Contents：

PrefaceTIME’SLAUGHINGSTOCKS-

TheRevisitationATrampwoman’sTragedyTheTwoRosalindsASundayMorningTragedyTheHouseofHospitalitiesBereftJohnandJaneTheCurate’sKindnessTheFlirt’sTragedyTheRejectedMember’sWifeTheFarm-Woman’sWinterAutumninKing’sHintockParkShutoutthatMoonReminiscencesofaDancingManTheDeadManWalkingMORELOVELYRICS-

1967

HerDefinitionTheDivisionOntheDeparturePlatformInaCathedralCity"IsayI’llseekHer"

HerFatherAtWakingFourFootprintsIntheVaultedWayIntheMind’sEyeTheEndoftheEpisodeTheSigh"IntheNightSheCame"

TheConformersTheDawnaftertheDanceTheSunontheLetterTheNightoftheDanceMisconceptionTheVoiceoftheThornFromHerintheCountryHerConfessionToanImpersonatorofRosalindToanActressTheMinutebeforeMeetingHeabjuresLoveASETOFCOUNTRYSONGS-

LetmeEnjoyAtCasterbridgeFair：

I。TheBallad-SingerII。FormerBeautiesIII。AftertheClubDanceIV。TheMarket-GirlV。TheInquiryVI。AWifeWaitsVII。AftertheFairTheDark-eyedGentlemanToCarreyClavelTheOrphanedOldMaidTheSpringCallJulie-JaneNewsforHerMotherTheFiddlerTheHusband’sViewRose-AnnTheHomecomingPIECESOCCASIONALANDVARIOUS-

AChurchRomanceTheRashBrideTheDeadQuireTheChristeningADreamQuestionBytheBarrowsAWifeandAnotherTheRomanRoadTheVampirineFairTheReminderTheRamblerNightintheOldHomeAftertheLastBreathInChildbedThePinePlantersTheDearOneWeKnewSheHearstheStormAWetNightBeforeLifeandAfterNewYear’sEveGod’sEducationToSincerityPantheraTheUnbornTheManHeKilledGeographicalKnowledgeOneRalphBlossomSoliloquizesTheNobleLady’sTaleUnrealizedWagtailandBabyAberdeen：1905

GeorgeMeredith，1828-1909

Yell’ham-wood’sStoryAYoungMan’sEpigramonExistencePREFACE

IncollectingthefollowingpoemsIhavetothanktheeditorsandproprietorsoftheperiodicalsinwhichcertainofthemhaveappearedforpermissiontoreclaimthem。

Nowthatthemiscellanyisbroughttogether，somelackofconcordinpieceswrittenatwidelysevereddates，andincontrastingmoodsandcircumstances，willbeobviousenough。ThisIcannothelp，butthesenseofdisconnection，particularlyinrespectofthoselyricspennedinthefirstperson，willbeimmaterialwhenitisborneinmindthattheyaretoberegarded，inthemain，asdramaticmonologuesbydifferentcharacters。

Asawholetheywill，Ihope，takethereaderforward，evenifnotfar，ratherthanbackward。Ishouldaddthatsomelinesintheearly-datedpoemshavebeenrewritten，thoughtheyhavebeenleftsubstantiallyunchanged。

T。H。

September1909。

THEREVISITATION

AsIlayawakeatnight-timeInanancientcountrybarrackknowntoancientcannoneers，AndrecalledthehopesthatheraldedeachseemingbraveandbrighttimeOfmyprimalpurpleyears，Muchithauntedmethat，nighthere，Ihadbornemybitterestloss——whenOnewhowent，camenotagain；

Inajoylesshourofdiscord，inajoyless-huedJulythere-

AJulyjustsuchasthen。

AndasthusIbroodedlonger，Withmyfainteyesonthefeeblesquareofwan-litwindowframe，Aquickconvictionsprungwithinme，grew，andgrewyetstronger，Thatthemonth-nightwasthesame，Too，asthatwhichsawherleavemeOntheruggedridgeofWaterstone，thepeewitsplaininground；

Andalapsingtwentyyearshadruledthat——asitweretogrieveme-

Ishouldneartheonce-lovedground。

Thoughbutnowawar-wornstrangerChancehadquarteredhere，Iroseupanddescendedtotheyard。

Allwassoundless，savethetroopers’horsestossingatthemanger，Andthesentrykeepingguard。

ThroughthegatewayIbetookmeDowntheHighStreetandbeyondthelamps，acrossthebatteredbridge，Tillthecountrydarknessclaspedmeandthefriendlyshineforsookme，AndIboretowardstheRidge，WithadimunownedemotionSayingsoftly："Smallmyreason，nowatmidnight，tobehere……

YetasleeplessswainoffiftywithabriefromanticnotionMayretraceatracksodear。"

ThusIwalkedwiththoughtshalf-utteredUpthelaneIknewsowell，thegrey，gaunt，lonelyLaneofSlyre；

Andatwhilesbehindme，faratsea，asullenthundermutteredAsImountedhighandhigher。

Till，theupperroadwayquitting，Iadventuredontheopendrouthydownlandthinlygrassed，Whilethesprywhitescutsofconiesflashedbeforeme，earthwardflitting，Andanaridwindwentpast。

