TheGrocery\"Hullo，Alice！\"
\"Hullo，Leon！\"
\"Say，Alice，gi’meacoupleO’themtwoforfivecigars，Willyer？\"
\"Where’syournickel？\"
\"My！Ain’tyouclose！
Can’ttrustafeller，canyer。\"
\"Trustyou！WhyWhatyouowethisstoreWouldsetyouupinbusiness。
Ican’tthinkwhyFather’lowsit。\"
\"YerFather’sasightmoreneighbourlyThanyoube。That’safact。
Besides，heknowsIgotavote。\"
\"Avote！Oh，yes，yougotavote！
Aloto’goodtheSenate’llbetoFatherWhenallhisbankaccountHasrunawayincredits。
There’syourcigars，Ifyoucanrelishsmokin’
Withallyouoweusstandin’。\"
\"Idunnoasthatmakes’emtasteanydiff’rent。
Youain’tfairtome，Alice，’deedyouain’t。
Iworkwhenanythin’sdoin’。
I’llgetacarpenterin’jobnextSummersure。
Clevewastellin’meto-dayhe’dtakemeoncomeSpring。\"
\"ComeSpring，andthisDecember！
I’venopatiencewithyou，Leon，Shilly-shallyin’thewayyoudo。
Here，liftoverthemcrateso’orangesIwanterfix’eminthewinder。\"
\"Itrilesyer，don’tit，menothavin’work。
Youpepperupaboutitsomethin’good。
Youpickan’pick，andthatdon’thelpamite。
Say，Alice，docomeinouto’thatwinder。
Th’orangesc’nwait，An’Idon’tliketalkin’toyerback。\"
\"Don’tyou！Well，you’dbettermakethebesto’whatyoucangit。
Maybeyouwon’thavemybacktotalktosoon。
Theylookgoodinpyramidswiththe’lectriclighton’em，Don’tthey？
NowhandmethembananasAn’I’llstring’emrightacrost。\"
\"Whatdoyermean’Boutmenothavin’youtotalkto？
Areyerspringin’somethin’onme？\"
\"Idon’tknow’boutspringin’
WhenI’mtellin’yourightout。
I’mgoin’away，that’sall。\"
\"Where？Why？
Whatyermean——goin’away？\"
\"I’vetookaplaceDowntoBoston，inacandystoreFortheholidays。\"
\"GoodLand，Alice，WhatintheHeavensfer！\"
\"Toearnsomemoney，Andtogitawayfromhere，Iguess。\"
\"Ain’tyerFathergotenough？
Don’thegiveyerproperpocket-money？\"
\"He’dhaveaplenty，ifyoufolkspaidhim。\"
\"He’srichItellyer。
Ineverfiguredhe’dbeclosewithyou。\"
\"Oh，heain’t。Notclose。
Thatain’twhy。
ButImustgitawayfromhere。
Imust！Imust！\"
\"Yougotaloto’reasoninyerTo-night。
Howlongd’youcal’lateYou’llbegone？\"
\"Maybeforalways。\"
\"Whatailsyer，Alice？
Talkin’wildlikethat。
Ain’tyouan’megoin’tobemarriedSomeday。\"
\"Someday！Someday！
Iguessthesun’llneverriseonsomeday。\"
\"Sothat’sthetrouble。
Sameoldstory。
’CauseIain’tgotthecashtosettlerightnow。
YouknowIloveyer，An’I’llmarryyerassoonAsIc’nraisethemoney。\"
\"You’vesaidthatanytimethesefiveyear，Butyoudon’tdonothin’。\"
\"WotcouldIdo？
Therain’tnoworkhereWinters。
Notferacarpenter，therain’t。\"
\"Iguessyouwarn’tbornacarpenter。
Ther’sice-cuttin’aplenty。\"
\"Igotadret’fultenderthroat;
Dr。SmileshetoldmeImustn’treskice-cuttin’。\"
\"Whyhaven’tyougonetoBoston，Andhuntedupajob？\"
\"HaveyerforgotthetimeIwentexpressin’
IntheAmericanoffice，downther？\"
\"Andcomebacktwoweekslater！
No，Iain’t。\"
\"Youdidn’twantIshouldgithurted，Didyer？
I’masighttoolightferallthatliftin’work。
Mybackwascommencin’tostrain，as’twas。
EfIwaslikeyerbrothernow，I’dha’be’ndowntothecitylongago。
ButI’mtooclumsyferadancer。
Iain’tgotArthur’sluck。\"
\"Doyoucallitlucktobeadisgracetoyourfolks，Andgitlockedupinjail！\"
\"Oh，comenow，Alice，`Disgrace’isamitestrong。
Why，thejailwasajoke。
Art’sallright。\"
\"Allright！
Allrighttodance，andsmirk，andlieForalivin’，AndthenintheendLeadasillygirltogiveyouWhatwarn’therstogiveBypretendin’you’dmarryher——
Andsheapupil。\"
\"He’dha’marriedherrightenough，Herfolkswasmillionaires。\"
\"Yes，he’dha’marriedher！
ThankGod，theysavedherthat。\"
\"Art’safinefeller。
IwishIhadhisluck。
Swellin’roundinHart，Schaffner&Marxfancysuits，Andeatin’inrest’rants。
Butsomebody’sgottosticktotheoldplace，ElseFoxfield’dhavetoshutupshop，Hey，Alice？\"
\"Youadmirehim！
YouadmireArthur！
You’dbelikehimonlyyoucan’tdance。
Oh，Shame！Shame！
AndI’vebeenlikethatsillygirl。
Fooledwithyourpromises，AndIgiveyouallIhad。
Iknewit，oh，Iknewit，ButIwantedtogitaway’foreIprovedit。
You’veshamedmethroughandthrough。
Whycouldn’tyouholdyourtongue，Andsparedmeseein’youAsyoureallyare。\"
\"WhattheDevil’stherow？
IonlysaidArtwaslucky。
Whatyouspitfirin’atmefer？
Fergetit，Alice。
We’vehadgoodtimes，ain’twe？
I’llseeCleve’boutthatjobaginto-morrer，Andwe’llbemarried’forehayin’time。\"
\"It’slikeyoutoremindmeo’hayin’time。
I’vegoodcausetoloveit，ain’tI？
Many’sthenightI’vehidmyfaceinthedarkToshutoutthinkin’！\"
\"Why，thatain’tnothin’。
Youain’tbe’nhalfsokindtomeAslotso’fellers’girls。
Gi’meakiss，Dear，Andlet’smakeup。\"
\"Makeup！
Youpoorfool。
DoyousupposeIcareatencentpieceForyounow。
You’vekilledyourselfforme。
Doneitouto’yourownmouth。
You’vetookawaymyhome，Ihatethesighto’theplace。
You’realloverit，Everystickan’stonemeansyou，An’Ihate’emall。\"
\"Alice，Isay，Don’tgoonlikethat。
Ican’tmarryyerBoardin’inoneroom，ButI’llseeCleveto-morrer，I’llmakehim————\"
\"Oh，youfool！
Youterriblefool！\"
\"Alice，don’tgoyit，Waitaminit，I’llseeCleve————\"
\"Youterriblefool！\"
\"Alice，don’tgo。
Alice————\"（Doorslams）
Number3ontheDocketThelawyer，areyou？
Well！Iain’tgotnothin’tosay。
Nothin’！
ItoldtheperliceIhadn’tnothin’。
Theyknow’drealwell’twasme。
Therwarn’tnosupposin’，Ketchin’meinthewoodsastheydid，An’meinmyhousedress。
Folksdon’twalkmilesan’milesInthedriftedsnow，Withnohatnorwrapon’emEfeverythin’sallright，Iguess。
Allright？Ha！Ha！Ha！
Nothin’warn’trightwithme。
Neverwas。
Oh，Lord！WhydidIdoit？
Whyain’tityesterday，andEdhereagin？
Many’sthetimeI’vesetupwithhimnightsWhenhehadcramps，orrheumatizm，orsomethin’。
Iusedternursehimsame’sefhewasababy。
Iwouldn’thurthim，Ilovehim！
Don’tyoudaretosayIkilledhim。’Twarn’tme！
Somethin’gotaholto’me。Icouldn’thelpit。
Oh，whatshallIdo！WhatshallIdo！
Yes，Sir。
No，Sir。
Ibegyourpardon，I——I——
Oh，I’mawickedwoman！
An’I’mdesolate，desolate！
