Arewewise？OurabstrusecalculationsArebasedonexperiencelong；
Arewesanguine？OurhighexpectationsArefoundedonhopethatisstrong；
Thuswebuildanair-castlethatcrumblesAnddriftstillnotracesremain，Andthefoolbuildsagainwhilehegrumbles，Andthewiseonelaughs，buildingagain。
\"Howcametheytopass，theserashblunders，Thesefalsestepssohardtodefend？\"
Ourfriendputsthequestionandwonders，Welaughandreply，\"Ah！myfriend，Couldyoutracethefirststridefalselytaken，Thedistancemisjudged，whereorhow，Whenyoupick’dyourselfup，stunn’dandshaken，Atthefence’twixttheturfandtheplough？\"
Inthejarofthepanelrebounding！
Inthecrashofthesplinteringwood！
Intheearstotheearthshockresounding！
Intheeyesflashingfireandblood！
Inthequartersaboveyourevolving！
Inthesodsunderneathheavinghigh！
TherewaslittletoaidyouinsolvingSuchquestions——thehoworthewhy。
Anddestiny，steadfastintrifles，IssteadfastforbetterorworseIngreatthings，itcrushesandstifles，Andswallowsthehopesthatwenurse。
Menwiserthanwearemaywonder，Whenthefuturetheyclingtosofast，Totherollofthatdestiny’sthunder，Goesdownwiththewrecksofthepast。
*****
Thepast！thedeadpast！thathasswallow’dAllthehoneyoflifeandthemilk，Brighterdreamsthanmerepastimeswe’vefollow’d，Betterthingsthanourscarletorsilk；
Aye，andworsethings——thatpastisitreallyDeadtouswhoagainandagainFeelsharply，hearplainly，seeclearly，Pastdayswiththeirjoyandtheirpain？
Likecorpsesembalm’dandunburiedTheylie，andinspiteofourwill，Oursoulsonthewingsofthoughtcarried，Revisittheirsepulchresstill；
Downthechannelsofmysterygliding，Theyconjurestrangetales，rarelyread，OfthepriestsofdeadPharaohspresidingAtmysticalfeastsofthedead。
Weirdpicturesarise，quaintdevices，Rudeemblems，bakedfuneralmeats，Strongincense，rarewines，andrichspices，Theashes，theshrouds，andthesheets；
DoesourthraldomfallshortofcompletenessForthemagicofacharnel-housecharm，Andtheflavourofapoisonoussweetness，Andtheodourofapoisonousbalm？
Andthelinksofthepast——but，nomatter，ForI’mgettingbeyondyou，Iguess，Andyou’llcallme\"asmadasahatter\"
IfmythoughtsItoofreelyexpress；
Isubjoinaquotation，praylearnit，AndwiththeaidofyourlexicontellusThemeaningthereof——\"ResdiscernitSapiens，quasconfunditasellus。\"
Alreadygreenhillocksareswelling，Andcombingwhitelocksonthebar，Whereadull，droningmurmuristellingOfwindsthathavegather’dafar；
Thusweknownottheday，northemorrow，Noryetwhatthenightmaybringforth，Northestorm，northesleep，northesorrow，Northestrife，northerest，northewrath。
Yettheskiesarestilltranquilandstarlit，Thesun’twixtthewaveandthewestDiesinpurple，andcrimson，andscarlet，Andgold；letushopeforthebest，SinceagainfromtheearthhiseffulgenceThedarknessanddamp-dewsshallwipe。
Kindreader，extendyourindulgenceTothisthelastlayof\"ThePipe\"。
TheRolloftheKettledrum；or，TheLayoftheLastCharger\"YouhavethePyrrhicdanceasyet，WhereisthePyrrhicphalanxgone？
Oftwosuchlessons，whyforgetThenoblerandthemanlierone？\"——Byron。
Onelineofswartprofilesandbeardedlipsdressing，Oneridgeofbrighthelmets，onecrestoffairplumes，Onestreakofbluesword-bladesallbaredforthefleshing，Onerowofrednostrilsthatscentbattle-fumes。
Forward！thetrumpetsweresoundingthecharge，Therollofthekettledrumrapidlyran，Thatmusic，likewild-firespreadingatlarge，Madden’dthewar-horseaswellastheman。
Forward！stillforward！wethunder’dalong，Steadilyyet，forourstrengthwewerenursing；
TallEwart，oursergeant，washummingasong，Lance-corporalBlackWillwasblasphemingandcursing。
Open’dtheirvolleyofgunsonourright，Puffsofgreysmoke，veilinggleamsofredflame，Curlingtoleeward，wereseenontheheight，Wherethebatterieswereposted，asonwardwecame。
Spreadingbeforeustheircavalrylay，Squadrononsquadron，troopupontroop；
Weweresofew，andsomanywerethey——
Eagleswaitcalmlythesparrow-hawk’sstoop。
Forward！stillforward！steedansweringsteedCheerilyneigh’d，whilethefoamflakesweretoss’dFrombridletobridle——thetopofourspeedWasgain’d，buttheprideofourorderwaslost。
Onewasthereleadingbynearlyarood，Thoughwewereracinghekepttothefore，Stillasarockinhisstirrupshestood，Highinthesunlighthissabrehebore。
Suddenlytottering，backwardshecrash’d，Loudlyhishelmrightinfrontofusrung；
