CantoIII。
YettothewondrousSt。Peter’s，andyettothesolemnRotunda，Minglingwithheroesandgods，yettotheVaticanWalls，Yetmaywego，andrecline，whileawholemightyworldseemsaboveus，Gatheredandfixedtoalltimeintooneroofingsupreme；
Yetmaywe，thinkingonthesethings，excludewhatismeaneraroundus；
Yet，attheworstoftheworst，booksandachamberremain；
Yetmaywethink，andforget，andpossessoursoulsinresistance。——
Ah，butawayfromthestir，shouting，andgossipofwar，Where，uponApennineslope，withthechestnuttheoak-treesimmingle，Where，amidodorouscopsebridle-pathswanderandwind，Where，undermulberry-branches，thediligentrivuletsparkles，Oramidcottonandmaizepeasantstheirwater-worksply，Where，overfig-treeandorangeintierupontierstillrepeated，Gardenongardenupreared，balconiessteptothesky，——
Ah，thatIwerefarawayfromthecrowdandthestreetsofthecity，Underthevine-trellislaid，Omybeloved，withthee！
I。MaryTrevellyntoMissRoper，——onthewaytoFlorence。
Whydoesn’tMr。Claudecomewithus？youask。——Wedon’tknow，Youshouldknowbetterthanwe。HetalkedoftheVaticanmarbles；
ButIcan’twhollybelievethatthiswastheactualreason，——
Hewassoreadybefore，whenweaskedhimtocomeandescortus。
Certainlyheisodd，mydearMissRoper。TochangesoSuddenly，justforawhim，wasnotquitefairtotheparty，——
Notquiteright。Ideclare，Ireallyalmostamoffended：
I，hisgreatfriend，asyousay，havedoubtlessatitletobeso。
NotthatIgreatlyregretit，fordearGeorginadistinctlyWishesfornothingsomuchastoshowheradroitness。But，oh，myPenwillnotwriteanymore；——letussaynothingfurtheraboutit。
********
Yes，mydearMissRoper，Icertainlycalledhimrepulsive；
SoIthinkhim，butcannotbesureIhaveusedtheexpressionQuiteasyourpupilshould；yethedoesmosttrulyrepelme。
WasittoyouImadeuseoftheword？orwhowasittoldyou？
Yes，repulsive；observe，itisbutwhenhetalksofideasThatheisquiteunaffected，andfree，andexpansive，andeasy；
Icouldpronouncehimsimplyacoldintellectualbeing。——
Whendoeshemakeadvances？——Hethinksthatwomenshouldwoohim；
Yet，ifagirlshoulddoso，wouldbebutalarmedanddisgusted。
Shethatshouldlovehimmustlookforsmallloveinreturn，——liketheivyOnthestonewall，mustexpectbutarigidandniggardsupport，andE’entogetthatmustgosearchingallroundwithherhumbleembraces。
II。ClaudetoEustace，——fromRome。
Tellme，myfriend，doyouthinkthatthegrainwouldsproutinthefurrow，DiditnottrulyacceptasitssummumandultimumbonumThatmerecommonandmay-beindifferentsoilitissetin？
Wouldithaveforcetodevelopandopenitsyoungcotyledons，Coulditcompare，andreflect，andexamineonethingwithanother？
WoulditenduretoaccomplishtheroundofitsnaturalfunctionsWereitendowedwithasenseofthegeneralschemeofexistence？
WhilefromMarseillesinthesteamerwevoyagetoCivitaVecchia，VexedinthesquallyseasaswelaybyCaprajaandElba，Standing，uplifted，aloneontheheavingpoopofthevessel，Lookingaroundonthewasteoftherushingincuriousbillows，’ThisisNature，’Isaid：’wearebornasitwerefromherwaters；
Overherbillowsthatbuffetandbeatus，heroffspringuncared-for，Castingonesingleregardofapainfulvictoriousknowledge，Intoherbillowsthatbuffetandbeatuswesinkandareswallowed。’
Thiswasthesenseinmysoul，asIswayedwiththepoopofthesteamer；
AndasunthinkingIsatinthehallofthefamedAriadne，Lo，itlookedatmetherefromthefaceofaTritoninmarble。
Itisthesimplerthought，andIcanbelieveitthetruer。
Letusnottalkofgrowth；wearestillinourAqueousAges。
III。ClaudetoEustace。
Farewell，Politics，utterly！WhatcanIdo？IcannotFight，youknow；andtotalkIamwhollyashamed。AndalthoughI
GnashmyteethwhenIlookinyourFrenchoryourEnglishpapers，Whatisthegoodofthat？Willswearing，Iwonder，mendmatters？
Cursingandscoldingrepeltheassailants？No，itisidle；
No，whateverbefalls，Iwillhide，willignoreorforgetit。
Letthetailshiftforitself；Iwillburymyhead。Andwhat’stheRomanRepublictome，orItotheRomanRepublic？
Whynotfight？——Inthefirstplace，Ihaven’tsomuchasamusket；
Inthenext，ifIhad，Ishouldn’tknowhowIshoulduseit；
Inthethird，justatpresentI’mstudyingancientmarbles；
Inthefourth，IconsiderIowemylifetomycountry；
Inthefifth——Iforget，butfourgoodreasonsareample。
Meantime，praylet’emfight，andbekilled。Idelightindevotion。
SothatI’listnot，hurrahforthegloriousarmyofmartyrs！
SanguismartyrumsemenEcclesiae；thoughitwouldseemthisChurchisindeedofthepurelyInvisible，Kingdom-comekind：
Militanthereonearth！Triumphant，ofcourse，then，elsewhere！
