Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the — Volume 06: Poems from the Breakfast Table Series by Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 1809-1894

8/14/2019 Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the Volume 06: Poems from the Breakfast Table Series by Holmes, Ol

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TheProjectGutenbergEBookofThePoeticalWorksofOliverWendellHolmes,Vol.6,byOliverWendellHolmes,Sr.

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Title:ThePoeticalWorksofOliverWendellHolmes,Vol.6PoemsFromTheBreakfast-TableSeries(1857-1872)

Author:OliverWendellHolmes,Sr.

ReleaseDate:September30,2004[EBook#7393]

Language:English

Charactersetencoding:ASCII

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKPOETRYOFHOLMES,VOL.6***

ProducedbyDavidWidger

THEPOETICALWORKS

OF

OLIVERWENDELLHOLMES

[Volume2ofthe1893threevolumeset]

POEMSFROMTHEAUTOCRATOFTHEBREAKFAST-TABLE(1857-1858)THECHAMBEREDNAUTILUSSUNANDSHADOWMUSA

APARTINGHEALTH:ToJ.L.MOTLEYWHATWEALLTHINKSPRINGHASCOMEPROLOGUELATTER-DAYWARNINGSALBUMVERSESAGOODTIMEGOING!THELASTBLOSSOMCONTENTMENTAESTIVATION


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THEDEACON'SMASTERPIECE;OR,THEWONDERFUL"ONE-HOSESHAY"PARSONTURELL'SLEGACY;OR,THEPRESIDENT'SOLDARM-CHAIRODEFORASOCIALMEETING,WITHSLIGHTALTERATIONSBYATEETOTALER

POEMSFROMTHEPROFESSORATTHEBREAKFAST-TABLE(1858-1859)UNDERTHEVIOLETSHYMNOFTRUSTASUN-DAYHYMNTHECROOKEDFOOTPATHIRIS,HERBOOKROBINSONOFLEYDENSTANTHONYTHEREFORMERTHEOPENINGOFTHEPIANOMIDSUMMERDESAUTY

POEMSFROMTHEPOETATTHEBREAKFAST-TABLE(1871-1872)HOMESICKINHEAVENFANTASIAAUNTTABITHAWIND-CLOUDSANDSTAR-DRIFTSEPILOGUETOTHEBREAKFAST-TABLESERIES

THECHAMBEREDNAUTILUS

THISistheshipofpearl,which,poetsfeign,Sailstheunshadowedmain,--TheventurousbarkthatflingsOnthesweetsummerwinditspurpledwingsIngulfsenchanted,wheretheSirensings,Andcoralreefsliebare,Wherethecoldsea-maidsrisetosuntheirstreaminghair.

Itswebsoflivinggauzenomoreunfurl;Wreckedistheshipofpearl!Andeverychamberedcell,Whereitsdimdreaminglifewaswonttodwell,Asthefrailtenantshapedhisgrowingshell,Beforetheeliesrevealed,--Itsirisedceilingrent,itssunlesscryptunsealed!

YearafteryearbeheldthesilenttoilThatspreadhislustrouscoil;Still,asthespiralgrew,Heleftthepastyear'sdwellingforthenew,Stolewithsoftstepitsshiningarchwaythrough,

Builtupitsidledoor,Stretchedinhislast-foundhome,andknewtheoldnomore.

Thanksfortheheavenlymessagebroughtbythee,Childofthewanderingsea,Castfromherlap,forlorn!FromthydeadlipsaclearernoteisbornThaneverTritonblewfromwreathedhornWhileonmineearitrings,ThroughthedeepcavesofthoughtIhearavoicethatsings:--


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Andvexedthyheaven-tunedearwithcarelesssong?Ah,wiltthouyetreturn,Bearingthyrose-huedtorch,andbidthinealtarburn?

Cometome!--IwillfloodthysilentshrineWithmysoul'ssacredwine,AndheapthymarblefloorsAsthewildspice-treeswastetheirfragrantstores,InleafyislandswalledwithmadreporesAndlappedinOrientseas,Whenalltheirfeatherypalmstoss,plume-like,inthebreeze.

Cometome!--thoushaltfeedonhoneyedwords,Sweeterthansongofbirds;--Nowailingbulbul'sthroat,Nomeltingdulcimer'smelodiousnoteWheno'erthemidnightwaveitsmurmursfloat,ThyravishedsensemightsootheWithflowsoliquid-soft,withstrainsovelvet-smooth.

Thoushaltbedeckedwithjewels,likeaqueen,SoughtinthosebowersofgreenWherelooptheclusteredvinesAndtheclose-clingingdulcamaratwines,--

PurepearlsofMaydewwherethemoonlightshines,AndSummer'sfruitedgems,AndcoralpendantsshornfromAutumn'sberriedstems.

Sitbymedriftingonthesleepywaves,--Orstretchedbygrass-growngraves,Whosegray,high-shoulderedstones,CarvedwitholdnamesLife'stime-wornrolldisowns,Lean,lichen-spotted,o'erthecrumbledbonesStillslumberingwheretheylayWhilethesadPilgrimwatchedtoscarethewolfaway.

Spreado'ermycouchthyvisionarywing!

Stillletmedreamandsing,--DreamofthatwindingshoreWherescarletcardinalsbloom-formenomore,--Thestreamwithheavenbeneathitsliquidfloor,AndclusteringnenupharsSprinklingitsmirroredbluelikegolden-chalicedstars!

Comewhiletheirbalmsthelinden-blossomsshed!--Comewhiletheroseisred,--Whileblue-eyedSummersmilesOnthegreenripplesroundyonsunkenpilesWashedbythemoon-wavewarmfromIndianisles,Andonthesultryair

Thechestnutsspreadtheirpalmslikeholymeninprayer!

OhforthyburninglipstofiremybrainWiththrillsofwild,sweetpain!--Onlife'sautumnalblast,Likeshrivelledleaves,youth'spassion-flowersarecast,--Oncelovingthee,welovetheetothelast!--Beholdthynew-deckedshrine,Andhearoncemorethevoicethatbreathed"Foreverthine!"


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APARTINGHEALTH

TOJ.L.MOTLEY

YES,weknewwemustlosehim,--thoughfriendshipmayclaimToblendhergreenleaveswiththelaurelsoffame;Thoughfondly,atparting,wecallhimourown,'Tisthewhisperoflovewhenthebuglehasblown.

Astheriderthatrestswiththespuronhisheel,Astheguardsmanthatsleepsinhiscorseletofsteel,Asthearcherthatstandswithhisshaftonthestring,Hestoopsfromhistoiltothegarlandwebring.

Whatpicturesyetslumberunborninhisloom,Tilltheirwarriorsshallbreatheandtheirbeautiesshallbloom,Whilethetapestrylengthensthelife-glowingdyesThatcaughtfromoursunsetsthestainoftheirskies!

Inthealcovesofdeath,inthecharnelsoftimid,

Whereflitthegauntspectresofpassionandcrime,Therearetriumphsuntold,therearemartyrsunsung,Thereareheroesyetsilenttospeakwithhistongue!

Letusheartheproudstorywhichtimehasbequeathed!Fromlipsthatarewarmwiththefreedomtheybreathed!Lethimsummonitstyrants,andtellustheirdoom,ThoughhesweeptheblackpastlikeVanTrompwithhisbroom!

...............

Thedreamflashesby,forthewest-windsawakeOnpampas,onprairie,o'ermountainandlake,

Tobathetheswiftbark,likeasea-girdledshrine,Withincensetheystolefromtheroseandthepine.

SofillabrightcupwiththesunlightthatgushedWhenthedeadsummer'sjewelsweretrampledandcrushed:THETRUEKNIGHTOFLEARNING,--theworldholdshimdear,--Loveblesshim,Joycrownhim,Godspeedhiscareer!

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WHATWEALLTHINK

THATagewasolderoncethannow,Inspiteoflocksuntimelyshed,Orsilveredontheyouthfulbrow;Thatbabesmakeloveandchildrenwed.

Thatsunshinehadaheavenlyglow,Whichfadedwiththose"goodolddays"


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Thegolden-chalicedcrocusburns;Thelongnarcissus-bladesappear;Thecone-beakedhyacinthreturnsTolightherblue-flamedchandelier.

Thewillow'swhistlinglashes,wrungBythewildwindsofgustyMarch,Withsallowleafletslightlystrung,Areswayingbythetuftedlarch.

TheelmshaverobedtheirslendersprayWithfull-blownflowerandembryoleaf;Wideo'ertheclaspingarchofdaySoarslikeacloudtheirhoarychief.

Seetheproudtulip'sflauntingcup,Thatflamesingloryforanhour,--Beholditwithering,--thenlookup,--Howmeektheforestmonarch'sflower!

Whenwaketheviolets,Winterdies;Whensprouttheelm-buds,Springisnear:Whenlilacsblossom,Summercries,

"Bud,littleroses!Springishere!"

Thewindowsblushwithfreshbouquets,CutwiththeMay-dewontheirlips;Theradishallitsbloomdisplays,PinkasAurora'sfinger-tips.

NorlessthefloodoflightthatshowersOnbeauty'schangedcorolla-shades,--ThewalksaregayasbridalbowersWithrowsofmany-petalledmaids.

Thescarletshell-fishclickandclash

Inthebluebarrowwheretheyslide;Thehorseman,proudofstreakandsplash,Creepshomewardfromhismorningride.

Herecomesthedealer'sawkwardstring,Withneckinropeandtailinknot,--Roughcolts,withcarelesscountry-swing,Inlazywalkorslouchingtrot.

..............

Wildfillyfromthemountain-side,Doomedtothecloseandchafingthills,

Lendmethylong,untiringstrideToseekwiththeethywesternhills!

IhearthewhisperingvoiceofSpring,Thethrush'strill,therobin'scry,LikesomepoorbirdwithprisonedwingThatsitsandsings,butlongstofly.

Ohforonespotoflivinggreed,--Onelittlespotwhereleavescangrow,--


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Toloveunblamed,towalkunseen,Todreamabove,tosleepbelow!

PROLOGUE

APROLOGUE?Well,ofcoursetheladiesknow,--Ihavemydoubts.Nomatter,--herewego!WhatisaPrologue?LetourTutorteach:Promeansbeforehand;logosstandsforspeech.'Tisliketheharper'spreludeonthestrings,Theprimadonna'scourtesyereshesings;ProloguesinmetrearetootherprosAsworstedstockingsaretoengine-hose."Theworld'sastage,"--asShakespearesaid,oneday;Thestageaworld--waswhathemeanttosay.Theoutsideworld'sablunder,thatisclear;TherealworldthatNaturemeantishere.Hereeveryfoundlingfindsitslostmamma;Eachrogue,repentant,meltshissternpapa;

Misersrelent,thespendthrift'sdebtsarepaid,Thecheatsaretakeninthetrapstheylaid;OneafteronethetroublesallarepastTillthefifthactcomesrightsideupatlast,Whentheyoungcouple,oldfolks,rogues,andall,Joinhands,sohappyatthecurtain'sfall.Heresufferingvirtueeverfindsrelief,Andblack-browedruffiansalwayscometogrief.Whenthelorndamsel,withafranticscreech,Andcheeksashuelessasabrandy-peach,Cries,"Help,kyindHeaven!"anddropsuponherkneesOnthegreen--baize,--beneaththe(canvas)trees,--SeetohersideavengingValorfly:--

"Ha!Villain!Draw!Now,Terraitorr,yieldordie!"Whenthepoorherofloundersindespair,Somedearlostuncleturnsupmillionaire,Claspstheyoungscapegracewithpaternaljoy,Sobsonhisneck,"Myboy!MYBOY!!_MYBOY_!!!"

Ours,then,sweetfriends,therealworldto-night,Oflovethatconquersindisaster'sspite.Ladies,attend!WhilewofulcaresanddoubtWrongthesoftpassionintheworldwithout,Thoughfortunescowl,thoughprudenceinterfere,Onethingiscertain:Lovewilltriumphhere!Lordsofcreation,whomyourladiesrule,--

Theworld'sgreatmasters,whenyou'reoutofschool,--Learnthebriefmoralofourevening'splayManhashiswill,--butwomanhasherway!Whileman'sdullspirittoilsinsmokeandfire,Woman'sswiftinstinctthreadstheelectricwire,--ThemagicbraceletstretchedbeneaththewavesBeatstheblackgiantwithhisscoreofslaves.AllearthlypowersconfessyoursovereignartButthatonerebel,--woman'swilfulheart.Allfoesyoumaster,butawoman'swit


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Letsdaylightthroughyouereyouknowyou'rehit.So,justtopicturewhatherartcando,Hearanoldstory,madeasgoodasnew.