Ironhoofsthunder’d，andnakedsteelflash’dOverhim——youngest，wheremanywereyoung。
Nowwewereclosetothem，everyhorsestridingMadly；——St。Lucepass’dwithneveragroan；——
Sadlymymasterlook’dround——hewasridingOntheboy’sright，withalineofhisown。
Thrustinghishandinhisbreastorbreast-pocket，Whilefromhiswristtheswordswungbyachain，Swiftlyhedrewoutsometrinketorlocket，Kiss’dit（Ithink）andreplaceditagain。
Burst，whilehisfingersreclosedonthehaft，Jarringconcussionandearthshakingdin，Horse’counter’dhorse，andIreel’d，buthelaugh’d，Downwenthisman，clovencleantothechin！
Wedgedinthemidstofthatstrugglingmass，Afterthefirstshock，whereeachhisfoesingled，Littlewasseen，saveadazzle，likeglassInthesun，withgreysmokeandblackdustintermingled。
Hereandthereredden’dapistolshot，flashingThroughtheredsparkleofsteeluponsteel！
Redderthesparkseem’d，andloudertheclashing，Struckfromthehelmbytheiron-shodheel！
Overfallenriders，likewither’dleavesstrewingUplandsinautumn，wesunder’dtheirranks；
Steedsrearingandplunging，menhackingandhewing，Fiercegrindingofsword-blades，sharpgoadingofflanks。
Shortwasthecrisisofconflictsoonover，Beingtoogood（Isuppose）tolastlong；
Throughthemwecut，asthescythecutstheclover，Batter’dandstain’dweemerg’dfromtheirthrong。
Someofoursaddleswereemptied，ofcourse；
Toheaven（orelsewhere）BlackWillhadbeencarried！
NedSullivanmountedWill’sriderlesshorse，Hismarebeinghurt，whiletensecondswetarried。
Andthenwere-formed，andwentatthemoncemore，Anderetheyhadrightlycloseduptheoldtrack，Webrokethroughthelanewehadopen’dbefore，Andaswewentforwarde’ensowecameback。
Ournumberswerefew，andourlossfarfromsmall，Theycouldfight，and，besides，theyweretwentytoone；
Wewereclearofthemallwhenweheardtherecall，Andthuswereturned，butmytaleisnotdone。
Forthehandofmyriderfeltstrangeonmybit，Hebreathedonceortwicelikeonepartiallychoked，Andsway’dinhisseat，thenIknewhewashit；——
Hemusthavebledfast，formywithersweresoak’d，Andscarcelyaninchofmyhousingwasdry；
Islacken’dmyspeed，yetIneverquitestopp’d，Erehepattedmyneck，said，\"Oldfellow，good-bye！\"
Anddropp’doffmegently，andlaywherehedropp’d！
Ah，me！afterall，theymaycallusdumbcreatures——
Itriedhardtoneigh，butthesobstookmybreath，YetIguess’dgazingdownatthosestill，quietfeatures，Hewasnevermorehappyinlifethanindeath。
*****
Twoyearsback，atAldershot，ElringtonmentionedMynametoourcolonelonefield-day。Hesaid，\"`Count’，`Steeltrap’，and`Challenger’oughttobepension’d；\"
\"Count\"diedthesameweek，andnow\"Steeltrap\"isdead。
Thatmorningourcolonelwasriding\"Theresa\"，Thefillyby\"Teddington\"outof\"Mistake\"；
Hisgirls，prettyAliceandfair-hairedLouisa，WerethereontheponieshepurchasedfromBlake。
Irememberhepointedmeouttohisdaughters，Saidhe，\"InthistroopImayfairlytakepride，ButI’venoneleftlikehiminmyofficers’quarters，Whoselife-bloodthemaneofold`Challenger’dyed。\"
Wherearethey？thewar-steedswhosharedinourglory，The\"Lanercost\"colt，andthe\"Acrobat\"mare，AndtheIrishdivision，\"KateKearney\"and\"Rory\"，Andrushing\"Roscommon\"，andeager\"Kildare\"，And\"Freeny\"，afavouriteoncewithmymaster，And\"Warlock\"，asluggard，buthonestandtrue，And\"Tancred\"，ashonestas\"Warlock\"，butfaster，And\"Blacklock\"，and\"Birdlime\"，and\"MollyCarew\"？——
Allvanish’d，whatwonder！twelvesummershavepass’dSincethen，andmycomradeliesburiedthisday，——
Old\"Steeltrap\"，thekicker，——andnowI’mthelastOfthechargerswhosharedinthatgloriousfray。
*****
Come，\"Harlequin\"，keepyournoseoutofmymanger，You’llgetyourallowance，myboy，andnomore；
Snort！\"Silvertail\"，snort！whenyou’veseenasmuchdangerAsIhave，youwon’tmindtheratsinthestraw。
*****
Ourgallantoldcolonelcamelimpingandhalting，Thedaybeforeyesterday，intomystall；
Oh！lighttothesaddleI’veonceseenhimvaulting，Infullmarchingorder，steelbroadswordandall。
AndnowhisleftlegthanhisrightismadeshorterThreeinches，hestoops，andhischestisunsound；
Hespoketomegently，andpattedmyquarter，Ilaidmyearsback，andlook’dplayfullyround。
Forthatwordkindlymeant，thatcaresskindlygiven，Ithank’dhim，thoughdumb，butmycheerfulnessfled；
MoresadnessIdrewfromthefaceofthelivingThanyearsbackIdidfromthefaceofthedead。
