymaladyandcoilingviceWithdreamsofeasewhereofthesoulpaysprice! Nohomeishereforpeacewhileevilbreeds,Whileerrorgoverns,none;andmusttheseedsYousow,youthatforlonghavereapeddisdain,Liebarrenatthedoorwayofthebrain,Letstoutcontentiondrivedeepfurrows,bloodMoisten,andmakenewchannelsofitsflood! —Mysoberlittlemaid,whenwemeetfirst,Drinksofmeeverwithaneagerthirst。 SocanInotofhertillcircumstanceDrugscravings。HereweseehowmenadvanceAdoubtfulfoot,butcircleifmuchstirred,Likedeadweedsonwhippedwaters。ShoutthewordPromptingtheirhungers,andtheygrandlymarch,Astoband—musicunderVictory’sarch。 Thuswasit,andthusisit;savethatthenThebeautyoffrankanimalshadmen。 —Observethem,anddownrearwardforaterm,Gazetotheprimaltwistingsoftheworm。 Thencelookthisway,acrossthefieldsthatshowMen’searlyformofspeechforYesandNo。 Mysisterabruisedinfant’sutterancehad; Andissuingstronger,tomankind’twasmad。 IknewmyhomewhereIhadchoicetofeelThetoadbeneathaharroworaheel。 —SpeakofthisAge。 —WhenyouitshalldiscernBrightasyouare,tometheAgewillturn。 —Forneitherofushasitanycare; ItslearningisthroughSciencetodespair。 —Despairliesdownandgrovels,grapplesnotWithevil,caststheburdenofitslot。 ThisAgeclimbsearth。 —Tochallengeheaven。 —NotlessThelowerdeeps。ItlaughsatHappiness! ThatknowI,thoughtheechoesofitwail,Foronestepupwardonthecragsyouscale。 BraveistheAgewhereinthewordwillrust,Whichmeansoursoulasleeporbody’slust,Untilfromwarmthofmanybreasts,thatbeatAtemperatecommonmusic,sunlikeheatThehappinessnotpredatorysheds! —ButyourfierceYesandNoofbuttingheads,NowragestooutdoahornyPast。 ShadesofawildDestroyeronthevastArethrownbyeverynovellightupraised。 Theworld’swholeroundsmokesominously,amazedAndtremblingasitspregnantAEtnaswells。 CombustiblesonhotcombustiblesRunpiling,foronesparktorollinfireThemountain—torrentofinfernalireAndleavethetrackofdevilswheremenbuilt。 Perceptiveofadoom,thesinner’sguiltConfessesinacryforhelpshrillloud,Ifdropsthechillnessofapassingcloud,Toconscience,reason,humanlove;invain: Nonesavetheybutthesoulswhichthemcontain。 NoextramuralGod,theGodwithinAlonegivesaidtocitychargedwithsin。 Aworldthatforthespuroffoolandknave,Sweatsinitslaboratory,whatshallsave? Butmenwhoplytheirwitsinsuchaschool,Mustpraythemercyoftheknaveandfool。 —MuchhaveIstudiedhardNecessity! ToknowherWisdom’smother,andthatweMaydeemtheharshnessofherlatercriesInlabourasuregoadtoprickthewise,Ifmenamongthewarningswhichconvulse,Cangravelydreadwithoutthecraven’spulse。 LongeretherisingofthisAgeofours,TheknaveandfoolwerestampedasmonstrousPowers。 Ofhumanlustsandlassitudestheyspring,Andareaslastingastheparentthing。 Yetnumberinglocusthosts,benttheytodrill,Theymighto’ermatchandhavemankindatwill。 Beholdsucharmygathering:oursthespur,Noscatteredfoetoface,butLucifer。 NotfoolorknaveisnowtheenemyO’ershadowingmen,’tisFolly,Knavery! Asea;norstaysthatseathebastionedbeach。 Nowmustthebrothersoulaliveineach,HistraitorousindividualdevildomHoldsubjectlestthegranddestructioncome。 