第1章

类别:其他 作者:Francis Thompson字数:17714更新时间:19/01/02 16:29:50
DedicationtoCoventryPatmore。 Lo,mybookthinkstolookTime’sleaguerdown,Underthebannerofyourspreadrenown! OriftheseleviesofimpuissantrhymeFalltotheoverthrowofassaultingTime,Yetthisonepageshallfendobliviousshame,ArmedwithyourcrestedandprevailingName。 Note。——ThisdedicationwaswrittenwhilethedearfriendandgreatPoettowhomitwasaddressedyetlived。Itisleftashesawit—— thelastversesofminethatwereevertopassunderhiseyes。 F。T。 Contents。 SIGHTANDINSIGHT。 Themistressofvision。 Contemplation。 ’ByreasonofThylaw。’ Thedreadofheight。 Orientode。 NewYear’schimes。 Fromthenightofforebeing。 Anysaint。 AssumptaMaria。 Theafterwoman。 Graceoftheway。 Retrospect。 ANARROWVESSEL。 Agirl’ssin——inhereyes。 Agirl’ssin——inhiseyes。 Lovedeclared。 Thewayofamaid。 Beginningoftheend。 Penelope。 Theendofit。 Epilogue。 MISCELLANEOUSODES。 Odetothesettingsun。 Acaptainofsong。 AgainstUrania。 Ananthemofearth。 MISCELLANEOUSPOEMS。 ’Exoreinfantium。’ Aquestion。 Field—flower。 Thecloud’sswan—song。 Tothesinkingsun。 Grief’sharmonics。 Memoratmemoria。 Julyfugitive。 Toasnow—flake。 Nocturn。 AMayburden。 Adeadastronomer。 ’Chosevue。’ ’Wheretoartthoucome。’ Heavenandhell。 Toachild。 Hermes。 Houseofbondage。 Theheart。 Asunset。 Heardonthemountain。 ULTIMA。 Love’salmsmanplainethhisfare。 Aholocaust。 Beneathaphotograph。 Afterhergoing。 Myladythetyranness。 Untothislast。 Ultimum。 Envoy。 SIGHTANDINSIGHT。 ’Wisdomiseasilyseenbythemthatloveher,andisfoundbythemthatseekher。 Tothinkthereforeuponherisperfectunderstanding。’ WISDOM,vi。 THEMISTRESSOFVISION。 I Secretwasthegarden; Seti’thepathlessaweWherenostaritsbreathcandraw。 Life,thatisitswarden,Sitsbehindthefosseofdeath。Mineeyessawnot,andIsaw。 II Itwasamazefulwonder; ThricethreetimesitwasenwalledWithanemerald—— Seal—edsoasunder。 Allitsbirdsinmiddleairhunga—dream,theirmusicthralled。 III TheLadyoffairweeping,Atthegarden’score,SangasongofsweetandsoreAndtheafter—sleeping; InthelandofLuthany,andthetractsofElenore。 IV Withsweet—pangedsinging,Sangshethroughadream—night’sday; Thatthebowersmightstay,Birdsbatetheirwinging,Northewallofemeraldfloatinwreath—edhazeaway。 V Thelilykeptitsgleaming,Inhertears(divineconservers!) Wash—edwithsadart; AndtheflowersofdreamingPal—ednottheirfervours,Forherbloodflowedthroughtheirnervures; Andtherosesweremostred,forshedipttheminherheart。 VI Therewasnevermoon,Savethewhitesufficingwoman: Lightmostheavenly—human—— Liketheunseenformofsound,Sensedinvisiblyintune,—— Withasun—deriv—edstoleDidinaureoleAllherlovelybodyround; Lovelilyherlucidbodywiththatlightwasinter— strewn。 VII Thesunwhichlitthatgardenwholly,Lowandvibrantvisible,Temperedglorywoke; Anditseem—edsolelyLikeasilverthuribleSolemnlyswung,slowly,Fumingcloudsofgoldenfire,foracloudofincense— smoke。 VIII Butwoe’sme,andwoe’sme,Forthesecretsofhereyes! InmyvisionsfearfullyTheyareevershowntobeAsfring—edpools,whereofeachliesPallid—darkbeneaththeskiesOfanightthatisButoneblearnecropolis。 Andhereyesalittletremble,inthewindofherownsighs。 IX ManychangesriseonTheirphantasmalmysteries。 TheygrowtoanhorizonWhereearthandheavenmeet; AndlikeawingthatdiesonThevaguetwilight—verges,ManyasinkingdreamdothfleetLesseningdowntheirsecrecies。 And,asduskwithdayconverges,TheirorbsaretroublouslyOver—gloomedandover—glowedwithhopeandfearofthingstobe。 X ThereisapeakonHimalay,Andonthepeakundelugedsnow,Andonthesnownoteaglesstray; Thereifyourstrongfeetcouldgo,—— Lookingovertow’rdCathayFromthenever—delugedsnow—— FarthestkenmightnotsurveyWherethepeoplesundergrounddwellwhomantiquefablesknow。 XI East,ah,eastofHimalay,Dwellthenationsunderground; HidingfromtheshockofDay,Forthesun’suprising—sound: DarenotissuefromthegroundAtthetumultsoftheDay,SofearfullythesundothsoundClangingupbeyondCathay; ForthegreatearthquakingsunriserollingupbeyondCathay。 XII Lendme,OlendmeTheterrorsofthatsound,Thatitsmusicmayattendme。 Wrapmychantinthundersround; WhileItelltheancientsecretsinthatLady’ssingingfound。 XIII OnArarattheregrewavine,WhenAsiafromherbathingrose; OurfirstsailormadeatwineThereofforhisprefiguringbrows。 CanstdivineWhere,uponourdustyearth,ofthatvineaclustergrows? XIV OnGolgothatheregrewathornRoundthelong—prefiguredBrows。 Mourn,Omourn! Forthevinehavewethespine?IsthisalltheHeavenallows? XV OnCalvarywasshookaspear; Pressthepointintothyheart—— Joyandfear! Allthespinesuponthethornintocurlingtendrilsstart。 