ABookofPoemsToTHOMASSERGEANTPERRYandLILLACABOTPERRY
ContentsTheValleyoftheShadowTheWanderingJewNeighborsTheMillTheDarkHillsTheThreeTavernsDemosI
DemosII
TheFlyingDutchmanTactOntheWayJohnBrownTheFalseGodsArchibald’sExampleLondonBridgeTaskerNorcrossASongatShannon’sSouvenirDiscoveryFirelightTheNewTenantsInferentialTheRatRaheltoVarnhagenNimmoPeaceonEarthLateSummerAnEvangelist’sWifeTheOldKing’sNewJesterLazarusSeveralpoemsincludedinthisbookappearedoriginallyinAmericanperiodicals，asfollows：TheThreeTaverns，LondonBridge，ASongatShannon’s，TheNewTenants，Discovery，JohnBrown；
Archibald’sExample，TheValleyoftheShadow；Nimmo；TheWanderingJew，Souvenir；Neighbors，Tact；Demos；TheMill，AnEvangelist’sWife；
Firelight；LateSummer；Inferential；TheFlyingDutchman；
OntheWay，TheFalseGods；PeaceonEarth；TheOldKing’sNewJester。
TheThreeTaverns——————————————————-
TheValleyoftheShadowTherewerefacestorememberintheValleyoftheShadow，Therewerefacesunregarded，therewerefacestoforget；
Therewerefiresofgriefandfearthatareafewforgottenashes，Thereweresparksofrecognitionthatarenotforgottenyet。
Foratfirst，withanamazedandoverwhelmingindignationAtameasurelessmalfeasancethatobscurelywilleditthus，Theywerelostandunacquainted——tilltheyfoundthemselvesinothers，Whohadgropedastheyweregropingwheredimwayswereperilous。
TherewerelivesthatwereasdarkasarethefearsandintuitionsOfachildwhoknowshimselfandisalonewithwhatheknows；
Therewerepensionersofdreamsandthereweredebtorsofillusions，Alltofailbeforethetriumphofaweedthatonlygrows。
Therewerethirstingheirsofgoldensievesthatheldnotwineorwater，Andhadnonamesintrafficormorevaluetherethantoys：
TherewereblightedsonsofwonderintheValleyoftheShadow，Wheretheysufferedandstillwonderedwhytheirwondermadenonoise。
Therewereslaveswhodraggedtheshacklesofaprecedentunbroken，Demonstratingthefulfilmentofunalterableschemes，Whichhadbeen，beforethecradle，Time’sinexorabletenantsOfwhatwerenowthedustyruinsoftheirfather’sdreams。
Therewerethese，andthereweremanywhohadstumbleduptomanhood，Wheretheysawtoolatetheroadtheyshouldhavetakenlongago：
TherewerethwartedclerksandfiddlersintheValleyoftheShadow，Thecommemorativewreckageofwhatothersdidnotknow。
Andthereweredaughtersolderthanthemotherswhohadbornethem，Beingolderintheirwisdom，whichisolderthantheearth；
Andtheyweregoingforwardonlyfartherintodarkness，Unrelievedasweretheblastingobligationsoftheirbirth；
Andamongthem，givingalwayswhatwasnotfortheirpossession，Thereweremaidens，veryquiet，withnoquietintheireyes：
ThereweredaughtersofthesilenceintheValleyoftheShadow，Eachanisolatediteminthefamilysacrifice。
Therewerecreepersamongcatacombswheredullregretsweretorches，Givinglightenoughtoshowthemwhatwasthereupontheshelves——
WheretherewasmoreforthemtoseethanpleasurewouldrememberOfsomethingthathadbeenaliveandoncehadbeenthemselves。
Thereweresomewhostirredtheruinswithasolidimprecation，Whileasmanyfledrepentanceforthepromiseofdespair：
ThereweredrinkersofwrongwatersintheValleyoftheShadow，Andallthesparklingwaysweredustthatoncehadledthemthere。
ThereweresomewhoknewthestepsofAgeincrediblybesidethem，Andhisfingersuponshouldersthathadneverfeltthewheel；
Andtheirlastofemptytrophieswasagildedcupofnothing，Whichacontemplatingvagabondwouldnothavecometosteal。
Longandoftenhadtheyfiguredforalargervaluation，Butthesizeoftheiradditionwasthebalanceofadoubt：
ThereweregentlemenofleisureintheValleyoftheShadow，Notalluredbyretrospection，disenchanted，andplayedout。
AndamongthedarkendurancesofunavowedreprisalsThereweresilenteyesofenvythatsawlittlebutsawwell；
Andoverbeauty’saftermathofhazardousambitionsThereweretearsforwhathadvanishedastheyvanishedwheretheyfell。
Notassuredofwhatwastheirs，andalwayshungryforthenameless，ThereweresomewhoseonlypassionwasforTimewhomadethemcold：
TherewerenumerousfairwomenintheValleyoftheShadow，Dreamingratherlessofheaventhanofhellwhentheywereold。
Nowandthen，asiftoscornthecommontouchofcommonsorrow，Thereweresomewhogaveafewthedistantpityofasmile；
Andanothercloakedasoulaswithanashofhumanembers，Havingcoveredthusatreasurethatwouldlasthimforawhile。
Thereweremanybythepresenceofthemanydisaffected，Whoseexemptionwasincludedintheweightthatothersbore：
