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TheProjectGutenbergEBookofThePoeticalWorksofOliverWendellHolmes,Vol.1,byOliverWendellHolmes,Sr.
ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwithalmostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayorre-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincludedwiththiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.net
Title:ThePoeticalWorksofOliverWendellHolmes,Vol.1EarlierPoems(1830-1836)
Author:OliverWendellHolmes,Sr.
ReleaseDate:September30,2004[EBook#7388]
Language:English
Charactersetencoding:ASCII
***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKHOLMESPOETRY,VOL.1***
ProducedbyDavidWidger
THEPOETICALWORKS
OF
OLIVERWENDELLHOLMES
[1893threevolumeset]
CONTENTS:
TOMYREADERS
EARLIERPOEMS(1830-1836).OLDIRONSIDESTHELASTLEAFTHECAMBRIDGECHURCHYARD
TOANINSECTTHEDILEMMAMYAUNTREFLECTIONSOFAPROUDPEDESTRIANDAILYTRIALS,BYASENSITIVEMANEVENING,BYATAILORTHEDORCHESTERGIANTTOTHEPORTRAITOF"ALADY"THECOMETTHEMusic-GRINDERS
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THETREADMILLSONGTHESEPTEMBERGALETHEHEIGHTOFTHERIDICULOUSTHELASTREADERPOETRY:AMETRICALESSAY
TOMYREADERS
NAY,blamemenot;ImighthavesparedYourpatiencemanyatrivialverse,Yetthesemyearlierwelcomeshared,So,letthebettershieldtheworse.
Andsomemightsay,"ThoserudersongsHadfreshnesswhichthenewhavelost;Tospringtheopeningleafbelongs,Thechestnut-bursawaitthefrost."
WhenthoseIwrote,mylockswerebrown,WhentheseIwrite--ah,wella-day!Theautumnthistle'ssilverydown
IsnotthepurplebloomofMay.
Go,littlebook,whosepagesholdThosegarneredyearsinlovingtrust;HowlongbeforeyourblueandgoldShallfadeandwhiteninthedust?
Osextonofthealcovedtomb,Wheresoulsinleatherncerementslie,Tellmeeachlivingpoet'sdoom!Howlongbeforehisbookshalldie?
Itmatterslittle,soonorlate,
Aday,amonth,ayear,anage,--Ireadoblivioninitsdate,AndFinisonitstitle-page.
Beforewesighed,ourgriefsweretold;Beforewesmiled,ourjoysweresung;AndallourpassionsshapedofoldInaccentslosttomortaltongue.
Invainafreshermouldweseek,--CanallthevariedphrasestellThatBabel'swanderingchildrenspeakHowthrushessingorlilacssmell?
Cagedinthepoet'slonelyheart,Lovewastesunhearditstenderesttone;Thesoulthatsingsmustdwellapart,Itsinwardmelodiesunknown.
Dealgentlywithus,yewhoreadOurlargesthopeisunfulfilled,--Thepromisestilloutrunsthedeed,--Thetower,butnotthespire,webuild.
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Ourwhitestpearlweneverfind;Ourripestfruitweneverreach;ThefloweringmomentsofthemindDrophalftheirpetalsinourspeech.
Thesearemyblossoms;iftheywearOnestreakofmornorevening'sglow,Acceptthem;buttomemorefairThebudsofsongthatneverblow.April8,1862.
EARLIERPOEMS
1830-1836OLDIRONSIDES
ThiswasthepopularnamebywhichthefrigateConstitutionwasknown.ThepoemwasfirstprintedintheBostonDailyAdvertiser,atthetimewhenitwasproposedtobreakuptheoldshipasunfitforservice.Isubjointheparagraphwhich
ledtothewritingofthepoem.ItisfromtheAdvertiserofTuesday,September14,1830:--
"OldIronsides.--IthasbeenaffirmedupongoodauthoritythattheSecretaryoftheNavyhasrecommendedtotheBoardofNavyCommissionerstodisposeofthefrigateConstitution.Sinceithasbeenunderstoodthatsuchastepwasincontemplationwehaveheardbutoneopinionexpressed,andthatindecideddisapprobationofthemeasure.Suchanationalobjectofinterest,soendearedtoournationalprideasOldIronsidesis,shouldneverbyanyactofourgovernmentceasetobelongtotheNavy,solongasourcountryistobefounduponthemapofnations.InEnglanditwaslatelydeterminedbytheAdmiraltytocutthe
Victory,aone-hundredgunship(whichitwillberecollectedboretheflagofLordNelsonatthebattleofTrafalgar,)downtoaseventy-four,butsoloudwerethelamentationsofthepeopleupontheproposedmeasurethattheintentionwasabandoned.WeconfidentlyanticipatethattheSecretaryoftheNavywillinlikemannerconsultthegeneralwishinregardtotheConstitution,andeitherletherremaininordinaryorrebuildherwheneverthepublicservicemayrequire."--NewYorkJournalofCommerce.
