第1章

类别:其他 作者:George W.Sands字数:19401更新时间:19/01/02 15:00:56
PREFACE Underthishead,Idesiretosayafewwordsuponthreesubjects,——myfriends,mybook,andmyself。 Myfriends,thoughnotlegioninnumber,havebeen,intheireffortsinmybehalf,disinterested,sincere,andenergetic。 Mybook:Ilayit,asmyfirstoffering,attheshrineofmycountry’sfame。\"Woulditwereworthier。\"Whileoursoldiersarefirstineveryfieldwheretheymeetourenemies,andwhilethewisdomofourlegislatorsisjustifiedbeforealltheworld,intheperfectionofourbelovedinstitutions,ourliteraturelanguishes。Thisshouldnotbeso;forliterature,withitskindredarts,makesthetruegloryofanation。WebowinspiritwhenGreeceisnamed,notalonebecauseshewasthemotherofheroesandlawgivers,butbecauseherhandrockedthecradleofaliteratureasenduringasitisbeautifulandbrilliant,andcherishedintheirinfancythoseartswhicheventuallyrepaidhernursingcareinarichharvestofimmortalrenown。 FormyselfIhavelittletosay。Ihavenotwrittenforfame,andifmylifehadbeenahappyoneIshouldneverhavewrittenatall。 Asitwas,Iearlycametodrinkofthebittercup;andsorrow,whilstitcutsusofffromtheouter,drivesusbackupontheinnerworld;——andthentheunquietdemonofceaselessthoughtisroused,andthebrainbecomes\"awhirlinggulfofphantasyandflame,\"andweraveand——write!Yes,write!Andmenreadandtalkaboutgenius,and,Godhelpthem!Oftenenvyitsunhappypossessorsthefatalgiftwhichliesuponheartandbrainlikemoltenlead!Ofallwhohavegainedeminenceamongmenaspoets,howfewarethereofwhomitmaynotbejustlysaid,\"Theyhavecomeupthroughmuchtribulation。\" G。W。S。 CONTENTS Mazelli,CantoI。,CantoII。,CantoIII。,TheMisantrhopeReclaimed,ActI。,ActII。,ActIII。,ActIV。,MiscellaneousPoems,Dedication。 FrederickCity,September7th,1849。 DearSir,—— Inhumbletestimonyofmygratitudeforyourservicesasafriend,andmyadmirationandrespectforyourcharacterandworthasanauthorandaman,permitmetodedicatetoyouthepoemof\"Mazelli。\" Yourobedientservant,GeorgeW。Sands。 ToSamuelTyler,Esq。,OftheMarylandBar。 MAZELLI CantoI。 I。 \"Stay,traveller,staythywearysteed,Thesultryhourofnoonisnear,Ofrestthyway—wornlimbshaveneed,Stay,then,and,tasteitssweetnesshere。 ThemountainpathwhichthouhastspedIssteep,anddifficulttotread,Andmanyafartherstep’twillcost,Erethouwiltfindanotherhost; Butifthouscorn’stnothumblefare,Suchasthepilgrimlovestoshare,—— Notluxury’senfeeblingspoil,Butbreadsecuredbypatienttoil—— Thenlendthineeartomyrequest,Andbetheoldman’swelcomeguest。 Thouseestyonagedwillowtree,Inallitssummerpomparrayed,’Tisnear,wendthither,then,withme,Mycotisbuiltbeneathitsshade; AndfromitsrootsclearwatersburstTocoolthylip,andquenchthythirst:—— Iloveit,andifharmshould,comeToit,IthinkthatIshouldweep; ’Tisasaguardianofmyhome,SofaithfullyitseemstokeepItswatchabovethespotwhereI Havelivedsolong,andmeantodie。 Come,pardonmeforpratingthus,Butage,youknow,isgarrulous; Andinlife’sdimdecline,weholdThricedearwhate’erwelovedofold,—— Thestreamuponwhosebanksweplayed,Theforestthroughwhoseshadeswestrayed,ThespottowhichfromsobertruthWestoletodreamthedreamsofyouth,ThesinglestarofallNight’szone,Whichwehavechosenasourown,EachhasitshauntingmemoryOfthingswhichnevermoremaybe。\" II。 ThusspakeanagedmantooneWhomanhood’sracehadjustbegun。 Hisformofmanhood’snoblestlengthWasstrungwithmanhood’sstouteststrength,AndburnedwithinhiseagleeyeTheblazeoftamelessenergy—— Nottamelessbutuntamed——forlifeSoonbreaksthespiritwithitsstrifeAndtheywhointheirsoulshavenursedThebrightestvisions,arethefirstTolearnhowDisappointment’sblightStripslifeofitsillusivelight; HowdreamsthehearthasdearestheldAreeverfirsttobedispelled; Howhope,andpower,andlove,andfame,Areeachanidlysoundingname,Aphantom,adeceit,awile,Thatwoosanddazzlestobeguile。 Buttimehadnotyettutoredhim,Theyouthofhardyheartandlimb,Whoquicklydrewhiscourser’sbit; Forthoughtoohaughtytosubmit,Instrifeformasterywithmen,Yettoaprayer,oracaress,Hissoulbecameallgentleness,—— Aninfant’shandmightleadhimthen: Soansweredhe,——\"InsooththewayMysteedandIhavepassedto—day,Isofsuchweary,windinglength,Assorelytohavetriedourstrength,AndIwillblessthebreadandsaltOfhimwhokindlybidsmehalt。\" Thenspringinglightlytotheground,Hisgirthandsaddleheunbound,Andturningfromthepathaside,Thesteedandguest,thehostandguide,Soughtwheretheoldman’sfriendlydoorStoodeveropentothepoor: Thepoor——forseldomcamethegreat,Orrich,theapersoftheirstate,Thatsimple,rudeabodetosee,Orclaimitshospitality。 III。 Fromwherethehermit’scottagestood,Beneathitshugeoldguardiantree,Thegazer’swand’ringeyemightsee,Where,initsmazeoffieldandwood,Andstretchingmanyaleagueaway,Abroadandsmilingvalleylay:—— Laystillycalm,andsweetlyfair,AsifDeathhadnotenteredthere; Asifitsflowers,sobrightofbloom,Itsbirds,sogayofsongandwing,Wouldneverlosetheirsoftperfume,Wouldnever,neverceasetosing。 Fatflockswereinitsglensatrest,Purewaterswanderedo’eritsbreast,Theskywasclear,thewindswerestill,Richharvestsgrewoneveryhill,Thesuninmid—dayglorysmiled,Andnatureslumberedasachild。 