TherewereseekersafterdarknessintheValleyoftheShadow，Andtheyaloneweretheretofindwhattheywerelookingfor。
Sotheywere，andsotheyare；andastheycamearecomingothers，Andamongthemarethefearlessandthemeekandtheunborn；
AndaquestionthathasheldusheretoforewithoutananswerMayabidewithoutanansweruntilallhaveceasedtomourn。
Forthechildrenofthedarkaremoretonamethanarethewretched，Orthebroken，ortheweary，orthebaffled，ortheshamed：
TherearebuildersofnewmansionsintheValleyoftheShadow，Andamongthemarethedyingandtheblindedandthemaimed。
TheWanderingJewIsawbylookinginhiseyesThattheyrememberedeverything；
AndthiswashowIcametoknowThathewashere，stillwandering。
ForthoughthefigureandthesceneWerenevertobereconciled，IknewthemanasIhadknownHisimagewhenIwasachild。
Withevidenceateveryturn，IshouldhavehelditsafetoguessThatallthenewnessofNewYorkHadnothingnewinloneliness；
YetherewasonewhomightbeNoah，OrNathan，orAbimelech，OrLamech，outofageslost，——
Or，morethanall，Melchizedek。
Assuredthathewasnoneofthese，Igavethembacktheirnamesagain，ToscanoncemorethoseendlesseyesWhereallmyquestionsendedthen。
IfoundinthemwhattheyrevealedThatIshallnotlivetoforget，AndwonderediftheyfoundinmineCompassionthatImightregret。
Pity，Ilearned，wasnottheleastOftime’soffendingbenefitsThathadnowforsolongimpugnedTheconservationofhiswits：
RatheritwasthatIshouldyield，Alone，thefealtythatpresentsThetributeofatemperedearToanuntemperedeloquence。
BeforeIponderedlongenoughOnwhencehecameandwhohewas，ItrembledathisringingwealthOfmanifoldanathemas；
Iwondered，whilehesearedtheworld，Whatnewdefectionailedtherace，AndifitmatteredhowremoteOurfatherswerefromsuchaplace。
BeforetherewasanhourformeTocontemplatewithlessconcernThecrumblingrealmawaitingusThanhisthatwasbeyondreturn，AdawningonthedustofyearsHadshapedwithanelusivelightMiragesofrememberedscenesThatwerenolongerforthesight。
FornowthegloomthathidthemanBecameadaylightonhiswrath，AndonewhereinmyfancyviewedNewlionsrampinginhispath。
Theoldweredeadandhadnofangs，Whereforehelovedthem——seeingnotTheywerethesamethatintheirtimeHadeateneverythingtheycaught。
TheworldaroundhimwasagiftOfanguishtohiseyesandears，AndonethathehadlongreviledAsfitfordevils，notforseers。
Where，then，wasthereaplaceforhimThatonthisothersideofdeathSawnothinggood，ashehadseenNogoodcomeoutofNazareth？
Yetheretherewasareticence，AndIbelievehisonlyone，ThathushedhimasifhebeheldAPresencethatwouldnotbegone。
InsuchasilenceheconfessedHowmuchtherewastobedenied；
Andhewouldlookatmeandlive，Asothersmighthavelookedanddied。
AsifatlastheknewagainThathehadalwaysknown，hiseyesWereliketothoseofonewhogazedOnthoseofOnewhoneverdies。
ForsuchamomentherevealedWhatlifehasinittobelost；
AndIcouldaskifwhatIsaw，Beforemethere，wasmanorghost。
HemayhavediedsomanytimesThatalltherewasofhimtoseeWaspride，thatkeptitselfaliveAstoorebellioustobefree；
Hemayhavetold，whenmorethanonceHumilityseemedimminent，HowmanyalonelytimeinvainTheSecondComingcameandwent。
WhetherhestilldefiesornotThefailureofanangrytaskThatrelegateshimoutoftimeTochaos，Icanonlyask。
ButasIknewhim，sohewas；
Andsomewhereamongmento-dayThoseold，unyieldingeyesmayflash，Andflinch——andlooktheotherway。
NeighborsAsoftenaswethoughtofher，WethoughtofagraylifeThatmadeaquainteconomistOfawolf-hauntedwife；
WemadethebestofallsheboreThatwasnotourstobear，AndhonoredherforwearingthingsThatwerenotthingstowear。
TherewasadistanceinherlookThatmadeuslookagain；
Andifshesmiled，wemightbelieveThatwehadlookedinvain。
Rarelyshecameinsideourdoors，Andhadnotlongtostay；
Andwhensheleft，itseemedsomehowThatshewasfaraway。
Atlast，whenwehadallforgotThatallisheretochange，AshadowonthecommonplaceWasforamomentstrange。
Yettherewasnothingforsurprise，Normuchthatneedbetold：
Love，withhisgiftofpain，hadgivenMorethanoneheartcouldhold。
TheMillThemiller’swifehadwaitedlong，Theteawascold，thefirewasdead；
AndtheremightyetbenothingwrongInhowhewentandwhathesaid：
\"Therearenomillersanymore，\"
Wasallthatshehadheardhimsay；
AndhehadlingeredatthedoorSolongthatitseemedyesterday。
SickwithafearthathadnoformSheknewthatshewasthereatlast；
AndinthemilltherewasawarmAndmealyfragranceofthepast。
