Shehadonebow—gunofahundredton，Andagreatstern—gunbeside;
Theydippedtheirnosesdeepinthesea，TheyrackedtheirstaysandstanchionsfreeInthewashofthewind—whippedtide。
Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~，FellinwithacruiserlightThatcarriedthedaintyHotchkissgunAndapairo’heelswherewithtorunFromthegripofaclose—foughtfight。
Sheopenedfireatsevenmiles——
Asyeshootatabobbingcork——
Andonceshefiredandtwiceshefired，Tillthebow—gundroopedlikealilytiredThatlollsuponthestalk。
"Captain，thebow—gunmeltsapace，Thedeck—beamsbreakbelow，’Twerewelltorestforanhourortwain，Andbotchtheshatteredplatesagain。"
Andheanswered，"Makeitso。"
Sheopenedfirewithinthemile——
Asyeshootattheflyingduck——
Andthegreatstern—gunshotfairandtrue，Withtheheaveoftheship，tothestainlessblue，Andthegreatstern—turretstuck。
"Captain，theturretfillswithsteam，Thefeed—pipesburstbelow——
Youcanhearthehissofthehelplessram，Youcanhearthetwistedrunnersjam。"
Andheanswered，"Turnandgo！"
Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~，Andgrimlydidsheroll;
Swungroundtotakethecruiser’sfireAstheWhiteWhalefacestheThresher’sireWhentheywarbythefrozenPole。
"Captain，theshellsarefallingfast，Andfasterstillfallwe;
AnditisnotmeetforEnglishstockTobideintheheartofaneight—dayclockThedeaththeycannotsee。"
"Liedown，liedown，myboldA。B。，Wedriftuponherbeam;
Wedarenotram，forshecanrun;
Anddareyefireanothergun，Anddieinthepeelingsteam？"
Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~
Thatcarriedanarmour—belt;
ButfiftyfeetatsternandbowLaybareasthepaunchofthepurser’ssow，Tothehailofthe~Nordenfeldt~。
"Captain，theyhackusthroughandthrough;
Thechilledsteelboltsareswift！
Wehaveemptiedthebunkersinopensea，Theirshrapnelburstswhereourcoalshouldbe。"
Andheanswered，"Letherdrift。"
Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~，Swungrounduponthetide，Hertwodumbgunsglaredsouthandnorth，Andthebloodandthebubblingsteamranforth，Andshegroundthecruiser’sside。
"Captain，theycry，thefightisdone，Theybidyousendyoursword。"
Andheanswered，"Grapplehersternandbow。
Theyhaveaskedforthesteel。Theyshallhaveitnow;
Outcutlassesandboard！"
Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~
Spewedupfourhundredmen;
Andthescaldedstokersyelpeddelight，AstheyrolledinthewaistandheardthefightStampo’ertheirsteel—walledpen。
Theyclearedthecruiserendtoend，Fromconning—towertohold。
TheyfoughtastheyfoughtinNelson’sfleet;
Theywerestrippedtothewaist，theywerebaretothefeet，Asitwasinthedaysofold。
Itwasthesinking~Clampherdown~
Heavedupherbatteredside——
Andcarriedamillionpoundsinsteel，Tothecodandthecorpse—fedconger—eel，AndthescouroftheChanneltide。
Itwasthecrewofthe~Clampherdown~
Stoodouttosweepthesea，Onacruiserwonfromanancientfoe，Asitwasinthedaysoflongago，Andasitstillshallbe。
THEBALLADOFTHE"BOLIVAR"
Sevenmenfromalltheworld，backtoDocksagain，RollingdowntheRatcliffeRoaddrunkandraisingCain：
Givethegirlsanotherdrink’forewesignaway——
Wethattookthe~Bolivar~outacrosstheBay！
WeputoutfromSunderlandloadeddownwithrails;
WeputbacktoSunderland’causeourcargoshifted;
WeputoutfromSunderland——metthewintergales——
SevendaysandsevennightstotheStartwedrifted。
Racketingherrivetsloose，smoke—stackwhiteassnow，Allthecoalsadriftadeck，halftherailsbelow，Leakinglikealobster—pot，steeringlikeadray——
Outwetookthe~Bolivar~，outacrosstheBay！
OnebyonetheLightscameup，winkedandletusby;
Milebymilewewaddledon，coalandfo’c’sleshort;
Metablowthatlaidusdown，heardabulkheadfly;
Leftthe~Wolf~behinduswithatwo—footlisttoport。
Trailinglikeawoundedduck，workingouthersoul;
Clanginglikeasmithy—shopaftereveryroll;
Justafunnelandamastlurchingthroughthespray——
Sowethreshedthe~Bolivar~outacrosstheBay！
’Feltherhogandfelthersag，bettedwhenshe’dbreak;
Wonderedeverytimesheracedifshe’dstandtheshock;
Heardtheseaslikedrunkenmenpoundingatherstrake;
HopedtheLord’udkeephisthumbontheplummer—block。
Bangedagainsttheirondecks，bilgeschokedwithcoal;
Flayedandfrozenfootandhand，sickofheartandsoul;
Lastweprayedshe’dbuckherselfintojudgmentDay——
Hi！wecursedthe~Bolivar~knockingroundtheBay！
Ohernoseflunguptosky，groaningtobestill——
Upanddownandbackwewent，nevertimeforbreath;
ThenthemoneypaidatLloyd’scaughtherbytheheel，Andthestarsranroundandrounddancin’atourdeath。
Achingforanhour’ssleep，dozingoffbetween;
’Heardtherottenrivetsdrawwhenshetookitgreen;
’Watchedthecompasschaseitstaillikeacatatplay——
Thatwasonthe~Bolivar~，southacrosstheBay。
Oncewesawbetweenthesqualls，lyin’headtoswell——
Madwithworkandweariness，wishin’theywaswe——
SomedamnedLiner’slightsgobylikealonghotel;
Cheeredherfromthe~Bolivar~swampin’inthesea。
Thenagraybackclearedusout，thentheskipperlaughed;
"Boys，thewheelhasgonetoHell——rigthewinchesaft！
Yokethekickingrudder—head——getherunderway！"
Sowesteeredher，pulley—haul，outacrosstheBay！
Justapacko’rottenplatesputtiedupwithtar，Inwecame，an’timeenough，’crossBilbaoBar。
Overloaded，undermanned，meanttofounder，weEuchredGodAlmighty’sstorm，bluffedtheEternalSea！
Sevenmenfromalltheworld，backtotownagain，Rollin’downtheRatcliffeRoaddrunkandraisingCain：
SevenmenfromoutofHell。Ain’ttheownersgay，’Causewetookthe"Bolivar"safeacrosstheBay？
THESACRIFICEOFER—HEB
Er—HebbeyondtheHillsofAo—SafaiBearswitnesstothetruth，andAo—SafaiHathtoldthemenofGorukh。ThencethetaleComeswestwardo’erthepeakstoIndia。
ThestoryofBisesa，Armod’schild，——
AmaidenplightedtotheChiefinWar，TheManofSixtySpears，whoheldthePassThatleadstoThibet，butto—dayisgoneToseekhiscomfortoftheGodcalledBudhTheSilent——showinghowtheSicknessceasedBecauseofherwhodiedtosavethetribe。
TamanisOneandgreaterthanusall，TamanisOneandgreaterthanallGods：
TamanisTwoinOneandridesthesky，Curvedlikeastallion’scroup，fromdusktodawn，Anddrumsuponitwithhisheels，wherebyIsbredtheneighingthunderinthehills。
