Contents：
PrefaceTIME’SLAUGHINGSTOCKS-
TheRevisitationATrampwoman’sTragedyTheTwoRosalindsASundayMorningTragedyTheHouseofHospitalitiesBereftJohnandJaneTheCurate’sKindnessTheFlirt’sTragedyTheRejectedMember’sWifeTheFarm-Woman’sWinterAutumninKing’sHintockParkShutoutthatMoonReminiscencesofaDancingManTheDeadManWalkingMORELOVELYRICS-
1967
HerDefinitionTheDivisionOntheDeparturePlatformInaCathedralCity\"IsayI’llseekHer\"
HerFatherAtWakingFourFootprintsIntheVaultedWayIntheMind’sEyeTheEndoftheEpisodeTheSigh\"IntheNightSheCame\"
TheConformersTheDawnaftertheDanceTheSunontheLetterTheNightoftheDanceMisconceptionTheVoiceoftheThornFromHerintheCountryHerConfessionToanImpersonatorofRosalindToanActressTheMinutebeforeMeetingHeabjuresLoveASETOFCOUNTRYSONGS-
LetmeEnjoyAtCasterbridgeFair：
I。TheBallad-SingerII。FormerBeautiesIII。AftertheClubDanceIV。TheMarket-GirlV。TheInquiryVI。AWifeWaitsVII。AftertheFairTheDark-eyedGentlemanToCarreyClavelTheOrphanedOldMaidTheSpringCallJulie-JaneNewsforHerMotherTheFiddlerTheHusband’sViewRose-AnnTheHomecomingPIECESOCCASIONALANDVARIOUS-
AChurchRomanceTheRashBrideTheDeadQuireTheChristeningADreamQuestionBytheBarrowsAWifeandAnotherTheRomanRoadTheVampirineFairTheReminderTheRamblerNightintheOldHomeAftertheLastBreathInChildbedThePinePlantersTheDearOneWeKnewSheHearstheStormAWetNightBeforeLifeandAfterNewYear’sEveGod’sEducationToSincerityPantheraTheUnbornTheManHeKilledGeographicalKnowledgeOneRalphBlossomSoliloquizesTheNobleLady’sTaleUnrealizedWagtailandBabyAberdeen：1905
GeorgeMeredith，1828-1909
Yell’ham-wood’sStoryAYoungMan’sEpigramonExistencePREFACE
IncollectingthefollowingpoemsIhavetothanktheeditorsandproprietorsoftheperiodicalsinwhichcertainofthemhaveappearedforpermissiontoreclaimthem。
Nowthatthemiscellanyisbroughttogether，somelackofconcordinpieceswrittenatwidelysevereddates，andincontrastingmoodsandcircumstances，willbeobviousenough。ThisIcannothelp，butthesenseofdisconnection，particularlyinrespectofthoselyricspennedinthefirstperson，willbeimmaterialwhenitisborneinmindthattheyaretoberegarded，inthemain，asdramaticmonologuesbydifferentcharacters。
Asawholetheywill，Ihope，takethereaderforward，evenifnotfar，ratherthanbackward。Ishouldaddthatsomelinesintheearly-datedpoemshavebeenrewritten，thoughtheyhavebeenleftsubstantiallyunchanged。
T。H。
September1909。
THEREVISITATION
AsIlayawakeatnight-timeInanancientcountrybarrackknowntoancientcannoneers，AndrecalledthehopesthatheraldedeachseemingbraveandbrighttimeOfmyprimalpurpleyears，Muchithauntedmethat，nighthere，Ihadbornemybitterestloss——whenOnewhowent，camenotagain；
Inajoylesshourofdiscord，inajoyless-huedJulythere-
AJulyjustsuchasthen。
AndasthusIbroodedlonger，Withmyfainteyesonthefeeblesquareofwan-litwindowframe，Aquickconvictionsprungwithinme，grew，andgrewyetstronger，Thatthemonth-nightwasthesame，Too，asthatwhichsawherleavemeOntheruggedridgeofWaterstone，thepeewitsplaininground；
Andalapsingtwentyyearshadruledthat——asitweretogrieveme-
Ishouldneartheonce-lovedground。
Thoughbutnowawar-wornstrangerChancehadquarteredhere，Iroseupanddescendedtotheyard。
Allwassoundless，savethetroopers’horsestossingatthemanger，Andthesentrykeepingguard。
ThroughthegatewayIbetookmeDowntheHighStreetandbeyondthelamps，acrossthebatteredbridge，Tillthecountrydarknessclaspedmeandthefriendlyshineforsookme，AndIboretowardstheRidge，WithadimunownedemotionSayingsoftly：\"Smallmyreason，nowatmidnight，tobehere……
YetasleeplessswainoffiftywithabriefromanticnotionMayretraceatracksodear。\"
ThusIwalkedwiththoughtshalf-utteredUpthelaneIknewsowell，thegrey，gaunt，lonelyLaneofSlyre；
Andatwhilesbehindme，faratsea，asullenthundermutteredAsImountedhighandhigher。
