Black Riders and Other Lines (Version 2)

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <div class="align-None center container titlepage white-space-pre-line"> <p class="pfirst white-space-pre-line x-large">THE BLACK RIDERS AND<br/> OTHER LINES</p> <div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"></div> <p class="large pfirst white-space-pre-line">BY STEPHEN CRANE</p> <div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 4em"></div> <p class="center medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">PRIVATELY REPRINTED<br/> BY COURTESY OF SMALL,<br/> MAYNARD &amp; COMPANY</p> <div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 4em"></div> </div> <div class="align-None center container verso white-space-pre-line"> <p class="center pfirst small white-space-pre-line">Copyright, 1905, by Copeland &amp; Day</p> </div> <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">I</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Black Riders came from the sea.</div> <div class="line">There was clang and clang of spear and shield,</div> <div class="line">And clash and clash of hoof and heel,</div> <div class="line">Wild shouts and the wave of hair</div> <div class="line">In the rush upon the wind:</div> <div class="line">Thus the ride of Sin.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">II</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Three little birds in a row</div> <div class="line">Sat musing.</div> <div class="line">A man passed near that place.</div> <div class="line">Then did the little birds nudge each other.</div> <div class="line">They said, "He thinks he can sing."</div> <div class="line">They threw back their heads to laugh,</div> <div class="line">With quaint countenances</div> <div class="line">They regarded him.</div> <div class="line">They were very curious,</div> <div class="line">Those three little birds in a row.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">III</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">In the desert</div> <div class="line">I saw a creature, naked, bestial,</div> <div class="line">Who, squatting upon the ground,</div> <div class="line">Held his heart in his hands,</div> <div class="line">And ate of it.</div> <div class="line">I said, "Is it good, friend?"</div> <div class="line">"It is bitter--bitter," he answered;</div> <div class="line">"But I like it</div> <div class="line">Because it is bitter,</div> <div class="line">And because it is my heart."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">IV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Yes, I have a thousand tongues,</div> <div class="line">And nine and ninety-nine lie.</div> <div class="line">Though I strive to use the one,</div> <div class="line">It will make no melody at my will,</div> <div class="line">But is dead in my mouth.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">V</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Once there came a man</div> <div class="line">Who said,</div> <div class="line">"Range me all men of the world in rows."</div> <div class="line">And instantly</div> <div class="line">There was terrific clamor among the people</div> <div class="line">Against being ranged in rows.</div> <div class="line">There was a loud quarrel, world-wide.</div> <div class="line">It endured for ages;</div> <div class="line">And blood was shed</div> <div class="line">By those who would not stand in rows,</div> <div class="line">And by those who pined to stand in rows,</div> <div class="line">Eventually, the man went to death, weeping.</div> <div class="line">And those who staid in bloody scuffle</div> <div class="line">Knew not the great simplicity.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">VI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">God fashioned the ship of the world carefully</div> <div class="line">With the infinite skill of an All-Master</div> <div class="line">Made He the hull and the sails,</div> <div class="line">Held He the rudder</div> <div class="line">Ready for adjustment.</div> <div class="line">Erect stood He, scanning his work proudly.</div> <div class="line">Then--at fateful time--a Wrong called,</div> <div class="line">And God turned, heeding.</div> <div class="line">Lo, the ship, at this opportunity, slipped slyly,</div> <div class="line">Making cunning noiseless travel down the ways.</div> <div class="line">So that, forever rudderless, it went upon the seas</div> <div class="line">Going ridiculous voyages,</div> <div class="line">Making quaint progress,</div> <div class="line">Turning as with serious purpose</div> <div class="line">Before stupid winds.</div> <div class="line">And there were many in the sky</div> <div class="line">Who laughed at this thing.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">VII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Mystic Shadow, bending near me,</div> <div class="line">Who art thou?</div> <div class="line">Whence come ye?</div> <div class="line">And--tell me--is it fair</div> <div class="line">Or is the truth bitter as eaten fire?</div> <div class="line">Tell me!</div> <div class="line">Fear not that I should quaver,</div> <div class="line">For I dare--I dare.</div> <div class="line">Then, tell me!</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">VIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I looked here;</div> <div class="line">I looked there;</div> <div class="line">Nowhere could I see my love.</div> <div class="line">And--this time--</div> <div class="line">She was in my heart.</div> <div class="line">Truly, then, I have no complaint,</div> <div class="line">For though she be fair and fairer,</div> <div class="line">She is none so fair as she</div> <div class="line">In my heart.