Forthedeadface，upturn’d，tranquil，joyous，andfearless，Look’dstraightfromgreensodtobluefathomlessskyWithasmile；butthelivingface，gloomyandtearless，Andhaggardandharass’d，look’ddownwithasigh。
Didhethinkonthefirsttimehekiss’dLadyMary？
Onthemorninghewing’dHoraceGrevillethebeau？
Onthewinnerhesteer’dinthegrandmilitary？
Onthechargethatheheadedtwelvelongyearsago？
Didhethinkoneachfreshyear，offreshgrieftheherald？
Onlidsthataresunken，andlocksthataregrey？
OnAlice，whoboltedwithBrianFitzgerald？
OnRupert，hisfirst-born，dishonour’dby\"play\"？
OnLouey，hisdarling，whosleeps’neaththecypress，Thatshadesherandonewhoselastbreathgaveherlife？
Isawthosestrongfingershardovereacheyepress——
Oh！thedeadrestinpeacewhenthequicktoilinstrife！
*****
Scoff，man！egotistical，proud，unobservant，SinceIwithman’sgriefdaretosympathisethus；
Whyscoff？——fellow-creatureIam，fellow-servantOfGod，canmanfathomGod’sdealingswithus？
ThewidegulfthatpartsusmayyetbenowiderThanthatwhichpartsyoufromsomebeingmoreblest；
Andtheremaybemorelinks’twixtthehorseandhisriderThaneveryourshallowphilosophyguess’d。
Youareproudofyourpower，andvainofyourcourage，Andyourblood，Anglo-Saxon，orNorman，orCelt；
Thoughyourgiftsyouextol，andourgiftsyoudisparage，Yourperils，yourpleasures，yoursorrowswe’vefelt。
We，too，sprungfrommaresoftheprophetofMecca，Andnursedonthepridethatwasbornwiththemilk，Andfilteredthrough\"Crucifix\"，\"Beeswing\"，\"Rebecca\"，Welovesheenofscarletandshimmerofsilk。
We，too，sprungfromloinsoftheIshmaelitestallions，Wegloryindaringthatdiesorprevails；
From’counterofsquadrons，andcrashofbattalions，Torendingofblackthorns，andrattleofrails。
Inallstrifewherecourageistested，andpower，Fromthemeetonthehill-side，thehorn-blast，thefind，Theburst，thelonggallopthatseemstodevourThechampaign，allobstaclesflingingbehind，Tothecheerandtheclarion，thewar-musicblendedWithwar-cry，thefuriousdashatthefoe，Theterribleshock，therecoil，andthesplendidBaresword，flashingblue，risingredfromtheblow。
I’veborneONEthroughperilswheremanyhaveseenus，Notyrant，akindfriend，apatientinstructor，AndI’vefeltsomestrangeelementflashingbetweenus，Tillthesaddleseem’dturn’dtoalightningconductor。
Didhesee？couldhefeelthroughthefaintness，thenumbness，Whilelinger’dthespirithalf-loosedfromtheclay，Dumbeyesseekinghisintheirpiteousdumbness，Dumbquiveringnostrils，toostrickentoneigh？
Andwhatthen？thecoloursreversed，thedrumsmuffled，Theblacknoddingplumes，thedeadmarchandthepall，Thesternfaces，soldier-like，silent，unruffled，Theslowsacredmusicthatfloatsoverall！
Crosscarbineandboar-spear，hangbugleandbanner，Spur，sabre，andsnaffle，andhelm——Isitwell？
Vain’scutcheon，falsetrophiesofMarsandDiana，——
Canthedeadlaurelsproutwiththeliveimmortelle？
Itmaybe，——wefollow，andthoughweinheritOurstrengthforaseason，ourprideforaspan，Say！vanityarethey？vexationofspirit？
Notso，sincetheyserveforatimehorseandman。
Theyserveforatime，andtheymakelifeworthliving，Inspiteoflife’stroubles——’tisvaintodespond；
Oh，man！WEatleast，WEenjoy，withthanksgiving，God’sgiftsonthisearth，thoughwelooknotbeyond。
YOUsin，andYOUsuffer，andwe，too，findsorrow，PerchancethroughYOURsin——yetitsoonwillbeo’er；
Welabourto-day，andweslumberto-morrow，Stronghorseandboldrider！——andWHOKNOWETHMORE？
*****
Inourbarrack-squareshoutedDrill-sergeantM’Cluskie，Therollofthekettledrumrapidlyran，Thecolonelwheel’dshort，speakingonce，dryandhusky，\"WouldtoGodIhaddiedwithyourmaster，oldman！\"
[EndofSeaSprayandSmokeDrift。]
BushBallads&GallopingRhymesADedicationtotheAuthorof\"HolmbyHouse\"
TheyarerhymesrudelystrungwithintentlessOfsoundthanofwords，Inlandswherebrightblossomsarescentless，Andsonglessbrightbirds；
Where，withfireandfiercedroughtonhertresses，InsatiableSummeroppressesSerewoodlandsandsadwildernesses，Andfaintflocksandherds。
Whereindreariestdays，whenalldewsend，Andallwindsarewarm，WildWinter’slargeflood-gatesareloosen’d，Andfloods，freedbystorm，Frombrokenupfountainheads，dashonDrydesertswithlongpentuppassion——
Hererhymewasfirstframedwithoutfashion，Songshapedwithoutform。
Whencegather’d？——Thelocust’sgladchirrupMayfurnishastave；
Theringofarowelandstirrup，Thewashofawave。
