"Herearethelovelyshipsthatwe，Mother，arebyandbygoingtosee!

Whenwegetthereit’s’mostsuretobefine，Andthebandwillplay，andthesunwillshine!"

ItrainedontheskylightwithadinAswewaitedandstillnotraincamein；

ButthewordsofthechildinthesqualidroomHadspreadaglorythroughthegloom。

THECLOCK—WINDER

Itisdarkasacave，OravaultinthenaveWhentheirondoorIsclosed，andthefloorOfthechurchrelaidWithtrowelandspade。

Buttheparish—clerkCaresnotforthedarkAshewindsinthetowerAtaregularhourTherheumaticclock，WhosedilatoryknockYoucanhearwhenprayingAttheday’sdecaying，OratanylonewhileFromapewintheaisle。

Up，upfromthegroundAroundandaroundIntheturretstairHeclambers，towhereThewheelworkis，Withitstick，click，whizz，ReposefullymeasuringEachdaytoitsendThatmortalmenspendInsorrowingandpleasuringNightlythusdoesheclimbTothetrackwayofTime。

HimIfollowedonenightTothisplacewithoutlight，And，ereIspoke，heardHimsay，wordbyword，Attheendofhiswinding，Thedarknessunminding：—

"SoIwipeoutonemore，MyDear，ofthesoreSaddaysthatstillbe，LikeadryingDeadSea，Betweenyouandme!"

Whoshewasnomanknew：

HehadlongbornehimblindToallwomankind；

AndwaseveronewhoKepthispastoutofview。

OLDEXCURSIONS

"What’sthegoodofgoingtoRidgeway，Cerne，orSydlingMill，OrtoYell’hamHill，BlithelybearingCasterbridge—wayAsweusedtodo？

Shewillnomoreclimbupthere，OrbevisibleanywhereInthosehauntsweknew。"

Butto—night，whilewalkingweary，Nearmeseemedhershade，Comeas’tweretoupbraidThismymoodindeemingdrearyScenesthatusedtoplease；

And，ifshedidcometome，Stillsolicitous，theremaybeGoodingoingtothese。

So，I’llcaretoroamtoRidgeway，Cerne，orSydlingMill，OrtoYell’hamHill，BlithelybearingCasterbridge—wayAsweusedtodo，Sinceherphasmmayflitoutthere，AndmaygreetmeanywhereInthosehauntsweknew。

April1913。

THEMASKEDFACE

Ifoundmeinagreatsurgingspace，Ateitherendadoor，AndIsaid："Whatisthisgiddyingplace，Withnofirm—fixedfloor，ThatIknewnotofbefore？"

"ItisLife，"saidamask—cladface。

Iasked："ButhowdoIcomehere，Whoneverwishedtocome；

Canthelightandairbemademoreclear，Thefloormorequietsome，Andthedoorssetwide？TheynumbFast—locked，andfillwithfear。"

Themaskputonableaksmilethen，Andsaid，"Ovassal—wight，ThereoncecomplainedagoosequillpenTothescribeoftheInfiniteOfthewordsithadtowriteBecausetheywerepastitsken。"

INAWHISPERINGGALLERY

ThatwhispertakesthevoiceOfaSpirit’scompassioningsClose，butinvisible，AndthrowsmeunderaspellAtthekindlingvisionitbrings；

AndforamomentIrejoice，AndbelieveintranscendentthingsThatwouldmouldfromthismuddyearthAspotforthesplendidbirthOfeverlastinglives，Wheretononightarrives；

AndthisgauntgraygalleryAtabernacleofworthOnthisdrab—airedafternoon，WhenyoucanbarelyseeAcrossitshazedlacuneIfoppositeaughttherebeOffleshedhumanityWherewithImaycommune；

OrifthevoicesonearBeasoul’svoicefloatinghere。

THESOMETHINGTHATSAVEDHIM

ItwaswhenWhirlsofthickwaterslavedmeAgainandagain，Thatsomethingaroseandsavedme；

Yea，itwasthen。

InthatdayUnseeingtheazurewentI

Onmyway，AndtowhitewinterbentI，KnowingnoMay。

Reftofrenown，UnderthenightcloudsbeatingUpanddown，InmyneedfulnessgreetingCitandclown。

LongtherehadbeenMuchofamurkycolourInthescene，Dullprospectsmeetingduller；

Noughtbetween。

Last，thereloomedAclosing—inblindalley，ThoughthereboomedAfeeblesummonstorallyWhereitgloomed。

Theclockrang；

Thehourbroughtahandtodeliver；

Iupsprang，Andlookedbackatden，ditchandriver，Andsang。

THEENEMY’SPORTRAIT

Hesawtheportraitofhisenemy，offeredAtauctioninastreethejourneyednigh，Thatenemy，nowlatedead，whoinhislife—timeHadinjureddeeplyhimthepasser—by。

"Togetthatpicture，pleasedbeGod，I’lltry，Andutterlydestroyit；andnomoreShallbeinflictedonman’smortaleyeAcountenancesosinisterandsore!"

