Mansoul or The Riddle of the World Charles M. Doughty |
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| 4. | Book 4: Great Underworld's
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 | Mansoul or The Riddle of the World |  |
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Book 4: Great Underworld's Voyage
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We are speeding under seas; shows now our glass,
Tumultuous wind-tosst watery wilderness,
Beneath then Cretes long-ranged white cliffs, we pass:
Isle hundred-citied, ín Old World renowned;
Where Minos ruled, estéemed son of a God;
For his great wisdom both and worthy deeds.
Who his People, statutes taught and ordinances.
Wherefore to him etérnally assigned the Gods,
A righteous judgment-seat in Underworld.
Tumultuous wind-tosst watery wilderness,
Beneath then Cretes long-ranged white cliffs, we pass:
Isle hundred-citied, ín Old World renowned;
Where Minos ruled, estéemed son of a God;
For his great wisdom both and worthy deeds.
Who his People, statutes taught and ordinances.
Wherefore to him etérnally assigned the Gods,
A righteous judgment-seat in Underworld.
We saw him not, but rávished further forth,
Continued; tíll, with joy of heart, we raught,
Europas shore, hem of Home Continent.
Is that neath Suniums foreland; whóse proud cliff,
Crowns pillared témple óf the blue-eyed Goddess;
Which guards the Attic coast.
Continued; tíll, with joy of heart, we raught,
Europas shore, hem of Home Continent.
Is that neath Suniums foreland; whóse proud cliff,
Crowns pillared témple óf the blue-eyed Goddess;
Which guards the Attic coast.
Eftsoon new hap!
Shone gladsome gleam athwart our Underworlds path.
Us seemed then mount, in our abysmal course!
As were towards some well-mouth of living Earth.
Come to ourselves, lifting up dazing looks:
We béheld stand famed statua of Phidias;
Athena, on age-renowned Acropolis-cliff!
Helm-clad, with spear advanced, proténding shield:
And the aegis, wherein bears that maiden Goddess,
Medusa embossed, shine on Her warlike breast.
Shone gladsome gleam athwart our Underworlds path.
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As were towards some well-mouth of living Earth.
Come to ourselves, lifting up dazing looks:
We béheld stand famed statua of Phidias;
Athena, on age-renowned Acropolis-cliff!
Helm-clad, with spear advanced, proténding shield:
And the aegis, wherein bears that maiden Goddess,
Medusa embossed, shine on Her warlike breast.
One cometh this way, from Cecrops city forth;
Through the ágora and busy traffic óf Greeks' street:
A man whom many observe, where he doth pass.
Who is there in Athens, knows not those quaint looks,
Of Sophroníscos son, who goeth barefoot;
Wise-wayward thus, his weed a blanket-cloth?
Through the ágora and busy traffic óf Greeks' street:
A man whom many observe, where he doth pass.
Who is there in Athens, knows not those quaint looks,
Of Sophroníscos son, who goeth barefoot;
Wise-wayward thus, his weed a blanket-cloth?
Dwells oft-time lofty heart, in lowly cot;
So Socrates doth: nor seld is, vile wight rotteth,
Entombed already, in mánsion of the great.
Poor of Worlds good, (he lightly esteemeth thereof;)
A dívine Spirit abideth, in Socrates breast.
Who come now tó late evening of his years,
By áge is not subdued: but aye he seeketh,
If so be hé, through Reasons reach, might 'scape
From érror; ánd attaín to tread the path,
From now henceforth, of Everlasting Truth.
So Socrates doth: nor seld is, vile wight rotteth,
Entombed already, in mánsion of the great.
Poor of Worlds good, (he lightly esteemeth thereof;)
A dívine Spirit abideth, in Socrates breast.
Who come now tó late evening of his years,
By áge is not subdued: but aye he seeketh,
If so be hé, through Reasons reach, might 'scape
From érror; ánd attaín to tread the path,
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Erewhile of masons' craft; in marble blocks,
Hewn in Pentélic cliffs, drawn tardily forth,
On creaking ox-wains, o'er that thymy plain;
Young Socrates, wíth his father, images wrought;
Of the álleged cómpany, of Gréeks' Olympic Gods.
Now, leaving hís old art, with chisel sharp
And mallet of grave speech; he fashioneth out
The form of Virtue, in young mens minds unripe.
Hewn in Pentélic cliffs, drawn tardily forth,
On creaking ox-wains, o'er that thymy plain;
Young Socrates, wíth his father, images wrought;
Of the álleged cómpany, of Gréeks' Olympic Gods.
Now, leaving hís old art, with chisel sharp
And mallet of grave speech; he fashioneth out
The form of Virtue, in young mens minds unripe.
Is Socrates nighing ín their Potters' Street:
Approach two young men fróm the contrary part,
Criton and Cebes friends, his hearers both.
They anón with Socrates meet, in powdrous place;
Where two ways meet. And anon went apart,
Those stand now, a little company, as their wont is;
In homely-wise discourse. Is that town street,
Their street of citizens' sumptuous sepulchres;
This other is Athens' sacred-way, whereby
To-day the Elévsis Pilgrimáge shall pass.
And presently are many on-lookers, gathering near.
Begin first mystæ alreády by to fare.
In bands those march: and fróm a fellowship,
A young man steps forth, óne of upright looks,
Stranger of Elis, hearer of the sage:
Phaedon by name. Though clad in purple weed;
As longeth untó this high-days pilgrimage;
Is he of those whom Socrates most esteems;
Constant in virtue, ánd of life unstained.
He joineth himself to them, which talk with Socrates.
Approach two young men fróm the contrary part,
Criton and Cebes friends, his hearers both.
They anón with Socrates meet, in powdrous place;
Where two ways meet. And anon went apart,
Those stand now, a little company, as their wont is;
In homely-wise discourse. Is that town street,
Their street of citizens' sumptuous sepulchres;
This other is Athens' sacred-way, whereby
To-day the Elévsis Pilgrimáge shall pass.
And presently are many on-lookers, gathering near.
Begin first mystæ alreády by to fare.
In bands those march: and fróm a fellowship,
A young man steps forth, óne of upright looks,
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Phaedon by name. Though clad in purple weed;
As longeth untó this high-days pilgrimage;
Is he of those whom Socrates most esteems;
Constant in virtue, ánd of life unstained.
He joineth himself to them, which talk with Socrates.
Hark! hów from vanward óf the sacred train;
Iacche! Iacche! Theseus citizens shout:
With whom march companies, fróm Greeks' several States.
To Elevsis-ward of all is set the face.
Phaedon.
Iacche! Iacche! Theseus citizens shout:
With whom march companies, fróm Greeks' several States.
To Elevsis-ward of all is set the face.
What cry is this from midst the pilgrimage?
Cebes.
Who foremost; pass now bourne-stone ón the bridge,
Which over-rides Kephissos droughty brook.
Phaedon.
I a retinue see, of priests and novices;
And maidens, bearing canisters ón their heads.
Cebes.
Offerings those bring, of Atticas summer fruits:
These other, ínstruments bear of sacrifices.
Criton.
All wend up purified, having yestre'en washed
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Come morrow; on Image óf that greatest Goddess,
And well and dolorous stone, their eyes shall gaze.
Cebes.