Thepoemwasanimpromptuoutburstoffeelingandwaspublishedonthenextdaybutoneafterreadingtheaboveparagraph.
AY,tearhertatteredensigndown
Longhasitwavedonhigh,AndmanyaneyehasdancedtoseeThatbannerinthesky;Beneathitrungthebattleshout,Andburstthecannon'sroar;--ThemeteoroftheoceanairShallsweepthecloudsnomore.
Herdeck,onceredwithheroes'blood,Wherekneltthevanquishedfoe,
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Whenwindswerehurryingo'ertheflood,Andwaveswerewhitebelow,Nomoreshallfeelthevictor'stread,Orknowtheconqueredknee;--TheharpiesoftheshoreshallpluckTheeagleofthesea!
OhbetterthathershatteredhulkShouldsinkbeneaththewave;Herthundersshookthemightydeep,Andthereshouldbehergrave;Nailtothemastherholyflag,Seteverythreadbaresail,Andgivehertothegodofstorms,Thelightningandthegale!
THELASTLEAF
ThispoemwassuggestedbytheappearanceinoneofourstreetsofavenerablerelicoftheRevolution,saidtobeone
ofthepartywhothrewtheteaoverboardinBostonHarbor.Hewasafinemonumentalspecimeninhiscockedhatandkneebreeches,withhisbuckledshoesandhissturdycane.ThesmilewithwhichI,asayoungman,greetedhim,meantnodisrespecttoanhonoredfellow-citizenwhosecostumewasoutofdate,butwhosepatriotismneverchangedwithyears.Idonotrecallanyearlierexampleofthisformofverse,whichwascommendedbythefastidiousEdgarAllanPoe,whomadeacopyofthewholepoemwhichIhaveinhisownhandwriting.GoodAbrahamLincolnhadagreatlikingforthepoem,andrepeateditfrommemorytoGovernorAndrew,asthegovernorhimselftoldme.
ISAWhimoncebefore,
Ashepassedbythedoor,AndagainThepavementstonesresound,Ashetotterso'erthegroundWithhiscane.
Theysaythatinhisprime,Erethepruning-knifeofTimeCuthimdown,NotabettermanwasfoundBytheCrieronhisroundThroughthetown.
Butnowhewalksthestreets,AndhelooksatallhemeetsSadandwan,Andheshakeshisfeeblehead,Thatitseemsasifhesaid,"Theyaregone."
ThemossymarblesrestOnthelipsthathehasprestIntheirbloom,
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AndthenameshelovedtohearHavebeencarvedformanyayearOnthetomb.
Mygrandmammahassaid--Pooroldlady,sheisdeadLongago--ThathehadaRomannose,AndhischeekwaslikearoseInthesnow.
Butnowhisnoseisthin,AnditrestsuponhischinLikeastaff,Andacrookisinhisback,AndamelancholycrackInhislaugh.
IknowitisasinFormetositandgrinAthimhere;Buttheoldthree-corneredhat,Andthebreeches,andallthat,Aresoqueer!
AndifIshouldlivetobeThelastleafuponthetreeInthespring,Letthemsmile,asIdonow,AttheoldforsakenboughWhereIcling.
THECAMBRIDGECHURCHYARD
OURancientchurch!itslowlytower,Beneaththeloftierspire,IsshadowedwhenthesunsethourClothesthetallshaftinfire;ItsinksbeyondthedistanteyeLongeretheglitteringvane,Highwheelinginthewesternsky,Hasfadedo'ertheplain.
LikeSentinelandNun,theykeepTheirvigilonthegreen;Oneseemstoguard,andonetoweep,
Thedeadthatliebetween;Andbothrollout,sofullandnear,Theirmusic'sminglingwaves,Theyshakethegrass,whosepennonedspearLeansonthenarrowgraves.
Thestrangerpartstheflauntingweeds,WhoseseedsthewindshavestrownSothick,beneaththelinehereads,Theyshadethesculpturedstone;
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Thechildunveilshisclusteredbrow,AndpondersforawhileThegravenwillow'spendentbough,Orrudestcherub'ssmile.
