Leolin’sfirstnursewas，fiveyearsafter，hers：
Somuchtheboyforeran；butwhenhisdateDoubledherown，forwantofplaymates，he（SinceAverillwasadecadandahalfHiselder，andtheirparentsunderground）
Hadtosthisballandflownhiskite，androll’dHishooptopleasureEdith，withherdiptAgainsttherushoftheairintheproneswing，Madeblossom—ballordaisy—chain，arrangedHergarden，sow’dhernameandkeptitgreenInlivingletters，toldherfairy—tales，Show’dherethefairyfootingsonthegrass，Thelittledellsofcowslip，fairypalms，Thepettymarestailforest，fairypines，OrfromthetinypittedtargetblewWhatlook’daflightoffairyarrowsaim’dAllatonemark，allhitting：make—believesForEdithandhimself：orelseheforged，Butthatwaslater，boyishhistoriesOfbattle，boldadventure，dungeon，wreck，Flights，terrors，suddenrescues，andtrueloveCrown’daftertrial；sketchesrudeandfaint，ButwhereapassionyetunbornperhapsLayhiddenasthemusicofthemoonSleepsintheplaineggsofthenightingale。
Andthustogether，saveforcollege—timesOrTemple—eatenterms，acouple，fairAseverpainterpainted，poetsang，OrHeav’ninlavishbountymoulded，grew。
Andmoreandmore，themaidenwoman—grown，HewastedhourswithAverill；there，whenfirstThetentedwinter—fieldwasbrokenupIntothatphalanxofthesummerspearsThatsoonshouldwearthegarland；thereagainWhenburrandbineweregather’d；lastlythereAtChristmas；everwelcomeattheHall，OnwhosedullsamenesshisfulltideofyouthBrokewithaphosphorescencecheeringevenMylady；andtheBaronetyethadlaidNobarbetweenthem：dullandself—involved，Tallanderect，butbendingfromhisheightWithhalf—allowingsmilesforalltheworld，Andmightycourteousinthemain——hisprideLaydeeperthantowearitashisring——
He，likeanAylmerinhisAylmerism，WouldcarenomoreforLeolin’swalkingwithherThanforhisoldNewfoundland’s，whentheyranToloosehimatthestables，forheroseTwofootedatthelimitofhischain，Roaringtomakeathird：andhowshouldLove，Whomthecross—lightningsoffourchance—meteyesFlashintofierylifefromnothing，followSuchdearfamiliaritiesofdawn？
Seldom，butwhenhedoes，Masterofall。
Sotheseyoungheartsnotknowingthattheyloved，Notsheatleast，norconsciousofabarBetweenthem，norbyplightorbrokenringBound，butanimmemorialintimacy，Wander’datwill，butoftaccompaniedByAverill：his，abrother’slove，thathungWithwingsofbroodingsheltero’erherpeace，Mighthavebeenother，saveforLeolin’s——
Whoknows？butsotheywander’d，hourbyhourGather’dtheblossomthatrebloom’d，anddrankThemagiccupthatfill’ditselfanew。
Awhisperhalfreveal’dhertoherself。
Foroutbeyondherlodges，wherethebrookVocal，withhereandthereasilence，ranBysallowyrims，arosethelaborers’homes，AfrequenthauntofEdith，onlowknollsThatdimplingdiedintoeachother，hutsAtrandomscatter’d，eachanestinbloom。
Herart，herhand，hercounselallhadwroughtAboutthem：herewasonethat，summer—blanch’d，Wasparcel—beardedwiththetraveller’s—joyInAutumn，parcelivy—clad；andhereThewarm—bluebreathingsofahiddenhearthBrokefromabowerofvineandhoneysuckle：
Onelook’dallrosetree，andanotherworeAclose—setrobeofjasminesownwithstars：
ThishadarosyseaofgillyflowersAboutit；this，amilky—wayonearth，LikevisionsintheNortherndreamer’sheavens，Alily—avenueclimbingtothedoors；
One，almosttothemartin—hauntedeavesAsummerburialdeepinhollyhocks；
Each，itsowncharm；andEdith’severywhere；
AndEdithevervisitantwithhim，HebutlesslovedthanEdith，ofherpoor：
Forshe——solowly—lovelyandsoloving，QueenlyresponsivewhentheloyalhandRosefromtheclayitwork’dinasshepast，Notsowinghedgerowtextsandpassingby，NordealinggoodlycounselfromaheightThatmakesthelowesthateit，butavoiceOfcomfortandanopenhandofhelp，AsplendidpresenceflatteringthepoorroofsReveredastheirs，butkindlierthanthemselvesToailingwifeorwailinginfancyOroldbedriddenpalsy，——wasadored；
He，lovedforherandforhimself。AgraspHavingthewarmthandmuscleoftheheart，Achildlywaywithchildren，andalaughRinginglikeprovedgoldencoinagetrue，Werenofalsepassporttothateasyrealm，WhereoncewithLeolinathersidethegirl，Nursingachild，andturningtothewarmthThetenderpinkfive—beadedbaby—soles，Heardthegoodmothersoftlywhisper`Bless，Godbless’em；marriagesaremadeinHeaven。’
Aflashofsemi—jealousyclear’dittoher。
MyLady’sIndiankinsmanunannouncedWithhalfascoreofswarthyfacescame。
Hisown，tho’keenandboldandsoldierly，Sear’dbythecloseecliptic，wasnotfair；
Fairerhistalk，atonguethatruledthehour，Tho’seemingboastful：sowhenfirsthedash’dIntothechronicleofadeedfulday，SirAylmerhalfforgothislazysmileOfpatron`Good!mylady’skinsman!good!’
Myladywithherfingersinterlock’d，Androtatorythumbsonsilkenknees，Call’dallhervitalspiritsintoeachearTolisten：unawarestheyflittedoff，BusyingthemselvesabouttheflowerageThatstoodfromourastiffbrocadeinwhich，Themeteorofasplendidseason，she，Oncewiththiskinsman，ahsolongago，Steptthro’thestatelyminuetofthosedays：
ButEdith’seagerfancyhurriedwithhimSnatch’dthro’theperilouspassesofhislife：
TillLeolineverwatchfulofhereyeHatedhimwithamomentaryhate。
Wife—hunting，astherumorran，washe：
Iknownot，forhespokenot，onlyshower’dHisorientalgiftsoneveryoneAndmostonEdith：likeastormhecame，Andshookthehouse，andlikeastormhewent。
Amongthegiftshelefther（possiblyHeflow’dandebb’duncertain，toreturnWhenothershadbeentested）therewasone，Adagger，inrichsheathwithjewelsonitSprinkledaboutingoldthatbranch’ditselfFineasice—fernsonJanuarypanesMadebyabreath。Iknownotwhenceatfirst，Norofwhatrace，thework；butashetoldThestory，stormingahill—fortofthievesHegotit；fortheircaptainafterfight，Hiscomradeshavingfoughttheirlastbelow，Wasclimbingupthevalley；atwhomheshot：
DownfromthebeetlingcragtowhichheclungTumbledthetawnyrascalathisfeet，Thisdaggerwithhim，whichwhennowadmiredByEdithwhomhispleasurewastoplease，AtoncethecostlySahibyieldedittoher。
AndLeolin，comingafterhewasgone，Tostoverallherpresentspetulantly：
Andwhensheshow’dthewealthyscabbard，saying`Lookwhatalovelypieceofworkmanship!’
Slightwashisanswer`Well——Icarenotforit：’
Thenplayingwiththebladeheprick’dhishand，`Agraciousgifttogivealady，this!’
