Mythanksareyours，noless，foronethingclear：
Thoughyouaresilent，whatyousayistrue。
\"Theremayhavebeenthedevilinmyfeet，FordownIblundered，likeafugitive，TofindtheoldroominEleventhStreet。
Godsaveus！——Icamehereagaintolive。\"
Weroseatthat，andalltheghostsrosethen，Andfollowedusunseentohisoldroom。
NolongeragoodplaceforlivingmenWefoundit，andweshiveredinthegloom。
Thegoodshetookawayfromtherewerefew，Andsoonwefoundourselvesoutsideoncemore，WherenowthelampsalongtheAvenueBloomedwhiteformilesaboveanironfloor。
\"Nowleadmetothenewestofhotels，\"
Hesaid，\"andletyourspleenbeundeceived：
Thisruinisnotmyself，butsomeoneelse；
Ihaven’tfailed；I’vemerelynotachieved。\"
Whetherheknewornot，helaughedanddinedWithmoreofanimmuneregardlessnessOfpitsbeforehimandofsandsbehindThanmanyachildatfortywouldconfess；
Andafter，whenthebellsin`Boris’rangTheirtumultattheMetropolitan，Herockedhimself，andIbelievehesang。
\"Godlives，\"hecroonedaloud，\"andI’mtheman！\"
Hewas。AndeventhoughthecreaturespoiledAllprophecies，Icherishhisacclaim。
Threeweekshefattened；andfiveyearshetoiledInYonkers，——andthensaunteredintofame。
Andhemaygonowtowhatstreetshewill——
Eleventh，orthelast，andlittlecare；
ButhewouldfindtheoldroomverystillOfevenings，andtheghostswouldallbethere。
Idoubtifhegoesafterthem；IdoubtIfmanyofthemevercometohim。
Hismemoriesarelikelamps，andtheygoout；
Oriftheyburn，theyflickerandaredim。
Alightofothergleamshehasto-dayAndadulationsofapplaudinghosts；
Afamousdanger，butasaferwayThangrowingoldaloneamongtheghosts。
Butwemaystillbegladthatwewerewrong：
Hefooledus，andwe’dshriveltodenyit；
Thoughsometimeswhenoldechoesringtoolong，Iwishthebellsin`Boris’wouldbequiet。
TheUnforgivenWhenhe，whoistheunforgiven，Beheldherfirst，hefoundherfair：
NopromiseeverdreamtinheavenCouldthenhaveluredhimanywhereThatwouldhavebeenawayfromthere；
Andallhiswitshadlightlystriven，Foiledwithhervoice，andeyes，andhair。
There’snothinginthesaintsandsagesTomeettheshaftsherglanceshad，OrsuchashershavehadforagesToblindamantillhebeglad，Andhumblehimtillhebemad。
Thestorywouldhavemanypages，Andwouldbeneithergoodnorbad。
And，havingfollowed，youwouldfindhimWhereproperlytheplaybegins；
Butlookfornoredlightbehindhim——
Nofumesofmany-coloredsins，Fannedhighbyscreamingviolins。
Godknowswhatgooditwastoblindhim，Orwhethermanorwomanwins。
Andbythesameeternaltoken，Whoknowsjusthowitwillallend？——
Thisdramaofhardwordsunspoken，Thisfiresidefarce，withoutafriendOrenemytocomprehendWhataugurswhentwolivesarebroken，Andfearfindsnothinglefttomend。
Hestaresinvainforwhatawaitshim，AndseesinLoveacointotoss；
Hesmiles，andhercoldhushberateshimBeneathhishardhalfofthecross；
Theywonderwhyiteverwas；
Andshe，theunforgiving，hateshimMoreforherlackthanforherloss。
Hefeedswithpridehisindecision，Andshrinksfromwhatwillnotoccur，BequeathingwithinfirmderisionHisashestothedaysthatwere，Beforeshemadehimprisoner；
AndlaborstoretrievethevisionThathemustoncehavehadofher。
Hewaits，andthereawaitsanending，Andheknowsneitherwhatnorwhen；
ButnomagiciansareattendingTomakehimseeashesawthen，AndhewillneverfindagainThefacethatoncehadbeentherendingOfallhispurposeamongmen。
Heblameshernot，nordoeshechideher，Andshehasnothingnewtosay；
IfhewereBluebeardhecouldhideher，Butthat’snotwrittenintheplay，Andtherewillbenochangeto-day；
Although，tothesereneoutsider，Therestillwouldseemtobeaway。
TheophilusBywhatserenemalevolenceofnamesHadyouthegiftofyours，Theophilus？
NotevenasmearedyoungCyclopsathisgamesWouldhaveyoulong，——andyouareoneofus。
ToldofyourdeedsIshudderforyourdreams，Andthey，nodoubt，arefewandinnocent。
Meanwhile，Imarvel；forinyou，itseems，Heredityoutshinesenvironment。
WhatlingeringbitofBelial，unforeseen，Survivesandamplifiesitselfinyou？
WhatmannerofdevilryhaseverbeenThatyourobliquitymayneverdo？
Humilitybefitsafather’seyes，Butnotafriendofuswouldhavehimweep。
Admiringeverythingthatlivesanddies，Theophilus，welikeyoubestasleep。
Sleep——sleep；andletusfindanothermanTolendanothernamelesshazardous：
Caligula，maybe，orCaliban，OrCain，——butsurelynotTheophilus。
VeteranSirensTheghostofNinonwouldbesorrynowTolaughatthem，wereshetoseethemhere，SobraveandsoalertforlearninghowTofencewithreasonforanotheryear。
