There’snonefinerinanyoftheslipsatChatham。\"
ThethirdSummer’sroseshavestartedintoblow，Whenthefinesterncarvingisbegun。
Flutings，andtwinings，andlongslowswirls，Bitsofdealshavedawaytothinspiralcurls。
Tap！Tap！Acornucopiaisnailedintoplace。
Rap-a-tap！TheyareputtinguparailingfiligreedlikeIrishlace。
TheThreeTown’speopleneversawsuchgrace。
Andthepaintonit！Therichestgoldleaf！
Why，theglitterwhenthesunisshiningpassesbelief。
AndthatrowofglasswindowstippedtowardtheskyArerubiesandcarbuncleswhenthedayisdry。
Oh，my！Oh，my！
Theyhavecopperedupthebottom，AndthecoppernailsStandaboutandsparkleinbigwoodenpails。
Bang！Clash！Bang！
\"Andheswigg’d，andNickswigg’d，AndBenswigg’d，andDickswigg’d，AndIswigg’d，andallofusswigg’dit，Andsworetherewasnothinglikegrog。\"
Itseemstheysing，Eventhoughcopperingisnotaneasything。
WhatasplendidspecimenofhumanityisatrueBritishworkman，SaythepeopleoftheThreeTowns，AstheywalkaboutthedockyardTothesoundoftheeveningchurch-bells。
Andsoartistic，too，eachonetellshisneighbour。
Whatimmensetasteandlabour！
MissJessiePrime，inapinksilkbonnet，Titterswithdelightashereyesfalluponit，WhenshestepslightlydownfromLawyerGreen’swhisky;
Suchamazingbeautymakesonefeelfrisky，Sheexplains。
Mr。Nicholssaysheisdelighted（Heisthefirm）;
HisworkisallrequitedIfMissJessiecanapprove。
MissJessieanswersthattheshipis\"alove\"。
Thesidesareyellowasmarigold，Theport-lidsareredwhentheportsareup：
Blood-redsquareslikeanevenchequerOfyellowastersandportulaca。
Thereisawide\"blackstrake\"atthewaterlineAndaboveisablueliketheskywhentheweatherisfine。
Theinnerbulwarksarepaintedred。
\"Why？\"asksMissJessie。\"’Tisahorridnote。\"
Mr。Nicholsclearshisthroat，Andtellsherthelaunchingdayisset。
Hesays，\"Becareful，thepaintiswet。\"
ButMissJessiehastouchedit，herspriggedmuslingownHasablood-redstreakfromtheshoulderdown。
\"Itlookslikeblood，\"saysMissJessiewithafrown。
Tap！Tap！Rap！
AnOctoberday，withwavesrunninginblue-whitelinesandacapfulofwind。
ThreebroadflagsrippleoutbehindWherethemastswillbe：
RoyalStandardatthemain，Admiraltyflagatthefore，UnionJackatthemizzen。
Thehammerstapharder，faster，Theymustfinishbynoon。
Thelastnailisdriven。
Butthewindhasincreasedtohalfagale，Andtheshipshakesandquiversupontheways。
TheCommissionerofChathamDockyardiscomingInhisten-oaredbargefromtheKing’sStairs;
TheMarine’sbandwillplay\"GodSaveGreatGeorgeOurKing\";
AndthereistobeadinnerafterwardsattheCrown，withspeeches。
Thewindscreeches，andflapstheflagstilltheypoundlikehammers。
Thewindhumsovertheship，Andslipsroundthedog-shores，Jostlingthemalmosttofalling。
ThereisnotimenowtowaitforCommissionersandmarinebands。
Mr。Nicholshasabottleofportinhishands。
Heleansover，holdinghishat，andshoutstothemenbelow：
\"Lethergo！\"
Bang！Bang！Pound！
Thedog-shoresfalltotheground，Andtheshipslidesdownthegreasedplanking。
Asplinteringofglass，Andportwinerunningalloverthewhiteandcopperstemtimbers。
\"SuccesstohisMajesty’sship，theBellerophon！\"
AndtheredwinewashesawayinthewatersoftheMedway。
II
Paris，March，1814
FineyellowsunlightdowntherueduMontThabor。
Teno’clockstrikingfromalltheclock-towersofParis。
Overthedoorofashop，ingiltletters：
\"Martin——Parfumeur\"，andsomethingmore。
Alargegildedwoodensomething。
Listen！Whataringingofhammers！
Tap！
Tap！
Squeak！
Tap！Squeak！Tap-a-tap！
\"Blaise。\"
\"Oui，M’sieu。\"
\"Don’ttouchtheletters。Mynamestays。\"
\"Bien，M’sieu。\"
\"Justtakedowntheeagle，andtheshieldwiththebees。\"
\"AsM’sieupleases。\"
Tap！Squeak！Tap！
Themanontheladderhammerssteadilyforaminuteortwo，Thenstops。
\"He！Patron！
Theyarefastenedwell，Nomd’unChien！
WhatifIbreakthem？\"
\"Breakaway，YouandPaulmusthavethemdownto-day。\"
\"Bien。\"
Andthehammersstartagain，Drum-beatingatthesomethingofgildedwood。
SunshineinagoldenfloodLightinguptheyellowfrontsofhouses，Glitteringeachwindowtoaflash。
Squeak！Squeak！Tap！
Thehammersbeatandrap。
APrussianhussaronagreyhorsegoesbyatadash。
Fromothershops，thenoiseofstrikingblows：
Pounds，thumps，andwhacks;
Woodensounds：splinters——cracks。
Parisisfullofthegallopingofhorsesandtheknockingofhammers。
\"Hullo！FriendMartin，isbusinessslackThatyouareinthestreetthismorning？Don’tturnyourbackAndscuttleintoyourshoplikearabbittoitshole。
I’vejustbeentakingastroll。
ThestinkingCossacksarebivouackedallupanddowntheChampsElysees。
Ican’tgetthesmellofthemoutofmynostrils。
Dirtyfellows，whodon’tbelieveinfrillsLikewashing。Ah，monvieux，you’dhavetogoOutofbusinessifyoulivedinRussia。So！
We’vegivenupbeingperfumerstotheEmperor，havewe？
Blaise，Becarefulofthehen，MaybeIcanfindauseforheroneofthesedays。
Thateagle’sratherwellcut，Martin。
ButI’msickofsmellingCossack，TakemeinsideandletmeputmyheadintoastackOforris-rootandmusk。\"
Withintheshop，thelightisdimmedtoapearl-and-greenduskOutofwhichdreamilysparklecountersandshelvesofglass，Containingphials，andbowls，andjars，anddishes;amassOfaqueoustransparencemadesolidbythreadsofgold。
Goldandglass，Andscentswhichwhiffacrossthegreentwilightandpass。
Theperfumersitsdownandshakeshishead：
\"Alwaysthesame，MonsieurAntoine，Youartistsarewonderfulfolkindeed。\"
ButAntoineVernetdoesnotheed。
Heisreadingthenamesonthebottlesandbowls，Doneinfinegiltletterswithwonderfulscrolls。
\"Whathavewehere？`EauImperialOdontalgique。’
Imustsay，moncher，yournamesarechic。
Butitwon’tdo，positivelyitwillnotdo。
Elbadoesn’tcount。Ah，hereisanother：
`BaumeduCommandeur’。That’sbetter。HeneedssomethingtosmotherRegrets。Alittlelubricant，too，Mightbeuseful。Ihaveit，`SageOil’，perhapshe’llbegoodnow;withitwe’llsubmitThisfineGermanrouge。Ifearheispale。\"
