ContentsPrefaceTheTemporaryTheAllAmabelHap\"InVisionIRoamed\"
AtaBridalPostponementAConfessiontoaFriendinTroubleNeutralTonesSheHerInitialsHerDilemmaRevulsionShe，ToHim，I。
\"\"II。
\"\"III。
\"\"IV。
DittyTheSergeant’sSongValenciennesSanSebastianTheStranger’sSongTheBurghersLeipzigThePeasant’sConfessionTheAlarmHerDeathandAfterTheDanceatthePhoenixTheCasterbridgeCaptainsASign-SeekerMyCicelyHerImmortalityTheIvy-WifeAMeetingwithDespairUnknowingFriendsBeyondToOuterNatureThoughtsofPhenaMiddle-AgeEnthusiasmsInaWoodToaLadyToanOrphanChildNature’sQuestioningTheImpercipientAtAnInnTheSlowNatureInaEweleazeNearWeatherburyADDITIONS：
TheFireatTranterSweatley’sHeiressandArchitectTheTwoMenLines\"ILookintomyGlass\"
PREFACE
Ofthemiscellaneouscollectionofversethatfollows，onlyfourpieceshavebeenpublished，thoughmanywerewrittenlongago，andotherpartlywritten。Insomefewcasestheverseswereturnedintoproseandprintedassuch，ithavingbeenunanticipatedatthattimethattheymightseethelight。
Wheneveranancientandlegitimatewordofthedistrict，forwhichtherewasnoequivalentinreceivedEnglish，suggesteditselfasthemostnatural，nearest，andoftenonlyexpressionofathought，ithasbeenmadeuseof，onwhatseemedgoodgrounds。
Thepiecesareinalargedegreedramaticorpersonativeinconception；andthisevenwheretheyarenotobviouslyso。
Thedatesattachedtosomeofthepoemsdonotapplytotheroughsketchesgiveninillustration，whichhavebeenrecentlymade，and，asmaybesurmised，areinsertedforpersonalandlocalreasonsratherthanfortheirintrinsicqualities。
T。H。
September1898。
THETEMPORARYTHEALL
Changeandchancefulnessinmyfloweringyouthtime，Setmesunbysunneartooneunchosen；
Wroughtusfellow-like，anddespitedivergence，Friendsinterlinkedus。
\"CherishhimcanIwhilethetrueoneforthcome-
Cometherichfulfillerofmyprevision；
Lifeisroomyyet，andtheoddsunbounded。\"
Soself-communedI。
Thwartmywistfulwaydidadamselsaunter，Fair，thewhileunformedtobeall-eclipsing；
\"Maidenmeet，\"heldI，\"tillarisemyforefeltWonderofwomen。\"
Longavisionedhermitagedeepdesiring，TenementsuncouthIwasfaintohousein；
\"Letsuchlodgingbeforabreath-while，\"thoughtI，\"Soonamoreseemly。
\"Then，highhandiworkwillImakemylife-deed，TruthandLightoutshow；buttheripetimepending，Intermissiveaimatthethingsufficeth。\"
ThusI……Butlo，me！
Mistress，friend，place，aimstobebetteredstraightway，BetterednothasFateormyhand’sachieving；
Soletheshowancethoseofmyonwardearth-track-
Nevertranscended！
AMABEL
Imarkedherruinedhues，Hercustom-straitenedviews，Andasked，\"CanthereindwellMyAmabel？\"
Ilookeduponhergown，Oncerose，nowearthenbrown；
ThechangewasliketheknellOfAmabel。
Herstep’smechanicwaysHadlostthelifeofMay’s；
Herlaugh，oncesweetinswell，SpoiltAmabel。
Imused：\"WhosingsthestrainIsangerewarmthdidwane？
WhothinksitsnumbersspellHisAmabel？\"-
Knowingthat，thoughLovecease，Love’sraceshowsundecrease；
AllfindindorpordellAnAmabel-
IfeltthatIcouldcreepTosomehousetop，andweep，ThatTimethetyrantfellRuledAmabel！
Isaid（thewhileIsighedThatlovelikeourshaddied），\"FondthingsI’llnomoretellToAmabel，\"Butleavehertoherfate，Andflingacrossthegate，’TilltheLastTrump，farewell，OAmabel！’\"
1865。
HAP
IfbutsomevengefulgodwouldcalltomeFromupthesky，andlaugh：\"Thousufferingthing，Knowthatthysorrowismyecstasy，Thatthylove’slossismyhate’sprofiting！\"
ThenwouldIbear，andclenchmyself，anddie，Steeledbythesenseofireunmerited；
Half-easedinthataPowerfullerthanI
HadwilledandmetedmethetearsIshed。
Butnotso。Howarrivesitjoyliesslain，Andwhyunbloomsthebesthopeeversown？-
CrassCasualtyobstructsthesunandrain，AnddicingTimeforgladnesscastsamoan……
ThesepurblindDoomstershadasreadilystrownBlissesaboutmypilgrimageaspain。
1866。
\"INVISIONIROAMED\"
TO-
InvisionIroamedtheflashingFirmament，SofierceinblazonthattheNightwaxedwan，Asthoughwithanawedsenseofsuchostent；
AndasIthoughtmyspiritrangedonandonInfootlesstraversethroughghastheightsofsky，TothelastchambersofthemonstrousDome，Wherestarsthebrightestheretodarknessdie：
Then，anyspotonourownEarthseemedHome！
AndthesickgriefthatyouwerefarawayGrewpleasantthankfulnessthatyouwerenear？
Whomighthavebeen，setonsomeoutstepsphere，LessthanaWanttome，asdaybydayIlivedunware，uncaringallthatlayLockedinthatUniversetaciturnanddrear。
1866。
ATABRIDAL
TO-
Whenyoupacedforth，towaitmaternity，Adreamofotheroffspringheldmymind，CompoundedofustwainasLovedesigned；