AgeoffersafarcomelierdiademThantheirs；butanguishhasnoeyeforgrace，Whentime’smaliciousmercycautionsthemTothinkawhileofnumberandofspace。
Theburninghope，thewornexpectancy，Themartyredhumor，andthemaimedallure，Cryoutfortimetoendhislevity，Andagetosoftenitsinvestiture；
Butthey，thoughothersfadeandarestillfair，Defytheirfairnessandareunsubdued；
Althoughtheysuffer，theymaynotforswearThepatientardoroftheunpursued。
Poorflesh，tofightthecalendarsolong；
Poorvanity，soquaintandyetsobrave；
Poorfolly，sodeceivedandyetsostrong，SofarfromNinonandsonearthegrave。
SiegePerilousLongwarnedofmanyterrorsmoresevereToscorchhimthanhell’senginescouldawaken，Hescannedagain，toofartobesonear，Thefearfulseatnomanhadevertaken。
SomanyothermenwitholdereyesThanhistoseewitholdersightbehindthemHadknownsolongtheironewaytobewise，——
Wasanyotherthingtodothanmindthem？
SomanyablastingparallelhadsearedConfusiononhisfaith，——couldhebutwonderIfheweremadandright，orifhefearedGod’sfurytoldinshaftedflameandthunder？
TherefellonedayuponhiseyesalightEthereal，andheheardnomoremenspeaking；
Hesawtheirshakenheads，butnolongsightWashisbutfortheendthathewentseeking。
Theendhesoughtwasnottheend；thecrownHewonshalluntomanystillbegiven。
Moreover，therewasreasonheretofrown：
Nofurythundered，noflamefellfromheaven。
AnotherDarkLadyThinknot，becauseIwonderwhereyoufled，ThatIwouldliftapintoseeyouthere；
Youmay，forme，beprowlinganywhere，Solongasyoushownotyourlittlehead：
NodarkandevilstoryofthedeadWouldleaveyoulessperniciousorlessfair——
NotevenLilith，withherfamoushair；
AndLilithwasthedevil，Ihaveread。
Icannothateyou，forIlovedyouthen。
Thewoodsweregoldenthen。TherewasaroadThroughbeeches；andIsaidtheirsmoothfeetshowedLikeyours。Truthmusthaveheardmefromafar，ForIshallneverhavetolearnagainThatyoursareclovenasnobeech’sare。
TheVoiceofAgeShe’dlookuponus，ifshecould，AshardasRhadamanthuswould；
Yetonemaysee，——whoseesherface，Hercrownofsilverandoflace，HermysticalsereneaddressOfagealloyedwithloveliness，——
ThatshewouldnotannihilateThefrailestofthingsanimate。
Shehasopinionsofourways，Andifwe’renotallmad，shesays，——
IfourwaysarenotwhollyworseThanothers，fornotbeinghers，——
TheremightsomehowbefoundafewLessinsanethingsforustodo，AndwemighthavealittleheedOfwhatBelshazzarcouldn’tread。
Shefeels，withallourfurniture，RoomyetforsomethingmoresecureThanourself-kindledaureolesToguideourpoorforgottensouls；
ButwhenwehaveexplainedthatgraceDwellsnowindoingfortherace，Shenods——asifshewererelieved；
Almostasifsheweredeceived。
Shefrownsatmuchofwhatshehears，Andshakesherhead，andhasherfears；
Thoughnonemayknow，byanychance，Whatrose-leafashesofromanceArefaintlystirredbylaterdaysThatwouldbewellenough，shesays，Ifonlypeopleweremorewise，Andgrown-upchildrenusedtheireyes。
TheDarkHouseWhereafaintlightshinesalone，DwellsaDemonIhaveknown。
Mostofyouhadbettersay\"TheDarkHouse\"，andgoyourway。
DonotwonderifIstay。
ForIknowtheDemon’seyes，Andtheirlurethatneverdies。
Banishallyourfondalarms，ForIknowthefoilingcharmsOfhereyesandofherarms，AndIknowthatinoneroomBurnsalampasinatomb；
AndIseetheshadowglide，Backandforth，ofonedeniedPowertofindhimselfoutside。
Thereheiswhoismyfriend，Damned，hefancies，totheend——
Vanquished，eversinceadoorClosed，hethought，forevermoreOnthelifethatwasbefore。
AndthefriendwhoknowshimbestSeeshimasheseestherestWhoarestrivingtobewiseWhileaDemon’sarmsandeyesHoldthemasawebwouldflies。
Allthewordsofalltheworld，Aimedtogetherandthenhurled，WouldbestillerinhisearsThanaclosingofstillshearsOnathreadmadeoutofyears。
Buttherelivesanothersound，Morecompelling，moreprofound；
There’samusic，soitseems，Thatassuagesandredeems，Morethanreason，morethandreams。
There’samusicyetunheardBythecreatureoftheword，ThoughitmatterslittlemoreThanawave-washonashore——
TillaDemonshutsadoor。
So，ifhebeverystillWithhisDemon，andonewill，MurmursofitmaybeblownTomyfriendwhoisaloneInaroomthatIhaveknown。
AfterthatfromeverywhereSinginglifewillfindhimthere；
Thenthedoorwillopenwide，Andmyfriend，againoutside，Willbeliving，havingdied。
ThePoorRelationNolongertornbywhatsheknowsAndseeswithintheeyesofothers，Herdoubtsarewhenthedaylightgoes，Herfearsareforthefewshebothers。
ShetellsthemitiswhollywrongOfhertostayalivesolong；