Andsoheboughtthepainting。Drivinghomeward，"Theframewillcomeinuseful，"hedeclared，"Therestisfuel。"Onhisarrival，weary，Askedwhatheborewithhim，andhowhefared，Hesaidhehadbidforapicture，thoughhecaredFortheframeonly：onthemorrowheWouldburnthecanvas，whichcouldwellbespared，Seeingthatitportrayedhisenemy。

Nextdaysomeotherdutyfoundhimbusy；

Thefoewaslaidhisfaceagainstthewall；

ButonthenexthesethimselftoloosenThestraining—strips。AndthenacasualcallPreventedhisproceedingtherewithal；

Andthusthepicturewaited，daybyday，Itsowner’spleasure，likeawretchedthrall，Untilamonthandmorehadslippedaway。

Andthenuponamornhefounditshifted，Hunginacornerbyaservitor。

"Whydidyoutakeonyoutohangthatpicture？

YouknowitwastheframeIboughtitfor。"

"Itstoodinthewayofeveryvisitor，AndIjusthitcheditthere。"——"Well，itmustgo：

Idon’tcommemoratemenwhomIabhor。

Remindme’tistodo。TheframeI’llstow。"

Butthingsbecomeforgotten。IntheshadowOfthedarkcornerhungitbyitsstring，Andthereitstayed——oncenoticedbyitsowner，Whosaid，"Ahme——Imustdestroythatthing!"

Butwhenhedied，there，noneremembering，Ithung，tillmovedtoprominence，asonesees；

Andcomerspauseandsay，examining，"Ithoughttheywerethebitterestenemies？"

IMAGININGS

ShesawherselfaladyWithfiftyfrocksinwear，Androllingwheels，androomsthebest，Andfaithfulmaidens’care，AndopenlawnsandshadyForweatherswarmordrear。

Shefoundherselfastriver，Allliberalgiftsdebarred，Withdaysofgloom，andmovementsstressed，Andearlyvisionsmarred，AndgotnomantowiveherButonewhoselotwashard。

Yetinthemoonynight—timeShestealstostileandleaDuringhisheavyslumberousrestWhenhomecomewearily，Anddreamsofsomeblestbright—timeSheknowscanneverbe。

ONTHEDOORSTEP

Therainimprintedthestep’swetshineWithtarget—circlesthatquiveredandcrossedAsIwasleavingthisporchofmine；

WhenfromwithinthereswelledandpausedAsong’ssweetnote；

AndbackIturned，andthought，"HereI’llabide。"

Thestepshineswetbeneaththerain，Whichprintsitscirclesasheretofore；

Iwatchthemfromtheporchagain，Butnosong—noteswithinthedoorNowcalltomeToshunthedrippingleaAndforthIstride。

Jan。1914。

SIGNSANDTOKENS

Saidthered—cloakedcroneInawhisperedmoan：

"ThedeadmanwaslimpWhenlaidinhischest；

Yea，limp；andwhyButtosignifyThatthegravewillcrimpErenextyear’ssunYetanotheroneOfthoseinthathouse—

Itmaybethebest—

Foritsendlessdrowse!"

Saidthebrown—shawleddameToconfirmthesame：

"AndtheslothfulfliesOntherottingfruitHavebeenseentowearWhilecrawlingthereCrapescarves，byeyesThatwerequickandacute；

AsdidthosethathadpitchedOnthecowsbythepails，AndwithflapsoftheirtailsWerefarawayswitched。"

Saidthethirdinplaid，Eachwordbeingweighed：

"AndtrottingdoesInthepark，inthelane，AndjustoutsideTheshutteredpane，Havealsobeenheard—

QuickfeetaslightAsthefeetofasprite—

AndthewisemindknowsWhatthingsmaybetideWhensuchhasoccurred。"

Criedtheblack—crapedfourth，Coldfacedasthenorth：

"O，thoughgivingsuchSomehead—room，IsmileAtyourfalteringsWhennotingthosethingsRoundyourdomicile!

Forwhat，whatcantouchOnewhom，rivenofallThatmakeslifegay，NohintscanappalOfmoretakingsaway!"

PATHSOFFORMERTIME

No；no；

Itmustnotbeso：

Theyarethewayswedonotgo。

StillchewThekine，andmooInthemeadowsweusedtowanderthrough；

StillpurlTherivuletsandcurlTowardstheweirswithamusicalswirl；

HaymakersAsinformeryearsRakerollsintoheapsthatthepitchforkrears；

WheelscrackOntheturfytrackThewaggonpursueswithitstopplingpack。

"Whythenshun—

Sincesummer’snotdone—

Allthisbecauseofthelackofone？"

HadyoubeenSharerofthatsceneYouwouldnotaskwhileitbitesinkeenWhyitissoWecannomoregoBythesummerpathsweusedtoknow!