WhatelsetherewaswouldonlyseemTosayagainwhathehadmeant；
AndwhatwashangingfromabeamWouldnothaveheededwhereshewent。
Andifshethoughtitfollowedher，ShemayhavereasonedinthedarkThatonewayofthefewtherewereWouldhideherandwouldleavenomark：
Blackwater，smoothabovetheweirLikestarryvelvetinthenight，Thoughruffledonce，wouldsoonappearThesameasevertothesight。
TheDarkHillsDarkhillsateveninginthewest，WheresunsethoverslikeasoundOfgoldenhornsthatsangtorestOldbonesofwarriorsunderground，FarnowfromallthebanneredwaysWhereflashthelegionsofthesun，Youfade——asifthelastofdaysWerefading，andallwarsweredone。
TheThreeTavernsWhenthebrethrenheardofus，theycametomeetusasfarasAppiiForum，andTheThreeTaverns。
（Acts28：15）
Herodion，Apelles，Amplias，AndAndronicus？IsityouIsee——
Atlast？AndisityounowthataregazingAsifindoubtofme？WasInotsayingThatIshouldcometoRome？Ididsaythat；
AndIsaidfurthermorethatIshouldgoOnwestward，wherethegatewayoftheworldLetsinthecentralsea。Ididsaythat，ButIsayonly，now，thatIamPaul——
AprisoneroftheLaw，andoftheLordAvoicemadefree。IftherebetimeenoughTolive，ImayhavemoretotellyouthenOfwesternmatters。IgonowtoRome，WhereCaesarwaitsforme，andIshallwait，AndCaesarknowshowlong。InCaesareaTherewasalegendofAgrippasayingInalightwaytoFestus，havingheardMydeposition，thatImightbefree，HadIstayedfreeofCaesar；butthewordOfGodwouldhaveitasyouseeitis——
AndhereIam。ThecupthatIshalldrinkIsminetodrink——themomentortheplaceNotminetosay。IfitbenowinRome，BeitnowinRome；andifyourfaithexceedTheshadowcastofhope，saynotofmeToosurelyortoosoonthatyearsandshipwreck，AndallthemanydesertsIhavecrossedThatarenotnamedorregioned，haveundoneBeyondthebrevitiesofourmortalhealingThepartofmethatistheleastofme。
YouseeanoldermanthanhewhofellPronetotheearthwhenhewasnighDamascus，Wherethegreatlightcamedown；yetIamheThatfell，andhethatsaw，andhethatheard。
AndIamhere，atlast；andifatlastIgivemyselftomakeanothercrumbForthisperniciousfeastoftimeandmen——
Well，IhaveseentoomuchoftimeandmenTofeartheraveningorthewrathofeither。
Yes，itisPaulyousee——theSaulofTarsusThatwasafieryJew，andhadmenslainForsayingSomethingwasbeyondtheLaw，Andinourselves。IfedmysufferingsoulUpontheLawtillIwentfamishing，NotknowingthatIstarved。HowshouldIknow，Morethenthanany，thatthefoodIhad——
Whatelseitmayhavebeen——wasnotforme？
MyfathersandtheirfathersandtheirfathersHadfounditgood，andsaidtherewasnoother，AndIwasoftheline。WhenStephenfell，Amongthestonesthatcrushedhislifeaway，TherewasnoplacealivethatIcouldseeForsuchaman。WhyshouldamanbegivenTolivebeyondtheLaw？SoIsaidthen，Asmensaynowtome。HowthendoI
Persistinliving？Isthatwhatyouask？
Ifso，letmyappearancebeforyouNolivinganswer；forTimewritesofdeathOnmenbeforetheydie，andwhatyouseeIsnottheman。Themanthatyouseenot——
Themanwithintheman——ismostalive；
Thoughhatredwouldhaveended，longago，Thebaneofhisactivities。Ihavelived，BecausethefaithwithinmethatislifeEndurestolive，andshall，tillsoonorlate，Death，likeafriendunseen，shallsaytomeMytoilisoverandmyworkbegun。
Howoften，andhowmanyatimeagain，HaveIsaidIshouldbewithyouinRome！
Hewhoisalwayscomingnevercomes，Orcomestoolate，youmayhavetoldyourselves；
AndImaytellyounowthatafterme，WhetherIstayforlittleorforlong，Thewolvesarecoming。Haveaneyeforthem，AndamorecarefulearfortheirconfusionThanyouneedhavemuchlongerforthesoundOfwhatItellyou——shouldIlivetosayMorethanIsaytoCaesar。WhatIknowIsdownforyoutoreadinwhatiswritten；
AndifIcloudalittlewithmyownMortalitythegleamthatisimmortal，IdoitonlybecauseIamI——
Beingonearthandofit，insofarAstimeflaysyettheremnant。Thisyouknow；
AndifIstingmen，asIdosometimes，Withasharpwordthathurts，itisbecauseMan’shabitistofeelbeforehesees；
AndIamofaracethatfeels。Moreover，TheworldishereforwhatisnotyethereFormorethanareafew；andeveninRome，WheremenaresoenamoredoftheCrossThatfamehasechoed，andincreasingly，ThemusicofyourloveandofyourfaithToforeignearsthatareasfarawayAsAntiochandHaran，yetIwonderHowmuchofloveyouknow，andifyourfaithBetheshutfruitofwords。Ifso，rememberWordsarebutshellsunfilled。JewshaveatleastALawtomakethemsorrytheywerebornIftheygolongwithoutit；andtheseGentiles，Forthefirsttimeinshriekinghistory，Haveloveandlawtogether，ifsotheywill，FortheirdefenseandtheirimmunityIntheselastdays。Rome，ifIknowthename，WillhaveanonacrownofthornsandfireMadereadyforthewreathingofnewmasters，Ofwhomweareappointed，youandI，——