\"MonsieurAntoine，don’trailAtmisfortune。Hetreatedmewellandfairly。\"
\"AndyoupreferhimtoBourbons，admititsquarely。\"
\"Heavenforbid！\"Bang！Whack！
Squeak！Squeak！Crack！
CRASH！
\"Oh，Lord，Martin！Thatshieldishash。
Thewholestreetiscoveredwithgoldenbees。
Theylooklikesomanyyellowpeas，Lyingthereinthemud。I’dliketopaintit。
`PlumpuddingofEmpire’。That’sratherquaint，itMighttakewiththeKings。ShallItry？\"\"Oh，Sir，Youdistressme，youdo。\"\"PooroldMartin’spurr！
Buthehasn’tascratchinhim，Iknow。
Nowletusgetbacktothepowdersandpatches。
Foolishman，TheKingsareherenow。WemusthitonaplanTochangeallthesetitlesasfastaswecan。
`BouquetImperatrice’。Tut！Tut！Givemesomeink——
`BouquetdelaReine’，whatdoyouthink？
Notthesamereceipt？
Now，Martin，putawayyourconceit。
Whowilleverknow？
`ExtractofNobility’——excellent，sincemostofthemarekilled。\"
\"But，MonsieurAntoine——\"
\"Youareself-willed，Martin。YouneedasalveForyourconscience，doyou？
Verywell，we’llhalveThecompliments，alsothepastesanddentifrices;
SendsometotheKings，andsometotheEmpresses。
`OilofBitterAlmonds’——theEmpressJosephinecanhavethat。
`OilofParmaViolets’fitstheotheronepat。\"
Rap！Rap！Bang！
\"Whatahideousclatter！
BlaiseseemsdeterminedtobatterThatpooroldturkeyintobits，Andpoundtojellymyexcellentwits。
Come，come，Martin，youmustn’tshirk。
`Thenightcomethsoon’——etc。Don’tjerkMeuplikethat。`EssencedelaValliere’——
ThathasacharminglyBourbonair。
And，oh！Magnificent！Listentothis！——
`VinaigredesQuatreVoleurs’。NothingamissWiththat——England，Austria，RussiaandPrussia！
Martin，you’reawonder，Upheavalsofcontinentscan’tkeepyouunder。\"
\"MonsieurAntoine，IamgrievedindeedAtsuchlevity。WhatFrancehasgonethrough——\"
\"Verytrue，Martin，verytrue，Butneverforgetthatamanmustfeed。\"
Pound！Pound！Thump！
Pound！
\"Lookhere，inanotherminuteBlaisewilldropthatbirdontheground。\"
Martinshrugshisshoulders。\"Ah，well，whatthen？——\"
Antoine，withalaugh：\"I’llgiveyoutwosousforthatantiquatedhen。\"
TheImperialEaglesellsfortwosous，Andtheliliesgoup。
Amanmustchoose！
III
Paris，April，1814
Cold，impassive，themarblearchofthePlaceduCarrousel。
Haughty，contemptuous，themarblearchofthePlaceduCarrousel。
Likeawomanrapedbyforce，risingaboveherfate，Borneupbythecoldrigidityofhate，StandsthemarblearchofthePlaceduCarrousel。
Tap！Clink-a-tink！
Tap！Rap！Chink！
Whatfallstothegroundlikeastreakofflame？
Hush！Itisonlyabitofbronzeflashinginthesun。
Whatareallthosesoldiers？ThosearenottheuniformsofFrance。
Alas！No！TheuniformsofFrance，GreatImperialFrance，aredone。
Theywillrotawayinchestsandhangtodustytattersinbarnlofts。
Theseareotherarmies。Andtheirname？
Hush，bestillforshame;
Bestillandimperturbablelikethemarblearch。
Anotherbrightsparkfallsthroughtheblueair。
OverthePlaceduCarrouselawailingofdespair。
Crowdyourhorsesbackuponthepeople，UhlansandHungarianLancers，Theyseetoomuch。
Unfortunately，GentlemenoftheInvadingArmies，whattheydonotsee，theyhear。
Tap！Clink-a-tink！
Tap！
AnothersharpspearOfbrightness，AndaringingofquickmetallightnessOnhardstones。
WorkmenarechippingoffthenamesofNapoleon’svictoriesFromthetriumphalarchofthePlaceduCarrousel。
Dotheyneedsomuchforcetoquellthecrowd？
AnoldGrenadierofthelinegroansaloud，Andeachhammertappointsthesobofawoman。
Russia，Prussia，Austria，andthefaded-white-lilyBourbonkingThinkitwellToguardagainsttumult，Amobisanundependablething。
Ding！Ding！
ViennaisscatteredalloverthePlaceduCarrouselInglittering，bent，andtwistedletters。
YourbettershaveclatteredoverViennabefore，OfficerofhisImperialMajestyourFather-in-Law！
Tink！Tink！
Aworkman’schiselcanstrewyoutothewinds，Munich。
DotheythinkTopleasureParis，usedtothefallofcities，Bygivingherafallofletters！
Itisamonthtoolate。
Onemonth，andourlily-whiteBourbonkingHasdoneacolossalthing;
Hehascurdledlove，Andsouredthedesiresofapeople。
Stillthelettersfall，Theworkmencreepupanddowntheirladderslikelizardsonawall。
Tap！Tap！Tink！
Clink！Clink！
\"Oh，mercifulGod，theywillnottouchAusterlitz！
Strikemeblind，myGod，myeyescanneverlookonthat。
Iwouldgivetheotherlegtosaveit，ittookone。
Cursethem！Cursethem！Aimathishat。
Givemethestone。Whydidn’tyougiveittome？
Iwouldnothavemissed。Cursehim！
Curseallofthem！Theyhavegotthe`A’！\"
Ding！Ding！
\"IsawtheTerror，butIneversawsohorribleathingasthis。
`Vivel’Empereur！Vivel’Empereur！’\"
\"Don’tstrikehim，Fritz。
Themobwillriseifyoudo。
Justrunhimouttothe`quai’，Thatwillgethimoutoftheway。
Theyarealmostthrough。\"
Clink！Tink！Ding！
ClearasthesuddenringOfabell\"Z\"strikesthepavement。
Farewell，Austerlitz，Tilsit，Presbourg;
Farewell，greatnessdeparted。
Farewell，Imperialhonours，knockedbroadcastbythebeatinghammersofignorantworkmen。
Straight，intheSpringmoonlight，Risesthedefloweredarch。
Inthesilence，shiningbright，Shestandsnakedandunsubdued。
HermarblecoldnesswillendurethemarchOfdecades。
Rendherbronzes，hammers;
Castdownherinscriptions。
Sheisunconquerable，austere，ColdasthemoonthatswimsaboveherWhenthenightsareclear。
IV
Croissy，Ile-de-France，June，1815
\"Whoa！Victorine。
Deviltakethemare！I’veneverseensoviciousabeast。
ShekickedJulesthelasttimeshewashere，He’sbeenlameeversince，poorchap。\"
Rap！Tap！
Tap-a-tap-a-tap！Tap！Tap！
\"I’dratherbelamethandeadatWaterloo，M’sieuCharles。\"
\"SacreBleu！Don’tmentionWaterloo，andthedamnedgrinningBritish。
Wedidn’trunintheolddays。
Therewasn’tanyrunningatJena。
Thoseweredecentdays，Anddecentmen，whostoodupandfought。
