the five books of youth by hillyer, robert, 1895-1961

8/14/2019 The Five Books of Youth by Hillyer, Robert, 1895-1961

1/47

TheProjectGutenbergEBookofTheFiveBooksofYouth,byRobertHillyer

Copyrightlawsarechangingallovertheworld.BesuretocheckthecopyrightlawsforyourcountrybeforedownloadingorredistributingthisoranyotherProjectGutenbergeBook.

ThisheadershouldbethefirstthingseenwhenviewingthisProjectGutenbergfile.Pleasedonotremoveit.Donotchangeoredittheheaderwithoutwrittenpermission.

Pleasereadthe"legalsmallprint,"andotherinformationabouttheeBookandProjectGutenbergatthebottomofthisfile.Includedisimportantinformationaboutyourspecificrightsandrestrictionsinhowthefilemaybeused.YoucanalsofindoutabouthowtomakeadonationtoProjectGutenberg,andhowtogetinvolved.

**WelcomeToTheWorldofFreePlainVanillaElectronicTexts**

**eBooksReadableByBothHumansandByComputers,Since1971**

*****TheseeBooksWerePreparedByThousandsofVolunteers!*****

Title:TheFiveBooksofYouth

Author:RobertHillyer

ReleaseDate:April,2004[EBook#5425][Yes,wearemorethanoneyearaheadofschedule][ThisfilewasfirstpostedonJuly16,2002][Datelastupdated:August22,2005]

Edition:10

Language:English

Charactersetencoding:ASCII

***STARTOFTHEPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOK,THEFIVEBOOKSOFYOUTH***

JulietSutherland,CharlesFranksandtheOnlineDistributedProofreadingTeam.

THEFIVEBOOKSOFYOUTH

BYROBERTHILLYER

AUTHOROF"SONNETSANDOTHERLYRICS"


2/47


3/47

INowthesickearthrevives,andinthesunIITheheavybeeburdenedthegoldencloverIIIOfdaysandnightsunderthelivingvineIVYouseektohurtme,foolishchild,andwhy?VBytheseshallyourememberVITwoblackdeerupriseVIIWhenintheultimateembraceVIIITonightitseemstobethesameIXIfyoushouldcometonightXYouareveryfartonightXIOlonelystarmovinginstillabodesXIIAchalicesingingdeepwithwine

BOOKIVTHEGARDENOFEPICURUS

IAsdreamersthroughtheirdreamssurmiseIIThethinkerslighttheirlampsinrowsIIIIpassmydaysinghostlypresencesIVEachmotethatstaggersdownthesunVHeisapriestVIThroughhissingsnow,throughrain,throughmanyhundredMaysVIIGodsdineonprayerandsacredsong

VIIIAsmilewillturnawaygreeneyesIXTwoKingstherewere,oneGood,oneBadXIseethatHermesunawaresXISemiramis,thewhoreofBabylonXIIBringhemlock,blackasCretancheeseXIIIWalkingthroughthetownlastnightXIVThechangeofmanytideshasswungtheflowXVPierodiCosimoXVIIwouldknowwhatcannotbeknownXVIITheyellowbirdissingingbythepond

BOOKV

SONNETS

ILovedwelledwithmewithmusiconherlipsIIInvokingnottheworshipofthecrowdIIIAndyetthinknotthatIdesiretosealIVWiththeyounggodwhooutofdeathcreatesVOitwasgay!thewildernesswasfloralVIThesnowisthawingonthehangingeavesVIISoendsthedaywithbeautyinthewestVIIIAcrosstheeveningcalmIfaintlyhearIXCalmerthanmirroredwatersafterrainXIstoodlikesomewornimagecarvedofstoneXIThroughthedeepnighttheleavesspeak,treetotree

XIIIwalkedthehollowpavementsofthetownXIIIIntirelessmarchImovefromspheretosphereXIVAwhileyousharedmypathandsolitudeXVThereisavoidthatreasoncannotfaceXVIThemirrorsofallagesaretheeyesXVIIWesatinsilencetillthetwilightfellXVIIIHeclungtome,hisyoungfacedarkwithwoe


4/47

BOOKIAMISCELLANY

I-LAMAREDESFEES

Theleavesraindownupontheforestpond,Anelfintarngreen-shadowedinthefern;Nineyewsensomberthewetbank,beyondTheautumnbranchesofthebeechesburnWithyellowflameandredamidthegreen,Andpatchesofthedarkeningskybetween.

Thisisanancientcountry;inthiswoodTheDruidsraisedtheirsacrificialstones;HerethevasttimelesssilencesstillbroodThoughthecoldwind'sOctobermonotonesFantheenchantedsenseswiththedreadOfholinesslong-pastandbeautydead.

Howfarbeyondthisgladetheday-worldturnsUponitspivotofrewardandchance;FartherthanthefirststarthatpalelyburnsOvertheforest'smeditativetrance.

Firststarofevening,laststarofday,Theonegrowsclear,theotherdiesaway.

WilltheycomebackwhooncebeneaththesetreesInvokedtheirlong-forgottengodswithtears,WhoheardthesobofthesametwilightbreezeBlowdownthevistasofrememberedyears,Besidethetarn'sblackwaterswheretheystoodClosetotheirgod,farfromthemultitude?

Iwatch,buttheyarelongagodeparted,Farastheworldofday,orasthestar;Theforestlovedherpriests,andtranquil-hearted

Theystoleawayindimprocession,farDowntheunechoingaisles,beyondrecalling;Themossgrowsonthestones,theleavesarefalling.

InvainIlistenfortheirhissingspeech,Andseekwhiteholyhandsupontheair,Theytoldtheirworshiptotheyewandbeech,Andleftthemwiththesecret,tremblingthere,Norshalltheycomeatmidnightnoratdawn;Thegodsaredead;thevotariesaregone.

AformfloatstowardmedownthecorridorOfmightytrees,half-visionedthroughthehaze,

Andstandsbesidemeonthatemptyshore;Sorestwethere,andwonderinglygaze.Bythedeadwater,underthedeepboughs,MyLoveandIrenewourancientvows.

MORET-SUR-LOING,1918

II-PROTHALAMION


5/47

ThefadedturquoiseoftheskyDarkensintooceangreenFleckedpalelywherethestarswillrise.AsingleboughbetweenThespaciouscolourandyourhalf-closedeyesHangsoutitshazytraceries.Still,likeadrowsygodyoulie,Myfairunbiddenguest,Yourwhitehandscrossedbeneathyourhead,Yourlipscurvedstrangelymutewithpeace,Yourhairmovedlightlybythebreeze.AglowisshedWarmonyourfacefromthelastraysthatpushFromthedyingsunintothegreenvaultofthewest.

Thisisyourbridalnight;thegoldenbushIsheavywiththefruitsthatyouwilltaste,Fullripenedindesire.Youwhohavehoardedyouth,thisisyourhourofwaste,Yourhourofsquanderinganddrunkenness,Ofwine-dashedlipsandgenerouscaress,Ofbrowsthorn-crownedandbodiescrucified,--Obidmetothefeast.

Tomorrowwhenthehillsarewashedwithfire,YourdoorajaragainsttheflashingEast,--Oflingitwide.

PARIS,1919

III-MONTMARTRE

Arockyhillabovethetown,Greyasthesoulofsilence,ExceptwheretwowhitestruttingdomesStandaloofandfrown

OnthehuddledhomesOfworld-weptloveandpain,--Theydonotheedthattalldisdain,Butsleep,grey,underthestarsandtherain.

Awoman,young,butoldinlove,Carriedherchildacrossthesquare;HerfacewasadimdriftingflameTowhichherpyreofhairWasacolumnofgoldensmoke.

HereyeshalftoldthesecretsofGaysinsthatnoregretdefiled;

ThereherheartbrokeInthelittlequestionbetweenhereyes.Hearingthetreesinthesquareshesmiled,Andsangtothechild.

SopassedbyinthenarrowstreetThatclimbsthesteeprockoverthetown,Loveandthewestwindinthestars;Thewindandthesoundofthoselaggingfeet


6/47

Diedlikeforgottentears.Iwaitedtillthestarswentdown,AndIwrotetheselinesonacloudtogreetThedawnonthecrystalstairs.

PARIS,1919

IV-ALETTER

Dearboy,whatcanthisstrangermeantoyou,Blowntoyourcountrybyunbridledchance?Thatheshoulddrinkthemorn'sfirstcupofdewFreshfromthespring,andquickenthatgraveglanceWhereinasrisingtidesonhazyshoresRisethenewflamesandcoloursofromance?

Ah,wiseandyoung,theworldshalluseyouryouthAndflingyoushornofbeautytodespair,ThesumofallthatfascinatingtruthThatyouhavegleaned,handstangledinbrownhair,Eyesstrainingintocontemplativefires,--Thistruthshallnotseemtruthwhentreesarebare.

Thehungerofthesoul,thewatcherleftTobroodthenearnessofhisowndecay,DullyremarkingtheslowshamelesstheftOftheoldholinessfromdaytoday,Howyouthgrowstarnished,wisdomchangesfalse,--Tillonebendsneartostealyourlifeaway.

YetwhoamItoturnasidethehandOutstretchedsofriendlyandsohumblyproud,HeapedupwithbeautyfromthesunriselandOfheartsadventurousandheadsunbowed?Only,looknotatmewithchangingeyesWhenwemustseparateamidthecrowd.

TOURS,1918

V-ESTHERDANCING

Speaknotnorstir.Heremusicisalive,Wovenfromthoseswiftfingers,strongandlight,Marchingacrossthosesinginghands,orshedSlowly,likeechoesdownthemufflednight,Orbeautifullytranslated,notebynote,Somefaintervoice,rhapsodicandremote,Orshakenoutinmelodiesthatdive

Clearintofathomsofprofounderthings,Thensuddenlyagainonrisingwings,Burstintosunandhoveroverhead.

IncarnatemusicflashingintoformFledfromthevineyardsofmelodiousGreece,FeetthathaveflownbeforethegatheringstormOrglancedingardensoftheGoldenFleece,FaceatunetoallthesongsthatmassTheirgustsofpassiononthesunlitgrass,


7/47

Imageoflyrichopeandveileddespair,Likethem,thoushaltunutterablypassIntothesilenceandtheshadowedair.

POMFRET,1919

VI-HUNTERS

Avasered-wroughtinAthenslongago....ThehunterandhisgaycompanionrideThroughtheyoungfieldsoflife;oneverysideFrailandfantasticthetallliliesgrow.Herheadthrownback,hereyesafraidandwide,Flieslikeaphantomthegreyspectraldoe,Herlightfeetscarcelybendthegrassbelow,Gloriouslyflyingintoeventide.

Aheadthereliestheshadow,thenthedark,Andsafetyinthethickforestialnight,Butnearerstillshehearsthebloodhoundsbark,Andhorsespantinginimpetuousflight,Andhunterswithoutpityfortheslain,Halloingshrillyoverthewindyplain.

Sombrebecometheskies,thewindsoffallSingdangerouslythroughthehissinggrass;SunlightandcloudsinslowprocessionpassOverthetress,thencomesanintervalOfuttercalm,theairisamorassOfhumidbreathlessness.AdreadfulcallRingssuddenlyfromtheonrushingsquall,Andthestormclosesinawhirlingmass.