AndwhenshesmilesherforeheadshowsAcrinklethathadbeenhermother’s。
Beneathherbeauty，blanchedwithpain，Andwistfulyetforbeingcheated，AchildwouldseemtoaskagainAquestionmanytimesrepeated；
ButnorebellionhasbetrayedHerwonderatwhatshehaspaidFormemoriesthathavenostain，Fortriumphborntobedefeated。
Tothosewhocomeforwhatshewas——
Thefewleftwhoknowwheretofindher——
Sheclings，fortheyareallshehas；
Andshemaysmilewhentheyremindher，Asheretofore，ofwhattheyknowOfrosesthatarestilltoblowBywayswherenotsomuchasgrassRemainsofwhatsheseesbehindher。
Theystayawhile，andhavingdoneWhatpenanceorthepastrequires，Theygo，andleavehertherealoneTocountherchimneysandherspires。
Herlipshakeswhentheygoaway，Andyetshewouldnothavethemstay；
SheknowsaswellasanyoneThatPity，havingplayed，soontires。
Butonefriendalwaysreappears，Agoodghost，nottobeforsaken；
WhereatshelaughsandhasnofearsOfwhataghostmayreawaken，Butwelcomes，whileshewearsandmendsThepoorrelation’soddsandends，Hertruantfromatombofyears——
Herpowerofyouthsoearlytaken。
Poorlaugh，moreslenderthanhersongItseems；andtherearenonetohearitWitheventhestoppedearsofthestrongForbreakingheartorbrokenspirit。
Thefriendswhoclamoredforherplace，Andwouldhavescratchedherforherface，HavelostherlaughterforsolongThatnonewouldcareenoughtofearit。
NonelivewhoneedfearanythingFromher，whoselossesaretheirpleasure；
TheploverwithawoundedwingStaysnottheflightthatothersmeasure；
Sothereshewaits，andwhileshelives，Anddeathforgets，andfaithforgives，HermemoriesgoforagingForbitsofchildhoodsongtheytreasure。
AndlikeagiantharpthathumsOnalways，andisalwaysblendingThecomingofwhatnevercomesWithwhathaspastandhadanending，TheCitytrembles，throbs，andpoundsOutside，andthroughathousandsoundsThesmallintolerabledrumsOfTimearelikeslowdropsdescending。
BereftenoughtoshameasageAndgivenlittletolongsighing，WithnoillusiontoassuageThelonelychangelessnessofdying，——
Unsought，unthought-of，andunheard，Shesingsandwatcheslikeabird，SafeinacomfortablecageFromwhichtherewillbenomoreflying。
TheBurningBookOrtheContentedMetaphysicianTotheloreofnomannerofmenWouldhisvisionhaveyieldedWhenhefoundwhatwillneveragainFromhisvisionbeshielded，——
ThoughhepaidwithasmuchofhislifeAsanuncouldhavegiven，Andto-nightwouldhavebeenasaknife，Devil-drawn，devil-driven。
Forto-night，withhisflame-wearyeyesOntheworkheisdoing，HeconsidersthetinderthatfliesAndthequickflamepursuing。
IntheleavesthatarecrinkledandcurledArehisashesofglory，AndwhatoncewereanendoftheworldIsanendofastory。
Buthesmiles，fornomoreshallhisdaysBeatoilandacallingForawaytomakeotherstogazeOnGod’sfacewithoutfalling。
Hehascometotheendofhiswords，AndaloneherejoicesInthechoiringthatsilenceaffordsOfineffablevoices。
ToarealmthathiswordsmaynotreachHemayleadnonetofindhim；
Anadept，andwithnothingtoteach，Heleavesnothingbehindhim。
Fortherest，hewillhavehisrelease，Andhisembers，attendedBythelargeandunclamoringpeaceOfadreamthatisended。
FragmentFaintwhitepillarsthatseemtofadeAsyoulookfromherearethefirstoneseesOfhishousewhereithidesanddiesinashadeOfbeechesandoaksandhickorytrees。
Nowmanyaman，givenwoodslikethese，Andahouselikethat，andtheBrionygold，Wouldhavesaid，\"Therearestillsomegodstoplease，Andhousesarebuiltwithouthands，we’retold。\"
Therearethepillars，andallgonegray。
Briony’shairwentwhite。YoumayseeWherethegardenwasifyoucomethisway。
Thatsun-dialscaredhim，hesaidtome；
\"Soonerorlatertheystrike，\"saidhe，Andhenevergotthatfromthebooksheread。
Othersareflourishing，worsethanhe，Butheknewtoomuchforthelifeheled。
AndwhoknowsallknowseverythingThatapatientghostatlastretrieves；
There’smoretobeknownofhisharvestingWhenTimethethresherunbindsthesheaves；
Andthere’smoretobeheardthanawindthatgrievesForBrionynowinthisagelessoak，DrivingthefirstofitswitheredleavesOverthestoneswherethefountainbroke。
LisetteandEileen\"Whenhewasherealive，Eileen，Therewasawordyoumighthavesaid；
SonevermindwhatIhavebeen，Oranything，——foryouaredead。
\"AndafterthiswhenIamthereWhereheis，you’llbedyingstill。
Youreyesaredead，andyourblackhair，——
Therestofyoubewhatitwill。
\"’Twasalltosavehim？Nevermind，Eileen。Yousavedhim。Youarestrong。
I’dhardlywonderifyourkindPaideverything，foryoulivelong。
\"Youlast，Imean。That’swhatImean。