Wenevergotbeaten，becausewewouldn’tbe。
See！\"
\"Youwouldhavetaughtthem，wouldn’tyou，SergeantBoignet？
Butto-dayit’severyoneforhimself，AndtheEmperorisn’twhathewas。\"
\"HowtheDevildoyouknowthat？
Ifhewasbeaten，thecauseIsthegreengeeseinhisarmy，ledbytraitors。
Oh，Isaynonames，MonsieurCharles，Youneedn’thammersoloud。
Ifthereareanyspieslurkingbehindthebellows，Ibegtheycomeout。Dirtyfellows！\"
TheoldSergeantseizesared-hotpokerAndadvances，brandishingit，intotheshadows。
TherowsofhorsesflickPlacidtails。
VictorinegivesasavagekickAsthenailsGoin。Tap！Tap！
JulesdrawsahorseshoefromthefireAndbeatsitfromredtopeacock-blueandblack，Purplingdarkerateachwhack。
Ding！Dang！Dong！
Ding-a-ding-dong！
Itisalongtimesinceanyonespoke。
Thentheblacksmithbrusheshishandoverhiseyes，\"Well，\"hesighs，\"He’sbroke。\"
TheSergeantchargesoutfrombehindthebellows。
\"It’sthegreengeese，Itellyou，Theirheartsareallwhitesandyellows，There’snoredinthem。Red！
That’swhatwewant。FoucheshouldbefedTotheguillotine，andallParisdancethecarmagnole。
Thatwouldbreedjollyfinelick-bloodsToleadhisarmiestovictory。\"
\"Ancienthistory，Sergeant。
He’sdone。\"
\"Saythatagain，MonsieurCharles，andI’llstunYouwhereyoustandforadung-eatingRoyalist。\"
TheSergeantgivesthepokerasavagetwist;
Heisaspurpleasthecoolinghorseshoes。
Theairfromthebellowscreaksthroughtheflues。
Tap！Tap！TheblacksmithshoesVictorine，AndthroughthedoorwayafinesheenOfleavesflutters，withthesunbetween。
ByaspurtoffirefromtheforgeYoucanseetheSergeant，withswollengorge，Puffing，andgurgling，andchoking;
Thebellowskeeponcroaking。
Theywheeze，Andsneeze，Creak！Bang！Squeeze！
AndthehammerstrokesfalllikebuzzingbeesOrpatteringrain，Orfasterthanthese，Likethehumofawaterfallstruckbyabreeze。
Clank！fromthebellows-chainpulledupanddown。
Clank！
AndsunshinetwinklesonVictorine’sflank，Startingittoblue，Droppingittoblack。
Clack！Clack！
Tap-a-tap！Tap！
Lord！Whatgalloping！SomemishapIsmakingthatmanridesofuriously。
\"Francois，you！
Victorinewon’tbethroughForanotherquarterofanhour。\"\"Asyouhopetodie，Workfaster，man，theorderhascome。\"
\"Whatorder？Speakout。Areyoudumb？\"
\"Achaise，withoutarmsonthepanels，atthegateInthefarside-wall，andjusttowait。
Wemustbethereinhalfanhourwithswiftcattle。
You’reastupidfoolifyoudon’thearthatrattle。
ThoseareGermanguns。Can’tyouguesstherest？
Nantes，Rochefort，possiblyBrest。\"
Tap！Tap！asthoughthehammersweremad。
Dang！Ding！Creak！Thefarrier’sladJerksthebellowstillhecrackstheirbones，Andthestifledairhiccoughsandgroans。
TheSergeantislyingonthefloorStonedead，andhishatwiththetricoloreCockadehasrolledoffintothecinders。Victorinesnortsandlaysbackherears。
Whatglistensontheanvil？Sweatortears？
V
St。Helena，May，1821
Tap！Tap！Tap！
Throughthewhitetropicnight。
Tap！Tap！
Beatthehammers，Unwearied，indefatigable。
Theyarehangingdullblackclothaboutthedead。
LustrelessblackclothWhichchokestheradianceofthemoonlightAndputsoutthelittlemovingshadowsofleaves。
Tap！Tap！
Theknockingmakesthecandlesquaver，AndthelongblackhangingswaverTap！Tap！Tap！
Tap！Tap！
Intheearswhichdonotheed。
Tap！Tap！
Abovetheeyelidswhichdonotflicker。
Tap！Tap！
Overthehandswhichdonotstir。
Chiselledlikeacameoofwhiteagateagainstthehangings，Strucktobrilliancebythefallingmoonlight，Aface！
Sharpasafrozenflame，Beautifulasanaltarlampofsilver，Andstill。Perfectlystill。
Inthenextroom，themenchatterAstheyeattheirmidnightlunches。
Aknifehitsagainstaplatter。
ButthefigureonthebedBetweenthestiflingblackhangingsIscoldandmotionless，PlayedoverbythemoonlightfromthewindowsAndtheindistinctshadowsofleaves。
Tap！Tap！
UpholstererDarlinghasafineshopinJamestown。
Tap！Tap！
AndrewDarlinghasriddenhardfromLongwoodtoseetotheworkinhisshopinJamestown。
Hehasacorpsofmeninit，toilingandswearing，Knocking，andmeasuring，andplaning，andsquaring，Workingfromachartwithfigures，Comparingwiththeirrules，Settingthisandthatparttogetherwiththeirtools。
Tap！Tap！Tap！
Hasteindeed！
SogreatistheneedThatcarpentershavebeentakenfromthenewchurch，JoinershavebeencalledfromshapingpewsandlecternsToworkofgreaterurgency。
Coffins！
CoffinsiswhattheyaremakingthisbrightSummermorning。
Coffins——andalltomeasurement。
Thereisatincoffin，Adealcoffin，Aleadcoffin，AndCaptainBennett’sbestmahoganydining-tableHasbeensawedupforthegrandoutercoffin。
Tap！Tap！Tap！
Sunshineoutsideinthesquare，Butinside，onlyhollowcoffinsandthetappinguponthem。
Themenwhistle，AndthecoffinsgrowundertheirhammersInthedarknessoftheshop。
Tap！Tap！Tap！
Trampofmen。
Steadytrampofmen。
Slit-eyedChinesewithlongpigtailsBearingoblongthingsupontheirshouldersMarchslowlyalongtheroadtoLongwood。
Theirfeetfallsoftlyinthedustoftheroad;
Sometimestheycallgutturallytoeachotherandstoptoshiftshoulders。
Fourcoffinsforthelittledeadman，Fourfinecoffins，AndoneofthemCaptainBennett’sdining-table！
AndsixteensplendidChinamen，allstrongandableAndofassuredneutrality。
Ah！GeorgeofEngland，LordBathhurst&Co。
Yourprincelymunificencemakesone’sheartglow。
Huzza！Huzza！FortheLionofEngland！
Tap！Tap！Tap！
MarblelikenessofanEmperor，Deadman，whoburstyourheartagainstaworldtoonarrow，ThehammersdrumyoutoyourlastthroneWhichalwaysyoushallholdalone。
Tap！Tap！
Thegloryofyourpastisfadedasasunsetfire，Yourdaylingersonlylikethetonesofawind-lyreInatwilitroom。
HereistheemptinessofyourdreamScatteredaboutyou。
Coinsofyesterday，DoublenapoleonsstampedwithConsulorEmperor，StrangeasthoseofHerculaneum——
Andyoujustdead！
NotonespoolofthreadWillthesebuyinanymarket-place。