Andstillthedoeeludestheraginghounds,Andstilltheyouthspressonwardtowardthewoods,Thoughtheworldshudderswithdiluviansounds

Andtherainstreamsinundulatingfloods.Sharplightningsplitsthesky;thedoeisgone.Ofollow!follow!ifitbetilldawn.

Thehuntedflees,theboyishhuntersfollowIntotheforest'sdrippingeverglades,Thewindgoeswailingthroughtheswayingshades,Andviolentraingushesineveryhollow.Thedoerunsfree,triumphantlyevadesThosestrainingeyes;theghastlyshadowsswallowHerflyingform;thefrightenedhorseswallowDeepinthemire.Thenthelastdaylightfades.

OYouths,turnback!theyearisgettinglate,Andautumnhasnopityfortheslain.Twininglikeserpents,theleanarmsoffateGropetowardyouthroughtheblacknessandtherain,ThenDeath,andtheobliteratingsnow....Avase,red-wroughtinAthenslongago.

Tours,1918


8/47

VII-AWRECK

Survivorofanunknownpast,OnthiswildshorecastBythesaddesolatetides;InawarmharbourlongagoTheywaitedyou,andwaitedlong,Andguessedandfearedatlast,Butcouldnotknow.Nowinalanguagestrangethewavesmakesong,Andthefloodsurgesroundyourbrokensides,Andtheebbleavesyoutotheburningsun.Butwhenthevoyageofmylifeisdone,Andmysoulputsforthnomore,ThenmayIsleepBeneaththefathomsofthetidelessdeep,Andnotbecastdesertedonsomedarkalienshore.

CapeCod,1916

VIII-GRAVESTONESINAFRONTYARD

Lesttheswiftworldforgettheirnamesandpass

Unthinking,theyhavesetthiscolddeadslateAbovetheirslumbersinthelivinggrassTowarnallcomersofimpendingfate;

Wherefriendsmademerryonceattheirbehest,Whereyoungfeetstrolledabouttheshadylawn,Theywelcomenonebutoneunfailingguest,AndalltherevellersbutDeatharegone.

Edgartown,1916

IX-VIGIL

ThisisthehourwhenallsubstantialfoesAreexorcisedandtauntthesoulnomore;NowthinnergrowstheveilbetweentheshoreOfvasterworldsandourcalmgardenclose.ThroughthesmallexitoftheopendoorWepass,andseemtofeeltheeyesofthoseWeknewuponus;almostwesupposeTheadventofthefacewetremblefor.

OthatthroughthisprofoundserenityMightsoundtheanswertotheheart'sdeepcry;Ifallthosegraciouspresencesmightsee

That,thoughwehurtthemonce,theyshallnotdieUntilwealsowither,wewhokeepVigilonthesesweetmeadowswheretheysleep.

Pomfret,1919

X-WHENTHEDOORWASOPEN

Lonelyasmusicfromafar,


9/47

Hungthenewmoonandonewhitestar,AbovethepoplarsblackandtallThatsentineledthegardenwall;Fourblackpoplarsbeyondthewall,Twooneachsideofthegardengate,InsilhouetteagainstthewidePaleskyofthelateeventide.Closewasthegardenandserene.TheleaningreedsinquietstateAboutthepool,mergedinthegreenOfmistyleavesandhangingvines.ThefirefliesspuntheirsilverlinesAcrossthedeeperatmosphere,AndthroughthesilencecametheclearPersistenttuningofthefrogsFromdankrecessesofthebogs.

BeyondthegardenIcouldseeTheglimmerofuncertainmeadows,Framedbytheopendoorway,wreathingSarabandsofghostlyshadows,Slowlyturning,slowlybreathing,Largelyandunhastily,--Butthegardenhelditsbreath.

Peaceasprofoundasdeath,ifdeathBevisitedbystealthydreams;AvagrantnotefromsoundlessthemesThatringthecomet-pathsofspace,SeemedvibrantinthewindlessairThattrembledwithitspresencethere.OutbeyondthenamelessplaceWhereneitherfieldsnorcloudsexist,Greyfromthebackgroundofthemist,Isawthreevagueformsdrawingnear.Mysenserecoiledacutewithfear;Icouldnotstir.Asfromacage

IwatchedthatspectraldimcortegeMovinginexorableandslowAgainsttheashenafterglow.Nowcaughtthemoontheirrobesinwhite,Nowstrodetheysablethroughthenight,AcrossthegrasstheycameandgrewWhiter,statelier,astheydrewBeneaththeshadowofthewall;ThenonebyonethethreesteppedthroughThegardendoor,andstoodawhileBesidethepool,theirimagespreadSombre,andmenacing,andtall.SombreasPriam'sdreadfuldaughter,

Menacingasamurderer'ssmile,Tallasthefingersofthedead,Stoodtheybesidethequietwater.

Themoonwentoutinagoldenblur,Andthesmallstarsfollowedafterher,ButwhenthefirefliesclefttheairIsawthosethreeformsstandingthere,Untilthenightcooled,andthetreesShookinthestronghandsofthebreeze,


10/47

AndthenIheardtheirfootstepspressThemuffledgrassbeyondthedoor,Andsowentforthforevermore,MythreeFatestothewilderness.

Pomfret,1919

XI-THEMAKERRESTS

Ihaveworkedtoolongandmyhandsaretired,Saidthemaker;FromtheearliestdawnuntodeepestnightfallHaveIlaboured.

FromtheearliestdawnbeforeanyspiritStirredfromsleeping,WhennosinglenotefromthefrozenforestWakenedmusic,

UntonightfallandthenewmoonrisingWhenthesilenceFromthevalleysroseinafaintbluespiral,HaveIlaboured.

IcreateddawnandthenewmoonrisingOutofsilence;Ihaveworkedtoolongandmyhandsaretired,Saidthemaker.

Ishallfoldmyhands;Ishallresttillsunrise,Saidthemaker;IntheshadeofhillsandthecalmofstarlightShallIslumber.

Omynightissweetwithadistantmusic!Ishallhear

Therespondingwavesandthewind'sslightmurmurWhileIslumber.

Omynightisfairwithamazingcolour!IshalldreamOftheblue-whitestarsandtheglimmeringforestWhileIslumber.

Omynightisrichwithunfoldingflowers!IshallbreatheAllthescatteredsmellsofthefieldandgardenWhileIslumber...

Iwillrise,ONight,Iwillmakenewbeauty,Saidthemaker,Iwillmakemoresongs,morestars,moreflowers,SaidtheLord.

Cambridge,1920

XII-THEPILGRIMAGE


11/47

BesideadeepandmossywellInthedarkstarlessnightIlay;Anddroppingwaterlikeabell,Likeabellringingfaraway,Struckliquidnotesinmonotone,--AnechoofadistantbellTollingtheknellofyesterday.DeepdownbeneaththemossygroundTheliquidnotesinmonotoneKeptdropping,droppingendlessly,AndasIlistened,overmeCreptlikeamistafilmyspell;Myspirit'swavingwingswerebound,Anddreamscamethatwerenotmyown.Half-sleeping,half-awake,IheardThedrowsychirpofaforestbird,AndthewindcameupandthegrassesstirredAndthecurtainingwoodsthatclusterroundThatresonantly-echoingwellShookalltheirleaveswithsilversoundLikevoicesmurmuringinashell.WasitthepastthatlivedagainInthatnocturnalmurmuring,Wakingahiddenvoicetosing

DeepinmyheartofothertimesWhosememorylongentombedhadlainCoveredwithallthedustoftheyears?...FallinginsplashingtearsThewetnotesdropinliquidchimes,AndthewhitefingersofthebreezeGatherasongfromthemelodioustrees....

ThereisahandwhiterthanpearlThatplucksalute'smonotonousstrings;OstarlightphantomofagirlWhatlyricsoularoundtheesings,Andwhatdivinecompanionship

Taughtthatentwiningmusictothyfingers,Andthatunearthlymusictothylips?Shepauses,andtheecholingersHoveringlikewingsupontheair.Iseemoreclearlynow,herhairRippleslikeablackwater-fallAboutthepallorofherface.ShesitsbesideamossywellAmidsomedimmarmorealplace,SomefragrantMoorishhallSetallaboutwitharabesquesofstoneAndintricatemosaicsofgemandshell.Shesingsagain,sheplaysamonotone,

Perpetualrhythmlikeafar-offbell,Andsomeonedances,inadancingriverThewhiteecstaticlimbsflutterandquiverAgainsttheshadow.IntheodorousflowersThatgrowaboutthewell,stillformsarelying,Agroupofstatues,aneternalthrong,Watchingthedanceandlisteningtothesong;Soshalltheylie,innumerablehours,Silentandmotionlessforever.Thewindcomesup,theflowersshiver,


12/47

Thedancervanishes,thesongsaredying;Nightsickensintoday.Thewindcomesupandblowsthedustaway....

BetweentwocloudsasullenflameExpands,andlo,thecrescentmoonRideslikeawarriorthroughthesky.ThuslongagothewarningcameWhenmidnighttownslayallinswoon,ThatthegreatgodswerecomingnighTocrushtherebelliousearth.NowbeneaththecrescentmoonNospiritsstir,nowindmakesmirth,OnlyarhythmicmonotoneOfwatersdroppinginawell....

ButwhoisthissobrokenwithdistressThatstealslikemistintomyloneliness?Whyartthouweepingthere,disconsolatechild?Thytearsfalllikethewatersofawell,Anddripinsilvernotesuponthesands.Whatisthysorrow?Ah,whatmancantellTheshapelessfanciesthatunwelcomedwellWithinthybrain,thespectres,darkandwild

Thathauntthespiritofachild?Mayhapthouweepestfortheembattledlands,ThebloodyruinofdecayingrealmsThatawaroverwhelmsAndburiesdeepinthedustofhistory?Heraiseshisweteyesandlooksatme,Hisboyishfacefullofayearning,Anancientpain,Asofaghostlongdeadwhoyearnstoliveagain,Andanswers,"Inmyself,thythoughtsreturningToothertimesshallslumberinthepast,Andbeachildagain,anddieatlastIntheprotectingarmsofourgreatMother

Whoboreusboth,Owell-belovedbrother.Thouinthysorrydreams,Iinmychildishgrief,Thyheartintears,mineeyesamazedwithtears,Thysorrowrichwiththerepiningyears,Mysorrowfrailaschildhood,andasbrief."Whoartthou,hauntingboy,nocturnalelf?"IamtheDead;theDeadthatwasthyself."Thenfallsadarknessonthatstarlessshore.AfarIheartheclosingofadoor....

IseeonasharphillabovetheStyx,ThebruisedChristuponhiscrucifix,Andrackedinanguishonhiseitherside

HangBuddhaandMohammedcrucified.TheirheavybloodfallsinamonotoneLikedeepwell-waterdroppingonastone.Nonemoves,nonebreaksthesilence;onthoseroodsEternalsufferingtriumphantbroods.PrometheusfromhiscliffofwildunrestMocksthemanddrawsthevulturetohisbreast.EachyearuponadarkerCalvaryArehungthepallidvictimsofthetree,Andnonewillwatchwiththem,fornonecansee


13/47

AsIoncesaw,unendingagony,SavewherePrometheusfromhisdizzyplaceRegardsthosesuffererswithscornfulface,AndhisloudlaughterringsthroughemptySpace....