Imeanyoulastaslongaslies。
Youmighthavesaidthatword，Eileen，——
Andyoumighthaveyourhairandeyes。
\"AndwhatyouseemightbeLisette，Insteadofthisthathasnoname。
Yoursilence——Icanfeelityet，Aliveandinme，likeaflame。
\"WheremightIbewithhimto-day，Couldhehaveknownbeforeheheard？
Butno——yoursilencehaditsway，Withoutaweaponoraword。
\"Becauseawordwasnevertold，I’mgoingasaworntoygoes。
Andyouaredead；andyou’llbeold；
AndIforgiveyou，Isuppose。
\"I’llsoonbechangingasalldo，Tosomethingwehavealwaysbeen；
Andyou’llbeold……Helikedyou，too。
Imighthavekilledyouthen，Eileen。
\"IthinkhelikedasmuchofyouAshadareasontobeseen，——
AsmuchasGodmadeblackandblue。
Helikedyourhairandeyes，Eileen。\"
LlewellynandtheTreeCouldhehavemadePriscillashareTheparadisethathehadplanned，LlewellynwouldhavelovedhiswifeAswellasanyintheland。
CouldhehavemadePriscillaceaseTogoadhimforwhatGodleftout，LlewellynwouldhavebeenasmildAsanywehavereadabout。
Couldallhavebeenasallwasnot，Llewellynwouldhavehadnostory；
HewouldhavestayedaquietmanAndgonehisquietwaytoglory。
ButhowsoevermildhewasPriscillawasimplacable；
AndwhatsoevertimidhopesHebuilt——shefoundthem，andtheyfell。
Andthiswenton，withintervalsOflaboredharmonybetweenResoundingdiscords，tillatlastLlewellynturned——aswillbeseen。
Priscilla，warmerthanhername，Andshrillerthanthesoundofsaws，PursuedLlewellynoncetoofar，Notknowingquitethemanhewas。
Themoreshesaid，thefiercerclungThestinginggarmentofhiswrath；
AndthiswasallbeforethedayWhenTimetossedrosesinhispath。
BeforetherosesevercameLlewellynhadalreadyrisen。
Therosesmayhaveruinedhim，Theymayhavekepthimoutofprison。
Andshewhobroughtthem，beingFate，Maderosesdotheworkofspears，——
ThoughmanymadenomoreofherThancivet，coral，rouge，andyears。
YouaskuswhatLlewellynsaw，Butwhyaskwhatmaynotbegiven？
TosomewillcomeatimewhenchangeItselfisbeauty，ifnotheaven。
OneafternoonPriscillaspoke，Andhershrillhistorywasdone；
Atanyrate，sheneverspokeLikethatagaintoanyone。
OnegoldOctoberafternoonGreatfurysmotethesilentair；
AndthenLlewellynleaptandfledLikeonewithhornetsinhishair。
Llewellynleftus，andhesaidForever，leavingfewtodoubthim；
Andso，throughfrostandclickingleaves，TheTilburywaywentonwithouthim。
Andslowly，throughtheTilburymist，ThestillnessofOctobergoldWentoutlikebeautyfromaface。
Priscillawatchedit，andgrewold。
Hefled，stillclutchinginhisflightTherosesthathadbeenhisfall；
TheScarletOne，asyousurmise，Fledwithhim，coral，rouge，andall。
Priscilla，waiting，sawthechangeOftwentyslowOctobermoons；
Andthenshevanished，inherturnTobeforgotten，likeoldtunes。
Sotheyweregone——allthreeofthem，Ishouldhavesaid，andsaidnomore，HadnotafaceonceonBroadwayBeenonethatIhadseenbefore。
Thefaceandhandsandhairwereold，ButneithertimenorpenuryCouldquenchwithinLlewellyn’seyesTheshineofhisonevictory。
Theroses，fadedandgoneby，Leftruinwheretheyoncehadreigned；
Butonthewreck，asonoldshells，Thecoloroftheroseremained。
HisfictivemerchandiseIboughtForhimtokeepandshowagain，ThenledhimslowlyfromthecrushOfhiscold-shoulderedfellowmen。
\"Andso，Llewellyn，\"Ibegan——
\"Notso，\"hesaid；\"notso，atall：
I’vetriedtheworld，andfounditgood，Formorethantwentyyearsthisfall。
\"AndwhattheworldhasleftofmeWillgonowinalittlewhile。\"
AndwhattheworldhadleftofhimWaspartlyanunholyguile。
\"ThatIhavepaidforbeingcalmIswhatyousee，ifyouhaveeyes；
Forletamanbecalmtoolong，Hepaysformuchbeforehedies。
\"BecalmwhenyouaregrowingoldAndyouhavenothingelsetodo；
PournotthewineoflifetoothinIfwatermeansthedeathofyou。
\"YousayImighthavelearnedathomeThetruthinseasontobestrong？
Notso；ItookthewineoflifeToothin，andIwascalmtoolong。
\"Likeotherswhoarestrongtoolate，Formetherewasnogoingback；
ForIhadfoundanotherspeed，AndIwasontheothertrack。
\"GodknowshowfarImighthavegoneOrwhattheremighthavebeentosee；
Butmyspeedhadasuddenend，Andhereyouhavetheendofme。\"
Theendornot，itmaybenowButlittlefartherfromthetruthTosaythosewornsatiriceyesHadsomethingofimmortalyouth。
HemayamongthemillionshereBeone；orhemay，quiteaswell，BegonetofindagaintheTreeOfKnowledge，outofwhichhefell。
Hemaybenearus，dreamingyetOfunrepentedrougeandcoral；
OrinagravewithoutanameMaybeasfaroffasamoral。
BewickFinzerTimewaswhenhishalfmilliondrewThebreathofsixpercent；
Butsoonthewormofwhat-was-notFedhardonhiscontent；
