第2章

Nextnightshedied;andherobsequiesIntheFieldofTombs,bytheViarenowned,Hadherhusband’sheed。Histendancespent,IoftenwentAndponderedbyhermound。

Allthatyearandthenextyearwhiled,AndIstillwentthitherwardinthegloam;

ButtheTownforgotherandhernook,AndherhusbandtookAnotherLovetohishome。

AndtherumourflewthatthelamelonechildWhomshewishedforitssafetychildofmine,WastreatedillwhenoffspringcameOfthenew-madedame,Andmarkedamorevigorousline。

AsmartergriefwithinmewroughtThanevenatlossofhersodear;

Deadthebeingwhosesoulmysoulsuffused,Herchildill-used,Ihelplesstointerfere!

OneeveasIstoodatmyspotofthoughtInthewhite-stonedGarth,broodingthusherwrong,Herhusbandneared;andtoshunhisviewByherhallowedmewIwentfromthetombsamongTotheCirqueoftheGladiatorswhichfaced-

ThathaggardmarkofImperialRome,WhosePaganechoesmockthechimeOfourChristiantime:

Itwasvoid,andIinwardclomb。

Scarcenightthesun’sgoldtouchdisplacedFromthevastRotundandtheneighbouringdeadWhenherhusbandfollowed;bowed;half-passed,Withlipupcast;

Then,halting,sullenlysaid:

\"Itisnoisedthatyouvisitmyfirstwife’stomb。

Now,IgaveheranhonourednametobearWhileliving,whendead。SoI’veclaimtoaskBywhatrightyoutaskMypatiencebyvigilingthere?

\"There’sdecencyevenindeath,Iassume;

Preserveit,sir,andkeepaway;

Forthemotherofmyfirst-bornyouShowmindundue!

——Sir,I’venothingmoretosay。\"

AdesperatestrokediscernedIthen-

Godpardon——orpardonnot——thelie;

Shehadsighedthatshewished(lestthechildshouldpineOfslights)’tweremine,SoIsaid:\"ButthefatherI。

\"Thatyouthoughtityoursisthewayofmen;

ButIwonhertrothlongereyourday:

Youlearnthow,indying,shesummonedme?

’Twasinfealty。

——Sir,I’venothingmoretosay,\"Savethat,ifyou’llhandmemylittlemaid,I’lltakeher,andrearher,andspareyoutoil。

Thinkitmorethanafriendlyactnonecan;

I’malonelyman,Whileyou’vealargepottoboil。

\"Ifnot,andyou’llputittoballorblade-

To-night,to-morrownight,anywhen-

I’llmeetyouhere……Butthinkofit,AndinseasonfitLetmehearfromyouagain。\"-

Well,Iwentaway,hoping;butnoughtIheardOfmystrokeforthechild,tilltheregreetedmeAlittlevoicethatonedaycameTomywindow-frameAndbabbledinnocently:

\"Myfatherwho’snotmyown,sendswordI’mtostayhere,sir,whereIbelong!\"

Nextawritingcame:\"SincethechildwasthefruitOfyourlawlesssuit,Praytakeher,torightawrong。\"

AndIdid。AndIgavethechildmylove,Andthechildlovedme,andestrangedusnone。

Butcompunctionsloomed;forI’dharmedthedeadBywhatI’dsaidForthegoodofthelivingone-

Yetthough,Godwot,Iamsinnerenough,Andunworthythewomanwhodrewmeso,Perhapsthiswrongforherdarling’sgoodSheforgives,orwould,Ifonlyshecouldknow!

THEDANCEATTHEPHOENIX

ToJennycameagentleyouthFrominlandleazeslone,Hislovewasfreshasapple-bloothByParrett,Yeo,orTone。

AnddulyheentreatedherTobehistenderminister,Andcallhimayeherown。

FairJenny’slifehadhardlybeenAlifeofmodesty;

AtCasterbridgeexperiencekeenOfmanyloveshadsheFromscarcelysixteenyearsabove;

AmongthemsundrytroopersofTheKing’s-OwnCavalry。

Buteachwithcharger,sword,andgun,HadbluffedtheBiscaywave;

AndJennyprizedhergentleoneForallthelovehegave。

Shevowedtobe,iftheywerewed,HishonestwifeinheartandheadFrombride-alehourtograve。

Weddedtheywere。Herhusband’strustInJennyknewnobound,AndJennykeptherpureandjust,TillevenmalicefoundNosinorsignofilltobeInonewhowalkedsodecentlyTheduteoushelpmate’sround。

Twosonswereborn,andbloomedtomen,Androamed,andwereasnot:

AlonewasJennyleftagainAserehermindhadsoughtAsolaceindomesticjoys,AnderethevanishedpairofboysWeresenttosunhercot。

Shenumberednearonsixtyyears,Andpassedaselderly,When,inthestreet,withflushoffears,Onedaydiscoveredshe,Fromshineofswordsandthumpofdrum。

Herearlylovesfromwarhadcome,TheKing’s-OwnCavalry。

Sheturnedaside,andbowedherheadAnighSaintPeter’sdoor;

\"Alasforchastenedthoughts!\"shesaid;

\"I’mfadednow,andhoar,Andyetthosenotes——theythrillmethrough,AndthosegayformsmovemeanewAsintheyearsofyore!\"……

’TwasChristmas,andthePhoenixInnWaslitwithtaperstall,ForthirtyofthetroopermenHadvowedtogiveaballAs\"Theirs\"haddone(’twashandeddown)

WhenlyingintheselfsametownEreBuonaparte’sfall。

Thatnightthethrobbing\"Soldier’sJoy,\"

ThemeasuredtreadandswayOf\"Fancy-Lad\"and\"MaidenCoy,\"

ReachedJennyasshelayBesideherspouse;tillspringtidebloodSeemedscouringthroughherlikeafloodThatwhiskedtheyearsaway。

Sherose,andrayed,anddeckedherheadWherethebleachedhairsranthin;

UponhercaptwobowsofredShefixedwithhastypin;

Unhearddescendingtothestreet,Shetrodtheflagswithtune-ledfeet,AndstoodbeforetheInn。

Saveforthedancers’,notasoundDisturbedtheicyair;

NowatchmanonhismidnightroundOrtravellerwasthere;

ButoverAll-Saints’,highandbright,PulsedtothemusicSiriuswhite,TheWainbyBullstakeSquare。

Sheknocked,butfoundherfurtherstrideCheckedbyasergeanttall:

\"GayGranny,whencecomeyou?\"hecried;

\"Thisisaprivateball。\"-

\"Noonehasmorerightherethanme!

