{"id":3385,"date":"2013-07-13T01:47:59","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=3385"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:47:59","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:47:59","slug":"14-book-2-canto-7-the-descent-into-night-vol-01-savitri-1950","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/02-other-editions\/01-savitri\/01-savitri-1950\/14-book-2-canto-7-the-descent-into-night-vol-01-savitri-1950","title":{"rendered":"-14_Book 2 Canto 7 The Descent into Night.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\n

<\/p>\n

CANTO SEVEN<\/b><\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTHE DESCENT
\nINTO NIGHT<\/b><\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\t\t\t <\/td>\n\n

\n
\nA MIND absolved from life, made calm to know,<\/P><\/p>\n

A heart
\ndivorced from the blindness and the pang,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The seal
\nof tears, the bond of ignorance,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He turned
\nto find that wide world-failure’s cause.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Away he
\nlooked from Nature’s visible face<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And sent
\nhis gaze into the viewless Vast,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The
\nformidable unknown Infinity,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Asleep
\nbehind the endless coil of things, ‘ <\/span>
\n‘<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/span><\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nThat carries the universe in its timeless breadths<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And the
\nripples of its being are our lives.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The
\nworlds are built by its unconscious Breath<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nMatter and Mind are its figures or its powers,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Our
\nwaking thoughts the output of its dreams.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The veil
\nwas rent that covers Nature’s depths: <\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nHe saw the fount of the world’s lasting pain<\/P><\/p>\n

And the
\nmouth of the black pit of Ignorance; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe evil guarded at the roots of life <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nRaised up its head and looked into his eyes. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOn a dim bank where dies subjective Space, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nFrom a stark ridge overlooking all that is, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA tenebrous awakened Nescience, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHer wide blank eyes wondering at Time and Form, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nStared at the inventions of the living Void <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd the Abyss whence our beginnings rose. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBehind appeared a grey carved mask of Night <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nWatching the birth of all created things. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA hidden Puissance conscious of its force, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA vague and lurking Presence everywhere, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA contrary Doom that threatens all things made, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA Death figuring as the dark seed of life, <\/font> <\/span><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

Page 184<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nSeemed to engender and to slay the world. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThen from the sombre mystery of the gulfs <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd from the hollow bosom of the Mask <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nSomething crept forth that seemed a shapeless Thought. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA fatal Influence upon creatures stole <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nWhose lethal touch pursued the immortal spirit, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOn life was laid the haunting finger of Death <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd overcast with error, grief and pain <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe soul’s native will for truth and joy and light. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA deformation coiled that claimed to be <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe being’s very turn, Nature’s true drive. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA hostile and perverting Mind at work <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIn every corner ensconced of conscious life <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nCorrupted Truth with her own formulas; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nInterceptor of the listening of the soul,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAfflicting knowledge with the hue of doubt<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

It
\ncaptured the oracles of the occult gods,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Effaced
\nthe signposts of Life’s pilgrimage,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Cancelled
\nthe firm rock-edicts graved by Time,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And on
\nthe foundations of the cosmic Law<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Erected
\nits bronze pylons of misrule.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Even
\nLight and Love by that cloaked danger’s spell<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Turned
\nfrom the brilliant nature of the gods<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

To fallen
\nangels and misleading suns,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Became
\nthemselves a danger and a charm,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A
\nperverse sweetness, heaven-born malefice: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nIts power could deform divinest things.<\/P><\/p>\n

A wind of
\nsorrow breathed upon the world; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nAll thought with falsehood was besieged, all act <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nStamped with defect or with frustration’s sign, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAll high attempt with failure or vain success, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBut none could know the reason of his fall. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe grey Mask whispered and though no sound was heard, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nYet in the ignorant heart a seed was sown <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThat bore black fruit of suffering, death and bale. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOut of the chill steppes of a bleak Unseen <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nInvisible, wearing the Night’s grey mask, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nArrived the shadowy dreadful messengers, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nInvaders from a dangerous world of power, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAmbassadors of evil’s absolute. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPage 185<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nIn silence the inaudible voices spoke, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHands that none saw planted the fatal grain, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nNo form was seen, yet a dire work was done, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAn iron decree in crooked uncials written <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nImposed a law of sin and adverse fate. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nLife looked at him with changed and sombre eyes: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHer beauty he saw and the yearning heart in things<\/P><\/p>\n