Laythemoverhim，TheyarethebaublesofacrownofmistWorninavisionandmeltedawayatwaking。
Tap！Tap！
HisheartstrainedatkingdomsAndnowitiscontentwithasilverdish。
StrangeWorld！StrangeWayfarer！
StrangeDestiny！
Loweritgentlybesidehimandletitlie。
Tap！Tap！Tap！
TwoTravellersinthePlaceVendomeReignofLouisPhilippeAgreattallcolumnspearingattheskyWithalittlemanontop。Goodness！Tellmewhy？
Helooksasillythingenoughtostanduptheresohigh。
Whatastrangefellow，likeasoldierinaplay，Tight-fittingcoatwiththetailscutaway，High-crownedhatwhichthebrimsoverlay。
Two-hornedhatmakesanoutlinelikeabow。
Musthaveasword，IcanseethelightglowBetweenadarklineandhisleg。VertigoIgetgazingupathim，apygmyflashedwithsun。
Aweathercockorscarecroworboththingsinone？
Asbrightasajewelledcrownhungaboveathrone。
Say，whatistheuseofhimifhedoesn’tturn？
Justputuptoglitterthere，likeatorchtoburn，Asortofsacrificialshowinaloftyurn？
Butwhyalittlesoldierinanobsoletedress？
I’dratherseeaGoddesswithaspear，Iconfess。
Somethingallegoricalandfine。Why，yes——
Icannottakemyeyesfromhim。Idon’tknowwhyatall。
I’velookedsolongthewholethingswims。Ifeelheoughttofall。
Foreshortenedthereamongthecloudshe’spitifullysmall。
Whatdoyousay？ThereusedtobeanEmperorstandingthere，Withflowingrobesandlaurelcrown。Really？YetIdeclareThosespiralbattlesroundtheshaftdon’tseemjusthisaffair。
Atogaed，laurelledman’sImean。NowthischapseemstofeelAsthoughheownedthosesoldiers。Whew！Howhemakesonereel，Swingingroundabovehiscirclingarmiesinawheel。
Sweepingroundtheskyinanorbitlikethesun’s，Flashingsparkslikecannon-ballsfromhisownlongguns。
Perhapsmysightistired，butthatfiguresimplystuns。
Howlowthehousesseem，andallthepeoplearemereflies。
Thatfellowpokeshishatuptillitscratchesontheskies。
Impudent！Audacious！But，byJove，heblindstheeyes！
WarPicturesTheAlliesAugust14th，1914
Intothebrazen，burnishedsky，thecryhurlsitself。Thezigzaggingcryofhoarsethroats，itfloatsagainstthehardwinds，andbindstheheadoftheserpenttoitstail，thelongsnail-slowserpentofmarchingmen。
Menweigheddownwithriflesandknapsacks，andparchingwithwar。
Thecryjarsandsplitsagainstthebrazen，burnishedsky。
Thisisthewarofwars，andthecause？Hasthiswrithingwormofmenacause？
Cracklingagainstthepolishedskyisaneaglewithasword。Theeagleisredanditsheadisflame。
Intheshoulderofthewormisateacher。
Histonguelapsthewar-suckedairindrought，butheyellsdefianceatthered-eyedeagle，andinhisearsarethebellsofnewphilosophies，andtheirtinklingdrownsthesputteroftheburningsword。Heshrieks，\"Goddamnyou！Whenyouarebroken，thewordwillstrikeoutnewshoots。\"
Hisbootsaretight，thesunishot，andhemaybeshot，butheisintheshoulderoftheworm。
Adustspeckintheworm’sbellyisapoet。
Helaughsattheflaringeagleandmakesalongnosewithhisfingers。
Hewillfightforsmooth，whitesheetsofpaper，anduncurdledink。
Thesputteringswordcannotmakehimblink，andhisthoughtsarewetandrippling。Theycoolhisheart。
Hewillteartheeagleoutoftheskyandgivetheearthtranquillity，andlovelinessprintedonwhitepaper。
Theeyeoftheserpentisanownerofmills。
Helooksattheglaringswordwhichhassnappedhismachineryandstruckawayhismen。
Butitwillallcomeagain，whentheswordisbrokentoamilliondyingstars，andtherearenomorewars。
Bankers，butchers，shop-keepers，painters，farmers——men，swayandsweat。
Theywillfightfortheearth，fortheincreaseoftheslow，surerootsofpeace，forthereleaseofhiddenforces。Theyjibeattheeagleandhisscorchingsword。
One！Two！——One！Two！——clumptheheavyboots。Thecryhurtlesagainstthesky。
Eachmanpullshisbeltalittletighter，andshiftshisguntomakeitlighter。Eachmanthinksofawoman，andslapsoutacurseattheeagle。Theswordjumpsinthehotsky，andthewormcrawlsontothebattle，stubbornly。
Thisisthewarofwars，fromeyetotailtheserpenthasonecause：
PEACE！
TheBombardmentSlowly，withoutforce，theraindropsintothecity。ItstopsamomentonthecarvedheadofSaintJohn，thenslidesonagain，slippingandtricklingoverhisstonecloak。Itsplashesfromtheleadconduitofagargoyle，andfallsfromitinturmoilonthestonesintheCathedralsquare。
Wherearethepeople，andwhydoesthefrettedsteeplesweepaboutinthesky？
Boom！Thesoundswingsagainsttherain。Boom，again！Afterit，onlywaterrushinginthegutters，andtheturmoilfromthespoutofthegargoyle。
Silence。Ripplesandmutters。Boom！
Theroomisdamp，butwarm。Littleflashesswarmaboutfromthefirelight。
Thelustresofthechandelierarebright，andclustersofrubiesleapinthebohemianglassesonthe`etagere’。Herhandsarerestless，butthewhitemassesofherhairarequitestill。Boom！Willitneverceasetotorture，thisiteration！Boom！Thevibrationshattersaglassonthe`etagere’。Itliesthere，formlessandglowing，withallitscrimsongleamsshotoutofpattern，spilled，flowingred，blood-red。Athinbell-notepricksthroughthesilence。Adoorcreaks。
Theoldladyspeaks：\"Victor，clearawaythatbrokenglass。\"\"Alas！
Madame，thebohemianglass！\"\"Yes，Victor，onehundredyearsagomyfatherbroughtit——\"Boom！Theroomshakes，theservitorquakes。
Anothergobletshiversandbreaks。Boom！
Itrustlesatthewindow-pane，thesmooth，streamingrain，andheisshutwithinitsclashandmurmur。Insideishiscandle，histable，hisink，hispen，andhisdreams。Heisthinking，andthewallsarepiercedwithbeamsofsunshine，slippingthroughyounggreen。Afountaintossesitselfupatthebluesky，andthroughthespatteredwaterinthebasinhecanseecoppercarp，lazilyfloatingamongcoldleaves。Awind-harpinacedar-treegrievesandwhispers，andwordsblowintohisbrain，bubbled，iridescent，shootinguplikeflowersoffire，higherandhigher。Boom！