Ereyouwereborn,man,\"answeredshe,\"Iknewtheregimentall!\"

\"Takenotthelady’svisitill!\"

Upspokethestewardfree;

\"Welacksufficientpartnersstill,So,pritheeletherbe!\"

Theyseizedandwhirledher’midthemaze,AndJennyfeltasinthedaysOfherimmodesty。

Hourchasedeachhour,andnightadvanced;

Shespedasshodwithwings;

Eachtimeandeverytimeshedanced-

Reels,jigs,poussettes,andflings:

Theycheeredherasshesoaredandswooped,(She’dlearntereartindancingdroopedFromhopstoslothfulswings)。

ThefavouriteQuick-step\"SpeedthePlough\"-

(Crosshands,castoff,andwheel)——

\"TheTriumph,\"\"Sylph,\"\"TheRow-dow-dow,\"

Famed\"MajorMalley’sReel,\"

\"TheDukeofYork’s,\"\"TheFairyDance,\"

\"TheBridgeofLodi\"(broughtfromFrance),Shebeatout,toeandheel。

The\"FallofParis\"clangeditsclose,AndPeter’schimetoldfour,WhenJenny,bosom-beating,roseToseekhersilentdoor。

Theytiptoedinescortingher,LeststrokeofheelorclinkofspurShouldbreakhergoodman’ssnore。

ThefirethatlatehadburntfellslackWhenloneatlaststoodshe;

Hernine-and-fiftyyearscameback;

ShesankuponherkneeBesidethedurn,andlikeadartAsomethingarrowedthroughherheartInshootsofagony。

Theirfootstepsdiedassheleantthere,LitbythemorningstarHangingabovethemoorland,whereTheagedelm-rowsare;

And,aso’ernight,fromPummeryRidgeToMaemburyRingandStandfastBridgeNolifestirred,nearorfar。

Thoughinnermischiefworkedamain,Shereachedherhusband’sside;

Where,toil-weary,ashehadlainBeneaththepatchworkpiedWhenyestereveshe’dforthwardcrept,Andasunwitting,stillhesleptWhodidinherconfide。

AtearsprangassheturnedandviewedHisfeaturesfreefromguile;

Shekissedhimlong,aswhen,justwooed,Shechosehisdomicile。

ShefeltshecouldhavegivenherlifeTobethesingle-heartedwifeThatshehadbeenerstwhile。

Timeworetosix。HerhusbandroseAndstruckthesteelandstone;

HeglancedatJenny,whosereposeSeemeddeeperthanhisown。

Withdumbdismay,onclosersight,Hegatheredsensethatinthenight,Ormorn,hersoulhadflown。

WhentoldthatsometoomightystrainForonesomany-yearedHadburstherbosom’smaster-vein,Hisdoubtsremainedunstirred。

HisJennyhadnotlefthissideBetwixttheeveandmorning-tide:

——TheKing’ssaidnotaword。

Well!timesarenotastimeswerethen,Norfaironeshalfsofree;

Andtrulytheyweremartialmen,TheKing’s-OwnCavalry。

AndwhentheywentfromCasterbridgeAndvanishedoverMellstockRidge,’Twassaddestmorntosee。

THECASTERBRIDGECAPTAINS

(KHYBERPASS,1842)

ATRADITIONOFJ。B。L-,T。G。B-,ANDJ。L。

ThreecaptainswenttoIndianwars,Andonlyonereturned:

Theirmateofyore,hesinglyworeThelaurelsallhadearned。

AthomehesoughttheancientaisleWherein,untrumpedoffame,Thethreehadsatinpupilage,Andeachhadcarvedhisname。

Thenames,rough-hewn,ofequalsize,Stoodonthepanelstill;

Unequalsince。——\"’Twastheirstoaim,Minewasittofulfil!\"-

\"Whosaveshislifeshallloseit,friends!\"

Outspakethepreacherthen,Unweetinghehislistener,whoLookedatthenamesagain。

Thathehadcomeandthey’dbeenstayed,’Twasbutthechanceofwar:

Anotherchance,andthey’dsathere,Andhehadlainafar。

YetsawhesomethinginthelivesOfthosewho’dceasedtoliveThatspheredthemwithamajestyWhichlivingfailedtogive。

TranscendenttriumphinreturnNolongerlithisbrain;

TranscendencerayedthedistanturnWheresleptthefallentwain。

ASIGN-SEEKER

Imarkthemonthsinliveriesdankanddry,Thenoontidesmany-shapedandhued;

Iseethenightfallshadessubtrude,Andhearthemonotonoushoursclangnegligentlyby。

IviewtheeveningbonfiresofthesunOnhillswheremorningrainshavehissed;

TheeyelesscountenanceofthemistPallidlyrisingwhenthesummerdroughtsaredone。

Ihaveseenthelightning-blade,theleapingstar,Thecauldronsoftheseainstorm,Havefelttheearthquake’sliftingarm,Andtroddenwhereabysmalfiresandsnow-conesare。

Ilearntoprophesythehideclipse,Thecomingofeccentricorbs;

Tometethedusttheskyabsorbs,Toweighthesun,andfixthehoureachplanetdips。

Iwitnessfellowearth-mensurgeandstrive;

Assembliesmeet,andthrob,andpart;

Death’ssoothingfinger,sorrow’ssmart;-

Allthevastvariousmoilsthatmeanaworldalive。

ButthatIfainwouldwotofshunsmysense-

Thosesightsofwhicholdprophetstell,Thosesignsthegeneralwordsowell,Vouchsafedtotheirunheed,deniedmylongsuspense。

Ingraveyardgreen,behindhismonumentToglimpseaphantomparent,friend,Wearinghissmile,and\"Nottheend!\"

Outbreathingsoftly:thatwereblestenlightenment;

Or,ifadeadLove’slips,whomdreamsrevealWhenmidnightimpsofKingDecayDelveslytosolvemebacktoclay,Shouldleavesomeprinttoproveherspirit-kissesreal;

Or,whenEarth’sFrailliebleedingofherStrong,IfsomeRecorder,asinWrit,NeartothewearysceneshouldflitAnddroponeplumeaspledgethatHeaveninscrollsthewrong-

Therearewho,rapttoheightsoftrancedtrust,Thesetokensclaimtofeelandsee,Readradianthintsoftimestobe-