That with
\na little happiness is content,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Answering
\nto a small ray of truth or love; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nHe saw her gold sunlight and her far blue sky,<\/P><\/p>\n

Her green
\nof leaves and hue and scent of flowers<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And the
\ncharm of children and the love of friends<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And the
\nbeauty of women and kindly hearts of men,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

But saw
\ntoo the dreadful Powers that drive her moods<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And the
\nanguish she has strewn upon her ways,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Fate
\nwaiting on the unseen steps of men<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And her
\nevil and sorrow and last gift of death.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A breath
\nof disillusion and decadence<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nCorrupting watched for Life’s maturity<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And made
\nto rot the full grain of the soul: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nProgress became a purveyor of Death. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA world that clung to the law of a slain Light <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nCherished the putrid corpses of dead truths, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHailed twisted forms as things free, new and true, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBeauty from ugliness and evil drank <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nFeeling themselves guests at a banquet of the gods <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd tasted corruption like a high-spiced food. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA darkness settled on the heavy air, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIt hunted the bright smile from Nature’s lips <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd slew the native confidence in her heart <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd put fear’s crooked look into her eyes. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe lust that warps the spirit’s natural good <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nReplaced by a manufactured virtue and vice <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe frank spontaneous impulse of the soul: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAfflicting Nature with the dual’s lie,<\/P><\/p>\n

Their
\ntwin values whetted a forbidden zest,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Made evil
\na relief from spurious good,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The ego
\nbattened on righteousness and sin<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And each
\nbecame an instrument of Hell.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In
\nrejected heaps by a monotonous road <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage 186<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe old simple delights were left to lie<\/P><\/p>\n

On the
\nwasteland of life’s descent to Night.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

All glory
\nof life dimmed tarnished into a doubt,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

All
\nbeauty ended in an aging face; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nAll power was dubbed a tyranny cursed by God<\/P><\/p>\n

And Truth
\na fiction needed by ‘the mind; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe chase of joy was now a tired hunt; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAll knowledge was left a questioning Ignorance. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\n      As from a womb obscure he saw emerge<\/P><\/p>\n

The body
\nand visage of a dark Unseen<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Hidden
\nbehind the fair outside of life.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Its
\ndangerous commerce is our suffering’s cause.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Its
\nbreath is a subtle poison in men’s hearts; <\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nAll evil starts from that ambiguous face.<\/P><\/p>\n

A peril
\nhaunted now the common air; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe world grew full of menacing Energies,<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nwherever turned for help or hope his eyes,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In field
\nand house, in street and camp and mart,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He met
\nthe prowl and stealthy come and go<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Of armed
\ndisquieting bodied Influences.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A march
\nof goddess figures dark and nude<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Alarmed
\nthe air with grandiose unease; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nAppalling footsteps drew invisibly near,<\/P><\/p>\n

Shapes
\nthat were threats invaded the dream-light,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nominous beings passed him on the road<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Whose
\nvery gaze was a calamity: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nA charm and sweetness sudden and formidable, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nFaces that raised alluring lips and eyes <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nApproached him armed with beauty like a snare, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBut hid a fatal meaning in each line <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd could in a moment dangerously change. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBut he alone discerned that screened attack. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA veil upon the inner vision lay, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA force was there that hid its dreadful steps; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAll was belied, yet thought itself the truth; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAll were beset but knew not of the siege: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nFor none could see the authors of their fall. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAware of some dark wisdom still withheld<\/P><\/p>\n