Ah，goodHeaven，butIwouldIwereoutfarawayfromthepother！
IV。ClaudetoEustace。
Not，aswereadinthewordsoftheolden-timeinspiration，Aretheretwoseveraltreesintheplacewearesettoabidein；
ButontheapexmosthighoftheTreeofLifeintheGarden，Budding，unfolding，andfalling，decayingandfloweringever，FloweringissetanddecayingthetransientblossomofKnowledge，——
Floweringalone，anddecaying，theneedlessunfruitfulblossom。
Orasthecypress-spiresbythefair-flowingstreamHellespontine，WhichfromthemythicaltombofthegodlikeProtesilausRosesympatheticingrieftohislove-lornLaodamia，Evermoregrowing，andwhenintheirgrowthtotheprospectattaining，Overthelowsea-banks，ofthefatalIliancity，Witheringstillatthesightwhichstilltheyupgrowtoencounter。
Ah，butyethatextrudefromtheoceanyourhelplessfaces，Yeoverstormyseasleadinglonganddrearyprocessions，Ye，too，broodofthewind，whosecomingiswhencewediscernnot，Makingyournestonthewave，andyourbedonthecrestedbillow，Skimmingroughwaters，andcrowdingwetsandsthatthetideshallreturnto，Cormorants，ducks，andgulls，fillyemyimagination！
Letusnottalkofgrowth；wearestillinourAqueousAges。
V。MaryTrevellyntoMissRoper，——fromFlorence。
DearestMissRoper，——Alas！weareallatFlorencequitesafe，andYou，wehear，areshutup！indeed，itissadlydistressing！
Weweremostlucky，theysay，togetoffwhenwedidfromthetroubles。
Nowyouarereallybesieged；theytellusitsoonwillbeover；
OnlyIhopeandtrustwithoutanyfightinthecity。
DoyouseeMr。Claude？——Ithoughthemightdosomethingforyou。
Iamquitesureonoccasionhereallywouldwishtobeuseful。
Whatishedoing？Iwonder；——stillstudyingVaticanmarbles？
Letters，Ihope，passthrough。Wetrustyourbrotherisbetter。
VI。ClaudetoEustace。
Juxtaposition，infine；andwhatisjuxtaposition？
Lookyou，wetravelalongintherailway-carriageorsteamer，And，pourpasserletemps，tillthetediousjourneybeended，Layasidepaperorbook，totalkwiththegirlthatisnextone；
And，pourpasserletemps，withtheterminusallbutinprospect，Talkofeternaltiesandmarriagesmadeinheaven。
Ah，didwereallyacceptwithaperfecthearttheillusion！
Ah，didwereallybelievethatthePresentindeedistheOnly！
Orthroughalltransmutation，allshockandconvulsionofpassion，Feelwecouldcarryundimmed，unextinguished，thelightofourknowledge！
Butforhisfuneraltrainwhichthebridegroomseesinthedistance，Wouldhesojoyfully，thinkyou，fallinwiththemarriageprocession？
Butforthatfinaldischarge，wouldhedaretoenlistinthatservice？
Butforthatcertainrelease，eversigntothatperilouscontract？
Butforthatexitsecure，everbendtothattreacherousdoorway？——
Ah，butthebride，meantime，——doyouthinksheseesitashedoes？
Butforthesteadyfore-senseofafreerandlargerexistence，Thinkyouthatmancouldconsenttobecircumscribedhereintoaction？
Butforassurancewithinalimitlessoceandivine，o’erWhosegreattranquildepthsunconsciousthewind-tostsurfaceBreaksintoripplesoftroublethatcomeandchangeandendurenot，——
Butthatinthis，ofatruth，wehaveourbeing，andknowit，Thinkyouwemencouldsubmittoliveandmoveaswedohere？
Ah，butthewomen，——Godblessthem！theydon’tthinkatallaboutit。
Yetwemusteatanddrink，asyousay。AndaslimitedbeingsScarcelycanhopetoattainuponearthtoanActualAbstract，LeavingtoGodcontemplation，toHishandsknowledgeconfiding，Surethatinusifitperish，inHimitabidethanddiesnot，LetusinHissightaccomplishourpettyparticulardoings，——
Yes，andcontentedsitdowntothevictualthatHehasprovided。
Allahisgreat，nodoubt，andJuxtapositionhisprophet。
Ah，butthewomen，alas！theydon’tlookatitthatway。
Juxtapositionisgreat；——but，myfriend，Ifearme，themaidenHardlywouldthankoracknowledgetheloverthatsoughttoobtainher，Notasthethinghewouldwish，butthethinghemustevenputupwith，——
HardlywouldtenderherhandtothewooerthatcandidlytoldherThatsheisbutforaspace，anad-interimsolaceandpleasure，——
Thatintheendsheshallyieldtoaperfectandabsolutesomething，WhichIthenformyselfshallbehold，andnotanother，——
Whichamidfondestendearments，meantimeIforgetnot，forsakenotAh，yefemininesouls，soloving，andsoexacting，Sincewecannotescape，mustweevensubmittodeceiveyou？
Since，socruelistruth，sincerityshocksandrevoltsyou，Willyouhaveusyourslavestolietoyou，flatterand——leaveyou？
VII。ClaudetoEustace。
Juxtapositionisgreat，——but，youtellme，affinitygreater。