Till，theupperroadwayquitting，Iadventuredontheopendrouthydownlandthinlygrassed，Whilethesprywhitescutsofconiesflashedbeforeme，earthwardflitting，Andanaridwindwentpast。
RoundaboutmebulgedthebarrowsAsbefore，inantiquesilence——immemorialfuneralpiles-
Wherethesleekherdstrampleddailytheremainsofflint-tiptarrowsMidthethymeandchamomiles；
AndtheSarsenstonethere，dateless，Onwhosebreastwehadsatandtoldthezephyrsmanyatendervow，Heldtheheatofyestersun，assankthereononefatedmatelessFromthosefarfondhourstillnow。
MaybeflusteredbymypresenceRosethepeewits，justasallthoseyearsback，wailingsoftandloud，AndrevealingtheirpalepinionslikeafitfulphosphorescenceUpagainstthecopeofcloud，WheretheirdolesomeexclamationsSeemedthevoicingsoftheself-samethroatsIhadheardwhenlifewasgreen，ThoughsincethatdayuncountedfrailforgottengenerationsOftheirkindhadfleckedthescene-
Andso，livinglongandlongerInapastthatlivednomore，myeyesdiscernedthere，suddenly，Thatafigurebroketheskyline——firstinvaguecontour，thenstronger，Andwascrossingneartome。
Somelong-missedfamiliargesture，Somethingwonted，struckmeinthefigure’spausetolistandheed，TillIfanciedfromitshandlingofitslooselywrappingvestureThatitmightbeSheindeed。
’Twasnotreasonless：belowthereInthevale，hadbeenherhome；thenookmightholdherevenyet，Andthedownlandswereherfather’sfief；shestillmightcomeandgothere；-
SoIrose，andsaid，\"Agnette！\"
Withalittleleap，half-frightened，Shewithdrewsomesteps；thenlettingintuitionsmotherfearInaplacesolong-accustomed，andasonewhomthoughtenlightened，Shereplied：\"What——THATvoice？——here！\"
\"Yes，Agnette！——AnddidtheoccasionOfourmarchinghithermakeyouthinkIMIGHTwalkwherewetwo——’
\"O，Ioftencome，\"shemurmuredwithamoment’scoyevasion，\"（’Tisnotfar），——and——thinkofyou。\"
ThenItookherhand，andledherTotheancientpeople’sstonewhereonIhadsat。Therenowsatwe；
Andtogethertalked，untilthefirstreluctantshynessfledher，Andshespokeconfidingly。
\"ItisJUSTasereweparted！\"
Saidshe，brimminghighwithjoy。——\"Andwhen，then，cameyouhere，andwhy？\"
\"——Dear，Icouldnotsleepforthinkingofourtrystingswhentwin-hearted。\"
Sheresponded，\"NorcouldI。
\"TherearefewthingsIwouldratherThanbewanderingatthisspirit-hour——lone-lived，mykindreddead-
Onthiswoldofwell-knownfeatureIinheritfrommyfather：
Nightorday，Ihavenodread……
\"OIwonder，wonderwhetherAnyheartstringboreasignal-thrillbetweenustwainorno？-
Somesuchinfluencecan，attimes，theysay，drawseveredsoulstogether。\"
Isaid，\"Dear，we’lldreamitso。\"
Eachone’shandtheother’sgrasping，Andamutualforgivenesswon，wesanktosilentthought，Alargecontentinusthatseemedourrendedlivesreclasping，Andcontractingyearstonought。
TillI，maybeoverwearyFromthelateness，andawayfaringsofullofstrainandstressForonenolongerbuoyant，toapeaksosteepandeery，Sanktoslowunconsciousness……
HowlongIsleptIknewnot，Butthebriefwarmsummernighthadslidwhen，tomyswiftsurprise，Aredupedgingsun，ofglorychamberedmortalsviewnot，Wasblazingonmyeyes，FromtheMiltonWoodstoDole-HillAllthespaciouslandscapelighting，andaroundaboutmyfeetFlingingtallthintaperingshadowsfromthemeanestmoundandmole-hill，Andontrailstheeweshadbeat。
Shewassittingstillbesideme，Dozinglikewise；andIturnedtoher，totakeherhanginghand；
When，themoreregarding，thatwhichlikeaspectreshookandtriedmeInherimagethenIscanned；
ThatwhichTime’stransformingchiselHadbeentoolingnightanddayfortwentyyears，andtooledtoowell，Initsrenderingofcreasewherecurvewas，wherewasraven，grizzle-
Pits，wherepeoniesoncediddwell。
Shehadwakened，andperceiving（Isurmise）mysighandshock，myquiteinvoluntarydismay，Upshestarted，and——herwastedfigureallthroughoutitheaving-
Said，\"Ah，yes：IamTHUSbyday！
\"CanyoureallywinceandwonderThatthesunlightshouldrevealyousuchathingofskinandbone，AsifunawareaDeath’s-headmustofneedlienotfarunderFleshwhoseyearsout-countyourown？
