第2章
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  Nextnightshedied;andherobsequiesIntheFieldofTombs,bytheViarenowned,Hadherhusband’sheed。Histendancespent,IoftenwentAndponderedbyhermound。

  Allthatyearandthenextyearwhiled,AndIstillwentthitherwardinthegloam;

  ButtheTownforgotherandhernook,AndherhusbandtookAnotherLovetohishome。

  AndtherumourflewthatthelamelonechildWhomshewishedforitssafetychildofmine,WastreatedillwhenoffspringcameOfthenew-madedame,Andmarkedamorevigorousline。

  AsmartergriefwithinmewroughtThanevenatlossofhersodear;

  Deadthebeingwhosesoulmysoulsuffused,Herchildill-used,Ihelplesstointerfere!

  OneeveasIstoodatmyspotofthoughtInthewhite-stonedGarth,broodingthusherwrong,Herhusbandneared;andtoshunhisviewByherhallowedmewIwentfromthetombsamongTotheCirqueoftheGladiatorswhichfaced-

  ThathaggardmarkofImperialRome,WhosePaganechoesmockthechimeOfourChristiantime:

  Itwasvoid,andIinwardclomb。

  Scarcenightthesun’sgoldtouchdisplacedFromthevastRotundandtheneighbouringdeadWhenherhusbandfollowed;bowed;half-passed,Withlipupcast;

  Then,halting,sullenlysaid:

  \"Itisnoisedthatyouvisitmyfirstwife’stomb。

  Now,IgaveheranhonourednametobearWhileliving,whendead。SoI’veclaimtoaskBywhatrightyoutaskMypatiencebyvigilingthere?

  \"There’sdecencyevenindeath,Iassume;

  Preserveit,sir,andkeepaway;

  Forthemotherofmyfirst-bornyouShowmindundue!

  ——Sir,I’venothingmoretosay。\"

  AdesperatestrokediscernedIthen-

  Godpardon——orpardonnot——thelie;

  Shehadsighedthatshewished(lestthechildshouldpineOfslights)’tweremine,SoIsaid:\"ButthefatherI。

  \"Thatyouthoughtityoursisthewayofmen;

  ButIwonhertrothlongereyourday:

  Youlearnthow,indying,shesummonedme?

  ’Twasinfealty。

  ——Sir,I’venothingmoretosay,\"Savethat,ifyou’llhandmemylittlemaid,I’lltakeher,andrearher,andspareyoutoil。

  Thinkitmorethanafriendlyactnonecan;

  I’malonelyman,Whileyou’vealargepottoboil。

  \"Ifnot,andyou’llputittoballorblade-

  To-night,to-morrownight,anywhen-

  I’llmeetyouhere……Butthinkofit,AndinseasonfitLetmehearfromyouagain。\"-

  Well,Iwentaway,hoping;butnoughtIheardOfmystrokeforthechild,tilltheregreetedmeAlittlevoicethatonedaycameTomywindow-frameAndbabbledinnocently:

  \"Myfatherwho’snotmyown,sendswordI’mtostayhere,sir,whereIbelong!\"

  Nextawritingcame:\"SincethechildwasthefruitOfyourlawlesssuit,Praytakeher,torightawrong。\"

  AndIdid。AndIgavethechildmylove,Andthechildlovedme,andestrangedusnone。

  Butcompunctionsloomed;forI’dharmedthedeadBywhatI’dsaidForthegoodofthelivingone-

  Yetthough,Godwot,Iamsinnerenough,Andunworthythewomanwhodrewmeso,Perhapsthiswrongforherdarling’sgoodSheforgives,orwould,Ifonlyshecouldknow!

  THEDANCEATTHEPHOENIX

  ToJennycameagentleyouthFrominlandleazeslone,Hislovewasfreshasapple-bloothByParrett,Yeo,orTone。

  AnddulyheentreatedherTobehistenderminister,Andcallhimayeherown。

  FairJenny’slifehadhardlybeenAlifeofmodesty;

  AtCasterbridgeexperiencekeenOfmanyloveshadsheFromscarcelysixteenyearsabove;

  AmongthemsundrytroopersofTheKing’s-OwnCavalry。

  Buteachwithcharger,sword,andgun,HadbluffedtheBiscaywave;

  AndJennyprizedhergentleoneForallthelovehegave。

  Shevowedtobe,iftheywerewed,HishonestwifeinheartandheadFrombride-alehourtograve。

  Weddedtheywere。Herhusband’strustInJennyknewnobound,AndJennykeptherpureandjust,TillevenmalicefoundNosinorsignofilltobeInonewhowalkedsodecentlyTheduteoushelpmate’sround。

  Twosonswereborn,andbloomedtomen,Androamed,andwereasnot:

  AlonewasJennyleftagainAserehermindhadsoughtAsolaceindomesticjoys,AnderethevanishedpairofboysWeresenttosunhercot。

  Shenumberednearonsixtyyears,Andpassedaselderly,When,inthestreet,withflushoffears,Onedaydiscoveredshe,Fromshineofswordsandthumpofdrum。

  Herearlylovesfromwarhadcome,TheKing’s-OwnCavalry。

  Sheturnedaside,andbowedherheadAnighSaintPeter’sdoor;

  \"Alasforchastenedthoughts!\"shesaid;

  \"I’mfadednow,andhoar,Andyetthosenotes——theythrillmethrough,AndthosegayformsmovemeanewAsintheyearsofyore!\"……

  ’TwasChristmas,andthePhoenixInnWaslitwithtaperstall,ForthirtyofthetroopermenHadvowedtogiveaballAs\"Theirs\"haddone(’twashandeddown)

  WhenlyingintheselfsametownEreBuonaparte’sfall。

  Thatnightthethrobbing\"Soldier’sJoy,\"

  ThemeasuredtreadandswayOf\"Fancy-Lad\"and\"MaidenCoy,\"

  ReachedJennyasshelayBesideherspouse;tillspringtidebloodSeemedscouringthroughherlikeafloodThatwhiskedtheyearsaway。

  Sherose,andrayed,anddeckedherheadWherethebleachedhairsranthin;

  UponhercaptwobowsofredShefixedwithhastypin;

  Unhearddescendingtothestreet,Shetrodtheflagswithtune-ledfeet,AndstoodbeforetheInn。

  Saveforthedancers’,notasoundDisturbedtheicyair;

  NowatchmanonhismidnightroundOrtravellerwasthere;

  ButoverAll-Saints’,highandbright,PulsedtothemusicSiriuswhite,TheWainbyBullstakeSquare。

  Sheknocked,butfoundherfurtherstrideCheckedbyasergeanttall:

  \"GayGranny,whencecomeyou?\"hecried;

  \"Thisisaprivateball。\"-

  \"Noonehasmorerightherethanme!

