第6章

Well,takewhatyouwill,——thoughitbeonthesly,Maraudingorbegging,——Ishallnotaskwhy,Butwillcallitadole,justtohelponhiswayAfour-footedfriarinordersofgray!

TOASEA-BIRD

(SANTACRUZ,1869)

Saunteringhitheronlistlesswings,Carelessvagabondofthesea,Littlethouheedestthesurfthatsings,Thebarthatthunders,theshalethatrings,——

Givemetokeepthycompany。

Littlethouhast,oldfriend,that’snew;

Stormsandwrecksareoldthingstothee;

SickamIofthesechanges,too;

Littletocarefor,littletorue,——

Iontheshore,andthouonthesea。

Allofthywanderings,farandnear,Bringtheeatlasttoshoreandme;

Allofmyjourneyingsendthemhere:

Thisourtethermustbeourcheer,——

Iontheshore,andthouonthesea。

Lazilyrockingonocean’sbreast,Somethingincommon,oldfriend,havewe:

Thouontheshingleseek’stthynest,Itothewaterslookforrest,——

Iontheshore,andthouonthesea。

WHATTHECHIMNEYSANG

Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew;

AndtheWomanstopped,asherbabeshetossed,Andthoughtoftheoneshehadlongsincelost,Andsaid,asherteardropsbacksheforced,\"Ihatethewindinthechimney。\"

Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew;

AndtheChildrensaid,astheycloserdrew,\"’Tissomewitchthatiscleavingtheblacknightthrough,’Tisafairytrumpetthatjustthenblew,Andwefearthewindinthechimney。\"

Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew;

AndtheMan,ashesatonhishearthbelow,Saidtohimself,\"Itwillsurelysnow,Andfuelisdearandwageslow,AndI’llstoptheleakinthechimney。\"

Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew;

ButthePoetlistenedandsmiled,forheWasManandWomanandChild,allthree,Andsaid,\"ItisGod’sownharmony,Thiswindwehearinthechimney。\"

DICKENSINCAMP

Abovethepinesthemoonwasslowlydrifting,Theriversangbelow;

ThedimSierras,farbeyond,upliftingTheirminaretsofsnow。

Theroaringcamp-fire,withrudehumor,paintedTheruddytintsofhealthOnhaggardfaceandformthatdroopedandfaintedInthefierceraceforwealth;

Tillonearose,andfromhispack’sscanttreasureAhoardedvolumedrew,AndcardsweredroppedfromhandsoflistlessleisureTohearthetaleanew。

Andthen,whileroundthemshadowsgatheredfaster,Andasthefirelightfell,HereadaloudthebookwhereintheMasterHadwritof\"LittleNell。\"

Perhaps’twasboyishfancy,——forthereaderWasyoungestofthemall,——

But,asheread,fromclusteringpineandcedarAsilenceseemedtofall;

Thefir-trees,gatheringcloserintheshadows,Listenedineveryspray,Whilethewholecampwith\"Nell\"onEnglishmeadowsWanderedandlosttheirway。

Andsoinmountainsolitudes——o’ertakenAsbysomespelldivine——

TheircaresdroppedfromthemliketheneedlesshakenFromoutthegustypine。

Lostisthatcampandwastedallitsfire;

Andhewhowroughtthatspell?

Ah!toweringpineandstatelyKentishspire,Yehaveonetaletotell!

Lostisthatcamp,butletitsfragrantstoryBlendwiththebreaththatthrillsWithhop-vine’sincenseallthepensivegloryThatfillstheKentishhills。

AndonthatgravewhereEnglishoakandhollyAndlaurelwreathsentwine,Deemitnotallatoopresumptuousfolly,ThissprayofWesternpine!

July,1870。

\"TWENTYYEARS\"

Begyourpardon,oldfellow!IthinkIwasdreamingjustnowwhenyouspoke。

Thefactis,themusicalclinkOftheiceonyourwine-goblet’sbrinkAchordofmymemorywoke。

AndIstoodinthepasture-fieldwhereTwentysummersagoIhadstood;

AndIheardinthatsound,Ideclare,Theclinkingofbellsintheair,Ofthecowscominghomefromthewood。

Thentheapple-bloomshookonthehill;

Andthemullein-stalkstiltedeachlance;

AndthesunbehindRapalye’smillWasmyuttermostWest,andcouldthrillLikesomefancifullandofromance。

Thenmyfriendwasahero,andthenMygirlwasanangel。Infine,Idrankbuttermilk;forattenFaithaskslesstoaidherthanwhenAtthirtywedoubtoverwine。

Ah,well,itDOESseemthatImustHavebeendreamingjustnowwhenyouspoke,Orlost,verylike,inthedustOftheyearsthatslowfashionedthecrustOnthatbottlewhosesealyoulastbroke。

Twentyyearswasitsage,didyousay?

Twentyyears?Ah,myfriend,itistrue!

Allthedreamsthathaveflownsincethatday,Allthehopesinthattimepassedaway,Oldfriend,I’vebeendrinkingwithyou!

FATE

\"Theskyisclouded,therocksarebare,Thesprayofthetempestiswhiteinair;

Thewindsareoutwiththewavesatplay,AndIshallnottempttheseato-day。

\"Thetrailisnarrow,thewoodisdim,Thepantherclingstothearchinglimb;

Andthelion’swhelpsareabroadatplay,AndIshallnotjoininthechaseto-day。\"

Buttheshipsailedsafelyoverthesea,Andthehunterscamefromthechaseinglee;

AndthetownthatwasbuildeduponarockWasswallowedupintheearthquakeshock。

GRANDMOTHERTENTERDEN

(MASSACHUSETTSSHORE,1800)

Iminditwasbutyesterday:

Thesunwasdim,theairwaschill;

Belowthetown,belowthehill,Thesailsofmyson’sshipdidfill,——

MyJacob,whowascastaway。

Hesaid,\"Godkeepyou,motherdear,\"

Butdidnotturntokisshiswife;

Theyhadsomefoolish,idlestrife;

Hertonguewaslikeatwo-edgedknife,Andhewasproudasanypeer。

HowbeitthatnightItooknonoteOfseanorsky,forallwasdrear;