1913。

THECLOCKOFTHEYEARS

"Aspiritpassedbeforemyface；thehairofmyfleshstoodup。"

AndtheSpiritsaid，"Icanmaketheclockoftheyearsgobackward，Butamlothtostopitwhereyouwill。"

AndIcried，"AgreedTothat。Proceed：

It’sbetterthandead!"

Heanswered，"Peace"；

Andcalledherup——aslastbeforeme；

Thenyounger，youngershefreshed，totheyearIfirsthadknownHerwoman—grown，AndIcried，"Cease!—

"Thusfarisgood—

Itisenough——letherstaythusalways!"

Butalasforme。Heshookhishead：

Nostopwasthere；

Andshewanedchild—fair，Andtobabyhood。

StilllessinmienTomygreatsorrowbecamesheslowly，AndsmalledtillshewasnoughtatallInhischecklessgriff；

AnditwasasifShehadneverbeen。

"Better，"Iplained，"Sheweredeadasbefore!ThememoryofherHadlivedinme；butitcannotnow!"

Andcoldlyhisvoice：

"ItwasyourchoiceTomartheordained。"

1916。

ATTHEPIANO

Awomanwasplaying，Amanlookingon；

Andthemouldofherface，Andherneck，andherhair，WhichtheraysfelluponOfthetwocandlesthere，SenthimmentallystrayingInsomefancy—placeWherepainhadnotrace。

AcowledApparitionCamepushingbetween；

Andhernotesseemedtosigh，Andthelightstoburnpale，Asaspellnumbedthescene。

Butthemaidsawnobale，Andthemannomonition；

AndTimelaughedawry，AndthePhantomhidnigh。

THESHADOWONTHESTONE

IwentbytheDruidstoneThatbroodsinthegardenwhiteandlone，AndIstoppedandlookedattheshiftingshadowsThatatsomemomentsfallthereonFromthetreehardbywitharhythmicswing，AndtheyshapedinmyimaginingTotheshadethatawell—knownheadandshouldersThrewtherewhenshewasgardening。

Ithoughtherbehindmyback，Yea，herIlonghadlearnedtolack，AndIsaid："Iamsureyouarestandingbehindme，Thoughhowdoyougetintothisoldtrack？"

AndtherewasnosoundbutthefallofaleafAsasadresponse；andtokeepdowngriefIwouldnotturnmyheadtodiscoverThattherewasnothinginmybelief。

YetIwantedtolookandseeThatnobodystoodatthebackofme；

ButIthoughtoncemore："Nay，I’llnotunvisionAshapewhich，somehow，theremaybe。"

SoIwentonsoftlyfromtheglade，Andleftherbehindmethrowinghershade，Asshewereindeedanapparition—

Myheadunturnedlestmydreamshouldfade。

Begun1913：finished1916。

INTHEGARDEN

（M。H。）

WewaitedforthesunTobreakitscloudyprison（Fordaywasnotyetdone，Andnightstillunbegun）

Leaningbythedial。

Aftermanyatrial—

Weallsilentthere—

Itburstasnew—arisen，ThrowingashadetowhereTimetravelledatthatminute。

Littlesawweinit，ButthismuchIknow，Oflookersonthatshade，HertowardswhomitmadeSoonesthadtogo。

1915。

THETREEANDTHELADY

IhavedoneallIcouldForthatladyIknew!ThroughtheheatsIhaveshadedher，Drawntohersongsterswhensummerhasjadedher，Homefromtheheathorthewood。

Atthemirth—timeofMay，Whenmyshadowfirstluredher，I’ddonnedmynewbraveryOfgreenth：’twasmyall。NowIshiverinslavery，Iciclesgrievingmegray。

Plumedtoeverytwig’sendIcouldtemptherchairunderme。MuchdidItreasureherDuringthosedaysshehadnothingtopleasureher；

Mutelysheusedmeasfriend。

I’maskeletonnow，Andshe’sgone，cravingwarmth。Therimestickslikeaskintome；

ThroughmeArcturuspeers；Nor’lightsshootintome；

Goneisshe，scorningmybough!

ANUPBRAIDING

NowIamdeadyousingtomeThesongsweusedtoknow，ButwhileIlivedyouhadnowishOrcarefordoingso。

NowIamdeadyoucometomeInthemoonlight，comfortless；

Ah，whatwouldIhavegivenaliveTowinsuchtenderness!

Whenyouaredead，andstandtomeNotdifferenced，asnow，Butlikeagain，willyoubecoldAswhenwelived，orhow？

THEYOUNGGLASS—STAINER

"TheseGothicwindows，howtheywearmeoutWithcuspandfoil，andnothingstraightorsquare，Crudecolours，leadenbordersroundabout，AndfittinginPeterhere，andMatthewthere!