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">IX</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I stood upon a high place,</div> <div class="line">And saw, below, many devils</div> <div class="line">Running, leaping,</div> <div class="line">And carousing in sin.</div> <div class="line">One looked up, grinning,</div> <div class="line">And said, "Comrade! Brother!"</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">X</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Should the wide world roll away,</div> <div class="line">Leaving black terror,</div> <div class="line">Limitless night,</div> <div class="line">Nor God, nor man, nor place to stand</div> <div class="line">Would be to me essential,</div> <div class="line">If thou and thy white arms were there,</div> <div class="line">And the fall to doom a long way.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">In a lonely place,</div> <div class="line">I encountered a sage</div> <div class="line">Who sat, all still,</div> <div class="line">Regarding a newspaper.</div> <div class="line">He accosted me:</div> <div class="line">"Sir, what is this?"</div> <div class="line">Then I saw that I was greater,</div> <div class="line">Aye, greater than this sage.</div> <div class="line">I answered him at once,</div> <div class="line">"Old, old man, it is the wisdom of the age."</div> <div class="line">The sage looked upon me with admiration.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">"and the sins of the fathers shall be</div> <div class="line">visited upon the heads of the children,</div> <div class="line">even unto the third and fourth</div> <div class="line">generation of them that hate me."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Well, then, I hate thee, Unrighteous Picture;</div> <div class="line">Wicked Image, I hate thee;</div> <div class="line">So, strike with thy vengeance</div> <div class="line">The heads of those little men</div> <div class="line">Who come blindly.</div> <div class="line">It will be a brave thing.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">If there is a witness to my little life,</div> <div class="line">To my tiny throes and struggles,</div> <div class="line">He sees a fool;</div> <div class="line">And it is not fine for gods to menace fools.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XIV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There was crimson clash of war.</div> <div class="line">Lands turned black and bare;</div> <div class="line">Women wept;</div> <div class="line">Babes ran, wondering.</div> <div class="line">There came one who understood not these things.</div> <div class="line">He said, "Why is this?"</div> <div class="line">Whereupon a million strove to answer him.</div> <div class="line">There was such intricate clamor of tongues,</div> <div class="line">That still the reason was not.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">"Tell brave deeds of war."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Then they recounted tales,--</div> <div class="line">"There were stern stands</div> <div class="line">"And bitter runs for glory."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Ah, I think there were braver deeds.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XVI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Charity, thou art a lie,</div> <div class="line">A toy of women,</div> <div class="line">A pleasure of certain men.</div> <div class="line">In the presence of justice,</div> <div class="line">Lo, the walls of the temple</div> <div class="line">Are visible</div> <div class="line">Through thy form of sudden shadows.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XVII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There were many who went in huddled procession,</div> <div class="line">They knew not whither;</div> <div class="line">But, at any rate, success or calamity</div> <div class="line">Would attend all in equality.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There was one who sought a new road.</div> <div class="line">He went into direful thickets,</div> <div class="line">And ultimately he died thus, alone;</div> <div class="line">But they said he had courage.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XVIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">In Heaven,</div> <div class="line">Some little blades of grass</div> <div class="line">Stood before God.</div> <div class="line">"What did you do?"</div> <div class="line">Then all save one of the little blades</div> <div class="line">Began eagerly to relate</div> <div class="line">The merits of their lives.</div> <div class="line">This one stayed a small way behind,</div> <div class="line">Ashamed.</div> <div class="line">Presently, God said,</div> <div class="line">"And what did you do?"</div> <div class="line">The little blade answered, "Oh, my Lord,</div> <div class="line">"Memory is bitter to me,</div> <div class="line">"For, if I did good deeds,</div> <div class="line">"I know not of them."</div> <div class="line">Then God, in all His splendor,</div> <div class="line">Arose from His throne.</div> <div class="line">"Oh, best little blade of grass!" He said.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XIX</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">A god in wrath</div> <div class="line">Was beating a man;</div> <div class="line">He cuffed him loudly</div> <div class="line">With thunderous blows</div> <div class="line">That rang and rolled over the earth.</div> <div class="line">All people came running.</div> <div class="line">The man screamed and struggled,</div> <div class="line">And bit madly at the feet of the god.</div> <div class="line">The people cried,</div> <div class="line">"Ah, what a wicked man!"</div> <div class="line">And--</div> <div class="line">"Ah, what a redoubtable god!"