  Ereyouwereborn,man,\"answeredshe,\"Iknewtheregimentall!\"

  \"Takenotthelady’svisitill!\"

  Upspokethestewardfree;

  \"Welacksufficientpartnersstill,So,pritheeletherbe!\"

  Theyseizedandwhirledher’midthemaze,AndJennyfeltasinthedaysOfherimmodesty。

  Hourchasedeachhour,andnightadvanced;

  Shespedasshodwithwings;

  Eachtimeandeverytimeshedanced-

  Reels,jigs,poussettes,andflings:

  Theycheeredherasshesoaredandswooped,(She’dlearntereartindancingdroopedFromhopstoslothfulswings)。

  ThefavouriteQuick-step\"SpeedthePlough\"-

  (Crosshands,castoff,andwheel)——

  \"TheTriumph,\"\"Sylph,\"\"TheRow-dow-dow,\"

  Famed\"MajorMalley’sReel,\"

  \"TheDukeofYork’s,\"\"TheFairyDance,\"

  \"TheBridgeofLodi\"(broughtfromFrance),Shebeatout,toeandheel。

  The\"FallofParis\"clangeditsclose,AndPeter’schimetoldfour,WhenJenny,bosom-beating,roseToseekhersilentdoor。

  Theytiptoedinescortingher,LeststrokeofheelorclinkofspurShouldbreakhergoodman’ssnore。

  ThefirethatlatehadburntfellslackWhenloneatlaststoodshe;

  Hernine-and-fiftyyearscameback;

  ShesankuponherkneeBesidethedurn,andlikeadartAsomethingarrowedthroughherheartInshootsofagony。

  Theirfootstepsdiedassheleantthere,LitbythemorningstarHangingabovethemoorland,whereTheagedelm-rowsare;

  And,aso’ernight,fromPummeryRidgeToMaemburyRingandStandfastBridgeNolifestirred,nearorfar。

  Thoughinnermischiefworkedamain,Shereachedherhusband’sside;

  Where,toil-weary,ashehadlainBeneaththepatchworkpiedWhenyestereveshe’dforthwardcrept,Andasunwitting,stillhesleptWhodidinherconfide。

  AtearsprangassheturnedandviewedHisfeaturesfreefromguile;

  Shekissedhimlong,aswhen,justwooed,Shechosehisdomicile。

  ShefeltshecouldhavegivenherlifeTobethesingle-heartedwifeThatshehadbeenerstwhile。

  Timeworetosix。HerhusbandroseAndstruckthesteelandstone;

  HeglancedatJenny,whosereposeSeemeddeeperthanhisown。

  Withdumbdismay,onclosersight,Hegatheredsensethatinthenight,Ormorn,hersoulhadflown。

  WhentoldthatsometoomightystrainForonesomany-yearedHadburstherbosom’smaster-vein,Hisdoubtsremainedunstirred。

  HisJennyhadnotlefthissideBetwixttheeveandmorning-tide:

  ——TheKing’ssaidnotaword。

  Well!timesarenotastimeswerethen,Norfaironeshalfsofree;

  Andtrulytheyweremartialmen,TheKing’s-OwnCavalry。

  AndwhentheywentfromCasterbridgeAndvanishedoverMellstockRidge,’Twassaddestmorntosee。

  THECASTERBRIDGECAPTAINS

  (KHYBERPASS,1842)

  ATRADITIONOFJ。B。L-,T。G。B-,ANDJ。L。

  ThreecaptainswenttoIndianwars,Andonlyonereturned:

  Theirmateofyore,hesinglyworeThelaurelsallhadearned。

  AthomehesoughttheancientaisleWherein,untrumpedoffame,Thethreehadsatinpupilage,Andeachhadcarvedhisname。

  Thenames,rough-hewn,ofequalsize,Stoodonthepanelstill;

  Unequalsince。——\"’Twastheirstoaim,Minewasittofulfil!\"-

  \"Whosaveshislifeshallloseit,friends!\"

  Outspakethepreacherthen,Unweetinghehislistener,whoLookedatthenamesagain。

  Thathehadcomeandthey’dbeenstayed,’Twasbutthechanceofwar:

  Anotherchance,andthey’dsathere,Andhehadlainafar。

  YetsawhesomethinginthelivesOfthosewho’dceasedtoliveThatspheredthemwithamajestyWhichlivingfailedtogive。

  TranscendenttriumphinreturnNolongerlithisbrain;

  TranscendencerayedthedistanturnWheresleptthefallentwain。

  ASIGN-SEEKER

  Imarkthemonthsinliveriesdankanddry,Thenoontidesmany-shapedandhued;

  Iseethenightfallshadessubtrude,Andhearthemonotonoushoursclangnegligentlyby。

  IviewtheeveningbonfiresofthesunOnhillswheremorningrainshavehissed;

  TheeyelesscountenanceofthemistPallidlyrisingwhenthesummerdroughtsaredone。

  Ihaveseenthelightning-blade,theleapingstar,Thecauldronsoftheseainstorm,Havefelttheearthquake’sliftingarm,Andtroddenwhereabysmalfiresandsnow-conesare。

  Ilearntoprophesythehideclipse,Thecomingofeccentricorbs;

  Tometethedusttheskyabsorbs,Toweighthesun,andfixthehoureachplanetdips。

  Iwitnessfellowearth-mensurgeandstrive;

  Assembliesmeet,andthrob,andpart;

  Death’ssoothingfinger,sorrow’ssmart;-

  Allthevastvariousmoilsthatmeanaworldalive。

  ButthatIfainwouldwotofshunsmysense-

  Thosesightsofwhicholdprophetstell,Thosesignsthegeneralwordsowell,Vouchsafedtotheirunheed,deniedmylongsuspense。

  Ingraveyardgreen,behindhismonumentToglimpseaphantomparent,friend,Wearinghissmile,and\"Nottheend!\"

  Outbreathingsoftly:thatwereblestenlightenment;

  Or,ifadeadLove’slips,whomdreamsrevealWhenmidnightimpsofKingDecayDelveslytosolvemebacktoclay,Shouldleavesomeprinttoproveherspirit-kissesreal;

  Or,whenEarth’sFrailliebleedingofherStrong,IfsomeRecorder,asinWrit,NeartothewearysceneshouldflitAnddroponeplumeaspledgethatHeaveninscrollsthewrong-

  Therearewho,rapttoheightsoftrancedtrust,Thesetokensclaimtofeelandsee,Readradianthintsoftimestobe-