ThisisTaman，theGodofallEr—Heb，WhowasbeforeallGods，andmadeallGods，AndpresentlywillbreaktheGodshemade，AndstepupontheEarthtogovernmenWhogivehimmilk—dryewesandcheathisPriests，Orleavehisshrineunlighted——asEr—HebLeftitunlightedandforgotTaman，WhenalltheValleyfollowedafterKyshAndYabosh，littleGodsbutverywise，AndfromtheskyTamanbeheldtheirsin。
HesenttheSicknessoutuponthehills，TheRedHorseSicknesswiththeironhooves，ToturntheValleytoTamanagain。
AndtheRedHorsesnuffedthriceintothewind，Thenakedwindthathadnofearofhim;
AndtheRedHorsestampedthriceuponthesnow，Thenakedsnowthathadnofearofhim;
AndtheRedHorsewentoutacrosstherocks，Theringingrocksthathadnofearofhim;
Anddownward，wheretheleanbirchmeetsthesnow，Anddownward，wherethegraypinemeetsthebirch，Anddownward，wherethedwarfoakmeetsthepine，Tillathisfeetourcup—likepastureslay。
Thatnight，theslowmistsoftheeveningdropped，Droppedasaclothuponadeadman’sface，AndwelteredintheValley，bluish—whiteLikewaterverysilent——spreadabroad，Likewaterverysilent，fromtheShrineUnlightedofTamantowherethestreamIsdammedtofillourcattle—troughs——sentupWhitewavesthatrockedandheavedandthenwerestill，TillalltheValleyglitteredlikeamarsh，Beneaththemoonlight，filledwithsluggishmistKnee—deep，sothatmenwadedastheywalked。
Thatnight，theRedHorsegrazedabovetheDam，Beyondthecattle—troughs。Menheardhimfeed，Andthosethatheardhimsickenedwheretheylay。
ThuscametheSicknesstoEr—Heb，andslewTenmen，strongmen，andofthewomenfour;
AndtheRedHorsewenthillwardwiththedawn，Butnearthecattle—troughshishoof—printslay。
Thatnight，theslowmistsoftheeveningdropped，Droppedasaclothuponthedead，butroseAlittlehigher，toayounggirl’sheight;
TillalltheValleyglitteredlikealake，Beneaththemoonlight，filledwithsluggishmist。
Thatnight，theRedHorsegrazedbeyondtheDam，Astone’s—throwfromthetroughs。Menheardhimfeed，Andthosethatheardhimsickenedwheretheylay。
ThuscametheSicknesstoEr—Heb，andslewOfmenascore，andofthewomeneight，Andofthechildrentwo。
BecausetheroadToGorukhwasaroadofenemies，AndAo—Safaiwasblockedwithearlysnow，WecouldnotfleefromouttheValley。DeathSmoteatusinaslaughter—pen，andKyshWasmuteasYabosh，thoughthegoatswereslain;
AndtheRedHorsegrazednightlybythestream，Andlater，outward，towardstheUnlightedShrine，Andthosethatheardhimsickenedwheretheylay。
ThensaidBisesatothePriestsatdusk，Whenthewhitemistroseupbreast—high，andchokedThevoicesinthehousesofthedead：——
"YaboshandKyshavailnot。IftheHorseReachtheUnlightedShrinewesurelydie。
YehaveforgottenofallGodstheChief，Taman！"HererolledthethunderthroughtheHillsAndYaboshshookuponhispedestal。
"YehaveforgottenofallGodstheChiefToolong。"Andallweredumbsaveone，whocriedOnYaboshwiththeSapphire’twixtHisknees，Butfoundnoanswerinthesmokyroof，And，beingsmittenoftheSickness，diedBeforethealtaroftheSapphireShrine。
ThensaidBisesa：——"IamneartoDeath，AndhavetheWisdomoftheGraveforgiftTobearmeonthepathmyfeetmusttread。
Iftherebewealthonearth，thenIamrich，ForArmodisthefirstofallEr—Heb;
Iftherebebeautyontheearth，"——hereyesDroppedforamomenttothetemplefloor，——
"YeknowthatIamfair。Iftherebelove，Yeknowthatloveismine。"TheChiefinWar，TheManofSixtySpears，brokefromthepress，Andwouldhaveclaspedher，butthePriestswithstood，Saying：——"ShehasamessagefromTaman。"
ThensaidBisesa：——"BymywealthandloveAndbeauty，IamchosenoftheGodTaman。"HererolledthethunderthroughtheHillsAndKyshfellforwardontheMoundofSkulls。
Indarkness，andbeforeourPriests，themaidBetweenthealtarscastherbraceletsdown，TherewiththeheavyearringsArmodmade，Whenhewasyoung，outofthewater—goldOfGorukh——threwthebreast—platethickwithjadeUpontheturquoiseanklets——putasideThebandsofsilveronherbrowandneck;
Andasthetrinketstinkledonthestones，ThethunderofTamanlowedlikeabull。
ThensaidBisesa，stretchingoutherhands，AsoneindarknessfearingDevils：——"Help！
OPriests，Iamawomanveryweak，AndwhoamItoknowthewillofGods？
Tamanhathcalledme——whithershallIgo？"
TheChiefinWar，theManofSixtySpears，Howledinhistorment，fetteredbythePriests，Butdarednotcometohertodragherforth，AnddarednotlifthisspearagainstthePriests。
Thenallmenwept。
TherewasaPriestofKyshBentwithahundredwinters，hairless，blind，AndtalonedasthegreatSnow—Eagleis。
Hisseatwasnearesttothealtar—fires，AndhewascounteddumbamongthePriests。
But，whetherKyshdecreed，orfromTamanTheimpotenttonguefoundutteranceweknowAslittleasthebatsbeneaththeeaves。
Hecriedsothattheyheardwhostoodwithout：——
"TotheUnlightedShrine！"andcreptasideIntotheshadowofhisfallenGodAndwhimpered，andBisesawentherway。
Thatnight，theslowmistsoftheeveningdropped，Droppedasaclothuponthedead，androseAbovetheroofs，andbytheUnlightedShrineLayastheslimywaterofthetroughsWhenmurrainthinsthecattleofEr—Heb：
AndthroughthemistmenheardtheRedHorsefeed。
InArmod’shousetheyburnedBisesa’sdower，AndkilledherblackbullTor，andbrokeherwheel，Andloosedherhair，asforthemarriage—feast，Withcriesmoreloudthanmourningforthedead。
Acrossthefields，fromArmod’sdwelling—place，WeheardBisesaweepingwhereshepassedToseektheUnlightedShrine;theRedHorseneighedAndfollowedher，andontheriver—mintHishoovesstruckdeadandheavyinourears。
Outofthemistsofevening，asthestarOfAo—Safaiclimbsthroughtheblacksnow—blurToshowthePassisclear，BisesasteppedUponthegreatgrayslopeofmortisedstone，TheCausewayofTaman。TheRedHorseneighedBehindhertotheUnlightedShrine——thenfledNorthtotheMountainwherehisstablelies。
TheyknowwhodaredtheangerofTaman，Andwatchedthatnightabovetheclingingmists，Farupthehill，Bisesa’spassingin。
Shesetherhanduponthecarvendoor，Fouledbyamyriadbats，andblackwithtime，WhereonisgravedtheGloryofTamanInlettersolderthantheAo—Safai;
Andtwicesheturnedasideandtwiceshewept，Castdownuponthethreshold，clamouringForhimsheloved——theManofSixtySpears，Andforherfather，——andtheblackbullTor，Hersandherpride。Yea，twicesheturnedawayBeforetheawfuldarknessofthedoor，AndthegreathorroroftheWallofManWhereManismadetheplaythingofTaman，AnEyelessFacethatwaitsaboveandlaughs。
