 Part 1 of Eros and Psyche by Robert Bridges. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer. Please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com. Eros and Psyche by Robert Bridges. Part 1. March. In midmost length of Hundred-Cityed Crete, the land that cradled Zeus of Old Renown, were grave Demeter nursereed her wheat, and Minos fashioned law ere he went down to judge the quaking hordes of Hell's domain, the Duelter King on the Omefalean plain, eastward of Ida, in a little town. Three daughters had this king of whom my tale, time hath preserved, that loveth to despise the wealth which men misdeem of much avail. Their glories for themselves that they devise, for clarkly is he, old hard featured time, and poet's fabled song, and lover's rhyme he storeth on his shelves to please his eyes. These three princesses, all were fairest fair, and of the elder twain, tis truth to say that if they stood not high above compare, yet in their prime they bore the palm away, outwards of loveliness. But nature's mood, gracious to make, had grudgingly endued, and marred by gifting ill the beauteous clay. And being in honor they were well content to feed on lover's looks and courtly smiles, to hang their necks with jewelled ornament, and gold that vanity in vain beguiles, and live in gaze and take their praise for due to be the fairest maidens then to view within the shores of Greece and all her aisles. What of that youngest one, the third princess, there is no likeness, since she was as far from pictured beauty as is ugliness, though on the side where heavenly wonders are, ideals out of being and above which music worshipeth, but if love love, tis as the poet's safe to love a star. Her vision rather draped from passion's heart what earthly soil it had afford possessed, since to man's pure, unsubstantial part the brightness of her presence was addressed, and such as mocked at God when once they saw her heavenly glance were humbled, and in awe of things unseen returned to praise the best. And so before her, wheresoever she went, hushing the crowd, a thrilling whisper ran, and silent heads were reverently bent, till from the people the belief began that love's own mother had come down on earth, sweet Scytheria, or of mortal birth a greater goddess was vouchsafed to man. An Aphrodite statue in its place stood without worshippers, if Cretans prayed for beauty or for children, love or grace, the prayer and vow were offered to the maid, unto the maid their hymns of praise were sung, their victims bled for her, for her they hung, garland and golden gift, and none forbade. And thence opinion spread beyond the shores from isle to isle, the wonder flew, it came across the Aegean, on a thousand oars, Athens and Smyrna caught the virgin's fame, and east or west, wherever the tale had been, the adoration of the foam-born queen felt her neglect, and men forgot her name. No longer too high Paphos now twas sailed, the fragrant altar by the graces served at Nidus was forsaken, Pilgrims failed, the rocky island to her name reserved, proud Ephira and Moropus renowned, it was all for Crete, her votaries were bound, and to the Cretan maid her worships worthed. Which when in heaven great Aphrodite saw, who is the breather of the years bright morn, fount of desire and beauty without a flaw, herself the life that doth the world adorn, seeing that without her generative might, nothing can spring upon the shores of light nor any bud of joy or love be born. She, when she saw the insult, did not hide her indignation, that a mortal frail with her return divinity had vied her fair Hellenic empire to a sail, for which she had fled at the doom of Ninosold and left her wanton images unsold in Babylon and sit on soon to fail. Not long, she cried, shall that poor girl of Crete guard it in my despite, for I will bring such mischief on the sickly counterfeit, as soon shall cure her tribe of worshipping her beauty, will I mock with low lust, bow down her dainty spirit to the dust and leave her long alive to feel the sting. With that she calls to her cumbly boy, the limber scion of the god of war, the fruit adulterous, which for man's annoy to that fierce partner, Scytheria bore, Eros the ever young, who only grew in mischief and was cupid, named in you, in westering after time of Latin war. When the first dawn of manhood is, the hour when beauty from its fleshly bud unpent, flaunts like the coral of a summer flower, as if all life were for that ornament such Eros seemed in years, a trifle gay, the prodigal of an immortal day for ever spending and yet never spent. His skin is brilliant with the nimble flood of the equal that comes dancing from his heart, liveliest fire and redder than the blood, and maketh in his eyes small flashes dart, and curleth his hair golden, and distilleth honey on his tongue, and all his body filleth with wanton lightsomeness in every part. Naked he gulf, but with sprightly wings, red iridescent are his shoulders fledged, above his weapon which he deftly strings, and little arrows barbed and keenly edged, and these he shooteth true, but else the youth for all his seeming reeketh nought of truth, but most deceiveth where he most is pledged. Tis he that maketh in men's heart a strife between remorseful reason and desire, to with life lost they lose the love of life, and by their own hands wretchedly expire, or slain in bloody rivalries they miss, even the short embracement of their bliss, his smile of fury, and his kiss of fire. He makes the strong man weak, the weak man wild, ruins great business, and purpose high, brings down the wise to folly reconciled, and marshal captains on their knees to sigh, he changeeth dynasties, and on the head of dutious heroes who for honour bled smurcheth the laurel that can never die. Him then she called, and gravely kissing told the great dishonour to her godhead done, and how if he from that in heaven would hold on earth he must maintain it as her son, the rather that his weapons were most fit as was his skill ordained to champion it, and flattering thus his ready zeal she won. Whereon she quickly led him down on earth, and showed him Psyche, thus the maid was named, whom, when she showed but could not hide her worth, she grew with envy tenfold more inflamed, but if she cried, thou smiter as I bid, soon shall our glory of this affront be rid, and she and all her likes forever shamed. Make her to love the loveliest, basest wretch deformed in body, and of noonstruck mind a hideous brute and vicious, born to fetch anger from dogs, and cursing from the blind, and let her passion for the monster be as shameless and detestable as he is most extreme and vile of humankind. Which said, when he agreed, she spake no more, but left him to his task, and took her way, beside the ripples of the shell-stru and shore, the southward stretching margin of a bay, whose sandy curves she passed, and taking stand upon its taper horn of furthest land, looked left and right to rise and set of day. Fair was the sight for now, though full an hour the sun had sunk, she saw the evening light in shifting colour to the zenith tower, and grow more gorgeous ever, and more bright, bathed in the warm and comfortable glow. The fair delighted queen forgot her woe, and watched the unwanted pageant of the night. Broad and low down, where late the sun had been, a wealth of orange gold was thickly shed, fading above into a field of green, like apples air they ripen into red, then to the height a variable hue of rose and pink and crimson freaked with blue and olive bordered clouds over lilac led. High in the opposed west, the wandering moon, or silvery green in flying green, was fleeced, and round the blazing south, the splendours soon caught all the heaven and ran to north and east, and Aphrodite knew the thing was wrought by cunning of Poseidon, and she thought she would go see with whom he kept his feast. Swift to her wish came swimming on the waves, his lovely ocean nymphs her guides to be, the Nuriadzul, who live among the caves and valleys of the deep, Simodosi, Agave, Luide, Halea, and Nerisa, Spiro, and Thoe, Ploce, and Actia, Yara, Milite, and Amphenomi. Apsudes and Nemirites, Callianassa, Smythoe, Thalea, Limnoria, Clemene, Iannira, and Iannassa, Doris, and Panope, and Galatia, Dinamene, Dexamene, and Myra, Ferusa, Dotto, Proto, Callianira, Amphithoe, or Aethuia, and Amethia. And after them, said Melly Sertes, Drave, his chariot, that with swift unfellied wheel, by his two dolphins drawn along the wave, flew as they plunged, it did not dip nor reel, but like a plough that shears the heavy land, stood on the flood and back onto either hand, overturned the briny furrow with its keel. Behind came Tritons, that their conscious blue-green bearded tailed like fish all sleek and stark, and hippo-campo-tamed, a bristly crew, the browsers of old Proteus, as weedy-park, whose chief and merman brought a shell for boat, and balancing its hollow fan afloat, pushed it to shore, and bait the queen in bark. And then the goddess stepped upon the shell, which took her weight, and others threw a train of soft silk over her, that unfurled to swell in sails at breath of flying Zephyr's twain, and all her way with foam in laughter strewn, with stir of music and of conscious blown, zafrodite, he launched upon the main. End of Part 1. Recorded by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Part 2 of Iros and Psyche by Robert Bridges. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Iros and Psyche by Robert Bridges. Part 2. April But fairest Psyche still in favour rose, nor knew the jealous power against her sworn, and more her beauty now surpassed her foes, since it was transfigured by the spirit for long, that righteth through the perfecting of grace, immortal question in a mortal face, the vague desire where unto man is born. Already in good time, her sisters both, whose honest charms were never famed as hers, with princes of the isle had plighted droth, and gone to rule their foreign courtiers, but she exalted evermore beyond their loveliness, made yet no lover fond, and gained but number to her worshippers. To joy and others joy had been her lot, and now that that was gone she wept to see how her transcendent beauty overshot the common aim of all felicity, for love she sighed, and had some peasant rude, for true love's sake and simple passion wooed, and Psyche had not scorned his wife to be. For what is beauty, if it doth not fire the loving answer of an eager soul, since it is the native food of man's desire, and doth to good our varying world control, which, when it was not, was for beauty's sake, desired and made by love, who still doth make, a beautiest path thereon to beauty's goal? Should all men by some hateful venom die, the pity were that over the unpeopled sphere the sun would still bedeck the evening sky, and the unimaginable hues appear, with none to mark the rose and gold and green, that spring should walk the earth, and nothing seen of her fresh delicacy year by year. And if some beauty's things, whose heavenly worth and function over pass our mortal sense lie waste and unregarded on the earth by reason of our gross intelligence, these are not vain, because in nature's scheme it lives that we shall grow from dream to dream in time to gather and enchantment thence. Even as we see the fairest works of men, a while neglected and the makers die, but truth comes weeping to their graves, and then their fame's victoriously mounting high due battle