“那时刻永远逝去了，孩子！”
　　
　　
　　1
　　
　　那时刻永远逝去了，孩子！
　　它已沉没，僵涸，永不回头！
　　我们望着往昔，
　　不禁感到惊悸：
　　希望底阴魂正凄苍、悲泣；
　　是你和我，把它哄骗致死，
　　在生之幽暗的河流。
　　
　　２
　　
　　我们望着的那川流已经
　　滚滚而去，从此不再折回；
　　但我们却立于
　　一片荒凉的境地，
　　象是墓碑在标志已死的
　　希望和恐惧：呵，生之黎明
　　已使它们飞逝、隐退。
　　
　　１８１７年
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
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　　往昔
　　
　　
　　1
　　
　　你可会忘记那快乐的时刻，
　　被我们在爱之亭榭下埋没？
　　对着那冰冷的尸体，我们铺了
　　不是青苔，而是叶子和鲜花。
　　呵，鲜花是失去的快乐，
　　叶子是希望，还依然留贮。
　　
　　２
　　
　　你可忘了那逝去的？它可有
　　一些幽灵，会出来替它复仇！
　　它有记忆，会把心变为坟墓，
　　还有悔恨，溜进精神底浓雾
　　会对你阴沉地低声说：
　　快乐一旦消失，就是痛苦。
　　
　　１８１８年
　　
　　查良铮 译　
　　
　　
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　　“别揭开这画帷”
　　
　　
　　别揭开这画帷：呵，人们就管这
　　叫作生活，虽然它画的没有真象；
　　它只是以随便涂抹的彩色
　　仿制我们意愿的事物——而希望
　　和恐惧，双生的宿命，在后面藏躲，
　　给幽深的穴中不断编织着幻相。
　　曾有一个人，我知道，把它揭开过——
　　他想找到什么寄托他的爱情，
　　但却找不到。而世间也没有任何
　　真实的物象，能略略使他心动。
　　于是他飘泊在冷漠的人群中，
　　成为暗影中的光，是一点明斑
　　落上阴郁的景色，也是个精灵
　　追求真理，却象“传道者”①一样兴叹。
　　
　　1818年
　　
　　①《旧约·传道书》载：柯希列（或传道者）说：“凡事都是虚空。”
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
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　　爱底哲学
　　
　　
　　泉水总是向河水汇流，
　　河水又汇入海中，
　　天宇的轻风永远融有
　　一种甜蜜的感情；
　　世上哪有什么孤零零？
　　万物由于自然律
　　都必融汇于一种精神。
　　何以你我却独异？
　　
　　你看高山在吻着碧空，
　　波浪也相互拥抱；
　　谁曾见花儿彼此不容：
　　姊妹把弟兄轻蔑？
　　阳光紧紧地拥抱大地，
　　月光在吻着海波：
　　但这些接吻又有何益，
　　要是你不肯吻我？
　　
　　1819年
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
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　　哀歌
　　
　　
　　哦，世界！哦，时间！哦，生命！
　　我登上你们的最后一层，
　　不禁为我曾立足的地方颤抖；
　　你们几时能再光华鼎盛？
　　噢，永不再有，——永不再有！
　　
　　从白天和黑夜的胸怀
　　一种喜悦已飞往天外；
　　初春、盛夏和严冬给我的心头
　　堆满了悲哀，但是那欢快，
　　噢，永不再有，——永不再有！
　　
　　1821年
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
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　　无常
　　
　　
　　
　　我们象遮蔽午夜之月的云彩；
　　它一刻不停地奔跑，闪耀，颤栗，
　　向黑暗放出灿烂的光辉！——但很快
　　夜幕合拢了，它就永远隐去；
　　
　　又象被忘却的琴，不调和的弦
　　每次拨弄都发出不同的音响，
　　在那纤弱的乐器上，每次重弹，
　　情调和音节都不会和前次一样。
　　
　　我们睡下：一场梦能毒戕安息；
　　我们起来：游思又会玷污白天；
　　我们感觉，思索，想象，笑或哭泣，
　　无论抱住悲伤，或者摔脱忧烦：
　　
　　终归是一样！——因为呵，在这世间，
　　无论是喜悦或悲伤都会溜走：
　　我们的明日从不再象昨天，
　　唉，除了“无常”，一切都不肯停留。
　　
　　１８１４年
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
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　　奥西曼德斯
　　
　　
　　
　　我遇见一个来自古国的旅客，
　　他说：有两只断落的巨大石腿
　　站在沙漠中……附近还半埋着
　　一块破碎的石雕的脸；他那绉眉，
　　那瘪唇，那威严中的轻蔑和冷漠，
　　在表明雕刻家很懂得那迄今
　　还留在这岩石上的情欲和愿望，
　　虽然早死了刻绘的手，原型的心；
　　在那石座上，还有这样的铭记：
　　“我是奥西曼德斯，众王之王。
　　强悍者呵，谁能和我的业绩相比！”
　　这就是一切了，再也没有其他。
　　在这巨大的荒墟四周，无边无际，
　　只见一片荒凉而寂寥的平沙。
　　
　　
　　１８１７年
　　
　　译注：奥西曼德斯，古埃及王，据称其墓在底比斯的拉米西陵中。
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
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　　西风颂
　　
　　
　　
　　１
　　
　　哦，狂暴的西风，秋之生命的呼吸！
　　你无形，但枯死的落叶被你横扫，
　　有如鬼魅碰到了巫师，纷纷逃避：
　　
　　黄的，黑的，灰的，红得像患肺痨，
　　呵，重染疫疠的一群：西风呵，是你
　　以车驾把有翼的种子催送到
　　
　　黑暗的冬床上，它们就躺在那里，
　　像是墓中的死穴，冰冷，深藏，低贱，
　　直等到春天，你碧空的姊妹吹起
　　
　　她的喇叭，在沉睡的大地上响遍，
　　（唤出嫩芽，象羊群一样，觅食空中）
　　将色和香充满了山峰和平原。 　
　　
　　不羁的精灵呵，你无处不远行；
　　破坏者兼保护者：听吧，你且聆听！
　　
　　２
　　
　　没入你的急流，当高空一片混乱，
　　流云象大地的枯叶一样被撕扯
　　脱离天空和海洋的纠缠的枝干。 　
　　
　　成为雨和电的使者：它们飘落
　　在你的磅礴之气的蔚蓝的波面，
　　有如狂女的飘扬的头发在闪烁，
　　
　　从天穹的最遥远而模糊的边沿
　　直抵九霄的中天，到处都在摇曳
　　欲来雷雨的卷发，对濒死的一年 　
　　
　　你唱出了葬歌，而这密集的黑夜
　　将成为它广大墓陵的一座圆顶，
　　里面正有你的万钧之力的凝结； 　
　　
　　那是你的浑然之气，从它会迸涌
　　黑色的雨，冰雹和火焰：哦，你听！
　　
　　３
　　
　　是你，你将蓝色的地中海唤醒，
　　而它曾经昏睡了一整个夏天，
　　被澄澈水流的回旋催眠入梦， 　
　　
　　就在巴亚海湾的一个浮石岛边，
　　它梦见了古老的宫殿和楼阁
　　在水天辉映的波影里抖颤， 　
　　
　　而且都生满青苔、开满花朵，
　　那芬芳真迷人欲醉！呵，为了给你
　　让一条路，大西洋的汹涌的浪波 　
　　
　　把自己向两边劈开，而深在渊底
　　那海洋中的花草和泥污的森林
　　虽然枝叶扶疏，却没有精力； 　
　　
　　听到你的声音，它们已吓得发青：
　　一边颤栗，一边自动萎缩：哦，你听！
　　
　　４
　　
　　哎，假如我是一片枯叶被你浮起，
　　假如我是能和你飞跑的云雾，
　　是一个波浪，和你的威力同喘息， 　
　　
　　假如我分有你的脉搏，仅仅不如
　　你那么自由，哦，无法约束的生命！
　　假如我能像在少年时，凌风而舞 　
　　
　　便成了你的伴侣，悠游天空
　　（因为呵，那时候，要想追你上云霄，
　　似乎并非梦幻），我就不致像如今 　
　　
　　这样焦躁地要和你争相祈祷。
　　哦，举起我吧，当我是水波、树叶、浮云！
　　我跌在生活底荆棘上，我流血了！ 　
　　
　　这被岁月的重轭所制服的生命
　　原是和你一样：骄傲、轻捷而不驯。
　　
　　５
　　
　　把我当作你的竖琴吧，有如树林：
　　尽管我的叶落了，那有什么关系！
　　你巨大的合奏所振起的音乐 　
　　
　　将染有树林和我的深邃的秋意：
　　虽忧伤而甜蜜。呵，但愿你给予我
　　狂暴的精神！奋勇者呵，让我们合一！ 　
　　
　　请把我枯死的思想向世界吹落，
　　让它像枯叶一样促成新的生命！
　　哦，请听从这一篇符咒似的诗歌， 　
　　
　　就把我的话语，像是灰烬和火星
　　从还未熄灭的炉火向人间播散！
　　让预言的喇叭通过我的嘴唇 　
　　
　　把昏睡的大地唤醒吧！要是冬天
　　已经来了，西风呵，春日怎能遥远？
　　
　　1819年
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
　　
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　　给云雀
　　
　　
　　
　　祝你长生，欢快的精灵！
　　谁说你是只飞禽？
　　你从天庭，或它的近处，
　　倾泻你整个的心，
　　无须琢磨，便发出丰盛的乐音。
　　
　　你从大地一跃而起，
　　往上飞翔又飞翔，
　　有如一团火云，在蓝天
　　平展着你的翅膀，
　　你不歇地边唱边飞，边飞边唱。
　　
　　下沉的夕阳放出了
　　金色电闪的光明，
　　就在那明亮的云间
　　你浮游而又飞行，
　　象不具形的欢乐，刚刚开始途程。
　　
　　那淡紫色的黄昏
　　与你的翱翔溶合，
　　好似在白日的天空中，
　　一颗明星沉没，
　　你虽不见，我却能听到你的欢乐：
　　
　　清晰，锐利，有如那晨星
　　射出了银辉千条，
　　虽然在清彻的晨曦中
　　它那明光逐渐缩小，
　　直缩到看不见，却还能依稀感到。
　　
　　整个大地和天空
　　都和你的歌共鸣，
　　有如在皎洁的夜晚，
　　从一片孤独的云，
　　月亮流出光华，光华溢满了天空。
　　
　　我们不知道你是什么；
　　什么和你最相象？
　　从彩虹的云间滴雨，
　　那雨滴固然明亮，
　　但怎及得由你遗下的一片音响？
　　
　　好象是一个诗人居于
　　思想底明光中，
　　他昂首而歌，使人世
　　由冷漠而至感动，
　　感于他所唱的希望、忧惧和赞颂；
　　
　　好象是名门的少女
　　在高楼中独坐，
　　为了舒发缠绵的心情，
　　便在幽寂的一刻
　　以甜蜜的乐音充满她的绣阁；
　　
　　好象是金色的萤火虫，
　　在凝露的山谷里，
　　到处流散它轻盈的光
　　在花丛，在草地，
　　而花草却把它掩遮，毫不感激；
　　
　　好象一朵玫瑰幽蔽在
　　它自己的绿叶里，
　　阵阵的暖风前来凌犯，
　　而终于，它的香气
　　以过多的甜味使偷香者昏迷：
　　
　　无论是春日的急雨
　　向闪亮的草洒落，
　　或是雨敲得花儿苏醒，
　　凡是可以称得
　　鲜明而欢愉的乐音，怎及得你的歌？
　　
　　鸟也好，精灵也好，说吧：
　　什么是你的思绪？
　　我不曾听过对爱情
　　或对酒的赞誉，
　　迸出象你这样神圣的一串狂喜。
　　
　　无论是凯旋的歌声
　　还是婚礼的合唱，
　　要是比起你的歌，就如
　　一切空洞的夸张，
　　呵，那里总感到有什么不如所望。
　　
　　是什么事物构成你的
　　快乐之歌的源泉？
　　什么田野、波浪或山峰？
　　什么天空或平原？
　　是对同辈的爱？还是对痛苦无感？
　　
　　有你这种清新的欢快
　　谁还会感到怠倦？
　　苦闷的阴影从不曾
　　挨近你的跟前；
　　你在爱，但不知爱情能毁于饱满。
　　
　　无论是安睡，或是清醒，
　　对死亡这件事情
　　你定然比人想象得
　　更为真实而深沉，
　　不然，你的歌怎能流得如此晶莹？
　　
　　我们总是前瞻和后顾，
　　对不在的事物憧憬；
　　我们最真心的笑也洋溢着
　　某种痛苦，对于我们
　　最能倾诉衷情的才是最甜的歌声。
　　
　　可是，假若我们摆脱了
　　憎恨、骄傲和恐惧；
　　假若我们生来原不会
　　流泪或者哭泣，
　　那我们又怎能感于你的欣喜？
　　
　　呵，对于诗人，你的歌艺
　　胜过一切的谐音
　　所形成的格律，也胜过
　　书本所给的教训，
　　你是那么富有，你藐视大地的生灵！
　　
　　只要把你熟知的欢欣
　　教一半与我歌唱，
　　从我的唇边就会流出
　　一种和谐的热狂，
　　那世人就将听我，象我听你一样。
　　
　　1820年 　　　　　
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
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　　给——
　　
　　
　　
　　１
　　
　　有一个字常被人滥用，
　　我不想再滥用它；
　　有一种感情不被看重，
　　你岂能再轻视它？
　　有一种希望太象绝望，
　　慎重也无法压碎；
　　只求怜悯起自你心上，
　　对我就万分珍贵。
　　
　　２
　　
　　我奉献的不能叫爱情，
　　它只算得是崇拜，
　　连上天对它都肯垂青，
　　想你该不致见外？
　　这有如飞蛾向往星天，
　　暗夜想拥抱天明，
　　怎能不让悲惨的尘寰
　　对遥远事物倾心？
　　
　　1821年 　　　　　
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
　　
　　
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　　当一盏灯破碎了
　　
　　
　　
　　１
　　
　　当一盏灯破碎了，
　　它的光亮就灭于灰尘；
　　当天空的云散了，
　　彩虹的辉煌随即消隐。
　　要是琵琶断了弦，
　　优美的乐音归于沉寂；
　　要是嘴把话说完，
　　爱的韵味很快就忘记。
　　
　　２
　　
　　有如乐音和明光
　　必和琵琶与灯盏并存，
　　心灵弹不出歌唱
　　假如那精气已经消沉：
　　没有歌，只是哀悼，
　　象吹过一角荒墟的风，
　　象是哀号的波涛
　　为已死的水手敲丧钟。
　　
　　３
　　
　　两颗心一旦结合，
　　爱情就离开精制的巢，
　　而那较弱的一个
　　必为它有过的所煎熬。
　　哦，爱情！你在哀吟
　　世事的无常，何以偏偏
　　要找最弱的心灵
　　作你的摇篮、居室、灵棺？
　　
　　４
　　
　　它以热情颠疲你，
　　有如风暴把飞鸦摇荡；
　　理智将会嘲笑你，
　　有如冬日天空的太阳。
　　你的巢穴的椽木
　　将腐烂，而当冷风吹到，
　　叶落了，你的华屋
　　就会把你暴露给嘲笑。
　　
　　1822年 　　　　　
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
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　　赞智性美
　　
　　
　　1
　　
　　某种无形力量的威严的阴影
　　虽不可见，却飘浮在我们之中，
　　凭借多变的翅膀访问多彩的世界，
　　如夏风潜行于一个又一个花丛；
　　它以闪烁不定、难以捉摸的眼光
　　察看每一颗心灵、每一张脸庞，
　　如同月华倾泻在山间的松林；
　　恰似黄昏的色泽与和谐的乐章，
　　恰似星光之下铺展的浮云，
　　恰似记忆中的乐曲的余音，
　　恰似因美丽而可爱的一切，
　　又因神秘而变得更加珍贵可亲。
　　
　　2
　　
　　美的精灵呵．你飘向了何方？
　　你的光彩使人类的形体或思想
　　变得神圣庄严、不可侵犯，
　　可你为何弃开我们的国度，飘往他乡，
　　丢下这个虚空、荒凉、阴暗的泪谷？
　　阳光为何不能永远编织彩虹，
　　桂在那边的山川的上空？
　　为什么曾经显形的物体必将失踪？
　　为什么恐惧、梦幻、死亡、出生
　　会给人间的白昼蒙上阴影？
　　为什么人类会充分地容忍
　　沮丧与希望、憎根与爱情？
　　
　　3
　　
　　从更为崇高的世界没有传出任何声音，
　　来回答圣哲或诗人的这些疑问——
　　因此．魔鬼、幽灵、天堂这些名称
　　始终是他们的一个徒劳无功的结论，
　　只是脆弱的咒符——它们的魔力
　　也不能把怀疑、无常和偶然
　　从我们的所见所闻中清除出去。
　　唯有你的光辉，如同轻雾飘过山峦，
　　或像夜风轻抚寂静的琴弦，
　　弹送出一阵阵柔和的乐声，
　　或像月华洒在午夜的河面，
　　把美与真送给人生的不安的梦境。
　　
　　4
　　
　　爱情、希望和自尊，如同行云，
　　在借得的时光里来去匆匆，飘忽不定。
　　你不为人知，却威严可怖，假如
　　你和你光荣的随从居于人的心灵，
　　人啊，定会永生不朽，而且无所不能。
　　在情人眼中，爱的共鸣时亏时盈，
　　是你充当使者，传递着爱情——
　　对于人类的思想，你是滋养的物品，
　　如同黑略培育着微弱的火光。
　　切莫离去，纵然你只是一个幻影，
　　切莫离去——否则，坟墓也会
　　变成黑暗的现实，如同恐惧和人生。
　　
　　5
　　
　　在孩提时代，我曾怀着战栗的脚步，
　　穿过许多静室和月光下的林莽，
　　还有洞穴、废墟，遍地寻访鬼魂，
　　只希望与死者进行大声的交谈。
　　我呼唤着自幼而知的恶毒的姓名，
　　没有回音，也不见他们的形影——
　　当轻风开始调情．有生之物
　　从梦中苏醒．带来鸟语花香的喜讯，
　　在这美妙无比的时刻呵，
　　我深深地思索人生的命运，——
　　突然。你的幻影落在我的身上，
　　我失声尖叫，抱紧双手，欣喜万分。
　　
　　6
　　
　　我曾发誓，我要向你和你的同类献出
　　我的全部力量，难道我违背了誓言？
　　即使现在．我仍以泪眼和狂跳的心，
　　对千年的幽灵发出一声声的呼唤，
　　叫他们走出沉寂的坟墓，他们陪伴我
　　在苦读和热恋的幻想的亭榭，
　　看守嫉妒的黑夜，直至黑夜消隐——
　　他们知道，我脸上没有出现一丝欢悦，
　　除非我心中生出希望，相信你会
　　使这个世界摆脱黑暗的奴役，
　　相信你，令人敬畏的美，
　　会带来这些言语无法表达的东西。
　　
　　7
　　
　　当正午过去，白昼变得更为静穆，
　　出现了一种秋天的和谐的音符，
　　碧空中也有了一种明媚的色调——
　　整个夏天，它们都不曾被人耳闻目睹，
　　仿佛夏天不会，也不配拥有这些！
　　那么，让你的力量，就像自然的真谛，
　　侵袭进我的消极的青春，
　　并且把安详赐给我今后的时日——
　　我这个人呵，无限崇拜你，
　　也崇拜仅容着你的一切形体，
　　啊，美丽的精灵，是你的符咒
　　使我热爱整个人类，却又畏惧自己。
　　
　　（吴笛译）
　　
　　
　　--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
　　
　　
　　阿 童 尼 (长诗)
　　
　　
　　
　　１
　　
　　我为阿童尼哭泣——他已经死了！
　　噢，为他哭泣吧！虽然我们的泪珠
　　融解不了那冻结他秀额的冰霜！
　　而你，忧郁的时刻，却被岁月挑出
　　来承担我们的损失；请向你的同辈
　　传授你的悲哀吧：你该说：“阿童尼
　　是和我一同死的；要是‘未来’不敢——
　　遗忘‘过去’，他的命运和名声必是
　　一线光明，一种回音，增添到永恒里！
　　
　　２
　　
　　伟大的母亲呵，那时你在哪里，
　　当你的儿子倒下，为暗中飞来的箭
　　所射穿？呵，当阿童尼逝去的时候，
　　可怜的乌剌尼亚在哪儿？她正闭眼
　　坐在天国里，而在回音的缭绕中，
　　她听到有个回音以轻柔的颤栗
　　重新唤起了一切消逝的乐音；
　　他正是以此美化死亡底侵袭，
　　有如坟头的花掩盖下面的尸体。
　　
　　３
　　
　　噢，为阿童尼哭泣吧——他已经死了！
　　醒来，忧伤的母亲，快醒来哀恸！
　　但又有什么用？还是把你的热泪
　　在火热的眼窝烘干，让你嚎啕的心
　　象他的心一样，默默无怨地安息；
　　因为他死了，已去到一切美好事物
　　所去的地方；噢，别以为那贪恋的阴间
　　还会把他向人生的地界交出；
　　死亡正饕餐他的静默，讥笑我们的哀哭。
　　
　　４
　　
　　最感人的哀悼者呵，再哭一哭吧！
　　再哀悼一下，乌剌尼亚！——他死了！
　　他，一节不朽的乐章的创造者，
　　目盲，衰老，孤独，一任他祖国的荣耀
　　被教士、奴才和自由底扼杀者
　　以淫欲和血所奉祀的种种邪恶
　　践踏和污蔑；他去了，去到死之深渊
　　无所畏惧；但他那光明的魂魄
　　仍高悬人间；他是光辉之子的第三个。
　　
　　５
　　
　　最感人的哀悼者，再哭一哭吧！
　　不是每人都敢攀登那光辉的位置；
　　凡是能在时间底暗夜里自满的人
　　有福了，因为，虽然太阳已经消逝，
　　他们的烛光却在燃烧；另有一些
　　崇高的人，被人或神的嫉妒的愤怒
　　所击倒，在灿烂的盛年归于寂灭；
　　更有的还活下去，跋涉着荆棘之途，
　　任劳任怨，走向美名底恬静的居处。
　　
　　６
　　
　　而今，你最年轻、最珍爱的儿子死了——
　　他是你寡居时的养子，他好象
　　悲哀的少女所珍爱的苍白的花，
　　是被真情的泪，而非露水所滋养；
　　最感人的哀悼者呵，再哭一哭！
　　你最后的、最可爱的希望已成泡影；
　　他是一朵鲜花，花瓣还没有张开
　　便受到寒气，没有结实而丧了命；
　　百合被摧折了——风暴也归于平静。
　　
　　７
　　
　　他已去到高贵的都城，在那儿
　　庄严的死神正主持他的宫廷
　　在美与雕残中。他以最纯净的呼吸
　　换得了一个万古流芳者的墓茔。
　　快来哭吧，趁他的躯体还美好地
　　躺在意大利的蔚蓝的天空下面，
　　静静地，仿佛凝结的露水在安睡，
　　别唤醒他呵！他定是抛下一切忧烦，
　　正享受他那一份深沉而静谧的安恬。
　　
　　８
　　
　　他不会醒来了，噢，永不再醒了！
　　在那朦胧的尸房中，迅速地铺下
　　苍白的死之阴影，而在门口
　　隐身的“腐烂”正窥伺，等着引导他
　　最后一步抵达她幽暗的住所：
　　女魔“饥饿”在坐待，但“怜悯”和“敬畏”
　　消减了她的欲火；除非无常和黑暗
　　把死之帷幕拉下，遮住他安睡，
　　否则，她怎敢把如此美貌的俘虏撕毁？
　　
　　９
　　
　　噢，为阿童尼哭泣吧！——灿烂的梦，
　　以热情为羽翼的思想底使者，
　　这些是他的牧群，在他年轻心灵的
　　蓬勃的泉水边得到喂养，并获得
　　爱情，他那心灵的乐音；但如今
　　已不再在激动的头脑之间漫游；
　　她们在出生地萎缩，尽围着变冷的心
　　自叹命苦，因为在甜蜜的诞生之痛后，
　　她们不再获得力量，永远失去家的温柔。
　　
　　１０
　　
　　有一个梦还紧抱住他冰冷的头，
　　并用月光的羽翼不断搧他，叫道：
　　“我们的爱情、希望、悲伤，并没有死；
　　看他那黯然无光的眼睛的睫毛
　　正挑起一滴泪，象睡花瓣上的露珠，
　　这必是哪个梦在他脑中留下的。”
　　呵，天堂倾圮了的不幸的天使！
　　她岂知那正是她自己的泪；她终于
　　消逝了，象哭干泪雨的云，不留痕迹。
　　
　　１１
　　
　　另一个梦以一杯晶莹的露水
　　洗涤他的四肢，象在敷洒香膏；
　　又一个梦剪下她蓬松的卷发
　　编织为花环，给他在头上戴好，
　　花环闪着冻结的泪，而不是真珠；
　　还有一个梦过份悲伤，立意折断
　　她的弓和箭，仿佛要以这较轻的
　　损失，噎住她的哀伤；又为了减缓
　　那箭上的火，就把箭放在他的冰颊边。
　　
　　１２
　　
　　有一个辉煌的梦落在他的唇上，
　　从那嘴里，她往常每吸一吸气？
　　就会取得力量，从而刺穿了偏见
　　并且进入听者的激荡的心底
　　带着音乐和电闪：但阴湿的死亡
　　已把她在他唇上的吻变为冷冰；
　　呵，好象在寒夜的凝聚中，月光的
　　苍白的雾环被陨星突然照明，
　　她流过他苍白的肢体，接着便消隐。
　　
　　１３
　　
　　还有些别的幻象……“欲望”和“崇奉”，
　　有翅的“信念”和遮面幕的“宿命”，
　　辉煌和幽暗，还有“希望”和“恐惧”的
　　闪烁的化身，和朦胧的形影；
　　还有“忧伤”，带着她的一家“叹息”，
　　还有“欢乐”，为泪所迷蒙，不是眼睛
　　而是临死的微笑引导她前来的——
　　这一切排成了华丽的一列幻影，
　　有如秋日小溪上的雾，缓缓移行。
　　
　　１４
　　
　　一切他所爱过的，并化为思想的：
　　优美的声音，形状，香味，色彩，
　　都来哀悼阿童尼。“清晨”正走上
　　她东方的瞭望台，她的头发散开
　　（那上面缀满尚未落地的露珠），
　　遮暗了照耀白日的空中的眼；
　　在远方，沉郁的雷正在呻吟；
　　暗淡的海洋不能安静地睡眠，
　　而狂风四处打旋，惊惶地呜咽。
　　
　　１５
　　
　　凄迷的“回音”坐在无声的山中，
　　以尚能记起的歌滋养她的悲痛，
　　她不再回答风，不再回答泉水，
　　也不回答牧人的角号，日暮的钟，
　　或是栖于嫩绿枝头的鸟的恋情；
　　因为她已学不了他的歌了，这歌声
　　比那美少年的话语更令她珍爱
　　（是他的轻蔑使她变为一片朦胧），
　　因此，樵夫若不作歌，便只闻哀哀之吟。
　　
　　１６
　　
　　年轻的春天悲伤得发狂，她抛开
　　她灿烂的蓓蕾，好象她成了秋天，
　　或蓓蕾成了枯叶；因为呵，她既已
　　失去欢乐，何必唤醒这阴沉的一年？
　　风信子哪曾这样热爱过阿波罗？
　　水仙花又何曾爱过自己， 象如今
　　这样爱你？它们暗淡而干枯地
　　立于它们青春的沮丧的伴侣中，
　　露珠都变成泪，香味变成了悲悯。
　　
　　１７
　　
　　你的心灵的姊妹，那孤独的夜莺
　　不曾如此幽怨地哀悼她的伴侣；
　　那象你一样能够高凌太空的，
　　并且在太阳境内以朝气滋育
　　健壮的幼子的鹰隼，尽管绕着
　　她的空巢飞翔和嚎叫，也不曾
　　象阿尔比安这样哀悼你：诅咒吧，
　　谁竟然刺伤了你纯洁的心胸，
　　吓走了其中的宾客，你天使的魂灵！
　　
　　１８
　　
　　呵，我真悲痛！冬天来了又去了，
　　但悲哀随着四季的运转而来临；
　　轻风和流水又唱起欢快的调子；
　　蚂蚁、蜜蜂和燕子又在人间穿行；
　　新的花和叶装饰了四季的墓；
　　热恋的鸟儿在每个枝头上结伴，
　　并且在田野荆棘中搭气了青巢；
　　绿色的蚯蚓和金蛇，象是火焰
　　从昏睡中醒了过来，都向外面奔蹿。
　　
　　１９
　　
　　从大地的心脏，蓬勃的生命之流
　　川流过树林，河水，田野，山峰和海洋，
　　有如自宇宙开始，上帝降临到
　　混沌以后，生命就带着运动和无常
　　周流过一切；天庭的无数灯盏
　　没入生命之波里，更轻柔地闪射；
　　一切卑微之物都充满生底渴望，
　　它们要散发自己，要在爱情中消磨
　　那被复活的精力赋予它们的美与欢乐。
　　
　　２０
　　
　　腐烂的尸体触到这阳春之气？
　　便散发为花朵，吐出柔和的气氲；
　　而当日光化为芳香，这些花朵
　　有似地面的星星，将死亡燃得通明，
　　并讥笑那土中欢腾蠕动的蛆虫；
　　一切死而复活。难道唯有人的头脑
　　要被无形的电闪击毁，象是一柄剑
　　反而毁于剑鞘之前？ 呵，只一闪耀，
　　热炽的原子就在寒冷的寂灭里融消。
　　
　　２１
　　
　　唉！我们所爱惜他的一切，要不是
　　由于我们的悲伤，竟仿佛未曾存在，
　　而悲伤又怎能永延？哦，多么痛心！
　　我们从何而来？为何而生？要在这舞台
　　作什么戏的演员或观众？无论尊卑，
　　终必把生命借来的一切交还死亡。
　　只要天空一朝蔚蓝，田野一朝碧绿，
　　黄昏必引来黑夜，黑夜必督促晨光，
　　月月黯然更替，一年唤醒另一年的忧伤。
　　
　　２２
　　
　　他不会醒来了，唉，永不再醒了！
　　“醒来吧”，“苦难”喊道，“丧子的母亲呵，
　　从梦中醒来！用眼泪和叹息
　　舒发你的比他更伤痛的深心。”
　　一切伴着乌剌尼亚眼睛的幻象，
　　一切原来为听她们姐姐的歌声
　　而静默的“回音”，现在都喊道：“醒来！”
　　象思想被记忆之蛇突然刺痛，
　　失色的“辉煌”从温香的梦中猛然惊醒。
　　
　　２３
　　
　　她起来了，象是秋夜跃自东方——
　　呵，阴惨而凄厉的秋夜，接替了
　　金色的白日，因为白日已经展开
　　永恒的翅膀，有如灵魂脱离躯壳，
　　使大地变成了死骸。悲伤和恐惧
　　如此打击和震撼乌剌尼亚的心，
　　如此愁惨地包围她，竟象一片？
　　暴风雨的云雾，只催促她飞奔，
　　奔向阿童尼所静静安息着的墓茔。
　　
　　２４
　　
　　她从安静的天国跑了出来，
　　跑过营帐和钢石竖立的大城，
　　跑过人的心灵，这心呵，对她的
　　轻盈的脚步毫不软缩，却刺痛
　　她无形的，柔嫩的脚掌；她还跑过
　　多刺的舌头，和更为刺人的思想，
　　它们阻挡不了她，便把她刺破，
　　于是象五月的泪，她神圣的血流淌，
　　把永恒的鲜花铺在卑微的道路上。
　　
　　２５
　　
　　在那停尸房中，有一刻，死亡
　　因为看到这神圣的活力而羞愧，
　　赧红得无地自容；于是阿童尼
　　又似有了呼吸，生之淡淡的光辉
　　闪过了他的肢体，呵，这在不久前
　　她如此疼爱的肢体。乌剌尼亚叫道：
　　“别离开我吧，别使我悲凄、狂乱，
　　象电闪所遗下的暗夜！”她的哭嚎
　　唤醒了死亡，死亡便一笑而起，任她拥抱。
　　
　　２６
　　
　　“等一等呵！哪怕再对我说一句话；
　　吻我吧，尽一吻所允许的那么久；
　　那句话，那个吻，将在我空茫的心
　　和热炽的脑中，比一切活得更久，
　　悲哀的记忆将是它们的食粮；
　　这记忆呵，既然如今你已死了，
　　就象你的一部分，阿童尼！我情愿
　　舍弃我的生命和一切，与你同道！
　　但我却锁联着时流，又怎能从它脱逃！
　　
　　２７
　　
　　
　　“噢，秀丽的孩子！你如此温和，
　　为什么过早离开了世人的熟径，
　　以你博大的心而却无力的手
　　去挑逗那巢穴中饥饿的妖龙？
　　你既然无所防护，那么，哪儿是
　　你的明镜之盾‘智慧’，和‘轻蔑’之矛？
　　假如你能耐心等待你的心灵
　　象新月逐渐丰盈，走完它的轨道，
　　那么，生之荒原上的恶魔必见你而逃。
　　
　　２８
　　
　　“那一群豺狼只勇于追袭弱者；
　　那邪恶的乌鸦只对死尸聒噪；
　　鹰隼只忠心于胜利者的旗帜，
　　‘残败’踏过的地方，它们才敢骚扰，
　　并从翅膀散下疫疠来；呵，你看，
　　只要这时代的阿波罗以金弓
　　微笑地射出一箭，那一伙强盗
　　就逃之夭夭，不但不敢再逞凶，
　　而且一齐阿谀那踏住他们的脚踵。
　　
　　２９
　　
　　“太阳出来时，多少虫豸在孵卵；
　　等他沉落，那些朝生暮死的昆虫
　　便成群地沉入死亡，永不复活，
　　惟有不朽的星群重新苏醒；
　　在人生的世界里也正是这样：
　　一个神圣的心灵翱翔时，它的欢欣
　　使大地灿烂，天空失色；而当它沉落，
　　那分享或遮暗它的光辉的一群
　　便死去，留下精神的暗夜再等巨星照明。
　　
　　３０
　　
　　她才说完，山中的一些牧童来了，
　　他们的花圈枯了，仙袍也撕破；
　　首先是天国的漫游者，他的声名
　　象天庭一样在他的头上覆落，
　　呵，一个早年的、但却持久的碑记，——
　　他来了，他的歌声的异彩被遮没
　　在哀伤里；爱尔兰从她的乡野
　　派来她的苦衷底最婉转的歌者，
　　而“爱情”使“悲伤”，象乐音，从他的舌间迸落。
　　
　　３１
　　
　　在声名较小的来人中，有一个
　　羸弱得象是幽灵；他独行踽踽，
　　有如风雨将息时最后的一片云，
　　雷就是他的丧钟；他似已倦于
　　象阿克泰翁一般望着自然的美，
　　而今他迷途了，他疲弱地驰过
　　世界的荒原，因为在那坎坷之途上
　　他正追随他自己的思想，象跟着
　　一群猎犬，他就是它们的父亲和俘虏。
　　
　　３２
　　
　　是一个文豹般的精灵，美丽，敏捷——
　　是貌似“绝望”的爱情，——是一种神力，
　　全身却缀满“脆弱”，他简直不能
　　把压在头上的“时刻”之重负担起；
　　他是将燃尽的灯，已落下的阵雨，
　　他是碎裂的浪花，就在说话的此刻
　　岂不已经碎了？致命的太阳微笑地
　　晒着憔悴的花；生命尽管用血色
　　点燃面颊，但其中的心可能已经残破。
　　
　　３３
　　
　　他头上扎着开过了的三色堇
　　和雕谢的、蓝白相间的紫罗兰，
　　他手里拿着木杖，上端是柏枝，
　　周围缠以幽黑的常春藤的枝蔓，
　　还不断滴着日午树林的露珠；
　　木杖颤抖着，因为那跳动的心
　　在摇动他无力的手；这个悼亡者
　　是最后来到的，他哀哀独行，
　　象是离群的鹿，被猎人的箭所射中。
　　
　　３４
　　
　　所有的人站开了，听到他痛苦的
　　呻吟，都含泪而笑，因为他们知道，
　　他之以异邦语言歌唱新的悲哀，
　　未尝不是借别人的不幸来哀悼
　　他自己的；乌剌尼亚看到这来客的
　　丰采，喃喃说：“你是谁？”但他不语，
　　只用手突然撩开三色堇，露出了
　　被烙印烫伤的、为血凝固的额际，
　　看来象该隐或基督——呵，但愿如是！
　　
　　３５
　　
　　是谁的温和声音在对死者哀悼？
　　谁以黑斗篷遮上了自己的前额？
　　是谁的影子对白色的尸床
　　郁郁地弯下，象墓碑一样静默？
　　他沉重的心悲怆得发不出声音。
　　既然他来了，他，最儒雅的智者，
　　教过、爱过、安慰和赞誉过亡故的人，
　　我岂能再以唐突的叹息打破
　　他那心中为死者安排的祭礼的沉默。
　　
　　３６
　　
　　我们的阿童尼饮下了毒鸩——哦！
　　哪个耳聋的谋杀者竟狠心
　　给青春的生命之杯投一剂灾祸？
　　现在，那无名的蛆虫却要否认
　　自己的罪恶了，因为连他也感到
　　那乐音一开始就使嫉恨与邪恶
　　（除了在一个心胸中还咆哮不休）
　　都沉寂了，令人只想听优美的歌，
　　呵，但那弹奏的手已冰冷，金琴已崩破！
　　
　　３７
　　
　　活下去吧，诽谤变不成你的名声！
　　活下去！别怕我给你更重的谴责，
　　你呵，在不朽的名字上无名的黑斑！
　　但你须自知：是你在散播灾祸！
　　每临到你的良机，由你任意地
　　吐出毒汁吧，让那毒牙把人咬遍：
　　悔恨和自卑将会紧紧追踪你，
　　羞愧将燃烧在你隐秘的额前，
　　你会象落水狗似地颤抖——一如今天。
　　
　　３８
　　
　　我们又何必为我们心爱的人
　　远离世上这群食腐肉的鸢而悲伤？
　　他已和永恒的古人同游同睡了，
　　你又怎能飞临到他所憩息的地方？——
　　让尘土归于尘土！但纯净的精神
　　必归于它所来自的光辉的源泉；
　　作为永恒之一粒，它将超越时续
　　和无常，永远发光，永远守恒不变，
　　而你寒冷的尸灰将堆在耻辱的炉边。
　　
　　３９
　　
　　呵，住口，住口！他没有死，也没有睡，
　　他不过是从生之迷梦中苏醒；
　　反而是我们，迷于热狂的幻象，
　　尽和一些魅影作着无益的纷争，
　　我们一直迷醉地以精神的利刃
　　去刺那损伤不了的无物。我们象
　　灵房中的尸身在腐蚀，天天被
　　恐惧和悲哀所折磨，冰冷的希望
　　拥聚在我们的泥身内，象蛆虫一样。
　　
　　４０
　　
　　他是飞越在我们夜影之上了，
　　嫉妒和诽谤，憎恨和痛苦，还有
　　那被人们误称作“欢愉”的不安，
　　都不能再触及他，令他难受。
　　他不会再被浊世逐步的腐蚀
　　所沾染了，也不会再悲叹和哀悼
　　一颗心的变冷，或马齿的徒增；
　　更不致，当精神本身已停止燃烧，
　　把死灰还往无人痛惜的瓮中倾倒。
　　
　　４１
　　
　　不，他活着，醒着，——死的只是“虚幻”，
　　不要为阿童尼悲恸。年轻的早晨，
　　让你的露水变为光辉吧，因为
　　你所哀悼的精神并没有消隐；
　　岩洞和森林呵，你们不要呻吟！
　　打住，你昏厥的花和泉水；还有太空，
　　何必把你的披肩象哀纱一样遮在
　　失欢的大地上？快让它澄彻无云，
　　哪怕面对那讪笑大地的欢乐的星星！
　　
　　４２
　　
　　他与自然合一了：在她的音乐中，
　　从雷的嘶鸣直到夜莺的清曲，
　　都可以听到他的声音；他变为
　　一种存在，在光与暗中，在草石里，
　　都可以感觉到；在凡是自然力
　　所移的地方，便有他在扩展
　　（她已把他的生命纳入自己的生命中），
　　她以永不怠倦的爱情支配世间，
　　从底下支持它，又把它的上空点燃。
　　
　　４３
　　
　　他本是“美”的一部分，而这“美”呵
　　曾经被他体现得更可爱；他的确
　　从宇宙精神接受了自己的一份
　　（这精神扫过沉闷愚蠢的世界，
　　迫使一切事物继承各自的形态，
　　尽管不甘心的渣滓阻挠它飞翔，
　　也终必由混沌化入应有的模式；
　　最后，它会倾其所有的美和力量
　　发自人、兽、草木，跃升为天庭的光）。
　　
　　４４
　　
　　在时间的苍穹上，灿烂的星斗
　　可能被遮暗，但永远不会消亡；
　　它们象日月，升到应有的高度，
　　而死亡只是低迷的雾，能遮上
　　但却抹不掉那明光。当年轻的心
　　被崇高的神思提自人欲的底层，
　　任尘世的爱情和生命为了注定的
　　命运而斗争，这时呵，死者却高凌
　　幽暗而狂暴的云层之上，象光在流动。
　　
　　４５
　　
　　迢遥的，在那无形无体的境域中，
　　一些半废声誉的继承者，他们从
　　建立在人世思想以外的宝座上
　　起立了。查特顿——脸上还没褪尽
　　那庄严的痛苦；锡德尼，还象他
　　战斗，负伤，生活与恋爱时的那般
　　严肃而温和：呵，一个纯洁的精灵，
　　起立了；还有鲁甘，死使他受到称赞：
　　他们起来，“寂灭”象受到斥责，退到旁边。
　　
　　４６
　　
　　还有许多别人（虽然在世间无名，
　　但只要火花引起的火焰长在，
　　他们的才华便辗转流传，不致消亡）
　　闪耀着永恒底光辉，站了起来。
　　“你正是我们的一伙，”他们喊道：
　　“是为了你，那无人主宰的星座
　　久久在黑暗中旋转，没有神主；
　　看！唯有它在天庭的和乐中静默。
　　我们的长庚呵，来，登上你飞翔的宝座！”
　　
　　４７
　　
　　还有谁为阿童尼哭泣？哦，来吧，
　　要认清他，认清你自己，痴心的人！
　　你的心灵尽可去拥抱悬空的地球，
　　并把你精神的光辉，以你为中心
　　射往九霄，直到使它博大的光芒
　　充满无垠的太空：然后呢，就退居
　　到我们世间的日和夜的一点；
　　旷达一些吧，否则你必陷于绝地，
　　万一希望燃起希望，引你到悬崖的边际。
　　
　　４８
　　
　　不然就去到罗马，哦，那墓园
　　埋葬的不是他，而是我们的欢乐：
　　我们要去凭吊，并非由于那埋在
　　自己的荒墟中的时代、宗教和帝国；
　　因为，象他那样的诗人无须从
　　世界的蹂躏者借来不朽的荣誉，
　　他已居于思想领域的帝王之列了，
　　他们都曾和时代的衰风为敌，
　　在逝去的事物中，唯有他们不会逝去！
　　
　　４９
　　
　　去到罗马吧，——那儿既有天国，
　　又有墓地，城市，林野和荒原，
　　那儿，古迹象劈裂的群山高耸，
　　有开花的野草，芳郁的树丛铺满
　　在荒墟的赤裸裸的骨骼上；
　　去吧，让那一处的精灵引着
　　你的脚步走上一条倾斜的绿径，
　　那儿，象婴儿的微笑，灿烂的花朵
　　正围绕着草地铺展开，覆盖着死者；
　　
　　５０
　　
　　四周的灰墙都雕残，沉默的时间
　　在蚕食着它，象朽木上的微火；
　　一座金字塔的墓陵庄严地矗立，
　　象化为大理石的火焰，荫蔽着
　　一位古人的尸灰，他正是选择了
　　这一处作为他万古常青的地方；
　　下面是一片田野，后来者就在那儿，
　　在晴空下搭起他们的死之营帐，
　　迎接我们所失去的他，呼吸刚刚断丧。
　　
　　５１
　　
　　站在这儿吧：这些墓茔还很新，
　　那把尸骨寄予墓穴中的悲哀
　　还保留着它的气氛；但假如
　　这气氛已消失，请别在这儿打开
　　一颗悲哀心灵的泪泉吧！不然，
　　回家后，你会发见你自己的心里
　　也有了苦泪。请在坟墓的幽暗中，
　　去寻找人世冷风吹不到的荫蔽。
　　阿童尼已经去了，我们又何必畏惧？
　　
　　５２
　　
　　“一”永远存在，“多”变迁而流逝，
　　天庭的光永明，地上的阴影无常；
　　象铺有彩色玻璃的屋顶，生命
　　以其色泽玷污了永恒底白光，
　　直到死亡踏碎它为止。——死吧，
　　要是你想和你寻求的人一起！
　　到一切流归的地方！罗马的蓝天，
　　花草，废墟，石象，音乐，文字，不足以
　　说明这一切所表达的荣耀底真谛。
　　
　　５３
　　
　　我的心呵，为什么犹疑，回步，退缩？
　　你的希望去了；在现世的一切中
　　再也见不到它；你如今也该跟去！
　　从四季的循环，从男人和女人心中，
　　一种光彩已经消逝；那尚足珍视的
　　只诱人冲突，拒绝了又使人萎靡。
　　柔和的天空在微笑，轻风在喃喃：
　　那是阿童尼在招呼！噢，快离去，
　　“死”既能使人聚合，何必再让“生”给隔离！
　　
　　５４
　　
　　那光明，它的笑正照彻全宇宙；
　　那优美，万物都在其中工作，运行；
　　那福泽，是把人玷污的生之诅咒
　　所消除不了的；那活命的爱情
　　竟被人和兽，陆地、海洋和天空，
　　盲目纠缠在生之网里：它燃烧得
　　或明或暗，全靠渴求爱之火焰的人
　　怎样反映了它；而今，它正照临着我，
　　把寒冷人性的最后阴云也给吞没。
　　
　　５５
　　
　　我用诗歌所呼唤的宇宙之灵气？
　　降临到我了；我的精神之舟飘摇，
　　远远离开海岸，离开胆小的人群——
　　试问：他们的船怎敢去迎受风暴？
　　我看见庞大的陆地和天空分裂了！
　　我在暗黑中，恐惧地，远远飘流；
　　而这时，阿童尼的灵魂，灿烂地
　　穿射过天庭的内幕，明如星斗，
　　正从那不朽之灵的居处向我招手。
　　
　　1821年 　　　　　
　　
　　查良铮 译
　　
　　
　　--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
　　
　　解放了的普罗密修斯（第一幕）
　　
　　
　　　　　印度高加索冰山的深谷。普罗密修斯被绑在悬崖上。潘堤亚和伊翁涅
　　　　　坐在山脚下。时间是夜晚。随着剧情的进展，天光逐渐发亮。
　　
　　　　　普罗密修斯　一切仙神妖魔的君王呀，所有那些
　　
　　　　聚集在各个光亮和转动的世界上的
　　　　　精灵，除了一个以外，全部由你主宰！
　　　　　可是亿兆生灵中就只你我两个人
　　　　　睁着夜不交睫的眼睛对它们了望。
　　　　　且看这大地，上面繁殖着你的奴隶，
　　　　　你竟然拿恐怖、怨艾和绝望
　　　　　去酬报他们的顶礼、祈祷和赞美、
　　　　　艰苦的劳动以及大规模伤心的牺牲。
　　　　　至于我，你的仇人，恨得你两眼发黑，
　　　　　你却让我在我的痛苦和你的迫害中，
　　　　　取得了权威和胜利，丧尽了你的威风。
　　　　　啊，三千年不眠不睡的时辰，
　　　　　每一刻全由刺心的创痛来划分，
　　　　　每一刻又都长得象一年，刻刻是
　　　　　酷刑和孤独，刻刻是怨恨和绝望——。
　　　　　这些全是我的王国。它比你打从
　　　　　你无人羡妒的宝座上所俯瞰的一切
　　　　　要光荣得多，啊，你这威猛的天帝：
　　　　　你可不是万能，因为我不肯低头
　　　　　来分担你那种凶暴统治的罪孽，
　　　　　宁愿吊了起来钉在这飞鸟难越的
　　　　　万丈悬崖上，四处是黑暗、寒冷和死静；
　　　　　没有花草、昆虫、野兽，或生命的音容。
　　　　　啊，我呀，永远是痛苦，永远是痛苦！
　　　　　无变、无休，也无望！我却依然存在。
　　　　　我问大地，千山万岳有否感知？
　　　　　我问上天，那无所不睹的太阳
　　　　　有否看见？再有那茫茫的大海，
　　　　　有的时候汹涌、有的时候平静——
　　　　　这是上天千变万化的影子，
　　　　　散落在下界——我不知道它那些
　　　　　澎湃的浪涛可曾听得我的哀号？
　　　　　啊，我呀，永远是痛苦，永远是痛苦！
　　
　　　　　寒冷的月亮把遍地的冰雪冻结成
　　　　　水晶的枪尖，刺进了我的心窝；
　　　　　锁链冷得发烫，啮进了我的骨骼。
　　　　　生翅的天狗，它的嘴像在你的唇上
　　　　　沾到了茶毒，把我的心撕得粉碎；
　　　　　许多奇形怪状的东西在周围飘荡，
　　　　　这一群梦乡里的狰狞的幻象，
　　　　　也来嘲笑我；还有撼山震地的恶鬼，
　　　　　乘着后面的岩壁分了合，合了又分，
　　　　　奉命来扭旋我创伤上的那些铆钉：
　　　　　还有那喧嚣纷腾的无底深渊里，
　　　　　风暴的妖精催促着咆哮的狂飙，
　　　　　又把尖锐的冰雹乱丢在我身上。
　　　　　可是我欢迎白天和黑夜的降临！
　　　　　一个驱逐掉早晨灰白的霜雪，
　　　　　另一个带了星星，又昏沉又缓慢地
　　　　　爬上青铅色的东方；他们会带来
　　　　　一个个没有羽翼、匍匐前进的时辰，
　　　　　里面有一个——象幽黑的神正驱赶祭牲，
　　　　　他会拖曳了你，残暴的皇帝，来亲吻
　　　　　这些苍白的足趾上的血渍，这些足趾
　　　　　也许会把你踩死，要是它们不厌恶
　　　　　这种慑服的奴隶。厌恶！不！我可怜你。
　　　　　何等样的毁灭将要在广漠的穹苍里
　　　　　搜捕你，你却丝毫没有抵抗的力量：
　　　　　你的灵魂将为了恐怖豁然裂开，
　　　　　张着口好象里面有一个地狱！
　　　　　这些话我说来难受，因为我不再愤恨，
　　　　　痛苦已经给了我智慧。可是我要记住
　　　　　当年对你的诅咒。啊，山岳呀，
　　　　　你们多音的回声，在瀑布的水雾里，
　　　　　曾响应过那一篇说话，象咆哮的雷鸣！
　　　　　啊，溪流呀，你们被皱起的寒霜冻僵，
　　　　　听得了我的声音浑身颤动，又战栗地
　　　　　爬过辽阔的印度！啊，静穆的空气呀，
　　　　　燃烧着的太阳走过你，也敛起光芒！
　　　　　啊，旋风狂飙呀，你们收起了羽翼，
　　　　　悬在死寂的深渊里，没有声息和动静，
　　　　　象那比你更响亮的雷阵一般，把岩石
　　　　　当作窝巢！假使我的言语当时有力量，
　　　　　虽然我改变了，心里恶毒的念头
　　　　　都已死亡；虽然一切仇恨的记忆
　　　　　都已消灭，可别叫这些话把力量失去！
　　　　　我当时诅咒了些什么？你们全听见。
　　
　　　　　声音一（从山岳中来）
　　
　　　　　一共三个三十万年里
　　　　　我们伏在地震的床席上：
　　　　　象人类受到恐怖而抖颤，
　　　　　我们在一起胆战心荡。
　　
　　　　　声音二（从源泉中来）
　　
　　　　　霹雳灼焦了我们的水流，
　　　　　我们都沾上鸩毒的血浆，
　　　　　我们经过了荒野和城市，
　　　　　被喊杀声吓得不敢声张。
　　
　　　　　声音三（从空气中来）
　　
　　　　　自从大地苏醒，我便把
　　　　　瘠土饰上了奇异的色彩，
　　　　　我宁静的休息又时常被
　　　　　碎心的呻吟摧残破坏。
　　
　　　　　声音四（从旋风中来）
　　
　　　　　无休无止的岁月里，我们在
　　　　　这些山岳之间飞舞翱翔；
　　　　　无论是雷阵，或火山爆裂，
　　　　　无论是天上或地下的力量，
　　　　　从不曾使我们惊惶慌张。
　　
　　　　　　　　　声音一
　　
　　　　　我们雪白的峰顶从不俯首，
　　　　　听到你烦恼的声音却会低头。
　　
　　　　　　　　　声音二
　　
　　　　　我们从没有带了这种声音
　　　　　去到印度洋波澜的中心。
　　　　　有位舵工在咆哮的海洋里
　　　　　睡觉，仓皇地在甲板上惊起，
　　　　　听见了便嚷一声：“大难来咧！”
　　　　　立刻象汹涛一样疯狂地死去。
　　
　　　　　　　　　声音三
　　
　　　　　宇宙间从没有如此可怕的
　　　　　言辞，打碎我静寂的王国：
　　　　　创伤方才收口，那黑暗
　　　　　却又鲜血一般将白日淹没。
　　
　　　　　　　　　声音四
　　
　　　　　我们向后退缩：毁灭的幻梦
　　　　　把我们追赶到冰冻的岩洞，
　　　　　我们只得沉默——沉默——沉默，
　　　　　虽然沉默是无穷的苦痛。
　　
　　　　大地　　峻岩峭壁上那些没有舌头的洞窟
　　
　　　　当时都呼号着，“惨呀广茫茫的青天
　　　　　也回答说，“惨呀！”多少黯淡的国家
　　　　　都听见紫色的海浪冲上了陆地，
　　　　　对着一阵阵刮面的狂风怒吼着，“惨呀！”
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 我听见许多声音；并不是我所发出的
　　
　　　　声音。母亲呀，你的儿子们和你自己
　　　　　竟怨恨着我；要不是我意志坚决，
　　　　　你们在神通广大的岳夫的淫威下，
　　　　　都得象晨风前的薄雾一般消散。
　　　　　你不认识我吗？我便是“提坦”。我把
　　　　　我的痛楚，在你们那百战百胜的
　　　　　仇敌前面，竖起了一座阻挡的栅栏。
　　　　　啊，岩石胸膛的草坪，冰雪喂哺的溪流，
　　　　　它们都横躺在凝冻的水气底下，
　　　　　我曾经和阿西亚在它们阴凉的
　　　　　树林中闲荡，从她可爱的眼睛里
　　　　　吸取生命。那个知照你的精灵，为什么
　　　　　现在不愿和我说话？我正象去拦阻
　　　　　恶鬼拖拉的车辆一般，独力拦阻住
　　　　　那个至尊无上的统治者的欺诈和压迫：
　　　　　他把痛创的奴隶的呻吟声装满了
　　　　　你们昏暗的峡谷和潮湿的蛮荒。
　　　　　弟兄们：为什么依旧不回答？
　　
　　　　大地　　　　　　　　　　　　　他们不敢。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯　 有谁敢吗？我再想听一听那个诅咒。
　　
　　　　啊，耳边起了一片可怕的嘁喳的声音！
　　　　　简直不象声音：尽在耳朵里哜嘈，
　　　　　象闪电一样，在打雷前忽隐忽现。
　　　　　说呀，精灵！听你零落破碎的话声，
　　　　　我知道你一步步在走近，又在爱。
　　　　　我怎么样诅咒他的？
　　
　　　　大地　　　　　　　　　　　 你不懂得
　　
　　　　死鬼的语言，你如何听得清楚？
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 你是一个有生命的精灵；请你说。
　　
　　　　大地 我不敢说生灵的话，只怕凶暴的天帝
　　
　　　　会听到，他会把我绑上虐酷的刑轮，
　　　　　比我现在身受的磨难更要痛楚。
　　　　　你是如此的聪明和善良，虽然神道
　　　　　听不出，可是你比神道更有力量，
　　　　　因为你有智慧和仁慈：仔细听吧。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯
　　　　　惶恐的念头象黑暗的阴影，朦胧地
　　
　　　　掠过我的脑际，又是快又是深浓。
　　　　　我感到眩晕，象是牵缠在恋爱之中；
　　　　　可是这并不愉快。
　　
　　　　大地　　　　　　　　　　　　　　不，你听不出来：
　　
　　　　你是永生的，你完全不懂这一种
　　　　　只有会死的才能懂得的言语。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯　　　　　　　　　　　　你是谁，
　　
　　　　啊，你这一个悲切的声音？
　　
　　　　大地　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 我是“大地”，
　　
　　　　你的母亲，当你象一朵灿烂的云彩，
　　　　　一个欢欣的精灵，从她胸怀里上升，
　　　　　她的石筋石脉，直到那棵在寒空中
　　　　　抖动着稀零的叶子的参天大树，
　　　　　连最后一丝纤维里也有快乐在奔腾！
　　　　　听到了你的声音，她伤心的儿子们
　　　　　都拍起他们磕伏在尘垢中的眉毛；
　　　　　我们那位万能的暴君也心惊肉跳，
　　　　　脸变白，他便用霹雳把你锁在此地。
　　　　　当时只见那大千世界在我们周围
　　　　　燃烧和转动：他们的居民看到了
　　　　　我滚圆的光亮在辽阔的天空消失；
　　　　　怪异的风暴把海水掀起；那地震’
　　　　　所裂破的雪山都喷出了火焰，
　　　　　满头不祥的赤发不顾一切地撒野；
　　　　　闪电和洪水在原野上四处骚扰；
　　　　　一个个城市中长满了青绿的荆棘；
　　　　　锆腹的虾膜在奢乐的房中挣扎爬行：
　　　　　瘟疫和饥荒一同降临在人类、野兽
　　　　　和虫多身上；花草树木都得了恶症；
　　　　　麦田、葡萄园和牧场的青草中间
　　　　　蔓生着除不尽的毒莠，吸干了水
　　　　　使它们无法滋长，因为我苍白的
　　　　　胸脯为了忧伤而干涸；那稀薄的空气——
　　　　　我的呼吸——沾染着做母亲的怨愤，
　　　　　对着她孩子的破坏者喷射。不错，
　　　　　我听到过你的诅咒，如果你记不得，
　　　　　好在我的无量数的海洋和溪流、
　　　　　山岳、洞窟、清风和浩荡的天空，
　　　　　以及那些口齿不清的死亡的幽灵，
　　　　　他们都珍藏着那一篇咒文。我们
　　　　　私下在欢欣和希望这僭语会实现，
　　　　　但是不敢说出口来。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯　　　　　　　　　　　 可敬的母亲！
　　
　　　　一切生存在世上受苦的都从你那里
　　　　　多少得到些安慰；即使是短暂的
　　　　　鲜花、水果、快乐的声音和爱。
　　　　　这些我也许难以获得，可是，我求你，
　　　　　不要拒绝我听一听我自己所说的话。
　　
　　　　大地　　一切都会对你说。但等巴比伦变灰尘，
　　
　　　　魔师左罗亚斯德，我的死去的孩子，
　　　　　走在花园里碰到他自己的幻象；
　　　　　看见了人类的最下层，幽灵的显形。
　　　　　你得知道这里有生和死两个世界：
　　　　　一个就在你眼前，可是另一个
　　　　　却在坟墓下面，那里居住着
　　　　　各式各样的影子，他们思想和生活，
　　　　　直到死亡把他们聚在一起，永不分离；
　　　　　那里还有人类一切的邪思和好梦，
　　　　　一切信仰的创造和爱情的期望，
　　　　　一切恐怖、奇怪、崇高和美丽的形状。
　　　　　那里，悬挂在旋风居住的山岭中间的
　　　　　是你那痛苦挣扎的魂灵；一切的神道
　　　　　都在那里，一切无名世界上的权威，
　　　　　庞大显赫的鬼怪，英雄、凡人和野兽。
　　　　　还有冥王，一片无边无际的黑暗；
　　　　　还有他，那位至高无上的暴君，坐在
　　　　　他金碧辉煌的宝座上。儿呀，
　　　　　他们有一个会说出大家记得的诅咒。
　　　　　随你去召唤哪一个的鬼魂：
　　　　　你自己的也好；朱比特的也好；
　　　　　哈得斯和堤丰的也好，或是自从你
　　　　　遭难以后，打万恶丛中产生出来
　　　　　一直在跌瞩我惶恐的儿子们的
　　　　　那些更有力量的神道也好。
　　　　　你问，他们一定会回答：对于那个
　　　　　至尊的报复便会传遍渺茫的空间，
　　　　　正象雨天的风声穿过荒废的门户，
　　　　　走进倾坛的宫殿。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯　　　　　　　　　母亲呀；别再让
　　
　　　　我口里说出什么恶毒的辞句，
　　　　　或是什么象我说过的那种言语。
　　　　　啊，朱比特的幽灵，快上来！快现身！
　　　　　　伊翁涅
　　
　　　　　我的羽翼掩住了耳朵；
　　　　　我的羽翼遮住了眼睛：
　　　　　可是穿过温柔的翎毛，
　　　　　穿过整片银色的阴影，
　　　　　看到一个身形，听得一阵声响；
　　　　　希望它不是来损害你，
　　　　　你已经有了这许多痛创！
　　　　　我们早晚看守在你身边，
　　　　　免得我们亲姐姐要关念。
　　
　　　　　　　潘堤亚
　　
　　　　　这声音象九泉之下的旋风，
　　　　　象地震、条火烧、又象山崩。
　　　　　那形状象声音一样令人惶恐，
　　　　　深紫的衣服，上面缀着星辰。
　　　　　他那只青筋暴露的手中
　　　　　撑着黄金的皇节，傲视阔步，
　　　　　走过那一堆堆过缓的云丛。
　　　　　他面貌残酷，可是镇静、威武，
　　　　　他宁愿辜负人，不愿人辜负。
　　
　　　　　　　朱比特的幻象
　　
　　　　　为什么这怪异世界的神秘力量，
　　　　　用了狂风暴雨，把我这个虚无缥缈的
　　　　　魂灵驱赶到此？是什么生疏的声音
　　　　　在我嘴唇上跳动——完全不象
　　　　　我们苍白的民族在黑暗里面，
　　　　　那种叫人听了汗毛直竖的口吻？
　　　　　再说，骄傲的受难人，你是谁？
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 你这硕大的幻象，一定是他的替身。
　　
　　　　我便是“提坦”，他的仇人。你且把
　　　　　我希望听到的话一句句讲出来，
　　　　　即使没有思想来指导你空虚的声音。
　　
　　　　大地　　听吧．可县你们决不能发出回声；
　　
　　　　一切灰色的山岳和古老的树林，
　　　　　厉鬼作祟的溪泉，仙人居住的洞窟，
　　　　　环绕岛屿的河流，快静心倾听，
　　　　　倾听你们还不敢出口的言辞。
　　
　　　　朱比特的幻象 一个精灵捉住我，在我肚子里说话。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　它撕裂我好象雷火撕裂着乌云。
　　
　　　　潘提亚　 瞧呀，他怎样抬起他巨大的脸盘，
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　天也变色。
　　
　　　　伊翁涅　他讲话了！啊，快遮住我！
　　　　　普罗密修斯 我看了他这种傲慢的冷漠的举止、
　　
　　　　坚定的轻蔑和镇静的怨恨的表情，
　　　　　还有用冷笑来自嘲的绝望的态度，
　　　　　我的那个诅咒就象是白纸上的黑字，
　　　　　浮现在我眼前。好吧，你讲！快讲！
　　　　　　幻象
　　
　　　　　恶魔，我不怕你！我又镇静，又坚定，
　　　　　尽你用阴险毒辣的手段来折磨我，
　　　　　你是整个仙界和人类的暴君，
　　　　　就只有一个，你可没有法子收服。
　　　　　尽你在我头上降下一切灾殃、
　　　　　骇人的疫疡、丧魂失魄的恐慌；
　　　　　尽你用寒霜和烈火交替着
　　　　　侵蚀我，或是在伤人害物的
　　　　　暴风雨里面，带来了狂怒的雷电、
　　　　　刺骨的冰雹，还有大队的魔鬼和妖仙。
　　　　　好吧，尽你狠心做。你原是无所不能．
　　　　　我给了你权柄，让你去控制一切，
　　　　　就只管不住我的意志和你自身。
　　　　　尽你在灵霄殿上传令把人类毁灭。
　　　　　尽你叫凶恶的精灵，在黑暗里，
　　　　　作贱所有我心爱的东西：
　　　　　尽你用极刑来发泄仇恨，
　　　　　来虐待我，同时也虐待他们；
　　　　　啊，只要你在天宫里做一天皇帝，
　　　　　我便一天不想安睡，一天不把头低。
　　
　　　　　啊，你是天帝又是万物的主宰，可是
　　　　　你把你的灵魂充塞了这患难的世界，
　　　　　天上地下形形色色的东西，见了你，
　　　　　都惶恐膜拜；你这威震遐迩的冤家I
　　　　　我诅咒你！但愿苦难人的诅咒
　　　　　象悔恨般抓紧你这虐待他的仇敌。
　　　　　直至你无尽的生命变成了
　　　　　一件捆在身上脱卸不掉的毒袍；
　　　　　你万能的威力变成了痛苦的皇冠，
　　　　　象闪烁的金箍把你涣散的头脑紧缠。
　　　　　凭我诅咒的力量，让你的灵魂里
　　　　　积满了孽障和罪愆，一旦发现天良；
　　　　　你便遭殃；你在孤寂中自怨自艾的
　　　　　痛楚，将会象地一般久，天一般长。
　　　　　且看你，现在坐得十分安详，
　　　　　真是一座惊心动魄的偶像，
　　　　　但等那命定的时辰来临，
　　　　　你准会显露出你的原形。
　　　　　作恶多端无非是白费一番心血，
　　　　　千载万世要受到大家的嘲笑和指斥。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 这些是我说的话吗，亲娘？
　　　　　大地　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　是你说的。
　　　　　普罗密修斯 我真懊悔；言辞是这样的刺人和无聊；
　　　　　　　　　 忧伤会使人一时盲目，我正是如此。
　　　　　　　　　 我并不想叫任何生灵痛受煎熬。
　　
　　　　　　大地
　　
　　　　　悲切呀，啊，我多么悲切！
　　　　　岳夫居然要把你来消灭。
　　　　　海和陆呀，快快来哀哭怒号，
　　　　　伤心的大地自会同声悲悼。
　　　　　吼叫呀，一切死亡和生存的精灵，
　　　　　你们的安慰和保障已被摧毁，消灭干净
　　
　　　　　　　回声一
　　
　　　　　已被摧毁，消灭干净：
　　
　　　　　　　回声二
　　
　　　　　消灭干净！
　　
　　　　　　　伊翁涅
　　
　　　　　别怕：这是瞬息即逝的痉挛，
　　　　　那“提坦”依旧没有被人消灭。
　　　　　且看那边雪山顶上的峰峦，
　　　　　中间显出一角蔚蓝的空隙，
　　　　　有个身形踏着斜飘的天风，
　　　　　他一双穿着金鞋子的脚
　　　　　在紫色的羽翼底下闪动，
　　　　　正象是玫瑰染红的象牙，
　　　　　现在快要到了，
　　　　　他右手举着盘蛇的魔棒
　　　　　在半空中高扬。
　　
　　　　潘提亚 这是麦鸠利，他为岳夫把命令传遍天下。
　　
　　　　　　伊翁涅
　　
　　　　　那些九头蛇盘顶的又是谁，
　　　　　张着铁翅在风中翱翔——
　　　　　天地皱紧了眉头用力指挥，
　　　　　象蒸气一般在后面飞扬——
　　　　　这一大群吵吵嚷嚷的妖娘？
　　
　　　　　　　潘堤亚
　　
　　　　　这些是岳夫掀风作浪的走狗，
　　　　　一向用呻吟和鲜血来豢养，
　　　　　他们驾乘着硫磺般的浓云，
　　　　　冲过了世界的尽头。
　　
　　　　　　　伊翁涅
　　
　　　　　他们莫非是吃完了旧的死尸，
　　　　　又来找新的粮食？
　　
　　　　　　　潘堤亚
　　
　　　　　“提坦”始终是这般坚定，毫不骄矜。
　　
　　　　鬼一　　 啊！我闻到一股生人气！
　　　　　鬼二　　　　　　　　　　　　　　看他的眼睛！
　　　　　鬼三　　 虐待他的心思，正象吃死人的鸦鸟，
　　　　　　　　　 在一场恶战后嗅到了遍地尸体的味道。
　　　　　鬼一　　 你竟敢迟延，传令官！诸位地狱的窦犬，
　　
　　　　提起兴致来吧：也许迈亚的儿子
　　　　　不久会变成我们的吃食和玩艺——
　　　　　谁能长久保持那万能者的恩宠？
　　
　　　　　　　麦鸠利
　　
　　　　　快跟我滚回你们那些铁塔里去，
　　　　　去到那火烧和痛号的溪流边上，
　　　　　磨砺你们饥饿的牙齿。奇里雄，快起来！
　　　　　戈耳贡，喀迈拉，起来！还有你，斯芬克斯，
　　　　　最诡谲的恶魔，你也赶快起来，
　　　　　你曾把天上的毒酒灌进底比斯城中——
　　　　　不自然的恋爱，和不自然的怨恨：
　　　　　这些都是你干下的好事。
　　
　　　　鬼一
　　　　　啊，求求你；
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　我们饥渴得要死：别把我们赶回去：
　　
　　　　麦鸠利　 那么，蹲着不许作声。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　可怜的受难人呀I
　　　啊，我真是不愿意，我实在不愿意；
　　　天父的意旨逼得我不能不下来，
　　　　　给你受一种新的苦楚，一种新的灾殃。
　　　　　咳：我怜悯你，同时又怨恨我自己，
　　　　　因为我没有一些办法：自从上次
　　　　　见了你回去，天堂便变成了地狱，
　　　白天黑夜总想到你毁伤的面容，
　　　　　含着笑在埋怨我。你聪明、坚定和善良，
　　　　　可是单独和那万能者去反抗作对，
　　　　　简直没有用处；那些光洁的明灯——
　　　　　他们测量和区分你无法逃避的
　　　　　累人的岁月——早已教导了我们，
　　　　　也永远会教导我们。就说在目前，
　　　　　你的迫害者正把一种奇异的力量，
　　　　　交给许多地狱里为非作歹的谋士，
　　　　　来铸造各式各样意想不到的痛苦，
　　　　　我的使命便是把他们带领到此地，
　　　　　或是叫阴间更奸诈、卑污、野蛮的
　　　　　恶鬼，留在这儿来完成他们的任务。
　　　　　　　何必如此！你有的是一个秘密，
　　　　　　　万千生灵中除了你无人知晓，
　　　　　　　这秘密将使皇天的玉玺易手，
　　　　　　　害得至高无上的元首担惊受怕，
　　　　　　　快把它讲出口来，用它去祝告
　　　　　　　御座万年无疆；你的灵魂也应该
　　　　　　　象在华严的神殿里求灵一般，
　　　　　　　低头祈祷，叫意志在你倔傲的心中
　　　　　　　屈膝下跪：要知道贡献和顺从能使
　　　　　　　最凶狠、最威猛的变成温良。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯　　　　　　　　　　　　 恶毒的心肠
　　
　　　　竟把丰功化为孽迹。他所有的一切
　　　　　　　全是我的赠与；他却反而拿我
　　　　　　　无年无月、无昼无夜地锁在此处：
　　　　　　　不管太阳裂开我灼焦的皮肤，
　　　　　　　不管月明的夜晚那水晶翅膀的雪花
　　　　　　　系缠住我的发丝：我心爱的人类
　　　　　　　又被他的为虎作伥的爪牙恣意蹂躏。
　　　　　　　那个暴君一定逃不过应得的报应：
　　　　　　　这很公平，恶人决计得不到好果；
　　　　　　　他获得了宇宙，或是失去了一个好友，
　　　　　　　却只懂怨恨，畏惧，羞惭；不懂感激：
　　　　　　　他自己作了恶反而要来惩罚我。
　　　　　　　对这种东西发慈悲是绝大的错误，
　　　　　　　这会使他更加恼羞，更加猖狂。
　　　　　　　顺从，你明明知道我万不能做到：
　　　　　所谓顺从，便是那一句致命的话，
　　　　　它可以使人类永久受到束缚，
　　　　　也可以象西西里人用发丝系住的剑，
　　　　　在他的皇冠上面颤动。叫他来允承我，
　　　　　还是我去答应他？我可决不肯答应。
　　　　　“罪恶”只是暂时高踞全能的宝座，
　　　　　让别人去向它献媚吧；他们没有危险：
　　　　　“公理”获得了胜利，她只会挥洒
　　　　　同情的眼泪，她不会惩罚，因为是
　　　　　她自己的错误，使不法者作威作福。
　　　　　我就忍受着委屈来等待吧。谈到现在，
　　　　　那报应的时辰应该来得越加近了，
　　　　　听呀，地狱的獒犬都在喧嚣；单怕迟延：
　　　　　瞧呀！你父亲的脸色阴郁，天也低了。
　　
　　　　麦鸠利　 啊，但愿我们能逃过这个难关：但愿
　　　　　　　　　 我不必行凶，你不必受罪：我再问你，
　　　　　　　　　 你可知道岳夫的权势有多久多长？
　　　　　普罗密修斯　我只知道那个时间一定会来到。
　　　　　麦鸠利　咳！你算不出你还得受多少年痛苦？
　　　　　普罗密修斯 岳夫有一天权势，我就有一天痛苦
　　　　　　　　　 我不怕多也不想少。
　　　　　麦鸠利　　　　　　　　　　　　 且慢，你当真要
　　
　　　　投入永久的无垠里去？在那里，
　　　　　　　凡是我们想象中计算得出的时间，
　　　　　　　无论千年万载，不过是一个小点，
　　　　　　　哪怕倔强的心灵，在这种无休无止的
　　　　　　　行程里也会精疲力竭，直到后来
　　　　　　　变得头昏眼花、消沉迷惘、没有归宿。
　　　　　　　也许你还没有估计到那些冗长的
　　　　　　　接二连三地受着酷刑的岁月吧？