</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XX</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">A learned man came to me once.</div> <div class="line">He said, "I know the way,--come."</div> <div class="line">And I was overjoyed at this.</div> <div class="line">Together we hastened.</div> <div class="line">Soon, too soon, were we</div> <div class="line">Where my eyes were useless,</div> <div class="line">And I knew not the ways of my feet</div> <div class="line">I clung to the hand of my friend;</div> <div class="line">But at last he cried, "I am lost."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There was, before me,</div> <div class="line">Mile upon mile</div> <div class="line">Of snow, ice, burning sand.</div> <div class="line">And yet I could look beyond all this,</div> <div class="line">To a place of infinite beauty;</div> <div class="line">And I could see the loveliness of her</div> <div class="line">Who walked in the shade of the trees.</div> <div class="line">When I gazed,</div> <div class="line">All was lost</div> <div class="line">But this place of beauty and her.</div> <div class="line">When I gazed,</div> <div class="line">And in my gazing, desired,</div> <div class="line">Then came again</div> <div class="line">Mile upon mile,</div> <div class="line">Of snow, ice, burning sand.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Once I saw Mountains angry,</div> <div class="line">And ranged in battle-front.</div> <div class="line">Against them stood a little man;</div> <div class="line">Aye, he was no bigger than my finger.</div> <div class="line">I laughed, and spoke to one near me,</div> <div class="line">"Will he prevail?"</div> <div class="line">"Surely," replied this other;</div> <div class="line">"His grandfathers beat them many times."</div> <div class="line">Then did I see much virtue in grandfathers,--</div> <div class="line">At least, for the little man</div> <div class="line">Who stood against the Mountains.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Places among the stars,</div> <div class="line">Soft gardens near the sun,</div> <div class="line">Keep your distant beauty;</div> <div class="line">Shed no beams upon my weak heart.</div> <div class="line">Since she is here</div> <div class="line">In a place of blackness,</div> <div class="line">Not your golden days</div> <div class="line">Nor your silver nights</div> <div class="line">Can call me to you.</div> <div class="line">Since she is here</div> <div class="line">In a place of blackness,</div> <div class="line">Here I stay and wait.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXIV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I saw a man pursuing the horizon;</div> <div class="line">Round and round they sped.</div> <div class="line">I was disturbed at this;</div> <div class="line">I accosted the man.</div> <div class="line">"It is futile," I said,</div> <div class="line">"You can never"--</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">"You lie," he cried,</div> <div class="line">And ran on.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Behold, the grave of a wicked man,</div> <div class="line">And near it, a stern spirit.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There came a drooping maid with violets,</div> <div class="line">But the spirit grasped her arm.</div> <div class="line">"No flowers for him," he said.</div> <div class="line">The maid wept:</div> <div class="line">"Ah, I loved him."</div> <div class="line">But the spirit, grim and frowning:</div> <div class="line">"No flowers for him."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Now, this is it--</div> <div class="line">If the spirit was just,</div> <div class="line">Why did the maid weep?</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXVI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There was set before me a mighty hill,</div> <div class="line">And long days I climbed</div> <div class="line">Through regions of snow.</div> <div class="line">When I had before me the summit-view,</div> <div class="line">It seemed that my labor</div> <div class="line">Had been to see gardens</div> <div class="line">Lying at impossible distances.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXVII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">A youth in apparel that glittered</div> <div class="line">Went to walk in a grim forest.</div> <div class="line">There he met an assassin</div> <div class="line">Attired all in garb of old days;</div> <div class="line">He, scowling through the thickets,</div> <div class="line">And dagger poised quivering,</div> <div class="line">Rushed upon the youth.</div> <div class="line">"Sir," said this latter,</div> <div class="line">"I am enchanted, believe me,</div> <div class="line">"To die, thus,</div> <div class="line">"In this medieval fashion,</div> <div class="line">"According to the best legends;</div> <div class="line">"Ah, what joy!"</div> <div class="line">Then took he the wound, smiling,</div> <div class="line">And died, content.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXVIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">"Truth," said a traveller,</div> <div class="line">"Is a rock, a mighty fortress;</div> <div class="line">"Often have I been to it,</div> <div class="line">"Even to its highest tower,</div> <div class="line">"From whence the world looks black."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">"Truth," said a traveller,</div> <div class="line">"Is a breath, a wind,</div> <div class="line">"A shadow, a phantom;</div> <div class="line">"Long have I pursued it,</div> <div class="line">"But never have I touched</div> <div class="line">"The hem of its garment."