See,wherethickvaporwreathesthebattle-line;
ThereMercyfollowswithheroilandwine;
OrwherebrownLaborwithitspeacefulcharmStiffensthesinewsoftheNation’sarm。
WhatnervesitshandstostrikeadeadlierblowAndhurlitslegionsontherebelfoe?
Lo!foreachtownnewrisingo’erourStateSeethefoe’shamletwasteanddesolate,Whileeachnewfactoryliftsitschimneytall,LikeafreshmortartrainedonRichmond’swall。
Forthis,Obrothers,swingsthefruitfulvine,Spreadourbroadpastureswiththeircountlesskine:
Forthiso’erheadthearchingvaultspringsclear,Sunlitandcloudlessforonehalftheyear;
Forthisnosnowflake,e’ersolightlypressed,Chillsthewarmimpulseofourmother’sbreast。
Quicktoreply,frommeadowsbrownandsere,ShethrillsresponsivetoSpring’searliesttear;
Breaksintoblossom,flingsherloveliestroseErethewhitecrocusmountsAtlanticsnows;
AndtheexampleofherliberalcreedTeachesthelessonthatto-dayweheed。
Thusoursthelotwithpeaceful,generoushandTospreadourbountyo’erthesufferingland;
AsthedeepcleftinMariposa’swallHurlsavastriversplinteringinitsfall,——
ThoughtheraptsoulwhostandsinawebelowSeesbutthearchingofthepromisedbow,Lo!thefarstreamletdrinksitsdewsunseen,Andthewholevalleywakesabrightergreen。
MISSBLANCHESAYS
Andyouarethepoet,andsoyouwantSomething——whatisit?——atheme,afancy?
SomethingorothertheMusewon’tgrantToyouroldpoeticalnecromancy;
Why,onehalfyoupoets——youcan’tdeny——
Don’tknowtheMusewhenyouchancetomeether,ButsitinyouratticsandmopeandsighForafaineantgoddesstodropfromthesky,WhenfleshandbloodmaybestandingbyQuiteatyourservice,shouldyoubutgreether。
WhatifItoldyoumyownromance?
Womenarepoets,ifyousotakethem,Onethirdpoet,——therestwhatchanceOfmanandmarriagemaychoosetomakethem。
Givemetenminutesbeforeyougo,——
Hereatthewindowwe’llsittogether,Watchingthecurrentsthatebbandflow;
WatchingtheworldasitdriftsbelowUpthehotAvenue’sdustyglow:
Isn’titpleasant,thisbrightJuneweather?
Well,itwasafterthewarbrokeout,AndIwasaschoolgirlfreshfromParis;
Papahadcontracts,androamedabout,AndI——didnothing——forIwasanheiress。
Pickedsomelint,nowIthink;perhapsKnittedsomestockings——adozennearly:
Havelocksmadeforthesoldiers’caps;
Stoodatfair-tablesandpeddledtrapsQuiteataprofit。The\"shoulder-straps\"
ThoughtIwaspretty。Ah,thankyou!really?
Stillitwasstupid。Rata-tat-tat!
Thosewerethesoundsofthatbattlesummer,Tilltheearthseemedaparchmentroundandflat,Andeveryfootfallthetapofadrummer;
AnddaybydaydowntheAvenuewentCavalry,infantry,alltogether,TillmypityingangelonedaysentMyfateintheshapeofaregiment,Thathalted,justasthedaywasspent,HereatourdoorinthebrightJuneweather。
Noneofyourdandywarriorsthey,——
MenfromtheWest,butwhereIknownot;
Haggardandtravel-stained,wornandgray,Withneveraribbonorlaceorbow-knot:
AndIopenedthewindow,and,leaningthere,Ifeltintheirpresencethefreewindsblowing。
Myneckandshouldersandarmswerebare,——
Ididnotdreamtheymightthinkmefair,ButIhadsomeflowersthatnightinmyhair,Andhere,onmybosom,aredroseglowing。
AndIlookedfromthewindowalongtheline,Dustyanddirtyandgrimandsolemn,Tillaneyelikeabayonetflashmetmine,Andadarkfaceshonefromthedarkeningcolumn,Andaquickflameleapedtomyeyesandhair,Tillcheeksandshouldersburnedalltogether,AndthenextIfoundmyselfstandingthereWithmyeyelidswetandmycheekslessfair,Andtherosefrommybosomtossedhighinair,Likeablood-dropfallingonplumeandfeather。
ThenIdrewbackquickly:therecameacheer,Arushoffigures,anoiseandtussle,Andthenitwasover,andhighandclearMyredrosebloomedonhisgun’sblackmuzzle。
Thenfarinthedarknessasharpvoicecried,Andslowlyandsteadily,alltogether,Shouldertoshoulderandsidetoside,Risingandfallingandswayingwide,Butbearingabovethemtherose,mypride,Theymarchedawayinthetwilightweather。
AndIleanedfrommywindowandwatchedmyroseTossedonthewavesofthesurgingcolumn,Warmedfromaboveinthesunsetglows,Bornefrombelowbyanimpulsesolemn。
ThenIshutthewindow。IheardnomoreOfmysoldierfriend,normyflowerneither,ButlivedmylifeasIdidbefore。
Ididnotgoasanursetothewar,——
Sickfolkstomeareadreadfulbore,——
SoIdidn’tgotothehospitaleither。
Yousmile,Opoet,andwhatdoyou?
Youleanfromyourwindow,andwatchlife’scolumnTramplingandstrugglingthroughdustanddew,Filledwithitspurposesgraveandsolemn;
Andanact,agesture,aface——whoknows?——
Touchesyourfancytothrillandhauntyou,AndyoupluckfromyourbosomtheversethatgrowsAnddownitflieslikemyred,redrose,Andyousitanddreamasawayitgoes,Andthinkthatyourdutyisdone,——nowdon’tyou?