with the regnant names of elders to win their seats, as when the gods rebelled against their sires and draped them from the sky. But to be praised for beauty, and denied the mead of beauty, this was yet unknown, the best and bravest men have ever vied to win the fairest women for their own, thus psyches fake, or reasoned in her mind, disconsolate and with self-pity pined in the deserted halls, wandering alone. And Grieved grew the king to see her woe and blaming first the gods for her disease who purposed to their oracle to go to question how he might their wrath appease, or if that might not be the worst to hear, which is the last poor hope of them that fear, so he took his ship upon the northern seas. And journeying to the shrine of Delphi went the temple of Apollo, Pythian, where when the god he questioned if was meant that Psyche should be wed, and to what man the tripod shook, and over the vaporous well the chanting python-es gave oracle, and thus in priestly verse the sentence ran. High on the topmost rock with funeral feast convey and leave the maid, nor look to find a mortal husband but a savage beast, the viperous scourge of gods and humankind, whose shames and fexes all, and as he flies with sword and fire, Zeus trembles in the skies, and groans arise from souls to hell consigned. With which reply the king returned full sad, for though he nothing more might understand yet in the bitter bidding that he had no man made question of the plain command, that he must sacrifice the tender flower of his own blood to a demonion power upon the rocky mount with his own hand. Some said that she too tell us was to vote, the metal giant, who with mile long stride covered the aisle, walking around by rote thrice every day at his appointed tide, who shepherded the sea goats on the coast, and as he passed caught up in live roast, pressing them to his burning ribs and side. His head was made of fine gold-beaten work, of silver pure his arms and gleaming chest, thence of green bloomed bronze, far as the fork of iron weather rusted all the rest, one single vein he had, which running down from head to foot was open in his crown, and closed by a nail such was this pest. A little while they spent in sad delay, then ordered as the oracle had said the cold feast and funeral display, wherewith the fated bridle should be sped, and their black pageantry in vain despairing when Psyche saw and fought, self-preparing the hopeless ceremonial of the dead. And spake she to the king and said, O Sire, why wilt thou veil those venerable eyes with piteous tears which must of me require more tears again than for my self-arise? Then on the day my beauty first overstepped its mortal place, it had been well to have wept, but now the fault beyond our ruin lies. As to be worshipped was my whole undoing, so my submission must forfeit pay, and welcome were the morning of my wooing, though after it should dawn no other day, up to the mountain, for I hear the voice of my beloved on the winds rejoice, arise my love, my fair one, and come away. With such distempered speech that little cheered her morning house, she went to choose with care the rain for her day of wedlock-weird, her body as for burial to prepare, but laved with bridle-water from the stream where he rebaved, for still her fate supreme was doubtful, with a love for death it were. Love that is made of joy and death of fear, nay, but not these held psyche in suspense, hers was the hope that following by the beer boweth its head beneath the dark immense, her fear the dread of life that turns to hide its tragic tears what hour the happy bride ventures for love her maiden innocence. They set on high upon the bridal wane, her bed for beer, and yet no corpse thereon, but like as when unto a warrior slain, and not brought home the ceremonies done, are empty, for afar his body brave lies lost, deep buried by the wandering wave, orneath the foes his fury fell upon. So was her hearse, and with it went a foal, singing the solemn dirge that moves to tears the singers, and behind, clad as for war, the king uncrowned among his mournful peers, orneath their armour robed in linen white, and in their left were shields, and in their right, torches they bore aloft, instead of spears. And next the virgin tribe, in white forth sailed with wreaths of disney, and midst them there, went Psyche, all in lily whiteness veiled, the white quince blossom, chapleting her hair, and last the common folk a weaving crowd, far as the city gates with wailings loud, followed the sad procession, in despair. Thus forth and up the mount they went until, the funeral chariot must be left behind, since road was known for steepness of the hill, and slowly by the narrow path they wind, all afternoon their white and scattered file, toiled on distinct ascending many a mile, over the long brown slopes and crags, unkind. But ever unto the snowy peak there came, of that storm-shapen pyramid so high it was evening, and with footsteps slow and lame they gathered up their lagging company, and then her sigh, even as Apollo Bade, set on the topmost rock the hapless maid, with trembling hands and melancholy cry. And now the sun was sunk, only the peak flashed like a jewel in the deepening blue, and from the shade beneath none dared to speak, but all looked up where glorified a new Psyche sat islanded, in living day, breathless they watched her, till the last red ray fled from her lifted arm that waved a dew. There, left they heard, turning with sad farewells to haste their homeward course as best they might, but night was crowding up the barren fields, and hiddiful seen their rocky path from sight, and each unto his stumbling foot to hold his torch was vain, for over the moon was rolled a mighty cloud from heaven to blot her light. And through the darkness for long while was seen that armoured train with waving fires to thread downwards by pass to file, and black ravine each leading on the way that he was led, slowly they gained the plain end one by one, until the shadows of the woods were gone, or in the clinging mists were quenched and fled. But unto Psyche, pondering over her doom in tearful silence on her stony chair, Azifa straying out of heaven's wide room, rushed down and gathering round her unaware, filled with his breath her vesture and her veil, and like a ship that crowding all her sail, leans to accompany the tranquil air. She yielded, and was born with swimming brain and airy joy along the mountain side, till, hid from earth by ridging summits twain, they came upon a valley deep and wide, where the strong Zifa with his burden sank, and laid her down upon a grassy bank, among time and violence, and days his pied. And straight upon the touch of that sweet bed both woe and wonder melted fast away, and sleep with gentle stress her sense overspread, gathering his darkness doth on dripping day. And nestling to the ground she slowly drew in her wearied limbs together, and ere she knew, wrapped in forgetfulness and slumber lay. End of Part 2. Recording by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Part 3 of Iros and Psyche by Robert Bridges. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Iros and Psyche by Robert Bridges. Part 3. May After long sleep when Psyche first awoke among the grasses neath the open skies, and heard the mounting larks, whose carol spoke, delighted invitation to arise. She lay as one who, after many a league, hath slept off memory with his long fatigue, and waking knows not in what place he lies. And on her quickening thought took up its task, and all came back as it had hapt overnight, the sad procession of the wedding mask, the melancholy toiling up the height, the solitary rock where she was left, and then in dark and airy lofty drift, how on the flowers she had been disburdened light. Thereafter she would rise and see what place that voyage had its haven in, and found she stood upon a little hill whose base shelved off into the valley all around, and all round that, the steep cliffs rose away, save on one side, where to the break of day the widening dale withdrew in falling ground. There out from oversea and scarce so high as she, the sun above his watery blaze, up broke the grey dome of the morning sky, and struck the island with his level rays, sifting his gold through lazy mists that still climbed on the shadowy roots of every hill, and in the treetops breathed their silvery haze. At hand on either side there was a wood and on the upward lawn that sloped between, not many paces back, a temple stood by even steps ascending from the green, with shaft and pediment of marble made, it filled the passage of the rising blade, and therewith stayed the sun in dazzling sheen. Too fair for human art, so Psyche thought, it might the fancy of some god rejoice, like two those halls which lame Hephaestus wrought original for each god to his choice in high Olympus where his matchless lyre Apollo wakes, and the responsive choir of muses sing alternate with sweet voice. Wondering, she drew an eye, and in a while went up the steps as she would entrance wind, and faced her shadow, neath the peristyle upon the golden gate, whose flanges twin as there she stood irresolute at heart, to try swung to her of themselves apart, where at she passed between and stood within. A four square court it was, with marble flawed, embayed about with pillard porticoes, that echoed in a somnolent accord, the music of a fountain which arose, sparkling in air and splashing in its tank, whose wanton babble, as it swelled or sank, gave idle voice to silence, and repose. Through doors beneath the further colonade, like our deep cups reflected glooms of gold, the inner rooms glowed with inviting shade, and standing in the court, she might behold cedar and silk and silver, and that all, the targeting of ceiling and of wall, was frescoed over with figures manifold. Then making bold to go within, she heard murmur of gentle welcome in her ear, and seeing none that could have spoken word she waited, when again, lady, drawn ear, enter, was cried, and now more voices came from all the air around, calling her name and bidding her rejoice and have no fear. And one, if she would rest, would show her bed, pillowed for sleep with fragrant linen, fine, one, were she hungry, had a table spread like as the high gods have it when they dine, or would she bathe where those would heat the bath, the joyous cries contending in her path. Psyche, they said, what wilt thou, all is thine? And Psyche would have thanked their service true, but that she feared her echoing words might scare those sightless tongues, and well by dream she knew the voices of the messengers of prayer, which fly upon the God's commandment when they answer the supreme desires of men before a while in pity hush their care. It was fancy's consummation, and because she would do joy no curious despite she made no wonder how the wonder was, only concerned to take her full delight, so to the bath, what luxury could be better enhanced by Eilus' ministry, she follows with the voices that invite. There, being deliciously refreshed from soil of earth made pure by water, fire and air, they clad her in soft robes of asian toil, centred that in her queenly wardrobe were, and led her forth to dine, and all around, saying as they served, the while a choral sound of strings unseen and reads the burden there. Pathetic strains and passionate they wove, urgent in ecstasies of heavenly sense, responsive rivalries that, while they