  Ofhearttoheartreturningafterdusttodust。

  Suchscopeisgrantednottoliveslikemine……

  Ihavelainindeadmen’sbeds,havewalkedThetombsofthosewithwhomI’dtalked,Calledmanyagoneandgoodlyonetoshapeasign,Andpantedforresponse。Butnonereplies;

  Nowarningsloom,norwhisperingsToopenoutmylimitings,AndNesciencemutelymuses:Whenamanfallshelies。

  MYCICELY

  (17-)

  \"Alive?\"——AndIleaptinmywonder,Wasfaintofmyjoyance,AndgrassesandgroveshoneingarmentsOfglorytome。

  \"Shelives,inaplenteouswell-being,To-dayasaforehand;

  Thedeadborethename——thougharareone-

  Thenamethatboreshe。\"

  Shelived……I,afarinthecityOffrenzy-ledfactions,HadsquanderedgreenyearsandmaturerInbowingthekneeToBaalsillusiveandspecious,TillchancehadtherevoicedmeThatoneIlovedvainlyinnonageHadceasedhertobe。

  Thepassiontheplanetshadscowledon,Andchangehadletdwindle,Herdeath-rumoursmartlyreliftedTofullapogee。

  ImountedasteedinthedawningWithachefulremembrance,AndmadefortheancientWestHighwayTofarExonb’ry。

  Passingheaths,andtheHouseofLongSieging,InearedthethinsteepleThattopsthefairfaneofPoore’soldenEpiscopalsee;

  And,changinganewmyonbearer,ItraversedthedownlandWhereonthebleakhill-gravesofChieftainsBulgebarrenoftree;

  AndstillsadlyonwardIfollowedThatHighwaytheIcen,WhichtrailsitspaleribanddownWessexO’erlynchetandlea。

  AlongthroughtheStour-borderedForum,WhereLegionshadwayfared,AndwheretheslowriverupglassesItsgreencanopy,AndbyWeatherburyCastle,andthencefromThroughCasterbridgeheldI

  Stillon,toentombhermyvisionSawstretchedpallidly。

  Nohighwayman’strotblewthenight-windTomesolife-weary,ButonlythecreakofthegibbetsOrwaggoners’jee。

  Triple-rampartedMaidongloomedgraylyAbovemefromsouthward,Andnorththehill-fortressofEggar,AndsquarePummerie。

  TheNine-PillaredCromlech,theBride-streams,TheAxe,andtheOtterIpassed,tothegateofthecityWhereExescentsthesea;

  Till,spent,inthegraveacrepausing,Ilearnt’twasnotmyLoveTowhomMotherChurchhadjustmurmuredAlastlullaby-

  \"Then,wheredwellstheCanon’skinswoman,Myfriendofaforetime?\"——

  (’Twashardtorepressmyheart-heavingsAndnewecstasy。)

  \"Shewedded。\"——\"Ah!\"——\"Weddedbeneathher-

  Shekeepsthestage-hostelTenmileshence,besidethegreatHighway-

  ThefamedLions-Three。

  \"Herspousewasherlackey——nooption’Twixtwedlockandworsethings;

  Alapseover-sadforaladyOfherpedigree!\"

  Ishuddered,saidnothing,andwanderedToshadesofgreenlaurel:

  TooghastlyhadgrownthosefirsttidingsSobrightsomeofblee!

  For,onmyridehither,I’dhaltedAwhileattheLions,Andher——herwhosenamehadonceopenedMyheartasakey——

  I’dlookedon,unknowing,andwitnessedHerjestswiththetapsters,Herliquor-firedface,herthickaccentsInnamingherfee。

  \"OGod,whythisseemingderision!\"

  Icriedinmyanguish:

  \"OonceLoved,OfairUnforgotten-

  ThatThing——meantitthee!

  \"Inurnedandatpeace,lostbutsainted,WeregriefIcouldcompass;

  Depraved——’tisforChrist’spoordependentAcrueldecree!\"

  IbackedontheHighway;butpassednotThehostel。WithinthereToomockingtoLove’sre-expressionWasTime’srepartee!

  UptrackingwhereLegionshadwayfared,Bycromlechsunstoried,Andlynchets,andsepulturedChieftains,Inself-colloquy,AfeelingstirredinmeandstrengthenedThatSHEwasnotmyLove,Butsheofthegarth,wholayraptinHerlongreverie。

  Andthencetillto-dayIpersuademeThatthiswasthetrueone;

  ThatDeathstoleintactheryoungdearnessAndinnocency。

  Frail-witted,illudedtheycallme;

  Imaybe。’TisbetterTodreamthantoownthedebasementOfsweetCicely。

  MoreoverIrateitunseemlyToholdthatkindHeavenCouldworksuchdevice——toherruinAndmymisery。

  So,lestIdisturbmychoicevision,IshuntheWestHighway,Evennow,whentheknapsringwithrhythmsFromblackbirdandbee;

  Andfeelthatwithslumberhalf-consciousSherestsinthechurch-hay,Herspiritunsoiledasinyouth-timeWhenloverswerewe。

  HERIMMORTALITY

  UponanoonIpilgrimedthroughApasture,milebymile,UntotheplacewhereIlastsawMydeadLove’slivingsmile。

  AndsorrowingIlaymedownUpontheheatedsod:

  ItseemedasifmybodypressedTheverygroundshetrod。

  Ilay,andthought;andinatranceShecameandstoodmeby——

  Thesame,eventothemarvellousrayThatusedtolighthereye。

  \"Youdrawme,andIcometoyou,Myfaithfulone,\"shesaid,InvoicethathadthemovingtoneItboreerebreathhadfled。

  Shesaid:\"’TissevenyearssinceIdied:

  Fewnowrememberme;

  Myhusbandclaspsanotherbride;

  Mychildren’slovehasshe。

  \"Mybrethren,sisters,andmyfriendsCarenottomeetmysprite:

  WhoprizedmemostIdidnotknowTillIpasseddownfromsight。\"

  Isaid:\"Mydaysarelonelyhere;

  Ineedthysmilealway:

  I’llusethisnightmyballorblade,Andjointheeeretheday。\"

  Atremorstirredhertenderlips,Whichpartedtodissuade:

  \"Thatcannotbe,Ofriend,\"shecried;

  \"Think,IambutaShade!