Iknowyouranswer。I’mnotyetthrough。
Lookatthisphotograph,——\"IntheTrenches\"!
ThatdeadmaninthecoatofblueHoldsawitheredroseinhishand。ThatclenchesNothing!——exceptthatthesunpaintstrue,Andawomanissometimesprophetic-minded。
Andthat’smyromance。And,poet,youTakeitandmouldittosuityourview;
AndwhoknowsbutyoumayfindittooCometoyourheartoncemore,asminedid。
ANARCTICVISION
Wheretheshort-leggedEsquimauxWaddleintheiceandsnow,AndtheplayfulPolarbearNipsthehunterunaware;
Wherebydaytheytracktheermine,Andbynightanothervermin,——
Segmentofthefrigidzone,WherethetemperaturealoneWarmsonSt。Elias’cone;
Polardock,whereNatureslipsFromthewayshericyships;
Landoffoxanddeerandsable,Shoreendofourwesterncable,——
LetthenewsthatflyinggoesThrillthroughallyourArcticfloes,AndreverberatetheboastFromthecliffsoffBeechey’scoast,Tillthetidings,circlingroundEverybayofNortonSound,Throwthevocaltide-wavebackTotheislesofKodiac。
LetthestatelyPolarbearsWaltzaroundthepoleinpairs,Andthewalrus,inhisglee,Barehistuskofivory;
Whiletheboldsea-unicornCalmlytakesanextrahorn;
AllyePolarskies,revealyourVeryrarestofparhelia;
Tripit,allyemerrydancers,Intheairiestof\"Lancers;\"
Slide,yesolemnglaciers,slide,Oneinchfarthertothetide,NorinrashprecipitationUpsetTyndall’scalculation。
Knowyounotwhatfateawaitsyou,Ortowhomthefuturematesyou?
Allyeicebergs,makesalaam,——
YoubelongtoUncleSam!
OnthespotwhereEugeneSueLedhiswretchedWanderingJew,StandsaformwhosefeaturesstrikeRussandEsquimauxalike。
HeitiswhomSkaldsofoldIntheirRunicrhymesforetold;
Leanofflankandlankofjaw,SeetherealNorthernThor!
SeetheawfulYankeeleeringJustacrosstheStraitsofBehring;
Onthedriftedsnow,tooplain,Sinkshisfreshtobaccostain,Justbesidethedeepinden-
TationofhisNumber10。
LeaningonhisicyhammerStandstheheroofthisdrama,Andabovethewild-duck’sclamor,Inhisownpeculiargrammar,Withitslinguisticdisguises,La!theArcticprologuerises:
\"Wall,Ireckon’tain’tsobad,Seein’ez’twasalltheyhad。
True,theSpringsareratherlate,AndearlyFallspredominate;
Buttheice-crop’sprettysure,Andtheairiskindo’pure;
’Tain’tsoverymeanatrade,Whenthelandisallsurveyed。
There’sarightsmartchanceforfur-chaseAllalongthisrecentpurchase,And,unlessthestoriesfail,Everyfishfromcodtowhale;
Rocks,too;mebbequartz;let’ssee,——
’Twouldbestrangeifthereshouldbe,——
SeemsI’veheerdsuchstoriestold;
Eh!——why,blessus,——yes,it’sgold!\"
WhiletheblowsarefallingthickFromhisCaliforniapick,YoumayrecognizetheThorOfthevisionthatIsaw,——
Freedfromlegendaryglamour,Seetherealmagician’shammer。
ST。THOMAS
(AGEOGRAPHICALSURVEY,1868)
VeryfairandfullofpromiseLaytheislandofSt。Thomas:
Oceano’eritsreefsandbarsHiditselementalscars;
GrovesofcocoanutandguavaGrewaboveitsfieldsoflava。
SothegemoftheAntilles——
\"IslesofEden,\"wherenoillis——
LikeagreatgreenturtleslumberedOntheseathatitencumbered。
ThensaidWilliamHenrySeward,Ashecasthiseyetoleeward,\"QuiteimportanttoourcommerceIsthisislandofSt。Thomas。\"
SaidtheMountainranges,\"Thank’ee,ButwecannotstandtheYankeeO’erourscarsandfissuresporing,Inourveryvitalsboring,Inoursacredcavernsprying,Alloursecretproblemstrying,——
Digging,blasting,withdynamitMockingallourthunders!Damnit!
Otherlandsmaybemorecivil;
Bustourlavacrustifwewill!\"
SaidtheSea,itswhiteteethgnashingThroughitscoral-reeflipsflashing,\"ShallIletthisschemingmortalShutwithstonemyshiningportal,Curbmytideandcheckmyplay,Fencewithwharvesmyshiningbay?
RatherletmebedrawnoutInoneawfulwaterspout!\"
Saidtheblack-browedHurricane,BroodingdowntheSpanishMain,\"ShallIseemyforces,zounds!
Measuredbysquareinchandpounds,WithdetectivesatmybackWhenIdoubleonmytrack,Andmysecretpathsmadeclear,Publishedo’erthehemisphereToeachgaping,pryingcrew?