strove, combined in full harmonious suspense, entrancing wild desire, then fell at last, lulled in soft closes, and with gay contrast, launched forth their fresh unwirried excellence. Now, Psyche, when her twofold feast was over, would feed her eye, and choosing for her guide, a low-voiced singer bade her come explore the wonderous house, until on every side as surfeited with beauty, and seeing nought at what was rich and fair beyond her thought, and all her own, thus to the voice she cried. Am I indeed a goddess, or is this but to be dead, and through the gates of death, passing unwittingly, doth man not miss body nor memory nor living breath, nor by demerits of his deeds is cast, but, paid with the desire, he holdeth fast, his hope with all his heart imagineth? But her, for all reply, the wandering tongue called to the chamber where her bed was laid, with flowered broideries of linen hung round the walls in painting work or trade, loves victories over the God's renowned. Her ease and Aphrodite here lay bound, the fine net that dark herfestus made. Here Zeus, in likeness of a tawny bull, stooped on the Cretan shore his mighty knee, while off his back Europa, beautiful, stepped pale against the blue Carpathian sea, and here Apollo, as he caught amazed at Daphne, for lo, her hands shot forth upraised, in leeds, her feet were rooted like a tree. Here Dionysus, springing from his car at sight of Ariadne, here unlept, adornus to the chase, breaking the bar of Aphrodite's arm for love who wept, his spear in hand, with leash of dogs at a strain, a marvellous work, but Psyche soon grown feign of rest, betalk her to her bed, and slept. Nor Long had slept, when at a sudden stir she woke, and one that through the dark made way drew near, and stood beside, and over her, the Cretan rustled, trembling now she lay, fainting with terror, till upon her face a kiss, and with two gentle arms embrace a voice that called her name in loving play. Though for the darkness she could nothing see, she wished not then for what the night denied, this was the lover she had lacked, and she, loving his loving, was his willing bride, overjoyed she slept again, overjoyed awoke, at break of morn upon her love to look, when lo, his empty place lay by her side. So all that day she spent in company of these soft voices, and of right, they said, art thou our lady now be happily thy bridle morrow by thy servants sped, but she but longed for night, if that might bring her lover back, and he on secret wing came with the dark, and in the darkness fled. And this was all her life, for every night he came, and though his name she never learned, nor was his image yielded to her sight at mourn or eve, she neither looked nor yearned beyond her happiness, and custom brought, and eased her pleasure, nor would Psyche's thought have ever to her earthly home returned. But that one night he said, Psyche, my soul, sad danger threatens us, thy sister's twain, come to the mountaintop, whence I thee stole, and thou wilt hear their voices thence complain, answer them not, for it must end our love if they should hear or spy thee from above. And Psyche said, their cry shall be in vain. But being again alone, she thought it was hard on her own blood, and blamed her joy as thief of theirs, her comfort, which their comfort barred, when she their care might be their care's relief, although she brooded on her father's woe, and when at night her lover kissed her low, her tender face was wet with tears of grief. Then, questioned why she wept, she all confessed and begged of him, she might but once go nigh, to set her sire's and sister's fears at rest, till he for pity could not but comply. Only if they should ask, the of thy love, discover nothing to their ears above, and Psyche said, in vain shall be their cry. And yet, with day no sooner was alone, then she for loneliness, her promise rude, that having so much pleasure for her own, was all unsheared and spent in solitude, and when at night her love flew to his place, more than before she shamed his fond embrace, and piteously with tears her plaint renewed. The more he now denied, the more she wept, nor would in any wise be comforted, unless her sisters on the Zephyr swept, should in those halls be one day bathed and fed, and see themselves the palace where she reigned, and he by force of tears at last constrained, granted her wish unwillingly, and said, Much to our peril hast thou won thy will, thy sister's love, seeing thee honoured so will sour to envy, and with jealous skill will pry to learn the thing that none may know, answer not, nor inquire. For know that I, the day thou seest my face, far hence shall fly, and thou anew to bitterest fate must go. But Psyche said, Thy love is more than life, to have thee leaveeth nothing to be won, for should the noonday prove me to be wife, even of the beauteous Eros, who is son of Cyprus, I could never love thee more. Whereout he fondly kissed her over and over, and peace was twix them till the night was done. Eros and Psyche by Robert Bridges Part 4 June And truly need there was to the old king for consolation, since the mournful day of Psyche's fate he took no comforting but only for a speedy death would pray, and on his head his hair grew silver white, such on life's top most bow is sorrow's blight when the stout heart is cankering to decay. Which, when his daughters learned, they both were quick comfort and solace to their sire to lend, but as not seldom they who nursed the sick will take them a lady from them they tend, so have did now, for they who failed to cheer grew sad themselves, and in that palace drear increased the evil that they came to mend. And then the unhappy father sent to seek where Psyche had been left if they might find what monster held her on the savage peak, or if she there had died of hunger pined, and by wild eagles stripped her scattered bones, might still be gathered from the barren stones, or if her fate had left no trace behind. So just upon this time his sisters both climbed on the cliff that hung over Psyche's veil, and finding there no sign to leave, well off, well assured she lurked not within hail, so calling, loud her name, Psyche, they cried, Psyche, as Psyche, and when, unreplied, they sank upon the rocks to weep and wail. But Psyche heard their voices where she sat, and summoning the Zephyr Bade him flee to those mourners down unto the grassy plat midst of her garden where she had her seat, then from the dizzy step the wandering pear came swiftly sinking on his buoyant air and stood upon the terrace at her feet. Up sprang she then and kissed them and embraced and said, Lo, here am I, I whom ye mourn, I am not dead nor tortured nor disgraced, but blessed above all days since I was born, wherefore be glad, enter my home and see how little cause has been to grieve for me and my desertion on the rocks for long. So entering by the golden gate or ever the marvel of their hither flight had waned, fresh wonder took them now for everywhere, their eyes that lit on beauty were enchained, and Psyche's airy service, as she bade, performed its magic office and displayed the riches of the palace where she reigned. And through the perfumed chambers they were led and bathed, therein and after set us up were up on dream-like delicacies fed and wine more precious than its golden cup. Till seeing nothing lacked and naught was theirs, their happiness fell from them unawares, and itter, envy in their hearts, sprang up. At last one said, Psyche, since not alone thou livest here in joy, as well be what, who is the man who should these wonders own, or God, I say, and still appeareth not? What is his name, what rank and guise hath he whom winds and spirits serve, who honoureth thee above all others in thy blissful lot? But Psyche, when that wistful speech she heard was whereof all her spouse had warned her of and uttering a disingenuous word, said, a youth yet unbeared, it is my love, he goeth hunting on the plains today, and with his dogs hath wandered far away, and not till eve can he return above. Then, fearing to be near applied, she rose, and brought her richest jewels one by one, bidding them choose and take whatever they chose, and beckoning the Zepha, spaken on, that he should waft her sisters to the peak, for which he did, and ere they more could speak, they rose on high, and in the wind were gone. Nor till again they came upon the road, which from the mountain shoulder over the plain led to the city of their sires abode, found they their tongues, though full of high disdain their hearts were but kept to silence, till the strength of pride and envious hatred burst at length in voice, and thus the eldergan complained. Cruel and unjust fortune, that of three sisters whose being from one fountain world exalts the last so high from her degree, and leaves the first to be so far excelled, my husband is a poor and niggard shurl, to him whoever he be that loves the girl, oh, in what godlike state her house is held. I said the other, to a gouty loon am I not wedded, lo, thy hurt is mine, but never call me woman more if soon I cannot lure her from her height divine, nay, she shall need her cunning wit to save the wealth of which so grudgingly she gave, wherefore thy hand and heart with me combine. She but received us out of pride to show her state while deeming that her happiness was little worth while there was none to know, so is our lot uninjured if none guess, reveal we nothing therefore but the while together scheme this wanton to beguile and bring her boasting godhead to distress. So fresh disordering their dress and hair with loud lament they to their sigh return, telling they found not Psyche anywhere, and of her sure mischance could nothing learn, and with that lie the wounded man they slew, hiding the saving truth which, well, they knew, nor did his piteous grief their heart concern. Meanwhile, her unknown lover did not cease to warn Psyche how her sisters planned to undermine her love and joy and peace, and urged how well she might their wiles withstand by keeping them from her delight aloof, for better is security than proof, and malice held afar than near at hand. And dearest wife, he said, since tis not long ere one will come to share thy secrecy and be thy babe, and mine let nothing wrong the happy months of thy maternity, if thou keep trust and shalt thou see thy child a god, but if to pry thou be begold the lot of both his death and misery. Psyche's simple heart was filled with joy and counting to herself the months and days looked for the time when she should bear a boy to be her growing stay and godlike praise, and, oh, be sure, she said, be sure, my pride, having so rich a promise, cannot slide, even if my love could fail, which thee obeys. And so most happily her life went by in thoughts of love dear to her new estate, until at length the evil day drew nigh, when now her sisters joined in jealous hate, set forth again and plotted by the way, how they might best allure her to betray her secret, with what lie their angle-bait. At night her husband spake to her and said, Psyche, thy sisters come, and when they climb the peak they will not tarry to be sped down by the Zepha as that other time, but winging to the wind will cast themselves out in the air and on the rocky shoals be dashed and pay the penalty of crime. So let it be, and so shall we be saved, which meditated vengeance of his fear when Psyche heard now for their life she craved, whose mere distress erewhile had