`Butwoulditbemoregracious’ask’dthegirl`WereItogivethisgiftofhistooneThatisnolady？’`Gracious？No’saidhe。
`Me？——butIcarednotforit。Opardonme，Iseemtobeungraciousnessitself。’
`Takeit’sheaddedsweetly`tho’hisgift；
ForIammoreungraciousev’nthanyou，Icarenotforiteither；’andhesaid`WhythenIloveit：’butSirAylmerpast，Andneitherlovednorlikedthethingheheard。
Thenextdaycameaneighbor。BluesandredsTheytalk’dof：bluesweresureofit，hethought：
Thenofthelatestfox——wherestarted——kill’dInsuchabottom：`Peterhadthebrush，MyPeter，first：’anddidSirAylmerknowThatgreatpock—pittenfellowhadbeencaught？
Thenmadehispleasureecho，handtohand，AndrollingasitwerethesubstanceofitBetweenhispalmsamomentupanddown——
`Thebirdswerewarm，thebirdswerewarmuponhim；
Wehavehimnow：’andhadSirAylmerheard——
Nay，buthemust——thelandwasringingofit——
Thisblacksmith—bordermarriage——onetheyknew——
Rawfromthenursery——whocouldtrustachild？
ThatcursedFrancewithheregalities!
AnddidSirAylmer（deferentiallyWithnearingchairandlower’daccent）think——
Forpeopletalk’d——thatitwaswhollywiseToletthathandsomefellowAverillwalkSofreelywithhisdaughter？peopletalk’d——
Theboymightgetanotionintohim；
Thegirlmightbeentanglederesheknew。
SirAylmerAylmerslowlystiffeningspoke：
`Thegirlandboy，Sir，knowtheirdifferences!’
`Good’saidhisfriend`butwatch!’andhe`enough，Morethanenough，Sir!Icanguardmyown。’
Theyparted，andSirAylmerAylmerwatch’d。
Pale，foronherthethundersofthehouseHadfallenfirst，wasEdiththatsamenight；
PaleastheJeptha’sdaughter，aroughpieceOfearlyrigidcolor，underwhichWithdrawingbythecounterdoortothatWhichLeolinopen’d，shecastbackuponhimApiteousglance，andvanish’d。He，asoneCaughtinaburstofunexpectedstorm，Andpeltedwithoutrageousepithets，TurningbeheldthePowersoftheHouseOneithersidethehearth，indignant；her，Coolingherfalsecheekwithafeatherfan，Himglaring，byhisownstaledevilspurr’d，And，likeabeasthard—ridden，breathinghard。
`Ungenerous，dishonorable，base，Presumptuous!trustedashewaswithher，Thesolesucceedertotheirwealth，theirlands，Thelastremainingpillaroftheirhouse，Theonetransmitteroftheirancientname，Theirchild。’`Ourchild!’`Ourheiress!’`Ours!’forstill，Likeechoesfrombeyondahollow，cameHersicklieriteration。Lasthesaid`Boy，markme!foryourfortunesaretomake。
Iswearyoushallnotmakethemoutofmine。
Nowinasmuchasyouhavepractisedonher，Perplexther，madeherhalfforgetherself，Swervefromherdutytoherselfandus——
ThingsinanAylmerdeem’dimpossible，Faraswetrackourselves——Isaythatthis，——
ElseIwithdrawfavorandcountenanceFromyouandyoursforever——shallyoudo。
Sir，whenyouseeher——butyoushallnotseeher——
No，youshallwrite，andnottoher，butme：
Andyoushallsaythathavingspokenwithme，Andafterlook’dintoyourself，youfindThatyoumeantnothing——asindeedyouknowThatyoumeantnothing。Suchasmatchasthis!
Impossible，prodigious!’Thesewerewords，Asmetedbyhismeasureofhimself，Arguingboundlessforbearance：afterwhich，AndLeolin’shorror—strickenanswer，`I
Sofoulatraitortomyselfandher，Neverohnever，’foraboutaslongAsthewind—hoverhangsinthebalance，pausedSirAylmerreddeningfromthestormwithin，Thenbrokeallbondsofcourtesy，andcrying`Boy，shouldIfindyoubymydoorsagain，Mymenshalllashyoufromthelikeadog；
Hence!’withasuddenexecrationdroveThefootstoolfrombeforehim，andarose；
So，stammering`scoundrel’outofteeththatgroundAsinadreadfuldream，whileLeolinstillRetreatedhalf—aghast，thefierceoldmanFollow’d，andunderhisownlintelstoodStormingwithliftedhands，ahoaryfaceMeetforthereverenceofthehearth，butnow，Beneathapaleandunimpassion’dmoon，Vextwithunworthymadness，anddeform’d。
SlowlyandconsciousoftheragefuleyeThatwatch’dhim，tillheheardtheponderousdoorClose，crashingwithlongechoesthro’theland，WentLeolin；then，hispassionsallinfloodAndmastersofhismotion，furiouslyDownthro’thebrightlawnstohisbrother’sran，Andfoam’dawayhisheartatAverill’sear：
WhomAverillsolacedashemight，amazed：
Themanwashis，hadbeenhisfather’s，friend：
Hemusthaveseen，himselfhadseenitlong；
Hemusthaveknown，himselfhadknown：besides，HeneveryethadsethisdaughterforthHereinthewoman—marketsofthewest，WhereourCaucasiansletthemselvesbesold。
Someone，hethought，hadslander’dLeolintohim。
`Brother，forIhavelovedyoumoreasasonThanbrother，letmetellyou：Imyself——
Whatistheirprettysaying？jiltedisit？
JiltedIwas：Isayitforyourpeace。
Pain’d，and，asbearinginmyselftheshameThewomanshouldhaveborne，humiliated，Ilivedforyearsastuntedsunlesslife；
TillafterourgoodparentspastawayWatchingyourgrowth，Iseem’dagaintogrow。
Leolin，Ialmostsininenvyingyou：
TheverywhitestlambinallmyfoldLovesyou：Iknowher：theworstthoughtshehasIswhitereventhanherprettyhand：
Shemustprovetrue：for，brother，wheretwofightThestrongestwins，andtruthandlovearestrength，Andyouarehappy：letherparentsbe。’
ButLeolincriedoutthemoreuponthem——
Insolent，brainless，heartless!heiress，wealth，Theirwealth，theirheiress!wealthenoughwastheirsFortwentymatches。Werehelordofthis，Why，twentyboysandgirlsshouldmarryonit，Andfortyblestonesblesshim，andhimselfBewealthystill，aywealthier。HebelievedThisfilthymarriage—hinderingMammonmadeTheharlotofthecities：naturecrostWasmotherofthefouladulteriesThatsaturatesoulwithbody。Name，too!name，Theirancientname!theyMIGHTbeproud；itsworthWasbeingEdith’s。Ah，howpaleshehadlook’dDarling，to—night!theymusthaveratedherBeyondalltolerance。Theseoldpheasant—lords，Thesepartridge—breedersofathousandyears，Whohadmildew’dintheirthousands，doingnothingSinceEgbert——why，thegreatertheirdisgrace!
Fallbackuponaname!rest，rotinthat!
NotKEEPitnoble，makeitnobler？fools，Withsuchavantage—groundfornobleness!