ShallI?BlowmeifIdo!\"
SotheMountainsshookandthundered,AndtheHurricanecamesweeping,AndthepeoplestaredandwonderedAstheSeacameonthemleaping:
Each,accordingtohispromise,MadethingslivelyatSt。Thomas。
Tillonemorn,whenMr。SewardCasthisweathereyetoleeward,TherewasnotaninchofdrylandLefttomarkhisrecentisland。
Notaflagstafforasentry,Notawharforportofentry,——
Only——tocutmattersshorter——
JustapatchofmuddywaterIntheopenoceanlying,Andagullaboveitflying。
OFFSCARBOROUGH
(SEPTEMBER,1779)
I
\"Haveacare!\"thebailiffscriedFromtheircockleshellthatlayOffthefrigate’syellowside,TossingonScarboroughBay,Whilethefortysailitconvoyedonabowlinestretchedaway。
\"Takeyourchicksbeneathyourwings,Andyourclawsandfeathersspread,Erethehawkuponthemsprings,——
ErearoundFlamboroughHeadSwoopsPaulJones,theYankeefalcon,withhisbeakandtalonsred。\"
II
Howwelaughed!——mymateandI,——
Onthe\"BonHommeRichard’s\"deck,AswesawthatconvoyflyLikeasnow-squall,tilleachfleckMeltedinthetwilightshadowsofthecoast-line,speckbyspeck;
AndscufflingbacktoshoreTheScarboroughbailiffssped,Asthe\"Richard\"witharoarOfhercannonroundtheHead,Crossedherroyalyardsandsignaledtoherconsort:\"Chaseahead\"
III
ButthedevilseizeLandaisInthatconsortshipofFrance!
Fortheshabby,lubberwayThatheworkedthe\"Alliance\"
Intheoffing,——norabroadsidefiredsavetoourmischance!——
Whentumblingtothevan,Withhisbattle-lanternsset,RosetheburlyEnglishman’Gainstourhullasblackasjet,——
Rodetheyellow-sided\"Serapis,\"andallalonewemet!
IV
Allalone,thoughfaratseaHunghisconsort,roundingto;
Allalone,thoughonourleeFoughtour\"Pallas,\"stanchandtrue!
Forthefirstbroadsidearoundusbothasmokycircledrew:
And,likechampionsinaring,Therewasclearedalittlespace——
Scarceacable’slengthtoswing——
Erewegrappledinembrace,Alltheworldshutoutaroundus,andweonlyfacetoface!
V
ThenawokeallhellbelowFromthatbroadside,doublycurst,ForourlongeighteensinrowLeapedthefirstdischargeandburst!
Andondeckourmencamepouring,fearingtheirowngunstheworst。
Andasdumbwelay,till,throughSmokeandflameandbittercry,Hailedthe\"Serapis:\"\"HaveyouStruckyourcolors?\"Ourreply,\"Wehavenotyetbeguntofight!\"wentshoutingtothesky!
VI
RouxofBrest,oldfisher,layLikeaherringgaspinghere;
BunkerofNantucketBay,Blownfromouttheport,droppedsheerHalfacable’slengthtoleeward;yetwefaintlyraisedacheerAswithhisownrighthandOurCommodoremadefastThefoeman’shead-gearandThe\"Richard’s\"mizzen-mast,Andinthatdeath-lockclingingheldustherefromfirsttolast!
VII
Yetthefoeman,gunongun,Throughthe\"Richard\"torearoad,Withhisgunners’rammersrunThroughourportsateveryload,Tillclearthebluebeyondusthroughouryawningtimbersshowed。
YetwithentrailstornweclungLiketheSpartantoourfox,AndondecknocowardtongueWailedtheenemy’shardknocks,Northatallbelowustrembledlikeawreckupontherocks。
VIII
Thenathoughtroseinmybrain,AsthroughChannelmiststhesun。
FromourtopsafirelikerainDrovebelowdeckseveryoneOftheenemy’sship’scompanytohideorworkagun:
AndthatthoughttookshapeasI
Onthe\"Richard’s\"yardlayout,Thatamanmightdoanddie,IfthedoingbroughtaboutFreedomforhishomeandcountry,andhismessmates’cheeringshout!
IX
ThenIcreptoutinthedarkTillIhungabovethehatchOfthe\"Serapis,\"——amarkForhermarksmen!——withamatchAndahand-grenade,butlingeredjustamomentmoretosnatchOnelastlookatseaandsky!
Atthelighthouseonthehill!
Attheharvest-moononhigh!
Andourpineflagflutteringstill!
ThenturnedanddownheryawningthroatIlaunchedthatdevil’spill!
X
ThenablankwasallbetweenAstheflamesaroundmespun!
HadIfiredthemagazine?
Wasthevictorylostorwon?
NorknewItillthefightwaso’erbuthalfmyworkwasdone:
ForIlayamongthedeadInthecockpitofourfoe,Witharoarabovemyhead,——
Tillatramplingtoandfro,Andalanternshowedmymate’sface,andIknewwhatnowyouknow!
CADETGREY
CANTOI
I
Actfirst,scenefirst。Astudy。OfakindHalfcell,halfsalon,opulentyetgrave;
Rarebooks,low-shelved,yetfarabovethemindOfcommonmantocompassortocrave;
SomeslightreliefofpamphletsthatinclinedThesoulatfirsttotrifling,till,dismayedBytextandtitle,itdrewbackresigned,NorcaredwithlevitytovexashadeThattoitselfsuchperfectconcordmade。
II
SomethoughtsliketheseperplexedthepatriotbrainOfJones,LawgivertotheCommonwealth,AsonthethresholdofthischastedomainHepausedexpectant,andlookedupinstealthTodarkenedcanvasesthatfrownedamain,Withstern-eyedPuritans,whofirstbeganTospreadtheirrootsinGeorgiusPrimus’reign,Nordroppedtillnow,obedienttosomeplan,Theircenturyfruit,——theperfectBostonman。
III
SomewherewithinthatRussia-scentedgloomAvoicecatarrhalthrilledtheMember’sear:
\"Briefisourbusiness,Jones。Lookroundthisroom!
Regardyonportraits!Readtheirmeaningclear!
