Page:The poetical works of Matthew Arnold, 1897.djvu/263

Rh EMPEDOCLES.

That? and to what end?

PAUSANIAS.

It is enough that all men speak of it.

But I will also say, that when the gods

Visit us as they do with sign and plague,

To know those spells of thine which stay their hand

Were to live free from terror.

EMPEDOCLES.

Spells? Mistrust them!

Mind is the spell which governs earth and heaven;

Man has a mind with which to plan his safety,—

Know that, and help thyself!

PAUSANIAS.

But thine own words?

"The wit and counsel of man was never clear;

Troubles confound the little wit he has."

Mind is a light which the gods mock us with,

To lead those false who trust it.

EMPEDOCLES.

Hist! once more!

Listen, Pausanias!—Ay, 'tis Callicles;

I know those notes among a thousand. Hark!

CALLICLES (sings unseen, from below).

The track winds down to the clear stream,

To cross the sparkling shallows; there

The cattle love to gather, on their way

To the high mountain pastures, and to stay,