Thechauntofthemarshfroginrushes，ThatchimesthroughthepausesandhushesOfnightfall，thetorrentthatgushes，Thetempeststhatrave。
Inthedeep’ningofdawn，whenitdapplesTheduskofthesky，Withstreaksliketheredd’ningofapples，Theripeningofrye。
Toeastward，whenclusterbycluster，Dimstarsanddullplanetsthatmuster，WaxwaninaworldofwhitelustreThatspreadsfarandhigh。
Inthegatheringofnightgloomo’erhead，inThestillsilentchange，Allfire-flushedwhenforesttreesreddenOnslopesoftherange。
Whenthegnarl’d，knottedtrunksEucalyptianSeemcarved，likeweirdcolumnsEgyptian，Withcuriousdevice——quaintinscription，Andhieroglyphstrange。
IntheSpring，whenthewattlegoldtrembles’Twixtshadowandshine，Wheneachdew-ladenairdraughtresemblesAlongdraughtofwine；
Whenthesky-line’sblueburnish’dresistanceMakesdeeperthedreamiestdistance，Somesonginallheartshathexistence，——
Suchsongshavebeenmine。
Theycameinallguises，somevividToclaspandtokeep；
SomesuddenandswiftasthelividBluethunder-flame’sleap。
ThissweptthroughthefirstbreathofcloverWithmemoriesrenew’dtotherover——
Thatflash’dwhiletheblackhorseturn’doverBeforethelongsleep。
Toyou（havingcunningtocolourApagewithyourpen，Thatthroughdulldays，andnightsevenduller，Longyearsagoten，Fairpicturesinfeverafforded）——
Isendtheserudestaves，roughlywordedByoneinwhosebrainstandsrecordedAsclearnowasthen，\"Thegreatrushofgrey`Northernwater’，Thegreenridgeofbank，The`sorrel’withcurvedsweepofquarterCurl’dclosetocleanflank，TheRoyalistsaddlefastsquarely，Andwherethebrightuplandsstretchfairly，Behind，beyondpistol-shotbarely，TheRoundheadedrank。
\"Alonglaunch，withclingingofmuscles，Andclenchingofteeth！
Theloosedoubletripplesandrustles！
Theswirlshootsbeneath！\"
Enough。Inreturnforyourgarland——
Inlieuoftheflowersfromyourfarland——
Takewildgrowthofdreamlandorstarland，Takeweedsforyourwreath。
Yetrhymehadnotfail’dmeforreason，Norreasonforrhyme，SweetSong！hadIsoughtyouinseason，Andfoundyouintime。
Youbeckoninyourbrightbeautyyonder，AndI，waxingfainter，yetfonder，NowwearytoosoonwhenIwander——
NowfallwhenIclimb。
Itmattersbutlittleinthelongrun，Theweakhavesomeright——
Someshareintheracethatthestrongrun，Thefightthestrongfight。
Ifwordsthatareworthlessgowestward，Yettheworstwordshallbeasthebestword，Inthedaywhenallriotsweepsrestward，Indarknessorlight。
TheSickStockriderHoldhard，Ned！Liftmedownoncemore，andlaymeintheshade。
Oldman，you’vehadyourworkcutouttoguideBothhorses，andtoholdmeinthesaddlewhenIsway’d，Allthroughthehot，slow，sleepy，silentride。
Thedawnat\"Moorabinda\"wasamistrackdullanddense，Thesunrisewasasullen，sluggishlamp；
IwasdozinginthegatewayatArbuthnot’sbound’ryfence，IwasdreamingontheLimestonecattlecamp。
WecrossedthecreekatCarricksford，andsharplythroughthehaze，Andsuddenlythesunshotflamingforth；
Tosouthwardlay\"Katawa\"，withthesandpeaksallablaze，Andtheflush’dfieldsofGlenLomondlaytonorth。
NowwestwardwindsthebridlepaththatleadstoLindisfarm，Andyonderloomsthedouble-headedBluff；
Fromthefarsideofthefirsthill，whentheskiesareclearandcalm，YoucanseeSylvester’swoolshedfairenough。
FivemilesweusedtocallitfromourhomesteadtotheplaceWherethebigtreespanstheroadwaylikeanarch；
’TwashereweranthedingodownthatgaveussuchachaseEightyearsago——orwasitnine？——lastMarch。
’Twasmerryintheglowingmorn，amongthegleaminggrass，Towanderaswe’vewanderedmanyamile，Andblowthecooltobaccocloud，andwatchthewhitewreathspass，Sittinglooselyinthesaddleallthewhile。
’Twasmerry’midtheblackwoods，whenwespiedthestationroofs，Towheelthewildscrubcattleattheyard，Witharunningfireofstockwhipsandafieryrunofhoofs；
Oh！thehardestdaywasneverthentoohard！
Aye！wehadagloriousgallopafter\"Starlight\"andhisgang，WhentheyboltedfromSylvester’sontheflat；
Howthesun-driedreed-bedscrackled，howtheflint-strewnrangesrangTothestrokesof\"Mountaineer\"and\"Acrobat\"。
Hardbehindtheminthetimber，harderstillacrosstheheath，Closebesidethemthroughthetea-treescrubwedash’d；
Andthegolden-tintedfernleaves，howtheyrustledunderneath！
Andthehoneysuckleosiers，howtheycrash’d！
Weledthehuntthroughout，Ned，onthechestnutandthegrey，Andthetrooperswerethreehundredyardsbehind，Whileweemptiedoursix-shootersonthebushrangersatbay，Inthecreekwithstuntedbox-treeforablind！