Rareforms，thatcorporatenowwillneverbe！
ShouldI，too，wedasslavetoMode’sdecree，Andeachthusfoundapart，offalsedesire，Astolidline，whomnohighaimswillfireAshadfiredourscouldeverhavemingledwe；
And，grievedthatlivessomatchedshouldmis-compose，Eachmournthedoublewaste；andquestiondareTotheGreatDamewhenceincarnationflows。
Whythosehigh-purposedchildrenneverwere：
Whatwillsheanswer？ThatshedoesnotcareIftheraceallsuchsovereigntypesunknows。
1866。
POSTPONEMENT
Snow-boundinwoodland，amournfulword，Droptnowandthenfromthebillofabird，Reachedmeonwind-wafts；andthusIheard，Wearilywaiting：-
\"Iplannedheranestinaleaflesstree，Butthepasserseyedandtwittedme，Andsaid：’Howrecklessabirdishe，Cheerilymating！’
\"Fear-filled，Istayedmetillsummer-tide，Inlewthofleavestothroneherbride；
Butalas！herloveformewanedanddied，Wearilywaiting。
\"Ah，hadIbeenlikesomeIsee，Borntoanevergreennesting-tree，Nonehadeyedandtwittedme，Cheerilymating！\"
1866。
ACONFESSIONTOAFRIENDINTROUBLE
Yourtroublesshrinknot，thoughIfeelthemlessHere，faraway，thanwhenItarriednear；
Ievensmileoldsmiles——withlistlessness-
Yetsmilestheyare，notghastlymockeriesmere。
AthoughttoostrangetohousewithinmybrainHauntingitsouterprecinctsIdiscern：-
ThatIwillnotshowzealagaintolearnYourgriefs，andsharingthem，renewmypain……
Itgoes，likemurkybirdorbuccaneerThatshapesitslawlessfigureonthemain，AndeachnewimpulsetendstomakeoutfleeTheunseemlyinstinctthathadlodgmenthere；
Yet，comradeold，canbittererknowledgebeThanthat，thoughbanned，suchinstinctwasinme！
1866。
NEUTRALTONES
Westoodbyapondthatwinterday，Andthesunwaswhite，asthoughchiddenofGod，Andafewleaveslayonthestarvingsod，——Theyhadfallenfromanash，andweregray。
YoureyesonmewereaseyesthatroveOvertediousriddlessolvedyearsago；
Andsomewordsplayedbetweenustoandfro-
Onwhichlostthemorebyourlove。
ThesmileonyourmouthwasthedeadestthingAliveenoughtohavestrengthtodie；
AndagrinofbitternessswepttherebyLikeanominousbirda-wing……
Sincethen，keenlessonsthatlovedeceives，Andwringswithwrong，haveshapedtomeYourface，andtheGod-curstsun，andatree，Andapondedgedwithgrayishleaves。
1867。
SHE
ATHISFUNERAL
Theybearhimtohisresting-place-
Inslowprocessionsweepingby；
Ifollowatastranger’sspace；
Hiskindredthey，hissweetheartI。
Unchangedmygownofgarishdye，Thoughsable-sadistheirattire；
Buttheystandroundwithgrieflesseye，Whilstmyregretconsumeslikefire！
187。
HERINITIALS
Uponapoet’spageIwroteOfoldtwolettersofhername；
PartseemedsheoftheeffulgentthoughtWhencethathighsinger’srapturecame-
WhennowIturntheleafthesameImmortallightillumesthelay，ButfromthelettersofhernameTheradiancehasdiedaway！
1869。
HERDILEMMA
（IN——-CHURCH）
Thetwoweresilentinasunlesschurch，Whosemildewedwalls，unevenpaving-stones，Andwastedcarvingspassedantiqueresearch；
Andnothingbroketheclock’sdullmonotones。
Leaningagainstawormypoppy-head，Sowanandwornthathecouldscarcelystand，-Forhewassoontodie，——hesoftlysaid，\"Tellmeyouloveme！\"——holdinghardherhand。
Shewouldhavegivenaworldtobreathe\"yes\"truly，Somuchhislifeseemedhandingonhermind，Andhenceshelied，herheartpersuadedthroughly’Twasworthhersoultobeamomentkind。
Butthesadneedthereof，hisnearingdeath，SomockedhumanitythatsheshamedtoprizeAworldconditionedthus，orcareforbreathWhereNaturesuchdilemmascoulddevise。
1866。
REVULSION
ThoughIwastewatchesframingwordstofetterSomespirittomineowninclaspandkiss，Outofthenightthereloomsasense’twerebetterTofailobtainingwhomonefailstomiss。
Forwinninglovewewintheriskoflosing，Andlosingloveisasone’slifewereriven；
Itcutslikecontumelyandkeenill-usingTocedewhatwassuperfluouslygiven。
LetmethenfeelnomorethefatefulthrillingThatdevastatesthelove-wornwooer’sframe，Thehotadooffeveredhopes，thechillingThatagonizesdisappointedaim！
SomayIlivenojunctivelawfulfilling，Andmyheart’stablebearnowoman’sname。
1866。
SHE，TOHIM——I
WhenyoushallseemeinthetoilsofTime，Mylaudedbeautiescarriedofffromme，Myeyesnolongerstarsasintheirprime，MynameforgotofMaidenFairandFree；
Wheninyourbeingheartconcedestomind，Andjudgment，thoughyouscarceitsprocessknow，RecallstheexcellenciesIonceenshrined，Andyouareirkedthattheyhavewitheredso：
Rememberingthatwithmeliesnottheblame，ThatSportsmanTimebutrearshisbroodtokill，Knowingmeinmysoultheverysame-
Onewhowoulddietospareyoutouchofill！-
Willyounotgranttooldaffection’sclaimThehandoffriendshipdownLife’ssunlesshill？