XVI O,dismay! I,awinglessmortal,sportingWiththetressesofthesun? I,thatdaremyhandtolayOnthethunderinitssnorting? Erebegun,Fallsmysingedsongdownthesky,eventheoldIcarianway。 XVII FromthefallprecipitantThesedimsnatchesofherchantOnlyhaveremain—edmine;—— ThatfromspearandthornaloneMaybegrownForthefrontofsaintorsingeranydivinizingtwine。 XVIII HersongsaidthatnospringingParadisebutevermoreHangethonasingingThathaschordsofweeping,Andthatsingstheafter—sleepingTosoulswhichwaketoosore。 ’Butwoethesinger,woe!’shesaid;’beyondthedeadhissinging—lore,Allitsartofsweetandsore,Helearns,inElenore!’ XIX WhereisthelandofLuthany,WhereisthetractofElenore? Iamboundtherefor。 XX ’Piercethyhearttofindthekey; WiththeetakeOnlywhatnoneelsewouldkeep; Learntodreamwhenthoudostwake,Learntowakewhenthoudostsleep。 Learntowaterjoywithtears,Learnfromfearstovanquishfears; Tohope,forthoudar’stnotdespair,Exult,forthatthoudar’stnotgrieve; Ploughthoutherockuntilitbear; Know,forthouelsecouldstnotbelieve; Lose,thatthelostthoumay’streceive; Die,fornoneotherwaycanstlive。 Whenearthandheavenlaydowntheirveil,Andthatapocalypseturnstheepale; WhenthyseeingblindeththeeTowhatthyfellow—mortalssee; Whentheirsighttotheeissightless; Theirliving,death;theirlight,mostlight— less; Searchnomore—— PassthegatesofLuthany,treadtheregionElenore。’ XXI WhereisthelandofLuthany,AndwheretheregionElenore? Idofainttherefor。 ’WhentotheneweyesoftheeAllthingsbyimmortalpower,Nearorfar,HiddenlyToeachotherlink—edare,ThatthoucanstnotstiraflowerWithouttroublingofastar; WhenthysongisshieldandmirrorTothefairsnake—curl—edPain,Wherethoudar’staffrontherterrorThatonherthoumay’stattainPerseanconquest;seeknomore,Oseeknomore! PassthegatesofLuthany,treadtheregionElenore。’ XXII Sosangshe,soweptshe,Throughadream—night’sday; Andwithhermagicsingingkeptshe—— Mysticalinmusic—— ThatgardenofenchantingInvisionaryMay; Swaylessformyspirit’shaunting,Thrice—threefoldwalledwithemeraldfromourmor— talmorningsgrey。 XXIII AndasanecromancerRaisesfromtherose—ashTheghostoftherose; MyheartsomadeanswerTohervoice’ssilverplash,—— Stirredinreddeningflash,Andfromoutitsmortalruinsthepurpurealphantomblows。 XXIV Hertearsmadedulcetfretting,Hervoicehadnoword,Morethanthunderorthebird。 Yet,unforgetting,Theravishedsoulhermeaningsknew。Mineearsheardnot,andIheard。 XXV WhensheshallunwindAllthosewilesshewoundaboutme,Tearsshallbreakfromoutme,ThatIcannotfindMusicintheholypoetstomywistfulwant,Idoubtme! CONTEMPLATION。 ThismorningsawI,fledtheshower,Theearthreclininginalullofpower: Theheavens,pursuingnottheirpath,Laystretchedoutnakedafterbath,Orsoitseemed;field,water,tree,werestill,Norwasthereanypurposeonthecalm—browedhill。 Thehill,whichsometimesvisiblyisWroughtwithunrestingenergies,Lookedidly;fromthemusingwood,Andeveryrock,aliferenewedExhaledlikeanunconsciousthoughtWhenpoets,dreamingunperplexed,Dreamthattheydreamofnought。 Natureonehourappearsathingunsexed,OrtosuchserenebalancebroughtThathertwinnaturesceasetheirsweetalarms,Andsleepinoneanother’sarms。 Thesunwithrestingpulsesseemstobrood,Andslackenitscommanduponmyunurgedblood。 TheriverhasnotanycareItspassionlesswatertotheseatobear; Theleaveshavebrowncontent; Thewalltomehasfreshnesslikeascent,Andtakeshalfanimatetheair,Makingonelifewithitsgreenmossandstain; AndlifewithallthingsseemstooperfectblentForanythingoflifetobeaware。 Theveryshadesonhill,andtree,andplain,Wheretheyhavefallendoze,andwheretheydozeremain。 NohillcanidlerbethanI; Nostoneitsinter—particledvibrationInvestethwithastillerlie; NoheavenwithamoreurgentrestbetraysTheeyesthatonitgaze。 WearetoonearakinthatthoushouldstcheatMe,Nature,withthyfairdeceit。 Inpoetsfloatinglikeawater—flowerUponthebosomoftheglassyhour,Inskiesthatnomanseestomove,Lurkuntumultuousvorticesofpower,Forjoytoonative,andforagitationTooinstant,tooentireforsensethereof,Motionlikegnatswhenautumnsunsarelow,PerpetualastheprisonedfeetofloveOntheheart’sfloorswithpain—edpacethatgo。 Fromstonesandpoetsyoumayknow,Nothingsoactiveis,asthatwhichleastseemsso。 Forhe,thatconduitrunningwineofsong,Thentohimselfdoesmostbelong,WhenhehismortalhouseunbarsTotheimportunateandthrongingfeetThatroundourcorporalwallsunheededbeat; Till,allcontaining,heexaltHisstaturetothestars,orstarsNarrowtheirheaventohisfleshlyvault: When,likeacityunderocean,Tohumanthingshegrowsadesolation,AndismadeahabitationForthefluctuousuniverseTolavewithunimpededmotion。 HescarcelyfretstheatmosphereWithbreathing,andhisbodysharesTheimmobilityofrocks; Hisheart’sadrop—welloftranquillity; Hismindmorestillisthanthelimbsoffear,AndyetitsunperturbedvelocityThespiritofthesimoommocks。 