Imarkednotthatthehillslookednear,Northatthemoon,thoughcurvedandclear,Throughcurd-likescuddiddriveandfloat。

ForwithmydarlingwentthejoyOfautumnwoodsandmeadowsbrown;

Icametohatethelittletown;

ItseemedasifthesunwentdownWithhim,myonlydarlingboy。

Itwasthemiddleofthenight:

Thewind,itshiftedwest-by-south,——

Itpiledhighuptheharbormouth;

Themarshes,blackwithsummerdrouth,Wereallabroadwithsea-foamwhite。

Itwasthemiddleofthenight:

Theseauponthegardenleapt,Andmyson’swifeinquietslept,AndI,hismother,wakedandwept,Whenlo!therecameasuddenlight。

Andtherehestood!Hisseaman’sdressAllwetanddrippingseemedtobe;

ThepalebluefiresoftheseaDrippedfromhisgarmentsconstantly,——

Icouldnotspeakthroughcowardness。

\"Icomethroughnightandstorm,\"hesaid。

\"Throughstormandnightanddeath,\"saidhe,\"Tokissmywife,ifitsobeThatstrifestillholds’twixtherandme,Forallbeyondispeace,\"hesaid。

\"TheseaisHis,andHewhosentThewindandwavecansoothetheirstrifeAndbriefandfoolishisourlife。\"

Hestoopedandkissedhissleepingwife,Thensighed,andlikeadreamhewent。

Now,whenmydarlingkissednotme,Buther——hiswife——whodidnotwake,Myheartwithinmeseemedtobreak;

Isworeavow,northenceforthspakeOfwhatmyclearereyesdidsee。

Andwhentheslowweeksbroughthimnot,Somehowwespakeofaughtbeside:

Forshe——herhopeupheldherpride;

AndI——inmeallhopehaddied,Andmysonpassedasifforgot。

Itwasaboutthenextspringtide:

Shepinedandfadedwhereshestood,Yetspakenowordofillorgood;

Shehadthehard,coldEdwards’bloodInallherveins——andsoshedied。

OnetimeIthought,beforeshepassed,Togiveherpeace;butereIspakeMethought,\"HEwillbefirsttobreakThenewsinheaven,\"andforhissakeIheldminebackuntilthelast。

AndhereIsit,norcaretoroam;

Ionlywaittohearhiscall。

IdoubtnotthatthisdaynextfallShallseemesafeinport,whereallAndeveryshipatlastcomeshome。

AndyouhavesailedtheSpanishMain,AndknewmyJacob?……Eh!Mercy!

Ah!Godofwisdom!haththeseaYieldeditsdeadtohumbleme?

Myboy!……MyJacob!……Turnagain!

GUILD’SSIGNAL

[WilliamGuildwasengineerofthetrainwhichonthe19thofApril,1813,plungedintoMeadowBrook,onthelineoftheStoningtonandProvidenceRailroad。Itwashiscustom,asoftenashepassedhishome,towhistlean\"All’swell\"tohiswife。Hewasfound,afterthedisaster,dead,withhishandonthethrottle-valveofhisengine。]

Twolowwhistles,quaintandclear:

Thatwasthesignaltheengineer——

ThatwasthesignalthatGuild,’tissaid——

GavetohiswifeatProvidence,Asthroughthesleepingtown,andthence,Outinthenight,Ontothelight,Downpastthefarms,lyingwhite,hesped!

Asahusband’sgreeting,scant,nodoubt,Yettothewomanlookingout,Watchingandwaiting,noserenade,Love-song,ormidnightroundelaySaidwhatthatwhistleseemedtosay:

\"Tomytrusttrue,So,love,toyou!

Workingorwaiting,good-night!\"itsaid。

Briskyoungbagmen,touristsfine,Oldcommutersalongtheline,Brakemenandportersglancedahead,Smiledasthesignal,sharp,intense,PiercedthroughtheshadowsofProvidence:

\"Nothingamiss——

Nothing!——itisOnlyGuildcallinghiswife,\"theysaid。

SummerandwintertheoldrefrainRango’erthebillowsofripeninggrain,Piercedthroughthebuddingboughso’erhead,FlewdownthetrackwhentheredleavesburnedLikelivingcoalsfromtheenginespurned;

Sangasitflew,\"Toourtrusttrue,Firstofall,duty。Good-night!\"itsaid。

Andthen,onenight,itwasheardnomoreFromStoningtonoverRhodeIslandshore,AndthefolkinProvidencesmiledandsaidAstheyturnedintheirbeds,\"TheengineerHasonceforgottenhismidnightcheer。\"

ONEonlyknew,Tohistrusttrue,Guildlayunderhisengine,dead。

ASPIRINGMISSDELAINE

(ACHEMICALNARRATIVE)

CertainfactswhichservetoexplainThephysicalcharmsofMissAddieDeLaine,Who,asthecommonreportsobtain,Surpassedincomplexionthelilyandrose;

Withaverysweetmouthandaretroussenose;

AfigurelikeHebe’s,orthatwhichrevolvesInamilliner’swindow,andpartiallysolvesThatquestionwhichmentorandmoralistpains,Ifgracemayexistminusfeelingorbrains。

Ofcoursetheyoungladyhadbeauxbythescore,Allthatshewanted,——whatgirlcouldaskmore?