Thereyougrappledwiththeleader，mantomanandhorsetohorse，Andyouroll’dtogetherwhenthechestnutrear’d；
Heblazedawayandmissedyouinthatshallowwatercourse——
Anarrowshave——hispowdersingedyourbeard！
Inthesehourswhenlifeisebbing，howthosedayswhenlifewasyoungComebacktous；howclearlyIrecallEventheyarnsJackHallinvented，andthesongsJemRopersung；
AndwherearenowJemRoperandJackHall？
Aye！nearlyallourcomradesoftheoldcolonialschool，Ourancientbooncompanions，Ned，aregone；
Hardliversforthemostpart，somewhatrecklessasarule，ItseemsthatyouandIareleftalone。
TherewasHughes，whogotintroublethroughthatbusinesswiththecards，Itmatterslittlewhatbecameofhim；
Butasteerripp’dupMacPhersonintheCooramintayards，AndSullivanwasdrown’datSink-or-swim；
AndMostyn——poorFrankMostyn——diedatlastafearfulwreck，In\"thehorrors\"，attheUpperWandinong，AndCarisbrooke，therider，attheHorsefallbrokehisneck，Faith！thewonderwashesavedhisnecksolong！
Ah！thosedaysandnightswesquanderedattheLogans’intheglen——
TheLogans，manandwife，havelongbeendead。
Elsie’stallestgirlseemstallerthanyourlittleElsiethen；
AndEthelisawomangrownandwed。
I’vehadmyshareofpastime，andI’vedonemyshareoftoil，Andlifeisshort——thelongestlifeaspan；
Icarenotnowtotarryforthecornorfortheoil，Orforthewinethatmakethgladtheheartofman。
Forgoodundoneandgiftsmisspentandresolutionsvain，’Tissomewhatlatetotrouble。ThisIknow——
Ishouldlivethesamelifeover，ifIhadtoliveagain；
AndthechancesareIgowheremostmengo。
Thedeepblueskieswaxdusky，andthetallgreentreesgrowdim，Theswardbeneathmeseemstoheaveandfall；
Andsickly，smokyshadowsthroughthesleepysunlightswim，Andontheverysun’sfaceweavetheirpall。
Letmeslumberinthehollowwherethewattleblossomswave，Withneverstoneorrailtofencemybed；
Shouldthesturdystationchildrenpullthebushflowersonmygrave，Imaychancetohearthemrompingoverhead。
TheSwimmerWithshort，sharp，violentlightsmadevivid，Tosouthwardfarasthesightcanroam，Onlytheswirlofthesurgeslivid，Theseasthatclimbandthesurfsthatcomb。
Onlythecragandtheclifftonor’ward，Andtherocksreceding，andreefsflungforward，Andwaifswreck’dseawardandwastedshorewardOnshallowssheetedwithflamingfoam。
Agrim，greycoastandaseaboardghastly，Andshorestrodseldombyfeetofmen——
Wherethebatter’dhullandthebrokenmastlie，Theyhavelainembeddedtheselongyearsten。
Love！whenwewander’dheretogether，Handinhandthroughthesparklingweather，Fromtheheightsandhollowsoffernandheather，Godsurelylovedusalittlethen。
Theskieswerefairerandshoreswerefirmer——
Theblueseaoverthebrightsandroll’d；
Babbleandprattle，andrippleandmurmur，Sheenofsilverandglamourofgold——
Andthesunsetbath’dinthegulftolendherAgarlandofpinksandofpurplestender，Atingeofthesun-god’srosysplendour，Atitheofhisgloriesmanifold。
Man’sworksaregraven，cunning，andskilfulOnearth，wherehistabernaclesare；
Buttheseaiswanton，theseaiswilful，Andwhoshallmendherandwhoshallmar？
ShallwecarvesuccessorrecorddisasterOnthebosomofherheavingalabaster？
WillherpurplepulsebeatfainterorfasterForfallensparroworfallenstar？
Iwouldthatwithsleepy，softembracesTheseawouldfoldme——wouldfindmerest，Inluminousshadesofhersecretplaces，Indepthswherehermarvelsaremanifest；
SotheearthbeneathhershouldnotdiscoverMyhiddencouch——northeheavenaboveher——
Asastrongloveshieldingawearylover，Iwouldhavehershieldmewithshiningbreast。
Whenlightintherealmsofspacelayhidden，Whenlifewasyetinthewomboftime，Erefleshwasfetteredtofruitsforbidden，Andsoulswereweddedtocareandcrime，Wasthecourseforeshapedforthefuturespirit——
Aburdenoffolly，avoidofmerit——
Thatwouldfainthewisdomofstarsinherit，Andcannotfathomtheseassublime？
Undertheseaorthesoil（whatmatter？
Theseaandthesoilareunderthesun），Asintheformerdaysinthelatter，Thesleepingorwakingisknownofnone。
SurelythesleepershallnotawakenTogriefsforgottenorjoysforsaken，Forthepriceofallthingsgivenandtaken，Thesumofallthingsdoneandundone。
Shallwecountoffencesorcoinexcuses，Orweighwithscalesthesoulofaman，Whomastronghandbindsandasurehandlooses，Whoselightisasparkandhislifeaspan？
Theseedhesow’dorthesoilhecumber’d，Thetimeheservedorthespaceheslumber’d，Willitprofitamanwhenhisdaysarenumber’d，Orhisdeedssincethedaysofhislifebegan？