HeroundthesolemncentreofhissoulWheelslikeadervish,whilehisbeingisStreamedwiththesetoftheworld’sharmonies,InthelongdraftofwhatsoeversphereHeliststhesweetandclearClangourofhishighorbitontoroll,Sograciousishisheavenlygrace; Andtheboldstarsdoeshear,Everyoneinhisairysoar,ForevermoreShouttoeachotherfromthepeaksofspace,Asthwartravinesofazureshoutsthemountaineer。 ’BYREASONOFTHYLAW’。 HereImakeoath—— AlthoughtheheartthatknowsitsbitternessHearloath,Andcreditless—— ThathewhokenstomeetPain’skissesfierceWhichhissagainsthistears,Dread,loss,norlovefrustrate,NoralliniquityofthefrowardyearsShallhisinur—edwingmakeidlybate,NoroftheappointedquarryhisstaunchsightToloseobservancequite; Sealfromhalf—sadandall—elateSagaciouseyesUltimateParadise; Norshakehiscertitudeofhaughtyfate。 Pacingtheburningsharesofmanydooms,Iwithsterntreaddotheclear—wittingstarsTojudgmentcite,IfIhavebornearightTheprovingoftheirpure—willedordeal。 FromfoodofalldelightTheheavenlyFalconermyheartdebars,AndtameswithfearfulgloomsThehaggardtoHiscall; Yetsometimescomesahand,sometimesavoicewithal,Andshesitsmeeknow,andexpectsthelight。 InthisAverniansky,ThissultryandincumbentcanopyOfdullanddoomedregret; Whereontheunseenvergesyet,Oyet,Atintervals,Trembles,andfalls,Faintlightningofrememberedtransientsweet—— Ah,fartoosweetButtobesweetalittle,alittlesweet,andfleet; Leavingthispallidtrace,Thisloiteringandmostfitfullightaspace,Stillsomesadspace,ForGrieftoseeherownpoorface:— HerewhereIkeepmystandWithallo’er—anguishedfeet,Andnolivecomfortnearonanyhand; Lo,Iproclaimtheunavoidedterm,Whenthismorassoftears,thendrainedandfirm,Shallbealand—— UnshakenIaffirm—— Whereseven—quiredpsalteringsmeet; Andallthegodsmovewithcalmhandinhand,Andeyesthatknownottroubleandtheworm。 THEDREADOFHEIGHT。 Ifyewereblind,yeshouldhavenosin:butnowyesay:Wesee:yoursinremaineth。JOHNix。41。 NottheCirceanwineMostperilousisforpain: Grapesoftheheavens’star—loadenvine,Wheretothelofty—placedThoughtsoffairsoulsattain,Temptwithamoreretributivedelight,Anddodisrelishalllife’ssobertaste。 ’TistohavedrunktoowellThedrinkthatisdivine,Makeththekindearthwaste,Andbreathintolerable。 Ahme! Howshallmymouthcontentitwithmortality? Lo,secretmusic,sweetestmusic,Fromdistancesofdistancedriftingitsloneflight,DownthearcanewhereNightwouldperishinnight,Likeagod’sloosenedlocksslipsundulously: MusicthatistoogrievousoftheheightForsafeandlowdelight,Tooinfinite,Forboundedheartswhichyetwouldgirththesea! Soletitbe,Thoughsweetbegreat,andthoughmyheartbesmall: Soletitbe,Omusic,music,thoughyouwakeinmeNojoy,nojoyatall; AlthoughyouonlywakeUttermostsadness,measureofdelight,WhichelseIcouldnotcredittotheheight,DidInotknow,Thatillisstaturedtoitsopposite; DidInotknow,Andevenofsadnessso,Ofuttersadnessmake,OfextremesadarodtometeTheincredibleexcessofunsensedsweet,Andmysticwallofstrangefelicity。 Soletitbe,Thoughsweetbegreat,andthoughmyheartbesmall,AndbittermeatThefoodofgodsformentoeat; Yea,Johnatedaintier,anddidtreadLesswaysofheat,Thanwhomtotheirwind—carpetedHighbanquet—hall,Andgoldenlove—feasts,thefairstarsentreat。 Butahwithal,Somehold,somestay,OdifficultJoy,Ipray,Somearmsofthine,Notonly,onlyarmsofmine! LestlikeawearygirlIfallFromclaspinglovesohigh,Andlackingthusthinearms,thenmayMosthaplessI Turnutterlytoloveofbasestrate; Forlowtheyfallwhosefallisfromthesky。 Yea,whomeshallsecureButIofheightgrowndesperateSurceasemywing,andmylostfateBedashedfrompureTobrokenwrithingsintheshamefulslime: Lowerthanman,forIdreamedhigher,Thrustdown,byhowmuchIaspire,Anddamnedwithdrinkofimmortality? Forsuchthingsbe,Yea,andthelowestreachofreekyHellIsbutmadepossibleByforta’enbreathofHeaven’sausterestclime。 ThesetidingsfromthevasttobringNeedethnotdoctornordivine,Toowell,toowellMyfleshdothknowtheheart—perturbingthing; ThatdreadtheologyaloneIsmine,Mostnativeandmyown; AndeverwithvictorioustoilWhenIhavemadeOfthedeificpeaksdimescalade,MysoulwithanguishandrecoilDothlikeacityinanearthquakerock,Asatmyfeettheabyssiscloventhen,Withdeepermenacethanforothermen,Ofmypotentialcousinshipwithmire; Thatallmyconqueredskiesdogrowahollowmock,Myfearfulpowersretire,Nolongerstrong,Reversingtheshookbannersoftheirsong。 Ah,foraheartlessnativetohighHeaven,Ahoodedeye,forjessesandrestraint,Orforawillaccipitrinetopursue! Theveiloftutelarfleshtosimpleliversgiven,Orthosebrave—fledgingfervoursoftheSaint,Whoseheavenlyfalcon—craftdothnevertaint,Northeyinsickesttimetheiramplevirtuemew。 