GracebeforeSong

ORDGODofheaventhatwithmercydight

Th'alternateprayerwheelofthenightandlight
Eternalhathtothee,andinwhosesight
Ourdaysasraindropsintheseasurgefall,

Asbrightwhitedropsuponaleadensea
Grantsomysongstothisgreyfolkmaybe:

Asdropsthatdreamandgleamandfallingcatchthe

sun,

Evan'scentmirrorseveryopalone
Ofsuchhissplendourastheircompassis,
So,boldMySongs,seekyesuchdeathasthis.

LaFraisne

SCENE:TheAshWoodofMalvern.

FORIwasagaunt,gravecouncillor
Beinginallthingswise,andveryold,
ButIhaveputasidethisfollyandthecold
Thatoldagewearethforacloak.

1Prefatorynoteatendofvolume.
9

Iwasquitestrongatleasttheysaidso
Theyoungmenattheswordplay;
ButIhaveputasidethisfolly,beinggay
Inanotherfashionthatmoresuitethme.
Ihavecurledmidthebolesoftheashwood,
Ihavehiddenmyfacewheretheoak
Spreadhisleavesoverme,andtheyoke
OftheoldwaysofmenhaveIcastaside.

BythestillpoolofMarnanotha
HaveIfoundmeabride
Thatwasadogwoodtreesomesyne.
Shehathcalledmefrommineoldways
Shehathhushedmyrancourofcouncil,
Biddingmepraise

Naughtbutthewindthatfluttersintheleaves.

Shehathdrawnmefrommineoldways,
TillmensaythatIammad;

ButIhaveseenthesorrowofmen,andamglad,
ForIknowthatthewailingandbitternessareafolly.
AndI?Ihaveputasideallfollyandallgrief.
Iwrappedmytearsinanellumleaf
Andleftthemunderastone

AndnowmencallmemadbecauseIhavethrown
Allfollyfromme,puttingitaside
Toleavetheoldbarrenwaysofmen,
Becausemybride
Isapoolofthewood,and
ThoughallmensaythatIammad
10

ItisonlythatIamglad,

Veryglad,formybridehathtowardmeagreatlove

Thatissweeterthantheloveofwomen

Thatplagueandburnanddriveoneaway.
Aiee!'TistruethatIamgay

Quitegay,forIhaveheralonehere
Andnomantroublethus.

OncewhenIwasamongtheyoungmen..,.

Andtheysaidlwasquitestrong,amongtheyoungmen.

Oncetherewasawoman....

....butIforget....shewas....

....Ihopeshewillnotcomeagain.

....Idonotremember....
Ithinkshehurtmeonce,but....
Thatwasverylongago.

Idonotliketorememberthingsanymore.

Ilikeonelittlebandofwindsthatblow
Intheashtreeshere:
Forwearequitealone
Heremidtheashtrees.

Cino

ItalianCampagna1309,theopenroad.
AH!Ihavesung1womeninthreecities,

Butitisallthesame;
AndIwillsingofthesun.

Lips,words,andyousnarethem,

Dreams,words,andtheyareasjewels,

Strangespellsofolddeity,

Ravens,nights,allurement:

Andtheyarenot;

Havingbecomethesoulsofsong.

Eyes,dreams,lips,andthenightgoes.

Beingupontheroadoncemore,

Theyarenot.

Forgetfulintheirtowersofourtuneing

OnceforWindruneing

Theydreamustowardand

Sighing,say,"WouldCino,

PassionateCino,ofthewrinklingeyes,

GayCino,ofquicklaughter,

Cino,ofthedare,thejibe,

FrailCino,strongestofhistribe

Thattrampoldwaysbeneaththesunlight,

WouldCinooftheLuthwerehere!"

Once,twice,ayear
Vaguelythuswordthey:

"Cino?""Oh,eh,CinoPolnesi

Thesingeris'tyoumean?"

"Ahyes,passedonceourway,

Asaucyfellow,but....

(Ohtheyareallonethesevagabonds),

Peste!'tishisownsongs?

Orsomeother'sthathesings?

"Butyou,MyLord,howwithyourcity?

Butyou4<MyLord,"God'spity!

AndallIknewwereout,MyLord,you

WereLacklandCino,e'enasIam,

Sinistro.

1havesungwomeninthreecities.
Butitisallone.

Iwillsingofthesun.

....eh?....theymostlyhadgreyeyes,

Butitisallone,Iwillsingofthesun.

"'PolioPhoibee,oldtinpan,you
GlorytoZeus'aegisday,
Shieldo'steelblue,th'heaveno'erus
Hathforbossthylustregay!
'PolioPhoibee,toourwayfare
Makethylaughourwanderlied;
Bidthy'fulgencebearawaycare.
Cloudandraintearspasstheyfleet!

Seekinge'erthenewlaidrastway
Tothegardensofthesun....

Ihavesung1womeninthreecities
Butitisallone.

Iwillsingofthewhitebirds

Inthebluewatersofheaven,

Thecloudsthatarespraytoitssea.

THOUGHthouwelldostwishmeill
Aucliart,Audiart,
Wherethybodicelacesstart
Asivyfingersclutchingthrough
Itscrevices,

Audiart,Audiart,
Stately,tallandlovelytender
Whoshallrender

Audiart,Audiart

Praisesmeetuntothyfashion?
Hereawordkiss!

PassIon

UntoLady"MielsdeBen,"
Havingpraisedthygirdle'sscope
Howthestaysplybackfromit;
Ibreathenohope
Thatthoushouldst....

Naynowhit

Bespeakthyselfforanything.
Justawordinthypraise,girl,
Justfortheswirl
Thysatinsmakeuponthestair,
'Causeneveraflawwasthere
Wherethytorseandlimbsaremet:
Thoughthouhateme,readitset
Inroseandgold.1

Orwhentheminstrel,talehalftold,
Shallbursttoliltingatthephrase

"Audiart,Audiart"..