IV。 Andnow,theirrusticbanquetdone,AndshelteredfromthenoontidesunBytheoldwillow’spleasantshade,Theguestandhostthescenesurveyed; Markedhowthemountain’smightybaseThevalley’scoursewasseentotrace; MarkedhowitsgracefulazurecrestAgainstthesky’sbluearchwaspressed,AndhowitslongandrockychainWaspartedsuddenlyintwain,Wherethroughachasm,wideanddeep,Potomac’srapidwaterssweep,Whilerocksthatpressthemountain’sbrow,Nodo’erhiswavesfar,farbelow;(1) Markedhowthosewaves,inonebroadblaze,Threwbackthesun’smeridianrays,And,flashingastheyrolledalong,Seemedallalivewithlightandsong; MarkedhowgreenbowerandgardenshowedWhererosethehusbandman’sabode,AndhowthevillagewallswereseenToglimmerwithasilverysheen,SuchastheSpaniardsaw,ofyore,HangoverTenuchtitlan’swalls,Whenmaddenedwiththelustofgore,Hecametodesecrateherhalls; Tofirehertemples,towers,andthrones,Andturnhersongsofpeacetogroans。 Theygazed,tillfromthehermit’seyeAtearstoleslowandsilently; Atear,whichMemory’shandhadtakenFromadeepfountainlongcongealed; Atear,whichshowedhowstronglyshakenTheheartmustbe,whichthusrevealed,Throughtime’sdimshadows,gatheringfast,Itsrecollectionsofthepast; Then,asasighescapedhisbreast,Thusspakethehermittohisguest。 V。 \"Thouseesthowfairasceneishere; Itseemsasif’twereplannedabove,Andfashionedfromsomehappiersphere,Tobethehomeofpeaceandlove。 Yetman,toofondofstrife,todwellInmeekcontentment’scalmrepose,WillturnanEdentoahell,Andtriumphinhisbrother’swoes! Andpassion’slewdandlawlesshost,DelighttoraveandrevelmostWheregenerousNaturestampsandstrewsHerfairestforms,andbrightesthues: AndDiscordherehaslitherbrand,AndHatrednursedhersavagebrood,AndsternRevenge,withcrimsonhand,Haswrittenhisfouldeedsinblood。 Butthosewholovedandsufferedthen,Havegivenplacetoothermen: Ofallwholive,tomealoneThestory,oftheirfateisknown; Giveheed,andIwilltellitthee,Tho’mournfulmustthestorybe。 VI。 Imindasif’twereyesterday,ThehourwhenfirstIstoodbesideThemarginofyonrushingtide,Andwatcheditswildwavesintheirplay; Theselocksthatnowarethinandgray,Thenclusteredthickanddarkasthine,Andfewhadstrengthofarmlikemine。 ThouseesthowmanyafurrownowTime’shandhathploughedathwartmybrow: Well,thenitwaswithoutaline;—— AndIhadothertreasurestoo,Ofwhich’tisuselessnowtovaunt; Friends,whowerekind,andwarm,andtrue; Aheart,thatdangercouldnotdaunt; Asoul,withwilddreamswildlystirred; Andhopethathadnotbeendeferred。 IcannotcounthowmanyyearsHavesincegoneby,buttoilandtears,Andtheloneheart’sdeepagony,Ifeelhavesadlyalteredme;—— YetmournInotthechange,forthoseIlovedorscorned,myfriendsorfoes,Havefallenandfaded,onebyone,Astime’sswiftcurrenthurriedby,TillI,ofallmykithalone,Amlefttowait,andwishtodie。 VII。 HowstrongahandhathTime!Manrears,Andnameshisworkimmortal;yearsGoby。Behold!wheredwelthispride,SternDesolation’sbroodabide; Theowlwithinhisbowersits,Thelonebatthroughhischamberflits; Whereboundedbythebuoyantthrong,Withmeasuredstep,andchoralsong,Thewilyserpentwindsalong; WhiletheDestroyerstalkethby,Andsmiles,asifinmockery。 HowstrongabandhathTime!LoveweavesHiswreathofflowersandmyrtleleaves,(MethinkshisfittestcrownwouldbeAchapletfromthecypresstree;) Withhopehisbreastisswellinghigh,Andbrightlybeamshislaughingeye; Butsoonhishopesaremixedwithfears,Andsoonhissmilesarequenchedintears: ThenDisappointment’sblightingbreathBreatheso’erhim,andhedroopstodeath; WhiletheDestroyerglidethby,Andsmiles,asifinmockery。 HowstrongahandhathTime!FamewinsTheeageryouthtoherembrace; Withtamelessardourhebegins,Andfollowsupthebootlessrace; Ah!bootless——for,asonhehies,Withequalspeedthephantomflies,Tillyouth,andstrength,andvigourgone,Hefaints,andsinks,anddiesunknown; WhiletheDestroyerpassethby,Andsmiles,asifinmockery。 Gaze,stranger,onthescenebelow; ’Tisscarceacenturyago,Sincehereabodeanotherrace,Themenoftomahawkandbow,Thesavagesonsofwarandchase; Yetwhere,ah!where,abidetheynow? Gosearch,andseeifthoucanstfind,Onetracewhichtheyhaveleftbehind,Asinglemound,ormossygrave,Thatholdstheashesofthebrave; AsingleletteredstonetosayThattheyhavelived,andpassedaway。 Mensoonwillceasetonametheirname,Oblivionsoonwillquenchtheirfame,Andthewildstoryoftheirfate,Willyetbesubjectofdebate,’Twixtantiquarianssageandable,Whodoubtifitbetruthorfable。 VIII。 IsaidImindedwellthetime,WhenfirstbesideyonstreamIstood; Thenoneinterminablewood,Initsunboundedbreadthsublime,Andinitslonelinessprofound,Spreadlikealeafyseaaround。 Tooneofforeignlandandbirth,Nursed’midtheloveliestscenesofearth,Butnowfromhomeandfriendsexiled,Suchwildernessweredoublywild;—— Ithoughtitso,andscarcecouldI Mytearsrepress,whenstandingbyTheriver’sbrink,IthoughtofmineOwnnativestream,thegloriousRhine! For,neartoit,withlovingeye,Mymotherwatchedmyinfancy; Alongitsbanksmychildhoodstrayed,Withitsstrongwavesmyboyhoodplayed。 