Beyondtheshiningsilver-greys，Beyondtheshadesofdenserbloom，Thesky-linegirtwithglowinghazeThefarthest，faintestforestgloom，Andtheeverlastinghillsthatloom。
Weheardthehoundbeneaththemound，Wescaredtheswamphawkhoveringnigh——
Wehadnotsoughtforthatwefound——
Helayasdeadmenonlylie，Withwancheekwhiteninginthesky，Throughthewildheathflowers，whiteandred，Thedumbbrutethathadseenhimdie，Closecrouching，howl’dbesidethehead，Bruteburialserviceo’erthedead。
Thebrowwasrifewithseamsofstrife——
AlawlessdeathmadedoublyplainTheravageofarecklesslife；
ThehavocofahurricaneOfpassionsthroughthatbreadthofbrain，LikeheadlonghorsesthathadrunRiot，regardlessoftherein——
\"Madman，hemighthavelivedanddoneBetterthanmostmen，\"whisperedone。
ThebeamsandblotsthatHeavenallotsToeverylifewithlifebegin。
Fool！wouldyouchangetheleopard’sspots，OrblanchtheEthiopian’sskin？
Whatmorecouldhehavehopedtowin，Whatbetterthingshavethoughttogain，Soshapen——soconceivedinsin？
Nolifeiswhollyvoidandvain，Justandunjustsharesunandrain。
Werenewlifesent，andlifemisspent，Wipedout（ifsuchtoGodseemedgood），Wouldhe（beingashewas）repent，Orcouldhe，evenifhewould，Whoheedednotthingsunderstood（Thoughdimly）eveninsavagelandsBysomewhoworshipstoneorwood，Orbirdorbeast，orwhostretchhandsSunwardonshiningEasternsands？
Andcrimehascause。Nay，neverpauseIdlytofeelapulselesswrist；
Braceupthemassive，square-shapedjaws，Unclenchthestubborn，stiff’ningfist，AndclosethoseeyesthroughfilmandmistThatkepttheolddefiantglare；
Andanswer，wisePsychologist，WhosescienceclaimssomelittleshareOftruth，whatbetterthingslaythere？
Aye！thoughtandmindwerethere，——somekindOffacultythatmenmistakeFortalentwhentheirwitsareblind，——
AnaptitudetomarandbreakWhatothersdiligentlymake。
Thiswastheworstandbestofhim——
Wisewiththecunningofthesnake，Bravewiththeshewolf’scouragegrim，Dyinghardanddumb，tornlimbfromlimb。
Andyou，Brown，you’readoctor；cureYoucan’t，butyoucankill，andhe——
\"WITNESSHISMARK\"——hesignedlastyear，AndnowhesignsJohnSmith，J。P。
We’llholdourinquestNOW，wethree；
I’llbeyourcoronerforonce；
IthinkoldOswaldoughttobeOurforeman——Jonesissuchadunce，——
There’smorebraininthebloodhound’ssconce。
Nomanmayshirktheallottedwork，Thedeedtodo，thedeathtodie；
AtleastIthinkso，——neitherTurk，NorJew，norinfidelamI，——
AndyetIwonderwhenItryTosolveonequestion，mayormust，AndshallIsolveitby-and-by，Beyondthedark，beneaththedust？
Itrustso，andIonlytrust。
Aye，whattheywill，suchtrifleskill。
Comrade，foronegooddeedofyours，YourhistoryshallnothelptofillThemouthsofmanybrainlessboors。
ItmaybedeathabsolvesorcuresThesinoflife。’TwerehazardousToassertso。Ifthesinendures，Sayonly，\"God，whohasjudgedhimthus，Bemercifultohimandus。\"
HowweBeattheFavouriteALayoftheLoamshireHuntCup\"Aye，squire，\"saidStevens，\"theybackhimatevens；
Theraceisallover，barshouting，theysay；
TheClownoughttobeather；DickNevilleissweeterThanever——heswearshecanwinalltheway。
\"Agentlemanrider——well，I’manoutsider，Butifhe’sagentwhothemischief’sajock？
Youswellsmostlyblunder，Dickridesfortheplunder，Herides，too，likethunder——hesitslikearock。
\"Hecalls`huntedfairly’ahorsethathasbarelyBeenstripp’dforatrotwithinsightofthehounds，AhorsethatatWarwickbeatBirdlimeandYorick，AndgaveAbdelkaderatAintreeninepounds。
\"Theysaywehavenotesttowarrantaprotest；
Dickridesforalordandstandsinwithasteward；
Thelightoftheirfacestheyshowhim——hiscaseisPrejudgedandhisverdictalreadysecured。
\"Butnonecanoutlasther，andfewtravelfaster，ShestridesinherworkcleanawayfromTheDrag；
Youholdherandsither，shecouldn’tbefitter，Wheneveryouhithershe’llspringlikeastag。
\"Andp’rhapsthegreenjacket，atoddsthoughtheybackit，Mayfall，orthere’snoknowingwhatmayturnup；
Themareisquiteready，sitstillandridesteady，Keepcool；andIthinkyoumayjustwintheCup。\"
