Herakles
And fifty paces I took,
And moved a little ground ahead--
Only to see two paths before me--
So doubtful, on which to tread...
I sat awhile, to rest and see,
Cursing this life of work and pain:
My eyes fell first on one of the roads,
Next upon the other lane...
Uncertain and perplexed I was,
For one was smooth--the other bra'en;
One called me on comfortingly,
The other prompted further pain;
This had the sight of a mount in the dist,
That led to fog and mist...
Thus I sat, but thus,
Much I couldn't think nor do,
When all askance, I saw approach
Fairest of the fair, maidens two:
One spake before another
And this she had to say:
''O noble youth, come hold my hand,
I'll lead you on your way...
No longer bowed-down with toil
Wilt thou be and live in ease:
A day-dream of gladness life will be--
No more pains to tease...''
''I have no promise'', said the other,
''Of such fancies or zest,
As this path I'll lead you on,
Should put your strength to test;
I shall not promise pleasures to you,
Nor a hope of mirthful rejoice:
You'll need to carve a path in life--
With labour, your sole choice.
But, I assure, I'll 'company you
To the Blue Mount yonder you see...
Come, take my hand, I'll take you far
To the Mountain of eternal Glory..''
A while, I stood to consider
That I had just heard,
''Tell me'', said I, ''What'd be thy names?''
(I craved a Truth beyond all word)
''I am Labour--they call me Virtue''
(I saw her countenance pure)
''I am Lust, or Pleasure, they say''--
A bewitching smile she wore--
And clear in mind, I grabbed the hand,
''I'll be thine, Virtue'', I said,
''Lead me away--on the forbidding aisle
Upon which, now I choose to tread..''
Copyright © Akash Yadav | Year Posted 2011
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.
Please
Login
to post a comment