AndIcouldsee,inmemory,stillMyfather’scottageonthehill,Withgreenvinestrailingroundando’erWall,roofandcasement,porchanddoor: YetsoonIlearnedyonstreamtobless,Andlovethewoodedwilderness。 IcouldnotthenhavetoldtheehowThechangecameo’ermyheart,butnowIknowfullwellthecharmthatwrought,Intomysoul,thespellofthought—— Oftender,pensivethought,whichmadeMelovetheforest’sdeepestshade,Andlisten,withdelightedear,Tothelowvoiceofwatersnear,Asgliding,gushing,gurglingby,Theyuttertheirsweetminstrelsy。 Iscarceneedgivethat_charm_aname; Thyheart,Iknow,hathfeltthesame,—— Ah!whereismind,orheart,orsoul,Thathasnotbowedtoitscontrol? IX。 See,whereyontowering,rockyledge,Hangsjuttingo’ertheriver’sedge,Therechannelleddark,anddull,anddeep,Thelazy,laggingwaterssleep; Thencefollow,withthineeaglesight,Adoublestone’scasttotheright,Markwhereawhite—walledcottagestands,Devisedandrearedbycunninghands,Astatelypile,andfairtosee! Thechisel’stouch,andpencil’strace,Haveblentforitagoodlygrace; Andyet,itmuchlesspleasethme,Thandidthesimplerusticcot,Whichoccupiedofyorethatspot。 For,’neathitshumbleshelter,grewThefairestflowerthate’erdrankdew; Aloneexoticofthewood,Thefairyofthesolitude,WhodweltamiditslonelinessTobrighten,beautify,andbless。 Thesummersky’sserenestblue,Wouldbestportrayhereye’ssofthue; FromherwhitebrowwerebackwardrolledLongcurlsofmingledlightandgold; Theflushuponhercheekofsnow,Hadshamedtherose’sharsherglow; Andhaughtylovehad,haughtiergrown,Toownherbreasthisfairestthrone。 Theeyethatoncebeholdher,ne’erCouldloseherimage;——firmandbright,All—beautiful,andpure,andclear,’Twasstampeduponth’enamouredsight; Unchangeable,foreverfair,Abovedecay,itlingeredthere! Asithaslingeredonmineown,Thesemanyyears,tillithasgrown,Initsmysteriousstrength,tobeAportionofmysoulandme。 X。 NotinthepeopledsolitudeOfcities,doestruelovebelong; ForitisofAthoughtfulmood,Andthoughtabidesnotwiththethrong。 Norisitwonbyglitteringwealth,Bycunning,nordeviceofart,Unheralded,bysilentstealth,Itwinsitswayintotheheart。 Andoncethesoulhasknownitsdream,Thenceforthitsempireissupreme,Forheart,andbrain,andsoul,andwill,Arebowedbyitssubduingthrill。 Mylove,alas!notborntobless,Hadbirthinnature’sloneliness; Andheld,atfirst,asasweetspell,Itgrewinstrength,tillitbecameAspirit,whichIcouldnotquell,—— Aquenchless——avolcanicflame,Which,withoutpause,ortimeofrest,Mustburnforeverinmybreast。 Yethowecstaticallysweet,Wasitsfirstsofttumultuousbeat! IlittlethoughtthatbeatcouldbeTheharbingerofmisery; Anddaily,whenthemorningbeamDawnedearliestonwoodandstream,When,fromeachbrakeandbushwereheard,Thehumofbee,andchirpofbird,Fromthese,earth’smatinsongs,myearWouldturn,asweetervoicetohear—— Avoice,whosetonestheveryairSeemedtremblingwithdelighttobear; Fromleafywood,andmistystream,Frombush,andbrake,andmorningbeam,Wouldturnawaymywanderingeye,Adearerobjecttodescry,Tillvoicesosweet,andformsobright,Grewpartofhearingandofsight。 X1。 YetmyfondloveInevertold,Butkeptit,asthemiserkeeps,Inhisrudehut,hishoardedheapsOfgleaminggems,andglitteringgold: Gloatinginsecreto’ertheprize,Hefearstoshowtoothereyes; Andsopassedmanymonthsaway,TillonceIheardacomradesay:—— \"To—morrowbringsherbridalday; Mazellileavesthegreenwoodbower,Whereshehasgrownitsfairestflower,Tobless,withherbright,sunnysmile,Astrangerfromadistantisle,Whomlovehasluredacrossthesea,O’erhillandglen,throughwoodandwild,Farfromhislordlyhome,tobeLordoftheforest’sfairestchild。\" ItwasaswhenathunderpealBursts,crashingfromacloudlesssky,ItcausedmybrainandhearttoreelAndthrob,withspeechlessagony: Yet,whenwildPassion’strancewaso’er,AndThoughtresumedherswayoncemore,IbreathedaprayerthatshemightbeSavedfromthepangsthattorturedme; ThatheryoungheartmightneverproveThestingofunrequitedlove。 MytaskIthenagainbegan,Butah!howmuchanalteredman,—— Asinglehour,afewhottears,Haddonethewastingworkofyears。 XII。 NorwasitIalone,towhomThosewordshadbeenaswordsofdoom,Bysomemaliciousfiendrehearsed: Anotheronewasstandingby,Withprincelyport,andpiercingeye,Ofduskycheek,andbrow,andplume; Ithoughthisheavingheartwouldburst,Hislabouringbosom’sheaveandswell,Sostrongly,quickly,roseandfell! Along,brightbladehungathisside,Itskeenandglitteringedgehetried; Heboreabow,andthishedrew,Toseeifstillitsspringweretrue; Butothersigncouldnonebecaught,Ofwhathesuffered,felt,orthought。 Andthenwithfirmandhaughtystride,Heturnedaway,andleftmyside; Iwatchedhim,aswithrapidtread,Alongtheriver’smargehesped,Tillthestilltwilight’sgatheringgloomHidhaughtyform,andwavingplume。 CantoII。 I。 HestoodwherethemountainmossoutspreadItssmoothnessbeneathhisduskyfoot; Thechestnutboughsabovehishead,Hungmotionlessandmute。 Therecamenotavoicefromthewoodedhill,Norasoundfromtheshadowyglen,Savetheplaintivesongofthewhip—poor—will,(2) Andthewaterfall’sdash,andnowandthen,Thenight—bird’smournfulcry。 