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 也许没人估计得出，可是总会过去。
　　　　　麦鸠利　你何不暂时去和仙神们住在一起，
　　　　　　　　　　　　沉湎于声色的欢乐？
　　　　　普罗密修斯　　　　　　　　　　　我见了刑罚不怕，
　　　　　　　　　 我也不愿离开这个荒凉的山崖。
　　　　　麦鸠利　 咳！我真弄不懂你，但是又可怜你。
　　　　　普罗密修斯 可怜上天那些自怨自艾的奴隶吧，
　　　　　　　　　 不必可怜我，我现在真是心平气和，
　　　　　　　　　 好象万道的阳光。啊，何必尽说空话！
　　　　　　　　　 快把那些恶鬼叫来。
　　　　　伊翁涅　　　　　　　　　　　　　啊，妹妹，你瞧！
　　　　　　　　　 白炽的火焰把那边一株披雪的老松
　　　　　　　　　 连根裂开；后面咆哮着可怕的天雷！
　　　　　麦鸠利　 我只得依顺你的话，又听从他的命令：
　　　　　　　　　　咳！我心头重重地压着良心的谴责！
　　　　　潘提亚　 瞧那天帝的孩儿脚上长着翅膀，
　　　　　　　　　 正沿着晨曦的斜辉飞奔下降。
　　　　　伊翁涅　 好姐姐，快把羽翼蒙住你的眼睛，
　　　　　　　　　 否则你看了会送命，啊，他们来了，
　　　　　　　　　 数不清的翅膀遮蔽着新生的白天，
　　　　　　　　　 他们的躯体象死一样空虚。
　　　　　鬼一　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　普罗密修斯！
　　　　　鬼二　　永生的“提坦”！
　　　　　鬼三　　　　　　　　　　　上天的奴隶的捍卫者！
　　　　　普罗密修斯 只听得一声声可怕的呼啸叫着我。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯，那被囚的“提坦”在这里！
　　　　　　　　　骇人的身形，你们是谁！你们是些
　　　　　　　　　什么东西？想不到岳夫的万恶的脑子，
　　　　　　　　　居然替鬼怪充塞的地狱，制造出这等
　　　　　　　　　狰狞的幽灵。看到了这些可憎的形象，
　　　　　　　　　我只觉自己也变得和他们一模一样，
　　　　　　　　　又带着厌恶和同情一边笑一边细看。
　　
　　　　鬼一　　我们掌管着痛楚、恐惧和失望、
　　
　　　　猜忌和怨恨，还有洗不净的罪恶孽障；
　　　　　　　　　正象瘦瘠的猎狗，走遍树林和湖沼，
　　　　　　　　　搜寻着那受了创伤在呻吟的麋鹿，
　　　　　　　　　我们追踪一切啼哭、流血、生存的东西，
　　　　　　　　　只等天帝出卖了它们，尽我们来收拾。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 啊！千百种可怕的职务都出你们担负，
　　
　　　　我认识你们；这些湖沼和回声
　　　　　　　　　也熟悉你们翅翼的黑暗和张合的声音
　　　　　　　　　可是为什么你们又从九泉之下，
　　　　　　　　　 带来这许多比你们更丑陋的家伙？
　　
　　　　鬼二　　我们不知道；姊妹们，请呀，请呀！
　　　　　普罗密修斯 试问有谁喜爱这种破残的形骸？
　　　　　鬼二　　情人相对自然觉得愉快和美丽——
　　
　　　　你望着我，我望着你：我们也是如此。
　　　　　　　我们本来和黑夜老娘一样无形无状，
　　　　　　　可是正象苍白的女巫跪在地上，
　　　　　　　采摘着玫瑰去编制她祭典的花冠，
　　　　　　　空中降下了胭脂，染得她两颊鲜红，
　　　　　　　我们也把我们牺牲者的痛苦的
　　　　　　　阴影来裹缠在我们自己的身上。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 你们的本领真可笑，派你们来的那一个
　　　　　　　　　 更是不足道。把苦水对我头上浇吧。
　　　　　鬼一　　你以为我们要裂碎你的一根根骨头，
　　　　　　　　　 抽拔你的一条条神经，象猛火攻心？
　　　　　普罗密修斯 痛苦是我的名分，狠毒是你们的本性；
　　　　　　　　　 现在来折磨我吧：我毫不在乎。
　　　　　鬼二　　你以为
　　　　　　　　　 我们只是对着你彻夜不眠的眼睛讪笑？
　　　　　普罗密修斯 我并不来衡量你们的行为，我只觉得
　　　　　　　　　 你们作了恶自会受罪。那个暴君
　　　　　　　　　 真不该把你们这些可怜的东西遣派。
　　　　　鬼三　　你以为我们也和生灵动物一样，
　　
　　　　一个一个把你当作活命的食粮，
　　　　　　　　你以为我们扑不灭你灵魂里的火焰，
　　　　　　　　可是要象那高声喧嚣的群氓，
　　　　　　　　纠缠着心安理得的最聪明的人们；
　　　　　　　　你以为我们要变成你脑子里面的
　　　　　　　 恐怖的念头，或是变成丑恶的欲望
　　　　　　　　环绕着你惊惶的心灵，或是变成血液
　　　象痛苦般在你曲折的脉络里爬行？
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 对，你们现在就是这等模样。不过
　　
　　　　我是我自己的主宰，我能控制住
　　　　　　　我心头的煎熬和冲突，正象地狱里
　　　　　　　暴动发生的时候，岳夫镇压你们一样。
　　　　　　　　众女鬼合唱
　　　　　　　　　快从天涯和海角，快从海角和天涯，
　　　　　　　　　快从黑夜入葬和早晨诞生的地带，
　　　　　　　　来，来，来：
　　　　　　　　　啊，你们欢乐的呼啸震撼着大小山崖，
　　　　　　　　　当一个个城市倾坍成为废墟；你们
　　　　　　　　　虽然身无羽翼，可是踏遍海面洋心，
　　　　　　　　　去追寻覆舟和饥馑的踪迹，坐到
　　　　　　　　　没有粮食的破船上去尽情谈笑，
　　　　　　　　来，来，来！
　　　　　　　　　抛却你们铺在死城底下的
　　　　　　　　　又低、又冷、又红的床席：
　　　　　　　　　抛却你们的怨恨，象灰烬一般，
　　　　　　　　　　等将来焚烧时再发出火焰；
　　　　　　　　　你重新拨弄，它又会燎燃，
　　　　　　　　　　喷发的火势更来得惊险：
　　　　　　　　　把自咎心种植在年青人
　　　　　　　　　胸膛里，害他们神魂颠荡，
　　　　　　　　　　这是痛苦没有煽旺的燃料，
　　　　　　　　把地狱的秘隐透露出一半，
　　　　　　　　　让疯狂的幻想者去探讨；
　　　　　　　　要知道惊慌的人比怨恨的人
　　　　　　更来得残忍。
　　　　　　　　来，来，来：
　　　　　我们出了地狱的大门象蒸气般高升，
　　　　　　　　在净空中乘着飓风狂飙到处飞奔，
　　　　　　　　可是你没有来到，我们总是枉费辛勤．
　　
　　　　伊翁涅　姐姐，我又听得一阵阵翅膀的声音。
　　　　　潘堤亚　 这些坚实的山岳听到了，简直象
　　
　　　　抖瑟的空气一般地战栗：那群翅膀的
　　　　　　　阴影使我的羽翼里面比黑夜更幽暗。
　　　　　　　　　 女鬼一
　　　　　　　　　　你们的召唤象生翅的车辆，
　　　　　　　　　在旋风中驶得又快又远；
　　　　　　　　　　拉我们离开了血溅的沙场。
　　　　　　　　　 女鬼二
　　　　　　　　　离开了饿草遍地的荒城；
　　　　　　　　　 女鬼三
　　　　　　　　　　依稀闻悲声，鲜血未沾唇；
　　　　　　　　　 女鬼四
　　　　　　　　　　离开了华丽又冷酷的密室，
　　　　　　　　　　在那里赤血用黄金来交易’
　　　　　　　　　 女鬼五
　　　　　　　　　　离开了白炽火烫的锅炉，
　　　　　　　　　　在里面——
　　　　　　　　　 一个女鬼
　　　　　　　　　　不可讲！不可透露！
　　　你要告诉我的事，我早知底细，
　　　　　可是讲了出来会泄漏天机，
　　　就没法克服那不屈的劲敌，
　　　　那倔强的头颅；
　　　听凭他藐视着地狱深潜的威力。
　　　　　　　　　 一个女鬼
　　　把盖在身上的布撕掉！
　　　　　　　　　 另一个女鬼
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　撕掉了。
　　　　　　　　　 众女鬼合唱
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 暗淡的晨星
　　　映照着一件悲惨的事实，看来真是骇人。
　　　你也会昏厥，大力的“提坦”？真是丢脸。
　　　你还要夸说你启发了人类精湛的知识？
　　　你在他心里燃起了一种狂热的干渴，
　　　这一种干渴连洪水狂澜也冲浇不灭，
　　　希望、恋爱、疑虑、欲求，永远把他侵蚀。
　　　　有一位温文的人来到，
　　　　对着血染的地面微笑；
　　　　他的话比他寿长，象毒药
　　　　使真理、和平、怜悯都萎殆。
　　　　瞧啊，只见那天边地角，
　　　　　许多百万居民的城市
　　　　在光亮的空中吐着烟雾．
　　　　　啊，且听那绝望的号呼！
　　　这是他的温文的鬼魂
　　　　悲悼他当初引起的虔心。
　　　再看一蓬蓬火焰快变成
　　　　一盏盏萤火虫的尾灯：
　　　死剩下来的都围着余烬，
　　　　骇得魂飞魄散。
　　　　　　欢欣，欢欣，欢欣！
　　　　　过往的岁月兜上心头，它们都记得分明：
　　　　　未来是十分黑暗；现在又象一个枕囊，
　　　　　上面长满了针刺，来安顿你失眠的颈项。
　　　　　　　　半队女鬼合唱一
　　　　　他苍白和颤抖的眉毛上，
　　　　　一滴滴惨痛的鲜血在流淌。
　　　　　现在让我们暂时把手放；
　　　　　快看一个大梦初醒的国家
　　　从荒凉中突然地长大，
　　　它完全依仗真理来保护，
　　　靠真理的配偶——自由——来带路，
　　　这一大群手拉手的兄弟，
　　　乃是恋爱的儿女……
　　　　　　　　半队女鬼合唱二
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　事实上并不是！
　　　看他们骨肉自相杀害；
　　　死亡和罪恶便开始酿醅；
　　　鲜血象新酒一样甘美：
　　　直到绝望来窒息
　　　　　这一个奴隶们和暴君们战胜的世界。
　　　　　　　　　（众女鬼隐灭，一女鬼留下。）
　　
　　　　伊翁涅　 听呀，姐姐！这一阵低沉而恐怖的呻吟，
　　
　　　　肆无忌惮地折磨得善良的“提坦”
　　　　　　　心碎肠断，正象暴风雨崩夭裂地，
　　　　　　　连野兽在深窟中也听到海涛的惨叫。
　　　　　　　你敢不敢看那些恶鬼如何收拾他？
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　咳！我已经看过两次，不愿再看了。
　　　　　伊翁涅　你看到些什么？“
　　　　　潘堤亚　　　　　　　　　　　　　　一幕伤心的景象：
　　　　　　　　　一位态度从容的青年被钉在十字架上。
　　　　　伊翁涅　还看到些什么？
　　　　　潘堤亚　我又见天上和地下，
　　
　　　　人类的尸体在摩肩接踵地来往，
　　　　　　　可怕到万分，这是人类的手所造成；
　　　　　　　　有些又象是人类心灵的作为，且看
　　　　　　　一不少人竟然为了一颦一笑辗转丧命：
　　　　　　　　还有别种无可名状的丑恶的东西
　　　　　　　　在四处流荡。我们不必多看吧，凭空
　　　　　　　去增加恐慌：这些呻吟声己尽够凄凉。
　　
　　　　女鬼　　 且看这幅象征的图画；那些替代着
　　　　　　　　　 人类受罪、受谴责、受奴役的，反而把
　　　　　　　　　 成千成万倍的痛苦带给自己和人类。
　　　　　普罗密修斯 把你眼睛里炯炯有光的幽怨消除掉：
　　
　　　　合上你惨白的嘴唇；叫那刺伤的眉毛
　　　　　　　不要再流血，别让它和你的眼泪混合！
　　　　　　　把你受创的眼珠正视着和平与死，
　　　　　　　你的阵痛便不再会震动那个十字架，
　　　　　　　你死灰的手指便不再会和淤血厮缠。
　　　　　　　啊，可怕呀！我不愿把你的名字说出口，
　　　　　　　它已经变成了一种祸殃。我看见
　　　　　　　那些聪明、温和、高傲和公正的人：
　　　　　　　你的奴隶恨他们，因为他们象你。
　　　　　　　有几个被恶毒的诳话赶出了心的家庭，
　　　　　　　一个早先降福，晚近悼丧的家庭；
　　　　　　　好象斑烂的虎豹追逐着窜奔的叱鹿；
　　　　　　　有几个在腌瞻的地窖里和死尸作伴：
　　　　　　　有几个——我岂不是听见大家在狂笑？——
　　　　　　　包围在没有熄灭的火焰里：强大的帝国
　　　　　　　打我脚边漂过，好象海水冲断了根的
　　　　　　　岛屿，它们的儿女在焚烧着的家门边，
　　　　　　　通红的火光里，被彼此的血揉在一起。
　　
　　　　女鬼　　血和火你能看见；呻吟的声音你能听见，
　　　　　　　　　 听不见、看不见的更坏的东西还在后面。
　　　　　普罗密修斯 更坏的？
　　　　　女鬼　　人类心灵的窟窿里永远填满了
　　
　　　　恐怖：最高傲的人都害怕，害怕他们
　　　　　　　所不屑想象的种种事情完全是真实；
　　　　　　　伪善和习俗使他们的头脑变成了
　　　　　　　许多人顶礼膜拜的墙坍壁倒的庙宇。
　　　　　　　他们不敢为人类设计美好的境遇，
　　　可是他们自己并不知道他们不敢。
　　　　　善心的人没有权势，但见泪水空流。
　　　　　有权势的人缺乏善心：那更值得遗憾。
　　　　　聪明的需要仁爱；仁爱的又需要聪明，
　　　　　一切最好的事情就这般地糟做一团。
　　　　　有些人有力量，有金钱，也能懂得情理，
　　　　　　　可是他们生活在苦难的同胞中间，
　　　　　　　似乎毫无感觉：自己做什么，自己不知道。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 你这种话真象是一群生翅的蛇蝎。
　　　　　　　　　 我倒可怜那些它们无从伤害的东西。
　　　　　女鬼　　 你倒可怜起它们来了吗？我没话说了！
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 （隐灭。）
　　　　　普罗密修斯 真是遭殃！咳！痛苦，痛苦，永远痛苦！
　　
　　　　我闭上我泪尽的眼睛，可是你的罪行，
　　　　　　　在我悲极智生的心灵里，显得格外清楚，
　　　　　　　你这个阴险的暴君：啊，坟墓中有平安。
　　　　　　　坟墓把一切美好的事物隐藏起来，
　　　　　　　我是个神道，我没有法子到那里去；
　　　　　　　　我也不想，去追求：因为，如果怕你迫害，
　　　　　　　凶残的皇帝呀，那便是失败，不是胜利。
　　　　　 看到了你这许多暴行，我的灵魂上
　　　　　　　　又增加了新的耐性，但等那时辰到来，
　　　　　　　各种各样的事情全会换上一个面目。
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　你还看到些什么，
　　　　　普罗密修斯　　　　　　　　　　　　　　讲述和观看，
　　
　　　　两件事一样悲惨，你就饶了我一件吧。
　　　　　　我看到那些名字，大自然神圣的口号，
　　　　　　　一个个金碧辉煌地写明在那里；
　　　　　　　许多国家都环绕在它们的周围，
　　　　　　　异口同声地呼唤着：真理、自由、博爱！
　　　　　　　突然有一团乌烟瘴气从天上掉落在
　　　　　　　它们中间，于是来了纠纷、欺骗和恐惧：
　　　　　　　暴君们都蜂拥而入，把胜利品瓜分。
　　　　　　　这便是我亲眼目睹的事实的幽影。
　　
　　　　大地　　 孩儿，我感得到你的痛楚；这是一种
　　
　　　　苦难和盛德混合的欢欣。为了使你
　　　　　　　高兴，我召来几个高尚和美好的精灵——
　　　　　　　人类脑子里那些昏暗的洞窟便是
　　　　　　　他们的家，他们象鸟雀一般迎风翩跹，
　　　　　　　生活在围绕世界的思想的太空里面；
　　　　　　　他们的眼光能穿过那迷蒙的疆域，
　　　　　　　象在玻璃球里看未来：愿他们安慰你！
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　 看呀，妹妹，那边拥着一大队精灵，
　　　　　　　　　 象春天明朗的气候里成群的自云，
　　　　　　　　　 在蔚蓝的天空中会集！
　　　　　伊翁涅　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　你瞧！还有呢，
　　　　　　　　　 象是溪泉里的水气，在没有风的时期，
　　　　　　　　　 一缕一缕断断续续地爬上峡谷。
　　　　　　　　　　　　你听！这是不是松树吟唱的歌曲？
　　　　　　　　　 究竟是湖水，还是瀑布演奏的音乐？
　　　　　潘堤亚　 这声音却比一切更悲切，更甜蜜。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　众精灵台唱
　　　　　记不清楚有多少年份，
　　　　　我们温文地保护和带领
　　　　　一切被上天压迫的生灵；
　　　　　我们呼吸着，但是从不肯
　　　　　站污，人类思想的气氛：
　　　　　不管它灰暗、昏茫、又潮湿，
　　　　　象暴凤雨涂抹过的天色，
　　　　　只有些奄奄一息的光线，
　　　不管它十二分地明净，
　　　　　象无云的青天，无风的溪泉，
　　　到处是悠闲、清新和寂静；
　　　　　如同轻风里面的小鸟，
　　　如同微波里面的游鱼，
　　　　　如同人类心中的思潮
　　　在坟墓的上空来往驰驱；
　　　　　我们在那里建筑我们的
　　　　　洞府，完全象白云一样，
　　　　　在无边无际中自由徜徉：
　　　　　我们从那里带来个预言——
　　　　　它由你开始也由你收场！
　　
　　　　伊翁涅　 一个个越来越多了：它们周围的空气
　　
　　　　好象星辰周围的空气一样明亮。
　　　　　　　　精灵一
　　　乘着战场上号角的吼叫，
　　　　　　　　　　我离开了陈旧的教条，
　　　　　离开了暴君破碎的旗号，
　　　　　穿过了一股冲天的黑气，
　　　　　快，快，快飞到此地，
　　　　　有许多呼声混杂在一起，
　　　　　环绕着我同时往上飞——
　　　　　自由！希望！死亡！胜利！
　　　　　一直到了天空才消失；
　　　　　又有一个声音在我周围，
　　　　　在我的周围上下驰骋；
　　　　　这就是那爱情的灵魂；
　　　　　这就是那希望、那预言——
　　　　　它由你开始也由你收场。
　　　　　　　　精灵二
　　　　　彩虹的拱门，一晃也不晃，
　　　　　竖立在汹涌澎湃的海上，
　　　　　得胜的暴风雨早已象
　　　胜利者，又是骄傲又迅速，
　　　　　带走了许多俘虏的云朵——
　　　杂乱的一群，幽暗和急促，
　　　每一片都让霹雳裂成了
　　　两半：我听见响雷在狂笑：
　　　巍峨的巨舰全变作废料，
　　　在惨暴的死亡下，遗留在
　　　白浪滔滔的海面。我象
　　　闪电一般降落在船身上，
　　　又驾着一声叹息奔赶到此——
　　　那人叹息一声把救命板送给
　　　　　他的冤家，情愿自己淹死。
　　　　　　　　精灵三
　　　　　我坐在一位哲人的床旁，
　　　　　在他研究的书本边上，
　　　　　桌灯放射着煊红的光芒，
　　　　　这时候梦幻拍着火赤的
　　　　　羽翼，飞近了他的枕席，
　　　　　我认识它面目一如往昔，
　　　　　好久以前它曾经煽动过
　　　　　卓越的口才、怜悯和怨怒；
　　　　　世界上当时遍地散布
　　　　　它的光华所映耀的影子，
　　　　　踏着象欲望般神速的脚步，
　　　　　它背驮我来到了此处：
　　　　　天亮前我得骑了它回程，
　　　　　否则哲人醒来要伤心。
　　　　　　　　精灵四
　　　　　我睡在诗人的嘴唇上，
　　　正象一位爱情的宿将，
　　　在他呼吸声中做着幻梦；
　　　他并不追求人间的福祉，
　　　却把思想的蛮荒里作祟的
　　　怪物的殷勤当作粮食。
　　　他从清晨一直到黄昏，
　　　尽望着湖面反映的阳光
　　　照亮花蕊上黄色的蜜蜂，
　　　　　　　　　不管，也不看，他们是什么，
　　　　　　　　　可是他从这些里面创造出
　　　　　　　　　比活人更真实的形态，
　　　　　　　　　一个个永生不灭的婴孩：
　　　　　　　　　他们中有一个将我唤醒，
　　　　　　　　　我立刻前来向你请命。
　　　　　　　　伊翁涅
　　　　　　　　你没见两个身形从东西两方来到，
　　　　　　　　好象一对鸽子飞向心爱的窝巢？
　　　　　　　　它们是托住万物的空气孪生的小孩，
　　　　　　　　张着平稳的翅膀在杳冥中飞来。
　　　　　　　　听：它们甜蜜、忧愁的嗓子！这是失望
　　　　　　　　和爱混合在一起，化作了声音而消隐。
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　你能讲话么，妹妹？我喉咙里发不出声。
　　　　　伊翁涅　它们的美给了我嗓音。且看它们
　　
　　　　多么逍遥，翅膀上有云霞一般的花纹，
　　　　　　　橘黄和蔚蓝，加深了又变得象黄金：
　　　　　　　它们的微笑如同星光，照明着天顶。
　　　　　　　　众精灵合唱
　　　　　　　你有没有看见爱的形状？
　　　　　　　　精灵五
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 当我加快了脚步，
　　　　　　　　跨越辽阔的区域，那头顶星冠的身形张开他
　　　　　　　电光编织的羽翼，象凌空的自云一般掠过，
　　　　　　　　他馥郁的翎毛里散洒着生命的欢乐的光华，
　　　　　　　他足迹过处，遍地明亮；我走近时已经在消放，
　　　　　　　空虚的毁灭在后面欠伸：困国在疯狂中的
　　　　　　伟大的哲人，无头的烈士，丧身的惨白青年，
　　　　　　　在黑夜里忽隐忽现。我四处遨游，直到你，
　　　　　　啊，忧愁的君王，在笑颜中把恐怖变作欢喜。
　　　　　　　　精灵六
　　　　　　　啊，姐姐！孤独原来是一个纤弱的东西，
　　　　　　　它不在地面上走动，也不在空气中飘荡，
　　　　　　　只是踏着催眠的步子，用静寂的羽翼，
　　　　　　　在最好、最温柔的人心里，鼓动亲切的希望；
　　　　　　这些人因为羽翼在上面扇拂，那轻快的脚步
　　　　　　　又带来了悦耳的清音，获得了虚诞的抚慰，
　　　　　　　幻梦着架空的欢乐，又把妖魔唤作爱，
　　　　　　醒来却和我们现在招呼的人一样，只见到痛苦。
　　　　　　　　 合唱
　　　　　　　　　现在毁灭显变成了爱的影子，
　　　　　　　　　跨着死亡的插翅的白色坐骑，
　　　　　　　　　　满怀破坏的心肠在后面跑，
　　　　　　　　　连逃得最快的也没法逃避，
　　　　　　　　　　它践踏着鲜花，也践踏着莠草，
　　　　　　　　又践踏着人类和野兽——不论他们
　　　　　　　　　美或丑，它都象大风大雨般蹂躏。
　　　　　　　　　可是你将制服这个凶狠的骑将，
　　　　　　　　　虽然他的心和四肢并无创伤。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 精灵们！你们怎么会事先知晓？
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　合唱
　　　　　　　　　　打从我们呼吸的空气里听得，
　　　　　　　　当白雪销声匿迹，红花含苞。
　　　　　　　　　打从下界的春天得来的消息，
　　　　　　　　　当轻柔的和风拂动接骨木丛，
　　　　　　　　　　牧羊放牛的人们大家知道
　　　　　　　　　　白色的山植不久便要开了：
　　　　　　　　　　　智慧、公理、爱情、和平，
　　　　　　　　　　　眼看它们挣扎着要产生，
　　　　　　　　　　　　　我们便象牧羊儿一样，
　　　　　　　　　　　　　感到温煦的和风，这个预言
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　由你开始也由你收场。
　　
　　　　伊翁涅　那些精灵飞往哪里去了？
　　　　　潘堤亚　　　　　　　　　　　　 他们只遗下
　　
　　　　一些感觉，好象神妙的歌唱和琵琶
　　　　　　　已经停歇，可是彩声还没有休止，
　　　　　　　那无孔不入的余音却依旧深深地
　　　　　　　在扑朔迷离的灵魂中间萦绕和滚转，
　　　　　　　如同狭长的山洞里面有回声振荡。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 这些虚无缥缈的身形多么窈窕！可是
　　
　　　　我感到，除了爱，一切的希望全空虚；
　　　　　　　你是这般遥远，阿西亚！当我的生命
　　　　　　　　洋溢，你会象金蹲盛放美酒一般
　　　　　　　　接住它，不让它沉埋进干渴的尘埃。
　　　　　　　　一切寂然无声。啊！这个幽静的早晨
　　　　　　　　多么沉重地积压在我的心头；
　　　　　　　　即使难免做梦，我也会怀着悲愁
　　　　　　　来睡觉，如果能让我打个瞌。
　　　　　啊，我情愿去担当那命运所指派
　　　　　我的职使，做人类的救星和卫士，
　　　　　或是让一切都回复当初的原状：
　　　　　那里不再有苦恼，也不再有失意；
　　　　　大地会来安慰，上天从此不来磨难。
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　你有没有忘掉在寒冷的黑夜里，
　　　　　　　　　 陪伴你的那一个，她从来不睡觉，
　　　　　　　　　 除非你的魂灵的阴影落在她身上？
　　　　　普罗密修斯 我说过，除了爱，一切希望全空虚：
　　　　　　　　　 你在爱呢。
　　　　　潘堤亚　　　　　　　　　　我当真深切地在爱；
　　
　　　　可是晓星已经发白，阿西亚在辽远的
　　　　　　　印度溪谷里——她流放的地方——等候着：
　　　　　　　那地方也曾经象这里的山峡一样，
　　　　　　　　又是阴峻，又是凄凉，又是凛寒，
　　　现在却已经长满了奇花和异草，
　　　　　　　　她周围的景象完全变了个模样，
　　　　　　　空气中，树林里，溪流边，都散布着
　　　　　　　美妙的气息和声音，但是你如果
　　　　　　　不和她在一起，这些全会消灭。再会吧！
　　
　　（第二幕）
　　
　　第一场
　　
　　　　　　　　早晨。印度高加索的山峡。景色幽致。阿西
　　　　　　　　　 亚单独一人在那里。
　　
　　　　阿西亚　你从满天的劲风里降临到下界：
　　
　　　　正象一个精灵；又象是一种感触，
　　　　　　　使明净的眼睛充满了不常有的泪水，
　　　　　　　　害得早该平静的寂寞的胸怀
　　　　　　　加上了心跳；你在狂风暴雨的摇篮中
　　　　　　　　飘忽地下降。啊，春天，你当真苏醒了！
　　　　　　　　啊，风的孩子！你如同一场旧梦，
　　　　　　　　突然重现——它当初是那般地甜蜜，
　　　　　　　　因此现在带上了些优郁的滋味；
　　　　　　　　象是一个天才，又象是从泥土里
　　　　　　　　长出来的一种欢欣，用金色的云彩
　　　　　　　　装饰着我们这个生命的荒漠。
　　　　　　　　季候到了，日期到了，时后也到了；
　　　　　　　　日出时你该来到，我亲爱的妹妹。
　　　　　　　　我等得你好久，想得你好苦，来吧l
　　　　　啊，时光不插翅，简直慢得象尸蛆！
　　　　　青紫的山岭那边，橘黄色的早晨
　　　　　逐渐地开朗，有一颗苍白的星
　　　　　依旧在闪烁不停；当清风吹散了薄雾，
　　　　　它便从分开的隙缝里把身影反映在
　　　　　幽暗的湖面。它在淡下去了。但等
　　　　　湖水退落，净空中交织的彩云
　　　　　收起了金丝银缕，它又会显现。
　　　　　现在完全不见了！玫瑰色的曙光
　　　　　在那边白雪如云的峰顶上闪耀，
　　　　　我是不是听见她海绿色的羽翼
　　　　　在绎红的晨成中挥动的声响，
　　　　　演奏出埃俄罗斯岛的美妙的音乐？
　　　　　　　　（潘堤亚上。）
　　　　我感到；我看见，你两只灼热的眼睛
　　　透过那消失在泪水中的笑容，
　　　象是银色的朝雾里掩映着的星星。
　　　　　啊，我最美丽的好妹妹，你身上
　　　　　　　带着有那个人的灵魂的影子，
　　　　　　　我没有了它简直没有法子生存。
　　　　　　　你来得多么迟！一轮红日早已
　　　爬出了海面；我的心也想痛了，但等你
　　　娇慵的羽翼掠过一尘不染的天空。
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　求你原谅，大姐姐！我得了一个好梦，
　　
　　　　我的羽翼就象夏天的午风，被花香
　　　　　　熏透，软弱无力。我往常总宁静地睡眠，
　　　　　　醒来神清气爽，但是自从神圣的“提坦”
　　　　　　受着苦刑，又想到你夫妻不得团圆，
　　　　　　我为了关切和怜悯，心里也跟你一样，
　　　　　　时时刻刻充满了爱，又长满了恨；
　　　　　　我从前在大海底下灰蓝色的洞窟里，
　　　　　　躲藏在青苔紫萍的深闺中安卧，
　　　　　　我们娇小的伊翁涅又白又嫩的臂弯
　　　　　　　始终枕好了我乌黑潮润的发丝，
　　　　　　　我阂上了眼，把面颊紧紧地偎贴着
　　　　　　　她生气勃勃的胸脯前那个深奥所在：
　　　　　　　可是现在完全不同了，我变作一阵风，
　　　　　　　却没法传送给你无字的心曲；我溶化进
　　　　　　　千恩万爱里面，虽然有甜蜜的感觉，
　　　　　睡眠却从此不得安定；醒着的时候
　　　　　　　更充满了烦恼和痛苦。
　　
　　　　阿西亚　 你把眼睛抬起来，
　　　　　　　　　 让我替你圆梦。
　　　　　潘堤亚　 我已经告诉过你。
　　
　　　　我和我们的小妹妹一同睡在他跟前。
　　　　　　　山边的烟雾，在月光里面，听到了
　　　　　　　我们交颈安眠在寒冷的冰块底下
　　　　　　　　所发出来的声音，都凝结成霜花。
　　　　　　　　我当时便做了两个梦。一个我记不起了。
　　　　　　　　可是在另一个梦里，普罗密修斯
　　　　　摊开了伤痕斑驳、皮色苍白的四肢，
　　　　　再看他那立志不屈、坚心不移的躯体
　　　　　正欲放出奇异的光辉，竟使黑夜的
　　　　　蔚蓝色的天空，明亮得如同白昼；
　　　　　他说话的声音又好象音乐一样，
　　　　　叫有情人听了，快活得心醉神迷。
　　　　　他说：“你的姐姐足迹到处，遍地布满了
　　　　　亲爱的气氛——谁也比不上她的美丽，
　　　　　你是她的影子——抬起头来对我看看。”
　　　　　我抬起头来，只见那永生不朽的形体，
　　　　　全身浸在爱里面；从他温柔、飘逸的
　　　　　四肢上，从他兴奋得闭合不拢的嘴唇
　　　　　以及他犀利、昏迷的眼睛里，涌现出
　　　　　象蒸气一样的火；他那融化一切的
　　　　　力量把我裹紧在它的怀抱中间，
　　　　　如同清晨的太阳用它温暖的气息
　　　　　裹紧了流浪的朝雾来吸取鲜露。
　　　　　我眼睛看不见了，耳朵听不出了，
　　　　　身体也动不得了，只是感觉到
　　　　　他的一切流进我的血，和我的血混合，
　　　　　我变了他的生命，他变了我的生命，
　　　　　我就那样融化掉了，等到这情形过去，
　　　　　深霄里我浑身上下又凝冻起来，
　　　　　抖抖瑟瑟的，好象太阳沉落以后
　　　　　一滴滴积聚在松树枝上的水蒸气；
　　　　　直至思想的光焰逐渐显现，我方才
　　　　　　能够听到他的话声，袅袅的余音
　　　　　　正象是绕梁的妙乐；许多声音里面，
　　　　　　我辨别得出的只是你的名宇；虽然
　　　　　　　在万籁俱寂的夜晚，我依然在倾听。
　　　　　　伊翁涅却在这时候醒来，对我说：
　　　　　　“你可猜得出今晚我有些什么烦恼？
　　　　　　　我以前自己盼望些什么，自己总知道；
　　　　　　　也从不喜欢胡思乱想。可是现在
　　　　　　　我简直说不出我要求些什么；
　　　　　　　我真不知道；我在想一种甜蜜的东西，
　　　　　　　就想不到也觉得甜蜜；害人的姐姐听，
　　　　　　　这一定是你在捣鬼；你一定发现了
　　　　　　　什么古老的妖法，在我瞌睡中
　　　　　　　把我的魂灵偷了去，和你自己的
　　　　　　　魂灵混合在一起：因为正当我们
　　　　　　　现在亲吻的时候，从你微启的嘴唇里，
　　　　　　　我感到了支持我的甜蜜的气息；
　　　　　　　我们拥抱着的手臂中间又跳跃着
　　　　　　　我失去了便会昏厥的生命的血液。”
　　　　　　　我没有回答，因为晓星已经暗淡，
　　　　　　　我急忙飞来你身旁。
　　
　　　　阿西亚　 你说了许多话
　　　　　　　　　 可是象空气一样无从捉摸；啊，让我看
　　　　　　　　　 你的眼睛，里面也许有他灵魂的消息：
　　　　　潘堤亚　 我硬把我的眼睛抬起来，它们
　　
　　　　　　　　　有着千千万万的话要向你倾诉；
　　　可是一对眼睛里面，除了你自己的
　　　　　美丽的形象，还能有什么别的东西？
　　　　　你的眼睛又深又蓝象无边的天空，
　　　　　在你细长的睫毛下缩成了两个圈圈；
　　　　　暗沉沉不可测量，一个圆球包含着
　　　　　一个圆球，一条光线交织着一条光线。
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　你为什么好象见到了鬼怪一般？
　　　　　阿西亚　这里面变了个样：在你眼球的最中心，
　　
　　　　我看见一个影子，一个身形；正是他，
　　　满脸堆着微笑，象是云翳围绕的
　　　　月亮，向四面散发着耀目的光彩。
　　　 普罗密修斯，当真是你！啊，不要就走！
　　　　你的那些微笑是不是在告诉我：
　　　　它们的光芒会在这荒凉的世界上，
　　　　　　　建筑起辉煌的楼台，我们可以到
　　　　里面去相会？那个梦已经给圆出来了。
　　　　我们俩中间的一个身形又是什么？
　　　　它头发蓬乱，和风掠过也会变成粗糙。
　　　　它的眼光又敏捷又撒野，它的躯体
　　　　　　　　又只是一股轻烟，但看那日到中午
　　　　　　　也晒不干的金色露珠，它们的光亮
　　　透过了它青灰的长袍。
　　
　　　　梦　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　快跟！快跟！
　　　　　潘堤亚　这是我另外一个梦。
　　　　　阿西亚　它不见了。
　　　　　潘堤亚　它现在走到了我心里。我似乎觉得
　　
　　　　我们一面坐在这里，一面有成千成万
　　　　　　　含苞欲放的花蕾，在那棵受到了
　　　　　　　雷殛的扁桃树上焕发怒放，忽然
　　　　　　　从斯库堤亚一抹灰白色的蛮荒里，
　　　　　　　吹来一阵狂风，用寒霜在地面上
　　　　　　　画了许多条线纹：满树的花朵
　　　　　　　都飘落下地；可是一张张的叶子
　　　　　　　全给打上了印记，如同风信子的
　　　　　　　钟形的蓝花写明了阿波罗的悲伤：
　　　　　　　啊，快跟，快跟！
　　
　　　　阿西亚　　　　　　　　　　　你说的话，一句一句地
　　
　　　　使我自己忘怀了的幻梦又活跃着
　　　　　　　各种的形相。我们俩似乎一同在
　　　　　　　那些草坪上徜徉，只见淡灰色的
　　　　　　　新生的早晨，密层层羊群般的白云，
　　　　　　　一大队一大队由脚步缓慢的清风
　　　　　　　懒洋洋地放牧着跨过万山千岭；
　　　　　　　洁白的露水默不作声地悬挂在
　　　　　　　刚才透出土面的新鲜的青草上；
　　　　　　　还有许多别的事，我却想不起了：
　　　 可是清晨的云彩一片一片地
　　　　　飞过紫色的山坡，又逐渐消逝，
　　　　　上面清清楚楚写着；快跟，啊，快跟！
　　　　　在仙露簌簌地散落的每一张叶子、
　　　　　每一根草上，也好象用火烬打上了
　　　　　同样的烙印；松林里又起了一阵风，
　　　　　它摇撼着缭绕在枝桠中间的音乐，
　　　　　只听得一种低沉、甜蜜、轻微的声音，
　　　　　如同孤魂惜别：快跟，快跟，跟我来！
　　　　　我当时就说：“潘堤亚，你对我看看。”
　　　　　可是在这一对惹人怜爱的眼睛里，
　　　　　一我依然看见：快跟，快跟！
　　
　　　　回声　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　快跟，快跟！
　　　　　潘堤亚　峥嵘的岩石，在这春光明媚的早晨，
　　　　　　　　　 似乎有了灵性，在学着我们说话。
　　　　　阿西亚　 许有什么别的东西在这峻岩附近。
　　
　　　　这一阵声音多么清脆！啊，你听！
　　　　　　　回声（不露身形）
　　　我们是回声：听！
　　　　　我们不能停滞：
　　　　　正象露珠闪映。
　　　　　一忽就会消逝——
　　　　　啊，海神的孩儿！
　　
　　　　阿西亚　 听：精灵说话了。它们空气结成的
　　　　　　　　　 舌尖却发出了清澈的回音。
　　　　　潘堤亚　我听见。
　　
　　　　　　　回声
　　　　　　　　　啊，快跟，快跟：
　　　　　　　　　跟着我们的声音，
　　　　　　　　　走进浓密的树林，
　　　　　　　　　去到空穴的中心；
　　　　　　（声音更远了。）
　　　　　　　　　　啊，快跟，快跟！
　　　　　　　　　　去到空穴的中心，
　　　　　　　　　追随着我们歌声的飘荡，
　　　　　　　　　飞到狂蜂儿飞不到的地方，
　　　　　　　　　在那里正午时分也黑暗沉沉，
　　　　　　　　　娇弱的夜花吐着芳馨
　　　　　　　　　在安眠，又见一个个洞穴里，
　　　　　　　　　流泉辉映，起着无数的涟漪，
　　　　　　　　　我们的音乐，又甜蜜、又疯狂，
　　　　　　　　　模仿着你轻移纤步的声响，
　　　　　　　　　啊，海神的孩儿！
　　
　　　　阿西亚　　　　我们要不要去追随这个声音？
　　　　　　　　　 它越来越远，越来越微弱了。
　　　　　潘堤亚　 听！它那悦耳的清音重又飘近。
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 回声
　　　　　　　　　　　那深秘的幽处，
　　　　　　　　　　　寂静正在睡觉；
　　　　　　　　　　　只有你的脚步，
　　　　　　　　　　　才能把它惊扰；
　　　　　　　　　　　啊，海神的孩儿：
　　　　　阿西亚　 那声音在远逝的风中消除了。
　　
　　　　　　　回声
　　　　　　　　　　啊，快跟，快跟！
　　　　　穿过空穴的中心，
　　　　追随着我们飘荡的歌声，
　　　　去到那朝露未干的树荫，
　　　　去到湖畔，泉旁，或林中，
　　　　再跨越重重叠叠的山峰；
　　　　去到深坑、幽谷、或岩穴——
　　　　伤心的大地在那里安息。
　　　　她当天眼见你俩分离，
　　　　却喜现在快要团聚。
　　　　　　啊．海神的孩儿！
　　
　　　　阿西亚　来吧，亲爱的潘堤亚，我们手挽手儿，
　　　　　　　　　 一同去跟随，别等那些声音涣散。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 第二场
　　　　　　　　　森林。随处是岩石和洞窟。阿西亚和潘堤亚
　　　　　　　　　　走进森林中去。两个小“羊神”坐在岩石上
　　　　　　　　　　侧耳倾听。
　　
　　　　　　　精灵半队合唱一
　　　　　这一对可喜人儿走过的小路，
　　　左右全是些蓝柏和青松，
　　　　　一大片浓荫密布的树丛，
　　　　隔开了浩荡辽阔的苍空，
　　　不论太阳、月亮、凤成雨，
　　　　　都透不进这枝叶交织的暗室，
　　　　只有地面上爬过的轻风，
　　　送来了一片一片的薄雾，
　　　穿过斑白、劲挺的老树，
　　　　　它们在碧绿的桂树叶里，
　　　　看到了新开的淡黄花丛，
　　　每一滴露水便送上一颗珍珠；
　　　可怜有一朵脆弱秀丽的
　　　草花，却静悄悄地萎谢和死亡，
　　　更也许万千星斗中有一颗星
　　　　　爬上了黑夜的天顶在彷徨，
　　　　　赶着足不停步的迅疾的时光
　　　　　还没有把它远远地带走，
　　　　　它在林叶里找到了个缺口，
　　　　　激下它点点金色的光明，
　　　　　象雨丝一般水不会相混：
　　　　　周围完全是神圣的黑暗，
　　　　　脚下长满了苔藓的土壤。
　　　　　　　　　半队合唱二
　　　　　那边有许多纵情的夜莺，
　　　大白天依然不肯安静。
　　　　　有一只受不住幽怨或是欢欣，
　　　　在无风无息的常青藤上，。
　　　被深情热爱摄去了灵魂，
　　　　　死在珠喉宛转的情侣的怀里，
　　　　　另一只在花枝中间摇曳，
　　　　等待着那最后一声歌唱
　　　恹恹地结束，它立刻接上去，
　　　为细弱的旋律插上了羽翼，
　　　　　越提越高，直到歌声里
　　　波动着另一种感情，整个森林
　　　　　寂然无声；只听得暗淡的
　　　　　空中有许多羽翼在拍击，
　　　又飘来一阵阵美妙的歌音，
　　　　　象湖心的萧声，所有的听众
　　　　　快乐得简直心头作痛。
　　　　　　　　　半队合唱一
　　　　　那边有一阵阵口声，鼓弄着
　　　迷人的巧舌，遵照冥王的
　　　威严的法令，借着销魂的
　　　快乐，或是甜蜜的惶恐，把一切
　　　　　精灵都引诱上幽秘的小道，
　　　好象山雪解冻，一条内河船
　　　　　被奔腾的急流冲进海去：
　　　　最先有一种轻微的声音
　　　　走近密谈或假寐着的人们，
　　　唤醒了心头温柔的情感，——
　　　　　勾引着他们；凡是看见的
　　　　　都说泥沼里烟雾腾腾，
　　　　　在他们背后作起一阵清风，
　　　　　　　　　送他们上路，他们还道是
　　　　　　　　　　自己敏捷的羽翼和足趾
　　　　　　　　完全听从着内心的愿望：
　　　　　　　　他们便一路向前面飘荡，
　　　　　　　　直到那可爱的声浪变得
　　　　　　　　加倍地响亮、加倍地强烈，
　　　　　　　　　力竭声嘶地在前面奔驰：
　　　　　　　　　无数的声音聚集在一起，
　　　　　　　　带他们飞向指定的山岭，
　　　　　　　　如同飓风席卷着乌云。
　　
　　　　羊一　　你想不想得出，那些在森林中演奏
　　
　　　　如此美妙的音乐的精灵们住在哪里？
　　　　　　　　我们到过一处处最幽僻的洞窟，
　　　　　　　　和最隐蔽的树丛，寻遍了所有的草莽
　　　　　　　　可是虽然常听得，却始终遇不见：
　　　　　　　　他们究竟在何处藏身？
　　
　　　　羊二　　这倒很难讲。
　　
　　　　　那些熟悉精灵们的行动举止的
　　　　　　　　都说：明净的湖沼底下长满着
　　　　　　　　淡白的水花，受不住太阳的诱惑，
　　　　　　　　冒出水面，变成了泡沫，那就是
　　　　　　　这些精灵们安居的深闺和幽阁，
　　　　　　　在交织的树叶间透出来的天光之下．
　　　　　　　翠绿和金黄的氛围里面荡漾。
　　　　　但等泡沫爆裂他们便骑上了
　　　　　他们在这些晶莹皎洁的圆屋顶下
　　　　　呼吸的一股稀薄又热烈的空气，
　　　　　黑夜中象彗星一般直冲云霄，
　　　　　加快了速率在天顶疾驶来往，
　　　　　最后低下头来，象一团团燃烧的火，——
　　　　　重又窜进水底下的淤泥中间。
　　
　　　　羊一　　如果有些是这样的情形，又有些——
　　
　　　　会不会另是一番光景——生活在
　　　　　粉红的花瓣里，和青草花的花心里。
　　　　　或是紧紧地偎在紫罗兰的怀抱里。
　　　　　或是在垂死的花朵最后的香气里，
　　　　　或是在滚圆的露珠反映的阳光里，
　　
　　　　羊二　　 啊，我们还可以想象出许多地方。
　　
　　　　可是，我们讲个不停，正午快要来临，
　　　　　老羊爷眼看他的羊群没回家，
　　　　　准会生气，不肯再唱那些聪明可爱的
　　　　　歌曲，关于宿命和侥幸；关于上帝，
　　　　　和远古时代的混沌；关于爱。
　　　　　以及锁囚着的提坦的悲惨厄运；
　　　　　还有他将怎样被解放．怎样使
　　　　　全地球团结成一个兄弟联盟；
　　　　　那些愉快的调子惯常来安慰
　　　　　我们寂寞的黄昏，惯常把一只只
　　　　　不羡不妒的夜莺迷醉得默不作声。
　　　　　　　　　　 第三场
　　　　万山丛中一座高岩的峰顶。阿西亚和潘堤亚在一起。
　　
　　　　潘提亚　　　 那个声音把我们带到了此地——
　　
　　　　这是冥王的领域，巍峨的大门
　　　　　　　正象是喷烟吐火的火山的裂口，
　　　　　　　里面不断地飘出一阵阵仙气，
　　　　　　　那班流浪的人们，在寂寞的青春中，
　　　　　　　　把这种沉迷心窍的生命之酒，
　　　　　　　称作真理、品德、爱情、天才或欢乐，
　　　　　　　他们一口口喝下去，喝得酷现大醉；
　　　　　　　又提高了嗓子，喊出象酒神一样的
　　　　　　　欢呼狂叫，全世界都受到了熏陶。
　　
　　　　阿西亚　　　 这真不愧是那位伟大权威的宫殿！
　　
　　　　　　　　　大地呀，你是多么的光荣！如果你
　　　　　　　竟然是那位更可爱的仙神的幻影，
　　　　　　　又和你的真身一般，虽然遭受到
　　　　　　　魔难，身体软弱可是依然美丽，
　　　　　　　我自会跪倒在你们面前顶礼膜拜。
　　　　　　　真灵验：我现在已经心生敬念。
　　　　　快瞧，妹妹，趁仙气没把你头脑熏醉，
　　　　　下边展开着一大片平原船的浓雾，
　　　　　如同广阔的湖面，铺满了清晨的天空，
　　　　　青碧的波浪闪出银色的光亮。
　　　　　隐蔽住一个印度的山谷。且看它，
　　　　　在连续的风势下打滚，上下环绕，
　　　　　使我们脚下的山峰变成了一座孤岛：
　　　　　我们周围有的是浓密的树林，
　　　　　光线暗淡的草坪，流泉映耀的洞窟，
　　　　　和千奇百怪到处闲荡着的云彩，
　　　　　还有高高地在摩天的山岭上面，
　　　　　晨曦突然跳出冰岩，散发万道金光，
　　　　　好象把进溅在大西洋一座小岛上的
　　　　　那些光明灿烂的浪花带上了天，
　　　　　在风中遍洒着灯火一般的水点。
　　　　　山腰里就这样筑起了许多道墙，
　　　　　忽然在那些因解冻而豁裂的深谷中，
　　　　　传来一声瀑布的吼叫，听得风也慌张，
　　　　　这声响又大又长，大家听到了
　　　　　如同对着一片肃静，毛发沭然。
　　　　　听！那终年的积雪，被太阳惊醒过来，
　　　　　横冲直撞地向下边奔跑的声音：
　　　　　天上簸筛了三次大雪，一点一点地
　　　　　聚合成这样又高又厚的东西，好比
　　　　　成千成万翻天覆地的思想积压在心头，
　　　　　有一天伟大的真理出现，全世界
　　　　　　　同声响应，四面八方都震动起来，
　　　　　　　和现在这许多山岳完全一样。
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　你瞧那汹涌的雾海怎样地泛起了
　　
　　　　深红的泡沫，直送到我们的脚边！
　　　　　　　正象大海受到月光的吸引，升起来，
　　　　　　　围住了泥泞的小岛上覆舟的难民。
　　
　　　　阿西亚　碎片的云彩疏疏落落地各处分散；
　　
　　　　带它们来的风又把我头发吹乱；
　　　　　　　风推云涌简直弄得我眼花头昏。
　　　　　　　你有没有看见云雾里一个个身形？
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　她们都在点头微笑：一绺绺金黄的
　　
　　　　发丝中间燃烧着碧油油的火焰！
　　　　　　　来了一个又一个：听！她们开口了：
　　　　　　　　　众精灵唱
　　　　　　　　　走向幽深，走向幽深，
　　　　　　　　　　　下去，下去！
　　　　　　　　　穿过睡眠的阴影，
　　　　　　　　　穿过生和死的
　　　　　　　　　迷迷糊糊的争执。
　　　　　　　　　穿过幕幛和栅栏，
　　　　　　　　　不管它们是真是假，
　　　　　　　　　一步步走向那辽远的宝殿，
　　　　　　　　　　　　　 下去，下去：
　　　　　　　　　那声音正在打转，
　　　　　　　　　　　下去，下去；
　　　　　　　　　象小鹿吸引猎犬，
　　　　　象闪电吸引乌云，
　　　　　象灯蛾吸引灯芯；
　　　　　死吸引失望；爱吸引烦闷，
　　　　　时光却两样都吸引；
　　　　　磁石吸引钢铁，今天吸引明天：
　　　　　　　　　　　 下去，下去！
　　　　　穿过昏暗空洞的深渊，
　　　　　　　　　　　 下去，下去！
　　　　　那里的空气不明亮，
　　　　　太阳和月亮不发光，
　　　　　峻岩深穴并没沾染
　　　　　一点儿上天的光辉，
　　　　　地下的黑暗也不存在，
　　　　　那里只住着一位全能的神仙，
　　　　　　　　　　　 下去，下去！
　　　　　在那最深最深的地方，
　　　　　　　　　　　 下去，下去！
　　　　　有道仙旨专为你珍藏，
　　　　　象闪电蒙着脸在安睡，；
　　　　　又象将熄未熄的火堆，
　　　　　深情难忘的最后一面；
　　　又象丰富的矿藏中间，
　　　一颗钻石在黑暗里放射光焰。
　　　　　　　　　　　 下去，下去！
　　　我们缠住了你，带领你，
　　　　　　　　　　　 下去，下去：
　　　　　连同你身边那位佳侣．
　　　　　　　　　　别害怕自己不刚强，
　　　　　　　　　　柔顺里自有一种力量，
　　　　　　　　　　使那永生不死的神灵，
　　　　　　　　　　不得不打开生命之门，
　　　　　　　　　　放出那绻伏在皇座下的孽障——
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　别看轻这份力量。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　第四场
　　　　　　　　冥王的洞府。阿西亚和潘堤亚在一起。
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　 幕帏后，乌木皇座上坐的是何等形相？
　　　　　阿西亚　 幕帏揭开了。
　　　　　潘提亚　 我看见一大团黑暗，
　　　　　　　　　 塞满了权威的座位，向四面放射出
　　　　　　　　　 幽暗的光芒，如同正午时的太阳。
　　　　　　　　　 它无形亦无状，不见四肢，也不见
　　　　　　　　　 身体的轮廓，可是我们感觉到
　　　　　　　　　 它确实是一位活生生的神灵。
　　　　　冥王　　 你想知道什么事情，都可以问我。
　　　　　阿西亚　 你能讲些什么？
　　　　　冥王　　 白天一切你敢问的事情。
　　　　　阿西亚　 世界是谁创造的？
　　　　　冥王　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 上帝。
　　　　　阿西亚　 世界上的一切
　　　　　　　　　 又是谁创造的？思虑、情欲、理性、
　　　　　　　　　 志愿、幻想？
　　　　　冥王　　　　　　　　　　　　上帝：万能的上帝。
　　　　　阿西亚　 感觉是谁创造的？当难得相逢的春风
　　
　　　　翩然来临，或是想起了年轻时期
　　　　　　情人的声音，那早已沉寂了的声音，
　　　　　　使朦胧的眼睛涌起了滚滚的泪水，
　　　　　　一霎时，害得新鲜的花朵失去了光彩，
　　　　　　熙熙攘攘的世界变得十分凄凉：
　　　　　　这种感觉是谁创造的？
　　
　　　　冥王　　　　　　　　　　　　　　慈悲的上帝。
　　　　　阿西亚　谁创造恐怖、疯狂、罪恶、懊悔——
　　
　　　　它们为一切事物加上了锁链，
　　　　　　使人类每一个念头增添了分量，
　　　　　　背着这种重负接近死亡的陷阱：
　　　　　　断绝了的希望，和变作了怨恨的爱情；
　　　　　比鲜血更难下咽的自怨自艾的心思，
　　　　　　那种尽管你一天天哀啼和悲号，
　　　　　　可是大家听了都不理不睬的痛苦，
　　　　　　还有地狱，和对于地狱的骇惧？
　　
　　　　冥王
　　　　　他统治着。
　　　　　阿西亚　得你把名字说出来。
　　　　　　　　　 受苦受难的世界只想知道他的名字：
　　　　　　　　　 千万人的咒骂会打得他永劫不复。
　　　　　冥王　　 他统治着。
　　　　　阿西亚　我感到，我也知道。他是谁？
　　　　　冥正　　他统治着。
　　　　　阿西亚　谁统治着？我知道，最初是天和地，
　　
　　　　　后来是光和爱；接着来了萨登，
　　　　　　　“时间”是他的影子，嫉妒地伏在他座旁。
　　　　　　　地上的生灵便随他任意播弄，
　　　　　　　如同那些悠然自得的花朵和树叶，
　　　　　　　以及蠕虫般的植物，在日光或风势下
　　　　　　　摇摆，不久便被晒得枯萎，吹得凋谢。
　　　　　　　可是他又剥夺掉他们天生的权利，
　　　　　　　不给他们知识、权力、支配自然的本领；
　　　　　　　不给他们思想，免得他们象光明一般
　　　　　　　来冲破这昏暗的宇宙；也不给他们
　　　　　　　自治能力、伟大的爱，他们渴求着
　　　　　　　这些东西，死活不得。普罗密修斯
　　　　　　　于是把智慧——也就是力量——给了朱比特，
　　　　　　　只是附带着一个条件：“让人类自由”，
　　　　　　他又替他戴上了九天至尊的冠冕。
　　　　　　　统治者常会忘掉忠信、仁爱、和法律，
　　　　　　有了万能的力量，会忘掉切身的朋友；
　　　　　　岳夫现在统治了；落在人类身上的，
　　　　　　首先是饥荒，接着是劳苦和疾病，
　　　　　　争执和创伤，还有破天荒可怕的死亡；
　　　　　　他颠倒着季候的次序，轮流地降下了
　　　　　狂雪和猛火，把那些无遮天盖的
　　　　　苍白的人类驱逐进山洞和岩窟：
　　　　　他又把强烈的欲望、疯狂的烦恼、
　　　　　虚伪的道德，送进他们空虚的心灵，
　　　　　引起了相互的残杀和激烈的战争，
　　　　　他们安身活命的巢穴完全被捣毁。
　　　　　普罗密修斯看到了，便把瞌睡在
　　　　　忘忧草、驱邪草、不凋花中间的
　　　　　大队希望唤醒，又吩咐这些仙草仙花
　　　　　用它们五彩的羽翼将死亡来隐匿；
　　　　　他派遣爱情去把分离了的葡萄藤
　　　　　系在一起——里面是生命之酒，人的心灵，
　　　　　他又把火来驯服，这种火象猛兽一样，
　　　　　可怕，又可爱，在人类的愁眉下戏耍，
　　　　　他又随着心意去玩弄钢铁和金银——
　　　　　这些是强权的奴隶，也是威力的标记——
　　　　　还有宝石和毒药，以及一切埋藏在
　　　　　深山和大海底下的奇珍和异宝。
　　　　　他给了人类语言，语言创造了思想，
　　　　　宇宙间因此有了尺度和准绳；
　　　　　还有科学，惊动了天和地，骇得它们
　　　　　浑身战栗，可是并没有丝毫的损失，
　　　　　还有音乐，它使静心细听的灵魂
　　　　　超升飞腾，摆脱了人间的烦恼，
　　　　　如同神仙一般在悠扬的声浪中漫步。
　　　　　人类的手开始模仿自然，到后来
　　　　　竟然巧夺天工，他们造出来的肢体
　　　　　比它们本身的形状更加美丽，
　　　　　终于叫大理石变得有了灵性，
　　　　　一般怀孕的妇人，对他们注视着，
　　　　　吸取了爱，反映在她们的女儿身上，
　　　　　害得男子们见了失魄又丧魂。
　　　　　他说明药草和泉水的隐藏的力量，
　　　　　病人喝了能安眠，死会变得象瞌睡。
　　　　　他又告诉我们满天星辰复杂的
　　　　　行动轨道：太阳怎样迁移他的窝巢；
　　　　　晶莹的月亮用什么秘诀来化身变形，
　　　　　月初月尾的海面不见她滚圆的眼睛。
　　　　　他又教导我们，怎样在海上驾御
　　　　　那些用长风当作翅膀的车辆，
　　　　　好象指挥你自己的手和脚一般：
　　　　　西方因此结识了东方。一座座城市
　　　　　都建筑起来，在它们雪白的圆柱间
　　　　　有和风来往，又望得见蔚蓝的净空、
　　　　　碧绿的海面、和远处隐约的山岭。
　　　　　普罗密修斯就这般地提高了人类，
　　　　　自己却被悬挂在危崖上，受尽了
　　　　　难以避兔的痛创：可是谁把罪恶——
　　　　　那种无药可救的疫病——洒落到下界，
　　　　　大家竟把它当上帝看待，崇拜它的
　　　　　　光辉；连那位降灾者本身也受到了
　　　　　　　它的驱使，破坏了他自己的意旨，
　　　　　　　从此被人间咒骂，被万物唾弃，
　　　　　　　孤单单地没有朋友也没有伴侣？
　　　　　　　这不见得是岳夫吧：要知他眉头一皱，
　　　　　　　虽然会震动天延，可是那位铁镣锁住的冤家
　　　　　　　诅咒他的时候，他竟象奴隶一般颤抖。
　　　　　　　请问谁是他的主宰？他是否也是奴隶？
　　
　　　　冥王　　一切供罪恶驱使的精灵都是奴隶：
　　　　　　　　　 你该知道朱比特是不是这种精灵。
　　　　　阿西亚　你称谁做上帝？
　　　　　冥王　　 我说的和你说的一样，
　　　　　　　　　 岳夫原是生灵万物中无上的至尊。
　　　　　阿西亚　谁是奴隶的主宰？
　　　　　冥王　　但愿无底的深渊
　　
　　　　能倾吐它的秘密……可惜深奥的真理
　　　　　　　完全没有形状，也完全没有声音；
　　　　　　　那么，何必要你来凝视那旋转的世界？
　　　　　　　又何必要你来谈起命运、时光、机缘、
　　　　　　　侥幸、和变化？要知道，除了永久的爱，
　　　　　　　万物一切都受着这些东西的支配。
　　
　　　　阿西亚　我问了你那些话，你一句句回答了我，
　　
　　　　　我自能会心；每件事实的本身里面，
　　　　　　　都包含着一种神意或一种预言。
　　　　　　　我还要问一句；请你象我自己的
　　　　　　　灵魂一般地回答我——如果它知道
　　　　　我问的是什么。普罗密修斯一定会
　　　　　　　　象太阳一样回到这欢欣的世界。
　　　　　　　　请问这一个命定的时辰何时来临？
　　
　　　　冥王　　　　　瞧！
　　　　　　阿西亚　我只见一下子山崩又地裂，紫色的
　　
　　　　夜空中，许多长着彩虹羽翼的飞马，
　　　　　　　　拖了一辆辆神车，踩着轻风向前奔：
　　　　　　　　每一辆车上有一个神色仓皇的御者
　　　　　　　　在催促它们赶路。有几个回头张望，
　　　　　　　　似乎有大群恶鬼在后面追逐，可是，
　　　　　　　　除了闪霎的星星，我不见有什么身形；
　　　　　　　　有几个眼睛发着红光，身子往前弯，
　　　　　　　　一口口喝着当面冲过来的劲风，
　　　　　　　　似乎他们心爱的东西在前面逃遁，
　　　　　　　　在这一刹那间，一伸手就可以抓到。
　　　　　　　　他们烁亮的发丝如同彗星的尾巴，
　　　　　　　　一路放着毫光：大家争先恐后地
　　　　　　　　向前直闯。
　　
　　　　冥王　　　　　这些便是永生的“时辰”，
　　　　　　　　　 你日夜盼望的“时辰”。有一个在等着你。
　　　　　阿西亚　我只见一个面目狰狞的精灵，
　　　　　　　　　 在峻峭的峰峦间勒住了他的马缰。
　　　　　　　　　 啊，可怕的御者，你和你弟兄完全两样，
　　　　　　　　　 你是谁？你要把我送到哪里去？请讲。
　　　　　精灵　　 我是某一个命运的阴影，这个命运
　　　　　　　　　 比我的容貌更骇人：不等那边的星球
　　　　　　　　　 降落，和我一同上升的黑暗便会用
　　　　　　　　　 无尽的夜色蒙住天上的无君的皇位。
　　　　　阿西亚　你是什么意思？
　　　　　潘堤亚　瞧那恐怖的阴影，
　　
　　　　　　　　离开了他的宝座，直冲云霄。正象是
　　　　　　惊心动魄的乌烟，从地震所毁坏的
　　　　　　城市里飞出来，笼罩住整个海面。
　　　　　　瞧呀！它登上了车子，吓得那些马匹
　　　　　　拔脚飞奔：再看它在星辰中间驱驰，
　　　　　　涂黑了夜晚的天色！
　　
　　　　阿西亚　　　　　　　　　　　　　居然让我求应了！
　　　　　潘提亚　快看，宫门附近，停着另外一辆车子；
　　
　　　　一个象牙的贝壳盛满了赤色的火焰，
　　　　　　火焰在那精雕细接的边缘上
　　　　　　忽隐忽现；那位年轻的驾车的精灵，
　　　　　　鸽子一般的眼睛里充满着希望；
　　　　　　他温柔的笑容吸住了我们的灵魂，
　　　　　　正象灯光诱引着暗空中的飞虫。
　　　　　　　 精灵
　　　　　　　　我用闪电来喂哺马匹，
　　　　　　　　　用旋风给它们当作饮料，
　　　　　　　　红色的早晨发亮的时刻，
　　　　　　　　　它们便在曙光里面洗澡；
　　　　　　　　　我相信它们都能使劲飞跑，
　　　　　　　　跟我上天吧，海神的女儿。
　　　　　　　　　它们会踩得黑夜发光；
　　　　　　　　　　它们能奔跑在台风前头，
　　　　　　　　　不等云雾在山顶消散，
　　　　　　　　　我们要环游月亮和地球，
　　　　　　　　　到了中午我们方才停留’
　　　　　　　　　跟我上天吧，海神的女儿。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　 第五场
　　
　　　　　　　　　车子停留在一座雪山上面的云端里。阿西亚、
　　　　　　潘堤亚和“时辰的精灵”在一起。
　　
　　　　　　　精灵
　　　　　　　　　来到黑夜和白天的边缘，
　　　　　　　　　　我的马匹全想休息；
　　　　　　　　　大地却轻声地向我规劝：
　　　　　　　　　　它们该跑得比闪电更敏捷；
　　　　　　　　　　该象霹雳火箭一般地性急！
　　
　　　　阿西亚　　　　你的声音使它们厌烦，我的声音
　　　　　　　　　　能叫它们跑得更快。
　　　　　精灵　　 咳！不可能。
　　　　　潘提亚　 啊，精灵！我且问你，这布满云端的
　　　　　　　　　 光明是哪里来的？太阳还没上升呢。
　　　　　精灵　　 太阳不到正午不会上升，有一个
　　　　　　　　　 神奇的力量把阿波罗羁留在天顶，
　　　　　　　　　 空中的光明是你姐姐身上发出来的，
　　　　　　　　　 好象一池清水被玫瑰的影子染红。
　　　　　潘堤亚　 是的，我感到……
　　　　　阿西亚　　　　　　　　　　 妹妹，你怎么脸色这样白？
　　　　　潘堤亚　 啊，你完全变了！我简直不敢对你望，
　　
　　　　我感觉得到可是着不见你。我受不住
　　　　　　你美丽的光采。大概有什么神灵
　　　　　　在好心作法，使你显示出你的本相。
　　　　　　海里的仙女都说那一天波平如镜，
　　　　　　海洋豁然分开，你站在筋络分明的
　　　　　　贝壳里上升，又乘着这一片贝壳，
　　　　　　在那光滑的水晶的海面上飘浮，
　　　　　　飘浮过爱琴海中的大小岛屿，
　　　　　　飘浮过那个用了你的名字留传的
　　　　　　大陆的边岸；爱，从你身上迸发出来，
　　　　　　如同太阳一般散布着温暖的气氛，
　　　　　　把光明照通了天上和人间，照遍了
　　　　　　深秘的海洋和不见天日的洞窟，
　　　　　　以及在洞窟中生存的飞禽走兽；
　　　　　　到后来，悲伤竟然把你的灵魂
　　　　　　完全蒙住，如同月蚀夜一片漆黑：
　　　　　　不止我一个人——你心爱的妹妹和伴侣——
　　　　　　要知道全世界都在盼望着你的怜爱。
　　　　　　　你有没有听见，空气中传来了
　　　　　　一切会开口的动物的求爱的声音？
　　　　　你没有感觉到，那些无知无识的
　　　　　　　风儿也一心一意对你钟情？听I
　　
　　　　阿西亚　除了他，再没有比你更好听的声音，
　　
　　　　你的声音原是他的声音的回声：
　　　　　　　一切的爱都是甜蜜的，不管是人爱你
　　　　　　　或是你爱人。它象光明一般地普遍，
　　　　　　　它那亲切的声音从不叫人厌倦。
　　　　　　　如同漠漠的穹苍，扶持万物的空气，
　　　　　　　　它使爬虫和上帝变得一律平等：
　　　　　　　那些能感动人家去爱的都有幸福，
　　　　　　　象我现在一样；可是那些最懂爱的，
　　　　　　　受尽了折磨和苦难，却更来得快乐，
　　　　　　　我不久便能如此。
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　　　 听！精灵们在讲话了。
　　
　　　　　　　空中的歌声
　　　　　　　　　生命的生命！你的嘴唇诉着爱，
　　　　　　　　　　你的呼吸象火一般往外冒；
　　　　　　　　　你的笑容还来不及消退，
　　　　　　　　　　寒冷的空气已经在燃烧；
　　　　　　　　　你又把笑容隐藏在娇颜里，
　　　　　　　　　谁看你一看，就会魄散魂飞。
　　　　　　　　　光明的孩儿！你的四肢在发放
　　　　　　　　　　火光，衣衫遮不住你的身体；
　　　　　　　　　　好象晨嘴一丝丝的光芒，
　　　　　　　　　　不待云散就送来了消息，
　　　无论你照到什么．他方；
　　　什么地方就有仙气瞩扬。
　　　美人有的是，可是没人见过你，
　　　　只听见你的声音又轻又软——
　　　你该是最美的美人——你用这种
　　　　清脆的妙乐把自己裹缠；
　　　大家都象我一样失望：
　　　感到你在身旁，不知你在何方。
　　　人间的明灯！无论你走到哪里，
　　　　黑暗就穿上了光明的衣裳，
　　　谁要是取得了你的欢喜，
　　　　立刻会飘飘然在风中徜徉，
　　　直到他精疲力竭，象我一般，
　　　头昏眼花，可是意愿心甘。
　　　　　　　　阿西亚
　　　我的灵魂是一条着了魔的小舟，
　　　它象一只瞌睡的天鹅，飘浮
　　　　　在你的歌声的银色波浪中间；
　　　你就象天使一般模样，
　　　坐在一个掌舵人的身旁，
　　　　　四面八方吹来的风，声调悠扬。
　　　它好象永远在飘浮，飘浮，
　　　沿着迁回曲折的河流，
　　　经过了山岳、树林和深渊，
　　　经过了草莽中的地上乐园！
　　　　　最后，我竟象一个如梦如醉的痴汉，
　　　　　横冲直撞地乘着长风，破着巨浪
　　　　　来到了汹涌澎湃的大海中央。
　　　你的精灵于是张开了羽翮，
　　　飞进音乐最清高的区域，
　　　　　乘着风势在天廷逍遥翱翔；
　　　我们就这样一路往前走，
　　　没有指标，也没有路由，
　　　　　任凭美妙的音乐带着我们流浪；
　　　最后来到了一座仙岛，
　　　上面长满了奇花和异草，
　　　多亏你这位船郎，把我的欲望
　　　驶进这一个人迹不到的地方：
　　　　　在这个地方，爱是我们呼吸的空气；
　　　　　风里有的是情，波浪里有的是意，
　　　　　天上人间的爱都混合在一起。
　　
　　　我们经过了“老年”的冰窟，
　　　“中年”的阴暗狂暴的水域，
　　　“青年”的平静的洋面（底下有危险）
　　　我们又经过了晶莹的内海，
　　　黑影幢幢的“婴儿时代”，
　　　　　从死亡回到诞生，走进更神圣的一天；
　　　这里原是人间的天堂，
　　　　　楼台的顶上百花齐放，
　　　　　一条条溪泉婉蜒地流遍
　　　　　那些静静的碧绿的草原，
　　　　　这里的人周身发出灿烂夺目的金光，
　　　　　走在海上，轻歌婉唱；和你有些相象，
　　　　　我不敢对他们看，看了就心选神荡； 　　　　　　　　　　　
　　
　　
　　（第三幕）
　　
　　
　　　　　　　　 第一场
　　　　　　 天廷。朱比特坐在皇座上，忒堤斯和众神
　　　　　　　　仙聚集在他周围。
　　
　　　　朱比特　诸位天神天将，我们一齐来庆祝吧，
　　
　　　　　　　 你们侍候着我，同享荣华和权势，
　　　　　　　我从此是权高无上，位极至尊！
　　　　　　　万物一切都已经向我屈服；只剩下
　　　　　　　人类的心灵，象没有熄灭的火焰，
　　　　　　　黑腾腾怨气冲天，又是疑虑重重，
　　　　　　　叫苦连连，祈祷起来满怀的不乐意，
　　　　　　　一阵阵叛乱的叫嚣，可能使我们的
　　　　　　　邃古的帝国发生动摇，虽然我们
　　　　　　　掌握着悠久的信仰，和地狱的恐怖；
　　　　　　虽然我的毒咒洒满了动荡的空间，
　　　　　　　象一片片白云堆积上草木不生的
　　　　　　　峰尖；虽然他们在我咆哮的黑夜里，
　　　　　　　一步一步爬上了人生的危崖，
　　　　　　　生活缠绕着他们，象冰霜缠绕着
　　　赤裸裸的脚，可是他们趾高气扬地
　　　挺立在痛苦中间，既不屈又不挠，
　　　哪里想到隔不了多久便要摔倒：
　　　再说我眼前就生下了一个神奇的怪物，
　　　世界上的人听到我这个钩魂摄魄的
　　　孩儿，谁不害怕！但等那时辰来到，
　　　这一位来去无形的可怕的精灵，
　　　　　便会从冥王的空虚的皇座上升，
　　　　　他千古不坏的神臂有着惊人的威力，
　　　　　又会降落到人间去踩灭爆发的火花。
　　　　　掌酒的仙童！快把天堂的芳醇，
　　　　　接二连三地去斟满金樽和玉器。
　　　　　且听那千娇百媚的万花丛中，
　　　　　飞扬起和谐的歌声，普天同庆，
