Poems from Eastern Sources: The Steadfast Prince; and Other Poems

Chapter 14: THE FALCON.

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About This Book

A varied poetic collection draws on Eastern legends, scriptural and European sources to present translations, adaptations, and original pieces that retell myths, parables, and ballads. Narrative poems render tales such as Alexander's quest and other legendary or folkloric episodes; lyric sequences explore seasons, love, faith, mortality, and moral aphorisms; additional pieces adapt German and Latin sources and include sonnets, ballads, and short fragments. The tone alternates between descriptive narrative, reflective meditation, and moral reflection, often framing Eastern imagery—gardens, fountains, courts, and deserts—to examine desire, righteousness, steadfastness, and the relationship between life and death. Notes clarify sources and degrees of translation.

THE FALCON.

High didst thou once in honour stand,

The falcon on a Prince’s hand:

II.

Thine eye, unhooded and unsealed,

All depths of being pierced and scanned:

III.

All worlds of space, from end to end,

Thy never-wearied pinion spanned.

IV.

O falcon of the spiritual heaven—

Entangled in an earthly band,

While all too eagerly thy prey

Pursuing in a lower land—

VI.

In hope abide;—thy Monarch yet

For thy release shall give command,

VII.

And bid thee to resume again

Thy place upon thy Monarch’s hand.