Collected Works (Vol. III)

IMAGES OF DEATH Stars for the sun that smote, for fire slow streams, For the simoom the zephyr’s cooing kiss, Deep sleep at last from all the evil dreams, And rest, the possibility of bliss. THE MORIBUND) I. THE Seven Wise Men of Martaban 2 Sate round the dying man. They were so still, one would have said : If he were dying, they were dead! The first was aged ; ip his beard He muttered never a weird. The next was beautiful and gay : IIe had no word to say. The third was wroth and rusty red, Yet not a word he said. The fourth was open and bold: His silence girt him like fine gold. The fifth was ruddy and fair of face ; He held his tongue a space. The sixth was many-coloured, but He kept his lips well shut. The last was like a full great moon ; He knew, but uttered not, his rune. II, Now when the time was fully come The dying man was dumb, But with his failing hand did make A sign: my heart doth ache. At that the kingly man, the fourth, Rose up and spat against the North. Then made the dying man a sign: My head is running like strong wine. The agéd man lifted his mouth And spat against the South. He clutched his throat in pang of death, As if he cried for breath. Whereat the second beat his breast And frowned upon the West. Then the man sighed, as if to say : The glow of life is gone away. At this the rusty and wroth released His eyes against the East. Then the man touched his navel, as He felt his life thence pass. Also he smote his spine; the base Of life burnt up apace. Then rose the many-coloured sage ; He was right sad with age. With him arose the ruddy and fair ; He was right debonair, They twain to upper air and lower Advanced the eyes of power. Ay! but above the dead man’s head A lotus-flower was spread. Thence dripped the Amrita, whereby Life learneth not to die. The seventh in silence tended it Against the horror of the pit. Ill. 103 1 A meaning may be found for this poem by any really profound student of the Qabalah, 2 Gulf of Martaban, South of Burma. Thus in a cage of wisdom lay The dead man, live as they.