RoundaboutmebulgedthebarrowsAsbefore，inantiquesilence——immemorialfuneralpiles-

Wherethesleekherdstrampleddailytheremainsofflint-tiptarrowsMidthethymeandchamomiles；

AndtheSarsenstonethere，dateless，Onwhosebreastwehadsatandtoldthezephyrsmanyatendervow，Heldtheheatofyestersun，assankthereononefatedmatelessFromthosefarfondhourstillnow。

MaybeflusteredbymypresenceRosethepeewits，justasallthoseyearsback，wailingsoftandloud，AndrevealingtheirpalepinionslikeafitfulphosphorescenceUpagainstthecopeofcloud，WheretheirdolesomeexclamationsSeemedthevoicingsoftheself-samethroatsIhadheardwhenlifewasgreen，ThoughsincethatdayuncountedfrailforgottengenerationsOftheirkindhadfleckedthescene-

Andso，livinglongandlongerInapastthatlivednomore，myeyesdiscernedthere，suddenly，Thatafigurebroketheskyline——firstinvaguecontour，thenstronger，Andwascrossingneartome。

Somelong-missedfamiliargesture，Somethingwonted，struckmeinthefigure’spausetolistandheed，TillIfanciedfromitshandlingofitslooselywrappingvestureThatitmightbeSheindeed。

’Twasnotreasonless：belowthereInthevale，hadbeenherhome；thenookmightholdherevenyet，Andthedownlandswereherfather’sfief；shestillmightcomeandgothere；-

SoIrose，andsaid，"Agnette！"

Withalittleleap，half-frightened，Shewithdrewsomesteps；thenlettingintuitionsmotherfearInaplacesolong-accustomed，andasonewhomthoughtenlightened，Shereplied："What——THATvoice？——here！"

"Yes，Agnette！——AnddidtheoccasionOfourmarchinghithermakeyouthinkIMIGHTwalkwherewetwo——’

"O，Ioftencome，"shemurmuredwithamoment’scoyevasion，"（’Tisnotfar），——and——thinkofyou。"

ThenItookherhand，andledherTotheancientpeople’sstonewhereonIhadsat。Therenowsatwe；

Andtogethertalked，untilthefirstreluctantshynessfledher，Andshespokeconfidingly。

"ItisJUSTasereweparted！"

Saidshe，brimminghighwithjoy。——"Andwhen，then，cameyouhere，andwhy？"

"——Dear，Icouldnotsleepforthinkingofourtrystingswhentwin-hearted。"

Sheresponded，"NorcouldI。

"TherearefewthingsIwouldratherThanbewanderingatthisspirit-hour——lone-lived，mykindreddead-

Onthiswoldofwell-knownfeatureIinheritfrommyfather：

Nightorday，Ihavenodread……

"OIwonder，wonderwhetherAnyheartstringboreasignal-thrillbetweenustwainorno？-

Somesuchinfluencecan，attimes，theysay，drawseveredsoulstogether。"

Isaid，"Dear，we’lldreamitso。"

Eachone’shandtheother’sgrasping，Andamutualforgivenesswon，wesanktosilentthought，Alargecontentinusthatseemedourrendedlivesreclasping，Andcontractingyearstonought。

TillI，maybeoverwearyFromthelateness，andawayfaringsofullofstrainandstressForonenolongerbuoyant，toapeaksosteepandeery，Sanktoslowunconsciousness……

HowlongIsleptIknewnot，Butthebriefwarmsummernighthadslidwhen，tomyswiftsurprise，Aredupedgingsun，ofglorychamberedmortalsviewnot，Wasblazingonmyeyes，FromtheMiltonWoodstoDole-HillAllthespaciouslandscapelighting，andaroundaboutmyfeetFlingingtallthintaperingshadowsfromthemeanestmoundandmole-hill，Andontrailstheeweshadbeat。

Shewassittingstillbesideme，Dozinglikewise；andIturnedtoher，totakeherhanginghand；

When，themoreregarding，thatwhichlikeaspectreshookandtriedmeInherimagethenIscanned；

ThatwhichTime’stransformingchiselHadbeentoolingnightanddayfortwentyyears，andtooledtoowell，Initsrenderingofcreasewherecurvewas，wherewasraven，grizzle-

Pits，wherepeoniesoncediddwell。

Shehadwakened，andperceiving（Isurmise）mysighandshock，myquiteinvoluntarydismay，Upshestarted，and——herwastedfigureallthroughoutitheaving-

Said，"Ah，yes：IamTHUSbyday！

"CanyoureallywinceandwonderThatthesunlightshouldrevealyousuchathingofskinandbone，AsifunawareaDeath’s-headmustofneedlienotfarunderFleshwhoseyearsout-countyourown？

"Yes：thatmovementwasawarningOftheworthofman’sdevotion！——Yes，Sir，IamOLD，"saidshe，"Andthethingwhichshouldincreaseloveturnsitquicklyintoscorning-

Andyournew-wonheartfromme！"