Rudolph,professoroftheheadsman'strade,Alikewasfamousforhisarmandblade.OnedayaprisonerJusticehadtokillKneltattheblocktotesttheartist'sskill.Bare-armed,swart-visaged,gaunt,andshaggy-browed,Rudolphtheheadsmanroseabovethecrowd.Hisfalchionlightedwithasuddengleam,Asthepike'sarmorflashesinthestream.Hesheathedhisblade;heturnedasiftogo;Thevictimknelt,stillwaitingfortheblow."Whystrikestnot?Performthymurderousact,"Theprisonersaid.(Hisvoicewasslightlycracked.)"Friend,Ihavestruck,"theartiststraightreplied;"Waitbutonemoment,andyourselfdecide."Heheldhissnuff-box,--"Nowthen,ifyouplease!"Theprisonersniffed,and,withacrashingsneeze,Offhisheadtumbled,--bowledalongthefloor,--Bounceddownthesteps;--theprisonersaidnomore!Woman!thyfalchionisaglitteringeye;Ifdeathlurkinit,ohhowsweettodie!

ThoutakestheartsasRudolphtookthehead;Wediewithlove,andneverdreamwe'redead!

LATTER-DAYWARNINGS

WHENlegislatorskeepthelaw,Whenbanksdispensewithboltsandlooks,Whenberries--whortle,rasp,andstraw--

Growbiggerdownwardsthroughthebox,--

WhenhethatsellethhouseorlandShowsleakinrooforflawinright,--WhenhaberdasherschoosethestandWhosewindowhaththebroadestlight,--

Whenpreacherstellusalltheythink,Andpartyleadersalltheymean,--Whenwhatwepayfor,thatwedrink,Fromrealgrapeandcoffee-bean,--

Whenlawyerstakewhattheywouldgive,

Anddoctorsgivewhattheywouldtake,--Whencityfatherseattolive,Savewhentheyfastforconscience'sake,--

WhenonethathathahorseonsaleShallbringhismerittotheproof,WithoutalieforeverynailThatholdstheirononthehoof,--

Whenintheusualplaceforrips


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Ourglovesarestitchedwithspecialcare,AndguardedwellthewhalebonetipsWherefirstumbrellasneedrepair,--

WhenCuba'sweedshavequiteforgotThepowerofsuctiontoresist,Andclaret-bottlesharbornotSuchdimplesaswouldholdyourfist,--

Whenpublishersnolongersteal,Andpayforwhattheystolebefore,--Whenthefirstlocomotive'swheelRollsthroughtheHoosacTunnel'sbore;--

TillthenletCummingblazeaway,AndMiller'ssaintsblowuptheglobe;Butwhenyouseethatblessedday,Thenorderyourascensionrobe.

ALBUMVERSES

WHENEvehadledherlordaway,AndCainhadkilledhisbrother,Thestarsandflowers,thepoetssay,Agreedwithoneanother.

Tocheatthecunningtempter'sart,Andteachtheraceitsduty,BykeepingonitswickedheartTheireyesoflightandbeauty.

Amillionsleeplesslids,theysay,Willbeatleastawarning;

Andsotheflowerswouldwatchbyday,Thestarsfromevetomorning.

Onhillandprairie,fieldandlawn,Theirdewyeyesupturning,TheflowersstillwatchfromreddeningdawnTillwesternskiesareburning.

Alas!eachhourofdaylighttellsAtaleofshamesocrushing,Thatsometurnwhiteassea-bleachedshells,Andsomearealwaysblushing.

ButwhenthepatientstarslookdownOnalltheirlightdiscovers,Thetraitor'ssmile,themurderer'sfrown,Thelipsoflyinglovers,

Theytrytoshuttheirsaddeningeyes,AndinthevainendeavorWeseethemtwinklingintheskies,Andsotheywinkforever.


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AGOODTIMEGOING!

BRAVEsingerofthecomingtime,Sweetminstrelofthejoyouspresent,Crownedwiththenoblestwreathofrhyme,Theholly-leafofAyrshire'speasant,Goodby!Goodby!--Ourheartsandhands,OurlipsinhonestSaxonphrases,Cry,Godbewithhim,tillhestandsHisfeetamongtheEnglishdaisies!

'Tisherewepart;--forothereyesThebusydeck,theflutteringstreamer,Thedrippingarmsthatplungeandrise,Thewavesinfoam,theshipintremor,Thekerchiefswavingfromthepier,Thecloudypillarglidingo'erhim,Thedeepbluedesert,loneanddrear,Withheavenaboveandhomebeforehim!

Hishome!--theWesterngiantsmiles,Andtwirlsthespottyglobetofindit;ThislittlespecktheBritishIsles?'Tisbutafreckle,--nevermindit!Helaughs,andallhisprairiesroll,Eachgurglingcataractroarsandchuckles,AndridgesstretchedfrompoletopoleHeavetilltheycracktheirironknuckles!

ButMemoryblushesatthesneer,AndHonorturnswithfrowndefiant,AndFreedom,leaningonherspear,Laughslouderthanthelaughinggiant

"Anisletisaworld,"shesaid,"Whenglorywithitsdusthasblended,AndBritainkeepshernobledeadTillearthandseasandskiesarerended!"

Beneatheachswingingforest-boughSomearmasstoutindeathreposes,--Fromwave-washedfoottoheaven-kissedbrowHervalor'slife-bloodrunsinroses;Nay,letourbrothersoftheWestWritesmilingintheirfloridpages,OnehalfhersoilhaswalkedtherestInpoets,heroes,martyrs,sages!

Huggedintheclingingbillow'sclasp,Fromsea-weedfringetomountainheather,TheBritishoakwithrootedgraspHerslenderhandfulholdstogether;--Withcliffsofwhiteandbowersofgreen,AndOceannarrowingtocaressher,Andhillsandthreadedstreamsbetween,--Ourlittlemotherisle,Godblessher!


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Inearth'sbroadtemplewherewestand,Fannedbytheeasterngalesthatbroughtus,Weholdthemissalinourhand,BrightwiththelinesourMothertaughtus.Where'eritsblazonedpagebetraysTheglisteninglinksofgildedfetters,Behold,thehalf-turnedleafdisplaysHerrubricstainedincrimsonletters!

Enough!Tospeedapartingfriend'Tisvainaliketospeakandlisten;--Yetstay,--thesefeebleaccentsblendWithraysoflightfromeyesthatglisten.Goodby!oncemore,--andkindlytellInwordsofpeacetheyoungworld'sstory,--Andsay,besides,welovetoowellOurmothers'soil,ourfathers'glory.

THELASTBLOSSOM

THOUGHyoungnomore,westillwoulddreamOfbeauty'sdeardeludingwiles;TheleaguesoflifetograybeardsseemShorterthanboyhood'slingeringmiles.

Whoknowsawoman'swildcaprice?'ItplayedwithGoethe'ssilveredhair,AndmanyaHolyFather's"niece"Hassoftlysmoothedthepapalchair.

WhensixtybidsussighinvainTomelttheheartofsweetsixteen,Wethinkuponthoseladiestwain

WholovedsowellthetougholdDean.

WeseethePatriarch'swintryface,ThemaidofEgypt'sduskyglow,AnddreamthatYouthandAgeembrace,AsAprilvioletsfillwithsnow.

Trancedinherlord'sOlympiansmileHislotus-lovingMemphianlies,--ThemuskydaughteroftheNile,Withplaitedhairandalmondeyes.

Mightwebutshareonewildcaress

Erelife'sautumnalblossomsfall,AndEarth'sbrown,clinginglipsimpressThelongcoldkissthatwaitsusall!

Mybosomheaves,rememberingyetThemorningofthatblissfulday,WhenRose,theflowerofspring,Imet,Andgavemyrapturedsoulaway.

Flungfromhereyesofpurestblue,


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Alasso,withitsleapingchain,Lightasaloopoflarkspurs,flewO'ersenseandspirit,heartandbrain.

Thoucom'sttocheermywaningage,Sweetvision,waitedforsolong!Dovethatwouldseekthepoet'scageLuredbythemagicbreathofsong!

Sheblushes!Ah,reluctantmaid,Love'sdrapeaurougethetruthhastold!O'ergirlhood'syieldingbarricadeFloatsthegreatLeveller'scrimsonfold!

Cometomyarms!--loveheedsnotyears;Nofrostthebudofpassionknows.Ha!whatisthismyfrenzyhears?Avoicebehindmeuttered,--Rose!

Sweetwashersmile,--butnotforme;Alas!whenwomanlookstookind,Justturnyourfoolishheadandsee,--Someyouthiswalkingclosebehind!

CONTENTMENT

"Manwantsbutlittleherebelow"

LITTLEIask;mywantsarefew;Ionlywishahutofstone,(A_veryplain_brownstonewilldo,)ThatImaycallmyown;--Andcloseathandissuchaone,

Inyonderstreetthatfrontsthesun.

Plainfoodisquiteenoughforme;Threecoursesareasgoodasten;--IfNaturecansubsistonthree,ThankHeavenforthree.AmenIalwaysthoughtcoldvictualnice;--My_choice_wouldbevanilla-ice.

Icarenotmuchforgoldorland;--Givemeamortgagehereandthere,--Somegoodbank-stock,somenoteofhand,Ortriflingrailroadshare,--

IonlyaskthatFortunesendA_little_morethanIshallspend.

Honorsaresillytoys,Iknow,Andtitlesarebutemptynames;Iwould,_perhaps_,bePlenipo,--ButonlynearSt.James;I'mverysureIshouldnotcareTofillourGubernator'schair.


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Jewelsarebaubles;'tisasinTocareforsuchunfruitfulthings;--Onegood-sizeddiamondinapin,--Some,notsolarge,inrings,--Aruby,andapearl,orso,Willdoforme;--Ilaughatshow.

Mydameshoulddressincheapattire;(Good,heavysilksareneverdear;)--IownperhapsImightdesireSomeshawlsoftrueCashmere,--SomemarrowycrapesofChinasilk,Likewrinkledskinsonscaldedmilk.

IwouldnothavethehorseIdriveSofastthatfolksmuststopandstare;Aneasygait--two,forty-five--Suitsme;Idonotcare;--Perhaps,forjusta_singlespurt_,Somesecondslesswoulddonohurt.

Ofpictures,IshouldliketoownTitiansandRaphaelsthreeorfour,--Ilovesomuchtheirstyleandtone,

OneTurner,andnomore,(Alandscape,--foregroundgoldendirt,--Thesunshinepaintedwithasquirt.)

Ofbooksbutfew,--somefiftyscoreFordailyuse,andboundforwear;Therestuponanupperfloor;--Some_little_luxury_there_Ofredmorocco'sgildedgleamAndvellumrichascountrycream.

Busts,cameos,gems,--suchthingsasthese,Whichothersoftenshowforpride,

Ivaluefortheirpowertoplease,Andselfishchurlsderide;--_One_Stradivarius,Iconfess,_Two_Meerschaums,Iwouldfainpossess.

Wealth'swastefultricksIwillnotlearn,Norapetheglitteringupstartfool;--Shallnotcarvedtablesservemyturn,But_all_mustbeofbuhl?Givegraspingpompitsdoubleshare,--Iaskbut_one_recumbentchair.

Thushumbleletmeliveanddie,

NorlongforMidas'goldentouch;IfHeavenmoregenerousgiftsdeny,Ishallnotmissthemmuch,--ToogratefulfortheblessinglentOfsimpletastesandmindcontent!


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AESTIVATION

ANUNPUBLISHEDPOEM,BYMYLATELATINTUTOR

INcandentirethesolarsplendorflames;Thefoles,langueseent,pendfromaridrames;HishumidfronttheGive,anheling,wipes,Anddreamsoferringonventiferousriper.

Howdulcetoviveocculttomortaleyes,Dormontheherbwithnonetosupervise,Carpthesuaveberriesfromthecrescentvine,Andbibetheflowfromlongicaudatekine!

Tome,alas!noverdurousvisionscome,Saveyonexiguouspool'sconferva-scum,--NoconcavevastrepeatsthetenderhueThatlavesmymilk-jugwithcelestialblue!

Mewretched!Letmecurrtoquercineshades!Effundyouralbidhausts,lactiferousmaids!Oh,mightIvoletosomeumbrageousclump,--Depart,--beoff,--excede,--evade,--erump!

THEDEACON'SMASTERPIECE

OR,THEWONDERFUL"ONE-HOSSSHAY"

ALOGICALSTORY

HAVEyouheardofthewonderfulone-hossshay,ThatwasbuiltinsuchalogicalwayItranahundredyearstoaday,

Andthen,ofasudden,it--ah,butstay,I'lltellyouwhathappenedwithoutdelay,Scaringtheparsonintofits,Frighteningpeopleoutoftheirwits,--Haveyoueverheardofthat,Isay?

Seventeenhundredandfifty-five._GeorgiusSecundus_wasthenalive,--SnuffyolddronefromtheGermanhive.ThatwastheyearwhenLisbon-townSawtheearthopenandgulpherdown,AndBraddock'sarmywasdonesobrown,Leftwithoutascalptoitscrown.

ItwasontheterribleEarthquake-dayThattheDeaconfinishedtheone-hossshay.

