Oncetherewasagreatnoiseinourhouse，——athumpingandbatteringandgrating。Itwasmyownselfdraggingmybigtrunkdownfromthegarret。IdiditmyselfbecauseIwanteditdone。IfIhadsaid，\"Halicarnassus，willyoufetchmytrunkdown？\"hewouldhaveaskedmewhattrunk？andwhatdidIwantofit？andwouldnottheotheronebebetter？andcouldn\'tIwaittillafterdinner？——andsothetrunkwouldprobablyhavehadathree-daysjourneyfromgarrettobasement。
NowIamstronginthewristsandweakinthetemper；thereforeIusedtheoneandsparedtheother，andgotthetrunkdownstairsmyself。Halicarnassusheardtheuproar。Hemusthavebeendeafnottohearit；fortheoldarkbangedandbounced，andscrapedthepaintoffthestairs，andpitchedhead-foremostintothewall，andgougedouttheplastering，anddentedthemop-board，andwasthemoststupid，awkward，uncompromising，unmanageablethingIevergotholdofinmylife。
BythetimeIhadzigzaggeditintothebackchamber，Halicarnassusloomedupthebackstairs。Istoodhotandpanting，withtheinsideofmyfingerstorturedintoburningleather，theskinrubbedoffthreeknuckles，andabruiseonthebackofmyrighthand，wherethetrunkhadcrusheditagainstasharpedgeofthedoorway。
\"Now，then？\"saidHalicarnassusinterrogatively。
\"Tobesure，\"Irepliedaffirmatively。
Hesaidnomore，butwentandlookedupthegarret-stairs。
Theyboretracesofasevereencounter，thatmustbeconfessed。
\"Doyouwishmetogiveyouabitofadvice？\"heasked。
\"No！\"Iansweredpromptly。
\"Well，then，hereitis。Thenexttimeyoudesigntobringatrunkdown-stairs，youwouldbettercutawaytheunderpinning，andknockoutthebeams，andletthegarretdownintothecellar。Itwillmakelessuproar，andnottakesomuchtorepairdamages。\"
Heintendedtobesevere。Hiswordspassedbymeastheidlewind。Iperchedonmytrunk，tookapasteboardbox-coverandfannedmyself。Iwasverywarm。Halicarnassussatdownontheloweststairandremainedsilentseveralminutes，expectingameekexplanation，butnotgettingit，swallowedabountifulpieceofwhatiscalledinhomelytalk，\"humble-pie，\"andsaid，——
\"Ishouldliketoknowwhat\'sinthewindnow。\"
Imakeitaprinciplealwaystoresentaninsultandtowelcomerepentancewithequalalacrity。Ifpeoplethrustouttheirhornsatmewantonly，theyverysoonrunagainstastone-wall；
butthemomenttheyshowsignsofcontrition，Isoften。Itisthebestway。Don\'tinsistthatpeopleshallgrovelatyourfeetbeforeyouaccepttheirapology。Thatisnotmagnanimous。
Letmercytemperjustice。ItisahardthingatbestforhumannaturetogodownintotheValleyofHumiliation；andalthough，whencircumstancesarisewhichmakeittheonlyfitplaceforaperson，Iinsistuponhisgoing，stillnosoonerdoesheactuallybeginthedescentthanmysenseofjusticeisappeased，mynaturalsweetnessofdispositionresumessway，andItripalongbyhissidechattingasgailyasifIdidnotperceiveitwastheValleyofHumiliationatall，butfanciedittheDelectableMountains。So，uponthefirstsymptomsofplacability，Iansweredcordially，——
\"Halicarnassus，ithasbeentheambitionofmylifetowriteabookoftravels。Buttowriteabookoftravels，onemustfirsthavetravelled。\"
\"Notatall，\"heresponded。\"Withanatlasandanencyclopaediaonecantravelaroundtheworldinhisarm-chair。\"
\"Butonecannothavepersonaladventures，\"Isaid。\"Youcan，indeed，sitinyourarm-chairanddescribethecraterofVesuvius；butyoucannottumbleintothecraterofVesuviusfromyourarm-chair。\"
\"Ihaveneverheardthatitwasnecessarytotumblein，inordertohaveagoodviewofthemountain。\"
\"Butitsnecessarytodoit，ifonewouldmakeareadablebook。\"
\"ThenIshouldletthebookslide，——ratherthanslidemyself。\"
\"Ifyouwoulddomethehonortolisten，\"Isaid，scornfulofhispaltryattemptatwit，\"youwouldseethatthebookistheobjectofmytravelling。Itraveltowrite。IdonotwritebecauseIhavetravelled。Iamnotgoingtosubordinatemybooktomyadventures。Myadventuresaregoingtobearrangedbeforehandwithaviewtomybook。\"
\"Amostoriginalwayofgettingupabook！\"
\"Notintheleast。Itisthemostcommonthingintheworld。
LookatourdearBritishcousins。\"
\"Andseethemmakeguysofthemselves。Theyvisitamagnificentcountrythatistryingtheexperimentoftheworld，andwriteabouttheirshaving-soapandtheirbabies\'nurses。\"
\"Justwheretheyareright。JustwhyIliketherace，fromTrollopedown。Theygiveyousomethingtotakeholdof。I
tellyou，Halicarnassus，itisthepersonalityofthewriter，andnotthenatureofthesceneryoroftheinstitutions，thatmakestheinterest。Itstandstoreason。Ifitwerenotso，onebookwouldbeallthateverneedbewritten，andthatbookwouldbeacensusreport。Forarepublicisarepublic，andNiagaraisNiagaraforever；buttellhowyoustoodonthechain-bridgeatNiagara——ifthereisonethere——andboughtacakeofshaving-soapfromatribeofIndiansatafabulousprice，orhowyourbabyjumpedfromthearmsofthecarelessnurseintotheFalls，andimmediatelyyourownindividualityisthrownaroundthescenery，anditacquiresahumaninterest。
Itisalwaysfivemilesfromoneplacetoanother，butthatismerealmanacandstatistics。Letapoetwalkthefivemiles，andnarratehisexperiencewithbirdsandbeesandflowersandgrassesandwaterandsky，anditbecomesliterature。Andletmetellyoufurther，sir，abookoftravelsisjustasinterestingasthepersonwhowritesitisinteresting。Itisnotthecountries，butthepersons，thatare\'shownup。\'YougotoFranceandwriteadullbook。IgotoFranceandwritealivelybook。ButFranceisthesame。Thedifferenceisinourselves。\"
Halicarnassusgloweredatme。IthinkIamnotusingstrainedorextravagantlanguagewhenIsaythathegloweredatme。
Thenhegrowledout，——
\"Soyourbookoftravelsisjusttoputyourselfintopickle。\"
\"Say，rather，\"Ianswered，withsweethumility，——\"say，rather，itistoshrinemyselfinamber。Astheinsignificantfly，encompassedwithmoltenglory，passesintoacrystallizedimmortality，hisownlittlenessupliftedintolovelinessbythebeautyinwhichheisimprisoned，soI，wrappedaroundbythegloryofmyland，mayfindmyselfnichedintoafamewhichmyunattendedandnakedmeritcouldneverhaveclaimed。\"
Halicarnassuswasalittlestunned，butpresentlyrecoveringhimself，suggestedthatIhadtravelledenoughalreadytomakeoutaquitesizablebook。
\"Travelled！\"Isaid，lookinghimsteadilyintheface，——
\"travelled！IwentonceuptoTudizhuckleberrying；andonce，whentherewasafreshet，youtookasuperannuatedbroomandpaddledmearoundtheorchardinaleakypig\'s-trough！\"
Hecouldnotdenyit；sohelaughed，andsaid，——
\"Ah，well！——ah，well！Suityourself。TakeyourtrunkandpitchintoVesuvius，ifyoulike。Iwon\'tstandinyourway。\"
Hisacquiescencewasungraciously，andIbelieveImaysayambiguously，expressed；butitmatteredlittle，forIgatheredupmygoodsandchattels，strappedthemintomytrunk，andwaitedforthesummertosendusonourwayrejoicing，——thegentleandgraciousyoungsummer，thathadcomebythecalendar，buthadlostherwayonthethermometer。OthesedelayingSprings，thatmockthemerry-makingofancestralEngland！Istheworldgrownsooldandstrickeninyears，that，likeKingDavid，itgetsnoheat？Whyloiters，wherelingers，thebeautiful，calm-breathingJune？Rosebudsareboundinhertrailinghair，andthesweetofhergarmentsalwaysusedtowaftascentedgaleoverthehappyhills。
\"Hereshewaswonttogo！andhere！andhere！
Justwherethedaisies，pinks，andvioletsgrow；
Hertreadingwouldnotbendabladeofgrass，Orshakethedownyblow-ballfromhisstalk！