Thenshewent，ereIcouldcallher，Withthetooproudtemperrulingthathadpartedusbefore，AndIsawherformdescendtheslopes，andsmallergrowandsmaller，TillIcaughtitscoursenomore……

True；Imighthavedoggedherdownward；-

ButitMAYbe（thoughIknownot）thatthistrickonusofTimeDisconcertedandconfusedme。——SoonIbentmyfootstepstownward，Liketoonewhohadwatchedacrime。

WellIknewmynativeweakness，WellIknowitstill。Icherishedherreproachlikephysic-wine，ForIsawinthatemaciateshapeofbitternessandbleaknessAnoblersoulthanmine。

DidInotreturn，then，ever？-

Didwemeetagain？——mendall？——Alas，whatgreyheadperseveres！-

SoonIgottheRouteelsewhither。——SincethathourIhaveseenhernever：

Loveislameatfiftyyears。

ATRAMPWOMAN’STRAGEDY

（182-）

I

FromWynyard’sGapthelivelongday，Thelivelongday，WebeatafootthenorthwardwayWehadtravelledtimesbefore。

Thesun-blazeburningonourbacks，Ourshouldersstickingtoourpacks，Byfosseway，fields，andturnpiketracksWeskirtedsadSedge-Moor。

II

Fulltwentymileswejauntedon，Wejauntedon，-

Myfancy-man，andjeeringJohn，AndMotherLee，andI。

And，asthesundrewdowntowest，WeclimbedthetoilsomePoldoncrest，Andsaw，oflandskipsightsthebest，Theinnthatbeamedthereby。

III

Formonthswehadpaddedsidebyside，Ay，sidebysideThroughtheGreatForest，Blackmoorwide，AndwheretheParretran。

We’dfacedthegustsonMendipridge，HadcrossedtheYeounhelpedbybridge，BeenstungbyeveryMarshwoodmidge，Iandmyfancy-man。

IV

Loneinnsweloved，mymanandI，MymanandI；

"King’sStag，""Windwhistle"highanddry，"TheHorse"onHintockGreen，ThecosyhouseatWynyard’sGap，"TheHut"renownedonBredyKnap，AndmanyanotherwaysidetapWherefolkmightsitunseen。

V

Nowaswetrudged——Odeadlyday，Odeadlyday！-

Iteasedmyfancy-maninplayAndwantonidleness。

IwalkedalongsidejeeringJohn，Ilaidhishandmywaistupon；

IwouldnotbendmyglancesonMylover’sdarkdistress。

VI

ThusPoldontopatlastwewon，Atlastwewon，AndgainedtheinnatsinkofsunFar-famedas"Marshal’sElm。"

Beneathusfiguredtorandlea，FromMendiptothewesternsea-

IdoubtiffinersighttherebeWithinthisroyalrealm。

VII

Insidethesettlealla-row-

Allfoura-rowWesat，InexttoJohn，toshowThathehadwooedandwon。

Andthenhetookmeonhisknee，AndsworeitwashisturntobeMyfavouredmate，andMotherLeePassedtomyformerone。

VIII

TheninavoiceIhadneverheard，Ihadneverheard，MyonlyLovetome："Oneword，Mylady，ifyouplease！

Whoseisthechildyouareliketobear？-

HIS？Afterallmymonthso’care？"

Godknows’twasnot！But，Odespair！

Inodded——stilltotease。

IX

Thenuphesprung，andwithhisknife-

AndwithhisknifeHeletoutjeeringJohnny’slife，Yes；there，atsetofsun。

TheslantraythroughthewindownighGildedJohn’sbloodandglazingeye，ErescarcelyMotherLeeandI

Knewthatthedeedwasdone。

X

Thetavernstellthegloomytale，Thegloomytale，HowthatatIvel-chesterjailMyLove，mysweetheartswung；

ThoughstainedtillnowbynomisdeedSaveonehorseta’enintimeo’need；

（BlueJimmystolerightmanyasteedErehislastflingheflung。）

XI

ThereaftIwalkedtheworldalone，Alone，alone！

Onhisdeath-dayIgavemygroanAnddropthisdead-bornchild。

’Twasnighthejail，beneathatree，Nonetendingme；forMotherLeeHaddiedatGlaston，leavingmeUnfriendedonthewild。

XII

AndinthenightasIlayweak，AsIlayweak，Theleavesa-fallingonmycheek，Theredmoonlowdeclined-

TheghostofhimI’ddietokissRoseupandsaid："Ah，tellmethis！

Wasthechildmine，orwasithis？

Speak，thatIrestmayfind！"

XIII

OdoubtnotbutItoldhimthen，Itoldhimthen，ThatIhadkeptmefromallmenSincewejoinedlipsandswore。

Whereathesmiled，andthinnedawayAsthewindstirredtocallupday-

’Tispast！AndherealoneIstrayHauntingtheWesternMoor。

NOTES。——"Windwhistle"（Stanzaiv。）。ThehighnessanddrynessofWindwhistleInnwasimpresseduponthewritertwoorthreeyearsago，when，afterclimbingonahotafternoontothebeautifulspotnearwhichitstandsandenteringtheinnfortea，hewasinformedbythelandladythatnonecouldbehad，unlesshewouldfetchwaterfromavalleyhalfamileoff，thehousecontainingnotadrop，owingtoitssituation。However，atantalizingrowoffullbarrelsbehindherbacktestifiedtoawetnessofacertainsort，whichwasnotatthattimedesired。