Butwhattothemthedirge,theknell?Thesewerethemourner'sshare,--Thesullenclang,whoseheavyswellThrobbedthroughthebeatingair;Therattlingcord,therollingstone,Theshelvingsandthatslid,And,farbeneath,withhollowtoneRungonthecoffin'slid.
Theslumberer'smoundgrowsfreshandgreen,Thenslowlydisappears;Themossescreep,thegraystoneslean,Earthhideshisdateandyears;But,longbeforetheonce-lovednameIssunkorwornaway,Nolipthesilentdustmayclaim,Thatpressedthebreathingclay.
Gowheretheancientpathwayguides,
SeewhereoursireslaiddownTheirsmilingbabes,theircherishedbrides,Thepatriarchsofthetown;Hastthouatearforburiedlove?Asighfortransientpower?Allthatacenturyleftabove,Go,readitinanhour!
TheIndian'sshaft,theBriton'sball,Thesabre'sthirstingedge,Thehotshell,shatteringinitsfall,Thebayonet'srendingwedge,--Herescattereddeath;yet,seekthespot,
Notracethineeyecansee,Noaltar,--andtheyneeditnotWholeavetheirchildrenfree!
Lookwheretheturbidrain-dropsstandInmanyachiselledsquare;Theknightlycrest,theshield,thebrandOfhonorednameswerethere;--Alas!foreverytearisdriedThoseblazonedtabletsknew,Savewhentheicymarble'ssideDripswiththeeveningdew.
Orgazeuponyonpillaredstone,Theemptyurnofpride;TherestandtheGobletandtheSun,--Whatneedofmorebeside?Wherelivesthememoryofthedead,Whomadetheirtombatoy?Whoseashespressthatnamelessbed?Go,askthevillageboy!
Leano'ertheslenderwesternwall,
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Yeever-roaminggirls;ThebreaththatbidstheblossomfallMayliftyourfloatingcurls,TosweepthesimplelinesthattellAnexile'sdateanddoom;Andsigh,forwherehisdaughtersdwell,Theywreathethestranger'stomb.
Andoneamidtheseshadeswasborn,Beneaththisturfwholies,Oncebeamingasthesummer'smorn,Thatclosedhergentleeyes;Ifsinlessangelsloveaswe,Whostoodthygravebeside,Threeseraphwelcomeswaitedthee,Thedaughter,sister,bride.
IwanderedtothyburiedmoundWhenearthwashidbelowTheleveloftheglaringground,Chokedtoitsgateswithsnow,Andwhenwithsummer'sflowerywavesThelakeofverdurerolled,AsifaSultan'swhite-robedslaves
Hadscatteredpearlsandgold.
Nay,thesoftpinionsoftheair,Thatliftthistremblingtone,ItsbreathoflovemayalmostbearTokissthyfuneralstone;And,nowthysmileshavepassedaway,Forallthejoytheygave,MaysweetestdewsandwarmestrayLieonthineearlygrave!
WhendampsbeneathandstormsaboveHavebowedthesefragiletowers,
Stillo'erthegravesyonlocustgroveShallswingitsOrientflowers;AndIwouldasknomoulderingbust,Ife'erthishumbleline,Whichbreathedasigho'erother'sdust,Mightcallatearonmine.
TOANINSECT
TheKatydidis"aspeciesofgrasshopperfoundintheUnitedStates,socalledfromthesoundwhichitmakes."--Worcester.IusedtohearthisinsectinProvidence,RhodeIsland,butIdonotrememberhearingitinCambridge,Massachusetts,whereIpassedmyboyhood.ItiswellknowninothertownsintheneighborhoodofBoston.
ILOVEtohearthineearnestvoice,Whereverthouarthid,Thoutestylittledogmatist,
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ThouprettyKatydidThoumindestmeofgentlefolks,--Oldgentlefolksarethey,--Thousay'stanundisputedthingInsuchasolemnway.
Thouartafemale,KatydidIknowitbythetrillThatquiversthroughthypiercingnotes,Sopetulantandshrill;IthinkthereisaknotofyouBeneaththehollowtree,--AknotofspinsterKatydids,---DoKatydidsdrinktea?
OhtellmewheredidKatylive,AndwhatdidKatydo?Andwassheveryfairandyoung,Andyetsowicked,too?DidKatyloveanaughtyman,Orkissmorecheeksthanone?IwarrantKatydidnomoreThanmanyaKatehasdone.
