Somewhereitpursuesitsflight，OneofalongprocessionofsoundsTravellingaetherealroundsFarfromearth’sboundsIntheinfinite。
THEANNOUNCEMENT
Theycame，thebrothers，andtooktwochairsIntheirusualquietway；
AndforatimewedidnotthinkTheyhadmuchtosay。
AndtheybeganandtalkedawhileOfordinarythings，TillspreadthatsilenceintheroomApentthoughtbrings。
Andthentheysaid："Theendhascome。
Yes：ithascomeatlast。"
Andwelookeddown，andknewthatdayAspirithadpassed。
THEOXEN
ChristmasEve，andtwelveoftheclock。
"Nowtheyareallontheirknees，"
AneldersaidaswesatinaflockBytheembersinhearthsideease。
WepicturedthemeekmildcreatureswhereTheydweltintheirstrawypen，NordiditoccurtooneofusthereTodoubttheywerekneelingthen。
SofairafancyfewwouldweaveIntheseyears!Yet，Ifeel，IfsomeonesaidonChristmasEve，"Come；seetheoxenkneel"InthelonelybartonbyyondercoombOurchildhoodusedtoknow，"
Ishouldgowithhiminthegloom，Hopingitmightbeso。
1915。
THETRESSES
"WhentheairwasdampItmademycurlshangslackAstheykissedmyneckandbackWhileIfootedthesalt—airedtrackIlovedtotramp。
"WhenitwasdryTheywouldrollupcrispandtightAsIwentoninthelightOfthesun，whichmyownspriteSeemedtooutvie。
"NowIamold；
AndhavenotonegaycurlAsIhadwhenagirlFordampnesstounfurlOrsunuphold!"
THEPHOTOGRAPH
TheflamecreptuptheportraitlinebylineAsitlayonthecoalsinthesilenceofnight’sprofound，Andoverthearm’sincline，Andalongthemargeofthesilkworksuperfine，Andgnawedatthedelicatebosom’sdefencelessround。
ThenIventedacryofhurt，andavertedmyeyes；
ThespectaclewasonethatIcouldnotbear，Tomydeepandsadsurprise；
But，compelledtoheed，Iagainlookedfurtive—wiseTilltheflamehadeatenherbreasts，andmouth，andhair。
"ThankGod，sheisoutofitnow!"Isaidatlast，InagreatreliefofheartwhenthethingwasdoneThathadsetmysoulaghast，AndnothingwasleftofthepictureunsheathedfromthepastButtheashenghostofthecardithadfiguredon。
Shewasawomanlonghidamidpacksofyears，Shemighthavebeenlivingordead；shewaslosttomysight，AndthedeedthathadnighdrawntearsWasdoneinacasualclearanceoflife’sarrears；
ButIfeltasifIhadputhertodeaththatnight!……
***
—Well；sheknewnothingthereofdidshesurvive，Andsufferednothingifnumberedamongthedead；
Yet——yet——ifonearthaliveDidshefeelasmart，andwithvaguestrangeanguishstrive？
Ifinheaven，didshesmileatmesadlyandshakeherhead？
ONAHEATH
Icouldhearagown—skirtrustlingBeforeIcouldseehershape，RustlingthroughtheheatherThatwovethecommon’sdrape，OnthateveningofdarkweatherWhenIhearkened，lipsagape。
Andthetown—shineinthedistanceDidbutbaffleherethesight，Andthenavoiceflewforward：
Dear，is’tyou？Ifearthenight!"
AndtheheronsflappedtonorwardInthefirsuponmyright。
TherewasanotherloomingWhoselifewedidnotsee；
TherewasonestillybloomingFullnightowherewalkedwe；
TherewasashadeentombingAllthatwasbrightofme。
ANANNIVERSARY
Itwasattheverydatetowhichwehavecome，Inthemonthofthematchingname，When，atalikeminute，thesunhadupswum，Itscouch—timeatnightbeingthesame。
Andthesamepathstretchedherethatpeoplenowfollow，Andthesamestilecrossedtheirway，AndbeyondthesamegreenhillockandhollowThesamehorizonlay；
Andthesamemanpilgrimsnowherebywhopilgrimedherethatday。
Letsomuchbesaidofthedate—day’ssameness；
Butthetreethatneighboursthetrack，Andstoopslikeapedlarafflictedwithlameness，Knewofnosoggedwoundorwindcrack。
AndthejointsofthatwallwerenotenshroudedWithmossesofmanytones，AndthegarthupafarwasnotovercrowdedWithamultitudeofwhitestones，Andtheman’seyesthenwerenotsosunkthatyousawthesocket—
bones。
KINGSTON—MAURWARDEWELEASE。
"BYTHERUNICSTONE"
（Twowhobecameastory）
BytheRunicStoneTheysat，wherethegrassslopeddown，Andchattered，hewhite—hatted，sheinbrown，Pink—faced，breeze—blown。
RapttherealoneInthetransportoftalkingsoInsuchaplace，therewasnothingtoletthemknowWhathourshadflown。
AndthediethrownBythemheedlesslythere，thedentItwastocutintheirencompassment，Were，too，unknown。
ItmighthavestrownTheirzestwithqualmstosee，Asinaglass，TimetosstheirhistoryFromzonetozone!
THEPINKFROCK
"Omyprettypinkfrock，Isha’n’tbeabletowearit!
Whyishedyingjustnow？
Ihardlycanbearit!
"Hemighthavecontrivedtoliveon；
Buttheysaythere’snohopewhatever：
AndmustIshutmyselfup，Andgooutnever？
"Omyprettypinkfrock，Puff—sleevedandaccordion—pleated!
HemighthavepassedinJuly，Andnotsocheated!"
TRANSFORMATIONS
PortionofthisyewIsamanmygrandsireknew，Bosomedhereatitsfoot：
Thisbranchmaybehiswife，AruddyhumanlifeNowturnedtoagreenshoot。
ThesegrassesmustbemadeOfherwhooftenprayed，Lastcentury，forrepose；
AndthefairgirllongagoWhomIoftentriedtoknowMaybeenteringthisrose。
So，theyarenotunderground，ButasnervesandveinsaboundInthegrowthsofupperair，Andtheyfeelthesunandrain，AndtheenergyagainThatmadethemwhattheywere!
INHERPRECINCTS
Herhouselookedcoldfromthefoggylea，AndthesquareofeachwindowadullblackblurWhereshowednostir：
Yes，hergloomwithinatthelackofmeSeemedmatchingmineatthelackofher。
TheblacksquaresgrewtobesquaresoflightAstheeyeshadeswathedthehouseandlawn，Andviolsgavetone；
Therewasgleewithin。AndIfoundthatnightThegloomofseveranceminealone。
KINGSTON—MAURWARDPARK。
THELASTSIGNAL
（Oct。11，1886）
AMEMORYOFWILLIAMBARNES
SilentlyIfootedbyanuphillroadThatledfrommyabodetoaspotyew—boughed；
Yellowlythesunslopedlowdowntowestward，Anddarkwastheeastwithcloud。
Then，amidtheshadowofthatlividsadeast，Wherethelightwasleast，andagatestoodwide，Somethingflashedthefireofthesunthatwasfacingit，Likeabriefblazeonthatside。
LookinghardandharderIknewwhatitmeant—
Thesuddenshinesentfromthelivideastscene；
Itmeantthewestmirroredbythecoffinofmyfriendthere，Turningtotheroadfromhisgreen，Totakehislastjourneyforth——hewhoinhisprimeTrudgedsomanyatimefromthatgateathwarttheland!