Hehadknownaman，aquintessenceofman，Thelifeofall——whomadlyloved——andhe，Thwartedbyoneoftheseoldfather—fools，Hadriotedhislifeout，andmadeanend。
Hewouldnotdoit!hersweetfaceandfaithHeldhimfromthat：buthehadpowers，heknewit：
Backwouldhetohisstudies，makeaname，Name，fortunetoo：theworldshouldringofhimToshamethesemouldyAylmersintheirgraves：
Chancellor，orwhatisgreatestwouldhebe——
`Obrother，Iamgrievedtolearnyourgrief——
Givememyfling，andletmesaymysay。’
Atwhich，likeonethatseeshisownexcess，Andeasilyforgivesitashisown，Helaugh’d；andthenwasmute；butpresentlyWeptlikeastorm：andhonestAverillseeingHowlowhisbrother’smoodhadfallen，fetch’dHisrichestbeeswingfromabinnreservedForbanquets，praisedthewaningred，andtoldThevintage——whenTHISAylmercameofage——
Thendrankandpastit；tillatlengththetwo，Tho’Leolinflamedandfellagain，agreedThatmuchallowancemustbemadeformen。
AfteranangrydreamthiskindlierglowFadedwithmorning，buthispurposeheld。
Yetoncebynightagaintheloversmet，AperilousmeetingunderthetallpinesThatdarken’dallthenorthwardofherHall。
Him，tohermeekandmodestbosomprestInagony，shepromisedthatnoforce，Persuasion，no，nordeathcouldalterher：
He，passionatelyhopefuller，wouldgo，LaborforhisownEdith，andreturnInsuchasunlightofprosperityHeshouldnotberejected。`Writetome!
Theylovedme，andbecauseIlovetheirchildTheyhateme：thereiswarbetweenus，dear，Whichbreaksallbondsbutours；wemustremainSacredtooneanother。’Sotheytalk’d，Poorchildren，fortheircomfort：thewindblew；
Therainofheaven，andtheirownbittertears，Tears，andthecarelessrainofheaven，mixtUpontheirfaces，astheykiss’deachotherIndarkness，andabovethemroar’dthepine。
SoLeolinwent；andaswetaskourselvesTolearnalanguageknownbutsmatteringlyInphraseshereandthereatrandom，toil’dMasteringthelawlessscienceofourlaw，Thatcodelessmyriadofprecedent，Thatwildernessofsingleinstances，Thro’whichafew，bywitorfortuneled，Maybeatapathwayouttowealthandfame。
Thejests，thatflash’daboutthepleader’sroom，Lightningofthehour，thepun，thescurriloustale，——
OldscandalsburiednowsevendecadsdeepInotherscandalsthathavelivedanddied，Andleftthelivingscandalthatshalldie——
Weredeadtohimalready；bentashewasTomakedisproofofscorn，andstronginhopes，Andprodigalofallbrain—laborhe，Charierofsleep，andwineandexercise，Exceptwhenforabreathing—whileateve，Someniggardfractionofanhour，heranBesidetheriver—bank：andthenindeedHarderthetimeswere，andthehandsofpowerWerebloodier，andtheaccordingheartsofmenSeem’dhardertoo；butthesoftriver—breeze，Whichfann’dthegardensofthatrivalroseYetfragrantinaheartrememberingHisformertalkswithEdith，onhimbreathedFarpurelierinhisrushingstoandfro，Afterhisbooks，toflushhisbloodwithair，Thentohisbooksagain。Mylady’scousin，Half—sickeningofhispension’dafternoon，Droveinuponthestudentonceortwice，RanaMalayanmuckagainstthetimes，HadgoldenhopesforFranceandallmankind，Answer’dallqueriestouchingthoseathomeWithaheavedshoulderandasaucysmile，Andfainhadhaledhimoutintotheworld，Andair’dhimthere：hisnearerfriendwouldsay`Screwnotthechordtoosharplylestitsnap。’
Thenleftalonehepluck’dherdaggerforthFromwherehisworldlesshearthadkeptitwarm，Kissinghisvowsuponitlikeaknight。
Andwrinkledbenchersoftentalk’dofhimApprovingly，andprophesiedhisrise：
Forheart，Ithink，help’dhead：herletterstoo，Tho’farbetween，andcomingfitfullyLikebrokenmusic，writtenasshefoundOrmadeoccasion，beingstrictlywatch’d，Charm’dhimthro’everylabyrinthtillhesawAnend，ahope，alightbreakinguponhim。
Buttheythatcastherspiritintoflesh，Herworldy—wisebegetters，plaguedthemselvesTosellher，thosegoodparents，forhergood。
Whatevereldest—bornofrankorwealthMightliewithintheircompass，himtheyluredIntotheirnetmadepleasantbythebaitsOfgoldandbeauty，wooinghimtowoo。
Somonthbymonththenoiseabouttheirdoors，Anddistantblazeofthosedullbanquets，madeThenightlywireroftheirinnocenthareFalterbeforehetookit。Allinvain。
Sullen，defiant，pitying，wroth，return’dLeolin’srejectedrivalsfromtheirsuitSooften，thatthefollytakingwingsSlipto’erthoselazylimitsdownthewindWithrumor，andbecameinotherfieldsAmockerytotheyeomenoverale，Andlaughtertotheirlords：butthoseathome，AshuntersroundahuntedcreaturedrawThecordoncloseandclosertowardthedeath，Narrow’dhergoingsoutandcomingsin；
ForbadherfirstthehouseofAverill，Thenclosedheraccesstothewealthiestfarms，Lastfromherownhome—circleofthepoorTheybarr’dher：yetsheboreit：yethercheekKeptcolor：wondrous!but，Omystery!
Whatamuletdrewherdowntothatoldoak，Soold，thattwentyyearsbefore，apartFallinghadletappearthebrandofJohn——
Oncegrovelike，eachhugearmatree，butnowThebrokenbaseofablacktower，acaveOftouchwood，withasingleflourishingspray。
TherethemanoriallordtoocuriouslyRakinginthatmillenialtouchwood—dustFoundforhimselfabittertreasure—trove；
Bursthisownwyvernontheseal，andreadWrithingaletterfromhischild，forwhichCameatthemomentLeolin’semissary，Acrippledlad，andcomingturn’dtofly，ButscaredwiththreatsofjailandhaltergaveTohimthatfluster’dhispoorparishwitsTheletterwhichhebrought，andsworebesidesToplaytheirgo—betweenasheretoforeNorletthemknowthemselvesbetray’d，andthen，Soul—strickenattheirkindnesstohim，wentHatinghisownleanheartandmiserable。
ThenceforwardoftfromoutadespotdreamPantinghewoke，andoftasearlyasdawnArousedtheblackrepubliconhiselms，Sweepingthefrothflyfromthefescue，brush’dThro’thedimmeadowtowardhistreasure—trove，Seizedit，tookhome，andtomylady，whomadeAdownwardcrescentofherminionmouth，Listlessinalldespondence，read；andtore，Asifthelivingpassionsymbol’dthereWerelivingnervestofeeltherent；andburnt，Nowchafingathisowngreatselfdefied，Nowstrikingonhugestumbling—blocksofscornInbabyisms，anddeardiminutivesScatter’dalloverthevocabularyOfsuchaloveaslikeachiddenbabe，Aftermuchwailing，hush’ditselfatlastHopelessofanswer：thentho’AverillwroteAndbadhimwithgoodheartsustainhimself——
Allwouldbewell——theloverheedednot，Butpassionatelyrestlesscameandwent，Andrustlingonceatnightabouttheplace，Therebyakeepershotat，slightlyhurt，Ragingreturn’d：norwasitwellforherKepttothegardennow，andgroveofpines，Watch’deventhere；andonewassettowatchThewatcher，andSirAylmerwatch’dthemall，Yetbittererfromhisreadings：onceindeed，Warm’dwithhiswines，ortakingprideinher，Shelook’dsosweet，hekiss’dhertenderlyNotknowingwhatpossess’dhim：thatonekissWasLeolin’sonestrongrivaluponearth；
Seconded，formyladyfollow’dsuit，Seem’dhope’sreturningrose：andthenensuedAMartin’ssummerofhisfadedlove，Orordealbykindness；afterthisHeseldomcrosthischildwithoutasneer；
Themotherflow’dinshalloweracrimonies：
Neveronekindlysmile，onekindlyword：