1866。
SHE，TOHIM——II
Perhaps，longhence，whenIhavepassedaway，Someother’sfeature，accent，thoughtlikemine，WillcarryyoubacktowhatIusedtosay，Andbringsomememoryofyourlove’sdecline。
Thenyoumaypauseawhileandthink，\"Poorjade！\"
Andyieldasightome——asampledue，NotasthetittleofadebtunpaidToonewhocouldresignheralltoyou-
Andthusreflecting，youwillneverseeThatyourthinthought，intwosmallwordsconveyed，Wasnosuchfleetingphantom-thoughttome，ButtheWholeLifewhereinmypartwasplayed；
AndyouamiditsfitfulmasqueradeAThought——asIinyoursbutseemtobe。
1866。
SHE，TOHIM——III
Iwillbefaithfultothee；aye，Iwill！
AndDeathshallchoosemewithawonderingeyeThathedidnotdiscernanddomicileOnehisbyrighteversincethatlastGood-bye！
Ihavenocareforfriends，orkin，orprimeOfmanhoodwhodealgentlywithmehere；
AmidthehappypeopleofmytimeWhoworktheirlove’sfulfilment，IappearNumbasavanethatcankersonitspoint，Truetothewindthatkissederecankercame；
DespisedbysoulsofNow，whowoulddisjointThemindfrommemory，andmakeLifeallaim，Myolddexteritiesofhuequitegone，AndnothingleftforLovetolookupon。
1866。
SHE，TOHIM——IV
Thisloveputsallhumanityfromme；
Icanbutmaledicther，prayherdead，Forgivingloveandgettingloveofthee-
Feedingaheartthatelsemineownhadfed！
HowmuchIloveIknownot，lifenotknown，SaveassomeunitIwouldaddloveby；
ButthisIknow，mybeingisbutthineown——
Fusedfromitsseparatenessbyecstasy。
AndthusIgraspthyamplitudes，ofherUngrasped，thoughhelpedbynigh-regardingeyes；
CanstthouthenhatemeasanenvierWhoseeunreckedwhatIsodearlyprize？
Believeme，LostOne，LoveislovelierThemoreitshapesitsmoaninselfish-wise。
1866。
DITTY
（E。LG。）
BeneathaknapwhereflownNestlingsplay，Withinwallsofweatheredstone，FarawayFromthefilesofformalhouses，Bytheboughthefirstlingbrowses，LivesaSweet：nomerchantsmeet，Nomanbarters，nomansellsWhereshedwells。
Uponthatfabricfair\"Hereisshe！\"
SeemswritteneverywhereUntome。
Buttofriendsandnoddingneighbours，Fellow-wightsinlotandlabours，WhodescrythetimesasI，NosuchlucidlegendtellsWhereshedwells。
ShouldIlapsetowhatIwasErewemet；
（Suchcannotbe，butbecauseSomeforgetLetmefeignit）——nonewouldnoticeThatwheresheIknowbyroteisSpreadastrangeandwitheringchange，LikeadryingofthewellsWhereshedwells。
TofeelImighthavekissed-
Lovedastrue-
Otherwhere，norMinehavemissedMylifethrough。
HadIneverwanderednearher，Isasmartsevere——severerInthethoughtthatsheisnought，EvenasI，beyondthedellsWhereshedwells。
AndDevotiondroopsherglanceTorecallWhatbond-servantsofChanceWeareall。
Ibutfoundherinthat，goingOnmyerrantpathunknowing，Ididnotout-skirtthespotThatnospotonearthexcels，——Whereshedwells！
1870。
THESERGEANT’SSONG
（1803）
WhenLawyersstrivetohealabreach，AndParsonspractisewhattheypreach；
ThenLittleBoneyhe’llpouncedown，AndmarchhismenonLondontown！
Rollicum-rorum，tol-lol-lorum，Rollicum-rorum，tol-lol-lay！
WhenJusticesholdequalscales，AndRoguesareonlyfoundinjails；
ThenLittleBoneyhe’llpouncedown，AndmarchhismenonLondontown！
Rollicum-rorum，&c。
WhenRichMenfindtheirwealthacurse，AndfilltherewiththePoorMan’spurse；
ThenLittleBoneyhe’llpouncedown，AndmarchhismenonLondontown！
Rollicum-rorum，&c。
WhenHusbandswiththeirWivesagree，AndMaidswon’twedfrommodesty；
ThenLittleBoneyhe’llpouncedown，AndmarchhismenonLondontown！
Rollicum-rorum，tol-tol-lorum，Rollicum-rorum，tol-lol-lay！
1878。
Publishedin\"TheTrumpet-Major，\"1880。
VALENCIENNES
（1793）
BYCORP’LTULLIDGE：see\"TheTrumpet-Major\"
INMEMORYOFS。C。（PENSIONER）。DIED184-
Wetrenched，wetrumpetedanddrummed，AndfromourmortarstonsofironhummedAth’arttheditch，themonthwebombedTheTowno’Valencieen。
’TwasintheJuneo’Ninety-dree（TheDukeo’YarkourthenCommanderbeen）
TheGermanLegion，Guards，andweLaidsiegetoValencieen。
ThiswasthefirsttimeinthewarThatFrenchandEnglishspilledeachother’sgore；
——FewdreamthowfarwouldrolltheroarBegunatValencieen！
’Twassaidthatwe’dnobusinessthereA-topperentheFrenchfordisagreen；
However，that’snotmyaffair-
WewereatValencieen。
Suchsnocksandslats，sincewarbeganNeverknewrawrecruitorveteran：
Stone-deaftherencewentmanyamanWhoservedatValencieen。
Intothestreets，ath’artthesky，Ahundredthousandballsandbombswerefleen；
AndharmlesstownsfolkfelltodieEachhouratValencieen！
And，sweatenwi’thebombardiers，Ashellwasslenttoshardsanighstmyears：
——’TwasnightheendofhopesandfearsFormeatValencieen！
Theyboremywowndedframetocamp，Andshutmygapenskull，andwashedenclean，Andjinedenwi’azilverclampThiknightatValencieen。