  \"AShadebutinitsmindfulonesHasimmortality;

  Byliving,meyoukeepalive,Bydyingyouslayme。

  \"InyouresidesmysinglepowerOfsweetcontinuancehere;

  OnyourfidelityIcountThroughmanyacomingyear。\"-

  Istartedthroughmeatherplight,Sosuddenlyconfessed:

  Dismissinglatedistasteforlife,Icraveditsbleakunrest。

  \"Iwillnotdie,myOneofall!-

  TolengthenoutthydaysI’llguardmefromminutestharmsThatmayinvestmyways!\"

  Shesmiledandwent。SincethenshecomesOftwhenherbirth-moonclimbs,Orattheseasons’ingressesOranniversarytimes;

  Butgrowsmygrief。WhenIsurcease,Throughwhomalonelivesshe,CeasesmyLove,herwords,herways,Neveragaintobe!

  THEIVY-WIFE

  Ilongedtoloveafull-boughedbeechAndbeashighashe:

  Istretchedanarmwithinhisreach,Andsignalledunity。

  Butwithhisdripheforcedabreach,Andtriedtopoisonme。

  IgavethegraspofpartnershipTooneofotherrace——

  Aplane:hebarkedhimstripbystripFromupperboughtobase;

  Andmetherewith;forgonemygrip,Myarmscouldnotenlace。

  InnewaffectionnextIstroveTocollanashIsaw,Andheintrustreceivedmylove;

  TillwithmysoftgreenclawIcrampedandboundhimasIwove……

  Suchwasmylove:ha-ha!

  BythisIgainedhisstrengthandheightWithouthisrivalry。

  ButinmytriumphIlostsightOfafterhaps。Soonhe,Beingbark-bound,flagged,snapped,felloutright,Andinhisfallfelledme!

  AMEETINGWITHDESPAIR

  AseveningshapedIfoundmeonamoorWhichsightcouldscarcesustain:

  Theblackleanland,offeaturelesscontour,Waslikeatractinpain。

  \"Thisscene,likemyownlife,\"Isaid,\"isoneWheremanygloomsabide;

  Tonedbyitsfortunetoadeadlydun-

  Lightlessoneveryside。

  Iglancedaloftandhalted,pleasure-caughtToseethecontrastthere:

  Theray-litcloudsgleamedglory;andIthought,\"There’ssolaceeverywhere!\"

  Thenbitterself-reproachesasIstoodIdealtmesilentlyAsoneperverse——misrepresentingGoodIngracelessmutiny。

  Againstthehorizon’sdim-discernedwheelAformrose,strangeofmould:

  Thathewashideous,hopeless,IcouldfeelRatherthancouldbehold。

  \"’Tisadeadspot,whereeventhelightliesspentTodarkness!\"croakedtheThing。

  \"Notifyoulookaloft!\"saidI,intentOnmynewreasoning。

  \"Yea——butawaitawhile!\"hecried。\"Ho-ho!-

  Looknowaloftandsee!\"

  Ilooked。There,too,satnight:Heaven’sradiantshowHadgone。Thenchuckledhe。

  UNKNOWING

  When,soulinsoulreflected,Webreathedanaetheredair,WhenweneglectedAllthingselsewhere,AndleftthefriendlyfriendlessTokeepourloveaglow,Wedeemeditendless……

  ——Wedidnotknow!

  When,bymadpassiongoaded,Weplannedtohieaway,But,unforeboded,Thestorm-shaftsgraySoheavilydown-patteredThatnonecouldforthwardgo,Ourlivesseemedshattered……

  ——Wedidnotknow!

  WhenIfoundyou,helplesslying,Andyouwaivedmydeepmisprise,Andsworeme,dying,Inphantom-guiseTowingtomewhengrieving,Andtouchawaymywoe,Wekissed,believing……

  ——Wedidnotknow!

  Butthough,yourpowersoutreckoning,Youholdyoudeadanddumb,Orscornmybeckoning,Andwillnotcome;

  AndIsay,\"’TweremoodungainlyTostorehermemoryso:\"

  Isayitvainly-

  Ifeelandknow!

  FRIENDSBEYOND

  WilliamDewy,TranterReuben,FarmerLedlowlateatplough,Robert’skin,andJohn’s,andNed’s,AndtheSquire,andLadySusan,lieinMellstockchurchyardnow!

  \"Gone,\"Icallthem,goneforgood,thatgroupoflocalheartsandheads;

  Yetatmothycurfew-tide,Andatmidnightwhenthenoon-heatbreathesitbackfromwallsandleads,They’veawayofwhisperingtome——fellow-wightwhoyetabide-

  Inthemuted,measurednoteOfarippleunderarchways,oralonecave’sstillicide:

  \"Wehavetriumphed:thisachievementturnsthebanetoantidote,Unsuccessestosuccess,-Manythought-wornevesandmorrowstoamorrowfreeofthought。

  \"Nomoreneedwecornandclothing,feelofoldterrestrialstress;

  Chilldetractionstirsnosigh;

  Fearofdeathhasevenbygoneus:deathgaveallthatwepossess。\"

  W。D。——\"Yemidburnthewoldbass-violthatIsetsuchvallieby。\"

  Squire。——\"Youmayholdthemanseinfee,Youmaywedmyspouse,mychildren’smemoryofmemaydecry。\"

  Lady。——\"Youmayhavemyrichbrocades,mylaces;takeeachhouseholdkey;

  Ransackcoffer,desk,bureau;

  Quizthefewpoortreasureshidthere,contheletterskeptbyme。\"

  Far。——\"Yemidzellmyfavouriteheifer,yemidletthecharlockgrow,Foulthegrinterns,giveupthrift。\"

  Wife。——\"Ifyebreakmybestbluechina,children,Ishan’tcareorho。\"

  All。——\"We’venowishtohearthetidings,howthepeople’sfortunesshift;

  Whatyourdailydoingsare;

  Whoarewedded,born,divided;ifyourlivesbeatsloworswift。

  \"Curiousnottheleastareweifourintentsyoumakeormar,Ifyouquiretoouroldtune,IftheCitystagestillpasses,iftheweirsstillroarafar。\"-

  Thus,withverygods’composure,freedthosecrosseslateandsoonWhich,inlife,theTrineallow(Why,nonewitteth),andignoringallthathapsbeneaththemoon,WilliamDewy,TranterReuben,FarmerLedlowlateatplough,Robert’skin,andJohn’s,andNed’s,AndtheSquire,andLadySusan,murmurmildlytomenow。

  TOOUTERNATURE

  ShowtheeasIthoughttheeWhenIearlysoughtthee,Omen-scouting,AllundoubtingLovealonehadwroughtthee-

  Wroughttheeformypleasure,PlannedtheeasameasureForexpoundingAndresoundingGladthingsthatmentreasure。

  OforbutamomentOfthatoldendowment-

  LighttogailySeethydailyIrisedembowment!