Loversthatsighedandloversthatswore,Loversthatdancedandloversthatplayed,Menofprofession,ofleisure,andtrade;

Butone,whowasdestinedtotakethehighpartOfholdingthatmythicaltreasure,herheart,——

Thislover,thewonderandenvyoftown,Wasapracticingchemist,afellowcalledBrown。

Imighthereremarkthat’twasdoubtedbymany,Inregardtotheheart,ifMissAddiehadany;

Butnoonecouldlookinthateloquentface,Withitsexquisiteoutlineandfeaturesofgrace,Andmark,throughthetransparentskin,howthetideEbbedandflowedattheimpulseofpassionorpride,——

Nonecouldlook,whobelievedintheblood’scirculationAsarguedbyHarvey,butsawconfirmationThathere,atleast,Naturehadtriumphedo’erart,Andasfarascomplexionwentshehadaheart。

Butthisparparenthesis。BrownwasthemanPreferredofallotherstocarryherfan,Hookherglove,drapehershawl,anddoallthatabelleMaydemandofthelovershewantstotreatwell。

FolkswonderedandstaredthatafellowcalledBrown——

Abstractedandsolemn,inmanneraclown,Illdressed,withalingeringsmelloftheshop——

Shouldappearasherescortatpartyorhop。

Somesworehehadcookedupsomevillainouscharm,Orlovephilter,notintheregularPharm-

Acopoeia,andthus,frompuremaliceprepense,Hadbewitchedandbamboozledtheyounglady’ssense;

Othersthought,withmorereason,thesecrettolieInamagicalwashorindelibledye;

WhileSociety,withitscensoriouseyeAndjudgmentimpartial,stoodreadytodamnWhatwasn’timproperasbeingasham。

ForafortnightthetownfolkhadallbeenagogWithaparty,thefinesttheseasonhadseen,TobegiveninhonorofMissPollywog,Whowasjustcomingoutasabelleofsixteen。

Theguestswereinvited;butonenightbeforeAcarriagedrewupatthemodestbackdoorOfBrown’slab’ratory,and,fullintheglareOfabigpurplebottle,somecloselyveiledfairAlightedandentered:tomakemattersplain,Spiteofveilsanddisguises,’twasAddieDeLaine。

Asabowerfortruelove,’twashardlytheoneThataladywouldchoosetobewooedinorwon:

Noodorofroseorsweetjessamine’ssighBreathedafragrancetohallowtheirpledgeoftrothby,Northebalmthatexhalesfromtheodorousthyme;

Butthegaseouseffusionsofchlorideoflime,Andsalts,whichyourchemistdelightstoexplainAsthebaseofthesmelloftheroseandthedrain。

Thinkofthis,Oyeloversofsweetness!andknowWhatyousmellwhenyousnuffupLubinorPinaud。

Ipassbythegreetings,thetransportsandbliss,Whichofcoursedulyfollowedameetinglikethis,Andcomedowntobusiness,——forsuchtheintentOftheladywhonowo’erthecrucibleleant,Intheglowofafurnaceofcarbonandlime,Likeafairycalledupinthenewpantomime,——

Andgivebutherwords,asshecoylylookeddownInreplytothequestioningglancesofBrown:

\"Iamtakingthedrops,andamusingthepaste,Andthelittlewhitepowdersthathadasweettaste,Whichyoutoldmewouldbrightentheglanceofmyeye,Andthedepilatory,andalsothedye,AndI’mcharmedwiththetrial;andnow,mydearBrown,Ihaveoneotherfavor,——now,ducky,don’tfrown,——

Onlyone,forachemistandgeniuslikeyouButatrifle,andoneyoucaneasilydo。

Nowlisten:to-morrow,youknow,isthenightOfthebirthdaysoireeofthatPollywogfright;

AndI’mtobethere,andthedressIshallwearIsTOOlovely;but\"——\"Butwhatthen,machere?\"

SaidBrown,astheladycametoafullstop,Andglancedroundtheshelvesofthelittlebackshop。

\"Well,Iwant——IwantsomethingtofillouttheskirtTotheproperdimensions,withoutbeinggirtInastiffcrinoline,orcagedinahoopThatshowsthroughone’sskirtlikethebarsofacoop;

Somethinglight,thataladymaywaltzin,orpolk,WithafreedomthatnonebutyoumasculinefolkEverknow。For,howeverpoorwomanaspires,She’salwaysbounddowntotheearthbythesewires。

Areyoulistening?Nonsense!don’tstarelikeaspoon,Idiotic;somelightthing,andspacious,andsoon——

Somethinglike——well,infact——somethinglikeaballoon!\"

Hereshepaused;andhereBrown,overcomebysurprise,Gaveadoubtingassentwithstillwonderingeyes,Andtheladydeparted。ButjustatthedoorSomethinghappened,——’tistrue,ithadhappenedbeforeInthissanctumofscience,——asibilantsound,Likesomeelementjustfromitstrammelsunbound,Ortwosubstancesthattheiraffinitiesfound。

ThenightoftheanxiouslylookedforsoireeHadcome,withitsfaironesingorgeousarray;

Withtherattleofwheelsandthetinkleofbells,Andthe\"Howdoyedo’s\"andthe\"Hopeyouarewell’s;\"

Andthecrushinthepassage,andlastlingeringlookYougiveasyouhangyourbesthatonthehook;

Therushofhotairasthedooropenswide;

Andyourentry,——thatblendingofself-possessedprideAndhumilityshowninyourperfect-bredstareAtthefolk,asifwonderinghowtheygotthere;

WithothertricksworthyofVanityFair。

Meanwhile,thesafetopic,thebeatoftheroom,Alreadywaslosingitsfreshnessandbloom;

Youngpeoplewereyawning,andwonderingwhenThedancewouldcomeoff;andwhydidn’titthen:

Whenavagueexpectationwasthrillingthecrowd,Lo!thedoorswungitshingeswithutteranceproud!

AndPompeyannounced,withatrumpet-likestrain,TheentranceofBrownandMissAddieDeLaine。

Sheentered;butoh!howimperfecttheverbToexpresstothesenseshermovementsuperb!

