WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
The Secret Glory cover

The Secret Glory

Chapter 25: BOOKS BY ARTHUR MACHEN
By Arthur Machen
Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

British LiteratureNovels

About This Book

The narrative follows an eccentric man whose nonconformity leads him into repeated personal frustrations and a gradual spiritual quest. Episodes of everyday institutional life and youthful camaraderie are interwoven with strange rituals, Celtic-inspired religious imagery, and moments of visionary intensity. The central figure vacillates between sanctity and madness as he seeks an inner revelation, confronting social expectations, memory, and the possibility of transcendent consolation. The tone shifts between wry observation and mystical yearning, and the structure moves from domestic incidents toward an inward, luminous conclusion.

[1] A highly Rabelaisian phrase is omitted.

[2] Translated from the Welsh verses quoted in the notebook.

[3] The following translation of these verses appeared in Poems from the Old Bards, by Taliesin, Bristol, 1812:

"In Soar's sweet valley, where the sound
 Of holy anthems once was heard
 From many a saint, the hills prolong
 Only the music of the bird.
In Soar's sweet valley, where the brook
 With many a ripple flows along,
 Delicious prospects meet the eye,
 The ear is charmed with Phil'mel's song.
In Soar's sweet valley once a Maid,
 Despising worldly prospects gay,
 Resigned her note in earthly choirs
 Which now in Heaven must sound alway.
In Soar's sweet valley David preached;
 His Gospel accents so beguiled
 The savage Britons, that they turned
 Their fiercest cries to music mild.
In Soar's sweet valley Cybi taught
 To haughty Prince the Holy Law,
 The way to Heaven he showed, and then
 The subject tribes inspired with awe.
In Soar's sweet valley still the song
 Of Phil'mel sounds and checks alarms.
 But when shall I once more renew
 Those heavenly hours in Gladys' arms?"

"Taliesin" was the pseudonym of an amiable clergyman, the Reverend Owen Thomas, for many years curate of Llantrisant. He died in 1820, at the great age of eighty-four. His original poetry in Welsh was reputed as far superior to his translations, and he made a very valuable and curious collection of "Cymric Antiquities," which remains in manuscript in the keeping of his descendants.

BOOKS BY ARTHUR MACHEN

THE HOUSE OF SOULS
 THE SECRET GLORY
 THE HILL OF DREAMS
 FAR OFF THINGS
 THE THREE IMPOSTORS
 (in Preparation)