Icanseenothingnow,andonlyhearThroughthethickatmosphereAdeepperpetualwell,thatsadandslow,Intonestheknellofageslongago,Andagesthatnomancantellorknow,Whoseshadowsrollbeforethemonthesky,Blackwithforebodingsoffuturity.

Sweetsoundsthroughmidnight,liquidinterlude,Voiceofthelonelysoulsthatyearnandbrood,VoiceoftheunseenLife,theunsubdued,WhatwonderthatHedrawethnightotasteOfyourcoolwaters.HailthounamelessOne,FairstrangerfromarealmbeyondtheSun,KnowingthatthouartGodIdonotfear,--Speaktome,raisemefrommylife'slongdream."ThewholenightthroughthouliesthereBesidethewellthatwatersLethe'sstream,Andstillthoudostnotdrink;OManmakehaste;

Erelongthedawnwillpouradownthewaste,Andshowthee,reftfromtheembraceofnight,Thebarrenworld,barrenofrevelry.Happyartthou,OMan,happilyfree,WhowiltneverseeAthousandagesshedtheirlifeandlightAspetalsfallateventide.ThoushaltnotseetheradiantstarssubsideIntothefrozenoceanoftheVast,NorseethyworldabsorbedatlastIntoanothingness,anairlessvoid,NorseethethoughtsthatManhasglorifiedSweptfromtheworld,andwiththeworlddestroyed.

ThishaveIseenathousandtimesrepeated,UnhappyasIam,unhappyGod!AsmanytimesasthouhastgreetedTherisingsunagainstthebroadAndtranquilclouds,somanytimeshaveIGreetedthedawnofanewUniverse,AndseenthemoltenstarsrehearseThelivesandpassionsofthestarsgoneby.Whenworldsaregrowingold,andtheredrawnighTheshadowsthatshallcoverthemforever,(Shadowslikethesewhichdoomyourancientsky)ThentothewellthatfeedsthesacredriverIcome,andastheliquidmusicdrips

Farintheground,IplungemylipsDeepinforgetfulness,andwashawayAllthestainsoftheoldgriefsandjoys,ThatwithHislipsassmilingasaboy's,GodmayrejoiceinHiscreatedday."Hestoopsanddrinks;amomentthecoolbellPausesitsringinginthewell:Amistfliesupagainstthedawn;theyoungwindsweep;Isittoolate?Itoowoulddrink,drinkdeep,ButwearinessisonmeandIsleep.


14/47

Cambridge,1915

XIII-EPILOGUE

Dawnhascome.Fainthazesquiverwiththefalteringlight;SomeairyskeindrawsintheshadowsfromThebrokenforestwherethewarhaspassed,TheForestTerrible,thegreydespair,TheforestbrokeninthewitheringblightOftheleanyears,--theblight,theyears,havepassed,Leavingasolitarywatcherthere,Silenceatlast.

Shewatchesbythedead,Herdeepwhiteshadowoverspreadstheirfaces.Hereintheoutlandplaces,Shewatchesbythedead.

HowmanydawnshavedrivenherafarWiththeloosedthunderoftempestuouswrong!Todayshewillremain.

Silencefamiliartothemorningstar,Standing,herfingertoherlips,Hushingthebattle-cry,thevictor'ssong,Standinginviolateabovetheslain.

ThefugitivesunlightslipsOverthefragmentofacloud,Andtheskyopenswide,Beholdthedawn!

Whereisthenightmarenow?theangry-browed?Theloweringimminence--thebloodyeyed?

Fled,asthethreatofmidnight,fledaway,Gone,afterfourdarktimelessages,gone.Hailtheday!

Silence,robedinthemorning'sgoldenfleece,Foldingtheworld'stornwingstostillness,givingPeacetothedead,andtotheliving,Peace.

Tours,1918

XIV-THERMOPYLAE

Menliedtothemandsotheywenttodie.Somefell,unknowingthattheyweredeceived,Andsomeescaped,andbitterlybereaved,Beheldthetruththeylovedshrinktoalie.Andthosetherewerethatneverhadbelieved,Butfromafarhadreadthegatheringsky,Anddarklywraptinthatdreadprophecy,Diedtrustingthattheirtruthmightberetrieved.


15/47

Itmattersnot.ForlifedealsthuswithMan;Todiealonedeceivedorwiththemass,Ordisillusionedtocompletehisspan.ThermopylaeorGolgotha,allone,Theyoungdeadlegionsinthenarrowpass;Thestarkblackcrossagainstthesettingsun.

Pomfret,1919

BOOKIIDAYSANDSEASONS

I

Windsblowingoverthewhite-cappedbay,Windswetwiththeeagerbreathofspray,Warmandsweetfromtheoceanswehavedreamedof;FromgardensofCathay.

Theemptyfactorywindows,rowonrow,

Warmsullenlybeneaththeafterglow,BurntopazoutofdustanddimtheflareOfthestreet-lampsbelow.

Inthesmokyparkthedingyplane-treesstir,Greenbranchesinthetwilightfadeandblur;AlonelygirlwalksslowlythroughthesquareAndthewindspeakstoher.

Speaksofthesunsetscatteredonthesea,Andthespringblowingnorthwardradiantly;Flaminginlightningfromcyclonicdark,Dreamsofdelightstobe.

Tomorrowtherewillbeorchardsfilledwithfruit,Andsongofmeadowlarkandsongofflute;Farfromthecitytherearelover'sfields,Lipseloquentandmute.

Warmarethewindsoutoftheebbingday,Blowingtheshipsandthespringintothebay,IsmellthecherryblossomsfallinggailyIngardensofCathay.

Paris,1919

II

LikechildrenonasunnyshoreTherhododendronsthriveWhichneveranyspringbeforeHavebeensomuchalive.

EachmetalboughbenignlylitWithyellowcandleflames;


16/47

Thetreeisholy,hallowitWithsacramentalnames.

Paris,1919

III

AgainstmywallthesummerweavesProfunditiesofduskyleaves,Andmany-petaledstarsfull-blownInconstellatedwhitenesssown;IcontemplatewithlazyeyesMysmallestateinParadise,AndverycomfortingtomeIsthisfamiliarity.

Paris,1919

IV

Intothetremblingair,Calmonthesunsetmist,

SweetnessofgardenswhereTheyellowslaveboykissedTheSultan'sdaughter....

ShadowoftumbledhairShadowofhangingvineFountainsofgoldthattwineInsingingwater.

AsecretIhaveheardFromthescarletbeakofthebirdThatsingsatthecloseofday,Fillsmewithcoldunrest

Undertheopendoorsofthefierywest.

"Oheartofclay,Olipsofdust,Oblue-shadowedwisteriavine;YouthfallsawayAspetalsmustBeneaththedroopingleavesintheday'sdecline."

Paris,1919

V

Ingardenswhenthesunisset,TheairisheavywiththewetFaintsmellofleaves,anddarkincenseOfpeach-blossomandviolet.

Thereisnolurkingfoetofear,OnlythefriendlyghostsarehereOflazyyouthanddozingage,Whosatandmellowedyearbyyear,


17/47

UntiltheymergedwithalltherestBeneaththeoverhangingwest,AndtooktheirsleepwithtranquilheartsSafeinourMother'smightybreast.

Iftherebeanysound,'tissweet,ThehiddenrushofeagerfeetWhererobinsflutterinthedust,Orperchuponthegarden-seat,

AndlittlevoicesthatareknownTothosewhocontemplatealoneThebusyuniversethatmovesIngardensrankandovergrown.

Hereinthegardenweareone,Thegoldendust,thesettingsun,Thelanguidleaves,thebirdsandI,--Smallbubblesonoblivion.

Tours,1918

VI

Nowthewhitedovehasfoundhermate,Andtherainbowbreaksintostars;AndthecattlelungethroughthemossygateAstheoldmanlowersthebars.

Westerlywindwitharainysmell,Eavesthatdripinthemud;AndthepainofthetendermiracleStabbingthelanguidblood.

Overthelong,wetmeadow-land,

Beyondthedeepsunset,Thereisahandthatpressedyourhand,Andeyesthatshallnotforget.

NowtheWestisthedoorofwrath,Now'tisaburnt-outcoal;Petalsfallontheorchardpath;Darknessfallsonthesoul.

Washington,1918

VII

Whenvoicessinkintwilightsilences,Likeswimmersinaseaofquietude,Andfaintfarewellsre-echofromthehill;Whenthelastthrushhissleepyvespersays,Andthelostthrenodyofthewhip-poor-willGropesthroughthegatheringshadowsinthewood;

Theninthepathswhereduskfadesintogrey,AndsighingshapesstirthatIneversee,


18/47

IfollowstillaquestofolddespairTofindatlast,--ah,butIcannotsay,ExceptthatIhaveknownafacesomewhere,Andlovedintimesbeyondallmemory.

Osoullessface!whiteflashinsolitude,Forgottenphantomofamoonlessnight,ShallIkissthysadmouthonceagain,orwaitDrownedbeneathfathomsofatidelessmoodUntilthestarsfleethroughthewesterngateDriveninshiveringfearbeforethelight?

Cambridge,1916

VIII

Whennoonisblazingonthetown,Thefieldsareloudwithdroningflies,Thepeoplepulltheircurtainsdown,Andallthehousesshuttheireyes.

Thepalmleafdropsfromyourmother'shandAndshedozesthereinadarkenedroom,

Outsidethereissilenceontheland,Andonlypoppiesdaretobloom.

OpenthedoorandstealawayThroughgrainandbriarshoulderhigh,Therearesecretshidintheheartofday,InthehushandslumberofJuly.

Yourfacewillburnafieryred,Yourfeetwilldragthroughdustyflame,Yourbrainturnmolteninyourhead,Andyouwillwishyounevercame.

Onevermind,goon,goon,--Thereisabrookwherewillowslean;Toweavedeepcavernsfromthesun,

Andtherethegrassgrowscoolandgreen.Andthereisoneascoolasgrass,Lyingbeneaththewillowtree,Countingthedragonfliesthatpass,Andtalkingtothehumblebee.

Shehasnotstirredsincemorningcame,ShedoesnotknowhowinthetownTheearthshakesdizzilywithflame,

Andallthecurtainsaredrawndown.

Sitdownbesideher;shecantellThestrangestsecretsyouwouldhear,Andcoolaswaterinawell,Herwordsflowdownuponyourear....

Shespeaksnomore,butinyourhairHerfingerssoftaslullabiesFoldupyoursensesunaware,


19/47

Intoapoppyparadise.

Andwhenyouwake,theeveningmistIsrisinguptofloatthehill,Andyouwillsay,"ThemouthIkissed,ThevoiceIheard...adream...butstill

"Thegrassismattedwhereshelay,Ifeelherfingersinmyhair"...Butyourlampisbrightacrosstheway,Andyourmotherknitsintherockingchair.

Paris,1919

IX

ThetreeshaveneverseemedsogreenSinceIremember,AsinthesegrovesandgardensofSeptember,AndyetalreadycomesthechillThatbodestheworld'slastgardenill,AndintheshadowIhaveseenAspectre,--eventhine,

OVandal,ONovember.