ThesemuchproclaimMYstation。IpresumeYOUareourCongressman,beforewhosewitAndsoberjudgmentshalltheyouthappearWhoforWestPointisdeemedmostjustandfitToservehiscountryandtohonorit。
IV
\"Suchismyson!Elsewhereperhaps’twerewiseTrialcompetitiveshouldguideyourchoice。
TherearesomepeopleIcanwellsurmiseThemselvesmustshowtheirmerits。History’svoiceSparesmethattrouble:alldesertthatliesInyonderancestorofQueenAnne’sday,OryongraveGovernor,isallmyboy’s,——
Revertstohim;entailed,asonemightsay;
Inbrief,resultinWinthropAdamsGrey!\"
V
Heturnedandlaidhiswell-bredhand,andsmiled,Onthecroppedheadofonewhostoodbeside。
Ahme!insoothitwasnoruddychildNorbrawnyyouththatthrilledthefather’spride;
’TwasbutaMindthatsomehowhadbeguiledFromsoullessMatterprocessesthatservedForspeechandmotionanddigestionmild,Contentifallonemoralpurposenerved,Norreckedtherebyitsspineweresomewhatcurved。
VI
Hewasscarceeighteen。YeterehewaseightHehaddespoiledtheclassics;muchheknewOfSanskrit;notthatheplacedundueweightOnthis,butthatithelpedhimwithHebrew,Hisfavoritetongue。Helearned,alas!toolate,Onecan’tbegintooearly,——wouldregretThatboyishwhimtoascertainthestateOfVenus’atmospheremadehimforgetThatphilologicgoalonwhichhissoulwasset。
VII
Hetoohadtraveled;attheageoftenFoundParisempty,dullexceptforartAndaccent。\"Mabille\"withitsgloriesthenLessthanEgyptian\"Almees\"touchedaheartNothingifnotpureclassic。IfsomemenThoughthimaprig,itvexednothisconceit,Butmovedhispity,andofttimeshispen,Thebettertoinstructthem,throughsomesheetPublishedinBoston,andsigned\"BeaconStreet。\"
VIII
FrompremisessoplaintheblindcouldseeButonededuction,anditcamenextday。
\"Intimeslikethese,theverynameofG。
Speaksvolumes,\"wrotetheHonorableJ。
\"Inclosedpleasefindappointment。\"PresentlyCameareceptiontowhichHarvardlentFourteenprofessors,and,togiveesprit,TheLiberalClubsomeeighteenladiessent,FivethatspokeGreek,andthirteensentiment。
IX
Fourpoetscamewholovedeachother’ssong,Andtwophilosophers,whothoughtthattheyWereinmostthingsimpracticalandwrong;
Andtworeformers,eachinhisownwayPeculiar,——onewhohadwaxedstrongOnherbsandwater,andsuchsimplefare;
Twoforeignlions,\"RamSee\"and\"ChyLong,\"
Andseveralartistsclaimedattentionthere,Basedonthefacttheyhadbeensnubbedelsewhere。
X
WiththisindorsementnothingnowremainedButcounsel,Godspeed,andsomecalmadieux;
Nofoolishtearthefather’seyelashstained,AndWinthrop’scheekasguiltlessshoneofdew。
Aslightpublicity,suchasobtainedInclassicRome,thesefewlasthoursattended。
Thedayarrived,thetrainanddepotgained,Themayor’sownpresencethislastactcommendedThetrainmovedoffandherethefirstactended。
CANTOII
I
WhereWestPointcrouches,andwithliftedshieldTurnsthewholerivereastwardthroughthepass;
Whosejuttingcrags,halfsilver,standrevealedLikebossybucklersofLeonidas;
WherebuttressedlowagainstthestormsthatwieldTheirsummerlightningswherehereagletsswarm,ByFreedom’scradleNature’sselfhassteeledHerheart,likeWinkelried,andtothatstormOfleveledlancesbaresherbosomwarm。
II
Butnotto-night。Theairandwoodsarestill,Thefaintestrustleinthetreesbelow,Thelowesttremorfromthemountainrill,CometotheearasbutthetrailingflowOfspiritrobesthatwalkunseenthehill;
Themoonlowsailingo’ertheuplandfarm,ThemoonlowsailingwherethewatersfillThelozengelake,besidethebanksofbalm,Gleamslikeachevronontheriver’sarm。
III
Allspacebreatheslanguor:fromthehilltophigh,WherePutnam’sbastioncrumblesinthepast,ToswooningdepthswheredrowsycannonlieAndwide-mouthedmortarsgapeinslumbersvast;
Strokeuponstroke,thefaroarsglanceanddieOnthehushedbosomofthesleepingstream;
Brightforonemomentdriftsawhitesailby,BrightforonemomentshowsabayonetgleamFaronthelevelplain,thenpassesasadream。
IV
Softdownthelineofdarkenedbattlements,Brightoneachlatticeofthebarrackwalls,Wherethelowarchingsallyportindents,Seenthroughitsgloombeyond,themoonbeamfalls。
AllisreposesavewherethecampingtentsMockthewhitegravestonesfartheron,wheresoundNomorninggunsforreveille,norwhenceNodrum-beatcallsretreat,butstilliseverfoundWaitingandpresentoneachsentry’sround。
V
Withinthecamptheylie,theyoung,thebrave,Halfknight,halfschoolboy,acolytesoffame,Pledgedtoonealtar,andperchanceonegrave;
Bredtofearnothingbutreproachandblame,Asceticdandieso’erwhomvestalsrave,Clean-limbedyoungSpartans,disciplinedyoungelves,Taughttodestroy,thattheymaylivetosave,Studentsembattled,soldiersattheirshelves,Heroeswhoseconquestsareatfirstthemselves。
VI
Withinthecamptheylie,indreamsarefreedFromthegrimdisciplinetheylearntolove;
Indreamsnomorethesentry’schallengeheed,Indreamsafarbeyondtheirpicketsrove;
OnetreadsoncemorethepinypathsthatleadTohisgreenmountainhome,andpausinghearsThecattlecall;onetreadsthetangledweedOfslipperyrocksbesideAtlanticpiers;
Onesmilesinsleep,onewakenswetwithtears。
VII
OnescentsthebreathofjasmineflowersthattwineThepillaredporchesofhisSouthernhome;
OnehearsthecooofpigeonsinthepineOfWesternwoodswherehewaswonttoroam;
OneseesthesunsetfirethedistantlineWherethelongprairiesweepsitslevelsdown;
Onetreadsthesnow-peaks;onebylampsthatshineDownthebroadhighwaysofthesea-girttown;
Andtwoaremissing,——CadetsGreyandBrown!
