The Complete Poems of EdgarAllan Poe

EDGARALLANPOE

William Ralph Press

Omaha

www.williamralphpress.com No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by anyelectronic or mechanical means, including information storage andretrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher,except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review. Anyother request to reprint, copy or quote should be submitted in writing toWilliam Ralph Press.

ISBN: 978-1-932023-50-3

A Reader’s Library Edition: Volume 8.

First published in the year 2015.

The Complete Poems of Edgar Allan Poe © William Ralph PressAllRights Reserved, except where otherwise noted

Contents

Introduction

Poetry

Oh,Tempora!Oh,Mores!

ToMargaret

ToOctavia

Tamerlane

Song(ISawTheeonThyBridalDay...)

Dreams

SpiritsoftheDead

EveningStar

Imitation

Stanzas(InYouthIHaveKnownOne...)

ADream

"TheHappiestDay—TheHappiestHour"

TheLake:To———

To———(IHeedNotThatMyEarthlyLot...)

HymntoAristogeitonandHarmodius

Sonnet:ToScience

AlAaraaf

Romance

To———(ShouldMyEarlyLifeSeem...)

To———(TheBowersWhereat,inDreams,ISee...)

TotheRiver———

FairyLand

Alone

ToIsaacLea

Elizabeth

Acrostic

LinesonJoeLocke

Introduction

FairyLandII

ToHelen(Helen,ThyBeautyIstoMe...)

Israfel

TheSleeper

TheValleyofUnrest

TheCityintheSea

APæn

ToOneinParadise

Hymn

AnEnigma

Serenade

To———(SleepOn,SleepOn,AnotherHour...)

TheColiseum

Fanny

ToFrancesS.Osgood

ToF———

ToMary

MayQueenOde

BridalBallad

Sonnet:ToZante

TheHauntedPalace

Sonnet:Silence

TheConquerorWorm

Lenore

Dream-Land

Impromptu:ToKateCarol

Eulalie

EpigramforWallStreet

TheRaven

To———(IWouldNotLordItO’erThyHeart...)

TheDivineRightofKings

Stanzas(ToFrancesS.Osgood)

AValentine

DeepinEarth

ToMissLouiseOliviaHunter

To(M)arie(L)ouise(S)hew(OfAllWhoHailThyPresence...)

To(M)arie(L)ouise(S)hew(NotLongAgo...)

Ulalume

ToHelen(ISawTheeOnce...)

LinesonAle

TheBells

ADreamwithinaDream

ForAnnie

Eldorado

Sonnet:ToMyMother

AnnabelLeeAbouttheEditor

AlsofromWilliamRalphPress

Introduction

EdgarAllanPoewasbornon January 19th inBoston,Massachusetts in1809,anddied inhisadoptedhomeof Baltimore,MarylandonOctober7th,1849,makinghimthefirstAmericanwriterinthisseries.

Thecriticalestimationof Poe’sworkhas increaseddramaticallyover thecourseof mylifetime,whichhasbeensatisfyingtoobserve,ashewasforme—as I believe for so many lovers of literature—an early favorite,particularly because of his verse, which is rich with sonic texture andgothicsubjectmatter:insanity,darkness,ghosts,death,etc.Itisalsoquitemanageabletoreadinitsentiretyataround75poemsdependingonhowmany of those of questionable authorship or in various stages ofcompletionone iswilling to include in theofficialoeuvre. (In fact, ithasbeensometimesinceI’veheardtheoldfamiliarslightthathispopularityinFranceduringthe19thcenturywasperhapsduetohiswritinggainingsomething of substance from Charles Baudelaire’s translations.) Whileperhaps not quite as dramatically prescient in new utterance, form orphilosophical depth asWaltWhitman or Emily Dickinson, he certainlywasaswiseanobserverof humannature,andequallybrilliantatcapturingthepsychologicalnuancesof passionatefeelingandthefrustratingprocessof understanding human experience. He also had an exquisite ear forlanguage which has made his poems some of the most enjoyable tomemorizeandreciteof allthoseinEnglish-languageverse:“TheRaven”and “Annabelle Lee” immediately spring tomind, as does “The Bells,”

oncebeautifullyput tomusicby theAmerican folk singer,PhilOchs, toofferanexampleof thebreadthof Poe’sinfluenceandthejoywithwhichgenerations of readers embrace his poems. And to be sure, beyond thevarying critical estimation of his output, there is no questioning hispopularity.Howmany19thcenturywritersget suchuniqueaccoladesasthe naming of a professional sport franchise’smascot, or their very ownbobblehead,afterall?And in that spirit Iamdelighted tooffer these75selectionsasanofficialofferingof his fullpoeticoutput foryourpersonalassessmentand,Iamconfidant,enjoyment.

I would like to thank the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore formeticulouslycollectingsuchacriticallysoundandexhaustiverecordof alltheversionsof Poe’spoems,andformakingthemavailableforinexpensivestudy. And thank you for purchasing this volume and supporting theReader’sLibrary.

—NeilAzevedo(1/1/2015)

Poetry

Lastnight,withmanycaresandtoilsoppress’dWeary,Ilaidmeonacouchtorest—

Oh, Tempora! Oh, Mores!

OhTimes!OhManners!ItismyopinionThatyouarechangingsadlyyourdominion—Imeanthereignofmannershathlongceased,Formenhavenoneatall,orbadatleast;Andasfortimes,although‘tissaidbymanyThe“goodoldtimes”werefartheworstofany,OfwhichsounddoctrineIbelieveeachtittle,YetstillIthinktheseworsethanthemalittle.I’vebeenathinking,isn’tthatthephrase?—IlikeyourYankeewordsandYankeeways—

I’vebeenathinkingwhetheritwerebestTotakethingsseriouslyorallinjest;WhetherwithHeraclitusofyoreToweep,ashedid,tillhiseyesweresore,Orratherlaughwithhim,thatqueerphilosopher,DemocritusofThrace,whousedtotossoverThepageoflifeandgrinatthedog-ears,Asthoughhe’dsay,“Whywhothedevilcares?”

Thisisaquestionwhich,ohheaven,withdrawThelucklessqueryfromamember’sclaw!Insteadoftwosides,Jobhasnearlyeight,Eachfittofurnishforthfourhoursdebate.

Whatshallbedone?I’lllayitonthetable,AndtakethematterupwhenI’mmoreable,Andinthemeantime,topreventallbother,I’llneitherlaughwithoneorcrywitht’other,Nordealinflatteryoraspersionsfoul,But,takingonebyeachhand,merelygrowl.

Ahgrowl,sayyou,myfriend,andprayatwhat?Whyreally,sir,Ialmosthadforgot—Butdamnit,sir,IdeemitadisgraceThatthingsshouldstareusboldlyintheface,Anddailystrutthestreetwithbowsandscrapes,Whowouldbemenbyimitatingapes.Ibegyourpardon,reader,fortheoath,Themonkeymademeswear,thoughsomethingloath;I’mapttobediscursiveinmystyle,Butpraybepatient:yetalittlewhileWillchangeme,andaspoliticiansdoI’llmendmymannersandmymeasurestoo.

Ofallthecities,andI’veseennofew,—ForIhavetravelled,friend,aswellasyou,—Idon’trememberone,uponmysoul,Buttakeitgenerallyuponthewhole,(AsmemberssaytheyliketheirlogictakenBecausedivideditmaychancebeshaken)Sopat,agreeable,andvastlyproperAsthisforaneat,friskycounter-hopper;

Herehemayreveltohisheart’scontent,Flouncelikeafishinhisownelement,TossbackhisfinecurlsfromtheirforeheadfairAndhopo’ercounterswithaVestrisair,CompleteatnightwhathebeganA.M.,Andhavingcheatedladies,dancewiththem;ForataballwhatfaironecanescapeTheprettylittlehandthatsoldhertape,Orwhosocold,socalloustorefuseTheyouthwhocuttheribbonforhershoes!

Oneofthesefish,parexcellencethebeau,Godhelpme,ithasbeenmylottoknow,Atleastbysight,forI’matimidmanAndalwayskeepfromlaughingwhenIcan;Butspeaktohim,he’llmakeyousuchgrimace.Lord!tobegraveexceedsthepowerofface.Theheartsofalltheladiesarewithhim,TheirbrighteyesonhisTomandJerrybrimAnddove-tailedcoat,obtainedatcost;whilethenThosewon’tturnonanythinglikemen.

Hisveryvoiceismusicaldelight,Hisformonceseenbecomesapartofsight,Inshorthisshirt-collar,hislook,histoneisThe“beauideal”fanciedforAdonis.PhilosophershaveoftenhelddisputeAstotheseatofthoughtinmanandbrute,

ForthatthepowerofthoughtattendthelatterMyfriend,thebeau,hathmadeasettledmatter,Andspitealldogmascurrentinallages,Onesettledfactisbetterthantensages.

Forhedoesthink,althoughI’moftindoubtIfIcantellexactlywhatabout.Ahyes!hislittlefootandankletrim,‘Tistheretheseatofreasonliesinhim;Awisephilosopherwouldshakehishead,Hethen,ofcourse,mustshakehisfootinstead.Atmeinvengeanceshallthatfootbeshaken—Anotherproofofthought,I’mnotmistaken—Becausetohiscat’seyesIholdaglassAndlethimseehimselfaproperass?Ithinkhe’lltakethislikenesstohimself,Butifhewon’theshall,thestupidelf,And,lesttheguessingthrowthefoolinfits,IclosetheportraitwiththenameofPitts.

To Margaret

WhohathseducedtheetothisfoulrevoltFromthepurewellofbeautyundefiled?SobanishfromtruewisdomtopreferSuchsqualidwittohonourablerhyme?Towrite?Toscribble?Nonsenseandnomore?IwillnotwriteuponthisargumentTowriteishuman—nottowritedivine.

Line1:MiltonPar.LostBk.ILine2:SomebodyLines3and4:Cowper’sTask,BookILine5:ShakespeareLine6:do.Trolius&CressidaLine7:PopeEssayonMan

To Octavia

Whenwit,andwine,andfriendshavemetAndlaughtercrownsthefestivehourInvainIstruggletoforgetStilldoesmyheartconfessthypowerAndfondlyturntothee!

ButOctavia,donotstrivetorobMyheartofallthatsoothesitspain,ThemournfulhopethateverythrobWillmakeitbreakforthee!

Tamerlane

Kindsolaceinadyinghour!Such,father,isnot(now)mytheme—IwillnotmadlydeemthatpowerOfEarthmayshrivemeofthesinUnearthlypridehathrevelledin—Ihavenotimetodoteordream:Youcallithope—thatfireoffire!Itisbutagonyofdesire:IfIcanhope—OGod!Ican—Itsfountisholier—moredivine—Iwouldnotcalltheefool,oldman,Butsuchisnotagiftofthine.KnowthouthesecretofaspiritBowedfromitswildprideintoshameOyearningheart!IdidinheritThywitheringportionwiththefame,ThesearingglorywhichhathshoneAmidtheJewelsofmythrone,HaloofHell!andwithapainNotHellshallmakemefearagain—Ocravingheart,forthelostflowersAndsunshineofmysummerhours!Theundyingvoiceofthatdeadtime,

Withitsinterminablechime,Rings,inthespiritofaspell,Uponthyemptiness—aknell.

Ihavenotalwaysbeenasnow:ThefevereddiademonmybrowIclaimedandwonusurpingly—HathnotthesamefierceheirdomgivenRometotheCæsar—thistome?Theheritageofakinglymind,AndaproudspiritwhichhathstrivenTriumphantlywithhumankind.

OnmountainsoilIfirstdrewlife:ThemistsoftheTaglayhaveshedNightlytheirdewsuponmyhead,And,Ibelieve,thewingedstrifeAndtumultoftheheadlongairHavenestledinmyveryhair.

SolatefromHeaven—thatdew—itfell(‘Middreamsofanunholynight)UponmewiththetouchofHell,WhiletheredflashingofthelightFromcloudsthathung,likebanners,o’er,Appearedtomyhalf-closingeyeThepageantryofmonarchy;Andthedeeptrumpet-thunder’sroar

Camehurriedlyuponme,tellingOfhumanbattle,wheremyvoice,Myownvoice,sillychild!—wasswelling(O!howmyspiritwouldrejoice,Andleapwithinmeatthecry)Thebattle-cryofVictory!

TheraincamedownuponmyheadUnsheltered—andtheheavywindRenderedmemadanddeafandblind.Itwasbutman,Ithought,whoshedLaurelsuponme:andtherush—ThetorrentofthechillyairGurgledwithinmyearthecrushOfempires—withthecaptive’sprayer—Thehumofsuitors—andthetoneOfflattery’roundasovereign’sthrone.

Mypassions,fromthathaplesshour,UsurpedatyrannywhichmenHavedeemedsinceIhavereachedtopower,Myinnatenature—beitso:But,father,therelivedonewho,then,Then—inmyboyhood—whentheirfireBurnedwithastillintenserglow(Forpassionmust,withyouth,expire)E’enthenwhoknewthisironheartInwoman’sweaknesshadapart.

Ihavenowords—alas!—totellThelovelinessoflovingwell!NorwouldInowattempttotraceThemorethanbeautyofafaceWhoselineaments,uponmymind,Are—shadowsonth’unstablewind:ThusIrememberhavingdweltSomepageofearlyloreupon,Withloiteringeye,tillIhavefeltTheletters—withtheirmeaning—meltTofantasies—withnone.

O,shewasworthyofalllove!Love—asininfancywasmine—‘TwassuchasangelmindsaboveMightenvy;heryounghearttheshrineOnwhichmyeveryhopeandthoughtWereincense—thenagoodlygift,Fortheywerechildishandupright—Pure—asheryoungexampletaught:WhydidIleaveit,and,adrift,Trusttothefirewithin,forlight?

Wegrewinage—andlove—together—Roamingtheforest,andthewild;Mybreasthershieldinwintryweather—And,whenthefriendlysunshinesmiled.Andshewouldmarktheopeningskies,

IsawnoHeaven—butinhereyes.

YoungLove’sfirstlessonis——theheart:For‘midthatsunshine,andthosesmiles,When,fromourlittlecaresapart,Andlaughingathergirlishwiles,I’dthrowmeonherthrobbingbreast,Andpourmyspiritoutintears—Therewasnoneedtospeaktherest—NoneedtoquietanyfearsOfher—whoaskednoreasonwhy,Butturnedonmeherquieteye!

YetmorethanworthyoftheloveMyspiritstruggledwith,andstroveWhen,onthemountainpeak,alone,Ambitionlentitanewtone—Ihadnobeing—butinthee:Theworld,andallitdidcontainIntheearth—theair—thesea—Itsjoy—itslittlelotofpainThatwasnewpleasure—theideal,Dim,vanitiesofdreamsbynight—Anddimmernothingswhichwerereal—(Shadows—andamoreshadowylight!)Partedupontheirmistywings,And,so,confusedly,becameThineimageand—aname—aname!