ThewindleapsupwithsuddenscreamsIngustsofchaff.Twoboyswithblowinghairlistenandlaugh.Wehearthesamewind,theyandI,Underthedarkautumnalsky;Itblowsstrangemusicthroughtheirdreams.Keenlyitblowsthroughmine,Singingtheirepitaph.

Tours,1918

X

Thegreencanalismottledwithfallingleaves,Yellowleaves,flutteringsilently;Awhirlinggustripplesthewoods,andheavesThestrickenbrancheswithasigh,Thenallisstillagain.Unmoving,thegreenwaterwayreceivesGhostsofthedyingforesttoitsbreast;Loneliness...quiet...notawinghasstirredInthecoldglades;nofishhasleapedawayFromtheheavywaters;notadropofrain

Distilsfromthepervadingmist.SluggishlyoutofthewestAgreycanal-boatglides,half-seen,unheard;ThesweatinghorsesonthetowpathswayBackwardandforwardinarhythmicstrain;Itpassesby,adreamwithinadream,Downthedarkcorridorofleaningboughs,Downthelongwaterwaysofendlessfall.Ashiverstirsthewoods;afitfulgleamOfsungildsthesky'soverhangingbrows;


20/47

Thenshadowysilence,andtheyellowstreamOfdeadleavesdroppingtothegreencanal.

Moret-sur-Loing,1918

XI

Theywhohavegonedownthehillarefaraway;FromthestillvalleysIcanhearthemcall;TheirdistantlaughterfaintlyfloatsThroughtheunmovingairandbacktome.IamalonewiththedecliningdayAndthedecliningforestwherethenotesOfallthehappyminstrelsy,Birdsandleaf-musicandtherest,Sinkseparatelyinthehushoffall.ThesunandcloudsconflictinginthewestSwirlintosmokylighttogetherandfadeUndertheunbrokenshadow;Undertheshadowedpeacethatisthenight;Underthenight'sgreatquietudeofshade.ThesheepbelowmeinthemeadowSeemdriftingonthehaze,sereneandwhite,

Palepastureddreams,unearthlyherdsthatroamWherethedeadreignandphantomsmaketheirhome.Theyalsopass,evenastheclearringOfthesadAngelusthroughthevalesechoing.

Montigny,1918

XII

Wheretworoadsmeetamidthewood,Therestandsawhitesepulchralrood,Beneathwhoseshadow,wayfarers

Wouldpausetoofferuptheirprayers.Thereisnohouseformilesaround,Nosoundofbeast,nohumansound,OnlythetreeslikesombredreamsFromwhosebareboughsthewaterdrips;Andthepalememoryofdeath.Thehazehangsheavywithoutbreath,IthangssoheavythatitseemsToholdasilentfingertoitslips.

InafteryearsthespectralcrossWillbequiteovergrownwithmoss,Andwayfarerswillgotheirway

Norstoptomeditateandpray.ThespringwillnestinallthetreesUnblightedbythememoriesOfautumnandthegodofpain.Theleaveswillwhisperinthesun,Lifewillcrowndeathwithsnowyflowers,Longhence...butnowtheautumnlowers,Theskybreaksintogustsofrain,Turntheetosleep,thedayisnearlydone.


21/47

ForestofFontainebleau,1918

XIII

Theboyislatetonightbindinghissheaves,ThetwilightoftheseautumneyesFallsearlynowandchill.ThemurkysunhassetAnhouragobehindtheoverhanginghill.GreatpilesoffallenleavesSmoulderineverystreetAndthroughthecolumnedsmokeascarletjetOfflamedartsoutanddisappears.

Theboyleansmotionlessuponhisstaff,WithallthesorrowsofhisfifteenyearsGazingoutofhiseyesintothefall,AmemoryineffableandsweetHalftingedwithvoicelesspassion,halfPlaintivewithsadimaginingsthatdriftLikeechoesoffar-offautumnalbells.Hestartsupwithalaugh,Bindsupthelastgauntsheafandturnsaway;

OutoftheduskaninarticulatecallRingskeenacrossthesolemnBerkshirewoods,Andthentheanswer.ImpotentfarewellsThateagervoicesliftIntothehushoftherecedingday;Fullsoonthesilencesurgesinagain,Peaceful,inevitable,deepasdeath.

Theboyhaslingeredlateinthegreyfields,Knowingthefirststrangehappinessofpain,AndthelowvoicesofOctobermoods.Nowcomesthenight,themeadowyieldsUntotheskyadampandpungentbreath;

ThequietairoftheNewEnglandtownSeemsconfidentthateveryoneishomeSafebyhisfire.ThefrostystarslookdownNear,nearabovethekindfamiliartreesInwhosedrybranchesroamThegentlespiritsofthedarklingbreeze.DeepinitscavernedhearttheforestsingsOfmysteriesunknownandvanishedlore;Oldwisdom;deaddesire;Dreamsofthepast,ofimmemorialsprings....Thewindisrisingcoldfromtheriver:closethedoor.

Tours,1918

XIV

OlovelyshepherdCorydon,howfarThouwanderestfromthineIonianhills;NowthefirststarRainspallidtearswherethelostlandsare,Andtheredsunsetfills


22/47

Theclefthorizonwithaflamingwine.

ThegravesignificanceoffallingleavesSoonshallmakedesolatethysingingheart,Whenthecoldwindgrieves,Andthecolddewsrotthestandingsheaves,--Return,OThouthatartThehopeofspringintheselostlandsofmine.

Chalons-sur-Marne,1917

XV

Olittleshepherdboy,whatsobsarethoseThatshakeyourslendershoulders,whatdespairHasrunherfingersthroughyourrumpledhair,Andlaidyoupronebeneathaweightofwoes?Thetreesuponthehillwillsoonbebare,Ayellowblightisonthegardenclose,Butyou,youneednotmournthevanishedrose,Formanyspringswillfindyoujustasfair.

Weepnotforsummer,sheispastallweeping,

Fearnotthewinter,sheinturnwillpass,Andwiththespringlovewaitsforyou,perchance,When,withthemorn,faintwingsstirfromtheirsleeping,Andthefirstpetalsscatteronthegrass,UndertheorchardsandthevinesofFrance.

Recicourt,1917

XVI

Thedull-eyedgirlinbronzeimploresApolloTowarmthesedyingsatyrsandtoraise

TheirwitheredwreathsthatrotineveryhollowOrsmoulderredlyinthepungenthaze.Theshiningreapers,gonethesemanydays,Havelefttheirfieldsdisconsolateandsear,Likebonysanduncoveredtothegaze,Inthis,theebb-tideoftheyear.

MywisestcomradeturnsintoaswallowAndflashessouthwardasthethicketsblazeInawfulsplendour;I,whocannotfollow,Confronttheskies'unmitigatedgreys.ThecynicfaunwhomIhaveknownbetraysAdangerousmoodatnight,andseemsaustere

Beneaththeautumnnoon'sdistemperedrays,Inthis,theebb-tideoftheyear.

IcequenchesallreflectionintheshallowLagoonwhosetrampledmarginstilldisplaysUpheavalwherethecentaursusedtowallow;Andwheremyfavouriteunicornswouldgraze,AfewwildducksscreamlamentablelaysOfshrillderisiondesperatewithfear,Bleaknoteonnote,phraseondiscordantphrase,


23/47

Inthis,theebb-tideoftheyear.

Poorgirl,howsoonourgardenworlddecays,Ourmetalstarnish,ourlovesdisappear;Dull-eyedwehaunttheseunfrequentedways,Inthis,theebb-tideoftheyear.

Cambridge,1920

XVII

Thewinternightishardasglass;Thefrozenstarshangstillydown;IsitinsidewhilepeoplepassFromthedead-heartedtown.

Thetavernhearthisdeepandwide,Theflamescaressmyglowingskin;Theicicleshangcoldoutside,ButIsitwarmwithin.

ThefacespassinblurringwhiteOutsidethefrostedwindow,lifting

Eyesagainstmycheerfulnight,Fromtheirnightofdreadfuldrifting.

Sharpbreathsblowfastinasmokygale,Ragswanderthroughthedulllamplight;OmyveinsrungoldwithChristmasale,Andthetavernfireisbright.

Themidnightskyisclearasglass,Thestarshangfrozenonthetown,Iwatchthedyingpeoplepass,AndIwrapmewarminmygown.

Brussels,1919

XVIII

Chords,tremendouschords,Overthestrickenplain,ThenightiscallingherancientlordsBacktotheirownagain.

Vast,unhappysong,Fromincalculablespace,Callingtheheavy-browed,thestrong,

Outoftheirresting-place.

Farfromthelightedtown,Overthesnowandice,TheirdreadfulfeetgoupanddownSeekingasacrifice.

AndcanyoufindawayWhereTheywillnotcomeafter?Thevastchordshesitateandsway


24/47

Intoasuddenlaughter.

Sheffield,1917

XIX

Ihaveknownthelureofcitiesandthebrightgleamofgoldenthings,Spires,towers,bridges,rivers,andthecrowdthatflowsasariver,Lightsinthemidnightstreetsundertherain,andthestingsOfjoysthatmakethespiritreelandshiver.

ButIseebleakmoorsandmarshesandsparsegrasses,Andfrozenstalksagainstthesnow;Deadforests,raggedpinesanddarkmorassesUndertheshadowsofthemountainswherenomengo.ThecragsuntenantedandspaciouscryaloudasclearAsthedrearcryofalosteagleoverunchartedlands,Nothoughtthatmanhaseverframedinwordsisspokenhere,Andthelanguageofthewind,nomanunderstands.

Onlythesiftingwindthroughthegrasses,andthehissingsleet,Andtheshadowofthechangelessrocksoverthefrozenwold,Onlythecold,Andthefiercenightstridingdownwithsilentfeet.

Chambery,1918

XX

Wewoveafilletforthyhead,AndfromaflaminglyreStruckasongthatshallnotdie

Untiltheechoingstarsbedead,Untiltheworld'slastwordbesaid,UntilontatteredwingsweflyUpwardandexpire.

AndcalmwithnightthouwatchesttillLongafterwearegone,Notknowinghowweworshippedthee;Serene,unfathomablystill,GazingtothewesternhillWherepalesthemoon'shushedmystery,Whiteinthewhitedawn.

Cambridge,1915

BOOKIIIEROS

I


25/47

Nowthesickearthrevives,andinthesunThewetsoilgivesafragrancetotheair;Thedaysofmanycoloursarebegun,AndearlypromisesofmeadowsfairWithstarrypetals,andoftreesnowbareSoontobelyricwiththetrillingchoir,Andlovelywithnewleaves,spreadeverywhereAsubtleflamethatsetstheheartonfireWiththoughtsofotherspringsanddreamsofnewdesire.

Themindwillneverdwellwithinthepresent,Itweepsforvanishedyearsorhopesfornew;Thismornofwakenedwarmth,socalm,sopleasant,Sogailygemmedwithdiademsofdew,Whenbudsswellonthebough,androbinswooTheirloveswithnotesbell-likeandcrystal-clear,Thespiritstirsfromsleep,yetwonders,too,WhencecomesthehintofsorroworoffearMakingitmoverebelliouswithinitsnarrowsphere.