\"Yes：thatmovementwasawarningOftheworthofman’sdevotion！——Yes，Sir，IamOLD，\"saidshe，\"Andthethingwhichshouldincreaseloveturnsitquicklyintoscorning-
Andyournew-wonheartfromme！\"
Thenshewent，ereIcouldcallher，Withthetooproudtemperrulingthathadpartedusbefore，AndIsawherformdescendtheslopes，andsmallergrowandsmaller，TillIcaughtitscoursenomore……
True；Imighthavedoggedherdownward；-
ButitMAYbe（thoughIknownot）thatthistrickonusofTimeDisconcertedandconfusedme。——SoonIbentmyfootstepstownward，Liketoonewhohadwatchedacrime。
WellIknewmynativeweakness，WellIknowitstill。Icherishedherreproachlikephysic-wine，ForIsawinthatemaciateshapeofbitternessandbleaknessAnoblersoulthanmine。
DidInotreturn，then，ever？-
Didwemeetagain？——mendall？——Alas，whatgreyheadperseveres！-
SoonIgottheRouteelsewhither。——SincethathourIhaveseenhernever：
Loveislameatfiftyyears。
ATRAMPWOMAN’STRAGEDY
（182-）
I
FromWynyard’sGapthelivelongday，Thelivelongday，WebeatafootthenorthwardwayWehadtravelledtimesbefore。
Thesun-blazeburningonourbacks，Ourshouldersstickingtoourpacks，Byfosseway，fields，andturnpiketracksWeskirtedsadSedge-Moor。
II
Fulltwentymileswejauntedon，Wejauntedon，-
Myfancy-man，andjeeringJohn，AndMotherLee，andI。
And，asthesundrewdowntowest，WeclimbedthetoilsomePoldoncrest，Andsaw，oflandskipsightsthebest，Theinnthatbeamedthereby。
III
Formonthswehadpaddedsidebyside，Ay，sidebysideThroughtheGreatForest，Blackmoorwide，AndwheretheParretran。
We’dfacedthegustsonMendipridge，HadcrossedtheYeounhelpedbybridge，BeenstungbyeveryMarshwoodmidge，Iandmyfancy-man。
IV
Loneinnsweloved，mymanandI，MymanandI；
\"King’sStag，\"\"Windwhistle\"highanddry，\"TheHorse\"onHintockGreen，ThecosyhouseatWynyard’sGap，\"TheHut\"renownedonBredyKnap，AndmanyanotherwaysidetapWherefolkmightsitunseen。
V
Nowaswetrudged——Odeadlyday，Odeadlyday！-
Iteasedmyfancy-maninplayAndwantonidleness。
IwalkedalongsidejeeringJohn，Ilaidhishandmywaistupon；
IwouldnotbendmyglancesonMylover’sdarkdistress。
VI
ThusPoldontopatlastwewon，Atlastwewon，AndgainedtheinnatsinkofsunFar-famedas\"Marshal’sElm。\"
Beneathusfiguredtorandlea，FromMendiptothewesternsea-
IdoubtiffinersighttherebeWithinthisroyalrealm。
VII
Insidethesettlealla-row-
Allfoura-rowWesat，InexttoJohn，toshowThathehadwooedandwon。
Andthenhetookmeonhisknee，AndsworeitwashisturntobeMyfavouredmate，andMotherLeePassedtomyformerone。
VIII
TheninavoiceIhadneverheard，Ihadneverheard，MyonlyLovetome：\"Oneword，Mylady，ifyouplease！
Whoseisthechildyouareliketobear？-
HIS？Afterallmymonthso’care？\"
Godknows’twasnot！But，Odespair！
Inodded——stilltotease。
IX
Thenuphesprung，andwithhisknife-
AndwithhisknifeHeletoutjeeringJohnny’slife，Yes；there，atsetofsun。
TheslantraythroughthewindownighGildedJohn’sbloodandglazingeye，ErescarcelyMotherLeeandI
Knewthatthedeedwasdone。
X
Thetavernstellthegloomytale，Thegloomytale，HowthatatIvel-chesterjailMyLove，mysweetheartswung；
ThoughstainedtillnowbynomisdeedSaveonehorseta’enintimeo’need；
（BlueJimmystolerightmanyasteedErehislastflingheflung。）
XI
ThereaftIwalkedtheworldalone，Alone，alone！
Onhisdeath-dayIgavemygroanAnddropthisdead-bornchild。
’Twasnighthejail，beneathatree，Nonetendingme；forMotherLeeHaddiedatGlaston，leavingmeUnfriendedonthewild。
XII
AndinthenightasIlayweak，AsIlayweak，Theleavesa-fallingonmycheek，Theredmoonlowdeclined-
TheghostofhimI’ddietokissRoseupandsaid：\"Ah，tellmethis！
Wasthechildmine，orwasithis？
Speak，thatIrestmayfind！\"
XIII
OdoubtnotbutItoldhimthen，Itoldhimthen，ThatIhadkeptmefromallmenSincewejoinedlipsandswore。
Whereathesmiled，andthinnedawayAsthewindstirredtocallupday-
’Tispast！AndherealoneIstrayHauntingtheWesternMoor。