Nowinbuildingofchaises,Itellyouwhat,Thereisalways_somewhere_aweakestspot,--Inhub,tire,felloe,inspringorthill,Inpanel,orcrossbar,orfloor,orsill,Inscrew,bolt,thoroughbrace,--lurkingstill,Finditsomewhereyoumustandwill,--


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Aboveorbelow,orwithinorwithout,--Andthat'sthereason,beyondadoubt,Thatachaisebreaksdown,butdoesn'twearout.

ButtheDeaconswore(asDeaconsdo,Withan"Idewvum,"oran"Itellyeou")Hewouldbuildoneshaytobeatthetaown'n'thekeounty'n'allthekentryraoun';Itshouldbesobuiltthatitcouldn'breakdaown"Fur,"saidtheDeacon,"'t'smightyplainThuttheweakes'placemus'stan'thestrain;'n'thewayt'fixit,uzImaintain,IsonlyjestT'makethatplaceuzstronguztherest."

SotheDeaconinquiredofthevillagefolkWherehecouldfindthestrongestoak,Thatcouldn'tbesplitnorbentnorbroke,--Thatwasforspokesandfloorandsills;Hesentforlancewoodtomakethethills;Thecrossbarswereash,fromthestraightesttrees,Thepanelsofwhite-wood,thatcutslikecheese,Butlastslikeironforthingslikethese;Thehubsoflogsfromthe"Settler'sellum,"--

Lastofitstimber,--theycouldn'tsell'em,Neveranaxehadseentheirchips,Andthewedgesflewfrombetweentheirlips,Theirbluntendsfrizzledlikecelery-tips;Stepandprop-iron,boltandscrew,Spring,tire,axle,andlinchpintoo,Steelofthefinest,brightandblue;Thoroughbracebison-skin,thickandwide;Boot,top,dasher,fromtougholdhideFoundinthepitwhenthetannerdied.Thatwasthewayhe"putherthrough.""There!"saidtheDeacon,"naowshe'lldew!"

Do!Itellyou,IratherguessShewasawonder,andnothingless!Coltsgrewhorses,beardsturnedgray,Deaconanddeaconessdroppedaway,Childrenandgrandchildren--wherewerethey?Buttherestoodthestoutoldone-hossshayAsfreshasonLisbon-earthquake-day!

EIGHTEENHUNDRED;--itcameandfoundTheDeacon'smasterpiecestrongandsound.Eighteenhundredincreasedbyten;--"Hahnsumkerridge"theycalleditthen.Eighteenhundredandtwentycame;--

Runningasusual;muchthesame.Thirtyandfortyatlastarrive,Andthencomefifty,andFIFTY-FIVE.FirstofNovember,'Fifty-five!Thismorningtheparsontakesadrive.Now,smallboys,getoutoftheway!Herecomesthewonderfulone-hossshay,

LittleofallwevaluehereWakesonthemornofitshundredthyear


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Withoutbothfeelingandlookingqueer.Infact,there'snothingthatkeepsitsyouth,SofarasIknow,butatreeandtruth.(Thisisamoralthatrunsatlarge;Takeit.--You'rewelcome.--Noextracharge.)

FIRSTOFNOVEMBER,--theEarthquake-day,--Therearetracesofageintheone-hossshay,Ageneralflavorofmilddecay,Butnothinglocal,asonemaysay.Therecouldn'tbe,--fortheDeacon'sartHadmadeitsolikeineverypartThattherewasn'tachanceforonetostart.Forthewheelswerejustasstrongasthethills,Andthefloorwasjustasstrongasthesills,Andthepanelsjustasstrongasthefloor,Andthewhipple-treeneitherlessnormore,Andtheback-crossbarasstrongasthefore,Andspringandaxleandhubencore.Andyet,asawhole,itispastadoubtInanotherhouritwillbewornout!

Drawnbyarat-tailed,ewe-neckedbay."Huddup!"saidtheparson.--Offwentthey.

TheparsonwasworkinghisSunday'stext,--Hadgottofifthly,andstoppedperplexedAtwhatthe--Moses--wascomingnext.Allatoncethehorsestoodstill,Closebythemeet'n'-houseonthehill.Firstashiver,andthenathrill,Thensomethingdecidedlylikeaspill,--Andtheparsonwassittinguponarock,Athalfpastninebythemeet'n'-houseclock,--JustthehouroftheEarthquakeshock!Whatdoyouthinktheparsonfound,Whenhegotupandstaredaround?Thepooroldchaiseinaheapormound,

Asifithadbeentothemillandground!Yousee,ofcourse,ifyou'renotadunce,Howitwenttopiecesallatonce,--Allatonce,andnothingfirst,--Justasbubblesdowhentheyburst.

Endofthewonderfulone-hossshay.Logicislogic.That'sallIsay.

PARSONTURELL'SLEGACY

OR,THEPRESIDENT'SOLDARM-CHAIR

AMATHEMATICALSTORY

FACTSrespectinganoldarm-chair.AtCambridge.IskeptintheCollegethere.Seemsbutlittletheworseforwear.That'sremarkablewhenIsayItwasoldinPresidentHolyoke'sday.


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(Oneofhisboys,perhapsyouknow,Died,_atonehundred_,yearsago.)HetooklodgingsforrainorshineUndergreenbed-clothesin'69.

KnowoldCambridge?Hopeyoudo.--Bornthere?Don'tsayso!Iwas,too.(Borninahousewithagambrel-roof,--Standingstill,ifyoumusthaveproof.--"Gambrel?--Gambrel?"--LetmebegYou'lllookatahorse'shinderleg,--Firstgreatangleabovethehoof,--That'sthegambrel;hencegambrel-roof.)Nicestplacethateverwasseen,--CollegesredandCommongreen,Sidewalksbrownishwithtreesbetween.SweetestspotbeneaththeskiesWhenthecanker-wormsdon'trise,--Whenthedust,thatsometimesfliesIntoyourmouthandearsandeyes,Inaquietslumberlies,_Not_intheshapeofumbakedpiesSuchasbarefootchildrenprize.

Akindofharboritseemstobe,Facingtheflowofaboundlesssea.RowsofgrayoldTutorsstandRangedlikerocksabovethesand;Rollingbeneaththem,softandgreen,Breaksthetideofbrightsixteen,--Onewave,twowaves,threewaves,four,--Slidingupthesparklingfloor.

Thenitebbstoflownomore,WanderingofffromshoretoshoreWithitsfreightofgoldenore!Pleasantplaceforboystoplay;--

Betterkeepyourgirlsaway;HeartsgetrolledaspebblesdoWhichcountlessfingeringwavespursue,AndeveryclassicbeachisstrownWithheart-shapedpebblesofblood-redstone.

Butthisisneitherherenorthere;I'mtalkingaboutanoldarm-chair.You'veheard,nodoubt,ofPARSONTURELL?OveratMedfordheusedtodwell;MarriedoneoftheMathers'folk;Gotwithhiswifeachairofoak,--Funnyoldchairwithseatlikewedge,

Sharpbehindandbroadfrontedge,--Oneoftheoddestofhumanthings,Turnedalloverwithknobsandrings,--Butheavy,andwide,anddeep,andgrand,--Fitfortheworthiesoftheland,--ChiefJusticeSewallacausetotryin,OrCottonMathertosit--andlie--in.ParsonTurellbequeathedthesameToacertainstudent,--SMITHbyname;Theseweretheterms,aswearetold:


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"SaideSmithsaideChairetohaveandholde;Whenhedothgraduate,thentopasseToyeoldestYouthinyeSeniorClasse.Onpaymentof"--(namingacertainsum)--"ByhimtowhomyeChaireshallcome;HetoyeoldestSeniornext,Andsoeforever,"--(thusrunsthetext,)--"ButoneCrownlessethenhegavetoclaime,ThatbeinghisDebteforuseofsame."SmithtransferredittooneoftheBROWNS,Andtookhismoney,--fivesilvercrowns.BrowndeliveredituptoMOORE,Whopaid,itisplain,notfive,butfour.MooremadeoverthechairtoLEE,Whogavehimcrownsofsilverthree.LeeconveyedituntoDREW,Andnowthepayment,ofcourse,wastwo.DrewgaveupthechairtoDUNN,--Allhegot,asyousee,wasone.DunnreleasedthechairtoHALL,Andgotbythebargainnocrownatall.AndnowitpassedtoasecondBROWN,Whotookitandlikewiseclaimedacrown.WhenBrownconveyedituntoWARE,

Havinghadonecrown,tomakeitfair,Hepaidhimtwocrownstotakethechair;AndWare,beinghonest,(asallWaresbe,)HepaidonePOTTER,whotookit,three.FourgotROBINSON;fivegotDix;JOHNSONprimusdemandedsix;AndsothesumkeptgatheringstillTillafterthebattleofBunker'sHill.

Whenpapermoneybecamesocheap,Folkswouldn'tcountit,butsaid"aheap,"AcertainRICHARDS,--thebooksdeclare,--(A.M.in'90?I'velookedwithcare

ThroughtheTriennial,--namenotthere,)--Thisperson,Richards,wasofferedthenEightscorepounds,butwouldhaveten;Nine,Ithink,wasthesumhetook,--Notquitecertain,--butseethebook.Byandbythewarswerestill,ButnothinghadalteredtheParson'swill.Theoldarm-chairwassolidyet,Butsaddledwithsuchamonstrousdebt!Thingsgrewquitetoobadtobear,PayingsuchsumstogetridofthechairButdeadmen'sfingersholdawfultight,Andtherewasthewillinblackandwhite,

Plainenoughforachildtospell.Whatshouldbedonenomancouldtell,Forthechairwasakindofnightmarecurse,Andeveryseasonbutmadeitworse.

Asalastresort,toclearthedoubt,TheygotoldGOVERNORHANCOCKout.TheGovernorcamewithhisLighthorseTroopAndhismountedtruckmen,allcock-a-hoop;Halberdsglitteredandcolorsflew,


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Frenchhornswhinniedandtrumpetsblew,Theyellowfifeswhistledbetweentheirteeth,Andthebumble-beebass-drumsboomedbeneath;Soherodewithallhisband,TillthePresidentmethim,capinhand.TheGovernor"hefted"thecrowns,andsaid,--"Awillisawill,andtheParson'sdead."TheGovernorheftedthecrowns.Saidhe,--"Thereisyourp'int.Andhere'smyfee.

"Thesearethetermsyoumustfulfil,--OnsuchconditionsIBREAKTHEWILL!"TheGovernormentionedwhattheseshouldbe.(Justwaitaminuteandthenyou'llsee.)ThePresidentprayed.Thenallwasstill,AndtheGovernorroseandBROKETHEWILL!"Aboutthoseconditions?"Well,nowyougoAnddoasItellyou,andthenyou'llknow.Onceayear,onCommencementday,Ifyou'llonlytakethepainstostay,You'llseethePresidentintheCHAIR,LikewisetheGovernorsittingthere.ThePresidentrises;botholdandyoungMayhearhisspeechinaforeigntongue,

Themeaningwhereof,aslawyersswear,Isthis:CanIkeepthisoldarm-chair?AndthenhisExcellencybows,Asmuchastosaythatheallows.TheVice-Gub.nextiscalledbyname;Hebowsliket'other,whichmeansthesame.Andalltheofficersround'embow,Asmuchastosaythattheyallow.AndalotofparchmentsaboutthechairArehandedtowitnessesthenandthere,AndthenthelawyersholditclearThatthechairissafeforanotheryear.

Godblessyou,Gentlemen!LearntogiveMoneytocollegeswhileyoulive.Don'tbesillyandthinkyou'lltryTobotherthecolleges,whenyoudie,Withcodicilthis,andcodicilthat,ThatKnowledgemaystarvewhileLawgrowsfat;Forthereneverwaspitcherthatwouldn'tspill,Andthere'salwaysaflawinadonkey'swill!

ODEFORASOCIALMEETING

WITHSLIGHTALTERATIONSBYATEETOTALER--(...)

COME!fillafreshbumper,forwhyshouldwegoWhilethenectar(logwood)stillreddensourcupsastheyflow?Pourouttherichjuices(decoction)stillbrightwiththesun,Tillo'erthebrimmedcrystaltherubies(dye-stuff)shallrun.

Thepurple-globedclusters(half-ripenedapples)theirlife-dewshave


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bled;Howsweetisthebreath(taste)ofthefragrancetheyshed!(sugaroflead)Forsummer'slastroses(rankpoisons)liehidinthewines(wines!!!)Thatweregarneredbymaidenswholaughedthroughthevines(stable-boyssmokinglong-nines)

Thenasmile(scowl)andaglass(howl)andatoast(scoff)andacheer(sneer);Forallthegoodwine,andwe'vesomeofithere!(strychnineandwhiskey,andratsbaneandbeer!)Incellar,inpantry,inattic,inhall,Longlivethegayservantthatlaughsforusall!(Down,downwiththetyrantthatmastersusall!)

POEMSFROMTHEPROFESSORATTHEBREAKFAST-TABLE

1858-1859

UNDERTHEVIOLETS

HERhandsarecold;herfaceiswhite;Nomoreherpulsescomeandgo;Hereyesareshuttolifeandlight;--Foldthewhitevesture,snowonsnow,Andlayherwherethevioletsblow.