　　　　　好象星星底下的露珠一样鲜明：
　　　　　喝吧！诸位长生不老的仙君，喝吧！
　　　　　快让玉液琼浆在你们的血管里
　　　　　愉快奔腾，让你们的欢乐的叫嚣
　　　　　变成极乐世界传来的妙乐仙音。
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　还有你，
　　　　　快到我边上来，你全身笼罩在欲望的
　　　　　　 光炎里面，使你和我合成为一体，
　　　　　　　忒堤斯，你这永久的光明的象征：
　　　　　　　当你没命地喊出：“无法忍受的威力！
　　　　　　　天哪！饶饶我！我禁不起你炽烈的火焰，
　　　　　　　一直烧到我心里，我全身的骨肉，
　　　　　　　正象在蛮荒中喝了蛇蝎下过毒的
　　　　　露水的人一样，完全化为脓血，
　　　　　　　我也会消失得无形无踪。”我们两个
　　　　　　　强大的精灵就在这时候结合起来，
　　　　　　　生出了一个比我们更强大的第三者，
　　　　　　　他脱离了躯壳在我们中间来往，
　　　　　　　我们看不见他，可是感到他的存在，
　　　　　　　他在等待着显现本相的时辰，
　　　　　　　（你可听见狂风里雷鸣一般的轮声？）
　　　　　　　他自会离开冥王的宝座，上升天延。
　　　　　　　胜利来了！胜利来了！啊，世界，你可觉得
　　　　　　　他的车乘象地震一样，隆隆地响遍了
　　　　　　　奥林匹斯山？
　　　　　（“时辰”的车子到了。兵王下了车，朝着朱比
　　　　　　　特的皇座走来。）
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　可怕的形象，你是谁？你讲：
　　
　　　　冥王　　我是“永久”。不必问那个更恐怖的名字。
　　
　　　　快下来，跟随我去到那阴曹地府。
　　　　　　　我是你的孩子，正象你是萨登的孩子；
　　　 我比你更强；我们从此要一同居住在
　　　　　幽冥中间。别把你的霹雳举起来：
　　　　　　　　你下台以后。天上决不再需要
　　　　　　　也决不再听任第二个暴君逞威肆虐：
　　　　　　　可是困兽犹斗，不死不肯甘休，
　　　　　　　　你有什么本领，赶快动手。
　　
　　　　朱比特　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　可恶的孽种！
　　
　　　　　　　　　你哪怕逃进了九泉之下的巨人监狱，
　　　　　　　我也要把你活活踩死：你还不走？
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　天哪！天哪！
　　　　　　　你丝毫不肯放松．一些没有怜悯，
　　　　　　　啊，你即使叫我的仇人来对我审判，
　　　　　　　虽然他吊起在高加索山上，挨受着
　　　　　　　我长期的虐刑，他也不会这样作践我。
　　　　　　　他温厚、公正、又勇敢。真不愧是一位
　　　　　　　人世间的元首。你是个什么东西？
　　　　　　　害得我逃避无路，呼吁无门！
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 好吧，
　　　　　　你我就一同跳进惊涛骇浪里面，
　　　　　　　好象巨鹰和长蛇，扭做一团，
　　　　　　厮打得精疲力竭，双双沉溺到
　　　　　　无边无际的大海底下。我要叫地狱
　　　　　　放出汪洋似的魔火，让这荒凉的世界，
　　　　　　连同你和我——征服者和被征服者——
　　　　　　以及我们争夺的目标所遗留的残迹，
　　　　　　一齐葬进这无底的鬼城。
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 咳！咳！
　　　　雷电风云都不肯听我的命令。
　　　　　　　我迷迷糊惯地永远、永远往下沉．
　　　　　　　我的冤家，乘着一段胜利的威风，
　　　　　　　象一团乌云，压上我的头顶！咳：咳！
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　第二场
　　
　　　　　　　　　 阿特兰地斯岛的一条大河口。海神斜倚在岸
　　　　　　　　　 边；日神站在他身旁。
　　　　海神　　　　　你可是说，他被那征服者的威力打倒了？
　　　　　日神　　　　　是呀，他们经过了一场恶斗，吓得
　　
　　　　我管领的太阳失色，四方的星辰也战栗，
　　　　　　　只见他一路往下跌，惶恐的眼睛里
　　　　　　　　射出两道凶光，穿过镇压住他的
　　　　　　　又厚又破的黑暗，照耀得满天通明：
　　　　　　　如同涨红了脸的落日，那最后的一瞥，
　　　　　　　透过了晚霞，渲染着满面皱纹的海洋。
　　
　　　　海神　　他可曾跌进地狱？跌进幽冥的世界？
　　　　　日神　　他好比一头巨鹰，在高加索山上的
　　
　　　　云海里迷了路，雷声隆隆的羽翼
　　　　　　　　被旋风缠住，它呆望着惨淡的太阳，
　　　　　　　　却被闪电射得张不开眼；他竭力挣扎，
　　　　　　　　又受到冰雹肆意的殴打，结果是
　　　　　　　　四面阴风惨惨，倒栽进无底的深渊．
　　
　　　　海神　　从此，各处的海洋——我王国的领土——
　　
　　　　永远和上帝形影不离，风来时，
　　　　　　　卷起波浪，再不会沾染一点血渍，
　　　　　　　正象青翠的麦田，在夏天的氛围里，
　　　　　　　左摇右摇；我的一条条水流要环绕
　　　　　　　各种民族居住的大陆，和各处富饶的
　　　　　　　海岛；青脸的老海仙在琉璃的宝座上，
　　　　　　　带领了他的一群水淋淋的仙女，
　　　　　　　观看着华船来往的影子，如同
　　　　　　　人类注意着那满载光明的月亮，
　　　　　　　带着太白星在天空中航行的路程，
　　　　　　　这原是它那位不出现的船长的头饰，
　　　　　　　倒影在黄昏时急速地退潮的海面，
　　　　　　　从此不必再循着斑斓的血迹、
　　　　　　　凄凉的呻吟、奴役和威逼的叫嚣，
　　　　　　　去寻觅它们的途径；到处是光明，
　　　　　　　到处是波光和花影、飘忽的香气、
　　　　　　　维给的音乐、自由和温柔的言语，
　　　　　　　还有仙神们心爱的最最甜蜜的歌声。
　　
　　　　日神　　我也不再会看到那种悲伤的事情，
　　
　　　　　　　　　使我的心灵象日蚀般遮上一层黑暗，
　　　　　　　可是，别作声，我的耳朵里听见
　　　　　　　那个坐在晨星中的小精灵把银笛子
　　　　　　　吹出了清脆微细的声音。
　　
　　　　海神　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　你该走了，
　　
　　　　到了晚上，你的骏马休息的时候，
　　　　　　　我们再见：那喧嚷的深水已经在
　　　　　　　催我回家，要喝我宝座旁翡翠坛子里
　　　　　　　永远盛满着的定心安神的蓝色仙浆。
　　　　　　　且看碧绿的海里那许多仙妖，
　　　　　　　玲珑的肢体穿出了泛泛的水面，
　　　　　　　雪白的臂膀高过了披散的发丝；
　　　　　　　有几个戴着黑白的花冠，有几个
　　　　　　　戴着好象星星一般的浪花的皇冕，
　　　　　　　急急忙忙地奔去向她们姐姐道喜。
　　　　　　　　 （一阵波涛的声音。）
　　　　　　　这是饥饿的海在渴求着安慰。
　　　　　　　别响，小妖怪；我来了。再见吧。
　　
　　　　日神　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 再见。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 第三场
　　
　　　　　　　　　 高加索山岳。普罗密修斯、赫拉克勒斯、伊
　　　　　　　　 翁涅。大地、众精灵全在台上。阿西亚、潘堤亚
　　　　　　　　 和“时辰的精灵”一同乘车来到。赫拉克勒斯为
　　　　　　　　　　　普罗密修斯松绑。普罗密修斯便从岩崖上走下来。
　　
　　　　赫拉克勒斯　 一切神灵里面最光荣的神灵！
　　　　　　　　　 我全身的力量现在要象奴隶一样，
　　　　　　　　　 来侍候智慧、勇敢和受尽折磨的爱，
　　　　　　　　　 还有你，你本是它们所化身的形象。
　　　　　普罗密修斯 你这些亲切话，简直比我们日夜盼望，
　　
　　　　可是拖延了好久才降临的自由，
　　　　　　　更来得甜蜜。
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 阿西亚，你这生命之光，
　　　　　　　你的丰姿真是人间难得，天上少有，
　　　　　　　还有你们这两位娇滴滴的仙妹，
　　　　　　　多亏你们的眷怜和照顾，竟使
　　　　　　　经年累月的痛苦变成了甜蜜的回忆，
　　　　　　　我们从此决不分离。那边有一个洞窟，
　　　　　　　长满了牵萝攀藤、香气袭人的植物，
　　　　　　　鲜叶和好花象帘帏般遮住了日光，
　　　　　　　地上铺着翡翠般的叶瓣，一激清泉
　　　　　　　在中央纵跃着，发出清心爽神的声响。
　　　　　　　山神的欢泪冻结得象白雪和自银，
　　　　　　　又象钻石的环现，从弧形的屋顶
　　　　　往下垂，放射着恍恍惚惚的光亮；
　　　　　　　洞外又可以听见脚不停步的空气
　　　　　　　在一棵树一棵树中间絮语，还有鸟，
　　　　　还有蜜蜂；周围全是些苔藓的座位，
　　
　　　　粗糙的墙壁上蒙着又长又软的青草，
　　　　　这一个简陋的居处便是我们的家宅，
　　　　　我们虽然自己永恒不变，却坐在里面
　　　　　谈论着时间的转移，以及世事的更替。
　　　　　有什么办法不让人类变化无常？
　　　　　你们如果叹气，我偏要和你们打趣；
　　　　　还有你，伊翁涅，该唱几段海上的仙谣，
　　　　　唱得我哭，洒下一行行甜蜜的眼泪，
　　　　　然后你们再把我逗引得回复笑颜。
　　　　　我们要把蓓蕾和花朵，连同泉水边
　　　　　闪霎着的光彩，别出心裁地放在一起，
　　　　　把普通的东西缀合成奇幻的图案，
　　　　　象人间天真烂漫的婴儿一般游戏，
　　　　　我们要用爱的颜色和辞令，在多情的
　　　　　心头，去探寻那些不可告人的秘密，
　　　　　找到了一个再找一个，一个比一个
　　　　　更来得亲切；我们要象笙萧一样，
　　　　　被情浓意深的风，用着灵巧的技能，
　　　　　把那些轻重缓急，融洽和谐的音节，
　　　　　编制出新颖别致的仙神的曲调；
　　　　　人世间一切的回声，将从四面八方
　　　　　驾着神风，好象蜜蜂一样，离开了
　　　　　它们岛上的窝巢，——成千上万朵
　　　　　受着海风喂哺的鲜花，——飞到此地，
　　　　　带来了轻微得听不清楚的情话腻语、
　　　　　带来了怜悯的心肠低诉着的苦衷，
　　　　　还有音乐——它自身是心灵的回声——
　　　　　　和一切改善及推进人类生活的呼号，
　　　　　　现在都自由了；还有许多美丽的
　　　　　　幻象，——起初很模糊，可是当心灵
　　　　　　从爱的怀抱里烁亮地升了起来，”
　　　　　　把积聚的现实的光芒加在它们身上，
　　　　　　（它们原是爱的许多形式的化身），
　　　　　　立刻便大放光明——都会来拜访我们：
　　　　　　这些全是绘画、雕塑和热狂的诗歌，
　　　　　　以及各种各样目前还想象不出，
　　　　　　　可是早晚会实现的艺术的儿孙。
　　　　　　　还有些飘零的声音和黑黢黢的影子，
　　　　　　　那是人类和我们之间的媒介，传递着
　　　　　　最受崇拜的爱，一忽儿去，一忽儿来，
　　　　　　　人类一天天变得聪明和仁爱，
　　　　　　　它们也变得更加漂亮和温柔，
　　　　　　　罪恶的魔障从此一重一重消毁：
　　　　　　　这便是洞窟里和洞窟周围的环境．
　　　　　　　　　（转身向着“时辰的精灵”。）
　　　　　　　漂亮的精灵，还有一件大事要你办，
　　　　　　　伊翁涅，你去把你藏在空岩底下，
　　　　　　　草丛中间的那个大法螺取来给她：
　　　　　　　这法螺原是老海仙送给阿西亚的
　　　　　　　结婚礼物，他当年曾把一阵仙音
　　　　　　　吹进里面，等待到了今天来显灵。
　　
　　　　伊翁涅　你这位左等右等才来到的“时辰”，
　　
　　　　　　　　　你比你的姊妹更好者，也更可爱。
　　　　　　　这就是那个神秘的法螺。且看淡蓝
　　　　　　　逐渐变成了银灰，在里面涂抹上
　　　　　　　一层柔软的却又耀眼夺目的光彩：
　　　　　　　岂不象沉迷的音乐在那里安眠？
　　
　　　　时辰这当真是海洋中最娇艳的螺壳：
　　　　　　　它的声音一定是又甜蜜又神奇。
　　
　　　　普罗密修斯 去吧，驾起你的马匹，叫它们撒开
　　
　　　　　　　　　旋风一般的蹄子，走遍凡间的城市：
　　　　　　　再一次赶过那绕着地球打转的太阳；
　　　　　　　但等你的车辆划破火光溜烟的长空，
　　　　　　　你就吹起你迂回盘旋的法螺
　　　　　　　散放它伟大的音乐；它会象雷鸣般
　　　　　　　带动一片片清晰的回声：到那时，
　　　　　　　你就回来；从此住在我们洞窟近边。
　　　　　　　还有你，我的母亲！
　　
　　　　大地　　　　　　　　　　　　　 我听见，我也感到；
　　
　　　　你的嘴唇吻着我，那种亲热的力量
　　　　　　　竟然流过了这些石筋石脉，直送进
　　　　　　　坚硬、幽暗的脏腑；这是生命，这是快乐，
　　　　　　　长生不老的青年的温暖深深地
　　　　　　　在我这衰老又冰冷的躯壳里循环。
　　　　　　　从此我怀抱里的孩儿们：一切的植物，
　　　　　　　一切地上的爬虫，和彩翅的昆虫，
　　　　　　　一切的飞禽、走兽、游鱼和男女的人类，
　　　　　　　过去经常从我的干枯的胸脯上
　　　　　　吸着疾病和痛苦，喝着失望的毒药，
　　　　　　将来都要享受到甜蜜的养料，
　　　　　　　他们会象一大群同母所生的
　　　　　　　姊妹羚羊，自得象雪，又快得象风，
　　　　　　在潺缓的溪流边把百合花当作食粮．
　　　　　　　露雾笼罩着我的不见阳光的睡眠，
　　　　　　　它们将会在星光下象香油一般流淌；
　　　　　　　夜晚蜷缩的花朵，又会乘它们偃卧的
　　　　　　　时候，来啜饮那经久不变的色素；
　　　　　　　人类和野兽将会在甜蜜的欢梦里
　　　　　　　积聚起精力，但等明天去尽情作乐；
　　　　　　　那位执掌生死的神灵，随时会吩咐
　　　　　　　“死”带来她最后一次的温存，正象
　　　　　　　母亲搂着她孩儿一般，说；“别再离开我。”
　　
　　　　阿西亚　 啊，母亲！你为什么要把“死”来提起？
　　　　　　　　　 那些死了的，是不是不再爱，不再动，
　　　　　　　　　 不再呼吸和说话？
　　　　　大地　　回答也没用处：
　　
　　　　你是永生不死的，这一种语言，
　　　　　　　只有那些和大家隔绝的死者能懂得。
　　　　　　　死是一重幕帏，活着的把它唤作生命；
　　　　　　　大家睡了，它便完全揭开。在另一方面，
　　　　　　　温和的季节却制造一些温和的玩意：
　　　　　　　它们带来了身上披着虹霞的雷雨、
　　　　　　　扑鼻的馨风、扫净夜空的长尾誉星，
　　　　　　　带来了燃烧着生命的太阳的利箭，
　　　　　又有清静的月光捧着露珠往下洒；
　　　　　它们要把常青的树叶、不落的花果，
　　　　　“来装饰这些森林和田野，哪怕是
　　　　　草木不生的高岩深谷也不肯忽略。
　　　　　再说你！那边有一个洞窟，我当初
　　　　　看到你受尽苦难，心里气得发了疯，
　　　　　我的灵魂就含着一股怨气冲了进去，
　　　　　凡是闻到这股怨气的也变成疯狂，
　　　　　他们便在洞窟边盖了一座庙宇，
　　　　　在里面说神过鬼，求他问卜，引诱得
　　　　　那些为非作歹的国家互相残杀、
　　　　　忘恩负义，正象岳夫对待你一样。
　　　　　那股怨气现在变作了紫罗兰的芬芳，
　　　　　从高高的野草丛中袅袅地上升，
　　　　　它用素静的光亮，和那又浓厚、
　　　　　又温柔的绯红色的氤氲，去布满
　　　　　四周的山岩和材林；它朝暮喂哺着
　　　　　那些滋长极快、蛇般身段的驾萝，
　　　　　和牵连缠绕的深暗色的常春藤，
　　　　　以及那些含苞未放，焕发盛开，
　　　　　或是香气已经消损了的花朵：
　　　　　一阵阵风奔进它们中间，穿过了
　　　　　悬挂在它们自己的青绿世界里
　　　　　一个个光亮得象金球般的鲜果，
　　　　　又穿过了它们筋络分明的叶片，
　　　　　和琥珀色的花梗，还有一朵一朵
　　　　　紫色的花象透明的酒杯，永远盛满着
　　　　　甘露，精灵们所喜爱的美酒佳酿，
　　　　　这些风就带上一身宝星，金碧辉煌，
　　　　　那股芬芳又象白昼的好梦一般。
　　　　　插上了翩跹的羽翼到处去翱翔，
　　　　　散发着安宁和快乐的念头，如同
　　　　　我心里的感想一样，因为你现在
　　　　　恢复了自由。这座洞府归给你了。
　　　　　小精灵！快来！
　　　　（小精灵化身作一个长着羽翼的小孩出现。）
　　　　　　　　　这是我的掌灯使者，
　　　　　他在多少年以前熄灭了他的灯，
　　　尽对着人家的眼睛痴望，又从里面
　　　取得了爱，把他的灯重新点上；
　　　因为爱便是火——火是我亲爱的女儿——
　　　你们的眼睛里就有着这种光亮。
　　　快走，淘气鬼，快带领了这几位神仙，
　　　跨越尼萨的峰顶，酒神聚会的山头，
　　　跋涉印度河和它的支流，再飘渡
　　　湍急的溪泉和琉璃一般的湖沼，
　　　衣履不湿，精神不倦，脚步也不迟慢，
　　　走过深谷，登上翠冈，只见水波不兴的
　　　　池潭里，永存着上面那一座庙宇的
　　　　倒影，精雕细接的圆柱、弓门、楣梁，
　　　　和手掌般的斗拱，都看得分明，
　　　里边更挤满了普拉克西特里斯手制的
　　　栩栩如生的偶像，它们大理石的笑容
　　　使静寂的空气载满了天长地久的爱。
　　　这庙宇曾经供奉过你，普罗密修斯，
　　　现在已经荒废。可是当年有不少个
　　　争雄斗胜的青年，曾经持着火炬，
　　　来到这黯淡的圣地，向你虔心礼拜，
　　　那火炬使是你的象征；正象有些人
　　　紧紧地捧着希望的明灯，经过了
　　　生命的黄昏，一直走进他们的坟墓，
　　　如同你抱着“希望”，功德圆满地到达
　　　“时间”最后的终点。你们去吧，再见。
　　　庙宇边上便是那天造地设的洞府。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　第四场
　　
　　　　　　　　　 森林。背景是一座洞府。普罗密修斯、阿百
　　　　　　　　 亚、潘堤亚、伊翁湿和“大地的精灵”一同在
　　　　　　　　 台上。
　　　　伊兹涅　姐姐。这模样儿凡间少有：你看它
　　
　　　　在树叶里面东落西游！它头上发着亮，
　　　　　　　象一颗碧绿的星；它那翠色的光芒
　　　　　　　在金黄的发丝中间闪映！它一边走，
　　　　　　　一边把光辉点点滴滴地洒在草上！
　　　　　　　你可认识它？
　　
　　　　阿西亚　这就是那个娇小的精灵：
　　
　　　　它时常带了大地上天。大小星宿
　　　　　　　把这一点光唤作最美丽的游星。
　　　　　　　它有时在咸海的浪花里飘浮；有时
　　　　　　　在迷蒙的云团里驰骋；有时乘着人们
　　　　　　　睡觉的时候，在田野和城市里漫步。
　　　　　　　有时又在山顶或是河面上闲荡，
　　　　　　　或是象现在一般，在碧绿的草莽里，
　　　　　　　乱窜乱跑，看见一样就喜欢一样。
　　　　　　　在岳夫登位以前，它心爱我们的大姐，
　　　　　　　每逢空闲的时候，总走来吸饮着
　　　　　　　她眼睛里流水般的光亮，它说它好象
　　　　　　　被毒蛇噬啃的人一样，时时刻刻
　　　　　　　感到口渴；它又把童稚的心话对她讲，
　　　　　　 告诉她一切它知道和看到的事情，
　　　　　　　它看见过的东西确实不少，可是
　　　　　　　看见了从不去查根问底：它又把她
　　　　　　　唤作亲妈妈——因为它自己的来历，
　　　　　　　自己不明白，我也不明白。
　　　　　地精（奔向阿西亚）　　　　　　妈妈，亲妈妈！
　　　　　　　我现在能不能象往常一般和你谈话？
　　　　　　　我的眼睛尽望着你，快活得乏了，
　　　　　　　能不能就躲进你温柔的臂弯里？
　　　　　　　当冗长的中午，空气里光亮又寂静，
　　　　　　　我能不能得闲就在你身旁戏要？
　　
　　　　阿西亚　你真可爱，我的好孩子，从此以后
　　　　　　　　　 我可以安心抚养你。讲些什么我听听，
　　　　　　　　　 你那种天真的谈吐，当初给了我
　　　　　　　　　 多少安慰，现在一定能叫人喜爱。
　　　　　地精　　妈妈，我一天里已经聪明了不少，
　　
　　　　当然一个小孩子决不会及得上你，
　　　　　　　我也快活得多了，真所谓“福至心灵”。
　　　　　　　你知道那些蛤蟆、蛇蝎和讨厌的虫蛆，
　　　　　　　那些凶狠恶毒的野兽，还有森林里
　　　　　　　那些长满着含有毒素的草莓的树枝，
　　　　　　　当初都阻碍着我在青青世界里
　　　　　　　自由来去：人类里面和我作对的，
　　　　　　　他们有些是面貌冷酷；有些是
　　　　　　　满脸的骄傲和愤怒；又有些冷冷地
　　　　　　　踱着方步；又有些皮笑肉不笑；
　　　　　又有些自己无知无识却要讥诮人家，
　　　　　又有些蒙着各种各样丑恶的面具。
　　　　　再加上肮脏的念头，遮盖住了良心。
　　　　　还有一班女人，真是丑恶绝顶的东西，
　　　　　（可是那些象你一样仁慈、自由、真诚的，
　　　　　即使在你跟前，也依然可算得美丽）
　　　　　我隐住了身子在她们床边经过，
　　　　　看见那种虚情假意禁不住心头作恶。
　　　　　可是我最近走到那大城市周围的
　　　　　一些浓林密布的小山上去闲步：
　　　　　只见一个站岗的瞌睡在城门边：
　　　　　忽听得一种嘹亮的声音，震动了
　　　　　月光下一处处的望楼；那声音
　　　　　比什么都好听，就只比不上你，
　　　　　可是悠长地响着，似乎无有穷尽：
　　　　　全城的居民都急急忙忙从被窝里
　　　　　跳了出来，聚集在街道中间，抬起头
　　　　　诧异地对着天上看，那美妙的声音
　　　依旧响个不停。我自己就偷偷地
　　　躲藏在广场上一个喷水池里面：
　　　躺在那里，好象是一个月亮的影子
　　　显现在绿树荫下的波涛中间。可是
　　　隔不多久，我方才讲起的那些使我
　　　感到痛苦的一个个丑恶的人类形象
　　　都打空中飘过，被狂风吹得七零八落，
　　　又逐渐消灭得无形无踪；留下来的；
　　　　　　 一般人都是些和善可爱的模样，
　　　　　　　好象卸去了丑陋的化装，另换上
　　　　　　　一副面目，大家都觉得十分惊讶，
　　　　　　　互相称奇，又互相道喜，接着便回去
　　　　　　　　重新睡觉。等到第二天太阳升起，
　　　　　　　　你可知道那些蛤蟆、蛇蝎和蜥蜴，
　　　　　　　是不是也能变得好看？居然有办法，
　　　　　　　这边改一改，那边换一换，它们的
　　　　　　　恶毒的本质便从头到尾去除干净。
　　　　　　　我描写不出我的快活，当我看见
　　　　　　　一对翡翠鸟栖息在一根茄藤环绕、
　　　　　　　垂挂在湖面的树枝上，张开活泼细长的
　　　　　　　嘴喙，一口口吃着鲜明透黄的草莓，
　　　　　　　水心好似天空，呈现出丽影双双；
　　　　　　　我心头就带了那许多快乐的景象，
　　　　　　　来和你团聚，——这又是最快乐的景象。
　　
　　　　阿西亚　我们从今后决不分离，直等到
　　
　　　　你那位清白的姐姐，带领着多情善变、
　　　　　　　冰寒皎洁的月亮，走来看望你那颗
　　　　　　　比她更来得温暖可是同样晶莹的
　　　　　　　光明，她的心便会象四月里的
　　　　　　　雪花一般地溶化，她又会来爱你。
　　
　　　　地精　　怎么；跟阿西亚爱普罗密修斯一样吗？
　　　　　阿西亚　别胡扯，淘气鬼，你的年纪还太小呢。
　　　　　　　　　 你也想面对面痴望着大家的眼睛，
　　　　　　　　　 扩大着两人的爱，把四团圆球似的
　　　　　　　　　 热火，去照耀那月缺时黑夜的天空？
　　　　　地精　　 可是，妈妈，我的姐姐点亮了她的灯，
　　　　　　　　　 我就也不可能保持黑暗。
　　　　　阿西亚　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 你听；你看！
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（“时辰的精灵”上。）
　　　　　普罗密修斯　你听到、看到的，我们全知道：可是你讲。
　　　　　地精　　 当时天上地下都充满了雷响，等到
　　
　　　　　　　声音休止，一切已经跟先前不同：
　　　　　　　那碰不到、触不着的稀薄的空气，
　　　　　　　和那笼罩万物的阳光，都变了样，
　　　　　　　好象融化在它们中间的爱的感觉
　　　　　　　把滚圆的世界完全拥抱在它怀里。
　　　　　　　我眼睛前忽然大放光明，我已经
　　　　　　　能够看透宇宙间一切的秘密：
　　　　　　　我快活得头昏眼花，张开了惊倦的
　　　　　　　羽翼，挥动着轻浮的空气，翩然下降。
　　　　　　　我的马在太阳里找到了它们的老家，
　　　　　　　从此它们早晚餐食着如火如云的
　　　　　　菜蔬和鲜花，不必再到各处去奔波；．
　　　　　　　我的月亮一般的车辇也永远停息在
　　　　　　　那边的庙宇里，日日夜夜面对着
　　　　　　　菲狄阿斯为你和阿西亚、大地、我，
　　　　　　　精心制造的石像，还有他所雕刻的
　　　你们两位女海仙的形象，可爱得
　　　和我们所亲眼目睹的真身一样，——
　　　用来纪念你们准时传达的喜讯，——
　　　这庙宇有十二很光彩华丽的石柱，
　　　支着上面满雕花朵的圆顶，
　　　周围都看得见明净如水的天空。
　　　横梁象一条两头的大蟒，还有许多
　　　石刻的飞鸟似乎又要拍翅奔腾。
　　　哎哟，我这根舌头不知滑到哪里去了，
　　　你们要听的话，我一句也没说呢！
　　　我方才讲到我翩然下降，来到人间：
　　　当时，正同现在一样，简直快活得
　　　　　身体不能动，口里不能呼吸，灵魂
　　　　　也似乎出了窍；我便到人烟稠密的
　　　　　地方去闲荡，我起初很感到失望，
　　　因为表面上一切并不跟我心里
　　　　　所想象的那样发生过巨大的变化；
　　　　　可是我找寻了不多一会儿，只见
　　　　　许许多多的皇座上都没有了皇帝，
　　　　　大家一同走路，简直象神仙一样，
　　　　　他们不再互相谄媚，也不再互相残害；
　　　　　人们的脸上不再显示着仇恨、
　　　　　轻蔑、恐惧，不再象地狱门前铭刻着。
　　　　　“入此门者，务须断绝一切希望！”
　　　　　没有人双眉深锁，没有人浑身抖颤，
　　　　　也没有人依旧带着惶恐的心理
　　　　　对另外一个人的眼睛看，看里面。
　　　　　又要发出什么冷酷的命令，直到
　　　　　压迫者的意志变成了自己的祸殃，
　　　　　把自己当作一匹马，直赶到力尽身亡，
　　　　　没有人再在唇边皱起乱真的笑纹，
　　　　　编造他不屑从口里说出来的大谎；
　　　　　也没有人嗤着鼻子，把自己心头的
　　　　　爱和希望的火花，都踩成灰烬，
　　　　　变作一个自己毁灭的幽魂，又象
　　　　　吸血鬼一样在人丛中蹑手蹑脚地
　　　　　来往，害得大家都沾染到他的恶症；
　　　　　也没有人讲着那种鄙俗、虚伪、
　　　　　冷漠和空洞的谈话，口里称是，
　　　　　心里却并不承认，虽然他没想欺人，
　　　　　可是不知怎么自己对自己也不信任。
　　　　　身边走过的女人都是真实、美丽
　　　　　和仁慈，一个个好象自由自在的天仙，
　　　　　把新鲜的光明和甘露洒落到人间；
　　　　　她们一个个又是温柔，又是明艳，
　　　　　绝不让一点儿鄙俗的脂粉来玷污。
　　　　　口里说的是以前所想不到的聪明，
　　　　　心里有的是以前所不敢有的热情，
　　　　　周身上下完全改换了一副模样，
　　　　　原来人间已经变得好象是个天堂；
　　　　　不再骄傲，不再嫉妒，不再有什么
　　　　　羞耻的事情、也不再有什么苦水
　　　　　来毁坏那解愁忘忧的爱情的甜味。
　　　　　皇座、祭坛、法官的椅子和监狱：
　　　　　一般可怜的人物有些坐在里面，
　　　　　有些站在边上；持着王节，戴着法冠，
　　　　　执着宝剑和链索，或是拿着典籍，
　　　　　咬文嚼字把罪孽加在人家头上。——
　　　　　这些东西都好象是当年不可一世、
　　　　　而今已默默无闻的英豪的鬼魂，
　　　　　变成了狰狞可怕、原始野蛮的形状，
　　　　　从他们那些还没有摧残的纪功碑上，
　　　　　得意洋洋地对着他们的征服者的
　　　　　宫殿和坟墓了望：那许多恰合着
　　　　　皇帝和教主的身份的雄伟建筑，
　　　　　象征着黑暗和专横的信仰，以及
　　　　　跟他们所蹂躏的世界一般广大的权力，
　　　　　现在全化作了尘埃，只值得我们去
　　　　　凭吊和嗟叹；甚至他们最后一次的
　　　　　胜利所截获的许多兵器和旗号，
　　　　　也只是孤零零地遗留在人间凡世，
　　　　　虽然没有拖倒，却也没有人去理睬。
　　　　　还有那些神人共诛的丑恶的形象，
　　　　　相貌奇怪、野蛮、黑暗、可憎又可怖，
　　　　　一个个全是那位混世魔王朱比特
　　　　　用了各种各样名义幻变的化身；
　　　　　世界上的国家都心惊肉跳地拿着
　　　　　鲜血和失望破碎的心来供奉，
　　　　　又把爱，弄得浑身污垢，一丝不挂，
　　　　　拖上了祭坛，在人们不可遏止的
　　　　　泪水中间将它活活地来杀害，
　　　　　它们害怕，所以献媚：害怕也就是怨恨。
　　　　　那些形象眼看自己很快地在消灭，
　　　　　对着他们已放弃的神龛颦眉蹙额。
　　　　　那个涂彩的脸幕——粉饰太平的人
　　　　　都把它称作生活——曾经抹上各种颜色，
　　　　　装扮着一切人类所信仰和希望的
　　　　　东西，现在却完全让大家扯了下来。
　　　　　那个可恶的假面具终于完全撕毁，
　　　　　人类从此不再有皇权统治，无拘无束，
　　　自由自在；人类从此一律平等，
　　　没有阶级、氏族和国家的区别，
　　　也不再需要畏怕、崇拜、分别高低；
　　　每个人就是管理他自己的皇帝；
　　　每个人都是公平、温柔和聪明。
　　　可是人类是不是从此断绝了欲念？
　　　不，他们还没有脱离罪恶和痛苦，
　　　原来一切虽然由他们自己作主，
　　　可是也还免不掉受到命运、死亡
　　　和变迁的影响，他们依旧会制造出
　　　又去挨受着那两重魔障：这些原是
　　　他们的脚镣手铐，竟然害得它们
　　　无法超升那个人迹不到的天堂，
　　　飞越过那颗在冥空中闪霎的星垦。
　　
　　　（第四幕）
　　
　　　　　　　　 普罗密修斯洞府附近的森林一角。潘堤亚和
　　　　　　　　　伊翁涅睡在那里：歌声逐渐地把她们唤醒。
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 精灵们的歌声
　　
　　　　苍白的星星全已消逝！
　　　　因为那个捷足的牧童——
　　　　太阳——把它们赶进了栅栏，
　　　　赶进了晨曦的深处，
　　　　他穿上一件使里月失色的法衣，
　　　　　　它们便象麋鹿逃避虎伥，
　　　　　　奔出他蔚蓝色的领空。
　　　　　　　可是你们在哪里？
　　
　　　　　　　（一长列幽暗的身形和阴影参差杂乱地走
　　　过，口里在歌唱。）
　　
　　　　　　　　　　阴影们的歌唱
　　
　　　　　　　快来，啊，快来：
　　　　　　　我们一同来扛抬
　　　这位虚度了多少岁月的老爷爷：
　　　　　　　我们全是些幽魂，
　　　　　　　死去了的“时辰”，
　　　　　我们把“时光”送进他长眠的坟莹。
　　
　　　　　　　快堆，啊，快堆。
　　　　　　　用白发，别用青叶！
　　　　　包尸布上不要洒露水，要洒限泪！
　　　　　　　再登上花神的空楼。
　　　　　　　采取萎谢的花朵，
　　　　　来覆盖这位“时辰之王”的尸首！
　　
　　　　　　　快奔，啊，快奔！
　　　　　　　如同黑夜的阴影，
　　　抖抖瑟瑟地被白日逐出苍冥。
　　　　　　　我们浑身溶化，
　　　　　　　好象消散着的水花，
　　　受不住大晴天的作弄和戏耍：
　　　　　　　一阵阵清风唱出
　　　　　　　它们催眠的歌曲，
　　　那歌声在和谐的音调里逐渐沉寂！
　　
　　　　　　　　　　伊翁涅
　　
　　　　那些幽暗的身形是什么精灵？
　　
　　　　　　　　　　潘堤亚
　　
　　　　全是些衰老又过去了的“时辰”，
　　　　　携带着它们辛苦地收集的
　　　　　　许许多多战利品——
　　　　　战事的胜利全靠“那一位”的大力。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　伊翁涅
　　
　　　　它们走过了没有？
　　
　　　　　　　　　　潘堤亚
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 它们走过了；
　　　　　　我们话才出口，它们已经跑掉，
　　　　　　它们赶过了劲风，往前驰驱。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　伊翁涅
　　
　　　　　　 啊，去到哪里藏身？
　　
　　　　　　　　　　潘堤亚
　　
　　　　　去到那黑暗、过去、死亡的地区。
　　
　　　　　　　　　精灵们的歌声
　　
　　　　　　明净的云朵在天空倘祥，
　　　　　　星星般的露珠在地上闪耀，
　　　　　　波涛在海洋里会面聚首，
　　　　　　原来是暴风雨欢乐得发了狂，
　　　　　兴高采烈地和它们一同飞奔跳跃！
　　　　　　它们都兴奋得浑身颤抖，
　　　　　　快活得一个个手舞足蹈。
　　　　　　　可是你们哪里去了？
　　　　　　松针柏枝都一齐歌唱，
　　　　　　把旧曲谱成了新调，
　　　　　　滚滚的海浪和泉水
　　　　　　也把新奇的音乐来播放，
　　　　　仿佛汪洋和大陆上传来了伯乐，
　　　　　　大风大雨跟山岭打趣，
　　　　　　发出了响雷一般的欢笑。
　　　　　　　可是你们哪里去了？
　　　　　伊翁涅　这些驾车的是谁？
　　　　　潘堤亚 他们的车辆在哪里？
　　
　　　　　　　　 “时辰”半队合唱一
　　
　　　　　　　　空气中和地面上，精灵们的呼声
　　　　　　揭开了“睡眠”的绣花幔帐，它当初
　　　　　　　　掩蔽我们的身子，遮暗我们的生命，
　　　　　　在玄冥里。
　　
　　　　　　　　　 一个声音
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 在玄冥里？
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱二
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 啊，在玄冥的深处。
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱一
　　
　　　　　　　　千年万代，我们好象许多婴孩，
　　　　　　躺在怨恨和烦恼的幻象里安息，
　　　　　　　　一个兄弟睡着了，另一个便眼睛张开，
　　　　　　只见到真实——
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱二
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 比他们的幻梦更恶劣！
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱一
　　
　　　　　　　　我们在睡眠中听得了“希望”的弦琴；
　　　　　　我们在梦幻里认识了“爱”的声调；
　　　　　　　　我们感觉到“力量”的指挥，跳跃欢欣——
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱二
　　
　　　　　　正象海浪在晨光之下欢欣跳跃！
　　
　　　　　　　　　　全队合唱
　　
　　　　　　　　让我们踏着清风，翩跹地起舞，
　　　　　　再把歌声去穿过静寂的天光，
　　　　　　　　缠住了白日，别让它走得太快，
　　　　　　看住了它，把它送进“黑夜”的卧房．
　　
　　　　　　　　饥饿的“时辰”曾经家猎犬一样，
　　　　　　把白日当作流血的花鹿般追逐，
　　　　　看它跌跌撞撞地浑身受了伤，
　　　　　　跑遍了寂寞岁月里的深山幽谷。
　　
　　　　　　　　现在且把音乐、舞蹈和光明的
　　　　　　身形交织成一种神秘的韵律，
　　　　　　　　让“时辰”和强大愉快的精灵们
　　　　　　象云朵和太阳的光芒一般团绪。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　一个声音
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 团结！
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　看哪，人类的心神化作了许多精灵，
　　
　　　　　　　　 一步步在走近，它们把甜蜜的声音
　　　　　　　缠绕在身上，当作是鲜艳的衣裳。
　　
　　　　　　　　　精灵们合唱
　　
　　　　　　我们一同来狂欢，
　　　　　　一同来跳舞和歌唱，
　　　　　　　　　跟随着快活的旋风到处飞翔，
　　　　　　如同那些飞鱼，
　　　　　　跳出印度洋底，
　　　半醒半睡地和海鸟一块儿游戏。
　　
　　　　　　　　“时辰”们合唱
　　
　　　　　你们打哪里来的，如此轻快和狂放，
　　　　　问电一般的鞋子穿在你们脚上，
　　　　　你们的羽翼象思想一般轻松灵敏；
　　　　　眼睛又象爱，谁挡得住它的光明？
　　
　　　　　　　　　精灵们合唱
　　
　　　　　　　我们来的地方
　　　　　　　便是人类的心房，
　　　　　过去又是幽暗、又是秽垢和迷惘，
　　　　　　　现在却宁静安闲，
　　　　　　　如同清水的池潭，
　　　　　又好比万象运转的悠然青天。
　　
　　　　　　　我们来的地方
　　　　　　　是神奇又幸福的深渊，
　　　　　那边的洞窟全是水晶的殿堂，
　　　　　　　还有摩天的高楼，
　　　　　　　“思想”高踞在上头，
　　　　　看着你们，快活的“时辰”，舞脚舞手：
　　
　　　　　　　我们来的地方
　　　　　　　有着相思牵缠，
　　　　　情人们紧紧抓住你蓬松的云谷；
　　　　　　　又有青碧的小岛，
　　　　　　　“智慧”在嫣然微笑，
　　　　　误你们的船期，更有迷人的海妖．
　　
　　　　　　　我们来自人类的
　　　　　　　耳目上端的头额，
　　　　　里面丰富地宝藏着诗歌和雕刻。
　　　　　　　又有着琮琮的流泉，
　　　　　　　大家可以任意品尝，
　　　　　“科学”在此地培养她神奇的翅膀。
　　
　　　　　　　我们经年累月
　　　　　　　踏过泪痕和血迹，
　　　　　在仇恨、希望、恐怖的地狱里出人，
　　　　　　　我们乘长风，破巨浪，
　　　　　　　走遍各处的岛上，
　　　　　难得见幸福的鲜花在岛上开放。
　　
　　　　　　　我们每一只脚底，
　　　　　　　全穿上平安的软履，
　　　　　我们的羽翼又洒满了香油如雨，
　　　　　　　只见遥远的地方，
　　　　　　　人类的爱在了望，
　　　　　它眼光看到哪里，哪里便是天堂。
　　
　　　　　　　 精灵和“时辰”合唱
　　
　　　　　　那么，快张起神秘的罗网；
　　　　　啊，你们这些玲珑的精灵，
　　　　　　强大又高兴，快从地角和天边
　　　　　走来，曼舞翩翩，欢歌声声，
　　　　　　好象千千万万条河流里的波浪，
　　　　　　前推后涌奔赴光明融洽的海洋。
　　
　　　　　　　　　精灵们合唱
　　
　　　　　　　我们获得了战利品，
　　　　　　　我们的工作已经完成，
　　　　　我们自由自在地下沉、上升、飞奔；
　　　　　　　随你走近或是走远，
　　　　　　　或是在周围盘旋，
　　　　　或是就在那裹紧地球的黑暗里打转。
　　
　　　　　　　我们要穿过天上的星星，
　　　　　　　那一只只烁亮的眼睛，
　　　　　到冰天雪地的中心去移民开垦：
　　　　　　　死亡、混乱、黑夜，听到
　　　　　　　我们的脚声就遁逃，
　　　　　好象暴风雨一下子把迷雾赶跑。
　　
　　　　　　　还有“土地”、“空气”和“光明”，
　　　　　　　以及那个“大力的神灵”
　　　　　追逐得满天星斗火速地狂奔；
　　　　　　　还有“爱”、“思想”和“呼吸”，
　　　　　　　这些镇压住“死亡”的威力，
　　　　　我们飞升，它们就在底下聚集。
　　　　　　　我们要在空旷辽阔的田野，
　　　　　　　用我们的歌声去建造个世界，
　　　　　送给那些“智慧的精灵”去住家。
　　　　　　　我们要在人类的新世界里，
　　　　　　　去取得我们的计划和规律：
　　　　　我们的工作叫做“普罗密修斯事业”．
　　
　　　　　　　　“时辰”们合唱
　　
　　　　　叫舞伴散开，再把歌队拆分；
　　　　　　一部分人离去，一部分人留下．
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱一
　　
　　　　　我们被驱赶着一路走上天廷。
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱二
　　
　　　　　　我们留在人间过迷醉的生涯。
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱一
　　
　　　　　又急促，又自由，脚不停步地直闯，
　　　　　精灵们要造个新的地球和海洋，
　　　　　在决没有天堂的地方盖座天堂。
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱二
　　
　　　　　又严肃，又缓慢，又素静，又明净，
　　　　　带领着“白日”，赶过了“黑夜”往前行：
　　　　　这光明世界里的力量取用不尽。
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱一
　　
　　　　　我们飘过在集合中的星球，高声歌唱，
　　　　　直到树林、野兽、云朵都变了情况：
　　　　　混乱变成平静：靠的是爱，不是恐慌。
　　
　　　　　　　　　 半队合唱二
　　
　　　　　　　　我们环绕着人间的海洋和山岭，
　　　　　　　　　只见生生死死的快乐的身形
　　　　　　　都作作了欢欣甜蜜的仙乐妙音。
　　
　　　　　　　　“时辰”和精员合唱
　　
　　　　　　　　叫舞伴散开，再把歌队拆分，
　　　　　　　　　一部分人离去，一部分人留下，
　　　　　　　　我们大家天南地北到处飞奔，
　　　　　　　　手执星光般的链索，又软又坚韧，
　　　　　　　　　拖拉着载满情露爱雨的云霞。
　　
　　　　潘塔亚　 好了！他们走了！
　　　　　伊翁涅　他们这般地可爱，
　　　　　　　　　 你一些不觉得有趣？
　　　　　潘堤亚　 如同空漠的青山，
　　　　　　　　　 当软绵绵的云雾化作了一阵细雨，
　　　　　　　　　 它便对着一碧万里的长空，笑出了
　　　　　　　　　 千万点灿烂的泪珠。
　　　　　伊翁涅　我们在这里谈话，
　　　　　　　　　 又传来了新的旋律。这是什么怪声？
　　　　　潘堤亚　 这是那转动的世界所发出的妙乐，
　　　　　　　　　 它把涟漪一般的空气当作琴弦，
　　　　　　　　　 拨弹出悠扬飘忽的曲调。
　　　　　伊翁涅　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 你再听，
　　
　　　　每一句后面总指着委婉的尾声，
　　　　　　　又清脆，又明净，一声声撩人心思，
　　　　　　　刺进了你的感觉，占据住你的灵魂，
　　　　　　　正象尖锐的星星，穿过冬天晶莹的
　　　　　　　寒空，在海水里欣赏自己的身影。
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　且看森林里有两处空洞的地方，
　　
　　　　上面有许多低垂的树枝张着天幔，
　　　　　　　只见一条清溪分成了两股水流，
　　　　　　　它们经过了密层层的藤萝和苔藓，
　　　　　　　低吟着各奔前程，好似姊妹双双
　　　　　　　在叹息中别离，将来在笑声中团聚；
　　　　　　　它们分了手，一个去到烦恼和多情的
　　　　　　　海岛，一个去到甜蜜而幽怨的树林；
　　　　　　　两长条光彩神奇的河流，漂浮在
　　　　　　　汹涌澎湃、钩魂摄魄的声浪中间，——
　　　　　　　只听得它越来越响，越来越急，
　　　　　　　　又越来越深，在地下和空中飘荡。
　　
　　　　伊翁涅　我看见一辆车辇，象是细长无比的
　　
　　　　小艇，每次当“月份的母亲”从她的
　　　　　　　晦暗的梦幻里醒回，黯淡的天光
　　　　　　　总用来把她送到她西方的洞府；
　　　　　　　车顶上覆盖着一个球形的篷帐，
　　　　　　　　幽暗无光，可是打漆黑的幕端里
　　　　　　　往外望，山丘树林完全线条分明，
　　　　　　　如同妖巫的玻璃球中显现的形象，
　　　　　　　　结实的云团做车辆，全是些蓝玉
　　　　　　　　和黄金，正象那些风伯雨师散满在
　　　　　　　　海水里的东西一样，上面波光翻动，
　　　　　　　下面又有着日影在奔腾；这些轮子
　　　　　　　越转越快，越滚越大，好象起着狂风。
　　　　　　　车中坐着一个长着羽翼的婴孩，
　　　　　　　他的脸色白净，如同晶明的白雪；
　　　　　　　他的翎翮又象阳光下羽毛一般的
　　　　　　　霜花；他身上的白袍，好似一颗颗
　　　　　　　珍珠穿成，显出行云流水般的皱纹，
　　　　　　　遮不住他的四肢，闪闪地发着白光。
　　　　　　　他的头发也是白的，好似一条条
　　　　　　　白炽的火焰；他的一双眼睛却是
　　　　　　　两大片水汪汪的黑暗，里面的神仙
　　　　　　　尽把这黑暗对利箭般的睫毛外边洒，
　　　　　　　好似暴风雨从杂乱的云堆里下降，
　　　　　　　用那不发光的火去调节四周围
　　　　　　　寒冷和明亮的空气；他手里晃着
　　　　　　　一枝抖颤着的月华的光芒，更有
　　　　　　　一种力量在指挥着车头，带动云轮，
　　　　　　　滚过青草、鲜花和波浪，引起了一阵
　　　　　　　悦耳的清音，如同轻露细雨的歌声。
　　
　　　　潘堤亚　再从树林的另一条隙缝里，又看见
　　
　　　　　一个星球象旋风般高歌和狂奔，
　　　　　　　它正同千千万万星球一样，仿佛是
　　　　　　　结实的水晶，它的固体好比一个
　　　　　　　来去无阻的空间，流动着音乐和光明。
　　　　　　　成千累万个圆球互相缠绕，互相混杂，
　　　　　　　有青的，有紫的，也有白的和绿的，
　　　　　　　还有金黄色的；星球里头又有星球；
　　　　　星球和星球中间，每一个空隙
　　　　　都挤满了奇形怪状的东西，如同
　　　　　黑暗深处簇聚着的鬼影和梦魅，
　　　　　可是他们完全透明，穿过这一个的
　　　　　躯体，能够看到另一个的身形，
　　　　　他们表现出各式各样的动作，
　　　　　你环着我走，我绕着你飞，好象靠了
　　　　　各式各样看不见的轴心在转动，
　　　　　用着奋不顾身的速率滚个不停，
　　　　　又紧张，又从容，又庄严，又镇定，
　　　　　发出高低的声响，和缓急的音调，
　　　　　唱起狂放的乐曲和清晰的歌词。
　　　　　那个人烟稠密的星球转得更有力，
　　　　　把一条灿烂的河流搅成蔚蓝的气雾，
　　　　　回复了原始的浑饨，大片的光明；
　　　　　且说森林中一阵阵野花的幽香，
　　　　　还有新鲜的空气和青草合奏的音乐，
　　　　　以及参差的树叶散发的翡翠光芒，
　　　　　环绕着这种快速到自相冲突的转动，
　　　　　似乎变作一团大而无形的力量，
　　　　　把感觉压了下去。那个星球里面，
　　　　　硫磺石灰的怀抱中间，“大地的精灵”
　　　　　正瞌睡在它自己收敛起的羽翼
　　　　　和卷曲的发丝上边，象一个玩耍得
　　　　　疲倦了的婴孩；只见它笑逐颜开，
　　　　　两爿小嘴唇在蠕动，好象一个人
　　　　　　　在睡梦中诉说着他甜蜜的心事。
　　
　　　　伊翁涅　它只是在学唱星球所歌吟的曲调。
　　　　　潘堤亚　它头额上一颗星，放射出碧油油的
　　
　　　　火焰，象一把把利剑；又象桂花树上
　　　　　　　竖起了斩奸除暴的金黄色的枪尖，
　　　　　　　象征着天上和人间从此接连。
　　　　　　　这许多光芒，如同多少根地轴，
　　　　　　　带动看不见的轮子，跟着星球旋转，
　　　　　　　快得比思想更快，地底下到处是
　　　　　　　太阳般的电光，一忽儿直，一忽儿横，
　　　　　　　它们穿凿着泥土，进了再进，深了更深，
　　　　　　　一路揭开着土地中心所蕴结的秘密：
　　　　　　　无数的矿藏，无量的钻石和黄金，
　　　　　　　加上许许多多毫无价值的累赘，
　　　　　　　以及各种各样意想不到的珍宝；
　　　　　　　一个个深洞幽窟，撑起了晶莹的
　　　　　　　玉柱，下面铺满了素净的白银；
　　　　　　　无底的火井；又有涓涓的泉源，
　　　　　　　象喂哺婴孩般灌注进汪洋和大海，
　　　　　　　蒸发出来的水汽替巍峨的山峰
　　　　　　　披上了富丽堂皇的银鼠的雪裘。
　　　　　　　那些光芒继续朝前闪耀，照现出
　　　　　　　湮没的年代所留下的悲惨遗迹：
　　　　　　　铁锚、战舰的船身；变成了石片的
　　　　　　　甲板；箭袋、头盔、干戈，和虎头的
　　　　　　 盾牌；兵车的轮子、绘制着图微的
　　　　　施旗和战利品，以及披甲的骏马，
　　　　　鬼魂环绕着它们狞笑，阴森森地
　　　　　象征着死的破坏，一重一重的毁灭；
　　　　　许多繁华的城市都化作了废墟，
　　　　　泥土埋盖了当年居住在里面的
　　　　　生灵，他们虽然会死，却并不是人类；
　　　　　你看，那些古怪的骷髅和惊人的手艺，
　　　　　他们的雕像，房屋和庙宇；一件件
　　　　　神奇的物体都已经摧毁和破裂，
　　　　　灰沉沉变积在坚硬黑暗的地下。
　　　　　上面又有许多不知名的生翅动物；
　　　　　各种鱼类堆叠成的鳞片的岛屿；
　　　　　一条条长蛇象骨节穿成的链子，
　　　　　它们缠绕在铁石上面，或者四盘在
　　　　　灰堆里，原来它们最后的剧痛，
　　　　　使它们发出一股死劲，竟把铁石
　　　　　绞成了粉。这些上面又有一种
　　　　　浑身锯齿的爬虫，它们的气力能够
　　　　　推山摇岳，曾经是威震一世的兽壬；
　　　　　它们在泥滑的海边，丛莽的地面，
　　　　　象夏天弃尸身上的虫蛆，不断地
　　　　　在繁殖滋生，直到这个碧绿的地球，
　　　　　把洪水当作一件大髦，紧裹在身上，
　　　　　它们便吼叫着，喘息着，断种灭迹，
　　　　　似乎有一个神道，高踞在彗星上，
　　　　　打天空经过，口里喝道一声：“变！”
　　　　　它们便象我说的话一样，从此不见。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　大地
　　
　　　　　　啊，快乐，胜利，高兴，再加上疯狂！
　　　　　　无穷的欢欣如火如焚，如风如浪，
　　　　　关不住的愉快象烟雾一般飞腾！
　　　　　　哈：哈！充满了得意的心情，
　　　　　　光明的气氛把我周身裹紧，
　　　　　带着我往前奔，好象是风卷残云。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　月亮
　　
　　　　　　我的好哥哥，你到处逍遥邀游，
　　　　　　气和土造成你这快活的圆球，
　　　　　有一个精灵象一道毫光，打你身上
　　　　　　射进我这凝霜结冰的躯体，
　　　　　　一路散发着火焰般的热气，
　　　　　有爱，有香味，还有深沉的歌唱：
　　　　　　刺进了胸膛，刺进了胸膛！
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　大地
　　
　　　　　　哈！哈：我那七穿八洞的空山，
　　　　　　豁裂的火岩，欢喜跳跃的喷泉，
　　　　　它们都高声狂笑，笑得没法停顿，
　　　　　　各处的海洋、沙漠和深渊，
　　　　　　高空中无边无际的洪荒，
　　　　　都兴风作浪，发出附和的回声。
　　
　　　　　　它们叫喊得和我一样响。
　　　　　　啊，我驾你这万恶的魔王，
　　　　　你存心想把这青碧的宇宙毁灭！
　　　　　　你居然推出乌云，降下火雷，
　　　　　　把我儿女的骨骼打得粉碎，
　　　　　变成了一大团血肉模糊的东西，——
　　
　　　　　　害得层楼高阁、栋梁庭柱、
　　　　　　宫殿、石碑和庄严的庙宇，
　　　　　以及千山万岳，都罩上了火和烟，
　　　　　　波涛般的森林、花朵和树叶，
　　　　　　平时总在我胸怀里安息，
　　　　　也让你的怨愤踩死了变作泥浆。
　　
　　　　　　且看你现在怎样沦陷、溃败、
　　　　　　躲藏，被大家吸成一根枯柴，
　　　　　把你当作沙漠行军的一个水杯，
　　　　　　每人喝上一滴；在你上下周围，
　　　　　　把你摧残尽的空间垫满了爱，
　　　　　如同霹雳击碎的洞窟里大放光彩。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　月亮
　　
　　　　　　白雪离开我静止的山头，
　　　　　　变成了许多活泼的泉流，
　　　　　我的凝固的海洋及歌又舞又发光，
　　　　　　一个精灵冲出了我的心，
　　　　　　想不到有一种新的生命
　　　　　贴紧我寒冷赤裸的胸脯：这一定是你
　　　　　　躺在我身上，躺在我身上！
　　　　　　望着你，我能感到，也能知道，
　　　　　　鲜叶在爆青，好花都含苞，
　　　　　生气勃勃的身形在我心头徘徊：
　　　　　　海上和天空传来了乐声，
　　　　　　云阵张开翅膀东西飞奔，
　　　　　黑沉沉带来了新蕾所梦求的雨水：
　　　　　　这就是爱，这全是爱！
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　大地
　　
　　　　　　它贯穿我花岗石结成的心脏，
　　　　　　经过牵缠的草根、踩平的土壤，
　　　　　走进树顶上的叶片和最娇艳的花朵；
　　　　　　它更推动了风声和云影，
　　　　　　使遗忘了的死者重又苏醒，
　　　　　竟把一位精灵引出了他幽秘的密室。
　　
　　　　　　他猛冲出灯烛全无的深洞，
　　　　　　象暴风雨般带着响雷和狂风，
　　　　　从乌烟瘴气的牢狱里上升到高空
　　　　　　他那地震般的咆哮和速度，
　　　　　　骇得错乱的思想永远停住，
　　　　　直到怨恨、恐怖、痛苦的黑影幢幢。
　　　　　　离开了“人”，——人是多角度的镜子，
　　　　　　他能把世上真实美丽的东西，
　　　　　照在里面，变作妖魔鬼怪，象一片海
　　　　　　反映着爱；他在同类中间来往，
　　　　　　象太阳溜过又滑又静的海洋，
　　　　　更从灿烂的天顶洒下生命和光辉；
　　
　　　　　　“人”象是被遗弃的麻风的婴孩，
　　　　　　当他看见了一只病痛的野兽，
　　　　　就跟随着去到暖和的山壑，用温泉
　　　　　　洗涤治疗，想不到他回转家门，
　　　　　　脸色已经红润，母亲还当是鬼魂，
　　　　　到后来，知道孩儿重生，便涕泅满面。
　　
　　　　　　啊，“人”呀！你是一条思想的链索，
　　　　　　爱和威力永远串连在一处，
　　　　　又有坚强的意志驱使着万物生灵；
　　　　　　正象太阳统治那扑朔迷离的
　　　　　　共和天国，虽难免峻颜厉色，
　　　　　却是在奋斗着创造自由的天延。
　　
　　　　　　“人”是许多灵魂合成的一个灵魂，
　　　　　　支配自然该是他天赋的特性，
　　　　　一切都互相交流，象江河接连海洋，
　　　　　　有了爱，生活便变得美丽，
　　　　　　劳动、痛苦、忧愁，全换了情绪，
　　　　　在人生青绿的树丛中快乐地徜徉！
　　
　　　　　　他的意志，尽管有卑鄙的欲情、
　　　　　　荒荡的娱乐、自私的烦恼和责任，
　　　　　不受约束，又有一种威力能使人服从，
　　　　　　却象一条驾着长风的巨艇，爱
　　　　　　掌着舵，惊涛骇浪都不敢撒野，
　　　　　震撼着人生的边岸，走上它的征程。
　　
　　　　　　一切东西都显示着他的力量：
　　　　　　彩色的图画和冰冷的石像；
　　　　　慈母手中一缕缕缝缀衣裳的丝线，
　　　　　　还有语言，这永久神秘的歌唱，
　　　　　　它用着艺术的谐调来执管
　　　　　形式和思想，产生了意义和色相。
　　
　　　　　　闪电是他的奴隶；高冥的穹苍
　　　　　　献出了大小星辰，象一群牛羊，
　　　　　它们打他眼前经过，记了数目往前转！
　　　　　　雷雨是他的坐骑，在空中驰骋；
　　　　　　只听得纤毫毕露的深渊嚷着问：
　　　　　天，你有没有秘密？我已经被“人”揭穿。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　月亮
　　
　　　　　　苍白的死亡的阴影，终于
　　　　　　在天上掠过了我的身子，
　　　好象一幅霜雪和睡眠制成的尸衾；
　　　　　　我那新织的绣帏左右，
　　　　　　流连着许多快乐的腻友，
　　　他们并不威武，又是温柔又斯文，
　　　　　　正象你深谷中居住的仙神。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　大地
　　
　　　　　　当晨曦散发着热气，搂抱住
　　　　　　一半露凝的地球，金黄、碧绿
　　　　　又透明，直到它变成插翅的云雾，
　　　　　　飘飘忽忽地飞上青天的穹顶，
　　　　　　等到月亮东升，太阳西沉，
　　　　　还挂在海上象一团发着紫光的红火。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　月亮
　　
　　　　　　你现在就被那永生的光辉
　　　　　　搂抱着，你安静地横躺在
　　　　　上天神圣的笑容和自己的喜气中间；
　　　　　　一切的太阳和万千的星辰
　　　　　　拿了一片光明、一个生命、
　　　　　一股力量替你盛装，你把你的衣裳
　　　　　　穿在我身上，穿在我身上：
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　大地
　　
　　　　　　我在黑夜的山峰下转动，
　　　　　　这山峰怀着欢欣高耸入天空，
　　　　　在我醉迷的瞌睡中低吟胜利的欢歌；
　　　　　　如同青年躺在美丽的阴影里，
　　　　　　做着缱绻的好梦，轻声叹息，
　　　　　光明和热情坐在他身旁细心侍候。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　月亮
　　
　　　　　　正象温柔甜蜜的月食夜，
　　　　　　两颗灵魂在情人的嘴唇间相会，
　　　　　兴奋变得平静，明亮的眼睛张不开；
　　　　　　你的影子覆在我的身上，
　　　　　　我便也发不出一点儿声响；
　　　　　啊，宇宙间最美丽的星球！我的心怀
　　　　　　载满了你的爱，载不下你的爱！
　　
　　　　你环绕着太阳急急地转，
　　　　大千世界中可算得最辉煌，
　　　　一个碧绿又蔚蓝的星球
　　　　散发着无比神圣的光流，
　　　　你是天上最亮的一盏灯，
　　　　给上天带来了生命和光明．
　　　　我原是你纯洁的情人，
　　　　长着一对磁石般的眼睛，
　　　　北极的天堂给我一种力量
　　　　使我夜夜陪伴在你身旁：
　　　　我是一个热爱狂恋的姑娘，
　　　　她那颗柔嫩弱小的心灵上
　　　　过重地载负着深情和密意，
　　　如痴如醉地侍候着你，
　　　正象一个新嫁娘，从下到上、
　　　从右到左、百看不厌地对你望，
　　　如同酒神，快活得发了疯，
　　　绕着阿伽夫在怪异的林中
　　　举起的一只酒杯乱纵乱跳。
　　　哥哥呀，无论你飞得多么高，
　　　我总是紧紧地追随在你身旁，
　　　走遍浩浩荡荡的穹苍，
　　　躲藏在你温暖的怀抱里面，
　　　遮挡住了那荒漠的空间，
　　　又从你的感觉和视觉里
　　　吸取着力量、庄严、美丽：
　　　如同一个情人或一条蜥蜴，
　　　和什么在一起就变什么性质；
　　　如同紫罗兰妩媚的眼睛，
　　　凝视着一碧无涯的天心，
　　　　　跟了它看到的东西改换色调；
　　　如同灰白又潮润的晚雾，
　　　变成一片紫石英的光幕，
　　　　　当它偷偷地把西方的山岳拥抱，
　　　眼看太阳下沉，
　　　　　　　躺在雪上——
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　大地
　　
　　　　　　黄昏精疲力竭，
　　　　　　　眼泪汪汪。
　　　　　　　　啊，温柔的月亮，你那愉快的声音
　　　　　　　　传到我耳朵里．正象是你的光明，
　　　　　　　　清澈又柔和，安慰着海上的船夫们，
　　　　　　在夏夜静寂的岛屿间来往；
　　　　　　　　啊，温柔的月亮，你那铿锵的辞句
　　　　　　　　直穿进我那些深幽和孤僻的洞窟，
　　　　　　　　使猛兽神往，又好象用了香油敷抹
　　　　　　它们所践踏出来的创伤。
　　
　　　　潘塔亚　我从溪泉般的歌声里升起来，
　　　　　　　　　 好象跨出一个水光闪烁的澡池——
　　　　　　　　　　　阴暗的岩石间，一池油碧的光亮。
　　
　　　　　伊翁涅　 啊！好姐姐，那声浪已经离开了我们，
　　　　　　　　　 你却说你恰好从它的波涛里上升，
　　　　　　　　　 原来你的说话一句一句好象是
　　　　　　　　　 森林中出浴的仙女身上和头发上
　　　　　　　　　 洒下来的又明净又柔软的水珠。
　　　　　潘堤亚　别响！别响！一个伟大的神道，如同
　　　　　　　　　 黑暗一样，升出了地面，又如夜晚一样，
　　　　　　　　　 从天上象雷雨般下降；更在空气里
　　　　　　　　　 向四面爆发，好象日食时一切的
　　　　　　　　　 光亮都收进了太阳的毛孔：只见
　　　　　　　　　 许多歌唱着的精灵辉映闪耀，
　　　　　　　　　 象流星一般在夜空中疾驰来往。
　　　　　伊翁涅　我的耳朵里感到有说活的声音。
　　　　　潘塔亚　啊，听！这是天上人间都懂得的语言！
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　 冥王
　　
　　　　　　　大地！你是幸福者平静的王国，
　　　　　　载满了神奇的形状、和谐的音籁。
　　　　　　　美丽的行星呀：你在天上游乐，
　　　　　　一路拾掇着散布在道上的情爱。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　大地
　　
　　　　　　　　这声音使我象露珠一般想逃避。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　冥王
　　
　　　　　　　月亮！你每晚多情地望着大地，
　　　　　　正象大地每晚对你看出了神，
　　　　　　　你们对于人类，飞禽和走兽，
　　　　　　都象征着美和爱，协调和平静！
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　月亮
　　
　　　　　　　　这声音使我象树叶一般地战兢。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　冥王
　　
　　　　　　　一切太阳星辰的帝君，一切神道
　　　　　　和仙妖，众位天尊！极乐世界里面
　　　　　　　是你们的住家，万千星斗照耀，
　　　　　　再没有风吹雨打，真是幸福无边；
　　
　　　　　　　　　　天上的声音
　　
　　　　　　我们的共和国，受到祝福．也祝福别人．
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　冥王
　　
　　　　　一切安乐的死者！你们把奇妙的诗词
　　　　　　不作画像的彩色，却当藏身的迷云，
　　　　　无论你们的本性象你们亲眼目睹
　　　　　　受苦受难的宇宙一般永久——
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 地下的声音
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 或是象我们
　　　　　　遗留在世上的人那样变幻和沉沦。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　冥王
　　
　　　　　你们这些妖魔鬼怪，你们在各处安身：
　　　　　　从人类聪明的头脑一直到人类
　　　　　铁石的心肠；从星月皎洁的天顶
　　　　　　一直到虫蛆啮食的乌黑的海苔！
　　
　　　　　　　　　一种嘈杂的声音
　　
　　　　　　你的声音使我们从遗忘中醒了回来。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　冥王
　　
　　　　　一切把血肉当窝巢的精灵；各种
　　　　　　走兽和飞禽，各种鱼虾和虫蝇；
　　　　　各种的树叶和花蕾；闪电和狂风；
　　　　　　还有寥空中无法驯服的飞雾和流星！
　　
　　　　　　　　　　一个声音
　　
　　　　　　你的嗓音好比静寂的林子里的风声．
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　冥王
　　
　　　　　“人”呀，你曾经做过暴君也做过奴隶，
　　　　　　你曾经欺过人也受过人欺；你的肉身
　　　　　要腐烂；你经过了无穷尽的白日和黑夜，
　　　　　　跋山涉水，从摇篮一直走进坟莹。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　全体神灵
　　
　　　　　　请讲！但愿你的隽言细语万古长存！
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　冥王
　　
　　　　　今天日子到了，玄冥中响起一阵呼声，
　　　　　要用人间的法宝去打倒天上的暴君，
　　　　　　那位“征服者”就被拖进了无底的幽窟：
　　　　　“爱”便从它慧心和耐性的宝座里，
　　　　　从它受尽煎熬、最后昏迷的时辰里，
　　　　　　从它那光滑得难以站稳、峭险得
　　　　　无法攀登、乱石一般的痛苦里跳出来，
　　　　　把安慰的羽翼覆盖住人类的世界。
　　
　　　　　温和、德行、智慧和忍耐，这些全是
　　　　　最坚固的保障，象签条一样，密封住
　　　　　　冥穴的洞口，不让“毁灭”来降灾作恶；
　　　　　万一“永久”，一切事迹和时辰的母亲，
　　　　　管束不严，让那条毒蛇跳出了深阱，
　　　　　　被它用细绳般的身体把手脚捆缚，
　　　　　这些法宝自能拔除一切的妖孽，
　　　　　重新来巩固我们统治的权力。
　　
　　　　　忍受一切“希望”觉得是无穷的痛苦；
　　　　　宽恕一切象“死”和“夜”一般黑暗的罪过，
　　　　　　打倒那种俨然是无所不能的“权威”。
　　　　　全心地爱，别怕困难，不要放弃希望，
　　　　　“希望”自会在艰难中实现它的梦想，
　　　　　　不要改变，不要灰心，也不要懊悔，
　　　　　“提坦”呀，这才和你的光荣一般，完全是
　　　　　善良、伟大和欢欣、自由和美丽；
　　　　　这才可算得生命、快乐、统治和胜利。
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　邵洵美　　　译

　　THE DAEMON OF THE WORLD.