DimlymenseeitmenacingapaceTooverthrow,perchanceuproottherace。 Within,without,theyareafieldoftares: Fruitfullerforthemwhenthecontestsquares,Andwhereforewarriorservicetheymustyield,Shinesvisibleaslifeoneitherfield。 Thatismycomfort,followingshockonshock,Whichsetsfaithquakingontheirfirmestrock。 Sincewithhisweapons,allthearmsofNight,FrailmenhavechallengedLucifertofight,Havematchedinhostileranks,enrolled,erect,ThehumanandSatanicintellect,DeterminedfortheirusestocontrolWhatforcesontheearthandunderroll,Theirgraniterockrunsigneous;nowtheystandPledgedtotheheavensforsafetyoftheirland。 Theycannotlearnsavegrossly,grossthatare: Throughfeartheylearnwhoseaidisgoodinwar。 —Mysister,asIreadtheminmyglass,Theirfieldoftarestheytakeforpasturegrass。 HowwakenthemthathavenotanybentSavebrowsing—theconcreteindifferent! FriendLucifersuppliesthemsolidstuff: Theyfearnotfortheracewhenfullthetrough。 Theyhavemuchfearofgivinguptheghost; Andtheseareofmankindtheunnumberedhost。 —IfIcouldseewithyou,anddidnotfaintInbeatingwing,thefutureIwouldpaint。 Thosemassedindifferentswilllearntoquake: Nowmeanwhileisanothermassawake,Oncedenserthanthegruntersofthesty。 IfIcouldseewithyou!CouldIbutfly! —Thelengthofdaysthatyouwiththemhavehoused,Anoutcastelse,approvestheircauseespoused。 —Otrue,theyhaveacause,andwoeforus,Whilestilltheyhaveacausetoopiteous! Yet,happyforuswhen,theircausedefined,Theywalknolongerwithastumblerblind,Andquickeninthevirtueoftheircause,Tothinkmeapoormoutherofoldsaws! IwaittheissueofabattlingAge; Thetoilerswithyour\"troughsters\"nowengage; Instructingthemthroughtheiracutestsense,Howclosethedangersofindifference! Alreadyhavemypeopleshowntheirworth,Morelovetheylight,whichfoldstheloveofEarth。 Thatlovetoloveoflabourleads:thenceloveOfhumankind—earth’sincenseflungabove。 —Admitsomeotherfeatures:Faithless,mean; Encasedinmatter;vowedtoGodsobscene; Contemptuousoftheimpalpable,itswellsOnDoubt;forpastimeswallowsmiracles; AndifIbiditfacewhatIobserve,Declaresmehoodwinkedbymyopticnerve! —Ofthasyourprophet,forrewardoftoil,Seennestsofseemingcockatricescoil: DisownedthemastheunholiestofTime,Whichwerehisoffspring,bornofflameonslime。 Norhim,theirsire,haveknownthefilialfry: AslittleasTime’searliestknewthesky。 PerchanceamongthemshootsalustrousflameAtintervals,inproofofwhomtheycame。 TostrengthenourfoundationsisthetaskOfthistoughAge;notinyourbeamstobask,Though,lightedbyyourbeams,downminingcavesTherockitblasts,thehoardedfoulnessbraves。 Mysisterseesnoroundbeyondhermood; TohawkthisAgehasdressedherheadinhood。 Outofthecourseofancientrutsandgrooves,Itmoves:Omuchformetosayitmoves! AbouthisAEthiopHighlandsNileisNile,Thoughnotthestreamofthepaternalsmile: Andwherehistideofnourishmenthedrives,AnAbyssinianwantonnessrevives。 Calmashislotus—leafto—dayheswims; Heistheyellowcrops,theroundedlimbs,ThePastyetflowing,thefairtimethatfills; Breathofallmouthsandgristofmanymills。 