 | Mansoul or The Riddle of the World |  |
(Voices Heard From Housetops)
And listened, in that doorway leaned, to hear;
Their lore. Disputed was, whence Sun and Stars,
Their being had derived. As whether were,
An infinite elemental Mist, the Source;
Of this material visible Universe.
And some there were, who maintained thus; that Earth
From Sun, condensed to a great flaming Bulk;
As clay from Potters wheel, had been whirled-off:
And body of the Moon likewise, from Earth.
Fell ceaseless rains, on molten Earths chilled Round,
Conglobed; and rivers ran down, from all heights;
And became meres, and those to seas increased.
Whose storm-beat boisterous surges, lifted up;
Whelmed on first Lava-cliffs, in cataracts:
And thereto Her great streaming water-courses;
Gnawed much warp forth, in Morning of the World:
Warp, that in countless æons, layed layer on layer;
Was spread mile-deep, on Seas abysmal ground:
Where ages sith, hath hardened it to stone.
And yet is ever full Earths great round Rind;
Of bowels of molten ores, whose swelling force
Is cause that shaken and riven is oft Her face;
Through tension of that planetary dross.
A certain young man standing mongst them spake:
Such day have I in mind of Etnas wrath.
Voices.
We would hear that.
Young Man.
New threshold passed, their cheerful looks I marked;
Which busied, in much throbbing chamber sate.
Heirs of those giants, which wrested at the first;
The Keys of Heaven, from the ancient Gods.
All full of running wheel-work, was that bower.
Tread of those soulless engines, in one hour;
Wrought more than might mens hands, in a round year;
For the Worlds welfare.
Men of ínsight there;
Founders and Builders sate of a New Era:
Searchers of hid things, in seld trodden paths;
Weaving the subtle gossamer óf their minds.
When such, midst multitude óf their fugitive thoughts,
Discern, (or of soul-voice, which in them, taught;)
Aught, that by likelihood, might serve mankind:
They abide, and study to it bring to pass.
Though lamps themselves of little-enduring clay;
They ply their witty hands and blow to flame,
Each elect spark, which kindles in their breasts:
Whence further Light. They bridle, they even compel
Earths elements, tó yield their Titanic force;
Obey their list and execute all their hests.
By that same doorway, passed few sighing spirits
Whose hope had died, in Wínter of their hearts.
I heard some of the harms, which they professed.
Voices That Pass
What though we grope and ágonise, in Worlds dark:
Séemeth éver some malignant ínfluence;
Frail expectation of Mans mortal wit,
To dísappoint. Our days' brief season spent,
We in World of Darkness wíther as a plant.
Other Voices.
Who is hé, who ríghtly endites melodious measures?
(Who ín his brother-man, perceives himself?)
He, in whose breast dwelleth Lóve, and Hope is left,
Ingenúous. Whose spirit lifted up;
Above cloud of unworthy fleshly sense:
Drinks of pure springs, and proffers of his cup,
To all that thirst. The same profaneth not,
A virgin Muses gift, in hís access.
First Friend.
His soul should be, as dreaming instrument:
Whose wind-weaved chords respond, to every breath.
And whereon master-hand can modulate;
What measures noblest are in human heart.
Second Friend.
Wherefore be those too much to blame, that pinch;
Of malice, rankling ín ungenerous breast;
(Such having been, with acorns, alway fed:
Or else wont, after kind, to thistles diet:)
That might, themselves, a cattle-crib, uneath
Devise, at Master-artificers work;
And with the drivel, of vénomed lips, consperse.
Of whatso occupátion they were of;
Were in like case: even foreheads, that seemed versed,
In Faiths and Disciplines of their several schools.
Whose aspect grave and learned habiliments,
Were veneráble ín the Peoples sight.
I heard that secret sighing of their hearts;
Which, each day, drew more nigh their own dark deaths.
Purgeth each new found Knowledge, by degrees,
The Vision of our souls. In time to come,
When these days shall be old, more light shall shine;
On tardy generations of new men.
The Vision of our souls. In time to come,
When these days shall be old, more light shall shine;
On tardy generations of new men.
Our soul is as a bird, which lights on spray:
We know not whence it cometh unto our sight.
Rockt by the wind; uneasily it dwelleth,
Not long, adréad of évery flickering leaf.
Nor wot we whíther it presently flitted forth.
We know not whence it cometh unto our sight.
Rockt by the wind; uneasily it dwelleth,
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Nor wot we whíther it presently flitted forth.
Eachwhere, like sighs be breathed of human breasts;
Shines everywhere thé same Sun. Infinitude hangs,
O'er all our heads of everlasting stars:
Whiles we, men of few life-days, change and pass.
Shines everywhere thé same Sun. Infinitude hangs,
O'er all our heads of everlasting stars:
Whiles we, men of few life-days, change and pass.
Knowledge, by little and little, shall unwind
Our unweaned souls, out of their swaddling bands.
Full Knowledge, is unattainable, in Mans state,
We only at best perceive some little part;
After short purblind vision of our hearts:
Wisdom, our heritage, lies within our might.
Time past our fathers' was, this day that is
Is ours; the Future we ourselves beget.
Our unweaned souls, out of their swaddling bands.
Full Knowledge, is unattainable, in Mans state,
We only at best perceive some little part;
After short purblind vision of our hearts:
Wisdom, our heritage, lies within our might.
Time past our fathers' was, this day that is
Is ours; the Future we ourselves beget.
The Sum of all is, There be many paths;
Of Mans endeavour, seeking Righteousness;
Wherein, reborn, a soul may fearless walk;
Towards the Infinite Unknown, ín eternal paths.
Of Mans endeavour, seeking Righteousness;
Wherein, reborn, a soul may fearless walk;
Towards the Infinite Unknown, ín eternal paths.
Till some be found new aspect of Mans mind.
Till shall a taper-light exceed the Sun;
May none read Riddle of the Universe.
It passeth all understanding, and shall pass.
Till shall a taper-light exceed the Sun;
May none read Riddle of the Universe.
It passeth all understanding, and shall pass.
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Book 6: Mansouls Dream City
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I borne was forth then, ín much mingled Press,
Of cítizen dream-souls, fróm their Market-place;
Which sued with Mansoul, towards the Acropolis.
Of cítizen dream-souls, fróm their Market-place;
Which sued with Mansoul, towards the Acropolis.
Founded was that on white great marble cliff:
Whereon, on this part, stood the Parliament House;
With majesty of more than craftsmens handiwork.
Whereon, on this part, stood the Parliament House;
With majesty of more than craftsmens handiwork.
A two-fold flight of sculptured steps ascended;
To that Basilica-like proud Edifice:
Wherein appeared bright golden stately porch;
Not builded, but with chisel only wrought.
And seemed likewise, óf the same living rock;
The many-chambered marble colonnades;
Which joined, thereto, as wings, on either part.
To that Basilica-like proud Edifice:
Wherein appeared bright golden stately porch;
Not builded, but with chisel only wrought.
And seemed likewise, óf the same living rock;
The many-chambered marble colonnades;
Which joined, thereto, as wings, on either part.
And whiles I gazed, Mansoul I saw mount up,
Alone by the degrees. And at the height;
To meet him, stand Dream-Citys purpled Senate.
Worship and dignity was in their high looks.
All entered then, and thé great gates were shut.
Whose two-leaved doors, of fretted cedar-work,
Gold-ringed, with noble bronze bedight in part;
(And that gem-set, with azure stars and flowers;)
Upon their brazen sockets, silent rolled
Had to.
Alone by the degrees. And at the height;
To meet him, stand Dream-Citys purpled Senate.
