Wehavepennednewplanssincethatfairfondday，Andinseasonshewillappearagain-

Perhapsinthesamesoftwhitearray-

Butneverasthen！-

"Andwhy，youngman，musteternallyflyAjoyyou’llrepeat，ifyouloveherwell？"

——Ofriend，noughthappenstwicethus；why，Icannottell！

INACATHEDRALCITY

Thesepeoplehavenotheardyourname；

NoloungersinthisplacidplaceHavehelpedtobruityourbeauty’sfame。

ThegreyCathedral，towardswhosefaceBendeyesuntold，hasmetnotyours；

Yourshadehasneversweptitsbase，Yourformhasneverdarkeditsdoors，NorhaveyourfaultlessfeetoncethrownApensivepit-patonitsfloors。

AlongthestreettomaidswellknownBlithelovershumtheirtenderairs，Butinyourpraisevoicenotatone-

Sincenoughtbespeaksyouhere，orbears，AsI，yourimprintthroughandthrough，HeremightIrest，tillmyheartsharesThespot’sunconsciousnessofyou！

SALISBURY。

"ISAYI’LLSEEKHER"

Isay，"I’llseekhersideErehindranceinterposes；"

Buteveinmidnightcloses，AndhereIstillabide。

WhendarknesswearsIseeHersadeyesinavision；

Theyask，"WhatindecisionDetainsyou，Love，fromme？-

"Thecreakinghingeisoiled，Ihaveunbarredthebackway，Butyoutreadnotthetrackway；

Andshallthethingbespoiled？

"Farcockcrowsechoshrill，Theshadowsareabating，AndIamwaiting，waiting；

ButO，youtarrystill！"

HERFATHER

Imether，aswehadprivilyplanned，Wherepassingfeetbeatbusily：

Shewhispered："Fatherisathand！

Hewishedtowalkwithme。"

HispresenceashejoinedusthereBanishedourwordsofwarmthaway；

Wefelt，withcloudingsofdespair，WhatLovemustlosethatday。

Hercrimsonlipsremainedunkissed，Ourfingerskeptnotenderhold，HislackoffeelingmadethetrystEmbarrassed，stiff，andcold。

Acynicghostthenroseandsaid，"ButishisloveforhersosmallThat，nightoyours，itmaybereadAsofnoworthatall？

"Youloveherforherpinkandwhite；

Butwhatwhentheirfreshsplendoursclose？

HislovewilllastherindespiteOfTime，andwrack，andfoes。"

WEYMOUTH。

ATWAKING

Whennightwaslifting，Anddawnhadcreptunderitsshade，AmidcoldcloudsdriftingDead-whiteasacorpseoutlaid，WithasuddenscareIseemedtobeholdMyLoveinbareHardlinesunfold。

Yea，inamoment，AninsightthatwouldnotdieKilledheroldendowmentOfcharmthathadcappedallnigh，WhichvanishedtononeLikethegiltofacloud，AndshowedherbutoneOfthecommoncrowd。

SheseemedbutasampleOfearth’spooraveragekind，LitupbynoampleEnrichmentsofmienormind。

IcoveredmyeyesAstocoverthethought，AndunrecognizeWhatthemornhadtaught。

OvisionappallingWhentheonebelieved-inthingIsseenfalling，falling，Withalltowhichhopecancling。

Off：itisnottrue；

ForitcannotbeThattheprizeIdrewIsablanktome！

WEYMOUTH，1869。

FOURFOOTPRINTS

HerearethetracksuponthesandWherestoodlasteveningsheandI-

Pressedhearttoheartandhandtohand；

Themorningsunhasbakedthemdry。

Ikissedherwetface——wetwithrain，Foraridgriefhadburntuptears，WhilereachedusasinsleepingpainThedistantgurglingoftheweirs。

"Ihavemarriedhim——yes；feelthatring；

’Tisaweekagothatheputiton……

Adutifuldaughterdoesthisthing，Andresignationsucceedsanon！

"ButthatIbodyandsoulwasyoursErehe’dpossession，he’llneverknow。

He’saconfidentman。’Thehusbandscores，’

Hesays，’inthelongrun’……Now，Dear，go！"

Iwent。Andto-dayIpassthespot；

Itisonlyasmartthemoretoendure；

AndshewhomIheldisasthoughshewerenot，Fortheyhaveresumedtheirhoneymoontour。

INTHEVAULTEDWAY

Inthevaultedway，wherethepassageturnedTotheshadowycornerthatnonecouldsee，Youpausedforourparting，——plaintively；

ThoughovernighthadcomewordsthatburnedMyfondfrailhappinessoutofme。

AndthenIkissedyou，——despitemythoughtThatourspellmustendwhenreflectioncameOnwhatyouhaddeemedme，whoseonelongaimHadbeentoserveyou；thatwhatIsoughtLaynotinaheartthatcouldbreathesuchblame。

ButyetIkissedyou；whereonyouagainAsofoldkissedme。Why，whywasitso？

Doyoucleavetomeafterthatlight-tonguedblow？

Ifyouscornedmeateventide，howlovethen？

Thethingisdark，Dear。Idonotknow。

INTHEMIND’SEYE

Thatwasoncehercasement，Andthetapernigh，Shiningfromwithinthere，Beckoned，"HereamI！"

Now，asthen，IseeherMovingatthepane；

Ah；’tisbutherphantomBornewithinmybrain！-

ForemostinmyvisionEverywheregoesshe；

Changedissolvesthelandscapes，Sheabideswithme。

Shapesosweetandshy，Dear，Whocansaytheenay？

NeveroncedoI，Dear，Wishthyghostaway。

THEENDOFTHEEPISODE

IndulgenomoremayweInthissweet-bitterpastime：

Thelove-lightshinesthelasttimeBetweenyou，Dear，andme。

ThereshallremainnotraceOfwhatsocloselytiedus，AndblankasereloveeyedusWillbeourmeeting-place。