\"We’vefetchedenbacktoquickfromdead；
ButnevermoreonearthwhileroseisredWilldrumrouseCorpel！\"DoctorsaidO’meatValencieen。
’Twertrue。Novoiceo’friendorfoeCanreachmenow，oranylivenbeen；
AndlittlehaveIpowertoknowSincethenatValencieen！
IneverhearthezummerhumsO’bees；anddon’knowwhenthecuckoocomes；
ButnightanddayIhearthebombsWethrewatValencieen……
AsfortheDukeo’Yarkinwar，Therebesomevolkwhosejudgmento’enismean；
ButthisIsay——awasnotfarFromgreatatValencieen。
O’wildwetnights，whenallseemssad，Mywowndscomeback，asthoughnewwowndsI’dhad；
Butyet——attimesI’msorto’gladIfoutatValencieen。
Well：Heavenwi’itsjasperhallsIsnowtheon’yTownIcaretobein……
GoodLord，ifNickshouldbombthewallsAswedidValencieen！
1878-1897。
SANSEBASTIAN
（August1813）
WITHTHOUGHTSOFSERGEANTM-（PENSIONER），WHODIED185。
\"Why，Sergeant，strayontheIvelWay，Asthoughathometherewerespectresrife？
Fromfirsttolast’twasaproudcareer！
AndyoursunnyyearswithagraciouswifeHavebroughtyouadaughterdear。
\"Iwatchedherto-day；amorecomelymaid，Asshedancedinhermuslinbowedwithblue，RoundaHintockmaypolenevergayed。\"-
\"Aye，aye；Iwatchedherthisday，too，Asithappens，\"theSergeantsaid。
\"Mydaughterisnow，\"heagainbegan，\"OfjustsuchanageasoneIknewWhenweoftheLineandForlorn-hopevan，OnanAugustmorning——achosenfew-
StormedSanSebastian。
\"She’sascorelessthree；soaboutwasSHE-
ThemaidenIwrongedinPeninsulardays……
Youmayprateofyourprowessinlustytimes，Butasyearsgnawinwardyoublinkyourbays，Andseetoowellyourcrimes！
\"We’dstormeditatnight，bythevlanker-lightOfburningtowers，andthemortar’sboom：
We’dtoppedthebreach；buthadfailedtostay，Forourfilesweremisledbythebafflinggloom；
Andwesaidwe’dstormbyday。
\"So，outofthetrenches，withfeaturesset，Onthathot，stillmorning，inmeasuredpace，Ourcolumnclimbed；climbedhigheryet，Pastthefauss’bray，scarp，upthecurtain-face，Andalongtheparapet。
\"FromthebattenedhornworkthecannoneersHovecrashingballsofironfire；
OntheshakinggapmountthevolunteersInfiles，andastheymountexpireAmidcurses，groans，andcheers。
\"Fivehoursdidwestorm，fivehoursre-form，AsDeathcooledthosehotbloodprickedon；
Tillourcausewashelpedbyawoewithin：
Theyswayedfromthesummitwe’dleaptupon，Andmadlyweenteredin。
\"Onendforplunder，’midrainandthunderThatburstwiththelullofourcannonade，Wevampedthestreetsinthestiflingair-
Ourhungerunsoothed，ourthirstunstayed-
Andransackedthebuildingsthere。
\"Downthestonystepsofthehouse-frontswhiteWerolledrichpuncheonsofSpanishgrape，Tillatlength，withthefireofthewinealight，Isawatadoorwayafairfreshshape-
Awoman，asylph，orsprite。
\"Afeardshefled，andwithheatedheadIpursuedtothechambershecalledherown；-
Whenmightisrightnoqualmsdeter，AndhavingherhelplessandaloneIwreakedmywillonher。
\"Sheraisedherbeseechingeyestome，AndIheardthewordsofprayershesentInherownsoftlanguage……SeeminglyIcopiedthoseeyesformypunishmentInbegettingthegirlyousee！
\"So，to-dayIstandwithaGod-setbrandLikeCain’s，whenhewanderedfromkindred’sken……
IservedthroughthewarthatmadeEuropefree；
Iwivedmeinpeace-year。But，hidfrommen，Ibearthatmarkonme。
\"AndInightlystrayontheIvelWayAsthoughathometherewerespectresrife；
Idelightmenotinmyproudcareer；
And’tiscoalsoffirethatagraciouswifeShouldhavebroughtmeadaughterdear！\"
THESTRANGER’SSONG
（AssungbyMR。CHARLESCHARRINGTONintheplayof\"TheThreeWayfarers\"）
Omytradeitistherarestone，Simpleshepherdsall-
Mytradeisasighttosee；
FormycustomersItie，andtake’emuponhigh，Andwaft’emtoafarcountree！
Mytoolsarebutcommonones，Simpleshepherdsall-
Mytoolsarenosighttosee：
Alittlehempenstring，andapostwhereontoswing，Areimplementsenoughforme！
To-morrowismyworkingday，Simpleshepherdsall-
To-morrowisaworkingdayforme：
Forthefarmer’ssheepisslain，andtheladwhodiditta’en，AndonhissoulmayGodha’mer-cy！
Printedin\"TheThreeStrangers，\"1883。
THEBURGHERS
（17-）
ThesunhadwheeledfromGrey’stoDammer’sCrest，AndstillImusedonthatThingimminent：
AtlengthIsoughttheHigh-streettotheWest。
ThelevelflarerakedpaneandpedimentAndmywreckedface，andshapedmynearingfriendLikeoneofthosetheFurnaceheldunshent。
\"I’venewsconcerningher，\"hesaid。\"Attend。
Theyflyto-nightatthelatemoon’sfirstgleam：
Watchwiththysteel：tworighteousthrustswillendHershamelessvisionsandhispassioneddream。
I’llwatchwiththee，totestifythywrong-
Toaid，maybe。——Lawconsecratesthescheme。\"