Dearme!I'lltellyouallaboutMyfusswithlittleJane,AndAnn,withwhomIusedtowalkSooftendownthelane,Andallthattoretheirlocksofblack,Orwettheireyesofblue,--Praytellme,sweetestKatydid,WhatdidpoorKatydo?
Ahno!thelivingoakshallcrash,Thatstoodforagesstill,TherockshallrenditsmossybaseAndthunderdownthehill,
BeforethelittleKatydidShalladdoneword,totellThemysticstoryofthemaidWhosenamesheknowssowell.
Peacetotheever-murmuringrace!AndwhenthelatestoneShallfoldindeathherfeeblewingsBeneaththeautumnsun,Thenshallsheraiseherfaintingvoice,Andliftherdroopinglid,AndthenthechildoffutureyearsShallhearwhatKatydid.
THEDILEMMA
Now,bytheblessedPaphianqueen,Whoheavesthebreastofsweetsixteen;ByeverynameIcutonbark
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Beforemymorningstargrewdark;ByHymen'storch,byCupid'sdart,Byallthatthrillsthebeatingheart;Thebrightblackeye,themeltingblue,--Icannotchoosebetweenthetwo.
Ihadavisioninmydreams;--Isawarowoftwentybeams;Fromeverybeamaropewashung,Ineveryropealoverswung;IaskedthehueofeveryeyeThatbadeeachlucklessloverdie;Tenshadowylipssaid,heavenlyblue,Andtenaccusedthedarkerhue.
IaskedamatronwhichshedeemedWithfairestlightofbeautybeamed;Sheanswered,somethoughtbothwerefair,--Giveherblueeyesandgoldenhair.Imighthavelikedherjudgmentwell,But,asshespoke,sherungthebell,Andallhergirls,norsmallnorfew,Camemarchingin,--theireyeswereblue.
Iaskedamaiden;backsheflungThelocksthatroundherforeheadhung,Andturnedhereye,agloriousone,Brightasadiamondinthesun,Onme,untilbeneathitsraysIfeltasifmyhairwouldblaze;Shelikedalleyesbuteyesofgreen;Shelookedatme;whatcouldshemean?
Ah!manylidsLovelurksbetween,Norheedsthecoloringofhisscreen;Andwhenhisrandomarrowsfly,Thevictimfalls,butknowsnotwhy.
Gazenotuponhisshieldofjet,Theshaftuponthestringisset;Looknotbeneathhisazureveil,Thougheverylimbwerecasedinmail.
Well,bothmightmakeamartyrbreakThechainthatboundhimtothestake;Andboth,withbutasingleray,Canmeltourveryheartsaway;Andboth,whenbalanced,hardlyseemTostirthescales,orrockthebeam;Butthatisdearest,allthewhile,Thatwearsforusthesweetestsmile.
MYAUNT
MYaunt!mydearunmarriedaunt!Longyearshaveo'erherflown;Yetstillshestrainstheachingclasp
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Thatbindshervirginzone;Iknowithurtsher,--thoughshelooksAscheerfulasshecan;Herwaistisamplerthanherlife,Forlifeisbutaspan.
Myaunt!mypoordeludedaunt!Herhairisalmostgray;WhywillshetrainthatwintercurlInsuchaspring-likeway?Howcanshelayherglassesdown,Andsayshereadsaswell,WhenthroughadoubleconvexlensShejustmakesouttospell?
Herfather--grandpapaIforgiveThiserringlipitssmiles--VowedsheshouldmakethefinestgirlWithinahundredmiles;Hesenthertoastylishschool;'TwasinherthirteenthJune;Andwithher,astherulesrequired,"Twotowelsandaspoon."
Theybracedmyauntagainstaboard,Tomakeherstraightandtall;Theylacedherup,theystarvedherdown,Tomakeherlightandsmall;Theypinchedherfeet,theysingedherhair,Theyscreweditupwithpins;--OhnevermortalsufferedmoreInpenanceforhersins.
So,whenmypreciousauntwasdone,Mygrandsirebroughtherback;(Bydaylight,lestsomerabidyouthMightfollowonthetrack;)
"Ah!"saidmygrandsire,asheshookSomepowderinhispan,"WhatcouldthislovelycreaturedoAgainstadesperateman!"
Alas!norchariot,norbarouche,Norbanditcavalcade,Torefromthetremblingfather'sarmsHisall-accomplishedmaid.ForherhowhappyhaditbeenAndHeavenhadsparedtomeToseeonesad,ungatheredroseOnmyancestraltree.