Worship and dignity was in their high looks.
All entered then, and thé great gates were shut.
Whose two-leaved doors, of fretted cedar-work,
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(And that gem-set, with azure stars and flowers;)
Upon their brazen sockets, silent rolled
Had to.
On the large alabaster step,
I watched an hour without, but all for naught:
Came Mansoul and the Council no more forth.
The entáblature I márked and pediment fair adorned,
With inlaid portraitures of Worlds righteous spirits;
And crystal-clear were pillars underset.
Whose chapiters were, of copper-smiths cunning-work;
Gilt leaves, adorned.
I watched an hour without, but all for naught:
Came Mansoul and the Council no more forth.
The entáblature I márked and pediment fair adorned,
With inlaid portraitures of Worlds righteous spirits;
And crystal-clear were pillars underset.
Whose chapiters were, of copper-smiths cunning-work;
Gilt leaves, adorned.
Mine eyes, from that high terrace,
Surveyed Dream-Citys Prospect forth; great Maze,
Of hundred streets beneath, 'twixt clustered roofs;
But soon anéw I felt impelled my steps;
On that high chambered marble colonnade;
Which on the right hand was.
Surveyed Dream-Citys Prospect forth; great Maze,
Of hundred streets beneath, 'twixt clustered roofs;
But soon anéw I felt impelled my steps;
On that high chambered marble colonnade;
Which on the right hand was.
First, I was stayed;
Where men severe of port, Philosophers,
Conférred of Mans estate. A little group,
Next whom I stood, (Hellenes,) entreated thus:
Where men severe of port, Philosophers,
Conférred of Mans estate. A little group,
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. . . Renouncing all, whereof Man hath no need;
Lifted above base ferment of birth-flesh;
Made subject rédeemed human sense thenceforth,
Unto every good intent: might, with souls health,
Man best approach to Wisdoms perfect source.
And the Hinges of the World, with patient steps,
Ascending from things known, take knowledge of.
Lifted above base ferment of birth-flesh;
Made subject rédeemed human sense thenceforth,
Unto every good intent: might, with souls health,
Man best approach to Wisdoms perfect source.
And the Hinges of the World, with patient steps,
Ascending from things known, take knowledge of.
Some there I viewed, which stood, by twos and threes,
Them night, that would be counted of their part.
But little had they wrought of wórthy work.
I looked, and presently those became a masque;
Which púrsued after painted butterflies.
Each then his sovereign Remedy loud professed;
When he had caught a fly, of human ills.
I marvelled, how théy passed the Citys Watch!
Them night, that would be counted of their part.
But little had they wrought of wórthy work.
I looked, and presently those became a masque;
Which púrsued after painted butterflies.
Each then his sovereign Remedy loud professed;
When he had caught a fly, of human ills.
I marvelled, how théy passed the Citys Watch!
Went further forth, I stayed with peace of spirit;
Beneath domed Chamber, on whose azure walls;
Pourtrayed were the night-seasons starry signs.
Wherein, past Reasons reach, may eyes of flesh;
That wheeling Temple, of the Firmament;
Mens thousand ages' dread Astonishment!
Behold! Eternity visible to Mankind:
And Architecture of the Universe;
Governed by immutable Laws, (might we them read!)
Beneath domed Chamber, on whose azure walls;
Pourtrayed were the night-seasons starry signs.
Wherein, past Reasons reach, may eyes of flesh;
That wheeling Temple, of the Firmament;
Mens thousand ages' dread Astonishment!
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And Architecture of the Universe;
Governed by immutable Laws, (might we them read!)
Within, Nights lifelong faithful Watchers sate;
Sons of Urania, ambrosial heavenly Muse.
Great-souled, large-browed, attent; it was their part,
Beholding reverent fróm Earths tiding Round
That sovereign March of Heavens Firmament:
The supreme works to Chronicle, óf the SIRE
Of men and Gods.
Sons of Urania, ambrosial heavenly Muse.
Great-souled, large-browed, attent; it was their part,
Beholding reverent fróm Earths tiding Round
That sovereign March of Heavens Firmament:
The supreme works to Chronicle, óf the SIRE
Of men and Gods.
Whilst World self-shadowed sleeps,
Till tardy day awake; sáve the lone voice,
Of elemental winds, waves, water-brooks:
Gazing, through their perspective tubes, they may pierce;
The amazing Vision of heavens starry coast!
Till tardy day awake; sáve the lone voice,
Of elemental winds, waves, water-brooks:
Gazing, through their perspective tubes, they may pierce;
The amazing Vision of heavens starry coast!
And being their discipline, that alone which doth;
Of mens school-doctrines, stand without debate,
Of inept tongues, which better fed than taught:
They of Times, the everlasting Ordinance,
Predict; and can, in Balances of the Mind,
Poise even Earths Mass; compute celestial paths
And numbers supputate, which exceeding thought;
Can only, in empty ciphers be expressed.
I in next chamber, many found assembled;
Of mens school-doctrines, stand without debate,
Of inept tongues, which better fed than taught:
They of Times, the everlasting Ordinance,
Predict; and can, in Balances of the Mind,
Poise even Earths Mass; compute celestial paths
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Can only, in empty ciphers be expressed.
And listened, in that doorway leaned, to hear;
Their lore. Disputed was, whence Sun and Stars,
Their being had derived. As whether were,
An infinite elemental Mist, the Source;
Of this material visible Universe.
And some there were, who maintained thus; that Earth
From Sun, condensed to a great flaming Bulk;
As clay from Potters wheel, had been whirled-off:
And body of the Moon likewise, from Earth.
Fell ceaseless rains, on molten Earths chilled Round,
Conglobed; and rivers ran down, from all heights;
And became meres, and those to seas increased.
Whose storm-beat boisterous surges, lifted up;
Whelmed on first Lava-cliffs, in cataracts:
And thereto Her great streaming water-courses;
Gnawed much warp forth, in Morning of the World:
Warp, that in countless æons, layed layer on layer;
Was spread mile-deep, on Seas abysmal ground:
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And yet is ever full Earths great round Rind;
Of bowels of molten ores, whose swelling force
Is cause that shaken and riven is oft Her face;
Through tension of that planetary dross.
A certain young man standing mongst them spake:
Such day have I in mind of Etnas wrath.
Voices.
We would hear that.
Young Man.
A Summers night of stars,
It was, wherein I had painfully thróugh long hours,
With mule and guide, climbed on the mountains flanks.
Reached to an height whereas all husbandry ceased;
Before us only rose, that great last Steep,
With sulphur strewed, of Etnas cinder-cone.
Beside our path, appeared (now chill midnight;)
A shelter-cots rude walls of cinder blocks.
Our meaning was, therein, awhile to rest.
And leaving tied the mule, ascend afoot;
And reach, ere day, His cragged utmost crest:
And from those horrid cliffs, surview far out;
Trinacria, and great Italias mighty Foot;
And Etnas ímmense shadow on the Dawn-mist;
That sun-rising should cast: and look from thence,
In the huge hollow mountains Gulf, downforth.
It was, wherein I had painfully thróugh long hours,
With mule and guide, climbed on the mountains flanks.
Reached to an height whereas all husbandry ceased;
Before us only rose, that great last Steep,
With sulphur strewed, of Etnas cinder-cone.
Beside our path, appeared (now chill midnight;)
A shelter-cots rude walls of cinder blocks.
Our meaning was, therein, awhile to rest.
And leaving tied the mule, ascend afoot;
And reach, ere day, His cragged utmost crest:
And from those horrid cliffs, surview far out;
Trinacria, and great Italias mighty Foot;
And Etnas ímmense shadow on the Dawn-mist;
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In the huge hollow mountains Gulf, downforth.
