FytteVI
Potters’Clay[AnAllegoricalInterlude]
\"Necproptervitamvivendiperderecausas。\"
ThoughthepitcherthatgoestothesparklingrillToooftgetsbrokenatlast，TherearescoresofothersitsplacetofillWhenitsearthtotheearthiscast；
Keepthatpitcherathome，letitneverroam，Butlielikeauselessclod，YetsoonerorlaterthehourwillcomeWhenitschipsarethrowntothesod。
Isitwise，then，say，inthewaningday，Whenthevesseliscrack’dandold，Tocherishthebatteredpotters’clay，Asthoughitwerevirgingold？
Takecareofyourself，dull，boorishelf，Thoughprudentandsafeyouseem，Yourpitcherwillbreakonthemustyshelf，Andminebythedazzlingstream。
FytteVII
CitoPedePreteritAetas[APhilosophicalDissertation]
\"Gillian’sdead，Godrestherbier——
HowIlovedhermanyyearssyne；
Marion’smarried，butIsithere，Aliveandmerryatthree-scoreyear，DippingmynoseinGascoignewine。\"——Wamba’sSong——Thackeray。
AmellowerlightdothSolafford，Hismeridianglarehaspass’d，AndthetreesonthebroadandslopingswardTheirlength’ningshadowscast。
\"Timeflies。\"Thecurrentwillbenojoke，Ifswollenbyrecentrain，Tocrossinthedark，soI’llhaveasmoke，AndthenI’llbeoffagain。
What’sup，oldhorse？Yourearsyouprick，Andyoureagereyeballsglisten；
’Tisthewilddog’snoteinthetea-treethick，Bytheriver，towhichyoulisten。
Withheaderectandtailflungout，Foragallopyouseemtobeg，ButIfeelthequalmofachillingdoubt，AsIglanceatyourfav’riteleg。
Letthedingorest，’tisallforthebest；
Inthisworldthere’sroomenoughForhimandyouandmeandtherest，Andthecountryisawfulrough。
We’vehadourgallopindaysofyore，Nowdownthehillwemustrun；
Yetattimeswelongforonegallopmore，Althoughitwereonlyone。
Didourspiritsquailatanewfour-rail，Coulda\"double\"double-bankus，ErenerveandsinewbegantofailIntheconsulshipofPlancus？
Whenourbloodranrapidly，andwhenOurboneswerepliantandlimber，Couldwestandamerrycross-counterthen，Asloggingfallovertimber？
Arcadesambo！Duffersboth，Inourbestofdays，alas！
（Itellthetruth，thoughtotellitloth）
’Tistimeweweregonetograss；
Theyoungleavesshoot，thesereleavesfall，Andtheoldgiveswaytothenew，Whilethepreachercries，\"’Tisvanityall，Andvexationofspirit，too。\"
NowovermyheadthevapourscurlFromthebowlofthesoothingclay，InthemistyformsthateddyandwhirlMythoughtsareflittingaway；
Yes，thepreacher’sright，’tisvanityall，ButthesweepingrebukeheshowersOnvanitiesallmayheaviestfallOnvanitiesworsethanours。
WehavenowishtoexaggerateTheworthofthesportsweprize，SometoilfortheirChurch，andsomefortheirState，Andsomefortheirmerchandise；
Sometrafficandtradeinthecity’smart，Sometravelbylandandsea，Somefollowscience，somecleavetoart，Andsometoscandalandtea；
AndsomefortheircountryandtheirqueenWouldfight，ifthechancetheyhad，Goodsooth，’twereasorryworld，Iween，Ifweallwentgallopingmad；
YetifonceweeffacethejoysofthechaseFromtheland，andoutroottheStud，GOOD-BYETOTHEANGLO-SAXONRACE！
FAREWELLTOTHENORMANBLOOD！
Wheretheburnrunsdowntotheuplandsbrown，Fromtheheightsofthesnow-cladrange，WhatanodynedrawnfromthestiflingtownCanbereckon’dafairexchangeForthestalker’sstride，onthemountainside，Inthebracingnorthernweather，Totheslopeswherecouch，intheirantler’dpride，Thedeerontheperfum’dheather？
Oh！thevigourwithwhichtheairisrife！
Thespiritofjoyousmotion；
Thefever，thefulnessofanimallife，Canbedrain’dfromnoearthlypotion！
Thelungswiththelivinggasgrowlight，Andthelimbsfeelthestrengthoften，Whilethechestexpandswithitsmadd’ningmight，GOD’SGLORIOUSOXYGEN。
Thusthemeasur’dstroke，onelasticsward，Ofthesteedthreepartsextended，Hardheld，thebreathofhisnostrilsbroad，Withthegoldenetherblended；
Thentheleap，therisefromthespringyturf，Therushthroughthebuoyantair，Andthelightshocklanding——theveriestserfIsanemperorthenandthere！
Suchscenes！sensationandsoundandsight！
Tosomeundiscover’dshoreOnthecurrentofTime’sremorselessflightHavetheyswepttoreturnnomore？
While，likephantomsbrightofthefever’dnight，Thathavevex’dourslumbersofyore，Youfollowusstillinyourghostlymight，Deaddaysthathavegonebefore。
Vaindreams，againandagainre-told，Mustyoucrowdonthewearybrain，Tillthefingersarecoldthatentwin’dofoldRoundfoilandtriggerandrein，Tillstay’dforayearetherovingfeet，Tilltherestlesshandsarequiet，Tillthestubbornhearthasforgottentobeat，Tillthehotbloodhasceas’dtoriot？
InExeterHallthesaintmaychide，Thesinnermayscoffoutright，TheBacchanalsteep’dintheflagon’stide，OrthesensualSybarite；