NOTES。——\"Windwhistle\"（Stanzaiv。）。ThehighnessanddrynessofWindwhistleInnwasimpresseduponthewritertwoorthreeyearsago，when，afterclimbingonahotafternoontothebeautifulspotnearwhichitstandsandenteringtheinnfortea，hewasinformedbythelandladythatnonecouldbehad，unlesshewouldfetchwaterfromavalleyhalfamileoff，thehousecontainingnotadrop，owingtoitssituation。However，atantalizingrowoffullbarrelsbehindherbacktestifiedtoawetnessofacertainsort，whichwasnotatthattimedesired。
\"Marshal’sElm\"（Stanzavi。）sopicturesquelysituated，isnolongeraninn，thoughthehouse，orpartofit，stillremains。Itusedtoexhibitafineoldswingingsign。
\"BlueJimmy\"（Stanzax。）wasanotorioushorse-stealerofWessexinthosedays，whoappropriatedmorethanahundredhorsesbeforehewascaught，amongothersonebelongingtoaneighbourofthewriter’sgrandfather。HewashangedatthenowdemolishedIvel-chesterorIlchesterjailabovementioned——thatbuildingformerlyofsomanysinisterassociationsinthemindsofthelocalpeasantry，andthecontinualhauntoffever，whichatlastledtoitscondemnation。Itssiteisnowaninnocent-lookinggreenmeadow。
April1902。
THETWOROSALINDS
I
Thedubiousdaylightended，AndIwalkedtheTownalone，unmindingwhitherboundandwhy，AsfromeachgauntstreetandgapingsquareamistoflightascendedAnddisperseduponthesky。
II
FilesofevanescentfacesPassedeachotherwithoutheeding，intheirtravail，teen，orjoy，SomeinvoidunvisionedlistlessnessinwroughtwithpallidtracesOfkeenpenury’sannoy。
III
NebulousflamesincrystalcagesLeeredasifwithdiscontentatcitymovement，murk，andgrime，AndaswaitingsomeprocessionofgreatghostsfrombygoneagesToexalttheignobletime。
IV
Inacolonnadehigh-lighted，Byathoroughfarewheresternutilitariantrafficdinned，Onaredandwhiteemblazonmentofplayersandparts，IsightedThenameof\"Rosalind，\"
V
Andherfamousmatesof\"Arden，\"
Whoobservednostrictercustomsthan\"theseasons’difference\"bade，WholivedwithrunningbrooksforbooksinNature’swildwoodgarden，Andcalledidlenesstheirtrade……
VI
NowtheposterstirredanemberStillremainingfrommyardoursofsomefortyyearsbefore，WhentheselfsameportalonaneveitthrilledmetorememberAlikeannouncementbore；
VII
AndexpectantlyIhadentered，AndhadfirstbeheldinhumanmouldaRosalindwooandplead，OnwhosetranscendentfiguringmyspeedysoulhadcentredAsithadbeensheindeed……
VIII
So；allotherplansdiscarding，Iresolvedonentrance，bentonseeingwhatIoncehadseen，Andapproachedthegangwayofmyearlierknowledge，disregardingThetractoftimebetween。
IX
\"Thewords，sir？\"criedacreatureHoveringmidtheshineandshadeas’twixttheliveworldandthetomb；
Butthewell-knownnumbersneedednotformeatextorteacherToreviveandre-illume。
X
Thentheplay……ButhowunfittedWasTHISRosalind！——amammetquitetome，inmemoriesnurst，AndwithchillingdisappointmentsoonIsoughtthestreetIhadquitted，Tore-ponderonthefirst。
XI
Thehagstillhawked，——ImetherJustwithoutthecolonnade。\"Soyoudon’tlikeher，sir？\"saidshe。
\"Ah——_I_wasoncethatRosalind！——Iactedher——nonebetter-
Yes——ineighteensixty-three。
XII
\"ThusIwonOrlandotomeInmythentriumphantdayswhenIhadcharmandmaidenhood，Nowsomefortyyearsago。——Iusedtosay，COMEWOOME，WOOME！\"
Andshestrucktheattitude。
XIII
ItwaswhenIhadgonetherenightly；
Andthevoice——thoughraucousnow——wasyettheoldone。——ClearasnoonMyRosalindwashere……ThereonthebandwithinsidelightlyBeatupamerrytune。
ASUNDAYMORNINGTRAGEDY
（circa186-）
Iboreadaughterflower-fair，InPydelVale，alasforme；
Ijoyedtomotheronesorare，ButdeadandgoneInowwouldbe。
Menlookedandlovedherasshegrew，Andshewaswon，alasforme；
Shetoldmenothing，butIknew，Andsawthatsorrowwastobe。
Iknewthatonehadmadeherthrall，Athralltohim，alasforme；
Andthen，atlast，shetoldmeall，Andwonderedwhatherendwouldbe。
Sheownedthatshehadlovedtoowell，Hadlovedtoowell，unhappyshe，Andboreasecrettimewouldtell，Thoughinhershroudshe’dsoonerbe。
Iploddedtohersweetheart’sdoorInPydelVale，alasforme：
Ipleadedwithhim，pleadedsore，Tosaveherfromhermisery。
Hefrowned，andsworehecouldnotwed，Seventimeshesworeitcouldnotbe；
\"Poverty’sworsethanshame，\"hesaid，Tillallmyhopewentoutofme。