Deepsilencehungroundhim;themistylightOftheyoungmoonsilveredthebrowofNight,WhosequietspirithadflungherspellO’erthevalley’sdepth,andthemountain’sheight,Andbreathedontheair,tillitsgentleswellAroseontheearlikesomelovedone’scall; AndthewideblueskyspreadoverallItsstarrycanopy。 Andheseemedasthespiritofsomechief,Whosegravecouldnotgivehimrest; Sodeepwasthesettledhueofgrief,Onhismanlyfrontimpressed: Yethislipswerecompressedwithaprouddisdain,Andhisportwaserectandhigh,Likethelipsofamartyrwhomocksatpain,Astheportofaherowhoscornstofly,Whenhismenhavefailedinfight; Whoratherathousanddeathswoulddie,Thanhisfameshouldsufferblight。 II。 Andwhobykith,andwhobyname,Ishe,thatlone,yethaughtyone? Byhishighbrow,andeyeofflame,IguesshimoldOttalli’sson。 Ottalli!whoseproudnamewashereInothertimes,asoundoffear! Thefleetoffoot,andstrongofhand,Chiefofhistribe,lordoftheland,Theforestchild,ofmindandsoulToowildandfreetobrookcontrol! Inchasewasnonesoswiftashe,Inbattlenonesobraveandstrong; Tofriends,allloveandconstancy,—— Butwetothosewhowroughthimwrong! Hisarmwouldwageavengingstrife,Withbow,andspear,andbloodyknife,Tillhehadtaughthisfoestofeel,Howtruehisaim,howkeenhissteel。 Nowothersholdtheswayheheld,—— Hisdayandpowerhavepassedaway; Hisgoodlyforestsallarefelled,Andsongsofmirthrise,clearandgay,Chauntedbyyouthfulvoices,whereHisbattle—hymnoncefilledtheair—— Whereblazedtheluridcouncilfire,Thevillagechurcherectsitsspire; Andwherethemysticwar—dancerang,Withitsconfused,discordantclang,Whilestern,fiercelips,withmanyacryForbloodandvengeance,filledthesky,MildMercy,gentleasthedove,Proclaimsherruleofpeaceandlove。 Andofhistrueandfaithfulclan,Ofchildandmatron,maidandman,Ofallheloved,survivesbutone—— Hisearliest,andhisonlyson! Thatson’ssoleheritagehisfame,Hisstrength,hislikeness,andhisname。 III。 Andthusfromvaryingyeartoyear,Theyouthfulchiefhaslingeredhere; Chief!——whyishesonoblynamed? Howmanywarriorsathiscall,ByArcouski’sbreathinflamed,Wouldwithhimfight,andforhimfall? Ofallhisfather’swarriorthrong,RemainsnotonewhoselipcouldnowRehearsewithhimthebattlesong,Whosehandcouldbendthehostilebow。 Andyet,noweak,complainingword,Fromhissternlipiseverheard; Andhisbrighteye,soblackandclear,Isnevermoistenedbyatear; Ofquietmien,andmournfulmood,Helives,astoicofthewood; Glidingaboutfromplacetoplace,Withnoiselessstep,andsteadypace,Hauntingeachfountain,glen,andgrot,LiketheloneGeniusofthespot。 IV。 Andthiswashewho,standingthere,SeemedasanimageofDespair,Whichagony’sconvulsivestrife,Hadquickenedintobreathinglife。 Thewrithinglip,thebrowallwetWithPain’scold,clammy,deathlikesweat; Thehand,thatwithunconsciousclasp,Strainedhiskeendaggerinitsgrasp; Theeye,thatlightenedwiththeblazeOffrenziedPassion’smaniacgaze; Thenervous,shudderingthrill,whichcameAtintervalsalonghisframe; Thetremulouslyheavingbreast,—— Thesesignstheinwardstormconfessed: Yet,throughthosesignsofwo,therebrokeFlashesoffearlessthought,whichspokeAsoulwithin,whosehaughtywillWouldwrestlewithimmortalill,Andonlyquitthestrife,whenfateItsbeingshouldannihilate。 Silenthestood,untilthebreezeBorefromhislipssomewordslikethese。 V。 \"ThewordsIspeakarenocomplaintAndifIbreatheoutmydespair,Itisnotthatmyheartgrowsfaint,Orshrinksfromwhat’tisdoomedtobear。 ThougheverysorrowwhichmayshakeOrrendman’sheart,shouldpiercemyown,Theirstrengthunited,shouldnotmakeMylipbreatheonecomplainingtone。 IfImustsuffer,itshallbeWithafirmheart,asoulelate,Awordlessscorn,whichsilentlyShallmockthesterndecreesoffate。 Theweakmightbend,thetimidshrink,Untilmisfortune’sstormblewby,ButI,achieftain’sson,shoulddrinkItsprofferedcupwithoutasigh。 Anditwillscarcely,tomylip,Seemharsherthanyonfountain’sflow,ForIhaveheldcompanionshipWithMisery,frommyyouthtillnow—— Havefelt,byturns,eachpang,eachcare,Herhaplesssonsaredoomed,tobear;—— Icaughtmymother’spartingbreath,Whenpassedshetothespiritland; Andfromthefatalfieldofdeath,Where,leadingonhisfearlessband,Withfieryandresistlessmight,Hefell,thoughvictorinthefight,Piercedbythearrowofsomefoe,Isawmyfather’sspiritgo。 AndIhaveseenhiswarriormen,Frommountain,valley,hill,andglen,Departingonebyone,sincethen,Asfromthedryandwitheredspray,Thewiltedleavesareblownaway,Uponsomewindyautumnday: I,onlyI,amlefttobeThelastleafoftheblightedtree,WhichthefirstwindthatthroughtheskyGoescarelesslycareeringby,Will,initswild,unheededmirth,Rendfromitshold,anddashtoearth: Thus,herealonehaveIremained,Anoutcast,whereIshouldhavereigned。 VI。 \"HowshallItomyselfalone,Theweaknessofmybosomown? Why,mindfulofmyfameandpride,Whenmybravebrethrenhaddied; Why,withmyfriendly,readyknife,DrewInotforthmyuselesslife? Wasitacowardfearofdeath,Thatbademetreasureupmybreath? Orhadlifeyetsomegenialray,Thatwooedmeinitswarmthtostay? Hadearthyetonewhosesmilecouldstir,Myspiritwithdeeploveforher? Yes,thoughwithinmehopewasdead,AndwildAmbition’sdreamswerefled; Thougho’ermyblightedheart,DespairDesponded,lovestillnestledthere; Love!howthepale—facedscorner’slipWouldsneer,tohearmenamethatname; YetwasitdeepwithinmysoulAsecretbutconsumingflame; Whoseoverrulingmastership,DefiedslowReason’sdullcontrol! Andfeltforoneofthatvilerace,Towhommytribehadgivenplace; Wasnursedinsilenceandinshame! Shame,fortheweaknessofaheart,Yetbleedingfromth’oppressor’sblow,WhichcouldbestowitsbetterpartUpontheoffspringofafoe! They,themeandelversofthesoil,Thewieldersofthefellingaxe,—— Becausewewillnotstooptotoil,Nortoitsburdensbondourbacks; BecausewescornSeduction’swiles,Herlyingwordsandforgedsmiles,They,thefoulslavesoflustandgold,Saythatourbloodandheartsarecold。(3) Buterethemorrow’sdawninglightHasclimbedyoneasterncraggyheight,One,whosefierceeyeandhaughtybrow,Arelitwithprideandpleasurenow,Shalllearn,atpointofmytruesteel,HowmuchtheRedman’sheartmayfeel,—— Howfearlesslyhestrikesthefoe,Whenloveandvengeanceprompttheblow! Thoughscornedbyhim,IknowanartCouldstopthebeatingsofhisheart,Erehisownlipscouldsay,’Bestill!’ Asinglearrowfrommybow,Bathedinthepoisonousmanchenille,(4) Wouldinaninstantlayhimlow; Sodeadlyistheicychill,Withwhichthelife—blooditcongeals,ThewoundedwarriorscarcelyfeelsItsfataltouchereheexpire: But,whenRevengewouldgluthisire,HestopsnotwithimmediatedeathThecurrentofhisvictim’sbreath; Withgasp,andinterveningpause,Thelifebloodfromitssourcehedraws,Marks,inthecrimsonstreamthatflows,Hownearlifevergestoitsclose,—— Anditslastsoul—exhalinggroan,Tohimismusic’ssweetesttone! Andhe,whosefateitistodie,EreMorning’sbannerfloutsthesky,Theeyeshallsee,thearmshallknow,Thatguidesanddealsth’avengingblow; Anderehisspiritgoestorest,Rightwellhisscornfulheartshalllearn,Howfiercely,inasavagebreast,Theflamesofloveandhatemayburn。\" Hespake,anddownthemountain’sside,Withquick,impatientstep,hehied,Threadingtheforest’slonelygloom,Aruthlessministerofdoom。 VII。 ’Twasmidnight;calmlyslepttheEarth,Andthemysteriouseyesabove,Gazeddownwithchastenedlooksoflove,Not,aswhenfirsttheyhymnedherbirth,Withardentsongsofholymirth,Butmournfullysereneandclear;—— Asonsomeerringonewegaze,Whosefeethavestrayedfromwisdom’sways,Butwho,inerror,stillisdear。 Faro’eryonswiftlyflowingstreamFairfelltheyoungmoon’ssilverbeam,Andgazingonitsrestlesssheen,Stoodonewhosegarb,andport,andmien,Bespokehimofaforeignland,Oneborntowin,andholdcommand; Themastermind,theleadingone,Wheredeedsofmanlymightweredone。 Yet,bythehallowedglow,thatcameO’erlipandcheek,o’ereyeandbrow,Hewhobeheld,mightguessthatnowHisthoughtswerenotofwealthandfame: Whencecouldthatveilingradianceshine,SavefromAffection’sholyshrine? Andthiswashe,whofromafar,Hadcometobearawayhisbride; Andlovehadbeentheguidingstar,Thatlithimo’erthetracklesstide; \"To—morrow,onitssunnywing,Mybridalhoursoonshallbring; Andthosebrightorbswhicho’ermeshedSuchgentleradiancefromonhigh,Shallshineuponmynuptialbed,Whennexttheywalkalongthesky。 0!whatareallthepompsofearth,Ofhonour,glory,greatness,worth,BesidetheblisswhichLoveconfersUponhishumblestfollowers!\" Hesaid,andfromtheriverturned;—— Aneye,thatwithfiercehatredburned,Methis,andthisreplywasmade: \"Thou,haughtyone,shaltbeashadeEredawnsthecomingmorrow’ssun。\" Then,erethepointhecouldevade,Hefeltthesharpsteelpiercehisbreast,Whilehe,whothefouldeedhaddoneStoodcalmlyby,andsawhimsinkIndeath,besidethewater’sbrink,Saw,gushbygush,thecrimsonbloodPourout,andminglewiththeflood; Thendrewhisdaggerfromitsrest,Andgazingonitsfearfulhue,Said,\"Thouhastyetonetasktodo。 Hewho,death—wounded,weltersthere,Camehither,o’erthedeeptobearFarofffromherpaternalnest,ThewhitedoveIhavewatchedsolong。 Thefalcon’swingwasboldandstrong,Yetthouhaststayedhiminhisflight; Strikeonemoreblow,andthouto—nightMay’strest;\"thenlaidhisbosombare,Andburieddeepthedaggerthere,Andbyhisvictim’slifelesstrunk,Withoutasighorgroanhesunk。 CantoIII。 I。 Withplumestowhichthedewdropscling,Widewavesthemornhergoldenwing; WithcountlessvariegatedbeamsTheempurpledorientglowsandgleams; AgorgeousmassofcrimsoncloudsThemountain’ssoaringsummitshrouds; Alongthewavethebluemistcreeps,ThetoweringforesttreesarestirredBythelowwindthato’erthemsweeps,Andwiththematinsongofbird,Thehumofearlybeeisheard,Hailingwithhisshrill,tinyhorn,Thecomingofthebright—eyedmorn; And,withtheday—beam’searliestdawn,HercouchthefairMazelliquits,Andgaily,fleetlyasafawn,Alongthewildwoodpathssheflits,Hieingfromleafybowertobower,Cullingfromeachitsbudandflower,Ofbrightesthueandsweetestbreath,Toweavetheminherbridalwreath。 Now,pausinginherway,tohearThelayofsomewildwarblernear,Repayinghim,inmockingtone,Withmusicsweeterthanhisown; Now,o’ersomecrystalstreamlowbending,Herimageinitswavestosee,Withitssweet,gurgledmusicblending,Asongoftenfoldmelody; Now,chasingthegaybutterfly,Thato’erherpathwaypassedherby,Withgraceascareless,gleeaswild,Asthoughsheweresomethoughtlesschild; Now,seatedonsomewaysidestone,Withtime’sgreen,messyveilo’ergrown,Insilentthoughtfulness,sheseemsToholdcommunionwithherheart,BeguilingfancywiththedreamsThatfromitsPurerecessesstart。 