Twoseparate—yetmostintimatethings.

Iwasambitious—haveyouknownThepassion,father?Youhavenot:Acottager,ImarkedathroneOfhalftheworldasallmyown,Andmurmuredatsuchlowlylot—But,justlikeanyotherdream,UponthevaporofthedewMyownhadpast,didnotthebeamOfbeautywhichdidwhileitthro’Theminute—thehour—theday—oppressMymindwithdoubleloveliness.WewalkedtogetheronthecrownOfahighmountainwhichlookeddownAfarfromitsproudnaturaltowersOfrockandforest,onthehills—Thedwindledhills!begirtwithbowersAndshoutingwithathousandrills.

Ispoketoherofpowerandpride,Butmystically—insuchguiseThatshemightdeemitnoughtbesideThemoment’sconverse;inhereyesIread,perhapstoocarelessly—Amingledfeelingwithmyown—Theflushonherbrightcheek,tomeSeemedtobecomeaqueenlythrone

ToowellthatIshouldletitbeLightinthewildernessalone.

Iwrappedmyselfingrandeurthen,Anddonnedavisionarycrown—YetitwasnotthatFantasyHadthrownhermantleoverme—Butthat,amongtherabble—men,Lionambitionischaineddown—Andcrouchestoakeeper’shand—Notsoindesertswherethegrand—Thewild—theterribleconspireWiththeirownbreathtofanhisfire.

Look’roundtheenowonSamarcand!—IsshenotqueenofEarth?herprideAboveallcities?inherhandTheirdestinies?inallbesideOfglorywhichtheworldhathknownStandsshenotnoblyandalone?Falling—herverieststepping-stoneShallformthepedestalofathrone—Andwhohersovereign?Timour—heWhomtheastonishedpeoplesawStridingo’erempireshaughtilyAdiademedoutlaw!

O,humanlove!thouspiritgiven,

OnEarth,ofallwehopeinHeaven!Whichfall’stintothesoullikerainUpontheSiroc-witheredplain,And,failinginthypowertobless,Butleav’sttheheartawilderness!Idea!whichbindestlifearoundWithmusicofsostrangeasoundAndbeautyofsowildabirth—Farewell!forIhavewontheEarth.

WhenHope,theeaglethattowered,couldseeNocliffbeyondhiminthesky,Hispinionswerebentdroopingly—Andhomewardturnedhissoftenedeye.‘Twassunset:WhenthesunwillpartTherecomesasullennessofheartTohimwhostillwouldlookuponThegloryofthesummersun.Thatsoulwillhatetheev’ningmistSooftenlovely,andwilllistTothesoundofthecomingdarkness(knownTothosewhosespiritshearken)asoneWho,inadreamofnight,wouldfly,Butcannot,fromadangernigh.

Whattho’themoon—tho’thewhitemoonShedallthesplendorofhernoon,Hersmileischilly—andherbeam,

Inthattimeofdreariness,willseem(Solikeyougatherinyourbreath)Aportraittakenafterdeath.AndboyhoodisasummersunWhosewaningisthedreariestone—Forallwelivetoknowisknown,Andallweseektokeephathflown—Letlife,then,astheday-flower,fallWiththenoon-daybeauty—whichisall.

Ireachedmyhome—myhomenomore—Forallhadflownwhomadeitso.Ipassedfromoutitsmossydoor,And,tho’mytreadwassoftandlow,AvoicecamefromthethresholdstoneOfonewhomIhadearlierknown—O,Idefythee,Hell,toshowOnbedsoffirethatburnbelow,Anhumblerheart—adeeperwoe.

Father,Ifirmlydobelieve—Iknow—forDeathwhocomesformeFromregionsoftheblestafar,Wherethereisnothingtodeceive,Hathlefthisirongateajar.AndraysoftruthyoucannotseeAreflashingthro’Eternity——IdobelievethatEblishath

Asnareineveryhumanpath—Elsehow,whenintheholygroveIwanderedoftheidol,Love,—WhodailyscentshissnowywingsWithincenseofburnt-offerings

Fromthemostunpollutedthings,WhosepleasantbowersareyetsorivenAbovewithtrellisedraysfromHeavenNomotemayshun—notiniestfly—Thelight’ningofhiseagleeye—HowwasitthatAmbitioncrept,Unseen,amidtherevelsthere,Tillgrowingbold,helaughedandleaptInthetanglesofLove’sveryhair!

Song (I Saw Thee on Thy Bridal Day...)

Isawtheeonthybridalday—Whenaburningblushcameo’erthee,Thoughhappinessaroundtheelay,Theworldalllovebeforethee:

Andinthineeyeakindlinglight(Whateveritmightbe)WasallonEarthmyachingsightOfLovelinesscouldsee.

Thatblush,perhaps,wasmaidenshame—Assuchitwellmaypass—ThoughitsglowhathraisedafiercerflameInthebreastofhim,alas!

Whosawtheeonthatbridalday,Whenthatdeepblushwouldcomeo’erthee,Thoughhappinessaroundtheelay,Theworldalllovebeforethee.

Dreams

Oh!thatmyyounglifewerealastingdream!Myspiritnotawakening,tillthebeamOfanEternityshouldbringthemorrow.Yes!thoughthatlongdreamwereofhopelesssorrow,‘TwerebetterthanthecoldrealityOfwakinglife,tohimwhoseheartmustbe,Andhathbeenstill,uponthelovelyearth,Achaosofdeeppassion,fromhisbirth.Butshoulditbe—thatdreameternallyContinuing—asdreamshavebeentomeInmyyoungboyhood—shoulditthusbegiven,‘TwerefollystilltohopeforhigherHeaven.ForIhavereveledwhenthesunwasbrightI’thesummersky,indreamsoflivinglightAndloveliness,—haveleftmyveryheartInclimesofmyimagining,apartFrommineownhome,withbeingsthathavebeenOfmineownthought—whatmorecouldIhaveseen?‘Twasonce—andonlyonce—andthewildhourFrommyremembranceshallnotpass—somepowerOrspellhadboundme—’twasthechillywindCameo’ermeinthenight,andleftbehindItsimageonmyspirit—orthemoon

ShoneonmyslumbersinherloftynoonToocoldly—orthestars—howe’eritwasThatdreamwasthatthatnight-wind—letitpass.

Ihavebeenhappy,thoughinadream.Ihavebeenhappy—andIlovethetheme:Dreams!intheirvividcoloringoflifeAsinthatfleeting,shadowy,mistystrifeOfsemblancewithrealitywhichbringsTothedeliriouseye,morelovelythingsOfParadiseandLove—andallmyown!—ThanyoungHopeinhissunniesthourhathknown.

Spirits of the Dead

I

Thysoulshallfinditselfalone‘MiddarkthoughtsofthegreytombstoneNotone,ofallthecrowd,topryIntothinehourofsecrecy.

II

BesilentinthatsolitudeWhichisnotloneliness—forthenThespiritsofthedeadwhostoodInlifebeforetheeareagainIndeatharoundthee—andtheirwillShallovershadowthee:bestill.

III

Thenight—tho’clear—shallfrown—AndthestarsshallnotlookdownFromtheirhighthronesintheHeaven,WithlightlikeHopetomortalsgiven—Buttheirredorbs,withoutbeam,Tothywearinessshallseem

AsaburningandafeverWhichwouldclingtotheeforever.

IV

Nowarethoughtsthoushaltnotbanish—Nowarevisionsne’ertovanish—FromthyspiritshalltheypassNomore—likedew-dropsfromthegrass.

V

Thebreeze—thebreathofGod—isstill—AndthemistuponthehillShadowy—shadowy—yetunbroken,Isasymbolandatoken—Howithangsuponthetrees,Amysteryofmysteries!

Evening Star

‘Twasnoontideofsummer,Andmidtimeofnight,Andstars,intheirorbits,Shonepale,throughthelightOfthebrighter,coldmoon.‘Midplanetsherslaves,HerselfintheHeavens,Herbeamonthewaves.IgazedawhileOnhercoldsmile;Toocold—toocoldforme—Therepassed,asashroud,Afleecycloud,AndIturnedawaytothee,ProudEveningStar,InthygloryafarAnddearerthybeamshallbe;ForjoytomyheartIstheproudpartThoubearestinHeavenatnight,AndmoreIadmireThydistantfire,Thanthatcolder,lowlylight.

Imitation

AdarkunfathomedtideOfinterminablepride—Amystery,andadream,Shouldmyearlylifeseem;IsaythatdreamwasfraughtWithawildandwakingthoughtOfbeingsthathavebeen,Whichmyspirithathnotseen,HadIletthempassmeby,Withadreamingeye!LetnoneofearthinheritThatvisiononmyspirit;ThosethoughtsIwouldcontrol,Asaspelluponhissoul:ForthatbrighthopeatlastAndthatlighttimehavepast,AndmyworldlyresthathgoneWithasighasitpassedon:IcarenotthoughitperishWithathoughtIthendidcherish.

Stanzas (In Youth I Have Known One...)

Howoftenweforgetalltime,whenloneAdmiringNature’suniversalthrone;Herwoods—herwilds—hermountains—theintenseReplyofHerstoOurintelligence!

I

InyouthIhaveknownonewithwhomtheEarthInsecretcommuningheld—ashewithit,Indaylight,andinbeauty,fromhisbirth:Whosefervid,flickeringtorchoflifewaslitFromthesunandstars,whencehehaddrawnforthApassionatelightsuchforhisspiritwasfit—Andyetthatspiritknew—notinthehourOfitsownfervor—whathado’eritpower.

II

PerhapsitmaybethatmymindiswroughtToafervorbythemoonbeamthathangso’er,ButIwillhalfbelievethatwildlightfraughtWithmoreofsovereigntythanancientloreHathevertold—orisitofathought

Theunembodiedessence,andnomoreThatwithaquickeningspelldotho’eruspassAsdewofthenight-time,o’erthesummergrass?

III

Dotho’eruspass,when,asth’expandingeyeTothelovedobject—sotheteartothelidWillstart,whichlatelysleptinapathy?Andyetitneednotbe—(thatobject)hidFromusinlife—butcommon—whichdothlieEachhourbeforeus—butthenonlybidWithastrangesound,asofaharp-stringbrokenT’awakeus—’Tisasymbolandatoken—

IV

Ofwhatinotherworldsshallbe—andgivenInbeautybyourGod,tothosealoneWhootherwisewouldfallfromlifeandHeavenDrawnbytheirheart’spassion,andthattone,ThathightoneofthespiritwhichhathstrivenThoughnotwithFaith—withgodliness—whosethroneWithdesperateenergy‘thathbeatendown;Wearingitsowndeepfeelingasacrown.

A Dream

InvisionsofthedarknightIhavedreamedofjoydeparted—ButawakingdreamoflifeandlightHathleftmebroken-hearted.

Ah!whatisnotadreambydayTohimwhoseeyesarecastOnthingsaroundhimwitharayTurnedbackuponthepast?

Thatholydream—thatholydream,Whilealltheworldwerechiding,Hathcheeredmeasalovelybeam,Alonelyspiritguiding.

Whatthoughthatlight,thro’stormandnight,Sotrembledfromafar—WhatcouldtherebemorepurelybrightInTruth’sdaystar?

"The Happiest Day—The Happiest Hour"

I

Thehappiestday—thehappiesthourMysearedandblightedhearthathknown,Thehighesthopeofprideandpower,Ifeelhathflown.

II

Ofpower!saidI?Yes!suchIweenButtheyhavevanishedlong,alas!Thevisionsofmyyouthhavebeen—Butletthempass.

III

Andpride,whathaveInowwiththee?Anotherbrowmayev’ninheritThevenomthouhastpouredonme—Bestillmyspirit!

IV

Thehappiestday—thehappiesthour

Mineeyesshallsee—haveeverseenThebrightestglanceofprideandpowerIfeelhavebeen:

V

ButwerethathopeofprideandpowerNowofferedwiththepainEv’nthenIfelt—thatbrightesthourIwouldnotliveagain:

VI

ForonitswingwasdarkalloyAndasitfluttered—fellAnessence—powerfultodestroyAsoulthatknewitwell.

The Lake: To———

InspringofyouthitwasmylotTohauntofthewideworldaspotThewhichIcouldnotlovetheless—SolovelywasthelonelinessOfawildlake,withblackrockbound,Andthetallpinesthattoweredaround.

ButwhentheNighthadthrownherpallUponthespot,asuponall,AndthemysticwindwentbyMurmuringinmelody—Then—ah,then,IwouldawakeTotheterrorofthelonelake.

Yetthatterrorwasnotfright,Butatremulousdelight—AfeelingnotthejewelledmineCouldteachorbribemetodefine—NorLove—althoughtheLovewerethine.

Deathwasinthatpoisonouswave,AndinitsgulfafittinggraveForhimwhothencecouldsolacebringTohisloneimagining—

WhosesolitarysoulcouldmakeAnEdenofthatdimlake.

To——— (I Heed Not That My Earthly Lot...)

IheednotthatmyearthlylotHath—littleofEarthinit—ThatyearsoflovehavebeenforgotInthehatredofaminute:—ImournnotthatthedesolateArehappier,sweet,thanI,ButthatyousorrowformyfateWhoamapasser-by.

Hymn to Aristogeiton and Harmodius

TranslationfromtheGreek

I

Wreathedinmyrtle,myswordI’llconceal,Likethosechampionsdevotedandbrave,Whentheyplungedinthetyranttheirsteel,AndtoAthensdeliverancegave.

II

Belovedheroes!yourdeathlesssoulsroamInthejoybreathingislesoftheblest;Wherethemightyofoldhavetheirhome—WhereAchillesandDiomedrest.

III

InfreshmyrtlemybladeI’llentwine,LikeHarmodius,thegallantandgood,WhenhemadeatthetutelarshrineAlibationofTyranny’sblood.

IV

YedeliverersofAthensfromshame!YeavengersofLiberty’swrongs!Endlessagesshallcherishyourfame,Embalmedintheirechoingsongs!

Sonnet: To Science

Science!truedaughterofOldTimethouart!Whoalterestallthingswiththypeeringeyes.Whypreyestthouthusuponthepoet’sheart,Vulture,whosewingsaredullrealitiesHowshouldhelovethee?orhowdeemtheewise,WhowouldstnotleavehiminhiswanderingToseekfortreasureinthejeweledskies,Albeithesoaredwithanundauntedwing!HastthounotdraggedDianafromhercar?AnddriventheHamadryadfromthewoodToseekashelterinsomehappierstar?HastthounottorntheNaiadfromherflood,TheElfinfromthegreengrass,andfrommeThesummerdreambeneaththetamarindtree?

