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A PASTORAL OF PARNASSUS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: At morning dawn I left my sheep
Last Line: Below their feet.
Alternate Author Name(s): Duclaux, Madame Emile; Darmesteter, Mary; Robinson, A. Mary F.


"Ma io perche venirvi? O chi'l concede?"

AT morning dawn I left my sheep
And sought the mountains all aglow;
The shepherds said, "The way is steep:
Ah, do not go!"

I left my pastures fresh with rain,
My water-courses edged with bloom,
A larger breathing space to gain
And singing room.

Then of a reed I wrought a flute,
And as I went I sang and played.
But though I sang, my heart was mute
And sore afraid.

Because the great hill and the sky
Were full of glooms and glorious
Beyond all light or dark that I
Imagined thus.

A sudden sense, a second sight,
Showed God, who burns in every briar.
Then sudden voices, strong and bright,
Flashed up like fire.

And turning where that music rang
I saw aloft, and far away,
The watching poets; and they sang
Through night and day.

And very sweet -- ah, sweet indeed --
Their voices sounded high and deep.
I blew an echo on my reed
As one asleep.

I heard. My heart grew cold with dread,
For what would happen if they heard?
Would not these nightingales strike dead
Their mocking-bird?

Then from the mountain's steepest crown,
Where white cliffs pierce the tender grass,
I saw an arm reach slowly down,
Heard some word pass.

"The end is come," I thought, "and still
I am more happy, come what may,
To die upon Parnassus-hill
Than live away."

Then hands and faces luminous
And holy voices grew one flame --
"Come up, poor singer, and sing with us!"
They sang; I came.

So ended all my wandering;
This is the end and this is sweet --
All night, all day, to listen and sing
Below their feet.





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