Butlikethesoftwest-windsheshotalong；
Andwhereshewenttheflowerstookthickestroot，Asshehadsowedthemwithherodorousfoot。\"
Sosangarough-handed，silver-voiced，sturdyoldfellow，harpingunconsciouslythenotesofmylament，andthetonesofhissorrowwailthroughthegreenboughstoday，thoughhehasbeenlyingnowthesetwohundredyearsinEngland\'sSleepingPalace，amongsilentkingsandqueens。Fairandfreshandalwaysyoungismylostmaiden，and\"beautifulexceedingly。\"
HerhabitwastowreathehergarlandwiththeMay，andeverywhereshefoundmostheartywelcome；butMayhascomeandgone，andJuneisstillmissing。Ilooklonginglyafar，butthereisnoflutterofhergossamerrobesoverthedistanthills。Nowhitecloudfloatsdowntheblueheavens，achariotofstate，bringingherroyallyfromthecourtoftheKing。Theearthismourningherabsence。Ablighthasfallenupontheroses，andtheleavesaregonegrayandmottled。Thebudsstarteduptomeetandgreettheirqueen，buthergoldensceptrewasnotheldforth，andtheyarefaintandstunnedwithterror。
Thecenserwhichtheywouldhaveswungonthebreezes，togladdenherheart，ishiddenawayoutofsight，andtheirownheartsaresmotheredwiththeincense。Thebeansandthepeasandthetasselledcornarestruckwithsurprise，asifaneclipsehadstaggeredthem，andarewaitingtoseewhatwillturnup，determineditshallnotbethemselves，unlesssomethinghappensprettysoon。Thetomatoesarethinking，withhomesickregret，ofthesmilingItaliangardens，wherethesunripenedthemtomellowbeauty，withmanyaboldcaress，andtheyhugtheirruddyfruittotheirownbosoms，andFrost，thecormorant，willgrabitall，sinceJunedisdainstheprofferedgift，andwillnottouchthemwithhertenderlips。Themoney-plantsaregrowingpale，andbitingofftheirfinger-tipswithimpatience。Themarigoldwhispershissuspicionovertothebalsam-buds，andneitherventurestomakeamove，quitesurethereissomethingwrong。Thescarlettassel-flowerutterlyrefusestounfoldhisbraveplumes。TheZinniaslookupamoment，shudderingwithcoldchills，concludethereisnogoodinhurrying，andthenjustpulltheirbrownblanketsaroundthem，turnoverintheirbeds，andgotosleepagain。
Themorning-gloriesrubtheireyes，andarebuthalfawake，foralltheirroyalname。TheCanterbury-bellsmaybechimingvelvetpealsdownintheirdarkcathedrals，butnoclashnorclangornorfaintestechoripplesupintomyGardenWorld。Notabeedroneshisdrowsysongamongtheflowers，fortherearenoflowersthere。Oneventuresomelittlephloxdaredthecoldwinds，andpoppeduphisaudacioushead，buthispale，punyfaceshowshownearheistobeingfrozentodeath。Thepoorbirdsareshiveringintheirnests。Theysingalittle，justtokeepuptheirspirits，andhopabouttopreservetheircirculation，andcaptureabewilderedbugortwo，butIdon\'tbelievethereisanegganywhereround。Notonlytheowl，butthered-breast，andtheoriole，andtheblue-jay，forallhisfeathers，isa-cold。Nothingflourishesbutwitch-grassandcanker-worms。WhereisJune？——thebrightandbeautiful，thewarmandclearandbalm-breathingJune，withhermatchless，deep，intensesky，andhersunshine，thatcleavesintoyourheart，andbreaksupallthewinterthere？Whatarethesesleetyfogsabout？GobackintotheJanuarythaw，whereyoubelong！Whathavethechillrains，andtherawwinds，andthedismal，leadenclouds，andalltheseflannelsandfurstodowithJune，theperfectJuneofhopeandbeautyandutterjoy？
WhereistheJune？Hasshelostherwayamongthenarrow，interminabledefilesofyourcrookedoldcitystreets？Gooutandfindher！Youdonotwantherthere。Nobladenorblossomwillspringfromyourdingybrick，noryourdull，deadstone，thoughyouprisonherthereforathousandyearsofwandering。
Takeherbythehandtenderly，andbidherforthintothewaitingcountry，whichwillgiveheraqueenlyreception，andlaurelsworththewearing。Haveyoufalleninlovewithher——
onthePotomac，Osoldiers？AreyouwooingherwithhoneyedwordsonthebloodysoilofVirginia？Isshetrancedbyyourglitteringsword-shineinransomedTennessee？Isshefloatingonalotus-leafinFloridalagoons？HasshedrunkNepentheintheorange-groves？Isshechasinggoldenapplesunderthemagnolias？Areyoutoyingwiththetanglesofherhairinthebrightsea-foam？O，rouseherfromhertrance，loosethefettersfromherlovelylimbs，andspeedhertoourNorthernskies，thatmoanherlongdelay。
Orisshefrightenedbythethundersofthecannonadesoundingfromshoretoshore，andwakeningthewildechoes？Doesshefeartobreastourbristlingbayonets？Isshestifledbythesmokeofpowder？IsshecrouchingdownCaribbeanshores，terror-strickenandpallid？SweetJune，fearnot！TheflashofloyalsteelwillonlylightyoualongyourNorthernroad。
Beautyandinnocencehavenothingtodreadfromtheswordapatriotwields。Thestormthatrendstheheavenswillmakeearthdoublyfair。YourpathwayshalllieoverDelectableMountains，andthroughvinelandsofBeulah。Comequickly，treadsoftly，andfromyourbountifulbosomscatterseedsasyoucome，thatdaisiesandvioletsmaysoftlyshine，andsweetlytwinewiththeamaranthandimmortellethatspringalreadyfromheroes\'heartsburiedinsoldiers\'graves。
\"Butthereisnouseinplacardingher，\"saidHalicarnassus。
\"Weshallhavenowarmweathertilltheeclipseisover。\"
\"Soho！\"Isaid。\"Havingexhaustedeveryotherpretextfordelay，youbringoutaneclipse！andpraywhenisthisfamousaffairtocomeoff？\"
\"Tomorrowiftheweatherprovefavorable，ifnot，onthefirstfairnight。\"
ThenindeedIsetmyhouseinorder。Herewassomethingdefiniteandtrustworthy。Firstaneclipse，thenabook，andyetIpitiedthemoonasIwalkedhomethatnight。Shecameuptheheavenssoroundandradiant，sogloriousinhermajesty，soconfidentinherstrength，sosureoftriumphalmarchacrosstheshiningsky；notknowingthatagreatblackshadowloomedrightathwartherpathtoswallowherup。Sheneverdreamedthatallherroyalbeautyshouldpassbehindapall，thatallhergloryshouldbedemeanedbypitilesseclipse，andherdomeofdelightbecomethevalleyofhumiliation！Istherenohelp？Isaid。Cannohandleadhergentlyanotherway？Cannovoicewarnheroftheblackshadowthatliesinambuscade？None。Justastheyounggirlleaveshertenderhome，andgoesfearlesstoherfuture，——tothefuturewhichbringssadnessforhersmiling，andpatienceforherhope，andpainforherbloom，andthecoldrequitalofkindness，ortheunrequitalofcoldnessforherwarmthoflove，sogoesthemoon，unconsciousandserene，tomeetherfate。
ButatleastIwillwatchwithher。Trundleuptothewindowhere，oldlounge！youarealmostasgoodasagrandmother。
Steadythere！broken-leggedtable。YouhavegonelimpingeversinceIknewyou；don\'tfailmetonight。Shinesoftly，Kerosena，nextofkintothesun，truemonarchofmundanelights！calmlysuperiortotheflickeringofallthefluids，andtheghastlinessofallthegases，thoughitmustbeconfessedyoudon\'tholdouthalfaslongasyouusedwhenfirstyouryellowbannerwasunfurled。Shinesoftlytonight，andlightmyhappyfeetthroughtheWaldenwoods，alongtheWaldenshores，whereaphilosophersitsinsolitarystate。HeshallkeepmeawakebytheWaldenshoretillthemoonandtheshadowmeet。Howtranquilsitsthephilosopher，howgrandlyringstheman！Here，inhishomespunhouse，thesquirrelsclickunderhisfeet，thewoodchucksdevourhisbeans，andtheloonlaughsonthelake。Hererichmencome，andcannothidetheirlanknessandtheirpoverty。Herepoormencome，andtheirgoldshinesthroughtheirrags。Hithercomesthepoet，andthehouseistoonarrowfortheirthoughts，andtheroughwallsringwithlustylaughter。OhappyWaldenwoodandwoodlandlake，didyouthrillthroughallyourluminousaislesandallyourlisteningshoresforthemanthatwanderedthere？