SothatthegentlecreatureshutfromallHercharitableuse，andfacetofaceWithtwentymonthsofsilence，slowlylostNorgreatlycaredtolose，herholdonlife。
Last，somelowfeverrangingroundtospyTheweaknessofapeopleorahouse，Likefliesthathauntawound，ordeer，ormen，Oralmostallthatis，hurtingthehurt——
SaveChristaswebelievehim——foundthegirlAndflungherdownuponacouchoffire，Wherecarelessofthehouseholdfacesnear，AndcryinguponthenameofLeolin，She，andwithhertheraceofAylmer，past。
Startostarvibrateslight：maysoultosoulStrikethro’afinerelementofherown？
So，——fromafar，——touchasatonce？orwhyThatnight，thatmoment，whenshenamedhisname，Didthekeenshriek`yeslove，yesEdith，yes，’
Shrill，tillthecomradeofhischamberswoke，Andcameuponhimhalf—arisenfromsleep，Withaweirdbrighteye，sweatingandtrembling，Hishairasitwerecracklingintoflames，Hisbodyhalfflungforwardinpursuit，Andhislongarmsstretch’dastograspaflyer：
Norknewhewhereforehehadmadethecry；
Andbeingmuchbefool’dandidiotedBytheroughamityoftheother，sankAsintosleepagain。Thesecondday，Mylady’sIndiankinsmanrushingin，Abreakerofthebitternewsfromhome，Foundadeadman，aletteredgedwithdeathBesidehim，andthedaggerwhichhimselfGaveEdith，reddn’dwithnobandit’sblood：
`FromEdith’wasengravenontheblade。
ThenAverillwentandgazeduponhisdeath。
Andwhenhecameagain，hisflockbelieved——
BeholdinghowtheyearswhicharenotTime’sHadblastedhim——thatmanythousanddaysWerecliptbyhorrorfromhistermoflife。
Yetthesadmother，fortheseconddeathScarcetouch’dherthro’thatnearnessofthefirst，Andbeingusedtofindherpastortexts，Senttotheharrow’dbrother，prayinghimTospeakbeforethepeopleofherchild，AndfixttheSabbath。Darklythatdayrose：
Autumn’smocksunshineofthefadedwoodsWasallthelifeofit；forhardonthese，Abreathlessburthenoflow—foldedheavensStifledandchill’datonce：buteveryroofSentoutalistener：manytoohadknownEdithamongthehamletsround，andsinceTheparents’harshnessandthehaplesslovesAnddoubledeathwerewidelymurmur’d，leftTheirowngraytower，orplain—facedtabernacle，Tohearhim；allinmourningthese，andthoseWithblotsofitaboutthem，ribbon，gloveOrkerchief；whilethechurch，——onenight，exceptForgreenishglimmeringsthro’thelancets，——madeStillpalerthepaleheadofhim，whotower’dAbovethem，withhishopesineithergrave。
Longo’erhisbentbrowslinger’dAverill，HisfacemagnetictothehandfromwhichLividhepluck’ditforth，andlabor’dthro’
Hisbriefprayer—prelude，gavetheverse`Behold，Yourhouseisleftuntoyoudesolate!’
ButlapsedintosolongapauseagainAshalfamazedhalffrightedallhisflock：
ThenfromhisheightandlonelinessofgriefBoredowninflood，anddash’dhisangryheartAgainstthedesolationsoftheworld。
Neversinceourbadearthbecameonesea，Whichrollingo’erthepalacesoftheproud，AndallbutthosewhoknewthelivingGod——
Eightthatwerelefttomakeapurerworld——
Whensincehadflood，fire，earthquake，thunderwroughtSuchwasteandhavocastheidolatries，WhichfromthelowlightofmortalityShotuptheirshadowstotheHeavenofHeavens，AndworshipttheirowndarknessastheHighest？
`Gashthyself，priest，andhonorthybruteBaal，Andtothyworstselfsacrificethyself，ForwiththyworstselfhastthouclothedthyGod。’
ThencameaLordinnowiseliketoBaal。
Thebabeshallleadthelion。SurelynowThewildernessshallblossomastherose。
Crownthyself，worm，andworshipthineownlusts!——
NocoarseandblockishGodofacreageStandsatthygatefortheetogrovelto——
ThyGodisfardiffusedinnoblegrovesAndprincelyhalls，andfarms，andflowinglawns，Andheapsoflivinggoldthatdailygrow，Andtitle—scrollsandgorgeousheraldries。
InsuchashapedostthoubeholdthyGod。
ThouwiltnotgashthyfleshforHIM；forthineFaresrichly，infinelinen，notahairRuffleduponthescarfskin，evenwhileThedeathlessrulerofthydyinghouseIswoundedtothedeaththatcannotdie；
Andtho’thounumberestwiththefollowersOfOnewhocried`leaveallandfollowme。’
TheethereforewithHislightaboutthyfeet，TheewithHismessageringinginthineears，Theeshallthybrotherman，theLordfromHeaven，Bornofavillagegirl，carpenter’sson，Wonderful，Princeofpeace，theMightyGod，Countthemorebaseidolaterofthetwo；
Crueller：asnotpassingthro’thefireBodies，butsouls——thychildren’s——thro’thesmoke，Theblightoflowdesires——darkeningthineownTothineownlikeness；orifoneofthese，Thybetterbornunhappilyfromthee，Should，asbymiracle，growstraightandfair——
Friends，IwasbidtospeakofsuchaoneBythosewhomosthavecausetosorrowforher——
FairerthanRachelbythepalmywell，FairerthanRuthamongthefieldsofcorn，FairastheAngelthatsaid`hail’sheseem’d，Whoenteringfill’dthehousewithsuddenlight。
Forsomineownwasbrighten’d：whereindeedTheroofsolowlybutthatbeamofHeavenDawn’dsometimethro’thedoorway？whosethebabeTooraggedtobefondledonherlap，Warm’datherbosom？Thepoorchildofshame，Thecommoncarewhomnoonecaredfor，leaptTogreether，wastinghisforgottenheart，Aswiththemotherhehadneverknown，Ingambols；forherfreshandinnocenteyesHadsuchastarofmorningintheirblue，ThatallneglectedplacesofthefieldBrokeintonature’smusicwhentheysawher。
Lowwashervoice，butwonmysteriouswayThro’theseal’deartowhichalouderoneWasallbutsilence——freeofalmsherhand——
Thehandthatrobedyourcottage—wallswithflowersHasoftentoil’dtoclotheyourlittleones；
Howoftenplaceduponthesickman’sbrowCool’dit，orlaidhisfeverouspillowsmooth!
Hadyouonesorrowandsheshareditnot？
Oneburthenandshewouldnotlightenit？
Onespiritualdoubtshedidnotsoothe？
Orwhensomeheatofdifferencesparkledout，Howsweetlywouldsheglidebetweenyourwraths，Andstealyoufromeachother!forshewalk’dWearingthelightyokeofthatLordoflove，Whostill’dtherollingwaveofGalilee!
Andone——ofhimIwasnotbidtospeak——
Wasalwayswithher，whomyoualsoknew。
Himtooyouloved，forhewasworthylove。
Andthesehadbeentogetherfromthefirst；
Theymighthavebeentogethertillthelast。
Friends，thisfrailbarkofours，whensorelytried，Maywreckitselfwithoutthepilot’sguilt，Withoutthecaptain’sknowledge：hopewithme。
Whoseshameisthat，ifhewenthencewithshame？
Norminethefault，iflosingbothoftheseIcrytovacantchairsandwidow’dwalls，\"Myhouseisleftuntomedesolate。\"
Whilethushespoke，hishearerswept；butsome，Sonsoftheglebe，withotherfrownsthanthoseThatknitthemselvesforsummershadow，scowl’dAttheirgreatlord。He，whenitseem’dhesawNopalesheet—lightningsfromafar，butfork’dOfthenearstorm，andaimingathishead，Satanger—charm’dfromsorrow，soldierlike，Erect：butwhenthepreacher’scadenceflow’dSofteningthro’allthegentleattributesOfhislostchild，thewife，whowatch’dhisface，Paledatasuddentwitchofhisironmouth；
And`OprayGodthatheholdup’shethought`OrsurelyIshallshamemyselfandhim。’
`Noryourstheblame——forwhobesideyourhearthsCantakeherplace——ifechoingmeyoucry\"Ourhouseisleftuntousdesolate？\"
Butthou，Othouthatkillest，hadstthouknown，Othouthatstonest，hadstthouunderstoodThethingsbelongingtothypeaceandours!