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">And I believed the second traveller;</div> <div class="line">For truth was to me</div> <div class="line">A breath, a wind,</div> <div class="line">A shadow, a phantom,</div> <div class="line">And never had I touched</div> <div class="line">The hem of its garment.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXIX</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Behold, from the land of the farther suns</div> <div class="line">I returned.</div> <div class="line">And I was in a reptile-swarming place,</div> <div class="line">Peopled, otherwise, with grimaces,</div> <div class="line">Shrouded above in black impenetrableness.</div> <div class="line">I shrank, loathing,</div> <div class="line">Sick with it.</div> <div class="line">And I said to him,</div> <div class="line">"What is this?"</div> <div class="line">He made answer slowly,</div> <div class="line">"Spirit, this is a world;</div> <div class="line">"This was your home."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXX</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Supposing that I should have the courage</div> <div class="line">To let a red sword of virtue</div> <div class="line">Plunge into my heart,</div> <div class="line">Letting to the weeds of the ground</div> <div class="line">My sinful blood,</div> <div class="line">What can you offer me?</div> <div class="line">A gardened castle?</div> <div class="line">A flowery kingdom?</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">What? A hope?</div> <div class="line">Then hence with your red sword of virtue.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXXI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Many workmen</div> <div class="line">Built a huge ball of masonry</div> <div class="line">Upon a mountain-top.</div> <div class="line">Then they went to the valley below,</div> <div class="line">And turned to behold their work.</div> <div class="line">"It is grand," they said;</div> <div class="line">They loved the thing.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Of a sudden, it moved:</div> <div class="line">It came upon them swiftly;</div> <div class="line">It crushed them all to blood.</div> <div class="line">But some had opportunity to squeal.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXXII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Two or three angels</div> <div class="line">Came near to the earth.</div> <div class="line">They saw a fat church.</div> <div class="line">Little black streams of people</div> <div class="line">Came and went in continually.</div> <div class="line">And the angels were puzzled</div> <div class="line">To know why the people went thus,</div> <div class="line">And why they stayed so long within.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXXIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There was one I met upon the road</div> <div class="line">Who looked at me with kind eyes.</div> <div class="line">He said, "Show me of your wares."</div> <div class="line">And this I did,</div> <div class="line">Holding forth one.</div> <div class="line">He said, "It is a sin."</div> <div class="line">Then held I forth another;</div> <div class="line">He said, "It is a sin."</div> <div class="line">Then held I forth another;</div> <div class="line">He said, "It is a sin."</div> <div class="line">And so to the end;</div> <div class="line">Always he said, "It is a sin."</div> <div class="line">And, finally, I cried out,</div> <div class="line">"But I have none other."</div> <div class="line">Then did he look at me</div> <div class="line">With kinder eyes.</div> <div class="line">"Poor soul!" he said.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXXIV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I stood upon a highway,</div> <div class="line">And, behold, there came</div> <div class="line">Many strange pedlers.</div> <div class="line">To me each one made gestures.</div> <div class="line">Holding forth little images, saying,</div> <div class="line">"This is my pattern of God.</div> <div class="line">"Now this is the God I prefer."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">But I said, "Hence!</div> <div class="line">"Leave me with mine own,</div> <div class="line">"And take you yours away;</div> <div class="line">"I can't buy of your patterns of God,</div> <div class="line">"The little Gods you may rightly prefer."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXXV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">A man saw a ball of gold in the sky;</div> <div class="line">He climbed for it,</div> <div class="line">And eventually he achieved it--</div> <div class="line">It was clay.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Now this is the strange part:</div> <div class="line">When the man went to the earth</div> <div class="line">And looked again,</div> <div class="line">Lo, there was the ball of gold.</div> <div class="line">Now this is the strange part:</div> <div class="line">It was a ball of gold.</div> <div class="line">Aye, by the Heavens, it was a ball of gold.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXXVI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I met a seer.</div> <div class="line">He held in his hands</div> <div class="line">The book of wisdom.</div> <div class="line">"Sir," I addressed him,</div> <div class="line">"Let me read."</div> <div class="line">"Child--" he began.</div> <div class="line">"Sir," I said,</div> <div class="line">"Think not that I am a child,</div> <div class="line">"For already I know much</div> <div class="line">"Of that which you hold.</div> <div class="line">"Aye, much."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">He smiled.</div> <div class="line">Then he opened the book</div> <div class="line">And held it before me.--</div> <div class="line">Strange that I should have grown so suddenly blind.