第2章
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  See,wherethickvaporwreathesthebattle-line;

  ThereMercyfollowswithheroilandwine;

  OrwherebrownLaborwithitspeacefulcharmStiffensthesinewsoftheNation’sarm。

  WhatnervesitshandstostrikeadeadlierblowAndhurlitslegionsontherebelfoe?

  Lo!foreachtownnewrisingo’erourStateSeethefoe’shamletwasteanddesolate,Whileeachnewfactoryliftsitschimneytall,LikeafreshmortartrainedonRichmond’swall。

  Forthis,Obrothers,swingsthefruitfulvine,Spreadourbroadpastureswiththeircountlesskine:

  Forthiso’erheadthearchingvaultspringsclear,Sunlitandcloudlessforonehalftheyear;

  Forthisnosnowflake,e’ersolightlypressed,Chillsthewarmimpulseofourmother’sbreast。

  Quicktoreply,frommeadowsbrownandsere,ShethrillsresponsivetoSpring’searliesttear;

  Breaksintoblossom,flingsherloveliestroseErethewhitecrocusmountsAtlanticsnows;

  AndtheexampleofherliberalcreedTeachesthelessonthatto-dayweheed。

  Thusoursthelotwithpeaceful,generoushandTospreadourbountyo’erthesufferingland;

  AsthedeepcleftinMariposa’swallHurlsavastriversplinteringinitsfall,——

  ThoughtheraptsoulwhostandsinawebelowSeesbutthearchingofthepromisedbow,Lo!thefarstreamletdrinksitsdewsunseen,Andthewholevalleywakesabrightergreen。

  MISSBLANCHESAYS

  Andyouarethepoet,andsoyouwantSomething——whatisit?——atheme,afancy?

  SomethingorothertheMusewon’tgrantToyouroldpoeticalnecromancy;

  Why,onehalfyoupoets——youcan’tdeny——

  Don’tknowtheMusewhenyouchancetomeether,ButsitinyouratticsandmopeandsighForafaineantgoddesstodropfromthesky,WhenfleshandbloodmaybestandingbyQuiteatyourservice,shouldyoubutgreether。

  WhatifItoldyoumyownromance?

  Womenarepoets,ifyousotakethem,Onethirdpoet,——therestwhatchanceOfmanandmarriagemaychoosetomakethem。

  Givemetenminutesbeforeyougo,——

  Hereatthewindowwe’llsittogether,Watchingthecurrentsthatebbandflow;

  WatchingtheworldasitdriftsbelowUpthehotAvenue’sdustyglow:

  Isn’titpleasant,thisbrightJuneweather?

  Well,itwasafterthewarbrokeout,AndIwasaschoolgirlfreshfromParis;

  Papahadcontracts,androamedabout,AndI——didnothing——forIwasanheiress。

  Pickedsomelint,nowIthink;perhapsKnittedsomestockings——adozennearly:

  Havelocksmadeforthesoldiers’caps;

  Stoodatfair-tablesandpeddledtrapsQuiteataprofit。The\"shoulder-straps\"

  ThoughtIwaspretty。Ah,thankyou!really?

  Stillitwasstupid。Rata-tat-tat!

  Thosewerethesoundsofthatbattlesummer,Tilltheearthseemedaparchmentroundandflat,Andeveryfootfallthetapofadrummer;

  AnddaybydaydowntheAvenuewentCavalry,infantry,alltogether,TillmypityingangelonedaysentMyfateintheshapeofaregiment,Thathalted,justasthedaywasspent,HereatourdoorinthebrightJuneweather。

  Noneofyourdandywarriorsthey,——

  MenfromtheWest,butwhereIknownot;

  Haggardandtravel-stained,wornandgray,Withneveraribbonorlaceorbow-knot:

  AndIopenedthewindow,and,leaningthere,Ifeltintheirpresencethefreewindsblowing。

  Myneckandshouldersandarmswerebare,——

  Ididnotdreamtheymightthinkmefair,ButIhadsomeflowersthatnightinmyhair,Andhere,onmybosom,aredroseglowing。

  AndIlookedfromthewindowalongtheline,Dustyanddirtyandgrimandsolemn,Tillaneyelikeabayonetflashmetmine,Andadarkfaceshonefromthedarkeningcolumn,Andaquickflameleapedtomyeyesandhair,Tillcheeksandshouldersburnedalltogether,AndthenextIfoundmyselfstandingthereWithmyeyelidswetandmycheekslessfair,Andtherosefrommybosomtossedhighinair,Likeablood-dropfallingonplumeandfeather。

  ThenIdrewbackquickly:therecameacheer,Arushoffigures,anoiseandtussle,Andthenitwasover,andhighandclearMyredrosebloomedonhisgun’sblackmuzzle。

  Thenfarinthedarknessasharpvoicecried,Andslowlyandsteadily,alltogether,Shouldertoshoulderandsidetoside,Risingandfallingandswayingwide,Butbearingabovethemtherose,mypride,Theymarchedawayinthetwilightweather。

  AndIleanedfrommywindowandwatchedmyroseTossedonthewavesofthesurgingcolumn,Warmedfromaboveinthesunsetglows,Bornefrombelowbyanimpulsesolemn。

  ThenIshutthewindow。IheardnomoreOfmysoldierfriend,normyflowerneither,ButlivedmylifeasIdidbefore。

  Ididnotgoasanursetothewar,——

  Sickfolkstomeareadreadfulbore,——

  SoIdidn’tgotothehospitaleither。

  Yousmile,Opoet,andwhatdoyou?

  Youleanfromyourwindow,andwatchlife’scolumnTramplingandstrugglingthroughdustanddew,Filledwithitspurposesgraveandsolemn;

  Andanact,agesture,aface——whoknows?——

  Touchesyourfancytothrillandhauntyou,AndyoupluckfromyourbosomtheversethatgrowsAnddownitflieslikemyred,redrose,Andyousitanddreamasawayitgoes,Andthinkthatyourdutyisdone,——nowdon’tyou?