ButthethirdtimeshecriedandputherpalmsAgainstthehewnstoneleaves，andprayedTamanTospareEr—Hebandtakeherlifeforprice。
Theyknowwhowatched，thedoorswererentapartAndcloseduponBisesa，andtherainBrokelikeafloodacrosstheValley，washedThemistaway;butlouderthantherainThethunderofTamanfilledmenwithfear。
SomesaythatfromtheUnlightedShrineshecriedForsuccour，verypitifully，thrice，Andothersthatshesangandhadnofear。
Andsomethattherewasneithersongnorcry，Butonlythunderandthelashingrain。
Howbeit，inthemorningmenroseup，Perplexedwithhorror，crowdingtotheShrine。
AndwhenEr—HebwasgatheredatthedoorsThePriestsmadelamentationandpassedinToastrangeTempleandaGodtheyfearedButknewnot。
FromthecrevicesthegrassHadthrustthealtar—slabsapart，thewallsWeregraywithstainsunclean，theroof—beamsswelledWithmany—colouredgrowthofrottenness，AndlichenveiledtheImageofTamanInleprosy。TheBasinoftheBloodAbovethealtarheldthemorningsun：
Awinkingrubyonitsheart：below，Facehidinhands，themaidBisesalay。
Er—HebbeyondtheHillsofAo—SafaiBearswitnesstothetruth，andAo—SafaiHathtoldthemenofGorukh。ThencethetaleComeswestwardo’erthepeakstoIndia。
THEEXPLANATION
LoveandDeathonceceasedtheirstrifeAttheTavernofMan’sLife。
Calledforwine，andthrew——alas！——
Eachhisquiveronthegrass。
Whentheboutwaso’ertheyfoundMingledarrowsstrewedtheground。
HastilytheygatheredthenEachthelovesandlivesofmen。
Ah，thefatefuldawndeceived！
Mingledarrowseachonesheaved;
Death’sdreadarmourywasstoredWiththeshaftshemostabhorred;
Love’slightquivergroanedbeneathVenom—headeddartsofDeath。
ThusitwastheywroughtourwoeAttheTavernlongago。
Tellme，doourmastersknow，Loosingblindlyastheyfly，Oldmenlovewhileyoungmendie？
THEGIFTOFTHESEA
Thedeadchildlayintheshroud，Andthewidowwatchedbeside;
Andhermotherslept，andtheChannelsweptThegaleintheteethofthetide。
Butthemotherlaughedatall。
"Ihavelostmymaninthesea，Andthechildisdead。Bestill，"shesaid，"Whatmorecanyedotome？"
Thewidowwatchedthedead，Andthecandlegutteredlow，AndshetriedtosingthePassingSongThatbidsthepoorsoulgo。
And"Marytakeyounow，"shesang，"Thatlayagainstmyheart。"
And"Marysmoothyourcribto—night，"
Butshecouldnotsay"Depart。"
Thencameacryfromthesea，Butthesea—rimeblindedtheglass，And"Heardyenothing，mother？"shesaid，"’Tisthechildthatwaitstopass。"
Andthenoddingmothersighed。
"’Tisalambingeweinthewhin，ForwhyshouldthechristenedsoulcryoutThatneverknewofsin？"
"OfeetIhaveheldinmyhand，Ohandsatmyhearttocatch，Howshouldtheyknowtheroadtogo，Andhowshouldtheyliftthelatch？"
Theylaidasheettothedoor，Withthelittlequiltatop，Thatitmightnothurtfromthecoldorthedirt，Butthecryingwouldnotstop。
ThewidowliftedthelatchAndstrainedhereyestosee，AndopenedthedooronthebittershoreToletthesoulgofree。
Therewasneitherglimmernorghost，Therewasneitherspiritnorspark，And"Heardyenothing，mother？"shesaid，"’Tiscryingformeinthedark。"
Andthenoddingmothersighed：
"’Tissorrowmakesyedull;
Haveyeyettolearnthecryofthetern，Orthewailofthewind—blowngull？"
"Theternsareblowninland，Thegraygullfollowstheplough。
’Twasneverabird，thevoiceIheard，Omother，Ihearitnow！"
"Liestill，dearlamb，liestill;
Thechildispassedfromharm，’Tistheacheinyourbreastthatbrokeyourrest，Andthefeelofanemptyarm。"
Sheputhermotheraside，"InMary’snameletbe！
ForthepeaceofmysoulImustgo，"shesaid，Andshewenttothecallingsea。
Intheheelofthewind—bitpier，Wherethetwistedweedwaspiled，Shecametothelifeshehadmissedbyanhour，Forshecametoalittlechild。
Shelaiditintoherbreast，Andbacktohermothershecame，Butitwouldnotfeedanditwouldnotheed，Thoughshegaveitherownchild’sname。
Andthedeadchilddrippedonherbreast，Andherownintheshroudlaystark;
And"Godforgiveus，mother，"shesaid，"Weletitdieinthedark！"
EVARRAANDHISGODS
~Readhere：
ThisisthestoryofEvarra——man——
MakerofGodsinlandsbeyondthesea。~
Becausethecitygavehimofhergold，Becausethecaravansbroughtturquoises，BecausehislifewasshelteredbytheKing，Sothatnomanshouldmaimhim，noneshouldsteal，OrbreakhisrestwithbabbleinthestreetsWhenhewaswearyaftertoil，hemadeAnimageofhisGodingoldandpearl，Withturquoisediademandhumaneyes，Awonderinthesunshine，knownafar，AndworshippedbytheKing;but，drunkwithpride，BecausethecitybowedtohimforGod，Hewroteabovetheshrine："~ThusGodsaremade，Andwhosomakesthemotherwiseshalldie。~"
Andallthecitypraisedhim……Thenhedied。
~ReadherethestoryofEvarra——man——
MakerofGodsinlandsbeyondthesea。~
Becausethecityhadnowealthtogive，Becausethecaravanswerespoiledafar，BecausehislifewasthreatenedbytheKing，Sothatallmendespisedhiminthestreets，Hehewedthelivingrock，withsweatandtears，AndrearedaGodagainstthemorning—gold，Aterrorinthesunshine，seenafar，AndworshippedbytheKing;but，drunkwithpride，Becausethecityfawnedtobringhimback，Hecarvedupontheplinth："~ThusGodsaremade，Andwhosomakesthemotherwiseshalldie。~"
Andallthepeoplepraisedhim……Thenhedied。
~ReadherethestoryofEvarra——man——
MakerofGodsinlandsbeyondthesea。~
Becausehelivedamongasimplefolk，Becausehisvillagewasbetweenthehills，Becausehesmearedhischeekswithbloodofewes，Hecutanidolfromafallenpine，Smearedblooduponitscheeks，andwedgedashellAboveitsbrowsforeyes，andgaveithairOftrailingmoss，andplaitedstrawforcrown。
Andallthevillagepraisedhimforthiscraft，Andbroughthimbutter，honey，milk，andcurds。
Wherefore，becausetheshoutingsdrovehimmad，Hescratcheduponthatlog："~ThusGodsaremade，Andwhosomakesthemotherwiseshalldie。~"
Andallthepeoplepraisedhim……Thenhedied。
~ReadherethestoryofEvarra——man——
MakerofGodsinlandsbeyondthesea。~
BecausehisGoddecreedoneclotofbloodShouldswerveonehair’s—breadthfromthepulse’spath，Andchafehisbrain，Evarramowedalone，Rag—wrapped，amongthecattleinthefields，Countinghisfingers，jestingwiththetrees，Andmockingatthemist，untilhisGodDrovehimtolabour。OutofdungandhornsDroppedinthemirehemadeamonstrousGod，Abhorrent，shapeless，crownedwithplantaintufts，Andwhenthecattlelowedattwilight—time，Hedreameditwastheclamouroflostcrowds，Andhowledamongthebeasts："~ThusGodsaremade，Andwhosomakesthemotherwiseshalldie。~"