ORIENTODE。 Lo,inthesanctuariedEast,Day,adedicatedpriestInallhisrobespontificalexprest,Liftethslowly,liftethsweetly,FromoutitsOrienttabernacledrawn,Yonorb—edsacramentconfestWhichsprinklesbenedictionthroughthedawn; Andwhenthegraveprocession’sceased,TheearthwithdueillustriousriteBlessed,——erethefrailfingersfeatlyOftwilight,violet—cassockedacolyte,Hissacerdotalstolesunvest—— Sets,forhighcloseofthemysteriousfeast,ThesuninaugustexpositionmeetlyWithintheflamingmonstranceoftheWest。 Osalutarishostia,Quaecoelipandisostium! Throughbreach—eddarkness’rampart,aDivineassaulter,artthoucome! Godwhomnonemayliveandmark! Bornewithinthyradiantark,WhiletheEarth,ajoyousDavid,Dancesbeforetheefromthedawntodark。 Themoon,Oleave,paleruinedEve; Beholdherfairandgreaterdaughter{1} Offerstotheeherfruitfulwater,WhichatthyfirstwhiteAveshallconceive! ThygazesdoonsimpleherDesirablealluresconfer; WhathappycomelinessesriseBeneaththybeautifyingeyes! Whowas,indeed,atfirstamaidSuchas,withsighs,misgivessheisnotfair,Andsecretviewsherselfafraid,Tillflatteriessweetprovokethecharmstheyswear: Yea,thygazes,blissfullover,Makethebeautiestheydiscover! WhatdaintyguilesandtreacheriescaughtFromartfulpromptingoflove’sartlessthoughtHerlowlylovelinessteachhertoadorn,Whenthyplumesshiveragainsttheconsciousgatesofmorn! Andsothelovewhichisthydower,Earth,thoughherfirst—frightenedbreastAgainsttheexigentboonprotest,(Forshe,poormaid,ofherownpowerHasnothinginherself,notevenlove,Butanunwittingvoidthereof),Givesbacktotheeinsanctitiesofflower; Andholyodoursdoherbosominvest,Thatsweetergrowsforbeingprest: Thoughdearrecoil,thetremorousnurseofjoy,Fromthineembracestillstartlescoy,TillPhosphorlead,atthyreturninghour,ThelaughingcaptivefromthewishingWest。 NorthemajesticheavenslessThyformidablesweetsapprove,Thydreadsandthydelightsconfess,Thatdodraw,andthatremove。 Thouasalionroar’st,OSun,Uponthysatellites’vex—edheels; Beforethyterriblehuntthyplanetsrun; Eachinhisfrightedorbitwheels,Eachfliesthroughinassuageablechase,Sincethehunto’theworldbegun,Thepuissantapproachesofthyface,Andyetthyradiantleashhefeels。 Sincethehunto’theworldbegun,Lashedwithterror,leashedwithlonging,Themightycourseiseverrun; Prickedwithterror,leashedwithlonging,Thyreintheylove,andthyrebuketheyshun。 Sincethehunto’theworldbegan,Withlovethattrembleth,fearthatloveth,Thoujoin’stthewomantotheman; AndLifewithDeathInobscurenuptialsmoveth,Comminglingalien,yetaffin—edbreath。 ThouarttheincarnatedLightWhoseSireisaboriginal,andbeyondDeathandresurgenceofourdayandnight; FromhimisthyvicegerentwandWithdoublepotenceoftheblackandwhite。 GiverofLove,andBeauty,andDesire,Theterror,andtheloveliness,andpurging,Thedeathfulnessandlifefulnessoffire! Samson’sriddlingmeaningsmergingInthytwofoldsceptremeet: Outofthyminatorymight,BurningLion,burningLion,Comesthehoneyofallsweet,Andoutofthee,theeater,comesforthmeat。 Andthough,bythinealternatebreath,EverykissthoudostinspireEchoethBackfromthewindyvaultagesofdeath; YetthyclearwarrantyaboveAugursthewingsofdeathtoomustOccultreverberationsstirofloveCrescentandlifeincredible; ThateventhekissesofthejustGodownnotunresurgenttothedust。 Yea,notakisswhichIhavegiven,Butshalltri—umphuponmylipsinheaven,Orclingashamefulfungusthereinhell。 Know’stthoumenot,OSun?Yea,wellThouknow’sttheancientmiracle,Thechildrenknow’stofZeusandMay; Andstillthouteachestthem,OsplendentBrother,Toincarnate,theantiqueway,ThetruthwhichistheirheritagefromtheirSireInsweetdisguiseoffleshfromtheirsweetMother。 MyfingersthouhasttaughttoconThyflame—chordedpsalterion,TillIcantranslateintomortalwire—— TillIcantranslatepassingwell—— Theheavenlyharpingharmony,Melodious,sealed,inaudible,Whichmakesthedulcetpsalteroftheworld’sdesire。 ThouwhisperestintheMoon’swhiteear,Andshedoeswhisperintomine,—— Bynighttogether,Iandshe—— Withhervirginvoicedivine,ThethingsIcannothalfsosweetlytellAsshecansweetlyspeak,Isweetlyhear。 Byher,theWoman,doesEarthlive,OLord,YetsheforEarth,andbothinthee。 LightoutofLight! ResplendentandprevailingWordOftheUnheard! Notuntothee,greatImage,nottotheeDidthewiseheathenbendanidleknee; AndinanageoffaithgrownfroreIfItooshalladore,BeitaccounteduntomeAbrightscientialidolatry! GodhasgiventheevisiblethundersToutterthineapocalypseofwonders; AndwhatwantIofprophecy,ThatatthesoundingfromthystationOfthyflagranttrumpet,seeThesealsthatmelt,theopenrevelation? OrwhoaGod—persuadingangelneeds,ThatonlyheedsTherhetoricofthyburningdeeds? Whichbuttosing,ifitmaybe,Inworship—warrantingmoiety,SoIwouldwinInsuchasongashathwithinAsmoulderingcoreofmystery,Brimm—edwithnimblermeaningsupThanhastyGideonsintheirhandsmaysup;—— Lo,mysuitpleadsThatthou,Isaiancoaloffire,Touchfromyonaltarmypoormouth’sdesire,Andtherelucentsongtakeforthysacredmeeds。 