IstherenoprophetbutthevoicethatcallsDoomuponkings，orinthewaste`Repent’？
Isnotourownchildonthenarrowway，WhodowntothosethatsaunterinthebroadCries`comeuphither，’asaprophettous？
Istherenostoningsavewithflintandrock？
Yes，asthedeadweweepfortestify——
Nodesolationbutbyswordandfire？
Yes，asyourmoaningswitness，andmyselfAmlonelier，darker，earthlierformyloss。
Givemeyourprayers，forheispastyourprayers，NotpastthelivingfountofpityinHeaven。
ButIthatthoughtmyselflong—suffering，meek，Exceeding\"poorinspirit\"——howthewordsHavetwistedbackuponthemselves，andmeanVileness，wearegrownsoproud——Iwish’dmyvoiceArushingtempestofthewrathofGodToblowthesesacrificesthro’theworld——
Sentlikethetwelve—dividedconcubineToinflamethetribes：butthere——outyonder——earthLightensfromherowncentralHell——OthereTheredfruitofanoldidolatry——
Theheadsofchiefsandprincesfallsofast，Theyclingtogetherintheghastlysack——
Thelandallshambles——nakedmarriagesFlashfromthebridge，andever—murder’dFrance，Byshoresthatdarkenwiththegatheringwolf，Runsinariverofbloodtothesicksea。
Isthisatimetomaddenmadnessthen？
Wasthisatimeforthesetoflaunttheirpride？
MayPharaoh’sdarkness，foldsasdenseasthoseWhichhidtheHoliestfromthepeople’seyesErethegreatdeath，shroudthisgreatsinfromall：
Doubtlessournarrowworldmustcanvassit：
Oratherprayforthoseandpitythem，Whothro’theirowndesireaccomplish’dbringTheirowngrayhairswithsorrowtothegrave——
Whobrokethebondwhichtheydesiredtobreak，Whichelsehadlink’dtheirracewithtimestocome——
Whowovecoarsewebstosnareherpurity，Grosslycontrivingtheirdeardaughter’sgood——
Poorsouls，andknewnotwhattheydid，butsatIgnorant，devisingtheirowndaughter’sdeath!
Maynotthatearthlychastisementsuffice？
Havenotourloveandreverenceleftthembare？
Willnotanothertaketheirheritage？
Willtherebechildren’slaughterintheirhallForeverandforever，oronestoneLeftonanother，orisitalightthingThatItheirguest，theirhost，theirancientfriend，ImadebythesethelastofallmyraceMustcrytothesethelastoftheirs，ascriedChristereHisagonytothosethatsworeNotbythetemplebutthegold，andmadeTheirowntraditionsGod，andslewtheLord，Andlefttheirmemoriesaworld’scurse——\"Behold，Yourhouseisleftuntoyoudesolate？\"’
Endedhehadnot，butshebrook’dnomore：
Longsinceherhearthadbeatremorselessly，Hercrampt—upsorrowpain’dher，andasenseOfmeannessinherunresistinglife。
Thentheireyesvexther；foronenteringHehadcastthecurtainsoftheirseataside——
Blackvelvetofthecostliest——sheherselfHadseentothat：fainhadsheclosedthemnow，Yetdarednotstirtodoit，onlynear’dHerhusbandinchbyinch，butwhenshelaid，Wifelike，herhandinoneofhis，heveil’dHisfacewiththeother，andatonce，asfallsAcreeperwhenthepropisbroken，fellThewomanshriekingathisfeet，andswoon’d。
ThenherownpeopleborealongthenaveHerpendenthands，andnarrowmeagrefaceSeam’dwiththeshallowcaresoffiftyyears：
AndheretheLordofallthelandscaperoundEv’ntoitslasthorizon，andofallWhopeer’dathimsokeenly，follow’doutTallanderect，butinthemiddleaisleReel’d，asafootsoreoxincrowdedwaysStumblingacrossthemarkettohisdeath，Unpitied；forhegropedasblind，andseem’dAlwaysabouttofall，graspingthepewsAndoakenfinialstillhetouch’dthedoor；
Yettothelychgate，wherehischariotstood，Strodefromtheporch，tallanderectagain。
ButnevermoredideitherpassthegateSaveunderpallwithbearers。Inonemonth，Thro’wearyandyetwearierhours，Thechildlessmotherwenttoseekherchild；
AndwhenhefeltthesilenceofhishouseAbouthim，andthechangeandnotthechange，AndthosefixteyesofpaintedancestorsStaringforeverfromtheirgildedwallsOnhimtheirlastdescendant，hisownheadBegantodroop，tofall；themanbecameImbecile；hisonewordwas`desolate’；
Deadfortwoyearsbeforehisdeathwashe；
ButwhenthesecondChristmascame，escapedHiskeepers，andthesilencewhichhefelt，TofindadeeperinthenarrowgloomBywifeandchild；norwantedathisendThedarkretinuereverencingdeathAtgoldenthresholds；norfromtenderhearts，Andthosewhosorrow’do’eravanish’drace，Pity，thevioletonthetyrant’sgrave。
ThenthegreatHallwaswhollybrokendown，Andthebroadwoodlandparcell’dintofarms；
Andwherethetwocontrivedtheirdaughter’sgood，Liesthehawk’scast，themolehasmadehisrun，Thehedgehogunderneaththeplaintainbores，Therabbitfondleshisownharmlessface，Theslow—wormcreeps，andthethinweaselthereFollowsthemouse，andallisopenfield。
SEADREAMS。
SEADREAMS。
————————————
Acityclerk，butgentlybornandbred；
Hiswife，anunknownartist’sorphanchild——
Onebabewastheirs，aMargaret，threeyearsold：
They，thinkingthathercleargermandereyeDrooptinthegiant—factoriedcity—gloom，Came，withamonth’sleavegiventhem，tothesea：
Forwhichhisgainsweredock’d，howeversmall：
Smallwerehisgains，andhardhiswork；besides，Theirslenderhouseholdfortunes（forthemanHadrisk’dhislittle）likethelittlethrift，Trembledinperilousplaceso’eradeep：
Andoft，whensittingallalone，hisfaceWoulddarken，ashecursedhiscredulousness，Andthatoneunctuousmountwhichluredhim，rogue，TobuystrangesharesinsomePeruvianmine。
Nowseaward—boundforhealththeygain’dacoast，Allsandandcliffanddeep—inrunningcave，Atcloseofday；slept，woke，andwentthenext，TheSabbath，piousvariersfromthechurch，Tochapel；whereaheatedpulpiteer，NotpreachingsimpleChristtosimplemen，Announcedthecomingdoom，andfulminatedAgainstthescarletwomanandhercreed：
Forsidewaysupheswunghisarms，andshriek’d`Thus，thuswithviolence，’ev’nasifheheldTheApocalypticmillstone，andhimselfWerethatgreatAngel；`ThuswithviolenceShallBabylonbecastintothesea；
Thencomestheclose。’Thegentle—heartedwifeSatshudderingattheruinofaworld；
Heathisown：butwhenthewordystormHadended，forththeycameandpacedtheshore，Raninandoutthelongsea—framingcaves，Drankthelargeair，andsaw，butscarcebelieved（ThesootflakeofsomanyasummerstillClungtotheirfancies）thattheysaw，thesea。
