Canto I.]
Orion.
97
Some God may deem me worthy of a fate
Better than that which locks up all design
In pausing night. Perchance, the dream may bode
That Merope shall be to me restored,
And I see nature through her death-deep eyes,
And know the glorious mysteries of the grave,
Which through extremes of blissful passion's life
Methought I saw. Oh wherefore am I blind?"
"Abandon all such hopes of Merope"
Murmured the Great Unmoved: "her truth was strong,
First to herself, and through herself to thee,
While that it lasted; but that's done and gone.
How should she love a giant who is blind,
And sees no beauty but the secret heart
Panting in darkness? That is not her world."
Orion rose erect. "I will go forth:
I may find aid, or cause some help to come
That shall restore my sight." The sage replied,
"Thou'st seen enough already, and too much
For happiness." "I know," Orion sighed,
That what thou say'st is wise—" and went his way.
Better than that which locks up all design
In pausing night. Perchance, the dream may bode
That Merope shall be to me restored,
And I see nature through her death-deep eyes,
And know the glorious mysteries of the grave,
Which through extremes of blissful passion's life
Methought I saw. Oh wherefore am I blind?"
"Abandon all such hopes of Merope"
Murmured the Great Unmoved: "her truth was strong,
First to herself, and through herself to thee,
While that it lasted; but that's done and gone.
How should she love a giant who is blind,
And sees no beauty but the secret heart
Panting in darkness? That is not her world."
Orion rose erect. "I will go forth:
I may find aid, or cause some help to come
That shall restore my sight." The sage replied,
"Thou'st seen enough already, and too much
For happiness." "I know," Orion sighed,
That what thou say'st is wise—" and went his way.
Now was each step a new experiment;
Within him all was care; without, all chance;
Dark doubts sat in his brain; danger prowled round.
Within him all was care; without, all chance;
Dark doubts sat in his brain; danger prowled round.