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXXVII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">On the horizon the peaks assembled;</div> <div class="line">And as I looked,</div> <div class="line">The march of the mountains began.</div> <div class="line">As they marched, they sang,</div> <div class="line">"Aye! We come! We come!"</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXXVIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">The ocean said to me once,</div> <div class="line">"Look!</div> <div class="line">"Yonder on the shore</div> <div class="line">"Is a woman, weeping.</div> <div class="line">"I have watched her.</div> <div class="line">"Go you and tell her this,--</div> <div class="line">"Her lover I have laid</div> <div class="line">"In cool green hall.</div> <div class="line">"There is wealth of golden sand</div> <div class="line">"And pillars, coral-red;</div> <div class="line">"Two white fish stand guard at his bier.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">"Tell her this</div> <div class="line">"And more,--</div> <div class="line">"That the king of the seas</div> <div class="line">"Weeps too, old, helpless man.</div> <div class="line">"The bustling fates</div> <div class="line">"Heap his hands with corpses</div> <div class="line">"Until he stands like a child,</div> <div class="line">"With surplus of toys."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XXXIX</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds;</div> <div class="line">The leaden thunders crashed.</div> <div class="line">A worshipper raised his arm.</div> <div class="line">"Hearken! Hearken! The voice of God!"</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">"Not so," said a man.</div> <div class="line">"The voice of God whispers in the heart</div> <div class="line">"So softly</div> <div class="line">"That the soul pauses,</div> <div class="line">"Making no noise,</div> <div class="line">"And strives for these melodies,</div> <div class="line">"Distant, sighing, like faintest breath,</div> <div class="line">"And all the being is still to hear."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XL</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">And you love me?</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I love you.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">You are, then, cold coward.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Aye; but, beloved,</div> <div class="line">When I strive to come to you,</div> <div class="line">Man's opinions, a thousand thickets,</div> <div class="line">My interwoven existence,</div> <div class="line">My life,</div> <div class="line">Caught in the stubble of the world</div> <div class="line">Like a tender veil,--</div> <div class="line">This stays me.</div> <div class="line">No strange move can I make</div> <div class="line">Without noise of tearing.</div> <div class="line">I dare not.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">If love loves,</div> <div class="line">There is no world</div> <div class="line">Nor word.</div> <div class="line">All is lost</div> <div class="line">Save thought of love</div> <div class="line">And place to dream.</div> <div class="line">You love me?</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I love you.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">You are, then, cold coward.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Aye; but beloved--</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XLI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Love walked alone.</div> <div class="line">The rocks cut her tender feet,</div> <div class="line">And the brambles tore her fair limbs.</div> <div class="line">There came a companion to her,</div> <div class="line">But, alas, he was no help,</div> <div class="line">For his name was Heart's Pain.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XLII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I walked in a desert.</div> <div class="line">And I cried,</div> <div class="line">"Ah, God, take me from this place!"</div> <div class="line">A voice said, "It is no desert."</div> <div class="line">I cried, "Well, but--</div> <div class="line">"The sand, the heat, the vacant horizon."</div> <div class="line">A voice said, "It is no desert."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XLIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There came whisperings in the winds</div> <div class="line">"Good bye! Good bye!"</div> <div class="line">Little voices called in the darkness:</div> <div class="line">"Good bye! Good bye!"</div> <div class="line">Then I stretched forth my arms.</div> <div class="line">"No--no--"</div> <div class="line">There came whisperings in the wind:</div> <div class="line">"Good bye! Good bye!"</div> <div class="line">Little voices called in the darkness:</div> <div class="line">"Good bye! Good bye!"</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XLIV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I was in the darkness;</div> <div class="line">I could not see my words</div> <div class="line">Nor the wishes of my heart.</div> <div class="line">Then suddenly there was a great light--</div> <div class="line">"Let me into the darkness again."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XLV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Tradition, thou art for suckling children,</div> <div class="line">Thou art the enlivening milk for babes;</div> <div class="line">But no meat for men is in thee.</div> <div class="line">Then--</div> <div class="line">But, alas, we all are babes.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XLVI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Many red devils ran from my heart</div> <div class="line">And out upon the page,</div> <div class="line">They were so tiny</div> <div class="line">The pen could mash them.