ButNOLAN’Snamewillflourishinfame，Whenourgallopingdaysarepast，Whenwegototheplacefromwhencewecame，Perchancetofindrestatlast。
Thyriddlesgrowdark，oh！driftingcloud，Andthymistyshapesgrowdrear，Thouhang’stintheairlikeashadowyshroud，ButIamoflightercheer；
Thoughourfuturelotisasableblot，Thoughthewiseonesofearthwillblameus，Thoughoursaddleswillrot，andourridesbeforgot，\"DUMVIVIMUS，VIVAMUS！\"
FytteVIII
FinisExoptatus[AMetaphysicalSong]
\"There’ssomethinginthisworldamissShallbeunriddledby-and-bye。\"——Tennyson。
Bootandsaddle，see，theslantingRaysbegintofall，FlinginglightsandcoloursflauntingThroughtheshadowstall。
Onward！onward！mustwetravel？
Whenwillcomethegoal？
RiddleImaynotunravel，Ceasetovexmysoul。
HarshlybreakthosepealsoflaughterFromthejaysaloft，Canweguesswhattheycryafter？
Wehaveheardthemoft；
PerhapssomestrainofrudethanksgivingMinglesintheirsong，Aretheygladthattheyareliving？
Aretheyrightorwrong？
Right，’tisjoythatmakesthemcallso，Whyshouldtheybesad？
Certes！wearelivingalso，Shallnotwebeglad？
Onward！onward！mustwetravel？
Isthegoalmorenear？
Riddlewemaynotunravel，Whysodarkanddrear？
Yonsmallbirdhishymnoutpouring，Onthebranchcloseby，RecksnotforthekestrelsoaringInthenethersky，ThoughthehawkwithwingsextendedPoisesoverhead，MotionlessasthoughsuspendedByaviewlessthread。
See，hestoops，nay，shootingforwardWiththearrow’sflight，Swiftandstraightawaytonor’wardSailsheoutofsight。
Onward！onward！thuswetravel，Comesthegoalmorenigh？
Riddlewemaynotunravel，Whoshallmakereply？
Ha！FriendEphraim，saintorsinner，Tellmeifyoucan——
Tho’wemaynotjudgetheinner，Bytheouterman，Yetbygirthofbroadclothample，Andbycheeksthatshine，SurelyyousetnoexampleInthefastingline——
Couldyou，likeyonbird，discov’ring，Fateascloseathand，Asthekestrelo’erhimhov’ring，Still，ashedid，stand？
Trustinggrandly，singinggaily，Confidentandcalm，NotonefalsenoteinyourdailyHymnorweeklypsalm？
OftyouroilytonesareheardinChapel，whereyoupreach，ThistheeverlastingburdenOfthetaleyouteach：
\"Weared————d，oursinsaredeadly，Youaloneareheal’d\"——
’TwasnotthustheirgospelredlySaintsandmartyrsseal’d。
Youhadseem’dmorelikeamartyr，Thanyouseemtous，TothebeaststhatcaughtaTartarOnceatEphesus；
RatherthanthestoutapostleOftheGentiles，who，Pagan-like，couldcuffandwrestle，They’dhavechosenyou。
Yet，Iween，onsuchoccasion，YourdissentingvoiceWouldhavebeen，inmildpersuasion，Raisedagainsttheirchoice；
Manofpeace，andmanofmerit，Pompous，wise，andgrave，Ephraim！isitfleshorspiritYoustrivemosttosave？
VainishalfthiscareandcautionO’ertheearthlyshell，WecanneitherbafflenorshunDarkplumedAzrael。
Onward！onward！stillwewander，Nearerdrawsthegoal；
Halftheriddle’sread，weponderVainlyonthewhole。
Eastward！inthepinkhorizon，FleecyhillocksshameThisdimrangedullearththatlieson，Tingedwithrosyflame。
Westward！asastrickengiantStoopshisbloodycrest，Andtho’vanquished，frownsdefiant，Sinksthesuntorest。
Distant，yetapproachingquickly，Fromtheshadesthatlurk，Likeablackpallgathersthickly，Night，whennonemaywork。
SoonourrestlessoccupationShallhaveceas’dtobe；
Units！inGod’svastcreation，Ciphers！whatarewe？
Onward！onward！oh！faint-hearted；
NearerandmorenearHasthegoaldrawnsincewestarted，Beofbettercheer。
Preacher！allforbearanceask，forAllareworthlessfound，ManmustayetakemantotaskforFaultswhileearthgoesround。
Onthisdanksoilthistlesmuster，Thornsarebroadcastsown；
Seeknotfigswherethistlescluster，Grapeswherethornshavegrown。
Sunandrainanddewfromheaven，Lightandshadeandair，Heatandmoisturefreelygiven，Thornsandthistlesshare。
VegetationrankandrottenFeelsthecheeringray；
Notuncaredfor，unforgotten，We，too，haveourday。
Unforgotten！thoughwecumberEarthweworkHiswill。
Shallwesleepthroughnight’slongslumberUnforgottenstill？
Onward！onward！toilingever，Wearystepsandslow，Doubtingoft，despairingnever，Tothegoalwego！
Hark！thebellsondistantcattleWaftacrosstherange；
Throughthegolden-tuftedwattle，Musiclowandstrange；
LikethemarriagepealoffairiesComesthetinklingsound，OrlikechimesofsweetSt。Mary’sOnfarEnglishground。
Howmycourserchampsthesnaffle，Andwithnostrilspread，SnortsandscarcelyseemstoruffleFernleaveswithhistread；
CoolandpleasantonhishaunchesBlowstheeveningbreeze，ThroughtheoverhangingbranchesOfthewattletrees：
Onward！totheSouthernOcean，GlidesthebreathofSpring。
