Lustra/A Song of the Degrees

by Ezra Pound

A Song of the Degrees

I

Rest me with Chinese colours,

For I think the glass is evil.

 

II

 

The wind moves above the wheat—

With a silver crashing,
A thin war of metal.

 

I have known the golden disc,

I have seen it melting above me.
I have known the stone-bright place,
The hall of clear colours.

 

III

 

O glass subtly evil, confusion of colours!

O light bound and bent in, soul of the captive,
Why am I warned? Why am I sent away?
Why is your glitter full of curious mistrust?
O glass subtle and cunning, O powdery gold!
O filaments of amber, two-faced iridescence!