\"I’vepackedmytrapstosailthemain\"-
Roughlyhespake，alasdidhe-
\"Wessexbeholdsmenotagain，’Tisworsethananyjailwouldbe！\"-
TherewasashepherdwhomIknew，Asubtleman，alasforme：
Isoughthimallthepasturesthrough，ThoughbetterIhadceasedtobe。
Itracedhimbyhislanternlight，Andgavehimhint，alasforme，OfhowshefoundherintheplightThatissoscornedinChristendie。
\"Isthereanherb……？\"Iasked。\"Ornone？\"
Yes，thusIaskedhimdesperately。
\"——Thereis，\"hesaid；\"acertainone……\"
Wouldhehadswornthatnoneknewhe！
\"To-morrowIwillwalkyourway，\"
Hehintedlow，alasforme-
FieldwardsIgazedthroughoutnextday；
NowfieldsInevermorewouldsee！
Thesunset-shine，ascurfewstrook，Ascurfewstrookbeyondthelea，Lithiswhitesmockandgleamingcrook，Whileslowlyhedrewneartome。
HepulledfromunderneathhissmockTheherbIsought，mycursetobe-
\"AttimesIuseitinmyflock，\"
Hesaid，andhopewaxedstronginme。
\"’Tismeanttobalkill-motherings\"-
（Ill-motherings！Whyshouldtheybe？）-
\"Ifnot，wouldGodhavesentsuchthings？\"
Sospoketheshepherduntome。
ThatnightIwatchedthepopplingbrew，Withbendedbackandhandonknee：
Istirredittillthedawnlightgrew，Andthewindwhiffledwailfully。
\"Thisscandalshallbeslain，\"saidI，\"Thatloursuponherinnocency：
I’llgiveallwhisperingtonguesthelie；\"-
Butworsethanwhisperswastobe。
\"Here’sphysicforuntimelyfruit，\"
Isaidtoher，alasforme，Earlythatmorninfondsalute；
AndinmygraveInowwouldbe-
NextSundaycame，withsweetchurchchimesInPydelVale，alasforme：
Iwentintoherroombetimes；
NomoremaysuchaSundaybe！
\"Mother，insteadofrescuenigh，\"
Shefaintlybreathed，alasforme，\"IfeelasIwereliketodie，Andundergroundsoon，soonshouldbe。\"
FromchurchthatnoonthepeoplewalkedIntwosandthrees，alasforme，Showedtheirnewraiment——smiledandtalked，Thoughsackcloth-cladIlongedtobe。
Cametomydoorherlover’sfriends，Andcheerlycried，alasforme，\"Rightgladarewehemakesamends，Forneverasweeterbridecanbe。\"
Mymouthdried，as’twerescorchedwithin，Driedattheirwords，alasforme：
Moreandmoreneighbourscrowdedin，（Owhyshouldmotherseverbe！）
\"Ha-ha！Suchwell-keptnews！\"laughedthey，Yes——sotheylaughed，alasforme。
\"Whosebannswerecalledinchurchto-day？\"-
Christ，howIwishedmysoulcouldflee！
\"Whereisshe？Othestealthymiss，\"
Stillbanteredthey，alasforme，\"Tokeepaweddingcloseasthis……\"
Ay，Fortuneworkedthuswantonly！
\"Butyouarepale——youdidnotknow？\"
Theyarchlyasked，alasforme，Istammered，\"Yes——somedays-ago，\"
WhilecoffinedclayIwishedtobe。
\"’Twasdonetopleaseher，wesurmise？\"
（Theyspokequitelightlyintheirglee）
\"Donebyhimasafondsurprise？\"
Ithoughttheirwordswouldmaddenme。
Herloverentered。\"Where’smybird？-
Mybird——myflower——mypicotee？
Firsttimeofasking，soonthethird！\"
Ah，inmygraveIwellmaybe。
Tomehewhispered：\"Sinceyourcall——\"
Sospokehethen，alasforme-
\"I’vefeltforher，andrightedall。\"-
Ithinkofittoagony。
\"She’sfaintto-day——tired——nothingmore——\"
ThusdidIlie，alasforme……
IcalledheratherchamberdoorAsonewhoscarcehadstrengthtobe。
Novoicereplied。Iwentwithin-
Owomen！scourgedtheworstarewe……
Ishrieked。TheothershastenedinAndsawthestroketheredealtonme。
Thereshelay——silent，breathless，dead，Stonedeadshelay——wronged，sinlessshe！-
Ghost-whitethecheeksoncerosy-red：
Deathhadtookher。Deathtooknotme。
Ikissedhercoldingfaceandhair，Ikissedhercorpse——thebridetobe！-
MypunishmentIcannotbear，ButprayGodNOTtopityme。
January1904。
THEHOUSEOFHOSPITALITIES
HerewebroachedtheChristmasbarrel，Pushedupthecharredlog-ends；
HerewesangtheChristmascarol，Andcalledinfriends。
TimehastiredmesincewemethereWhenthefolknowdeadwereyoung，SincetheviandswereoutsethereAndquaintsongssung。
AndthewormhasboredtheviolThatusedtoleadthetune，RusteatenoutthedialThatstrucknight’snoon。
NownoChristmasbringsinneighbours，AndtheNewYearcomesunlit；
Wherewesangthemolenowlabours，Andspidersknit。
Yetatmidnightifherewalking，Whenthemoonsheetswallandtree，Iseeformsofoldtimetalking，Whosmileonme。
