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diff --git a/19315-h/19315-h.htm b/19315-h/19315-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cd26f13 --- /dev/null +++ b/19315-h/19315-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4708 @@ +<!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" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Poems of Giacomo Leopardi, translated +by Frederick Townsend</title> + <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> +<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin-left:20%; margin-right:20%; } + h1, h2 { text-align:center; } + p { text-align:justify; } + span.sc { font-variant:small-caps; } + + /* Page numbers */ + + a[name] { position:absolute; } + a.pagebreak { right:1%; font-size:x-small; background-color:inherit; + color:gray; text-indent:0em; font-style:normal; + font-variant:normal; font-weight:normal; + border:1px solid silver; padding:1px 3px; } + a.pagebreak:after { content:attr(title); } + + /* Front matter */ + + h1, h2, .break { margin-top:3em; } + big { font-size:130%; } + small { font-size:70%; } + .frontmatter p { margin-top:3em; text-align:center; } + .central { text-align:center; } + .sig { text-align:right; font-variant:small-caps; } + + /* Table of Contents */ + + table { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; } + .toc td { font-variant:small-caps; text-align:left; + vertical-align:top; } + .toc td.right { font-variant:normal; text-align:right; width:6em; + vertical-align:bottom; } + + a:link, a:visited { text-decoration:none; } + a:link:hover, + a:visited:hover { text-decoration:underline; } + + /* Poetry */ + + .poetry h2 { text-align:left; margin-top:3em; } + .poetry h3 { text-align:left; } + .poetry p span { display:block; } + .i0 { padding-left:2.25em; text-indent:-2.25em; } + .i1 { padding-left:2.25em; text-indent:-1.75em; } + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} +h2 {page-break-before: avoid;} + </style> + </head> + <body> +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold;'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Poems of Giacomo Leopardi, by Giacomo Leopardi</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world 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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Poems of Giacomo Leopardi</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Giacomo Leopardi</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translator: Frederick Townsend</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: September 19, 2006 [EBook #19315]<br /> +[Most recently updated: March 17, 2021]</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced +by: Barbara Tozier, Bill Tozier, Daniel Emerson Griffith and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net and Richard +Tonsing</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POEMS OF GIACOMO LEOPARDI ***</div> + + + + + <div class="frontmatter"> + <a class="pagebreak" name="pagei" id="pagei" title="i"></a> + <h1> + THE POEMS<br /><small>OF<br /></small>GIACOMO LEOPARDI + </h1> + <p> + <big>TRANSLATED<br /></big>BY<br /><big>FREDERICK TOWNSEND</big> + </p> + <p> + NEW YORK AND LONDON<br />G. P. PUTNAM’S SONS<br />The Knickerbocker Press<br />1887 + </p> + <p> + <a class="pagebreak" name="pageii" id="pageii" title="ii"></a>COPYRIGHT + BY<br />R. T. TOWNSEND<br />1887 + </p> + <p> + Press of<br /><span class="sc">G. P. Putnam’s Sons</span><br />New York + </p> + <p> + <a class="pagebreak" name="pageiii" id="pageiii" title="iii"></a>TO M. + N. M.<br />SISTER OF THE TRANSLATOR<br />THESE POEMS<br />ARE + AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED<br />BY THE EDITOR + </p> + </div> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a name="pageiv" id="pageiv" title="iv"></a><a class="pagebreak" name="pagev" id="pagev" title="v"></a>PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + Giacomo Leopardi is a great name in Italy among philosophers and poets, + but is quite unknown in this country, and Mr. Townsend has the honor of + introducing him, in the most captivating way, to his countrymen. In + Germany and France he has excited attention. Translations have been made + of his works; essays have been written on his ideas. But in England his + name is all but unheard of. Six or seven years ago Mr. Charles Edwards + published a translation of the essays and dialogues, but no version of the + poems has appeared, so far as I know. Leopardi was substantially a poet,—that + is to say, he had imagination, sentiment, passion, an intense love of + beauty, a powerful impulse towards things ideal. The sad tone of his + speculations about the universe and human destiny gave an impression of + mournfulness to his lines, but this rather deepened the pathos of his + work. In<a class="pagebreak" name="pagevi" id="pagevi" title="vi"></a> the + same breath he sang of love and the grave, and the love was the more eager + for its brevity. He had the poetic temperament—sensitive, ardent, + aspiring. He possessed the poetic aspect—the broad white brow, the + large blue eyes. Some compared him to Byron, but the resemblance was + external merely. In ideas, purpose, feeling, he was entirely unlike the + Englishman; in the energy and fire of his style only did he somewhat + resemble him. Worshippers have even ventured to class him with Dante, a + comparison which shows, at least, in what estimation the poet could be + held at home, and how largely the patriotic sentiment entered into the + conception of poetical compositions, how necessary it was that the singer + should be a bard. His verses ranged over a large field. They were + philosophic, patriotic, amorous. There are odes, lyrics, satires, songs; + many very beautiful and feeling; all noble and earnest. His three poems, + “All’ Italia,” “Sopra il Monumento di Dante,” + “A Angelo Mai,” gave him a national reputation. They touch the + chords to which he always responded—patriotism, poetry, learning, a + national idealism bearing aloft an enormous weight of erudition and + thought. + </p> + <p> + Leopardi was born at Recanati, a small town<a class="pagebreak" name="pagevii" id="pagevii" title="vii"></a> about fifteen miles from + Ancona, in 1798. He was of noble parentage, though not rich. His early + disposition was joyous, but with the feverish joy of a highly-strung, + nervous organization. He was a great student from boyhood; and severe + application undermined a system that was never robust, and that soon + became hopelessly diseased. Illness, accompanied with sharp pain, clipped + the wings of his ambition, obliged him to forego preferment, and deepened + the hopelessness that hung over his expectations. His hunger for love + could not be satisfied, for his physical infirmity rendered a union + undesirable, even if possible, while a craving ideality soon transcended + any visible object of affection. He had warm friends of his own sex, one + of whom, Antonio Ranieri, stayed by him in all vicissitudes, took him to + Naples, and closed his eyes, June 14, 1837. + </p> + <p> + To this acute sensibility of frame must be added the torture of the heart + arising from a difference with his father, who, as a Catholic, was + disturbed by the skeptical tendencies of his son, and the perpetual + irritation of a conflict with the large majority of even philosophical + minds. An early death might have been anticipated. No amount of + hopefulness, of zest for life, of thirst for opportunity, of<a class="pagebreak" name="pageviii" id="pageviii" title="viii"></a> genius + for intellectual productiveness will counteract such predisposition to + decay. The death of the body, however, has but ensured a speedier + immortality of the soul; for many a thinker has since been busy in + gathering up the fragments of his mind and keeping his memory fresh. His + immense learning has been forgotten. His archæological knowledge, + which fascinated Niebuhr, is of small account to-day. But his speculative + and poetical genius is a permanent illumination. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Townsend, the translator, well known in New York, where he was born, + lived ten years in Italy, and seven in Rome. He was a studious, thoughtful + man; quiet, secluded, scholarly; an eminent student of Italian literature; + a real sympathizer with Italian progress. By the cast of his mind and the + course of his inward experience he was drawn towards Leopardi. His version + adheres as closely to the original as is compatible with elegance and the + preservation of metrical grace. He has not rendered into English all + Leopardi’s poems, but he has presented the best of them, enough to give an + idea of his author’s style of feeling and expression. What he has done, + has been performed faithfully. It is worth remarking that he was attracted + by the intense longing of the poet for love and appreciation,<a class="pagebreak" name="pageix" id="pageix" title="ix"></a> and by keen + sympathy with his unhappy condition. It is needless to say that he did not + share the pessimism that imparts a melancholy hue to the philosopher’s own + doctrine, and that might have been modified if not dispelled by a + different experience. The translation was finished at Siena, the summer of + the earthquake, and was the last work Mr. Townsend ever did, the commotion + outside not interrupting him, or causing him to suspend his application. + </p> + <p class="sig sc"> + O. B. Frothingham. + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a name="pagex" id="pagex" title="x"></a><a class="pagebreak" name="pagexi" id="pagexi" title="xi"></a>CONTENTS. + </h2> + <table class="toc" summary="Table of Contents"> + <tr> + <td> + Dedication + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#pagexiii">xiii</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + To Italy + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page1">1</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + On Dante’s Monument + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page7">7</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + To Angelo Mai + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page15">15</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + To His Sister Paolina + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page23">23</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + To a Victor in the Game of <i>Pallone</i> + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page27">27</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Younger Brutus + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page30">30</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + To the Spring + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page35">35</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Hymn to the Patriarchs + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page40">40</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Last Song of Sappho + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page45">45</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + First Love + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page48">48</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Lonely Sparrow + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page53">53</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Infinite + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page56">56</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Evening of the Holiday + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page57">57</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + To The Moon + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page59">59</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Dream + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page60">60</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Lonely Life + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page64">64</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Consalvo + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page68">68</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a class="pagebreak" name="pagexii" id="pagexii" title="xii"></a>To + the Beloved + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page74">74</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + To Count Carlo Pepoli + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page77">77</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Resurrection + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page84">84</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + To Sylvia + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page92">92</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Recollections + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page95">95</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Night-Song of a Wandering Shepherd in Asia + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page102">102</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Calm after Storm + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page108">108</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Village Saturday-Night + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page110">110</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Ruling Thought + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page113">113</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Love and Death + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page119">119</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + To Himself + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page124">124</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Aspasia + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page125">125</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + On an Old Sepulchral Bas-Relief + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page130">130</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + On the Portrait of a Beautiful Woman + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page135">135</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Palinodia + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page138">138</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Setting of the Moon + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page149">149</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + The Ginestra + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page152">152</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Imitation + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page165">165</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Scherzo + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page166">166</a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Fragments + </td> + <td class="right"> + <a href="#page167">167</a> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="pagexiii" id="pagexiii" title="xiii"></a>Dedication. + </h2> + <p class="central"> + [From the first Florentine Edition of the Poems, in the year 1831.] + </p> + <p> + <i>To my Friends in Tuscany:</i> + </p> + <p> + My dear Friends, I dedicate this book to you, in which, as is oft the case + with Poets, I have sought to illustrate my sorrow, and with which I now—I + cannot say it without tears—take leave of Literature and of my + studies. I hoped these dear studies would have been the consolation of my + old age, and thought, after having lost all the other joys and blessings + of childhood and of youth, I had secured <i>one</i>, of which no power, no + unhappiness could rob me. But I was scarcely twenty years old, when that + weakness of nerves and of stomach, which has destroyed my life, and yet + gives me no hope of death, robbed that only blessing of more than half its + value, and, in my twenty-eighth year, has utterly deprived me of it, and, + as I <i>must</i> think, forever. I<a class="pagebreak" name="pagexiv" id="pagexiv" title="xiv"></a> have not been able to read these pages, and + have been compelled to entrust their revision to other eyes and other + hands. I will utter no more complaints, my dear friends; the consciousness + of the depth of my affliction admits not of complaints and lamentations. I + have lost all; I am a withered branch, that feels and suffers still. <i>You</i> + only have I won! Your society, which must compensate me for all my + studies, joys, and hopes, would almost outweigh my sorrows, did not my + very sickness prevent me from enjoying it as I could wish, and did I not + know that Fate will soon deprive me of this benefit, also, and will compel + me to spend the remainder of my days, far from all the delights of + civilized life, in a spot, far better suited to the dead than to the + living. Your love, meanwhile, will ever follow me, and will yet cling to + me, perhaps, when this body, which, indeed, no longer lives, shall be + turned to ashes. Farewell! Your + </p> + <p class="sig"> + Leopardi. + </p> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page1" id="page1" title="1"></a>TO ITALY. + (1818.) + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">My country, I the walls, the arches see,</span> + <span class="i0">The columns, statues, and the towers</span> <span class="i0">Deserted, of our ancestors;</span> <span class="i0">But, + ah, the glory I do not behold,</span> <span class="i0">The laurel + and the sword, that graced</span> <span class="i0">Our sires of + old.</span> <span class="i0">Now, all unarmed, a naked brow,</span> + <span class="i0">A naked breast dost thou display.</span> <span class="i0">Ah, me, how many wounds, what stains of blood!</span> + <span class="i0">Oh, what a sight art thou,</span> <span class="i0">Most + beautiful of women! I</span> <span class="i0">To heaven cry aloud, + and to the world:</span> <span class="i0">“Who hath reduced + her to this pass?</span> <span class="i0">Say, say!” And + worst of all, alas,</span> <span class="i0">See, both her arms in + chains are bound!</span> <span class="i0">With hair dishevelled, + and without a veil</span> <span class="i0">She sits, disconsolate, + upon the ground,</span> <span class="i0">And hides her face between + her knees,</span> <span class="i0">As she bewails her miseries.</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page2" id="page2" title="2"></a>Oh, + weep, my Italy, for thou hast cause;</span> <span class="i0">Thou, + who wast born the nations to subdue,</span> <span class="i0">As + victor, and as victim, too!</span> <span class="i0">Oh, if thy eyes + two living fountains were,</span> <span class="i0">The volume of + their tears could ne’er express</span> <span class="i0">Thy utter + helplessness, thy shame;</span> <span class="i0">Thou, who wast + once the haughty dame,</span> <span class="i0">And, now, the + wretched slave.</span> <span class="i0">Who speaks, or writes of + thee,</span> <span class="i0">That must not bitterly exclaim:</span> + <span class="i0">“She once was great, but, oh, behold her now”?</span> + <span class="i0">Why hast thou fallen thus, oh, why?</span> <span class="i0">Where is the ancient force?</span> <span class="i0">Where + are the arms, the valor, constancy?</span> <span class="i0">Who + hath deprived thee of thy sword?</span> <span class="i0">What + treachery, what skill, what labor vast,</span> <span class="i0">Or + what o’erwhelming horde</span> <span class="i0">Whose fierce, + invading tide, thou could’st not stem,</span> <span class="i0">Hath + robbed thee of thy robe and diadem?</span> <span class="i0">From + such a height how couldst thou fall so low?</span> <span class="i0">Will + none defend thee? No?</span> <span class="i0">No son of thine? For + arms, for arms, I call;</span> <span class="i0">Alone I’ll fight + for thee, alone will fall.</span> <span class="i0">And from my + blood, a votive offering,</span> <span class="i0">May flames of + fire in every bosom spring!</span> <span class="i0">Where are thy + sons? The sound of arms I hear,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page3" id="page3" title="3"></a>Of chariots, of + voices, and of drums;</span> <span class="i0">From foreign lands it + comes,</span> <span class="i0">For which thy children fight.</span> + <span class="i0">Oh, hearken, hearken, Italy! I see,—</span> + <span class="i0">Or is it but a dream?—</span> <span class="i0">A wavering of horse and foot,</span> <span class="i0">And + smoke, and dust, and flashing swords,</span> <span class="i0">That + like the lightning gleam.</span> <span class="i0">Art thou not + comforted? Dost turn away</span> <span class="i0">Thy eyes, in + horror, from the doubtful fray?</span> <span class="i0">Ye gods, ye + gods. Oh, can it be?</span> <span class="i0">The youth of Italy</span> + <span class="i0">Their hireling swords for other lands have bared!</span> + <span class="i0">Oh, wretched he in war who falls,</span> <span class="i0">Not for his native shores,</span> <span class="i0">His + loving wife and children dear,</span> <span class="i0">But, + fighting for another’s gain,</span> <span class="i0">And by + another’s foe is slain!</span> <span class="i0">Nor can he say, as + his last breath he draws,</span> <span class="i0">“My + mother-land, beloved, ah see,</span> <span class="i0">The life thou + gav’st, I render back to thee!”</span> <span class="i0">Oh + fortunate and dear and blessed,</span> <span class="i0">The ancient + days, when rushed to death the brave,</span> <span class="i0">In + crowds, their country’s life to save!</span> <span class="i0">And + you, forever glorious,</span> <span class="i0">Thessalian straits,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page4" id="page4" title="4"></a>Where + Persia, Fate itself, could not withstand</span> <span class="i0">The + fiery zeal of that devoted band!</span> <span class="i0">Do not the + trees, the rocks, the waves,</span> <span class="i0">The mountains, + to each passer-by,</span> <span class="i0">With low and plaintive + voice tell</span> <span class="i0">The wondrous tale of those who + fell,</span> <span class="i0">Heroes invincible who gave</span> + <span class="i0">Their lives, their Greece to save?</span> <span class="i0">Then cowardly as fierce,</span> <span class="i0">Xerxes + across the Hellespont retired,</span> <span class="i0">A + laughing-stock to all succeeding time;</span> <span class="i0">And + up Anthela’s hill, where, e’en in death</span> <span class="i0">The + sacred Band immortal life obtained,</span> <span class="i0">Simonides + slow-climbing, thoughtfully,</span> <span class="i0">Looked forth + on sea and shore and sky.</span> <span class="i0">And then, his + cheeks with tears bedewed,</span> <span class="i0">And heaving + breast, and trembling foot, he stood,</span> <span class="i0">His + lyre in hand and sang:</span> <span class="i0">“O ye, forever + blessed,</span> <span class="i0">Who bared your breasts unto the + foeman’s lance,</span> <span class="i0">For love of her, who gave + you birth;</span> <span class="i0">By Greece revered, and by the + world admired,</span> <span class="i0">What ardent love your + youthful minds inspired,</span> <span class="i0">To rush to arms, + such perils dire to meet,</span> <span class="i0">A fate so hard, + with loving smiles to greet?</span> <span class="i0">Her children, + why so joyously,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page5" id="page5" title="5"></a>Ran ye, that stern and rugged pass + to guard?</span> <span class="i0">As if unto a dance,</span> + <span class="i0">Or to some splendid feast,</span> <span class="i0">Each + one appeared to haste,</span> <span class="i0">And not grim death + Death to brave;</span> <span class="i0">But Tartarus awaited ye,</span> + <span class="i0">And the cold Stygian wave;</span> <span class="i0">Nor + were your wives or children at your side,</span> <span class="i0">When, + on that rugged shore,</span> <span class="i0">Without a kiss, + without a tear, ye died.</span> <span class="i0">But not without a + fearful blow</span> <span class="i0">To Persians dealt, and their + undying shame.</span> <span class="i0">As at a herd of bulls a lion + glares,</span> <span class="i0">Then, plunging in, upon the back</span> + <span class="i0">Of this one leaps, and with his claws</span> <span class="i0">A passage all along his chine he tears,</span> <span class="i0">And fiercely drives his teeth into his sides,</span> + <span class="i0">Such havoc Grecian wrath and valor made</span> + <span class="i0">Amongst the Persian ranks, dismayed.</span> <span class="i0">Behold each prostrate rider and his steed;</span> <span class="i0">Behold the chariots, and the fallen tents,</span> <span class="i0">A tangled mass their flight impede;</span> <span class="i0">And see, among the first to fly,</span> <span class="i0">The + tyrant, pale, and in disorder wild!</span> <span class="i0">See, + how the Grecian youths,</span> <span class="i0">With blood barbaric + dyed,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page6" id="page6" title="6"></a>And dealing death on every side,</span> + <span class="i0">By slow degrees by their own wounds subdued,</span> + <span class="i0">The one upon the other fall. Farewell,</span> + <span class="i0">Ye heroes blessed, whose names shall live,</span> + <span class="i0">While tongue can speak, or pen your story tell!</span> + <span title="Original began with a double-quote" class="i0">Sooner the + stars, torn from their spheres, shall hiss,</span> <span class="i0">Extinguished + in the bottom of the sea,</span> <span class="i0">Than the dear + memory, and love of you,</span> <span class="i0">Shall suffer loss, + or injury.</span> <span class="i0">Your tomb an altar is; the + mothers here</span> <span class="i0">Shall come, unto their little + ones to show</span> <span class="i0">The lovely traces of your + blood. Behold,</span> <span class="i0">Ye blessed, myself upon the + ground I throw,</span> <span class="i0">And kiss these stones, + these clods</span> <span class="i0">Whose fame, unto the end of + time,</span> <span class="i0">Shall sacred be in every clime.</span> + <span class="i0">Oh, had I, too, been here with you,</span> <span class="i0">And this dear earth had moistened with my blood!</span> + <span class="i0">But since stern Fate would not consent</span> + <span class="i0">That I for Greece my dying eyes should close,</span> + <span class="i0">In conflict with her foes,</span> <span class="i0">Still + may the gracious gods accept</span> <span class="i0">The offering I + bring,</span> <span class="i0">And grant to me the precious boon,</span> + <span class="i0">Your Hymn of Praise to sing!”</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page7" id="page7" title="7"></a>ON DANTE’S + MONUMENT, 1818.<small>(THEN UNFINISHED.)</small> + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Though all the nations now</span> <span class="i0">Peace + gathers under her white wings,</span> <span class="i0">The minds of + Italy will ne’er be free</span> <span class="i0">From the + restraints of their old lethargy,</span> <span class="i0">Till our + ill-fated land cling fast</span> <span class="i0">Unto the glorious + memories of the Past.</span> <span class="i0">Oh, lay it to thy + heart, my Italy,</span> <span class="i0">Fit honor to thy dead to + pay;</span> <span class="i0">For, ah, their like walk not thy + streets to-day!</span> <span class="i0">Nor is there one whom thou + canst reverence!</span> <span class="i0">Turn, turn, my country, + and behold</span> <span class="i0">That noble band of heroes old,</span> + <span class="i0">And weep, and on thyself thy anger vent,</span> + <span class="i0">For without anger, grief is impotent:</span> <span class="i0">Oh, turn, and rouse thyself for shame,</span> <span class="i0">Blush at the thought of sires so great,</span> <span class="i0">Of children so degenerate!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Alien in mien, in genius, and in speech,</span> + <span class="i0">The eager guest from far</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page8" id="page8" title="8"></a>Went searching + through the Tuscan soil to find</span> <span class="i0">Where he + reposed, whose verse sublime</span> <span class="i0">Might fitly + rank with Homer’s lofty rhyme;</span> <span class="i0">And oh! to + our disgrace he heard</span> <span class="i0">Not only that, e’er + since his dying day,</span> <span class="i0">In other soil his + bones in exile lay,</span> <span class="i0">But not a stone within + thy walls was reared</span> <span class="i0">To him, O Florence, + whose renown</span> <span class="i0">Caused thee to be by all the + world revered.</span> <span class="i0">Thanks to the brave, the + generous band,</span> <span class="i0">Whose timely labor from our + land</span> <span class="i0">Will this sad, shameful stain remove!</span> + <span class="i0">A noble task is yours,</span> <span class="i0">And + every breast with kindred zeal hath fired,</span> <span class="i0">That + is by love of Italy inspired.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">May love of Italy inspire you still,</span> <span class="i0">Poor mother, sad and lone,</span> <span class="i0">To + whom no pity now</span> <span class="i0">In any breast is shown,</span> + <span class="i0">Now, that to golden days the evil days succeed.</span> + <span class="i0">May pity still, ye children dear,</span> <span class="i0">Your hearts unite, your labors crown,</span> <span class="i0">And grief and anger at her cruel pain,</span> <span class="i0">As on her cheeks and veil the hot tears rain!</span> + <span class="i0">But how can I, in speech or song,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page9" id="page9" title="9"></a>Your + praises fitly sing,</span> <span class="i0">To whose mature and + careful thought,</span> <span class="i0">The work superb, in your + proud task achieved,</span> <span class="i0">Will fame immortal + bring?</span> <span class="i0">What notes of cheer can I now send + to you,</span> <span class="i0">That may unto your ardent souls + appeal,</span> <span class="i0">And add new fervor to your zeal?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Your lofty theme will inspiration give,</span> + <span title="Original read 'And its sharps thorns'" class="i0">And its + sharp thorns within your bosoms lodge.</span> <span class="i0">Who + can describe the whirlwind and the storm</span> <span class="i0">Of + your deep anger, and your deeper love?</span> <span class="i0">Who + can your wonder-stricken looks portray,</span> <span class="i0">The + lightning in your eyes that gleams?</span> <span class="i0">What + mortal tongue can such celestial themes</span> <span class="i0">In + language fit describe?</span> <span class="i0">Away ye souls, + profane, away!</span> <span class="i0">What tears will o’er this + marble stone be shed!</span> <span class="i0">How can it fall? How + fall your fame sublime,</span> <span class="i0">A victim to the + envious tooth of Time?</span> <span class="i0">O ye, that can + alleviate our woes,</span> <span class="i0">Sole comfort of this + wretched land,</span> <span class="i0">Live ever, ye dear Arts + divine,</span> <span class="i0">Amid the ruins of our fallen state,</span> + <span class="i0">The glories of the past to celebrate!</span> <span class="i0">I, too, who wish to pay</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page10" id="page10" title="10"></a>Due honor to + our grieving mother, bring</span> <span class="i0">Of song my + humble offering,</span> <span class="i0">As here I sit, and listen, + where</span> <span class="i0">Your chisel life unto the marble + gives.</span> <span class="i0">O thou, illustrious sire of Tuscan + song,</span> <span class="i0">If tidings e’er of earthly things,</span> + <span class="i0">Of <i>her</i>, whom thou hast placed so high,</span> + <span class="i0">Could reach your mansions in the sky,</span> <span class="i0">I know, thou for thyself no joy wouldst feel,</span> + <span class="i0">For, with thy fame compared,</span> <span class="i0">Renowned in every land,</span> <span class="i0">Our + bronze and marble are as wax and sand;</span> <span class="i0">If + thee we <i>have</i> forgotten, <i>can</i> forget,</span> <span class="i0">May suffering still follow suffering,</span> <span class="i0">And may thy race to all the world unknown,</span> <span class="i0">In endless sorrows weep and moan.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thou for thyself no joy wouldst feel,</span> <span class="i0">But for thy native land,</span> <span class="i0">If the + example of their sires</span> <span class="i0">Could in the cold + and sluggish sons</span> <span class="i0">Renew once more the + ancient fires,</span> <span class="i0">That they might lift their + heads in pride again.</span> <span class="i0">Alas, with what + protracted sufferings</span> <span class="i0">Thou seest her + afflicted, that, e’en then</span> <span class="i0">Did seem to know + no end,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page11" id="page11" title="11"></a>When thou anew didst unto Paradise ascend!</span> + <span class="i0">Reduced so low, that, as thou seest her now,</span> + <span class="i0">She then a happy Queen appeared.</span> <span class="i0">Such misery her heart doth grieve,</span> <span class="i0">As, seeing, thou canst not thy eyes believe.</span> + <span class="i0">And oh, the last, most bitter blow of all,</span> + <span class="i0">When on the ground, as she in anguish lay,</span> + <span class="i0">It seemed, indeed, thy country’s dying day!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O happy thou, whom Fate did not condemn</span> + <span class="i0">To live amid such horrors; who</span> <span class="i0">Italian wives didst not behold</span> <span class="i0">By + ruffian troops embraced;</span> <span class="i0">Nor cities + plundered, fields laid waste</span> <span class="i0">By hostile + spear, and foreign rage;</span> <span class="i0">Nor works divine + of genius borne away</span> <span class="i0">In sad captivity, + beyond the Alps,</span> <span class="i0">The roads encumbered with + the precious prey;</span> <span class="i0">Nor foreign rulers’ + insolence and pride;</span> <span class="i0">Nor didst insulting + voices hear,</span> <span class="i0">Amidst the sound of chains and + whips,</span> <span class="i0">The sacred name of Liberty deride.</span> + <span class="i0">Who suffers not? Oh! at these wretches’ hands,</span> + <span class="i0">What have we not endured?</span> <span class="i0">From + what unholy deed have they refrained?</span> <span class="i0">What + temple, altar, have they not profaned?</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page12" id="page12" title="12"></a>Why have we + fallen on such evil times?</span> <span class="i0">Why didst thou + give us birth, or why</span> <span class="i0">No sooner suffer us + to die,</span> <span class="i0">O cruel Fate? We, who have seen</span> + <span class="i0">Our wretched country so betrayed,</span> <span class="i0">The handmaid, slave of impious strangers made,</span> + <span class="i0">And of her ancient virtues all bereft;</span> + <span class="i0">Yet could no aid or comfort give.</span> <span class="i0">Or ray of hope, that might relieve</span> <span class="i0">The anguish of her soul.</span> <span class="i0">Alas, + my blood has not been shed for thee,</span> <span class="i0">My + country dear! Nor have I died</span> <span class="i0">That thou + mightst live!</span> <span class="i0">My heart with anger and with + pity bleeds.</span> <span class="i0">Ah, bitter thought! Thy + children fought and fell;</span> <span class="i0">But not for dying + Italy, ah, no,</span> <span class="i0">But in the service of her + cruel foe!