Well,takewhatyouwill,——thoughitbeonthesly,Maraudingorbegging,——Ishallnotaskwhy,Butwillcallitadole,justtohelponhiswayAfour-footedfriarinordersofgray!
TOASEA-BIRD
(SANTACRUZ,1869)
Saunteringhitheronlistlesswings,Carelessvagabondofthesea,Littlethouheedestthesurfthatsings,Thebarthatthunders,theshalethatrings,——
Givemetokeepthycompany。
Littlethouhast,oldfriend,that’snew;
Stormsandwrecksareoldthingstothee;
SickamIofthesechanges,too;
Littletocarefor,littletorue,——
Iontheshore,andthouonthesea。
Allofthywanderings,farandnear,Bringtheeatlasttoshoreandme;
Allofmyjourneyingsendthemhere:
Thisourtethermustbeourcheer,——
Iontheshore,andthouonthesea。
Lazilyrockingonocean’sbreast,Somethingincommon,oldfriend,havewe:
Thouontheshingleseek’stthynest,Itothewaterslookforrest,——
Iontheshore,andthouonthesea。
WHATTHECHIMNEYSANG
Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew;
AndtheWomanstopped,asherbabeshetossed,Andthoughtoftheoneshehadlongsincelost,Andsaid,asherteardropsbacksheforced,\"Ihatethewindinthechimney。\"
Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew;
AndtheChildrensaid,astheycloserdrew,\"’Tissomewitchthatiscleavingtheblacknightthrough,’Tisafairytrumpetthatjustthenblew,Andwefearthewindinthechimney。\"
Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew;
AndtheMan,ashesatonhishearthbelow,Saidtohimself,\"Itwillsurelysnow,Andfuelisdearandwageslow,AndI’llstoptheleakinthechimney。\"
Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew;
ButthePoetlistenedandsmiled,forheWasManandWomanandChild,allthree,Andsaid,\"ItisGod’sownharmony,Thiswindwehearinthechimney。\"
DICKENSINCAMP
Abovethepinesthemoonwasslowlydrifting,Theriversangbelow;
ThedimSierras,farbeyond,upliftingTheirminaretsofsnow。
Theroaringcamp-fire,withrudehumor,paintedTheruddytintsofhealthOnhaggardfaceandformthatdroopedandfaintedInthefierceraceforwealth;
Tillonearose,andfromhispack’sscanttreasureAhoardedvolumedrew,AndcardsweredroppedfromhandsoflistlessleisureTohearthetaleanew。
Andthen,whileroundthemshadowsgatheredfaster,Andasthefirelightfell,HereadaloudthebookwhereintheMasterHadwritof\"LittleNell。\"
Perhaps’twasboyishfancy,——forthereaderWasyoungestofthemall,——
But,asheread,fromclusteringpineandcedarAsilenceseemedtofall;
Thefir-trees,gatheringcloserintheshadows,Listenedineveryspray,Whilethewholecampwith\"Nell\"onEnglishmeadowsWanderedandlosttheirway。
Andsoinmountainsolitudes——o’ertakenAsbysomespelldivine——
TheircaresdroppedfromthemliketheneedlesshakenFromoutthegustypine。
Lostisthatcampandwastedallitsfire;
Andhewhowroughtthatspell?
Ah!toweringpineandstatelyKentishspire,Yehaveonetaletotell!
Lostisthatcamp,butletitsfragrantstoryBlendwiththebreaththatthrillsWithhop-vine’sincenseallthepensivegloryThatfillstheKentishhills。
AndonthatgravewhereEnglishoakandhollyAndlaurelwreathsentwine,Deemitnotallatoopresumptuousfolly,ThissprayofWesternpine!
July,1870。
\"TWENTYYEARS\"
Begyourpardon,oldfellow!IthinkIwasdreamingjustnowwhenyouspoke。
Thefactis,themusicalclinkOftheiceonyourwine-goblet’sbrinkAchordofmymemorywoke。
AndIstoodinthepasture-fieldwhereTwentysummersagoIhadstood;
AndIheardinthatsound,Ideclare,Theclinkingofbellsintheair,Ofthecowscominghomefromthewood。
Thentheapple-bloomshookonthehill;
Andthemullein-stalkstiltedeachlance;
AndthesunbehindRapalye’smillWasmyuttermostWest,andcouldthrillLikesomefancifullandofromance。
Thenmyfriendwasahero,andthenMygirlwasanangel。Infine,Idrankbuttermilk;forattenFaithaskslesstoaidherthanwhenAtthirtywedoubtoverwine。
Ah,well,itDOESseemthatImustHavebeendreamingjustnowwhenyouspoke,Orlost,verylike,inthedustOftheyearsthatslowfashionedthecrustOnthatbottlewhosesealyoulastbroke。
Twentyyearswasitsage,didyousay?
Twentyyears?Ah,myfriend,itistrue!
Allthedreamsthathaveflownsincethatday,Allthehopesinthattimepassedaway,Oldfriend,I’vebeendrinkingwithyou!