Dark-brownwithtanmuzzle，juststrippedforthetussle，StoodIseult，archinghernecktothecurb，Aleanheadandfiery，strongquartersandwiry，Aloinratherlight，butashouldersuperb。
Somepartinginjunction，bestowedwithgreatunction，Itriedtorecall，butforgotlikeadunce，WhenReginaldMurray，fulltiltonWhiteSurrey，Camedowninahurrytostartusatonce。
\"Keepbackintheyellow！ComeuponOthello！
Holdhardonthechestnut！TurnroundonTheDrag！
KeepbackthereonSpartan！Backyou，sir，intartan！
So，steadythere，easy！\"anddownwenttheflag。
Westarted，andKerrmadestrongrunningonMermaid，Throughfurrowsthatledtothefirststake-and-bound，Thecrack，halfextended，look’dbloodlikeandsplendid，Heldwideontherightwheretheheadlandwassound。
Ipulledhardtobaffleherrushwiththesnaffle，Beforehertwo-thirdsofthefieldgotaway，AllthroughthewetpasturewherefloodsofthelastyearStillloitered，theyclottedmycrimsonwithclay。
Thefourthfence，awattle，floor’dMonkandBluebottle；
TheDragcametogriefattheblackthornandditch，TherailstoppledoverRedoubtandRedRover，ThelanestoppedLycurgusandLeicestershireWitch。
ShepassedlikeanarrowKildareandCockSparrow，AndMantrapandMermaidrefusedthestonewall；
AndGilesonTheGreylingcamedownatthepaling，AndIwasleftsailinginfrontofthemall。
Itookthemaburster，noreasedhernornursedherUntiltheBlackBullfinchledintotheplough，Andthroughthestrongbrambleweboredwithascramble——
Mycapwasknock’doffbythehazel-treebough。
WherefurrowslookedlighterIdrewthereintighter——
Herdarkchestalldappledwithflakesofwhitefoam，Herflanksmud-bespattered，aweakrailsheshattered——
Welandedonturfwithourheadsturn’dforhome。
Thencrash’dalowbinder，andthenclosebehindherTheswardtothestrokesofthefavouriteshook；
Hisrushrousedhermettle，yeteversolittleSheshortenedherstrideasweracedatthebrook。
SherosewhenIhither。Isawthestreamglitter，Awidescarletnostrilflashedclosetomyknee，BetweenskyandwaterTheClowncameandcaughther，Thespacethatheclearedwasacautiontosee。
Andforcingtherunning，discardingallcunning，Alengthtothefrontwenttherideringreen；
Alongstripofstubble，andthenthebigdouble，Twostiffflightsofrailswithaquicksetbetween。
Sheracedattherasper，Ifeltmykneesgraspher，Ifoundmyhandsgivetoherstrainonthebit；
SherosewhenTheClowndid——oursilksasweboundedBrush’dlightly，ourstirrupsclash’dloudaswelit。
Arisesteeplysloping，afencewithstonecoping——
Thelast——wedivergedroundthebaseofthehill；
Hispathwasthenearer，hisleapwastheclearer，Iflogg’dupthestraight，andheledsittingstill。
Shecametohisquarter，andonstillIbroughther，Anduptohisgirth，tohisbreastplateshedrew；
AshortprayerfromNevillejustreach’dme，\"Thedevil！\"
Hemutter’d——lock’dlevelthehurdlesweflew。
Ahumofhoarsecheering，adensecrowdcareering，Allsightsseenobscurely，allshoutsvaguelyheard；
\"Thegreenwins！\"\"Thecrimson！\"Themultitudeswimson，Andfiguresareblendedandfeaturesareblurr’d。
\"Thehorseishermaster！\"\"Thegreenforgespasther！\"
\"TheClownwilloutlasther！\"\"TheClownwins！\"\"TheClown！\"
Thewhiterailingraceswithallthewhitefaces，Thechestnutoutpaces，outstretchesthebrown。
Onstillpastthegatewayshestrainsinthestraightway，Stillstruggles，\"TheClownbyashortneckatmost，\"
Heswerves，thegreenscourges，thestandrocksandsurges，Andflashes，andverges，andflitsthewhitepost。
Aye！soendsthetussle，——IknewthetanmuzzleWasfirst，thoughthering-menwereyelling\"Deadheat！\"
AnoseIcouldswearby，butClarkesaid，\"ThemarebyAshorthead。\"Andthat’showthefavouritewasbeat。
FragmentaryScenesfromtheRoadtoAvernusAnUnpublishedDramaticLyricSceneI
\"Discontent\"
LAURENCERABY。
Laurence：
IsaidtoyoungAllanM’Ilveray，BesidetheswiftswirlsoftheNorth，When，inlilacshotthroughwithasilverray，Wehaul’dthestrongsalmonfishforth——
Saidonly，\"HegaveussometroubleTolandhim，andwhatdoesheweigh？