"Whatavocation!HeredoIdrawnowTheabnormal，lovingtheHellenicnorm；

MarthaIpaint，anddreamofHera’sbrow，Mary，andthinkofAphrodite’sform。"

Nov。1893。

LOOKINGATAPICTUREONANANNIVERSARY

Butdon’tyouknowit，mydear，Don’tyouknowit，Thatthisdayoftheyear（Whatrainbow—raysembowit!）

Wemet，strangersconfessed，Butparted——blest？

Thoughatthisquery，mydear，ThereinyourframeUnmovedyoustillappear，Youmustbethinkingthesame，ButkeepthatlookdemureJusttoallure。

AndnowatlengthatraceIsurelyvisionUponthatwistfulfaceOfold—timerecognition，Smilingforth，"Yes，asyousay，Itistheday。"

ForthisonephaseofyouNowleftonearthThisgreatdatemustendueWithpulsingsofrebirth？—

IseethemvitalizeThosetwodeepeyes!

ButifthisfaceIconDoesnotdeclareConsciousnesslivingonStillinit，littleIcareTolivemyself，mydear，Lone—labouringhere!

Spring1913。

THECHOIRMASTER’SBURIAL

HeoftenwouldaskusThat，whenhedied，AfterplayingsomanyTotheirlastrest，IfoutofusanyShouldhereabide，Anditwouldnottaskus，WewouldwithourlutesPlayoverhimByhisgrave—brimThepsalmhelikedbest—

Theonewhosesensesuits"MountEphraim"—

AndperhapsweshouldseemTohim，inDeath’sdream，Liketheseraphim。

AssoonasIknewThathisspiritwasgoneIthoughtthishisdue，Andspokethereupon。

"Ithink，"saidthevicar，"AreadservicequickerThanviolsout—of—doorsInthesefrostsandhoars。

Thatold—fashionedwayRequiresafineday，AnditseemstomeIthadbetternotbe。"

Hence，thatafternoon，ThoughneverknewheThathiswishcouldnotbe，TogetthroughitfasterTheyburiedthemasterWithoutanytune。

But’twassaidthat，whenAtthedeadofnextnightThevicarlookedout，TherestruckonhiskenThrongedroundabout，WherethefrostwasgrayingTheheadstonedgrass，AbandallinwhiteLikethesaintsinchurch—glass，SingingandplayingTheancientstaveBythechoirmaster’sgrave。

SuchthetenormantoldWhenhehadgrownold。

THEMANWHOFORGOT

Atalonelycrosswherebye—roadsmetIsatuponagate；

Isawthesundeclineandset，Andstillwasfaintowait。

AtrottingboypassedupthewayAndrousedmefrommythought；

Icalledtohim，andshowedwherelayAspotIshylysought。

"Asummer—housefairstandshiddenwhereYouseethemoonlightthrown；

Go，tellmeifwithinitthereAladysitsalone。"

Hehalfdemurred，buttookthetrack，Andsilenceheldthescene；

Isawhisfigureramblingback；

Iaskedhimifhehadbeen。

"Iwentjustwhereyousaid，butfoundNosummer—housewasthere：

Beyondtheslope’tisallbareground；

Nothingstandsanywhere。

"Amanaskedwhatmybrainswereworth；

Thehouse，hesaid，grewrotten，Andwaspulleddownbeforemybirth，Andisalmostforgotten!"

Myrightmindwoke，andIstooddumb；

Fortyyears’frostandflowerHadfleetedsinceI’dusedtocomeTomeetherinthatbower。

WHILEDRAWINGINACHURCH—YARD

"Itissadthatsomanyofworth，Stillintheflesh，"soughedtheyew，"MisjudgetheirlotwhomkindlyearthSecludesfromview。

"TheyridetheirdiurnalroundEachday—span’ssumofhoursInpeerlessease，withoutjoltorboundOrachelikeours。

"IfthelivingcouldbuthearWhatisheardbymyrootsastheycreepRoundtherestfulflock，andthethingssaidthere，Noonewouldweep。"

"’Nowsetamongthewise，’

Theysay：’Enlargedinscope，ThatnoGodtrumpetustoriseWetrulyhope。’"

IlistenedtohisstrangetaleInthemoodthatstillnessbrings，AndIgrewtoacceptasthedayworepaleThatshowofthings。

"FORLIFEIHADNEVERCAREDGREATLY"

ForLifeIhadnevercaredgreatly，Asworthaman’swhile；

Peradventuresunsought，Peradventuresthatfinishedinnought，HadkeptmefromyouthandthroughmanhoodtilllatelyUnwonbyitsstyle。

Inearliestyears——whyIknownot—

Ivieweditaskance；

Conditionsofdoubt，Conditionsthatleakedslowlyout，MayhaplyhavebentmetostandandtoshownotMuchzestforitsdance。

WithsymphoniessoftandsweetcolourItcourtedmethen，Tillevasionsseemedwrong，Tillevasionsgaveintoitssong，AndIwarmed，untillivingalooflyloomeddullerThanlifeamongmen。