BEREFT
IntheblackwintermorningNolightwillbestrucknearmyeyesWhiletheclockinthestairwayiswarningForfive，whenheusedtorise。
Leavethedoorunbarred，Theclockunwound，Makemylonebedhard-
Would’twereunderground！
Whenthesummerdawnsclearly，Andtheappletree-topsseemalight，WhowillundrawthecurtainandcheerlyCalloutthatthemorningisbright？
WhenItarryatmarketNoformwillcrossDurnoverLeaInthegatheringdarkness，toharkatGrey’sBridgeforthepit-pato’me。
Whenthesuppercrock’ssteaming，Andthetimeisthetimeofhistread，IshallsitbythefireandwaitdreamingInasilenceasofthedead。
Leavethedoorunbarred，Theclockunwound，Makemylonebedhard-
Would’twereunderground！
1901。
JOHNANDJANE
I
HeseestheworldasaboisterousplaceWhereallthingsbearalaughingface，Andhumorousscenesgohourlyon，DoesJohn。
II
TheyfindtheworldapleasantplaceWhereallisecstasyandgrace，Wherealighthasrisenthatcannotwane，DoJohnandJane。
III
Theyseeasapalacetheircottage-place，Containingapearlofthehumanrace，Ahero，maybe，hereafterstyled，DoJohnandJanewithababy-child。
IV
Theyratetheworldasagruesomeplace，Wherefairlooksfadetoaskull’sgrimace，-
Asapilgrimagetheywouldfaingetdone-
DoJohnandJanewiththeirworthlessson。
THECURATE’SKINDNESS
AWORKHOUSEIRONY
I
Ithoughtthey’dbestrangersaroun’me，Butshe’stobethere！
Letmejumpouto’waggonandgobackanddrownmeAtPummeryorTen-HatchesWeir。
II
Ithought：\"Well，I’vecometotheUnion-
Theworkhouseatlast-
Afterhonesthardworkalltheweek，andCommunionO’Zundays，thesefiftyyearspast。
III
\"’Tishard；but，\"Ithought，\"nevermindit：
There’sgainintheend：
AndwhenIgetusedtotheplaceIshallfinditAhome，andmayfindthereafriend。
IV
\"Lifetherewillbebetterthant’other。
Forpeaceisassured。
THEMENINONEWINGANDTHEIRWIVESINANOTHER
IsstrictlytheruleoftheBoard。\"
V
JustthenoneyoungPa’sonarrivingStepsupoutofbreathTothesideo’thewaggonwhereinweweredrivingToUnion；andcallsoutandsaith：
VI
\"Oldfolks，thatharshorderisaltered，Benotsickofheart！
TheGuardianstheypoohedandtheypishedandtheypalteredWhenurgednottokeepyouapart。
VII
\"’Itiswrong，’Imaintained，’todividethem，Nearfortyyearswed。’
’Verywell，sir。Wepromise，then，theyshallabidethemInonewingtogether，’theysaid。\"
VIII
ThenIsank——knew’twasquiteaforedonethingThatmiseryshouldbeTotheend！……TogetfreedofhertherewastheonethingHadmadethechangewelcometome。
IX
Togotherewasendingbutbadly；
’Twasshameand’twaspain；
\"Butanyhow，\"thoughtI，\"therebyIshallgladlyGetfreeofthisfortyyears’chain。\"
X
Ithoughtthey’dbestrangersaroun’me，Butshe’stobethere！
Letmejumpouto’waggonandgobackanddrownmeAtPummeryorTen-HatchesWeir。
THEFLIRT’STRAGEDY
（17——）
Herealonebythelogsinmychamber，Deserted，decrepit-
SpentflameslimningghostsonthewainscotOffriendsIonceknew-
MydramaandhersbeginsweirdlyItsdumbre-enactment，Eachscene，sigh，andcircumstancepassingInspectralreview-
WealthwasminebeyondwishwhenImether-
Theprideofthelowland-
EmboweredinTintinhullValleyBylaurelandyew；
Andlovelitmysoul，notwithstandingMyfeatures’illfavour，TooobviousbesideherperfectionsOflineandofhue。
Butitpleasedhertoplayonmypassion，AndwhetmetopleadingsThatwonfromhermirthfulnegationsAndscorningsundue。
ThenIfledherdisdainsandderisionsTocitiesofpleasure，AndmademethecronyofidlersIneverypurlieu。
Ofthosewholenteartomystory，AneedyAdonisGavehinthowtogrizzlehergardenFromrosestorue，CouldhispricebutbepaidforsopurgingMyscornerofscornings：
Thustempted，thelusttoavengemeGermedinlyandgrew。
Iclothedhiminsumptuousapparel，Consignedtohimcoursers，Meetequipage，liveriedattendantsInfullretinue。
Sodowered，withlettersofcreditHewayfaredtoEngland，Andspiedoutthemanorshegoddessed，Andhandythereto，SettohirehimatenantlessmansionAscoign-stoneofvantageFortestingwhatgrossadulationOfbeautycoulddo。