Theflowersandthymyair，Willtheynowmissourcoming？

ThedumblesthintheirhummingTofindwehauntnotthere？

Thoughferventwasourvow，Thoughruddilyranourpleasure，Blisshasfulfilleditsmeasure，Andseesitssentencenow。

Achedeep；butmakenomoans：

Smileout；butstillysuffer：

ThepathsoflovearerougherThanthoroughfaresofstones。

THESIGH

Littleheadagainstmyshoulder，Shyatfirst，thensomewhatbolder，Andup-eyed；

Tillshe，withatimidquaver，YieldedtothekissIgaveher；

But，shesighed。

ThattheremingledwithherfeelingSomesadthoughtshewasconcealingItimplied-

Notthatshehadceasedtoloveme，Noneonearthshesetaboveme；

Butshesighed。

Shecouldnotdisguiseapassion，Dread，ordoubt，inweakestfashionIfshetried：

Nothingseemedtoholdussundered，Heartswerevictors；soIwonderedWhyshesighed。

AfterwardsIknewherthroughly，Andshelovedmestaunchly，truly，Tillshedied；

ButshenevermadeconfessionWhy，atthatfirstsweetconcession，Shehadsighed。

ItwasinourMay，remember；

AndthoughnowInearNovember，AndabideTillmyappointedchange，unfretting，SometimesIsithalfregrettingThatshesighed。

"INTHENIGHTSHECAME"

ItoldherwhenIleftonedayThatwhatsoeverweightofcareMightstrainourlove，Time’smereassaultWouldworknochangesthere。

Andinthenightshecametome，Toothless，andwan，andold，Withleadenconcavesroundhereyes，Andwrinklesmanifold。

Itremblinglyexclaimedtoher，"Owhereforedoyoughostmethus！

IhavesaidthatdulldefacingTimeWillbringnodreadstous。"

"AndisthattrueofYOU？"shecriedInvoiceoftroubledtune。

Ifaltered："Well……IdidnotthinkYouwouldtestmequitesosoon！"

Shevanishedwithacurioussmile，Whichtoldme，plainlierthanbyword，ThatmystaunchpledgecouldscarcebeguileThefearshehadaverred。

Herdoubtsthenwroughttheirshapeinme，AndwhennextdayIpaidMyduecaress，weseemedtobeDividedbysomeshade。

THECONFORMERS

Yes；we’llwed，mylittlefay，Andyoushallwriteyoumine，AndinavillachastelygrayWe’llhouse，andsleep，anddine。

Butthosenight-screened，divine，Stolentrystsofheretofore，WeofchoiceecstasiesandfineShallknownomore。

TheformalfacedcohueWillthennomoreupbraidWithsmitingsmilesandwhisperingstwoWhohavethrownlesslovesinshade。

WeshallnomoreevadeThesearchinglightofthesun，Ourgameofpassionwillbeplayed，Ourdreamingdone。

WeshallnotgoinstealthTorendezvousunknown，Butfriendswillaskmeofyourhealth，Andyouaboutmyown。

Whenweabidealone，Noleapingseachtoeach，ButsyllablesinfrigidtoneOfhouseholdspeech。

WhendowntodustweglideMenwillnotsayaskance，Asnow："HowallthecountrysideRingswiththeirmadromance！"

ButastheygravewardglanceRemark："InthemweloseAworthypair，whohelpedadvanceSoundparishviews。"

THEDAWNAFTERTHEDANCE

Hereisyourparents’dwellingwithitscurtainedwindowstellingOfnothoughtofuswithinitorofourarrivalhere；

TheirslumbershavebeennormalafteronedaymoreofformalMatrimonialcommonplaceandhouseholdlife’smechanicgear。

Iwouldbecandidwillingly，butdawndrawsonsochillinglyAstorenderfurthercheerlessnessintolerablenow，SoIwillnotstandendeavouringtodeclareadayforsevering，Butwillclaspyoujustasalways——justtheoldenloveavow。

Throughsereneandsurlyweatherwehavewalkedthewaystogether，Andthislongnight’sdancethisyear’sendevenowfinishesthespell；

YetwedreamtusbutbeginningasweetsempiternalspinningOfacordwehavespuntobreaking——toointemperately，toowell。

Yes；lastnightwedancedIknow，Dear，aswedidthatyearago，Dear，Whenanewstrangebondbetweenourdayswasformed，andfelt，andheard；

WouldthatdancingweretheworstthingfromthelatesttothefirstthingThatthefadedyearcanchargeuswith；butwhatavailsaword！

Thatwhichmakesman’slovethelighterandthewoman’sburnnobrighterCametopasswithusinevitablywhileslippedtheshorteningyear……

Andtherestandsyourfather’sdwellingwithitsblindbleakwindowstellingThatthevowsofmanandmaidarefrailasfilmygossamere。

WEYMOUTH，1869。

THESUNONTHELETTER

Idrewtheletterout，whilegleamedTheslopingsunfromunderaroofOfcloudwhosevergerosevisibly。

TheburningballflungraysthatseemedStretchedlikeawarpwithoutawoofAcrossthelevelsoftheleaTowhereIstood，andwheretheybeamedAsbrightlyonthepageofproofThatshehadshownherfalsetomeAsifithadshownhertrue——hadteemedWithpassionatethoughtformybehoofExpressedwiththeirownardency！

THENIGHTOFTHEDANCE

Thecoldmoonhangstotheskybyitshorn，Andcentresitsgazeonme；

Thestars，likeeyesinreverie，Theirwesteringasforawhileforborne，Quizdownwardcuriously。

OldRobertdrawsthebackbrandin，Thegreenlogssteamandspit；

Thehalf-awakenedsparrowsflitFromtheriddledthatch；andowlsbeginTowhoofromthegable-slit。

Yes；farandnighthingsseemtoknowSweetscenesareimpendinghere；

Thatallisprepared；thatthehourisnearForwelcomes，fellowships，andflowOfsally，song，andcheer；