TothineownshapeThouround’stthechrysoliteofthegrape,Bind’stthygoldlightningsinhisveins; Thoustorestthewhitegarnersoftherains。 Destroyerandpreserver,thouWhomedicinestsickness,andtohealthArttheunthank—edmarrowofitswealth; TothoseapparentsovereigntieswebowAndbrightappurtenancesofthybrow! Thyproperblooddostthounotgive,ThatEarth,thegustyMaenad,drinkanddance? Artthounotlifeofthemthatlive? Yea,ingladtwinklingadvent,thoudostdwellWithinourbodyasatabernacle! ThoubittestwiththineordinanceThejawsofTime,andthoudostmeteTheunsustainabletreadingofhisfeet。 ThoutothyspousaluniverseArtHusband,shethyWifeandChurch; Whoinmostduskandvidualcurch,HerLordbeinghence,Keepshercoldsorrowsbythyhearse。 TheheavensrenewtheirinnocenceAndmorningstateButbythysacramentcommunicate: Theirweepingnightthesymbolofourprayers,Ourdarkenedsearch,Andsinfulvigildesolate。 Yea,biuneinimploringdumb,EssentialHeavensandcorporalEarthawait,TheSpiritandtheBridesay:Come! Lo,ofthyMagiansItheleastHastewithmygold,myincensesandmyrrhs,Tothydesiredepiphany,fromthespicedRegionsandodorousofSong’stradedEast。 Thou,forthelifeofallthatliveThevictimdailybornandsacrificed; TowhomthepinionofthislongingverseBeatsbutwithfirewhichfirstthyselfdidgive,Tothee,OSun——oris’tperchance,toChrist? Ay,ifmensaythatonallhighheaven’sfaceThesaintlysignsItraceWhichroundmystol—edaltarsholdtheirsolemnplace,Amen,amen!Foroh,howcoulditbe,—— WhenIwithwing—edfeethadrunThroughallthewindyearthabout,Questeditssecretofthesun,Andheardwhatthingthestarstogethershout,—— IshouldnotheedthereoutConsentingcounselwon:— ’Bythis,OSinger,knowweifthousee。 Whenmenshallsaytothee:Lo!Christishere,Whenmenshallsaytothee:Lo!Christisthere,Believethem:yea,andthis——thenartthouseer,WhenallthycryingclearIsbut:Lohere!lothere!——ahme,loeverywhere!’ {1}Theearth。 NEWYEAR’SCHIMES。 Whatisthesongthestarssing? (Andamillionsongsareassongofone。) Thisisthesongthestarssing: Sweetersong’snone。 Onetoset,andmanytosing,(Andamillionsongsareassongofone),Onetostand,andmanytocling,Themanythings,andtheoneThing,Theonethatrunsnot,themanythatrun。 Theevernewweaveththeeverold(Andamillionsongsareassongofone)。 Evertellingthenevertold; Thesilversaith,andthesaidisgold,Anddoneevertheneverdone。 Thechasethat’schasedistheLordo’thechase(Andamillionsongsareassongofone),Andthepursuedcriesontherace; Andthehoundsinleasharethehoundsthatrun。 Hiddenstarsbytheshownstars’sheen; (Andamillionsunsarebutasone); Coloursunseenbythecoloursseen,Andsoundsunheardheardsoundsbetween,Andanightisinthelightofthesun。 Anambuscadeoflightinnight,(Andamillionsecretsarebutasone),Andanightisdarkinthesun’slight,Andaworldintheworldmanlooksupon。 Hiddenstarsbytheshownstars’wings,(Andamillioncyclesarebutasone),AndaworldwithunapparentstringsKnitsthesimulantworldofthings; Behold,andvisionthereofisnone。 Theworldaboveintheworldbelow(Andamillionworldsarebutasone),AndtheOneinall;asthesun’sstrengthsoStrivesinallstrength,glowsinallglowOftheearththatwitsnot,andmanthereon。 Bracedinitsownfourfoldembrace(Andamillionstrengthsareasstrengthofone),AndrounditallGod’sarmsofgrace,Theworld,soastheVisionsays,Dothwithgreatlightning—tramplesrun。 Andthunderbruitethintothunder,(Andamillionsoundsareassoundofone),Fromstellatepeaktopeakistossedavoiceofwonder,Andtheheightstoopsdowntothedepthsthereunder,Andsunleansforthtohisbrother—sun。 Andthemoreampleyearsunfold(Withamillionsongsassongofone),Alittlenewoftheeverold,Alittletoldofthenevertold,Addedactoftheneverdone。 Loudthedescant,andlowthetheme,(Amillionsongsareassongofone); Andthedreamoftheworldisdreamindream,ButtheoneIsis,ornoughtcouldseem; Andthesongrunsroundtothesongbegun。 Thisisthesongthestarssing,(Ton—edallintime); Tintinnabulous,tunedtoringAmultitudinous—singlething,Rungallinrhyme。 FROMTHENIGHTOFFOREBEING。 AnodeafterEaster。 Inthechaosofpreordination,andnightofourforebeings。—— SIRTHOMASBROWNE。 Etluxintenebriserat,ettenebraeeamnoncomprehenderunt。—— ST。JOHN。 CastwidethefoldingdoorwaysoftheEast,Fornowislightincreased! Andthewind—besomedchambersoftheair,Seetheybegarnishedfair; Andlookthewaysexhalesomepreciousodours,Andsetyeallaboutwild—breathingspice,MostfitforParadise。 