AnewIfoundnoughttoseteyeson，When，liftingitshand，Ituncloakedastar，Uncloakeditfromfog—dampsafar，AndshoweditsbeamsburningfrompoletohorizonAsbrightasabrand。

Andso，theroughhighwayforgetting，IpacehillanddaleRegardingthesky，Regardingthevisiononhigh，Andthusre—illumedhavenohumourforlettingMypilgrimagefail。

"MENWHOMARCHAWAY"

（SONGOFTHESOLDIERS）

WhatofthefaithandfirewithinusMenwhomarchawayErethebarn—cockssayNightisgrowinggray，Leavingallthatherecanwinus；

WhatofthefaithandfirewithinusMenwhomarchaway？

Isitapurblindprank，Othinkyou，Friendwiththemusingeye，WhowatchussteppingbyWithdoubtanddoloroussigh？

Canmuchponderingsohoodwinkyou!

Isitapurblindprank，Othinkyou，Friendwiththemusingeye？

Nay。Wewellseewhatwearedoing，Thoughsomemaynotsee—

Dalliersastheybe—

England’sneedarewe；

Herdistresswouldleaveusrueing：

Nay。Wewellseewhatwearedoing，Thoughsomemaynotsee!

InourheartofheartsbelievingVictorycrownsthejust，AndthatbraggartsmustSurelybitethedust，Presswetothefieldungrieving，InourheartofheartsbelievingVictorycrownsthejust。

HencethefaithandfirewithinusMenwhomarchawayErethebarn—cockssayNightisgrowinggray，Leavingallthatherecanwinus；

HencethefaithandfirewithinusMenwhomarchaway。

September5，1914。

HISCOUNTRY

[Hetravelssouthward，andlooksaround；]

IjourneyedfrommynativespotAcrossthesouthseashine，AndfoundthatpeopleinhallandcotLabouredandsufferedeachhislotEvenasIdidmine。

[andcannotdiscerntheboundary]

ThusnotingtheminmeadsandmartsItdidnotseemtomeThatmydearcountrywithitshearts，Minds，yearnings，worseandbetterpartsHadendedwiththesea。

[ofhisnativecountry；]

Ifurtherandfurtherwentanon，AssuchIstillsurveyed，Andfurtheryet——yea，onandon，AndallthemenIlookeduponHadheart—stringsfellow—made。

[orwherehisdutiestohisfellow—creaturesend；]

Itracedthewholeterrestrialround，Homingtheotherside；

ThensaidI，"WhatistheretoboundMydenizenship？ItseemsIhavefoundItsscopetobeworld—wide。"

[norwhoarehisenemies]

Iaskedme："WhomhaveItofight，AndwhomhaveItodare，Andwhomtoweaken，crush，andblight？

MycountryseemstohavekeptinsightOnmywayeverywhere。"

1913。

ENGLANDTOGERMANYIN1914

"OEngland，mayGodpunishthee!"

—IsitthatTeutongeniusflowersOnlytobreathemalignityUponitsfriendofearlierhours？

—Wehaveeatenyourbread，youhaveeatenours，Wehavelovedyourburgs，yourpines’greenmoan，FairRhine—stream，anditsstoriedtowers；

YourshiningsoulsofdeathlessdowersHavewonusastheywereourown：

Wehavenursednodreamstoshedyourblood，Wehavematchedyourmightnotrancorously，SaveaflushedfewwhoseblatantmoodYouheardandmarkedaswellasweTotonguenotintheircountry’skey；

Butyetyoucrywithfaceaflame，"OEngland，mayGodpunishthee!"

Andfoulinonwardhistory，Andpresentsight，yourancientname。

Autumn1914。

ONTHEBELGIANEXPATRIATION

IdreamtthatpeoplefromtheLandofChimesArrivedoneautumnmorningwiththeirbells，TohoistthemonthetowersandcitadelsOfmyowncountry，thatthemusicalrhymesRungbythemintospaceatmetedtimesAmidthemarket’sdailystirandstress，Andthenight’semptystar—litsilentness，Mightsolacesoulsofthisandkindredclimes。

ThenIawoke；andlo，beforemestoodThevisionedones，butpaleandfulloffear；

FromBrugestheycame，andAntwerp，andOstend，Nocarillonsintheirtrain。FoesofmadmoodHadshatteredthesetoshardsamidthegearOfravagedroof，andsmoulderinggable—end。

October18，1914。

ANAPPEALTOAMERICA

ONBEHALFOFTHEBELGIANDESTITUTE

SevenmillionsstandEmaciate，inthatancientDelta—land：—

Wehere，full—chargedwithourownmaimedanddead，Andcoiledinthrobbingconflictsslowandsore，CanpoorlysoothetheseailsunmeritedOfsoulsforlornuponthefacingshore!—

Wherenaked，gaunt，inendlessbandonbandSevenmillionsstand。

NomancansayToyourgreatcountrythat，withscantdelay，Youmust，perforce，easethemintheirloudneed：