Al Aaraaf

AstarwasdiscoveredbyTychoBrahewhichappearedsuddenlyintheheavens—attained,

inafewdays,abrilliancysurpassingthatof Jupiter—thenassuddenlydisappeared,and

hasneverbeenseensince.

PartI

O!nothingearthlysavetheray(Thrownbackfromflowers)ofBeauty’seye,AsinthosegardenswherethedaySpringsfromthegemsofCircassy—O!nothingearthlysavethethrillOfmelodyinwoodlandrill—Or(musicofthepassion-hearted)Joy’svoicesopeacefullydepartedThatlikethemurmurintheshell,Itsechodwellethandwilldwell—O!nothingofthedrossofours—Yetallthebeauty—alltheflowersThatlistourLove,anddeckourbowers—Adornyonworldafar,afar—

Thewanderingstar.

‘TwasasweettimeforNesace—forthereHerworldlaylollingonthegoldenair,Nearfourbrightsuns—atemporaryrest—Anoasisindesertoftheblest.Awayaway—’midseasofraysthatrollEmpyreansplendoro’erth’unchainedsoul—Thesoulthatscarce(thebillowsaresodense)Canstruggletoitsdestin’deminence—Todistantspheres,fromtimetotime,sherode,Andlatetoours,thefavour’doneofGod—But,now,therulerofananchor’drealm,Shethrowsasidethesceptre—leavesthehelm,And,amidincenseandhighspiritualhymns,Lavesinquadruplelightherangellimbs.

Nowhappiest,loveliestinyonlovelyEarth,Whencesprangthe“IdeaofBeauty”intobirth,(Fallinginwreathsthro’manyastartledstar,Likewoman’shair‘midpearls,until,afar,ItlitonhillsAchaian,andtheredwelt),Shelook’dintoInfinity—andknelt.Richclouds,forcanopies,abouthercurled—Fitemblemsofthemodelofherworld—Seenbutinbeauty—notimpedingsight—Ofotherbeautyglitteringthro’thelight—Awreaththattwinedeachstarryformaround,

Andalltheopal’dairincolorbound.

AllhurriedlyshekneltuponabedOfflowers:ofliliessuchasrear’dtheheadOnthefairCapoDeucato,andsprangSoeagerlyaroundabouttohangUpontheflyingfootstepsof—deeppride—Ofherwholov’damortal—andsodied.TheSephalica,buddingwithyoungbees,Uprear’ditspurplestemaroundherknees:Andgemmyflower,ofTrebizondmisnam’d—Inmateofhigheststars,whereerstitsham’dAllotherloveliness:itshonieddew(Thefablednectarthattheheathenknew)Deliriouslysweet,wasdropp’dfromHeaven,AndfellongardensoftheunforgivenInTrebizond—andonasunnyflowerSolikeitsownabovethat,tothishour,Itstillremaineth,torturingthebeeWithmadness,andunwontedreverie:InHeaven,andallitsenvirons,theleafAndblossomofthefairyplant,ingriefDisconsolatelinger—griefthathangsherhead,Repentingfolliesthatfulllonghavefled,Heavingherwhitebreasttothebalmyair,Likeguiltybeauty,chasten’d,andmorefair:Nyctanthestoo,assacredasthelightShefearstoperfume,perfumingthenight:

AndClytiaponderingbetweenmanyasun,Whilepettishtearsadownherpetalsrun:AndthataspiringflowerthatsprangonEarth—Anddied,erescarceexaltedintobirth,BurstingitsodorousheartinspirittowingItswaytoHeaven,fromgardenofaking:AndValisnerianlotusthitherflownFromstrugglingwiththewatersoftheRhone:Andthymostlovelypurpleperfume,Zante!Isolad’oro!—FiordiLevante!AndtheNelumbobudthatfloatsforeverWithIndianCupiddowntheholyriver—Fairflowers,andfairy!towhosecareisgivenTobeartheGoddess’song,inodors,uptoHeaven:

“Spirit!thatdwellestwhere,Inthedeepsky,Theterribleandfair,Inbeautyvie!Beyondthelineofblue—TheboundaryofthestarWhichturnethattheviewOfthybarrierandthybar—OfthebarrierovergoneBythecometswhowerecastFromtheirpride,andfromtheirthroneTobedrudgestillthelast—Tobecarriersoffire

(Theredfireoftheirheart)WithspeedthatmaynottireAndwithpainthatshallnotpart—Wholivest—thatweknow—InEternity—wefeel—ButtheshadowofwhosebrowWhatspiritshallreveal?Tho’thebeingswhomthyNesace,ThymessengerhathknownHavedream’dforthyInfinityAmodeloftheirown—Thywillisdone,OGod!ThestarhathriddenhighThro’manyatempest,butsherodeBeneaththyburningeye;Andhere,inthought,tothee—InthoughtthatcanaloneAscendthyempireandsobeApartnerofthythrone—BywingedFantasy,Myembassyisgiven,TillsecrecyshallknowledgebeIntheenvironsofHeaven.”

Sheceas’d—andburiedthenherburningcheekAbash’d,amidtheliliesthere,toseekAshelterfromthefervorofHiseye;ForthestarstrembledattheDeity.

Shestirr’dnot—breath’dnot—foravoicewasthereHowsolemnlypervadingthecalmair!AsoundofsilenceonthestartledearWhichdreamypoetsname“themusicofthesphere.”Oursisaworldofwords:Quietwecall“Silence”—whichisthemerestwordofall.AllNaturespeaks,andev’nidealthingsFlapshadowysoundsfromthevisionarywings—Butah!notsowhen,thus,inrealmsonhighTheeternalvoiceofGodispassingby,Andtheredwindsarewitheringinthesky!

“Whattho’inworldswhichsightlesscyclesrun,Link’dtoalittlesystem,andonesun—Whereallmyloveisfolly,andthecrowdStillthinkmyterrorsbutthethundercloud,Thestorm,theearthquake,andtheocean-wrath(Ah!willtheycrossmeinmyangrierpath?)Whattho’inworldswhichownasinglesunThesandsoftimegrowdimmerastheyrun,Yetthineismyresplendency,sogivenTobearmysecretsthro’theupperHeaven.Leavetenantlessthycrystalhome,andfly,Withallthytrain,athwartthemoonysky—Apart—likefire-fliesinSiciliannight,Andwingtootherworldsanotherlight!DivulgethesecretsofthyembassyTotheproudorbsthattwinkle—andsobe

Toev’ryheartabarrierandabanLestthestarstotterintheguiltofman!”

Uprosethemaidenintheyellownight,Thesingle-moonedeve!-onEarthweplightOurfaithtoonelove—andonemoonadore—Thebirth-placeofyoungBeautyhadnomore.Assprangthatyellowstarfromdownyhours,Uprosethemaidenfromhershrineofflowers,Andbento’ersheenymountainanddimplainHerway—butleftnotyetherTherasæanreign.

PartII

Highonamountainofenamell’dhead—SuchasthedrowsyshepherdonhisbedOfgiantpasturagelyingathisease,Raisinghisheavyeyelid,startsandseesWithmanyamutter’d“hopetobeforgiven,”WhattimethemoonisquadratedinHeaven—Ofrosyhead,thattoweringfarawayIntothesunlitether,caughttherayOfsunkensunsateve—atnoonofnight,Whilethemoondanc’dwiththefairstrangerlight—Uprear’duponsuchheightaroseapile

Ofgorgeouscolumnsonth’uuburthen’dair,FlashingfromParianmarblethattwinsmileFardownuponthewavethatsparkledthere,Andnursledtheyoungmountaininitslair.Ofmoltenstarstheirpavement,suchasfallThro’theebonair,besilveringthepallOftheirowndissolution,whiletheydie—Adorningthenthedwellingsofthesky.Adome,bylinkedlightfromHeavenletdown,Satgentlyonthesecolumnsasacrown—Awindowofonecirculardiamond,there,Look’doutaboveintothepurpleairAndraysfromGodshotdownthatmeteorchainAndhallow’dallthebeautytwiceagain,Savewhen,betweenth’Empyreanandthatring,Someeagerspiritflapp’dhisduskywing.ButonthepillarsSerapheyeshaveseenThedimnessofthisworld:thatgreyishgreenThatNaturelovesthebestforBeauty’sgraveLurk’dineachcornice,roundeacharchitrave—AndeverysculpturedcherubthereaboutThatfromhismarbledwellingpeeredout,Seem’dearthlyintheshadowofhisniche—Achaianstatuesinaworldsorich!FriezesfromTadmorandPersepolis—FromBalbec,andthestilly,clearabyssOfbeautifulGomorrah!Oh,thewaveIsnowuponthee—buttoolatetosave!

Soundlovestorevelinasummernight:WitnessthemurmurofthegreytwilightThatstoleupontheear,inEyraco,Ofmanyawildstar-gazerlongago—ThatstealetheverontheearofhimWho,musing,gazethonthedistancedim,Andseesthedarknesscomingasacloud—Isnotitsform—itsvoice—mostpalpableandloud?

Butwhatisthis?—itcometh—anditbringsAmusicwithit—’tistherushofwings—Apause—andthenasweeping,fallingstrain,AndNesaceisinherhallsagain.FromthewildenergyofwantonhasteHercheekswereflushing,andherlipsapart;ThezonethatclungaroundhergentlewaistHadburstbeneaththeheavingofherheart.WithinthecentreofthathalltobreatheShepaus’dandpanted,Zanthe!allbeneath,Thefairylightthatkiss’dhergoldenhairAndlong’dtorest,yetcouldbutsparklethere!

YoungflowerswerewhisperinginmelodyTohappyflowersthatnight—andtreetotree;FountainsweregushingmusicastheyfellInmanyastar-litgrove,ormoon-litdell;Yetsilencecameuponmaterialthings—Fairflowers,brightwaterfallsandangelwings—

AndsoundalonethatfromthespiritsprangBoreburthentothecharmthemaidensang:

“Neathblue-bellorstreamer—OrtuftedwildsprayThatkeeps,fromthedreamer,Themoonbeamaway—Brightbeings!thatponder,Withhalf-closingeyes,OnthestarswhichyourwonderHathdrawnfromtheskies,Tilltheyglancethro’theshade,andComedowntoyourbrowLike—eyesofthemaidenWhocallsonyounow—Arise!fromyourdreamingInvioletbowers,TodutybeseemingThesestar-littenhours—AndshakefromyourtressesEncumber’dwithdew,ThebreathofthosekissesThatcumberthemtoo—(O!how,withoutyou,Love!Couldangelsbeblest?)ThosekissesoftrueloveThatlull’dyetorest!Up!shakefromyourwing

Eachhinderingthing:Thedewofthenight—Itwouldweighdownyourflight;Andtruelovecaresses—O!leavethemapart!Theyarelightonthetresses,Butleadontheheart.

Ligeia!Ligeia!Mybeautifulone!WhoseharshestideaWilltomelodyrun,O!isitthywillOnthebreezestotoss?Or,capriciouslystill,LiketheloneAlbatross,Incumbentonnight(Assheontheair)TokeepwatchwithdelightOntheharmonythere?

Ligeia!whereverThyimagemaybe,NomagicshallseverThymusicfromthee.ThouhastboundmanyeyesInadreamysleep—Butthestrainsstillarise

Whichthyvigilancekeep—ThesoundoftherainWhichleapsdowntotheflower,AnddancesagainIntherhythmoftheshower—ThemurmurthatspringsFromthegrowingofgrassArethemusicofthings—Butaremodell’d,alas!—Away,then,mydearest,O!hietheeawayTospringsthatlieclearestBeneaththemoon-ray—Tolonelakethatsmiles,Initsdreamofdeeprest,Atthemanystar-islesThatenjewelitsbreast—Wherewildflowers,creeping,Havemingledtheirshade,OnitsmarginissleepingFullmanyamaid—Somehaveleftthecoolglade,andHavesleptwiththebee—Arousethem,mymaiden,Onmoorlandandlea—Go!breatheontheirslumber,Allsoftlyinear,Themusicalnumber

Theyslumber’dtohear—ForwhatcanawakenAnangelsosoonWhosesleephathbeentakenBeneaththecoldmoon,AsthespellwhichnoslumberOfwitcherymaytest,TherhythmicalnumberWhichlull’dhimtorest?”

Spiritsinwing,andangelstotheview,Athousandseraphsburstth’Empyreanthro’,Youngdreamsstillhoveringontheirdrowsyflight—Seraphsinallbut“Knowledge,”thekeenlightThatfell,refracted,thro’thyboundsafar,Odeath!fromeyeofGoduponthatstar;Sweetwasthaterror—sweeterstillthatdeath—Sweetwasthaterror—ev’nwithusthebreathOfSciencedimsthemirrorofourjoy—Tothem’tweretheSimoom,andwoulddestroy—Forwhat(tothem)availethittoknowThatTruthisFalsehood—orthatBlissisWoe?Sweetwastheirdeath—withthemtodiewasrifeWiththelastecstasyofsatiatelife—Beyondthatdeathnoimmortality—Butsleepthatponderethandisnot“tobe”—Andthere—oh!maymywearyspiritdwell—ApartfromHeaven’sEternity—andyethowfarfromHell!

Whatguiltyspirit,inwhatshrubberydimHeardnotthestirringsummonsofthathymn?Buttwo:theyfell:forheavennograceimpartsTothosewhohearnotfortheirbeatinghearts.Amaiden-angelandherseraph-lover—O!where(andyemayseekthewideskiesover)WasLove,theblind,nearsoberDutyknown?UnguidedLovehathfallen—’mid“tearsofperfectmoan.”

Hewasagoodlyspirit—hewhofell:Awandererbymossy-mantledwell—Agazeronthelightsthatshineabove—Adreamerinthemoonbeambyhislove:Whatwonder?foreachstariseye-likethere,AndlookssosweetlydownonBeauty’shair—Andthey,andev’rymossyspringwereholyTohislove-hauntedheartandmelancholy.Thenighthadfound(tohimanightofwo)Uponamountaincrag,youngAngelo—Beetlingitbendsathwartthesolemnsky,Andscowlsonstarryworldsthatdownbeneathitlie.Heresatehewithhislove—hisdarkeyebentWitheaglegazealongthefirmament:Nowturn’dituponher—buteverthenIttrembledtotheorbofEARTHagain.

“Ianthe,dearest,see!howdimthatray!Howlovely’tistolooksofaraway!

SheseemednotthusuponthatautumneveIlefthergorgeoushalls—normournedtoleave,Thateve—thateve—Ishouldrememberwell—Thesun-raydropped,inLemnos,withaspellOnth’ArabesquecarvingofagildedhallWhereinIsate,andonthedraperiedwall—Andonmyeyelids—O,theheavylight!Howdrowsilyitweighedthemintonight!Onflowers,before,andmist,andlovetheyranWithPersianSaadiinhisGulistan:ButO,thatlight!—Islumber’d—Death,thewhile,Stoleo’ermysensesinthatlovelyisleSosoftlythatnosinglesilkenhairAwokethatslept—orknewthathewasthere.

