 | Mansoul or The Riddle of the World |  |
THE MUSE
Whilst reverent yet
I stood before the Muse, Her further speech
Attending with bowed head; and durst not gaze,
Too rashly on Stature above the human mould,
Unveiled; the vestal from the Treasury brought,
To me unwist, and hanged about my neck,
A gem-stone bright, which shining of itself,
Should light before our feet, in Únderworlds Voyage.
Nor least, She lady, in táking further thought,
Bestowed on mine unworth, the walking-staff
In Her high hand; to úphold in dread paths,
My steps.
Seeing thát thy purpose deign and worthy is;
Thou hast my countenance, ín thine Enterprise:
But what soul hath returned, from Worlds beneath!
Thou hast my countenance, ín thine Enterprise:
But what soul hath returned, from Worlds beneath!
One of the precious gem-set ceiléd cups,
Laid up with vessel of the Temples service;
The priestess fetcht then, ás prescribed the Muse;
And, fróm a gold-lipped silver ewer, it filled:
And tó me from the altar, Her hand brought.
Laid up with vessel of the Temples service;
The priestess fetcht then, ás prescribed the Muse;
And, fróm a gold-lipped silver ewer, it filled:
And tó me from the altar, Her hand brought.
Drink! quoth the Muse: the sústenance óf this cup;
(From whence exhaled ambrosial sprinkling breath);
Shall save thy soul alive, in Pít of Death.
(From whence exhaled ambrosial sprinkling breath);
23
The Temple-maiden hád aforetime scruzed,
Nepenthe and clary and moly; herb kinds found only,
In covert place there midst, sequestered rocks;
A sovereign juice, and mingled in the cup.
Nepenthe and clary and moly; herb kinds found only,
In covert place there midst, sequestered rocks;
A sovereign juice, and mingled in the cup.
When had I tasted of that dívine sap;
I, in all my being, felt spring new quickening warmth;
Of virtue to redeem Mans soul from death.
Seemed lose its former poise this fleshly dross;
And spirit increase, in strength and hardiness:
To steadfastly affront, in Worlds beneath;
Whatso might there betide.
I, in all my being, felt spring new quickening warmth;
Of virtue to redeem Mans soul from death.
Seemed lose its former poise this fleshly dross;
And spirit increase, in strength and hardiness:
To steadfastly affront, in Worlds beneath;
Whatso might there betide.
Whilst reverent yet
I stood before the Muse, Her further speech
Attending with bowed head; and durst not gaze,
Too rashly on Stature above the human mould,
Unveiled; the vestal from the Treasury brought,
To me unwist, and hanged about my neck,
A gem-stone bright, which shining of itself,
Should light before our feet, in Únderworlds Voyage.
Nor least, She lady, in táking further thought,
Bestowed on mine unworth, the walking-staff
24
My steps.
| Mansoul or The Riddle of the World | |