Weknowthatnearerfirstyourdutylies；

But——isitmuchtoaskthatyouletpleadYourlovingkindnesswithyou——wooing—wise—

Albeitthataughtyouowe，andmustrepay，Nomancansay？

December1914。

THEPITYOFIT

IwalkedinloamyWessexlanes，afarFromrail—trackandfromhighway，andIheardInfieldandfarmsteadmanyanancientwordOflocallineagelike"Thubist，""Erwar，"

"Ichwoll，""Ersholl，"andby—talksimilar，Nighastheyspeakwhointhismonth’smoongirdAtEngland’sveryloins，thereuntospurredBygangswhoseglorythreatsandslaughtersare。

ThenseemedaHeartcrying："WhosoevertheybeAtrootandbottomofthis，whoflungthisflameBetweenkinfolkkintonguedevenasarewe，"Sinister，ugly，lurid，betheirfame；

Maytheirfamiliarsgrowtoshuntheirname，Andtheirbroodperisheverlastingly。"

April1915。

INTIMEOFWARSANDTUMULTS

"WouldthatI’dnotdrawnbreathhere!"someonesaid，"Tostalkuponthisstageofevildeeds，WherepurposelesslymonthbymonthproceedsAplaysosorelyshapedandblood—bespread。"

Yethadhissparknotquickened，butlaindeadTothegrossspectaclesofthisourday，Andneverputontheprofferedcloakofclay，Hehadbutknownnotthingsnowmanifested；

Lifewouldhaveswirledthesame。MornswouldhavedawnedOntheuprootingbythenight—gun’sstrokeOfwhattheyesternoonshinebroughttoflower；

BrownmartialbrowsindyingthroeshavewannedDespitehisabsence；heartsnofewerbeenbrokeByEmpery’sinsatiatelustofpower。

1915。

INTIMEOF"THEBREAKINGOFNATIONS"{1}

I

OnlyamanharrowingclodsInaslowsilentwalkWithanoldhorsethatstumblesandnodsHalfasleepastheystalk。

II

OnlythinsmokewithoutflameFromtheheapsofcouch—grass；

YetthiswillgoonwardthesameThoughDynastiespass。

III

YonderamaidandherwightComewhisperingby：

War’sannalswillcloudintonightEretheirstorydie。

1915。

CRYOFTHEHOMELESS

AFTERTHEPRUSSIANINVASIONOFBELGIUM

"Instigatoroftheruin—

WhichsoeverthoumaystbeOfthemasterfulofEuropeThatcontrivedourmisery—

Hearthewormwood—wordedgreetingFromeachcity，shore，andleaOfthyvictims：

"Conqueror，allhailtothee!"

"Yea：’Allhail!’wegrimlyshouttheeThatwastauthor，fount，andheadOfthesewounds，whoeverprovenWhenourtimesarethroughlyread。

’Maythylovedbeslighted，blighted，Andforsaken，’beitsaidBythyvictims，’Andthychildrenbegtheirbread!’

"Nay：arichermalediction!—

RatherletthisthingbefallIntime’shurlingandunfurlingOnthenightwhencomesthycall；

ThatcompassiondewthypillowAndbedrenchthysensesallForthyvictims，Tilldeathdarktheewithhispall。"

August1915。

BEFOREMARCHINGANDAFTER

（inMemoriamF。W。G。）

OrionswungsouthwardaslantWherethestarvedEgdonpine—treeshadthinned，ThePleiadsaloftseemedtopantWiththeheatherthattwitchedinthewind；

Buthelookedonindifferenttosightssuchasthese，Unswayedbylove，friendship，homejoyorhomesorrow，Andwonderedtowhathewouldmarchonthemorrow。

Thecrazedhousehold—clockwithitswhirrRangmidnightwithinashestood，HeheardthelowsighingofherWhohadstrivenfromhisbirthforhisgood；

Buthestillonlyaskedthespringstarlight，thebreeze，WhatgreatthingorsmallthinghishistorywouldborrowFromthatGamewithDeathhewouldplayonthemorrow。

Whentheheathworetherobeoflatesummer，Andthefuchsia—bells，hotinthesun，Hungredbythedoor，aquickcomerBroughttidingsthatmarchingwasdoneForhimwhohadjoinedinthatgameoverseasWhereDeathstoodtowin，thoughhisnamewastoborrowAbrightnesstherefromnottofadeonthemorrow。

September1915。

"OFTENWHENWARRING"

Oftenwhenwarringforhewistnotwhat，Anenemy—soldier，passingbyoneweak，Hastenderedwater，wipedtheburningcheek，Andcooledthelipssoblackandclammedandhot；

Thengonehisway，andmaybequiteforgotThedeedofgraceamidtheroarandreek；

YetlargervisionthanloudarmsbespeakHetherehasreached，althoughhehasknownitnot。

Fornaturalmindsight，triumphingintheactOverthethroesofartificialrage，Hasthuswisemuffledvictory’spealofpride，Rendedtoribandspolicy’sspeciouspageThatdealsbutwithevasion，code，andpact，Andwar’sapologywhollystultified。

1915。

THENANDNOW

WhenbattleswerefoughtWithachivalroussenseofShouldandOught，Inspiritmensaid，"Endwequickordead，Honourissomereward!