Bertrans,masterofhislays,

BertransofAultafortethypraise

Setsforth,andthoughthouhatemewell,

Yeathoughthouwishmeill

Audiart,Audiart.
Thylovelinessisherewrittill,

Audiart,

Oh,tillthoucomeagain.2
Andbeingbentandwrinkled,inaform
Thathathnoperfectlimning,whenthewarm

Youthdewiscold
Uponthyhands,andthyoldsoul

Scorninganew,wry'dcasement

Churlishatseemedmisplacement

Findstheearthasbitter

Asnowseemsitsweet,

Being1soyoungandfair

Asthenonlyindreams,

Beingthenyoungandwry'd,

Brokenofancientpride,

Thoushaltthensoften,

KnowingIknownothow

Thouwertonceshe

Audiart,Audiart
Forwhosefairnessoneforgave

Audiart,Audiart
Quebemvolsmal.

VillonaudforthisYule

TOWARDStheNoelthatmortesaison
(Christmaketheshepherds'homagedear!)
Thenwhenthegreywolveseverychone
Drinkofthewindstheirchillsmallbeer
Andlapo'thesnowsfood'sgueredon
Thenmakythmyhearthisyuletidecheer
(Skoal!withthedregsiftheclearbegone!)
Wincingtheghostsofyesteryear.
16

AskyewhatghostsIdreamupon?
(Whatofthemagians'scentedgear?)
Theghostsofdeadloveseveryone
Thatmakethestarkwindsreekwithfear
Lestlovereturnwiththefoisonsun
Andslaythememoriesthatmecheer
(SuchasIdrinktominefashion)
Wineingtheghostsofyesteryear.

Wherearethejoysmyhearthadwon?
(SaturnandMarstoZeusdrawnnear!)l
Wherearethelipsminelayupon,
Aye!wherearetheglancesfeatandclear
Thatbademyhearthisvalourdon?
Iskoaltotheeyesasgreyblownmere
(Whoknowswhosewasthatparagon?)
Wineingtheghostsofyesteryear.

Prince:askmenotwhatIhavedone
NorwhatGodhaththatcanmecheer
Butyeaskfirstwherethewindsaregone
Wineingtheghostsofyesteryear.

1SignuntNativitatis.

AVillonaud

BalladoftheGibbet

Orthesongofthesixthcompanion

SCENE:"Encestbourdeloutenomsnostrestat"
ItbeingrememberedthatthereweresixofuswithMaster
Villon,whenthatexpectingpresentlytobehangedhewrit
aballad
whereofyeknow:

"FrkresTiumainsquiafir&snoitsvtvez."

D'

^RINKyeaskoalforthegallowstree!

FrancoisandMargotandtheeandme,
Drinkwethecomradesmerrily
Thatsaidus,"Tillthen"forthegallowstree!

FatPierrewiththehookgauchemain,
ThomasLarron"Eartheless,"
Tybaldeandthatarmouress
Whogavethispoignarditspremierstain
PinningtheGuisethathadbeenfain
Tomakehimamateofthe"HaulteNoblesse"
Andbadeherbeoutwithilladdress
Asafoolthatmockethhisdrue'sdisdeign.

Drinkweaskoalforthegallowstree!
FrancoisandMargotandtheeandme,
DrinkwetoMarienneYdole,
Thathellbrennnothero'ercruelly.
18

Drinkwethelustyrobberstwain,
Blackisthepitcho'theirweddingdress,1
Lipsshrunkbackforthewind'scaress
Aslipsshrinkbackwhenwefeelthestrain
Oflovethatlovethinhell'sdisdeign
Andsensetheteeththroughthelipsthatpress
'Gainstourlipsforthesoul'sdistress
Thatstrivethtooursacrossthepain.
Drinkweskoaltothegallowstree!
FrancoisandMargotandtheeandme,
ForJehanandRaouldeVallerie
Whoseframeshavethenightanditswindsinfee.

Maturin,Guillaume,Jacquesd'Allmain,
Culdoulackingacoattobless
Oneleanmoietyofhisnakedness
ThatplunderedSt.Hubertbacko'thefane:
Aie!theleanbaretreeiswidowedagain
ForMichaultleBorgnethatwouldconfess
In"faithandtroth"toatraitoress,
"Whichofhisbrothershadheslain?"

Butdrinkweskoaltothegallowstree!
FrancoisandMargotandtheeandme:

ThesethatwelovedshallGodloveless
Andsmitealwayattheirfaibleness?

Skoal!!totheGallows!andthenpraywe:

Goddamnhishelloutspeedily

Andbringtheirsoulstohis"HaulteCitee."

1Certaingibbetedcorpsesusedtobecoatedwithtarasa
pre
servative;thusonescarecrowservedaswarningfor
considerable
time.SeeHugo"L'HommequiRit."

Mesmerism
"Andacat'sinthewaterbutt."ROBERTBROWNING.

AYEyou'reamanthat!yeoldmesmerizer
Tyin'yourmeanin'inseventyswadelin's,
Onemustofneedsbeahang'dearlyriser
Tocatchyouatwormturning.HolyOdd'sbodykins!

"Cat'si'thewaterbutt!"Thought'sinyourverse
barrel,

Tellusthisthingrather,thenwe'llbelieveyou,
You,MasterBobBrowning,spiteyourapparel
Jumptoyoursenseandgivepraiseaswe'dliefdo.

YouwheezeasaheadcoldlongtonsilledCalliope,
ButGod!whatasightyouha'goto'ourin'ards,
MadasahatterbutsurelynoMyope,
Broadasalloceanandleanin'mankin'ards.

HeartthatwasbigasthebowelsofVesuvius,
Wordsthatwerewing'dashersparksineruption,
EagledandthunderedasJupiterPluvius,
Soundinyourwindpastallsignso'corruption.

Here'stoyou,OldHippetyhopo'theaccents,
TruetotheTruth'ssakeandcraftydissector,
Yougrabbedatthegoldsure;hadnoneedtopackcents
Intoyourversicles.

Clearsight'selector!
20

FifineAnswers

"Whyisitthat,disgracedtheyseemtorelishlifethe
more?"FIFINEATTHEFAIR,vn,5.

SHARINGhisexilethathathbornetheflame,
Joininghisfreedomthathathdrunktheshame
AndknownthetortureoftheSkullplacehours
Freeandsobound,thatmingledwiththepowers
Ofairandseaandlighthissoul'sfarreach
Yetstrictureddidthebodylipsbeseech
"Todrink""Ithirst."Andthenthespongeofgall.

Whereforewewastrelsthatthegreyroad'scall

Dothmasterandmakeslavesandyetmakefree,

Drinkalloflifeandquaffinglustily

Takebitterwiththesweetwithoutcomplain

Andsharersinhisdrinkdefythepain

Thatmakesyoufearfultounfurlyoursouls.

