Classic Poem

I dreamed, and saw a modern Hell, more dread
Than Dante's pageant; not with gloom and glare,
But all new forms of madness and despair
Filled it with complex tortures, some Earth-bred,
Some born in Hell: eternally full-fed
Ghosts of all foul disease-germs thronged the air:
And as with trembling feet I entered there,
A Demon barred the way, and mocking said —

" Through our dim vales and gulfs thou need'st not rove;
From thine own Earth and from its happiest lot
Thy lust for pain may draw full nourishment,
With poignant spice of passion; knowest thou not
Fiends wed for hate as mortals wed for love,
Yet find not much more anguish? Be content."