FATE
\"Theskyisclouded,therocksarebare,Thesprayofthetempestiswhiteinair;
Thewindsareoutwiththewavesatplay,AndIshallnottempttheseato-day。
\"Thetrailisnarrow,thewoodisdim,Thepantherclingstothearchinglimb;
Andthelion’swhelpsareabroadatplay,AndIshallnotjoininthechaseto-day。\"
Buttheshipsailedsafelyoverthesea,Andthehunterscamefromthechaseinglee;
AndthetownthatwasbuildeduponarockWasswallowedupintheearthquakeshock。
GRANDMOTHERTENTERDEN
(MASSACHUSETTSSHORE,1800)
Iminditwasbutyesterday:
Thesunwasdim,theairwaschill;
Belowthetown,belowthehill,Thesailsofmyson’sshipdidfill,——
MyJacob,whowascastaway。
Hesaid,\"Godkeepyou,motherdear,\"
Butdidnotturntokisshiswife;
Theyhadsomefoolish,idlestrife;
Hertonguewaslikeatwo-edgedknife,Andhewasproudasanypeer。
HowbeitthatnightItooknonoteOfseanorsky,forallwasdrear;
Imarkednotthatthehillslookednear,Northatthemoon,thoughcurvedandclear,Throughcurd-likescuddiddriveandfloat。
ForwithmydarlingwentthejoyOfautumnwoodsandmeadowsbrown;
Icametohatethelittletown;
ItseemedasifthesunwentdownWithhim,myonlydarlingboy。
Itwasthemiddleofthenight:
Thewind,itshiftedwest-by-south,——
Itpiledhighuptheharbormouth;
Themarshes,blackwithsummerdrouth,Wereallabroadwithsea-foamwhite。
Itwasthemiddleofthenight:
Theseauponthegardenleapt,Andmyson’swifeinquietslept,AndI,hismother,wakedandwept,Whenlo!therecameasuddenlight。
Andtherehestood!Hisseaman’sdressAllwetanddrippingseemedtobe;
ThepalebluefiresoftheseaDrippedfromhisgarmentsconstantly,——
Icouldnotspeakthroughcowardness。
\"Icomethroughnightandstorm,\"hesaid。
\"Throughstormandnightanddeath,\"saidhe,\"Tokissmywife,ifitsobeThatstrifestillholds’twixtherandme,Forallbeyondispeace,\"hesaid。
\"TheseaisHis,andHewhosentThewindandwavecansoothetheirstrifeAndbriefandfoolishisourlife。\"
Hestoopedandkissedhissleepingwife,Thensighed,andlikeadreamhewent。
Now,whenmydarlingkissednotme,Buther——hiswife——whodidnotwake,Myheartwithinmeseemedtobreak;
Isworeavow,northenceforthspakeOfwhatmyclearereyesdidsee。
Andwhentheslowweeksbroughthimnot,Somehowwespakeofaughtbeside:
Forshe——herhopeupheldherpride;
AndI——inmeallhopehaddied,Andmysonpassedasifforgot。
Itwasaboutthenextspringtide:
Shepinedandfadedwhereshestood,Yetspakenowordofillorgood;
Shehadthehard,coldEdwards’bloodInallherveins——andsoshedied。
OnetimeIthought,beforeshepassed,Togiveherpeace;butereIspakeMethought,\"HEwillbefirsttobreakThenewsinheaven,\"andforhissakeIheldminebackuntilthelast。
AndhereIsit,norcaretoroam;
Ionlywaittohearhiscall。
IdoubtnotthatthisdaynextfallShallseemesafeinport,whereallAndeveryshipatlastcomeshome。
AndyouhavesailedtheSpanishMain,AndknewmyJacob?……Eh!Mercy!
Ah!Godofwisdom!haththeseaYieldeditsdeadtohumbleme?
Myboy!……MyJacob!……Turnagain!
GUILD’SSIGNAL
[WilliamGuildwasengineerofthetrainwhichonthe19thofApril,1813,plungedintoMeadowBrook,onthelineoftheStoningtonandProvidenceRailroad。Itwashiscustom,asoftenashepassedhishome,towhistlean\"All’swell\"tohiswife。Hewasfound,afterthedisaster,dead,withhishandonthethrottle-valveofhisengine。]
Twolowwhistles,quaintandclear:
Thatwasthesignaltheengineer——
ThatwasthesignalthatGuild,’tissaid——
GavetohiswifeatProvidence,Asthroughthesleepingtown,andthence,Outinthenight,Ontothelight,Downpastthefarms,lyingwhite,hesped!
Asahusband’sgreeting,scant,nodoubt,Yettothewomanlookingout,Watchingandwaiting,noserenade,Love-song,ormidnightroundelaySaidwhatthatwhistleseemedtosay:
\"Tomytrusttrue,So,love,toyou!
Workingorwaiting,good-night!\"itsaid。
Briskyoungbagmen,touristsfine,Oldcommutersalongtheline,Brakemenandportersglancedahead,Smiledasthesignal,sharp,intense,PiercedthroughtheshadowsofProvidence:
\"Nothingamiss——
Nothing!——itisOnlyGuildcallinghiswife,\"theysaid。
SummerandwintertheoldrefrainRango’erthebillowsofripeninggrain,Piercedthroughthebuddingboughso’erhead,FlewdownthetrackwhentheredleavesburnedLikelivingcoalsfromtheenginespurned;
Sangasitflew,\"Toourtrusttrue,Firstofall,duty。Good-night!\"itsaid。
Andthen,onenight,itwasheardnomoreFromStoningtonoverRhodeIslandshore,AndthefolkinProvidencesmiledandsaidAstheyturnedintheirbeds,\"TheengineerHasonceforgottenhismidnightcheer。\"
ONEonlyknew,Tohistrusttrue,Guildlayunderhisengine,dead。
ASPIRINGMISSDELAINE
(ACHEMICALNARRATIVE)
CertainfactswhichservetoexplainThephysicalcharmsofMissAddieDeLaine,Who,asthecommonreportsobtain,Surpassedincomplexionthelilyandrose;
Withaverysweetmouthandaretroussenose;
AfigurelikeHebe’s,orthatwhichrevolvesInamilliner’swindow,andpartiallysolvesThatquestionwhichmentorandmoralistpains,Ifgracemayexistminusfeelingorbrains。
Ofcoursetheyoungladyhadbeauxbythescore,Allthatshewanted,——whatgirlcouldaskmore?