VIII
MuchasIgrievetochroniclethefact,Thatselfsametruantknownas\"CadetGrey\"
Wastheyoungheroofourmoraltract,Shornofhistwofoldnamesonentrance-day。
\"Winthrop\"and\"Adams\"droppedinthatoneactOfmartialcurtness,andtheroll-callthinnedOfhisancestors,hewithyouthfultactIndulgenceclaimed,sinceWinthropnomoresinned,NorsaintedAdamswincedwhenhe,plainGrey,was\"skinned。\"
IX
Hehadknowntrialssincewesawhimlast,Bysheergoodluckhadjustescapedrejection,Notforhislearning,butthatitwascastInaspareframescarcefitfordrillinspection;
Butwhenheope’dhislipsastreamsovastOfinformationfloodedeachprofessor,Theyquiteforgothiseyeglass,——somethingpastAllprecedent,——acceptingthetransgressor,Weakeyesandallofwhichhewaspossessor。
X
E’enthefirstdayhetouchedablackboard’sspace——
Sothetraditionofhisglorylingers——
Twowiseprofessorsfainted,eachwithfaceWhiteasthechalkwithinhisrapidfingers:
Alldayheciphered,atsuchfranticpace,HisformwashidinchalkprecipitationOfeveryproblem,tilltheysaidhiscaseCouldmeetfromthemnofairexaminationTillCongressmadeanewappropriation。
XI
Famousinmolecules,hedemonstratedFromthemesshashtomanyalisteningclassful;
Greatasabotanist,heseparatedThreekindsof\"Mentha\"inonejulep’sglassful;
Highinastronomy,ithasbeenstatedHewasthefirstatWestPointtodiscoverMars’missingsatellites,andcalculatedTheirtruepositions,nottheheavensover,But’neaththewindowofMissKittyRover。
XII
Indeed,IfearthisnoveltycelestialThatverynightwasvisibleandclear;
Atleasttwoyouthsofaspectmostterrestrial,Andcladinuniform,wereloiteringnearAvilla’scasement,whereagentlevestalTooktheirimpatiencesomewhatpatiently,Knowingtheyouthsweresomewhatgreenand\"bestial\"——
(AcertainslangoftheAcademy,Ibegthereaderwon’trefertome)。
XIII
Forwhentheyceasedtheirardentstrain,MissKittyGlowednotwithangernorakindredflame,Butratherflushedwithanoddsortofpity,Halfmatron’skindness,andhalfcoquette’sshame;
Proudyetquiteblameful,whensheheardtheirdittyShegavehersoulpoeticalexpression,Andbeingclevertoo,asshewaspretty,Fromherhighcasementwarbledthisconfession,——
Halfprovocationandonehalfrepression:——
NOTYET
Notyet,Ofriend,notyet!thepatientstarsLeanfromtheirlattices,contenttowait。
AllisillusiontillthemorningbarsSlipfromthelevelsoftheEasterngate。
Nightistooyoung,Ofriend!dayistoonear;
Waitforthedaythatmakethallthingsclear。
Notyet,Ofriend,notyet!
Notyet,Olove,notyet!allisnottrue,Allisnoteverasitseemethnow。
Soonshalltherivertakeanotherblue,Soondiesyonlightuponthemountainbrow。
Whatliethdark,Olove,brightdaywillfill;
Waitforthymorning,beitgoodorill。
Notyet,Olove,notyet!
XIV
Thestrainwasfinished;softlyasthenightHervoicediedfromthewindow,yete’enthenFlutteredandfelllikewiseakerchiefwhite;
Butthatnodoubtwasaccident,forwhenShesoughthercouchshedeemedherconductquiteBeyondthereachofscandalouscommenter,——
Washingherhandsofeithergallantwight,Knowingthemoralistmightcomplimenther,——
ThusvoicingSirenwiththewordsofMentor。
XV
Shelittleknewtheyouthsbelow,whostraightDivedforherkerchief,andquiteoverlookedThepregnantmoralshewouldinculcate;
NordreamedthelesshowlittleWinthropbrookedHerrighttodoubthissoul’smaturerstate。
Brown——whowasWestern,amiable,andnew——
Mighttakethemoralandaccepthisfate;
Thewhichhedid,but,beingstrongertoo,Tookthewhitekerchief,also,ashisdue。
XVI
Theydidnotquarrel,whichnodoubtseemedqueerTothosewhoknewnothowtheirfriendshipblended;
Eachwasopposed,andeachtheother’speer,Yeteachtheotherinsomethingstranscended。
WhereBrownlackedculture,brains,——andoft,Ifear,Cashinhispocket,——Greyofcoursesuppliedhim;
WhereGreylackedfrankness,force,andfaithsincere,Brownofhismanhoodsufferednonetochidehim,Butinhisfaultsstoodmanfullybesidehim。
XVII
Inacademicwalksandstudiesgrave,Inthecampdrillandmartialoccupation,Theyhelpedeachother:butjusthereIcraveSpaceforthereader’sfullimagination,——
Thefactispatent,Greybecameaslave!
Atool,afag,a\"pleb\"!Tostateitplainer,Allthatbluebloodandancestrye’ergaveCleanedguns,broughtwater!——was,infact,retainerToJones,whoseunclewasapaper-stainer!