Thereatthecattlebellowed……Thenhedied。
YetatthelasthecametoParadise，AndfoundhisownfourGods，andthathewrote;
Andmarvelled，beingveryneartoGod，WhatoafonearthhadmadehistoilGod’slaw，TillGodsaidmocking："Mocknot。Thesebethine。"
ThencriedEvarra："Ihavesinned！"——"Notso。
Ifthouhadstwrittenotherwise，thyGodsHadrestedinthemountainandthemine，AndIwerepoorerbyfourwondrousGods，Andthymorewondrouslaw，Evarra。Thine，Servantofshoutingcrowdsandlowingkine。"
Thereat，withlaughingmouth，buttear—weteyes，EvarracasthisGodsfromParadise。
~ThisisthestoryofEvarra——man——
MakerofGodsinlandsbeyondthesea。~
THECONUNDRUMOFTHEWORKSHOPS
Whentheflushofanew—bornsunfellfirstonEden’sgreenandgold，OurfatherAdamsatundertheTreeandscratchedwithastickinthemould;
Andthefirstrudesketchthattheworldhadseenwasjoytohismightyheart，TilltheDevilwhisperedbehindtheleaves，"It’spretty，butisitArt？"
Whereforehecalledtohiswife，andfledtofashionhisworkanew——
Thefirstofhisracewhocaredafigforthefirst，mostdreadreview;
Andhelefthisloretotheuseofhissons——andthatwasagloriousgainWhentheDevilchuckled"IsitArt？"intheearofthebrandedCain。
TheyfoughtandtheytalkedintheNorthandtheSouth，theytalkedandtheyfoughtintheWest，Tillthewatersroseonthepitifulland，andthepoorRedClayhadrest——
Hadresttillthatdankblank—canvasdawnwhenthedovewaspreenedtostart，AndtheDevilbubbledbelowthekeel："It’shuman，butisitArt？"
Theybuildedatowertoshivertheskyandwrenchthestarsapart，TilltheDevilgruntedbehindthebricks："It’sstriking，butisitArt？"
Thestonewasdroppedatthequarry—sideandtheidlederrickswung，WhileeachmantalkedoftheaimsofArt，andeachinanalientongue。
ThetaleisasoldastheEdenTree——andnewasthenew—cuttooth——
Foreachmanknowserehislip—thatchgrowsheismasterofArtandTruth;
Andeachmanhearsasthetwilightnears，tothebeatofhisdyingheart，TheDevildrumonthedarkenedpane："Youdidit，butwasitArt？"
WehavelearnedtowhittletheEdenTreetotheshapeofasurplice—peg，Wehavelearnedtobottleourparentstwainintheyelkofanaddledegg，Weknowthatthetailmustwagthedog，forthehorseisdrawnbythecart;
ButtheDevilwhoops，ashewhoopedofold："It’sclever，butisitArt？"
WhentheflickerofLondonsunfallsfaintontheClub—room’sgreenandgold，ThesonsofAdamsitthemdownandscratchwiththeirpensinthemould——
Theyscratchwiththeirpensinthemouldoftheirgraves，andtheinkandtheanguishstart，FortheDevilmuttersbehindtheleaves："It’spretty，butisitArt？"
Now，ifwecouldwintotheEdenTreewheretheFourGreatRiversflow，AndtheWreathofEveisredontheturfassheleftitlongago，Andifwecouldcomewhenthesentrysleptandsoftlyscurrythrough，BythefavourofGodwemightknowasmuch——asourfatherAdamknew！
THELEGENDOFEVIL
I
ThisisthesorrowfulstoryToldwhenthetwilightfailsAndthemonkeyswalktogetherHoldingtheirneighbours’tails：——
"Ourfatherslivedintheforest，Foolishpeoplewerethey，TheywentdowntothecornlandToteachthefarmerstoplay。
"Ourfathersfriskedinthemillet，Ourfathersskippedinthewheat，Ourfathershungfromthebranches，Ourfathersdancedinthestreet。
"Thencametheterriblefarmers，Nothingofplaytheyknew，Only……theycaughtourfathersAndsetthemtolabourtoo！
"SetthemtoworkinthecornlandWithploughsandsicklesandflails，Puttheminmud—walledprisonsAnd——cutofftheirbeautifultails！
"Now，wecanwatchourfathers，Sullenandbowedandold，Stoopingoverthemillet，Sharingthesillymould，"Drivingafoolishfurrow，Mendingamuddyyoke，Sleepinginmud—walledprisons，Steepingtheirfoodinsmoke。
"Wemaynotspeaktoourfathers，ForifthefarmersknewTheywouldcomeuptotheforestAndsetustolabourtoo。"
ThisisthehorriblestoryToldasthetwilightfailsAndthemonkeyswalktogetherHoldingtheirkinsmen’stails。
II
’Twaswhentherainfellsteadyan’theArkwaspitchedan’ready，ThatNoahgothisordersfortotakethebastesbelow;
Hedraggedthemalltogetherbythehornan’hidean’feather，An’allexcipttheDonkeywasagreeabletogo。
ThinNoahspokehimfairly，thintalkedtohimsevarely，An’thinhecursedhimsquarelytothegloryavtheLord：——
"Diviltaketheassthatbredyou，andthegreaterassthatfedyou——
Divilgowidyou，yespalpeen！"an’theDonkeywentaboard。
Butthewindwasalwaysfailin’，an’’twasmostonaisysailin’，An’theladiesinthecabincouldn’tstandthestableair;
An’thebastesbetwuxtthehatches，theytukan’diedinbatches，TillNoahsaid：——"There’swanavusthathasn’tpaidhisfare！"
Forheheardaflusteration’midthebastesavallcreation——
Thetrumpetin’avelephintsan’bellowin’avwhales;
An’hesawforninstthewindywhinhewinttostoptheshindyTheDivilwidastable—forkbedivillin’theirtails。
TheDivilcursedoutrageous，butNoahsaidumbrageous：——
"TowhatamIindebtedforthistenant—rightinvasion？"
An’theDivilgaveforanswer：——"Evictmeifyoucan，sir，ForIcameinwidtheDonkey——onYourHonour’sinvitation。"
THEENGLISHFLAG
Abovetheporticoaflag—staff，bearingtheUnionJack，remainedflutteringintheflamesforsometime，butultimatelywhenitfellthecrowdsrenttheairwithshouts，andseemedtoseesignificanceintheincident。——DAILYPAPERS。
WindsoftheWorld，giveanswer！Theyarewhimperingtoandfro——
AndwhatshouldtheyknowofEnglandwhoonlyEnglandknow？——
Thepoorlittlestreet—bredpeoplethatvapourandfumeandbrag，TheyareliftingtheirheadsinthestillnesstoyelpattheEnglishFlag！
MustweborrowacloutfromtheBoer——toplasteranewwithdirt？
AnIrishliar’sbandage，oranEnglishcoward’sshirt？
WemaynotspeakofEngland;herFlag’stosellorshare。
WhatistheFlagofEngland？WindsoftheWorld，declare！
TheNorthWindblew：——"FromBergenmysteel—shodvanguardsgo;
IchaseyourlazywhalershomefromtheDiskofloe;
BythegreatNorthLightsabovemeIworkthewillofGod，Andthelinersplitsontheice—fieldortheDoggerfillswithcod。
"Ibarredmygateswithiron，Ishutteredmydoorswithflame，Becausetoforcemyrampartsyournutshellnaviescame;
Itookthesunfromtheirpresence，Icutthemdownwithmyblast，Andtheydied，buttheFlagofEnglandblewfreeerethespiritpassed。
"Theleanwhitebearhathseenitinthelong，longArcticnight，Themusk—oxknowsthestandardthatfloutstheNorthernLight：