Tosaythatshe\"sailedin\"moreclearlymighttellHergraceinitsbuoyantandbillowyswell。

Herrobewasavaguecircumambientspace,Withshadowyboundariesmadeofpoint-lace;

Therestwasbutguesswork,andwellmightdefyThepowerofcriticalfeminineeyeTodefineordescribe:’twereasfutiletotryThegossamerwebofthecirrustotrace,Floatingfarintheblueofawarmsummersky。

’MidstthehummingofpraisesandglancesofbeauxThatgreetourfairmaidenwherevershegoes,Brownslippedlikeashadow,grim,silent,andblack,Withalookofanxiety,closeinhertrack。

OncehewhisperedasideinherdelicateearAsentenceofwarning,——itmightbeoffear:

\"Don’tstandinadraught,ifyouvalueyourlife。\"

(Nothingmore,——suchadvicemightbegivenyourwifeOryoursweetheart,intimesofbronchitisandcough,Withoutmystery,romance,orfrivolousscoff。)

Butharktothemusic;thedancehasbegun。

Thecloselydrapedwindowswideopenareflung;

Thenotesofthepiccolo,joyousandlight,Likebubblesburstforthonthewarmsummernight。

Roundaboutgothedancers;incirclestheyfly;

Trip,trip,gotheirfeetastheirskirtseddyby;

Andswifterandlighter,butsomewhattooplain,WhisksthefaircircumvolvingMissAddieDeLaine。

TaglioniandCeritowellmighthavepinedForthevigorandeasethathermovementscombined;

E’enRigelbocheneverflunghigherherrobeInthenaughtiestcitythat’sknownontheglobe。

’Twasamazing,’twasscandalous;lostinsurprise,Someopenedtheirmouths,andafewshuttheireyes。

Buthark!AtthemomentMissAddieDeLaine,CirclingroundattheouteredgeofanellipseWhichbroughtherfairformtothewindowagain,Fromthearmsofherpartnerincautiouslyslips!

Andashriekfillstheair,andthemusicisstill,AndthecrowdgatherroundwhereherpartnerforlornStillfrenziedlypointsfromthewidewindow-sillIntospaceandthenight;forMissAddiewasgone!

Gonelikethebubblethatburstsinthesun;

Gonelikethegrainwhenthereaperisdone;

Gonelikethedewonthefreshmorninggrass;

Gonewithoutpartingfarewell;andalas!

Gonewithaflavorofhydrogengas!

Whentheweatherispleasant,youfrequentlymeetAwhite-headedmanslowlypacingthestreet;

Histremblinghandshadinghislack-lustreeye,Halfblindwithcontinuallyscanningthesky。

Rumorpointshimassomeastronomicalsage,Re-perusingbydaythecelestialpage;

Butthereader,sagacious,willrecognizeBrown,Tryingvainlytoconjurehislostsweetheartdown,Andlearnthesternmoralthisstorymustteach,ThatGeniusmayliftitsloveoutofitsreach。

ALEGENDOFCOLOGNE

AbovethebonesSt。Ursulaowns,Andthoseofthevirginsshechaperons;

Abovetheboats,Andthebridgethatfloats,AndtheRhineandthesteamers’smokythroats;

Abovethechimneysandquaint-tiledroofs,Abovetheclatterofwheelsandhoofs;

AboveNewmarket’sopenspace,AbovethatconsecratedplaceWherethegenuinebonesoftheMagiseenare,AndthedozenshopsoftherealFarina;

HigherthanevenoldHohestrasse,Whosehousesthreatenthetimidpasser,——

Abovethemall,Throughscaffoldstall,Andspireslikedelicatelimbsinsplinters,ThegreatCologne’sCathedralstonesClimbthroughthestormsofeighthundredwinters。

Unfinishedthere,Inhighmid-airThetowershaltlikeabrokenprayer;

Throughyearsbelated,Unconsummated,Thehopeofitsarchitectquitefrustrated。

ItsveryyouthTheysay,forsooth,Withaquiteimproperpurposemated;

AndeverystoneWithacurseofitsownInsteadofthatsermonShakespearestated,Sincethedayitschoir,Whichalladmire,ByCologne’sArchbishopwasconsecrated。

Ah!THATwasaday,Onewellmightsay,Tobemarkedwiththelargest,whiteststoneTobefoundinthetowersofallCologne!

AlongtheRhine,FromoldRheinstein,Thepeopleflowedliketheirowngoodwine。

FromRudesheim,AndGeisenheim,Andeveryspotthatisknowntorhyme;

FromthefamedCat’sCastleofSt。Goarshausen,TothepicturedroofsofAssmannshausen,Anddownthetrack,FromquaintSchwalbachTotheclusteringtilesofBacharach;

FromBingen,henceTooldCoblentz:

Fromeverycastellatedcrag,Wheretherobberchieftainskepttheir\"swag,\"

Thefolkflowedin,andOber-CasselShonewiththepompofknightandvassal;

Andpouringinfromnearandfar,AstheRhinetoitsbosomdrawstheAhr,OrtakesthearmofthesoberMosel,SoinCologne,knight,squire,andlosel,Chokedupthecity’sgateswithmenFromoldSt。StephentoZintMarjen。

Whathadtheycometosee?Ahme!

Ifearnoglitterofpageantry,NorsacredzealForChurch’sweal,Norfaithinthevirgins’bonestoheal;

NorchildliketrustinfrankconfessionDrewthese,who,dyedindeeptransgression,StillineachnestOneverycrestKeptstolengoodsintheirpossession;

ButonlytheirgoutForsomethingnew,Morerarethanthe\"roast\"ofawanderingJew;

Or——tobeexact——

Tosee——infact——

AChristiansoul,intheveryactOfbeingdamned,secundumartem,Bythedevil,beforeasoulcouldpart’em。

ForarumorhadflownThroughoutCologneThatthechurch,infact,wasthedevil’sown;

Thatitsarchitect(Beinglong\"suspect\")

HadconfessedtotheBishopthathehadwreckedNotonlyhisOWNsoul,buthadlostTheVERYFIRSTCHRISTIANSOULthatcrossedThesacredthreshold:andall,infine,ForthatverybeautifuldesignOfthewonderfulchoirTheywerepleasedtoadmire。

Andreally,hemustbeallowedtosay——

Tospeakinapurelybusinessway——

That,takingtherulingmarketpricesOfsoulsandchurches,insuchacrisisItwouldbeshown——

AndhisGracemustown——

ItwasreallyaBARGAINforCologne!

SuchwasthetaleThatturnedcheekspaleWiththethoughtthattheenemymightprevail,AndthechurchdoorssnapWithathunderclapOnaChristiansoulinthatdevil’strap。

Butawiserfew,WhothoughtthattheyknewCologne’sArchbishop,replied,\"Pooh,pooh!