II。 Thereisasilentpower,thato’erOurbosomswieldsawizardmight,Restoringbygoneyearstolight,Withthesamevividglowtheywore,Eretimehado’ertheirfeaturescastTheshadowyshroudthatveilsthepast:—— Tothosewhowalkinwisdom’sway,’Tiswelcomeasanangel’ssmile; Butthosewhofromhercounselsstray,Whoseheartsarefullofcraftandguile,Tothem’tisasaconstantgoad—— AweightthatdoublesSorrow’sload,—— Asilentsearcherofthebreast,Whichwillnotlettheguiltyrest。 Inchildhood’spleasant—seasonborn,Ithauntsusinallaftertime; Fromyouth’ssereneandsunnymornTomanhood’ssternmeridianprime。 Frommanhood,tilltheweightofyears,Andlife’sdullconstanttoil,andtears,Andpassion’severragingstorm,Havedimmedtheeyeandbowedtheform。 True,youth,ofhopeandlovepossessed,Byfriends——youthhasnofoes——caressed,Findsinthepresent——happyboy!—— Enoughofgaietyandjoy; Andman,whosevisionarybrainBegetsthatidlephantomtrainOfshadows——Power,Wealth,andFame,—— Ascourge——abubble——andaname—— Sooftenandsovainlysought—— Haslittletimeforpeacefulthought; Andsotheyturnnotbacktogaze,WherefaithfulmemorydisplaysHerrecordofdeparteddays; Butoh!howlovestheeyeofage,Tomovealongitspicturedpage,Toscanandnumber,o’erando’er,Thejoysthatmayreturnnomore; Thehopesthat,blightedintheirbloom,Bydisappointment’schillygloom,Weregivensadlytothetomb; Thelovessowildlyonceenjoyed,Bytime’sunsparinghanddestroyed; Thebrightimaginativedreams,Portrayedbyrestlessfancy’sbeams,Byrestlessfancy’sbeamsportrayed,Alas!buttodeludeandfade! Tocounttheseo’erando’eragainIsage’ssoleresortfrompain。 Then,stranger,marvelnotthatI Haveclaimedsolongthylisteningear; IcouldnotpassinsilencebyThemestomymemorysodear,Asthosewhichmakemystory’sclose—— Mazelli’slove,Mazelli’swoes。 III。 Ascendingfromthegoldeneast,Thesunhadgainedhiszenithheight,Theguestsweregatheredtothefeast,Preparedtogracethemarriagerite; Theyouthfulandtheoldwerethere,Therusticswainandbashfulfair; Theaged,reverendandgray,Yethale,andgarrulous,andgay,Eachtold,towhilethetimeaway,Sometaleofhisownweddingday; Theyouthful,timorousandshy,Spokelesswithlipthantell—taleeye,That,initsstolenglances,sendsThelanguageLovebest,comprehends。 Thenoontidehourgoesby,andyetThebridegroomtarries——why?andwhere? Surehecouldnothisvowsforget,Whenshewholoveshimissofair! Andthenhishonour,faith,andpride,Hadboundhimtoameanerbride,Ifoncehispromisehadbeengiven; Butshe,sopure,sofaraboveThecommonformsofearthlymould,Soliketheincarnateshapesoflove,Conceived,andborn,andnursedinheaven,Hisloveforhercouldne’ergrowcold! Andyethecomesnot。Halfwaynow,Fromwhere,athismeridianheight,Hepourshisfullest,warmestlight,Towhere,ateve,inhisdecline,Theday—godsinksintothebrine,Whenhisdiurnaltaskisdone,Descendshiseverburningthrone,Andstillthebridegroomisnot,there—— Say,whyyettarrieshe,andwhere? IV。 Withinanarbour,rudelyreared,Buttothemaiden’sheartendearedByeverytiethatbindstheheart,Byhope’s,andlove’s,andmemory’sart,—— ForitwasherehefirstpouredoutInwords,theloveshecouldnotdoubt,—— Mazellisilentsitsapart。 Dideverdreamingdevotee,Whoserestlessfancy,fondandwarm,ShapesoutthebrightidealformTowhichhemeeklybendstheknee,Conceiveofaughtsofairasshe? TheholiestseraphofthesphereMostholy,ifbychanceledhere,Mightdrinksuchlightfromthosesofteyes,ThathewouldholdthemfarmoredearThanallthetreasuresoftheskies。 Yeto’erherbrightandbeauteousbrowShadeaftershadeispassingnow,Likecloudsacrossthepalemoonglancing,Asthoughtonrapidthoughtadvancing,Thrillsthroughthemaiden’stremblingbreast,Notdoubting,andyetnotatrest。 Notdoubting!ManmayturnawayAndscoffatshrines,whereyesterdayHeknelt,inearnestfaith,topray,Andwealthmayloseitscharmforhim,Andfame’salluringstargrowdim,Devotion,avarice,glory,allThepageantriesofearthmaypall; ButloveisofahigherbirthThanthese,theearth—bornthingsofearth,—— Asparkfromtheeternalflame,Likeit,eternallythesame,ItisnotsubjecttothebreathOfchanceorchange,oflifeordeath。 AndsodoubthasnopowertoblightItsbloom,orquenchitsdeathlesslight,—— Adeathlesslight,apeerlessbloom,Thatbeamsandglowsbeyondthetomb! Gotellthetrustingdevotee,Hisworshipisidolatry; Saytothesearcheraftergold,Theprizeheseeksisdullandcold; Assurethetoilerafterfame,That,won,’tisbutaworthlessname,Amockingshade,aphantasy,—— Andthey,perchance,maylisttothee; Butsaynottothetrustingmaid,Herloveisscorned,herfaithbetrayed,—— Assoonthywordsmaylullthegale,Asgainhercredencetothetale! Andstillthebridegroomisnotthere—— Oh!whyyettarrieshe,andwhere? V。 Itwastheholyvesperhour,Thetimeforrest,andpeace,andprayer,Whenfallsthedew,andfoldstheflowerItspetals,delicateandfair,Againstthechillyeveningair; Andyetthebridegroomwasnotthere。 