Helabouredthroughmorningsandevens，Onnewmoonsandsabbaths，BywilestoenmeshherattentionInpark，path，andpew；
Andhavingafarplayeduponher，Advancedhislinesnearer，Andboldlyoutleapingconventions，Bentbrisklytowoo。
Hisgaygodlikeface，hisrareseemingAnonworkedtowinher，Andlater，atnoontidesandnight-tidesTheyheldrendezvous。
Histarriancefullspent，hedepartedAndmetmeinVenice，AndlinesfromhertoldthatmyjilterWasstoopingtosue。
Notlongcouldbefurtherconcealment，Shepledtohimhumbly：
\"Byourloveandoursin，Oprotectme；
Iflyuntoyou！\"
Amightyremorseovergatme，Iheardherlowanguish，AndthereinthegloomofthecalleMysteelranhimthrough。
AswiftpushengulphedhishotcarrionWithinthecanalthere-
ThatstillstreetofwatersdividingThecityintwo-
IwanderedawhileallunableTosmothermytorment，MybrainrackedbyyellsasfromTophetOfSatan’swholecrew。
AmonthofunrestbroughtmehoveringAthomeinherprecincts，Towhosehiding-holelocalstoryAffordedaclue。
Exposed，andexpelledbyherpeople，AfaroffinLondonIfoundheralone，inasombreAndsoul-stiflingmew。
StillburningtomakereparationIpleadedtowiveher，Andfatherherchild，andthusfaintlyMymischiefundo。
Sheyielded，andspellsofcalmweatherSucceededthetempest；
AndonesprungofhimstoodasscionOfmyboneandthew……
ButTimeunveilssorrowsandsecrets，Andsoitbefellnow：
Byinchesthecurtainwastwitchedat，Andslowlyundrew。
Aswelay，sheandI，inthenight-time，Weheardtheboymoaning：
\"Omiserymine！MyfalsefatherHasmurderedmytrue！\"
Shegasped：yea，sheheard；understoodit。
Nextdaythechildfledus；
AndnevermoresightedwasevenAprintofhisshoe。
Thenceforwardsheshunnedme，andlanguished；
Tillonedaythepark-poolEmbracedherfairform，andextinguishedHereyes’livingblue-
So；asknotwhatblastmayaccountforThisaspectofpallor，ThesebonesthatjustprisonwithinthemLife’spoorresidue；
Butpassby，andleaveunregardedACaintohissuffering，ForvengeancetoodarkonthewomanWhoseloverheslew。
THEREJECTEDMEMBER’SWIFE
WeshallseehernomoreOnthebalcony，Smiling，whilehurt，attheroarAsofsurgingseaFromthestormysturdybandWhohavedoomedherlord’scause，ThoughshewavesherlittlehandAsitwereapplause。
Herewillbecandidatesyet，Andcandidates’wives，FervidwithzealtosetTheiridealsonourlives：
Herewillcomemarket-menOnthemarket-days，HerewillclashnowandthenMoresuchpartyassays。
AndthebalconywillfillWhensuchtimesarerenewed，AndthethronginthestreetwillthrillWithto-day’smettledmood；
ButshewillnomorestandInthesunshinethere，Withthatwaveofherwhite-glovedhand，Andthatchestnuthair。
January1906。
THEFARM-WOMAN’SWINTER
I
Ifseasonsallweresummers，Andleaveswouldneverfall，Andhoppingcasement-comersWerefoodlessnotatall，AndfragilefolkmightbehereThatwhitewindsbiddepart；
ThenoneIusedtoseehereWouldwarmmywastedheart！
II
Onefrail，who，bravelytillingLonghoursingrippinggusts，Wasmasteredbytheirchilling，Andnowhisploughsharerusts。
SosavagewintercatchesThebreathoflimberthings，AndwhatIlovehesnatches，AndwhatIlovenot，brings。
AUTUMNINKING’SHINTOCKPARK
HerebythebaringboughRakingupleaves，OftenIponderhowSpringtimedeceives，-
I，anoldwomannow，Rakingupleaves。
HereintheavenueRakingupleaves，Lords’ladiespassinview，UntiloneheavesSighsatlife’srussethue，Rakingupleaves！
JustasmyshapeyouseeRakingupleaves，Isaw，whenfreshandfree，ThosememoryweavesIntogreyghostsbyme，Rakingupleaves。
Yet，Dear，thoughonemaysigh，Rakingupleaves，Newleaveswilldanceonhigh-
Earthnevergrieves！-
Willnot，whenmissedamI
Rakingupleaves。
1901。
SHUTOUTTHATMOON
Closeupthecasement，drawtheblind，Shutoutthatstealingmoon，ShewearstoomuchtheguisesheworeBeforeourluteswerestrewnWithyears-deepdust，andnameswereadOnawhitestonewerehewn。
Stepnotoutonthedew-dashedlawnToviewtheLady’sChair，ImmenseOrion’sglitteringform，TheLessandGreaterBear：
Stayin；tosuchsightsweweredrawnWhenfadedoneswerefair。
BrushnottheboughformidnightscentsThatcomeforthlingeringly，AndwakethesamesweetsentimentsTheybreathedtoyouandmeWhenlivingseemedalaugh，andloveAllitwassaidtobe。
