第2章

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。