AndyouarestilltobewhenIamgone，ShouldIgopresently。Letthewordfall，Meanwhile，uponthedragon-riddenfieldOfcircumstance，eithertoliveordie；
Concerningwhichthereisaparable，MadeeasyforthecomfortandattentionOfthosewhopreach，fearingtheypreachinvain。
Youaretoplant，andthentoplantagainWhereyouhavegathered，gatheringasyougo；
Foryouareinthefieldsthatareeternal，AndyouhavenottheburdenoftheLordUponyourmortalshoulders。WhatyouhaveIsalightyoke，madelighterbythewearing，TillitshallhavethewonderandtheweightOfaclearjewel，shiningwithalightWhereinthesunandallthefierystarsMaysoonbefading。WhenGamalielsaidThatiftheybeofmenthesethingsarenothing，ButiftheybeofGodtheyarefornoneTooverthrow，hespokeasagoodJew，AndonewhostayedaJew；andhesaidall。
Andyouknow，bythetemperofyourfaith，HowfarthefireisinyouthatIfeltBeforeIknewDamascus。Awordhere，Orthere，ornotthere，ornotanywhere，IsnottheWordthatlivesandisthelife；
Andyou，therefore，needwearynotyourselvesWithjealousachesofothers。IftheworldWerenotaworldofachesandinnovations，Attainmentwouldhavenomorejoyofit。
Therewillbecreedsandschisms，creedsincreeds，Andschismsinschisms；myriadswillbedoneTodeathbecauseafarthinghastwosides，Andisatlastafarthing。Tellingyouthis，I，whobidmentolive，appealtoCaesar。
OnceIhadsaidthewaysofGodweredark，MeaningbythatthedarkwaysoftheLaw。
Suchisthegloryofourtribulations；
FortheLawkillsthefleshthatkillstheLaw，Andwearethenalive。Wehaveeyesthen；
AndwehavethentheCrossbetweentwoworlds——
Toguideus，ortoblindusforatime，Tillwehaveeyesindeed。ThefirethatsmitesAfewonhighways，changingallatonce，Isnotforall。ThepowerthatholdstheworldAwayfromGodthatholdshimselfaway——
FartherawaythanallyourworksandwordsAreliketoflywithoutthewingsoffaith——
Wasnot，norevershallbe，asmallhazardEnliveningthewaysofeasyleisureOrthecoldroadofknowledge。WhenoureyesHavewisdom，weseemorethanweremember；
AndtheoldworldofourcaptivitiesMaythenbecomeasmittenglimpseofruin，LikeonewherevanishedhewershavehadtheirdayOfwrathonLebanon。Beforewesee，Meanwhile，wesuffer；andIcometoyou，Atlast，throughmanystormsandthroughmuchnight。
YetwhatsoeverIhaveundergone，Mykeepersinthisinstancearenothard。
Butforthechanceofaningratitude，Imightindeedbecuriousoftheirmercy，AndfearfuloftheirleisurewhileIwait，AfewleaguesoutofRome。MengotoRome，Notalwaystoreturn——butnotthatnow。
Meanwhile，IseemtothinkyoulookatmeWitheyesthatareatlastmorecredulousOfmyidentity。YouremarkinmeNosortofleapinggiant，thoughsomewordsOfminetoyoufromCorinthmayhaveleaptAlittlethroughyoureyesintoyoursoul。
Itrusttheywerealive，andarealiveToday；fortherebenonethatshallinditeSomuchofnothingasthemanofwordsWhowritesintheLord’snameforhisname’ssakeAndhasnotinhisbloodthefireoftimeTowarmeternity。Letsuchaman——
Ifoncethelightisinhimandendures——
Contenthimselftobethegeneralman，SetfreetosiftthedecenciesandtherebyTolearn，excepthebeonesetasideForsorrow，moreofpleasurethanofpain；
Thoughifhislightbenotthelightindeed，Butabriefshinethatneverreallywas，Andfails，leavinghimworsethanwherehewas，Thenshallhebeofallmendestitute。
Andherewerenotanissueformuchink，Ormuchoffendingfactionamongscribes。
TheKingdomiswithinus，wearetold；
AndwhenIsaytoyouthatwepossessitInsuchameasureasfaithmakesitours，Isayitwithasinner’sprivilegeOfhavingseenandheard，andseenagain，Afteradarkness；andifIaffirmTothelasthourthatfaithaffordsaloneTheKingdomentranceandanentertainment，IdonotseemyselfasonewhosaysTomanthatheshallsitwithfoldedhandsAgainsttheComing。IfIbeanything，Imoveadrivenagentamongmykind，EstablishingbythefaithofAbraham，Andbythegraceoftheirnecessities，TheclamoringwordthatisthewordoflifeNearerthanheretoforetothesolutionOftheirtomb-servingdoubts。IfIhaveloosedAshaftoflanguagethathasflownsometimesAlittlehigherthantheheartsandheadsOfnature’sminions，itwillyetbeheard，Likeanewsongthatwaitsfordistantears。
IcannotbethemanthatIamnot；