One，gladbecauseofthelight，saith，\"ShallnotTherighteousJudgeofalltheearthdoright，Forbeholdthesparrowsonthehouse-topsfallnotSaveasseemethtoHimgoodinHissight？\"
Andthisman’sjoyshallhavenoabiding，Throughlightsdepartingandlivesdividing，Heissoonasoneinthedarknesshiding，Onelovingdarknessratherthanlight。
Alittleseasonofloveandlaughter，Oflightandlife，andpleasureandpain，Andahorrorofouterdarknessafter，Anddustreturnethtodustagain。
Thenthelesserlifeshallbeasthegreater，Andtheloveroflifeshalljointhehater，Andtheonethingcomethsoonerorlater，Andnooneknoweththelossorgain。
Loveofmylife！wehadlightsinseason——
Hardtopartfrom，hardertokeep——
Wehadstrengthtolabourandsoulstoreason，Andseedtoscatterandfruitstoreap。
Thoughtimeestrangesandfatedisperses，WehaveHADourlovesandourlovingmercies；
Thoughthegiftsofthelightintheendarecurses，Yetbidesthegiftofthedarkness——sleep！
See！girtwithtempestandwing’dwiththunder，Andcladwithlightningandshodwithsleet，ThestrongwindstreadingtheswiftwavessunderTheflyingrollerswithfrothyfeet。
Onegleamlikeabloodshotsword-bladeswimsonThesky-line，stainingthegreengulfcrimson，Adeathstrokefiercelydealtbyadimsun，Thatstrikesthroughhisstormywinding-sheet。
Oh！bravewhitehorses！yougatherandgallop，Thestormspriteloosensthegustyreins；
NowthestoutestshipwerethefrailestshallopInyourhollowbacks，oryourhigharch’dmanes。
IwouldrideasneveramanhasriddenInyoursleepy，swirlingsurgeshidden，Togulfsforeshadow’dthroughstraitsforbidden，Wherenolightweariesandnolovewanes。
FromtheWreck\"Turnout，boys！\"——\"What’supwithoursuper。to-night？
Theman’smad——TwohourstodaybreakI’dswear——
Starkmad——why，thereisn’taglimmeroflight。\"
\"TakeBolingbroke，Alec，giveJacktheyoungmare；
Looksharp。Alargevesselliesjamm’donthereef，Andmanyonboardstill，andsomewash’donshore。
Ridestraightwiththenews——theymaysendsomereliefFromthetownship；andwe——wecandolittlemore。
You，Alec，youknowthenearcuts；youcancross`TheSugarloaf’fordwithascramble，Ithink；
Don’tsparethebloodfilly，noryettheblackhorse；
Shouldthewindrise，Godhelpthem！theshipwillsoonsink。
OldPeter’sawaydownthepaddock，todriveThenagstothestockyardasfastashecan——
Alifeanddeathmatter；so，lads，lookalive。\"
Half-dress’d，inthedark，tothestockyardweran。
Therewasbridlingwithhurry，andsaddlingwithhaste，Confusionandcursingforlackofamoon；
\"Bequickwiththesebuckles，we’venotimetowaste；\"
\"Mindthemare，shecanuseherhindlegstosometune。\"
\"Makesureofthecrossing-place；striketheoldtrack，They’vefencedoffthenewone；lookoutfortheholesOnthewombathills。\"\"Downwiththesliprails；standback。\"
\"Andride，boys，thepairofyou，rideforyoursouls。\"
Inthelowbranchesheavilyladenwithdew，Inthelonggrassesspoilingwithdeadwoodthatday，Wheretheblackwood，thebox，andthebastardoakgrew，Betweenthetallgum-treeswegallop’daway——
Wecrash’dthroughabrushfence，wesplash’dthroughaswamp——
Westeeredforthenorthnear\"TheEaglehawk’sNest\"——
Weboretotheleft，justbeyond\"TheRedCamp\"，Androundtheblacktea-treebeltwheel’dtothewest——
Wecross’dalowrangesicklyscentedwithmuskFromwattle-treeblossom——weskirtedamarsh——
Thenthedawnfaintlydappledwithorangethedusk，Andpeal’doverheadthejay’slaughternoteharsh，Andshotthefirstsunstreakbehindus，andsoonThedimdewyuplandsweredreamywithlight；
Andfullonourleftflash’d\"TheReedyLagoon\"，Andsharply\"TheSugarloaf\"rear’donourright。
Asmotheredcursebrokethroughthebushman’sbrownbeard，Heturn’dinhissaddle，hisbrick-colour’dcheekFlush’dfeeblywithsundawn，said，\"JustwhatIfear’d；
Lastfortnight’slaterainfallhasfloodedthecreek。\"
BlackBolingbrokesnorted，andstoodonthebrinkOneinstant，thendeepinthedarksluggishswirlPlungedheadlong。Isawthehorsesuddenlysink，Tillroundtheman’sarmpitsthewavesseemedtocurl。
Wefollow’d，——onecoldshock，anddeeperwesankThantheydid，andtwicetriedthelandinginvain；
Thethirdstrugglewonit；straightupthesteepbankWestagger’d，thenoutontheskirtsoftheplain。
Thestockrider，Alec，atstartinghadgotThelead，andhadkeptitthroughout；’twashisboastThatthroughthickestofscrubhecouldsteerlikeashot，Andtheblackhorsewascountedthebestonthecoast。