　　
　　A FRAGMENT.
　　
　　PART 1.
　　
　　[Sections 1 and 2 of "Queen Mab" rehandled, and published by Shelley
　　in the "Alastor" volume, 1816. See "Bibliographical List", and the
　　Editor's Introductory Note to "Queen Mab".]
　　
　　Nec tantum prodere vati,
　　Quantum scire licet. Venit aetas omnis in unam
　　Congeriem, miserumque premunt tot saecula pectus.
　　LUCAN, Phars. v. 176.
　　
　　How wonderful is Death,
　　Death and his brother Sleep!
　　One pale as yonder wan and horned moon,
　　With lips of lurid blue,
　　The other glowing like the vital morn, _5
　　When throned on ocean's wave
　　It breathes over the world:
　　Yet both so passing strange and wonderful!
　　
　　Hath then the iron-sceptred Skeleton,
　　Whose reign is in the tainted sepulchres, _10
　　To the hell dogs that couch beneath his throne
　　Cast that fair prey? Must that divinest form,
　　Which love and admiration cannot view
　　Without a beating heart, whose azure veins
　　Steal like dark streams along a field of snow, _15
　　Whose outline is as fair as marble clothed
　　In light of some sublimest mind, decay?
　　Nor putrefaction's breath
　　Leave aught of this pure spectacle
　　But loathsomeness and ruin?-- _20
　　Spare aught but a dark theme,
　　On which the lightest heart might moralize?
　　Or is it but that downy-winged slumbers
　　Have charmed their nurse coy Silence near her lids
　　To watch their own repose? _25
　　Will they, when morning's beam
　　Flows through those wells of light,
　　Seek far from noise and day some western cave,
　　Where woods and streams with soft and pausing winds
　　A lulling murmur weave?-- _30
　　Ianthe doth not sleep
　　The dreamless sleep of death:
　　Nor in her moonlight chamber silently
　　Doth Henry hear her regular pulses throb,
　　Or mark her delicate cheek _35
　　With interchange of hues mock the broad moon,
　　Outwatching weary night,
　　Without assured reward.
　　Her dewy eyes are closed;
　　On their translucent lids, whose texture fine _40
　　Scarce hides the dark blue orbs that burn below
　　With unapparent fire,
　　The baby Sleep is pillowed:
　　Her golden tresses shade
　　The bosom's stainless pride, _45
　　Twining like tendrils of the parasite
　　Around a marble column.
　　
　　Hark! whence that rushing sound?
　　'Tis like a wondrous strain that sweeps
　　Around a lonely ruin _50
　　When west winds sigh and evening waves respond
　　In whispers from the shore:
　　'Tis wilder than the unmeasured notes
　　Which from the unseen lyres of dells and groves
　　The genii of the breezes sweep. _55
　　Floating on waves of music and of light,
　　The chariot of the Daemon of the World
　　Descends in silent power:
　　Its shape reposed within: slight as some cloud
　　That catches but the palest tinge of day _60
　　When evening yields to night,
　　Bright as that fibrous woof when stars indue
　　Its transitory robe.
　　Four shapeless shadows bright and beautiful
　　Draw that strange car of glory, reins of light _65
　　Check their unearthly speed; they stop and fold
　　Their wings of braided air:
　　The Daemon leaning from the ethereal car
　　Gazed on the slumbering maid.
　　Human eye hath ne'er beheld _70
　　A shape so wild, so bright, so beautiful,
　　As that which o'er the maiden's charmed sleep
　　Waving a starry wand,
　　Hung like a mist of light.
　　Such sounds as breathed around like odorous winds _75
　　Of wakening spring arose,
　　Filling the chamber and the moonlight sky.
　　Maiden, the world's supremest spirit
　　Beneath the shadow of her wings
　　Folds all thy memory doth inherit _80
　　From ruin of divinest things,
　　Feelings that lure thee to betray,
　　And light of thoughts that pass away.
　　For thou hast earned a mighty boon,
　　The truths which wisest poets see _85
　　Dimly, thy mind may make its own,
　　Rewarding its own majesty,
　　Entranced in some diviner mood
　　Of self-oblivious solitude.
　　
　　Custom, and Faith, and Power thou spurnest; _90
　　From hate and awe thy heart is free;
　　Ardent and pure as day thou burnest,
　　For dark and cold mortality
　　A living light, to cheer it long,
　　The watch-fires of the world among. _95
　　
　　Therefore from nature's inner shrine,
　　Where gods and fiends in worship bend,
　　Majestic spirit, be it thine
　　The flame to seize, the veil to rend,
　　Where the vast snake Eternity _100
　　In charmed sleep doth ever lie.
　　
　　All that inspires thy voice of love,
　　Or speaks in thy unclosing eyes,
　　Or through thy frame doth burn or move,
　　Or think or feel, awake, arise! _105
　　Spirit, leave for mine and me
　　Earth's unsubstantial mimicry!
　　
　　It ceased, and from the mute and moveless frame
　　A radiant spirit arose,
　　All beautiful in naked purity. _110
　　Robed in its human hues it did ascend,
　　Disparting as it went the silver clouds,
　　It moved towards the car, and took its seat
　　Beside the Daemon shape.
　　
　　Obedient to the sweep of aery song, _115
　　The mighty ministers
　　Unfurled their prismy wings.
　　The magic car moved on;
　　The night was fair, innumerable stars
　　Studded heaven's dark blue vault; _120
　　The eastern wave grew pale
　　With the first smile of morn.
　　The magic car moved on.
　　From the swift sweep of wings
　　The atmosphere in flaming sparkles flew; _125
　　And where the burning wheels
　　Eddied above the mountain's loftiest peak
　　Was traced a line of lightning.
　　Now far above a rock the utmost verge
　　Of the wide earth it flew, _130
　　The rival of the Andes, whose dark brow
　　Frowned o'er the silver sea.
　　Far, far below the chariot's stormy path,
　　Calm as a slumbering babe,
　　Tremendous ocean lay. _135
　　Its broad and silent mirror gave to view
　　The pale and waning stars,
　　The chariot's fiery track,
　　And the grey light of morn
　　Tingeing those fleecy clouds _140
　　That cradled in their folds the infant dawn.
　　The chariot seemed to fly
　　Through the abyss of an immense concave,
　　Radiant with million constellations, tinged
　　With shades of infinite colour, _145
　　And semicircled with a belt
　　Flashing incessant meteors.
　　
　　As they approached their goal,
　　The winged shadows seemed to gather speed.
　　The sea no longer was distinguished; earth _150
　　Appeared a vast and shadowy sphere, suspended
　　In the black concave of heaven
　　With the sun's cloudless orb,
　　Whose rays of rapid light
　　Parted around the chariot's swifter course, _155
　　And fell like ocean's feathery spray
　　Dashed from the boiling surge
　　Before a vessel's prow.
　　
　　The magic car moved on.
　　Earth's distant orb appeared _160
　　The smallest light that twinkles in the heavens,
　　Whilst round the chariot's way
　　Innumerable systems widely rolled,
　　And countless spheres diffused
　　An ever varying glory. _165
　　It was a sight of wonder! Some were horned,
　　And like the moon's argentine crescent hung
　　In the dark dome of heaven; some did shed
　　A clear mild beam like Hesperus, while the sea
　　Yet glows with fading sunlight; others dashed _170
　　Athwart the night with trains of bickering fire,
　　Like sphered worlds to death and ruin driven;
　　Some shone like stars, and as the chariot passed
　　Bedimmed all other light.
　　
　　Spirit of Nature! here _175
　　In this interminable wilderness
　　Of worlds, at whose involved immensity
　　Even soaring fancy staggers,
　　Here is thy fitting temple.
　　Yet not the lightest leaf _180
　　That quivers to the passing breeze
　　Is less instinct with thee,--
　　Yet not the meanest worm.
　　That lurks in graves and fattens on the dead,
　　Less shares thy eternal breath. _185
　　Spirit of Nature! thou
　　Imperishable as this glorious scene,
　　Here is thy fitting temple.
　　
　　If solitude hath ever led thy steps
　　To the shore of the immeasurable sea, _190
　　And thou hast lingered there
　　Until the sun's broad orb
　　Seemed resting on the fiery line of ocean,
　　Thou must have marked the braided webs of gold
　　That without motion hang _195
　　Over the sinking sphere:
　　Thou must have marked the billowy mountain clouds,
　　Edged with intolerable radiancy,
　　Towering like rocks of jet
　　Above the burning deep: _200
　　And yet there is a moment
　　When the sun's highest point
　　Peers like a star o'er ocean's western edge,
　　When those far clouds of feathery purple gleam
　　Like fairy lands girt by some heavenly sea: _205
　　Then has thy rapt imagination soared
　　Where in the midst of all existing things
　　The temple of the mightiest Daemon stands.
　　
　　Yet not the golden islands
　　That gleam amid yon flood of purple light, _210
　　Nor the feathery curtains
　　That canopy the sun's resplendent couch,
　　Nor the burnished ocean waves
　　Paving that gorgeous dome,
　　So fair, so wonderful a sight _215
　　As the eternal temple could afford.
　　The elements of all that human thought
　　Can frame of lovely or sublime, did join
　　To rear the fabric of the fane, nor aught
　　Of earth may image forth its majesty. _220
　　Yet likest evening's vault that faery hall,
　　As heaven low resting on the wave it spread
　　Its floors of flashing light,
　　Its vast and azure dome;
　　And on the verge of that obscure abyss _225
　　Where crystal battlements o'erhang the gulf
　　Of the dark world, ten thousand spheres diffuse
　　Their lustre through its adamantine gates.
　　
　　The magic car no longer moved;
　　The Daemon and the Spirit _230
　　Entered the eternal gates.
　　Those clouds of aery gold
　　That slept in glittering billows
　　Beneath the azure canopy,
　　With the ethereal footsteps trembled not; _235
　　While slight and odorous mists
　　Floated to strains of thrilling melody
　　Through the vast columns and the pearly shrines.
　　
　　The Daemon and the Spirit
　　Approached the overhanging battlement, _240
　　Below lay stretched the boundless universe!
　　There, far as the remotest line
　　That limits swift imagination's flight.
　　Unending orbs mingled in mazy motion,
　　Immutably fulfilling _245
　　Eternal Nature's law.
　　Above, below, around,
　　The circling systems formed
　　A wilderness of harmony.
　　Each with undeviating aim _250
　　In eloquent silence through the depths of space
　　Pursued its wondrous way.--
　　
　　Awhile the Spirit paused in ecstasy.
　　Yet soon she saw, as the vast spheres swept by,
　　Strange things within their belted orbs appear. _255
　　Like animated frenzies, dimly moved
　　Shadows, and skeletons, and fiendly shapes,
　　Thronging round human graves, and o'er the dead
　　Sculpturing records for each memory
　　In verse, such as malignant gods pronounce, _260
　　Blasting the hopes of men, when heaven and hell
　　Confounded burst in ruin o'er the world:
　　And they did build vast trophies, instruments
　　Of murder, human bones, barbaric gold,
　　Skins torn from living men, and towers of skulls _265
　　With sightless holes gazing on blinder heaven,
　　Mitres, and crowns, and brazen chariots stained
　　With blood, and scrolls of mystic wickedness,
　　The sanguine codes of venerable crime.
　　The likeness of a throned king came by. _270
　　When these had passed, bearing upon his brow
　　A threefold crown; his countenance was calm.
　　His eye severe and cold; but his right hand
　　Was charged with bloody coin, and he did gnaw
　　By fits, with secret smiles, a human heart _275
　　Concealed beneath his robe; and motley shapes,
　　A multitudinous throng, around him knelt.
　　With bosoms bare, and bowed heads, and false looks
　　Of true submission, as the sphere rolled by.
　　Brooking no eye to witness their foul shame, _280
　　Which human hearts must feel, while human tongues
　　Tremble to speak, they did rage horribly,
　　Breathing in self-contempt fierce blasphemies
　　Against the Daemon of the World, and high
　　Hurling their armed hands where the pure Spirit, _285
　　Serene and inaccessibly secure,
　　Stood on an isolated pinnacle.
　　The flood of ages combating below,
　　The depth of the unbounded universe
　　Above, and all around _290
　　Necessity's unchanging harmony.
　　
　　PART 2.
　　
　　[Sections 8 and 9 of "Queen Mab" rehandled by Shelley. First printed
　　in 1876 by Mr. H. Buxton Forman, C.B., by whose kind permission it is
　　here reproduced. See Editor's Introductory Note to "Queen Mab".]
　　
　　O happy Earth! reality of Heaven!
　　To which those restless powers that ceaselessly
　　Throng through the human universe aspire;
　　Thou consummation of all mortal hope! _295
　　Thou glorious prize of blindly-working will!
　　Whose rays, diffused throughout all space and time,
　　Verge to one point and blend for ever there:
　　Of purest spirits thou pure dwelling-place!
　　Where care and sorrow, impotence and crime, _300
　　Languor, disease, and ignorance dare not come:
　　O happy Earth, reality of Heaven!
　　
　　Genius has seen thee in her passionate dreams,
　　And dim forebodings of thy loveliness,
　　Haunting the human heart, have there entwined _305
　　Those rooted hopes, that the proud Power of Evil
　　Shall not for ever on this fairest world
　　Shake pestilence and war, or that his slaves
　　With blasphemy for prayer, and human blood
　　For sacrifice, before his shrine for ever _310
　　In adoration bend, or Erebus
　　With all its banded fiends shall not uprise
　　To overwhelm in envy and revenge
　　The dauntless and the good, who dare to hurl
　　Defiance at his throne, girt tho' it be _315
　　With Death's omnipotence. Thou hast beheld
　　His empire, o'er the present and the past;
　　It was a desolate sight--now gaze on mine,
　　Futurity. Thou hoary giant Time,
　　Render thou up thy half-devoured babes,-- _320
　　And from the cradles of eternity,
　　Where millions lie lulled to their portioned sleep
　　By the deep murmuring stream of passing things,
　　Tear thou that gloomy shroud.--Spirit, behold
　　Thy glorious destiny!
　　
　　The Spirit saw _325
　　The vast frame of the renovated world
　　Smile in the lap of Chaos, and the sense
　　Of hope thro' her fine texture did suffuse
　　Such varying glow, as summer evening casts
　　On undulating clouds and deepening lakes. _330
　　Like the vague sighings of a wind at even,
　　That wakes the wavelets of the slumbering sea
　　And dies on the creation of its breath,
　　And sinks and rises, fails and swells by fits,
　　Was the sweet stream of thought that with wild motion _335
　　Flowed o'er the Spirit's human sympathies.
　　The mighty tide of thought had paused awhile,
　　Which from the Daemon now like Ocean's stream
　　Again began to pour.--
　　
　　To me is given
　　The wonders of the human world to keep- _340
　　Space, matter, time and mind--let the sight
　　Renew and strengthen all thy failing hope.
　　All things are recreated, and the flame
　　Of consentaneous love inspires all life:
　　The fertile bosom of the earth gives suck _345
　　To myriads, who still grow beneath her care,
　　Rewarding her with their pure perfectness:
　　The balmy breathings of the wind inhale
　　Her virtues, and diffuse them all abroad:
　　Health floats amid the gentle atmosphere, _350
　　Glows in the fruits, and mantles on the stream;
　　No storms deform the beaming brow of heaven,
　　Nor scatter in the freshness of its pride
　　The foliage of the undecaying trees;
　　But fruits are ever ripe, flowers ever fair, _355
　　And Autumn proudly bears her matron grace,
　　Kindling a flush on the fair cheek of Spring,
　　Whose virgin bloom beneath the ruddy fruit
　　Reflects its tint and blushes into love.
　　
　　The habitable earth is full of bliss; _360
　　Those wastes of frozen billows that were hurled
　　By everlasting snow-storms round the poles,
　　Where matter dared not vegetate nor live,
　　But ceaseless frost round the vast solitude
　　Bound its broad zone of stillness, are unloosed; _365
　　And fragrant zephyrs there from spicy isles
　　Ruffle the placid ocean-deep, that rolls
　　Its broad, bright surges to the sloping sand,
　　Whose roar is wakened into echoings sweet
　　To murmur through the heaven-breathing groves _370
　　And melodise with man's blest nature there.
　　
　　The vast tract of the parched and sandy waste
　　Now teems with countless rills and shady woods,
　　Corn-fields and pastures and white cottages;
　　And where the startled wilderness did hear _375
　　A savage conqueror stained in kindred blood,
　　Hymmng his victory, or the milder snake
　　Crushing the bones of some frail antelope
　　Within his brazen folds--the dewy lawn,
　　Offering sweet incense to the sunrise, smiles _380
　　To see a babe before his mother's door,
　　Share with the green and golden basilisk
　　That comes to lick his feet, his morning's meal.
　　
　　Those trackless deeps, where many a weary sail
　　Has seen, above the illimitable plain, _385
　　Morning on night and night on morning rise,
　　Whilst still no land to greet the wanderer spread
　　Its shadowy mountains on the sunbright sea,
　　Where the loud roarings of the tempest-waves
　　So long have mingled with the gusty wind _390
　　In melancholy loneliness, and swept
　　The desert of those ocean solitudes,
　　But vocal to the sea-bird's harrowing shriek,
　　The bellowing monster, and the rushing storm,
　　Now to the sweet and many-mingling sounds _395
　　Of kindliest human impulses respond:
　　Those lonely realms bright garden-isles begem,
　　With lightsome clouds and shining seas between,
　　And fertile valleys resonant with bliss,
　　Whilst green woods overcanopy the wave, _400
　　Which like a toil-worn labourer leaps to shore,
　　To meet the kisses of the flowerets there.
　　
　　Man chief perceives the change, his being notes
　　The gradual renovation, and defines
　　Each movement of its progress on his mind. _405
　　Man, where the gloom of the long polar night
　　Lowered o'er the snow-clad rocks and frozen soil,
　　Where scarce the hardiest herb that braves the frost
　　Basked in the moonlight's ineffectual glow,
　　Shrank with the plants, and darkened with the night; _410
　　Nor where the tropics bound the realms of day
　　With a broad belt of mingling cloud and flame,
　　Where blue mists through the unmoving atmosphere
　　Scattered the seeds of pestilence, and fed
　　Unnatural vegetation, where the land _415
　　Teemed with all earthquake, tempest and disease,
　　Was man a nobler being; slavery
　　Had crushed him to his country's blood-stained dust.
　　
　　Even where the milder zone afforded man
　　A seeming shelter, yet contagion there, _420
　　Blighting his being with unnumbered ills,
　　Spread like a quenchless fire; nor truth availed
　　Till late to arrest its progress, or create
　　That peace which first in bloodless victory waved
　　Her snowy standard o'er this favoured clime: _425
　　There man was long the train-bearer of slaves,
　　The mimic of surrounding misery,
　　The jackal of ambition's lion-rage,
　　The bloodhound of religion's hungry zeal.
　　
　　Here now the human being stands adorning _430
　　This loveliest earth with taintless body and mind;
　　Blest from his birth with all bland impulses,
　　Which gently in his noble bosom wake
　　All kindly passions and all pure desires.
　　Him, still from hope to hope the bliss pursuing, _435
　　Which from the exhaustless lore of human weal
　　Dawns on the virtuous mind, the thoughts that rise
　　In time-destroying infiniteness gift
　　With self-enshrined eternity, that mocks
　　The unprevailing hoariness of age, _440
　　And man, once fleeting o'er the transient scene
　　Swift as an unremembered vision, stands
　　Immortal upon earth: no longer now
　　He slays the beast that sports around his dwelling
　　And horribly devours its mangled flesh, _445
　　Or drinks its vital blood, which like a stream
　　Of poison thro' his fevered veins did flow
　　Feeding a plague that secretly consumed
　　His feeble frame, and kindling in his mind
　　Hatred, despair, and fear and vain belief, _450
　　The germs of misery, death, disease and crime.
　　No longer now the winged habitants,
　　That in the woods their sweet lives sing away,
　　Flee from the form of man; but gather round,
　　And prune their sunny feathers on the hands _455
　　Which little children stretch in friendly sport
　　Towards these dreadless partners of their play.
　　All things are void of terror: man has lost
　　His desolating privilege, and stands
　　An equal amidst equals: happiness _460
　　And science dawn though late upon the earth;
　　Peace cheers the mind, health renovates the frame;
　　Disease and pleasure cease to mingle here,
　　Reason and passion cease to combat there;
　　Whilst mind unfettered o'er the earth extends _465
　　Its all-subduing energies, and wields
　　The sceptre of a vast dominion there.
　　
　　Mild is the slow necessity of death:
　　The tranquil spirit fails beneath its grasp,
　　Without a groan, almost without a fear, _470
　　Resigned in peace to the necessity,
　　Calm as a voyager to some distant land,
　　And full of wonder, full of hope as he.
　　The deadly germs of languor and disease
　　Waste in the human frame, and Nature gifts _475
　　With choicest boons her human worshippers.
　　How vigorous now the athletic form of age!
　　How clear its open and unwrinkled brow!
　　Where neither avarice, cunning, pride, or care,
　　Had stamped the seal of grey deformity _480
　　On all the mingling lineaments of time.
　　How lovely the intrepid front of youth!
　　How sweet the smiles of taintless infancy.
　　
　　Within the massy prison's mouldering courts,
　　Fearless and free the ruddy children play, _485
　　Weaving gay chaplets for their innocent brows
　　With the green ivy and the red wall-flower,
　　That mock the dungeon's unavailing gloom;
　　The ponderous chains, and gratings of strong iron,
　　There rust amid the accumulated ruins _490
　　Now mingling slowly with their native earth:
　　There the broad beam of day, which feebly once
　　Lighted the cheek of lean captivity
　　With a pale and sickly glare, now freely shines
　　On the pure smiles of infant playfulness: _495
　　No more the shuddering voice of hoarse despair
　　Peals through the echoing vaults, but soothing notes
　　Of ivy-fingered winds and gladsome birds
　　And merriment are resonant around.
　　
　　The fanes of Fear and Falsehood hear no more _500
　　The voice that once waked multitudes to war
　　Thundering thro' all their aisles: but now respond
　　To the death dirge of the melancholy wind:
　　It were a sight of awfulness to see
　　The works of faith and slavery, so vast, _505
　　So sumptuous, yet withal so perishing!
　　Even as the corpse that rests beneath their wall.
　　A thousand mourners deck the pomp of death
　　To-day, the breathing marble glows above
　　To decorate its memory, and tongues _510
　　Are busy of its life: to-morrow, worms
　　In silence and in darkness seize their prey.
　　These ruins soon leave not a wreck behind:
　　Their elements, wide-scattered o'er the globe,
　　To happier shapes are moulded, and become _515
　　Ministrant to all blissful impulses:
　　Thus human things are perfected, and earth,
　　Even as a child beneath its mother's love,
　　Is strengthened in all excellence, and grows
　　Fairer and nobler with each passing year. _520
　　
　　Now Time his dusky pennons o'er the scene
　　Closes in steadfast darkness, and the past
　　Fades from our charmed sight. My task is done:
　　Thy lore is learned. Earth's wonders are thine own,
　　With all the fear and all the hope they bring. _525
　　My spells are past: the present now recurs.
　　Ah me! a pathless wilderness remains
　　Yet unsubdued by man's reclaiming hand.
　　
　　Yet, human Spirit, bravely hold thy course,
　　Let virtue teach thee firmly to pursue _530
　　The gradual paths of an aspiring change:
　　For birth and life and death, and that strange state
　　Before the naked powers that thro' the world
　　Wander like winds have found a human home,
　　All tend to perfect happiness, and urge _535
　　The restless wheels of being on their way,
　　Whose flashing spokes, instinct with infinite life,
　　Bicker and burn to gain their destined goal:
　　For birth but wakes the universal mind
　　Whose mighty streams might else in silence flow _540
　　Thro' the vast world, to individual sense
　　Of outward shows, whose unexperienced shape
　　New modes of passion to its frame may lend;
　　Life is its state of action, and the store
　　Of all events is aggregated there _545
　　That variegate the eternal universe;
　　Death is a gate of dreariness and gloom,
　　That leads to azure isles and beaming skies
　　And happy regions of eternal hope.
　　Therefore, O Spirit! fearlessly bear on: _550
　　Though storms may break the primrose on its stalk,
　　Though frosts may blight the freshness of its bloom,
　　Yet spring's awakening breath will woo the earth,
　　To feed with kindliest dews its favourite flower,
　　That blooms in mossy banks and darksome glens, _555
　　Lighting the green wood with its sunny smile.
　　
　　Fear not then, Spirit, death's disrobing hand,
　　So welcome when the tyrant is awake,
　　So welcome when the bigot's hell-torch flares;
　　'Tis but the voyage of a darksome hour, _560
　　The transient gulf-dream of a startling sleep.
　　For what thou art shall perish utterly,
　　But what is thine may never cease to be;
　　Death is no foe to virtue: earth has seen
　　Love's brightest roses on the scaffold bloom, _565
　　Mingling with freedom's fadeless laurels there,
　　And presaging the truth of visioned bliss.
　　Are there not hopes within thee, which this scene
　　Of linked and gradual being has confirmed?
　　Hopes that not vainly thou, and living fires _570
　　Of mind as radiant and as pure as thou,
　　Have shone upon the paths of men--return,
　　Surpassing Spirit, to that world, where thou
　　Art destined an eternal war to wage
　　With tyranny and falsehood, and uproot _575
　　The germs of misery from the human heart.
　　Thine is the hand whose piety would soothe
　　The thorny pillow of unhappy crime,
　　Whose impotence an easy pardon gains,
　　Watching its wanderings as a friend's disease: _580
　　Thine is the brow whose mildness would defy
　　Its fiercest rage, and brave its sternest will,
　　When fenced by power and master of the world.
　　Thou art sincere and good; of resolute mind,
　　Free from heart-withering custom's cold control, _585
　　Of passion lofty, pure and unsubdued.
　　Earth's pride and meanness could not vanquish thee,
　　And therefore art thou worthy of the boon
　　Which thou hast now received: virtue shall keep
　　Thy footsteps in the path that thou hast trod, _590
　　And many days of beaming hope shall bless
　　Thy spotless life of sweet and sacred love.
　　Go, happy one, and give that bosom joy
　　Whose sleepless spirit waits to catch
　　Light, life and rapture from thy smile. _595
　　
　　The Daemon called its winged ministers.
　　Speechless with bliss the Spirit mounts the car,
　　That rolled beside the crystal battlement,
　　Bending her beamy eyes in thankfulness.
　　The burning wheels inflame _600
　　The steep descent of Heaven's untrodden way.
　　Fast and far the chariot flew:
　　The mighty globes that rolled
　　Around the gate of the Eternal Fane
　　Lessened by slow degrees, and soon appeared _605
　　Such tiny twinklers as the planet orbs
　　That ministering on the solar power
　　With borrowed light pursued their narrower way.
　　Earth floated then below:
　　The chariot paused a moment; _610
　　The Spirit then descended:
　　And from the earth departing
　　The shadows with swift wings
　　Speeded like thought upon the light of Heaven.
　　
　　The Body and the Soul united then, _615
　　A gentle start convulsed Ianthe's frame:
　　Her veiny eyelids quietly unclosed;
　　Moveless awhile the dark blue orbs remained:
　　She looked around in wonder and beheld
　　Henry, who kneeled in silence by her couch, _620
　　Watching her sleep with looks of speechless love,
　　And the bright beaming stars
　　That through the casement shone.
　　
　　
　　Notes:
　　_87 Regarding cj. A.C. Bradley.)
　　
　　***
　　
　　
　　ALASTOR: OR, THE SPIRIT OF SOLITUDE.
　　
　　[Composed at Bishopsgate Heath, near Windsor Park, 1815 (autumn);
　　published, as the title-piece of a slender volume containing other
　　poems (see "Biographical List", by Baldwin, Cradock and Joy, London,
　　1816 (March). Reprinted--the first edition being sold out--amongst the
　　"Posthumous Poems", 1824. Sources of the text are (1) the editio
　　princeps, 1816; (2) "Posthumous Poems", 1824; (3) "Poetical Works",
　　1839, editions 1st and 2nd. For (2) and (3) Mrs. Shelley is
　　responsible.]
　　
　　PREFACE.
　　
　　The poem entitled "Alastor" may be considered as allegorical of one of
　　the most interesting situations of the human mind. It represents a
　　youth of uncorrupted feelings and adventurous genius led forth by an
　　imagination inflamed and purified through familiarity with all that is
　　excellent and majestic, to the contemplation of the universe. He
　　drinks deep of the fountains of knowledge, and is still insatiate. The
　　magnificence and beauty of the external world sinks profoundly into
　　the frame of his conceptions, and affords to their modifications at
　　variety not to be exhausted. so long as it is possible for his desires
　　to point towards objects thus infinite and unmeasured, he is joyous,
　　and tranquil, and self-possessed. But the period arrives when these
　　objects cease to suffice. His mind is at length suddenly awakened and
　　thirsts for intercourse with an intelligence similar to itself. He
　　images to himself the Being whom he loves. Conversant with
　　speculations of the sublimest and most perfect natures, the vision in
　　which he embodies his own imaginations unites all of wonderful, or
　　wise, or beautiful, which the poet, the philosopher, or the lover
　　could depicture. The intellectual faculties, the imagination, the
　　functions of sense, have their respective requisitions on the sympathy
　　of corresponding powers in other human beings. The Poet is represented
　　as uniting these requisitions, and attaching them to a single image.
　　He seeks in vain for a prototype of his conception. Blasted by his
　　disappointment, he descends to an untimely grave.
　　
　　The picture is not barren of instruction to actual men. The Poet's
　　self-centred seclusion was avenged by the furies of an irresistible
　　passion pursuing him to speedy ruin. But that Power which strikes the
　　luminaries of the world with sudden darkness and extinction, by
　　awakening them to too exquisite a perception of its influences, dooms
　　to a slow and poisonous decay those manner spirits that dare to abjure
　　its dominion. Their destiny is more abject and inglorious as their
　　delinquency is more contemptible and pernicious. They who, deluded by
　　no generous error, instigated by no sacred thirst of doubtful
　　knowledge, duped by no illustrious superstition, loving nothing on
　　this earth, and cherishing no hopes beyond, yet keep aloof from
　　sympathies with their kind, rejoicing neither in human joy nor
　　mourning with human grief; these, and such as they, have their
　　apportioned curse. They languish, because none feel with them their
　　common nature. They are morally dead. They are neither friends, nor
　　lovers, nor fathers, nor citizens of the world, nor benefactors of
　　their country. Among those who attempt to exist without human
　　sympathy, the pure and tender-hearted perish through the intensity and
　　passion of their search after its communities, when the vacancy of
　　their spirit suddenly makes itself felt. All else, selfish, blind, and
　　torpid, are those unforeseeing multitudes who constitute, together
　　with their own, the lasting misery and loneliness of the world. Those
　　who love not their fellow-beings live unfruitful lives, and prepare
　　for their old age a miserable grave.
　　
　　'The good die first,
　　And those whose hearts are dry as summer dust,
　　Burn to the socket!'
　　
　　December 14, 1815.
　　
　　
　　ALASTOR: OR, THE SPIRIT OF SOLITUDE.
　　
　　Earth, Ocean, Air, beloved brotherhood!
　　If our great Mother has imbued my soul
　　With aught of natural piety to feel
　　Your love, and recompense the boon with mine;
　　If dewy morn, and odorous noon, and even, _5
　　With sunset and its gorgeous ministers,
　　And solemn midnight's tingling silentness;
　　If autumn's hollow sighs in the sere wood,
　　And winter robing with pure snow and crowns
　　Of starry ice the grey grass and bare boughs; _10
　　If spring's voluptuous pantings when she breathes
　　Her first sweet kisses, have been dear to me;
　　If no bright bird, insect, or gentle beast
　　I consciously have injured, but still loved
　　And cherished these my kindred; then forgive _15
　　This boast, beloved brethren, and withdraw
　　No portion of your wonted favour now!
　　
　　Mother of this unfathomable world!
　　Favour my solemn song, for I have loved
　　Thee ever, and thee only; I have watched _20
　　Thy shadow, and the darkness of thy steps,
　　And my heart ever gazes on the depth
　　Of thy deep mysteries. I have made my bed
　　In charnels and on coffins, where black death
　　Keeps record of the trophies won from thee, _25
　　Hoping to still these obstinate questionings
　　Of thee and thine, by forcing some lone ghost,
　　Thy messenger, to render up the tale
　　Of what we are. In lone and silent hours,
　　When night makes a weird sound of its own stillness, _30
　　Like an inspired and desperate alchymist
　　Staking his very life on some dark hope,
　　Have I mixed awful talk and asking looks
　　With my most innocent love, until strange tears,
　　Uniting with those breathless kisses, made _35
　　Such magic as compels the charmed night
　　To render up thy charge:...and, though ne'er yet
　　Thou hast unveiled thy inmost sanctuary,
　　Enough from incommunicable dream,
　　And twilight phantasms, and deep noon-day thought, _40
　　Has shone within me, that serenely now
　　And moveless, as a long-forgotten lyre
　　Suspended in the solitary dome
　　Of some mysterious and deserted fane,
　　I wait thy breath, Great Parent, that my strain _45
　　May modulate with murmurs of the air,
　　And motions of the forests and the sea,
　　And voice of living beings, and woven hymns
　　Of night and day, and the deep heart of man.
　　
　　There was a Poet whose untimely tomb _50
　　No human hands with pious reverence reared,
　　But the charmed eddies of autumnal winds
　　Built o'er his mouldering bones a pyramid
　　Of mouldering leaves in the waste wilderness:--
　　A lovely youth,--no mourning maiden decked _55
　　With weeping flowers, or votive cypress wreath,
　　The lone couch of his everlasting sleep:--
　　Gentle, and brave, and generous,--no lorn bard
　　Breathed o'er his dark fate one melodious sigh:
　　He lived, he died, he sung in solitude. _60
　　Strangers have wept to hear his passionate notes,
　　And virgins, as unknown he passed, have pined
　　And wasted for fond love of his wild eyes.
　　The fire of those soft orbs has ceased to burn,
　　And Silence, too enamoured of that voice, _65
　　Locks its mute music in her rugged cell.
　　
　　By solemn vision, and bright silver dream
　　His infancy was nurtured. Every sight
　　And sound from the vast earth and ambient air,
　　Sent to his heart its choicest impulses. _70
　　The fountains of divine philosophy
　　Fled not his thirsting lips, and all of great,
　　Or good, or lovely, which the sacred past
　　In truth or fable consecrates, he felt
　　And knew. When early youth had passed, he left _75
　　His cold fireside and alienated home
　　To seek strange truths in undiscovered lands.
　　Many a wide waste and tangled wilderness
　　Has lured his fearless steps; and he has bought
　　With his sweet voice and eyes, from savage men, _80
　　His rest and food. Nature's most secret steps
　　He like her shadow has pursued, where'er
　　The red volcano overcanopies
　　Its fields of snow and pinnacles of ice
　　With burning smoke, or where bitumen lakes _85
　　On black bare pointed islets ever beat
　　With sluggish surge, or where the secret caves,
　　Rugged and dark, winding among the springs
　　Of fire and poison, inaccessible
　　To avarice or pride, their starry domes _90
　　Of diamond and of gold expand above
　　Numberless and immeasurable halls,
　　Frequent with crystal column, and clear shrines
　　Of pearl, and thrones radiant with chrysolite.
　　Nor had that scene of ampler majesty _95
　　Than gems or gold, the varying roof of heaven
　　And the green earth lost in his heart its claims
　　To love and wonder; he would linger long
　　In lonesome vales, making the wild his home,
　　Until the doves and squirrels would partake _100
　　From his innocuous hand his bloodless food,
　　Lured by the gentle meaning of his looks,
　　And the wild antelope, that starts whene'er
　　The dry leaf rustles in the brake, suspend
　　Her timid steps, to gaze upon a form
　　More graceful than her own. _105
　　His wandering step,
　　Obedient to high thoughts, has visited
　　The awful ruins of the days of old:
　　Athens, and Tyre, and Balbec, and the waste
　　Where stood Jerusalem, the fallen towers _110
　　Of Babylon, the eternal pyramids,
　　Memphis and Thebes, and whatsoe'er of strange,
　　Sculptured on alabaster obelisk,
　　Or jasper tomb, or mutilated sphynx,
　　Dark Aethiopia in her desert hills _115
　　Conceals. Among the ruined temples there,
　　Stupendous columns, and wild images
　　Of more than man, where marble daemons watch
　　The Zodiac's brazen mystery, and dead men
　　Hang their mute thoughts on the mute walls around, _120
　　He lingered, poring on memorials
　　Of the world's youth: through the long burning day
　　Gazed on those speechless shapes; nor, when the moon
　　Filled the mysterious halls with floating shades
　　Suspended he that task, but ever gazed _125
　　And gazed, till meaning on his vacant mind
　　Flashed like strong inspiration, and he saw
　　The thrilling secrets of the birth of time.
　　
　　Meanwhile an Arab maiden brought his food,
　　Her daily portion, from her father's tent, _130
　　And spread her matting for his couch, and stole
　　From duties and repose to tend his steps,
　　Enamoured, yet not daring for deep awe
　　To speak her love:--and watched his nightly sleep,
　　Sleepless herself, to gaze upon his lips _135
　　Parted in slumber, whence the regular breath
　　Of innocent dreams arose; then, when red morn
　　Made paler the pale moon, to her cold home
　　Wildered, and wan, and panting, she returned.
　　
　　The Poet, wandering on, through Arabie, _140
　　And Persia, and the wild Carmanian waste,
　　And o'er the aerial mountains which pour down
　　Indus and Oxus from their icy caves,
　　In joy and exultation held his way;
　　Till in the vale of Cashmire, far within _145
　　Its loneliest dell, where odorous plants entwine
　　Beneath the hollow rocks a natural bower,
　　Beside a sparkling rivulet he stretched
　　His languid limbs. A vision on his sleep
　　There came, a dream of hopes that never yet _150
　　Had flushed his cheek. He dreamed a veiled maid
　　Sate near him, talking in low solemn tones.
　　Her voice was like the voice of his own soul
　　Heard in the calm of thought; its music long,
　　Like woven sounds of streams and breezes, held _155
　　His inmost sense suspended in its web
　　Of many-coloured woof and shifting hues.
　　Knowledge and truth and virtue were her theme,
　　And lofty hopes of divine liberty,
　　Thoughts the most dear to him, and poesy, _160
　　Herself a poet. Soon the solemn mood
　　Of her pure mind kindled through all her frame
　　A permeating fire; wild numbers then
　　She raised, with voice stifled in tremulous sobs
　　Subdued by its own pathos; her fair hands _165
　　Were bare alone, sweeping from some strange harp
　　Strange symphony, and in their branching veins
　　The eloquent blood told an ineffable tale.
　　The beating of her heart was heard to fill
　　The pauses of her music, and her breath _170
　　Tumultuously accorded with those fits
　　Of intermitted song. Sudden she rose,
　　As if her heart impatiently endured
　　Its bursting burthen: at the sound he turned,
　　And saw by the warm light of their own life _175
　　Her glowing limbs beneath the sinuous veil
　　Of woven wind, her outspread arms now bare,
　　Her dark locks floating in the breath of night,
　　Her beamy bending eyes, her parted lips
　　Outstretched, and pale, and quivering eagerly. _180
　　His strong heart sunk and sickened with excess
　　Of love. He reared his shuddering limbs and quelled
　　His gasping breath, and spread his arms to meet
　　Her panting bosom:...she drew back a while,
　　Then, yielding to the irresistible joy, _185
　　With frantic gesture and short breathless cry
　　Folded his frame in her dissolving arms.
　　Now blackness veiled his dizzy eyes, and night
　　Involved and swallowed up the vision; sleep,
　　Like a dark flood suspended in its course, _190
　　Rolled back its impulse on his vacant brain.
　　
　　Roused by the shock he started from his trance--
　　The cold white light of morning, the blue moon
　　Low in the west, the clear and garish hills,
　　The distinct valley and the vacant woods, _195
　　Spread round him where he stood. Whither have fled
　　The hues of heaven that canopied his bower
　　Of yesternight? The sounds that soothed his sleep,
　　The mystery and the majesty of Earth,
　　The joy, the exultation? His wan eyes _200
　　Gaze on the empty scene as vacantly
　　As ocean's moon looks on the moon in heaven.
　　The spirit of sweet human love has sent
　　A vision to the sleep of him who spurned
　　Her choicest gifts. He eagerly pursues _205
　　Beyond the realms of dream that fleeting shade;
　　He overleaps the bounds. Alas! Alas!
　　Were limbs, and breath, and being intertwined
　　Thus treacherously? Lost, lost, for ever lost
　　In the wide pathless desert of dim sleep, _210
　　That beautiful shape! Does the dark gate of death
　　Conduct to thy mysterious paradise,
　　O Sleep? Does the bright arch of rainbow clouds
　　And pendent mountains seen in the calm lake,
　　Lead only to a black and watery depth, _215
　　While death's blue vault, with loathliest vapours hung,
　　Where every shade which the foul grave exhales
　　Hides its dead eye from the detested day,
　　Conducts, O Sleep, to thy delightful realms?
　　This doubt with sudden tide flowed on his heart; _220
　　The insatiate hope which it awakened, stung
　　His brain even like despair.
　　While daylight held
　　The sky, the Poet kept mute conference
　　With his still soul. At night the passion came,
　　Like the fierce fiend of a distempered dream, _225
　　And shook him from his rest, and led him forth
　　Into the darkness.--As an eagle, grasped
　　In folds of the green serpent, feels her breast
　　Burn with the poison, and precipitates
　　Through night and day, tempest, and calm, and cloud, _230
　　Frantic with dizzying anguish, her blind flight
　　O'er the wide aery wilderness: thus driven
　　By the bright shadow of that lovely dream,
　　Beneath the cold glare of the desolate night,
　　Through tangled swamps and deep precipitous dells, _235
　　Startling with careless step the moonlight snake,
　　He fled. Red morning dawned upon his flight,
　　Shedding the mockery of its vital hues
　　Upon his cheek of death. He wandered on
　　Till vast Aornos seen from Petra's steep _240
　　Hung o'er the low horizon like a cloud;
　　Through Balk, and where the desolated tombs
　　Of Parthian kings scatter to every wind
　　Their wasting dust, wildly he wandered on,
　　Day after day a weary waste of hours, _245
　　Bearing within his life the brooding care
　　That ever fed on its decaying flame.
　　And now his limbs were lean; his scattered hair,
　　Sered by the autumn of strange suffering
　　Sung dirges in the wind; his listless hand _250
　　Hung like dead bone within its withered skin;
　　Life, and the lustre that consumed it, shone
　　As in a furnace burning secretly
　　From his dark eyes alone. The cottagers,
　　Who ministered with human charity _255
　　His human wants, beheld with wondering awe
　　Their fleeting visitant. The mountaineer,
　　Encountering on some dizzy precipice
　　That spectral form, deemed that the Spirit of wind
　　With lightning eyes, and eager breath, and feet _260
　　Disturbing not the drifted snow, had paused
　　In its career: the infant would conceal
　　His troubled visage in his mother's robe
　　In terror at the glare of those wild eyes,
　　To remember their strange light in many a dream _265
　　Of after-times; but youthful maidens, taught
　　By nature, would interpret half the woe
　　That wasted him, would call him with false names
　　Brother and friend, would press his pallid hand
　　At parting, and watch, dim through tears, the path _270
　　Of his departure from their father's door.
　　
　　At length upon the lone Chorasmian shore
　　He paused, a wide and melancholy waste
　　Of putrid marshes. A strong impulse urged
　　His steps to the sea-shore. A swan was there, _275
　　Beside a sluggish stream among the reeds.
　　It rose as he approached, and, with strong wings
　　Scaling the upward sky, bent its bright course
　　High over the immeasurable main.
　　His eyes pursued its flight:--'Thou hast a home, _280
　　Beautiful bird; thou voyagest to thine home,
　　Where thy sweet mate will twine her downy neck
　　With thine, and welcome thy return with eyes
　　Bright in the lustre of their own fond joy.
　　And what am I that I should linger here, _285
　　With voice far sweeter than thy dying notes,
　　Spirit more vast than thine, frame more attuned
　　To beauty, wasting these surpassing powers
　　In the deaf air, to the blind earth, and heaven
　　That echoes not my thoughts?' A gloomy smile _290
　　Of desperate hope wrinkled his quivering lips.
　　For sleep, he knew, kept most relentlessly
　　Its precious charge, and silent death exposed,
　　Faithless perhaps as sleep, a shadowy lure,
　　With doubtful smile mocking its own strange charms. _295
　　
　　Startled by his own thoughts he looked around.
　　There was no fair fiend near him, not a sight
　　Or sound of awe but in his own deep mind.
　　A little shallop floating near the shore
　　Caught the impatient wandering of his gaze. _300
　　It had been long abandoned, for its sides
　　Gaped wide with many a rift, and its frail joints
　　Swayed with the undulations of the tide.
　　A restless impulse urged him to embark
　　And meet lone Death on the drear ocean's waste; _305
　　For well he knew that mighty Shadow loves
　　The slimy caverns of the populous deep.
　　
　　The day was fair and sunny; sea and sky
　　Drank its inspiring radiance, and the wind
　　Swept strongly from the shore, blackening the waves. _310
　　Following his eager soul, the wanderer
　　Leaped in the boat, he spread his cloak aloft
　　On the bare mast, and took his lonely seat,
　　And felt the boat speed o'er the tranquil sea
　　Like a torn cloud before the hurricane. _315
　　
　　As one that in a silver vision floats
　　Obedient to the sweep of odorous winds
　　Upon resplendent clouds, so rapidly
　　Along the dark and ruffled waters fled
　　The straining boat.--A whirlwind swept it on, _320
　　With fierce gusts and precipitating force,
　　Through the white ridges of the chafed sea.
　　The waves arose. Higher and higher still
　　Their fierce necks writhed beneath the tempest's scourge
　　Like serpents struggling in a vulture's grasp. _325
　　Calm and rejoicing in the fearful war
　　Of wave ruining on wave, and blast on blast
　　Descending, and black flood on whirlpool driven
　　With dark obliterating course, he sate:
　　As if their genii were the ministers _330
　　Appointed to conduct him to the light
　　Of those beloved eyes, the Poet sate,
　　Holding the steady helm. Evening came on,
　　The beams of sunset hung their rainbow hues
　　High 'mid the shifting domes of sheeted spray _335
　　That canopied his path o'er the waste deep;
　　Twilight, ascending slowly from the east,
　　Entwined in duskier wreaths her braided locks
　　O'er the fair front and radiant eyes of day;
　　Night followed, clad with stars. On every side _340
　　More horribly the multitudinous streams
　　Of ocean's mountainous waste to mutual war
　　Rushed in dark tumult thundering, as to mock
　　The calm and spangled sky. The little boat
　　Still fled before the storm; still fled, like foam _345
　　Down the steep cataract of a wintry river;
　　Now pausing on the edge of the riven wave;
　　Now leaving far behind the bursting mass
　　That fell, convulsing ocean: safely fled--
　　As if that frail and wasted human form, _350
　　Had been an elemental god.
　　
　　At midnight
　　The moon arose; and lo! the ethereal cliffs
　　Of Caucasus, whose icy summits shone
　　Among the stars like sunlight, and around
　　Whose caverned base the whirlpools and the waves _355
　　Bursting and eddying irresistibly
　　Rage and resound forever.--Who shall save?--
　　The boat fled on,--the boiling torrent drove,--
　　The crags closed round with black and jagged arms,
　　The shattered mountain overhung the sea, _360
　　And faster still, beyond all human speed,
　　Suspended on the sweep of the smooth wave,
　　The little boat was driven. A cavern there
　　Yawned, and amid its slant and winding depths
　　Ingulfed the rushing sea. The boat fled on _365
　　With unrelaxing speed.--'Vision and Love!'
　　The Poet cried aloud, 'I have beheld
　　The path of thy departure. Sleep and death
　　Shall not divide us long.'
　　
　　The boat pursued
　　The windings of the cavern. Daylight shone _370
　　At length upon that gloomy river's flow;
　　Now, where the fiercest war among the waves
　　Is calm, on the unfathomable stream
　　The boat moved slowly. Where the mountain, riven,
　　Exposed those black depths to the azure sky, _375
　　Ere yet the flood's enormous volume fell
　　Even to the base of Caucasus, with sound
　　That shook the everlasting rocks, the mass
　　Filled with one whirlpool all that ample chasm:
　　Stair above stair the eddying waters rose, _380
　　Circling immeasurably fast, and laved
　　With alternating dash the gnarled roots
　　Of mighty trees, that stretched their giant arms
　　In darkness over it. I' the midst was left,
　　Reflecting, yet distorting every cloud, _385
　　A pool of treacherous and tremendous calm.
　　Seized by the sway of the ascending stream,
　　With dizzy swiftness, round, and round, and round,
　　Ridge after ridge the straining boat arose,
　　Till on the verge of the extremest curve, _390
　　Where, through an opening of the rocky bank,
　　The waters overflow, and a smooth spot
　　Of glassy quiet mid those battling tides
　　Is left, the boat paused shuddering.--Shall it sink
　　Down the abyss? Shall the reverting stress _395
　　Of that resistless gulf embosom it?
　　Now shall it fall?--A wandering stream of wind,
　　Breathed from the west, has caught the expanded sail,
　　And, lo! with gentle motion, between banks
　　Of mossy slope, and on a placid stream, _400
　　Beneath a woven grove it sails, and, hark!
　　The ghastly torrent mingles its far roar,
　　With the breeze murmuring in the musical woods.
　　Where the embowering trees recede, and leave
　　A little space of green expanse, the cove _405
　　Is closed by meeting banks, whose yellow flowers
　　For ever gaze on their own drooping eyes,
　　Reflected in the crystal calm. The wave
　　Of the boat's motion marred their pensive task,
　　Which naught but vagrant bird, or wanton wind, _410
　　Or falling spear-grass, or their own decay
　　Had e'er disturbed before. The Poet longed
　　To deck with their bright hues his withered hair,
　　But on his heart its solitude returned,
　　And he forbore. Not the strong impulse hid _415
　　In those flushed cheeks, bent eyes, and shadowy frame
　　Had yet performed its ministry: it hung
　　Upon his life, as lightning in a cloud
　　Gleams, hovering ere it vanish, ere the floods
　　Of night close over it.
　　The noonday sun _420
　　Now shone upon the forest, one vast mass
　　Of mingling shade, whose brown magnificence
　　A narrow vale embosoms. There, huge caves,
　　Scooped in the dark base of their aery rocks,
　　Mocking its moans, respond and roar for ever. _425
　　The meeting boughs and implicated leaves
　　Wove twilight o'er the Poet's path, as led
　　By love, or dream, or god, or mightier Death,
　　He sought in Nature's dearest haunt some bank,
　　Her cradle, and his sepulchre. More dark _430
　　And dark the shades accumulate. The oak,
　　Expanding its immense and knotty arms,
　　Embraces the light beech. The pyramids
　　Of the tall cedar overarching frame
　　Most solemn domes within, and far below, _435
　　Like clouds suspended in an emerald sky,
　　The ash and the acacia floating hang
　　Tremulous and pale. Like restless serpents, clothed
　　In rainbow and in fire, the parasites,
　　Starred with ten thousand blossoms, flow around _440
　　The grey trunks, and, as gamesome infants' eyes,
　　With gentle meanings, and most innocent wiles,
　　Fold their beams round the hearts of those that love,
　　These twine their tendrils with the wedded boughs
　　Uniting their close union; the woven leaves _445
　　Make net-work of the dark blue light of day,
　　And the night's noontide clearness, mutable
　　As shapes in the weird clouds. Soft mossy lawns
　　Beneath these canopies extend their swells,
　　Fragrant with perfumed herbs, and eyed with blooms _450
　　Minute yet beautiful. One darkest glen
　　Sends from its woods of musk-rose, twined with jasmine,
　　A soul-dissolving odour to invite
　　To some more lovely mystery. Through the dell,
　　Silence and Twilight here, twin-sisters, keep _455
　　Their noonday watch, and sail among the shades,
　　Like vaporous shapes half-seen; beyond, a well,
　　Dark, gleaming, and of most translucent wave,
　　Images all the woven boughs above,
　　And each depending leaf, and every speck _460
　　Of azure sky, darting between their chasms;
　　Nor aught else in the liquid mirror laves
　　Its portraiture, but some inconstant star
　　Between one foliaged lattice twinkling fair,
　　Or painted bird, sleeping beneath the moon, _465
　　Or gorgeous insect floating motionless,
　　Unconscious of the day, ere yet his wings
　　Have spread their glories to the gaze of noon.
　　
　　Hither the Poet came. His eyes beheld
　　Their own wan light through the reflected lines _470
　　Of his thin hair, distinct in the dark depth
　　Of that still fountain; as the human heart,
　　Gazing in dreams over the gloomy grave,
　　Sees its own treacherous likeness there. He heard
　　The motion of the leaves, the grass that sprung _475
　　Startled and glanced and trembled even to feel
　　An unaccustomed presence, and the sound
　　Of the sweet brook that from the secret springs
　　Of that dark fountain rose. A Spirit seemed
　　To stand beside him--clothed in no bright robes _480
　　Of shadowy silver or enshrining light,
　　Borrowed from aught the visible world affords
　　Of grace, or majesty, or mystery;--
　　But, undulating woods, and silent well,
　　And leaping rivulet, and evening gloom _485
　　Now deepening the dark shades, for speech assuming,
　　Held commune with him, as if he and it
　　Were all that was,--only...when his regard
　　Was raised by intense pensiveness,...two eyes,
　　Two starry eyes, hung in the gloom of thought, _490
　　And seemed with their serene and azure smiles
　　To beckon him.
　　
　　Obedient to the light
　　That shone within his soul, he went, pursuing
　　The windings of the dell.--The rivulet,
　　Wanton and wild, through many a green ravine _495
　　Beneath the forest flowed. Sometimes it fell
　　Among the moss with hollow harmony
　　Dark and profound. Now on the polished stones
　　It danced; like childhood laughing as it went:
　　Then, through the plain in tranquil wanderings crept, _500
　　Reflecting every herb and drooping bud
　　That overhung its quietness.--'O stream!
　　Whose source is inaccessibly profound,
　　Whither do thy mysterious waters tend?
　　Thou imagest my life. Thy darksome stillness, _505
　　Thy dazzling waves, thy loud and hollow gulfs,
　　Thy searchless fountain, and invisible course
　　Have each their type in me; and the wide sky.
　　And measureless ocean may declare as soon
　　What oozy cavern or what wandering cloud _510
　　Contains thy waters, as the universe
　　Tell where these living thoughts reside, when stretched
　　Upon thy flowers my bloodless limbs shall waste
　　I' the passing wind!'
　　
　　Beside the grassy shore
　　Of the small stream he went; he did impress _515
　　On the green moss his tremulous step, that caught
　　Strong shuddering from his burning limbs. As one
　　Roused by some joyous madness from the couch
　　Of fever, he did move; yet, not like him,
　　Forgetful of the grave, where, when the flame _520
　　Of his frail exultation shall be spent,
　　He must descend. With rapid steps he went
　　Beneath the shade of trees, beside the flow
　　Of the wild babbling rivulet; and now
　　The forest's solemn canopies were changed _525
　　For the uniform and lightsome evening sky.
　　Grey rocks did peep from the spare moss, and stemmed
　　The struggling brook; tall spires of windlestrae
　　Threw their thin shadows down the rugged slope,
　　And nought but gnarled roots of ancient pines _530
　　Branchless and blasted, clenched with grasping roots
　　The unwilling soil. A gradual change was here,
　　Yet ghastly. For, as fast years flow away,
　　The smooth brow gathers, and the hair grows thin
　　And white, and where irradiate dewy eyes _535
　　Had shone, gleam stony orbs:--so from his steps
　　Bright flowers departed, and the beautiful shade
　　Of the green groves, with all their odorous winds
　　And musical motions. Calm, he still pursued
　　The stream, that with a larger volume now _540
　　Rolled through the labyrinthine dell; and there
　　Fretted a path through its descending curves
　　With its wintry speed. On every side now rose
　　Rocks, which, in unimaginable forms,
　　Lifted their black and barren pinnacles _545
　　In the light of evening, and its precipice
　　Obscuring the ravine, disclosed above,
　　Mid toppling stones, black gulfs and yawning caves,
　　Whose windings gave ten thousand various tongues
　　To the loud stream. Lo! where the pass expands _550
　　Its stony jaws, the abrupt mountain breaks,
　　And seems, with its accumulated crags,
　　To overhang the world: for wide expand
　　Beneath the wan stars and descending moon
　　Islanded seas, blue mountains, mighty streams, _555
　　Dim tracts and vast, robed in the lustrous gloom
　　Of leaden-coloured even, and fiery hills
　　Mingling their flames with twilight, on the verge
　　Of the remote horizon. The near scene,
　　In naked and severe simplicity, _560
　　Made contrast with the universe. A pine,
　　Rock-rooted, stretched athwart the vacancy
　　Its swinging boughs, to each inconstant blast
　　Yielding one only response, at each pause
　　In most familiar cadence, with the howl _565
　　The thunder and the hiss of homeless streams
　　Mingling its solemn song, whilst the broad river
　　Foaming and hurrying o'er its rugged path,
　　Fell into that immeasurable void
　　Scattering its waters to the passing winds. _570
　　
　　Yet the grey precipice and solemn pine
　　And torrent were not all;--one silent nook
　　Was there. Even on the edge of that vast mountain,
　　Upheld by knotty roots and fallen rocks,
　　It overlooked in its serenity _575
　　The dark earth, and the bending vault of stars.
　　It was a tranquil spot, that seemed to smile
　　Even in the lap of horror. Ivy clasped
　　The fissured stones with its entwining arms,
　　And did embower with leaves for ever green, _580
　　And berries dark, the smooth and even space
　　Of its inviolated floor, and here
　　The children of the autumnal whirlwind bore,
　　In wanton sport, those bright leaves, whose decay,
　　Red, yellow, or ethereally pale, _585
　　Rivals the pride of summer. 'Tis the haunt
　　Of every gentle wind, whose breath can teach
　　The wilds to love tranquillity. One step,
　　One human step alone, has ever broken
　　The stillness of its solitude:--one voice _590
　　Alone inspired its echoes;--even that voice
　　Which hither came, floating among the winds,
　　And led the loveliest among human forms
　　To make their wild haunts the depository
　　Of all the grace and beauty that endued _595
　　Its motions, render up its majesty,
　　Scatter its music on the unfeeling storm,
　　And to the damp leaves and blue cavern mould,
　　Nurses of rainbow flowers and branching moss,
　　Commit the colours of that varying cheek, _600
　　That snowy breast, those dark and drooping eyes.
　　
　　The dim and horned moon hung low, and poured
　　A sea of lustre on the horizon's verge
　　That overflowed its mountains. Yellow mist
　　Filled the unbounded atmosphere, and drank _605
　　Wan moonlight even to fulness; not a star
　　Shone, not a sound was heard; the very winds,
　　Danger's grim playmates, on that precipice
　　Slept, clasped in his embrace.--O, storm of death!
　　Whose sightless speed divides this sullen night: 610
　　And thou, colossal Skeleton, that, still
　　Guiding its irresistible career
　　In thy devastating omnipotence,
　　Art king of this frail world, from the red field
　　Of slaughter, from the reeking hospital, _615
　　The patriot's sacred couch, the snowy bed
　　Of innocence, the scaffold and the throne,
　　A mighty voice invokes thee. Ruin calls
　　His brother Death. A rare and regal prey
　　He hath prepared, prowling around the world; _620
　　Glutted with which thou mayst repose, and men
　　Go to their graves like flowers or creeping worms,
　　Nor ever more offer at thy dark shrine
　　The unheeded tribute of a broken heart.
　　
　　When on the threshold of the green recess _625
　　The wanderer's footsteps fell, he knew that death
　　Was on him. Yet a little, ere it fled,
　　Did he resign his high and holy soul
　　To images of the majestic past,
　　That paused within his passive being now, _630
　　Like winds that bear sweet music, when they breathe
　　Through some dim latticed chamber. He did place
　　His pale lean hand upon the rugged trunk
　　Of the old pine. Upon an ivied stone
　　Reclined his languid head, his limbs did rest, _635
　　Diffused and motionless, on the smooth brink
　　Of that obscurest chasm;--and thus he lay,
　　Surrendering to their final impulses
　　The hovering powers of life. Hope and despair,
　　The torturers, slept; no mortal pain or fear _640
　　Marred his repose; the influxes of sense,
　　And his own being unalloyed by pain,
　　Yet feebler and more feeble, calmly fed
　　The stream of thought, till he lay breathing there
　　At peace, and faintly smiling:--his last sight _645
　　Was the great moon, which o'er the western line
　　Of the wide world her mighty horn suspended,
　　With whose dun beams inwoven darkness seemed
　　To mingle. Now upon the jagged hills
　　It rests; and still as the divided frame _650
　　Of the vast meteor sunk, the Poet's blood,
　　That ever beat in mystic sympathy
　　With nature's ebb and flow, grew feebler still:
　　And when two lessening points of light alone
　　Gleamed through the darkness, the alternate gasp _655
　　Of his faint respiration scarce did stir
　　The stagnate night:--till the minutest ray
　　Was quenched, the pulse yet lingered in his heart.
　　It paused--it fluttered. But when heaven remained
　　Utterly black, the murky shades involved _660
　　An image, silent, cold, and motionless,
　　As their own voiceless earth and vacant air.