Sonowonsandtheywalk’d，andnowoncliff，Lingeringaboutthethymypromontories，Tillallthesailsweredarken’dinthewest，Androsedintheeast：thenhomewardandtobed：
Whereshe，whokeptatenderChristianhopeHauntingaholytext，andstilltothatReturning，asthebirdreturns，atnight，`Letnotthesungodownuponyourwrath，’
Said，`Love，forgivehim：’buthedidnotspeak；
Andsilencedbythatsilencelaythewife，RememberingherdearLordwhodiedforall，Andmusingonthelittlelivesofmen，Andhowtheymarthislittlebytheirfeuds。
Butwhilethetwoweresleeping，afulltideRosewithground—swell，which，ontheforemostrocksTouching，upjettedinspirtsofwildsea—smoke，Andscaledinsheetsofwastefulfoam，andfellInvastsea—cataracts——everandanonDeadclapsofthunderfromwithinthecliffsHeardthro’thelivingroar。Atthisthebabe，TheirMargaretcradlednearthem，wail’dandwokeThemother，andthefathersuddenlycried，`Awreck，awreck!’thenturn’d，andgroaningsaid，`Forgive!Howmanywillsay，\"forgive，\"andfindAsortofabsolutioninthesoundTohatealittlelonger!No；thesinThatneitherGodnormancanwellforgive，Hypocrisy，Isawitinhimatonce。
Isitsotruethatsecondthoughtsarebest？
Notfirst，andthird，whichareariperfirst？
Tooripe，toolate!theycometoolateforuse。
Ahlove，theresurelylivesinmanandbeastSomethingdivinetowarnthemoftheirfoes：
Andsuchasense，whenfirstIfrontedhim，Said，\"trusthimnot；\"butafter，whenIcameToknowhimmore，Ilostit，knewhimless；
Foughtwithwhatseem’dmyownuncharity；
Satathistable；drankhiscostlywines；
Mademoreandmoreallowanceforhistalk；
Wentfurther，fool!andtrustedhimwithall，AllmypoorscrapingsfromadozenyearsOfdustanddeskwork：thereisnosuchmine，None；butagulfofruin，swallowinggold，Notmaking。Ruin’d!ruin’d!thesearoarsRuin：afearfulnight!’
`Notfearful；fair，’
Saidthegoodwife，`ifeverystarinheavenCanmakeitfair：youdobutbearthetide。
Hadyouilldreams？’
`Oyes，’hesaid，`Idream’dOfsuchatideswellingtowardtheland，AndIfromouttheboundlessouterdeepSweptwithittotheshore，andenter’doneOfthosedarkcavesthatrunbeneaththecliffs。
IthoughtthemotionoftheboundlessdeepBorethroughthecave，andIwasheaveduponitIndarkness：thenIsawonelovelystarLargerandlarger。\"Whataworld，\"Ithought，\"Tolivein!\"butinmovingIfoundOnlythelandwardexitofthecave，Brightwiththesunuponthestreambeyond：
Andnearthelightagiantwomansat，Alloverearthy，likeapieceofearth，Apickaxeinherhand：thenoutIsliptIntoalandallofsunandblossom，treesAshighasheaven，andeverybirdthatsings：
Andherethenight—lightflickeringinmyeyesAwokeme。’
`Thatwasthenyourdream，’shesaid，`Notsad，butsweet。’
`Sosweet，Ilay，’saidhe，`Andmuseduponit，driftingupthestreamInfancy，tillIsleptagain，andpiecedThebrokenvision；forIdream’dthatstillThemotionofthegreatdeepboremeon，Andthatthewomanwalk’duponthebrink：
Iwonder’datherstrength，andask’dherofit：
\"Itcame，\"shesaid，\"byworkinginthemines：\"
Othentoaskherofmyshares，Ithought；
Andask’d；butnotaword；sheshookherhead。
Andthenthemotionofthecurrentceased，Andtherewasrollingthunder；andwereach’dAmountain，likeawallofbursandthorns；
ButshewithherstrongfeetupthesteephillTrodoutapath：Ifollow’d；andattopShepointedseaward：thereafleetofglass，Thatseem’dafleetofjewelsunderme，SailingalongbeforeagloomycloudThatnotonemomentceasedtothunder，pastInsunshine：rightacrossitstracktherelay，Downinthewater，alongreefofgold，Orwhatseem’dgold：andIwasgladatfirstTothinkthatinouroften—ransack’dworldStillsomuchgoldwasleft；andthenIfear’dLestthegaynavythereshouldsplinteronit，Andfearingwavedmyarmtowarnthemoff；
Anidlesignal，forthebrittlefleet（IthoughtIcouldhavediedtosaveit）near’d，Touch’d，clink’d，andclash’d，andvanish’d，andIwoke，Iheardtheclashsoclearly。NowIseeMydreamwasLife；thewomanhonestWork；
AndmypoorventurebutafleetofglassWreck’donareefofvisionarygold。’
`Nay，’saidthekindlywifetocomforthim，`Youraisedyourarm，youtumbleddownandbrokeTheglasswithlittleMargaret’smedicineitit；
And，breakingthat，youmadeandbrokeyourdream：
Atriflemakesadream，atriflebreaks。’
`Notrifle，’groan’dthehusband；`yesterdayImethimsuddenlyinthestreet，andask’dThatwhichIask’dthewomaninmydream。
Likeher，heshookhishead。\"Showmethebooks!\"
Hedodgedmewithalongandlooseaccount。
\"Thebooks，thebooks!\"buthe，hecouldnotwait，Boundonamatterheoflifeanddeath：
WhenthegreatBooks（seeDanielsevenandten）
Wereopen’d，Ishouldfindhemeantmewell；
Andthenbegantobloathimself，andoozeAlloverwiththefataffectionatesmileThatmakesthewidowlean。\"Mydearestfriend，Havefaith，havefaith!Welivebyfaith，\"saidhe；
\"AndallthingsworktogetherforthegoodOfthose\"——itmakesmesicktoquotehim——lastGriptmyhandhard，andwithGod—bless—youwent。
Istoodlikeonethathadreceivedablow：
Ifoundahardfriendinhislooseaccounts，Alooseoneinthehardgripofhishand，AcurseinhisGod—bless—you：thenmyeyesPursuedhimdownthestreet，andfaraway，Amongthehonestshouldersofthecrowd，Readrascalinthemotionsofhisback，Andscoundrelinthesupple—slidingknee。’
`Washesobound，poorsoul？’saidthegoodwife；
`Soareweall：butdonotcallhim，love，Beforeyouprovehim，rogue，andproved，forgive。
Hisgainisloss；forhethatwrongshisfriendWrongshimselfmore，andeverbearsaboutAsilentcourtofjusticeinhisbreast，Himselfthejudgeandjury，andhimselfTheprisoneratthebar，evercondemn’d：
Andthatdragsdownhislife：thencomeswhatcomesHereafter：andhemeant，hesaidhemeant，Perhapshemeant，orpartlymeant，youwell。’
`\"Withallhisconscienceandoneeyeaskew\"——
Love，letmequotetheselines，thatyoumaylearnAmanislikewisecounselforhimself，Toooften，inthatsilentcourtofyours——
\"Withallhisconscienceandoneeyeaskew，Sofalse，hepartlytookhimselffortrue；
Whosepioustalk，whenmosthisheartwasdry，Madewetthecraftycrowsfootroundhiseye；
Who，nevernamingGodexceptforgain，Sonevertookthatusefulnameinvain；
MadeHimhiscatspawandtheCrosshistool，AndChristthebaittotraphisdupeandfool；