Dismounted in dim twilight, and about
To enter in that roofless lodge; the ground
Reeled underfoot, and seemed above our heads
To nod the stars: again with rumour deep
The ground seemed shaken, and stagger under us.
To enter in that roofless lodge; the ground
Reeled underfoot, and seemed above our heads
To nod the stars: again with rumour deep
The ground seemed shaken, and stagger under us.
Cried that Siciliot, having found his wit;
And laid strong sudden hand on his mule-beast:
Mount! Ætna will erupt; to tarry is death!
Mount thou! and grant us Heaven, we perish not.
And laid strong sudden hand on his mule-beast:
Mount! Ætna will erupt; to tarry is death!
Mount thou! and grant us Heaven, we perish not.
Headlong then breathless fugitives, we contended,
To outgo that fearful peril, in night-murk;
And stumbling oft, beyond, above, all paths:
Downward, aye downward, towards the mountains foot.
To outgo that fearful peril, in night-murk;
And stumbling oft, beyond, above, all paths:
Downward, aye downward, towards the mountains foot.
Hour-long we strove thus: detonations dread
Amazed our ears: corroding sulphurous fume
Us overtook; and seemed púrsue our steps.
When first, nigh spent, we durst pause tó draw breath;
We had gained a downward mile; and gazing back,
A league-wide horror and fury of flame and smoke;
Saw, issuing from vast Ætnas burning crest.
Amazed our ears: corroding sulphurous fume
Us overtook; and seemed púrsue our steps.
When first, nigh spent, we durst pause tó draw breath;
We had gained a downward mile; and gazing back,
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Saw, issuing from vast Ætnas burning crest.
Might mortal eye it survey from on height:
Should not that old-heaped, cliff-bound fearful Gulf;
Seem a fiery boiling caldron, lava-lake:
With heaving film, of molten iron dross;
Risen from infernal bowels of Mother Earth;
Through two-miles' stature of the hollow mount.
Should not that old-heaped, cliff-bound fearful Gulf;
Seem a fiery boiling caldron, lava-lake:
With heaving film, of molten iron dross;
Risen from infernal bowels of Mother Earth;
Through two-miles' stature of the hollow mount.
New thundrous immense din, is in our ears;
Of that rent films shards, launcht in the element:
With startling blasts, as were they cannon-shots.
Of that rent films shards, launcht in the element:
With startling blasts, as were they cannon-shots.
Terrific conflagration! whereunto
No flesh might more approach. Should, in such moment,
To a cinder, his mortal being be consumed!
No flesh might more approach. Should, in such moment,
To a cinder, his mortal being be consumed!
When next in downward flight for life, we halt
And glance back: hid from view is Ætnas height;
In bellowing gloom, of fiery uprolling smoke;
Wherefrom dart ceaseless quivering lightnings forth.
And glance back: hid from view is Ætnas height;
In bellowing gloom, of fiery uprolling smoke;
Wherefrom dart ceaseless quivering lightnings forth.
Was then from Ætnas cinder-flanks above;
Flowed down an horrid molten-footed flood;
Inévitable creeping lava-tide:
That licketh all up, before his withering course.
Nor builded work, nor rampire cast in haste;
Of thousand mens hands, might, and they were helped
Of unborn-Angels, súffice to hold back;
That devastating, soulless, impious march
Of molten dross.
Flowed down an horrid molten-footed flood;
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That licketh all up, before his withering course.
Nor builded work, nor rampire cast in haste;
Of thousand mens hands, might, and they were helped
Of unborn-Angels, súffice to hold back;
That devastating, soulless, impious march
Of molten dross.
Dwellers round Ætnas roots;
(His, four days' journeys round encompassing Plain:)
Roused by that fearful uproar and midnight noise;
From tottering bedsteads leapt, have rushed, half-clad,
Abroad.
(His, four days' journeys round encompassing Plain:)
Roused by that fearful uproar and midnight noise;
From tottering bedsteads leapt, have rushed, half-clad,
Abroad.
In silence, in awed knots, they watch;
Ætna from far-off, kindled in the skies;
(Such as years gone they heard their fathers tell!)
Whilst men gaze on, with cold and fainting hearts;
Folding their hands, with trembling lips, to Heaven:
Not few lament their toilful years, undone;
Those fields o'erwhelmed, wherein their livelihood.
Other enquire; if this were that last fire,
Divine; whose wrath, is writ, should end the world?
Ætna from far-off, kindled in the skies;
(Such as years gone they heard their fathers tell!)
Whilst men gaze on, with cold and fainting hearts;
Folding their hands, with trembling lips, to Heaven:
Not few lament their toilful years, undone;
Those fields o'erwhelmed, wherein their livelihood.
Other enquire; if this were that last fire,
Divine; whose wrath, is writ, should end the world?
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Groping in night-like gloom, to lower league:
'T is there we halt, where first found mens trode paths.
Ætna is raging ever more and more!
Uprushing wreathing, teeming train blown out
And spread large forth, cloud-canopy of Hellish smoke:
(Like to a pine tree, as that Siciliot quoth;)
Huge roaring fury of His Titanic throat:
O'er lurid glow of hidden fires beneath.
'T is there we halt, where first found mens trode paths.
Ætna is raging ever more and more!
Uprushing wreathing, teeming train blown out
And spread large forth, cloud-canopy of Hellish smoke:
(Like to a pine tree, as that Siciliot quoth;)
Huge roaring fury of His Titanic throat:
O'er lurid glow of hidden fires beneath.
Nor cease those vast heart-beats, in immane deeps
Of Ætna in travail: in this Circuit of
Worlds crust; as were it would Earth cast us forth.
Of Ætna in travail: in this Circuit of
Worlds crust; as were it would Earth cast us forth.
Fell on our eyeballs then so thick sharp dust:
A man the cinder-ground might see uneath;
Nor the uplifted hand, that shields his face.
For thunders' din, none hears now his own voice;
Nor his companions words, how loud he shout.
A man the cinder-ground might see uneath;
Nor the uplifted hand, that shields his face.
For thunders' din, none hears now his own voice;
Nor his companions words, how loud he shout.
To make my telling short; days midst was past;
And over all prevailed deep gloom as night;
When we attained, at length, the mountains foot;
And our first safety sought, in a walled town;
And needful rest and meat.
And over all prevailed deep gloom as night;
When we attained, at length, the mountains foot;
And our first safety sought, in a walled town;
And needful rest and meat.
Was the same eve,
We heard, how ascending certain hapless wights,
Towards their plots, on Ætnas cinder-steeps;
All suddenly, á dire rain of fiery dust;
Did on them light and deadly them invest.
Which like sparks glowing from a furnace pierced
Their coats and fretted through to the quick flesh.
Scorched unto death, those perished miserably thus.
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Towards their plots, on Ætnas cinder-steeps;
All suddenly, á dire rain of fiery dust;
Did on them light and deadly them invest.
Which like sparks glowing from a furnace pierced
Their coats and fretted through to the quick flesh.
Scorched unto death, those perished miserably thus.
Men lived on in a twilight World-dismayed,
Then many days, all traffic well-nigh ceased;
Days that seemed nights: and when hour was to sleep;
We alway in dread, of kindled skies above;
With Ætnas roaring ever in our ears;
(Like ceaseless weary sound, of storm-bound shore;)
Lay down unrestful ón still rocking beds.