Theguests,wholingeredthroughtheday,Hadglided,onebyone,away,Andthen,withpaleandpensiveray,Themoonbegantoclimbthesky,Asfromtheforest,dimandgreen,AsmallandsilentbandwasseenEmergingslowandsolemnly; Withcautiousstep,andmeasuredtread,Theymovedasthosewhobearthedead; Andbynolipawordwasspoke,Norothersoundthesilencebroke,Savewhen,low,musical,andclear,Thevoiceofwaterspassingnear,Wassoftlywaftedtotheear,Andthecool,fanningtwilightbreeze,Thatlightlyshooktheforesttrees,Andcreptfromleaftotremblingleaf,Sighed,liketooneoppressedwithgrief。 Whymovetheywithsuchcautiouscare? Whatpreciousburdendotheybear? Hush,questioner!thedeadarethere;—— Thevictimofrevengeandhate,OffierceOttali’sfierypride,Withthatsternministeroffate,Ascoldandlifelessbyhisside。 VI。 Stillonward,solemnlyandslow,Andspeakingnotaword,theygo,TillpausingintheirwaybeforeMazelli’squietcottagedoor,Theygentlylaytheirburdendown。 WhencecomesthatshriekofwilddespairThatriseswildlyontheair? WhoseisthearmsofondlythrownAroundthecold,unconsciousclay,Thatcannotitscaressrepay? Suchwordlesswowasinthatcry,Suchpain,suchhopelessagony,Nosoul,excludedfromthesky,WhomunrelentingjusticehathCondemnedtobeartheseconddeath,E’erbreatheduponthetroubledgaleAwilderorasadderwail;—— Itrose,allothersoundsabove,Thedirgeofpeace,andhope,andlove! VII。 Anddayonwearydaywentby,Andlikethedroopingautumnleaf,Shefadedslowandsilently,Inherdeep,uncomplaininggrief; For,sickoflife’svacuity,Sheneithersoughtnorwishedrelief。 Anddailyfromhercheek,theglowDeparted,andhervirginbrowWascurtainedwithamournfulgloom,—— Ashadeprophetic,ofthetomb; Andhercleareyes,soblueandbright,Shotforthakeen,unearthlylight,Asifthesoulthatinthemlay,Werewearyofitsgarbofclay,Andprayedtopassfromearthaway; Norwasthatprayervain,forereThefrozenmonarchoftheyear,Hadblighted,withhisicybreath,Asinglebudinsummer’swreath,Theyshroudedher,andmadehergrave,AndlaidherdownatLodolph’sside; AndbythewidePotomac’swave,Reposethebridegroomandthebride。 ’Tissaid,that,oftatsummermidnight,there,Whenallishushedandvoiceless,andtheair,Sweet,soothingminstreloftheviewlesshand,Swellsripplingthroughtheagedtrees,thatstandWiththeirbroadboughsabovethewavedepending,WiththelowgurgleofthewatersblendingTherustleoftheirfoliage,alightboat,Bearingtwoshadowyforms,isseentofloatAdownthestream,withoutoroarorsail,Tobreakthewave,orcatchthedrivinggale; Smoothlyandsteadilyitscourseissteered,Untiltheshadowofyoncliffisneared,Andthen,asifsomebarrier,hidbelowTheriver’sbreast,hadcaughtitsglidingprow,Awhile,uncertain,o’eritswaterybed,Ithangs,thenvanishes,andinitsstead,Awan,palelightburnsdimlyo’erthe,waveThatrollsandripplesbyMazelli’sgrave。 NotesToMazelliNote1。 \"AndhowitslongandrockychainWaspartedsuddenlyintwain,Wherethroughachasm,wideanddeep,Potomac’srapidwaterssweep,Whilerocksthatpressthemountain’sbrowNodO’erhiswavesfar,farbelow。\" \"ThepassageofthePotomac,throughtheBlueRidge,isperhaps,oneofthemoststupendousscenesinnature。Youstandonaveryhighpointofland。OnyourrightcomesuptheShenandoah,havingrangedalongthefootofthemountainahundredmilestoseekavent。OnyourleftapproachesthePotomac,seekingaventalso。 Inthemomentoftheirjunction,theyrushtogetheragainstthemountain,renditasunder,andpassofftothesea。 \"Thefirstglanceatthisscenehurriesoursensesintotheopinionthatthisearthhasbeencreatedintime;thatthemountainswereformedfirst;thattheriversbegantoflowafterwards;that,inthisplaceparticularly,theyhavebeendammedupbytheBlueRidgeMountains,andhaveformedanoceanwhichfilledthewholevalley; that,continuingtorise,theyhaveatlengthbrokenoveratthisspot,andhavetornthemountaindownfromitssummittoitsbase。 \"Thepilesofreckoneachhand,butparticularlyontheShenandoah,theevidentmarksoftheirdisruptureandavulsionfromtheirbedsbythemostpowerfulagentsofnature,corroboratetheimpression。 Butthedistantfinishingwhichnaturehasgiventothispicture,isofaverydifferentcharacter。Itisatruecontrasttotheforeground。ItisasPlacidanddelightfulasthatiswildandtremendous。 \"For,themountainbeingclovenasunder,shepresentstotheeye,throughthecleft,asmallcatchofsmoothbluehorizon,ataninfinitedistanceintheplaincountry,invitingyou,asitwere,fromtheriotandtumultroaringaround,topassthroughthebreach,andparticipateofthecalmbelow。\"——Jefferson’sNotesonVirginia。 Note2。 \"Savetheplaintivesongofthewhip—poor—will。\" ThattheIndianmindandlanguagearenotdevoidofpoetry,thenamestheyhavegiventothisbird(thewhip—poor—will) sufficientlyevidence。Somecallitthe\"Muckawis,\"othersthe\"Wish—ton—wish,\"signifying\"thevoiceofasigh,\"and\"theplaintforthelost。\"Those,whoinitsnativeglensattwilight,havelistenedtoitsindescribablymelancholysong,willknowhowbeautifullyappropriatethesenamesare。 Note3。 \"They,thefoulslaves’oflustandgold,Saythatourbloodandheartsarecold。\" Ithasbeenadvancedbysomewriters,thatthealmostmiraculousfortitudeoftendisplayedbyIndians,underthemostintensesuffering,istobeaccountedforbytheirinsensibilitytopain,resulting,theyallege,fromadefectivenervousorganization。