Thatspigotsarepulledandviolsstrung；

ThatsoonwillarisethesoundOfmeasurestrodtotunesrenowned；

ThatShewillreturninLove’slowtongueMyvowsaswewheelaround。

MISCONCEPTION

IbusiedmyselftofindasureSnughermitageThatshouldpreservemyLovesecureFromtheworld’srage；

Wherenounseemlysaturnals，Orstridenttraffic-roars，OrhumofintervolvedcabalsShouldechoatherdoors。

IlabouredthatthediurnalspinOfvanitiesShouldnotcontrivetosuckherinBydarkdegrees，AndcunninglyoperatetoblurSweetteachingsIhadbegun；

AndthenIwentfull-hearttoherToexpoundthegladdeedsdone。

Shelookedatme，andsaidtheretoWithapityingsmile，"AndTHISiswhathasbusiedyouSolongawhile？

Opoorexhaustedone，IseeYouhavewornyouoldandthinFornaught！ThosemoilsyoufearformeIfindmostpleasurein！"

THEVOICEOFTHETHORN

I

WhenthethornonthedownQuiversnakedandcold，Andthemid-agedandoldPacethepaththeretotown，InthesewordsdryanddrearItseemstothemsighing：

"OwinteristryingTosojournershere！"

II

WhenitstandsfullytressedOnahotsummerday，AndtheewesthereastrayFinditsshadeasweetrest，BythebreathofthebreezeItinquiresofeachfarer：

"WhowouldnotbesharerOfshadowwiththese？"

III

Butbydayorbynight，Andinwinterorsummer，ShouldIbethecomerAlongthatloneheight，InitsvoicingtomeOnlyonespeechisspoken：

"HereoncewasnighbrokenAheart，andbythee。"

FROMHERINTHECOUNTRY

IthoughtandthoughtofthycrassclangingtownTofolly，tillconvincedsuchdreamswereill，Iheldmyheartinbond，andtethereddownFancytowhereIwas，byforceofwill。

Isaid：Howbeautifularetheseflowers，thiswood，OnelittlebudisfarmoresweettomeThanallman’surbanshows；andthenIstoodUrgingnewzestforbird，andbush，andtree；

AndstrovetofeelmynaturebroughtitforthOfinstinct，ornoruralmaidwasI；

Butitwasvain；forIcouldnotseeworthEnougharoundtocharmamidgeorfly，Andmusedagainoncitydinandsin，LongingtomadnessImightmovetherein！

16W。P。V。，1866。

HERCONFESSION

Assomeblandsoul，towhomadebtorsays"I’llnowrepaytheamountIowetoyou，"

IninwardgladnessfeignsforgetfulnessThatsuchapaymenteverwashisdue（Hislongthoughtnotwithstanding），sodidI

AtourlastmeetingwaiveyourprofferedkissWithquickdivergenttalkofscenerynigh，Bysuchsuspensiontoenhancemybliss。

AndashislooksinconsternationfallWhen，gatheringthatthedebtislightlydeemed，Thedebtormakesasnottopayatall，SofalteredI，whenyourintentionseemedConvertedbymyfalseuneagernessToputtingoffforeverthecaress。

W。P。V。，1865-67。

TOANIMPERSONATOROFROSALIND

Didhewhodrewherintheyearsago-

Tillnowconceivedcreatorofhergrace-

Withtelescopicsighthighnaturesknow，DiscernremoteinTime’suntravelledspaceYoursoftsweetmien，yourgestures，asdowe，Andwithacopyist’shandbutsetthemdown，GlowingyetmoretodreamourecstasyWhenhisOriginalshouldbeforthshown？

For，kindledbythatanimatedeye，Wheretoallfairnessesabouttheebrim，Andbythytendertones，whatwightcanflyThewildconvictionwellingupinhimThatheatlengthbeholdswoo，parley，plead，The"very，veryRosalind"indeed！

8ADELPHITERRACE，21stApril1867。

TOANACTRESS

Ireadyournamewhenyouwerestrangetome，Whereitstoodblazonedboldwithmanymore；

Ipasseditvacantly，anddidnotseeAnygreatgloryintheshapeitwore。

Ocruelty，theinsightbarredmethen！

WhydidInotpossessmewithitssound，AndinitscadencecatchandcatchagainYournature’sessencefloatingtherearound？

CouldTHATmanbethisI，unknowingyou，Whennowtheknowingyouisallofme，Andtheoldworldofthenisnowanew，Andpurposenomorewhatitusedtobe-

Athingofformaljourneywork，butdueTospringsthatthenweresealeduputterly？

1867。

THEMINUTEBEFOREMEETING

ThegreygauntdaysdividingusintwainSeemedhopelesshillsmystrengthmustfainttoclimb，Buttheyaregone；andnowIwoulddetainThefewclock-beatsthatpartus；reinbackTime，AndliveincloseexpectanceneverclosedInchangeforfarexpectanceclosedatlast，SoharshlyhasexpectancebeenimposedOnmylongneedwhiletheseslowblankmonthspassed。

AndknowingthatwhatisnowabouttobeWillallHAVEBEENinO，soshortaspace！

IreadbeyonditmydespondencyWhenmoredividingmonthsshalltakeitsplace，TherebydenyingtothishourofgraceAfull-upmeasureoffelicity。

1871。

HEABJURESLOVE

AtlastIputofflove，FortwicetenyearsThedaysmanofmythought，Andhope，anddoing；

Beingashamedthereof，AndfaintoffearsAnddesolations，wroughtInhispursuing，SincefirstinyouthtimethoseDisquietingsThatheart-enslavementbringsTohaleandhoary，Becamemyhousefellows，And，foolandblind，IturnedfromkithandkindTogivehimglory。

IwasaschildrenbeWhohavenocare；

Ididnotshrinkorsigh，Ididnotsicken；

Butlo，Lovebeckonedme，AndIwasbare，Andpoor，andstarved，anddry，Andfever-stricken。

ToomanytimesablazeWithfatuousfires，EnkindledbyhiswilesTonewembraces，DidI，bywilfulwaysAndbaselessires，ReturntheanxioussmilesOffriendlyfaces。