AndsomethingcrumbledinhisbrainWhenhishalfmillionwent。
Timepassed，andfilledalongwithhisTheplaceofmanymore；
Timecame，andhardlyoneofusHadcredencetorestore，Fromwhatappearedoneday，themanWhomwehadknownbefore。
Thebrokenvoice，thewitheredneck，Thecoatwornoutwithcare，Thecleanlinessofindigence，Thebrillianceofdespair，ThefondimponderabledreamsOfaffluence，——allwerethere。
PoorFinzer，withhisdreamsandschemes，Fareshardnowintherace，WithheartandeyethathaveataskWhenhelooksinthefaceOfonewhomightsoeasilyHavebeeninFinzer’splace。
HecomesunfailingfortheloanWegiveandthenforget；
Hecomes，andprobablyforyearsWillhebecomingyet，——
Familiarasanoldmistake，Andfutileasregret。
BokardoWell，Bokardo，hereweare；
Makeyourselfathome。
Lookaround——youhaven’tfarTolook——andwhybedumb？
Nottheplacethatusedtobe，Notsomanythingstosee；
Butthere’sroomforyouandme。
Andyou——you’vecome。
Talkalittle；or，ifnot，ShowmewithasignWhyitwasthatyouforgotWhatwasyoursandmine。
Friends，Igather，aresmallthingsInanagewhencoinsarekings；
Evenatthat，onehardlyflingsFriendsbeforeswine。
Ratherstrong？Iknewasmuch，Foritmadeyouspeak。
Nooffensetoswine，assuch，Butwhythishide-and-seek？
Youhavesomethingonyourside，Andyouwishyoumighthavedied，Soyoutellme。AndyoutriedOnenightlastweek？
Youtriedhard？AndeventhenFoundatimetopause？
Whenyoutryashardagain，You’llhaveanothercause。
WhenyoufindyourselfatoddsWithalldreamersofallgods，Youmaysmiteyourselfwithrods——
Butnotthelaws。
ThoughtheyseemtoshowaspiteRatherdevilish，TheymoveonaswithamightStrongerthanyourwish。
Still，howeverstrongtheybe，Theybideman’sauthority：
Xerxes，whenhefloggedthesea，May’vescaredafish。
It’sacomfort，ifyoulike，Tokeephonorwarm，ButasoftenasyoustrikeThelaws，youdonoharm。
Tothelaws，Imean。Toyou——
That’sanotherpointofview，OneyoumayaswellindueWithsomealarm。
NotthemostheroicfaceTopresent，Igrant；
NorwillyouinsuredisgraceByfearingwhatyouwant。
Freedomhasaworldofsides，AndifreasononcederidesCourage，thenyourcouragehidesAdealofcant。
LearnalittletoforgetLifewasonceafeast；
Youaren’tfitfordyingyet，Sodon’tbeabeast。
Fewmenwithamindwillsay，Thinkingtwice，thattheycanpayHalftheirdebtsofyesterday，Orbereleased。
There’sadebtnowonyourmindMorethananygold？
Andthere’snothingyoucanfindOutthereinthecold？
Only——what’shisname？——Remorse？
AndDeathridingonhishorse？
Well，begladthere’snothingworseThanyouhavetold。
LeaveRemorsetowarmhishandsOutsideintherain。
AsforDeath，heunderstands，Andhewillcomeagain。
Therefore，tillyourwitsareclear，Flourishandbequiet——here。
ButadevilateachearWillbeastrain？
Pastadoubttheywillindeed，Morethanyouhaveearned。
IsaythatbecauseyouneedAblution，beingburned？
Well，ifyoumusthaveitso，Yourlastflightwentratherlow。
BettersayyouhadtoknowWhatyouhavelearned。
Andthat’sover。Hereyouare，Batteredbythepast。
Timewillhavehislittlescar，Butthewoundwon’tlast。
NorshallharrowingsurpriseFindaworldwithoutitseyesIfastarfadeswhentheskiesAreovercast。
Godknowstherearelivesenough，Crushed，andtoofargoneLongertomakesermonsof，Andthoseweleavealone。
Others，iftheywill，mayrendThewornpatienceofafriendWho，thoughsmiling，seestheend，Withnothingdone。
ButyourfervortobefreeFledthefaithitscorned；
DeathdemandsadecencyOfyou，andyouarewarned。
ButforallwegivewegetMostlyblows？Don’tbeupset；
You，Bokardo，arenotyetConsumedormourned。
There’llbefallingintoviewMuchtorearrange；
Andthere’llbeatimeforyouTomarvelatthechange。
TheythathavetheleasttofearQuestionhardestwhatishere；
Whenlong-hiddenskiesareclear，Thestarslookstrange。
TheManagainsttheSkyBetweenmeandthesunset，likeadomeAgainstthegloryofaworldonfire，Nowburnedasuddenhill，Bleak，round，andhigh，byflame-litheightmadehigher，WithnothingonitfortheflametokillSaveonewhomovedandwasaloneupthereToloombeforethechaosandtheglareAsifhewerethelastgodgoinghomeUntohislastdesire。
Dark，marvelous，andinscrutablehemovedonTilldownthefierydistancehewasgone，——
Likeoneofthoseeternal，remotethingsThatrangeacrossaman’simaginingsWhenasuremusicfillshimandheknowsWhathemaysaythereaftertofewmen，——
ThetouchofageshavingwroughtAnechoandaglimpseofwhathethoughtAphantomoralegenduntilthen；
Forwhetherlightedoverwaysthatsave，Orluredfromallrepose，Ifhegoontoofartofindagrave，Mostlyalonehegoes。