Letusfightfair——forourownbestorworst；

So，GentlemenoftheGuard，Firefirst!"

Intheopentheystood，Mantomaninhisknightlihood：

TheywouldnotdeignToprofitbyastainOnthehonourablerules，KnowingthatpractiseperfidynomandurstWhointheheroicschoolsWasnurst。

Butnow，behold，whatIswarfarewhereinhonourisnot!

RamalamentsItsdeadinnocents：

Herodbreathes："SlyslaughterShallrule!Letus，bymodesoncecalledaccurst，Overhead，underwater，Stabfirst。"

1915。

ACALLTONATIONALSERVICE

Upandbedoing，allwhohaveahandTolift，abacktobend。ItmustnotbeIntimeslikethesethatvaguelylingerweToairourvauntsandhopes；andleaveourlandUntendedasawildofweedsandsand。

—Say，then，"Icome!"andgo，OwomenandmenOfpalace，ploughshare，easel，counter，pen；

Thatscareless，scathless，Englandstillmaystand。

WouldyearsbutletmestirasonceIstirredAtmanyadawntotaketheforwardtrack，Andwithastrideplungedontoenterprize，InowwouldspeedlikeyesterwindthatwhirredThroughyieldingpines；andservewithneveraslack，Soloudforpromptnessallaroundoutcries!

March1917。

THEDEADANDTHELIVINGONE

Thedeadwomanlayinherfirstnight’sgrave，Andtwilightfellfromtheclouds’concave，Andthoseshehadaskedtoforgiveforgave。

ThewomanpassingcametoapauseBytheheapedwhiteshapesofwreathandcross，Andlookeduponwheretheotherwas。

Andasshemusedtherethusspokeshe：

"NeveryourcountenancedidIsee，Butyou’vebeenagoodgoodfriendtome!"

Roseaplaintivevoicefromthesodbelow：

"OwomanwhoseaccentsIdonotknow，Whatisitthatmakesyouapprovemeso？"

"Odeadone，eremysoldierwent，Iheardhimsaying，withwarmintent，Tohisfriend，whenwonbyyourblandishment：

"’Iwouldchangeforthatlasshereandnow!

AndifIreturnImaybreakmyvowTomypresentLove，andcontrivesomehow"’Tocallmyownthisnew—foundpearl，Whoseeyeshavethelight，whoselipsthecurl，Ialwayshavelookedforinagirl!’

"——Andthisiswhythatbyceasingtobe—

ThoughneveryourcountenancedidIsee—

Youproveyouagoodgoodfriendtome；

"AndIprayeachhourforyoursoul’sreposeIngratitudeforyourjoiningthoseNoloverwillclaspwhenhiscampaignsclose。"

Awaysheturned，whenarosetohereyeAmartialphantomofgorydye，Thatsaid，withathinandfar—offsigh：

"Osweetheart，neithershallIclaspyou，Forthefoethisdayhaspiercedmethrough，Andsentmetowheresheis。Adieu!—

"Andforgetnotwhenthenight—wind’swhineCallsoverthisturfwhereherlimbsrecline，Thatittravelsontolamentbymine。"

Therewasacrybythewhite—floweredmound，Therewasalaughfromunderground，Therewasadeepergloomaround。

1915。

ANEWYEAR’SEVEINWARTIME

I

Phantasmalfears，Andtheflapoftheflame，Andthethroboftheclock，Andaloosenedslate，Andtheblindnight’sdrone，Whichtiredlythespectralpinesintone!

II

AndthebloodinmyearsStrummingalwaysthesame，Andthegable—cockWithitsfitfulgrate，Andmyself，alone。

III

ThetwelfthhournearsHand—hid，asinshame；

Iundothelock，Andlisten，andwaitFortheYoungUnknown。

IV

Inthedarktherecareers—

AsifDeathastridecameTonumballwithhisknock—

AhorseatmadrateOverrutandstone。

V

Nofigureappears，Nocallofmyname，Nosoundbut"Tic—toc"

Withoutcheck。PastthegateItclatters——isgone。

VI

WhatrideritbearsThereisnonetoproclaim；

AndtheOldYearhasstruck，And，scarceanimate，TheNewmakesmoan。

VII

Maybethat"MoreTears!—

MoreFamineandFlame—

MoreSeveranceandShock!"