WhatistheFlagofEngland？Yehavebutmybergstodare，Yehavebutmydriftstoconquer。Goforth，foritisthere！"
TheSouthWindsighed：——"FromtheVirginsmymid—seacoursewasta’enOverathousandislandslostinanidlemain，Wherethesea—eggflamesonthecoralandthelong—backedbreakerscroonTheirendlessoceanlegendstothelazy，lockedlagoon。
"Strayedamidlonelyislets，mazedamidouterkeys，Iwakedthepalmstolaughter——Itossedthescudinthebreeze——
Neverwasislesolittle，neverwasseasolone，Butoverthescudandthepalm—treesanEnglishflagwasflown。
"IhavewrencheditfreefromthehalliardtohangforawispontheHorn;
IhavechaseditnorthtotheLizard——ribbonedandrolledandtorn;
Ihavespreaditsfoldo’erthedying，adriftinahopelesssea;
Ihavehurleditswiftontheslaver，andseentheslavesetfree。
"Mybaskingsunfishknowit，andwheelingalbatross，WherethelonewavefillswithfirebeneaththeSouthernCross。
WhatistheFlagofEngland？Yehavebutmyreefstodare，Yehavebutmyseastofurrow。Goforth，foritisthere！"
TheEastWindroared：——"FromtheKuriles，theBitterSeas，Icome，AndmemencalltheHome—Wind，forIbringtheEnglishhome。
Look——lookwelltoyourshipping！BythebreathofmymadtyphoonIsweptyourclose—packedPrayaandbeachedyourbestatKowloon！
"Thereelingjunksbehindmeandtheracingseasbefore，Irapedyourrichestroadstead——IplunderedSingapore！
IsetmyhandontheHoogli;asahoodedsnakesherose，AndIflungyourstouteststeamerstoroostwiththestartledcrows。
"Neverthelotuscloses，neverthewild—fowlwake，ButasoulgoesoutontheEastWindthatdiedforEngland’ssake——
Manorwomanorsuckling，motherorbrideormaid——
BecauseonthebonesoftheEnglishtheEnglishFlagisstayed。
"Thedesert—dusthathdimmedit，theflyingwild—assknows，Thescaredwhiteleopardwindsitacrossthetaintlesssnows。
WhatistheFlagofEngland？Yehavebutmysuntodare，Yehavebutmysandstotravel。Goforth，foritisthere！"
TheWestWindcalled：——"InsquadronsthethoughtlessgalleonsflyThatbearthewheatandcattleleststreet—bredpeopledie。
Theymakemymighttheirporter，theymakemyhousetheirpath，TillIloosemyneckfromtheirrudderandwhelmthemallinmywrath。
"Idrawtheglidingfog—bankasasnakeisdrawnfromthehole，Theybellowonetotheother，thefrightedship—bellstoll，FordayisadriftingterrortillIraisetheshroudwithmybreath，Andtheyseestrangebowsabovethemandthetwogolockedtodeath。
"Butwhetherincalmorwrack—wreath，whetherbydarkorday，Iheavethemwholetothecongerorriptheirplatesaway，Firstofthescatteredlegions，underashriekingsky，Dippingbetweentherollers，theEnglishFlaggoesby。
"Thedeaddumbfoghathwrappedit——thefrozendewshavekissed——
Thenakedstarshaveseenit，afellow—starinthemist。
WhatistheFlagofEngland？Yehavebutmybreathtodare，Yehavebutmywavestoconquer。Goforth，foritisthere！"
"CLEARED"
（InMemoryofaCommission）
Helpforapatriotdistressed，aspotlessspirithurt，Helpforanhonourableclansoretrampledinthedirt！
FromQueenstownBaytoDonegal，Olistentomysong，Thehonourablegentlemenhavesufferedgrievouswrong。
Theirnoblenameswerementioned——Otheburningblackdisgrace！——
ByabrutalSaxonpaperinanIrishshooting—case;
Theysatuponitforayear，thensteeledtheirhearttobraveit，And"coruscatinginnocence"thelearnedJudgesgaveit。
Bearwitness，Heaven，ofthatgrimcrimebeneaththesurgeon’sknife，Thehonourablegentlemendeploredthelossoflife！
Bearwitnessofthosechantingchoirsthatburkandshirkandsnigger，Nomanlaidhandupontheknifeorfingertothetrigger！
Clearedinthefaceofallmankindbeneaththewinkingskies，Likeph]oenixesfromPh]oenixPark（andwhatlaythere）theyrise！
Goshoutittotheemeraldseas——givewordtoErinnow，Herhonourablegentlemenarecleared——andthisishow：——
TheyonlypaidtheMoonlighterhiscattle—hockingprice，Theyonlyhelpedthemurdererwithcounsel’sbestadvice，But——sureitkeepstheirhonourwhite——thelearnedCourtbelievesTheynevergaveapieceofplatetomurderersandthieves。
Theynevertoldtherampingcrowdtocardawoman’shide，Theynevermarkedamanfordeath——whatfaultoftheirshedied？——
Theyonlysaid"intimidate"，andtalkedandwentaway——
ByGod，theboysthatdidtheworkwerebravermenthanthey！
Theirsinitwasthatfedthefire——smallblametothemthatheard——
The"bhoys"getdrunkonrhetoric，andmaddenataword——
Theyknewwhomtheyweretalkingat，iftheywereIrishtoo，ThegentlementhatliedinCourt，theyknew，andwelltheyknew。
TheyonlytooktheJudas—goldfromFeniansoutofjail，Theyonlyfawnedfordollarsontheblood—dyedClanna—Gael。
Ifblackisblackorwhiteiswhite，inblackandwhiteit’sdown，They’reonlytraitorstotheQueenandrebelstotheCrown。
"Cleared"，honourablegentlemen！Bethankfulit’snomore：——
Thewidow’scurseisonyourhouse，thedeadareatyourdoor。
Onyoutheshameofopenshame，onyoufromNorthtoSouthThehandofeveryhonestmanflat—heeledacrossyourmouth。
"Lessblackthanwewerepainted"？——Faith，nowordofblackwassaid;
Thelightesttouchwashumanblood，andthat，youknow，runsred。
It’sstickingtoyourfistto—dayforallyoursneerandscoff，AndbytheJudge’swell—weighedwordyoucannotwipeitoff。
Holdupthosehandsofinnocence——go，scareyoursheeptogether，Theblundering，trippingtupsthatbleatbehindtheoldbell—wether;
Andiftheysnuffthetaintandbreaktofindanotherpen，Tellthemit’starthatglistensso，anddaubthemyoursagain！
"Thechargeisold"？——AsoldasCain——asfreshasyesterday;
OldastheTenCommandments——haveyetalkedthoselawsaway？
Ifwordsarewords，ordeathisdeath，orpowdersendstheball，Youspokethewordsthatspedtheshot——thecursebeonyouall。
"Ourfriendsbelieve"？——Ofcoursetheydo——asshelteredwomenmay;
Buthavetheyseentheshriekingsoulrippedfromthequiveringclay？
They！——Iftheirownfrontdoorisshut，they’llswearthewholeworld’swarm;
Whatdotheyknowofdreadofdeathorhangingfearofharm？
Thesecrethalfacountykeeps，thewhisperinthelane，Theshriekthattellstheshotwenthomebehindthebrokenpane，Thedrybloodcrispinginthesunthatscaresthehonestbees，Andshowsthe"bhoys"haveheardyourtalk——whatdotheyknowofthese？
Butyou——youknow——ay，tentimesmore;thesecretsofthedead，Blackterroronthecountry—sidebywordandwhisperbred，Themangledstallion’sscreamatnight，thetail—croppedheifer’slow。
