Lowell's Works (Volume 10) (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1890. Excerpt: ... SENTIMENT ENDYMION A MYSTICAL COMMENT ON TITIAN'S "SACKED AND PECFANE LOVE" I. My day began not till the twilight fell, And, lo, in ether from heaven's sweetest well, The New Moon swam divinely isolate In maiden silence, she that makes my fate Haply not knowing it, or only so As I the secrets of my sheep may know Nor ask I more, entirely blest if she, In letting me adore, ennoble me To height of what the Gods meant making man, As only she and her best beauty can. Mine be the love that in itself can find Seed of white thoughts, the lilies of the mind, Seed of that glad surrender of the will That finds in service self's true purpose still; Love that in outward fairness sees the tent Pitched for an inmate far more excellent; Love with a light irradiate to the core, Lit at her lamp, but fed from inborn store; Love thrice-requited with the single joy Of an immaculate vision naught could cloy, Dearer because, so high beyond my scope, My life grew rich with her, unbribed by hope Of other guerdon save to think she knew One grateful votary paid her all her due; Happy if she, high-radiant there, resigned To his sure trust her image in his mind. O fairer even than Peace is when she comes Hushing War's tumult, and retreating drums Fade to a murmur like the sough of bees Hidden among the noon-stilled linden-trees, Bringer of quiet, thou that canst allay The dust and din and travail of the day, Strewer of Silence, Giver of the dew That doth our pastures and our souls renew, Still dwell remote, still on thy shoreless sea Float unattaiued in silent empery, Still light my thoughts, nor listen to a prayer Would make thee less imperishably fair EL Can, then, my twofold nature find content In vain conceits of airy blandishment? Ask I no more? Since yesterday I task My storm-strewn thoughts to tell me ...