Then many days, all traffic well-nigh ceased;
Days that seemed nights: and when hour was to sleep;
We alway in dread, of kindled skies above;
With Ætnas roaring ever in our ears;
(Like ceaseless weary sound, of storm-bound shore;)
Lay down unrestful ón still rocking beds.
When dawn was by the clock and men arose;
To daze another day on throbbing Earth:
We looked still on blind skies and blackened streets.
And housewives, from their doors, more cinder dust;
(Whose powder lay on every chamber-floor;)
Swept forth, on squalid heaps, as snow in frost.
Voices.
To daze another day on throbbing Earth:
We looked still on blind skies and blackened streets.
And housewives, from their doors, more cinder dust;
(Whose powder lay on every chamber-floor;)
Swept forth, on squalid heaps, as snow in frost.
The young man sayeth sooth. To see so much
Of Natures soulless elemental Force;
That can lift Continénts, and Sea-grounds abase;
Falleth unto few: so narrow are our days,
But naught immutable is. Like as a seed,
All that is, works, though hid, and moves and tends
Circling, without cease, meeting, without end.
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That can lift Continénts, and Sea-grounds abase;
Falleth unto few: so narrow are our days,
But naught immutable is. Like as a seed,
All that is, works, though hid, and moves and tends
Circling, without cease, meeting, without end.
Tremblings of Earths únstable Frame are rife;
Even daily, albeit not sensible unto us;
Though révealed by our réfined instruments.
(Nay is Ætna but a pimple, on Earths Face.)
Even daily, albeit not sensible unto us;
Though révealed by our réfined instruments.
(Nay is Ætna but a pimple, on Earths Face.)
New threshold passed, their cheerful looks I marked;
Which busied, in much throbbing chamber sate.
Heirs of those giants, which wrested at the first;
The Keys of Heaven, from the ancient Gods.
All full of running wheel-work, was that bower.
Tread of those soulless engines, in one hour;
Wrought more than might mens hands, in a round year;
For the Worlds welfare.
Men of ínsight there;
Founders and Builders sate of a New Era:
Searchers of hid things, in seld trodden paths;
Weaving the subtle gossamer óf their minds.
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Discern, (or of soul-voice, which in them, taught;)
Aught, that by likelihood, might serve mankind:
They abide, and study to it bring to pass.
Though lamps themselves of little-enduring clay;
They ply their witty hands and blow to flame,
Each elect spark, which kindles in their breasts:
Whence further Light. They bridle, they even compel
Earths elements, tó yield their Titanic force;
Obey their list and execute all their hests.
By that same doorway, passed few sighing spirits
Whose hope had died, in Wínter of their hearts.
I heard some of the harms, which they professed.
Voices That Pass
What though we grope and ágonise, in Worlds dark:
Séemeth éver some malignant ínfluence;
Frail expectation of Mans mortal wit,
To dísappoint. Our days' brief season spent,
We in World of Darkness wíther as a plant.
Other Voices.
A reverent expectation best befits us;
And live in Faith of thé Eternal Good.
Unto even the sacred Muses rest unwist;
The highest and éverlásting Ocean-mysteries.
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Unto even the sacred Muses rest unwist;
The highest and éverlásting Ocean-mysteries.
To whom: were once made known the least of such;
Would not that sacred Sisterhoods' golden Band;
(Whose power divine uphólds the hearts of men;
And comforts ín rude hubbubs of the World;)
Pluck from their crystal foreheads, thé proud bays;
Wherewith mens twilight ages have thém crowned.
And meekly adoring the Eternal Verities;
Prostrate them lowly on ground, before the Throne:
And with hymn, worship, the All-High alone;
Who inhabitéth the Harmonies of Heaven?
Would not that sacred Sisterhoods' golden Band;
(Whose power divine uphólds the hearts of men;
And comforts ín rude hubbubs of the World;)
Pluck from their crystal foreheads, thé proud bays;
Wherewith mens twilight ages have thém crowned.
And meekly adoring the Eternal Verities;
Prostrate them lowly on ground, before the Throne:
And with hymn, worship, the All-High alone;
Who inhabitéth the Harmonies of Heaven?
At which new saying, I turned me tó hear more:
And following ón, a líttle Company I saw:
Known by rapt looks, of soaring high desire;
For Sectaríes, of their celestial Skill.
And following ón, a líttle Company I saw:
Known by rapt looks, of soaring high desire;
For Sectaríes, of their celestial Skill.
Such now be few, that from Earths mould durst tower,
Towards Living Light, as lavrock 'gainst the Sun:
Whence oft they lanterns, óf mens ages are:
Which them, in théir lean bitter-sweet life-days,
More oft reprove. Which past, too late those crown;
Their silent hearse, with blossoms óf vain flowers.
Towards Living Light, as lavrock 'gainst the Sun:
Whence oft they lanterns, óf mens ages are:
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More oft reprove. Which past, too late those crown;
Their silent hearse, with blossoms óf vain flowers.
Two young men stayed, of cheer magnanimous;
Of that small passing fellowship, ón the terrace.
I gave ear únto words which they professed.
Of that small passing fellowship, ón the terrace.
I gave ear únto words which they professed.
They likened souls, that sounding hear aloft;
Some Harp of Heaven, whose chords be beams of light.
Like aged, and éach to other sworn those were:
Both White-cliffed Albions sons, the Muses Isle.
Some Harp of Heaven, whose chords be beams of light.
Like aged, and éach to other sworn those were:
Both White-cliffed Albions sons, the Muses Isle.
Quaint antique tome lay open, in thís ones hand;
The scripture azure, wíth vermilion limned.
The Title charactered was, in Sun-bright gold;
Dan Chaucers Merry Tales: in Temple of Fame,
Most worthy name, for aye to be enrolled:
Fór the right-wise humanity óf his verse.
The scripture azure, wíth vermilion limned.
The Title charactered was, in Sun-bright gold;
Dan Chaucers Merry Tales: in Temple of Fame,
Most worthy name, for aye to be enrolled:
Fór the right-wise humanity óf his verse.
Yet sooth to say, not all commendable is,
That Geoffrey writ: too oft he speaketh full large;
Whén that sets forth churls' bórel talk, his page.
But he, in hís high sentence, ín the rest;
Yet beckoneth to us, ín his well-knit measures:
From the homely ínfancy óf right English verse.
That Geoffrey writ: too oft he speaketh full large;
Whén that sets forth churls' bórel talk, his page.
But he, in hís high sentence, ín the rest;
Yet beckoneth to us, ín his well-knit measures:
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Of Custance, cast away in Sea-deeps' waves;
Long buffeted, far from land and human kind,
The noble legend was; for whom with sighs,
Surprised be, ánd suspent that read, our hearts.
Long buffeted, far from land and human kind,
The noble legend was; for whom with sighs,
Surprised be, ánd suspent that read, our hearts.
Chanted his fere an hymn, when this had ceased,
Of Heavenly Beauty: wíth soft warbling voice.
(How I admired the turning of each verse!)
Of Edmund, my lodestar, the ditty was:
(Whose Art is mine endeavour to restore.)
Hé who déscant sang, amóng his shepherd peers;
As lavrock doth, which lifted úp of Love;
In spires exulteth in the Element;
Devoid of all offence of groundling flesh.
Of Heavenly Beauty: wíth soft warbling voice.
(How I admired the turning of each verse!)
Of Edmund, my lodestar, the ditty was:
(Whose Art is mine endeavour to restore.)
Hé who déscant sang, amóng his shepherd peers;
As lavrock doth, which lifted úp of Love;
In spires exulteth in the Element;
Devoid of all offence of groundling flesh.
Went other by; but somewhat in their steps,
Halting, behind that gentle fellowship.