Whywarn’tIstruckdeadorparalyzedAforemyhandsdoneit。
Oh，myGod，whatshallIdo！
No，Sir，therain’tnoextenuatin’circumstances，An’Idon’twantnone。
Iwantabolto’lightnin’
Tostrikemedeadrightnow！
Oh，I’lltellyer。
Butitwon’tmakenodiff’rence。
Nothin’will。
Yes，Ikilledhim。
Whydoyermakemesayit？
It’scruel！Cruel！
Ikilledhimbecauseo’th’silence。
Thelong，longsilence，Thatwatchedallaroundme，Andhewouldn’tbreakit。
Itriedtomakehim，Timean’agin，Buthewasterribletaciturn，Edwas。
Heneverspoke’ceptwhenhehadto，An’thenhe’donlysay\"yes\"and\"no\"。
Youcan’tevenguesswhatthatsilencewas。
I’dhearitwhisperin’inmyears，An’Igotfrightened，’twassothick，An’al’ayscomin’back。
EfEdwouldha’talkedsometimesItwouldha’drivenitaway;
Butheneverwould。
Hedidn’thearitsameasIdid。
Yousee，Sir，Ourfarmwasoff’nthemainroad，Andsetawaybackunderthemountain;
Andthevillagewassevenmileoff，Measurin’afteryou’dgotouto’ourlane。
Wedidn’thavenohiredman，’Ceptinhayin’time;
An’Dane’splace，Thatwasthenearest，Wasclearway’tothersidethemountain。
TheyusedMarleypost-officeAn’ourswasBenton。
Therwasacart-tracktookyertoDane’sinSummer，An’itwarn’tabovetwomilethatway，Butitwarn’tneverbrokeoutWinters。
IusedtodreadtheWinters。
Seem’sefIcouldn’tabeartoseethegolden-rodbloomin’;
Winter’dcomesoquickafterthat。
Youdon’tknowwhatsnow’slikewhenyerwithitDayinan’dayout。
Edwouldbeoutalldayloggin’，An’IsetathomeandlookatthesnowLayin’overeverythin’;
It’uddazzlemeblind，Tillitwarn’twhiteanymore，butblackasink。
Thenthequiet’udcommencerushin’pastmyearsTillImostwentmadlistenin’toit。
Many’sthetimeI’vedroppedapanonthefloorJesttohearitclatter。
Iwasmostfranticwhendinner-timecomeAn’Edwasbackfromthewoods。
I’dha’givemysoultohearhimspeak。
Buthe’dneversayawordtillIaskedhimDidheliketheraisedbiscuitsorwhatever，An’thensometimeshe’djestnodhisanswer。
Thenhe’dgooutagin，An’I’dwatchhimfromthekitchinwinder。
Itseemedthewoodscomemarchin’outtomeethimAn’thetrees’udpressroundhiman’hustlehim。
IgotsoIwasscaredo’th’trees。
Ithoughttheycomenearer，Everydayalittlenearer，Closin’uproundthehouse。
Ineverwentint’th’woodsWinters，ThoughinSummerIliked’emwellenough。
Itwarn’tsobadwhenmylittleboywaswithus。
Heusedtogosleddin’andskatin’，An’everydayhisfatherfetchedhimtoschoolinthepungAn’broughthimbackagin。
Wescrapedan’scrapedferNeddy，Wewantedhimtohaveaeducation。
WesenthimtoHighSchool，An’thenhewentuptoBostontoTechnology。
Hewasaminin’engineer，An’doin’realwell，Acredittohisbringin’up。
Buthisveryfirstpositiontherwasanexplosioninthemine。
AndI’mglad！I’mglad！
Heain’theretoseemenow。
Neddy！Neddy！
I’myourmotherstill，Neddy。
Don’tturnfrommelikethat。
Ican’tabearit。Ican’t！Ican’t！
Whatdidyousay？
Oh，yes，Sir。
I’mhere。
I’mverysorry，Idon’tknowwhatI’msayin’。
No，Sir，NottillafterNeddydied。
’TwasthenextWinterthesilencecome，Idon’tremembernoticin’itafore。
Thatwasfiveyearago，An’it’sbeengittin’worsean’worse。
IaskedEdtoputinatelephone。
IthoughtefIfeltthewhisperin’comin’onIcouldringupsomeo’th’folks。
ButEdwouldn’thearofit。
Hesaidwe’dpaidsomuchforNeddyWecouldn’thardlygitalongas’twas。
An’heneverunderstoodmewantin’totalk。
Well，thisyearwasworse’nalltheothers;
Wehadaterriblespello’stormyweather，An’thesnowlaysothickYoucouldn’tseethefenceseven。
Outo’doorswasasflatasthepalmo’myhand，Therwarn’tahumporahollerFerasyoucouldsee。
ItwassoquietThesnappin’o’thebranchesbackinthewood-lotSoundedlikepistolshots。
EdwasoutalldaySameasusual。
An’itseemedhetalkedless’never。
Hedidn’tevensay`Good-mornin’’，onceortwice，An’jestnoddedorshookhisheadwhenIaskedhimthings。
OnMondayhesaidhe’dgottogoovertoBentonFersomeoats。
I’doughterha’gonewithhim，But’twaswashin’dayAn’Iwasafearedthefineweather’dbreak，An’Icouldn’tdomydryin’。
AllmylifeI’ddonemyworkpunctual，An’Icouldn’tfixmyconscienceTogojunketin’onawashin’-day。
Ican’ttellyouwhatthatdaywastome。
Itdraggedan’dragged，Fertherwarn’tnoEdterbreakitinthemiddleFerdinner。
EverytimeIstoppedstirrin’thewaterIheerdthewhisperin’allaboutme。
Istoppedoftener’nIshouldToseeef’twasstillther，An’ital’ayswas。
An’gittin’louderItseemedterme。
OnceIthrewupthewindertofeelthewind。
Thatseemedmostalivesomehow。
Butthewoodslookedsokindofmenacin’
IcloseditquickAn’startedtomangle’shard’sIcould，Thesqueakin’wascomfortin’。
Well，Edcomehome’boutfour。
Iseenhimdowntheroad，An’Irunoutthroughtheshedinterth’barnTomeethimquicker。
Iholleredout，`Hullo！’
Buthedidn’tsaynothin’，HejestdroverightinAn’climbedouto’th’sleighAn’commencedunharnessin’。
Iaskedhimaheapo’questions;
Whohe’dseedAn’whathe’ddone。
Onceinawhilehe’dnodorshake，Butmosto’th’timehedidn’tdonothin’。
’Twasgittin’darkthen，An’Iwasinastate，WiththelonelinessAn’Edpayin’noattentionLikesomethin’warn’tlivin’。
Allofasuddenitcome，Idon’tknowwhat，ButIjestcouldn’tstandnomore。
Itdidn’tseem’sthoughthatwasEd，An’itdidn’tseemasthoughIwasme。
Ihadtobreakawayoutsomehow，Somethin’wasclosin’inAn’Iwasstiflin’。
Ed’sloggin’axewasther，An’Itookit。
Oh，myGod！
Ican’tseenothin’elseaforemeallthetime。
Irunoutinterth’woods，Seemedaseftheywaspullin’me;
An’allthetimeIwaswadin’throughthesnowIseedEdinfrontofmeWhereI’dlaidhim。
An’Iseehimnow。
There！There！
Whatyouholdin’mefer？
IwanttergotoEd，He’sbleedin’。
Stopholdin’me。
Igottogo。
I’mcomin’，Ed。
I’llbetherinaminit。
Oh，I’msotired！
（Faints）
ClocksTickaCenturyNightmare：ATaleforanAutumnEveningAfteraPrintbyGeorgeCruikshankItwasagustynight，Withthewindbooming，andswooping，Loopingroundcorners，Slidingoverthecobble-stones，Whippingandveering，AndcareeringovertheroofsLikeathousandclatteringhorses。
Mr。Sprugginshadbeendininginthecity，Mr。Sprugginswasnonetoosteadyinhisgait，AndthewindplayedballwithMr。SprugginsAndlaughedasitwhistledpasthim。