REFLECTIONSOFAPROUDPEDESTRIAN
ISAWthecurlofhiswavinglash,Andtheglanceofhisknowingeye,AndIknewthathethoughthewascuttingadash,
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Women,withtonguesLikepolarneedles,everonthejar;Men,pluglessword-spouts,whosedeepfountainsareWithintheirlungs.
Children,withdrumsStrappedroundthembythefondpaternalass;PeripateticswithabladeofgrassBetweentheirthumbs.
Vagrants,whoseartsHavecagedsomedevilintheirmadmachine,Whichgrinding,squeaks,withhuskygroansbetween,Comeoutbystarts.
CockneysthatkillThinhorsesofaSunday,--men,withclams,HoarseasyoungbisonsroaringfortheirdamsFromhilltohill.
Soldiers,withguns,Makinganuisanceoftheblessedair,Child-cryingbellmen,childrenindespair,Screechingforbuns.
Storms,thunders,waves!Howl,crash,andbellowtillyegetyourfill;Yesometimesrest;mennevercanbestillButintheirgraves.
EVENING
BYATAILOR
DAYhathputonhisjacket,andaroundHisburningbosombuttoneditwithstars.HerewillIlaymeonthevelvetgrass,Thatislikepaddingtoearth'smeagreribs,Andholdcommunionwiththethingsaboutme.Ahme!howlovelyisthegoldenbraidThatbindstheskirtofnight'sdescendingrobe!Thethinleaves,quiveringontheirsilkenthreads,Domakeamusicliketorustlingsatin,Asthelightbreezessmooththeirdownynap.
Ha!whatisthisthatrisestomytouch,
Solikeacushion?Canitbeacabbage?Itis,itisthatdeeplyinjuredflower,Whichboysdofloutuswith;--butyetIlovethee,Thougiantrose,wrappedinagreensurtout.DoubtlessinEdenthoudidstblushasbrightAsthese,thypunybrethren;andthybreathSweetenedthefragranceofherspicyair;Butnowthouseemestlikeabankruptbeau,Strippedofhisgaudyhuesandessences,Andgrowingportlyinhissobergarments.
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Isthataswanthatridesuponthewater?Ohno,itisthatothergentlebird,Whichisthepatronofournoblecalling.Iwellremember,inmyearlyyears,Whentheseyounghandsfirstcloseduponagoose;Ihaveascaruponmythimblefinger,Whichchroniclesthehourofyoungambition.Myfatherwasatailor,andhisfather,Andmysire'sgrandsire,allofthemweretailors;Theyhadanancientgoose,--itwasanheirloomFromsomeremotertailorofourrace.IthappenedIdidseeitonatimeWhennonewasnear,andIdiddealwithit,Anditdidburnme,--oh,mostfearfully!
Itisajoytostraightenoutone'slimbs,Andleapelasticfromthelevelcounter,Leavingthepettygrievancesofearth,Thebreakingthread,thedinofclashingshears,Andalltheneedlesthatdowoundthespirit,Forsuchapensivehourofsoothingsilence.KindNature,shufflinginherlooseundress,Laysbarehershadybosom;--Icanfeel
Withallaroundme;--IcanhailtheflowersThatsprigearth'smantle,--andyonquietbird,Thatridesthestream,istomeasabrother.Thevulgarknownotallthehiddenpockets,WhereNaturestowsawayherloveliness.ButthisunnaturalpostureofthelegsCrampsmyextendedcalves,andImustgoWhereIcancoilthemintheirwontedfashion.
THEDORCHESTERGIANT
The"pudding-stone"isaremarkableconglomeratefoundveryabundantlyinthetownsmentioned,allofwhichareintheneighborhoodofBoston.Weusedinthoseprimitivedaystoaskfriendsto_ride_withuswhenwemeanttotakethemto_drive_withus.
THEREwasagiantintimeofold,Amightyonewashe;Hehadawife,butshewasascold,Sohekepthershutinhismammothfold;Andhehadchildrenthree.
Ithappenedtobeanelectionday,AndthegiantswerechoosingakingThepeoplewerenotdemocratsthen,Theydidnottalkoftherightsofmen,Andallthatsortofthing.
Thenthegianttookhischildrenthree,Andfastenedtheminthepen;Thechildrenroared;quoththegiant,"Bestill!"AndDorchesterHeightsandMiltonHill
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Rolledbackthesoundagain.
Thenhebroughtthemapuddingstuffedwithplums,AsbigastheState-Housedome;Quothhe,"There'ssomethingforyoutoeat;Sostopyourmouthswithyour'lectiontreat,Andwaittillyourdadcomeshome."