Butnotbeneathagravenstone,Topleadfortearswithalieneyes;AslendercrossofwoodaloneShallsay,thathereamaidenliesInpeacebeneaththepeacefulskies.

AndgrayoldtreesofhugestlimbShallwheeltheircirclingshadowsroundTomakethescorchingsunlightdimThatdrinksthegreennessfromtheground,Anddroptheirdeadleavesonhermound.

Wheno'ertheirboughsthesquirrelsrun,Andthroughtheirleavestherobinscall,And,ripeningintheautumnsun,Theacornsandthechestnutsfall,Doubtnotthatshewillheedthemall.

Forherthemorningchoirshallsing

Itsmatinsfromthebrancheshigh,Andeveryminstrel-voiceofSpring,ThattrillsbeneaththeAprilsky,Shallgreetherwithitsearliestcry.

When,turningroundtheirdial-track,Eastwardthelengtheningshadowspass,Herlittlemourners,cladinblack,Thecrickets,slidingthroughthegrass,Shallpipeforheraneveningmass.


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AtlasttherootletsofthetreesShallfindtheprisonwhereshelies,AndbeartheburieddusttheyseizeInleavesandblossomstotheskies.Somaythesoulthatwarmeditrise!

Ifany,bornofkindlierblood,Shouldask,Whatmaidenliesbelow?Sayonlythis:Atenderbud,Thattriedtoblossominthesnow,Lieswitheredwherethevioletsblow.

HYMNOFTRUST

OLoveDivine,thatstoopedtoshareOursharpestpang,ourbitteresttear,OnTheewecasteachearth-borncare,WesmileatpainwhileThouartnear!

Thoughlongthewearywaywetread,Andsorrowcrowneachlingeringyear,Nopathweshun,nodarknessdread,Ourheartsstillwhispering,Thouartnear!

Whendroopingpleasureturnstogrief,Andtremblingfaithischangedtofear,Themurmuringwind,thequiveringleaf,Shallsoftlytellus,Thouartnear!

OnTheeweflingourburdeningwoe,OLoveDivine,foreverdear,Contenttosufferwhileweknow,

Livinganddying,Thouartnear!

ASUN-DAYHYMN

LORDofallbeing!thronedafar,Thygloryflamesfromsunandstar;Centreandsoulofeverysphere,Yettoeachlovinghearthownear!

Sunofourlife,thyquickeningrayShedsonourpaththeglowofday;Starofourhope,thysoftenedlightCheersthelongwatchesofthenight.

Ourmidnightisthysmilewithdrawn;Ournoontideisthygraciousdawn;Ourrainbowarchthymercy'ssign;All,savethecloudsofsin,arethin!


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Lordofalllife,below,above,Whoselightistruth,whosewarmthislove,Beforethyever-blazingthroneWeasknolustreofourown.

Grantusthytruthtomakeusfree,Andkindlingheartsthatburnforthee,TillallthylivingaltarsclaimOneholylight,oneheavenlyflame!

THECROOKEDFOOTPATH

AH,hereitis!theslidingrailThatmarkstheoldrememberedspot,--Thegapthatstruckourschool-boytrail,--Thecrookedpathacrossthelot.

Itlefttheroadbyschoolandchurch,Apencilledshadow,nothingmore,Thatpartedfromthesilver-birch

Andendedatthefarm-housedoor.

Nolineorcompasstraceditsplan;Withfrequentbendstoleftorright,Inaimless,waywardcurvesitran,Butalwayskeptthedoorinsight.

Thegabledporch,withwoodbinegreen,--Thebrokenmillstoneatthesill,--Thoughmanyaroodmightstretchbetween,Thetruantchildcouldseethemstill.

Norocksacrossthepathwaylie,--

Nofallentrunkiso'eritthrown,--Andyetitwinds,weknownotwhy,Andturnsasiffortreeorstone.

PerhapssomelovertrodthewayWithshakingkneesandleapingheart,--AndsoitoftenrunsastrayWithsinuoussweeporsuddenstart.

Orone,perchance,withcloudedbrainFromsomeunholybanquetreeled,--Andsince,ourdeviousstepsmaintainHistrackacrossthetroddenfield.

Nay,deemnotthus,--noearthbornwillCouldevertraceafaultlessline;Ourtrueststepsarehumanstill,--Towalkunswervingweredivine!

Truantsfromlove,wedreamofwrath;Oh,ratherletustrustthemore!Throughallthewanderingsofthepath,WestillcanseeourFather'sdoor!


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IRIS,HERBOOK

IPRAYtheebythesoulofherthatborethee,Bythineownsister'sspiritIimplorethee,Dealgentlywiththeleavesthatliebeforethee!

ForIrishadnomothertoinfoldher,Noreverleaneduponasister'sshoulder,TellingthetwilightthoughtsthatNaturetoldher.

ShehadnotlearnedthemysteryofawakingThosechordedkeysthatsootheasorrow'saching,Givingthedumbheartvoice,thatelsewerebreaking.

Yetlived,wrought,suffered.Lo,thepicturedtokenWhyshouldherfleetingday-dreamsfadeunspoken,Likedaffodilsthatdiewithsheathsunbroken?

Sheknewnotlove,yetlivedinmaidenfancies,--

Walkedsimplyclad,aqueenofhighromances,Andtalkedstrangetongueswithangelsinhertrances.

Twin-souledsheseemed,atwofoldnaturewearing:Sometimesaflashingfalconinherdaring,Thenapoormatelessdovethatdroopsdespairing.

Questioningallthings:WhyherLordhadsenther?Whatwerethesetorturinggifts,andwhereforelenther?Scornfulasspiritfallen,itsowntormentor.

Andthenalltearsandanguish:QueenofHeaven,SweetSaints,andThoubymortalsorrowsriven,

Saveme!Oh,saveme!ShallIdieforgiven?

Andthen--Ah,God!Butnay,itlittlematters:Lookatthewastedseedsthatautumnscatters,ThemyriadgermsthatNatureshapesandshatters!

Ifshehad--Well!Shelonged,andknewnotwherefore.Hadtheworldnothingshemightlivetocarefor?Nosecondselftosayhereveningprayerfor?

Sheknewthemarbleshapesthatsetmendreaming,YetwithhershouldersbareandtressesstreamingShowednotunlovelytohersimpleseeming.

Vain?Letitbeso!Naturewasherteacher.WhatifalonelyandunsisteredcreatureLovedherownharmlessgiftofpleasingfeature,

Saying,unsaddened,--Thisshallsoonbefaded,Anddouble-huedtheshiningtressesbraided,Andallthesunlightofthemorningshaded?

Thisherpoorbookisfullofsaddestfollies,


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Nohomeforthese!--toowelltheyknewThemitredkingbehindthethrone;--Thesailswereset,thepennonsflew,Andwestwardho!forworldsunknown.

Andtheseweretheywhogaveusbirth,ThePilgrimsofthesunsetwave,Whowonforusthisvirginearth,Andfreedomwiththesoiltheygave.

ThepastorslumbersbytheRhine,--Inalienearththeexileslie,--Theirnamelessgravesourholiestshrine,Hiswordsournoblestbattle-cry!

Stillcrythem,andtheworldshallhear,Yedwellersbythestorm-sweptsea!Ye_have_notbuiltbyHaerlemMeer,Norontheland-lockedZuyder-Zee!

ST.ANTHONYTHEREFORMER

HISTEMPTATION

Nofearlestpraiseshouldmakeusproud!Weknowhowcheaplythatiswon;TheidlehomageofthecrowdIsproofoftasksasidlydone.

Asurface-smilemaypaythetoilThatfollowsstilltheconqueringRight,Withsoft,whitehandstodressthespoil

Thatsun-brownedvalorclutchedinfight.

Singthesweetsongofotherdays,Serenelyplacid,safelytrue,Ando'erthepresent'sparchingwaysTheversedistilslikeeveningdew.

Butspeakinwordsoflivingpower,--TheyfalllikedropsofscaldingrainThatplashedbeforetheburningshowerSwepto'erthecitiesoftheplain!

ThenscowlingHateturnsdeadlypale,--

ThenPassion'shalf-coiledaddersspring,And,smittenthroughtheirleprousmail,Strikerightandleftinhopetosting.

Ifthou,unmovedbypoisoningwrath,Thyfeetonearth,thyheartabove,Canstwalkinpeacethykinglypath,Unchangedintrust,unchilledinlove,--

Tookindforbitterwordstogrieve,


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Toofirmforclamortodismay,WhenFaithforbidstheetobelieve,AndMeeknesscallstodisobey,--

Ah,thenbewareofmortalpride!ThesmilingpridethatcalmlyscornsThosefoolishfingers,crimsondyedInlaboringonthycrownofthorns!

THEOPENINGOFTHEPIANO

INthelittlesouthernparlorofthehouseyoumayhaveseenWiththegambrel-roof,andthegablelookingwestwardtothegreen,Atthesidetowardthesunset,withthewindowonitsright,StoodtheLondon-madepianoIamdreamingofto-night!

AhmeIhowIremembertheeveningwhenitcame!Whatacryofeagervoices,whatagroupofcheeksinflame,Whenthewondrousboxwasopenedthathadcomefromoverseas,Withitssmellofmastic-varnishanditsflashofivorykeys!

Thenthechildrenallgrewfretfulintherestlessnessofjoy,Fortheboywouldpushhissister,andthesistercrowdtheboy,Tillthefatheraskedforquietinhisgravepaternalway,Butthemotherhushedthetumultwiththewords,"Now,Mary,play."

Forthedearsoulknewthatmusicwasaverysovereignbalm;ShehadsprinkleditoverSorrowandseenitsbrowgrowcalm,Inthedaysofslenderharpsichordswithtappingtinklingquills,Orcarollingtoherspinetwithitsthinmetallicthrills.

SoMary,thehouseholdminstrel,whoalwayslovedtoplease,Satdowntothenew"Clementi,"andstrucktheglitteringkeys.

Hushedwerethechildren'svoices,andeveryeyegrewdim,As,floatingfromlipandfinger,arosethe"VesperHymn."

Catharine,childofaneighbor,curlyandrosy-red,(Weddedsince,andawidow,--somethingliketenyearsdead,)Hearingagushofmusicsuchasnonebefore,Stealsfromhermother'schamberandpeepsattheopendoor.

Justasthe"Jubilate"inthreadedwhisperdies,"Openit!openit,lady!"thelittlemaidencries,(Forshethought'twasasingingcreaturecagedinaboxsheheard,)"Openit!openit,lady!andletmeseethe_bird!_"

MIDSUMMER

HERE!sweepthesefoolishleavesaway,Iwillnotcrushmybrainsto-day!Look!arethesoutherncurtainsdrawn?Fetchmeafan,andsobegone!


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Notthat,--thepalm-tree'srustlingleafBroughtfromaparchingcoral-reefItsbreathisheated;--IwouldswingThebroadgrayplumes,--theeagle'swing.

Ihatetheseroses'feverishblood!Pluckmeahalf-blownlily-bud,Along-stemmedlilyfromthelake,Coldasacoilingwater-snake.

Rainmesweetodorsontheair,AndwheelmeupmyIndianchair,AndspreadsomebooknotoverwiseFlatoutbeforemysleepyeyes.

Whoknowsitnot,--thisdeadrecoilOfwearyfibresstretchedwithtoil,--ThepulsethatfluttersfaintandlowWhenSummer'sseethingbreezesblow!

ONature!barethylovingbreast,Andgivethychildonehourofrest,--Onelittlehourtolieunseen

Beneaththyscarfofleafygreen!

So,curtainedbyasingingpine,Itsmurmuringvoiceshallblendwithmine,Till,lostindreams,myfalteringlayInsweetermusicdiesaway.

DESAUTY

ANELECTRO-CHEMICALECLOGUE

Thefirstmessagesreceivedthroughthesubmarinecableweresentbyanelectricalexpert,amysteriouspersonagewhosignedhimselfDeSauty.

ProfessorBlue-Nose

PROFESSORTELLme,OProvincial!speak,Ceruleo-Nasal!LivesthereoneDeSautyextantnowamongyou,WhisperingBoanerges,sonofsilentthunder,Holdingtalkwithnations?

IsthereaDeSautyambulantonTellus,Bifid-cleftlikemortals,dormientinnightcap,Havingsight,smell,hearing,food-receivingfeatureThreetimesdailypatent?

Breathestheresuchabeing,OCeruleo-Nasal?Orishea_mythus_,--ancientwordfor"humbug"--SuchasLivytoldaboutthewolfthatwet-nursedRomulusandRemus?


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Washebornofwoman,thisallegedDeSauty?Oralivingproductofgalvanicaction,LiketheacarusbredinCrosse'sflint-solution?Speak,thouCyano-Rhinal!

BLUE-NOSEManythingsthouaskest,jackknife-bearingstranger,Much-conjecturingmortal,pork-and-treacle-waster!Pretermitthywhittling,wheelthineear-flaptowardme,Thoushallhearthemanswered.