</div> <div class="line">And many struggled in the ink.</div> <div class="line">It was strange</div> <div class="line">To write in this red muck</div> <div class="line">Of things from my heart.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XLVII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">"Think as I think," said a man,</div> <div class="line">"Or you are abominably wicked;</div> <div class="line">"You are a toad."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">And after I had thought of it,</div> <div class="line">I said, "I will, then, be a toad."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XLVIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Once there was a man,--</div> <div class="line">Oh, so wise!</div> <div class="line">In all drink</div> <div class="line">He detected the bitter,</div> <div class="line">And in all touch</div> <div class="line">He found the sting.</div> <div class="line">At last he cried thus:</div> <div class="line">"There is nothing,--</div> <div class="line">"No life,</div> <div class="line">"No joy,</div> <div class="line">"No pain,--</div> <div class="line">"There is nothing save opinion,</div> <div class="line">"And opinion be damned."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">XLIX</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I stood musing in a black world,</div> <div class="line">Not knowing where to direct my feet.</div> <div class="line">And I saw the quick stream of men</div> <div class="line">Pouring ceaselessly,</div> <div class="line">Filled with eager faces,</div> <div class="line">A torrent of desire.</div> <div class="line">I called to them,</div> <div class="line">"Where do you go? What do you see?"</div> <div class="line">A thousand voices called to me.</div> <div class="line">A thousand fingers pointed.</div> <div class="line">"Look! Look! There!"</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">I know not of it.</div> <div class="line">But, lo! in the far sky shone a radiance</div> <div class="line">Ineffable, divine,--</div> <div class="line">A vision painted upon a pall;</div> <div class="line">And sometimes it was,</div> <div class="line">And sometimes it was not.</div> <div class="line">I hesitated.</div> <div class="line">Then from the stream</div> <div class="line">Came roaring voices,</div> <div class="line">Impatient:</div> <div class="line">"Look! Look! There!"</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">So again I saw,</div> <div class="line">And leaped, unhesitant,</div> <div class="line">And struggled and fumed</div> <div class="line">With outspread clutching fingers.</div> <div class="line">The hard hills tore my flesh;</div> <div class="line">The ways bit my feet.</div> <div class="line">At last I looked again.</div> <div class="line">No radiance in the far sky,</div> <div class="line">Ineffable, divine;</div> <div class="line">No vision painted upon a pall;</div> <div class="line">And always my eyes ached for the light.</div> <div class="line">Then I cried in despair,</div> <div class="line">"I see nothing! Oh, where do I go?"</div> <div class="line">The torrent turned again its faces:</div> <div class="line">"Look! Look! There!"</div> <div class="line">And at the blindness of my spirit</div> <div class="line">They screamed,</div> <div class="line">"Fool! Fool! Fool!"</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">L</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">You say you are holy,</div> <div class="line">And that</div> <div class="line">Because I have not seen you sin.</div> <div class="line">Aye, but there are those</div> <div class="line">Who see you sin, my friend.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">A man went before a strange god,--</div> <div class="line">The god of many men, sadly wise.</div> <div class="line">And the deity thundered loudly,</div> <div class="line">Fat with rage, and puffing,</div> <div class="line">"Kneel, mortal, and cringe</div> <div class="line">"And grovel and do homage</div> <div class="line">"To my particularly sublime majesty."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">The man fled.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Then the man went to another god,--</div> <div class="line">The god of his inner thoughts.</div> <div class="line">And this one looked at him</div> <div class="line">With soft eyes</div> <div class="line">Lit with infinite comprehension,</div> <div class="line">And said, "My poor child!"</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Why do you strive for greatness, fool?</div> <div class="line">Go pluck a bough and wear it.</div> <div class="line">It is as sufficing.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">My lord, there are certain barbarians</div> <div class="line">Who tilt their noses</div> <div class="line">As if the stars were flowers,</div> <div class="line">And thy servant is lost among their shoe-buckles.</div> <div class="line">Fain would I have mine eyes even with their eyes.</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Fool, go pluck a bough and wear it.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <p class="center medium pfirst">I</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Blustering god,</div> <div class="line">Stamping across the sky</div> <div class="line">With loud swagger,</div> <div class="line">I fear you not.</div> <div class="line">No, though from your highest heaven</div> <div class="line">You plunge your spear at my heart,</div> <div class="line">I fear you not.</div> <div class="line">No, not if the blow</div> <div class="line">Is as the lightning blasting a tree,</div> <div class="line">I fear you not, puffing braggart.