Weclaimnoglory.Ifthetempestrolls
Aboutuswehavefear,andthen
Havingsosmallastakegrowboldagain.
Weknownotdefinitelyeventhis
But'causesomevaguehalfknowinghalfdothmiss
Ourconsciousnessandleavesusfeeling
Thatsomehowalliswell,thatsober,reeling
Fromthelastcarouse,orinwhatmeasure
Ofsocalledrightorsodamnedwrongourleisure
Runsoutuncountedsandbeneaththesun,
That,spiteyourcarping,stillthethingisdone
21

Withsomedeepsanction,that,weknownothow,
Sansthoughtgivesusthisfeeling;youallow
Thatthisnotneedweknowoureverythought
Orseetheworkshopwhereeachmaskiswrought
Wherefromweviewtheworldofboxandpit,
Carelessofwear,justsothemaskshallfit
Andserveourjape'sturnforanightortwo.
Call!ehbye!thelittledoorattwelve!
Imeetyoutheremyself.

InTemporeSenectutis

weareold

AAndtheearthpassiondieth;
Wehavewatchedhimdieathousandtimes,
Whenhewanesanoldwindcrieth,

Forweareold
Andpassionhathdiedforusathousandtimes

Butwegrewneverweary.

Memoryfaileth,asthelotuslovedchimes
Sinkintoflutteringofwind,
Butwegrowneverweary
Forweareold.

Thestrangenightwonderofyoureyes
Diesnot,thoughpassionflieth

AlongthestarfieldsofArcturus
Andisnomoreuntoourhands;

Mylipsarecold

22

Andyetwetwainareneverweary,
Andthestrangenightwonderisuponus,
Theleavesholdourwonderintheirflutterings,
Thewindfillsourmouthswithstrangewords
Forourwonderthatgrowsnotold.
Themothhourofourdayisuponus

Holdingthedawn;

ThereisstrangeNightwonderinoureyes
BecausetheMothHourleadeththedawn
Asamaiden,holdingherfingers,
Therosy,slenderfingersofthedawn."

Hesaith:"Redspearsborethewarriordawn

Ofold

Strange!Love,hastthouforgotten
Theredspearsofthedawn,
Thepennantsofthemorning?"

Shesaith:"Nay,Iremember,butnow

ComeththeDawn,andtheMothHour
Togetherwithhim;softly
Forweareold."

FamamLibrosqueCano

YOURsongs?
Oh!Thelittlemothers
Willsingtheminthetwilight,
Andwhenthenight
Shrinkeththekissofthedawn
23

Thatlovesandkills,

Whattimetheswallowfills

Hernote,thelittlerabbitfolk
Thatsomecallchildren,

Suchasareupandwide

Willlaughyourversestoeachother,

Pullingontheirshoesfortheday'sbusiness,

Seriouschildbusinessthattheworld

Laughsat,andgrowsstale;

Suchisthetale

Partofitofthysonglife

Mine?

Abookisknownbythemthatread
Thatsame.Thypublicinmyscreed
Islisted.Well!Somescoreyearshence
Beholdmineaudience,
Aswehadseenhimyesterday.

Scrawny,bespectacled,outatheels,
Suchanoneastheworldfeels
Asortofcurseagainstitsguzzling
Anditsagelastingwallowforredgreed
Andyet;fullspeed

Thoughitshouldrunforitsowngetting,
Willturnasidetosneerat
'Causehehath

Nocoin,nowilltosnatchtheaftermath
OfMammon.

Suchanoneaswomendrawawayfrom
24
Forthetobaccoashesscatteredonhiscoat

Andsithhisthroat

Showrazor'sunfamiliarity

Andthreedays'beard:

Suchanonepickingaragged
Backlesscopyfromthestall,
Toocheapforcataloguing,
Loquitur,

"Aheh!thestrangerarename...
Aheh!Hemustberareifeven/havenot..
Andlostmidpage
Suchage

Ashispardonsthehabit,
Heanalyzesformandthoughttosee
HowI'scapedimmortality.
Today,

ThenwouldIspeakcomfortuntothee,
FromouttheheightsIdwellin,when
Thatgreatsenseofpowerisuponme
AndIseemygreatersoulselfbending
Sibylwisewiththatgreatfortyyearepic
25

Thatyouknowof,yetunwrit
Butassomechild'stoy'tweenmyfingers,
Andseethesculptorsofnewagescarvemethus,
Andmodelwiththemusicofmycoupletsintheir
hearts:

Surelyifintheendtheepic
Andthesmallkinddeedareone;

IftoGodthechild'stoyandtheepicarethesame,

E'enso,didonemakeachild'stoy,

Hemightwrightitwell

Andcunningly,thatthechildmight

Keepitforhischildren'schildren

Andallhavejoythereof.

Dear,anthisdreamcometrue,

Thenshallallmensayofthee

"She'twasthatplayedhimpoweratlife'smorn,

AndatthetwilightEvensong,

AndGod'speacedweltinthemingledchords

Shedrewfromouttheshadowsofthepast,

Andoldworldmelodiesthatelse

Hehadknownonlyinhisdreams

OfIseultandofBeatrice.

Dear,anthisdreamcometrue,
I,whobeingpoetonly,
Cangivetheepoorwordsonly,
Addthisonepoorothertribute,
Thisthingmencallimmortality.
AgiftIgivetheeevenasRonsardgaveit.
Seeingbeforetime,onesweetfacegrownold,
26
Andseeingtheoldeyesgrowbright
FromouttheborderofHerfirelitwrinkles,
Assheshouldmakeboastuntohermaids
"Ronsardhathsungthebeauty,mybeauty,
OfthedaysthatIwasfair."

Sohaththeboonbeengiven,bythepoetsofoldtime
(DantetoBeatrice,anIprofanenot)
YetwithmylesserpowershallInotstrive
Togiveitthee?

AllendsofthingsarewithHim

Fromwhomareallthingsintheiressence.

Ifmypowerbelesser

Shallmystrivingbelesskeen?