The transports óf whose breasts, wherein a sense
Of Music lurks; Eolian harmoniés
Might haply sound; but that their áccords lack
Fulness of Vision, ánd diviners' art:
Being semblable unto shimmering gossamer weft;
Wafted from uplands, ón late Summers breath;
Whereof no Webster can weave a coats cloth.
Halting, behind that gentle fellowship.
The transports óf whose breasts, wherein a sense
Of Music lurks; Eolian harmoniés
Might haply sound; but that their áccords lack
Fulness of Vision, ánd diviners' art:
Being semblable unto shimmering gossamer weft;
Wafted from uplands, ón late Summers breath;
Whereof no Webster can weave a coats cloth.
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But óf that former twain, remained in place.
Quoth Friend to Friend; mongst human masteries:
To what might we compare the skill of such,
As travail tó bring forth immortal verse:
Whose every chord resoundeth human life;
With new Mæonian lofty hardihood.
Their místery it fár and súbtil artific
Excelleth that precious gem-stones cleave and set,
In dædale-wise in réfined goldsmiths' work.
Póets well-flédged words, aye bíg with orient light;
Of golden, heaven-derived beams, shed to Earth:
Be as threaded pearls of price, on living lace.
Quoth Friend to Friend; mongst human masteries:
To what might we compare the skill of such,
As travail tó bring forth immortal verse:
Whose every chord resoundeth human life;
With new Mæonian lofty hardihood.
Their místery it fár and súbtil artific
Excelleth that precious gem-stones cleave and set,
In dædale-wise in réfined goldsmiths' work.
Póets well-flédged words, aye bíg with orient light;
Of golden, heaven-derived beams, shed to Earth:
Be as threaded pearls of price, on living lace.
Whereto his fellow musing, made response:
Must Poet, priest of the Muses, eyewasht, dipt:
His soul in well of life; his mortal part,
In pure white lawn arrayed, and cónsecrate:
Hill-steep ascénd alóne, with painful steps:
And fróm celestial height, fetch vital breath.
Must Poet, priest of the Muses, eyewasht, dipt:
His soul in well of life; his mortal part,
In pure white lawn arrayed, and cónsecrate:
Hill-steep ascénd alóne, with painful steps:
And fróm celestial height, fetch vital breath.
And ín the Muses' garden walking sith,
(As they vouchsafe;) gather of flowers that blow
All months; with kindly fruits of every hew,
And simples, for souls health. And háving drunk,
Of springing Helicon, their learnéd well,
Whence memory flows: there slumber fast beside,
And dream as babe, all in the ambrosial arms,
Of Nature Mother: whó his souls high seeing;
(Revealed some moment, tó his pensive vision;
As bow ís, Daughter of the air, in heaven;)
Would pourtray and body forth, wíth the gross substance,
Of mortals' speech; broidering his web of song;
With buds and blossoms, óf Euterpe taught.
His Friend.
(As they vouchsafe;) gather of flowers that blow
All months; with kindly fruits of every hew,
And simples, for souls health. And háving drunk,
Of springing Helicon, their learnéd well,
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And dream as babe, all in the ambrosial arms,
Of Nature Mother: whó his souls high seeing;
(Revealed some moment, tó his pensive vision;
As bow ís, Daughter of the air, in heaven;)
Would pourtray and body forth, wíth the gross substance,
Of mortals' speech; broidering his web of song;
With buds and blossoms, óf Euterpe taught.
Who is hé, who ríghtly endites melodious measures?
(Who ín his brother-man, perceives himself?)
He, in whose breast dwelleth Lóve, and Hope is left,
Ingenúous. Whose spirit lifted up;
Above cloud of unworthy fleshly sense:
Drinks of pure springs, and proffers of his cup,
To all that thirst. The same profaneth not,
A virgin Muses gift, in hís access.
First Friend.
His soul should be, as dreaming instrument:
Whose wind-weaved chords respond, to every breath.
And whereon master-hand can modulate;
What measures noblest are in human heart.
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Wherefore be those too much to blame, that pinch;
Of malice, rankling ín ungenerous breast;
(Such having been, with acorns, alway fed:
Or else wont, after kind, to thistles diet:)
That might, themselves, a cattle-crib, uneath
Devise, at Master-artificers work;
And with the drivel, of vénomed lips, consperse.
Who, moved of hearts devotion, vows to Heavens
High service a Cathedral. And of such,
Unwist, upbuilds, in his few mortal years,
Of goodly stones: where naught before-time was,
Save poppies, docks, and briers, in wasteful ground.
High service a Cathedral. And of such,
Unwist, upbuilds, in his few mortal years,
Of goodly stones: where naught before-time was,
Save poppies, docks, and briers, in wasteful ground.
The Site considered well, and all made plain;
And plotted out the pattern of the Place;
His strong foundations truly laid thereon:
He rears well-dressed, to reed, square, lead and line;
Up stately walls, that age-long may endure,
Under GODS Sun and Stars.
And plotted out the pattern of the Place;
His strong foundations truly laid thereon:
He rears well-dressed, to reed, square, lead and line;
Up stately walls, that age-long may endure,
Under GODS Sun and Stars.
The Nave, the Aisles,
The lofty Transepts and his sacred Choir;
Be rightly well addressed, towards morning-star.
His énranged rampant buttresses, meetly upbear;
Each one, a gracious work of masons craft,
(Pleasant to look upon;) his Fanes long flanks.
The lofty Transepts and his sacred Choir;
Be rightly well addressed, towards morning-star.
His énranged rampant buttresses, meetly upbear;
226
(Pleasant to look upon;) his Fanes long flanks.
Within, the great Cathedral-structure rests
On álligned clustered pillars' striding arcs:
Their chapitérs graced with graven lily flowers
And palms; whose spandrels deckt with effigies are,
Of blesséd wights; that beckon down to us,
Of righteous paths: whose walling, white, above;
Gem-like, lo, ancient storied windows pierce;
Radiant with purple joy of Heavens light.
And ceiled all is with vault of sculptured stone;
Of noble aspect, like to palm-leaf work.
On álligned clustered pillars' striding arcs:
Their chapitérs graced with graven lily flowers
And palms; whose spandrels deckt with effigies are,
Of blesséd wights; that beckon down to us,
Of righteous paths: whose walling, white, above;
Gem-like, lo, ancient storied windows pierce;
Radiant with purple joy of Heavens light.
And ceiled all is with vault of sculptured stone;
Of noble aspect, like to palm-leaf work.
His Vow, with patient zeal, accomplished thus;
(Like as he had conceived it ín his thought:)
And furnished wíth all necessary gifts;
To Service óf the Eternal dedicate:
Trembles from floor to roof, the hallowed House;
With pealing organ-tones and anthems' chant.
Whiles the aspirátions rise, of wórshippers' hearts;
Which therein list, sequester them a space;
From troublous traffic óf the World without:
And bow their knees, untó the God of Peace.
(Like as he had conceived it ín his thought:)
And furnished wíth all necessary gifts;
To Service óf the Eternal dedicate:
Trembles from floor to roof, the hallowed House;
With pealing organ-tones and anthems' chant.
Whiles the aspirátions rise, of wórshippers' hearts;
Which therein list, sequester them a space;
From troublous traffic óf the World without:
And bow their knees, untó the God of Peace.
The Western porch, for brévity, I overpass;
Grounded, on strong óld Roman rudiments.
Likewise the round-framed marble chapter-house:
(Quaint frettéd dome on faír-wreathed pillar set;)
The devout travail, of a simple wight;
An hewer of stone, one living of days work;
After that pattern of the Tree-of-Life;
Which he beheld in Dream, and sculptured thus;
With boughs and fruits and buds. Each day he wrought
An hour, after his labour; till his task,
Like as he had conceived it, in his thought;
Was brought to end; and duly dedicate.