And mystery of thé Great Mothers burning torch,
Behold, that token of saving Light in death;
Kindled at rising star, amidst the signs;
(Which known to only few of Her chief priests:)
When suddenly óf the Arch-mystagogue shall proclaimed;
Be to áll her worshippers, fróm the Temple-porch:
Who is purified, whóso is undefiled, approach;
To enter ín the Sanctuarys inner court.
Criton.
Arcana they behold there, but may not
In ány wise, sáve to the Initiate,
Commémoráte: wherein high covenant is
Established, for each soul, with Hels swart Goddess:
Ensuring aid and favour ín dark tomb.
Cebes.
Unto whom the hierophants únsealed lips pronounce,
That occult holy Name: Which countersign given,
Of dísembodied soul, shall mitigate
The brow severe, of swárt Infernal Power:
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Which though it dieth, sháll revive again.
Phaedon.
What néw thing doth this mány-tongued multitude shout?
Criton.
They who go by Athenas olive-trunk, ít salute:
Tree that once sprang full-grown up, fróm the root;
What time, contending with Poseidon, God;
Her gift to men, Pallas, yond high rock! smote.
Cebes.
That the ancients hold, was on the Acropolis cliff:
Nor other thán some venerable slip;
Is this, (remained of that same parent stock;)
Which stands now, all cavernous old, by the way side:
Her rind behanged with glittering offerings;
Likewise her great-grown scions, her round about.
Phaedon.
New shout; chant, rising from ten thousand throats;
Mingled with Bacchic cries, and dancing foot!
Who páss by, tríp all with ecstatic looks!
Cebes.
They a World transfigured see, hymning the Goddess.
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Sign ís, that the first pilgrims nigh now strait;
Wherein herôon stands of Orpheus;
Who went down quick to gates of Tartarus.
That wíth his gilded lyres soul-ravishing sound,
Tamed beasts and birds. Even rocks and rooted trees;
Followed, as had they ears, his wavering steps.
Wherein herôon stands of Orpheus;
Who went down quick to gates of Tartarus.
That wíth his gilded lyres soul-ravishing sound,
Tamed beasts and birds. Even rocks and rooted trees;
Followed, as had they ears, his wavering steps.
Where Orpheus stayed, those stood him ranged around.
And do so éven untó this day, remain.
Reported is, that even swift tumbling streams,
Their liquid foot sustained; whose rumbling floods,
Lulled had the measured melodies óf his verse.
And do so éven untó this day, remain.
Reported is, that even swift tumbling streams,
Their liquid foot sustained; whose rumbling floods,
Lulled had the measured melodies óf his verse.
Who in the vaward of this Pilgrimage march.
Wont in that place them, twixt twin cliffs disperse;
Each after their devotion and intent;
Chanting some Orphic canticle ás they wend
Forth, seeking hallows móngst the sacred rocks;
Friends, and companionships, visiting óratories;
Which, éach fratérnity best reputeth of.
Wont in that place them, twixt twin cliffs disperse;
Each after their devotion and intent;
Chanting some Orphic canticle ás they wend
Forth, seeking hallows móngst the sacred rocks;
Friends, and companionships, visiting óratories;
Which, éach fratérnity best reputeth of.
Socrates,
(returning to himself.)
As many Gods, so many sanctuaries!
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Following the more part ón, from shrine to shrine;
They linger this day out. Other make haste,
To pluck them herbs, meet for the bodys health;
So those were gathered ás Demeters priests
Allege, with dew-drops hoary ón their leaves.
Cebes.
Figuring wan tears, that dívine Mother shed;
Suing far Echo, of sád Persephones voice.
Criton.
All háving thus dúly accomplished and performed;
And left their several shrines bedecked with flowers:
Will all this mingled multitude, át third morrow;
With merry jest and song, and garlands crowned,
Return inítiate.
Phaedon.
Mén, wives, thrálls and strangers;
What is it all these look for, that flow by us?
Criton.
Holiday, brave garments, humanfellowship;
'Tis better than a fair. Whereto put this:
Pilgrims return, with honour, to their hearths;
Their estimation, ín the market-place,
Increased.
Cebes.
With bodies sanctified and merit;
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Socrates.
Can aught the beasts conceive, of human thought?
No more can fleshling wight, of few days' life;
Reach unto, imagine, reason of aright,
The hidden counsel, óf immortal Gods.
As soon a potters amphora might contain;
All billows of yond sea-plains glistering flood.
Phaedon.
How can Mans soul, that labours sore for meat;
Conversing dáily in gúileful market-place;
Attain to righteous life?
Socrates.
Reach heaven our spirits,
May with each breath; and wíth high Gods converse.
Phaedon.
Dark ís thy speech!
Criton.
Speak plainly, O Socrates, to us.
Cebes.
Divinest thou aught of death?
Criton.
'Tis that we ask!
Declare once openly thou, thy very thought.
Socrates.
Flesh born of flesh, must turn again to dust.
Criton.
Shall, quencht the lively spark, that Sélf was in us: . . .
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We révert thither, whence we issued forth?
Phaedon.
Or purged thereby, the mist of mortal sense;
And memory of Lifes disease, in Worlds unrest . . .?
Cebes.
Exhale mongst echoes óf Gods Universe?
Criton.
When daweth a day, whereín we ourselves are not;
But ás one of late Winters fallen leaves:
Remaineth there aught, we dream not of, for ús?
Cebes.
Can any interpret, chant Demeters priests
Recite in their rapt mood?
Phaedon.
Shall ferry, on wings of Light,
Our spirits and tower to some celestial coast?
Stands Socrates sílent!
Cebes.
Fállen in sóme new trance.
Criton.
Stands on one sole.
Phaedon.
Like pillar, that bears up
Some noble architrave!
Cebes.
A way he hath;
An ecstasís whích him táketh, whenso the Voice,
Which harbours in his breast, speaks with his spirit.
Criton.
Thus stands wise fowl of great Athena Herself;
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Cebes.
When mantleth she her wing; as merrily mocks,
In that last Comedy of his; who saw it not?
Our Aristóphanes; whéreat men laughed fast.
Criton.
Clods those, on marble benches; blindborn brood;
Which that day made wise Socrates, their lewd sport!
Mongst the night-watch, so many as I have asked;
Averred, Athenas bird stands seldwise thus.
But Socrates no more minds our trivial talk.
Cebes.
I yesterday heard him cite that Orphic Verse;
Soul to the body is, wherein it doth lodge:
As dream of lyre is, to the chords and wood.
Should both consenting sound of one accord.
Socrates
(returning to himself.)
. . . And live in Faith of Thé Eternal Good .
Who dares impeach His Justice! No man knoweth;
To what intent Gods made and marred the World.
Nor whether Gods made men, or Man made Gods.
Now at mine entréaty, hath suffered us the Voice,
Revert; retrace awhile our homeward steps.
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And Socrates faded ín the Muses' glass.
As weary and faint, we hold again East-course.
Once more neath flint-grey justling waves, we haste.
Nor long was, ere on our left hand, we viewed
The Cyprian Isle above.
Now plainly in view,
Comes Canaans coast and Carmels fruitful brow.
Is Libanus even reflected, from far off,
The sighings of whose parfumed sacred boughs:
Attuned seem to our souls' inquietudes.