“ThelastspotofEarth’sorbItroduponWasaproudtemplecalledtheParthenon.MorebeautyclungaroundhercolumnedwallTheneventhyglowingbosombeatswithal,AndwhenoldTimemywingdiddisenthralThencesprangI—astheeaglefromhistower,AndyearsIleftbehindmeinanhour.WhattimeuponherairyboundsIhung,OnehalfthegardenofherglobewasflungUnrollingasachartuntomyview—Tenantlesscitiesofthedeserttoo!Ianthe,beautycrowdedonmethen,AndhalfIwishedtobeagainofmen.”

“MyAngelo!andwhyofthemtobe?Abrighterdwelling-placeishereforthee—Andgreenerfieldsthaninyonworldabove,Andwoman’sloveliness—andpassionatelove.”

“Butlist,Ianthe!whentheairsosoftFailed,asmypennon’dspiritleaptaloft,Perhapsmybraingrewdizzy—buttheworldIleftsolatewasintochaoshurled,Sprangfromherstation,onthewindsapart,Androll’daflame,thefieryHeavenathwart.Methought,mysweetone,thenIceasedtosoar,Andfell—notswiftlyasIrosebefore,Butwithadownward,tremulousmotionthro’Light,brazenrays,thisgoldenstarunto!Norlongthemeasureofmyfallinghours,Fornearestofallstarswasthinetoours—Dreadstar!thatcame,amidanightofmirth,AredDædaliononthetimidEarth.”

“Wecame—andtothyEarth—butnottousBegivenourlady’sbiddingtodiscuss:Wecame,mylove;around,above,below,Gayfire-flyofthenightwecomeandgo,Noraskareasonsavetheangel-nodShegrantstousasgrantedbyherGod—But,Angelo,thanthinegreyTimeunfurl’dNeverhisfairywingo’erfairierworld!

Dimwasitslittledisk,andangeleyesAlonecouldseethephantomintheskies,WhenfirstAlAaraafknewhercoursetobeHeadlongthitherwardo’erthestarrysea—Butwhenitsgloryswell’duponthesky,AsglowingBeauty’sbustbeneathman’seye,Wepaus’dbeforetheheritageofmen,Andthystartrembled—asdothBeautythen!”

Thus,indiscourse,theloverswhiledawayThenightthatwanedandwanedandbroughtnoday.Theyfell:forHeaventothemnohopeimpartsWhohearnotforthebeatingoftheirhearts.

Romance

Romance,wholovestonodandsing,Withdrowsyheadandfoldedwing,AmongthegreenleavesastheyshakeFardownwithinsomeshadowylake,TomeapaintedparoquetHathbeen—amostfamiliarbird—Taughtmemyalphabettosay—TolispmyveryearliestwordWhileinthewildwoodIdidlie,Achild—withamostknowingeye.Oflate,eternalCondoryearsSoshaketheveryHeavenonhighWithtumultastheythunderby,IhavenotimeforidlecaresThoughgazingontheunquietsky.AndwhenanhourwithcalmerwingsItsdownuponmyspiritflings—ThatlittletimewithlyreandrhymeTowhileaway—forbiddenthings!MyheartwouldfeeltobeacrimeUnlessittrembledwiththestrings.

To——— (Should My Early Life Seem...)

I

Shouldmyearlylifeseem,Aswellitmight,adream—YetIbuildnofaithuponThekingNapoleon—IlooknotupafarFormydestinyinastar:

II

InpartingfromyounowThusmuchIwillavow—Therearebeings,andhavebeenWhommyspirithadnotseenHadIletthempassmebyWithadreamingeye—IfmypeacehathfledawayInanight—orinaday—Inavision—orinnone—Isitthereforethelessgone?—

III

Iamstanding‘midtheroarOfaweather-beatenshore,AndIholdwithinmyhandSomeparticlesofsand—Howfew!andhowtheycreepThro’myfingerstothedeep!Myearlyhopes?no—theyWentgloriouslyaway,LikelightningfromtheskyAtonce—andsowillI.

IV

Soyoung?ah!no—notnow—Thouhastnotseenmybrow,ButtheytelltheeIamproud—Theylie—theyliealoud—MybosombeatswithshameAtthepaltrinessofnameWithwhichtheydarecombineAfeelingsuchasmine—NorStoic?Iamnot:IntheterrorofmylotIlaughtothinkhowpoorThatpleasure“toendure!”What!shadeofZeno!—I!Endure!—no—no—defy.

To——— (The Bowers Whereat, in Dreams, ISee...)

Thebowerswhereat,indreams,IseeThewantonestsingingbirds,Arelips—andallthymelodyOflip-begottenwords—

Thineeyes,inHeavenofheartenshrinedThendesolatelyfall,OGod!onmyfunerealmindLikestarlightonapall—

Thyheart—thyheart!—Iwakeandsigh,AndsleeptodreamtilldayOfthetruththatgoldcanneverbuy—Ofthebaublesthatitmay.

To the River———

Fairriver!inthybright,clearflowOfcrystal,wanderingwater,ThouartanemblemoftheglowOfbeauty—theunhiddenheart—TheplayfulmazinessofartInoldAlberto’sdaughter;Butwhenwithinthywaveshelooks—Whichglistensthen,andtrembles—Why,then,theprettiestofbrooksHerworshipperresembles;Forinhisheart,asinthystream,Herimagedeeplylies—HisheartwhichtremblesatthebeamOfhersoul-searchingeyes.

Fairy Land

Dimvales—andshadowyfloods—Andcloudy-lookingwoods,Whoseformswecan’tdiscoverForthetearsthatdripalloverHugemoonstherewaxandwane—Again—again—again—Everymomentofthenight—Foreverchangingplaces—Andtheyputoutthestar-lightWiththebreathfromtheirpalefaces.Abouttwelvebythemoon-dialOnemorefilmythantherest(Akindwhich,upontrial,Theyhavefoundtobethebest)Comesdown—stilldown—anddownWithitscentreonthecrownOfamountain’seminence,WhileitswidecircumferenceIneasydraperyfallsOverhamlets,overhalls,Wherevertheymaybe—O’erthestrangewoods—o’erthesea—Overspiritsonthewing—

Overeverydrowsything—AndburiesthemupquiteInalabyrinthoflight—Andthen,howdeep!—O,deep!Isthepassionoftheirsleep.Inthemorningtheyarise,AndtheirmoonycoveringIssoaringintheskies,Withthetempestsastheytoss,Like—almostanything—OrayellowAlbatross.TheyusethatmoonnomoreForthesameendasbefore—Videlicetatent—WhichIthinkextravagant:Itsatomies,however,Intoashowerdissever,Ofwhichthosebutterflies,OfEarth,whoseektheskies,Andsocomedownagain(Never-contentedthings!)HavebroughtaspecimenUpontheirquiveringwings.

Alone

Fromchildhood’shourIhavenotbeenAsotherswere;IhavenotseenAsotherssaw;IcouldnotbringMypassionsfromacommonspring.FromthesamesourceIhavenottakenMysorrow;IcouldnotawakenMyhearttojoyatthesametone;AndallIloved,Ilovedalone.Then—inmychildhood,inthedawnOfamoststormylife—wasdrawnFromeverydepthofgoodandillThemysterywhichbindsmestill:Fromthetorrent,orthefountain,Fromtheredcliffofthemountain,FromthesunthatroundmerolledInitsautumntintofgold,FromthelightningintheskyAsitpassedmeflyingby,Fromthethunderandthestorm,Andthecloudthattooktheform(WhentherestofHeavenwasblue)Ofademoninmyview.

To Isaac Lea

ItwasmychoiceorchanceorcurseToadoptthecauseforbetterorworseAndwithmyworldlygoodsandwitAndsoulandbodyworshipit——

Elizabeth

Elizabeth,itsurelyismostfit[Logicandcommonusagesocommanding]Inthyownbookthatfirstthynamebewrit,Zenoandothersagesnotwithstanding;AndIhaveotherreasonsforsodoingBesidesmyinnateloveofcontradiction;Eachpoet—ifapoet—inpursuingThemusesthro’theirbowersofTruthorFiction,Hasstudiedverylittleofhispart,Readnothing,writtenless—inshort’safoolEnduedwithneithersoul,norsense,norart,Beingignorantofoneimportantrule,Employedineventhethesesoftheschool-Called—IforgettheheathenishGreekname[Calledanything,itsmeaningisthesame]“Alwayswritefirstthingsuppermostintheheart.”

Acrostic

Elizabethitisinvainyousay“Lovenot”—thousayestitinsosweetaway:InvainthosewordsfromtheeorL.E.L.Zantippe’stalentshadenforcedsowell:Ah!ifthatlanguagefromthyheartarise,Breatheitlessgentlyforth—andveilthineeyes.Endymion,recollect,whenLunatriedTocurehislove—wascuredofallbeside—Hisfolly—pride—andpassion—forhedied.

Lines on Joe Locke

AsforLocke,heisallinmyeye,Maythed—lrightsoonforhissoulcall.Heneverwasknowntolie—Inbedatreveille“rollcall.”

JohnLockewasanotablename;Joelockeisagreater;inshort,Theformerwaswellknowntofame,Butthelatter’swellknown“toreport.”

Introduction

Romance,wholovestonodandsing,Withdrowsyheadandfoldedwing,AmongthegreenleavesastheyshakeFardownwithinsomeshadowylake,TomeapaintedparoquetHathbeen—amostfamiliarbird—Taughtmemyalphabettosay—TolispmyveryearliestwordWhileinthewild-woodIdidlieAchild—withamostknowingeye.

Succeedingyears,toowildforsong,Thenrolledliketropicstormsalong,Where,tho’thegarishlightsthatflyDyingalongthetroubledsky,Laybare,thro’vistasthunder-riven,TheblacknessofthegeneralHeaven,ThatveryblacknessyetdothflingLightonthelightning’ssilverwing.

For,beinganidleboylangsyne,WhoreadAnacreon,anddrankwine,IearlyfoundAnacreonrhymesWerealmostpassionatesometimes—

AndbystrangealchemyofbrainHispleasuresalwaysturnedtopain—Hisnaïvetétowilddesire—Hiswittolove—hiswinetofire—Andso,beingyounganddiptinfollyIfellinlovewithmelancholy,AndusedtothrowmyearthlyrestAndquietallawayinjest—IcouldnotloveexceptwhereDeathWasminglinghiswithBeauty’sbreath—OrHymen,Time,andDestinyWerestalkingbetweenherandme.

O,thentheeternalCondoryearsSoshooktheveryHeavensonhigh,Withtumultastheythunderedby;Ihadnotimeforidlecares,Thro’gazingontheunquietsky!OrifanhourwithcalmerwingItsdowndidonmyspiritfling,ThatlittlehourwithlyreandrhymeTowhileaway—forbiddenthing!MyhearthalffearedtobeacrimeUnlessittrembledwiththestring.

Butnowmysoulhathtoomuchroom—Gonearethegloryandthegloom—Theblackhathmellowedintogrey,

Andallthefiresarefadingaway.

Mydraughtofpassionhathbeendeep—Ireveled,andInowwouldsleep—Andafter-drunkennessofsoulSucceedsthegloriesofthebowl—AnidlelongingnightanddayTodreammyverylifeaway.

Butdreams—ofthosewhodreamasI,Aspiringly,aredamned,anddie:YetshouldIswearImeanalone,Bynotessoveryshrillyblown,TobreakuponTime’smonotone,WhileyetmyvapidjoyandgriefAretintlessoftheyellowleaf—Whynotanimpthegreybeardhath,Willshakehisshadowinmypath—Andeventhegreybeardwillo’erlookConnivinglymydreaming-book.

Fairy Land II

Sitdownbesideme,Isabel,Here,dearest,wherethemoonbeamfellJustnowsofairy-likeandwell.Nowthouartdressedforparadise!Iamstar-strickenwiththineeyes!Mysoulislollingonthysighs!ThyhairisliftedbythemoonLikeflowersbythelowbreathofJune!Sitdown,sitdown—howcamewehere?Orisitallbutadream,mydear?

Youknowthatmostenormousflower—Thatrose—thatwhatd’yecallit—thathungUplikeadog-starinthisbower—To-day(thewindblew,and)itswungSoimpudentlyinmyface,Solikeathingaliveyouknow,ItoreitfromitsprideofplaceAndshookitintopieces—soBeallingratituderequited.Thewindsranoffwithitdelighted,And,thro’theopeningleft,assoonAsshethrewoffhercloak,yonmoon

Hassentaraydownwithatune.

Andthisrayisafairyray—Didyounotsayso,Isabel?HowfantasticallyitfellWithaspiraltwistandaswell,AndoverthewetgrassrippledawayWithatinklinglikeabell!InmyowncountryallthewayWecandiscoveramoonrayWhichthro’sometatteredcurtainpriesIntothedarknessofaroom,Isby(theverysourceofgloom)Themotes,anddust,andflies,OnwhichittremblesandliesLikejoyuponsorrow!O,whenwillcomethemorrow?Isabel!doyounotfearThenightandthewondershere?Dimvales!andshadowyfloods!Andcloudy-lookingwoodsWhoseformswecan’tdiscoverForthetearsthatdripallover!

Hugemoons—see!waxandwaneAgain—again—again—Everymomentofthenight—Foreverchangingplaces!

HowtheyputoutthestarlightWiththebreathfromtheirpalefaces!

Lo!oneiscomingdownWithitscentreonthecrownOfamountain’seminence!Down—stilldown—anddown—Nowdeepshallbe—Odeep!Thepassionofoursleep!ForthatwidecircumferenceIneasydraperyfallsDrowsilyoverhalls—Overruinedwalls—Overwaterfalls,(Silentwaterfalls!)O’erthestrangewoods—o’erthesea—Alas!overthesea!

To Helen (Helen, Thy Beauty Is to Me...)

Helen,thybeautyistomeLikethoseNiceanbarksofyore,Thatgently,o’eraperfumedsea,Theweary,waywornwandererboreTohisownnativeshore.

Ondesperateseaslongwonttoroam,Thyhyacinthhair,thyclassicface,ThyNaiadairshavebroughtmehomeTotheglorythatwasGreece,TothegrandeurthatwasRome.

Lo!inyonbrilliantwindowniche,Howstatue-likeIseetheestand,Theagatelampwithinthyhand!Ah,Psyche,fromtheregionswhichAreHolyLand!

Israfel

AndtheangelIsrafel,whoseheart-stringsarealute,andwhohasthesweetestvoiceof all

God’screatures.—TheKoran

InHeavenaspiritdothdwell“Whoseheart-stringsarealute;”NonesingsowildlywellAstheangelIsrafel,Andthegiddystars(solegendstell),Ceasingtheirhymns,attendthespellOfhisvoice,allmute.