Isitbegun？Notyet。Thekitchenclockhasbutjuststruckeleven，andmywatchlackstenminutesofthat。Whatiftheastronomersmadeamistakeintheircalculations，andthealmanacsarewrong，andtheeclipseshallnotcomeoff？Woulditbestrange？Woulditnotbestrangerifitwerenotso？
Howcanabeing，standingononelittleball，spinningforeveraroundandaroundamongmillionsofotherballslargerandsmaller，breathlesslythesameendlesswaltz，——howcanhetraceouttheirpaths，andforetelltheirconjunctions？Howcanapunycreaturefasteneddowntooneworld，abletolifthimselfbutafewpaltryfeetabove，todigbutafewpaltryfeetbelowitssurface，utterlyunabletodivinewhatshallhappentohimselfinthenextmoment，——howcanhethrustouthishandintoinconceivablespace，andanticipatethesilentfuture？
Howcanhisfeebleeyedetectthequiverofaworld？Howcanhisslenderstrengthweighthemountainsinscales，andthebillsinabalance？Andyetitis。WonderfulisthePowerthatframedallthesespheres，andsentthemontheirgreaterrands；butmorewonderfulstillthePowerthatgavetofiniteminditspower，tostandononelittlepoint，andsweepthewholecircleoftheskies。Almostasmarvelousisitthatman，beingman，candivinetheuniverse，asthatGod，beingGod，coulddeviseit。Cyclesofyearsgoby。Sunsandmoonsandstarstreadtheirmysteriousrounds，butsteadyeyesarefollowingthemintotheawfuldistances，steadyhandsaremarkingtheireternalcourses。Theirmultipliedmotionsshallyetberesolvedintoharmony，andsothemusicofthespheresshallchimewiththeangels\'song，\"GlorytoGodinthehighest！\"
Isitbegun？Notyet。
NowonderthateclipseswereaterrortomenbeforeSciencecamequeeningitthroughtheuniverse，compellingallthesefearfulsightsandgreatsignsintohertriumphaltrain，andcommandingustobenolongerafraidofourownshadow。ThesureandsteadfastMoon，shudderingfromthefullnessofhersplendorintowildandghostlydarkness，mightwellwakestrangeapprehensions。Sheisreelinginconvulsiveagony。
Sheissickeningandswooninginthedeath-struggle。Theprincipalitiesandpowersofdarkness，theeternalfoesofmen，areworkingtheirbalefulspellwithsuccesstocastthesweetMoonfromherpath，andforcehertoworkwoeanddisasterupontheearth。Somefellmonster，roamingthroughtheheavens，seekingwhomhemaydevour，——somedragon，\"monstrous，horrible，andwaste，\"whomnoRedcrosseKnightshallpiercewithhistrenchandblade，isswallowingwithgiantgulpsthewrithingvictim。Blowshrillandloudyourbugleblasts！Beatwithfierceclangoryourbrazencymbals！Pushupwildshrieksandgroans，andhorridcries，\"Thatallthewoodsmayanswer，andyourechoesring，\"
andthefoulfiendperchancebescaredawaybydeafeningdin。
O，sadforthosewholivedbeforetheghoulsweredisinherited；
forwhomthewoodsandwaters，andthedeepplaces，werepeopledwithmighty，mysteriousfoes；whosawevilspiritsintheearthforces，andturnedhergoldintoconsumingfire。Forus，laterborn，Sciencehasdivedintothecaverns，andscaledtheheights，andfathomedthedepths，forcingfromcoyyetwillingNaturethesolutionofherownproblems，andshowinguseverywhere，GOD。Wearenotchildrenoffate，tremblingatthefrownoffairiesandwitchesandgnomes，butthechildrenofourFather。Ifweascendupintoheaven，heisthere。Ifwetakethewingsofthemorning，anddwellintheuttermostpartsofthesea，eventhereshallhishandlead，andhisrighthandhold。
Isitbegun？Not——well，Idon\'tknow，though。Somethingseemstobehappeningupinthenorthwestcorner。Certainly，abitofthatrounddiskhasbeenshavedoff。Iwillwaitfiveminutes。Yes，thebattleisbegun。Theshadowadvances。Themoonyields。Buttherearewatchersintheheavenaswellasintheearth。Thereissympathyintheskies。Upfloatsanargosyofcompassionateclouds，andflingtheirfleecyveilaroundthepallidmoon，andbearhersoftlyontheirsnowybosoms。Butshemoveson，impelled。Shesweepsbeyondthesadclouds。Deeperanddeeperintothedarkness。CloserandclosertheShadowclutchesherinhisinexorablearms。Wanandweirdbecomesherface，wrathfulandwildtheastonishedwinds；
andforallherscienceandherfaith，theEarthtremblesinthenight，andahushofawequiversthroughtheangry，agitatedair。On，stillon，tillthefairandsmilingmoonisbutadullandtawnyorb，withnobeautytobedesired；on，stillon，tilleventhatcold，copperylightwanesintosullendarkness。Whetheritisacloudkindlyhidingthehumbledqueen，orwhetherthequeenisindeedmergedintheabyssoftheShadow，Icannottell，anditisdismalwaitingtosee。
Thewildnessisgonewiththemoon，andthereisnothingleftbutadarknight。Iwonderhowlongbeforeshewillreappear？
ArethepeopleinthemoonstaringthroughaneclipseoftheSun？Ishouldliketoseehercomeoutagain，andclotheherselfinsplendor。IthinkIwillgobacktoWalden。Ah！
evenmyphilosopher，apingHomer，nods。Itshimmersalittle，onthelake，amongthemountains——ofthemoon。
Ideclare！IbelieveIhavebeenasleep。Whatofit？Itisjustaswell。Ihavenodoubtthemoonwillcomeoutagainallright，——whichismorethanIshalldoifIgooninthisway。
Ifeelalreadyasifthetopofmyheadwascomingoff。OnceIwasveryunhappy，andIsatupallnighttomakethemostofit。Itwasmanyhundredyearsago，whenIwasyoungerthanI
amnow，anddidnotknowthatmiserywasnotathingtobecaressedandcossetedandcoddled，butathingtobetaken，neckandheels，andturnedoutdoors。SoIsatuptorevelintheecstasyofwoe。Iwentalongswimminglyintothelittlehours，butbytwoo\'clocktherewasagreatsamenessaboutit，andIgrewdesperatelysleepy。Iwasnotgoingtogiveitup，however，soIshockedmyselfintoatorpidanimationwithacoldbath，itbeingmid-winter，andbetwixtbathandbathos，managedtokeepagoingtilldaylight。OncesincethenIwasveryhappy，andcouldnotkeepmyeyesshut。ThosearetheonlytwotimesIeversatupallnight，and，onthewhole，I
thinkIwillgotobed；wherefore，Opeopleontheearth，markingeagerlythemoon\'seclipse，andOpeopleonthemoon，crowdingyourcraggyhillstoseeaneclipseofthesun，Goodnight！
ThenthelostJunecameback。Frostmeltedoutoftheair，summermeltedin，andmybookbeckonedmeonwardwithacommandinggesture。ConsequentlyItookmytrunk，Halicarnassushiscane，andwestartedonourtravels。Buttheshadowoftheeclipsehungoverusstill。Anevilomencameinthebeginning。
JustasIwassteppingintothecar，Iobservedaviolentsmokeissuingfromunderit。Istartedbackinalarm。
\"Theyareonlygettingupsteam，\"saidHalicarnassus。\"Alwaysdo，whentheystart。\"
\"Iknowbetter！\"Iansweredbriskly，fortherewasnotimetobecircumlocutional。\"Theydon\'tgetupsteamunderthecars。\"
\"Whynot？Betasixpenceyoucouldn\'tgetUncleCain\'sDobbinoutofhisjog-trotwithoutbuildingafireunderhim。\"
\"Iknowthatwheelisonfire，\"Isaid，nottobeturnedfromthedirectandcertainlineofassertionintothewindingwaysofargument。
\"Nomatter，\"repliedHalicarnassus，concedingeverything，\"weareinsured。\"
UponthestrengthofwhichconsolatoryinformationIwentin。
Byandbyamanenteredandtookaseatinfrontofus。\"Theboxisallafire，\"chuckledhetohisneighbor，asifitwereafinejoke。Byandbyseveralpeoplewhohadbeenlookingoutofthewindowsdrewintheirheads，wentintothenextcar。
\"Whatdoyousupposetheydidthatfor？\"IaskedHalicarnassus。