Onward！withadrearymotion，I，too，glideandsing——
Forward！forward！stillwewander——
TintedhillsthatlieIntheredhorizonyonder——
Isthegoalsonigh？
Whisper，spring-wind，softlysinging，Whisperinmyear；
Respiteandnepenthebringing，Canthegoalbenear？
Ladenwiththedewofvespers，Fromthefragrantsky，InmyearthewindthatwhispersSeemstomakereply——
\"Questionnot，butliveandlabourTillyongoalbewon，Helpingeveryfeebleneighbour，Seekinghelpfromnone；
Lifeismostlyfrothandbubble，Twothingsstandlikestone，KINDNESSinanother’strouble，COURAGEinyourown。\"
Courage，comrades，thisiscertain，Allisforthebest——
Therearelightsbehindthecurtain——
Gentiles，letusrest。
Asthesmoke-rackveerstoseaward，From\"theancientclay\"，Withitsmoraldriftingleeward，Endsthewanderer’slay。
Borrow’dPlumes[APrefaceandaPiracy]
PrologueOfborrow’dplumesItakethesin，MyextractswillapplyTosomefewsillysongswhichinThesepagesscatter’dlie。
ThewordsareEdgarAllanPoe’s，Asanymanmaysee，ButwhataPOE-twroteinprose，Shallmakeblankverseforme。
ThesetriflesarecollectedandrepublishedchieflywithaviewtotheirredemptionfromthemanyimprovementstowhichtheyhavebeensubjectedwhilegoingatrandomtheroundsofthePress。
IamnaturallyanxiousthatwhatIhavewrittenshouldcirculateasIwroteit，ifitcirculateatall。******Indefenceofmyowntaste，nevertheless，itisincumbentuponmetosaythatIthinknothinginthisvolumeofmuchvaluetothepublic，orverycreditabletomyself。E。A。P。
（SeePrefacetoPoe’sPoeticalWorks。）
EpilogueAndnowthatmytheftstandsdetected，ThefirstofmyextractsmaycallTosomeoftherhymesherecollectedYournotice，thesecondtoall。
Ah！friend，youmayshakeyourheadsadly，Yetthismuchyou’llsayformyverse，I’vewrittenofoldsomethingbadly，Butwrittenanewsomethingworse。
PastorCum[TranslationfromHorace]
Whenhe，thatshepherdfalse，’neathPhrygiansails，CarriedhishostessHeleno’ertheseas，InfitfulslumberNereushush’dthegales，Thathemightsingtheirfuturedestinies。
AcursetoyourancestralhomeyoutakeWithher，whomGreece，withmanyasoldierboldShallseekagain，inconcertsworntobreakYournuptialtiesandPriam’skingdomold。
Alas！whatsweatfrommanandhorsemustflow，WhatdevastationtotheTrojanrealmYoucarry，evennowdothPallasshowHerwrath，preparingbuckler，car，andhelm。
Invain，secureinAphrodite’scare，Youcombyourlocks，andonthegirlishlyreSelectthestrainsmostpleasanttothefair；
Invain，oncouchreclining，youdesireToshunthedartsthatthreaten，andthethrustOfCretanlance，thebattle’swildturmoil，AndAjaxswifttofollow——inthedustCondemned，thoughlate，yourwantoncurlstosoil。
Ah！seeyounotwhere（fataltoyourrace）
Laertes’soncomeswiththePyleansage；
Fearlessalike，withTeucerjoinsthechaseStenelaus，skill’dthefisticstrifetowage，Norlessexpertthefierysteedstoquell；
AndMeriones，youmustknow。BeholdAwarrior，thanhissiremorefierceandfell，Tofindyourages，——Diomedthebold，Whomlikethestagthat，faracrossthevale，Thewolfbeingseen，noherbagecanallure，Soflyyou，pantingsorely，dastardpale！——
Notthusyouboastedtoyourparamour。
Achilles’angerforaspacedefersThedayofwrathtoTroyandTrojandame；
Inevitableglidetheallottedyears，AndDardanroofsmustwasteinArgiveflame。
ALegendofMadrid[TranslatedfromtheSpanish]
Francesca。
Crush’dandthrong’darealltheplacesInouramphitheatre，’MidstaseaofswarmingfacesIcanyetdistinguishher；
Dostthoutriumph，dark-brow’dNina？
Ismysecretknowntothee？
OnthesandsofyonarenaIshallyetmyvengeancesee。
NowthroughportalsfastcareeringPicadorsaredisappearing；
NowthebarriersnimblyclearingHasthehindmostchuloflown。
Clotsofduskycrimsonstreaking，Brindledflanksandhaunchesreeking，Wheelsthewildbull，vengeanceseeking，Onthematadoralone。
Featuresbysombreroshaded，Paleandpassionlessandcold；
Doubletrichlylacedandbraided，Trunksofvelvetslash’dwithgold，Blood-redscarf，andbareToledo，——
Maskmoresubtle，anddisguiseFarlessshallow，thoudostneed，oh，Traitor，todeceivemyeyes。
Shoutsofnoisyacclamation，Breathingsavageexpectation，GreethimwhilehetakeshisstationLeisurely，disdaininghaste；
Nowhedoffshistallsombrero，Fools！applaudyourbutcherhero，YewouldidoliseaNero，Panderingtopublictaste。
FromtherestlessGuadalquivirTomysire’sestateshecame，Woo’dandwonme，howIshiver！
Thoughmytemplesburnwithshame。
I，aproudandhigh-bornlady，Daughterofanancientrace，’NeaththevineandoliveshadeI
Yieldedtoachurl’sembrace。
Toachurlmyvowswereplighted，Wellmymadnessherequited，Since，bypriestlyties，unitedTothemuleteer’schild；