Theflame-flowerssnapontheirslenderstems。Thefountainrearsupinlongbrokenspearsofdishevelledwaterandflattensintotheearth。Boom！
Andthereisonlytheroom，thetable，thecandle，andtheslidingrain。
Again，Boom！——Boom！——Boom！Hestuffshisfingersintohisears。
Heseescorpses，andcriesoutinfright。Boom！Itisnight，andtheyareshellingthecity！Boom！Boom！
Achildwakesandisafraid，andweepsinthedarkness。Whathasmadethebedshake？\"Mother，whereareyou？Iamawake。\"\"Hush，myDarling，Iamhere。\"\"But，Mother，somethingsoqueerhappened，theroomshook。\"
Boom！\"Oh！Whatisit？Whatisthematter？\"Boom！\"WhereisFather？
Iamsoafraid。\"Boom！Thechildsobsandshrieks。Thehousetremblesandcreaks。Boom！
Retorts，globes，tubes，andphialslieshattered。Allhistrialsoozingacrossthefloor。Thelifethatwashischoosing，lonely，urgent，goadedbyahope，allgone。Awearymaninaruinedlaboratory，thatishisstory。Boom！Gloomandignorance，andthejigofdrunkenbrutes。
Diseaseslikesnakescrawlingovertheearth，leavingtrailsofslime。
Wailsfrompeopleburyingtheirdead。Throughthewindow，hecanseetherockingsteeple。Aballoffirefallsontheleadoftheroof，andtheskytearsapartonaspikeofflame。Upthespire，behindthelacingsofstone，zigzagginginandoutofthecarvedtracings，squirmsthefire。Itspoutslikeyellowwheatfromthegargoyles，coilsroundtheheadofSaintJohn，andaureoleshiminlight。Itleapsintothenightandhissesagainsttherain。TheCathedralisaburningstainonthewhite，wetnight。
Boom！TheCathedralisatorch，andthehousesnexttoitbegintoscorch。
Boom！Thebohemianglassonthe`etagere’isnolongerthere。
Boom！Astalkofflameswaysagainstthereddamaskcurtains。
Theoldladycannotwalk。Shewatchesthecreepingstalkandcounts。
Boom！——Boom！——Boom！
Thepoetrushesintothestreet，andtherainwrapshiminasheetofsilver。
Butitisthreadedwithgoldandpowderedwithscarletbeads。Thecityburns。
Quivering，spearing，thrusting，lapping，streaming，runtheflames。
Overroofs，andwalls，andshops，andstalls。Smearingitsgoldonthesky，thefiredances，lancesitselfthroughthedoors，andlispsandchucklesalongthefloors。
Thechildwakesagainandscreamsattheyellowpetalledflowerflickeringatthewindow。Thelittleredlipsofflamecreepalongtheceilingbeams。
TheoldmansitsamonghisbrokenexperimentsandlooksattheburningCathedral。Nowthestreetsareswarmingwithpeople。
Theyseekshelterandcrowdintothecellars。Theyshoutandcall，andoverall，slowlyandwithoutforce，theraindropsintothecity。
Boom！Andthesteeplecrashesdownamongthepeople。Boom！Boom，again！
Thewaterrushesalongthegutters。Thefireroarsandmutters。Boom！
LeadSoldiersThenurseryfireburnsbrightly，cracklingincheerfullittleexplosionsandtrailsofsparksupthebackofthechimney。Miniaturerocketspepperingtheblackbrickswithgoldenstars，asthoughagalaflamedanightofvictoriouswars。
Thenoddingmandarinonthebookcasemoveshisheadforwardandback，slowly，andlooksintotheairwithhisblue-greeneyes。Hestaresintotheairandnods——forwardandback。Theredroseinhishandisacrimsonsplashonhisyellowcoat。Forwardandback，andhisblue-greeneyesstareintotheair，andhenods——nods。
Tommy’ssoldiersmarchtobattle，Trumpetsflareandsnare-drumsrattle。
Bayonetsflash，andsabresglance——
Howthehorsessnortandprance！
CannondrawnupinalineGlitterinthedizzyshineOfthemorningsunlight。FlagsRipplecoloursingreatjags。
Redblowsout，thenblue，thengreen，Thenallthree——aweavingsheenOfprismedpatriotism。MarchTommy’ssoldiers，stiffandstarch，BoldlysteppingtotherattleOfthedrums，theygotobattle。
Tommyliesonhisstomachontheflooranddirectshiscolumns。
Heputshisinfantryinfront，andbeforethemamblesamountedband。
Theirinstrumentsmakeastrandofgoldbeforethescarlet-tunickedsoldiers，andtheytakeverylongstepsontheirlittlegreenplatforms，andfromtheranksburststhesongofTommy’ssoldiersmarchingtobattle。
Thesongjoltsalittleasthegreenplatformsstickonthethickcarpet。
Tommywheelshisgunsroundtheedgeofaboxofblocks，andplacesasquadofcavalryonthecommandingeminenceofafootstool。
Thefiresnapspleasantly，andtheoldChinamannods——nods。Thefiremakestheredroseinhishandglowandtwist。Hist！ThatisaboldsongTommy’ssoldierssingastheymarchalongtobattle。
Crack！Rattle！Thesparksflyupthechimney。
Tommy’sarmy’sofftowar——
Notasoldierknowswhatfor。
Butheknowsabouthisrifle，Howtoshootit，andatrifleOftheproperthingtodoWhenit’shewhoisshotthrough。
Likeacleverlytrainedflea，HecanfollowinstantlyOrders，andsomequickcommandsReallymakeseveredemandsOnamindthat’snonetoorapid，Leadenbrainstendtothevapid。
ButhowbeautifullydressedIsthisarmy！HowimpressedTommyiswhenathisheelAllhisbaggagewagonswheelAboutthepatternedcarpet，andMovinguphisheavygunsHeseesthemglowwithdiamondsunsFlashingallalongeachbarrel。
AndthegoldandblueapparelOfhisgunnersisajoy。
Tommyisaluckyboy。
Boom！Boom！Ta-ra！
Theoldmandarinnodsunderhispurpleumbrella。Theroseinhishandshootsitspetalsupinthinquillsofcrimson。Thentheycollapseandshrivellikeredembers。Thefiresizzles。
Tommyisgallopinghiscavalry，twobytwo，overthefloor。Theymustpasstheopenterrorofthedoorandgaintheenemyencampedunderthewash-stand。
Themountedbandisverygrand，playingallegroandleadingtheinfantryonatthedoublequick。Thetasselofthehearth-rughasflungdownthebass-drum，andheandhisdapple-greyhorselieovertripped，slippedoutofline，withthelittleleaddrumsticksglisteningtothefire’sshine。
Thefireburnsandcrackles，andticklesthetrippedbass-drumwithitssparkles。
Themarchingarmyhitchesitslittlegreenplatformsvaliantly，andsteadilyapproachesthedoor。Theoverturnedbass-drummer，lyingonthehearth-rug，meltingintheheat，softensandshedstears。Thesongjeersathisimpotence，andflauntsthegloryofthemartialandstillupstanding，vauntingthedeedsitwilldo。ForarenotTommy’ssoldiersallbrightandnew？