AndwhileIownthatearthismyaffliction，Iamamanofearth，whosaysnotallToallalike。Thatwereimpossible，EvenasitweresothatHeshouldplantAlargergardenfirst。ButyoutodayAreforthelargersowing；andyourseed，Alittlemixed，willhave，asHeforesaw，Theforeignharvestofawidergrowth，Andonewithoutanend。Manythereare，Andaretobe，thatshallpartakeofit，ThoughnonemayshareitwithanunderstandingThatisnothisalone。Weareallalone；
Andyetweareallparcelledofoneorder——
Jew，Gentile，orbarbarianinthedarkOfwildernessesthatarenotsomuchAsnamesyetinabook。Andtherearemany，FindingatlastthatwordsarenottheWord，Andfindingonlythat，willflourishaloft，LikeheadsofcapturedPhariseesonpikes，Ourcontradictionsanddiscrepancies；
AndtherearemanymorewillhangthemselvesUpontheletter，seeingnotintheWordThefriendofallwhofail，andintheirfaithAswordofexcellencetocutthemdown。
Aslongasthereareglassesthataredark——
Andtherearemany——weseedarklythroughthem；
AllwhichhaveIconcededandsetdownInwordsthathavenoshadow。WhatisdarkIsdark，andwemaynotsayotherwise；
YetwhatmaybeasdarkasalostfireForoneofus，maystillbeforanotherAcominggleamacrossthegulfofages，Andawayhomefromshipwrecktotheshore；
Andso，throughpangsandillsanddesperations，Theremaybelightforall。Thereshallbelight。
Asmuchasthat，youknow。YoucannotsayThiswomanorthatmanwillbethenextOnwhomitfalls；youarenothereforthat。
YourministrationistobeforothersThefiringofarushthatmayforthemBesoonthefireitself。ThefewatfirstArefightingforthemultitudeatlast；
ThereforerememberwhatGamalielsaidBeforeyou，whenthesickwerelyingdownInstreetsallnightforPeter’spassingshadow。
Fight，andsaywhatyoufeel；saymorethanwords。
GivementoknowthateventheirdaysofearthTocomearemorethanagesthataregone。
Saywhatyoufeel，whileyouhavetimetosayit。
Eternitywillanswerforitself，Withoutyourintercession；yetthewayFormanyisalongone，andasdark，Meanwhile，asdreamsofhell。SeenotyourtoilToomuch，andifIbeawayfromyou，Thinkofmeasabrothertoyourselves，Ofmanyblemishes。Bewareofstoics，Andgiveyourlefthandtogrammarians；
Andwhenyouseem，asmanyatimeyoumay，Tohavenootherfriendthanhope，rememberThatyouarenotthefirst，oryetthelast。
Thebestoflife，untilweseebeyondTheshadowsofourselves（andtheyarelessThaneventheblindestofindignanteyesWouldhavethem）isinwhatwedonotknow。
Make，then，forallyourfearsaplacetosleepWithallyourfadedsins；northinkyourselvesEgregiousandaloneforyourdefectsOfyouthandyesterday。Iwasyoungonce；
Andthere’saquestionifyouplayedthefoolWithamorefervidandinherentzealThanIhaveinmystorytoremember，Orgaveyourneckstofolly’sconqueringfoot，Orflungyourselveswithanunstudiedaim，LessfrequentlythanI。Nevermindthat。
Man’slittlehouseofdayswillholdenough，Sometimes，tomakehimwishitwerenothis，Butitwillnotholdall。ThingsthataredeadArebestwithoutit，andtheyowntheirdeathByvirtueoftheirdying。Letthemgo，——
Butthinkyounottheworldisashesyet，Andyouhaveallthefire。TheworldishereToday，anditmaynotbegonetomorrow；
Fortherearemillions，andtheremaybemore，TomakeinturnavariousestimationOfitsoldillsandashes，andthetrapsOfitsapparentwrath。ManywithearsThathearnotyet，shallhaveearsgiventothem，Andthentheyshallhearstrangely。ManywitheyesThatareincredulousoftheMysteryShallyetbedriventofeel，andthentoreadWherelanguagehasanendandisaveil，Notwovenofourwords。ManythathateTheirkindaresoontoknowthatwithoutloveTheirfaithisbuttheperjurednameofnothing。
IthathavedonesomehatinginmytimeSeenownotimeforhate；Ithathaveleft，FadingbehindmelikefamiliarlightsThataretoshinenomoreformyreturning，Home，friends，andhonors，——IthathavelostallelseForwisdom，andthewealthofit，saynowToyouthatoutofwisdomhascomelove，ThatmeasuresandisofitselfthemeasureOfworksandhopeandfaith。YourlongesthoursArenotsolongthatyoumaytorturethemAndharassnotyourselves；andthelastdaysAreonthewaythatyouprepareforthem，Andwaspreparedforyou，hereinaworldWhereyouhavesinnedandsuffered，strivenandseen。
IfyoubenotsohotforcountingthemBeforetheycomethatyouconsumeyourselves，Peacemayattendyouallintheselastdays——
Andme，aswellasyou。Yes，eveninRome。
Well，Ihavetalkedandrested，thoughIfearMyresthasnotbeenyours；inwhichevent，ForgiveonewhoisonlysevenleaguesFromCaesar。WhenItoldyouIshouldcome，IdidnotseemyselfthecriminalYoucontemplate，forseeingbeyondtheLawThatwhichtheLawsawnot。Butthis，indeed，Wasgoodofyou，andIshallnotforget；
No，IshallnotforgetyoucamesofarTomeetamansodangerous。Well，farewell。