NomorewillnowrateI

Thecommonrare，Themidnightdrizzledew，Thegrayhourgolden，Thewindayearningcry，Thefaultyfair，Thingsdreamt，ofcomelierhueThanthingsbeholden！……

——IspeakasonewhoplumbsLife’sdimprofound，OnewhoatlengthcansoundClearviewsandcertain。

But——afterlovewhatcomes？

Ascenethatlours，Afewsadvacanthours，Andthen，theCurtain。

1883。

ASETOFCOUNTRYSONGS

LETMEENJOY

（MINORKEY）

I

LetmeenjoytheearthnolessBecausetheall-enactingMightThatfashionedforthitslovelinessHadotheraimsthanmydelight。

II

AboutmypaththereflitsaFair，Whothrowsmenotawordorsign；

I’llcharmmewithherignoringair，Andlaudthelipsnotmeantformine。

III

FrommanuscriptsofmovingsongInspiredbyscenesanddreamsunknownI’llpouroutrapturesthatbelongToothers，astheyweremyown。

IV

Andsomedayhence，towardsParadise，Andallitsblest——ifsuchshouldbe-

Iwillliftglad，afar-offeyes，Thoughitcontainnoplaceforme。

ATCASTERBRIDGEFAIR

I

THEBALLAD-SINGER

Sing，Ballad-singer，raiseaheartytune；

MakemeforgetthattherewaseveraoneIwalkedwithinthemeeklightofthemoonWhentheday’sworkwasdone。

Rhyme，Ballad-rhymer，startacountrysong；

MakemeforgetthatshewhomIlovedwellSworeshewouldlovemedearly，lovemelong，Then——whatIcannottell！

Sing，Ballad-singer，fromyourlittlebook；

Makemeforgetthoseheart-breaks，achings，fears；

Makemeforgethername，hersweetsweetlook-

Makemeforgethertears。

II

FORMERBEAUTIES

Thesemarket-dames，mid-aged，withlipsthin-drawn，Andtissuessere，Aretheytheoneswelovedinyearsagone，Andcourtedhere？

ArethesethemuslinedpinkyoungthingstowhomWevowedandsworeInnooksonsummerSundaysbytheFroom，OrBudmouthshore？

DotheyrememberthosegaytuneswetrodClaspedonthegreen；

Aye；trodtillmoonlightsetonthebeatensodAsatinsheen？

Theymustforget，forget！TheycannotknowWhatoncetheywere，Ormemorywouldtransfigurethem，andshowThemalwaysfair。

III

AFTERTHECLUB-DANCE

Black’onfrownseastonMaidon，Andwestwardtothesea，ButonneitherishisfrownladenWithscorn，ashisfrownonme！

Atdawnmyheartgrewheavy，Icouldnotsipthewine，IleftthejocundbevyAndthatyoungmano’mine。

Theroadsideelmspassbyme，-

WhydoIsinkwithshameWhenthebirdsa-perchthereeyeme？

They，too，havedonethesame！

IV

THEMARKET-GIRL

Nobodytookanynoticeofherasshestoodonthecauseykerb，Alleagertosellherhoneyandapplesandbunchesofgardenherb；

Andifshehadofferedtogiveherwaresandherselfwiththemtoothatday，Idoubtifasoulwouldhavecaredtotakeabargainsochoiceaway。

ButchancingtotracehersunburntgracethatmorningasIpassednigh，IwentandIsaid"Poormaidydear！——andwillnoneofthepeoplebuy？"

Andsoitbegan；andsoonweknewwhattheendofitallmustbe，AndIfoundthatthoughnoothershadbid，aprizehadbeenwonbyme。

V

THEINQUIRY

AndareyeoneofHermitage-

OfHermitage，byIvelRoad，Anddoyeknow，inHermitageAthatch-roofedhousewheresengreensgrow？

AnddoesJohnWaywoodlivetherestill-

HeofthenamethatthereabodeWhenfatherhurdledonthehillSomefifteenyearsago？

Doeshenowspeako’PattyBeech，ThePattyBeechheusedto——see，OraskatallifPattyBeechIsknownorheardofoutthisway？-

Askeverifshe’slivingyet，Andwhereherpresenthomemaybe，Andhowshebearslife’sfagandfretAftersolongaday？

InyearsagoneatHermitageThisfadedfacewascountedfair，Nonefairer；andatHermitageWesworetowedwhenheshouldthrive。

ButneverachancehadheorI，Andwaitingmadehiswishoutwear，AndTime，thatdoomsman’slovetodie，Preservesamaid’salive。

VI

AWIFEWAITS

Will’satthedanceintheClub-roombelow，Wherethetallliquor-cupsfoam；

IonthepavementupherebytheBow，Wait，wait，tosteadyhimhome。

Willandhispartneraretreadingatune，Lovingcompanionstheybe；

Willy，beforeweweremarriedinJune，Saidhelovednoonebutme；

SaidhewouldlethisoldpleasuresallgoEvertolivewithhisDear。

Will’satthedanceintheClub-roombelow，ShiveringIwaitforhimhere。

NOTE。——"TheBow"（line3）。Theoldnameforthecurvedcornerbythecross-

streetsinthemiddleofCasterbridge。

VII

AFTERTHEFAIR

ThesingersaregonefromtheCornmarket-placeWiththeirbroadsheetsofrhymes，ThestreetringsnolongerintrebleandbassWiththeirskitsonthetimes，AndtheCross，latelythronged，isadimnakedspaceThatbutechoesthestammeringchimes。

FromClock-cornersteps，aseachquarterding-dongs，AwaythefolkroamBythe"Hart"andGrey’sBridgeintobywaysand"drongs，"

Oracrosstheridgedloam；

Theyoungeronesshrillingthelatelyheardsongs，Theoldsaying，"Wouldwewerehome。"