Ourfriendhascaughtonethatweighsdouble，Thegameforthecandlewon’tpayUsto-day，Wemaytieupourrodsandaway。\"
IsaidtooldNormanM’Gregor，ThreeleaguestothewestofGlenDhu——
Ihaddrawn，withatouchofthetrigger，ThebestBEADthateverIdrew——
Saidmerely，\"ForbirdsinthestubbleIoncehadaneye——IcouldswearHe’sdown——buthe’snotworththetroubleOfseeking。YouonceshotabearInhislair——
’Tisonlyabuckthatliesthere。\"
IsaidtoLordCharlesonlylastyear，Thetimethatwetopp’dtheoakrailBetweenWharton’sploughandWhynne’spasture，Andclear’dthebigbrookinBlakesvale——
Weonly——atWarburton’sdoubleHefell，thenIfinish’dtherunAndkill’dclean——said，\"SoburstsabubbleThatshonehalfanhourinthesun——
Whatiswon？
Yoursireclear’dandcapturedagun。\"
Isaidtomyself，intruesorrow，Isaidyestere’en，\"AfairprizeIswon，anditmaybeto-morrow’Twillnotseemsofairinthineeyes——
Reallifeisaracethroughsoretrouble，Thatgainsnotaninchonthegoal，AndblissanintangiblebubbleThatcheatsanunsatisfiedsoul，AndthewholeOftherestanillegiblescroll。\"
SceneVII
\"TwoExhortations\"
AShooting-boxintheWestofIreland。ABedchamber。
LAURENCERABYandMELCHIOR。Night。
Melchior：
SurelyinthegreatbeginningGodmadeallthingsgood，andstillThatsoul-sicknessmencallsinningenterednotwithoutHiswill。
Nay，ourwisesthaveassertedthat，asshadeenhanceslight，Evilisbutgoodperverted，wrongisbutthefoilofright。
Banishsickness，thenyoubanishjoyforhealthtoallthatlive；
Slayallsin，allgoodmustvanish，goodbeingbutcomparative。
Sophistry，yousay——yetlisten：lookyouskyward，there’tisknownWorldsonworldsinmyriadsglisten——larger，lovelierthanourown——
Thishasbeen，andthisstillshallbe，hereasthere，insunorstar；
Thesethingsaretobeandwillbe，thosethingsweretobeandare。
Maninman’simperfectnatureisbyimperfectiontaught：
Addonecubittoyourstatureifyoucanbytakingthought。
Laurence：
Thusyouwouldnotteachthatpeasant，thoughhecallsyou\"father\"。
Melchior：True，Ishouldmagnifythispresent，mystifythatfuture，too——
Weadaptourconversationalwaystoourhearer’slight。
Laurence：
Iamnotofyourpersuasion。
Melchior：Yetthedifferenceisbutslight。
Laurence：
I，EVENI，say，\"HewhobartersworldlywealforheavenlyworthHedoeswell\"——yoursaintsandmartyrswereexampleshereonearth。
Melchior：
Aye，inearlierChristianages，whiletheheathenempirestood，Whenthewar’twixtsaintsandsagescriedaloudforsaintlyblood，Christwasthentheirmodeltruly。Now，ifallweremeekandpure，Savetheungodlyandtheunruly，wouldtheChristianChurchendure？
Shallthetoilerorthefighterdreambydayandwatchbynight，Turntheleftcheektothesmiter，smittenrudelyontheright？
Strongmenmustencounterbadmen——so-calledsaintsoflatterdaysHavebeenmostlypiousmadmen，lustingafterrighteouspraise——
Orthethrallsofsuperstition，doubtlessworthysomereward，Sincetheycamebytheirconditionhardlyoftheirfreeaccord。
’Tisbutmadness，sadandsolemn，thatthesefakir-Christiansfeel——
SaintStylitesonhiscolumngratifiedamorbidzeal。
Laurence：
Byyourshowing，goodisreallyonapar（ofworth）withill。
Melchior：
Nay，Isaidnotso；Imerelytellyoubothsomeendsfulfil——
Priestlyvowsweremyvocation，fastandvigilwaitforme。
Youmustworkandfacetemptation。Nevershouldthestrongmanflee，ThoughGodwillstheinclinationwiththesoulatwartobe。（Pauses。）
Inthestrife’twixtfleshandspirit，whileyoucanthespiritaid。
Shouldyoufallnotlessyourmerit，benotforafallafraid。
Whatsoe’ermostright，mostfitisyoushalldo。WhenallisdoneChauntthenobleNuncDimittis——Benedicimur，myson。
[ExitMELCHIOR。]
Laurence（alone）：
WhydoIprovokethesewrangles？Melchiortalks（aswellhemay）
Withthetonguesofmenandangels。
（Takesupapamphlet。）Whathasthismangottosay？
（Reads。）Sicsacerdosfatur（ejusnomenquondameratBurgo。）
Malamensest，caropejus，animainfirma，ergoInunc，ora，sinemora——oratetiamSanctaVirgo。
（Thinks。）