Comes Canaans coast and Carmels fruitful brow.
Is Libanus even reflected, from far off,
The sighings of whose parfumed sacred boughs:
Attuned seem to our souls' inquietudes.
Lo and Hermon, with His snows' exalted Crest;
Leaning to Heaven; Angels' alighting-place:
Frequented óf their wingéd heavenly Host;
An holy Mount, in old Phœnician sight;
Whereof that name He hath; shown in our glass!
Leaning to Heaven; Angels' alighting-place:
Frequented óf their wingéd heavenly Host;
An holy Mount, in old Phœnician sight;
Whereof that name He hath; shown in our glass!
We pass neath Sharon and Samarias Site.
From thence a lean Land-breadth before us lies;
For husband folk; of rolling stones and rocks.
Where deeds recorded are, to háve been wrought;
Which eversith hath perplexed Mans halting thought:
And too much yet divideth heart from heart.
From thence a lean Land-breadth before us lies;
For husband folk; of rolling stones and rocks.
Where deeds recorded are, to háve been wrought;
Which eversith hath perplexed Mans halting thought:
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Soil which aforetime, á tent-dwelling folk;
Of thé Arabian upland Wilderness;
Outwandered, wíth their cattle, from beyond
Euphrates flood; and Tribes of graziers sith,
In Egypts border lands: ascended thence,
Confederate tribes, (their Chronicles thus relate;)
Reaved with armed hand, from who before them dwelt;
Being Peoples of like speech and kindred blood:
As they allege, commanded of their God.
Of thé Arabian upland Wilderness;
Outwandered, wíth their cattle, from beyond
Euphrates flood; and Tribes of graziers sith,
In Egypts border lands: ascended thence,
Confederate tribes, (their Chronicles thus relate;)
Reaved with armed hand, from who before them dwelt;
Being Peoples of like speech and kindred blood:
As they allege, commanded of their God.
Mongst whom, become a Nation, sith, rose some;
That prophesied, of a day unborn, to come;
When a Celestial Kingdom should descend;
And dwell for ever, in chosen Israels Land.
That prophesied, of a day unborn, to come;
When a Celestial Kingdom should descend;
And dwell for ever, in chosen Israels Land.
It is with troubled hearts, in Underworlds paths;
We hold this further course. Nor far we pass;
Since little that Province is, in length and breadth;
Ere City-hill, of Jews' solemnities;
Is mirrored in our glass.
We hold this further course. Nor far we pass;
Since little that Province is, in length and breadth;
Ere City-hill, of Jews' solemnities;
Is mirrored in our glass.
That rocky soil;
Ere had tent-dwelling Hebrew Tribes a name;
An Highway of antique Nations enemies;
(Great Pharaohs' namely and old Assyrian Kings':)
Was, trod down oft, of their contending armies.
Wherein yond Watch-hill, Hold of rámmed clay walls;
With rough-hewn timber gates and brazen bars:
Razed oft, arose as oft re-edified.
Ere had tent-dwelling Hebrew Tribes a name;
An Highway of antique Nations enemies;
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Was, trod down oft, of their contending armies.
Wherein yond Watch-hill, Hold of rámmed clay walls;
With rough-hewn timber gates and brazen bars:
Razed oft, arose as oft re-edified.
Hold, that in later Age, town walled with towers:
The Hill-strength was, of husbandfolk, Jebusites.
Which David, ín his day; a minor son,
Of Jesse of Judah; wíth his men at arms,
That Band which clave unto his rising Part;
Took, and a Kingdom stáblished in their blood.
The Hill-strength was, of husbandfolk, Jebusites.
Which David, ín his day; a minor son,
Of Jesse of Judah; wíth his men at arms,
That Band which clave unto his rising Part;
Took, and a Kingdom stáblished in their blood.
Was he, One ere that kept his fathers flocks,
Among the herding hinds in Wilderness.
Valiant in minstrelsy, ás he rose in years;
A climbing spirit and founden stout in fight:
Him Saul, their King, preferred to be his squire.
Among the herding hinds in Wilderness.
Valiant in minstrelsy, ás he rose in years;
A climbing spirit and founden stout in fight:
Him Saul, their King, preferred to be his squire.
From whom he estranged, within a while, became
Leader of homeless men, in févered deeps,
And not inhábited; which descend midst thorns,
And tamarisks, únto Jordans dying flood.
Lurkers in caves, living by nightly stealths;
After the manner of thé Arabians,
Outlaws and reavers; óf their neighbours' flocks.
Leader of homeless men, in févered deeps,
And not inhábited; which descend midst thorns,
And tamarisks, únto Jordans dying flood.
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After the manner of thé Arabians,
Outlaws and reavers; óf their neighbours' flocks.
Our eyes behold a Citys platform mount;
Of craggéd róck-sills, lacking comeliness:
Old sea-grounds sédiments, long before Man was:
Heaped to two furlongs' height.
Of craggéd róck-sills, lacking comeliness:
Old sea-grounds sédiments, long before Man was:
Heaped to two furlongs' height.
The city-walls
We pass beneath, to a strait and stoney place:
That lies without of Hebrew sepulchres.
Was there, before a tomb, one of those hewn;
Under low sculptured eaves, of living rock:
Where great wheel-stone is seen, two cubits thick;
Hard to be rolled, which closed the sepulchre:
Were upheld our approaching reverent steps.
We pass beneath, to a strait and stoney place:
That lies without of Hebrew sepulchres.
Was there, before a tomb, one of those hewn;
Under low sculptured eaves, of living rock:
Where great wheel-stone is seen, two cubits thick;
Hard to be rolled, which closed the sepulchre:
Were upheld our approaching reverent steps.
So it seemeth us rádiant! Was it here Jeshua,
Of Judah, a Jew according to the flesh;
From cross was, píous, bý who lóved Him, láid?
Of Judah, a Jew according to the flesh;
From cross was, píous, bý who lóved Him, láid?
Words that He taught, were words of deathless Life:
Such being as no mans lips, before His, spake.
Words which sown ín mens hearts, lift ever sith;
Souls from Earths dust, to Heavenly Fatherhood.
Such being as no mans lips, before His, spake.
Words which sown ín mens hearts, lift ever sith;
Souls from Earths dust, to Heavenly Fatherhood.
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All suddenly, ás we worshipped ín that place;
Seemed His adorable Vision ríse before us;
Like ás He appeared transfigured ín the mount.
Save that His temples wreathed now a thorny fret;
Whence sprang divine transcendent radiance forth;
Unto healing of all Nations of Round Earth.
In that He inwardly seemed to gaze upón us:
The hearts, like wax, were molten in our breasts.
Seemed His adorable Vision ríse before us;
Like ás He appeared transfigured ín the mount.
Save that His temples wreathed now a thorny fret;
Whence sprang divine transcendent radiance forth;
Unto healing of all Nations of Round Earth.
In that He inwardly seemed to gaze upón us:
The hearts, like wax, were molten in our breasts.
When we no longer, ón that lightning countenance,
In Vision seen, durst fasten worldly gaze;
There wakened one nigh hand, mongst Strangers' tombs:
Stephen, an Hebrew Greek, and he not least
One, in first faithful Household óf Christs saints:
Who brought before Jews' Council, of chief priests
And elders, boldly affirmed; that were in Hím;
Whom, ígnorantly mén had put to death:
Fulfilled Gods promises, to the fathers made.