TheycometotellmeIamgoingnow——
Withthem。Ihopethatweshallmeetagain，ButnonemaysaywhatheshallfindinRome。
DemosI
AllyouthatareenamoredofmynameAndleastintentonwhatmostIrequire，Beware；formydesignandyourdesire，Deplorably，arenotasyetthesame。
Beware，Isay，thefailureandtheshameOflosingthatforwhichyounowaspireSoblindly，andofhazardingentireThegiftthatIwasbringingwhenIcame。
GiveasIwill，IcannotgiveyousightWherebytoseethatwithyoutherearesomeToleadyou，andbeled。ButtheyaredumbBeforethewranglingandtheshrilldelightOfyourdeliverancethathasnotcome，Andshallnot，ifIfailyou——asImight。
DemosII
SolittlehaveyouseenofwhatawaitsYourfeveredglimpseofademocracyConfusedandfoiledwithanequalityNotequaltotheenvyitcreates，ThatyouseenothownearyouarethegatesOfanoldkingwholistensfearfullyToyouthatareoutsideandaretobeThenoisylordsofimminentestates。
RatherbethenyourprayerthatyoushallhaveYourkingdomundishonored。Havingall，Seenotthegreatamongyouforthesmall，Butheartheirsilence；forthefewshallsaveThemany，orthemanyaretofall——
Stilltobewranglinginanoisygrave。
TheFlyingDutchmanUnyieldingintheprideofhisdefiance，Afloatwithnonetoserveortocommand，Lordofhimselfatlast，andallbyScience，HeseekstheVanishedLand。
Alone，bytheonelightofhisonethought，Hesteerstofindtheshorefromwhichwecame，——
FearlessofinwhatcoilhemaybecaughtOnseasthathavenoname。
Intothenighthesails；andafternightThereisadawning，thoughtherebenosun；
Wherefore，withnothingbuthimselfinsight，Unsighted，hesailson。
AtlastthereisaliftingofthecloudBetweenthefloodbeforehimandthesky；
Andthen——thoughhemaycursethePoweraloudThathasnopowertodie——
HesteershimselfawayfromwhatishauntedBytheoldghostofwhathasbeenbefore，——
Abandoning，asalways，andundaunted，Onefog-walledislandmore。
TactObservantofthewayshetoldSomuchofwhatwastrue，NovanitycouldlongwithholdRegardthatwasherdue：
Shesparedhimthefamiliarguile，Soeasilyachieved，ThatonlymadeamantosmileAndlefthimundeceived。
AwarethatallimaginingOfmorethanwhatshemeantWouldurgeanendofeverything，Hestayed；andwhenhewent，TheypartedwithamerrywordThatwastohimaslightAsanythatwaseverheardUponastarrynight。
Shesmiledalittle，knowingwellThathewouldnotremarkTheruinsofadaythatfellAroundherinthedark：
Hesawnoruinsanywhere，NorfanciedtherewerescarsOnanyonewholingeredthere，Alonebelowthestars。
OntheWay（Philadelphia，1794）
Note。——ThefollowingimaginarydialoguebetweenAlexanderHamiltonandAaronBurr，whichisnotbaseduponanyspecificincidentinAmericanhistory，maybesupposedtohaveoccurredafewmonthsprevioustoHamilton’sretirementfromWashington’sCabinetin1795
andafewyearsbeforethepoliticalingenuitiesofBurr——
whohasbeencharacterized，withoutmuchexaggeration，astheinventorofAmericanpolitics——begantobeconspicuouslyformidabletotheFederalists。TheseactivitiesonthepartofBurrresulted，asthereaderwillremember，intheBurr-JeffersontieforthePresidencyin1800，andfinallyintheBurr-HamiltonduelatWeehawkenin1804。
BURR
Hamilton，ifheridesyoudown，rememberThatIwasheretospeak，andsotosaveYourfabricfromcatastrophe。That’sgood；
ForIperceivethatyouobservehimalso。
APresident，a-ridingofhishorse，MaydustaGeneralandbeforgiven；
Butwhybedusted——whenwe’reallalike，Allequal，andallhappy。Herehecomes——
Andtherehegoes。Andwe，byyournewpatent，Wouldseemtobetwokingsherebythewayside，WithourtwohatsofftohisExcellency。
WhynothisMajesty，anddonewithit？
ForgivemeifIshookyourmeditation，ButyouthatweldourcreditshouldhaveeyesToseewhat’scoming。Burymefirstif-I-do。
HAMILTON
There’salwaysinsomepocketofyourbrainAcareforme；whereforemygratitudeForyourattentioniscommensurateWithyourconcern。Yes，Burr，wearetwokings；
Weareasroyalastwoditch-diggers；
Butowemenotyoursceptre。ThesearethedaysWhenfirstafewseemall；butifwelive，WemayagainbeseentobethefewThatwehavealwaysbeen。ThesearethedaysWhenmenforgetthestars，andareforgotten。
BURR
Butwhyforgetthem？They’rethesamethatwinkedUpontheworldwhenAlcibiadesCutoffhisdog’stailtoinducedistinction。
Therearedogsyet，andAlcibiadesIsnotforgotten。
HAMILTON
Yes，therearedogsenough，Godknows；andIcanheartheminmydreams。
BURR