（Speaks。）Soitseemstheymeantomakeherwedtheusurer，NathanLee。
PoorEstelle！herfriendsforsakeher；whathasthistodowithme？
GladIam，atleast，thatHelenstillrefusestodiscardHer，throughtalesfalsegossipstellinspiteorheedlessness。——’Tishard！——
Lee，theLevite！——somefewyearsbackHerberthorsewhipp’dhim——thecurShow’dhisteethandlaidhisearsback。Nowhiswealthhaspurchasedher。
Musthisbasenessmarherbrightness？Shallthecallous，cunningchurlRevelintherosywhitenessofthatgolden-headedgirl？
（Thinksandsmokes。）
（Reads。）Citocertevenitvitaefinis（sicsacerdosfatur），Nuncauditeomnes，ite，vobisfabulanarraturNuncorateetlaudate，laudatetiamAlmaMater。
（Muses。）Suchhasbeen，andsuchshallstillbe，hereasthere，insunorstar；
Thesethingsaretobeandwillbe，thosethingsweretobeandare。
IfIthoughtthatspeechworthheedingIshould——Nay，itseemstomeMorelikeSatan’sspecialpleadingthanlikeGloriaDomine。
（Liesdownonhiscouch。）
（Reads。）EttuquoquefratermeusfactamalaquodfecistiDeniqueconfunditDeusomnesresquastetegisti。
Nuncsiunquam，nuncautnunquam，sanguineadjuroChristi。
SceneIX
\"IntheGarden\"
Aylmer’sGarden，neartheLake。LAURENCERABYandESTELLE。
He：
Cometothebankwheretheboatismoor’dtothewillow-treelow；
Bertha，thebaby，won’tnotice，Brian，theblockhead，won’tknow。
She：
Berthaisnotsuchababy，sir，asyouseemtosuppose；
Brian，ablockheadhemaybe，morethanyouthinkforheknows。
He：
Thismuch，atleast，ofyourbrother，fromthebeginningheknewSomewhatconcerningthatothermadesuchafoolofbyyou。
She：
Firmerthosebondswereandfaster，Frankwasmyspaniel，myslave。
You！youwouldfainbemymaster；markyou！thedifferenceisgrave。
He：
Callmeyourspaniel，yourstarling，takemeandtreatmeasthese，Iwouldbeanything，darling！aye，whatsoeveryouplease。
BrianandBasilare\"punting\"，leavethemtheirdiceandtheirwine，Berthaisbutterflyhunting，surelyonehourshallbemine。
See，Ihavedonewithallduty；see，Icandarealldisgrace，Onlytolookatyourbeauty，feastingmyeyesonyourface。
She：
Lookatme，aye，tillyoureyesache！How，letmeask，willitend？
Neitherforyoursake，normysake，butforthesakeofmyfriend？
He：
Issheyourfriendthen？Iownit，thisisallwrong，andtherest，Frustrasedanimamonet，caroquodfortiusest。
She：
Notquitesoclose，LaurenceRaby，notwithyourarmroundmywaist；
SomethingtolookatImaybe，nothingtotouchortotaste。
He：
Wilfulaseverandwayward；whydidyoutemptme，Estelle？
She：
Youmisinterpreteachstrayword，youforeachinchtakeanell。
Lightlyalllawsandtiestrammelme，Iamwarn’dforallthat。
He（aside）：
Perhapsshewillswallowhercamelwhenshehasstrainedathergnat。
She：
Thereforetakethoughtandconsider，weighwell，asIdo，thewhole，Youformerebeautyabidder，say，wouldyoubarterasoul？
He：
Girl！THATMAYhappen，butTHISIS；afterthiswelcometheworst；
Blestforonehourbyyourkisses，letmebeevermorecurs’d。
Talknotoftiestomereckless，hereeverytieIdiscard——
Makemeyourgirdle，yournecklace——
She：Laurence，youkissmetoohard。
He：
Aye，’tistheroadtoAvernus，n’estcepasvraidonc，mabelle？
Thereletthembindusorburnus，maislejeuvautlachandelle。
AmIyourlordoryourvassal？Areyoumysunormytorch？
You，whenIlookatyou，dazzle，yetwhenItouchyou，youscorch。
She：
YonderareBrianandBasilwatchingusfoolsfromtheporch。
SceneX
\"AftertheQuarrel\"
LaurenceRaby’sChamber。LAURENCEenters，alittletheworseforliquor。
Laurence：
Henevergavemeachancetospeak，Andhecall’dher——worsethanadog——
Thegirlstoodupwithacrimsoncheek，AndIfell’dhimtherelikealog。
Icanfeeltheblowonmyknucklesyet——
Hefeelsitmoreonhisbrow。
InathousandyearsweshallallforgetThethingsthattroubleusnow。
SceneXI
\"TenPacesOff\"
Anopencountry。LAURENCERABYandFORREST，BRIANAYLMERandPRESCOT。
Forrest：
I’vewonthetwotossesfromPrescot；
Nowhearme，andhearkenandheed，Andpullthatvileflowerfromyourwaistcoat，Andthrowdownthatbeastofaweed；
I’mgoingtogiveyouthesignalIgaveHarryHuntatBoulogne，ThemorninghemetMajorBignell，Andshothimasdeadasastone；