Sothegiantpulledhimachestnutstout,Andwhittledtheboughsaway;Theboysandtheirmothersetupashout,Saidhe,"You'rein,andyoucan'tgetout,Bellowasloudasyoumay."
Offhewent,andhegrowledatuneAshestrodethefieldsalong;'Tissaidabuffalofaintedaway,Andfellascoldasalumpofclay,Whenheheardthegiant'ssong.
Butwhetherthestory'strueornot,Itisn'tformetoshow;There'smanyathingthat'stwiceasqueerInsomebody'slecturesthatwehear,
Andthosearetrue,youknow.
Whatarethoseloneonesdoingnow,Thewifeandthechildrensad?Oh,theyareinaterriblerout,Screaming,andthrowingtheirpuddingabout,Actingastheyweremad.
TheyflungitovertoRoxburyhills,Theyflungitovertheplain,AndalloverMiltonandDorchestertooGreatlumpsofpuddingthegiantsthrew;Theytumbledasthickasrain.
Giantandmammothhavepassedaway,Forageshavefloatedby;Thesuetishardasamarrow-bone,Andeveryplumisturnedtoastone,Buttherethepuddingslie.
Andif,somepleasantafternoon,You'llaskmeouttoride,ThewholeofthestoryIwilltell,Andyoushallseewherethepuddingsfell,Andpayforthepunchbeside.
TOTHEPORTRAITOF"ALADY"INTHEATHENAEUMGALLERY
WELL,Miss,Iwonderwhereyoulive,Iwonderwhat'syourname,Iwonderhowyoucametobe
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Insuchastylishframe;Perhapsyouwereafavoritechild,Perhapsanonlyone;PerhapsyourfriendswerenotawareYouhadyourportraitdone.
Yetyoumustbeaharmlesssoul;IcannotthinkthatSinWouldcaretothrowhisloadeddice,Withsuchastaketowin;IcannotthinkyouwouldprovokeThepoet'swickedpen,Ormakeyoungwomenbitetheirlips,Orruinfineyoungmen.
Pray,didyoueverhear,mylove,Ofboysthatgoabout,Who,foraverytriflingsum,Willsnipone'spictureout?I'mnotaversetoredandwhite,Butallthingshavetheirplace,IthinkaprofilecutinblackWouldsuityourstyleofface!
Ilovesweetfeatures;IwillownThatIshouldlikemyselfToseemyportraitonawall,Orbustuponashelf;ButnaturesometimesmakesoneupOfsuchsadoddsandends,ItreallymightbequiteaswellHushedupamongone'sfriends!
THECOMET
THEComet!Heisonhisway,Andsingingasheflies;ThewhizzingplanetsshrinkbeforeThespectreoftheskies;Ah!wellmayregalorbsburnblue,Andsatellitesturnpale,Tenmillioncubicmilesofhead,Tenbillionleaguesoftail!
On,onbywhistlingspheresoflightHeflashesandheflames;
Heturnsnottotheleftnorright,Heasksthemnottheirnames;Onespurnfromhisdemoniacheel,--Away,awaytheyfly,WheredarknessmightbebottledupAndsoldfor"Tyriandye."
Andwhatwouldhappentotheland,Andhowwouldlookthesea,Ifinthebeardeddevil'spath
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Ourearthshouldchancetobe?Fullhotandhightheseawouldboil,Fullredtheforestsgleam;MethoughtIsawandhearditallInadyspepticdream!
IsawatutortakehistubeTheComet'scoursetospy;Iheardascream,--thegatheredraysHadstewedthetutor'seye;Isawafort,--thesoldiersallWerearmedwithgogglesgreen;Popcrackedtheguns!whizflewtheballs!Bangwentthemagazine!
IsawapoetdipascrollEachmomentinatub,Ireaduponthewarpingback,"TheDreamofBeelzebub;"Hecouldnotseehisversesburn,Althoughhisbrainwasfried,AndeverandanonhebentTowetthemastheydried.
IsawthescaldingpitchrolldownThecrackling,sweatingpines,Andstreamsofsmoke,likewater-spouts,Burstthroughtherumblingmines;IaskedthefiremenwhytheymadeSuchnoiseaboutthetown;Theyanswerednot,--butallthewhileThebrakeswentupanddown.
IsawaroastingpulletsitUponabakingegg;IsawacripplescorchhishandExtinguishinghisleg;
IsawninegeeseuponthewingTowardsthefrozenpole,Andeverymother'sgoslingfellCrispedtoacracklingcoal.