Itrolledhimalongthestreet，Withhislittlefeetpit-a-pattingontheflagsofthesidewalk，Andhismufflerandhiscoat-tailsblownstraightoutbehindhim。
Itbumpedhimagainstarearailings，Andchuckledinhisearwhenhesaid\"Ouch！\"
SometimesitliftedhimclearoffhislittlepattingfeetAndborehimintriumphoverthreegreyflagstonesandaquarter。
Themoondodgedinandoutofclouds，winking。
ItwasallveryunpleasantforMr。Spruggins，AndwhenthewindflunghimhardagainsthisownfrontdoorItwasarelief，Althoughthebreathwasquiteknockedoutofhim。
Thegas-lampinfrontofthehouseflaredup，Andthekeyholewasasbigasabarndoor;
Thegas-lampflickeredawaytoasputteringbluestar，Andthekeyholewentoutwithit。
Suchastabbing，andjabbing，Andsticking，andpicking，Andpoking，andpushing，andpryingWiththatkey;
AndthereisnodenyingthatMr。Sprugginsrappedoutanoathortwo，Rub-a-dub-dubbingthemouttoarealsnare-drumroll。
Butthedooropenedatlast，AndMr。SprugginsblewthroughitintohisownhallAndslammedthedoortosohardThattheknockerbangedfivetimesbeforeitstopped。
Mr。Sprugginsstruckalightandlitacandle，Andallthetimethemoonwinkedathimthroughthewindow。
\"Whycouldn’tyoufindthekeyhole，Spruggins？\"
Tauntedthewind。
\"Icanfindthekeyhole。\"
Andthewind，thinasawire，DartedinandseizedthecandleflameAndknockeditovertoonesideAndpummelleditdown——down——down——！
ButMr。Sprugginsheldthecandlesoclosethatitsingedhischin，Andranandstumbledupthestairsinasurprisinglyagilemanner，Forthewindthroughthekeyholekeptsaying，\"Spruggins！Spruggins！\"
behindhim。
Thefireinhisbedroomburnedbrightly。
TheroomwithitscrimsonbedandwindowcurtainsWasasredandglowingasacarbuncle。
Itwasstillandwarm。
Therewasnowindhere，forthewindowswerefastened;
Andnomoon，Forthecurtainsweredrawn。
ThecandleflamestooduplikeapointedpearInawidebrassdish。
Mr。Sprugginssighedwithcontent;
Hewassafeathome。
Thefireglowed——redandyellowrosesIntheblackbasketofthegrate——
AndthebedwithitscrimsonhangingsSeemedagreatpeony，Wideopenandplacid。
Mr。Sprugginsslippedoffhistop-coatandhismuffler。
Heslippedoffhisbottle-greencoatAndhisfloweredwaistcoat。
Heputonaflanneldressing-gown，Andtiedapeakednight-capunderhischin。
HewoundhislargegoldwatchAndplaceditunderhispillow。
Thenhetiptoedovertothewindowandpulledbackthecurtain。
Therewasthemoondodginginandoutoftheclouds;
Butbehindhimwashisquietcandle。
Therewasthewindwhiskingalongthestreet。
Thewindowrattled，butitwasfastened。
Didthewindsay，\"Spruggins\"？
AllMr。Sprugginsheardwas\"S-s-s-s-s——\"
Dyingawaydownthestreet。
Hedroppedthecurtainandgotintobed。
Marthahadbeeninthelastthingwiththewarming-pan;
Thebedwaswarm，AndMr。Sprugginssankintofeathers，Withthefamiliartickingofhiswatchjustunderhishead。
Mr。Sprugginsdozed。
Hehadforgottentoputoutthecandle，Butitdidnotmakemuchdifferenceasthefirewassobright……
Toobright！
Theredandyellowrosesprickedhiseyelids，Theyscorchedhimbacktoconsciousness。
Hetriedtoshifthisposition;
Hecouldnotmove。
Somethingweighedhimdown，Hecouldnotbreathe。
Hewasgasping，Pinneddownandsuffocating。
Heopenedhiseyes。
Thecurtainsofthewindowwereflungback，Thefireandthecandlewereout，Andtheroomwasfilledwithgreenmoonlight。
Andpressedagainstthewindow-paneWasawide，roundface，Winking——winking——
Solemnlydroppingoneeyelidaftertheother。
Tick——tock——wentthewatchunderhispillow，Wink——wink——wentthefaceatthewindow。
Itwasnotthefireroseswhichhadprickedhim，Itwasthewinkingeyes。
Mr。Sprugginstriedtobounceup;
Hecouldnot，because——
HisheartflappedupintohismouthAndfellbackdead。
Onhischestwasafatpinkpig，OnthepigablackamoorWithatenpoundweightforacap。
Hismustachioskeptcurlingupanddownlikeangrysnakes，Andhiseyesrolledroundandround，Withthepupilscomingintosight，anddisappearing，Andappearingagainontheotherside。
Theholstersathissaddle-bowweretwoportbottles，Andacurvedtable-knifehungathisbeltforascimitar，Whileaforkandakegofspiritswerestrappedtothesaddlebehind。
Hedughisspursintothepig，Whichtrampledandsnorted，AndstampeditsclovenfeetdeeperintoMr。Spruggins。
Thenthegreenlightonthefloorbegantoundulate。
Itheavedandhollowed，Itroselikeatide，Sea-green，FullofclawsandscalesAndwriggles。
Theairabovehisbedbegantomove;
ItweighedoverhimInamassofdraggledfeathers。
Notoneliftedtostirtheair。
TheydroopedanddrippedWithasmellofportwineandbrandy，Closingdown，slowly，Tricklingdropsonthebed-quilt。
Suddenlythewindowfellinwithagreatscatterofglass，Andthemoonburstintotheroom，Sizzling——\"S-s-s-s-s——Spruggins！Spruggins！\"
Itrolledtowardhim，Agreenballofflame，Withtwoeyesinthecenter，Aredeyeandayelloweye，Droppingtheirlidsslowly，Oneaftertheother。
Mr。Sprugginstriedtoscream，ButtheblackamoorLeaptoffhispigWithacry，Drewhisscimitar，AndplungeditintoMr。Spruggins’smouth。
Mr。SprugginsgotupinthecolddawnAndremadethefire。
ThenhecreptbacktobedBythelightwhichseepedinunderthewindowcurtains，Andlaythere，shivering，WhilethebellsofSt。GeorgetheMartyrchimedthequarterafterseven。
ThePaperWindmillThelittleboypressedhisfaceagainstthewindow-paneandlookedoutatthebrightsunshinymorning。Thecobble-stonesofthesquareglistenedlikemica。Inthetrees，abreezedancedandpranced，andshookdropsofsunlightlikefallinggoldencoinsintothebrownwaterofthecanal。Downstreamslowlydriftedalongstringofgalliotspiledwithcrimsoncheeses。Thelittleboythoughttheylookedasiftheywereroc’seggs，blocksofbigrubyeggs。Hesaid，\"Oh！\"withdelight，andpressedagainstthewindowwithallhismight。
Thegoldencockonthetopofthe`Stadhuis’gleamed。Hisbeakwasopenlikeapairofscissorsandanarrowpieceofblueskywaswedgedinit。
