第6章
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  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。

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