Ofhearttoheartreturningafterdusttodust。

Suchscopeisgrantednottoliveslikemine……

Ihavelainindeadmen’sbeds,havewalkedThetombsofthosewithwhomI’dtalked,Calledmanyagoneandgoodlyonetoshapeasign,Andpantedforresponse。Butnonereplies;

Nowarningsloom,norwhisperingsToopenoutmylimitings,AndNesciencemutelymuses:Whenamanfallshelies。

MYCICELY

(17-)

\"Alive?\"——AndIleaptinmywonder,Wasfaintofmyjoyance,AndgrassesandgroveshoneingarmentsOfglorytome。

\"Shelives,inaplenteouswell-being,To-dayasaforehand;

Thedeadborethename——thougharareone-

Thenamethatboreshe。\"

Shelived……I,afarinthecityOffrenzy-ledfactions,HadsquanderedgreenyearsandmaturerInbowingthekneeToBaalsillusiveandspecious,TillchancehadtherevoicedmeThatoneIlovedvainlyinnonageHadceasedhertobe。

Thepassiontheplanetshadscowledon,Andchangehadletdwindle,Herdeath-rumoursmartlyreliftedTofullapogee。

ImountedasteedinthedawningWithachefulremembrance,AndmadefortheancientWestHighwayTofarExonb’ry。

Passingheaths,andtheHouseofLongSieging,InearedthethinsteepleThattopsthefairfaneofPoore’soldenEpiscopalsee;

And,changinganewmyonbearer,ItraversedthedownlandWhereonthebleakhill-gravesofChieftainsBulgebarrenoftree;

AndstillsadlyonwardIfollowedThatHighwaytheIcen,WhichtrailsitspaleribanddownWessexO’erlynchetandlea。

AlongthroughtheStour-borderedForum,WhereLegionshadwayfared,AndwheretheslowriverupglassesItsgreencanopy,AndbyWeatherburyCastle,andthencefromThroughCasterbridgeheldI

Stillon,toentombhermyvisionSawstretchedpallidly。

Nohighwayman’strotblewthenight-windTomesolife-weary,ButonlythecreakofthegibbetsOrwaggoners’jee。

Triple-rampartedMaidongloomedgraylyAbovemefromsouthward,Andnorththehill-fortressofEggar,AndsquarePummerie。

TheNine-PillaredCromlech,theBride-streams,TheAxe,andtheOtterIpassed,tothegateofthecityWhereExescentsthesea;

Till,spent,inthegraveacrepausing,Ilearnt’twasnotmyLoveTowhomMotherChurchhadjustmurmuredAlastlullaby-

\"Then,wheredwellstheCanon’skinswoman,Myfriendofaforetime?\"——

(’Twashardtorepressmyheart-heavingsAndnewecstasy。)

\"Shewedded。\"——\"Ah!\"——\"Weddedbeneathher-

Shekeepsthestage-hostelTenmileshence,besidethegreatHighway-

ThefamedLions-Three。

\"Herspousewasherlackey——nooption’Twixtwedlockandworsethings;

Alapseover-sadforaladyOfherpedigree!\"

Ishuddered,saidnothing,andwanderedToshadesofgreenlaurel:

TooghastlyhadgrownthosefirsttidingsSobrightsomeofblee!

For,onmyridehither,I’dhaltedAwhileattheLions,Andher——herwhosenamehadonceopenedMyheartasakey——

I’dlookedon,unknowing,andwitnessedHerjestswiththetapsters,Herliquor-firedface,herthickaccentsInnamingherfee。

\"OGod,whythisseemingderision!\"

Icriedinmyanguish:

\"OonceLoved,OfairUnforgotten-

ThatThing——meantitthee!

\"Inurnedandatpeace,lostbutsainted,WeregriefIcouldcompass;

Depraved——’tisforChrist’spoordependentAcrueldecree!\"

IbackedontheHighway;butpassednotThehostel。WithinthereToomockingtoLove’sre-expressionWasTime’srepartee!

UptrackingwhereLegionshadwayfared,Bycromlechsunstoried,Andlynchets,andsepulturedChieftains,Inself-colloquy,AfeelingstirredinmeandstrengthenedThatSHEwasnotmyLove,Butsheofthegarth,wholayraptinHerlongreverie。

Andthencetillto-dayIpersuademeThatthiswasthetrueone;

ThatDeathstoleintactheryoungdearnessAndinnocency。

Frail-witted,illudedtheycallme;

Imaybe。’TisbetterTodreamthantoownthedebasementOfsweetCicely。

MoreoverIrateitunseemlyToholdthatkindHeavenCouldworksuchdevice——toherruinAndmymisery。

So,lestIdisturbmychoicevision,IshuntheWestHighway,Evennow,whentheknapsringwithrhythmsFromblackbirdandbee;

Andfeelthatwithslumberhalf-consciousSherestsinthechurch-hay,Herspiritunsoiledasinyouth-timeWhenloverswerewe。

HERIMMORTALITY

UponanoonIpilgrimedthroughApasture,milebymile,UntotheplacewhereIlastsawMydeadLove’slivingsmile。

AndsorrowingIlaymedownUpontheheatedsod:

ItseemedasifmybodypressedTheverygroundshetrod。

Ilay,andthought;andinatranceShecameandstoodmeby——

Thesame,eventothemarvellousrayThatusedtolighthereye。

\"Youdrawme,andIcometoyou,Myfaithfulone,\"shesaid,InvoicethathadthemovingtoneItboreerebreathhadfled。

Shesaid:\"’TissevenyearssinceIdied:

Fewnowrememberme;

Myhusbandclaspsanotherbride;

Mychildren’slovehasshe。

\"Mybrethren,sisters,andmyfriendsCarenottomeetmysprite:

WhoprizedmemostIdidnotknowTillIpasseddownfromsight。\"

Isaid:\"Mydaysarelonelyhere;

Ineedthysmilealway:

I’llusethisnightmyballorblade,Andjointheeeretheday。\"

Atremorstirredhertenderlips,Whichpartedtodissuade:

\"Thatcannotbe,Ofriend,\"shecried;

\"Think,IambutaShade!