Theshy-seemingmaidensomuteinthefairNowrattlesandtalks，AndthatonewholookedthemostswaggeringthereGrowssadasshewalks，AndshewhoseemedeatenbycankeringcareInstatuesquesturdinessstalks。

AndmidnightclearsHighStreetofallbuttheghostsOfitsburiedburghees，FromthelatestfarbacktothoseoldRomanhostsWhoseremainsoneyetsees，Wholoved，laughed，andfought，hailedtheirfriends，dranktheirtoastsAttheirmeeting-timeshere，justasthese！

1902。

NOTE。——"TheChimes"（line6）willbelistenedforinvainhereatmidnightnow，havingbeenabolishedsomeyearsago。

THEDARK-EYEDGENTLEMAN

I

Ipitchedmyday’sleazingsinCrimmercrockLane，Totieupmygarterandjogonagain，Whenadeardark-eyedgentlemanpassedthereandsaid，Inawaythatmadeallo’mecolourrose-red，"WhatdoIsee-

Oprettyknee！"

Andhecameandhetiedupmygarterforme。

II

’Twixtsunsetandmoonriseitwas，Icanmind：

Ah，’tiseasytolosewhatwenevermorefind！-

Ofthedearstranger’shome，ofhisname，Iknewnought，ButIsoonknewhisnatureandallthatitbrought。

ThenbitterlySobbedIthatheShouldeverhavetiedupmygarterforme！

III

YetnowI’vebesidemeafinelissomlad，Andmyslip’snighforgot，andmydaysarenotsad；

Myowndearestjoyishe，comrade，andfriend，Heitiswhosafe-guardsme，onhimIdepend；

Nosorrowbringshe，AndthankfulIbeThathisdaddyoncetiedupmygarterforme！

NOTE。——"Leazings"（line1）。——Bundleofgleanedcorn。

TOCARREYCLAVEL

Youturnyourback，youturnyourback，Andneveryourfacetome，Aloneyoutakeyourhomewardtrack，Andscornmycompany。

WhatwillyoudowhenCharley’sseenDewbeatingdownthisway？-

You’llturnyourbackasnow，youmean？

Nay，CarreyClavel，nay！

You’llseenone’slooking；putyourlipUplikeatulip，so；

Andhewillcollyou，bend，andsip：

Yes，Carrey，yes；Iknow！

THEORPHANEDOLDMAID

Iwantedtomarry，butfathersaid，"No-

’Tisweaknessinwomentogivethemselvesso；

Ifyoucareforyourfreedomyou’lllistentome，Makeaspouseinyourpocket，andletthemenbe。"

Ispakeon’tagainandagain：fathercried，"Why——ifyougohusbanding，whereshallIbide？

Forneverahome’sformeelsewherethanhere！"

AndIyielded；forfatherhadeverbeendear。

Butnowfather’sgone，andIfeelgrowingold，AndI’mlonelyandpoorinthishouseonthewold，Andmysweetheartthatwasfoundapartnerelsewhere，Andnobodyflingsmeathoughtoracare。

THESPRINGCALL

DownWessexway，whenspring’sa-shine，Theblackbird’s"pret-tyde-urr！"

InWessexaccentsmarkedasmineIsheardafarandnear。

Heflutesitstrong，asifinsongNoR’soffeeblertoneThanhisappearin"prettydear，"

Haveblackbirdseverknown。

Yettheypipe"prattiedeerh！"Iglean，BeneathaScottishsky，And"pehtyde-aw！"amidthetreenOfMiddlesexornigh。

Whilesomefolksay——perhapsinplay-

WhoknowtheIrishisle，’Tis"purritydare！"intreelandthereWhensongsterswouldbeguile。

Well：I’llsaywhatthelisteningbirdsSay，hearing"pret-tyde-urr！"-

Howeverstrangerssoundsuchwords，That’showwesoundthemhere。

Yes，inthisclimeatpairingtime，AssoonaseyescanseeherAtdawnofday，theproperwayTocallis"pret-tyde-urr！"

JULIE-JANE

Sing；how’awouldsing！

How’awouldraisethetuneWhenwerodeinthewaggonfromharvestingBythelighto’themoon！

Dance；how’awoulddance！

IfafiddlestringdidbutsoundShewouldholdouthercoats，giveaslantingglance，Andgoroundandround。

Laugh；how’awouldlaugh！

HerpeonylipswouldpartAsifnonesuchaplaceforalovertoquaffAtthedeepsofaheart。

Julie，Ogirlofjoy，Soon，soonthatloverhecame。

Ah，yes；andgavetheeababy-boy，Butneverhisname……

——Tollingforher，asyouguess；

Andthebabytoo……’Tiswell。

Youknewherinmaidhoodlikewise？——Yes，That’sherburialbell。

"Isuppose，"withalaugh，shesaid，"IshouldblushthatI’mnotawife；

Buthowcanitmatter，sosoontobedead，Whatonedoesinlife！"

WhenwesatmakingthemourningByherdeath-bedside，saidshe，"Dears，howcanyoukeepfromyourlovers，adorningInhonourofme！"

Bubblingandbrightsomeeyed！

Butnow——Oneveragain。

ShechoseherbearersbeforeshediedFromherfancy-men。

NOTE。——Itis，orwas，acommoncustominWessex，andprobablyothercountryplaces，topreparethemourningbesidethedeath-bed，thedyingpersonsometimesassisting，whoalsoselectshisorherbearersonsuchoccasions。

"Coats"（line7）。——Oldnameforpetticoats。

NEWSFORHERMOTHER

I

OnemilemoreisWhereyourdoorisMothermine！-

Harvest’scoming，Millsarestrumming，Applesfine，Andthecidermadeto-yearwillbeaswine。

II

Yet，notviewingWhat’sa-doingHerearoundIsitthrillsme，AndsofillsmeThatIboundLikeaballorleaforlambalongtheground。

