Collected Works (Vol. III)

182 ORPHEUS Of lies—yet, sing it to sufficient Art, The lie abolishes itself—the tune Redeems the darkness—the keen flashes start Of truth availing though the midnight moon Darken, the stars be quenched in utter cloud, And the high sun eclipsed at very noon. So flash I back the glory calm and proud Irradiating the Three. So shall my lyre Sweep the vast courts with acclamation loud Of splashing music, of exulting fire That revels in its penetrating cover Of azure life that smites its flickering spire Of sworded splendour inwards, to discover Not justice, not discernment, not desire, Not passion, but the sheer will of a lover ! MINOS. Substantial, stern, and strong, Who lifts an alien lyre? Confounds our echoes dire With strange and stubborn song? LE ACUS. Here in the House of Dole Where shadows hardly dare Stand, who doth deem to fare Forth from the outer air Mortal, a strenuous soul? RHADAMANTHUS. The large and lordly land Fertile of earth hath sent With dolorous intent Some shape or element. What spell of might hath rent The veil of Hell, and bent Death’s purpose to his hand? MINOS. What shaft from the bow of Apollo? ZIACUS., What quiver of wonder Hath cleft the black walls of the hollow RHADAMANTHUS, What terror ? MINOs. What thunder Hath shaken Hell’s gates to the base? AIMACUS. Withstanding the guards to their face? RHADAMANTHUS, Hath rent him asunder The portals of is in his wrath? MINOS. Hath made for his will An arrow of light for his path ? JEACUS, Left stagnant and chill The waters of Styx unappeased? The keys of our prison hath he seized. RHADAMANTHUS, A mortal ! MINOs. An ill Most alien to Heaven, by Zeus! ALACUS. But impiety’s doom, By Poseidon, shall fill for his use No well-omened tomb. RHADAMANTHUS. By Hades, our dogs let us loose ! Let death in the gloom Bring peace to the Hall of the Dead !