Thisflashofsun,thisflightofwingsinriot,Thisfestivalofsound,ofsight,ofsmell,Wakesinthespiritaprofounddisquiet,

Andgreetingseemstheforewordoffarewell.Buddinglikealltheworld,thesoulwouldswellOutofitswitheringmortality;Flowerimmortal,burstfromitsheavyshell,Flyfarwithlovebeyondtheworldandsea,Outofthegraspofchange,fromtimeandtwilightfree.

Couldtheunknowinggods,wakedincompassion,Eternalizethesplendourofthishour,Andfromtheworld'sfrailgarlandsstronglyfashionAnagelessParadise,celestialbower,Whereourlong-sunderedsoulscouldriseinpowerTothecompletefulfilmentoftheirdream,

AndneverknowagainthatyearsdevourPetalsandlight,bird-noteandwoodlandtheme,Andfloodsofyoungdesire,brightasasilverstream,

Shouldwebehappy,thouandItogether,Lyinginloveeternallyinspring,Watchingthebudsunfoldthatshallnotwither,Hearingthebirdscallingandanswering,

Whentheleavesstirandallthemeadowsring?Smellingtherichearthsteaminginthesun,FeelingbetweencaressesthelightwingOfthewindwhosegraciousflightisneverdone,--

Shouldwebehappythen?happy,elusiveOne?

Butno,hereinthisfragilefleshabidesThesecretofameasurelessdelight,HiddenindyingbeautythereresidesSomethingundying,somethingthattakesitsflightWhenthedustturnstodust,anddaytonight,Andspringtofall,whosejoysinloveredeemEternally,life'schangesanddeath'sblight,Evenasthesepale,tenderpetalsseem


26/47

Aglimpseofinfinitebeauty,flashedinapassingdream.

Cambridge,1916

II

TheheavybeeburdenedthegoldencloverDroningawaytheafternoonofsummer,DeepintheripplinggrassIcalledtoyouUnderthesky'sblueflame.Thenwhenthedaywasover,Whenpetalsfellfreshwiththefallingdew,Steppedfromtheduskaradiantnewcomer,Fledbythewatersofthesleepingriver,Swifttothearmsofyourimpatientlover,Gladlyyoucame.Andthelongwindinthecedarswillsingofthisforever.

ThinrainofthesaddestofSeptembersBentthetallgrassesoftheslopingmeadows,Butspringwaswithmeinyourslenderform,Andthefrailjoyofspring.Althoughthechillyembers

OfsummervanishedintothegatheringstormAndthewindclungtotheoverhangingshadows,Fairseemedthespirit'sdesperateendeavour,(Andevenfairtothespiritthatremembers)Joyonthewing!Andthelongwindinthecedarswillsingofthisforever.

Years,andinslowlugubrioussuccessionDropfromthetreestheleaves'firstyellowedleaders,Autumnisintheairandinthepast,Desolate,utterly.Sunlightandcloudsinhesitantprocession,Laughterandtears,andwinteratthelast.

Thereisabattle-musicinthecedars,Highonthehillsoflifethegrassesshiver.Hail,deadrealityandlivingvision,Thricehailinmemory.Andthelongwindinthecedarswillsingofthisforever.

Tours,1918

III

Ofdaysandnightsunderthelivingvine,Memorysingingfromatreehasgiven

Theplanofmyburiedheaven,ThatImaydigthereinasinamine.

DidIcallyou,littleVigilantOne,underthewaningsun?Didyoucomebarefootedthroughthedew,Throughthefinedew-drenchedgrasswhenthecoloursfadedOutofthesky?Whoisthatshadowholdingoveryouaveiloftempestwoven,Shadedwithstreaksofcloudandlightningontheedges?Leannearer,Ifearhim,andthesigh


27/47

Oftherisingwindworriesthesedges,AndthecryOfawhite,long-leggedbirdfromthemarshCutsthroughthetwilightwithathreatofnight.TherecedingvoiceisharshAndechoesinmyspirit.Hark,doyouhearitwailingagainstthehollowrocksofthehill,Asittakesitslonelyoutgoingtowardsthesea?Leannearerstill.Yoursilenceisanecstasyofspeech,YouaretheonlywhiteUnconqueredbytheoverwhelmingfrown.Whostandsbehindyousoimpassively?Bidhimbegone,orletmereachAndtearawayhisveil.Butheisgone.Whowashe?surelynocomradeofthedawn,Noloverfromanearthlytown,WashethenLove?orDeath?...butheisgone.

Come,Iwilltakeyourhand,--thislittlegladeOfstuntedtrees,--doyourememberthat?YoudroppedthePersianvasehereonthisstone,Andthewhitegrapewasspilled;Andthenyoucried,halfangry,halfafraid;

YonderwesatAndcarefullytookthepiecesonebyone,Andtriedtomakethemfit.IbroughtanothervesselfilledWithadeeperwine,andthereonthatdarkbank,Whenthefirststarsteppedfromimmensity,Welayanddrank....Doyourememberit?

Whiteflameyouburnedagainstthestargreygrass.DrinkdeepandpassTheinsufficientcuptome.

Paris,1919

IV

Youseektohurtme,foolishchild,andwhy?HowcunninglyyoutryThekeenedgeofyourwordsagainstme,yea,Thedeathyouwouldnotdareinflictonme,YetwouldyouwelcomeifittorethedayInwhichIpleasurefrommysight.YouwouldbehappyifthatsombrenightRavishedmeintodarknesswherethereare

Noflowersandnocoloursandnolight,Noranyjoy,noryou,Omorningstar.

WhathaveIdonetohurtyou?YouhavegivenWhatIhavegiven,andbothofushavetakenBravelyandbeautifullywithoutregret.WhenhaveIsinnedagainstyou?orforsakenOursecretvow?ThinkyouthatIforgetOnesyllableofallyourloveliness?Whatisthiscrimethatshallnotbeforgiven?


28/47

Springpasses,thepalebudsuponthepondShrinkunderwaterfrommylonelyoars,Thefernissquanderingitsfinalfrond,Andgypsysmokedriftsgreyfromdistantshores.

Osoonenoughtheendofloveandsong,Andsoonenoughtheultimatefarewell;Blazonourliveswithonelastmiracle,--Wehavenotlong.

Genoa,1918

V

BytheseshallyourememberThesyllablesofme;ThegrassincushionedclumpsaroundTherootofcedartree.

TheblueandgreendesignOfskyandbuddingleaves,Thejoyoussongthatinthesun

Agoldenladderweaves.

WhensoiliswetandwarmAndsmellsofthenewrain,WhenfrogsaccosttheeveningWiththeirrecurrentstrain,

Thendamnmeifyoudare.Iknowhowyouwillcall,ButthistimeIwilllaughandrun,Norlookatyouatall.

Or,ifyouwill,gowalking

Withimmortality,ButnevershallyouonceforgetThesyllablesofme.

Paris,1919

VI

TwoblackdeerupriseInghostlysilhouetteAgainstthefrozenskies,Againstthesnowymeadow;

ThemoonlightweavesanetOfsilverandofshadow.Theskyiscoldaboveme,TheicyroadbelowLeadsmefromyouwholoveme,Tounknowndestinies.Wasthatyourwhistle?--No,Thewindamongthetrees.

Sheffield,1917


29/47

VII

WhenintheultimateembraceOurblowndustminglesinthewind,AndotherswanderintheplaceWherewemademerry;WheninthedanceofspringwespendOurashenpowerswiththegale,Whatwillthesetearsandjoysavail,Thewingedkiss,thelaughingface,Wherewemakemerry?SavethatwitheverlastinggraceThysoulshalllingerinthisplace,Andhauntwithmusic,orelsebeAlyricinthememory.

Boston,1915

VIII

Tonightitseemstobethesame

AswhenwetwowouldsitWithstrugglingbreathbesidetheriver.HowslowlythemooncameAbovethehill;howwetWithshakingsilvershearoseAbovethehill.NowinthesultrygardencloseIhearthekatydidStrumminghisfoolishmandolin.Thewindislyingstill,AndsuddenlyamidThetremblingboughsthemoonexpandsintoascarletflame.

Whatcharmcanbidthemindforget,Andsleepinpeaceforever,Beyondtheghostsofancientsin,Lostlaughter,barrentears.

Andyou,mydear,havesleptfourthousandyears,BeneaththePyramid.

Brussels,1918

IX

IfyoushouldcometonightAndsay,"Icouldnotgo,andleaveYouherealoneinpain,"HowshouldItakedelightInthatordarebelieve,LestIdeceivemyselfwithdreamsagain?...Ifyoushouldcometonight.

Cambridge,1916


30/47

X

Youareveryfarto-night;SofarthatmybeseechinghandsClasponthebrightMetalliclockofsomeforbiddenportal,Whereyoualonemayenterin;AndmylonggazeBlursinamemoryofotherlands,Andothertimes.Youstandimmortal.YouhavefoughtclearbeyondthesenightsanddaysWhoserustychimesShakethefrail,fadedtapestriesofsin.Youstandimmortal,Intensewithpeace,immaculateasstone,Raisingwhitearmsofpraise,Farfromthisnight,triumphantlyalone.

Cambridge,1917

XI

OlonelystarmovinginstillabodesWherefearandstrifelieindolentlyfurled,YoucannotheartherushingautumnhurledAgainstthesewanderersbentwithfutileloads.OurbrokendreamslikewitheredleavesareswirledWherewind-dashedlanternsfailupontheroads,AndallourtragicgesturedepisodesEndinforgottengraveyardsoftheworld.

Butinthosetwilightswhereyouspreadyourfires,Tempestandclarionareheardnomore;Autumnnosorrow,springnohopeinspires,

NorcanthedistantclosingofadoorAffrightthesoultodarkimaginingBeneathdefloweredboughswherenobirdssing.

Pomfret,1919

XII

Achalicesingingdeepwithwine,Sethighamongthestarrygroves,WelcomeseverymantodineWithhisoldfamiliarloves.

Sheffield,1917

BOOKIVTHEGARDENOFEPICURUS


31/47

I

AsdreamersthroughtheirdreamssurmiseThestealthypassageofthenight,Wehalf-remembersmokyskiesAndcitystreetsandhurryingflight,AnotherworldfromthisclearheightWhereonourstarryaltarsrise.

BeneathourtoweringwasteofstoneThefragileshipscreeptoandfro,Bytempestrivenandoverthrown,ThetoysofthesesametidesthatflowAgainstourpillarsfarbelowWithfaint,insistentmonotone.

ThesnarlingwindsagainstourrocksHurlbreakersinafleecymass,LikewolvesthatchasestampedingflocksOverthebrinkofacrevasse,WhilethundersdowntheAlpinepassThedelugeoftheequinox.

Lostinthatstormyatmosphere,

Mencharttheirseasandtrudgetheirroads;Inviolate,wescorntohearTheirshoutedwarningthatforebodes

AnendtothesefairepisodesOflifebeneathourtranquilsky;Havingsoughtonlypeace,thenwhyShouldwegodowntodeathwithfear?

Pomfret,1920

II

ThethinkerslighttheirlampsinrowsFromstreettostreet,andthenThenightcreepsupbehind,andblowsThemquicklyoutagain.