Istarted，andwepacedtheflagsalongTillIreplied：\"SinceithascometothisI’lldoit！Butalone。Icanbestrong。\"
ThreehourspastCurfew，whentheFroom’smildhissReignedsole，undulledbywhirrofmerchandize，FromPummery-TouttowheretheGibbetis，IcrossedmypleasauncehardbyGlyd’pathRise，Andstoodbeneaththewall。Elevenstrokeswent，Andtothedoortheycame，contrariwise，AndmetinclaspsocloseIhadbutbentMyliftedbladeuponthemtohaveletTheirtwosoulslooseuponthefirmament。
Butsomethingheldmyarm。\"AmomentyetAspray-timeereyouwantonsdie！\"Isaid；
Andthentheysawme。SwifthergazewassetWitheyeandcryofloveillimitedUponherHeart-king。NeveruponmeHadshethrownlookoflovesothorough-sped！……
AtoncesheflungherfaintformshieldinglyOnhis，againstthevengeanceofmyvows；
Thewhicho’erruling，hershapeshieldedhe。
Blankedbysuchlove，Istoodasinadrowse，Andtheslowmoonedgedfromtheuplandnigh，Mysadthoughtsmovingthuswise：\"ImayhouseAndImayhusbandher，yetwhatamI
Butlicensedtyranttothisbondedpair？
SaysCharity，Doasyewouldbedoneby。\"……
Hurlingmyirontothebushesthere，Ibadethemstay。And，asifbrainandbreastWerepassive，theywalkedwithmetothestair。
Insidethehousenonewatched；andonweprestBeforeamirror，inwhosegleamIreadHerbeauty，his，——andmineownmienunblest；
TillatherroomIturned。\"Madam，\"Isaid，\"Haveyouthewherewithalforthis？Prayspeak。
Lovefillsnocupboard。You’llneeddailybread。\"
\"We’venothing，sire，\"saidshe；\"andnothingseek。
’Twerebaseinmetorobmylordunware；
Ourhandswillearnapittanceweekbyweek。\"
AndnextIsawshe’dpiledherraimentrareWithinthegarde-robes，andherhouseholdpurse，Herjewels，andleastlaceofpersonalwear；
Andstoodinhomespun。Nowgrownwhollyhers，Ihandedherthegold，herjewelsall，Andhimthechoicestofherrobesdiverse。
\"I’lltakeyoutothedoorwayinthewall，Andthenadieu，\"Itothem。\"Friends，withdraw。\"
Theydidso；andshewent——beyondrecall。
AndasIpausedbeneaththearchIsawTheirmoonlitfigures——slow，asinsurprise-
Descendtheslope，andvanishonthehaw。
\"’Fool，’somewillsay，\"Ithought。\"Butwhoiswise，SaveGodalone，toweighmyreasonswhy？\"-
\"Hastthoustruckhome？\"camewiththeboughs’night-sighs。
Itwasmyfriend。\"Ihavestruckwell。Theyfly，Butcarrywoundsthatnonecancicatrize。\"-
\"Notmortal？\"saidhe。\"Lingering——worse，\"saidI。
LEIPZIG
（1813）
Scene：TheMaster-tradesmen’sParlourattheOldShipInn，Casterbridge。Evening。
\"OldNorbertwiththeflatbluecap——
AGermansaidtobe-
Whyletyourpipedieonyourlap，Youreyesblinkabsently？\"——
\"Ah！……Well，IhadthoughttillmycheekwaswetOfmymother——hervoiceandmienWhensheusedtosingandpirouette，Andtousethetambourine\"Tothemarchthatyonstreet-fiddlerplies：
Shetoldme’twasthesameShe’dheardfromthetrumpets，whentheAlliesHercityovercame。
\"MyfatherwasoneoftheGermanHussars，MymotherofLeipzig；buthe，Longquarteredhere，fetchedheratcloseofthewars，AndaWessexladrearedme。
\"AndasIgrewup，againandagainShe’dtell，aftertrillingthatair，Ofheryouth，andthebattlesonLeipzigplainAndofallthatwassufferedthere！……
\"——’Twasatimeofalarms。ThreeChiefs-at-armsCombinedthemtocrushOne，Andbynumbers’might，forinequalfightHestoodthematchedofnone。
\"CarlSchwarzenbergwasoftheplot，AndBlucher，promptandprow，AndJeantheCrown-PrinceBernadotte：
Buonapartewasthefoe。
\"CityandplainhadfelthisreignFromtheNorthtotheMiddleSea，Andhe’dnowsatdowninthenobletownOftheKingofSaxony。
\"October’sdeepdewitswetgossamerthrewUponLeipzig’slawns，leaf-strewn，WherelatelyeachfairavenueWroughtshadeforsummernoon。
\"TowestwardtwodullriverscreptThroughmilesofmarshandslough，Whereoverastreakofwhitenessswept-
TheBridgeofLindenau。
\"Hardby，intheCity，theOne，care-tossed，Gloomedoverhisshrunkenpower；
AndwithoutthewallsthehemminghostWaxeddensereveryhour。
\"Hehadspeechthatnightonthemorrow’sdesignsWithhischiefsbythebivouacfire，Whilethebeltofflamesfromtheenemy’slinesFlarednigherhimyetandnigher。
\"Threesky-lightsthenfromthegirdlingtrineTold，’Ready！’AstheyroseTheirflashesseemedhisJudgment-SignForbleedingEurope’swoes。
\"’TwasseenhowtheFrenchwatch-firesthatnightGlowedstillandsteadily；
AndtheThreerejoiced，fortheyreadinthesightThattheOnedisdainedtoflee……
\"——FivehundredgunsbegantheaffrayOnnextdaymornatnine；
Suchmadandmanglingcannon-playHadnevertornhumanline。
\"Aroundthetownthreebattlesbeat，Contractinglikeagin；
AsnearermarchedthemillionfeetOfcolumnsclosingin。
\"ThefirstbattlenighedonthelowSouthernside；
ThesecondbytheWesternway；
