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Poems

Год написания книги
2017
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The pangs of people – when I sport, what matters? – See them whirl
About, as salamanders frisk and in the brazier curl.

Take from my brow this poor rose-crown – the flames have made it pine;
If blood rains on your festive gowns, wash off with Cretan wine!
I like not overmuch that red – good taste says "gild a crime?"
"To stifle shrieks by drinking-songs" is – thanks! a hint sublime!

I punish Rome, I am avenged; did she not offer prayers
Erst unto Jove, late unto Christ? – to e'en a Jew, she dares!
Now, in thy terror, own my right to rule above them all;
Alone I rest – except this pile, I leave no single hall.

Yet I destroy to build anew, and Rome shall fairer shine —
But out, my guards, and slay the dolts who thought me not divine.
The stiffnecks, haste! annihilate! make ruin all complete —
And, slaves, bring in fresh roses – what odor is more sweet?

    H.L. WILLIAMS

REGRET

("Oui, le bonheur bien vite a passé.")

{Bk. V. ii., February, 1821.}

Yes, Happiness hath left me soon behind!
Alas! we all pursue its steps! and when
We've sunk to rest within its arms entwined,
Like the Phoenician virgin, wake, and find
Ourselves alone again.

Then, through the distant future's boundless space,
We seek the lost companion of our days:
"Return, return!" we cry, and lo, apace
Pleasure appears! but not to fill the place
Of that we mourn always.

I, should unhallowed Pleasure woo me now,
Will to the wanton sorc'ress say, "Begone!
Respect the cypress on my mournful brow,
Lost Happiness hath left regret – but thou
Leavest remorse, alone."

Yet, haply lest I check the mounting fire,
O friends, that in your revelry appears!
With you I'll breathe the air which ye respire,
And, smiling, hide my melancholy lyre
When it is wet with tears.

Each in his secret heart perchance doth own
Some fond regret 'neath passing smiles concealed; —
Sufferers alike together and alone
Are we; with many a grief to others known,
How many unrevealed!

Alas! for natural tears and simple pains,
For tender recollections, cherished long,
For guileless griefs, which no compunction stains,
We blush; as if we wore these earthly chains
Only for sport and song!

Yes, my blest hours have fled without a trace:
In vain I strove their parting to delay;
Brightly they beamed, then left a cheerless space,
Like an o'erclouded smile, that in the face
Lightens, and fades away.

    Fraser's Magazine

THE MORNING OF LIFE

("Le voile du matin.")

{Bk. V. viii., April, 1822.}

The mist of the morning is torn by the peaks,
Old towers gleam white in the ray,
And already the glory so joyously seeks
The lark that's saluting the day.

Then smile away, man, at the heavens so fair,
Though, were you swept hence in the night,
From your dark, lonely tomb the owlets would stare
At the sun rising newly as bright.

But out of earth's trammels your soul would have flown
Where glitters Eternity's stream,
And you shall have waked 'midst pure glories unknown,
As sunshine disperses a dream.

BELOVED NAME

("Le parfum d'un lis.")

{Bk. V. xiii.}

The lily's perfume pure, fame's crown of light,
The latest murmur of departing day,
Fond friendship's plaint, that melts at piteous sight,
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