  Iknowyouranswer。I’mnotyetthrough。

  Lookatthisphotograph,——\"IntheTrenches\"!

  ThatdeadmaninthecoatofblueHoldsawitheredroseinhishand。ThatclenchesNothing!——exceptthatthesunpaintstrue,Andawomanissometimesprophetic-minded。

  Andthat’smyromance。And,poet,youTakeitandmouldittosuityourview;

  AndwhoknowsbutyoumayfindittooCometoyourheartoncemore,asminedid。

  ANARCTICVISION

  Wheretheshort-leggedEsquimauxWaddleintheiceandsnow,AndtheplayfulPolarbearNipsthehunterunaware;

  Wherebydaytheytracktheermine,Andbynightanothervermin,——

  Segmentofthefrigidzone,WherethetemperaturealoneWarmsonSt。Elias’cone;

  Polardock,whereNatureslipsFromthewayshericyships;

  Landoffoxanddeerandsable,Shoreendofourwesterncable,——

  LetthenewsthatflyinggoesThrillthroughallyourArcticfloes,AndreverberatetheboastFromthecliffsoffBeechey’scoast,Tillthetidings,circlingroundEverybayofNortonSound,Throwthevocaltide-wavebackTotheislesofKodiac。

  LetthestatelyPolarbearsWaltzaroundthepoleinpairs,Andthewalrus,inhisglee,Barehistuskofivory;

  Whiletheboldsea-unicornCalmlytakesanextrahorn;

  AllyePolarskies,revealyourVeryrarestofparhelia;

  Tripit,allyemerrydancers,Intheairiestof\"Lancers;\"

  Slide,yesolemnglaciers,slide,Oneinchfarthertothetide,NorinrashprecipitationUpsetTyndall’scalculation。

  Knowyounotwhatfateawaitsyou,Ortowhomthefuturematesyou?

  Allyeicebergs,makesalaam,——

  YoubelongtoUncleSam!

  OnthespotwhereEugeneSueLedhiswretchedWanderingJew,StandsaformwhosefeaturesstrikeRussandEsquimauxalike。

  HeitiswhomSkaldsofoldIntheirRunicrhymesforetold;

  Leanofflankandlankofjaw,SeetherealNorthernThor!

  SeetheawfulYankeeleeringJustacrosstheStraitsofBehring;

  Onthedriftedsnow,tooplain,Sinkshisfreshtobaccostain,Justbesidethedeepinden-

  TationofhisNumber10。

  LeaningonhisicyhammerStandstheheroofthisdrama,Andabovethewild-duck’sclamor,Inhisownpeculiargrammar,Withitslinguisticdisguises,La!theArcticprologuerises:

  \"Wall,Ireckon’tain’tsobad,Seein’ez’twasalltheyhad。

  True,theSpringsareratherlate,AndearlyFallspredominate;

  Buttheice-crop’sprettysure,Andtheairiskindo’pure;

  ’Tain’tsoverymeanatrade,Whenthelandisallsurveyed。

  There’sarightsmartchanceforfur-chaseAllalongthisrecentpurchase,And,unlessthestoriesfail,Everyfishfromcodtowhale;

  Rocks,too;mebbequartz;let’ssee,——

  ’Twouldbestrangeifthereshouldbe,——

  SeemsI’veheerdsuchstoriestold;

  Eh!——why,blessus,——yes,it’sgold!\"

  WhiletheblowsarefallingthickFromhisCaliforniapick,YoumayrecognizetheThorOfthevisionthatIsaw,——

  Freedfromlegendaryglamour,Seetherealmagician’shammer。

  ST。THOMAS

  (AGEOGRAPHICALSURVEY,1868)

  VeryfairandfullofpromiseLaytheislandofSt。Thomas:

  Oceano’eritsreefsandbarsHiditselementalscars;

  GrovesofcocoanutandguavaGrewaboveitsfieldsoflava。

  SothegemoftheAntilles——

  \"IslesofEden,\"wherenoillis——

  LikeagreatgreenturtleslumberedOntheseathatitencumbered。

  ThensaidWilliamHenrySeward,Ashecasthiseyetoleeward,\"QuiteimportanttoourcommerceIsthisislandofSt。Thomas。\"

  SaidtheMountainranges,\"Thank’ee,ButwecannotstandtheYankeeO’erourscarsandfissuresporing,Inourveryvitalsboring,Inoursacredcavernsprying,Alloursecretproblemstrying,——

  Digging,blasting,withdynamitMockingallourthunders!Damnit!

  Otherlandsmaybemorecivil;

  Bustourlavacrustifwewill!\"

  SaidtheSea,itswhiteteethgnashingThroughitscoral-reeflipsflashing,\"ShallIletthisschemingmortalShutwithstonemyshiningportal,Curbmytideandcheckmyplay,Fencewithwharvesmyshiningbay?

  RatherletmebedrawnoutInoneawfulwaterspout!\"

  Saidtheblack-browedHurricane,BroodingdowntheSpanishMain,\"ShallIseemyforces,zounds!

  Measuredbysquareinchandpounds,WithdetectivesatmybackWhenIdoubleonmytrack,Andmysecretpathsmadeclear,Publishedo’erthehemisphereToeachgaping,pryingcrew?

