diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 7 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 12037-0.txt | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 12037-h/12037-h.htm | 653 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12037-8.txt | 3175 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12037-8.zip | bin | 36331 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12037-h.zip | bin | 39499 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12037-h/12037-h.htm | 3828 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12037.txt | 3175 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12037.zip | bin | 36308 -> 0 bytes |
11 files changed, 346 insertions, 10500 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes index 6833f05..d7b82bc 100644 --- a/.gitattributes +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -1,3 +1,4 @@ -* text=auto -*.txt text -*.md text +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/12037-0.txt b/12037-0.txt index 60f12b1..04d5fa3 100644 --- a/12037-0.txt +++ b/12037-0.txt @@ -1773,7 +1773,7 @@ The third tree it lit upon Save for a dead man nailed thereon On a hill above a town. -That right the kings of the earth were gay +That night the kings of the earth were gay And filled the cup and can; Last night the kings of the earth were chill For dread of a naked man. diff --git a/12037-h/12037-h.htm b/12037-h/12037-h.htm index f13f669..e7f9d81 100644 --- a/12037-h/12037-h.htm +++ b/12037-h/12037-h.htm @@ -1,19 +1,42 @@ -<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> +<!DOCTYPE html> -<!DOCTYPE html - PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<html lang="en"> <head> - <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <meta charset="utf-8"> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" > <title> - The Wild Knight, by Gilbert Chesterton + The Wild Knight | Project Gutenberg </title> - <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> - body { margin:20%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + <style> + body { margin:10%; text-align:justify} P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } - H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } +h1, h2, h3, .h2, .h3, .h4, .h5 { + text-align: center; + display: block; + margin-left: 0; + margin-right: 0; + font-weight: bold; +} +.h2 { + font-size: 1.5em; + margin-top: 0.83em; + margin-bottom: 0.83em; +} +.h3 { + font-size: 1.17em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; +} +.h4 { + font-size: 1em; + margin-top: 1.33em; + margin-bottom: 1.33em; +} +h5 { + font-size: .83em; + margin-top: 1.67em; + margin-bottom: 1.67em; +} hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} @@ -57,29 +80,29 @@ <body> <div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12037 ***</div> <div style="height: 8em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br ><br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h1> THE WILD KNIGHT </h1> - <h3> + <div class="h3"> <i>AND OTHER POEMS</i> - </h3> - <h2> + </div> + <div class="h2"> By Gilbert Chesterton - </h2> - <h3> + </div> + <div class="h3"> 1900 - </h3> + </div> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> NOTE @@ -91,7 +114,7 @@ with a view to unity of spirit than to unity of time or value; many of them being juvenile. </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> <b>CONTENTS</b> </p> @@ -267,13 +290,13 @@ <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> GOOD NEWS </a> </p> <p> - <br /> <br /> + <br > <br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <br /> <br /> + <br > <br > </p> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> <i>Another tattered rhymster in the ring, With but the old plea to the sneering schools, That on him too, some secret night in spring @@ -290,19 +313,19 @@ And made a graven image of Himself.</i> </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> BY THE BABE UNBORN </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> If trees were tall and grasses short, As in some crazy tale, If here and there a sea were blue @@ -334,19 +357,19 @@ If only I were born. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE WORLD'S LOVER </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> My eyes are full of lonely mirth: Reeling with want and worn with scars, For pride of every stone on earth, @@ -383,19 +406,19 @@ The vultures have a feast to-night.' </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE SKELETON </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Chattering finch and water-fly Are not merrier than I; Here among the flowers I lie @@ -406,19 +429,19 @@ It was hid so carefully. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> A CHORD OF COLOUR </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> My Lady clad herself in grey, That caught and clung about her throat; Then all the long grey winter day @@ -456,19 +479,19 @@ 'The colours I have seen on it?' </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE HAPPY MAN </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> To teach the grey earth like a child, To bid the heavens repent, I only ask from Fate the gift @@ -485,19 +508,19 @@ Three persons and one god. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE UNPARDONABLE SIN </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> I do not cry, beloved, neither curse. Silence and strength, these two at least are good. He gave me sun and stars and ought He could, @@ -519,19 +542,19 @@ Before the glory of the face of God. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> A NOVELTY </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Why should I care for the Ages Because they are old and grey? To me, like sudden laughter, @@ -554,19 +577,19 @@ On this night of carnival. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> ULTIMATE </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> The vision of a haloed host That weep around an empty throne; And, aureoles dark and angels dead, @@ -578,19 +601,19 @@ For he has said the name of God. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE DONKEY </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> When fishes flew and forests walked And figs grew upon thorn, Some moment when the moon was blood @@ -612,19 +635,19 @@ And palms before my feet. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE BEATIFIC VISION </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Through what fierce incarnations, furled In fire and darkness, did I go, Ere I was worthy in the world @@ -641,19 +664,19 @@ The firelight garbing her in gold? </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE HOPE OF THE STREETS </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> The still sweet meadows shimmered: and I stood And cursed them, bloom of hedge and bird of tree, And bright and high beyond the hunch-backed wood @@ -670,19 +693,19 @@ That all things else are nothing suddenly. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> ECCLESIASTES </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> There is one sin: to call a green leaf grey, Whereat the sun in heaven shuddereth. There is one blasphemy: for death to pray, @@ -694,19 +717,19 @@ The rest is vanity of vanities. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE SONG OF THE CHILDREN </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> The World is ours till sunset, Holly and fire and snow; And the name of our dead brother @@ -733,19 +756,19 @@ And hanged him on a tree. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE FISH </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Dark the sea was: but I saw him, One great head with goggle eyes, Like a diabolic cherub @@ -772,19 +795,19 @@ 'He shall laugh'—the prophet said.) </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> GOLD LEAVES </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Lo! I am come to autumn, When all the leaves are gold; Grey hairs and golden leaves cry out @@ -806,19 +829,19 @@ When all the leaves are gold. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THOU SHALT NOT KILL </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> I had grown weary of him; of his breath And hands and features I was sick to death. Each day I heard the same dull voice and tread; @@ -841,19 +864,19 @@ The man that I had sought to slay was I. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> A CERTAIN EVENING </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> That night the whole world mingled, The souls were babes at play, And angel danced with devil. @@ -880,19 +903,19 @@ And she gave me both her hands. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> A MAN AND HIS IMAGE </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> All day the nations climb and crawl and pray In one long pilgrimage to one white shrine, Where sleeps a saint whose pardon, like his peace, @@ -964,19 +987,19 @@ The stature of the spirit of a man.' </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE MARINER </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> The violet scent is sacred Like dreams of angels bright; The hawthorn smells of passion @@ -1003,19 +1026,19 @@ The green wine of the sea. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0021"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE TRIUMPH OF MAN </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> I plod and peer amid mean sounds and shapes, I hunt for dusty gain and dreary praise, And slowly pass the dismal grinning days, @@ -1032,19 +1055,19 @@ Some sunset in the centuries to be. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0022"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> CYCLOPEAN </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> A mountainous and mystic brute No rein can curb, no arrow shoot, Upon whose domed deformed back @@ -1071,19 +1094,19 @@ Earth opened its one eye on me. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0023"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> JOSEPH </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> If the stars fell; night's nameless dreams Of bliss and blasphemy came true, If skies were green and snow were gold, @@ -1105,19 +1128,19 @@ The Virgin Mary by the fire? </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0024"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> MODERN ELFLAND </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> I Cut a staff in a churchyard copse, I clad myself in ragged things, I set a feather in my cap @@ -1159,19 +1182,19 @@ And thou hast looked on it at last.' </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0025"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> ETERNITIES </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> I cannot count the pebbles in the brook. Well hath He spoken: 'Swear not by thy head, Thou knowest not the hairs,' though He, we read, @@ -1188,19 +1211,19 @@ Ere I have thanked my God for all the grass. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0026"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> A CHRISTMAS CAROL </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap, His hair was like a light. (O weary, weary were the world, @@ -1222,19 +1245,19 @@ And all the stars looked down. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0027"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> ALONE </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Blessings there are of cradle and of clan, Blessings that fall of priests' and princes' hands; But never blessing full of lives and lands, @@ -1256,19 +1279,19 @@ That a man blessed beneath an alder-tree.' </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0028"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> KING'S CROSS STATION </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> This circled cosmos whereof man is god Has suns and stars of green and gold and red, And cloudlands of great smoke, that range o'er range @@ -1285,19 +1308,19 @@ Shot such cyclopean arches at the stars?' </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0029"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE HUMAN TREE </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Many have Earth's lovers been, Tried in seas and wars, I ween; Yet the mightiest have I seen: @@ -1331,19 +1354,19 @@ Lest a moth should fall. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0030"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> TO THEM THAT MOURN </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> (W.E.G., May 1898) Lift up your heads: in life, in death, @@ -1382,19 +1405,19 @@ And spring was on the earth. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0031"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE OUTLAW </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Priest, is any song-bird stricken? Is one leaf less on the tree? Is this wine less red and royal @@ -1416,19 +1439,19 @@ Blaze upon an altar high. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0032"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> BEHIND </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> I saw an old man like a child, His blue eyes bright, his white hair wild, Who turned for ever, and might not stop, @@ -1450,19 +1473,19 @@ 'At least, I know why the world goes round.' </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0033"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE END OF FEAR </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Though the whole heaven be one-eyed with the moon, Though the dead landscape seem a thing possessed, Yet I go singing through that land oppressed @@ -1494,19 +1517,19 @@ Laughing with laughter such as shakes the stars. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0034"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE HOLY OF HOLIES </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> 'Elder father, though thine eyes Shine with hoary mysteries, Canst thou tell what in the heart @@ -1528,19 +1551,19 @@ Adonai Elohim.' </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0035"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE MIRROR OF MADMEN </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> I dreamed a dream of heaven, white as frost, The splendid stillness of a living host; Vast choirs of upturned faces, line o'er line. @@ -1582,19 +1605,19 @@ A gin-damned drunkard's wan half-witted face. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0036"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> E.C.B. </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Before the grass grew over me, I knew one good man through and through, And knew a soul and body joined @@ -1616,19 +1639,19 @@ Hanging head downwards in the well. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0037"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE DESECRATERS </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Witness all: that unrepenting, Feathers flying, music high, I go down to death unshaken @@ -1650,19 +1673,19 @@ God hath built for sepulchres. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0038"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> AN ALLIANCE </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> This is the weird of a world-old folk, That not till the last link breaks, Not till the night is blackest, @@ -1700,19 +1723,19 @@ The night our son comes home. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0039"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE ANCIENT OF DAYS </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> A child sits in a sunny place, Too happy for a smile, And plays through one long holiday @@ -1732,19 +1755,19 @@ The prophets and the kings. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0040"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE LAST MASQUERADE </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> A wan new garment of young green Touched, as you turned your soft brown hair And in me surged the strangest prayer @@ -1761,19 +1784,19 @@ The mirth of your immortal eyes. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0041"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE EARTH'S SHAME </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Name not his deed: in shuddering and in haste We dragged him darkly o'er the windy fell: That night there was a gibbet in the waste, @@ -1795,19 +1818,19 @@ Hid all their faces from. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0042"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> VANITY </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> A wan sky greener than the lawn, A wan lawn paler than the sky. She gave a flower into my hand, @@ -1829,19 +1852,19 @@ To show the jealous kings in hell. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0043"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE LAMP POST </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Laugh your best, O blazoned forests, Me ye shall not shift or shame With your beauty: here among you @@ -1883,19 +1906,19 @@ Hack him into meat for hounds. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0044"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE PESSIMIST </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> You that have snarled through the ages, take your answer and go— I know your hoary question, the riddle that all men know. You have weighed the stars in a balance, and grasped the skies in a span: @@ -1923,19 +1946,19 @@ You that have snarled through the ages, take your answer and go. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0045"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> A FAIRY TALE </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> All things grew upwards, foul and fair: The great trees fought and beat the air With monstrous wings that would have flown; @@ -1965,19 +1988,19 @@ All heaven was a microscope. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0046" id="link2H_4_0046"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0046"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> A PORTRAIT </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Fair faces crowd on Christmas night Like seven suns a-row, But all beyond is the wolfish wind @@ -2004,19 +2027,19 @@ Too loud for us to hear. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0047" id="link2H_4_0047"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0047"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> FEMINA CONTRA MUNDUM </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> The sun was black with judgment, and the moon Blood: but between I saw a man stand, saying, 'To me at least @@ -2043,19 +2066,19 @@ Almost enough.' </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0048"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> TO A CERTAIN NATION </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> We will not let thee be, for thou art ours. We thank thee still, though thou forget these things, For that hour's sake when thou didst wake all powers @@ -2087,19 +2110,19 @@ Who knew thee once, we have a right to weep. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0049" id="link2H_4_0049"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0049"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE PRAISE OF DUST </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> 'What of vile dust?' the preacher said. Methought the whole world woke, The dead stone lived beneath my foot, @@ -2136,19 +2159,19 @@ Of dust and nothing more.' </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0050" id="link2H_4_0050"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0050"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE BALLAD OF THE BATTLE OF GIBEON </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Five kings rule o'er the Amorite, Mighty as fear and old as night; Swathed with unguent and gold and jewel, @@ -2290,7 +2313,7 @@ Where the dead heads dropped from the swords that sever, Because His mercy endureth for ever. </pre> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> 'VULGARISED' All round they murmur, 'O profane, @@ -2324,19 +2347,19 @@ Since the first morning of the earth? </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0051"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE BALLAD OF GOD-MAKERS </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> A bird flew out at the break of day From the nest where it had curled, And ere the eve the bird had set @@ -2352,7 +2375,7 @@ Save for a dead man nailed thereon On a hill above a town. - That right the kings of the earth were gay + That night the kings of the earth were gay And filled the cup and can; Last night the kings of the earth were chill For dread of a naked man. @@ -2408,19 +2431,19 @@ And lit on a lemon-tree. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0052" id="link2H_4_0052"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0052"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> AT NIGHT </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> How many million stars there be, That only God hath numberéd; But this one only chosen for me @@ -2429,19 +2452,19 @@ Hold up his head? </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0053" id="link2H_4_0053"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0053"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE WOOD-CUTTER </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> We came behind him by the wall, My brethren drew their brands, And they had strength to strike him down— @@ -2473,19 +2496,19 @@ And I must lay it low. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0054" id="link2H_4_0054"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0054"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> ART COLOURS </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> On must we go: we search dead leaves, We chase the sunset's saddest flames, The nameless hues that o'er and o'er @@ -2502,19 +2525,19 @@ Like roses from the blood of Christ. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0055" id="link2H_4_0055"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0055"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE TWO WOMEN </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Lo! very fair is she who knows the ways Of joy: in pleasure's mocking wisdom old, The eyes that might be cold to flattery, kind; @@ -2526,19 +2549,19 @@ I saw the youngest face in all the spheres. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0056" id="link2H_4_0056"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0056"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE WILD KNIGHT </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> The wasting thistle whitens on my crest, The barren grasses blow upon my spear, A green, pale pennon: blazon of wild faith @@ -2583,19 +2606,19 @@ Burning for ever in consuming fire. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0057" id="link2H_4_0057"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0057"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> THE WILD KNIGHT </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> <i>A dark manor-house shuttered and unlighted, outlined against a pale sunset: in front a large, but neglected, garden. To the right, in the foreground, the porch of a chapel, with coloured windows lighted. Hymns @@ -3348,19 +3371,19 @@ And no good deed. I fear him. Come away. </pre> <p> - <br /><br /> + <br ><br > </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0058" id="link2H_4_0058"> </a> + <a id="link2H_4_0058"> </a> </p> <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <h2> GOOD NEWS </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<pre> Between a meadow and a cloud that sped In rain and twilight, in desire and fear. I heard a secret—hearken in your ear, @@ -3382,7 +3405,7 @@ And shout, 'The daisy has a ring of red.' </pre> <div style="height: 6em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + <br ><br ><br ><br ><br ><br > </div> <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12037 ***</div> </body> diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt index 6312041..b5dba15 100644 --- a/LICENSE.txt +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements, metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. @@ -7,5 +7,5 @@ the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize -this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +this book outside of the United States should confirm copyright status under the laws that apply to them. @@ -1,2 +1,2 @@ Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for -eBook #12037 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12037) +book #12037 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12037) diff --git a/old/12037-8.txt b/old/12037-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4dcc530..0000000 --- a/old/12037-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3175 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Wild Knight and Other Poems, by Gilbert Chesterton - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Wild Knight and Other Poems - -Author: Gilbert Chesterton - -Release Date: April 15, 2004 [EBook #12037] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WILD KNIGHT AND OTHER POEMS *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Shimmin, Christina Morrell and PG Distributed -Proofreaders - - - - - - - -THE WILD KNIGHT - -AND OTHER POEMS - - -BY - -GILBERT CHESTERTON - - -1900 - - - - -NOTE - - -My thanks are due to the Editors of the _Outlook_ and the _Speaker_ for -the kind permission they have given me to reprint a considerable number -of the following poems. They have been selected and arranged rather with -a view to unity of spirit than to unity of time or value; many of them -being juvenile. - - - - -CONTENTS - - -BY THE BABE UNBORN - -THE WORLD'S LOVER - -THE SKELETON - -A CHORD OF COLOUR - -THE HAPPY MAN - -THE UNPARDONABLE SIN - -A NOVELTY - -ULTIMATE - -THE DONKEY - -THE BEATIFIC VISION - -THE HOPE OF THE STREETS - -ECCLESIASTES - -SONG OF THE CHILDREN - -THE FISH - -GOLD LEAVES - -THOU SHALT NOT KILL A CERTAIN EVENING - -A MAN AND HIS IMAGE - -THE MARINER - -THE TRIUMPH OF MAN - -CYCLOPEAN - -JOSEPH - -MODERN ELFLAND - -ETERNITIES - -A CHRISTMAS CAROL - -ALONE - -KING'S CROSS STATION - -THE HUMAN TREE - -TO THEM THAT MOURN - -THE OUTLAW - -BEHIND - -THE END OF FEAR - -THE HOLY OF HOLIES - -THE MIRROR OF MADMEN - -E. C. B. - -THE DESECRATERS - -AN ALLIANCE - -THE ANCIENT OF DAYS - -THE LAST MASQUERADE - -THE EARTH'S SHAME - -VANITY - -THE LAMP POST - -THE PESSIMIST - -A FAIRY TALE - -A PORTRAIT - -FEMINA CONTRA MUNDUM - -TO A CERTAIN NATION - -THE PRAISE OF DUST - -THE BALLAD OF THE BATTLE OF GIBEON - -'VULGARISED' - -THE BALLAD OF GOD-MAKERS - -AT NIGHT - -THE WOODCUTTER - -ART COLOURS - -THE TWO WOMEN - -THE WILD KNIGHT - - - - -_Another tattered rhymster in the ring, - With but the old plea to the sneering schools, -That on him too, some secret night in spring - Came the old frenzy of a hundred fools - -To make some thing: the old want dark and deep, - The thirst of men, the hunger of the stars, -Since first it tinged even the Eternal's sleep, - With monstrous dreams of trees and towns and mars. - -When all He made for the first time He saw, - Scattering stars as misers shake their pelf. -Then in the last strange wrath broke His own law, - And made a graven image of Himself._ - - - - -BY THE BABE UNBORN - -If trees were tall and grasses short, - As in some crazy tale, -If here and there a sea were blue - Beyond the breaking pale, - -If a fixed fire hung in the air - To warm me one day through, -If deep green hair grew on great hills, - I know what I should do. - -In dark I lie: dreaming that there - Are great eyes cold or kind, -And twisted streets and silent doors, - And living men behind. - -Let storm-clouds come: better an hour, - And leave to weep and fight, -Than all the ages I have ruled - The empires of the night. - -I think that if they gave me leave - Within that world to stand, -I would be good through all the day - I spent in fairyland. - -They should not hear a word from me - Of selfishness or scorn, -If only I could find the door, - If only I were born. - - - - -THE WORLD'S LOVER - -My eyes are full of lonely mirth: - Reeling with want and worn with scars, -For pride of every stone on earth, - I shake my spear at all the stars. - -A live bat beats my crest above, - Lean foxes nose where I have trod, -And on my naked face the love - Which is the loneliness of God. - -Outlawed: since that great day gone by-- - When before prince and pope and queen -I stood and spoke a blasphemy-- - 'Behold the summer leaves are green.' - -They cursed me: what was that to me - Who in that summer darkness furled, -With but an owl and snail to see, - Had blessed and conquered all the world? - -They bound me to the scourging-stake, - They laid their whips of thorn on me; -I wept to see the green rods break, - Though blood be beautiful to see. - -Beneath the gallows' foot abhorred - The crowds cry 'Crucify!' and 'Kill!' -Higher the priests sing, 'Praise the Lord, - The warlock dies'; and higher still - -Shall heaven and earth hear one cry sent - Even from the hideous gibbet height, -'Praise to the Lord Omnipotent, - The vultures have a feast to-night.' - - - - -THE SKELETON - -Chattering finch and water-fly -Are not merrier than I; -Here among the flowers I lie -Laughing everlastingly. -No: I may not tell the best; -Surely, friends, I might have guessed -Death was but the good King's jest, - It was hid so carefully. - - - - -A CHORD OF COLOUR - -My Lady clad herself in grey, - That caught and clung about her throat; -Then all the long grey winter day - On me a living splendour smote; -And why grey palmers holy are, - And why grey minsters great in story, -And grey skies ring the morning star, - And grey hairs are a crown of glory. - -My Lady clad herself in green, - Like meadows where the wind-waves pass; -Then round my spirit spread, I ween, - A splendour of forgotten grass. -Then all that dropped of stem or sod, - Hoarded as emeralds might be, -I bowed to every bush, and trod - Amid the live grass fearfully. - -My Lady clad herself in blue, - Then on me, like the seer long gone, -The likeness of a sapphire grew, - The throne of him that sat thereon. -Then knew I why the Fashioner - Splashed reckless blue on sky and sea; -And ere 'twas good enough for her, - He tried it on Eternity. - -Beneath the gnarled old Knowledge-tree - Sat, like an owl, the evil sage: -'The World's a bubble,' solemnly - He read, and turned a second page. -'A bubble, then, old crow,' I cried, - 'God keep you in your weary wit! -'A bubble--have you ever spied - 'The colours I have seen on it?' - - - - -THE HAPPY MAN - -To teach the grey earth like a child, - To bid the heavens repent, -I only ask from Fate the gift - Of one man well content. - -Him will I find: though when in vain - I search the feast and mart, -The fading flowers of liberty, - The painted masks of art. - -I only find him at the last, - On one old hill where nod -Golgotha's ghastly trinity-- - Three persons and one god. - - - - -THE UNPARDONABLE SIN - -I do not cry, beloved, neither curse. - Silence and strength, these two at least are good. - He gave me sun and stars and ought He could, -But not a woman's love; for that is hers. - -He sealed her heart from sage and questioner-- - Yea, with seven seals, as he has sealed the grave. - And if she give it to a drunken slave, -The Day of Judgment shall not challenge her. - -Only this much: if one, deserving well, - Touching your thin young hands and making suit, - Feel not himself a crawling thing, a