Kindled at their rebukes the Martyrs face;
In Vision seen, durst fasten worldly gaze;
There wakened one nigh hand, mongst Strangers' tombs:
Stephen, an Hebrew Greek, and he not least
One, in first faithful Household óf Christs saints:
Who brought before Jews' Council, of chief priests
And elders, boldly affirmed; that were in Hím;
Whom, ígnorantly mén had put to death:
Fulfilled Gods promises, to the fathers made.
That face seemed of an angel: when he cried,
That he beheld Gods Glory, ín the Highest!
And standing by HIS THRONE, the Son of Man;
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Priests all hastily stopped
Their formal ears. Then all cry out at once:
Away with this blasphemer, to the death!
And called in certain zelots: ín fierce heat,
Those on him fall. They have him, by the throat:
They him hale, they hurl with éxecrations forth,
Without their walls: and in fell fury, all there
Take up and cast on hím their wild snatcht stones.
He meekly kneeling, whílst endured his breath;
Prayed, for his murderers. Hounds, tradition saith;
Licked Stephens góre-blood ín that sínister place.
He first thus óf the followers of the Christ,
Received the martyrs' Crown, eternal Life.
Looking on us, he Maran-atha quoth.
Peace be to áll, which ín long-suffering wait;
His new appearing, wíth the Heavenly Host:
When áll shall be accomplished.
We have sought;
In darkness of our souls, on living Earth,
Right paths. And, mercy of Heaven! we, ín our flesh;
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With Power to évoke spirits of former ages:
Of them, likewise, enquire the ways of Peace.
Stephen.
The Master, He who to the Heavens ascended,
Ensign of Nations, háth revealed to us,
A living way, which thóugh all else should perish,
Shall never pass. Jeshua, our great High-priest;
Maketh Intercession tó the FATHER for us:
That in the end of all things, now at hand;
Might all men be partakers of HIS Grace.
Ensign of Nations, háth revealed to us,
A living way, which thóugh all else should perish,
Shall never pass. Jeshua, our great High-priest;
Maketh Intercession tó the FATHER for us:
That in the end of all things, now at hand;
Might all men be partakers of HIS Grace.
He healed the Sick, whilst yet He dwelled among us,
The Lepers cleansed, the three-days' dead, He raised;
He comforted the Sad. The birds of air,
The beasts of Field, the lilies of the Land;
Were likewise comprehended ín His Love.
The wild roes fled not forth, at His approach.
The Lepers cleansed, the three-days' dead, He raised;
He comforted the Sad. The birds of air,
The beasts of Field, the lilies of the Land;
Were likewise comprehended ín His Love.
The wild roes fled not forth, at His approach.
DearLord,
make no long tarrying!(Stephen sighed.)
Return soon, whén the Dead, which ín Thee sleep;
Sheep of Thy Fold, shall hear Thy Voice, and live:
Calling each sheep, by name. Whence, being raised;
Ás the glad flowers, which Spring-time lift their heads;
From Winters sod, towards Suns returning warmth:
They íssuing from dim pówder óf Worlds Grave;
Shall íncorrúptible be to Thee caught up;
To meet Thee in thát Thy Kingdom, in the skies.
make no long tarrying!(Stephen sighed.)
Return soon, whén the Dead, which ín Thee sleep;
Sheep of Thy Fold, shall hear Thy Voice, and live:
Calling each sheep, by name. Whence, being raised;
Ás the glad flowers, which Spring-time lift their heads;
From Winters sod, towards Suns returning warmth:
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Shall íncorrúptible be to Thee caught up;
To meet Thee in thát Thy Kingdom, in the skies.
He said; and turning him, as they that sleep;
In Únderworld, laid down agáin His head:
Mongst righteous souls, that rest in Silent Death.
We, in óur unworthiness, stood the while dismayed.
In our dark breasts remainéd little breath:
And that in speechless utterance, we breathed forth;
Towards Ínfinite Ear, that hears beyond the Stars.
Unto WHOM ascend Mans prayers.
In our dark breasts remainéd little breath:
And that in speechless utterance, we breathed forth;
Towards Ínfinite Ear, that hears beyond the Stars.
Unto WHOM ascend Mans prayers.
We dazing thus;
Withdrew us to, thereby, an hollow place;
Prepared in a dim bosom of the rock:
Where given us was to méditate a space;
Of all things lately happened unto us.
Withdrew us to, thereby, an hollow place;
Prepared in a dim bosom of the rock:
Where given us was to méditate a space;
Of all things lately happened unto us.
In Názara, a village-town, of Galilea;
Then little, as without Jewry, of Jews esteemed:
Grew up, from his womb-birth, the child Jeshua;
Reputed son of One, a devout man,
Who wrought in wood, of Davids royal line.
Little we óf his pensive years of youth;
In our new Greekish scriptures, find recorded:
And of his early manhood even less.
Then little, as without Jewry, of Jews esteemed:
Grew up, from his womb-birth, the child Jeshua;
Reputed son of One, a devout man,
Who wrought in wood, of Davids royal line.
Little we óf his pensive years of youth;
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And of his early manhood even less.
There amidst Hebrews, dwelt a mingled kin;
From Over-Jordan, subject now to Rome;
Which, ín late generations, had received;
Through Macedonian Rulers, in those parts;
Some tíncture of Gréekish civil life and arts:
Which testify their old cities, now remote
And ruinous sites: whose walls remain and arcs,
Builded of marble and squared basalt blocks.
Men of like speech, kindred of Hebrew race:
Of Kedar, another tribal parentage.
From Over-Jordan, subject now to Rome;
Which, ín late generations, had received;
Through Macedonian Rulers, in those parts;
Some tíncture of Gréekish civil life and arts:
Which testify their old cities, now remote
And ruinous sites: whose walls remain and arcs,
Builded of marble and squared basalt blocks.
Men of like speech, kindred of Hebrew race:
Of Kedar, another tribal parentage.
Dwelling, the Book saith, under Josephs roof;
And dipping daily with him ín one dish;
According tó the custom óf those parts:
On Miriams son, his bréthren bélieved not.
What day, come to full age, Jeshûa rose up,
A Spirit is come upon him! And from midst
Them all: to preach glad tidings to the House
Of Jacob, (the Jews fórmer Prophets wont;)
From upland Nazaras streets, went Jéshua forth.
And dipping daily with him ín one dish;
According tó the custom óf those parts:
On Miriams son, his bréthren bélieved not.
What day, come to full age, Jeshûa rose up,
A Spirit is come upon him! And from midst
Them all: to preach glad tidings to the House
Of Jacob, (the Jews fórmer Prophets wont;)
From upland Nazaras streets, went Jéshua forth.
Is Season in, when living things of Earth;
The herb, green tender sucklings of Her ground;
With all things that move on Her foster Breast,
And live by breath; áfter their several kinds:
Rejoice, reviving after Winters teen.
Earth seemeth new-bórn, of Héavens glad Gólden Womb.
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With all things that move on Her foster Breast,
And live by breath; áfter their several kinds:
Rejoice, reviving after Winters teen.
Earth seemeth new-bórn, of Héavens glad Gólden Womb.
Is She to-day attiréd as a Bride.