Butrathermore!ifIwouldreachthegoal,

Takethenthestriving!
"Andif,"forsotheFlorentinehathwrit
Whenhavingputallhisheart
Intohis"Youth'sDearBook"
Heyetstrovetodomorehonour
Tothatladydwellinginhisinmostsoul
Hewouldwaxyetgreater
Tomakeherearthlyglorymore.
Thoughsightofhellandheavenwerepricethereof,
IfsoitbeHiswill,withwhom
Areallthingsandthroughwhom
Areallthingsgood,

WillImakefortheeandforthebeautyofthymusic
Anewthing
Ashathnotheretoforebeenwrit.
Takethenmypromise!
27

PraiseofYsolt

INvainhaveIstriven
toteachmyhearttobow;
InvainhaveIsaidtohim
"Therebemanysingersgreaterthanthou."

Buthisanswercometh,aswindsandaslutany,
Asavaguecryinguponthenight
Thatleavethmenorest,sayingever,
"Song,asong."

Theirechoesplayuponeachotherinthetwilight

Seekingeverasong.

Lo,Iamwornwithtravail

Andthewanderingofmanyroadshathmademyeyes

Asdarkredcirclesfilledwithdust.

Yetthereisatremblinguponmeinthetwilight,
Andlittleredelfwordscrying"Asong,"
Littlegreyelfwordscryingforasong,
Littlebrownleafwordscrying"Asong,"
Littlegreenleafwordscryingforasong.

Thewordsareasleaves,oldbrownleavesinthe
springtime

Blowingtheyknownotwhither,seekingasong.

Whitewordsassnowflakesbuttheyarecold
Mosswords,lipwords,wordsofslowstreams.
InvainhaveIstriven

toteachmysoultobow,
28

InvainhaveIpledwithhim,

"Therebegreatersoulsthanthou."

Forinthemornofmyyearstherecameawoman

Asmoonlightcalling

Asthemooncalleththetides,

"Song,asong."

WhereforeImadeherasong1andshewentfromme
Asthemoondothfromthesea,
Butstillcametheleafwords,littlebrownelfwords
Saying*"Thesoulsendethus."

"Asong,asong!"

AndinvainIcrieduntothem"Ihavenosong
ForsheIsangofhathgonefromme."

Butmysoulsentawoman,awomanofthewonderfolk,
Awomanasfireuponthepinewoods

crying"Song,asong."
Astheflamecriethuntothesap.
Mysongwasablazewithherandshewentfromme
Asflameleaveththeemberssowentsheuntonew

forests
Andthewordswerewithme

cryingever"Song,asong."
AndI"Ihavenosong,"
Tillmysoulsentawomanasthesun:
Yeaasthesuncallethtotheseed,
Asthespringuponthebough
Soisshethatcomeththesongdrawer
Shethatholdeththewonderwordswithinhereyes
29

Thewordslittleelfwords

thatcalleveruntome

"Song",asong."

ENVOI
InvainhaveIstrivenwithmysoul

toteachmysoultobow.
Whatsoulboweth

whileinhisheartartthou?

Camaraderie
"
Ifeelthycheekagainstmyface
^JClosepressing,softasistheSouth'sfirstbreath
Thatallthesubtleearththingssummoneth
Tospringinwoodlandandinmeadowspace.

Yeasometimesinabustlingmanfilledplace
Meseemethsomewisethyhairwandereth
Acrossmineeyes,asmistthathalloweth
Theairawhileandgivethallthingsgrace.

Oronstilleveningswhentherainfallsclose
Therecomesatremorinthedrops,andfast
Mypulsesrun,knowingthythoughthathpassed
Thatbeareththeeasdoththewindarose.

Masks

THESEtalesofolddisguisings,aretheynot
Strangemythsofsoulsthatfoundthemselves

among

Unwontedfolkthatspakeahostiletongue,
Somesoulfromalltherestwho'dnotforgot
Thestarspanacresofaformerlot
Whereboundlessmidthecloudshiscourseheswung,
Orcarnatewithhiselderbrotherssung
E'erballadmakerslispedofCamelot?

Oldsingershalfforgetfuloftheirtunes,
Oldpainterscolourblindcomebackoncemore,
Oldpoetsskillessinthewindheartrunes,
Oldwizardslackingintheirwonderlore:

Alltheythatwithstrangesadnessintheireyes
Ponderinsilenceo'erearth'squeyntdevyse?

TallyO

WHATho!thewindisupandeloquent.
ThroughalltheWinter'shallshecriethSpring.
NowwillIgetmeupuntomineownforests
Andbeholdtheirbourgeoning.

BalladforGloom

FORGod,ourGod,isagallantfoe
Thatplayethbehindtheveil.

IhavelovedmyGodasachildatheart
Thatseekethdeepbosomsforrest,
IhavelovedmyGodasmaidtoman
Butlo,thisthingisbest:

ToloveyourGodasagallantfoe

thatplaysbehindtheveil,

TomeetyourGodasthenightwindsmeet
beyondArcturus'pale.

IhaveplayedwithGodforawoman,
IhavestakedwithmyGodfortruth,
IhavelosttomyGodasaman,cleareyed,
Hisdicebenotofruth.

ForIammadeasanakedblade
Buthearyethisthinginsooth:

WholosethtoGodasmantoman

Shallwinattheturnofthegame.

Ihavedrawnmybladewherethelightningsmeet
Buttheendingisthesame:

WholosethtoGodastheswordbladeslose
Shallwinattheendofthegame.

ForGod,ourGod,isagallantfoe

thatplayethbehindtheveil,
WhomGoddeignsnottooverthrow

Hathneedoftriplemail.

32
ForE.MeC

ThatwasmycounterbladeunderLeonardoTerrone,
MasterofFence.

*ONEwhileyourtasteswerekeentoyou,
Gonewherethegreywindscalltoyou,
Bythathighfencer,evenDeath,
Struckofthebladethatnomanparrieth;
Suchisyourfence,onesaith,

Onethathathknownyou.
Drewyouyourswordmostgallantly
Madeyouyourpassmostvaliantly

'Gainstthatgreyfencer,evenDeath.

Goneasagustofbreath
Faith!nomantarrieth,
"Seilcortimanca"butitfailedtheenot!
"Nontifidar"itistheswordthatspeaks
"/ffM."1

Thoutrusted'stinthyselfandmettheblade
"Thoutmaskorgauntlet,andartlaid
Asmemorablebrokenbladesthatbe
Keptasboldtrophiesofoldpageantry.
AsoldToledospasttheirdaysofwar
Arekeptmnemonicofthestrokestheybore,
Soartthouwithus,beinggoodtokeep
Inourheart'sswordrack,thoughthyswordarm
sleep.