brute, -Buried and bricked in a forgotten hell; - -Prophet and poet be he over sod, - Prince among angels in the highest place, - God help me, I will smite him on the face, -Before the glory of the face of God. - - - - -A NOVELTY - -Why should I care for the Ages - Because they are old and grey? -To me, like sudden laughter, - The stars are fresh and gay; -The world is a daring fancy, - And finished yesterday. - -Why should I bow to the Ages - Because they were drear and dry? -Slow trees and ripening meadows - For me go roaring by, -A living charge, a struggle - To escalade the sky. - -The eternal suns and systems, - Solid and silent all, -To me are stars of an instant, - Only the fires that fall -From God's good rocket, rising - On this night of carnival. - - - - -ULTIMATE - -The vision of a haloed host - That weep around an empty throne; -And, aureoles dark and angels dead, - Man with his own life stands alone. - -'I am,' he says his bankrupt creed: - 'I am,' and is again a clod: -The sparrow starts, the grasses stir, - For he has said the name of God. - - - - -THE DONKEY - -When fishes flew and forests walked - And figs grew upon thorn, -Some moment when the moon was blood - Then surely I was born; - -With monstrous head and sickening cry - And ears like errant wings, -The devil's walking parody - On all four-footed things. - -The tattered outlaw of the earth, - Of ancient crooked will; -Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb, - I keep my secret still. - -Fools! For I also had my hour; - One far fierce hour and sweet: -There was a shout about my ears, - And palms before my feet. - - - - -THE BEATIFIC VISION - -Through what fierce incarnations, furled - In fire and darkness, did I go, -Ere I was worthy in the world - To see a dandelion grow? - -Well, if in any woes or wars - I bought my naked right to be, -Grew worthy of the grass, nor gave - The wren, my brother, shame for me. - -But what shall God not ask of him - In the last time when all is told, -Who saw her stand beside the hearth, - The firelight garbing her in gold? - - - - -THE HOPE OF THE STREETS - -The still sweet meadows shimmered: and I stood - And cursed them, bloom of hedge and bird of tree, -And bright and high beyond the hunch-backed wood - The thunder and the splendour of the sea. - -Give back the Babylon where I was born, - The lips that gape give back, the hands that grope, -And noise and blood and suffocating scorn - An eddy of fierce faces--and a hope - -That 'mid those myriad heads one head find place, - With brown hair curled like breakers of the sea, -And two eyes set so strangely in the face - That all things else are nothing suddenly. - - - - -ECCLESIASTES - -There is one sin: to call a green leaf grey, - Whereat the sun in heaven shuddereth. -There is one blasphemy: for death to pray, - For God alone knoweth the praise of death. - -There is one creed: 'neath no world-terror's wing - Apples forget to grow on apple-trees. -There is one thing is needful--everything-- - The rest is vanity of vanities. - - - - -THE SONG OF THE CHILDREN - -The World is ours till sunset, - Holly and fire and snow; -And the name of our dead brother - Who loved us long ago. - -The grown folk mighty and cunning, - They write his name in gold; -But we can tell a little - Of the million tales he told. - -He taught them laws and watchwords, - To preach and struggle and pray; -But he taught us deep in the hayfield - The games that the angels play. - -Had he stayed here for ever, - Their world would be wise as ours-- -And the king be cutting capers, - And the priest be picking flowers. - -But the dark day came: they gathered: - On their faces we could see -They had taken and slain our brother, - And hanged him on a tree. - - - - -THE FISH - -Dark the sea was: but I saw him, - One great head with goggle eyes, -Like a diabolic cherub - Flying in those fallen skies. - -I have heard the hoarse deniers, - I have known the wordy wars; -I have seen a man, by shouting, - Seek to orphan all the stars. - -I have seen a fool half-fashioned - Borrow from the heavens a tongue, -So to curse them more at leisure-- - --And I trod him not as dung. - -For I saw that finny goblin - Hidden in the abyss untrod; -And I knew there can be laughter - On the secret face of God. - -Blow the trumpets, crown the sages, - Bring the age by reason fed! -(He that sitteth in the heavens, - 'He shall laugh'--the prophet said.) - - - - -GOLD LEAVES - -Lo! I am come to autumn, - When all the leaves are gold; -Grey hairs and golden leaves cry out - The year and I are old. - -In youth I sought the prince of men, - Captain in cosmic wars, -Our Titan, even the weeds would show - Defiant, to the stars. - -But now a great thing in the street - Seems any human nod, -Where shift in strange democracy - The million masks of God. - -In youth I sought the golden flower - Hidden in wood or wold, -But I am come to autumn, - When all the leaves are gold. - - - - -THOU SHALT NOT KILL - -I had grown weary of him; of his breath -And hands and features I was sick to death. -Each day I heard the same dull voice and tread; -I did not hate him: but I wished him dead. -And he must with his blank face fill my life-- -Then my brain blackened; and I snatched a knife. - -But ere I struck, my soul's grey deserts through -A voice cried, 'Know at least what thing you do.' -'This is a common man: knowest thou, O soul, -What this thing is? somewhere where seasons roll -There is some living thing for whom this man -Is as seven heavens girt into a span, -For some one soul you take the world away-- -Now know you well your deed and purpose. Slay!' - -Then I cast down the knife upon the ground -And saw that mean man for one moment crowned. -I turned and laughed: for there was no one by-- -The man that I had sought to slay was I. - - - - -A CERTAIN EVENING - -That night the whole world mingled, - The souls were babes at play, -And angel danced with devil. - And God cried, 'Holiday!' - -The sea had climbed the mountain peaks, - And shouted to the stars -To come to play: and down they came - Splashing in happy wars. - -The pine grew apples for a whim, - The cart-horse built a nest; -The oxen flew, the flowers sang, - The sun rose in the west. - -And 'neath the load of many worlds, - The lowest life God made -Lifted his huge and heavy limbs - And into heaven strayed. - -To where the highest life God made - Before His presence stands; -But God himself cried, 'Holiday!' - And she gave me both her hands. - - - - -A MAN AND HIS IMAGE - -All day the nations climb and crawl and pray - In one long pilgrimage to one white shrine, -Where sleeps a saint whose pardon, like his peace, - Is wide as death, as common, as divine. - -His statue in an aureole fills the shrine, - The reckless nightingale, the roaming fawn, -Share the broad blessing of his lifted hands, - Under the canopy, above the lawn. - -But one strange night, a night of gale and flood, - A sound came louder than the wild wind's tone; -The grave-gates shook and opened: and one stood - Blue in the moonlight, rotten to the bone. - -Then on the statue, graven with holy smiles, - There came another smile--tremendous--one -Of an Egyptian god. 'Why should you rise? - 'Do I not guard your secret from the sun? - -The nations come; they kneel among the flowers - Sprung from your blood, blossoms of May and June, -Which do not poison them--is it not strange? - Speak!' And the dead man shuddered in the moon. - -Shall I not cry the truth?'--the dead man cowered-- - Is it not sad, with life so tame and cold, -What earth should fade into the sun's white fires - With the best jest in all its tales untold? - -'If I should cry that in this shrine lie hid - Stories that Satan from his mouth would spew; -Wild tales that men in hell tell hoarsely--speak! - Saint and Deliverer! Should I slander you?' - -Slowly the cowering corse reared up its head, - 'Nay, I am vile ... but when for all to see, -You stand there, pure and painless--death of life! - Let the stars fall--I say you slander me! - -'You make me perfect, public, colourless; - You make my virtues sit at ease--you lie! -For mine were never easy--lost or saved, - I had a soul--I was. And where am I? - -Where is my good? the little real hoard, - The secret tears, the sudden chivalries; -The tragic love, the futile triumph--where? - Thief, dog, and son of devils--where are these? - -I will lift up my head: in leprous loves - Lost, and the soul's dishonourable scars-- -By God I was a better man than This - That stands and slanders me to all the stars. - -'Come down!' And with an awful cry, the corse - Sprang on the sacred tomb of many tales, -And stone and bone, locked in a loathsome strife, - Swayed to the singing of the nightingales. - -Then one was thrown: and where the statue stood - Under the canopy, above the lawn, -The corse stood; grey and lean, with lifted hands - Raised in tremendous welcome to the dawn. - -'Now let all nations climb and crawl and pray; - Though I be basest of my old red clan, -They shall not scale, with cries or sacrifice, - The stature of the spirit of a man.' - - - - -THE MARINER - -The violet scent is sacred - Like dreams of angels bright; -The hawthorn smells of passion - Told in a moonless night. - -But the smell is in my nostrils, - Through blossoms red or gold, -Of my own green flower unfading, - A bitter smell and bold. - -The lily smells of pardon, - The rose of mirth; but mine -Smells shrewd of death and honour, - And the doom of Adam's line. - -The heavy scent of wine-shops - Floats as I pass them by, -But never a cup I quaff from, - And never a house have I. - -Till dropped down forty fathoms, - I lie eternally; -And drink from God's own goblet - The green wine of the sea. - - - - -THE TRIUMPH OF MAN - -I plod and peer amid mean sounds and shapes, - I hunt for dusty gain and dreary praise, - And slowly pass the dismal grinning days, -Monkeying each other like a line of apes. - -What care? There was one hour amid all these - When I had stripped off like a tawdry glove - My starriest hopes and wants, for very love -Of time and desolate eternities. - -Yea, for one great hour's triumph, not in me - Nor any hope of mine did I rejoice, - But in a meadow game of girls and boys -Some sunset in the centuries to be. - - - - -CYCLOPEAN - -A mountainous and mystic brute -No rein can curb, no arrow shoot, -Upon whose domed deformed back -I sweep the planets scorching track. - -Old is the elf, and wise, men say, -His hair grows green as ours grows grey; -He mocks the stars with myriad hands. -High as that swinging forest stands. - -But though in pigmy wanderings dull -I scour the deserts of his skull, -I never find the face, eyes, teeth. -Lowering or laughing underneath. - -I met my foe in an empty dell, -His face in the sun was naked hell. -I thought, 'One silent, bloody blow. -No priest would curse, no crowd would know.' - -Then cowered: a daisy, half concealed, -Watched for the fame of that poor field; -And in that flower and suddenly -Earth opened its one eye on me. - - - - -JOSEPH - -If the stars fell; night's nameless dreams - Of bliss and blasphemy came true, -If skies were green and snow were gold, - And you loved me as I love you; - -O long light hands and curled brown hair, - And eyes where sits a naked soul; -Dare I even then draw near and burn - My fingers in the aureole? - -Yes, in the one wise foolish hour - God gives this strange strength to a man. -He can demand, though not deserve, - Where ask he cannot, seize he can. - -But once the blood's wild wedding o'er, - Were not dread his, half dark desire, -To see the Christ-child in the cot, - The Virgin Mary by the fire? - - - - -MODERN ELFLAND - -I Cut a staff in a churchyard copse, - I clad myself in ragged things, -I set a feather in my cap - That fell out of an angel's wings. - -I filled my wallet with white stones, - I took three foxgloves in my hand, -I slung my shoes across my back, - And so I went to fairyland. - -But Lo, within that ancient place - Science had reared her iron crown, -And the great cloud of steam went up - That telleth where she takes a town. - -But cowled with smoke and starred with lamps - That strange land's light was still its own; -The word that witched the woods and hills - Spoke in the iron and the stone. - -Not Nature's hand had ever curved - That mute unearthly porter's spine. -Like sleeping dragon's sudden eyes - The signals leered along the line. - -The chimneys thronging crooked or straight - Were fingers signalling the sky; -The dog that strayed across the street - Seemed four-legged by monstrosity. - -'In vain,' I cried, 'though you too touch - The new time's desecrating hand, -Through all the noises of a town - I hear the heart of fairyland.' - -I read the name above a door, - Then through my spirit pealed and passed: -'This is the town of thine own home, - And thou hast looked on it at last.' - - - - -ETERNITIES - -I cannot count the pebbles in the brook. - Well hath He spoken: 'Swear not by thy head, - Thou knowest not the hairs,' though He, we read, -Writes that wild number in his own strange book. - -I cannot count the sands or search the seas, - Death cometh, and I leave so much untrod. - Grant my immortal aureole, O my God, -And I will name the leaves upon the trees. - -In heaven I shall stand on gold and glass, - Still brooding earth's arithmetic to spell; - Or see the fading of the fires of hell -Ere I have thanked my God for all the grass. - - - - -A CHRISTMAS CAROL - -The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap, - His hair was like a light. -(O weary, weary were the world, - But here is all aright.) - -The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast, - His hair was like a star. -(O stern and cunning are the kings, - But here the true hearts are.) - -The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart, - His hair was like a fire. -(O weary, weary is the world, - But here the world's desire.) - -The Christ-child stood at Mary's knee, - His hair was like a crown, -And all the flowers looked up at him. - And all the stars looked down. - - - - -ALONE - -Blessings there are of cradle and of clan, - Blessings that fall of priests' and princes' hands; - But never blessing full of lives and lands, -Broad as the blessing of a lonely man. - -Though that old king fell from his primal throne, - And ate among the cattle, yet this pride - Had found him in the deepest grass, and cried -An 'Ecce Homo' with the trumpets blown. - -And no mad tyrant, with almighty ban, - Who in strong madness dreams himself divine, - But hears through fumes of flattery and of wine -The thunder of this blessing name him man. - -Let all earth rot past saints' and seraphs' plea, - Yet shall a Voice cry through its last lost war, - 'This is the world, this red wreck of a star, -That a man blessed beneath an alder-tree.' - - - - -KING'S CROSS STATION - -This circled cosmos whereof man is god - Has suns and stars of green and gold and red, -And cloudlands of great smoke, that range o'er range - Far floating, hide its iron heavens o'erhead. - -God! shall we ever honour what we are, - And see one moment ere the age expire, -The vision of man shouting and erect, - Whirled by the shrieking steeds of flood and fire? - -Or must Fate act the same grey farce again, - And wait, till one, amid Time's wrecks and scars, -Speaks to a ruin here, 'What poet-race - Shot such cyclopean arches at the stars?' - - - - -THE HUMAN TREE - -Many have Earth's lovers been, -Tried in seas and wars, I ween; -Yet the mightiest have I seen: - Yea, the best saw I. -One that in a field alone -Stood up stiller than a stone -Lest a moth should fly. - -Birds had nested in his hair, -On his shoon were mosses rare. -Insect empires flourished there, - Worms in ancient wars; -But his eyes burn like a glass, -Hearing a great sea of grass - Roar towards the stars. - -From, them to the human tree -Rose a cry continually, -'Thou art still, our Father, we - Fain would have thee nod. -Make the skies as blood below thee, -Though thou slay us, we shall know thee. - Answer us, O God! - -'Show thine ancient flame and thunder, -Split the stillness once asunder, -Lest we whisper, lest we wonder - Art thou there at all?' -But I saw him there alone, -Standing stiller than a stone - Lest a moth should fall. - - - - -TO THEM THAT MOURN - -(W.E.G., May 1898) - -Lift up your heads: in life, in death, - God knoweth his head was high. -Quit we the coward's broken breath - Who watched a strong man die. - -If we must say, 'No more his peer - Cometh; the flag is furled.' -Stand not too near him, lest he hear - That slander on the world. - -The good green earth he loved and trod - Is still, with many a scar, -Writ in the chronicles of God, - A giant-bearing star. - -He fell: but Britain's banner swings - Above his sunken crown. -Black death shall have his toll of kings - Before that cross goes down. - -Once more shall move with mighty things - His house of ancient tale, -Where kings whose hands were kissed of kings - Went in: and came out pale. - -O young ones of a darker day, - In art's wan colours clad, -Whose very love and hate are grey-- - Whose very sin is sad. - -Pass on: one agony long-drawn - Was merrier than your mirth, -When hand-in-hand came death and dawn, - And spring was on the earth. - - - - -THE OUTLAW - -Priest, is any song-bird stricken? - Is one leaf less on the tree? -Is this wine less red and royal - That the hangman waits for me? - -He upon your cross that hangeth, - It is writ of priestly pen, -On the night they built his gibbet, - Drank red wine among his men. - -Quaff, like a brave man, as he did, - Wine and death as heaven pours-- -This is my fate: O ye rulers, - O ye pontiffs, what is yours? - -To wait trembling, lest yon loathly - Gallows-shape whereon I die, -In strange temples yet unbuilded, - Blaze upon an altar high. - - - - -BEHIND - -I saw an old man like a child, -His blue eyes bright, his white hair wild, -Who turned for ever, and might not stop, -Round and round like an urchin's top. - -'Fool,' I cried, 'while you spin round, -'Others grow wise, are praised, are crowned.' -Ever the same round road he trod, -'This is better: I seek for God.' - -'We see the whole world, left and right, -Yet at the blind back hides from sight -The unseen Master that drives us forth -To East and West, to South and North. - -'Over my shoulder for eighty years -I have looked for the gleam of the sphere of spheres.' -'In all your turning, what have you found?' -'At least, I know why the world goes round.' - - - - -THE END OF FEAR - -Though the whole heaven be one-eyed with the moon, - Though the dead landscape seem a thing possessed, - Yet I go singing through that land oppressed -As one that singeth through the flowers of June. - -No more, with forest-fingers crawling free - O'er dark flint wall that seems a wall of eyes, - Shall evil break my soul with mysteries -Of some world-poison maddening bush and tree. - -No more shall leering ghosts of pimp and king - With bloody secrets veiled before me stand. - Last night I held all evil in my hand -Closed: and behold it was a little thing. - -I broke the infernal gates and looked on him - Who fronts the strong creation with a curse; - Even the god of a lost universe, -Smiling above his hideous cherubim. - -And pierced far down in his soul's crypt unriven - The last black crooked sympathy and shame, - And hailed him with that ringing rainbow name -Erased upon the oldest book in heaven. - -Like emptied idiot masks, sin's loves and wars - Stare at me now: for in the night I broke - The bubble of a great world's jest, and woke -Laughing with laughter such as shakes the stars. - - - - -THE HOLY OF HOLIES - -'Elder father, though thine eyes -Shine with hoary mysteries, -Canst thou tell what in the heart -Of a cowslip blossom lies? - -'Smaller than all lives that be, -Secret as the deepest sea, -Stands a little house of seeds, -Like an elfin's granary, - -'Speller of the stones and weeds, -Skilled in Nature's crafts and creeds, -Tell me what is in the heart -Of the smallest of the seeds.' - -'God Almighty, and with Him -Cherubim and Seraphim, -Filling all eternity-- -Adonai Elohim.' - - - - -THE MIRROR OF MADMEN - -I dreamed a dream of heaven, white as frost, -The splendid stillness of a living host; -Vast choirs of upturned faces, line o'er line. -Then my blood froze; for every face was mine. - -Spirits with sunset plumage throng and pass, -Glassed darkly in the sea of gold and glass. -But still on every side, in every spot, -I saw a million selves, who saw me not. - -I fled to quiet wastes, where on a stone, -Perchance, I found a saint, who sat alone; -I came behind: he turned with slow, sweet grace, -And faced me with my happy, hateful face. - -I cowered like one that in a tower doth bide, -Shut in by mirrors upon every side; -Then I saw, islanded in skies alone -And silent, one that sat upon a throne. - -His robe was bordered with rich rose and gold, -Green, purple, silver out of sunsets old; -But o'er his face a great cloud edged with fire, -Because it covereth the world's desire. - -But as I gazed, a silent worshipper, -Methought the cloud began to faintly stir; -Then I fell flat, and screamed with grovelling head, -'If thou hast any lightning, strike me dead! - -'But spare a brow where the clean sunlight fell, -The crown of a new sin that sickens hell. -Let me not look aloft and see mine own -Feature and form upon the Judgment-throne.' - -Then my dream snapped: and with a heart that leapt -I saw across the tavern where I slept, -The sight of all my life most full of grace, -A gin-damned drunkard's wan half-witted face. - - - - -E.C.B. - -Before the grass grew over me, - I knew one good man through and through, -And knew a soul and body joined - Are stronger than the heavens are blue. - -A wisdom worthy of thy joy, - O great heart, read I as I ran; -Now, though men smite me on the face, - I cannot curse the face of man. - -I loved the man I saw yestreen - Hanged with his babe's blood on his palms. -I loved the man I saw to-day - Who knocked not when he came with alms. - -Hush!--for thy sake I even faced - The knowledge that is worse than hell; -And loved the man I saw but now - Hanging head downwards in the well. - - - - -THE DESECRATERS - -Witness all: that unrepenting, - Feathers flying, music high, -I go down to death unshaken - By your mean philosophy. - -For your wages, take my body, - That at least to you I leave; -Set the sulky plumes upon it, - Bid the grinning mummers grieve. - -Stand in silence: steep your raiment - In the night that hath no star; -Don the mortal dress of devils, - Blacker than their spirits are. - -Since ye may not, of your mercy, - Ere I lie on such a hearse, -Hurl me to the living jackals - God hath built for sepulchres. - - - - -AN ALLIANCE - -This is the weird of a world-old folk, - That not till the last link breaks, -Not till the night is blackest, - The blood of Hengist wakes. -When the sun is black in heaven, - The moon as blood above, -And the earth is full of hatred, - This people tells its love. - -In change, eclipse, and peril, - Under the whole world's scorn, -By blood and death and darkness - The Saxon peace is sworn; -That all our fruit be gathered, - And all our race take hands, -And the sea be a Saxon river - That runs through Saxon lands. - -Lo! not in vain we bore him; - Behold it! not in vain, -Four centuries' dooms of torture - Choked in the throat of Spain, -Ere priest or tyrant triumph-- - We know how well--we know-- -Bone of that bone can whiten, - Blood of that blood can flow. - -Deep grows the hate of kindred, - Its roots take hold on hell; -No peace or praise can heal it, - But a stranger heals it well. -Seas shall be red as sunsets, - And kings' bones float as foam, -And heaven be dark with vultures, - The night our son comes home. - - - - -THE ANCIENT OF DAYS - -A child sits in a sunny place, - Too happy for a smile, -And plays through one long holiday - With balls to roll and pile; -A painted wind-mill by his side - Runs like a merry tune, -But the sails are the four great winds of heaven, - And the balls are the sun and moon. - -A staring doll's-house shows to him - Green floors and starry rafter, -And many-coloured graven dolls - Live for his lonely laughter. -The dolls have crowns and aureoles, - Helmets and horns and wings. -For they are the saints and seraphim, - The prophets and the kings. - - - - -THE LAST MASQUERADE - -A wan new garment of young green - Touched, as you turned your soft brown hair - And in me surged the strangest prayer -Ever in lover's heart hath been. - -That I who saw your youth's bright page, - A rainbow change from robe to robe, - Might see you on this earthly globe, -Crowned with the silver crown of age. - -Your dear hair powdered in strange guise, - Your dear face touched with colours pale: - And gazing through the mask and veil -The mirth of your immortal eyes. - - - - -THE EARTH'S SHAME - -Name not his deed: in shuddering and in haste - We dragged him darkly o'er the windy fell: -That night there was a gibbet in the waste, - And a new sin in hell. - -Be his deed hid from commonwealths and kings, - By all men born be one true tale forgot; -But three things, braver than all earthly things, - Faced him and feared him not. - -Above his head and sunken secret face - Nested the sparrow's young and dropped not dead. -From the red blood and slime of that lost place - Grew daisies white, not red. - -And from high heaven looking upon him, - Slowly upon the face of God did come -A smile the cherubim and seraphim - Hid all their faces from. - - - - -VANITY - -A wan sky greener than the lawn, - A wan lawn paler than the sky. -She gave a flower into my hand, - And all the hours of eve went by. - -Who knows what round the corner waits - To smite? If shipwreck, snare, or slur -Shall leave me with a head to lift, - Worthy of him that spoke with her. - -A wan sky greener than the lawn, - A wan lawn paler than the sky. -She gave a flower into my hand, - And all the days of life went by. - -Live ill or well, this thing is mine, -From all I guard it, ill or well. -One tawdry, tattered, faded flower -To show the jealous kings in hell. - - - - -THE LAMP POST - -Laugh your best, O blazoned forests, - Me ye shall not shift or shame -With your beauty: here among you - Man hath set his spear of flame. - -Lamp to lamp we send the signal, - For our lord goes forth to war; -Since a voice, ere stars were builded, - Bade him colonise a star. - -Laugh ye, cruel as the morning, - Deck your heads with fruit and flower, -Though our souls be sick with pity, - Yet our hands are hard with power. - -We have read your evil stories, - We have heard the tiny yell -Through the voiceless conflagration - Of your green and shining hell. - -And when men, with fires and shouting, - Break your old tyrannic pales; -And where ruled a single spider - Laugh and weep a million tales. - -This shall be your best of boasting: - That some poet, poor of spine. -Full and sated with our wisdom, - Full and fiery with our wine, - -Shall steal out and make a treaty - With the grasses and the showers, -Rail against the grey town-mother, - Fawn upon the scornful flowers; - -Rest his head among the roses, - Where a quiet song-bird sounds, -And no sword made sharp for traitors, - Hack him into meat for hounds. - - - - -THE PESSIMIST - -You that have snarled through the ages, take your answer and go-- -I know your hoary question, the riddle that all men know. -You have weighed the stars in a balance, and grasped the skies in a span: -Take, if you must have answer, the word of a common man. - -Deep in my life lies buried one love unhealed, unshriven, -One hunger still shall haunt me--yea, in the streets of heaven; -This is the burden, babbler, this is the curse shall cling, -This is the thing I bring you; this is the pleasant thing. - -'Gainst you and all your sages, no joy of mine shall strive, -This one dead self shall shatter the men you call alive. -My grief I send to smite you, no pleasure, no belief, -Lord of the battered grievance, what do you know of grief? - -I only know the praises to heaven that one man gave, -That he came on earth for an instant, to stand beside a grave, -The peace of a field of battle, where flowers are born of blood. -I only know one evil that makes the whole world good. - -Beneath this single sorrow the globe of moon and sphere -Turns to a single jewel, so bright and brittle and dear -That I dread lest God should drop it, to be dashed into stars below. - -You that have snarled through the ages, take your answer and go. - - - - -A FAIRY TALE - -All things grew upwards, foul and fair: -The great trees fought and beat the air -With monstrous wings that would have flown; -But the old earth clung to her own, -Holding them back from heavenly wars, -Though every flower sprang at the stars. - -But he broke free: while all things ceased, -Some hour increasing, he increased. -The town beneath him seemed a map, -Above the church he cocked his cap, -Above the cross his feather flew -Above the birds and still he grew. - -The trees turned grass; the clouds were riven; -His feet were mountains lost in heaven; -Through strange new skies he rose alone, -The earth fell from him like a stone, -And his own limbs beneath him far -Seemed tapering down to touch a star. - -He reared his head, shaggy and grim, -Staring among the cherubim; -The seven celestial floors he rent, -One crystal dome still o'er him bent: -Above his head, more clear than hope, -All heaven was a microscope. - - - - -A PORTRAIT - -Fair faces crowd on Christmas night - Like seven suns a-row, -But all beyond is the wolfish wind - And the crafty feet of the snow. - -But through the rout one figure goes - With quick and quiet tread; -Her robe is plain, her form is frail-- - Wait if she turn her head. - -I say no word of line or hue, - But if that face you see, -Your soul shall know the smile of faith's - Awful frivolity. - -Know that in this grotesque old masque - Too loud we cannot sing, -Or dance too wild, or speak too wide - To praise a hidden thing. - -That though the jest be old as night, - Still shaketh sun and sphere -An everlasting laughter - Too loud for us to hear. - - - - -FEMINA CONTRA MUNDUM - -The sun was black with judgment, and the moon - Blood: but between -I saw a man stand, saying, 'To me at least - The grass is green. - -'There was no star that I forgot to fear - With love and wonder. -The birds have loved me'; but no answer came-- - Only the thunder. - -Once more the man stood, saying, 'A cottage door, - Wherethrough I gazed -That instant as I turned--yea, I am vile; - Yet my eyes blazed. - -'For I had weighed the mountains in a balance, - And the skies in a scale, -I come to sell the stars--old lamps for new-- - Old stars for sale.' - -Then a calm voice fell all the thunder through, - A tone less rough: -'Thou hast begun to love one of my works - Almost enough.' - - - - -TO A CERTAIN NATION - -We will not let thee be, for thou art ours. - We thank thee still, though thou forget these things, -For that hour's sake when thou didst wake all powers - With a great cry that God was sick of kings. - -Leave thee there grovelling at their rusted greaves, - These hulking cowards on a painted stage, -Who, with imperial pomp and laurel leaves, - Show their Marengo--one man in a cage. - -These, for whom stands no type or title given - In all the squalid tales of gore and pelf; -Though cowed by crashing thunders from all heaven. - Cain never said, 'My brother slew himself.' - -Tear you the truth out of your drivelling spy, - The maniac whom you set to swing death's scythe. -Nay; torture not the torturer--let him lie: - What need of racks to teach a worm to writhe? - -Bear with us, O our sister, not in pride, - Nor any scorn we see thee spoiled of knaves, -But only shame to hear, where Danton died, - Thy foul dead kings