\"AShadebutinitsmindfulonesHasimmortality;

Byliving,meyoukeepalive,Bydyingyouslayme。

\"InyouresidesmysinglepowerOfsweetcontinuancehere;

OnyourfidelityIcountThroughmanyacomingyear。\"-

Istartedthroughmeatherplight,Sosuddenlyconfessed:

Dismissinglatedistasteforlife,Icraveditsbleakunrest。

\"Iwillnotdie,myOneofall!-

TolengthenoutthydaysI’llguardmefromminutestharmsThatmayinvestmyways!\"

Shesmiledandwent。SincethenshecomesOftwhenherbirth-moonclimbs,Orattheseasons’ingressesOranniversarytimes;

Butgrowsmygrief。WhenIsurcease,Throughwhomalonelivesshe,CeasesmyLove,herwords,herways,Neveragaintobe!

THEIVY-WIFE

Ilongedtoloveafull-boughedbeechAndbeashighashe:

Istretchedanarmwithinhisreach,Andsignalledunity。

Butwithhisdripheforcedabreach,Andtriedtopoisonme。

IgavethegraspofpartnershipTooneofotherrace——

Aplane:hebarkedhimstripbystripFromupperboughtobase;

Andmetherewith;forgonemygrip,Myarmscouldnotenlace。

InnewaffectionnextIstroveTocollanashIsaw,Andheintrustreceivedmylove;

TillwithmysoftgreenclawIcrampedandboundhimasIwove……

Suchwasmylove:ha-ha!

BythisIgainedhisstrengthandheightWithouthisrivalry。

ButinmytriumphIlostsightOfafterhaps。Soonhe,Beingbark-bound,flagged,snapped,felloutright,Andinhisfallfelledme!

AMEETINGWITHDESPAIR

AseveningshapedIfoundmeonamoorWhichsightcouldscarcesustain:

Theblackleanland,offeaturelesscontour,Waslikeatractinpain。

\"Thisscene,likemyownlife,\"Isaid,\"isoneWheremanygloomsabide;

Tonedbyitsfortunetoadeadlydun-

Lightlessoneveryside。

Iglancedaloftandhalted,pleasure-caughtToseethecontrastthere:

Theray-litcloudsgleamedglory;andIthought,\"There’ssolaceeverywhere!\"

Thenbitterself-reproachesasIstoodIdealtmesilentlyAsoneperverse——misrepresentingGoodIngracelessmutiny。

Againstthehorizon’sdim-discernedwheelAformrose,strangeofmould:

Thathewashideous,hopeless,IcouldfeelRatherthancouldbehold。

\"’Tisadeadspot,whereeventhelightliesspentTodarkness!\"croakedtheThing。

\"Notifyoulookaloft!\"saidI,intentOnmynewreasoning。

\"Yea——butawaitawhile!\"hecried。\"Ho-ho!-

Looknowaloftandsee!\"

Ilooked。There,too,satnight:Heaven’sradiantshowHadgone。Thenchuckledhe。

UNKNOWING

When,soulinsoulreflected,Webreathedanaetheredair,WhenweneglectedAllthingselsewhere,AndleftthefriendlyfriendlessTokeepourloveaglow,Wedeemeditendless……

——Wedidnotknow!

When,bymadpassiongoaded,Weplannedtohieaway,But,unforeboded,Thestorm-shaftsgraySoheavilydown-patteredThatnonecouldforthwardgo,Ourlivesseemedshattered……

——Wedidnotknow!

WhenIfoundyou,helplesslying,Andyouwaivedmydeepmisprise,Andsworeme,dying,Inphantom-guiseTowingtomewhengrieving,Andtouchawaymywoe,Wekissed,believing……

——Wedidnotknow!

Butthough,yourpowersoutreckoning,Youholdyoudeadanddumb,Orscornmybeckoning,Andwillnotcome;

AndIsay,\"’TweremoodungainlyTostorehermemoryso:\"

Isayitvainly-

Ifeelandknow!

FRIENDSBEYOND

WilliamDewy,TranterReuben,FarmerLedlowlateatplough,Robert’skin,andJohn’s,andNed’s,AndtheSquire,andLadySusan,lieinMellstockchurchyardnow!

\"Gone,\"Icallthem,goneforgood,thatgroupoflocalheartsandheads;

Yetatmothycurfew-tide,Andatmidnightwhenthenoon-heatbreathesitbackfromwallsandleads,They’veawayofwhisperingtome——fellow-wightwhoyetabide-

Inthemuted,measurednoteOfarippleunderarchways,oralonecave’sstillicide:

\"Wehavetriumphed:thisachievementturnsthebanetoantidote,Unsuccessestosuccess,-Manythought-wornevesandmorrowstoamorrowfreeofthought。

\"Nomoreneedwecornandclothing,feelofoldterrestrialstress;

Chilldetractionstirsnosigh;

Fearofdeathhasevenbygoneus:deathgaveallthatwepossess。\"

W。D。——\"Yemidburnthewoldbass-violthatIsetsuchvallieby。\"

Squire。——\"Youmayholdthemanseinfee,Youmaywedmyspouse,mychildren’smemoryofmemaydecry。\"

Lady。——\"Youmayhavemyrichbrocades,mylaces;takeeachhouseholdkey;

Ransackcoffer,desk,bureau;

Quizthefewpoortreasureshidthere,contheletterskeptbyme。\"

Far。——\"Yemidzellmyfavouriteheifer,yemidletthecharlockgrow,Foulthegrinterns,giveupthrift。\"

Wife。——\"Ifyebreakmybestbluechina,children,Ishan’tcareorho。\"

All。——\"We’venowishtohearthetidings,howthepeople’sfortunesshift;

Whatyourdailydoingsare;

Whoarewedded,born,divided;ifyourlivesbeatsloworswift。

\"Curiousnottheleastareweifourintentsyoumakeormar,Ifyouquiretoouroldtune,IftheCitystagestillpasses,iftheweirsstillroarafar。\"-

Thus,withverygods’composure,freedthosecrosseslateandsoonWhich,inlife,theTrineallow(Why,nonewitteth),andignoringallthathapsbeneaththemoon,WilliamDewy,TranterReuben,FarmerLedlowlateatplough,Robert’skin,andJohn’s,andNed’s,AndtheSquire,andLadySusan,murmurmildlytomenow。

TOOUTERNATURE

ShowtheeasIthoughttheeWhenIearlysoughtthee,Omen-scouting,AllundoubtingLovealonehadwroughtthee-

Wroughttheeformypleasure,PlannedtheeasameasureForexpoundingAndresoundingGladthingsthatmentreasure。

OforbutamomentOfthatoldendowment-

LighttogailySeethydailyIrisedembowment!