  Butsuchre-adorningTimeforbidswithscorning-

  MakesmeseethingsCeasetobethingsTheywereinmymorning。

  Fad’stthou,glow-forsaken,Darkness-overtaken!

  Thyfirstsweetness,Radiance,meetness,Noneshallre-awaken。

  WhynotsempiternalThouandI?OurvernalBrightnesskeeping,Timeoutleaping;

  Passedthehodiernal!

  THOUGHTSOFPHENA

  ATNEWSOFHERDEATH

  NotalineofherwritinghaveI,Notathreadofherhair,Nomarkofherlatetimeasdameinherdwelling,wherebyImaypictureherthere;

  AndinvaindoIurgemyunsightToconceivemylostprizeAtherclose,whomIknewwhenherdreamswereupbrimmingwithlight,Andwithlaughterhereyes。

  Whatscenesspreadaroundherlastdays,Sad,shining,ordim?

  DidhergiftsandcompassionsenrayandenarchhersweetwaysWithanaureatenimb?

  Ordidlife-lightdeclinefromheryears,AndmischancescontrolHerfullday-star;unease,orregret,orforebodings,orfearsDisennoblehersoul?

  ThusIdobutthephantomretainOfthemaidenofyoreAsmyrelic;yethaplythebestofher——finedinmybrainItmaybethemoreThatnolineofherwritinghaveI,Norathreadofherhair,Nomarkofherlatetimeasdameinherdwelling,wherebyImaypictureherthere。

  March1890。

  MIDDLE-AGEENTHUSIASMS

  ToM。H。

  WepassedwhereflagandflowerSignalledajocundthrong;

  Wesaid:\"Goto,thehourIsapt!\"——andjoinedthesong;

  And,kindling,laughedatlifeandcare,Althoughweknewnolaughlaythere。

  WewalkedwhereshybirdsstoodWatchingus,wonder-dumb;

  Theirfriendshipmetourmood;

  Wecried:\"We’lloftencome:

  We’llcomemorn,noon,eve,everywhen!\"-

  Wedoubtedweshouldcomeagain。

  WejoyedtoseestrangesheensLeapfromquaintleavesinshade;

  AsecretlightofgreensThey’dfortheirpleasuremade。

  Wesaid:\"We’llsetsuchsortsasthese!\"-

  Weknewwithnightthewishwouldcease。

  \"Sosweettheplace,\"wesaid,\"Itstacittalessodear,Ourthoughts,whenbreathhassped,Willmeetandminglehere!\"……

  \"Words!\"musedwe。\"Passedthemortaldoor,Ourthoughtswillreachthisnooknomore。\"

  INAWOOD

  See\"THEWOODLANDERS\"

  Palebeechandpine-treeblue,Setinoneclay,BoughtoboughcannotyouBideoutyourday?

  Whentherainsskimandskip,Whymarsweetcomradeship,Blightingwithpoison-dripNeighbourlyspray?

  Heart-haltandspirit-lame,City-opprest,UntothiswoodIcameAstoanest;

  DreamingthatsylvanpeaceOfferedtheharrowedease——

  NatureasoftreleaseFrommen’sunrest。

  But,havingenteredin,GreatgrowthsandsmallShowthemtomenakin-

  Combatantsall!

  Sycamoreshouldersoak,Binestheslimsaplingyoke,Ivy-spunhalterschokeElmsstoutandtall。

  Touchesfromash,Owych,Stingyoulikescorn!

  You,too,bravehollies,twitchSidelongfromthorn。

  EventherankpoplarsbearIllyarival’sair,CankeringinblackdespairIfoverborne。

  Since,then,nograceIfindTaughtmeoftrees,TurnIbacktomykind,Worthyasthese。

  Thereatleastsmilesabound,Therediscoursetrillsaround,There,nowandthen,arefoundLife-loyalties。

  1887:1896。

  TOALADY

  OFFENDEDBYABOOKOFTHEWRITER’S

  Nowthatmypageupcloses,doomed,maybe,Nevertopressthycosycushionsmore,OrwakethyreadyYeasasheretofore,Orstirthygentlevowsoffaithinme:

  Knowingthynaturalreceptivity,Ifigurethat,asflambeauxbanisheve,Mysombreimage,warpedbyinsidiousheaveOfthoselessforthright,mustloseplaceinthee。

  Sobeit。Ihavebornesuch。LetthydreamsOfmeandminediminishdaybyday,Andyieldtheirspacetoshineofsmuggerthings;

  TillIshapetotheebutinfitfulgleams,Andtheninfarandfeeblevisitings,Andthensurcease。Truthwillbetruthalway。

  TOANORPHANCHILD

  AWHIMSEY

  Ah,child,thouartbuthalfthydarlingmother’s;

  Herscouldstthouwhollybe,Mylightintheewouldoutglowallinothers;

  Shewouldrelivetome。

  ButniggardNature’strickofbirthBars,lestsheoverjoy,RenewalofthelovedonearthSavewithalloy。

  TheDamehasnoregard,alas,mymaiden,Forloveandlosslikemine-

  Nosympathywithmind-sightmemory-laden;

  Onlywithfickleeyne。

  TohermechanicartistryMydreamsareallunknown,AndwhyIwishthatthoucouldstbeButOne’salone!

  NATURE’SQUESTIONING

  WhenIlookforthatdawning,pool,Field,flock,andlonelytree,AllseemtogazeatmeLikechastenedchildrensittingsilentinaschool;

  Theirfacesdulled,constrained,andworn,Asthoughthemaster’swaysThroughthelongteachingdaysTheirfirstterrestrialzesthadchilledandoverborne。

  Andonthemstirs,inlippingsmere(Asifonceclearincall,Butnowscarcebreathedatall)-

  \"Wewonder,everwonder,whywefindushere!

  \"HassomeVastImbecility,Mightytobuildandblend,Butimpotenttotend,Framedusinjest,andleftusnowtohazardry?

  \"OrcomeweofanAutomatonUnconsciousofourpains?……

  OrareweliveremainsOfGodheaddyingdownwards,brainandeyenowgone?