touched her near. Around her lover's neck her arms she threw and pleaded for them by her faith so true, although they went on doom in judgment clear. In terror of blood-guiltiness she now forgot all other dangers, she addued all using playfulness, deep sobs would plough as soft entreaties, not to be endured, till he at last was faint once more to grant the service of the Zepha to enchant that wicked couple from their fate assured. So ere it was noon were noises at the door of knocking loud and voices high in glee, such as within that veil never before had been and now seemed most unmeet to be, and Psyche blushed, though being alone and rose, to meet her sisters and herself unclose the gate that made them of her palace free. Fondly she kissed them, and with kindly cheer, sought to amuse, and they with outward smile overmasked their hate and call, sweet and dear, finding affection easy to beguile, and all was smooth, until at last one said, Tell us, I pray, to whom tears thou art wed, among gods or men, what is his rank and style? Thou canst not think to hide the truth from us, who knew thy peevish sorrows when made, and see thee now so glad and rapturous, as changed from what thou wertest light from shade, thy jewels too, the palace of a king, nor least the serviceable, By everything thy secret is betrayed, and yet thou talkest of thy wondrous man, no more than if his face thou didst not know, at which, incontinentally, she began forgetful of her word a month ago, answering, A merchant rich of middle age my husband is, and over his features sage his temples are already touched with snow. But, against his wish, since hither you were brought to her best depart, then her accustomed spell, sped them upon the summit, quickest thought, and being alone her doing pleased her well, so was she vexed to find her love at night more sad than ever of her sister's spite, speaking as one that could at the end foretell. And ere long, said he, they will spy again, let them be dashed upon the rocks and die, it is they must come to death, or thou art a pain to separation, Psyche, thou and I, nay, and our babe to ill, I therefore crave, thou wilt not even once more these vipers save, nor to thy love his only boon deny. But Psyche would not think her sister's crime so gross and estranged nor could her danger see, since twer so easy, if at any time they showed the venom of their hearts that she should fan them off upon the willing gust, so she refused and claiming truer trust would in no wise unto their death agree. End of Part 4. Recorded by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Part 5 of Iros and Psyche by Robert Bridges. This is a LibriVox recording, or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Iros and Psyche by Robert Bridges Part 5 July What think you, sister, thus one envious fiend to others spake upon their homeward root? What of the story that our wit hath gleamed of this mysterious lover, who can shoot in 30 days from beardless youth to prime, with wisdom in his face before his time, and snowy locks upon his head to boot? I said the other, true she lied not well, and thence I gather knows no more than we, for surely it is a spirit insensible to whom she is wedded, one she cannot see. It is that I fear, for if it is so her child will be a god, and she a goddess styled, which, though I die to let it, shall not be. Lament we thus no longer, come, consult, what may be done, and home they came at night, yet not to rest, but of their plots a cult, sat whispering on their beds, and air twas light, resolving on the deed, could not defer, but roused the sleeping house with sudden stir, and salad forth alone to work their spite. And with the noon were climbed upon the peak, and swam down on the Zeta as before, but now with piercing cry, and doleful shriek, they forced their entrance through the golden door, feigning the urgency of bitter truth, such as deforms a friendly face with Ruth, when kindness may not hide ill tidings more. Then Psyche, when she heard their wailful din, and saw their countenance as one and worn, with travel, vigil, and disfiguring sin, their hair dishevelled, and their habits torn, for trembling scarce could ask what ill had happed, and they alerted with joy to see her trapped, launched for the main, and on their drift were born. O Psyche, happiest certainly, and blessed up to this hour, they said, thou surely wert being of thy fearful peril unpossessed, which now we would not tell but to avert, but we in solemn truth thy spouse have found, to be the dragon of this mountain ground, who holds thee here to work thy shame and hurt. As yesterday night we rode upon the wind he issued to pursue us from the wood, we saw his back at through the treetops, finned his fiery eyes, glared from their wrinkled hood, low now the times the oracle which said how to the savage beast thou shouldst be wed, is plainly for thy safety understood. Long time hath he been known to all that dwell upon the plain, that now his secret layer have we discovered, which none else could tell. Though many of women fallen in his snare hath he enchanted, who, tradition safe, taste love a while, heir to their cruel death they pass in turn upon the summits bare. Fly with us while thou mayst, no more delay, renounce the spells of this accursed veil, we come to save thee, but we dare not stay among these sightless spirits our senses quail. Fly with us, fly, been Psyche, for her soul, was soft and simple lost her self-control and thinking only of the horrid tale. Dear sisters, said she, and her sobbing speech, was broken by her terror. It is true that much hath hapt to establish what he teach, for never hath it been granted me to view my husband, and for ought I know he may, be even that cruel dragon which he say, peered at you from the forest to pursue. To sure that scarcely can I win his grace to see you here, and still he mischief vows, if ever I should ask to see his face, which coming in the dark he never allows. Therefore, if ye can help of pity show, since doubt I must, how I may come to know what kind of spirit it is that is my spouse. Then to her cue the younger was afore, hide thou a razor, cried she, near thy bed, and have a lamp prepared, but whelm there over, some cover, that no light be from it shed, and when securely in thirst sleep he lies, look on him well, and ere he can arise, gashing his throat cut off his hideous head. Which both persuading, off they flew content, divining, that whatever she was forbid was by her lover for her safety meant, which only could be sure while he was hid, but psyche, to that miserable deed, being now already in her mind agreed, wandered alone, and knew not what she did. Now she would trust her lover, now in turn, made question of his bidding as unjust, but thirsting curiosity to learn his secret overcame her simple trust, overcame her spoken troth, overcame her fear, and she prepared as now the hour dreamier, the men contrivances, nor felt disgust. She set the lamp beneath the chair, and cloaked thickly its rebel lustre from the eye, and laid the knife to mortal keenness, stroked within her reach where she was wont to lie, and took her place full early, but her heart beat fast, and stayed her breath with sudden start, feeling her lover's arm laid fond thereby. But when at last he slept, then she arose all faint and tremulous, and though it be that wrong betrayeth innocence, with shows of novelty, it skilled from shame to free, yet was for shame her hand so strangely shook, that held the steel, and from the cloak that took the lamp, and raised it over the bed to see. She had some fear she might not well discern by that small flame of monster in the gloom, and though the air about her seemed to burn, and bright celestial radiance filled the room, too plainly, oh, she saw, oh, fair to see, eros, it was eros self, her lover, he, the God of love, revealed in deathless bloom. The fainting strength for Sookah, on her knees down by the bed she sank, the shameless knife fell, flashing in her heart, took thought to seize its desperate half, and end her wicked life, yet could she not her loving eyes withdraw from her fair sleeping lover, whom she saw only to know she was no more, his wife. Oh, treasure of all treasures laid her own, oh, loss above all losses, lost for a, since there was no repentance could atone for her dishonour, nor her fate with stay, but yet, it was joy to have her love in sight, and to the rapture yielding while she might, she gazed upon his body where he lay. Above all mortal beauty as was hers, she saw a rival, but if passion's heart be rightly read by subtle questioners, it owns a wanton and a gentler part, and Psyche wondered, noting every sign by which the immortal God, her spouse divine, betrayed the image of our earthly art. His thickly curling hair, his ruddy cheeks, and pouting lips, his soft and dimple chin, the full and cushioned eye that idly speaks of self-content and vanity within, the forward, froward ear, and smooth to touch, his body sleek but rounded over much, the dignity of mind and pride akin. She noted that the small, irradiant wings that from his shoulders lay long at rest, were yet disturbed with airy quiverings, as if some wakeful spirit his blood possessed, she feared he was awaking. But they kept their sweet commotion still, and still he slept, and still she gazed, with never tiring zest. And now the colour of her pride and joy outflushed the hue of Eros, she so cold to have fired the passion of the heartless boy, whom none in heaven or earth were found to hold. Psyche, the earth-born, to be prized above the heavenly graces, by the God of love and worshiped by his wantonness untold. Nay, for that very thing she loved him more than herself, her sweet self's compliment, until the sight of him again up war, her courage and renewed, her vigor spent, and looking now around, she first aspired where at the bed's foot cast in haste aside, lay his fork wither, and his bow unbent. One of those darts of which she had heard so oft, she took to try if twas so very keen, and held its point against her finger soft, so gently that to touch it scarce was seen, yet was she sharply pricked and felt the fire run through her veins, and now a strange desire troubled her heart, which never before had been. Straight sprang she to her lover on the bed, and kissed his cheek, and was not satisfied, when, o the lamp held ill-balanced overhead, undrop the burning oil spilled from its side, on Eros' naked shoulder as he slept, who, wakened by the sudden smart, up-lept upon the floor and all the mischief hide. With nervous speed he seized his bow and passed out of the guilty chamber at a bound, but Psyche, following his flight as fast caught him crying through her arms around till coming to the court he rose in air, and she, close clinging in her last despair, was dragged and then lost hold and fell to ground. Wailing she fell, but he, upon the roof, staying his feet awhile his flight delayed, and turning to her as he stood aloof beside a cypress whose profoundest shade drank the reflections of the dreamy night in its stiff pinnacle the nimble light of million stars upon his body played. O simple-hearted Psyche, thus he spoke, and she appraised her piteous eyes and hands. O simple-hearted Psyche, for thy sake, I dared to break my mother's stern commands and gave the godlike marriage in the place of vilest shame, and not to hurt thy grace, sped thee my arrows, which no heart withstands. But thou, for