Justwatchhimandwait,Andassureasfate,You’llfindthattheBishopwillgivecheckmate。\"

OneheremightnoteHowthepopularvote,Asshowninalllegendsandanecdote,DeclaresthatabreachOftrusttoo’erreachThedevilissomethingquiteproperforeach。

And,really,ifyouGivethedevilhisdueInspiteoftheproverb——it’ssomethingyou’llrue。

Buttolieanddeceivehim,Touseandtoleavehim,FromJobuptoFaustisthewaytoreceivehim,ThoughnoonehasheardIteveraverredThatthe\"FatherofLies\"everyetbrokeHISword,Buthasleftthisposition,Ineverytradition,Tobetakenalonebythe\"truth-loving\"Christian!

Bom!fromthetower!

Itisthehour!

Thehostpoursin,initspompandpowerOfbannersandpyx,Andhighcrucifix,Andcrosiersandotherprocessionalsticks,AndnoendofMarysInquaintreliquaries,Togladdenthesoulsofalltrueantiquaries;

AndanOsculumPacis(AmythtothemassesWhotrustedtheirbonesmoretomailandcuirasses)——

AllbornebythethrongWhoaremarchingalongTothesquareoftheDomwithprocessionalsong,Withtheflaringofdips,Andbendingofhips,Andthechantingofhundredperfunctorylips;

AndsomegoodlittleboysWhohadcomeupfromNeussAndtheQuirinuskirchetoshowofftheirvoice:

AllmarchtothesquareOfthegreatDom,andthereFilerightandleft,leavingaloneandquitebareAcoveredsedan,Containing——soranTherumor——thevictimtotakeofftheban。

Theyhaveleftitalone,TheyhavesprinkledeachstoneOftheporchwithasanctifiedEaudeCologne,GuaranteedinthiscaseTodisguiseeverytraceOfasulphurouspresenceinthatsacredplace。

TwoCarmelitesstandOntherightandlefthandOfthecoveredsedanchair,towaitthecommandOftheprelatetothrowUpthecoverandshowTheformofthevictiminterrorbelow。

There’sapauseandaprayer,Thenthesignal,andthere——

IsaWOMAN!——byallthatisgoodandisfair!

Awoman!andknownTothemall——onemustownTOOWELLKNOWNtothemany,to-daytobeshownAsamartyr,ore’enAsaChristian!AqueenOfpleasanceandrevel,ofglitterandsheen;

SobadthattheworstOfColognespakeupfirst,Anddeclared’twasanoutragetosufferonecurst,AndalreadyafiefOftheSatanicchief,TomartyrherselffortheChurch’srelief。

ButinvainfelltheirsneerOnthemob,whoIfearOnthewholefeltastrongdispositiontocheer。

Awoman!andthereShestandsintheglareOfthepitilesssunandtheirpityingstare,——

Awomanstillyoung,WithgarmentsthatclungToafigure,thoughwastedwithpassionandwrungWithremorseanddespair,Yetstillpassingfair,Withjewelsandgoldinherdarkshininghair,Andcheeksthatarefaint’Neathherdyesandherpaint。

Awomanmostsurely——buthardlyasaint!

Shemoves。ShehasgoneFromtheirpityandscorn;

ShehasmountedaloneThefirststepofstone,Andthehighswingingdoorsshewideopenhasthrown,Thenpausesandturns,AsthealtarblazeburnsOnhercheeks,andwithonesuddengestureshespurnsArchbishopandPrior,Knight,ladye,andfriar,Andhervoiceringsouthighfromthevaultofthechoir。

\"OmenofCologne!

WhatIWASyehaveknown;

WhatIAM,asIstandhere,Oneknowethalone。

IfitbebutHiswillIshallpassfromHimstill,Lost,curst,anddegraded,Ireckonnoill;

IfstillbythatsignOfHisangerdivineOnesoulshallhesaved,Hehathblessedmorethanmine。

OmenofCologne!

Standforth,ifyeownAfaithliketothis,ormorefittoatone,Andtakeyemyplace,AndGodgiveyougraceTostandandconfrontHim,likeme,facetoface!\"

Shepaused。YetaloofTheyallstand。NoreproofBreaksthesilencethatfillsthecelestialroof。

Oneinstant——nomore——

Shehaltsatthedoor,Thenenters!……AfloodfromtherooftothefloorFillsthechurchrosyred。

Sheisgone!

Butinstead,WhoisthisleaningforwardwithglorifiedheadAndhandsstretchedtosave?

SurethisisnoslaveOfthePowersofDarkness,withaspectsobrave!

Theypresstothedoor,Buttoolate!Alliso’er。

Naughtremainsbutawoman’sformproneonthefloor;

ButtheystillseeatraceOfthatglowinherfaceThattheysawinthelightofthealtar’shighblazeOntheimagethatstandsWiththebabeinitshandsEnshrinedinthechurchesofallChristianlands。

ATeDeumsung,Acenserhighswung,Withpraise,benediction,andincensewide-flung,ProclaimthattheCURSE

ISREMOVED——andnoworseIstheDomforthetrial——infact,theREVERSE;

ForinsteadoftheirlosingAsoulinabusingTheEvilOne’sfaith,theygainedoneofhischoosing。

Thusthelegendistold:

YouwillfindintheoldVaultedaislesoftheDom,stiffinmarbleorcoldInironandbrass,Ingownandcuirass,Theknights,priests,andbishopswhocametothatMass;

Andhigho’ertherest,Withherbabeatherbreast,TheimageofMaryMadonnatheblest。

Butyoulookroundinvain,Oneachhighpicturedpane,Forthewomanmostworthytowalkinhertrain。

Yet,standingto-dayO’erthedustandtheclay,’Midsttheghostsofalifethathaslongpassedaway,Withtheslow-sinkingsunLookingsoftlyuponThatstained-glassprocession,IscarcemisstheoneThatitdoesnotreveal,ForIknowandIfeelThatthesearebutshadows——thewomanwasreal!

THETALEOFAPONY

Nameofmyheroine,simply\"Rose;\"

Surname,tolerableonlyinprose;

Habitat,Paris,——thatiswhereSheresidedforchangeofair;

Aetattwenty;complexionfair;

Rich,goodlooking,anddebonnaire;

SmarterthanJerseylightning。There!

That’sherphotograph,donewithcare。

InParis,whatevertheydobesides,EVERYLADYINFULLDRESSRIDES!