"Marshal’sElm"（Stanzavi。）sopicturesquelysituated，isnolongeraninn，thoughthehouse，orpartofit，stillremains。Itusedtoexhibitafineoldswingingsign。

"BlueJimmy"（Stanzax。）wasanotorioushorse-stealerofWessexinthosedays，whoappropriatedmorethanahundredhorsesbeforehewascaught，amongothersonebelongingtoaneighbourofthewriter’sgrandfather。HewashangedatthenowdemolishedIvel-chesterorIlchesterjailabovementioned——thatbuildingformerlyofsomanysinisterassociationsinthemindsofthelocalpeasantry，andthecontinualhauntoffever，whichatlastledtoitscondemnation。Itssiteisnowaninnocent-lookinggreenmeadow。

April1902。

THETWOROSALINDS

I

Thedubiousdaylightended，AndIwalkedtheTownalone，unmindingwhitherboundandwhy，AsfromeachgauntstreetandgapingsquareamistoflightascendedAnddisperseduponthesky。

II

FilesofevanescentfacesPassedeachotherwithoutheeding，intheirtravail，teen，orjoy，SomeinvoidunvisionedlistlessnessinwroughtwithpallidtracesOfkeenpenury’sannoy。

III

NebulousflamesincrystalcagesLeeredasifwithdiscontentatcitymovement，murk，andgrime，AndaswaitingsomeprocessionofgreatghostsfrombygoneagesToexalttheignobletime。

IV

Inacolonnadehigh-lighted，Byathoroughfarewheresternutilitariantrafficdinned，Onaredandwhiteemblazonmentofplayersandparts，IsightedThenameof"Rosalind，"

V

Andherfamousmatesof"Arden，"

Whoobservednostrictercustomsthan"theseasons’difference"bade，WholivedwithrunningbrooksforbooksinNature’swildwoodgarden，Andcalledidlenesstheirtrade……

VI

NowtheposterstirredanemberStillremainingfrommyardoursofsomefortyyearsbefore，WhentheselfsameportalonaneveitthrilledmetorememberAlikeannouncementbore；

VII

AndexpectantlyIhadentered，AndhadfirstbeheldinhumanmouldaRosalindwooandplead，OnwhosetranscendentfiguringmyspeedysoulhadcentredAsithadbeensheindeed……

VIII

So；allotherplansdiscarding，Iresolvedonentrance，bentonseeingwhatIoncehadseen，Andapproachedthegangwayofmyearlierknowledge，disregardingThetractoftimebetween。

IX

"Thewords，sir？"criedacreatureHoveringmidtheshineandshadeas’twixttheliveworldandthetomb；

Butthewell-knownnumbersneedednotformeatextorteacherToreviveandre-illume。

X

Thentheplay……ButhowunfittedWasTHISRosalind！——amammetquitetome，inmemoriesnurst，AndwithchillingdisappointmentsoonIsoughtthestreetIhadquitted，Tore-ponderonthefirst。

XI

Thehagstillhawked，——ImetherJustwithoutthecolonnade。"Soyoudon’tlikeher，sir？"saidshe。

"Ah——_I_wasoncethatRosalind！——Iactedher——nonebetter-

Yes——ineighteensixty-three。

XII

"ThusIwonOrlandotomeInmythentriumphantdayswhenIhadcharmandmaidenhood，Nowsomefortyyearsago。——Iusedtosay，COMEWOOME，WOOME！"

Andshestrucktheattitude。

XIII

ItwaswhenIhadgonetherenightly；

Andthevoice——thoughraucousnow——wasyettheoldone。——ClearasnoonMyRosalindwashere……ThereonthebandwithinsidelightlyBeatupamerrytune。

ASUNDAYMORNINGTRAGEDY

（circa186-）

Iboreadaughterflower-fair，InPydelVale，alasforme；

Ijoyedtomotheronesorare，ButdeadandgoneInowwouldbe。

Menlookedandlovedherasshegrew，Andshewaswon，alasforme；

Shetoldmenothing，butIknew，Andsawthatsorrowwastobe。

Iknewthatonehadmadeherthrall，Athralltohim，alasforme；

Andthen，atlast，shetoldmeall，Andwonderedwhatherendwouldbe。

Sheownedthatshehadlovedtoowell，Hadlovedtoowell，unhappyshe，Andboreasecrettimewouldtell，Thoughinhershroudshe’dsoonerbe。

Iploddedtohersweetheart’sdoorInPydelVale，alasforme：

Ipleadedwithhim，pleadedsore，Tosaveherfromhermisery。

Hefrowned，andsworehecouldnotwed，Seventimeshesworeitcouldnotbe；

"Poverty’sworsethanshame，"hesaid，Tillallmyhopewentoutofme。

"I’vepackedmytrapstosailthemain"-

Roughlyhespake，alasdidhe-

"Wessexbeholdsmenotagain，’Tisworsethananyjailwouldbe！"-

TherewasashepherdwhomIknew，Asubtleman，alasforme：

Isoughthimallthepasturesthrough，ThoughbetterIhadceasedtobe。

Itracedhimbyhislanternlight，Andgavehimhint，alasforme，OfhowshefoundherintheplightThatissoscornedinChristendie。