TotteringaboveInherhighestnoon,TheenamoredmoonBlusheswithlove,While,tolisten,theredlevin(WiththerapidPleiads,even,Whichwereseven),PausesinHeaven.

Andtheysay(thestarrychoirAndtheotherlisteningthings)ThatIsrafeli’sfire

IsowingtothatlyreBywhichhesitsandsings—ThetremblinglivingwireOfthoseunusualstrings.

Buttheskiesthatangeltrod,Wheredeepthoughtsareaduty—WhereLove’sagrown-upGod—WheretheHouriglancesareImbuedwithallthebeautyWhichweworshipinastar.

Therefore,thouartnotwrong,Israfeli,whodespisestAnunimpassionedsong;Totheethelaurelsbelong,Bestbard,becausethewisest!Merrilylive,andlong!

TheecstasiesaboveWiththyburningmeasuressuit—Thygrief,thyjoy,thyhate,thylove,Withthefervorofthylute—Wellmaythestarsbemute!

Yes,Heavenisthine;butthisIsaworldofsweetsandsours;Ourflowersaremerely—flowers,Andtheshadowofthyperfectbliss

Isthesunshineofours.

IfIcoulddwellWhereIsrafelHathdwelt,andhewhereI,HemightnotsingsowildlywellAmortalmelody,WhileaboldernotethanthismightswellFrommylyrewithinthesky.

The Sleeper

Atmidnight,inthemonthofJune,Istandbeneaththemysticmoon.Anopiatevapor,dewy,dim,Exhalesfromouthergoldenrim,And,softlydripping,dropbydrop,Uponthequietmountaintop,StealsdrowsilyandmusicallyIntotheuniversalvalley.Therosemarynodsuponthegrave;Thelilylollsuponthewave;Wrappingthefogaboutitsbreast,Theruinmouldersintorest;LookinglikeLethe,see!thelakeAconsciousslumberseemstotake,Andwouldnot,fortheworld,awake.AllBeautysleeps!—andlo!wherelies(Hercasementopentotheskies)Irene,withherDestinies!

Oh,ladybright!canitberight—Thiswindowopentothenight!Thewantonairs,fromthetree-top,Laughinglythroughthelattice-drop—

Thebodilessairs,awizardrout,Flitthroughthychamberinandout,AndwavethecurtaincanopySofitfully—sofearfully—Abovetheclosedandfringedlid‘Neathwhichthyslumb’ringsoullieshid,That,o’ertheflooranddownthewall,Likeghoststheshadowsriseandfall!Oh,ladydear,hastthounofear?Whyandwhatartthoudreaminghere?Surethouartcomeo’erfar-offseas,Awondertothesegardentrees!Strangeisthypallor!strangethydress!Strange,aboveall,thylengthoftress,Andthisall-solemnsilentness!

Theladysleeps!Oh,mayhersleepWhichisenduring,sobedeep!Heavenhaveherinitssacredkeep!Thischamberchangedforonemoreholy,Thisbedforonemoremelancholy,IpraytoGodthatshemaylieForeverwithunopenedeye,Whilethepalesheetedghostsgoby!

Mylove,shesleeps!Oh,mayhersleep,Asitislasting,sobedeep;Softmaythewormsabouthercreep!

Farintheforest,dimandold,Forhermaysometallvaultunfold—SomevaultthatofthathflungitsblackAndwingedpanelsflutteringback,Triumphant,o’erthecrestedpalls,Ofhergrandfamilyfunerals—Somesepulchre,remote,alone,Againstwhoseportalshehaththrown,Inchildhoodmanyanidlestone—SometombfromoutwhosesoundingdoorShene’ershallforceanechomore,Thrillingtothink,poorchildofsin!Itwasthedeadwhogroanedwithin.

The Valley of Unrest

OnceitsmiledasilentdellWherethepeopledidnotdwell;Theyhadgoneuntothewars,Trustingtothemild-eyedstars,Nightly,fromtheirazuretowers,Tokeepwatchabovetheflowers,InthemidstofwhichalldayTheredsun-lightlazilylay.NoweachvisitorshallconfessThesadvalley’srestlessness.Nothingthereismotionless—NothingsavetheairsthatbroodOverthemagicsolitude.Ah,bynowindarestirredthosetreesThatpalpitatelikethechillseasAroundthemistyHebrides!Ah,bynowindthosecloudsaredrivenThatrustlethroughtheunquietHeavenUnceasingly,frommorntilleven,OverthevioletstherethatlieInmyriadtypesofthehumaneye—OvertheliliestherethatwaveAndweepaboveanamelessgrave!

Theywave:—fromouttheirfragranttopsEternaldewscomedownindrops.Theyweep:—fromofftheirdelicatestemsPerennialtearsdescendingems.

The City in the Sea

Lo!DeathhasrearedhimselfathroneInastrangecitylyingaloneFardownwithinthedimWest,WherethegoodandthebadandtheworstandthebestHavegonetotheireternalrest.Thereshrinesandpalacesandtowers(Time-eatentowersthattremblenot!)Resemblenothingthatisours.Around,byliftingwindsforgot,ResignedlybeneaththeskyThemelancholywaterslie.

NoraysfromtheholyheavencomedownOnthelongnight-timeofthattown;ButlightfromouttheluridseaStreamsuptheturretssilently—Gleamsupthepinnaclesfarandfree—Updomes—upspires—upkinglyhalls—Upfanes—upBabylon-likewalls—Upshadowylong-forgottenbowersOfsculpturedivyandstoneflowers—UpmanyandmanyamarvelousshrineWhosewreathedfriezesintertwine

Theviol,theviolet,andthevine.

ResignedlybeneaththeskyThemelancholywaterslie.SoblendtheturretsandshadowsthereThatallseempendulousinair,WhilefromaproudtowerinthetownDeathlooksgiganticallydown.

ThereopenfanesandgapinggravesYawnlevelwiththeluminouswaves;ButnottherichestherethatlieIneachidol’sdiamondeye—Notthegaily-jewelleddeadTemptthewatersfromtheirbed;Fornoripplescurl,alas!Alongthatwildernessofglass—NoswellingstellthatwindsmaybeUponsomefar-offhappiersea—NoheavingshintthatwindshavebeenOnseaslesshideouslyserene.

Butlo,astirisintheair!Thewave—thereisamovementthere!Asifthetowershadthrustaside,Inslightlysinking,thedulltide—AsiftheirtopshadfeeblygivenAvoidwithinthefilmyHeaven.

Thewaveshavenowaredderglow—Thehoursarebreathingfaintandlow—Andwhen,amidnoearthlymoans,Down,downthattownshallsettlehence.Hell,risingfromathousandthrones,Shalldoitreverence.

A Pæn

I

Howshalltheburialriteberead?Thesolemnsongbesung?Therequiemfortheloveliestdead,Thateverdiedsoyoung?

II

Herfriendsaregazingonher,Andonhergaudybier,Andweep!—oh!todishonorDeadbeautywithatear!

III

Theylovedherforherwealth—Andtheyhatedherforherpride—Butshegrewinfeeblehealth,Andtheyloveher—thatshedied.

IV

Theytellme(whiletheyspeak

Ofher“costlybroider’dpall”)Thatmyvoiceisgrowingweak—ThatIshouldnotsingatall—

V

OrthatmytoneshouldbeTunedtosuchsolemnsongSomournfully—somournfully,Thatthedeadmayfeelnowrong.

VI

Butsheisgoneabove,WithyoungHopeatherside,AndIamdrunkwithloveOfthedead,whoismybride.—

VII

Ofthedead—deadwholiesAllperfumedthere,Withthedeathuponhereyes.Andthelifeuponherhair.

VIII

ThusonthecoffinloudandlongIstrike—themurmursentThroughthegreychamberstomysong,Shallbetheaccompaniment.

IX

Thoudiedstinthylife’sJune—Butthoudidstnotdietoofair:Thoudidstnotdietoosoon,Norwithtoocalmanair.

X

Frommorethanfriendsonearth,Thylifeandloveareriven,TojointheuntaintedmirthOfmorethanthronesinheaven.—

XI

Therefore,totheethisnightIwillnorequiemraise,Butwafttheeonthyflight,WithaPæanofolddays.

To One in Paradise

Thouwastthatalltome,love,Forwhichmysouldidpine—Agreenisleinthesea,love,Afountainandashrine,Allwreathedwithfairyfruitsandflowers,Andalltheflowersweremine.

Ah,dreamtoobrighttolast!Ah,starryHope!thatdidstariseButtobeovercast!AvoicefromouttheFuturecries,“On!on!”—buto’erthePast(Dimgulf!)myspirithoveringliesMute,motionless,aghast!

For,alas!alas!withmeThelightofLifeiso’er!“Nomore—nomore—nomore”—(SuchlanguageholdsthesolemnseaTothesandsupontheshore)Shallbloomthethunder-blastedtree,Orthestrickeneaglesoar!

Andallmydaysaretrances,

AndallmynightlydreamsArewherethydarkeyeglances,Andwherethyfootstepgleams—Inwhatetherealdances,Bywhateternalstreams.

Hymn

Atmorn—atnoon—attwilightdim—Maria!thouhastheardmyhymn!Injoyandwo—ingoodandill—MotherofGod,bewithmestill!WhentheHoursflewbrightlyby,Andnotacloudobscuredthesky,Mysoul,lestitshouldtruantbe,ThygracedidguidetothineandtheeNow,whenstormsofFateo’ercastDarklymyPresentandmyPast,LetmyFutureradiantshineWithsweethopesoftheeandthine!

An Enigma

“Seldomwefind,”saysSolomonDonDunce,“Halfanideaintheprofoundestsonnet.ThroughalltheflimsythingsweseeatonceAseasilyasthroughaNaplesbonnet—Trashofalltrash!—howcanaladydonit?YetheavierfarthanyourPetrarchanstuff—Owl-downynonsensethatthefaintestpuffTwirlsintotrunk-paperthewhileyouconit.”And,veritably,Solisrightenough.ThegeneraltuckermanitiesarearrantBubbles—ephemeralandsotransparent—Butthisis,now—youmaydependuponit—Stable,opaque,immortal—allbydintOfthedearnamesthatlieconcealedwithin‘t.

Serenade

Sosweetthehour—socalmthetime,Ifeelitmorethanhalfacrime,WhenNaturesleepsandstarsaremute,Tomarthesilenceev’nwithlute.Atrestonocean’sbrilliantdyesAnimageofElysiumlies:SevenPleiadesentrancedinHeaven,Forminthedeepanotherseven:EndymionnoddingfromaboveSeesintheseaasecondlove.Withinthevalleysdimandbrown,Andonthespectralmountain’scrown,Theweariedlightisdyingdown,Andearth,andstars,andsea,andskyAreredolentofsleep,asIAmredolentoftheeandthineEnthrallinglove,myAdeline.Butlist,Olist,—sosoftandlowThylover’svoicetonightshallflow,That,scarceawake,thysoulshalldeemMywordsthemusicofadream.Thus,whilenosinglesoundtoorudeUponthyslumbershallintrude,

Ourthoughts,oursouls—OGodabove!Ineverydeedshallmingle,love.

To——— (Sleep On, Sleep On, Another Hour...)

Sleepon,sleepon,anotherhour—Iwouldnotbreaksocalmasleep,Towaketosunshineandtoshower,Tosmileandweep.

Sleepon,sleepon,likesculpturedthing,Majestic,beautifulartthou;SureseraphshieldstheewithhiswingAndfansthybrow—

Wewouldnotdeemtheechildofearth,For,O,angelic,isthyform!But,thatinheaventhouhad’stthybirth,Wherecomesnostorm

Tomarthebright,theperfectflower,Butallisbeautifulandstill—AndgoldensandsproclaimthehourWhichbringsnoill.

Sleepon,sleepon,somefairydreamPerchanceiswoveninthysleep—But,O,thyspirit,calm,serene,Mustwaketoweep.

The Coliseum

TypeoftheantiqueRome!RichreliquaryOfloftycontemplationlefttoTimeByburiedcenturiesofpompandpower!Atlength—atlength—aftersomanydaysOfwearypilgrimageandburningthirst,(Thirstforthespringsoflorethatintheelie,)Ikneel,analteredandanhumbleman,Amidthyshadows,andsodrinkwithinMyverysoulthygrandeur,gloom,andglory!

Vastness!andAge!andMemoriesofEld!Silence!andDesolation!anddimNight!Ifeelyenow—Ifeelyeinyourstrength—Ospellsmoresurethane’erJudæankingTaughtinthegardensofGethsemane!OcharmsmorepotentthantheraptChaldeeEverdrewdownfromoutthequietstars!

Here,whereaherofell,acolumnfalls!Here,wherethemimiceagleglaredingold,Amidnightvigilholdstheswarthybat!Here,wherethedamesofRometheirgildedhairWavedtothewind,nowwavethereedandthistle!Here,whereongoldenthronethemonarchlolled,

Glides,spectre-like,untohismarblehome,Litbythewanlightofthehornédmoon,Theswiftandsilentlizardofthestones!

Butstay!thesewalls—theseivy-cladarcades—Thesemoulderingplinths—thesesadandblackenedshafts—Thesevagueentablatures—thiscrumblingfrieze—Theseshatteredcornices—thiswreck—thisruin—Thesestones—alas!thesegreystones—aretheyall—Allofthefamed,andthecolossalleftBythecorrosiveHourstoFateandme?

“Notall”—theEchoesanswerme—“notall!Propheticsoundsandloud,ariseforeverFromus,andfromallRuin,untothewise,AsmelodyfromMemnontotheSun.Weruletheheartsofmightiestmen—weruleWithadespoticswayallgiantminds.Wearenotimpotent—wepallidstones.Notallourpowerisgone—notallourfame—Notallthemagicofourhighrenown—Notallthewonderthatencirclesus—Notallthemysteriesthatinuslie—NotallthememoriesthathanguponAndclingaroundaboutusasagarment,Clothingusinarobeofmorethanglory.”

Fanny

ThedyingswanbynorthernlakesSingsitswilddeathsong,sweetandclear,AndasthesolemnmusicbreaksO’erhillandglendissolvesinair;Thusmusicalthysoftvoicecame,Thustrembledonthytonguemyname.

Likesunburstthroughtheeboncloud,Whichveilsthesolemnmidnightsky,Piercingcoldevening’ssableshroud,Thuscamethefirstglanceofthateye;Butliketheadamantinerock,Myspiritmetandbravedtheshock.

LetmemorytheboyrecallWholaidhisheartuponthyshrine,Whenfarawayhisfootstepsfall,Thinkthathedeemedthycharmsdivine;Avictimonlove’saltarslain,Bywitchingeyeswhichlookeddisdain.