Nowisnotimeforsobergravity,SeasonenoughhasNaturetobewise; Butnowdiscinct,withraimentglitteringfree,ShakeshetheringingraftersoftheskiesWithfestalfootingandboldjoyancesweet,Andlettheearthbedrunkenandcarouse! Forlo,intoherhouseSpringiscomehomewithherworld—wanderingfeet,Andallthingsaremadeyoungwithyoungdesires; AndallforherislightincreasedInyellowstarsandyellowdaffodils,AndEasttoWest,andWesttoEast,Flingansweringwelcome—fires,Bydawnandday—fall,onthejocundhills。 Andye,wingedminstrelsofherfairmeinie,Beingnewlycoatedingladlivery,Uponherstepsattend,AndroundhertreadingdanceandwithoutendReelyourshrilllutany。 Whatpopularbreathhercomingdoesout—tellThegarrulousleavesamong! WhatlittlenoisesstirandpassFrombladetobladealongthevolublegrass! ONature,never—doneUngaped—atPentecostalmiracle,Wehearthee,eachmaninhispropertongue! Break,elementalchildren,breakyelooseFromthestrictfrostyruleOfgrey—beardWinter’sschool。 Vault,Oyoungwinds,vaultinyourtricksomecoursesUponthesnowysteedsthatreinlessuseIncoerulepampasoftheheaventorun; Foaledofthewhitesea—horses,Washedinthelambentwatersofthesun。 Leteventheslug—abedsnailuponthethornPutforthaconscioushorn! Mineelementalco—mates,joyeachone; Andah,myfoster—brethren,seemnotsad—— No,seemnotsad,ThatmystrangeheartandIshouldbesolittleglad。 SuffermeatyourleafyfeastTositapart,asomewhatalienguest,Andwatchyourmirth,Unsharingintheliberallaughofearth; Yetwithasympathy,Begotofwhollysadandhalf—sweetmemory—— Thelittlesweetnessmakinggriefcomplete; Faintwindofwingsfromhoursthatdistantbeat,WhenI,Itoo,Wasonce,Owildcompanions,asareyou,Ranwithsuchwilfulfeet。 Wraithofarecentdayanddead,Risenwanlyoverhead,Frail,strengthlessasanoon—belatedmoon,Orastheglazingeyesofwateryheaven,Whenthesicknightsinksintodeathlyswoon。 AhigherandasolemnvoiceIheardthroughyourgay—heartednoise; AsolemnmeaningandastillervoiceSoundstomefromfardayswhenItooshallrejoice,Normorebewithyourjollityatstrife。 OprophecyOfthingsthatare,andarenot,andshallbe! Thegreat—vannedAngelMarchHathtrumpetedHisclangorous’Sleepnomore’toallthedead—— Beathisstrongvanso’erearth,andair,andsea。 Andtheyhaveheard; HarktotheJubilateofthebirdForthemthatfoundthedyingwaytolife! Andtheyhaveheard,Andquickentothegreatprecursiveword; Greensprayshowerslightlydownthecascadeofthelarch; Thegravesareriven,AndtheSuncomeswithpoweramidthecloudsofheaven! BeforehiswayWentforththetrumpetoftheMarch; Beforehisway,beforehiswayDancesthepennonoftheMay! Oearth,unchilded,widowedEarth,solongLiftinginpatientpineandivy—treeMournfulbeliefandsteadfastprophecy,Beholdhowallthingsaremadetrue! Beholdyourbridegroomcomethintoyou,Exceedinggladandstrong。 Raiseupyoureyes,Oraiseyoureyesabroad! Nomoreshallyousitsoleandvidual,Searching,inservilepall,Uponthehieraticnightthestar—sealedsenseofall: Rejoice,Obarren,andlookforthabroad! YourchildrengatheredbacktoyourembraceSeewithamother’sface。 Lookup,Omortals,andtheportentheed; Inverydeed,Washedwithnewfiretotheirirradiantbirth,Reintegratedaretheheavensandearth! Fromskytosod,Theworld’sunfoldedblossomsmellsofGod。 OimageryOfthatwhichwasthefirst,andisthelast! Forasthedark,profoundnativity,Godsawtheendshouldbe,Whentheworld’sinfanthoroscopeHecast。 UnshackledfromthebrightPhoebeanawe,Inleaf,flower,mould,andtree,Resolvedintodividualliberty,Moststrengthless,unparticipant,inane,Orsufferedtheillpeaceoflethargy,Lo,theEartheasedofrule: Unsummered,grantedtoherownworstsmartThedearwishofthefool—— Disintegration,merelywhichman’sheartForfreedomunderstands,Amidthefrog—likeerrorsfromthedampAndquakingswampOfthelowpopularlevelsspawnedinallthelands。 Butthou,OEarth,dostmuchdisdainThebondageofthywasteandfutilereign,AndsweetlytothegreatcompulsiondrawOfGod’salonetrue—manumittinglaw,AndFreedom,onlywhichthewiseintend,Toworkthineinnateend。 OverthyvacantcounterfeitofdeathBroodswithsofturgentbreathLove,thatischildofBeautyandofAwe: Tointercleavageofsharpwarringpain,Asofcontendingchaoscomeagain,Thouwak’st,OEarth,Andwork’stfromchangetochangeandbirthtobirthCreationoldashope,andnewassight; Formeedoftoilnotvain,Hearingoncemoretheprimalfiattoll:— ’Lettherebelight!’ Andthereislight! Lightflagrant,manifest; Lighttothezenith,lightfrompoletopole; LightfromtheEastthatwaxethtotheWest,Andwithitspuissantgoings—forthEncroachesontheSouthandontheNorth; AndwithitsgreatapproachesdoesprevailUponthesullenfastnessoftheheight,AndsummoningitsleviedpowerCrescentandconfidentthroughthecrescenthour,Goesdownwithlaughtersonthesubjectvale。 