XVIII
HowtheyborethisathomeIcannotsay:
Ionlyknowsorunsthegossip’stale。
ItchancedonedaythatthepaternalGreyCametoWestPointthathehimselfmighthailThefutureheroinsomeproperwayConsistentwithhislineage。WithhimcameAjudge,apoet,andabravearrayOfauntsanduncles,bearingeachaname,Eyeglassandrespiratorwiththesame。
XIX
\"Observe!\"quothGreytheeldertohisfriends,\"NotinthesegiddyyouthsatbaseballplayingYou’llnoticeWinthropAdams!GreaterendsThantheseabsorbHISleisure。NodoubtstrayingWithCaesar’sCommentaries,heattendsSomeRomancouncil。Letusask,however,Yongrimyurchin,whomysouloffendsBywheelingoffal,ifhewillendeavorTofind——What!heaven!Winthrop!Oh!no!never!\"
XX
Alas!tootrue!ThelastofalltheGreysWas\"doingpolicedetail,\"——ithadcomeTothis;invaintherarehistoricbaysThatcrownedthepicturedPuritansathome!
Andyet’twascertainthatingrosserwaysOfhealthandphysiquehewasquiteimproving。
Straighterhestood,andhadachievedsomepraiseInotherexercise,muchmorebehoovingAsoldier’stastethanmerelydirtremoving。
XXI
Buttoresume:welefttheyouthfulpair,Somestanzasback,beforealady’sbower;
’Tistobehopedtheywerenolongerthere,Forstarswerepointingtothemorninghour。
Theirescapadediscovered,ill’twouldfareWithourtwoheroes,derelictoforders;
But,liketheghost,they\"scentthemorningair,\"
Andbackagaintheystealacrosstheborders,Unseen,unheeded,bytheirmartialwarders。
XXII
Theygottobedwithspeed:youngGreytodreamOfsomevaguefuturewithageneral’sstar,AndMistressKittybaskinginitsgleam;
WhileBrown,contenttoworshipherafar,Dreamedhimselfdyingbysomelonelystream,HavingsnatchedKittyfromeighteenNezPerces,Tillafarbugle,withthemorningbeam,Inhisdullearitsfatefulsongrehearses,WhichWinthropAdamsafterputtoverses。
XXIII
Sopassedthreeyearsoftheirnovitiate,ThefirstrealboyhoodGreyhadeverknown。
Hisyouthranclear,——notchokedlikehisCochituate,Incivicpipes,butfreeandpurealone;
Yetknewrepression,couldhimselfhabituateTohavingmindandbodywellrubbeddown,Couldreadhimselfinothers,andcouldsituateThemselvesinhim,——except,Igrievetoown,Hecouldn’tseewhatKittysawinBrown!
XXIV
Atlastcamegraduation;BrownreceivedIntheOneHundredthCavalrycommission;
Thenfrolic,flirting,parting,——whennonegrievedSaveBrown,wholovedouryoungAcademician。
AndGrey,whofelthisfriendwasstilldeceivedByMistressKitty,whowithotherbeautiesGracedtheoccasion,anditwasbelievedHadpromisedBrownthatwhenhecouldrecruithisPromisedcommand,she’dsharewithhimthoseduties。
XXV
Howe’erthiswasIknownot;allIknow,ThenightwasJune’s,themoonrodehighandclear;
\"’Twassuchanightasthis,\"threeyearsago,MissKittysangthesongthattwomighthear。
Thereisawalkwheretreeso’erarchinggrow,Toowideforone,notwideenoughforthree(Afactprecludinganypluralbeau),WhichquiteexplainedMissKitty’scompany,ButnotwhyGreythatfavoredoneshouldbe。
XXVI
Thereisaspring,whoselimpidwatershideSomewherewithintheshadowsofthatpathCalledKosciusko’s。Theretwofiguresbide,——
GreyandMissKitty。SurelyNaturehathNofairermirrorforamight-bebrideThanthissamepoolthatcaughtourgentlebelleToitsdarkheartonemoment。AthersideGreybent。Asomethingtrembledo’erthewell,Bright,spherical——atear?Ahno!abuttonfell!
XXVII
\"Materialmindsmightthinkthatgravitation,\"
QuothGrey,\"drewyonmetallicspheroiddown。
ThesoulpoeticviewsthesituationFraughtwithmoremeaning。WhenthygirlishcrownWasmirroredthere,therewasdisintegrationOfme,andallmyspiritmovedtoyou,Takingtheformofslowprecipitation!\"
Butherecame\"Taps,\"astart,asmile,adieu!
Ablush,asigh,andendofCantoII。
BUGLESONG
Fadesthelight,AndafarGoethday,comethnight;
AndastarLeadethall,SpeedethallTotheirrest!
Love,good-night!
MustthougoWhenthedayAndthelightNeedtheeso,——
Needethall,Heedethall,Thatisbest?
CANTOIII
I
Wherethesunsinksthroughleaguesofaridsky,Wherethesundieso’erleaguesofaridplain,Wherethedeadbonesofwastedriverslie,Trailedfromtheirchannelsinyonmountainchain;
WheredaybydaynaughttakestheweariedeyeButthelow-rimmingmountains,sharplybasedOnthedeadlevels,movingfarornigh,Asthesickvisionwanderso’erthewaste,Buteverdaybydayagainstthesunsettraced:
II
TheremovingthroughapoisonouscloudthatstingsWithdustofalkalithetramplingbandOfIndianponies,rideonduskywingsTheredmaraudersoftheWesternland;
Heavywithspoil,theyseekthetrailthatbringsTheirflauntinglancestothatshelteredbankWherelietheirlodges;andtheriversingsForgetfuloftheplainbeyond,thatdrankItslifeblood,wherethewastedcaravansank。
III
Theybroughtwiththemthethief’signoblespoil,Thebeggar’sdole,thegreedofchiffonnier,Thescumofcamps,theimplementsoftoilSnatchedfromdeadhands,torustasuselesshere;
AlltheycouldrakeorgleanfromhutorsoilPiledtheirleanponies,withthejackdaw’sgreedForvacantglitter。ItwerescarceafoilToallthistinselthatonefeatheredreedBoreonitsbarbtwoscalpsthatfreshlybleed!