"Isthereanherb……？"Iasked。"Ornone？"

Yes，thusIaskedhimdesperately。

"——Thereis，"hesaid；"acertainone……"

Wouldhehadswornthatnoneknewhe！

"To-morrowIwillwalkyourway，"

Hehintedlow，alasforme-

FieldwardsIgazedthroughoutnextday；

NowfieldsInevermorewouldsee！

Thesunset-shine，ascurfewstrook，Ascurfewstrookbeyondthelea，Lithiswhitesmockandgleamingcrook，Whileslowlyhedrewneartome。

HepulledfromunderneathhissmockTheherbIsought，mycursetobe-

"AttimesIuseitinmyflock，"

Hesaid，andhopewaxedstronginme。

"’Tismeanttobalkill-motherings"-

（Ill-motherings！Whyshouldtheybe？）-

"Ifnot，wouldGodhavesentsuchthings？"

Sospoketheshepherduntome。

ThatnightIwatchedthepopplingbrew，Withbendedbackandhandonknee：

Istirredittillthedawnlightgrew，Andthewindwhiffledwailfully。

"Thisscandalshallbeslain，"saidI，"Thatloursuponherinnocency：

I’llgiveallwhisperingtonguesthelie；"-

Butworsethanwhisperswastobe。

"Here’sphysicforuntimelyfruit，"

Isaidtoher，alasforme，Earlythatmorninfondsalute；

AndinmygraveInowwouldbe-

NextSundaycame，withsweetchurchchimesInPydelVale，alasforme：

Iwentintoherroombetimes；

NomoremaysuchaSundaybe！

"Mother，insteadofrescuenigh，"

Shefaintlybreathed，alasforme，"IfeelasIwereliketodie，Andundergroundsoon，soonshouldbe。"

FromchurchthatnoonthepeoplewalkedIntwosandthrees，alasforme，Showedtheirnewraiment——smiledandtalked，Thoughsackcloth-cladIlongedtobe。

Cametomydoorherlover’sfriends，Andcheerlycried，alasforme，"Rightgladarewehemakesamends，Forneverasweeterbridecanbe。"

Mymouthdried，as’twerescorchedwithin，Driedattheirwords，alasforme：

Moreandmoreneighbourscrowdedin，（Owhyshouldmotherseverbe！）

"Ha-ha！Suchwell-keptnews！"laughedthey，Yes——sotheylaughed，alasforme。

"Whosebannswerecalledinchurchto-day？"-

Christ，howIwishedmysoulcouldflee！

"Whereisshe？Othestealthymiss，"

Stillbanteredthey，alasforme，"Tokeepaweddingcloseasthis……"

Ay，Fortuneworkedthuswantonly！

"Butyouarepale——youdidnotknow？"

Theyarchlyasked，alasforme，Istammered，"Yes——somedays-ago，"

WhilecoffinedclayIwishedtobe。

"’Twasdonetopleaseher，wesurmise？"

（Theyspokequitelightlyintheirglee）

"Donebyhimasafondsurprise？"

Ithoughttheirwordswouldmaddenme。

Herloverentered。"Where’smybird？-

Mybird——myflower——mypicotee？

Firsttimeofasking，soonthethird！"

Ah，inmygraveIwellmaybe。

Tomehewhispered："Sinceyourcall——"

Sospokehethen，alasforme-

"I’vefeltforher，andrightedall。"-

Ithinkofittoagony。

"She’sfaintto-day——tired——nothingmore——"

ThusdidIlie，alasforme……

IcalledheratherchamberdoorAsonewhoscarcehadstrengthtobe。

Novoicereplied。Iwentwithin-

Owomen！scourgedtheworstarewe……

Ishrieked。TheothershastenedinAndsawthestroketheredealtonme。

Thereshelay——silent，breathless，dead，Stonedeadshelay——wronged，sinlessshe！-

Ghost-whitethecheeksoncerosy-red：

Deathhadtookher。Deathtooknotme。

Ikissedhercoldingfaceandhair，Ikissedhercorpse——thebridetobe！-

MypunishmentIcannotbear，ButprayGodNOTtopityme。

January1904。

THEHOUSEOFHOSPITALITIES

HerewebroachedtheChristmasbarrel，Pushedupthecharredlog-ends；

HerewesangtheChristmascarol，Andcalledinfriends。

TimehastiredmesincewemethereWhenthefolknowdeadwereyoung，SincetheviandswereoutsethereAndquaintsongssung。

AndthewormhasboredtheviolThatusedtoleadthetune，RusteatenoutthedialThatstrucknight’snoon。

NownoChristmasbringsinneighbours，AndtheNewYearcomesunlit；

Wherewesangthemolenowlabours，Andspidersknit。

Yetatmidnightifherewalking，Whenthemoonsheetswallandtree，Iseeformsofoldtimetalking，Whosmileonme。