Tommy’sleadensoldierswe，Glitteringwithefficiency。
Notabutton’soutofplace，TonsandtonsofgoldenlaceWindaboutourofficers。
EverymanlybosomstirsAtthethoughtofkilling——killing！
Tommy’sdearestwishfulfilling。
Wearegaudy，savage，strong，AndourloinssoripewelongFirsttokill，thenprocreate，DoublingsothelawsofFate。
OntheirwomenwehaveswornTograftoursons。AndoverborneThey’llrearusyoungersoldiers，soShallourraceendureandgrow，WaxinggreaterinthewombsBorrowedofthem，whiledamptombsRottheirmen。OGloriousWar！
Goaduswithyourpoints，GreatStar！
Thechinamandarinonthebookcasenodsslowly，forwardandback——
forwardandback——andtheredrosewrithesandwriggles，thrustingitsflamingpetalsunderandoveroneanotherliketorturedsnakes。
Thefirestrokesthemwithitsdartles，andpurrsatthem，andtheoldmannods。
Tommydoesnothearthesong。Heonlyseesthebeautiful，new，gaily-colouredleadsoldiers。Theybelongtohim，andheisveryproudandhappy。Heshoutshisordersaloud，andgallopshiscavalrypastthedoortothewash-stand。Hecreepsovertheflooronhishandsandkneestoonebattalionandanother，butheseesonlythebrightcoloursofhissoldiersandthebeautifulprecisionoftheirgestures。
Heisaluckyboytohavesuchfineleadsoldierstoenjoy。
Tommycatcheshistoeinthelegofthewash-stand，andjarsthepitcher。
Hesnatchesatitwithhishands，butitistoolate。Thepitcherfalls，andasitgoes，heseesthewhitewaterflowoveritslip。Itslipsbetweenhisfingersandcrashestothefloor。Butitisnotwaterwhichoozestothedoor。Thestainisglutinousanddark，asparkfromthefirelightheadsittored。Inandout，betweenthefine，newsoldiers，lickingoverthecarpet，squirmsthestreamofblood，lappingatthelittlegreenplatforms，andflappingitselfagainstthepainteduniforms。
Thenoddingmandarinmoveshisheadslowly，forwardandback。
Theroseisbroken，andwhereitfellisblackblood。Theoldmandarinleersunderhispurpleumbrella，andnods——forwardandback，staringintotheairwithblue-greeneyes。Everytimehisheadcomesforwardarosebudpushesbetweenhislips，rushesintofullbloom，anddripstothegroundwithasplashingsound。Thepoolofblackbloodgrowsandgrows，witheachdroppedrose，andspreadsouttojointhestreamfromthewash-stand。Thebeautifularmyofleadsoldiersstepsboldlyforward，butthelittlegreenplatformsarecoveredintherisingstreamofblood。
Thenurseryfireburnsbrightlyandflingsfan-burstsofstarsupthechimney，asthoughagalaflamedanightofvictoriouswars。
ThePainteronSilkTherewasamanWhomadehislivingBypaintingrosesUponsilk。
HesatinanupperchamberAndpainted，AndthenoisesofthestreetMeantnothingtohim。
Whenheheardbugles，andfifes，anddrums，Hethoughtofred，andyellow，andwhiterosesBurstinginthesunshine，Andsmiledasheworked。
Hethoughtonlyofroses，Andsilk。
WhenhecouldgetnomoresilkHestoppedpaintingAndonlythoughtOfroses。
ThedaytheconquerorsEnteredthecity，TheoldmanLaydying。
Heheardthebuglesanddrums，AndwishedhecouldpainttherosesBurstingintosound。
ABalladofFootmenNowwhatinthenameofthesunandthestarsIsthemeaningofthismostunholyofwars？
DomenfindlifesofullofhumourandjoyThatforwantofexcitementtheysmashupthetoy？
FifteenmillionsofsoldierswithpopgunsandhorsesAllbentuponkilling，becausetheir\"ofcourses\"
Arenotquitethesame。Allthesemenbytheears，Andninenationsofwomenchokingwithtears。
ItisfollytothinkthatthewillofakingCanforcementomakeducksanddrakesofathingTheyvalue，andlifeis，atleastonesupposes，Ofsomelittleinterest，evenifrosesHavenotgrownupbetweenonefootandtheother。
Whatamarvelbureaucracyis，whichcansmotherSuchquiteelementaryfeelings，andtagAmanwithanumber，andsethimtowagHislegsandhisarmsatthewordofcommandOrtheblowofawhistle！He’scertainlydamned，Fitonlyformince-meat，ifalittlegoldlaceAndanupturnedmoustachecansethimtofaceBullets，andbayonets，anddeath，anddiseases，BecausesomeonehecallshisEmperor，pleases。
Ifeachmanweretolaydownhisweapon，andsay，Withaclickofhisheels，\"IwishyouGood-day，\"
Nowwhat，mayIask，couldtheEmperordo？
Akingandhisminionsarereallysofew。
Angry？Oh，ofcourse，amostfuriousEmperor！
Butthemenaresomanytheyneednotmindhistemper，orThedireresultswhichcouldnotbeinflicted。
Withnoonetoexecutesentence，convictedIsjusttheweakwindfromanold，brokenbellows。
Whatlackeysmenare，whomightbesuchfinefellows！
Tobekillingeachother，unmercifully，Atanorder，asthoughonesaid，\"Bringupthetea。\"
OrisitthattastingthebloodontheirjawsTheylapatit，drunkwithitsferment，andlawsSopatientlybuilded，arenothingtodrinkingMoreblood，anyblood。Theydon’tnoticeitsstinking。
Idon’tsupposetigersdo，fightingcocks，sparrows，And，astomen——whataremen，whentheirmarrowsArerunningwithbloodtheyhavegulped;itisplainSuchexcellentsportdoesnotrecollectpain。
Tollthebellsinthesteeplesleftstanding。Half-mastTheflagswhichmeantorder，fororderispast。
Takethedustofthestreetsandsprinkleyourhead，Thecivilizationwe’veworkedforisdead。
Squeezeintothisarchway，theheadofthelineHasjustswungroundthecornerto`DieWachtamRhein’。
TheOvergrownPastureReapingYouwanttoknowwhat’sthematterwithme，doyer？
My！ain’tmenblinder’nmoles？
Itain’tnothin’new，besureo’that。
Why，efyou’dhadeyesyou’dha’seedMechangin’underyourverynose，Eachdayalittlediff’rent。
Butyouneverseenothin’，youdon’t。
Don’ttouchme，Jake，Don’tyoudars’ttotouchme，Iain’tinnohumour。
That’swhat’scomeoverme;
Jestachangeclearthrough。
Youlaystill，an’I’lltellyer，I’vehaditonmymindtotellyerFersometime。
It’sastrainlivin’aliefrommornin’tillnight，An’I’mgoin’toputanendtoitrightnow。
An’don’tmakeanymistakeaboutonething，WhenImarriedyerIlovedyer。