Andmyprayersarewaftedo’erhim，Thatthebullmaycrushandgorehim，SincethelovethatonceIborehimHasbeenchangedtohatredwild。
Nina。
Savehim！aidhim！oh，Madonna！
Twoareslainifheisslain；
Shieldhislife，andguardhishonour，Letmenotentreatinvain。
SullenlythebrindledsavageTearsandtossesupthesand；
Hornsthatrendandhoofsthatravage，Howshallmanyourshockwithstand？
OntheshaggyneckandheadlieFrothyflakes，theeyeballsredlyFlash，thehornssosharpanddeadlyLower，short，andstrong，andstraight；
Fast，andfurious，andfearless，Nowhecharges；——virginpeerless，Liftinglids，alldryandtearless，AtthythroneIsupplicate。
Francesca。
Coolandcalm，theperjuredvarletStandsonstrongly-plantedheel，Inhisleftastripofscarlet，Inhisrightastreakofsteel；
Ah！themonstertopplesover，Tillhishaunchesstriketheplain！——
Low-bornclownandlyinglover，Thouhastconquer’donceagain。
Nina。
SweetMadonna，maidenmother，Thouhastsavedhim，andnoother；
NowthetearsIcannotsmother，Tearsofjoymyvisionblind；
WherethousittestIamgazing，Theseglad，mistyeyesupraising，Ihavepray’d，andIampraising，Blessthee！blessthee！virginkind。
Francesca。
Whilethecrowdstillswaysandsurges，Eretheapplaudingshoutshaveceas’d，See，thesecondbullemerges——
’TisthefamedCordovanbeast，——
Bythepicadorungoaded，Scathlessofthechulo’sdart。
Slayhim，andwithguerdonloaded，Andwithhonourscrown’ddepart。
Novainbrutishstrifehewages，Neveruselesslyherages，Andhiscunning，asheages，Withhishatredseemstogrow；
Thoughhestandsamidthecheering，Sluggishtotheeyeappearing，FewwillventureonthespearingOfsoresoluteafoe。
Nina。
Courage，thereislittledanger，Yonderdull-eyedcravenseemsFitterfarforstallandmangerThanforscarfandbladethatgleams；
Shorter，andofframelessmassive，Thanhiscomradelyinglow，Tame，andcowardly，andpassive，——
Hewillproveafeeblerfoe。
Ihavedonewithdoubtandanguish，Fearslikedewsinsunshinelanguish，Courage，husband，weshallvanquish，ThouartcalmandsoamI。
Fortherushhehasnotwaited，Onhestrideswithstepelated，Andthesteelwithbloodunsated，Leapstoendthebutchery。
Francesca。
Tyro！markthebrandsofbattleOnthoseshouldersduskanddun，SuchasheisarethecattleSkill’dtauridorsgladlyshun；
WarierthantheAndalusian，Swifterfar，thoughnotsolarge，Think’stthou，tohisownconfusion，He，likehim，willblindlycharge？
Inchbyinchthebruteadvances，Stealthyyetvindictiveglances，Hornsasstraightaslevell’dlances，Crouchingwithers，stoopinghaunches；——
Closeryet，untilthetighteningStrainsofraptexcitementheight’ningGrowsoppressive。Ha！likelightningOnhisenemyhelaunches。
Nina。
O’erthehorn’dfrontdropsthestreamer，Inthenapethesharpsteelhisses，Glances，grazes，——Christ！Redeemer！
Byahairthespinehemisses。
Francesca。
Hark！thatshocklikemuffledthunder，BoomingfromthePyrenees！
Botharedown——themanisunder——
Nowhestrugglestohisknees，Nowhesinks，hisfeaturesleadenSharpenrigidlyanddeaden，Sandsbeneathhimsoakandredden，Skiesabovehimspinandveer；
Throughthedoublettornandriven，Wherethestuntedhornwasdriven，Wellsthelife-blood——Weareeven，Daughterofthemuleteer！
Fauconshawe[ABallad]
TofetchclearwateroutofthespringThelittlemaidMargaretran；
Fromthestreamtothecastle’swesternwingItwasbutabowshotspan；
OnthesedgybrinkwheretheosiersclingLayadeadman，pallidandwan。
TheladyMabelrosefromherbed，Andwalkedinthecastlehall，WheretheporchthroughthewesternturretledShemetwithherhandmaidsmall。
\"Whataileththee，Margaret？\"theladysaid，\"Hastletthypitcherfall？
\"Say，whathastthouseenbythestreamletside——
Anymphorawatersprite——
Thatthoucomestwitheyessowildandwide，Andwithcheekssoghostlywhite？\"
\"Nornymphnorsprite，\"themaidencried，\"Butthecorpseofaslaughteredknight。\"
TheladyMabelsummon’dstraightToherpresenceSirHughdeVere，OftheguestswhotarriedwithinthegateOfFauconshawemostdearWashetothatlady；betrothedinstateTheyhadbeensincemanyayear。
\"LittleMargaretsayethadeadmanliesBythewesternspring，SirHugh；
Icanscarcebelievethatthemaidenlies——
Yetscarcecanbelievehertrue。\"
Andtheknightreplies，\"TillwetesthereyesLetherwordsgaincredencedue。\"
Downtherockypathknightandladyled，WhileguestsandretainersboldFollowedinhaste，forlikewildfirespreadThenewsbythemaidentold。
Theyfound’twasevenasshehadsaid——
Thecorpsehadsomewhilebeencold。
Howthespirithadpass’dinthemomentslastTherewaslittletracetoreveal：