BEREFT

IntheblackwintermorningNolightwillbestrucknearmyeyesWhiletheclockinthestairwayiswarningForfive，whenheusedtorise。

Leavethedoorunbarred，Theclockunwound，Makemylonebedhard-

Would’twereunderground！

Whenthesummerdawnsclearly，Andtheappletree-topsseemalight，WhowillundrawthecurtainandcheerlyCalloutthatthemorningisbright？

WhenItarryatmarketNoformwillcrossDurnoverLeaInthegatheringdarkness，toharkatGrey’sBridgeforthepit-pato’me。

Whenthesuppercrock’ssteaming，Andthetimeisthetimeofhistread，IshallsitbythefireandwaitdreamingInasilenceasofthedead。

Leavethedoorunbarred，Theclockunwound，Makemylonebedhard-

Would’twereunderground！

1901。

JOHNANDJANE

I

HeseestheworldasaboisterousplaceWhereallthingsbearalaughingface，Andhumorousscenesgohourlyon，DoesJohn。

II

TheyfindtheworldapleasantplaceWhereallisecstasyandgrace，Wherealighthasrisenthatcannotwane，DoJohnandJane。

III

Theyseeasapalacetheircottage-place，Containingapearlofthehumanrace，Ahero，maybe，hereafterstyled，DoJohnandJanewithababy-child。

IV

Theyratetheworldasagruesomeplace，Wherefairlooksfadetoaskull’sgrimace，-

Asapilgrimagetheywouldfaingetdone-

DoJohnandJanewiththeirworthlessson。

THECURATE’SKINDNESS

AWORKHOUSEIRONY

I

Ithoughtthey’dbestrangersaroun’me，Butshe’stobethere！

Letmejumpouto’waggonandgobackanddrownmeAtPummeryorTen-HatchesWeir。

II

Ithought："Well，I’vecometotheUnion-

Theworkhouseatlast-

Afterhonesthardworkalltheweek，andCommunionO’Zundays，thesefiftyyearspast。

III

"’Tishard；but，"Ithought，"nevermindit：

There’sgainintheend：

AndwhenIgetusedtotheplaceIshallfinditAhome，andmayfindthereafriend。

IV

"Lifetherewillbebetterthant’other。

Forpeaceisassured。

THEMENINONEWINGANDTHEIRWIVESINANOTHER

IsstrictlytheruleoftheBoard。"

V

JustthenoneyoungPa’sonarrivingStepsupoutofbreathTothesideo’thewaggonwhereinweweredrivingToUnion；andcallsoutandsaith：

VI

"Oldfolks，thatharshorderisaltered，Benotsickofheart！

TheGuardianstheypoohedandtheypishedandtheypalteredWhenurgednottokeepyouapart。

VII

"’Itiswrong，’Imaintained，’todividethem，Nearfortyyearswed。’

’Verywell，sir。Wepromise，then，theyshallabidethemInonewingtogether，’theysaid。"

VIII

ThenIsank——knew’twasquiteaforedonethingThatmiseryshouldbeTotheend！……TogetfreedofhertherewastheonethingHadmadethechangewelcometome。

IX

Togotherewasendingbutbadly；

’Twasshameand’twaspain；

"Butanyhow，"thoughtI，"therebyIshallgladlyGetfreeofthisfortyyears’chain。"

X

Ithoughtthey’dbestrangersaroun’me，Butshe’stobethere！

Letmejumpouto’waggonandgobackanddrownmeAtPummeryorTen-HatchesWeir。

THEFLIRT’STRAGEDY

（17——）

Herealonebythelogsinmychamber，Deserted，decrepit-

SpentflameslimningghostsonthewainscotOffriendsIonceknew-

MydramaandhersbeginsweirdlyItsdumbre-enactment，Eachscene，sigh，andcircumstancepassingInspectralreview-

WealthwasminebeyondwishwhenImether-

Theprideofthelowland-

EmboweredinTintinhullValleyBylaurelandyew；

Andlovelitmysoul，notwithstandingMyfeatures’illfavour，TooobviousbesideherperfectionsOflineandofhue。

Butitpleasedhertoplayonmypassion，AndwhetmetopleadingsThatwonfromhermirthfulnegationsAndscorningsundue。

ThenIfledherdisdainsandderisionsTocitiesofpleasure，AndmademethecronyofidlersIneverypurlieu。

Ofthosewholenteartomystory，AneedyAdonisGavehinthowtogrizzlehergardenFromrosestorue，CouldhispricebutbepaidforsopurgingMyscornerofscornings：

Thustempted，thelusttoavengemeGermedinlyandgrew。

Iclothedhiminsumptuousapparel，Consignedtohimcoursers，Meetequipage，liveriedattendantsInfullretinue。

Sodowered，withlettersofcreditHewayfaredtoEngland，Andspiedoutthemanorshegoddessed，Andhandythereto，SettohirehimatenantlessmansionAscoign-stoneofvantageFortestingwhatgrossadulationOfbeautycoulddo。