Themarehadbeenawkwardenoughinthedark，Shewaseagerandheadstrong，andbarelyhalfbroke；
Shehadhadmetooclosetoabigstringy-bark，Andhadmadeanearthingofacrookedsheoak；
Butnowontheopen，litupbythemorn，Sheflungthewhitefoam-flakesfromnostriltoneck，Andchasedhim——Ihatless，withshirtsleevesalltorn（Forhemayrideraggedwhoridesfromawreck）——
AndfasterandfasteracrossthewideheathWerodetillweraced。ThenIgaveherherhead，Andshe——stretchingoutwiththebitinherteeth——
Shecaughthim，outpacedhim，andpassedhim，andled。
Wenearedthenewfence，wewerewideofthetrack；
Ilook’drightandleft——shehadneverbeentriedAtastiffleap；’twaslittlehecaredontheblack。
\"You’remorethanamilefromthegateway，\"hecried。
Ihungtoherhead，touchedherflankwiththespurs（Intheredstreakofrailnottheghostofagap）；
Sheshortenedherlongstroke，sheprickedhersharpears，Sheflungitbehindherwithhardlyarap——
IsawthepostquiverwhereBolingbrokestruck，AndguessedthatthepacewehadcomethelastmileHadblownhimabit（hecouldjumplikeabuck）。
Wegallopedmoresteadilythenforawhile。
Theheathwassoonpass’d，inthedimdistancelayThemountain。ThesunwasjustclearingthetipsOftherangestoeastward。Themare——couldshestay？
ShewasbredverynearlyascleanasEclipse；
Sheled，andasoftashecametoherside，Shetookthebitfreeanduntiringasyet；
Herneckwasarcheddouble，hernostrilswerewide，Andthetipsofhertaperingearsnearlymet——
\"You’relighterthanIam，\"saidAlecatlast；
\"Thehorseisdeadbeatandthemareisn’tblown。
Shemustbeagoodone——rideonandridefast，Youknowyourwaynow。\"SoIrodeonalone。
Stillgallopingforwardwepass’dthetwoflocksAtM’Intyre’shutandM’Allister’shill——
ShewasgallopingstrongattheWarrigalRocks——
OntheWallabyRangeshewasgallopingstill——
Andoverthewastelandandunderthewood，Bydownandbydale，andbyfellandbyflat，Shegallop’d，andhereinthestirrupsIstoodToeaseher，andthereinthesaddleIsatTosteerher。WesuddenlystrucktheredloamOfthetracknearthetroughs——thenshereeledontherise——
Fromhercresttohercroupcoveredoverwithfoam，Andblood-redhernostrils，andbloodshothereyes，Adipinthedellwherethewattlefirebloomed——
Abendroundabankthathadshutouttheview——
Largeframedinthemildlightthemountainhadloomed，Withatall，purplepeakburstingoutfromtheblue。
Ipull’dhertogether，Ipress’dher，andsheShotdownthedeclinetotheCompany’syard，Andonbythepaddocks，yetundermykneeIcouldfeelherheartthumpingthesaddle-flapshard。
Yetamileandanother，andnowwewerenearThegoal，andthefieldsandthefarmsflittedpast；
And’twixtthetwofencesIturnedwithacheer，Foragreengrass-fedmare’twasafarthingandfast；
Andlabourers，rousedbyhergallopinghoofs，Sawbare-headedriderandfoam-sheetedsteed；
Andshonethewhitewallsandtheslate-colouredroofsOfthetownship。Isteadiedherthen——Ihadneed——
Wherestoodtheoldchapel（wherestandsthenewchurch——
Sincechapelstochurcheshavechangedinthattown）。
Ashort，sidelongstagger，along，forwardlurch，Aslight，chokingsob，andthemarehadgonedown。
Islipp’doffthebridle，Islacken’dthegirth，Iranonandleftherandtoldthemmynews；
Isawhersoonafterwards。Whatwassheworth？
Howmuchforherhide？Shehadneverwornshoes。
NoName\"Astoneuponherheartandhead，Butnonamewrittenonthatstone；
Sweetneighbourswhisperlowinstead，Thissinnerwasalovingone。\"——Mrs。Browning。
’Tisanamelessstonethatstandsatyourhead——
ThegustsinthegloomygorgeswhirlBrownleavesandredtilltheycoveryourbed——
NowItrustthatyoursleepisasoundone，girl！
Isaidinmywrath，whenhisshadowcross’dFromyourgardengatetoyourcottagedoor，\"Whatdoesitmatterforonesoullost？
Millionsofsoulshavebeenlostbefore。\"
YetIwarn’dyou——ah！butmywordscametrue——
\"Perhapssomedayyouwillfindhimout。\"
Hewhowasnotworthytoloosenyourshoe，Doeshisconsciencethereforeprickhim？Idoubt。
Youlaughedandweredeaftomywarningvoice——
Blush’dandwereblindtohisclovenhoof——
Youhavehadyourchance，youhavetakenyourchoiceHowcouldIhelpyou，standingaloof？
Hehasprosper’dwellwiththeworld——hesaysIammad——ifso，andifhebesane，I，atleast，giveGodthanksgivingandpraiseThatthereliesbetweenusonedifferenceplain。
*****
YouinyourbeautyabovemebentInthepauseofawildwestcountryball——
Spoketome——touchedmewithoutintent——
Mademeyourservantforonceandall。