1Swordrune"Ifthyheartfailtheetrustnotinme."

33c
ENVOI

Struckofthebladethatnomanparrieth
Piercedofthepointthattouchethlastlyall,
'Gainstthatgreyfencer,evenDeath,
Beholdtheshield!Heshallnottaketheeall.

AttheHearto'Me

A.D.751

WITHeveronefearatthehearto'me
Longbystillseacoasts

coursedmyGreyFalcon,
Andthetwindelights

ofshoreandseaweremine,
Sapphireandemeraldwith
finepearlsbetween.

Throughthepalecoursesof

thelandcaressinginstreams
Glidedmybargeand

thekindlystrangepeoples
Gavetomelaughforlaugh,

andwineformytalesofwandering.
Andthecitiesgavemewelcome

andthefieldsfreepassage,
Witheveronefear

atthehearto'me.
Anthoushould'stgrowweary
eremyreturning,
34

An"they"shouldcalltothee

fromouttheborderland,
Whatshouldavailme

bootyofwhaleways?
Whatshouldavailme

goldringsorthechainmail?
Whatshouldavailme

themanytwinedbracelets?
Whatshouldavailme,

Omybeloved,
Hereinthis"Middangard"l

whatshouldavailme
Outofthebootyand

gainofmygoings?

Xenia

AND

TxUntothineeyesmyheart
Sendetholddreamsofthespringtime,
Yeaofwoodwaysmyrime
Foundtheeandflowersinandofallstreams
Thatsanglowburthen,andofroses,
Thatlosttheirdewbowedpetalsforthedreams
Wescatteredo'erthempassingby.
1AngloSaxon"Earth"

35

Occidit

AUTUMNALbreakstheflameuponthesunset
/\herds.

ThesheeponGileadastawnhairgleam
NeathMithra'sdowerandhisslowdeparting1,
Whileintheskyathousandfleeceofgold
Bear,eachhistribute,tothewaninggod.

Hungontheraftersoftheeffulgentwest,
Theirtuftedsplendourshieldshisdecadence,
Asinoursouthernlandsbravetapestries
Arehungkinggreetingfromtheponticells
Anddragthepageantfromtheearthtoair,
Whereinthestoriedfiguresliveagain,
Windmoldenbackuntotheirlife'serstguise,
Alltremulousbeneaththemanyfingeredbreath
ThatAufidus1dothtaketohousehissoul.

Search

IHAVEheardaweewindsearching
Throughstillforestsforme;
Ihaveseenaweewindsearching
O'erstillsea.

ThroughwoodlandsdimhaveItakenmyway;
Ando'ersilentwatersnightandday
HaveIsoughttheweewind.
1TheWestwind.

36

AnIdylforGlaucus

Nelsuoaspettotaldentromifei
Qualsife'Glauconelgustardell'erba
Cheilfe'consortoinmardeglialtridei.
PARADISO,i,679.

"AsGlaucustastingthegrassthatmade
himseafellowwiththeothergods."

WHITHERhewentImaynotfollowhim.His
eyes

Werestrangetoday.Theyalwayswere,
Aftertheirfashion,kindredofthesea.

TodayIfoundhim.Itisverylong
ThatIhadsoughtamongthenets,andwhenIasked
Thefishermen,theylaughedatme.
Isoughtlongdaysamidthecliffsthinkingtofind
Thebodyhouseofhim,andthen
Thereatthebluecavemouthmyjoy
Grewpainforsuddenness,toseehim'live.
WhitherhewentImaynotcome,itseems
Heisbecomeestrangedfromalltherest,
Andalltheseaisnowhiswonderhouse.
Andhemaysinkuntostrangedepths,hetellsmeof,
Thathavenolightasweitdeem.
E'ennowhespeaksstrangewords.Ididnotknow
Onehalfthesubstanceofhisspeechwithme.
37

AndthenwhenIsawnaughthesuddenleaped

Andshot,agleamofsilver,down,away.

AndIhavespentthreedaysuponthisrock

Andyethecomesnomore.

Hedidnotevenseemtoknow

Iwatchedhimglidingthroughthevitreousdeep.

II

TheychidemethattheskeinIusedtospin
Holdsnotmyinterestnow,

Theymockmeattheroute,well,Ihavecomeagain.
LastnightIsawthreewhiteformsmove
Outpasttheutmostwavethatbearsthewhitefoam

crest.
Isomehowknewthathewasoneofthem.

Oime,Oime!Ithinkeachtimetheycome

Upfromtheseahearttotherealmofair

Theyaremorefarremovedfromtheshore.

WhenfirstIfoundhimhere,heslept

E'enashemightafteralongnight'stakingonthe

deep.

Andwhenhewokesomewhittheoldkindsmile
Dweltroundhislipsandheldhimneartome.
Butthenstrangegleamsshotthroughthegreydeep

eyes

Asthoughhesawbeyondandsawnotme.
Andwhenhemovedtospeakittroubledhim.
Andthenhepluckedatgrassandbademeeat.
Andthenforgotmefortheseaitscharm
Andleapthiminthewaveandsowasgone.
38

Ill

Iwonderwhyhemockedmewiththegrass.

Iknownotanymorehowlongitis

SinceIhavedweltnotinmymother'shouse.

Iknowtheythinkmemad,forallnightlong

Ihaunttheseamarge,thinkingImayfind

Somedaytheherbheoffereduntome.

Perhapshedidnotjest;theysaysomesimpleshave

Morewidespannedpowerthanoldwivesdrawfrom

them.

Perhaps,foundIthisgrass,he'dcomeagain.
Perhaps'tissomestrangecharmtodrawhimhere,
'Thoutwhichhemaynotleavehisnewfoundcrew
Thatridethetwofootcoursersofthedeep,
Andlaughinstormsandbreakthefishers'nets.
Oime,Oime!
SONG.

VoicesintheWind.
Wehaveworntheblueandvair,
Andalltheseacaves

Knowusofold,andknowournewfoundmate.
There'smanyasecretstair
Theseafolkclimb...

OutoftheWind.
Oime,Oime!