doubt I was, some evil beast, mocked the warnings of my love to spy upon my secret, which concerned thee least, seeing that thy joy was never touched thereby, by faithless prying, thou hast worked thy fall, and even as I foretold thee, loosest all for looking on thy happiness to nigh. Which loss may be thine ample punishment, but to those fiends by whom thou were to mislead, go tell each one in turn that I have sent this message, that I love her in thy stead, and bid them, by their love haste hither soon, whereat he fled, and Psyche, in a swoon, fell back upon the marble floor, as dead. End of Part 5, recorded by Nathan at antipedenwriter.wordpress.com Eros and Psyche by Robert Bridges Part 6, August When from the lowest ebbing of her blood, the fluttering pulses thrilled and swelled again, a stricken heart recovering, forced to flood with life, the sunken conduits of her brain, and Psyche, where she had fallen, numb and cold, arose, but scarce her quaking sense controlled, seeing the couch where she that night had lain. The level sunbeams surged the grassy ground for diamond dewdrops. Ah, was this the place? Where was the court her home, she looked around, and questioned with her memory for a space, there was the cypress, there the well-known wood, that ward the spot was here, her palace stood, as surely as it was vanished without trace. Was all a dream? To think that all was dreamt were now the happier thought, but arguing over that dream it was, she fell from her attempt, feeling the wifely burden that she bore, nay true, twice true, she had had all and lost, the joy, the reckless wrong, the heavy cost, were hers the dead end now, and woe in store. What to be done? Fainting and shelterless upon the mountain, it were death to bide, and harbour none, she knew where her distress might comfort, find, or love's dishonour hide, nor felt she any dread like that of home, yet forth she must albeit to row and roam, and outcast over the country far and wide. Anon she marvelled, noting from the vale a path lead downward to the plain below, crossing the very sight, whereon the pale of all her joy had stood a few hours ago, a run of mountain beasts that keep their track through generations, and for ages back had trod the self-same footing to and fro. That would she try, so forth she took her way, turning her face from the dishonoured dell down the broadening eastward lawns, which lay in gentle slant till suddenly they fell, in sheer cliff went the path that went around upon by the bluffs, or ever it downward wound beneath the precipice, impassable. There once she turned, and gazing up the slope, she bid the scene of all her joy adieu. I, and farewell, she cried, farewell to hope, none will rescue me, and you, who have killed God's perfection with a doubt, which said she took the path that led about, and hid the upward pleasant from her view. But soon it left her, entering neath the shade of Cedar old and russeted tall pine, whose mighty tops, seen from the thorny glade, beltered the hills about, and now, no sign, had she to guide her, save the slow descent, but swiftly over the springy floor she went, and drew like draughts of wine. Then next she passed a forest thick and dark, with heavy ilixes and plantains high, and came to long lush grass, and now could mark by many a token that the plain was nigh, when low a river, to whose bank had last been come upon the bank her limbs she cast, and through her sad tears watched the stream go by. And now the thought came over her, that in death there was a cure for sorrow, that before her eyes ran lethy, she might take one breath of water, and be freed forevermore. Leaning to look into her tomb, thereon she saw the horror of her image won, and up she rose at height to leap from shore. When suddenly a mighty voice that fell with fury on her ears, there sensed to scare that bounding from the tree trunks like the yell of a hundred raising trumpets cried, a step to take for life can cure the ills that love may make, and for the harm of death is no repair. Then looking up she saw an uncouth form perched on the further bank, whose parted lips volleyed their friendly warning in a storm, a man he might have been, but for the tips of horns appearing from his shaggy head, for over his matted beard his face was red, and all his shape was man-like to the hips. Though keen-eyed and nostril-flat he bore the human grace in mean degree, but set beneath his body squat and fat legs like a goats and from the hairy knee, the shank fell spare, and though crosswise he put his limbs in easeful posture for the foot the beasts divided hoof was plain to see. In then she knew the mighty Choric God, the great hill haunting and tree-loving pan whom Zeus had laughed to see when first he tried Olympus, neither God nor beast nor man, who every rocky peak and snowy crest of the asprey mountains for his own possessed, and all their alps with backic route overran. Whom, when his pipe he plays on loud and sweet and over the fitted reeds his moist lip flees around in measured depth with nimble feet, water nymph stance and hammer dryadies, and all the woodlands airy folk who shun man's presence to his frolic pastime run their perennial wells and sacred trees. Now on his knee his pipe laid by he spoke with flippant tongue wounding unwittingly the heart he sought to cheer with chest and joke and what has thou to do with misery? He said, who haste such beauty as might gain the love of Eros cast away thy pain and give thy soul to mirth and jollity. Thy mortal life is but a brittle vase, but as thee list with wine or tears to fill for all the drops therein are o's and a's of joy or grief according to thy will and wouldst thou learn of me my merry way? I teach thee change thy lover every day and prize the cup that thou word feign to spill. Nay, if thou plunge thou shalt not drown nor sink for I will do thee over the stream afloat and bear thee safe and, oh, I know a drink for care that makes sweet music in the throat. Come live with me, my love, I'll cure thy chance for I can laugh and quaff and pipe and dance swim like a fish and caper like a goat. Speaking, his brute divinity explored the secret of her silence and old pan, grew kind and told her of her shallow thord the lower down the stream over pebbles ran and one might pass at ease with ankles dry whether she went and crossing over there by her lonely wanderings through the isle began. But none could tell no nor herself had told where food she found or sheltered through the land by day or night until by fate controlled she came by steep ways to the southern strand where, sacred to the twins and Britomart paint in its rocky theater apart a little town stood on the level sand. Twas where her younger sister's husband reigned and Psyche to the palace gate drew near helplessly still by Eros' haste constrained and knocking begged to see her sister dear but when in state stepped down that haughty queen and saw the one face spent with tears and teem she smiled and said, Psyche, what dost thou here? Then Psyche told Hal having well employed their means and done their bidding not a miss looking on him her hand would have destroyed Twas Eros whom in love leaning to kiss even as she kissed a drop of burning oil fallen from the lamp had served her scheme to foil discovering her envision of her bliss. Wherewith the god stung like a startled bird arose in air and she fell back in swoon but ere he parted said she he conferred on thee the irrecoverable boon by prime lost to me go tell, he said, thy sister that I love her in thy stead and bid her by her love haste hither soon which when that heart of malice heard it took the jealous fancy of her silly lust and pity lessly with triumphed look she drank the flattery and gave full trust and leaving Psyche ere she more could tell ran off to bid her spouse for eye farewell and in his ear this ready lie she thrust my dearest sister Psyche she whose fate we mourned hath reappeared alive and hail that brings sad news my father dies full late these tidings come but love may yet avail let me be gone and stealing blind consent forth on that well remembered road she went and climbed upon the peak above the dale here on the topmost rock where Psyche first had by her weeping sire been left to die she stood a moment in her hope accursed being happy and the cliffs took up her cry with chuckling mockery from her tongue above Zephyr sweet Zephyr waft me to my love and off she leapt upon his wings to fly but as a dead stone from a height let fall silent and straight as gathered by the force of earth's vast mass upon its weight so small her feet increasing as it nears its source of motion by which law all things so ever are clutched and dragged and held so fell she there like a dead stone down in her headlong course the disregardful silence heard her strike upon the solid crags her dismal shriek rang on the rocks and died out laughter like along the veil and hurried triples weak and soon upon her from their skyy haunt fell to their feast the great birds they were gaunt and gorged on her fair flesh with bloody beak but Zaki when her sister was gone forth went out again her wandering way to take and following a stream that led her north after some days she passed the quarry and lake where by Athena's temple stands and he who traverses the isle from sea to sea may by the plain his shortest journey make till on the northern coast arrived she came upon a city built about a port soon as she heard the name was where her elder sister had her court to whom as Eros had commanded her she now in turn became the messenger of vengeful punishment that fell not short for she too hearing again her heart exult nor pity felt for Psyche's tears and moans but fellowed with that other in her fault followed her to her fate upon the stones and from the peak leaping like her below the self same way until the safe same woe lay dashed to death upon her sister's bones End of Part 6 Recorded by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Part 7 of Eros and Psyche by Robert Bridges This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Eros and Psyche by Robert Bridges Part 7 September On the Hellenic Board of Crete's Fair Isle westward of Trepanon along a reach which massy Siamam for many a mile jutting to sea delivers from the breach of north and east returning to M Bay a favoured shore an ancient city-lay Aptira which is wingless in our speech and hence the name that here in Wocky Cove then called Museon was the trial waged by what day the sirens with the muses strove by jealous hero in that war engaged ruin the daughters of Nemocene overcame the chancruses who vexed the sea nor vengeance spared them by their pride enraged For those strange creatures who with women's words and wiles made ravenous prey of passers-by were throated with the liquid pipe of birds of love they sang and none who sailed an eye through the gray hazes of the Sinine Sea had wit the will-pull of that song to flee nor feared the talon-hooked and feathered thigh But then the singers of the gods overcame and plucked them of their plumage where in fright they vainly fluttered off to hide their shame upon two rocks that lie within the bite under the headland barren and alone which being with the scattered feathers strewn were by the folk named Lucay which is white There on a pout this time the snowy gull Minion of Aphrodite being come plumed himself standing on the sea-rack dull that drifted from the foot of Silan and was