  ShallI?BlowmeifIdo!\"

  SotheMountainsshookandthundered,AndtheHurricanecamesweeping,AndthepeoplestaredandwonderedAstheSeacameonthemleaping:

  Each,accordingtohispromise,MadethingslivelyatSt。Thomas。

  Tillonemorn,whenMr。SewardCasthisweathereyetoleeward,TherewasnotaninchofdrylandLefttomarkhisrecentisland。

  Notaflagstafforasentry,Notawharforportofentry,——

  Only——tocutmattersshorter——

  JustapatchofmuddywaterIntheopenoceanlying,Andagullaboveitflying。

  OFFSCARBOROUGH

  (SEPTEMBER,1779)

  I

  \"Haveacare!\"thebailiffscriedFromtheircockleshellthatlayOffthefrigate’syellowside,TossingonScarboroughBay,Whilethefortysailitconvoyedonabowlinestretchedaway。

  \"Takeyourchicksbeneathyourwings,Andyourclawsandfeathersspread,Erethehawkuponthemsprings,——

  ErearoundFlamboroughHeadSwoopsPaulJones,theYankeefalcon,withhisbeakandtalonsred。\"

  II

  Howwelaughed!——mymateandI,——

  Onthe\"BonHommeRichard’s\"deck,AswesawthatconvoyflyLikeasnow-squall,tilleachfleckMeltedinthetwilightshadowsofthecoast-line,speckbyspeck;

  AndscufflingbacktoshoreTheScarboroughbailiffssped,Asthe\"Richard\"witharoarOfhercannonroundtheHead,Crossedherroyalyardsandsignaledtoherconsort:\"Chaseahead\"

  III

  ButthedevilseizeLandaisInthatconsortshipofFrance!

  Fortheshabby,lubberwayThatheworkedthe\"Alliance\"

  Intheoffing,——norabroadsidefiredsavetoourmischance!——

  Whentumblingtothevan,Withhisbattle-lanternsset,RosetheburlyEnglishman’Gainstourhullasblackasjet,——

  Rodetheyellow-sided\"Serapis,\"andallalonewemet!

  IV

  Allalone,thoughfaratseaHunghisconsort,roundingto;

  Allalone,thoughonourleeFoughtour\"Pallas,\"stanchandtrue!

  Forthefirstbroadsidearoundusbothasmokycircledrew:

  And,likechampionsinaring,Therewasclearedalittlespace——

  Scarceacable’slengthtoswing——

  Erewegrappledinembrace,Alltheworldshutoutaroundus,andweonlyfacetoface!

  V

  ThenawokeallhellbelowFromthatbroadside,doublycurst,ForourlongeighteensinrowLeapedthefirstdischargeandburst!

  Andondeckourmencamepouring,fearingtheirowngunstheworst。

  Andasdumbwelay,till,throughSmokeandflameandbittercry,Hailedthe\"Serapis:\"\"HaveyouStruckyourcolors?\"Ourreply,\"Wehavenotyetbeguntofight!\"wentshoutingtothesky!

  VI

  RouxofBrest,oldfisher,layLikeaherringgaspinghere;

  BunkerofNantucketBay,Blownfromouttheport,droppedsheerHalfacable’slengthtoleeward;yetwefaintlyraisedacheerAswithhisownrighthandOurCommodoremadefastThefoeman’shead-gearandThe\"Richard’s\"mizzen-mast,Andinthatdeath-lockclingingheldustherefromfirsttolast!

  VII

  Yetthefoeman,gunongun,Throughthe\"Richard\"torearoad,Withhisgunners’rammersrunThroughourportsateveryload,Tillclearthebluebeyondusthroughouryawningtimbersshowed。

  YetwithentrailstornweclungLiketheSpartantoourfox,AndondecknocowardtongueWailedtheenemy’shardknocks,Northatallbelowustrembledlikeawreckupontherocks。

  VIII

  Thenathoughtroseinmybrain,AsthroughChannelmiststhesun。

  FromourtopsafirelikerainDrovebelowdeckseveryoneOftheenemy’sship’scompanytohideorworkagun:

  AndthatthoughttookshapeasI

  Onthe\"Richard’s\"yardlayout,Thatamanmightdoanddie,IfthedoingbroughtaboutFreedomforhishomeandcountry,andhismessmates’cheeringshout!

  IX

  ThenIcreptoutinthedarkTillIhungabovethehatchOfthe\"Serapis,\"——amarkForhermarksmen!——withamatchAndahand-grenade,butlingeredjustamomentmoretosnatchOnelastlookatseaandsky!

  Atthelighthouseonthehill!

  Attheharvest-moononhigh!

  Andourpineflagflutteringstill!

  ThenturnedanddownheryawningthroatIlaunchedthatdevil’spill!

  X

  ThenablankwasallbetweenAstheflamesaroundmespun!

  HadIfiredthemagazine?

  Wasthevictorylostorwon?

  NorknewItillthefightwaso’erbuthalfmyworkwasdone:

  ForIlayamongthedeadInthecockpitofourfoe,Witharoarabovemyhead,——

  Tillatramplingtoandfro,Andalanternshowedmymate’sface,andIknewwhatnowyouknow!

  CADETGREY

  CANTOI

  I

  Actfirst,scenefirst。Astudy。OfakindHalfcell,halfsalon,opulentyetgrave;

  Rarebooks,low-shelved,yetfarabovethemindOfcommonmantocompassortocrave;

  SomeslightreliefofpamphletsthatinclinedThesoulatfirsttotrifling,till,dismayedBytextandtitle,itdrewbackresigned,NorcaredwithlevitytovexashadeThattoitselfsuchperfectconcordmade。

  II

  SomethoughtsliketheseperplexedthepatriotbrainOfJones,LawgivertotheCommonwealth,AsonthethresholdofthischastedomainHepausedexpectant,andlookedupinstealthTodarkenedcanvasesthatfrownedamain,Withstern-eyedPuritans,whofirstbeganTospreadtheirrootsinGeorgiusPrimus’reign,Nordroppedtillnow,obedienttosomeplan,Theircenturyfruit,——theperfectBostonman。

  III

  SomewherewithinthatRussia-scentedgloomAvoicecatarrhalthrilledtheMember’sear:

  \"Briefisourbusiness,Jones。Lookroundthisroom!

  Regardyonportraits!Readtheirmeaningclear!