Loversthatsighedandloversthatswore,Loversthatdancedandloversthatplayed,Menofprofession,ofleisure,andtrade;
Butone,whowasdestinedtotakethehighpartOfholdingthatmythicaltreasure,herheart,——
Thislover,thewonderandenvyoftown,Wasapracticingchemist,afellowcalledBrown。
Imighthereremarkthat’twasdoubtedbymany,Inregardtotheheart,ifMissAddiehadany;
Butnoonecouldlookinthateloquentface,Withitsexquisiteoutlineandfeaturesofgrace,Andmark,throughthetransparentskin,howthetideEbbedandflowedattheimpulseofpassionorpride,——
Nonecouldlook,whobelievedintheblood’scirculationAsarguedbyHarvey,butsawconfirmationThathere,atleast,Naturehadtriumphedo’erart,Andasfarascomplexionwentshehadaheart。
Butthisparparenthesis。BrownwasthemanPreferredofallotherstocarryherfan,Hookherglove,drapehershawl,anddoallthatabelleMaydemandofthelovershewantstotreatwell。
FolkswonderedandstaredthatafellowcalledBrown——
Abstractedandsolemn,inmanneraclown,Illdressed,withalingeringsmelloftheshop——
Shouldappearasherescortatpartyorhop。
Somesworehehadcookedupsomevillainouscharm,Orlovephilter,notintheregularPharm-
Acopoeia,andthus,frompuremaliceprepense,Hadbewitchedandbamboozledtheyounglady’ssense;
Othersthought,withmorereason,thesecrettolieInamagicalwashorindelibledye;
WhileSociety,withitscensoriouseyeAndjudgmentimpartial,stoodreadytodamnWhatwasn’timproperasbeingasham。
ForafortnightthetownfolkhadallbeenagogWithaparty,thefinesttheseasonhadseen,TobegiveninhonorofMissPollywog,Whowasjustcomingoutasabelleofsixteen。
Theguestswereinvited;butonenightbeforeAcarriagedrewupatthemodestbackdoorOfBrown’slab’ratory,and,fullintheglareOfabigpurplebottle,somecloselyveiledfairAlightedandentered:tomakemattersplain,Spiteofveilsanddisguises,’twasAddieDeLaine。
Asabowerfortruelove,’twashardlytheoneThataladywouldchoosetobewooedinorwon:
Noodorofroseorsweetjessamine’ssighBreathedafragrancetohallowtheirpledgeoftrothby,Northebalmthatexhalesfromtheodorousthyme;
Butthegaseouseffusionsofchlorideoflime,Andsalts,whichyourchemistdelightstoexplainAsthebaseofthesmelloftheroseandthedrain。
Thinkofthis,Oyeloversofsweetness!andknowWhatyousmellwhenyousnuffupLubinorPinaud。
Ipassbythegreetings,thetransportsandbliss,Whichofcoursedulyfollowedameetinglikethis,Andcomedowntobusiness,——forsuchtheintentOftheladywhonowo’erthecrucibleleant,Intheglowofafurnaceofcarbonandlime,Likeafairycalledupinthenewpantomime,——
Andgivebutherwords,asshecoylylookeddownInreplytothequestioningglancesofBrown:
\"Iamtakingthedrops,andamusingthepaste,Andthelittlewhitepowdersthathadasweettaste,Whichyoutoldmewouldbrightentheglanceofmyeye,Andthedepilatory,andalsothedye,AndI’mcharmedwiththetrial;andnow,mydearBrown,Ihaveoneotherfavor,——now,ducky,don’tfrown,——
Onlyone,forachemistandgeniuslikeyouButatrifle,andoneyoucaneasilydo。
Nowlisten:to-morrow,youknow,isthenightOfthebirthdaysoireeofthatPollywogfright;
AndI’mtobethere,andthedressIshallwearIsTOOlovely;but\"——\"Butwhatthen,machere?\"
SaidBrown,astheladycametoafullstop,Andglancedroundtheshelvesofthelittlebackshop。
\"Well,Iwant——IwantsomethingtofillouttheskirtTotheproperdimensions,withoutbeinggirtInastiffcrinoline,orcagedinahoopThatshowsthroughone’sskirtlikethebarsofacoop;
Somethinglight,thataladymaywaltzin,orpolk,WithafreedomthatnonebutyoumasculinefolkEverknow。For,howeverpoorwomanaspires,She’salwaysbounddowntotheearthbythesewires。
Areyoulistening?Nonsense!don’tstarelikeaspoon,Idiotic;somelightthing,andspacious,andsoon——
Somethinglike——well,infact——somethinglikeaballoon!\"
Hereshepaused;andhereBrown,overcomebysurprise,Gaveadoubtingassentwithstillwonderingeyes,Andtheladydeparted。ButjustatthedoorSomethinghappened,——’tistrue,ithadhappenedbeforeInthissanctumofscience,——asibilantsound,Likesomeelementjustfromitstrammelsunbound,Ortwosubstancesthattheiraffinitiesfound。
ThenightoftheanxiouslylookedforsoireeHadcome,withitsfaironesingorgeousarray;
Withtherattleofwheelsandthetinkleofbells,Andthe\"Howdoyedo’s\"andthe\"Hopeyouarewell’s;\"
Andthecrushinthepassage,andlastlingeringlookYougiveasyouhangyourbesthatonthehook;
Therushofhotairasthedooropenswide;
Andyourentry,——thatblendingofself-possessedprideAndhumilityshowninyourperfect-bredstareAtthefolk,asifwonderinghowtheygotthere;
WithothertricksworthyofVanityFair。
Meanwhile,thesafetopic,thebeatoftheroom,Alreadywaslosingitsfreshnessandbloom;
Youngpeoplewereyawning,andwonderingwhenThedancewouldcomeoff;andwhydidn’titthen:
Whenavagueexpectationwasthrillingthecrowd,Lo!thedoorswungitshingeswithutteranceproud!
AndPompeyannounced,withatrumpet-likestrain,TheentranceofBrownandMissAddieDeLaine。
Sheentered;butoh!howimperfecttheverbToexpresstothesenseshermovementsuperb!