Why，yourvoice’udmakeMegohotandcoldallover，An’yourkissesmoststoppedmyheartfrombeatin’。
Lord！Iwasasillyfool。
Butthat’stheway’twas。
Well，ImarriedyerAn’thoughtHeav’nwascomin’
Tosetonthedoor-step。
Heav’ndidn’tdonosettin’，Thoughthefirstyearwarn’tsobad。
Thebaby’sfeverthrewyouoffsome，Iguess，An’thenItookherdeathrealhard，An’amopeywifekindo’disgustsaman。
Iain’tblamin’yerexactly。
Butthat’show’twas。
Dolayquiet，IknowI’mslow，butit’shardertosay’nIthought。
TherecomeatimewhenIgottobeMorewifeaginthanmother。
ThemotherpartwassortofawasteWhenwedidn’thavenootherchild。
Butyou’dgotusedterlotso’things，An’youwasalltookupwiththefarm。
Many’sthetimeI’velaidawakeWatchin’themoongoclearthroughtheelm-tree，Outo’sight。
I’dfolleryeraroundlikeadog，An’setinthechairyou’dbe’nsettin’in，Jesttofeelitsarmsaroundme，Solong’sIdidn’thaveyours。
Itpreyedonme，Iguess，Longin’andlongin’
Whileyouwasbusyallday，andsnorin’allnight。
Yes，Iknowyou’rewideawakenow，Butnowain’tthen，An’Iguessyou’llthinkdiff’rentWhenI’mdone。
DoyoumindthedayyouwenttoHadrock？
Ididn’twanttostayhomeforreasons，Butyousaidsomeone’dhavetobehere’CauseElmerwascomin’toseet’th’telephone。
An’youneverseewhyIwassosetongoin’withyer，Ourmarriedlifehadn’tbe’nanygreatshakes，Stillmarriageismarriage，an’IwasraisedGod-fearin’。
But，Lord，youdidn’tnoticenothin’，An’Elmerhangin’aroundallWinter！
’Twasalovelymornin’。
Theapple-treeswasjestelegantWiththeirblossomsallflaredout，An’therewarn’tacloudinthesky。
Youwent，youwouldn’tpayno’tentiontowhatIsaid，An’IheardtheFordchuggin’formostamile，Theairwassostill。
ThenElmercome。
It’snouseyourfrettin’，Jake，I’lltellyouallaboutit。
IknowwhatI’mdoin’，An’what’sworse，IknowwhatIdone。
Elmerfixedth’telephoneinabouttwominits，An’hedidn’tseeminnohurrytogo，An’Idon’tknowasIwantedhimtogoeither，Iwasawfulmadatyournottakin’mewithyer，An’Iwastiredo’wishin’andwishin’
An’gittin’nocomfort。
Iguessitain’tnecessarytotellyerallthethings。
Hestayedtodinner，An’hehelpedmedothedishes，An’hesaidahomewasafinething，An’Isaiddisheswarn’tahomeNoryettheroomthey’rein。
Hesaidaloto’things，An’Ifendedhimoffatfirst，Buthegottalkin’allaroundme，ClostuptothethingsI’dbe’nthinkin’，What’stheuseo’megoin’on，Jake，Youknow。
Hegotallhewanted，An’Igiveittohim，An’what’smore，I’mglad！
Iain’tdead，anyway，An’somebodythinksI’msomethin’。
Keepaway，Jake，Youcankillmeto-morrerifyouwantto，ButI’mgoin’tohavemysay。
Funnything！GuessIain’tmadetoholdaman。
Elmerain’tbe’nhereformor’ntwomonths。
Idon’twanttopretendnothin’，Mebbeifhe’dbe’nlatelyIshouldn’thavetoldyer。
I’llgoawayinthemornin’，o’course。
Whatyouwantthelightfer？
Idon’tlooknodiff’rent。
Ain’tthemoonbrightenoughTolookatawomanthat’sdeceivedyerby？
Don’t，Jake，don’t，youcan’tlovemenow！
Itain’taquestionofforgiveness。
Why！I’dbethinkin’o’Elmerev’ryminute;
Itain’tdecent。
Oh，myGod！Itain’tdecentanymoreeitherway！
OfftheTurnpikeGoodev’nin’，Mis’Priest。
IjeststeppedintotellyouGood-bye。
Yes，it’sallover。
AllmythingsispackedAn’everylastoneo’themboxesIsonBradley’steamBein’hauledovertoth’depot。
No，Iain’tgoin’backagin。
I’mstoppin’overtoFrench’sferto-night，Andgoin’downfirsttraininth’mornin’。
Yes，itdoseemkinderqueerNottobegoin’toseeCherry’sOrchardnomore，ButLandSakes！Whenachange’scomin’，Why，Ial’ayssayitcan’tcometooquick。
Now，that’srealkindo’you，Yourdoughnutsisalwayssotasty。
Yes，I’mgoin’toChicago，Tomyniece，She’smarriedtoafineman，hardwarebusiness，An’doin’realwell，shetellsme。
Lizzie’sbe’natmetogoouttherforthelongestwhile。
Sheain’tgotnokithnorkintoChicago，youknowShe’srentedmearealnicelittleflat，Samehouseashers，An’I’mgoin’totrythatcitylivin’folkssay’ssopleasant。
Oh，yes，hewasrealgenerous，Paidmeasighto’moneyfertheOrchard;
Itoldhim’twouldn’tyieldnothin’butstones，Butheain’tfarmin’it。
Lor’，no，Mis’Priest，He’sjesttookittosetandlookattheview。
Mebbehewouldn’tbesostuckontheviewEfhe’dseediteverymornin’andnightforfortyyearSame’sasIhave。
Idessayit’sprettyenough，Butit’ssopressedintomeIc’nsee’twithmyeyesshut。
No。Iain’tcold，Mis’Priest，Don’tshutth’door。
I’llbeallrightinaminit。
ButIain’tamitesorrytoleavethatview。
Well，mebbe’tisqueertofeelso，An’mebbe’taint。
My！Butthattea’srevivin’。
Oldthingsain’talwayspleasantthings，Mis’Priest。
No，no，Idon’tcal’lateoncomin’back，That’swhyI’drutherbetoChicago，Boston’stoonear。
Itain’tcold，Mis’Priest，It’sjestmythoughts。
Iain’tsick，only——
Mis’Priest，efyou’venothin’tertakeyertime，An’haveamindtolisten，Ther’ssomethin’I’dliketerspeakaboutIain’tnevermentionedit，ButI’dliketotellyer’foreIgo。
Wouldyoumindlowerin’themshades，Falltwilight’sawfulgrey，An’thatfire’srealcosywiththeshadesdrawed。
Well，IguessfolksaboutherethinkI’vebe’ndret’fulonsociable。
Youneedn’tsay’taintso，’causeIknowdiff’rent。
An’what’smore，it’strue。
Well，thereasonisI’vebe’nscaredouto’mylife。
Scaredev’ryminito’th’time，fereightyear。
Eightmortalyear’tis，comenextJune。
’Twasontheeighteentho’June，SixmonthsafterI’dburiedmyhusband，Thatsomethin’happenedterme。
Mebbeyou’llmindthataforethatIwasacheerybody。
Hiramwastoo，Al’ayslikedtoaskaneighborin，An’ev’nwhenhedied，Barrin’lowsperrits，Iwarn’taversetoseein’nobody。
Butthateighteentho’Junechangedev’rythin’。
Iwasdoin’mosto’th’farmworkmyself，Withjestahiredboy，ClarenceKing，’twas，Comin’inferanhourortwo。
Well，thateighteentho’JuneIwasgoin’round，Lockin’upandseein’tothings’foreIwenttobed。
Iwasjeststeppin’outt’th’barn，Goin’roundoutside’steado’throughtheshed，’Causetherewassuchasighto’moonlightSomehoworanotherIthought’twouldbeprettyoutdoors。