Lightflagrant,manifest; Lighttothesentientclosenessofthebreast,Lighttothesecretchambersofthebrain! Andthouup—floatest,warm,andnewly—bathed,Earth,throughdeliciousair,Andwiththineownapparentbeautiesswathed,Wringingthewatersfromthinearboroushair; Thatallmen’shearts,whichdobeholdandsee,Growweakwiththeirexceedingmuchdesire,Andturntotheeonfire,Enamouredwiththeirutterwishofthee,Anadyomene! Whatvine—outquickeninglifeallcreaturessup,Feel,fortheairwithinitssapphirecupHowitdoesleap,andtwinkleheadily! Feel,forEarth’sbosompants,andheavesherscarfingsea; Androundandroundinbacchanalroutreeltheswiftspheresintemperably! Mylittle—worldedself!theshadowspassInthisthysister—world,asinaglass,Ofallprocessionsthatrevolveinthee: NotonlyofcyclicManThouherediscern’sttheplan,NotonlyofcyclicMan,butofthecyclicMe。 NotsolelyofMortality’sgreatyearsThereflexjustappears,Butthineownbosom’syear,stillcirclingroundInampleandinamplergyreTowardthefarcompletion,wherewithcrowned,Loveunconsumedshallchantinhisownfurnace—fire。 HowmanytrampledanddeciduousjoysEnrichthysoulforjoysdeciduousstill,BeforethedistanceshallfulfilCyclicunrestwithsolemnequipoise! Happinessistheshadowofthingspast,Whichfoolsstilltakeforthatwhichistobe! Andnotallfoolishly: Forallthepast,readtrue,isprophecy,AndallthefirstsarehauntingsofsomeLast,Andallthespringsareflash—lightsofoneSpring。 Thenleaf,andflower,andfallessfruitShallhangtogetherontheunyellowingbough; AndsilenceshallbeMusicmuteForhersurcharg—edheart。Hushthou! Thesethingsarefartoosurethatthoushould’stdreamThereof,lesttheyappearasthingsthatseem。 Shadewithinshade!fordeeperintheglassNowotherimagedmeaningspass; Andastheman,thepoetthereisread。 Winterwithme,alack! WinteroneveryhandIfind: Soul,brain,andpulsesdead; Themindnofurtherbythewarmsensefed,Thesoulweak—stirringinthearidmind,Moretearless—weaktoflashitselfabroadThantheearth’slifebeneaththefrost—scorchedsod。 Mylipshavedrought,andcrack,Bylavingmusiclongunvisited。 BeneaththeaustereandmaceratingrimeDrawsbackconstrictedinitsicyurnsThegenialflameofEarth,andthereWithtormentandwithtensiondoesprepareThelushdisclosuresofthevernaltime。 Alljoysdrawinwardtotheiricyurns,Tormentedbyconstrainingrime,AndthereWithundelightandthroeprepareThebounteouseffluxofthevernaltime。 NorlessbeneathcompulsiveLawRebuk—eddrawThenumb—edmusicsbackuponmyheart; Whoseyet—triumphantcourseIknowAndprevalentpulsesforthshallstart,Likecataractsthatwiththunderoushoofchargethedisbandingsnow。 AllpowerisboundInquickeningrefusalso; Andsilenceisthelairofsound; Inactitsimpulsetodeliver,WithfluctuanceandquiverTheendeavouringthewgrowsrigid; StrongFromitsretractedcoilstrikestheresilientsong。 Giverofspring,Andsong,andeveryyoungnewthing! Thouonlyseestinme,sostrippedandbare,Thelyricsecretwaitingtobeborn,ThepatienttermallowedBeforeitstretchandflutteringlyunfoldItsrumpledwebsofamethyst—freaked,diaphanousgold。 Andwhathardtaskabstractsmefromdelight,FillingwithhopelesshopeanddeardespairThestill—borndayandparch—edfieldsofnight,Thatmyoldwayofsong,nolongerfair,Forlackofserenecare,Isgrownastonyandaweed—chokedplot,Thouonlyknow’staright,Thouonlyknow’st,forIknownot。 Howmanysongsmustdiethatthismaylive! Andshallthismostrashhopeandfugitive,FulfilledwithbeautyandwithmightIndayswhosefeetarerumorousontheair,MakemeforgettogrieveForsongswhichmighthavebeen,noreverwere? Sternthedenial,thetravailslow,Thestrugglingwallwillscantlygrow: AndthoughwiththatdreadriteofsacrificeOrdainedforduringedifice,Howlong,howlongago! IntothatwallwhichwillnotthriveIbuildmyselfalive,Ah,whoshalltellmewillthewalluprise? Thouwiltnottellme,whodostonlyknow! YetstillinmindIkeep,Hewhichobservesthewindshallhardlysow,Hewhichregardsthecloudsshallhardlyreap。 Thineancientway!Igive,NorwitifIreceive; Riskall,whoallwouldgain:andblindly。Beitso。 ’Andblindly,’saidI?——No! ThatsayingIunsay:thewingsHearInotinpraevenientwinnowingsOfcomingsongs,thatliftmyhairandstirit? Whatwindswithmusicwetdothesweetstormforeshow! UtterstagnationIsthesolstitialslumberofthespirit,Theblearandblanknegationofalllife: Butthesesharpquestioningsmeanstrife,andstrifeIsthenegationofnegation。 ThethingfromwhichIturnmytroubledlookFearingthegods’rebuke; Thatperturbationputtinggloryon,AsisthegoldenvortexintheWestOverthefounderedsun; That——butlowbreatheit,lesttheNemesisUnchildme,vauntingthis—— Isbliss,thehid,hugged,swaddledbliss! OyounglingJoycarest! Thatonmynowfirst—motheredbreastPliestthestrangewonderofthineinfantlip,Whatthisaghastsurpriseofkeenestpanging,WherefromIblench,andcrythysoftmouthrest? Ahhold,withhold,andletthesweetmouthslip! So,withsuchpain,recoilsthewoollydam,Unused,affrighted,fromheryeanlinglamb: I,onewithherincruelfellowship,MarvelwhatunmaternalthingIam。 