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Father, if this enrage thee not,</span> <span class="i0">How changed art thou from what thou wast on earth!</span> + <span class="i0">On Russia’s plains, so bleak and desolate,</span> + <span class="i0">They died, the sons of Italy;</span> <span class="i0">Ah, well deserving of a better fate!</span> <span class="i0">In cruel war with men, with beasts,</span> <span class="i0">The elements! In heaps they strewed the ground;</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page13" id="page13" title="13"></a>Half-clad, emaciated, stained with blood,</span> + <span class="i0">A bed of ice for their sick frames they found.</span> + <span class="i0">Then, when the parting hour drew near,</span> + <span class="i0">In fond remembrance of that mother dear,</span> + <span class="i0">They cried: “Oh had we fallen by the foeman’s + hand,</span> <span class="i0">And not the victims of the clouds and + storms,</span> <span class="i0">And for <i>thy</i> good, our native + land!</span> <span class="i0">Now, far from thee, and in the bloom + of youth,</span> <span class="i0">Unknown to all, we yield our + parting breath,</span> <span class="i0">And die for <i>her</i>, who + caused our country’s death!”</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The northern desert and the whispering groves,</span> + <span class="i0">Sole witnesses of their lament,</span> <span class="i0">As thus they passed away!</span> <span class="i0">And + their neglected corpses, as they lay</span> <span class="i0">Upon + that horrid sea of snow exposed,</span> <span class="i0">Were by + the beasts consumed;</span> <span class="i0">The memories of the + brave and good,</span> <span class="i0">And of the coward and the + vile,</span> <span class="i0">Unto the same oblivion doomed!</span> + <span class="i0">Dear souls, though infinite your wretchedness,</span> + <span class="i0">Rest, rest in peace! And yet what peace is yours,</span> + <span class="i0">Who can no comfort ever know</span> <span class="i0">While Time endures!</span> <span class="i0">Rest in the + depths of your unmeasured woe,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page14" id="page14" title="14"></a>O ye, <i>her</i> + children true,</span> <span class="i0">Whose fate alone with hers + may vie,</span> <span class="i0">In endless, hopeless misery!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">But she rebukes you not,</span> <span class="i0">Ah, + no, but these alone,</span> <span class="i0">Who forced you with + her to contend;</span> <span class="i0">And still her bitter tears + she blends with yours,</span> <span class="i0">In wretchedness that + knows no end.</span> <span class="i0">Oh that some pity in the + heart were born,</span> <span class="i0">For her, who hath all + other glories won,</span> <span class="i0">Of one, who from this + dark, profound abyss,</span> <span class="i0">Her weak and weary + feet could guide!</span> <span class="i0">Thou glorious shade, oh! + say,</span> <span class="i0">Does no one love thy Italy?</span> + <span class="i0">Say, is the flame that kindled thee extinct?</span> + <span class="i0">And will that myrtle never bloom again,</span> + <span class="i0">That hath so long consoled us in our pain?</span> + <span class="i0">Must all our garlands wither in the dust?</span> + <span class="i0">And shall we a redeemer never see,</span> <span class="i0">Who may, in part, at least, resemble thee?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Are we forever lost?</span> <span class="i0">Is + there no limit to our shame?</span> <span class="i0">I, while I + live, will never cease to cry:</span> <span class="i0">“Degenerate + race, think of thy ancestry!</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page15" id="page15" title="15"></a>Behold these + ruins vast,</span> <span class="i0">These pictures, statues, + temples, poems grand!</span> <span class="i0">Think of the glories + of thy native land!</span> <span class="i0">If they thy soul cannot + inspire or warn,</span> <span class="i0">Why linger here? Arise! + Begone!</span> <span class="i0">This holy ground must not be thus + defiled,</span> <span class="i0">And must no shelter give</span> + <span class="i0">Unto the coward and the slave!</span> <span class="i0">Far better were the silence of the grave!”</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + TO ANGELO MAI,<small>ON HIS DISCOVERY OF THE LOST BOOKS OF CICERO, + “DE REPUBLICA.”</small> + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Italian bold, why wilt thou never cease</span> + <span class="i0">The fathers from their tombs to summon forth?</span> + <span class="i0">Why bring them, with this dead age to converse,</span> + <span class="i0">That stifled is by enemies and by sloth?</span> + <span class="i0">And why dost thou, voice of our ancestors,</span> + <span class="i0">That hast so long been mute,</span> <span class="i0">Resound so loud and frequent in our ears?</span> <span class="i0">Why all these grand discoveries?</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page16" id="page16" title="16"></a>As in a flash + the fruitful pages come,</span> <span class="i0">What hath this + wretched age deserved,</span> <span class="i0">That dusty cloisters + have for it reserved</span> <span class="i0">These hidden treasures + of the wise and brave?</span> <span class="i0">Illustrious man, + with what strange power</span> <span class="i0">Does Fate thy + ardent zeal befriend?</span> <span class="i0">Or does Fate vainly + with man’s will contend?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Without the lofty counsel of the gods,</span> + <span class="i0">It surely could not be, that now,</span> <span class="i0">When we were never sunk so low,</span> <span class="i0">In + desperate oblivion of the Past,</span> <span class="i0">Each + moment, comes a cry renewed,</span> <span class="i0">From our great + sires, to shake our souls, at last!</span> <span class="i0">Heaven + still some pity shows for Italy;</span> <span class="i0">Some god + hath still our happiness at heart:</span> <span class="i0">Since + this, or else no other, is the hour,</span> <span class="i0">Italian + virtue to redeem,</span> <span class="i0">And its old lustre once + more to impart,</span> <span class="i0">These pleading voices from + the grave we hear;</span> <span class="i0">Forgotten heroes rise + from earth again,</span> <span class="i0">To see, my country, if at + this late day,</span> <span class="i0">Thou still art pleased the + coward’s part to play.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And do ye cherish still,</span> <span class="i0">Illustrious + shades, some hope of us?</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page17" id="page17" title="17"></a>Have we not + perished utterly?</span> <span class="i0">To you, perhaps, it is + allowed, to read</span> <span class="i0">The book of destiny. <i>I</i> + am dismayed,</span> <span class="i0">And have no refuge from my + grief;</span> <span class="i0">For dark to me the future is, and + all</span> <span class="i0">That I discern is such, as makes hope + seem</span> <span class="i0">A fable and a dream. To your old homes</span> + <span class="i0">A wretched crew succeed; to noble act or word,</span> + <span class="i0">They pay no heed; for your eternal fame</span> + <span class="i0">They know no envy, feel no blush of shame.</span> + <span class="i0">A filthy mob your monuments defile:</span> <span class="i0">To ages yet unborn,</span> <span class="i0">We have + become a by-word and a scorn.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thou noble spirit, if no others care</span> <span class="i0">For our great Fathers’ fame, oh, care thou still,</span> + <span class="i0">Thou, to whom Fate hath so benignant been,</span> + <span class="i0">That those old days appear again,</span> <span class="i0">When, roused from dire oblivion’s tomb,</span> <span class="i0">Came forth, with all the treasures of their lore,</span> + <span class="i0">Those ancient bards, divine, with whom</span> + <span class="i0">Great Nature spake, but still behind her veil,</span> + <span class="i0">And with her mysteries graced</span> <span class="i0">The holidays of Athens and of Rome.</span> <span class="i0">O times, now buried in eternal sleep!</span> <span class="i0">Our country’s ruin was not then complete;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page18" id="page18" title="18"></a>We + then a life of wretched sloth disdained;</span> <span class="i0">Still + from our native soil were borne afar,</span> <span class="i0">Some + sparks of genius by the passing air.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thy holy ashes still were warm,</span> <span class="i0">Whom hostile fortune ne’er unmanned;</span> <span class="i0">Unto whose anger and whose grief,</span> <span class="i0">Hell + was more grateful than thy native land.</span> <span class="i0">Ah, + what, but hell, has Italy become?</span> <span class="i0">And thy + sweet cords</span> <span class="i0">Still trembled at the touch of + thy right hand,</span> <span class="i0">Unhappy bard of love.</span> + <span class="i0">Alas, Italian song is still the child</span> <span class="i0">Of sorrow born.</span> <span class="i0">And yet, less + hard to bear,</span> <span class="i0">Consuming grief than dull + vacuity!</span> <span class="i0">O blessed thou, whose life was one + lament!</span> <span class="i0">Disgust and nothingness are still + our doom,</span> <span class="i0">And by our cradle sit, and on our + tomb.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">But thy life, then, was with the stars and sea,</span> + <span class="i0">Liguria’s hardy son,</span> <span class="i0">When + thou, beyond the columns and the shores,</span> <span class="i0">Where + oft, at set of sun,</span> <span class="i0">The waves are heard to + hiss,</span> <span class="i0">As he into their depths has plunged,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page19" id="page19" title="19"></a>Committed to the boundless deep,</span> <span class="i0">Didst find again the sun’s declining ray,</span> <span class="i0">The new-born day didst find,</span> <span class="i0">When + it from us had passed away;</span> <span class="i0">Defying + Nature’s every obstacle,</span> <span class="i0">A land unknown + didst win, the glorious spoils</span> <span class="i0">Of all thy + perils, all thy toils.</span> <span class="i0">And yet, when known, + the world seems smaller still;</span> <span class="i0">And earth + and ocean, and the heavenly sphere</span> <span class="i0">More + vast unto the child, than to the sage appear.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Where now are all the charming dreams</span> <span class="i0">Of the mysterious retreats</span> <span class="i0">Of + dwellers unto us unknown,</span> <span class="i0">Or where, by day, + the stars to rest have gone,</span> <span class="i0">Or of the + couch remote of Eos bright,</span> <span class="i0">Or of the sun’s + mysterious sleep at night?</span> <span class="i0">They, in an + instant, vanished all;</span> <span class="i0">A little chart + portrays this earthly ball.</span> <span class="i0">Lo, all things + are alike; discovery</span> <span class="i0">But proves the way for + dull vacuity.</span> <span class="i0">Farewell to thee, O Fancy, + dear,</span> <span class="i0">If plain, unvarnished truth appear!</span> + <span class="i0">Thought more and more is still estranged from thee;</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page20" id="page20" title="20"></a>Thy power so mighty once, will soon be gone,</span> + <span class="i0">And our poor, wounded hearts be left forlorn.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">But thou for these sweet dreams wast born,</span> + <span class="i0">And the <i>old</i> sun upon thee shone,</span> + <span class="i0">Delightful singer of the arms, and loves,</span> + <span class="i0">That in an age far happier than our own,</span> + <span class="i0">Men’s lives with pleasing errors filled.</span> + <span class="i0">New hope of Italy! O towers, O caves,</span> <span class="i0">O ladies, cavaliers,</span> <span class="i0">O gardens, + palaces! Amenites,</span> <span class="i0">At thought of which, the + mind</span> <span class="i0">Is lost in thousand splendid reveries!</span> + <span class="i0">Ye lovely fables, and ye thoughts grotesque,</span> + <span class="i0">Now banished! And what to us remains?</span> <span class="i0">Now that the bloom from all things is removed?</span> + <span class="i0">Alas, the sole, the certain thought,</span> <span class="i0">That all except our wretchedness, is nought.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Torquato, O Torquato, heaven to us</span> <span class="i0">The rich gift of thy genius gave, to thee</span> <span class="i0">Nought else but misery.</span> <span class="i0">Ill-starred + Torquato, whom thy song,</span> <span class="i0">So sweet, could + not console,</span> <span class="i0">Nor melt the ice, to which</span> + <span class="i0">The genial current of thy soul</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page21" id="page21" title="21"></a>Was + turned, by private envy, princely hate;</span> <span class="i0">And + then, by Love abandoned, life’s last dream!</span> <span class="i0">To + thee, nought real seemed but nothingness,</span> <span class="i0">The + world a dreary wilderness.</span> <span class="i0">Too late the + honors came, so long deferred;</span> <span class="i0">And yet, to + die was unto thee a gain.</span> <span class="i0">Who knows the + evils of our mortal state,</span> <span class="i0">Demands but + death, no garland asks, of Fate.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Return, return to us,</span> <span class="i0">Rise + from thy silent, dreary tomb,</span> <span class="i0">And feast + thine eyes on our distress,</span> <span class="i0">O thou, whose + life was crowned with wretchedness!</span> <span class="i0">Far + worse than what appeared to thee so sad</span> <span class="i0">And + infamous, have all our lives become.</span> <span class="i0">Dear + friend, who now would pity thee,</span> <span class="i0">When none + save for himself hath thought or care?</span> <span class="i0">Who + would not thy keen anguish folly call,</span> <span class="i0">When + all things great and rare the name of folly bear?</span> <span class="i0">When envy, no, but worse than envy, far,</span> <span class="i0">Indifference pervades our rulers all?</span> <span class="i0">Ah, who would now, when we all think</span> <span class="i0">Of song so little, and so much of gain,</span> <span class="i0">A laurel for thy brow prepare again?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page22" id="page22" title="22"></a>Ah, since thy day, there has appeared but one,</span> + <span class="i0">Who has the fame of Italy redeemed:</span> <span class="i0">Too good for his vile age, he stands alone;</span> <span class="i0">One of the fierce Allobroges,</span> <span class="i0">Whose + manly virtue was derived</span> <span class="i0">Direct from + heavenly powers,</span> <span class="i0">Not from this dry, + unfruitful earth of ours;</span> <span class="i0">Whence he alone, + unarmed,—</span> <span class="i0">O matchless courage!—from + the stage,</span> <span class="i0">Did war upon the ruthless + tyrants wage;</span> <span class="i0">The only war, the only weapon + left,</span> <span class="i0">Against the crimes and follies of the + age.</span> <span class="i0">First, and alone, he took the field:</span> + <span class="i0">None followed him; all else were cowards tame,</span> + <span class="i0">Lost to all sense of honor, or of shame.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Devoured by anger and by grief,</span> <span class="i0">His spotless life he passed,</span> <span class="i0">Till + from worse scenes released by death, at last.</span> <span class="i0">O my Victorio, this was not for thee</span> <span class="i0">The fitting age, or land.</span> <span class="i0">Great + souls congenial times and climes demand.</span> <span class="i0">In + mere repose we live content,</span> <span class="i0">And vulgar + mediocrity;</span> <span class="i0">The wise man sinks, the mob + ascends,</span> <span class="i0">Till all at last in one dread + level ends.</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page23" id="page23" title="23"></a>Go on, thou great discoverer!</span> + <span class="i0">Revive the dead, since all the living sleep!</span> + <span class="i0">Dead tongues of ancient heroes arm anew;</span> + <span class="i0">Till this vile age a new life strive to win</span> + <span class="i0">By noble deeds, or perish in its sin!</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + TO HIS SISTER PAOLINA,<small>ON HER APPROACHING MARRIAGE.</small> + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Since now thou art about to leave</span> <span class="i0">Thy father’s quiet house,</span> <span class="i0">And + all the phantoms and illusions dear,</span> <span class="i0">That + heaven-born fancies round it weave,</span> <span class="i0">And to + this lonely region lend their charm,</span> <span class="i0">Unto + the dust and noise of life condemned,</span> <span class="i0">By + destiny, soon wilt thou learn to see</span> <span class="i0">Our + wretchedness and infamy,</span> <span class="i0">My sister dear, + who, in these mournful times,</span> <span class="i0">Alas, wilt + more unhappy souls bestow</span> <span class="i0">On our unhappy + Italy!</span> <span class="i0">With strong examples strengthen thou + their minds;</span> <span class="i0">For cruel fate propitious + gales</span> <span class="i0">Hath e’er to virtue’s course denied,</span> + <span class="i0">Nor in weak souls can purity reside.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page24" id="page24" title="24"></a>Thy sons must either poor, or cowards be.</span> + <span class="i0">Prefer them poor. It is the custom still.</span> + <span class="i0">Desert and fortune never yet were friends;</span> + <span class="i0">The strife between them never ends.</span> <span class="i0">Unhappy they, who in these evil days</span> <span class="i0">Are born when all things totter to their fall!</span> + <span class="i0">But that we must to heaven leave.</span> <span class="i0">Be this, above all things, thy care,</span> <span class="i0">Thy children still to rear,</span> <span class="i0">As + those who court not Fortune’s smiles,</span> <span class="i0">Nor + playthings are of idle hope, or fear:</span> <span class="i0">And + so the future age will call them blessed;</span> <span class="i0">For, + in this slothful and deceitful world,</span> <span class="i0">The + living virtue ever we despise,</span> <span class="i0">The dead we + load with eulogies.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Women, to you our country looks,</span> <span class="i0">For the redemption of her fame:</span> <span class="i0">Ah, + not unto our injury and shame,</span> <span class="i0">On the soft + lustre of your eyes</span> <span class="i0">A power far mightier + was conferred</span> <span class="i0">Than that of fire or sword!</span> + <span class="i0">The wise and strong, in thought and act, are by</span> + <span class="i0">Your judgment led; nay all who live</span> <span class="i0">Beneath the sun, to you still bend the knee.</span> + <span class="i0">On you I call, then; answer me!</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page25" id="page25" title="25"></a>Have + <i>you</i> youth’s holy aspirations quenched?</span> <span class="i0">And are our natures broken, crushed by <i>you</i>?</span> + <span class="i0">These sluggish minds, these low desires,</span> + <span class="i0">These nerveless arms, these feeble knees.</span> + <span class="i0">Say, say, are you to blame for these?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Love is the spur to noble deeds,</span> <span class="i0">To him its worth who knows;</span> <span class="i0">And + beauty still to lofty love inspires.</span> <span class="i0">Love + never in his spirit glows,</span> <span class="i0">Whose heart + exults not in his breast,</span> <span class="i0">When angry winds + in fight descend,</span> <span class="i0">And heaven gathers all + its clouds,</span> <span class="i0">And mountain crests the + lightnings rend.</span> <span class="i0">O wives, O maidens, he</span> + <span class="i0">Who shrinks from danger, turns his back upon</span> + <span class="i0">His country in her need, and only seeks</span> + <span class="i0">His base desires and appetites to feed,</span> + <span class="i0">Excites your hatred and your scorn;</span> <span class="i0">If ye for men, and not for milk-sops, feel</span> <span class="i0">The glow of love o’er your soft bosoms steal.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The mothers of unwarlike sons</span> <span class="i0">O may ye ne’er be called!</span> <span class="i0">Your + children still inure</span> <span class="i0">For virtue’s sake all + trials to endure;</span> <span class="i0">To scorn the vices of + this wretched age;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page26" id="page26" title="26"></a>To cherish loyal thoughts, and + high desires;</span> <span class="i0">And learn how much they owe + unto their sires.</span> <span class="i0">The sons of Sparta thus + became,</span> <span class="i0">Amid the memories of heroes old,</span> + <span class="i0">Deserving of the Grecian name;</span> <span class="i0">While the young spouse the trusty sword</span> <span class="i0">Upon the loved one’s side would gird,</span> <span class="i0">And, afterwards, with her black locks,</span> <span class="i0">The bloodless, naked corpse concealed,</span> <span class="i0">When homeward borne upon the faithful shield.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Virginia, thy soft cheek</span> <span class="i0">In + Beauty’s finest mould was framed;</span> <span class="i0">But thy + disdain Rome’s haughty lord inflamed.</span> <span class="i0">How + lovely wast thou, in thy youth’s sweet prime,</span> <span class="i0">When the rough dagger of thy sire</span> <span class="i0">Thy + snowy breast did smite,</span> <span class="i0">And thou, a willing + victim, didst descend</span> <span class="i0">Into realms of night!</span> + <span class="i0">“May old age wither and consume my frame,</span> + <span class="i0">O father,”—thus she said;</span> <span class="i0">“And may they now for me the tomb prepare,</span> + <span class="i0">E’er I the impious bed</span> <span class="i0">Of + that foul tyrant share:</span> <span class="i0">And if my blood new + life and liberty</span> <span class="i0">May give to Rome, by thy + hand let me die!”</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page27" id="page27" title="27"></a>Ah, in those better days</span> <span class="i0">When + more propitious shone the sun than now,</span> <span class="i0">Thy + tomb, dear child, was not left comfortless,</span> <span class="i0">But + honored with the tears of all.</span> <span class="i0">Behold, + around thy lovely corpse, the sons</span> <span class="i0">Of + Romulus with holy wrath inflamed;</span> <span class="i0">Behold + the tyrants locks with dust besmeared;</span> <span class="i0">In + sluggish breasts once more</span> <span class="i0">The sacred name + of Liberty revered;</span> <span class="i0">Behold o’er all the + subjugated earth,</span> <span class="i0">The troops of Latium + march triumphant forth,</span> <span class="i0">From torrid desert + to the gloomy pole.</span> <span class="i0">And thus eternal Rome,</span> + <span class="i0">That had so long in sloth oblivious lain,</span> + <span class="i0">A daughter’s sacrifice revives again.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + TO A VICTOR IN THE GAME OF PALLONE. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">The face of glory and her pleasant voice,</span> + <span class="i0">O fortunate youth, now recognize,</span> <span class="i0">And how much nobler than effeminate sloth</span> <span class="i0">Are manhood’s tested energies.</span> <span class="i0">Take + heed, O generous champion, take heed,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page28" id="page28" title="28"></a>If thou thy + name by worthy thought or deed,</span> <span class="i0">From Time’s + all-sweeping current couldst redeem;</span> <span class="i0">Take + heed, and lift thy heart to high desires!</span> <span class="i0">The + amphitheatre’s applause, the public voice,</span> <span class="i0">Now + summon thee to deeds illustrious;</span> <span class="i0">Exulting + in thy lusty youth.</span> <span class="i0">In thee, to-day, thy + country dear</span> <span class="i0">Beholds her heroes old again + appear.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><i>His</i> hand was ne’er with blood barbaric stained,</span> + <span class="i0">At Marathon,</span> <span class="i0">Who on the + plain of Elis could behold</span> <span class="i0">The naked + athletes, and the wrestlers bold,</span> <span class="i0">And feel + no glow of emulous zeal within,</span> <span class="i0">The laurel + wreath of victory to win.</span> <span class="i0">And he, who in + Alphēus stream did wash</span> <span class="i0">The dusty + manes and foaming flanks</span> <span class="i0">Of his victorious + mares, <i>he</i> best could lead</span> <span class="i0">The + Grecian banners and the Grecian swords</span> <span class="i0">Against + the flying, panic-stricken ranks</span> <span class="i0">Of Medes, + who, dying, Asia’s shore</span> <span class="i0">And great + Euphrates will behold no more.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And will you call that vain, which seeks</span> + <span class="i0">The latent sparks of virtue to evolve,</span> + <span class="i0">Or animate anew to high resolve,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page29" id="page29" title="29"></a>The + drooping fervor of our weary souls?</span> <span class="i0">What + but a game have mortal works e’er been,</span> <span class="i0">Since + Phœbus first his weary wheels did urge?</span> <span class="i0">And is not truth, no less than falsehood, vain?</span> + <span class="i0">And yet, with pleasing phantoms, fleeting shows,</span> + <span class="i0">Nature herself to our relief has come;</span> + <span class="i0">And custom, aiding nature, still must strive</span> + <span class="i0">These strong illusions to revive;</span> <span class="i0">Or else all thirst for noble deeds is gone,</span> <span class="i0">Is lost in sloth, and blind oblivion.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The time may come, perchance, when midst</span> + <span class="i0">The ruins of Italian palaces,</span> <span class="i0">Will herds of cattle graze,</span> <span class="i0">And + all the seven hills the plough will feel;</span> <span class="i0">Not + many years will have elapsed, perchance,</span> <span class="i0">E’er + all the towns of Italy</span> <span class="i0">Will the abode of + foxes be,</span> <span class="i0">And dark groves murmur ’mid the + lofty walls;</span> <span class="i0">Unless the Fates from our + perverted minds</span> <span class="i0">Remove this sad oblivion of + the Past;</span> <span class="i0">And heaven by grateful memories + appeased,</span> <span class="i0">Relenting, in the hour of our + despair,</span> <span class="i0">The abject nations, ripe for + slaughter, spare.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">But thou, O worthy youth, wouldst grieve,</span> + <span class="i0">Thy wretched country to survive.</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page30" id="page30" title="30"></a>Thou + once through her mightst have acquired renown,</span> <span class="i0">When on her brow she wore the glittering crown,</span> + <span class="i0">Now lost! Our fault, and Fate’s! That time is o’er;</span> + <span class="i0">Ah, such a mother who could honor, more?</span> + <span class="i0">But for thyself, O lift thy thoughts on high!</span> + <span class="i0">What is our life? A thing to be despised:</span> + <span class="i0">Least wretched, when with perils so beset,</span> + <span class="i0">It must, perforce, its wretched self forget,</span> + <span class="i0">Nor heed the flight of slow-paced, worthless hours;</span> + <span class="i0">Or, when, to Lethe’s dismal shore impelled,</span> + <span class="i0">It hath once more the light of day beheld.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + THE YOUNGER BRUTUS. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">When in the Thracian dust uprooted lay,</span> + <span class="i0">In ruin vast, the strength of Italy,</span> <span class="i0">And Fate had doomed Hesperia’s valleys green,</span> + <span class="i0">And Tiber’s shores,</span> <span class="i0">The + trampling of barbarian steeds to feel,</span> <span class="i0">And + from the leafless groves,</span> <span class="i0">On which the + Northern Bear looks down,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page31" id="page31" title="31"></a>Had called + the Gothic hordes,</span> <span class="i0">That Rome’s proud walls + might fall before their swords;</span> <span class="i0">Exhausted, + wet with brothers’ blood,</span> <span class="i0">Alone sat Brutus, + in the dismal night;</span> <span class="i0">Resolved on death, the + gods implacable</span> <span class="i0">Of heaven and hell he + chides,</span> <span class="i0">And smites the listless, drowsy air</span> + <span class="i0">With his fierce cries of anger and despair.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">“O foolish virtue, empty mists,</span> <span class="i0">The realms of shadows, are thy schools,</span> <span class="i0">And at thy heels repentance follows fast.</span> <span class="i0">To you, ye marble gods</span> <span class="i0">(If ye in + Phlegethon reside, or dwell</span> <span class="i0">Above the + clouds), a mockery and scorn</span> <span class="i0">Is the unhappy + race,</span> <span class="i0">Of whom you temples ask,</span> + <span class="i0">And fraudulent the law that you impose.</span> + <span class="i0">Say, then, does earthly piety provoke</span> <span class="i0">The anger of the gods?</span> <span class="i0">O Jove, + dost thou protect the impious?</span> <span class="i0">And when the + storm-cloud rushes through the air,</span> <span class="i0">And + thou thy thunderbolts dost aim,</span> <span class="i0">Against the + <i>just</i> dost thou impel the sacred flame?</span> <span class="i0">Unconquered Fate and stern necessity</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page32" id="page32" title="32"></a>Oppress + the feeble slaves of Death:</span> <span class="i0">Unable to avert + their injuries,</span> <span class="i0">The common herd endure them + patiently.</span> <span class="i0">But is the ill less hard to + bear,</span> <span class="i0">Because it has no remedy?</span> + <span class="i0">Does he who knows no hope no sorrow feel?</span> + <span class="i0">The hero wages war with thee,</span> <span class="i0">Eternal deadly war, ungracious Fate,</span> <span class="i0">And knows not how to yield; and thy right hand,</span> + <span class="i0">Imperious, proudly shaking off,</span> <span class="i0">E’en when it weighs upon him most,</span> <span class="i0">Though conquered, is triumphant still,</span> <span class="i0">When his sharp sword inflicts the fatal blow;</span> + <span class="i0">And seeks with haughty smile the shades below.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">“Who storms the gates of Tartarus,</span> + <span class="i0">Offends the gods.</span> <span class="i0">Such + valor does not suit, forsooth,</span> <span class="i0">Their soft, + eternal bosoms; no?</span> <span class="i0">Or are our toils and + miseries,</span> <span class="i0">And all the anguish of our + hearts,</span> <span class="i0">A pleasant sport, their leisure to + beguile?</span> <span class="i0">Yet no such life of crime and + wretchedness,</span> <span class="i0">But pure and free as her own + woods and fields,</span> <span class="i0">Nature to us prescribed; + a queen</span> <span class="i0">And goddess once. Since impious + custom, now,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page33" id="page33" title="33"></a>Her happy realm hath scattered + to the winds,</span> <span class="i0">And other laws on this poor + life imposed,</span> <span class="i0">Will Nature of fool-hardiness + accuse</span> <span class="i0">The manly souls, who such a life + refuse?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">“Of crime, and their own sufferings ignorant,</span> + <span class="i0">Serene old age the beasts conducts</span> <span class="i0">Unto the death they ne’er foresee.</span> <span class="i0">But if, by misery impelled, they sought</span> <span class="i0">To dash their heads against the rugged tree,</span> + <span class="i0">Or, plunging headlong from the lofty rock,</span> + <span class="i0">Their limbs to scatter to the winds.</span> <span class="i0">No law mysterious, misconception dark,</span> <span class="i0">Would the sad wish refuse to grant.</span> <span class="i0">Of all that breathe the breath of life,</span> <span class="i0">You, only, children of Prometheus, feel</span> <span class="i0">That life a burden hard to bear;</span> <span class="i0">Yet, + would you seek the silent shores of death,</span> <span class="i0">If + sluggish fate the boon delay,</span> <span class="i0">To you, + alone, stern Jove forbids the way.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">“And thou, white moon, art rising from the sea,</span> + <span class="i0">That with our blood is stained;</span> <span class="i0">The troubled night dost thou survey,</span> <span class="i0">And field, so fatal unto Italy.</span> <span class="i0">On + brothers’ breasts the conqueror treads;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page34" id="page34" title="34"></a>The hills + with fear are thrilled;</span> <span class="i0">From her proud + heights Rome totters to her fall.</span> <span class="i0">And + smilest thou upon the dismal scene?</span> <span class="i0">Lavinia’s + children from their birth,</span> <span class="i0">And all their + prosperous years,</span> <span class="i0">And well-earned laurels, + hast thou seen;</span> <span class="i0">And thou <i>wilt</i> smile, + with ray unchanged,</span> <span class="i0">Upon the Alps, when, + bowed with grief and shame,</span> <span class="i0">The haughty + city, desolate and lone,</span> <span class="i0">Beneath the tread + of Gothic hordes shall groan.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">“Behold, amid the naked rocks,</span> <span class="i0">Or on the verdant bough, the beast and bird,</span> + <span class="i0">Whose breasts are ne’er by thought or memory stirred,</span> + <span class="i0">Of the vast ruin take no heed,</span> <span class="i0">Or of the altered fortunes of the world;</span> <span class="i0">And when the humble herdsman’s cot</span> <span class="i0">Is tinted with the earliest rays of dawn,</span> <span class="i0">The one will wake the valleys with his song,</span> + <span class="i0">The other, o’er the cliffs, the frightened throng</span> + <span class="i0">Of smaller beasts before him drive.</span> <span class="i0">O foolish race! Most wretched we, of all!</span> <span class="i0">Nor are these blood-stained fields,</span> <span class="i0">These caverns, that our groans have heard,</span> <span class="i0">Regardful of our misery;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page35" id="page35" title="35"></a>Nor shines + one star less brightly in the sky.