　　Even as a vapour fed with golden beams
　　That ministered on sunlight, ere the west
　　Eclipses it, was now that wondrous frame-- _665
　　No sense, no motion, no divinity--
　　A fragile lute, on whose harmonious strings
　　The breath of heaven did wander--a bright stream
　　Once fed with many-voiced waves--a dream
　　Of youth, which night and time have quenched for ever, _670
　　Still, dark, and dry, and unremembered now.
　　
　　Oh, for Medea's wondrous alchemy,
　　Which wheresoe'er it fell made the earth gleam
　　With bright flowers, and the wintry boughs exhale
　　From vernal blooms fresh fragrance! O, that God, _675
　　Profuse of poisons, would concede the chalice
　　Which but one living man has drained, who now,
　　Vessel of deathless wrath, a slave that feels
　　No proud exemption in the blighting curse
　　He bears, over the world wanders for ever, _680
　　Lone as incarnate death! O, that the dream
　　Of dark magician in his visioned cave,
　　Raking the cinders of a crucible
　　For life and power, even when his feeble hand
　　Shakes in its last decay, were the true law _685
　　Of this so lovely world! But thou art fled,
　　Like some frail exhalation; which the dawn
　　Robes in its golden beams,--ah! thou hast fled!
　　The brave, the gentle and the beautiful,
　　The child of grace and genius. Heartless things _690
　　Are done and said i' the world, and many worms
　　And beasts and men live on, and mighty Earth
　　From sea and mountain, city and wilderness,
　　In vesper low or joyous orison,
　　Lifts still its solemn voice:--but thou art fled-- _695
　　Thou canst no longer know or love the shapes
　　Of this phantasmal scene, who have to thee
　　Been purest ministers, who are, alas!
　　Now thou art not. Upon those pallid lips
　　So sweet even in their silence, on those eyes _700
　　That image sleep in death, upon that form
　　Yet safe from the worm's outrage, let no tear
　　Be shed--not even in thought. Nor, when those hues
　　Are gone, and those divinest lineaments,
　　Worn by the senseless wind, shall live alone _705
　　In the frail pauses of this simple strain,
　　Let not high verse, mourning the memory
　　Of that which is no more, or painting's woe
　　Or sculpture, speak in feeble imagery
　　Their own cold powers. Art and eloquence, _710
　　And all the shows o' the world are frail and vain
　　To weep a loss that turns their lights to shade.
　　It is a woe "too deep for tears," when all
　　Is reft at once, when some surpassing Spirit,
　　Whose light adorned the world around it, leaves _715
　　Those who remain behind, not sobs or groans,
　　The passionate tumult of a clinging hope;
　　But pale despair and cold tranquillity,
　　Nature's vast frame, the web of human things,
　　Birth and the grave, that are not as they were. _720
　　
　　
　　Notes:
　　_219 Conduct edition 1816. See "Editor's Notes".
　　_530 roots edition 1816: query stumps or trunks. See "Editor's Notes".
　　
　　
　　NOTE ON ALASTOR, BY MRS. SHELLEY.
　　
　　"Alastor" is written in a very different tone from "Queen Mab". In the
　　latter, Shelley poured out all the cherished speculations of his
　　youth--all the irrepressible emotions of sympathy, censure, and hope,
　　to which the present suffering, and what he considers the proper
　　destiny of his fellow-creatures, gave birth. "Alastor", on the
　　contrary, contains an individual interest only. A very few years, with
　　their attendant events, had checked the ardour of Shelley's hopes,
　　though he still thought them well-grounded, and that to advance their
　　fulfilment was the noblest task man could achieve.
　　
　　This is neither the time nor place to speak of the misfortunes that
　　chequered his life. It will be sufficient to say that, in all he did,
　　he at the time of doing it believed himself justified to his own
　　conscience; while the various ills of poverty and loss of friends
　　brought home to him the sad realities of life. Physical suffering had
　　also considerable influence in causing him to turn his eyes inward;
　　inclining him rather to brood over the thoughts and emotions of his
　　own soul than to glance abroad, and to make, as in "Queen Mab", the
　　whole universe the object and subject of his song. In the Spring of
　　1815, an eminent physician pronounced that he was dying rapidly of a
　　consumption; abscesses were formed on his lungs, and he suffered acute
　　spasms. Suddenly a complete change took place; and though through life
　　he was a martyr to pain and debility, every symptom of pulmonary
　　disease vanished. His nerves, which nature had formed sensitive to an
　　unexampled degree, were rendered still more susceptible by the state
　　of his health.
　　
　　As soon as the peace of 1814 had opened the Continent, he went abroad.
　　He visited some of the more magnificent scenes of Switzerland, and
　　returned to England from Lucerne, by the Reuss and the Rhine. This
　　river-navigation enchanted him. In his favourite poem of "Thalaba",
　　his imagination had been excited by a description of such a voyage. In
　　the summer of 1815, after a tour along the southern coast of
　　Devonshire and a visit to Clifton, he rented a house on Bishopgate
　　Heath, on the borders of Windsor Forest, where he enjoyed several
　　months of comparative health and tranquil happiness. The later summer
　　months were warm and dry. Accompanied by a few friends, he visited the
　　source of the Thames, making a voyage in a wherry from Windsor to
　　Crichlade. His beautiful stanzas in the churchyard of Lechlade were
　　written on that occasion. "Alastor" was composed on his return. He
　　spent his days under the oak-shades of Windsor Great Park; and the
　　magnificent woodland was a fitting study to inspire the various
　　descriptions of forest scenery we find in the poem.
　　
　　None of Shelley's poems is more characteristic than this. The solemn
　　spirit that reigns throughout, the worship of the majesty of nature,
　　the broodings of a poet's heart in solitude--the mingling of the
　　exulting joy which the various aspects of the visible universe
　　inspires with the sad and struggling pangs which human passion
　　imparts--give a touching interest to the whole. The death which he had
　　often contemplated during the last months as certain and near he here
　　represented in such colours as had, in his lonely musings, soothed his
　　soul to peace. The versification sustains the solemn spirit which
　　breathes throughout: it is peculiarly melodious. The poem ought rather
　　to be considered didactic than narrative: it was the outpouring of his
　　own emotions, embodied in the purest form he could conceive, painted
　　in the ideal hues which his brilliant imagination inspired, and
　　softened by the recent anticipation of death.
　　
　　***
　　
　　
　　THE REVOLT OF ISLAM.
　　
　　A POEM IN TWELVE CANTOS.
　　
　　Osais de Broton ethnos aglaiais aptomestha
　　perainei pros eschaton
　　ploon nausi d oute pezos ion an eurois
　　es Uperboreon agona thaumatan odon.
　　
　　Pind. Pyth. x.
　　
　　[Composed in the neighbourhood of Bisham Wood, near Great Marlow,
　　Bucks, 1817 (April-September 23); printed, with title (dated 1818),
　　"Laon and Cythna; or, The Revolution of the Golden City: A Vision of
　　the Nineteenth Century", October, November, 1817, but suppressed,
　　pending revision, by the publishers, C & J. Ollier. (A few copies had
　　got out, but these were recalled, and some recovered.) Published, with
　　a fresh title-page and twenty-seven cancel-leaves, as "The Revolt of
　　Islam", January 10, 1818. Sources of the text are (1) "Laon and
　　Cythna", 1818; (2) "The Revolt of Islam", 1818; (3) "Poetical Works",
　　1839, editions 1st and 2nd--both edited by Mrs. Shelley. A copy, with
　　several pages missing, of the "Preface", the Dedication", and "Canto
　　1" of "Laon and Cythna" is amongst the Shelley manuscripts at the
　　Bodleian. For a full collation of this manuscript see Mr. C.D.
　　Locock's "Examination of the Shelley Manuscripts at the Bodleian
　　Library". Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1903. Two manuscript fragments from
　　the Hunt papers are also extant: one (twenty-four lines) in the
　　possession of Mr. W.M. Rossetti, another (9 23 9 to 29 6) in that of
　　Mr. H. Buxton Forman, C.B. See "The Shelley Library", pages 83-86, for
　　an account of the copy of "Laon" upon which Shelley worked in revising
　　for publication.]
　　
　　AUTHOR'S PREFACE.
　　
　　The Poem which I now present to the world is an attempt from which I
　　scarcely dare to expect success, and in which a writer of established
　　fame might fail without disgrace. It is an experiment on the temper of
　　the public mind, as to how far a thirst for a happier condition of
　　moral and political society survives, among the enlightened and
　　refined, the tempests which have shaken the age in which we live. I
　　have sought to enlist the harmony of metrical language, the ethereal
　　combinations of the fancy, the rapid and subtle transitions of human
　　passion, all those elements which essentially compose a Poem, in the
　　cause of a liberal and comprehensive morality; and in the view of
　　kindling within the bosoms of my readers a virtuous enthusiasm for
　　those doctrines of liberty and justice, that faith and hope in
　　something good, which neither violence nor misrepresentation nor
　　prejudice can ever totally extinguish among mankind.
　　
　　For this purpose I have chosen a story of human passion in its most
　　universal character, diversified with moving and romantic adventures,
　　and appealing, in contempt of all artificial opinions or institutions,
　　to the common sympathies of every human breast. I have made no attempt
　　to recommend the motives which I would substitute for those at present
　　governing mankind, by methodical and systematic argument. I would only
　　awaken the feelings, so that the reader should see the beauty of true
　　virtue, and be incited to those inquiries which have led to my moral
　　and political creed, and that of some of the sublimest intellects in
　　the world. The Poem therefore (with the exception of the first canto,
　　which is purely introductory) is narrative, not didactic. It is a
　　succession of pictures illustrating the growth and progress of
　　individual mind aspiring after excellence, and devoted to the love of
　　mankind; its influence in refining and making pure the most daring and
　　uncommon impulses of the imagination, the understanding, and the
　　senses; its impatience at 'all the oppressions which are done under
　　the sun;' its tendency to awaken public hope, and to enlighten and
　　improve mankind; the rapid effects of the application of that
　　tendency; the awakening of an immense nation from their slavery and
　　degradation to a true sense of moral dignity and freedom; the
　　bloodless dethronement of their oppressors, and the unveiling of the
　　religious frauds by which they had been deluded into submission; the
　　tranquillity of successful patriotism, and the universal toleration
　　and benevolence of true philanthropy; the treachery and barbarity of
　　hired soldiers; vice not the object of punishment and hatred, but
　　kindness and pity; the faithlessness of tyrants; the confederacy of
　　the Rulers of the World and the restoration of the expelled Dynasty by
　　foreign arms; the massacre and extermination of the Patriots, and the
　　victory of established power; the consequences of legitimate
　　despotism,--civil war, famine, plague, superstition, and an utter
　　extinction of the domestic affections; the judicial murder of the
　　advocates of Liberty; the temporary triumph of oppression, that secure
　　earnest of its final and inevitable fall; the transient nature of
　　ignorance and error and the eternity of genius and virtue. Such is the
　　series of delineations of which the Poem consists. And, if the lofty
　　passions with which it has been my scope to distinguish this story
　　shall not excite in the reader a generous impulse, an ardent thirst
　　for excellence, an interest profound and strong such as belongs to no
　　meaner desires, let not the failure be imputed to a natural unfitness
　　for human sympathy in these sublime and animating themes. It is the
　　business of the Poet to communicate to others the pleasure and the
　　enthusiasm arising out of those images and feelings in the vivid
　　presence of which within his own mind consists at once his inspiration
　　and his reward.
　　
　　The panic which, like an epidemic transport, seized upon all classes
　　of men during the excesses consequent upon the French Revolution, is
　　gradually giving place to sanity. It has ceased to be believed that
　　whole generations of mankind ought to consign themselves to a hopeless
　　inheritance of ignorance and misery, because a nation of men who had
　　been dupes and slaves for centuries were incapable of conducting
　　themselves with the wisdom and tranquillity of freemen so soon as some
　　of their fetters were partially loosened. That their conduct could not
　　have been marked by any other characters than ferocity and
　　thoughtlessness is the historical fact from which liberty derives all
　　its recommendations, and falsehood the worst features of its
　　deformity. There is a reflux in the tide of human things which bears
　　the shipwrecked hopes of men into a secure haven after the storms are
　　past. Methinks, those who now live have survived an age of despair.
　　
　　The French Revolution may be considered as one of those manifestations
　　of a general state of feeling among civilised mankind produced by a
　　defect of correspondence between the knowledge existing in society and
　　the improvement or gradual abolition of political institutions. The
　　year 1788 may be assumed as the epoch of one of the most important
　　crises produced by this feeling. The sympathies connected with that
　　event extended to every bosom. The most generous and amiable natures
　　were those which participated the most extensively in these
　　sympathies. But such a degree of unmingled good was expected as it was
　　impossible to realise. If the Revolution had been in every respect
　　prosperous, then misrule and superstition would lose half their claims
　　to our abhorrence, as fetters which the captive can unlock with the
　　slightest motion of his fingers, and which do not eat with poisonous
　　rust into the soul. The revulsion occasioned by the atrocities of the
　　demagogues, and the re-establishment of successive tyrannies in
　　France, was terrible, and felt in the remotest corner of the civilised
　　world. Could they listen to the plea of reason who had groaned under
　　the calamities of a social state according to the provisions of which
　　one man riots in luxury whilst another famishes for want of bread? Can
　　he who the day before was a trampled slave suddenly become
　　liberal-minded, forbearing, and independent? This is the consequence
　　of the habits of a state of society to be produced by resolute
　　perseverance and indefatigable hope, and long-suffering and
　　long-believing courage, and the systematic efforts of generations of
　　men of intellect and virtue. Such is the lesson which experience
　　teaches now. But, on the first reverses of hope in the progress of
　　French liberty, the sanguine eagerness for good overleaped the
　　solution of these questions, and for a time extinguished itself in the
　　unexpectedness of their result. Thus, many of the most ardent and
　　tender-hearted of the worshippers of public good have been morally
　　ruined by what a partial glimpse of the events they deplored appeared
　　to show as the melancholy desolation of all their cherished hopes.
　　Hence gloom and misanthropy have become the characteristics of the age
　　in which we live, the solace of a disappointment that unconsciously
　　finds relief only in the wilful exaggeration of its own despair. This
　　influence has tainted the literature of the age with the hopelessness
　　of the minds from which it flows. Metaphysics (I ought to except sir
　　W. Drummond's "Academical Questions"; a volume of very acute and
　　powerful metaphysical criticism.), and inquiries into moral and
　　political science, have become little else than vain attempts to
　　revive exploded superstitions, or sophisms like those of Mr. Malthus
　　(It is remarkable, as a symptom of the revival of public hope, that
　　Mr. Malthus has assigned, in the later editions of his work, an
　　indefinite dominion to moral restraint over the principle of
　　population. This concession answers all the inferences from his
　　doctrine unfavourable to human improvement, and reduces the "Essay on
　　Population" to a commentary illustrative of the unanswerableness of
　　"Political Justice".), calculated to lull the oppressors of mankind
　　into a security of everlasting triumph. Our works of fiction and
　　poetry have been overshadowed by the same infectious gloom. But
　　mankind appear to me to be emerging from their trance. I am aware,
　　methinks, of a slow, gradual, silent change. In that belief I have
　　composed the following Poem.
　　
　　I do not presume to enter into competition with our greatest
　　contemporary Poets. Yet I am unwilling to tread in the footsteps of
　　any who have preceded me. I have sought to avoid the imitation of any
　　style of language or versification peculiar to the original minds of
　　which it is the character; designing that, even if what I have
　　produced be worthless, it should still be properly my own. Nor have I
　　permitted any system relating to mere words to divert the attention of
　　the reader, from whatever interest I may have succeeded in creating,
　　to my own ingenuity in contriving to disgust them according to the
　　rules of criticism. I have simply clothed my thoughts in what appeared
　　to me the most obvious and appropriate language. A person familiar
　　with nature, and with the most celebrated productions of the human
　　mind, can scarcely err in following the instinct, with respect to
　　__select__ion of language, produced by that familiarity.
　　
　　There is an education peculiarly fitted for a Poet, without which
　　genius and sensibility can hardly fill the circle of their capacities.
　　No education, indeed, can entitle to this appellation a dull and
　　unobservant mind, or one, though neither dull nor unobservant, in
　　which the channels of communication between thought and expression
　　have been obstructed or closed. How far it is my fortune to belong to
　　either of the latter classes I cannot know. I aspire to be something
　　better. The circumstances of my accidental education have been
　　favourable to this ambition. I have been familiar from boyhood with
　　mountains and lakes and the sea, and the solitude of forests: Danger,
　　which sports upon the brink of precipices, has been my playmate. I
　　have trodden the glaciers of the Alps, and lived under the eye of Mont
　　Blanc. I have been a wanderer among distant fields. I have sailed down
　　mighty rivers, and seen the sun rise and set, and the stars come
　　forth, whilst I have sailed night and day down a rapid stream among
　　mountains. I have seen populous cities, and have watched the passions
　　which rise and spread, and sink and change, amongst assembled
　　multitudes of men. I have seen the theatre of the more visible ravages
　　of tyranny and war, cities and villages reduced to scattered groups of
　　black and roofless houses, and the naked inhabitants sitting famished
　　upon their desolated thresholds. I have conversed with living men of
　　genius. The poetry of ancient Greece and Rome, and modern Italy, and
　　our own country, has been to me, like external nature, a passion and
　　an enjoyment. Such are the sources from which the materials for the
　　imagery of my Poem have been drawn. I have considered Poetry in its
　　most comprehensive sense; and have read the Poets and the Historians
　　and the Metaphysicians (In this sense there may be such a thing as
　　perfectibility in works of fiction, notwithstanding the concession
　　often made by the advocates of human improvement, that perfectibility
　　is a term applicable only to science.) whose writings have been
　　accessible to me, and have looked upon the beautiful and majestic
　　scenery of the earth, as common sources of those elements which it is
　　the province of the Poet to embody and combine. Yet the experience and
　　the feelings to which I refer do not in themselves constitute men
　　Poets, but only prepares them to be the auditors of those who are. How
　　far I shall be found to possess that more essential attribute of
　　Poetry, the power of awakening in others sensations like those which
　　animate my own bosom, is that which, to speak sincerely, I know not;
　　and which, with an acquiescent and contented spirit, I expect to be
　　taught by the effect which I shall produce upon those whom I now
　　address.
　　
　　I have avoided, as I have said before, the imitation of any
　　contemporary style. But there must be a resemblance, which does not
　　depend upon their own will, between all the writers of any particular
　　age. They cannot escape from subjection to a common influence which
　　arises out of an infinite combination of circumstances belonging to
　　the times in which they live; though each is in a degree the author of
　　the very influence by which his being is thus pervaded. Thus, the
　　tragic poets of the age of Pericles; the Italian revivers of ancient
　　learning; those mighty intellects of our own country that succeeded
　　the Reformation, the translators of the Bible, Shakespeare, Spenser,
　　the Dramatists of the reign of Elizabeth, and Lord Bacon (Milton
　　stands alone in the age which he illumined.); the colder spirits of
　　the interval that succeeded;--all resemble each other, and differ from
　　every other in their several classes. In this view of things, Ford can
　　no more be called the imitator of Shakespeare than Shakespeare the
　　imitator of Ford. There were perhaps few other points of resemblance
　　between these two men than that which the universal and inevitable
　　influence of their age produced. And this is an influence which
　　neither the meanest scribbler nor the sublimest genius of any era can
　　escape; and which I have not attempted to escape.
　　
　　I have adopted the stanza of Spenser (a measure inexpressibly
　　beautiful), not because I consider it a finer model of poetical
　　harmony than the blank verse of Shakespeare and Milton, but because in
　　the latter there is no shelter for mediocrity; you must either succeed
　　or fail. This perhaps an aspiring spirit should desire. But I was
　　enticed also by the brilliancy and magnificence of sound which a mind
　　that has been nourished upon musical thoughts can produce by a just
　　and harmonious arrangement of the pauses of this measure. Yet there
　　will be found some instances where I have completely failed in this
　　attempt, and one, which I here request the reader to consider as an
　　erratum, where there is left, most inadvertently, an alexandrine in
　　the middle of a stanza.
　　
　　But in this, as in every other respect, I have written fearlessly. It
　　is the misfortune of this age that its Writers, too thoughtless of
　　immortality, are exquisitely sensible to temporary praise or blame.
　　They write with the fear of Reviews before their eyes. This system of
　　criticism sprang up in that torpid interval when Poetry was not.
　　Poetry, and the art which professes to regulate and limit its powers,
　　cannot subsist together. Longinus could not have been the contemporary
　　of Homer, nor Boileau of Horace. Yet this species of criticism never
　　presumed to assert an understanding of its own; it has always, unlike
　　true science, followed, not preceded, the opinion of mankind, and
　　would even now bribe with worthless adulation some of our greatest
　　Poets to impose gratuitous fetters on their own imaginations, and
　　become unconscious accomplices in the daily murder of all genius
　　either not so aspiring or not so fortunate as their own. I have sought
　　therefore to write, as I believe that Homer, Shakespeare, and Milton
　　wrote, with an utter disregard of anonymous censure. I am certain that
　　calumny and misrepresentation, though it may move me to compassion,
　　cannot disturb my peace. I shall understand the expressive silence of
　　those sagacious enemies who dare not trust themselves to speak. I
　　shall endeavour to extract, from the midst of insult and contempt and
　　maledictions, those admonitions which may tend to correct whatever
　　imperfections such censurers may discover in this my first serious
　　appeal to the Public. If certain Critics were as clear-sighted as they
　　are malignant, how great would be the benefit to be derived from their
　　virulent writings! As it is, I fear I shall be malicious enough to be
　　amused with their paltry tricks and lame invectives. Should the Public
　　judge that my composition is worthless, I shall indeed bow before the
　　tribunal from which Milton received his crown of immortality, and
　　shall seek to gather, if I live, strength from that defeat, which may
　　nerve me to some new enterprise of thought which may not be worthless.
　　I cannot conceive that Lucretius, when he meditated that poem whose
　　doctrines are yet the basis of our metaphysical knowledge, and whose
　　eloquence has been the wonder of mankind, wrote in awe of such censure
　　as the hired sophists of the impure and superstitious noblemen of Rome
　　might affix to what he should produce. It was at the period when
　　Greece was led captive and Asia made tributary to the Republic, fast
　　verging itself to slavery and ruin, that a multitude of Syrian
　　captives, bigoted to the worship of their obscene Ashtaroth, and the
　　unworthy successors of Socrates and Zeno, found there a precarious
　　subsistence by administering, under the name of freedmen, to the vices
　　and vanities of the great. These wretched men were skilled to plead,
　　with a superficial but plausible set of sophisms, in favour of that
　　contempt for virtue which is the portion of slaves, and that faith in
　　portents, the most fatal substitute for benevolence in the
　　imaginations of men, which, arising from the enslaved communities of
　　the East, then first began to overwhelm the western nations in its
　　stream. Were these the kind of men whose disapprobation the wise and
　　lofty-minded Lucretius should have regarded with a salutary awe? The
　　latest and perhaps the meanest of those who follow in his footsteps
　　would disdain to hold life on such conditions.
　　
　　The Poem now presented to the Public occupied little more than six
　　months in the composition. That period has been devoted to the task
　　with unremitting ardour and enthusiasm. I have exercised a watchful
　　and earnest criticism on my work as it grew under my hands. I would
　　willingly have sent it forth to the world with that perfection which
　　long labour and revision is said to bestow. But I found that, if I
　　should gain something in exactness by this method, I might lose much
　　of the newness and energy of imagery and language as it flowed fresh
　　from my mind. And, although the mere composition occupied no more than
　　six months, the thoughts thus arranged were slowly gathered in as many
　　years.
　　
　　I trust that the reader will carefully distinguish between those
　　opinions which have a dramatic propriety in reference to the
　　characters which they are designed to elucidate, and such as are
　　properly my own. The erroneous and degrading idea which men have
　　conceived of a Supreme Being, for instance, is spoken against, but not
　　the Supreme Being itself. The belief which some superstitious persons
　　whom I have brought upon the stage entertain of the Deity, as
　　injurious to the character of his benevolence, is widely different
　　from my own. In recommending also a great and important change in the
　　spirit which animates the social institutions of mankind, I have
　　avoided all flattery to those violent and malignant passions of our
　　nature which are ever on the watch to mingle with and to alloy the
　　most beneficial innovations. There is no quarter given to Revenge, or
　　Envy, or Prejudice. Love is celebrated everywhere as the sole law
　　which should govern the moral world.
　　
　　
　　DEDICATION.
　　
　　There is no danger to a man that knows
　　What life and death is: there's not any law
　　Exceeds his knowledge; neither is it lawful
　　That he should stoop to any other law.--CHAPMAN.
　　
　　TO MARY -- --.
　　
　　1.
　　So now my summer-task is ended, Mary,
　　And I return to thee, mine own heart's home;
　　As to his Queen some victor Knight of Faery,
　　Earning bright spoils for her enchanted dome;
　　Nor thou disdain, that ere my fame become _5
　　A star among the stars of mortal night,
　　If it indeed may cleave its natal gloom,
　　Its doubtful promise thus I would unite
　　With thy beloved name, thou Child of love and light.
　　
　　2.
　　The toil which stole from thee so many an hour, _10
　　Is ended,--and the fruit is at thy feet!
　　No longer where the woods to frame a bower
　　With interlaced branches mix and meet,
　　Or where with sound like many voices sweet,
　　Waterfalls leap among wild islands green, _15
　　Which framed for my lone boat a lone retreat
　　Of moss-grown trees and weeds, shall I be seen;
　　But beside thee, where still my heart has ever been.
　　
　　3.
　　Thoughts of great deeds were mine, dear Friend, when first
　　The clouds which wrap this world from youth did pass. _20
　　I do remember well the hour which burst
　　My spirit's sleep. A fresh May-dawn it was,
　　When I walked forth upon the glittering grass,
　　And wept, I knew not why; until there rose
　　From the near schoolroom, voices that, alas! _25
　　Were but one echo from a world of woes--
　　The harsh and grating strife of tyrants and of foes.
　　
　　4.
　　And then I clasped my hands and looked around--
　　--But none was near to mock my streaming eyes,
　　Which poured their warm drops on the sunny ground-- _30
　　So without shame I spake:--'I will be wise,
　　And just, and free, and mild, if in me lies
　　Such power, for I grow weary to behold
　　The selfish and the strong still tyrannise
　　Without reproach or check.' I then controlled _35
　　My tears, my heart grew calm, and I was meek and bold.
　　
　　5.
　　And from that hour did I with earnest thought
　　Heap knowledge from forbidden mines of lore;
　　Yet nothing that my tyrants knew or taught
　　I cared to learn, but from that secret store _40
　　Wrought linked armour for my soul, before
　　It might walk forth to war among mankind;
　　Thus power and hope were strengthened more and more
　　Within me, till there came upon my mind
　　A sense of loneliness, a thirst with which I pined. _45
　　
　　6.
　　Alas, that love should be a blight and snare
　　To those who seek all sympathies in one!--
　　Such once I sought in vain; then black despair,
　　The shadow of a starless night, was thrown
　　Over the world in which I moved alone:-- _50
　　Yet never found I one not false to me,
　　Hard hearts, and cold, like weights of icy stone
　　Which crushed and withered mine, that could not be
　　Aught but a lifeless clod, until revived by thee.
　　
　　7.
　　Thou Friend, whose presence on my wintry heart _55
　　Fell, like bright Spring upon some herbless plain;
　　How beautiful and calm and free thou wert
　　In thy young wisdom, when the mortal chain
　　Of Custom thou didst burst and rend in twain,
　　And walked as free as light the clouds among, _60
　　Which many an envious slave then breathed in vain
　　From his dim dungeon, and my spirit sprung
　　To meet thee from the woes which had begirt it long!
　　
　　8.
　　No more alone through the world's wilderness,
　　Although I trod the paths of high intent, _65
　　I journeyed now: no more companionless,
　　Where solitude is like despair, I went.--
　　There is the wisdom of a stern content
　　When Poverty can blight the just and good,
　　When Infamy dares mock the innocent, _70
　　And cherished friends turn with the multitude
　　To trample: this was ours, and we unshaken stood!
　　
　　9.
　　Now has descended a serener hour,
　　And with inconstant fortune, friends return;
　　Though suffering leaves the knowledge and the power _75
　　Which says:--Let scorn be not repaid with scorn.
　　And from thy side two gentle babes are born
　　To fill our home with smiles, and thus are we
　　Most fortunate beneath life's beaming morn;
　　And these delights, and thou, have been to me _80
　　The parents of the Song I consecrate to thee.
　　
　　10.
　　Is it that now my inexperienced fingers
　　But strike the prelude of a loftier strain?
　　Or, must the lyre on which my spirit lingers
　　Soon pause in silence, ne'er to sound again, _85
　　Though it might shake the Anarch Custom's reign,
　　And charm the minds of men to Truth's own sway
　　Holier than was Amphion's? I would fain
　　Reply in hope--but I am worn away,
　　And Death and Love are yet contending for their prey. _90
　　
　　11.
　　And what art thou? I know, but dare not speak:
　　Time may interpret to his silent years.
　　Yet in the paleness of thy thoughtful cheek,
　　And in the light thine ample forehead wears,
　　And in thy sweetest smiles, and in thy tears, _95
　　And in thy gentle speech, a prophecy
　　Is whispered, to subdue my fondest fears:
　　And through thine eyes, even in thy soul I see
　　A lamp of vestal fire burning internally.
　　
　　12.
　　They say that thou wert lovely from thy birth, _100
　　Of glorious parents thou aspiring Child.
　　I wonder not--for One then left this earth
　　Whose life was like a setting planet mild,
　　Which clothed thee in the radiance undefiled
　　Of its departing glory; still her fame _105
　　Shines on thee, through the tempests dark and wild
　　Which shake these latter days; and thou canst claim
　　The shelter, from thy Sire, of an immortal name.
　　
　　13.
　　One voice came forth from many a mighty spirit,
　　Which was the echo of three thousand years; _110
　　And the tumultuous world stood mute to hear it,
　　As some lone man who in a desert hears
　　The music of his home:--unwonted fears
　　Fell on the pale oppressors of our race,
　　And Faith, and Custom, and low-thoughted cares, _115
　　Like thunder-stricken dragons, for a space
　　Left the torn human heart, their food and dwelling-place.
　　
　　14.
　　Truth's deathless voice pauses among mankind!
　　If there must be no response to my cry--
　　If men must rise and stamp with fury blind _120
　　On his pure name who loves them,--thou and I,
　　Sweet friend! can look from our tranquillity
　　Like lamps into the world's tempestuous night,--
　　Two tranquil stars, while clouds are passing by
　　Which wrap them from the foundering seaman's sight, _125
　　That burn from year to year with unextinguished light.
　　
　　
　　NOTES.
　　_54 cloaking edition 1818. See notes at end.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 1.
　　
　　1.
　　When the last hope of trampled France had failed
　　Like a brief dream of unremaining glory,
　　From visions of despair I rose, and scaled
　　The peak of an aerial promontory, _130
　　Whose caverned base with the vexed surge was hoary;
　　And saw the golden dawn break forth, and waken
　　Each cloud, and every wave:--but transitory
　　The calm; for sudden, the firm earth was shaken,
　　As if by the last wreck its frame were overtaken. _135
　　
　　2.
　　So as I stood, one blast of muttering thunder
　　Burst in far peals along the waveless deep,
　　When, gathering fast, around, above, and under,
　　Long trains of tremulous mist began to creep,
　　Until their complicating lines did steep _140
　　The orient sun in shadow:--not a sound
　　Was heard; one horrible repose did keep
　　The forests and the floods, and all around
　　Darkness more dread than night was poured upon the ground.
　　
　　3.
　　Hark! 'tis the rushing of a wind that sweeps _145
　　Earth and the ocean. See! the lightnings yawn
　　Deluging Heaven with fire, and the lashed deeps
　　Glitter and boil beneath: it rages on,
　　One mighty stream, whirlwind and waves upthrown,
　　Lightning, and hail, and darkness eddying by. _150
　　There is a pause--the sea-birds, that were gone
　　Into their caves to shriek, come forth, to spy
　　What calm has fall'n on earth, what light is in the sky.
　　
　　4.
　　For, where the irresistible storm had cloven
　　That fearful darkness, the blue sky was seen _155
　　Fretted with many a fair cloud interwoven
　　Most delicately, and the ocean green,
　　Beneath that opening spot of blue serene,
　　Quivered like burning emerald; calm was spread
　　On all below; but far on high, between _160
　　Earth and the upper air, the vast clouds fled,
　　Countless and swift as leaves on autumn's tempest shed.
　　
　　5.
　　For ever, as the war became more fierce
　　Between the whirlwinds and the rack on high,
　　That spot grew more serene; blue light did pierce _165
　　The woof of those white clouds, which seem to lie
　　Far, deep, and motionless; while through the sky
　　The pallid semicircle of the moon
　　Passed on, in slow and moving majesty;
　　Its upper horn arrayed in mists, which soon _170
　　But slowly fled, like dew beneath the beams of noon.
　　
　　6.
　　I could not choose but gaze; a fascination
　　Dwelt in that moon, and sky, and clouds, which drew
　　My fancy thither, and in expectation
　　Of what I knew not, I remained:--the hue _175
　　Of the white moon, amid that heaven so blue,
　　Suddenly stained with shadow did appear;
　　A speck, a cloud, a shape, approaching grew,
　　Like a great ship in the sun's sinking sphere
　　Beheld afar at sea, and swift it came anear. _180
　　
　　7.
　　Even like a bark, which from a chasm of mountains,
　　Dark, vast and overhanging, on a river
　　Which there collects the strength of all its fountains,
　　Comes forth, whilst with the speed its frame doth quiver,
　　Sails, oars and stream, tending to one endeavour; _185
　　So, from that chasm of light a winged Form
　　On all the winds of heaven approaching ever
　　Floated, dilating as it came; the storm
　　Pursued it with fierce blasts, and lightnings swift and warm.
　　
　　8.
　　A course precipitous, of dizzy speed, _190
　　Suspending thought and breath; a monstrous sight!
　　For in the air do I behold indeed
　　An Eagle and a Serpent wreathed in fight:--
　　And now, relaxing its impetuous flight,
　　Before the aerial rock on which I stood, _195
　　The Eagle, hovering, wheeled to left and right,
　　And hung with lingering wings over the flood,
　　And startled with its yells the wide air's solitude.
　　
　　9.
　　A shaft of light upon its wings descended,
　　And every golden feather gleamed therein-- _200
　　Feather and scale, inextricably blended.
　　The Serpent's mailed and many-coloured skin
　　Shone through the plumes its coils were twined within
　　By many a swoln and knotted fold, and high
　　And far, the neck, receding lithe and thin, _205
　　Sustained a crested head, which warily
　　Shifted and glanced before the Eagle's steadfast eye.
　　
　　10.
　　Around, around, in ceaseless circles wheeling
　　With clang of wings and scream, the Eagle sailed
　　Incessantly--sometimes on high concealing _210
　　Its lessening orbs, sometimes as if it failed,
　　Drooped through the air; and still it shrieked and wailed,
　　And casting back its eager head, with beak
　　And talon unremittingly assailed
　　The wreathed Serpent, who did ever seek _215
　　Upon his enemy's heart a mortal wound to wreak.
　　
　　11.
　　What life, what power, was kindled and arose
　　Within the sphere of that appalling fray!
　　For, from the encounter of those wondrous foes,
　　A vapour like the sea's suspended spray _220
　　Hung gathered; in the void air, far away,
　　Floated the shattered plumes; bright scales did leap,
　　Where'er the Eagle's talons made their way,
　　Like sparks into the darkness;--as they sweep,
　　Blood stains the snowy foam of the tumultuous deep. _225
　　
　　12.
　　Swift chances in that combat--many a check,
　　And many a change, a dark and wild turmoil;
　　Sometimes the Snake around his enemy's neck
　　Locked in stiff rings his adamantine coil,
　　Until the Eagle, faint with pain and toil, _230
　　Remitted his strong flight, and near the sea
　　Languidly fluttered, hopeless so to foil
　　His adversary, who then reared on high
　　His red and burning crest, radiant with victory.
　　
　　13.
　　Then on the white edge of the bursting surge, _235
　　Where they had sunk together, would the Snake
　　Relax his suffocating grasp, and scourge
　　The wind with his wild writhings; for to break
　　That chain of torment, the vast bird would shake
　　The strength of his unconquerable wings _240
　　As in despair, and with his sinewy neck,
　　Dissolve in sudden shock those linked rings--
　　Then soar, as swift as smoke from a volcano springs.
　　
　　14.
　　Wile baffled wile, and strength encountered strength,
　　Thus long, but unprevailing:--the event _245
　　Of that portentous fight appeared at length:
　　Until the lamp of day was almost spent
　　It had endured, when lifeless, stark, and rent,
　　Hung high that mighty Serpent, and at last
　　Fell to the sea, while o'er the continent _250
　　With clang of wings and scream the Eagle passed,
　　Heavily borne away on the exhausted blast.
　　
　　15.
　　And with it fled the tempest, so that ocean
　　And earth and sky shone through the atmosphere--
　　Only, 'twas strange to see the red commotion _255
　　Of waves like mountains o'er the sinking sphere
　　Of sunset sweep, and their fierce roar to hear
　　Amid the calm: down the steep path I wound
　　To the sea-shore--the evening was most clear
　　And beautiful, and there the sea I found _260
　　Calm as a cradled child in dreamless slumber bound.
　　
　　16.
　　There was a Woman, beautiful as morning,
　　Sitting beneath the rocks, upon the sand
　　Of the waste sea--fair as one flower adorning
　　An icy wilderness; each delicate hand _265
　　Lay crossed upon her bosom, and the band
　　Of her dark hair had fall'n, and so she sate
　　Looking upon the waves; on the bare strand
　　Upon the sea-mark a small boat did wait,
　　Fair as herself, like Love by Hope left desolate. _270
　　
　　17.
　　It seemed that this fair Shape had looked upon
　　That unimaginable fight, and now
　　That her sweet eyes were weary of the sun,
　　As brightly it illustrated her woe;
　　For in the tears which silently to flow _275
　　Paused not, its lustre hung: she watching aye
　　The foam-wreaths which the faint tide wove below
　　Upon the spangled sands, groaned heavily,
　　And after every groan looked up over the sea.
　　
　　18.
　　And when she saw the wounded Serpent make _280
　　His path between the waves, her lips grew pale,
　　Parted, and quivered; the tears ceased to break
　　From her immovable eyes; no voice of wail
　　Escaped her; but she rose, and on the gale
　　Loosening her star-bright robe and shadowy hair _285
　　Poured forth her voice; the caverns of the vale
　　That opened to the ocean, caught it there,
　　And filled with silver sounds the overflowing air.
　　
　　19.
　　She spake in language whose strange melody
　　Might not belong to earth. I heard alone, _290
　　What made its music more melodious be,
　　The pity and the love of every tone;
　　But to the Snake those accents sweet were known
　　His native tongue and hers; nor did he beat
　　The hoar spray idly then, but winding on _295
　　Through the green shadows of the waves that meet
　　Near to the shore, did pause beside her snowy feet.
　　
　　20.
　　Then on the sands the Woman sate again,
　　And wept and clasped her hands, and all between,
　　Renewed the unintelligible strain _300
　　Of her melodious voice and eloquent mien;
　　And she unveiled her bosom, and the green
　　And glancing shadows of the sea did play
　　O'er its marmoreal depth:--one moment seen,
　　For ere the next, the Serpent did obey _305
　　Her voice, and, coiled in rest in her embrace it lay.
　　
　　21.
　　Then she arose, and smiled on me with eyes
　　Serene yet sorrowing, like that planet fair,
　　While yet the daylight lingereth in the skies
　　Which cleaves with arrowy beams the dark-red air, _310
　　And said: 'To grieve is wise, but the despair
　　Was weak and vain which led thee here from sleep:
　　This shalt thou know, and more, if thou dost dare
　　With me and with this Serpent, o'er the deep,
　　A voyage divine and strange, companionship to keep.' _315
　　
　　22.
　　Her voice was like the wildest, saddest tone,
　　Yet sweet, of some loved voice heard long ago.
　　I wept. 'Shall this fair woman all alone,
　　Over the sea with that fierce Serpent go?
　　His head is on her heart, and who can know _320
　　How soon he may devour his feeble prey?'--
　　Such were my thoughts, when the tide gan to flow;
　　And that strange boat like the moon's shade did sway
　　Amid reflected stars that in the waters lay:--
　　
　　23.
　　A boat of rare device, which had no sail _325
　　But its own curved prow of thin moonstone,
　　Wrought like a web of texture fine and frail,
　　To catch those gentlest winds which are not known
　　To breathe, but by the steady speed alone
　　With which it cleaves the sparkling sea; and now _330
　　We are embarked--the mountains hang and frown
　　Over the starry deep that gleams below,
　　A vast and dim expanse, as o'er the waves we go.
　　
　　24.
　　And as we sailed, a strange and awful tale
　　That Woman told, like such mysterious dream _335
　　As makes the slumberer's cheek with wonder pale!
　　'Twas midnight, and around, a shoreless stream,
　　Wide ocean rolled, when that majestic theme
　　Shrined in her heart found utterance, and she bent
　　Her looks on mine; those eyes a kindling beam _340
　　Of love divine into my spirit sent,
　　And ere her lips could move, made the air eloquent.
　　
　　25.
　　'Speak not to me, but hear! Much shalt thou learn,
　　Much must remain unthought, and more untold,
　　In the dark Future's ever-flowing urn: _345
　　Know then, that from the depth of ages old
　　Two Powers o'er mortal things dominion hold,
　　Ruling the world with a divided lot,
　　Immortal, all-pervading, manifold,
　　Twin Genii, equal Gods--when life and thought _350
　　Sprang forth, they burst the womb of inessential Nought.
　　
　　26.
　　'The earliest dweller of the world, alone,
　　Stood on the verge of chaos. Lo! afar
　　O'er the wide wild abyss two meteors shone,
　　Sprung from the depth of its tempestuous jar: _355
　　A blood-red Comet and the Morning Star
　　Mingling their beams in combat--as he stood,
　　All thoughts within his mind waged mutual war,
　　In dreadful sympathy--when to the flood
　　That fair Star fell, he turned and shed his brother's blood. _360
　　
　　27.
　　'Thus evil triumphed, and the Spirit of evil,
　　One Power of many shapes which none may know,
　　One Shape of many names; the Fiend did revel
　　In victory, reigning o'er a world of woe,
　　For the new race of man went to and fro, _365
　　Famished and homeless, loathed and loathing, wild,
　　And hating good--for his immortal foe,
　　He changed from starry shape, beauteous and mild,
　　To a dire Snake, with man and beast unreconciled.
　　
　　28.
　　'The darkness lingering o'er the dawn of things, _370
　　Was Evil's breath and life; this made him strong
　　To soar aloft with overshadowing wings;
　　And the great Spirit of Good did creep among
　　The nations of mankind, and every tongue
　　Cursed and blasphemed him as he passed; for none _375
　　Knew good from evil, though their names were hung
　　In mockery o'er the fane where many a groan,
　　As King, and Lord, and God, the conquering Fiend did own,--
　　
　　29.
　　'The Fiend, whose name was Legion: Death, Decay,
　　Earthquake and Blight, and Want, and Madness pale, _380
　　Winged and wan diseases, an array
　　Numerous as leaves that strew the autumnal gale;
　　Poison, a snake in flowers, beneath the veil
　　Of food and mirth, hiding his mortal head;
　　And, without whom all these might nought avail, _385
　　Fear, Hatred, Faith, and Tyranny, who spread
　　Those subtle nets which snare the living and the dead.
　　
　　30.
　　'His spirit is their power, and they his slaves
　　In air, and light, and thought, and language, dwell;
　　And keep their state from palaces to graves, _390
　　In all resorts of men--invisible,
　　But when, in ebon mirror, Nightmare fell
　　To tyrant or impostor bids them rise,
　　Black winged demon forms--whom, from the hell,
　　His reign and dwelling beneath nether skies, _395
　　He loosens to their dark and blasting ministries.
　　
　　31.
　　'In the world's youth his empire was as firm
　　As its foundations...Soon the Spirit of Good,
　　Though in the likeness of a loathsome worm,
　　Sprang from the billows of the formless flood, _400
　　Which shrank and fled; and with that Fiend of blood
　　Renewed the doubtful war...Thrones then first shook,
　　And earth's immense and trampled multitude
　　In hope on their own powers began to look,
　　And Fear, the demon pale, his sanguine shrine forsook. _405
　　
　　32.
　　'Then Greece arose, and to its bards and sages,
　　In dream, the golden-pinioned Genii came,
　　Even where they slept amid the night of ages,
　　Steeping their hearts in the divinest flame
　　Which thy breath kindled, Power of holiest name! _410
　　And oft in cycles since, when darkness gave
　　New weapons to thy foe, their sunlike fame
　　Upon the combat shone--a light to save,
　　Like Paradise spread forth beyond the shadowy grave.
　　
　　33.
　　'Such is this conflict--when mankind doth strive _415
　　With its oppressors in a strife of blood,
　　Or when free thoughts, like lightnings, are alive,
　　And in each bosom of the multitude
　　Justice and truth with Custom's hydra brood
　　Wage silent war; when Priests and Kings dissemble _420
　　In smiles or frowns their fierce disquietude,
　　When round pure hearts a host of hopes assemble,
　　The Snake and Eagle meet--the world's foundations tremble!
　　
　　34.
　　'Thou hast beheld that fight--when to thy home
　　Thou dost return, steep not its hearth in tears; _425
　　Though thou may'st hear that earth is now become
　　The tyrant's garbage, which to his compeers,
　　The vile reward of their dishonoured years,
　　He will dividing give.--The victor Fiend,
　　Omnipotent of yore, now quails, and fears _430
　　His triumph dearly won, which soon will lend
　　An impulse swift and sure to his approaching end.
　　
　　35.
　　'List, stranger, list, mine is an human form,
　　Like that thou wearest--touch me--shrink not now!
　　My hand thou feel'st is not a ghost's, but warm _435
　　With human blood.--'Twas many years ago,
　　Since first my thirsting soul aspired to know
　　The secrets of this wondrous world, when deep
　　My heart was pierced with sympathy, for woe
　　Which could not be mine own, and thought did keep, _440
　　In dream, unnatural watch beside an infant's sleep.
　　
　　36.
　　'Woe could not be mine own, since far from men
　　I dwelt, a free and happy orphan child,
　　By the sea-shore, in a deep mountain glen;
　　And near the waves, and through the forests wild, _445
　　I roamed, to storm and darkness reconciled:
　　For I was calm while tempest shook the sky:
　　But when the breathless heavens in beauty smiled,
　　I wept, sweet tears, yet too tumultuously
　　For peace, and clasped my hands aloft in ecstasy. _450
　　
　　37.
　　'These were forebodings of my fate--before
　　A woman's heart beat in my virgin breast,
　　It had been nurtured in divinest lore:
　　A dying poet gave me books, and blessed
　　With wild but holy talk the sweet unrest _455
　　In which I watched him as he died away--
　　A youth with hoary hair--a fleeting guest
　　Of our lone mountains: and this lore did sway
　　My spirit like a storm, contending there alway.
　　
　　38.
　　'Thus the dark tale which history doth unfold _460
　　I knew, but not, methinks, as others know,
　　For they weep not; and Wisdom had unrolled
　　The clouds which hide the gulf of mortal woe,--
　　To few can she that warning vision show--
　　For I loved all things with intense devotion; _465
　　So that when Hope's deep source in fullest flow,
　　Like earthquake did uplift the stagnant ocean
　　Of human thoughts--mine shook beneath the wide emotion.
　　
　　39.
　　'When first the living blood through all these veins
　　Kindled a thought in sense, great France sprang forth, _470
　　And seized, as if to break, the ponderous chains
　　Which bind in woe the nations of the earth.
　　I saw, and started from my cottage-hearth;
　　And to the clouds and waves in tameless gladness
　　Shrieked, till they caught immeasurable mirth-- _475
　　And laughed in light and music: soon, sweet madness
　　Was poured upon my heart, a soft and thrilling sadness.
　　
　　40.
　　'Deep slumber fell on me:--my dreams were fire--
　　Soft and delightful thoughts did rest and hover
　　Like shadows o'er my brain; and strange desire, _480
　　The tempest of a passion, raging over
　　My tranquil soul, its depths with light did cover,
　　Which passed; and calm, and darkness, sweeter far,
　　Came--then I loved; but not a human lover!
　　For when I rose from sleep, the Morning Star _485
　　Shone through the woodbine-wreaths which round my casement were.
　　
　　41.
　　''Twas like an eye which seemed to smile on me.
　　I watched, till by the sun made pale, it sank
　　Under the billows of the heaving sea;
　　But from its beams deep love my spirit drank, _490
　　And to my brain the boundless world now shrank
　　Into one thought--one image--yes, for ever!
　　Even like the dayspring, poured on vapours dank,
　　The beams of that one Star did shoot and quiver
　　Through my benighted mind--and were extinguished never. _495
　　
　　42.
　　'The day passed thus: at night, methought, in dream
　　A shape of speechless beauty did appear:
　　It stood like light on a careering stream
　　Of golden clouds which shook the atmosphere;
　　A winged youth, his radiant brow did wear _500
　　The Morning Star: a wild dissolving bliss
　　Over my frame he breathed, approaching near,
　　And bent his eyes of kindling tenderness
　　Near mine, and on my lips impressed a lingering kiss,--
　　
　　43.
　　'And said: "A Spirit loves thee, mortal maiden, _505
　　How wilt thou prove thy worth?" Then joy and sleep
　　Together fled; my soul was deeply laden,
　　And to the shore I went to muse and weep;
　　But as I moved, over my heart did creep
　　A joy less soft, but more profound and strong _510
　　Than my sweet dream; and it forbade to keep
　　The path of the sea-shore: that Spirit's tongue
　　Seemed whispering in my heart, and bore my steps along.
　　
　　44.
　　'How, to that vast and peopled city led,
　　Which was a field of holy warfare then, _515
　　I walked among the dying and the dead,
　　And shared in fearless deeds with evil men,
　　Calm as an angel in the dragon's den--
　　How I braved death for liberty and truth,
　　And spurned at peace, and power, and fame--and when _520
　　Those hopes had lost the glory of their youth,
　　How sadly I returned--might move the hearer's ruth:
　　
　　45.
　　'Warm tears throng fast! the tale may not be said--
　　Know then, that when this grief had been subdued,
　　I was not left, like others, cold and dead; _525
　　The Spirit whom I loved, in solitude
　　Sustained his child: the tempest-shaken wood,
　　The waves, the fountains, and the hush of night--
　　These were his voice, and well I understood
　　His smile divine, when the calm sea was bright _530
　　With silent stars, and Heaven was breathless with delight.
　　
　　46.
　　'In lonely glens, amid the roar of rivers,
　　When the dim nights were moonless, have I known
　　Joys which no tongue can tell; my pale lip quivers
　　When thought revisits them:--know thou alone, _535
　　That after many wondrous years were flown,
　　I was awakened by a shriek of woe;
　　And over me a mystic robe was thrown,
　　By viewless hands, and a bright Star did glow
　　Before my steps--the Snake then met his mortal foe.' _540
　　
　　47.
　　'Thou fearest not then the Serpent on thy heart?'
　　'Fear it!' she said, with brief and passionate cry,
　　And spake no more: that silence made me start--
　　I looked, and we were sailing pleasantly,
　　Swift as a cloud between the sea and sky; _545
　　Beneath the rising moon seen far away,
　　Mountains of ice, like sapphire, piled on high,
　　Hemming the horizon round, in silence lay
　　On the still waters--these we did approach alway.
　　
　　48.
　　And swift and swifter grew the vessel's motion, _550
　　So that a dizzy trance fell on my brain--
　　Wild music woke me; we had passed the ocean
　　Which girds the pole, Nature's remotest reign--
　　And we glode fast o'er a pellucid plain
　　Of waters, azure with the noontide day. _555
　　Ethereal mountains shone around--a Fane
　　Stood in the midst, girt by green isles which lay
　　On the blue sunny deep, resplendent far away.
　　
　　49.
　　It was a Temple, such as mortal hand
　　Has never built, nor ecstasy, nor dream _560
　　Reared in the cities of enchanted land:
　　'Twas likest Heaven, ere yet day's purple stream
　　Ebbs o'er the western forest, while the gleam
　　Of the unrisen moon among the clouds
　　Is gathering--when with many a golden beam _565
　　The thronging constellations rush in crowds,
　　Paving with fire the sky and the marmoreal floods.
　　
　　50.
　　Like what may be conceived of this vast dome,
　　When from the depths which thought can seldom pierce
　　Genius beholds it rise, his native home, _570
　　Girt by the deserts of the Universe;
　　Yet, nor in painting's light, or mightier verse,
　　Or sculpture's marble language, can invest
　　That shape to mortal sense--such glooms immerse
　　That incommunicable sight, and rest _575
　　Upon the labouring brain and overburdened breast.
　　
　　51.
　　Winding among the lawny islands fair,
　　Whose blosmy forests starred the shadowy deep,
　　The wingless boat paused where an ivory stair
　　Its fretwork in the crystal sea did steep, _580
　　Encircling that vast Fane's aerial heap:
　　We disembarked, and through a portal wide
　　We passed--whose roof of moonstone carved, did keep
　　A glimmering o'er the forms on every side,
　　Sculptures like life and thought, immovable, deep-eyed. _585
　　
　　52.
　　We came to a vast hall, whose glorious roof
　　Was diamond, which had drunk the lightning's sheen
　　In darkness, and now poured it through the woof
　　Of spell-inwoven clouds hung there to screen
　　Its blinding splendour--through such veil was seen _590
　　That work of subtlest power, divine and rare;
　　Orb above orb, with starry shapes between,
　　And horned moons, and meteors strange and fair,
　　On night-black columns poised--one hollow hemisphere!
　　
　　53.
　　Ten thousand columns in that quivering light _595
　　Distinct--between whose shafts wound far away
　　The long and labyrinthine aisles--more bright
　　With their own radiance than the Heaven of Day;
　　And on the jasper walls around, there lay
　　Paintings, the poesy of mightiest thought, _600
　　Which did the Spirit's history display;
　　A tale of passionate change, divinely taught,
　　Which, in their winged dance, unconscious Genii wrought.
　　
　　54.
　　Beneath, there sate on many a sapphire throne,
　　The Great, who had departed from mankind, _605
　　A mighty Senate;--some, whose white hair shone
　　Like mountain snow, mild, beautiful, and blind;
　　Some, female forms, whose gestures beamed with mind;
　　And ardent youths, and children bright and fair;
　　And some had lyres whose strings were intertwined _610
　　With pale and clinging flames, which ever there
　　Waked faint yet thrilling sounds that pierced the crystal air.
　　
　　55.
　　One seat was vacant in the midst, a throne,
　　Reared on a pyramid like sculptured flame,
　　Distinct with circling steps which rested on _615
　　Their own deep fire--soon as the Woman came
　　Into that hall, she shrieked the Spirit's name
　　And fell; and vanished slowly from the sight.
　　Darkness arose from her dissolving frame,
　　Which gathering, filled that dome of woven light, _620
　　Blotting its sphered stars with supernatural night.
　　
　　56.
　　Then first, two glittering lights were seen to glide
　　In circles on the amethystine floor,
　　Small serpent eyes trailing from side to side,
　　Like meteors on a river's grassy shore, _625
　　They round each other rolled, dilating more
　　And more--then rose, commingling into one,
　　One clear and mighty planet hanging o'er
　　A cloud of deepest shadow, which was thrown
　　Athwart the glowing steps and the crystalline throne. _630
　　
　　57.
　　The cloud which rested on that cone of flame
　　Was cloven; beneath the planet sate a Form,
　　Fairer than tongue can speak or thought may frame,
　　The radiance of whose limbs rose-like and warm
　　Flowed forth, and did with softest light inform _635
　　The shadowy dome, the sculptures, and the state
　　Of those assembled shapes--with clinging charm
　　Sinking upon their hearts and mine. He sate
　　Majestic, yet most mild--calm, yet compassionate.
　　
　　58.
　　Wonder and joy a passing faintness threw _640
　　Over my brow--a hand supported me,
　　Whose touch was magic strength; an eye of blue
　　Looked into mine, like moonlight, soothingly;
　　And a voice said:--'Thou must a listener be
　　This day--two mighty Spirits now return, _645
　　Like birds of calm, from the world's raging sea,
　　They pour fresh light from Hope's immortal urn;
　　A tale of human power--despair not--list and learn!
　　
　　59.
　　I looked, and lo! one stood forth eloquently.
　　His eyes were dark and deep, and the clear brow _650
　　Which shadowed them was like the morning sky,
　　The cloudless Heaven of Spring, when in their flow
　　Through the bright air, the soft winds as they blow
　　Wake the green world--his gestures did obey
　　The oracular mind that made his features glow, _655
　　And where his curved lips half-open lay,
　　Passion's divinest stream had made impetuous way.
　　
　　60.
　　Beneath the darkness of his outspread hair
　　He stood thus beautiful; but there was One
　　Who sate beside him like his shadow there, _660
　　And held his hand--far lovelier; she was known
　　To be thus fair, by the few lines alone
　　Which through her floating locks and gathered cloak,
　　Glances of soul-dissolving glory, shone:--
　　None else beheld her eyes--in him they woke _665
　　Memories which found a tongue as thus he silence broke.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 2.
　　
　　1.
　　The starlight smile of children, the sweet looks
　　Of women, the fair breast from which I fed,
　　The murmur of the unreposing brooks,
　　And the green light which, shifting overhead, _670
　　Some tangled bower of vines around me shed,
　　The shells on the sea-sand, and the wild flowers,
　　The lamp-light through the rafters cheerly spread,
　　And on the twining flax--in life's young hours
　　These sights and sounds did nurse my spirit's folded powers. _675
　　
　　2.
　　In Argolis, beside the echoing sea,
　　Such impulses within my mortal frame
　　Arose, and they were dear to memory,
　　Like tokens of the dead:--but others came
　　Soon, in another shape: the wondrous fame _680
　　Of the past world, the vital words and deeds
　　Of minds whom neither time nor change can tame,
　　Traditions dark and old, whence evil creeds
　　Start forth, and whose dim shade a stream of poison feeds.
　　
　　3.
　　I heard, as all have heard, the various story _685
　　Of human life, and wept unwilling tears.
　　Feeble historians of its shame and glory,
　　False disputants on all its hopes and fears,
　　Victims who worshipped ruin, chroniclers
　　Of daily scorn, and slaves who loathed their state _690
　　Yet, flattering power, had given its ministers
　　A throne of judgement in the grave:--'twas fate,
　　That among such as these my youth should seek its mate.
　　
　　4.
　　The land in which I lived, by a fell bane
　　Was withered up. Tyrants dwelt side by side, _695
　　And stabled in our homes,--until the chain
　　Stifled the captive's cry, and to abide
　　That blasting curse men had no shame--all vied
　　In evil, slave and despot; fear with lust
　　Strange fellowship through mutual hate had tied, _700
　　Like two dark serpents tangled in the dust,
　　Which on the paths of men their mingling poison thrust.
　　
　　5.
　　Earth, our bright home, its mountains and its waters,
　　And the ethereal shapes which are suspended
　　Over its green expanse, and those fair daughters, _705
　　The clouds, of Sun and Ocean, who have blended
　　The colours of the air since first extended
　　It cradled the young world, none wandered forth
　　To see or feel; a darkness had descended
　　On every heart; the light which shows its worth, _710
　　Must among gentle thoughts and fearless take its birth.
　　
　　6.
　　This vital world, this home of happy spirits,
　　Was as a dungeon to my blasted kind;
　　All that despair from murdered hope inherits
　　They sought, and in their helpless misery blind, _715
　　A deeper prison and heavier chains did find,
　　And stronger tyrants:--a dark gulf before,
　　The realm of a stern Ruler, yawned; behind,
　　Terror and Time conflicting drove, and bore
　　On their tempestuous flood the shrieking wretch from shore. _720
　　
　　7.
　　Out of that Ocean's wrecks had Guilt and Woe
　　Framed a dark dwelling for their homeless thought,
　　And, starting at the ghosts which to and fro
　　Glide o'er its dim and gloomy strand, had brought
　　The worship thence which they each other taught. _725
　　Well might men loathe their life, well might they turn
　　Even to the ills again from which they sought
　　Such refuge after death!--well might they learn
　　To gaze on this fair world with hopeless unconcern!
　　
　　8.
　　For they all pined in bondage; body and soul, _730
　　Tyrant and slave, victim and torturer, bent
　　Before one Power, to which supreme control
　　Over their will by their own weakness lent,
　　Made all its many names omnipotent;
　　All symbols of things evil, all divine; _735
　　And hymns of blood or mockery, which rent
　　The air from all its fanes, did intertwine
　　Imposture's impious toils round each discordant shrine.
　　
　　9.
　　I heard, as all have heard, life's various story,
　　And in no careless heart transcribed the tale; _740
　　But, from the sneers of men who had grown hoary
　　In shame and scorn, from groans of crowds made pale
　　By famine, from a mother's desolate wail
　　O'er her polluted child, from innocent blood
　　Poured on the earth, and brows anxious and pale _745
　　With the heart's warfare, did I gather food
　　To feed my many thoughts--a tameless multitude!
　　
　　10.
　　I wandered through the wrecks of days departed
　　Far by the desolated shore, when even
　　O'er the still sea and jagged islets darted _750
　　The light of moonrise; in the northern Heaven,
　　Among the clouds near the horizon driven,
　　The mountains lay beneath one planet pale;
　　Around me, broken tombs and columns riven
　　Looked vast in twilight, and the sorrowing gale _755
　　Waked in those ruins gray its everlasting wail!
　　
　　11.
　　I knew not who had framed these wonders then,
　　Nor had I heard the story of their deeds;
　　But dwellings of a race of mightier men,
　　And monuments of less ungentle creeds _760
　　Tell their own tale to him who wisely heeds
　　The language which they speak; and now, to me
　　The moonlight making pale the blooming weeds,
　　The bright stars shining in the breathless sea,
　　Interpreted those scrolls of mortal mystery. _765
　　
　　12.
　　Such man has been, and such may yet become!
　　Ay, wiser, greater, gentler even than they
　　Who on the fragments of yon shattered dome
　　Have stamped the sign of power--I felt the sway
　　Of the vast stream of ages bear away _770
　　My floating thoughts--my heart beat loud and fast--
　　Even as a storm let loose beneath the ray
　　Of the still moon, my spirit onward passed
　　Beneath truth's steady beams upon its tumult cast.
　　
　　13.
　　It shall be thus no more! too long, too long, _775
　　Sons of the glorious dead, have ye lain bound
　　In darkness and in ruin!--Hope is strong,
　　Justice and Truth their winged child have found--
　　Awake! arise! until the mighty sound
　　Of your career shall scatter in its gust _780
　　The thrones of the oppressor, and the ground
　　Hide the last altar's unregarded dust,
　　Whose Idol has so long betrayed your impious trust!
　　
　　14.
　　It must be so--I will arise and waken
　　The multitude, and like a sulphurous hill, _785
　　Which on a sudden from its snows has shaken
　　The swoon of ages, it shall burst and fill
　　The world with cleansing fire; it must, it will--
　　It may not be restrained!--and who shall stand
　　Amid the rocking earthquake steadfast still, _790
　　But Laon? on high Freedom's desert land
　　A tower whose marble walls the leagued storms withstand!
　　
　　15.
　　One summer night, in commune with the hope
　　Thus deeply fed, amid those ruins gray
　　I watched, beneath the dark sky's starry cope; _795
　　And ever from that hour upon me lay
　　The burden of this hope, and night or day,
　　In vision or in dream, clove to my breast:
　　Among mankind, or when gone far away
　　To the lone shores and mountains, 'twas a guest _800
　　Which followed where I fled, and watched when I did rest.
　　
　　16.
　　These hopes found words through which my spirit sought
　　To weave a bondage of such sympathy,
　　As might create some response to the thought
　　Which ruled me now--and as the vapours lie _805
　　Bright in the outspread morning's radiancy,
　　So were these thoughts invested with the light
　　Of language: and all bosoms made reply
　　On which its lustre streamed, whene'er it might
　　Through darkness wide and deep those tranced spirits smite. _810
　　
　　17.
　　Yes, many an eye with dizzy tears was dim,
　　And oft I thought to clasp my own heart's brother,
　　When I could feel the listener's senses swim,
　　And hear his breath its own swift gaspings smother
　　Even as my words evoked them--and another, _815
　　And yet another, I did fondly deem,
　　Felt that we all were sons of one great mother;
　　And the cold truth such sad reverse did seem
　　As to awake in grief from some delightful dream.
　　
　　18.
　　Yes, oft beside the ruined labyrinth _820
　　Which skirts the hoary caves of the green deep,
　　Did Laon and his friend, on one gray plinth,
　　Round whose worn base the wild waves hiss and leap,
　　Resting at eve, a lofty converse keep:
　　And that this friend was false, may now be said _825
　　Calmly--that he like other men could weep
　　Tears which are lies, and could betray and spread
　　Snares for that guileless heart which for his own had bled.
　　
　　19.
　　Then, had no great aim recompensed my sorrow,
　　I must have sought dark respite from its stress _830
　　In dreamless rest, in sleep that sees no morrow--
　　For to tread life's dismaying wilderness
　　Without one smile to cheer, one voice to bless,
　　Amid the snares and scoffs of human kind,
　　Is hard--but I betrayed it not, nor less _835
　　With love that scorned return sought to unbind
　　The interwoven clouds which make its wisdom blind.
　　
　　20.
　　With deathless minds which leave where they have passed
　　A path of light, my soul communion knew;
　　Till from that glorious intercourse, at last, _840
　　As from a mine of magic store, I drew
　　Words which were weapons;--round my heart there grew
　　The adamantine armour of their power;
　　And from my fancy wings of golden hue
　　Sprang forth--yet not alone from wisdom's tower, _845
　　A minister of truth, these plumes young Laon bore.
　　
　　21.
　　An orphan with my parents lived, whose eyes
　　Were lodestars of delight, which drew me home
　　When I might wander forth; nor did I prize
　　Aught human thing beneath Heaven's mighty dome _850
　　Beyond this child; so when sad hours were come,
　　And baffled hope like ice still clung to me,
　　Since kin were cold, and friends had now become
　　Heartless and false, I turned from all, to be,
　　Cythna, the only source of tears and smiles to thee. _855
　　
　　22.
　　What wert thou then? A child most infantine,
　　Yet wandering far beyond that innocent age
　　In all but its sweet looks and mien divine;
　　Even then, methought, with the world's tyrant rage
　　A patient warfare thy young heart did wage, _860
　　When those soft eyes of scarcely conscious thought
　　Some tale, or thine own fancies, would engage
　　To overflow with tears, or converse fraught
　　With passion, o'er their depths its fleeting light had wrought.
　　
　　23.
　　She moved upon this earth a shape of brightness, _865
　　A power, that from its objects scarcely drew
　　One impulse of her being--in her lightness
　　Most like some radiant cloud of morning dew,
　　Which wanders through the waste air's pathless blue,
　　To nourish some far desert; she did seem _870
　　Beside me, gathering beauty as she grew,
　　Like the bright shade of some immortal dream
　　Which walks, when tempest sleeps, the wave of life's dark stream.
　　
　　24.
　　As mine own shadow was this child to me,
　　A second self, far dearer and more fair; _875
　　Which clothed in undissolving radiancy
　　All those steep paths which languor and despair
　　Of human things, had made so dark and bare,
　　But which I trod alone--nor, till bereft
　　Of friends, and overcome by lonely care, _880
　　Knew I what solace for that loss was left,
　　Though by a bitter wound my trusting heart was cleft.
　　
　　25.
　　Once she was dear, now she was all I had
　　To love in human life--this playmate sweet,
　　This child of twelve years old--so she was made _885
　　My sole associate, and her willing feet
　　Wandered with mine where earth and ocean meet,
　　Beyond the aereal mountains whose vast cells
　　The unreposing billows ever beat,
　　Through forests wild and old, and lawny dells _890
　　Where boughs of incense droop over the emerald wells.
　　
　　26.
　　And warm and light I felt her clasping hand
　　When twined in mine; she followed where I went,
　　Through the lone paths of our immortal land.
　　It had no waste but some memorial lent _895
　　Which strung me to my toil--some monument
　　Vital with mind; then Cythna by my side,
　　Until the bright and beaming day were spent,
　　Would rest, with looks entreating to abide,
　　Too earnest and too sweet ever to be denied. _900
　　
　　27.
　　And soon I could not have refused her--thus
　　For ever, day and night, we two were ne'er
　　Parted, but when brief sleep divided us:
　　And when the pauses of the lulling air
　　Of noon beside the sea had made a lair _905
　　For her soothed senses, in my arms she slept,
　　And I kept watch over her slumbers there,
　　While, as the shifting visions over her swept,
　　Amid her innocent rest by turns she smiled and wept.
　　
　　28.
　　And, in the murmur of her dreams was heard _910
　　Sometimes the name of Laon:--suddenly
　　She would arise, and, like the secret bird
　　Whom sunset wakens, fill the shore and sky
　　With her sweet accents, a wild melody!
　　Hymns which my soul had woven to Freedom, strong _915
　　The source of passion, whence they rose, to be;
　　Triumphant strains, which, like a spirit's tongue,
　　To the enchanted waves that child of glory sung--
　　
　　29.
　　Her white arms lifted through the shadowy stream
　　Of her loose hair. Oh, excellently great _920
　　Seemed to me then my purpose, the vast theme
　　Of those impassioned songs, when Cythna sate
　　Amid the calm which rapture doth create
　　After its tumult, her heart vibrating,
　　Her spirit o'er the Ocean's floating state _925
　　From her deep eyes far wandering, on the wing
　　Of visions that were mine, beyond its utmost spring!