Ah，myfriend，therearemanyaffinities，greaterandlesser，Strongerandweaker；andeach，bythefavourofjuxtaposition，Potent，efficient，inforce，——foratime；butnone，letmetellyou，Savebythelawofthelandandtheruinousforceofthewill，ah，None，Ifearme，atlastquitesuretobefinalandperfect。
Lo，asIpaceinthestreet，fromthepeasant-girltotheprincess，Homosum，nihilhumaniamealienumputo，——
Virsum，nihilfaeminei，——ande’entotheuttermostcircle，AllthatisNature’sisI，andIallthingsthatareNature’s。
Yes，asIwalk，Ibehold，inaluminous，largeintuition，ThatIcanbeandbecomeanythingthatImeetwithorlookat：
Iamtheoxinthedray，theasswiththegarden-stuffpanniers；
Iamthedoginthedoorway，thekittenthatplaysinthewindow，Onsunnyslaboftheruinthefurtiveandfugitivelizard，Swallowabovemethattwitters，andflythatisbuzzingaboutme；
Yea，anddetect，asIgo，byafaintbutafaithfulassurance，E’enfromthestonesofthestreet，asfromrocksortreesoftheforest，Somethingofkindred，acommon，thoughlatentvitality，greetsme；
Andtoescapefromourstrivings，mistakings，misgrowths，andperversions，Faincoulddemandtoreturntothatperfectandprimitivesilence，Fainbeenfoldedandfixed，asofold，intheirrigidembraces。
VIII。ClaudetoEustace。
AndasIwalkonmyway，Ibeholdthemconsortingandcoupling；
Faithfulitseemeth，andfond，veryfond，veryprobablyfaithful，AllasIgoonmyway，withapleasuresincereandunmingled。
Lifeisbeautiful，Eustace，entrancing，enchantingtolookat；
Asarethestreetsofacitywepacewhilethecarriageischanging，Asachamberfilled-inwithharmonious，exquisitepictures，EvensobeautifulEarth；andcouldweeliminateonlyThisvilehungeringimpulse，thisdemonwithinusofcraving，Lifewerebeatitude，livingaperfectdivinesatisfaction。
IX。ClaudetoEustace。
Mildmonasticfacesinquietcollegiatecloisters：
Soletmeofferasingleandcelibatarianphrase，aTributetothosewhomperhapsyoudonotbelieveIcanhonour。
But，fromthetumultescaping，’tispleasant，ofdrummingandshouting，Hither，obliviousawhile，towithdraw，ofthefactorthefalsehood，AndamidplacidregardsandmildlycourteousgreetingsYieldtothecalmandcomposureandgentleabstractionthatreigno’erMildmonasticfacesinquietcollegiatecloisters。
Terribleword，Obligation！Youshouldnot，Eustace，youshouldnot，No，youshouldnothaveusedit。But，oh，greatHeavens，Irepelit！
Oh，Icancel，reject，disavow，andrepudiatewhollyEverydebtinthiskind，disclaimeveryclaim，anddishonour，Yea，myownheart’sownwriting，mysoul’sownsignature！Ah，no！
Iwillbefreeinthis；youshallnot，noneshall，bindme。
No，myfriend，ifyouwishtobetold，itwasthisaboveallthings，Thisthatcharmedme，ah，yes，eventhis，thatsheheldmetonothing。
No，IcouldtalkasIpleased；comeclose；fastenties，asIfancied；
Bindandengagemyselfdeep；——andlo，onthefollowingmorningItwasalle’enasbefore，likelosingsingamesplayedfornothing。
Yes，whenIcame，withmeanfearsinmysoul，withasemi-performanceAtthefirststepbreakingdowninitspitifulroleofevasion，WhentoshuffleIcame，tocompromise，notmeet，engagements，Lo，withhercalmeyesthereshemetmeandknewnothingofit，——
Stoodunexpecting，unconscious。SHEspokenotofobligations，Knewnotofdebt——ah，no，Ibelieveyou，forexcellentreasons。
X。ClaudetoEustace。
HANGthisthinking，atlast！whatgoodisit？oh，andwhatevil！
Oh，whatmischiefandpain！likeaclockinasickman’schamber，Tickingandticking，andstillthrougheachcovertofslumberpursuing。
WhatshallIdotothee，OthouPreserverofmen？Havecompassion；
Befavourable，andhear！Takefrommethisregalknowledge；
Letme，contentedandmute，withthebeastsofthefields，mybrothers，Tranquilly，happilylie，——andeatgrass，likeNebuchadnezzar！
XI。ClaudetoEustace。
Tiburisbeautiful，too，andtheorchardslopes，andtheAnioFalling，fallingyet，totheancientlyricalcadence；
TiburandAnio’stide；andcoolfromLucretilisever，WiththeDigentianstream，andwiththeBandusianfountain，FoldedinSabinerecesses，thevalleyandvillaofHorace：——
SonotseeingIsang；soseeingandlisteningsayI，HereasIsitbythestream，asIgazeatthecelloftheSibyl，HerewithAlbunea’shomeandthegroveofTiburnusbesideme；*
Tivolibeautifulis，andmusical，OTeverone，Dashingfrommountaintoplain，thypartedimpetuouswaters，Tivoli’swatersandrocks；andfairuntoMonteGennaro（Haunt，evenyet，Imustthink，asIwanderandgaze，oftheshadows，Fadedandpale，yetimmortal，ofFaunus，theNymphs，andtheGraces）。
Fairinitself，andyetfairerwithhumancompletingcreations，FoldedinSabinerecessesthevalleyandvillaofHorace：——