Whenthechargegalvanictingledthroughthecable,AtthepolarfocusofthewireelectricSuddenlyappearedawhite-facedmanamongusCalledhimself"DESAUTY."

AsthesmallopossumheldinpouchmaternalGraspsthenutrientorganwhencethetermmammalia,Sotheunknownstrangerheldthewireelectric,Suckinginthecurrent.

Whenthecurrentstrengthened,bloomedthepale-facedstranger,--Tooknodrinknorvictual,yetgrewfatandrosy,--

Andfromtimetotime,insharparticulation,Said,"Allright!DESAUTY."

Fromthelonelystationpassedtheutterance,spreadingThroughthepinesandhemlockstothegrovesofsteeples,TillthelandwasfilledwithloudreverberationsOf"_Allright_DESAUTY."

Whenthecurrentslackened,droopedthemysticstranger,--Faded,faded,faded,asthestreamgrewweaker,--Wastedtoashadow,withahartshornodorOfdisintegration.

Dropsofdeliquescenceglistenedonhisforehead,Whitenedroundhisfeetthedustofefflorescence,TilloneMondaymorning,whentheflowsuspended,TherewasnoDeSauty.

Nothingbutacloudofelementsorganic,C.O.H.N.Ferrum,Chlor.Flu.Sil.Potassa,Cale.Sod.Phosph.Mag.Sulphur,Mang.(?)Alumin.(?)Cuprum,(?)Suchasmanismadeof.

Bornofstreamgalvanic,withithehadperished!ThereisnoDeSautynowthereisnocurrent!

Giveusanewcable,thenagainwe'llhearhimCry,"Allright!DESAUTY."

POEMSFROMTHEPOETATTHEBREAKFAST-TABLE


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1871-1872

HOMESICKINHEAVEN

THEDIVINEVOICEGoseekthineearth-bornsisters,--thustheVoiceThatallobey,--thesadandsilentthree;Theseonly,whilethehostsofHeavenrejoice,Smilenever;askthemwhattheirsorrowsbe;

Andwhenthesecretoftheirgriefstheytell,Lookonthemwiththymild,half-humaneyes;Saywhatthouwastonearth;thouknowestwell;Soshalltheyceasefromunavailingsighs.

THEANGELWhythus,apart,--theswift-wingedheraldspake,--SityewithsilentlipsandunstrunglyresWhilethetrisagion'sblendingchordsawakeInshoutsofjoyfromalltheheavenlychoirs?

FIRSTSPIRITChidenotthysisters,--thustheanswercame;--

Childrenofearth,ourhalf-weanednatureclingsToearth'sfondmemories,andherwhisperednameUntunesourquiveringlips,oursaddenedstrings;

Forthereweloved,andwhereweloveishome,Homethatourfeetmayleave,butnotourhearts,Thougho'erusshinethejasper-lighteddome:--Thechainmaylengthen,butitneverparts!

Sometimesasunlitspherecomesrollingby,Andthenwesoftlywhisper,--canitbe?Andleaningtowardthesilveryorb,wetryTohearthemusicofitsmurmuringsea;

Tocatch,perchance,someflashingglimpseofgreen,Orbreathesomewild-woodfragrance,waftedthroughTheopeninggatesofpearl,thatfoldbetweenTheblindingsplendorsandthechangelessblue.

THEANGELNay,sister,nay!asinglehealingleafPluckedfromtheboughofyontwelve-fruitedtreeWouldsoothesuchanguish,--deeperstabbinggriefHaspiercedthythrobbingheart--

THEFIRSTSPIRITAh,woeisme!Ifrommyclingingbabewasrudelytorn;Histenderlipsalovelessbosompressed;CanIforgethiminmylifenewborn?Ohthatmydarlinglayuponmybreast!

THEANGELAndthou?--


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THESECONDSPIRITIwasafairandyouthfulbride,Thekissoflovestillburnsuponmycheek,HewhomIworshipped,everatmyside,--HimthroughthespiritrealminvainIseek.

Sweetfacesturntheirbeamingeyesonmine;Ah!notinthesethewished-forlookIread;StillforthatonedearhumansmileIpine;_Thouandnoneother!_--isthelover'screed.

THEANGELAndwhencethysadnessinaworldofblissWhereneverpartingcomes,normourner'stear?Artthou,too,dreamingofamortal'skissAmidtheseraphsoftheheavenlysphere?

THETHIRDSPIRITNay,taxnotmewithpassion'swastingfire;Whentheswiftmessagesetmyspiritfree,

Blind,helpless,lone,Ileftmygray-hairedsire;Myfriendsweremany,hehadnonesaveme.

Ilefthim,orphaned,inthestarlessnight;Alas,forhimnocheerfulmorning'sdawnIweartheransomedspirit'srobeofwhite,YetstillIhearhimmoaning,_Sheisgone!_

THEANGELYeknowmenot,sweetsisters?--AllinvainYeseekyourlostonesintheshapestheywore;Thefloweronceopenedmaynotbudagain,

Thefruitoncefallenfindsthestemnomore.

Child,lover,sire,--yea,allthingslovedbelow,--Fairpicturesdamaskedonavapor'sfold,--Fadeliketheroseateflush,thegoldenglow,Whenthebrightcurtainofthedayisrolled.

Iwasthebabethatslumberedonthybreast.And,sister,minethelipsthatcalledtheebride.Minewerethesilveredlocksthyhandcaressed,Thatfaithfulhand,myfalteringfootstep'sguide!

Eachchangingform,frailvestureofdecay,

Thesouluncladforgetsitoncehathworn,Stainedwiththetravelofthewearyday,Andshamedwithrentsfromeverywaysidethorn.

Tolie,aninfant,inthyfondembrace,--Tocomewithlove'swarmkissesbacktothee,--Toshowthineeyesthygray-hairedfather'sface,NotHeavenitselfcouldgrant;thismaynotbe!


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Thenspreadyourfoldedwings,andleavetoearthThedustoncebreathingyehavemournedsolong,TillLove,newrisen,ownshisheavenlybirth,Andsorrow'sdiscordssweetenintosong!

FANTASIA

THEYOUNGGIRL'SPOEM

KISSmineeyelids,beauteousMorn,Blushingintolifenew-born!Lendmevioletsformyhair,Andthyrussetrobetowear,AndthyringofrosiesthueSetindropsofdiamonddew!

Kissmycheek,thounoontideray,FrommyLovesofarawayLetthysplendorstreamingdownTurnitspallidliliesbrown,

TillitsdarkeningshadesrevealWherehispassionpresseditsseal!

Kissmylips,thouLordoflight,Kissmylipsasoftgood-night!Westwardsinksthygoldencar;Leavemebuttheeveningstar,Andmysolacethatshallbe,Borrowingallitslightfromthee!

AUNTTABITHA

THEYOUNGGIRL'SPOEM

WHATEVERIdo,andwhateverIsay,AuntTabithatellsmethatisn'ttheway;Whenshewasagirl(fortysummersago)AuntTabithatellsmetheyneverdidso.

Dearaunt!IfIonlywouldtakeheradvice!ButIlikemyownway,andIfinditsoniceAndbesides,IforgethalfthethingsIamtold;

Buttheyallwillcomebacktome--whenIamold.

Ifayouthpassesby,itmayhappen,nodoubt,HemaychancetolookinasIchancetolookout;Shewouldneverendureanimpertinentstare,--Itishorrid,shesays,andImustn'tsitthere.

Awalkinthemoonlighthaspleasures,Iown,Butitisn'tquitesafetobewalkingalone;SoItakealad'sarm,--justforsafety,youknow,--


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ButAuntTabithatellsmetheydidn'tdoso.

Howwickedweare,andhowgoodtheywerethen!Theykeptatarm'slengththosedetestablemen;Whataneraofvirtueshelivedin!--Butstay--WerethemenallsuchroguesinAuntTabitha'sday?

Ifthemenweresowicked,I'llaskmypapaHowhedaredtoproposetomydarlingmamma;Washeliketherestofthem?Goodness!Whoknows?AndwhatshallIsay,ifawretchshouldpropose?

IamthinkingifAuntknewsolittleofsin,WhatawonderAuntTabitha'sauntmusthavebeen!Andhergrand-aunt--itscaresme--howshockinglysadThatwegirlsofto-dayaresofrightfullybad!

Amartyrwillsaveus,andnothingelsecan;Letmeperish--torescuesomewretchedyoungman!ThoughwhentothealtaravictimIgo,AuntTabitha'lltellmesheneverdidso.

WIND-CLOUDSANDSTAR-DRIFTS

FROMTHEYOUNGASTRONOMER'SPOEM

I.

AMBITION

ANOTHERcloudednight;thestarsarehid,Theorbthatwaitsmysearchishidwiththem.Patience!Whygrudgeanhour,amonth,ayear,

ToplantmyladderandtogaintheroundThatleadsmyfootstepstotheheavenoffame,Wherewaitsthewreathmysleeplessmidnightswon?NotthestainedlaurelsuchasheroeswearThatwitherswhensomestrongerconqueror'sheelTreadsdowntheirshrivellingtrophiesinthedust;ButthefairgarlandwhoseundyinggreenNottimecanchange,norwrathofgodsormen!

Withquickenedheart-beatsIshallheartonguesThatspeakmypraise;butbetterfarthesenseThatintheunshapedages,burieddeepInthedarkminesofunaccomplishedtime

Yettobestampedwithmorning'sroyaldieAndcoinedingoldendays,--inthosedimyearsIshallbereckonedwiththeundyingdead,Mynameemblazonedonthefieryarch,Unfadingtillthestarsthemselvesshallfade.Then,astheycalltherollofshiningworlds,SagesofraceunborninaccentsnewShallcountmewiththeOlympianonesofold,WhoseglorieskindlethroughthemidnightskyHereglowstheGodofBattles;thisrecalls


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TheLordofOcean,andyonfar-offsphereTheSireofHimwhogavehisancientnameTothedimplanetwiththewondrousrings;HereflamestheQueenofBeauty'ssilverlamp,Andtherethemoon-girtorbofmightyJove;Butthis,unseenthroughallearth'sionspast,AyouthwhowatchedbeneaththewesternstarSoughtinthedarkness,found,andshewedtomen;LinkedwithhisnamethenceforthandevermoreSoshallthatnamebesyllabledanewInallthetonguesofallthetribesofmen:IthathavebeenthroughimmemorialyearsDustinthedustofmyforgottentimeShallliveinaccentsshapedofblood-warmbreath,Yea,riseinmortalsemblance,newlybornInshiningstone,inundecayingbronze,Andstandonhigh,andlookserenelydownOnthenewracethatcallstheearthitsown.

Isthisacloud,that,blownathwartmysoul,WearsafalseseemingofthepearlystainWhereworldsbeyondtheworldtheirminglingraysBlendinsoftwhite,--acloudthat,bornofearth,Wouldcheatthesoulthatlooksforlightfromheaven?

Musteverycoral-insectleavehissignOneachpoorgrainhelenttobuildthereef,AsBabel'sbuildersstampedtheirsunburntclay,Ordeemhispatientserviceallinvain?WhatifanothersitbeneaththeshadeOfthebroadelmIplantedbytheway,--WhatifanotherheedthebeaconlightIsetupontherockthatwreckedmykeel,--HaveInotdonemytaskandservedmykind?Nay,ratheractthypart,unnamed,unknown,AndletFameblowhertrumpetthroughtheworldWithnoisywindtoswellafool'srenown,Joinedwithsometruthhestumbledblindlyo'er,

OrcoupledwithsomesingleshiningdeedThatinthegreataccountofallhisdaysWillstandaloneuponthebankruptsheetHispityingangelshowstheclerkofHeaven.Thenoblestservicecomesfromnamelesshands,Andthebestservantdoeshisworkunseen.Whofoundtheseedsoffireandmadethemshoot,Fedbyhisbreath,inbudsandflowersofflame?Whoforgedinroaringflamestheponderousstone,Andshapedthemouldedmetaltohisneed?Whogavethedraggingcaritsrollingwheel,Andtamedthesteedthatwhirlsitscirclinground?Allthesehavelefttheirworkandnottheirnames,--

WhyshouldImurmuratafateliketheirs?Thisistheheavenlylight;thepearlystainWasbutawind-clouddriftingo'erthestars!

II.

REGRETS


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BRIEFglimpsesofthebrightcelestialspheres,Falselights,falseshadows,vague,uncertaingleams,Palevaporousmists,wanstreaksofluridflame,Theclimbingoftheupward-sailingcloud,Thesinkingofthedownward-fallingstar,--AllthesearepicturesofthechangingmoodsBornethroughthemidnightstillnessofmysoul.

