Sir Palamedes

XXIV “ One thing at least ” (quoth Palamede), “Beyond dispute my soul can see: This Questing Beast that mocks my need Dwelleth in deep obscurity.” So delveth he a darksome hole Within the bowels of Etna dense, Closing the harbour of his soul To all the pirate-ships of sense. And now the questing of the Beast Rolls in his very self, and high Leaps his whole heart in fiery feast On the expected ecstasy. But echoing from the central roar Reverberates many a mournful moan, And shapes more mystic than before Baffle its formless monotone! Ah! mocks him many a myriad vision, Warring within him masterless, Turning devotion to derision, Beatitude to beastliness. E 65