WhileAgelimpsgropingtowardhishome,HearingthefeetofyouthFromdarktodarkthatsadlyroamThesuburbsoftheTruth.

Paris,1919

III

Ipassmydaysinghostlypresences,Andwhenthewindatnightismute,FardownthevalleyIcanhearafluteAndastrangevoice,notknowingwhatitsays.

Andsometimesintheinterimofdays,Ihearafountaininobscureabodes,


32/47

Singingwithnonebutmetohear,thelaysThatwoulddopleasuretotheearsofgods.

Andfacespass,buthaplytheyaredreams,DreamsofamindsetfreethatgildsThesolitudewithawfullightandbuildsTemplesandlovers,goblinsandtriremes.

Givemeachairandliberatethesun,Andglancingmotestotwinkledownitsbars,ThatImaysitaboveoblivion,Andweavemyselfauniverseofstars.

Rome,1918

IV

EachmotethatstaggersdownthesunRepeatsanancientmonotoneThatmindsmeofthetimewhenIPutoutthecandlesonebyone,

Andleftnosplendourontheface

OfHimwhofoundHisresting-placeUpontheCross;andthenIwentOutonthedesert'semptyspace,

AndheardthewindinmonotoneBlowgrainsofsandagainstastone,UntilIsangaloud,tobreakThefearofwanderingalone.

Thereisnofearleftinmysoul,Butwhen,to-day,anaureoleOfsunlightgatheredonyourhair,Andwinkingmotesfledhereandthere,

Likenotesofmusicintheair,SuddenlyIfeltthewindWakeonthedesertasIstoleOutofthatdesecratedshrine,AndthenIwonderedifyousinnedAspartofme,orifthewholeDarksacrilegeweremine.

Cambridge,1917

V

Heisapriest;Hefeedsthedead;Hesingsthefeast;Heveilshishead;ThewordsaredreadInmorningmist,ButthewineisredIntheEucharist.

Redastheeast


33/47

WithsunlightspreadLikeableedingbeastOnapurplebed.OSomeonefledFromanApriltryst,WereyourlipsfedIntheEucharist?

I,atleast,WhenthevoiceofleadSankdownandceased,Knewthethingshesaid.Thatthegodwhobled,Andthegodwekissed,ShallneverwedIntheEucharist.

Spring,givethebreadWesoughtandmissed,AndwineunshedIntheEucharist.

Paris,1919

VI

Throughhissingsnow,throughrain,throughmanyhundredMays,ContortedinPrometheanjest,thegargoylessit,Andwatchthecrowdspursuethechartedways,Whosesourceisbirth,whoseendtheyonlyknow.Charmsborrowedfromtheloveliestofhells,Andfromtheearth,arhapsodyofwit,TheyhearthesacramentalbellsChimethroughthetowers,andtheysmile.Smileontheinsectsinthesquarebelow,Smileonthestarsthatkisstheinfinite,

And,whenthecloudshanglow,theygailyspoutGreywaterontheheadsofthedevoutThatgather,whispering,inthesabbathstreet.Ogargoyles!wasthevinegarandbileSobitter?Wastheeucharistsosweet?

Paris,1919

VII

Godsdineonprayerandsacredsong,Andgotosleepbetween;

Thegodshaveslumberedlong;Thegodsaregettinglean.

Sheffield,1917

VIII

AsmilewillturnawaygreeneyesThatlaughtercouldnottouch,


34/47

Thedangersofthosesubtleties,Thestealthy,cleverhand,ShouldnotaffrightyouovermuchIfyoubutunderstandHowJudas,cladinOxfordgrey,--CouldwalkabroadonEasterDay.

Paris,1919

IX

TwoKingstherewere,oneGood,oneBad;Thefirstwasmournfulnessitself,Thesecond,happyasalad,--Andbotharedustuponashelf.

Sheffield,1917

X

IseethatHermesunawares,Haslefthisfootprintsonthepath;

Seehere,hefell,andinhiswrathHepulledoutseveralgoldenhairsAgainstthebrambles.Guardthemwell,Thehairsofgodsarevaluable.

Paris,1919

XI

Semiramis,thewhoreofBabylon,Bademegowalkingwithher.Iobeyed.Philosophy,Ithought,isnotafraid

Ofanywomanunderneaththesun.Farupthehillssheledme,whereoneledgeThrustoutaslenderfingertothesky,Dizzyandswayingasaneagle'scry;Semiramissteppedtothefarthestedge.

Andthereshedanced,whirlinguponhertoes,Thetriumphofaflamewasinherface,Fasterandfasterasthemadwindblows,Shewhirled,andslipped,anddasheddownintospace....NextdayIsawhersmilinginthesun,Semiramis,theQueenofBabylon.

Paris,1919

XII

Bringhemlock,blackasCretancheese,Andmixasacramentalbrew;AworthydrinkforSocrates,Whynotforyou?


35/47

Sheffield,1917

XIII

Walkingthroughthetownlastnight,Ilearnedtheloreofsecondsight,Andsawthroughallthosesolidwalls,Imbecileandtroglodyte.

TheviciousapesofeithersexGrinnedandmouthedandstretchedtheirnecks,Theirlittlelustsskippedbackandforth,Notveryprettyorcomplex.

Eachhasfivesenses;everysenseIslikeafalsegateinafence,Theythinkthegatesarebonafide,Suchistheironlyinnocence.

AndthinkthemselvesextremelywiseWhenanysenserecordsitslies,Theymumblewhattheyfeelorhear,UnmindfulstillofParadise.

WhenIwalkedthroughthetownlastnightInvaintheydrewtheircurtainstight,ThroughwallsofbrickIplainlysawTheimbecile,thetroglodyte.

Paris,1919

XIV

ThechangeofmanytideshasswungtheflowOfthosegreenweedsthatclinglikefilthyfur

UponthetimbersofthisvoyagerThatsankintheclearwaterlongago.Whencedidshesail?thesandsofagesblurTheanswertothesecret,andasthoughTheymockedandknew,sleekfishes,toandfro,Trailtheirgreycarrionshadowsoverher.Cofferofalllifegivesandhidesaway,ItmattersnotifLondonorifTyreSpedyoutoseaonsomeremoterday;BeneathyourdecksimmutabledesireAndhopeandhateandenvystillconspire,Whileallthegapingfacesnodandsway.

Brussels,1919

XV

PierodiCosimo,Yourunicornsandafterglow,Yourblackleavescutagainstthesky,Blackcrosseswheretheyounggodsdie,Blackhorizonswherethesea


36/47

Andcloudscontendperpetually,Andhanginglow,Themenaceofthenight:--

Theycalledyoumadman.Weretheyright,PierodiCosimo?

Pomfret,1919

XVI

Iwouldknowwhatcannotbeknown;Iwouldreachbeyondmysphere,Andquestionthestarsintheircourses,Andthedeadofmanyayear.IwouldtametheinfiniteforcesThatbendmedownlikethegrain,PeacewouldIgivetothefieldswheretheyoungmendied,Peacetotheseawheretheshipsofbattleride,Andlightagaintotheeyesofthebeautifulslain.

ThiswouldIdo,buttodayagainstthesky,TheywhowerebuildingacrossgrinnedasIpassedthemby.

Pomfret,1919

XVII

Theyellowbirdissingingbythepond,Andallabouthimstarshaveburstinbloom,Acolonnadestandspallidlybeyond,Andbeneaththatasolitarytomb.WholieswithinthattombIdonotknow,TheyellowbirdintoneshisthrenodyInnotesascolourlessasdrivensnow,

Clashingwiththegreenhushandoutofkey.

Ocease,yourendlesssongisoutoftune,Wherealltheseoldforgottenthingsaresleeping,--Givebacktosilence'seternalkeepingThewindlesspond,thehangingcolonnade,Lestinthewaneofthelongafternoon,TheDeadawake,unhappyandafraid.

Bordeaux,1917

BOOKVSONNETS

I

Lovedwelledwithmewithmusiconherlips;Beautyhasquickenedmetopassion;prayerHascriedfrommebeforeIwasaware


37/47

Whengriefwasscourgingmewithscarletwhips.Thegodsgavemetofolliesfalseandfair;Mademetheobjectofimmortalquips,ButIamrecompensedwithcomradeshipsThatgodsthemselveswouldbecontenttoshare.

Thetimeofplayhasbeen,ofwisdom,is;Yetwhocansaywhichisthetrulywise?EnoughthatIhavestayedLovewithakiss,ThatBeautyhasfoundwelcomeinmyeyes;Thoughthelongpoplarpathleadsdarkbefore,Uptothewhiteinevitabledoor.

II

InvokingnottheworshipofthecrowdAsHadriandivulgedAntinousWouldIdenoteThysanctity,notthusShouldLove'sdeeplitanybecriedaloud.ThereisamountainsetapartforusWhereIhavehidThysoulasinacloud,AndthereIdedicateasIhavevowedMysecretvoice,--allelsewereimpious.

Remoteandundiscovered,restsecureWhereIhavesetTheeup,thatImaykeepMyfaithofGod-in-Theeunblentandpure;ThatImaybeatonewithTheeinsleep;Thatwakingasamortal,ImayleapIntoimmortaldreamswhereloveissure.

III

AndyetthinknotthatIdesiretosealYourearthlybeautyfromtheeyesofpraise,

TheSoulIworshiphathitsholy-days,ButbeingGodismanifestlyreal.Thefleshresplendentinalover'sgazeHathtooitstriumph;thedivineidealIsdualandcanwonderfullyrevealItselfindustenrichedbysubtleways.

Youarenoshadow,forinyoucombineEarth-musicandaspirit'ssanctity,Andbothareexquisite,andbotharemine...ForholiermenaBeatrice,formeThejoyoussenseofyourreality,Nothalfsosaintly,--butfarmoredivine.

IV

WiththeyounggodwhooutofdeathcreatesTheflameoflifemademanifestinspring,Letusgoforthatday'sawakening,Thefirsttoopenwidethegardengates.Andrestingwheretheblowingseasonssing,Awaitthevoiceofgodwhoconsecrates


38/47

ThepallidhandsoftheautumnalfatesThatbeckonfromthedusk,dream-harvesting.

Whencomesthegreygod,eagertodestroyOurgarneredhoardofwisdomandofjoy,Fearnotthatphantom,desolateandstark,Fortheyounggod,theall-creatingboy,Willcomeandfindussleepinginthedark,Andfromtwodeaths,bringforthlife'ssinglespark.

V

Oitwasgay!thewildernesswasfloral,Theseaabathofwinetothelaughingswimmer;Dawnwasaflamingfan;duskwasaglimmerLikeunderseawhereslydreamshauntthecoral.ThegardensangoffamewhenthegoldenshimmerOfsunglowedontheproudleavesofthelaurel,--Buttimeandlovefoughtouttheirancientquarrel;Thesongsarefainternow;thelightsaredimmer.

Foritisover,over,andthespringIsnotquitespringtoyouwhositalone;

Aparadiseentirehastakenwing;LoveandhermerrycompanyaregoneThewayofalldelightandlyricmeasures,Andthelonemisermournshisvanishedtreasures.