Iwonderwhythewind,eventhewinddothseem
Tomockmenow,allnight,allnight,and
HaveIstrayedamongthecliffshere
39

Theysay,somedayI'llfall

Downthroughtheseabitfissures,andnomore

Knowthewarmcloakofsun,orbathe

Thedewacrossmytiredeyestocomfortthem.

Theytrytokeepmehidwithinfourwalls.

Iwillnotstay!

Oime!
Andthewindsaith;Oime!

Iamquitetirednow.Iknowthegrass

MustgrowsomewherealongthisThraciancoast,

Ifonlyhewouldcomesomelittlewhileandfinditme.
ENDETHTHELAMENTFORGLAUCUS

InDurance

1AMhomesickaftermineownkind,
OhIknowthattherearefolkaboutme,friendly

faces,
ButIamhomesickaftermineownkind.

"Thesesellourpictures"!Ohwell,
Theyreachmenot,touchmesomeedgeorthat,
Butreachmenotandallmylife'sbecome
Oneflame,thatreachethnotbeyond
Mineheart'sownhearth,
Orhidesamongtheashesthereforthee.
"Thee"?Oh"thee"iswhocomethfirst
Outofmineownsoulkin,
40

ForIamhomesickaftermineownkind
Andordinarypeopletouchmenot.

Yea,Iamhomesick

Aftermineownkindthatknow,andfeel
Andhavesomebreathforbeautyandthearts.

Aye,Iamwistfulformykinofthespirit
Andhavenoneaboutmesaveintheshadows
Whencomethey^surgingofpower,"DAEMON,"
"QuasiKALOUN"S.T.says,Beautyismostthata

"callingtothesoul."
Wellthen,socallthey;theswirlersoutofthemist

ofmysoul,
Theythatcomemewardsbearingoldmagic.

Butforallthat,Iamhomesickaftermineownkind

Andwouldmeetkindrede'enasIam,

Fleshshroudedbearingthesecret.

"Alltheythatwithstrangesadness"

Havetheearthinmock'ry,andarekindtoall,

Myfellows,ayeIknowtheglory

Ofth'unboundedones,butye,thathide

AsIhidemostthewhile

Andburstforthtothewindowsonlywhilesorwhiles

Forlove,orhope,orbeautyorforpower,

Thensmoulder,withthelidshalfclosed

Andareuntouchedbyechoesoftheworld.

Ohye,myfellows:withtheseasbetweenussomebe,
Purpleandsapphireforthesilvershafts
Ofsunandsprayallshatteredatthebows
Ofsucha"Veltro"ofthevastydeep

Asboremytortoisehousescantyearsagone:
Andsomethehillsholdoff,
Thelittlehillstoeastus,thoughherewe
Havedampandplaintobeourshuttingin.

Andyetmysoulsings"Up!"andweareone.
Yeathou,andThou,andTHOU,andallmykin
Towhommybreastandarmsareeverwarm,
ForthatIloveyeasthewindthetrees
Thatholdstheirblossomsandtheirleavesincure
Andcallstheutmostsingingfromtheboughs
That'thouthim,savetheaspen,wereasdumb
Stillshade,andbadenowhisperspeakthebirdsof

how
"Beyond,beyond,beyond,therelies..."

GuillaumedeLorrisBelated
AVisionofItaly

WISDOMsetapartfromalldesire,
AhoaryNestorwithyouth'sowngladeyes,
HimmetIatthestyle,andallbenign
HegreetedmeanequalandIknew,
Bythishislackofpomp,hewashimself.

SlowSmilingiscompanionuntohim,
AndMellowLaughterserves,histrencherman.
AndIathousandbeautiestherebeheld.
42

Andheandtheymademerryendlessly.
Andlovewasrayedbetweenthemasamist,
Andyetsofineanddelicateahaze
Itdidimpedetheeyesnowhit,
Unlessitweretomakethehaloroundeachone
Appearmoremyriadjewelledmarvellous,
Thananypearledandrubydiademthecourtso'earth
ha'known.

Slenderasmistwroughtmaidsandhamadryads

Didmeseemtheseshapesthatministered,

Theseformedharmonieswithlakedeepeyes,
AndfirstthecitiesofnorthItaly

Ididbehold,

Eachasawomanwonderfair,

AndsvelteVeronafirstImetateve;

Andinthedarkwekissedandthentheway

Boreussomewhileapart.

Andyetmyheartkeepstrystwithher,

Soeveryyearourthoughtsareinterwove

Asfingerswere,suchtimesaseyesseemuch,and

tell.

Andshethatlovedthemasteryearsagone,
Thatbearshissignetinher"SignerSquare,"
"Cheloglorifico."1

Shespreadherarms,
Andinthatdeepembrace
Allthoughtsofwoewereperished
Andofpainandwearinessandallthewrack
Oflightcontendingthoughtsandbattledgleams,
(Thatourintelligencedothgainbystrifeagainst

itself)

43

Ofthing'swehavenotyettheearnedrighttoclearly

see.
Andall,yeaallthatdustdothsymbolize
Wasthereforgot,andmyenfranchisedsoul
Grewastheliquidelements,andwasinfused
Withjoythatisnotlight,normightnorharmony,
Andyethathpartandqualityofallthesethree,
Wheretoisaddedcalmpastearthlypeace.

ThuswithVerona'sspirit,andalltime
Sweptonbeyondmyken,andasthesea
Hathinnowiseaformwithinitself,
Ciob)asliquidhathnoformsavewhereitboundenis
Bysomeenshroudingchaliceofhardthings
Aswineitsgravengoblet,andthesea
Itswavehewnbasaltforabordering,
Sohadmythoughtandnowmythought'sremem
brance

No"/^formation"ofwhatsotherepassed
Forthislongspacethedreamking'shornygate.

Andwhenthatagewasdoneandthetransfusion
Ofallmyselfthroughherandshethroughme,
Ididperceivethatsheenthronedtwothings:
Verona,andamaidIknewonearth;
Anddulledsomewhilefromdream,andthenbecome
Thatlowerthing,deductiveintellect,Isaw
Howallthingsarebutsymbolsofallthings,2
Andeachofmany,doweknow
Buttheequationgoverning.
Andinmyraptureatthisvision'sscope
Isawnoendorbourntowhatthingsmean,
44

SopraisedPythagorasandoncemoreraised
BythissaidrapturetothehouseofDream,
BeheldFeniceasalotusflower
Driftthroughthepurpleoftheweddedsea
Andgrowawraithandthenadarkeyedshe,
Andknewhernamewas"Allforgetfulness,"
Andhailedher:"PrincessoftheOpiates,"
Andguessedherevilandhergoodthereby.

