And a fair Shape out of her hands did flow XXXVI. A sexless thing it was, and in its growth In gentleness and strength its limbs were decked; The bosom swelled lightly with its full youth, The countenance was such as might select Some artist that his skill should never die, Imaging forth such perfect purity. XXXVII. From its smooth shoulders hung two rapid wings, Dyed in the ardours of the atmosphere: She led her creature to the boiling springs Where the light boat was moored, and said: "Sit here !" And pointed to the prow, and took her seat Beside the rudder, with opposing feet. XXXVIII. And down the streams which clove those mountains vast, Of icy crag cleaving the purple sky, XXXIX. The silver noon into that winding dell, A green and glowing light, like that which drops. When earth over her face night's mantle wraps; XL. And ever as she went, the Image lay And o'er its gentle countenance did play Chasing the rapid smiles that would not stay, They had aroused from that full heart and brain. XLI. And ever down the prone vale, like a cloud With sand and polished pebbles: mortal boat In such a shallow rapid could not float. XLII. And down the earthquaking cataracts which shiver Their snow-like waters into golden air, Or under chasms unfathomable ever Sepulchre them, till in their rage they tear A subterranean portal for the river, It fled the circling sunbows did upbear Its fall down the hoar precipice of spray, XLIII. And when the wizard lady would ascend She called "Hermaphroditus !"- and the pale And heavy hue which slumber could extend Over its lips and eyes, as on the gale XLIV. And it unfurled its heaven-coloured pinions, With stars of fire spotting the stream below; And from above into the Sun's dominions Flinging a glory, like the golden glow In which spring clothes her emerald-wingèd minions, XLV. And then it winnowed the Elysian air Which ever hung about that lady bright, With its ætherial vans and speeding there, Like a star up the torrent of the night, Or a swift eagle in the morning glare Breasting the whirlwind with impetuous flight, The pinnace, oared by those enchanted wings, Clove the fierce streams towards their upper springs. XLVI. The water flashed like sunlight by the prow XLVII. Or, when the weary moon was in the wane, Its storm-outspeeding wings, the Hermaphrodite ; She to the Austral waters took her way, Beyond the fabulous Thamondocana. |