  \"OrisitthatsomehighPlanbetides,Asyetnotunderstood,OfEvilstormedbyGood,WetheForlornHopeoverwhichAchievementstrides?\"

  Thusthingsaround。NoanswererI……

  Meanwhilethewinds,andrains,AndEarth’soldgloomsandpainsArestillthesame,andgladdestLifeDeathneighboursnigh。

  THEIMPERCIPIENT

  (ATACATHEDRALSERVICE)

  ThatfromthisbrightbelievingbandAnoutcastIshouldbe,ThatfaithsbywhichmycomradesstandSeemfantasiestome,Andmirage-miststheirShiningLand,Isadreardestiny。

  WhythusmysoulshouldbeconsignedToinfelicity,WhyalwaysImustfeelasblindTosightsmybrethrensee,Whyjoysthey’vefoundIcannotfind,Abidesamystery。

  SinceheartofmineknowsnotthateaseWhichtheyknow;sinceitbeThatHewhobreathesAll’sWelltotheseBreathesnoAll’s-Welltome,MylackmightmovetheirsympathiesAndChristiancharity!

  IamlikeagazerwhoshouldmarkAninlandcompanyStandingupfingered,with,\"Hark!hark!

  Thegloriousdistantsea!\"

  Andfeel,\"Alas,’tisbutyondarkAndwind-sweptpinetome!\"

  YetIwouldbearmyshortcomingsWithmeettranquillity,ButforthechargethatblessedthingsI’dlieferhaveunbe。

  O,dothabirddeprivedofwingsGoearth-boundwilfully!

  ***

  Enough。AsyetdisquietclingsAboutus。Restshallwe。

  ATANINN

  WhenweasstrangerssoughtTheircateringcare,VeiledsmilesbespoketheirthoughtOfwhatwewere。

  TheywarmedastheyopinedUsmorethanfriends-

  ThatwehadallresignedForlove’sdearends。

  AndthatswiftsympathyWithlivingloveWhichquickstheworld——maybeThespheresabove,Madethemourministers,Movedthemtosay,\"Ah,God,thatblissliketheirsWouldflushourday!\"

  AndwewereleftaloneAsLove’sownpair;

  Yetneverthelove-lightshoneBetweenusthere!

  ButthatwhichchilledthebreathOfafternoon,AndpalsieduntodeathThepane-fly’stune。

  Thekisstheirzealforetold,Andnowdeemedcome,Camenot:withinhisholdLovelingered-numb。

  WhycastheonourportAbloomnotours?

  WhyshapedusforhissportInafter-hours?

  AsweseemedwewerenotThatdayafar,AndnowweseemnotwhatWeachingare。

  Oseveringseaandland,Olawsofmen,Eredeath,onceletusstandAswestoodthen!

  THESLOWNATURE

  (ANINCIDENTOFFROOMVALLEY)

  \"Thyhusband——poor,poorHeart!——isdead——

  Dead,outbyMorefordRise;

  Abullescapedthebarton-shed,Goredhim,andtherehelies!\"-

  \"Ha,ha——goaway!’Tisatale,methink,ThoujokerKit!\"laughedshe。

  \"I’veknowntheemanyayear,KitTwink,Andeverhastthoufooledme!\"-

  \"But,MistressDamon——IcanswearThygoodmanJohnisdead!

  Andsoonth’ltheartheirfeetwhobearHisbodytohisbed。\"

  Sounwontedlysadwasthemerryman’sface-

  Thatfacewhichhadlongdeceived-

  Thatshegazedandgazed;andthencouldtraceThetruththere;andshebelieved。

  Shelaidahandonthedresser-ledge,AndscannedfarEgdon-side;

  Andstood;andyouheardthewind-sweptsedgeAndtheripplingFroom;tillshecried:

  \"Omychamber’suntidied,unmademybedThoughthedayhasbeguntowear!

  ’Whataslovenlyhussif!’itwillbesaid,Whentheyallgoupmystair!\"

  Shedisappeared;andthejokerstoodDepressedbyhisneighbour’sdoom,AndamazedthatawifestrucktowidowhoodThoughtfirstofherunkemptroom。

  Butafortnightthenceshecouldtakenofood,Andshepinedinaslowdecay;

  WhileKitsoonlosthismournfulmoodAndlaughedinhisancientway。

  1894。

  INAEWELEAZENEARWEATHERBURY

  TheyearshavegatheredgraylySinceIdanceduponthisleazeWithonewhokindledgailyLove’sfitfulecstasies!

  Butdespitethetermasteacher,IremainwhatIwasthenIneachessentialfeatureOfthefantasiesofmen。

  YetInotethelittlechiselOfnever-nappingTime,DefacingghastandgrizzelTheblazonofmyprime。

  Whenatnighthethinksmesleeping,IfeelhimboringslyWithinmybones,andheapingQuaintestpainsforby-and-by。

  Still,I’dgotheworldwithBeauty,Iwouldlaughwithherandsing,IwouldshundivinestdutyToresumeherworshipping。

  Butshe’dscornmybraveendeavour,ShewouldnotbalmthebreezeBymurmuring\"Thineforever!\"

  Asshediduponthisleaze。

  1890。

  THEFIREATTRANTERSWEATLEY’S

  Theyhadlongmeto’Zundays——hertrueloveandshe-

  Andatjunketings,maypoles,andflings;

  Butshebodewi’athirtoveruncle,andheSworebynoonandbynightthathergoodmanshouldbeNaibourSweatley——agafferoftweakatthekneeFromtakingo’sommatmorecheerfulthantea-

  Whotranted,andmovedpeople’sthings。

  Shecried,\"Opraypityme!\"Noughtwouldhehear;

  Thenwithwildrainyeyessheobeyed。

  ShechidwhenherLovewasforclinkingoffwi’her。

  Thepa’sonwastold,astheseasondrewnearTothrowoverpu’pitthenamesofthepeairAsfittingonefleshtobemade。

  Thewedding-daydawnedandthemorningdrewon;

  Thecouplestoodbridegroomandbride;

  Theeveningwaspassed,andwhenmidnighthadgoneThefolkshornedout,\"GodsavetheKing,\"andanonThetwohome-alonggloomilyhied。

  TheloverTimTankensmournedheart-sickanddrearTobethusofhisdarlingdeprived:

  Heroamedinthedarkath’artfield,mound,andmere,And,a’mostwithoutknowingit,foundhimselfnearThehouseofthetranter,andnowofhisDear,Wherethelantern-lightshowed’emarrived。

  Thebridesoughthercham’ersocalmandsopaleThataNorthernhadthoughtherresigned;

  Buttoeyesthathadseenherintide-timesofweal,Likethewhitecloudo’smoke,theredbattle-field’svail,Thatlookspak’ofhavocbehind。

  Thebridegroomyetlaiteredabeakertodrain,Thenreeledtothelinhayformore,Whenthecandle-snoffkindledsomechafffromhisgrain-

  Flamesspread,andredvlankers,wi’mightandwi’main,Androundbeams,thatch,andchimley-tunroar。

  YoungTimawayyond,raftedupbythelight,Throughbrimbleandunderwoodtears,Tillhecomestotheorchet,whencroopingthererightInthelewthofacodlin-tree,biveringwi’fright,Wi’on’yhernight-railtoscreenherfromsight,HislonesomeyoungBarbreeappears。

  Hercwoldlittlefigurehalf-nakedheviewsPlayedaboutbythefrolicsomebreeze,Herlight-trippingtotties,hertenlittletooes,Allbareandbesprinkledwi’Fall’schillydews,Whilehergreatgalliedeyes,throughherhairhangingloose,Sheenedasstarsthroughatardleo’trees。

  Sheeyeden;and,aswhenaweir-hatchisdrawn,Hertears,pennedbyterrorafore,Witharushingofsobsinashowerwerestrawn,Tillherpowertopour’emseemedwastedandgoneFromthehefto’misfortuneshebore。

  \"OTim,myOWNTimImustcall’ee——Iwill!