Onthestillcalmfacelaynoimprintghast，Savetheangel’ssolemnseal，Yetthehandswereclench’dinadeath-gripfast，Andthesodsstamp’ddownbytheheel。
SirHughbythesideofthedeadmanknelt，Said，\"FullwellthesefeaturesIknow，Wehavefacedeachotherwhereblowsweredealt，Andhewasastalwartfoe；
IhadratherhavemethimhilttohiltThanhavefoundhimlyinglow。\"
Heturn’dthebodyuponitsface，Andneverawordwasspoken，Whileheripp’dthedoublet，andtorethelace，Andtugg’d——bytheself-sametoken，——
Andstrain’d，tillhewrench’ditoutofitsplace，Thedagger-bladethatwasbroken。
Thenheturnedthebodyoveragain，Andsaid，whileheroseupright，\"MaythebrandofCain，withitswitheringstain，Onthemurderer’sforeheadlight，Forheneverwasslainontheopenplain，Noryetintheopenfight。\"
Solemnandsternwerethewordshespoke，Andhelook’dathislady’smen，Buthisspeechnoansweringechoeswoke，Allweresilentthereandthen，Tillaclear，coldvoicethesilencebroke：——
LadyMabelcried，\"Amen。\"
Hisglancemethers，thetwainstoodhush’d，Withthedeadbetweenthemthere；
Butthebloodtohersnowytemplesrush’dTillittingedtherootsofherhair，Thenpaled，butathinredstreakstillflush’dInthemidstofherforeheadfair。
Fouryeomenraisedthecorpsefromtheground，AtasignfromSirHughdeVere；
Itwasbornetothewesternturretround，Andlaidonaknightlybier，Withneverasobnoramourningsound，——
Nofriendtothedeadwasnear。
YetthatnightwasneitherrevelnordanceInthehallsofFauconshawe；
MenlookedaskancewithadoubtfulglanceAtSirHugh，fortheystoodinaweOfhisprowess，buthe，likeoneinatrance，Regardednaughtthathesaw。
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Nightblackandchill，windgatheringstill，Withitswailintheturrettall，AnditsheadlongblastlikeacatapultcastOnthecrestoftheouterwall，Anditshailandrainonthecrashingpane，Tilltheglassysplintersfall。
AmoodyknightbythefitfullightOfthegreathallfirebelow；
Acorpseupstairs，andawomanatprayers，Willtheyprofither，ayeorno？
By’rladyfain，an’shecomfortgain，Thereiscomfortforusalso。
Theguestsweregone，saveSirHughalone，AndhewatchedthegleamsthatbrokeOnthepalehearth-stone，andflickeredandshoneOnthepanelsofpolish’doak；
Hewas’wareofnopresenceexcepthisownTillthevoiceofyoungMargaretspoke：
\"I’verisen，SirHugh，atthemirkmidnight，Icannotsleepinmybed，Now，unlessmytalecanbetoldaright，Iwotitwerebestunsaid；
Itlies，thebloodofyonnorthernknight，Onmylady’shandandhead。\"
\"Oh！thewildwindravesandrushesalong，Butthyravingsseemmorewild——
Shenevercoulddosofoulawrong——
YetIblametheenot，mychild，Forthefever’ddreamsonthyrestthatthrong！\"
Hefrown’dthoughhisspeechwasmild。
\"Letstormwindseddy，andscream，andhurlTheirwrath，theydisturbmenaught；
Thedaughtersheofahigh-bornearl，NosecretofhersI’vesought；
Iambutthechildofapeasantchurl，YetlooktotheproofsI’vebrought；
\"Thisdaggersnapp’dsoclosetothehilt——
Dostrememberthytokenwell？
WillitmatchwiththebrokenbladethatspiltHislifeinthewesterndell？
Nay！readherhandwritingan’thouwilt，Fromherparamour’sbreastitfell。\"
Theknightinsilencetheletterread，Oh！thecharacterswellheknew！
Andhisfacemighthavematch’dthefaceofthedead，Soashenwhitewasitshue！
Thenhetoretheparchmentshredbyshred，Andthestripsintheflameshethrew。
Andhemuttered，\"DenselythoseshadowsfallInthecopsewherethealdersthicken；
Thereshebadehimcometoher，onceforall——
Now，Iwellmayshudderandsicken；——
Gramercy！thathandsowhiteandsmall，Howstronglyitmusthavestricken。\"
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Atmidnighthour，inthewesterntower，Alonewiththedeadmanthere，LadyMabelkneels，norheedsnorfeelsTheshockoftherushingair，ThoughtheguststhatpassthroughtherivenglassHavescatteredherravenhair。
Acrossthefloor，throughtheopeningdoor，Wherestandethastatelyknight，Thelamplightstreams，andflickers，andgleams，Onhisfeaturessternandwhite——
’TisSirHughdeVere，andhecomethmorenear，Andtheladystandethupright。
\"’Tislittle，\"hesaid，\"thatIknoworcareOftheguilt（ifguilttherebe）
Thatlies’twixttheeandyondeadmanthere，Normattersitnowtome；
Ithoughttheepure，thouartonlyfair，Andto-morrowIcrossthesea。
\"Heperish’d！Iasknotwhyorhow？
Icometorecallmytroth；
Takeback，mylady，thybrokenvow，Givebackmyallegianceoath；
LetthepastbeburiedbetweenusnowForever——’tisbestforboth。
\"Yet，Mabel，Icouldask，dostthoudareLayhandonthatcorpse’sheart，AndcallonthyMaker，andboldlyswear，Thatthouhadstinhisdeathnopart？
Iasknot，whilethreescoreproofsIshareWithonedoubt——uncondemn’dthouart。\"