Evenhe，whostoodwhereIhadfoundhim，Onhighwithfireallroundhim，——
Whomovedalongthemoltenwest，Andovertheroundhill’screstThatseemedhalfreadywithhimtogodown，Flame-bittenandflame-cleft，——
AsifthereweretobenolastthingleftOfanamelessunimaginabletown，——
EvenhewhoclimbedandvanishedmayhavetakenDowntotheperilsofadepthnotknown，Fromdeathdefendedthoughbymenforsaken，Thebreadthateverymanmusteatalone；
HemayhavewalkedwhileothershardlydaredLookontoseehimstandwheremanyfell；
Andupwardoutofthat，asoutofhell，HemayhavesungandstrivenTomountwheremoreofhimshallyetbegiven，Bereftofallretreat，Tosevenfoldheat，——
AsonadaywhenthreeinDurasharedThefurnace，andweresparedForglorybythatkingofBabylonWhomadehimselfsogreatthatGod，whoheard，Coveredhimwithlongfeathers，likeabird。
Again，hemayhavegonedowneasily，Bycomfortablealtitudes，andfound，Asalways，underneathhimsolidgroundWhereontobesufficientandtostandPossessedalreadyofthepromisedland，Farstretchedandfairtosee：
Agoodsight，verily，AndonetomaketheeyesofherwhoborehimShinegladwithhiddentears。
Whyquestionofhiseaseofwhobeforehim，InoneplaceoranotherwheretheyleftTheirnamesasfarbehindthemastheirbones，Andyetbydintofslaughtertoilandtheft，Andshrewdlysharpenedstones，CarvedhardthewayforhisascendencyThroughdesertsoflostyears？
WhytroublehimnowwhoseesandhearsNomorethanwhathisinnocencerequires，AndthereforetonootherheightaspiresThanoneatwhichheneitherquailsnortires？
HemaydomorebyseeingwhatheseesThanotherseagerforiniquities；
Hemay，byseeingallthingsforthebest，Incitefuturitytodotherest。
Orwithanevenlikelihood，HemayhavemetwithatrabiliouseyesThefiresoftimeonequaltermsandpassedIndifferentlydown，untilatlastHisonlykindofgrandeurwouldhavebeen，Apparently，inbeingseen。
HemayhavehadforevilorforgoodNoargument；hemayhavehadnocareForwhatwithouthimselfwentanywhereTofailureortoglory，andleastofallForsuchastale，flamboyantmiracle；
HemayhavebeentheprophetofanartImmovabletooldidolatries；
Hemayhavebeenaplayerwithoutapart，AnnoyedthateventhesunshouldhavetheskiesForsuchaflamingwaytoadvertise；
HemayhavebeenapaintersickatheartWithNature’stoilingforanewsurprise；
Hemayhavebeenacynic，whonow，forallOfanythingdivinethathiseffeteNegationmayhavetasted，Sawtruthinhisownimage，rathersmall，Forboretofevertheephemeral，FoundanybarrenheightagoodretreatFromanyswarmingstreet，Andinthesunsawpowersuperblywasted；
Andwhentheprimitiveold-fashionedstarsCameoutagaintoshineonjoysandwarsMoreprimitive，andallarrayedfordoom，HemayhaveprovedaworldasorrythingInhisimagining，Andlifealightedhighwaytothetomb。
Or，mountingwithinfirmunsearchingtread，Hishopestochaosled，Hemayhavestumbleduptherefromthepast，AndwithanachingstrangenessviewedthelastAbysmalconflagrationofhisdreams，——
AflamewherenothingseemsToburnbutflameitself，bynothingfed；
Andwhileitallwentout，NoteventhefaintanodyneofdoubtMaythenhaveeasedapainfulgoingdownFrompicturedheightsofpowerandlostrenown，RevealedatlengthtohisoutlivedendeavorRemoteandunapproachableforever；
AndathishearttheremayhavegnawedSickmemoriesofadeadfaithfoiledandflawedAndlongdishonoredbythelivingdeathAssignedalikebychanceTobrutesandhierophants；
AndanguishfallenonthosehelovedaroundhimMayoncehavedealtthelastblowtoconfoundhim，Andsohavelefthimasdeathleavesachild，Whoseesitalltoonear；
AndhewhoknowsnoyoungwaytoforgetMaystruggletothetombunreconciled。
WhateversunsmayriseorsetTheremaybenothingkinderforhimhereThanshaftsandagonies；
AndundertheseHemaycryoutandstayonhorribly；
Or，seeingindeathtoosmallathingtofear，HemaygoforwardlikeastoicRomanWherepangsandterrorsinhispathwaylie，——
Or，seizingtheswiftlogicofawoman，CurseGodanddie。
Ormaybethere，likemanyanotheroneWhomighthavestoodaloftandlookedahead，Black-drawnagainstwildred，Hemayhavebuilt，unawedbyfierygulesThatinhimnocommotionstirred，AlivingreasonoutofmoleculesWhymoleculesoccurred，AndoneforsmilingwhenhemighthavesighedHadheseenfarenough，AndinthesameinevitablestuffDiscoveredanoddreasontooforprideInbeingwhathemusthavebeenbylawsInfrangibleandfornokindofcause。
DeterredbynoconfusionorsurpriseHemayhaveseenwithhismechaniceyesAworldwithoutameaning，andhadroom，Aloneamidmagnificenceanddoom，TobuildhimselfanairymonumentThatshould，orfailhiminhisvagueintent，Outlastanaccidentaluniverse——