Lightlaughterrippledyourrose-redlip，Andyousweptmycheekwithashiningcurl，Thatstray’dfromyourshoulder’ssnowytip——
NowIpraythatyoursleepisasoundone，girl！
FromalongwayofftolookatyourcharmsMademybloodrunredderineveryvein，Andhe——hehasheldyoulonginhisarms，Andhaskiss’dyouoverandoveragain。
Isitwellthathekeepswelloutofmyway？
Ifwemet，heandI——wealone——wetwo——
WouldIgivehimonemoment’sgracetopray？
NotI，forthesakeofthesoulheslew。
Alifelikeashuttlecockmaybetoss’dWiththehandoffateforabattledore；
Butitmattersmuchforyoursweetsoullost，Asmuchasamillionsoulsandmore。
AndIknowthatif，hereorthere，alone，Ifoundhim，fairlyandfacetoface，Havingslainhisbody，Iwouldslaymyown，ThatmysoultoSatanhissoulmightchase。
Hehardenshisheartinthepublicway——
WhoamI？Iambutanamelesschurl；
ButGodwillputallthingsstraightsomeday——
Tillthenmayyoursleepbeasoundone，girl！
WolfandHound\"ThehillslikegiantsatahuntinglayChinuponhand，toseethegameatbay。\"——Browning。
You’lltakemytalewithalittlesalt，Butitneedsnone，nevertheless，Iwasfoil’dcompletely，fairlyatfault，Dishearten’d，too，Iconfess。
Atthesplitters’tentIhadseenthetrackOfhorse-hoofsfreshonthesward，AndthoughDarbyLynchandDonovanJack（Whocouldswearthroughaten-inchboard）
Solemnlysworehehadnotbeenthere，Iwasjustassurethattheylied，FortoDarbyallthatisfoulwasfair，AndJackforhislifewastried。
WehadrunhimforsevenmilesandmoreAshardasournagscouldsplit；
Atthestarttheywerealltoowearyandsore，Andhiswasquitefreshandfit。
YoungMarsden’sponyhadhadenoughOntheplain，wherethechasewashot；
WebreastedtheswelloftheBittern’sBluff，AndMarkcouldn’traiseatrot；
Whenthesea，likeasplendidsilvershield，Tothesouth-westsuddenlylay；
OnthebrowoftheBeetlethechestnutreel’d，AndIbidgood-byetoM’Crea——
AndIwasalonewhenthemarefelllame，Withapointedflintinhershoe，OntheStonyFlats：Ihadlostthegame，Andwhatwasamantodo？
IturnedawaywithnofixedintentAndheadedforHawthorndell；
Icouldneithereatinthesplitters’tent，Nordrinkatthesplitters’well；
Iknewthattheygloriedinmymishap，AndIcursedthembetweenmyteeth——
Ablood-redsunsetthroughBrayton’sGapFlungaluridfireontheheath。
CouldIreachtheDell？Ihadlittlereck，AndwithscarceachoiceofmyownIthrewthereinsonMiladi’sneck——
Ihadfreedherfootfromthestone。
Thatseasonmostoftheswampsweredry，Andaftersohardaburst，Inthesultrynoonofsohotasky，Shewaskeentoappeaseherthirst——
Orbyinstincturgedorimpelledbyfate——
Icarenottosolvethesethings——
CertainitisthatshetookmestraightTotheWarrigalwatersprings。
IcanshutmyeyesandrecallthegroundAsthoughitwereyesterday——
Withashelfofthelow，greyrocksgirtround，Thespringsintheirbasinlay；
WoodstotheeastandwoldstothenorthInthesundownsullenlybloom’d；
DeadblackonacurtainofcrimsonclothLargepeakstothewestwardloomed。
IledMiladithroughweedandsedge，Sheleisurelydrankherfill；
Therewassomethingclosetothewater’sedge，Andmyheartwithoneleapstoodstill，Forahorse’sshoeandarider’sbootHadleftcleanprintsontheclay；
Someonehadwateredhisbeastonfoot。
’Twashe——hehadgone。Whichway？
Thenthemouthofthecavernfacedmefair，AsIturnedandfrontedtherocks；
So，atlast，Ihadpressedthewolftohislair，Ihadruntohisearththefox。
Ithoughtso。Perhapshewasresting。PerhapsHewaswaiting，watchingforme。
Iexaminedallmyrevolvercaps，Ihitchedmymaretoatree——
Ihadsworntohavehim，aliveordead，Andtogivehimachancewasloth。
Heknewhislifehadbeenforfeited——
Hehadevenheardofmyoath。
InmystockingsolestotheshelfIcrept，Icrawl’dsafeintothecave——
Allsilent——ifhewastherehesleptNotthere。Alldarkasthegrave。
ThroughthecrackIcouldheartheleadenhiss！
Seethelividfacethroughtheflame！
HowstrangeitseemsthatamanshouldmissWhenhislifedependsonhisaim！
Therecouldn’thavebeenabetterlightForhim，noraworseforme。
Wewerecoop’dup，cagedlikebeastsforafight，Anddumbasdumbbeastswerewe。
Flash！flash！bang！bang！andweblazedaway，Andthegreyroofreddenedandrang；
Flash！flash！andIfelthisbulletflayThetipofmyear。Flash！bang！
Bang！flash！andmypistolarmfellbroke；
Istruckwithmylefthandthen——
Struckatacorpsethroughacloudofsmoke——
Ihadshothimdeadinhisden！
DeTeAburningglassofburnishedbrass，Thecalmseacaughtthenoontiderays，AndsunnyslopesofgoldengrassAndwastesofweed-flowerseemtoblaze。