Observations placeholder
Mare, Walter de la - The Marionettes
Identifier
021581
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
The Marionettes
Let the foul Scene proceed
There’s laughter in the wings
'Tis sawdust that they bleed
But a box Death brings
How rare a skill is theirs
These extreme pangs to show
How real a frenzy wears
Each feigner of woe!
Gigantic dins uprise!
Even the gods must feel
A smarting of the eyes
As these fumes upsweal
Strange, such a Piece is free
While we Spectators sit,
Aghast at its agony,
Yet absorbed in it!
Dark is the outer air,
Coldly the night draughts blow,
Mutely we stare, and stare
At the frenzied Show.
Yet heaven hath its quiet shroud
Of deep, immutable blue -
We cried ‘An end!’ We are bowed
By the dread, "Tis true!’
While the Shape who hoofs applause
Behind our deafened ear,
Hoots - angel-wise - 'the Cause!’
And affrights ev'n fear.