Butsuchre-adorningTimeforbidswithscorning-

MakesmeseethingsCeasetobethingsTheywereinmymorning。

Fad’stthou,glow-forsaken,Darkness-overtaken!

Thyfirstsweetness,Radiance,meetness,Noneshallre-awaken。

WhynotsempiternalThouandI?OurvernalBrightnesskeeping,Timeoutleaping;

Passedthehodiernal!

THOUGHTSOFPHENA

ATNEWSOFHERDEATH

NotalineofherwritinghaveI,Notathreadofherhair,Nomarkofherlatetimeasdameinherdwelling,wherebyImaypictureherthere;

AndinvaindoIurgemyunsightToconceivemylostprizeAtherclose,whomIknewwhenherdreamswereupbrimmingwithlight,Andwithlaughterhereyes。

Whatscenesspreadaroundherlastdays,Sad,shining,ordim?

DidhergiftsandcompassionsenrayandenarchhersweetwaysWithanaureatenimb?

Ordidlife-lightdeclinefromheryears,AndmischancescontrolHerfullday-star;unease,orregret,orforebodings,orfearsDisennoblehersoul?

ThusIdobutthephantomretainOfthemaidenofyoreAsmyrelic;yethaplythebestofher——finedinmybrainItmaybethemoreThatnolineofherwritinghaveI,Norathreadofherhair,Nomarkofherlatetimeasdameinherdwelling,wherebyImaypictureherthere。

March1890。

MIDDLE-AGEENTHUSIASMS

ToM。H。

WepassedwhereflagandflowerSignalledajocundthrong;

Wesaid:\"Goto,thehourIsapt!\"——andjoinedthesong;

And,kindling,laughedatlifeandcare,Althoughweknewnolaughlaythere。

WewalkedwhereshybirdsstoodWatchingus,wonder-dumb;

Theirfriendshipmetourmood;

Wecried:\"We’lloftencome:

We’llcomemorn,noon,eve,everywhen!\"-

Wedoubtedweshouldcomeagain。

WejoyedtoseestrangesheensLeapfromquaintleavesinshade;

AsecretlightofgreensThey’dfortheirpleasuremade。

Wesaid:\"We’llsetsuchsortsasthese!\"-

Weknewwithnightthewishwouldcease。

\"Sosweettheplace,\"wesaid,\"Itstacittalessodear,Ourthoughts,whenbreathhassped,Willmeetandminglehere!\"……

\"Words!\"musedwe。\"Passedthemortaldoor,Ourthoughtswillreachthisnooknomore。\"

INAWOOD

See\"THEWOODLANDERS\"

Palebeechandpine-treeblue,Setinoneclay,BoughtoboughcannotyouBideoutyourday?

Whentherainsskimandskip,Whymarsweetcomradeship,Blightingwithpoison-dripNeighbourlyspray?

Heart-haltandspirit-lame,City-opprest,UntothiswoodIcameAstoanest;

DreamingthatsylvanpeaceOfferedtheharrowedease——

NatureasoftreleaseFrommen’sunrest。

But,havingenteredin,GreatgrowthsandsmallShowthemtomenakin-

Combatantsall!

Sycamoreshouldersoak,Binestheslimsaplingyoke,Ivy-spunhalterschokeElmsstoutandtall。

Touchesfromash,Owych,Stingyoulikescorn!

You,too,bravehollies,twitchSidelongfromthorn。

EventherankpoplarsbearIllyarival’sair,CankeringinblackdespairIfoverborne。

Since,then,nograceIfindTaughtmeoftrees,TurnIbacktomykind,Worthyasthese。

Thereatleastsmilesabound,Therediscoursetrillsaround,There,nowandthen,arefoundLife-loyalties。

1887:1896。

TOALADY

OFFENDEDBYABOOKOFTHEWRITER’S

Nowthatmypageupcloses,doomed,maybe,Nevertopressthycosycushionsmore,OrwakethyreadyYeasasheretofore,Orstirthygentlevowsoffaithinme:

Knowingthynaturalreceptivity,Ifigurethat,asflambeauxbanisheve,Mysombreimage,warpedbyinsidiousheaveOfthoselessforthright,mustloseplaceinthee。

Sobeit。Ihavebornesuch。LetthydreamsOfmeandminediminishdaybyday,Andyieldtheirspacetoshineofsmuggerthings;

TillIshapetotheebutinfitfulgleams,Andtheninfarandfeeblevisitings,Andthensurcease。Truthwillbetruthalway。

TOANORPHANCHILD

AWHIMSEY

Ah,child,thouartbuthalfthydarlingmother’s;

Herscouldstthouwhollybe,Mylightintheewouldoutglowallinothers;

Shewouldrelivetome。

ButniggardNature’strickofbirthBars,lestsheoverjoy,RenewalofthelovedonearthSavewithalloy。

TheDamehasnoregard,alas,mymaiden,Forloveandlosslikemine-

Nosympathywithmind-sightmemory-laden;

Onlywithfickleeyne。

TohermechanicartistryMydreamsareallunknown,AndwhyIwishthatthoucouldstbeButOne’salone!

NATURE’SQUESTIONING

WhenIlookforthatdawning,pool,Field,flock,andlonelytree,AllseemtogazeatmeLikechastenedchildrensittingsilentinaschool;

Theirfacesdulled,constrained,andworn,Asthoughthemaster’swaysThroughthelongteachingdaysTheirfirstterrestrialzesthadchilledandoverborne。

Andonthemstirs,inlippingsmere(Asifonceclearincall,Butnowscarcebreathedatall)-

\"Wewonder,everwonder,whywefindushere!

\"HassomeVastImbecility,Mightytobuildandblend,Butimpotenttotend,Framedusinjest,andleftusnowtohazardry?

\"OrcomeweofanAutomatonUnconsciousofourpains?……

OrareweliveremainsOfGodheaddyingdownwards,brainandeyenowgone?