III

TremblenotnowAtyourlotnow，Sillysoul！

HostshavespedthemQuicktowedthem，Greatandsmall，Sincethefirsttwosighinghalf-heartsmadeawhole。

IV

YetIwonder，WillitsunderHerfromme？

WillsheguessthatIsaid"Yes，"——thatHisI’dbe，EreIthoughtshemightnotseehimasIsee！

V

Oldbrowngable，Granary，stable，Hereyouare！

Omymother，CananotherEverbarMinefromthyheart，makethynearnessseemafar？

THEFIDDLER

Thefiddlerknowswhat’sbrewingTotheliltofhislyricwiles：

ThefiddlerknowswhatrueingWillcomeofthisnight’ssmiles！

Heseescouplesjointhemfordancing，Andafterwardsjoiningforlife，HeseesthempayhighfortheirprancingByawelterofweddedstrife。

Hetwangs："Musichailsfromthedevil，Thoughvauntedtocomefromheaven，ForitmakespeopledoatarevelWhatmultipliessinsbyseven。

"There’smanyaheartnowmangled，Andwaitingitstimetogo，WhosetendrilswerefirstentangledBymysweetviolandbow！"

THEHUSBAND’SVIEW

"CananythingavailBeldame，formyhidgrief？-

Listen：I’lltellthetale，Itmaybringfaintrelief！-

"IcamewhereIwasnotknown，Inhopetofleemysin；

AndwalkingforthaloneAyoungmansaid，’Goode’en。’

"IngentlevoiceandtrueHeaskedtomarryme；

’Youonly——onlyyouFulfilmydream！’saidhe。

"Wemarriedo’Mondaymorn，Inthemonthofhayandflowers；

Mycareswerenighforsworn，Andperfectlovewasours。

"ButerethedaysarelongUntimelyfruitwillshow；

MyLovekeepsuphissong，Undreamingitisso。

"AndIawakeinthenight，Andthinkofmonthsgoneby，AndofthatcauseofflightHiddenfrommyLove’seye。

"Discoverybordersnear，Andthen！……Butsomethingstirred？-

Myhusband——heishere！

Heaven——hasheoverheard？"-

"Yes；Ihaveheard，sweetNan；

Ihaveknownitallthetime。

Iamnotaparticularman；

Misfortunesarenocrime：

"AndwhatwithourseriousneedOfsonsforsoldiering，Thataccident，indeed，Tomaids，isausefulthing！"

ROSE-ANN

Whydidn’tyousayyouwaspromised，Rose-Ann？

Whydidn’tyounameittome，Ereeveryoutemptedmehither，Rose-Ann，Sooften，sowearifully？

Owhydidyouletmebenear’ee，Rose-Ann，Talkingthingsaboutwedlocksofree，Andneverbynodorbywhisper，Rose-Ann，Giveahintthatitwasn’ttobe？

DownhomeIwasraisingaflockofstockewes，Cocksandhens，andweechickensbyscores，Andlavenderedlinenallreadytouse，A-dreamingthattheywouldbeyours。

Mothersaid："She’sasport-makingmaiden，myson"；

Andaprettysharpquarrelhadwe；

OwhydoyouprovebythiswrongyouhavedoneThatIsawnotwhatmothercouldsee？

Neveroncedidyousayyouwaspromised，Rose-Ann，NeveroncedidIdreamittobe；

Anditcutstothehearttobetreated，Rose-Ann，Asyouinyourscorningtreatme！

THEHOMECOMING

GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerdownlandbroadandbare，Andlonesomewasthehouse，anddark；andfewcamethere。

"Nowdon’tyerubyoureyessored；we’rehomeandhavenocares；

Here’saskimmer-cakeforsupper，peckledonions，andsomepears；

I’vegotalittlekego’summatstrong，too，understairs：-

What，slightyourhusband’svictuals？Otherbridescantackletheirs！"

Thewindofwintermooedandmouthedtheirchimneylikeahorn，Androundthehouseandpastthehouse’twasleaflessandlorn。

"Butmydearandtenderpoppet，then，howcameyetoagreeInIvelchurchthismorning？Sure，there-rightyoumarriedme！"-

"Hoo-hoo！——Idon’tknow——Iforgothowstrangeandfar’twouldbe，An’IwishIwasathomeagainwithdeardaddee！"

GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerdownlandbroadandbare，Andlonesomewasthehouseanddark；andfewcamethere。

"Ididn’tthinksuchfurnitureasthiswasallyou’down，Andgreatblackbeamsforceiling，andaflooro’wretchedstone，Andnastypewterplatters，horridforksofsteelandbone，Andamonstrouscrockinchimney。’Twastomequiteunbeknown！"

Rattlerattlewentthedoor；downflappedacloudofsmoke，Asshiftingnorththewickedwindassayedasmarterstroke。

"Nowsityebythefire，poppet；putyourselfatease：

Andkeepyourlittlethumboutofyourmouth，dear，please！

AndI’llsingto’eeaprettysongoflovelyflowersandbees，Andhappyloverstakingwalkswithinagroveo’trees。"

GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerDown，sobleakandbare，Andlonesomewasthehouse，anddark；andfewcamethere。

"Now，don’tyegnawyourhandkercher；’twillhurtyourlittletongue，Andifyoudofeelspitish，’tisbecauseyeareoveryoung；

Butyou’llbegettingolder，likeusall，ereverylong，Andyou’llseemeasIam——amanwhoneverdid’eewrong。"

StraightfromWhit’sheetHilltoBenvillLanetheblusterspass，Hittinghedges，milestones，handposts，trees，andtuftsofgrass。

"Well，hadIonlyknown，mydear，thatthiswashowyou’dbe，I’dhavemarriedherofriperyearsthatwassofondofme。

ButsinceIcan’t，I’vehalfamindtorunawaytosea，Andleave’eetogobarefoottoyourd-ddaddee！"