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <p class="center medium pfirst">II</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">If thou can see into my heart</div> <div class="line">That I fear thee not,</div> <div class="line">Thou wilt see why I fear thee not,</div> <div class="line">And why it is right.</div> <div class="line">So threaten not, thou, with thy bloody spears,</div> <div class="line">Else thy sublime ears shall hear curses.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> <p class="center medium pfirst">III</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Withal, there is one whom I fear;</div> <div class="line">I fear to see grief upon that face.</div> <div class="line">Perchance, Friend, he is not your god;</div> <div class="line">If so, spit upon him.</div> <div class="line">By it you will do no profanity.</div> <div class="line">But I--</div> <div class="line">Ah, sooner would I die</div> <div class="line">Than see tears in those eyes of my soul.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LIV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">"It was wrong to do this," said the angel.</div> <div class="line">"You should live like a flower,</div> <div class="line">"Holding malice like a puppy,</div> <div class="line">"Waging war like a lambkin."</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">"Not so," quoth the man</div> <div class="line">Who had no fear of spirits;</div> <div class="line">"It is only wrong for angels</div> <div class="line">"Who can live like the flowers,</div> <div class="line">"Holding malice like the puppies,</div> <div class="line">"Waging war like the lambkins."</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">A man toiled on a burning road,</div> <div class="line">Never resting.</div> <div class="line">Once he saw a fat, stupid ass</div> <div class="line">Grinning at him from a green place.</div> <div class="line">The man cried out in rage,</div> <div class="line">"Ah! Do not deride me, fool!</div> <div class="line">"I know you--</div> <div class="line">"All day stuffing your belly,</div> <div class="line">"Burying your heart</div> <div class="line">"In grass and tender sprouts:</div> <div class="line">"It will not suffice you."</div> <div class="line">But the ass only grinned at him from the green place.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LVI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">A man feared that he might find an assassin;</div> <div class="line">Another that he might find a victim.</div> <div class="line">One was more wise than the other.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LVII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">With eye and with gesture</div> <div class="line">You say you are holy.</div> <div class="line">I say you lie;</div> <div class="line">For I did see you</div> <div class="line">Draw away your coats</div> <div class="line">From the sin upon the hands</div> <div class="line">Of a little child.</div> <div class="line">Liar!</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LVIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">The sage lectured brilliantly.</div> <div class="line">Before him, two images:</div> <div class="line">"Now this one is a devil,</div> <div class="line">"And this one is me."</div> <div class="line">He turned away.</div> <div class="line">Then a cunning pupil</div> <div class="line">Changed the positions.</div> <div class="line">Turned the sage again:</div> <div class="line">"Now this one is a devil,</div> <div class="line">"And this one is me."</div> <div class="line">The pupils sat, all grinning,</div> <div class="line">And rejoiced in the game.</div> <div class="line">But the sage was a sage.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LIX</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Walking in the sky,</div> <div class="line">A man in strange black garb</div> <div class="line">Encountered a radiant form.</div> <div class="line">Then his steps were eager;</div> <div class="line">Bowed he devoutly.</div> <div class="line">"My Lord," said he.</div> <div class="line">But the spirit knew him not.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LX</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Upon the road of my life,</div> <div class="line">Passed me many fair creatures,</div> <div class="line">Clothed all in white, and radiant.</div> <div class="line">To one, finally, I made speech:</div> <div class="line">"Who art thou?"</div> <div class="line">But she, like the others,</div> <div class="line">Kept cowled her face,</div> <div class="line">And answered in haste, anxiously,</div> <div class="line">"I am Good Deed, forsooth;</div> <div class="line">"You have often seen me."</div> <div class="line">"Not uncowled," I made reply.</div> <div class="line">And with rash and strong hand,</div> <div class="line">Though she resisted,</div> <div class="line">I drew away the veil</div> <div class="line">And gazed at the features of Vanity</div> <div class="line">She, shamefaced, went on;</div> <div class="line">And after I had mused a time,</div> <div class="line">I said of myself,</div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line">"Fool!"</div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LXI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <p class="center medium pfirst">I</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There was a man and a woman</div> <div class="line">Who sinned.</div> <div class="line">Then did the man heap the punishment</div> <div class="line">All upon the head of her,</div> <div class="line">And went away gayly.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> <p class="center medium pfirst">II</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There was a man and a woman</div> <div class="line">Who sinned.</div> <div class="line">And the man stood with her.