Tosaythatshe\"sailedin\"moreclearlymighttellHergraceinitsbuoyantandbillowyswell。
Herrobewasavaguecircumambientspace,Withshadowyboundariesmadeofpoint-lace;
Therestwasbutguesswork,andwellmightdefyThepowerofcriticalfeminineeyeTodefineordescribe:’twereasfutiletotryThegossamerwebofthecirrustotrace,Floatingfarintheblueofawarmsummersky。
’MidstthehummingofpraisesandglancesofbeauxThatgreetourfairmaidenwherevershegoes,Brownslippedlikeashadow,grim,silent,andblack,Withalookofanxiety,closeinhertrack。
OncehewhisperedasideinherdelicateearAsentenceofwarning,——itmightbeoffear:
\"Don’tstandinadraught,ifyouvalueyourlife。\"
(Nothingmore,——suchadvicemightbegivenyourwifeOryoursweetheart,intimesofbronchitisandcough,Withoutmystery,romance,orfrivolousscoff。)
Butharktothemusic;thedancehasbegun。
Thecloselydrapedwindowswideopenareflung;
Thenotesofthepiccolo,joyousandlight,Likebubblesburstforthonthewarmsummernight。
Roundaboutgothedancers;incirclestheyfly;
Trip,trip,gotheirfeetastheirskirtseddyby;
Andswifterandlighter,butsomewhattooplain,WhisksthefaircircumvolvingMissAddieDeLaine。
TaglioniandCeritowellmighthavepinedForthevigorandeasethathermovementscombined;
E’enRigelbocheneverflunghigherherrobeInthenaughtiestcitythat’sknownontheglobe。
’Twasamazing,’twasscandalous;lostinsurprise,Someopenedtheirmouths,andafewshuttheireyes。
Buthark!AtthemomentMissAddieDeLaine,CirclingroundattheouteredgeofanellipseWhichbroughtherfairformtothewindowagain,Fromthearmsofherpartnerincautiouslyslips!
Andashriekfillstheair,andthemusicisstill,AndthecrowdgatherroundwhereherpartnerforlornStillfrenziedlypointsfromthewidewindow-sillIntospaceandthenight;forMissAddiewasgone!
Gonelikethebubblethatburstsinthesun;
Gonelikethegrainwhenthereaperisdone;
Gonelikethedewonthefreshmorninggrass;
Gonewithoutpartingfarewell;andalas!
Gonewithaflavorofhydrogengas!
Whentheweatherispleasant,youfrequentlymeetAwhite-headedmanslowlypacingthestreet;
Histremblinghandshadinghislack-lustreeye,Halfblindwithcontinuallyscanningthesky。
Rumorpointshimassomeastronomicalsage,Re-perusingbydaythecelestialpage;
Butthereader,sagacious,willrecognizeBrown,Tryingvainlytoconjurehislostsweetheartdown,Andlearnthesternmoralthisstorymustteach,ThatGeniusmayliftitsloveoutofitsreach。
ALEGENDOFCOLOGNE
AbovethebonesSt。Ursulaowns,Andthoseofthevirginsshechaperons;
Abovetheboats,Andthebridgethatfloats,AndtheRhineandthesteamers’smokythroats;
Abovethechimneysandquaint-tiledroofs,Abovetheclatterofwheelsandhoofs;
AboveNewmarket’sopenspace,AbovethatconsecratedplaceWherethegenuinebonesoftheMagiseenare,AndthedozenshopsoftherealFarina;
HigherthanevenoldHohestrasse,Whosehousesthreatenthetimidpasser,——
Abovethemall,Throughscaffoldstall,Andspireslikedelicatelimbsinsplinters,ThegreatCologne’sCathedralstonesClimbthroughthestormsofeighthundredwinters。
Unfinishedthere,Inhighmid-airThetowershaltlikeabrokenprayer;
Throughyearsbelated,Unconsummated,Thehopeofitsarchitectquitefrustrated。
ItsveryyouthTheysay,forsooth,Withaquiteimproperpurposemated;
AndeverystoneWithacurseofitsownInsteadofthatsermonShakespearestated,Sincethedayitschoir,Whichalladmire,ByCologne’sArchbishopwasconsecrated。
Ah!THATwasaday,Onewellmightsay,Tobemarkedwiththelargest,whiteststoneTobefoundinthetowersofallCologne!
AlongtheRhine,FromoldRheinstein,Thepeopleflowedliketheirowngoodwine。
FromRudesheim,AndGeisenheim,Andeveryspotthatisknowntorhyme;
FromthefamedCat’sCastleofSt。Goarshausen,TothepicturedroofsofAssmannshausen,Anddownthetrack,FromquaintSchwalbachTotheclusteringtilesofBacharach;
FromBingen,henceTooldCoblentz:
Fromeverycastellatedcrag,Wheretherobberchieftainskepttheir\"swag,\"
Thefolkflowedin,andOber-CasselShonewiththepompofknightandvassal;
Andpouringinfromnearandfar,AstheRhinetoitsbosomdrawstheAhr,OrtakesthearmofthesoberMosel,SoinCologne,knight,squire,andlosel,Chokedupthecity’sgateswithmenFromoldSt。StephentoZintMarjen。
Whathadtheycometosee?Ahme!
Ifearnoglitterofpageantry,NorsacredzealForChurch’sweal,Norfaithinthevirgins’bonestoheal;
NorchildliketrustinfrankconfessionDrewthese,who,dyedindeeptransgression,StillineachnestOneverycrestKeptstolengoodsintheirpossession;
ButonlytheirgoutForsomethingnew,Morerarethanthe\"roast\"ofawanderingJew;
Or——tobeexact——
Tosee——infact——
AChristiansoul,intheveryactOfbeingdamned,secundumartem,Bythedevil,beforeasoulcouldpart’em。
ForarumorhadflownThroughoutCologneThatthechurch,infact,wasthedevil’sown;
Thatitsarchitect(Beinglong\"suspect\")
HadconfessedtotheBishopthathehadwreckedNotonlyhisOWNsoul,buthadlostTheVERYFIRSTCHRISTIANSOULthatcrossedThesacredthreshold:andall,infine,ForthatverybeautifuldesignOfthewonderfulchoirTheywerepleasedtoadmire。
Andreally,hemustbeallowedtosay——
Tospeakinapurelybusinessway——
That,takingtherulingmarketpricesOfsoulsandchurches,insuchacrisisItwouldbeshown——
AndhisGracemustown——
ItwasreallyaBARGAINforCologne!
SuchwasthetaleThatturnedcheekspaleWiththethoughtthattheenemymightprevail,AndthechurchdoorssnapWithathunderclapOnaChristiansoulinthatdevil’strap。
Butawiserfew,WhothoughtthattheyknewCologne’sArchbishop,replied,\"Pooh,pooh!