SonotseeingIsang；sonow——Norseeing，norhearing，Neitherbywaterfalllulled，norfoldedinsylvanembraces，NeitherbycelloftheSibyl，norsteppingtheMonteGennaro，SeatedonAnio’sbank，norsippingBandusianwaters，ButonMontorio’sheight，lookingdownonthetile-cladstreets，theCupolas，crosses，anddomes，thebushesandkitchen-gardens，Which，bythegraceoftheTibur，proclaimthemselvesRomeoftheRomans，——
ButonMontorio’sheight，lookingforthtothevapourymountains，CheatingtheprisonerHopewithillusionsofvisionandfancy，——
ButonMontorio’sheight，withthesewearysoldiersbyme，WaitingtillOudinotenter，toreinstatePopeandTourist。
*——domusAlbuneaeresonantis，EtpraecepsAnio，etTibunilucus，etudaMobilibuspomariarivisXII。MaryTrevellyntoMissRoper。
DearMissRoper，——Itseems，GeorgeVernon，beforeweleftRome，saidSomethingtoMr。Claudeaboutwhattheycallhisattentions。
Susan，twonightsago，forthefirsttime，heardthisfromGeorgina。
ItisSOdisagreeableandSOannoyingtothinkof！
Ifitcouldonlybeknown，thoughwemaynevermeethimagain，thatItwasallGeorge’sdoing，andwewereentirelyunconscious，Itwouldextremelyrelieve——YoureveraffectionateMary。
P。S。（1）
Hereisyourletterarrivedthismoment，justasIwanted。
Soyouhaveseenhim，——indeed，andguessed，——howdreadfullyclever！
Whatdidhereallysay？andwhatwasyouranswerexactly？
Charming！——butwaitforamoment，Ihaven’treadthroughtheletter。
P。S。（2）
Ah，mydearestMissRoper，dojustasyoufancyaboutit。
IfyouthinkitsincerertotellhimIknowofit，doso。
ThoughIshouldmostextremelydislikeit，IknowIcouldmanage。
Itisthesimplestthing，butsurelywhollyuncalledfor。
Doasyouplease；youknowItrustimplicitlytoyou。
Saywhateverisrightandneedfulforendingthematter。
Onlydon’ttellMr。Claude，whatIwilltellyouasasecret，ThatIshouldlikeverywelltoshowhimmyselfIforgetit。
P。S。（3）
IamtosaythattheweddingisfinallysettledforTuesday。
Ah，mydearMissRoper，yousurely，surelycanmanageNottoletitappearthatIknowofthatodiousmatter。
ItwouldbepleasanterfarformyselftotreatitexactlyAsifithadnotoccurred：andIdonotthinkhewouldlikeit。
Imustremembertoadd，thatassoonastheweddingisoverWeshallbeoff，Ibelieve，inahurry，andtraveltoMilan；
TheretomeetfriendsofPapa’s，Iamtold，attheCrocediMaltaThenIcannotsaywhither，butnotatpresenttoEngland。
XIII。ClaudetoEustace。
Yes，onMontorio’sheightforalastfarewellofthecity，——
Soitappears；thoughthenIwasquiteuncertainaboutit。
So，however，itwas。Andnowtoexplaintheproceeding。
Iwastogo，asItoldyou，Ithink，withthepeopletoFlorence。
Onlythedaybefore，thefoolishfamilyVernonMadesomeuneasyremarks，aswewalkedtoourlodgingtogether，Astointentionsforsooth，andsoforth。Iwasastounded，Horrifiedquite；andobtainingjustthen，asithappened，anoffer（Nocommonfavour）ofseeingthegreatLudovisicollection，Why，Imadethisapretence，andwrotethattheymustexcuseme。
HowcouldIgo？GreatHeavens！toconductapermittedflirtationUnderthosevulgareyes，theobservedofsuchobservers！
Well，butInow，byaseriesoffinediplomaticinquiries，Findfromasortofrelation，agoodandsensiblewoman，WhoisremainingatRomewithabrothertooillforremoval，Thatitwaswhollyunsanctioned，unknown，——not，Ithink，byGeorgina：
She，however，erethis，——andthatisthebestofthestory，——
SheandtheVernon，thankHeaven，areweddedandgone——honey-mooning。
So——onMontorio’sheightforalastfarewellofthecity。
TiburIhavenotseen，northelakesthatofoldIhaddreamtof；
TiburIshallnotsee，norAnio’swaters，nordeepen-
FoldedinSabinerecessesthevalleyandvillaofHorace；
TiburIshallnotsee；——butsomethingbetterIshallsee。
TwiceIhavetriedbefore，andfailedingettingthehorses；
TwiceIhavetriedandfailed：thistimeitshallnotbeafailure。
Thereforefarewell，yehills，andye，yeenvineyardedruins！
Thereforefarewell，yewalls，palaces，pillars，anddomes！
Thereforefarewell，farseen，yepeaksofthemythicAlbano，SeenfromMontorio’sheight，TiburandAesula’shills！
Ah，couldweonce，erewego，couldwestand，while，tooceandescending，Sinkso’ertheyellowdarkplainslowlytheyellowbroadsun，Stand，fromtheforestemergingatsunset，atonceinthechampaign，Open，butstuddedwithtrees，chestnutsumbrageousandold，E’eninthosefairopenfieldsthatincurvetothybeautifulhollow，Nemi，imbeddedinwood，Nemi，inurnedinthehill！——
Thereforefarewell，yeplains，andyehills，andtheCityEternal！
Thereforefarewell！Wedepart，buttobeholdyouagain！
CantoIV。
Eastward，orNorthward，orWest？IwanderandaskasIwander；
Weary，yeteagerandsure，WhereshallIcometomylove？