To Frances S. Osgood

Thouwouldstbeloved?—thenletthyheartFromitspresentpathwaypartnot!Beingeverythingwhichnowthouart,Benothingwhichthouartnot.Sowiththeworldthygentleways,Thygrace,thymorethanbeauty,Shallbeanendlessthemeofpraise.Andlove—asimpleduty.

To F———

Beloved!amidtheearnestwoesThatcrowdaroundmyearthlypath—(Drearpath,alas!wheregrowsNotevenonelonelyrose)—MysoulatleastasolacehathIndreamsofthee,andthereinknowsAnEdenofblandrepose.

AndthusthymemoryistomeLikesomeenchantedfar-offisleInsometumultuoussea—SomeoceanthrobbingfarandfreeWithstorm—butwheremeanwhileSerenestskiescontinuallyJusto’erthatonebrightinlandsmile.

To Mary

Mary,amidthecares—thewoesCrowdingaroundmyearthlypath,(Sadpath,alas!wheregrowsNotev’nonelonelyrose,)MysoulatleastasolacehathIndreamsofthee,andthereinknowsAnEdenofsweetrepose.

AndthusthymemoryistomeLikesomeenchantedfar-offisle,Insometumultuoussea—SomelakebesetaslakecanbeWithstorms—butwhere,meanwhile,SerenestskiescontinuallyJusto’erthatonebrightislandsmile.

May Queen Ode

FairiesguardtheQueenofMay,LetherreigninPeaceandHonor—Everyblessingbeuponher;Mayherfuturepathwaylie,Allbeneathasmilingsky.

Bridal Ballad

Theringisonmyhand,Andthewreathisonmybrow;SatinsandjewelsgrandAreallatmycommand.AndIamhappynow.

Andmylordhelovesmewell;But,whenfirsthebreathedhisvow,Ifeltmybosomswell—Forthewordsrangasaknell,AndthevoiceseemedhiswhofellInthebattledownthedell,Andwhoishappynow.

Buthespoketoreassureme,Andhekissedmypallidbrow,Whileareveriecameo’erme,Andtothechurchyardboreme,AndIsighedtohimbeforeme,ThinkinghimdeadD’Elormie,“Oh,Iamhappynow!”

Andthusthewordswerespoken,Andthustheplightedvow,

And,thoughmyfaithbebroken,And,thoughmyheartbebroken,BeholdthegoldenkeysThatprovesmehappynow!

WouldtoGodIcouldawakenForIdreamIknownothow,AndmysoulissorelyshakenLestanevilstepbetaken,—LestthedeadwhoisforsakenMaynotbehappynow.

Sonnet: To Zante

Fairisle,thatfromthefairestofallflowers,Thygentlestofallgentlenamesdosttake,HowmanymemoriesofwhatradianthoursAtsightoftheeandthineatonceawake!Howmanyscenesofwhatdepartedbliss!Howmanythoughtsofwhatentombédhopes!HowmanyvisionsofamaidenthatisNomore—nomoreuponthyverdantslopes!Nomore!alas,thatmagicalsadsoundTransformingall!Thycharmsshallpleasenomore,—Thymemorynomore!AccursédgroundHenceforwardIholdthyflower-enamelledshore,Ohyacinthineisle!OpurpleZante!“Isolad’oro!FiordiLevante!”

The Haunted Palace

InthegreenestofourvalleysBygoodangelstenanted,Onceafairandstatelypalace—Radiantpalace—reareditshead.InthemonarchThought’sdominion—Itstoodthere!NeverseraphspreadapinionOverfabrichalfsofair!

Bannersyellow,glorious,golden,Onitsroofdidfloatandflow,(This—allthis—wasintheoldenTimelongago),Andeverygentleairthatdallied,Inthatsweetday,Alongtherampartsplumedandpallid,Awingédodorwentaway.

Wanderersinthathappyvalley,Throughtwoluminouswindows,sawSpiritsmovingmusically,Toalute’swell-tunédlaw,Roundaboutathronewhere,sittingPorphyrogene,

Instatehisglorywellbefitting,Theruleroftherealmwasseen.

AndallwithpearlandrubyglowingWasthefairpalacedoor,Throughwhichcameflowing,flowing,flowing,Andsparklingevermore,AtroopofEchoes,whosesweetdutyWasbuttosing,Invoicesofsurpassingbeauty,Thewitandwisdomoftheirking.

Butevilthings,inrobesofsorrow,Assailedthemonarch’shighestate.(Ah,letusmourn!—fornevermorrowShalldawnuponhimdesolate!)AndroundabouthishomethegloryThatblushedandbloomed,Isbutadim-rememberedstoryOftheoldtimeentombed.

Andtravellers,now,withinthatvalley,Throughthered-littenwindowsseeVastforms,thatmovefantasticallyToadiscordantmelody,While,likeaghastlyrapidriver,ThroughthepaledoorAhideousthrongrushoutforever

Andlaugh—butsmilenomore.

Sonnet: Silence

Therearesomequalities—someincorporatethings,Thathaveadoublelife,whichthusismadeAtypeofthattwinentitywhichspringsFrommatterandlight,evincedinsolidandshade.ThereisatwofoldSilence—seaandshore—Bodyandsoul.Onedwellsinlonelyplaces,Newlywithgrasso’ergrown;somesolemngraces,Somehumanmemoriesandtearfullore,Renderhimterrorless:hisname’s“NoMore.”HeisthecorporateSilence:dreadhimnot!Nopowerhathheofevilinhimself;Butshouldsomeurgentfate(untimelylot!)Bringtheetomeethisshadow(namelesself,ThathaunteththeloneregionswherehathtrodNofootofman),commendthyselftoGod!

The Conqueror Worm

Lo!’tisagalanightWithinthelonesomelatteryears!Anangelthrong,bewinged,bedightInveils,anddrownedintears,Sitinatheatre,toseeAplayofhopesandfears,WhiletheorchestrabreathesfitfullyThemusicofthespheres.

Mimes,intheformofGodonhigh,Mutterandmumblelow,Andhitherandthitherfly—Merepuppetsthey,whocomeandgoAtbiddingofvastformlessthingsThatshiftthescenerytoandfro,FlappingfromouttheirCondorwingsInvisibleWo!

Thatmotleydrama—oh,besureItshallnotbeforgot!WithitsPhantomchasedforevermore,Byacrowdthatseizeitnot,ThroughacirclethateverreturnethinTotheself-samespot,

AndmuchofMadness,andmoreofSin,AndHorrorthesouloftheplot.

Butsee,amidthemimicroutAcrawlingshapeintrude!Ablood-redthingthatwrithesfromoutThescenicsolitude!Itwrithes!—itwrithes!—withmortalpangsThemimesbecomeitsfood,AndseraphssobatverminfangsInhumangoreimbued.

Out—outarethelights—outall!And,overeachquiveringform,Thecurtain,afuneralpall,Comesdownwiththerushofastorm,Whiletheangels,allpallidandwan,Uprising,unveiling,affirmThattheplayisthetragedy,“Man,”AnditsherotheConquerorWorm.

Lenore

Ah,brokenisthegoldenbowl!—thespiritflownforever!Letthebelltoll!—asaintlysoulfloatsontheStygianriver;And,GuydeVere,hastthounotear?—weepnowornevermore!See!onyondrearandrigidbierlowliesthylove,Lenore!Come!lettheburialriteberead—thefuneralsongbesung!—Ananthemforthequeenliestdeadthateverdiedsoyoung—Adirgeforherthedoublydeadinthatshediedsoyoung.

“Wretches!yelovedherforherwealthandhatedherforherpride,Andwhenshefellinfeeblehealth,yeblessedher—thatshedied:—Howshalltheritual,then,beread?—therequiemhowbesungByyou—byyours,theevileye,—byyours,theslanderoustongueThatdidtodeaththeinnocencethatdied,anddiedsoyoung?”

Peccavimus;butravenotthus!andletaSabbathsongGouptoGodsosolemnlythedeadmayfeelnowrong!ThesweetLenore“hathgonebefore,”withHopethatflewbeside,Leavingtheewildforthedearchildthatshouldhavebeenthybride—Forher,thefairanddébonnaire,thatnowsolowlylies,Thelifeuponheryellowhair,butnotwithinhereyes—Thelifestillthereuponherhair—thedeathuponhereyes.

“Avaunt!—avaunt!tofriendsfromfiendstheindigentghostisriven—FromHelluntoahighestatewithintheutmostHeaven—

FrommoanandgroantoagoldenthronebesidetheKingofHeaven:—Letnobelltoll,then,lesthersoul,amiditshallowedmirth,ShouldcatchthenoteasitdothfloatupfromthedamnédEarth!AndI—tonightmyheartislight:—nodirgewillIupraise,ButwafttheangelonherflightwithaPæanofolddays!”

Dream-Land

Byarouteobscureandlonely,Hauntedbyillangelsonly,WhereanEidolon,namedNIGHT,Onablackthronereignsupright,IhavereachedtheselandsbutnewlyFromanultimatedimThule—Fromawildweirdclimethatlieth,sublime,OutofSPACE—outofTIME.

Bottomlessvalesandboundlessfloods,Andchasms,andcaves,andTitanwoods,WithformsthatnomancandiscoverForthedewsthatdripallover;MountainstopplingevermoreIntoseaswithoutashore;Seasthatrestlesslyaspire,Surging,untoskiesoffire;LakesthatendlesslyoutspreadTheirlonewaters—loneanddead,—Theirstillwaters—stillandchillyWiththesnowsofthelollinglily.

BythelakesthatthusoutspreadTheirlonewaters,loneanddead,—

Theirsadwaters,sadandchillyWiththesnowsofthelollinglily,—Bythemountains—neartheriverMurmuringlowly,murmuringever,—Bythegreywoods,—bytheswampWherethetoadandthenewtencamp,—BythedismaltarnsandpoolsWheredwelltheGhouls,—Byeachspotthemostunholy—Ineachnookmostmelancholy,—TherethetravellermeetsaghastSheetedMemoriesofthePast—ShroudedformsthatstartandsighAstheypassthewandererby—White-robedformsoffriendslonggiven,Inagony,totheEarth—andHeaven.

Fortheheartwhosewoesarelegion‘Tisapeaceful,soothingregion—ForthespiritthatwalksinshadowO!itisanEldorado!Butthetraveller,travelingthroughit,Maynot—darenotopenlyviewit;NeveritsmysteriesareexposedTotheweakhumaneyeunclosed;SowillsitsKing,whohathforbidTheupliftingofthefringedlid;AndthusthesadSoulthatherepasses

Beholdsitbutthroughdarkenedglasses.

Byarouteobscureandlonely,Hauntedbyillangelsonly.WhereanEidolon,namedNIGHT,Onablackthronereignsupright,IhavewanderedhomebutnewlyFromthisultimatedimThule.

Impromptu: To Kate Carol

WhenfromyourgemsofthoughtIturnTothosepureorbs,yourhearttolearn,Iscarceknowwhichtoprizemosthigh—Thebrighti-dea,orthebrightdear-eye.

Eulalie

IdweltaloneInaworldofmoan,Andmysoulwasastagnanttide,TillthefairandgentleEulaliebecamemyblushingbride—Tilltheyellow-hairedyoungEulaliebecamemysmilingbride.

Ah,less—lessbrightThestarsofthenightThantheeyesoftheradiantgirl!AndneveraflakeThatthevaporcanmakeWiththemoon-tintsofpurpleandpearl,CanviewiththemodestEulalie’smostunregardedcurl—Cancomparewiththebright-eyedEulalie’smosthumbleandcarelesscurl.

NowDoubt—nowPainComeneveragain,Forhersoulgivesmesighforsigh,AndalldaylongShines,brightandstrong,Astartéwithinthesky,WhileevertoherdearEulalieupturnshermatroneye—WhileevertoheryoungEulalieupturnshervioleteye.

Epigram for Wall Street

I’lltellyouaplanforgainingwealth,Betterthanbanking,tradeorleases—Takeabanknoteandfolditup,Andthenyouwillfindyourmoneyincreases!Thiswonderfulplan,withoutdangerorloss,Keepsyourcashinyourhands,wherenothingcantroubleit;Andeverytimethatyoufolditacross,’Tisasplainasthelightofthedaythatyoudoubleit!

The Raven

Onceuponamidnightdreary,whileIpondered,weakandweary,Overmanyaquaintandcuriousvolumeofforgottenlore—WhileInodded,nearlynapping,suddenlytherecameatapping,Asofsomeonegentlyrapping—rappingatmychamberdoor.“‘Tissomevisitor,”Imuttered,“tappingatmychamberdoor—Onlythisandnothingmore.”

Ah,distinctlyIrememberitwasinthebleakDecember;Andeachseparatedyingemberwroughtitsghostuponthefloor.EagerlyIwishedthemorrow;—vainlyIhadsoughttoborrowFrommybookssurceaseofsorrow—sorrowforthelostLenore—FortherareandradiantmaidenwhomtheangelsnameLenore—Namelesshereforevermore.

Andthesilken,sad,uncertainrustlingofeachpurplecurtainThrilledme—filledmewithfantasticterrorsneverfeltbefore;Sothatnow,tostillthebeatingofmyheart,Istoodrepeating“‘Tissomevisitorentreatingentranceatmychamberdoor—Somelatevisitorentreatingentranceatmychamberdoor;—Thisitisandnothingmore.”

Presentlymysoulgrewstronger;hesitatingthennolonger,“Sir,”saidI,“orMadam,trulyyourforgivenessIimplore;ButthefactisIwasnapping,andsogentlyyoucamerapping,

Andsofaintlyyoucametapping—tappingatmychamberdoor,ThatIscarcewassureIheardyou”—hereIopenedwidethedoor;—Darknessthereandnothingmore.

Deepintothatdarknesspeering,longIstoodtherewondering,fearing,Doubting,dreamingdreamsnomortaleverdaredtodreambefore;Butthesilencewasunbroken,andthedarknessgavenotoken,Andtheonlywordtherespokenwasthewhisperedword,“Lenore!”ThisIwhispered,andanechomurmuredbacktheword,“Lenore!”Merelythisandnothingmore.

Backintothechamberturning,allmysoulwithinmeburning,SoonIheardagainatapping,somewhatlouderthanbefore.“Surely,”saidI,“surelythatissomethingatmywindowlattice;Letmesee,then,whatthereatis,andthismysteryexplore—Letmyheartbestillamomentandthismysteryexplore;—‘Tisthewindandnothingmore!”

OpenhereIflungtheshutter,when,withmanyaflirtandflutter,IntheresteppedastatelyRavenofthesaintlydaysofyore;Nottheleastobeisancemadehe;notaminutestoppedorstayedhe;But,withmienoflordorlady,perchedabovemychamberdoor—PercheduponabustofPallasjustabovemychamberdoor—Perched,andsat,andnothingmore.