\"Morearistocratical。Belongtooldfamilies。Thisisanewcar，don\'tyousee？Weareparvenus。\"
\"Nothingofthesort，\"Irejoined。\"Thiscarisonfire，andtheyhavegoneintothenextonesoasnottobeburnedup。\"
\"Theyarenotgoingtowritebooks，andcanaffordtorunawayfromadventures。\"
\"ButsupposeIamburnedupinmyadventure？\"
\"Obviously，then，yourbookwillendinsmoke。\"
Iceasedtotalk，forIwasprovokedathisindifference。I
leaveeveryimpartialmindtojudgeforitselfwhetherthecircumstancesweresuchastowarrantcomposure。Tobesure，somebodysaidthecarwastobeleftatJeru；butJeruwaseightmilesaway，andanyquantityofmischiefmightbedonebeforewereachedit，——ifindeedwewerenotpreventedfromreachingitaltogether。Itwasamerequestionofdynamics。
Woulddrywoodbeabletoholditsownagainstaragingfireforhalfanhour？Ofcoursetheconductorthoughtitwould；
butevenconductorsarenotinfallible；andyoumayimaginehowcomfortableitwastositandknowthatafirewasinfullblastbeneathyou，andtolookdowneveryfewminutesexpectingtoseetheflamesforkingupunderyourfeet。IconfessIwasnotwithoutsomethinglikeahopethatonetongueofthedevouringelementwouldflareupfarenoughtogiveHalicarnassusastart；butitdidnot。Nocasualtyoccurred。WereachedJeruinsafety；butthatdoesnotprovethattherewasnodanger，orthatindifferencewasanythingbutthemostfoolishhardihood。
Ifourburningcarhadbeeninmid-ocean，serenitywouldhavebeensublimity，buttostayinthemidstofperilwhentwostepswouldtakeoneoutofitisidiocy。AndthattherewasperilisconclusivelyshownbythefactthattheverynextdaytheEasternRailroadDepottookfireandwasburnedtotheground。Ihaveinmyownmindnodoubtthatitwasacontinuationofthesamefire，andifwehadstayedinthecarmuchlonger，weshouldhavesharedthesamefate。
WefoundJerutobeapleasantcity，withonlyonefault:theinhabitantswillcrowdintoacarbeforepassengerscangetout；consequentlytheheadsofthetwocolumnscollidenearthecar-door，andthereisageneralchoke。OtherwiseJeruisadelightfulcity。Itisfamousforitsbeautifulwomen。Itsrailroad-stationisamagnificentpieceofarchitecture。ItsmenareretiredEast-Indiamerchants。EverybodyinJeruisrichandhasrealestate。ThehousesinJeruarethreestorieshighandfaceontheCommon。PeopleinJeruarewell-dressedandwell-bred，andtheyallcameoverintheMayflower。
WestoppedinJerufiveminutes。
Whenwewerereadytocontinueourtravels，Halicarnassussecededintothesmoking-car，andtheenginewasshriekingoffitsinertia，asmallboy，laboringundergreatagitation，hurriedin，darteduptome，and，thrustingapinchbeckringwithapinkglassinitintomyface，exclaimed，inahoarsewhisper，——
\"Abeautifulring，ma\'am！I\'vejustpickeditup。Can\'tstoptofindtheowner。Worthadollar，ma\'am；butifyou\'llgivemefiftycents——\"
\"Boy！\"
Irosefiercely，convulsively，inmyseat，drewonelongbreath，butwhetherhethoughtIwasgoingtokillhim，——I
daresayIlookedit，——orwhetherhesawasheriffbehind，oraphantomgallowsbefore，Iknownot；butwithoutwaitingforthethunderbolttostrike，herushedfromthecarasprecipitatelyashehadrushedin。IWASangry，——notbecauseIwastohavebeencheated，forIbeenrepeatedlyandatrociouslycheatedandonlysmiled，butbecausetherascaldaredattemptonmesuchathreadbare，ragged，shoddytrickasthat。DoILOOKlikearough-hewn，unseasonedbackwoodsman？
HaveItheairofneverhavingreadanewspaper？Isthereapatentinnocenceofeye-teethinmydemeanor？OJeru！Jeru！
Somewhereinyourvirtuousbosomyouarenourishingaviper，forIhavefelthisfangs。Woeuntoyou，ifyoudonotstranglehimbeforehedevelopsintomatureanacondaism！
InpointofnaturalhistoryIamnotsurethatvipersdogrowupanacondas，butforthepurposesofmoralphilosophythedevelopmenttheoryanswersperfectlywell。
InBostonwehadthreehourstospare；sowesentourluggage——thatis，mytrunk——totheWorcesterDepot，andwalkedleisurelyourselves。Ihadalittleshoppingtodo，tocompletemyoutfitforthejourney，——averylittleshopping，——onlyanightcaportwo。Ordinarilysuchathingisamatterofsmallmoment，butinmycasethesubjectbadswollenintounnaturaldimensions。Nightcapsarenotgenerallyconsideredhealthy，——atleastnotbyphysicians。
Naturehasgiventotheheaditssufficientandappropriatecovering，thehair。Anythingmorethanthisinjuresthehead，byconfiningtheheat，preventingthesoothing，coolingcontactofair，andsoderangingthecirculationoftheblood。
ThereforeIhavealwaysheededthedictatesofNature，whichIhavesupposedtobetobrushoutthehairthoroughlyatnightandletitfly。Butthereareseriousdisadvantagesconnectedwiththiscourse。ForNaturewillbesuretowhiskthehairawayfromyourearswhereyouwantit，andintoyoureyeswhereyoudon\'twantit，besidescrowningyouwithmagnificentdisorderinthemorning。ButasIhavealwaysbelievedthatnoevilexistswithoutitsremedy，Ihadlongbeenexercisingmyinventivegeniusinattemptstoproduceahead-gearwhichshouldatonceprotecttheears，confinethehair，andlettheskullalone。Iregrettosaythatmyexperimentswereanutterfailure，notwithstandingtheamountofscienceandskillbroughttobearuponthem。Oneidealayatthebasisofallmyendeavors。
Everycombination，howeverelaborateorintricate，resolvedintoitssimplestelements，consistedofapairofrosetteslaterallytokeeptheearswarm，abagposteriorlytoputthehairinto，andsomekindofastringsomewheretoholdthemachinetogether。Everypossibleshapeintowhichlaceormuslinorsheetingcouldbecutorplaitedorsewedortwisted，intowhichcrewelorcordcouldbecrochetedornettedortatted，Imakeboldtodeclarewasessayed，untilthingscametosuchapassthateveryoddbitofdrygoodlyingroundthehousewas，intheabsenceofanypositivetestimonyonthesubject，assumedtobeoneofmynightcaps；anutterlybaselessassumption，becausemyachievementsneverwentsofarasconcretecapuality，butstoppedshortinthelaterstagesofabstractidealism。However，prejudiceisstrongerthantruth；
and，asIsaid，everyfragmentofeveryfabricthatcouldnotgiveanaccountofitselfwaschargedwithbeinganightcaptillitwasprovedtobeadish-clothoracart-rope。Iatlengthsurrenderedatdiscretion，andrememberedthatsomewhereinmyreadingIhadmetwithexquisitelacecaps，andIdidnotthatfromthecombinedfinenessandstrengthoftheirmaterialtheymightanswerthepurpose，evenifinformtheyshouldnotbeeverythingthatwasdesirable，——andIdeterminedtoascertain，ifpossible，whethersuchthingsexistedanywhereoutofpoetry。
Asyouperceive，therefore，myBostonshoppingwasnoteverydaytrading。Itwastomarktheabandonmentofanoldandtheinaugurationofanewlineofpolicy。ThusitwaswithnoordinaryinterestthatIlookedcarefullyatalltheshops，andwhenIfoundonethatseemedtoholdoutapossibilityofnightcaps，Iwentin。HalicarnassusobeyedthehintwhichIprickedintohimwiththepointofmyparasol，andstoppedoutside。Theoneplaceintheworldwhereamanhasnobusinesstobeistheinsideofadry-goodsshop。Heneverlooksandneverissobigandbunglingasthere。Awomanskipsfromsilktomuslin，frommuslintoribbons，fromribbonstotable-cloths，withthegraceandagilityofabird。Sheglidesinandoutamongcrowdsofhersex，steerssweepinglyclearofallobstacles，andemergestriumphant。Amanenters，andimmediatelybecomesallbootsandelbows。HeneedsasmuchroomtoturnroundinastheEnglishiron-cladWarrior，andittakeshimaboutaslong。