Of sunny warmth and kindly rain, conceived;
Her teeming Bosom hath the timely blade:
Which, ínfinite óffspring, útters from Her side.
Of sunny warmth and kindly rain, conceived;
Her teeming Bosom hath the timely blade:
Which, ínfinite óffspring, útters from Her side.
This Galilean soil, a garden seems:
So is purpled wíth all amiable flowers;
Heavens only Hand hath sowed, Her stony glebe.
To-day, soft blows therein attempered Wind,
A spirit of Life; and seemeth there no more Death.
In all mens villages, stand the orchard trees;
New blossomed blushing-white, wíth a sweet breath.
So is purpled wíth all amiable flowers;
Heavens only Hand hath sowed, Her stony glebe.
To-day, soft blows therein attempered Wind,
A spirit of Life; and seemeth there no more Death.
In all mens villages, stand the orchard trees;
New blossomed blushing-white, wíth a sweet breath.
Tingles éven the air, with subtle silver sound;
Vague Hymn of the least creatures, of Earths Life:
Shrill flickering hum of sheen small glassy wings;
That lifelings of a day, dance in Suns beams.
Hark birds' fúll-throated song, in breasts so small!
Both far and nigh, óver this smíling Field:
Embowered, mongst Springs new leaves, and silken buds.
Their fervent ádoration of that POWER,
They in their kinds perceive; but wit not of.
Vague Hymn of the least creatures, of Earths Life:
Shrill flickering hum of sheen small glassy wings;
That lifelings of a day, dance in Suns beams.
Hark birds' fúll-throated song, in breasts so small!
Both far and nigh, óver this smíling Field:
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Their fervent ádoration of that POWER,
They in their kinds perceive; but wit not of.
And who is This? that cometh ín a field-path,
Afoot; which leads from village Nazareth.
And greeteth all whom he meets; and lifteth up,
Unto all men within hearing, thus his Voice?
Crying: Mercy and loving-kindness, from the God
Of Peace! The Heavenly Kingdom is at hand!
Afoot; which leads from village Nazareth.
And greeteth all whom he meets; and lifteth up,
Unto all men within hearing, thus his Voice?
Crying: Mercy and loving-kindness, from the God
Of Peace! The Heavenly Kingdom is at hand!
Poor husband-folk, gaze úp from their field-tasks.
And, men of Israel, marvel ín their hearts:
Saying, whilst they wipe their brows from toilful sweat;
One with another, Neighbour, might not This,
Be sóme new Prophet-Teacher, sent from GOD?
And, men of Israel, marvel ín their hearts:
Saying, whilst they wipe their brows from toilful sweat;
One with another, Neighbour, might not This,
Be sóme new Prophet-Teacher, sent from GOD?
But Jéshua, passed without his homely parts,
In thé next days, no more so openly preached:
Hearing, how John his cousin was cut off.
Lest violent hands, were likewise on him layed.
Ere were his Work accomplished ín the Earth;
Whereunto, of the Father, was he sent.
The signs he wrought, witnessed in all mens sight;
That He, The-Anointed was.
In thé next days, no more so openly preached:
Hearing, how John his cousin was cut off.
Lest violent hands, were likewise on him layed.
Ere were his Work accomplished ín the Earth;
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The signs he wrought, witnessed in all mens sight;
That He, The-Anointed was.
Hunger and thirst,
Watch, wéariness, wayfaring; doing good
Unto all men, He endured: nor seldom lacked
He, weary at nightfall; where to lay his head.
Watch, wéariness, wayfaring; doing good
Unto all men, He endured: nor seldom lacked
He, weary at nightfall; where to lay his head.
The meek, the merciful, the pure in heart
And peacemakers, His lips blessed. Words that he taught,
Were full of more than Prophets' Light and Force:
Men, in whose being, was án indwelling spirit;
Which the unrighteousness of thís World wounds;
Mén of sóul-píercing lofty eloquence.
Words of whose mouths, seemed like to rushing wheels,
And a devouring flame, from Throne of Heaven.
Now after many days, His feet have passed;
And peacemakers, His lips blessed. Words that he taught,
Were full of more than Prophets' Light and Force:
Men, in whose being, was án indwelling spirit;
Which the unrighteousness of thís World wounds;
Mén of sóul-píercing lofty eloquence.
Words of whose mouths, seemed like to rushing wheels,
And a devouring flame, from Throne of Heaven.
In painful journeyings, through all Israels coasts.
And with those Twélve, poor cóuntrymen, Gálileans;
He had chosen, out of the hubbub of the World,
To be His wítnesses: He wáyfaring up,
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Amongst poor Pilgrim-folk.
As they approach
He goeth, in village Bethany, on to lodge,
In the house of One a leper; which surviews
The Temple-walls, from Olivets craggéd mount.
He goeth, in village Bethany, on to lodge,
In the house of One a leper; which surviews
The Temple-walls, from Olivets craggéd mount.
At morrow, He having passed o'er Kidrons brook;
Jeshúa ascendeth to the Temple-courts.
But when He saw their guileful merchandise;
Which there sold cattle for the sacrifices;
And changers' tables: sharply He them rebuked
Which tráfficked thus to dishonour of GODS House.
Jeshúa ascendeth to the Temple-courts.
But when He saw their guileful merchandise;
Which there sold cattle for the sacrifices;
And changers' tables: sharply He them rebuked
Which tráfficked thus to dishonour of GODS House.
And having twined Himself, a scourge of cords;
With thát Authority, which was in the Prophets,
Of Israel, in old days; He drave them forth.
For which cause, secretly they desire His death.
With thát Authority, which was in the Prophets,
Of Israel, in old days; He drave them forth.
For which cause, secretly they desire His death.
Is Passover week: have Jews in évery house,
Made ready the accustomed sacrifice;
Whích shepherds, fróm the wilderness, bear in
Their bosoms, a male lamb: that shall be slain,
At set of the days Sun. Sháll the same hour,
Each hóusehold eat the hásty roast thereof
Not seethed; but as who to a journey haste:
Each girt and latcht his sandals ón his feet;
And, ín his hand, a stáff.
Now sitteth Jeshúa
Made ready the accustomed sacrifice;
Whích shepherds, fróm the wilderness, bear in
Their bosoms, a male lamb: that shall be slain,
At set of the days Sun. Sháll the same hour,
Each hóusehold eat the hásty roast thereof
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Each girt and latcht his sandals ón his feet;
And, ín his hand, a stáff.
Among those Twelve; around the sacred dish.
They, át His bídding, which áll shall eat thereof,
With Him; stretch right hands forth, devout, with His.
And óf One Cup of Blessing, sith all drink.
Thence risen, and having sung the accustomed psalm;
He breathed on them and spake: Receive the Spirit.
And fúrthermore, He delivered to them hath;
Those living words, from the Heavens, to men sent down;
And last commandments óf His lips divine:
Which, tó Worlds latest ages, shall resound;
In human hearts.
Descended to the street;
Full óf forebóding, they with Him have passed
The City-gate. And bý that ruggéd path,
Go down, whích leads towards Bethany. And enter where
An olive-press wás, and open olive-grove.
Their wont being, únto that place to resort;
Dismissed the multitude, which had all day pressed,
On Him: and therein seek their evening rest.