VI

Thesnowisthawingonthehangingeaves,Thebudsunrolluponthebaskinglimb,AndhiddenbirdsarepractisingahymnTosingwhenpetalsfallamongtheleaves.Andyetinlifethereisaninterim

SodullthatstagnantlonelinessbereavesBeautyoftenderness,andhopedeceivesUntiltheeyesgrowscepticalanddim.

IknowIhavenorighttosolitudeWheneveryfriendlygroveisloudwithcallsFrombirdtomatingbird,andallthewoodIsthrobbingwiththevoiceofwaterfalls,ButmerrysongandliquidinterludeRinginmyheartlikemirthinemptyhalls.

VII

Soendsthedaywithbeautyinthewest,Bendinginholypeaceabovetheland;Itisnotneedfulthatweunderstand;Oblivionisours,andthatisbest.OblivionofbattlesthatcommandOurwanreluctance,andastarlessrestBorneonintidelesstwilight,whereallquestEndsinthepressureofaquiethand.


39/47

ThereisnomorrowtothisfinaldreamThatpaintsthepastsowonderfullyfair;NorisingsunshalldesecratethatgleamOffragilecolourhangingontheair.EnshrinedinsunsetareallthingsthatseemHappyandbeautiful;andThouartthere.

VIII

AcrosstheeveningcalmIfaintlyhearThemelodyyouloved;aviolinSingsthroughthelisteningair,far-offandthin,Theinfinitemusicofourhappyyear.Thesoul'sdimgatesarebrokentoletinThatgushofmemories,andyouarenear,PoisedontheshadowythresholdwhenceappearTheprospectsofthedreamswestrovetowin.

Risewistfully,andfallaway,andpass,Frailmusicofimpossibledelight,Stealintosilenceoverthedarkgrass,Dreamsoftheinnercavernsofthenight.Strangethatinthosefewhesitatingbars

Arelifeanddeath,theorbitsofthestars.

IX

Calmerthanmirroredwatersafterrain,Calmerthanalltheswayingtidesofsleep,ProfounderthanthestonyeyesthatkeepAfternoonvigilontheruinedplain;Sodrifttheyby,thecloudyformsthatcreepInstealthywhitenessthroughthewindlessgrain;Thetwilightebbs,andwashedinthelongrain,Iamtheirshepherd,pasturingmysheep.

Theycannotchange;theycanbutwanderhere;Thatistheirdestinyandalsomine;ThefuelthatIwas,theflamestheywere,Arevanisheddownthelosthorizonline.Likewisethestarshavedied;thesilencehearsOnlythefootfallofthepasturedyears.

X

IstoodlikesomewornimagecarvedofstoneAmidthethoughtfulsandsofeventide;

Whenrollingbackthegrey,thereopenedwideTheunsuspectedgatesoftheUnknown.LonghoursIstood,amazedanddeified,Besidethatsingingshore;thatshiningzone,MyselflikeGod,triumphantlyalone,"Andisthisthentheshoreofdeath?"Icried.

Awindblewdownfromthetremendoussky,Fraughtwithawhisperfainterthanabreath,Fanningmyspiritwithexaltedwonder;


40/47

Butthegreatdoorsswungtowithrumblingthunder;Onemorethewingedfaithhadpassedmeby,Likeuntomelody,likeuntodeath.

XI

Throughthedeepnighttheleavesspeak,treetotree.Wherearethestars?thefranticcloudsridehigh,Theswellinggustsofwindblowdownthesky,Shakingthethoughtsfromtheleaves,garrulously.Throughthedeepnight,articulatetome,Theyquestionyouruntimelypassing-by;Yourspringisstillinflower,mustyouflyWindsweptsosoondownlanesofmemory?

Throughthedeepnightthetreesrecountthepast,Theloversthathavelongagogonehence,Andwhomyoujoinederelovehadreachedherprime.Chillwithanearlyautumn'simmanence,Throughthedarknightplungesthesuddenblast,Sweepingtheyoungleavesdownbeforetheirtime.

XII

Iwalkedthehollowpavementsofthetown,Lostinthevastentiretyofnight,Themoonwascankeredwithagreyishblight,Andhalfherfacewasgatheredinafrown.Ahoodedwatchmanpassedme,andhisgownWasdyedsoblackitmadethedarknesswhite,Heturneduponmyfacehiscuriouslight,Andwhisperedashewanderedupanddown.

Thentherewerecurlinglanesandthenahill,AndsentrystarsthatguardtheAbsolute,

Andspectralfeetthatfollowedme,untilThevapoursrose,andsomewhereinthemuteAndhesitatingdawn,asingleflutePipedonceagainthegrey,andthenwasstill.

XIII

IntirelessmarchImovefromspheretosphere.Iturnnotbacknorpause;myfeetaredrawnByshiningpower.Mastersoulorpawn,IknownotwhichIam;IonlyhearThefaintinsistentworldvoicemurmuringon

Itspivotinanotheratmosphere;Allelseissilence,thepervadingyearBlowswanlythroughmysensesandisgone.

OYouwhometmeonthesunnylawnOfyesteryear,tobemytruecompanion,AndbademeleadyouwithmefromthedawnIntotheshadesofmypredestinedcanon,HowisitthatIfindmyselfaloneHereinthisdesolateandstarryzone?


41/47

XIV

Awhileyousharedmypathandsolitude,Awhileyouatethebreadofloneliness,AndsatisfiedyourselfwithacaressOrwithacarelessoverflowofmood.Andthenyouleftmesuddenly,topressIntotheworldagain,andseekyourfoodAmongthemortalswhomyouunderstood,Insteadoflearninginthewilderness.

Nowyoureturntowhereyoufledfromme,Andfindmegone.Youcallmefromafar,Andcallinvain;IcannotturntoseeYouloveliness,belovedasyouare.InexorablyImovefromspheretosphere,Norwaitforanysoul,howeverdear.

XV

Thereisavoidthatreasoncannotface,

Norwisdomcomprehend,norsweatingwillDiminish,northerainofAprilfill,AndIamwearyofthiswangrimace.BeholdItouchthegarmentsofallillAnddonotwashmyhands;adustyplaceUnprobedbylightbecomesaloudmillraceThatswirlstogetherstrawanddaffodil.

ItisuntruethatvigilcannottraceTheorbitswhichuponourbirthsdistilThefiltereddewoffate;IsawthehillThatImustclimb,andgaugedtheupwardpace;Andnowuponthenight'swornwindowsill,

Iwaitandsmile.Hail,Judas,fullofgrace.

XVI

ThemirrorsofallagesaretheeyesOfsomerememberinggod,whereinaresealedThebeautiesoftheworld,theAprilfield,Youngfaces,blowinghair,andautumnskies.Themirrorsoftheworldshallbreak,andyieldTolifeagainwhatneverreallydies;Theformsandcoloursofearth'spageantries,Unwitheredandundimmed,shallberevealed.

AndinthatmomentsilenceshallunfoldForgottensongsthatshehasheldinterred,Theoceanrisingontheshoresofgold,Fleckedwithwhitelaughterandlove'slyricword;Allhappymusicthattheworldhasheard;Allbeautythateternaleyesbehold.

XVII


42/47

Wesatinsilencetillthetwilightfell,AndthenbeyondthevagueandpurplearcWhereskyandoceanmerge,asummons."Hark!Clearnoteslikewaterfallinginawell,Canyounothear?""No,butasuddendarkSeemstoenfoldme,lonelyandterrible."Outofthesunset,ablackcaravelDrewnear,andthenIknewIshouldembark.

Isawittackagainstthefadingskies,Ihearditskeelslidecrunchingupthesand,Thenturned,andread,deepintheother'seyes,Thepainofonewhocannotunderstand.Duskdeepenedovertheinsurgingseas,Andloosesailscrackledintherisingbreeze.

XVIII

Heclungtome,hisyoungfacedarkwithwoe,AndasthemournfulmusicofthetideMonotonouslysang,hestoodandcried,Asilhouetteagainsttheafterglow.

Isaid,"Theboathasspreadherpinionswide;Thestarsandwindcomeforthtogether.GoBacktoourivy-hauntedportico,Andplacemyseatasalwaysatyourside."

AndsoIsteppedaboardandlefthimthere.Farewell;therhythmicsomnolenceofoars;Star-mistyvastness;swiftlymovingair;Thendistantlightsonundiscoveredshores.ThisIremember,standingbythesea,Butwherewasthatdarkland,andwhowerewe?

***ENDOFTHEPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOK,THEFIVEBOOKSOFYOUTH***

Thisfileshouldbenamedtfboo10.txtortfboo10.zipCorrectedEDITIONSofoureBooksgetanewNUMBER,tfboo11.txtVERSIONSbasedonseparatesourcesgetnewLETTER,tfboo10a.txt

ProjectGutenbergeBooksareoftencreatedfromseveralprintededitions,allofwhichareconfirmedasPublicDomainintheUSunlessacopyrightnoticeisincluded.Thus,weusuallydonotkeepeBooksincompliancewithanyparticularpaperedition.

WearenowtryingtoreleasealloureBooksoneyearinadvanceoftheofficialreleasedates,leavingtimeforbetterediting.Pleasebeencouragedtotellusaboutanyerrororcorrections,evenyearsaftertheofficialpublicationdate.

Pleasenoteneitherthislistingnoritscontentsarefinaltilmidnightofthelastdayofthemonthofanysuchannouncement.TheofficialreleasedateofallProjectGutenbergeBooksisatMidnight,CentralTime,ofthelastdayofthestatedmonth.Apreliminaryversionmayoftenbepostedforsuggestion,comment


43/47

andeditingbythosewhowishtodoso.

MostpeoplestartatourWebsitesat:http://gutenberg.netorhttp://promo.net/pg

TheseWebsitesincludeaward-winninginformationaboutProjectGutenberg,includinghowtodonate,howtohelpproduceourneweBooks,andhowtosubscribetoouremailnewsletter(free!).

ThoseofyouwhowanttodownloadanyeBookbeforeannouncementcangettothemasfollows,andjustdownloadbydate.Thisisalsoagoodwaytogettheminstantlyuponannouncement,astheindexesourcataloguersproduceobviouslytakeawhileafteranannouncementgoesoutintheProjectGutenbergNewsletter.

http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext04orftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/docs/books/gutenberg/etext04

Or/etext03,02,01,00,99,98,97,96,95,94,93,92,92,91or90

Justsearchbythefirstfivelettersofthefilenameyouwant,asitappearsinourNewsletters.

InformationaboutProjectGutenberg(onepage)

Weproduceabouttwomilliondollarsforeachhourwework.Thetimeittakesus,aratherconservativeestimate,isfiftyhourstogetanyeBookselected,entered,proofread,edited,copyrightsearchedandanalyzed,thecopyrightletterswritten,etc.Ourprojectedaudienceisonehundredmillionreaders.Ifthevaluepertextisnominallyestimatedatonedollarthenweproduce$2milliondollarsperhourin2002aswereleaseover100newtextfilespermonth:1240moreeBooksin2001foratotalof4000+Wearealreadyonourwaytotryingfor2000moreeBooksin2002

Iftheyreachjust1-2%oftheworld'spopulationthenthetotalwillreachoverhalfatrillioneBooksgivenawaybyyear'send.

TheGoalofProjectGutenbergistoGiveAway1TrillioneBooks!Thisistenthousandtitleseachtoonehundredmillionreaders,whichisonlyabout4%ofthepresentnumberofcomputerusers.