　　
　　30.
　　For, before Cythna loved it, had my song
　　Peopled with thoughts the boundless universe,
　　A mighty congregation, which were strong _930
　　Where'er they trod the darkness to disperse
　　The cloud of that unutterable curse
　　Which clings upon mankind:--all things became
　　Slaves to my holy and heroic verse,
　　Earth, sea and sky, the planets, life and fame _935
　　And fate, or whate'er else binds the world's wondrous frame.
　　
　　31.
　　And this beloved child thus felt the sway
　　Of my conceptions, gathering like a cloud
　　The very wind on which it rolls away:
　　Hers too were all my thoughts, ere yet, endowed _940
　　With music and with light, their fountains flowed
　　In poesy; and her still and earnest face,
　　Pallid with feelings which intensely glowed
　　Within, was turned on mine with speechless grace,
　　Watching the hopes which there her heart had learned to trace. _945
　　
　　32.
　　In me, communion with this purest being
　　Kindled intenser zeal, and made me wise
　　In knowledge, which, in hers mine own mind seeing,
　　Left in the human world few mysteries:
　　How without fear of evil or disguise _950
　　Was Cythna!--what a spirit strong and mild,
　　Which death, or pain or peril could despise,
　　Yet melt in tenderness! what genius wild
　　Yet mighty, was enclosed within one simple child!
　　
　　33.
　　New lore was this--old age with its gray hair, _955
　　And wrinkled legends of unworthy things,
　　And icy sneers, is nought: it cannot dare
　　To burst the chains which life for ever flings
　　On the entangled soul's aspiring wings,
　　So is it cold and cruel, and is made _960
　　The careless slave of that dark power which brings
　　Evil, like blight, on man, who, still betrayed,
　　Laughs o'er the grave in which his living hopes are laid.
　　
　　34.
　　Nor are the strong and the severe to keep
　　The empire of the world: thus Cythna taught _965
　　Even in the visions of her eloquent sleep,
　　Unconscious of the power through which she wrought
　　The woof of such intelligible thought,
　　As from the tranquil strength which cradled lay
　　In her smile-peopled rest, my spirit sought _970
　　Why the deceiver and the slave has sway
　　O'er heralds so divine of truth's arising day.
　　
　　35.
　　Within that fairest form, the female mind,
　　Untainted by the poison clouds which rest
　　On the dark world, a sacred home did find: _975
　　But else, from the wide earth's maternal breast,
　　Victorious Evil, which had dispossessed
　　All native power, had those fair children torn,
　　And made them slaves to soothe his vile unrest,
　　And minister to lust its joys forlorn, _980
　　Till they had learned to breathe the atmosphere of scorn.
　　
　　36.
　　This misery was but coldly felt, till she
　　Became my only friend, who had endued
　　My purpose with a wider sympathy;
　　Thus, Cythna mourned with me the servitude _985
　　In which the half of humankind were mewed
　　Victims of lust and hate, the slaves of slaves,
　　She mourned that grace and power were thrown as food
　　To the hyena lust, who, among graves,
　　Over his loathed meal, laughing in agony, raves. _990
　　
　　37.
　　And I, still gazing on that glorious child,
　　Even as these thoughts flushed o'er her:--'Cythna sweet,
　　Well with the world art thou unreconciled;
　　Never will peace and human nature meet
　　Till free and equal man and woman greet _995
　　Domestic peace; and ere this power can make
　　In human hearts its calm and holy seat,
　　This slavery must be broken'--as I spake,
　　From Cythna's eyes a light of exultation brake.
　　
　　38.
　　She replied earnestly:--'It shall be mine, _1000
　　This task,--mine, Laon!--thou hast much to gain;
　　Nor wilt thou at poor Cythna's pride repine,
　　If she should lead a happy female train
　　To meet thee over the rejoicing plain,
　　When myriads at thy call shall throng around _1005
　　The Golden City.'--Then the child did strain
　　My arm upon her tremulous heart, and wound
　　Her own about my neck, till some reply she found.
　　
　　39.
　　I smiled, and spake not.--'Wherefore dost thou smile
　　At what I say? Laon, I am not weak, _1010
　　And, though my cheek might become pale the while,
　　With thee, if thou desirest, will I seek
　　Through their array of banded slaves to wreak
　　Ruin upon the tyrants. I had thought
　　It was more hard to turn my unpractised cheek _1015
　　To scorn and shame, and this beloved spot
　　And thee, O dearest friend, to leave and murmur not.
　　
　　40.
　　'Whence came I what I am? Thou, Laon, knowest
　　How a young child should thus undaunted be;
　　Methinks, it is a power which thou bestowest, _1020
　　Through which I seek, by most resembling thee,
　　So to become most good and great and free;
　　Yet far beyond this Ocean's utmost roar,
　　In towers and huts are many like to me,
　　Who, could they see thine eyes, or feel such lore _1025
　　As I have learnt from them, like me would fear no more.
　　
　　41.
　　'Think'st thou that I shall speak unskilfully,
　　And none will heed me? I remember now,
　　How once, a slave in tortures doomed to die,
　　Was saved, because in accents sweet and low _1030
　　He sung a song his Judge loved long ago,
　　As he was led to death.--All shall relent
　　Who hear me--tears, as mine have flowed, shall flow,
　　Hearts beat as mine now beats, with such intent
　　As renovates the world; a will omnipotent! _1035
　　
　　42.
　　'Yes, I will tread Pride's golden palaces,
　　Through Penury's roofless huts and squalid cells
　　Will I descend, where'er in abjectness
　　Woman with some vile slave her tyrant dwells,
　　There with the music of thine own sweet spells _1040
　　Will disenchant the captives, and will pour
　　For the despairing, from the crystal wells
　　Of thy deep spirit, reason's mighty lore,
　　And power shall then abound, and hope arise once more.
　　
　　43.
　　'Can man be free if woman be a slave? _1045
　　Chain one who lives, and breathes this boundless air,
　　To the corruption of a closed grave!
　　Can they whose mates are beasts, condemned to bear
　　Scorn, heavier far than toil or anguish, dare
　　To trample their oppressors? in their home _1050
　　Among their babes, thou knowest a curse would wear
　　The shape of woman--hoary Crime would come
　　Behind, and Fraud rebuild religion's tottering dome.
　　
　　44.
　　'I am a child:--I would not yet depart.
　　When I go forth alone, bearing the lamp _1055
　　Aloft which thou hast kindled in my heart,
　　Millions of slaves from many a dungeon damp
　　Shall leap in joy, as the benumbing cramp
　　Of ages leaves their limbs--no ill may harm
　　Thy Cythna ever--truth its radiant stamp _1060
　　Has fixed, as an invulnerable charm,
　　Upon her children's brow, dark Falsehood to disarm.
　　
　　45.
　　'Wait yet awhile for the appointed day--
　　Thou wilt depart, and I with tears shall stand
　　Watching thy dim sail skirt the ocean gray; _1065
　　Amid the dwellers of this lonely land
　　I shall remain alone--and thy command
　　Shall then dissolve the world's unquiet trance,
　　And, multitudinous as the desert sand
　　Borne on the storm, its millions shall advance, _1070
　　Thronging round thee, the light of their deliverance.
　　
　　46.
　　'Then, like the forests of some pathless mountain,
　　Which from remotest glens two warring winds
　　Involve in fire which not the loosened fountain
　　Of broadest floods might quench, shall all the kinds _1075
　　Of evil, catch from our uniting minds
　　The spark which must consume them;--Cythna then
　　Will have cast off the impotence that binds
　　Her childhood now, and through the paths of men
　　Will pass, as the charmed bird that haunts the serpent's den. _1080
　　
　　47.
　　'We part!--O Laon, I must dare nor tremble,
　　To meet those looks no more!--Oh, heavy stroke!
　　Sweet brother of my soul! can I dissemble
　　The agony of this thought?'--As thus she spoke
　　The gathered sobs her quivering accents broke, _1085
　　And in my arms she hid her beating breast.
　　I remained still for tears--sudden she woke
　　As one awakes from sleep, and wildly pressed
　　My bosom, her whole frame impetuously possessed.
　　
　　48.
　　'We part to meet again--but yon blue waste, _1090
　　Yon desert wide and deep, holds no recess,
　　Within whose happy silence, thus embraced
　　We might survive all ills in one caress:
　　Nor doth the grave--I fear 'tis passionless--
　　Nor yon cold vacant Heaven:--we meet again _1095
　　Within the minds of men, whose lips shall bless
　　Our memory, and whose hopes its light retain
　　When these dissevered bones are trodden in the plain.'
　　
　　49.
　　I could not speak, though she had ceased, for now
　　The fountains of her feeling, swift and deep, _1100
　　Seemed to suspend the tumult of their flow;
　　So we arose, and by the starlight steep
　　Went homeward--neither did we speak nor weep,
　　But, pale, were calm with passion--thus subdued
　　Like evening shades that o'er the mountains creep, _1105
　　We moved towards our home; where, in this mood,
　　Each from the other sought refuge in solitude.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 3.
　　
　　1.
　　What thoughts had sway o'er Cythna's lonely slumber
　　That night, I know not; but my own did seem
　　As if they might ten thousand years outnumber _1110
　　Of waking life, the visions of a dream
　　Which hid in one dim gulf the troubled stream
　　Of mind; a boundless chaos wild and vast,
　　Whose limits yet were never memory's theme:
　　And I lay struggling as its whirlwinds passed, _1115
　　Sometimes for rapture sick, sometimes for pain aghast.
　　
　　2.
　　Two hours, whose mighty circle did embrace
　　More time than might make gray the infant world,
　　Rolled thus, a weary and tumultuous space:
　　When the third came, like mist on breezes curled, _1120
　　From my dim sleep a shadow was unfurled:
　　Methought, upon the threshold of a cave
　　I sate with Cythna; drooping briony, pearled
　　With dew from the wild streamlet's shattered wave,
　　Hung, where we sate to taste the joys which Nature gave. _1125
　　
　　3.
　　We lived a day as we were wont to live,
　　But Nature had a robe of glory on,
　　And the bright air o'er every shape did weave
　　Intenser hues, so that the herbless stone,
　　The leafless bough among the leaves alone, _1130
　　Had being clearer than its own could be,
　　And Cythna's pure and radiant self was shown,
　　In this strange vision, so divine to me,
　　That if I loved before, now love was agony.
　　
　　4.
　　Morn fled, noon came, evening, then night descended, _1135
　　And we prolonged calm talk beneath the sphere
　　Of the calm moon--when suddenly was blended
　　With our repose a nameless sense of fear;
　　And from the cave behind I seemed to hear
　　Sounds gathering upwards!--accents incomplete, _1140
　　And stifled shrieks,--and now, more near and near,
　　A tumult and a rush of thronging feet
　　The cavern's secret depths beneath the earth did beat.
　　
　　5.
　　The scene was changed, and away, away, away!
　　Through the air and over the sea we sped, _1145
　　And Cythna in my sheltering bosom lay,
　　And the winds bore me--through the darkness spread
　　Around, the gaping earth then vomited
　　Legions of foul and ghastly shapes, which hung
　　Upon my flight; and ever, as we fled, _1150
　　They plucked at Cythna--soon to me then clung
　　A sense of actual things those monstrous dreams among.
　　
　　6.
　　And I lay struggling in the impotence
　　Of sleep, while outward life had burst its bound,
　　Though, still deluded, strove the tortured sense _1155
　　To its dire wanderings to adapt the sound
　　Which in the light of morn was poured around
　　Our dwelling; breathless, pale and unaware
　　I rose, and all the cottage crowded found
　　With armed men, whose glittering swords were bare, _1160
　　And whose degraded limbs the tyrant's garb did wear.
　　
　　7.
　　And, ere with rapid lips and gathered brow
　　I could demand the cause--a feeble shriek--
　　It was a feeble shriek, faint, far and low,
　　Arrested me--my mien grew calm and meek, _1165
　　And grasping a small knife, I went to seek
　　That voice among the crowd--'twas Cythna's cry!
　　Beneath most calm resolve did agony wreak
　　Its whirlwind rage:--so I passed quietly
　　Till I beheld, where bound, that dearest child did lie. _1170
　　
　　8.
　　I started to behold her, for delight
　　And exultation, and a joyance free,
　　Solemn, serene and lofty, filled the light
　　Of the calm smile with which she looked on me:
　　So that I feared some brainless ecstasy, _1175
　　Wrought from that bitter woe, had wildered her--
　　'Farewell! farewell!' she said, as I drew nigh;
　　'At first my peace was marred by this strange stir,
　　Now I am calm as truth--its chosen minister.
　　
　　9.
　　'Look not so, Laon--say farewell in hope, _1180
　　These bloody men are but the slaves who bear
　　Their mistress to her task--it was my scope
　　The slavery where they drag me now, to share,
　　And among captives willing chains to wear
　　Awhile--the rest thou knowest--return, dear friend! _1185
　　Let our first triumph trample the despair
　　Which would ensnare us now, for in the end,
　　In victory or in death our hopes and fears must blend.'
　　
　　10.
　　These words had fallen on my unheeding ear,
　　Whilst I had watched the motions of the crew _1190
　　With seeming-careless glance; not many were
　　Around her, for their comrades just withdrew
　　To guard some other victim--so I drew
　　My knife, and with one impulse, suddenly
　　All unaware three of their number slew, _1195
　　And grasped a fourth by the throat, and with loud cry
　　My countrymen invoked to death or liberty!
　　
　　11.
　　What followed then, I know not--for a stroke
　　On my raised arm and naked head, came down,
　　Filling my eyes with blood.--When I awoke, _1200
　　I felt that they had bound me in my swoon,
　　And up a rock which overhangs the town,
　　By the steep path were bearing me; below,
　　The plain was filled with slaughter,--overthrown
　　The vineyards and the harvests, and the glow _1205
　　Of blazing roofs shone far o'er the white Ocean's flow.
　　
　　12.
　　Upon that rock a mighty column stood,
　　Whose capital seemed sculptured in the sky,
　　Which to the wanderers o'er the solitude
　　Of distant seas, from ages long gone by, _1210
　　Had made a landmark; o'er its height to fly
　　Scarcely the cloud, the vulture, or the blast,
　　Has power--and when the shades of evening lie
　　On Earth and Ocean, its carved summits cast
　　The sunken daylight far through the aerial waste. _1215
　　
　　13.
　　They bore me to a cavern in the hill
　　Beneath that column, and unbound me there;
　　And one did strip me stark; and one did fill
　　A vessel from the putrid pool; one bare
　　A lighted torch, and four with friendless care _1220
　　Guided my steps the cavern-paths along,
　　Then up a steep and dark and narrow stair
　　We wound, until the torch's fiery tongue
　　Amid the gushing day beamless and pallid hung.
　　
　　14.
　　They raised me to the platform of the pile, _1225
　　That column's dizzy height:--the grate of brass
　　Through which they thrust me, open stood the while,
　　As to its ponderous and suspended mass,
　　With chains which eat into the flesh, alas!
　　With brazen links, my naked limbs they bound: _1230
　　The grate, as they departed to repass,
　　With horrid clangour fell, and the far sound
　　Of their retiring steps in the dense gloom was drowned.
　　
　　15.
　　The noon was calm and bright:--around that column
　　The overhanging sky and circling sea _1235
　　Spread forth in silentness profound and solemn
　　The darkness of brief frenzy cast on me,
　　So that I knew not my own misery:
　　The islands and the mountains in the day
　　Like clouds reposed afar; and I could see _1240
　　The town among the woods below that lay,
　　And the dark rocks which bound the bright and glassy bay.
　　
　　16.
　　It was so calm, that scarce the feathery weed
　　Sown by some eagle on the topmost stone
　　Swayed in the air:--so bright, that noon did breed _1245
　　No shadow in the sky beside mine own--
　　Mine, and the shadow of my chain alone.
　　Below, the smoke of roofs involved in flame
　　Rested like night, all else was clearly shown
　　In that broad glare; yet sound to me none came, _1250
　　But of the living blood that ran within my frame.
　　
　　17.
　　The peace of madness fled, and ah, too soon!
　　A ship was lying on the sunny main,
　　Its sails were flagging in the breathless noon--
　　Its shadow lay beyond--that sight again _1255
　　Waked, with its presence, in my tranced brain
　　The stings of a known sorrow, keen and cold:
　　I knew that ship bore Cythna o'er the plain
　　Of waters, to her blighting slavery sold,
　　And watched it with such thoughts as must remain untold. _1260
　　
　　18.
　　I watched until the shades of evening wrapped
　　Earth like an exhalation--then the bark
　　Moved, for that calm was by the sunset snapped.
　　It moved a speck upon the Ocean dark:
　　Soon the wan stars came forth, and I could mark _1265
　　Its path no more!--I sought to close mine eyes,
　　But like the balls, their lids were stiff and stark;
　　I would have risen, but ere that I could rise,
　　My parched skin was split with piercing agonies.
　　
　　19.
　　I gnawed my brazen chain, and sought to sever _1270
　　Its adamantine links, that I might die:
　　O Liberty! forgive the base endeavour,
　　Forgive me, if, reserved for victory,
　　The Champion of thy faith e'er sought to fly.--
　　That starry night, with its clear silence, sent _1275
　　Tameless resolve which laughed at misery
　　Into my soul--linked remembrance lent
　　To that such power, to me such a severe content.
　　
　　20.
　　To breathe, to be, to hope, or to despair
　　And die, I questioned not; nor, though the Sun _1280
　　Its shafts of agony kindling through the air
　　Moved over me, nor though in evening dun,
　　Or when the stars their visible courses run,
　　Or morning, the wide universe was spread
　　In dreary calmness round me, did I shun _1285
　　Its presence, nor seek refuge with the dead
　　From one faint hope whose flower a dropping poison shed.
　　
　　21.
　　Two days thus passed--I neither raved nor died--
　　Thirst raged within me, like a scorpion's nest
　　Built in mine entrails; I had spurned aside _1290
　　The water-vessel, while despair possessed
　　My thoughts, and now no drop remained! The uprest
　　Of the third sun brought hunger--but the crust
　　Which had been left, was to my craving breast
　　Fuel, not food. I chewed the bitter dust, _1295
　　And bit my bloodless arm, and licked the brazen rust.
　　
　　22.
　　My brain began to fail when the fourth morn
　　Burst o'er the golden isles--a fearful sleep,
　　Which through the caverns dreary and forlorn
　　Of the riven soul, sent its foul dreams to sweep _1300
　　With whirlwind swiftness--a fall far and deep,--
　　A gulf, a void, a sense of senselessness--
　　These things dwelt in me, even as shadows keep
　　Their watch in some dim charnel's loneliness,
　　A shoreless sea, a sky sunless and planetless! _1305
　　
　　23.
　　The forms which peopled this terrific trance
　　I well remember--like a choir of devils,
　　Around me they involved a giddy dance;
　　Legions seemed gathering from the misty levels
　　Of Ocean, to supply those ceaseless revels, _1310
　　Foul, ceaseless shadows:--thought could not divide
　　The actual world from these entangling evils,
　　Which so bemocked themselves, that I descried
　　All shapes like mine own self, hideously multiplied.
　　
　　24.
　　The sense of day and night, of false and true, _1315
　　Was dead within me. Yet two visions burst
　　That darkness--one, as since that hour I knew,
　　Was not a phantom of the realms accursed,
　　Where then my spirit dwelt--but of the first
　　I know not yet, was it a dream or no. _1320
　　But both, though not distincter, were immersed
　　In hues which, when through memory's waste they flow,
　　Make their divided streams more bright and rapid now.
　　
　　25.
　　Methought that grate was lifted, and the seven
　　Who brought me thither four stiff corpses bare, _1325
　　And from the frieze to the four winds of Heaven
　　Hung them on high by the entangled hair;
　　Swarthy were three--the fourth was very fair;
　　As they retired, the golden moon upsprung,
　　And eagerly, out in the giddy air, _1330
　　Leaning that I might eat, I stretched and clung
　　Over the shapeless depth in which those corpses hung.
　　
　　26.
　　A woman's shape, now lank and cold and blue,
　　The dwelling of the many-coloured worm,
　　Hung there; the white and hollow cheek I drew _1335
　　To my dry lips--what radiance did inform
　　Those horny eyes? whose was that withered form?
　　Alas, alas! it seemed that Cythna's ghost
　　Laughed in those looks, and that the flesh was warm
　　Within my teeth!--a whirlwind keen as frost _1340
　　Then in its sinking gulfs my sickening spirit tossed.
　　
　　27.
　　Then seemed it that a tameless hurricane
　　Arose, and bore me in its dark career
　　Beyond the sun, beyond the stars that wane
　　On the verge of formless space--it languished there, _1345
　　And dying, left a silence lone and drear,
　　More horrible than famine:--in the deep
　　The shape of an old man did then appear,
　　Stately and beautiful; that dreadful sleep
　　His heavenly smiles dispersed, and I could wake and weep. _1350
　　
　　28.
　　And, when the blinding tears had fallen, I saw
　　That column, and those corpses, and the moon,
　　And felt the poisonous tooth of hunger gnaw
　　My vitals, I rejoiced, as if the boon
　　Of senseless death would be accorded soon;-- _1355
　　When from that stony gloom a voice arose,
　　Solemn and sweet as when low winds attune
　　The midnight pines; the grate did then unclose,
　　And on that reverend form the moonlight did repose.
　　
　　29.
　　He struck my chains, and gently spake and smiled; _1360
　　As they were loosened by that Hermit old,
　　Mine eyes were of their madness half beguiled,
　　To answer those kind looks; he did enfold
　　His giant arms around me, to uphold
　　My wretched frame; my scorched limbs he wound _1365
　　In linen moist and balmy, and as cold
　　As dew to drooping leaves;--the chain, with sound
　　Like earthquake, through the chasm of that steep stair did bound,
　　
　　30.
　　As, lifting me, it fell!--What next I heard,
　　Were billows leaping on the harbour-bar, _1370
　　And the shrill sea-wind, whose breath idly stirred
　　My hair;--I looked abroad, and saw a star
　　Shining beside a sail, and distant far
　　That mountain and its column, the known mark
　　Of those who in the wide deep wandering are, _1375
　　So that I feared some Spirit, fell and dark,
　　In trance had lain me thus within a fiendish bark.
　　
　　31.
　　For now indeed, over the salt sea-billow
　　I sailed: yet dared not look upon the shape
　　Of him who ruled the helm, although the pillow _1380
　　For my light head was hollowed in his lap,
　　And my bare limbs his mantle did enwrap,
　　Fearing it was a fiend: at last, he bent
　　O'er me his aged face; as if to snap
　　Those dreadful thoughts the gentle grandsire bent, _1385
　　And to my inmost soul his soothing looks he sent.
　　
　　32.
　　A soft and healing potion to my lips
　　At intervals he raised--now looked on high,
　　To mark if yet the starry giant dips
　　His zone in the dim sea--now cheeringly, _1390
　　Though he said little, did he speak to me.
　　'It is a friend beside thee--take good cheer,
　　Poor victim, thou art now at liberty!'
　　I joyed as those a human tone to hear,
　　Who in cells deep and lone have languished many a year. _1395
　　
　　33.
　　A dim and feeble joy, whose glimpses oft
　　Were quenched in a relapse of wildering dreams;
　　Yet still methought we sailed, until aloft
　　The stars of night grew pallid, and the beams
　　Of morn descended on the ocean-streams, _1400
　　And still that aged man, so grand and mild,
　　Tended me, even as some sick mother seems
　　To hang in hope over a dying child,
　　Till in the azure East darkness again was piled.
　　
　　34.
　　And then the night-wind steaming from the shore, _1405
　　Sent odours dying sweet across the sea,
　　And the swift boat the little waves which bore,
　　Were cut by its keen keel, though slantingly;
　　Soon I could hear the leaves sigh, and could see
　　The myrtle-blossoms starring the dim grove, _1410
　　As past the pebbly beach the boat did flee
　　On sidelong wing, into a silent cove,
　　Where ebon pines a shade under the starlight wove.
　　
　　
　　NOTES:
　　_1223 torches' editions 1818, 1839.
　　_1385 bent]meant cj. J. Nettleship.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 4.
　　
　　1.
　　The old man took the oars, and soon the bark
　　Smote on the beach beside a tower of stone; _1415
　　It was a crumbling heap, whose portal dark
　　With blooming ivy-trails was overgrown;
　　Upon whose floor the spangling sands were strown,
　　And rarest sea-shells, which the eternal flood,
　　Slave to the mother of the months, had thrown _1420
　　Within the walls of that gray tower, which stood
　　A changeling of man's art nursed amid Nature's brood.
　　
　　2.
　　When the old man his boat had anchored,
　　He wound me in his arms with tender care,
　　And very few, but kindly words he said, _1425
　　And bore me through the tower adown a stair,
　　Whose smooth descent some ceaseless step to wear
　　For many a year had fallen.--We came at last
　　To a small chamber, which with mosses rare
　　Was tapestried, where me his soft hands placed _1430
　　Upon a couch of grass and oak-leaves interlaced.
　　
　　3.
　　The moon was darting through the lattices
　　Its yellow light, warm as the beams of day--
　　So warm, that to admit the dewy breeze,
　　The old man opened them; the moonlight lay _1435
　　Upon a lake whose waters wove their play
　　Even to the threshold of that lonely home:
　　Within was seen in the dim wavering ray
　　The antique sculptured roof, and many a tome
　　Whose lore had made that sage all that he had become. _1440
　　
　　4.
　　The rock-built barrier of the sea was past,--
　　And I was on the margin of a lake,
　　A lonely lake, amid the forests vast
　　And snowy mountains:--did my spirit wake
　　From sleep as many-coloured as the snake _1445
　　That girds eternity? in life and truth,
　　Might not my heart its cravings ever slake?
　　Was Cythna then a dream, and all my youth,
　　And all its hopes and fears, and all its joy and ruth?
　　
　　5.
　　Thus madness came again,--a milder madness, _1450
　　Which darkened nought but time's unquiet flow
　　With supernatural shades of clinging sadness;
　　That gentle Hermit, in my helpless woe,
　　By my sick couch was busy to and fro,
　　Like a strong spirit ministrant of good: _1455
　　When I was healed, he led me forth to show
　　The wonders of his sylvan solitude,
　　And we together sate by that isle-fretted flood.
　　
　　6.
　　He knew his soothing words to weave with skill
　　From all my madness told; like mine own heart, _1460
　　Of Cythna would he question me, until
　　That thrilling name had ceased to make me start,
　　From his familiar lips--it was not art,
　　Of wisdom and of justice when he spoke--
　　When mid soft looks of pity, there would dart _1465
　　A glance as keen as is the lightning's stroke
　　When it doth rive the knots of some ancestral oak.
　　
　　7.
　　Thus slowly from my brain the darkness rolled,
　　My thoughts their due array did re-assume
　　Through the enchantments of that Hermit old; _1470
　　Then I bethought me of the glorious doom
　　Of those who sternly struggle to relume
　　The lamp of Hope o'er man's bewildered lot,
　　And, sitting by the waters, in the gloom
　　Of eve, to that friend's heart I told my thought-- _1475
　　That heart which had grown old, but had corrupted not.
　　
　　8.
　　That hoary man had spent his livelong age
　　In converse with the dead, who leave the stamp
　　Of ever-burning thoughts on many a page,
　　When they are gone into the senseless damp _1480
　　Of graves;--his spirit thus became a lamp
　　Of splendour, like to those on which it fed;
　　Through peopled haunts, the City and the Camp,
　　Deep thirst for knowledge had his footsteps led,
　　And all the ways of men among mankind he read. _1485
　　
　　9.
　　But custom maketh blind and obdurate
　　The loftiest hearts;--he had beheld the woe
　　In which mankind was bound, but deemed that fate
　　Which made them abject, would preserve them so;
　　And in such faith, some steadfast joy to know, _1490
　　He sought this cell: but when fame went abroad
　　That one in Argolis did undergo
　　Torture for liberty, and that the crowd
　　High truths from gifted lips had heard and understood;
　　
　　10.
　　And that the multitude was gathering wide,-- _1495
　　His spirit leaped within his aged frame;
　　In lonely peace he could no more abide,
　　But to the land on which the victor's flame
　　Had fed, my native land, the Hermit came:
　　Each heart was there a shield, and every tongue _1500
　　Was as a sword of truth--young Laon's name
　　Rallied their secret hopes, though tyrants sung
　　Hymns of triumphant joy our scattered tribes among.
　　
　　11.
　　He came to the lone column on the rock,
　　And with his sweet and mighty eloquence _1505
　　The hearts of those who watched it did unlock,
　　And made them melt in tears of penitence.
　　They gave him entrance free to bear me thence.
　　'Since this,' the old man said, 'seven years are spent,
　　While slowly truth on thy benighted sense _1510
　　Has crept; the hope which wildered it has lent
　　Meanwhile, to me the power of a sublime intent.
　　
　　12.
　　'Yes, from the records of my youthful state,
　　And from the lore of bards and sages old,
　　From whatsoe'er my wakened thoughts create _1515
　　Out of the hopes of thine aspirings bold,
　　Have I collected language to unfold
　　Truth to my countrymen; from shore to shore
　　Doctrines of human power my words have told,
　　They have been heard, and men aspire to more _1520
　　Than they have ever gained or ever lost of yore.
　　
　　13.
　　'In secret chambers parents read, and weep,
　　My writings to their babes, no longer blind;
　　And young men gather when their tyrants sleep,
　　And vows of faith each to the other bind; _1525
　　And marriageable maidens, who have pined
　　With love, till life seemed melting through their look,
　　A warmer zeal, a nobler hope, now find;
　　And every bosom thus is rapt and shook,
　　Like autumn's myriad leaves in one swoln mountain-brook. _1530
　　
　　14.
　　'The tyrants of the Golden City tremble
　　At voices which are heard about the streets;
　　The ministers of fraud can scarce dissemble
　　The lies of their own heart, but when one meets
　　Another at the shrine, he inly weets, _1535
　　Though he says nothing, that the truth is known;
　　Murderers are pale upon the judgement-seats,
　　And gold grows vile even to the wealthy crone,
　　And laughter fills the Fane, and curses shake the Throne.
　　
　　15.
　　'Kind thoughts, and mighty hopes, and gentle deeds _1540
　　Abound, for fearless love, and the pure law
　　Of mild equality and peace, succeeds
　　To faiths which long have held the world in awe,
　　Bloody and false, and cold:--as whirlpools draw
　　All wrecks of Ocean to their chasm, the sway _1545
　　Of thy strong genius, Laon, which foresaw
　　This hope, compels all spirits to obey,
　　Which round thy secret strength now throng in wide array.
　　
　　16.
　　'For I have been thy passive instrument'--
　　(As thus the old man spake, his countenance _1550
　　Gleamed on me like a spirit's)--'thou hast lent
　　To me, to all, the power to advance
　　Towards this unforeseen deliverance
　　From our ancestral chains--ay, thou didst rear
　　That lamp of hope on high, which time nor chance _1555
　　Nor change may not extinguish, and my share
　　Of good, was o'er the world its gathered beams to bear.
　　
　　17.
　　'But I, alas! am both unknown and old,
　　And though the woof of wisdom I know well
　　To dye in hues of language, I am cold _1560
　　In seeming, and the hopes which inly dwell,
　　My manners note that I did long repel;
　　But Laon's name to the tumultuous throng
　　Were like the star whose beams the waves compel
　　And tempests, and his soul-subduing tongue _1565
　　Were as a lance to quell the mailed crest of wrong.
　　
　　18.
　　'Perchance blood need not flow, if thou at length
　　Wouldst rise, perchance the very slaves would spare
　　Their brethren and themselves; great is the strength
　　Of words--for lately did a maiden fair, _1570
　　Who from her childhood has been taught to bear
　　The Tyrant's heaviest yoke, arise, and make
　　Her sex the law of truth and freedom hear,
　　And with these quiet words--"for thine own sake
　　I prithee spare me;"--did with ruth so take _1575
　　
　　19.
　　'All hearts, that even the torturer who had bound
　　Her meek calm frame, ere it was yet impaled,
　　Loosened her, weeping then; nor could be found
　　One human hand to harm her--unassailed
　　Therefore she walks through the great City, veiled _1580
　　In virtue's adamantine eloquence,
　　'Gainst scorn, and death and pain thus trebly mailed,
　　And blending, in the smiles of that defence,
　　The Serpent and the Dove, Wisdom and Innocence.
　　
　　20.
　　'The wild-eyed women throng around her path: _1585
　　From their luxurious dungeons, from the dust
　　Of meaner thralls, from the oppressor's wrath,
　　Or the caresses of his sated lust
　　They congregate:--in her they put their trust;
　　The tyrants send their armed slaves to quell _1590
　　Her power;--they, even like a thunder-gust
　　Caught by some forest, bend beneath the spell
　　Of that young maiden's speech, and to their chiefs rebel.
　　
　　21.
　　'Thus she doth equal laws and justice teach
　　To woman, outraged and polluted long; _1595
　　Gathering the sweetest fruit in human reach
　　For those fair hands now free, while armed wrong
　　Trembles before her look, though it be strong;
　　Thousands thus dwell beside her, virgins bright,
　　And matrons with their babes, a stately throng! _1600
　　Lovers renew the vows which they did plight
　　In early faith, and hearts long parted now unite,
　　
　　22.
　　'And homeless orphans find a home near her,
　　And those poor victims of the proud, no less,
　　Fair wrecks, on whom the smiling world with stir, _1605
　　Thrusts the redemption of its wickedness:--
　　In squalid huts, and in its palaces
　　Sits Lust alone, while o'er the land is borne
　　Her voice, whose awful sweetness doth repress
　　All evil, and her foes relenting turn, _1610
　　And cast the vote of love in hope's abandoned urn.
　　
　　23.
　　'So in the populous City, a young maiden
　　Has baffled Havoc of the prey which he
　　Marks as his own, whene'er with chains o'erladen
　　Men make them arms to hurl down tyranny,-- _1615
　　False arbiter between the bound and free;
　　And o'er the land, in hamlets and in towns
　　The multitudes collect tumultuously,
　　And throng in arms; but tyranny disowns
　　Their claim, and gathers strength around its trembling thrones. _1620
　　
　　24.
　　'Blood soon, although unwillingly, to shed
　　The free cannot forbear--the Queen of Slaves,
　　The hoodwinked Angel of the blind and dead,
　　Custom, with iron mace points to the graves
　　Where her own standard desolately waves _1625
　　Over the dust of Prophets and of Kings.
　　Many yet stand in her array--"she paves
　　Her path with human hearts," and o'er it flings
　　The wildering gloom of her immeasurable wings.
　　
　　25.
　　'There is a plain beneath the City's wall, _1630
　　Bounded by misty mountains, wide and vast,
　　Millions there lift at Freedom's thrilling call
　　Ten thousand standards wide, they load the blast
　　Which bears one sound of many voices past,
　　And startles on his throne their sceptred foe: _1635
　　He sits amid his idle pomp aghast,
　　And that his power hath passed away, doth know--
　　Why pause the victor swords to seal his overthrow?
　　
　　26.
　　'The tyrant's guards resistance yet maintain:
　　Fearless, and fierce, and hard as beasts of blood, _1640
　　They stand a speck amid the peopled plain;
　　Carnage and ruin have been made their food
　　From infancy--ill has become their good,
　　And for its hateful sake their will has wove
　　The chains which eat their hearts. The multitude _1645
　　Surrounding them, with words of human love,
　　Seek from their own decay their stubborn minds to move.
　　
　　27.
　　'Over the land is felt a sudden pause,
　　As night and day those ruthless bands around,
　　The watch of love is kept:--a trance which awes _1650
　　The thoughts of men with hope; as when the sound
　　Of whirlwind, whose fierce blasts the waves and clouds confound,
　　Dies suddenly, the mariner in fear
　　Feels silence sink upon his heart--thus bound,
　　The conquerors pause, and oh! may freemen ne'er _1655
　　Clasp the relentless knees of Dread, the murderer!
　　
　　28.
　　'If blood be shed, 'tis but a change and choice
　　Of bonds,--from slavery to cowardice
　　A wretched fall!--Uplift thy charmed voice!
　　Pour on those evil men the love that lies _1660
　　Hovering within those spirit-soothing eyes--
　　Arise, my friend, farewell!'--As thus he spake,
　　From the green earth lightly I did arise,
　　As one out of dim dreams that doth awake,
　　And looked upon the depth of that reposing lake. _1665
　　
　　29.
　　I saw my countenance reflected there;--
　　And then my youth fell on me like a wind
　　Descending on still waters--my thin hair
　　Was prematurely gray, my face was lined
　　With channels, such as suffering leaves behind, _1670
　　Not age; my brow was pale, but in my cheek
　　And lips a flush of gnawing fire did find
　　Their food and dwelling; though mine eyes might speak
　　A subtle mind and strong within a frame thus weak.
　　
　　30.
　　And though their lustre now was spent and faded, _1675
　　Yet in my hollow looks and withered mien
　　The likeness of a shape for which was braided
　　The brightest woof of genius, still was seen--
　　One who, methought, had gone from the world's scene,
　　And left it vacant--'twas her lover's face-- _1680
　　It might resemble her--it once had been
　　The mirror of her thoughts, and still the grace
　　Which her mind's shadow cast, left there a lingering trace.
　　
　　31.
　　What then was I? She slumbered with the dead.
　　Glory and joy and peace, had come and gone. _1685
　　Doth the cloud perish, when the beams are fled
　　Which steeped its skirts in gold? or, dark and lone,
　　Doth it not through the paths of night unknown,
　　On outspread wings of its own wind upborne
　　Pour rain upon the earth? The stars are shown, _1690
　　When the cold moon sharpens her silver horn
　　Under the sea, and make the wide night not forlorn.
　　
　　32.
　　Strengthened in heart, yet sad, that aged man
　　I left, with interchange of looks and tears,
　　And lingering speech, and to the Camp began _1695
　　My war. O'er many a mountain-chain which rears
　　Its hundred crests aloft, my spirit bears
　　My frame; o'er many a dale and many a moor,
　　And gaily now meseems serene earth wears
　　The blosmy spring's star-bright investiture, _1700
　　A vision which aught sad from sadness might allure.
　　
　　33.
　　My powers revived within me, and I went,
　　As one whom winds waft o'er the bending grass,
　　Through many a vale of that broad continent.
　　At night when I reposed, fair dreams did pass _1705
　　Before my pillow;--my own Cythna was,
　　Not like a child of death, among them ever;
　　When I arose from rest, a woful mass
　　That gentlest sleep seemed from my life to sever,
　　As if the light of youth were not withdrawn for ever. _1710
　　
　　34.
　　Aye as I went, that maiden who had reared
　　The torch of Truth afar, of whose high deeds
　　The Hermit in his pilgrimage had heard,
　　Haunted my thoughts.--Ah, Hope its sickness feeds
　　With whatsoe'er it finds, or flowers or weeds! _1715
　　Could she be Cythna?--Was that corpse a shade
　　Such as self-torturing thought from madness breeds?
　　Why was this hope not torture? Yet it made
　　A light around my steps which would not ever fade.
　　
　　
　　NOTES:
　　_1625 Where]When edition 1818.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 5.
　　
　　1.
　　Over the utmost hill at length I sped, _1720
　　A snowy steep:--the moon was hanging low
　　Over the Asian mountains, and outspread
　　The plain, the City, and the Camp below,
　　Skirted the midnight Ocean's glimmering flow;
　　The City's moonlit spires and myriad lamps, _1725
　　Like stars in a sublunar sky did glow,
　　And fires blazed far amid the scattered camps,
　　Like springs of flame, which burst where'er swift Earthquake stamps.
　　
　　2.
　　All slept but those in watchful arms who stood,
　　And those who sate tending the beacon's light, _1730
　　And the few sounds from that vast multitude
　　Made silence more profound.--Oh, what a might
　　Of human thought was cradled in that night!
　　How many hearts impenetrably veiled
　　Beat underneath its shade, what secret fight _1735
　　Evil and good, in woven passions mailed,
　　Waged through that silent throng--a war that never failed!
　　
　　3.
　　And now the Power of Good held victory.
　　So, through the labyrinth of many a tent,
　　Among the silent millions who did lie _1740
　　In innocent sleep, exultingly I went;
　　The moon had left Heaven desert now, but lent
　　From eastern morn the first faint lustre showed
　　An armed youth--over his spear he bent
　　His downward face.--'A friend!' I cried aloud, _1745
　　And quickly common hopes made freemen understood.
　　
　　4.
　　I sate beside him while the morning beam
　　Crept slowly over Heaven, and talked with him
　　Of those immortal hopes, a glorious theme!
　　Which led us forth, until the stars grew dim: _1750
　　And all the while, methought, his voice did swim
　　As if it drowned in remembrance were
　　Of thoughts which make the moist eyes overbrim:
　　At last, when daylight 'gan to fill the air,
　　He looked on me, and cried in wonder--'Thou art here!' _1755
　　
　　5.
　　Then, suddenly, I knew it was the youth
　　In whom its earliest hopes my spirit found;
　　But envious tongues had stained his spotless truth,
　　And thoughtless pride his love in silence bound,
　　And shame and sorrow mine in toils had wound, _1760
　　Whilst he was innocent, and I deluded;
　　The truth now came upon me, on the ground
　　Tears of repenting joy, which fast intruded,
　　Fell fast, and o'er its peace our mingling spirits brooded.
　　
　　6.
　　Thus, while with rapid lips and earnest eyes _1765
　　We talked, a sound of sweeping conflict spread
　　As from the earth did suddenly arise;
　　From every tent roused by that clamour dread,
　　Our bands outsprung and seized their arms--we sped
　　Towards the sound: our tribes were gathering far. _1770
　　Those sanguine slaves amid ten thousand dead
　　Stabbed in their sleep, trampled in treacherous war
　　The gentle hearts whose power their lives had sought to spare.
　　
　　7.
　　Like rabid snakes, that sting some gentle child
　　Who brings them food, when winter false and fair _1775
　　Allures them forth with its cold smiles, so wild
　　They rage among the camp;--they overbear
　　The patriot hosts--confusion, then despair,
　　Descends like night--when 'Laon!' one did cry;
　　Like a bright ghost from Heaven that shout did scare _1780
　　The slaves, and widening through the vaulted sky,
　　Seemed sent from Earth to Heaven in sign of victory.
　　
　　8.
　　In sudden panic those false murderers fled,
　　Like insect tribes before the northern gale:
　　But swifter still, our hosts encompassed _1785
　　Their shattered ranks, and in a craggy vale,
　　Where even their fierce despair might nought avail,
　　Hemmed them around!--and then revenge and fear
　　Made the high virtue of the patriots fail:
　　One pointed on his foe the mortal spear-- _1790
　　I rushed before its point, and cried 'Forbear, forbear!'
　　
　　9.
　　The spear transfixed my arm that was uplifted
　　In swift expostulation, and the blood
　　Gushed round its point: I smiled, and--'Oh! thou gifted
　　With eloquence which shall not be withstood, _1795
　　Flow thus!' I cried in joy, 'thou vital flood,
　　Until my heart be dry, ere thus the cause
　　For which thou wert aught worthy be subdued--
　　Ah, ye are pale,--ye weep,--your passions pause,--
　　'Tis well! ye feel the truth of love's benignant laws. _1800
　　
　　10.
　　'Soldiers, our brethren and our friends are slain.
　　Ye murdered them, I think, as they did sleep!
　　Alas, what have ye done? the slightest pain
　　Which ye might suffer, there were eyes to weep,
　　But ye have quenched them--there were smiles to steep _1805
　　Your hearts in balm, but they are lost in woe;
　　And those whom love did set his watch to keep
　　Around your tents, truth's freedom to bestow,
　　Ye stabbed as they did sleep--but they forgive ye now.
　　
　　11.
　　'Oh wherefore should ill ever flow from ill, _1810
　　And pain still keener pain for ever breed?
　　We all are brethren--even the slaves who kill
　　For hire, are men; and to avenge misdeed
　　On the misdoer, doth but Misery feed
　　With her own broken heart! O Earth, O Heaven! _1815
　　And thou, dread Nature, which to every deed
　　And all that lives, or is, to be hath given,
　　Even as to thee have these done ill, and are forgiven!
　　
　　12.
　　'Join then your hands and hearts, and let the past
　　Be as a grave which gives not up its dead _1820
　　To evil thoughts.'--A film then overcast
　　My sense with dimness, for the wound, which bled
　　Freshly, swift shadows o'er mine eyes had shed.
　　When I awoke, I lay mid friends and foes,
　　And earnest countenances on me shed _1825
　　The light of questioning looks, whilst one did close
　　My wound with balmiest herbs, and soothed me to repose;
　　
　　13.
　　And one whose spear had pierced me, leaned beside
　　With quivering lips and humid eyes;--and all
　　Seemed like some brothers on a journey wide _1830
　　Gone forth, whom now strange meeting did befall
　　In a strange land, round one whom they might call
　　Their friend, their chief, their father, for assay
　　Of peril, which had saved them from the thrall
　　Of death, now suffering. Thus the vast array _1835
　　Of those fraternal bands were reconciled that day.
　　
　　14.
　　Lifting the thunder of their acclamation,
　　Towards the City then the multitude,
　　And I among them, went in joy--a nation
　　Made free by love;--a mighty brotherhood _1840
　　Linked by a jealous interchange of good;
　　A glorious pageant, more magnificent
　　Than kingly slaves arrayed in gold and blood,
　　When they return from carnage, and are sent
　　In triumph bright beneath the populous battlement. _1845
　　
　　15.
　　Afar, the city-walls were thronged on high,
　　And myriads on each giddy turret clung,
　　And to each spire far lessening in the sky
　　Bright pennons on the idle winds were hung;
　　As we approached, a shout of joyance sprung _1850
　　At once from all the crowd, as if the vast
　　And peopled Earth its boundless skies among
　　The sudden clamour of delight had cast,
　　When from before its face some general wreck had passed.
　　
　　16.
　　Our armies through the City's hundred gates _1855
　　Were poured, like brooks which to the rocky lair
　　Of some deep lake, whose silence them awaits,
　　Throng from the mountains when the storms are there
　　And, as we passed through the calm sunny air
　　A thousand flower-inwoven crowns were shed, _1860
　　The token flowers of truth and freedom fair,
　　And fairest hands bound them on many a head,
　　Those angels of love's heaven that over all was spread.
　　
　　17.
　　I trod as one tranced in some rapturous vision:
　　Those bloody bands so lately reconciled, _1865
　　Were, ever as they went, by the contrition
　　Of anger turned to love, from ill beguiled,
　　And every one on them more gently smiled,
　　Because they had done evil:--the sweet awe
　　Of such mild looks made their own hearts grow mild, _1870
　　And did with soft attraction ever draw
　　Their spirits to the love of freedom's equal law.
　　
　　18.
　　And they, and all, in one loud symphony
　　My name with Liberty commingling, lifted,
　　'The friend and the preserver of the free! _1875
　　The parent of this joy!' and fair eyes gifted
　　With feelings, caught from one who had uplifted
　　The light of a great spirit, round me shone;
　　And all the shapes of this grand scenery shifted
　　Like restless clouds before the steadfast sun,-- _1880
　　Where was that Maid? I asked, but it was known of none.
　　
　　19.
　　Laone was the name her love had chosen,
　　For she was nameless, and her birth none knew:
　　Where was Laone now?--The words were frozen
　　Within my lips with fear; but to subdue _1885
　　Such dreadful hope, to my great task was due,
　　And when at length one brought reply, that she
　　To-morrow would appear, I then withdrew
　　To judge what need for that great throng might be,
　　For now the stars came thick over the twilight sea. _1890
　　
　　20.
　　Yet need was none for rest or food to care,
　　Even though that multitude was passing great,
　　Since each one for the other did prepare
　　All kindly succour--Therefore to the gate
　　Of the Imperial House, now desolate, _1895
　　I passed, and there was found aghast, alone,
　　The fallen Tyrant!--Silently he sate
　　Upon the footstool of his golden throne,
　　Which, starred with sunny gems, in its own lustre shone.
　　
　　21.
　　Alone, but for one child, who led before him _1900
　　A graceful dance: the only living thing
　　Of all the crowd, which thither to adore him
　　Flocked yesterday, who solace sought to bring
　　In his abandonment!--She knew the King
　　Had praised her dance of yore, and now she wove _1905
　　Its circles, aye weeping and murmuring
　　Mid her sad task of unregarded love,
　　That to no smiles it might his speechless sadness move.
　　
　　22.
　　She fled to him, and wildly clasped his feet
　　When human steps were heard:--he moved nor spoke, _1910
　　Nor changed his hue, nor raised his looks to meet
　　The gaze of strangers--our loud entrance woke
　　The echoes of the hall, which circling broke
　　The calm of its recesses,--like a tomb
　　Its sculptured walls vacantly to the stroke _1915
　　Of footfalls answered, and the twilight's gloom
　　Lay like a charnel's mist within the radiant dome.
　　
　　23.
　　The little child stood up when we came nigh;
　　Her lips and cheeks seemed very pale and wan,
　　But on her forehead, and within her eye _1920
　　Lay beauty, which makes hearts that feed thereon
　　Sick with excess of sweetness; on the throne
　　She leaned;--the King, with gathered brow, and lips
　　Wreathed by long scorn, did inly sneer and frown
　　With hue like that when some great painter dips _1925
　　His pencil in the gloom of earthquake and eclipse.
　　
　　24.
　　She stood beside him like a rainbow braided
　　Within some storm, when scarce its shadows vast
　　From the blue paths of the swift sun have faded;
　　A sweet and solemn smile, like Cythna's, cast _1930
　　One moment's light, which made my heart beat fast,
　　O'er that child's parted lips--a gleam of bliss,
　　A shade of vanished days,--as the tears passed
　　Which wrapped it, even as with a father's kiss
　　I pressed those softest eyes in trembling tenderness. _1935
　　
　　25.
　　The sceptred wretch then from that solitude
　　I drew, and, of his change compassionate,
　　With words of sadness soothed his rugged mood.
　　But he, while pride and fear held deep debate,
　　With sullen guile of ill-dissembled hate _1940
　　Glared on me as a toothless snake might glare:
　　Pity, not scorn I felt, though desolate
　　The desolator now, and unaware
　　The curses which he mocked had caught him by the hair.
　　
　　26.
　　I led him forth from that which now might seem _1945
　　A gorgeous grave: through portals sculptured deep
　　With imagery beautiful as dream
　　We went, and left the shades which tend on sleep
　　Over its unregarded gold to keep
　　Their silent watch.--The child trod faintingly, _1950
　　And as she went, the tears which she did weep
　　Glanced in the starlight; wildered seemed she,
　　And, when I spake, for sobs she could not answer me.
　　
　　27.
　　At last the tyrant cried, 'She hungers, slave!
　　Stab her, or give her bread!'--It was a tone _1955
　　Such as sick fancies in a new-made grave
　　Might hear. I trembled, for the truth was known;
　　He with this child had thus been left alone,
　　And neither had gone forth for food,--but he
　　In mingled pride and awe cowered near his throne, _1960
　　And she a nursling of captivity
　　Knew nought beyond those walls, nor what such change might be.
　　
　　28.
　　And he was troubled at a charm withdrawn
　　Thus suddenly; that sceptres ruled no more--
　　That even from gold the dreadful strength was gone, _1965
　　Which once made all things subject to its power--
　　Such wonder seized him, as if hour by hour
　　The past had come again; and the swift fall
　　Of one so great and terrible of yore,
　　To desolateness, in the hearts of all _1970
　　Like wonder stirred, who saw such awful change befall.
　　
　　29.
　　A mighty crowd, such as the wide land pours
　　Once in a thousand years, now gathered round
　　The fallen tyrant;--like the rush of showers
　　Of hail in spring, pattering along the ground, _1975
　　Their many footsteps fell, else came no sound
　　From the wide multitude: that lonely man
　　Then knew the burden of his change, and found,
　　Concealing in the dust his visage wan,
　　Refuge from the keen looks which through his bosom ran. _1980
　　
　　30.
　　And he was faint withal: I sate beside him
　　Upon the earth, and took that child so fair
　　From his weak arms, that ill might none betide him
　　Or her;--when food was brought to them, her share
　　To his averted lips the child did bear, _1985
　　But, when she saw he had enough, she ate
　　And wept the while;--the lonely man's despair
　　Hunger then overcame, and of his state
　　Forgetful, on the dust as in a trance he sate.
　　
　　31.
　　Slowly the silence of the multitudes _1990
　　Passed, as when far is heard in some lone dell
　　The gathering of a wind among the woods--
　　'And he is fallen!' they cry, 'he who did dwell
　　Like famine or the plague, or aught more fell
　　Among our homes, is fallen! the murderer _1995
　　Who slaked his thirsting soul as from a well
　　Of blood and tears with ruin! he is here!
　　Sunk in a gulf of scorn from which none may him rear!'
　　
　　32.
　　Then was heard--'He who judged let him be brought
　　To judgement! blood for blood cries from the soil _2000
　　On which his crimes have deep pollution wrought!
　　Shall Othman only unavenged despoil?
　　Shall they who by the stress of grinding toil
　　Wrest from the unwilling earth his luxuries,
　　Perish for crime, while his foul blood may boil, _2005
　　Or creep within his veins at will?--Arise!
　　And to high justice make her chosen sacrifice!'
　　
　　33.
　　'What do ye seek? what fear ye,' then I cried,
　　Suddenly starting forth, 'that ye should shed
　　The blood of Othman?--if your hearts are tried _2010
　　In the true love of freedom, cease to dread
　　This one poor lonely man--beneath Heaven spread
　　In purest light above us all, through earth--
　　Maternal earth, who doth her sweet smiles shed
　　For all, let him go free; until the worth _2015
　　Of human nature win from these a second birth.
　　
　　34.
　　'What call ye "justice"? Is there one who ne'er
　　In secret thought has wished another's ill?--
　　Are ye all pure? Let those stand forth who hear
　　And tremble not. Shall they insult and kill, _2020
　　If such they be? their mild eyes can they fill
　　With the false anger of the hypocrite?
　　Alas, such were not pure!--the chastened will
　　Of virtue sees that justice is the light
　　Of love, and not revenge, and terror and despite.' _2025
　　
　　35.
　　The murmur of the people, slowly dying,
　　Paused as I spake, then those who near me were,
　　Cast gentle looks where the lone man was lying
　　Shrouding his head, which now that infant fair
　　Clasped on her lap in silence;--through the air _2030
　　Sobs were then heard, and many kissed my feet
　　In pity's madness, and to the despair
　　Of him whom late they cursed, a solace sweet
　　His very victims brought--soft looks and speeches meet.
　　
　　36.
　　Then to a home for his repose assigned, _2035
　　Accompanied by the still throng, he went
　　In silence, where, to soothe his rankling mind,
　　Some likeness of his ancient state was lent;
　　And if his heart could have been innocent
　　As those who pardoned him, he might have ended _2040
　　His days in peace; but his straight lips were bent,
　　Men said, into a smile which guile portended,
　　A sight with which that child like hope with fear was blended.
　　
　　37.
　　'Twas midnight now, the eve of that great day
　　Whereon the many nations at whose call _2045
　　The chains of earth like mist melted away,
　　Decreed to hold a sacred Festival,
　　A rite to attest the equality of all
　　Who live. So to their homes, to dream or wake
　　All went. The sleepless silence did recall _2050
　　Laone to my thoughts, with hopes that make
　　The flood recede from which their thirst they seek to slake.
　　
　　38.
　　The dawn flowed forth, and from its purple fountains
　　I drank those hopes which make the spirit quail,
　　As to the plain between the misty mountains _2055
　　And the great City, with a countenance pale,
　　I went:--it was a sight which might avail
　　To make men weep exulting tears, for whom
　　Now first from human power the reverend veil
　　Was torn, to see Earth from her general womb _2060
　　Pour forth her swarming sons to a fraternal doom:
　　
　　39.
　　To see, far glancing in the misty morning,
　　The signs of that innumerable host;
　　To hear one sound of many made, the warning
　　Of Earth to Heaven from its free children tossed, _2065
　　While the eternal hills, and the sea lost
　　In wavering light, and, starring the blue sky
　　The city's myriad spires of gold, almost
　　With human joy made mute society--
　　Its witnesses with men who must hereafter be. _2070
　　
　　40.
　　To see, like some vast island from the Ocean,
　　The Altar of the Federation rear
　　Its pile i' the midst; a work, which the devotion
　　Of millions in one night created there,
　　Sudden as when the moonrise makes appear _2075
　　Strange clouds in the east; a marble pyramid
　　Distinct with steps: that mighty shape did wear
　　The light of genius; its still shadow hid
　　Far ships: to know its height the morning mists forbid!
　　
　　41.
　　To hear the restless multitudes for ever _2080
　　Around the base of that great Altar flow,
　　As on some mountain-islet burst and shiver
　　Atlantic waves; and solemnly and slow
　　As the wind bore that tumult to and fro,
　　To feel the dreamlike music, which did swim _2085
　　Like beams through floating clouds on waves below
　　Falling in pauses, from that Altar dim,
　　As silver-sounding tongues breathed an aerial hymn.
　　
　　42.
　　To hear, to see, to live, was on that morn
　　Lethean joy! so that all those assembled _2090
　　Cast off their memories of the past outworn;
　　Two only bosoms with their own life trembled,
　　And mine was one,--and we had both dissembled;
　　So with a beating heart I went, and one,
　　Who having much, covets yet more, resembled; _2095
　　A lost and dear possession, which not won,
　　He walks in lonely gloom beneath the noonday sun.
　　
　　43.
　　To the great Pyramid I came: its stair
　　With female choirs was thronged: the loveliest
　　Among the free, grouped with its sculptures rare; _2100
　　As I approached, the morning's golden mist,
　　Which now the wonder-stricken breezes kissed
　　With their cold lips, fled, and the summit shone
　　Like Athos seen from Samothracia, dressed
　　In earliest light, by vintagers, and one _2105
　　Sate there, a female Shape upon an ivory throne:
　　
　　44.
　　A Form most like the imagined habitant
　　Of silver exhalations sprung from dawn,
　　By winds which feed on sunrise woven, to enchant
　　The faiths of men: all mortal eyes were drawn, _2110
　　As famished mariners through strange seas gone
　　Gaze on a burning watch-tower, by the light
　　Of those divinest lineaments--alone
　　With thoughts which none could share, from that fair sight
　　I turned in sickness, for a veil shrouded her countenance bright. _2115
　　
　　45.
　　And neither did I hear the acclamations,
　　Which from brief silence bursting, filled the air
　　With her strange name and mine, from all the nations
　　Which we, they said, in strength had gathered there
　　From the sleep of bondage; nor the vision fair _2120
　　Of that bright pageantry beheld,--but blind
　　And silent, as a breathing corpse did fare,
　　Leaning upon my friend, till like a wind
　　To fevered cheeks, a voice flowed o'er my troubled mind.
　　
　　46.
　　Like music of some minstrel heavenly gifted, _2125
　　To one whom fiends enthral, this voice to me;
　　Scarce did I wish her veil to be uplifted,
　　I was so calm and joyous.--I could see
　　The platform where we stood, the statues three
　　Which kept their marble watch on that high shrine, _2130
　　The multitudes, the mountains, and the sea;
　　As when eclipse hath passed, things sudden shine
　　To men's astonished eyes most clear and crystalline.
　　
　　47.
　　At first Laone spoke most tremulously:
　　But soon her voice the calmness which it shed _2135
　　Gathered, and--'Thou art whom I sought to see,
　　And thou art our first votary here,' she said:
　　'I had a dear friend once, but he is dead!--
　　And of all those on the wide earth who breathe,
　　Thou dost resemble him alone--I spread _2140
　　This veil between us two that thou beneath
　　Shouldst image one who may have been long lost in death.
　　
　　48.
　　'For this wilt thou not henceforth pardon me?
　　Yes, but those joys which silence well requite
　　Forbid reply;--why men have chosen me _2145
　　To be the Priestess of this holiest rite
　　I scarcely know, but that the floods of light
　　Which flow over the world, have borne me hither
　　To meet thee, long most dear; and now unite
　　Thine hand with mine, and may all comfort wither _2150
　　From both the hearts whose pulse in joy now beat together,
　　
　　49.
　　'If our own will as others' law we bind,
　　If the foul worship trampled here we fear;
　　If as ourselves we cease to love our kind!'--
　　She paused, and pointed upwards--sculptured there _2155
　　Three shapes around her ivory throne appear;
　　One was a Giant, like a child asleep
　　On a loose rock, whose grasp crushed, as it were
　　In dream, sceptres and crowns; and one did keep
　　Its watchful eyes in doubt whether to smile or weep; _2160
　　
　　50.
　　A Woman sitting on the sculptured disk
　　Of the broad earth, and feeding from one breast
　　A human babe and a young basilisk;
　　Her looks were sweet as Heaven's when loveliest
　　In Autumn eves. The third Image was dressed _2165
　　In white wings swift as clouds in winter skies;
　　Beneath his feet, 'mongst ghastliest forms, repressed
　　Lay Faith, an obscene worm, who sought to rise,
　　While calmly on the Sun he turned his diamond eyes.
　　
　　51.
　　Beside that Image then I sate, while she _2170
　　Stood, mid the throngs which ever ebbed and flowed,
　　Like light amid the shadows of the sea
　　Cast from one cloudless star, and on the crowd
　　That touch which none who feels forgets, bestowed;
　　And whilst the sun returned the steadfast gaze _2175
　　Of the great Image, as o'er Heaven it glode,
　　That rite had place; it ceased when sunset's blaze
　　Burned o'er the isles. All stood in joy and deep amaze--
　　--When in the silence of all spirits there
　　Laone's voice was felt, and through the air _2180
　　Her thrilling gestures spoke, most eloquently fair:--
　　
　　51.1.
　　'Calm art thou as yon sunset! swift and strong
　　As new-fledged Eagles, beautiful and young,
　　That float among the blinding beams of morning;
　　And underneath thy feet writhe Faith, and Folly, _2185
　　Custom, and Hell, and mortal Melancholy--
　　Hark! the Earth starts to hear the mighty warning
　　Of thy voice sublime and holy;
　　Its free spirits here assembled
　　See thee, feel thee, know thee now,-- _2190
　　To thy voice their hearts have trembled
　　Like ten thousand clouds which flow
　　With one wide wind as it flies!--
　　Wisdom! thy irresistible children rise
　　To hail thee, and the elements they chain _2195
　　And their own will, to swell the glory of thy train.
　　
　　51.2.
　　'O Spirit vast and deep as Night and Heaven!
　　Mother and soul of all to which is given
　　The light of life, the loveliness of being,
　　Lo! thou dost re-ascend the human heart, _2200
　　Thy throne of power, almighty as thou wert
　　In dreams of Poets old grown pale by seeing
　　The shade of thee;--now, millions start
　　To feel thy lightnings through them burning:
　　Nature, or God, or Love, or Pleasure, _2205
　　Or Sympathy the sad tears turning
　　To mutual smiles, a drainless treasure,
　　Descends amidst us;--Scorn and Hate,
　　Revenge and Selfishness are desolate--
　　A hundred nations swear that there shall be _2210
　　Pity and Peace and Love, among the good and free!
　　
　　51.3.
　　'Eldest of things, divine Equality!
　　Wisdom and Love are but the slaves of thee,
　　The Angels of thy sway, who pour around thee
　　Treasures from all the cells of human thought, _2215
　　And from the Stars, and from the Ocean brought,
　　And the last living heart whose beatings bound thee:
　　The powerful and the wise had sought
　　Thy coming, thou in light descending
　　O'er the wide land which is thine own _2220
　　Like the Spring whose breath is blending
　　All blasts of fragrance into one,
　　Comest upon the paths of men!--
　　Earth bares her general bosom to thy ken,
　　And all her children here in glory meet _2225
　　To feed upon thy smiles, and clasp thy sacred feet.
　　
　　51.4
　　'My brethren, we are free! the plains and mountains,
　　The gray sea-shore, the forests and the fountains,
　　Are haunts of happiest dwellers;--man and woman,
　　Their common bondage burst, may freely borrow _2230
　　From lawless love a solace for their sorrow;
　　For oft we still must weep, since we are human.
　　A stormy night's serenest morrow,
　　Whose showers are pity's gentle tears,
　　Whose clouds are smiles of those that die _2235
　　Like infants without hopes or fears,
　　And whose beams are joys that lie
　　In blended hearts, now holds dominion;
　　The dawn of mind, which upwards on a pinion
　　Borne, swift as sunrise, far illumines space, _2240
　　And clasps this barren world in its own bright embrace!
　　
　　51.5
　　'My brethren, we are free! The fruits are glowing
　　Beneath the stars, and the night-winds are flowing
　　O'er the ripe corn, the birds and beasts are dreaming--
　　Never again may blood of bird or beast _2245
　　Stain with its venomous stream a human feast,
　　To the pure skies in accusation steaming;
　　Avenging poisons shall have ceased
　　To feed disease and fear and madness,
　　The dwellers of the earth and air _2250
　　Shall throng around our steps in gladness,
　　Seeking their food or refuge there.
　　Our toil from thought all glorious forms shall cull,
　　To make this Earth, our home, more beautiful,
　　And Science, and her sister Poesy, _2255
　　Shall clothe in light the fields and cities of the free!
　　
　　51.6
　　'Victory, Victory to the prostrate nations!
　　Bear witness Night, and ye mute Constellations
　　Who gaze on us from your crystalline cars!
　　Thoughts have gone forth whose powers can sleep no more! _2260
　　Victory! Victory! Earth's remotest shore,
　　Regions which groan beneath the Antarctic stars,
　　The green lands cradled in the roar
　　Of western waves, and wildernesses
　　Peopled and vast, which skirt the oceans _2265
　　Where morning dyes her golden tresses,
　　Shall soon partake our high emotions:
　　Kings shall turn pale! Almighty Fear,
　　The Fiend-God, when our charmed name he hear,
　　Shall fade like shadow from his thousand fanes, _2270
　　While Truth with Joy enthroned o'er his lost empire reigns!'
　　
　　51.52.
　　Ere she had ceased, the mists of night entwining
　　Their dim woof, floated o'er the infinite throng;
　　She, like a spirit through the darkness shining,
　　In tones whose sweetness silence did prolong, _2275
　　As if to lingering winds they did belong,
　　Poured forth her inmost soul: a passionate speech
　　With wild and thrilling pauses woven among,
　　Which whoso heard was mute, for it could teach
　　To rapture like her own all listening hearts to reach. _2280
　　
　　53.
　　Her voice was as a mountain stream which sweeps
　　The withered leaves of Autumn to the lake,
　　And in some deep and narrow bay then sleeps
　　In the shadow of the shores; as dead leaves wake,
　　Under the wave, in flowers and herbs which make _2285
　　Those green depths beautiful when skies are blue,
　　The multitude so moveless did partake
　　Such living change, and kindling murmurs flew
　　As o'er that speechless calm delight and wonder grew.
　　
　　54.
　　Over the plain the throngs were scattered then _2290
　　In groups around the fires, which from the sea
　　Even to the gorge of the first mountain-glen
　　Blazed wide and far: the banquet of the free
　　Was spread beneath many a dark cypress-tree,
　　Beneath whose spires, which swayed in the red flame, _2295
　　Reclining, as they ate, of Liberty,
　　And Hope, and Justice, and Laone's name,
　　Earth's children did a woof of happy converse frame.
　　
　　55.
　　Their feast was such as Earth, the general mother,
　　Pours from her fairest bosom, when she smiles _2300
　　In the embrace of Autumn;--to each other
　　As when some parent fondly reconciles
　　Her warring children, she their wrath beguiles
　　With her own sustenance, they relenting weep:
　　Such was this Festival, which from their isles _2305
　　And continents, and winds, and oceans deep,
　　All shapes might throng to share, that fly, or walk or creep,--
　　
　　56.
　　Might share in peace and innocence, for gore
　　Or poison none this festal did pollute,
　　But, piled on high, an overflowing store _2310
　　Of pomegranates and citrons, fairest fruit,
　　Melons, and dates, and figs, and many a root
　　Sweet and sustaining, and bright grapes ere yet
　　Accursed fire their mild juice could transmute
　　Into a mortal bane, and brown corn set _2315
　　In baskets; with pure streams their thirsting lips they wet.
　　
　　57.
　　Laone had descended from the shrine,
　　And every deepest look and holiest mind
　　Fed on her form, though now those tones divine
　　Were silent as she passed; she did unwind _2320
　　Her veil, as with the crowds of her own kind
　　She mixed; some impulse made my heart refrain
　　From seeking her that night, so I reclined
　　Amidst a group, where on the utmost plain
　　A festal watchfire burned beside the dusky main. _2325
　　
　　58.
　　And joyous was our feast; pathetic talk,
　　And wit, and harmony of choral strains,
　　While far Orion o'er the waves did walk
　　That flow among the isles, held us in chains
　　Of sweet captivity which none disdains _2330
　　Who feels; but when his zone grew dim in mist
　　Which clothes the Ocean's bosom, o'er the plains
　　The multitudes went homeward, to their rest,
　　Which that delightful day with its own shadow blessed.
　　
　　
　　NOTES:
　　_2295 flame]light edition 1818.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 6.
　　
　　1.
　　Beside the dimness of the glimmering sea, _2335
　　Weaving swift language from impassioned themes,
　　With that dear friend I lingered, who to me
　　So late had been restored, beneath the gleams
　　Of the silver stars; and ever in soft dreams
　　Of future love and peace sweet converse lapped _2340
　　Our willing fancies, till the pallid beams
　　Of the last watchfire fell, and darkness wrapped
　　The waves, and each bright chain of floating fire was snapped;
　　
　　2.
　　And till we came even to the City's wall
　　And the great gate; then, none knew whence or why, _2345
　　Disquiet on the multitudes did fall:
　　And first, one pale and breathless passed us by,
　　And stared and spoke not;--then with piercing cry
　　A troop of wild-eyed women, by the shrieks
　　Of their own terror driven,--tumultuously _2350
　　Hither and thither hurrying with pale cheeks,
　　Each one from fear unknown a sudden refuge seeks--
　　
　　3.