Hetreadsonalltheflounces，runsagainstalltheclerks，knocksoverallthechildren，andisgenerallyunderfoot。
Ifhegetsanideaintohishead，aNims\'sbatterycannotdislodgeit。Youthoughtofbuyingashawl；butathousandconsiderations，intheshapeofraglans，cloaks，talmas，andpea-jackets，induceyoutomodifyyourviews。Hestandsbyyou。Hehearsallyourinquiriesandalltheclerk\'ssuggestions。Thewholeprocessofyourreasoningisvisibletohisnakedeye。Heseesthesackorvisiteorcapeputuponyourshouldersandyouwalkingoffinit，andwhenyouarehalf-wayhome，hewillmutter，instupidamazement，\"I
thoughtyouweregoingtobuyashawl！\"Itisenoughtodriveonewild。
No！Halicarnassusisabsurdandmulishinmanythings，butheknowsIwillnotbehamperedwithhimwhenIamshopping，andheobeysthesmallesthint，andstopsoutside。
Tobesureheputsmytemperontherackbystandingwithhishandsinhispockets，orbylookingmeek，orlikelyasnotpeeringintotheshop-dooraftermewithgreatstaringeyesandpartedlips；andthisisthemostprovokingofall。Ifthereisanythingvulgar，slipshod，andshiftless，itisamanloungingaboutwithhishandsinhispockets。Ifyouhavepaws，stowthemaway；butifyouareendowedwithhands，learntocarrythemproperly，orelsecutthemoff。NorcanIabideaman\'slookingasifhewereundercontrol。IwishhimtoBE
submissive，butIdon\'twishhimtoLOOKso。Heshalldojustasheisbidden，butheshallcarryhimselflikethemanandmonarchhewasmadetobe。Lethimstaywhereheisput，yetnotasifhewereputthere，butasifhehadtakenhispositiondeliberately。But，ofallthings，tohaveamanactasifhewereaclodjustemergedforthefirsttimefromhisownbarnyard！Uponthisoccasion，however，Iwastoomuchabsorbedinmyerrandtonoteanybody\'sdemeanor，andI
threadedstraightwaythecrowdofcustomers，wentuptothecounter，andinquiredinaclearvoice，——
\"Haveyoulacenightcaps？\"
Theclerklookedatmewithatroubled，bewilderedglance，andmadenoreply。Isupposedhehadnotunderstoodme，andrepeatedthequestion。Thenheanswered，dubiously，——
\"Wehavebreakfast-caps。\"
Itwasmyturntolookbewildered。WhathadItodowithbreakfast-caps？Whatconnectionwastherebetweenmyquestionandhisanswer？Whatfieldwasthereforanyfurtherinquiry？
\"Haveyouox-bows？\"imagineafarmertoask。\"Wehaverainbows，\"saystheshopman。\"Haveyoucameo-pins？\"inquirestheelegantMrs。Jenkins。\"Wehavelinchpins。\"\"Haveyouyoungappletrees？\"asksthenursery-man。\"Wehavewhiffletrees。\"IfIhadwantedbreakfast-caps，shouldn\'tI
haveaskedforbreakfast-caps？OrdotheBostonpeopletaketheirbreakfastatoneo\'clockinthemorning？Iconcludedthatthemanwasdemented，andmarchedoutoftheshop。
WhenIlaidthematterbeforeHalicarnassus，thefollowinginterestingcolloquytookplace。
I。\"Whatdoyousupposeitmeant？\"
H。\"HetookyouforaNorthAmericanIndian。\"
I。\"Whatdoyoumean？\"
H。\"Hedidnotunderstandyourpatois。\"
I。\"Whatpatois？\"
H。\"Yoursquawdialect。Youshouldhaveaskedforabonnetdenuit。\"
I。\"Why？\"
H。\"Peoplenevertalkaboutnightcapsingoodsociety。\"
I。\"Oh！\"
Iwasverywarm，andHalicarnassussaidhewastired；sohewentintoarestaurantandorderedstrawberries，——thatlusciousfruit，quiveringontheborder-landofambrosiaandnectar。
\"Doubtless，\"sayshonest，quaint，delightfulIsaac，——andheneverspokeatruerword，——\"doubtlessGodmighthavemadeabetterberrythanastrawberry，butdoubtlessGodneverdid。\"
Thebilloffareratedtheirexcellenceatfifteencents。
\"Notunreasonable，\"Ipantomimed。
\"NotifIpayforthem，\"repliedHalicarnassus。
Thenwesatandamusedourselvesaftertheusualbrilliantfashionofpeoplewhoarewaitinginhotelparlors，railroad-stations，andrestaurants。Wesurveyedthegildingandthecarpetandthemirrorsandthecurtains。Wehazardedprofoundconjecturestouchingthepeopleassembled。Westudiedthebilloffareasifitcontainedthesecretofourarmy\'sdelayuponthePotomac，andhadjustconcludedthatthefirstcropofstrawberrieswasexhausted，andtheywerewaitingforthesecondcroptogrow，whenHebehoveinsightwithhernectaredambrosiainapairofcracked，browny-whitesaucers，withbrowny-greensilverspoons。Ipouredoutwhatprofessedtobecream，butprovedverylow-spiritedmilk，inwhichafewdisheartenedstrawberriesappearedrarinantes。Ilookedatthemindismay。Thencuriositysmoteme，andIcountedthem。
Justfifteen。
\"Centapiece，\"saidHalicarnassus。
Iwasnotthinkingofthecent，butIhadpromisedmyselfafeast；andwhatisafeast，susceptibleofenumeration？
Cleopatrawasright。\"Thatlove\"——andthesameistrueofstrawberries——\"isbeggarlywhichcanbereckoned。\"Infinityaloneisglory。
\"Perhapsthequalitywillatoneforthequantity，\"saidHalicarnassus，scoopingupatleasthalfofhisatone\"arm-sweep。\"
\"Howdotheytaste？\"Iasked。
\"Rathercoppery，\"heanswered。
\"Itisthespoons！\"Iexclaimed，inafright。\"TheyareGermansilver！Youwillbepoisoned！\"andknockedhisoutofhishandwithsuchinstinctive，suddenviolencethatitflewtotheothersideoftheroom，whereanoldgentlemansatoverhisnewspaperanddinner。
Hestarted，droppedhisnewspaper，andlookedaroundinamaze。
Halicarnassusbehavedbeautifully，——Iwillgivehimthecreditofit。Hewentonwithmyspoonandhisstrawberriesasunconcernedlyasifnothinghadhappened。IwasconsciousthatIblushed，butmyfacewasintheshade，andnobodyelseknewit；andtothisdayI\'venodoubttheoldgentlemanwouldhavemarvelledwhatsentthatmysteriousspoonrattlingagainsthistableandwhizzingbetweenhisboots，hadnotHalicarnassus，whentheuproarwasover，conceivedithisdutytogoandpickupthespoonandapologizefortheaccident，lestthegentlemanshouldfancyanintentionalrudeness。Partlytorewardhimforhisgoodbehavior，partlybecauseIneverdidthinkitworthwhiletomaketwobitesofacherry，andpartlybecauseIdidnotfancybeingpoisoned，Igavemyfifteenberriestohim。
Hedevouredthemwithevidentrelish。
\"Doesmyspoontasteasbadlyasyours？\"Iasked。
\"Myspoon？\"inquiredhe，innocently。
\"Yes。Yousaidbeforethattheytastedcoppery。\"
\"Idon\'tthink，\"repliedthisunprincipledman，——\"Idon\'tthinkitwastheflavorofthespoonsomuchasofthecoinwhicheachberryrepresented。\"
Ifwecouldonlyhavebeenathome！
InevermadeamoreunsatisfactoryinvestmentinmylifethantheoneImadeinthatrestaurant。IfeltasifIhadbeenswindled，andIsaidsotoHalicarnassus。Heremarkedthattherewasplentyofcreamandsugar。Iansweredcurtly，thatthecreamwaschieflywater，andthesugarchieflyflour；butiftheyhadbeenSimonPurehimself，wasitanythingbutanaggravationoftheoffencetohavethemwithnothingtoeatthemon？
\"YoumightdoastheydoinFrance，——carryawaywhatyoudon\'teat，seeingyoupayforit。\"
\"Apocketfulofmilkandwaterwouldbebothdelightfulandserviceable；butImighttakethesugar，\"Iadded，withasuddenthought，upsettingthesugar-bowlintoa\"BostonJournal\"whichwehadboughtinthetrain。\"Icanneveruseit，butitwillbeaconsolationtoreflecton。\"
Halicarnassus，who，thoughfertileinevilconceptions，lacksnervetoputthemintoexecution，wassomewhatstartledatthissuddenchangeofbase。HehadnoideathatIshouldreallyactuponhissuggestion，butIdid。Ibundledthesugarintomypocketwithagrimsatisfaction；andHalicarnassuspaidhisthirtycents，looking——andfeeling，asheafterwardstoldme——asifapoliceman\'sgripwereonhisshoulders。IfanyrestaurantinBostonrecollectshavingbeenastonishedatanytimeduringthesummerof1862byanunaccountablyemptysugar-bowl，Itakethisoccasiontoexplainthephenomenon。