Igotsettledforprettythingsthatnight，Iguess。
Iain’tstuckon’emnomore。
Well，themlaylockbushessideo’th’houseWasreallovely。
Glitt’rin’andshakin’inthemoonlight，An’thesmello’themroserightupAn’mosttookmybreathaway。
Thecolouro’thespikeswasallfadedout，Theyneverkeeptheircolourwhenthemoon’son’em，Butthesmellfair’toxicatedme。
Iwasal’ayspartialtoasweetscent，An’Iwentcloseupt’th’bushesSo’stoputmyfacerightintoaflower。
Mis’Priest，jest’sIgotbreathin’inthatlaylockbloomIsaw，layin’rightatmyfeet，Aman’shand！
Itwasaswhite’sthesideo’th’house，Andsparklin’likethatlum’nouspainttheyputongate-posts。
Iscreamedrightout，Icouldn’thelpit，An’IcouldhearmyscreamGoin’overan’overInthatechobe’indth’barn。
Hearin’itaginan’aginlikethatScaredmeso，Idar’sn’tscreamanymore。
Ijeststoodther，Andlookedatthathand。
Ithoughttheecho’dbegintohammerlikemyheart，Butitdidn’t。
Therewasonlyth’wind，Sighin’throughthelaylockleaves，An’slappin’’emupaginthehouse。
Well，IguessIlookedatthathandMosttenminits，An’itnevermoved，Jestlaytherewhiteaswhite。
AfterawhileIgottothinkin’thato’course’TwassomedrunkentrampoverfromRedfield。
Thatcalmedmesome，An’IcommencedtothinkI’dbettergithimoutFromunderthemlaylocks。
Iplannedtodraghimint’th’barnAn’lockhiminthertillClarencecomeinth’mornin’。
Igotsomadthinkin’o’thatall-firedbrazentrampAsleepinmylaylocks，Ijeststoopeddownandgrabbedth’handandgiveitanawfulpull。
ThenIbumpedrightdownsettin’ontheground。
Mis’Priest，therwarn’tnobodycomewiththehand。
No，itain’tcold，it’sjestthatIcan’tabearthinkin’ofit，Ev’nnow。
I’lltakeasipo’tea。
Thankyou，Mis’Priest，that’sbetter。
I’drutherfinishnowI’vebegun。
Thankyou，jestthesame。
Idroppedthehand’sefit’dbe’nredhot’Steado’icecold。
FeraminitortwoIjestlaidonthatgrassPantin’。
ThenIupandruntothemlaylocksAn’pulled’emeverywhichway。
TrueesI’msettin’here，Mis’Priest，Therwarn’tnothin’ther。
Ipeekedan’pryedallabout’em，Buttherwarn’tnomantherNeitherlivin’nordead。
Butthehandwastherallright，Upsidedown，thewayI’ddroppedit，Andglist’nin’fittodazzleyer。
Idon’tknowhowIdoneit，An’Idon’tknowwhyIdoneit，ButIwantedtogitthatdret’fulhandouto’sightIgotint’th’barn，somehow，An’feltroun’tillIgotaspade。
Icouldn’tstopferalantern，Besides，themoonlightwasbrightenoughinallconscience。
ThenIscoopedthatawfulthingupinth’spade。
Ihadasighto’troubledoin’it。
Itslidoff，andtippedover，andIcouldn’tbearEv’ntotouchitwithmyfoottopropit，ButIdoneitsomehow。
ThenIcarrieditoffbe’indthebarn，Closttoanoldapple-treeWhereyoucouldn’tseefromthehouse，An’Iburiedit，Goodan’deep。
Idon’trec’lectnothin’moreo’thatnight。
Clarencewokemeupinth’mornin’，Hollerin’fermetocomedownandsetth’milk。
Whenhe’dgone，Istoleroun’totheapple-treeAndseedtheearthallnewturnedWhereIleftitinmyhurry。
Ididaheapo’gardenin’
Thatmornin’。
Icouldn’tcutnobigsodsFearClarencewouldnoticeandaskmewhatIwanted’emfer，SoIgotteenybitso’turfhereandther，Andnoonecouldn’ttellther’dbe’nanydiggin’
WhenIgotthrough。
Theywasawfuldaysafterthat，Mis’Priest，Iusedtergoeverymornin’andpokeaboutthembushes，An’upanddownthefence，Terfindthebodythathandcomeoffof。
ButIcouldn’tneverfindnothin’。
I’dlayawakenightsHearin’themlaylocksblowin’andwhiskin’。
AtlastIhadClarencecut’emdownAn’makeabigbonfireof’em。
Itoldhimthesmellmademesick，An’thatwarn’tnolie，Ican’tabearthesmellon’emnow;
An’nowonder，esyousay。
Ifrettedsomethin’awful’boutthathandIwondered，coulditbeHiram’s，Butfolksdon’trobgraveyardshereabouts。
Besides，Hiram’shandswarn’tthatawful，starin’white。
Igiveupseein’people，IwasafearedI’dsaysomethin’。
Youknowwhatfolksthoughto’meBetter’nIdo，Idessay，Butmebbenowyou’llseeIcouldn’tdonothin’diff’rent。
ButIstuckitout，Iwarn’tgoin’tobedownedBynoloosehand，nomatterhowitcometherButthatain’ttheworst，Mis’Priest，Notbyalongways。
Twoyearago，Mr。DensmoremademeanofferforCherry’sOrchard。
Well，I’dgotusedtoth’thoughto’bein’sorto’blighted，An’Iwarn’tscarednomore。
Liveddownmyfear，Iguess。
I’dkindergotusedtoth’thoughto’thatawfulnight，AndIdidn’tmopemuchaboutit。
OnlyIneverwentouto’doorsbymoonlight;
Thatstuck。
Well，whenMr。Densmore’soffercome，Istartedthinkin’’bouttheplaceAn’allthethingsthathadgoneonther。
ThinksI，IguessI’llgoandseewhereIputthehand。
Iwasfoolhardywiththelongtimethathadgoneby。
Iknow’dtheplacerealwell，FerI’dputitrightinbetweentwoo’theappleroots。
Idon’tknowwhatpossessedme，Mis’Priest，ButIkinderwantedtoknowThatthehandhadbeenfleshandbone，anyway。
Ithadsorterbotheredme，thinkin’Imightha’imaginedit。
Itookamornin’whenthesunwasrealpleasantandwarm;
IguessedIwouldn’tjumpforafewoldbones。
ButIdidjump，somethin’wicked。
Therwarn’tnobones！
Therwarn’tnothin’！
Notev’nthegoldringI’dmindedbein’onthelittlefinger。
Idon’tknowefthereverwasanythin’。
I’veworriedmyselfsickoverit。
Ibe’ndiggin’anddiggin’dayinanddayoutTillClarenceketchedmeatit。
Oh，Iknow’drealwellwhatyouallthought，An’Iain’tsayin’you’renotright，ButIain’tgoin’toendinnocounty’sylumIfIc’nhelpit。
Theshiv’rin’fitscomeonmesuddenlike。
Iknow’em，don’tyoutrouble。
I’vefrettedconsiderableaboutthe’sylum，IguessIbe’nfrettin’allthetimeIain’tbe’ndiggin’。
ButanyhowIcan’tdigtoChicago，canI？
Thankyou，Mis’Priest，I’mbetternow。Ionlydroppedininpassin’。
I’lljestbesteppin’alongdowntoFrench’s。
No，Iwon’tbeseein’nobodyinthemornin’，It’saprettyearlystart。
Don’tyoustandther，Mis’Priest，Thewind’llblowyerlampout，An’Ic’nseeeasy，Igotaholto’thegatenow。
Iain’tamitetired，thankyou。
Good-night。