Thenthisebonybirdbeguilingmysadfancyintosmiling,Bythegraveandsterndecorumofthecountenanceitwore,“Thoughthycrestbeshornandshaven,thou,”Isaid,“artsurenocraven,GhastlygrimandancientRavenwanderingfromtheNightlyshore—

TellmewhatthylordlynameisontheNight’sPlutonianshore!”QuoththeRaven,“Nevermore.”

MuchImarveledthisungainlyfowltoheardiscoursesoplainly,Thoughitsanswerlittlemeaning—littlerelevancybore;ForwecannothelpagreeingthatnolivinghumanbeingEveryetwasblessedwithseeingbirdabovehischamberdoor—Birdorbeastuponthesculpturedbustabovehischamberdoor,Withsuchnameas“Nevermore.”

ButtheRaven,sittinglonelyonthatplacidbust,spokeonlyThatoneword,asifhissoulinthatonewordhedidoutpour.Nothingfurtherthenheuttered—notafeatherthenhefluttered—TillIscarcelymorethanmuttered,“Otherfriendshaveflownbefore—Onthemorrowhewillleaveme,asmyHopeshaveflownbefore.”Thenthebirdsaid,“Nevermore.”

Startledatthestillnessbrokenbyreplysoaptlyspoken,“Doubtless,”saidI,“whatituttersisitsonlystockandstore,CaughtfromsomeunhappymasterwhomunmercifulDisasterFollowedfastandfollowedfastertillhissongsoneburdenbore—TillthedirgesofhisHopethemelancholyburdenbore—Of‘Never—nevermore.'”

ButtheRavenstillbeguilingmysadfaceintosmiling,StraightIwheeledacushionedseatinfrontofbird,andbustanddoor;Then,uponthevelvetsinking,IbetookmyselftolinkingFancyuntofancy,thinkingwhatthisominousbirdofyore—Whatthisgrim,ungainly,ghastly,gaunt,andominousbirdofyore

Meantincroaking“Nevermore.”

ThusIsatengagedinguessing,butnosyllableexpressingTothefowlwhosefieryeyesnowburnedintomybosom’score;ThisandmoreIsatdivining,withmyheadateaserecliningOnthecushion’svelvetliningthatthelamp-lightgloatedo’er,Butwhosevelvet-violetliningwiththelamp-lightgloatingo’er,Sheshallpress,ah,nevermore!

Then,methought,theairgrewdenser,perfumedfromanunseencenserSwungbyseraphimwhosefoot-fallstinkledonthetuftedfloor.“Wretch,”Icried,“thyGodhathlentthee—bytheseangelshehathsenttheeRespite—respiteandnepenthéfromthymemoriesofLenore;Quaff,ohquaffthiskindnepenthéandforgetthislostLenore!”QuoththeRaven,“Nevermore.”

“Prophet!”saidI,“thingofevil!—prophetstill,ifbirdordevil!—WhetherTemptersent,orwhethertempesttossedtheehereashore,Desolateyetallundaunted,onthisdesertlandenchanted—OnthishomebyHorrorhaunted—tellmetruly,Iimplore—Isthere—istherebalminGilead?—tellme—tellme,Iimplore!”QuoththeRaven,“Nevermore.”

“Prophet!”saidI,“thingofevil!—prophetstill,ifbirdordevil!BythatHeaventhatbendsaboveus—bythatGodwebothadore—Tellthissoulwithsorrowladenif,withinthedistantAidenn,ItshallclaspasaintedmaidenwhomtheangelsnameLenore—ClasparareandradiantmaidenwhomtheangelsnameLenore.”

QuoththeRaven,“Nevermore.”

“Bethatwordoursignofparting,birdorfiend!”Ishrieked,upstarting—“GettheebackintothetempestandtheNight’sPlutonianshore!Leavenoblackplumeasatokenofthatliethysoulhathspoken!Leavemylonelinessunbroken!—quitthebustabovemydoor!Takethybeakfromoutmyheart,andtakethyformfromoffmydoor!”QuoththeRaven,“Nevermore.”

AndtheRaven,neverflitting,stillissitting,stillissittingOnthepallidbustofPallasjustabovemychamberdoor;Andhiseyeshavealltheseemingofademon’sthatisdreaming,Andthelamp-lighto’erhimstreamingthrowshisshadowonthefloor;AndmysoulfromoutthatshadowthatliesfloatingonthefloorShallbelifted—nevermore!

To——— (I Would Not Lord It O’er ThyHeart...)

Iwouldnotlordito’erthyheart,Alas!Icannotrulemyown,NorwouldIroboneloyalthought,Fromhimwhothereshouldreignalone;Webothhavefoundalife-longlove;Whereinourwearysoulsmayrest,Yetmaywenot,mygentlefriendBeeachtoeachthesecondbest?

Alovewhichshallbepassion-free,Fondnessaspureasitissweet,AbondwhereallthedearesttiesOfbrother,friendandcousinmeet,—SuchistheunionIwouldframe,Thatthuswemightbedoublyblest,WithLovetoruleourheartssupremeAndfriendshiptobesecondbest.

The Divine Right of Kings

TheonlykingbyrightdivineIsEllenKing,andwereshemineI’dstriveforlibertynomore,ButhugthegloriouschainsIwore.

Herbosomisanivorythrone,Wheretyrantvirtuereignsalone;Nosubjectvicedareinterfere,Tocheckthepowerthatgovernshere.

O!wouldshedeigntorulemyfate,I’dworshipKingsandkinglystate,Andholdthismaximalllifelong,TheKing—myKing—candonowrong.

Stanzas (To Frances S. Osgood)

Lady!IwouldthatverseofmineCouldfling,alllavishlyandfree,Prophetictonesfromeveryline,Ofhealth,joy,peace,instoreforthee.

Thineshouldbelengthofhappydays,Enduringjoysandfleetingcares,Virtuesthatchallengeenvy’spraise,Byrivalsloved,andmournedbyheirs.

Thylife’sfreecourseshouldeverroamBeyondthisboundedearthlyclime,NobillowbreakingintofoamUpontherock-girtshoreofTime.

Thegladnessofagentleheart,Pureasthewishesbreathedinprayer,Whichhasinothers’joysapart,Whileinitsownallothersshare.

Thefullnessofaculturedmind,Storedwiththewealthofbardandsage,WhichError’sglittercannotblind,Lustrousinyouth,undimmedinage;

Thegrandeurofaguilelesssoul,Withwisdom,virtue,feelingfraught,Glidingserenelytoitsgoal,BeneaththeeternalskyofThought:—

Theseshouldbethine,toguardandshield,Andthisthelifethyspiritlive,Blestwithallblissthatearthcanyield,BrightwithallhopesthatHeavencangive.

A Valentine

Forhertheselinesarepenned,whoseluminouseyes,BrightlyexpressiveasthetwinsofLœda,Shallfindherownsweetnamethat,nestlingliesUponthepage,enwrappedfromeveryreader.Searchnarrowlythisrhyme,whichholdsatreasureDivine—atalisman—anamuletThatmustbewornatheart.Searchwellthemeasure—Thewords—thelettersthemselves!DonotforgetThetrivialestpoint,oryoumayloseyourlabor.AndyetthereisinthisnoGordianknotWhichonemightnotundowithoutasabre,Ifonecouldmerelyunderstandtheplot.EnwrittenuponthispagewhereonarepeeringSucheagereyes,therelies,Isay,perdu,Awell-knownname,oftutteredinthehearingOfpoets,bypoets—asthenameisapoet’s,too.Itsletters,althoughnaturallylying—LiketheknightPinto—MendezFerdinando—StillformasynonymforTruth.Ceasetrying!Youwillnotreadtheriddlethoughyoudothebestyoucando.

Deep in Earth

DeepinearthmyloveislyingAndImustweepalone.

To Miss Louise Olivia Hunter

ThoughIturn,Iflynot—Icannotdepart;Iwouldtry,buttrynotToreleasemyheart.AndmyhopesaredyingWhile,ondreamsrelying,Iamspelledbyart.

Thus,thebrightsnakecoiling’NeaththeforesttreeWinsthebird,beguiling,Tocomedownandsee:LikethatbirdtheloverRoundhisfatewillhoverTilltheblowisoverAndhesinks—likeme.

To (M)arie (L)ouise (S)hew (Of All Who Hail ThyPresence...)

Ofallwhohailthypresenceasthemorning—Ofalltowhomthineabsenceisthenight—TheblottingutterlyfromouthighheavenThesacredsun—ofallwho,weeping,blesstheeHourlyforhope—forlife—ah!aboveall,Fortheresurrectionofdeep-buriedfaithInTruth,inVirtue,inHumanity—Ofallwho,onDespair’sunhallowedbedLyingdowntodie,havesuddenlyarisenAtthysoft-murmuredwords,“Lettherebelight!”Atthysoft-murmuredwordsthatwerefulfilledInthyseraphicglancingofthineeyes—Ofallwhoowetheemost—whosegratitudeNearestresemblesworship—oh,rememberThetruest—themostferventlydevoted,Andthinkthattheseweaklinesarewrittenbyhim—Byhimwho,ashepensthem,thrillstothinkHisspiritiscommuningwithanangel’s.

To (M)arie (L)ouise (S)hew (Not Long Ago...)

Notlongago,thewriteroftheselines,Inthemadprideofintellectuality,Maintained“thepowerofwords”—deniedthateverAthoughtarosewithinthehumanbrainBeyondtheutteranceofthehumantongue;Andnow,asifinmockeryofthatboast,Twowords—twoforeignsoftdissyllables—ItaliantonesmadeonlytobemurmuredByangelsdreaminginthemoonlit“dewThathangslikechainsofpearlonHermonhill”—Havestirredfromouttheabyssesofhisheart,Unthought-likethoughtsthatarethesoulsofthought,Richer,farwilder,fardivinervisionsThaneventheseraphharper,Israfel,Whohas“thesweetestvoiceofallGod’screatures,”Couldhopetoutter.AndI!myspellsarebroken.Thepenfallspowerlessfrommyshiveringhand.Withthydearnameastext,thoughbiddenbythee,Icannotwrite—Icannotspeakorthink—Alas,Icannotfeel;for’tisnotfeeling,ThisstandingmotionlessuponthegoldenThresholdofthewide-opengateofdreams,Gazing,entranced,adownthegorgeousvista,

AndthrillingasIseeupontheright,Upontheleft,andallthewayalongAmidempurpledvapors,farawayTowheretheprospectterminates—theeonly.

Ulalume

Theskiestheywereashenandsober;Theleavestheywerecrispédandsere—Theleavestheywerewitheringandsere;ItwasnightinthelonesomeOctoberOfmymostimmemorialyear:ItwashardbythedimlakeofAuber,InthemistymidregionofWeir—ItwasdownbythedanktarnofAuber,Intheghoul-hauntedwoodlandofWeir.

Hereonce,throughanalleyTitanic.Ofcypress,IroamedwithmySoul—Ofcypress,withPsyche,mySoul.TheseweredayswhenmyheartwasvolcanicAsthescoriacriversthatroll—AsthelavasthatrestlesslyrollTheirsulphurouscurrentsdownYaanekIntheultimateclimesofthePole—ThatgroanastheyrolldownMountYaanekIntherealmsoftheBorealPole.

Ourtalkhadbeenseriousandsober,Butourthoughtstheywerepalsiedandsere—Ourmemoriesweretreacherousandsere—

ForweknewnotthemonthwasOctober,Andwemarkednotthenightoftheyear—(Ah,nightofallnightsintheyear!)WenotednotthedimlakeofAuber—(Thoughoncewehadjourneyeddownhere)—RememberednotthedanktarnofAuber,Northeghoul-hauntedwoodlandofWeir.

AndnowasthenightwassenescentAndstar-dialspointedtomorn—Asthesun-dialshintedofmorn—AttheendofourpathaliquescentAndnebulouslustrewasborn,OutofwhichamiraculouscrescentArosewithaduplicatehorn—Astarte’sbediamondedcrescentDistinctwithitsduplicatehorn.

AndIsaid:“SheiswarmerthanDian;Sherollsthroughanetherofsighs—Sherevelsinaregionofsighs.ShehasseenthatthetearsarenotdryonThesecheeks,wherethewormneverdies,AndhascomepastthestarsoftheLionTopointusthepathtotheskies—TotheLetheanpeaceoftheskies—Comeup,indespiteoftheLion,Toshineonuswithherbrighteyes—

ComeupthroughthelairoftheLion,Withloveinherluminouseyes.”

ButPsyche,upliftingherfinger,Said:“SadlythisstarImistrust—HerpallorIstrangelymistrust:—Oh,hasten!—ah,letusnotlinger!Oh,fly!—letusfly!—forwemust.”Interrorshespoke,lettingsinkherWingstilltheytrailedinthedust—Inagonysobbed,lettingsinkherPlumestilltheytrailedinthedust—Tilltheysorrowfullytrailedinthedust.

Ireplied:“Thisisnothingbutdreaming:Letusonbythistremulouslight!Letusbatheinthiscrystallinelight!ItsSibyllicsplendorisbeamingWithHopeandinBeautyto-night:—See!—itflickersuptheskythroughthenight!Ah,wesafelymaytrusttoitsgleaming,Andbesureitwillleadusaright—WesafelymaytrusttoagleamingThatcannotbutguideusaright,SinceitflickersuptoHeaventhroughthenight.”

ThusIpacifiedPsycheandkissedher,Andtemptedheroutofhergloom—

Andconqueredherscruplesandgloom;Andwepassedtotheendofavista,Butwerestoppedbythedoorofatomb—Bythedoorofalegendedtomb;AndIsaid:“Whatiswritten,sweetsister,Onthedoorofthislegendedtomb?”Shereplied:“Ulalume—Ulalume—‘TisthevaultofthylostUlalume!”

ThenmyheartitgrewashenandsoberAstheleavesthatwerecrispédandsere—Astheleavesthatwerewitheringandsere;AndIcried:“ItwassurelyOctoberOnthisverynightoflastyearThatIjourneyed—Ijourneyeddownhere!—ThatIbroughtadreadburdendownhere—Onthisnightofallnightsintheyear,Ah,whatdemonhastemptedmehere?WellIknow,now,thisdimlakeofAuber—ThismistymidregionofWeir—WellIknow,now,thisdanktarnofAuber,—Thisghoul-hauntedwoodlandofWeir.”

Saidwe,then—thetwo,then:“Ah,canitHavebeenthatthewoodlandishghouls—Thepitiful,themercifulghouls—TobarupourwayandtobanitFromthesecretthatliesinthesewolds—

Fromthethingthatlieshiddeninthesewolds—HavedrawnupthespectreofaplanetFromthelimbooflunarysouls—ThissinfullyscintillantplanetFromtheHelloftheplanetarysouls?”

To Helen (I Saw Thee Once...)