\"OrisitthatsomehighPlanbetides,Asyetnotunderstood,OfEvilstormedbyGood,WetheForlornHopeoverwhichAchievementstrides?\"

Thusthingsaround。NoanswererI……

Meanwhilethewinds,andrains,AndEarth’soldgloomsandpainsArestillthesame,andgladdestLifeDeathneighboursnigh。

THEIMPERCIPIENT

(ATACATHEDRALSERVICE)

ThatfromthisbrightbelievingbandAnoutcastIshouldbe,ThatfaithsbywhichmycomradesstandSeemfantasiestome,Andmirage-miststheirShiningLand,Isadreardestiny。

WhythusmysoulshouldbeconsignedToinfelicity,WhyalwaysImustfeelasblindTosightsmybrethrensee,Whyjoysthey’vefoundIcannotfind,Abidesamystery。

SinceheartofmineknowsnotthateaseWhichtheyknow;sinceitbeThatHewhobreathesAll’sWelltotheseBreathesnoAll’s-Welltome,MylackmightmovetheirsympathiesAndChristiancharity!

IamlikeagazerwhoshouldmarkAninlandcompanyStandingupfingered,with,\"Hark!hark!

Thegloriousdistantsea!\"

Andfeel,\"Alas,’tisbutyondarkAndwind-sweptpinetome!\"

YetIwouldbearmyshortcomingsWithmeettranquillity,ButforthechargethatblessedthingsI’dlieferhaveunbe。

O,dothabirddeprivedofwingsGoearth-boundwilfully!

***

Enough。AsyetdisquietclingsAboutus。Restshallwe。

ATANINN

WhenweasstrangerssoughtTheircateringcare,VeiledsmilesbespoketheirthoughtOfwhatwewere。

TheywarmedastheyopinedUsmorethanfriends-

ThatwehadallresignedForlove’sdearends。

AndthatswiftsympathyWithlivingloveWhichquickstheworld——maybeThespheresabove,Madethemourministers,Movedthemtosay,\"Ah,God,thatblissliketheirsWouldflushourday!\"

AndwewereleftaloneAsLove’sownpair;

Yetneverthelove-lightshoneBetweenusthere!

ButthatwhichchilledthebreathOfafternoon,AndpalsieduntodeathThepane-fly’stune。

Thekisstheirzealforetold,Andnowdeemedcome,Camenot:withinhisholdLovelingered-numb。

WhycastheonourportAbloomnotours?

WhyshapedusforhissportInafter-hours?

AsweseemedwewerenotThatdayafar,AndnowweseemnotwhatWeachingare。

Oseveringseaandland,Olawsofmen,Eredeath,onceletusstandAswestoodthen!

THESLOWNATURE

(ANINCIDENTOFFROOMVALLEY)

\"Thyhusband——poor,poorHeart!——isdead——

Dead,outbyMorefordRise;

Abullescapedthebarton-shed,Goredhim,andtherehelies!\"-

\"Ha,ha——goaway!’Tisatale,methink,ThoujokerKit!\"laughedshe。

\"I’veknowntheemanyayear,KitTwink,Andeverhastthoufooledme!\"-

\"But,MistressDamon——IcanswearThygoodmanJohnisdead!

Andsoonth’ltheartheirfeetwhobearHisbodytohisbed。\"

Sounwontedlysadwasthemerryman’sface-

Thatfacewhichhadlongdeceived-

Thatshegazedandgazed;andthencouldtraceThetruththere;andshebelieved。

Shelaidahandonthedresser-ledge,AndscannedfarEgdon-side;

Andstood;andyouheardthewind-sweptsedgeAndtheripplingFroom;tillshecried:

\"Omychamber’suntidied,unmademybedThoughthedayhasbeguntowear!

’Whataslovenlyhussif!’itwillbesaid,Whentheyallgoupmystair!\"

Shedisappeared;andthejokerstoodDepressedbyhisneighbour’sdoom,AndamazedthatawifestrucktowidowhoodThoughtfirstofherunkemptroom。

Butafortnightthenceshecouldtakenofood,Andshepinedinaslowdecay;

WhileKitsoonlosthismournfulmoodAndlaughedinhisancientway。

1894。

INAEWELEAZENEARWEATHERBURY

TheyearshavegatheredgraylySinceIdanceduponthisleazeWithonewhokindledgailyLove’sfitfulecstasies!

Butdespitethetermasteacher,IremainwhatIwasthenIneachessentialfeatureOfthefantasiesofmen。

YetInotethelittlechiselOfnever-nappingTime,DefacingghastandgrizzelTheblazonofmyprime。

Whenatnighthethinksmesleeping,IfeelhimboringslyWithinmybones,andheapingQuaintestpainsforby-and-by。

Still,I’dgotheworldwithBeauty,Iwouldlaughwithherandsing,IwouldshundivinestdutyToresumeherworshipping。

Butshe’dscornmybraveendeavour,ShewouldnotbalmthebreezeBymurmuring\"Thineforever!\"

Asshediduponthisleaze。

1890。

THEFIREATTRANTERSWEATLEY’S

Theyhadlongmeto’Zundays——hertrueloveandshe-

Andatjunketings,maypoles,andflings;

Butshebodewi’athirtoveruncle,andheSworebynoonandbynightthathergoodmanshouldbeNaibourSweatley——agafferoftweakatthekneeFromtakingo’sommatmorecheerfulthantea-

Whotranted,andmovedpeople’sthings。

Shecried,\"Opraypityme!\"Noughtwouldhehear;

Thenwithwildrainyeyessheobeyed。

ShechidwhenherLovewasforclinkingoffwi’her。

Thepa’sonwastold,astheseasondrewnearTothrowoverpu’pitthenamesofthepeairAsfittingonefleshtobemade。

Thewedding-daydawnedandthemorningdrewon;

Thecouplestoodbridegroomandbride;

Theeveningwaspassed,andwhenmidnighthadgoneThefolkshornedout,\"GodsavetheKing,\"andanonThetwohome-alonggloomilyhied。

TheloverTimTankensmournedheart-sickanddrearTobethusofhisdarlingdeprived:

Heroamedinthedarkath’artfield,mound,andmere,And,a’mostwithoutknowingit,foundhimselfnearThehouseofthetranter,andnowofhisDear,Wherethelantern-lightshowed’emarrived。

Thebridesoughthercham’ersocalmandsopaleThataNorthernhadthoughtherresigned;

Buttoeyesthathadseenherintide-timesofweal,Likethewhitecloudo’smoke,theredbattle-field’svail,Thatlookspak’ofhavocbehind。

Thebridegroomyetlaiteredabeakertodrain,Thenreeledtothelinhayformore,Whenthecandle-snoffkindledsomechafffromhisgrain-

Flamesspread,andredvlankers,wi’mightandwi’main,Androundbeams,thatch,andchimley-tunroar。

YoungTimawayyond,raftedupbythelight,Throughbrimbleandunderwoodtears,Tillhecomestotheorchet,whencroopingthererightInthelewthofacodlin-tree,biveringwi’fright,Wi’on’yhernight-railtoscreenherfromsight,HislonesomeyoungBarbreeappears。

Hercwoldlittlefigurehalf-nakedheviewsPlayedaboutbythefrolicsomebreeze,Herlight-trippingtotties,hertenlittletooes,Allbareandbesprinkledwi’Fall’schillydews,Whilehergreatgalliedeyes,throughherhairhangingloose,Sheenedasstarsthroughatardleo’trees。

Sheeyeden;and,aswhenaweir-hatchisdrawn,Hertears,pennedbyterrorafore,Witharushingofsobsinashowerwerestrawn,Tillherpowertopour’emseemedwastedandgoneFromthehefto’misfortuneshebore。

\"OTim,myOWNTimImustcall’ee——Iwill!