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Likewise the round-framed marble chapter-house:
(Quaint frettéd dome on faír-wreathed pillar set;)
The devout travail, of a simple wight;
An hewer of stone, one living of days work;
After that pattern of the Tree-of-Life;
Which he beheld in Dream, and sculptured thus;
With boughs and fruits and buds. Each day he wrought
An hour, after his labour; till his task,
Like as he had conceived it, in his thought;
Was brought to end; and duly dedicate.
They who, ín the dim Cathedral crofts, descend,
By lighted steps; may see fair chantries deckt,
With public banners and with private gifts;
Where sepulchres óf Gods knights and noble Dead.
Of whom some effigied ín enduring bronze;
Seem sleep, in their ring-kirtles, laid to rest.
By lighted steps; may see fair chantries deckt,
With public banners and with private gifts;
Where sepulchres óf Gods knights and noble Dead.
Of whom some effigied ín enduring bronze;
Seem sleep, in their ring-kirtles, laid to rest.
Without lies well-designed, fair cloister-garth;
For meditation and for quietness;
Of who those silent ambulatóries pace,
With tile-stones paved; them bordering wholesome herbs,
And cheerfulness óf glad flowers. In mídst whereof;
A fount of living waters wells, days haunt
Of ever-thirsting, over-flittering doves.
And there be leafy summer arbours made;
Cool havens óf green boughs, with well-entrailed,
Fresh clambering woodbind sweet, and roses blithe.
Where seats, for who, past years of Worldly tasks;
Must needs now rest.
For meditation and for quietness;
Of who those silent ambulatóries pace,
With tile-stones paved; them bordering wholesome herbs,
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A fount of living waters wells, days haunt
Of ever-thirsting, over-flittering doves.
And there be leafy summer arbours made;
Cool havens óf green boughs, with well-entrailed,
Fresh clambering woodbind sweet, and roses blithe.
Where seats, for who, past years of Worldly tasks;
Must needs now rest.
Pass other ón the terrace:
Of líke aspiring looks: wont like hill-steeps
Essay to climb, which hitherto seldom trod;
With hardy foot. On whóm some kindred Muse,
Hath gracious breathed. That unto them is given,
With harmony and form, grace, passion, in their hearts;
To paint with hews on tables: shadowing forth,
Visions of their souls seeing, in Natures glass.
Of líke aspiring looks: wont like hill-steeps
Essay to climb, which hitherto seldom trod;
With hardy foot. On whóm some kindred Muse,
Hath gracious breathed. That unto them is given,
With harmony and form, grace, passion, in their hearts;
To paint with hews on tables: shadowing forth,
Visions of their souls seeing, in Natures glass.
Howbeit should many faint, midst golden tasks;
Were not, when fails them breath, they wont refresh
Them, at clear well-springs óf right poets' verse;
Men true of hearts intent, and unfeigned lips.
Were not, when fails them breath, they wont refresh
Them, at clear well-springs óf right poets' verse;
Men true of hearts intent, and unfeigned lips.
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Again was I borne forth, mongst spírits' press.
And fell mongst some, from Worlds sunsetting parts:
Whose thicker air breathes strenuous vital blood;
With hardy understánding of mens minds;
To essáy and bring to pass main enterprises.
Mongst whom some ones debated, whiles they walked:
Whether Mans Reason wére, his only guide,
(Being that the measure of each Human mind;)
Sufficient tó right governance of our lives.
How might we attain, midst so much murk and smart;
To right discernment, wíth a clay-born mind!
And fell mongst some, from Worlds sunsetting parts:
Whose thicker air breathes strenuous vital blood;
With hardy understánding of mens minds;
To essáy and bring to pass main enterprises.
Mongst whom some ones debated, whiles they walked:
Whether Mans Reason wére, his only guide,
(Being that the measure of each Human mind;)
Sufficient tó right governance of our lives.
How might we attain, midst so much murk and smart;
To right discernment, wíth a clay-born mind!
Responded one, now ín his years' first force;
Whom ín magnanimous mould had Nature cast:
We, (a mote, ah! in infinite darkness,) waked from naught;
Till ín Etérnity, whence we issued forth;
We sleep again, resólved our fleshly being:
Should bear such constant mind, in steadfast breast;
As may in all vicissitudes, resist;
Blind buffets of the World and froward Fortune:
Forsaking nót, the while, heart-easing mirth;
Nor looking for Worlds griefs.
Whom ín magnanimous mould had Nature cast:
We, (a mote, ah! in infinite darkness,) waked from naught;
Till ín Etérnity, whence we issued forth;
We sleep again, resólved our fleshly being:
Should bear such constant mind, in steadfast breast;
As may in all vicissitudes, resist;
Blind buffets of the World and froward Fortune:
Forsaking nót, the while, heart-easing mirth;
Nor looking for Worlds griefs.
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Anew went forth;
A company assembled, ín a further room:
I found, consulting fór the Public Weal:
Being some of those, whose faculty it is;
To know by proof the virtues of all saps,
Of herbs and roots; and wíth deft practic touch;
Distinguish fróm the whole, each únsound part;
And to every sóre apply meet remedies.
A company assembled, ín a further room:
I found, consulting fór the Public Weal:
Being some of those, whose faculty it is;
To know by proof the virtues of all saps,
Of herbs and roots; and wíth deft practic touch;
Distinguish fróm the whole, each únsound part;
And to every sóre apply meet remedies.
And whoso dóth most worthily exercise
That humane art, being therein throughly taught;
A comforter is, in chamber of the sick;
Ready of his skill: one who, with úrbane speech,
Giveth hope for sighs and sád infirmities.
That humane art, being therein throughly taught;
A comforter is, in chamber of the sick;
Ready of his skill: one who, with úrbane speech,
Giveth hope for sighs and sád infirmities.
And when descend contagions ón the Earth;
Sword of an angry Heaven and á great Death:
Those stand betwixt the Living and the Dead;
At peril of their own, to heal, to save.
But óf the event of souls released from flesh:
Can none of áll physicians certify aught.
Nay and áll dream-spirits, whíther-where hápped my steps;
Sword of an angry Heaven and á great Death:
Those stand betwixt the Living and the Dead;
At peril of their own, to heal, to save.
But óf the event of souls released from flesh:
Can none of áll physicians certify aught.
Of whatso occupátion they were of;
231
In Faiths and Disciplines of their several schools.
Whose aspect grave and learned habiliments,
Were veneráble ín the Peoples sight.
I heard that secret sighing of their hearts;
Which, each day, drew more nigh their own dark deaths.
More chambers passed, now weary, I drew apart;
To an airy balcony, of marble lattice-work;
Me a rest-place seemed, with pleasant prospect forth.
To an airy balcony, of marble lattice-work;
Me a rest-place seemed, with pleasant prospect forth.
There, ín an oriel, sate men of the East;
On purple précious tappets, of those parts:
Whereon Sun shineth in His meridian force;
And bóuntiful Bósom of that Mother-Earth;
Her goodliest fruits, of many kinds, brings forth.
On purple précious tappets, of those parts:
Whereon Sun shineth in His meridian force;
And bóuntiful Bósom of that Mother-Earth;
Her goodliest fruits, of many kinds, brings forth.
Judged bý their honourable cóuntenance;
Their vesture, ánd broidered rolls of camlet fine;
Wound round, in comely wise, ón their digne heads:
To be some worshipful elders, I them deemed,
Of Great Religious Asia. And óf the Muse,
Was given me to, those Strangers' speech, perceive;
Whose meek and lowly gaze was bent on ground.