Neveradoubt。ButwhatyouhearthemostIsyournewmusic，somethingoutoftuneWithyourintention。HowinthenameofCain，Iseemtohearyouask，arementodance，Whenallmenaremusicians。Tellmethat，Ihearyousaying，andI’lltellyouthenameOfSamson’smother。ButwhyshroudyourselfBeforethecoffincomes？Forallyouknow，ThetreethatistofallforyourlasthouseIsnowasapling。YoumayhavetowaitSolongastobesorry；thoughIdoubtit，ForyouarenotathomeinyournewEdenWherechillywhispersofalikelyfrostAccumulatealreadyintheair。
Ithinkatouchofermine，Hamilton，WouldbeforyouinyourautumnalmoodApleasantsortofwarmthalongtheshoulders。
HAMILTON
Ifsoitisyouthink，youmayaswellGiveoverthinking。Wearedonewithermine。
WhatIfearmostisnotthemultitude，ButthosewhoaretoloopitwithastringThathasoneendinFranceandoneendhere。
I’mnotsofortifiedwithobservationThatIcouldswearthatmorethanhalfascoreAmonguswhoseelightningseethatruinIsnottheworkofthunder。SincetheworldWasordered，therewasneveralongpauseForcautionbetweendoingandundoing。
BURR
Goon，sir；myattentionisatrapSetforthecatchingofallcomplimentsToMonticello，andallelseabroadThathasanameoranidentity。
HAMILTON
Ileavetoyouthenames——therearetoomany；
Yetonethereistosiftandholdapart，AsnowIsee。TherecomesatlastaglimmerThatisnotalwaysclouded，ortoolate。
ButIwasnearandyoung，andhadthereinsToplaywithwhilehemannedateamsorawThatonlyGodknowswheretheendhadbeenOfallthatridingwithoutWashington。
Therewasanationinthemanwhopassedus，Iftherewasnotaworld。ImayhavedrivenSincethensomerestivehorses，andalone，Andthroughasplashingofabundantmud；
ButhewhomadethedustthatsetsyouonTocoughing，madetheroad。Nowitseemsdry，Andinameasuresafe。
BURR
Here’sanewtuneFromHamilton。Hasyourcautionallatonce，Andovernight，growntillitwrecksthecradle？
IhaveforgottenwhatmyfathersaidWhenIwasborn，butthere’sarustlingofitAmongmymemories，anditmakesanoiseAboutasloudasallthatIhaveheldAndfondledheretoforeofyoursamecaution。
Butthat’saffairs，notfeelings。IfourfriendsGuessedhalfwesayofthem，ourenemiesWoulditchinourfriends’jackets。Howsoever，Theworldisofasuddenonitshead，Andallarespilled——unlessyouclingaloneWithWashington。AskAdamsaboutthat。
HAMILTON
We’llnotaskAdamsaboutanything。
WefishforlizardswhenwechoosetoaskForwhatweknowalreadyisnotcoming，Andwemusteattheanswer。Where’stheuseOfaskingwhenthismansayseverything，Withallhistonguesofsilence？
BURR
Idaresay。
Idaresay，butIwon’t。OneofthosetonguesI’llborrowforthenonce。He’llnevermissit。
WemeanhisWesternMajesty，KingGeorge。
HAMILTON
Imeanthemanwhorodebyonhishorse。
I’llbegofyouthemeedofyourindulgenceIfIshouldsaythisplanetmayhavedoneAdealofwearywhirlingwhenatlast，Ifever，TimeshallaggregateagainAmajestylikehisthathasnoname。
BURR
ThenyouconcedehisMajesty？That’sgood，Andwhatofyours？Herearetwomajesties。
FavortheLeftalittle，Hamilton，Oryou’llbeflounderingintheditchthatwaitsForriderswhoforgetwheretheyareriding。
IfweandFrance，asyouanticipate，Musteateachother，whatCaesar，ifnotyourself，Doyouseeforthemasterofthefeast？
TheremaybeaplacewaitingonyourheadForlaurelthickasNero’s。Youdon’tknow。
Ihavenotcrossedyourglory，thoughImightIfIsawthronesatauction。
HAMILTON
Yes，youmight。
Ifwarisontheway，Ishallbe——here；
AndI’venovisionofyourdistantheels。
BURR
IseethatIshalltakeaninferenceTobedwithmeto-nighttokeepmewarm。
Ithankyou，Hamilton，andIapproveYourfealtytotheaggregatedgreatnessOfhimyouleanonwhileheleansonyou。
HAMILTON
ThiseasyphrasingisagameofyoursThatyoumaywintolose。Ibegyourpardon，ButyouthathavethesightwillnotemployThewilltoseewithit。Ifyoudidso，TheremightbefewerditchesdugforothersInyourperspective；andtheremightbefewerContemporarymotesofprejudiceBetweenyouandthemanwhomadethedust。
Callhimageniusoragentleman，Aprophetorabuilder，orwhatnot，Butholdyourdispositionoffthebalance，Andweighhiminthelight。Once（IbelieveItellyounothingnewtoyoursurmise，Ortothetonguesoftownsandvillages）
Inourishedwithanadolescentfancy——
Surelyforgivabletoyou，myfriend——
AninnocentandamiableconvictionThatIwas，bythegraceofhonestfortune，Asaviorathiselbowthroughthewar，WhereImighthaveobserved，morethanIdid，Patienceandwholesomepassion。Iwasthere，AndforsuchhonorIgavenothingworseThansomeadviceatwhichhemayhavesmiled。
Imusthavegivenamodicumbesides，OrtheroughintervalbetweenthosedaysAndthesewouldneverhavemadeformemyfriends，Orenemies。Ishouldbesomethingsomewhere——