IV
Theybroughtwiththem,alas!awoundedfoe,Boundhandandfoot,yetnursedwithcruelcare,LestthatindeathhemightescapeonethroeTheyhaddecreedhislivingfleshshouldbear:
Ayouthfulofficer,byonefoulblowOftreacherysurprised,yetfightingstillAmidhisambushedtrain,calmasthesnowAbovehim;hopeless,yetcontenttospillHisbloodwiththeirs,andfightingbuttokill。
V
Hehadfoughtnobly,andinthatbriefspellHadwontheaweofthoserudebordermenWhogatheredroundhim,andbesidehimfellInloyalfaithandsilence,savethatwhenBysmokeembarrassed,andnearsightaswell,Hepausedtowipehiseyeglass,anddecideItsnearerfocus,therearoseayellOfapprobation,andBobBarkercried,\"Wadein,Dundreary!\"tossedhiscapand——died。
VI
Theirsolesurvivornow!hiscaptorsbearHimallunconscious,andbesidethestreamLeavehimtorest;meantimethesquawsprepareThestakeforsacrifice:norwakesagleamOfpityinthoseFuries’eyesthatglareExpectantofthetorture;yetalwayHissteadfastspiritshinesandmocksthemthereWithpeacetheyknownot,tillatcloseofdayOnhisdulleartherethrillsawhispered\"Grey!\"
VII
Hestarts!Wasitatrick?HadangelskindTouchedwithcompassionsomeweakwoman’sbreast?
Suchthingshe’dreadof!FaintlytohismindCamePocahontaspleadingforherguest。
Butthen,thisvoice,thoughsoft,wasstillinclinedTobaritone!AsquawinraggedgownStoodnearhim,frowninghatred。Washeblind?
Whoseeyewasthisbeneaththatbeetlingfrown?
Thefrownwaspainted,butthatwinkmeant——Brown!
VIII
\"Hush!foryourlifeandmine!thethongsarecut,\"
Hewhispers;\"inyonthicketstandsmyhorse。
Onedash!——Ifollowclose,asiftoglutMyownrevenge,yetbartheothers’course。
Now!\"And’tisdone。Greyspeeds,Brownfollows;butEreyettheyreachtheshade,Grey,fainting,reels,YetnotbeforeBrown’scirclingarmscloseshutHisin,upliftinghim!AnonhefeelsAhorsebeneathhimbound,andhearstherattlingheels。
IX
Thenroseayellofbaffledhate,andsprangHeadlongthesavagesinswiftpursuit;
Thoughspeedthefugitives,theyhopetohangHotontheirheels,likewolves,withtirelessfoot。
Longisthechase;BrownhearswithinwardpangTheshort,hardpantingofhisgallantsteedBeneathitsdoubleburden;vainlyrangBothvoiceandspur。Theheavingflanksmaybleed,Yetcomesthesequelthattheystillmustheed!
X
Brownsawit——reinedhissteed;dismounting,stoodCalmandinflexible。\"Oldchap!youseeThereisbutONEescape。Youknowit?Good!
ThereisONEmantotakeit。Youarehe。
Thehorsewon’tcarrydouble。Ifhecould,’Twouldbutprotractthisbother。Ishallstay:
I’vebusinesswiththesedevils,theywithme;
Iwilloccupythemtillyougetaway。
Hush!quicktime,forward。There!Godblessyou,Grey!\"
XI
Butashefinished,Greyslippedtohisfeet,Calmashisancestorsinvoiceandeye:
\"YoudoforgetyourselfwhenyoucompeteWithhimwhoseRIGHTitistostayanddie:
That’snotYOURduty。Pleaseregainyourseat;
AndtakemyORDERS——sinceIrankyouhere!——
Mountandrejoinyourmen,andmydefeatReportatquarters。Takethisletter;ne’erGiveittoaughtbutHER,norletaughtinterfere。\"
XII
And,shamedandblushing,BrownthelettertookObedientlyandplaceditinhispocket;
Then,drawingforthanother,said,\"IlookFordeathasyoudo,whereforetakethislocketAndletter。\"Herehiscomrade’shandheshookInsilence。\"Shouldwebothtogetherfall,Someotherman\"——buthereallspeechforsookHislips,asringingcheerilyo’erallHeheardafarhisowndearbugle-call!