IsawtheoxthatbrowsedthegrassWritheintheblisteringrays,TheherbageinhisshrinkingjawsWasallafieryblaze;Isawhugefishes,boiledtorags,Bobthroughthebubblingbrine;Andthoughtsofsuppercrossedmysoul;Ihadbeenrashatmine.
Strangesights!strangesounds!Ohfearfuldream!Itsmemoryhauntsmestill,Thesteamingsea,thecrimsonglare,Thatwreathedeachwoodedhill;Stranger!ifthroughthyreelingbrainSuchmidnightvisionssweep,Spare,spare,oh,sparethineeveningmeal,Andsweetshallbethysleep!
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THEMUSIC-GRINDERS
THEREarethreewaysinwhichmentakeOne'smoneyfromhispurse,AndveryharditistotellWhichofthethreeisworse;ButallofthemarebadenoughTomakeabodycurse.
You'reridingoutsomepleasantday,Andcountingupyourgains;Afellowjumpsfromoutabush,Andtakesyourhorse'sreins,AnotherhintssomewordsaboutAbulletinyourbrains.
It'shardtomeetsuchpressingfriendsInsuchalonelyspot;It'sveryhardtoloseyourcash,Buthardertobeshot;
Andsoyoutakeyourwalletout,Thoughyouwouldrathernot.
Perhapsyou'regoingouttodine,--SomeodiouscreaturebegsYou'llhearaboutthecannon-ballThatcarriedoffhispegs,AndsaysitisadreadfulthingFormentolosetheirlegs.
Hetellsyouofhisstarvingwife,Hischildrentobefed,Poorlittle,lovelyinnocents,
Allclamorousforbread,--AndsoyoukindlyhelptoputAbachelortobed.
You'resittingonyourwindow-seat,Beneathacloudlessmoon;Youhearasound,thatseemstowearThesemblanceofatune,AsifabrokenfifeshouldstriveTodrownacrackedbassoon.
Andnearer,nearerstill,thetideOfmusicseemstocome,
There'ssomethinglikeahumanvoice,Andsomethinglikeadrum;Yousitinspeechlessagony,Untilyourearisnumb.
Poor"home,sweethome"shouldseemtobeAverydismalplace;Your"auldacquaintance"allatonceIsalteredintheface;TheirdiscordsstingthroughBurnsandMoore,
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Likehedgehogsdressedinlace.
Youthinktheyarecrusaders,sentFromsomeinfernalclime,ToplucktheeyesofSentiment,AnddockthetailofRhyme,TocrackthevoiceofMelody,AndbreakthelegsofTime.
Buthark!theairagainisstill,Themusicallisground,Andsilence,likeapoultice,comesTohealtheblowsofsound;Itcannotbe,--itis,--itis,--Ahatisgoinground!
No!PaythedentistwhenheleavesAfractureinyourjaw,AndpaytheownerofthebearThatstunnedyouwithhispaw,AndbuythelobsterthathashadYourknucklesinhisclaw;
Butifyouareaportlyman,
Putonyourfiercestfrown,AndtalkaboutaconstableToturnthemoutoftown;Thencloseyoursentencewithanoath,Andshutthewindowdown!
Andifyouareaslenderman,Notbigenoughforthat,Or,ifyoucannotmakeaspeech,Becauseyouareaflat,GoveryquietlyanddropAbuttoninthehat!
THETREADMILLSONG
THEstarsarerollinginthesky,Theearthrollsonbelow,AndwecanfeeltherattlingwheelRevolvingaswego.Thentreadaway,mygallantboys,Andmaketheaxlefly;Whyshouldnotwheelsgoroundabout,
Likeplanetsinthesky?
Wakeup,wakeup,myduck-leggedman,AndstiryoursolidpegsArouse,arouse,mygawkyfriend,Andshakeyourspiderlegs;Whatthoughyou'reawkwardatthetrade,There'stimeenoughtolearn,--Soleanupontherail,mylad,Andtakeanotherturn.
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Theyseemedlikeburstingcraters!AndoakslayscatteredonthegroundAsiftheywerep'taters;Andallabovewasinahowl,Andallbelowaclatter,--Theearthwaslikeafrying-pan,Orsomesuchhissingmatter.
Itchancedtobeourwashing-day,Andallourthingsweredrying;Thestormcameroaringthroughthelines,Andsetthemallaflying;IsawtheshirtsandpetticoatsGoridingofflikewitches;Ilost,ah!bitterlyIwept,--IlostmySundaybreeches!