</span> <span class="i0">Not the + deaf kings of heaven or hell,</span> <span class="i0">Or the + unworthy earth,</span> <span class="i0">Or night, do I in death + invoke,</span> <span class="i0">Or thee, last gleam the dying hour + that cheers,</span> <span class="i0">The voice of coming ages. I no + tomb</span> <span class="i0">Desire, to be with sobs disturbed, or + with</span> <span class="i0">The words and gifts of wretched fools + adorned.</span> <span class="i0">The times grow worse and worse;</span> + <span class="i0">And who, unto a vile posterity,</span> <span class="i0">The honor of great souls would trust,</span> <span class="i0">Or fit atonement for their wrongs?</span> <span class="i0">Then let the birds of prey around me wheel:</span> <span class="i0">And let my wretched corpse</span> <span class="i0">The + lightning blast, the wild beast tear;</span> <span class="i0">And + let my name and memory melt in air!”</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + TO THE SPRING.<small>OR OF THE FABLES OF THE ANCIENTS.</small> + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Now that the sun the faded charms</span> <span class="i0">Of heaven again restores,</span> <span class="i0">And + gentle zephyr the sick air revives,</span> <span class="i0">And the + dark shadows of the clouds</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page36" id="page36" title="36"></a>Are put to + flight,</span> <span class="i0">And birds their naked breasts + confide</span> <span class="i0">Unto the wind, and the soft light,</span> + <span class="i0">With new desire of love, and with new hope,</span> + <span class="i0">The conscious beasts, in the deep woods,</span> + <span class="i0">Amid the melting frosts, inspires;</span> <span class="i0">May not to you, poor human souls,</span> <span class="i0">Weary, + and overborne with grief,</span> <span class="i0">The happy age + return, which misery,</span> <span class="i0">And truth’s dark + torch, before its time, consumed?</span> <span class="i0">Have not + the golden rays</span> <span class="i0">Of Phœbus vanished + from your gaze</span> <span class="i0">Forever? Say, O gentle + Spring,</span> <span class="i0">Canst thou this icy heart inspire, + and melt,</span> <span class="i0">That in the bloom of youth, the + frost of age hath felt?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O holy Nature, art thou still alive?</span> <span class="i0">Alive? And does the unaccustomed ear</span> <span class="i0">Of thy maternal voice the accents hear?</span> <span class="i0">Of white nymphs once, the streams were the abode.</span> + <span class="i0">And in the clear founts mirrored were their forms.</span> + <span class="i0">Mysterious dances of immortal feet</span> <span class="i0">The mountain tops and lofty forests shook,—</span> + <span class="i0">To-day the lonely mansions of the winds;—</span> + <span class="i0">And when the shepherd-boy the noontide shade</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page37" id="page37" title="37"></a>Would seek, or bring his thirsty lambs</span> <span class="i0">Unto the flowery margin of the stream,</span> <span class="i0">Along the banks the clear song would he hear,</span> + <span class="i0">And pipe of rustic Fauns;</span> <span class="i0">Would + see the waters move,</span> <span class="i0">And stand amazed, + when, hidden from the view,</span> <span class="i0">The + quiver-bearing goddess would descend</span> <span class="i0">Into + the genial waves,</span> <span class="i0">And from her snow-white + arms efface</span> <span class="i0">The dust and blood of the + exciting chase.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The flowers, the herbs <i>once</i> lived,</span> + <span class="i0">The groves with life were filled:</span> <span class="i0">Soft airs, and clouds, and every shining light</span> + <span class="i0">Were with the human race in sympathy,</span> <span class="i0">When thee, fair star of Venus, o’er</span> <span class="i0">The hills and dales,</span> <span class="i0">The + traveller, in the lonely night,</span> <span class="i0">Pursuing + with his earnest gaze,</span> <span class="i0">The sweet companion + of his path,</span> <span class="i0">The loving friend of mortals + deemed:</span> <span class="i0">When he, who, fleeing from the + impious strife</span> <span class="i0">Of cities filled with mutiny + and shame,</span> <span class="i0">In depths of woods remote,</span> + <span class="i0">The rough trees clasping to his breast,</span> + <span class="i0">The vital flame seemed in their veins to feel,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page38" id="page38" title="38"></a>The breathing leaves of Daphne, or of Phyllis sad;</span> + <span class="i0">And seemed the sisters’ tears to see, still shed</span> + <span class="i0">For him who, smitten by the lightning’s blast,</span> + <span class="i0">Into the swift Eridanus was cast.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Nor were ye deaf, ye rigid rocks,</span> <span class="i0">To human sorrow’s plaintive tones,</span> <span class="i0">While in your dark recesses Echo dwelt,</span> <span class="i0">No idle plaything of the winds,</span> <span class="i0">But + spirit sad of hapless nymph,</span> <span class="i0">Whom + unrequited love, and cruel fate,</span> <span class="i0">Of her + soft limbs deprived. She o’er the grots,</span> <span class="i0">The + naked rocks, and mansions desolate,</span> <span class="i0">Unto + the depths of all-embracing air,</span> <span class="i0">Our + sorrows, not to her unknown,</span> <span class="i0">Our broken, + loud laments conveyed.</span> <span class="i0">And <i>thou</i>, if + fame belie thee not,</span> <span class="i0">Didst sound the depths + of human woe,</span> <span class="i0">Sweet bird, that comest to + the leafy grove,</span> <span class="i0">The new-born Spring to + greet,</span> <span class="i0">And when the fields are hushed in + sleep,</span> <span class="i0">To chant into the dark and silent + air,</span> <span class="i0">The ancient wrongs, and cruel + treachery,</span> <span class="i0">That stirred the pity of the + gods, to see.</span> <span class="i0">But, no, thy race is not akin + to ours;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page39" id="page39" title="39"></a>No sorrow framed thy melodies;</span> + <span class="i0">Thy voice of crime unconscious, pleases less,</span> + <span class="i0">Along the dusky valley heard.</span> <span class="i0">Ah, since the mansions of Olympus all</span> <span class="i0">Are desolate, and without guide, the bolt,</span> <span class="i0">That, wandering o’er the cloud-capped mountain-tops,</span> + <span class="i0">In horror cold dissolves alike</span> <span class="i0">The guilty and the innocent;</span> <span class="i0">Since + this, our earthly home,</span> <span class="i0">A stranger to her + children has become,</span> <span class="i0">And brings them up, to + misery;</span> <span class="i0">Lend thou an ear, dear Nature, to + the woes</span> <span class="i0">And wretched fate of mortals, and + revive</span> <span class="i0">The ancient spark within my breast;</span> + <span class="i0">If thou, indeed, dost live, if aught there is,</span> + <span class="i0">In heaven, or on the sun-lit earth,</span> <span class="i0">Or in the bosom of the sea,</span> <span class="i0">That + pities? No; but <i>sees</i> our misery.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page40" id="page40" title="40"></a>HYMN TO + THE PATRIARCHS.<small>OR OF THE BEGINNINGS OF THE HUMAN RACE.</small> + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Illustrious fathers of the human race,</span> + <span class="i0">Of you, the song of your afflicted sons</span> + <span class="i0">Will chant the praise; of you, more dear, by far,</span> + <span class="i0">Unto the Great Disposer of the stars,</span> <span class="i0">Who were not born to wretchedness, like ours.</span> + <span class="i0">Immedicable woes, a life of tears,</span> <span class="i0">The silent tomb, eternal night, to find</span> <span class="i0">More sweet, by far, than the ethereal light,</span> + <span class="i0">These things were not by heaven’s gracious law</span> + <span class="i0">Imposed on you. If ancient legends speak</span> + <span class="i0">Of sins of yours, that brought calamity</span> + <span class="i0">Upon the human race, and fell disease,</span> + <span class="i0">Alas, the sins more terrible, by far,</span> <span class="i0">Committed by your children, and their souls</span> <span class="i0">More restless, and with mad ambition fixed,</span> <span class="i0">Against them roused the wrath of angry gods,</span> + <span class="i0">The hand of all-sustaining Nature armed,</span> + <span class="i0">By them so long neglected and despised.</span> + <span class="i0">Then life became a burden and a curse,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page41" id="page41" title="41"></a>And every new-born babe a thing abhorred,</span> + <span class="i0">And hell and chaos reigned upon the earth.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thou first the day, and thou the shining lights</span> + <span class="i0">Of the revolving stars didst see, the fields,</span> + <span class="i0">And their new flocks and herds, O leader old</span> + <span class="i0">And father of the human family!</span> <span class="i0">The wandering air that o’er the meadows played,</span> + <span class="i0">When smote the rocks, and the deserted vales,</span> + <span class="i0">The torrent, rustling headlong from the Alps,</span> + <span class="i0">With sound, till then, unheard; and o’er the sites</span> + <span class="i0">Of future nations, noisy cities, yet unknown</span> + <span class="i0">To fame, a peace profound, mysterious reigned;</span> + <span class="i0">And o’er the unploughed hills, in silence, rose</span> + <span class="i0">The ray of Phœbus, and the golden moon.</span> + <span class="i0">O world, how happy in thy loneliness,</span> <span class="i0">Of crimes and of disasters ignorant!</span> <span class="i0">Oh, how much wretchedness Fate had in store</span> <span class="i0">For thy poor race, unhappy father, what</span> <span class="i0">A series vast of terrible events!</span> <span class="i0">Behold, + the fields, scarce tilled, with blood are stained,</span> <span class="i0">A brother’s blood, in sudden frenzy shed;</span> <span class="i0">And now, alas, first hears the gentle air</span> <span class="i0">The whirring of the fearful wings of Death.</span> <span class="i0">The trembling fratricide, a fugitive,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page42" id="page42" title="42"></a>The + lonely shades avoids; in every blast</span> <span class="i0">That + sweeps the groves, a voice of wrath he hears.</span> <span class="i0"><i>He</i> the first city builds, abode and realm</span> + <span class="i0">Of wasting cares; repentance desperate,</span> + <span class="i0">Heart-sick, and groaning, thus unites and binds</span> + <span class="i0">Together blind and sinful souls, and first</span> + <span class="i0">A refuge offers unto mutual guilt.</span> <span class="i0">The wicked hand now scorns the crooked plough;</span> + <span class="i0">The sweat of honest labor is despised;</span> + <span class="i0">Now sloth possession of the threshold takes;</span> + <span class="i0">The sluggish frames their native vigor lose;</span> + <span class="i0">The minds in hopeless indolence are sunk;</span> + <span class="i0">And slavery, the crowning curse of all,</span> + <span class="i0">Degrades and crushes poor humanity.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And thou from heaven’s wrath, and ocean’s waves,</span> + <span class="i0">That bellowed round the cloud-capped mountain-tops,</span> + <span class="i0">The sinful brood didst save; thou, unto whom,</span> + <span class="i0">From the dark air and wave-encumbered hills,</span> + <span class="i0">The white dove brought the sign of hope renewed,</span> + <span class="i0">And sinking in the west, the shipwrecked sun,</span> + <span class="i0">His bright rays darting through the angry clouds,</span> + <span class="i0">The dark sky painted with the lovely bow.</span> + <span class="i0">The race restored, to earth returned, begins anew</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page43" id="page43" title="43"></a>The same career of wickedness and lust,</span> <span class="i0">With their attendant ills. Audacious man</span> <span class="i0">Defies the threats of the avenging sea,</span> <span class="i0">And to new shores and to new stars repeats</span> <span class="i0">The same sad tale of infamy and woe.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And now of thee I think, the just and brave,</span> + <span class="i0">The Father of the faithful, and the sons</span> + <span class="i0">Thy honored name that bore. Of thee I speak,</span> + <span class="i0">Whom, sitting, thoughtful, in the noontide shade,</span> + <span class="i0">Before thy humble cottage, near the banks,</span> + <span class="i0">That gave thy flocks both rest and nourishment,</span> + <span class="i0">The minds ethereal of celestial guests</span> + <span class="i0">With blessings greeted; and of thee, O son</span> + <span class="i0">Of wise Rebecca, how at eventide,</span> <span class="i0">In Aran’s valley sweet, and by the well,</span> <span class="i0">Where happy swains in friendly converse met,</span> + <span class="i0">Thou didst with Laban’s daughter fall in love;</span> + <span class="i0">Love, that to exile long, and suffering,</span> + <span class="i0">And to the odious yoke of servitude,</span> <span class="i0">Thy patient soul a willing martyr led.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Oh, surely once,—for not with idle tales</span> + <span class="i0">And shadows, the Aonian song, and voice</span> + <span class="i0">Of Fame, the eager list’ners feed,—once was</span> + <span class="i0">This wretched earth more friendly to our race,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page44" id="page44" title="44"></a>Was more beloved and dear, and golden flew</span> + <span class="i0">The days, that now so laden are with care.</span> + <span class="i0">Not that the milk, in waves of purest white,</span> + <span class="i0">Gushed from the rocks, and flowed along the vales;</span> + <span class="i0">Or that the tigers mingled with the sheep,</span> + <span class="i0">To the same fold were led; or shepherd-boys</span> + <span class="i0">With playful wolves would frolic at the spring;</span> + <span class="i0">But of its own lot ignorant, and all</span> <span class="i0">The sufferings that were in store, devoid</span> <span class="i0">Of care it lived: a soft, illusive veil</span> <span class="i0">Of error hid the stern realities,</span> <span class="i0">The + cruel laws of heaven and of fate.</span> <span class="i0">Life + glided on, with cheerful hope content;</span> <span class="i0">And + tranquil, sought the haven of its rest.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">So lives, in California’s forests vast,</span> + <span class="i0">A happy race, whose life-blood is not drained</span> + <span class="i0">By pallid care, whose limbs are not by fierce</span> + <span class="i0">Disease consumed: the woods their food, their homes</span> + <span class="i0">The hollow rock, the streamlet of the vale</span> + <span class="i0">Its waters furnishes, and, unforeseen,</span> + <span class="i0">Dark death upon them steals. Ah, how unarmed,</span> + <span class="i0">Wise Nature’s happy votaries, are ye,</span> <span class="i0">Against our impious audacity!</span> <span class="i0">Our + fierce, indomitable love of gain</span> <span class="i0">Your + shores, your caves, your quiet woods invades;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page45" id="page45" title="45"></a>Your + minds corrupts, your bodies enervates;</span> <span class="i0">And + happiness, a naked fugitive,</span> <span class="i0">Before it + drives, to earth’s remotest bounds.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + THE LAST SONG OF SAPPHO. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thou tranquil night, and thou, O gentle ray</span> + <span class="i0">Of the declining moon; and thou, that o’er</span> + <span class="i0">The rock appearest, ’mid the silent grove,</span> + <span class="i0">The messenger of day; how dear ye were,</span> + <span class="i0">And how delightful to these eyes, while yet</span> + <span class="i0">Unknown the furies, and grim Fate! But now,</span> + <span class="i0">No gentle sight can soothe this wounded soul.</span> + <span class="i0">Then, only, can forgotten joy revive,</span> <span class="i0">When through the air, and o’er the trembling fields</span> + <span class="i0">The raging south wind whirls its clouds of dust;</span> + <span class="i0">And when the car, the pondrous car of Jove,</span> + <span class="i0">Omnipotent, high-thundering o’er our heads,</span> + <span class="i0">A pathway cleaves athwart the dusky sky.</span> + <span class="i0">Then would I love with storm-charged clouds to fly</span> + <span class="i0">Along the cliffs, along the valleys deep,</span> + <span class="i0">The headlong flight of frightened flocks to watch,</span> + <span class="i0">Or hear, upon some swollen river’s shore</span> + <span class="i0">The angry billows’ loud, triumphant roar.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page46" id="page46" title="46"></a>How beautiful thou art, O heaven divine,</span> + <span class="i0">And thou, O dewy earth! Alas no part</span> <span class="i0">Of all this beauty infinite, the gods</span> <span class="i0">And cruel fate to wretched Sappho gave!</span> <span class="i0">To thy proud realms, O Nature, I, a poor,</span> <span class="i0">Unwelcome guest, rejected lover, come;</span> <span class="i0">To all thy varied forms of loveliness,</span> <span class="i0">My heart and eyes, a suppliant, lift in vain.</span> + <span class="i0">The sun-lit shore hath smiles no more for me,</span> + <span class="i0">Nor radiant morning light at heaven’s gate;</span> + <span class="i0">The birds no longer greet me with their songs,</span> + <span class="i0">Nor whispering trees with gracious messages;</span> + <span class="i0">And where, beneath the bending willows’ shade,</span> + <span class="i0">The limpid stream its bosom pure displays,</span> + <span class="i0">As I, with trembling and uncertain foot,</span> + <span class="i0">Oppressed with grief, upon its margin pause,</span> + <span class="i0">The dimpled waves recoil, as in disdain,</span> + <span class="i0">And urge their flight along the flowery plain.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">What fearful crime, what hideous excess</span> + <span class="i0">Have so defiled me, e’en before my birth,</span> + <span class="i0">That heaven and fortune frown upon me thus?</span> + <span class="i0">Wherein have I offended, as a child,</span> <span class="i0">When we of evil deeds are ignorant,</span> <span class="i0">That thus disfigured, of the bloom of youth</span> <span class="i0">Bereft, my little thread of life has from</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page47" id="page47" title="47"></a>The + spindle of the unrelenting Fate</span> <span class="i0">Been drawn? + Alas, incautious are thy words!</span> <span class="i0">Mysterious + counsels all events control,</span> <span class="i0">And all, + except our grief, is mystery.</span> <span class="i0">Deserted + children, we were born to weep;</span> <span class="i0">But why, is + known to those above, alone.</span> <span class="i0">O vain the + cares, the hopes of earlier years!</span> <span class="i0">To idle + shows Jove gives eternal sway</span> <span class="i0">O’er human + hearts. Unless in shining robes arrayed,</span> <span class="i0">All + manly deeds in arms, or art, or song,</span> <span class="i0">Appeal + in vain unto the vulgar throng.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">I die! This wretched veil to earth I cast,</span> + <span class="i0">And for my naked soul a refuge seek</span> <span class="i0">Below, and for the cruel faults atone</span> <span class="i0">Of gods, the blind dispensers of events.</span> <span class="i0">And thou, to whom I have been bound so long,</span> + <span class="i0">By hopeless love, and lasting faith, and by</span> + <span class="i0">The frenzy vain of unappeased desire,</span> <span class="i0">Live, live, and if thou canst, be happy here!</span> + <span class="i0">My cup o’erflows with bitterness, and Jove</span> + <span class="i0">Has from his vase no drop of sweetness shed,</span> + <span class="i0">For all my childhood’s hopes and dreams have fled.</span> + <span class="i0">The happiest day the soonest fades away;</span> + <span class="i0">And then succeed disease, old age, the shade</span> + <span class="i0">Of icy death. Behold, alas! Of all</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page48" id="page48" title="48"></a>My + longed-for laurels, my illusions dear,</span> <span class="i0">The + end,—the gulf of hell! My spirit proud</span> <span class="i0">Must + to the realm of Proserpine descend,</span> <span class="i0">The + Stygian shore, the night that knows no end.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + FIRST LOVE. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Ah, well can I the day recall, when first</span> + <span class="i0">The conflict fierce of love I felt, and said:</span> + <span class="i0">If <i>this</i> be love, how hard it is to bear!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">With eyes still fixed intent upon the ground,</span> + <span class="i0">I saw but <i>her</i>, whose artless innocence,</span> + <span class="i0">Triumphant took possession of this heart.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Ah, Love, how badly hast thou governed me!</span> + <span class="i0">Why should affection so sincere and pure,</span> + <span class="i0">Bring with it such desire, such suffering?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Why not serene, and full, and free from guile</span> + <span class="i0">But sorrow-laden, and lamenting sore,</span> <span class="i0">Should joy so great into my heart descend?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O tell me, tender heart, that sufferest so,</span> + <span class="i0">Why with that thought such anguish should be blent,</span> + <span class="i0">Compared with which, all other thoughts were naught?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page49" id="page49" title="49"></a>That thought, that ever present in the day,</span> + <span class="i0">That in the night more vivid still appeared,</span> + <span class="i0">When all things round in sweet sleep seemed to rest:</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thou, restless, both with joy and misery</span> + <span class="i0">Didst with thy constant throbbings weary so</span> + <span class="i0">My breast, as panting in my bed I lay.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And when worn out with grief and weariness,</span> + <span class="i0">In sleep my eyes I closed, ah, no relief</span> + <span class="i0">It gave, so broken and so feverish!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">How brightly from the depths of darkness, then,</span> + <span class="i0">The lovely image rose, and my closed eyes,</span> + <span class="i0">Beneath their lids, their gaze upon it fed!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O what delicious impulses, diffused,</span> <span class="i0">My weary frame with sweet emotion filled!</span> <span class="i0">What myriad thoughts, unstable and confused,</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Were floating in my mind! As through the leaves</span> + <span class="i0">Of some old grove, the west wind, wandering,</span> + <span class="i0">A long, mysterious murmur leaves behind.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And as I, silent, to their influence yield,</span> + <span class="i0">What saidst thou, heart, when she departed, who</span> + <span class="i0">Had caused thee all thy throbs, and suffering?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page50" id="page50" title="50"></a>No sooner had I felt within, the heat</span> <span class="i0">Of love’s first flame, than with it flew away</span> + <span class="i0">The gentle breeze, that fanned it into life.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Sleepless I lay, until the dawn of day;</span> + <span class="i0">The steeds, that were to leave me desolate,</span> + <span class="i0">Their hoofs were beating at my father’s gate.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And I, in mute suspense, poor timid fool,</span> + <span class="i0">With eye that vainly would the darkness pierce,</span> + <span class="i0">And eager ear intent, lay, listening,</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">That voice to hear, if, for the last time, I</span> + <span class="i0">Might catch the accents from those lovely lips;</span> + <span class="i0">The voice alone; all else forever lost!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">How many vulgar tones my doubtful ear</span> <span class="i0">Would smite, with deep disgust inspiring me,</span> + <span class="i0">With doubt tormented, holding hard my breath!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And when, at last, that voice into my heart</span> + <span class="i0">Descended, passing sweet, and when the sound</span> + <span class="i0">Of horses and of wheels had died away;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">In utter desolation, then, my head</span> <span class="i0">I in my pillow buried, closed my eyes,</span> <span class="i0">And pressed my hand against my heart, and sighed.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page51" id="page51" title="51"></a>Then, listlessly, my trembling knees across</span> + <span class="i0">The silent chamber dragging, I exclaimed,</span> + <span class="i0">“Nothing on earth can interest me more!”</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The bitter recollection cherishing</span> <span class="i0">Within my breast, to every voice my heart,</span> <span class="i0">To every face, insensible remained.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Long I remained in hopeless sorrow drowned;</span> + <span class="i0">As when the heavens far and wide their showers</span> + <span class="i0">Incessant pour upon the fields around.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Nor had I, Love, thy cruel power known,</span> + <span class="i0">A boy of eighteen summers flown, until</span> + <span class="i0">That day, when I thy bitter lesson learned;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">When I each pleasure held in scorn, nor cared</span> + <span class="i0">The shining stars to see, or meadows green,</span> + <span class="i0">Or felt the charm of holy morning light;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The love of glory, too, no longer found</span> + <span class="i0">An echo in my irresponsive breast,</span> <span class="i0">That, once, the love of beauty with it shared.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">My favorite studies I neglected quite;</span> + <span class="i0">And those things vain appeared, compared with which,</span> + <span class="i0">I used to think all other pleasures vain.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page52" id="page52" title="52"></a>Ah! how could I have changed so utterly?</span> + <span class="i0">How could one passion all the rest destroy?</span> + <span class="i0">Indeed, what helpless mortals are we all!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">My heart my only comfort was, and with</span> + <span class="i0">That heart, in conference perpetual,</span> <span class="i0">A constant watch upon my grief to keep.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">My eye still sought the ground, or in itself</span> + <span class="i0">Absorbed, shrank from encountering the glance</span> + <span class="i0">Of lovely or unlovely countenance;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The stainless image fearing to disturb,</span> + <span class="i0">So faithfully reflected in my breast;</span> <span class="i0">As winds disturb the mirror of the lake.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And that regret, that I could not enjoy</span> + <span class="i0">Such happiness, which weighs upon the mind,</span> + <span class="i0">And turns to poison pleasure that has passed,</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Did still its thorn within my bosom lodge,</span> + <span class="i0">As I the past recalled; but shame, indeed,</span> + <span class="i0">Left not its cruel sting within this heart.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">To heaven, to you, ye gentle souls, I swear,</span> + <span class="i0">No base desire intruded on my thought;</span> + <span class="i0">But with a pure and sacred flame I burned.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page53" id="page53" title="53"></a>That flame still lives, and that affection pure;</span> + <span class="i0">Still in my thought that lovely image breathes,</span> + <span class="i0">From which, save heavenly, I no other joy,</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Have ever known; my only comfort, now!</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + THE LONELY SPARROW. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thou from the top of yonder antique tower,</span> + <span class="i0">O lonely sparrow, wandering, hast gone,</span> + <span class="i0">Thy song repeating till the day is done,</span> + <span class="i0">And through this valley strays the harmony.</span> + <span class="i0">How Spring rejoices in the fields around,</span> + <span class="i0">And fills the air with light,</span> <span class="i0">So that the heart is melted at the sight!</span> <span class="i0">Hark to the bleating flocks, the lowing herds!</span> + <span class="i0">In sweet content, the other birds</span> <span class="i0">Through the free sky in emulous circles wheel,</span> + <span class="i0">In pure enjoyment of their happy time:</span> + <span class="i0">Thou, pensive, gazest on the scene apart,</span> + <span class="i0">Nor wilt thou join them in the merry round;</span> + <span class="i0">Shy playmate, thou for mirth hast little heart;</span> + <span class="i0">And with thy plaintive music, dost consume</span> + <span class="i0">Both of the year, and of thy life, the bloom.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page54" id="page54" title="54"></a>Alas, how much my ways</span> <span class="i0">Resemble + thine! The laughter and the sport,</span> <span class="i0">That + fill with glee our youthful days,</span> <span class="i0">And thee, + O love, who art youth’s brother still,</span> <span class="i0">Too + oft the bitter sigh of later years,</span> <span class="i0">I care + not for; I know not why,</span> <span class="i0">But from them ever + distant fly:</span> <span class="i0">Here in my native place,</span> + <span class="i0">As if of alien race,</span> <span class="i0">My + spring of life I like a hermit pass.</span> <span class="i0">This + day, that to the evening now gives way,</span> <span class="i0">Is + in our town an ancient holiday.</span> <span class="i0">Hark, + through the air, that voice of festal bell,</span> <span class="i0">While + rustic guns in frequent thunders sound,</span> <span class="i0">Reverberated + from the hills around.</span> <span class="i0">In festal robes + arrayed,</span> <span class="i0">The neighboring youth,</span> + <span class="i0">Their houses leaving, o’er the roads are spread;</span> + <span class="i0">They pleasant looks exchange, and in their hearts</span> + <span class="i0">Rejoice. I, lonely, in this distant spot,</span> + <span class="i0">Along the country wandering,</span> <span class="i0">Postpone all pleasure and delight</span> <span class="i0">To + some more genial time: meanwhile,</span> <span class="i0">As + through the sunny air around I gaze,</span> <span class="i0">My + brow is smitten by his rays,</span> <span class="i0">As after such + a day serene,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page55" id="page55" title="55"></a>Dropping behind yon distant + hills,</span> <span class="i0">He vanishes, and seems to say,</span> + <span class="i0">That thus all happy youth must pass away.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thou, lonely little bird, when thou</span> <span class="i0">Hast reached the evening of the days</span> <span class="i0">Thy stars assign to thee,</span> <span class="i0">Wilt + surely not regret thy ways;</span> <span class="i0">For all thy + wishes are</span> <span class="i0">Obedient to Nature’s law. But + ah!</span> <span class="i0">If I, in spite of all my prayers,</span> + <span class="i0">Am doomed the hateful threshold of old age</span> + <span class="i0">To cross, when these dull eyes will give</span> + <span class="i0">No response to another’s heart,</span> <span class="i0">The world to them a void will be,</span> <span class="i0">Each + day become more full of misery,</span> <span class="i0">How then, + will this, my wish appear</span> <span class="i0">In those dark + hours, that dungeon drear?</span> <span class="i0">My blighted + youth, my sore distress,</span> <span class="i0">Alas, will <i>then</i> + seem happiness!</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page56" id="page56" title="56"></a>THE + INFINITE. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">This lonely hill to me was ever dear,</span> <span class="i0">This hedge, which shuts from view so large a part</span> + <span class="i0">Of the remote horizon. As I sit</span> <span class="i0">And gaze, absorbed, I in my thought conceive</span> + <span class="i0">The boundless spaces that beyond it range,</span> + <span class="i0">The silence supernatural, and rest</span> <span class="i0">Profound; and for a moment I am calm.</span> <span class="i0">And as I listen to the wind, that through</span> <span class="i0">These trees is murmuring, its plaintive voice</span> + <span class="i0">I with that infinite compare;</span> <span class="i0">And things eternal I recall, and all</span> <span class="i0">The seasons dead, and this, that round me lives,</span> + <span class="i0">And utters its complaint. Thus wandering</span> + <span class="i0">My thought in this immensity is drowned;</span> + <span class="i0">And sweet to me is shipwreck on this sea.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page57" id="page57" title="57"></a>THE + EVENING OF THE HOLIDAY. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">The night is mild and clear, and without wind,</span> + <span class="i0">And o’er the roofs, and o’er the gardens round</span> + <span class="i0">The moon shines soft, and from afar reveals</span> + <span class="i0">Each mountain-peak serene. O lady, mine,</span> + <span class="i0">Hushed now is every path, and few and dim</span> + <span class="i0">The lamps that glimmer through the balconies.</span> + <span class="i0">Thou sleepest! in thy quiet rooms, how light</span> + <span class="i0">And easy is thy sleep! No care thy heart</span> + <span class="i0">Consumes; and little dost thou know or think,</span> + <span class="i0">How deep a wound thou in my heart hast made.</span> + <span class="i0">Thou sleepest; I to yonder heaven turn,</span> + <span class="i0">That seems to greet me with a loving smile,</span> + <span class="i0">And to that Nature old, omnipotent,</span> <span class="i0">That doomed me still to suffer. “I to thee</span> + <span class="i0">All hope deny,” she said, “e’en hope; nor + may</span> <span class="i0">Those eyes of thine e’er shine, save + through their tears.”