182 ORPHEUS
Of lies—yet, sing it to sufficient Art,
The lie abolishes itself—the tune
Redeems the darkness—the keen flashes start
Of truth availing though the midnight moon
Darken, the stars be quenched in utter
cloud,
And the high sun eclipsed at very noon.
So flash I back the glory calm and proud
Irradiating the Three. So shall my lyre
Sweep the vast courts with acclamation loud
Of splashing music, of exulting fire
That revels in its penetrating cover
Of azure life that smites its flickering spire
Of sworded splendour inwards, to discover
Not justice, not discernment, not desire,
Not passion, but the sheer will of a lover !
MINOS.
Substantial, stern, and strong,
Who lifts an alien lyre?
Confounds our echoes dire
With strange and stubborn song?
LE ACUS.
Here in the House of Dole
Where shadows hardly dare
Stand, who doth deem to fare
Forth from the outer air
Mortal, a strenuous soul?
RHADAMANTHUS.
The large and lordly land
Fertile of earth hath sent
With dolorous intent
Some shape or element.
What spell of might hath rent
The veil of Hell, and bent
Death’s purpose to his hand?
MINOS.
What shaft from the bow of Apollo?
ZIACUS.,
What quiver of wonder
Hath cleft the black walls of the hollow
RHADAMANTHUS,
What terror ?
MINOs.
What thunder
Hath shaken Hell’s gates to the base?
AIMACUS.
Withstanding the guards to their face?
RHADAMANTHUS,
Hath rent him asunder
The portals of is in his wrath?
MINOS.
Hath made for his will
An arrow of light for his path ?
JEACUS,
Left stagnant and chill
The waters of Styx unappeased?
The keys of our prison hath he seized.
RHADAMANTHUS,
A mortal !
MINOs.
An ill
Most alien to Heaven, by Zeus!
ALACUS.
But impiety’s doom,
By Poseidon, shall fill for his use
No well-omened tomb.
RHADAMANTHUS.
By Hades, our dogs let us loose !
Let death in the gloom
Bring peace to the Hall of the Dead !