\"Cock-a-doodle-do，\"criedthelittleboy。\"Can’tyouhearmethroughthewindow，GoldCocky？Cock-a-doodle-do！Youshouldcrowwhenyouseetheeggsofyourcousin，thegreatroc。\"Butthegoldencockstoodstockstill，withhisfinetailblowinginthewind。
Hecouldnotunderstandthelittleboy，forhesaid\"Cocorico\"
whenhesaidanything。Buthewashungintheairtoswing，nottosing。
HiseyesglitteredtothebrightWestwind，andthecrimsoncheesesdriftedawaydownthecanal。
Itwasverydullthereinthebigroom。Outsideinthesquare，thewindwasplayingtagwithsomefallenleaves。Amanpassed，withadogcartbesidehimfullofsmart，newmilkcans。Theyrattledoutagaytune：
\"Tiddity-tum-ti-ti。Havesomemilkforyourtea。Creamforyourcoffeetodrinkto-night，thick，andsmooth，andsweet，andwhite，\"
andtheman’ssabotsbeatanaccompaniment：\"Plop！trop！milkforyourtea。
Plop！trop！drinkitto-night。\"Itwasverypleasantoutthere，butitwaslonelyhereinthebigroom。Thelittleboygulpedatatear。
Itwasqueerhowdullallhistoyswere。Theyweresostill。
Nothingwasstillinthesquare。Ifhetookhiseyesawayamomentithadchanged。Themilkmanhaddisappearedroundthecorner，therewasonlyanoldwomanwithabasketofgreenstuffonherhead，pickingherwayovertheshinystones。Butthewindpulledtheleavesinthebasketthiswayandthat，anddisplayedthemtobeautifuladvantage。
Thesunpattedthemcondescendinglyontheirflatsurfaces，andtheyseemedsprinkledwithsilver。Thelittleboysighedashelookedathisdisorderedtoysonthefloor。Theyweremotionless，andtheircoloursweredull。
Thedarkwainscotingabsorbedthesun。Therewasnoneleftfortoys。
Thesquarewasquiteemptynow。Onlythewindranroundandroundit，spinning。Awayoverinthecornerwhereastreetopenedintothesquare，thewindhadstopped。Stoppedrunning，thatis，foritneverstoppedspinning。Itwhirred，andwhirled，andgyrated，andturned。
Itburnedlikeagreatcolouredsun。Ithummed，andbuzzed，andsparked，anddarted。Therewereflashesofblue，andlongsmearinglinesofsaffron，andquickjabsofgreen。Andoveritallwasasheenlikeamyriadcutdiamonds。Roundandrounditwent，thehugewind-wheel，andthelittleboy’sheadreeledwithwatchingit。Thewholesquarewasfilledwithitsrays，blazingandleapingroundafteroneanother，fasterandfaster。Thelittleboycouldnotspeak，hecouldonlygaze，staringinamaze。
Thewind-wheelwascomingdownthesquare。Nearerandneareritcame，agreatdiskofspinningflame。Itwasoppositethewindownow，andthelittleboycouldseeitplainly，butitwassomethingmorethanthewindwhichhesaw。Amanwascarryingahugefan-shapedframeonhisshoulder，andstuckinitweremanylittlepaintedpaperwindmills，eachonescurryingroundinthebreeze。Theywerebrightandbeautiful，andthesightwasonetopleaseanybody，andhowmuchmorealittleboywhohadonlystupid，motionlesstoystoenjoy。
Thelittleboyclappedhishands，andhiseyesdancedandwhizzed，forthecirclingwindmillsmadehimdizzy。Closerandclosercamethewindmillman，andhelduphisbigfantothelittleboyinthewindowoftheAmbassador’shouse。Onlyapaneofglassbetweentheboyandthewindmills。Theyslidroundbeforehiseyesinrapidlyrevolvingsplendour。Therewerewheelsandwheelsofcolours——
big，little，thick，thin——alloneclear，perfectspin。Thewindmillvendordippedandraisedthemagain，andthelittleboy’sfacewasgluedtothewindow-pane。Oh！Whataglorious，wonderfulplaything！
Ringsandringsofwindycolouralwaysmoving！Howhadanyoneeverpreferredthoseothertoyswhichneverstirred。\"Nursie，comequickly。Look！
Iwantawindmill。See！Itisneverstill。Youwillbuymeone，won’tyou？
Iwantthatsilverone，withthebigringofblue。\"
Soaservantwassenttobuythatone：silver，ringedwithblue，andsmartlyittwirledaboutintheservant’shandsashestoodamomenttopaythevendor。Thenheenteredthehouse，andinanotherminutehewasstandinginthenurserydoor，withsomecrumpledpaperontheendofastickwhichheheldouttothelittleboy。\"ButIwantedawindmillwhichwentround，\"criedthelittleboy。\"Thatistheoneyouaskedfor，MasterCharles，\"Nursiewasabitimpatient，shehadmendingtodo。
\"See，itissilver，andhereistheblue。\"\"Butitisonlyabluestreak，\"
sobbedthelittleboy。\"Iwantedabluering，andthissilverdoesn’tsparkle。\"\"Well，MasterCharles，thatiswhatyouwanted，nowrunawayandplaywithit，forIamverybusy。\"
Thelittleboyhidhistearsagainstthefriendlywindow-pane。Onthefloorlaythemotionless，crumpledbitofpaperontheendofitsstick。
Butfarawayacrossthesquarewasthewindmillvendor，withhisbigwheelofwhirringsplendour。Itspunroundinablazelikeawhirlingrainbow，andthesungleameduponit，andthewindwhippedit，untilitseemedamazeofspatteringdiamonds。\"Cocorico！\"crowedthegoldencockonthetopofthe`Stadhuis’。\"Thatissomethingworthcrowingfor。\"
Butthelittleboydidnothearhim，hewassobbingoverthecrumpledbitofpaperonthefloor。
TheRedLacquerMusic-StandAmusic-standofcrimsonlacquer，longsincebroughtInsomefastclipper-shipfromChina，quaintlywroughtWithbossedandcarvenflowersandfruitsinblackeninggold，TheslendershaftalltwinedaboutandthicklyscrolledWithvineleavesandyoungtwistedtendrils，whirling，curling，Flingingtheirnewshootsoverthefourwings，andswirlingOutonthethreewidefeetingoldenlumpsandstreams;
Petalsandapplesinhighrelief，andwheretheseamsArewornwithhandling，throughthepolishedcrimsonsheen，Longstreaksofblack，theunderlacquer，shineoutclean。
Fourdesks，adjustable，tosuittheheightsofplayersSittingtoviolsorstandinguptosing，fourlayersOfmusictoserveeveryinstrument，arethere，Andontheapexalargeflat-toppedgoldenpear。
Itburnsinredandyellow，dusty，smoulderinglights，Whenthesunflarestheoldbarn-chamberwithitsflightsAndskipsuponthecrystalknobsofdimsideboards，Leglessandmouldy，andhops，glinttoglint，onhoardsOfscythes，andspades，anddinner-horns，sotheoldtoolsArelittlecandlesthrowingbrightnessroundinpools。
WithOrientalsplendour，redandgold，thedustCoveringitsflameslikesmokeandthinningasagustOfbrightersunshinemakesthecoloursleapandrange，Thestrangeoldmusic-standseemstostrikeoutandchange;