  ThesemuchproclaimMYstation。IpresumeYOUareourCongressman,beforewhosewitAndsoberjudgmentshalltheyouthappearWhoforWestPointisdeemedmostjustandfitToservehiscountryandtohonorit。

  IV

  \"Suchismyson!Elsewhereperhaps’twerewiseTrialcompetitiveshouldguideyourchoice。

  TherearesomepeopleIcanwellsurmiseThemselvesmustshowtheirmerits。History’svoiceSparesmethattrouble:alldesertthatliesInyonderancestorofQueenAnne’sday,OryongraveGovernor,isallmyboy’s,——

  Revertstohim;entailed,asonemightsay;

  Inbrief,resultinWinthropAdamsGrey!\"

  V

  Heturnedandlaidhiswell-bredhand,andsmiled,Onthecroppedheadofonewhostoodbeside。

  Ahme!insoothitwasnoruddychildNorbrawnyyouththatthrilledthefather’spride;

  ’TwasbutaMindthatsomehowhadbeguiledFromsoullessMatterprocessesthatservedForspeechandmotionanddigestionmild,Contentifallonemoralpurposenerved,Norreckedtherebyitsspineweresomewhatcurved。

  VI

  Hewasscarceeighteen。YeterehewaseightHehaddespoiledtheclassics;muchheknewOfSanskrit;notthatheplacedundueweightOnthis,butthatithelpedhimwithHebrew,Hisfavoritetongue。Helearned,alas!toolate,Onecan’tbegintooearly,——wouldregretThatboyishwhimtoascertainthestateOfVenus’atmospheremadehimforgetThatphilologicgoalonwhichhissoulwasset。

  VII

  Hetoohadtraveled;attheageoftenFoundParisempty,dullexceptforartAndaccent。\"Mabille\"withitsgloriesthenLessthanEgyptian\"Almees\"touchedaheartNothingifnotpureclassic。IfsomemenThoughthimaprig,itvexednothisconceit,Butmovedhispity,andofttimeshispen,Thebettertoinstructthem,throughsomesheetPublishedinBoston,andsigned\"BeaconStreet。\"

  VIII

  FrompremisessoplaintheblindcouldseeButonededuction,anditcamenextday。

  \"Intimeslikethese,theverynameofG。

  Speaksvolumes,\"wrotetheHonorableJ。

  \"Inclosedpleasefindappointment。\"PresentlyCameareceptiontowhichHarvardlentFourteenprofessors,and,togiveesprit,TheLiberalClubsomeeighteenladiessent,FivethatspokeGreek,andthirteensentiment。

  IX

  Fourpoetscamewholovedeachother’ssong,Andtwophilosophers,whothoughtthattheyWereinmostthingsimpracticalandwrong;

  Andtworeformers,eachinhisownwayPeculiar,——onewhohadwaxedstrongOnherbsandwater,andsuchsimplefare;

  Twoforeignlions,\"RamSee\"and\"ChyLong,\"

  Andseveralartistsclaimedattentionthere,Basedonthefacttheyhadbeensnubbedelsewhere。

  X

  WiththisindorsementnothingnowremainedButcounsel,Godspeed,andsomecalmadieux;

  Nofoolishtearthefather’seyelashstained,AndWinthrop’scheekasguiltlessshoneofdew。

  Aslightpublicity,suchasobtainedInclassicRome,thesefewlasthoursattended。

  Thedayarrived,thetrainanddepotgained,Themayor’sownpresencethislastactcommendedThetrainmovedoffandherethefirstactended。

  CANTOII

  I

  WhereWestPointcrouches,andwithliftedshieldTurnsthewholerivereastwardthroughthepass;

  Whosejuttingcrags,halfsilver,standrevealedLikebossybucklersofLeonidas;

  WherebuttressedlowagainstthestormsthatwieldTheirsummerlightningswherehereagletsswarm,ByFreedom’scradleNature’sselfhassteeledHerheart,likeWinkelried,andtothatstormOfleveledlancesbaresherbosomwarm。

  II

  Butnotto-night。Theairandwoodsarestill,Thefaintestrustleinthetreesbelow,Thelowesttremorfromthemountainrill,CometotheearasbutthetrailingflowOfspiritrobesthatwalkunseenthehill;

  Themoonlowsailingo’ertheuplandfarm,ThemoonlowsailingwherethewatersfillThelozengelake,besidethebanksofbalm,Gleamslikeachevronontheriver’sarm。

  III

  Allspacebreatheslanguor:fromthehilltophigh,WherePutnam’sbastioncrumblesinthepast,ToswooningdepthswheredrowsycannonlieAndwide-mouthedmortarsgapeinslumbersvast;

  Strokeuponstroke,thefaroarsglanceanddieOnthehushedbosomofthesleepingstream;

  Brightforonemomentdriftsawhitesailby,BrightforonemomentshowsabayonetgleamFaronthelevelplain,thenpassesasadream。

  IV

  Softdownthelineofdarkenedbattlements,Brightoneachlatticeofthebarrackwalls,Wherethelowarchingsallyportindents,Seenthroughitsgloombeyond,themoonbeamfalls。

  AllisreposesavewherethecampingtentsMockthewhitegravestonesfartheron,wheresoundNomorninggunsforreveille,norwhenceNodrum-beatcallsretreat,butstilliseverfoundWaitingandpresentoneachsentry’sround。

  V

  Withinthecamptheylie,theyoung,thebrave,Halfknight,halfschoolboy,acolytesoffame,Pledgedtoonealtar,andperchanceonegrave;

  Bredtofearnothingbutreproachandblame,Asceticdandieso’erwhomvestalsrave,Clean-limbedyoungSpartans,disciplinedyoungelves,Taughttodestroy,thattheymaylivetosave,Studentsembattled,soldiersattheirshelves,Heroeswhoseconquestsareatfirstthemselves。

  VI

  Withinthecamptheylie,indreamsarefreedFromthegrimdisciplinetheylearntolove;

  Indreamsnomorethesentry’schallengeheed,Indreamsafarbeyondtheirpicketsrove;

  OnetreadsoncemorethepinypathsthatleadTohisgreenmountainhome,andpausinghearsThecattlecall;onetreadsthetangledweedOfslipperyrocksbesideAtlanticpiers;

  Onesmilesinsleep,onewakenswetwithtears。

  VII

  OnescentsthebreathofjasmineflowersthattwineThepillaredporchesofhisSouthernhome;

  OnehearsthecooofpigeonsinthepineOfWesternwoodswherehewaswonttoroam;

  OneseesthesunsetfirethedistantlineWherethelongprairiesweepsitslevelsdown;

  Onetreadsthesnow-peaks;onebylampsthatshineDownthebroadhighwaysofthesea-girttown;

  Andtwoaremissing,——CadetsGreyandBrown!