Isaynotwhat——butIshouldnotbehereIfhehadnotbeenthere。Possibly，too，Youmightnot——orthatQuakerwithhiscane。
BURR
Possibly，too，Ishould。WhentheAlmightyRidesawhitehorse，Ifancyweshallknowit。
HAMILTON
Itwasaman，Burr，thatwasinmymind；
Nogod，orghost，ordemon——onlyaman：
AmanwhoseoccupationistheneedOfthosewhowouldnotfeelitifitbitthem；
AndonewhoshapesanagewhileheenduresThepinpricksofinferiorities；
Acautiousman，becauseheisbutone；
Alonelyman，becauseheisathousand。
NomarvelyouareslowtofindinhimThegeniusthatisonesparkorisnothing：
HisgeniusisaflamethathemustholdSofarabovethecommonheadsofmenThattheymayviewhimonlythroughthemistOftheirdefect，andwonderwhatheis。
ItseemstomethemysterythatisinhimThatmakeshimonlymoretomeamanThananyotherIhaveeverknown。
BURR
Igrantyouthathisworshipisaman。
I’mnotsomuchathomewithmysteries，Maybe，asyou——soleavehimwithhisfire：
GodknowsthatIshallneverputitout。
HehasnotmadeacrippleofhimselfInhispursuitofme，thoughIhaveheardHiscondescensionhonorsmewithparts。
Partsmakeawhole，ifwe’veenoughofthem；
AndonceIfiguredasufficiencyTobeatleastanatomintheannalsOfyourrepublic。ButImusthaveerred。
HAMILTON
YousmileasifyourspiritlivedateaseWitherror。Ishouldnothavenameditso，Failingassentfromyou；nor，ifIdid，ShouldIbesocomplacentinmyskillTocombthetangledlanguageofthepeopleAstobesureofanythinginthesedays。
Putthatmuchinaccountwithmodesty。
BURR
WhatinthenameofAhab，Hamilton，Haveyou，inthelastregionofyourdreaming，Todowith\"people\"？YoumaybethedevilInyourdead-reckoningofwhatreefsandshoalsArewaitingontheprogressofourshipUnlessyousteerit，butyou’llfinditirksomeAlonethereinthestern；andsomewarmdayThere’llbeaninlandmusicintherigging，Andafterwardsondeck。I’mnotaffinedOrfavoredovermuchatMonticello，Butthere’samightyswarmingofnewbeesAboutthepremises，andallhavewings。
Ifyouhearsomethingbuzzingbeforelong，Bethoughtfulhowyoustrike，rememberingalsoTherewasafellowNabothhadavineyard，AndAhabcuthishairoffandwentsoftly。
HAMILTON
Idon’trememberthathecuthishairoff。
BURR
SomehowIratherfancythathedid。
Ifso，it’sintheBook；andifnotso，Hedidtherest，anddidithandsomely。
HAMILTON
CommendyourselftoAhabandhiswaysIftheyinveigleyoutoemulation；
Butwhere，ifImayaskit，areyoutendingWithyourinvidiouswieldingoftheScriptures？
YoucalltomindaneminentarchangelWhofelltomakehimfamous。WouldyoufallSofarashe，tobesofarremembered？
BURR
BeforeIfallorrise，oramanangel，IshallacquaintmyselfalittlefurtherWithournewland’snewlanguage，whichisnot——
Peacetoyourdreams——anidiomtoyourliking。
I’mwonderingifamanmayalwaysknowHowoldamanmaybeatthirty-seven；
IwonderlikewiseifaprettiertimeCouldbedecreedforagoodmantovanishThanaboutnowforyou，beforeyoufade，AndevenyourfriendsareseeingthatyouhavehadYourcuptoofullforlongermortaltriumph。
Well，youhavehadenough，andhadityoung；
AndtheoldwineisnearertotheleesThanyouaretotheworkthatyouaredoing。
HAMILTON
WhendoesthisphilologicalexcursionIntonewlandsandlanguagesbegin？
BURR
Anon——thatis，already。OnlyFortuneGavemethisafternoonthebenefactionOfyourblueback，whichIforlovepursued，Andinpursuingmayhavesavedyourlife——
Alsotheworldapoundingpieceofnews：
HamiltonbitesthedustofWashington，Orratherofhishorse。Foryoualone，Orforyourfame，I’dwishitmighthavebeenso。
HAMILTON
NoteverymanamongushasafriendSojealousfortheother’sfame。HowlongAreyoutodiagnosethedoubtfulcaseOfDemos——andwhatfor？HaveyouaswordForsomenewDamocles？Ifit’sforme，Ihavelostallofficialappetite，Andshallhavefaded，afterJanuary，Intothelaw。I’mgoingtoNewYork。
BURR
Nomatterwhereyouare，oneofthesedaysIshallcomebacktoyouandtellyousomething。
ThisDemos，Ihaveheard，hasinhiswristApulsethatnotwodoctorshaveasyetCountedandfoundthesame，andinhismouthAtonguethathasthelikealacrityForsayingornotforsayingwhatmostitisThatpullulatesinhisignoblemind。
OneofthesedaysIshallappearagain，Totellyoumoreofhimandhisopinions；
Ishallnotbesolongoutofyoursight，Ortakemyselfsofar，thatImaynot，LikeAlcibiades，comebackagain。
HewentawaytoPhrygia，andfaredill。
HAMILTON
There’sanexampleinThemistocles：
HewentawaytoPersia，andfaredwell。
BURR
So？MustIgosofar？Andifso，whyso？
Ihadnotplanneditso。IsthistheroadItake？Ifso，farewell。