That was
\nthe seal and warrant of this strength, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

Page 187<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nHe followed the track of dim tremendous steps<\/P><\/p>\n

Returning
\nto the night from which they came.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A tract
\nhe reached unbuilt and owned by none: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThere all could enter but none stay for long.<\/P><\/p>\n

It was a
\nno-man’s-land of evil air,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A crowded
\nneighbourhood without one home,1<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A
\nborderland between the world and hell.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

There
\nunreality was Nature’s lord: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nIt was a space where nothing could be true,<\/P><\/p>\n

For
\nnothing was what it had claimed to be: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nA high appearance wrapped a spacious void.<\/P><\/p>\n

Yet
\nnothing would confess its own pretence<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Even to
\nitself in the ambiguous heart: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nA vast deception was the law of things,<\/P><\/p>\n

Only by
\nthat deception they could live.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

An
\nunsubstantial Nihil guaranteed<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The
\nfalsehood of the forms this Nature took<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And made
\nthem seem awhile to be and live.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A
\nborrowed magic drew them from the Void; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThey took a shape and stuff that was not theirs<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nshowed a colour that they could not keep,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Mirrors
\nto a fantasm of reality.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Each
\nrainbow brilliance was a splendid lie,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A beauty
\nunreal graced a glamour face.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Nothing
\ncould be relied on to remain: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nJoy nurtured tears and good an evil proved,<\/P><\/p>\n

But never
\nout of evil one plucked good: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nLove ended early in hate, delight killed with pain,<\/P><\/p>\n

Truth
\ninto falsity grew and death ruled life.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A Power
\nthat laughed at the mischief of the world,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

An irony
\nthat joined the world’s contraries<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And flung
\nthem into each other’s arms to strive,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Put a
\nsardonic rictus on God’s face.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Aloof,
\nits influence entered everywhere<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And left
\na cloven hoof-mark on the breast; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nA twisted heart and a strange sombre smile<\/P><\/p>\n

Mocked at
\nthe sinister comedy of life.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnnouncing the advent of a perilous Form<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

An
\nominous tread softened its dire footfall<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

That none
\nmight understand or be on guard;\n<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage 188<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nNone heard until a dreadful grasp was dose.<\/P><\/p>\n

Or else
\nall ‘augured a divine approach,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

An air of
\nprophecy felt, a heavenly hope,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Listened
\nfor a gospel, watched for a new star.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The Fiend
\nwas visible, but cloaked in light;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nHe seemed a helping angel from the skies:<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHe armed untruth with Scripture and the Law;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHe deceived with wisdom, with virtue slew the soul<\/P><\/p>\n

And led
\nto perdition by the heavenward path.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A lavish
\nsense he gave of power and joy,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And when
\narose the warning from within,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He
\nreassured the ear with dulcet tones,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Or took
\nthe mind captive in its own net;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nHis rigorous logic made the false seem true.<\/P><\/p>\n

Amazing
\nthe elect with holy lore<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He spoke
\nas with the very voice of God.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The air
\nwas full of treachery and ruse;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nTruth-speaking was a stratagem in that place;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAmbush lurked in a smile and peril made<\/P><\/p>\n

Safety
\nits cover, trust its entry’s gate:<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nFalsehood came laughing with the eyes of truth;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nEach friend might turn an enemy or spy,<\/P><\/p>\n

The hand
\none clasped ensleeved a dagger’s stab<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And an
\nembrace could be Doom’s iron cage.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Agony and
\ndanger stalked their trembling prey<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nsoftly spoke as to a timid friend:<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nAttack sprang suddenly vehement and unseen;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nFear leaped upon the heart at every turn<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

<\/P><\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd cried out with an anguished dreadful voice;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nIt called for one to save but none came near.<\/P><\/p>\n

All
\nwarily walked, for death was ever close;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nYet caution seemed a vain expense of care,<\/P><\/p>\n