  VIII

  MuchasIgrievetochroniclethefact,Thatselfsametruantknownas\"CadetGrey\"

  Wastheyoungheroofourmoraltract,Shornofhistwofoldnamesonentrance-day。

  \"Winthrop\"and\"Adams\"droppedinthatoneactOfmartialcurtness,andtheroll-callthinnedOfhisancestors,hewithyouthfultactIndulgenceclaimed,sinceWinthropnomoresinned,NorsaintedAdamswincedwhenhe,plainGrey,was\"skinned。\"

  IX

  Hehadknowntrialssincewesawhimlast,Bysheergoodluckhadjustescapedrejection,Notforhislearning,butthatitwascastInaspareframescarcefitfordrillinspection;

  Butwhenheope’dhislipsastreamsovastOfinformationfloodedeachprofessor,Theyquiteforgothiseyeglass,——somethingpastAllprecedent,——acceptingthetransgressor,Weakeyesandallofwhichhewaspossessor。

  X

  E’enthefirstdayhetouchedablackboard’sspace——

  Sothetraditionofhisglorylingers——

  Twowiseprofessorsfainted,eachwithfaceWhiteasthechalkwithinhisrapidfingers:

  Alldayheciphered,atsuchfranticpace,HisformwashidinchalkprecipitationOfeveryproblem,tilltheysaidhiscaseCouldmeetfromthemnofairexaminationTillCongressmadeanewappropriation。

  XI

  Famousinmolecules,hedemonstratedFromthemesshashtomanyalisteningclassful;

  Greatasabotanist,heseparatedThreekindsof\"Mentha\"inonejulep’sglassful;

  Highinastronomy,ithasbeenstatedHewasthefirstatWestPointtodiscoverMars’missingsatellites,andcalculatedTheirtruepositions,nottheheavensover,But’neaththewindowofMissKittyRover。

  XII

  Indeed,IfearthisnoveltycelestialThatverynightwasvisibleandclear;

  Atleasttwoyouthsofaspectmostterrestrial,Andcladinuniform,wereloiteringnearAvilla’scasement,whereagentlevestalTooktheirimpatiencesomewhatpatiently,Knowingtheyouthsweresomewhatgreenand\"bestial\"——

  (AcertainslangoftheAcademy,Ibegthereaderwon’trefertome)。

  XIII

  Forwhentheyceasedtheirardentstrain,MissKittyGlowednotwithangernorakindredflame,Butratherflushedwithanoddsortofpity,Halfmatron’skindness,andhalfcoquette’sshame;

  Proudyetquiteblameful,whensheheardtheirdittyShegavehersoulpoeticalexpression,Andbeingclevertoo,asshewaspretty,Fromherhighcasementwarbledthisconfession,——

  Halfprovocationandonehalfrepression:——

  NOTYET

  Notyet,Ofriend,notyet!thepatientstarsLeanfromtheirlattices,contenttowait。

  AllisillusiontillthemorningbarsSlipfromthelevelsoftheEasterngate。

  Nightistooyoung,Ofriend!dayistoonear;

  Waitforthedaythatmakethallthingsclear。

  Notyet,Ofriend,notyet!

  Notyet,Olove,notyet!allisnottrue,Allisnoteverasitseemethnow。

  Soonshalltherivertakeanotherblue,Soondiesyonlightuponthemountainbrow。

  Whatliethdark,Olove,brightdaywillfill;

  Waitforthymorning,beitgoodorill。

  Notyet,Olove,notyet!

  XIV

  Thestrainwasfinished;softlyasthenightHervoicediedfromthewindow,yete’enthenFlutteredandfelllikewiseakerchiefwhite;

  Butthatnodoubtwasaccident,forwhenShesoughthercouchshedeemedherconductquiteBeyondthereachofscandalouscommenter,——

  Washingherhandsofeithergallantwight,Knowingthemoralistmightcomplimenther,——

  ThusvoicingSirenwiththewordsofMentor。

  XV

  Shelittleknewtheyouthsbelow,whostraightDivedforherkerchief,andquiteoverlookedThepregnantmoralshewouldinculcate;

  NordreamedthelesshowlittleWinthropbrookedHerrighttodoubthissoul’smaturerstate。

  Brown——whowasWestern,amiable,andnew——

  Mighttakethemoralandaccepthisfate;

  Thewhichhedid,but,beingstrongertoo,Tookthewhitekerchief,also,ashisdue。

  XVI

  Theydidnotquarrel,whichnodoubtseemedqueerTothosewhoknewnothowtheirfriendshipblended;

  Eachwasopposed,andeachtheother’speer,Yeteachtheotherinsomethingstranscended。

  WhereBrownlackedculture,brains,——andoft,Ifear,Cashinhispocket,——Greyofcoursesuppliedhim;

  WhereGreylackedfrankness,force,andfaithsincere,Brownofhismanhoodsufferednonetochidehim,Butinhisfaultsstoodmanfullybesidehim。

  XVII

  Inacademicwalksandstudiesgrave,Inthecampdrillandmartialoccupation,Theyhelpedeachother:butjusthereIcraveSpaceforthereader’sfullimagination,——

  Thefactispatent,Greybecameaslave!

  Atool,afag,a\"pleb\"!Tostateitplainer,Allthatbluebloodandancestrye’ergaveCleanedguns,broughtwater!——was,infact,retainerToJones,whoseunclewasapaper-stainer!

