The River of Cassis

The great River of Cassis rolls beyond the view

Within valleys strange:

A hundred raven voices go along, true

And good voice of angels:

With great motions in the fir-stands all about you

When several winds plunge.

All rolls along with revolting sorts of mysteries

Of ancient countrysides;

Of dungeons visited oft, parks in histories:

Unto the hearing bides

The mortal passions of straying knights in armories:

But healthful the wind abides!

Let the man on foot regard this openwork fence:

He shall go more courageous.

Forest-soldiers whom the very Lord hath sent,

Ravens dear and delicious!

Drive away from here the more than cunning peasant

Who with an old stump boozes.

Arthur Rimbaud