Withinthecommonlamp-litroomPrisonmyeyesandthought；
Letdingydetailscrudelyloom，Mechanicspeechbewrought：
ToofragrantwasLife’searlybloom，Tootartthefruititbrought！
1904。
REMINISCENCESOFADANCINGMAN
I
WhonowremembersAlmack’sballs-
Willis’ssometimenamed-
Inthosetwosmooth-flooredupperhallsForfadedonessofamed？
WhereaswetrodtotrillingsoundThefanciedphantomsstoodaround，Orjoinedusinthemaze，OfthepowderedDearsfromGeorgianyears，Whosedustlayinsightlesssealed-upbiers，Thefairestofformerdays。
II
WhonowremembersgayCremorne，Andallitsjauntyjills，AndthosewildwhirlingfiguresbornOfJullien’sgrandquadrilles？
WithhatsonheadandmorningcoatsTherefootedtohisprancingnotesOurpartner-girlsandwe；
Andthegas-jetswinked，andthelustresclinked，AndtheplatformthrobbedaswitharmsenlinkedWemovedtotheminstrelsy。
III
WhonowrecallsthosecrowdedroomsOfoldyclept\"TheArgyle，\"
WheretothedeepDrum-polka’sboomsWehoppedinstandardstyle？
Whitherhavedancedthosedamselsnow！
IsDeaththepartnerwhodothmoueTheirwormychapsandbare？
DotheirspectresspinlikesparkswithinThesmokyhallsofthePrinceofSinToathunderousJullienair？
THEDEADMANWALKING
Theyhailmeasoneliving，Butdon’ttheyknowThatIhavediedoflateyears，Untombedalthough？
Iambutashapethatstandshere，Apulselessmould，Apalepastpicture，screeningAshesgonecold。
Notataminute’swarning，Notinaloudhour，FormeceasedTime’senchantmentsInhallandbower。
Therewasnotragictransit，Nocatchofbreath，WhensilentseasonsinchedmeOntothisdeath-
ATroubadour-youthIrambledWithLifeforlyre，ThebeatsofbeingragingInmelikefire。
ButwhenIpractisedeyeingThegoalofmen，Iticedme，andIperishedAlittlethen。
Whenpassedmyfriend，mykinsfolkThroughtheLastDoor，Andleftmestandingbleakly，Idiedyetmore；
AndwhenmyLove’sheartkindledInhateofme，WhereforeIknewnot，diedI
Onemoredegree。
AndifwhenIdiedfullyIcannotsay，Andchangedintothecorpse-thingIamto-day；
Yetisitthat，thoughwhilingThetimesomehowInwalking，talking，smiling，Ilivenotnow。
MORELOVELYRICS
1967
Infive-scoresummers！Allneweyes，Newminds，newmodes，newfools，newwise；
Newwoestoweep，newjoystoprize；
WithnothingleftofmeandyouInthatlivecentury’svividviewBeyondapinchofdustortwo；
Acenturywhich，ifnotsublime，Willshow，Idoubtnot，atitsprime，Ascopeabovethisblinkeredtime-
Yetwhattomehowfarabove？
ForIwouldonlyaskthereofThatthywormshouldbemyworm，Love！
16WESTBOURNEPARKVILLAS，1867。
HERDEFINITION
Ilingeredthroughthenighttobreakofday，Noroncedidsleepextendawingtome，IntentlybusiedwithavastarrayOfepithetsthatshouldoutfigurethee。
Full-featuredterms——allfitless——hastenedby，Andthissolespeechremained：\"Thatmaidenmine！\"-
DebarredfromduedescriptionthendidI
Perceivetheindefinitephrasecouldyetdefine。
AscommonchestsencasingwaresofpriceArebornewithtendernessthroughhallsofstate，Forwhattheycover，sothepoordeviceOfhomelywordingIcouldtolerate，KnowingitsunadornmentheldasfreightThesweetestimageoutsideParadise。
W。P。V。，Summer1866。
THEDIVISION
Rainonthewindows，creakingdoors，Withblaststhatbesomthegreen，AndIamhere，andyouarethere，Andahundredmilesbetween！
Owereitbuttheweather，Dear，OwereitbutthemilesThatsummedupallourseverance，Theremightberoomforsmiles。
Butthatthwartthingbetwixtustwain，Whichnothingcleavesorclears，Ismorethandistance，Dear，orrain，Andlongerthantheyears！
1893。
ONTHEDEPARTUREPLATFORM
Wekissedatthebarrier；andpassingthroughSheleftme，andmomentbymomentgotSmallerandsmaller，untiltomyviewShewasbutaspot；
AweewhitespotofmuslinfluffThatdownthediminishingplatformboreThroughhustlingcrowdsofgentleandroughTothecarriagedoor。
Underthelamplight’sfitfulglowers，Behinddarkgroupsfromfarandnear，Whoseinterestswereapartfromours，Shewoulddisappear，Thenshowagain，tillIceasedtoseeThatflexibleform，thatnebulouswhite；
AndshewhowasmorethanmylifetomeHadvanishedquite