Tostrokeandtearthedarknesswithsharpgoldenclaws;
Todartaforked，vermiliontonguefromopenjaws;
Topuffoutbittersmokewhichchokesthesun;andfadeBacktoastill，faintoutlineobliterateinshade。
Creepinguptheladderintotheloft，theBoyStandswatching，verystill，pricklyandhotwithjoy。
Heseesthedustysun-moteslitbystreaksofred，Heseesitsplitandstream，andallabouthisheadSpikesandspearsofgoldarelicking，pricking，flicking，Scratchingagainstthewallsandfurniture，andnickingThedarknessintosparks，chippingawaythegloom。
TheBoy’snosesmartswiththepungenceintheroom。
ThewindpushesanelmbranchfrombeforethedoorAndthesunwidensoutallalongthefloor，Fillingthebarn-chamberwithwhite，straightforwardlight，Sonotoneblurredoutlinecanteasethemindtofright。
\"OAllyeWorksoftheLord，BlessyetheLord;PraiseHim，andMagnifyHimforever。
OlettheEarthBlesstheLord;Yea，letitPraiseHim，andMagnifyHimforever。
OyeMountainsandHills，BlessyetheLord;PraiseHim，andMagnifyHimforever。
OAllyeGreenThingsupontheEarth，BlessyetheLord;PraiseHim，andMagnifyHimforever。\"
TheBoywillpraisehisGodonanaltarbuildedfair，WillheapitwiththeWorksoftheLord。Inthemorningair，Spicesshallburnonit，andbytheirpalesmokecurled，LikeshootsofalltheGreenThings，theGodofthisbrightWorldShallseetheBoy’sdesiretopayhisdebtofpraise。
TheBoyturnsroundabout，seekingwithcarefulgazeAnaltarmeetandworthy，buteachtableandchairHassomedefect，eachpieceisneedingsomerepairToperfectit;thechairshavebrokenlegsandbacks，Thetablesareuneven，andeveryhighboylacksAhandleoradrawer，thedesksarebruisedandworn，Andevenawidesofahasitscaneseattorn。
OnlyinthegloomfarinthecornerthereThelacquermusic-standiselegantandrare，Clearandslimofline，withitsfourwingsoutspread，Thesoundofoldquartets，atenuous，faintthread，Hangingandfloatingoverit，itstandssupreme——
Black，andgold，andcrimson，inonetwistedscheme！
Acandleonthebookcasefeelsadraughtandwavers，Stipplingthewhite-washedwallswithdancingshadesandquavers。
Abed-post，growncolossal，jigsabouttheceiling，Andshadows，strangelyaltered，stainthewalls，revealingEagles，andrabbits，andweirdfacespulledawry，Andhandswhichfetchandcarrythingsincessantly。
UndertheEasternwindow，wherethemorningsunMusttouchit，standsthemusic-stand，andoneachoneOfitsbroadplatformsisapyramidofstones，Andmetals，anddriedflowers，andpineandhemlockcones，Anoriole’snestwiththefoureggsneatlyblown，Therattleofarattlesnake，andthreelargebrownButternutsuncracked，sixbutterfliesimpaledWithagreenlunamoth，asnake-skinfreshlyscaled，Somesunflowerseeds，wampum，andabloody-toothshell，Abluejayfeather，alltogetherpiledpell-mellThestandwillholdnomore。TheBoywithhummingheadLooksonceagain，blowsoutthelight，andcreepstobed。
TheBoykeepssolemnvigil，whileoutsidethewindBlowsgustilyandclear，andslapsagainsttheblind。
Hehardlytriestosleep，sosharphisecstasyItburnshissoultoemptiness，andsetsitfreeForadorationonly，forworship。Dedicate，Hisunsheathedsoulisnakedinitsnovitiate。
Thehoursstrikebelowfromtheclockonthestair。
TheBoyisawhiteflamesuspiringinprayer。
Morningwillbringthesun，theGoldenEyeofHimWhosesplendourmustbeveiledbystarrycherubim，WhoseFeetshimmerlikecrystalinthestreetsofHeaven。
Likeanopenrosethesunwillstandupeven，Frontingthewindow-sill，andwhenthecasementglowsRose-redwiththenew-blownmorning，thenthefirewhichflowsFromthesunwillfalluponthealtarandigniteThespices，andhissacrificewillburninperfumedlight。
Overthemusic-standtheghostsofsoundswillswim，`Violsd’amore’and`hautbois’accordedtoahymn。
TheBoywillseethefaintestbreathofangels’wingsFanningthesmoke，andvoiceswillflowerthroughthestrings。
Hedaresnofarthervision，andwithscaldingeyesWaitsuponthedaylightandhisgreatemprise。
Thecold，greylightofdawnwaswhiteningthewallWhentheBoy，fine-drawnbysleeplessness，startedhisritual。
Hewashed，allshiveringandpointedlikeaflame。
Hethrewtheshuttersopen，andinthewindow-frameThemorningglimmeredlikeatarnishedVeniceglass。
HetookhisChinesepastillesandputtheminamassUponthemantelpiecetillhecouldseekaplateWorthytoholdthemburning。Alas！HehadbeenlateInthinkingofthisneed，andnowhecouldnotfindPlatterorsaucerrareenoughtoeasehismind。
Thehousewasnotastir，andhedarednotgodownIntothebarn-chamber，lestsomedoorshouldbeblownAndslambeforethedraughthemadeashewentout。
Thelightwasgrowingyellower，andstillhelookedabout。
AflashofalmostcrimsonfromthegildedpearUponthemusic-stand，startledhimwaitingthere。
Thesunwouldriseandhewouldmeetitunprepared，Labelledafoolinhavingmissedwhathehaddared。
Heranacrosstheroom，tookhispastillesandlaidThemontheflat-toppedpear，mostcarefullydisplayedTolightwithease，thenstoodalittletooneside，Focussedaburning-glassandpainstakinglytriedToholditangledsothebunchedandprismedraysShouldleapuponeachotherandspringintoablaze。
Sharpasawheelingedgeofdisked，carnationflame，Gem-hardandcuttingupward，slowlytheroundsuncame。
Thearrowedfirecaughttheburning-glassandglanced，Splittoamultitudeofpointedspears，andlanced，Adeeper，hotterflame，ittooktheincensepileWhichwelcomeditandbrokeintoalittlesmileOfyellowflamelets，creeping，crackling，thrustingup，Agolden，red-slashedlilyinalacquercup。
\"OyeFireandHeat，BlessyetheLord;PraiseHim，andMagnifyHimforever。
OyeWinterandSummer，BlessyetheLord;PraiseHim，andMagnifyHimforever。
OyeNightsandDays，BlessyetheLord;PraiseHim，andMagnifyHimforever。
OyeLightningsandClouds，BlessyetheLord;PraiseHim，andMagnifyHimforever。\"
Amomentsoithung，wide-curved，bright-petalled，seemingAchalicefoamedwithsunrise。TheBoywokefromhisdreaming。