Hereisthebriefestrecordofourprogress(*meansestimated):

eBooksYearMonth

11971July101991January

1001994January10001997August15001998October20001999December25002000December30002001November40002001October/November60002002December*90002003November*100002004January*


44/47

TheProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundationhasbeencreatedtosecureafutureforProjectGutenbergintothenextmillennium.

Weneedyourdonationsmorethanever!

AsofFebruary,2002,contributionsarebeingsolicitedfrompeopleandorganizationsin:Alabama,Alaska,Arkansas,Connecticut,Delaware,DistrictofColumbia,Florida,Georgia,Hawaii,Illinois,Indiana,Iowa,Kansas,Kentucky,Louisiana,Maine,Massachusetts,Michigan,Mississippi,Missouri,Montana,Nebraska,Nevada,NewHampshire,NewJersey,NewMexico,NewYork,NorthCarolina,Ohio,Oklahoma,Oregon,Pennsylvania,RhodeIsland,SouthCarolina,SouthDakota,Tennessee,Texas,Utah,Vermont,Virginia,Washington,WestVirginia,Wisconsin,andWyoming.

Wehavefiledinall50statesnow,butthesearetheonlyonesthathaveresponded.

Astherequirementsforotherstatesaremet,additionstothislistwillbemadeandfundraisingwillbeginintheadditionalstates.Pleasefeelfreetoasktocheckthestatusofyourstate.

Inanswertovariousquestionswehavereceivedonthis:

Weareconstantlyworkingonfinishingthepaperworktolegallyrequestdonationsinall50states.Ifyourstateisnotlistedandyouwouldliketoknowifwehaveaddeditsincethelistyouhave,justask.

Whilewecannotsolicitdonationsfrompeopleinstateswherewearenotyetregistered,weknowofnoprohibitionagainstacceptingdonationsfromdonorsinthesestateswhoapproachuswithanoffertodonate.

Internationaldonationsareaccepted,butwedon'tknowANYTHINGabout

howtomakethemtax-deductible,oreveniftheyCANbemadedeductible,anddon'thavethestafftohandleitevenifthereareways.

Donationsbycheckormoneyordermaybesentto:

ProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundationPMB1131739UniversityAve.Oxford,MS38655-4109

Contactusifyouwanttoarrangeforawiretransferorpaymentmethodotherthanbycheckormoneyorder.

TheProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundationhasbeenapprovedbytheUSInternalRevenueServiceasa501(c)(3)organizationwithEIN[EmployeeIdentificationNumber]64-622154.Donationsaretax-deductibletothemaximumextentpermittedbylaw.Asfund-raisingrequirementsforotherstatesaremet,additionstothislistwillbemadeandfund-raisingwillbeginintheadditionalstates.

Weneedyourdonationsmorethanever!


45/47

Youcangetuptodatedonationinformationonlineat:

http://www.gutenberg.net/donation.html

***

Ifyoucan'treachProjectGutenberg,youcanalwaysemaildirectlyto:

MichaelS.Hart

Prof.Hartwillanswerorforwardyourmessage.

Wewouldprefertosendyouinformationbyemail.

**TheLegalSmallPrint**

(ThreePages)

***START**THESMALLPRINT!**FORPUBLICDOMAINEBOOKS**START***Whyisthis"SmallPrint!"statementhere?Youknow:lawyers.

TheytellusyoumightsueusifthereissomethingwrongwithyourcopyofthiseBook,evenifyougotitforfreefromsomeoneotherthanus,andevenifwhat'swrongisnotourfault.So,amongotherthings,this"SmallPrint!"statementdisclaimsmostofourliabilitytoyou.ItalsotellsyouhowyoumaydistributecopiesofthiseBookifyouwantto.

*BEFORE!*YOUUSEORREADTHISEBOOKByusingorreadinganypartofthisPROJECTGUTENBERG-tmeBook,youindicatethatyouunderstand,agreetoandacceptthis"SmallPrint!"statement.Ifyoudonot,youcanreceivearefundofthemoney(ifany)youpaidforthiseBookbysendingarequestwithin30daysofreceivingittotheperson

yougotitfrom.IfyoureceivedthiseBookonaphysicalmedium(suchasadisk),youmustreturnitwithyourrequest.

ABOUTPROJECTGUTENBERG-TMEBOOKSThisPROJECTGUTENBERG-tmeBook,likemostPROJECTGUTENBERG-tmeBooks,isa"publicdomain"workdistributedbyProfessorMichaelS.HartthroughtheProjectGutenbergAssociation(the"Project").Amongotherthings,thismeansthatnooneownsaUnitedStatescopyrightonorforthiswork,sotheProject(andyou!)cancopyanddistributeitintheUnitedStateswithoutpermissionandwithoutpayingcopyrightroyalties.Specialrules,setforthbelow,applyifyouwishtocopyanddistributethiseBookunderthe"PROJECTGUTENBERG"trademark.

Pleasedonotusethe"PROJECTGUTENBERG"trademarktomarketanycommercialproductswithoutpermission.

TocreatetheseeBooks,theProjectexpendsconsiderableeffortstoidentify,transcribeandproofreadpublicdomainworks.Despitetheseefforts,theProject'seBooksandanymediumtheymaybeonmaycontain"Defects".Amongotherthings,Defectsmaytaketheformofincomplete,inaccurateorcorruptdata,transcriptionerrors,acopyrightorother


46/47

intellectualpropertyinfringement,adefectiveordamageddiskorothereBookmedium,acomputervirus,orcomputercodesthatdamageorcannotbereadbyyourequipment.

LIMITEDWARRANTY;DISCLAIMEROFDAMAGESButforthe"RightofReplacementorRefund"describedbelow,[1]MichaelHartandtheFoundation(andanyotherpartyyoumayreceivethiseBookfromasaPROJECTGUTENBERG-tmeBook)disclaimsallliabilitytoyoufordamages,costsandexpenses,includinglegalfees,and[2]YOUHAVENOREMEDIESFORNEGLIGENCEORUNDERSTRICTLIABILITY,ORFORBREACHOFWARRANTYORCONTRACT,INCLUDINGBUTNOTLIMITEDTOINDIRECT,CONSEQUENTIAL,PUNITIVEORINCIDENTALDAMAGES,EVENIFYOUGIVENOTICEOFTHEPOSSIBILITYOFSUCHDAMAGES.

IfyoudiscoveraDefectinthiseBookwithin90daysofreceivingit,youcanreceivearefundofthemoney(ifany)youpaidforitbysendinganexplanatorynotewithinthattimetothepersonyoureceiveditfrom.Ifyoureceiveditonaphysicalmedium,youmustreturnitwithyournote,andsuchpersonmaychoosetoalternativelygiveyouareplacementcopy.Ifyoureceiveditelectronically,suchpersonmaychoosetoalternativelygiveyouasecondopportunitytoreceiveitelectronically.

THISEBOOKISOTHERWISEPROVIDEDTOYOU"AS-IS".NOOTHERWARRANTIESOFANYKIND,EXPRESSORIMPLIED,AREMADETOYOUASTOTHEEBOOKORANYMEDIUMITMAYBEON,INCLUDINGBUTNOTLIMITEDTOWARRANTIESOFMERCHANTABILITYORFITNESSFORAPARTICULARPURPOSE.

Somestatesdonotallowdisclaimersofimpliedwarrantiesortheexclusionorlimitationofconsequentialdamages,sotheabovedisclaimersandexclusionsmaynotapplytoyou,andyoumayhaveotherlegalrights.

INDEMNITY

YouwillindemnifyandholdMichaelHart,theFoundation,anditstrusteesandagents,andanyvolunteersassociatedwiththeproductionanddistributionofProjectGutenberg-tmtextsharmless,fromallliability,costandexpense,includinglegalfees,thatarisedirectlyorindirectlyfromanyofthefollowingthatyoudoorcause:[1]distributionofthiseBook,[2]alteration,modification,oradditiontotheeBook,or[3]anyDefect.

DISTRIBUTIONUNDER"PROJECTGUTENBERG-tm"YoumaydistributecopiesofthiseBookelectronically,orbydisk,bookoranyothermediumifyoueitherdeletethis"SmallPrint!"andallotherreferencestoProjectGutenberg,

or:

[1]Onlygiveexactcopiesofit.Amongotherthings,thisrequiresthatyoudonotremove,alterormodifytheeBookorthis"smallprint!"statement.Youmayhowever,ifyouwish,distributethiseBookinmachinereadablebinary,compressed,mark-up,orproprietaryform,includinganyformresultingfromconversionbywordprocessingorhypertextsoftware,butonlysolongas*EITHER*:


47/47

[*]TheeBook,whendisplayed,isclearlyreadable,anddoes*not*containcharactersotherthanthoseintendedbytheauthorofthework,althoughtilde(~),asterisk(*)andunderline(_)charactersmaybeusedtoconveypunctuationintendedbytheauthor,andadditionalcharactersmaybeusedtoindicatehypertextlinks;OR

[*]TheeBookmaybereadilyconvertedbythereaderatnoexpenseintoplainASCII,EBCDICorequivalentformbytheprogramthatdisplaystheeBook(asisthecase,forinstance,withmostwordprocessors);OR

[*]Youprovide,oragreetoalsoprovideonrequestatnoadditionalcost,feeorexpense,acopyoftheeBookinitsoriginalplainASCIIform(orinEBCDICorotherequivalentproprietaryform).

[2]HonortheeBookrefundandreplacementprovisionsofthis"SmallPrint!"statement.

[3]PayatrademarklicensefeetotheFoundationof20%ofthe

grossprofitsyouderivecalculatedusingthemethodyoualreadyusetocalculateyourapplicabletaxes.Ifyoudon'tderiveprofits,noroyaltyisdue.Royaltiesarepayableto"ProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundation"the60daysfollowingeachdateyouprepare(orwerelegallyrequiredtoprepare)yourannual(orequivalentperiodic)taxreturn.Pleasecontactusbeforehandtoletusknowyourplansandtoworkoutthedetails.

WHATIFYOU*WANT*TOSENDMONEYEVENIFYOUDON'THAVETO?ProjectGutenbergisdedicatedtoincreasingthenumberofpublicdomainandlicensedworksthatcanbefreelydistributedinmachinereadableform.

TheProjectgratefullyacceptscontributionsofmoney,time,publicdomainmaterials,orroyaltyfreecopyrightlicenses.Moneyshouldbepaidtothe:"ProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundation."

Ifyouareinterestedincontributingscanningequipmentorsoftwareorotheritems,pleasecontactMichaelHartat:[email protected]

[PortionsofthiseBook'sheaderandtrailermaybereprintedonlywhendistributedfreeofallfees.Copyright(C)2001,2002byMichaelS.Hart.ProjectGutenbergisaTradeMarkandmaynotbe

usedinanysalesofProjectGutenbergeBooksorothermaterialsbetheyhardwareorsoftwareoranyotherrelatedproductwithoutexpresspermission.]

*ENDTHESMALLPRINT!FORPUBLICDOMAINEBOOKS*Ver.02/11/02*END*

the five books of youth by hillyer, robert, 1895-1961

Documents