Whitherwardhastentoseekher？YedaughtersofItaly，tellme，Gracefulandtenderanddark，issheconsortingwithyou？
Thouthatout-climbestthetorrent，thattendestthygoatstothesummit，Calltome，childoftheAlp，hasshebeenseenontheheights？
Italy，farewellIbidthee！forwhithersheleadsme，Ifollow。
Farewellthevineyard！forI，whereIbutguessher，mustgo；
Wearinesswelcome，andlabour，whereveritbe，ifatlastitBringmeinmountainorplainintothesightofmylove。
I。ClaudetoEustace，——fromFlorence。
GonefromFlorence；indeed！andthatistrulyprovoking；——
GonetoMilan，itseems；thenIgoalsotoMilan。
Fivedaysnowdeparted；buttheycantravelbutslowly；——
Iquickerfar；andIknow，asithappens，thehometheywillgoto。——
Why，whatelseshouldIdo？Stayhereandlookatthepictures，Statuesandchurches？Alack，Iamsickofthestatuesandpictures！——
No，toBologna，Parma，Piacenza，Lodi，andMilan，Offgoweto-night，——andtheVenusgototheDevil！
II。ClaudetoEustace，——fromBellaggio。
GonetoComo，theysaid；andIhavepostedtoComo。
Therewasaletterleft；butthecamerierehadlostit。
Couldithavebeenforme？Theycame，however，toComo，AndfromComowentbytheboat，——perhapstotheSpluegen，——
OrtotheStelvio，say，andtheTyrol；alsoitmightbeByPorlezzaacrosstoLugano，andsototheSimplonPossibly，ortheSt。Gothard，——orpossibly，too，toBaveno，Orta，Turin，andelsewhere。Indeed，Iamgreatlybewildered。
III。ClaudetoEustace，——fromBellaggio。
IhavebeenuptheSpluegen，andontheStelvioalso：
NeitherofthesecanIfindtheyhavefollowed；innooneinn，andThiswouldbeodd，havetheywrittentheirnames。IhavebeentoPorlezza；
Theretheyhavenotbeenseen，andthereforenotatLugano。
WhatshallIdo？GoonthroughtheTyrol，Switzerland，Deutschland，Seeking，aninverseSaul，akingdomtofindonlyasses？
Thereisatide，atleast，intheLOVEaffairsofmortals，Which，whentakenatflood，leadsontothehappiestfortune，——
Leadstothemarriage-mornandtheorange-flowersandthealtar，Andthelonglawfullineofcrownedjoystocrownedjoyssucceeding。——
Ah，ithasebbedwithme！Yegods，andwhenitwasflowing，PitifulfoolthatIwas，tostandfiddle-faddlinginthatway！
IV。ClaudetoEustace，——fromBellaggio。
IhavereturnedandfoundtheirnamesinthebookatComo。
CertainitisIwasright，andyetIamalsoinerror。
Addedinfemininehand，Iread，BytheboattoBellaggio。——
SotoBellaggioagain，withthewordsofhewritingtoaidme。
YetatBellaggioIfindnotrace，nosortofremembrance。
SoIamhere，andwait，andknoweveryhourwillremovethem。
V。ClaudetoEustace，——fromBellaggio。
Ihavebutonechanceleft，——andthatisgoingtoFlorence。
Butitiscrueltoturn。Themountainsseemtodemandme，——
Peakandvalleyfromfartobeckonandmotionmeonward。
SomewhereamidtheirfoldsshepasseswhomfainIwouldfollow；
Somewhereamidthoseheightsshehaplycallsmetoseekher。
Ah，couldIhearhercall！couldIcatchtheglimpseofherraiment！
Turn，however，Imust，thoughitseemIturntodeserther；
ForthesenseofthethingissimplytohurrytoFlorence，Wherethecertaintyyetmaybelearnt，Isuppose，fromtheRopers。
VI。MaryTrevellyn，fromLucerne，toMissRoper，atFlorence。
DearMissRoper，——Bythisyouaresafelyaway，wearehoping，ManyaleaguefromRome；erelongwetrustweshallseeyou。
Howhaveyoutravelled？Iwonder；——wasMr。Claudeyourcompanion？
Asforourselves，wewentfromComostraighttoLugano；
SobytheMountSt。Gothard；wemeanttogobyPorlezza，Takingthesteamer，andstopping，asyouhadadvised，atBellaggio，Twoorthreedaysormore；butthiswassuddenlyaltered，Afterweleftthehotel，ontheverywaytothesteamer。
Sowehaveseen，Ifear，notoneofthelakesinperfection。
Well，heisnotcome，andnow，Isuppose，hewillnotcome。
Whatwillyouthink，meantime？andyetImustreallyconfessit；——
Whatwillyousay？Iwrotehimanote。Weleftinahurry，WentfromMilantoComo，threedaysbeforeweexpected。
ButIthought，ifhecameallthewaytoMilan，hereallyOughtnottobedisappointed：andsoIwrotethreelinestoSayIhadheardhewascoming，desirousofjoiningourparty；——
Ifso，thenIsaid，wehadstartedforComo，andmeanttoCrosstheSt。Gothard，andstay，webelieved，atLucerne，forthesummer。
Wasitwrong？andwhy，ifitwas，hasitfailedtobringhim？
DidhenotthinkitworthwhiletocometoMilan？Heknew（youToldhim）thehouseweshouldgoto。Ormayit，perhaps，havemiscarried？
Anyway，now，Irepent，andamheartilyvexedthatIwroteit。
ThereisahomeontheshoreoftheAlpinesea，thatupswellingHighupthemountain-sidesspreadsinthehollowbetween；
Wilderness，mountain，andsnowfromthelandoftheoliveconcealit；
UnderPilatus’shilllowbytheriveritlies；