</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">This was a holiday; its pleasures o’er,</span> + <span class="i0">Thou seek’st repose; and happy in thy dreams</span> + <span class="i0">Recallest those whom thou hast pleased to-day,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page58" id="page58" title="58"></a>And those who have pleased thee: not I, indeed,—</span> + <span class="i0">I hoped it not,—unto thy thoughts occur.</span> + <span class="i0">Meanwhile, I ask, how much of life remains</span> + <span class="i0">To me; and on the earth I cast myself,</span> + <span class="i0">And cry, and groan. How wretched are my days,</span> + <span class="i0">And still so young! Hark, on the road I hear,</span> + <span class="i0">Not far away, the solitary song</span> <span class="i0">Of workman, who returns at this late hour,</span> <span class="i0">In merry mood, unto his humble home;</span> <span class="i0">And in my heart a cruel pang I feel,</span> <span class="i0">At thought, how all things earthly pass away,</span> + <span class="i0">And leave no trace behind. This festal day</span> + <span class="i0">Hath fled; a working-day now follows it,</span> + <span class="i0">And all, alike, are swept away by Time.</span> + <span class="i0">Where is the glory of the antique nations now?</span> + <span class="i0">Where now the fame of our great ancestors?</span> + <span class="i0">The empire vast of Rome, the clash of arms?</span> + <span class="i0">Now all is peace and silence, all the world</span> + <span class="i0">At rest; their very names are heard no more.</span> + <span class="i0">E’en from my earliest years, when we</span> <span class="i0">Expect so eagerly a holiday,</span> <span class="i0">The + moment it was past, I sought my couch,</span> <span class="i0">Wakeful + and sad; and at the midnight hour,</span> <span class="i0">When I + the song heard of some passer-by,</span> <span class="i0">That + slowly in the distance died away,</span> <span class="i0">The same + deep anguish felt I in my heart.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page59" id="page59" title="59"></a>TO THE + MOON. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">O lovely moon, how well do I recall</span> <span class="i0">The time,—’tis just a year—when up this hill</span> + <span class="i0">I came, in my distress, to gaze at thee:</span> + <span class="i0">And thou suspended wast o’er yonder grove,</span> + <span class="i0">As now thou art, which thou with light dost fill.</span> + <span class="i0">But stained with mist, and tremulous, appeared</span> + <span class="i0">Thy countenance to me, because my eyes</span> + <span class="i0">Were filled with tears, that could not be suppressed;</span> + <span class="i0">For, oh, my life was wretched, wearisome,</span> + <span class="i0">And <i>is</i> so still, unchanged, belovèd moon!</span> + <span class="i0">And yet this recollection pleases me,</span> <span class="i0">This computation of my sorrow’s age.</span> <span class="i0">How pleasant is it, in the days of youth,</span> <span class="i0">When hope a long career before it hath,</span> <span class="i0">And memories are few, upon the past</span> <span class="i0">To dwell, though sad, and though the sadness last!</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page60" id="page60" title="60"></a>THE DREAM. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">It was the morning; through the shutters closed,</span> + <span class="i0">Along the balcony, the earliest rays</span> <span class="i0">Of sunlight my dark room were entering;</span> <span class="i0">When, at the time that sleep upon our eyes</span> <span class="i0">Its softest and most grateful shadows casts,</span> + <span class="i0">There stood beside me, looking in my face,</span> + <span class="i0">The image dear of her, who taught me first</span> + <span class="i0">To love, then left me to lament her loss.</span> + <span class="i0">To me she seemed not dead, but sad, with such</span> + <span class="i0">A countenance as the unhappy wear.</span> <span class="i0">Her right hand near my head she sighing placed;</span> + <span class="i0">“Dost thou still live,” she said to me, + “and dost</span> <span class="i0">Thou still remember what we + <i>were</i> and are?”</span> <span class="i0">And I replied: + “Whence comest thou, and how,</span> <span class="i0">Beloved + and beautiful? Oh how, how I</span> <span class="i0">Have grieved, + still grieve for thee! Nor did I think</span> <span class="i0">Thou + e’er couldst know it more; and oh, that thought</span> <span class="i0">My sorrow rendered more disconsolate!</span> <span class="i0">But art thou now again to leave me?</span> <span class="i0">I fear so. Say, what hath befallen thee?</span> <span class="i0">Art thou the same? What preys upon thee thus?”</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page61" id="page61" title="61"></a>“Oblivion weighs upon thy thoughts, and sleep</span> + <span class="i0">Envelops them,” she answered; “I am dead,</span> + <span class="i0">And many months have passed, since last we met.”</span> + <span class="i0">What grief oppressed me, as these words I heard!</span> + <span class="i0">And she continued: “In the flower of youth</span> + <span class="i0">Cut off, when life is sweetest, and before</span> + <span class="i0">The heart that lesson sad and sure hath learnt,</span> + <span class="i0">The utter vanity of human hope!</span> <span class="i0">The sick man may e’en covet, as a boon,</span> <span class="i0">That which withdraws him from all suffering;</span> + <span class="i0">But to the young, Death comes, disconsolate;</span> + <span class="i0">And hard the fate of hope, that in the grave</span> + <span class="i0">Is quenched! And yet, how vain that knowledge is,</span> + <span class="i0">That Nature from the inexperienced hides!</span> + <span class="i0">And a blind sorrow is to be preferred</span> <span class="i0">To wisdom premature!”—“Hush, hush!” I + cried,</span> <span class="i0">“Unhappy one, and dear! My + heart is crushed</span> <span class="i0">With these thy words! And + art thou dead, indeed,</span> <span class="i0">O my beloved? and am + I still alive?</span> <span class="i0">And was it, then, in heaven + decreed, that this,</span> <span class="i0">Thy tender body the + last damps of death</span> <span class="i0">Should feel, and my + poor, wretched frame remain</span> <span class="i0">Unharmed? Oh, + often, often as I think</span> <span class="i0">That thou no longer + livest, and that I</span> <span class="i0">Shall never see thee on + the earth again,</span> <span class="i0">Incredible it seems! Alas, + alas!</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page62" id="page62" title="62"></a>What <i>is</i> this thing, that they call + death? Oh, would</span> <span class="i0">That I, this day, the + mystery could solve,</span> <span class="i0">And my defenceless + head withdraw from Fate’s</span> <span class="i0">Relentless hate! + I still am young, and still</span> <span class="i0">Feel all the + blight and misery of age,</span> <span class="i0">Which I so dread; + and distant far it seems;</span> <span class="i0">But, ah, how + little different from age,</span> <span class="i0">The flower of my + years!”—“We both were born,”</span> <span class="i0">She said, “to weep; unhappy were our lives,</span> + <span class="i0">And heaven took pleasure in our sufferings.”</span> + <span class="i0">“Oh if my eyes with tears,” I added, + “then,</span> <span class="i0">My face with pallor veiled + thou seest, for loss</span> <span class="i0">Of thee, and anguish + weighing on my heart;</span> <span class="i0">Tell me, was any + spark of pity or of love</span> <span class="i0">For the poor lover + kindled in thy heart,</span> <span class="i0">While thou didst + live? I, then, between my hope</span> <span class="i0">And my + despair, passed weary nights and days;</span> <span class="i0">And + now, my mind is with vain doubts oppressed.</span> <span class="i0">Oh + if but once compassion smote thee for</span> <span class="i0">My + darkened life, conceal it not from me,</span> <span class="i0">I + pray thee; let the memory console me,</span> <span class="i0">Since + of their future our young days were robbed!”</span> <span class="i0">And she: “Be comforted, unhappy one!</span> <span class="i0">I was not churlish of my pity whilst</span> <span class="i0">I lived, and am not now, myself so wretched!</span> + <span class="i0">Oh, do not chide this most unhappy child!”</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page63" id="page63" title="63"></a>“By all our sufferings, and by the love</span> + <span class="i0">Which preys upon me,” I exclaimed, “and by</span> + <span class="i0">Our youth, and by the hope that faded from</span> + <span class="i0">Our lives, O let me, dearest, touch thy hand!”</span> + <span class="i0">And sweetly, sadly, she extended it.</span> <span class="i0">And while I covered it with kisses, while</span> <span class="i0">With sorrow and with rapture quivering,</span> <span class="i0">I to my panting bosom fondly pressed it,</span> <span class="i0">With fervent passion glowed my face and breast,</span> + <span class="i0">My trembling voice refused its utterance,</span> + <span class="i0">And all things swam before my sight; when she,</span> + <span class="i0">Her eyes fixed tenderly on mine, replied:</span> + <span class="i0">“And dost thou, then, forget, dear friend, that I</span> + <span class="i0">Am of my beauty utterly deprived?</span> <span class="i0">And vainly thou, unhappy one, dost yield</span> <span class="i0">To passion’s transports. Now, a last farewell!</span> + <span class="i0">Our wretched minds, our feeble bodies, too,</span> + <span class="i0">Eternally are parted. Thou to me</span> <span class="i0">No longer livest, nevermore shall live.</span> <span class="i0">Fate hath annulled the faith that thou hast sworn.”</span> + <span class="i0">Then, in my anguish as I seemed to cry</span> + <span class="i0">Aloud, convulsed, my eyes o’erflowing with</span> + <span class="i0">The tears of utter, helpless misery,</span> <span class="i0">I started from my sleep. The image still</span> <span class="i0">Was seen, and in the sun’s uncertain light</span> <span class="i0">Above my couch she seemed to linger still.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page64" id="page64" title="64"></a>THE LONELY + LIFE. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">The morning rain, when, from her coop released,</span> + <span class="i0">The hen, exulting, flaps her wings, when from</span> + <span class="i0">The balcony the husbandman looks forth,</span> + <span class="i0">And when the rising sun his trembling rays</span> + <span class="i0">Darts through the falling drops, against my roof</span> + <span class="i0">And windows gently beating, wakens me.</span> + <span class="i0">I rise, and grateful, bless the flying clouds,</span> + <span class="i0">The cheerful twitter of the early birds,</span> + <span class="i0">The smiling fields, and the refreshing air.</span> + <span class="i0">For I of you, unhappy city walls,</span> <span class="i0">Enough have seen and known; where hatred still</span> + <span class="i0">Companion is to grief; and grieving still</span> + <span class="i0">I live, and so shall die, and that, how soon!</span> + <span class="i0">But here some pity Nature shows, though small,</span> + <span class="i0">Once in this spot to me so courteous!</span> <span class="i0">Thou, too, O Nature, turn’st away thy gaze</span> <span class="i0">From misery; thou, too, thy sympathy</span> <span class="i0">Withholding from the suffering and the sad,</span> <span class="i0">Dost homage pay to royal happiness.</span> <span class="i0">No friend in heaven, on earth, the wretched hath,</span> + <span class="i0">No refuge, save his trusty dagger’s edge.</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page65" id="page65" title="65"></a>Sometimes I sit in perfect solitude,</span> <span class="i0">Upon a hill, that overlooks a lake,</span> <span class="i0">That is encircled quite with silent trees.</span> <span class="i0">There, when the sun his mid-day course hath reached,</span> + <span class="i0">His tranquil face he in a mirror sees:</span> + <span class="i0">Nor grass nor leaf is shaken by the wind;</span> + <span class="i0">There is no ripple on the wave, no chirp</span> + <span class="i0">Of cricket, rustling wing of bird in bush,</span> + <span class="i0">Nor hum of butterfly; no motion, voice,</span> + <span class="i0">Or far or near, is either seen or heard.</span> + <span class="i0">Its shores are locked in quiet most profound;</span> + <span class="i0">So that myself, the world I quite forget,</span> + <span class="i0">As motionless I sit; my limbs appear</span> <span class="i0">To lie dissolved, of breath and sense deprived;</span> + <span class="i0">As if, in immemorial rest, they seemed</span> + <span class="i0">Confounded with the silent scene around.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O love, O love, long since, thou from this breast</span> + <span class="i0">Hast flown, that was so warm, so ardent, once.</span> + <span class="i0">Misfortune in her cold and cruel grasp</span> + <span class="i0">Has held it fast, and it to ice has turned,</span> + <span class="i0">E’en in the flower of my youth. The time</span> + <span class="i0">I well recall, when thou this heart didst fill;</span> + <span class="i0">That sweet, irrevocable time it was,</span> <span class="i0">When this unhappy scene of life unto</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page66" id="page66" title="66"></a>The + ardent gaze of youth reveals itself,</span> <span class="i0">Expands, + and wears the smile of Paradise.</span> <span class="i0">How throbs + the heart within the boyish breast,</span> <span class="i0">By + virgin hope and fond desire impelled!</span> <span class="i0">The + wretched dupe for life’s hard work prepares,</span> <span class="i0">As + if it were a dance, or merry game.</span> <span class="i0">But when + <i>I</i> first, O love, thy presence felt,</span> <span class="i0">Misfortune + had already crushed my life,</span> <span class="i0">And these poor + eyes with constant tears were filled.</span> <span class="i0">Yet + if, at times, upon the sun-lit slopes,</span> <span class="i0">At + silent dawn, or when, in broad noonday,</span> <span class="i0">The + roofs and hills and fields are shining bright,</span> <span class="i0">I of some lonely maiden meet the gaze;</span> <span class="i0">Or when, in silence of the summer night,</span> <span class="i0">My wandering steps arresting, I before</span> <span class="i0">The houses of the village pause, to gaze</span> <span class="i0">Upon the lonely scene, and hear the voice,</span> <span class="i0">So clear and cheerful, of the maiden, who,</span> <span class="i0">Her ditty chanting, in her quiet room,</span> <span class="i0">Her daily task protracts into the night,</span> <span class="i0">Ah, then this stony heart will throb once more;</span> + <span class="i0">But soon, alas, its lethargy returns,</span> <span class="i0">For all things sweet are strangers to this breast!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Belovèd moon, beneath whose tranquil rays</span> + <span class="i0">The hares dance in the groves, and at the dawn</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page67" id="page67" title="67"></a>The huntsman, vexed at heart, beholds the tracks</span> + <span class="i0">Confused and intricate, that from their forms</span> + <span class="i0">His steps mislead; hail, thou benignant Queen</span> + <span class="i0">Of Night! How unpropitious fall thy rays,</span> + <span class="i0">Among the cliffs and thickets, or within</span> + <span class="i0">Deserted buildings, on the gleaming steel</span> + <span class="i0">Of robber pale, who with attentive ear</span> + <span class="i0">Unto the distant noise of horses and</span> <span class="i0">Of wheels, is listening, or the tramp of feet</span> + <span class="i0">Upon the silent road; then, suddenly,</span> <span class="i0">With sound of arms, and hoarse, harsh voice, and look</span> + <span class="i0">Of death, the traveller’s heart doth chill,</span> + <span class="i0">Whom he half-dead, and naked, shortly leaves</span> + <span class="i0">Among the rocks. How unpropitious, too,</span> + <span class="i0">Is thy bright light along the city streets,</span> + <span class="i0">Unto the worthless paramour, who picks</span> + <span class="i0">His way, close to the walls, in anxious search</span> + <span class="i0">Of friendly shade, and halts, and dreads the sight</span> + <span class="i0">Of blazing lamps, and open balconies.</span> <span class="i0">To evil spirits unpropitious still,</span> <span class="i0">To <i>me</i> thy face will ever seem benign,</span> + <span class="i0">Along these heights, where nought save smiling hills,</span> + <span class="i0">And spacious fields, thou offer’st to my view.</span> + <span class="i0">And yet it was my wayward custom once,</span> + <span class="i0">Though I was innocent, thy gracious ray</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page68" id="page68" title="68"></a>To chide, amid the haunts of men, whene’er</span> + <span class="i0">It would my face to them betray, and when</span> + <span class="i0">It would their faces unto me reveal.</span> <span class="i0">Now will I, grateful, sing its constant praise,</span> + <span class="i0">When I behold thee, sailing through the clouds,</span> + <span class="i0">Or when, mild sovereign of the realms of air,</span> + <span class="i0">Thou lookest down on this, our vale of tears.</span> + <span class="i0">Me wilt thou oft behold, mute wanderer</span> + <span class="i0">Among the groves, along the verdant banks,</span> + <span class="i0">Or seated on the grass, content enough,</span> + <span class="i0">If heart and breath are left me, for a sigh!</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + CONSALVO. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Approaching now the end of his abode</span> <span class="i0">On earth, Consalvo lay; complaining once,</span> <span class="i0">Of his hard fate, but now quite reconciled,</span> <span class="i0">When, in the midst of his fifth lustre, o’er</span> + <span class="i0">His head oblivion, so longed-for, hung.</span> + <span class="i0">As for some time, so, on his dying day,</span> + <span class="i0">He lay, abandoned by his dearest friends:</span> + <span class="i0">For in the world, few friends to <i>him</i> will cling,</span> + <span class="i0">Who shows that he is weary of the world.</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page69" id="page69" title="69"></a>Yet <i>she</i> was at his side, by pity led,</span> + <span class="i0">In his lone wretchedness to comfort him,</span> + <span class="i0">Who was alone and ever in his thought;</span> + <span class="i0">Elvira, for her loveliness renowned;</span> <span class="i0">And knowing well her power; that a look,</span> <span class="i0">A single sweet and gracious word from <i>her</i>,</span> + <span class="i0">A thousand-fold repeated in the heart,</span> + <span class="i0">Devoted, of her hapless lover, still</span> <span class="i0">His consolation and support had been,</span> <span class="i0">Although no word of love had she from him</span> <span class="i0">E’er heard. For ever in his soul the power</span> <span class="i0">Of great desire had been rebuked and crushed</span> + <span class="i0">By sovereign fear. So great a child and slave</span> + <span class="i0">Had he become, through his excess of love!</span> + <span class="i0">But death at last the cruel silence broke;</span> + <span class="i0">For being by sure signs convinced, that now</span> + <span class="i0">The day of his deliverance had come,</span> <span class="i0">Her white hand taking, as she was about</span> <span class="i0">To leave, and gently pressing it, he said:</span> <span class="i0">“Thou goest; it is time for thee to go;</span> + <span class="i0">Farewell, Elvira! I shall never see</span> <span class="i0">Thee more; too well I know it; so, farewell!</span> + <span class="i0">I thank thee for thy gentle sympathy,</span> <span class="i0">So far as my poor lips my thanks can speak.</span> <span class="i0"><i>He</i> will reward thee, who alone has power,</span> + <span class="i0">If heaven e’er rewards the merciful.”</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page70" id="page70" title="70"></a>Pale turned the fair one at these words; a sigh</span> + <span class="i0">Her bosom heaved; for e’en a stranger’s heart</span> + <span class="i0">A throb responsive feels, when she departs,</span> + <span class="i0">And says farewell forever. Fain would she</span> + <span class="i0">Have contradicted him, the near approach</span> + <span class="i0">Of fate concealing from the dying man.</span> + <span class="i0">But he, her thought anticipating, said:</span> + <span class="i0">“Ah, much desired, as well thou knowest, death,</span> + <span class="i0">Much prayed for, and not dreaded, comes to me;</span> + <span class="i0">Nay, joyful seems to me this fatal day,</span> + <span class="i0">Save for the thought of losing thee forever;</span> + <span class="i0">Alas, forever do I part from thee!</span> <span class="i0">In saying this my heart is rent in twain.</span> <span class="i0">Those eyes I shall no more behold, nor hear</span> <span class="i0">Thy voice. But, O Elvira, say, before</span> <span class="i0">Thou leavest me forever, wilt thou not</span> <span class="i0">One kiss bestow? A single kiss, in all</span> <span class="i0">My life? A favor asked, who can deny</span> <span class="i0">Unto a dying man? Of the sweet gift</span> <span class="i0">I ne’er can boast, so near my end, whose lips</span> + <span class="i0">To-day will by a stranger’s hand be closed</span> + <span class="i0">Forever.” Saying this, with a deep sigh,</span> + <span class="i0">Her hand beloved he with his cold lips pressed.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The lovely woman stood irresolute,</span> <span class="i0">And thoughtful, for a moment, with her look,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page71" id="page71" title="71"></a>In which a thousand charms were radiant,</span> + <span class="i0">Intent on that of the unhappy man,</span> <span class="i0">Where the last tear was glittering. Nor would</span> + <span class="i0">Her heart permit her to refuse with scorn</span> + <span class="i0">His wish, and by refusal, make more sad</span> + <span class="i0">The sad farewell; but she compassion took</span> + <span class="i0">Upon his love, which she had known so long;</span> + <span class="i0">And that celestial face, that mouth, which he</span> + <span class="i0">So long had coveted, which had, for years,</span> + <span class="i0">The burden been of all his dreams and sighs,</span> + <span class="i0">Close bringing unto his, so sad and wan,</span> + <span class="i0">Discolored by his mortal agony,</span> <span class="i0">Kiss after kiss, all goodness, with a look</span> <span class="i0">Of deep compassion, on the trembling lips</span> <span class="i0">Of the enraptured lover she impressed.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">What didst thou then become? How in thy eyes</span> + <span class="i0">Appeared life, death, and all thy suffering,</span> + <span class="i0">Consalvo, in thy flight now pausing? He</span> + <span class="i0">The hand, which still he held, of his beloved</span> + <span class="i0">Elvira, placing on his heart, whose last</span> + <span class="i0">Pulsations love with death was sharing, said:</span> + <span class="i0">“Elvira, my Elvira, am I still</span> <span class="i0">On earth? Those lips, were they thy lips? O, say!</span> + <span class="i0">And do I press thy hand? Alas, it seems</span> + <span class="i0">A dead man’s vision, or a dream, or thing</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page72" id="page72" title="72"></a>Incredible! How much, Elvira, O,</span> <span class="i0">How much I owe to death! Long has my love</span> <span class="i0">Been known to thee, and unto others, for</span> <span class="i0">True love cannot be hidden on the earth.</span> <span class="i0">Too manifest it was to thee, in looks,</span> <span class="i0">In acts, in my unhappy countenance,</span> <span class="i0">But never in my words. For then, and now,</span> <span class="i0">Forever would the passion infinite,</span> <span class="i0">That rules my heart, be silent, had not death</span> + <span class="i0">With courage filled it. I shall die content;</span> + <span class="i0">Henceforth, with destiny, no more regret</span> + <span class="i0">That I e’er saw the light. I have not lived</span> + <span class="i0">In vain, now that my lips have been allowed</span> + <span class="i0">Thy lips to press. Nay, happy I esteem</span> + <span class="i0">My lot. Two precious things the world still gives</span> + <span class="i0">To mortals, Love and Death. To one, heaven guides</span> + <span class="i0">Me now, in youth; and in the other, I</span> <span class="i0">Am fortunate. Ah, hadst thou once, but once,</span> + <span class="i0">Responded to my long-enduring love,</span> <span class="i0">To my changed eyes this earth for evermore</span> <span class="i0">Had been transformed into a Paradise.</span> <span class="i0">E’en to old age, detestable old age,</span> <span class="i0">Could I have been resigned and reconciled.</span> <span class="i0">To bear its heavy load, the memory</span> <span class="i0">Of one transcendent moment had sufficed,</span> <span class="i0">When I was happier than the happiest,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page73" id="page73" title="73"></a>But, + ah, such bliss supreme the envious gods</span> <span class="i0">To + earthly natures ne’er have given! Love</span> <span class="i0">In + such excess ne’er leads to happiness.</span> <span class="i0">And + yet, thy love to win, I would have borne</span> <span class="i0">The + tortures of the executioner;</span> <span class="i0">Have faced the + rack and fagot, dauntlessly;</span> <span class="i0">Would from thy + loving arms have rushed into</span> <span class="i0">The fearful + flames of hell, with cheerfulness.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">“Elvira, O Elvira, happy he,</span> <span class="i0">Beyond all mortal happiness, on whom</span> <span class="i0">Thou dost the smile of love bestow! And next</span> + <span class="i0">Is he, who can lay down his life for thee!</span> + <span class="i0">It <i>is</i> permitted, it is not a dream,</span> + <span class="i0">As I, alas, have always fancied it,</span> <span class="i0">To man, on earth true happiness to find.</span> <span class="i0">I knew it well, the day I looked on thee.</span> <span class="i0">That look to me, indeed, has fatal been:</span> <span class="i0">And yet, I could not bring myself, midst all</span> + <span class="i0">My sufferings, that cruel day to blame.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">“Now live, Elvira, happy, and adorn</span> + <span class="i0">The world with thy fair countenance. None e’er</span> + <span class="i0">Will love thee as I loved thee. Such a love</span> + <span class="i0">Will ne’er be seen on earth. How much, alas,</span> + <span class="i0">How long a time by poor Consalvo hast</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page74" id="page74" title="74"></a>Thou + been with sighs and bitter tears invoked!</span> <span class="i0">How, + when I heard thy name, have I turned pale!</span> <span class="i0">How + have I trembled, and been sick at heart,</span> <span class="i0">As + timidly thy threshold I approached,</span> <span class="i0">At that + angelic voice, at sight of that</span> <span class="i0">Fair brow, + I, who now tremble not at death!</span> <span class="i0">But breath + and life no longer will respond</span> <span class="i0">Unto the + voice of love. The time has passed;</span> <span class="i0">Nor can + I e’er this happy day recall.</span> <span class="i0">Farewell, + Elvira! With its vital spark</span> <span class="i0">Thy image so + beloved is from my heart</span> <span class="i0">Forever fading. + Oh, farewell! If this,</span> <span class="i0">My love offend thee + not, to-morrow eve</span> <span class="i0">One sigh wilt thou + bestow upon my bier.”</span> <span class="i0">He ceased; and + soon he lost his consciousness:</span> <span class="i0">Ere evening + came, his first, his only day</span> <span class="i0">Of happiness + had faded from his sight.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + TO THE BELOVED. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Beauty beloved, who hast my heart inspired,</span> + <span class="i0">Seen from afar, or with thy face concealed,</span> + <span class="i0">Save, when in visions of the night revealed,</span> + <span class="i0">Or seen in daydreams bright,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page75" id="page75" title="75"></a>When + all the fields are filled with light,</span> <span class="i0">And + Nature’s smile is sweet,</span> <span class="i0">Say, hast thou + blessed</span> <span class="i0">Some golden age of innocence,</span> + <span class="i0">And floatest, now, a shadow, o’er the earth?</span> + <span class="i0">Or hath Fate’s envious doom</span> <span class="i0">Reserved + thee for some happier day to come?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">To see thee e’er alive,</span> <span class="i0">No + hope remains to me;</span> <span class="i0">Unless perchance, when + from this body free,</span> <span class="i0">My wandering spirit, + lone,</span> <span class="i0">O’er some new path, to some new world + hath flown.</span> <span class="i0">E’en here, at first, I, at the + dawn</span> <span class="i0">Of this, my day, so dreary and + forlorn,</span> <span class="i0">Sought thee, to guide me on my + weary way:</span> <span class="i0">But none on earth resembles + thee. E’en if</span> <span class="i0">One were in looks and acts + and words thy peer,</span> <span class="i0">Though like thee, she + less lovely would appear.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Amidst the deepest grief</span> <span class="i0">That + fate hath e’er to human lot assigned,</span> <span class="i0">Could + one but love thee on this earth,</span> <span class="i0">Alive, and + such as my thought painteth thee,</span> <span class="i0">He would + be happy in his misery:</span> <span class="i0">And I most clearly + see, how, still,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page76" id="page76" title="76"></a>As in my earliest days,</span> + <span class="i0">Thy love would make me cling to virtue’s ways.</span> + <span class="i0">Unto <i>my</i> grief heaven hath no comfort brought;</span> + <span class="i0">And yet with thee, this mortal life would seem</span> + <span title="Original started new stanza here" class="i0">Like that in + heaven, of which we fondly dream.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Along the valleys where is heard</span> <span class="i0">The song of the laborious husbandman,</span> <span class="i0">And where I sit and moan</span> <span class="i0">O’er + youth’s illusions gone;</span> <span class="i0">Along the hills, + where I recall with tears,</span> <span class="i0">The vanished + joys and hopes of earlier years,</span> <span class="i0">At thought + of thee, my heart revives again.</span> <span class="i0">O could I + still thy image dear retain,</span> <span class="i0">In this dark + age, and in this baleful air!</span> <span class="i0">To loss of + thee, O let me be resigned,</span> <span class="i0">And in thy + image still some comfort find!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">If thou art one of those</span> <span class="i0">Ideas + eternal, which the Eternal Mind</span> <span class="i0">Refused in + earthly form to clothe,</span> <span class="i0">Nor would subject + unto the pain and strife</span> <span class="i0">Of this, our frail + and dreary life;</span> <span class="i0">Or if thou hast a mansion + fair,</span> <span class="i0">Amid the boundless realms of space,</span> + <span class="i0">That lighted is by a more genial sun,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page77" id="page77" title="77"></a>And + breathest there a more benignant air;</span> <span class="i0">From + here, where brief and wretched are our days,</span> <span class="i0">Receive + thy humble lover’s hymn of praise!</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + TO COUNT CARLO PEPOLI. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">This wearisome and this distressing sleep</span> + <span class="i0">That we call life, O how dost thou support,</span> + <span class="i0">My Pepoli? With what hopes feedest thou</span> + <span class="i0">Thy heart? Say in what thoughts, and in what deeds,</span> + <span class="i0">Agreeable or sad, dost thou invest</span> <span class="i0">The idleness thy ancestors bequeathed</span> <span class="i0">To thee, a dull and heavy heritage?</span> <span class="i0">All life, indeed, in every walk of life,</span> <span class="i0">Is idleness, if we may give that name</span> <span class="i0">To every work achieved, or effort made,</span> <span class="i0">That has no worthy aim in view, or fails</span> <span class="i0">That aim to reach. And if you idle call</span> <span class="i0">The busy crew, that daily we behold,</span> <span class="i0">From tranquil morn unto the dewy eve,</span> <span class="i0">Behind the plough, or tending plants and flocks,</span> + <span class="i0">Because they live simply to keep alive,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page78" id="page78" title="78"></a>And life is worthless for itself alone,</span> <span class="i0">The honest truth you speak. His nights and days</span> + <span class="i0">The pilot spends in idleness; the toil</span> + <span class="i0">And sweat in workshops are but idleness;</span> + <span class="i0">The soldier’s vigils, perils of the field,</span> + <span class="i0">The eager merchant’s cares are idle all;</span> + <span class="i0">Because true happiness, for which alone</span> + <span class="i0">Our mortal nature longs and strives, no man,</span> + <span class="i0">Or for himself, or others, e’er acquires</span> + <span class="i0">Through toil or sweat, through peril, or through care.</span> + <span class="i0">Yet for this fierce desire, which mortals still</span> + <span class="i0">From the beginning of the world have felt,</span> + <span class="i0">But ever felt in vain, for happiness,</span> <span class="i0">By way of soothing remedy devised,</span> <span class="i0">Nature, in this unhappy life of ours,</span> <span class="i0">Had manifold necessities prepared,</span> <span class="i0">Not without thought or labor satisfied;</span> <span class="i0">So that the days, though ever sad, less dull</span> + <span class="i0">Might seem unto the human family;</span> <span class="i0">And this desire, bewildered and confused,</span> <span class="i0">Might have less power to agitate the heart.</span> <span class="i0">So, too, the various families of brutes,</span> <span class="i0">Who have, no less than we, and vainly, too,</span> <span class="i0">Desire for happiness; but they, intent</span> <span class="i0">On that which is essential to their life,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page79" id="page79" title="79"></a>Consume + their days more pleasantly, by far,</span> <span class="i0">Nor + chide, with us, the dulness of the hours.