Justwatchhimandwait,Andassureasfate,You’llfindthattheBishopwillgivecheckmate。\"
OneheremightnoteHowthepopularvote,Asshowninalllegendsandanecdote,DeclaresthatabreachOftrusttoo’erreachThedevilissomethingquiteproperforeach。
And,really,ifyouGivethedevilhisdueInspiteoftheproverb——it’ssomethingyou’llrue。
Buttolieanddeceivehim,Touseandtoleavehim,FromJobuptoFaustisthewaytoreceivehim,ThoughnoonehasheardIteveraverredThatthe\"FatherofLies\"everyetbrokeHISword,Buthasleftthisposition,Ineverytradition,Tobetakenalonebythe\"truth-loving\"Christian!
Bom!fromthetower!
Itisthehour!
Thehostpoursin,initspompandpowerOfbannersandpyx,Andhighcrucifix,Andcrosiersandotherprocessionalsticks,AndnoendofMarysInquaintreliquaries,Togladdenthesoulsofalltrueantiquaries;
AndanOsculumPacis(AmythtothemassesWhotrustedtheirbonesmoretomailandcuirasses)——
AllbornebythethrongWhoaremarchingalongTothesquareoftheDomwithprocessionalsong,Withtheflaringofdips,Andbendingofhips,Andthechantingofhundredperfunctorylips;
AndsomegoodlittleboysWhohadcomeupfromNeussAndtheQuirinuskirchetoshowofftheirvoice:
AllmarchtothesquareOfthegreatDom,andthereFilerightandleft,leavingaloneandquitebareAcoveredsedan,Containing——soranTherumor——thevictimtotakeofftheban。
Theyhaveleftitalone,TheyhavesprinkledeachstoneOftheporchwithasanctifiedEaudeCologne,GuaranteedinthiscaseTodisguiseeverytraceOfasulphurouspresenceinthatsacredplace。
TwoCarmelitesstandOntherightandlefthandOfthecoveredsedanchair,towaitthecommandOftheprelatetothrowUpthecoverandshowTheformofthevictiminterrorbelow。
There’sapauseandaprayer,Thenthesignal,andthere——
IsaWOMAN!——byallthatisgoodandisfair!
Awoman!andknownTothemall——onemustownTOOWELLKNOWNtothemany,to-daytobeshownAsamartyr,ore’enAsaChristian!AqueenOfpleasanceandrevel,ofglitterandsheen;
SobadthattheworstOfColognespakeupfirst,Anddeclared’twasanoutragetosufferonecurst,AndalreadyafiefOftheSatanicchief,TomartyrherselffortheChurch’srelief。
ButinvainfelltheirsneerOnthemob,whoIfearOnthewholefeltastrongdispositiontocheer。
Awoman!andthereShestandsintheglareOfthepitilesssunandtheirpityingstare,——
Awomanstillyoung,WithgarmentsthatclungToafigure,thoughwastedwithpassionandwrungWithremorseanddespair,Yetstillpassingfair,Withjewelsandgoldinherdarkshininghair,Andcheeksthatarefaint’Neathherdyesandherpaint。
Awomanmostsurely——buthardlyasaint!
Shemoves。ShehasgoneFromtheirpityandscorn;
ShehasmountedaloneThefirststepofstone,Andthehighswingingdoorsshewideopenhasthrown,Thenpausesandturns,AsthealtarblazeburnsOnhercheeks,andwithonesuddengestureshespurnsArchbishopandPrior,Knight,ladye,andfriar,Andhervoiceringsouthighfromthevaultofthechoir。
\"OmenofCologne!
WhatIWASyehaveknown;
WhatIAM,asIstandhere,Oneknowethalone。
IfitbebutHiswillIshallpassfromHimstill,Lost,curst,anddegraded,Ireckonnoill;
IfstillbythatsignOfHisangerdivineOnesoulshallhesaved,Hehathblessedmorethanmine。
OmenofCologne!
Standforth,ifyeownAfaithliketothis,ormorefittoatone,Andtakeyemyplace,AndGodgiveyougraceTostandandconfrontHim,likeme,facetoface!\"
Shepaused。YetaloofTheyallstand。NoreproofBreaksthesilencethatfillsthecelestialroof。
Oneinstant——nomore——
Shehaltsatthedoor,Thenenters!……AfloodfromtherooftothefloorFillsthechurchrosyred。
Sheisgone!
Butinstead,WhoisthisleaningforwardwithglorifiedheadAndhandsstretchedtosave?
SurethisisnoslaveOfthePowersofDarkness,withaspectsobrave!
Theypresstothedoor,Buttoolate!Alliso’er。
Naughtremainsbutawoman’sformproneonthefloor;
ButtheystillseeatraceOfthatglowinherfaceThattheysawinthelightofthealtar’shighblazeOntheimagethatstandsWiththebabeinitshandsEnshrinedinthechurchesofallChristianlands。
ATeDeumsung,Acenserhighswung,Withpraise,benediction,andincensewide-flung,ProclaimthattheCURSE
ISREMOVED——andnoworseIstheDomforthetrial——infact,theREVERSE;
ForinsteadoftheirlosingAsoulinabusingTheEvilOne’sfaith,theygainedoneofhischoosing。
Thusthelegendistold:
YouwillfindintheoldVaultedaislesoftheDom,stiffinmarbleorcoldInironandbrass,Ingownandcuirass,Theknights,priests,andbishopswhocametothatMass;
Andhigho’ertherest,Withherbabeatherbreast,TheimageofMaryMadonnatheblest。
Butyoulookroundinvain,Oneachhighpicturedpane,Forthewomanmostworthytowalkinhertrain。
Yet,standingto-dayO’erthedustandtheclay,’Midsttheghostsofalifethathaslongpassedaway,Withtheslow-sinkingsunLookingsoftlyuponThatstained-glassprocession,IscarcemisstheoneThatitdoesnotreveal,ForIknowandIfeelThatthesearebutshadows——thewomanwasreal!
THETALEOFAPONY
Nameofmyheroine,simply\"Rose;\"
Surname,tolerableonlyinprose;
Habitat,Paris,——thatiswhereSheresidedforchangeofair;
Aetattwenty;complexionfair;
Rich,goodlooking,anddebonnaire;
SmarterthanJerseylightning。There!
That’sherphotograph,donewithcare。
InParis,whatevertheydobesides,EVERYLADYINFULLDRESSRIDES!