  XVIII

  HowtheyborethisathomeIcannotsay:

  Ionlyknowsorunsthegossip’stale。

  ItchancedonedaythatthepaternalGreyCametoWestPointthathehimselfmighthailThefutureheroinsomeproperwayConsistentwithhislineage。WithhimcameAjudge,apoet,andabravearrayOfauntsanduncles,bearingeachaname,Eyeglassandrespiratorwiththesame。

  XIX

  \"Observe!\"quothGreytheeldertohisfriends,\"NotinthesegiddyyouthsatbaseballplayingYou’llnoticeWinthropAdams!GreaterendsThantheseabsorbHISleisure。NodoubtstrayingWithCaesar’sCommentaries,heattendsSomeRomancouncil。Letusask,however,Yongrimyurchin,whomysouloffendsBywheelingoffal,ifhewillendeavorTofind——What!heaven!Winthrop!Oh!no!never!\"

  XX

  Alas!tootrue!ThelastofalltheGreysWas\"doingpolicedetail,\"——ithadcomeTothis;invaintherarehistoricbaysThatcrownedthepicturedPuritansathome!

  Andyet’twascertainthatingrosserwaysOfhealthandphysiquehewasquiteimproving。

  Straighterhestood,andhadachievedsomepraiseInotherexercise,muchmorebehoovingAsoldier’stastethanmerelydirtremoving。

  XXI

  Buttoresume:welefttheyouthfulpair,Somestanzasback,beforealady’sbower;

  ’Tistobehopedtheywerenolongerthere,Forstarswerepointingtothemorninghour。

  Theirescapadediscovered,ill’twouldfareWithourtwoheroes,derelictoforders;

  But,liketheghost,they\"scentthemorningair,\"

  Andbackagaintheystealacrosstheborders,Unseen,unheeded,bytheirmartialwarders。

  XXII

  Theygottobedwithspeed:youngGreytodreamOfsomevaguefuturewithageneral’sstar,AndMistressKittybaskinginitsgleam;

  WhileBrown,contenttoworshipherafar,Dreamedhimselfdyingbysomelonelystream,HavingsnatchedKittyfromeighteenNezPerces,Tillafarbugle,withthemorningbeam,Inhisdullearitsfatefulsongrehearses,WhichWinthropAdamsafterputtoverses。

  XXIII

  Sopassedthreeyearsoftheirnovitiate,ThefirstrealboyhoodGreyhadeverknown。

  Hisyouthranclear,——notchokedlikehisCochituate,Incivicpipes,butfreeandpurealone;

  Yetknewrepression,couldhimselfhabituateTohavingmindandbodywellrubbeddown,Couldreadhimselfinothers,andcouldsituateThemselvesinhim,——except,Igrievetoown,Hecouldn’tseewhatKittysawinBrown!

  XXIV

  Atlastcamegraduation;BrownreceivedIntheOneHundredthCavalrycommission;

  Thenfrolic,flirting,parting,——whennonegrievedSaveBrown,wholovedouryoungAcademician。

  AndGrey,whofelthisfriendwasstilldeceivedByMistressKitty,whowithotherbeautiesGracedtheoccasion,anditwasbelievedHadpromisedBrownthatwhenhecouldrecruithisPromisedcommand,she’dsharewithhimthoseduties。

  XXV

  Howe’erthiswasIknownot;allIknow,ThenightwasJune’s,themoonrodehighandclear;

  \"’Twassuchanightasthis,\"threeyearsago,MissKittysangthesongthattwomighthear。

  Thereisawalkwheretreeso’erarchinggrow,Toowideforone,notwideenoughforthree(Afactprecludinganypluralbeau),WhichquiteexplainedMissKitty’scompany,ButnotwhyGreythatfavoredoneshouldbe。

  XXVI

  Thereisaspring,whoselimpidwatershideSomewherewithintheshadowsofthatpathCalledKosciusko’s。Theretwofiguresbide,——

  GreyandMissKitty。SurelyNaturehathNofairermirrorforamight-bebrideThanthissamepoolthatcaughtourgentlebelleToitsdarkheartonemoment。AthersideGreybent。Asomethingtrembledo’erthewell,Bright,spherical——atear?Ahno!abuttonfell!

  XXVII

  \"Materialmindsmightthinkthatgravitation,\"

  QuothGrey,\"drewyonmetallicspheroiddown。

  ThesoulpoeticviewsthesituationFraughtwithmoremeaning。WhenthygirlishcrownWasmirroredthere,therewasdisintegrationOfme,andallmyspiritmovedtoyou,Takingtheformofslowprecipitation!\"

  Butherecame\"Taps,\"astart,asmile,adieu!

  Ablush,asigh,andendofCantoII。

  BUGLESONG

  Fadesthelight,AndafarGoethday,comethnight;

  AndastarLeadethall,SpeedethallTotheirrest!

  Love,good-night!

  MustthougoWhenthedayAndthelightNeedtheeso,——

  Needethall,Heedethall,Thatisbest?

  CANTOIII

  I

  Wherethesunsinksthroughleaguesofaridsky,Wherethesundieso’erleaguesofaridplain,Wherethedeadbonesofwastedriverslie,Trailedfromtheirchannelsinyonmountainchain;

  WheredaybydaynaughttakestheweariedeyeButthelow-rimmingmountains,sharplybasedOnthedeadlevels,movingfarornigh,Asthesickvisionwanderso’erthewaste,Buteverdaybydayagainstthesunsettraced:

  II

  TheremovingthroughapoisonouscloudthatstingsWithdustofalkalithetramplingbandOfIndianponies,rideonduskywingsTheredmaraudersoftheWesternland;

  Heavywithspoil,theyseekthetrailthatbringsTheirflauntinglancestothatshelteredbankWherelietheirlodges;andtheriversingsForgetfuloftheplainbeyond,thatdrankItslifeblood,wherethewastedcaravansank。

  III

  Theybroughtwiththemthethief’signoblespoil,Thebeggar’sdole,thegreedofchiffonnier,Thescumofcamps,theimplementsoftoilSnatchedfromdeadhands,torustasuselesshere;

  AlltheycouldrakeorgleanfromhutorsoilPiledtheirleanponies,withthejackdaw’sgreedForvacantglitter。ItwerescarceafoilToallthistinselthatonefeatheredreedBoreonitsbarbtwoscalpsthatfreshlybleed!