For all
\nthat guarded proved a deadly net,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And when
\nafter long suspense salvation came<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nbrought a glad relief disarming strength,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

It served
\nas a smiling passage to worse fate.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

There was
\nno truce and no safe place to rest;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nOne dared not slumber or put off one’s arms:<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIt was a world of battle and surprise.<\/P><\/p>\n

All who
\nwere there lived for themselves alone;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPage 189<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nAll warred against all, but with a common hate<\/P><\/p>\n

Turned on
\nthe mind that sought some higher good; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nTruth was exiled lest she should dare to speak<\/P><\/p>\n

And hurt
\nthe heart of darkness with her light<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Or bring
\nher pride of knowledge to blaspheme<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The
\nsettled anarchy of established things. <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\n      Then the scene changed, but kept its dreadful
\ncore: <\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAltering its form the life remained the same.<\/P><\/p>\n

A capital
\nwas there without a State: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nIt had no ruler, only groups that strove.<\/P><\/p>\n

He saw a
\ncity of ancient Ignorance<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Founded
\nupon a soil that knew not Light.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

There
\neach in his own darkness walked alone: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nOnly they agreed to differ in Evil’s paths,<\/P><\/p>\n

To live
\nin their own way for their own selves<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Or to
\nenforce a common lie and wrong; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThere Ego was lord upon his peacock seat<\/span><\/font><\/P><\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd falsehood sat by him, his mate and queen: <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe world turned to them as Heaven to Truth and God. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nInjustice justified by firm decrees <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe sovereign weights of Error’s legalised trade, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBut all the weights were false and none the same, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nEver she watched with her balance and a sword <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nLest any sacrilegious word expose <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe sanctified formulas of her old misrule. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIn high professions wrapped self-will walked wide <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd licence stalked prating of order and right: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThere was no altar raised to Liberty; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nTrue freedom was abhorred and hunted down: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHarmony and tolerance nowhere could be seen; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nEach group proclaimed its dire and naked Law.<\/P><\/p>\n

A frame
\nof ethics knobbed with scriptural rules<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Or a
\ntheory passionately believed and praised<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A table
\nseemed of high Heaven’s sacred code.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A formal
\npractice mailed and iron-shod<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Gave to a
\nrude and ruthless warrior kind<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Drawn
\nfrom the savage bowels of the earth<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A proud
\nstern poise of harsh nobility,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A civic
\nposture rigid and formidable. <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage 190<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nBut all their private acts belied the pose: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nPower and utility were their Truth and Right,<\/P><\/p>\n

An eagle
\nrapacity clawed its coveted good,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Beaks
\npecked and talons tore all weaker prey.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In their
\nsweet secrecy of pleasant sins<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Nature
\nthey obeyed and not a moralist God.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nInconscient traders in bundles of contraries,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

They did
\nwhat in others they would persecute; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nWhen their eyes looked upon their fellow’s vice,<\/P><\/p>\n

An
\nindignation flamed, a virtuous wrath; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nOblivious of their own deep-hid of fence,<\/P><\/p>\n

Mob like
\nthey stoned a neighbour caught in sin.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A
\npragmatist judge within passed false decrees,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Posed
\nworst iniquities on equity’s base,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Reasoned
\nill actions just, sanctioned the scale<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Of the
\nmerchant ego’s interest and desire.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Thus was
\na balance kept, the world could live.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A zealot
\nfervour pushed their ruthless cults,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