Thusafarewelltomehesignalledonhisgrave—way，Aswithawaveofhishand。
WINTERBORNE—CAMEPATH。
THEHOUSEOFSILENCE
"Thatisaquietplace—
Thathouseinthetreeswiththeshadylawn。"
"——If，child，youknewwhattheregoesonYouwouldnotcallitaquietplace。
Why，aphantomabidesthere，thelastofitsrace，Andabrainspinstheretilldawn。"
"ButIseenobodythere，—
Nobodymovesaboutthegreen，Orwanderstheheavytreesbetween。"
"——Ah，that’sbecauseyoudonotbearThevisioningpowersofsoulswhodareTopiercethematerialscreen。
"Morning，noon，andnight，MidthosefunerealshadesthatseemTheuncannysceneryofadream，Figuresdancetoamindwithsight，AndmusicandlaughterlikefloodsoflightMakealltheprecinctsgleam。
"Itisapoet’sbower，Throughwhichtherepass，infleetarrays，Longteamsofalltheyearsanddays，Ofjoysandsorrows，ofearthandheaven，Thatmeetmankindinitsagesseven，Anaioninanhour。"
GREATTHINGS
Sweetcyderisagreatthing，Agreatthingtome，SpinningdowntoWeymouthtownByRidgwaythirstily，AndmaidandmistresssummoningWhotendthehostelry：
Ocyderisagreatthing，Agreatthingtome!
Thedanceitisagreatthing，Agreatthingtome，WithcandleslitandpartnersfitFornight—longrevelry；
Andgoinghomewhenday—dawningPeepspaleuponthelea：
Odancingisagreatthing，Agreatthingtome!
Loveis，yea，agreatthing，Agreatthingtome，When，havingdrawnacrossthelawnIndarknesssilently，Afigureflitslikeonea—wingOutfromthenearesttree：
Oloveis，yes，agreatthing，Agreatthingtome!
Willthesebealwaysgreatthings，Greatthingstome？……
LetitbefallthatOnewillcall，"Soul，Ihaveneedofthee："
Whatthen？Joy—jaunts，impassionedflings，Love，anditsecstasy，Willalwayshavebeengreatthings，Greatthingstome!
THECHIMES
ThatmorningwhenItrodthetownThetwitchingchimesoflongrenownPlayedouttomeThesweetSiciliansailors’tune，AndIknewnotiflateorsoonMydaywouldbe：
Adayofsunshineberyl—brightAndwindless；yea，thinkasImight，Icouldnotsay，Eventowithinyears’measure，whenOnewouldbeatmysidewhothenWasfaraway。
WhenhardutilitariantimesHadstilledthesweetSaint—Peter’schimesIlearnttoseeThatbalemayspringwhereblissesare，AndonedesiredmightbeafarThoughneartome。
THEFIGUREINTHESCENE
ItpleasedhertostepinfrontandsitWherethecraggedslopewasgreen，WhileIstoodbackthatImightpencilitWithheramidthescene；
Tillitgloomedandrained；
ButIkepton，despitethedriftingwetThatfellandstainedMydraught，leavingforcuriousquizzingsyetTheblotsengrained。
AndthusIdrewhertherealone，SeatedamidthegauzeOfmoisture，hooded，onlyheroutlineshown，Withrainfallmarkedacross。
——Soonpassedourstay；
YetherrainyformistheGeniusstillofthespot，Immutable，yea，Thoughtheplacenowknowshernomore，andhasknownhernotEversincethatday。
Fromanoldnote。
"WHYDIDISKETCH"
WhydidIsketchanuplandgreen，AndputthefigureinOfoneonthespotwithme？—
FornowthatonehasceasedtobeseenThepicturewaxesakinToawordlessirony。
IfyougodrawingondownorcliffLetnosoftcurvesintrudeOfawoman’ssilhouette，ButshowtheescarpmentsstarkandstiffAsinuttersolitude；
Soshallyouhalfforget。
LetmesoonerpassfromsightoftheskyThanagainonathoughtlessdayLimn，laugh，andsing，andrhymeWithawomansittingnear，whomI
Paintinforlove，andwhomayBecalledhenceinmytime!
Fromanoldnote。
CONJECTURE
IftherewereinmykalendarNoEmma，Florence，Mary，Whatwouldbemyexistencenow—
Ahermit’s？——wanderer’sweary？—
HowshouldIlive，andhowNearwouldbedeath，orfar？
CouldithavebeenthatothereyesMighthaveuplitmyhighway？
Thatfond，sad，retrospectivesightWouldcatchfromthisdimbywayPrizedfiguresdifferentquiteFromthosethatnowarise？
WithhowstrangeaspectwouldtherecreepThedawn，thenight，thedaytime，IfmemorywerenotwhatitisInsong—time，toil，orpray—time。—
Owereitelsethanthis，I’dpasstopulselesssleep!
THEBLOW
Thatnomanschemeditismyhope—
Yea，thatitfellbywillandscopeOfThatWhichsomeenthrone，Andforwhosemeaningmyriadsgrope。
ForIwouldnotthatofmykindThereshould，ofhisunbiassedmind，HavebeenoneknownWhosuchastrokecouldhavedesigned；
SinceitwouldaugurworksandwaysBelowthelowestthatmanassaysTohavehurledthatstoneIntothesunshineofourdays!
Andifitprovethatnomandid，AndthattheInscrutable，theHid，WascausealoneOfthisfoulcrashourlivesamid，I’llgoinduetime，andforgetInsomedeepgraveyard’soublietteThethingwhereofIgroan，Andceasefromtroubling；thankfulyetTime’sfingershouldhavestretchedtoshowNoaimfulauthor’swastheblowThatsweptusprone，ButtheImmanentDoer’sThatdothnotknow，WhichinsomeageunguessedofusMayliftItsblindingincubus，Andsee，andown：
"ItgrievesmeIdidthusandthus!"
LOVETHEMONOPOLIST
（YoungLover’sReverie）
Thetraindrawsforthfromthestation—yard，Andwithitcarriesme。
Irise，andstretchout，andregardTheplatformleft，andseeAnairyslimblueformtherestanding，Andknowthatitisshe。
WhilewithstrainedvisionIwatchon，ThefigureturnsroundquiteTogreetfriendsgaily；thenisgone……
Theimportmaybeslight，ButwhyremainedshenothardgazingTillIwasoutofsight？
"Odonotchatwithothersthere，"
Ibrood。"TheyarenotI。
OstrainyourthoughtsasiftheywereGoldbandsbetweenus；eyeAllneighbourscenesassomuchblanknessTillIagainamby!
"AtroubledsoughinginthebreezeAndtheskyoverheadLetyourselffeel；andshadefultrees，Ripecorn，andapplesred，ReadasthingsbarrenanddistastefulWhileweareseparated!
"WhenIcomebackuncloakyourgloom，Andletinlovelyday；
ThenthelongdarkasofthetombCanwellbethrustawayWithsweetthingsIshallhavetopractise，Andyouwillhavetosay!"
Begun1871：finished—
ATMIDDLE—FIELDGATEINFEBRUARY
ThebarsarethickwithdropsthatshowAstheygatherthemselvesfromthefogLikesilverbuttonsrangedinarow，Andasevenlyspacedasifmeasured，althoughTheyfallatthefeeblestjog。
Theyloadtheleaflesshedgehardby，Andthebladesoflastyear’sgrass，WhilethefallowploughlandturnedupnighInrawrolls，clammyandclogginglie—
Toocloggingforfeettopass。
Howdryitwasonafar—backdayWhenstrawshungthehedgeandaround，WhenamidthesheavesinamorousplayIncurtainedbonnetsandlightarrayBloomedabevynowunderground!