  IV

  Theybroughtwiththem,alas!awoundedfoe,Boundhandandfoot,yetnursedwithcruelcare,LestthatindeathhemightescapeonethroeTheyhaddecreedhislivingfleshshouldbear:

  Ayouthfulofficer,byonefoulblowOftreacherysurprised,yetfightingstillAmidhisambushedtrain,calmasthesnowAbovehim;hopeless,yetcontenttospillHisbloodwiththeirs,andfightingbuttokill。

  V

  Hehadfoughtnobly,andinthatbriefspellHadwontheaweofthoserudebordermenWhogatheredroundhim,andbesidehimfellInloyalfaithandsilence,savethatwhenBysmokeembarrassed,andnearsightaswell,Hepausedtowipehiseyeglass,anddecideItsnearerfocus,therearoseayellOfapprobation,andBobBarkercried,\"Wadein,Dundreary!\"tossedhiscapand——died。

  VI

  Theirsolesurvivornow!hiscaptorsbearHimallunconscious,andbesidethestreamLeavehimtorest;meantimethesquawsprepareThestakeforsacrifice:norwakesagleamOfpityinthoseFuries’eyesthatglareExpectantofthetorture;yetalwayHissteadfastspiritshinesandmocksthemthereWithpeacetheyknownot,tillatcloseofdayOnhisdulleartherethrillsawhispered\"Grey!\"

  VII

  Hestarts!Wasitatrick?HadangelskindTouchedwithcompassionsomeweakwoman’sbreast?

  Suchthingshe’dreadof!FaintlytohismindCamePocahontaspleadingforherguest。

  Butthen,thisvoice,thoughsoft,wasstillinclinedTobaritone!AsquawinraggedgownStoodnearhim,frowninghatred。Washeblind?

  Whoseeyewasthisbeneaththatbeetlingfrown?

  Thefrownwaspainted,butthatwinkmeant——Brown!

  VIII

  \"Hush!foryourlifeandmine!thethongsarecut,\"

  Hewhispers;\"inyonthicketstandsmyhorse。

  Onedash!——Ifollowclose,asiftoglutMyownrevenge,yetbartheothers’course。

  Now!\"And’tisdone。Greyspeeds,Brownfollows;butEreyettheyreachtheshade,Grey,fainting,reels,YetnotbeforeBrown’scirclingarmscloseshutHisin,upliftinghim!AnonhefeelsAhorsebeneathhimbound,andhearstherattlingheels。

  IX

  Thenroseayellofbaffledhate,andsprangHeadlongthesavagesinswiftpursuit;

  Thoughspeedthefugitives,theyhopetohangHotontheirheels,likewolves,withtirelessfoot。

  Longisthechase;BrownhearswithinwardpangTheshort,hardpantingofhisgallantsteedBeneathitsdoubleburden;vainlyrangBothvoiceandspur。Theheavingflanksmaybleed,Yetcomesthesequelthattheystillmustheed!

  X

  Brownsawit——reinedhissteed;dismounting,stoodCalmandinflexible。\"Oldchap!youseeThereisbutONEescape。Youknowit?Good!

  ThereisONEmantotakeit。Youarehe。

  Thehorsewon’tcarrydouble。Ifhecould,’Twouldbutprotractthisbother。Ishallstay:

  I’vebusinesswiththesedevils,theywithme;

  Iwilloccupythemtillyougetaway。

  Hush!quicktime,forward。There!Godblessyou,Grey!\"

  XI

  Butashefinished,Greyslippedtohisfeet,Calmashisancestorsinvoiceandeye:

  \"YoudoforgetyourselfwhenyoucompeteWithhimwhoseRIGHTitistostayanddie:

  That’snotYOURduty。Pleaseregainyourseat;

  AndtakemyORDERS——sinceIrankyouhere!——

  Mountandrejoinyourmen,andmydefeatReportatquarters。Takethisletter;ne’erGiveittoaughtbutHER,norletaughtinterfere。\"

  XII

  And,shamedandblushing,BrownthelettertookObedientlyandplaceditinhispocket;

  Then,drawingforthanother,said,\"IlookFordeathasyoudo,whereforetakethislocketAndletter。\"Herehiscomrade’shandheshookInsilence。\"Shouldwebothtogetherfall,Someotherman\"——buthereallspeechforsookHislips,asringingcheerilyo’erallHeheardafarhisowndearbugle-call!

  XIII

  ’Twashiscommandandsuccor,bute’enthenGreyfainted,withpoorBrown,whohadforgotHelikewisehadbeenwounded,andbothmenWerepickedupquiteunconsciousoftheirlot。

  Longlaytheyinextremity,andwhenTheybothgrewstronger,andoncemoreexchangedOldvowsandmemories,onecommon\"den\"

  Inhospitalwastheirs,andfreetheyranged,Awaitingorders,butnomoreestranged。

  XIV

  Andyet’twasstrange——norcanIendmytaleWithoutthismoral,tobefairandjust:

  TheyneversoughttoknowwhyeachdidfailThepromptfulfillmentoftheother’strust。

  ItwassuggestedtheycouldnotavailThemselvesofeitherletter,sincetheywereDulydispatchedtotheiraddressbymailByCaptainX。,whoknewMissRoverfairNowmeantstoutMistressBloggsofBlankBlankSquare。

  II。SPANISHIDYLSANDLEGENDS

  THEMIRACLEOFPADREJUNIPERO

  ThisisthetalethattheChronicleTellsofthewonderfulmiracleWroughtbythepiousPadreSerro,TheveryreverendJunipero。

  Theheathenstoodonhisancientmound,LookingoverthedesertboundIntothedistant,hazySouth,Overthedustyandbroadchampaign,Where,withmanyagapingmouthAndfissure,crackedbytheferviddrouth,ForsevenmonthshadthewastedplainKnownnomoistureofdeworrain。

  Thewellswereemptyandchokedwithsand;

  Therivershadperishedfromtheland;