ThenearingofthethirdontheNorthwasheard：
——TheFrenchheldallatbay。
\"AgainstthefirstbanddidtheEmperorstand；
AgainstthesecondstoodNey；
Marmontagainstthethirdgavetheorder-word：
——Thusrageditthroughouttheday。
\"Fiftythousandsturdysoulsonthosetrampledplainsandknolls，Whometthedawnhopefully，Andwerelottedtheirsharesinaquarrelnottheirs，Droptthenintheiragony。
\"’O，’theoldfolkssaid，’yePreachersstern！
Oso-calledChristiantime！
Whenwillmen’sswordstoploughsharesturn？
Whencomethepromisedprime？’……
\"——Theclashofhorseandmanwhichthatdaybegan，Closednotaseveningwore；
Andthemorrow’sarmies，rearandvan，Stillmusteredmoreandmore。
\"FromtheCitytowerstheConfederatePowersWereeyedinglitteringlines，AndupfromthevastamurmuringpassedAsfromawoodofpines。
\"’’TiswelltocoverafeebleskillBynumbers！’scoffedHe；
’Butgivemeathirdoftheirstrength，I’dfillHalfHellwiththeirsoldiery！’
\"Allthatdayragedthewartheywaged，Andagaindumbnightheldreign，SavethateverupspreadfromthedarkdeathbedAmiles-widepantofpain。
\"HardhadstrivenbraveNey，thetrueBertrand，Victor，andAugereau，BoldPoniatowski，andLauriston，Tostaytheiroverthrow；
\"But，asinthedreamofonesicktodeathTherecomesanarrowingroomThatpenshim，bodyandlimbsandbreath，Towaitahideousdoom，\"SotoNapoleon，inthehushThatheldthetownandtowersThroughthesedirenights，acreepingcrushSeemedinbornewiththehours。
\"Oneroadtotherearward，andbutone，DidfitfulChanceallow；
’TwaswherethePleiss’andElsterrun-
TheBridgeofLindenau。
\"Thenineteenthdawned。DownstreetandPlatzThewastedFrenchsankback，StretchinglonglinesacrosstheFlatsAndonthebridge-waytrack；
\"Whentheresurgedontheskyanearthenwave，Andstones，andmen，asthoughSomerebelchurchyardcrewupdraveTheirsepulchresfrombelow。
\"ToHeavenisblownBridgeLindenau；
Wreckedregimentsreeltherefrom；
AndrankandfileinmassesploughThesullenElster-Strom。
\"AgulfwasLindenau；anddeadWerefifties，hundreds，tens；
AndeverycurrentrippledredWithMarshal’sbloodandmen’s。
\"ThesmartMacdonaldswamtherein，Andbarelywontheverge；
BoldPoniatowskiplungedhiminNevertore-emerge。
\"Thenstayedthestrife。TheremnantswoundTheirRhinewardwaypell-mell；
AndthusdidLeipzigCitysoundAnEmpire’spassingbell；
\"Whileincavalcade，withbandandblade，CameMarshals，Princes，Kings；
Andthetownwastheirs……Ay，assimplemaid，Mymothersawthesethings！
\"Andwheneverthosenotesinthestreetbegin，Irecallher，andthatfarscene，AndheractingofhowtheAlliesmarchedin，Andhertouseofthetambourine！\"
THEPEASANT’SCONFESSION
\"SilemarechalGrouchyavaiteterejointparl’officierqueNapoleonluiavaitexpedielaveilleadixheuresdusoir，toutequestioneutdisparu。Maiscetofficiern’etaitpointparvenuasadestination，ainsiquelemarechaln’acessedel’affirmertoutesavie，etilfautl’encroire，carautrementiln’auraiteuaucuneraisonpourhesiter。Cetofficieravait-iletepris？avait-ilpasseal’ennemi？
C’estcequ’onatoujoursignore。\"-
THIERS：Histoiredel’Empire。\"Waterloo。\"
GoodFather！……’TwasaneveinmiddleJune，AndwarwaswagedanewBygreatNapoleon，whoforyearshadstrewnMen’sbonesallEuropethrough。
Threenightserethis，withcolumnedcorpshe’dcrossedTheSambreatCharleroi，TomoveonBrussels，wheretheEnglishhostDalliedinParcandBois。
Theyestertidewe’dheardthegloomygunGrowlthroughthelong-sunneddayFromQuatre-BrasandLigny；tillthedunTwilightsuppressedthefray；
Albeittherein——aslatedtonguesbespoke-
Brunswick’shighheartwasdrained，AndPrussia’sLineandLandwehr，thoughunbroke，Stoodcorneredandconstrained。
Andatnextnoon-timeGrouchyslowlypassedWiththirtythousandmen：
Wehopedthenceforthnoarmy，smallorvast，Wouldtroubleusagain。
Myhutlaydeeplyinavalerecessed，AndneverasoulseemednighWhen，reassuredatlength，wewenttorest-
Mychildren，wife，andI。
Butwhatwasthisthatbrokeourhumbleease？
Whatnoise，abovetherain，AbovethedrippingofthepoplartreesThatsmotealongthepane？-
Acallofmastery，biddingmearise，Compelledmetothedoor，Atwhichahorsemanstoodinmartialguise-
Splashed——sweatingfromeverypore。
HadIseenGrouchy？Yes？Whichtracktookhe？
CouldIleadthitheron？-
Fulfilmentwouldensuregoldpiecesthree，Perchancemoregiftsanon。
\"IbeartheEmperor’smandate，\"thenhesaid，\"ChargingtheMarshalstraightTostrikebetweenthedoublehostaheadEretheyco-operate，\"EngagingBluchertilltheEmperorputLordWellingtontoflight，AndnextthePrussians。ThistosetafootIsmyempriseto-night。\"
Ijoinedhiminthemist；but，pausing，soughtToestimatehissay。