XIII
’Twashiscommandandsuccor,bute’enthenGreyfainted,withpoorBrown,whohadforgotHelikewisehadbeenwounded,andbothmenWerepickedupquiteunconsciousoftheirlot。
Longlaytheyinextremity,andwhenTheybothgrewstronger,andoncemoreexchangedOldvowsandmemories,onecommon\"den\"
Inhospitalwastheirs,andfreetheyranged,Awaitingorders,butnomoreestranged。
XIV
Andyet’twasstrange——norcanIendmytaleWithoutthismoral,tobefairandjust:
TheyneversoughttoknowwhyeachdidfailThepromptfulfillmentoftheother’strust。
ItwassuggestedtheycouldnotavailThemselvesofeitherletter,sincetheywereDulydispatchedtotheiraddressbymailByCaptainX。,whoknewMissRoverfairNowmeantstoutMistressBloggsofBlankBlankSquare。
II。SPANISHIDYLSANDLEGENDS
THEMIRACLEOFPADREJUNIPERO
ThisisthetalethattheChronicleTellsofthewonderfulmiracleWroughtbythepiousPadreSerro,TheveryreverendJunipero。
Theheathenstoodonhisancientmound,LookingoverthedesertboundIntothedistant,hazySouth,Overthedustyandbroadchampaign,Where,withmanyagapingmouthAndfissure,crackedbytheferviddrouth,ForsevenmonthshadthewastedplainKnownnomoistureofdeworrain。
Thewellswereemptyandchokedwithsand;
Therivershadperishedfromtheland;
Onlythesea-fogstoandfroSlippedlikeghostsofthestreamsbelow。
Deepinitsbedlaytheriver’sbones,Bleachinginpebblesandmilk-whitestones,Andtrackedo’erthedesertfaintandfar,Itsribsshonebrightoneachsandybar。
ThustheystoodasthesunwentdownOverthefoot-hillsbareandbrown;
ThustheylookedtotheSouth,wherefromThepale-facemedicine-manshouldcome,Notinangerorinstrife,Buttobring——soranthetale——
Thewelcomespringsofeternallife,Thelivingwatersthatshouldnotfail。
Saidone,\"HewillcomelikeManitou,Unseen,unheard,inthefallingdew。\"
Saidanother,\"HewillcomefullsoonOutoftheround-facedwaterymoon。\"
Andanothersaid,\"Heishere!\"andlo,Faltering,staggering,feebleandslow,Outfromthedesert’sblindingheatThePadredroppedattheheathen’sfeet。
TheystoodandgazedforalittlespaceDownonhispallidandcarewornface,AndasmileofscornwentroundthebandAstheytouchedalternatewithfootandhandThismortalwaif,thattheouterspaceOfdimmysteriousskyandsandFlungwithsolittleofChristiangraceDownontheirbarren,sterilestrand。
Saidonetohim:\"ItseemsthyGodIsaverypitifulkindofGod:
HecouldnotshieldthineachingeyesFromtheblowingdesertsandsthatrise,NorturnasidefromthyoldgrayheadTheglitteringbladethatisbrandishedBythesunHesetintheheavenshigh;
Hecouldnotmoistenthylipswhendry;
Thedesertfireisinthybrain;
Thylimbsarerackedwiththefever-pain。
IfthisbethegraceHeshoweththeeWhoartHisservant,whatmaywe,StrangetoHiswaysandHiscommands,SeekatHisunforgivinghands?\"
\"Drinkbutthiscup,\"saidthePadre,straight,\"AndthoushaltknowwhosemercyboreTheseachinglimbstoyourheathendoor,Andpurgedmysoulofitsgrossestate。
DrinkinHisname,andthoushaltseeThehiddendepthsofthismystery。
Drink!\"andheheldthecup。OneblowFromtheheathendashedtothegroundbelowThesacredcupthatthePadrebore,AndthethirstysoildrankthepreciousstoreOfsacramentalandholywine,ThatemblemandconsecratedsignAndblessedsymbolofblooddivine。
Then,saysthelegend(andtheywhodoubtThesameashereticsbeaccurst),FromthedryandfeverishsoilleapedoutAlivingfountain;awell-springburstOverthedustyandbroadchampaign,Overthesandyandsterileplain,Tillthegraniteribsandthemilk-whitestonesThatlayinthevalley——thescatteredbones——
Movedintheriverandlivedagain!
SuchwasthewonderfulmiracleWroughtbythecupofwinethatfellFromthehandsofthepiousPadreSerro,TheveryreverendJunipero。
THEWONDERFULSPRINGOFSANJOAQUIN
Ofallthefountainsthatpoetssing,——
Crystal,thermal,ormineralspring,PoncedeLeon’sFountofYouth,Wellswithbottomsofdoubtfultruth,——
Inshort,ofallthespringsofTimeThateverwereflowinginfactorrhyme,Thateverweretasted,felt,orseen,TherewerenoneliketheSpringofSanJoaquin。
AnnoDominieighteen-seven,FatherDominguez(nowinheaven,——
Obiiteighteentwenty-seven)
Foundthespring,andfoundit,too,Byhismule’smiraculouscastofashoe;
Forhisbeast——adescendantofBalaam’sass——
Stoppedontheinstant,andwouldnotpass。
ThePadrethoughttheomengood,Andbenthislipstothetricklingflood;
Then——astheChroniclesdeclare,Onthehonestfaithofatruebeliever——
Hischeeks,thoughwasted,lank,andbare,FilledlikeawitheredrussetpearInthevacuumofaglassreceiver,AndthesnowsthatseventywintersbringMeltedawayinthatmagicspring。
Such,atleast,wasthewondrousnewsThePadrebroughtintoSantaCruz。
TheChurch,ofcourse,haditsownviewsOfwhowereworthiesttouseThemagicspring;butthepriorclaimFelltotheaged,sick,andlame。
Farandwidethepeoplecame:
SomefromthehealthfulAptosCreekHastenedtobringtheirhelplesssick;
EventhefishersofrudeSoquelSuddenlyfoundtheywerefarfromwell;
ThebrawnydwellersofSanLorenzoSaid,infact,theyhadneverbeenso;
Andallwereailing,——strangetosay,——
FromPescaderotoMonterey。
Overthemountaintheypouredin,Withleathernbottlesandbagsofskin;
ThroughthecanyonsamotleythrongTrotted,hobbled,andlimpedalong。
TheFathersgazedatthemovingsceneWithpiousjoyandwithsoulsserene;
Andthen——aresultperhapsforeseen——
TheylaidouttheMissionofSanJoaquin。
NotintheeyesoffaithaloneThegoodeffectsofthewatershone;
Butskinsgrewrosy,eyeswaxedclear,Ofroughvaqueroandmuleteer;
Angularformswereroundedout,Limbsgrewsuppleandwaistsgrewstout;
Andasforthegirls,——formilesaboutTheyhadnoequal!Tothisday,FromPescaderotoMonterey,You’llstillfindeyesinwhichareseenTheliquidgracesofSanJoaquin。
Thereisalimittohumanbliss,AndtheMissionofSanJoaquinhadthis;
NonewentabroadtoroamorstayButtheyfellsickinthequeerestway,——
Asingularmaladiedupays,Withgastricsymptoms:sotheyspentTheirdaysinasensuouscontent,CaringlittleforthingsunseenBeyondtheirbowersoflivinggreen,BeyondthemountainsthatlaybetweenTheworldandtheMissionofSanJoaquin。