Canto III.]
Orion.
37
Flashed torch and spear, while reed-pipes deeper blew
Sonorous dirgings and melodious storm,
And timbrels groaned and jangled to the tones
Of high-sustaining horns,—then round the blaze,
Their shadows brandishing afar and athwart
Over the level space and up the hills,
Six giants held portentous dance, nor ceased
Till one by one in bare Bacchante arms,
Brim-full of nectar, helplessly they rolled
Deep down oblivion. Sleep absorbed their souls.
Sonorous dirgings and melodious storm,
And timbrels groaned and jangled to the tones
Of high-sustaining horns,—then round the blaze,
Their shadows brandishing afar and athwart
Over the level space and up the hills,
Six giants held portentous dance, nor ceased
Till one by one in bare Bacchante arms,
Brim-full of nectar, helplessly they rolled
Deep down oblivion. Sleep absorbed their souls.
Region of Dreams! ye seething procreant beds
For germs of life's solidities and power;
Whether ye render up from other spheres
Our past or future beings to the ken
Of this brief state; or, wiser, art designed,
With all thy fleeting images confused,
To scatter, during half our mortal hours,
The concentrating passions and the thoughts
Which else were madness; Oh maternal realm,
Console each troubled heart!—with opiate hand
Gently the senses charm, and lead astray
The vulture thoughts by thy blest phantasies,
Beckoning with vague yet irresistible smile!
For germs of life's solidities and power;
Whether ye render up from other spheres
Our past or future beings to the ken
Of this brief state; or, wiser, art designed,
With all thy fleeting images confused,
To scatter, during half our mortal hours,
The concentrating passions and the thoughts
Which else were madness; Oh maternal realm,
Console each troubled heart!—with opiate hand
Gently the senses charm, and lead astray
The vulture thoughts by thy blest phantasies,
Beckoning with vague yet irresistible smile!