</span> <span class="i0">But + <i>we</i>, who unto other hands commit</span> <span class="i0">The + furnishing of our immediate wants,</span> <span class="i0">Have a + necessity more grave to meet,</span> <span class="i0">For which no + other ever can provide,</span> <span class="i0">With ennui laden, + and with suffering;</span> <span class="i0">The stern necessity of + killing time;</span> <span class="i0">That cruel, obstinate + necessity,</span> <span class="i0">From which, nor hoarded gold, + nor wealth of flocks,</span> <span class="i0">Nor fertile fields, + nor sumptuous palaces,</span> <span class="i0">Nor purple robes, + the race of man can save.</span> <span class="i0">And if one, + scorning such a barren life,</span> <span class="i0">And hating to + behold the light of day,</span> <span class="i0">Turns not a + homicidal hand upon</span> <span class="i0">Himself, anticipating + sluggish Fate,</span> <span class="i0">For the sharp sting of + unappeased desire,</span> <span class="i0">That vainly calls for + happiness, he seeks,</span> <span class="i0">In desperate chase, on + every side, in vain,</span> <span class="i0">A thousand inefficient + remedies,</span> <span class="i0">In lieu of that, which Nature + gives to all.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">One to his dress devotes himself, and hair,</span> + <span class="i0">His gait and gesture and the learned lore</span> + <span class="i0">Of horses, carriages, to crowded halls,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page80" id="page80" title="80"></a>To thronged piazzas, and to gardens gay;</span> + <span class="i0">Another gives his nights and days to games,</span> + <span class="i0">And feasts, and dances with the reigning belles:</span> + <span class="i0">A smile perpetual is on his lips;</span> <span class="i0">But in his breast, alas, stern and severe,</span> <span class="i0">Like adamantine column motionless,</span> <span class="i0">Eternal ennui sits, against whose might</span> <span class="i0">Avail not vigorous youth, nor prattle fond</span> <span class="i0">That falls from rosy lips, nor tender glance</span> + <span class="i0">That trembles in two dark and lustrous eyes;</span> + <span class="i0">The most bewildering of mortal things,</span> + <span class="i0">Most precious gift of heaven unto man.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Another, as if hoping to escape</span> <span class="i0">Sad destiny, in changing lands and climes</span> <span class="i0">His days consuming, wandering o’er sea</span> <span class="i0">And hills, the whole earth traverses; each spot</span> + <span class="i0">That Nature, in her infinite domain,</span> <span class="i0">To restless man hath made accessible,</span> <span class="i0">He visits in his wanderings. Alas,</span> <span class="i0">Black care is seated on the lofty prow;</span> <span class="i0">Beneath each clime, each sky, he asks in vain</span> + <span class="i0">For happiness; sadness still lives and reigns.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Another in the cruel deeds of war</span> <span class="i0">Prefers to pass his hours, and dips his hand,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page81" id="page81" title="81"></a>For his diversion, in his brother’s blood:</span> + <span class="i0">Another in his neighbor’s misery</span> <span class="i0">His comfort finds, and artfully contrives</span> <span class="i0">To kill the time, in making others sad.</span> <span class="i0"><i>This</i> man still walks in wisdom’s ways, or art</span> + <span class="i0">Pursues; <i>that</i> tramples on the people’s rights,</span> + <span class="i0">At home, abroad; the ancient rest disturbs</span> + <span class="i0">Of distant shores, on fraudful gain intent,</span> + <span class="i0">With cruel war, or sharp diplomacy;</span> <span class="i0">And so his destined part of life consumes.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thee a more gentle wish, a care more sweet</span> + <span class="i0">Leads and controls, still in the flower of youth,</span> + <span class="i0">In the fair April of thy days, to most</span> + <span class="i0">A time so pleasant, heaven’s choicest gift;</span> + <span class="i0">But heavy, bitter, wearisome to <i>him</i></span> + <span class="i0">Who has no country. Thee the love of song</span> + <span class="i0">Impels, and of portraying in thy speech</span> + <span class="i0">The beauty, that so seldom in the world</span> + <span class="i0">Appears and fades so soon, and <i>that</i>, more rare</span> + <span class="i0">Which fond imagination, kinder far</span> <span class="i0">Than Nature, or than heaven, so bounteously</span> <span class="i0">For our entranced, deluded souls provides.</span> <span class="i0">Oh, fortunate a thousand-fold is he,</span> <span class="i0">Who loses not his fancy’s freshness as</span> <span class="i0">The years roll by; whom envious Fate permits</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page82" id="page82" title="82"></a>To keep eternal sunshine in his heart,</span> <span class="i0">Who, in his ripe and his declining years,</span> <span class="i0">As was his custom in his glorious youth,</span> <span class="i0">In his deep thought enhances Nature’s charms,</span> + <span class="i0">Gives life to death, and to the desert, bloom.</span> + <span class="i0">May heaven this fortune give to thee; and may</span> + <span class="i0">The spark that now so warms thy breast, make thee</span> + <span class="i0">In thy old age a votary of song!</span> <span class="i0"><i>I</i> feel no more the sweet illusions of</span> + <span class="i0">That happy time; those charming images</span> + <span class="i0">Have faded from my eyes, that I so loved,</span> + <span class="i0">And which, unto my latest hour, will be</span> + <span class="i0">Remembered still, with hopeless sighs and tears.</span> + <span class="i0">And when this breast to all things has become</span> + <span class="i0">Insensible and cold, nor the sweet smile</span> + <span class="i0">And rest profound of lonely sun-lit plains,</span> + <span class="i0">Nor cheerful morning song of birds in spring,</span> + <span class="i0">Nor moonlight soft, that rests on hills and fields,</span> + <span class="i0">Beneath the limpid sky, will move my heart;</span> + <span class="i0">When every beauty, both of Nature, and</span> + <span class="i0">Of Art, to me will be inanimate</span> <span class="i0">And mute; each tender feeling, lofty thought,</span> + <span class="i0">Unknown and strange; my only comfort, then,</span> + <span class="i0">Poor beggar, must I find in studies more</span> + <span class="i0">Severe; to them, thenceforward, must devote</span> + <span class="i0">The wretched remnant of unhappy life:</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page83" id="page83" title="83"></a>The + bitter truth must I investigate,</span> <span class="i0">The + destinies mysterious, alike</span> <span class="i0">Of mortal and + immortal things;</span> <span class="i0">For what was suffering + humanity,</span> <span class="i0">Bowed down beneath the weight of + misery,</span> <span class="i0">Created; to what final goal are + Fate</span> <span class="i0">And Nature urging it; to whom can our</span> + <span class="i0">Great sorrow any pleasure, profit give;</span> + <span class="i0">Beneath what laws and orders, to what end,</span> + <span class="i0">The mighty Universe revolves—the theme</span> + <span class="i0">Of wise men’s praise, to <i>me</i> a mystery?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">I in these speculations will consume</span> <span class="i0">My idleness; because the truth, when known,</span> <span class="i0">Though sad, has yet its charms. And if, at times,</span> + <span class="i0">The truth discussing, my opinions should</span> + <span class="i0">Unwelcome be, or not be understood,</span> <span class="i0">I shall not grieve, indeed, because in me</span> <span class="i0">The love of fame will be extinguished quite;</span> + <span class="i0">Of fame, that idol frivolous and blind;</span> + <span class="i0">More blind by far than Fortune, or than Love.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page84" id="page84" title="84"></a>THE + RESURRECTION. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">I thought I had forever lost,</span> <span class="i1"> Alas, though still so young,</span> <span class="i0">The tender joys and sorrows all,</span> <span class="i1"> That + unto youth belong;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The sufferings sweet, the impulses</span> <span class="i1"> Our inmost hearts that warm;</span> <span class="i0">Whatever gives this life of ours</span> <span class="i1"> Its + value and its charm.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">What sore laments, what bitter tears</span> <span class="i1"> O’er my sad state I shed,</span> <span class="i0">When first I felt from my cold heart</span> <span class="i1"> Its gentle pains had fled!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Its throbs I felt no more; my love</span> <span class="i1"> Within me seemed to die;</span> <span class="i0">Nor from my frozen, senseless breast</span> <span class="i1"> Escaped a single sigh!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">I wept o’er my sad, hapless lot;</span> <span class="i1"> The life of life seemed lost;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page85" id="page85" title="85"></a>The + earth an arid wilderness,</span> <span class="i1"> Locked + in eternal frost;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The day how dreary, and the night</span> <span class="i1"> How dull, and dark, and lone!</span> <span class="i0">The moon for me no brightness had,</span> <span class="i1"> No star in heaven shone.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And yet the old love was the cause</span> <span class="i1"> Of all the tears I shed;</span> <span class="i0">Still in my inmost breast I felt</span> <span class="i1"> The + heart was not yet dead.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">My weary fancy still would crave</span> <span class="i1"> The images it loved,</span> <span class="i0">And + its capricious longings still</span> <span class="i1"> A + source of sorrow proved.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">But e’en that lingering spark of grief</span> + <span class="i1"> Was soon within me spent,</span> <span class="i0">And I the strength no longer had</span> <span class="i1"> To + utter a lament.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And there I lay, stunned, stupefied,</span> <span class="i1"> Nor asked for comfort more;</span> <span class="i0">My heart to hopeless, blank despair</span> <span class="i1"> Itself had given o’er.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page86" id="page86" title="86"></a>How changed, alas, was I from him</span> <span class="i1"> Who once with passion thrilled,</span> <span class="i0">Whose ardent soul was ever, once,</span> <span class="i1"> With + sweet illusions filled!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The swallow to my window, still,</span> <span class="i1"> Would come, to greet the dawn;</span> <span class="i0">But his sweet song no echo found</span> <span class="i1"> In + my poor heart, forlorn.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Nor pleased me more, in autumn gray,</span> <span class="i1"> Upon the hill-side lone,</span> <span class="i0">The cheerful vesper-bell, or light</span> <span class="i1"> Of the departing sun.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">In vain the evening star I saw</span> <span class="i1"> Above the silent vale,</span> <span class="i0">And vainly warbled in the grove</span> <span class="i1"> The + plaintive nightingale.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And you, ye furtive glances, bright,</span> <span class="i1"> From gentle eyes that rove,</span> <span class="i0">The sweet, the gracious messages</span> <span class="i1"> Of + first immortal Love;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page87" id="page87" title="87"></a>The soft, white hand, that tenderly</span> <span class="i1"> My own hand seemed to woo;</span> <span class="i0">All, all your magic spells were vain,</span> <span class="i1"> My torpor to subdue.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Of every pleasure quite bereft,</span> <span class="i1"> Sad but of tranquil mien;</span> <span class="i0">A state of perfect littleness,</span> <span class="i1"> Yet + with a face serene;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Save for the lingering wish, indeed,</span> <span class="i1"> In death to sink to rest,</span> <span class="i0">The force of all desire was spent</span> <span class="i1"> In + my exhausted breast.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">As some poor, feeble wanderer,</span> <span class="i1"> With age and sorrow bent,</span> <span class="i0">The April of my years, alas,</span> <span class="i1"> Thus + listlessly I spent;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thus listlessly, thus wearily,</span> <span class="i1"> Didst thou consume, O heart,</span> <span class="i0">Those golden days, ineffable,</span> <span class="i1"> So + swiftly that depart.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page88" id="page88" title="88"></a><i>Who</i>, from this heavy, heedless rest</span> + <span class="i1"> Awakens me again?</span> <span class="i0">What new, what magic power is this,</span> <span class="i1"> I feel within me reign?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Ye motions sweet, ye images,</span> <span class="i1"> Ye throbs, illusions blest,</span> <span class="i0">Ah, no,—ye are not then shut out</span> <span class="i1"> Forever from this breast?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The glorious light of golden days</span> <span class="i1"> Do ye again unfold?</span> <span class="i0">The + old affections that I lost,</span> <span class="i1"> Do + I once more behold?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Now, as I gaze upon the sky,</span> <span class="i1"> Or on the verdant fields,</span> <span class="i0">Each thing with sorrow me inspires,</span> <span class="i1"> And each a pleasure yields.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The mountain, forest, and the shore</span> <span class="i1"> Once more my heart rejoice;</span> <span class="i0">The fountain speaks to me once more,</span> <span class="i1"> The sea hath found a voice.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page89" id="page89" title="89"></a>Who, after all this apathy,</span> <span class="i1"> Restores + to me my tears?</span> <span class="i0">Each moment, as I look + around,</span> <span class="i1"> How changed the world + appears!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Hath hope, perchance, O my poor heart,</span> + <span class="i1"> Beguiled thee of thy pain?</span> + <span class="i0">Ah, no, the gracious smile of hope</span> <span class="i1"> I ne’er shall see again.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Nature bestowed these impulses,</span> <span class="i1"> And these illusions blest;</span> <span class="i0">Their inborn influence, in me,</span> <span class="i1"> By + suffering was suppressed;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">But not annulled, not overcome</span> <span class="i1"> By cruel blows of Fate;</span> <span class="i0">Nor by the inauspicious frown</span> <span class="i1"> Of + Truth, importunate!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">I know she has no sympathy</span> <span class="i1"> For + fond imaginings;</span> <span class="i0">I know that Nature, too, + is deaf,</span> <span class="i1"> Nor heeds our + sufferings;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page90" id="page90" title="90"></a>That for our <i>good</i> she nothing cares,</span> + <span class="i1"> Our <i>being</i>, only heeds;</span> + <span class="i0">And with the sight of our distress</span> <span class="i1"> Her wild caprices feeds.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">I know the poor man pleads in vain,</span> <span class="i1"> For others’ sympathy;</span> <span class="i0">That + scornfully, or heedlessly,</span> <span class="i1"> All + from his presence flee;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">That both for genius and for worth,</span> <span class="i1"> This age has no respect;</span> <span class="i0">That all who cherish lofty aims</span> <span class="i1"> Are + left to cold neglect.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And you, ye eyes so tremulous</span> <span class="i1"> With lustre all divine,</span> <span class="i0">I know how false your splendors are,</span> <span class="i1"> Where no true love doth shine.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">No love mysterious and profound</span> <span class="i1"> Illumes you with its glow;</span> <span class="i0">Nor gleams one spark of genial fire</span> <span class="i1"> Beneath that breast of snow.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page91" id="page91" title="91"></a>Nay, it is wont to laugh to scorn</span> <span class="i1"> Another’s tender pain;</span> <span class="i0">The fervent flame of heavenly love</span> <span class="i1"> To treat with cold disdain.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Yet I with thankfulness once more</span> <span class="i1"> The old illusions greet,</span> <span class="i0">And feel, with shock of pleased surprise,</span> <span class="i1"> The heart within me beat.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">To thee alone this force renewed,</span> <span class="i1"> This vital power I owe;</span> <span class="i0">From thee alone, my faithful heart,</span> <span class="i1"> My only comforts flow.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">I feel it is the destiny</span> <span class="i1"> Of + every noble mind,</span> <span class="i0">In Fate, in Fortune, + Beauty, and the World,</span> <span class="i1"> An enemy + to find:</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">But while thou liv’st, nor yield’st to Fate,</span> + <span class="i1"> Contending without fear,</span> <span class="i0">I will not tax with cruelty</span> <span class="i1"> The + power that placed me here.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page92" id="page92" title="92"></a>TO SYLVIA. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">O Sylvia, dost thou remember still</span> <span class="i0">That period of thy mortal life,</span> <span class="i0">When + beauty so bewildering</span> <span class="i0">Shone in thy + laughing, glancing eyes,</span> <span class="i0">As thou, so merry, + yet so wise,</span> <span class="i0">Youth’s threshold then wast + entering?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">How did the quiet rooms,</span> <span class="i0">And + all the paths around,</span> <span class="i0">With thy perpetual + song resound,</span> <span class="i0">As thou didst sit, on woman’s + work intent,</span> <span class="i0">Abundantly content</span> + <span class="i0">With the vague future, floating on thy mind!</span> + <span class="i0">Thy custom thus to spend the day</span> <span class="i0">In that sweet time of youth and May!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">How could I, then, at times,</span> <span class="i0">In those fair days of youth,</span> <span class="i0">The + only happy days I ever knew,</span> <span class="i0">My hard tasks + dropping, or my careless rhymes,</span> <span class="i0">My station + take, on father’s balcony,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page93" id="page93" title="93"></a>And listen to + thy voice’s melody,</span> <span class="i0">And watch thy hands, as + they would deftly fly</span> <span class="i0">O’er thy embroidery!</span> + <span class="i0">I gazed upon the heaven serene,</span> <span class="i0">The sun-lit paths, the orchards green,</span> <span class="i0">The distant mountain here,</span> <span class="i0">And + there, the far-off sea.</span> <span class="i0">Ah, mortal tongue + cannot express</span> <span class="i0">What then I felt of + happiness!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">What gentle thoughts, what hopes divine,</span> + <span class="i0">What loving hearts, O Sylvia mine!</span> <span class="i0">In what bright colors then portrayed</span> <span class="i0">Were human life and fate!</span> <span class="i0">Oh, + when I think of such fond hopes betrayed,</span> <span class="i0">A + feeling seizes me</span> <span class="i0">Of bitterness and misery,</span> + <span class="i0">And tenfold is my grief renewed!</span> <span class="i0">O Nature, why this treachery?</span> <span class="i0">Why + thus, with broken promises,</span> <span class="i0">Thy children’s + hearts delude?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thou, ere the grass was touched with winter’s frost,</span> + <span class="i0">By fell disease attacked and overcome,</span> + <span class="i0">O tender plant, didst die!</span> <span class="i0">The + flower of thy days thou ne’er didst see;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page94" id="page94" title="94"></a>Nor did thy + soft heart move</span> <span class="i0">Now of thy raven locks the + tender praise,</span> <span class="i0">Now of thy eyes, so loving + and so shy;</span> <span class="i0">Nor with thee, on the holidays,</span> + <span class="i0">Did thy companions talk of love.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">So perished, too, erelong,</span> <span class="i0">My + own sweet hope;</span> <span class="i0">So too, unto my years</span> + <span class="i0">Did Fate their youth deny.</span> <span class="i0">Alas, + alas the day,</span> <span class="i0">Lamented hope, companion + dear,</span> <span class="i0">How hast thou passed away!</span> + <span class="i0">Is <i>this</i> that world? These the delights,</span> + <span class="i0">The love, the labors, the events,</span> <span class="i0">Of which we once so fondly spoke?</span> <span class="i0">And + must <i>all</i> mortals wear this weary yoke?</span> <span class="i0">Ah, when the truth appeared,</span> <span class="i0">It + better seemed to die!</span> <span class="i0">Cold death, the + barren tomb, didst thou prefer</span> <span class="i0">To harsh + reality.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page95" id="page95" title="95"></a>RECOLLECTIONS. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Ye dear stars of the Bear, I did not think</span> + <span class="i0">I should again be turning, as I used,</span> <span class="i0">To see you over father’s garden shine,</span> <span class="i0">And from the windows talk with you again</span> <span class="i0">Of this old house, where as a child I dwelt,</span> + <span class="i0">And where I saw the end of all my joys.</span> + <span class="i0">What charming images, what fables, once,</span> + <span class="i0">The sight of you created in my thought,</span> + <span class="i0">And of the lights that bear you company!</span> + <span class="i0">Silent upon the verdant clod I sat,</span> <span class="i0">My evening thus consuming, as I gazed</span> <span class="i0">Upon the heavens, and listened to the chant</span> <span class="i0">Of frogs that in the distant marshes croaked;</span> + <span class="i0">While o’er the hedges, ditches, fire-flies roamed,</span> + <span class="i0">And the green avenues and cypresses</span> <span class="i0">In yonder grove were murmuring to the wind;</span> <span class="i0">While in the house were heard, at intervals,</span> + <span class="i0">The voices of the servants at their work.</span> + <span class="i0">What thoughts immense in me the sight inspired</span> + <span class="i0">Of that far sea, and of the mountains blue,</span> + <span class="i0">That yonder I behold, and which I thought</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page96" id="page96" title="96"></a>One day to cross, mysterious worlds and joys</span> + <span class="i0">Mysterious in the future fancying!</span> <span class="i0">Of my hard fate unconscious, and how oft</span> <span class="i0">This sorrowful and barren life of mine</span> <span class="i0">I willingly would have for death exchanged!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Nor did my heart e’er tell me, I should be</span> + <span class="i0">Condemned the flower of my youth to spend</span> + <span class="i0">In this wild native region, and amongst</span> + <span class="i0">A wretched, clownish crew, to whom the names</span> + <span class="i0">Of wisdom, learning, are but empty sounds,</span> + <span class="i0">Or arguments of laughter and of scorn;</span> + <span class="i0">Who hate, avoid me; not from envy, no;</span> + <span class="i0">For they do not esteem me better than</span> <span class="i0">Themselves, but fancy that I, in my heart,</span> <span class="i0">That feeling cherish; though I strive, indeed,</span> + <span class="i0">No token of such feeling to display.</span> <span class="i0">And here I pass my years, abandoned, lost,</span> <span class="i0">Of love deprived, of life; and rendered fierce,</span> + <span class="i0">’Mid such a crowd of evil-minded ones,</span> + <span class="i0">My pity and my courtesy I lose,</span> <span class="i0">And I become a scorner of my race,</span> <span class="i0">By such a herd surrounded; meanwhile, fly</span> <span class="i0">The precious hours of youth, more precious far</span> + <span class="i0">Than fame, or laurel, or the light of day,</span> + <span class="i0">Or breath of life: thus uselessly, without</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page97" id="page97" title="97"></a>One joy, I lose thee, in this rough abode,</span> + <span class="i0">Whose only guests are care and suffering,</span> + <span class="i0">O thou, the only flower of barren life!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The wind now from the tower of the town</span> + <span class="i0">The deep sound of the bell is bringing. Oh,</span> + <span class="i0">What comfort was that sound to me, a child,</span> + <span class="i0">When in my dark and silent room I lay,</span> + <span class="i0">Besieged by terrors, longing for the dawn!</span> + <span class="i0">Whate’er I see or hear, recalls to mind</span> + <span class="i0">Some vivid image, recollection sweet;</span> <span class="i0">Sweet in itself, but O how bitter made</span> <span class="i0">By painful sense of present suffering,</span> <span class="i0">By idle longing for the past, though sad,</span> <span class="i0">And by the still recurring thought, “<i>I was</i>”!</span> + <span class="i0">Yon gallery that looks upon the west;</span> <span class="i0">Those frescoed walls, these painted herds, the sun</span> + <span class="i0">Just rising o’er the solitary plain,</span> <span class="i0">My idle hours with thousand pleasures filled,</span> + <span class="i0">While busy Fancy, at my side, still spread</span> + <span class="i0">Her bright illusions, wheresoe’er I went.</span> + <span class="i0">In these old halls, when gleamed the snow without,</span> + <span class="i0">And round these ample windows howled the wind,</span> + <span class="i0">My sports resounded, and my merry words,</span> + <span class="i0">In those bright days, when all the mysteries</span> + <span class="i0">And miseries of things an aspect wear,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page98" id="page98" title="98"></a>So full of sweetness; when the ardent youth</span> + <span class="i0">Sees in his untried life a world of charms,</span> + <span class="i0">And, like an unexperienced lover, dotes</span> + <span class="i0">On heavenly beauty, creature of his dreams!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O hopes, illusions of my early days!—</span> + <span class="i0">Of you I still must speak, to you return;</span> + <span class="i0">For neither flight of time, nor change of thoughts,</span> + <span class="i0">Or feelings, can efface you from my mind.</span> + <span class="i0">Full well I know that honor and renown</span> + <span class="i0">Are phantoms; pleasures but an idle dream;</span> + <span class="i0">That life, a useless misery, has not</span> <span class="i0">One solid fruit to show; and though my days</span> <span class="i0">Are empty, wearisome, my mortal state</span> <span class="i0">Obscure and desolate, I clearly see</span> <span class="i0">That Fortune robs me but of little. Yet,</span> <span class="i0">Alas! as often as I dwell on you,</span> <span class="i0">Ye + ancient hopes, and youthful fancy’s dreams,</span> <span class="i0">And + then look at the blank reality,</span> <span class="i0">A life of + ennui and of wretchedness;</span> <span class="i0">And think, that + of so vast a fund of hope,</span> <span class="i0">Death is, + to-day, the only relic left,</span> <span class="i0">I feel + oppressed at heart, I feel myself</span> <span class="i0">Of every + comfort utterly bereft.</span> <span class="i0">And when the death, + that I have long invoked,</span> <span class="i0">Shall be at hand, + the end be reached of all</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page99" id="page99" title="99"></a>My + sufferings; when this vale of tears shall be</span> <span class="i0">To + me a stranger, and the future fade,</span> <span class="i0">Fade + from sight forever; even then, shall I</span> <span class="i0">Recall + you; and your images will make</span> <span class="i0">Me sigh; the + thought of having lived in vain,</span> <span class="i0">Will then + intrude, with bitterness to taint</span> <span class="i0">The + sweetness of that day of destiny.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Nay, in the first tumultuous days of youth,</span> + <span class="i0">With all its joys, desires, and sufferings,</span> + <span class="i0">I often called on death, and long would sit</span> + <span class="i0">By yonder fountain, longing, in its waves</span> + <span class="i0">To put an end alike to hope and grief.</span> + <span class="i0">And afterwards, by lingering sickness brought</span> + <span class="i0">Unto the borders of the grave, I wept</span> <span class="i0">O’er my lost youth, the flower of my days,</span> <span class="i0">So prematurely fading; often, too,</span> <span class="i0">At late hours sitting on my conscious bed,</span> <span class="i0">Composing, by the dim light of the lamp,</span> <span class="i0">I with the silence and the night would moan</span> <span class="i0">O’er my departing soul, and to myself</span> <span class="i0">In languid tones would sing my funeral-song.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Who can remember you without a sigh,</span> <span class="i0">First entrance into manhood, O ye days</span> <span class="i0">Bewitching, inexpressible, when first</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page100" id="page100" title="100"></a>On + the enchanted mortal smiles the maid,</span> <span class="i0">And + all things round in emulation smile;</span> <span class="i0">And + envy holds its peace, not yet awake,</span> <span class="i0">Or + else in a benignant mood; and when,</span> <span class="i0">—O + marvel rare!—the world a helping hand</span> <span class="i0">To + him extends, his faults excuses, greets</span> <span class="i0">His + entrance into life, with bows and smiles</span> <span class="i0">Acknowledges + his claims to its respect?</span> <span class="i0">O fleeting days! + How like the lightning’s flash,</span> <span class="i0">They + vanish! And what mortal can escape</span> <span class="i0">Unhappiness, + who has already passed</span> <span class="i0">That golden period, + his own <i>good</i> time,</span> <span class="i0">That comes, alas, + so soon to disappear?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And thou, Nerina, does not every spot</span> <span class="i0">Thy memory recall? And couldst thou e’er</span> <span class="i0">Be absent from my thought? Where art thou gone,</span> + <span class="i0">That here I find the memory alone,</span> <span class="i0">Of thee, my sweet one? Thee thy native place</span> + <span class="i0">Beholds no more; that window, whence thou oft</span> + <span class="i0">Wouldst talk with me, which sadly now reflects</span> + <span class="i0">The light of yonder stars, is desolate.</span> + <span class="i0">Where art thou, that I can no longer hear</span> + <span class="i0">Thy gentle voice, as in those days of old,</span> + <span class="i0">When every faintest accent from thy lips</span> + <span class="i0">Was wont to turn me pale? Those days have gone.</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page101" id="page101" title="101"></a>They <i>have been</i>, my sweet love! And thou with them</span> + <span class="i0">Hast passed. To others now it is assigned</span> + <span class="i0">To journey to and fro upon the earth,</span> <span class="i0">And others dwell amid these fragrant hills.</span> <span class="i0">How quickly thou hast passed! Thy life was like</span> + <span class="i0">A dream. While dancing there, joy on thy brow</span> + <span class="i0">Resplendent shone, anticipations bright</span> + <span class="i0">Shone in thy eyes, the light of youth, when Fate</span> + <span class="i0">Extinguished them, and thou didst prostrate lie.</span> + <span class="i0">Nerina, in my heart the old love reigns.</span> + <span class="i0">If I at times still go unto some feast,</span> + <span class="i0">Or social gathering, unto myself</span> <span class="i0">I say: “Nerina, thou no more to feast</span> <span class="i0">Dost go, nor for the ball thyself adorn.”</span> + <span class="i0">If May returns, when lovers offerings</span> <span class="i0">Of flowers and of songs to maidens bring,</span> <span class="i0">I say: “Nerina mine, to thee spring ne’er</span> + <span class="i0">Returns, and love no more its tribute brings.”</span> + <span class="i0">Each pleasant day, each flowery field that I</span> + <span class="i0">Behold, each pleasure that I taste, the thought</span> + <span class="i0">Suggest: “Nerina pleasure knows no more,</span> + <span class="i0">The face of heaven and earth no more beholds.”</span> + <span class="i0">Ah, thou hast passed, for whom I ever sigh!</span> + <span class="i0">Hast passed; and still the memory of thee</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page102" id="page102" title="102"></a>Remains, and with each thought and fancy blends</span> + <span class="i0">Each varying emotion of the heart;</span> <span class="i0">And <i>will</i> remain, so bitter, yet so sweet!</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + NIGHT SONG OF A WANDERING SHEPHERD IN ASIA. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">What doest thou in heaven, O moon?</span> <span class="i0">Say, silent moon, what doest thou?</span> <span class="i0">Thou risest in the evening; thoughtfully</span> <span class="i0">Thou wanderest o’er the plain,</span> <span class="i0">Then + sinkest to thy rest again.</span> <span class="i0">And art thou + never satisfied</span> <span class="i0">With going o’er and o’er + the selfsame ways?</span> <span class="i0">Art never wearied? Dost + thou still</span> <span class="i0">Upon these valleys love to gaze?</span> + <span class="i0">How much thy life is like</span> <span class="i0">The + shepherd’s life, forlorn!</span> <span class="i0">He rises in the + early dawn,</span> <span class="i0">He moves his flock along the + plain;</span> <span class="i0">The selfsame flocks, and streams, + and herbs</span> <span class="i0">He sees again;</span> <span class="i0">Then drops to rest, the day’s work o’er;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page103" id="page103" title="103"></a>And + hopes for nothing more.