HereamI,bounduponthispillaredrock,PreytothevultureofavastdesireThatfeedsuponmylife.IburstmybandsAndstealamoment'sfreedomfromthebeak,Theclingingtalonsandtheshadowingplumes;Thencomesthefalseenchantress,withhersong;

"ThouwouldstnotlaythyforeheadinthedustLikethebaseherdthatfeedsandbreedsanddiesLo,thefairgarlandsthatIweaveforthee,UnchangingasthebeltOrionwears,Brightasthejewelsoftheseven-starredCrown,ThespangledstreamofBerenice'shair!"AndsoshetwinesthefetterswiththeflowersAroundmyyieldinglimbs,andthefiercebirdStoopstohisquarry,--thentofeedhisrage

OfraveninghungerImustdrainmybloodAndletthedew-drenched,poison-breedingnightStealallthefreshnessfrommyfadingcheek,Andleaveitsshadowsroundmycavernedeyes.Allforalineinsomeunheededscroll;Allforastonethattellstogapingclowns,"HereliesarestlesswretchbeneathaclodWheresquatsthejealousnightmaremencallFame!"

ImarvelnotathimwhoscornshiskindAndthinksnotsadlyofthetimeforetoldWhentheoldhulkwetreadshallbeawreck,

Aslag,acinderdriftingthroughtheskyWithoutitscrewoffools!Welivetoolong,Andevensoarenotcontenttodie,ButloadthemouldthatcoversupourbonesWithstonesthatstandlikebeggarsbytheroadAndshowdeath'sgrievouswoundandaskfortears;Writeourgreatbookstoteachmenwhoweare,SingourfinesongsthattellinartfulphraseThesecretsofourlives,andpleadandprayForalmsofmemorywiththeaftertime,ThosefewswiftseasonswhiletheearthshallwearItsleafysummers,ereitscoregrowscoldAndthemoistlifeofallthatbreathesshalldie;

Orasthenew-bornseer,perchancemorewise,Wouldhaveusdeem,beforeitsgrowingmass,Peltedwithstar-dust,stonedwithmeteor-balls,Heatslikeahammeredanvil,tillatlastManandhisworksandallthatstirreditselfOfitsownmotion,inthefieryglowTurnstoaflamingvapor,andourorbShinesanewsunforearthsthatshallbeborn.

IamasoldasEgypttomyself,


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BrothertothemthatsquaredthepyramidsBythesamestarsIwatch.IreadthepageWhereeveryletterisaglitteringworld,WiththemwholookedfromShinar'sclay-builttowers,EreyetthewandereroftheMidlandseaHadmissedthefallensisteroftheseven.Idwellinspacesvague,remote,unknown,Savetothesilentfew,who,leavingearth,Quitallcommunionwiththeirlivingtime.Ilosemyselfinthatetherealvoid,TillIhavetiredmywingsandlongtofillMybreastwithdenserair,tostand,towalkWitheyesnotraisedabovemyfellow-men.Sickofmyunwalled,solitaryrealm,IasktochangethemyriadlifelessworldsIvisitasmineownforonepoorpatchOfthisdullspheroidandalittlebreathToshapeinwordordeedtoservemykind.Wasevergiant'sdungeondugsodeep,Wasevertyrant'sfetterforgedsostrong,Wase'ersuchdeadlypoisoninthedraughtThefalsewifeminglesforthetrustingfool,Ashewhosewillingvictimishimself,Digs,forges,mingles,forhiscaptivesoul?

III.

SYMPATHIES

THEsnowsthatglitteredonthediskofMarsHavemelted,andtheplanet'sfieryorbRollsinthecrimsonsummerofitsyear;ButwhattomethesummerorthesnowOfworldsthatthrobwithlifeinformsunknown,Iflifeindeedbetheirs;Iheednotthese.

Myheartissimplyhuman;allmycareForthemwhosedustisfashionedlikemineown;Theseachewithcoldandhunger,liveinpain,Andshakewithfearofworldsmorefullofwoe;Theremaybeothersworthierofmylove,ButsuchIknownotsavethroughtheseIknow.

Therearetwoveilsoflanguage,hidbeneathWhoseshelteringfolds,wedaretobeourselves;AndnotthatotherselfwhichnodsandsmilesAndbabblesinourname;theoneisPrayer,LendingitslicensedfreedomtothetongueThattellsoursorrowsandoursinstoHeaven;

Theother,Verse,thatthrowsitsspangledwebAroundournakedspeechandmakesitbold.I,whosebestprayerissilence;sittingdumbInthegreattemplewhereInightlyserveHimwhoisthronedinlight,havedaredtoclaimThepoet'sfranchise,thoughImaynothopeTowearhisgarland;hearmewhileItellMystoryinsuchformaspoetsuse,Butbreathedinfitfulwhispers,asthewindSighsandthenslumbers,wakesandsighsagain.


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ThouVision,floatinginthebreathlessairBetweenmeandthefairestofthestars,Itellmylonelythoughtsasuntothee.Looknotformarvelsofthescholar'spenInmyrudemeasure;IcanonlyshowAslender-margined,unilluminedpage,AndtrustitsmeaningtotheflatteringeyeThatreadsitinthegraciouslightoflove.Ah,wouldstthouclothethyselfinbreathingshapeAndnestleatmyside,myvoiceshouldlendWhate'ermyversemaylackoftenderrhythmTomaketheelisten.

IhavestoodentrancedWhen,withherfingerswanderingo'erthekeys,ThewhiteenchantresswiththegoldenhairBreathedallhersoulthroughsomeunvaluedrhyme;Someflowerofsongthatlonghadlostitsbloom;Lo!itsdeadsummerkindledasshesang!Thesweetcontralto,liketheringdove'scoo,Thrilleditwithbrooding,fond,caressingtones,Andthepaleminstrel'spassionlivedagain,Tearfulandtremblingasadewyrose

ThewindhasshakentillitfillstheairWithlightandfragrance.SuchthewondrouscharmAsongcanborrowwhenthebosomthrobsThatlendsitbreath.

Sofromthepoet'slipsHisversesoundsdoublysweet,fornonelikehimFeelseverycadenceofitswave-likeflow;Helivesthepassionover,whilehereads,Thatshookhimashesanghisloftystrain,Andpourshislifethrougheachresoundingline,Asocean,whenthestormywindsarehushed,Stillrollsandthundersthroughhisbillowycaves.

IV.

MASTERANDSCHOLAR

LETmeretracetherecordoftheyearsThatmademewhatIam.Amanmostwise,Butoverwornwithtoilandbentwithage,Soughtmetobehisscholar,-me,runwildFrombooksandteachers,-kindledinmysoulTheloveofknowledge;ledmetohistower,Showedmethewondersofthemidnightrealm

Hishollowsceptreruled,orseemedtorule,Taughtmethemightysecretsofthespheres,TrainedmetofindtheglimmeringspecksoflightBeyondtheunaidedsense,andonmychartTostringthemonebyone,inorderdue,Asonarosaryasainthisbeads.Iwashisonlyscholar;IbecameTheechotohisthought;whate'erheknewWasmineforasking;sofromyeartoyearWewroughttogether,tilltherecameatime


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WhenI,thelearner,wasthemasterhalfOfthetwinnedbeinginthedome-crownedtower.

Mindsrollinpathslikeplanets;theyrevolve,Thisinalarger,thatanarrowerring,Butroundtheycomeatlasttothatsamephase,Thatselfsamelightandshadetheyshowedbefore.Ilearnedhisannualandhismonthlytale,Hisweeklyaxiomandhisdailyphrase,Ifeltthemcomingintheladenair,Andwatchedthemlaboringuptovocalbreath,Evenasthefirst-bornathisfather'sboardKnowserehespeaksthetoofamiliarjestIsonitsway,bysomemysterioussignForewarned,theclickbeforethestrikingbell.

HeshrivelledasIspreadmygrowingleaves,Tilltrustandreverencechangedtopityingcare;Helivedformeinwhatheoncehadbeen,ButIforhim,ashadow,adefence,Theguardianofhisfame,hisguide,hisstaff,Leanedonsolonghefellifleftalone.Iwashiseye,hisear,hiscunninghand,Lovewasmyspurandlongingafterfame,

ButhisthegoadingthornofsleeplessageThatseesitsshorteningspan,itslengtheningshades,Thatclutcheswhatitmaywitheagergrasp,Anddropsatlastwithempty,outstretchedhands.Allthishedreamednot.HewouldsithimdownThinkingtoworkhisproblemsasofold,Andfindthestarhethoughtsoplainablur,ThecolumnedfigureslabyrinthinewildsWithoutmycomment,blindandsenselessscrawlsThatvexedhimwiththeirriddles;hewouldstriveAndstruggleforawhile,andthenhiseyeWouldloseitslight,andoverallhismindThecoldgraymistwouldsettle;anderelong

Thedarknessfell,andIwasleftalone.

V.

ALONE

ALONE!noclimberofanAlpinecliff,NoArcticventureronthewavelesssea,FeelsthedreadstillnessroundhimasitchillsTheheartofhimwholeavestheslumberingearthTowatchthesilentworldsthatcrowdthesky.Alone!Andastheshepherdleaveshisflock

Tofeeduponthehillside,hemeanwhileFindsconverseinthewarblingsofthepipeHimselfhasfashionedforhisvacanthour,SohaveIgrowncompaniontomyself,AndtothewanderingspiritsoftheairThatsmileandwhisperroundusinourdreams.ThushaveIlearnedtosearchifImayknowThewhenceandwhyofallbeneaththestarsAndallbeyondthem,andtoweighmylifeAsinabalance,--poisinggoodandill


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Againsteachother,--askingofthePowerThatflungmeforthamongthewhirlingworlds,IfIamheirtoanyinbornright,OronlyasanatomofthedustThateverywindmayblowwhere'eritwill.

VI.

QUESTIONING

IAMnothumble;Iwasshownmyplace,CladinsuchrobesasNaturehadathand;Tookwhatshegave,notchose;Iknownoshame,NofearforbeingsimplywhatIam.Iamnotproud,IholdmyeverybreathAtNature'smercy.IamasababeBorneinagiant'sarms,heknowsnotwhere;Eachseveralheart-beat,countedlikethecoinAmiserreckons,isaspecialgiftAsfromanunseenhand;ifthatwithholdItsbountyforamoment,IamleftAclodupontheearthtowhichIfall.

SomethingIfindinmethatwellmightclaimTheloveofbeingsinasphereaboveThisdoubtfultwilightworldofrightandwrong;Somethingthatshowsmeoftheself-sameclayThatcreepsorswimsorfliesinhumblestform.HadIbeenasked,beforeIleftmybedOfshapelessdust,whatclothingIwouldwear,Iwouldhavesaid,Moreangelandlessworm;ButfortheirsakewhoareevensuchasI,Ofthesamemingledblood,IwouldnotchooseTohatethatmeanerportionofmyselfWhichmakesmebrothertotheleastofmen.

IdarenotbeacowardwithmylipsWhodaretoquestionallthingsinmysoul;Somemenmayfindtheirwisdomontheirknees,Someproneandgrovellinginthedustlikeslaves;Letthemeekglowwormglisteninthedew;IasktoliftmytapertotheskyAstheywhoholdtheirlampsabovetheirheads,Trustingthelargercurrentsupaloft,Ratherthancrossingeddiesroundtheirbreast,Threateningwitheverypufftheflickeringblaze.

Mylifeshallbeachallenge,notatruce!Thisismyhomagetothemightierpowers,

Toaskmyboldestquestion,undismayedBymutteredthreatsthatsomehystericsenseOfwrongorinsultwillconvulsethethroneWherewisdomreignssupreme;andifIerr,TheyallmusterrwhohavetofeeltheirwayAsbatsthatflyatnoon;forwhatareweButcreaturesofthenight,draggedforthbyday,Whoneedsmuststumble,andwithstammeringstepsSpellouttheirpathsinsyllablesofpain?


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ThouwiltnotholdinscornthechildwhodaresLookuptoThee,theFather,--darestoaskMorethanthywisdomanswers.FromthyhandTheworldswerecast;yeteveryleafletclaimsFromthatsamehanditslittleshiningsphereOfstar-litdew;thineimage,thegreatsun,Girtwithhismantleoftempestuousflame,Glaresinmid-heaven;buttohisnoon-tideblazeTheslendervioletliftsitslidlesseye,Andfromhissplendorstealsitsfairesthue,Itssweetestperfumefromhisscorchingfire.

VII.

WORSHIP

FROMmyloneturretasIlookaroundO'erthegreenmeadowstotheringofblue,Fromslope,fromsummit,andfromhalf-hidvaleTheskyisstabbedwithdagger-pointedspires,Theirgildedsymbolswhirlinginthewind,Theirbrazentonguesproclaimingtotheworld,"Heretruthissold,theonlygenuineware;

Seethatithasourtrade-mark!YouwillbuyPoisoninsteadoffoodacrosstheway,Theliesof-----"thisorthat,eachseveralnameThestandard'sblazonandthebattle-cryOfsometrue-gospelfaction,andagainThetokenoftheBeasttoallbeside.AndgroupedroundeachIseeahuddlingcrowdAlikeinallthingssavethewordstheyuse;Inlove,inlonging,hateandfearthesame.