　　Then, rallying cries of treason and of danger
　　Resounded: and--'They come! to arms! to arms!
　　The Tyrant is amongst us, and the stranger _2355
　　Comes to enslave us in his name! to arms!'
　　In vain: for Panic, the pale fiend who charms
　　Strength to forswear her right, those millions swept
　　Like waves before the tempest--these alarms
　　Came to me, as to know their cause I lept _2360
　　On the gate's turret, and in rage and grief and scorn I wept!
　　
　　4.
　　For to the North I saw the town on fire,
　　And its red light made morning pallid now,
　　Which burst over wide Asia;--louder, higher,
　　The yells of victory and the screams of woe _2365
　　I heard approach, and saw the throng below
　　Stream through the gates like foam-wrought waterfalls
　　Fed from a thousand storms--the fearful glow
　　Of bombs flares overhead--at intervals
　　The red artillery's bolt mangling among them falls. _2370
　　
　　5.
　　And now the horsemen come--and all was done
　　Swifter than I have spoken--I beheld
　　Their red swords flash in the unrisen sun.
　　I rushed among the rout, to have repelled
　　That miserable flight--one moment quelled _2375
　　By voice and looks and eloquent despair,
　　As if reproach from their own hearts withheld
　　Their steps, they stood; but soon came pouring there
　　New multitudes, and did those rallied bands o'erbear.
　　
　　6.
　　I strove, as, drifted on some cataract _2380
　　By irresistible streams, some wretch might strive
　　Who hears its fatal roar:--the files compact
　　Whelmed me, and from the gate availed to drive
　　With quickening impulse, as each bolt did rive
　　Their ranks with bloodier chasm:--into the plain _2385
　　Disgorged at length the dead and the alive
　　In one dread mass, were parted, and the stain
　　Of blood, from mortal steel fell o'er the fields like rain.
　　
　　7.
　　For now the despot's bloodhounds with their prey
　　Unarmed and unaware, were gorging deep _2390
　　Their gluttony of death; the loose array
　　Of horsemen o'er the wide fields murdering sweep,
　　And with loud laughter for their tyrant reap
　　A harvest sown with other hopes; the while,
　　Far overhead, ships from Propontis keep _2395
　　A killing rain of fire:--when the waves smile
　　As sudden earthquakes light many a volcano-isle,
　　
　　8.
　　Thus sudden, unexpected feast was spread
　　For the carrion-fowls of Heaven.--I saw the sight--
　　I moved--I lived--as o'er the heaps of dead, _2400
　　Whose stony eyes glared in the morning light
　　I trod;--to me there came no thought of flight,
　　But with loud cries of scorn, which whoso heard
　　That dreaded death, felt in his veins the might
　　Of virtuous shame return, the crowd I stirred, _2405
　　And desperation's hope in many hearts recurred.
　　
　　9.
　　A band of brothers gathering round me, made,
　　Although unarmed, a steadfast front, and still
　　Retreating, with stern looks beneath the shade
　　Of gathered eyebrows, did the victors fill _2410
　　With doubt even in success; deliberate will
　　Inspired our growing troop; not overthrown
　　It gained the shelter of a grassy hill,
　　And ever still our comrades were hewn down,
　　And their defenceless limbs beneath our footsteps strown. _2415
　　
　　10.
　　Immovably we stood--in joy I found,
　　Beside me then, firm as a giant pine
　　Among the mountain-vapours driven around,
　　The old man whom I loved--his eyes divine
　　With a mild look of courage answered mine, _2420
　　And my young friend was near, and ardently
　　His hand grasped mine a moment--now the line
　　Of war extended, to our rallying cry
　　As myriads flocked in love and brotherhood to die.
　　
　　11.
　　For ever while the sun was climbing Heaven _2425
　　The horseman hewed our unarmed myriads down
　　Safely, though when by thirst of carnage driven
　　Too near, those slaves were swiftly overthrown
　　By hundreds leaping on them:--flesh and bone
　　Soon made our ghastly ramparts; then the shaft _2430
　　Of the artillery from the sea was thrown
　　More fast and fiery, and the conquerors laughed
　　In pride to hear the wind our screams of torment waft.
　　
　　12.
　　For on one side alone the hill gave shelter,
　　So vast that phalanx of unconquered men, _2435
　　And there the living in the blood did welter
　　Of the dead and dying, which in that green glen,
　　Like stifled torrents, made a plashy fen
　　Under the feet--thus was the butchery waged
　　While the sun clomb Heaven's eastern steep--but when _2440
　　It 'gan to sink--a fiercer combat raged,
　　For in more doubtful strife the armies were engaged.
　　
　　13.
　　Within a cave upon the hill were found
　　A bundle of rude pikes, the instrument
　　Of those who war but on their native ground _2445
　　For natural rights: a shout of joyance sent
　　Even from our hearts the wide air pierced and rent,
　　As those few arms the bravest and the best
　　Seized, and each sixth, thus armed, did now present
　　A line which covered and sustained the rest, _2450
　　A confident phalanx, which the foes on every side invest.
　　
　　14.
　　That onset turned the foes to flight almost;
　　But soon they saw their present strength, and knew
　　That coming night would to our resolute host
　　Bring victory; so dismounting, close they drew _2455
　　Their glittering files, and then the combat grew
　　Unequal but most horrible;--and ever
　　Our myriads, whom the swift bolt overthrew,
　　Or the red sword, failed like a mountain river
　　Which rushes forth in foam to sink in sands for ever. _2460
　　
　　15.
　　Sorrow and shame, to see with their own kind
　　Our human brethren mix, like beasts of blood,
　　To mutual ruin armed by one behind
　　Who sits and scoffs!--That friend so mild and good,
　　Who like its shadow near my youth had stood, _2465
　　Was stabbed!--my old preserver's hoary hair
　　With the flesh clinging to its roots, was strewed
　　Under my feet!--I lost all sense or care,
　　And like the rest I grew desperate and unaware.
　　
　　16.
　　The battle became ghastlier--in the midst _2470
　　I paused, and saw, how ugly and how fell
　　O Hate! thou art, even when thy life thou shedd'st
　　For love. The ground in many a little dell
　　Was broken, up and down whose steeps befell
　　Alternate victory and defeat, and there _2475
　　The combatants with rage most horrible
　　Strove, and their eyes started with cracking stare,
　　And impotent their tongues they lolled into the air,
　　
　　17.
　　Flaccid and foamy, like a mad dog's hanging;
　　Want, and Moon-madness, and the pest's swift Bane _2480
　　When its shafts smite--while yet its bow is twanging--
　　Have each their mark and sign--some ghastly stain;
　　And this was thine, O War! of hate and pain
　　Thou loathed slave! I saw all shapes of death
　　And ministered to many, o'er the plain _2485
　　While carnage in the sunbeam's warmth did seethe,
　　Till twilight o'er the east wove her serenest wreath.
　　
　　18.
　　The few who yet survived, resolute and firm
　　Around me fought. At the decline of day
　　Winding above the mountain's snowy term _2490
　　New banners shone; they quivered in the ray
　　Of the sun's unseen orb--ere night the array
　　Of fresh troops hemmed us in--of those brave bands
　　I soon survived alone--and now I lay
　　Vanquished and faint, the grasp of bloody hands _2495
　　I felt, and saw on high the glare of falling brands,
　　
　　19.
　　When on my foes a sudden terror came,
　　And they fled, scattering--lo! with reinless speed
　　A black Tartarian horse of giant frame
　　Comes trampling over the dead, the living bleed _2500
　　Beneath the hoofs of that tremendous steed,
　　On which, like to an Angel, robed in white,
　　Sate one waving a sword;--the hosts recede
　　And fly, as through their ranks with awful might,
　　Sweeps in the shadow of eve that Phantom swift and bright; _2505
　　
　　20.
　　And its path made a solitude.--I rose
　　And marked its coming: it relaxed its course
　　As it approached me, and the wind that flows
　　Through night, bore accents to mine ear whose force
　　Might create smiles in death--the Tartar horse _2510
　　Paused, and I saw the shape its might which swayed,
　　And heard her musical pants, like the sweet source
　　Of waters in the desert, as she said,
　　'Mount with me, Laon, now'--I rapidly obeyed.
　　
　　21.
　　Then: 'Away! away!' she cried, and stretched her sword _2515
　　As 'twere a scourge over the courser's head,
　　And lightly shook the reins.--We spake no word,
　　But like the vapour of the tempest fled
　　Over the plain; her dark hair was dispread
　　Like the pine's locks upon the lingering blast; _2520
　　Over mine eyes its shadowy strings it spread
　　Fitfully, and the hills and streams fled fast,
　　As o'er their glimmering forms the steed's broad shadow passed.
　　
　　22.
　　And his hoofs ground the rocks to fire and dust,
　　His strong sides made the torrents rise in spray, _2525
　　And turbulence, as of a whirlwind's gust
　　Surrounded us;--and still away! away!
　　Through the desert night we sped, while she alway
　　Gazed on a mountain which we neared, whose crest,
　　Crowned with a marble ruin, in the ray _2530
　　Of the obscure stars gleamed;--its rugged breast
　　The steed strained up, and then his impulse did arrest.
　　
　　23.
　　A rocky hill which overhung the Ocean:--
　　From that lone ruin, when the steed that panted
　　Paused, might be heard the murmur of the motion _2535
　　Of waters, as in spots for ever haunted
　　By the choicest winds of Heaven, which are enchanted
　　To music, by the wand of Solitude,
　　That wizard wild, and the far tents implanted
　　Upon the plain, be seen by those who stood _2540
　　Thence marking the dark shore of Ocean's curved flood.
　　
　　24.
　　One moment these were heard and seen--another
　　Passed; and the two who stood beneath that night,
　　Each only heard, or saw, or felt the other;
　　As from the lofty steed she did alight, _2545
　　Cythna, (for, from the eyes whose deepest light
　　Of love and sadness made my lips feel pale
　　With influence strange of mournfullest delight,
　　My own sweet Cythna looked), with joy did quail,
　　And felt her strength in tears of human weakness fail. _2550
　　
　　25.
　　And for a space in my embrace she rested,
　　Her head on my unquiet heart reposing,
　　While my faint arms her languid frame invested;
　　At length she looked on me, and half unclosing
　　Her tremulous lips, said, 'Friend, thy bands were losing _2555
　　The battle, as I stood before the King
　　In bonds.--I burst them then, and swiftly choosing
　　The time, did seize a Tartar's sword, and spring
　　Upon his horse, and swift, as on the whirlwind's wing,
　　
　　26.
　　'Have thou and I been borne beyond pursuer, _2560
　　And we are here.'--Then, turning to the steed,
　　She pressed the white moon on his front with pure
　　And rose-like lips, and many a fragrant weed
　　From the green ruin plucked, that he might feed;--
　　But I to a stone seat that Maiden led, _2565
　　And, kissing her fair eyes, said, 'Thou hast need
　　Of rest,' and I heaped up the courser's bed
　　In a green mossy nook, with mountain flowers dispread.
　　
　　27.
　　Within that ruin, where a shattered portal
　　Looks to the eastern stars, abandoned now _2570
　　By man, to be the home of things immortal,
　　Memories, like awful ghosts which come and go,
　　And must inherit all he builds below,
　　When he is gone, a hall stood; o'er whose roof
　　Fair clinging weeds with ivy pale did grow, _2575
　　Clasping its gray rents with a verdurous woof,
　　A hanging dome of leaves, a canopy moon-proof.
　　
　　28.
　　The autumnal winds, as if spell-bound, had made
　　A natural couch of leaves in that recess,
　　Which seasons none disturbed, but, in the shade _2580
　　Of flowering parasites, did Spring love to dress
　　With their sweet blooms the wintry loneliness
　　Of those dead leaves, shedding their stars, whene'er
　　The wandering wind her nurslings might caress;
　　Whose intertwining fingers ever there _2585
　　Made music wild and soft that filled the listening air.
　　
　　29.
　　We know not where we go, or what sweet dream
　　May pilot us through caverns strange and fair
　　Of far and pathless passion, while the stream
　　Of life, our bark doth on its whirlpools bear, _2590
　　Spreading swift wings as sails to the dim air;
　　Nor should we seek to know, so the devotion
　　Of love and gentle thoughts be heard still there
　　Louder and louder from the utmost Ocean
　　Of universal life, attuning its commotion. _2595
　　
　　30.
　　To the pure all things are pure! Oblivion wrapped
　　Our spirits, and the fearful overthrow
　　Of public hope was from our being snapped,
　　Though linked years had bound it there; for now
　　A power, a thirst, a knowledge, which below _2600
　　All thoughts, like light beyond the atmosphere,
　　Clothing its clouds with grace, doth ever flow,
　　Came on us, as we sate in silence there,
　　Beneath the golden stars of the clear azure air;--
　　
　　31.
　　In silence which doth follow talk that causes _2605
　　The baffled heart to speak with sighs and tears,
　　When wildering passion swalloweth up the pauses
　　Of inexpressive speech:--the youthful years
　　Which we together passed, their hopes and fears,
　　The blood itself which ran within our frames, _2610
　　That likeness of the features which endears
　　The thoughts expressed by them, our very names,
　　And all the winged hours which speechless memory claims,
　　
　　32.
　　Had found a voice--and ere that voice did pass,
　　The night grew damp and dim, and, through a rent _2615
　　Of the ruin where we sate, from the morass
　　A wandering Meteor by some wild wind sent,
　　Hung high in the green dome, to which it lent
　　A faint and pallid lustre; while the song
　　Of blasts, in which its blue hair quivering bent, _2620
　　Strewed strangest sounds the moving leaves among;
　　A wondrous light, the sound as of a spirit's tongue.
　　
　　33.
　　The Meteor showed the leaves on which we sate,
　　And Cythna's glowing arms, and the thick ties
　　Of her soft hair, which bent with gathered weight _2625
　　My neck near hers; her dark and deepening eyes,
　　Which, as twin phantoms of one star that lies
　　O'er a dim well, move, though the star reposes,
　　Swam in our mute and liquid ecstasies,
　　Her marble brow, and eager lips, like roses, _2630
　　With their own fragrance pale, which Spring but half uncloses.
　　
　　34.
　　The Meteor to its far morass returned:
　　The beating of our veins one interval
　　Made still; and then I felt the blood that burned
　　Within her frame, mingle with mine, and fall _2635
　　Around my heart like fire; and over all
　　A mist was spread, the sickness of a deep
　　And speechless swoon of joy, as might befall
　　Two disunited spirits when they leap
　　In union from this earth's obscure and fading sleep. _2640
　　
　　35.
　　Was it one moment that confounded thus
　　All thought, all sense, all feeling, into one
　　Unutterable power, which shielded us
　　Even from our own cold looks, when we had gone
　　Into a wide and wild oblivion _2645
　　Of tumult and of tenderness? or now
　　Had ages, such as make the moon and sun,
　　The seasons, and mankind their changes know,
　　Left fear and time unfelt by us alone below?
　　
　　36.
　　I know not. What are kisses whose fire clasps _2650
　　The failing heart in languishment, or limb
　　Twined within limb? or the quick dying gasps
　　Of the life meeting, when the faint eyes swim
　　Through tears of a wide mist boundless and dim,
　　In one caress? What is the strong control _2655
　　Which leads the heart that dizzy steep to climb,
　　Where far over the world those vapours roll
　　Which blend two restless frames in one reposing soul?
　　37.
　　It is the shadow which doth float unseen,
　　But not unfelt, o'er blind mortality, _2660
　　Whose divine darkness fled not from that green
　　And lone recess, where lapped in peace did lie
　　Our linked frames, till, from the changing sky
　　That night and still another day had fled;
　　And then I saw and felt. The moon was high, _2665
　　And clouds, as of a coming storm, were spread
　　Under its orb,--loud winds were gathering overhead.
　　
　　38.
　　Cythna's sweet lips seemed lurid in the moon,
　　Her fairest limbs with the night wind were chill,
　　And her dark tresses were all loosely strewn _2670
　　O'er her pale bosom:--all within was still,
　　And the sweet peace of joy did almost fill
　　The depth of her unfathomable look;--
　　And we sate calmly, though that rocky hill,
　　The waves contending in its caverns strook, _2675
　　For they foreknew the storm, and the gray ruin shook.
　　
　　39.
　　There we unheeding sate, in the communion
　　Of interchanged vows, which, with a rite
　　Of faith most sweet and sacred, stamped our union.--
　　Few were the living hearts which could unite _2680
　　Like ours, or celebrate a bridal night
　　With such close sympathies, for they had sprung
　　From linked youth, and from the gentle might
　　Of earliest love, delayed and cherished long,
　　Which common hopes and fears made, like a tempest, strong. _2685
　　
　　40.
　　And such is Nature's law divine, that those
　　Who grow together cannot choose but love,
　　If faith or custom do not interpose,
　　Or common slavery mar what else might move
　　All gentlest thoughts; as in the sacred grove _2690
　　Which shades the springs of Ethiopian Nile,
　　That living tree which, if the arrowy dove
　　Strike with her shadow, shrinks in fear awhile,
　　But its own kindred leaves clasps while the sunbeams smile;
　　
　　41.
　　And clings to them, when darkness may dissever _2695
　　The close caresses of all duller plants
　　Which bloom on the wide earth--thus we for ever
　　Were linked, for love had nursed us in the haunts
　　Where knowledge, from its secret source enchants
　　Young hearts with the fresh music of its springing, _2700
　　Ere yet its gathered flood feeds human wants,
　　As the great Nile feeds Egypt; ever flinging
　　Light on the woven boughs which o'er its waves are swinging.
　　
　　42.
　　The tones of Cythna's voice like echoes were
　　Of those far murmuring streams; they rose and fell, _2705
　　Mixed with mine own in the tempestuous air,--
　　And so we sate, until our talk befell
　　Of the late ruin, swift and horrible,
　　And how those seeds of hope might yet be sown,
　　Whose fruit is evil's mortal poison: well, _2710
　　For us, this ruin made a watch-tower lone,
　　But Cythna's eyes looked faint, and now two days were gone
　　
　　43.
　　Since she had food:--therefore I did awaken
　　The Tartar steed, who, from his ebon mane
　　Soon as the clinging slumbers he had shaken, _2715
　　Bent his thin head to seek the brazen rein,
　　Following me obediently; with pain
　　Of heart, so deep and dread, that one caress,
　　When lips and heart refuse to part again
　　Till they have told their fill, could scarce express _2720
　　The anguish of her mute and fearful tenderness,
　　
　　44.
　　Cythna beheld me part, as I bestrode
　　That willing steed--the tempest and the night,
　　Which gave my path its safety as I rode
　　Down the ravine of rocks, did soon unite _2725
　　The darkness and the tumult of their might
　　Borne on all winds.--Far through the streaming rain
　　Floating at intervals the garments white
　　Of Cythna gleamed, and her voice once again
　　Came to me on the gust, and soon I reached the plain. _2730
　　
　　45.
　　I dreaded not the tempest, nor did he
　　Who bore me, but his eyeballs wide and red
　　Turned on the lightning's cleft exultingly;
　　And when the earth beneath his tameless tread,
　　Shook with the sullen thunder, he would spread _2735
　　His nostrils to the blast, and joyously
　　Mock the fierce peal with neighings;--thus we sped
　　O'er the lit plain, and soon I could descry
　　Where Death and Fire had gorged the spoil of victory.
　　
　　46.
　　There was a desolate village in a wood _2740
　　Whose bloom-inwoven leaves now scattering fed
　　The hungry storm; it was a place of blood,
　　A heap of hearthless walls;--the flames were dead
　　Within those dwellings now,--the life had fled
　　From all those corpses now,--but the wide sky _2745
　　Flooded with lightning was ribbed overhead
　　By the black rafters, and around did lie
　　Women, and babes, and men, slaughtered confusedly.
　　
　　47.
　　Beside the fountain in the market-place
　　Dismounting, I beheld those corpses stare _2750
　　With horny eyes upon each other's face,
　　And on the earth and on the vacant air,
　　And upon me, close to the waters where
　　I stooped to slake my thirst;--I shrank to taste,
　　For the salt bitterness of blood was there; _2755
　　But tied the steed beside, and sought in haste
　　If any yet survived amid that ghastly waste.
　　
　　48.
　　No living thing was there beside one woman,
　　Whom I found wandering in the streets, and she
　　Was withered from a likeness of aught human _2760
　　Into a fiend, by some strange misery:
　　Soon as she heard my steps she leaped on me,
　　And glued her burning lips to mine, and laughed
　　With a loud, long, and frantic laugh of glee,
　　And cried, 'Now, Mortal, thou hast deeply quaffed _2765
　　The Plague's blue kisses--soon millions shall pledge the draught!
　　
　　49.
　　'My name is Pestilence--this bosom dry,
　　Once fed two babes--a sister and a brother--
　　When I came home, one in the blood did lie
　　Of three death-wounds--the flames had ate the other! _2770
　　Since then I have no longer been a mother,
　　But I am Pestilence;--hither and thither
　　I flit about, that I may slay and smother:--
　　All lips which I have kissed must surely wither,
　　But Death's--if thou art he, we'll go to work together! _2775
　　
　　50.
　　'What seek'st thou here? The moonlight comes in flashes,--
　　The dew is rising dankly from the dell--
　　'Twill moisten her! and thou shalt see the gashes
　　In my sweet boy, now full of worms--but tell
　　First what thou seek'st.'--'I seek for food.'--''Tis well, _2780
　　Thou shalt have food. Famine, my paramour,
　　Waits for us at the feast--cruel and fell
　　Is Famine, but he drives not from his door
　　Those whom these lips have kissed, alone. No more, no more!'
　　
　　51.
　　As thus she spake, she grasped me with the strength _2785
　　Of madness, and by many a ruined hearth
　　She led, and over many a corpse:--at length
　　We came to a lone hut where on the earth
　　Which made its floor, she in her ghastly mirth,
　　Gathering from all those homes now desolate, _2790
　　Had piled three heaps of loaves, making a dearth
　　Among the dead--round which she set in state
　　A ring of cold, stiff babes; silent and stark they sate.
　　
　　52.
　　She leaped upon a pile, and lifted high
　　Her mad looks to the lightning, and cried: 'Eat! _2795
　　Share the great feast--to-morrow we must die!'
　　And then she spurned the loaves with her pale feet,
　　Towards her bloodless guests;--that sight to meet,
　　Mine eyes and my heart ached, and but that she
　　Who loved me, did with absent looks defeat _2800
　　Despair, I might have raved in sympathy;
　　But now I took the food that woman offered me;
　　
　　53.
　　And vainly having with her madness striven
　　If I might win her to return with me,
　　Departed. In the eastern beams of Heaven _2805
　　The lightning now grew pallid--rapidly,
　　As by the shore of the tempestuous sea
　　The dark steed bore me; and the mountain gray
　　Soon echoed to his hoofs, and I could see
　　Cythna among the rocks, where she alway _2810
　　Had sate with anxious eyes fixed on the lingering day.
　　
　　54.
　　And joy was ours to meet: she was most pale,
　　Famished, and wet and weary, so I cast
　　My arms around her, lest her steps should fail
　　As to our home we went, and thus embraced, _2815
　　Her full heart seemed a deeper joy to taste
　　Than e'er the prosperous know; the steed behind
　　Trod peacefully along the mountain waste;
　　We reached our home ere morning could unbind
　　Night's latest veil, and on our bridal-couch reclined. _2820
　　
　　55.
　　Her chilled heart having cherished in my bosom,
　　And sweetest kisses past, we two did share
　　Our peaceful meal:--as an autumnal blossom
　　Which spreads its shrunk leaves in the sunny air,
　　After cold showers, like rainbows woven there, _2825
　　Thus in her lips and cheeks the vital spirit
　　Mantled, and in her eyes, an atmosphere
　　Of health, and hope; and sorrow languished near it,
　　And fear, and all that dark despondence doth inherit.
　　
　　
　　NOTES:
　　_2397 -isle. Bradley, who cps. Marianne's Dream, St. 12. See note at end.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 7.
　　
　　1.
　　So we sate joyous as the morning ray _2830
　　Which fed upon the wrecks of night and storm
　　Now lingering on the winds; light airs did play
　　Among the dewy weeds, the sun was warm,
　　And we sate linked in the inwoven charm
　　Of converse and caresses sweet and deep, _2835
　　Speechless caresses, talk that might disarm
　　Time, though he wield the darts of death and sleep,
　　And those thrice mortal barbs in his own poison steep.
　　
　　2.
　　I told her of my sufferings and my madness,
　　And how, awakened from that dreamy mood _2840
　　By Liberty's uprise, the strength of gladness
　　Came to my spirit in my solitude;
　　And all that now I was--while tears pursued
　　Each other down her fair and listening cheek
　　Fast as the thoughts which fed them, like a flood _2845
　　From sunbright dales; and when I ceased to speak,
　　Her accents soft and sweet the pausing air did wake.
　　
　　3.
　　She told me a strange tale of strange endurance,
　　Like broken memories of many a heart
　　Woven into one; to which no firm assurance, _2850
　　So wild were they, could her own faith impart.
　　She said that not a tear did dare to start
　　From the swoln brain, and that her thoughts were firm
　　When from all mortal hope she did depart,
　　Borne by those slaves across the Ocean's term, _2855
　　And that she reached the port without one fear infirm.
　　
　　4.
　　One was she among many there, the thralls
　　Of the cold Tyrant's cruel lust; and they
　　Laughed mournfully in those polluted halls;
　　But she was calm and sad, musing alway _2860
　　On loftiest enterprise, till on a day
　　The Tyrant heard her singing to her lute
　　A wild, and sad, and spirit-thrilling lay,
　　Like winds that die in wastes--one moment mute
　　The evil thoughts it made, which did his breast pollute. _2865
　　
　　5.
　　Even when he saw her wondrous loveliness,
　　One moment to great Nature's sacred power
　　He bent, and was no longer passionless;
　　But when he bade her to his secret bower
　　Be borne, a loveless victim, and she tore _2870
　　Her locks in agony, and her words of flame
　　And mightier looks availed not; then he bore
　　Again his load of slavery, and became
　　A king, a heartless beast, a pageant and a name.
　　
　　6.
　　She told me what a loathsome agony _2875
　　Is that when selfishness mocks love's delight,
　　Foul as in dream's most fearful imagery,
　　To dally with the mowing dead--that night
　　All torture, fear, or horror made seem light
　　Which the soul dreams or knows, and when the day _2880
　　Shone on her awful frenzy, from the sight
　　Where like a Spirit in fleshly chains she lay
　　Struggling, aghast and pale the Tyrant fled away.
　　
　　7.
　　Her madness was a beam of light, a power
　　Which dawned through the rent soul; and words it gave, _2885
　　Gestures and looks, such as in whirlwinds bore
　　Which might not be withstood--whence none could save--
　　All who approached their sphere,--like some calm wave
　　Vexed into whirlpools by the chasms beneath;
　　And sympathy made each attendant slave _2890
　　Fearless and free, and they began to breathe
　　Deep curses, like the voice of flames far underneath.
　　
　　8.
　　The King felt pale upon his noonday throne:
　　At night two slaves he to her chamber sent,--
　　One was a green and wrinkled eunuch, grown _2895
　　From human shape into an instrument
　　Of all things ill--distorted, bowed and bent.
　　The other was a wretch from infancy
　　Made dumb by poison; who nought knew or meant
　　But to obey: from the fire isles came he, _2900
　　A diver lean and strong, of Oman's coral sea.
　　
　　9.
　　They bore her to a bark, and the swift stroke
　　Of silent rowers clove the blue moonlight seas,
　　Until upon their path the morning broke;
　　They anchored then, where, be there calm or breeze, _2905
　　The gloomiest of the drear Symplegades
　　Shakes with the sleepless surge;--the Ethiop there
　　Wound his long arms around her, and with knees
　　Like iron clasped her feet, and plunged with her
　　Among the closing waves out of the boundless air. _2910
　　
　　10.
　　'Swift as an eagle stooping from the plain
　　Of morning light, into some shadowy wood,
　　He plunged through the green silence of the main,
　　Through many a cavern which the eternal flood
　　Had scooped, as dark lairs for its monster brood; _2915
　　And among mighty shapes which fled in wonder,
　　And among mightier shadows which pursued
　　His heels, he wound: until the dark rocks under
　　He touched a golden chain--a sound arose like thunder.
　　
　　11.
　　'A stunning clang of massive bolts redoubling _2920
　　Beneath the deep--a burst of waters driven
　　As from the roots of the sea, raging and bubbling:
　　And in that roof of crags a space was riven
　　Through which there shone the emerald beams of heaven,
　　Shot through the lines of many waves inwoven, _2925
　　Like sunlight through acacia woods at even,
　　Through which, his way the diver having cloven,
　　Passed like a spark sent up out of a burning oven.
　　
　　12.
　　'And then,' she said, 'he laid me in a cave
　　Above the waters, by that chasm of sea, _2930
　　A fountain round and vast, in which the wave
　　Imprisoned, boiled and leaped perpetually,
　　Down which, one moment resting, he did flee,
　　Winning the adverse depth; that spacious cell
　　Like an hupaithric temple wide and high, _2935
　　Whose aery dome is inaccessible,
　　Was pierced with one round cleft through which the sunbeams fell.
　　
　　13.
　　'Below, the fountain's brink was richly paven
　　With the deep's wealth, coral, and pearl, and sand
　　Like spangling gold, and purple shells engraven _2940
　　With mystic legends by no mortal hand,
　　Left there, when thronging to the moon's command,
　　The gathering waves rent the Hesperian gate
　　Of mountains, and on such bright floor did stand
　　Columns, and shapes like statues, and the state _2945
　　Of kingless thrones, which Earth did in her heart create.
　　
　　14.
　　'The fiend of madness which had made its prey
　　Of my poor heart, was lulled to sleep awhile:
　　There was an interval of many a day,
　　And a sea-eagle brought me food the while, _2950
　　Whose nest was built in that untrodden isle,
　　And who, to be the gaoler had been taught
　　Of that strange dungeon; as a friend whose smile
　　Like light and rest at morn and even is sought
　　That wild bird was to me, till madness misery brought. _2955
　　
　　15.
　　'The misery of a madness slow and creeping,
　　Which made the earth seem fire, the sea seem air,
　　And the white clouds of noon which oft were sleeping,
　　In the blue heaven so beautiful and fair,
　　Like hosts of ghastly shadows hovering there; _2960
　　And the sea-eagle looked a fiend, who bore
　　Thy mangled limbs for food!--Thus all things were
　　Transformed into the agony which I wore
　　Even as a poisoned robe around my bosom's core.
　　
　　16.
　　'Again I knew the day and night fast fleeing, _2965
　　The eagle, and the fountain, and the air;
　　Another frenzy came--there seemed a being
　　Within me--a strange load my heart did bear,
　　As if some living thing had made its lair
　　Even in the fountains of my life:--a long _2970
　　And wondrous vision wrought from my despair,
　　Then grew, like sweet reality among
　　Dim visionary woes, an unreposing throng.
　　
　　17.
　　'Methought I was about to be a mother--
　　Month after month went by, and still I dreamed _2975
　　That we should soon be all to one another,
　　I and my child; and still new pulses seemed
　　To beat beside my heart, and still I deemed
　　There was a babe within--and, when the rain
　　Of winter through the rifted cavern streamed, _2980
　　Methought, after a lapse of lingering pain,
　　I saw that lovely shape, which near my heart had lain.
　　
　　18.
　　'It was a babe, beautiful from its birth,--
　　It was like thee, dear love, its eyes were thine,
　　Its brow, its lips, and so upon the earth _2985
　　It laid its fingers, as now rest on mine
　　Thine own, beloved!--'twas a dream divine;
　　Even to remember how it fled, how swift,
　　How utterly, might make the heart repine,--
　　Though 'twas a dream.'--Then Cythna did uplift _2990
　　Her looks on mine, as if some doubt she sought to shift:
　　
　　19.
　　A doubt which would not flee, a tenderness
　　Of questioning grief, a source of thronging tears;
　　Which having passed, as one whom sobs oppress
　　She spoke: 'Yes, in the wilderness of years _2995
　　Her memory, aye, like a green home appears;
　　She sucked her fill even at this breast, sweet love,
　　For many months. I had no mortal fears;
　　Methought I felt her lips and breath approve,--
　　It was a human thing which to my bosom clove. _3000
　　
　　20.
　　'I watched the dawn of her first smiles; and soon
　　When zenith stars were trembling on the wave,
　　Or when the beams of the invisible moon,
　　Or sun, from many a prism within the cave
　　Their gem-born shadows to the water gave, _3005
　　Her looks would hunt them, and with outspread hand,
　　From the swift lights which might that fountain pave,
　　She would mark one, and laugh, when that command
　　Slighting, it lingered there, and could not understand.
　　
　　21.
　　'Methought her looks began to talk with me; _3010
　　And no articulate sounds, but something sweet
　　Her lips would frame,--so sweet it could not be,
　　That it was meaningless; her touch would meet
　　Mine, and our pulses calmly flow and beat
　　In response while we slept; and on a day _3015
　　When I was happiest in that strange retreat,
　　With heaps of golden shells we two did play,--
　　Both infants, weaving wings for time's perpetual way.
　　
　　22.
　　'Ere night, methought, her waning eyes were grown
　　Weary with joy, and tired with our delight, _3020
　　We, on the earth, like sister twins lay down
　　On one fair mother's bosom:--from that night
　　She fled,--like those illusions clear and bright,
　　Which dwell in lakes, when the red moon on high
　　Pause ere it wakens tempest;--and her flight, _3025
　　Though 'twas the death of brainless fantasy,
　　Yet smote my lonesome heart more than all misery.
　　
　　23.
　　'It seemed that in the dreary night the diver
　　Who brought me thither, came again, and bore
　　My child away. I saw the waters quiver, _3030
　　When he so swiftly sunk, as once before:
　　Then morning came--it shone even as of yore,
　　But I was changed--the very life was gone
　　Out of my heart--I wasted more and more,
　　Day after day, and sitting there alone, _3035
　　Vexed the inconstant waves with my perpetual moan.
　　
　　24.
　　'I was no longer mad, and yet methought
　　My breasts were swoln and changed:--in every vein
　　The blood stood still one moment, while that thought
　　Was passing--with a gush of sickening pain _3040
　　It ebbed even to its withered springs again:
　　When my wan eyes in stern resolve I turned
　　From that most strange delusion, which would fain
　　Have waked the dream for which my spirit yearned
　　With more than human love,--then left it unreturned. _3045
　　
　　25.
　　'So now my reason was restored to me
　　I struggled with that dream, which, like a beast
　　Most fierce and beauteous, in my memory
　　Had made its lair, and on my heart did feast;
　　But all that cave and all its shapes, possessed _3050
　　By thoughts which could not fade, renewed each one
　　Some smile, some look, some gesture which had blessed
　　Me heretofore: I, sitting there alone,
　　Vexed the inconstant waves with my perpetual moan.
　　
　　26.
　　'Time passed, I know not whether months or years; _3055
　　For day, nor night, nor change of seasons made
　　Its note, but thoughts and unavailing tears:
　　And I became at last even as a shade,
　　A smoke, a cloud on which the winds have preyed,
　　Till it be thin as air; until, one even, _3060
　　A Nautilus upon the fountain played,
　　Spreading his azure sail where breath of Heaven
　　Descended not, among the waves and whirlpools driven.
　　
　　27.
　　'And, when the Eagle came, that lovely thing,
　　Oaring with rosy feet its silver boat, _3065
　　Fled near me as for shelter; on slow wing,
　　The Eagle, hovering o'er his prey did float;
　　But when he saw that I with fear did note
　　His purpose, proffering my own food to him,
　　The eager plumes subsided on his throat-- _3070
　　He came where that bright child of sea did swim,
　　And o'er it cast in peace his shadow broad and dim.
　　
　　28.
　　'This wakened me, it gave me human strength;
　　And hope, I know not whence or wherefore, rose,
　　But I resumed my ancient powers at length; _3075
　　My spirit felt again like one of those
　　Like thine, whose fate it is to make the woes
　　Of humankind their prey--what was this cave?
　　Its deep foundation no firm purpose knows
　　Immutable, resistless, strong to save, _3080
　　Like mind while yet it mocks the all-devouring grave.
　　
　　29.
　　'And where was Laon? might my heart be dead,
　　While that far dearer heart could move and be?
　　Or whilst over the earth the pall was spread,
　　Which I had sworn to rend? I might be free, _3085
　　Could I but win that friendly bird to me,
　　To bring me ropes; and long in vain I sought
　　By intercourse of mutual imagery
　　Of objects, if such aid he could be taught;
　　But fruit, and flowers, and boughs, yet never ropes he brought. _3090
　　
　　30.
　　'We live in our own world, and mine was made
　　From glorious fantasies of hope departed:
　　Aye we are darkened with their floating shade,
　　Or cast a lustre on them--time imparted
　　Such power to me--I became fearless-hearted, _3095
　　My eye and voice grew firm, calm was my mind,
　　And piercing, like the morn, now it has darted
　　Its lustre on all hidden things, behind
　　Yon dim and fading clouds which load the weary wind.
　　
　　31.
　　'My mind became the book through which I grew _3100
　　Wise in all human wisdom, and its cave,
　　Which like a mine I rifled through and through,
　　To me the keeping of its secrets gave--
　　One mind, the type of all, the moveless wave
　　Whose calm reflects all moving things that are, _3105
　　Necessity, and love, and life, the grave,
　　And sympathy, fountains of hope and fear,
　　Justice, and truth, and time, and the world's natural sphere.
　　
　　32.
　　'And on the sand would I make signs to range
　　These woofs, as they were woven, of my thought; _3110
　　Clear, elemental shapes, whose smallest change
　　A subtler language within language wrought:
　　The key of truths which once were dimly taught
　　In old Crotona;--and sweet melodies
　　Of love, in that lorn solitude I caught _3115
　　From mine own voice in dream, when thy dear eyes
　　Shone through my sleep, and did that utterance harmonize.
　　
　　33.
　　'Thy songs were winds whereon I fled at will,
　　As in a winged chariot, o'er the plain
　　Of crystal youth; and thou wert there to fill _3120
　　My heart with joy, and there we sate again
　　On the gray margin of the glimmering main,
　　Happy as then but wiser far, for we
　　Smiled on the flowery grave in which were lain
　　Fear, Faith and Slavery; and mankind was free, _3125
　　Equal, and pure, and wise, in Wisdom's prophecy.
　　
　　34.
　　'For to my will my fancies were as slaves
　　To do their sweet and subtile ministries;
　　And oft from that bright fountain's shadowy waves
　　They would make human throngs gather and rise _3130
　　To combat with my overflowing eyes,
　　And voice made deep with passion--thus I grew
　　Familiar with the shock and the surprise
　　And war of earthly minds, from which I drew
　　The power which has been mine to frame their thoughts anew. _3135
　　
　　35.
　　'And thus my prison was the populous earth--
　　Where I saw--even as misery dreams of morn
　　Before the east has given its glory birth--
　　Religion's pomp made desolate by the scorn
　　Of Wisdom's faintest smile, and thrones uptorn, _3140
　　And dwellings of mild people interspersed
　　With undivided fields of ripening corn,
　　And love made free,--a hope which we have nursed
　　Even with our blood and tears,--until its glory burst.
　　
　　36.
　　'All is not lost! There is some recompense _3145
　　For hope whose fountain can be thus profound,
　　Even throned Evil's splendid impotence,
　　Girt by its hell of power, the secret sound
　　Of hymns to truth and freedom--the dread bound
　　Of life and death passed fearlessly and well, _3150
　　Dungeons wherein the high resolve is found,
　　Racks which degraded woman's greatness tell,
　　And what may else be good and irresistible.
　　
　　37.
　　'Such are the thoughts which, like the fires that flare
　　In storm-encompassed isles, we cherish yet _3155
　　In this dark ruin--such were mine even there;
　　As in its sleep some odorous violet,
　　While yet its leaves with nightly dews are wet,
　　Breathes in prophetic dreams of day's uprise,
　　Or as, ere Scythian frost in fear has met _3160
　　Spring's messengers descending from the skies,
　　The buds foreknow their life--this hope must ever rise.
　　
　　38.
　　'So years had passed, when sudden earthquake rent
　　The depth of ocean, and the cavern cracked
　　With sound, as if the world's wide continent _3165
　　Had fallen in universal ruin wracked:
　　And through the cleft streamed in one cataract
　　The stifling waters--when I woke, the flood
　　Whose banded waves that crystal cave had sacked
　　Was ebbing round me, and my bright abode _3170
　　Before me yawned--a chasm desert, and bare, and broad.
　　
　　39.
　　'Above me was the sky, beneath the sea:
　　I stood upon a point of shattered stone,
　　And heard loose rocks rushing tumultuously
　　With splash and shock into the deep--anon _3175
　　All ceased, and there was silence wide and lone.
　　I felt that I was free! The Ocean-spray
　　Quivered beneath my feet, the broad Heaven shone
　　Around, and in my hair the winds did play
　　Lingering as they pursued their unimpeded way. _3180
　　
　　40.
　　'My spirit moved upon the sea like wind
　　Which round some thymy cape will lag and hover,
　　Though it can wake the still cloud, and unbind
　　The strength of tempest: day was almost over,
　　When through the fading light I could discover _3185
　　A ship approaching--its white sails were fed
　　With the north wind--its moving shade did cover
　　The twilight deep; the mariners in dread
　　Cast anchor when they saw new rocks around them spread.
　　
　　41.
　　'And when they saw one sitting on a crag, _3190
　　They sent a boat to me;--the Sailors rowed
　　In awe through many a new and fearful jag
　　Of overhanging rock, through which there flowed
　　The foam of streams that cannot make abode.
　　They came and questioned me, but when they heard _3195
　　My voice, they became silent, and they stood
　　And moved as men in whom new love had stirred
　　Deep thoughts: so to the ship we passed without a word.
　　
　　
　　NOTES:
　　_2877 dreams edition 1818.
　　_2994 opprest edition 1818.
　　_3115 lone solitude edition 1818.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 8.
　　
　　1.
　　'I sate beside the Steersman then, and gazing
　　Upon the west, cried, "Spread the sails! Behold! _3200
　　The sinking moon is like a watch-tower blazing
　　Over the mountains yet;--the City of Gold
　　Yon Cape alone does from the sight withhold;
　　The stream is fleet--the north breathes steadily
　　Beneath the stars; they tremble with the cold! _3205
　　Ye cannot rest upon the dreary sea!--
　　Haste, haste to the warm home of happier destiny!"
　　
　　2.
　　'The Mariners obeyed--the Captain stood
　　Aloof, and, whispering to the Pilot, said,
　　"Alas, alas! I fear we are pursued _3210
　　By wicked ghosts; a Phantom of the Dead,
　　The night before we sailed, came to my bed
　　In dream, like that!" The Pilot then replied,
　　"It cannot be--she is a human Maid--
　　Her low voice makes you weep--she is some bride, _3215
　　Or daughter of high birth--she can be nought beside."
　　
　　3.
　　'We passed the islets, borne by wind and stream,
　　And as we sailed, the Mariners came near
　　And thronged around to listen;--in the gleam
　　Of the pale moon I stood, as one whom fear _3220
　　May not attaint, and my calm voice did rear;
　　"Ye are all human--yon broad moon gives light
　　To millions who the selfsame likeness wear,
　　Even while I speak--beneath this very night,
　　Their thoughts flow on like ours, in sadness or delight. _3225
　　
　　4.
　　'"What dream ye? Your own hands have built an home,
　　Even for yourselves on a beloved shore:
　　For some, fond eyes are pining till they come,
　　How they will greet him when his toils are o'er,
　　And laughing babes rush from the well-known door! _3230
　　Is this your care? ye toil for your own good--
　　Ye feel and think--has some immortal power
　　Such purposes? or in a human mood,
　　Dream ye some Power thus builds for man in solitude?
　　
　　5.
　　'"What is that Power? Ye mock yourselves, and give _3235
　　A human heart to what ye cannot know:
　　As if the cause of life could think and live!
　　'Twere as if man's own works should feel, and show
　　The hopes, and fears, and thoughts from which they flow,
　　And he be like to them! Lo! Plague is free _3240
　　To waste, Blight, Poison, Earthquake, Hail, and Snow,
　　Disease, and Want, and worse Necessity
　　Of hate and ill, and Pride, and Fear, and Tyranny!
　　
　　6.
　　'"What is that Power? Some moon-struck sophist stood
　　Watching the shade from his own soul upthrown _3245
　　Fill Heaven and darken Earth, and in such mood
　　The Form he saw and worshipped was his own,
　　His likeness in the world's vast mirror shown;
　　And 'twere an innocent dream, but that a faith
　　Nursed by fear's dew of poison, grows thereon, _3250
　　And that men say, that Power has chosen Death
　　On all who scorn its laws, to wreak immortal wrath.
　　
　　7.
　　'"Men say that they themselves have heard and seen,
　　Or known from others who have known such things,
　　A Shade, a Form, which Earth and Heaven between _3255
　　Wields an invisible rod--that Priests and Kings,
　　Custom, domestic sway, ay, all that brings
　　Man's freeborn soul beneath the oppressor's heel,
　　Are his strong ministers, and that the stings
　　Of death will make the wise his vengeance feel, _3260
　　Though truth and virtue arm their hearts with tenfold steel.
　　
　　8.
　　'"And it is said, this Power will punish wrong;
　　Yes, add despair to crime, and pain to pain!
　　And deepest hell, and deathless snakes among,
　　Will bind the wretch on whom is fixed a stain, _3265
　　Which, like a plague, a burden, and a bane,
　　Clung to him while he lived; for love and hate,
　　Virtue and vice, they say are difference vain--
　　The will of strength is right--this human state
　　Tyrants, that they may rule, with lies thus desolate. _3270
　　
　　9.
　　'"Alas, what strength? Opinion is more frail
　　Than yon dim cloud now fading on the moon
　　Even while we gaze, though it awhile avail
　　To hide the orb of truth--and every throne
　　Of Earth or Heaven, though shadow, rests thereon, _3275
　　One shape of many names:--for this ye plough
　　The barren waves of ocean, hence each one
　　Is slave or tyrant; all betray and bow,
　　Command, or kill, or fear, or wreak, or suffer woe.
　　
　　10.
　　'"Its names are each a sign which maketh holy _3280
　　All power--ay, the ghost, the dream, the shade
　　Of power--lust, falsehood, hate, and pride, and folly;
　　The pattern whence all fraud and wrong is made,
　　A law to which mankind has been betrayed;
　　And human love, is as the name well known _3285
　　Of a dear mother, whom the murderer laid
　　In bloody grave, and into darkness thrown,
　　Gathered her wildered babes around him as his own.
　　
　　11.
　　'"O Love, who to the hearts of wandering men
　　Art as the calm to Ocean's weary waves! _3290
　　Justice, or Truth, or Joy! those only can
　　From slavery and religion's labyrinth caves
　　Guide us, as one clear star the seaman saves.
　　To give to all an equal share of good,
　　To track the steps of Freedom, though through graves _3295
　　She pass, to suffer all in patient mood,
　　To weep for crime, though stained with thy friend's dearest blood,--
　　
　　12.
　　'"To feel the peace of self-contentment's lot,
　　To own all sympathies, and outrage none,
　　And in the inmost bowers of sense and thought, _3300
　　Until life's sunny day is quite gone down,
　　To sit and smile with Joy, or, not alone,
　　To kiss salt tears from the worn cheek of Woe;
　　To live, as if to love and live were one,--
　　This is not faith or law, nor those who bow _3305
　　To thrones on Heaven or Earth, such destiny may know.
　　
　　13.
　　'"But children near their parents tremble now,
　　Because they must obey--one rules another,
　　And as one Power rules both high and low,
　　So man is made the captive of his brother, _3310
　　And Hate is throned on high with Fear her mother,
　　Above the Highest--and those fountain-cells,
　　Whence love yet flowed when faith had choked all other,
　　Are darkened--Woman as the bond-slave dwells
　　Of man, a slave; and life is poisoned in its wells. _3315
　　
　　14.
　　'"Man seeks for gold in mines, that he may weave
　　A lasting chain for his own slavery;--
　　In fear and restless care that he may live
　　He toils for others, who must ever be
　　The joyless thralls of like captivity; _3320
　　He murders, for his chiefs delight in ruin;
　　He builds the altar, that its idol's fee
　　May be his very blood; he is pursuing--
　　O, blind and willing wretch!--his own obscure undoing.
　　
　　15.
　　'"Woman!--she is his slave, she has become _3325
　　A thing I weep to speak--the child of scorn,
　　The outcast of a desolated home;
　　Falsehood, and fear, and toil, like waves have worn
　　Channels upon her cheek, which smiles adorn,
　　As calm decks the false Ocean:--well ye know _3330
　　What Woman is, for none of Woman born
　　Can choose but drain the bitter dregs of woe,
　　Which ever from the oppressed to the oppressors flow.
　　
　　16.
　　'"This need not be; ye might arise, and will
　　That gold should lose its power, and thrones their glory; _3335
　　That love, which none may bind, be free to fill
　　The world, like light; and evil faith, grown hoary
　　With crime, be quenched and die.--Yon promontory
　　Even now eclipses the descending moon!--
　　Dungeons and palaces are transitory-- _3340
　　High temples fade like vapour--Man alone
　　Remains, whose will has power when all beside is gone.
　　
　　17.
　　'"Let all be free and equal!--From your hearts
　　I feel an echo; through my inmost frame
　　Like sweetest sound, seeking its mate, it darts-- _3345
　　Whence come ye, friends? Alas, I cannot name
　　All that I read of sorrow, toil, and shame,
　　On your worn faces; as in legends old
　　Which make immortal the disastrous fame
　　Of conquerors and impostors false and bold, _3350
　　The discord of your hearts, I in your looks behold.
　　
　　18.
　　'"Whence come ye, friends? from pouring human blood
　　Forth on the earth? Or bring ye steel and gold,
　　That Kings may dupe and slay the multitude?
　　Or from the famished poor, pale, weak and cold, _3355
　　Bear ye the earnings of their toil? Unfold!
　　Speak! Are your hands in slaughter's sanguine hue
　　Stained freshly? have your hearts in guile grown old?
　　Know yourselves thus! ye shall be pure as dew,
　　And I will be a friend and sister unto you. _3360
　　
　　19.
　　'"Disguise it not--we have one human heart--
　　All mortal thoughts confess a common home:
　　Blush not for what may to thyself impart
　　Stains of inevitable crime: the doom
　　Is this, which has, or may, or must become _3365
　　Thine, and all humankind's. Ye are the spoil
　　Which Time thus marks for the devouring tomb--
　　Thou and thy thoughts and they, and all the toil
　　Wherewith ye twine the rings of life's perpetual coil.
　　
　　20.
　　'"Disguise it not--ye blush for what ye hate, _3370
　　And Enmity is sister unto Shame;
　　Look on your mind--it is the book of fate--
　　Ah! it is dark with many a blazoned name
　　Of misery--all are mirrors of the same;
　　But the dark fiend who with his iron pen _3375
　　Dipped in scorn's fiery poison, makes his fame
　　Enduring there, would o'er the heads of men
　　Pass harmless, if they scorned to make their hearts his den.
　　
　　21.
　　'"Yes, it is Hate, that shapeless fiendly thing
　　Of many names, all evil, some divine, _3380
　　Whom self-contempt arms with a mortal sting;
　　Which, when the heart its snaky folds entwine
　　Is wasted quite, and when it doth repine
　　To gorge such bitter prey, on all beside
　　It turns with ninefold rage, as with its twine _3385
　　When Amphisbaena some fair bird has tied,
　　Soon o'er the putrid mass he threats on every side.
　　
　　22.
　　'"Reproach not thine own soul, but know thyself,
　　Nor hate another's crime, nor loathe thine own.
　　It is the dark idolatry of self, _3390
　　Which, when our thoughts and actions once are gone,
　　Demands that man should weep, and bleed, and groan;
　　Oh, vacant expiation! Be at rest.--
　　The past is Death's, the future is thine own;
　　And love and joy can make the foulest breast _3395
　　A paradise of flowers, where peace might build her nest.
　　
　　23.
　　'"Speak thou! whence come ye?"--A Youth made reply:
　　"Wearily, wearily o'er the boundless deep
　　We sail;--thou readest well the misery
　　Told in these faded eyes, but much doth sleep _3400
　　Within, which there the poor heart loves to keep,
　　Or dare not write on the dishonoured brow;
　　Even from our childhood have we learned to steep
　　The bread of slavery in the tears of woe,
　　And never dreamed of hope or refuge until now. _3405
　　
　　24.
　　'"Yes--I must speak--my secret should have perished
　　Even with the heart it wasted, as a brand
　　Fades in the dying flame whose life it cherished,
　　But that no human bosom can withstand
　　Thee, wondrous Lady, and the mild command _3410
　　Of thy keen eyes:--yes, we are wretched slaves,
　　Who from their wonted loves and native land
　　Are reft, and bear o'er the dividing waves
　　The unregarded prey of calm and happy graves.
　　
　　25.
　　'"We drag afar from pastoral vales the fairest _3415
　　Among the daughters of those mountains lone,
　　We drag them there, where all things best and rarest
　　Are stained and trampled:--years have come and gone
　　Since, like the ship which bears me, I have known
　　No thought;--but now the eyes of one dear Maid _3420
　　On mine with light of mutual love have shone--
　　She is my life,--I am but as the shade
　　Of her,--a smoke sent up from ashes, soon to fade.
　　
　　26.
　　'"For she must perish in the Tyrant's hall--
　　Alas, alas!"--He ceased, and by the sail _3425
　　Sate cowering--but his sobs were heard by all,
　　And still before the ocean and the gale
　　The ship fled fast till the stars 'gan to fail;
　　And, round me gathered with mute countenance,
　　The Seamen gazed, the Pilot, worn and pale _3430
　　With toil, the Captain with gray locks, whose glance
　　Met mine in restless awe--they stood as in a trance.
　　
　　27.
　　'"Recede not! pause not now! Thou art grown old,
　　But Hope will make thee young, for Hope and Youth
　　Are children of one mother, even Love--behold! _3435
　　The eternal stars gaze on us!--is the truth
　　Within your soul? care for your own, or ruth
　　For others' sufferings? do ye thirst to bear
　　A heart which not the serpent Custom's tooth
　　May violate?--Be free! and even here, _3440
　　Swear to be firm till death!" They cried, "We swear! We swear!"
　　
　　28.
　　'The very darkness shook, as with a blast
　　Of subterranean thunder, at the cry;
　　The hollow shore its thousand echoes cast
　　Into the night, as if the sea and sky, _3445
　　And earth, rejoiced with new-born liberty,
　　For in that name they swore! Bolts were undrawn,
　　And on the deck, with unaccustomed eye
　　The captives gazing stood, and every one
　　Shrank as the inconstant torch upon her countenance shone. _3450
　　
　　29.
　　'They were earth's purest children, young and fair,
　　With eyes the shrines of unawakened thought,
　　And brows as bright as Spring or Morning, ere
　　Dark time had there its evil legend wrought
　　In characters of cloud which wither not.-- _3455
　　The change was like a dream to them; but soon
　　They knew the glory of their altered lot,
　　In the bright wisdom of youth's breathless noon,
　　Sweet talk, and smiles, and sighs, all bosoms did attune.
　　
　　30.
　　'But one was mute; her cheeks and lips most fair, _3460
　　Changing their hue like lilies newly blown,
　　Beneath a bright acacia's shadowy hair,
　　Waved by the wind amid the sunny noon,
　　Showed that her soul was quivering; and full soon
　　That Youth arose, and breathlessly did look _3465
　　On her and me, as for some speechless boon:
　　I smiled, and both their hands in mine I took,
　　And felt a soft delight from what their spirits shook.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 9.
　　
　　1.
　　'That night we anchored in a woody bay,
　　And sleep no more around us dared to hover _3470
　　Than, when all doubt and fear has passed away,
　　It shades the couch of some unresting lover,
　　Whose heart is now at rest: thus night passed over
　　In mutual joy:--around, a forest grew
　　Of poplars and dark oaks, whose shade did cover _3475
　　The waning stars pranked in the waters blue,
　　And trembled in the wind which from the morning flew.
　　
　　2.
　　'The joyous Mariners, and each free Maiden
　　Now brought from the deep forest many a bough,
　　With woodland spoil most innocently laden; _3480
　　Soon wreaths of budding foliage seemed to flow
　　Over the mast and sails, the stern and prow
　　Were canopied with blooming boughs,--the while
　　On the slant sun's path o'er the waves we go
　　Rejoicing, like the dwellers of an isle _3485
　　Doomed to pursue those waves that cannot cease to smile.
　　
　　3.
　　'The many ships spotting the dark blue deep
　　With snowy sails, fled fast as ours came nigh,
　　In fear and wonder; and on every steep
　　Thousands did gaze, they heard the startling cry, _3490
　　Like Earth's own voice lifted unconquerably
　　To all her children, the unbounded mirth,
　　The glorious joy of thy name--Liberty!
　　They heard!--As o'er the mountains of the earth
　　From peak to peak leap on the beams of Morning's birth: _3495
　　
　　4.
　　'So from that cry over the boundless hills
　　Sudden was caught one universal sound,
　　Like a volcano's voice, whose thunder fills
　　Remotest skies,--such glorious madness found
　　A path through human hearts with stream which drowned _3500
　　Its struggling fears and cares, dark Custom's brood;
　　They knew not whence it came, but felt around
　　A wide contagion poured--they called aloud
　　On Liberty--that name lived on the sunny flood.
　　
　　5.
　　'We reached the port.--Alas! from many spirits _3505
　　The wisdom which had waked that cry, was fled,
　　Like the brief glory which dark Heaven inherits
　　From the false dawn, which fades ere it is spread,
　　Upon the night's devouring darkness shed:
　　Yet soon bright day will burst--even like a chasm _3510
　　Of fire, to burn the shrouds outworn and dead,
　　Which wrap the world; a wide enthusiasm,
　　To cleanse the fevered world as with an earthquake's spasm!
　　
　　6.
　　'I walked through the great City then, but free
　　From shame or fear; those toil-worn Mariners _3515
　　And happy Maidens did encompass me;
　　And like a subterranean wind that stirs
　　Some forest among caves, the hopes and fears
　　From every human soul, a murmur strange
　　Made as I passed; and many wept, with tears _3520
　　Of joy and awe, and winged thoughts did range,
　　And half-extinguished words, which prophesied of change.
　　
　　7.
　　'For, with strong speech I tore the veil that hid
　　Nature, and Truth, and Liberty, and Love,--
　　As one who from some mountain's pyramid _3525
　　Points to the unrisen sun!--the shades approve
　　His truth, and flee from every stream and grove.
　　Thus, gentle thoughts did many a bosom fill,--
　　Wisdom, the mail of tried affections wove
　　For many a heart, and tameless scorn of ill, _3530
　　Thrice steeped in molten steel the unconquerable will.
　　
　　8.
　　'Some said I was a maniac wild and lost;
　　Some, that I scarce had risen from the grave,
　　The Prophet's virgin bride, a heavenly ghost:--
　　Some said, I was a fiend from my weird cave, _3535
　　Who had stolen human shape, and o'er the wave,
　　The forest, and the mountain, came;--some said
　　I was the child of God, sent down to save
　　Woman from bonds and death, and on my head
　　The burden of their sins would frightfully be laid. _3540
　　
　　9.
　　'But soon my human words found sympathy
　　In human hearts: the purest and the best,
　　As friend with friend, made common cause with me,
　　And they were few, but resolute;--the rest,
　　Ere yet success the enterprise had blessed, _3545
　　Leagued with me in their hearts;--their meals, their slumber,
　　Their hourly occupations, were possessed
　　By hopes which I had armed to overnumber
　　Those hosts of meaner cares, which life's strong wings encumber.
　　
　　10.
　　'But chiefly women, whom my voice did waken _3550
　　From their cold, careless, willing slavery,
　　Sought me: one truth their dreary prison has shaken,--
　　They looked around, and lo! they became free!
　　Their many tyrants sitting desolately
　　In slave-deserted halls, could none restrain; _3555
　　For wrath's red fire had withered in the eye,
　　Whose lightning once was death,--nor fear, nor gain
　　Could tempt one captive now to lock another's chain.
　　
　　11.
　　'Those who were sent to bind me, wept, and felt
　　Their minds outsoar the bonds which clasped them round, _3560
　　Even as a waxen shape may waste and melt
　　In the white furnace; and a visioned swound,
　　A pause of hope and awe the City bound,
　　Which, like the silence of a tempest's birth,
　　When in its awful shadow it has wound _3565
　　The sun, the wind, the ocean, and the earth,
　　Hung terrible, ere yet the lightnings have leaped forth.
　　
　　12.
　　'Like clouds inwoven in the silent sky,
　　By winds from distant regions meeting there,
　　In the high name of truth and liberty, _3570
　　Around the City millions gathered were,
　　By hopes which sprang from many a hidden lair,--
　　Words which the lore of truth in hues of flame
　　Arrayed, thine own wild songs which in the air
　　Like homeless odours floated, and the name _3575
　　Of thee, and many a tongue which thou hadst dipped in flame.
　　
　　13.
　　'The Tyrant knew his power was gone, but Fear,
　　The nurse of Vengeance, bade him wait the event--
　　That perfidy and custom, gold and prayer,
　　And whatsoe'er, when force is impotent, _3580
　　To fraud the sceptre of the world has lent,
　　Might, as he judged, confirm his failing sway.
　　Therefore throughout the streets, the Priests he sent
　　To curse the rebels.--To their gods did they
　　For Earthquake, Plague, and Want, kneel in the public way. _3585
　　
　　14.
　　'And grave and hoary men were bribed to tell
　　From seats where law is made the slave of wrong,
　　How glorious Athens in her splendour fell,
　　Because her sons were free,--and that among
　　Mankind, the many to the few belong, _3590
　　By Heaven, and Nature, and Necessity.
　　They said, that age was truth, and that the young
　　Marred with wild hopes the peace of slavery,
　　With which old times and men had quelled the vain and free.
　　
　　15.
　　'And with the falsehood of their poisonous lips _3595
　　They breathed on the enduring memory
　　Of sages and of bards a brief eclipse;
　　There was one teacher, who necessity
　　Had armed with strength and wrong against mankind,
　　His slave and his avenger aye to be; _3600
　　That we were weak and sinful, frail and blind,
　　And that the will of one was peace, and we
　　Should seek for nought on earth but toil and misery--
　　
　　16.
　　'"For thus we might avoid the hell hereafter."
　　So spake the hypocrites, who cursed and lied; _3605
　　Alas, their sway was past, and tears and laughter
　　Clung to their hoary hair, withering the pride
　　Which in their hollow hearts dared still abide;
　　And yet obscener slaves with smoother brow,
　　And sneers on their strait lips, thin, blue and wide, _3610
　　Said that the rule of men was over now,
　　And hence, the subject world to woman's will must bow;
　　
　　17.
　　'And gold was scattered through the streets, and wine
　　Flowed at a hundred feasts within the wall.
　　In vain! the steady towers in Heaven did shine _3615
　　As they were wont, nor at the priestly call
　　Left Plague her banquet in the Ethiop's hall,
　　Nor Famine from the rich man's portal came,
　　Where at her ease she ever preys on all
　　Who throng to kneel for food: nor fear nor shame, _3620
　　Nor faith, nor discord, dimmed hope's newly kindled flame.
　　
　　18.
　　'For gold was as a god whose faith began
　　To fade, so that its worshippers were few,
　　And Faith itself, which in the heart of man
　　Gives shape, voice, name, to spectral Terror, knew _3625
　　Its downfall, as the altars lonelier grew,
　　Till the Priests stood alone within the fane;
　　The shafts of falsehood unpolluting flew,
　　And the cold sneers of calumny were vain,
　　The union of the free with discord's brand to stain. _3630
　　
　　19.
　　'The rest thou knowest.--Lo! we two are here--
　　We have survived a ruin wide and deep--
　　Strange thoughts are mine.--I cannot grieve or fear,
　　Sitting with thee upon this lonely steep
　　I smile, though human love should make me weep. _3635
　　We have survived a joy that knows no sorrow,
　　And I do feel a mighty calmness creep
　　Over my heart, which can no longer borrow
　　Its hues from chance or change, dark children of to-morrow.
　　
　　20.
　　'We know not what will come--yet, Laon, dearest, _3640
　　Cythna shall be the prophetess of Love,
　　Her lips shall rob thee of the grace thou wearest,
　　To hide thy heart, and clothe the shapes which rove
　　Within the homeless Future's wintry grove;
　　For I now, sitting thus beside thee, seem _3645
　　Even with thy breath and blood to live and move,
　　And violence and wrong are as a dream
　　Which rolls from steadfast truth, an unreturning stream.
　　
　　21.
　　'The blasts of Autumn drive the winged seeds
　　Over the earth,--next come the snows, and rain, _3650
　　And frosts, and storms, which dreary Winter leads
　　Out of his Scythian cave, a savage train;
　　Behold! Spring sweeps over the world again,
　　Shedding soft dews from her ethereal wings;
　　Flowers on the mountains, fruits over the plain, _3655
　　And music on the waves and woods she flings,
　　And love on all that lives, and calm on lifeless things.
　　
　　22.
　　'O Spring, of hope, and love, and youth, and gladness
　　Wind-winged emblem! brightest, best and fairest!
　　Whence comest thou, when, with dark Winter's sadness _3660
　　The tears that fade in sunny smiles thou sharest?
　　Sister of joy, thou art the child who wearest
　　Thy mother's dying smile, tender and sweet;
　　Thy mother Autumn, for whose grave thou bearest
　　Fresh flowers, and beams like flowers, with gentle feet, _3665
　　Disturbing not the leaves which are her winding-sheet.
　　
　　23.
　　'Virtue, and Hope, and Love, like light and Heaven,
　　Surround the world.--We are their chosen slaves.
　　Has not the whirlwind of our spirit driven
　　Truth's deathless germs to thought's remotest caves? _3670
　　Lo, Winter comes!--the grief of many graves,
　　The frost of death, the tempest of the sword,
　　The flood of tyranny, whose sanguine waves
　　Stagnate like ice at Faith the enchanter's word,
　　And bind all human hearts in its repose abhorred. _3675
　　
　　24.
　　'The seeds are sleeping in the soil: meanwhile
　　The Tyrant peoples dungeons with his prey,
　　Pale victims on the guarded scaffold smile
　　Because they cannot speak; and, day by day,
　　The moon of wasting Science wanes away _3680
　　Among her stars, and in that darkness vast
　　The sons of earth to their foul idols pray,
　　And gray Priests triumph, and like blight or blast
　　A shade of selfish care o'er human looks is cast.
　　
　　25.
　　'This is the winter of the world;--and here _3685
　　We die, even as the winds of Autumn fade,
　　Expiring in the frore and foggy air.
　　Behold! Spring comes, though we must pass, who made
　　The promise of its birth,--even as the shade
　　Which from our death, as from a mountain, flings _3690
　　The future, a broad sunrise; thus arrayed
　　As with the plumes of overshadowing wings,
　　From its dark gulf of chains, Earth like an eagle springs.
　　
　　26.
　　'O dearest love! we shall be dead and cold
　　Before this morn may on the world arise; _3695
　　Wouldst thou the glory of its dawn behold?
　　Alas! gaze not on me, but turn thine eyes
　　On thine own heart--it is a paradise
　　Which everlasting Spring has made its own,
　　And while drear Winter fills the naked skies, _3700
　　Sweet streams of sunny thought, and flowers fresh-blown,
　　Are there, and weave their sounds and odours into one.
　　
　　27.
　　'In their own hearts the earnest of the hope
　　Which made them great, the good will ever find;
　　And though some envious shade may interlope _3705
　　Between the effect and it, One comes behind,
　　Who aye the future to the past will bind--
　　Necessity, whose sightless strength for ever
　　Evil with evil, good with good must wind
　　In bands of union, which no power may sever: _3710
　　They must bring forth their kind, and be divided never!
　　
　　28.
　　'The good and mighty of departed ages
　　Are in their graves, the innocent and free,
　　Heroes, and Poets, and prevailing Sages,
　　Who leave the vesture of their majesty _3715
　　To adorn and clothe this naked world;--and we
　　Are like to them--such perish, but they leave
　　All hope, or love, or truth, or liberty,
　　Whose forms their mighty spirits could conceive,
　　To be a rule and law to ages that survive. _3720
　　
　　29.
　　'So be the turf heaped over our remains
　　Even in our happy youth, and that strange lot,
　　Whate'er it be, when in these mingling veins
　　The blood is still, be ours; let sense and thought
　　Pass from our being, or be numbered not _3725
　　Among the things that are; let those who come
　　Behind, for whom our steadfast will has bought
　　A calm inheritance, a glorious doom,
　　Insult with careless tread, our undivided tomb.
　　
　　30.
　　'Our many thoughts and deeds, our life and love, _3730
　　Our happiness, and all that we have been,
　　Immortally must live, and burn and move,
　　When we shall be no more;--the world has seen
　　A type of peace; and--as some most serene
　　And lovely spot to a poor maniac's eye, _3735
　　After long years, some sweet and moving scene
　　Of youthful hope, returning suddenly,
　　Quells his long madness--thus man shall remember thee.
　　
　　31.
　　'And Calumny meanwhile shall feed on us,
　　As worms devour the dead, and near the throne _3740
　　And at the altar, most accepted thus
　　Shall sneers and curses be;--what we have done
　　None shall dare vouch, though it be truly known;
　　That record shall remain, when they must pass
　　Who built their pride on its oblivion; _3745
　　And fame, in human hope which sculptured was,
　　Survive the perished scrolls of unenduring brass.
　　
　　32.