all laughing in their graves. - -Thou hast a right to rule thyself; to be - The thing thou wilt; to grin, to fawn, to creep: -To crown these clumsy liars; ay, and we - Who knew thee once, we have a right to weep. - - - - -THE PRAISE OF DUST - -'What of vile dust?' the preacher said. - Methought the whole world woke, -The dead stone lived beneath my foot, - And my whole body spoke. - -'You, that play tyrant to the dust, - And stamp its wrinkled face, -This patient star that flings you not - Far into homeless space. - -'Come down out of your dusty shrine - The living dust to see, -The flowers that at your sermon's end - Stand blazing silently. - -'Rich white and blood-red blossom; stones, - Lichens like fire encrust; -A gleam of blue, a glare of gold, - The vision of the dust. - -'Pass them all by: till, as you come - Where, at a city's edge, -Under a tree--I know it well-- - Under a lattice ledge, - -'The sunshine falls on one brown head. - You, too, O cold of clay, -Eater of stones, may haply hear - The trumpets of that day - -'When God to all his paladins - By his own splendour swore -To make a fairer face than heaven, - Of dust and nothing more.' - - - - -THE BALLAD OF THE BATTLE OF GIBEON - -Five kings rule o'er the Amorite, -Mighty as fear and old as night; -Swathed with unguent and gold and jewel, -Waxed they merry and fat and cruel. -Zedek of Salem, a terror and glory, -Whose face was hid while his robes were gory; -And Hoham of Hebron, whose loathly face is -Heavy and dark o'er the ruin of races; -And Piram of Jarmuth, drunk with strange wine, -Who dreamed he had fashioned all stars that shine; -And Debir of Eglon wild, without pity, -Who raged like a plague in the midst of his city; -And Japhia of Lachish, a fire that flameth, -Who did in the daylight what no man nameth. - -These five kings said one to another, -'King unto king o'er the world is brother, -Seeing that now, for a sign and a wonder, -A red eclipse and a tongue of thunder, -A shape and a finger of desolation, -Is come against us a kingless nation. -Gibeon hath failed us: it were not good -That a man remember where Gibeon stood.' -Then Gibeon sent to our captain, crying, -'Son of Nun, let a shaft be flying, -For unclean birds are gathering greedily; -Slack not thy hand, but come thou speedily. -Yea, we are lost save thou maintain'st us, -For the kings of the mountains are gathered against us.' - -Then to our people spake the Deliverer, -'Gibeon is high, yet a host may shiver her; -Gibeon hath sent to me crying for pity, -For the lords of the cities encompass the city -With chariot and banner and bowman and lancer, -And I swear by the living God I will answer. -Gird you, O Israel, quiver and javelin, -Shield and sword for the road we travel in; -Verily, as I have promised, pay I -Life unto Gibeon, death unto Ai.' - -Sudden and still as a bolt shot right -Up on the city we went by night. -Never a bird of the air could say, -'This was the children of Israel's way.' - -Only the hosts sprang up from sleeping, -Saw from the heights a dark stream sweeping; -Sprang up straight as a great shout stung them, -And heard the Deliverer's war-cry among them, -Heard under cupola, turret, and steeple -The awful cry of the kingless people. - -Started the weak of them, shouted the strong of them, -Crashed we a thunderbolt into the throng of them, -Blindly with heads bent, and shields forced before us, -We heard the dense roar of the strife closing o'er us. -And drunk with the crash of the song that it sung them, -We drove the great spear-blade in God's name among them. - -Redder and redder the sword-flash fell. -Our eyes and our nostrils were hotter than hell; -Till full all the crest of the spear-surge shocking us, -Hoham of Hebron cried out mocking us, -'Nay, what need of the war-sword's plying, -Out of the desert the dust comes flying. -A little red dust, if the wind be blowing-- -Who shall reck of its coming or going?' -Back the Deliverer spake as a clarion, -'Mock at thy slaves, thou eater of carrion! -Laughest thou at us, in thy kingly clowning, -We, that laughed upon Ramases frowning. -We that stood up proud, unpardoned, -When his face was dark and his heart was hardened? -Pharaoh we knew and his steeds, not faster -Than the word of the Lord in thine ear, O master. - -Sheer through the turban his wantons wove him, -Clean to the skull the Deliverer clove him; -And the two hosts reeled at the sign appalling, -As the great king fell like a great house falling. - -Loudly we shouted, and living and dying. -Bore them all backward with strength and strong crying; -And Caleb struck Zedek hard at the throat, -And Japhia of Lachish Zebulon smote. -The war-swords and axes were clashing and groaning, -The fallen were fighting and foaming and moaning; -The war-spears were breaking, the war-horns were braying, -Ere the hands of the slayers were sated with slaying. -And deep in the grasses grown gory and sodden, -The treaders of all men were trampled and trodden; -And over them, routed and reeled like cattle, -High over the turn of the tide of the battle, -High over noises that deafen and cover us, -Rang the Deliverer's voice out over us. - -'Stand thou still, thou sun upon Gibeon, -Stand thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon! -Shout thou, people, a cry like thunder, -For the kings of the earth are broken asunder. -Now we have said as the thunder says it, -Something is stronger than strength and slays it. -Now we have written for all time later, -Five kings are great, yet a law is greater. -Stare, O sun! in thine own great glory, -This is the turn of the whole world's story. -Stand thou still, thou sun upon Gibeon, -Stand thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon! - -'Smite! amid spear-blades blazing and breaking. -More than we know of is rising and making. -Stab with the javelin, crash with the car! -Cry! for we know not the thing that we are. -Stand, O sun! that in horrible patience -Smiled on the smoke and the slaughter of nations. -Thou shalt grow sad for a little crying, -Thou shalt be darkened for one man's dying-- -Stand thou still, thou sun upon Gibeon, -Stand thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon!' - -After the battle was broken and spent -Up to the hill the Deliverer went, -Flung up his arms to the storm-clouds flying, -And cried unto Israel, mightily crying, -'Come up, O warriors! come up, O brothers! -Tribesmen and herdsmen, maidens and mothers; -The bondman's son and the bondman's daughter, -The hewer of wood and the drawer of water, -He that carries and he that brings, -And set your foot on the neck of kings.' - -This is the story of Gibeon fight-- -Where we smote the lords of the Amorite; -Where the banners of princes with slaughter were sodden. -And the beards of seers in the rank grass trodden; -Where the trees were wrecked by the wreck of cars, -And the reek of the red field blotted the stars; -Where the dead heads dropped from the swords that sever, -Because His mercy endureth for ever. - - - - -'VULGARISED' - -All round they murmur, 'O profane, - Keep thy heart's secret hid as gold'; -But I, by God, would sooner be - Some knight in shattering wars of old, - -In brown outlandish arms to ride, - And shout my love to every star -With lungs to make a poor maid's name - Deafen the iron ears of war. - -Here, where these subtle cowards crowd, - To stand and so to speak of love, -That the four corners of the world - Should hear it and take heed thereof. - -That to this shrine obscure there be - One witness before all men given, -As naked as the hanging Christ, - As shameless as the sun in heaven. - -These whimperers--have they spared to us - One dripping woe, one reeking sin? -These thieves that shatter their own graves - To prove the soul is dead within. - -They talk; by God, is it not time - Some of Love's chosen broke the girth, -And told the good all men have known - Since the first morning of the earth? - - - - -THE BALLAD OF GOD-MAKERS - -A bird flew out at the break of day - From the nest where it had curled, -And ere the eve the bird had set - Fear on the kings of the world. - -The first tree it lit upon - Was green with leaves unshed; -The second tree it lit upon - Was red with apples red; - -The third tree it lit upon - Was barren and was brown, -Save for a dead man nailed thereon - On a hill above a town. - -That right the kings of the earth were gay - And filled the cup and can; -Last night the kings of the earth were chill - For dread of a naked man. - -'If he speak two more words,' they said, - 'The slave is more than the free; -If he speak three more words,' they said, - 'The stars are under the sea.' - -Said the King of the East to the King of the West, - I wot his frown was set, -'Lo; let us slay him and make him as dung, - It is well that the world forget.' - -Said the King of the West to the King of the East, - I wot his smile was dread, -'Nay, let us slay him and make him a god, - It is well that our god be dead.' - -They set the young man on a hill, - They nailed him to a rod; -And there in darkness and in blood - They made themselves a god. - -And the mightiest word was left unsaid, - And the world had never a mark, -And the strongest man of the sons of men - Went dumb into the dark. - -Then hymns and harps of praise they brought, - Incense and gold and myrrh, -And they thronged above the seraphim, - The poor dead carpenter. - -'Thou art the prince of all,' they sang, - 'Ocean and earth and air.' -Then the bird flew on to the cruel cross, - And hid in the dead man's hair. - -'Thou art the sun of the world,' they cried, - 'Speak if our prayers be heard.' -And the brown bird stirred in the dead man's hair, - And it seemed that the dead man stirred. - -Then a shriek went up like the world's last cry - From all nations under heaven, -And a master fell before a slave - And begged to be forgiven. - -They cowered, for dread in his wakened eyes - The ancient wrath to see; -And the bird flew out of the dead Christ's hair, - And lit on a lemon-tree. - - - - -AT NIGHT - -How many million stars there be, -That only God hath numberéd; -But this one only chosen for me -In time before her face was fled. -Shall not one mortal man alive - Hold up his head? - - - - -THE WOOD-CUTTER - -We came behind him by the wall, - My brethren drew their brands, -And they had strength to strike him down-- - And I to bind his hands. - -Only once, to a lantern gleam, - He turned his face from the wall, -And it was as the accusing angel's face - On the day when the stars shall fall. - -I grasped the axe with shaking hands, - I stared at the grass I trod; -For I feared to see the whole bare heavens - Filled with the face of God. - -I struck: the serpentine slow blood - In four arms soaked the moss-- -Before me, by the living Christ, - The blood ran in a cross. - -Therefore I toil in forests here - And pile the wood in stacks, -And take no fee from the shivering folk - Till I have cleansed the axe. - -But for a curse God cleared my sight, - And where each tree doth grow -I see a life with awful eyes, - And I must lay it low. - - - - -ART COLOURS - -On must we go: we search dead leaves, - We chase the sunset's saddest flames, -The nameless hues that o'er and o'er - In lawless wedding lost their names. - -God of the daybreak! Better be - Black savages; and grin to gird -Our limbs in gaudy rags of red, - The laughing-stock of brute and bird; - -And feel again the fierce old feast, - Blue for seven heavens that had sufficed, -A gold like shining hoards, a red - Like roses from the blood of Christ. - - - - -THE TWO WOMEN - -Lo! very fair is she who knows the ways - Of joy: in pleasure's mocking wisdom old, -The eyes that might be cold to flattery, kind; - The hair that might be grey with knowledge, gold. - -But thou art more than these things, O my queen, - For thou art clad in ancient wars and tears. -And looking forth, framed in the crown of thorns, - I saw the youngest face in all the spheres. - - - - -THE WILD KNIGHT - -The wasting thistle whitens on my crest, -The barren grasses blow upon my spear, -A green, pale pennon: blazon of wild faith -And love of fruitless things: yea, of my love, -Among the golden loves of all the knights, -Alone: most hopeless, sweet, and blasphemous, -The love of God: - I hear the crumbling creeds -Like cliffs washed down by water, change, and pass; -I hear a noise of words, age after age, -A new cold wind that blows across the plains, -And all the shrines stand empty; and to me -All these are nothing: priests and schools may doubt -Who never have believed; but I have loved. -Ah friends, I know it passing well, the love -Wherewith I love; it shall not bring to me -Return or hire or any pleasant thing-- -Ay, I have tried it: Ay, I know its roots. -Earthquake and plague have burst on it in vain -And rolled back shattered-- - Babbling neophytes! -Blind, startled fools--think you I know it not? -Think you to teach me? Know I not His ways? -Strange-visaged blunders, mystic cruelties. -All! all! I know Him, for I love Him. Go! - -So, with the wan waste grasses on my spear, -I ride for ever, seeking after God. -My hair grows whiter than my thistle plume, -And all my limbs are loose; but in my eyes -The star of an unconquerable praise: -For in my soul one hope for ever sings, -That at the next white corner of a road -My eyes may look on Him.... - Hush--I shall know -The place when it is found: a twisted path -Under a twisted pear-tree--this I saw -In the first dream I had ere I was born, -Wherein He spoke.... - But the grey clouds come down -In hail upon the icy plains: I ride, -Burning for ever in consuming fire. - - - - -THE WILD KNIGHT - -_A dark manor-house shuttered and unlighted, outlined against a pale -sunset: in front a large, but neglected, garden. To the right, in the -foreground, the porch of a chapel, with coloured windows lighted. Hymns -within._ - -_Above the porch a grotesque carved bracket, supporting a lantern. -Astride of it sits CAPTAIN REDFEATHER, a flagon in his hand_. - -REDFEATHER. - -I have drunk to all I know of, -To every leaf on the tree, -To the highest bird of the heavens, -To the lowest fish of the sea. -What toast, what toast remaineth, -Drunk down in the same good wine, -By the tippler's cup in the tavern, -And the priest's cup at the shrine? - -[_A Priest comes out, stick in hand, and looks right and left._] - -VOICES WITHIN. - -The brawler ... - -PRIEST. - -He has vanished - -REDFEATHER. - -To the stars. - -[_The Priest looks up._] - -PRIEST [_angrily_]. - -What would you there, sir? - -REDFEATHER. - -Give you all a toast. - -[_Lifts his flagon. More priests come out._] - -I see my life behind me: bad enough-- -Drink, duels, madness, beggary, and pride, -The life of the unfit: yet ere I drop -On Nature's rubbish heap, I weigh it all, -And give you all a toast-- - -[_Reels to his feet and stands._] - -The health of God! - -[_They all recoil from him._] - -Let's give the Devil of the Heavens His due! -He that made grass so green, and wine so red, -Is not so black as you have painted him. - -[_Drinks._] - -PRIEST. - -Blaspheming profligate! - -REDFEATHER [_hurls the flagon among them._] - - Howl! ye dumb dogs, -I named your King--let me have one great shout, -Flutter the seraphim like startled birds; -Make God recall the good days of His youth -Ere saints had saddened Him: when He came back -Conqueror of Chaos in a six days' war, -With all the sons of God shouting for joy ... - -PRIEST. - -And you--what is your right, and who are you, -To praise God? - -REDFEATHER. - - A lost soul. In earth or heaven -What has a better right? - -PRIEST. - - Go, pagan, go! -Drink, dice, and dance: take no more thought than blind -Beasts of the field.... - -REDFEATHER. - - Or ... lilies of the field, -To quote a pagan sage. I go my way. - -PRIEST [_solemnly_]. - -And when Death comes.... - -REDFEATHER. - -He shall not find me dead. - -[_Puts on his plumed hat. The priests go out._] - -REDFEATHER. - -These frozen fools.... - -[_The Lady Olive comes out of the chapel. He sees her._] - -Oh, they were right enough. -Where shall I hide my carrion from the sun? - -[_Buries his face. His hat drops to the ground._] - -OLIVE [_looking up._] - -Captain, are you from church? I saw you not. - -REDFEATHER. - -No, I am here. - -[_Lays his hand on a gargoyle._] - - I, too, am a grotesque, -And dance with all the devils on the roof. - -OLIVE [_with a strange smile._] - -For Satan, also, I have often prayed. - -REDFEATHER [_roughly_]. - -Satan may worry women if he will, -For he was but an angel ere he fell, -But I--before I fell--I was a man. - -OLIVE. - -He too, my Master, was a man: too strong -To fear a strong man's sins: 'tis written He -Descended into hell. - -REDFEATHER. - -Write, then, that I - -[_Leaps to the ground before her._] - -Descended into heaven.... - You are ill? - -OLIVE. - -No, well.... - -REDFEATHER. - -You speak the truth--you are the Truth-- -Lady, say once again then, 'I am _well_.' - -OLIVE. - -I--ah! God give me grace--I am nigh dead. - -REDFEATHER [_quietly._] - -Lord Orm? - -OLIVE. - -Yes--yes. - -REDFEATHER. - - Is in your father's house-- -Having the title-deeds--would drive you forth. -Homeless, and with your father sick to death, -Into this winter, save on a condition -Named.... - -OLIVE. - - And unnameable. Even so; Lord Orm-- -Ah! do you know him? - -REDFEATHER. - - Ay, I saw him once. -The sun shone on his face, that smiled and smiled, -A sight not wholesome to the eyes of man. - -OLIVE. - -Captain, I tell you God once fell asleep. -And in that hour the world went as it would; -Dogs brought forth cats, and poison grew in grapes, -And Orm was born.... - -REDFEATHER. - - Why, curse him! can he not -Be kicked or paid? - -OLIVE [_feverishly_]. - - Hush! He is just behind -There in the house--see how the great house glares, -Glares like an ogre's mask--the whole dead house -Possessed with bestial meaning.... - -[_Screams_] - - Ah! the face! -The whole great grinning house--his face! his face! -His face! - -REDFEATHER [_in a voice of thunder, pointing away from the house_]. - -Look there--look there! - -OLIVE. - -What is it? What? - -REDFEATHER. - -I think it was a bird. - -OLIVE. - -What thought you, truly? - -REDFEATHER. - -I think a mighty thought is drawing near. - -[_Enter THE WILD KNIGHT._] - -THE WILD KNIGHT. - -That house.... - -[_Points._] - -OLIVE. - -Ah Christ! [_Shudders._] I had forgotten it. - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_still pointing_]. - -That house! the house at last, the house of God, -Wherein God makes an evening feast for me. -The house at last: I know the twisted path -Under the twisted pear-tree: this I saw -In the first dream I had ere I was born. -It is the house of God. He welcomes me. - -[_Strides forward._] - -REDFEATHER. - -_That_ house. God's blood! - -OLIVE [_hysterically_]. - -Is not this hell's own wit? - -THE WILD KNIGHT. - -God grows impatient, and His wine is poured, -His bread is broken. - -[_Rushes forward._] - -REDFEATHER [_leaps between_]. - - Stand away, great fool, -There is a devil there! - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_draws his sword, and waves it as he rushes_]. - -God's house!--God's house! - -REDFEATHER [_plucks out his own sword_]. - -Better my hand than his. - -[_The blades clash._] - - God alone knows -What That within might do to you, poor fool, -I can but kill you. - -[_They fight. OLIVE tries to part them._] - -REDFEATHER. - -Olive, stand away! - -OLIVE. - -I will not stand away! - -[_Steps between the swords._] - - Stranger, a word, -Yes--you are right--God is within that house. - -REDFEATHER. - -Olive! - -OLIVE. - - But He is all too beautiful -For us who only know of stars and flowers. -The thing within is all too pure and fair, - -[_Shudders._] - -Too awful in its ancient innocence, -For men to look upon it and not die; -Ourselves would fade into those still white fires -Of peace and mercy. - -[_Struggles with her voice._] - -There ... enough ... the law-- -No flesh shall look upon the Lord and live. - -REDFEATHER [_sticking his sword in the ground_]. - -You are the bravest lady in the world. - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_dazed_]. - -May I not go within? - -REDFEATHER. - -Keep you the law-- -No flesh shall look upon the Lord and live. - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_sadly_]. - -Then I will go and lay me in the flowers, -For He may haply, as in ancient time, -Walk in the garden in the cool of day. - -[_He goes out._] - -[OLIVE _reels._ REDFEATHER _catches her._] - -You are the strongest woman upon earth. -The weakest woman than the strongest man -Is stronger in her hour: this is the law. -When the hour passes--then may we be strong. - -OLIVE [_wildly._] - -The House ... the Face. - -REDFEATHER [_fiercely_]. - -I love you. Look at me! - -OLIVE [_turns her face to him._] - -I hear six birds sing in that little tree, -Say, is the old earth laughing at my fears? -I think I love you also.... - -REDFEATHER. - - What I am -You know. But I will never curse a man, -Even in a mirror. - -OLIVE [_smiling at him_]. - -And the Devil's dance? - -REDFEATHER. - -The Devil plotted since the world was young -With alchemies of fire and witches' oils -And magic. But he never made a man. - -OLIVE. - -No; not a man. - -REDFEATHER. - - Not even my Lord Orm. -Look at the house now-- - -[_She starts and looks._] - -Honest brick and tiles. - -OLIVE. - -You have a strange strength in this hour. - -REDFEATHER. - - This hour -I see with mortal eye as in one flash -The whole divine democracy of things, -And dare the stars to scorn a scavenge-heap. -Olive, I tell you every soul is great. -Weave we green crowns--how noble and how high; -Fling we white flowers--how radiant and how pure -Is he, whoe'er he be, who next shall cross -This scrap of grass.... - -[_Enter LORD ORM. _] - -OLIVE [_screams_]. - -Ah! - -REDFEATHER [_pointing to the chapel_]. - - Olive, go and pray -for a man soon to die. Good-day, my Lord. - -[_She goes in._] - -LORD ORM. - -Good-day. - -REDFEATHER. - -I am a friend to Lady Olive. - -LORD ORM. - -Sir, you are fortunate. - -REDFEATHER. - - Most fortunate -In finding, sword on thigh and ready, one -Who is a villain and a gentleman. - -LORD ORM [_picks up the flagon_]. - -Empty, I see. - -REDFEATHER. - - Oh sir, you never drink. -You dread to lose yourself before the stars-- -Do you not dread to sleep? - -LORD ORM [_violently_]. - -What would you here? - -REDFEATHER. - -Receive from you the title-deeds you hold. - -LORD ORM. - -You entertain me. - -REDFEATHER. - -With a bout at foils? - -LORD ORM. - -I will not fight. - -REDFEATHER. - - I know you better, then. -I have seen men grow mangier than the beasts, -Eat bread with blood upon their fingers, grin -While women burned: but one last law they served. -When I say 'Coward,' is the law awake? - -LORD ORM. - -Hear me, then, too: I have seen robbers rule, -And thieves go clad in gold--age after age-- -Because, though sordid, ragged, rude, and mean, -They saw, like gods, no law above their heads. -But when they fell--then for this cause they fell, -This last mean cobweb of the fairy tales -Of good and ill: that they must stand and fight -When a man bade, though they had chose to stand -And fight not. I am stronger than the world. - -[_Folds his arms._] - -REDFEATHER [_lifts his hand_]. - -If in your body be the blood of man, - -[_Strikes him._] - -Now let it rush to the face-- - God! Have you sunk -Lower than anger? - -LORD ORM. - -How I triumph now. - -REDFEATHER [_stamps wildly]_. - -Damned, whimpering dog! vile, snivelling, sick poltroon! -Are you alive? - -LORD ORM. - - Evil, be thou my good; -Let the sun blacken and the moon be blood: -I have said the words. - -REDFEATHER [_studying him_]. - - And if I struck you dead, -You would turn to daisies! - -LORD ORM. - -And you do not strike. - -REDFEATHER [_dreamily_]. - -Indeed, poor soul, such magic would be kind -And full of pity as a fairy-tale: -One touch of this bright wand [_Lifts his sword_] - and down would drop -The dark abortive blunder that is you. -And you would change, forgiven, into flowers. - -LORD ORM. - -And yet--and yet you do not strike me dead. -I do not draw: the sword is in your hand-- -Drive the blade through me where I stand. - -REDFEATHER. - - Lord Orm, -You asked the Lady Olive (I can speak -As to a toad to you, my lord)--you asked -Olive to be your paramour: and she-- - -LORD ORM. - -Refused. - -REDFEATHER. - - And yet her father was at stake, -And she is soft and kind. Now look at me, -Ragged and ruined, soaked in bestial sins: -My lord, I too have my virginity-- -Turn the thing round, my lord, and topside down, -You cannot spell it. Be the fact enough, -I use no sword upon a swordless man. - -LORD ORM. - -For her? - -REDFEATHER. - -I too have my virginity. - -LORD ORM. - -Now look on me: I am the lord of earth, -For I have broken the last bond of man. -I stand erect, crowned with the stars--and why? -Because I stand a coward--because you -Have mercy--on a coward. Do I win? - -REDFEATHER. - -Though there you stand with moving mouth and eyes, -I think, my lord, you are not possible-- -God keep you from my dreams. - -[_Goes out._] - -LORD ORM. - - Alone and free. -Since first in flowery meads a child I ran, -My one long thirst--to be alone and free. -Free of all laws, creeds, codes, and common tests, -Shameless, anarchic, infinite. - Why, then, -I might have done in that dark liberty-- -If I should say 'a good deed,' men would laugh, -But here are none to laugh. - The godless world -Be thanked there is no God to spy on me, -Catch me and crown me with a vulgar crown -For what I do: if I should once believe -The horror of that ancient Eavesdropper -Behind the starry arras of the skies, -I should--well, well, enough of menaces-- -should not do the thing I come to do. -What do I come to do? Let me but try -To spell it to my soul. - Suppose a man -Perfectly free and utterly alone, -Free of all love of law, equally free -Of all the love of mutiny it breeds, -Free of the love of heaven, and also free -Of all the love of hell it drives us to; -Not merely void of rules, unconscious of them; -So strong that naught alive could do him hurt, -So wise that he knew all things, and so great -That none knew what he was or what he did-- -A lawless giant. - -[_A pause: then in a low voice._] - - Would he not be good? -Hate is the weakness of a thwarted thing, -Pride is the weakness of a thing unpraised. -But he, this man.... -He would be like a child -Girt with the tomes of some vast library, -Who reads romance after romance, and smiles -When every tale ends well: impersonal -As God he grows--melted in suns and stars; -So would this boundless man, whom none could spy, -Taunt him with virtue, censure him with vice, -Rejoice in all men's joys; with golden pen -Write all the live romances of the earth -To a triumphant close.... - Alone and free-- -In this grey, cool, clean garden, washed with winds, -What do I come to do among the grass, -The daisies, and the dews? An awful thing, -To prove I am that man. - That while these saints -Taunt me with trembling, dare me to revenge, -I breathe an upper air of ancient good -And strong eternal laughter; send my sun -And rain upon the evil and the just, -Turn my left cheek unto the smiter. He -That told me, sword in hand, that I had fallen -Lower than anger, knew not I had risen -Higher than pride.... - Enough, the deeds are mine. - -[_Takes out the title-deeds._] - -I come to write the end of a romance. -A good romance: the characters--Lord Orm. -Type of the starvéd heart and storéd brain, -Who strives to hate and cannot; fronting him-- -Redfeather, rake in process of reform, -At root a poet: I have hopes of him: -He can love virtue, for he still loves vice. -He is not all burnt out. He beats me there -(How I beat him in owning it!); in love -He is still young, and has the joy of shame. -And for the Lady Olive--who shall speak? -A man may weigh the courage of a man, -But if there be a bottomless abyss -It is a woman's valour: such as I -Can only bow the knee and hide the face -(Thank God there is no God to spy on me -And bring his curséd crowns). - No, there is none: -The old incurable hunger of the world -Surges in wolfish wars, age after age. -There was no God before me: none sees where, -Between the brute-womb and the deaf, dead grave, -Unhoping, unrecorded, unrepaid, -I make with smoke, fire, and burnt-offering -This sacrifice to Chaos. [_Lights the papers._] None behold -Me write in fire the end of the romance. -Burn! I am God, and crown myself with stars. -Upon creation day: before was night -And chaos of a blind and cruel world. -I am the first God; I will trample hell, -Fight, conquer, make the story of the stars, -Like this poor story, end like a romance: - -[_The paper burns._] - -Before was brainless night: but I am God -In this black world I rend. Let there be light! - -[_The paper blazes up, illuminating the garden._] - -I, God ... - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_rushes forward_]. - - God's Light! God's Voice; yes, it is He -Walking in Eden in the cool of the day! - -LORD ORM [_screams_]. - -Tricked! Caught! -Damned screeching rat in a hole! - -[_Stabs him again and again with his sword; stamps on his face._] - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_faintly_]. - -Earth grows too beautiful around me: shapes -And colours fearfully wax fair and clear, -For I have heard, as thro' a door ajar, -Scraps of the huge soliloquy of God -That moveth as a mask the lips of man, -If man be very silent: they were right, -No flesh shall look upon the Lord and live. - -[_Dies._] - -LORD ORM [_staggers back laughing_]. - -Saved, saved, my secret. - -REDFEATHER [_rushing in, sword in hand_]. - - The drawn sword at last! -Guard, son of hell! - -[_They fight. ORM falls. OLIVE comes in._] - - He too can die. Keep back! -Olive, keep back from him! I did not fear -Him living, and he fell before my sword; -But dead I fear him. All is ended now; -A man's whole life tied in a bundle there, -And no good deed. I fear him. Come away. - - - - -GOOD NEWS - -Between a meadow and a cloud that sped - In rain and twilight, in desire and fear. - I heard a secret--hearken in your ear, -'Behold the daisy has a ring of red.' - -That hour, with half of blessing, half of ban, - A great voice went through heaven, and earth and hell, - Crying, 'We are tricked, my great ones, is it well? -Now is the secret stolen by a man.' - -Then waxed I like the wind because of this, - And ran, like gospel and apocalypse, - From door to door, with new anarchic lips, -Crying the very blasphemy of bliss. - -In the last wreck of Nature, dark and dread, - Shall in eclipse's hideous hieroglyph, - One wild form reel on the last rocking cliff, -And shout, 'The daisy has a ring of red.' - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Wild Knight and Other Poems -by Gilbert Chesterton - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WILD KNIGHT AND OTHER POEMS *** - -***** This file should be named 12037-8.txt or 12037-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/0/3/12037/ - -Produced by Robert Shimmin, Christina Morrell and PG Distributed -Proofreaders - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -https://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at https://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit https://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including including checks, online payments and credit card -donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's -eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, -compressed (zipped), HTML and others. - -Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over -the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. -VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving -new filenames and etext numbers. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - https://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - -EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, -are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to -download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular -search system you may utilize the following addresses and just -download by the etext year. - - https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 - - (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, - 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) - -EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are -filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part -of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is -identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single -digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For -example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: - - https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 - -or filename 24689 would be found at: - https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 - -An alternative method of locating eBooks: - https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL - - diff --git a/old/12037-8.zip b/old/12037-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index cec996a..0000000 --- a/old/12037-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/12037-h.zip b/old/12037-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a249786..0000000 --- a/old/12037-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/12037-h/12037-h.htm b/old/12037-h/12037-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index dbd9159..0000000 --- a/old/12037-h/12037-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3828 +0,0 @@ -<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> - -<!DOCTYPE html - PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> - <head> - <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> - <title> - The Wild Knight, by Gilbert Chesterton - </title> - <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> - body { margin:20%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} - P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } - H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } - hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} - .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} - blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} - .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} - .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} - .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} - .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} - .x-small {font-size: 75%;} - .small {font-size: 85%;} - .large {font-size: 115%;} - .x-large {font-size: 130%;} - .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} - .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} - .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} - .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} - .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} - .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} - .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} - .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} - div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } - div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } - .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} - .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} - .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; - font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; - text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; - border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} - .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; - border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; - text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; - font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} - .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; - border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; - text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; - font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} - p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} - span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } - pre { font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: italic; font-size: 120%; margin-left: 10%;} -</style> - </head> - <body> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> -Project Gutenberg's The Wild Knight and Other Poems, by Gilbert Chesterton - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Wild Knight and Other Poems - -Author: Gilbert Chesterton - -Release Date: April 15, 2004 [EBook #12037] -Last Updated: September 7, 2018 - - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WILD KNIGHT AND OTHER POEMS *** - - - - -Etext produced by Robert Shimmin, Christina Morrell and PG Distributed -Proofreaders - -HTML file produced by David Widger - - - -</pre> - <div style="height: 8em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h1> - THE WILD KNIGHT - </h1> - <h3> - <i>AND OTHER POEMS</i> - </h3> - <h2> - By Gilbert Chesterton - </h2> - <h3> - 1900 - </h3> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - NOTE - </h2> - <p> - My thanks are due to the Editors of the <i>Outlook</i> and the <i>Speaker</i> - for the kind permission they have given me to reprint a considerable - number of the following poems. They have been selected and arranged rather - with a view to unity of spirit than to unity of time or value; many of - them being juvenile. - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <b>CONTENTS</b> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> BY THE BABE UNBORN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> THE WORLD'S LOVER </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> THE SKELETON </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> A CHORD OF COLOUR </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> THE HAPPY MAN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> THE UNPARDONABLE SIN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> A NOVELTY </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> ULTIMATE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> THE DONKEY </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> THE BEATIFIC VISION </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> THE HOPE OF THE STREETS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> ECCLESIASTES </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> THE SONG OF THE CHILDREN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> THE FISH </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> GOLD LEAVES </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> THOU SHALT NOT KILL </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> A CERTAIN EVENING </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> A MAN AND HIS IMAGE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> THE MARINER </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> THE TRIUMPH OF MAN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> CYCLOPEAN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> JOSEPH </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> MODERN ELFLAND </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> ETERNITIES </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> A CHRISTMAS CAROL </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> ALONE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> KING'S CROSS STATION </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> THE HUMAN TREE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> TO THEM THAT MOURN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> THE OUTLAW </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> BEHIND </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> THE END OF FEAR </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> THE HOLY OF HOLIES </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> THE MIRROR OF MADMEN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> E.C.B. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> THE DESECRATERS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> AN ALLIANCE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> THE ANCIENT OF DAYS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> THE LAST MASQUERADE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> THE EARTH'S SHAME </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> VANITY </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> THE LAMP POST </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> THE PESSIMIST </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> A FAIRY TALE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> A PORTRAIT </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> FEMINA CONTRA MUNDUM </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> TO A CERTAIN NATION </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0049"> THE PRAISE OF DUST </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0050"> THE BALLAD OF THE BATTLE OF GIBEON </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> THE BALLAD OF GOD-MAKERS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0052"> AT NIGHT </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0053"> THE WOOD-CUTTER </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0054"> ART COLOURS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0055"> THE TWO WOMEN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0056"> THE WILD KNIGHT </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> THE WILD KNIGHT </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> GOOD NEWS </a> - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - <i>Another tattered rhymster in the ring, - With but the old plea to the sneering schools, - That on him too, some secret night in spring - Came the old frenzy of a hundred fools - - To make some thing: the old want dark and deep, - The thirst of men, the hunger of the stars, - Since first it tinged even the Eternal's sleep, - With monstrous dreams of trees and towns and mars. - - When all He made for the first time He saw, - Scattering stars as misers shake their pelf. - Then in the last strange wrath broke His own law, - And made a graven image of Himself.</i> -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - BY THE BABE UNBORN - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - If trees were tall and grasses short, - As in some crazy tale, - If here and there a sea were blue - Beyond the breaking pale, - - If a fixed fire hung in the air - To warm me one day through, - If deep green hair grew on great hills, - I know what I should do. - - In dark I lie: dreaming that there - Are great eyes cold or kind, - And twisted streets and silent doors, - And living men behind. - - Let storm-clouds come: better an hour, - And leave to weep and fight, - Than all the ages I have ruled - The empires of the night. - - I think that if they gave me leave - Within that world to stand, - I would be good through all the day - I spent in fairyland. - - They should not hear a word from me - Of selfishness or scorn, - If only I could find the door, - If only I were born. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE WORLD'S LOVER - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - My eyes are full of lonely mirth: - Reeling with want and worn with scars, - For pride of every stone on earth, - I shake my spear at all the stars. - - A live bat beats my crest above, - Lean foxes nose where I have trod, - And on my naked face the love - Which is the loneliness of God. - - Outlawed: since that great day gone by— - When before prince and pope and queen - I stood and spoke a blasphemy— - 'Behold the summer leaves are green.' - - They cursed me: what was that to me - Who in that summer darkness furled, - With but an owl and snail to see, - Had blessed and conquered all the world? - - They bound me to the scourging-stake, - They laid their whips of thorn on me; - I wept to see the green rods break, - Though blood be beautiful to see. - - Beneath the gallows' foot abhorred - The crowds cry 'Crucify!' and 'Kill!' - Higher the priests sing, 'Praise the Lord, - The warlock dies'; and higher still - - Shall heaven and earth hear one cry sent - Even from the hideous gibbet height, - 'Praise to the Lord Omnipotent, - The vultures have a feast to-night.' -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE SKELETON - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Chattering finch and water-fly - Are not merrier than I; - Here among the flowers I lie - Laughing everlastingly. - No: I may not tell the best; - Surely, friends, I might have guessed - Death was but the good King's jest, - It was hid so carefully. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A CHORD OF COLOUR - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - My Lady clad herself in grey, - That caught and clung about her throat; - Then all the long grey winter day - On me a living splendour smote; - And why grey palmers holy are, - And why grey minsters great in story, - And grey skies ring the morning star, - And grey hairs are a crown of glory. - - My Lady clad herself in green, - Like meadows where the wind-waves pass; - Then round my spirit spread, I ween, - A splendour of forgotten grass. - Then all that dropped of stem or sod, - Hoarded as emeralds might be, - I bowed to every bush, and trod - Amid the live grass fearfully. - - My Lady clad herself in blue, - Then on me, like the seer long gone, - The likeness of a sapphire grew, - The throne of him that sat thereon. - Then knew I why the Fashioner - Splashed reckless blue on sky and sea; - And ere 'twas good enough for her, - He tried it on Eternity. - - Beneath the gnarled old Knowledge-tree - Sat, like an owl, the evil sage: - 'The World's a bubble,' solemnly - He read, and turned a second page. - 'A bubble, then, old crow,' I cried, - 'God keep you in your weary wit! - 'A bubble—have you ever spied - 'The colours I have seen on it?' -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE HAPPY MAN - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - To teach the grey earth like a child, - To bid the heavens repent, - I only ask from Fate the gift - Of one man well content. - - Him will I find: though when in vain - I search the feast and mart, - The fading flowers of liberty, - The painted masks of art. - - I only find him at the last, - On one old hill where nod - Golgotha's ghastly trinity— - Three persons and one god. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE UNPARDONABLE SIN - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - I do not cry, beloved, neither curse. - Silence and strength, these two at least are good. - He gave me sun and stars and ought He could, - But not a woman's love; for that is hers. - - He sealed her heart from sage and questioner— - Yea, with seven seals, as he has sealed the grave. - And if she give it to a drunken slave, - The Day of Judgment shall not challenge her. - - Only this much: if one, deserving well, - Touching your thin young hands and making suit, - Feel not himself a crawling thing, a brute, - Buried and bricked in a forgotten hell; - - Prophet and poet be he over sod, - Prince among angels in the highest place, - God help me, I will smite him on the face, - Before the glory of the face of God. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A NOVELTY - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Why should I care for the Ages - Because they are old and grey? - To me, like sudden laughter, - The stars are fresh and gay; - The world is a daring fancy, - And finished yesterday. - - Why should I bow to the Ages - Because they were drear and dry? - Slow trees and ripening meadows - For me go roaring by, - A living charge, a struggle - To escalade the sky. - - The eternal suns and systems, - Solid and silent all, - To me are stars of an instant, - Only the fires that fall - From God's good rocket, rising - On this night of carnival. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - ULTIMATE - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - The vision of a haloed host - That weep around an empty throne; - And, aureoles dark and angels dead, - Man with his own life stands alone. - - 'I am,' he says his bankrupt creed: - 'I am,' and is again a clod: - The sparrow starts, the grasses stir, - For he has said the name of God. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE DONKEY - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - When fishes flew and forests walked - And figs grew upon thorn, - Some moment when the moon was blood - Then surely I was born; - - With monstrous head and sickening cry - And ears like errant wings, - The devil's walking parody - On all four-footed things. - - The tattered outlaw of the earth, - Of ancient crooked will; - Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb, - I keep my secret still. - - Fools! For I also had my hour; - One far fierce hour and sweet: - There was a shout about my ears, - And palms before my feet. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE BEATIFIC VISION - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Through what fierce incarnations, furled - In fire and darkness, did I go, - Ere I was worthy in the world - To see a dandelion grow? - - Well, if in any woes or wars - I bought my naked right to be, - Grew worthy of the grass, nor gave - The wren, my brother, shame for me. - - But what shall God not ask of him - In the last time when all is told, - Who saw her stand beside the hearth, - The firelight garbing her in gold? -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE HOPE OF THE STREETS - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - The still sweet meadows shimmered: and I stood - And cursed them, bloom of hedge and bird of tree, - And bright and high beyond the hunch-backed wood - The thunder and the splendour of the sea. - - Give back the Babylon where I was born, - The lips that gape give back, the hands that grope, - And noise and blood and suffocating scorn - An eddy of fierce faces—and a hope - - That 'mid those myriad heads one head find place, - With brown hair curled like breakers of the sea, - And two eyes set so strangely in the face - That all things else are nothing suddenly. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - ECCLESIASTES - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - There is one sin: to call a green leaf grey, - Whereat the sun in heaven shuddereth. - There is one blasphemy: for death to pray, - For God alone knoweth the praise of death. - - There is one creed: 'neath no world-terror's wing - Apples forget to grow on apple-trees. - There is one thing is needful—everything— - The rest is vanity of vanities. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE SONG OF THE CHILDREN - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - The World is ours till sunset, - Holly and fire and snow; - And the name of our dead brother - Who loved us long ago. - - The grown folk mighty and cunning, - They write his name in gold; - But we can tell a little - Of the million tales he told. - - He taught them laws and watchwords, - To preach and struggle and pray; - But he taught us deep in the hayfield - The games that the angels play. - - Had he stayed here for ever, - Their world would be wise as ours— - And the king be cutting capers, - And the priest be picking flowers. - - But the dark day came: they gathered: - On their faces we could see - They had taken and slain our brother, - And hanged him on a tree. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE FISH - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Dark the sea was: but I saw him, - One great head with goggle eyes, - Like a diabolic cherub - Flying in those fallen skies. - - I have heard the hoarse deniers, - I have known the wordy wars; - I have seen a man, by shouting, - Seek to orphan all the stars. - - I have seen a fool half-fashioned - Borrow from the heavens a tongue, - So to curse them more at leisure— - —And I trod him not as dung. - - For I saw that finny goblin - Hidden in the abyss untrod; - And I knew there can be laughter - On the secret face of God. - - Blow the trumpets, crown the sages, - Bring the age by reason fed! - (He that sitteth in the heavens, - 'He shall laugh'—the prophet said.) -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - GOLD LEAVES - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Lo! I am come to autumn, - When all the leaves are gold; - Grey hairs and golden leaves cry out - The year and I are old. - - In youth I sought the prince of men, - Captain in cosmic wars, - Our Titan, even the weeds would show - Defiant, to the stars. - - But now a great thing in the street - Seems any human nod, - Where shift in strange democracy - The million masks of God. - - In youth I sought the golden flower - Hidden in wood or wold, - But I am come to autumn, - When all the leaves are gold. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THOU SHALT NOT KILL - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - I had grown weary of him; of his breath - And hands and features I was sick to death. - Each day I heard the same dull voice and tread; - I did not hate him: but I wished him dead. - And he must with his blank face fill my life— - Then my brain blackened; and I snatched a knife. - - But ere I struck, my soul's grey deserts through - A voice cried, 'Know at least what thing you do.' - 'This is a common man: knowest thou, O soul, - What this thing is? somewhere where seasons roll - There is some living thing for whom this man - Is as seven heavens girt into a span, - For some one soul you take the world away— - Now know you well your deed and purpose. Slay!' - - Then I cast down the knife upon the ground - And saw that mean man for one moment crowned. - I turned and laughed: for there was no one by— - The man that I had sought to slay was I. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A CERTAIN EVENING - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - That night the whole world mingled, - The souls were babes at play, - And angel danced with devil. - And God cried, 'Holiday!' - - The sea had climbed the mountain peaks, - And shouted to the stars - To come to play: and down they came - Splashing in happy wars. - - The pine grew apples for a whim, - The cart-horse built a nest; - The oxen flew, the flowers sang, - The sun rose in the west. - - And 'neath the load of many worlds, - The lowest life God made - Lifted his huge and heavy limbs - And into heaven strayed. - - To where the highest life God made - Before His presence stands; - But God himself cried, 'Holiday!' - And she gave me both her hands. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A MAN AND HIS IMAGE - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - All day the nations climb and crawl and pray - In one long pilgrimage to one white shrine, - Where sleeps a saint whose pardon, like his peace, - Is wide as death, as common, as divine. - - His statue in an aureole fills the shrine, - The reckless nightingale, the roaming fawn, - Share the broad blessing of his lifted hands, - Under the canopy, above the lawn. - - But one strange night, a night of gale and flood, - A sound came louder than the wild wind's tone; - The grave-gates shook and opened: and one stood - Blue in the moonlight, rotten to the bone. - - Then on the statue, graven with holy smiles, - There came another smile—tremendous—one - Of an Egyptian god. 'Why should you rise? - 'Do I not guard your secret from the sun? - - The nations come; they kneel among the flowers - Sprung from your blood, blossoms of May and June, - Which do not poison them—is it not strange? - Speak!' And the dead man shuddered in the moon. - - Shall I not cry the truth?'—the dead man cowered— - Is it not sad, with life so tame and cold, - What earth should fade into the sun's white fires - With the best jest in all its tales untold? - - 'If I should cry that in this shrine lie hid - Stories that Satan from his mouth would spew; - Wild tales that men in hell tell hoarsely—speak! - Saint and Deliverer! Should I slander you?' - - Slowly the cowering corse reared up its head, - 'Nay, I am vile ... but when for all to see, - You stand there, pure and painless—death of life! - Let the stars fall—I say you slander me! - - 'You make me perfect, public, colourless; - You make my virtues sit at ease—you lie! - For mine were never easy—lost or saved, - I had a soul—I was. And where am I? - - Where is my good? the little real hoard, - The secret tears, the sudden chivalries; - The tragic love, the futile triumph—where? - Thief, dog, and son of devils—where are these? - - I will lift up my head: in leprous loves - Lost, and the soul's dishonourable scars— - By God I was a better man than This - That stands and slanders me to all the stars. - - 'Come down!' And with an awful cry, the corse - Sprang on the sacred tomb of many tales, - And stone and bone, locked in a loathsome strife, - Swayed to the singing of the nightingales. - - Then one was thrown: and where the statue stood - Under the canopy, above the lawn, - The corse stood; grey and lean, with lifted hands - Raised in tremendous welcome to the dawn. - - 'Now let all nations climb and crawl and pray; - Though I be basest of my old red clan, - They shall not scale, with cries or sacrifice, - The stature of the spirit of a man.' -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE MARINER - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - The violet scent is sacred - Like dreams of angels bright; - The hawthorn smells of passion - Told in a moonless night. - - But the smell is in my nostrils, - Through blossoms red or gold, - Of my own green flower unfading, - A bitter smell and bold. - - The lily smells of pardon, - The rose of mirth; but mine - Smells shrewd of death and honour, - And the doom of Adam's line. - - The heavy scent of wine-shops - Floats as I pass them by, - But never a cup I quaff from, - And never a house have I. - - Till dropped down forty fathoms, - I lie eternally; - And drink from God's own goblet - The green wine of the sea. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE TRIUMPH OF MAN - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - I plod and peer amid mean sounds and shapes, - I hunt for dusty gain and dreary praise, - And slowly pass the dismal grinning days, - Monkeying each other like a line of apes. - - What care? There was one hour amid all these - When I had stripped off like a tawdry glove - My starriest hopes and wants, for very love - Of time and desolate eternities. - - Yea, for one great hour's triumph, not in me - Nor any hope of mine did I rejoice, - But in a meadow game of girls and boys - Some sunset in the centuries to be. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CYCLOPEAN - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - A mountainous and mystic brute - No rein can curb, no arrow shoot, - Upon whose domed deformed back - I sweep the planets scorching track. - - Old is the elf, and wise, men say, - His hair grows green as ours grows grey; - He mocks the stars with myriad hands. - High as that swinging forest stands. - - But though in pigmy wanderings dull - I scour the deserts of his skull, - I never find the face, eyes, teeth. - Lowering or laughing underneath. - - I met my foe in an empty dell, - His face in the sun was naked hell. - I thought, 'One silent, bloody blow. - No priest would curse, no crowd would know.' - - Then cowered: a daisy, half concealed, - Watched for the fame of that poor field; - And in that flower and suddenly - Earth opened its one eye on me. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - JOSEPH - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - If the stars fell; night's nameless dreams - Of bliss and blasphemy came true, - If skies were green and snow were gold, - And you loved me as I love you; - - O long light hands and curled brown hair, - And eyes where sits a naked soul; - Dare I even then draw near and burn - My fingers in the aureole? - - Yes, in the one wise foolish hour - God gives this strange strength to a man. - He can demand, though not deserve, - Where ask he cannot, seize he can. - - But once the blood's wild wedding o'er, - Were not dread his, half dark desire, - To see the Christ-child in the cot, - The Virgin Mary by the fire? -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - MODERN ELFLAND - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - I Cut a staff in a churchyard copse, - I clad myself in ragged things, - I set a feather in my cap - That fell out of an angel's wings. - - I filled my wallet with white stones, - I took three foxgloves in my hand, - I slung my shoes across my back, - And so I went to fairyland. - - But Lo, within that ancient place - Science had reared her iron crown, - And the great cloud of steam went up - That telleth where she takes a town. - - But cowled with smoke and starred with lamps - That strange land's light was still its own; - The word that witched the woods and hills - Spoke in the iron and the stone. - - Not Nature's hand had ever curved - That mute unearthly porter's spine. - Like sleeping dragon's sudden eyes - The signals leered along the line. - - The chimneys thronging crooked or straight - Were fingers signalling the sky; - The dog that strayed across the street - Seemed four-legged by monstrosity. - - 'In vain,' I cried, 'though you too touch - The new time's desecrating hand, - Through all the noises of a town - I hear the heart of fairyland.' - - I read the name above a door, - Then through my spirit pealed and passed: - 'This is the town of thine own home, - And thou hast looked on it at last.' -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - ETERNITIES - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - I cannot count the pebbles in the brook. - Well hath He spoken: 'Swear not by thy head, - Thou knowest not the hairs,' though He, we read, - Writes that wild number in his own strange book. - - I cannot count the sands or search the seas, - Death cometh, and I leave so much untrod. - Grant my immortal aureole, O my God, - And I will name the leaves upon the trees. - - In heaven I shall stand on gold and glass, - Still brooding earth's arithmetic to spell; - Or see the fading of the fires of hell - Ere I have thanked my God for all the grass. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A CHRISTMAS CAROL - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap, - His hair was like a light. - (O weary, weary were the world, - But here is all aright.) - - The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast, - His hair was like a star. - (O stern and cunning are the kings, - But here the true hearts are.) - - The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart, - His hair was like a fire. - (O weary, weary is the world, - But here the world's desire.) - - The Christ-child stood at Mary's knee, - His hair was like a crown, - And all the flowers looked up at him. - And all the stars looked down. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - ALONE - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Blessings there are of cradle and of clan, - Blessings that fall of priests' and princes' hands; - But never blessing full of lives and lands, - Broad as the blessing of a lonely man. - - Though that old king fell from his primal throne, - And ate among the cattle, yet this pride - Had found him in the deepest grass, and cried - An 'Ecce Homo' with the trumpets blown. - - And no mad tyrant, with almighty ban, - Who in strong madness dreams himself divine, - But hears through fumes of flattery and of wine - The thunder of this blessing name him man. - - Let all earth rot past saints' and seraphs' plea, - Yet shall a Voice cry through its last lost war, - 'This is the world, this red wreck of a star, - That a man blessed beneath an alder-tree.' -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - KING'S CROSS STATION - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - This circled cosmos whereof man is god - Has suns and stars of green and gold and red, - And cloudlands of great smoke, that range o'er range - Far floating, hide its iron heavens o'erhead. - - God! shall we ever honour what we are, - And see one moment ere the age expire, - The vision of man shouting and erect, - Whirled by the shrieking steeds of flood and fire? - - Or must Fate act the same grey farce again, - And wait, till one, amid Time's wrecks and scars, - Speaks to a ruin here, 'What poet-race - Shot such cyclopean arches at the stars?' -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE HUMAN TREE - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Many have Earth's lovers been, - Tried in seas and wars, I ween; - Yet the mightiest have I seen: - Yea, the best saw I. - One that in a field alone - Stood up stiller than a stone - Lest a moth should fly. - - Birds had nested in his hair, - On his shoon were mosses rare. - Insect empires flourished there, - Worms in ancient wars; - But his eyes burn like a glass, - Hearing a great sea of grass - Roar towards the stars. - - From, them to the human tree - Rose a cry continually, - 'Thou art still, our Father, we - Fain would have thee nod. - Make the skies as blood below thee, - Though thou slay us, we shall know thee. - Answer us, O God! - - 'Show thine ancient flame and thunder, - Split the stillness once asunder, - Lest we whisper, lest we wonder - Art thou there at all?' - But I saw him there alone, - Standing stiller than a stone - Lest a moth should fall. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - TO THEM THAT MOURN - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - (W.E.G., May 1898) - - Lift up your heads: in life, in death, - God knoweth his head was high. - Quit we the coward's broken breath - Who watched a strong man die. - - If we must say, 'No more his peer - Cometh; the flag is furled.' - Stand not too near him, lest he hear - That slander on the world. - - The good green earth he loved and trod - Is still, with many a scar, - Writ in the chronicles of God, - A giant-bearing star. - - He fell: but Britain's banner swings - Above his sunken crown. - Black death shall have his toll of kings - Before that cross goes down. - - Once more shall move with mighty things - His house of ancient tale, - Where kings whose hands were kissed of kings - Went in: and came out pale. - - O young ones of a darker day, - In art's wan colours clad, - Whose very love and hate are grey— - Whose very sin is sad. - - Pass on: one agony long-drawn - Was merrier than your mirth, - When hand-in-hand came death and dawn, - And spring was on the earth. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE OUTLAW - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Priest, is any song-bird stricken? - Is one leaf less on the tree? - Is this wine less red and royal - That the hangman waits for me? - - He upon your cross that hangeth, - It is writ of priestly pen, - On the night they built his gibbet, - Drank red wine among his men. - - Quaff, like a brave man, as he did, - Wine and death as heaven pours— - This is my fate: O ye rulers, - O ye pontiffs, what is yours? - - To wait trembling, lest yon loathly - Gallows-shape whereon I die, - In strange temples yet unbuilded, - Blaze upon an altar high. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - BEHIND - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - I saw an old man like a child, - His blue eyes bright, his white hair wild, - Who turned for ever, and might not stop, - Round and round like an urchin's top. - - 'Fool,' I cried, 'while you spin round, - 'Others grow wise, are praised, are crowned.' - Ever the same round road he trod, - 'This is better: I seek for God.' - - 'We see the whole world, left and right, - Yet at the blind back hides from sight - The unseen Master that drives us forth - To East and West, to South and North. - - 'Over my shoulder for eighty years - I have looked for the gleam of the sphere of spheres.' - 'In all your turning, what have you found?' - 'At least, I know why the world goes round.' -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE END OF FEAR - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Though the whole heaven be one-eyed with the moon, - Though the dead landscape seem a thing possessed, - Yet I go singing through that land oppressed - As one that singeth through the flowers of June. - - No more, with forest-fingers crawling free - O'er dark flint wall that seems a wall of eyes, - Shall evil break my soul with mysteries - Of some world-poison maddening bush and tree. - - No more shall leering ghosts of pimp and king - With bloody secrets veiled before me stand. - Last night I held all evil in my hand - Closed: and behold it was a little thing. - - I broke the infernal gates and looked on him - Who fronts the strong creation with a curse; - Even the god of a lost universe, - Smiling above his hideous cherubim. - - And pierced far down in his soul's crypt unriven - The last black crooked sympathy and shame, - And hailed him with that ringing rainbow name - Erased upon the oldest book in heaven. - - Like emptied idiot masks, sin's loves and wars - Stare at me now: for in the night I broke - The bubble of a great world's jest, and woke - Laughing with laughter such as shakes the stars. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE HOLY OF HOLIES - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - 'Elder father, though thine eyes - Shine with hoary mysteries, - Canst thou tell what in the heart - Of a cowslip blossom lies? - - 'Smaller than all lives that be, - Secret as the deepest sea, - Stands a little house of seeds, - Like an elfin's granary, - - 'Speller of the stones and weeds, - Skilled in Nature's crafts and creeds, - Tell me what is in the heart - Of the smallest of the seeds.' - - 'God Almighty, and with Him - Cherubim and Seraphim, - Filling all eternity— - Adonai Elohim.' -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE MIRROR OF MADMEN - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - I dreamed a dream of heaven, white as frost, - The splendid stillness of a living host; - Vast choirs of upturned faces, line o'er line. - Then my blood froze; for every face was mine. - - Spirits with sunset plumage throng and pass, - Glassed darkly in the sea of gold and glass. - But still on every side, in every spot, - I saw a million selves, who saw me not. - - I fled to quiet wastes, where on a stone, - Perchance, I found a saint, who sat alone; - I came behind: he turned with slow, sweet grace, - And faced me with my happy, hateful face. - - I cowered like one that in a tower doth bide, - Shut in by mirrors upon every side; - Then I saw, islanded in skies alone - And silent, one that sat upon a throne. - - His robe was bordered with rich rose and gold, - Green, purple, silver out of sunsets old; - But o'er his face a great cloud edged with fire, - Because it covereth the world's desire. - - But as I gazed, a silent worshipper, - Methought the cloud began to faintly stir; - Then I fell flat, and screamed with grovelling head, - 'If thou hast any lightning, strike me dead! - - 'But spare a brow where the clean sunlight fell, - The crown of a new sin that sickens hell. - Let me not look aloft and see mine own - Feature and form upon the Judgment-throne.' - - Then my dream snapped: and with a heart that leapt - I saw across the tavern where I slept, - The sight of all my life most full of grace, - A gin-damned drunkard's wan half-witted face. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - E.C.B. - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Before the grass grew over me, - I knew one good man through and through, - And knew a soul and body joined - Are stronger than the heavens are blue. - - A wisdom worthy of thy joy, - O great heart, read I as I ran; - Now, though men smite me on the face, - I cannot curse the face of man. - - I loved the man I saw yestreen - Hanged with his babe's blood on his palms. - I loved the man I saw to-day - Who knocked not when he came with alms. - - Hush!—for thy sake I even faced - The knowledge that is worse than hell; - And loved the man I saw but now - Hanging head downwards in the well. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE DESECRATERS - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Witness all: that unrepenting, - Feathers flying, music high, - I go down to death unshaken - By your mean philosophy. - - For your wages, take my body, - That at least to you I leave; - Set the sulky plumes upon it, - Bid the grinning mummers grieve. - - Stand in silence: steep your raiment - In the night that hath no star; - Don the mortal dress of devils, - Blacker than their spirits are. - - Since ye may not, of your mercy, - Ere I lie on such a hearse, - Hurl me to the living jackals - God hath built for sepulchres. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - AN ALLIANCE - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - This is the weird of a world-old folk, - That not till the last link breaks, - Not till the night is blackest, - The blood of Hengist wakes. - When the sun is black in heaven, - The moon as blood above, - And the earth is full of hatred, - This people tells its love. - - In change, eclipse, and peril, - Under the whole world's scorn, - By blood and death and darkness - The Saxon peace is sworn; - That all our fruit be gathered, - And all our race take hands, - And the sea be a Saxon river - That runs through Saxon lands. - - Lo! not in vain we bore him; - Behold it! not in vain, - Four centuries' dooms of torture - Choked in the throat of Spain, - Ere priest or tyrant triumph— - We know how well—we know— - Bone of that bone can whiten, - Blood of that blood can flow. - - Deep grows the hate of kindred, - Its roots take hold on hell; - No peace or praise can heal it, - But a stranger heals it well. - Seas shall be red as sunsets, - And kings' bones float as foam, - And heaven be dark with vultures, - The night our son comes home. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE ANCIENT OF DAYS - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - A child sits in a sunny place, - Too happy for a smile, - And plays through one long holiday - With balls to roll and pile; - A painted wind-mill by his side - Runs like a merry tune, - But the sails are the four great winds of heaven, - And the balls are the sun and moon. - - A staring doll's-house shows to him - Green floors and starry rafter, - And many-coloured graven dolls - Live for his lonely laughter. - The dolls have crowns and aureoles, - Helmets and horns and wings. - For they are the saints and seraphim, - The prophets and the kings. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE LAST MASQUERADE - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - A wan new garment of young green - Touched, as you turned your soft brown hair - And in me surged the strangest prayer - Ever in lover's heart hath been. - - That I who saw your youth's bright page, - A rainbow change from robe to robe, - Might see you on this earthly globe, - Crowned with the silver crown of age. - - Your dear hair powdered in strange guise, - Your dear face touched with colours pale: - And gazing through the mask and veil - The mirth of your immortal eyes. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE EARTH'S SHAME - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Name not his deed: in shuddering and in haste - We dragged him darkly o'er the windy fell: - That night there was a gibbet in the waste, - And a new sin in hell. - - Be his deed hid from commonwealths and kings, - By all men born be one true tale forgot; - But three things, braver than all earthly things, - Faced him and feared him not. - - Above his head and sunken secret face - Nested the sparrow's young and dropped not dead. - From the red blood and slime of that lost place - Grew daisies white, not red. - - And from high heaven looking upon him, - Slowly upon the face of God did come - A smile the cherubim and seraphim - Hid all their faces from. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - VANITY - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - A wan sky greener than the lawn, - A wan lawn paler than the sky. - She gave a flower into my hand, - And all the hours of eve went by. - - Who knows what round the corner waits - To smite? If shipwreck, snare, or slur - Shall leave me with a head to lift, - Worthy of him that spoke with her. - - A wan sky greener than the lawn, - A wan lawn paler than the sky. - She gave a flower into my hand, - And all the days of life went by. - - Live ill or well, this thing is mine, - From all I guard it, ill or well. - One tawdry, tattered, faded flower - To show the jealous kings in hell. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE LAMP POST - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Laugh your best, O blazoned forests, - Me ye shall not shift or shame - With your beauty: here among you - Man hath set his spear of flame. - - Lamp to lamp we send the signal, - For our lord goes forth to war; - Since a voice, ere stars were builded, - Bade him colonise a star. - - Laugh ye, cruel as the morning, - Deck your heads with fruit and flower, - Though our souls be sick with pity, - Yet our hands are hard with power. - - We have read your evil stories, - We have heard the tiny yell - Through the voiceless conflagration - Of your green and shining hell. - - And when men, with fires and shouting, - Break your old tyrannic pales; - And where ruled a single spider - Laugh and weep a million tales. - - This shall be your best of boasting: - That some poet, poor of spine. - Full and sated with our wisdom, - Full and fiery with our wine, - - Shall steal out and make a treaty - With the grasses and the showers, - Rail against the grey town-mother, - Fawn upon the scornful flowers; - - Rest his head among the roses, - Where a quiet song-bird sounds, - And no sword made sharp for traitors, - Hack him into meat for hounds. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE PESSIMIST - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - You that have snarled through the ages, take your answer and go— - I know your hoary question, the riddle that all men know. - You have weighed the stars in a balance, and grasped the skies in a span: - Take, if you must have answer, the word of a common man. - - Deep in my life lies buried one love unhealed, unshriven, - One hunger still shall haunt me—yea, in the streets of heaven; - This is the burden, babbler, this is the curse shall cling, - This is the thing I bring you; this is the pleasant thing. - - 'Gainst you and all your sages, no joy of mine shall strive, - This one dead self shall shatter the men you call alive. - My grief I send to smite you, no pleasure, no belief, - Lord of the battered grievance, what do you know of grief? - - I only know the praises to heaven that one man gave, - That he came on earth for an instant, to stand beside a grave, - The peace of a field of battle, where flowers are born of blood. - I only know one evil that makes the whole world good. - - Beneath this single sorrow the globe of moon and sphere - Turns to a single jewel, so bright and brittle and dear - That I dread lest God should drop it, to be dashed into stars below. - - You that have snarled through the ages, take your answer and go. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A FAIRY TALE - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - All things grew upwards, foul and fair: - The great trees fought and beat the air - With monstrous wings that would have flown; - But the old earth clung to her own, - Holding them back from heavenly wars, - Though every flower sprang at the stars. - - But he broke free: while all things ceased, - Some hour increasing, he increased. - The town beneath him seemed a map, - Above the church he cocked his cap, - Above the cross his feather flew - Above the birds and still he grew. - - The trees turned grass; the clouds were riven; - His feet were mountains lost in heaven; - Through strange new skies he rose alone, - The earth fell from him like a stone, - And his own limbs beneath him far - Seemed tapering down to touch a star. - - He reared his head, shaggy and grim, - Staring among the cherubim; - The seven celestial floors he rent, - One crystal dome still o'er him bent: - Above his head, more clear than hope, - All heaven was a microscope. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0046" id="link2H_4_0046"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A PORTRAIT - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Fair faces crowd on Christmas night - Like seven suns a-row, - But all beyond is the wolfish wind - And the crafty feet of the snow. - - But through the rout one figure goes - With quick and quiet tread; - Her robe is plain, her form is frail— - Wait if she turn her head. - - I say no word of line or hue, - But if that face you see, - Your soul shall know the smile of faith's - Awful frivolity. - - Know that in this grotesque old masque - Too loud we cannot sing, - Or dance too wild, or speak too wide - To praise a hidden thing. - - That though the jest be old as night, - Still shaketh sun and sphere - An everlasting laughter - Too loud for us to hear. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0047" id="link2H_4_0047"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - FEMINA CONTRA MUNDUM - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - The sun was black with judgment, and the moon - Blood: but between - I saw a man stand, saying, 'To me at least - The grass is green. - - 'There was no star that I forgot to fear - With love and wonder. - The birds have loved me'; but no answer came— - Only the thunder. - - Once more the man stood, saying, 'A cottage door, - Wherethrough I gazed - That instant as I turned—yea, I am vile; - Yet my eyes blazed. - - 'For I had weighed the mountains in a balance, - And the skies in a scale, - I come to sell the stars—old lamps for new— - Old stars for sale.' - - Then a calm voice fell all the thunder through, - A tone less rough: - 'Thou hast begun to love one of my works - Almost enough.' -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - TO A CERTAIN NATION - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - We will not let thee be, for thou art ours. - We thank thee still, though thou forget these things, - For that hour's sake when thou didst wake all powers - With a great cry that God was sick of kings. - - Leave thee there grovelling at their rusted greaves, - These hulking cowards on a painted stage, - Who, with imperial pomp and laurel leaves, - Show their Marengo—one man in a cage. - - These, for whom stands no type or title given - In all the squalid tales of gore and pelf; - Though cowed by crashing thunders from all heaven. - Cain never said, 'My brother slew himself.' - - Tear you the truth out of your drivelling spy, - The maniac whom you set to swing death's scythe. - Nay; torture not the torturer—let him lie: - What need of racks to teach a worm to writhe? - - Bear with us, O our sister, not in pride, - Nor any scorn we see thee spoiled of knaves, - But only shame to hear, where Danton died, - Thy foul dead kings all laughing in their graves. - - Thou hast a right to rule thyself; to be - The thing thou wilt; to grin, to fawn, to creep: - To crown these clumsy liars; ay, and we - Who knew thee once, we have a right to weep. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0049" id="link2H_4_0049"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE PRAISE OF DUST - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - 'What of vile dust?' the preacher said. - Methought the whole world woke, - The dead stone lived beneath my foot, - And my whole body spoke. - - 'You, that play tyrant to the dust, - And stamp its wrinkled face, - This patient star that flings you not - Far into homeless space. - - 'Come down out of your dusty shrine - The living dust to see, - The flowers that at your sermon's end - Stand blazing silently. - - 'Rich white and blood-red blossom; stones, - Lichens like fire encrust; - A gleam of blue, a glare of gold, - The vision of the dust. - - 'Pass them all by: till, as you come - Where, at a city's edge, - Under a tree—I know it well— - Under a lattice ledge, - - 'The sunshine falls on one brown head. - You, too, O cold of clay, - Eater of stones, may haply hear - The trumpets of that day - - 'When God to all his paladins - By his own splendour swore - To make a fairer face than heaven, - Of dust and nothing more.' -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0050" id="link2H_4_0050"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE BALLAD OF THE BATTLE OF GIBEON - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Five kings rule o'er the Amorite, - Mighty as fear and old as night; - Swathed with unguent and gold and jewel, - Waxed they merry and fat and cruel. - Zedek of Salem, a terror and glory, - Whose face was hid while his robes were gory; - And Hoham of Hebron, whose loathly face is - Heavy and dark o'er the ruin of races; - And Piram of Jarmuth, drunk with strange wine, - Who dreamed he had fashioned all stars that shine; - And Debir of Eglon wild, without pity, - Who raged like a plague in the midst of his city; - And Japhia of Lachish, a fire that flameth, - Who did in the daylight what no man nameth. - - These five kings said one to another, - 'King unto king o'er the world is brother, - Seeing that now, for a sign and a wonder, - A red eclipse and a tongue of thunder, - A shape and a finger of desolation, - Is come against us a kingless nation. - Gibeon hath failed us: it were not good - That a man remember where Gibeon stood.' - Then Gibeon sent to our captain, crying, - 'Son of Nun, let a shaft be flying, - For unclean birds are gathering greedily; - Slack not thy hand, but come thou speedily. - Yea, we are lost save thou maintain'st us, - For the kings of the mountains are gathered against us.' - - Then to our people spake the Deliverer, - 'Gibeon is high, yet a host may shiver her; - Gibeon hath sent to me crying for pity, - For the lords of the cities encompass the city - With chariot and banner and bowman and lancer, - And I swear by the living God I will answer. - Gird you, O Israel, quiver and javelin, - Shield and sword for the road we travel in; - Verily, as I have promised, pay I - Life unto Gibeon, death unto Ai.' - - Sudden and still as a bolt shot right - Up on the city we went by night. - Never a bird of the air could say, - 'This was the children of Israel's way.' - - Only the hosts sprang up from sleeping, - Saw from the heights a dark stream sweeping; - Sprang up straight as a great shout stung them, - And heard the Deliverer's war-cry among them, - Heard under cupola, turret, and steeple - The awful cry of the kingless people. - - Started the weak of them, shouted the strong of them, - Crashed we a thunderbolt into the throng of them, - Blindly with heads bent, and shields forced before us, - We heard the dense roar of the strife closing o'er us. - And drunk with the crash of the song that it sung them, - We drove the great spear-blade in God's name among them. - - Redder and redder the sword-flash fell. - Our eyes and our nostrils were hotter than hell; - Till full all the crest of the spear-surge shocking us, - Hoham of Hebron cried out mocking us, - 'Nay, what need of the war-sword's plying, - Out of the desert the dust comes flying. - A little red dust, if the wind be blowing— - Who shall reck of its coming or going?' - Back the Deliverer spake as a clarion, - 'Mock at thy slaves, thou eater of carrion! - Laughest thou at us, in thy kingly clowning, - We, that laughed upon Ramases frowning. - We that stood up proud, unpardoned, - When his face was dark and his heart was hardened? - Pharaoh we knew and his steeds, not faster - Than the word of the Lord in thine ear, O master. - - Sheer through the turban his wantons wove him, - Clean to the skull the Deliverer clove him; - And the two hosts reeled at the sign appalling, - As the great king fell like a great house falling. - - Loudly we shouted, and living and dying. - Bore them all backward with strength and strong crying; - And Caleb struck Zedek hard at the throat, - And Japhia of Lachish Zebulon smote. - The war-swords and axes were clashing and groaning, - The fallen were fighting and foaming and moaning; - The war-spears were breaking, the war-horns were braying, - Ere the hands of the slayers were sated with slaying. - And deep in the grasses grown gory and sodden, - The treaders of all men were trampled and trodden; - And over them, routed and reeled like cattle, - High over the turn of the tide of the battle, - High over noises that deafen and cover us, - Rang the Deliverer's voice out over us. - - 'Stand thou still, thou sun upon Gibeon, - Stand thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon! - Shout thou, people, a cry like thunder, - For the kings of the earth are broken asunder. - Now we have said as the thunder says it, - Something is stronger than strength and slays it. - Now we have written for all time later, - Five kings are great, yet a law is greater. - Stare, O sun! in thine own great glory, - This is the turn of the whole world's story. - Stand thou still, thou sun upon Gibeon, - Stand thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon! - - 'Smite! amid spear-blades blazing and breaking. - More than we know of is rising and making. - Stab with the javelin, crash with the car! - Cry! for we know not the thing that we are. - Stand, O sun! that in horrible patience - Smiled on the smoke and the slaughter of nations. - Thou shalt grow sad for a little crying, - Thou shalt be darkened for one man's dying— - Stand thou still, thou sun upon Gibeon, - Stand thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon!' - - After the battle was broken and spent - Up to the hill the Deliverer went, - Flung up his arms to the storm-clouds flying, - And cried unto Israel, mightily crying, - 'Come up, O warriors! come up, O brothers! - Tribesmen and herdsmen, maidens and mothers; - The bondman's son and the bondman's daughter, - The hewer of wood and the drawer of water, - He that carries and he that brings, - And set your foot on the neck of kings.' - - This is the story of Gibeon fight— - Where we smote the lords of the Amorite; - Where the banners of princes with slaughter were sodden. - And the beards of seers in the rank grass trodden; - Where the trees were wrecked by the wreck of cars, - And the reek of the red field blotted the stars; - Where the dead heads dropped from the swords that sever, - Because His mercy endureth for ever. -</pre> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - 'VULGARISED' - - All round they murmur, 'O profane, - Keep thy heart's secret hid as gold'; - But I, by God, would sooner be - Some knight in shattering wars of old, - - In brown outlandish arms to ride, - And shout my love to every star - With lungs to make a poor maid's name - Deafen the iron ears of war. - - Here, where these subtle cowards crowd, - To stand and so to speak of love, - That the four corners of the world - Should hear it and take heed thereof. - - That to this shrine obscure there be - One witness before all men given, - As naked as the hanging Christ, - As shameless as the sun in heaven. - - These whimperers—have they spared to us - One dripping woe, one reeking sin? - These thieves that shatter their own graves - To prove the soul is dead within. - - They talk; by God, is it not time - Some of Love's chosen broke the girth, - And told the good all men have known - Since the first morning of the earth? -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE BALLAD OF GOD-MAKERS - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - A bird flew out at the break of day - From the nest where it had curled, - And ere the eve the bird had set - Fear on the kings of the world. - - The first tree it lit upon - Was green with leaves unshed; - The second tree it lit upon - Was red with apples red; - - The third tree it lit upon - Was barren and was brown, - Save for a dead man nailed thereon - On a hill above a town. - - That right the kings of the earth were gay - And filled the cup and can; - Last night the kings of the earth were chill - For dread of a naked man. - - 'If he speak two more words,' they said, - 'The slave is more than the free; - If he speak three more words,' they said, - 'The stars are under the sea.' - - Said the King of the East to the King of the West, - I wot his frown was set, - 'Lo; let us slay him and make him as dung, - It is well that the world forget.' - - Said the King of the West to the King of the East, - I wot his smile was dread, - 'Nay, let us slay him and make him a god, - It is well that our god be dead.' - - They set the young man on a hill, - They nailed him to a rod; - And there in darkness and in blood - They made themselves a god. - - And the mightiest word was left unsaid, - And the world had never a mark, - And the strongest man of the sons of men - Went dumb into the dark. - - Then hymns and harps of praise they brought, - Incense and gold and myrrh, - And they thronged above the seraphim, - The poor dead carpenter. - - 'Thou art the prince of all,' they sang, - 'Ocean and earth and air.' - Then the bird flew on to the cruel cross, - And hid in the dead man's hair. - - 'Thou art the sun of the world,' they cried, - 'Speak if our prayers be heard.' - And the brown bird stirred in the dead man's hair, - And it seemed that the dead man stirred. - - Then a shriek went up like the world's last cry - From all nations under heaven, - And a master fell before a slave - And begged to be forgiven. - - They cowered, for dread in his wakened eyes - The ancient wrath to see; - And the bird flew out of the dead Christ's hair, - And lit on a lemon-tree. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0052" id="link2H_4_0052"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - AT NIGHT - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - How many million stars there be, - That only God hath numberéd; - But this one only chosen for me - In time before her face was fled. - Shall not one mortal man alive - Hold up his head? -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0053" id="link2H_4_0053"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE WOOD-CUTTER - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - We came behind him by the wall, - My brethren drew their brands, - And they had strength to strike him down— - And I to bind his hands. - - Only once, to a lantern gleam, - He turned his face from the wall, - And it was as the accusing angel's face - On the day when the stars shall fall. - - I grasped the axe with shaking hands, - I stared at the grass I trod; - For I feared to see the whole bare heavens - Filled with the face of God. - - I struck: the serpentine slow blood - In four arms soaked the moss— - Before me, by the living Christ, - The blood ran in a cross. - - Therefore I toil in forests here - And pile the wood in stacks, - And take no fee from the shivering folk - Till I have cleansed the axe. - - But for a curse God cleared my sight, - And where each tree doth grow - I see a life with awful eyes, - And I must lay it low. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0054" id="link2H_4_0054"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - ART COLOURS - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - On must we go: we search dead leaves, - We chase the sunset's saddest flames, - The nameless hues that o'er and o'er - In lawless wedding lost their names. - - God of the daybreak! Better be - Black savages; and grin to gird - Our limbs in gaudy rags of red, - The laughing-stock of brute and bird; - - And feel again the fierce old feast, - Blue for seven heavens that had sufficed, - A gold like shining hoards, a red - Like roses from the blood of Christ. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0055" id="link2H_4_0055"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE TWO WOMEN - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Lo! very fair is she who knows the ways - Of joy: in pleasure's mocking wisdom old, - The eyes that might be cold to flattery, kind; - The hair that might be grey with knowledge, gold. - - But thou art more than these things, O my queen, - For thou art clad in ancient wars and tears. - And looking forth, framed in the crown of thorns, - I saw the youngest face in all the spheres. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0056" id="link2H_4_0056"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE WILD KNIGHT - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - The wasting thistle whitens on my crest, - The barren grasses blow upon my spear, - A green, pale pennon: blazon of wild faith - And love of fruitless things: yea, of my love, - Among the golden loves of all the knights, - Alone: most hopeless, sweet, and blasphemous, - The love of God: - I hear the crumbling creeds - Like cliffs washed down by water, change, and pass; - I hear a noise of words, age after age, - A new cold wind that blows across the plains, - And all the shrines stand empty; and to me - All these are nothing: priests and schools may doubt - Who never have believed; but I have loved. - Ah friends, I know it passing well, the love - Wherewith I love; it shall not bring to me - Return or hire or any pleasant thing— - Ay, I have tried it: Ay, I know its roots. - Earthquake and plague have burst on it in vain - And rolled back shattered— - Babbling neophytes! - Blind, startled fools—think you I know it not? - Think you to teach me? Know I not His ways? - Strange-visaged blunders, mystic cruelties. - All! all! I know Him, for I love Him. Go! - - So, with the wan waste grasses on my spear, - I ride for ever, seeking after God. - My hair grows whiter than my thistle plume, - And all my limbs are loose; but in my eyes - The star of an unconquerable praise: - For in my soul one hope for ever sings, - That at the next white corner of a road - My eyes may look on Him.... - Hush—I shall know - The place when it is found: a twisted path - Under a twisted pear-tree—this I saw - In the first dream I had ere I was born, - Wherein He spoke.... - But the grey clouds come down - In hail upon the icy plains: I ride, - Burning for ever in consuming fire. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0057" id="link2H_4_0057"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE WILD KNIGHT - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - <i>A dark manor-house shuttered and unlighted, outlined against a pale - sunset: in front a large, but neglected, garden. To the right, in the - foreground, the porch of a chapel, with coloured windows lighted. Hymns - within.</i> - - <i>Above the porch a grotesque carved bracket, supporting a lantern. - Astride of it sits CAPTAIN REDFEATHER, a flagon in his hand</i>. - - REDFEATHER. - - I have drunk to all I know of, - To every leaf on the tree, - To the highest bird of the heavens, - To the lowest fish of the sea. - What toast, what toast remaineth, - Drunk down in the same good wine, - By the tippler's cup in the tavern, - And the priest's cup at the shrine? - - [<i>A Priest comes out, stick in hand, and looks right and left.</i>] - - VOICES WITHIN. - - The brawler ... - - PRIEST. - - He has vanished - - REDFEATHER. - - To the stars. - - [<i>The Priest looks up.</i>] - - PRIEST [<i>angrily</i>]. - - What would you there, sir? - - REDFEATHER. - - Give you all a toast. - - [<i>Lifts his flagon. More priests come out.</i>] - - I see my life behind me: bad enough— - Drink, duels, madness, beggary, and pride, - The life of the unfit: yet ere I drop - On Nature's rubbish heap, I weigh it all, - And give you all a toast— - - [<i>Reels to his feet and stands.</i>] - - The health of God! - - [<i>They all recoil from him.</i>] - - Let's give the Devil of the Heavens His due! - He that made grass so green, and wine so red, - Is not so black as you have painted him. - - [<i>Drinks.</i>] - - PRIEST. - - Blaspheming profligate! - - REDFEATHER [<i>hurls the flagon among them.</i>] - - Howl! ye dumb dogs, - I named your King—let me have one great shout, - Flutter the seraphim like startled birds; - Make God recall the good days of His youth - Ere saints had saddened Him: when He came back - Conqueror of Chaos in a six days' war, - With all the sons of God shouting for joy ... - - PRIEST. - - And you—what is your right, and who are you, - To praise God? - - REDFEATHER. - - A lost soul. In earth or heaven - What has a better right? - - PRIEST. - - Go, pagan, go! - Drink, dice, and dance: take no more thought than blind - Beasts of the field.... - - REDFEATHER. - - Or ... lilies of the field, - To quote a pagan sage. I go my way. - - PRIEST [<i>solemnly</i>]. - - And when Death comes.... - - REDFEATHER. - - He shall not find me dead. - - [<i>Puts on his plumed hat. The priests go out.</i>] - - REDFEATHER. - - These frozen fools.... - - [<i>The Lady Olive comes out of the chapel. He sees her.</i>] - - Oh, they were right enough. - Where shall I hide my carrion from the sun? - - [<i>Buries his face. His hat drops to the ground.</i>] - - OLIVE [<i>looking up.</i>] - - Captain, are you from church? I saw you not. - - REDFEATHER. - - No, I am here. - - [<i>Lays his hand on a gargoyle.</i>] - - I, too, am a grotesque, - And dance with all the devils on the roof. - - OLIVE [<i>with a strange smile.</i>] - - For Satan, also, I have often prayed. - - REDFEATHER [<i>roughly</i>]. - - Satan may worry women if he will, - For he was but an angel ere he fell, - But I—before I fell—I was a man. - - OLIVE. - - He too, my Master, was a man: too strong - To fear a strong man's sins: 'tis written He - Descended into hell. - - REDFEATHER. - - Write, then, that I - - [<i>Leaps to the ground before her.</i>] - - Descended into heaven.... - You are ill? - - OLIVE. - - No, well.... - - REDFEATHER. - - You speak the truth—you are the Truth— - Lady, say once again then, 'I am <i>well</i>.' - - OLIVE. - - I—ah! God give me grace—I am nigh dead. - - REDFEATHER [<i>quietly.</i>] - - Lord Orm? - - OLIVE. - - Yes—yes. - - REDFEATHER. - - Is in your father's house— - Having the title-deeds—would drive you forth. - Homeless, and with your father sick to death, - Into this winter, save on a condition - Named.... - - OLIVE. - - And unnameable. Even so; Lord Orm— - Ah! do you know him? - - REDFEATHER. - - Ay, I saw him once. - The sun shone on his face, that smiled and smiled, - A sight not wholesome to the eyes of man. - - OLIVE. - - Captain, I tell you God once fell asleep. - And in that hour the world went as it would; - Dogs brought forth cats, and poison grew in grapes, - And Orm was born.... - - REDFEATHER. - - Why, curse him! can he not - Be kicked or paid? - - OLIVE [<i>feverishly</i>]. - - Hush! He is just behind - There in the house—see how the great house glares, - Glares like an ogre's mask—the whole dead house - Possessed with bestial meaning.... - - [<i>Screams</i>] - - Ah! the face! - The whole great grinning house—his face! his face! - His face! - - REDFEATHER [<i>in a voice of thunder, pointing away from the house</i>]. - - Look there—look there! - - OLIVE. - - What is it? What? - - REDFEATHER. - - I think it was a bird. - - OLIVE. - - What thought you, truly? - - REDFEATHER. - - I think a mighty thought is drawing near. - - [<i>Enter THE WILD KNIGHT.</i>] - - THE WILD KNIGHT. - - That house.... - - [<i>Points.</i>] - - OLIVE. - - Ah Christ! [<i>Shudders.</i>] I had forgotten it. - - THE WILD KNIGHT [<i>still pointing</i>]. - - That house! the house at last, the house of God, - Wherein God makes an evening feast for me. - The house at last: I know the twisted path - Under the twisted pear-tree: this I saw - In the first dream I had ere I was born. - It is the house of God. He welcomes me. - - [<i>Strides forward.</i>] - - REDFEATHER. - - <i>That</i> house. God's blood! - - OLIVE [<i>hysterically</i>]. - - Is not this hell's own wit? - - THE WILD KNIGHT. - - God grows impatient, and His wine is poured, - His bread is broken. - - [<i>Rushes forward.</i>] - - REDFEATHER [<i>leaps between</i>]. - - Stand away, great fool, - There is a devil there! - - THE WILD KNIGHT [<i>draws his sword, and waves it as he rushes</i>]. - - God's house!—God's house! - - REDFEATHER [<i>plucks out his own sword</i>]. - - Better my hand than his. - - [<i>The blades clash.</i>] - - God alone knows - What That within might do to you, poor fool, - I can but kill you. - - [<i>They fight. OLIVE tries to part them.</i>] - - REDFEATHER. - - Olive, stand away! - - OLIVE. - - I will not stand away! - - [<i>Steps between the swords.</i>] - - Stranger, a word, - Yes—you are right—God is within that house. - - REDFEATHER. - - Olive! - - OLIVE. - - But He is all too beautiful - For us who only know of stars and flowers. - The thing within is all too pure and fair, - - [<i>Shudders.</i>] - - Too awful in its ancient innocence, - For men to look upon it and not die; - Ourselves would fade into those still white fires - Of peace and mercy. - - [<i>Struggles with her voice.</i>] - - There ... enough ... the law— - No flesh shall look upon the Lord and live. - - REDFEATHER [<i>sticking his sword in the ground</i>]. - - You are the bravest lady in the world. - - THE WILD KNIGHT [<i>dazed</i>]. - - May I not go within? - - REDFEATHER. - - Keep you the law— - No flesh shall look upon the Lord and live. - - THE WILD KNIGHT [<i>sadly</i>]. - - Then I will go and lay me in the flowers, - For He may haply, as in ancient time, - Walk in the garden in the cool of day. - - [<i>He goes out.</i>] - - [OLIVE <i>reels.</i> REDFEATHER <i>catches her.</i>] - - You are the strongest woman upon earth. - The weakest woman than the strongest man - Is stronger in her hour: this is the law. - When the hour passes—then may we be strong. - - OLIVE [<i>wildly.</i>] - - The House ... the Face. - - REDFEATHER [<i>fiercely</i>]. - - I love you. Look at me! - - OLIVE [<i>turns her face to him.</i>] - - I hear six birds sing in that little tree, - Say, is the old earth laughing at my fears? - I think I love you also.... - - REDFEATHER. - - What I am - You know. But I will never curse a man, - Even in a mirror. - - OLIVE [<i>smiling at him</i>]. - - And the Devil's dance? - - REDFEATHER. - - The Devil plotted since the world was young - With alchemies of fire and witches' oils - And magic. But he never made a man. - - OLIVE. - - No; not a man. - - REDFEATHER. - - Not even my Lord Orm. - Look at the house now— - - [<i>She starts and looks.</i>] - - Honest brick and tiles. - - OLIVE. - - You have a strange strength in this hour. - - REDFEATHER. - - This hour - I see with mortal eye as in one flash - The whole divine democracy of things, - And dare the stars to scorn a scavenge-heap. - Olive, I tell you every soul is great. - Weave we green crowns—how noble and how high; - Fling we white flowers—how radiant and how pure - Is he, whoe'er he be, who next shall cross - This scrap of grass.... - - [<i>Enter LORD ORM. </i>] - - OLIVE [<i>screams</i>]. - - Ah! - - REDFEATHER [<i>pointing to the chapel</i>]. - - Olive, go and pray - for a man soon to die. Good-day, my Lord. - - [<i>She goes in.</i>] - - LORD ORM. - - Good-day. - - REDFEATHER. - - I am a friend to Lady Olive. - - LORD ORM. - - Sir, you are fortunate. - - REDFEATHER. - - Most fortunate - In finding, sword on thigh and ready, one - Who is a villain and a gentleman. - - LORD ORM [<i>picks up the flagon</i>]. - - Empty, I see. - - REDFEATHER. - - Oh sir, you never drink. - You dread to lose yourself before the stars— - Do you not dread to sleep? - - LORD ORM [<i>violently</i>]. - - What would you here? - - REDFEATHER. - - Receive from you the title-deeds you hold. - - LORD ORM. - - You entertain me. - - REDFEATHER. - - With a bout at foils? - - LORD ORM. - - I will not fight. - - REDFEATHER. - - I know you better, then. - I have seen men grow mangier than the beasts, - Eat bread with blood upon their fingers, grin - While women burned: but one last law they served. - When I say 'Coward,' is the law awake? - - LORD ORM. - - Hear me, then, too: I have seen robbers rule, - And thieves go clad in gold—age after age— - Because, though sordid, ragged, rude, and mean, - They saw, like gods, no law above their heads. - But when they fell—then for this cause they fell, - This last mean cobweb of the fairy tales - Of good and ill: that they must stand and fight - When a man bade, though they had chose to stand - And fight not. I am stronger than the world. - - [<i>Folds his arms.</i>] - - REDFEATHER [<i>lifts his hand</i>]. - - If in your body be the blood of man, - - [<i>Strikes him.</i>] - - Now let it rush to the face— - God! Have you sunk - Lower than anger? - - LORD ORM. - - How I triumph now. - - REDFEATHER [<i>stamps wildly]</i>. - - Damned, whimpering dog! vile, snivelling, sick poltroon! - Are you alive? - - LORD ORM. - - Evil, be thou my good; - Let the sun blacken and the moon be blood: - I have said the words. - - REDFEATHER [<i>studying him</i>]. - - And if I struck you dead, - You would turn to daisies! - - LORD ORM. - - And you do not strike. - - REDFEATHER [<i>dreamily</i>]. - - Indeed, poor soul, such magic would be kind - And full of pity as a fairy-tale: - One touch of this bright wand [<i>Lifts his sword</i>] - and down would drop - The dark abortive blunder that is you. - And you would change, forgiven, into flowers. - - LORD ORM. - - And yet—and yet you do not strike me dead. - I do not draw: the sword is in your hand— - Drive the blade through me where I stand. - - REDFEATHER. - - Lord Orm, - You asked the Lady Olive (I can speak - As to a toad to you, my lord)—you asked - Olive to be your paramour: and she— - - LORD ORM. - - Refused. - - REDFEATHER. - - And yet her father was at stake, - And she is soft and kind. Now look at me, - Ragged and ruined, soaked in bestial sins: - My lord, I too have my virginity— - Turn the thing round, my lord, and topside down, - You cannot spell it. Be the fact enough, - I use no sword upon a swordless man. - - LORD ORM. - - For her? - - REDFEATHER. - - I too have my virginity. - - LORD ORM. - - Now look on me: I am the lord of earth, - For I have broken the last bond of man. - I stand erect, crowned with the stars—and why? - Because I stand a coward—because you - Have mercy—on a coward. Do I win? - - REDFEATHER. - - Though there you stand with moving mouth and eyes, - I think, my lord, you are not possible— - God keep you from my dreams. - - [<i>Goes out.</i>] - - LORD ORM. - - Alone and free. - Since first in flowery meads a child I ran, - My one long thirst—to be alone and free. - Free of all laws, creeds, codes, and common tests, - Shameless, anarchic, infinite. - Why, then, - I might have done in that dark liberty— - If I should say 'a good deed,' men would laugh, - But here are none to laugh. - The godless world - Be thanked there is no God to spy on me, - Catch me and crown me with a vulgar crown - For what I do: if I should once believe - The horror of that ancient Eavesdropper - Behind the starry arras of the skies, - I should—well, well, enough of menaces— - should not do the thing I come to do. - What do I come to do? Let me but try - To spell it to my soul. - Suppose a man - Perfectly free and utterly alone, - Free of all love of law, equally free - Of all the love of mutiny it breeds, - Free of the love of heaven, and also free - Of all the love of hell it drives us to; - Not merely void of rules, unconscious of them; - So strong that naught alive could do him hurt, - So wise that he knew all things, and so great - That none knew what he was or what he did— - A lawless giant. - - [<i>A pause: then in a low voice.</i>] - - Would he not be good? - Hate is the weakness of a thwarted thing, - Pride is the weakness of a thing unpraised. - But he, this man.... - He would be like a child - Girt with the tomes of some vast library, - Who reads romance after romance, and smiles - When every tale ends well: impersonal - As God he grows—melted in suns and stars; - So would this boundless man, whom none could spy, - Taunt him with virtue, censure him with vice, - Rejoice in all men's joys; with golden pen - Write all the live romances of the earth - To a triumphant close.... - Alone and free— - In this grey, cool, clean garden, washed with winds, - What do I come to do among the grass, - The daisies, and the dews? An awful thing, - To prove I am that man. - That while these saints - Taunt me with trembling, dare me to revenge, - I breathe an upper air of ancient good - And strong eternal laughter; send my sun - And rain upon the evil and the just, - Turn my left cheek unto the smiter. He - That told me, sword in hand, that I had fallen - Lower than anger, knew not I had risen - Higher than pride.... - Enough, the deeds are mine. - - [<i>Takes out the title-deeds.</i>] - - I come to write the end of a romance. - A good romance: the characters—Lord Orm. - Type of the starvéd heart and storéd brain, - Who strives to hate and cannot; fronting him— - Redfeather, rake in process of reform, - At root a poet: I have hopes of him: - He can love virtue, for he still loves vice. - He is not all burnt out. He beats me there - (How I beat him in owning it!); in love - He is still young, and has the joy of shame. - And for the Lady Olive—who shall speak? - A man may weigh the courage of a man, - But if there be a bottomless abyss - It is a woman's valour: such as I - Can only bow the knee and hide the face - (Thank God there is no God to spy on me - And bring his curséd crowns). - No, there is none: - The old incurable hunger of the world - Surges in wolfish wars, age after age. - There was no God before me: none sees where, - Between the brute-womb and the deaf, dead grave, - Unhoping, unrecorded, unrepaid, - I make with smoke, fire, and burnt-offering - This sacrifice to Chaos. [<i>Lights the papers.</i>] None behold - Me write in fire the end of the romance. - Burn! I am God, and crown myself with stars. - Upon creation day: before was night - And chaos of a blind and cruel world. - I am the first God; I will trample hell, - Fight, conquer, make the story of the stars, - Like this poor story, end like a romance: - - [<i>The paper burns.</i>] - - Before was brainless night: but I am God - In this black world I rend. Let there be light! - - [<i>The paper blazes up, illuminating the garden.</i>] - - I, God ... - - THE WILD KNIGHT [<i>rushes forward</i>]. - - God's Light! God's Voice; yes, it is He - Walking in Eden in the cool of the day! - - LORD ORM [<i>screams</i>]. - - Tricked! Caught! - Damned screeching rat in a hole! - - [<i>Stabs him again and again with his sword; stamps on his face.</i>] - - THE WILD KNIGHT [<i>faintly</i>]. - - Earth grows too beautiful around me: shapes - And colours fearfully wax fair and clear, - For I have heard, as thro' a door ajar, - Scraps of the huge soliloquy of God - That moveth as a mask the lips of man, - If man be very silent: they were right, - No flesh shall look upon the Lord and live. - - [<i>Dies.</i>] - - LORD ORM [<i>staggers back laughing</i>]. - - Saved, saved, my secret. - - REDFEATHER [<i>rushing in, sword in hand</i>]. - - The drawn sword at last! - Guard, son of hell! - - [<i>They fight. ORM falls. OLIVE comes in.</i>] - - He too can die. Keep back! - Olive, keep back from him! I did not fear - Him living, and he fell before my sword; - But dead I fear him. All is ended now; - A man's whole life tied in a bundle there, - And no good deed. I fear him. Come away. -</pre> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0058" id="link2H_4_0058"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - GOOD NEWS - </h2> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - Between a meadow and a cloud that sped - In rain and twilight, in desire and fear. - I heard a secret—hearken in your ear, - 'Behold the daisy has a ring of red.' - - That hour, with half of blessing, half of ban, - A great voice went through heaven, and earth and hell, - Crying, 'We are tricked, my great ones, is it well? - Now is the secret stolen by a man.' - - Then waxed I like the wind because of this, - And ran, like gospel and apocalypse, - From door to door, with new anarchic lips, - Crying the very blasphemy of bliss. - - In the last wreck of Nature, dark and dread, - Shall in eclipse's hideous hieroglyph, - One wild form reel on the last rocking cliff, - And shout, 'The daisy has a ring of red.' -</pre> - <div style="height: 6em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Wild Knight and Other Poems -by Gilbert Chesterton - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WILD KNIGHT AND OTHER POEMS *** - -***** This file should be named 12037-h.htm or 12037-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/0/3/12037/ - -Etext produced by Robert Shimmin, Christina Morrell and PG Distributed -Proofreaders - -HTML file produced by David Widger - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -https://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at https://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit https://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including including checks, online payments and credit card -donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's -eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, -compressed (zipped), HTML and others. - -Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over -the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. -VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving -new filenames and etext numbers. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - https://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - -EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, -are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to -download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular -search system you may utilize the following addresses and just -download by the etext year. - - https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 - - (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, - 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) - -EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are -filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part -of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is -identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single -digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For -example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: - - https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 - -or filename 24689 would be found at: - https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 - -An alternative method of locating eBooks: - https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL - - - - -</pre> - </body> -</html> diff --git a/old/12037.txt b/old/12037.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 9269955..0000000 --- a/old/12037.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3175 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Wild Knight and Other Poems, by Gilbert Chesterton - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Wild Knight and Other Poems - -Author: Gilbert Chesterton - -Release Date: April 15, 2004 [EBook #12037] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WILD KNIGHT AND OTHER POEMS *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Shimmin, Christina Morrell and PG Distributed -Proofreaders - - - - - - - -THE WILD KNIGHT - -AND OTHER POEMS - - -BY - -GILBERT CHESTERTON - - -1900 - - - - -NOTE - - -My thanks are due to the Editors of the _Outlook_ and the _Speaker_ for -the kind permission they have given me to reprint a considerable number -of the following poems. They have been selected and arranged rather with -a view to unity of spirit than to unity of time or value; many of them -being juvenile. - - - - -CONTENTS - - -BY THE BABE UNBORN - -THE WORLD'S LOVER - -THE SKELETON - -A CHORD OF COLOUR - -THE HAPPY MAN - -THE UNPARDONABLE SIN - -A NOVELTY - -ULTIMATE - -THE DONKEY - -THE BEATIFIC VISION - -THE HOPE OF THE STREETS - -ECCLESIASTES - -SONG OF THE CHILDREN - -THE FISH - -GOLD LEAVES - -THOU SHALT NOT KILL A CERTAIN EVENING - -A MAN AND HIS IMAGE - -THE MARINER - -THE TRIUMPH OF MAN - -CYCLOPEAN - -JOSEPH - -MODERN ELFLAND - -ETERNITIES - -A CHRISTMAS CAROL - -ALONE - -KING'S CROSS STATION - -THE HUMAN TREE - -TO THEM THAT MOURN - -THE OUTLAW - -BEHIND - -THE END OF FEAR - -THE HOLY OF HOLIES - -THE MIRROR OF MADMEN - -E. C. B. - -THE DESECRATERS - -AN ALLIANCE - -THE ANCIENT OF DAYS - -THE LAST MASQUERADE - -THE EARTH'S SHAME - -VANITY - -THE LAMP POST - -THE PESSIMIST - -A FAIRY TALE - -A PORTRAIT - -FEMINA CONTRA MUNDUM - -TO A CERTAIN NATION - -THE PRAISE OF DUST - -THE BALLAD OF THE BATTLE OF GIBEON - -'VULGARISED' - -THE BALLAD OF GOD-MAKERS - -AT NIGHT - -THE WOODCUTTER - -ART COLOURS - -THE TWO WOMEN - -THE WILD KNIGHT - - - - -_Another tattered rhymster in the ring, - With but the old plea to the sneering schools, -That on him too, some secret night in spring - Came the old frenzy of a hundred fools - -To make some thing: the old want dark and deep, - The thirst of men, the hunger of the stars, -Since first it tinged even the Eternal's sleep, - With monstrous dreams of trees and towns and mars. - -When all He made for the first time He saw, - Scattering stars as misers shake their pelf. -Then in the last strange wrath broke His own law, - And made a graven image of Himself._ - - - - -BY THE BABE UNBORN - -If trees were tall and grasses short, - As in some crazy tale, -If here and there a sea were blue - Beyond the breaking pale, - -If a fixed fire hung in the air - To warm me one day through, -If deep green hair grew on great hills, - I know what I should do. - -In dark I lie: dreaming that there - Are great eyes cold or kind, -And twisted streets and silent doors, - And living men behind. - -Let storm-clouds come: better an hour, - And leave to weep and fight, -Than all the ages I have ruled - The empires of the night. - -I think that if they gave me leave - Within that world to stand, -I would be good through all the day - I spent in fairyland. - -They should not hear a word from me - Of selfishness or scorn, -If only I could find the door, - If only I were born. - - - - -THE WORLD'S LOVER - -My eyes are full of lonely mirth: - Reeling with want and worn with scars, -For pride of every stone on earth, - I shake my spear at all the stars. - -A live bat beats my crest above, - Lean foxes nose where I have trod, -And on my naked face the love - Which is the loneliness of God. - -Outlawed: since that great day gone by-- - When before prince and pope and queen -I stood and spoke a blasphemy-- - 'Behold the summer leaves are green.' - -They cursed me: what was that to me - Who in that summer darkness furled, -With but an owl and snail to see, - Had blessed and conquered all the world? - -They bound me to the scourging-stake, - They laid their whips of thorn on me; -I wept to see the green rods break, - Though blood be beautiful to see. - -Beneath the gallows' foot abhorred - The crowds cry 'Crucify!' and 'Kill!' -Higher the priests sing, 'Praise the Lord, - The warlock dies'; and higher still - -Shall heaven and earth hear one cry sent - Even from the hideous gibbet height, -'Praise to the Lord Omnipotent, - The vultures have a feast to-night.' - - - - -THE SKELETON - -Chattering finch and water-fly -Are not merrier than I; -Here among the flowers I lie -Laughing everlastingly. -No: I may not tell the best; -Surely, friends, I might have guessed -Death was but the good King's jest, - It was hid so carefully. - - - - -A CHORD OF COLOUR - -My Lady clad herself in grey, - That caught and clung about her throat; -Then all the long grey winter day - On me a living splendour smote; -And why grey palmers holy are, - And why grey minsters great in story, -And grey skies ring the morning star, - And grey hairs are a crown of glory. - -My Lady clad herself in green, - Like meadows where the wind-waves pass; -Then round my spirit spread, I ween, - A splendour of forgotten grass. -Then all that dropped of stem or sod, - Hoarded as emeralds might be, -I bowed to every bush, and trod - Amid the live grass fearfully. - -My Lady clad herself in blue, - Then on me, like the seer long gone, -The likeness of a sapphire grew, - The throne of him that sat thereon. -Then knew I why the Fashioner - Splashed reckless blue on sky and sea; -And ere 'twas good enough for her, - He tried it on Eternity. - -Beneath the gnarled old Knowledge-tree - Sat, like an owl, the evil sage: -'The World's a bubble,' solemnly - He read, and turned a second page. -'A bubble, then, old crow,' I cried, - 'God keep you in your weary wit! -'A bubble--have you ever spied - 'The colours I have seen on it?' - - - - -THE HAPPY MAN - -To teach the grey earth like a child, - To bid the heavens repent, -I only ask from Fate the gift - Of one man well content. - -Him will I find: though when in vain - I search the feast and mart, -The fading flowers of liberty, - The painted masks of art. - -I only find him at the last, - On one old hill where nod -Golgotha's ghastly trinity-- - Three persons and one god. - - - - -THE UNPARDONABLE SIN - -I do not cry, beloved, neither curse. - Silence and strength, these two at least are good. - He gave me sun and stars and ought He could, -But not a woman's love; for that is hers. - -He sealed her heart from sage and questioner-- - Yea, with seven seals, as he has sealed the grave. - And if she give it to a drunken slave, -The Day of Judgment shall not challenge her. - -Only this much: if one, deserving well, - Touching your thin young hands and making suit, - Feel not himself a crawling thing, a brute, -Buried and bricked in a forgotten hell; - -Prophet and poet be he over sod, - Prince among angels in the highest place, - God help me, I will smite him on the face, -Before the glory of the face of God. - - - - -A NOVELTY - -Why should I care for the Ages - Because they are old and grey? -To me, like sudden laughter, - The stars are fresh and gay; -The world is a daring fancy, - And finished yesterday. - -Why should I bow to the Ages - Because they were drear and dry? -Slow trees and ripening meadows - For me go roaring by, -A living charge, a struggle - To escalade the sky. - -The eternal suns and systems, - Solid and silent all, -To me are stars of an instant, - Only the fires that fall -From God's good rocket, rising - On this night of carnival. - - - - -ULTIMATE - -The vision of a haloed host - That weep around an empty throne; -And, aureoles dark and angels dead, - Man with his own life stands alone. - -'I am,' he says his bankrupt creed: - 'I am,' and is again a clod: -The sparrow starts, the grasses stir, - For he has said the name of God. - - - - -THE DONKEY - -When fishes flew and forests walked - And figs grew upon thorn, -Some moment when the moon was blood - Then surely I was born; - -With monstrous head and sickening cry - And ears like errant wings, -The devil's walking parody - On all four-footed things. - -The tattered