ForhemustlookroundonhisrighthandTowatchthewhiteflutter——thatstopsHisaim，forittakesoffhissight，andICOUGHWHILETHEHANDKERCHIEFDROPS。
Andyoukeepbotheyesonhisfigure，Oldfellow，anddon’ttakethemoff。
You’vegotthesawhandledhairtrigger——
YousighthimandshootwhenIcough。
Laurence（aside）：
ThoughGodwillneverforgiveme，Thoughmenmakelightofmyname，Thoughmysinandmyshameoutliveme，Ishallnotoutlastmyshame。
Thecoward，doeshemeantomissme？
Hisrighthandshakeslikealeaf；
ShallIliveformyfriendstohissme，Offoolsandofknavesthechief？
ShallIliveformyfoestotwitme？
Hehasmaster’dhisnerveagain——
Heisfirm，hewillsurelyhitme——
Willhereachtheheartorthebrain？
Onelonglookeastwardandnorthward——
Oneprayer——\"OurFatherwhichart\"——
Andthecoughchimesinwiththefourthword，AndIshootskyward——theheart。
LastScene\"Exeunt\"
HELENRABY。
Wherethegrave-deepsrot，wherethegrave-dewsrust，Theydug，crying，\"Earthtoearth\"——
Crying，\"Ashestoashesanddusttodust\"——
Andwhataremypoorprayersworth？
UponwhomshallIcall，orinwhomshallItrust，Thoughdeathwereindeednewbirth。
Andtheybidmebegladformybaby’ssakeThatshesufferedsinlessandyoung——
WouldtheyhavemebegladwhenmybreastsstillacheWherethatsmall，soft，sweetmouthclung？
IamgladthattheheartwillsosurelybreakThathasbeensobitterlywrung。
Hewasfalse，theytellme，andwhatifhewere？
Icanonlyshudderandpray，PouringoutmysoulinapassionateprayerForthesoulthathecastaway；
WastherenothingthatoncewascreatedfairInthepotter’sperishingclay？
Isitwellforthesinnerthatsoulsendure？
Forthesinlesssoulisitwell？
Doesthepurechildlisptotheangelspure？
Andwheredoesthestrongmandwell，Ifthesadassuranceofpriestsbesure，Orthetalethatourpreacherstell？
Theuncleanhasfollow’dtheundefiled，AndtheillMAYregainthegood，AndthemanMAYbeevenasthelittlechild！
Wearechildrenlostinthewood——
Lord！leadusoutofthistangledwild，Wherethewiseandtheprudenthavebeenbeguil’d，Andonlythebabeshavestood。
DoubtfulDreamsAye，snowsarerifeinDecember，AndsheavesareinAugustyet，Andyouwouldhavemeremember，AndIwouldratherforget；
InthebloomoftheMay-dayweather，IntheblightofOctoberchill，Weweredreamersofoldtogether，——
Asofold，areyoudreamingstill？
FornothingonearthissadderThanthedreamthatcheatedthegrasp，Theflowerthatturnedtotheadder，Thefruitthatchangedtotheasp；
Whentheday-springindarknesscloses，Asthesunsetfadesfromthehills，Withthefragranceofperish’droses，Withthemusicofparch’d-uprills。
Whenthesandsonthesea-shorenourishRedcloverandyellowcorn；
Whenfigsonthethistleflourish，Andgrapesgrowthickonthethorn；
Whenthedeadbranch，blightedandblasted，Putsforthgreenleavesinthespring，ThenthedreamthatlifehasoutlastedDeadcomforttolifemaybring。
Ihavechangedthesoilandtheseason，Butwhetherskiesfreezeorflame，ThesoiltheyflameonorfreezeonIschangedinlittlesavename；
Theloadstonepointstothenor’ward，Theriverrunstothesea；
Andyouwouldhavemelookforward，AndbackwardIfainwouldflee。
Irememberthebrightspringgarlands，Thegoldthatspangledthegreen，Andthepurpleonfairyfarlands，Andthewhiteandtheredbloom，seenFromthespotwherewelastlaydreamingTogether——yourselfandI——
Thesoftgrassbeneathusgleaming，Aboveusthegreatgravesky。
Andwespokethus：\"ThoughwehavetroddenRoughpathsinourboyishyears；
Andsomewithoursweataresodden，Andsomearesaltwithourtears；
Thoughwestumblestill，walkingblindly，Ourpathsshallbemadeallstraight；
Weareweak，buttheheavensarekindly，Theskiesarecompassionate。\"
Istheclimeoftheoldlandyounger，Wheretheyoungdreamslongerarenursed？
Withtheoldinsatiablehunger，Withtheoldunquenchablethirst，Areyoulonging，asintheoldyearsWehavelongedsoofteninvain；
Fellow-toilersstill，fellow-soldiers，Thoughtheseashavesunderedustwain？
Buttheyoungdreamssurelyhavefaded！