BOCKHAMPTONLANE。
THEYOUTHWHOCARRIEDALIGHT
Isawhimpassasthenewdaydawned，Murmuringsomemusicalphrase；
Horsesweredrinkingandflounderinginthepond，Andthetiredstarsthinnedtheirgaze；
Yetthesewerenotthespectaclesatallthatheconned，Butaninnerone，givingoutrays。
Suchwasthethinginhiseye，walkingthere，Theveryandvisiblething，Acloselight，displacingthegrayofthemorningair，Andthetokensthatthedarkwastakingwing；
AndwasitnottheradianceofapurposerareThatmightripetoitsaccomplishing？
Whatbecameofthatlight？Iwonderstillitsfate!
Wasitquenchedereitsfullapogee？
Diditstrugglefrailandfrailertoabeamemaciate？
Diditthrivetillmaturedinverity？
Ordidittravelon，tobeanewyoungdreamer’sfreight，Andthenceoninfinitely？
1915。
THEHEADABOVETHEFOG
SomethingdoIseeAbovethefogthatsheetsthemead，Afigureliketolifeindeed，Movingalongwithspectre—speed，Seenbynonebutme。
Othevisionkeen!—
TrippingalongtomeforloveAsinthefleshitusedtomove，OnlyitshatandplumeaboveTheeveningfog—fleeceseen。
Intheday—fallwan，Whennightedbirdsbreakofftheirsong，Mereghostlyheaditskimsalong，Justasitdidwhenwarmandstrong，Bodyseeminggone。
SuchitisIseeAbovethefogthatsheetsthemead—
Yea，thatwhichoncecouldbreatheandplead!—
Skimmingalongwithspectre—speedToalasttrystwithme。
OVERLOOKINGTHERIVERSTOUR
TheswallowsflewinthecurvesofaneightAbovetheriver—gleamInthewetJune’slastbeam：
LikelittlecrossbowsanimateTheswallowsflewinthecurvesofaneightAbovetheriver—gleam。
PlaningupshavingsofcrystalsprayAmoor—hendartedoutFromthebankthereabout，Andthroughthestream—shinerippedhisway；
PlaningupshavingsofcrystalsprayAmoor—hendartedout。
Closedwerethekingcups；andthemeadDrippedinmonotonousgreen，Thoughtheday’smorningsheenHadshownitgoldenandhoneybee’d；
Closedwerethekingcups；andthemeadDrippedinmonotonousgreen。
AndneverIturnedmyhead，alack，WhilethesethingsmetmygazeThroughthepane’sdrop—drenchedglaze，Toseethemorebehindmyback……
OneverIturned，butlet，alack，Theselessthingsholdmygaze!
THEMUSICALBOX
LifelongtobeSeemedthefaircolourofthetime；
ThattherewasstandingshadowednearAspiritwhosangtothegentlechimeOftheself—strucknotes，Ididnothear，Ididnotsee。
ThusdiditsingTothemindlesslyrethatplayedindoorsAsshecametolistenformewithout：
"Ovaluewhatthenonceoutpours—
Thisbestoflife——thatshinesaboutYourwelcoming!"
IhadslowedalongAfterthetorridhoursweredone，ThoughstillthepostsandwallsandroadFlungbacktheirsenseofthehot—facedsun，AndhadwalkedbyStoursideMill，wherebroadStream—liliesthrong。
AndIdescriedTheduskyhousethatstoodapart，Andher，white—muslined，waitingthereIntheporchwithhigh—expectantheart，WhilestillthethinmechanicairWentoninside。
AtwhileswouldflitSwartbats，whosewings，be—webbedandtanned，Whirredlikethewheelsofancientclocks：
ShelaughedahailingasshescannedMeinthegloom，thetunefulboxIntoningit。
LifelongtobeIthoughtit。ThattherewatchedhardbyAspiritwhosangtotheindoortune，"Omakethemostofwhatisnigh!"
Ididnothearinmydullsoul—swoon—
Ididnotsee。
ONSTURMINSTERFOOT—BRIDGE
（ONOMATOPOEIC）
Reticulationscreepupontheslackstream’sfaceWhenthewindskimsirritablypast，ThecurrentcluckssmartlyintoeachhollowplaceThatyearsoffloodhavescrabbledinthepier’ssoddenbase；
Thefloating—lilyleavesrotfast。
Onaroofstandtheswallowsrangedinwistfulwaitingrows，TilltheyarrowoffanddroplikestonesAmongtheeyot—withiesatwhosefoottheriverflows；
AndbeneaththeroofisshewhointhedarkworldshowsAsalattice—gleamwhenmidnightmoans。
ROYALSPONSORS
"Thekingandthequeenwillstandtothechild；
’Twillbehandeddowninsong；
Andit’snomorethantheirdeserving，WithmylordsofaithfulatCourtsolong，Andsostaunchandstrong。
"Oneverbeforewasknownsuchathing!
’Twillbeagrandtimeforall；
Andthebeefwillbeawhole—roastbullock，Andtheservantswillhaveafeastinthehall，Andtheladiesaball。
"WhilefromJordan’sstreambyatraveller，Inaflagonofsilverwrought，Andbycaravan，stage—coach，wain，andwaggonAprecioustricklehasbeenbrought，Clearaswhencaught。"
Themorningcame。TotheparkofthepeerTheroyalcouplebore；
AndthefontwasfilledwiththeJordanwater，AndthehouseholdawaitedtheirguestsbeforeThecarpeteddoor。
Butwhentheywenttothesilk—linedcotThechildwasfoundtohavedied。
"What’snowtobedone？WecandisappointnotThekingandqueen!"thefamilycriedWitheyesspreadwide。
"Evennowtheyapproachthechestnut—drive!
Theservicemustberead。"
"Well，sincewecan’tchristenthechildalive，ByGodweshallhavetochristenhimdead!"
Themarquissaid。
Thus，breath—forsaken，acorpsewastakenTotheprivatechapel——yea—
Andthekingknewnot，northequeen，Godwot，ThattheyansweredforonereturnedtoclayAtthefontthatday。
OLDFURNITURE
IknownothowitmaybewithothersWhositamidrelicsofhouseholdryThatdatefromthedaysoftheirmothers’mothers，ButwellIknowhowitiswithmeContinually。
IseethehandsofthegenerationsThatownedeachshinyfamiliarthingInplayonitsknobsandindentations，AndwithitsancientfashioningStilldallying：
Handsbehindhands，growingpalerandpaler，Asinamirroracandle—flameShowsimagesofitself，eachfrailerAsitrecedes，thoughtheeyemayframeItsshapethesame。
Ontheclock’sdulldialafoggyfinger，MovingtosettheminutesrightWithtentativetouchesthatliftandlingerInthewontofamothonasummernight，Creepstomysight。
Onthisoldviol，too，fingersaredancing—
Aswhilom——justoverthestringsbythenut，Thetipofabowreceding，advancingInairyquivers，asifitwouldcutTheplaintivegut。
AndIseeafacebythatboxfortinder，Glowingforthinfitsfromthedark，Andfadingagain，asthelintencinderKindlestoredattheflintyspark，Orgoesoutstark。
Well，well。Itisbesttobeupanddoing，Theworldhasnouseforoneto—dayWhoeyesthingsthus——noaimpursuing!
Heshouldnotcontinueinthisstay，Butsinkaway。
ATHOUGHTINTWOMOODS
Isawit——pinkandwhite——revealedUponthewhiteandgreen；
Thewhiteandgreenwasadaisiedfield，ThepinkandwhiteEthleen。
AndasIlookeditseemedinkindThatdifferencetheyhadnone；
ThetwofairbodimentscombinedAsvariedmiensofone。
Asensethat，insomemoulderingyear，Asonetheybothwouldlie，MadememovequicklyontoherTopassthepalethoughtby。
Shelaughedandsaid："Outthere，tome，Youlookedsoweather—browned，Andbrowninclothes，youseemedtobeMadeofthedustyground!"