his thought that had the goddess learnt the tale of Psyche loved and Eros burnt she never so long had kept aloof and done Wherefore that dutious gossip of love's queen devised that he the messenger would be rising from the rock he skimmed between the chasing waves such grace have none but he into the middle deep then down he dived and rowing with his glistening wings arrived at Aphrodite's bow up beneath the sea Yet he's from his silver pinions swirled the crimson green and yellow floss that grew about the caves and at his passing curled its graceful silk and gently waved in you till oaring you and there the queen he found strayed from her haunt unto a sandy ground dappled with high rings in the sunlight blue she as he came upon her from above with horror played horror her herald fair that lays the soft necessity of love on maidens' highlights and with tender care marketh the hour as in all works is fit and happy they in love who time out with fondly constrained in her season rare But he with garrulous and laughing broke up his news how Eros fallen sick lay tossing on his bed to frenzy stung by such a burn as did but barely prick a little bleb no bigger than a piece upon his shoulder twas that killed his ease fevered his heart and made his breathing thick For which disaster hath he not been seen this many a day at all in any place and thou, dear mistress, but he has not been by self amongst us now a dreary space the pining mortal suffer from a dearth of love and for this sadness of the earth thy family is darkened with disgrace now on the secret paths of dale and wood where lovers walked a lovers none to find and friends besworn to equal brotherhood forget their faith and part with words unkind in the first moon thy honey bond is loathed and I could tell even of the new betrothed that fly over sea and leave their loves behind summer is over but the merry pipe that want to cheer the harvesting is mutin in the vineyards where the grape is ripe no voice is heard of them that take the fruit no workman singeth at eve nor maiden danceth all joy is dead and as the year advanceeth the signs of woe increase on man and brute it is plain that if thy pleasure longer pours thy mighty rule on earth hath seen its day the race must come to perish and no cause but that thou sittest with thy nymphs at play while on a creed and hill thy truant boy hath with his pretty mistress turned to toy and less for pain than love pineth away ha mistress cried she hath my beardless son been hunting for himself his lovely game some young orastriid hath his fancy one some niade say or is a grace his flame or maybe noose and then tis Eretto the trifling wanton tell me if thou know woman or goddess is she and her name then said the snowy girl oh heavenly queen what is my knowledge who am but a bird yet is she only mortal as I win and name it Psyche if I rightly heard but Aphrodite's look daunted his cheer a scare he fled away screaming in fear to see what Roth his simple tale had stirred he flashed his pens and sweeping widely round towered to air so swift in all his way that once he dived he there again was found as soon as if he had but dipped for prey and now or ever he joined his wailful flock once more he stood upon the Sauron's rock and preened his ruffled quills for fresh display but as ill tidings will their truth assure without more witness than their fatal sense was nothing bitterer to endure the injured goddess guessed the full offence and doubted only whether thirst to smite or Psyche for her new presumptuous flight or Eros for his disobedience but full of anger to her son she went and found him in his golden chamber laid and with him sweet euphrosony attempt upon his mermid wants eye as he bade shifted the pillars with each fretful whim but scornfully his mother looked at him and reckless of his pain began thus upbraid O worthy deeds I say and true to blood the crown and pledge of promise thou that wasst in estimation my perpetual bud now fruiting thus untimely to my cost back sliding from commandment ay and worse with blister favour one I bade the curse and save the life I left with thee for lost thou too to burn with love and love of her whom I did hate and to thy bed to take my rival that my trusted officer might of mine enemy my daughter make dost thou then think my love for thee so fond and miserably doting that the bond by such dishonour strain it will not break for that I cannot bear another son as good as thou or if I chose not bear not beg as good a lusty boy of one of all my nymphs and some have boys to spare whom I might train to whom thine arms made o'er should do me kinder service than before to smite my foes and keep my honour fair for thou hast ever mocked me and beguiled in amours strange my god thy valiant sire and having smudged our fame while yet a child wilt further foul it now with earthly fire but I do as thou may have vowed to kill thy fancied girl whether thou love her still or of her silly charms already tired tell me but where she hides there is now crowd in his woe boasted his happy theft confessing he had loved her well and how by her own doing she was lost and left and homeless in such sorrow as out went the utmost pain of other punishment was wandering of his love and favour rift by which was Cyprus gladdened not appeased but hid her joy and spake no more her threat and left with face like one that much displeased hath yet betrayed that he can wrong forget when low as swiftly she came stepping down from her fair house into the heavenly town the Cronian sisters on the way she met Hera the wife of Zeus her placid front dark with the shadow of his troubled reign and tall Demeter who with men once want holding the high Olympians in disdain her very faces rape which now forgiven she had returned unto the courts of heaven and mung the immortals lived at peace again whose smile told Aphrodite that they knew the meaning of her visit and a flush of anger answered them while hot she grew but Hera laughed out bright why thou dost blush now see we modest manners on my life and all thy little son has got a wife can make the crimson to thy forehead rush didst think he whom thou madeest passions Prince no privy dart then for himself would poise nay by the cuckoo on my scepter since twas love that made the mother of his joys art thou the foremost to his favor bound as thou shouldst be the last to think to sound a heart and least of all thy wanton boys but her Demeter on whose stalwart arm she leaned took up if thou wilt hark to me the psyche said she hath the heavenly charm and will become immortal and may be to marry with a woman is as well as where a god and live below in hell as twas my lot in child of mine to see which things they both said fearing in their hearts that savage eros if they mocked his case would kill their peace with his revengeful darts and bring them happily to a worse disgrace but Aphrodite saying good my dames behind this smoke I see the spite that flames left them and on her journey went apace for having purposed she would hold no truce with psyche or her son twas in her mind to go forth with unto the throne of Zeus and beg that Hermes might be sent to find the wanderer and secure that in such quest he would not fail she pondered but how best she might inflict her vengeance long design end of part seven recorded by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com part eight of eros and psyche by Robert Bridges this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com eros and psyche by Robert Bridges part eight October heavy meanwhile at heart with bruised feet was psyche wandering many nights and days upon the paths of hundred city decreed and chose to step the most deserted ways being least unhappy when she went unseen since else her secret sorrow had no screen from the plain question of men's idle gaze yet where so ever she went one hope she had like mortal mourners who against reason strong hope to be unexpectedly made glad with sight of their dead friends so much they long so she for him who lost a thousand fold endeared and made her desired nor could she hold he would not turn and quite forgive the wrong therefore her eager eyes in every place looked for her lover and twist hope and fear she followed after far some form of grace in pain alike to lose or venture near and still this thought cheered her fatigue that he were on some hill or by some brook or tree but waited for her coming to appear and then for comfort many an old love crossed and doleful ditty would she gently sing writ by sad poets of a lover lost now sounding sweeter for her sorrowing echo sweet echo watching up on high say hast thou seen today my love go by or where thou sittest by thy mossy spring or say units that from the crystal rules when ye have bathed your limbs from mourn till eve flying at midnight to the bare-topped hills beneath the stars your mazy dances weave say my deserter whom ye well may know by his small wings his quiver and his bow say have you seen my love whose loss I grieve till planned one evening on a rocky steep above the plain of Kisamos that lay robbed of its golden harvest in the deep mountainous shadows of the dying day she saw a temple whose tall columns fair recalled her home and oh if thou be there my love she cried fly not again away swiftly she ran and entering by the door she stood alone within an empty feign of great Demeter and behold the floor was littered with thank offerings of grain with wheat and barley sheaves together heaped and holy harvest home of them that reaped the goddess plenty of gifts upon the plain and on the tithe the tackle of the tithe thrown by in such confusion as are laid upon the swath sickle and hook and scythe when midday drives the reapers to the shade and psyche since had come no priestess there to trim the temple in her pious care forget herself and lend her judious aid she drew the offerings from the midst aside and piled the sheaves at every pillar space and sweeping there between a passage wide made clear of corn and chaff the temple space as countrymen who bring their wheat to Mart set out their show along the walls apart by their allotted stations each in place but she and felt no weariness such strength hath duty to support our feeble frame till all was set in order and at length up to the threshold of the shrine she came when low before her face with friendly smile tall as a pillar of the Peristyle the goddess stood revealed and called her name unhappy psyche said she knows thou not how Aphrodite to thy hurt is sworn and thou thy peril and her wrath forgot spendeth thy thought my temple to adorn take better heed and psyche at the voice even of so little comfort can rejoice and at her feet poured out of his prayer for lawn a gracious giver of the golden grain hide me I pray thee from her wrath unkind for who can pity as canst thou my pain who were to thyself a wanderer vexed in mind loss of thy decor a once when as ravaged to hell by fierce a gallous ass thou sortest her on earth and couldst not find how could thy feet bear thee to western night and where swore to Libyans watch the sacred tree and thrice to forward over a callous sprite and all the streams of Bounteous Sicily and thrice to anacomst thou thrice they tell satis to thirst by Calichorus swell nor talkest of the spring to comfort thee by that remembered anguish of thine heart lady have pity even on me and show where I may find my love and take my part for peace I pray against my cruel foe rift thou canst