  Alltheworldha’turnedroundonmeso!

  Canyouhelpherwholoved’ee,thoughactingsoill?

  Canyoupityhermisery——feelforherstill?

  WhenworsethanherbodysoquiveringandchillIsherheartinitswintero’woe!

  \"IthinkImidalmostha’borneit,\"shesaid,\"Hadmygriefsonebyonecometohand;

  ButO,tobeslavetothikhusbirdforbread,Andthen,upontopo’that,driventowed,Andthen,upontopo’that,burntouto’bed,Ismorethanmynatercanstand!\"

  Tim’ssoullikealion’ithinenoutsprung-

  (Timhadagreatsoulwhenhisfeelingswerewrung)——

  \"Feelfor’ee,dearBarbree?\"hecried;

  Andhiswarmworking-jacketaboutherheflung,Madeaback,horsedherup,tillbehindhimsheclungLikeachielonagipsy,herfigureuphungBythesleevesthataroundherhetied。

  Overpiggeries,andmixens,andapples,andhay,Theylumperedstraightintothenight;

  Andfindingbylongwhereahalter-pathlay,AtdawnreachedTim’shouse,on’yseenontheirwayByanaibourortwowhowereupwi’theday;

  Buttheygatherednocluetothesight。

  ThentenderTimTankenshesearchedhereandthereForsomegarmenttoclotheherfairskin;

  Butthoughhehadbreechesandwaistcoatstospare,HehadnothingquiteseemlyforBarbreetowear,Who,halfshrammedtodeath,stoodandcriedonachairAtthecaddleshefoundherselfin。

  Therewasonethingtodo,andthatonethinghedid,Helenthersomecloutsofhisown,Andshetook’emperforce;andwhilein’emsheslid,Timturnedtothewinder,asmodestybid,Thinking,\"OthatthepictermydutykeepshidTothesighto’myeyesmidbeshown!\"

  Inthetallethestowedher;therehuddiedshelay,Shorteningsleeves,legs,andtailstoherlimbs;

  Butmosto’thetimeinamortalbadway,Wellknowingthatthere’dbethediveltopayIf’twerefoundthat,insteado’theelements’prey,ShewaslivinginlodgingsatTim’s。

  \"Where’sthetranter?\"saidmenandboys;\"wherecanerbe?\"

  \"Where’sthetranter?\"saidBarbreealone。

  \"Whereone’thisthetranter?\"saideverybod-y:

  Theysiftedthedustofhisperishedroof-tree,Andalltheycouldfindwasabone。

  Thentheunclecried,\"Lord,prayhavemercyonme!\"

  Andinterrorbegantorepent。

  Butbefore’twascomplete,andtillsureshewasfree,Barbreedrewupherloft-ladder,tightturnedherkey-

  Timbringingupbreakfastanddinnerandtea-

  Tillthenewsofherhidinggotvent。

  Thenfollowedthecustom-keptrout,shout,andflareOfaskimmington-ridethroughthenaibourhood,ereFolkhadproofo’woldSweatley’sdecay。

  Whereupondecentpeopleallstoodinastare,SayingTimandhislodgershouldriskit,andpair:

  Sohetookhertochurch。An’somelaughingladsthereCriedtoTim,\"AfterSweatley!\"Shesaid,\"IdeclareIstandasamaidento-day!\"

  Written1866;printed1875。

  HEIRESSANDARCHITECT

  FORA。W。B。

  ShesoughttheStudios,beckoningtohersideAnarch-designer,forsheplannedtobuild。

  Hewasofwisecontrivance,deeplyskilledIneveryintervolveofhighandwide-

  Wellfittobeherguide。

  \"Whateveritbe,\"

  Respondedhe,Withcold,clearvoice,andcold,clearview,\"IntrueaccordwithprudentfashioningsForsuchvicissitudesaslivingbrings,Andthwartingnotthelawofstablethings,ThatwillIdo。\"

  \"Shapeme,\"shesaid,\"highhallswithtraceryAndopenogive-work,thatscentandhueOfbuds,andtravellingbees,maycomeinthrough,Thenoteofbirds,andsingingsofthesea,Forthesearemuchtome。\"

  \"Anidlewhim!\"

  BrokeforthfromhimWhomnoughtcouldwarmtogallantries:

  \"Cedeallthesebudsandbirds,thezephyr’scall,Andscents,andhues,andthingsthatfalterall,Andchooseasbestthecloseandsurlywall,Forwintersfreeze。\"

  \"Thenframe,\"shecried,\"widefrontsofcrystalglass,ThatImayshowmylaughterandmylight-

  Lightlikethesun’sbyday,thestars’bynight-

  Tillrivalheart-queens,envying,wail,’Alas,Herglory!’astheypass。\"

  \"Omaidmisled!\"

  Hesternlysaid,Whosefacileforesightpiercedherdire;

  \"Whereshallabidethesoulwhen,sickofglee,Itshrinks,andhides,andpraysnoeyemaysee?

  Thosehousethembestwhohouseforsecrecy,Foryouwilltire。\"

  \"Alittlechamber,then,withswananddoveRangedthickly,andengrailedwithraredeviceOfredsandpurples,foraParadiseWhereinmyLovemaygreetme,ImyLove,Whenheshallknowthereof?\"

  \"This,too,isill,\"

  Heansweredstill,Themanwhoswayedherlikeashade。

  \"AnhourwillcomewhensightofsuchsweetnookWouldbringabitternesstoosharptobrook,Whenbrightereyeshavewonawayhislook;

  Foryouwillfade。\"

  Thensaidshefaintly:\"O,contrivesomeway-

  Somenarrowwindingturret,quitemineown,ToreachaloftwhereImaygrievealone!