THELASTPERFORMANCE
"Iamplayingmyoldesttunes，"declaredshe，"AlltheoldtunesIknow，—
ThoseIlearnteversolongago。"
—Whysheshouldthinkjustthenshe’dplaythemSilencecloakslikesnow。
WhenIreturnedfromthetownatnightfallNotescontinuedtopourAswhenIhadlefttwohoursbefore：
It’stheverylasttime，"shesaidinclosing；
"FromnowIplaynomore。"
Afewmornsonwardfoundherfading，And，asherlifeoutflew，Ithoughtofherplayinghertunesrightthrough；
AndIfeltshehadknownofwhatwascoming，Andwonderedhowsheknew。
1912。
"YOUONTHETOWER"
I
"Youonthetowerofmyfactory—
Whatdoyouseeupthere？
DoyouseeEnjoymentwithwidewingsAdvancingtoreachmehere？"
—"Yea；IseeEnjoymentwithwidewingsAdvancingtoreachyouhere。"
II
"Good。SoonI’llcomeandaskyouTotellmeagainthereon……
Well，whatishedoingnow？Hoi，there!"
——"Hestillisflyingon。"
"Ah，waitingtillIhavefull—finished。
Good。Tellmeagainanon……
III
Hoi，Watchman!I’mhere。Whencomeshe？
BetweenmysweatsIamchill。"
——"Oh，youthere，workingstill？
Why，surelyhereachedyouatimeback，Andtookyoumilesfromyourmill？
Hedulycameinhiswinging，Andnowhehaspassedoutofview。
Howcanitbethatyoumissedhim？
Hebrushedyoubyasheflew。"
THEINTERLOPER
"AndIsawthefigureandvisageofMadnessseekingforahome。"
Therearethreefolkdrivinginaquaintoldchaise，Andthecliff—sidetracklooksgreenandfair；
IviewthemtalkinginquietgleeAstheydropdowntowardsthepuffins’lairBytheroughestofways；
Butanotherwiththethreerideson，Isee，WhomIlikenottobethere!
No：it’snotanybodyyouthinkof。NextAdwellingappearsbyaslowsweetstreamWheretwosithappyandhalfinthedark：
Theyread，helpedoutbyafrail—wick’dgleam，Somerhythmictext；
Butonesitswiththemwhomtheydon’tmark，OneI’mwishingcouldnotbethere。
No：notwhomyouknewandname。AndnowIdiscerngaydinersinamansion—place，Andtheguestsdroppingwit——pert，prim，orchoice，Andthehostess’stenderandlaughingface，Andthehost’sblandbrow；
Icannothelphearingahollowvoice，AndI’dfainnothearitthere。
No：it’snotfromthestrangeryoumetonce。Ah，Yetagoodlierscenethanthatsucceeds；
Peopleonalawn——quiteacrowdofthem。Yes，Andtheychatterandrambleasfancyleads；
Andtheysay，"Hurrah!"
Toablithespeechmade；saveone，mirthless，Whooughtnottobethere。
Nay：it’snotthepaleFormyourimagingsraise，Thatwaitsonusallatadestinedtime，ItisnottheFourthFiguretheFurnaceshowed，Othatitweresuchashapesublime；
Intheselatterdays!
Itisthatunderwhichbestlivescorrode；
Would，woulditcouldnotbethere!
LOGSONTHEHEARTH
AMEMORYOFASISTER
ThefireadvancesalongthelogOfthetreewefelled，WhichbloomedandborestripedapplesbythepeckTillitslasthourofbearingknelled。
TheforkthatfirstmyhandwouldreachAndthenmyfootInclimbingsupwardinchbyinch，liesnowSawn，sapless，darkeningwithsoot。
Wherethebarkcharsiswhere，oneyear，Itwaspruned，andbled—
Thenovergrewthewound。Butnow，atlast，Itsgrowingsallhavestagnated。
Myfellow—climberrisesdimFromherchillygrave—
Justasshewas，herfootnearmineonthebendinglimb，Laughing，heryoungbrownhandawave。
December1915。
THESUNSHADE
Ah——it’stheskeletonofalady’ssunshade，Hereatmyfeetinthehardrock’schink，Merelyanakedsheafofwires!—
TwentyyearshavegonewiththeirliversanddiersSinceitwassilkedinitswhiteorpink。
Noonshineriddlestheribsofthesunshade，Nomoreascreenfromtheweakestray；
Nothingtotellusthehueofitsdyes，NothingbutrustybonesasitliesInitscoffinofstone，unseentillto—day。
Whereisthewomanwhocarriedthatsun—shadeUpanddownthisseasideplace？—
Littlethumbstandingagainstitsstem，Thoughtsperhapsbentonalove—stratagem，Softeningyetmorethealreadysoftface!
IsthefairwomanwhocarriedthatsunshadeAskeletonjustasherpropertyis，Laidinthechinkthatnonemayscan？
Anddoessheregret——ifregretdustcan—
Thevainthingsthoughtwhensheflourishedthis？
SWANAGECLIFFS。
THEAGEINGHOUSE
WhenthewallswereredThatnowareseenTobeoverspreadWithamouldygreen，AfreshfairheadWouldoftenleanFromthesunnycasementAndscanthescene，Whileblithelyspokethewindtothelittlesycamoretree。
ButstormshaveragedThosewallsabout，AndtheheadhasagedThatoncelookedout；
AndzestissuagedAndtrustisdoubt，AndsloweffacementIsrifethroughout，Whilefiercelygirdsthewindatthelong—limbedsycamoretree!
THECAGEDGOLDFINCH
Withinachurchyard，onarecentgrave，IsawalittlecageThatjailedagoldfinch。AllwassilencesaveItshopsfromstagetostage。
Therewasinquiryinitswistfuleye，Andonceittriedtosing；
Ofhimorherwhoplaceditthere，andwhy，Nooneknewanything。
ATMADAMETUSSAUD’SINVICTORIANYEARS
"Thatsamefirstfiddlerwholeadstheorchestrato—nightHerefiddledfourdecadesofyearsago；
Hebearsthesamebabe—likesmileofself—centreddelight，Sametrinketonwatch—chain，sameringonthehandwiththebow。
"Buthisface，ifregarded，iswoefullywanner，anddrier，Andhisoncedarkbeardhasgrownstragglingandgray；
Yetablissfulexistenceheseemstohaveledwithhislyre，Inatranceofhisown，wherenowearingortearinghadsway。
"Midthesewaxfigures，whonothingcando，itmayseemThattodobutalittlethingcountsagreatdeal；
Tobewatchedbykings，councillors，queens，maybeflatteringtohim—
Withtheirglasseyeslongingtheytoocouldwakenotesthatappeal。"
***
Ah，butheplayedstaunchly——thatfiddler——whoeverhewas，Withtheinnocentheartandthesoul—touchingstring：
MayhefindtheFairHaven!Fordidhenotsmilewithgoodcause？
Yes；gamutsthatgracedfortyyears’—flightwerenotasmallthing!
THEBALLET
Theycrushtogether——arustlingheapofflesh—
Ofmorethanflesh，aheapofsouls；andthenTheypart，enmesh，Andcrushtogetheragain，LikethepinkpetalsofatoosanguineroseFrightenedshutjustwhenitblows。
Thoughallalikeintheirtinsellivery，Andindistinguishableatasweepingglance，Theymuster，maybe，Asliveswideinirrelevance；
Aworldofherownhaseachoneunderneath，Detachedasaswordfromitssheath。
Daughters，wives，mistresses；honestorfalse，sold，bought；
Heartsofallsizes；gay，fond，gushing，orpenned，VariousinthoughtOflover，rival，friend；
Linksinaone—pulsedchain，allshowingonesmile，Yetseveredsomanyamile!