MoireantiquesyounevermeetSweepingthefilthofadirtystreetButeverywoman’sclaimtotonDependsuponTheteamshedrives,whetherphaeton,Landau,orbritzka。Henceit’splainThatRose,whowasofhertoiletvain,ShouldhaveateamthatoughttobeEqualtoanyinallParis!

\"Bringforththehorse!\"ThecommissaireBowed,andbroughtMissRoseapairLeadinganequipagerichandrare。

Whydoththatlovelyladystare?

Why?ThetailoftheoffgraymareIsbobbed,byallthat’sgoodandfair!

Liketheshaving-brushesthatsoldierswear,ScarcelyshowingasmuchbackhairAsTamO’Shanter’s\"Meg,\"——andthere,Lordknows,she’dlittleenoughtospare。

ThatstareandfrowntheFrenchmanknew,Butdidaswell-bredFrenchmendo:

Raisedhisshouldersabovehiscrown,Joinedhisthumbswiththefingersdown,Andsaid,\"Ah,Heaven!\"——then,\"Mademoiselle,Delayoneminute,andalliswell!\"

Hewent——returned;bywhatgoodchanceThesethingsaremanagedsowellinFranceIcannotsay,buthemadethesale,Andthebob-tailedmarehadaflowingtail。

AllthatisfalseinthisworldbelowBetraysitselfinaloveofshow;

IndignantNaturehidesherlashInthepurple-blackofadyedmustache;

TheshallowestfopwilltripinFrench,Thewould-becriticwillmisquoteTrench;

Inshort,you’realwayssuretodetectAshaminthethingsfolksmostaffect;

Bean-podsarenoisiestwhendry,Andyoualwayswinkwithyourweakesteye:

Andthat’sthereasontheoldgraymareForeverhadhertailintheair,Withflourishesbeyondcompare,ThougheverywhiskIncurredtheriskOfleavingthatsensitiveregionbare。

Shedidsomethingsthatyoucouldn’tbutfeelShewouldn’thavedonehadhertailbeenreal。

ChampsElysees:time,pastfive。

Theregothecarriages,——lookalive!

Everythingthatmancandrive,Orhisinventiveskillcontrive,——

YankeebuggyorEnglish\"chay,\"

Dog-cart,droschky,andsmartcoupe,Adesobligeantequitebulky(FrenchideaofaYankeesulky);

Bandinthedistanceplayingamarch,Footmanstandingstiffasstarch;

Savans,lorettes,deputies,Arch-

Bishops,andtheretogetherrangeSous-lieutenantsandcent-gardes(strangeWaythesesoldier-chapsmakechange),Mixedwithblack-eyedPolishdames,Withunpronounceableawfulnames;

Lacestrembleandribbonsflout,Coachmenwrangleandgendarmesshout——

Blessus!whatistherowabout?

Ah!herecomesRosy’snewturnout!

Smart!Youbetyourlife’twasthat!

Nifty!(shortformagnificat)。

Mulberrypanels,——heraldicspread,——

Ebonywheelspickedoutwithred,Andtwograymaresthatwerethoroughbred:

Nowonderthateverydandy’sheadWasturnedbytheturnout,——and’twassaidThatCaskowhisky(friendoftheCzar),Averygoodwhip(asRussiansare),WastiedtoRosy’striumphalcar,Entranced,thereaderwillunderstand,By\"ribbons\"thatgracedherheadandhand。

Alas!thehouryouthinkwouldcrownYourhighestwishesshouldletyoudown!

OrFateshouldturn,byyourownmischance,Yourvictor’scartoanambulance,Fromcloudlessheavensherlightningsglance!

(Andthesethingshappen,eveninFrance。)

AndsoMissRose,asshetrottedby,Thecynosureofeveryeye,Sawtoherhorrortheoffmareshy,FlourishhertailsoexceedinglyhighThat,disregardingtheclosesttie,Andwithoutgivingareasonwhy,SheflungthattailsofreeandfriskyOffinthefaceofCaskowhisky。

Excuses,blushes,smiles:infine,Endofthepony’stail,andmine!

ONACONEOFTHEBIGTREES

(SEQUOIAGIGANTEA)

BrownfoundlingoftheWesternwood,Babeofprimevalwildernesses!

LongonmytablethouhaststoodEncountersstrangeandrudecaresses;

Perchancecontentedwiththylot,Surroundingsnew,andcuriousfaces,AsthoughtencenturieswerenotImprisonedinthyshiningcases。

Thoubring’stmebackthehalcyondaysOfgratefulrest,theweekofleisure,Thejourneylappedinautumnhaze,Thesweetfatiguethatseemedapleasure,Themorningride,thenoondayhalt,Theblazingslopes,thereddustrising,Andthenthedim,brown,columnedvault,Withitscool,damp,sepulchralspicing。

OncemoreIseetherockingmastsThatscrapethesky,theironlytenantThejay-bird,thatinfroliccastsFromsomehighyardhisbroadbluepennant。

IseetheIndianfilesthatkeepTheirplacesinthedustyheather,Theirredtrunksstandingankle-deepInmoccasinsofrustyleather。

Iseeallthis,andmarvelmuchThatthou,sweetwoodlandwaif,artableTokeepthecompanyofsuchAsthrongthyfriend’s——thepoet’s——table:

Thelatestspawnthepresshathcast,——

The\"modernpopes,\"\"thelaterByrons,\"——

Why,e’enthebestmaynotoutlastThypoorrelation——Sempervirens。

ThysiresawthelightthatshoneOnMohammed’supliftedcrescent,OnmanyaroyalgildedthroneAnddeedforgotteninthepresent;

HesawtheageofsacredtreesAndDruidgrovesandmysticlarches;

AndsawfromforestdomesliketheseThebuilderbringhisGothicarches。

Andmustthou,foundling,stillforegoThyheritageandhighambition,Toliefulllowlyandfulllow,Adjustedtothynewcondition?

Nothiddeninthedriftedsnows,Butunderink-dropsidlyspattered,AndleavesephemeralasthoseThatonthywoodlandtombwerescattered?