not from her anger shield here let me lie among the sheaves concealed such time till forth I may in safety go. Demeter answered, nay, though thou constrain my favour with thy plea my help must still be hidden else I work for thee in vain to thwart my mighty sister in her will, thou must fly away from this yet though I not oppose less will I aid her and if now I close my temple doors to thee take it nod ill. Then Psyche's hope founded as when a ship the morrow of the gale can hardly ride the swollen seas fetching a deeper dip at every wave and through her gaping side and over her shattered bulwark ever drinks till plunging in the watery wild she sinks to scoop her mind. So with each word her broken spirit drank its doom and overwhelmed with deep despair she turned away and coming forth she sank silently weeping on the temple stair in midmost night for spent with long term oil but sleep the gracious perseverance of toil came swiftly down and nursed away her care. And when the sun awaked her with his beams she found new hope at still her sorrows cure lay with the gods who in her morning dreams had sent her comfort in a vision sure were in the Cretan born mightiest god cloud gathering Zeus himself had seemed to nod and bid her with good heart her woes endure. So coming that same day unto a shrine of hero she took courage and went in and like to one that to the cell divine for favor ventures or a suit to win she drew an eye the altar from her face by being the tears heir to the heavenly grace as thus she prayed she would her prayer begin. Most honoured lady who from ancient doom word made heaven's wife and art on earth be sought with gracious happiness of all to whom thy holy wedlock hath my burden brought save me from Aphrodite's filled pursuit and guard unto the birth love's hapless fruit which she for cruel spite would bring to naught. As from her thou weret not shamed to take her beauty zone thy beauty to enhance for which again Zeus loved thee to forsake his warlike ire in faithful dalliance show me what means may win my love to me or how that I may come if so may be within the favor of his countenance. If there be any place for tears or prayer if there be need for sucker in distress now is the very hour of all despair as the heart of grief and bitterness motherly pity bend thy face and grant one beam of roof to thy poor suppliant or turn me from thy altar comfort less. Even as she prayed a cloud spread through the cell and mid the wreathings of the vapour dim the goddess grew in glory visible like some barbaric queen in festal trim such the attire and ornaments she wore when over the forgid threshold of the floor of the house she stepped to visit him. From either ear ringed to its pierced lobe a triple jewel hang with golden chased and over her breasts her wide and brosial robe with many a shining golden clasp was braced a flowering on its smooth embroidered lawn gathered to colour where the zone was drawn in fringe of golden tassels at her waist. Her curling hair with plaited braid and braille looked about her head divine a hidden half beneath the golden veil bright as the rippling ocean in sunshine and on the ground flashing whenever she stepped beneath her feet the dazzling lightning slept from the gold network of her sandals fine. Thus here I stood in royal guise bedecked before poor Psyche on the stair that knelt whose new nursed hope of that display was checked and all her happier men fade and melt. She saw no kindness in such haughty mean and venturing not to look upon the queen, thou down in woe to hear her sentence dealt. And thus the goddess spake, in vain thou soust most miserable Psyche, though my heart be full of hate for her whose hate thou roost and pride and pity move me to thy part, yet not till Zeus make known his will could I, least of the gods that dwell on high assist thee where thou worthier than thou art. But know if Eros loved thee that thy hopes should rest on him and I would bid thee go wherein his mother's house apart he mopes, grieving philosophy in secret woe, for should he take thee back there is no power in earth or heaven will hurt thee from that hour. Nay, not if Zeus himself should prove thy foe. Thou sang, she was gone and Psyche now, surprised by comfort rose and went her way, resolved in heart and only wondering how it was possible to come where Eros lay since that her feet, however she might roam, could never travel to the heavenly home of love beyond the bounds of mortal day. Yet she must come to him and now it was proved how that to lovers, as is told in song seeking the way no place is far removed, nor is there any obstacle nor bar so fixed that it can hinder them, and how to reach heaven's gate by stratagem vexed not the venturous heart of Psyche long. To face her enemy might well avail, wherefore to Cyprus shrine her steps she bent hoping the goddess in her hate might hail her body to the skies for punishment, whatever to be, yet now her fiercest wrath seemed happiest fortune seeing towards the path whereby alone unto her love she went. But Aphrodite, to the house of Zeus being bound, bade beckon out her milk-white steeds, for doves that ready to her royal use in golden cages stood and pecked the seeds best of the nimble airs high-sailing folk that wore with pride the marking of her yoke and cued in envy of her gentle needs. These drew in turn her chariot when in state, along the heaven with all her train she fed, and often journeying to the sky gate of Seuss' palace high their flight had dead, which darkest vapor and thick glooms enshroud above all else in the perpetual cloud, where through to mount again they stood prepared. Sleaking their feathers by her shining car, the same Hephaestus wrought for her when he, bruised in his hideous fall from heaven afar, was nursed by Thetis and her enemy, the daughter of the ever-refluent main with whom he dwelt till he grew sound again, down in a hollow cave beside the sea. And then, for kindness done was prompt to serve, forging them brooches rich in make and mode, earrings and supple chains of gianted curve, and other trinkets while he there abode, and none of gods or men knew of his home, but they too only, and the salt seafoam to and fro past his cavern ever flowed. To as then he wrought this work within the cave embossed with rich design a mooned car, and when returned to heaven to Venus cave in form imagined like her crescent star, which circling nearest earth maketh at night to wakeful mortal men shadow and light, alone of all the stars in heaven that are to slender wheels it had with fretted tires of biting adamant to take firm hold of cloud or ether and their whirling fires, through off the air and halo where they rolled, and either knave that round the axel turned, a ruby was, whose steady crimson burned, betwixt the twin speed mingling fans of gold. There on the naked goddess, mounting shook the reins were at the doves their wings out spread, and rising high their flight to heaven they took, and all the birds that in those courts were bred of her broad eaves that nested families, sparrows and swallows joined their companies a while and twittered to her overhead. But onward she with fading tracks of flames sped swiftly till she reached her journey's end, and when within the house of Zeus she came, she prayed the sire of heaven that he would lend Hermes the argost slayer for her heast, and he being granted the best, she went forthwith to seek him, and to send. Who happed within the palace then to wait upon the almighty pleasure, and her tale was quickly told, and he made answer straight, that he would find the truant without fail, asking the goddess by what signs her slave might best be known, and what the price she gave, for capture or admitted for the bale. For which he took his silver light in letters large upon a waxed board, her age and name, her colour, face and height, her home and heritage, and the reward, and then read over as was to be proclaimed, and she took oath to give the price she named without demure when Psyche was restored. And on his head he closely set his cap, with eared wings erect and over his knee, he crossed each fort in turn to find, that bound his winged sandals and chukfri, his clamus and got up and in his hand, taking his fair white ribboned heralds wand, leapt forth on air, a cutrid cap upee. Piloting along the midday sky held southward till the narrow map of Crete lay like a fleck in azure beneath his eye, when down he came and as an eagle fleet, drops in some comb, then checks his headlong stoop, with wing, wheeling and level swoop to strike the bleating quarry with his feet. Thus he alighted and in every town in all the isle before the close of day, had carried the message which he carried down of Psyche, Aphrodite's runaway, but whosoever found the same and caught, and by such time unto her temple brought to him the goddess would this good on pay. Six honeyed kisses from her rosy mouth, would Cytheria give and one decide to quench at heart for eye loves mortal drowth, and unto him that hid her woe betide, which now was on all tongues and Psyche's name, the self ever heard, or ever nice she came, to Aphrodite's temple where she hide. When since she found her way to heaven was safe, she only wished to make it soon and sure nor feared to meet the goddess in her chaff, so she herself surrender might secure and not be given of other for the price, or was there any need of artifice who once resplendent beauty to obscure. For now so changed she was by heavy woe that for the little lightness that she bore to her description she was feared to go within the feign and when she stood before the priestess scarce could she with oath persuade that she was Psyche the honored maid whom men had left the temple to adore. But when to Hermes she was shown and given he took no doubt, but eager to be quit and proud of speed returned with her to heaven and left her with the proclamation writ hung at her neck the board with letters large at Aphrodite's gate with those in charge and up whence first he came made haste to flit. But hapless Psyche fell for so a chance to moody with fear's care the one of Aphrodite's train whom she advanced to try the work abandoned by her son who by perpetual presence made he'll end of good or bad though she could both amend and merit praise for work by her begun. But she to better thought her heart had shut and proved she had a spite beyond compare nor could the keenest taunts her anger glut which she when soured was never wanted to spare and now she mocked at Psyche's shame and grief as only she might do and to her chief along the courtyard dragged her by the hair. Nor now was Aphrodite kinder grown having her hated rival in her power she laughed for joy and in triumphant tone made her a merry welcome to her bower. Tis fit indeed daughters in law should wait upon their mothers but thou comest late Psyche I looked for thee before this hour. And yet thus gave she reign to Gia and Gibe forgive me if I hold thee negligent or if a customed vanity ascribe an honour to myself that was not meant. Thy lover is it who so dearly prized the pretty soul then left her and despised to him more like thy heavenward steps were bent. Nor without reason Zeus I tell thee swooned to hear the story about the drop of oil. The revelation and the ghastly wound my merriment is but my fierce recoil. But if my son was unkind thou shalt see how kind a goddess can his mother be to bring thy tainted honour clear of soil. And so