Igavethesugarafterwardstoalittlebeggar-girl，withadimeforabraceoflemons，andshookoffthedustofmyfeetagainstBostonatthe\"B。&W。R。R。D。\"
Bostonisabeautifulcity，situatedonapeninsulaattheheadofMassachusettsBay。Ithasthreestreets:Cornhill，Washington，andBeaconStreets。IthasaCommonandaFrog-pond，andmanysprightlysquirrels。Itsstreetsarestraight，andcrosseachotherlikelinesonachess-board。
Ithasastate-house，whichisthefinestedificeintheworldoroutofit。Ithasonechurch，theOldSouth，whichwasbuilt，asitsnameindicates，beforetheProclamationofEmancipationwasissued。Ithasonebookstore，aloftyandimposingpile，oftheEgyptianstyleanddateofarchitecture，onthecornerofWashingtonandSchoolStreets。
Ithasonemagazine，the\"AtlanticMonthly，\"onedailynewspaper，the\"BostonJournal，\"onereligiousweekly，the\"Congregationalist，\"andoneorator，whosenameisTrain，amodelofchaste，compact，andclassicelegance。Inpolitics，itwasaWebsterWhig，tillWhigandWebsterbothwentdown，whenitfellapartwaitedforsomethingtoturnup，——whichprovedtobedrafting。BostoniscalledtheAthensofAmerica。
Itsmenaresolid。Itswomenweartheirbonnetstobed，theirnightcapstobreakfast，andtalkGreekatdinner。IspenttwohoursandhalfinBoston，andIknow。
WehadaroyalprogressfromBostontoFontdale。Summerlayontheshininghills，andscatteredbenedictions。Plentysmiledupfromathousandfertilefields。Patientoxen，withtheirsoft，deepeyes，trodheavilyoverminesofgreaterthanIndianwealth。Kindlycowsstoodinthegratefulshadeofcathedralelms，andgavethankstoGodintheirdumb，fumblingway。Motherly，sleepy，stupidsheeplayontheplains，littlelambsrollickedouttheirshort-livedyoutharoundthem，andnopremonitionfloatedoverfromtheadjoiningpea-patch，noranymisgivingofapproachingmuttonmarredtheirhappyheyday。
Straightthroughthepinyforests，straightpastthevocalorchards，rightinamongtherobinsandthejaysandthestartledthrushes，wedashedinexorable，andmadeharshdissonanceinthewild-woodorchestra；butnotforthatwasthemusichushed，nordidonecolorfade。Brooksleapedinheadlongchasedownthefurrowedsidesofgrayoldrocks，andglidedwhisperingbeneaththesorrowfulwillows。Oldtreesrenewedtheiryouthintheslight，tenaciousgraspofmanyatremuloustendril，and，leapinglightlyabovetheirtopmostheights，vinelaughedtovine，swayingdreamilyinthesummerair；andnotavinenorbrooknorhillnorforestbutsentupasweet-smellingincensetoitsMaker。Notanoxorcoworlamborbirdlivingitsowndimlifebutlentitscharmofunconsciousgracetothegreatpicturethatunfoldeditselfmileaftermile，ineverfresherlovelinesstoeverunsatedeyes。Wellmightthemorningstarssingtogether，andallthesonsofGodshoutforjoy，whenfirstthisgrandandperfectworldswungfreefromitsmoorings，flungoutitsspotlessbanner，andsailedmajesticdownthethrongingskies。Yet，thoughbutonceGodspoketheworldtolife，themiracleofcreationisstillincomplete。Neweveryspring-time，fresheverysummer，theearthcomesforthasabrideadornedforherhusband。Notonlyinthedawnofourhistory，butnowinthefullbrightnessofitsnoonday，maywehearthevoiceoftheLordwalkinginthegarden。Ilookoutuponthegraydegradedfieldsleftnakedofthesnow，andinwardlyask，Canthesedrybonesliveagain？Andwhilethequestionisyettremblingonmylips，lo！aSpiritbreathesupontheearth，andbeautythrillsintobloom。Whoshalllackfaithinman\'sredemption，wheneveryyeartheearthisredeemedbyunseenhands，anddeathislostinresurrection？
ToFontdalesittingamongherbeautifulmeadowsweareborneswiftlyon。Therewemusttarryforthenight，forIwillnottravelinthedarkwhenIcanhelpit。Iloveit。Thereisnosolitudeintheworld，oratleastIhaveneverfeltany，likestandingaloneinthedoorwayoftherearcaronadarknight，andrushingonthroughthedarkness，——darkness，darknesseverywhere，andifonecouldbesureofrushingontilldaylightdothappear！Butwiththefrightfulandnotremotepossibilityofbringingupinacrashandbeingburiedunderageneralhuddle，oneprefersdaylight。Youmaynotbeabletogetoutofthehuddleevenbydaylight；butyouwillatleastknowwhereyouare，ifthereisanythingofyouleft。
SoatFontdale，Halicarnassusbranchesofftemporarilyonabusinesserrand，andIstopforthenighta-cousining。
Youobjecttothis？Somepeopledo。Formypart，Ilikeit。
Yousayyouwillnotturnyourownhouseoryourfriend\'shouseintoahotel。Ifpeoplewishtoseeyou，letthemcomeandmakeavisit；ifyouwishtoseethem，youwillgoandmakethemone；butthistouchandgo，——whatisitworth？OfoolishGalatians！mucheveryway。Fordon\'tyousee，supposingthepeoplearepeopleyoudon\'tlike，howmuchbetteritistohavethemcomeandsleepordineandbegonethantohavethembeforeyourfaceandeyesforaweek？Anillthatistemporaryistolerable。YoucouldentertaintheEvilOnehimself，ifyouweresurehewouldgoawayafterdinner。Thetroubleabouthimisnotsomuchthathecomesasthathewon\'tgo。Hehangsaround。Ifyouonceopenyourdoortohim，thereisnogettingridofhim；andsomeofhisfollowers，itmustbeconfessed，arejustlikehim。Youmustresistthemboth，ortheywillneverflee。Butiftheydofleeafteraday\'starry，donotcomplain。Youprotestagainstturningyourhouseintoahotel。
Why，thehotelryistheleastirksomepartofthewholebusiness，whenyourguestsareuninteresting。Itisnotthesupperorthebedthatcosts，butkeepingpeoplegoingaftersupperisoverandbeforebedtimeiscome。Nevercomplain，ifyouhavenothingworsetodothantofeedorhouseyourguestsforadayoranhour。
Ontheotherhand，iftheyarepeopleyoulike，howmuchbettertohavethemcomesothannottoatall！Peoplecannotoftenmakelongvisits，——peoplethatareworthanything，——peoplewhouselife；andtheyaretheonlyonesthatareworthanything。
Andifyoucannotgetyourgoodthingsinthelump，areyougoingtorefusethemaltogether？Bynomeans。Youaregoingtotakethembydriblets，andifyouwillonlybesensibleandnotpout，butkeepyourtinpanrightsideup，youwillfindthatgoldenshowerswilldrizzlethroughallyourlife。So，withneveranuggetinyourchest，youshalldierich。Ifyoucanstopover-nightwithyourfriend，youhavenosand-grain，butaveryrespectableboulder。Foranightisinfinite。
Daytimeiswellenoughforbusiness，butitislittleworthforhappiness。Yousitdowntoabook，toapicture，toafriend，andthefirstyouknowitistimetogetdinner，ortimetoeatit，ortimeforthetrain，oryoumustputoutyourdriedapples，orsetthebreadtorising，orsomethingbreaksinimpertinentlyandchokesyouatflood-tide。Butthenighthasnoend。Everythingisdonebutthatwhichyouwouldbeforeverdoing。Thecurtainsaredrawn，thelampislightedandveiledintoexquisitesoftshadowiness。Alltheworldisfaroff。
Allitsdinanddolestrikeintothebankofdarknessthatenvelopsyouandarelosttoyourtrancedsense。Inalltheworldareonlyyourfriendandyou，andthenyoustrikeoutyouroars，silver-sounding，intotheshorelessnight。
Butthenightcomestoanend，yousay。No，itdoesnot。Itisyouthatcometoanend。Yougrowsleepy，clodthatyouare。Butasyoudon\'tthink，whenyoubegin，thatyouevershallgrowsleepy，itisjustthesameasifyouneverdid。