Whosetthewhispergoingfirst？Youknow，andwellyouknow！
Mysoul！I’dsoonerlieinjailformurderplainandstraight，PurecrimeI’ddonewithmyownhandformoney，lust，orhate，ThantakeaseatinParliamentbyfellow—felonscheered，Whileoneofthose"notprovens"provedmeclearedasyouarecleared。
Cleared——youthat"lost"theLeagueaccounts——go，guardourhonourstill，Go，helptomakeourcountry’slawsthatbrokeGod’slawatwill——
Onehandstuckoutbehindtheback，tosignal"strikeagain";
Theotheronyourdress—shirt—fronttoshowyourheartisclane。
Ifblackisblackorwhiteiswhite，inblackandwhiteit’sdown，You’reonlytraitorstotheQueenandrebelstotheCrown。
Ifprintisprintorwordsarewords，thelearnedCourtperpends：——
Wearenotruledbymurderers，butonly——bytheirfriends。
ANIMPERIALRESCRIPT
NowthisisthetaleoftheCounciltheGermanKaiserdecreed，Toeasethestrongoftheirburden，tohelptheweakintheirneed，Hesentawordtothepeoples，whostruggle，andpant，andsweat，Thatthestrawmightbecountedfairlyandthetallyofbricksbeset。
TheLordsofTheirHandsassembled;fromtheEastandtheWesttheydrew——
Baltimore，Lille，andEssen，Brummagem，Clyde，andCrewe。
Andsomewereblackfromthefurnace，andsomewerebrownfromthesoil，Andsomewerebluefromthedye—vat;butallwereweariedoftoil。
AndtheyoungKingsaid：——"Ihavefoundit，theroadtotherestyeseek：
Thestrongshallwaitfortheweary，thehaleshallhaltfortheweak;
Withtheeventrampofanarmywherenomanbreaksfromtheline，Yeshallmarchtopeaceandplentyinthebondofbrotherhood——sign！"
Thepaperlayonthetable，thestrongheadsbowedthereby，Andawailwentupfromthepeoples：——"Ay，sign——giverest，forwedie！"
Ahandwasstretchedtothegoose—quill，afistwascrampedtoscrawl，When——thelaughofablue—eyedmaidenranclearthroughthecouncil—hall。
AndeachoneheardHerlaughingaseachonesawHerplain——
Saidie，Mimi，orOlga，Gretchen，orMaryJane。
AndtheSpiritofManthatisinHimtothelightofthevisionwoke;
Andthemendrewbackfromthepaper，asaYankeedelegatespoke：——
"There’sagirlinJerseyCitywhoworksonthetelephone;
We’regoingtohitchourhorsesanddigforahouseofourown，Withgasandwaterconnections，andsteam—heatthroughtothetop;
And，W。Hohenzollern，IguessIshallworktillIdrop。"
AndanEnglishdelegatethundered：——"Theweakan’thelamebeblowed！
I’veaberthintheSou’—Westworkshops，ahomeintheWandsworthRoad;
Andtillthe’sociationhasfootedmyburyin’bill，Iworkforthekidsan’themissus。Pullup？IbedamnedifIwill！"
AndovertheGermanbenchesthebeardedwhisperran：——
"Lager，dergirlsundderdollars，deymakesordeybreaksaman。
IfSchmitthafcollaredderdollars，hecollarsdergirlderemit;
ButifSchmittbustinderpizness，wecollarsdergirlfromSchmitt。"
Theypassedoneresolution：——"Yoursub—committeebelieveYoucanlightenthecurseofAdamwhenyou’velightenedthecurseofEve。
Buttillwearebuiltlikeangels，withhammerandchiselandpen，Wewillworkforourselfandawoman，foreverandever，amen。"
NowthisisthetaleoftheCounciltheGermanKaiserheld——
ThedaythattheyrazoredtheGrindstone，thedaythattheCatwasbelled，ThedayoftheFigsfromThistles，thedayoftheTwistedSands，ThedaythatthelaughofamaidenmadelightoftheLordsofTheirHands。
TOMLINSON
NowTomlinsongaveuptheghostinhishouseinBerkeleySquare，AndaSpiritcametohisbedsideandgrippedhimbythehair——
ASpiritgrippedhimbythehairandcarriedhimfaraway，Tillheheardastheroarofarain—fedfordtheroaroftheMilkyWay：
TillheheardtheroaroftheMilkyWaydiedownanddroneandcease，AndtheycametotheGatewithintheWallwherePeterholdsthekeys。
"Standup，standupnow，Tomlinson，andanswerloudandhighThegoodthatyedidforthesakeofmenoreveryecametodie——
Thegoodthatyedidforthesakeofmeninlittleearthsolone！"
AndthenakedsoulofTomlinsongrewwhiteasarain—washedbone。
"OIhaveafriendonearth，"hesaid，"thatwasmypriestandguide，Andwellwouldheanswerallformeifhewerebymyside。"
——"Forthatyestroveinneighbour—loveitshallbewrittenfair，ButnowyewaitatHeaven’sGateandnotinBerkeleySquare：
Thoughwecalledyourfriendfromhisbedthisnight，hecouldnotspeakforyou，Fortheraceisrunbyoneandoneandneverbytwoandtwo。"
ThenTomlinsonlookedupanddown，andlittlegainwasthere，Forthenakedstarsgrinnedoverhead，andhesawthathissoulwasbare：
TheWindthatblowsbetweentheworlds，itcuthimlikeaknife，AndTomlinsontookuphistaleandspokeofhisgoodinlife。
"ThisIhavereadinabook，"hesaid，"andthatwastoldtome，AndthisIhavethoughtthatanothermanthoughtofaPrinceinMuscovy。"
Thegoodsoulsflockedlikehomingdovesandbadehimclearthepath，AndPetertwirledthejanglingkeysinwearinessandwrath。
"Yehaveread，yehaveheard，yehavethought，"hesaid，"andthetaleisyettorun：
Bytheworthofthebodythatonceyehad，giveanswer——whatha’yedone？"
ThenTomlinsonlookedbackandforth，andlittlegooditbore，FortheDarknessstayedathisshoulder—bladeandHeaven’sGatebefore：——
"OthisIhavefelt，andthisIhaveguessed，andthisIhaveheardmensay，AndthistheywrotethatanothermanwroteofacarlinNorroway。"
——"Yehaveread，yehavefelt，yehaveguessed，goodlack！
YehavehamperedHeaven’sGate;
There’slittleroombetweenthestarsinidlenesstoprate！
Ononemayreachbyhiredspeechofneighbour，priest，andkinThroughborroweddeedtoGod’sgoodmeedthatliessofairwithin;
Gethence，gethencetotheLordofWrong，fordoomhasyettorun，And……thefaiththatyesharewithBerkeleySquareupholdyou，Tomlinson！"……
TheSpiritgrippedhimbythehair，andsunbysuntheyfellTilltheycametothebeltofNaughtyStarsthatrimthemouthofHell：
Thefirstareredwithprideandwrath，thenextarewhitewithpain，Butthethirdareblackwithclinkeredsinthatcannotburnagain：
Theymayholdtheirpath，theymayleavetheirpath，withneverasoultomark，Theymayburnorfreeze，buttheymustnotceaseintheScornoftheOuterDark。
TheWindthatblowsbetweentheworlds，itnippedhimtothebone，AndheyearnedtotheflareofHell—Gatethereasthelightofhisownhearth—stone。
TheDevilhesatbehindthebars，wherethedesperatelegionsdrew，ButhecaughtthehastingTomlinsonandwouldnotlethimthrough。
"Wotyethepriceofgoodpit—coalthatImustpay？"saidhe，"Thatyerankyoursel’sofitforHellandasknoleaveofme？
Iamallo’er—sibtoAdam’sbreedthatyeshouldgivemescorn，ForIstrovewithGodforyourFirstFatherthedaythathewasborn。
Sitdown，sitdownupontheslag，andanswerloudandhighTheharmthatyedidtotheSonsofMenoreveryoucametodie。"
AndTomlinsonlookedupandup，andsawagainstthenightThebellyofatorturedstarblood—redinHell—Mouthlight;
AndTomlinsonlookeddownanddown，andsawbeneathhisfeetThefrontletofatorturedstarmilk—whiteinHell—Mouthheat。
"OIhadaloveonearth，"saidhe，"thatkissedmetomyfall，AndifyewouldcallmylovetomeIknowshewouldanswerall。"
——"Allthatyedidinloveforbiditshallbewrittenfair，ButnowyewaitatHell—MouthGateandnotinBerkeleySquare：
Thoughwewhistledyourlovefromherbedto—night，Itrowshewouldnotrun，Forthesinyedobytwoandtwoyemustpayforonebyone！"
TheWindthatblowsbetweentheworlds，itcuthimlikeaknife，AndTomlinsontookupthetaleandspokeofhissininlife：——
"OnceIha’laughedatthepowerofLoveandtwiceatthegripoftheGrave，AndthriceIha’pattedmyGodontheheadthatmenmightcallmebrave。"
TheDevilheblewonabranderedsoulandsetitasidetocool：——
"DoyethinkIwouldwastemygoodpit—coalonthehideofabrain—sickfool？
IseenoworthinthehobnailedmirthorthejoltheadjestyedidThatIshouldwakenmygentlementhataresleepingthreeonagrid。"
ThenTomlinsonlookedbackandforth，andtherewaslittlegrace，ForHell—GatefilledthehouselessSoulwiththeFearofNakedSpace。
"Nay，thisIha’heard，"quo’Tomlinson，"andthiswasnoisedabroad，AndthisIha’gotfromaBelgianbookonthewordofadeadFrenchlord。"
——"Yeha’heard，yeha’read，yeha’got，goodlack！
andthetalebeginsafresh——
Haveyesinnedonesinfortheprideo’theeyeorthesinfullustoftheflesh？"
ThenTomlinsonhegrippedthebarsandyammered，"Letmein——
ForImindthatIborrowedmyneighbour’swifetosinthedeadlysin。"
TheDevilhegrinnedbehindthebars，andbankedthefireshigh：
"Didyereadofthatsininabook？"saidhe;andTomlinsonsaid，"Ay！"
TheDevilheblewuponhisnails，andthelittledevilsran，Andhesaid："Gohuskthiswhimperingthiefthatcomesintheguiseofaman：
Winnowhimout’twixtstarandstar，andsievehisproperworth：
There’ssoredeclineinAdam’slineifthisbespawnofearth。"
Empusa’screw，sonaked—newtheymaynotfacethefire，Butweepthattheybintoosmalltosintotheheightoftheirdesire，OverthecoaltheychasedtheSoul，andrackeditallabroad，Aschildrenrifleacaddis—caseortheraven’sfoolishhoard。
AndbacktheycamewiththetatteredThing，aschildrenafterplay，Andtheysaid："ThesoulthathegotfromGodhehasbarteredcleanaway。
Wehavethreshedastookofprintandbook，andwinnowedachatteringwindAndmanyasoulwherefromhestole，buthiswecannotfind：
Wehavehandledhim，wehavedandledhim，wehavesearedhimtothebone，Andsureiftoothandnailshowtruthhehasnosoulofhisown。"
TheDevilhebowedhisheadonhisbreastandrumbleddeepandlow：——
"I’mallo’er—sibtoAdam’sbreedthatIshouldbidhimgo。
Yetclosewelie，anddeepwelie，andifIgavehimplace，Mygentlementhataresoproudwouldfloutmetomyface;
They’dcallmyhouseacommonstewsandmeacarelesshost，And——Iwouldnotangermygentlemenforthesakeofashiftlessghost。"
TheDevilhelookedatthemangledSoulthatprayedtofeeltheflame，AndhethoughtofHolyCharity，buthethoughtofhisowngoodname：——
"Nowyecouldhastemycoaltowaste，andsityedowntofry：
Didyethinkofthattheftforyourself？"saidhe;andTomlinsonsaid，"Ay！"
TheDevilheblewanoutwardbreath，forhisheartwasfreefromcare：——
"Yehavescarcethesoulofalouse，"hesaid，"buttherootsofsinarethere，AndforthatsinshouldyecomeinwereIthelordalone。
Butsinfulpridehasruleinside——andmightierthanmyown。
HonourandWit，fore—damnedtheysit，toeachhispriestandwhore：
Nay，scarceIdaremyselfgothere，andyouthey’dtorturesore。
Yeareneitherspiritnorspirk，"hesaid;"yeareneitherbooknorbrute——
Go，getyebacktothefleshagainforthesakeofMan’srepute。
I’mallo’er—sibtoAdam’sbreedthatIshouldmockyourpain，Butlookthatyewintoworthiersinereyecomebackagain。
Gethence，thehearseisatyourdoor——thegrimblackstallionswait——
Theybearyourclaytoplaceto—day。Speed，lestyecometoolate！
GobacktoEarthwithalipunsealed——gobackwithanopeneye，AndcarrymywordtotheSonsofMenoreveryecometodie：
Thatthesintheydobytwoandtwotheymustpayforonebyone——
And……theGodthatyoutookfromaprintedbookbewithyou，Tomlinson！"
L’ENVOITO"LIFE’SHANDICAP"
Mynew—cutashlartakesthelightWherecrimson—blankthewindowsflare;
Bymyownwork，beforethenight，GreatOverseerImakemyprayer。
IftherebegoodinthatIwrought，Thyhandcompelledit，Master，Thine;
WhereIhavefailedtomeetThythoughtIknow，throughThee，theblameismine。
Oneinstant’stoiltoTheedeniedStandsallEternity’soffence，OfthatIdidwithTheetoguideToThee，throughThee，beexcellence。
Who，lestallthoughtofEdenfade，Bring’stEdentothecraftsman’sbrain，Godliketomuseo’erhisowntradeAndManlikestandwithGodagain。
Thedepthanddreamofmydesire，ThebitterpathswhereinIstray，ThouknowestWhohastmadetheFire，ThouknowestWhohastmadetheClay！
OnestonethemoreswingstoherplaceInthatdreadTempleofThyWorth——
ItisenoughthatthroughThygraceIsawnaughtcommononThyearth。
Takenotthatvisionfrommyken;
Ohwhatsoe’ermayspoilorspeed，HelpmetoneednoaidfrommenThatImayhelpsuchmenasneed！
L’ENVOI
There’sawhisperdownthefieldwheretheyearhasshotheryield，Andthericksstandgraytothesun，Singing：——"Overthen，comeover，forthebeehasquittheclover，AndyourEnglishsummer’sdone。"
Youhaveheardthebeatoftheoff—shorewind，Andthethreshofthedeep—searain;
Youhaveheardthesong——howlong！howlong？
Pulloutonthetrailagain！
Ha’donewiththeTentsofShem，dearlass，We’veseentheseasonsthrough，Andit’stimetoturnontheoldtrail，ourowntrail，theouttrail，Pullout，pullout，ontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
It’sNorthyoumayruntotherime—ringedsun，OrSouthtotheblindHorn’shate;
OrEastallthewayintoMississippiBay，OrWesttotheGoldenGate;
Wheretheblindestbluffsholdgood，dearlass，Andthewildesttalesaretrue，Andthemenbulkbigontheoldtrail，ourowntrail，theouttrail，AndliferunslargeontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
Thedaysaresickandcold，andtheskiesaregrayandold，Andthetwice—breathedairsblowdamp;
AndI’dsellmytiredsoulforthebuckingbeam—searollOfablackBilbaotramp;
Withherload—lineoverherhatch，dearlass，AndadrunkenDagocrew，Andhernosehelddownontheoldtrail，ourowntrail，theouttrailFromCadizBarontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
Therebetriplewaystotake，oftheeagleorthesnake，Orthewayofamanwithamaid;
Butthefairestwaytomeisaship’supontheseaIntheheeloftheNorth—EastTrade。
Canyouhearthecrashonherbows，dearlass，Andthedrumoftheracingscrew，Assheshipsitgreenontheoldtrail，ourowntrail，theouttrail，Assheliftsand’scendsontheLongTrail——
thetrailthatisalwaysnew？
Seetheshakingfunnelsroar，withthePeteratthefore，Andthefendersgrindandheave，Andthederricksclackandgrate，asthetacklehooksthecrate，Andthefall—ropewhinesthroughthesheave;
It’s"Gang—plankupandin，"dearlass，It’s"Hawserswarpherthrough！"
Andit’s"Allclearaft"ontheoldtrail，ourowntrail，theouttrail，We’rebackingdownontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
Othemutteroverside，whentheport—fogholdsustied，Andthesirenshoottheirdread！
Whenfootbyfootwecreepo’erthehuelessviewlessdeepTothesobofthequestinglead！
It’sdownbytheLowerHope，dearlass，WiththeGunfleetSandsinview，TilltheMouseswingsgreenontheoldtrail，ourowntrail，theouttrail，AndtheGullLightliftsontheLongTrail——
thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
Otheblazingtropicnight，whenthewake’saweltoflightThatholdsthehotskytame，Andthesteadyfore—footsnoresthroughtheplanet—powderedfloorsWherethescaredwhaleflukesinflame！
Herplatesarescarredbythesun，dearlass，Andherropesaretautwiththedew，Forwe’reboomingdownontheoldtrail，ourowntrail，theouttrail，We’resaggingsouthontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
Thenhome，getherhome，wherethedrunkenrollerscomb，Andtheshoutingseasdriveby，Andtheenginesstampandring，andthewetbowsreelandswing，AndtheSouthernCrossrideshigh！
Yes，theoldloststarswheelback，dearlass，Thatblazeinthevelvetblue。
They’realloldfriendsontheoldtrail，ourowntrail，theouttrail，They’reGod’sownguidesontheLongTrail——
thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
Flyforward，Omyheart，fromtheForelandtotheStart——
We’resteamingall—tooslow，Andit’stwentythousandmiletoourlittlelazyisleWherethetrumpet—orchidsblow！
Youhaveheardthecalloftheoff—shorewind，Andthevoiceofthedeep—searain;
Youhaveheardthesong——howlong！howlong？
Pulloutonthetrailagain！
TheLordknowswhatwemayfind，dearlass，AndTheDeuceknowswhatwemaydo——
Butwe’rebackoncemoreontheoldtrail，ourowntrail，theouttrail，We’redown，hulldownontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
THESEVENSEAS
1891—1896
DEDICATION
TotheCityofBombayTheCitiesarefullofpride，Challengingeachtoeach——
Thisfromhermountain—side，Thatfromherburthenedbeach。
Theycounttheirshipsfulltale——
Theircornandoilandwine，Derrickandloomandbale，Andrampart’sgun—fleckedline;
CitybyCitytheyhail：
"Hastaughttomatchwithmine？"
AndthementhatbreedfromthemTheytrafficupanddown，Butclingtotheircities’hemAsachildtotheirmother’sgown。
Whentheytalkwiththestrangerbands，Dazedandnewlyalone;
Whentheywalkinthestrangerlands，Byroaringstreetsunknown;
BlessingherwhereshestandsForstrengthabovetheirown。
（OnhightoholdherfameThatstandsallfamebeyond，Byoathtobackthesame，Mostfaithful—foolish—fond;
Makinghermere—breathednameTheirbondupontheirbond。）
SothankIGodmybirthFellnotinislesaside——
Wasteheadlandsoftheearth，Orwarringtribesuntried——
ButthatshelentmeworthAndgavemerighttopride。
SurelyintoilorfrayUnderanaliensky，Comfortitistosay：
"OfnomeancityamI！"
（NeitherbyservicenorfeeComeItomineestate——
MotherofCitiestome，ForIwasborninhergate，Betweenthepalmsandthesea，Wheretheworld—endsteamerswait。）
NowforthisdebtIowe，Andforherfar—bornecheerMustImakehasteandgoWithtributetoherpier。
AndsheshalltouchandremitAftertheuseofkings（Orderly，ancient，fit）
Mydeep—seaplunderings，Andpurchaseinalllands。
AndthiswedoforasignHerpowerisovermine，AndmineIholdatherhands！
THESEVENSEAS
ASONGOFTHEENGLISH
Fairisourlot——Ogoodlyisourheritage！
（Humbleye，mypeople，andbefearfulinyourmirth！）
FortheLordourGodMostHighHehathmadethedeepasdry，HehathsmoteforusapathwaytotheendsofalltheEarth！
Yea，thoughwesinned——andourrulerswentfromrighteousness——
Deepinalldishonourthoughwestainedourgarments’hem。
Ohbeyenotdismayed，Thoughwestumbledandwestrayed，Wewereledbyevilcounsellors——theLordshalldealwiththem！
HoldyetheFaith——theFaithourFathersseal]\edus;
Whoringnotwithvisions——overwiseandoverstale。
ExceptyepaytheLordSingleheartandsinglesword，OfyourchildrenintheirbondageshallHeaskthemtreble—tale！
KeepyetheLaw——beswiftinallobedience——
Clearthelandofevil，drivetheroadandbridgetheford。
MakeyesuretoeachhisownThathereapwherehehathsown;
BythepeaceamongOurpeoplesletmenknowweservetheLord！……
Hearnowasong——asongofbrokeninterludes——
Asongoflittlecunning;ofasingernothingworth。
ThroughthenakedwordsandmeanMayyeseethetruthbetweenAsthesingerknewandtoucheditintheendsofalltheEarth！
TheCoastwiseLightsOurbrowsareboundwithspindriftandtheweedisonourknees;
Ourloinsarebattered’neathusbytheswinging，smokingseas。
Fromreefandrockandskerry——overheadland，ness，andvoe——
TheCoastwiseLightsofEnglandwatchtheshipsofEnglandgo！
Throughtheendlesssummerevenings，onthelineless，levelfloors;
ThroughtheyellingChanneltempestwhenthesirenhootsandroars——
Bydaythedippinghouse—flagandbynighttherocket’strail——
Asthesheepthatgrazebehindussoweknowthemwheretheyhail。
Webridgeacrossthedarkandbidthehelmsmanhaveacare，Theflashthatwheelinginlandwakeshissleepingwifetoprayer;
Fromourvexedeyries，headtogale，webindinburningchainsTheloverfromthesea—rimdrawn——hisloveinEnglishlanes。
Wegreettheclipperswing—and—wingthatracetheSouthernwool;
Wewarnthecrawlingcargo—tanksofBremen，Leith，andHull;
Toeachandallourequallampatperilofthesea——
Thewhitewall—sidedwar—shipsorthewhalersofDundee！
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