  Onlythesea-fogstoandfroSlippedlikeghostsofthestreamsbelow。

  Deepinitsbedlaytheriver’sbones,Bleachinginpebblesandmilk-whitestones,Andtrackedo’erthedesertfaintandfar,Itsribsshonebrightoneachsandybar。

  ThustheystoodasthesunwentdownOverthefoot-hillsbareandbrown;

  ThustheylookedtotheSouth,wherefromThepale-facemedicine-manshouldcome,Notinangerorinstrife,Buttobring——soranthetale——

  Thewelcomespringsofeternallife,Thelivingwatersthatshouldnotfail。

  Saidone,\"HewillcomelikeManitou,Unseen,unheard,inthefallingdew。\"

  Saidanother,\"HewillcomefullsoonOutoftheround-facedwaterymoon。\"

  Andanothersaid,\"Heishere!\"andlo,Faltering,staggering,feebleandslow,Outfromthedesert’sblindingheatThePadredroppedattheheathen’sfeet。

  TheystoodandgazedforalittlespaceDownonhispallidandcarewornface,AndasmileofscornwentroundthebandAstheytouchedalternatewithfootandhandThismortalwaif,thattheouterspaceOfdimmysteriousskyandsandFlungwithsolittleofChristiangraceDownontheirbarren,sterilestrand。

  Saidonetohim:\"ItseemsthyGodIsaverypitifulkindofGod:

  HecouldnotshieldthineachingeyesFromtheblowingdesertsandsthatrise,NorturnasidefromthyoldgrayheadTheglitteringbladethatisbrandishedBythesunHesetintheheavenshigh;

  Hecouldnotmoistenthylipswhendry;

  Thedesertfireisinthybrain;

  Thylimbsarerackedwiththefever-pain。

  IfthisbethegraceHeshoweththeeWhoartHisservant,whatmaywe,StrangetoHiswaysandHiscommands,SeekatHisunforgivinghands?\"

  \"Drinkbutthiscup,\"saidthePadre,straight,\"AndthoushaltknowwhosemercyboreTheseachinglimbstoyourheathendoor,Andpurgedmysoulofitsgrossestate。

  DrinkinHisname,andthoushaltseeThehiddendepthsofthismystery。

  Drink!\"andheheldthecup。OneblowFromtheheathendashedtothegroundbelowThesacredcupthatthePadrebore,AndthethirstysoildrankthepreciousstoreOfsacramentalandholywine,ThatemblemandconsecratedsignAndblessedsymbolofblooddivine。

  Then,saysthelegend(andtheywhodoubtThesameashereticsbeaccurst),FromthedryandfeverishsoilleapedoutAlivingfountain;awell-springburstOverthedustyandbroadchampaign,Overthesandyandsterileplain,Tillthegraniteribsandthemilk-whitestonesThatlayinthevalley——thescatteredbones——

  Movedintheriverandlivedagain!

  SuchwasthewonderfulmiracleWroughtbythecupofwinethatfellFromthehandsofthepiousPadreSerro,TheveryreverendJunipero。

  THEWONDERFULSPRINGOFSANJOAQUIN

  Ofallthefountainsthatpoetssing,——

  Crystal,thermal,ormineralspring,PoncedeLeon’sFountofYouth,Wellswithbottomsofdoubtfultruth,——

  Inshort,ofallthespringsofTimeThateverwereflowinginfactorrhyme,Thateverweretasted,felt,orseen,TherewerenoneliketheSpringofSanJoaquin。

  AnnoDominieighteen-seven,FatherDominguez(nowinheaven,——

  Obiiteighteentwenty-seven)

  Foundthespring,andfoundit,too,Byhismule’smiraculouscastofashoe;

  Forhisbeast——adescendantofBalaam’sass——

  Stoppedontheinstant,andwouldnotpass。

  ThePadrethoughttheomengood,Andbenthislipstothetricklingflood;

  Then——astheChroniclesdeclare,Onthehonestfaithofatruebeliever——

  Hischeeks,thoughwasted,lank,andbare,FilledlikeawitheredrussetpearInthevacuumofaglassreceiver,AndthesnowsthatseventywintersbringMeltedawayinthatmagicspring。

  Such,atleast,wasthewondrousnewsThePadrebroughtintoSantaCruz。

  TheChurch,ofcourse,haditsownviewsOfwhowereworthiesttouseThemagicspring;butthepriorclaimFelltotheaged,sick,andlame。

  Farandwidethepeoplecame:

  SomefromthehealthfulAptosCreekHastenedtobringtheirhelplesssick;

  EventhefishersofrudeSoquelSuddenlyfoundtheywerefarfromwell;

  ThebrawnydwellersofSanLorenzoSaid,infact,theyhadneverbeenso;

  Andallwereailing,——strangetosay,——

  FromPescaderotoMonterey。

  Overthemountaintheypouredin,Withleathernbottlesandbagsofskin;

  ThroughthecanyonsamotleythrongTrotted,hobbled,andlimpedalong。

  TheFathersgazedatthemovingsceneWithpiousjoyandwithsoulsserene;

  Andthen——aresultperhapsforeseen——

  TheylaidouttheMissionofSanJoaquin。

  NotintheeyesoffaithaloneThegoodeffectsofthewatershone;

  Butskinsgrewrosy,eyeswaxedclear,Ofroughvaqueroandmuleteer;

  Angularformswereroundedout,Limbsgrewsuppleandwaistsgrewstout;

  Andasforthegirls,——formilesaboutTheyhadnoequal!Tothisday,FromPescaderotoMonterey,You’llstillfindeyesinwhichareseenTheliquidgracesofSanJoaquin。

  Thereisalimittohumanbliss,AndtheMissionofSanJoaquinhadthis;

  NonewentabroadtoroamorstayButtheyfellsickinthequeerestway,——

  Asingularmaladiedupays,Withgastricsymptoms:sotheyspentTheirdaysinasensuouscontent,CaringlittleforthingsunseenBeyondtheirbowersoflivinggreen,BeyondthemountainsthatlaybetweenTheworldandtheMissionofSanJoaquin。

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