</span> <span class="i0">Tell me, O moon, + what signifies his life</span> <span class="i0">To him, thy life to + thee? Say, whither tend</span> <span class="i0">My weary, + short-lived pilgrimage,</span> <span class="i0">Thy course, that + knows no end?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And old man, gray, infirm,</span> <span class="i0">Half-clad, + and barefoot, he,</span> <span class="i0">Beneath his burden + bending wearily,</span> <span class="i0">O’er mountain and o’er + vale,</span> <span class="i0">Sharp rocks, and briars, and burning + sand,</span> <span class="i0">In wind, and storm, alike in sultry + heat</span> <span class="i0">And in the winter’s cold,</span> + <span class="i0">His constant course doth hold;</span> <span class="i0">On, on, he, panting, goes,</span> <span class="i0">Nor + pause, nor rest he knows;</span> <span class="i0">Through rushing + torrents, over watery wastes;</span> <span class="i0">He falls, + gets up again,</span> <span class="i0">And ever more and more he + hastes,</span> <span class="i0">Torn, bleeding, and arrives at last</span> + <span class="i0">Where ends the path,</span> <span class="i0">Where + all his troubles end;</span> <span class="i0">A vast abyss and + horrible,</span> <span class="i0">Where plunging headlong, he + forgets them all.</span> <span class="i0">Such scene of suffering, + and of strife,</span> <span class="i0">O moon, is this our mortal + life.</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page104" id="page104" title="104"></a>In travail man is born;</span> <span class="i0">His birth too oft the cause of death,</span> <span class="i0">And with his earliest breath</span> <span class="i0">He + pain and torment feels: e’en from the first,</span> <span class="i0">His + parents fondly strive</span> <span class="i0">To comfort him in his + distress;</span> <span class="i0">And if he lives and grows,</span> + <span class="i0">They struggle hard, as best they may,</span> <span class="i0">With pleasant words and deeds to cheer him up,</span> + <span class="i0">And seek with kindly care,</span> <span class="i0">To + strengthen him his cruel lot to bear.</span> <span class="i0">This + is the best that they can do</span> <span class="i0">For the poor + child, however fond and true.</span> <span class="i0">But wherefore + give him life?</span> <span class="i0">Why bring him up at all,</span> + <span class="i0">If <i>this</i> be all?</span> <span class="i0">If + life is nought but pain and care,</span> <span class="i0">Why, why + should we the burden bear?</span> <span class="i0">O spotless moon, + such <i>is</i></span> <span class="i0">Our mortal life, indeed;</span> + <span class="i0">But thou immortal art,</span> <span class="i0">Nor + wilt, perhaps, unto my words give heed.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Yet thou, eternal, lonely wanderer,</span> <span class="i0">Who, thoughtful, lookest on this earthly scene,</span> + <span class="i0">Must surely understand</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page105" id="page105" title="105"></a>What all + our sighs and sufferings mean;</span> <span class="i0">What means + this death,</span> <span class="i0">This color from our cheeks that + fades,</span> <span class="i0">This passing from the earth, and + losing sight</span> <span class="i0">Of every dear, familiar scene.</span> + <span class="i0">Well must thou comprehend</span> <span class="i0">The + reason of these things; must see</span> <span class="i0">The good + the morning and the evening bring:</span> <span class="i0">Thou + knowest, thou, what love it is</span> <span class="i0">That brings + sweet smiles unto the face of spring;</span> <span class="i0">The + meaning of the Summer’s glow,</span> <span class="i0">And of the + Winter’s frost and snow,</span> <span class="i0">And of the silent, + endless flight of Time.</span> <span class="i0">A thousand things + to thee their secrets yield,</span> <span class="i0">That from the + simple shepherd are concealed.</span> <span class="i0">Oft as I + gaze at thee,</span> <span class="i0">In silence resting o’er the + desert plain,</span> <span class="i0">Which in the distance borders + on the sky,</span> <span class="i0">Or following me, as I, by slow + degrees,</span> <span class="i0">My flocks before me drive;</span> + <span class="i0">And when I gaze upon the stars at night,</span> + <span class="i0">In thought I ask myself,</span> <span class="i0">“Why + all these torches bright?</span> <span class="i0">What mean these + depths of air,</span> <span class="i0">This vast, this silent sky,</span> + <span class="i0">This nightly solitude? And what am I?”</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page106" id="page106" title="106"></a>Thus to myself I talk; and of this grand,</span> + <span class="i0">Magnificent expanse,</span> <span class="i0">And + its untold inhabitants,</span> <span class="i0">And all this mighty + motion, and this stir</span> <span class="i0">Of things above, and + things below,</span> <span class="i0">No rest that ever know,</span> + <span class="i0">But as they still revolve, must still return</span> + <span class="i0">Unto the place from which they came,—</span> + <span class="i0">Of this, alas, I find nor end nor aim!</span> + <span class="i0">But thou, immortal, surely knowest all.</span> + <span class="i0"><i>This</i> I well know, and feel;</span> <span class="i0">From these eternal rounds,</span> <span class="i0">And + from my being frail,</span> <span title="Original read 'Others, perhance,'" class="i0">Others, perchance, + may pleasure, profit gain;</span> <span class="i0">To <i>me</i> + life is but pain.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">My flock, now resting there, how happy thou,</span> + <span class="i0">That knowest not, I think, thy misery!</span> + <span class="i0">O how I envy thee!</span> <span class="i0">Not + only that from suffering</span> <span class="i0">Thou seemingly art + free;</span> <span class="i0">That every trouble, every loss,</span> + <span class="i0">Each sudden fear, thou canst so soon forget;</span> + <span class="i0">But more because thou sufferest</span> <span class="i0">No weariness of mind.</span> <span class="i0">When in + the shade, upon the grass reclined,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page107" id="page107" title="107"></a>Thou + seemest happy and content,</span> <span class="i0">And great part + of the year by thee</span> <span class="i0">In sweet release from + care is spent.</span> <span class="i0">But when <i>I</i> sit upon + the grass</span> <span class="i0">And in the friendly shade, upon + my mind</span> <span class="i0">A weight I feel, a sense of + weariness,</span> <span class="i0">That, as I sit, doth still + increase</span> <span class="i0">And rob me of all rest and peace.</span> + <span class="i0">And yet I wish for nought,</span> <span class="i0">And + have, till now, no reason to complain.</span> <span class="i0">What + joy, how much I cannot say;</span> <span class="i0">But thou <i>some</i> + pleasure dost obtain.</span> <span class="i0">My joys are few + enough;</span> <span class="i0">But not for that do I lament.</span> + <span class="i0">Ah, couldst thou speak, I would inquire:</span> + <span class="i0">Tell me, dear flock, the reason why</span> <span class="i0">Each weary breast can rest at ease,</span> <span class="i0">While all things round him seem to please;</span> <span class="i0">And yet, if <i>I</i> lie down to rest,</span> <span class="i0">I am by anxious thoughts oppressed?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Perhaps, if I had wings</span> <span class="i0">Above + the clouds to fly,</span> <span class="i0">And could the stars all + number, one by one,</span> <span class="i0">Or like the lightning + leap from rock to rock,</span> <span class="i0">I might be happier, + my dear flock,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page108" id="page108" title="108"></a>I might be happier, gentle + moon!</span> <span class="i0">Perhaps my thought still wanders from + the truth,</span> <span class="i0">When I at others’ fortunes look:</span> + <span class="i0">Perhaps in every state beneath the sun,</span> + <span class="i0">Or high, or low, in cradle or in stall,</span> + <span class="i0">The day of birth is fatal to us all.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + CALM AFTER STORM. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">The storm hath passed;</span> <span class="i0">I + hear the birds rejoice; the hen,</span> <span class="i0">Returned + into the road again,</span> <span class="i0">Her cheerful notes + repeats. The sky serene</span> <span class="i0">Is, in the west, + upon the mountain seen:</span> <span class="i0">The country smiles; + bright runs the silver stream.</span> <span class="i0">Each heart + is cheered; on every side revive</span> <span class="i0">The + sounds, the labors of the busy hive.</span> <span class="i0">The + workman gazes at the watery sky,</span> <span class="i0">As + standing at the door he sings,</span> <span class="i0">His work in + hand; the little wife goes forth,</span> <span class="i0">And in + her pail the gathered rain-drops brings;</span> <span class="i0">The + vendor of his wares, from lane to lane,</span> <span class="i0">Begins + his daily cry again.</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page109" id="page109" title="109"></a>The sun returns, and with + his smile illumes</span> <span class="i0">The villas on the + neighboring hills;</span> <span class="i0">Through open terraces + and balconies,</span> <span class="i0">The genial light pervades + the cheerful rooms;</span> <span class="i0">And, on the highway, + from afar are heard</span> <span class="i0">The tinkling of the + bells, the creaking wheels</span> <span class="i0">Of waggoner, his + journey who resumes.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Cheered is each heart.</span> <span class="i0">Whene’er, + as now, doth life appear</span> <span class="i0">A thing so + pleasant and so dear?</span> <span class="i0">When, with such love,</span> + <span class="i0">Does man unto his books or work return?</span> + <span class="i0">Or on himself new tasks impose?</span> <span class="i0">When is he less regardful of his woes?</span> <span class="i0">O pleasure, born of pain!</span> <span class="i0">O idle + joy, and vain,</span> <span class="i0">Fruit of the fear just + passed, which shook</span> <span class="i0">The wretch who life + abhorred, yet dreaded death!</span> <span class="i0">With which + each neighbor held his breath,</span> <span class="i0">Silent, and + cold, and wan,</span> <span class="i0">Affrighted sore to see</span> + <span class="i0">The lightnings, clouds, and winds arrayed,</span> + <span class="i0">To do us injury!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O Nature courteous!</span> <span class="i0">These + are thy boons to us,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page110" id="page110" title="110"></a>These the delights to + mortals given!</span> <span class="i0">Escape from pain, best gift + of heaven!</span> <span class="i0">Thou scatterest sorrows with a + bounteous hand;</span> <span class="i0">Grief springs spontaneous;</span> + <span class="i0">If, by some monstrous growth, miraculous,</span> + <span class="i0">Pleasure at times is born of pain,</span> <span class="i0">It is a precious gain!</span> <span class="i0">O human + race, unto the gods so dear!</span> <span class="i0">Too happy, in + a respite brief</span> <span class="i0">From any grief!</span> + <span class="i0">Then only blessed,</span> <span class="i0">When + Death releases thee unto thy rest!</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + THE VILLAGE SATURDAY NIGHT. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">The damsel from the field returns,</span> <span class="i0">The sun is sinking in the west;</span> <span class="i0">Her + bundle on her head she sets,</span> <span class="i0">And in her + hand she bears</span> <span class="i0">A bunch of roses and of + violets.</span> <span class="i0">To-morrow is a holiday,</span> + <span class="i0">And she, as usual, must them wear</span> <span class="i0">Upon her bodice, in her hair.</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page111" id="page111" title="111"></a>The old + crone sits among her mates,</span> <span class="i0">Upon the + stairs, and spins;</span> <span class="i0">And, looking at the + fading light,</span> <span class="i0">Of good old-fashioned times + she prates,</span> <span class="i0">When she, too, dressed for + holidays,</span> <span class="i0">And with light heart, and limb as + light,</span> <span class="i0">Would dance at night</span> + <span class="i0">With the companions of her merry days.</span> + <span class="i0">The twilight shades around us close,</span> <span class="i0">The sky to deepest blue is turned;</span> <span class="i0">From hills and roofs the shadows fall,</span> <span class="i0">And the new moon her face of silver shows.</span> <span class="i0">And now the cheerful bell</span> <span class="i0">Proclaims + the coming festival.</span> <span class="i0">By its familiar voice</span> + <span class="i0">How every heart is cheered!</span> <span class="i0">The + children all in troops,</span> <span class="i0">Around the little + square</span> <span class="i0">Go, leaping here and there,</span> + <span class="i0">And make a joyful sound.</span> <span class="i0">Meanwhile + the ploughman, whistling, returns</span> <span class="i0">Unto his + humble nest,</span> <span class="i0">And thinks with pleasure of + his day of rest.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Then, when all other lights are out,</span> <span class="i0">And all is silent round,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page112" id="page112" title="112"></a>The + hammer’s stroke we hear,</span> <span class="i0">We hear the saw of + carpenter,</span> <span class="i0">Who with closed doors his vigil + keeps,</span> <span class="i0">Toils o’er his lamp and strives so + hard,</span> <span class="i0">His work to finish ere the dawn + appear.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The dearest day of all the week</span> <span class="i0">Is this, of hope and joy so full;</span> <span class="i0">To-morrow, + sad and dull,</span> <span class="i0">The hours will bring, for + each must in his thought</span> <span class="i0">His customary + task-work seek.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thou little, sportive boy,</span> <span class="i0">This + blooming age of thine</span> <span class="i0">Is like to-day, so + full of joy;</span> <span class="i0">And is the day, indeed,</span> + <span class="i0">That must the sabbath of thy life precede.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Enjoy, it, then, my darling child,</span> <span class="i0">Nor speed the flying hours!</span> <span class="i0">I + say to thee no more:</span> <span class="i0">Alas, in this sad + world of ours,</span> <span class="i0">How far exceeds the holiday,</span> + <span class="i0">The day that goes before!</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page113" id="page113" title="113"></a>THE + RULING THOUGHT. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Most sweet, most powerful,</span> <span class="i0">Controller + of my inmost soul;</span> <span class="i0">The terrible, yet + precious gift</span> <span class="i0">Of heaven, companion kind</span> + <span class="i0">Of all my days of misery,</span> <span class="i0">O + thought, that ever dost recur to me;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Of thy mysterious power</span> <span class="i0">Who + speaketh not? Who hath not felt</span> <span class="i0">Its subtle + influence?</span> <span class="i0">Yet, when one is by feeling deep + impelled</span> <span class="i0">Its secret joys and sorrows to + unfold,</span> <span class="i0">The theme seems ever new however + old.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">How isolated is my mind,</span> <span class="i0">Since + thou in it hast come to dwell!</span> <span class="i0">As by some + magic spell,</span> <span class="i0">My other thoughts have all,</span> + <span class="i0">Like lightning, disappeared;</span> <span class="i0">And thou, alone, like some huge tower,</span> <span class="i0">In a deserted plain,</span> <span class="i0">Gigantic, + solitary, dost remain.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page114" id="page114" title="114"></a>How worthless quite,</span> <span class="i0">Save + but for thee, have in my sight</span> <span class="i0">All earthly + things, and life itself become!</span> <span class="i0">How + wearisome its days;</span> <span class="i0">And all its works, and + all its plays,</span> <span class="i0">A vain pursuit of pleasures + vain,</span> <span class="i0">Compared with the felicity,</span> + <span class="i0">The heavenly joy, that springs from thee!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">As from the naked rocks</span> <span class="i0">Of + the rough Apennine,</span> <span class="i0">The weary pilgrim turns + his longing eyes</span> <span class="i0">To the bright plain that + in the distance lies;</span> <span class="i0">So from the rough and + barren intercourse</span> <span class="i0">Of worldly men, to thee + I gladly turn,</span> <span class="i0">As to a Paradise, my weary + mind,</span> <span class="i0">And sweet refreshment for my senses + find.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">It seems to me incredible, that I</span> <span class="i0">This dreary world, this wretched life,</span> <span class="i0">So full of folly and of strife,</span> <span class="i0">Without + thy aid, could have so long endured;</span> <span class="i0">Nor + can I well conceive,</span> <span class="i0">How one’s desires <i>could</i> + cling</span> <span class="i0">To other joys than those which thou + dost bring.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page115" id="page115" title="115"></a>Never, since first I knew</span> <span class="i0">By + hard experience what life is,</span> <span class="i0">Could fear of + death my soul subdue.</span> <span class="i0">To-day, a jest to me + appears,</span> <span class="i0">That which the silly world,</span> + <span class="i0">Praising at times, yet ever hates and fears,</span> + <span class="i0">The last extremity!</span> <span class="i0">If + danger comes, I, with undaunted mien,</span> <span class="i0">Its + threats encounter with a smile serene.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">I always hated coward souls,</span> <span class="i0">And meanness held in scorn.</span> <span class="i0"><i>Now</i>, + each unworthy act</span> <span class="i0">At once through all my + senses thrills;</span> <span class="i0">Each instance vile of human + worthlessness,</span> <span class="i0">My soul with holy anger + fills.</span> <span class="i0">This arrogant, this foolish age,</span> + <span class="i0">Which feeds itself on empty hopes,</span> <span class="i0">Absorbed in trifles, virtue’s enemy,</span> <span class="i0">Which idly clamors for utility,</span> <span class="i0">And + has not sense enough to see</span> <span class="i0">How <i>useless</i> + all life thenceforth must become,</span> <span class="i0">I feel <i>beneath</i> + me, and its judgments laugh</span> <span class="i0">To scorn. The + motley crew,</span> <span class="i0">The foes of every lofty + thought,</span> <span class="i0">Who laugh at <i>thee</i>, I + trample under foot.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page116" id="page116" title="116"></a>To that, which thee inspires,</span> <span class="i0">What passion yieldeth not?</span> <span class="i0">What + other, save this one,</span> <span class="i0">Controls our hearts’ + desires?</span> <span class="i0">Ambition, avarice, disdain, and + hate,</span> <span class="i0">The love of power, love of fame,</span> + <span class="i0">What are they but an empty name,</span> <span class="i0">Compared with it? And this,</span> <span class="i0">The + source, the spring of all,</span> <span class="i0">That sovereign + reigns within the breast,</span> <span class="i0">Eternal laws have + on our hearts impressed.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Life hath no value, meaning hath,</span> <span class="i0">Save but for thee, our only hope and stay;</span> <span class="i0">The sole excuse for Fate,</span> <span class="i0">That + cruelly hath placed us here,</span> <span class="i0">To undergo + such useless misery;</span> <span class="i0">For thee alone, the + wise man, not the fool,</span> <span class="i0">To life still + fondly clings,</span> <span class="i0">Nor calls on death to end + his sufferings.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thy joys to gather, thou sweet thought,</span> + <span class="i0">Long years of sorrow I endure,</span> <span class="i0">And bear of weary life the strain;</span> <span class="i0">But not in vain!</span> <span class="i0">And I would + still return,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page117" id="page117" title="117"></a>In spite of all my sad + experience,</span> <span class="i0">Towards such a goal, my course + to recommence;</span> <span class="i0">For through the sands, and + through the viper-brood</span> <span class="i0">Of this, our mortal + wilderness,</span> <span class="i0">My steps I ne’er so wearily + have dragged</span> <span class="i0">To thee, that all the danger + and distress</span> <span class="i0">Were not repaid by such pure + happiness.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O what a world, what new immensity,</span> <span class="i0">What paradise is that,</span> <span class="i0">To which, + so oft, by thy stupendous charm</span> <span class="i0">Impelled, I + seem to soar! Where I</span> <span class="i0">Beneath a brighter + light am wandering,</span> <span class="i0">And my poor earthly + state,</span> <span class="i0">And all life’s bitter truths forget!</span> + <span class="i0">Such are, I ween, the dreams</span> <span class="i0">Of the Immortals. Ah, what <i>but</i> a dream,</span> + <span class="i0">Art thou, sweet thought,</span> <span class="i0">The + truth, that thus embellished?</span> <span class="i0">A dream, an + error manifest!</span> <span class="i0">But of a nature, still + divine,</span> <span class="i0">An error brave and strong,</span> + <span class="i0">That will with truth the fight prolong,</span> + <span class="i0">And oft for truth doth compensate;</span> <span class="i0">Nor leave us e’er, till summoned hence by Fate.</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page118" id="page118" title="118"></a>And surely thou, my thought,</span> <span class="i0">Thou + sole sustainer of my days,</span> <span class="i0">The cause + beloved of sorrows infinite,</span> <span class="i0">In Death alone + wilt be extinguished quite;</span> <span class="i0">For by sure + signs within my soul I feel</span> <span class="i0">Thy sovereign + sway, perpetual.</span> <span class="i0">All other fancies sweet</span> + <span class="i0">The aspect of the truth</span> <span class="i0">Hath + weakened ever. But whene’er I turn</span> <span class="i0">To gaze + again on her, of whom with thee</span> <span class="i0">To speak, + is all I live for, ah,</span> <span class="i0">That great delight + increases still,</span> <span class="i0">That frenzy fine, the + breath of life, to me!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Angelic beauty! Every lovely face,</span> <span class="i0">On which I gaze,</span> <span class="i0">A phantom seems + to me,</span> <span class="i0">That vainly strives to copy thee,</span> + <span class="i0">Of all the graces that our souls inthral,</span> + <span class="i0">Sole fount, divine original!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Since first I thee beheld,</span> <span class="i0">Of + what most anxious care of mine,</span> <span class="i0">Hast thou + not been the end and aim?</span> <span class="i0">What day has ever + passed, what hour,</span> <span class="i0">When I thought not of + thee? What dream of mine</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page119" id="page119" title="119"></a>Has not + been haunted by thy face divine?</span> <span class="i0">Angelic + countenance, that we</span> <span class="i0">In dreams, alas, alone + may see,</span> <span class="i0">What else on earth, what in the + universe,</span> <span class="i0">Do I e’er ask, or hope for, more,</span> + <span class="i0">Than those dear eyes forever to behold?</span> + <span class="i0">Than thy sweet thought still in my heart to hold?</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + LOVE AND DEATH. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Children of Fate, in the same breath</span> <span class="i0">Created were they, Love and Death.</span> <span class="i0">Such fair creations ne’er were seen,</span> <span class="i0">Or here below, or in the heaven serene.</span> <span class="i0">The first, the source of happiness,</span> <span class="i0">The fount whence flows the greatest bliss</span> <span class="i0">That in the sea of being e’er is found;</span> <span class="i0">The last each sorrow gently lulls,</span> <span class="i0">Each harsh decree of Fate annuls.</span> <span class="i0">Fair + child with beauty crowned,</span> <span class="i0">Sweet to behold, + not such</span> <span class="i0">As cowards paint her in their + fright,</span> <span class="i0">She in young Love’s companionship</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page120" id="page120" title="120"></a>Doth often take delight,</span> <span class="i0">As + they o’er mortal paths together fly,</span> <span class="i0">Chief + comforters of every loyal heart.</span> <span class="i0">Nor ever + is the heart more wise</span> <span class="i0">Than when Love + smites it, nor defies</span> <span class="i0">More scornfully + life’s misery,</span> <span class="i0">And for no other lord</span> + <span class="i0">Will it all dangers face so readily.</span> <span class="i0">When thou thy aid dost lend,</span> <span class="i0">O + Love, is courage born, or it revives;</span> <span class="i0">And + wise in deeds the race of man becomes,</span> <span class="i0">And + not, as it is prone,</span> <span class="i0">In fruitless thought + alone.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And when first in our being’s depth</span> <span class="i0">This passion deep is born,</span> <span class="i0">Though + happy, we are still forlorn;</span> <span class="i0">A languor + strange doth o’er us steal;</span> <span class="i0">A strange + desire of death we feel.</span> <span class="i0">I know not why, + but such we ever prove</span> <span class="i0">The first effect of + true and potent love.</span> <span class="i0">It may be, that this + wilderness</span> <span class="i0">Then first appals our sight;</span> + <span class="i0">And earth henceforth to us a dreary waste</span> + <span class="i0">Appears, without that new, supreme delight,</span> + <span class="i0">That in our thought is fondly traced;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page121" id="page121" title="121"></a>And + yet our hearts, foreboding, feel the storm</span> <span class="i0">Within, + that it may cause, the misery.</span> <span class="i0">We long for + rest, we long to flee,</span> <span class="i0">Hoping some friendly + haven may be found</span> <span class="i0">Of refuge from the + fierce desire,</span> <span class="i0">That raging, roaring, + darkens all around.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And when this formidable power</span> <span class="i0">Hath his whole soul possessed,</span> <span class="i0">And + raging care will give his heart no rest,</span> <span class="i0">How + many times implored</span> <span class="i0">With most intense + desire,</span> <span class="i0">Art thou, O Death, by the poor + wretch, forlorn!</span> <span class="i0">How oft at eve, how oft at + dawn,</span> <span class="i0">His weary frame upon the couch he + throws,</span> <span class="i0">Too happy, if he never rose,</span> + <span class="i0">In hopeless conflict with his pain,</span> <span class="i0">Nor e’er beheld the bitter light again!</span> <span class="i0">And oft, at sound of funeral bell,</span> <span class="i0">And solemn chant, that guides</span> <span class="i0">Departed + souls unto eternal rest,</span> <span class="i0">With sighs most + ardent from his inmost breast,</span> <span class="i0">How hath he + envied him,</span> <span class="i0">Who with the dead has gone to + dwell!</span> <span class="i0">The very humblest of his kind,</span> + <span class="i0">The simple, rustic hind, who knows</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page122" id="page122" title="122"></a>No + charm that knowledge gives;</span> <span class="i0">The lowliest + country lass that lives,</span> <span class="i0">Who, at the very + thought of death,</span> <span class="i0">Doth feel her hair in + horror rise,</span> <span class="i0">Will calmly face its agonies,</span> + <span class="i0">Upon the terrors of the tomb will gaze</span> + <span class="i0">With fixed, undaunted look,</span> <span class="i0">Will + o’er the steel and poison brood,</span> <span class="i0">In + meditative mood,</span> <span class="i0">And in her narrow mind,</span> + <span class="i0">The kindly charm of dying comprehend:</span> <span class="i0">So much the discipline of Love</span> <span class="i0">Hath + unto Death all hearts inclined!</span> <span class="i0">Full often + when this inward woe</span> <span class="i0">Such pass has reached + as mortal strength</span> <span class="i0">No longer can endure,</span> + <span class="i0">The feeble body yields at length,</span> <span class="i0">To its fierce blows, and timely, then,</span> <span class="i0">Benignant Death her friendly power doth show:</span> + <span class="i0">Or else Love drives her hapless victims so,</span> + <span class="i0">Alike the simple clown,</span> <span class="i0">And + tender country lass,</span> <span class="i0">That on themselves + their desperate hands they lay,</span> <span class="i0">And so are + borne unto the shades below.</span> <span class="i0">The world but + laughs at their distress,</span> <span class="i0">Whom heaven with + peace and length of days doth bless.</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page123" id="page123" title="123"></a>To fervid, + happy, restless souls</span> <span class="i0">May fate the one or + other still concede,</span> <span class="i0">Sweet sovereigns, + friendly to our race,</span> <span class="i0">Whose power, + throughout the universe,</span> <span class="i0">Such miracles hath + wrought,</span> <span class="i0">As naught resembles, nor can + aught,</span> <span class="i0">Save that of Fate itself, exceed.</span> + <span class="i0">And thou, whom from my earliest years,</span> + <span class="i0">Still honored I invoke,</span> <span class="i0">O + lovely Death! the only friend</span> <span class="i0">Of sufferers + in this vale of tears,</span> <span class="i0">If I have ever + sought</span> <span class="i0">Thy princely state to vindicate</span> + <span class="i0">From the affronts of the ungrateful crowd,</span> + <span class="i0">Do not delay, incline thy ear</span> <span class="i0">Unto thy weary suppliant here!</span> <span class="i0">These + sad eyes close forever to the light,</span> <span class="i0">And + let me rest in peace serene,</span> <span class="i0">O thou, of all + the ages Queen!</span> <span class="i0">Me surely wilt thou find, + whate’er the hour,</span> <span class="i0">When thou thy wings + unfoldest to my prayer,</span> <span class="i0">With front erect, + the cruel power</span> <span class="i0">Defying still, of Fate;</span> + <span class="i0">Nor will I praise, in fulsome mood,</span> <span class="i0">The scourging hand, that with my blood,</span> <span class="i0">The blood of innocence, is stained.</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page124" id="page124" title="124"></a>Nor + bless it, as the human race</span> <span class="i0">Is wont, + through custom old and base:</span> <span class="i0">Each empty + hope, with which the world</span> <span class="i0">Itself and + children would beguile,</span> <span class="i0">I’ll cast aside, + each comfort false and vile;</span> <span class="i0">In thee alone + my hope I’ll place,</span> <span class="i0">Thou welcome minister + of grace!</span> <span class="i0">In that sole thought supremely + blest,</span> <span class="i0">That day, when my unconscious head</span> + <span class="i0">May on thy virgin bosom rest.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + TO HIMSELF. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Nor wilt thou rest forever, weary heart.</span> + <span class="i0">The last illusion is destroyed,</span> <span class="i0">That I eternal thought. Destroyed!</span> <span class="i0">I feel all hope and all desire depart,</span> <span class="i0">For life and its deceitful joys.</span> <span class="i0">Forever + rest! Enough! Thy throbbings cease!</span> <span class="i0">Naught + can requite thy miseries;</span> <span class="i0">Nor is earth + worthy of thy sighs.</span> <span class="i0">Life is a bitter, + weary load,</span> <span class="i0">The world a slough. And now, + repose!</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page125" id="page125" title="125"></a>Despair no more, but find in Death</span> + <span class="i0">The only boon Fate on our race bestows!</span> + <span class="i0">Still, Nature, art thou doomed to fall,</span> + <span class="i0">The victim scorned of that blind, brutal power</span> + <span class="i0">That rules and ruins all.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + ASPASIA. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">At times thy image to my mind returns,</span> + <span class="i0">Aspasia. In the crowded streets it gleams</span> + <span class="i0">Upon me, for an instant, as I pass,</span> <span class="i0">In other faces; or in lonely fields,</span> <span class="i0">At noon-tide bright, beneath the silent stars,</span> + <span class="i0">With sudden and with startling vividness,</span> + <span class="i0">As if awakened by sweet harmony,</span> <span class="i0">The splendid vision rises in my soul.</span> <span class="i0">How worshipped once, ye gods, what a delight</span> + <span class="i0">To me, what torture, too! Nor do I e’er</span> + <span class="i0">The odor of the flowery fields inhale,</span> + <span class="i0">Or perfume of the gardens of the town,</span> + <span class="i0">That I recall thee not, as on that day,</span> + <span class="i0">When in thy sumptuous rooms, so redolent</span> + <span class="i0">Of all the fragrant flowers of the spring,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page126" id="page126" title="126"></a>Arrayed in robe of violet hue, thy form</span> + <span class="i0">Angelic I beheld, as it reclined</span> <span class="i0">On dainty cushions languidly, and by</span> <span class="i0">An atmosphere voluptuous surrounded;</span> <span class="i0">When thou, a skilful Syren, didst imprint</span> <span class="i0">Upon thy children’s round and rosy lips</span> <span class="i0">Resounding, fervent kisses, stretching forth</span> + <span class="i0">Thy neck of snow, and with thy lovely hand,</span> + <span class="i0">The little, unsuspecting innocents</span> <span class="i0">Didst to thy hidden, tempting bosom press.</span> <span class="i0">The earth, the heavens transfigured seemed to me,</span> + <span class="i0">A ray divine to penetrate my soul.