Italy，uttertheword，andtheoliveandvinewillallurenot，——
Wilderness，forest，andsnowwillnotthepassageimpede；
Italy，untothycitiesreceding，thecluetorecover，Hither，recoveredtheclue，shallnotthetravellerhaste？
CantoV。
Thereisacity，upbuiltonthequaysoftheturbulentArno，UnderFiesole’sheights，——thitherarewetoreturn？
Thereisacitythatfringesthecurveoftheinflowingwaters，Undertheperiloushillfringesthebeautifulbay，——
Parthenope，dotheycallthee？——theSiren，Neapolis，seatedUnderVesevus’shill，——arewerecedingtothee？——
Sicily，Greece，willinvite，andtheOrient；——orareweturntoEngland，whichmayafterallbeforitschildrenthebest？
I。MaryTrevellyn，atLucerne，toMissRoper，atFlorence。
Soyouarereallyfree，andlivinginquietatFlorence；
Thatisdelightfulnews；youtravelledslowlyandsafely；
Mr。Claudegotyouout；tookroomsatFlorencebeforeyou；
WrotefromMilantosayso；hadleftdirectlyforMilan，Hopingtofindussoon；——ifhecould，hewould，youarecertain。——
DearMissRoper，yourletterhasmademeexceedinglyhappy。
Youarequitesure，yousay，heaskedyouaboutourintentions；
YouhadnotheardasyetofLucerne，buttoldhimofComo。——
Well，perhapshewillcome；however，Iwillnotexpectit。
Thoughyousayyouaresure，——ifhecan，hewill，youarecertain。
Omydear，manythanksfromyoureveraffectionateMary。
II。ClaudetoEustace。
Florence。
Actionwillfurnishbelief，——butwillthatbeliefbethetrueone？
Thisisthepoint，youknow。However，itdoesn’tmuchmatter。
Whatonewants，Isuppose，istopredeterminetheaction，Soastomakeitentail，notachancebelief，butthetrueone。
Outofthequestion，yousay；ifathingisn’twrongwemaydoit。
Ah！butthisWRONG，yousee——butIdonotknowthatitmatters。
Eustace，theRopersaregone，andnoonecantellmeaboutthem。
Pisa。
Pisa，theysaytheythink，andsoIfollowtoPisa，Hitherandthitherinquiring。Iwearyofmakinginquiries。
Iamashamed，Ideclare，ofaskingpeopleaboutit。——
Whoareyourfriends？Yousaidyouhadfriendswhowouldcertainlyknowthem。
Florence。
Butitisidle，moping，andthinking，andtryingtofixherImageoncemoreandmorein，towritethewholeperfectinscriptionOverandoveragainuponeverypageofremembrance。
IhavesettledtostayatFlorencetowaitforyouranswer。
Whoareyourfriends？Writequicklyandtellme。Iwaitforyouranswer。
III。MaryTrevellyntoMissRoper。——atLuccaBaths。
YouareatLuccabaths，youtellme，tostayforthesummer；
Florencewasquitetoohot；youcan’tmovefurtheratpresent。
Willyounotcome，doyouthink，beforethesummerisover？
Mr。C。gotyououtwithveryconsiderabletrouble；
Andhewasusefulandkind，andseemedsohappytoserveyou。
Didn’tstaywithyoulong，buttalkedveryopenlytoyou；
Madeyoualmosthisconfessor，withoutappearingtoknowit，——
Whatabout？——andyousayyoudidn’tneedhisconfessions。
OmydearMissRoper，Idarenottrustwhatyoutellme！
Willhecome，doyouthink？Iamreallysosorryforhim。
Theydidn’tgivehimmyletteratMilan，Ifeelprettycertain。
YouhadtoldhimBellaggio。Wedidn’tgotoBellaggio；
Sohewouldmissourtrack，andperhapsnevercometoLugano，Wherewewerewritteninfull，ToLucerneacrosstheSt。Gothard。
Buthecouldwritetoyou；——youwouldtellhimwhereyouweregoing。
IV。ClaudetoEustace。
Letme，then，beartoforgether。Iwillnotclingtoherfalsely：
Nothingfactitiousorforcedshallimpairtheoldhappyrelation。
Iwillletmyselfgo，forget，nottrytoremember；
Iwillwalkonmyway，acceptthechancesthatmeetme，Freelyencountertheworld，imbibethesealienairs，andNeveraskifnewfeelingsandthoughtsareofherorofothers。
Isshenotchangingherself？——theoldimagewouldonlydeludeme。
Iwillbebold，too，andchange，——ifitmustbe。Yetifinallthings，YetifIdobutaspireevermoretotheAbsoluteonly，Ishallbedoing，Ithink，somehow，whatshewillbedoing；——
Ishallbethine，Omychild，someway，thoughIknownotinwhatway，Letmesubmittoforgether；Imust；Ialreadyforgether。
V。ClaudetoEustace。
Utterlyvainis，alas！thisattemptattheAbsolute，——wholly！
I，whobelievednotinher，becauseIwouldfainbelievenothing，HavetobelieveasImay，withawilful，unmeaningacceptance。
I，whorefusedtoenfastentherootsofmyfloatingexistenceIntherichearth，clingnowtothehard，nakedrockthatisleftme，——
Ah！shewasworthy，Eustace，——andthat，indeed，ismycomfort，——
WorthyanoblerheartthanafoolsuchasIcouldhavegivenher。
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Yes，itrelievesmetowrite，thoughIdonotsend，andthechancethatTakesmaydestroymyfragments。Butasmenpray，withoutaskingWhetherOnereallyexisttohearordoanythingforthem，——
SimplyimpelledbytheneedofthemomenttoturntoaBeingInaconceptionofwhomthereisfreedomfromalllimitation，——
SoinyourimageIturntoanensrationisoffriendship，EvensowriteinyournameIknownottowhomnorinwhatwise。
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Therewasatime，methoughtitwasbutlatelydeparted，When，ifathingwasdeniedme，IfeltIwasboundtoattemptit；
Choicealoneshouldtake，andchoicealoneshouldsurrender。
Therewasatime，indeed，whenIhadnotretiredthusearly，Languidlythus，frompursuitofapurposeIoncehadadopted，Butitisallover，allthat！IhaveslunkfromtheperilousfieldinWhosewildstruggleofforcestheprizesoflifearecontested。
Itisover，allthat！Iamacoward，andknowit。
Courageinmecouldbeonlyfactitious，unnatural，useless。
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Comforthascometomehereinthedrearystreetsofthecity，Comfort——howdoyouthink？——withabarrel-organtobringit。
Mopingalongthestreets，andcursingmydayasIwandered，AllofasuddenmyearmetthesoundofanEnglishpsalm-tune，Comfortmeitdid，tillindeedIwasverynearcrying。
Ah，thereissomegreattruth，partial，verylikely，butneedful，Lodged，Iamstrangelysure，inthetonesoftheEnglishpsalm-tune。
Comfortitwasatleast；andImusttakewithoutquestionComfort，howeveritcome，inthedrearystreetsofthecity。
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Whatwithtrustingmyselfandseekingsupportfromwithinme，AlmostIcouldbelieveIhadgainedareligiousassurance，Formedinmyownpoorsoulagreatmoralbasistoreston。
Ah，butindeedIsee，Ifeelitfactitiousentirely；
Irefuse，reject，andputitutterlyfromme；
Iwilllookstraightout，seethings，nottrytoevadethem；
Factshallbefactforme，andtheTruththeTruthasever，Flexible，changeable，vague，andmultiform，anddoubtful-
Off，anddeparttothevoid，thousubtle，fanaticaltempter！
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Ishallbeholdtheeagain（isitso？）atanewvisitation，Oillgeniusthou！Ishallatmylife’sdissolution（Whenthepulsesareweak，andthefeeblelightofthereasonFlickers，anunfedflameretiringslowfromthesocket），Lowonasick-bedlaid，hearone，asitwere，atthedoorway，And，lookingup，seetheestandingby，lookingemptilyatme；
Ishallentreattheethen，thoughnowIdaretorefusethee，——
Paleandpitifulnow，butterriblethentothedying。——
Well，Iwillseetheeagain，andwhileIcan，willrepelthee。
VI。ClaudetoEustace。
Romeisfallen，Ihear，thegallantMedicitaken，NobleManaraslain，andGaribaldihaslostilMoro；——
Romeisfallen；andfallen，orfalling，heroicalVenice。
I，meanwhile，forthelossofasinglesmallchitofagirl，sitMopingandmourninghere，——forher，andmyselfmuchsmaller。
Whitherdepartthesoulsofthebravethatdieinthebattle，Dieinthelost，lostfight，forthecausethatperisheswiththem？
AretheyupbornefromthefieldontheslumberouspinionsofangelsUntoafar-offhome，wherethewearyrestfromtheirlabour，Andthedeepwoundsarehealed，andthebitterandburningmoistureWipedfromthegenerouseyes？ordotheylinger，unhappy，Pining，andhauntingthegraveoftheirby-gonehopeandendeavour？
Alldeclamation，alas！thoughItalk，IcarenotforRomenorItaly；feeblyandfaintly，andbutwiththelips，canlamenttheWreckoftheLombardyouth，andthevictoryoftheoppressor。
Whitherdepartthebrave？——Godknows；Icertainlydonot。
VII。MaryTrevellyntoMissRoper。
Hehasnotcomeasyet；andnowImustnotexpectit。
Youhavewritten，yousay，tofriendsatFlorence，toseehim，Ifheperhapsshouldreturn；——butthatissurelyunlikely。
Hashenotwrittentoyou？——hedidnotknowyourdirection。
Oh，howstrangeneveroncetohavetoldhimwhereyouweregoing！
YetifheonlywrotetoFlorence，thatwouldhavereachedyou。
Ifwhatyousayhesaidwastrue，whyhashenotdoneso？
IshegonebacktoRome，doyouthink，tohisVaticanmarbles？——
OmydearMissRoper，forgiveme！donotbeangry！——
YouhavewrittentoFlorence；——yourfriendswouldcertainlyfindhim。
Mightyounotwritetohim？——butyetitissolittlelikely！
Ishallexpectnothingmore。——Everyours，youraffectionateMary。
VIII。ClaudetoEustace。
IcannotstayatFlorence，noteventowaitforaletter。
Galleriesonlyoppressme。RemembranceofhopeIhadcherished（Almostmorethanashope，whenIpassedthroughFlorencethefirsttime）
Lieslikeaswordinmysoul。Iammoreacowardthanever，Chicken-hearted，pastthought。Thecaffesandwaitersdistressme。
Allisunkind，and，alas！Iamreadyforanyone’skindness。
Oh，Iknewitofold，andknewit，Ithought，toperfection，IfthereisanyonethingintheworldtoprecludeallkindnessItistheneedofit，——itisthissad，self-defeatingdependence。
Whyisthis，Eustace？Myself，wereIstronger，IthinkIcouldtellyou。
Butitisoddwhenitcomes。SoplumbIthedeepsofdepression，Dailyindeeper，andfindnosupport，nowill，nopurpose。
Allmyoldstrengthsaregone。AndyetIshallhavetodosomething。
Ah，thekeyofourlife，thatpassesallwards，opensalllocks，IsnotIWILL，butIMUST。Imust，——Imust，——andIdoit。
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Afterall，doIknowthatIreallycaredsoabouther？
DowhateverIwill，Icannotcallupherimage；
ForwhenIclosemyeyes，Isee，verylikely，St。Peter’s，OrthePantheonfacade，orMichelAngelo’sfigures，Or，atawish，whenIplease，theAlbanhillsandtheForum，——
Butthatface，thoseeyes，——ah，no，neveranythinglikethem；
Only，tryasIwill，asortoffeaturelessoutline，Andapaleblankorb，whichnorecollectionwilladdto。
Afterall，perhapstherewassomethingfactitiousaboutit；
Ihavehadpain，itistrue：Ihavewept；andsohavetheactors。
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AtthelastmomentIhaveyourletter，forwhichIwaswaiting；
Ihavetakenmyplace，andseenogoodininquiries。
Donothingmore，goodEustace，Iprayyou。Itonlywillvexme。
Takenomeasures。Indeed，shouldwemeet，Icouldnotbecertain；
Allmightbechanged，youknow。Orperhapstherewasnothingtobechanged。
Itisacurioushistory，this；andyetIforesawit；
Icouldhavetolditbefore。TheFates，itisclear，areagainstus；
ForitiscertainenoughImetwiththepeopleyoumention；
TheywereatFlorencethedayIreturnedthere，andspoketomeeven；
Stayedaweek，sawmeoften；departed，andwhitherIknownot。
GreatisFate，andisbest。IbelieveinProvidencepartly。
Whatisordainedisright，andallthathappensisordered。
Ah，no，thatisn’tit。ButyetIretainmyconclusion。
IwillgowhereIamled，andwillnotdictatetothechances。
Donothingmore，Ibeg。Ifyouloveme，forbearinterfering。
IX。ClaudetoEustace。
Shallwecomeoutofitall，someday，asonedoesfromatunnel？
Willitbeallatonce，withoutourdoingorasking，Weshallbeholdclearday，thetreesandmeadowsaboutus，Andthefacesoffriends，andtheeyeswelovedlookingatus？
Whoknows？Whocansay？Itwillnotdotosupposeit。
X。ClaudetoEustace，-fromRome。
Romewillnotsuitme，Eustace；thepriestsandsoldierspossessit；
Priestsandsoldiers：——and，ah！whichistheworst，thepriestorthesoldier？
Politics，farewell，however！ForwhatcouldIdo？withinquiring，Talking，collatingthejournals，gofevermybrainaboutthingso’erWhichIcanhavenocontrol。No，happenwhatevermayhappen，Time，Isuppose，willsubsist；theearthwillrevolveonitsaxis；
Peoplewilltravel；thestrangerwillwanderasnowinthecity；
Romewillbehere，andthePopethecustodeofVaticanmarbles。
Ihavenoheart，however，foranymarbleorfresco；
Ihaveessayeditinvain；’tisinvainasyettoessayit：
ButImayhaplyresumesomedaymystudiesinthiskind；
NotastheScripturesays，is，Ithink，thefact。Ereourdeath-day，Faith，Ithink，doespass，andLove；butKnowledgeabideth。
LetusseekKnowledge；——therestmaycomeandgoasithappens。
Knowledgeishardtoseek，andharderyettoadhereto。
Knowledgeispainfuloften；andyetwhenweknowwearehappy。
Seekit，andleavemereFaithandLovetocomewiththechances。
AsforHope，——to-morrowIhopetobestartingforNaples。
Romewillnotdo，Isee，formanyverygoodreasons。
Eastward，then，Isuppose，withthecomingofwinter，toEgypt。
XI。MaryTrevellyntoMissRoper。
Youhaveheardnothing；ofcourseIknowyoucanhaveheardnothing。
Ah，well，morethanonceIhavebrokenmypurpose，andsometimes，Onlytoooften，havelookedforthelittlelakesteamertobringhim。
Butitisonlyfancy，——Idonotreallyexpectit。
Oh，andyouseeIknowsoexactlyhowhewouldtakeit：
Findingthechancesprevailagainstmeetingagain，hewouldbanishForthwitheverythoughtofthepoorlittlepossiblehope，whichImyselfcouldnothelp，perhaps，thinkingonlytoomuchof；
Hewouldresignhimself，andgo。Iseeitexactly。
SoIalsosubmit，althoughinadifferentmanner。
Canyounotreallycome？WegoveryshortlytoEngland。
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Sogoforthtotheworld，tothegoodreportandtheevil！
Go，littlebook！thytale，isitnotevilandgood？
Go，andifstrangersrevile，passquietlybywithoutanswer。
Go，andifcuriousfriendsaskofthyrearingandage，Say，’IamflittingaboutmanyyearsfrombrainuntobrainofFeebleandrestlessyouthsborntoingloriousdays：
But，’sofinishtheword，’IwaswritinaRomanchamber，WhenfromJaniculanheightsthunderedthecannonofFrance。’