All faith
\nnot theirs bled scourged as heresy; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThey questioned, captived, tortured, burned or smote<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nforced the soul to abandon right or die.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Amid her
\nclashing creeds and warring sects<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Religion
\nsat upon a blood-stained throne.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A hundred
\ntyrannies oppressed and slew<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nfounded unity upon fraud and force.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Only what
\nseemed was prized as real there: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe ideal was a cynic ridicule’s butt: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHooted by the crowd, mocked by enlightened wits, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nSpiritual seeking wandered outcasted,<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nA dreamer’s self-deceiving web of thought <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOr mad chimera deemed or hypocrite’s fake, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIts passionate instinct trailed through minds obscure <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nLost in the circuits of the Ignorance. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA lie was there the truth and truth a lie. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHere must the traveller of the upward way <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nFor daring Hell’s kingdoms winds the heavenly route<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nPause or pass slowly through that perilous space, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA prayer upon his lips and the great Name. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIf probed not all discernment’s keen spear-point, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHe might stumble into falsity’s endless net. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

Page 191<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nOver his shoulder often he must look back<\/P><\/p>\n

Like one
\nwho feels on his neck an enemy’s breath,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Else
\nstealing up behind a treasonous blow<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Might
\nprostrate cast and pin to unholy soil,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Pierced
\nthrough his back by Evil’s poignant stake.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

So might
\none fall on the Eternal’s road<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nForfeiting the spirit’s lonely chance in Time<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And no
\nnews of him reach the waiting gods,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Marked
\n"missing" in the register of souls,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

His name
\nthe index of a failing hope,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The
\nposition of a dead remembered star.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Only were
\nsafe who kept God in their hearts: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nCourage their armour, faith their sword, they must walk, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe hand ready to smite, the eye to scout, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nCasting a javelin regard in front, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHeroes and soldiers of the army of Light. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHardly even so, the grisly danger past, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nReleased into a calmer purer air, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThey dared at length to breathe and smile once more. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOnce more they moved beneath a real sun. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThough Hell claimed rule, the spirit still had power. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThis No-man’s-land he passed without debate; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHim the heights missioned, him the Abyss desired: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nNone stood across his way, no voice forbade. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nFor swift and easy is the downward path, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd now towards the Night was turned his face. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/P><\/p>\n

\n
\n     A greater darkness waited, a worse reign,<\/P><\/p>\n

If worse
\ncan be where all is evil’s extreme; <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nYet to the cloaked the uncloaked is naked worst.<\/P><\/p>\n

There God
\nand Truth and the supernal Light<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Had never
\nbeen or else had power no more.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

As when
\none slips in a deep moment’s trance<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Over
\nmind’s border into another world,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He
\ncrossed a boundary whose stealthy trace<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Eye could
\nnot see but only the soul feel.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Into an
\narmoured fierce domain he came<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And saw
\nhimself wandering like a lost soul<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Amid
\ngrimed walls and savage slums of Night.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Around
\nhim crowded grey and squalid huts <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

Page 192<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nNeighbouring proud palaces of perverted Power,<\/P><\/p>\n

Inhuman
\nquarters and demoniac wards.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A pride
\nin evil hugged its wretchedness; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nA misery haunting splendour pressed those fell <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nDun suburbs of the cities of dream-life. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThere Life displayed to the spectator soul <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe shadow depths of her strange miracle. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA strong and fallen goddess without hope, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nObscured, deformed by some dire Gorgon spell, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAs might a harlot empress in a bouge, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nNude, unashamed, exulting she upraised <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHer evil face of perilous beauty and charm <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd, drawing panic to a shuddering kiss <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nTwixt the magnificence of her fatal breasts, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAllured to their abyss the spirit’s fall. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAcross the field of sight she multiplied <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAs on a scenic film or moving plate <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe implacable splendour of her nightmare pomps. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOn the dark background of a soulless world <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nShe staged between a lurid light and shade <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHer dramas of the sorrow of the depths <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nWritten on the agonised nerves of living things: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nEpics of horror and grim majesty,<\/P><\/p>\n

Wry
\nstatues spat and stiffened in life’s mud,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A glut of
\nhideous forms and hideous deeds<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Paralysed
\npity in the hardened breast.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In booths
\nof sin and night-repairs of vice<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Styled
\ninfamies of the body’s concupiscence<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nsordid imaginations etched in flesh,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Turned
\nlust into a decorative art: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nAbusing Nature’s gift her pervert skill<\/P><\/p>\n