Tocallitnothingworse——
Or，bytheburrowingguileOfTimedisintegratedandeffaced，Likeonce-rememberedmightytreesgodownToruin，ofwhichbymanmaynowbetracedNopartsufficienteventoberotten，AndinthebookofthingsthatareforgottenIsenteredasathingnotquiteworthwhile。
HemayhavebeensogreatThatsatrapswouldhaveshiveredathisfrown，AndallheprizedalivemayruleastateNolargerthanagravethatholdsaclown；
Hemayhavebeenamasterofhisfate，Andofhisatoms，——readyasanotherInhisemergencetoexonerateHisfatherandhismother；
Hemayhavebeenacaptainofahost，Self-eloquentandripeforprodigies，Doomedheretoswellbydangerousdegrees，Andthengiveuptheghost。
Nahum’sgreatgrasshoppersweresuchasthese，Sun-scatteredandsoonlost。
Whateverthedarkroadhemayhavetaken，ThismanwhostoodonhighAndfacedalonethesky，Whateverdroveorluredorguidedhim，——
Avisionansweringafaithunshaken，Aneasytrustassumedofeasytrials，Asicknegationbornofweakdenials，Acrazedabhorrenceofanoldcondition，Ablindattendanceonabriefambition，——
Whateverstayedhimorderidedhim，Hiswaywasevenasours；
Andwe，withallourwoundsandallourpowers，MusteachawaitaloneathisownheightAnotherdarknessoranotherlight；
Andthere，ofourpoorselfdominionreft，IfinferenceandreasonshunHell，Heaven，andOblivion，Maythwartedwill（perforceprecarious，Butforourconservationbetterthus）
HavenomisgivingleftOfdoingyetwhathereweleaveundone？
Orifuntothelastofthesewecleave，BelievingorprotestingwebelieveInsuchanidleandephemeralFlorescenceofthediabolical，——
If，robbedoftwofondoldenormities，Ourbeinghadnoonwardauguries，WhatthenwerethisgreatloveofourstosayForlaunchingotherlivestovoyageagainAlittlefartherintotimeandpain，AlittlefasterinafutilechaseForakingdomandapowerandaRaceThatwouldhavestillinsightAmanifestendofashesandeternalnight？
IsthisthemusicofthetoysweshakeSoloud，——asiftheremightbenomistakeSomewhereinourindomitablewill？
ArewenogreaterthanthenoisewemakeAlongoneblindatomicpilgrimageWhereonbycrasschancebilletedwegoBecauseourbrainsandbonesandcartilageWillhaveitso？
Ifthiswesay，thenletusallbestillAboutourshareinit，andliveanddieMorequietlythereby。
Wherewashegoing，thismanagainstthesky？
Youknownot，nordoI。
Butthisweknow，ifweknowanything：
ThatwemaylaughandfightandsingAndofourtransienceheremakeofferingToanorientWordthatwillnotbeerased，Or，saveinincommunicablegleamsToopermanentfordreams，Befoundorknown。
NotonicandambitiousirritantOfincreaseorofwantHasmadeanotherwiseinsensatewasteOfagesoverthrownAruthless，veiled，implacableforetasteOfotheragesthatarestilltobeDepletedandrewardedvariouslyBecauseafew，byfate’seconomy，Shallseemtomovetheworldthewayitgoes；
Nosoftevangelofequality，SafecradledinacommunalreposeThathuddlesintodeathandmayatlastBecoveredwellwithequatorialsnows——
Andallforwhat，thedevilonlyknows——
WillaggregateaninklingtoconfirmThecreditofasageorofaworm，OrtelluswhyonemaninfiveShouldhaveacaretostayaliveWhileinhishearthefeelsnoviolenceLaidonhishumorandintelligenceWheninfantSciencemakesapleasantfaceAndwavesagainthathollowtoy，theRace；
NoplanetarytrapwheresoulsarewroughtFornothingbutthesakeofbeingcaughtAndsentagaintonothingwillattuneItselftoanykeyofanyreasonWhymanshouldhungerthroughanotherseasonTofindoutwhy’twerebetterlatethansoonTogoawayandletthesunandmoonAndallthesillystarsilluminateAplaceforcreepingthings，Andthosethatrootandtrumpetandhavewings，Andherdandruminate，Ordiveandflashandpoiseinriversandseas，OrbytheirloyaltailsinloftytreesHangscreechinglewdvictoriousderisionOfman’simmortalvision。
Shallwe，becauseEternityrecordsToovastananswerforthetime-bornwordsWespell，whereofsomanyaredeadthatonceInourcapriciouslexiconsWeresoaliveandfinal，hearnomoreTheWorditself，thelivingwordnomanHaseverspelt，AndfewhaveeverfeltWithoutthefearsandoldsurrenderingsAndterrorsthatbeganWhenDeathletfallafeatherfromhiswingsAndhumbledthefirstman？
Becausetheweightofourhumility，WherefromwegainAlittlewisdomandmuchpain，Fallsheretoosoreandtheretootedious，Areweinanguishorcomplacency，NotlookingfarenoughaheadToseebywhatmadcouriersweareledAlongtheroadsoftheridiculous，TopityourselvesandlaughatfaithAndwhilewecurselifebearit？
Andifweseethesoul’sdeadendindeath，Arewetofearit？
