PARADOX

by: Willa Cather (1873-1947)

KNEW them both upon Miranda's isle,

Which is of youth a sea-bound seigniory:

Misshapen Caliban, so seeming vile,

And Ariel, proud prince of minstrelsy,

Who did forsake the sunset for my tower

And like a star above my slumber burned.

The night was held in silver chains by power

Of melody, in which all longings yearned--

Star-grasping youth in one wild strain expressed,

Tender as dawn, insistent as the tide;

The heart of night and summer stood confessed.

I rose aglow and flung the lattice wide--

Ah, jest of art, what mockery and pang!

Alack, it was poor Caliban who sang.

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