outlaw of the earth, - Of ancient crooked will; -Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb, - I keep my secret still. - -Fools! For I also had my hour; - One far fierce hour and sweet: -There was a shout about my ears, - And palms before my feet. - - - - -THE BEATIFIC VISION - -Through what fierce incarnations, furled - In fire and darkness, did I go, -Ere I was worthy in the world - To see a dandelion grow? - -Well, if in any woes or wars - I bought my naked right to be, -Grew worthy of the grass, nor gave - The wren, my brother, shame for me. - -But what shall God not ask of him - In the last time when all is told, -Who saw her stand beside the hearth, - The firelight garbing her in gold? - - - - -THE HOPE OF THE STREETS - -The still sweet meadows shimmered: and I stood - And cursed them, bloom of hedge and bird of tree, -And bright and high beyond the hunch-backed wood - The thunder and the splendour of the sea. - -Give back the Babylon where I was born, - The lips that gape give back, the hands that grope, -And noise and blood and suffocating scorn - An eddy of fierce faces--and a hope - -That 'mid those myriad heads one head find place, - With brown hair curled like breakers of the sea, -And two eyes set so strangely in the face - That all things else are nothing suddenly. - - - - -ECCLESIASTES - -There is one sin: to call a green leaf grey, - Whereat the sun in heaven shuddereth. -There is one blasphemy: for death to pray, - For God alone knoweth the praise of death. - -There is one creed: 'neath no world-terror's wing - Apples forget to grow on apple-trees. -There is one thing is needful--everything-- - The rest is vanity of vanities. - - - - -THE SONG OF THE CHILDREN - -The World is ours till sunset, - Holly and fire and snow; -And the name of our dead brother - Who loved us long ago. - -The grown folk mighty and cunning, - They write his name in gold; -But we can tell a little - Of the million tales he told. - -He taught them laws and watchwords, - To preach and struggle and pray; -But he taught us deep in the hayfield - The games that the angels play. - -Had he stayed here for ever, - Their world would be wise as ours-- -And the king be cutting capers, - And the priest be picking flowers. - -But the dark day came: they gathered: - On their faces we could see -They had taken and slain our brother, - And hanged him on a tree. - - - - -THE FISH - -Dark the sea was: but I saw him, - One great head with goggle eyes, -Like a diabolic cherub - Flying in those fallen skies. - -I have heard the hoarse deniers, - I have known the wordy wars; -I have seen a man, by shouting, - Seek to orphan all the stars. - -I have seen a fool half-fashioned - Borrow from the heavens a tongue, -So to curse them more at leisure-- - --And I trod him not as dung. - -For I saw that finny goblin - Hidden in the abyss untrod; -And I knew there can be laughter - On the secret face of God. - -Blow the trumpets, crown the sages, - Bring the age by reason fed! -(He that sitteth in the heavens, - 'He shall laugh'--the prophet said.) - - - - -GOLD LEAVES - -Lo! I am come to autumn, - When all the leaves are gold; -Grey hairs and golden leaves cry out - The year and I are old. - -In youth I sought the prince of men, - Captain in cosmic wars, -Our Titan, even the weeds would show - Defiant, to the stars. - -But now a great thing in the street - Seems any human nod, -Where shift in strange democracy - The million masks of God. - -In youth I sought the golden flower - Hidden in wood or wold, -But I am come to autumn, - When all the leaves are gold. - - - - -THOU SHALT NOT KILL - -I had grown weary of him; of his breath -And hands and features I was sick to death. -Each day I heard the same dull voice and tread; -I did not hate him: but I wished him dead. -And he must with his blank face fill my life-- -Then my brain blackened; and I snatched a knife. - -But ere I struck, my soul's grey deserts through -A voice cried, 'Know at least what thing you do.' -'This is a common man: knowest thou, O soul, -What this thing is? somewhere where seasons roll -There is some living thing for whom this man -Is as seven heavens girt into a span, -For some one soul you take the world away-- -Now know you well your deed and purpose. Slay!' - -Then I cast down the knife upon the ground -And saw that mean man for one moment crowned. -I turned and laughed: for there was no one by-- -The man that I had sought to slay was I. - - - - -A CERTAIN EVENING - -That night the whole world mingled, - The souls were babes at play, -And angel danced with devil. - And God cried, 'Holiday!' - -The sea had climbed the mountain peaks, - And shouted to the stars -To come to play: and down they came - Splashing in happy wars. - -The pine grew apples for a whim, - The cart-horse built a nest; -The oxen flew, the flowers sang, - The sun rose in the west. - -And 'neath the load of many worlds, - The lowest life God made -Lifted his huge and heavy limbs - And into heaven strayed. - -To where the highest life God made - Before His presence stands; -But God himself cried, 'Holiday!' - And she gave me both her hands. - - - - -A MAN AND HIS IMAGE - -All day the nations climb and crawl and pray - In one long pilgrimage to one white shrine, -Where sleeps a saint whose pardon, like his peace, - Is wide as death, as common, as divine. - -His statue in an aureole fills the shrine, - The reckless nightingale, the roaming fawn, -Share the broad blessing of his lifted hands, - Under the canopy, above the lawn. - -But one strange night, a night of gale and flood, - A sound came louder than the wild wind's tone; -The grave-gates shook and opened: and one stood - Blue in the moonlight, rotten to the bone. - -Then on the statue, graven with holy smiles, - There came another smile--tremendous--one -Of an Egyptian god. 'Why should you rise? - 'Do I not guard your secret from the sun? - -The nations come; they kneel among the flowers - Sprung from your blood, blossoms of May and June, -Which do not poison them--is it not strange? - Speak!' And the dead man shuddered in the moon. - -Shall I not cry the truth?'--the dead man cowered-- - Is it not sad, with life so tame and cold, -What earth should fade into the sun's white fires - With the best jest in all its tales untold? - -'If I should cry that in this shrine lie hid - Stories that Satan from his mouth would spew; -Wild tales that men in hell tell hoarsely--speak! - Saint and Deliverer! Should I slander you?' - -Slowly the cowering corse reared up its head, - 'Nay, I am vile ... but when for all to see, -You stand there, pure and painless--death of life! - Let the stars fall--I say you slander me! - -'You make me perfect, public, colourless; - You make my virtues sit at ease--you lie! -For mine were never easy--lost or saved, - I had a soul--I was. And where am I? - -Where is my good? the little real hoard, - The secret tears, the sudden chivalries; -The tragic love, the futile triumph--where? - Thief, dog, and son of devils--where are these? - -I will lift up my head: in leprous loves - Lost, and the soul's dishonourable scars-- -By God I was a better man than This - That stands and slanders me to all the stars. - -'Come down!' And with an awful cry, the corse - Sprang on the sacred tomb of many tales, -And stone and bone, locked in a loathsome strife, - Swayed to the singing of the nightingales. - -Then one was thrown: and where the statue stood - Under the canopy, above the lawn, -The corse stood; grey and lean, with lifted hands - Raised in tremendous welcome to the dawn. - -'Now let all nations climb and crawl and pray; - Though I be basest of my old red clan, -They shall not scale, with cries or sacrifice, - The stature of the spirit of a man.' - - - - -THE MARINER - -The violet scent is sacred - Like dreams of angels bright; -The hawthorn smells of passion - Told in a moonless night. - -But the smell is in my nostrils, - Through blossoms red or gold, -Of my own green flower unfading, - A bitter smell and bold. - -The lily smells of pardon, - The rose of mirth; but mine -Smells shrewd of death and honour, - And the doom of Adam's line. - -The heavy scent of wine-shops - Floats as I pass them by, -But never a cup I quaff from, - And never a house have I. - -Till dropped down forty fathoms, - I lie eternally; -And drink from God's own goblet - The green wine of the sea. - - - - -THE TRIUMPH OF MAN - -I plod and peer amid mean sounds and shapes, - I hunt for dusty gain and dreary praise, - And slowly pass the dismal grinning days, -Monkeying each other like a line of apes. - -What care? There was one hour amid all these - When I had stripped off like a tawdry glove - My starriest hopes and wants, for very love -Of time and desolate eternities. - -Yea, for one great hour's triumph, not in me - Nor any hope of mine did I rejoice, - But in a meadow game of girls and boys -Some sunset in the centuries to be. - - - - -CYCLOPEAN - -A mountainous and mystic brute -No rein can curb, no arrow shoot, -Upon whose domed deformed back -I sweep the planets scorching track. - -Old is the elf, and wise, men say, -His hair grows green as ours grows grey; -He mocks the stars with myriad hands. -High as that swinging forest stands. - -But though in pigmy wanderings dull -I scour the deserts of his skull, -I never find the face, eyes, teeth. -Lowering or laughing underneath. - -I met my foe in an empty dell, -His face in the sun was naked hell. -I thought, 'One silent, bloody blow. -No priest would curse, no crowd would know.' - -Then cowered: a daisy, half concealed, -Watched for the fame of that poor field; -And in that flower and suddenly -Earth opened its one eye on me. - - - - -JOSEPH - -If the stars fell; night's nameless dreams - Of bliss and blasphemy came true, -If skies were green and snow were gold, - And you loved me as I love you; - -O long light hands and curled brown hair, - And eyes where sits a naked soul; -Dare I even then draw near and burn - My fingers in the aureole? - -Yes, in the one wise foolish hour - God gives this strange strength to a man. -He can demand, though not deserve, - Where ask he cannot, seize he can. - -But once the blood's wild wedding o'er, - Were not dread his, half dark desire, -To see the Christ-child in the cot, - The Virgin Mary by the fire? - - - - -MODERN ELFLAND - -I Cut a staff in a churchyard copse, - I clad myself in ragged things, -I set a feather in my cap - That fell out of an angel's wings. - -I filled my wallet with white stones, - I took three foxgloves in my hand, -I slung my shoes across my back, - And so I went to fairyland. - -But Lo, within that ancient place - Science had reared her iron crown, -And the great cloud of steam went up - That telleth where she takes a town. - -But cowled with smoke and starred with lamps - That strange land's light was still its own; -The word that witched the woods and hills - Spoke in the iron and the stone. - -Not Nature's hand had ever curved - That mute unearthly porter's spine. -Like sleeping dragon's sudden eyes - The signals leered along the line. - -The chimneys thronging crooked or straight - Were fingers signalling the sky; -The dog that strayed across the street - Seemed four-legged by monstrosity. - -'In vain,' I cried, 'though you too touch - The new time's desecrating hand, -Through all the noises of a town - I hear the heart of fairyland.' - -I read the name above a door, - Then through my spirit pealed and passed: -'This is the town of thine own home, - And thou hast looked on it at last.' - - - - -ETERNITIES - -I cannot count the pebbles in the brook. - Well hath He spoken: 'Swear not by thy head, - Thou knowest not the hairs,' though He, we read, -Writes that wild number in his own strange book. - -I cannot count the sands or search the seas, - Death cometh, and I leave so much untrod. - Grant my immortal aureole, O my God, -And I will name the leaves upon the trees. - -In heaven I shall stand on gold and glass, - Still brooding earth's arithmetic to spell; - Or see the fading of the fires of hell -Ere I have thanked my God for all the grass. - - - - -A CHRISTMAS CAROL - -The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap, - His hair was like a light. -(O weary, weary were the world, - But here is all aright.) - -The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast, - His hair was like a star. -(O stern and cunning are the kings, - But here the true hearts are.) - -The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart, - His hair was like a fire. -(O weary, weary is the world, - But here the world's desire.) - -The Christ-child stood at Mary's knee, - His hair was like a crown, -And all the flowers looked up at him. - And all the stars looked down. - - - - -ALONE - -Blessings there are of cradle and of clan, - Blessings that fall of priests' and princes' hands; - But never blessing full of lives and lands, -Broad as the blessing of a lonely man. - -Though that old king fell from his primal throne, - And ate among the cattle, yet this pride - Had found him in the deepest grass, and cried -An 'Ecce Homo' with the trumpets blown. - -And no mad tyrant, with almighty ban, - Who in strong madness dreams himself divine, - But hears through fumes of flattery and of wine -The thunder of this blessing name him man. - -Let all earth rot past saints' and seraphs' plea, - Yet shall a Voice cry through its last lost war, - 'This is the world, this red wreck of a star, -That a man blessed beneath an alder-tree.' - - - - -KING'S CROSS STATION - -This circled cosmos whereof man is god - Has suns and stars of green and gold and red, -And cloudlands of great smoke, that range o'er range - Far floating, hide its iron heavens o'erhead. - -God! shall we ever honour what we are, - And see one moment ere the age expire, -The vision of man shouting and erect, - Whirled by the shrieking steeds of flood and fire? - -Or must Fate act the same grey farce again, - And wait, till one, amid Time's wrecks and scars, -Speaks to a ruin here, 'What poet-race - Shot such cyclopean arches at the stars?' - - - - -THE HUMAN TREE - -Many have Earth's lovers been, -Tried in seas and wars, I ween; -Yet the mightiest have I seen: - Yea, the best saw I. -One that in a field alone -Stood up stiller than a stone -Lest a moth should fly. - -Birds had nested in his hair, -On his shoon were mosses rare. -Insect empires flourished there, - Worms in ancient wars; -But his eyes burn like a glass, -Hearing a great sea of grass - Roar towards the stars. - -From, them to the human tree -Rose a cry continually, -'Thou art still, our Father, we - Fain would have thee nod. -Make the skies as blood below thee, -Though thou slay us, we shall know thee. - Answer us, O God! - -'Show thine ancient flame and thunder, -Split the stillness once asunder, -Lest we whisper, lest we wonder - Art thou there at all?' -But I saw him there alone, -Standing stiller than a stone - Lest a moth should fall. - - - - -TO THEM THAT MOURN - -(W.E.G., May 1898) - -Lift up your heads: in life, in death, - God knoweth his head was high. -Quit we the coward's broken breath - Who watched a strong man die. - -If we must say, 'No more his peer - Cometh; the flag is furled.' -Stand not too near him, lest he hear - That slander on the world. - -The good green earth he loved and trod - Is still, with many a scar, -Writ in the chronicles of God, - A giant-bearing star. - -He fell: but Britain's banner swings - Above his sunken crown. -Black death shall have his toll of kings - Before that cross goes down. - -Once more shall move with mighty things - His house of ancient tale, -Where kings whose hands were kissed of kings - Went in: and came out pale. - -O young ones of a darker day, - In art's wan colours clad, -Whose very love and hate are grey-- - Whose very sin is sad. - -Pass on: one agony long-drawn - Was merrier than your mirth, -When hand-in-hand came death and dawn, - And spring was on the earth. - - - - -THE OUTLAW - -Priest, is any song-bird stricken? - Is one leaf less on the tree? -Is this wine less red and royal - That the hangman waits for me? - -He upon your cross that hangeth, - It is writ of priestly pen, -On the night they built his gibbet, - Drank red wine among his men. - -Quaff, like a brave man, as he did, - Wine and death as heaven pours-- -This is my fate: O ye rulers, - O ye pontiffs, what is yours? - -To wait trembling, lest yon loathly - Gallows-shape whereon I die, -In strange temples yet unbuilded, - Blaze upon an altar high. - - - - -BEHIND - -I saw an old man like a child, -His blue eyes bright, his white hair wild, -Who turned for ever, and might not stop, -Round and round like an urchin's top. - -'Fool,' I cried, 'while you spin round, -'Others grow wise, are praised, are crowned.' -Ever the same round road he trod, -'This is better: I seek for God.' - -'We see the whole world, left and right, -Yet at the blind back hides from sight -The unseen Master that drives us forth -To East and West, to South and North. - -'Over my shoulder for eighty years -I have looked for the gleam of the sphere of spheres.' -'In all your turning, what have you found?' -'At least, I know why the world goes round.' - - - - -THE END OF FEAR - -Though the whole heaven be one-eyed with the moon, - Though the dead landscape seem a thing possessed, - Yet I go singing through that land oppressed -As one that singeth through the flowers of June. - -No more, with forest-fingers crawling free - O'er dark flint wall that seems a wall of eyes, - Shall evil break my soul with mysteries -Of some world-poison maddening bush and tree. - -No more shall leering ghosts of pimp and king - With bloody secrets veiled before me stand. - Last night I held all evil in my hand -Closed: and behold it was a little thing. - -I broke the infernal gates and looked on him - Who fronts the strong creation with a curse; - Even the god of a lost universe, -Smiling above his hideous cherubim. - -And pierced far down in his soul's crypt unriven - The last black crooked sympathy and shame, - And hailed him with that ringing rainbow name -Erased upon the oldest book in heaven. - -Like emptied idiot masks, sin's loves and wars - Stare at me now: for in the night I broke - The bubble of a great world's jest, and woke -Laughing with laughter such as shakes the stars. - - - - -THE HOLY OF HOLIES - -'Elder father, though thine eyes -Shine with hoary mysteries, -Canst thou tell what in the heart -Of a cowslip blossom lies? - -'Smaller than all lives that be, -Secret as the deepest sea, -Stands a little house of seeds, -Like an elfin's granary, - -'Speller of the stones and weeds, -Skilled in Nature's crafts and creeds, -Tell me what is in the heart -Of the smallest of the seeds.' - -'God Almighty, and with Him -Cherubim and Seraphim, -Filling all eternity-- -Adonai Elohim.' - - - - -THE MIRROR OF MADMEN - -I dreamed a dream of heaven, white as frost, -The splendid stillness of a living host; -Vast choirs of upturned faces, line o'er line. -Then my blood froze; for every face was mine. - -Spirits with sunset plumage throng and pass, -Glassed darkly in the sea of gold and glass. -But still on every side, in every spot, -I saw a million selves, who saw me not. - -I fled to quiet wastes, where on a stone, -Perchance, I found a saint, who sat alone; -I came behind: he turned with slow, sweet grace, -And faced me with my happy, hateful face. - -I cowered like one that in a tower doth bide, -Shut in by mirrors upon every side; -Then I saw, islanded in skies alone -And silent, one that sat upon a throne. - -His robe was bordered with rich rose and gold, -Green, purple, silver out of sunsets old; -But o'er his face a great cloud edged with fire, -Because it covereth the world's desire. - -But as I gazed, a silent worshipper, -Methought the cloud began to faintly stir; -Then I fell flat, and screamed with grovelling head, -'If thou hast any lightning, strike me dead! - -'But spare a brow where the clean sunlight fell, -The crown of a new sin that sickens hell. -Let me not look aloft and see mine own -Feature and form upon the Judgment-throne.' - -Then my dream snapped: and with a heart that leapt -I saw across the tavern where I slept, -The sight of all my life most full of grace, -A gin-damned drunkard's wan half-witted face. - - - - -E.C.B. - -Before the grass grew over me, - I knew one good man through and through, -And knew a soul and body joined - Are stronger than the heavens are blue. - -A wisdom worthy of thy joy, - O great heart, read I as I ran; -Now, though men smite me on the face, - I cannot curse the face of man. - -I loved the man I saw yestreen - Hanged with his babe's blood on his palms. -I loved the man I saw to-day - Who knocked not when he came with alms. - -Hush!--for thy sake I even faced - The knowledge that is worse than hell; -And loved the man I saw but now - Hanging head downwards in the well. - - - - -THE DESECRATERS - -Witness all: that unrepenting, - Feathers flying, music high, -I go down to death unshaken - By your mean philosophy. - -For your wages, take my body, - That at least to you I leave; -Set the sulky plumes upon it, - Bid the grinning mummers grieve. - -Stand in silence: steep your raiment - In the night that hath no star; -Don the mortal dress of devils, - Blacker than their spirits are. - -Since ye may not, of your mercy, - Ere I lie on such a hearse, -Hurl me to the living jackals - God hath built for sepulchres. - - - - -AN ALLIANCE - -This is the weird of a world-old folk, - That not till the last link breaks, -Not till the night is blackest, - The blood of Hengist wakes. -When the sun is black in heaven, - The moon as blood above, -And the earth is full of hatred, - This people tells its love. - -In change, eclipse, and peril, - Under the whole world's scorn, -By blood and death and darkness - The Saxon peace is sworn; -That all our fruit be gathered, - And all our race take hands, -And the sea be a Saxon river - That runs through Saxon lands. - -Lo! not in vain we bore him; - Behold it! not in vain, -Four centuries' dooms of torture - Choked in the throat of Spain, -Ere priest or tyrant triumph-- - We know how well--we know-- -Bone of that bone can whiten, - Blood of that blood can flow. - -Deep grows the hate of kindred, - Its roots take hold on hell; -No peace or praise can heal it, - But a stranger heals it well. -Seas shall be red as sunsets, - And kings' bones float as foam, -And heaven be dark with vultures, - The night our son comes home. - - - - -THE ANCIENT OF DAYS - -A child sits in a sunny place, - Too happy for a smile, -And plays through one long holiday - With balls to roll and pile; -A painted wind-mill by his side - Runs like a merry tune, -But the sails are the four great winds of heaven, - And the balls are the sun and moon. - -A staring doll's-house shows to him - Green floors and starry rafter, -And many-coloured graven dolls - Live for his lonely laughter. -The dolls have crowns and aureoles, - Helmets and horns and wings. -For they are the saints and seraphim, - The prophets and the kings. - - - - -THE LAST MASQUERADE - -A wan new garment of young green - Touched, as you turned your soft brown hair - And in me surged the strangest prayer -Ever in lover's heart hath been. - -That I who saw your youth's bright page, - A rainbow change from robe to robe, - Might see you on this earthly globe, -Crowned with the silver crown of age. - -Your dear hair powdered in strange guise, - Your dear face touched with colours pale: - And gazing through the mask and veil -The mirth of your immortal eyes. - - - - -THE EARTH'S SHAME - -Name not his deed: in shuddering and in haste - We dragged him darkly o'er the windy fell: -That night there was a gibbet in the waste, - And a new sin in hell. - -Be his deed hid from commonwealths and kings, - By all men born be one true tale forgot; -But three things, braver than all earthly things, - Faced him and feared him not. - -Above his head and sunken secret face - Nested the sparrow's young and dropped not dead. -From the red blood and slime of that lost place - Grew daisies white, not red. - -And from high heaven looking upon him, - Slowly upon the face of God did come -A smile the cherubim and seraphim - Hid all their faces from. - - - - -VANITY - -A wan sky greener than the lawn, - A wan lawn paler than the sky. -She gave a flower into my hand, - And all the hours of eve went by. - -Who knows what round the corner waits - To smite? If shipwreck, snare, or slur -Shall leave me with a head to lift, - Worthy of him that spoke with her. - -A wan sky greener than the lawn, - A wan lawn paler than the sky. -She gave a flower into my hand, - And all the days of life went by. - -Live ill or well, this thing is mine, -From all I guard it, ill or well. -One tawdry, tattered, faded flower -To show the jealous kings in hell. - - - - -THE LAMP POST - -Laugh your best, O blazoned forests, - Me ye shall not shift or shame -With your beauty: here among you - Man hath set his spear of flame. - -Lamp to lamp we send the signal, - For our lord goes forth to war; -Since a voice, ere stars were builded, - Bade him colonise a star. - -Laugh ye, cruel as the morning, - Deck your heads with fruit and flower, -Though our souls be sick with pity, - Yet our hands are hard with power. - -We have read your evil stories, - We have heard the tiny yell -Through the voiceless conflagration - Of your green and shining hell. - -And when men, with fires and shouting, - Break your old tyrannic pales; -And where ruled a single spider - Laugh and weep a million tales. - -This shall be your best of boasting: - That some poet, poor of spine. -Full and sated with our wisdom, - Full and fiery with our wine, - -Shall steal out and make a treaty - With the grasses and the showers, -Rail against the grey town-mother, - Fawn upon the scornful flowers; - -Rest his head among the roses, - Where a quiet song-bird sounds, -And no sword made sharp for traitors, - Hack him into meat for hounds. - - - - -THE PESSIMIST - -You that have snarled through the ages, take your answer and go-- -I know your hoary question, the riddle that all men know. -You have weighed the stars in a balance, and grasped the skies in a span: -Take, if you must have answer, the word of a common man. - -Deep in my life lies buried one love unhealed, unshriven, -One hunger still shall haunt me--yea, in the streets of heaven; -This is the burden, babbler, this is the curse shall cling, -This is the thing I bring you; this is the pleasant thing. - -'Gainst you and all your sages, no joy of mine shall strive, -This one dead self shall shatter the men you call alive. -My grief I send to smite you, no pleasure, no belief, -Lord of the battered grievance, what do you know of grief? - -I only know the praises to heaven that one man gave, -That he came on earth for an instant, to stand beside a grave, -The peace of a field of battle, where flowers are born of blood. -I only know one evil that makes the whole world good. - -Beneath this single sorrow the globe of moon and sphere -Turns to a single jewel, so bright and brittle and dear -That I dread lest God should drop it, to be dashed into stars below. - -You that have snarled through the ages, take your answer and go. - - - - -A FAIRY TALE - -All things grew upwards, foul and fair: -The great trees fought and beat the air -With monstrous wings that would have flown; -But the old earth clung to her own, -Holding them back from heavenly wars, -Though every flower sprang at the stars. - -But he broke free: while all things ceased, -Some hour increasing, he increased. -The town beneath him seemed a map, -Above the church he cocked his cap, -Above the cross his feather flew -Above the birds and still he grew. - -The trees turned grass; the clouds were riven; -His feet were mountains lost in heaven; -Through strange new skies he rose alone, -The earth fell from him like a stone, -And his own limbs beneath him far -Seemed tapering down to touch a star. - -He reared his head, shaggy and grim, -Staring among the cherubim; -The seven celestial floors he rent, -One crystal dome still o'er him bent: -Above his head, more clear than hope, -All heaven was a microscope. - - - - -A PORTRAIT - -Fair faces crowd on Christmas night - Like seven suns a-row, -But all beyond is the wolfish wind - And the crafty feet of the snow. - -But through the rout one figure goes - With quick and quiet tread; -Her robe is plain, her form is frail-- - Wait if she turn her head. - -I say no word of line or hue, - But if that face you see, -Your soul shall know the smile of faith's - Awful frivolity. - -Know that in this grotesque old masque - Too loud we cannot sing, -Or dance too wild, or speak too wide - To praise a hidden thing. - -That though the jest be old as night, - Still shaketh sun and sphere -An everlasting laughter - Too loud for us to hear. - - - - -FEMINA CONTRA MUNDUM - -The sun was black with judgment, and the moon - Blood: but between -I saw a man stand, saying, 'To me at least - The grass is green. - -'There was no star that I forgot to fear - With love and wonder. -The birds have loved me'; but no answer came-- - Only the thunder. - -Once more the man stood, saying, 'A cottage door, - Wherethrough I gazed -That instant as I turned--yea, I am vile; - Yet my eyes blazed. - -'For I had weighed the mountains in a balance, - And the skies in a scale, -I come to sell the stars--old lamps for new-- - Old stars for sale.' - -Then a calm voice fell all the thunder through, - A tone less rough: -'Thou hast begun to love one of my works - Almost enough.' - - - - -TO A CERTAIN NATION - -We will not let thee be, for thou art ours. - We thank thee still, though thou forget these things, -For that hour's sake when thou didst wake all powers - With a great cry that God was sick of kings. - -Leave thee there grovelling at their rusted greaves, - These hulking cowards on a painted stage, -Who, with imperial pomp and laurel leaves, - Show their Marengo--one man in a cage. - -These, for whom stands no type or title given - In all the squalid tales of gore and pelf; -Though cowed by crashing thunders from all heaven. - Cain never said, 'My brother slew himself.' - -Tear you the truth out of your drivelling spy, - The maniac whom you set to swing death's scythe. -Nay; torture not the torturer--let him lie: - What need of racks to teach a worm to writhe? - -Bear with us, O our sister, not in pride, - Nor any scorn we see thee spoiled of knaves, -But only shame to hear, where Danton died, - Thy foul dead kings all laughing in their graves. - -Thou hast a right to rule thyself; to be - The thing thou wilt; to grin, to fawn, to creep: -To crown these clumsy liars; ay, and we - Who knew thee once, we have a right to weep. - - - - -THE PRAISE OF DUST - -'What of vile dust?' the preacher said. - Methought the whole world woke, -The dead stone lived beneath my foot, - And my whole body spoke. - -'You, that play tyrant to the dust, - And stamp its wrinkled face, -This patient star that flings you not - Far into homeless space. - -'Come down out of your dusty shrine - The living dust to see, -The flowers that at your sermon's end - Stand blazing silently. - -'Rich white and blood-red blossom; stones, - Lichens like fire encrust; -A gleam of blue, a glare of gold, - The vision of the dust. - -'Pass them all by: till, as you come - Where, at a city's edge, -Under a tree--I know it well-- - Under a lattice ledge, - -'The sunshine falls on one brown head. - You, too, O cold of clay, -Eater of stones, may haply hear - The trumpets of that day - -'When God to all his paladins - By his own splendour swore -To make a fairer face than heaven, - Of dust and nothing more.' - - - - -THE BALLAD OF THE BATTLE OF GIBEON - -Five kings rule o'er the Amorite, -Mighty as fear and old as night; -Swathed with unguent and gold and jewel, -Waxed they merry and fat and