To—morrow,warningnonewithtempest—showers,HeisthevastInsensatewhodevoursHisgoldenpromiseoverleaguesofseed,Thensitsinasmoothlakeuponthedeed。 Theraceswhichonbarbarousforcebegin,Inheritonwardoftheirorigin,AndcancelledblessingswillthecurrentlengthRevealtilltheyknowneedofshapingstrength。 ’TisnotinmentorecognizetheneedBeforetheyclashinhosts,inhoststheybleed。 Thenmaysharpsufferingtheirnaturegrind; OfrabblepassionsgrowthechieftainMind。 YetmarkwherestillbroadNileboaststhousandsfed,Fortensupthesafemountainsathishead。 Fewwouldbefed,notfarhiscourseprolong,Saveforthetroublousbloodwhichmakeshimstrong。 —Thatringsoftruth!Moredoyourpeoplethrive; YourManyaremoremerrilyaliveThanerewhilewhenIgloriedinthepageOfradiantsingerandanointedsage。 Greecewasmylamp:burntoutforlackofoil; Rome,PythonRome,preyofitsrobberspoil! AllstructuresbuiltuponanarrowspaceMustfall,fromhavingnotyourhostsforbase。 Othricemustonebeyou,toseethemshiftAlongtheirdesertflats,heredash,theredrift; Withfaith,thatofprivationsandspiltblood,ComesReasonarmedtoclearorbanktheflood! Andthricemustonebeyou,towaitreleaseFromduressintheswampoftheirincrease。 Atwhichoppressivescene,beyondarrest,Adarknessnotwithstarsofheavendressed,Philosophersbehold;despondingview。 YourManynourished,starvedmybrilliantfew; Thenflingingheels,ascharioteersthereins,DivedownthefumyAEtnaoftheirbrains。 Belatedvesselsonarisingsea,Theyseem:theypass! —ButnotPhilosophy! —Ay,bewefaithfultoourselves:despiseNoughtbutthecowardinus!ThatwayliesThewisdommakingpassagethroughourslough。 AmInotheard,myheadtoEarthshallbow; Likeher,shallwaittosee,andseeingwait。 PhilosophyisLife’sonematchforFate。 ThatphotosphereofourhighfountainOne,Ourspirit’sLordandReason’sfosteringsun,Philosophy,shalllightusintheshade,Warminthefrost,makeGoodouraimandaid。 Companionedbythesweetest,ayrenewed,Unconquerable,whoseaimforaidisGood! AdvantagetotheMany:thatwenameGod’svoice;havetherethesuretyinouraim。 ThisthoughtuntomysisterdoIowe,Andironyandsatireoffmethrow。 Theycrackachildishwhip,drivepunyherds,Wherenumberscravetheirsustenanceinwords。 Nowlettheperilsthicken:clearerseen,YourChieftainMindmountsoverthemserene。 WhoneveryetofscatteredlampswasbornTospeedaworld,amarchingworldtowarn,ButsunwardfromthevividManysprings,Countsconquestbutastep,andthroughdisastersings。 FragmentsoftheIliadinEnglishHexameterVersePoem:TheInvectiveOfAchilles[Iliad,B。I。V。149] \"Heighme!brazenoffront,thougluttonforplunder,howcanone,Servantheretothymandates,heedtheeamongourAchaians,Eitherthemissionhieonorstoutlydofightwiththefoemen? I,nothitherIfaredonaccountofthespear—armedTrojans,Pledgedtothecombat;theyuntomehaveinnowiseaharmdone; Neverhavethey,ofatruth,comeliftingmyhorsesoroxen; Neverindeep—soiledPhthia,thenurserofheroes,myharvestsRavaged,they;forbetweenusisnumberedfullmanyadarksomeMountain,ay,therewithtoothestretchofthewindysea—waters。 Ohugelyshameless!theedidwefollowtoheartenthee,justicePluckfromtheDardansforhim,Menelaos,theetoo,thoudog—eyed! Whereoflittlethythoughtis,noughtwhateverthoureckest。 