Full óf forebóding, they with Him have passed
The City-gate. And bý that ruggéd path,
Go down, whích leads towards Bethany. And enter where
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Their wont being, únto that place to resort;
Dismissed the multitude, which had all day pressed,
On Him: and therein seek their evening rest.
He, knowing the hour was nigh of his decease:
Withdrawn there, from the Twelve, a little apart;
Him bows, as are men wont, in those East Parts,
To pray; three times, beneath Heavens stars, to Earth:
Submitting wholly, to the Will Divine.
Withdrawn there, from the Twelve, a little apart;
Him bows, as are men wont, in those East Parts,
To pray; three times, beneath Heavens stars, to Earth:
Submitting wholly, to the Will Divine.
Is now night time: Jews' elders and chief priests,
Fearing, by day, the Common Peoples voice:
Which following, with hosannahs, had acclaimed
Him King! have sent their arméd sergeants out:
To take Jeshúa.
Fearing, by day, the Common Peoples voice:
Which following, with hosannahs, had acclaimed
Him King! have sent their arméd sergeants out:
To take Jeshúa.
Their voices harsh and rude;
Already and shoveling feet be heard without.
Jeshûa! hark! sternly importunate those require.
Who are foremost, thrusting in, lay hands on Him:
Him bind: and guarded lead lo! amongst them forth.
And tó the Hebrew City, re-ascend.
Priests there will falsely, of blasphemy, Him arraign.
And having charged, to be an evildoer:
Deliver Him unto the Gentile Power.
We in that Retreat, continued to converse:
Already and shoveling feet be heard without.
Jeshûa! hark! sternly importunate those require.
Who are foremost, thrusting in, lay hands on Him:
Him bind: and guarded lead lo! amongst them forth.
And tó the Hebrew City, re-ascend.
Priests there will falsely, of blasphemy, Him arraign.
And having charged, to be an evildoer:
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From heart to heart, withholding none his thought.
A Voice.
What may we deem, in fleshly darkness born:
Of few days' life, not having heard Heavens Voice;
Besét, in Worlds unéasy Dwelling-Place,
As blindfold; of mens doctrines of right paths?
Other Voices.
What mind may, from Abysm of vast Deep,
Of Unremembrance; Ocean-ground, where lieth
It spersed: the very Sooth of long dead Age,
Retrieve; or question powder in lost grave?
Of Unremembrance; Ocean-ground, where lieth
It spersed: the very Sooth of long dead Age,
Retrieve; or question powder in lost grave?
What may a soul, in dáys wherein we live;
When Knowledge by só much more is increased:
As semblable tó right Image of that Sooth;
Which Heaven, at first, implanted in Mans breast;
Receive. Where is the Touchstone; whereby might,
It be examined once and throughly tried.
When Knowledge by só much more is increased:
As semblable tó right Image of that Sooth;
Which Heaven, at first, implanted in Mans breast;
Receive. Where is the Touchstone; whereby might,
It be examined once and throughly tried.
Mansoul.
From THINE High Infiníte Abiding-Place!
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Hear our souls'lowing, towards Thy Throne of Grace.
To Thee, we men, contínually uplift;
Weak fleshly adoring hands, from lowly dust.
Voices.
THOU, Who mádest us thús; beseech thee, succour us!
Nor if blínd we stumble, ímpute guilt to us.
Mansoul.
Like to thick mist, ascendeth wíthout cease;
Vast Sigh, of all Mans Families of the Earth.
Voices.
Which yet be gropers, ín Worlds dawnless dusk.
We be, as who would sound a soundless Deep . . .
Mansoul.
The Counsel of Heaven is hídden, from hearts of flesh.
Voice.
If there aught be, beyond Mans Reasons reach . . .?
Mansoul.
We thereto accede, by Faith, and nót by Sight.
Voices.
Who lives, hath found aught footstep óf the Gods;
Or haply heard, o'er water or by land;
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Whereon be we embarked, grows old with us.
And eách succeeding Age, more hapless swarms;
Offspring of human loins, to Light, brings forth:
In évery Pale of Land, from East to West;
To travail of their hands, with thirst of heart:
And death in Darkness, Lifes short sufferance past.
Other Voices.
Can it be, that thát we mortals Reason call;
A Párcel is ónly of Dívine ínfinite Truth:
Like blot, which díms all-brightness of Suns Face?
Mansoul.
There come is látely untó mens hands, a Book;
A Book of Truth, which none can contradict;
Sith Heavens High Fíngeritháth bóth wrought and writ.
The Annals of this Old Terrestrial Mass;
Wíth the affections of Her Elements:
And Knowledge of High Infinite Universe.
A Book of Truth, which none can contradict;
Sith Heavens High Fíngeritháth bóth wrought and writ.
The Annals of this Old Terrestrial Mass;
Wíth the affections of Her Elements:
And Knowledge of High Infinite Universe.
Now, partly unsealed, it open lies before us:
Wherein may souls, that diligently seek;
Learn daily more to read, and gather Light.
Wherein may souls, that diligently seek;
Learn daily more to read, and gather Light.
Mansoul still cávilling thus, there fell on us;
Being yet amazed, in óur empassioned mood;
New Impulse and increased. Shows soon our glass,
Wide wind-scourged flood; Midland-Seas ancient Face,
Which laps Old Nations' Coasts. Were fewer here,
In Underworld, dim gálleries of the Dead.
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New Impulse and increased. Shows soon our glass,
Wide wind-scourged flood; Midland-Seas ancient Face,
Which laps Old Nations' Coasts. Were fewer here,
In Underworld, dim gálleries of the Dead.
Therein glide spirits, ah! drípping from sea-deaths!
Engulfed were those, in foundered gallant ships;
Neath waters' weight, where no breath is, alas!
Nor long was, ere neath Sea-Gate large, we pass:
Engulfed were those, in foundered gallant ships;
Neath waters' weight, where no breath is, alas!
That severs Africs, and Europas coasts;
To Ocean-Mains wide-wandering Wilderness;
Where billows wild on billows ride; before
A thousand blustering wayward blasts. Vast Brine,
That widewhere encómpasses, wíth its many Arms;
Earths Great Dry-Lands: which formless seem to us,
As all-days' tattered skies' vague drift, on loft.
We, towards Arcturus and Bootes mount;
Where díverse Nations' ships, pass and repass:
That know their guide-stars and their liquid paths;
Bearing much West Worlds tradeful merchandise;
O'er brow of North seas flood, tówards haven of land.
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Sea-mews, from nesting ledges, óf wild rocks.
Mansoul.
Whose be yond coasts that loom now in our glass?
The Voice.
They wrongfully them hold, whose criminal boast,
Is godless Wars machinal homicide arts.
Malignant fruit, of Máns malicious thought.
Mansoul.
Dimly do we discern a rumbling shore;
Whereon long-tiding wave-rows, rise and break;
And race o'er some low strand. Vast confuse sound
Affrays our ears, increasing móre and more;
To an hideous roaring noise, as we approach.
The Voice.
'Tis impious Wars tremendous bellowing Voice!
Are loost a thousand cánnon-shots every moment.
Each levelled, with inhuman bloody intent;
To quench, in their best age, much human life.
Mansoul.
Regardest not, ín Thy Righteousness, THOU LORD, this?