GrouchyhadmadeforWavre；andyet，onthought，Ididnotleadthatway。
Imused：\"IfGrouchythusinstructedbe，Theclashcomessheerhereon；
Myfarmisstript。While，asforpiecesthree，MoneytheFrenchhavenone。
\"Grouchyunwarned，moreo’er，theEnglishwin，Andmineislefttome-
Theybuy，notborrow。\"——HencedidIbeginToleadhimtreacherously。
ByJoidoigne，neartoeast，asweondrew，Dawnpiercedthehumidair；
AndeastwardfacedIwithhim，thoughIknewNevermarchedGrouchythere。
NearOttignieswepassed，acrosstheDyle（Lim’letteleftfaraside），AndthencedirecttowardPervezandNovilleThroughgreengrain，tillhecried：
\"Idoubtthyconduct，man！notrackishere-
Idoubtthygagedword！\"
Thereathescowledonme，andprancedmenear，Andprickedmewithhissword。
\"Nay，Captain，hold！Weskirt，nottracethecourseOfGrouchy，\"saidIthen：
\"Aswego，yonderwenthe，withhisforceOfthirtythousandmen。\"-
Atlengthnoonnighed；whenwest，fromSaint-John’s-Mound，Ahoarseartilleryboomed，AndfromSaint-Lambert’supland，chapel-crowned，ThePrussiansquadronsloomed。
Thentothewaylesswetgraygroundheleapt；
\"Mymissionfails！\"hecried；
\"ToolateforGrouchynowtointercept，For，peasant，youhavelied！\"
Heturnedtopistolme。Isprang，anddrewThesabrefromhisflank，And’twixthisnapeandshoulder，ereheknew，Istruck，anddeadhesank。
Ihidhimdeepinnoddingryeandoat-
Hisshroudgreenstalksandloam；
Hisrequiemthecorn-blade’shuskynote-
AndthenIhastenedhome，-
Twoarmieswritheincoilsofredandblue，AndbrassandironclangFromGoumont，pastthefrontofWaterloo，ToPap’lotteandSmohain。
TheGuardImperialwaveredontheheight；
TheEmperor’sfacegrewglum；
\"Isent，\"hesaid，\"toGrouchyyesternight，Andyethedoesnotcome！\"
’Twasthen，GoodFather，thattheFrenchespied，Streakingthesummerland，ThemenofBlucher。ButtheEmperorcried，\"Grouchyisnowathand！\"
AndmeanwhileVand’leur，Vivian，Maitland，Kempt，Metd’Erlon，Friant，Ney；
ButGrouchy——mis-sent，blamed，yetblame-exempt-
Grouchywasfaraway。
Byeven，slainorstruck，Michelthestrong，BoldTravers，Dnop，Delord，SmartGuyot，Reil-le，l’Heriter，Friant，Scatteredthatchampaigno’er。
FallenlikewisewrongedDuhesme，andskilledLobauDidthatredsunsetsee；
Colbert，Legros，Blancard！……AndofthefoePictonandPonsonby；
WithGordon，Canning，Blackman，Ompteda，L’Estrange，Delancey，Packe，Grose，D’Oyly，Stables，Morice，Howard，Hay，VonSchwerin，Watzdorf，Boek，Smith，Phelips，Fuller，Lind，andBattersby，Andhostsofranksmenround……
MemorialslingeryettospeaktotheeOfthosethatbittheground！
TheGuards’lastcolumnyielded；dykesofdeadLaybetweenvaleandridge，As，thinnedyetclosing，faintyetfierce，theyspedInpackstoGenappeBridge。
Safewasmystock；mycapplecowunslain；
Intacteachcockandhen；
ButGrouchyfaratWavrealldayhadlain，Andthirtythousandmen。
OSaints，hadIbutlostmyearingcornAndsavedthecauseonceprized！
OSaints，whysuchfalsewitnesshadIborneWhenlateI’dsympathized！……
Sonow，beingold，mychildreneyeaskanceMyslowlydwindlingstore，Andcravemymite；till，wornwithtarriance，Icareforlifenomore。
ToAlmightyGodhenceforthIstandconfessed，AndVirgin-SaintMarie；
OMichael，John，andHolyOnesinrest，EntreattheLordforme！
THEALARM
（1803）
See\"TheTrumpet-Major\"
INMEMORYOFONEOFTHEWRITER’SFAMILYWHOWASAVOLUNTEERDURING
THEWARWITHNAPOLEON
InafernybywayNearthegreatSouth-WessexHighway，Ahomesteadraiseditsbreakfast-smokealoft；
Thedew-dampsstilllaysteamless，forthesunhadmadenosky-way，Andtwilightcloakedthecroft。
’TwashardtorealizeonThissnugsidethemutehorizonThatbeyondithostilearmamentsmightsteer，SavefromseeingintheporchwayafairwomanweepwitheyesonAharnessedVolunteer。
Inhastehe’dflownthereTohiscomelywifealonethere，Whilemarchingsouthhardby，tostillherfears，Forshesoonwouldbeamother，andfewmessengerswereknownthereInthesecampaigningyears。
’TwastimetobeGood-bying，Sincetheassembly-hourwasnighingInroyalGeorge’stownatsixthatmorn；
AndbetwixtitswharvesandthisretreatweretengoodmilesofhieingEreringofbugle-horn。
\"I’velaidinfood，Dear，Andbroachedthespicedandbrewed，Dear；
AndifourJulyhopeshouldantedate，Letthechar-wenchmountandgallopbythehalterpathandwood，Dear，Andfetchassistancestraight。
\"AsforBuonaparte，forgethim；
He’snotliketoland！Butlethim，Thosestrikewithaimwhostrikeforwivesandsons！
Andthewar-boatsbuilttofloathim；’twerebutwantedtoupsethimAslatfromNelson’sguns！
\"But，toassurethee，Andofcreepingfearstocurethee，IfheSHOULDberumouredanchoringintheRoad，DrivewiththenursetoKingsbere；andletnothingthencealluretheeTillwe’vehimsafe-bestowed。
\"Now，toturntomarchingmatters：-