MoireantiquesyounevermeetSweepingthefilthofadirtystreetButeverywoman’sclaimtotonDependsuponTheteamshedrives,whetherphaeton,Landau,orbritzka。Henceit’splainThatRose,whowasofhertoiletvain,ShouldhaveateamthatoughttobeEqualtoanyinallParis!
\"Bringforththehorse!\"ThecommissaireBowed,andbroughtMissRoseapairLeadinganequipagerichandrare。
Whydoththatlovelyladystare?
Why?ThetailoftheoffgraymareIsbobbed,byallthat’sgoodandfair!
Liketheshaving-brushesthatsoldierswear,ScarcelyshowingasmuchbackhairAsTamO’Shanter’s\"Meg,\"——andthere,Lordknows,she’dlittleenoughtospare。
ThatstareandfrowntheFrenchmanknew,Butdidaswell-bredFrenchmendo:
Raisedhisshouldersabovehiscrown,Joinedhisthumbswiththefingersdown,Andsaid,\"Ah,Heaven!\"——then,\"Mademoiselle,Delayoneminute,andalliswell!\"
Hewent——returned;bywhatgoodchanceThesethingsaremanagedsowellinFranceIcannotsay,buthemadethesale,Andthebob-tailedmarehadaflowingtail。
AllthatisfalseinthisworldbelowBetraysitselfinaloveofshow;
IndignantNaturehidesherlashInthepurple-blackofadyedmustache;
TheshallowestfopwilltripinFrench,Thewould-becriticwillmisquoteTrench;
Inshort,you’realwayssuretodetectAshaminthethingsfolksmostaffect;
Bean-podsarenoisiestwhendry,Andyoualwayswinkwithyourweakesteye:
Andthat’sthereasontheoldgraymareForeverhadhertailintheair,Withflourishesbeyondcompare,ThougheverywhiskIncurredtheriskOfleavingthatsensitiveregionbare。
Shedidsomethingsthatyoucouldn’tbutfeelShewouldn’thavedonehadhertailbeenreal。
ChampsElysees:time,pastfive。
Theregothecarriages,——lookalive!
Everythingthatmancandrive,Orhisinventiveskillcontrive,——
YankeebuggyorEnglish\"chay,\"
Dog-cart,droschky,andsmartcoupe,Adesobligeantequitebulky(FrenchideaofaYankeesulky);
Bandinthedistanceplayingamarch,Footmanstandingstiffasstarch;
Savans,lorettes,deputies,Arch-
Bishops,andtheretogetherrangeSous-lieutenantsandcent-gardes(strangeWaythesesoldier-chapsmakechange),Mixedwithblack-eyedPolishdames,Withunpronounceableawfulnames;
Lacestrembleandribbonsflout,Coachmenwrangleandgendarmesshout——
Blessus!whatistherowabout?
Ah!herecomesRosy’snewturnout!
Smart!Youbetyourlife’twasthat!
Nifty!(shortformagnificat)。
Mulberrypanels,——heraldicspread,——
Ebonywheelspickedoutwithred,Andtwograymaresthatwerethoroughbred:
Nowonderthateverydandy’sheadWasturnedbytheturnout,——and’twassaidThatCaskowhisky(friendoftheCzar),Averygoodwhip(asRussiansare),WastiedtoRosy’striumphalcar,Entranced,thereaderwillunderstand,By\"ribbons\"thatgracedherheadandhand。
Alas!thehouryouthinkwouldcrownYourhighestwishesshouldletyoudown!
OrFateshouldturn,byyourownmischance,Yourvictor’scartoanambulance,Fromcloudlessheavensherlightningsglance!
(Andthesethingshappen,eveninFrance。)
AndsoMissRose,asshetrottedby,Thecynosureofeveryeye,Sawtoherhorrortheoffmareshy,FlourishhertailsoexceedinglyhighThat,disregardingtheclosesttie,Andwithoutgivingareasonwhy,SheflungthattailsofreeandfriskyOffinthefaceofCaskowhisky。
Excuses,blushes,smiles:infine,Endofthepony’stail,andmine!
ONACONEOFTHEBIGTREES
(SEQUOIAGIGANTEA)
BrownfoundlingoftheWesternwood,Babeofprimevalwildernesses!
LongonmytablethouhaststoodEncountersstrangeandrudecaresses;
Perchancecontentedwiththylot,Surroundingsnew,andcuriousfaces,AsthoughtencenturieswerenotImprisonedinthyshiningcases。
Thoubring’stmebackthehalcyondaysOfgratefulrest,theweekofleisure,Thejourneylappedinautumnhaze,Thesweetfatiguethatseemedapleasure,Themorningride,thenoondayhalt,Theblazingslopes,thereddustrising,Andthenthedim,brown,columnedvault,Withitscool,damp,sepulchralspicing。
OncemoreIseetherockingmastsThatscrapethesky,theironlytenantThejay-bird,thatinfroliccastsFromsomehighyardhisbroadbluepennant。
IseetheIndianfilesthatkeepTheirplacesinthedustyheather,Theirredtrunksstandingankle-deepInmoccasinsofrustyleather。
Iseeallthis,andmarvelmuchThatthou,sweetwoodlandwaif,artableTokeepthecompanyofsuchAsthrongthyfriend’s——thepoet’s——table:
Thelatestspawnthepresshathcast,——
The\"modernpopes,\"\"thelaterByrons,\"——
Why,e’enthebestmaynotoutlastThypoorrelation——Sempervirens。
ThysiresawthelightthatshoneOnMohammed’supliftedcrescent,OnmanyaroyalgildedthroneAnddeedforgotteninthepresent;
HesawtheageofsacredtreesAndDruidgrovesandmysticlarches;
AndsawfromforestdomesliketheseThebuilderbringhisGothicarches。
Andmustthou,foundling,stillforegoThyheritageandhighambition,Toliefulllowlyandfulllow,Adjustedtothynewcondition?
Nothiddeninthedriftedsnows,Butunderink-dropsidlyspattered,AndleavesephemeralasthoseThatonthywoodlandtombwerescattered?