THEFIVESTUDENTS
Thesparrowdipsinhiswheel—rutbath，Thesungrowspassionate—eyed，Andboilsthedewtosmokebythepaddock—path；
Asstrenuouslywestride，—
Fiveofus；darkHe，fairHe，darkShe，fairShe，I，Allbeatingby。
Theairisshaken，thehigh—roadhot，Shadowlessswoonstheday，Thegreensaresoberedandcattleatrest；butnotWeonoururgentway，—
Fourofus；fairShe，darkShe，fairHe，I，arethere，Butone——elsewhere。
Autumnmouldsthehardfruitmellow，AndforwardstillwepressThroughmoors，briar—meshedplantations，clay—pitsyellow，Asinthespringhours——yes，Threeofus：fairHe，fairShe，I，asheretofore，But——fallenonemore。
Theleafdrops：earthwormsdrawitinAtnight—timenoiselessly，Thefingersofbirchandbeechareskeleton—thin，Andyetonthebeatarewe，—
Twoofus；fairShe，I。ButnomorelefttogoThetrackweknow。
Iciclestagthechurch—aisleleads，Theflag—ropegibbershoarse，Thehome—boundfoot—folkwraptheirsnow—flakedheads，YetIstillstalkthecourse，—
Oneofus……DarkandfairHe，darkandfairShe，gone：
Therest——anon。
THEWIND’SPROPHECY
Itravelonbybarrenfarms，AndgullsglintoutlikesilverflecksAgainstacloudthatspeaksofwrecks，Andbelliesdownwithblackalarms。
Isay："Thusfrommylady’sarmsIgo；thosearmsIlovethebest!"
Thewindrepliesfromdipandrise，"Nay；towardherarmsthoujourneyest。"
AdistantvergemoroselygrayAppears，whileclotsofflyingfoamBreakfromitsmuddymonochrome，Andalightblinksupfaraway。
Isigh："MyeyesnowasalldayBeholdherebonloopsofhair!"
Likeburstingbondsthewindresponds，"Nay，waitfortressesflashingfair!"
FromtidestheloftycoastlandsscreenComesmitingsliketheslamofdoors，Orhammeringsonhollowfloors，Astheswellcleavesthroughcavesunseen。
SayI："Thoughbroadthiswildterrene，Hercityhomeismatchedofnone!"
Fromthehoarseskiesthewindreplies：
"Thoushouldsthavesaidhersea—bordone。"
Theall—prevailingcloudsexcludeTheonequicktimoroustransientstar；
ThewavesoutsidewherebreakersareHuzzalikeamadmultitude。
"Wherethesunupsit，mist—imbued，"
Icry，"therereignsthestarforme!"
Thewindoutshrieksfrompointsandpeaks：
"Here，westward，whereitdowns，meanye!"
Yondertheheadland，vulturine，SnoreslikeoldSkrymerinhissleep，AndeverychasmandeverysteepBlackensaswakeseachpharos—shine。
"Iroam，butoneissafelymine，"
Isay。"Godgrantshestaymyown!"
Lowlaughsthewindasifitgrinned：
"ThyLoveisonethou’stnotyetknown。"
Rewrittenfromanoldcopy。
DURINGWINDANDRAIN
Theysingtheirdearestsongs—
He，she，allofthem——yea，Trebleandtenorandbass，Andonetoplay；
Withthecandlesmooningeachface……
Ah，no；theyearsO!
Howthesickleavesreeldowninthrongs!
Theyclearthecreepingmoss—
Eldersandjuniors——aye，MakingthepathwaysneatAndthegardengay；
Andtheybuildashadyseat……
Ah，no；theyears，theyears；
See，thewhitestorm—birdswingacross!
Theyareblithelybreakfastingall—
Menandmaidens——yea，Underthesummertree，Withaglimpseofthebay，Whilepetfowlcometotheknee……
Ah，no；theyearsO!
Andtherottenroseisriptfromthewall。
Theychangetoahighnewhouse，He，she，allofthem——aye，ClocksandcarpetsandchairsOnthelawnallday，Andbrightestthingsthataretheirs……
Ah，no；theyears，theyears；
Downtheircarvednamestherain—dropploughs。
HEPREFERSHEREARTHLY
Thisafter—sunsetisasightforseeing，Cliff—headsofcraggycloudsurroundingit。
——Anddwellyouinthatglory—show？
Youmay；fortherearestrangestrangethingsinbeing，StrangerthanIknow。
YetifthatchasmofsplendourclaimyourpresenceWhichglowsbetweentheashcloudandthedun，Howchangedmustbeyourmortalmould!
Changedtoafirmament—ridingearthlessessenceFromwhatyouwereofold：
AlltoounlikethefondandfragilecreatureThenknowntome……Well，shallIsayitplain？
Iwouldnothaveyouthusandthere，Butstillwouldgrieveon，missingyou，stillfeatureYouastheoneyouwere。
THEDOLLS
"Wheneveryoudressmedolls，mammy，Whydoyoudressthemso，Andmakethemgallantsoldiers，WhenneveraoneIknow；
AndnotasgentleladiesWithfrillsandfrocksandcurls，AspeopledressthedolliesOfotherlittlegirls？"
Ah——whydidshenotanswer：—
"Becauseyourmammy’sheedIsalwaysgallantsoldiers，Aswellmaybe，indeed。
Oneofthemwasyourdaddy，HisnameImustnottell；
He’snotthedadwholiveshere，ButoneIlovetoowell。"
MOLLYGONE
NomoresummerforMollyandme；
Thereissnowonthetree，Andtheblackbirdsplumplargeastherooksare，almost，AndthewaterishardWheretheyusedtodipbillsatthedawnereherfigurewaslostTothesecoasts，nowmyprisonclose—barred。
NomoreplantingbyMollyandmeWherethebedsusedtobeOfsweet—william；notrainingtheclamberingroseBytheframeworkoffirNowboweringthepathway，whereonitswingsgailyandblowsAsifcallingcommendmentfromher。
NomorejauntingsbyMollyandmeTothetownbythesea，OralongoverWhitesheettoWynyard’sgreenGap，CatchingMontacuteCrestTotherightagainstSedgmoor，andCorton—Hill’sfar—distantcap，AndPilsdonandLewsdontowest。
NomoresingingbyMollytomeIntheeveningswhensheWasinmoodandinvoice，andthecandleswerelit，Andpasttheporch—quoinTherayswouldspringoutonthelaurels；anddumbledoreshitOnthepane，asifwishingtojoin。
Where，then，isMolly，who’snomorewithme？
——AsIstandonthislea，Thinkingthus，there’samany—flamedstarintheair，ThattossesasignThatherglanceisregardingitsfacefromherhome，sothatthereHereyesmayhavemeetingswithmine。
ABACKWARDSPRING
Thetreesareafraidtoputforthbuds，Andthereistimidityinthegrass；
Theplotsliegraywheregougedbyspuds，AndwhethernextweekwillpassFreeofslysourwindsisthefretofeachbushOfbarberrywaitingtobloom。
Yetthesnowdrop’sfacebetraysnogloom，Andtheprimrosepantsinitsheedlesspush，Thoughthemyrtleasksifit’sworththefightThisyearwithfrostandrimeToventureonemoretimeOndelicateleavesandbuttonsofwhiteFromtheselfsameboughasatlastyear’sprime，AndnevertoruminateonorrememberWhathappenedtoitinmid—December。
April1917。
LOOKINGACROSS
I
Itisdarkinthesky，AndsilenceiswhereOurlaughsranghigh；
AndrecalldoI
ThatOneisoutthere。
II
Thedawnisnotnigh，Andthetreesarebare，AndthewaterwayssighThatayearhasdrawnby，AndTwoareoutthere。
III
ThewinddropstodieLikethephantomofCareToofrailforacry，AndheartbringstoeyeThatThreeareoutthere。
IV
ThisLiferunsdryThatonceranrareAndrosyindye，Andfleetthedaysfly，AndFourareoutthere。
V
Tired，tiredamI
Ofthisearthlyair，Andmywraithasks：Why，Sincethesecalmlie，ArenotFiveoutthere？
December1915。
ATASEASIDETOWNIN1869
（YoungLover’sReverie）
Iwentandstoodoutsidemyself，SpelledthedarkskyAndship—lightsnigh，Andgrumblingwindsthatpassedthereby。
ThennextinsidemyselfIlooked，Andthere，aboveAll，shonemyLove，Thatnothingmatchedtheimageof。
BeyondmyselfagainIranged；
AndsawthefreeLifebythesea，Andfolkindifferenttome。
O’twasacharmtodrawwithinThereafter，whereButshewas；careForonethingonly，herhidthere!