Andthenamaidofnine"Pavia"hight,

Passedwithalaughthatwasallmystery,

AndwhenIturnedtoher

Shereachedmeoneclearchaliceofwhitewine,

Pressedfromtherecentgrapesthatyetwerehung

Adownhershoulders,andwerebound

Rightcunninglyaboutherelfishbrows;

Sohaleadraught,thelifeofeverygrape

Lurkedwithoutfermentintheambercloud.

Andmemory,thiswinewas,ofallgood.

AndmoreImighthaveseen:Firenza,Goito,
Orthatproudestgate,LigurianGenoa,
CorneliaofColombooffarsight,
That,manandseerinone,hadwellbeentwain,
Andeachaglorytohishillsandsea;
Andpastheragreatband
Brightgarlandedorrichwithpurpleskeins,
Andcrimsonmantlesandqueyntfineries
Thattarnishedheldbutsothemore
Ofdimallurementintheirhalfshownfolds:
Sosweptmyvisiono'ertheirfilmyranks,
Thenrosesomeopaquecloud,
45

WhosenameIhavenotyetdiscerned,
AndmusicasIhearditoneclearnight
Withinourearthlynight'sownmirroring,

Cto&,San?SanPietrobyAdige,3

Wherealtarcandlesblazedoutasdimstars,
Andallthegloomwassoft,andshadowyforms
MadeandsangGod,withinthefaroffchoir.
Andinaclearspacehighbehind
Themandthetabernacleofthatplace,
Twotapersshewthemasterofthekeys
Assomewhitepowerpouringforthitself.

Andallthechurchranglowandmurmured
Thusinmydreamofformsthemusicswayed.
AndIwaslostinitandonlywoke
Whensomethinglikeamassbellrang,andthen
Thatwhitefootwind,paleDawn'sannunciatrice.
Meboretoearthagain,butsomestrangepeace
Ihadnotknownsowellbeforethisswevyn
Clungroundmyheadandmademehateearthless.

Fornotesonthispoemseeendofvolume.

IntheOldAgeoftheSoul

IDOnotchoosetodream;therecomethonme
Somestrangeoldlustfordeeds.
Astothenervelesshandofsomeoldwarrior
Theswordhiltorthewarwornwontedhelmet
Bringsmomentarylifeandlongfledcunning,
46

Sotomysoulgrownold

Grownoldwithmanyajousting1,manyaforay,
Grownoldwithmanyahithercomingandhence
going

Tillnowtheysendhimdreamsandnomoredeed;
Sodothheflameagainwithmightforaction,
Forgetfulofthecounciloftheelders,
Forgetfulthatwhorulesdothnomorebattle,
Forgetfulthatsuchmightnomorecleavestohim
Sodothheflameagaintowardvaliantdoing.

AlbaBelingalis

PHOEBUSshinetherehissplendourflieth
Auroradrivesfaintlightathwarttheland
Andthedrowsywatchercrieth,

"ARISE."
Ref.

O'ercliffandoceanthewhitedawnappeareth
Itpassethvigilandtheshadowscleareth.

Theybecarelessofthegates,delaying,
Whomtheambushglidestohinder,
WhomIwarnandcryto,praying,

"ARISE."

Ref.

O'ercliffandoceanthewhitedawnappeareth
Itpassethvigilandtheshadowscleareth.

47

ForthfromoutArcturus,NorthWindbloweth
Thestarsofheavensheathetheirglory
Andsundrivenforthgoeth
Settentrion.

Kef.

O'erseamist,andmountainisthedawndisplay'd
Itpassethwatchandmakethnightafraid.

FromatenthcenturyMS.

FromSyria

ThesongofPeireBremon"LoTort"thathemadeforhis
LadyinProvenca:hebeinginSyriaacrusader.

INAprilwhenIseeallthrough
Meadandgardennewflowersblow,
Andstreamswithicebandsbrokenflow,
Ekehearthebirdstheirsingingdo;
Whenspring'sgrassperfumefloatethby
Then'tissweetsongandbirdlet'scry
Domakemineoldjoycomeanew.

Suchtimewaswontmythoughtofold

Towanderinthewaysoflove.

Burnishingarmsandclangthereof,

Andhonourservicesmanifold

Benowmyneed.Whosocombine

Suchworks,loveishisbreadandwine,

Whereforeshouldhisfightthemorebebold.
SongbearI,whotearsshouldbring

Sithireoflovemak'thmeannoy,

WithsongthinkItomakemejoy.

Yetne'erhaveIheardsaidthisthing:

"Hesingswhosorrow'sguiseshouldwear.

NathelessIwillnotdespair

ThatsometimeI'llhavecausetosing.

Ishouldnottodespairgiveway
ThatsomewhileI'llmyladysee.
ItrustwellHethatloweredme
Hathpoweragaintomakemegay.
Butife'erIcometomyLove'sland
AndturnagaintoSyrianstrand,
Godkeepmethereforafool,alway!

Godforamiraclewellshould
Holdmycomingfromheraway,
AndholdmeinHisgracealway
ThatIlefther,forholyrood.
AnIloseher,nojoyforme,
Pardi,haththewideworldinfee.
NorcouldHemendit,ifHewould.

Welldidsheknowsweetwilestotake
Myheart,whenthenceItookmyway.
'Thoutsighing,passIne'eraday
Forthatsweetsemblanceshedidmake
Tome,sayingallinsorrow:
"Sweetfriend,andwhatofmetomorrow?
"Lovemine,whywiltmesoforsake?"
49
ENVOI

Beyondseabethousped,mysong,
And,byGod,tomyLadysay
Thatindesirous,grieffilledway
Mynightsandmydaysarefulllong.
AndcommandthouWilliamtheLongSeer
TotelltheetomyLadydear,
Thatcomfortbeherthoughtsamong.

TheonlybitofPeireBremen'sworkthathascomedownto
us,
andthroughitsbeingprintedwiththesongsofGirautof
Bor
nelhheisliketolosecreditforeventhis.E.P.

