Clarel/Part 1/Canto 11

11. Lower Gihon
Well for the student, might it last, This dreamful frame which Lethe bred: Events obtruded, and it passed. For on a time the twain were led From Gihon's upper pool and glade Down to the deeper gulf. They strayed Along by many silent cells Cut in the rock, void citadels Of death. In porch of one was seen A mat of tender turf, faint green; And quiet standing on that sward A stranger whom they overheard Low murmuring— "Equivocal! Woo'st thou the weary to thee tell, Thou tomb, so winsome in thy grace? To me no reassuring place." He saw them not; and they, to shun Disturbing him, passed, and anon Met three demoniacs, sad three Ranging those wasteful limits o'er As in old time. That look they wore Which in the moody mad bids flee; 'Tis—What have I to do with thee? Two shunned approach. But one did sit Lost in some reminiscence sore Of private wrong outrageous. He, As at the larger orb of it, Looming through mists of mind, would bound, Or cease to pore upon the ground As late; and so be inly riven By arrows of indignant pain: Convulsed in face, he glared at heaven Then lapsed in sullenness again. Dire thoughts the pilgrim's mind beset: "And did Christ come? in such a scene Encounter the poor Gadarene Long centuries ago? and yet— Behold! " But here came in review— Though of their nearness unaware— The stranger, downward wending there, Who marking Clarel, instant knew— At least so might his start declare— A brother that he well might own In tie of spirit. Young he was, With crescent forehead—but alas, Of frame misshaped. Word spake he none, But vaguely hovered, as may one Not first who would accost, but deep Under reserve the wish may keep. Ere Clarel, here embarrassed grown, Made recognition, the Unknown Compressed his lips, turned and was gone. Mutely for moment, face met face: But more perchance between the two Was interchanged than e'en may pass In many a worded interview. The student in his heart confessed A novel sympathy impressed; And late remissness to retrieve Fain the encounter would renew. And yet—if oft one's resolution Be overruled by constitution— Herein his heart he might deceive. Ere long, retracing higher road, Clarel with Nehemiah stood By David's Tower, without the wall, Where black the embattled shadows fall At morn over Hinnom. Groups were there Come out to take the evening air, Watching a young lord Turk in pride, With fez and sash as red as coral, And on a steed whose well groomed hide Was all one burnished burning sorrel, Scale the lit slope; then veering wide, Rush down into the gloomful gorge, The steel hoof showering sparks as from a forge. Even Nehemiah, in senile tone Of dreamy interest, was won That shooting star to gaze upon. But rallying, he bent his glance Toward the opposing eminence; And turning, "Seest thou not," he said, "As sinks the sun beyond this glen Of Moloch. how clouds intervene And hood the brightness that was shed? But yet few hours and he will rise In better place, and beauty get; Yea, friend in Christ, in morning skies Return he will over Olivet: And we shall greet him. Say ye so? Betimes then will we up and go. Farewell. At early dawn await Christ's bondman old at Stephen's Gate."