The Poet's Nightmare

When from my fellows to the grove I stray'd,

In solitude and dusk to meditate

On things forbidden, and to pierce the veil

Of seeming good and seeming beauteousness

That covers o'er the tragedy of Truth.

Hither and thither through infinity

Of light and darkness, strangely intermix'd;

Wherein all entity had consciousness,

Without th' accustom'd outward shape of life.

Of these swift circling currents was my soul,

Free from the flesh, a true constituent part;

Nor felt I less myself, for want of form.

Then clear'd the mist, and o'er a star-strown scene

Divine and measureless, I gaz'd in awe.

Alone in space, I view'd a feeble fleck

Of silvern light, marking the narrow ken

Which mortals call the boundless universe.

Borne on the wings of stark immensity,

A touch of rhythm celestial reach'd my soul;

Thrilling me more with horror than with joy.

Omnia risus et omnia pulvis et omnia nihil.