</div> <div class="line">As upon her head, so upon his,</div> <div class="line">Fell blow and blow,</div> <div class="line">And all people screaming, "Fool!"</div> <div class="line">He was a brave heart.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> <p class="center medium pfirst">III</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">He was a brave heart.</div> <div class="line">Would you speak with him, friend?</div> <div class="line">Well, he is dead,</div> <div class="line">And there went your opportunity.</div> <div class="line">Let it be your grief</div> <div class="line">That he is dead</div> <div class="line">And your opportunity gone;</div> <div class="line">For, in that, you were a coward.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LXII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There was a man who lived a life of fire.</div> <div class="line">Even upon the fabric of time,</div> <div class="line">Where purple becomes orange</div> <div class="line">And orange purple,</div> <div class="line">This life glowed,</div> <div class="line">A dire red stain, indelible;</div> <div class="line">Yet when he was dead,</div> <div class="line">He saw that he had not lived.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LXIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">There was a great cathedral.</div> <div class="line">To solemn songs,</div> <div class="line">A white procession</div> <div class="line">Moved toward the altar.</div> <div class="line">The chief man there</div> <div class="line">Was erect, and bore himself proudly.</div> <div class="line">Yet some could see him cringe,</div> <div class="line">As in a place of danger,</div> <div class="line">Throwing frightened glances into the air,</div> <div class="line">A-start at threatening faces of the past.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LXIV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Friend, your white beard sweeps the ground,</div> <div class="line">Why do you stand, expectant?</div> <div class="line">Do you hope to see it</div> <div class="line">In one of your withered days?</div> <div class="line">With your old eyes</div> <div class="line">Do you hope to see</div> <div class="line">The triumphal march of Justice?</div> <div class="line">Do not wait, friend</div> <div class="line">Take your white beard</div> <div class="line">And your old eyes</div> <div class="line">To more tender lands.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LXV</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">Once, I knew a fine song,</div> <div class="line">--It is true, believe me,--</div> <div class="line">It was all of birds,</div> <div class="line">And I held them in a basket;</div> <div class="line">When I opened the wicket,</div> <div class="line">Heavens! They all flew away.</div> <div class="line">I cried, "Come back, little thoughts!"</div> <div class="line">But they only laughed.</div> <div class="line">They flew on</div> <div class="line">Until they were as sand</div> <div class="line">Thrown between me and the sky.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LXVI</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">If I should cast off this tattered coat,</div> <div class="line">And go free into the mighty sky;</div> <div class="line">If I should find nothing there</div> <div class="line">But a vast blue,</div> <div class="line">Echoless, ignorant,--</div> <div class="line">What then?</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LXVII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">God lay dead in Heaven;</div> <div class="line">Angels sang the hymn of the end;</div> <div class="line">Purple winds went moaning,</div> <div class="line">Their wings drip-dripping</div> <div class="line">With blood</div> <div class="line">That fell upon the earth.</div> <div class="line">It, groaning thing,</div> <div class="line">Turned black and sank.</div> <div class="line">Then from the far caverns</div> <div class="line">Of dead sins</div> <div class="line">Came monsters, livid with desire.</div> <div class="line">They fought,</div> <div class="line">Wrangled over the world,</div> <div class="line">A morsel.</div> <div class="line">But of all sadness this was sad,--</div> <div class="line">A woman's arms tried to shield</div> <div class="line">The head of a sleeping man</div> <div class="line">From the jaws of the final beast.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center large pfirst">LXVIII</p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <!-- --> <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">A spirit sped</div> <div class="line">Through spaces of night;</div> <div class="line">And as he sped, he called,</div> <div class="line">"God! God!"</div> <div class="line">He went through valleys</div> <div class="line">Of black death-slime,</div> <div class="line">Ever calling,</div> <div class="line">"God! God!"</div> <div class="line">Their echoes</div> <div class="line">From crevice and cavern</div> <div class="line">Mocked him:</div> <div class="line">"God! God! God!"</div> <div class="line">Fleetly into the plains of space</div> <div class="line">He went, ever calling,</div> <div class="line">"God! God!"</div> <div class="line">Eventually, then, he screamed,</div> <div class="line">Mad in denial,</div> <div class="line">"Ah, there is no God!"</div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line">A swift hand,</div> <div class="line">A sword from the sky,</div> <div class="line">Smote him,</div> <div class="line">And he was dead.</div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"></div> <!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> <div class="backmatter"></div> <SPAN name="endofbook"></SPAN> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />