POET—LAUREATE
CONTENTS
EnochArdenAylmer’sFieldSeaDreamsTheGrandmotherNorthernFarmerMiscellaneousTithonusTheVoyageIntheValleyofCauteretzTheFlowerRequiescatTheSailor—BoyTheIsletTheRingletAWelcometoAlexandraOdesungattheOpeningoftheInternationalExhibitionADedicationExperimentsBoadiceaInQuantitySpecimenofaTranslationoftheIliadinBlankVerseLonglinesofcliffbreakinghaveleftachasm；
Andinthechasmarefoamandyellowsands；
Beyond，redroofsaboutanarrowwharfIncluster；thenamoulder’dchurch；andhigherAlongstreetclimbstoonetall—tower’dmill；
AndhighinheavenbehinditagraydownWithDanishbarrows；andahazelwood，Byautumnnuttershaunted，flourishesGreeninacuplikehollowofthedown。
Hereonthisbeachahundredyearsago，Threechildrenofthreehouses，AnnieLee，Theprettiestlittledamselintheport，AndPhilipRaythemiller’sonlyson，AndEnochArden，aroughsailor’sladMadeorphanbyawintershipwreck，play’dAmongthewasteandlumberoftheshore，Hardcoilsofcordage，swarthyfishing—nets，Anchorsofrustyfluke，andboatsupdrawn，AndbuilttheircastlesofdissolvingsandTowatchthemoverflow’d，orfollowingupAndflyingthewhitebreaker，dailyleftThelittlefootprintdailywash’daway。
Anarrowcaveraninbeneaththecliff：
Inthisthechildrenplay’datkeepinghouse。
Enochwashostoneday，Philipthenext，WhileAnniestillwasmistress；butattimesEnochwouldholdpossessionforaweek：
`Thisismyhouseandthismylittlewife。’
`Minetoo’saidPhilip`turnandturnabout：’
When，iftheyquarrell’d，Enochstronger—madeWasmaster：thenwouldPhilip，hisblueeyesAllfloodedwiththehelplesswrathoftears，Shriekout`Ihateyou，Enoch，’andatthisThelittlewifewouldweepforcompany，Andpraythemnottoquarrelforhersake，Andsayshewouldbelittlewifetoboth。
Butwhenthedawnofrosychildhoodpast，Andthenewwarmthoflife’sascendingsunWasfeltbyeither，eitherfixthisheartOnthatonegirl；andEnochspokehislove，ButPhiliplovedinsilence；andthegirlSeem’dkinderuntoPhilipthantohim；
ButshelovedEnoch；tho’sheknewitnot，Andwouldifask’ddenyit。EnochsetApurposeevermorebeforehiseyes，Tohoardallsavingstotheuttermost，Topurchasehisownboat，andmakeahomeForAnnie：andsoprosper’dthatatlastAluckierorabolderfisherman，Acarefullerinperil，didnotbreatheForleaguesalongthatbreaker—beatencoastThanEnoch。LikewisehadheservedayearOnboardamerchantman，andmadehimselfFullsailor；andhethricehadpluck’dalifeFromthedreadsweepofthedown—streamingseas：
Andallmelook’duponhimfavorably：
Anderehetouch’dhisone—and—twentiethMayHepurchasedhisownboat，andmadeahomeForAnnie，neatandnestlike，halfwayupThenarrowstreetthatclamber’dtowardthemill。
Then，onagoldenautumneventide，Theyoungerpeoplemakingholiday，Withbagandsackandbasket，greatandsmall，Wentnuttingtothehazels。Philipstay’d（Hisfatherlyingsickandneedinghim）
Anhourbehind；butasheclimb’dthehill，JustwheretheproneedgeofthewoodbeganTofeathertowardthehollow，sawthepair，EnochandAnnie，sittinghand—in—hand，Hislargegrayeyesandweather—beatenfaceAll—kindledbyastillandsacredfire，Thatburn’dasonanaltar。Philiplook’d，Andintheireyesandfacesreadhisdoom；
Then，astheirfacesdrewtogether，groan’d，Andsliptaside，andlikeawoundedlifeCreptdownintothehollowsofthewood；
There，whiletherestwereloudinmerrymaking，Hadhisdarkhourunseen，androseandpastBearingalifelonghungerinhisheart。
Sothesewerewed，andmerrilyrangthebells，Andmerrilyrantheyears，sevenhappyyears，Sevenhappyyearsofhealthandcompetence，Andmutualloveandhonorabletoil；
Withchildren；firstadaughter。Inhimwoke，Withhisfirstbabe’sfirstcry，thenoblewishTosaveallearningstotheuttermost，Andgivehischildabetterbringing—upThanhishadbeen，orhers；awishrenew’d，WhentwoyearsaftercameaboytobeTherosyidolofhersolitudes，WhileEnochwasabroadonwrathfulseas，Oroftenjourneyinglandward；forintruthEnoch’swhitehorse，andEnoch’socean—spoilInocean—smellingosier，andhisface，Rough—redden’dwithathousandwintergales，Notonlytothemarket—crosswereknown，Butintheleafylanesbehindthedown，Farastheportal—wardinglion—whelp，Andpeacock—yewtreeofthelonelyHall，WhoseFridayfarewasEnoch’sministering。
Thencameachange，asallthingshumanchange。
TenmilestonorthwardofthenarrowportOpen’dalargerhaven：thitherusedEnochattimestogobylandorsea；
Andoncewhenthere，andclamberingonamastInharbor，bymischancehesliptandfell：
Alimbwasbrokenwhentheyliftedhim；
Andwhilehelayrecoveringthere，hiswifeBorehimanotherson，asicklyone：
AnotherhandcrepttooacrosshistradeTakingherbreadandtheirs：andonhimfell，Altho’agraveandstaidGod—fearingman，Yetlyingthusinactive，doubtandgloom。
Heseem’d，asinanightmareofthenight，ToseehischildrenleadingevermoreLowmiserablelivesofhand—to—mouth，Andher，heloved，abeggar：thenhepray’d`Savethemfromthis，whatevercomestome。’
Andwhilehepray’d，themasterofthatshipEnochhadservedin，hearinghismischance，Came，forheknewthemanandvaluedhim，ReportingofhisvesselChina—bound，Andwantingyetaboatswain。Wouldhego？
Thereyetweremanyweeksbeforeshesail’d，Sail’dfromthisport。WouldEnochhavetheplace？
AndEnochallatonceassentedtoit，Rejoicingatthatanswertohisprayer。
Sonowthattheshadowofmischanceappear’dNograverthanaswhensomelittlecloudCutsoffthefieryhighwayofthesun，Andislesalightintheoffing：yetthewife——
Whenhewasgone——thechildren——whattodo？
ThenEnochlaylong—ponderingonhisplans；
Toselltheboat——andyethelovedherwell——
Howmanyaroughseahadheweather’dinher!
Heknewher，asahorsemanknowshishorse——
Andyettosellher——thenwithwhatshebroughtBuygoodsandstores——setAnnieforthintradeWithallthatseamenneededortheirwives——
Somightshekeepthehousewhilehewasgone。
Shouldhenottradehimselfoutyonder？goThisvoyagemorethanonce？yeatwiceorthrice——
Asoftasneeded——last，returningrich，Becomethemasterofalargercraft，Withfullerprofitsleadaneasierlife，Haveallhisprettyyoungoneseducated，Andpasshisdaysinpeaceamonghisown。
ThusEnochinhisheartdeterminedall：
ThenmovinghomewardcameonAnniepale，Nursingthesicklybabe，herlatest—born。
Forwardshestartedwithahappycry，Andlaidthefeebleinfantinhisarms；
WhomEnochtook，andhandledallhislimbs，Appraisedhisweightandfondledfatherlike，ButhadnohearttobreakhispurposesToAnnie，tillthemorrow，whenhespoke。
ThenfirstsinceEnoch’sgoldenringhadgirtHerfinger，Anniefoughtagainsthiswill：
Yetnotwithbrawlingoppositionshe，Butmanifoldentreaties，manyatear，Manyasadkissbydayandnightrenew’d（Surethatallevilwouldcomeoutofit）
Besoughthim，supplicating，ifhecaredForhereorhisdearchildren，nottogo。
Henotforhisownselfcaringbuther，Herandherchildren，letherpleadinvain；
Sogrievingheldhiswill，andboreitthro’。
ForEnochpartedwithhisoldsea—friend，BoughtAnniegoodsandstores，andsethishandTofittheirlittlestreetwardsitting—roomWithshelfandcornerforthegoodsandstores。
SoalldaylongtillEnoch’slastathome，Shakingtheirprettycabin，hammerandaxe，Augerandsaw，whileAnnieseem’dtohearHerowndeath—scaffoldraising，shrill’dandrang，Tillthiswasended，andhiscarefulhand，——
Thespacewasnarrow，——havingorder’dallAlmostasneatandcloseasNaturepacksHerblossomorherseedling，paused；andhe，WhoneedswouldworkforAnnietothelast，Ascendingtired，heavilyslepttillmorn。
AndEnochfacedthismorningoffarewellBrightlyandboldly。AllhisAnnie’sfears，Save，ashisAnnie’s，werealaughtertohim。
YetEnochasabraveGod—fearingmanBow’dhimselfdown，andinthatmysteryWhereGod—in—manisonewithman—in—God，Pray’dforablessingonhiswifeandbabesWhatevercametohim：andthenhesaid`Annie，thisvoyagebythegraceofGodWillbringfairweatheryettoallofus。
Keepacleanhearthandaclearfireforme，ForI’llbeback，mygirl，beforeyouknowit。’
Thenlightlyrockingbaby’scradle`andhe，Thispretty，puny，weaklylittleone，——
Nay——forIlovehimallthebetterforit——
Godblesshim，heshallsituponmykneesAndIwilltellhimtalesofforeignparts，Andmakehimmerry，whenIcomehomeagain。
ComeAnnie，come，cheerupbeforeIgo。’
Himrunningonthushopefullysheheard，Andalmosthopedherself；butwhenheturn’dThecurrentofhistalktograverthingsInsailorfashionroughlysermonizingOnprovidenceandtrustinHeaven，sheheard，Heardandnotheardhim；asthevillagegirl，Whosetsherpitcherunderneaththespring，Musingonhimthatusedtofillitforher，Hearsandnothears，andletsitoverflow。
Atlengthshespoke`OEnoch，youarewise；
AndyetforallyourwisdomwellknowI
ThatIshalllookuponyourfacenomore。’
`Wellthen，’saidEnoch，`Ishalllookonyours。
Annie，theshipIsailinpasseshere（Henamedtheday）getyouaseaman’sglass，Spyoutmyface，andlaughatallyourfears。’
Butwhenthelastofthoselastmomentscame，`Anniemygirl，cheerup，becomforted，Looktothebabes，andtillIcomeagain，Keepeverythingshipshape，forImustgo。
Andfearnomoreforme；orifyoufearCastallyourcaresonGod；thatanchorholds。
IsHenotyonderinthoseuttermostPartsofthemorning？ifIfleetotheseCanIgofromHim？andtheseaisHis，TheseaisHis：Hemadeit。’
Enochrose，Casthisstrongarmsabouthisdroopingwife，Andkiss’dhiswonder—strickenlittleones；
Butforthethird，sicklyone，whosleptAfteranightoffeverouswakefulness，WhenAnniewouldhaveraisedhimEnochsaid`Wakehimnot；lethimsleep；howshouldthischildRememberthis？’andkiss’edhiminhiscot。
ButAnniefromherbaby’sforeheadcliptAtinycurl，andgaveit：thishekeptThro’allhisfuture；butnowhastilycaughtHisbundle，wavedhishand，andwenthisway。
Shewhentheday，thatEnochmention’d，came，Borrow’daglass，butallinvain：perhapsShecouldnotfixtheglasstosuithereye；
Perhapshereyewasdim，handtremulous；
Shesawhimnot：andwhilehestoodondeckWaving，themomentandthevesselpast。
Ev’ntothelastdipofthevanishingsailShewatch’dit，anddepartedweepingforhim；
Then，tho’shemourn’dhisabsenceashisgrave，Sethersadwillnolesstochimewithhis，Butthrovenotinhertrade，notbeingbredTobarter，norcompensatingthewantByshrewdness，neithercapableoflies，Noraskingovermuchandtakingless，Andstillforeboding`whatwouldEnochsay？’
Formorethanonce，indaysofdifficultyAndpressure，hadshesoldherwaresforlessThanwhatshegaveinbuyingwhatshesold：
Shefail’dandsadden’dknowingit；andthus，Expectantofthatnewsthatnevercame，Gain’dforhereownascantysustenance，Andlivedalifeofsilentmelancholy。
Nowthethirdchildwassickly—bornandgrewYetsicklier，tho’themothercaredforitWithallamother’scare：nevertheless，Whetherherbusinessoftencall’dherfromit，Orthro’thewantofwhatitneededmost，OrmeanstopaythevoicewhobestcouldtellWhatmostitneeded——howsoe’eritwas，Afteralingering，——ereshewasaware，——
Likethecagedbirdescapingsuddenly，Thelittleinnocentsoulflittedaway。
InthatsameweekwhenAnnieburiedit，Philip’strueheart，whichhunger’dforherpeace（SinceEnochlefthehadnotlook’duponher），Smotehim，ashavingkeptaloofsolong。
`Surely’saidPhilip`Imayseehernow，Maybesomelittlecomfort；’thereforewent，Pastthro’thesolitaryroominfront，Pausedforamomentataninnerdoor，Thenstruckitthrice，and，nooneopening，Enter’d；butAnnie，seatedwithhergrief，Freshfromtheburialofherlittleone，Carednottolookonanyhumanface，Butturn’dherowntowardthewallandwept。
ThenPhilipstandingupsaidfalteringly`Annie，Icametoaskafavorofyou。’
Hespoke；thepassioninhermoan’dreply`FavorfromonesosadandsoforlornAsIam!’halfabash’dhim；yetunask’d，Hisbashfulnessandtendernessatwar，Hesethimselfbesideher，sayingtoher：
`Icametospeaktoyouofwhathewish’d，Enoch，yourhusband：IhaveeversaidYouchosethebestamongus——astrongman：
ForwherehefixthishearthesethishandTodothethinghewill’d，andboreitthro’。
Andwhereforedidhegothiswearyway，Andleaveyoulonely？nottoseetheworld——
Forpleasure？——nay，butforthewherewithalTogivehisbabesabetterbringing—upThanhishadbeen，oryours：thatwashiswish。
Andifhecomeagain，vextwillhebeTofindthepreciousmorninghourswerelost。
Anditwouldvexhimeveninhisgrave，IfhecouldknowhisbabeswererunningwildLikecoltsaboutthewaste。SoAnnie，now——
Havewenotknowneachotherallourlives？
IdobeseechyoubytheloveyoubearHimandhischildrennottosaymenay——
For，ifyouwill，whenEnochcomesagainWhythenheshallrepayme——ifyouwill，Annie——forIamrichandwell—to—do。
Nowletmeputtheboyandgirltoschool：
ThisisthefavorthatIcametoask。’
ThenAnniewithherbrowsagainstthewallAnswer’d`Icannotlookyouintheface；
Iseemsofoolishandsobrokendown。
Whenyoucameinmysorrowbrokemedown；
AndnowIthinkyourkindnessbreaksmedown；
ButEnochlives；thatisborneinonme：
Hewillrepayyou：moneycanberepaid；
Notkindnesssuchasyours。’
AndPhilipask’d`Thenyouwillletme，Annie？’
Theresheturn’d，Sherose，andfixtherswimmingeyesuponhim，Anddweltamomentonhiskindlyface，ThencallingdownablessingonhisheadCaughtathishandandwrungitpassionately，Andpastintothelittlegarthbeyond。
Soliftedupinspirithemovedaway。
ThenPhilipputtheboyandgirltoschool，Andboughtthemneedfulbooks，andeveryway，Likeonewhodoeshisdutybyhisown，Madehimselftheirs；andtho’forAnnie’ssake，Fearingthelazygossipoftheport，Heoftdeniedhishearthisdearestwish，Andseldomcrostherthreshold，yethesentGiftsbythechildren，garden—herbsandfruit，Thelateandearlyrosesfromhiswall，Orconiesfromthedown，andnowandthen，WithsomepretextoffinenessinthemealTosavetheoffenceofcharitable，flourFromhistallmillthatwhistledonthewaste。
ButPhilipdidnotfathomAnnie’smind：
Scarcecouldthewomanwhenhecameuponher，OutoffullheartandboundlessgratitudeLightonabrokenwordtothankhimwith。
ButPhilipwasherchildren’sall—in—all；
FromdistantcornersofthestreettheyranTogreethisheartywelcomeheartily；
Lordsofhishouseandofhismillwerethey；
WorriedhispassiveearwithpettywrongsOrpleasures，hunguponhim，play’dwithhimAndcall’dhimFatherPhilip。Philipgain’dAsEnochlost；forEnochseem’dtothemUncertainasavisionoradream，FaintasafigureseeninearlydawnDownatthefarendofanavenue，Goingweknownotwhere：andsotenyears，SinceEnochlefthishearthandnativeland，Fledforward，andnonewsofEnochcame。
ItchancedoneeveningAnnie’schildrenlong’dTogowithothers，nuttingtothewood，AndAnniewouldgowiththem；thentheybegg’dForFatherPhilip（astheycall’dhim）too：
Him，liketheworkingbeeinblossom—dust，Blanch’dwithhismill，theyfound；andsayingtohim`ComewithusFatherPhilip’hedenied；
Butwhenthechildrenpluck’dathimtogo，Helaugh’d，andyieldingreadilytotheirwish，ForwasnotAnniewiththem？andtheywent。
Butafterscalinghalfthewearydown，JustwheretheproneedgeofthewoodbeganTofeathertowardthehollow，allherforceFail’dher；andsighing`letmerest’shesaid。
SoPhiliprestedwithherwell—content；
WhilealltheyoungeroneswithjubilantcriesBrokefromtheirelders，andtumultuouslyDownthro’thewhiteninghazelsmadeaplungeTothebottom，anddispersed，andbeatorbrokeThelithereluctantboughstotearawayTheirtawnyclusters，cryingtoeachotherAndcalling，hereandthere，aboutthewood。
ButPhilipsittingathersideforgotHerpresence，andremember’donedarkhourHereinthiswood，whenlikeawoundedlifeHecreptintotheshadow：atlasthesaidLiftinghishonestforehead`Listen，Annie，Howmerrytheyaredownyonderinthewood。’
`Tired，Annie？’forshedidnotspeakaword。
`Tired？’butherfacehadfall’nuponherhands；
Atwhich，aswithakindangerinhim，`Theshipwaslost’hesaid`theshipwaslost!
Nomoreofthat!whyshouldyoukillyourselfAndmakethemorphansquite？’AndAnniesaid`Ithoughtnotofit：but——Iknownnotwhy——
Theirvoicesmakemefeelsosolitary。’
ThenPhilipcomingsomewhatcloserspoke。
`Annie，thereisathinguponmymind，Andithasbeenuponmymindsolong，Thattho’Iknownotwhenitfirstcamethere，Iknowthatitwilloutatlast。OAnnie，Itisbeyondallhope，againstallchance，ThathewholeftyoutenlongyearsagoShouldstillbeliving；wellthen——letmespeak：
Igrievetoseeyoupoorandwantinghelp：
IcannothelpyouasIwishtodoUnless——theysaythatwomenaresoquick——
PerhapsyouknowwhatIwouldhaveyouknow——
Iwishyouformywife。IfainwouldproveAfathertoyourchildren：IdothinkTheylovemeasafather：IamsureThatIlovethemasiftheyweremineown；
AndIbelieve，ifyouwerefastmywife，Thatafterallthesesaduncertainyears，WemightbestillashappyasGodgrantsToanyofHiscreatures。Thinkuponit：
ForIamwell—to—do——nokin，nocare，Noburthen，savemycareforyouandyours：
Andwehaveknowneachotherallourlives，AndIhavelovedyoulongerthanyouknow。’
Thenanswer’dAnnie；tenderlyshespoke：
`YouhavebeenasGod’sgoodangelinourhouse。
Godblessyouforit，Godrewardyouforit，Philip，withsomethinghappierthanmyself。
Canonelivetwice？canyoubeeverlovedAsEnochwas？whatisitthatyouask？’
`Iamcontent’heanswer’d`tobelovedAlittleafterEnoch。’`O’shecriedScaredasitwere`dearPhilip，waitawhile：
IfEnochcomes——butEnochwillnotcome——
Yetwaitayear，ayearisnotsolong：
SurelyIshallbewiserinayear：
Owaitalittle!’Philipsadlysaid`Annie，asIhavewaitedallmylifeIwellmaywaitalittle。’`Nay’shecried`Iambound：youhavemypromise——inayear：
WillyounotbideyouryearasIbidemine？’
AndPhilipanswer’d`Iwillbidemyyear。’
Herebothweremute，tillPhilipglancingupBeheldthedeadflameofthefallendayPassfromtheDanishbarrowoverhead；
ThenfearingnightandchillforAnnierose，Andsenthisvoicebeneathhimthro’thewood。
Upcamethechildrenladenwiththeirspoil；
Thenalldescendedtotheport，andthereAtAnnie’sdoorhepausedandgavehishand，Sayinggently`Annie，whenIspoketoyou，Thatwasyourhourofweakness。Iwaswrong。
Iamalwaysboundtoyou，butyouarefree。’
ThenAnnieweepinganswer’d`Iambound。’
Shespoke；andinonemomentasitwere，Whileyetshewentaboutherhouseholdways，Ev’nasshedweltuponhislatestwords，Thathehadlovedherlongerthansheknew，Thatautumnintoautumnflash’dagain，Andtherehestoodoncemorebeforeherface，Claimingherpromise。`Isitayear？’sheask’d。
`Yes，ifthenuts’hesaid`beripeagain：
Comeoutandsee。’Butshe——sheputhimoff——
Somuchtolookto——suchachange——amonth——
Giveheramonth——sheknewthatshewasbound——
Amonth——nomore。ThenPhilipwithhiseyesFullofthatlifelonghunger，andhisvoiceShakingalittlelikeadrunkard’shand，`Takeyourowntime，Annie，takeyourowntime。’
AndAnniecouldhaveweptforpityofhim；
AndyetsheheldhimondelayinglyWithmanyascarce—believableexcuse，Tryinghistruthandhislong—sufferance，Tillhalf—anotheryearhadsliptaway。
Bythisthelazygossipsoftheport，Abhorrentofacalculationcrost，Begantochafeasatapersonalwrong。
SomethoughtthatPhilipdidbuttriflewithher；
Somethatshebutheldofftodrawhimon；
Andotherslaugh’datherandPhiliptoo，Assimplefolksthatknewnottheirownminds；
Andone，inwhomallevilfanciesclungLikeserpenteggstogether，laughinglyWouldhintaworseineither。HerownsonWassilent，tho’heoftenlook’dhiswish；
ButevermorethedaughterprestuponherTowedthemansodeartoallofthemAndliftthehouseholdoutofpoverty；
AndPhilip’srosyfacecontractinggrewCarewornandwan；andallthesethingsfellonherSharpasreproach。
AtlastonenightitchancedThatAnniecouldnotsleep，butearnestlyPray’dforasign`myEnochishegone？’
Thencompass’droundbytheblindwallofnightBrook’dnottheexpectantterrorofherheart，Startedfrombed，andstruckherselfalight，ThendesperatelyseizedtheholyBook，Suddenlysetitwidetofindasign，Suddenlyputherfingeronthetext，`Underapalmtree。’Thatwasnothingtoher：
Nomeaningthere：sheclosedthebookandslept：
Whenlo!herEnochsittingonaheight，Underapalmtree，overhimtheSun：
`Heisgone’shethought`heishappy，heissingingHosannainthehighest：yondershinesTheSunofRighteousness，andthesebepalmsWhereofthehappypeoplestrowingcried\"Hosannainthehighest!\"’Hereshewoke，Resolved，sentforhimandsaidwildlytohim`Thereisnoreasonwhyweshouldnotwed。’
`ThenforGod’ssake，’heanswer’d，`bothoursakes，Soyouwillwedme，letitbeatonce。’
Sothesewerewedandmerrilyrangthebells，Merrilyrangthebellsandtheywerewed。
ButnevermerrilybeatAnnie’sheart。
Afootstepseem’dtofallbesideherpath，Sheknewnotwhence；awhisperinherear，Sheknewnotwhat；norlovedshetobeleftAloneathome，norventuredoutalone。
Whatail’dherthen，thateresheenter’d，oftenHerhanddweltlingeringlyonthelatch，Fearingtoenter：Philipthoughtheknew：
Suchdoubtsandfearswerecommontoherstate，Beingwithchild：butwhenherchildwasborn，Thenhernewchildwasasherselfrenew’d，Thenthenewmothercameaboutherheart，ThenhergoodPhilipwasherall—in—all，Andthatmysteriousinstinctwhollydied。
AndwherewasEnoch？prosperouslysail’dTheship`GoodFortune，’tho’atsettingforthTheBiscay，roughlyridgingeastward，shookAndalmostoverwhelm’dher，yetunvextShesliptacrossthesummeroftheworld，ThenafteralongtumbleabouttheCapeAndfrequentinterchangeoffoulandfair，Shepassingthro’thesummerworldagain，ThebreathofheavencamecontinuallyAndsenthersweetlybythegoldenisles，Tillsilentinherorientalhaven。
ThereEnochtradedforhimself，andboughtQuaintmonstersforthemarketofthosetimes，Agildeddragon，also，forthebabes。
Lessluckyherhome—voyage：atfirstindeedThro’manyafairsea—circle，daybyday，Scarce—rocking，herfull—bustedfigure—headStaredo’ertheripplefeatheringfromherbows：
Thenfollow’dcalms，andthenwindsvariable，Thenbaffling，alongcourseofthem；andlastStorm，suchasdroveherundermoonlessheavensTillharduponthecryof`breakers’cameThecrashofruin，andthelossofallButEnochandtwoothers。Halfthenight，Buoy’duponfloatingtackleandbrokenspars，Thesedrifted，strandingonanisleatmornRich，butloneliestinalonelysea。
Nowantwasthereofhumansustenance，Softfruitage，mightynuts，andnourishingroots；
NorsaveforpitywasithardtotakeThehelplesslifesowildthatitwastame。
Thereinaseaward—gazingmountain—gorgeTheybuilt，andthatch’dwithleavesofpalm，ahut，Halfhut，halfnativecavern。Sothethree，SetinthisEdenofallplenteousness，Dweltwitheternalsummer，ill—content。
Forone，theyoungest，hardlymorethanboy，Hurtinthatnightofsuddenruinandwreck，Laylingeringoutathree—years’death—in—life。
Theycouldnotleavehim。Afterhewasgone，Thetworemainingfoundafallenstem；
AndEnoch’scomrade，carelessofhimself，Fire—hollowingthisinIndianfashion，fellSun—stricken，andthatotherlivedalone。
InthosetwodeathshereadGod’swarning`wait。’
Themountainwoodedtothepeak，thelawnsAndwindinggladeshighuplikewaystoHeaven，Theslendercoco’sdroopingcrownofplumes，Thelightningflashofinsectandofbird，ThelustreofthelongconvolvulusesThatcoil’daroundthestatelystems，andranEv’ntothelimitoftheland，theglowsAndgloriesofthebroadbeltoftheworld，Allthesehesaw；butwhathefainhadseenHecouldnotsee，thekindlyhumanface，Noreverhearakindlyvoice，butheardThemyriadshriekofwheelingocean—fowl，Theleague—longrollerthunderingonthereef，Themovingwhisperofhugetreesthatbranch’dAndblossom’dinthezenith，orthesweepOfsomeprecipitousrivulettothewave，Asdowntheshoreheranged，oralldaylongSatoftenintheseaward—gazinggorge，Ashipwreck’dsailor，waitingforasail：
Nosailfromdaytoday，buteverydayThesunrisebrokenintoscarletshaftsAmongthepalmsandfernsandprecipices；
Theblazeuponthewaterstotheeast；
Theblazeuponhisislandoverhead；
Theblazeuponthewaterstothewest；
ThenthegreatstarsthatglobedthemselvesinHeaven，Thehollower—bellowingocean，andagainThescarletshaftsofsunrise——butnosail。
Thereoftenashewatch’dorseem’dtowatch，Sostill，thegoldenlizardonhimpaused，AphantommadeofmanyphantomsmovedBeforehimhauntinghim，orhehimselfMovedhauntingpeople，thingsandplaces，knownFarinadarkerislebeyondtheline；
Thebabes，theirbabble，Annie，thesmallhouse，Theclimbingstreet，themill，theleafylanes，Thepeacock—yewtreeandthelonelyHall，Thehorsehedrove，theboathesold，thechillNovemberdawnsanddewy—gloomingdowns，Thegentleshower，thesmellofdyingleaves，Andthelowmoanofleaden—color’dseas。
Oncelikewise，intheringingofhisears，Tho’faintly，merrily——farandfaraway——
Heheardthepealingofhisparishbells；
Then，tho’heknewnotwherefore，startedupShuddering，andwhenthebeauteoushatefulisleReturn’duponhim，hadnothispoorheartSpokenwithThat，whichbeingeverywhereLetsnone，whospeakswithHim，seemallalone，Surelythemanhaddiedofsolitude。
ThusoverEnoch’searly—silveringheadThesunnyandrainyseasonscameandwentYearafteryear。Hishopestoseehisown，Andpacethesacredoldfamiliarfields，Notyethadperish’d，whenhislonelydoomCamesuddenlytoanend。Anothership（Shewantedwater）blownbybafflingwinds，LiketheGoodFortune，fromherdestinedcourse，Stay’dbythisisle，notknowingwhereshelay：
ForsincethematehadseenatearlydawnAcrossabreakonthemist—wreathenisleThesilentwaterslippingfromthehills，TheysentacrewthatlandingburstawayInsearchofstreamorfount，andfill’dtheshoresWithclamor。DownwardfromhismountaingorgeSteptthelong—hair’dlong—beardedsolitary，Brown，lookinghardlyhuman，strangelyclad，Mutteringandmumbling，idiotlikeitseem’d，Withinarticulaterage，andmakingsignsTheyknewnotwhat：andyetheledthewayTowheretherivuletsofsweetwaterran；
Andeverashemingledwiththecrew，Andheardthemtalking，hislong—boundentongueWasloosen’d，tillhemadethemunderstand；
Whom，whentheircaskswerefill’dtheytookaboard：
Andtherethetaleheutter’dbrokenly，Scarcecreditedatfirstbutmoreandmore，Amazedandmeltedallwholisten’dtoit：
Andclothestheygavehimandfreepassagehome；
Butofthework’damongtherestandshookHisisolationfromhim。NoneoftheseCamefromhiscounty，orcouldanswerhim，Ifquestion’d，aughtofwhathecaredtoknow。
Anddullthevoyagewaswithlongdelays，Thevesselscarcesea—worthy；butevermoreHisfancyfledbeforethelazywindReturning，tillbeneathacloudedmoonHelikealoverdownthro’allhisbloodDrewinthedewymeadowymorning—breathOfEngland，blownacrossherghostlywall：
AndthatsamemorningofficersandmenLeviedakindlytaxuponthemselves，Pityingthelonelyman，andgavehimit：
Thenmovingupthecoasttheylandedhim，Ev’ninthatharborwhencehesail’dbefore。
ThereEnochspokenowordtoanyone，Buthomeward——home——whathome？hadheahome？
Hishome，hewalk’d。Brightwasthatafternoon，Sunnybutchill；tilldrawnthro’eitherchasm，Whereeitherhavenopen’donthedeeps，Roll’dasea—hazeandwhelm’dtheworldingray；
Cutoffthelengthofhighwayonbefore，AndleftbutnarrowbreadthtoleftandrightOfwither’dholtortilthorpasturage。
Onthenigh—nakedtreetheRobinpipedDisconsolate，andthro’thedrippinghazeThedeadweightofthedeadleafboreitdown。
Thickerthedrizzlegrew，deeperthegloom；
Last，asitseem’d，agreatmist—blottedlightFlaredonhim，andhecameupontheplace。
Thendownthelongstreethavingslowlystolen，Hisheartforeshadowingallcalamity，Hiseyesuponthestones，hereach’dthehomeWhereAnnielivedandlovedhim，andhisbabesInthosefar—offsevenhappyyearswereborn；
Butfindingneitherlightnormurmurthere（Abillofsalegleam’dthro’thedrizzle）creptStilldownwardthinking`deadordeadtome!’
Downtothepoolandnarrowwharfhewent，Seekingatavernwhichofoldheknew，Afrontoftimber—crostantiquity，Sopropt，worm—eaten，ruinouslyold，Hethoughtitmusthavegone；buthewasgoneWhokeptit；andhiswidow，MiriamLane，Withdaily—dwindlingprofitsheldthehouse；
Ahauntofbrawlingseamenonce，butnowStiller，withyetabedforwanderingmen。
ThereEnochrestedsilentlymanydays。
ButMiriamLanewasgoodandgarrulous，Norlethimbe，butoftenbreakingin，Toldhim，withotherannalsoftheport，Notknowing——Enochwassobrown，sobow’d，Sobroken——allthestoryofhishouse。
Hisbaby’sdeath，hergrowingpoverty，HowPhilipputherlittleonestoschool，Andkepttheminit，hislongwooingher，Herslowconsent，andmarriage，andthebirthOfPhilip’schild：ando’erhiscountenanceNoshadowpast，normotion：anyone，Regarding，wellhaddeem’dhefeltthetaleLessthantheteller：onlywhensheclosed`Enoch，poorman，wascastawayandlost’
He，shakinghisgrayheadpathetically，Repeatedmuttering`castawayandlost；’
Againindeeperinwardwhispers`lost!’
ButEnochyearn’dtoseeherfaceagain；
`IfImightlookonhersweetfacegainAndknowthatsheishappy。’SothethoughtHauntedandharass’dhim，anddrovehimforth，AteveningwhenthedullNovemberdayWasgrowingdullertwilight，tothehill。
Therehesatdowngazingonallbelow；
Theredidathousandmemoriesrolluponhim，Unspeakableforsadness。ByandbyTheruddysquareofcomfortablelight，Far—blazingfromtherearofPhilip’shouse，Alluredhim，asthebeacon—blazealluresThebirdofpassage，tillhemadlystrikesAgainstit，andbeatsouthiswearylife。
ForPhilip’sdwellingfrontedonthestreet，Thelatesthousetolandward；butbehind，Withonesmallgatethatopen’donthewaste，Flourish’dalittlegardensquareandwall’d：
Andinitthroveanancientevergreen，Ayewtree，andallrounditranawalkOfshingle，andawalkdividedit：
ButEnochshunn’dthemiddlewalkandstoleUpbythewall，behindtheyew；andthenceThatwhichhebettermighthaveshunn’d，ifgriefsLikehishaveworseorbetter，Enochsaw。
Forcupsandsilverontheburnish’dboardSparkledandshone；sogenialwasthehearth：
AndontherighthandofthehearthhesawPhilip，theslightedsuitorofoldtimes，Stout，rosy，withhisbabeacrosshisknees；
Ando’erhersecondfatherstooptagirl，AlaterbutaloftierAnnieLee，Fair—hair’dandtall，andfromherliftedhandDangledalengthofribbonandaringTotemptthebabe，whorear’dhiscreasyarms，Caughtatandevermiss’dit，andtheylaugh’d：
AndonthelefthandofthehearthhesawThemotherglancingoftentowardherbabe，Butturningnowandthentospeakwithhim，Herson，whostoodbesidehertallandstrong，Andsayingthatwhichpleasedhim，forhesmiled。
NowwhenthedeadmancometolifebeheldHiswifehiswifenomore，andsawthebabeHers，yetnothis，uponthefather’sknee，Andallthewarmth，thepeace，thehappiness，Andhisownchildrentallandbeautiful，Andhim，thatother，reigninginhisplace，Lordofhisrightsandofhischildren’slove，——
Thenhe，tho’MiriamLanehadtoldhimall，Becausethingsseenaremightierthanthingsheard，Stagger’dandshook，holdingthebranch，andfear’dTosendabroadashrillandterriblecry，Whichinonemoment，liketheblastofdoom，Wouldshatterallthehappinessofthehearth。
Hethereforeturningsoftlylikeathief，Lesttheharshshingleshouldgrateunderfoot，Andfeelingallalongthegarden—wall，Lestheshouldswoonandtumbleandbefound，Crepttothegate，andopen’dit，andclosed，Aslightlyasasickman’schamber—door，Behindhim，andcameoutuponthewaste。
Andtherehewouldhaveknelt，butthathiskneesWerefeeble，sothatfallingpronehedugHisfingersintothewetearth，andpray’d。
`Toohardtobear!whydidtheytakemehence？
OGodAlmighty，blessedSaviour，ThouThatdidstupholdmeonmylonelyisle，Upholdme，Father，inmylonelinessAlittlelonger!aidme，givemestrengthNottotellher，nevertoletherknow。
Helpmenotobreakinuponherpeace。
Mychildrentoo!mustInotspeaktothese？
Theyknowmenot。Ishouldbetraymyself。
Never：notfather’skissforme——thegirlSolikehermother，andtheboy，myson。’
Therespeechandthoughtandnaturefail’dalittle，Andhelaytranced；butwhenheroseandpacedBacktowardhissolitaryhomeagain，AlldownthelongandnarrowstreethewentBeatingitinuponhiswearybrain，Astho’itweretheburthenofasong，`Nottotellher，nevertoletherknow。’
Hewasnotallunhappy。HisresolveUpborehim，andfirmfaith，andevermorePrayerfromalivingsourcewithinthewill，Andbeatingupthro’allthebitterworld，Likefountainsofsweetwaterinthesea，Kepthimalivingsoul。`Thismiller’swife’
HesaidtoMiriam`thatyoutoldmeof，Hasshenofearthatherfirsthusbandlives？’
`Ayay，poorsoul’saidMiriam，`fearenow!
Ifyoucouldtellheryouhadseenhimdead，Why，thatwouldbehercomfort；’andhethought`AftertheLordhascall’dmesheshallknow，IwaitHistime’andEnochsethimself，Scorninganalms，toworkwherebytolive。
Almosttoallthingscouldheturnhishand。
Cooperhewasandcarpenter，andwroughtTomaketheboatmenfishing—nets，orhelp’dAtladingandunladingthetallbarks，Thatbroughtthestintedcommerceofthosedays；
Thusearn’dascantylivingforhimself：
Yetsincehedidbutlaborforhimself，Workwithouthope，therewasnotlifeinitWherebythemancouldlive；andastheyearRoll’ditselfroundagaintomeetthedayWhenEnochhadreturn’d，alanguorcameUponhim，gentlesickness，graduallyWeakeningtheman，tillhecoulddonomore，Butkeptthehouse，hischair，andlasthisbed。
AndEnochborehisweaknesscheerfully。
ForsurenogladlierdoesthestrandedwreckSeethro’thegrayskirtsofaliftingsquallTheboatthatbearsthehopeoflifeapproachTosavethelifedespair’dof，thanhesawDeathdawningonhim，andthecloseofall。
Forthro’thatdawninggleam’dakindlierhopeOnEnochthinking`afterIamgone，ThenmayshelearnIlovedhertothelast。’
Hecall’daloudforMiriamLaneandsaid`Woman，Ihaveasecret——onlyswear，BeforeItellyou——swearuponthebookNottorevealit，tillyouseemedead。’
`Dead’clamor’dthegoodwoman`hearhimtalk!
Iwarrant，man，thatweshallbringyouround。’
`Swear’addEnochsternly`onthebook。’
Andonthebook，half—frighted，Miriamswore。
ThenEnochrollinghisgrayeyesuponher，`DidyouknowEnochArdenofthistown？’
`Knowhim？’shesaid`Iknewhimfaraway。
Ay，ay，Imindhimcomingdownthestreet；
Heldhisheadhigh，andcaredfornoman，he。’
SlowlyandsadlyEnochanswer’dher；
`Hisheadislow，andnomancaresforhim。
IthinkIhavenotthreedaysmoretolive；
Iamtheman。’AtwhichthewomangaveAhalf—incredulous，half—hystericalcry。
`YouArden，you!nay，——surehewasafootHigherthanyoube。’Enochsaidagain`MyGodhasbow’dmedowntowhatIam；
Mygriefandsolitudehavebrokenme；
Nevertheless，knowthatIamheWhomarried——butthatnamehastwicebeenchanged——
ImarriedherwhomarriedPhilipRay。
Sit，listen。’Thenhetoldherofhisvoyage，Hiswreck，hislonelylife，hiscomingback，HisgazinginonAnnie，hisresolve，Andhowhekeptit。Asthewomanheard，Fastflow’dthecurrentofhereasytears，Whileinherheartsheyearn’dincessantlyTorushabroadallroundthelittlehaven，ProclaimingEnochArdenandhiswoes；
Butawedandpromise—boundedsheforbore，Sayingonly`Seeyourbairnsbeforeyougo!
Eh，letmefetch’em，Arden，’andaroseEagertobringthemdown，forEnochhungAmomentonherwords，butthenreplied。
`Woman，disturbmenotnowatthelast，ButletmeholdmypurposetillIdie。
Sitdownagain；markmeandunderstand，WhileIhavepowertospeak。Ichargeyounow，Whenyoushallseeher，tellherthatIdiedBlessingher，prayingforher，lovingher；
Saveforthebarbetweenus，lovingherAswhenshelaidherheadbesidemyown。
AndtellmydaughterAnnie，whomIsawSolikehermother，thatmylatestbreathWasspentinblessingherandprayingforher。
AndtellmysonthatIdiedblessinghim。
AndsaytoPhilipthatIblesthimtoo；
Henevermeantusanythingbutgood。
Butifmychildrencaretoseemedead，Whohardlysawmeliving，letthemcome，Iamtheirfather；butshemustnotcome，Formydeadfacewouldvexherafter—life。
Andnowthereisbutoneofallmyblood，Whowillembracemeintheworld—to—be：
Thishairishis：shecutitoffandgaveit，AndIhaveborneitwithmealltheseyears，Andthoughttobearitwithmetomygrave；
Butnowmymindischanged，forIshallseehim，Mybabeinbliss：whereforewhenIamgone，Take，giveherthis，foritmaycomforther：
Itwillmoreoverbeatokentoher，ThatIamhe。’
Heceased；andMiriamLaneMadesuchavolubleanswerpromisingall，Thatonceagainheroll’dhiseyesuponherRepeatingallhewish’d，andonceagainShepromised。
Thenthethirdnightafterthis，WhileEnochslumber’dmotionlessandpale，AndMiriamwatch’danddozedatintervals，Therecamesoloudacallingofthesea，Thatallthehousesinthehavenrang。
Hewoke，herose，hespreadhisarmsabroadCryingwithaloudvoice`asail!asail!
Iamsaved’；andsofellbackandspokenomore。
Sopastthestrongheroicsoulaway。
AndwhentheyburiedhimthelittleportHadseldomseenacostlierfuneral。
AYLMER’SFIELD。
1793。
AYLMER’SFIELD。
1793。
——————<>——————
Dustareourframes；andgildeddust，ourprideLooksonlyforamomentwholeandsound；
Likethatlong—buriedbodyoftheking，Foundlyingwithhisurnsandornaments，Whichatatouchoflight，anairofheaven，Sliptintoashesandwasfoundnomore。
HereisastorywhichinroughershapeCamefromagrizzledcripple，whomIsawSunninghimselfinawastefieldalone——
Old，andamineofmemories——whohadserved，Longsince，abygoneRectoroftheplace，Andbeenhimselfapartofwhathetold。
SirAylmerAylmerthatalmightyman，ThecountyGod——inwhosecapacioushall，Hungwithahundredshields，thefamilytreeSprangfromthemidriffofaprostrateking——
Whoseblazingwyvernweathercock’dthespire，Stoodfromhiswallsandwing’dhisentry—gatesAndswangbesidesonmanyawindysign——
WhoseeyesfromunderapyramidalheadSawfromhiswindowsnothingsavehisown——
Whatlovelierofhisownhadhethanher，Hisonlychild，hisEdith，whomhelovedAsheiressandnotheirregretfully？
But`hethatmarrieshermarrieshername’
Thisfiatsomewhatsoothedhimselfandwife，HiswifeafadedbeautyoftheBaths，InsipidastheQueenuponacard；
HerallofthoughtandbearinghardlymoreThanhisownshadowinasicklysun。
Alandofhopsandpoppy—mingledcorn，Littleaboutitstirringsaveabrook!
AsleepylandwhereunderthesamewheelThesameoldrutwoulddeepenyearbyyear；
Wherealmostallthevillagehadonename；
WhereAylmerfollow’dAylmerattheHallAndAverillAverillattheRectoryThriceover；sothatRectoryandHall，Boundinanimmemorialintimacy，Wereopentoeachother；tho’todreamThatLovecouldbindthemcloserwellhadmadeThehoarhairoftheBaronetbristleupWithhorror，worsethanhadheheardhispriestPreachaninvertedscripture，sonsofmenDaughtersofGod；sosleepywastheland。
AndmightnotAverill，hadhewill’ditso，Somewherebeneathhisownlowrangeofroofs，Havealsosethismany—shieldedtree？
TherewasanAylmer—Averillmarriageonce，Whentheredrosewasredderthanitself，AndYork’swhiteroseasredasLancaster’s，Withwoundedpeacewhicheachhadprick’dtodeath。
`Notproven’Averillsaid，orlaughingly`SomeotherraceofAverills’——prov’norno，Whatcaredhe？what，ifotherorthesame？
Helean’dnotonhisfathersbuthimself。
ButLeolin，hisbrother，livingoftWithAverill，andayearortwobeforeCall’dtothebar，butevercall’dawayByonelowvoicetoonedearneighborhood，Wouldoften，inhiswalkswithEdith，claimAdistantkinshiptothegraciousbloodThatshooktheheartofEdithhearinghim。
Sanguinehewas：abutlessvividhueThanofthatisletinthechestnut—bloomFlamedhischeek；andeagereyes，thatstillTookjoyfulnoteofallthingsjoyful，beam’d，Beneathamanelikemassofrollinggold，Theirbestandbrightest，whentheydweltonhers。
Edith，whosepensivebeauty，perfectelse，Butsubjecttotheseasonorthemood，ShonelikeamysticstarbetweenthelessAndgreatergloryvaryingtoandfro，Weknownotwherefore；bounteouslymade，Andyetsofinely，thatatroubloustouchThinn’d，orwouldseemtothinherinaday，Ajoyoustodilate，astowardthelight。
Andthesehadbeentogetherfromthefirst。