Alltheworldha’turnedroundonmeso!

Canyouhelpherwholoved’ee,thoughactingsoill?

Canyoupityhermisery——feelforherstill?

WhenworsethanherbodysoquiveringandchillIsherheartinitswintero’woe!

\"IthinkImidalmostha’borneit,\"shesaid,\"Hadmygriefsonebyonecometohand;

ButO,tobeslavetothikhusbirdforbread,Andthen,upontopo’that,driventowed,Andthen,upontopo’that,burntouto’bed,Ismorethanmynatercanstand!\"

Tim’ssoullikealion’ithinenoutsprung-

(Timhadagreatsoulwhenhisfeelingswerewrung)——

\"Feelfor’ee,dearBarbree?\"hecried;

Andhiswarmworking-jacketaboutherheflung,Madeaback,horsedherup,tillbehindhimsheclungLikeachielonagipsy,herfigureuphungBythesleevesthataroundherhetied。

Overpiggeries,andmixens,andapples,andhay,Theylumperedstraightintothenight;

Andfindingbylongwhereahalter-pathlay,AtdawnreachedTim’shouse,on’yseenontheirwayByanaibourortwowhowereupwi’theday;

Buttheygatherednocluetothesight。

ThentenderTimTankenshesearchedhereandthereForsomegarmenttoclotheherfairskin;

Butthoughhehadbreechesandwaistcoatstospare,HehadnothingquiteseemlyforBarbreetowear,Who,halfshrammedtodeath,stoodandcriedonachairAtthecaddleshefoundherselfin。

Therewasonethingtodo,andthatonethinghedid,Helenthersomecloutsofhisown,Andshetook’emperforce;andwhilein’emsheslid,Timturnedtothewinder,asmodestybid,Thinking,\"OthatthepictermydutykeepshidTothesighto’myeyesmidbeshown!\"

Inthetallethestowedher;therehuddiedshelay,Shorteningsleeves,legs,andtailstoherlimbs;

Butmosto’thetimeinamortalbadway,Wellknowingthatthere’dbethediveltopayIf’twerefoundthat,insteado’theelements’prey,ShewaslivinginlodgingsatTim’s。

\"Where’sthetranter?\"saidmenandboys;\"wherecanerbe?\"

\"Where’sthetranter?\"saidBarbreealone。

\"Whereone’thisthetranter?\"saideverybod-y:

Theysiftedthedustofhisperishedroof-tree,Andalltheycouldfindwasabone。

Thentheunclecried,\"Lord,prayhavemercyonme!\"

Andinterrorbegantorepent。

Butbefore’twascomplete,andtillsureshewasfree,Barbreedrewupherloft-ladder,tightturnedherkey-

Timbringingupbreakfastanddinnerandtea-

Tillthenewsofherhidinggotvent。

Thenfollowedthecustom-keptrout,shout,andflareOfaskimmington-ridethroughthenaibourhood,ereFolkhadproofo’woldSweatley’sdecay。

Whereupondecentpeopleallstoodinastare,SayingTimandhislodgershouldriskit,andpair:

Sohetookhertochurch。An’somelaughingladsthereCriedtoTim,\"AfterSweatley!\"Shesaid,\"IdeclareIstandasamaidento-day!\"

Written1866;printed1875。

HEIRESSANDARCHITECT

FORA。W。B。

ShesoughttheStudios,beckoningtohersideAnarch-designer,forsheplannedtobuild。

Hewasofwisecontrivance,deeplyskilledIneveryintervolveofhighandwide-

Wellfittobeherguide。

\"Whateveritbe,\"

Respondedhe,Withcold,clearvoice,andcold,clearview,\"IntrueaccordwithprudentfashioningsForsuchvicissitudesaslivingbrings,Andthwartingnotthelawofstablethings,ThatwillIdo。\"

\"Shapeme,\"shesaid,\"highhallswithtraceryAndopenogive-work,thatscentandhueOfbuds,andtravellingbees,maycomeinthrough,Thenoteofbirds,andsingingsofthesea,Forthesearemuchtome。\"

\"Anidlewhim!\"

BrokeforthfromhimWhomnoughtcouldwarmtogallantries:

\"Cedeallthesebudsandbirds,thezephyr’scall,Andscents,andhues,andthingsthatfalterall,Andchooseasbestthecloseandsurlywall,Forwintersfreeze。\"

\"Thenframe,\"shecried,\"widefrontsofcrystalglass,ThatImayshowmylaughterandmylight-

Lightlikethesun’sbyday,thestars’bynight-

Tillrivalheart-queens,envying,wail,’Alas,Herglory!’astheypass。\"

\"Omaidmisled!\"

Hesternlysaid,Whosefacileforesightpiercedherdire;

\"Whereshallabidethesoulwhen,sickofglee,Itshrinks,andhides,andpraysnoeyemaysee?

Thosehousethembestwhohouseforsecrecy,Foryouwilltire。\"

\"Alittlechamber,then,withswananddoveRangedthickly,andengrailedwithraredeviceOfredsandpurples,foraParadiseWhereinmyLovemaygreetme,ImyLove,Whenheshallknowthereof?\"

\"This,too,isill,\"

Heansweredstill,Themanwhoswayedherlikeashade。

\"AnhourwillcomewhensightofsuchsweetnookWouldbringabitternesstoosharptobrook,Whenbrightereyeshavewonawayhislook;

Foryouwillfade。\"

Thensaidshefaintly:\"O,contrivesomeway-

Somenarrowwindingturret,quitemineown,ToreachaloftwhereImaygrievealone!