Yetliethouthere,Ofriend!andspeakThemoralofthysimplestory:

Thoughlifeisallthatthoudostseek,Andagealonethycrownofglory,NotthinetheonlygermsthatfailThepurposeoftheirhighcreation,IftheirpoortenementsavailForworldlyshowandostentation。

LONEMOUNTAIN

(CEMETERY,SANFRANCISCO)

ThisisthathillofaweThatPersianSindbadsaw,——

Themountmagnetic;

Andonitsseawardface,Scatteredalongitsbase,Thewrecksprophetic。

HerecometheargosiesBlownbyeachidlebreeze,Toandfroshifting;

YettothehillofFateAlldrawing,soonorlate,——

Daybydaydrifting;

DriftingforeverhereBarksthatformanyayearBravedwindandweather;

ShallopsbutyesterdayLaunchedonyonshiningbay,——

Drawnalltogether。

Thisistheendofall:

Sunthyselfbythewall,OpoorerHindbad!

EnvynotSindbad’sfame:

HerecomealikethesameHindbadandSindbad。

ALNASCHAR

Here’syertoyballoons!Allsizes!

Twentycentsforthat。ItrisesJestasquickasthat’ere,Miss,Twiceasbig。YeseeitisSomemorefancy。MakeitsquareFiftyfor’emboth。That’sfair。

That’sthesixthI’vesoldsincenoon。

Trade’sreviving。JustassoonAsthislot’sworkedoff,I’lltakeWholesalefiggers。Makeorbreak,——

That’smymotto!ThenI’llbuyInsomefirst-classlotteryOnehalfticket,numberedright——

AsIdreamedaboutlastnight。

That’llfetchit。Don’ttellme!

Whenaman’sinluck,yousee,Allthingshelphim。EverychanceHitshimlikeanavalanche。

Here’syourtoyballoons,Miss。Eh?

Youwon’tturnyourfacethisway?

Mebbeyou’llbegladsomeday。

WiththatcleartenthousandprizeThis’yertradeI’lldrop,andriseIntowholesale。No!I’lltakeStocksinWallStreet。Makeorbreak,——

That’smymotto!Withmyluck,Where’sthechanceofbeingstuck?

Callitsixtythousand,clear,MadeinWallStreetinoneyear。

Sixtythousand!Umph!Let’ssee!

Bondandmortgage’lldoforme。

Good!ThatgalthatpassedmebyScornfullike——why,mebbeI

Someday’llholdinpawn——whynot?——

Allherfather’sprop。She’llspotWhat’smylittlegame,andseeWhatI’mafter’sHER。He!he!

He!he!Whenshecomestosue——

Let’ssee!What’sthethingtodo?

Kickher?No!There’stheperliss!

Sorterthrowherofflikethis。

Hello!Stop!Help!Murder!Hey!

There’smywholestockgotaway,Kitingonthehouse-tops!Lost!

Allapoorman’sfortin!Cost?

Twentydollars!Eh!What’sthis?

Fiftycents!Godblessye,Miss!

THETWOSHIPS

AsIstandbythecrossonthelonemountain’screst,Lookingovertheultimatesea,Inthegloomofthemountainashipliesatrest,Andonesailsawayfromthelea:

Onespreadsitswhitewingsonafar-reachingtrack,Withpennantandsheetflowingfree;

Onehidesintheshadowwithsailslaidaback,——

Theshipthatiswaitingforme!

Butlo!inthedistancethecloudsbreakaway,TheGate’sglowingportalsIsee;

AndIhearfromtheoutgoingshipinthebayThesongofthesailorsinglee。

SoIthinkoftheluminousfootprintsthatboreThecomforto’erdarkGalilee,Andwaitforthesignaltogototheshore,Totheshipthatiswaitingforme。

ADDRESS

(OPENINGOFTHECALIFORNIATHEATRE,SANFRANCISCO,JANUARY19,1870)

Briefwords,whenactionswait,arewell:

Theprompter’shandisonhisbell;

Thecomingheroes,lovers,kings,Areidlyloungingatthewings;

Behindthecurtain’smysticfoldTheglowingfutureliesunrolled;

Andyet,onemomentforthePast,Oneretrospect,——thefirstandlast。

\"Theworld’sastage,\"theMastersaid。

To-nightamightiertruthisread:

Notintheshiftingcanvasscreen,Theflashofgasortinselsheen;

NotintheskillwhosesignalcallsFromemptyboardsbaronialhalls;

But,frontingseaandcurvingbay,Beholdtheplayersandtheplay。

Ah,friends!beneathyourrealskiesTheactor’sshort-livedtriumphdies:

Onthatbroadstageofempirewon,Whosefootlightswerethesettingsun,WhoseflatsadistantbackgroundroseIntracklesspeaksofendlesssnows;

Heregeniusbows,andtalentwaitsTocopythatbutOnecreates。

Yourshiftingscenes:theleagueofsand,Anavenuebyoceanspanned;

Thenarrowbeachofstragglingtents,Amileofstatelymonuments;

Yourstandard,lo!aflagunfurled,Whoseclingingfoldsclasphalftheworld,——

Thisisyourdrama,builtonfacts,With\"twentyyearsbetweentheacts。\"

Onemomentmore:ifhereweraiseTheoft-sunghymnoflocalpraise,Beforethecurtainfactsmustsway;

HEREwaitsthemoralofyourplay。

Glassedinthepoet’sthought,youviewWhatmoneycan,yetcannotdo;

Thefaiththatsoars,thedeedsthatshine,Abovethegoldthatbuildstheshrine。

Andoh!whenotherstakeourplace,AndEarth’sgreencurtainhidesourface,Ereonthestage,sosilentnow,Thelastnewheromakeshisbow:

Somayourdeeds,recalledoncemoreInMemory’ssweetbutbriefencore,Downallthecirclingagesrun,Withtheworld’splauditof\"Welldone!\"

DOLLYVARDEN

DearDolly!whodoesnotrecallThethrillingpagethatpicturedallThosecharmsthatheldoursenseinthrallJustastheartistcaughther,——

AsdownthatEnglishlaneshetripped,Inboweredchintz,hatsidewaystipped,Trim-bodiced,bright-eyed,roguish-lipped,——

Thelocksmith’sprettydaughter?