WhatfollyisherethathasnotyetanameUnlesswesayoutrightthatweareliars？
WhathaveweseenbeyondoursunsetfiresThatlightsagainthewaybywhichwecame？
Whypaywesuchaprice，andonewegiveSoclamoringly，foreachrackedemptydayThatleadsonemorelasthumanhopeaway，AsquietfiendswouldleadpastourcrazedeyesOurchildrentoanunseensacrifice？
Ifafterallthatwehavelivedandthought，AllcomestoNought，——
IftherebenothingafterNow，Andwebenothinganyhow，Andweknowthat，——whylive？
’Tweresurebutweaklings’vaindistressTosufferdungeonswheresomanydoorsWillopenonthecoldeternalshoresThatlooksheerdownTothedarktidelessfloodsofNothingnessWhereallwhoknowmaydrown。
[Endoftext。]
Fromtheoriginaladvertisements：
Bythesameauthor——————————————
CaptainCraig，ABookofPoemsRevisededitionwithadditionalpoems，12mo，cloth，$1。25
\"TherearefewpoetswritinginEnglishto-daywhoseworkissopermeatedbyindividualcharmasisMr。Robinson’s。
Alwaysonefeelsthepresenceofamanbehindthepoet——
amanwhoknowslifeandpeopleandthingsandwritesofthemclearly，withasubtlepoeticinsightthatisnotvisibleintheworkofanyotherlivingwriter。\"——`BrooklynDailyEagle’。
\"The`BookofAnnandale’，asplendidpoemincludedinthiscollection，isoneofthemostmovingemotionalnarrativesfoundinmodernpoetry。\"
——`ReviewofReviews’。
\"……HishandlingofGreekthemesrevealshimasalyricalpoetofinimitablecharmandskill。\"——`Reedy’sMirror’。
\"Apoemthatmustendure；ifthingsthatdeservelonglifegetit。\"
——`N。Y。EveningSun’。
\"WhereveryouhearpeoplewhoknowspeakofAmericanpoets……
theyassumethatyoutakethegeniusandplaceofEdwinArlingtonRobinsonasgranted……Amanwithsomethingtosaythathasvalueandbeauty。
Histhoughtisdeepandhisideasarehighandstimulating。\"
——`BostonTranscript’。
Bythesameauthor——————————————
ThePorcupine：ADramainThreeActsCloth，12mo，$1。25
EdwinArlingtonRobinson’scomedy\"VanZorn\"provedhimtobeoneofthemostaccomplishedoftheyoungergenerationofAmericandramatists。
Ofthisplaythe`BostonTranscript’said，\"ItisaneffectivepresentationofmodernlifeinNewYorkCity，inwhichapoetshowshisskillofplaywrighting……hebringstotheAmericandramato-dayathingitsadlylacks，andthatischaracter。\"InmannerandtechniqueMr。Robinson’snewplay，\"ThePorcupine\"，recallssomeoftheworkofIbsen。
Writtenadroitlyandwiththeliteraryclevernessexhibitedin\"VanZorn\"，ittellsastoryofadomesticentanglementinadramaticfashionwellcalculatedtoholdthereader’sattention。
\"ContainsallofthequalitiesthataresaidtobeconspicuouslylackinginAmericanDrama。\"——`N。Y。EveningSun’。
VanZorn：AComedyinThreeActsCloth，12mo，$1。25
Mr。Robinsonisknownastheleaderofpresent-dayAmericanpoets。
Inthisdelightfulplayhetellswithabitinghumorthestoryofthesalvationofasoul。Bycleverarrangementofincidentandskillfulcharacterizationhearousesstronglythereader’scuriosity，andthesuspenseisadmirablysustained。Thedialogueisbright，andtheconstructionoftheplotshowstheworkofonewellversedinthetechniqueofthedrama。
Abouttheauthor：EdwinArlingtonRobinson，1869-1935。
FromtheBiographicalNotesof\"TheSecondBookofModernVerse\"（1919，1920），editedbyJessieB。Rittenhouse：
Robinson，EdwinArlington。BornatHeadTide，Maine，Dec。22，1869。
EducatedatHarvardUniversity。Mr。Robinsonisapsychologicalpoetofgreatsubtlety；hispoemsareusuallystudiesoftypesandhehasgivenusaremarkableseriesofportraits。Heisrecognizedasoneofthefinestandmostdistinguishedpoetsofourtime。
Hissuccessivevolumesare：\"ChildrenoftheNight\"，1897；
\"CaptainCraig\"，1902；\"TheTownDowntheRiver\"，1910；
\"TheManagainsttheSky\"，1916；\"Merlin\"，1917；and\"Launcelot\"，1920。
Thelast-namedvolumewasawardedaprizeoffivehundreddollars，givenbyTheLyricSocietyforthebestbookmanuscriptofferedtoitin1919。
Inadditiontohisworkinpoetry，Mr。Robinsonhaswrittentwoproseplays，\"VanZorn\"，and\"ThePorcupine\"。
In\"AmericanPoetrySince1900\"，LouisUntermeyernotes，\"hisnamewasknownonlytoafewoftheliteratiuntilTheodoreRoosevelt……
acclaimedandaidedhim。\"Rittenhouse’sBiographicalNotes（abovequoted）
containthisentryimmediatelybeforeEdwinArlingtonRobinson’s：
\"Robinson，CorinneRoosevelt……Mrs。Robinson，whoisasistertoCol。TheodoreRoosevelt，……haswrittenseveralvolumesofverse……\"
Itisalwaysinterestingtoseethecoincidenceofeventsinhistory，anditisworthaskingifthiswasnotevenacausalrelationship。——A。L。