FromtheSaddle

D'AuBiGNETODIANE

WEARIEDbywindandwavedeathgoes
Withginandsnarerightnearalway
Untomysight.Behindmebay
Ashoundsthetempestsofmyfoes.
Everonwardagainstsuchwoes,
Pistolsmypillow'sservicepay,
YetLovemakesmethepoetplay.
Thouknow'sttherimedemandsrepose,
Soifmylinedisclosedistress,
Thesoldierandmyrestlessness
Andteen,Pardon,dearLadymine,
ForsincemidwarIbearlove'spain
'Tismeetmyverse,asI,showsign
Ofpowder,gunmatchandsulphurstain.
50
Marvoil

APOORclerkI,"Arnauttheless"theycallme,
AndbecauseIhavesmallmindtosit
Daylong,long"daycoopedonastool
Ajumblingo*figuresforMaitreJacquesPolin,
Iha'takentoramblingtheSouthhere.

TheVicomteofBeziers'snotsuchabadlot.

Imaderimestohisladythisthreeyear:

Versandcanzone,tillthatdamn'dsonofAragon,

Alfonsothehalfbald,tooktohanging

HishelmetatBeziers.

Thencamewhatmightcome,towit:threemenand

onewoman,

BeziersoffatMontAusier,Iandhislady
SingingthestarsintheturretsofBeziers,
AndoneleanAragonesecursingtheseneschal
Totheendthatyousee,friends:

AragoncursinginAragon,BeziersbusyatBeziers

Boredtoaninchofextinction,

TiborsalltongueandtemperatMontAusier,

Me!inthisdamn'dinnofAvignon,

StringinglongversefortheBurlatz;

Allforonehalfbald,knockknee'dkingofthe

Aragonese,
Alfonso,Quatro,pokenose.

AndifwhenIamdead

Theytakethetroubletotearoutthiswallhere,

They'llknowmoreofArnautofMarvoil

Thanhalfhiscanzonisayofhim.

AsforwillandtestamentIleavenone,

Savethis:"VersandcanzonetotheCountessof

Beziers

Inreturnforthefirstkissshegaveme."
Mayhereyesandhercheekbefair
ToallmenexcepttheKingofAragon,
AndmayIcomespeedilytoBeziers
Whithermydesireandmydreamhaveprecededme.

Oholeinthewallhere!bethoumyjongleur

Asne'erhadIother,andwhenthewindblows,

SingthouthegraceoftheLadyofBeziers,

ForevenasthouarthollowbeforeIfilltheewith

thisparchment,

Soismyhearthollowwhenshefillethnotmineeyes,
Andsoweremymindhollow,didshenotfillutterly

mythought.

Wherefore,Oholeinthewallhere,
Whenthewindblowssighthouformysorrow

ThatIhavenottheCountessofBeziers

Closeinmyarmshere.

Evenasthoushaltsoonhavethisparchment.

Oholeinthewallhere,bethoumyjongleur,
Andthoughthousighestmysorrowinthewind,
Keepyetmysecretinthybreasthere;
EvenasIkeepherimageinmyhearthere.

Revolt

Againstthecrepuscularspiritin
modernpoetry

IWOULDshakeoffthelethargyofthisourtime,
andgive

Forshadowsshapesofpower
Fordreamsmen.

"Itisbettertodreamthando"?

Aye!and,No!

Aye!ifwedreamgreatdeeds,strongmen,
Heartshot,thoughtsmighty.

No!ifwedreampaleflowers,

Slowmovingpageantryofhoursthatlanguidly

Dropaso'erripenedfruitfromsallowtrees.

Ifsoweliveanddienotlifebutdreams,
GreatGod,grantlifeindreams,

Notdalliance,butlife!

Letusbementhatdream,

Notcowards,dabblers,waiters

FordeadTimetoreawakenandgrantbalm

Forillsunnamed.

GreatGod,ifwebedamn'dtobenotmenbutonly

dreams,

Thenletusbesuchdreamstheworldshalltrembleat
Andknowwebeitsrulersthoughbutdreams!
53

Thenletusbesuchshadowsastheworldshall

trembleat
Andknowwebeitsmastersthoughbutshadow!

GreatGod,ifmenaregrownbutpalesickphantoms
Thatmustliveonlyinthesemistsandtemperedlights
Andtremblefordimhoursthatknocko'erloud
Ortreadtooviolentinpassingthem;

GreatGod,ifthesethysonsaregrownsuchthin

ephemera,

Ibidtheegrapplechaosandbeget
Somenewtitanicspawntopilethehillsandstir
Thisearthagain.
AndThusinNineveh

"AYE!Iamapoetanduponmytomb

J~\.Shallmaidensscatterroseleaves
Andmenmyrtles,erethenight
Slaysdaywithherdarksword.

"Lo!thisthingisnotmine
Northinetohinder,
Forthecustomisfullold,
AndhereinNinevehhaveIbeheld
Manyasingerpassandtakehisplace
Inthosedimhallswherenomantroubleth
Hissleeporsong.

Andmanyaonehathsunghissongs
54

Morecraftily,moresubtlesouledthanI;

Andmanyaonenowdothsurpass

Mywavewornbeautywithhiswindofflowers,

YetamIpoet,anduponmytomb

Shallallmenscatterroseleaves

Erethenightslaylight

Withherbluesword.

"Itisnot,Raama,thatmysongringshighest
Ormoresweetintonethanany,butthatI
AmhereaPoet,thatdothdrinkoflife
Aslessermendrinkwine."
TheWhiteStag

1HA'seenthemmidthecloudsontheheather.
Lo!theypausenotforlovenorforsorrow,
Yettheireyesareastheeyesofamaidtoherlover,
Whenthewhitehartbreakshiscover
Andthewhitewindbreaksthemorn.

"'Tisthe'whitestag.Fame,we'reahunting,
Bidtheworld'shoundscometohorn!"

55

Piccadilly

BEAUTIFUL,tragicalfaces,
"^Yethatwerewhole,andaresosunken;
And,Oyevile,yethatmighthavebeenloved,
Thataresosoddenanddrunken,

Whohathforgottenyou?

Owistful,fragilefaces,fewoutofmany!

Thegross,thecoarse,thebrazen,

GodknowsIcannotpitythem,perhaps,asIshoulddo,

But,oh,yedelicate,wistfulfaces,

Whohathforgottenyou?