  Itisaslightthing;hencedonot,Ipray,Thislastdearfancyslay!\"

  \"SuchwindingwaysFitnotyourdays,\"

  Saidhe,themanofmeasuringeye;

  \"Imustevenfashionasmyruledeclares,Towit:Givespace(sincelifeendsunawares)

  Tohaleacoffinedcorpseadownthestairs;

  Foryouwilldie。\"

  1867。

  THETWOMEN

  Thereweretwoyouthsofequalage,Wit,station,strength,andparentage;

  Theystudiedattheselfsameschools,Andshapedtheirthoughtsbycommonrules。

  Oneponderedonthelifeofman,Hishopes,hisending,andbeganToratetheMarket’ssordidwarAssomethingscarceworthlivingfor。

  \"I’llbracetohigheraims,\"saidhe,\"I’llfurtherTruthandPurity;

  TherebytomendthemortallotAndsweetensorrow。ThriveInot,\"Winningtheirhearts,mykindwillgiveEnoughthatImaylowlylive,AndhousemyLoveinsomedimdell,Forpleasingthemandtheirssowell。\"

  Idlyattired,withfeatureswan,Insecretswifthelabouredon:

  SuchpressofpowerhadbroughtmuchgoldAppliedtothingsofmeanermould。

  SometimeshewishedhisaimshadbeenTogathergainslikeothermen;

  ThenthankedhisGodhe’dtracedhistrackToofarforwishtodraghimback。

  HelookedfromhisloftonedayTowherehisslightedgardenlay;

  Nettlesandhemlockhideachlawn,Andeveryflowerwasstarvedandgone。

  Hefaintedinhisheart,whereonHerose,andsoughthisplightedone,Resolvedtolooseherbondwithal,Lestsheshouldperishinhisfall。

  Hemetherwithacarelessair,Asthoughhe’dceasedtofindherfair,Andsaid:\"Trueloveisdusttome;

  Icannotkiss:Itireofthee!\"

  (Thatshemightscornhimwashefain,Toputhersooneroutofpain;

  Forincensedlovebreathesquickanddies,Whenfamishedlovea-lingeringlies。)

  Oncedone,hissoulwassobetossed,Itfoundnomoretheforceitlost:

  Hopewashisonlydrinkandfood,Andhopeextinct,decayensued。

  And,livinglongsocloselypenned,Hehadnotkeptasinglefriend;

  Hedwindledthinasphantomsbe,Anddroopedtodeathinpoverty……

  MeantimehisschoolmatehadgoneoutTojointhefortune-findingrout;

  Helikedthewinningsofthemart,Butweariedoftheworkingpart。

  Heturnedtoseekaprivylair,Neglectingnoteofgarbandhair,AnddaybydayreclinedandthoughtHowhemightlivebydoingnought。

  \"Iplanavaluedscheme,\"hesaidTosome。\"Butlendmeofyourbread,Andwhenthevastresultloomsnigh,InprofityoushallstandasI。\"

  YettheytookcounseltorestrainTheirkindnesstilltheysawthegain;

  And,sincehissubstancenowhadrun,Herosetodowhatmightbedone。

  HewentuntohisLovebynight,Andsaid:\"MyLove,Ifaintinfight:

  Deservingasthoudostacrown,Mycaresshallneverdragtheedown。\"

  (HehaddescriedamaidwhoselineWouldhandheronmuchcornandwine,AndheldherfarinworthaboveOnewhocouldonlyprayandlove。)

  ButthisFairreadhim;whencehefailedTodothedeedsoblithelyhailed;

  Hesawhisprojectswhollymarred,Andgloomandwantoppressedhimhard;

  Till,livingtosomeananend,Wherebyhe’dlosthiseveryfriend,Heperishedinapaupersty,Hismatethedyingpaupernigh。

  Andmoralists,reflecting,said,As\"dusttodust\"inburialreadWasechoedfromeachcoffin-lid,\"Thesemenwerelikeinalltheydid。\"

  1866。

  LINES

  SpokenbyMissADAREHANattheLyceumTheatre,July23,1890,ataperformanceonbehalfofLadyJeune’sHolidayFundforCityChildren。

  Beforeweparttoalienthoughtsandaims,Permittheonebriefwordtheoccasionclaims:-

  Whenmummingandgraveprojectsareallied,PerhapsanEpilogueisjustified。

  Ourunder-purposehas,intruth,to-dayCommandedmostourmusings;leasttheplay:

  Apurposefutilebutforyourgood-willSwiftlyresponsivetothecryofill:

  Apurposealltoolimited!——toaidFrailhumanflowerets,sickliedbytheshade,Inwinningsomeshortspellofuplandbreeze,Orstrengtheningsunlightonthelevelleas。

  Whohasnotmarked,wherethefullcheekshouldbe,Incipientlinesoflankflaccidity,Lymphaticpallorwherethepinkshouldglow,Andwherethethroboftransport,pulseslow?-

  MosttragicalofshapesfromPoletoLine,Owonderingchild,unwittingTime’sdesign,WhyshouldArtaddtoNature’squandary,Andworsenillbythusimmuringthee?-

  Thatracesdodespiteuntotheirown,ThatMightsupernaldoindeedcondoneWrongsindividualforthegeneralease,Instancetheproofinvictimssuchasthese。

  Launchedintothoroughfarestoothrongedbefore,Motheredbythosewhoseprotestis\"Nomore!\"

  Vitalizedwithoutoption:whoshallsayThatdidLifehangonchoosing——YeaorNay-

  Theyhadnotscorneditwithsuchpenalty,AndnothingnessimploredofDestiny?

  AndyetbehindthehorizonsmilesereneThedown,thecornland,andthestretchinggreen-

  Space——thechild’sheaven:sceneswhichatleastensureSomepalliativeforilltheycannotcure。

  Dearfriends——nowmovedbythispoorshowofoursTomakeyourownlongjoyinbudsandbowersForonebriefwhilethejoyofinfanteyes,Changingtheirurbanmurktoparadise-

  Youhaveourthanks!——mayyourrewardincludeMorethanourthanks,farmore:theirgratitude。

  \"ILOOKINTOMYGLASS\"

  Ilookintomyglass,Andviewmywastingskin,Andsay,\"WouldGoditcametopassMyhearthadshrunkasthin!\"

  Forthen,I,undistrestByheartsgrowncoldtome,CouldlonelywaitmyendlessrestWithequanimity。

  ButTime,tomakemegrieve;

  Partsteals,letspartabide;

  AndshakesthisfragileframeateveWiththrobbingsofnoontide。

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