Nature,enough!withinthyglassToomanyandtoosterntheshadowspass。 Inthisdelightedseason,flamingForthyresurrection—feast,Ah,moreIthinkthelongensepulturecold,ThanstonywinterrolledFromtheunsealedmouthoftheholyEast; Thesnowdrop’ssaintlystoleslessheedThanthesnow—cloisteredpenanceoftheseed。 ’TistheweakfleshreclaimingAgainsttheordinanceWhichyetforjusttheacceptingspiritscans。 Earthwaits,andpatientheaven,Self—bondedGoddothwaitThrice—promulgatedbansOfhisfairnuptial—date。 Andpowerisman’s,Withthatgreatwordof’wait,’ Tostilltheseaoftears,AndshaketheironheartofFate。 InthatonewordisstrongAnelse,alas,much—mortalsong; Withsighttopassthefrontierofallspheres,Andvoicewhichdoesmysightsuchwrong。 NotwithoutfortitudeIwaitThedarkmajesticalensuitOfdestiny,norpeevishrateCalm—knowledgedFate。 I,thatnoparthaveinthetime’sbraggedway,AnditsloudbruitI,inthishousesorifted,marred,Soilltolivein,hardtoleave; I,sostar—weary,over—warred,Thathavenojoyinthisyourday—— Ratherfoulfumeenglutting,thatofdayConfoundsallray—— Butonlystandasideandgrieve; Iyethavesightbeyondthesmoke,Andkissthegods’feet,thoughtheywreakUponmestrokeandagainstroke; Andthismyseeingisnotweak。 TheWomanIbehold,whosevisionseekAlleyesandknownot;t’wardwhomclimbThestepso’theworld,andbeatsallwingofrhyme,Andknowsnot;’twixtthesunandmoonHerinexpressiblefrontenstarredTempersthewranglingspherestotune; TheirdivergentharmoniesConcludedintheconcordofhereyes,Andvestaldancesofhergladregard。 Isee,whichfrettethwithsurmiseMuchheadsgrownunsagacious—grey,Theslowaimofwise—heartedTime,Whichfoldedcycleswithincyclescloak: Wepass,wepass,wepass;thisdoesnotpassaway,Butholdsthefurrowingearthstillharnessedtoitsyoke。 ThestarsstillwritetheirgoldenpurposesOnheaven’shighpalimpsest,andnomansees,NoranythereinDaniel;IdohearFromtherevolvingyearAvoicewhichcries: ’Alldies; Lo,howalldies!Oseer,Andallthingstooarise: Alldies,andallisborn; Buteachresurgentmorn,behold,morenearthePerfectMorn。’ Firmistheman,andsetbeyondthecastOfFortune’sgame,andtheiniquitoushour,Whosefalconsoulsitsfast,AndnotintendsherhighsagacioustourOrerethequarrysighted;wholookspastToslowmuchsweetfromlittleinstantsour,Andinthefirstdoesalwaysseethelast。 ANYSAINT。 HisshoulderdidIholdToohighthatI,o’erboldWeakone,Shouldleanthereon。 ButHealittlehathDeclinedHisstatelypathAndmyFeetsetmorehigh; ThattheslackarmmayreachHisshoulder,andfaintspeechStirHisunwitheringhair。 AndboldernowandbolderIleanuponthatshoulderSodearHeisandnear: AndwithHisaureoleThetressesofmysoulAreblentInwishedcontent。 Yes,thistoogentleLoverHathflatteringwordstomoveherToprideByHissweetside。 Ah,Love!somewhatletbe! LestmyhumilityGrowweakWhenthoudostspeak! Rebatethytendersuit,LesttoherselfimputeSomeworthThybrideofearth! AmaidtooeasilyConceitsherselftobeThosethingsHerloversings; Andbeingstraitlywooed,BelievesherselftheGoodAndFairHeseeksinher。 TurnsomethingofThylook,Andfearmewithrebuke,ThatI MaytimorouslyTaketremorsinThyarms,Andwithcontriv—edcharmsAllureAloveunsure。 Nottome,nottome,Buildedsoflawfully,OGod,Thyhumblinglaud! Nottothisman,butMan,—— Universeinaspan; PointOfthespheresconjoint; InwhometernallyThou,Light,dostfocusThee!—— DidstpaveThewayo’thewave; RivetwithstarstheHeaven,ForcausewaystoThydrivenCarInitscomingfarUntohim,onlyhim; InThydeificwhimDidstboundThyworks’greatroundInthissmallringofflesh; Thesky’sgold—knottedmeshThywristDidonlytwistTotakehiminthatnet。—— Man!swinging—wicketsetBetweenTheUnseenandSeen; Lo,God’stwoworldsimmense,Ofspiritandofsense,WedInthisnarrowbed; Yea,andthemidge’shymnAnswerstheseraphimAthwartThybody’scourt! Greatarm—fellowofGod! TotheancestralclodKin,Andtocherubin; BreadpredilectedlyO’thewormandDeity! Hark,OGod’sclay—sealedArk,Topraisethatfitsthee,clearTotheearwithintheear,ButdenseToclay—sealedsense。 AlltheOmnificmadeWheninawordhesaid,(Mystery!) HeutteredTHEE; TheeHisgreatutterancebore,OsecretmetaphorOfwhatThoudream’stnojot! Cosmicmetonymy! Weakworld—unshutteringkey! OneSealofSolomon! TropethatitselfnotscansItshugesignificance,WhichtriesCherubiceyes。 PrimerwheretheangelsallGod’sgrammarspellinsmall,NorspellThehighesttoowell。 PointforthegreatdescantsOfstarrydisputants; EquationOfcreation。