Yetliethouthere,Ofriend!andspeakThemoralofthysimplestory:
Thoughlifeisallthatthoudostseek,Andagealonethycrownofglory,NotthinetheonlygermsthatfailThepurposeoftheirhighcreation,IftheirpoortenementsavailForworldlyshowandostentation。
LONEMOUNTAIN
(CEMETERY,SANFRANCISCO)
ThisisthathillofaweThatPersianSindbadsaw,——
Themountmagnetic;
Andonitsseawardface,Scatteredalongitsbase,Thewrecksprophetic。
HerecometheargosiesBlownbyeachidlebreeze,Toandfroshifting;
YettothehillofFateAlldrawing,soonorlate,——
Daybydaydrifting;
DriftingforeverhereBarksthatformanyayearBravedwindandweather;
ShallopsbutyesterdayLaunchedonyonshiningbay,——
Drawnalltogether。
Thisistheendofall:
Sunthyselfbythewall,OpoorerHindbad!
EnvynotSindbad’sfame:
HerecomealikethesameHindbadandSindbad。
ALNASCHAR
Here’syertoyballoons!Allsizes!
Twentycentsforthat。ItrisesJestasquickasthat’ere,Miss,Twiceasbig。YeseeitisSomemorefancy。MakeitsquareFiftyfor’emboth。That’sfair。
That’sthesixthI’vesoldsincenoon。
Trade’sreviving。JustassoonAsthislot’sworkedoff,I’lltakeWholesalefiggers。Makeorbreak,——
That’smymotto!ThenI’llbuyInsomefirst-classlotteryOnehalfticket,numberedright——
AsIdreamedaboutlastnight。
That’llfetchit。Don’ttellme!
Whenaman’sinluck,yousee,Allthingshelphim。EverychanceHitshimlikeanavalanche。
Here’syourtoyballoons,Miss。Eh?
Youwon’tturnyourfacethisway?
Mebbeyou’llbegladsomeday。
WiththatcleartenthousandprizeThis’yertradeI’lldrop,andriseIntowholesale。No!I’lltakeStocksinWallStreet。Makeorbreak,——
That’smymotto!Withmyluck,Where’sthechanceofbeingstuck?
Callitsixtythousand,clear,MadeinWallStreetinoneyear。
Sixtythousand!Umph!Let’ssee!
Bondandmortgage’lldoforme。
Good!ThatgalthatpassedmebyScornfullike——why,mebbeI
Someday’llholdinpawn——whynot?——
Allherfather’sprop。She’llspotWhat’smylittlegame,andseeWhatI’mafter’sHER。He!he!
He!he!Whenshecomestosue——
Let’ssee!What’sthethingtodo?
Kickher?No!There’stheperliss!
Sorterthrowherofflikethis。
Hello!Stop!Help!Murder!Hey!
There’smywholestockgotaway,Kitingonthehouse-tops!Lost!
Allapoorman’sfortin!Cost?
Twentydollars!Eh!What’sthis?
Fiftycents!Godblessye,Miss!
THETWOSHIPS
AsIstandbythecrossonthelonemountain’screst,Lookingovertheultimatesea,Inthegloomofthemountainashipliesatrest,Andonesailsawayfromthelea:
Onespreadsitswhitewingsonafar-reachingtrack,Withpennantandsheetflowingfree;
Onehidesintheshadowwithsailslaidaback,——
Theshipthatiswaitingforme!
Butlo!inthedistancethecloudsbreakaway,TheGate’sglowingportalsIsee;
AndIhearfromtheoutgoingshipinthebayThesongofthesailorsinglee。
SoIthinkoftheluminousfootprintsthatboreThecomforto’erdarkGalilee,Andwaitforthesignaltogototheshore,Totheshipthatiswaitingforme。
ADDRESS
(OPENINGOFTHECALIFORNIATHEATRE,SANFRANCISCO,JANUARY19,1870)
Briefwords,whenactionswait,arewell:
Theprompter’shandisonhisbell;
Thecomingheroes,lovers,kings,Areidlyloungingatthewings;
Behindthecurtain’smysticfoldTheglowingfutureliesunrolled;
Andyet,onemomentforthePast,Oneretrospect,——thefirstandlast。
\"Theworld’sastage,\"theMastersaid。
To-nightamightiertruthisread:
Notintheshiftingcanvasscreen,Theflashofgasortinselsheen;
NotintheskillwhosesignalcallsFromemptyboardsbaronialhalls;
But,frontingseaandcurvingbay,Beholdtheplayersandtheplay。
Ah,friends!beneathyourrealskiesTheactor’sshort-livedtriumphdies:
Onthatbroadstageofempirewon,Whosefootlightswerethesettingsun,WhoseflatsadistantbackgroundroseIntracklesspeaksofendlesssnows;
Heregeniusbows,andtalentwaitsTocopythatbutOnecreates。
Yourshiftingscenes:theleagueofsand,Anavenuebyoceanspanned;
Thenarrowbeachofstragglingtents,Amileofstatelymonuments;
Yourstandard,lo!aflagunfurled,Whoseclingingfoldsclasphalftheworld,——
Thisisyourdrama,builtonfacts,With\"twentyyearsbetweentheacts。\"
Onemomentmore:ifhereweraiseTheoft-sunghymnoflocalpraise,Beforethecurtainfactsmustsway;
HEREwaitsthemoralofyourplay。
Glassedinthepoet’sthought,youviewWhatmoneycan,yetcannotdo;
Thefaiththatsoars,thedeedsthatshine,Abovethegoldthatbuildstheshrine。
Andoh!whenotherstakeourplace,AndEarth’sgreencurtainhidesourface,Ereonthestage,sosilentnow,Thelastnewheromakeshisbow:
Somayourdeeds,recalledoncemoreInMemory’ssweetbutbriefencore,Downallthecirclingagesrun,Withtheworld’splauditof\"Welldone!\"
DOLLYVARDEN
DearDolly!whodoesnotrecallThethrillingpagethatpicturedallThosecharmsthatheldoursenseinthrallJustastheartistcaughther,——
AsdownthatEnglishlaneshetripped,Inboweredchintz,hatsidewaystipped,Trim-bodiced,bright-eyed,roguish-lipped,——
Thelocksmith’sprettydaughter?