to match her promise with her mirth to of her ministers she called in ken that work the melancholy of the earth marimna that with care causes when the hearts of mortals have the guards forgot and lappy that her sorrow spares them not when mortals have forgot their fellow men. These like twin sharks that in a fairship's wake swim constant showing above the water blue their shearing fins and hasty raven make of overthrow or offal. So these too on Aphrodite's passing follow hard and now she offered to their gluts regard to meet Psyche with command their want to do. But in what secret chamber their foul task these soul timeters plied or what their skill pity of tender nature may not ask nor poet stain his rhyme with such an ill but they at last themselves turned from their rack weary of cruelty and led her back saying that further torture were to kill. And when the goddess saw her more she mocked, art thou the woman of the earth she said that hasten sorceries mine eros locked and stood thyself for worship in my stead looking that I should pity thee or care for what illicit offspring thou mayst bear or let thee to that God my son be wed. I know thy trick and thou art one of them who still loves favor in the gentle way wearing submission for a diadem patience and suffering for thy rich array thou wilt be modest kind implicit so to rest thy wily spirit out of show that it may leap the livelier into play devout at doing nothing if so be the grace become thee well but active yet above all others be there none to see thy business and thine eager face a sweat lo, I will prove thy talent thou mayst live and all desirous will I give if thou perform the task which I shall set. She took her then aside and bade her heed a heap of grains piled high upon the floor millet and mustard, hemp and poppy seed and fern blooms undistinguishable spore all kinds of pulse of grasses and of spice, clover and linseed, rape and corn and rice, dodder and sesame and many more. As she said, it now is night I will return at morning if I find that thou hast separated all a right each grain from other grain after its kind and set them in unmingled heaps apart, then shall thy wish be granted to thine heart for at she turned and closed the door behind. End of Part 9. Recorded by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Part 10 of Eros and Psyche by Robert Bridges This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Eros and Psyche by Robert Bridges Part 10 December A single lamp there still beside the heap and shed thereon its mocking golden light such as might tempt the weary eye to sleep rather than prick the nerve of tasked sight yet Psyche not to fail for lack of zeal with good will sat her down to her ordeal sorting the larger seeds as best she might. When low upon the wall a shadow passed of doubtful shape across the chamber dim moving with speed and seeing nor that cast the shade she bent her down the flame to trim and there the beast itself a little ant up in compass of the luster scant upon the bowl of oil ran round the rim smiling to see the creature of her fear so dwarfed by truth she watched him where he crept from their distraction telling in his ear what straits she then was in and telling wept. Right he stood and trimmed his horns but ere her tail was done resumed his manner scare ran down and on his way in darkness kept. Dexterous hand the larger seeds or pushed the smaller back or light from heavy with her breathing fanned when suddenly she saw the floor grow black and troops of ants flowing in noiseless train moved to the hill of seeds as over a plane armies approached the city for attack and gathering on the grain began to strive with grappling horns and each from out of the heap his burden drew and all their motion live struggled and slid upon the surface steep and Psyche wondered watching them to find the creatures separated kind from kind till dizzied with the sight she fell asleep and when she woke it was with the morning sound of Aphrodite's anger at the door whom IMA stayed backward as she found her foe asleep with all her trouble o'er and round the room beheld in order due piles arranged distinct and sorted true grain with grain with seed and spore with spore she fiercely cried thou shalt not thus escape for to this marvel darest thou not pretend there is but one that could this order shape to meet her and I knew her not thy friend therefore another trial will I set in which she cannot aid thee nor a bet but thou thyself must bring it fair to end thereon she sped her to the bounds of Thrace and set her by a river deep and wide and said to east beyond to this stream a race of golden fleeced sheep had passed you by'd go seek them out and this thy task to pull but one lock for me of their precious wool and give it in my hands had even tied this do and thou shalt have thy heart's desire which said she fled and left her by the stream and Psyche then with courage still and tire had plunged therein but now of great esteem her life she rated while it lent a spell wherein she yet might hope to quit her well and in one winning all her woes redeem there as she stood in doubt a fluting voice rose from the flood Psyche be not afraid to hear a reed give tongue for cause of choice that I from mortal flesh a plant was made my name is Syricks once from mighty Pan into the drowning river as I ran a fearful prayer my steps forever stayed but by that change in many climbs I live and Pan my lover who to me alone is true and does me honour I forgive nor if I speak and sorrow is it my own rather for thee my voice I now uplift to warn thee plunge not in the river swift will seek the golden sheep to men unknowing if thou should cross the stream which may not be thou couldest not climb upon the hanging rocks nor ever as the goddess made thee see the pasture of the yellow fleece had flocks or if thou could their herded horns would gore and slay the on the crags or thrust the oar here thou couldst rob them of their golden locks the goddess means thy death but I can show how thy obedience yet may thwart her will at noon the golden flocks descend below leaving the scented herbage of the hill and where the shelving banks to shallows fall leaving water one and all will back return till they have drawn their fill I will command a thorn bush that it stoop over some ram that steppeth by in peace and him in all its prickles firmly coop making thee seizure of his golden fleece so without peril of his angry horns shall thou be quit for he upon the thorns must leave his ransom ere he win release and hid among the rushes looking east and when noon came she saw the flock descending out of the hills and low one golden beast caught in a thorn bush and the mighty brute struggled and tore it from its twisted root into the stream or ever it was released and when they watered were and gone the breeze floated the freighted thorn their psyche lay whence she unhooked the golden wool at ease and back to heaven for passage swift can pray and Hermes who was sent to be her guide if so she lived came down at even tide and bore her thither ere the clothes of day but when the goddess saw the locks of gold held to her hands her heart with wrath overran most desperate thou and by a betting bold that dost out wit me prove thee as I can yet this work is not thine there is but one of all the gods could the thing have done hast thou a friend to in the lusty pan I'll give thee trial where he cannot aid which said she led her to a torrid land level and black but not with flood or shade for nothing could the mighty heat withstand which I from mourn till eve the naked sun hold on that plane where never foot had run nor any herb sprung on its molten sand far off a gloomy mountain rose alone and after a diety thither pointing said there lies thy task out of the topmost stone of yonder hill upwells a fountain head take thou this goblet brimming must thou bring its cup with water from that sacred spring if ever to my son thou wouldst be wed saying she gave into her hands a bowl cut of one crystal open broad and fair and bade her at all hazard keep her whole the heaven held nought beside so fine or rare then was she gone and Psyche on the plane now doubted if she ever should regain the love of Eros strove she howl so air yet has a helms in that the word to tack swiftly without a thought puts down his helm so Psyche turned to tread that desert black since was no fear that could her heart overwhelm nor knew she that she went to a caucictus springing to the peak secretly from his source in Pluto's realm all night and day she journeyed and at last came to the rock gazed up in vain around nothing she saw but precipices vast over ruined scups with rugged ridges crowned and creeping to a cleft to rest in shade wherever the desperate venture she assayed she fell asleep upon the stony ground a dream came to her thus alone within her palace in the high ravine where nought but she was changed but she to stone worshipers thronged the court and still were seen folk flying from the peak whoever more flying and flying lighted on the floor howl cried they wife of Eros adored queen a hurtling of the battled air disturbed as sun can sense and waked her eyes to meet the kingly bird of Zeus himself but curved his sweeping course alighting at her feet with gentle motion his far darting eye in kindness dimmed upon her he drew an eye and thus in words unveiled her foes to seat in vain poor Psyche hast thou hithers driven across the fiery plain toiling so well cruelly to destruction art thou driven by her whose hate thou canst not quit nor quell no mortal foot may scale this horrid mount and those black waters of its topmost fount are guarded by the horned snakes of hell its little rill is an unleaping jet of cold cockictus which forever licks earth's base and when with acheron tis met its waters with that other cannot mix which holds the elemental air dissolved but with it in its ceaseless course revolved issues unmingled in the lake of sticks the souls of murderers in guise of fish scream as they swim therein and wail for cold their times of woe determined by the wish of them they murdered on the earth of old in each five years they see whenever they make a passage to the Akkazurian lake and their release may win from pains condoled thrift the pitying ear of them they slew be pierced by their voices spare and are they freed from pain as are some few but for the most again they forward there to tartar as obscene and outcast events are hurried back into the cold intense and with new company their torments share spiting lymph may not be touched of man or god unless the fates of so ordained nor could I in thy favour break the ban nor pass the dragons that thereby are chained didst thou not bear the sacred cup of Zeus which for thy peril lent shall turn to use and truly do the service which it feigned thus as he spake his talons made he ring around the crystal bowl and soaring high descended as from heaven upon the spring nor dared the horned snakes have held deny the minister of Zeus that bore his cup to fill it with their trusted water up bents to the king of heaven to fly. But he to Psyche bent his gracious speed and bidding her to mount his feathered back for her aloft as once young ganameed or ever made his steady flight to slack and that he set her down beside her goal and gave into her hands the crystal bowl unspilled over brimming with the water black. End of part 10 recorded by Nathan at antipodean writer.wordpress.com