Uponewallanddowntheother——pasteachwindow-pane-

Prancethegusts，andthenawaydownCrimmercrock’slonglane。

"I——I——don’tknowwhattosayto’t，sinceyourwifeI’vevowedtobe；

Andas’tisdone，Is’posehereImustbide——poorme！

Aye——asyouareki-ki-kind，I’lltrytolivealongwith’ee，AlthoughI’dfainhavestayedathomewithdeardaddee！"

GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerDown，sobleakandbare，Andlonesomewasthehouseanddark；andfewcamethere。

"That’sright，myHeart！AndthoughonhauntedTollerDownwebe，Andthewindswearsthingsinchimley，we’lltosuppermerrily！

Sodon’tyetapyourshoesopettish-like；butsmileatme，Andye’llsoonforgettosockandsighfordeardaddee！"

December1901。

PIECESOCCASIONALANDVARIOUS

ACHURCHROMANCE

（MELLSTOCKcirca1835）

Sheturnedinthehighpew，untilhersightSweptthewestgallery，andcaughtitsrowOfmusic-menwithviol，book，andbowAgainstthesinkingsadtower-windowlight。

Sheturnedagain；andinherpride’sdespiteOnestrenuousviol’sinspirerseemedtothrowAmessagefromhisstringtoherbelow，Whichsaid："Iclaimtheeasmyownforthright！"

Thustheirhearts’bondbegan，induetimesigned。

Andlongyearsthence，whenAgehadscaredRomance，AtsomeoldattitudeofhisorglanceThatgallery-scenewouldbreakuponhermind，Withhimasminstrel，ardent，young，andtrim，Bowing"NewSabbath"or"MountEphraim。"

THERASHBRIDE

ANEXPERIENCEOFTHEMELLSTOCKQUIRE

I

WeChristmas-carolleddowntheVale，anduptheVale，androundtheVale，Weplayedandsangthatnightaswewereyearlywonttodo-

Acarolinaminorkey，acarolinthemajorD，Thenateachhouse："Goodwishes：manyChristmasjoystoyou！"

II

Next，tothewidow’sJohnandIandalltherestdrewon。AndI

DiscernedthatJohncouldhardlyholdthetongueofhimforjoy。

ThewidowwasasweetyoungthingwhomJohnwasbentonmarrying，Andquiringathercasementseemedromantictotheboy。

III

"She’llmakereply，Itrust，"saidhe，"tooursalute？Shemust！"saidhe，"AndthenIwillaccosthergently——muchtohersurprise！-

ForknowingnotIamwithyouhere，whenIspeakupandcallherdearAtendernesswillfillhervoice，abashfulnesshereyes。

IV

So，byherwindow-squarewestood；ay，withourlanternstherewestood，Andhealongwithus，——notsinging，waitingforasign；

Andwhenwe’dquiredhercarolsthreealightwaslitandoutlookedshe，Ashawlaboutherbedgown，andhercolourredaswine。

V

Andsweetlythenshebowedherthanks，andsmiled，andspokealoudherthanks；

Whenlo，behindherbackthere，intheroom，amanappeared。

Iknewhim——onefromWoolcombway——GilesSwetman——honestastheday，Buteager，hasty；andIfeltthatsomestrangetroubleneared。

VI

"Howcomeshethere？……Suppose，"saidwe，"she’swedoflate！Whoknows？"saidwe-

"Shemarriedyester-morning——onlymotheryethasknownThesecreto’t！"shrilledonesmallboy。"ButnowI’vetold，let’swish’emjoy！"

Aheavyfallarousedus：Johnhadgonedownlikeastone。

VII

Werushedtohimandcaughthimround，andliftedhim，andbroughthimround，When，hearingsomethingwronghadhappened，opedthewindowshe：

"Hasoneofyoufallenill？"sheasked，"bythesenightlaboursovertasked？"

Noneanswered。Thatshe’ddonepoorJohnacruelturnfeltwe。

VIII

TillupspokeMichael："Fie，youngdame！You’vebrokeyourpromise，slyyoungdame，Byformingthisnewtie，youngdame，andjiltingJohnsotrue，Whotrudgedto-nighttosingto’eebecausehethoughthe’dbringto’eeGoodwishesasyourcomingspouse。Mayyesuchtriflingrue！"

IX

Hermanhadsaidnowordatall；butbeingbehindhadhearditall，Andnowcried："Neighbours，onmysoulIknewnot’twaslikethis！"

Andthentoher："IfIhadknownyou’dhadintownotmealone，Nowifeshouldyouhavebeenofmine。Itisadearboughtbliss！"

X

Shechangeddeath-white，andheavedacry：we’dneverheardsogrievedacryAscamefromheratthisfromhim：heart-brokenquiteseemedshe；

Andsuddenly，aswelookedon，sheturned，andrushed；andshewasgone，Whither，herhusband，followingafter，knewnot；norknewwe。

XI

Wesearchedtilldawnaboutthehouse；withinthehouse，withoutthehouse，Wesearchedamongthelaurelboughsthatgrewbeneaththewall，Andthenamongthecrocksandthings，andstoresforwinterjunketings，Inlinhay，loft，anddairy；butwefoundhernotatall。

XII

ThenJohnrushedin："Ofriends，"hesaid，"hearthis，this，this！"andbendshishead：

"I’ve——searchedroundbythe——WELL，andfindthecoveropenwide！

Iamfearfulthat——Ican’tsaywhat……Bringlanterns，andsomecordstoknot。"

Wedidso，andwewentandstoodthedeepdarkholebeside。

XIII

Andthenthey，ropesinhand，andI——ay，John，andalltheband，andI

Letdownalanterntothedepths——somehundredfeetandmore；

Itglimmeredlikeafog-dimmedstar；andthere，besideitslight，afar，Whitedraperyfloated，andweknewthemeaningthatitbore。

XIV

Therestisnaught……Weburiedhero’Sunday。Neighbourscarriedher；

AndSwetman——hewho’dmarriedher——nowmiserablestofmen，Walkedmourningfirst；andthenwalkedJohn；justquivering，butcomposedanon；