Their vesture, ánd broidered rolls of camlet fine;
Wound round, in comely wise, ón their digne heads:
To be some worshipful elders, I them deemed,
Of Great Religious Asia. And óf the Muse,
Was given me to, those Strangers' speech, perceive;
Whose meek and lowly gaze was bent on ground.
He who, in their midst, revered seemed of the rest,
As one of chief regard, in their discourse;
Sighed, as he pensive spake, with voice demiss:
Whoso, in his intégrity, lifteth up
Pure hands towards Heaven, the same accepted is.
All made response, with bowed-down pious looks:
In ónly Mercy of Heaven, our Confidence is.
232
Sighed, as he pensive spake, with voice demiss:
Whoso, in his intégrity, lifteth up
Pure hands towards Heaven, the same accepted is.
All made response, with bowed-down pious looks:
In ónly Mercy of Heaven, our Confidence is.
So rose they; and óf the humánity óf their hearts;
And nurture, in which excells the Orient.
They all blessed me, each saying, as they before me passed:
Upon thy soul, be Peace!
And nurture, in which excells the Orient.
They all blessed me, each saying, as they before me passed:
Upon thy soul, be Peace!
Pious Sectaries,
Those seekers were, as I might understand;
Of Truth divine. That which they énquired was,
How might they please High Heaven, before their deaths.
Those seekers were, as I might understand;
Of Truth divine. That which they énquired was,
How might they please High Heaven, before their deaths.
I passed thence-further ón the Colonnade;
By diverse Nations' companies óf dream-spirits;
Which reasoned and conversed: and came in sight,
Where a bright arc, made of some substance rare
Of changeful rainbow-hews, as none on Earth;
(Lifting and lowering,) spans that marble terrace:
So lówly, it sóuls I saw might hardly pass,
Save on their bénded knees. Those thenceforth walk
Left there their former fleshly seeing; that cloak
Was on their inward sight, by light of Faith.
By diverse Nations' companies óf dream-spirits;
Which reasoned and conversed: and came in sight,
Where a bright arc, made of some substance rare
Of changeful rainbow-hews, as none on Earth;
(Lifting and lowering,) spans that marble terrace:
233
Save on their bénded knees. Those thenceforth walk
Left there their former fleshly seeing; that cloak
Was on their inward sight, by light of Faith.
Upon that Pylon, súperscribed, I read;
Humility; and hárdly have crept through ón my breast:
And came mongst some, in óne poor livery clad,
Of frieze; that meekly worshipped as they went;
Folding their hands towards Héaven, unto HÍM, in WHOM,
They live, they move and have their humble being:
Intoning pious ántique lítanies.
Whom by that noble tongue, which they professed;
I guessed to be, of Worlds Italic parts:
(Loved Land benign, of an ambrosial breath!)
Humility; and hárdly have crept through ón my breast:
And came mongst some, in óne poor livery clad,
Of frieze; that meekly worshipped as they went;
Folding their hands towards Héaven, unto HÍM, in WHOM,
They live, they move and have their humble being:
Intoning pious ántique lítanies.
Whom by that noble tongue, which they professed;
I guessed to be, of Worlds Italic parts:
(Loved Land benign, of an ambrosial breath!)
Brothers of lowly Francis, saint of GOD:
Théy, in thát now fórlorn Country óf the Christ;
Receivers of poor pilgrims are to lodge:
Whom they, full of the Love of God, refrésh,
With almes of wine and bread devout; and wash
Their way-bruised feet.
Théy, in thát now fórlorn Country óf the Christ;
Receivers of poor pilgrims are to lodge:
Whom they, full of the Love of God, refrésh,
With almes of wine and bread devout; and wash
Their way-bruised feet.
Exalted were their looks;
Whose conversation, wíth thanksgíving, was
Already, with All-Father in Heaven; left
All worlds desires, and malice of Mans heart.
Whose only part of this Worlds goods, was that
Poor worsted frock; which shóuld be their grave-cloth.
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Already, with All-Father in Heaven; left
All worlds desires, and malice of Mans heart.
Whose only part of this Worlds goods, was that
Poor worsted frock; which shóuld be their grave-cloth.
Lastly, I bethóught me, of that Great Párliament-House;
With shut-to doors, which had I left unviewed;
And terrace-chambers, ón that fúrther part.
But the Inner-voice forbade, which in my breast,
Me to range thither: saying, Eléct dream-spirits
Inhabited there; which ábsent from their flesh:
Converse with Shining-Ones, whích descend from God.
Nor it might be revealed, what Light that is,
Which on them shines; nor could in speech be taught;
Nor such might comprehend my simple thought.
With shut-to doors, which had I left unviewed;
And terrace-chambers, ón that fúrther part.
But the Inner-voice forbade, which in my breast,
Me to range thither: saying, Eléct dream-spirits
Inhabited there; which ábsent from their flesh:
Converse with Shining-Ones, whích descend from God.
Nor it might be revealed, what Light that is,
Which on them shines; nor could in speech be taught;
Nor such might comprehend my simple thought.
The aspirations, ín their several Faiths,
Of mens dream-spirits, those Shining Ones receive,
In fiery censers; whích borne forth on height:
They seven tímes purge, in a celestial flame;
From blind Worlds several darknesses; óf all dross.
What then may rest, acceptable in Heavens sight;
They, in theír celestial courses, offer up;
Before the Throne Divine.
Of mens dream-spirits, those Shining Ones receive,
In fiery censers; whích borne forth on height:
They seven tímes purge, in a celestial flame;
From blind Worlds several darknesses; óf all dross.
What then may rest, acceptable in Heavens sight;
235
Before the Throne Divine.
Thus said the Voice.
And I, being come to énd now of the térrace:
My feet trod many thence descending steps;
To Dreamsoul-Citys league-large lower Court;
Which ceiled steep Gulf, of heavens vast azure firmament.
Whose pavement all, with gem-stones, was inset,
Like a mosaic-work: figuring Worlds wide Face;
Lands of mens sons, plains, hills, floods, Ocean-streams:
In Hollow all hólden, of Almighty Hand:
Amidst Illimitable Universe.
And I, being come to énd now of the térrace:
My feet trod many thence descending steps;
To Dreamsoul-Citys league-large lower Court;
Which ceiled steep Gulf, of heavens vast azure firmament.
Whose pavement all, with gem-stones, was inset,
Like a mosaic-work: figuring Worlds wide Face;
Lands of mens sons, plains, hills, floods, Ocean-streams:
In Hollow all hólden, of Almighty Hand:
Amidst Illimitable Universe.
There great resort was; ebb and flow of spirits,
From all Worlds Coasts. Whiles I admired; disperse
I saw a fleecy shining cloud, anon.
And stood revealed, amidst, a Temple-House,
High lifted up! Not of Mans handiwork;
Búilded; but growén from ground úp, ás tree doth.
That ín its symmetry, of crýstal walls and pinnacles:
Of things on Eárth, móst líkeneth, ín Mans sight,
Some clear frostwork.
From all Worlds Coasts. Whiles I admired; disperse
I saw a fleecy shining cloud, anon.
And stood revealed, amidst, a Temple-House,
High lifted up! Not of Mans handiwork;
Búilded; but growén from ground úp, ás tree doth.
That ín its symmetry, of crýstal walls and pinnacles:
Of things on Eárth, móst líkeneth, ín Mans sight,
Some clear frostwork.