Itisaslightthing;hencedonot,Ipray,Thislastdearfancyslay!\"

\"SuchwindingwaysFitnotyourdays,\"

Saidhe,themanofmeasuringeye;

\"Imustevenfashionasmyruledeclares,Towit:Givespace(sincelifeendsunawares)

Tohaleacoffinedcorpseadownthestairs;

Foryouwilldie。\"

1867。

THETWOMEN

Thereweretwoyouthsofequalage,Wit,station,strength,andparentage;

Theystudiedattheselfsameschools,Andshapedtheirthoughtsbycommonrules。

Oneponderedonthelifeofman,Hishopes,hisending,andbeganToratetheMarket’ssordidwarAssomethingscarceworthlivingfor。

\"I’llbracetohigheraims,\"saidhe,\"I’llfurtherTruthandPurity;

TherebytomendthemortallotAndsweetensorrow。ThriveInot,\"Winningtheirhearts,mykindwillgiveEnoughthatImaylowlylive,AndhousemyLoveinsomedimdell,Forpleasingthemandtheirssowell。\"

Idlyattired,withfeatureswan,Insecretswifthelabouredon:

SuchpressofpowerhadbroughtmuchgoldAppliedtothingsofmeanermould。

SometimeshewishedhisaimshadbeenTogathergainslikeothermen;

ThenthankedhisGodhe’dtracedhistrackToofarforwishtodraghimback。

HelookedfromhisloftonedayTowherehisslightedgardenlay;

Nettlesandhemlockhideachlawn,Andeveryflowerwasstarvedandgone。

Hefaintedinhisheart,whereonHerose,andsoughthisplightedone,Resolvedtolooseherbondwithal,Lestsheshouldperishinhisfall。

Hemetherwithacarelessair,Asthoughhe’dceasedtofindherfair,Andsaid:\"Trueloveisdusttome;

Icannotkiss:Itireofthee!\"

(Thatshemightscornhimwashefain,Toputhersooneroutofpain;

Forincensedlovebreathesquickanddies,Whenfamishedlovea-lingeringlies。)

Oncedone,hissoulwassobetossed,Itfoundnomoretheforceitlost:

Hopewashisonlydrinkandfood,Andhopeextinct,decayensued。

And,livinglongsocloselypenned,Hehadnotkeptasinglefriend;

Hedwindledthinasphantomsbe,Anddroopedtodeathinpoverty……

MeantimehisschoolmatehadgoneoutTojointhefortune-findingrout;

Helikedthewinningsofthemart,Butweariedoftheworkingpart。

Heturnedtoseekaprivylair,Neglectingnoteofgarbandhair,AnddaybydayreclinedandthoughtHowhemightlivebydoingnought。

\"Iplanavaluedscheme,\"hesaidTosome。\"Butlendmeofyourbread,Andwhenthevastresultloomsnigh,InprofityoushallstandasI。\"

YettheytookcounseltorestrainTheirkindnesstilltheysawthegain;

And,sincehissubstancenowhadrun,Herosetodowhatmightbedone。

HewentuntohisLovebynight,Andsaid:\"MyLove,Ifaintinfight:

Deservingasthoudostacrown,Mycaresshallneverdragtheedown。\"

(HehaddescriedamaidwhoselineWouldhandheronmuchcornandwine,AndheldherfarinworthaboveOnewhocouldonlyprayandlove。)

ButthisFairreadhim;whencehefailedTodothedeedsoblithelyhailed;

Hesawhisprojectswhollymarred,Andgloomandwantoppressedhimhard;

Till,livingtosomeananend,Wherebyhe’dlosthiseveryfriend,Heperishedinapaupersty,Hismatethedyingpaupernigh。

Andmoralists,reflecting,said,As\"dusttodust\"inburialreadWasechoedfromeachcoffin-lid,\"Thesemenwerelikeinalltheydid。\"

1866。

LINES

SpokenbyMissADAREHANattheLyceumTheatre,July23,1890,ataperformanceonbehalfofLadyJeune’sHolidayFundforCityChildren。

Beforeweparttoalienthoughtsandaims,Permittheonebriefwordtheoccasionclaims:-

Whenmummingandgraveprojectsareallied,PerhapsanEpilogueisjustified。

Ourunder-purposehas,intruth,to-dayCommandedmostourmusings;leasttheplay:

Apurposefutilebutforyourgood-willSwiftlyresponsivetothecryofill:

Apurposealltoolimited!——toaidFrailhumanflowerets,sickliedbytheshade,Inwinningsomeshortspellofuplandbreeze,Orstrengtheningsunlightonthelevelleas。

Whohasnotmarked,wherethefullcheekshouldbe,Incipientlinesoflankflaccidity,Lymphaticpallorwherethepinkshouldglow,Andwherethethroboftransport,pulseslow?-

MosttragicalofshapesfromPoletoLine,Owonderingchild,unwittingTime’sdesign,WhyshouldArtaddtoNature’squandary,Andworsenillbythusimmuringthee?-

Thatracesdodespiteuntotheirown,ThatMightsupernaldoindeedcondoneWrongsindividualforthegeneralease,Instancetheproofinvictimssuchasthese。

Launchedintothoroughfarestoothrongedbefore,Motheredbythosewhoseprotestis\"Nomore!\"

Vitalizedwithoutoption:whoshallsayThatdidLifehangonchoosing——YeaorNay-

Theyhadnotscorneditwithsuchpenalty,AndnothingnessimploredofDestiny?

AndyetbehindthehorizonsmilesereneThedown,thecornland,andthestretchinggreen-

Space——thechild’sheaven:sceneswhichatleastensureSomepalliativeforilltheycannotcure。

Dearfriends——nowmovedbythispoorshowofoursTomakeyourownlongjoyinbudsandbowersForonebriefwhilethejoyofinfanteyes,Changingtheirurbanmurktoparadise-

Youhaveourthanks!——mayyourrewardincludeMorethanourthanks,farmore:theirgratitude。

\"ILOOKINTOMYGLASS\"

Ilookintomyglass,Andviewmywastingskin,Andsay,\"WouldGoditcametopassMyhearthadshrunkasthin!\"

Forthen,I,undistrestByheartsgrowncoldtome,CouldlonelywaitmyendlessrestWithequanimity。

ButTime,tomakemegrieve;

Partsteals,letspartabide;

AndshakesthisfragileframeateveWiththrobbingsofnoontide。