Butsoitchanced，withoutmyselfIhadtolook，AndthenItookMoreheedofwhatIhadlongforsook：
Theboats，thesands，theesplanade，Thelaughingcrowd；
Light—hearted，loudGreetingsfromsomenotill—endowed；
Theeveningsunlitcliffs，thetalk，Hailingsandhalts，Thekeensea—salts，Theband，theMorgenblatterWaltz。
Still，whenatnightIdrewinsideForwardshecame，Sad，butthesameAswhenIfirsthadknownhername。
Thenroseatimewhen，asbyforce，OutwardlywooedBycontactscrude，Herimageinabeyancestood……
AtlastIsaid：ThisoutsidelifeShallnotendure；
I’llseekthepureThought—world，andbaskinherallure。
MyselfagainIcreptwithin，ScannedwithkeencareThetemplewhereShe’dshone，butcouldnotfindherthere。
Isoughtandsought。ButOhersoulHasnotsincethrownUponmyownOnebeam!Yea，sheisgone，isgone。
Fromanoldnote。
THEGLIMPSE
ShespedthroughthedoorAnd，followinginhaste，Andstirredtothecore，Ienteredhot—faced；
ButIcouldnotfindher，Nosignwasbehindher。
"Whereisshe？"Isaid：
—"Who？"theyaskedthatsatthere；
"Notasoul’scomeinsight。"
—"Amaidwithredhair。"
—"Ah。"Theypaled。"Sheisdead。
Peopleseeheratnight，ButyouarethefirstOnwhomshehasburstInthekeencommonlight。"
Itwasagesago，WhenIwasquitestrong：
Ihavewaitedsince，——O，Ihavewaitedsolong!
—Yea，IsetmetoownThehouse，wherenowloneIdwellinvoidroomsBoominghollowastombs!
ButInevercomenearher，ThoughnightlyIhearher。
AndmycheekhasgrownthinAndmyhairhasgrowngrayWiththiswaitingtherein；
Butshestillkeepsaway!
THEPEDESTRIAN
ANINCIDENTOF1883
"Sir，willyouletmegiveyouaride？
NoxVenit，andtheheathiswide。"
—Myphaeton—lanternshoneononeYoung，fair，evenfresh，Butburdenedwithflesh：
Aleathernsatchelathisside，Hisbreathingsshort，hiscoatundone。
’TwasasifhiscorpulentfiguresloppedWiththeshakeofhiswalkingwhenhestopped，And，thoughthenight’spinchgrewacute，HeworebutathinWind—thriddedsuit，Yetwell—shapedshoesforwalkingin，Artisticbeaver，canegold—topped。
"Alas，myfriend，"hesaidwithasmile，"Iamdailyboundtofoottenmile—
Wet，dry，ordark——beforeIrest。
SixmonthstoliveMydoctorsgiveMeasmyprospecthere，atbest，UnlessIvampmysturdiest!"
Hisvoicewasthatofamanrefined，Aman，onewellcouldfeel，ofmind，Quitewinninginitsmusicalease；
ButinmouldmalignedBysomedisease；
AndIaskedagain。Butheshookhishead；
Then，asifmoreweredue，hesaid：—
"AstudentwasI——ofSchopenhauer，Kant，Hegel，——andthefountainedbowerOftheMuses，too，knewmyregard：
Butah——IfearmeThegravegapesnearme!……
WouldIcouldthisgrosssheathdiscard，Andriseanetherealshape，unmarred!"
HowIrememberhim!——hisshortbreath，Hisaspect，markedforearlydeath，Ashedroppedintothenightforever；
OnecaughtinhisprimeOfhighendeavour；
FromallphilosophiessoontoseverThroughanunconsciencedtrickofTime!
"WHO’SINTHENEXTROOM？"
"Who’sinthenextroom？——who？
IseemedtoseeSomebodyinthedawningpassingthrough，Unknowntome。"
"Nay：yousawnought。Hepassedinvisibly。"
"Who’sinthenextroom？——who？
IseemtohearSomebodymutteringfirminalanguagenewThatchillstheear。"
"No：youcatchnothistonguewhohasenteredthere。"
"Who’sinthenextroom？——who？
IseemtofeelHisbreathlikeaclammydraught，asifitdrewFromthePolarWheel。"
"No：nonewhobreathesatalldoesthedoorconceal。"
"Who’sinthenextroom？——who？
AfigurewanWithamessagetooneinthereofsomethingdue？
ShallIknowhimanon？"
"Yeahe；andhebroughtsuch；andyou’llknowhimanon。"
ATACOUNTRYFAIR
AtabygoneWesterncountryfairIsawagiantledbyadwarfWitharedstringlikealongthinscarf；
HowmuchhewasthestrongerthereThegiantseemedunaware。
AndthenIsawthatthegiantwasblind，Andthedwarfashrewd—eyedlittlething；
Thegiant，mild，timid，obeyedthestringAsifhehadnoindependentmind，Orwillofanykind。
WhereverthedwarfdecidedtogoAthisheelstheothertrottedmeekly，（Perhaps——Iknownot——reproachingweakly）
LikeoneFatebadethatitmustbeso，Whetherhewishedorno。
VarioussightsinvariousclimesIhaveseen，andmoreImayseeyet，ButthatsightnevershallIforget，Andhavethoughtitthesorriestofpantomimes，Ifonce，ahundredtimes!
THEMEMORIALBRASS：186—
"Whydoyouweepthere，Osweetlady，Whydoyouweepbeforethatbrass？—
（I’mamerestudentsketchingthemediaeval）
Issomelatedeathlinedthere，alas？—
Yourfather’s？……Well，allpaythedebtthatpaidhe!"
"Youngman，OmustItell!——Myhusband’s!AndunderHisnameIsetmine，andmyDEATH!—
Itsdateleftvacanttillmyheirsshouldfillit，Statingmefaithfultillmylastbreath。"
—"Madam，thatyouareawidowwakesmywonder!"
"Owait!ForlastmonthI——remarried!
AndnowIfear’twasadeedamiss。
We’vejustcomehome。AndIamsickandsaddenedAtwhatthenewonewillsaytothis；
Andwillhethink——thinkthatIshouldhavetarried？
"Imayadd，surely，——withnowishtoharmhim—
Thathe’satemper——yes，Ifear!
AndwhenhecomestochurchnextSundaymorning，Andseesthatwritten……Odear，Odear!
—"Madam，Iswearyourbeautywilldisarmhim!"
HERLOVE—BIRDS
WhenIlookedupatmylove—birdsThatSundayafternoon，TherewasintheirtinytuneAdyingfetchlikebrokenwords，WhenIlookedupatmylove—birdsThatSundayafternoon。
Whenhe，too，scannedthelove—birdsOnenteringtherethatday，’TwasasifhehadnoughttosayOfhislongjourneycitywards，Whenhe，too，scannedthelove—birds，Onenteringtherethatday。
Andbilledandbilledthelove—birds，As’twereinfonddespairAtthestressofsilencewhereHadoncebeentonesintenorthirds，Andbilledandbilledthelove—birdsAs’twereinfonddespair。
O，hisspeechthatchilledthelove—birds，Andsmotelikedeathonme，AsIlearntwhatwastobe，Andknewmylifewasbrokeinsherds!
