Rodin in Rime

ICARE' CARUS cries: “My love is robed in light And splendour of the summits of the sun. Wing, O my soul, thy plumed caparison Through ninety million miles of space beyond sight! Utmost imagination’s eagle-flight Out-soar!” But he, by his own force undone, His peacock pinions molten one by one, Falls to black earth through the impassive night. Lo! from uprushing earth arises love Ardent and secret, scented with the night, Amorous, ready. Sing the awakening bliss That catches him, from the inane above Hurled—nay, drawn down! What uttermost delight Dawns in that death! Icarus and Gaia kiss. 1 Called “ Fille d’Icare”’ by the distinguished anatomists, priceless idiots, and pragmatical precisians, who see nothing but a block of marble in this most spiritual of Rodin’s masterpieces. 53