Worse,itisthouwhosethreat’tistoravishmyprizefromme,portionWonwithmuchlabour,thewhichmygiftfromthesonsofAchaia。 Never,insooth,haveIknownmyprizeequalthinewhenAchaiansGavesomeflourishingpopulousTrojantownuptopillage。 Nay,sure,minewerethehandsdidmostinthestormofthecombat,Yetwhencameperadventureshareofthebootyamongstus,Biggertotheewenttheprize,whileIsomesmallblessedthingboreOfftotheships,myshareofrewardformytoilinthebloodshed! SonowgoItoPhthia,forbetterbymuchitbeseemsmeHomewardgowithmybeakedshipsnow,andIholdnotinprospect,Ibeingoutraged,thoumaystgatherhereplunderandwealth—store。\" Poem:TheInvectiveofAchilles—V。225。 \"Bibberbesotted,withscowlofacur,havingheartofadeer,thou! Nevertojointothywarriorsarmedforthepressoftheconflict,NeverforambushforthwiththeprinceliestsonsofAchaiaDaredthysoul,fortotheethatthingwouldhavelookedasadeath—stroke。 Sooth,moreeasyitseems,downthelengthenedarrayofAchaians,Snatchattheprizeoftheonewhosevoicehasbeenliftedagainstthee。 Raveningkingofthefolk,forthatthouhastthyruleoverabjects; Else,sonofAtreus,nowwerethisoutrageonmethylastone。 Nay,butItellthee,andIdoswearabigoathonitlikewise: Yea,bythesceptrehere,anditsurelybearsbranchesandleaf— budsNeveragain,sincefirstitwasloppedfromitstrunkonthemountains,Nomoresprouting;forrounditallcleanhasthesharpmetalclippedoffLeavesandthebark;ay,verifynowdothesonsofAchaia,GuardianhandsofthecounselsofZeus,pronouncingthejudgement,Holditaloft;sonowuntotheeshalltheoathhaveitsportent; LoudwillthecryforAchillesburstfromthesonsofAchaiaThroughoutthearmy,andthouchafepowerless,thoughinananguish,Howtogivesuccourwhenvastcropsdownunderman—slayingHectorTumbleexpiring;andthoudeepintheeshalttearatthyheart— strings,Rage—wrung,thou,thatinnoughtthoudidsthonourtheflowerofAchaians。\" Poem:MarshallingOfTheAchaians[Iliad,B。IIV。455] Likeasaterriblefirefeedsfastonaforestenormous,Uponamountainheight,andtheblazeofitradiatesroundfar,SoonthebrightblestarmsofthehostintheirmarchdidthesplendourGleamwideroundthroughthecircleofairrightuptothesky— vault。 They,now,aswhenswarmthickintheairmultitudinouswingedflocks,Beitofgeeseorofcranesorthelong—neckedtroopsofthewild— swans,OffthatAsianmead,bytheflowofthewatersofKaistros; Hitherandyonflythey,andrejoicinginprideoftheirpinions,Clamour,shapedtotheirranks,andthemeadallaboutthemresoundeth; SothosenumeroustribesfromtheirshipsandtheirshelteringspouredforthOnthatplainofScamander,andhorriblerumbledbeneaththemEarthtothequick—pacedfeetofthemenandthetrampofthehorse—hooves。 Stoppedtheythenonthefair—flower’dfieldofScamander,theirthousandsManyasleavesandtheblossomsbornoftheflowerfulseason。 Evenascountlesshot—pressedfliesintheirmultitudestraverse,Cloudsofthem,undersomeherdsman’swonning,wherethenarethemilk—pailsAlso,fulloftheirmilk,inthebountifulseasonofspring—time; Evensothicklythelong—hairedsonsofAchaiatheplainheld,PromptforthedashattheTrojanhost,withthepassiontocrushthem。 