O，hisspeechthatchilledthelove—birds，Andsmotelikedeathonme!
PAYINGCALLS
IwentbyfootpathandbystileBeyondwherebustleends，StrayedhereamileandthereamileAndcalleduponsomefriends。
OncertainonesIhadnotseenForyearspastdidIcall，AndthenonotherswhohadbeenTheoldestfriendsofall。
ItwasthetimeofmidsummerWhentheyhadusedtoroam；
Butnow，thoughtemptingwastheair，Ifoundthemallathome。
IspoketooneandotherofthemBymoundandstoneandtreeOfthingswehaddoneeredaysweredim，Buttheyspokenottome。
THEUPPERBIRCH—LEAVES
Warmyellowy—greenIntheblueserene，HowtheyskipandswayOnthisautumnday!
TheycannotknowWhathashappenedbelow，—
ThattheirboughsdownthereArealreadyquitebare，ThattheirownwillbeWhenaweekhaspassed，—
FortheyjigasingleeTothisverylast。
Butno；thereliesAttimesintheirtuneAnotethatcriesWhatatfirstIfearIdidnothear：
"OwerememberAteachwind’shollo—
Thoughlifeholdsyet—
Wegohencesoon，For’tisNovember；
—ButthatyoufollowYoumayforget!"
"ITNEVERLOOKSLIKESUMMER"
"ItneverlookslikesummerhereOnBeenybythesea。"
Butthoughshesawitslookasdrear，Summeritseemedtome。
ItneverlookslikesummernowWhateverweather’sthere；
Butah，itcannotanyhow，OnBeenyorelsewhere!
BOSCASTLE，March8，1913。
EVERYTHINGCOMES
"ThehouseisbleakandcoldBuiltsonewforme!
AllthewindsuponthewoldSearchitthroughforme；
Noscreeningtreesabound，AndthecuriouseyesaroundKeeponviewforme。"
"MyLove，IamplantingtreesAsascreenforyouBothfromwinds，andeyesthatteaseAndpeerinforyou。
Onlywaittilltheyhavegrown，NosuchbowerwillbeknownAsImeanforyou。"
"ThenIwillbearit，Love，Andwillwait，"shesaid。
—So，withyears，theregrewagrove。
"Skillhowgreat!"shesaid。
"Asyouwished，Dear？"——"Yes，Isee!
But——I’mdying；andforme’Tistoolate，"shesaid。
THEMANWITHAPAST
Therewasmerry—makingWhenthefirstdartfellAsaheralding，—
Tillgrinnedthefullybaredthing，Andfrozelikeaspell—
Likeaspell。
Innocentwasshe，InnocentwasI，Toosimplewe!
Beforeuswedidnotsee，Nearing，aughtwry—
Aughtwry!
Icantellitnotnow，Itwaslongago；
Andsuchthingscow；
ButthatiswhyandhowTwoliveswereso—
Wereso。
Yes，theyearsmatured，AndtheblowswerethreeThattimeensuredOnher，whichshedumblyendured；
Andoneonme—
Oneonme。
HEFEARSHISGOODFORTUNE
TherewasaglorioustimeAtanepochofmyprime；
Morningsberyl—bespread，Andeveningsgolden—red；
Nothinggray：
AndinmyheartIsaid，"Howeverthischancedtobe，Itistoofullforme，Toorare，toorapturous，rash，ItsspellmustclosewithacrashSomeday!"
TheradiancewentonAnonandyetanon，AndsweetnessfellaroundLikemannaontheground。
"I’venoclaim，"
SaidI，"tobethuscrowned：
Iamnotworthythis：—
Mustitnotgoamiss？—
Well……lettheendforeseenComeduly!——Iamserene。"
——Anditcame。
HEWONDERSABOUTHIMSELF
Nousehoping，orfeelingvext，TuggedbyaforceaboveorunderLikesomefantocine，muchIwonderWhatIshallfindmedoingnext!
ShallIberushingwherebrighteyesbe？
ShallIbesufferingsorrowsseven？
ShallIbewatchingthestarsofheaven，Thinkingoneofthemlookslikethee？
PartismineofthegeneralWill，CannotmyshareinthesumofsourcesBendadigitthepoiseofforces，Andafairdesirefulfil？
Nov。1893。
JUBILATE
"TheverylasttimeIeverwashere，"hesaid，"IsawmuchlessofthequickthanIsawofthedead。"
—HewasamanIhadmetwithsomewherebefore，ButhoworwhenInowcouldrecallnomore。
"ThehazymazymoonlightatoneinthemorningSpreadoutasaseaacrossthefrozensnow，GlazedtolivesparkleslikethegreatbreastplateadorningThepriestoftheTemple，withUrimandThummimaglow。
"Theyew—treearms，gluedhardtothestiffstarkair，Hungstillinthevillageskyastheatre—scenesWhenIcamebythechurchyardwall，andhaltedthereAtashut—insoundoffiddlesandtambourines。
"AndasIstoodhearkening，dulcimers，haut—boys，andshawms，Andvioloncellos，andathree—stringeddouble—bass，Joinedin，andwereintermixedwithasingingofpsalms；
AndIlookedoveratthedeadmen’sdwelling—place。
"ThroughtheshineoftheslipperysnowInowcouldsee，Asitwerethroughacrystalroof，agreatcompanyOfthedeadminuetinginstatelystepundergroundTothetuneoftheinstrumentsIhadbeforeheardsound。
"Itwas’EdenNew，’anddancingtheysanginachore，’Weareoutofitall!——yea，inLittle—Easecrampednomore!’
AndtheirshroudedfigurespacingwithjoyIcouldseeAsyouseethestagefromthegallery。Andtheyhadnoheedofme。
"AndIliftedmyheadquitedazedfromthechurchyardwallAndIdoubtednotthatitwarnedIshouldsoonhavemycall。
But——"……Thenintheashesheemptiedthedregsofhiscup，Andonwardhewent，andthedarknessswallowedhimup。
HEREVISITSHISFIRSTSCHOOL
Ishouldnothaveshownintheflesh，Ioughttohavegoneasaghost；
Itwasawkward，unseemlyalmost，Standingsolidlythereaswhenfresh，Pink，tiny，crisp—curled，MypinionsyetfurledFromthewindsoftheworld。
AfterwaitingsomanyayearTowaitlonger，andgoasaspriteFromthetombatthemidofsomenightWastheright，radiantwaytoappear；
NotasonewanzingweakFromlife’sroarandreek，Hisreststilltoseek：
Yea，beglimpsedthroughthequaintquarriedglassOfgreenmoonlight，bymegreenermade，Whenthey’dcry，perhaps，"TheresitshisshadeInhisoldenhaunt——justashewasWheninWalkingameheConnedthegrandRule—of—ThreeWiththebentofabee。"
Buttoshowintheafternoonsun，Withanaspectofhollow—eyedcare，Whennonewishedtoseemecomethere，Wasagarishthing，betterundone。
Yes；wrongwastheway；
Butyet，letmesay，Imayrightit——someday。
"ITHOUGHT，MYHEART"
Ithought，myHeart，thatyouhadhealedOfthosesoresmartingsofthepast，AndthatthesummershadoversealedAllmarkofthematlast。
ButcloselyscanninginthenightIsawthemstandingcrimson—brightJustasshemadethem：
Nothingcouldfadethem；
Yea，IcanswearThattheretheywere—
Theystillwerethere!