Whomdowetrustandserve?WespeakofoneAndbowtomany;AthensstillwouldfindTheshrinesofallsheworshippedsafewithin

Ourtallbarbariantemples,andthethronesThatcrownedOlympusmightyasofold.ThegodofmusicrulestheSabbathchoir;ThelyricmusemustleavethesacrednineTohelpuspleasethedilettante'sear;Plutuslimpshomewardwithus,asweleaveTheportalsofthetemplewherewekneltAndlistenedwhilethegodofeloquence(Hermesofancientdays,butnowdisguisedInsablevestments)withthatothergodSomnus,thesonofErebusandNox,Fightsinunequalcontestforoursouls;Thedreadfulsovereignoftheunderworld

Stillshakeshissceptreatus,andwehearThebayingofthetriple-throatedhound;Erosisyoungasever,andasfairThelovelyGoddessbornofocean'sfoam.

Thesebethygods,OIsrael!Whoishe,Theoneyenameandtellusthatyeserve,WhomyewouldcallmefrommylonelytowerToworshipwiththemany-headedthrong?IsittheGodthatwalkedinEden'sgrove


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Inthecoolhourtoseekourguiltysire?TheGodwhodealtwithAbrahamasthesonsOfthatoldpatriarchdealwithothermen?ThejealousGodofMoses,onewhofeelsAnimageasaninsult,andiswrothWithhimwhomadeitandhischildunborn?TheGodwhoplaguedhispeopleforthesinOftheiradulterousking,belovedofhim,--ThesamewhoofferstoachosenfewTherighttopraisehimineternalsongWhileavastshriekingworldofendlesswoeBlendsitsdreadchoruswiththeirrapturoushymn?IsthistheGodyemean,orisitheWhoheedsthesparrow'sfall,whoselovingheartIsasthepityingfather'stohischild,Whoselessontohischildrenis"Forgive,"Whosepleaforall,"Theyknownotwhattheydo"?

VIII.

MANHOOD

ICLAIMtherightofknowingwhomIserve,

Elseismyserviceidle;HethatasksMyhomageasksitfromareasoningsoul.Tocrawlisnottoworship;wehavelearnedAdrillofeyelids,bendedneckandknee,Hangingourprayersonhinges,tillweapeTheflexuresofthemany-jointedworm.AsiahastaughtherAllahsandsalaamsTotheworld'schildren,-wehavegrowntomen!WewhohaverolledthespherebeneathourfeetTofindavirginforest,aswelayThebeamsofourrudetemple,firstofallMustframeitsdoorwayhighenoughformanTopassunstooping;knowingaswedo

ThatHewhoshapeduslastoflivingformsHaslongenoughbeenservedbycreepingthings,ReptilesthatlefttheirfootprintsinthesandOfoldsea-marginsthathaveturnedtostone,Andmenwholearnedtheirritual;wedemandToknowHimfirst,thentrustHimandthenloveWhenwehavefoundHimworthyofourlove,Triedbyourownpoorheartsandnotbefore;Hemustbetruerthanthetruestfriend,Hemustbetendererthanawoman'slove,Afatherbetterthanthebestofsires;Kinderthanshewhoboreus,thoughwesinOftenerthandidthebrotherwearetold

We--poorill-temperedmortals--mustforgive,Thoughseventimessinningthreescoretimesandten.

Thisisthenewworld'sgospel:Beyemen!Trywellthelegendsofthechildren'stime;Yearethechosenpeople,GodhasledYourstepsacrossthedesertofthedeepAsnowacrossthedesertoftheshore;Mountainsarecleftbeforeyouasthesea


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BeforethewanderingtribeofIsrael'ssons;Stillonwardrollsthethunderouscaravan,Itscomingprintedonthewesternsky,Acloudbyday,bynightapillaredflame;YourprophetsareahundreduntooneOfthemofoldwhocried,"ThussaiththeLord;"Theytoldofcitiesthatshouldfallinheaps,ButyoursofmightiercitiesthatshallriseWhereyetthelonelyfishersspreadtheirnets,Wherehidesthefoxandhootsthemidnightowl;ThetreeofknowledgeinyourgardengrowsNotsingle,butateveryhumbledoor;Itsbrancheslendyoutheirimmortalfood,Thatfillsyouwiththesenseofwhatyeare,NoservantsofanaltarhewedandcarvedFromsenselessstonebycraftofhumanhands,Rabbi,ordervish,brahmin,bishop,bonze,ButmastersofthecharmwithwhichtheyworkTokeepyourhandsfromthatforbiddentree!

Yethathavetastedthatdivinestfruit,Lookonthisworldofyourswithopenedeyes!Yeareasgods!Nay,makersofyourgods,--Eachdayyebreakanimageinyourshrine

AndplantafairerimagewhereitstoodWhereistheMolochofyourfathers'creed,Whosefiresoftormentburnedforspan--longbabes?Fitobjectforatendermother'slove!Whynot?ItwasabargaindulymadeForthesesameinfantsthroughthesurety'sactIntrustedwiththeirallforearthandheaven,ByHimwhochosetheirguardian,knowingwellHisfitnessforthetask,--this,eventhis,WasthetruedoctrineonlyyesterdayAsthoughtsarereckoned,--andto--dayyouhearInwordsthatsoundasiffromhumantonguesThosemonstrous,uncouthhorrorsofthepast

ThatblottheblueofheavenandshametheearthAswouldthesauriansoftheageofslime,AwakingfromtheirstonysepulchresAndwallowinghatefulintheeyeofday!

IX.

RIGHTS

WHATamIbutthecreatureThouhastmade?WhathaveIsavetheblessingsThouhastlent?WhathopeIbutthymercyandthylove?

Whobutmyselfshallcloudmysoulwithfear?Whosehandprotectmefrommyselfbutthine?Iclaimtherightsofweakness,I,thebabe,CallonmysiretoshieldmefromtheillsThatstillbesetmypath,nottryingmeWithsnaresbeyondmywisdomormystrength,HeknowingIshallusethemtomyharm,AndfindatenfoldmiseryinthesenseThatinmychildlikefollyIhavesprungThetrapuponmyselfasverminuse,


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Drawnbythecunningbaittocertaindoom.WhowroughtthewondrouscharmthatleadsusonTosweetperdition,buttheselfsamepowerThatsetthefearfulenginetodestroyHiswretchedoffspring(astheRabbistell),AndhiditsyawningjawsandtreacherousspringsInsuchashowofinnocentsweetflowersItluredthesinlessangelsandtheyfell?Ah!HewhoprayedtheprayerofallmankindSummedinthosefewbriefwordsthemightiestpleaForerringsoulsbeforethecourtsofheaven,--_Saveusfrombeingtempted_,--lestwefall!

Ifweareonlyasthepotter'sclayMadetobefashionedastheartistwills,AndbrokenintoshardsifweoffendTheeyeofHimwhomadeus,itiswell;SuchloveastheinsensatelumpofclayThatspinsupontheswift-revolvingwheelBearstothehandthatshapesitsgrowingform,--Suchlove,nomore,willbeourhearts'returnTothegreatMaster-workmanforhiscare,--Orwouldbe,savethatthis,ourbreathingclay,Isintertwinedwithfineinnumerousthreads

Thatmakeitconsciousinitsframer'shand;AndthisHemustrememberwhohasfilledThesevesselswiththedeadlydraughtoflife,--Life,thatmeansdeathtoallitclaims.OurloveMustkindleintheraythatstreamsfromheaven,Afaintreflectionofthelightdivine;ThesunmustwarmtheearthbeforetheroseCanshowherinmostheart-leavestothesun.

HeyieldssomefractionoftheMaker'srightWhogivesthequiveringnerveitssenseofpain;IstherenotsomethinginthepleadingeyeOfthepoorbrutethatsuffers,whicharraigns

Thelawthatbidsitsuffer?HasitnotAclaimforsomeremembranceinthebookThatfillsitspageswiththeidlewordsSpokenofmen?Orisitonlyclay,Bleedingandachinginthepotter'shand,YetallhisowntotreatitasHewillAndwhenHewilltocastitathisfeet,Shattered,dishonored,lostforevermore?Mydoglovesme,butcouldhelookbeyondHisearthlymaster,wouldhisloveextendToHimwho--Hush!IwillnotdoubtthatHeIsbetterthanourfears,andwillnotwrongTheleast,themeanestofcreatedthings!

HewouldnottrustmewiththesmallestorbThatcirclesthroughthesky;HewouldnotgiveAmeteortomyguidance;wouldnotleaveThecoloringofacloudlettomyhand;HelocksmybeatingheartbeneathitsbarsAndkeepsthekeyhimself;HemeasuresoutThedraughtsofvitalbreaththatwarmmyblood,Windsupthespringsofinstinctwhichuncoil,Eachinitsseason;tiesmetomyhome,


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Myrace,mytime,mynation,andmycreedSocloselythatifIbutslipmywristOutofthebandthatcutsittothebone,Mensay,"Hehathadevil;"HehaslentAllthatIholdintrust,asuntooneByreasonofhisweaknessandhisyearsNotfittoholdthesmallestshredinfeeOfthosemostcommonthingshecallshisown,--Andyet--myRabbitellsme--HehasleftThecareofthattowhichamillionworldsFilledwithunconsciouslifewerelessthannaught,Hasleftthatmightyuniverse,theSoul,Totheweakguidanceofourbabyhands,Letthefoulfiendshaveaccessattheirwill,Takingtheshapeofangels,toourhearts,--OurheartsalreadypoisonedthroughandthroughWiththefiercevirusofancestralsin;Turnedusadriftwithourimmortalcharge,Towreckourselvesingulfsofendlesswoe.

IfwhatmyRabbitellsmeisthetruthWhydidthechoirofangelssingforjoy?Heavenmustbecompassedinanarrowspace,Andoffermorethanroomenoughforall

Thatpassitsportals;buttheunder-world,Thegodlessrealm,theplacewheredemonsforgeTheirfierydartsandadamantinechains,MustswarmwithghoststhatforalittlewhileHadwornthegarbofflesh,andbeingheirsOfallthedulnessoftheirstolidsires,Andalltheerringinstinctsoftheirtribe,Nature'sownteaching,rudimentsof"sin,"FellheadlonginthesnarethatcouldnotfailTotrapthewretchedcreaturesshapedofclayAndcursedwithsenseenoughtolosetheirsouls!

Brother,thyheartistroubledatmyword;

Sister,Iseethecloudisonthybrow.Hewillnotblameme,Hewhosendsnotpeace,Butsendsasword,andbidsusstrikeamainAtError'sgildedcrest,whereinthevanOfearth'sgreatarmy,minglingwiththebestAndbravestofitsleaders,shoutingloudThebattle-criesthatyesterdayhaveledThehostofTruthtovictory,butto-dayArewatchwordsofthelaggardandtheslave,Heleadshisdazzledcohorts.GodhasmadeThisworldastrifeofatomsandofspheres;WitheverybreathIsighmyselfawayAndtakemytributefromthewanderingwind

Tofantheflameoflife'sconsumingfire;So,whilemythoughthaslife,itneedsmustburn,And,burning,setthestubble-fieldsablaze,WherealltheharvestlongagowasreapedAndsafelygarneredintheancientbarns.Butstillthegleaners,gropingfortheirfood,Goblindlyfeelingthroughtheclose-shornstraw,Whiletheyoungreapersflash,theirglitteringsteelWherelatersunshaveripenednoblergrain!


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X.

TRUTHS

THEtimeisrackedwithbirth-pangs;everyhourBringsforthsomegaspingtruth,andtruthnewbornLooksamisshapenanduntimelygrowth,Theterrorofthehouseholdanditsshame,Amonstercoilinginitsnurse'slapThatsomewouldstrangle,somewouldonlystarve;Butstillitbreathes,andpassedfromhandtohand,Andsuckledatahundredhalf-cladbreasts,Comesslowlytoitsstatureanditsform,Calmstheroughridgesofitsdragon-scales,Changestoshininglocksitssnakyhair,Andmovestransfiguredintoangelguise,Welcomedbyallthatcurseditshourofbirth,AndfoldedinthesameencirclingarmsThatcastitlikeaserpentfromtheirhold!

Ifthouwouldstliveinhonor,dieinpeace,Havethefinewordsthemarble-workerslearnTocarvesowell,uponthyfuneral-stone,

Andearnafairobituary,dressedInallthemany-coloredrobesofpraise,BedeaferthantheaddertothecryOfthatsamefoundlingtruth,untilitgrowsToseemlyfavor,andatlengthhaswonThesmilesofhard-mouthedmenandlight-lippeddames;Thensnatchitfromitsmeagrenurse'sbreast,Folditinsilkandgiveitfoodfromgold;SoshaltthoushareitsglorywhenatlastItdropsitsmortalvesture,and,revealedInallthesplendorofitsheavenlyform,Spreadsonthestartledairitsmightywings!