IstheorderfromFateThattheRiderspeedsonTopaleEurope；andtiredlythepinesintone。

1915—1916。

"IMETAMAN"

Imetamanwhennightwasnigh，Whosaid，withshiningfaceandeyeLikeMoses’afterSinai：—

"IhaveseentheMoulderofMonarchies，Realms，peoples，plainsandhills，Sittinguponthesunlitseas!—

And，asHesat，soliloquiesFellfromHimlikeanantiphonicbreezeThatpricksthewavestothrills。

"MeseemedthatofthemaimedanddeadMowndownupontheglobe，—

TheirplenteousbloomsofpromiseshedErefruiting—time——Hiswordsweresaid，SittingagainstthewesternwebofredWraptinHiscrimsonrobe。

"AndIcouldcatchthemnowandthen：

——’WhyletthesegamblingclansOfhumanCockers，pitliegemenFrommartandcity，daleandglen，Indeath—mains，buttoswellandswellagainTheirswollenAll—Emperyplans，"’Whenamerenod（ifmymalignCompeerbutpassivekeep）

WouldmendthatoldmistakeofmineImadewithSaul，andeverconsignAllLordsofWarwhosesanctuariesenshrineLiberticide，tosleep？

"’WithviolencethelandsarespreadEvenasinIsrael’sday，AnditrepentethmeIbredCharteredarmipotentslust—ledTofeuds……Yea，grievesmyheart，asthenIsaid，Toseetheirevilway!’

——"Theutterancegrew，andflappedlikeflame，AndfurtherspeechIfeared；

ButnoCelestialtonguedacclaim，Andnohuzzasfromearthlingscame，Andtheheavensmutelymaskedas’twereinshameTilldaylightdisappeared。"

Thusendedheasnightrodehigh—

Themanofshiningfaceandeye，LikeMoses’afterSinai。

1916。

"ILOOKEDUPFROMMYWRITING"

Ilookedupfrommywriting，Andgaveastarttosee，Asifraptinmyinditing，Themoon’sfullgazeonme。

HermeditativemistyheadWasspectralinitsair，AndIinvoluntarilysaid，"Whatareyoudoingthere？"

"Oh，I’vebeenscanningpondandholeAndwaterwayhereaboutForthebodyofonewithasunkensoulWhohasputhislife—lightout。

"Didyouhearhisfrenziedtattle？

ItwassorrowforhissonWhoisslaininbrutishbattle，Thoughhehasinjurednone。

"AndnowIamcurioustolookIntotheblinkeredmindOfonewhowantstowriteabookInaworldofsuchakind。"

Hertemperoverwroughtme，AndIedgedtoshunherview，ForIfeltassuredshethoughtmeOnewhoshoulddrownhimtoo。

THECOMINGOFTHEEND

Howitcametoanend!

Themeetingafarfromthecrowd，Andthelove—looksandlaughtersunpenned，Thepartingwhenmuchwasavowed，Howitcametoanend!

Itcametoanend；

Yes，theoutgazingoverthestream，Withthesunoneachserpentinebend，Or，later，theluringmoon—gleam；

Itcametoanend。

Itcametoanend，Thehousebuilding，furnishing，planting，AsiftherewereagestospendInwelcoming，feasting，andjaunting；

Itcametoanend。

Itcametoanend，Thatjourneyofonedayaweek：

（"Italwaysgoeson，"saidafriend，"Justthesameinbrightweathersorbleak；"）

Butitcametoanend。

"HOWwillcometoanendThisorbitsosmoothlybegun，Unlesssomeconvulsionattend？"

Ioftensaid。"WhatwillbedoneWhenitcomestoanend？"

Well，itcametoanendQuitesilently——stoppedwithoutjerk；

Betterclosenoprevisioncouldlend；

WorkingoutasOneplanneditshouldworkEreitcametoanend。

AFTERWARDS

WhenthePresenthaslatcheditsposternbehindmytremulousstay，AndtheMaymonthflapsitsgladgreenleaveslikewings，Delicate—filmedasnew—spunsilk，willtheneighbourssay，"Hewasamanwhousedtonoticesuchthings"？

Ifitbeintheduskwhen，likeaneyelid’ssoundlessblink，Thedewfall—hawkcomescrossingtheshadestoalightUponthewind—warpeduplandthorn，agazermaythink，"Tohimthismusthavebeenafamiliarsight。"

IfIpassduringsomenocturnalblackness，mothyandwarm，Whenthehedgehogtravelsfurtivelyoverthelawn，Onemaysay，"Hestrovethatsuchinnocentcreaturesshouldcometonoharm，Buthecoulddolittleforthem；andnowheisgone"？

If，whenhearingthatIhavebeenstilledatlast，theystandatthedoor，Watchingthefull—starredheavensthatwintersees，Willthisthoughtriseonthosewhowillmeetmyfacenomore，"Hewasonewhohadaneyeforsuchmysteries"？

Andwillanysaywhenmybellofquittanceisheardinthegloom，Andacrossingbreezecutsapauseinitsoutrollings，Tilltheyriseagain，astheywereanewbell’sboom，"Hehearsitnotnow，butusedtonoticesuchthings"？

Footnotes：

{1}Jer。li。20。

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