Aspikeofflamehadcaughtthecardofbutterflies，Theoriole’snesttookfire，soonallfourgalleriesWherehehadspreadhistreasureswerebecomeonetongueOfgleaming，brutalfire。TheBoyinstantlyswungHispitcheroffthewash-standandturneditupsidedown。
Theflamesdroopedbackandsizzled，andallhissensesgrownAcutebyfear，theBoygrabbedthequiltfromhisbedAndflungitoverall，andthenwithachingheadHewatchedtheearlysunshineglintontheremainsOfhisholyoffering。ThelacquerstandhadstainsUglyandcharredallover，andwherethegoldenpearHadbeen，adeep，blackholegapedmiserably。HisdearTreasureswerepuffsofashes;onlythestoneswerethere，Winkinginthebrightness。
TheclockuponthestairStruckfive，andinthekitchensomeoneshookagrate。
TheBoybegantodress，foritwasgettinglate。
SpringDayBathThedayisfresh-washedandfair，andthereisasmelloftulipsandnarcissusintheair。
Thesunshinepoursinatthebath-roomwindowandboresthroughthewaterinthebath-tubinlathesandplanesofgreenish-white。Itcleavesthewaterintoflawslikeajewel，andcracksittobrightlight。
Littlespotsofsunshinelieonthesurfaceofthewateranddance，dance，andtheirreflectionswobbledeliciouslyovertheceiling;astirofmyfingersetsthemwhirring，reeling。Imoveafoot，andtheplanesoflightinthewaterjar。Iliebackandlaugh，andletthegreen-whitewater，thesun-flawedberylwater，flowoverme。Thedayisalmosttoobrighttobear，thegreenwatercoversmefromthetoobrightday。
Iwillliehereawhileandplaywiththewaterandthesunspots。
Theskyisblueandhigh。Acrowflapsbythewindow，andthereisawhiffoftulipsandnarcissusintheair。
BreakfastTableInthefresh-washedsunlight，thebreakfasttableisdeckedandwhite。
Itoffersitselfinflatsurrender，tenderingtastes，andsmells，andcolours，andmetals，andgrains，andthewhiteclothfallsoveritsside，drapedandwide。Wheelsofwhiteglitterinthesilvercoffee-pot，hotandspinninglikecatherine-wheels，theywhirl，andtwirl——andmyeyesbegintosmart，thelittlewhite，dazzlingwheelsprickthemlikedarts。
Placidandpeaceful，therollsofbreadspreadthemselvesinthesuntobask。
Astackofbutter-pats，pyramidal，shoutorangethroughthewhite，scream，flutter，call：\"Yellow！Yellow！Yellow！\"Coffeesteamrisesinastream，cloudsthesilvertea-servicewithmist，andtwistsupintothesunlight，revolved，involuted，suspiringhigherandhigher，flutinginathinspiralupthehighbluesky。Acrowfliesbyandcroaksatthecoffeesteam。
Thedayisnewandfairwithgoodsmellsintheair。
WalkOverthestreetthewhitecloudsmeet，andsheerawaywithouttouching。
Onthesidewalks，boysareplayingmarbles。Glassmarbles，withamberandbluehearts，rolltogetherandpartwithasweetclashingnoise。Theboysstrikethemwithblackandredstripedagates。
Theglassmarblesspitcrimsonwhentheyarehit，andslipintotheguttersunderrushingbrownwater。Ismelltulipsandnarcissusintheair，buttherearenoflowersanywhere，onlywhitedustwhippingupthestreet，andagirlwithagaySpringhatandblowingskirts。Thedustandthewindflirtatheranklesandherneat，high-heeledpatentleathershoes。Tap，tap，thelittleheelspatthepavement，andthewindrustlesamongtheflowersonherhat。
Awater-cartcrawlsslowlyontheothersideoftheway。Itisgreenandgaywithnewpaint，andrumblescontentedly，sprinklingclearwateroverthewhitedust。Clearzigzaggingwater，whichsmellsoftulipsandnarcissus。
Thethickeningbranchesmakeapink`grisaille’againstthebluesky。
Whoop！Thecloudsgodashingateachotherandsheerawayjustintime。
Whoop！Andaman’shatcareersdownthestreetinfrontofthewhitedust，leapsintothebranchesofatree，veersawayandtrundlesaheadofthewind，jarringthesunlightintospokesofrose-colourandgreen。
Amotor-carcutsaswathethroughthebrightair，sharp-beaked，irresistible，shoutingtothewindtomakeway。Aglareofdustandsunshinetossestogetherbehindit，andsettlesdown。Theskyisquietandhigh，andthemorningisfairwithfresh-washedair。
MiddayandAfternoonSwirlofcrowdedstreets。Shockandrecoiloftraffic。Thestock-stillbrickfacadeofanoldchurch，againstwhichthewavesofpeoplelurchandwithdraw。Flareofsunshinedownside-streets。Eddiesoflightinthewindowsofchemists’shops，withtheirblue，gold，purplejars，dartingcoloursfarintothecrowd。Loudbangsandtremors，murmuringsoutofhighwindows，whirringofmachinebelts，blurringofhorsesandmotors。Aquickspinandshudderofbrakesonanelectriccar，andthejarofachurch-bellknockingagainstthemetalblueofthesky。Iamapieceofthetown，abitofblowndust，thrustalongwiththecrowd。Proudtofeelthepavementunderme，reelingwithfeet。Feettripping，skipping，lagging，dragging，ploddingdoggedly，orspringingupandadvancingonfirmelasticinsteps。
Aboyissellingpapers，Ismellthemcleanandnewfromthepress。
Theyarefreshliketheair，andpungentastulipsandnarcissus。
Theblueskypalestolemon，andgreattonguesofgoldblindtheshop-windows，puttingouttheircontentsinafloodofflame。
NightandSleepThedaytakeshereaseinslipperedyellow。Electricsignsgleamoutalongtheshopfronts，followingeachother。Theygrow，andgrow，andblowintopatternsoffire-flowersastheskyfades。Tradesscreaminspotsoflightattheunrufflednight。Twinkle，jab，snap，thatmeansanewplay;andovertheway：plop，drop，quiver，isthesidelongsliverofawatchmaker’ssignwithitslengthonanotherstreet。
Agiganticmugofbeereffervescestotheatmosphereoveratallbuilding，buttheskyishighandhasherownstars，whyshouldsheheedours？
Ileavethecitywithspeed。Wheelswhirltotakemebacktomytreesandmyquietness。Thebreezewhichblowswithmeisfresh-washedandclean，ithascomebutrecentlyfromthehighsky。Therearenoflowersinbloomyet，buttheearthofmygardensmellsoftulipsandnarcissus。
Myroomistranquilandfriendly。OutofthewindowIcanseethedistantcity，abandoftwinklinggems，littleflower-headswithnostems。
Icannotseethebeer-glass，northelettersoftherestaurantsandshopsIpassed，nowthesignsblurandalltogethermakethecity，glowingonanightoffineweather，likeagardenstirringandblowingfortheSpring。
Thenightisfresh-washedandfairandthereisawhiffofflowersintheair。