SweetfragmentoftheMaster’sart!
Osimplefaith!Orusticheart!
OmaidthathathnocounterpartInlife’sdry,dog-earedpages!
Whereshallwefindthylike?Ah,stay!
MethinksIsawheryesterdayInchintzthatflowered,asonemightsay,Perennialforages。
Herfather’smodestcotwasstone,Fivestorieshigh;instyleandtoneComposite,and,Ifranklyown,WithinitswallsrevealingSomecertainnovel,strangeideas:
AGothicdoorwithRomanpiers,Andfloorsremovedsomethousandyears,FromtheirPompeianceiling。
ThesmallsalonwhereshereceivedWasLouisQuatorze,andrelievedByChinesecabinets,conceivedGrotesquelybytheheathen;
Thesofaswereaclassicsight,——
TheRomanbench(sediliahight);
ThechairswereFrenchingoldandwhite,AndoneElizabethan。
Andshe,thegoddessofthatshrine,Tworingedfingersplacedinmine,——
Thestonesweremanycaratsfine,Andofthepurestwater,——
Thendroppedacurtsy,farenoughTofairlyfillhercretonnepuffAndshowthepetticoat’srichstuffThatherfondparentboughther。
Herspeechwassimpleasherdress,——
NotFrenchthemore,butEnglishless,Sheloved;yetsometimes,Iconfess,Iscarcecouldcomprehendher。
Hermannerswerequitefarfromshy。
TherewasaquietinhereyeAppallingtotheHughwho’dtryWithrudenesstooffendher。
\"Butwhence,\"Icried,\"thismasquerade?
Somefigureforto-night’scharade,AWatteaushepherdessormaid?\"
Shesmiledandbeggedmypardon:
\"Why,surelyyoumustknowthename,——
ThatwomanwhowasShakespeare’sflameOrByron’s,——well,it’sallthesame:
Why,Lord!I’mDollyVarden!\"
TELEMACHUSVERSUSMENTOR
Don’tmindme,Ibegyou,oldfellow,——I’lldoverywellherealone;
Youmustnotbekeptfromyour\"German\"becauseI’vedroppedinlikeastone。
Leaveallceremonybehindyou,leaveallthoughtofaughtbutyourself;
Andleave,ifyoulike,theMadeira,andadozencigarsontheshelf。
Asforme,youwillsaytoyourhostess——well,Iscarcelyneedgiveyouacue。
Chantmypraise!AllwilllisttoApollo,thoughMercurypipetoafew。
Sayjustwhatyouplease,mydearboy;there’smoreeloquenceliesinyouth’srashOutspokenheart-impulsethanevergrowledunderthisgrizzlingmustache。
Go,donthedresscoatofourtyrant,——youth’spanopliedarmorforfight,——
Andtiethewhiteneckcloththatrumples,likepleasure,andlastsbutanight;
AndpraytheNineGodstoavertyouwhattimetheThreeSistersshallfrown,Andyou’llloseyourhigh-comedyfigure,andsitmoreateaseinyourgown。
He’soff!There’shisfootonthestaircase。ByJove,whatabound!
ReallynowDidIeverleaplikethisspringald,withLove’schapletgreenonmybrow?
WasIsuchanass?No,Ifancy。Indeed,IrememberquiteplainAgravitymixedwithmytransports,acheerfulnesssoftenedmypain。
He’sgone!There’stheslamofhiscabdoor,there’stheclatterofhoofsandthewheels;
Andwhilehethelighttoeistripping,inthisarmchairI’lltiltupmyheels。
He’sgone,andforwhat?Foratremorfromawaistlikeateetotumspun;
Forarosebudthat’scrumpledbymanybeforeitisgatheredbyone。
Istherenaughtinthehaloofyouthbuttheglowofapassionaterace——’Midstthecheersandapplauseofacrowd——tothegoalofabeautifulface?
Aracethatisnottotheswift,aprizethatnomeritsenforce,Butiswonbysomefaineantyouth,whoshallsimplywalkoverthecourse?
Poorboy!shallIshockhisconceit?Whenhetalksofhercheek’sloveliness,ShallIsay’twastheairoftheroom,andwasduetocarbonicexcess?
Thatwhenwaltzingshedroopedonhisbreast,andtheveinsofhereyelidsgrewdim,’Twasoxygen’sabsenceshefelt,butneverthepresenceofhim?
ShallItellhimfirstloveisafraud,aweaklingthat’sstrangledinbirth,Recalledwithperfunctorytears,butlostinunsanctifiedmirth?
OrshallIgobidhimbelieveinallwomankind’scharm,andforgetInthelightringinglaughoftheworldtherattlesnake’sgaycastanet?
ShallItearoutaleaffrommyheart,fromthatbookthatforeverisshutOnthepast?ShallIspeakofmyfirstlove——Augusta——myLalage?
ButIforget。WasitreallyAugusta?No。’TwasLucy!No。Mary!
No。Di!
Nevermind!theywereallfirstandfaithless,andyet——I’veforgottenjustwhy。
No,no!Lethimdreamonandever。Alas!hewillwakentoosoon;
Anditdoesn’tlookwellforOctobertoalwaysbepreachingatJune。
Poorboy!Allhisfondfoolishtrophiespinnedyonder——abowfromHERhair,Afewbillets-doux,invitations,and——what’sthis?Myname,I
declare!
Humph!\"You’llcome,forI’vegotyouaprize,withbeautyandmoneynoend:
Youknowher,Ithink;’twasonditsheoncewasengagedtoyourfriend;
Butshesaysthat’sallover。\"Ah,isit?SweetEthel!incomparablemaid!
Or——whatifthethingwereatrick?——thislettersofreelydisplayed!——
Myopportunepresence!No!nonsense!Willnobodyanswerthebell?
Callacab!Halfpastten。Nottoolateyet。Oh,Ethel!Whydon’tyougo?Well?
\"Mastersaidyouwouldwait\"——Hangyourmaster!\"HaveIeveramessagetosend?\"
Yes,tellhimI’vegonetotheGermantodancewiththefriendofhisfriend。