I’vemyknapsack，firelock，spatters，Crossbelts，priming-horn，stock，bay’net，blackball，clay，Pouch，magazine，flints，flint-boxthatateveryquick-stepclatters；……Myheart，Dear；thatmuststay！\"
——WithbreathingsbrokenFarewellwaskissedunspoken，Andtheypartedthereasmorningstrokedthepanes；
AndtheVolunteerwenton，andturned，andtwirledhisglovefortoken，Andtookthecoastwardlanes。
WhenaboveHe’thHillshefoundhim，Hesaw，ongazingroundhim，TheBarrow-Beaconburning——burninglow，Asif，perhaps，uplightedeversincehe’dhomewardboundhim；
Anditmeant：ExpecttheFoe！
Leavingthebyway，Andfollowingswiftthehighway，Carandchariotmethe，faringfastinland；
\"He’sanchored，Soldier！\"shoutedsome：\"Godsavethee，marchingthyway，Th’ltfronthimonthestrand！\"
Heslowed；hestopped；hepalteredAwhilewithself，andfaltered，\"Whycourtingmisadventureshorewardroam？
ToMolly，surely！Seekthewoodswithhertilltimeshavealtered；
Charityfavourshome。
Else，mydenyingHewouldcomeshe’llreadaslying-
ThinktheBarrow-Beaconmusthavemetmyeyes——
Thatmywordswerenotunwareness，butdeceitofher，whiletryingMylifetojeopardize。
\"Athomeisstockedprovision，Andto-night，withoutsuspicion，Wemightbearitwithustoacovertnear；
Suchsin，tosaveachildingwife，wouldearnitChrist’sremission，Thoughnoneforgiveithere！\"
Whilethushe，thinking，Alittlebird，quickdrinkingAmongthecrowfoottuftstheriverbore，Wastangledintheirstringyarms，andfluttered，well-nighsinking，Nearhim，uponthemoor。
Hesteppedin，reached，andseizedit，And，preening，hadreleaseditButthatathoughtofHolyWritoccurred，AndSignsDivineerebattle，tillitseemedhimHeavenhadpleaseditAsguidetosendthebird。
\"OLord，directme！……
DothDutynowexpectmeTomarcha-coast，orguardmyweakonesnear？
Givethisbirdaflightaccording，thatIthenceknowtoelectmeThesouthwardortherear。\"
Heloosedhisclasp；when，rising，Thebird——asifsurmising-
Boreduetosouthward，crossingbytheFroom，AndDurnoverGreat-FieldandFort，thesoldierclearadvising-
PromptedhewistbyWhom。
ThenonhepantedBygrimMai-Don，andslantedUpthesteepRidge-way，hearkeningbetwixtwhiles；
Till，nearingcoastandharbour，hebeheldtheshore-lineplantedWithFootandHorseformiles。
Mistrustingnottheomen，Hegainedthebeach，whereYeomen，Militia，Fencibles，andPikemenbold，WithRegularsinthousands，wereenmassedtomeettheFoemen，Whosefleethadnotyetshoaled。
CaptainandColonel，SereGenerals，Ensignsvernal，Werethere；ofneighbour-natives，Michel，Smith，Meggs，Bingham，Gambier，Cunningham，rousedbythehuednocturnalSwoopontheirlandandkith。
ButBuonapartestilltarried；
Hisprojecthadmiscarried；
Atthelasthour，equippedforvictory，Thefleethadpaused；hissubtlecombinationshadbeenparriedByBritishstrategy。
HomewardreturningAnon，nobeaconsburning，Noalarms，theVolunteer，inmodestbliss，TeDeumsangwithwifeandfriends：\"WepraiseThee，Lord，discerningThatThouhasthelpedinthis！\"
HERDEATHANDAFTER
’Twasadeath-bedsummons，andforthIwentBythewayoftheWesternWall，sodrearOnthatwinternight，andsoughtagate-
Thehome，byFate，OfoneIhadlonghelddear。
Andthere，asIpausedbyhertenement，Andthetreesshedonmetheirrimeandhoar，Ithoughtofthemanwhohadleftherlone-
HimwhomadeherhisownWhenIlovedher，longbefore。
TheroomswithinhadthepiteousshineThathome-thingswearwhenthere’saughtamiss；
FromthestairwayfloatedtheriseandfallOfaninfant’scall，Whosebirthhadbroughthertothis。
Herlifewasthepriceshewouldpayforthatwhine-
Forachildbythemanshedidnotlove。
\"Butletthatrestforever，\"Isaid，AndbentmytreadTothechamberupabove。
Shetookmyhandinherthinwhiteown，Andsmiledherthanks——thoughnightooweak-
AndmadethemasigntoleaveusthereThenfaltered，ereShecouldbringherselftospeak。
\"’TwastoseeyoubeforeIgo——he’llcondoneSuchanaturalthingnowmytime’snotmuch——
WhenDeathissonearithustleshenceAllpassionedsenseBetweenwomanandmanassuch！
\"Myhusbandisabsent。AsheretoforeTheCitydetainshim。But，intruth，Hehasnotbeenkind……Iwillspeaknoblame，But——thechildislame；
O，Iprayshemayreachhisruth！
\"Forgivepastdays——Icansaynomore-
Maybeifwe’dweddedyou’dnowrepine！……
ButItreatedyouill。Iwaspunished。Farewell！
——TruthshallItell？
Wouldthechildwereyoursandmine！
\"AsawifeIwastrue。But，suchmyuneaseThat，couldIinsertadeedbackinTime，I’dmakeheryours，tosecureyourcare；
Andthescandalbear，Andthepenaltyforthecrime！\"-
WhenIhadleft，andtheswingingtreesRangaboveme，aslaudinghercandidsay，AnotherwasI。Herwordswereenough：
Camesmooth，camerough，IfeltIcouldlivemyday。