Andwethequireformedroundthegrave，aswasthecustomthen。

XV

Ouroldbassplayer，asIrecall——hiswhitehairblown——butwhyrecall！-

Hisviolupstrapped，bentfigure——doomedtofollowherfullsoon-

Stoodbowing，paleandtremulous；andnexttohimtherestofus……

WesangtheNinetiethPsalmtoher——settoSaintStephen’stune。

THEDEADQUIRE

I

BesidetheMeadofMemories，WhereChurch-waymountstoMoaningHill，Thesadmansighedhisphantasies：

Heseemstosighthemstill。

II

"’TwastheBirth-tideEve，andthehamleteersMademerrywithancientMellstockzest，ButtheMellstockquireofformeryearsHadenteredintorest。

III

"OldDewylaybythegauntyewtree，AndReubenandMichaelapacebehind，AndBowmanwithhisfamilyBythewallthattheiviesbind。

IV

"Thesingershadfollowedonebyone，Treble，andtenor，andthorough-bass；

AndthewormthatwastethhadbegunTominetheirmoulderingplace。

V

"Fortwo-scoreyears，ereChrist-daylight，Mellstockhadthrobbedtostrainsfromthese；

ButnowthereechoedonthenightNoChristmasharmonies。

VI

"Threemeadowsoff，atadormeredinn，Theyouthhadgatheredinhighcarouse，And，rangedonsettles，somethereinHaddrunkthemtoadrowse。

VII

"Loud，lively，reckless，somehadgrown，EachdandlingonhisjiggingkneeEliza，Dolly，Nance，orJoan-

Liversinlevity。

VIII

"ThetaperflamesandhearthfireshineGrewsmoke-hazedtoaluridlight，AndsongsonsubjectsnotdivineWerewarbledforththatnight。

IX

"YetmanyweresonsandgrandsonshereOfthosewho，onsuchevesgoneby，AtthatstillhourhadthroatedclearTheiranthemstothesky。

X

"Theclockbelledmidnight；anderelongOneshouted，’Now’tisChristmasmorn；

Here’stoourwomenoldandyoung，AndtoJohnBarleycorn！’

XI

"Theydrinkthetoastandshoutagain：

Thepewter-wareringsbacktheboom，Andforabreath-whilefollowsthenAsilenceintheroom。

XII

"Whennighwithout，asinolddays，TheancientquireofvoiceandstringSeemedsingingwordsofprayerandpraiseAstheyhadusedtosing：

XIII

"’Whileshepherdswatch’dtheirflocksbynight，’-

ThusswellsthelongfamiliarsoundInmanyaquaintsymphonicflight-

To，’Gloryshonearound。’

XIV

"Thesonsdefinedtheirfathers’tones，Thewidowhiswhomshehadwed，AndothersintheminormoansTheviolsofthedead。

XV

"SomethingsupernalhasthesoundAsversebyversethestrainproceeds，AndstillystaringonthegroundEachroystererholdsandheeds。

XVI

"TowardsitschordedclosingbarPlaintively，thinly，wanedthehymn，Yetlingered，likethenotesafarOfbandedseraphim。

XVII

"Withbrowsabashed，andreverenttread，Thehearkenerssoughtthetaverndoor：

Butnothing，savewanmoonlight，spreadTheemptyhighwayo’er。

XVIII

"WhileontheirhearingfixedandtenseTheaerialmusicseemedtosink，AsitweregentlymovingthenceAlongtheriverbrink。

XIX

"ThendidtheQuickpursuetheDeadBycrystalFroomthatcrinklesthere；

AndstilltheviewlessquireaheadVoicedtheoldholyair。

XX

"ByBank-walkwicket，brightlybleached，Itpassed，and’twixtthehedgestwain，Doggedbytheliving；tillitreachedThebottomofChurchLane。

XXI

"There，attheturning，itwasheardDrawingtowherethechurchyardlay：

ButwhentheyfollowedthitherwardItsmalled，anddiedaway。

XXII

"Eachheadstoneofthequire，eachmound，Confrontedthembeneaththemoon；

ButnomorefloatedtherearoundThatancientBirth-nighttune。

XXIII

"ThereDewylaybythegauntyewtree，ThereReubenandMichael，apacebehind，AndBowmanwithhisfamilyBythewallthattheiviesbind……

XXIV

"AsfromadreameachsoberedsonAwoke，andmusingreachedhisdoor：

’Twassaidthatofthemall，notoneSatinatavernmore。"

XXV-

Thesadmanceased；andceasedtoheedHislistener，andcrossedtheleazeFromMoaningHilltowardsthemead-

TheMeadofMemories。

1897。

THECHRISTENING

WhosechildisthistheybringIntotheaisle？-

AtsosuperbathingThecongregationsmileAndturntheirheadsawhile。

Itseyesareblueandbright，Itscheekslikerose；

ItssimplerobesuniteWhitestofcalicoesWithlawn，andsatinbows。

AprideinthehumanraceAtthisparagonOfmortals，lightseachfaceWhiletheoldritegoeson；

Butah，theyareshockedanon。

WhatgirlisshewhopeepsFromthegallerystair，Smilespalely，redlyweeps，WithfeverishfurtiveairAsthoughnotfitlythere？

"Iamthebaby’smother；

ThisgemoftheraceThedecentfainwouldsmother，AndformydeepdisgraceIambiddentoleavetheplace。"

"Whereisthebaby’sfather？"-

"Inthewoodsafar。

Hesaysthereisnonehe’dratherMeetundermoonorstarThanme，ofallthatare。

"Toclaspmeinlovelikeweather，Wishfixingwhen，Hesays：TobetogetherAtwill，justnowandthen，Makeshimtheblestofmen；

"ButchainedanddoomedforlifeTosloveningAsvulgarmanandwife，Hesays，isanotherthing：

Yea：sweetLove’ssepulchring！"

1904。

ADREAMQUESTION

"Itshallbedarkuntoyou，thatyeshallnotdivine。"

Micahiii。6。

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