Environed on each part,
The Sánctuary, great ground-sills of jásper-rock;
On whose stepped banks, dream-citizens' Nations sate,
In their degrees: awaiting, wíth eyes fixt;
The opening óf the Temple-gates.
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On whose stepped banks, dream-citizens' Nations sate,
In their degrees: awaiting, wíth eyes fixt;
The opening óf the Temple-gates.
I marked
The Temples dedication ón the frieze.
And read there, lightning-bright, with awe of heart;
Large written, as seemed me bý the Finger of HEAVEN.
To the Thrice-Holy All-only Eternal Fatherhood
Which hath revealed Himself in all the Earth.
The Temples dedication ón the frieze.
And read there, lightning-bright, with awe of heart;
Large written, as seemed me bý the Finger of HEAVEN.
To the Thrice-Holy All-only Eternal Fatherhood
Which hath revealed Himself in all the Earth.
And suddenly, fróm a pinnacle, which toucht heaven:
Proclaimed a Seraph; Hour was come to cast
Up the Fanes gates: where entering áll in one,
Might souls adore the Father of all Being!
I, albe unworthy, in with that Concourse went,
Of spirits; which, seemed me, were of every Nation.
Seeing all their pieties and their several Faiths
Accord in One; which do devoutly seek,
The cleansing of Mans soul, towards Life, through Death.
Diverse were they, of customs, hew, guise, feature.
Proclaimed a Seraph; Hour was come to cast
Up the Fanes gates: where entering áll in one,
Might souls adore the Father of all Being!
I, albe unworthy, in with that Concourse went,
Of spirits; which, seemed me, were of every Nation.
Seeing all their pieties and their several Faiths
Accord in One; which do devoutly seek,
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Diverse were they, of customs, hew, guise, feature.
Amidst the Sanctuary, shone an altár-stone;
(Which navel of the living World esteemed,)
Self-luminóus: whose springing beams sufficed,
Dream-spirits, which bowed them, ín each hallowed place.
It crystal seemed: and whoso gazed therein;
Might his resemblance see; how clear or dim
His soul yet were, through Sin.
(Which navel of the living World esteemed,)
Self-luminóus: whose springing beams sufficed,
Dream-spirits, which bowed them, ín each hallowed place.
It crystal seemed: and whoso gazed therein;
Might his resemblance see; how clear or dim
His soul yet were, through Sin.
I supplications,
From hundred óratories there, behéld ascend;
Visibly embódied, midst thick fume of incense:
Like little golden tongues, on flaming wings.
From hundred óratories there, behéld ascend;
Visibly embódied, midst thick fume of incense:
Like little golden tongues, on flaming wings.
Venerable was he of aspect, whó Chief-priest,
And habited ín long albe of shining line;
Kneeled ón his prayer-worn knees; and lifting up
Pure hands, presented líving sacrifice,
Of all those souls. And shone his countenance as;
Who Brightness seéth óf the Invisible.
And habited ín long albe of shining line;
Kneeled ón his prayer-worn knees; and lifting up
Pure hands, presented líving sacrifice,
Of all those souls. And shone his countenance as;
Who Brightness seéth óf the Invisible.
I, amázed, of á dóor-keeper asked anon,
Of all these things. Who answered; This it was,
Who Friend of all, of únknown parentage;
Bearing a censer, fróm his childhood up;
Had ín these holy precincts served devout;
Unwitting ill, in ínnocency of life,
Girded in spotless raiment. And no meat,
Unmeet for priests, at any time, had passed
His consecrated lips: nor uttered aught
Had they, that might offend, unsooth, unworth.
Of all these things. Who answered; This it was,
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Bearing a censer, fróm his childhood up;
Had ín these holy precincts served devout;
Unwitting ill, in ínnocency of life,
Girded in spotless raiment. And no meat,
Unmeet for priests, at any time, had passed
His consecrated lips: nor uttered aught
Had they, that might offend, unsooth, unworth.
Unto him, in hoary age, the People went,
As tó their Father. Him, they show their griefs:
And he, in taking pious thought, High Priest;
Determines soon, and sets their several parts:
Through comfort óf mild righteous words, at one.
As tó their Father. Him, they show their griefs:
And he, in taking pious thought, High Priest;
Determines soon, and sets their several parts:
Through comfort óf mild righteous words, at one.
I further, óf that doorward, understood:
How, in twílight óf the stars, him little babe;
At a dawns opening, óf the Temple doors;
The Sacristan had found, which that time was,
Fast sleeping; laid beside the altar-stone.
How, in twílight óf the stars, him little babe;
At a dawns opening, óf the Temple doors;
The Sacristan had found, which that time was,
Fast sleeping; laid beside the altar-stone.
The watchmen, called before the magistrates;
Had testified, being examined, wíth one breath:
That mid of night, with mist was overcast;
They a rushing heard, of mighty wings aloft:
As tired some erne to Earth, tumultuous.
Had testified, being examined, wíth one breath:
That mid of night, with mist was overcast;
They a rushing heard, of mighty wings aloft:
As tired some erne to Earth, tumultuous.
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An aureole shone around the infants head,
Shaped líke a mitre. Whence the aged Priest-sire;
Him taking up, and lulling in his arms;
To the heaven-sent foundling, ín his swaddling bands;
Gave name, Gift-of-the-Highest; and nourished up:
And consecrated sith, his acolyte.
Shaped líke a mitre. Whence the aged Priest-sire;
Him taking up, and lulling in his arms;
To the heaven-sent foundling, ín his swaddling bands;
Gave name, Gift-of-the-Highest; and nourished up:
And consecrated sith, his acolyte.
As he, now stooped in heavy age, uprose,
From his bowed knees; all spirits within the House,
Assembled, breathlings óf immortal Gods;
Sang, in their tongues, one harmony high divine:
To The ÁLL-I-AM, The ALL-IN-ALL, ALL-ONE,
The UNSEARCHABLE WHO the ALL, ALLWHERE, sustains.
The outpouring, 'bove all words articulate;
Of brief-lived souls, that seek as flowers to light:
Towards Heavens hígh hid, albe aye-shining Hope.
Beseeching thé remission of past guilts.
From his bowed knees; all spirits within the House,
Assembled, breathlings óf immortal Gods;
Sang, in their tongues, one harmony high divine:
To The ÁLL-I-AM, The ALL-IN-ALL, ALL-ONE,
The UNSEARCHABLE WHO the ALL, ALLWHERE, sustains.
The outpouring, 'bove all words articulate;
Of brief-lived souls, that seek as flowers to light:
Towards Heavens hígh hid, albe aye-shining Hope.
Beseeching thé remission of past guilts.
But I admonished ínwardly of the Voice;
To a curtained door withdrew me, únseen ere:
And souls saw issuing forth there, one by one:
But none, might I perceive, return again.
To a curtained door withdrew me, únseen ere:
And souls saw issuing forth there, one by one:
But none, might I perceive, return again.
I following soon without; have nighed to place:
Where drooping shivering souls; (as who unclothed
In cold,) stood on dark brink. Were spirits deceased,
This night-time in Dream-City, amidst their sleep.
I feared, till on a lintel which those passed:
I read, large-writ, in Everlasting Light;
Fear ye not Little Flock: and underneath,
Hath not Jeshûa said that God is Love.
(Words, which abide, a Perfume, in our hearts.)
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In cold,) stood on dark brink. Were spirits deceased,
This night-time in Dream-City, amidst their sleep.
I feared, till on a lintel which those passed:
I read, large-writ, in Everlasting Light;
Fear ye not Little Flock: and underneath,
Hath not Jeshûa said that God is Love.
(Words, which abide, a Perfume, in our hearts.)
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