Youngdreams！——olddreamsofyoungdays——
Shallthenewdreamvexusastheydid？
Orasthingsworthcensureorpraise？
Realtoilisours，realtrouble，Dimdreamsofpleasureandpride；
Letthedreamsdisperselikeabubble，Sothetoillikeadreamsubside。
Vaintoil！menbetterandbraverRoseearlyandrestedlate，Whoseburdensthanoursweregraver，Andsternerthanourstheirhate。
WhatfairrewardhadAchilles？
WhatrestcouldAlcideswin？
Vaintoil！\"Considerthelilies，Theytoilnotneitherdospin。\"
NorformortaltoilingnorspinningWillthemattersofmortalsmend；
Asitwassointhebeginning，Itshallbesointheend。
ThewebthattheweaversweaveillShallnotbewovenarightTillthegoodisbroughtforthfromevil，Asdayisbroughtforthfromnight。
Vaindreams！forourfatherscherish’dHighhopesinthedaysthatwere；
Andthesemenwonder’dandperish’d，Norbetterthanthesewefare；
Andourdueatlastistheirdue，Theyfoughtagainstoddsandfell；
\"Enavant，lesenfantsperdus！\"
Wefightagainstoddsaswell。
Theskies！WillthegreatskiescareforOurfootsteps，straightenourpath，Orstrengthenourweakness？Wherefore？
Wehaveratherincurr’dtheirwrath；
WhenagainsttheCaptainofHazorThestarsintheircoursesfought，Didtheskiesshedmercifulrays，orWithlovewasthesunshinefraught？
Cantheyfavourman？Cantheywrongman？
Theunapproachableskies？
Thoughthesegavestrengthtothestrongman，Andwisdomgavetothewise；
Whenstrengthisturn’dtoderision，Andwisdombroughttodismay，Shallwewakefromatroubledvision，Orrestfromatoilsomeday？
Nay！Icannottell。PeradventureOurverytoilisadream，Andtheworksthatwepraiseorcensure，Itmaybe，theyonlyseem。
Ifso，Iwouldfainawaken，Orsleepmoresoundlythanso，Orbydreamlesssleepovertaken，ThedreamIwouldfainforego。
Forthegreatthingsofeartharesmallthings，Thelongestlifeisaspan，Andthereisanendtoallthings，Aseasontoeveryman，Whosegloryisdustandashes，Whosespiritisbutaspark，Thatoutfromthedarknessflashes，Andflickersoutinthedark。
WerememberthepangsthatwrungusWhensomewentdowntothepit，Whofadedasleavesamongus，Whoflittedasshadowsflit；
Whatvisionsunderthestonelie？
Whatdreamsintheshroudsleepdwell？
Forwesawtheearthpitonly，Andweheardonlytheknell。
WeknownotwhethertheyslumberWhowakenonearthnomore，Asthestarsoftheheightsinnumber，Assandsonthedeepsea-shore。
Shallstiffnessbindthem，andstarknessEnthralthem，byfieldandflood，Till\"thesunshallbeturn’dtodarkness，Andthemoonshallbeturn’dtoblood。\"
Weknownot！——worsemayenthralmen——
\"Thewagesofsinaredeath\"；
Andsodeathpasseduponallmen，Forsinwasbornwithman’sbreath。
Thenthelabourerspentwithsinning，Hishirewithhislifeshallspend；
Foritwassointhebeginning，Andshallbesointheend。
Thereislifeintheblacken’demberWhileasparkissmoulderingyet；
Inadreame’ennowIrememberThatdreamIhadliefforget——
Ihadliefforget，Ihade’enliefThatdreamwithTHISdoubtshoulddie——
\"IFWEDIDTHESETHINGSINTHEGREENLEAF，WHATSHALLBEDONEINTHEDRY？\"
TheRhymeofJoyousGardeThroughthelatticerushesthesouthwind，denseWithfumesofthefloweryfrankincenseFromhawthornblossomingthickly；
Andgoldisshower’dongrassunshorn，Andpoppy-fireonshudderingcorn，WithMay-dewfloodedandflush’dwithmorn，Andscentedwithsweetnesssickly。
Thebloomandbrillianceofsummerdays，Thebudsthatbrighten，thefieldsthatblaze，Thefruitsthatripenandredden，AndallthegiftsofaGod-sentlightAresadderthingsinmyshamefulsightThantheblackestgloomofthebitterestnight，Whenthesensesdarkenanddeaden。
Forthedaysrecallwhatthenightsefface，Scenesofgloryandseasonsofgrace，Forwhichthereisnoreturning——
Elsethedayswereevenasthenightstome，Nowtheaxeislaidtotherootofthetree，Andto-morrowthebarrentrunkmaybeCutdown——castforthfortheburning。
WouldGodIhaddiedthedeaththatdayWhenthebishopblessedusbeforethefrayAttheshrineoftheSaviour’sMother；
Webuckledthespur，webracedthebelt，ArthurandI——togetherweknelt，AndthegraspofhiskinglyhandIfeltAsthegraspofanonlybrother。