Those,likewise,asthegoatherds,eyeingtheirvastflocksofgoats,knowEasilyonefromtheotherwhenallgetmixedo’erthepasture,Sodidthechieftainsrankthemherethereintheirplacesforonslaught,Hardonthepushofthefray;andamongthemKingAgamemnon,He,forhiseyesandhishead,aswhenZeusglowsgladinhisthunder,HewiththegirdleofAres,hewiththebreastofPoseidon。 Poem:AgamemnonInTheFight[Iliad,B。XI。V。148] These,then,heleft,andawaywhererankswerenowclashingthethickest,Onwardrushed,andwithhimrushedallofthebright—greavedAchaians。 Footthenfootmenslew,thatwereflyingfromdirefulcompulsion,Horseatthehorsemen(upfromoffunderthemmountedthedust— cloud,Upofftheplain,raisedupcloud—thickbythethunderinghorse— hooves) Hewedwiththesword’ssharpedge;andsomeanwhileLordAgamemnonFollowed,chasingandslaughteringaye,on—urgeingtheArgives。 Now,aswhenfirevoraciouscatchestheunclippedwood—land,Thiswaybearsitandthatthegreatwhirlofthewind,andthescrubwoodStretchesuptorn,flungforwardalengthbythefire’sfuryrageing,SobeneathAtreidesAgamemnonheadsofthescatteredTrojansfell;andinnumbersamanythehorses,neck—stiffened,Rattledtheirvacantcarsdowntheroadwaygapsofthewar—field,Missingtheblamelesscharioteers,but,forthese,theywereoutstretchedFlatuponearth,fardearertovulturesthantotheirhome—mates。 Poem:ParisAndDiomedes[Iliad;B。XIV。378] Sohe,withaclearshoutoflaughter,Forthofhisambushleapt,andhevauntedhim,utteringthiswise: \"Hitthouart!notinvainflewtheshaft;howbyrightsithadpiercedtheeIntotheundermostgut,therewithtohaverivedtheeoflife— breath! FollowingthathadtheTrojanspluckedanewbreathfromtheirdirest,Theyallfrightedofthee,asthegoatsbleatinflightfromalion。\" ThenuntohimuntroubledmadeanswerstoutDiomedes: \"Bow—puller,jiber,thybowforthyglorying,spyeratvirgins! Ifthatthoudared’stfacemehereoutintheopenwithweapons,Nothingthenwouldavailtheethybowandthythickshotofarrows。 Nowthouplumesttheevainlybecauseofagrazeofmyfootsole; ReckIaswerethatstrokefromawomanorsomepettishinfant。 Ayefliesbluntedthedartofthemanthat’semasculate,noughtworth! Otherwisehits,forthflyingfromme,andbutstrikesittheslightest,Mykeenshaft,anditnumbersamanofthedeadfallenstraightway。 Torn,troth,thenarethecheeksofthewifeofthatmanfallenslaughtered,Orphanshisbabes,fullsurelyhereddenstheearthwithhisblood— drops,Rotting,roundhimthebirds,morenumeroustheythanthewomen。\" Poem:HypnosOnIda[Iliad,B。XIV。V。283] Theythentofountain—abundantIda,motherofwildbeasts,Came,andtheyfirstleftoceantofareovermainlandatLektos,Whereunderneathoftheirfeetwavedloftiestgrowthsofthewoodland。 TherehungHypnosfast,erethevisionofZeuswasobservant,Mounteduponatallpine—tree,tallestofpinesthatonIdaLustilyspringoffsoilfortheshootupaloftintoaether。 Theredidhesitwell—cloakedbythewide—branchedpineforconcealment,Thatloudbird,inhisformlike,thatperchedhighupinthemountains,ChalkisisnamedbytheGods,butofmortalsknownasKymindis。 Poem:ClashInArmsOfTheAchaiansAndTrojans[Iliad,B。XIV。V。