NIGHT AND THE MADMAN


"I am like thee, O, Night, dark and naked; 
 I walk on the flaming path which is above 
 my day-dreams, and whenever my foot touches 
 earth a giant oaktree comes forth." 

"Nay, thou art not like me, O, Madman, for 
 thou still lookest backward to see how large 
 a foot-print thou leavest on the sand." 

"I am like thee, O, Night, silent and deep; 
 and in the heart of my loneliness lies a 
 Goddess in child-bed; and in him who is being 
 born Heaven touches Hell." 

"Nay, thou art not like me, O, Madman, for thou 
 shudderest yet before pain, and the song of 
 the abyss terrifies thee." 

"I am like thee, O, Night, wild and terrible; 
 for my ears are crowded with cries of conquered 
 nations and sighs for forgotten lands." 

"Nay, thou art not like me, O, Madman, for thou 
 still takest thy little-self for a comrade, and 
 with thy monster-self thou canst not be friend." 

"I am like thee, O, Night, cruel and awful; for 
 my bosom is lit by burning ships at sea, and my 
 lips are wet with blood of slain warriors." 

"Nay, thou art not like me, O, Madman; for the 
 desire for a sister-spirit is yet upon thee, and 
 thou hast not become a law unto thyself." 

"I am like thee, O, Night, joyous and glad; for he 
 who dwells in my shadow is now drunk with virgin 
 wine, and she who follows me is sinning mirthfully." 

"Nay, thou art not like me, O, Madman, for thy soul 
 is wrapped in the veil of seven folds and thou 
 holdest not thy heart in thine hand." 

"I am like thee, O, Night, patient and passionate; 
 for in my breast a thousand dead lovers are buried 
 in shrouds of withered kisses." 

"Yea, Madman, art thou like me? Art thou like me? 
 And canst thou ride the tempest as a steed, and 
 grasp the lightning as a sword?" 

"Like thee, O, Night, like thee, mighty and high, 
 and my throne is built upon heaps of fallen Gods; 
 and before me too pass the days to kiss the hem of 
 my garment but never to gaze at my face." 

"Art thou like me, child of my darkest heart? And 
 dost thou think my untamed thoughts and speak my 
 vast language?" 

"Yea, we are twin brothers, O, Night; for thou 
 revealest space and I reveal my soul."