Ambergris

AMBERGRIS 47 Of hideous engines shattering—this strife Clears the straight road of Glory and of Life ! Nay : but the hateful death that stings the soul Into rebellion ; the insensate death That chokes its own delight with words that roll Mightier-mouthed than the archangel’s breath ; The death that murders courage ere it drink The soul’s own life-blood on the desperate brink ! So, from the languid fingers in my curls And dreamy worship of a woman’s eyes, I look beyond the miserable whirls Of foolish measures woven in the skies ; Beyond the thoughtless stars : beyond God’s sleep : Beyond the deep : beneath the deadly deep ! Infinite rings of luminous ether move At first amid the blackness that I seek : Infinite motion and amazing love Deaden the lustre of the night. I speak The cry of silence, that is heard unspoken ; That, being heard, rings evermore unbroken. Silence, deep silence. Not a shudder stirs The vast demesne of unforgetful space, No comet’s lunatic rush ; no meteor whirs, No star dares breathe, no planet knows his place In that supreme unquiet quietude. I am the master of my own deep mood. I am the master. Yea, no doubt I rule The whole mad universe by will extended— Who whispers then, O miserable fool ! This night thy might and majesty are ended ; Thy soul shall be required of thee ? I heard This voice, and knew it for my proper word !