</span> <span class="i0">Then in my side, not unprotected quite,</span> <span class="i0">Deep driven by thy hand, the shaft I bore,</span> <span class="i0">Lamenting sore; and not to be removed,</span> <span class="i0">Till twice the sun his annual round had made.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">A ray divine, O lady! to my thought</span> <span class="i0">Thy beauty seemed. A like effect is oft</span> <span class="i0">By beauty caused, and harmony, that seem</span> <span class="i0">The mystery of Elysium to reveal.</span> <span class="i0">The + stricken mortal fondly worships, then,</span> <span class="i0">His + own ideal, creature of his mind,</span> <span class="i0">Which of + his heaven the greater part contains.</span> <span class="i0">Alike + in looks, in manners, and in speech,</span> <span class="i0">The + real and ideal seem to him,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page127" id="page127" title="127"></a>In his + confused and passion-guided soul.</span> <span class="i0">But not + the woman, but the dream it is,</span> <span class="i0">That in his + fond caresses, he adores.</span> <span class="i0">At last his error + finding, and the sad exchange,</span> <span class="i0">He is + enraged, and most unjustly, oft,</span> <span class="i0">The woman + chides. For rarely does the mind</span> <span class="i0">Of woman + to that high ideal rise;</span> <span class="i0">And that which her + own beauty oft inspires</span> <span class="i0">In generous lovers, + she imagines not,</span> <span class="i0">Nor could she comprehend. + Those narrow brows,</span> <span class="i0">Cannot such great + conceptions hold. The man,</span> <span class="i0">Deceived, builds + false hopes on those lustrous eyes,</span> <span class="i0">And + feelings deep, ineffable, nay, more</span> <span class="i0">Than + manly, vainly seeks in her, who is</span> <span class="i0">By + nature so inferior to man.</span> <span class="i0">For as her limbs + more soft and slender are,</span> <span class="i0">So is her mind + less capable and strong.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Nor hast thou ever known, Aspasia,</span> <span class="i0">Or couldst thou comprehend the thoughts that once</span> + <span class="i0">Thou didst inspire in me. Thou knowest not</span> + <span class="i0">What boundless love, what sufferings intense,</span> + <span class="i0">What ravings wild, what savage impulses,</span> + <span class="i0">Thou didst arouse in me; nor will the time</span> + <span class="i0">E’er come when thou could’st understand them. So,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page128" id="page128" title="128"></a>Musicians, too, are often ignorant</span> <span class="i0">Of the effects they with the hand and voice</span> <span class="i0">Produce on him that listens. Dead is <i>that</i></span> + <span class="i0">Aspasia, that I so loved, aye, dead</span> <span class="i0">Forever, who was once sole object of</span> <span class="i0">My life; save as a phantom, ever dear,</span> <span class="i0">That comes from time to time, and disappears.</span> + <span class="i0">Thou livest still, not only beautiful,</span> + <span class="i0">But in thy beauty still surpassing all;</span> + <span class="i0">But oh, the flame thou didst enkindle once,</span> + <span class="i0">Long since has been extinguished; <i>thee</i>, indeed,</span> + <span class="i0">I never loved, but that Divinity,</span> <span class="i0">Once living, buried now within my heart.</span> <span class="i0">Her, long time, I adored; and was so pleased</span> + <span class="i0">With her celestial beauty, that, although</span> + <span class="i0">I from the first thy nature knew full well,</span> + <span class="i0">And all thy artful and coquettish ways,</span> + <span class="i0">Yet <i>her</i> fair eyes beholding still in <i>thine</i>,</span> + <span class="i0">I followed thee, delighted, while she lived;</span> + <span class="i0">Deceived? Ah, no! But by the pleasure led,</span> + <span class="i0">Of that sweet likeness, that allured me so,</span> + <span class="i0">A long and heavy servitude to bear.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Now boast; thou can’st! Say, that to thee alone</span> + <span class="i0">Of all thy sex, my haughty head I bowed,</span> + <span class="i0">To thee alone, of my unconquered heart</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page129" id="page129" title="129"></a>An offering made. Say, that thou wast the first—</span> + <span class="i0">And surely wast the last—that in my eye</span> + <span class="i0">A suppliant look beheld, and me before</span> + <span class="i0">Thee stand, timid and trembling (how I blush,</span> + <span class="i0">In saying it, with anger and with shame),</span> + <span class="i0">Of my own self deprived, thy every wish,</span> + <span class="i0">Thy every word submissively observing,</span> + <span class="i0">At every proud caprice becoming pale,</span> <span class="i0">At every sign of favor brightening,</span> <span class="i0">And changing color at each look of thine.</span> <span class="i0">The charm is over, and, with it, the yoke</span> <span class="i0">Lies broken, scattered on the ground; and I</span> <span class="i0">Rejoice. ’Tis true my days are laden with</span> <span class="i0">Ennui; yet after such long servitude,</span> <span class="i0">And such infatuation, I am glad</span> <span class="i0">My + judgment, freedom to resume. For though</span> <span class="i0">A + life bereft of love’s illusions sweet,</span> <span class="i0">Is + like a starless night, in winter’s midst,</span> <span class="i0">Yet + some revenge, some comfort can I find</span> <span class="i0">For + my hard fate, that here upon the grass,</span> <span class="i0">Outstretched + in indolence I lie, and gaze</span> <span class="i0">Upon the earth + and sea and sky, and smile.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page130" id="page130" title="130"></a>ON AN + OLD SEPULCHRAL BAS-RELIEF.<small>WHERE IS SEEN A YOUNG MAIDEN, + DEAD, IN THE ACT OF DEPARTING, TAKING LEAVE OF HER FAMILY.</small> + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Where goest thou? Who calls</span> <span class="i0">Thee + from my dear ones far away?</span> <span class="i0">Most lovely + maiden, say!</span> <span class="i0">Alone, a wanderer, dost thou + leave</span> <span class="i0">Thy father’s roof so soon?</span> + <span class="i0">Wilt thou unto its threshold e’er return?</span> + <span class="i0">Wilt thou make glad one day,</span> <span class="i0">Those, who now round thee, weeping, mourn?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Fearless thine eye, and spirited thy act;</span> + <span class="i0">And yet thou, too, art sad.</span> <span class="i0">If + pleasant or unpleasant be the road,</span> <span class="i0">If gay + or gloomy be the new abode,</span> <span class="i0">To which thou + journeyest, indeed,</span> <span class="i0">In that grave face, how + difficult to read!</span> <span class="i0">Ah, hard to me the + problem still hath seemed;</span> <span class="i0">Not hath the + world, perhaps, yet understood,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page131" id="page131" title="131"></a>If thou + beloved, or hated by the gods,</span> <span class="i0">If happy, or + unhappy shouldst be deemed.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Death calls thee; in thy morn of life,</span> + <span class="i0">Its latest breath. Unto the nest</span> <span class="i0">Thou leavest, thou wilt ne’er return; wilt ne’er</span> + <span class="i0">The faces of thy kindred more behold;</span> <span class="i0">And under ground,</span> <span class="i0">The place to + which thou goest will be found;</span> <span class="i0">And for all + time will be thy sojourn there.</span> <span class="i0">Happy, + perhaps, thou art: but he must sigh</span> <span class="i0">Who, + thoughtful, contemplates thy destiny.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Ne’er to have seen the light, e’en at the time,</span> + <span class="i0">I think; but, born, e’en at the time,</span> <span class="i0">When regal beauty all her charms displays,</span> <span class="i0">Alike in form and face,</span> <span class="i0">And at + her feet the admiring world</span> <span class="i0">Its distant + homage pays;</span> <span class="i0">When every hope is in its + flower,</span> <span class="i0">Long, long ere dreary winter flash</span> + <span class="i0">His baleful gleams against the joyous brow;</span> + <span class="i0">Like vapor gathered in the summer cloud,</span> + <span class="i0">That melting in the evening sky is seen</span> + <span class="i0">To disappear, as if one ne’er had been;</span> + <span class="i0">And to exchange the brilliant days to come,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page132" id="page132" title="132"></a>For the dark silence of the tomb;</span> <span class="i0">The intellect, indeed,</span> <span class="i0">May call + this, happiness; but still</span> <span class="i0">It may the + stoutest breasts with pity fill.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Thou mother, dreaded and deplored</span> <span class="i0">From birth, by all the world that lives,</span> <span class="i0">Nature, ungracious miracle,</span> <span class="i0">That + bringest forth and nourishest, to kill,</span> <span class="i0">If + death untimely be an evil thing,</span> <span class="i0">Why on + these innocent heads</span> <span class="i0">Wilt thou that evil + bring?</span> <span class="i0">If good, why, why,</span> <span class="i0">Beyond all other misery,</span> <span class="i0">To him + who goes, to him who must remain,</span> <span class="i0">Hast thou + such parting crowned with hopeless pain?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Wretched, where’er we look,</span> <span class="i0">Whichever + way we turn,</span> <span class="i0">Thy suffering children are!</span> + <span class="i0">Thee it hath pleased, that youthful hope</span> + <span class="i0">Should ever be by life beguiled;</span> <span class="i0">The current of our years with woes be filled,</span> + <span class="i0">And death against all ills the only shield:</span> + <span class="i0">And this inevitable seal,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page133" id="page133" title="133"></a>And this + immutable decree,</span> <span class="i0">Hast thou assigned to + human destiny,</span> <span class="i0">Why, after such a painful + race,</span> <span class="i0">Should not the goal, at least,</span> + <span class="i0">Present to us a cheerful face?</span> <span class="i0">Why that, which we in constant view,</span> <span class="i0">Must, while we live, forever bear,</span> <span class="i0">Sole comfort in our hour of need,</span> <span class="i0">Thus + dress in weeds of woe,</span> <span class="i0">And gird with + shadows so,</span> <span class="i0">And make the friendly port to + us appear</span> <span class="i0">More frightful than the tempest + drear?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">If death, indeed, be a calamity,</span> <span class="i0">Which thou intendest for us all,</span> <span class="i0">Whom + thou, against our knowledge and our will,</span> <span class="i0">Hast + forced to draw this mortal breath,</span> <span class="i0">Then, + surely, he who dies,</span> <span class="i0">A lot more enviable + hath</span> <span class="i0">Then he who feels his loved one’s + death.</span> <span class="i0">But, if the truth it be,</span> + <span class="i0">As I most firmly think,</span> <span class="i0">That + life is the calamity,</span> <span class="i0">And death the boon, + alas! who ever <i>could</i>,</span> <span class="i0">What yet he <i>should</i>,</span> + <span class="i0">Desire the dying day of those so dear,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page134" id="page134" title="134"></a>That he may linger here,</span> <span class="i0">Of + his best self deprived,</span> <span class="i0">May see across his + threshold borne,</span> <span class="i0">The form beloved of her,</span> + <span class="i0">With whom so many years he lived,</span> <span class="i0">And say to her farewell,</span> <span class="i0">Without + the hope of meeting here again;</span> <span class="i0">And then + alone on earth to dwell,</span> <span class="i0">And, looking + round, the hours and places all,</span> <span class="i0">Of lost + companionship recall?</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Ah, Nature! how, how <i>couldst</i> thou have the + heart,</span> <span class="i0">From the friend’s arms the friend to + tear,</span> <span class="i0">The brother from the brother part,</span> + <span class="i0">The father from the child,</span> <span class="i0">The + lover from his love,</span> <span class="i0">And, killing one, the + other keep alive?</span> <span class="i0">What dire necessity</span> + <span class="i0">Compels such misery</span> <span class="i0">That + lover should the loved one e’er survive?</span> <span class="i0">But + Nature in her cruel dealings still,</span> <span class="i0">Pays + little heed unto our good or ill.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page135" id="page135" title="135"></a>ON THE + PORTRAIT OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN, CARVED ON HER MONUMENT. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Such <i>wast</i> thou: now in earth below,</span> + <span class="i0">Dust and a skeleton thou art.</span> <span class="i0">Above thy bones and clay,</span> <span class="i0">Here + vainly placed by loving hands,</span> <span class="i0">Sole + guardian of memory and woe,</span> <span class="i0">The image of + departed beauty stands.</span> <span class="i0">Mute, motionless, + it seems with pensive gaze</span> <span class="i0">To watch the + flight of the departing days.</span> <span class="i0">That gentle + look, that, wheresoe’er it fell,</span> <span class="i0">As now it + seems to fall,</span> <span class="i0">Held fast the gazer with its + magic spell;</span> <span class="i0">That lip, from which as from + some copious urn,</span> <span class="i0">Redundant pleasure seems + to overflow;</span> <span class="i0">That neck, on which love once + so fondly hung;</span> <span class="i0">That loving hand, whose + tender pressure still</span> <span class="i0">The hand it clasped, + with trembling joy would thrill;</span> <span class="i0">That + bosom, whose transparent loveliness</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page136" id="page136" title="136"></a>The color + from the gazer’s cheek would steal;</span> <span class="i0">All + these <i>have been</i>; and now remains alone</span> <span class="i0">A wretched heap of bones and clay,</span> <span class="i0">Concealed from sight by this benignant stone.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">To this hath Fate reduced</span> <span class="i0">The + form, that, when with life it beamed,</span> <span class="i0">To us + heaven’s liveliest image seemed.</span> <span class="i0">O Nature’s + endless mystery!</span> <span class="i0">To-day, of grand and lofty + thoughts the source,</span> <span class="i0">And feelings not to be + described,</span> <span class="i0">Beauty rules all, and seems,</span> + <span class="i0">Like some mysterious splendor from on high</span> + <span class="i0">Forth-darted to illuminate</span> <span class="i0">This + dreary wilderness;</span> <span class="i0">Of superhuman fate,</span> + <span class="i0">Of fortunate realms, and golden worlds,</span> + <span class="i0">A token, and a hope secure</span> <span class="i0">To + give our mortal state;</span> <span class="i0">To-morrow, for some + trivial cause,</span> <span class="i0">Loathsome to sight, + abominable, base</span> <span class="i0">Becomes, what but a little + time before</span> <span class="i0">Wore such an angel face;</span> + <span class="i0">And from our minds, in the same breath,</span> + <span class="i0">The grand conception it inspired,</span> <span class="i0">Swift vanishes and leaves no trace.</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page137" id="page137" title="137"></a>What + infinite desires,</span> <span class="i0">What visions grand and + high,</span> <span class="i0">In our exalted thought,</span> + <span class="i0">With magic power creates, true harmony!</span> + <span class="i0">O’er a delicious and mysterious sea,</span> <span class="i0">The exulting spirit glides,</span> <span class="i0">As + some bold swimmer sports in Ocean’s tides:</span> <span class="i0">But + oh, the mischief that is wrought,</span> <span class="i0">If but + one accent out of tune</span> <span class="i0">Assaults the ear! + Alas, how soon</span> <span class="i0">Our paradise is turned to + naught!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O human nature, why is this?</span> <span class="i0">If frail and vile throughout,</span> <span class="i0">If + shadow, dust thou art, say, why</span> <span class="i0">Hast thou + such fancies, aspirations high?</span> <span class="i0">And yet, if + framed for nobler ends,</span> <span class="i0">Alas, why are we + doomed</span> <span class="i0">To see our highest motives, truest + thoughts,</span> <span class="i0">By such base causes kindled, and + consumed?</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page138" id="page138" title="138"></a>PALINODIA.<small>TO + THE MARQUIS GINO CAPPONI.</small> + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">I was mistaken, my dear Gino. Long</span> <span class="i0">And greatly have I erred. I fancied life</span> <span class="i0">A vain and wretched thing, and this, our age,</span> + <span class="i0">Now passing, vainest, silliest of all.</span> + <span class="i0">Intolerable seemed, and <i>was</i>, such talk</span> + <span class="i0">Unto the happy race of mortals, if,</span> <span class="i0">Indeed, man ought or could be mortal called.</span> + <span class="i0">’Twixt anger and surprise, the lofty creatures laughed</span> + <span class="i0">Forth from the fragrant Eden where they dwell;</span> + <span class="i0">Neglected, or unfortunate, they called me;</span> + <span class="i0">Of joy incapable, or ignorant,</span> <span class="i0">To think my lot the common lot of all,</span> <span class="i0">Mankind, the partner in my misery.</span> <span class="i0">At length, amid the odor of cigars,</span> <span class="i0">The crackling sound of dainty pastry, and</span> <span class="i0">The orders loud for ices and for drinks,</span> <span class="i0">’Midst clinking glasses, and ’midst brandished spoons,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page139" id="page139" title="139"></a>The daily light of the gazettes flashed full</span> + <span class="i0">On my dim eyes. I saw and recognized</span> <span class="i0">The public joy, and the felicity</span> <span class="i0">Of + human destiny. The lofty state</span> <span class="i0">I saw, and + value of all human things;</span> <span class="i0">Our mortal + pathway strewed with flowers; I saw</span> <span class="i0">How + naught displeasing here below endures.</span> <span class="i0">Nor + less I saw the studies and the works</span> <span class="i0">Stupendous, + wisdom, virtue, knowledge deep</span> <span class="i0">Of this our + age. From far Morocco to</span> <span class="i0">Cathay, and from + the Poles unto the Nile,</span> <span class="i0">From Boston unto + Goa, on the track</span> <span class="i0">Of flying Fortune, + emulously panting,</span> <span class="i0">The empires, kingdoms, + dukedoms of the earth</span> <span class="i0">I saw, now clinging + to her waving locks,</span> <span class="i0">Now to the end of her + encircling boa.</span> <span class="i0">Beholding this, and o’er + the ample sheets</span> <span class="i0">Profoundly meditating, I + became</span> <span class="i0">Of my sad blunder, and myself, + ashamed.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The age of gold the spindles of the Fates,</span> + <span class="i0">O Gino, are evolving. Every sheet,</span> <span class="i0">In each variety of speech and type,</span> <span class="i0">The splendid promise to the world proclaims,</span> + <span class="i0">From every quarter. Universal love,</span> <span class="i0">And iron roads, and commerce manifold,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page140" id="page140" title="140"></a>Steam, + types, and cholera, remotest lands,</span> <span class="i0">Most + distant nations will together bind;</span> <span class="i0">Nor + need we wonder if the pine or oak</span> <span class="i0">Yield + milk and honey, or together dance</span> <span class="i0">Unto the + music of the waltz. So much</span> <span class="i0">The force + already hath increased, both of</span> <span class="i0">Alembics, + and retorts, and of machines,</span> <span class="i0">That vie with + heaven in working miracles,</span> <span class="i0">And will + increase, in times that are to come:</span> <span class="i0">For, + evermore, from better unto best,</span> <span class="i0">Without a + pause, as in the past, the race</span> <span class="i0">Of Shem, + and Ham, and Japhet will progress.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And yet, on acorns men will never feed,</span> + <span class="i0">Unless compelled by hunger; never will</span> + <span class="i0">Hard iron lay aside. Full oft, indeed,</span> + <span class="i0">They gold and silver will despise, bills of</span> + <span class="i0">Exchange preferring. Often, too, the race</span> + <span class="i0">Its generous hands with brothers’ blood will stain,</span> + <span class="i0">With fields of carnage filling Europe, and</span> + <span class="i0">The other shore of the Atlantic sea,</span> <span class="i0">The new world, that the old still nourishes,</span> + <span class="i0">As often as it sends its rival bands</span> <span class="i0">Of armed adventurers, in eager quest</span> <span class="i0">Of pepper, cinnamon, or other spice,</span> <span class="i0">Or sugar-cane, aught that ministers</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page141" id="page141" title="141"></a>Unto + the universal thirst for gold.</span> <span class="i0">True worth + and virtue, modesty and faith,</span> <span class="i0">And love of + justice, in whatever land,</span> <span class="i0">From public + business will be still estranged,</span> <span class="i0">Or + utterly humiliated and</span> <span class="i0">O’erthrown; + condemned by Nature still,</span> <span class="i0">To sink unto the + bottom. Insolence</span> <span class="i0">And fraud, with + mediocrity combined,</span> <span class="i0">Will to the surface + ever rise, and reign.</span> <span class="i0">Authority and + strength, howe’er diffused,</span> <span class="i0">However + concentrated, will be still</span> <span class="i0">Abused, beneath + whatever name concealed,</span> <span class="i0">By him who wields + them; this the law by Fate</span> <span class="i0">And nature + written first, in adamant:</span> <span class="i0">Nor can a Volta + with his lightnings, nor</span> <span class="i0">A Davy cancel it, + nor England with</span> <span class="i0">Her vast machinery, nor + this our age</span> <span class="i0">With all its floods of Leading + Articles.</span> <span class="i0">The good man ever will be sad, + the wretch</span> <span class="i0">Will keep perpetual holiday; + against</span> <span class="i0">All lofty souls both worlds will + still be armed</span> <span class="i0">Conspirators; true honor be + assailed</span> <span class="i0">By calumny, and hate, and envy; + still</span> <span class="i0">The weak will be the victim of the + strong;</span> <span class="i0">The hungry man upon the rich will + fawn,</span> <span class="i0">Beneath whatever form of government,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page142" id="page142" title="142"></a>Alike at the Equator and the Poles;</span> <span class="i0">So will it be, while man on earth abides,</span> <span class="i0">And while the sun still lights him on his way.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">These signs and tokens of the ages past</span> + <span class="i0">Must of necessity their impress leave</span> <span class="i0">Upon our brightly dawning age of gold:</span> <span class="i0">Because society from Nature still</span> <span class="i0">Receives + a thousand principles and aims,</span> <span class="i0">Diverse, + discordant; which to reconcile,</span> <span class="i0">No wit or + power of man hath yet availed,</span> <span class="i0">Since first + our race, illustrious, was born;</span> <span class="i0">Nor <i>will</i> + avail, or treaty or gazette,</span> <span class="i0">In any age, + however wise or strong.</span> <span class="i0">But in things more + important, how complete,</span> <span class="i0">Ne’er seen, till + now, will be our happiness!</span> <span class="i0">More soft, from + day to day, our garments will</span> <span class="i0">Become, of + woollen or of silk. Their rough</span> <span class="i0">Attire the + husbandman and smith will cast</span> <span class="i0">Aside, will + swathe in cotton their rough hides,</span> <span class="i0">And + with the skins of beavers warm their backs.</span> <span class="i0">More + serviceable, more attractive, too,</span> <span class="i0">Will be + our carpets and our counterpanes,</span> <span class="i0">Our + curtains, sofas, tables, and our chairs;</span> <span class="i0">Our + beds, and their attendant furniture,</span> <span class="i0">Will a + new grace unto our chambers lend;</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page143" id="page143" title="143"></a>And dainty + forms of kettles and of pans,</span> <span class="i0">On our dark + kitchens will their lustre shed.</span> <span class="i0">From Paris + unto Calais, and from there</span> <span class="i0">To London, and + from there to Liverpool,</span> <span class="i0">More rapid than + imagination can</span> <span class="i0">Conceive, will be the + journey, nay the flight;</span> <span class="i0">While underneath + the ample bed of Thames,</span> <span class="i0">A highway will be + made, immortal work,</span> <span class="i0">That <i>should</i> + have been completed, years ago.</span> <span class="i0">Far better + lighted, and perhaps as safe,</span> <span class="i0">At night, as + now they are, will be the lanes</span> <span class="i0">And + unfrequented streets of Capitals;</span> <span class="i0">Perhaps, + the main streets of the smaller towns.</span> <span class="i0">Such + privileges, such a happy lot,</span> <span class="i0">Kind heaven + reserves unto the coming race.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">How fortunate are they, whom, as I write,</span> + <span class="i0">Naked and whimpering, in her arms receives</span> + <span class="i0">The midwife! They those longed-for days may hope</span> + <span class="i0">To see, when, after careful studies we</span> + <span class="i0">Shall know, and every nursling shall imbibe</span> + <span class="i0">That knowledge with the milk of the dear nurse,</span> + <span class="i0">How many hundred-weight of salt, and how</span> + <span class="i0">Much flesh, how many bushels, too, of flour,</span> + <span class="i0">His native town in every month consumes;</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page144" id="page144" title="144"></a>How many births and deaths in every year</span> + <span class="i0">The parish priest inscribes: when by the aid</span> + <span class="i0">Of mighty steam, that, every second, prints</span> + <span class="i0">Its millions, hill and dale, and ocean’s vast</span> + <span class="i0">Expanse, e’en as we see a flock of cranes</span> + <span class="i0">Aërial, that suddenly the day obscure, will with + Gazettes be overrun;</span> <span class="i0">Gazettes, of the great + Universe the life</span> <span class="i0">And soul, sole fount of + wisdom and of wit,</span> <span class="i0">To this, and unto every + coming age!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">E’en as a child, who carefully constructs,</span> + <span class="i0">Of little sticks and leaves, an edifice,</span> + <span class="i0">In form of temple, palace, or of tower;</span> + <span class="i0">And, soon as he beholds the work complete,</span> + <span class="i0">The impulse feels, the structure to destroy,</span> + <span class="i0">Because the self-same sticks and leaves he needs,</span> + <span class="i0">To carry out some other enterprise;</span> <span class="i0">So Nature every work of hers, however</span> <span class="i0">It may delight us with its excellence,</span> <span class="i0">No sooner sees unto perfection brought,</span> <span class="i0">Than she proceeds to pull it all to pieces,</span> <span class="i0">For other structures using still the parts.</span> <span class="i0">And vainly seeks the human race, itself</span> <span class="i0">Or others from the cruel sport to save,</span> <span class="i0">The cause of which is hidden from its sight</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page145" id="page145" title="145"></a>Forever, + though a thousand means it tries,</span> <span class="i0">With + skilful hand devising remedies:</span> <span class="i0">For cruel + Nature, child invincible,</span> <span class="i0">Our efforts + laughs to scorn, and still its own</span> <span class="i0">Caprices + carries out, without a pause,</span> <span class="i0">Destroying + and creating, for its sport.</span> <span class="i0">And hence, a + various, endless family</span> <span class="i0">Of ills incurable + and sufferings</span> <span class="i0">Oppresses the frail mortal, + doomed to death</span> <span class="i0">Irreparably; hence a + hostile force,</span> <span class="i0">Destructive, smites him from + within, without,</span> <span class="i0">On every side, perpetual, + e’en from</span> <span class="i0">The day of birth, and wearies and + exhausts,</span> <span class="i0">Itself untiring, till he drops at + last,</span> <span class="i0">By the inhuman mother crushed, and + killed.</span> <span class="i0">Those crowning miseries, O gentle + friend,</span> <span class="i0">Of this our mortal life, old age + and death,</span> <span class="i0">E’en then commencing, when the + infant lip</span> <span class="i0">The tender breast doth press, + that life instils,</span> <span class="i0">This happy nineteenth + century, I think,</span> <span class="i0">Can no more help, than + could the ninth, or tenth,</span> <span class="i0">Nor will the + coming ages, more than this.</span> <span class="i0">Indeed, if we + may be allowed to call</span> <span class="i0">The truth by its + right name, no other than</span> <span class="i0">Supremely + wretched must each mortal be,</span> <span class="i0">In every age, + and under every form</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page146" id="page146" title="146"></a>Of government, and walk and + mode of life;</span> <span class="i0">By nature hopelessly + incurable,</span> <span class="i0">Because a universal law hath so</span> + <span class="i0">Decreed, which heaven and earth alike obey.</span> + <span class="i0">And yet the lofty spirits of our age</span> <span class="i0">A new discovery have made, almost</span> <span class="i0">Divine; + for, though they cannot make</span> <span class="i0">A single + person happy on the earth,</span> <span class="i0">The man + forgetting, they have gone in quest</span> <span class="i0">Of + universal happiness, and this,</span> <span class="i0">Forsooth, + have found so easily, that out</span> <span class="i0">Of many + wretched individuals,</span> <span class="i0">They can a happy, + joyful people make.</span> <span class="i0">And at this miracle, + not yet explained</span> <span class="i0">By quarterly reviews, or + pamphlets, or</span> <span class="i0">Gazettes, the common herd in + wonder smile.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O minds, O wisdom, insight marvellous</span> <span class="i0">Of this our passing age! And what profound</span> <span class="i0">Philosophy, what lessons deep, O Gino,</span> <span class="i0">In matters more sublime and recondite,</span> <span class="i0">This century of thine and mine will teach</span> <span class="i0">To those that follow! With what constancy,</span> <span class="i0">What yesterday it scorned, upon its knees</span> <span class="i0">To-day it worships, and will overthrow</span> <span class="i0">To-morrow, merely to pick up again</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page147" id="page147" title="147"></a>The + fragments, to the idol thus restored,</span> <span class="i0">To + offer incense on the following day!</span> <span class="i0">How + estimable, how inspiring, too,</span> <span class="i0">This + unanimity of thought, not of</span> <span class="i0">The age alone, + but of each passing year!</span> <span class="i0">How carefully + should we, when we our thought</span> <span class="i0">With this + compare, however different</span> <span class="i0">From that of + next year it may be, at least</span> <span class="i0">Appearance of + diversity avoid!</span> <span class="i0">What giant strides, + compared with those of old,</span> <span class="i0">Our century in + wisdom’s school has made!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">One of thy friends, O worthy Gino, once,</span> + <span class="i0">A master poet, nay, of every Art,</span> <span class="i0">And Science, every human faculty,</span> <span class="i0">For + past, and present, and for future times,</span> <span class="i0">A + learned expositor, remarked to me:</span> <span class="i0">“Of + thy own feelings, care to speak no more!</span> <span class="i0">Of + them, this manly age makes no account,</span> <span class="i0">In + economic problems quite absorbed,</span> <span class="i0">And with + an eye for politics alone,</span> <span class="i0">Of what avail, + thy own heart to explore?</span> <span class="i0">Seek not within + thyself material</span> <span class="i0">For song; but sing the + needs of this our age,</span> <span class="i0">And consummation of + its ripening hope!”</span> <span class="i0">O memorable + words! Whereat I laughed</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page148" id="page148" title="148"></a>Like + chanticleer, the name of <i>hope</i> to hear</span> <span class="i0">Thus + strike upon my ear profane, as if</span> <span class="i0">A jest it + were, or prattle of a child</span> <span class="i0">Just weaned. + But now a different course I take,</span> <span class="i0">Convinced + by many shining proofs, that he</span> <span class="i0">Must not + resist or contradict the age,</span> <span class="i0">Who seeketh + praise or pudding at its hands,</span> <span class="i0">But + faithfully and servilely obey;</span> <span class="i0">And so will + find a short and easy road</span> <span class="i0">Unto the stars. + And I who long to reach</span> <span class="i0">The stars will not, + howe’er, select the needs</span> <span class="i0">Of this our age + for burden of my song;</span> <span class="i0">For these, + increasing constantly, are still</span> <span class="i0">By + merchants and by work-shops amply met;</span> <span class="i0">But + I will sing of hope, of hope whereof</span> <span class="i0">The + gods now grant a pledge so palpable.</span> <span class="i0">The + first-fruits of our new felicity</span> <span class="i0">Behold, in + the enormous growth of hair,</span> <span class="i0">Upon the lip, + upon the cheek, of youth!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O hail, thou salutary sign, first beam</span> + <span class="i0">Of light of this our wondrous, rising age!</span> + <span class="i0">See, how before thee heaven and earth rejoice,</span> + <span class="i0">How sparkle all the damsels’ eyes with joy,</span> + <span class="i0">How through all banquets and all festivals</span> + <span class="i0">The fame of the young bearded heroes flies!