cruel. -Zedek of Salem, a terror and glory, -Whose face was hid while his robes were gory; -And Hoham of Hebron, whose loathly face is -Heavy and dark o'er the ruin of races; -And Piram of Jarmuth, drunk with strange wine, -Who dreamed he had fashioned all stars that shine; -And Debir of Eglon wild, without pity, -Who raged like a plague in the midst of his city; -And Japhia of Lachish, a fire that flameth, -Who did in the daylight what no man nameth. - -These five kings said one to another, -'King unto king o'er the world is brother, -Seeing that now, for a sign and a wonder, -A red eclipse and a tongue of thunder, -A shape and a finger of desolation, -Is come against us a kingless nation. -Gibeon hath failed us: it were not good -That a man remember where Gibeon stood.' -Then Gibeon sent to our captain, crying, -'Son of Nun, let a shaft be flying, -For unclean birds are gathering greedily; -Slack not thy hand, but come thou speedily. -Yea, we are lost save thou maintain'st us, -For the kings of the mountains are gathered against us.' - -Then to our people spake the Deliverer, -'Gibeon is high, yet a host may shiver her; -Gibeon hath sent to me crying for pity, -For the lords of the cities encompass the city -With chariot and banner and bowman and lancer, -And I swear by the living God I will answer. -Gird you, O Israel, quiver and javelin, -Shield and sword for the road we travel in; -Verily, as I have promised, pay I -Life unto Gibeon, death unto Ai.' - -Sudden and still as a bolt shot right -Up on the city we went by night. -Never a bird of the air could say, -'This was the children of Israel's way.' - -Only the hosts sprang up from sleeping, -Saw from the heights a dark stream sweeping; -Sprang up straight as a great shout stung them, -And heard the Deliverer's war-cry among them, -Heard under cupola, turret, and steeple -The awful cry of the kingless people. - -Started the weak of them, shouted the strong of them, -Crashed we a thunderbolt into the throng of them, -Blindly with heads bent, and shields forced before us, -We heard the dense roar of the strife closing o'er us. -And drunk with the crash of the song that it sung them, -We drove the great spear-blade in God's name among them. - -Redder and redder the sword-flash fell. -Our eyes and our nostrils were hotter than hell; -Till full all the crest of the spear-surge shocking us, -Hoham of Hebron cried out mocking us, -'Nay, what need of the war-sword's plying, -Out of the desert the dust comes flying. -A little red dust, if the wind be blowing-- -Who shall reck of its coming or going?' -Back the Deliverer spake as a clarion, -'Mock at thy slaves, thou eater of carrion! -Laughest thou at us, in thy kingly clowning, -We, that laughed upon Ramases frowning. -We that stood up proud, unpardoned, -When his face was dark and his heart was hardened? -Pharaoh we knew and his steeds, not faster -Than the word of the Lord in thine ear, O master. - -Sheer through the turban his wantons wove him, -Clean to the skull the Deliverer clove him; -And the two hosts reeled at the sign appalling, -As the great king fell like a great house falling. - -Loudly we shouted, and living and dying. -Bore them all backward with strength and strong crying; -And Caleb struck Zedek hard at the throat, -And Japhia of Lachish Zebulon smote. -The war-swords and axes were clashing and groaning, -The fallen were fighting and foaming and moaning; -The war-spears were breaking, the war-horns were braying, -Ere the hands of the slayers were sated with slaying. -And deep in the grasses grown gory and sodden, -The treaders of all men were trampled and trodden; -And over them, routed and reeled like cattle, -High over the turn of the tide of the battle, -High over noises that deafen and cover us, -Rang the Deliverer's voice out over us. - -'Stand thou still, thou sun upon Gibeon, -Stand thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon! -Shout thou, people, a cry like thunder, -For the kings of the earth are broken asunder. -Now we have said as the thunder says it, -Something is stronger than strength and slays it. -Now we have written for all time later, -Five kings are great, yet a law is greater. -Stare, O sun! in thine own great glory, -This is the turn of the whole world's story. -Stand thou still, thou sun upon Gibeon, -Stand thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon! - -'Smite! amid spear-blades blazing and breaking. -More than we know of is rising and making. -Stab with the javelin, crash with the car! -Cry! for we know not the thing that we are. -Stand, O sun! that in horrible patience -Smiled on the smoke and the slaughter of nations. -Thou shalt grow sad for a little crying, -Thou shalt be darkened for one man's dying-- -Stand thou still, thou sun upon Gibeon, -Stand thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon!' - -After the battle was broken and spent -Up to the hill the Deliverer went, -Flung up his arms to the storm-clouds flying, -And cried unto Israel, mightily crying, -'Come up, O warriors! come up, O brothers! -Tribesmen and herdsmen, maidens and mothers; -The bondman's son and the bondman's daughter, -The hewer of wood and the drawer of water, -He that carries and he that brings, -And set your foot on the neck of kings.' - -This is the story of Gibeon fight-- -Where we smote the lords of the Amorite; -Where the banners of princes with slaughter were sodden. -And the beards of seers in the rank grass trodden; -Where the trees were wrecked by the wreck of cars, -And the reek of the red field blotted the stars; -Where the dead heads dropped from the swords that sever, -Because His mercy endureth for ever. - - - - -'VULGARISED' - -All round they murmur, 'O profane, - Keep thy heart's secret hid as gold'; -But I, by God, would sooner be - Some knight in shattering wars of old, - -In brown outlandish arms to ride, - And shout my love to every star -With lungs to make a poor maid's name - Deafen the iron ears of war. - -Here, where these subtle cowards crowd, - To stand and so to speak of love, -That the four corners of the world - Should hear it and take heed thereof. - -That to this shrine obscure there be - One witness before all men given, -As naked as the hanging Christ, - As shameless as the sun in heaven. - -These whimperers--have they spared to us - One dripping woe, one reeking sin? -These thieves that shatter their own graves - To prove the soul is dead within. - -They talk; by God, is it not time - Some of Love's chosen broke the girth, -And told the good all men have known - Since the first morning of the earth? - - - - -THE BALLAD OF GOD-MAKERS - -A bird flew out at the break of day - From the nest where it had curled, -And ere the eve the bird had set - Fear on the kings of the world. - -The first tree it lit upon - Was green with leaves unshed; -The second tree it lit upon - Was red with apples red; - -The third tree it lit upon - Was barren and was brown, -Save for a dead man nailed thereon - On a hill above a town. - -That right the kings of the earth were gay - And filled the cup and can; -Last night the kings of the earth were chill - For dread of a naked man. - -'If he speak two more words,' they said, - 'The slave is more than the free; -If he speak three more words,' they said, - 'The stars are under the sea.' - -Said the King of the East to the King of the West, - I wot his frown was set, -'Lo; let us slay him and make him as dung, - It is well that the world forget.' - -Said the King of the West to the King of the East, - I wot his smile was dread, -'Nay, let us slay him and make him a god, - It is well that our god be dead.' - -They set the young man on a hill, - They nailed him to a rod; -And there in darkness and in blood - They made themselves a god. - -And the mightiest word was left unsaid, - And the world had never a mark, -And the strongest man of the sons of men - Went dumb into the dark. - -Then hymns and harps of praise they brought, - Incense and gold and myrrh, -And they thronged above the seraphim, - The poor dead carpenter. - -'Thou art the prince of all,' they sang, - 'Ocean and earth and air.' -Then the bird flew on to the cruel cross, - And hid in the dead man's hair. - -'Thou art the sun of the world,' they cried, - 'Speak if our prayers be heard.' -And the brown bird stirred in the dead man's hair, - And it seemed that the dead man stirred. - -Then a shriek went up like the world's last cry - From all nations under heaven, -And a master fell before a slave - And begged to be forgiven. - -They cowered, for dread in his wakened eyes - The ancient wrath to see; -And the bird flew out of the dead Christ's hair, - And lit on a lemon-tree. - - - - -AT NIGHT - -How many million stars there be, -That only God hath numbered; -But this one only chosen for me -In time before her face was fled. -Shall not one mortal man alive - Hold up his head? - - - - -THE WOOD-CUTTER - -We came behind him by the wall, - My brethren drew their brands, -And they had strength to strike him down-- - And I to bind his hands. - -Only once, to a lantern gleam, - He turned his face from the wall, -And it was as the accusing angel's face - On the day when the stars shall fall. - -I grasped the axe with shaking hands, - I stared at the grass I trod; -For I feared to see the whole bare heavens - Filled with the face of God. - -I struck: the serpentine slow blood - In four arms soaked the moss-- -Before me, by the living Christ, - The blood ran in a cross. - -Therefore I toil in forests here - And pile the wood in stacks, -And take no fee from the shivering folk - Till I have cleansed the axe. - -But for a curse God cleared my sight, - And where each tree doth grow -I see a life with awful eyes, - And I must lay it low. - - - - -ART COLOURS - -On must we go: we search dead leaves, - We chase the sunset's saddest flames, -The nameless hues that o'er and o'er - In lawless wedding lost their names. - -God of the daybreak! Better be - Black savages; and grin to gird -Our limbs in gaudy rags of red, - The laughing-stock of brute and bird; - -And feel again the fierce old feast, - Blue for seven heavens that had sufficed, -A gold like shining hoards, a red - Like roses from the blood of Christ. - - - - -THE TWO WOMEN - -Lo! very fair is she who knows the ways - Of joy: in pleasure's mocking wisdom old, -The eyes that might be cold to flattery, kind; - The hair that might be grey with knowledge, gold. - -But thou art more than these things, O my queen, - For thou art clad in ancient wars and tears. -And looking forth, framed in the crown of thorns, - I saw the youngest face in all the spheres. - - - - -THE WILD KNIGHT - -The wasting thistle whitens on my crest, -The barren grasses blow upon my spear, -A green, pale pennon: blazon of wild faith -And love of fruitless things: yea, of my love, -Among the golden loves of all the knights, -Alone: most hopeless, sweet, and blasphemous, -The love of God: - I hear the crumbling creeds -Like cliffs washed down by water, change, and pass; -I hear a noise of words, age after age, -A new cold wind that blows across the plains, -And all the shrines stand empty; and to me -All these are nothing: priests and schools may doubt -Who never have believed; but I have loved. -Ah friends, I know it passing well, the love -Wherewith I love; it shall not bring to me -Return or hire or any pleasant thing-- -Ay, I have tried it: Ay, I know its roots. -Earthquake and plague have burst on it in vain -And rolled back shattered-- - Babbling neophytes! -Blind, startled fools--think you I know it not? -Think you to teach me? Know I not His ways? -Strange-visaged blunders, mystic cruelties. -All! all! I know Him, for I love Him. Go! - -So, with the wan waste grasses on my spear, -I ride for ever, seeking after God. -My hair grows whiter than my thistle plume, -And all my limbs are loose; but in my eyes -The star of an unconquerable praise: -For in my soul one hope for ever sings, -That at the next white corner of a road -My eyes may look on Him.... - Hush--I shall know -The place when it is found: a twisted path -Under a twisted pear-tree--this I saw -In the first dream I had ere I was born, -Wherein He spoke.... - But the grey clouds come down -In hail upon the icy plains: I ride, -Burning for ever in consuming fire. - - - - -THE WILD KNIGHT - -_A dark manor-house shuttered and unlighted, outlined against a pale -sunset: in front a large, but neglected, garden. To the right, in the -foreground, the porch of a chapel, with coloured windows lighted. Hymns -within._ - -_Above the porch a grotesque carved bracket, supporting a lantern. -Astride of it sits CAPTAIN REDFEATHER, a flagon in his hand_. - -REDFEATHER. - -I have drunk to all I know of, -To every leaf on the tree, -To the highest bird of the heavens, -To the lowest fish of the sea. -What toast, what toast remaineth, -Drunk down in the same good wine, -By the tippler's cup in the tavern, -And the priest's cup at the shrine? - -[_A Priest comes out, stick in hand, and looks right and left._] - -VOICES WITHIN. - -The brawler ... - -PRIEST. - -He has vanished - -REDFEATHER. - -To the stars. - -[_The Priest looks up._] - -PRIEST [_angrily_]. - -What would you there, sir? - -REDFEATHER. - -Give you all a toast. - -[_Lifts his flagon. More priests come out._] - -I see my life behind me: bad enough-- -Drink, duels, madness, beggary, and pride, -The life of the unfit: yet ere I drop -On Nature's rubbish heap, I weigh it all, -And give you all a toast-- - -[_Reels to his feet and stands._] - -The health of God! - -[_They all recoil from him._] - -Let's give the Devil of the Heavens His due! -He that made grass so green, and wine so red, -Is not so black as you have painted him. - -[_Drinks._] - -PRIEST. - -Blaspheming profligate! - -REDFEATHER [_hurls the flagon among them._] - - Howl! ye dumb dogs, -I named your King--let me have one great shout, -Flutter the seraphim like startled birds; -Make God recall the good days of His youth -Ere saints had saddened Him: when He came back -Conqueror of Chaos in a six days' war, -With all the sons of God shouting for joy ... - -PRIEST. - -And you--what is your right, and who are you, -To praise God? - -REDFEATHER. - - A lost soul. In earth or heaven -What has a better right? - -PRIEST. - - Go, pagan, go! -Drink, dice, and dance: take no more thought than blind -Beasts of the field.... - -REDFEATHER. - - Or ... lilies of the field, -To quote a pagan sage. I go my way. - -PRIEST [_solemnly_]. - -And when Death comes.... - -REDFEATHER. - -He shall not find me dead. - -[_Puts on his plumed hat. The priests go out._] - -REDFEATHER. - -These frozen fools.... - -[_The Lady Olive comes out of the chapel. He sees her._] - -Oh, they were right enough. -Where shall I hide my carrion from the sun? - -[_Buries his face. His hat drops to the ground._] - -OLIVE [_looking up._] - -Captain, are you from church? I saw you not. - -REDFEATHER. - -No, I am here. - -[_Lays his hand on a gargoyle._] - - I, too, am a grotesque, -And dance with all the devils on the roof. - -OLIVE [_with a strange smile._] - -For Satan, also, I have often prayed. - -REDFEATHER [_roughly_]. - -Satan may worry women if he will, -For he was but an angel ere he fell, -But I--before I fell--I was a man. - -OLIVE. - -He too, my Master, was a man: too strong -To fear a strong man's sins: 'tis written He -Descended into hell. - -REDFEATHER. - -Write, then, that I - -[_Leaps to the ground before her._] - -Descended into heaven.... - You are ill? - -OLIVE. - -No, well.... - -REDFEATHER. - -You speak the truth--you are the Truth-- -Lady, say once again then, 'I am _well_.' - -OLIVE. - -I--ah! God give me grace--I am nigh dead. - -REDFEATHER [_quietly._] - -Lord Orm? - -OLIVE. - -Yes--yes. - -REDFEATHER. - - Is in your father's house-- -Having the title-deeds--would drive you forth. -Homeless, and with your father sick to death, -Into this winter, save on a condition -Named.... - -OLIVE. - - And unnameable. Even so; Lord Orm-- -Ah! do you know him? - -REDFEATHER. - - Ay, I saw him once. -The sun shone on his face, that smiled and smiled, -A sight not wholesome to the eyes of man. - -OLIVE. - -Captain, I tell you God once fell asleep. -And in that hour the world went as it would; -Dogs brought forth cats, and poison grew in grapes, -And Orm was born.... - -REDFEATHER. - - Why, curse him! can he not -Be kicked or paid? - -OLIVE [_feverishly_]. - - Hush! He is just behind -There in the house--see how the great house glares, -Glares like an ogre's mask--the whole dead house -Possessed with bestial meaning.... - -[_Screams_] - - Ah! the face! -The whole great grinning house--his face! his face! -His face! - -REDFEATHER [_in a voice of thunder, pointing away from the house_]. - -Look there--look there! - -OLIVE. - -What is it? What? - -REDFEATHER. - -I think it was a bird. - -OLIVE. - -What thought you, truly? - -REDFEATHER. - -I think a mighty thought is drawing near. - -[_Enter THE WILD KNIGHT._] - -THE WILD KNIGHT. - -That house.... - -[_Points._] - -OLIVE. - -Ah Christ! [_Shudders._] I had forgotten it. - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_still pointing_]. - -That house! the house at last, the house of God, -Wherein God makes an evening feast for me. -The house at last: I know the twisted path -Under the twisted pear-tree: this I saw -In the first dream I had ere I was born. -It is the house of God. He welcomes me. - -[_Strides forward._] - -REDFEATHER. - -_That_ house. God's blood! - -OLIVE [_hysterically_]. - -Is not this hell's own wit? - -THE WILD KNIGHT. - -God grows impatient, and His wine is poured, -His bread is broken. - -[_Rushes forward._] - -REDFEATHER [_leaps between_]. - - Stand away, great fool, -There is a devil there! - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_draws his sword, and waves it as he rushes_]. - -God's house!--God's house! - -REDFEATHER [_plucks out his own sword_]. - -Better my hand than his. - -[_The blades clash._] - - God alone knows -What That within might do to you, poor fool, -I can but kill you. - -[_They fight. OLIVE tries to part them._] - -REDFEATHER. - -Olive, stand away! - -OLIVE. - -I will not stand away! - -[_Steps between the swords._] - - Stranger, a word, -Yes--you are right--God is within that house. - -REDFEATHER. - -Olive! - -OLIVE. - - But He is all too beautiful -For us who only know of stars and flowers. -The thing within is all too pure and fair, - -[_Shudders._] - -Too awful in its ancient innocence, -For men to look upon it and not die; -Ourselves would fade into those still white fires -Of peace and mercy. - -[_Struggles with her voice._] - -There ... enough ... the law-- -No flesh shall look upon the Lord and live. - -REDFEATHER [_sticking his sword in the ground_]. - -You are the bravest lady in the world. - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_dazed_]. - -May I not go within? - -REDFEATHER. - -Keep you the law-- -No flesh shall look upon the Lord and live. - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_sadly_]. - -Then I will go and lay me in the flowers, -For He may haply, as in ancient time, -Walk in the garden in the cool of day. - -[_He goes out._] - -[OLIVE _reels._ REDFEATHER _catches her._] - -You are the strongest woman upon earth. -The weakest woman than the strongest man -Is stronger in her hour: this is the law. -When the hour passes--then may we be strong. - -OLIVE [_wildly._] - -The House ... the Face. - -REDFEATHER [_fiercely_]. - -I love you. Look at me! - -OLIVE [_turns her face to him._] - -I hear six birds sing in that little tree, -Say, is the old earth laughing at my fears? -I think I love you also.... - -REDFEATHER. - - What I am -You know. But I will never curse a man, -Even in a mirror. - -OLIVE [_smiling at him_]. - -And the Devil's dance? - -REDFEATHER. - -The Devil plotted since the world was young -With alchemies of fire and witches' oils -And magic. But he never made a man. - -OLIVE. - -No; not a man. - -REDFEATHER. - - Not even my Lord Orm. -Look at the house now-- - -[_She starts and looks._] - -Honest brick and tiles. - -OLIVE. - -You have a strange strength in this hour. - -REDFEATHER. - - This hour -I see with mortal eye as in one flash -The whole divine democracy of things, -And dare the stars to scorn a scavenge-heap. -Olive, I tell you every soul is great. -Weave we green crowns--how noble and how high; -Fling we white flowers--how radiant and how pure -Is he, whoe'er he be, who next shall cross -This scrap of grass.... - -[_Enter LORD ORM. _] - -OLIVE [_screams_]. - -Ah! - -REDFEATHER [_pointing to the chapel_]. - - Olive, go and pray -for a man soon to die. Good-day, my Lord. - -[_She goes in._] - -LORD ORM. - -Good-day. - -REDFEATHER. - -I am a friend to Lady Olive. - -LORD ORM. - -Sir, you are fortunate. - -REDFEATHER. - - Most fortunate -In finding, sword on thigh and ready, one -Who is a villain and a gentleman. - -LORD ORM [_picks up the flagon_]. - -Empty, I see. - -REDFEATHER. - - Oh sir, you never drink. -You dread to lose yourself before the stars-- -Do you not dread to sleep? - -LORD ORM [_violently_]. - -What would you here? - -REDFEATHER. - -Receive from you the title-deeds you hold. - -LORD ORM. - -You entertain me. - -REDFEATHER. - -With a bout at foils? - -LORD ORM. - -I will not fight. - -REDFEATHER. - - I know you better, then. -I have seen men grow mangier than the beasts, -Eat bread with blood upon their fingers, grin -While women burned: but one last law they served. -When I say 'Coward,' is the law awake? - -LORD ORM. - -Hear me, then, too: I have seen robbers rule, -And thieves go clad in gold--age after age-- -Because, though sordid, ragged, rude, and mean, -They saw, like gods, no law above their heads. -But when they fell--then for this cause they fell, -This last mean cobweb of the fairy tales -Of good and ill: that they must stand and fight -When a man bade, though they had chose to stand -And fight not. I am stronger than the world. - -[_Folds his arms._] - -REDFEATHER [_lifts his hand_]. - -If in your body be the blood of man, - -[_Strikes him._] - -Now let it rush to the face-- - God! Have you sunk -Lower than anger? - -LORD ORM. - -How I triumph now. - -REDFEATHER [_stamps wildly]_. - -Damned, whimpering dog! vile, snivelling, sick poltroon! -Are you alive? - -LORD ORM. - - Evil, be thou my good; -Let the sun blacken and the moon be blood: -I have said the words. - -REDFEATHER [_studying him_]. - - And if I struck you dead, -You would turn to daisies! - -LORD ORM. - -And you do not strike. - -REDFEATHER [_dreamily_]. - -Indeed, poor soul, such magic would be kind -And full of pity as a fairy-tale: -One touch of this bright wand [_Lifts his sword_] - and down would drop -The dark abortive blunder that is you. -And you would change, forgiven, into flowers. - -LORD ORM. - -And yet--and yet you do not strike me dead. -I do not draw: the sword is in your hand-- -Drive the blade through me where I stand. - -REDFEATHER. - - Lord Orm, -You asked the Lady Olive (I can speak -As to a toad to you, my lord)--you asked -Olive to be your paramour: and she-- - -LORD ORM. - -Refused. - -REDFEATHER. - - And yet her father was at stake, -And she is soft and kind. Now look at me, -Ragged and ruined, soaked in bestial sins: -My lord, I too have my virginity-- -Turn the thing round, my lord, and topside down, -You cannot spell it. Be the fact enough, -I use no sword upon a swordless man. - -LORD ORM. - -For her? - -REDFEATHER. - -I too have my virginity. - -LORD ORM. - -Now look on me: I am the lord of earth, -For I have broken the last bond of man. -I stand erect, crowned with the stars--and why? -Because I stand a coward--because you -Have mercy--on a coward. Do I win? - -REDFEATHER. - -Though there you stand with moving mouth and eyes, -I think, my lord, you are not possible-- -God keep you from my dreams. - -[_Goes out._] - -LORD ORM. - - Alone and free. -Since first in flowery meads a child I ran, -My one long thirst--to be alone and free. -Free of all laws, creeds, codes, and common tests, -Shameless, anarchic, infinite. - Why, then, -I might have done in that dark liberty-- -If I should say 'a good deed,' men would laugh, -But here are none to laugh. - The godless world -Be thanked there is no God to spy on me, -Catch me and crown me with a vulgar crown -For what I do: if I should once believe -The horror of that ancient Eavesdropper -Behind the starry arras of the skies, -I should--well, well, enough of menaces-- -should not do the thing I come to do. -What do I come to do? Let me but try -To spell it to my soul. - Suppose a man -Perfectly free and utterly alone, -Free of all love of law, equally free -Of all the love of mutiny it breeds, -Free of the love of heaven, and also free -Of all the love of hell it drives us to; -Not merely void of rules, unconscious of them; -So strong that naught alive could do him hurt, -So wise that he knew all things, and so great -That none knew what he was or what he did-- -A lawless giant. - -[_A pause: then in a low voice._] - - Would he not be good? -Hate is the weakness of a thwarted thing, -Pride is the weakness of a thing unpraised. -But he, this man.... -He would be like a child -Girt with the tomes of some vast library, -Who reads romance after romance, and smiles -When every tale ends well: impersonal -As God he grows--melted in suns and stars; -So would this boundless man, whom none could spy, -Taunt him with virtue, censure him with vice, -Rejoice in all men's joys; with golden pen -Write all the live romances of the earth -To a triumphant close.... - Alone and free-- -In this grey, cool, clean garden, washed with winds, -What do I come to do among the grass, -The daisies, and the dews? An awful thing, -To prove I am that man. - That while these saints -Taunt me with trembling, dare me to revenge, -I breathe an upper air of ancient good -And strong eternal laughter; send my sun -And rain upon the evil and the just, -Turn my left cheek unto the smiter. He -That told me, sword in hand, that I had fallen -Lower than anger, knew not I had risen -Higher than pride.... - Enough, the deeds are mine. - -[_Takes out the title-deeds._] - -I come to write the end of a romance. -A good romance: the characters--Lord Orm. -Type of the starved heart and stored brain, -Who strives to hate and cannot; fronting him-- -Redfeather, rake in process of reform, -At root a poet: I have hopes of him: -He can love virtue, for he still loves vice. -He is not all burnt out. He beats me there -(How I beat him in owning it!); in love -He is still young, and has the joy of shame. -And for the Lady Olive--who shall speak? -A man may weigh the courage of a man, -But if there be a bottomless abyss -It is a woman's valour: such as I -Can only bow the knee and hide the face -(Thank God there is no God to spy on me -And bring his cursed crowns). - No, there is none: -The old incurable hunger of the world -Surges in wolfish wars, age after age. -There was no God before me: none sees where, -Between the brute-womb and the deaf, dead grave, -Unhoping, unrecorded, unrepaid, -I make with smoke, fire, and burnt-offering -This sacrifice to Chaos. [_Lights the papers._] None behold -Me write in fire the end of the romance. -Burn! I am God, and crown myself with stars. -Upon creation day: before was night -And chaos of a blind and cruel world. -I am the first God; I will trample hell, -Fight, conquer, make the story of the stars, -Like this poor story, end like a romance: - -[_The paper burns._] - -Before was brainless night: but I am God -In this black world I rend. Let there be light! - -[_The paper blazes up, illuminating the garden._] - -I, God ... - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_rushes forward_]. - - God's Light! God's Voice; yes, it is He -Walking in Eden in the cool of the day! - -LORD ORM [_screams_]. - -Tricked! Caught! -Damned screeching rat in a hole! - -[_Stabs him again and again with his sword; stamps on his face._] - -THE WILD KNIGHT [_faintly_]. - -Earth grows too beautiful around me: shapes -And colours fearfully wax fair and clear, -For I have heard, as thro' a door ajar, -Scraps of the huge soliloquy of God -That moveth as a mask the lips of man, -If man be very silent: they were right, -No flesh shall look upon the Lord and live. - -[_Dies._] - -LORD ORM [_staggers back laughing_]. - -Saved, saved, my secret. - -REDFEATHER [_rushing in, sword in hand_]. - - The drawn sword at last! -Guard, son of hell! - -[_They fight. ORM falls. OLIVE comes in._] - - He too can die. Keep back! -Olive, keep back from him! I did not fear -Him living, and he fell before my sword; -But dead I fear him. All is ended now; -A man's whole life tied in a bundle there, -And no good deed. I fear him. Come away. - - - - -GOOD NEWS - -Between a meadow and a cloud that sped - In rain and twilight, in desire and fear. - I heard a secret--hearken in your ear, -'Behold the daisy has a ring of red.' - -That hour, with half of blessing, half of ban, - A great voice went through heaven, and earth and hell, - Crying, 'We are tricked, my great ones, is it well? -Now is the secret stolen by a man.' - -Then waxed I like the wind because of this, - And ran, like gospel and apocalypse, - From door to door, with new anarchic lips, -Crying the very blasphemy of bliss. - -In the last wreck of Nature, dark and dread, - Shall in eclipse's hideous hieroglyph, - One wild form reel on the last rocking cliff, -And shout, 'The daisy has a ring of red.' - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Wild Knight and Other Poems -by Gilbert Chesterton - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WILD KNIGHT AND OTHER POEMS *** - -***** This file should be named 12037.txt or 12037.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/0/3/12037/ - -Produced by Robert Shimmin, Christina Morrell and PG Distributed -Proofreaders - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -https://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at https://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit https://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including including checks, online payments and credit card -donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's -eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, -compressed (zipped), HTML and others. - -Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over -the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. -VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving -new filenames and etext numbers. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - https://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - -EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, -are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to -download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular -search system you may utilize the following addresses and just -download by the etext year. - - https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 - - (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, - 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) - -EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are -filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part -of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is -identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single -digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For -example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: - - https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 - -or filename 24689 would be found at: - https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 - -An alternative method of locating eBooks: - https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL - - diff --git a/old/12037.zip b/old/12037.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4158061..0000000 --- a/old/12037.zip +++ /dev/null |