Isawtheeonce—onceonly—yearsago:Imustnotsayhowmany—butnotmany.ItwasaJulymidnight;andfromoutAfull-orbedmoon,that,likethineownsoul,soaring,Soughtaprecipitatepathwayupthroughheaven,Therefellasilvery-silkenveiloflight,Withquietude,andsultriness,andslumber,Upontheupturn’dfacesofathousandRosesthatgrewinanenchantedgarden,Wherenowinddaredtostir,unlessontiptoe—Fellontheupturn’dfacesoftheserosesThatgaveout,inreturnforthelove-light,Theirodoroussoulsinanecstaticdeath—Fellontheupturn’dfacesoftheserosesThatsmiledanddiedinthisparterre,enchantedBythee,andbythepoetryofthypresence.

Cladallinwhite,uponavioletbankIsawtheehalfreclining;whilethemoonFellontheupturn’dfacesoftheroses,Andonthineown,upturn’d—alas,insorrow!

WasitnotFate,that,onthisJulymidnight—WasitnotFate(whosenameisalsoSorrow),

Thatbademepausebeforethatgarden-gate,Tobreathetheincenseofthoseslumberingroses?Nofootstepstirred:thehatedworldallslept,Saveonlytheeandme—(Oh,Heaven!—oh,God!Howmyheartbeatsincouplingthosetwowords!—Saveonlytheeandme).Ipaused—Ilooked—Andinaninstantallthingsdisappeared.(Ah,bearinmindthisgardenwasenchanted!)Thepearlylustreofthemoonwentout:Themossybanksandthemeanderingpaths,Thehappyflowersandtherepiningtrees,Wereseennomore:theveryroses’odorsDiedinthearmsoftheadoringairs.All—allexpiredsavethee—savelessthanthou:Saveonlythedivinelightinthineeyes—Savebutthesoulinthineupliftedeyes.Isawbutthem—theyweretheworldtome.Isawbutthem—sawonlythemforhours—Sawonlythemuntilthemoonwentdown.Whatwildheart-historiesseemedtolieunwrittenUponthosecrystalline,celestialspheres!Howdarkawoe!yethowsublimeahope!Howsilentlysereneaseaofpride!Howdaringanambition!yethowdeep—Howfathomlessacapacityforlove!

Butnow,atlength,dearDiansankfromsight,Intoawesterncouchofthunder-cloud;

Andthou,aghost,amidtheentombingtreesDidstglideaway.Onlythineeyesremained.Theywouldnotgo—theyneveryethavegone.Lightingmylonelypathwayhomethatnight,Theyhavenotleftme(asmyhopeshave)since.Theyfollowme—theyleadmethroughtheyears.Theyaremyministers—yetItheirslave.Theirofficeistoillumineandenkindle—Myduty,tobesavedbytheirbrightlight,Andpurifiedintheirelectricfire,Andsanctifiedintheirelysianfire.TheyfillmysoulwithBeauty(whichisHope),AndarefarupinHeaven—thestarsIkneeltoInthesad,silentwatchesofmynight;WhileeveninthemeridianglareofdayIseethemstill—twosweetlyscintillantVenuses,unextinguishedbythesun!

Lines on Ale

FillwithmingledcreamandamberIwilldrainthatglassagain.SuchhilariousvisionsclamberThroughthechamberofmybrain—Quaintestthoughts—queerestfanciesCometolifeandfadeaway;WhatcareIhowtimeadvances?Iamdrinkingaletoday!

The Bells

I

Hearthesledgeswiththebells—Silverbells!Whataworldofmerrimenttheirmelodyforetells!Howtheytinkle,tinkle,tinkle,Intheiricyairofnight!WhilethestarsthatoversprinkleAlltheheavens,seemtotwinkleWithacrystallinedelight;Keepingtime,time,time,InasortofRunicrhyme,TothetintinnabulationthatsomusicallywellsFromthebells,bells,bells,bells,Bells,bells,bells—Fromthejinglingandthetinklingofthebells.

II

Hearthemellowweddingbells,—Goldenbells!Whataworldofhappinesstheirharmonyforetells!ThroughthebalmyairofnightHowtheyringouttheirdelight!—

Fromthemoltengolden-notes,Andallintune,WhataliquiddittyfloatsTotheturtle-dovethatlistens,whileshegloatsOnthemoon!Oh,fromoutthesoundingcells,Whatagushofeuphonyvoluminouslywells!Howitswells!HowitdwellsOntheFuture!—howittellsOftherapturethatimpelsTotheswingingandtheringingOfthebells,bells,bells—Ofthebells,bells,bells,bells,Bells,bells,bells—Totherhymingandthechimingofthebells!

III

Heartheloudalarumbells—Brazenbells!Whatataleofterrornowtheirturbulencytells!InthestartledearofnightHowtheyscreamouttheiraffright!Toomuchhorrifiedtospeak,Theycanonlyshriek,shriek,Outoftune,

Inaclamorousappealingtothemercyofthefire,Inamadexpostulationwiththedeafandfranticfire,Leapinghigher,higher,higher,Withadesperatedesire,AndaresoluteendeavorNow—nowtosit,ornever,Bythesideofthepale-facedmoon.Oh,thebells,bells,bells!WhatataletheirterrortellsOfDespair!Howtheyclang,andclash,androar!WhatahorrortheyoutpourOnthebosomofthepalpitatingair!Yettheear,itfullyknows,Bythetwanging,Andtheclanging,Howthedangerebbsandflows;Yettheeardistinctlytells,Inthejangling,Andthewrangling,Howthedangersinksandswells,Bythesinkingortheswellingintheangerofthebells—Ofthebells—Ofthebells,bells,bells,bells,Bells,bells,bells—Intheclamorandtheclangorofthebells!

IV

Hearthetollingofthebells—Ironbells!Whataworldofsolemnthoughttheirmonodycompels!Inthesilenceofthenight,HowweshiverwithaffrightAtthemelancholymenaceoftheirtone!ForeverysoundthatfloatsFromtherustwithintheirthroatsIsagroan.Andthepeople—ah,thepeople—Theythatdwellupinthesteeple,Allalone,Andwhotoiling,toiling,toiling,Inthatmuffledmonotone,FeelagloryinsorollingOnthehumanheartastone—Theyareneithermannorwoman—Theyareneitherbrutenorhuman—TheyareGhouls:—Andtheirkingitiswhotolls;Andherolls,rolls,rolls,RollsApæanfromthebells!AndhismerrybosomswellsWiththepæanofthebells!Andhedances,andheyells;

Keepingtime,time,time,InasortofRunicrhyme,Tothepæanofthebells—Ofthebells:Keepingtime,time,time,InasortofRunicrhyme,Tothethrobbingofthebells—Ofthebells,bells,bells—Tothesobbingofthebells;Keepingtime,time,time,Asheknells,knells,knells,InahappyRunicrhyme,Totherollingofthebells—Ofthebells,bells,bells:—Tothetollingofthebells—Ofthebells,bells,bells,bells,Bells,bells,bells—Tothemoaningandthegroaningofthebells.

A Dream within a Dream

Takethiskissuponthebrow!And,inpartingfromyounow,Thusmuchletmeavow—Youarenotwrong,whodeemThatmydayshavebeenadream:YetifHopehasflownawayInanight,orinaday,Inavisionorinnone,Isitthereforethelessgone?AllthatweseeorseemIsbutadreamwithinadream.

IstandamidtheroarOfasurf-tormentedshore,AndIholdwithinmyhandGrainsofthegoldensand—Howfew!yethowtheycreepThroughmyfingerstothedeep,WhileIweep—whileIweep!OGod!canInotgraspThemwithatighterclasp?OGod!canInotsaveOnefromthepitilesswave?

IsallthatweseeorseemButadreamwithinadream?

For Annie

ThankHeaven!thecrisis—Thedangerispast,AndthelingeringillnessIsoveratlast—Andthefevercalled“Living”Isconqueredatlast.

Sadly,Iknow,Iamshornofmystrength,AndnomuscleImoveAsIlieatfulllength—Butnomatter!—IfeelIambetteratlength.

AndIrestsocomposedly,Nowinmybed,ThatanybeholderMightfancymedead—MightstartatbeholdingmeThinkingmedead.

Themoaningandgroaning,Thesighingandsobbing,Arequietednow,

WiththathorriblethrobbingAtheart:—ah,thathorrible,Horriblethrobbing!

Thesickness—thenausea—Thepitilesspain—Haveceased,withthefeverThatmaddenedmybrain—Withthefevercalled“Living”Thatburnedinmybrain.

Andoh!ofalltorturesThattorturetheworstHasabated—theterribleTortureofthirstForthenaphthalineriverOfPassionaccurst:—IhavedrankofawaterThatquenchesallthirst:—

Ofawaterthatflows,Withalullabysound,FromaspringbutaveryfewFeetunderground—FromacavernnotveryfarDownunderground.

Andah!letitneverBefoolishlysaid

ThatmyroomitisgloomyAndnarrowmybed—FormanneversleptInadifferentbed;And,tosleep,youmustslumberInjustsuchabed.

MytantalizedspiritHereblandlyreposes,Forgetting,orneverRegrettingitsroses—ItsoldagitationsOfmyrtlesandroses:

Fornow,whilesoquietlyLying,itfanciesAholierodorAboutit,ofpansies—Arosemaryodor,Commingledwithpansies—WithrueandthebeautifulPuritanpansies.

Andsoitlieshappily,BathinginmanyAdreamofthetruthAndthebeautyofAnnie—Drownedinabath

OfthetressesofAnnie.

Shetenderlykissedme,Shefondlycaressed,AndthenIfellgentlyTosleeponherbreast—DeeplytosleepFromtheheavenofherbreast.

Whenthelightwasextinguished,Shecoveredmewarm,AndsheprayedtotheangelsTokeepmefromharm—TothequeenoftheangelsToshieldmefromharm.

AndIliesocomposedly,Nowinmybed(Knowingherlove),Thatyoufancymedead—AndIrestsocontentedly,Nowinmybed,(Withherloveatmybreast),Thatyoufancymedead—Thatyoushuddertolookatme,Thinkingmedead:—

ButmyheartitisbrighterThanallofthemany

Starsoftheheaven,ForitsparkleswithAnnie—ItglowswiththefireOftheloveofmyAnnie—WiththethoughtofthelightOftheeyesofmyAnnie.

Eldorado

Gailybedight,Agallantknight,Insunshineandinshadow,Hadjourneyedlong,Singingasong,InsearchofEldorado.

Buthegrewold—Thisknightsobold—Ando’erhisheartashadowFellashefoundNospotofgroundThatlookedlikeEldorado.

And,ashisstrengthFailedhimatlength,Hemetapilgrimshadow—“Shadow,”saidhe,“Wherecanitbe—ThislandofEldorado?”

“OvertheMountainsOftheMoon,DowntheValleyoftheShadow,

Ride,boldlyride,”Theshadereplied,—“IfyouseekforEldorado!”

Sonnet: To My Mother

BecauseIfeelthat,intheHeavensabove,Theangels,whisperingtooneanother,Canfind,amongtheirburningtermsoflove,Nonesodevotionalasthatof“Mother,”ThereforebythatdearnameIlonghavecalledyou—Youwhoaremorethanmotheruntome,Andfillmyheartofhearts,whereDeathinstalledyou,InsettingmyVirginia’sspiritfree.Mymother—myownmother,whodiedearly,Wasbutthemotherofmyself;butyouAremothertotheoneIlovedsodearly,AndthusaredearerthanthemotherIknewBythatinfinitywithwhichmywifeWasdearertomysoulthanitssoul-life.

Annabel Lee

Itwasmanyandmanyayearago,Inakingdombythesea,ThatamaidentherelivedwhomyoumayknowBythenameofAnnabelLee;—AndthismaidenshelivedwithnootherthoughtThantoloveandbelovedbyme.

ShewasachildandIwasachild,Inthiskingdombythesea,Butwelovedwithalovethatwasmorethanlove—IandmyAnnabelLee—WithalovethatthewingédseraphsofHeavenCovetedherandme.

Andthiswasthereasonthat,longago,Inthiskingdombythesea,AwindblewoutofacloudbynightChillingmyAnnabelLee;SothatherhighbornkinsmencameAndboreherawayfromme,ToshutherupinasepulchreInthiskingdombythesea.

Theangels,nothalfsohappyinHeaven,

Wentenvyingherandme:—Yes!—thatwasthereason(asallmenknow,Inthiskingdombythesea)Thatthewindcameoutofthecloud,chillingAndkillingmyAnnabelLee.

ButourloveitwasstrongerbyfarthantheloveOfthosewhowereolderthanwe—Ofmanyfarwiserthanwe—AndneithertheangelsinHeavenabove,Northedemonsdownunderthesea,CaneverdissevermysoulfromthesoulOfthebeautifulAnnabelLee:—

ForthemoonneverbeamswithoutbringingmedreamsOfthebeautifulAnnabelLee;AndthestarsneverrisebutIseethebrighteyesOfthebeautifulAnnabelLee;Andso,allthenight-tide,IliedownbythesideOfmydarling,mydarling,mylifeandmybride,Inhersepulchretherebythesea—Inhertombbythesideofthesea.

About the Editor

NeilAzevedo’sfirstbook,Ocean,waspublishedbyGrovePressin2005.Abook of rock ‘n’ roll trivia,Fan, was published byWilliam Ralph Pressunder the pseudonym Roland McAlsberg in 2007. His first book ofprose,These Details in Preference to Nothing: Isabel, is also availableelectronically from William Ralph Press, as is his second,A Book ofNightmares. The third,Ruin, will be available soon. In addition to books,Neil has published poems and articles in such magazines asThe NewCriterion, First Things, The Gettysburg Review, The Antioch Review, Image, The

WesternHumanitiesReview,TheJournal,PrairieSchooner,DrunkenBoat andTheParis Review where he won the Bernard F. Conners Prize for Poetry in1998.HecurrentlylivesinOmaha,Nebraskawherehereads,reclusivelyspendstimewithhisthreechildren,andfromtimetotimedirectsthevinylreissuelabelDrasticPlasticRecords.

www.williamralphpress.com

Also from William Ralph Press

TheseDetailsinPreferencetoNothing:IsabelbyNeilAzevedo

ABookofNightmaresbyNeilAzevedo

andcomingsoon,RuinbyNeilAzevedo

Additionale-editionsintheReader’sLibrarySeries

TheSonnetsofWilliamShakespearebyWilliamShakespeare

ParadiseLostandParadiseRegainedbyJohnMilton

CollectedPoemsofJohnDonnebyJohnDonne

ASelectionofSatiricalandLicentiousVersebyJohnWilmot,2ndEarlofRochester

TheSelectedPoemsofSamuelTaylorColeridgebySamuelTaylorColeridge

CollectedPoemsofJohnKeatsbyJohnKeats

Poems(1876-1889)byGerardManleyHopkins

www.williamralphpress.com