IX.

Unlike the heroes of each ancient race, Demons in act, but Gods at least in face, In Conrad's form seems little to admire, Though his dark eyebrow shades a glance of fire: Robust but not Herculean--to the sight No giant frame sets forth his common height; Yet, in the whole, who paused to look again, Saw more than marks the crowd of vulgar men; 200 They gaze and marvel how--and still confess That thus it is, but why they cannot guess. Sun-burnt his cheek, his forehead high and pale The sable curls in wild profusion veil; And oft perforce his rising lip reveals The haughtier thought it curbs, but scarce conceals.[hn] Though smooth his voice, and calm his general mien, Still seems there something he would not have seen: His features' deepening lines and varying hue At times attracted, yet perplexed the view, 210 As if within that murkiness of mind Worked feelings fearful, and yet undefined; Such might it be--that none could truly tell-- Too close inquiry his stern glance would quell. There breathe but few whose aspect might defy The full encounter of his searching eye; He had the skill, when Cunning's gaze would seek[ho] To probe his heart and watch his changing cheek, At once the observer's purpose to espy, And on himself roll back his scrutiny, 220 Lest he to Conrad rather should betray Some secret thought, than drag that Chief's to day. There was a laughing Devil in his sneer, That raised emotions both of rage and fear; And where his frown of hatred darkly fell, Hope withering fled--and Mercy sighed farewell![200]

X.[201]

Slight are the outward signs of evil thought, Within--within--'twas there the spirit wrought! Love shows all changes--Hate, Ambition, Guile, Betray no further than the bitter smile; 230 The lip's least curl, the lightest paleness thrown Along the governed aspect, speak alone Of deeper passions; and to judge their mien, He, who would see, must be himself unseen. Then--with the hurried tread, the upward eye, The clenchéd hand, the pause of agony, That listens, starting, lest the step too near Approach intrusive on that mood of fear: Then--with each feature working from the heart, With feelings, loosed to strengthen--not depart, 240 That rise--convulse--contend--that freeze or glow,[hp] Flush in the cheek, or damp upon the brow; Then--Stranger! if thou canst, and tremblest not, Behold his soul--the rest that soothes his lot![hq] Mark how that lone and blighted bosom sears The scathing thought of execrated years! Behold--but who hath seen, or e'er shall see, Man as himself--the secret spirit free?