ThebodyandthebloodofChristweshared，Kneesbendedandheadsbow’ddownandbared，Welistenedthroughoutthepraying。
Eftsoontheshockofthefoewebore，ShouldertoshoulderonSevern’sshore，Tillourhiltsweregluedtoourhandswithgore，Andoursinewsslacken’dwithslaying。
WasIfarfromThyKingdom，graciousLord，Withashatteredcasqueandashiver’dsword，OnthethresholdofMary’schapel？
Pardie！Ihadwell-nighwonthatcrownWhichendurethmorethanaknight’srenown，Whenthepagangianthadgotmedown，Sorespentinthedeadlygrapple。
Mayhiscravenspiritfindlittlegrace，Hewasseal’dtoSataninanycase，Yettheloserhadbeenthewinner；
HadIwaxedfainterorhelessfaint，Thenmysoulwasfreefromthisloathsometaint，IhaddiedasaChristianknight——nosaintPerchance，yetapardon’dsinner。
ButIstrovefullgrimlybeneathhisweight，Iclungtohispoignarddesperate，Ibaffledthethrustthatfollowed，Andwrithinguppermostrose，todeal，Withbarethreeinchesofbrokensteel，Onestroke——Ha！theheadpiececrash’dpiecemeal，Andtheknaveinhisblackbloodwallow’d。
SoIlivedforworse——infulnessoftime，Whenpeaceforaseasonsway’dtheclime，Andspearsforaspacewereidle，Trustedandchosenofallthecourt，Afavouredheraldoffairreport，Itravell’deastward，anddulybroughtAbridetoaqueenlybridal。
Pardie！’twasamorningevenasthis（Theskieswerewarmerifaught，Iwis，Albeitthefieldswereduller；
Oritmaybethattheenviousspring，Abash’datthesightofafairerthing，Wax’dsomewhatsadderofcolouringBecauseofherfaultlesscolour）。
WithherthroughtheLyonesseIrode，Tillthewoodswiththenoontidefervourglow’d，Andthereforaspacewehalted，WheretheintertwiningbranchesmadeCoolcarpetsofolive-tintedshade，AndthefloorswithfretworkofflameinlaidFromleafylatticesvaulted。
AndscarfandmantleforherIspread，Andstrewedthemoverthegrassiestbed，Andunderthegreenestawning，Andloosen’dlatchandbuckle，andfreedFromselleandhousingtheredroansteed，AndthejennetofswiftIberianbreed，Thathadcarriedussincethedawning。
Thebrownthrushsangthroughthebriarandbower，Allflush’dorfrostedwithforestflowerInthewarmsun’swantonglances；
AndIgrewdeaftothesongbird——blindToblossomthatsweeten’dthesweetspringwind——
Isawheronly——agirlreclinedInhergirlhood’sindolenttrances。
Andthesongandthescentandsensewax’dweak，ThewildrosewitheredbesidethecheekShepoisedonherfingersslender；
ThesoftspungoldofherglitteringhairRanripplingintoawondroussnare，Thatfloodedtheroundarmbrightandbare，Andtheshoulder’ssilverysplendour。
Thedeepduskfiresinthosedreamyeyes，Likeseasclear-colouredinsummerskies，Wereguiltlessoffuturetreason；
AndIstoodwatchingher，stillandmute，Yettheevilseedinmysoulfoundroot，Andthesadplantthrove，andthesinfulfruitGrewripeintheshamefulseason。
Letthesinbemineastheshamewashers，IndesolatedaysofdepartedyearsShehadleisureforshameandsorrow——
Therewaslightrepentanceandbriefremorse，WhenIrodeagainstSaxonfoesorNorse，Withclangofharnessandclatterofhorse，Andlittleheedforthemorrow。
Andnowsheisdead，mentellme，andI，InthislivingdeathmustIlingerandlieTillmycuptothedregsisdrunken？
Ilookedthroughthelatticewornandgrim，Witheyelidsdarken’dandeyesightdim，Andwearybodyandwastedlimb，Andsinewslacken’dandshrunken。
Sheisdead！Gonedowntotheburial-place，Wherethegrave-dewscleavetoherfaultlessface；
Wherethegrave-sodscrumblearoundher；
Andthatbrightburdenofburnish’dgold，Thatonceonthosewaxenshouldersroll’d，Willitspoilwiththedampsofthedeadlymould？
Wasitshornwhenthechurchvowsboundher？
NowIknowfullwellthatthefairspearshaftShallnevergladdenmyhand，northehaftOfthegoodswordgrowtomyfingers；
Nowthemaddestfray，themerriestdin，Wouldfailtoquickenthislife-streamthin，YetthesleepypoisonofthatsweetsinInthesluggishcurrentstilllingers。
WouldGodIhadsleptwiththeslainmen，longOrevertheheartconceivedawrongThattheinnermostsoulabhorred——