394] Notthesea—wavesobellowsabroadwhenitburstsuponshingle,Whippedfromthesea’sdeepsupbytheterribleblastoftheNorthwind; Nay,norisevertheroarofthefiercefire’srushsoarousing,Downalongmountain—glades,whenitsurgestokindleawoodland; Nay,norsotonantthundersthestressofthegaleintheoak— trees’ Foliage—tresseshigh,whenitragestoraveingitsutmost; AsrosethenstupendoustheTrojan’scryandAchaians’,Dreadupshoutingasonewhentogethertheyclashedintheconflict。 Poem:TheHorsesOfAchilles[Iliad,B。XVII。V。426] SonowthehorsesofAiakides,offwideofthewar—ground,Wept,sincefirsttheywerewareoftheircharioteeroverthrownthere,Castdownlowinthewhirlofthedustunderman—slayingHector。 Sooth,meanwhile,thendidAutomedon,bravesonofDiores,Oft,ontheonehand,urgethemwithflicksoftheswiftwhip,andoft,too,Coaxentreatingly,hurriedly;whilesdidheangrilythreaten。 Vainly,forthesewouldnottotheships,totheHellespontspacious,Backwardturn,norbewhippedtothebattleamongtheAchaians。 Nay,asapillarremainsimmovable,fixedonthetombstone,Haply,ofsomedeadmanoritmaybeawomanthere—under; Evenlikehardstoodtheythereattachedtothegloriouswar—car,Earthwardbowedwiththeirheads;andofthemsolamentingincessantRanthehotteardropsdownwardontotheearthfromtheireyelids,Mourningtheircharioteer;alltheirlustrousmanesdusty—clotted,Rightsideandleftoftheyoke—ringtossed,tothebreadthoftheyoke—bow。 NowwhentheissueofKronosbeheldthatsorrow,hisheadshookPityingthemfortheirgrief,thesewordsthenhespakeinhisbosom; \"Why,yehapless,gavewetoPeleusyou,toamortalMaster;yethatareagelessboth,yebothofyoudeathless! Wasitthatyeamongmenmostwretchedshouldcometohaveheart— grief? ’Tismosttrue,thantheraceofthesemenistherewretchedernowhereAughtoverearth’srangefoundthatisgiftedwithbreathandhasmovement。\" Poem:TheMaresOfTheCamargue[FromtheMIREIOofMistral] Ahundredmares,allwhite!theirmanesLikemace—reedofthemarshyplainsThick—tufted,wavy,freeo’theshears: AndwhenthefierysquadronrearsBurstingatspeed,eachmaneappearsEvenasthewhitescarfofafayFloatingupontheirnecksalongtheheavensaway。 Oraceofhumankind,takeshame! Forneveryetahandcouldtame,NorbitterspurthatripstheflankssubdueThemaresoftheCamargue。Ihaveknown,Bytreasonsnared,somecaptivesshown; ExpatriatefromtheirnativeRhone,Ledoff,theirsalinepasturesfarfromview: Andonaday,withpromptrebound,Theyhaveflungtheirriderstotheground,Andatasinglegallop,scouringfree,Wide—nostril’dtothewind,twicetenOflongmarsh—leaguesdevour’d,andthen,BacktotheVacaresagain,AftertenyearsofslaveryjusttobreathesaltseaForofthissavageraceunbent,Theoceanistheelement。 OfoldescapedfromNeptune’scar,fullsure,Stillwiththewhitefoamfleck’darethey,Andwhentheseapuffsblackfromgrey,Andshipspartcables,loudlyneighThestallionsofCamargue,alljoyfulintheroar; AndkeenasawhiptheylashandcrackTheirtailsthatdragthedust,andbackScratchuptheearth,andfeel,enteringtheirflesh,wherehe,TheGod,drivesdeephistridentteeth,Whoinonehorror,above,beneath,Bidsstormandwaterydelugeseethe,Andshatterstotheirdepthstheabyssesofthesea。 Cant。iv。