Wrapmeclose，sheetsoflavender。Pouryourblueandpurpledreamsintomyears。Thebreezewhispersattheshuttersandmuttersqueertalesofolddays，andcobbledstreets，andyouthsleapingtheirhorsesdownmarblestairways。Palebluelavender，youarethecolouroftheskywhenitisfresh-washedandfair……Ismellthestars……theyareliketulipsandnarcissus……Ismellthemintheair。
TheDinner-PartyFish\"So……\"theysaid，Withtheirwine-glassesdelicatelypoised，Mockingatthethingtheycannotunderstand。
\"So……\"theysaidagain，Amusedandinsolent。
Thesilveronthetableglittered，AndtheredwineintheglassesSeemedthebloodIhadwastedInafoolishcause。
GameThegentlemanwiththegrey-and-blackwhiskersSneeredlanguidlyoverhisquail。
Thenmyheartflewupandlaboured，AndIburstfrommyownholdingAndhurledmyselfforward。
WithstraightblowsIbeatuponhim，Furiously，withred-hotanger，Ithrustagainsthim。
Butmyweaponslitheredoverhispolishedsurface，AndIrecoileduponmyself，Panting。
Drawing-RoomInadressallsoftnessandhalf-tones，Indolentandhalf-reclined，Shelayuponacouch，Withthefirelightreflectedinherjewels。
Buthereyeshadnoreflection，Theyswaminagreysmoke，Thesmokeofsmoulderingashes，Thesmokeofhercinderedheart。
CoffeeTheysatinacirclewiththeircoffee-cups。
Onedroppedinalumpofsugar，Onestirredwithaspoon。
IsawthemasacircleofghostsSippingblacknessoutofbeautifulchina，AndmildlyprotestingagainstmycoarsenessInbeingalive。
TalkTheytookdeadmen’ssoulsAndpinnedthemontheirbreastsforornament;
Theircuff-linksandtiarasWeregemsdugfromagrave;
Theywereghoulsbatteningonexhumedthoughts;
AndItookagreenliqueurfromaservantSothathemightcomenearmeAndgivemethecomfortofalivingthing。
ElevenO’ClockThefrontdoorwashardandheavy，Itshutbehindmeonthehouseofghosts。
IflattenedmyfeetonthepavementTofeelitsolidunderme;
IranmyhandalongtherailingsAndshookthem，AndpressedtheirpointedbarsIntomypalms。
Thehurtofitreassuredme，AndIdiditagainandagainUntiltheywerebruised。
WhenIwokeinthenightIlaughedtofindthemaching，Foronlylivingfleshcansuffer。
Stravinsky’sThreePieces\"Grotesques\"，forStringQuartetFirstMovementThin-voiced，nasalpipesDrawingsoundoutandoutUntilitisascreechingthread，Sharpandcutting，sharpandcutting，Ithurts。
Whee-e-e！
Bump！Bump！Tong-ti-bump！
Therearedrumshere，Banging，Andwoodenshoesbeatingtheround，greystonesOfthemarket-place。
Whee-e-e！
Sabotsslappingtheworn，oldstones，Andashakingandcrackingofdancingbones;
Clumsyandhardtheyare，Anduneven，LosinghalfabeatBecausethestonesareslippery。
Bump-e-ty-tong！Whee-e-e！Tong！
ThethinSpringleavesShaketothebangingofshoes。
Shoesbeat，slap，Shuffle，rap，Andthenasalpipessquealwiththeirpigs’voices，Littlepigs’voicesWeavingamongthedancers，AfinewhitethreadLinkingupthedancers。
Bang！Bump！Tong！
Petticoats，Stockings，Sabots，Deliriumflappingitsthigh-bones;
Red，blue，yellow，Drunkennesssteamingincolours;
Red，yellow，blue，Coloursandfleshweavingtogether，Inandout，withthedance，Coarsestuffsandhotfleshweavingtogether。
Pigs’crieswhiteandtenuous，Whiteandpainful，Whiteand——
Bump！
Tong！
SecondMovementPaleviolinmusicwhiffsacrossthemoon，Apalesmokeofviolinmusicblowsoverthemoon，Cherrypetalsfallandflutter，AndthewhitePierrot，Wreathedinthesmokeoftheviolins，Splashedwithcherrypetalsfalling，falling，ClawsagraveforhimselfinthefreshearthWithhisfinger-nails。
ThirdMovementAnorgangrowlsintheheavyroof-groinsofachurch，Itwheezesandcoughs。
Thenaveisbluewithincense，Writhing，twisting，Snakingovertheheadsofthechantingpriests。
`Requiemaeternamdonaei，Domine’;
ThepriestswhinetheirbastardLatinAndthecensersswingandclick。
ThepriestswalkendlesslyRoundandround，DroningtheirLatinOffthekey。
Theorgancrashesoutinaflaringchord，Andthepriestshitchtheirchantuphalfatone。
`Diesilla，diesirae，Calamitatisetmiseriae，Diesmagnaetamaravalde。’
Awindrattlestheleadedwindows。
Thelittlepear-shapedcandleflamesleapandflutter，`Diesilla，diesirae;’
Theswayingsmokedriftsoverthealtar，`Calamitatisetmiseriae;’
Theshufflingpriestssprinkleholywater，`Diesmagnaetamaravalde;’
AndthereisastarkstillnessinthemidstofthemStretcheduponabier。
Hisearsarestonetotheorgan，Hiseyesareflinttothecandles，Hisbodyisicetothewater。
Chant，priests，Whine，shuffle，genuflect，HewillalwaysbeasrigidasheisnowUntilhecrumblesawayinadustheap。
`Lacrymosadiesilla，QuaresurgetexfavillaJudicandushomoreus。’
Abovethegreypillarstheroofisindarkness。
TownsinColourI
RedSlippersRedslippersinashop-window，andoutsideinthestreet，flawsofgrey，windysleet！
Behindthepolishedglass，theslippershanginlongthreadsofred，festooningfromtheceilinglikestalactitesofblood，floodingtheeyesofpassers-bywithdrippingcolour，jammingtheircrimsonreflectionsagainstthewindowsofcabsandtram-cars，screamingtheirclaretandsalmonintotheteethofthesleet，ploppingtheirlittleroundmaroonlightsuponthetopsofumbrellas。
Therowofwhite，sparklingshopfrontsisgashedandbleeding，itbleedsredslippers。Theyspoutundertheelectriclight，fluidandfluctuating，ahotrain——andfreezeagaintoredslippers，myriadlymultipliedinthemirrorsideofthewindow。
Theybalanceuponarchedinstepslikespringingbridgesofcrimsonlacquer;
theyswingupovercurvedheelslikewhirlingtanagerssuckedinawind-pocket;theyflattenout，heelless，likeJulyponds，flaredandburnishedbyredrockets。
Snap，snap，theyarecracker-sparksofscarletinthewhite，monotonousblockofshops。
Theyplungetheclangourofbillionsofvermiliontrumpetsintothecrowdoutside，andechoinfaintroseoverthepavement。
Peoplehurryby，fortheseareonlyshoes，andinawindow，fartherdown，isabiglotusbudofcardboardwhosepetalsopeneveryfewminutesandrevealawaxdoll，withstaringbeadeyesandflaxenhair，lollingawkwardlyinitsflowerchair。