Oh！coldandbleakuponMabel’scheekCametheblastofthestorm-windkeen，Andhertressesblack，astheglossybackOftheraven，glancedbetweenHerfingersslight，liketheivorywhite，Asshepartedtheirsablesheen。
Yetwithsteadylip，andwithfearlesseye，Andwithcheekliketheflushofdawn，Unflinchinglyshespokeinreply——
\"Gohencewiththebreakofmorn，Iwillneitherconfess，noryetdeny，Iwillreturntheescornforscorn。\"
Theknightbow’dlowasheturn’dtogo；
Hetravell’dbylandandsea，ButnaughtofhisfuturefateIknow，Andnaughtofhisfairladye；
Mystoryistoldas，longago，Mystorywastoldtome。
RipplingWaterThemaidensatbytheriverside（Theripplingwatermurmursby），AndsadlyintotheclearbluetideThesalttearfellfromherclearblueeye。
\"’Tisfixedforbetter，forworse，\"shecried，\"Andto-morrowthebridegroomclaimsthebride。
Oh！wealthandpowerandrankandprideCansurelypeaceandhappinessbuy。
Iwasmerry，nathless，inmygirlhood’shours，’Midthewavinggrasswhenthebrightsunshone，ShallIbeasmerryinMarmaduke’stowers？\"
（Theripplingwatermurmurson）。
Stephenworksforhisdailybread（Theripplingwatermurmurslow）。
ThroughthecrazythatchthatcovershisheadTherain-dropsfallandthewind-gustsblow。
\"I’llmendtheoldroof-tree，\"sohesaid，\"Andrepairthecottagewhenwearewed。\"
Andmypulsesthrobb’d，andmycheekgrewred，Whenhekiss’dme——thatwaslongago。
StephenandI，shouldwemeetagain，Notaswe’vemetindaysthataregone，Willmypulsesthrobwithpleasureorpain？
（Theripplingwatermurmurson）。
OldGiles，thegardener，strok’dmycurls（Theripplingwatermurmurspast），Quothhe，\"InlacesandsilksandpearlsMychildwillseeherreflectioncast；
NowItrustinmyheartthatyourlordwillbeKindertoyouthanhewastome，WhenIlayinthegaol，andmychildrenthree，Withtheirsicklymother，keptbitterfast。\"
WithMarmadukenowmywillislaw，Marmaduke’swillmaybelawanon；
Doesthesheathofvelvetcovertheclaw？
（Theripplingwatermurmurson）。
DameMarthapattedmeonthecheek（Theripplingwatermurmurslow），Saying，\"TherearewordsthatIfainwouldspeak——
Perhapstheywerebestunspokenthough；
Ican’tpersuadeyoutochangeyourmind，Anduselesswarningsarescarcelykind，AndImaybefoolishaswellasblind，Buttakemyblessingwhetherorno。\"
DameMartha’swise，thoughherhairiswhite，Hersenseisgood，thoughhersightisgone——
Canshereallybegiftedwithsecondsight？
（Theripplingwatermurmurson）。
BrianofHawksmedecametoourcot（Theripplingwatermurmursby），Scatter’dthesodsofourgardenplot，Ridinghisroanhorserecklessly；
Trinketandtokenandtressofhair，Heflungthemdownatthedoor-stepthere，Said，\"Elsie！askyourlord，ifyoudare，Whogavehimtheblowaswellasthelie。\"
ThateveningImentionedBrian’sname，AndMarmaduke’sfacegrewwhiteandwan，AmIpledgedtooneofaspiritsotame？
（Theripplingwatermurmurson）。
Brianisheadstrong，rash，andvain（Theripplingwatermurmursstill），Stephenissomewhatdullerofbrain，Slowerofspeech，andmilderofwill；
Stephenmusttoilalivingtogain，Ploughandharrowandgatherthegrain；
BrianhaslittleenoughtomaintainThestationinlifewhichheneedsmustfill；
Botharefearlessandkindandfrank，Butwecan’twinallgiftsunderthesun——
WhathaveIwonsaverichesandrank？
（Theripplingwatermurmurson）。
Richesandrank，andwhatbeside？
（Theripplingwatermurmursyet），Themansionisstately，themanoriswide，Theirlordforawhilemaypamperandpet；
Liveriedlackeysmayjeeraside，Thoughthepeasantgirlistheirmaster’sbride，Athershyness，mingledwithawkwardpride，——
’Twerefollyfortrifleslikethesetofret；
ButtheloveofonethatIcannotlove，Willitlastwhentheglossofhistoyisgone？
Istherenaughtbeyond，below，orabove？
（Theripplingwatermurmurson）。
CuiBonoOh！windthatwhistleso’erthornsandthistles，Ofthisfruitfulearthlikeagoblinelf；
WhyshouldhelabourtohelphisneighbourWhofeelstoorecklesstohelphimself？
ThewailofthebreezeinthebendingtreesIssomethingbetweenalaughandagroan；
AndthehollowroarofthesurfontheshoreIsadull，discordantmonotone；
IwishIcouldguesswhatsensetheyexpress，There’sameaning，doubtless，ineverysound，Yetnoonecantell，anditmaybeaswell——
Whomwoulditprofit？——Theworldgoesround！
Onthisearthsoroughweknowquiteenough，And，Isometimesfancy，alittletoomuch；
Thesagemaybewiserthanclownorthankaiser，Ishemoretobeenviedforbeingsuch？
Neithermorenorless，inhisidlenessThesageisdoom’dtovexationsure；
Thekaisermayrule，buttheslipperystool，Thathecallshisthrone，isnosinecure；