</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page149" id="page149" title="149"></a>Grow for your country’s sake, ye manly youth!</span> + <span class="i0">Beneath the shadow of your fleecy locks,</span> + <span class="i0">Will Italy increase, and Europe from</span> <span class="i0">The mouths of Tagus to the Hellespont,</span> <span class="i0">And all the world will taste the sweets of peace.</span> + <span class="i0">And thou, O tender child, for whom these days</span> + <span class="i0">Of gold are yet in store, begin to greet</span> + <span class="i0">Thy bearded father with a smile, nor fear</span> + <span class="i0">The harmless blackness of his loving face.</span> + <span class="i0">Laugh, darling child; for thee are kept the fruits</span> + <span class="i0">Of so much dazzling eloquence. Thou shalt</span> + <span class="i0">Behold joy reign in cities and in towns,</span> + <span class="i0">Old age and youth alike contented dwell,</span> + <span class="i0">And undulating beards of two spans long!</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + THE SETTING OF THE MOON. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">As, in the lonely night,</span> <span class="i0">Above + the silvered fields and streams</span> <span class="i0">Where + zephyr gently blows,</span> <span class="i0">And myriad objects + vague,</span> <span class="i0">Illusions, that deceive,</span> + <span class="i0">Their distant shadows weave</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page150" id="page150" title="150"></a>Amid the + silent rills,</span> <span class="i0">The trees, the hedges, + villages, and hills;</span> <span class="i0">Arrived at heaven’s + boundary,</span> <span class="i0">Behind the Apennine or Alp,</span> + <span class="i0">Or into the deep bosom of the sea,</span> <span class="i0">The moon descends, the world grows dim;</span> <span class="i0">The shadows disappear, darkness profound</span> <span class="i0">Falls on each hill and vale around,</span> <span class="i0">And night is desolate,</span> <span class="i0">And + singing, with his plaintive lay,</span> <span class="i0">The + parting gleam of friendly light</span> <span class="i0">The + traveller greets, whose radiance bright,</span> <span class="i0">Till + now, hath guided him upon his way;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">So vanishes, so desolate</span> <span class="i0">Youth + leaves our mortal state.</span> <span class="i0">The shadows + disappear,</span> <span class="i0">And the illusions dear;</span> + <span class="i0">And in the distance fading all, are seen</span> + <span class="i0">The hopes on which our suffering natures lean.</span> + <span class="i0">Abandoned and forlorn</span> <span class="i0">Our + lives remain;</span> <span class="i0">And the bewildered traveller, + in vain,</span> <span class="i0">As he its course surveys,</span> + <span class="i0">To find the end, or object tries,</span> <span class="i0">Of the long path that still before him lies.</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page151" id="page151" title="151"></a>A hopeless darkness o’er him steals;</span> <span class="i0">Himself an alien on the earth he feels.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Too happy, and too gay</span> <span class="i0">Would + our hard lot appear</span> <span class="i0">To those who placed us + here, if youth,</span> <span class="i0">Whose every joy is born of + pain,</span> <span class="i0">Through all our days were suffered to + remain;</span> <span class="i0">Too merciful the law,</span> + <span class="i0">That sentences each animal to death,</span> <span class="i0">Did not the road that leads to it,</span> <span class="i0">E’er half-completed, unto us appear</span> <span class="i0">Than death itself more sad and drear.</span> <span class="i0">Thou blest invention of the Gods,</span> <span class="i0">And + worthy of their intellects divine,</span> <span class="i0">Old age, + the last of all our ills,</span> <span class="i0">When our desires + still linger on,</span> <span class="i0">Though every ray of hope + is gone;</span> <span class="i0">When pleasure’s fountains all are + dried,</span> <span class="i0">Our pains increasing, every joy + denied!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Ye hills, and vales, and fields,</span> <span class="i0">Though in the west hath set the radiant orb</span> <span class="i0">That shed its lustre on the veil of night,</span> <span class="i0">Will not long time remain bereft,</span> <span class="i0">In + hopeless darkness left?</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page152" id="page152" title="152"></a>Ye soon will see the eastern + sky</span> <span class="i0">Grow white again, the dawn arise,</span> + <span class="i0">Precursor of the sun,</span> <span class="i0">Who + with the splendor of his rays</span> <span class="i0">Will all the + scene irradiate,</span> <span class="i0">And with his floods of + light</span> <span class="i0">The fields of heaven and earth will + inundate.</span> <span class="i0">But mortal life,</span> + <span class="i0">When lovely youth has gone,</span> <span class="i0">Is + colored with no other light,</span> <span class="i0">And knows no + other dawn.</span> <span class="i0">The rest is hopeless + wretchedness and gloom;</span> <span class="i0">The journey’s end, + the dark and silent tomb.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + THE GINESTRA,<small>OR THE FLOWER OF THE WILDERNESS.</small> + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Here, on the arid ridge</span> <span class="i0">Of + dead Vesuvius,</span> <span class="i0">Exterminator terrible,</span> + <span class="i0">That by no other tree or flower is cheered,</span> + <span class="i0">Thou scatterest thy lonely leaves around,</span> + <span class="i0">O fragrant flower,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page153" id="page153" title="153"></a>With + desert wastes content. Thy graceful stems</span> <span class="i0">I + in the solitary paths have found,</span> <span class="i0">The city + that surround,</span> <span class="i0">That once was mistress of + the world;</span> <span class="i0">And of her fallen power,</span> + <span class="i0">They seemed with silent eloquence to speak</span> + <span class="i0">Unto the thoughtful wanderer.</span> <span class="i0">And now again I see thee on this soil,</span> <span class="i0">Of wretched, world-abandoned spots the friend,</span> + <span class="i0">Of ruined fortunes the companion, still.</span> + <span class="i0">These fields with barren ashes strown,</span> + <span class="i0">And lava, hardened into stone,</span> <span class="i0">Beneath the pilgrim’s feet, that hollow sound,</span> + <span class="i0">Where by their nests the serpents coiled,</span> + <span class="i0">Lie basking in the sun,</span> <span class="i0">And + where the conies timidly</span> <span class="i0">To their familiar + burrows run,</span> <span class="i0">Were cheerful villages and + towns,</span> <span class="i0">With waving fields of golden grain,</span> + <span class="i0">And musical with lowing herds;</span> <span class="i0">Were gardens, and were palaces,</span> <span class="i0">That + to the leisure of the rich</span> <span class="i0">A grateful + shelter gave;</span> <span class="i0">Were famous cities, which the + mountain fierce,</span> <span class="i0">Forth-darting torrents + from his mouth of flame,</span> <span class="i0">Destroyed, with + their inhabitants.</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page154" id="page154" title="154"></a>Now all around, one ruin + lies,</span> <span class="i0">Where thou dost dwell, O gentle + flower,</span> <span class="i0">And, as in pity of another’s woe,</span> + <span class="i0">A perfume sweet thou dost exhale,</span> <span class="i0">To heaven an offering,</span> <span class="i0">And + consolation to the desert bring.</span> <span class="i0">Here let + him come, who hath been used</span> <span class="i0">To chant the + praises of our mortal state,</span> <span class="i0">And see the + care,</span> <span class="i0">That loving Nature of her children + takes!</span> <span class="i0">Here may he justly estimate</span> + <span class="i0">The power of mortals, whom</span> <span class="i0">The + cruel nurse, when least they fear,</span> <span class="i0">With + motion light can in a moment crush</span> <span class="i0">In part, + and afterwards, when in the mood,</span> <span class="i0">With + motion not so light, can suddenly,</span> <span class="i0">And + utterly annihilate.</span> <span class="i0">Here, on these blighted + coasts,</span> <span class="i0">May he distinctly trace</span> + <span class="i0">“The princely progress of the human race!”</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Here look, and in a mirror see thyself,</span> + <span class="i0">O proud and foolish age!</span> <span class="i0">That + turn’st thy back upon the path,</span> <span class="i0">That + thought revived</span> <span class="i0">So clearly indicates to + all,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page155" id="page155" title="155"></a>And this, thy movement retrograde,</span> + <span class="i0">Dost <i>Progress</i> call.</span> <span class="i0">Thy + foolish prattle all the minds,</span> <span class="i0">Whose cruel + fate thee for a father gave,</span> <span class="i0">Besmear with + flattery,</span> <span class="i0">Although, among themselves, at + times,</span> <span class="i0">They laugh at thee.</span> + <span class="i0">But I will not to such low arts descend,</span> + <span class="i0">Though envy it would be for me,</span> <span class="i0">The rest to imitate,</span> <span class="i0">And, + raving, wilfully,</span> <span class="i0">To make my song more + pleasing to thy ears:</span> <span class="i0">But I will sooner far + reveal,</span> <span class="i0">As clearly as I can, the deep + disdain</span> <span class="i0">That I for thee within my bosom + feel;</span> <span class="i0">Although I know, oblivion</span> + <span class="i0">Awaits the man who holds his age in scorn:</span> + <span class="i0">But this misfortune, which I share with thee,</span> + <span class="i0">My laughter only moves.</span> <span class="i0">Thou + dream’st of liberty,</span> <span class="i0">And yet thou wouldst + anew that thought enslave,</span> <span class="i0">By which alone + we are redeemed, in part,</span> <span class="i0">From barbarism; + by which alone</span> <span class="i0">True progress is obtained,</span> + <span class="i0">And states are guided to a nobler end.</span> + <span class="i0">And so the truth of our hard lot,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page156" id="page156" title="156"></a>And + of the humble place</span> <span class="i0">Which Nature gave us, + pleased thee not;</span> <span class="i0">And like a coward, thou + hast turned thy back</span> <span class="i0">Upon the light, which + made it evident;</span> <span class="i0">Reviling him who does that + light pursue,</span> <span class="i0">And praising him alone</span> + <span class="i0">Who, in his folly, or from motives base,</span> + <span class="i0">Above the stars exalts the human race.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">A man of poor estate, and weak of limb,</span> + <span class="i0">But of a generous, truthful soul,</span> <span class="i0">Nor calls, nor deems himself</span> <span class="i0">A + Crœsus, or a Hercules,</span> <span class="i0">Nor makes + himself ridiculous</span> <span class="i0">Before the world with + vain pretence</span> <span class="i0">Of vigor or of opulence;</span> + <span class="i0">But his infirmities and needs</span> <span class="i0">He lets appear, and without shame,</span> <span class="i0">And speaking frankly, calls each thing</span> <span class="i0">By its right name.</span> <span class="i0">I deem not <i>him</i> + magnanimous,</span> <span class="i0">But simply, a great fool,</span> + <span class="i0">Who, born to perish, reared in suffering,</span> + <span class="i0">Proclaims his lot a happy one,</span> <span class="i0">And with offensive pride</span> <span class="i0">His + pages fills, exalted destinies</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page157" id="page157" title="157"></a>And joys, + unknown in heaven, much less</span> <span class="i0">On earth, + absurdly promising to those</span> <span class="i0">Who by a wave + of angry sea,</span> <span class="i0">Or breath of tainted air,</span> + <span class="i0">Or shaking of the earth beneath,</span> <span class="i0">Are ruined, crushed so utterly,</span> <span class="i0">As + scarce to be recalled by memory.</span> <span class="i0">But truly + noble, wise is <i>he</i>,</span> <span class="i0">Who bids his + brethren boldly look</span> <span class="i0">Upon our common + misery;</span> <span class="i0">Who frankly tells the naked truth,</span> + <span class="i0">Acknowledging our frail and wretched state,</span> + <span class="i0">And all the ills decreed to us by Fate;</span> + <span class="i0">Who shows himself in suffering brave and strong,</span> + <span class="i0">Nor adds unto his miseries</span> <span class="i0">Fraternal + jealousies and strifes,</span> <span class="i0">The hardest things + to bear of all,</span> <span class="i0">Reproaching man with his + own grief,</span> <span class="i0">But the true culprit</span> + <span class="i0">Who, in our birth, a mother is,</span> <span class="i0">A fierce step-mother in her will.</span> <span class="i0"><i>Her</i> + he proclaims the enemy,</span> <span class="i0">And thinking all + the human race</span> <span class="i0">Against her armed, as is the + case,</span> <span class="i0">E’en from the first, united and + arrayed,</span> <span class="i0">All men esteems confederates,</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page158" id="page158" title="158"></a>And with true love embraces all,</span> <span class="i0">Prompt and efficient aid bestowing, and</span> <span class="i0">Expecting it, in all the pains</span> <span class="i0">And + perils of the common war.</span> <span class="i0">And to resent + with arms all injuries,</span> <span class="i0">Or snares and + pit-falls for a neighbor lay,</span> <span class="i0">Absurd he + deems, as it would be, upon</span> <span class="i0">The field, + surrounded by the enemy,</span> <span class="i0">The foe + forgetting, bitter war</span> <span class="i0">With one’s own + friends to wage,</span> <span class="i0">And in the hottest of the + fight,</span> <span class="i0">With cruel and misguided sword,</span> + <span class="i0">One’s fellow soldiers put to flight.</span> <span class="i0">When truths like these are rendered clear,</span> <span class="i0">As once they were, unto the multitude,</span> <span class="i0">And when that fear, which from the first,</span> <span class="i0">All mortals in a social band</span> <span class="i0">Against + inhuman Nature joined</span> <span class="i0">Anew shall guided be, + in part,</span> <span class="i0">By knowledge true, then social + intercourse,</span> <span class="i0">And faith, and hope, and + charity</span> <span class="i0">Will a far different foundation + have</span> <span class="i0">From that which silly fables give,</span> + <span class="i0">By which supported, public truth and good</span> + <span class="i0">Must still proceed with an unstable foot,</span> + <span class="i0">As all things that in error have their root.</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page159" id="page159" title="159"></a>Oft, on these hills, so desolate,</span> <span class="i0">Which by the hardened flood,</span> <span class="i0">That + seems in waves to rise,</span> <span class="i0">Are clad in + mourning, do I sit at night,</span> <span class="i0">And o’er the + dreary plain behold</span> <span class="i0">The stars above in + purest azure shine,</span> <span class="i0">And in the ocean + mirrored from afar,</span> <span class="i0">And all the world in + brilliant sparks arrayed,</span> <span class="i0">Revolving through + the vault serene.</span> <span class="i0">And when my eyes I fasten + on those lights,</span> <span class="i0">Which seem to them a + point,</span> <span class="i0">And yet are so immense,</span> + <span class="i0">That earth and sea, with them compared,</span> + <span class="i0">Are but a point indeed;</span> <span class="i0">To + whom, not only man,</span> <span class="i0">But this our globe, + where man is nothing, is</span> <span class="i0">Unknown; and when + I farther gaze upon</span> <span class="i0">Those clustered stars, + at distance infinite,</span> <span class="i0">That seem to us like + mist, to whom</span> <span class="i0">Not only man and earth, but + all our stars</span> <span class="i0">At once, so vast in numbers + and in bulk,</span> <span class="i0">The golden sun himself + included, are</span> <span class="i0">Unknown, or else appear, as + they to earth,</span> <span class="i0">A point of nebulous light, + what, then,</span> <span class="i0">Dost <i>thou</i> unto my + thought appear,</span> <span class="i0">O race of men?</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page160" id="page160" title="160"></a>Remembering thy wretched state below,</span> <span class="i0">Of which the soil I tread, the token bears;</span> <span class="i0">And, on the other hand,</span> <span class="i0">That + thou thyself hast deemed</span> <span class="i0">The Lord and end + of all the Universe;</span> <span class="i0">How oft thou hast been + pleased</span> <span class="i0">The idle tale to tell,</span> + <span class="i0">That to this little grain of sand, obscure,</span> + <span class="i0">The name of earth that bears,</span> <span class="i0">The Authors of that Universe</span> <span class="i0">Have, + at thy call, descended oft,</span> <span class="i0">And pleasant + converse with thy children had;</span> <span class="i0">And how, + these foolish dreams reviving, e’en</span> <span class="i0">This + age its insults heaps upon the wise,</span> <span class="i0">Although + it seems all others to excel</span> <span class="i0">In learning, + and in arts polite;</span> <span class="i0">What can I think of + thee</span> <span class="i0">Thou wretched race of men?</span> + <span class="i0">What thoughts discordant then my heart assail,</span> + <span class="i0">In doubt, if scorn or pity should prevail!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">As a small apple, falling from a tree</span> <span class="i0">In autumn, by the force</span> <span class="i0">Of its + own ripeness, to the ground,</span> <span class="i0">The pleasant + homes of a community</span> <span class="i0">Of ants, in the soft + clod</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page161" id="page161" title="161"></a>With careful labor built,</span> <span class="i0">And all their works, and all the wealth,</span> <span class="i0">Which the industrious citizens</span> <span class="i0">Had + in the summer providently stored,</span> <span class="i0">Lays + waste, destroys, and in an instant hides;</span> <span class="i0">So, + falling from on high,</span> <span class="i0">To heaven + forth-darted from</span> <span class="i0">The mountain’s groaning + womb,</span> <span class="i0">A dark destructive mass</span> + <span class="i0">Of ashes, pumice, and of stones,</span> <span class="i0">With boiling streams of lava mixed,</span> <span class="i0">Or, down the mountain’s side</span> <span class="i0">Descending, + furious, o’er the grass,</span> <span class="i0">A fearful flood</span> + <span class="i0">Of melted metals, mixed with burning sand,</span> + <span class="i0">Laid waste, destroyed, and in short time concealed</span> + <span class="i0">The cities on yon shore, washed by the sea,</span> + <span class="i0">Where now the goats</span> <span class="i0">On + this side browse, and cities new</span> <span class="i0">Upon the + other stand, whose foot-stools are</span> <span class="i0">The + buried ones, whose prostrate walls</span> <span class="i0">The + lofty mountain tramples under foot.</span> <span class="i0">Nature + no more esteems or cares for man,</span> <span class="i0">Than for + the ant; and if the race</span> <span class="i0">Is not so oft + destroyed,</span> <span class="i0">The reason we may plainly see;</span> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page162" id="page162" title="162"></a>Because the ants more fruitful are than we.</span> + <span class="i0">Full eighteen hundred years have passed,</span> + <span class="i0">Since, by the force of fire laid waste,</span> + <span class="i0">These thriving cities disappeared;</span> <span class="i0">And now, the husbandman,</span> <span class="i0">His + vineyards tending, that the arid clod,</span> <span class="i0">With + ashes clogged, with difficulty feeds,</span> <span class="i0">Still + raises a suspicious eye</span> <span class="i0">Unto that fatal + crest,</span> <span class="i0">That, with a fierceness not to be + controlled,</span> <span class="i0">Still stands tremendous, + threatens still</span> <span class="i0">Destruction to himself, his + children, and</span> <span class="i0">Their little property.</span> + <span class="i0">And oft upon the roof</span> <span class="i0">Of + his small cottage, the poor man</span> <span class="i0">All night + lies sleepless, often springing up,</span> <span class="i0">The + course to watch of the dread stream of fire</span> <span class="i0">That + from the inexhausted womb doth pour</span> <span class="i0">Along + the sandy ridge,</span> <span class="i0">Its lurid light reflected + in the bay,</span> <span class="i0">From Mergellina unto Capri’s + shore.</span> <span class="i0">And if he sees it drawing near,</span> + <span class="i0">Or in his well</span> <span class="i0">He hears + the boiling water gurgle, wakes</span> <span class="i0">His sons, + in haste his wife awakes,</span> <span class="i0">And, with such + things as they can snatch,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page163" id="page163" title="163"></a>Escaping, + sees from far</span> <span class="i0">His little nest, and the + small field,</span> <span class="i0">His sole resource against + sharp hunger’s pangs,</span> <span class="i0">A prey unto the + burning flood,</span> <span class="i0">That crackling comes, and + with its hardening crust,</span> <span class="i0">Inexorable, + covers all.</span> <span class="i0">Unto the light of day returns,</span> + <span class="i0">After its long oblivion,</span> <span class="i0">Pompeii, + dead, an unearthed skeleton,</span> <span class="i0">Which avarice + or piety</span> <span class="i0">Hath from its grave unto the air + restored;</span> <span class="i0">And from its forum desolate,</span> + <span class="i0">And through the formal rows</span> <span class="i0">Of + mutilated colonnades,</span> <span class="i0">The stranger looks + upon the distant, severed peaks,</span> <span class="i0">And on the + smoking crest,</span> <span class="i0">That threatens still the + ruins scattered round.</span> <span class="i0">And in the horror of + the secret night,</span> <span class="i0">Along the empty theatres,</span> + <span class="i0">The broken temples, shattered houses, where</span> + <span class="i0">The bat her young conceals,</span> <span class="i0">Like + flitting torch, that smoking sheds</span> <span class="i0">A gloom + through the deserted halls</span> <span class="i0">Of palaces, the + baleful lava glides,</span> <span class="i0">That through the + shadows, distant, glares,</span> <span class="i0">And tinges every + object round.</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page164" id="page164" title="164"></a>Thus, paying unto man no + heed,</span> <span class="i0">Or to the ages that he calls antique,</span> + <span class="i0">Or to the generations as they pass,</span> <span class="i0">Nature forever young remains,</span> <span class="i0">Or + at a pace so slow proceeds,</span> <span class="i0">She stationary + seems.</span> <span class="i0">Empires, meanwhile, decline and + fall,</span> <span class="i0">And nations pass away, and languages:</span> + <span class="i0">She sees it not, or <i>will</i> not see;</span> + <span class="i0">And yet man boasts of immortality!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And thou, submissive flower,</span> <span class="i0">That with thy fragrant foliage dost adorn</span> <span class="i0">These desolated plains,</span> <span class="i0">Thou, + too, must fall before the cruel power</span> <span class="i0">Of + subterranean fire,</span> <span class="i0">Which, to its well-known + haunts returning, will</span> <span class="i0">Its fatal border + spread</span> <span class="i0">O’er thy soft leaves and branches + fine.</span> <span class="i0">And thou wilt bow thy gentle head,</span> + <span class="i0">Without a struggle, yielding to thy fate:</span> + <span class="i0">But not with vain and abject cowardice,</span> + <span class="i0">Wilt thy destroyer supplicate;</span> <span class="i0">Nor wilt, erect with senseless haughtiness,</span> <span class="i0">Look up unto the stars,</span> <span class="i0">Or o’er + the wilderness,</span> <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page165" id="page165" title="165"></a>Where, not from choice, but + Fortune’s will,</span> <span class="i0">Thy birthplace thou, and + home didst find;</span> <span class="i0">But wiser, far, than man,</span> + <span class="i0">And far less weak;</span> <span class="i0">For + thou didst ne’er, from Fate, or power of thine,</span> <span class="i0">Immortal life for thy frail children seek.</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + IMITATION. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">Wandering from the parent bough,</span> <span class="i0">Little, trembling leaf,</span> <span class="i0">Whither + goest thou?</span> <span class="i0">“From the beech, where I + was born,</span> <span class="i0">By the north wind was I torn.</span> + <span class="i0">Him I follow in his flight,</span> <span class="i0">Over + mountain, over vale,</span> <span class="i0">From the forest to the + plain,</span> <span class="i0">Up the hill, and down again.</span> + <span class="i0">With him ever on the way:</span> <span class="i0">More + than that, I cannot say.</span> <span class="i0">Where I go, must + all things go,</span> <span class="i0">Gentle, simple, high and + low:</span> <span class="i0">Leaves of laurel, leaves of rose;</span> + <span class="i0">Whither, heaven only knows!”</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page166" id="page166" title="166"></a>SCHERZO. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="i0">When, as a boy, I went</span> <span class="i0">To + study in the Muses’ school,</span> <span class="i0">One of them + came to me, and took</span> <span class="i0">Me by the hand, and + all that day,</span> <span class="i0">She through the work-shop led + me graciously,</span> <span class="i0">The mysteries of the craft + to see.</span> <span class="i0">She guided me</span> <span class="i0">Through every part,</span> <span class="i0">And showed + me all</span> <span class="i0">The instruments of art,</span> + <span class="i0">And did their uses all rehearse,</span> <span class="i0">In works alike of prose and verse.</span> <span class="i0">I looked, and paused awhile,</span> <span class="i0">Then + asked: “O Muse, where is the file?”</span> <span class="i0">“The file is out of order, friend, and we</span> + <span class="i0">Now do without it,” answered she.</span> + <span class="i0">“But, to repair it, then, have you no care?”</span> + <span class="i0">“We <i>should</i>, indeed, but have no time to + spare.”</span> + </p> + <div class='chapter'></div> +<h2> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page167" id="page167" title="167"></a>FRAGMENTS. + </h2> + <h3> + I. + </h3> + <p> + <span class="i0">I round the threshold wandering here,</span> <span class="i0">Vainly the tempest and the rain invoke,</span> <span class="i0">That they may keep my lady prisoner.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And yet the wind was howling in the woods,</span> + <span class="i0">The roving thunder bellowing in the clouds,</span> + <span class="i0">Before the dawn had risen in the sky.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">O ye dear clouds! O heaven! O earth! O trees!</span> + <span class="i0">My lady goes! Have mercy, if on earth</span> <span class="i0">Unhappy lovers ever mercy find!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Awake, ye whirlwinds! storm-charged clouds, awake,</span> + <span class="i0">O’erwhelm me with your floods, until the sun</span> + <span class="i0">To other lands brings back the light of day!</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Heaven opens; the wind falls; the grass, the leaves</span> + <span class="i0">Are motionless, around; the dazzling sun</span> + <span class="i0">In my tear-laden eyes remorseless shines.</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a class="pagebreak" name="page168" id="page168" title="168"></a>II. + </h3> + <p> + <span class="i0">The light of day was fading in the west,</span> + <span class="i0">The smoke no more from village chimneys curled,</span> + <span class="i0">Nor voice of man, nor bark of dog was heard;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">When she, obedient to Love’s rendezvous,</span> + <span class="i0">Had reached the middle of a plain, than which</span> + <span class="i0">No other more bewitching could be found.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The moon on every side her lustre shed,</span> + <span class="i0">And all in robes of silver light arrayed</span> + <span class="i0">The trees with which the place was garlanded.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The rustling boughs were murmuring to the wind,</span> + <span class="i0">And, blending with the plaintive nightingale,</span> + <span class="i0">A rivulet poured forth its sweet lament.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The sea shone in the distance, and the fields</span> + <span class="i0">And groves; and slowly rising, one by one,</span> + <span class="i0">The summits of the mountains were revealed.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">In quiet shade the sombre valley lay,</span> <span class="i0">While all the little hills around were clothed</span> + <span class="i0">With the soft lustre of the dewy moon.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page169" id="page169" title="169"></a>The maiden kept the silent, lonely path,</span> + <span class="i0">And gently passing o’er her face, she felt</span> + <span class="i0">The motion of the perfume-laden breeze.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">If she were happy, it were vain to ask;</span> + <span class="i0">The scene delighted her, and the delight</span> + <span class="i0">Her heart was promising, was greater still.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">How swift your flight, O lovely hours serene!</span> + <span class="i0">No other pleasure here below endures,</span> <span class="i0">Or lingers with us long, save hope alone.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The night began to change, and dark became</span> + <span class="i0">The face of heaven, that was so beautiful,</span> + <span class="i0">And all her pleasure now was turned to fear.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">An angry cloud, precursor of the storm,</span> + <span class="i0">Behind the mountains rose, and still increased,</span> + <span class="i0">Till moon or star no longer could be seen.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">She saw it spreading upon every side,</span> <span class="i0">And by degrees ascending through the air,</span> <span class="i0">And now with its black mantle covering all.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The scanty light more faint and faint became;</span> + <span class="i0">The wind, meanwhile, was rising in the grove,</span> + <span class="i0">That on the farther side the spot enclosed;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page170" id="page170" title="170"></a>And, every moment, was more boisterous;</span> + <span class="i0">Till every bird, awaking in its fright,</span> + <span class="i0">Amidst the trembling leaves was fluttering.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The cloud, increasing still, unto the coast</span> + <span class="i0">Descended, so that one extremity</span> <span class="i0">The mountains touched, the other touched the sea.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And now from out its black and hollow womb,</span> + <span class="i0">The pattering rain-drops, falling fast, were heard,</span> + <span class="i0">The sound increasing as the cloud drew near.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And round her now the glancing lightning flashed</span> + <span class="i0">In fearful mood, and made her shut her eyes;</span> + <span class="i0">The ground was black, the air a mass of flame.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Her trembling knees could scarce her weight sustain;</span> + <span class="i0">The thunder roared with a continuous sound,</span> + <span class="i0">Like torrent, plunging headlong from the cliff.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">At times she paused, the dismal scene to view,</span> + <span class="i0">In blank dismay; then on she ran again,</span> + <span class="i0">Her hair and clothes all streaming in the wind.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">The cruel wind beat hard against her breast,</span> + <span class="i0">And rushing fiercely, with its angry breath,</span> + <span class="i0">The cold drops dashed, remorseless, in her face.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0"><a class="pagebreak" name="page171" id="page171" title="171"></a>The thunder, like a beast, assaulted her,</span> + <span class="i0">With terrible, unintermitting roar;</span> <span class="i0">And more and more the rain and tempest raged.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And from all sides in wild confusion flew</span> + <span class="i0">The dust and leaves, the branches and the stones,</span> + <span class="i0">With hideous tumult, inconceivable.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">Her weary, blinded eyes now covering,</span> <span class="i0">And folding close her clothes against her breast,</span> + <span class="i0">She through the storm her fearful path pursued.</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">But now the lightning glared so in her face,</span> + <span class="i0">That, overcome by fright at last, she went</span> + <span class="i0">No farther, and her heart within her sank;</span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="i0">And back she turned. And, even as she turned,</span> + <span class="i0">The lightning ceased to flash, the air was dark,</span> + <span class="i0">The thunder’s voice was hushed, the wind stood still,</span> + <span class="i0">And all was silent round, and she,—at rest!</span> + </p> + </div> + <p class="central break"> + <big>THE END.</big> + </p> + + + + +<div style='display:block;margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POEMS OF GIACOMO LEOPARDI ***</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 19315-h.htm or 19315-h.zip</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/3/1/19315/</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law 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. 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