Nordeedsofgift，butgiftsofgraceheforged，Andsnakelikeslimedhisvictimerehegorged；
AndoftatBiblemeetings，o’ertherestArising，didhisholyoilybest，DroppingthetooroughHinHellandHeaven，TospreadtheWordbywhichhimselfhadthriven。\"
Howlikeyouthisoldsatire？’
`Nay，’shesaid`Iloatheit：hehadneverkindlyheart，Norevercaredtobetterhisownkind，Whofirstwrotesatire，withnopityinit。
ButwillyouhearMYdream，forIhadoneThataltogetherwenttomusic？StillItawedme。’
Thenshetoldit，havingdream’dOfthatsamecoast。
——ButroundtheNorth，alight，Abelt，itseem’d，ofluminousvapor，lay，AndeverinitalowmusicalnoteSwell’dupanddied；and，asitswell’d，aridgeOfbreakerissuedfromthebelt，andstillGrewwiththegrowingnote，andwhenthenoteHadreach’dathunderousfullness，onthosecliffsBroke，mixtwithawfullight（thesameasthatLivingwithinthebelt）wherebyshesawThatallthoselinesofcliffswerecliffsnomore，Buthugecathedralfrontsofeveryage，Grave，florid，stern，asfaraseyecouldsee。
Oneafterone：andthenthegreatridgedrew，Lesseningtothelesseningmusic，back，Andpastintothebeltandswell’dagainSlowlytomusic：everwhenitbrokeThestatues，kingorsaint，orfounderfell；
ThenfromthegapsandchasmsofruinleftCamemenandwomenindarkclustersround，Somecrying，\"Setthemup!theyshallnotfall!\"
Andothers\"Letthemlie，fortheyhavefall’n。\"
Andstilltheystroveandwrangled：andshegrievedInherstrangedream，sheknewnotwhy，tofindTheirwildestwailingsneveroutoftuneWiththatsweetnote；andeverastheirshrieksRanhighestupthegamut，thatgreatwaveReturning，whilenonemark’dit，onthecrowdBroke，mixtwithawfullight，andshow’dtheireyesGlaring，andpassionatelooks，andsweptawayThemenoffleshandblood，andmenofstone，Tothewastedeepstogether。
`ThenIfixtMywistfuleyesontwofairimages，Bothcrown’dwithstarsandhighamongthestars，——
TheVirginMotherstandingwithherchildHighupononeofthosedarkminster—fronts——
Tillshebegantototter，andthechildClungtothemother，andsentoutacryWhichmixtwithlittleMargaret’s，andIwoke，Andmydreamawedme：——well——butwhataredreams？
Yourscamebutfromthebreakingofaglass，Andminebutfromthecryingofachild。’
`Child？No!’saidhe，`butthistide’sroar，andhis，OurBoanergeswithhisthreatsofdoom，Andloud—lung’dAntibabylonianisms（Altho’Igrantbutlittlemusicthere）
Wentbothtomakeyourdream：butiftherewereAmusicharmonizingourwildcries，Sphere—musicsuchasthatyoudream’dabout，Why，thatwouldmakeourpassionsfartoolikeThediscordsdeartothemusician。No——
Oneshriekofhatewouldjarallthehymnsofheaven：
TrueDevilswithnoear，theyhowlintuneWithnothingbuttheDevil!’
`\"True\"indeed!
Oneofourtown，butlaterbyanhourHerethanourselves，spokewithmeontheshore；
Whileyouwererunningdownthesands，andmadeThedimpledflounceofthesea—furbelowflap，Goodman，topleasethechild。Shebroughtstrangenews。
WhywereyousilentwhenIspoketo—night？
IhadsetmyheartonyourforgivinghimBeforeyouknew。WeMUSTforgivethedead。’
`Dead!whoisdead？’
`Themanyoureyepursued。
Alittleafteryouhadpartedwithhim，Hesuddenlydroptdeadofheart—disease。’
`Dead？he？ofheart—disease？whathearthadheTodieof？dead!’
`Ah，dearest，iftherebeAdevilinman，thereisanangeltoo，Andifhedidthatwrongyouchargehimwith，Hisangelbrokehisheart。Butyourroughvoice（Youspokesoloud）hasrousedthechildagain。
Sleep，littlebirdie，sleep!willshenotsleepWithouther\"littlebirdie？\"wellthen，sleep，AndIwillsingyou\"birdie。\"’
Sayingthis，Thewomanhalfturn’droundfromhimsheloved，Lefthimonehand，andreachingthro’thenightHerother，found（foritwasclosebeside）
Andhalfembracedthebasketcradle—headWithonesoftarm，which，likethepliantboughThatmovingmovesthenestandnestling，sway’dThecradle，whileshesangthisbabysong。
WhatdoesthelittlebirdiesayInhernestatpeepofday？
Letmefly，sayslittlebirdie，Mother，letmeflyaway。
Birdie，restalittlelonger，Tillthelittlewingsarestronger。
Sosherestsalittlelonger，Thenshefliesaway。
Whatdoeslittlebabysay，Inherbedatpeepofday？
Babysays，likelittlebirdie，Letmeriseandflyaway。
Baby，sleepalittlelonger，Tillthelittlelimbsarestronger。
Ifshesleepsalittlelonger，Babytooshallflyaway。
`Shesleeps：letustoo，letallevil，sleep。
Healsosleeps——anothersleepthanours。
Hecandonomorewrong：forgivehim，dear，AndIshallsleepthesounder!’
Thentheman，`Hisdeedsyetlive，theworstisyettocome。
Yetletyoursleepforthisonenightbesound：
Idoforgivehim!’
`Thanks，mylove，’shesaid，`Yourownwillbethesweeter，’andtheyslept。
THEGRANDMOTHER。
THEGRANDMOTHER。
——————————————
I。
AndWilly，myeldest—born，isgone，yousay，littleAnne？
Ruddyandwhite，andstrongonhislegs，helookslikeaman。
AndWilly’swifehaswritten：sheneverwasover—
wise，NeverthewifeforWilly：hewouldn’ttakemyadvice。
II。
For，Annie，yousee，herfatherwasnotthemantosave，Hadn’taheadtomanage，anddrankhimselfintohisgrave。
Prettyenough，verypretty!butIwasagainstitforone。
Eh!——buthewouldn’thearme——andWilly，yousay，isgone。
III。
Willy，mybeauty，myeldest—born，thefloweroftheflock；
Neveramancouldflinghim：forWillystoodlikearock。
`Here’salegforababeofaweek!’saysdoctor；andhewouldbebound，Therewasnothislikethatyearintwentyparishesround。
IV。
Strongofhishands，andstrongonhislegs，butstillofhistongue!
Ioughttohavegonebeforehim：Iwonderhewentsoyoung。
Icannotcryforhim，Annie：Ihavenotlongtostay；
PerhapsIshallseehimthesooner，forhelivedfaraway。
V。
Whydoyoulookatme，Annie？youthinkIamhardandcold；
Butallmychildrenhavegonebeforeme，Iamsoold：
IcannotweepforWilly，norcanIweepfortherest；
Onlyatyourage，Annie，Icouldhaveweptwiththebest。
VI。
ForIrememberaquarrelIhadwithyourfather，mydear，Allforaslanderousstory，thatcostmemanyatear。
Imeanyourgrandfather，Annie：itcostmeaworldofwoe，Seventyyearsago，mydarling，seventyyearsago。
VII。
ForJenny，mycousin，hadcometotheplace，andI
knewrightwellThatJennyhadtriptinhertime：Iknew，butI
wouldnottell。
Andshetobecomingandslanderingme，thebaselittleliar!