Helabouredthroughmorningsandevens，Onnewmoonsandsabbaths，BywilestoenmeshherattentionInpark，path，andpew；

Andhavingafarplayeduponher，Advancedhislinesnearer，Andboldlyoutleapingconventions，Bentbrisklytowoo。

Hisgaygodlikeface，hisrareseemingAnonworkedtowinher，Andlater，atnoontidesandnight-tidesTheyheldrendezvous。

Histarriancefullspent，hedepartedAndmetmeinVenice，AndlinesfromhertoldthatmyjilterWasstoopingtosue。

Notlongcouldbefurtherconcealment，Shepledtohimhumbly：

"Byourloveandoursin，Oprotectme；

Iflyuntoyou！"

Amightyremorseovergatme，Iheardherlowanguish，AndthereinthegloomofthecalleMysteelranhimthrough。

AswiftpushengulphedhishotcarrionWithinthecanalthere-

ThatstillstreetofwatersdividingThecityintwo-

IwanderedawhileallunableTosmothermytorment，MybrainrackedbyyellsasfromTophetOfSatan’swholecrew。

AmonthofunrestbroughtmehoveringAthomeinherprecincts，Towhosehiding-holelocalstoryAffordedaclue。

Exposed，andexpelledbyherpeople，AfaroffinLondonIfoundheralone，inasombreAndsoul-stiflingmew。

StillburningtomakereparationIpleadedtowiveher，Andfatherherchild，andthusfaintlyMymischiefundo。

Sheyielded，andspellsofcalmweatherSucceededthetempest；

AndonesprungofhimstoodasscionOfmyboneandthew……

ButTimeunveilssorrowsandsecrets，Andsoitbefellnow：

Byinchesthecurtainwastwitchedat，Andslowlyundrew。

Aswelay，sheandI，inthenight-time，Weheardtheboymoaning：

"Omiserymine！MyfalsefatherHasmurderedmytrue！"

Shegasped：yea，sheheard；understoodit。

Nextdaythechildfledus；

AndnevermoresightedwasevenAprintofhisshoe。

Thenceforwardsheshunnedme，andlanguished；

Tillonedaythepark-poolEmbracedherfairform，andextinguishedHereyes’livingblue-

So；asknotwhatblastmayaccountforThisaspectofpallor，ThesebonesthatjustprisonwithinthemLife’spoorresidue；

Butpassby，andleaveunregardedACaintohissuffering，ForvengeancetoodarkonthewomanWhoseloverheslew。

THEREJECTEDMEMBER’SWIFE

WeshallseehernomoreOnthebalcony，Smiling，whilehurt，attheroarAsofsurgingseaFromthestormysturdybandWhohavedoomedherlord’scause，ThoughshewavesherlittlehandAsitwereapplause。

Herewillbecandidatesyet，Andcandidates’wives，FervidwithzealtosetTheiridealsonourlives：

Herewillcomemarket-menOnthemarket-days，HerewillclashnowandthenMoresuchpartyassays。

AndthebalconywillfillWhensuchtimesarerenewed，AndthethronginthestreetwillthrillWithto-day’smettledmood；

ButshewillnomorestandInthesunshinethere，Withthatwaveofherwhite-glovedhand，Andthatchestnuthair。

January1906。

THEFARM-WOMAN’SWINTER

I

Ifseasonsallweresummers，Andleaveswouldneverfall，Andhoppingcasement-comersWerefoodlessnotatall，AndfragilefolkmightbehereThatwhitewindsbiddepart；

ThenoneIusedtoseehereWouldwarmmywastedheart！

II

Onefrail，who，bravelytillingLonghoursingrippinggusts，Wasmasteredbytheirchilling，Andnowhisploughsharerusts。

SosavagewintercatchesThebreathoflimberthings，AndwhatIlovehesnatches，AndwhatIlovenot，brings。

AUTUMNINKING’SHINTOCKPARK

HerebythebaringboughRakingupleaves，OftenIponderhowSpringtimedeceives，-

I，anoldwomannow，Rakingupleaves。

HereintheavenueRakingupleaves，Lords’ladiespassinview，UntiloneheavesSighsatlife’srussethue，Rakingupleaves！

JustasmyshapeyouseeRakingupleaves，Isaw，whenfreshandfree，ThosememoryweavesIntogreyghostsbyme，Rakingupleaves。

Yet，Dear，thoughonemaysigh，Rakingupleaves，Newleaveswilldanceonhigh-

Earthnevergrieves！-

Willnot，whenmissedamI

Rakingupleaves。

1901。

SHUTOUTTHATMOON

Closeupthecasement，drawtheblind，Shutoutthatstealingmoon，ShewearstoomuchtheguisesheworeBeforeourluteswerestrewnWithyears-deepdust，andnameswereadOnawhitestonewerehewn。

Stepnotoutonthedew-dashedlawnToviewtheLady’sChair，ImmenseOrion’sglitteringform，TheLessandGreaterBear：

Stayin；tosuchsightsweweredrawnWhenfadedoneswerefair。

BrushnottheboughformidnightscentsThatcomeforthlingeringly，AndwakethesamesweetsentimentsTheybreathedtoyouandmeWhenlivingseemedalaugh，andloveAllitwassaidtobe。