Fromtheabsenceofadisplayofgallantryandtendernessbetweenthesexes,theyarguealso,inthem,thenonexistenceoflove,anditskindredpassions。Thiswethinkunjust,asitrobsthemofthehonoursofasystemofeducation,whichislife—long,andwhosesoleobjectistoattainthemasteryofallfeeling,physicalormental。TheviewtakenofthissubjectbyRobertson,inhisHistoryofAmerica,tous,seemsmostaccordantwithtruth。Hesays:\"TheamazingsteadinesswithwhichtheAmericansendurethemostexquisitetorments,hasinducedsomeauthorstosupposethat,fromthepeculiarfeeblenessoftheirframe,theirsensibilityisnotsoacuteasthatofotherpeople;aswomen,andpersonsofarelaxedhabit,areobservedtoberobustmen,whosenervesaremorefirmlybraced。ButtheconstitutionoftheAmericansisnotsodifferentinitstexture,fromthatoftherestofthehumanspecies,astoaccountforthisdiversityintheirbehaviour。Itflowsfromaprincipleofhonour,instilledearlyandcultivatedwithsuchcare,astoinspirehiminhisrudeststatewithaheroicmagnanimity,towhichphilosophyhathendeavouredinvaintoformhim,whenmorehighlyimprovedandpolished。Thisinvincibleconstancyhehasbeentaughttoconsiderasthechiefdistinctionofaman,andthehighestattainmentofawarrior。Theideaswhichinfluencehisconduct,andthepassionswhichtakepossessionofhisheart,arefew。Theyoperateofcoursewithmoredecisiveeffect,thanwhenthemindiscrowdedwithamultiplicityofobjects,ordistractedbythevarietyofitspursuits;andwheneverymotivethatactswithanyforceinformingthesentimentsofasavage,promptshimtosufferwithdignity,hewillbearwhatmightseemimpossibleforhumanpatiencetosustain。 ButwheneverthefortitudeoftheAmericansisnotrousedtoexertionbytheirideasofhonour,theirfeelingsofpainarethesamewiththoseoftherestofmankind。\" Note4。 \"Bathedinthepoisonousmanchenille。\" TheslightestwoundfromanarrowdippedinthejuiceoftheManchenille,causescertainandspeedydeath。\"Iftheyonlypiercetheskin,thebloodfixesandcongealsinamoment,andthestrongestanimalfallsmotionlesstotheground。\"——Robertson’sAmerica。 S。L。Sawtelle。 DearSir: Toyou,whohavegivenmefriendshipinadversity,counselinperplexity,andhopeindespondency,permitme,asanexpressionofmydeepandlastinggratitude,toinscribethe\"Misanthrope。\" Withsentimentsofthehighestrespect,Yourobt。servt。,GeorgeW。Sands。 FrederickCity,September1849。 DramatisPersonae。 Werner——Misanthrope。 Manuel——acottager。 Albert——hisson。 Rebecca——wifetoManuel。 Rose——hisdaughter。 Spirits。 Anaerialchorus。 THEMISANTHRAPERECLAIMED ADramaticPoemACTI。 Afountainnearthesummitofamountain,fromwhich,throughadeepglen,astreamdescendstothevalleybelow。Acityseeninthedistance。Time,midnight。Wernerstandingnearthefountain。 Werner(solus)。 Eternalrocksandhills! Mightyandvast;andyou,yegiantoaks,WhosemassybrancheshaveforcenturiesPlayedwiththebreezeandbattledwiththestorm,He,whosoofthastrodyourruggedpaths,Andlaidhimdownbeneathyourshadestorest,Returnstobeyourdwelleronceagain。 Isoonerfarwouldmakeyourwildsmyhome,WithnoughtbutyourrudeeavestoshieldmefromThewinter’scoldorsummer’sheat,thanbeOneofthehundredthousandhumanfliesThatswarmwithinyonfilthycity’swalls。 Here,Iatleastmayliveinsolitude,Freefromaforcedcommunionwitharace,WhosepresencemakesmefeelthatIambound,Bynature,tothethingIloathethemost,Earth’sstateliest,proudest,meanestreptile,man! Thebeautyofagodadornshisform,Thefoulnessofafiendisinhisheart; Theviper’s,orthescorpion’sfilthynestNursesafarlessdeadly,poisonousbroodThanarethehellishlusts,theavarice,—— Thepride——thehate——thedouble—faceddeceits—— Thatmakehisbreasttheirdwelling。 Ifhebenotbeneathhell’swishtodamn,Toolostforevenfiendstomeddlewith,Howmusttheylaughtohearhim,inhispride,Baptizehisvices,virtues;makinguseOfholynamestodesignatehiscrimes; Givinghislustthesacrednameoflove; Callinghisavariceagoodlysin,Careforhishousehold;naminghisdeceitPraiseworthycaution;boastingofhishate,Whenbenomorecancloakit,asaproofOfstrengthofmindandhonestyofheart。 Forallofgoodnessthatremainsonearth,Thenameofvirtuemightbebanishedfromit。 Fathers,whowasteinshamefulriotingsThebreadforwhichtheirchildrencryathome; Mothers,whoputasideth’unconsciousbabeThattheymaywrongitsfather;children,whoGrowoldincrimeeretheyhavespenttheiryouth; Theseareitshabitants。 Icannotbrookthethought,thatIbelongTotheirvilerace。Mysufferingshavebeengreat,Andkeenenoughtoprovemyimmortality; FordustcouldnothavebornewhatIhavesuffered。 Mymindhaspiercedfar,farbeyondthelengthOfmortalvision,anddiscoveredthingsOfwhichmenscarcelydream,andpaidinpain,ThepriceofwhatitlearnedandboughtwithpangsBywhichathousandageswerecompressedIntoonehourofagony:apowerWhichisaterrortopossess,andyetThisonethoughtonlyirksme。 MethinksthepeacefulearthwillscarcelygiveMydustaresting—placewithinitsbosom,Butcastitforthasiftoovile,tomingleWithclaythatne’erhasbeentheslaveofsin。 What!otherwatchershereatthislonehour? [Anevilspiritenters,singing。