Butthetongueisafireasyouknow，mydear，thetongueisafire。
VIII。
Andtheparsonmadeithistextthatweek，andhesaidlikewise，Thataliewhichishalfatruthisevertheblackestoflies，Thataliewhichisallaliemaybemetandfoughtwithoutright，Butaliewhichispartatruthisahardermattertofight。
IX。
AndWillyhadnotbeendowntothefarmforaweekandaday；
Andallthingslook’dhalf—dead，tho’itwasthemiddleofMay。
Jenny，toslanderme，whoknewwhatJennyhadbeen!
Butsoilinganother，Annie，willnevermakeoneselfclean。
X。
AndIcriedmyselfwell—nighblind，andallofaneveninglateIclimb’dtothetopofthegarth，andstoodbytheroadatthegate。
Themoonlikearickonfirewasrisingoverthedale，Andwhit，whit，whit，inthebushbesidemechirruptthenightingale。
XI。
Allofasuddenhestopt：therepastbythegateofthefarm，Willy，——hedidn’tseeme，——andJennyhungonhisarm。
OutintotheroadIstarted，andspokeIscarceknewhow；
Ah，there’snofoolliketheoldone——itmakesmeangrynow。
XII。
Willystooduplikeaman，andlook’dthethingthathemeant；
Jenny，theviper，mademeamockingcourtesyandwent。
AndIsaid，`Letuspart：inahundredyearsit’llallbethesame，Youcannotlovemeatall，ifyoulovenotmygoodname。’
XIII。
Andheturn’d，andIsawhiseyesallwet，inthesweetmoonshine：
Sweetheart，Iloveyousowellthatyourgoodnameismine。
AndwhatdoIcareforJane，letherspeakofyouwellofill；
Butmarrymeoutofhand：wetwoshallbehappystill。’
XIV。
`Marryyou，Willy!’saidI，`butIneedsmustspeakmymind，AndIfearyou’lllistentotales，bejealousandhardandunkind。’
Butheturn’dandclasptmeinhisarms，andanswer’d，`No，love，no；’
Seventyyearsago，mydarling，seventyyearsago。
XV。
SoWillyandIwerewedded：Iworealilacgown；
Andtheringersrangwithawill，andhegavetheringersacrown。
ButthefirstthateverIbarewasdeadbeforehewasborn，Shadowandshineislife，littleAnnie，flowerandthorn。
XVI。
Thatwasthefirsttime，too，thateverIthoughtofdeath。
Therelaythesweetlittlebodythatneverhaddrawnabreath。
Ihadnotwept，littleAnne，notsinceIhadbeenawife；
ButIweptlikeachildthatday，forthebabehadfoughtforhislife。
XVII。
Hisdearlittlefacewastroubled，asifwithangerorpain：
Ilook’datthestilllittlebody——histroublehadallbeeninvain。
ForWillyIcannotweep，Ishallseehimanothermorn：
ButIweptlikeachildforthechildthatwasdeadbeforehewasborn。
XVIII。
Buthecheer’dme，mygoodman，forheseldomsaidmenay：
Kind，likeaman，washe；likeaman，too，wouldhavehisway：
Neverjealous——nothe：wehadmanyahappyyear；
Andhedied，andIcouldnotweep——myowntimeseem’dsonear。
XIX。
ButIwish’dithadbeenGod’swillthatI，too，thencouldhavedied：
Ibegantobetiredalittle，andfainhadsleptathisside。
Andthatwastenyearsback，ormore，ifIdon’tforget：
Butastothechildren，Annie，they’reallaboutmeyet。
XX。
Patteringovertheboards，myAnniewholeftmeattwo，Pattershegoes，myownlittleAnnie，anAnnielikeyou：
Patteringovertheboards，shecomesandgoesatherwill，WhileHarryisinthefive—acreandCharlieploughingthehill。
XXI。
AndHarryandCharlie，Ihearthemtoo——theysingtotheirteam：
Oftentheycometothedoorinapleasantkindofadream。
Theycomeandsitbymychair，theyhoveraboutmybed——
Iamnotalwayscertainiftheybealiveordead。
XXII。
AndyetIknowforatruth，there’snoneofthemleftalive；
ForHarrywentatsixty，yourfatheratsixty—
five：
AndWilly，myeldestborn，atnighthreescoreandten；
Iknewthemallasbabies，andnowthey’reelderlymen。
XXIII。
Formineisatimeofpeace，itisnotoftenI
grieve；
Iamoftenersittingathomeinmyfather’sfarmateve：
Andtheneighborscomeandlaughandgossip，andsodoI；
Ifindmyselfoftenlaughingatthingsthathavelonggoneby。
XXIV。
Tobesurethepreachersays，oursinsshouldmakeussad：
Butmineisatimeofpeace，andthereisGracetobehad；
AndGod，notman，istheJudgeofusallwhenlifeshallcease；
AndinthisBook，littleAnnie，themessageisoneofPeace。
XXV。
Andageisatimeofpeace，soitbefreefrompain，Andhappyhasbeenmylife；butIwouldnotliveitagain。
Iseemtobetiredalittle，that’sall，andlongforrest；
Onlyatyourage，Annie，Icouldhaveweptwiththebest。
XXVI。
SoWillyhasgone，mybeauty，myeldest—born，myflower；
ButhowcanIweepforWilly，hehasbutgoneforanhour，——
Goneforaminute，myson，fromthisroomintothenext；
I，too，shallgoinaminute。WhattimehaveItobevext？
XXVII。
AndWilly’swifehaswritten，sheneverwasover—
wise。
Getmemyglasses，Annie：thankGodthatIkeepmyeyes。
Thereisbutatrifleleftyou，whenIshallhavepastaway。
Butstaywiththeoldwomannow：youcannothavelongtostay。
NORTHERNFARMER。
NORTHERNFARMER。
oldstyle。
——————————————
I。
Wheer’astabeansawlongandmealiggin’’erealoan？
Noorse？thoortnowto’anoorse：whoy，doctor’sabeanan’agoan：
SaysthatImoant’anawmooryaale：butIbeantafool：
Gitmamyyaale，furIbeanta—gooin’tobreakmyrule。
II。
Doctors，theyknawsnowt，forasayswhat’snawwaystrue：
Nawsoorto’koindo’usetosaaythethingsthatado。
I’ve’edmypointo’yaaleivrynoightsin’Ibean’ere，An’I’ve’edmyquartivrymarket—noightforfoortyyear。
III。
Parson’sabeanloikewoise，an’asittin’ereo’mybed。
`Theamoighty’sataakino’youto’issen，myfriend，’
’asaid，An’atowdmamysins，an’stoitheweredue，an’Igieditinhond；
Idonemydutybyun，asI’adonebythelond。
IV。
Larn’dama’bea。IreckonsI’annotsamoochtolarn。
Butacostoop，thotadid，’bootBessyMarris’sbarn。
ThofaknawsIhallusvoatedwi’Squoirean’choorchanstaate，An’i’thewoosto’toimesIwurniveragintheraate。
V。
An’Ihalluscomedto’schoorchafoormoySallywurdead，An’’eerdunabummin’awaayloikeabuzzard—clock*
owermyyead，An’Iniverknaw’dwhotamean’dbutIthowta’adsummuttosaay，AnIthowtasaidwhotaowtto’asaidan’Icomedawaay。
*Cockchafer。
VI。
BessyMarris’sbarn!thaknawsshelaaidittomea。
Mowt’abean，mayhap，forshewurabadun，shea。
’Siver，Ikepun，Ikepun，mylass，thamununder—
stond；
IdonemydutybyunasI’adonebythelond。
VII。
ButParsonacomesan’agoos，an’asaysiteasyan’
freea`Theamoighty’sataakino’youto’issen，myfriend，’
says’ea。
Iweantsaaymenbeloiars，thofsummunsaiditin’aaste：
Butareadswonnsarminaweeak，an’I’astubb’dThornabywaaste。