Foryouhavenoforeshadowofaninevitableterminationtoyourrapture，andsopracticallyyournighthasnolimit。Itisfastenedatoneendtothesunset，buttheotherendfloatsoffintoeternity。Andtherereallyisnoabrupttermination。Yourolldowntheinclinedplaneofyoursocialhappinessintothebosomofanotherhappiness，——sleep。Sleepforthesleepyisblissjustastrulyassocietytothelonely。WhatinthedistancewouldhaveseemedPurgatory，oncereached，isParadise，andyourhappinessiscontinuous。Justasitisinmending。Short-sighted，superficial，unreflectingpeoplehaveaway——whichintimefossilizesintoaprinciple——ofmendingeverythingassoonasitcomesupfromthewash，——averyunthrifty，uneconomicalhabit，ifyouusethewordsthriftandeconomyintheonlywayinwhichtheyoughttobeused，namely，asappliedtowhatiswortheconomizing。Time，happiness，life，thesearetheonlythingstobethriftyabout。ButIseepeopleworkingandworryingoverquince-marmaladeandtuckedpetticoatsandembroideredchair-covers，thingsthatperishwiththeusingandleavetheuserworsethantheyfoundhim。
ThisIcallwasteandwickedprodigality。Lifeistooshorttopermitustofretaboutmattersofnoimportance。Wherethesethingscanministertothemindandheart，theyareapartofthesoul\'sfurniture；butwheretheyonlypampertheappetiteorthevanity，oranyfoolishandhurtfullust，theyarefoolishandhurtful。Bethriftyofcomfort。Neverallowanopportunityforcheer，forpleasure，forintelligence，forbenevolence，forkindofgood，togounimproved。Considerseriouslywhetherthesyrupofyourpreservesorjuicesofyourownsoulwilldothemosttoserveyourrace。Itmaybethattheyarecompatible，——thattheconcoctionoftheoneshallprovidetheascendingsapoftheother；butifitisnotso，ifonemustbesacrificed，donothesitateamomentastowhichitshallbe。Ifapeachdoesnotbecomesweetmeat，itwillbecomesomething，itwillnotstayawithered，unsightlypeach；
butforsoulsthereisnotransmigrationoutoffables。Onceasoul，foreverasoul，——meanormighty，shrivelledorfull，itisforyoutosay。Money，land，luxury，sofarastheyaremoney，land，andluxury，areworthless。Itisonlyasfastandasfarastheyareturnedintolifethattheyacquirevalue。
Soyouarethriftlesswhenyoueagerlyseizethefirstopportunitytofritterawayyourtimeoveroldclothes。Youprecipitateyourselfunnecessarilyagainstadisagreeablething。Foryouarenotgoingtoputyourstockingson。
Perhapsyouwillnotneedyourbuttonsforaweek，andinaweekyoumayhavepassedbeyondthejurisdictionofbuttons。
Butevenifyoushouldnot，letthebuttonsandtheholesaloneallthesame。For，first，thepleasantandprofitablethingwhichyouwilldoinsteadisafundedcapital，whichwillrollyouupaperpetualinterest；andsecondly，thedisagreeabledutyisforeverabolished。Isayforever，because，whenyouhavegonewithoutthebuttonawhile，theinconvenienceitoccasionswillreconcileyoutothenecessityofsewingiton，——willevengofurther，andmakeitapositivereliefamountingtopositivepleasure。Besides，everytimeyouuseit，foralongwhileafter，youwillhaveadelicioussenseofsatisfaction，suchasaccompaniesthesuddencompletecessationofadull，continuouspain。Thuswhatwasatbestcharacterlessroutine，andmostlikelyanexasperation，isturnedintoactualdelight，andaddstothesumoflife。Thisisthrift。Thisiseconomy。But，alas！fewpeopleunderstandtheartofliving。Theystriveaftersystem，wholeness，buttons，andneglecttheweightiermattersofthehigherlaw——
IwonderhowIgothere，orhowIamtogetbackagain。I
startedforFontdale，andIfindmyselfinamending-basket。
AsIknownogoodintracingthesameroadback，wemayaswellstrikeabee-lineandbeginnewatFontdale。
WestoppedatFontdalea-cousining。Ihaveaveil，abeautiful——HAVE，didIsay？Alas！TroyWAS。ButImustnotanticipate——abeautifulveilofbrowntissue，noneofyourwoolleny，grufffabrics，fitonlyforpenance，butasilken，gossamerycloud，softasababy\'scheek。Yeteverybodyfleersatit。Everybodyhasajokeaboutit。Everybodylooksatit，andholdsitoutatarms\'length，andshakesit，andmakesgreateyesatit，andsays，\"Whatintheworld——\"andendswithahuge，bouncinglaugh。Why？Oneisashamedofhumannatureatbeingforcedtoconfess。Because，touseaGulliverism，itislongerbythebreadthofmynailthananyofitscontemporaries。Infact，itistwoyardslong。Thatisall。
Halicarnassusfiredthefirstgunatitbysayingthatitslengthwastoenableoneendofittoremainathomewhiletheotherendwentwithme，sothatneitherofusshouldgetlost。
ThisisanallusiontoahabitwhichIandmypropertyhaveoffindingourselvesindividuallyandcollectivelyleftinthelurch。Afterthisinitialshot，everybodyconsideredhimselfatlibertytoletoffhisrustyoldblunderbuss，andtherewasaconstantpeppering。Butmyveilneverlowereditscolorsnorcurtaileditsresources。Alas！whatridiculeandcontumelyfailedtoeffect，destinyaccomplished。Softnessandplenitudearenoshieldsagainsttheshaftsoffate。
Iwentintothestationwaiting-roomtowriteanote。Ilaidmybonnet，myveil，mypackagesuponthetable。Iwrotemynote。Iwentaway。Thenextmorning，whenIwouldhavearrayedmyselftoresumemyjourney，therewasnoveil。I
rememberedthatIhadtakenitintothestationthenightbefore，andthatIhadnottakenitout。Atthestationweinquiredofthewaiting-womanconcerningit。Itisasmuchasyourlifeisworthtoaskthesepeopleaboutlostarticles。
Theytakeitforgrantedatthefirstblushthatyoumeantoaccusethemofstealing。\"Haveyouseenabrownveillyingaboutanywhere？\"askedCrene，hersweetbird-voicewarblingoutfromhersweetrose-lips。\"No，I\'a\'n\'tseennothin\'ofit，\"saysGnome，withmagnificentindifference。
\"Itwaslostherelastnight，\"continuesCrene，inasoliloquizingundertone，pushinginvestigatingglancesbeneaththesofas。
\"Ido\'knownothin\'aboutit。_I_\'a\'n\'ttookit\"；andtheGnometossesherheadbackdefiantly。\"Iseentheladywhenshewasa-writin\'ofherletter，andwhenshewentoutther\'
wa\'n\'tnothin\'leftonthetablebutahangkerchuf，andthatwa\'n\'thern。Ido\'knownothin\'aboutit，norI\'a\'n\'tseennothin\'ofit。\"
Ono，myGnome，youknewnothingofit；youdidnottakeit。
Butsincenooneaccusedorevensuspectedyou，whycouldyounothavebeenlessaggressiveandmoresympatheticinyourassertions？Butwewillploughnolongerinthatfield。Theploughsharehasstruckagainstarockandgrits，dentingitsedgeinvain。Myveilisgone，——myample，historic，heroicveil。ThereisawomaninFontdalewhobreathesairfilteredthrough——IwillnotsaySTOLENtissue，butcertainlythroughtissuewhichwasobtainedwithoutrenderingitsowneranyfairequivalent。Doesnoteverybreezethatsoftlystirsitsflutteringfoldssaytoher，\"Ofriend，thisveilisnotyours，notyours，\"andstillsighingly，\"notyours！Upamongthenorthernhills，yondertowardsthesunset，sitstheowner，sorrowful，weeping，wailing\"？IbelieveIamwadingoutintotheSallyWatersofMotherGoosery；but，proseorpoetry，somewhereawoman，——andbecausenobodyoftastecouldsurreptitiouslypossessherselfofmyveil，Ihavenodoubtthatshecutitincontinentlyintotwoequalparts，andgaveonetohersister，andtherearetwowomen，——nay，sinceniggardlysoulshavenosenseofgrandeur，andwillshavedowntomicroscopicdimensions，itiseverywayprobablethatshedivideditintothreeunequalparts，andtookthreequartersofayardforherself，threequartersforhersister，andgavetheremaininghalf-yardtoherdaughter，andthatatverymomenttherearetwowomenandalittlegirltakingtheirwalksabroadunderthesilkenshadowsofmyveil！Andyettherearepeoplewhoprofesstodisbelieveintotaldepravity。