Withinthecommonlamp-litroomPrisonmyeyesandthought；

Letdingydetailscrudelyloom，Mechanicspeechbewrought：

ToofragrantwasLife’searlybloom，Tootartthefruititbrought！

1904。

REMINISCENCESOFADANCINGMAN

I

WhonowremembersAlmack’sballs-

Willis’ssometimenamed-

Inthosetwosmooth-flooredupperhallsForfadedonessofamed？

WhereaswetrodtotrillingsoundThefanciedphantomsstoodaround，Orjoinedusinthemaze，OfthepowderedDearsfromGeorgianyears，Whosedustlayinsightlesssealed-upbiers，Thefairestofformerdays。

II

WhonowremembersgayCremorne，Andallitsjauntyjills，AndthosewildwhirlingfiguresbornOfJullien’sgrandquadrilles？

WithhatsonheadandmorningcoatsTherefootedtohisprancingnotesOurpartner-girlsandwe；

Andthegas-jetswinked，andthelustresclinked，AndtheplatformthrobbedaswitharmsenlinkedWemovedtotheminstrelsy。

III

WhonowrecallsthosecrowdedroomsOfoldyclept"TheArgyle，"

WheretothedeepDrum-polka’sboomsWehoppedinstandardstyle？

Whitherhavedancedthosedamselsnow！

IsDeaththepartnerwhodothmoueTheirwormychapsandbare？

DotheirspectresspinlikesparkswithinThesmokyhallsofthePrinceofSinToathunderousJullienair？

THEDEADMANWALKING

Theyhailmeasoneliving，Butdon’ttheyknowThatIhavediedoflateyears，Untombedalthough？

Iambutashapethatstandshere，Apulselessmould，Apalepastpicture，screeningAshesgonecold。

Notataminute’swarning，Notinaloudhour，FormeceasedTime’senchantmentsInhallandbower。

Therewasnotragictransit，Nocatchofbreath，WhensilentseasonsinchedmeOntothisdeath-

ATroubadour-youthIrambledWithLifeforlyre，ThebeatsofbeingragingInmelikefire。

ButwhenIpractisedeyeingThegoalofmen，Iticedme，andIperishedAlittlethen。

Whenpassedmyfriend，mykinsfolkThroughtheLastDoor，Andleftmestandingbleakly，Idiedyetmore；

AndwhenmyLove’sheartkindledInhateofme，WhereforeIknewnot，diedI

Onemoredegree。

AndifwhenIdiedfullyIcannotsay，Andchangedintothecorpse-thingIamto-day；

Yetisitthat，thoughwhilingThetimesomehowInwalking，talking，smiling，Ilivenotnow。

MORELOVELYRICS

1967

Infive-scoresummers！Allneweyes，Newminds，newmodes，newfools，newwise；

Newwoestoweep，newjoystoprize；

WithnothingleftofmeandyouInthatlivecentury’svividviewBeyondapinchofdustortwo；

Acenturywhich，ifnotsublime，Willshow，Idoubtnot，atitsprime，Ascopeabovethisblinkeredtime-

Yetwhattomehowfarabove？

ForIwouldonlyaskthereofThatthywormshouldbemyworm，Love！

16WESTBOURNEPARKVILLAS，1867。

HERDEFINITION

Ilingeredthroughthenighttobreakofday，Noroncedidsleepextendawingtome，IntentlybusiedwithavastarrayOfepithetsthatshouldoutfigurethee。

Full-featuredterms——allfitless——hastenedby，Andthissolespeechremained："Thatmaidenmine！"-

DebarredfromduedescriptionthendidI

Perceivetheindefinitephrasecouldyetdefine。

AscommonchestsencasingwaresofpriceArebornewithtendernessthroughhallsofstate，Forwhattheycover，sothepoordeviceOfhomelywordingIcouldtolerate，KnowingitsunadornmentheldasfreightThesweetestimageoutsideParadise。

W。P。V。，Summer1866。

THEDIVISION

Rainonthewindows，creakingdoors，Withblaststhatbesomthegreen，AndIamhere，andyouarethere，Andahundredmilesbetween！

Owereitbuttheweather，Dear，OwereitbutthemilesThatsummedupallourseverance，Theremightberoomforsmiles。

Butthatthwartthingbetwixtustwain，Whichnothingcleavesorclears，Ismorethandistance，Dear，orrain，Andlongerthantheyears！

1893。

ONTHEDEPARTUREPLATFORM

Wekissedatthebarrier；andpassingthroughSheleftme，andmomentbymomentgotSmallerandsmaller，untiltomyviewShewasbutaspot；

AweewhitespotofmuslinfluffThatdownthediminishingplatformboreThroughhustlingcrowdsofgentleandroughTothecarriagedoor。

Underthelamplight’sfitfulglowers，Behinddarkgroupsfromfarandnear，Whoseinterestswereapartfromours，Shewoulddisappear，Thenshowagain，tillIceasedtoseeThatflexibleform，thatnebulouswhite；

AndshewhowasmorethanmylifetomeHadvanishedquite

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