Red slaughter, in Earths Fold, of Mánkinds Life!
The Voice.
The guilt is in a few, presumptuous spirits:
Black hearts, that vaunt, (their high Inheritance;)
Brief lordship, over Peoples of their States.
Which wídows long and órphans, must lament;
Yea and éven the unbórn. And parents childless left,
Forlorn, of valiant sons, in their lone age.
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Brief lordship, over Peoples of their States.
Which wídows long and órphans, must lament;
Yea and éven the unbórn. And parents childless left,
Forlorn, of valiant sons, in their lone age.
Hundred leagues'-long enranged, lie ópposed armies,
In their wár-trenches dígged. What agony of strife,
Is there! that never ceaseth day nor night.
In their wár-trenches dígged. What agony of strife,
Is there! that never ceaseth day nor night.
Whilst numbers a man fingers of one hand;
Be thóusand sons, more, fállen in Field of fight,
Death-smitten! . . . Ah! suddenly, corses without breath!
Soon to grow cold. Or mangled with war-wounds;
Remain in life, to slowlier die war-deaths.
Or salved their hurts, and saved to live uneath:
Must live on, móngst their fellows, broken wights.
In all that griesly Field, lies every stride;
Gore-stained, with young men-soldiers', murder-blood.
Blind Hazard is abroad: Fates, wavering-winged,
Flit to and fro, in wide empoisoned Element:
(New Hell-crime, on a godless Enemys part!)
Flit to and fro, in wide empoisoned Element:
(New Hell-crime, on a godless Enemys part!)
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Drives, thick as locusts' swarm, a flying sleet
Of leaden shot. Each, charged with sudden death:
May untimely pierce a valorous soldier's breast:
And snatch, (that human birthright,) his one life.
Of leaden shot. Each, charged with sudden death:
May untimely pierce a valorous soldier's breast:
And snatch, (that human birthright,) his one life.
Ere this Hell-engined daily dance-of-Death,
Shall áll be done; must lie ten-thousand-thousand,
In hásty gráve-pits, war-slain carcasses:
To moulder, or in théir own, or stranger soil;
Last Womb, of all Mankinds One-Mother-Earth.
Mansoul.
Shall áll be done; must lie ten-thousand-thousand,
In hásty gráve-pits, war-slain carcasses:
To moulder, or in théir own, or stranger soil;
Last Womb, of all Mankinds One-Mother-Earth.
Ah, ah! Worlds Light! for which we longed so sore,
In Earth beneath: where sleep just souls, and spirits
Departed, rest. Must we then, which dwell yet,
In Únderworld, this dark Voyage done, return
To a waste World! Desire dies in our hearts,
To see again Thy Glory, O Sun in Heaven;
If men all, on Earths mould, be madding thus.
The Voice.
Guilt of few hómicide Rulers, whose lewd life,
Is Nations' death. Was known, Kings of the Earth,
Of late conspired, malgré all covenants;
For lordship of the World; which being achieved
By scelerate arms; should all men be their thralls:
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Mansoul.
Beat down, High Heavens, the bárbarous Insolence,
Of those King-churls! Their gore-stained bauble crowns,
Cast in Worlds cess-pit! Or what rests to us,
Of Hope on Earth?
The Voice.
Abhór their evil names;
Shall mány generations, to be born;
Enregistered, in the Dark Womb of Time.
Mansoul.
What Country-side, War-harried field, is this?
Our mirror shows, forsaken, ruinous!
The Voice.
Belges well-peopled, látely fruitful march;
Subvérted, rent, ploughed-up, with enemies' shot:
Are famous cities burning, like a wood!
Mansoul.
Who hath wrought this?
The Voice.
Invading impious hordes,
Of Hunnish enemies, thís Hell-horror made.
Midst fire and smoke, havoc! yelled their foul throats;
Known hardly from brute-beasts, by mankind voice.
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Vast Sigh, a sty, a sink, GODS human World.
Even Oceans Streams have, (everlasting stain;
On their degenerate ensigns!) those profaned.
Mansoul.
Perish, ye base Contrivers, wolf-hearts crowned!
That purposed but your self-aggrandisement:
Your Cóuncillors and the Executioners;
Likewise of your inhuman, wicked Wills:
Wherein men, well-nigh passing count, fell more
Than thirty million bereaved mothers' sons:
Being not much less, than numbered if all were;
Men, wives and babes, of such great Land, as ours.
That purposed but your self-aggrandisement:
Your Cóuncillors and the Executioners;
Likewise of your inhuman, wicked Wills:
Wherein men, well-nigh passing count, fell more
Than thirty million bereaved mothers' sons:
Being not much less, than numbered if all were;
Men, wives and babes, of such great Land, as ours.
Oh horror! and, past belief, was in their deaths;
A flood poured out, of murdered human gore:
And in these days of ours! And what moreo'er,
Of those, ne'er to be counted; which had else,
To comfort of dark homes, and now cold hearths;
Of them, in their appointed time, been born:
Oh, accúrsed, insáne, Héll-sprung, dire, Murder-War!
A flood poured out, of murdered human gore:
And in these days of ours! And what moreo'er,
Of those, ne'er to be counted; which had else,
To comfort of dark homes, and now cold hearths;
Of them, in their appointed time, been born:
Oh, accúrsed, insáne, Héll-sprung, dire, Murder-War!
Amongst those battle-slain, in World above;
Descending rife, before our troubled gaze,
In Underworld; thick companies pass to rest:
Known, by their comely looks, now wan in death;
To be of those our Island Empire sends,
Of Her magnanimous sons; to fight for life,
Of the whole World, gainst criminal enemies.
Descending rife, before our troubled gaze,
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Known, by their comely looks, now wan in death;
To be of those our Island Empire sends,
Of Her magnanimous sons; to fight for life,
Of the whole World, gainst criminal enemies.
Hail Britains sons! The mémory of yóur prowd deaths;
For ever our ensample, shall remain;
Whilst Brítain ís a Nation of the Earth.
The Voice.
For ever our ensample, shall remain;
Whilst Brítain ís a Nation of the Earth.
Descend, with Bléssing, tó eternal rest!
Mansoul.
Belovéd young men, flames leap up in our hearts;
Hot welling Tide of Wrath for your young deaths;
That did not only your forefathers' worth,
Match to the full; oppósing your stout breasts,
To the fond Tyrants venom, steel and shot;
In a strange soil: but added have new wealth,
Of honour íncorruptible unto us.
The Voice.
They gave, with joy, their all, for Countrys sake.
Loud Echo.
Death seemed them joy, for Mother-Countrys sake!
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They soul-stained foes rebutted; which divine
And human laws, trod down in gory dust.
Mansoul.
Who set them on?
The Voice.
A mountebank criminal crowned;
Regent himself esteeming, on Worlds ground:
Óf The All-Mighty UPHOLDER, of the Universe!
Frown of his Tamerlanish countenance,
Deemed he, helmed, strútting forth, should quell West World.
Regent himself esteeming, on Worlds ground:
Óf The All-Mighty UPHOLDER, of the Universe!
Frown of his Tamerlanish countenance,
Deemed he, helmed, strútting forth, should quell West World.
Worlds Crime, This long time, cherished, he hugged close;
At first, fond childhoods whisper, in false breast:
Dark fantasy, infláming his presumptuous youth;
And eversith working ín his ruffling thought.