Onehasoftenseenshoes，butwhoeversawacardboardlotusbudbefore？
Theflawsofgrey，windysleetbeatontheshop-windowwherethereareonlyredslippers。
II
Thompson’sLunchRoom——GrandCentralStationStudyinWhitesWax-white——
Floor，ceiling，walls。
IvoryshadowsOverthepavementPolishedtocreamsurfacesByconstantsweeping。
ThebigroomiscolouredlikethepetalsOfagreatmagnolia，AndhasapatinaOfflowerbloomWhichmakesitshinedimlyUndertheelectriclamps。
ChairsarerangedinrowsLikesepiaseedsWaitingfulfilment。
Thechalk-whitespotofacook’scapMovesunglossilyagainstthevaguelybrightwall——
Dullchalk-whitestrikingtheretinalikeablowThroughthewaveringuncertaintyofsteam。
Vitreous-whiteofglasseswithgreenreflections，Ice-greencarboys，shifting——greener，bluer——withthejarofmovingwater。
Jaggedgreen-whitebowlsofpressedglassRearingsnow-peaksofchippedsugarAbovethelighthouse-shapedcastorsOfgreypepperandgrey-whitesalt。
Grey-whiteplacards：\"OysterStew，CornbeefHash，Frankfurters\"：
Marbleslabsveinedwithwordsinmeanderinglines。
DroppingonthewhitecounterlikehornnotesThroughawebofviolins，Theflatyellowlightsoforanges，Thecube-redsplashesofapples，Inhighplated`epergnes’。
Theelectricclockjerkseveryhalf-minute：
\"Coming！——Past！\"
\"Threebeef-steaksandachicken-pie，\"
Bawledthroughaslidewhiletheclockjerksheavily。
Amancarriesachinamugofcoffeetoadistantchair。
TworicepuddingsandasalmonsaladArepushedoverthecounter;
Theunfulfilledchairsopentoreceivethem。
Aspoonfallsuponthefloorwiththeimpactofmetalstrikingstone，AndthesoundthrowsacrosstheroomSharp，invisiblezigzagsOfsilver。
III
AnOperaHouseWithinthegoldsquareoftheprosceniumarch，Acurtainoforangevelvethangsinstifffolds，Itstasselsjarringslightlywhensomeonecrossesthestagebehind。
Goldcarvingedgesthebalconies，Rimstheboxes，Runsupanddownflutedpillars。
Littleknife-stabsofgoldShineoutwheneveraboxdoorisopened。
GoldclustersFlashinsoftexplosionsOnthebluedarkness，Suckbacktoapoint，Anddisappear。
HoopsofgoldCirclenecks，wrists，fingers，Pierceears，PoiseonheadsAndflyupabovethemincolouredsparkles。
Gold！
Gold！
Theoperahouseisatreasure-boxofgold。
Goldinabroadsmearacrosstheorchestrapit：
Goldofhorns，trumpets，tubas;
Gold——spun-gold，twittering-gold，snapping-goldOfharps。
Theconductorraiseshisbaton，ThebrassblaresoutCrass，crude，Parvenu，fat，powerful，Golden。
Richasthefat，clappinghandsintheboxes。
Cymbals，gigantic，coin-shaped，Crash。
TheorangecurtainpartsAndtheprima-donnastepsforward。
Onenote，Adrop：transparent，iridescent，Agoldbubble，Itfloats……floats……
AndburstsagainstthelipsofabankpresidentInthegrandtier。
IV
AfternoonRaininStateStreetCross-hatchingsofrainagainstgreywalls，SlantlinesofblackrainInfrontoftheupanddown，wetstonesidesofbuildings。
Below，Greasy，shiny，black，horizontal，Thestreet。
Andoverit，umbrellas，BlackpolisheddotsStrucktowhiteAninstant，StreamintwoflatlinesSlippingpasteachotherwiththesmoothnessofoil。
Likeafour-sidedwedgeTheCustomHouseTowerPokesatthelow，flatsky，Pushingitfartherandfartherup，Liftingitawayfromthehouse-tops，Liftingitinonepieceasthoughitwereasheetoftin，Withtheleverofitsapex。
Thecross-hatchingsofraincuttheTowerobliquely，Scratchinglinesofblackwireacrossit，MutilatingitsperpendiculargreysurfaceWiththesharpprecisionoftools。
Thecityisrigidwithstraightlinesandangles，Achequeredtableofblacksandgreys。
OblongblocksofflatnessCrawlbywithlow-gearedengines，AndpasstoshortuprightsquaresShrinkingwithdistance。
Asteamerinthebasinblowsitswhistle，Andthesoundshootsacrosstherainhatchings，Anarrow，levelbarofsteel。
HardcubesoflemonSuperimposethemselvesuponthefrontsofbuildingsAsthewindowslightup。
ButthelemoncubesareedgedwithanglesUponwhichtheycannotimpinge。
Up，straight，down，straight——square。
Crumpledgrey-whitepapersBlowalongtheside-walks，Contorted，horrible，Withoutcurves。
Ahorsestepsinapuddle，Andwhite，glaringwaterspurtsupInstiff，outflaringlines，Liketherattlingstemsofreeds。
Thecityisheraldicwithangles，AsombreescutcheonofargentandsableAndcountercolouredbendsofrainHungoverafour-squarecivilization。
Whenastreetlampcomesout，IgazeatitforfullythirtysecondsTorestmybrainwiththesuffusing，roundbrillianceofitsglobe。
V
AnAquariumStreaksofgreenandyellowiridescence，Silvershiftings，Ringsveeringoutofrings，Silver——gold——
Grey-greenopaquenessslidingdown，WithsharpwhitebubblesShootinganddancing，Flingingquicklyoutward。
Nosingthebubbles，Swallowingthem，Fish。
Blueshadowsagainstsilver-saffronwater，ThelightripplingoverthemInsteel-brighttremors。
OutspreadtranslucentfinsFlute，fold，andrelapse;
ThethreadedlightprintsthroughthemonthepebblesInscarcelytarnishedtwinklings。
Curvingofspottedspines，Slowup-shifts，Lazyconvolutions：
ThenasuddenswiftstraighteningAnddartingbelow：
ObliquegreyshadowsAthwartapalecasement。
Ropedandcurled，Greenman-eatingeelsSlumberinundulaterhythms，Withcrestslaidhorizontalontheirbacks。
Barredfish，Stripedfish，Unevendisksoffish，Slip，slide，whirl，turn，Andnevertouch。
Metallicbluefish，WithfinswideandyellowandswayingLikeOrientalfans，HoldthesunintheirbelliesAndglowwithlight：
Bluebrilliancecutbyblackbars。
Anoblongpaneofstraw-colouredshimmer，Acrossit，inatangent，Asmearofrose，black，silver。
Shorttwistsandupstartings，Rose-black，inasettingofbubbles：
SunshineplayingbetweenredandblackflowersOnablueandgoldlawn。
Shadowsandpolishedsurfaces，Facetsofmauveandpurple，Aconstantmodulationofvalues。
Shaft-shaped，Withgreenbeadeyes;
Thick-nosed，Heliotrope-coloured;
Swiftspotsofchrysoliteandcoral;
Inthemidstofgreen，pearl，amethystirradiations。
Outside，Awillow-treeflickersWithlittlewhitejerks，AndlongbluewavesRisesteadilybeyondtheouterislands。