\nImmortalised the sown grain of living death,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In a mud
\ngoblet poured the bacchic wine,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

To a
\nsatyr gave the thyrsus of a god.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Impure,
\nsadistic, with grimacing mouths,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Grey foul
\ninventions gruesome and macabre<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Came
\ntelevisioned from the gulfs of Night.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Her craft
\ningenious in monstrosity,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Impatient
\nof all natural shape and poise,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A gape of
\nnude exaggerated lines,\n<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

Page 193<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nGave caricature a stark reality, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd art-parades of weird distorted forms, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd gargoyle masks obscene and terrible <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nTrampled to tormented postures the torn sense. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAn inexorable evil’s worshipper, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nShe made vileness great and sublimated filth; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA dragon power of reptile energies<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nstrange epiphanies of grovelling Force<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nserpent grandeurs couching in the mire<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Drew
\nadoration to a gleam of slime.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

All
\nNature pulled out of her frame and base<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Was
\ntwisted into an unnatural pose: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nRepulsion stimulated inert desire; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAgony was made a red-spiced food for bliss,<\/P><\/p>\n

Hatred
\nwas trusted with the work of lust<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\ntorture took the form of an embrace; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nA ritual anguish consecrated death; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nWorship was offered to the Undivine.<\/P><\/p>\n

A new
\naesthesis of Inferno’s art<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

That
\ntrained the mind to love what the soul hates,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Imposed
\nallegiance on the quivering nerves<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nforced the unwilling body to vibrate.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Too sweet
\nand too harmonious to excite<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

In this
\nregime that soiled the being’s core,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Beauty
\nwas banned, the heart’s feeling dulled to sleep<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\ncherished in their place sensation’s thrills;<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe world was probed for jets of sense-appeal.<\/P><\/p>\n

Here cold
\nmaterial intellect was the judge’<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nneeded sensual prick and jog and lash<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

That its
\nhard dryness and dead nerves might feel<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Some
\npassion and power and acrid point of life.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A new
\nphilosophy theorised evil’s rights,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Gloried
\nin the shimmering rot of decadence,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Or gave
\nto a python force persuasive speech<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And armed
\nwith knowledge the primeval brute.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Over life
\nand Matter only brooding bowed,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Mind
\nchanged to the image of a rampant beast; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nIt scrambled into the pit to dig for truth <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd lighted its search with the subconscient’s flares. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThence bubbling rose sullying the upper air, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

Page 194<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe filth and festering secrets of the Abyss: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThis it called positive fact and real life.<\/P><\/p>\n

This now
\ncomposed the fetid atmosphere.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A
\nwild-beast passion crept from secret Night<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

To watch
\nits prey with fascinating eyes: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nAround him like a fire with sputtering tongues<\/P><\/p>\n

There
\nlolled and laughed a bestial ecstasy; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe air was packed with longings brute and fierce; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nCrowding and stinging in a monstrous swarm <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nPressed with a noxious hum into his mind <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThoughts that could poison Nature’s heavenliest breath, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nForcing reluctant lids assailed the sight <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nActs that revealed the mystery of Hell. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAll that was there was on this pattern made. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\n     A race possessed inhabited those parts.<\/P><\/p>\n

A force
\ndemoniac lurking in man’s depths<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