SweetfragmentoftheMaster’sart!

Osimplefaith!Orusticheart!

OmaidthathathnocounterpartInlife’sdry,dog-earedpages!

Whereshallwefindthylike?Ah,stay!

MethinksIsawheryesterdayInchintzthatflowered,asonemightsay,Perennialforages。

Herfather’smodestcotwasstone,Fivestorieshigh;instyleandtoneComposite,and,Ifranklyown,WithinitswallsrevealingSomecertainnovel,strangeideas:

AGothicdoorwithRomanpiers,Andfloorsremovedsomethousandyears,FromtheirPompeianceiling。

ThesmallsalonwhereshereceivedWasLouisQuatorze,andrelievedByChinesecabinets,conceivedGrotesquelybytheheathen;

Thesofaswereaclassicsight,——

TheRomanbench(sediliahight);

ThechairswereFrenchingoldandwhite,AndoneElizabethan。

Andshe,thegoddessofthatshrine,Tworingedfingersplacedinmine,——

Thestonesweremanycaratsfine,Andofthepurestwater,——

Thendroppedacurtsy,farenoughTofairlyfillhercretonnepuffAndshowthepetticoat’srichstuffThatherfondparentboughther。

Herspeechwassimpleasherdress,——

NotFrenchthemore,butEnglishless,Sheloved;yetsometimes,Iconfess,Iscarcecouldcomprehendher。

Hermannerswerequitefarfromshy。

TherewasaquietinhereyeAppallingtotheHughwho’dtryWithrudenesstooffendher。

\"Butwhence,\"Icried,\"thismasquerade?

Somefigureforto-night’scharade,AWatteaushepherdessormaid?\"

Shesmiledandbeggedmypardon:

\"Why,surelyyoumustknowthename,——

ThatwomanwhowasShakespeare’sflameOrByron’s,——well,it’sallthesame:

Why,Lord!I’mDollyVarden!\"

TELEMACHUSVERSUSMENTOR

Don’tmindme,Ibegyou,oldfellow,——I’lldoverywellherealone;

Youmustnotbekeptfromyour\"German\"becauseI’vedroppedinlikeastone。

Leaveallceremonybehindyou,leaveallthoughtofaughtbutyourself;

Andleave,ifyoulike,theMadeira,andadozencigarsontheshelf。

Asforme,youwillsaytoyourhostess——well,Iscarcelyneedgiveyouacue。

Chantmypraise!AllwilllisttoApollo,thoughMercurypipetoafew。

Sayjustwhatyouplease,mydearboy;there’smoreeloquenceliesinyouth’srashOutspokenheart-impulsethanevergrowledunderthisgrizzlingmustache。

Go,donthedresscoatofourtyrant,——youth’spanopliedarmorforfight,——

Andtiethewhiteneckcloththatrumples,likepleasure,andlastsbutanight;

AndpraytheNineGodstoavertyouwhattimetheThreeSistersshallfrown,Andyou’llloseyourhigh-comedyfigure,andsitmoreateaseinyourgown。

He’soff!There’shisfootonthestaircase。ByJove,whatabound!

ReallynowDidIeverleaplikethisspringald,withLove’schapletgreenonmybrow?

WasIsuchanass?No,Ifancy。Indeed,IrememberquiteplainAgravitymixedwithmytransports,acheerfulnesssoftenedmypain。

He’sgone!There’stheslamofhiscabdoor,there’stheclatterofhoofsandthewheels;

Andwhilehethelighttoeistripping,inthisarmchairI’lltiltupmyheels。

He’sgone,andforwhat?Foratremorfromawaistlikeateetotumspun;

Forarosebudthat’scrumpledbymanybeforeitisgatheredbyone。

Istherenaughtinthehaloofyouthbuttheglowofapassionaterace——’Midstthecheersandapplauseofacrowd——tothegoalofabeautifulface?

Aracethatisnottotheswift,aprizethatnomeritsenforce,Butiswonbysomefaineantyouth,whoshallsimplywalkoverthecourse?

Poorboy!shallIshockhisconceit?Whenhetalksofhercheek’sloveliness,ShallIsay’twastheairoftheroom,andwasduetocarbonicexcess?

Thatwhenwaltzingshedroopedonhisbreast,andtheveinsofhereyelidsgrewdim,’Twasoxygen’sabsenceshefelt,butneverthepresenceofhim?

ShallItellhimfirstloveisafraud,aweaklingthat’sstrangledinbirth,Recalledwithperfunctorytears,butlostinunsanctifiedmirth?

OrshallIgobidhimbelieveinallwomankind’scharm,andforgetInthelightringinglaughoftheworldtherattlesnake’sgaycastanet?

ShallItearoutaleaffrommyheart,fromthatbookthatforeverisshutOnthepast?ShallIspeakofmyfirstlove——Augusta——myLalage?

ButIforget。WasitreallyAugusta?No。’TwasLucy!No。Mary!

No。Di!

Nevermind!theywereallfirstandfaithless,andyet——I’veforgottenjustwhy。

No,no!Lethimdreamonandever。Alas!hewillwakentoosoon;

Anditdoesn’tlookwellforOctobertoalwaysbepreachingatJune。

Poorboy!Allhisfondfoolishtrophiespinnedyonder——abowfromHERhair,Afewbillets-doux,invitations,and——what’sthis?Myname,I

declare!

Humph!\"You’llcome,forI’vegotyouaprize,withbeautyandmoneynoend:

Youknowher,Ithink;’twasonditsheoncewasengagedtoyourfriend;

Butshesaysthat’sallover。\"Ah,isit?SweetEthel!incomparablemaid!

Or——whatifthethingwereatrick?——thislettersofreelydisplayed!——

Myopportunepresence!No!nonsense!Willnobodyanswerthebell?

Callacab!Halfpastten。Nottoolateyet。Oh,Ethel!Whydon’tyougo?Well?

\"Mastersaidyouwouldwait\"——Hangyourmaster!\"HaveIeveramessagetosend?\"

Yes,tellhimI’vegonetotheGermantodancewiththefriendofhisfriend。