ThentheVisionofherwhocutthemcame，Andlookingovermyshouldersaid，"IamsureyoudealmealltheblameForthosesharpsmartsandred；
Butmeetme，dearest，to—morrownight，Inthechurchyardatthemoon’shalf—height，AndsostrangeakissShallbemine，Iwis，Thatyou’llceasetoknowIfthewoundsyoushowBethereorno!"
FRAGMENT
AtlastIenteredalongdarkgallery，Catacomb—lined；andrangedatthesideWerethebodiesofmenfromfarandwideWho，motionpast，wereneverthelessnotdead。
"Thesenseofwaitingherestrikesstrong；
Everyone’swaiting，waiting，itseemstome；
Whatareyouwaitingforsolong？—
Whatistohappen？"Isaid。
"OwearewaitingforonecalledGod，"saidthey，"（ThoughbysometheWill，orForce，orLaws；
And，vaguely，bysome，theUltimateCause；）
Waitingforhimtoseeusbeforeweareclay。
Yes；waiting，waiting，forGodTOKNOWIT"……
"Toknowwhat？"questionedI。
"Toknowhowthingshavebeengoingonearthandbelowit：
Itisclearhemustknowsomeday。"
Ithereonaskedthemwhy。
"SincehemadeushumblepioneersOfhimselfinconsciousnessofLife’stears，ItneedsnomightyprophecyTotellthatwhathecouldmindlesslyshowHiscreatures，hehimselfwillknow。
"Bysomestillclose—cowledmysteryWehavereachedfeelingfasterthanhe，Buthewillovertakeusanon，Iftheworldgoeson。"
MIDNIGHTONTHEGREATWESTERN
Inthethird—classseatsatthejourneyingboy，Andtheroof—lamp’soilyflamePlayeddownonhislistlessformandface，Bewraptpastknowingtowhathewasgoing，Orwhencehecame。
InthebandofhishatthejourneyingboyHadaticketstuck；andastringAroundhisneckborethekeyofhisbox，Thattwinkledgleamsofthelamp’ssadbeamsLikealivingthing。
Whatpastcanbeyours，OjourneyingboyTowardsaworldunknown，Whocalmly，asifincuriousquiteOnallatstake，canundertakeThisplungealone？
Knowsyoursoulasphere，Ojourneyingboy，Ourruderealmsfarabove，WhencewithspaciousvisionyoumarkandmeteThisregionofsinthatyoufindyouin，Butarenotof？
HONEYMOONTIMEATANINN
Attheshiverofmorning，alittlebeforethefalsedawn，Themoonwasatthewindow—square，Deedilybroodingindeformeddecay—
Thecurvehewnoffhercheekasbyanadze；
AttheshiverofmorningalittlebeforethefalsedawnSothemoonlookedinthere。
Herspeechlesseyeingreachedacrossthechamber，Wherelaytwosoulsopprest，Oneawhiteladysighing，"WhyamIsad!"
Tohimwhosighedback，"Sad，myLove，amI!"
Andspeechlesslytheoldmoonconnedthechamber，Andthesetworeftofrest。
Whiletheirlarge—pupilledvisionsweptthescenethere，Noughtseemingimminent，Somethingfellsheer，andcrashed，andfromthefloorLayglitteringatthepairwithashatteredgaze，Whiletheirlarge—pupilledvisionsweptthescenethere，Andthemany—eyedthingoutleant。
Withastarttheysawthatitwasanold—timepier—glassWhichhadstoodonthemantelnear，Itssilveringblemished，——yes，asifwornawayBytheeyesofthecountlessdeadwhohadsmirkedatitErethesetwoeverknewthatold—timepier—glassAnditsvagueandvacantleer。
Ashelooked，hisbridelikeamothskimmedforth，andkneelingQuick，withquiveringsighs，Gatheredthepiecesunderthemoon’sslyray，Unwittingasanautomatonwhatshedid；
Tillheentreated，hastingtowhereshewaskneeling，Letitstaywhereitlies!"
"Longyearsofsorrowthismeans!"breathedtheladyAstheyretired。"Alas!"
Andsheliftedonepalehandacrosshereyes。
"Don’ttrouble，Love；it’snothing，"thebridegroomsaid。
"Longyearsofsorrowforus!"murmuredthelady，"Oreverthisevilpass!"
AndtheSpiritsIroniclaughedbehindthewainscot，AndtheSpiritsofPitysighed。
It’sgood，"saidtheSpiritsIronic，"totickletheirmindsWithaportentoftheirwedlock’safter—grinds。"
AndtheSpiritsofPitysighedbehindthewainscot，"It’saportentwecannotabide!
"More，whatshallhappentoprovethetruthoftheportent？"
——"Oh；inbrief，theywillfadetillold，Andtheirlovesgrownumbederedeath，bythecarkofcare。"
—"Butnoughtseewethatasksforportentsthere？—
’Tisthelotofall。"——"Well，nolesstrueisaportentThatitfitsallmortalmould。"
THEROBIN
WhenupaloftIflyandfly，IseeinpoolsTheshiningsky，AndahappybirdAmI，amI!
WhenIdescendTowardstheirbrinkIstand，andlook，Andstoop，anddrink，Andbathemywings，Andchinkandprink。
WhenwinterfrostMakesearthassteelIsearchandsearchButfindnomeal，AndmostunhappyThenIfeel。
Butwhenitlasts，Andsnowsstillfall，IgettofeelNogriefatall，ForIturntoacoldstiffFeatheryball!
"IROSEANDWENTTOROU’TORTOWN"
（She，alone）
IroseandwenttoRou’torTownWithgaietyandgoodheart，Andardourforthestart，ThatmorningerethemoonwasdownThatlitmeofftoRou’torTownWithgaietyandgoodheart。
WhensojournsoonatRou’torTownWrotesorrowsonmyface，IstrovethatnoneshouldtraceThepaleandgray，oncepinkandbrown，WhensojournsoonatRou’torTownWrotesorrowsonmyface。
TheevilwroughtatRou’torTownOnhimI’dlovedsotrueIcannottellanew：
Butnoughtcanquench，butnoughtcandrownTheevilwroughtatRou’torTownOnhimI’dlovedsotrue!
THENETTLES
This，then，isthegraveofmyson，Whoseheartshewon!AndnettlesgrowUponhismound；andshelivesjustbelow。
Howheupbraidedme，andleft，Andourliveswerecleft，becauseIsaidShewashard，unfeeling，caringbuttowed。
Well，toseethissightIhavefaredthesemiles，Andherfirelightsmilesfromherwindowthere，Whomhelefthismothertocherishwithtendercare!
Itisenough。I’llturnandgo；
Yes，nettlesgrowwherelonelieshe，Whospurnedmeforseeingwhathecouldnotsee。
INAWAITING—ROOM
OnamorningsickasthedayofdoomWiththedrizzlinggrayOfanEnglishMay，Therewerefewintherailwaywaiting—room。
AboutitswallswereframedandvarnishedPicturesofliners，fly—blown，tarnished。
ThetableboreaTestamentFortravellers’reading，ifsuchwisebent。
Ireaditonandon，And，throngingtheGospelofSaintJohn，Werefigures——additions，multiplications—
Bysomeonescrawled，withsundryemendations；
Notscoffinglydesigned，Butwithanabsentmind，—
Plainlyabagman’scountsofcost，Whathehadprofited，whatlost；
AndwhilstIwonderediftherecouldhavebeenAnyparticleofasoulInthatpoormanatall，TocypherratesofwageUponthatprintedpage，TherejoinedinthecharmlesssceneAndstoodovermeandthescribbledbook（Tolendthehour’smeanhueAsmearoftragedytoo）
Asoldierandwife，withhaggardlookSubduedtostonebystrongendeavour；
AndthenIheardFromacasualwordTheywerepartingastheybelievedforever。
ButnexttherecameLiketheeasternflameOfsomehighaltar，children——apair—
Wholaughedatthefly—blownpicturesthere。
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