Andasfortheclown，youmaygivehimacrown，Maybehe’llthankyou，andmaybenot，Andbeforeyoucanwinkhemayspenditindrink——
Towhomdoesitprofit？——Weripeandrot！
YetunderthesunmuchworkisdoneByclownandkaiser，byserfandsage；
Allsowandsomereap，andfewgathertheheapOfthegarner’dgrainofaby-goneage。
Byseaorbysoilmanisboundtotoil，Andthedreamer，waitingfortimeandtide，Forawhilemayshirkhisshareofthework，Buthegrowswithhisdreamdissatisfied；
Hemayclimbtotheedgeofthebeetlingledge，Wheretheloosecragtopplesandwell-nighreels’Neaththelashinggale，butthetonicwillfail——
Whatdoesitprofit？——Wheelswithinwheels！
Aye！workwemust，orwithidlersrust，Andeatwemustourbodiestonurse；
Somefolkgrowfatter——whatdoesitmatter？
I’mblestifIdo——quitethereverse；
’Tisawearyroundtowhichwearebound，Thesamethingoverandoveragain；
Muchtoilandtrouble，andaglitteringbubble，Thatrisesandbursts，isthebestwegain；
Andwemurmur，andyet’tiscertainwegetWhatgoodwedeserve——canwehopeformore？——
Theyareroaring，thosewaves，intheirechoingcaves——
Towhomdotheyprofit？——Letthemroar！
BellonaThouartmouldedinmarbleimpassive，Falsegoddess，fairstatueofstrife，Yetstandestonpedestalmassive，Asymbolandtokenoflife。
Thouartstill，notwithstillnessoflanguor，Andcalm，notwithcalmbodingrest；
ForthineisallwrathandallangerThatthrobsfarandnearinthebreastOfman，bythypresencepossess’d。
Withthebrowofafallenarchangel，Thelipsofabeautifulfiend，Andlocksthataresnake-liketostrangle，Andeyesfromwhosedepthsmaybeglean’dThepresenceofpassions，thattrembleUnbidden，yetshineastheymayThroughfeaturestooproudtodissemble，ToocoldandtoocalmtobetrayTheirsecretstocreaturesofclay。
Thybreathstirrethfactionandparty，Menrise，andnovoicecanavailTostaythem——rose-tintedAstarteHerselfatthypresenceturnspale。
FordeeperandricherthecrimsonThatgathersbehindtheethrowsforthAhalothyraimentandlimbson，AndleavesaredtrackinthepathThatflowsfromthywine-pressofwrath。
Forbehindtheeredrivuletstrickle，Menfallbythyhandsswiftandlithe，Ascornfallethdowntothesickle，Asgrassfallethdowntothescythe，Thinearm，strongandcruel，andshapely，Liftshighthesharp，pitilesslance，AndrapineandruinandrapelieAroundthee。TheFuriesadvance，AndAresawakesfromhistrance。
We，too，withourbodiesthusweakly，Withheartshardanddangerous，thusWeowethee——thesaintssufferedmeeklyTheirwrongs——itisnotsowithus。
SomeshareofthystrengththouhastgivenTomortalsrefusinginvainThineaid。WehavesufferedandstrivenTillwehavegrownrecklessofpain，Thoughfeebleofheartandofbrain。
Fairspirit，alluringifwicked，Falsedeity，terriblyreal，Oursensesaretrapp’d，oursoulstrickedBytheeandthyhollowideal。
Thesoldierwhofallsinhisharness，Andstrikeshislaststrokewithslackhand，OnhisdeadfacethywrathandthyscornisImprinted。Oh！seekshealandWhereheshallescapethycommand？
WhenthebloodofthyvictimsliesredonThatstrickenfield，fiercestandlast，InthesunsetthatgildsArmageddonWithbattle-driftstillovercast——
WhenthesmokeofthyhotconflagrationsO’ershadowstheearthaswithwings，Wherenationshavefoughtagainstnations，Andkingshaveencounter’dwithkings，Whencomeththeendofallthings——
Thenthosewhohavepatientlywaited，Andborne，unresisting，thepainOfthyvengeanceunglutted，unsated，Shalltheyberewardedagain？
Thenthosewho，enticedbythylaurels，Orurgedbythypromptingsunblest，Havestrivenandstrickeninquarrels，Shallthey，too，findpardonandrest？
Weknownot，yethopeforthebest。
TheSongoftheSurfWhitesteedsofocean，thatleapwithahollowandwearisomeroarOnthebarofironstonesteep，notafathom’slengthfromtheshore，Isthereneveraseernorsophistcaninterpretyourwildrefrain，Whenspeechtheharshestandroughestisseldomstudiedinvain？
Myearsareconstantlysmittenbythatdrearymonotone，Inahieroglyphic’tiswritten——’tisspokeninatongueunknown；
Gathering，growing，andswelling，andsurging，andshivering，say！
Whatisthetaleyouaretelling？Whatisthedriftofyourlay？
Youcome，andyourcrestsarehoarywiththefoamofyourcountlessyears；
Youbreak，witharainbowofglory，throughthesprayofyourglitteringtears。
Isyoursongasongofgladness？apaeanofjoyousmight？
Orawailofdiscordantsadnessforthewrongsyounevercanright？
Fortheemptyseatbytheingle？forchildren’reftoftheirsire？
Forthebridesittingsad，andsingle，andpale，bytheflickeringfire？
Foryourravenouspoolsofsuction？foryourshatteringbillowswell？
Foryourceaselessworkofdestruction？foryourhungerinsatiable？