　　'The while we two, beloved, must depart,
　　And Sense and Reason, those enchanters fair,
　　Whose wand of power is hope, would bid the heart _3750
　　That gazed beyond the wormy grave despair:
　　These eyes, these lips, this blood, seems darkly there
　　To fade in hideous ruin; no calm sleep
　　Peopling with golden dreams the stagnant air,
　　Seems our obscure and rotting eyes to steep _3755
　　In joy;--but senseless death--a ruin dark and deep!
　　
　　33.
　　'These are blind fancies--reason cannot know
　　What sense can neither feel, nor thought conceive;
　　There is delusion in the world--and woe,
　　And fear, and pain--we know not whence we live, _3760
　　Or why, or how, or what mute Power may give
　　Their being to each plant, and star, and beast,
　　Or even these thoughts.--Come near me! I do weave
　　A chain I cannot break--I am possessed
　　With thoughts too swift and strong for one lone human breast. _3765
　　
　　34.
　　'Yes, yes--thy kiss is sweet, thy lips are warm--
　　O! willingly, beloved, would these eyes,
　　Might they no more drink being from thy form,
　　Even as to sleep whence we again arise,
　　Close their faint orbs in death: I fear nor prize _3770
　　Aught that can now betide, unshared by thee--
　　Yes, Love when Wisdom fails makes Cythna wise:
　　Darkness and death, if death be true, must be
　　Dearer than life and hope, if unenjoyed with thee.
　　
　　35.
　　'Alas, our thoughts flow on with stream, whose waters _3775
　　Return not to their fountain--Earth and Heaven,
　　The Ocean and the Sun, the Clouds their daughters,
　　Winter, and Spring, and Morn, and Noon, and Even,
　　All that we are or know, is darkly driven
　　Towards one gulf.--Lo! what a change is come _3780
　　Since I first spake--but time shall be forgiven,
　　Though it change all but thee!'--She ceased--night's gloom
　　Meanwhile had fallen on earth from the sky's sunless dome.
　　
　　36.
　　Though she had ceased, her countenance uplifted
　　To Heaven, still spake, with solemn glory bright; _3785
　　Her dark deep eyes, her lips, whose motions gifted
　　The air they breathed with love, her locks undight.
　　'Fair star of life and love,' I cried, 'my soul's delight,
　　Why lookest thou on the crystalline skies?
　　O, that my spirit were yon Heaven of night, _3790
　　Which gazes on thee with its thousand eyes!'
　　She turned to me and smiled--that smile was Paradise!
　　
　　
　　NOTES:
　　_3573 hues of grace edition 1818.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 10.
　　
　　1.
　　Was there a human spirit in the steed,
　　That thus with his proud voice, ere night was gone,
　　He broke our linked rest? or do indeed _3795
　　All living things a common nature own,
　　And thought erect an universal throne,
　　Where many shapes one tribute ever bear?
　　And Earth, their mutual mother, does she groan
　　To see her sons contend? and makes she bare _3800
　　Her breast, that all in peace its drainless stores may share?
　　
　　2.
　　I have heard friendly sounds from many a tongue
　　Which was not human--the lone nightingale
　　Has answered me with her most soothing song,
　　Out of her ivy bower, when I sate pale _3805
　　With grief, and sighed beneath; from many a dale
　　The antelopes who flocked for food have spoken
　　With happy sounds, and motions, that avail
　　Like man's own speech; and such was now the token
　　Of waning night, whose calm by that proud neigh was broken. _3810
　　
　　3.
　　Each night, that mighty steed bore me abroad,
　　And I returned with food to our retreat,
　　And dark intelligence; the blood which flowed
　　Over the fields, had stained the courser's feet;
　　Soon the dust drinks that bitter dew,--then meet _3815
　　The vulture, and the wild dog, and the snake,
　　The wolf, and the hyaena gray, and eat
　　The dead in horrid truce: their throngs did make
　　Behind the steed, a chasm like waves in a ship's wake.
　　
　　4.
　　For, from the utmost realms of earth came pouring _3820
　　The banded slaves whom every despot sent
　　At that throned traitor's summons; like the roaring
　　Of fire, whose floods the wild deer circumvent
　　In the scorched pastures of the South; so bent
　　The armies of the leagued Kings around _3825
　　Their files of steel and flame;--the continent
　　Trembled, as with a zone of ruin bound,
　　Beneath their feet, the sea shook with their Navies' sound.
　　
　　5.
　　From every nation of the earth they came,
　　The multitude of moving heartless things, _3830
　　Whom slaves call men: obediently they came,
　　Like sheep whom from the fold the shepherd brings
　　To the stall, red with blood; their many kings
　　Led them, thus erring, from their native land;
　　Tartar and Frank, and millions whom the wings _3835
　　Of Indian breezes lull, and many a band
　　The Arctic Anarch sent, and Idumea's sand,
　　
　　6.
　　Fertile in prodigies and lies;--so there
　　Strange natures made a brotherhood of ill.
　　The desert savage ceased to grasp in fear _3840
　　His Asian shield and bow, when, at the will
　　Of Europe's subtler son, the bolt would kill
　　Some shepherd sitting on a rock secure;
　　But smiles of wondering joy his face would fill,
　　And savage sympathy: those slaves impure, _3845
　　Each one the other thus from ill to ill did lure.
　　
　　7.
　　For traitorously did that foul Tyrant robe
　　His countenance in lies,--even at the hour
　　When he was snatched from death, then o'er the globe,
　　With secret signs from many a mountain-tower, _3850
　　With smoke by day, and fire by night, the power
　　Of Kings and Priests, those dark conspirators,
　　He called:--they knew his cause their own, and swore
　　Like wolves and serpents to their mutual wars
　　Strange truce, with many a rite which Earth and Heaven abhors. _3855
　　
　　8.
　　Myriads had come--millions were on their way;
　　The Tyrant passed, surrounded by the steel
　　Of hired assassins, through the public way,
　　Choked with his country's dead:--his footsteps reel
　　On the fresh blood--he smiles. 'Ay, now I feel _3860
　　I am a King in truth!' he said, and took
　　His royal seat, and bade the torturing wheel
　　Be brought, and fire, and pincers, and the hook,
　　And scorpions, that his soul on its revenge might look.
　　
　　9.
　　'But first, go slay the rebels--why return _3865
　　The victor bands?' he said, 'millions yet live,
　　Of whom the weakest with one word might turn
　　The scales of victory yet;--let none survive
　　But those within the walls--each fifth shall give
　　The expiation for his brethren here.-- _3870
　　Go forth, and waste and kill!'--'O king, forgive
　　My speech,' a soldier answered--'but we fear
　　The spirits of the night, and morn is drawing near;
　　
　　10.
　　'For we were slaying still without remorse,
　　And now that dreadful chief beneath my hand _3875
　　Defenceless lay, when on a hell-black horse,
　　An Angel bright as day, waving a brand
　　Which flashed among the stars, passed.'--'Dost thou stand
　　Parleying with me, thou wretch?' the king replied;
　　'Slaves, bind him to the wheel; and of this band, _3880
　　Whoso will drag that woman to his side
　　That scared him thus, may burn his dearest foe beside;
　　
　　11.
　　'And gold and glory shall be his.--Go forth!'
　　They rushed into the plain.--Loud was the roar
　　Of their career: the horsemen shook the earth; _3885
　　The wheeled artillery's speed the pavement tore;
　　The infantry, file after file, did pour
　　Their clouds on the utmost hills. Five days they slew
　　Among the wasted fields; the sixth saw gore
　　Stream through the city; on the seventh, the dew _3890
　　Of slaughter became stiff, and there was peace anew:
　　
　　12.
　　Peace in the desert fields and villages,
　　Between the glutted beasts and mangled dead!
　　Peace in the silent streets! save when the cries
　　Of victims to their fiery judgement led, _3895
　　Made pale their voiceless lips who seemed to dread
　　Even in their dearest kindred, lest some tongue
　　Be faithless to the fear yet unbetrayed;
　　Peace in the Tyrant's palace, where the throng
　　Waste the triumphal hours in festival and song! _3900
　　
　　13.
　　Day after day the burning sun rolled on
　　Over the death-polluted land--it came
　　Out of the east like fire, and fiercely shone
　　A lamp of Autumn, ripening with its flame
　　The few lone ears of corn;--the sky became _3905
　　Stagnate with heat, so that each cloud and blast
　　Languished and died,--the thirsting air did claim
　　All moisture, and a rotting vapour passed
　　From the unburied dead, invisible and fast.
　　
　　14.
　　First Want, then Plague came on the beasts; their food _3910
　　Failed, and they drew the breath of its decay.
　　Millions on millions, whom the scent of blood
　　Had lured, or who, from regions far away,
　　Had tracked the hosts in festival array,
　　From their dark deserts; gaunt and wasting now, _3915
　　Stalked like fell shades among their perished prey;
　　In their green eyes a strange disease did glow,
　　They sank in hideous spasm, or pains severe and slow.
　　
　　15.
　　The fish were poisoned in the streams; the birds
　　In the green woods perished; the insect race _3920
　　Was withered up; the scattered flocks and herds
　　Who had survived the wild beasts' hungry chase
　　Died moaning, each upon the other's face
　　In helpless agony gazing; round the City
　　All night, the lean hyaenas their sad case _3925
　　Like starving infants wailed; a woeful ditty!
　　And many a mother wept, pierced with unnatural pity.
　　
　　16.
　　Amid the aereal minarets on high,
　　The Ethiopian vultures fluttering fell
　　From their long line of brethren in the sky, _3930
　　Startling the concourse of mankind.--Too well
　　These signs the coming mischief did foretell:--
　　Strange panic first, a deep and sickening dread
　　Within each heart, like ice, did sink and dwell,
　　A voiceless thought of evil, which did spread _3935
　　With the quick glance of eyes, like withering lightnings shed.
　　
　　17.
　　Day after day, when the year wanes, the frosts
　　Strip its green crown of leaves, till all is bare;
　　So on those strange and congregated hosts
　　Came Famine, a swift shadow, and the air _3940
　　Groaned with the burden of a new despair;
　　Famine, than whom Misrule no deadlier daughter
　　Feeds from her thousand breasts, though sleeping there
　　With lidless eyes, lie Faith, and Plague, and Slaughter,
　　A ghastly brood; conceived of Lethe's sullen water. _3945
　　
　　18.
　　There was no food, the corn was trampled down,
　　The flocks and herds had perished; on the shore
　　The dead and putrid fish were ever thrown;
　　The deeps were foodless, and the winds no more
　　Creaked with the weight of birds, but, as before _3950
　　Those winged things sprang forth, were void of shade;
　　The vines and orchards, Autumn's golden store,
　　Were burned;--so that the meanest food was weighed
　　With gold, and Avarice died before the god it made.
　　
　　19.
　　There was no corn--in the wide market-place _3955
　　All loathliest things, even human flesh, was sold;
　　They weighed it in small scales--and many a face
　　Was fixed in eager horror then: his gold
　　The miser brought; the tender maid, grown bold
　　Through hunger, bared her scorned charms in vain; _3960
　　The mother brought her eldest born, controlled
　　By instinct blind as love, but turned again
　　And bade her infant suck, and died in silent pain.
　　
　　20.
　　Then fell blue Plague upon the race of man.
　　'O, for the sheathed steel, so late which gave _3965
　　Oblivion to the dead, when the streets ran
　　With brothers' blood! O, that the earthquake's grave
　　Would gape, or Ocean lift its stifling wave!'
　　Vain cries--throughout the streets thousands pursued
　　Each by his fiery torture howl and rave, _3970
　　Or sit in frenzy's unimagined mood,
　　Upon fresh heaps of dead; a ghastly multitude.
　　
　　21.
　　It was not hunger now, but thirst. Each well
　　Was choked with rotting corpses, and became
　　A cauldron of green mist made visible _3975
　　At sunrise. Thither still the myriads came,
　　Seeking to quench the agony of the flame,
　　Which raged like poison through their bursting veins;
　　Naked they were from torture, without shame,
　　Spotted with nameless scars and lurid blains, _3980
　　Childhood, and youth, and age, writhing in savage pains.
　　
　　22.
　　It was not thirst, but madness! Many saw
　　Their own lean image everywhere, it went
　　A ghastlier self beside them, till the awe
　　Of that dread sight to self-destruction sent _3985
　　Those shrieking victims; some, ere life was spent,
　　Sought, with a horrid sympathy, to shed
　　Contagion on the sound; and others rent
　　Their matted hair, and cried aloud, 'We tread
　　On fire! the avenging Power his hell on earth has spread!' _3990
　　
　　23.
　　Sometimes the living by the dead were hid.
　　Near the great fountain in the public square,
　　Where corpses made a crumbling pyramid
　　Under the sun, was heard one stifled prayer
　　For life, in the hot silence of the air; _3995
　　And strange 'twas, amid that hideous heap to see
　　Some shrouded in their long and golden hair,
　　As if not dead, but slumbering quietly
　　Like forms which sculptors carve, then love to agony.
　　
　　24.
　　Famine had spared the palace of the king:-- _4000
　　He rioted in festival the while,
　　He and his guards and priests; but Plague did fling
　　One shadow upon all. Famine can smile
　　On him who brings it food, and pass, with guile
　　Of thankful falsehood, like a courtier gray, _4005
　　The house-dog of the throne; but many a mile
　　Comes Plague, a winged wolf, who loathes alway
　　The garbage and the scum that strangers make her prey.
　　
　　25.
　　So, near the throne, amid the gorgeous feast,
　　Sheathed in resplendent arms, or loosely dight _4010
　　To luxury, ere the mockery yet had ceased
　　That lingered on his lips, the warrior's might
　　Was loosened, and a new and ghastlier night
　　In dreams of frenzy lapped his eyes; he fell
　　Headlong, or with stiff eyeballs sate upright _4015
　　Among the guests, or raving mad did tell
　　Strange truths; a dying seer of dark oppression's hell.
　　
　　26.
　　The Princes and the Priests were pale with terror;
　　That monstrous faith wherewith they ruled mankind,
　　Fell, like a shaft loosed by the bowman's error, _4020
　　On their own hearts: they sought and they could find
　　No refuge--'twas the blind who led the blind!
　　So, through the desolate streets to the high fane,
　　The many-tongued and endless armies wind
　　In sad procession: each among the train _4025
　　To his own Idol lifts his supplications vain.
　　
　　27.
　　'O God!' they cried, 'we know our secret pride
　　Has scorned thee, and thy worship, and thy name;
　　Secure in human power we have defied
　　Thy fearful might; we bend in fear and shame _4030
　　Before thy presence; with the dust we claim
　　Kindred; be merciful, O King of Heaven!
　　Most justly have we suffered for thy fame
　　Made dim, but be at length our sins forgiven,
　　Ere to despair and death thy worshippers be driven. _4035
　　
　　28.
　　'O King of Glory! thou alone hast power!
　　Who can resist thy will? who can restrain
　　Thy wrath, when on the guilty thou dost shower
　　The shafts of thy revenge, a blistering rain?
　　Greatest and best, be merciful again! _4040
　　Have we not stabbed thine enemies, and made
　　The Earth an altar, and the Heavens a fane,
　　Where thou wert worshipped with their blood, and laid
　　Those hearts in dust which would thy searchless works have weighed?
　　
　　29.
　　'Well didst thou loosen on this impious City _4045
　　Thine angels of revenge: recall them now;
　　Thy worshippers, abased, here kneel for pity,
　　And bind their souls by an immortal vow:
　　We swear by thee! and to our oath do thou
　　Give sanction, from thine hell of fiends and flame, _4050
　　That we will kill with fire and torments slow,
　　The last of those who mocked thy holy name,
　　And scorned the sacred laws thy prophets did proclaim.'
　　
　　30.
　　Thus they with trembling limbs and pallid lips
　　Worshipped their own hearts' image, dim and vast, _4055
　　Scared by the shade wherewith they would eclipse
　　The light of other minds;--troubled they passed
　　From the great Temple;--fiercely still and fast
　　The arrows of the plague among them fell,
　　And they on one another gazed aghast, _4060
　　And through the hosts contention wild befell,
　　As each of his own god the wondrous works did tell.
　　
　　31.
　　And Oromaze, Joshua, and Mahomet,
　　Moses, and Buddh, Zerdusht, and Brahm, and Foh,
　　A tumult of strange names, which never met _4065
　　Before, as watchwords of a single woe,
　　Arose; each raging votary 'gan to throw
　　Aloft his armed hands, and each did howl
　　'Our God alone is God!'--and slaughter now
　　Would have gone forth, when from beneath a cowl _4070
　　A voice came forth, which pierced like ice through every soul.
　　
　　32.
　　'Twas an Iberian Priest from whom it came,
　　A zealous man, who led the legioned West,
　　With words which faith and pride had steeped in flame,
　　To quell the unbelievers; a dire guest _4075
　　Even to his friends was he, for in his breast
　　Did hate and guile lie watchful, intertwined,
　　Twin serpents in one deep and winding nest;
　　He loathed all faith beside his own, and pined
　　To wreak his fear of Heaven in vengeance on mankind. _4080
　　
　　33.
　　But more he loathed and hated the clear light
　　Of wisdom and free thought, and more did fear,
　　Lest, kindled once, its beams might pierce the night,
　　Even where his Idol stood; for, far and near
　　Did many a heart in Europe leap to hear _4085
　　That faith and tyranny were trampled down;
　　Many a pale victim, doomed for truth to share
　　The murderer's cell, or see, with helpless groan,
　　The priests his children drag for slaves to serve their own.
　　
　　34.
　　He dared not kill the infidels with fire _4090
　　Or steel, in Europe; the slow agonies
　　Of legal torture mocked his keen desire:
　　So he made truce with those who did despise
　　The expiation, and the sacrifice,
　　That, though detested, Islam's kindred creed _4095
　　Might crush for him those deadlier enemies;
　　For fear of God did in his bosom breed
　　A jealous hate of man, an unreposing need.
　　
　　35.
　　'Peace! Peace!' he cried, 'when we are dead, the Day
　　Of Judgement comes, and all shall surely know _4100
　　Whose God is God, each fearfully shall pay
　　The errors of his faith in endless woe!
　　But there is sent a mortal vengeance now
　　On earth, because an impious race had spurned
　　Him whom we all adore,--a subtle foe, _4105
　　By whom for ye this dread reward was earned,
　　And kingly thrones, which rest on faith, nigh overturned.
　　
　　36.
　　'Think ye, because ye weep, and kneel, and pray,
　　That God will lull the pestilence? It rose
　　Even from beneath his throne, where, many a day, _4110
　　His mercy soothed it to a dark repose:
　　It walks upon the earth to judge his foes;
　　And what are thou and I, that he should deign
　　To curb his ghastly minister, or close
　　The gates of death, ere they receive the twain _4115
　　Who shook with mortal spells his undefended reign?
　　
　　37.
　　'Ay, there is famine in the gulf of hell,
　　Its giant worms of fire for ever yawn.--
　　Their lurid eyes are on us! those who fell
　　By the swift shafts of pestilence ere dawn, _4120
　　Are in their jaws! they hunger for the spawn
　　Of Satan, their own brethren, who were sent
　　To make our souls their spoil. See! see! they fawn
　　Like dogs, and they will sleep with luxury spent,
　　When those detested hearts their iron fangs have rent! _4125
　　
　　38.
　　'Our God may then lull Pestilence to sleep:--
　　Pile high the pyre of expiation now,
　　A forest's spoil of boughs, and on the heap
　　Pour venomous gums, which sullenly and slow,
　　When touched by flame, shall burn, and melt, and flow, _4130
　　A stream of clinging fire,--and fix on high
　　A net of iron, and spread forth below
　　A couch of snakes, and scorpions, and the fry
　　Of centipedes and worms, earth's hellish progeny!
　　
　　39.
　　'Let Laon and Laone on that pyre, _4135
　　Linked tight with burning brass, perish!--then pray
　　That, with this sacrifice, the withering ire
　　Of Heaven may be appeased.' He ceased, and they
　　A space stood silent, as far, far away
　　The echoes of his voice among them died; _4140
　　And he knelt down upon the dust, alway
　　Muttering the curses of his speechless pride,
　　Whilst shame, and fear, and awe, the armies did divide.
　　
　　40.
　　His voice was like a blast that burst the portal
　　Of fabled hell; and as he spake, each one _4145
　　Saw gape beneath the chasms of fire immortal,
　　And Heaven above seemed cloven, where, on a throne
　　Girt round with storms and shadows, sate alone
　　Their King and Judge--fear killed in every breast
　　All natural pity then, a fear unknown _4150
　　Before, and with an inward fire possessed,
　　They raged like homeless beasts whom burning woods invest.
　　
　　41.
　　'Twas morn.--At noon the public crier went forth,
　　Proclaiming through the living and the dead,
　　'The Monarch saith, that his great Empire's worth _4155
　　Is set on Laon and Laone's head:
　　He who but one yet living here can lead,
　　Or who the life from both their hearts can wring,
　　Shall be the kingdom's heir--a glorious meed!
　　But he who both alive can hither bring, _4160
　　The Princess shall espouse, and reign an equal King.'
　　
　　42.
　　Ere night the pyre was piled, the net of iron
　　Was spread above, the fearful couch below;
　　It overtopped the towers that did environ
　　That spacious square; for Fear is never slow _4165
　　To build the thrones of Hate, her mate and foe;
　　So, she scourged forth the maniac multitude
　　To rear this pyramid--tottering and slow,
　　Plague-stricken, foodless, like lean herds pursued
　　By gadflies, they have piled the heath, and gums, and wood. _4170
　　
　　43.
　　Night came, a starless and a moonless gloom.
　　Until the dawn, those hosts of many a nation
　　Stood round that pile, as near one lover's tomb
　　Two gentle sisters mourn their desolation;
　　And in the silence of that expectation, _4175
　　Was heard on high the reptiles' hiss and crawl--
　　It was so deep--save when the devastation
　　Of the swift pest, with fearful interval,
　　Marking its path with shrieks, among the crowd would fall.
　　
　　44.
　　Morn came,--among those sleepless multitudes, _4180
　　Madness, and Fear, and Plague, and Famine still
　　Heaped corpse on corpse, as in autumnal woods
　　The frosts of many a wind with dead leaves fill
　　Earth's cold and sullen brooks; in silence, still
　　The pale survivors stood; ere noon, the fear _4185
　　Of Hell became a panic, which did kill
　　Like hunger or disease, with whispers drear,
　　As 'Hush! hark! Come they yet?--Just Heaven! thine hour is near!'
　　
　　45.
　　And Priests rushed through their ranks, some counterfeiting
　　The rage they did inspire, some mad indeed _4190
　　With their own lies; they said their god was waiting
　　To see his enemies writhe, and burn, and bleed,--
　　And that, till then, the snakes of Hell had need
　　Of human souls:--three hundred furnaces
　　Soon blazed through the wide City, where, with speed, _4195
　　Men brought their infidel kindred to appease
　　God's wrath, and, while they burned, knelt round on quivering knees.
　　
　　46.
　　The noontide sun was darkened with that smoke,
　　The winds of eve dispersed those ashes gray.
　　The madness which these rites had lulled, awoke _4200
　　Again at sunset.--Who shall dare to say
　　The deeds which night and fear brought forth, or weigh
　　In balance just the good and evil there?
　　He might man's deep and searchless heart display,
　　And cast a light on those dim labyrinths, where _4205
　　Hope, near imagined chasms, is struggling with despair.
　　
　　47.
　　'Tis said, a mother dragged three children then,
　　To those fierce flames which roast the eyes in the head,
　　And laughed, and died; and that unholy men,
　　Feasting like fiends upon the infidel dead, _4210
　　Looked from their meal, and saw an Angel tread
　　The visible floor of Heaven, and it was she!
　　And, on that night, one without doubt or dread
　　Came to the fire, and said, 'Stop, I am he!
　　Kill me!'--They burned them both with hellish mockery. _4215
　　
　　48.
　　And, one by one, that night, young maidens came,
　　Beauteous and calm, like shapes of living stone
　　Clothed in the light of dreams, and by the flame
　　Which shrank as overgorged, they laid them down,
　　And sung a low sweet song, of which alone _4220
　　One word was heard, and that was Liberty;
　　And that some kissed their marble feet, with moan
　　Like love, and died; and then that they did die
　　With happy smiles, which sunk in white tranquillity.
　　
　　
　　NOTES:
　　_3834 native home edition 1818.
　　_3967 earthquakes edition 1818.
　　_4176 reptiles']reptiles edition 1818.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 11.
　　
　　1.
　　She saw me not--she heard me not--alone _4225
　　Upon the mountain's dizzy brink she stood;
　　She spake not, breathed not, moved not--there was thrown
　　Over her look, the shadow of a mood
　　Which only clothes the heart in solitude,
　　A thought of voiceless depth;--she stood alone, _4230
　　Above, the Heavens were spread;--below, the flood
　　Was murmuring in its caves;--the wind had blown
　　Her hair apart, through which her eyes and forehead shone.
　　
　　2.
　　A cloud was hanging o'er the western mountains;
　　Before its blue and moveless depth were flying _4235
　　Gray mists poured forth from the unresting fountains
　　Of darkness in the North:--the day was dying:--
　　Sudden, the sun shone forth, its beams were lying
　　Like boiling gold on Ocean, strange to see,
　　And on the shattered vapours, which defying _4240
　　The power of light in vain, tossed restlessly
　　In the red Heaven, like wrecks in a tempestuous sea.
　　
　　3.
　　It was a stream of living beams, whose bank
　　On either side by the cloud's cleft was made;
　　And where its chasms that flood of glory drank, _4245
　　Its waves gushed forth like fire, and as if swayed
　　By some mute tempest, rolled on HER; the shade
　　Of her bright image floated on the river
　　Of liquid light, which then did end and fade--
　　Her radiant shape upon its verge did shiver; _4250
　　Aloft, her flowing hair like strings of flame did quiver.
　　
　　4.
　　I stood beside her, but she saw me not--
　　She looked upon the sea, and skies, and earth;
　　Rapture, and love, and admiration wrought
　　A passion deeper far than tears, or mirth, _4255
　　Or speech, or gesture, or whate'er has birth
　　From common joy; which with the speechless feeling
　　That led her there united, and shot forth
　　From her far eyes a light of deep revealing,
　　All but her dearest self from my regard concealing. _4260
　　
　　5.
　　Her lips were parted, and the measured breath
　　Was now heard there;--her dark and intricate eyes
　　Orb within orb, deeper than sleep or death,
　　Absorbed the glories of the burning skies,
　　Which, mingling with her heart's deep ecstasies, _4265
　　Burst from her looks and gestures;--and a light
　　Of liquid tenderness, like love, did rise
　　From her whole frame, an atmosphere which quite
　　Arrayed her in its beams, tremulous and soft and bright.
　　
　　6.
　　She would have clasped me to her glowing frame; _4270
　　Those warm and odorous lips might soon have shed
　　On mine the fragrance and the invisible flame
　　Which now the cold winds stole;--she would have laid
　　Upon my languid heart her dearest head;
　　I might have heard her voice, tender and sweet; _4275
　　Her eyes, mingling with mine, might soon have fed
　　My soul with their own joy.--One moment yet
　　I gazed--we parted then, never again to meet!
　　
　　7.
　　Never but once to meet on Earth again!
　　She heard me as I fled--her eager tone _4280
　　Sunk on my heart, and almost wove a chain
　　Around my will to link it with her own,
　　So that my stern resolve was almost gone.
　　'I cannot reach thee! whither dost thou fly?
　　My steps are faint--Come back, thou dearest one-- _4285
　　Return, ah me! return!'--The wind passed by
　　On which those accents died, faint, far, and lingeringly.
　　
　　8.
　　Woe! Woe! that moonless midnight!--Want and Pest
　　Were horrible, but one more fell doth rear,
　　As in a hydra's swarming lair, its crest _4290
　　Eminent among those victims--even the Fear
　　Of Hell: each girt by the hot atmosphere
　　Of his blind agony, like a scorpion stung
　　By his own rage upon his burning bier
　　Of circling coals of fire; but still there clung _4295
　　One hope, like a keen sword on starting threads uphung:
　　
　　9.
　　Not death--death was no more refuge or rest;
　　Not life--it was despair to be!--not sleep,
　　For fiends and chasms of fire had dispossessed
　　All natural dreams: to wake was not to weep, _4300
　　But to gaze mad and pallid, at the leap
　　To which the Future, like a snaky scourge,
　　Or like some tyrant's eye, which aye doth keep
　　Its withering beam upon his slaves, did urge
　　Their steps; they heard the roar of Hell's sulphureous surge. _4305
　　
　　10.
　　Each of that multitude, alone, and lost
　　To sense of outward things, one hope yet knew;
　　As on a foam-girt crag some seaman tossed
　　Stares at the rising tide, or like the crew
　　Whilst now the ship is splitting through and through; _4310
　　Each, if the tramp of a far steed was heard,
　　Started from sick despair, or if there flew
　　One murmur on the wind, or if some word
　　Which none can gather yet, the distant crowd has stirred.
　　
　　11.
　　Why became cheeks, wan with the kiss of death, _4315
　　Paler from hope? they had sustained despair.
　　Why watched those myriads with suspended breath
　　Sleepless a second night? they are not here,
　　The victims, and hour by hour, a vision drear,
　　Warm corpses fall upon the clay-cold dead; _4320
　　And even in death their lips are wreathed with fear.--
　　The crowd is mute and moveless--overhead
　　Silent Arcturus shines--'Ha! hear'st thou not the tread
　　
　　12.
　　'Of rushing feet? laughter? the shout, the scream,
　　Of triumph not to be contained? See! hark! _4325
　　They come, they come! give way!' Alas, ye deem
　　Falsely--'tis but a crowd of maniacs stark
　　Driven, like a troop of spectres, through the dark,
　　From the choked well, whence a bright death-fire sprung,
　　A lurid earth-star, which dropped many a spark _4330
　　From its blue train, and spreading widely, clung
　　To their wild hair, like mist the topmost pines among.
　　
　　13.
　　And many, from the crowd collected there,
　　Joined that strange dance in fearful sympathies;
　　There was the silence of a long despair, _4335
　　When the last echo of those terrible cries
　　Came from a distant street, like agonies
　　Stifled afar.--Before the Tyrant's throne
　　All night his aged Senate sate, their eyes
　　In stony expectation fixed; when one _4340
　　Sudden before them stood, a Stranger and alone.
　　
　　14.
　　Dark Priests and haughty Warriors gazed on him
　　With baffled wonder, for a hermit's vest
　　Concealed his face; but when he spake, his tone,
　　Ere yet the matter did their thoughts arrest,-- _4345
　　Earnest, benignant, calm, as from a breast
　　Void of all hate or terror--made them start;
　　For as with gentle accents he addressed
　　His speech to them, on each unwilling heart
　　Unusual awe did fall--a spirit-quelling dart. _4350
　　
　　15.
　　'Ye Princes of the Earth, ye sit aghast
　　Amid the ruin which yourselves have made,
　　Yes, Desolation heard your trumpet's blast,
　　And sprang from sleep!--dark Terror has obeyed
　　Your bidding--O, that I whom ye have made _4355
　　Your foe, could set my dearest enemy free
　　From pain and fear! but evil casts a shade,
　　Which cannot pass so soon, and Hate must be
　　The nurse and parent still of an ill progeny.
　　
　　16.
　　'Ye turn to Heaven for aid in your distress; _4360
　　Alas, that ye, the mighty and the wise,
　　Who, if ye dared, might not aspire to less
　　Than ye conceive of power, should fear the lies
　　Which thou, and thou, didst frame for mysteries
　　To blind your slaves:--consider your own thought, _4365
　　An empty and a cruel sacrifice
　　Ye now prepare, for a vain idol wrought
　　Out of the fears and hate which vain desires have brought.
　　
　　17.
　　'Ye seek for happiness--alas, the day!
　　Ye find it not in luxury nor in gold, _4370
　　Nor in the fame, nor in the envied sway
　　For which, O willing slaves to Custom old,
　　Severe taskmistress! ye your hearts have sold.
　　Ye seek for peace, and when ye die, to dream
　　No evil dreams: all mortal things are cold _4375
　　And senseless then; if aught survive, I deem
　　It must be love and joy, for they immortal seem.
　　
　　18.
　　'Fear not the future, weep not for the past.
　　Oh, could I win your ears to dare be now
　　Glorious, and great, and calm! that ye would cast _4380
　　Into the dust those symbols of your woe,
　　Purple, and gold, and steel! that ye would go
　　Proclaiming to the nations whence ye came,
　　That Want, and Plague, and Fear, from slavery flow;
　　And that mankind is free, and that the shame _4385
　　Of royalty and faith is lost in freedom's fame!
　　
　　19.
　　'If thus, 'tis well--if not, I come to say
　　That Laon--' while the Stranger spoke, among
　　The Council sudden tumult and affray
　　Arose, for many of those warriors young, _4390
　　Had on his eloquent accents fed and hung
　　Like bees on mountain-flowers; they knew the truth,
　　And from their thrones in vindication sprung;
　　The men of faith and law then without ruth
　　Drew forth their secret steel, and stabbed each ardent youth. _4395
　　
　　20.
　　They stabbed them in the back and sneered--a slave
　　Who stood behind the throne, those corpses drew
　　Each to its bloody, dark, and secret grave;
　　And one more daring raised his steel anew
　　To pierce the Stranger. 'What hast thou to do _4400
　　With me, poor wretch?'--Calm, solemn and severe,
　　That voice unstrung his sinews, and he threw
　　His dagger on the ground, and pale with fear,
　　Sate silently--his voice then did the Stranger rear.
　　
　　21.
　　'It doth avail not that I weep for ye-- _4405
　　Ye cannot change, since ye are old and gray,
　　And ye have chosen your lot--your fame must be
　　A book of blood, whence in a milder day
　　Men shall learn truth, when ye are wrapped in clay:
　　Now ye shall triumph. I am Laon's friend, _4410
　　And him to your revenge will I betray,
　　So ye concede one easy boon. Attend!
　　For now I speak of things which ye can apprehend.
　　
　　22.
　　'There is a People mighty in its youth,
　　A land beyond the Oceans of the West, _4415
　　Where, though with rudest rites, Freedom and Truth
　　Are worshipped; from a glorious Mother's breast,
　　Who, since high Athens fell, among the rest
　　Sate like the Queen of Nations, but in woe,
　　By inbred monsters outraged and oppressed, _4420
　　Turns to her chainless child for succour now,
　　It draws the milk of Power in Wisdom's fullest flow.
　　
　　23.
　　'That land is like an Eagle, whose young gaze
　　Feeds on the noontide beam, whose golden plume
　　Floats moveless on the storm, and in the blaze _4425
　　Of sunrise gleams when Earth is wrapped in gloom;
　　An epitaph of glory for the tomb
　　Of murdered Europe may thy fame be made,
　　Great People! as the sands shalt thou become;
　　Thy growth is swift as morn, when night must fade; _4430
　　The multitudinous Earth shall sleep beneath thy shade.
　　
　　24.
　　'Yes, in the desert there is built a home
　　For Freedom. Genius is made strong to rear
　　The monuments of man beneath the dome
　　Of a new Heaven; myriads assemble there, _4435
　　Whom the proud lords of man, in rage or fear,
　　Drive from their wasted homes: the boon I pray
　　Is this--that Cythna shall be convoyed there--
　　Nay, start not at the name--America!
　　And then to you this night Laon will I betray. _4440
　　
　　25.
　　'With me do what ye will. I am your foe!'
　　The light of such a joy as makes the stare
　　Of hungry snakes like living emeralds glow,
　　Shone in a hundred human eyes--'Where, where
　　Is Laon? Haste! fly! drag him swiftly here! _4445
　　We grant thy boon.'--'I put no trust in ye,
　　Swear by the Power ye dread.'--'We swear, we swear!'
　　The Stranger threw his vest back suddenly,
　　And smiled in gentle pride, and said, 'Lo! I am he!'
　　
　　
　　NOTES:
　　_4321 wreathed]writhed. "Poetical Works" 1839. 1st edition.
　　_4361 the mighty]tho' mighty edition 1818.
　　_4362 ye]he edition 1818.
　　_4432 there]then edition 1818.
　　
　　
　　CANTO 12.
　　
　　1.
　　The transport of a fierce and monstrous gladness _4450
　　Spread through the multitudinous streets, fast flying
　　Upon the winds of fear; from his dull madness
　　The starveling waked, and died in joy; the dying,
　　Among the corpses in stark agony lying,
　　Just heard the happy tidings, and in hope _4455
　　Closed their faint eyes; from house to house replying
　　With loud acclaim, the living shook Heaven's cope,
　　And filled the startled Earth with echoes: morn did ope
　　
　　2.
　　Its pale eyes then; and lo! the long array
　　Of guards in golden arms, and Priests beside, _4460
　　Singing their bloody hymns, whose garbs betray
　　The blackness of the faith it seems to hide;
　　And see, the Tyrant's gem-wrought chariot glide
　　Among the gloomy cowls and glittering spears--
　　A Shape of light is sitting by his side, _4465
　　A child most beautiful. I' the midst appears
　　Laon,--exempt alone from mortal hopes and fears.
　　
　　3.
　　His head and feet are bare, his hands are bound
　　Behind with heavy chains, yet none do wreak
　　Their scoffs on him, though myriads throng around; _4470
　　There are no sneers upon his lip which speak
　　That scorn or hate has made him bold; his cheek
　　Resolve has not turned pale,--his eyes are mild
　　And calm, and, like the morn about to break,
　　Smile on mankind--his heart seems reconciled _4475
　　To all things and itself, like a reposing child.
　　
　　4.
　　Tumult was in the soul of all beside,
　　Ill joy, or doubt, or fear; but those who saw
　　Their tranquil victim pass, felt wonder glide
　　Into their brain, and became calm with awe.-- _4480
　　See, the slow pageant near the pile doth draw.
　　A thousand torches in the spacious square,
　　Borne by the ready slaves of ruthless law,
　　Await the signal round: the morning fair
　　Is changed to a dim night by that unnatural glare. _4485
　　
　　5.
　　And see! beneath a sun-bright canopy,
　　Upon a platform level with the pile,
　　The anxious Tyrant sit, enthroned on high,
　　Girt by the chieftains of the host; all smile
　　In expectation, but one child: the while _4490
　　I, Laon, led by mutes, ascend my bier
　　Of fire, and look around: each distant isle
　　Is dark in the bright dawn; towers far and near,
　　Pierce like reposing flames the tremulous atmosphere.
　　
　　6.
　　There was such silence through the host, as when _4495
　　An earthquake trampling on some populous town,
　　Has crushed ten thousand with one tread, and men
　　Expect the second; all were mute but one,
　　That fairest child, who, bold with love, alone
　　Stood up before the King, without avail, _4500
　　Pleading for Laon's life--her stifled groan
　　Was heard--she trembled like one aspen pale
　　Among the gloomy pines of a Norwegian vale.
　　
　　7.
　　What were his thoughts linked in the morning sun,
　　Among those reptiles, stingless with delay, _4505
　　Even like a tyrant's wrath?--The signal-gun
　　Roared--hark, again! In that dread pause he lay
　　As in a quiet dream--the slaves obey--
　　A thousand torches drop,--and hark, the last
　　Bursts on that awful silence; far away, _4510
　　Millions, with hearts that beat both loud and fast,
　　Watch for the springing flame expectant and aghast.
　　
　　8.
　　They fly--the torches fall--a cry of fear
　　Has startled the triumphant!--they recede!
　　For, ere the cannon's roar has died, they hear _4515
　　The tramp of hoofs like earthquake, and a steed
　　Dark and gigantic, with the tempest's speed,
　　Bursts through their ranks: a woman sits thereon,
　　Fairer, it seems, than aught that earth can breed,
　　Calm, radiant, like the phantom of the dawn, _4520
　　A spirit from the caves of daylight wandering gone.
　　
　　9.
　　All thought it was God's Angel come to sweep
　　The lingering guilty to their fiery grave;
　　The Tyrant from his throne in dread did leap,--
　　Her innocence his child from fear did save; _4525
　　Scared by the faith they feigned, each priestly slave
　　Knelt for his mercy whom they served with blood,
　　And, like the refluence of a mighty wave
　　Sucked into the loud sea, the multitude
　　With crushing panic, fled in terror's altered mood. _4530
　　
　　10.
　　They pause, they blush, they gaze,--a gathering shout
　　Bursts like one sound from the ten thousand streams
　　Of a tempestuous sea:--that sudden rout
　　One checked, who, never in his mildest dreams
　　Felt awe from grace or loveliness, the seams _4535
　　Of his rent heart so hard and cold a creed
　　Had seared with blistering ice--but he misdeems
　　That he is wise, whose wounds do only bleed
　　Inly for self,--thus thought the Iberian Priest indeed,
　　
　　11.
　　And others, too, thought he was wise to see, _4540
　　In pain, and fear, and hate, something divine;
　　In love and beauty, no divinity.--
　　Now with a bitter smile, whose light did shine
　　Like a fiend's hope upon his lips and eyne,
　　He said, and the persuasion of that sneer _4545
　　Rallied his trembling comrades--'Is it mine
　　To stand alone, when kings and soldiers fear
　　A woman? Heaven has sent its other victim here.'
　　
　　12.
　　'Were it not impious,' said the King, 'to break
　　Our holy oath?'--'Impious to keep it, say!' _4550
　　Shrieked the exulting Priest:--'Slaves, to the stake
　　Bind her, and on my head the burden lay
　　Of her just torments:--at the Judgement Day
　　Will I stand up before the golden throne
　　Of Heaven, and cry, "To Thee did I betray _4555
　　An infidel; but for me she would have known
　　Another moment's joy! the glory be thine own."'
　　
　　13.
　　They trembled, but replied not, nor obeyed,
　　Pausing in breathless silence. Cythna sprung
　　From her gigantic steed, who, like a shade _4560
　　Chased by the winds, those vacant streets among
　　Fled tameless, as the brazen rein she flung
　　Upon his neck, and kissed his mooned brow.
　　A piteous sight, that one so fair and young,
　　The clasp of such a fearful death should woo _4565
　　With smiles of tender joy as beamed from Cythna now.
　　
　　14.
　　The warm tears burst in spite of faith and fear
　　From many a tremulous eye, but like soft dews
　　Which feed Spring's earliest buds, hung gathered there,
　　Frozen by doubt,--alas! they could not choose _4570
　　But weep; for when her faint limbs did refuse
　　To climb the pyre, upon the mutes she smiled;
　　And with her eloquent gestures, and the hues
　　Of her quick lips, even as a weary child
　　Wins sleep from some fond nurse with its caresses mild, _4575
　　
　　15.
　　She won them, though unwilling, her to bind
　　Near me, among the snakes. When there had fled
　　One soft reproach that was most thrilling kind,
　　She smiled on me, and nothing then we said,
　　But each upon the other's countenance fed _4580
　　Looks of insatiate love; the mighty veil
　　Which doth divide the living and the dead
　　Was almost rent, the world grew dim and pale,--
　　All light in Heaven or Earth beside our love did fail.--
　　
　　16.
　　Yet--yet--one brief relapse, like the last beam _4585
　　Of dying flames, the stainless air around
　　Hung silent and serene--a blood-red gleam
　　Burst upwards, hurling fiercely from the ground
　　The globed smoke,--I heard the mighty sound
　　Of its uprise, like a tempestuous ocean; _4590
　　And through its chasms I saw, as in a swound,
　　The tyrant's child fall without life or motion
　　Before his throne, subdued by some unseen emotion.--
　　
　　17.
　　And is this death?--The pyre has disappeared,
　　The Pestilence, the Tyrant, and the throng; _4595
　　The flames grow silent--slowly there is heard
　　The music of a breath-suspending song,
　　Which, like the kiss of love when life is young,
　　Steeps the faint eyes in darkness sweet and deep;
　　With ever-changing notes it floats along, _4600
　　Till on my passive soul there seemed to creep
　　A melody, like waves on wrinkled sands that leap.
　　
　　18.
　　The warm touch of a soft and tremulous hand
　　Wakened me then; lo! Cythna sate reclined
　　Beside me, on the waved and golden sand _4605
　　Of a clear pool, upon a bank o'ertwined
　　With strange and star-bright flowers, which to the wind
　　Breathed divine odour; high above, was spread
　　The emerald heaven of trees of unknown kind,
　　Whose moonlike blooms and bright fruit overhead _4610
　　A shadow, which was light, upon the waters shed.
　　
　　19.
　　And round about sloped many a lawny mountain
　　With incense-bearing forests and vast caves
　　Of marble radiance, to that mighty fountain;
　　And where the flood its own bright margin laves, _4615
　　Their echoes talk with its eternal waves,
　　Which, from the depths whose jagged caverns breed
　　Their unreposing strife, it lifts and heaves,--
　　Till through a chasm of hills they roll, and feed
　　A river deep, which flies with smooth but arrowy speed. _4620
　　
　　20.
　　As we sate gazing in a trance of wonder,
　　A boat approached, borne by the musical air
　　Along the waves which sung and sparkled under
　　Its rapid keel--a winged shape sate there,
　　A child with silver-shining wings, so fair, _4625
　　That as her bark did through the waters glide,
　　The shadow of the lingering waves did wear
　　Light, as from starry beams; from side to side,
　　While veering to the wind her plumes the bark did guide.
　　
　　21.
　　The boat was one curved shell of hollow pearl, _4630
　　Almost translucent with the light divine
　　Of her within; the prow and stern did curl
　　Horned on high, like the young moon supine,
　　When o'er dim twilight mountains dark with pine,
　　It floats upon the sunset's sea of beams, _4635
　　Whose golden waves in many a purple line
　　Fade fast, till borne on sunlight's ebbing streams,
　　Dilating, on earth's verge the sunken meteor gleams.
　　
　　22.
　　Its keel has struck the sands beside our feet;--
　　Then Cythna turned to me, and from her eyes _4640
　　Which swam with unshed tears, a look more sweet
　　Than happy love, a wild and glad surprise,
　　Glanced as she spake: 'Ay, this is Paradise
　　And not a dream, and we are all united!
　　Lo, that is mine own child, who in the guise _4645
　　Of madness came, like day to one benighted
　　In lonesome woods: my heart is now too well requited!'
　　
　　23.
　　And then she wept aloud, and in her arms
　　Clasped that bright Shape, less marvellously fair
　　Than her own human hues and living charms; _4650
　　Which, as she leaned in passion's silence there,
　　Breathed warmth on the cold bosom of the air,
　　Which seemed to blush and tremble with delight;
　　The glossy darkness of her streaming hair
　　Fell o'er that snowy child, and wrapped from sight _4655
　　The fond and long embrace which did their hearts unite.
　　
　　24.
　　Then the bright child, the plumed Seraph came,
　　And fixed its blue and beaming eyes on mine,
　　And said, 'I was disturbed by tremulous shame
　　When once we met, yet knew that I was thine _4660
　　From the same hour in which thy lips divine
　　Kindled a clinging dream within my brain,
　　Which ever waked when I might sleep, to twine
　　Thine image with HER memory dear--again
　　We meet; exempted now from mortal fear or pain. _4665
　　
　　25.
　　'When the consuming flames had wrapped ye round,
　　The hope which I had cherished went away;
　　I fell in agony on the senseless ground,
　　And hid mine eyes in dust, and far astray
　　My mind was gone, when bright, like dawning day, _4670
　　The Spectre of the Plague before me flew,
　　And breathed upon my lips, and seemed to say,
　　"They wait for thee, beloved!"--then I knew
　　The death-mark on my breast, and became calm anew.
　　
　　26.
　　'It was the calm of love--for I was dying. _4675
　　I saw the black and half-extinguished pyre
　　In its own gray and shrunken ashes lying;
　　The pitchy smoke of the departed fire
　　Still hung in many a hollow dome and spire
　　Above the towers, like night,--beneath whose shade _4680
　　Awed by the ending of their own desire
　　The armies stood; a vacancy was made
　　In expectation's depth, and so they stood dismayed.
　　
　　27.
　　'The frightful silence of that altered mood,
　　The tortures of the dying clove alone, _4685
　　Till one uprose among the multitude,
　　And said--"The flood of time is rolling on;
　　We stand upon its brink, whilst THEY are gone
　　To glide in peace down death's mysterious stream.
　　Have ye done well? They moulder, flesh and bone, _4690
　　Who might have made this life's envenomed dream
　　A sweeter draught than ye will ever taste, I deem.
　　
　　28.
　　'"These perish as the good and great of yore
　　Have perished, and their murderers will repent,--
　　Yes, vain and barren tears shall flow before _4695
　　Yon smoke has faded from the firmament
　　Even for this cause, that ye who must lament
　　The death of those that made this world so fair,
　　Cannot recall them now; but there is lent
　　To man the wisdom of a high despair, _4700
　　When such can die, and he live on and linger here.
　　
　　29.
　　'"Ay, ye may fear not now the Pestilence,
　　From fabled hell as by a charm withdrawn;
　　All power and faith must pass, since calmly hence
　　In pain and fire have unbelievers gone; _4705
　　And ye must sadly turn away, and moan
　　In secret, to his home each one returning;
　　And to long ages shall this hour be known;
　　And slowly shall its memory, ever burning,
　　Fill this dark night of things with an eternal morning. _4710
　　
　　30.
　　'"For me that world is grown too void and cold,
　　Since Hope pursues immortal Destiny
　　With steps thus slow--therefore shall ye behold
　　How those who love, yet fear not, dare to die;
　　Tell to your children this!" Then suddenly _4715
　　He sheathed a dagger in his heart and fell;
　　My brain grew dark in death, and yet to me
　　There came a murmur from the crowd, to tell
　　Of deep and mighty change which suddenly befell.
　　
　　31.
　　'Then suddenly I stood, a winged Thought, _4720
　　Before the immortal Senate, and the seat
　　Of that star-shining spirit, whence is wrought
　　The strength of its dominion, good and great,
　　The better Genius of this world's estate.
　　His realm around one mighty Fane is spread, _4725
　　Elysian islands bright and fortunate,
　　Calm dwellings of the free and happy dead,
　　Where I am sent to lead!' These winged words she said,
　　
　　32.
　　And with the silence of her eloquent smile,
　　Bade us embark in her divine canoe; _4730
　　Then at the helm we took our seat, the while
　　Above her head those plumes of dazzling hue
　　Into the winds' invisible stream she threw,
　　Sitting beside the prow: like gossamer
　　On the swift breath of morn, the vessel flew _4735
　　O'er the bright whirlpools of that fountain fair,
　　Whose shores receded fast, while we seemed lingering there;
　　
　　33.
　　Till down that mighty stream, dark, calm, and fleet,
　　Between a chasm of cedarn mountains riven,
　　Chased by the thronging winds whose viewless feet _4740
　　As swift as twinkling beams, had, under Heaven,
　　From woods and waves wild sounds and odours driven,
　　The boat fled visibly--three nights and days,
　　Borne like a cloud through morn, and noon, and even,
　　We sailed along the winding watery ways _4745
　　Of the vast stream, a long and labyrinthine maze.
　　
　　34.
　　A scene of joy and wonder to behold
　　That river's shapes and shadows changing ever,
　　Where the broad sunrise filled with deepening gold
　　Its whirlpools, where all hues did spread and quiver; _4750
　　And where melodious falls did burst and shiver
　　Among rocks clad with flowers, the foam and spray
　　Sparkled like stars upon the sunny river,
　　Or when the moonlight poured a holier day,
　　One vast and glittering lake around green islands lay. _4755
　　
　　35.
　　Morn, noon, and even, that boat of pearl outran
　　The streams which bore it, like the arrowy cloud
　　Of tempest, or the speedier thought of man,
　　Which flieth forth and cannot make abode;
　　Sometimes through forests, deep like night, we glode, _4760
　　Between the walls of mighty mountains crowned
　　With Cyclopean piles, whose turrets proud,
　　The homes of the departed, dimly frowned
　　O'er the bright waves which girt their dark foundations round.
　　
　　36.
　　Sometimes between the wide and flowering meadows, _4765
　　Mile after mile we sailed, and 'twas delight
　　To see far off the sunbeams chase the shadows
　　Over the grass; sometimes beneath the night
　　Of wide and vaulted caves, whose roofs were bright
　　With starry gems, we fled, whilst from their deep _4770
　　And dark-green chasms, shades beautiful and white,
　　Amid sweet sounds across our path would sweep,
　　Like swift and lovely dreams that walk the waves of sleep.
　　
　　37.
　　And ever as we sailed, our minds were full
　　Of love and wisdom, which would overflow _4775
　　In converse wild, and sweet, and wonderful,
　　And in quick smiles whose light would come and go
　　Like music o'er wide waves, and in the flow
　　Of sudden tears, and in the mute caress--
　　For a deep shade was cleft, and we did know, _4780
　　That virtue, though obscured on Earth, not less
　　Survives all mortal change in lasting loveliness.
　　
　　38.
　　Three days and nights we sailed, as thought and feeling
　　Number delightful hours--for through the sky
　　The sphered lamps of day and night, revealing _4785
　　New changes and new glories, rolled on high,
　　Sun, Moon and moonlike lamps, the progeny
　　Of a diviner Heaven, serene and fair:
　　On the fourth day, wild as a windwrought sea
　　The stream became, and fast and faster bare _4790
　　The spirit-winged boat, steadily speeding there.
　　
　　39.
　　Steady and swift, where the waves rolled like mountains
　　Within the vast ravine, whose rifts did pour
　　Tumultuous floods from their ten thousand fountains,
　　The thunder of whose earth-uplifting roar _4795
　　Made the air sweep in whirlwinds from the shore,
　　Calm as a shade, the boat of that fair child
　　Securely fled, that rapid stress before,
　　Amid the topmost spray, and sunbows wild,
　　Wreathed in the silver mist: in joy and pride we smiled. _4800
　　
　　40.
　　The torrent of that wide and raging river
　　Is passed, and our aereal speed suspended.
　　We look behind; a golden mist did quiver
　　When its wild surges with the lake were blended,--
　　Our bark hung there, as on a line suspended _4805
　　Between two heavens,--that windless waveless lake
　　Which four great cataracts from four vales, attended
　　By mists, aye feed; from rocks and clouds they break,
　　And of that azure sea a silent refuge make.
　　
　　41.
　　Motionless resting on the lake awhile, _4810
　　I saw its marge of snow-bright mountains rear
　　Their peaks aloft, I saw each radiant isle,
　　And in the midst, afar, even like a sphere
　　Hung in one hollow sky, did there appear
　　The Temple of the Spirit; on the sound _4815
　　Which issued thence, drawn nearer and more near,
　　Like the swift moon this glorious earth around,
　　The charmed boat approached, and there its haven found.
　　
　　
　　NOTES:
　　_4577 there]then edition 1818.
　　_4699 there]then edition 1818.
　　_4749 When]Where edition 1818.
　　_4804 Where]When edition 1818.
　　_4805 on a line]one line edition 1818.
　　
　　
　　NOTE ON THE "REVOLT OF ISLAM", BY MRS. SHELLEY.
　　
　　Shelley possessed two remarkable qualities of intellect--a brilliant
　　imagination, and a logical exactness of reason. His inclinations led
　　him (he fancied) almost alike to poetry and metaphysical discussions.
　　I say 'he fancied,' because I believe the former to have been
　　paramount, and that it would have gained the mastery even had he
　　struggled against it. However, he said that he deliberated at one time
　　whether he should dedicate himself to poetry or metaphysics; and,
　　resolving on the former, he educated himself for it, discarding in a
　　great measure his philosophical pursuits, and engaging himself in the
　　study of the poets of Greece, Italy, and England. To these may be
　　added a constant perusal of portions of the old Testament--the Psalms,
　　the Book of Job, the Prophet Isaiah, and others, the sublime poetry of
　　which filled him with delight.
　　
　　As a poet, his intellect and compositions were powerfully influenced
　　by exterior circumstances, and especially by his place of abode. He
　　was very fond of travelling, and ill-health increased this
　　restlessness. The sufferings occasioned by a cold English winter made
　　him pine, especially when our colder spring arrived, for a more genial
　　climate. In 1816 he again visited Switzerland, and rented a house on
　　the banks of the Lake of Geneva; and many a day, in cloud or sunshine,
　　was passed alone in his boat--sailing as the wind listed, or weltering
　　on the calm waters. The majestic aspect of Nature ministered such
　　thoughts as he afterwards enwove in verse. His lines on the Bridge of
　　the Arve, and his "Hymn to Intellectual Beauty", were written at this
　　time. Perhaps during this summer his genius was checked by association
　　with another poet whose nature was utterly dissimilar to his own, yet
　　who, in the poem he wrote at that time, gave tokens that he shared for
　　a period the more abstract and etherealised inspiration of Shelley.
　　The saddest events awaited his return to England; but such was his
　　fear to wound the feelings of others that he never expressed the
　　anguish he felt, and seldom gave vent to the indignation roused by the
　　persecutions he underwent; while the course of deep unexpressed
　　passion, and the sense of injury, engendered the desire to embody
　　themselves in forms defecated of all the weakness and evil which cling
　　to real life.
　　
　　He chose therefore for his hero a youth nourished in dreams of
　　liberty, some of whose actions are in direct opposition to the
　　opinions of the world; but who is animated throughout by an ardent
　　love of virtue, and a resolution to confer the boons of political and
　　intellectual freedom on his fellow-creatures. He created for this
　　youth a woman such as he delighted to imagine--full of enthusiasm for
　　the same objects; and they both, with will unvanquished, and the
　　deepest sense of the justice of their cause, met adversity and death.
　　There exists in this poem a memorial of a friend of his youth. The
　　character of the old man who liberates Laon from his tower prison, and
　　tends on him in sickness, is founded on that of Doctor Lind, who, when
　　Shelley was at Eton, had often stood by to befriend and support him,
　　and whose name he never mentioned without love and veneration.
　　
　　During the year 1817 we were established at Marlow in Buckinghamshire.
　　Shelley's choice of abode was fixed chiefly by this town being at no
　　great distance from London, and its neighbourhood to the Thames. The
　　poem was written in his boat, as it floated under the beech groves of
　　Bisham, or during wanderings in the neighbouring country, which is
　　distinguished for peculiar beauty. The chalk hills break into cliffs
　　that overhang the Thames, or form valleys clothed with beech; the
　　wilder portion of the country is rendered beautiful by exuberant
　　vegetation; and the cultivated part is peculiarly fertile. With all
　　this wealth of Nature which, either in the form of gentlemen's parks
　　or soil dedicated to agriculture, flourishes around, Marlow was
　　inhabited (I hope it is altered now) by a very poor population. The
　　women are lacemakers, and lose their health by sedentary labour, for
　　which they were very ill paid. The Poor-laws ground to the dust not
　　only the paupers, but those who had risen just above that state, and
　　were obliged to pay poor-rates. The changes produced by peace
　　following a long war, and a bad harvest, brought with them the most
　　heart-rending evils to the poor. Shelley afforded what alleviation he
　　could. In the winter, while bringing out his poem, he had a severe
　　attack of ophthalmia, caught while visiting the poor cottages. I
　　mention these things,--for this minute and active sympathy with his
　　fellow-creatures gives a thousandfold interest to his speculations,
　　and stamps with reality his pleadings for the human race.
　　
　　The poem, bold in its opinions and uncompromising in their expression,
　　met with many censurers, not only among those who allow of no virtue
　　but such as supports the cause they espouse, but even among those
　　whose opinions were similar to his own. I extract a portion of a
　　letter written in answer to one of these friends. It best details the
　　impulses of Shelley's mind, and his motives: it was written with
　　entire unreserve; and is therefore a precious monument of his own
　　opinion of his powers, of the purity of his designs, and the ardour
　　with which he clung, in adversity and through the valley of the shadow
　　of death, to views from which he believed the permanent happiness of
　　mankind must eventually spring.
　　
　　'Marlowe, December 11, 1817.
　　
　　'I have read and considered all that you say about my general powers,
　　and the particular instance of the poem in which I have attempted to
　　develop them. Nothing can be more satisfactory to me than the interest
　　which your admonitions express. But I think you are mistaken in some
　　points with regard to the peculiar nature of my powers, whatever be
　　their amount. I listened with deference and self-suspicion to your
　　censures of "The Revolt of Islam"; but the productions of mine which
　　you commend hold a very low place in my own esteem; and this reassures
　　me, in some degree at least. The poem was produced by a series of
　　thoughts which filled my mind with unbounded and sustained enthusiasm.
　　I felt the precariousness of my life, and I engaged in this task,
　　resolved to leave some record of myself. Much of what the volume
　　contains was written with the same feeling--as real, though not so
　　prophetic--as the communications of a dying man. I never presumed
　　indeed to consider it anything approaching to faultless; but, when I
　　consider contemporary productions of the same apparent pretensions, I
　　own I was filled with confidence. I felt that it was in many respects
　　a genuine picture of my own mind. I felt that the sentiments were
　　true, not assumed. And in this have I long believed that my power
　　consists; in sympathy, and that part of the imagination which relates
　　to sentiment and contemplation. I am formed, if for anything not in
　　common with the herd of mankind, to apprehend minute and remote
　　distinctions of feeling, whether relative to external nature or the
　　living beings which surround us, and to communicate the conceptions
　　which result from considering either the moral or the material
　　universe as a whole. Of course, I believe these faculties, which
　　perhaps comprehend all that is sublime in man, to exist very
　　imperfectly in my own mind. But, when you advert to my Chancery-paper,
　　a cold, forced, unimpassioned, insignificant piece of cramped and
　　cautious argument, and to the little scrap about "Mandeville", which
　　expressed my feelings indeed, but cost scarcely two minutes' thought
　　to express, as specimens of my powers more favourable than that which
　　grew as it were from "the agony and bloody sweat" of intellectual
　　travail; surely I must feel that, in some manner, either I am mistaken
　　in believing that I have any talent at all, or you in the __select__ion of
　　the specimens of it. Yet, after all, I cannot but be conscious, in
　　much of what I write, of an absence of that tranquillity which is the
　　attribute and accompaniment of power. This feeling alone would make
　　your most kind and wise admonitions, on the subject of the economy of
　　intellectual force, valuable to me. And, if I live, or if I see any
　　trust in coming years, doubt not but that I shall do something,
　　whatever it may be, which a serious and earnest estimate of my powers
　　will suggest to me, and which will be in every respect accommodated to
　　their utmost limits.
　　
　　[Shelley to Godwin.]
　　
　　***
　　
　　
　　PRINCE ATHANASE.
　　
　　A FRAGMENT.
　　
　　(The idea Shelley had formed of Prince Athanase was a good deal
　　modelled on "Alastor". In the first sketch of the poem, he named it
　　"Pandemos and Urania". Athanase seeks through the world the One whom
　　he may love. He meets, in the ship in which he is embarked, a lady who
　　appears to him to embody his ideal of love and beauty. But she proves
　　to be Pandemos, or the earthly and unworthy Venus; who, after
　　disappointing his cherished dreams and hopes, deserts him. Athanase,
　　crushed by sorrow, pines and dies. 'On his deathbed, the lady who can
　　really reply to his soul comes and kisses his lips' ("The Deathbed of
　　Athanase"). The poet describes her [in the words of the final
　　fragment, page 164]. This slender note is all we have to aid our
　　imagination in shaping out the form of the poem, such as its author
　　imagined. [Mrs. Shelley's Note.])
　　
　　[Written at Marlow in 1817, towards the close of the year; first
　　published in "Posthumous Poems", 1824. Part 1 is dated by Mrs.
　　Shelley, 'December, 1817,' the remainder, 'Marlow, 1817.' The verses
　　were probably rehandled in Italy during the following year. Sources of
　　the text are (1) "Posthumous Poems", 1824; (2) "Poetical Works" 1839,
　　editions 1st and 2nd; (3) a much-tortured draft amongst the Bodleian
　　manuscripts, collated by Mr. C.D. Locock. For (1) and (2) Mrs. Shelley
　　is responsible. Our text (enlarged by about thirty lines fro the
　　Bodleian manuscript) follows for the most part the "Poetical Works",
　　1839; verbal exceptions are pointed out in the footnotes. See also the
　　Editor's Notes at the end of this volume, and Mr. Locock's
　　"Examination of Shelley Manuscripts in the Bodleian Library", Oxford:
　　Clarendon Press, 1903.]
　　
　　PART 1.
　　
　　There was a youth, who, as with toil and travel,
　　Had grown quite weak and gray before his time;
　　Nor any could the restless griefs unravel
　　
　　Which burned within him, withering up his prime
　　And goading him, like fiends, from land to land. _5
　　Not his the load of any secret crime,
　　
　　For nought of ill his heart could understand,
　　But pity and wild sorrow for the same;--
　　Not his the thirst for glory or command,
　　
　　Baffled with blast of hope-consuming shame; _10
　　Nor evil joys which fire the vulgar breast,
　　And quench in speedy smoke its feeble flame,
　　
　　Had left within his soul their dark unrest:
　　Nor what religion fables of the grave
　　Feared he,--Philosophy's accepted guest. _15
　　
　　For none than he a purer heart could have,
　　Or that loved good more for itself alone;
　　Of nought in heaven or earth was he the slave.
　　
　　What sorrow, strange, and shadowy, and unknown,
　　Sent him, a hopeless wanderer, through mankind?-- _20
　　If with a human sadness he did groan,
　　
　　He had a gentle yet aspiring mind;
　　Just, innocent, with varied learning fed;
　　And such a glorious consolation find
　　
　　In others' joy, when all their own is dead: _25
　　He loved, and laboured for his kind in grief,
　　And yet, unlike all others, it is said
　　
　　That from such toil he never found relief.
　　Although a child of fortune and of power,
　　Of an ancestral name the orphan chief, _30
　　
　　His soul had wedded Wisdom, and her dower
　　Is love and justice, clothed in which he sate
　　Apart from men, as in a lonely tower,
　　
　　Pitying the tumult of their dark estate.--
　　Yet even in youth did he not e'er abuse _35
　　The strength of wealth or thought, to consecrate
　　
　　Those false opinions which the harsh rich use
　　To blind the world they famish for their pride;
　　Nor did he hold from any man his dues,
　　
　　But, like a steward in honest dealings tried, _40
　　With those who toiled and wept, the poor and wise,
　　His riches and his cares he did divide.
　　
　　Fearless he was, and scorning all disguise,
　　What he dared do or think, though men might start,
　　He spoke with mild yet unaverted eyes; _45
　　
　　Liberal he was of soul, and frank of heart,
　　And to his many friends--all loved him well--
　　Whate'er he knew or felt he would impart,
　　
　　If words he found those inmost thoughts to tell;
　　If not, he smiled or wept; and his weak foes _50
　　He neither spurned nor hated--though with fell
　　
　　And mortal hate their thousand voices rose,
　　They passed like aimless arrows from his ear--
　　Nor did his heart or mind its portal close
　　
　　To those, or them, or any, whom life's sphere _55
　　May comprehend within its wide array.
　　What sadness made that vernal spirit sere?--
　　
　　He knew not. Though his life, day after day,
　　Was failing like an unreplenished stream,
　　Though in his eyes a cloud and burthen lay, _60
　　
　　Through which his soul, like Vesper's serene beam
　　Piercing the chasms of ever rising clouds,
　　Shone, softly burning; though his lips did seem
　　
　　Like reeds which quiver in impetuous floods;
　　And through his sleep, and o'er each waking hour, _65
　　Thoughts after thoughts, unresting multitudes,
　　
　　Were driven within him by some secret power,
　　Which bade them blaze, and live, and roll afar,
　　Like lights and sounds, from haunted tower to tower
　　
　　O'er castled mountains borne, when tempest's war _70
　　Is levied by the night-contending winds,
　　And the pale dalesmen watch with eager ear;--
　　
　　Though such were in his spirit, as the fiends
　　Which wake and feed an everliving woe,--
　　What was this grief, which ne'er in other minds _75
　　
　　A mirror found,--he knew not--none could know;
　　But on whoe'er might question him he turned
　　The light of his frank eyes, as if to show
　　
　　He knew not of the grief within that burned,
　　But asked forbearance with a mournful look; _80
　　Or spoke in words from which none ever learned
　　
　　The cause of his disquietude; or shook
　　With spasms of silent passion; or turned pale:
　　So that his friends soon rarely undertook
　　
　　To stir his secret pain without avail;-- _85
　　For all who knew and loved him then perceived
　　That there was drawn an adamantine veil
　　
　　Between his heart and mind,--both unrelieved
　　Wrought in his brain and bosom separate strife.
　　Some said that he was mad, others believed _90
　　
　　That memories of an antenatal life
　　Made this, where now he dwelt, a penal hell;
　　And others said that such mysterious grief
　　
　　From God's displeasure, like a darkness, fell
　　On souls like his, which owned no higher law _95
　　Than love; love calm, steadfast, invincible
　　
　　By mortal fear or supernatural awe;
　　And others,--''Tis the shadow of a dream
　　Which the veiled eye of Memory never saw,
　　
　　'But through the soul's abyss, like some dark stream _100
　　Through shattered mines and caverns underground,
　　Rolls, shaking its foundations; and no beam
　　
　　'Of joy may rise, but it is quenched and drowned
　　In the dim whirlpools of this dream obscure;
　　Soon its exhausted waters will have found _105
　　
　　'A lair of rest beneath thy spirit pure,
　　O Athanase!--in one so good and great,
　　Evil or tumult cannot long endure.
　　
　　So spake they: idly of another's state
　　Babbling vain words and fond philosophy; _110
　　This was their consolation; such debate
　　
　　Men held with one another; nor did he,
　　Like one who labours with a human woe,
　　Decline this talk: as if its theme might be
　　
　　Another, not himself, he to and fro _115
　　Questioned and canvassed it with subtlest wit;
　　And none but those who loved him best could know
　　
　　That which he knew not, how it galled and bit
　　His weary mind, this converse vain and cold;
　　For like an eyeless nightmare grief did sit _120
　　
　　Upon his being; a snake which fold by fold
　　Pressed out the life of life, a clinging fiend
　　Which clenched him if he stirred with deadlier hold;--
　　And so his grief remained--let it remain--untold. [1]