That
\nheaves suppressed by the heart’s human law,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Awed by
\nthe calm and sovereign eyes of Thought,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Can in a
\nfire and earthquake of the soul<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Arise
\nand, calling to its native night,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Overthrow
\nthe reason, occupy the life<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And stamp
\nits hoof on Nature’s shaking ground; <\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThis was for them their being’s flaming core. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA mighty energy, a monster god, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHard to the strong, implacable to the weak, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIt stared at the harsh unpitying world it made <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nWith the stony eyelids of its fixed idea. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIts heart was drunk with a dire hunger’s wine, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIn others’ suffering felt a thrilled delight <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd of death and ruin the grandiose music heard. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nTo have power, to be master, was sole virtue and good: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIt claimed the whole world for Evil’s living room, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIts party’s grim totalitarian reign <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe cruel destiny of breathing things. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAll on one plan was shaped and standardised <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nUnder a dark dictatorship’s breathless weight. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIn street and house, in councils and in courts <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBeings he met who looked like living men <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd climbed in speech upon high wings of thought <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPage 195<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nBut harboured all that is subhuman, vile <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd lower than the lowest reptile’s crawl. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe reason meant for nearness to the gods <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd uplift to heavenly scale by the touch of mind <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOnly enhanced by its enlightening ray <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nTheir inborn nature’s wry monstrosity. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOften a familiar visage studying <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nJoyfully encountered at some dangerous turn, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHoping to recognise a look of light, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHis vision warned by the spirit’s inward eye <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nDiscovered suddenly Hell’s trade-mark there, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOr saw with the inner sense that cannot err, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIn the semblance of a fair or virile form <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe demon and the goblin and the ghoul. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAn insolence reigned of cold stone-hearted strength <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nMighty, obeyed, approved by the Titan’s law, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe huge laughter of a giant cruelty <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd fierce glad deeds of ogre violence. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIn that wide cynic den of thinking beasts <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOne looked in vain for a trace of pity and love; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThere was no touch of sweetness anywhere,<\/P><\/p>\n

But only
\nForce and its acolytes, greed and hate: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThere was no help for suffering, none to save,<\/P><\/p>\n

None
\ndared resist or speak a noble word.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Armed
\nwith the aegis of tyrannic Power,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Signing
\nthe edicts of her dreadful rule<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And using
\nblood and torture as a seal,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Darkness
\nproclaimed her slogans to the world.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A servile
\nblinkered silence hushed the mind<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Or only
\nit repeated lessons taught,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

While
\nmitred, holding the good shepherd’s staff,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Falsehood
\nenthroned on awed and prostrate hearts<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The cults
\nand creeds that organise living death<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And slay
\nthe soul on the altar of a lie.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

All were
\ndeceived or served their own deceit; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nTruth in that stifling atmosphere could not live. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThere wretchedness believed in its own joy <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd fear and weakness hugged their abject depths; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAll that is low and sordid-thoughted, base,<\/P><\/p>\n

All that
\nis drab and poor and miserable,<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

Page 196<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nBreathed in a laxed content its natural air<\/P><\/p>\n

And felt
\nno yearning of divine release:<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nArrogant, gibing at more luminous states<\/P><\/p>\n

The
\npeople of the gulfs despised the sun.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

A
\nbarriered autarchy excluded light;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nFixed in its will to be its own grey self,<\/P><\/p>\n

It
\nvaunted its norm unique and splendid type:<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nIt soothed its hunger with a plunderer’s dream;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nFlaunting its cross of servitude like a crown,<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIt clung to its dismal harsh autonomy.<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA bull-throat bellowed with its brazen tongue;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIts hard and shameless clamour filling space<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nthreatening all who dared to listen to truth<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Claimed
\nthe monopoly of the battered ear;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nA deafened acquiescence gave its vote,<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nbraggart dogmas shouted in the night<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Kept for
\nthe fallen soul once deemed a god<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The pride
\nof its abysmal absolute.<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

\n
\n      A lone discoverer in these menacing realms<\/P><\/p>\n

Guarded
\nlike termite cities from the sun,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Oppressed
\nmid crowd and tramp and noise and flare,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Passing
\nfrom dusk to deeper dangerous dusk,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He
\nwrestled with powers that snatched from mind its light<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And smote
\nfrom him their clinging influences.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Soon he
\nemerged in a dim wall-less space.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