Notfarfromthisveryplace，onthesandandtheshingledry，Helay，withhisbatter’dfaceupturnedtothefrowningsky。
Whenyourwaterswash’dandswill’dhighoverhisdrowninghead，Whenhisnostrilsandlungswerefilled，whenhisfeetandhandswereaslead，Whenagainsttherockhewashurl’d，andsuck’dagaintothesea，Ontheshoresofanotherworld，onthebrinkofeternity，Onthevergeofannihilation，diditcometothatswimmerstrong，Thesuddeninterpretationofyourmystical，weird-likesong？
\"Mortal！thatwhichthouaskest，asknotthouofthewaves；
Fool！thoufoolishlytaskestus——weareonlyslaves；
Might，moremighty，impelsus——wemustourlotfulfil，Hewhogathersandswellsuscurbsus，too，atHiswill。
Think’stthouthewavethatshattersquestionethHisdecree？
Littletousitmatters，andnaughtitmatterstothee。
Notthus，murmuringidly，wefromourdutywouldswerve，Overtheworldspreadwidelyeverwelabourandserve。\"
WhisperingsinWattle-BoughsOh，gailysingsthebird！andthewattle-boughsarestirr’dAndrustledbythescentedbreathofspring；
Oh，thedrearywistfullonging！Oh，thefacesthatarethronging！
Oh，thevoicesthatarevaguelywhispering！
Oh，tellme，fathermine，erethegoodshipcross’dthebrine，Onthegangwayonemutehand-gripweexchang’d；
Doyou，pastthegrave，employ，foryourstubborn，recklessboy，Thosepetitionsthatinlifewerene’erestranged？
Oh，tellme，sisterdear，partingwordandpartingtearNeverpass’dbetweenus；——letmebeartheblame，Areyouliving，girl，ordead？bittertearssincethenI’veshedForthelipsthatlisp’dwithmineamother’sname。
Oh，tellme，ancientfriend，everreadytodefend，Inourboyhood，atthebaseoflife’slonghill，Areyouwakingyetorsleeping？haveyouleftthisvaleofweeping？
Ordoyou，likeyourcomrade，lingerstill？
Oh，whisper，buriedlove，isthererestandpeaceabove？——
Thereislittlehopeorcomfortherebelow；
Onyoursweetfaceliesthemould，andyourbedisstraightandcold——
Neartheharbourwherethesea-tidesebbandflow。
*****
Allsilent——theyaredumb——andthebreezesgoandcomeWithanapathythatmocksatman’sdistress；
Laugh，scoffer，whileyoumay！IcouldbowmedownandprayForananswerthatmightstaymybitterness。
Oh，harshlyscreamsthebird！andthewattle-bloomisstirr’d；
There’sasullen，weird-likewhisperinthebough：
\"Aye，kneel，andpray，andweep，butHISBELOVEDSLEEP
CANNEVERBEDISTURB’DBYSUCHASTHOU！！\"
ConfiteorTheshore-boatliesinthemorninglight，Bythegoodshipreadyforsailing；
Theskiesareclear，andthedawnisbright，Tho’thebarofthebayisfleck’dwithwhite，Andthewindisfitfullywailing；
Nearthetillerstandsthepriest，andtheknightLeansoverthequarter-railing。
\"Thereistimewhilethevesseltarriesstill，Thereistimewhilehershroudsareslack，Thereistimeerehersailstothewestwindfill，Erehertallmastsvanishfromtownandfromhill，Erecleavestoherkeelthetrack：
Thereistimeforconfessiontothosewhowill，Tothosewhomaynevercomeback。\"
\"Sirpriest，youcanshrivethesemenofmine，And，Iprayyou，shrivethemfast，Andshrivethosehardysonsofthebrine，CaptainandmatesoftheEGLANTINE，Andsailorsbeforethemast；
ThenpledgemeacupoftheCypruswine，ForIfainwouldburythepast。\"
\"Andhastthounaughttorepent，myson？
Dostthouscornconfessionandshrift？
ErethysandsfromtheglassoftimeshallrunIstherenaughtundonethatthoushould’sthavedone，Naughtdonethatthoushould’sthaveleft？
Theguiltiestsoulmayfromguiltbewon，Andthestoniestheartmaybecleft。\"
\"Havemyearsbeenclosedtotheprayerofthepoor，Ordeaftothecryofdistress？
HaveIgivenlittle，andtakenmore？
HaveIbroughtacursetothewidow’sdoor？
HaveIwrong’dthefatherless？
HaveIsteep’dmyfingersinguiltlessgore，ThatImustperforceconfess？\"
\"HavethystepsbeenguidedbypurityThroughthepathswithwickednessrife？
Hastthouneversmittenthineenemy？
Hastthouyieldednaughttothelustoftheeye，Andnaughttotheprideoflife？
Hastthoupass’dallsnaresofpleasureby？
Hastthoushunn’dallwrathandstrife？\"
\"Nay，certes！asinfullifeI’veled，YetI’vesuffered，andlivedinhope；
Imaysufferstill，butmyhopehasfled，——
I’venothingnowtohopeortodread，AndwithfateIcanfairlycope；
Werethewatersclosingovermyhead，Ishouldscarcelycatchatarope。\"
\"Dostsuffer？thypainmaybefraughtwithgrace，SinceneverbyworksaloneWearesaved；——thepenitentthiefmaytraceThewealthofloveintheSaviour’sfaceTothePhariseerarelyshown；
AndtheMagdalene’sarmsmayyetembraceThefootofthejasperthrone。\"
\"Sirpriest，aheavierdoomIdree，ForIfeelnoquickeningpain，Butadull，dumbweightwhenIbowmyknee，And（notwiththewordsofthePharisee）
Myhardeyesheavenwardstrain，Wheremydeaddarlingprayethforme！