OrevertheselyinglipswerestrainedToherlids，pearl-tintedandpurple-vein’d，OreverthosetraitorouskissesstainedThesnowsofherspotlessforehead。
Letmegatheralittlestrengthtothink，Asonewhoreelsontheoutermostbrink，Totheinnermostgulfdescending。
Inthattrucethelongestandlastofall，Inthesummernightsofthatfestival——
Softvestureofsamiteandsilkenpall——
Thebeginningcameoftheending。
Andonetrodsoftlywithsandal’dfeet——
Ah！whyarethestolenwaterssweet？——
Andonecreptstealthilyafter；
IwouldIhadtakenhimthereandwrungHisknavishneckwhenthedarkdoorswung，Ortornbytherootshistreacheroustongue，Andstifledhishatefullaughter。
Sothesmoulderingscandalblazed——buthe，Myking，tothelastputtrustinme——
Aye，wellwashistrustrequited！
Nowpriestsmaypatter，andbellsmaytoll，Hewillneednomassestoaidhissoul；
Whentheangelsopenthejudgmentscroll，Hiswrongwillbetenfoldrighted。
Thendawn’dthedaywhenthemailwasdonn’d，Andthesteedforthestrifecaparison’d，Butnot’gainsttheNorseinvader。
Thenwasbloodshed——notbyuntowardchance，Asthebloodthatisdrawnbythejouster’slance，ThefrayinthecastleofMelegrance，ThefightinthelistswithMador。
Thentheguiltmademanifest，thenthesiege，WhenthetruemenrallyingroundtheliegeBeleaguer’dhisbasebetrayer；
Thenthefruitlessparleys，thepleadingsvain，Andthehard-foughtbattleswithbraveGawaine，Twiceworsted，andoncesonearlyslain，Imaywellbecountedhisslayer。
ThenthecrimeofModred——alittlesinAtthesideofmine，thoughtheknavewaskinTothekingbytheknave’shandstricken。
Andtheonce-lovedknight，washetheretosaveThatknightlykingwhothatknighthoodgave？
Ah，Christ！willhegreetmeasknightorknaveInthedaywhenthedustshallquicken。
Hadhelightlyloved，hadhetrustedless，Ihadsinn’dperchancewiththesinfulnessThatthroughprayerandpenanceispardoned。
Oh，lovemostloyal！Oh，faithmostsure！
InthepurityofasoulsopureIfoundmysafeguard——Isinn’dsecure，Tillmyhearttothesingrewharden’d。
Weweregladtogetheringladsomemeads，Whentheyshooktothestrokesofoursnortingsteeds；
WewerejoyfulinjoyouslustreWhenitflush’dthecoppiceorfill’dtheglade，WherethehornoftheDaneortheSaxonbray’d，Andwesawtheheathenbannerdisplay’d，Andtheheathenlancescluster。
Thenasteel-shodrushandasteel-cladring，Andacrashofthespearstavessplintering，Andthebillowybattleblended。
Riotofchargers，revelofblows，Andfierce，flush’dfacesoffightingfoes，Fromcrouptobridle，thatreel’dandrose，Inasparkleofsword-playsplendid。
Andthelong，litheswordinthehandbecameAsaleapinglight，asafallingflame，Asafirethroughtheflaxthathasted；
Slender，andshining，andbeautiful，Howitshorethroughshiveringcasqueandskull，Andneverastrokewasvoidandnull，Andneverathrustwaswasted。
Ihavedoneforeverwithallthesethings——
Deedsthatwerejoyoustoknightsandkings，Indaysthatwithsongswerecherish’d。
Thesongsareended，thedeedsaredone，Thereshallnoneofthemgladdenmenow，notone；
Thereisnothinggoodformeunderthesun，Buttoperishasthesethingsperish’d。
ShallitprofitmeaughtthatthebishopseeksMypresencedaily，anddulyspeaksSoftwordsofcomfortandkindness？
Shallitaughtavailme？\"Certes，\"hesaid，\"Thoughthysoulisdarken’d，benotafraid——
GodhatethnothingthatHehathmade——
Hislightshalldispersethyblindness。\"
Iamnotafraidformyself，althoughIknowIhavehadthatlight，andIknowThegreatermycondemnation。
WhenIwell-nighswoon’dinthedeep-drawnblissOfthatfirstlong，sweet，slow，stolenkiss，Iwouldgladlyhavegiven，forlessthanthis，Myself，withmysoul’ssalvation。
Iwouldlanguishthusinsomeloathsomeden，Asathingofnaughtintheeyesofmen，Inthemouthsofmenasaby-word，Throughyearsofpain，andwhenGodsawfit，SinginghispraisesmysoulshouldflitTothedarkestdepthofthenethermostpit，IfHERScouldbewaftedskyward。
LordChrist！havepatiencealittlewhile，Ihavesinn’dbecauseIamutterlyvile，Havinglight，lovingdarknessrather。