To out-Caesar, Caesar, his self-pleasing thought.
At first, fond childhoods whisper, in false breast:
Dark fantasy, infláming his presumptuous youth;
And eversith working ín his ruffling thought.
To out-Caesar, Caesar, his self-pleasing thought.
But Caesars wás a soul magnanimous,
Clement; and ás belongeth to noble worth;
Midst greatest deeds, full álway of knightly parts.
Caesar waged war, with honour; thís fellow hath,
It dástardized.
Clement; and ás belongeth to noble worth;
Midst greatest deeds, full álway of knightly parts.
Caesar waged war, with honour; thís fellow hath,
It dástardized.
Hé, who át no time rebuked;
The inhúman, thé Satánic outrages;
Of brutish kerel-hordes whom he commanded:
Chief Patron is, of áll their infamies.
The inhúman, thé Satánic outrages;
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Chief Patron is, of áll their infamies.
What dísmayed cónfused voice is that we hear?
Lo, a drooping fugitive multitude, rich and poor;
Our glass shows, thronged together, a thick Press.
All midst salt bitter reek, of homesteads burned:
Fathers, wives, maidens, babes, óld broken wights;
With desolate looks of Winter, ín their hearts.
Bearing at back, in hand-carts, hound-carts, sacks;
What little they might save of household stuff.
Lo, a drooping fugitive multitude, rich and poor;
Our glass shows, thronged together, a thick Press.
All midst salt bitter reek, of homesteads burned:
Fathers, wives, maidens, babes, óld broken wights;
With desolate looks of Winter, ín their hearts.
Bearing at back, in hand-carts, hound-carts, sacks;
What little they might save of household stuff.
Sighs of wives outraged, choking wailful sobs,
Of maidens wronged, undone; bereaved souls' cries,
Lifting lean hands to Heaven! with hunger-starved looks.
Hark tó those dying groans of murdered men!
From ruinous battered streets. Whereby these pass:
Bludgeoned at their house-doors and violate hearths,
By godless enemies; fencing to their deaths,
Their womens honour, from brute hellish force;
Of outlaws, from Gods Covenant of mankind.
Of maidens wronged, undone; bereaved souls' cries,
Lifting lean hands to Heaven! with hunger-starved looks.
Hark tó those dying groans of murdered men!
From ruinous battered streets. Whereby these pass:
Bludgeoned at their house-doors and violate hearths,
By godless enemies; fencing to their deaths,
Their womens honour, from brute hellish force;
Of outlaws, from Gods Covenant of mankind.
When we again regard, in Mérlins glass:
On úpper path, withín that breach of Earth;
Our happier gaze is fixt. Beat thick our hearts;
That leap up in our throats and utterance choke;
Whilst cóvertly our éyelids gather scalding drops.
131
Our happier gaze is fixt. Beat thick our hearts;
That leap up in our throats and utterance choke;
Whilst cóvertly our éyelids gather scalding drops.
Descend there singly, lion-héarted spirits!
A token beams, lo, on éach magnanimous breast!
'Tis that which Britains sovereign, (Gods true knight,
Belovéd óf his People,) wíth the applause,
Of Five free generous Nations, under arms;
Confers, for singular valour, ín war-field.
A token beams, lo, on éach magnanimous breast!
'Tis that which Britains sovereign, (Gods true knight,
Belovéd óf his People,) wíth the applause,
Of Five free generous Nations, under arms;
Confers, for singular valour, ín war-field.
How comely is their souls' stature, amongst the rest;
Where all wrought mainly, and strove in sacred arms;
To uphóld the honour óf their Nations House:
Opposing their instincted patriot breasts;
To élemental iron machínal force.
Where all wrought mainly, and strove in sacred arms;
To uphóld the honour óf their Nations House:
Opposing their instincted patriot breasts;
To élemental iron machínal force.
Are they, their grateful Countrys Praise, henceforth;
On whom we gaze, we stare, in part abasht;
That we, which elder rest, might bear no part;
In hazards, aches, death-horror of slaughter-field;
With those, (late, children!) thús before us passed.
On whom we gaze, we stare, in part abasht;
That we, which elder rest, might bear no part;
In hazards, aches, death-horror of slaughter-field;
With those, (late, children!) thús before us passed.
The supreme smile, yet blossoms on their lips:
Wherewith those gave, great-hearts, their best, lífes bréath,
In a Strange Land; with God, the World to save.
Wherewith those gave, great-hearts, their best, lífes bréath,
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Who in sacred golden dream, wend by aloft,
Hold way towards Heroes' Hall, of Worlds West parts:
That ere unseen, now riseth in our view;
As we ourselves advance, in Merlins glass.
With thresholds many, and walls of burnished bronze;
With ímagery of Worlds noblest deeds embossed;
That to all quarters, face. Is thatched that House,
With shining plate, bucklers of God-like warriors;
The nombrils of pured gold. Who foremost pace,
Draw nigh now to that Halls rune-graven Porch.
Hold way towards Heroes' Hall, of Worlds West parts:
That ere unseen, now riseth in our view;
As we ourselves advance, in Merlins glass.
With thresholds many, and walls of burnished bronze;
With ímagery of Worlds noblest deeds embossed;
That to all quarters, face. Is thatched that House,
With shining plate, bucklers of God-like warriors;
The nombrils of pured gold. Who foremost pace,
Draw nigh now to that Halls rune-graven Porch.
House of great hero-spirits lent to Earth,
Is that prowd Hall: where hanged be by the walls;
Glaives, war-bruised harness, shields, victorious spears;
Which wrought delíverance, both by land and seas:
In many a righteóus world-renowned emprise.
Is that prowd Hall: where hanged be by the walls;
Glaives, war-bruised harness, shields, victorious spears;
Which wrought delíverance, both by land and seas:
In many a righteóus world-renowned emprise.
Those glorious companies, that inhabit there:
Which Poets, óf ancient days, divíners; deemed,
To be an offspring of the deathless Gods,
For their great deeds; issue magnanimous,
Crowned with unfading oak leaves their prowd heads.
Which Poets, óf ancient days, divíners; deemed,
To be an offspring of the deathless Gods,
For their great deeds; issue magnanimous,
Crowned with unfading oak leaves their prowd heads.
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They, with that Flower of Britain's youth, converse:
Which from Worlds éxtreme Western parts approach,
And adjudged Brethren, worthy of so Great Place:
Their Right hands unto theirs of féllowship,
Advance. And with glad, stern ánd lofty looks:
They them invíte, and goodly wélcome ín;
Where purged all enmity is, from human breasts.
Which from Worlds éxtreme Western parts approach,
And adjudged Brethren, worthy of so Great Place:
Their Right hands unto theirs of féllowship,
Advance. And with glad, stern ánd lofty looks:
They them invíte, and goodly wélcome ín;
Where purged all enmity is, from human breasts.
They enter áll together; and stream seemed forth,
Radiance divine, from that proud golden Port,
Which opened of itself: and in the same,
Seemed, solemn dream of Music thence ascend.
Radiance divine, from that proud golden Port,
Which opened of itself: and in the same,
Seemed, solemn dream of Music thence ascend.
| Mansoul or The Riddle of the World | |