Alas!howmuchthatseemedimmortaltruthThatheroesfoughtfor,martyrsdiedtosave,Revealsitsearth-bornlineage,growingoldAndlimpinginitsmarch,itswingsunplumed,Itsheavenlysemblancefadedlikeadream!Hereinthispaintedcasket,justunsealed,Lieswhatwasonceabreathingshapelikethine,Oncelovedasthouartloved;therebeamedtheeyesThatlookedonMemphisinitshourofpride,Thatsawthewallsofhundred-gatedThebes,AndallthemirroredgloriesoftheNile.Seehowtheytoiledthatall-consumingtimeMightleavetheframeimmortalinitstomb;

FilleditwithfragrantbalmsandodorousgumsThatstilldiffusetheirsweetnessthroughtheair,AndwoundandwoundwithpatientfoldonfoldTheflaxenbandsthyhandhasrudelytorn!PerchancethouyetcanstseethefadedstainOfthesadmourner'stear.

XI.


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IDOLS

BUTwhatisthis?Thesacredbeetle,bounduponthebreastOftheblindheathen!Snatchthecuriousprize,Giveitaplaceamongthytreasuredspoils,Fossilandrelic,--corals,encrinites,Theflyinamberandthefishinstone,ThetwistedcircletofEtruscangold,Medal,intaglio,poniard,poison-ring,--PlacefortheMemphianbeetlewiththinehoard!

AMlongerthanthycreedhasblesttheworldThistoy,thusravishedfromthybrother'sbreast,WastotheheartofMizraimasdivine,Asholy,asthesymbolthatwelayOnthestillbosomofourwhite-robeddead,AndraiseabovetheirdustthatallmayknowHeresleepsanheirofglory.Lovingfriends,Withtearsoftremblingfaithandchokingsobs,Andprayerstothosewhojudgeofmortaldeeds,Wrappedthispoorimageinthecerement'sfoldThatIsisandOsiris,friendsofman,Mightknowtheirownandclaimtheransomedsoul.

Anidol?Manwasborntoworshipsuch!Anidolisanimageofhisthought;Sometimeshecarvesitoutofgleamingstone,Andsometimesmouldsitoutofglitteringgold,Orroundsitinamightyfrescoeddome,Orliftsitheavenwardinaloftyspire,Orshapesitinacunningframeofwords,Orpayshispriesttomakeitdaybyday;Forsensemusthaveitsgodaswellassoul;Anew-bornDiancallsforsilvershrines,AndEgypt'sholiestsymbolisourown,Thesignweworshipasdidtheyofold

WhenIsisandOsirisruledtheworld.

Letusbetruetoourmostsubtleselves,Welongtohaveouridolsliketherest.Think!whenthemenofIsraelhadtheirGodEncampedamongthem,talkingwiththeirchief,LeadingtheminthepillarofthecloudAndwatchingo'erthemintheshaftoffire,Theystillmusthaveanimage;stilltheylongedForsomewhatofsubstantial,solidformWhereontohangtheirgarlands,andtofixTheirwanderingthoughtsandgainastrongerholdFortheiruncertainfaith,notyetassured

IfthosesamemeteorsofthedayandnightWerenotmereexhalationsofthesoil.Arewelessearthlythanthechosenrace?ArewemoreneighborsofthelivingGodThantheywhogatheredmannaeverymorn,Reapingwherenonehadsown,andheardthevoiceOfhimwhomettheHighestinthemount,Andbroughtthemtables,gravenwithHishand?Yetthesemusthavetheiridol,broughttheirgold,Thatstar-browedApismightbegodagain;


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Yea,fromtheirearsthewomenbraketheringsThatlentsuchsplendorstothegypsybrownOfsunburntcheeks,--whatmorecouldwomandoToshowherpiouszeal?Theywentastray,Butnatureledthemasitleadsusall.Wetoo,whomockatIsrael'sgoldencalfAndscoffatEgypt'ssacredscarabee,Wouldhaveouramuletstoclaspandkiss,Andfloodwithrapturoustears,andbearwithusTobeourdearcompanionsinthedust;Suchmagicworksanimageinoursouls.

Manisanembryo;seeattwentyyearsHisbones,thecolumnsthatupholdhisframeNotyetcemented,shaftandcapital,Merefragmentsofthetempleincomplete.Attwoscore,threescore,ishethenfullgrown?Nay,stillachild,andasthelittlemaidsDressandundresstheirpuppets,sohetriesTodressalifelesscreed,asifitlived,Andchangeitsraimentwhentheworldcriesshame!

WesmiletoseeourlittleonesatplaySograve,sothoughtful,withmaternalcare

Nursingthewispsofragstheycalltheirbabes;--DoesHenotsmilewhoseesuswiththetoysWecallbysacrednames,andidlyfeignTobewhatwehavecalledthem?HeisstillTheFatherofthishelplessnursery-brood,Whosesecondchildhoodjoinssocloseitsfirst,Thatinthecrowding,hurryingyearsbetweenWescarcehavetrainedoursensestotheirtaskBeforethegatheringmisthasdimmedoureyes,Andwithourhollowedpalmwehelpourear,Andtracewithtremblinghandourwrinklednames,Andthenbegintotellourstorieso'er,Andsee--nothear--thewhisperinglipsthatsay,

"Youknow?Yourfatherknewhim.--Thisishe,Totteringandleaningonthehireling'sarm,"--Andso,atlength,disrobedofallthatcladThesimplelifewesharewithweedandworm,Gotoourcradles,nakedaswecame.

XII.

LOVE

WHATifasoulredeemed,aspiritthatlovedWhileyetonearthandwasbelovedinturn,

AndstillrememberedeverylookandtoneOfthatdearearthlysisterwhowasleftAmongtheunwisevirginsatthegate,--Itselfadmittedwiththebridegroom'strain,--Whatifthisspiritredeemed,amidthehostOfchantingangels,insometransientlullOftheeternalanthem,heardthecryOfitslostdarling,whominevilhourSomewilderpulseofnatureledastrayAndleftanoutcastinaworldoffire,


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Condemnedtobethesportofcruelfiends,Sleepless,unpitying,mastersoftheskillTowringthemaddestecstasiesofpainFromworn-outsoulsthatonlyasktodie,--Woulditnotlongtoleavetheblissofheaven,--BearingalittlewaterinitshandTomoistenthosepoorlipsthatpleadinvainWithHimwecallourFather?OrisallSochangedinsuchastastecelestialjoyTheyhearunmovedtheendlesswailofwoe;ThedaughterinthesamedeartonesthathushedHercradleslumbers;shewhooncehadheldAbabeuponherbosomfromitsvoiceHoarsewithitscryofanguish,yetthesame?

No!notinageswhentheDreadfulBirdStampedhishugefootprints,andtheFearfulBeastStrodewiththefleshaboutthosefossilbonesWebuildtomimiclifewithpygmyhands,--NotinthoseearliestdayswhenmenranwildAndgashedeachotherwiththeirknivesofstone,WhentheirlowforeheadsbulgedinridgybrowsAndtheirflathandswerecallousinthepalmWithwalkinginthefashionoftheirsires,

GropeastheymighttofindacruelgodToworktheirwillonsuchashumanwrathHadwroughtitsworsttotorture,andhadleftWithrageunsated,whiteandstarkandcold,CouldhatehaveshapedademonmoremalignThanhimthedeadmenmummiedintheircreedAndtaughttheirtremblingchildrentoadore!

Madeinhisimage!SweetandgracioussoulsDeartomyheartbynature'sfondestnames,IsnotyourmemorystillthepreciousmouldThatlendsitsformtoHimwhohearsmyprayer?ThusonlyIbeholdHim,liketothem,

Long-suffering,gentle,everslowtowrath,Ifwrathitbethatonlywoundstoheal,ReadytomeetthewanderererehereachThedoorheseeks,forgetfulofhissin,Longingtoclasphiminafather'sarms,Andsealhispardonwithapityingtear!

Fourgospelstelltheirstorytomankind,Andnonesofullofsoft,caressingwordsThatbringtheMaidofBethlehemandherBabeBeforeourtear-dimmedeyes,ashiswholearnedInthemeekserviceofhisgraciousartThetoneswhich,likethemedicinalbalms

Thatcalmthesufferer'sanguish,sootheoursouls.Ohthatthelovingwoman,shewhosatSolongalisteneratherMaster'sfeet,HadleftusMary'sGospel,--allsheheardToosweet,toosubtlefortheearofman!Markhowthetender-heartedmothersreadThemessagesoflovebetweenthelinesOfthesamepagethatloadsthebittertongueOfhimwhodealsinterrorashistradeWiththreateningwordsofwraththatscorchlikeflame


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TheytellofangelswhisperingroundthebedOfthesweetinfantsmilinginitsdream,OflambsenfoldedintheShepherd'sarms,OfHimwhoblessedthechildren;ofthelandWherecrystalriversfeedunfadingflowers,Ofcitiesgolden-pavedwithstreetsofpearl,Ofthewhiterobesthewingedcreatureswear,ThecrownsandharpsfromwhosemelodiousstringsOnelong,sweetanthemflowsforevermore!Wetoohadhumanmothers,evenasThou,WhomwehavelearnedtoworshipasremoteFrommortalkindred,wastacradledbabe.Themilkofwomanfilledourbranchingveins,Shelulleduswithhertendernursery-song,Andfoldedroundusheruntiringarms,WhilethefirstunrememberedtwilightyeasShapedustoconsciousbeing;stillwefeelHerpulsesinourown,--toofaintlyfeel;Wouldthattheheartofwomanwarmedourcreeds!

Notfromthesad-eyedhermit'slonelycell,NotfromtheconclavewheretheholymenGlareoneachother,aswithangryeyesTheybattleforGod'sgloryandtheirown,

Till,sickofwordystrife,ashowofhandsFixesthefaithofagesyetunborn,--Ah,notfromthesethelisteningsoulcanhearTheFather'svoicethatspeaksitselfdivine!LovemustbestillourMaster;tillwelearnWhathecanteachusofawoman'sheart,WeknownotHiswhoseloveembracesall.

EPILOGUETOTHEBREAKFAST-TABLESERIES

AUTOCRAT-PROFESSOR-POET

ATABOOKSTORE

AnnoDomini1972

ACRAZYbookcase,placedbeforeAlow-pricedealer'sopendoor;ThereinarrayedinbrokenrowsAraggedcrewofrhymeandprose,Thehomelessvagrants,waifs,andstraysWhoselowestatethislinebetrays(Setforththelesserbirdstolime)

YOURCHOICEAMONGTHESEBOORS1DIME!

Ho!dealer;foritsmotto'ssakeThisscarecrowfromtheshelfItake;Threestarvelingvolumesboundinone,Itscoverswarpinginthesun.Methinksithathamustysmell,Ilikeitsflavornonetoowell,ButYorick'sbrainwasfarfromdull,ThoughHamletpah!'d,anddroppedhisskull.


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Why,herecomesrain!Theskygrowsdark,--Wasthattherollofthunder?Hark!Theshopaffordsasaferetreat,Achairextendsitswelcomeseat,Thetradesmanhasacivillook(I'vepaid,impromptu,formybook),Thecloudsportendasuddenshower,--I'llreadmypurchaseforanhour.

WhathaveIrescuedfromtheshelf?ABoswell,writingouthimself!Forthoughhechangesdressandname,Themanbeneathisstillthesame,Laughingorsad,byfitsandstarts,Oneactorinadozenparts,Andwhatsoe'erthemaskmaybe,Thevoiceassuresus,Thisishe.

Isaynotthistocryhimdown;IfindmyShakespeareinhisclown,Hisroguestheselfsameparentown;Nay!SatantalksinMilton'stone!Where'ertheoceaninletstrays,

Thesaltseawaveitssourcebetrays;Where'erthequeenofsummerblows,Shetellsthezephyr,"I'mtherose!"

Andhisisnottheplaywright'spage;Histabledoesnotapethestage;WhatmatterifthefiguresseenAreonlyshadowsonascreen,Hefindsinthemhislurkingthought,Andontheirlipsthewordshesought,LikeonewhositsbeforethekeysAndplaysatunehimselftoplease.

Andwashenotedinhisday?Read,flattered,honored?Whoshallsay?PoorwreckoftimethewavehascastTofindapeacefulshoreatlast,OncegloryinginthygildednameAndfreighteddeepwithhopesoffame,Thyleafismoistenedwithatear,Thefirstformanyalong,longyear.

ForbeitmoreorlessofartThatveilsthelowliesthumanheartWherepassionthrobs,wherefriendshipglows,Wherepity'stendertributeflows,

Wherelovehaslititsfragrantfire,Andsorrowquencheditsvaindesire,Formethealtarisdivine,Itsflame,itsashes,--allaremine!

Andthou,mybrother,asIlookAndseetheepicturedinthybook,ThyyearsoneverypageconfessedInshadowslengtheningfromthewest,Thyglancethatwanders,asitsought


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Somefreshlyopeningflowerofthought,Thyhopefulnature,lightandfree,Istarttofindmyselfinthee!

...........

Come,vagrant,outcast,wretchforlornInleatherjerkinstainedandtorn,WhosetalkhasfilledmyidlehourAndmademehalfforgettheshower,I'lldoatleastasmuchforyou,YourcoatI'llpatch,yourgiltrenew,Readyou--perhaps--someothertime.Notbad,mybargain!Priceonedime!

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Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the — Volume 06: Poems from the Breakfast Table Series by Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 1809-1894