For now
\nthe peopled tracts were left behind;<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nHe walked between wide banks of failing eve.<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAround him grew a gaunt spiritual blank,<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA threatening waste, a sinister loneliness<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThat left mind bare to an unseen assault,<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAn empty page on which all that willed could write<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nStark monstrous messages without control.<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA travelling dot on downward roads of Dusk<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nMid barren fields and barns and straggling huts<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd a few crooked and phantasmal trees,<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHe faced a sense of death and conscious Void.<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBut still a hostile Life unseen was there<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nWhose deathlike poise resisting light and truth<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nMade living a bleak gap in nullity.<\/span><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

Page 197<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nHe heard the grisly voices that deny; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAssailed by thoughts that swarmed like spectral hordes,<\/P><\/p>\n

A prey to
\nthe staring phantoms of the gloom<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nterror approaching with its lethal mouth,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Driven by
\na strange will down ever down,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

The sky
\nabove a communique of Doom,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He strove
\nto shield his spirit from despair,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

But felt
\nthe horror of the growing Night<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And the
\nAbyss rising to claim his soul.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

Then
\nceased the abodes of creatures and their forms<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And
\nsolitude wrapped him in its voiceless folds.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

All
\nvanished suddenly like a thought expunged; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nHis spirit became an empty listening gulf<\/P><\/p>\n

Void of
\nthe dead illusion of a world: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nNothing was left, not even an evil face; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHe was alone with the grey python Night. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA dense and nameless Nothing conscious, mute, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nWhich seemed alive but without body or mind, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nLusted all being to annihilate <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThat it might be for ever nude and sole. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAs in a shapeless beast’s intangible jaws, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nGripped, strangled by that lusting, viscous blot, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAttracted to some black and giant mouth <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd swallowing throat and a huge belly of doom, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHis being from its own vision disappeared <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nDrawn towards depths that hungered for its fall. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA formless void suppressed his struggling brain, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA darkness grim and cold oppressed his flesh, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA whispered grey suggestion chilled his heart, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHaled by a serpent-force from its warm home <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd dragged to extinction in blank vacancy <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nLife clung to its seat with cords of gasping breath; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nLapped was his body by a tenebrous tongue.<\/P><\/p>\n

Existence
\nsmothered travailed to survive; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nHope strangled perished in his empty soul, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBelief and memory abolished died <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd all that helps the spirit in its course. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThere crawled through every tense and aching nerve <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nLeaving behind its poignant quaking trail <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA nameless and unutterable fear. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPage 198<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nAs a sea nears a victim bound and still, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe approach alarmed his mind for ever dumb <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOf an implacable eternity <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOf pain inhuman and intolerable. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThis he must bear, his hope of heaven estranged; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nHe must ever exist without extinction’s peace <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIn a slow suffering Time and tortured Space, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAn anguished nothingness his endless state. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nA lifeless vacancy was now his breast, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd in the place where once was luminous thought, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nOnly remained like a pale motionless ghost <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAn incapacity for faith and hope <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd the dread conviction of a vanquished soul <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nImmortal still but with its godhead lost, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nSelf lost and God and touch of happier worlds. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBut he endured, stilled the vain terror, bore <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThe smothering coils of agony and affright; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nThen peace returned and the soul’s sovereign gaze.<\/P><\/p>\n

To the
\nblank horror a calm Light replied: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nImmutable, undying and unborn,<\/P><\/p>\n

Mighty
\nand mute the Godhead in him woke<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

And faced
\nthe pain and danger of the world.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

He
\nmastered the tides of Nature with a look: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nHe met with his bare spirit naked Hell. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEND OF CANTO SEVEN<\/span><\/font><\/P><\/p>\n

\n

\n<\/p>\n

Page 199<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n\t\t\t <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

CANTO SEVEN   THE DESCENT INTO NIGHT     A MIND absolved from life, made calm to know, A heart divorced from the blindness and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[77],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3385","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-01-savitri-1950","wpcat-77-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3385","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3385"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3385\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3385"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3385"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3385"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}