Nordidtheveilwalkawayalone。Mytrunkbecameimbuedwiththespiritofadventure，andbranchedoffonitsownaccountupsomewhereintoVermont。IsupposeitwouldhavekeptonandreachedperhapstheNorthPolebythistime，hadnotCrene\'sdarkeyes，——soprettytolookatthatoneinstinctivelyfeelstheyoughtnottobegoodforanything，ifajustimpartialityistobemaintained，buttheyare，——hadnotCrene\'sdarkeyesseenittiltingintoabaggage-crate，andtrundlingofftowardstheGreenMountains，buttoolate。Ofcoursetherewasaformidablehitchintheprogramme。Acourtofjusticewasimprovisedonthecar-steps。Iwastheplaintiff，Crenechiefevidence，baggage-masterbothdefendantandexamining-counsel。
Thecasedidnotadmitofadoubt。Therewasthelittleinsurmountablecheck，whosebrazenlipscouldspeaknolie。
\"Keepholdofthat，\"whisperedCrene，andayokeofoxencouldnothavedrawnitfromme。
\"YouaresureyouhaditmarkedforFontdale，\"saysMr。
Baggage-master。
Iholdtheimpracticablecheckbeforehiseyesinsilence。
\"Yes，well，itmusthavegoneontoAlbany。\"
\"Butitwentawayonthattrack，\"saysCrene。
\"Couldn\'thavegoneonthattrack。Ofcoursetheywouldn\'thavecarrieditawayovertherejusttomakeitgowrong。\"
Forme，Iameasilypersuadedanddissuaded。Ifhehadtoldmethatitmusthavegoneinsuchadirection，thatitwasamoralandmentalimpossibilityshouldhavegoneinanyother，andhaveittimesenough，withacertainconfidenceandcontemptofanyothercontingency，Ishouldgraduallyhavelostfaithinmyowneyes，andsaid，\"Well，Isupposeitdid。\"
ButCreneisnottobeassertedintoyieldingoneinch，andinsiststhatthetrunkwenttoVermontandnottoNewYork，andisthoroughlyunmanageable。Thebaggage-master，inanguishofsoul，trotsouthissubordinates，oneafteranother，——
\"Isthisthemanthatwheeledthetrunkaway？Isthis？
Isthis？\"
Thebrawny-armedfellowshangback，andscowl，andmufflewordsinaverysuspiciousmanner，andprotesttheywon\'tbegotintoascrape。ButCrenehasnoscrapeforthem。Shecannotsweartotheiridentity。Shehadeyesonlyforthetrunk。
\"Well，\"saysBaggage-man，athiswits\'end，\"youletmetakeyourcheck，andI\'llsendthetrunkonbyexpress，whenitcomes。
Ipityhim，andrelaxmyclutch。
\"No，\"whispersCrene；\"aslongasyouhaveyourcheck，youasgoodashaveyourtrunk；butwhenyougivethatup，youhavenothing。Keepthattillyouseeyourtrunk。\"
Myclutchre-tightens。
\"Atanyrate，youcanwaittillthenexttrain，andseeifitdoesn\'tcomeback。You\'llgettoyourjourney\'sendjustassoon。\"
\"ShallI？Well，Iwill，\"compliantasusual。
\"No，\"interposesmygoodgeniusagain。\"Menarealwayssayingthatawomannevergoeswhensheengagestogo。Sheisalwaysatrainlateroratrainearlier，andyoucan\'tmeether。\"
Plianttothelasttouch，Isayaloud，——
\"No，Imustgointhistrain\"；andsoIgo，trunklessandcrestfallen，tomeetHalicarnassus。
Itisadismalday，andCrene，tocomfortme，putsintomyhandstwobooksascompanionsbytheway。TheyareCoventryPatmore\'s\"AngelintheHouse，\"\"TheEspousalsandtheBetrothal。\"Idonotapproveofreadinginthecars；butwithoutisadense，white，unvaryingfog，andwithinmyheartitisnotclearsunshine。SoIturntomybooks。
Didanyoneeverreadthembefore？Somebodywroteavilereviewofthemonce，andgavetheideaofaverypuerile，ridiculous，apron-stringyattemptatpoetry。Whoeverwrotethatnoticeoughttobeshot，forthebooksarecharming，——
pureandhomelyandhouseholdy，yetnoteffeminate。Criticsmaysneerasmuchastheychoose:itissuchloveasVaughan\'sthatHonoriasvalue。Becauseawoman\'snatureisnotproofagainstdeterioration，becausealargeandlong-continuedinfusionofgrossblood，andperhapseventhemonotonouspressureofrough，pitiless，degradingcircumstances，maydisplace，eatout，ruboffthedelicacyofasoul，maychangeitstexturetounnaturalcoarsenessandscatterashesforbeauty，womendoexist，victimsratherthanculprits，coarseagainsttheirnature，hard，material，grasping，thesaddestsighthumanitycansee。Suchawomancanacceptcoarsemen。
Theymaycomecourtingonallfours，andshewillnotbeshocked。Butwomeninthenaturalstatewishmentostandgodlikeerect，totreadmajestically，andlivedelicately。
Womendonotoftenmakeanadoaboutthis。Theytalkitoveramongthemselves，andtakemenastheyare。Theyquietlysoftenthemdown，andsmooththemout，andpolishthemup，andmakethebestofthem，andsimplyandsedulouslyshuttheireyesandmakebelievethereisn\'tanyworst，orreasonitaway，——agreatdealmorethanIshouldthinktheywould。Butifyouseethequalitiesthatawomanspontaneouslyloves，theexpression，thetone，thebearingthatthoroughlysatisfiesherself-respect，thatnotonlysecuresheracquiescence，butarousesherenthusiasmandcommandsherabdication，crucifytheflesh，andreadCoventryPatmore。Notthatheistheworld\'sgreatpoet，norArthurVaughantheidealman；butthisIdomean:thatthedelicacy，thespiritualityofhislove，thescrupulousrespectfulnessofhisdemeanor，hisunfeignedinwardhumility，asfarremovedfromservilityontheonesideasfromassumptionontheother，andlesstheopponentthantheoffspringofself-respect，histhoroughgentleness，guilelessness，deference，hismanly，unselfishhomage，aresuchqualities，andsuchalone，asleadwomanhoodcaptive。Listentome，yourattling，roaring，rollickingRalphRoisterDoisters，youcalm，inevitableGradgrinds，assmooth，assharp，asbrightassteel，andassoulless，andyoumen，whoever，whatever，andwhereveryouare，withfibresofropeandnervesofwire，thereismanyandmanyawomanwhotoleratesyoubecauseshefindsyou，butthereisnothinginherthatevergoesouttoseekyou。Benotdeceivedbyherplacability。\"Hereheis，\"shesaystoherself，\"andsomethingmustbedoneaboutit。BuriedunderOssaandPelionsomewherehemustbesupposedtohaveasoul，andthesoonerheisdugintothesooneritwillbeexhumed。\"Soshedigs。Shewouldneverhavemadeyou，norofherownfree-willelectedyou；butbeingmade，suchasyouare，andonherhandsinonewayoranother，shecarvesandchisels，andstrivestoevokefromtheblockabreathingstatue。ShemaysucceedsofarasthatyoushallbecomeherFrankenstein，agreat，sad，monstrous，incessant，inevitablecaricatureofherideal，themonumentatonceofhersuccessandherfailure，theobjectofhercompassion，theintimatesorrowofhersoul，avastanddreadfulformintowhichhercreativepowercanbreathethebreathoflife，butnotofsympathy。Perhapsshelovesyouwitharemorseful，pitying，protestinglove，andcarriesyouonhershudderingshoulderstothegrave。Probably，assheisgoodandwise，youwillneverfinditout。Alimpidbrookripplesinbeautyandbloombythesideofmuddy，stagnantself-complacence，andyoudiscernnoessentialdifference。\"Water\'swater，\"yousay，withyourbroad，stupidgeneralization，andgooozingalongcontentedlythroughpeat-bogsandmeadow-ditches，mounting，perhaps，inmomentsofinspiration，tothemoderatesublimityofacranberry-meadow，butsubsidingwithentiresatisfactionintoamuck-puddle:andallthewhilethelittlebrookthatyoupatronizewhenyouarefull-fed，andsnubwhenyouarehungry，andlookuponalways，——thelittlebrookissingingitsownmelodythroughgroveandorchardandsweetwild-wood，——
singingwiththebirdsandthebloomssongsthatyoucannothear；buttheyareheardbythesilentstars，singingonandonintoabroaderanddeeperdestiny，tillitpours，oneday，itslastearthlynote，andbecomesforevermoretheunutterablesea。