Isawthemstraddlingthroughtheair,Alas!toolatetowinthem;Isawthemchasetheclouds,asifThedevilhadbeeninthem;Theyweremydarlingsandmypride,Myboyhood'sonlyriches,--"Farewell,farewell,"Ifaintlycried,--
"Mybreeches!Ohmybreeches!"
ThatnightIsawtheminmydreams,HowchangedfromwhatIknewthem!Thedewshadsteepedtheirfadedthreads,ThewindshadwhistledthroughthemIsawthewideandghastlyrentsWheredemonclawshadtornthem;Aholewasintheiramplestpart,Asifanimphadwornthem.
Ihavehadmanyhappyyears,Andtailorskindandclever,
ButthoseyoungpantaloonshavegoneForeverandforever!AndnottillfatehascutthelastOfallmyearthlystitches,ThisachingheartshallceasetomournMyloved,mylong-lostbreeches!
THEHEIGHTOFTHERIDICULOUS
IWROTEsomelinesonceonatimeInwondrousmerrymood,Andthought,asusual,menwouldsayTheywereexceedinggood.
Theyweresoqueer,soveryqueer,IlaughedasIwoulddie;Albeit,inthegeneralway,AsobermanamI.
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Icalledmyservant,andhecame;HowkinditwasofhimTomindaslendermanlikeme,Heofthemightylimb.
"Thesetotheprinter,"Iexclaimed,And,inmyhumorousway,Iadded,(asatriflingjest,)"There'llbethedeviltopay."
Hetookthepaper,andIwatched,Andsawhimpeepwithin;Atthefirstlineheread,hisfaceWasalluponthegrin.
Hereadthenext;thegringrewbroad,Andshotfromeartoear;Hereadthethird;achucklingnoiseInowbegantohear.
Thefourth;hebrokeintoaroar;Thefifth;hiswaistbandsplit;Thesixth;heburstfivebuttonsoff,Andtumbledinafit.
Tendaysandnights,withsleeplesseye,Iwatchedthatwretchedman,Andsince,IneverdaretowriteAsfunnyasIcan.
THELASTREADER
ISOMETIMESsitbeneathatree
Andreadmyownsweetsongs;Thoughnaughttheymaytoothersbe,EachhumblelineprolongsAtonethatmighthavepassedawayButforthatscarcerememberedlay.
IkeepthemlikealockorleafThatsomedeargirlhasgiven;Frailrecordofanhour,asbriefAssunsetcloudsinheaven,ButspreadingpurpletwilightstillHighovermemory'sshadowedhill.
Theylieuponmypathwaybleak,Thoseflowersthatonceranwild,Asonafather'scareworncheekTheringletsofhischild;Thegoldenminglingwiththegray,Andstealinghalfitssnowsaway.
WhatcareIthoughthedustisspreadAroundtheseyellowleaves,Oro'erthemhissarcasticthread
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Oblivion'sinsectweavesThoughweedsaretangledonthestream,Itstillreflectsmymorning'sbeam.
AndthereforeloveIsuchassmileOntheseneglectedsongs,Nordeemthatflattery'sneedlesswileMyopeningbosomwrongs;Forwhowouldtrample,atmyside,Afewpalebuds,mygarden'spride?
ItmaybethatmyscantyoreLongyearshavewashedaway,AndwhereweregoldensandsbeforeIsnaughtbutcommonclay;StillsomethingsparklesinthesunFormemorytolookbackupon.
Andwhenmynamenomoreisheard,Mylyrenomoreisknown,Stillletme,likeawinter'sbird,Insilenceandalone,FoldoverthemthewearywingOnceflashingthroughthedewsofspring.
Yes,letmyfancyfondlywrapMyyouthinitsdecline,AndriotintherosylapOfthoughtsthatonceweremine,AndgivethewormmylittlestoreWhenthelastreaderreadsnomore!
POETRY:
AMETRICALESSAY,READBEFORETHEPHIBETAKAPPASOCIETY,HARVARDUNIVERSITY,AUGUST,1836
TOCHARLESWENTWORTHUPHAM,THEFOLLOWINGMETRICALESSAYISAFFECTIONATELYINSCRIBED.
ThisAcademicPoempresentsthesimpleandpartialviewsofayoungpersontrainedaftertheschoolsofclassicalEnglishverseasrepresentedbyPope,Goldsmith,andCampbell,withwhoselineshismemorywasearlystocked.Itwillbeobservedthatitdealschieflywiththeconstructivesideofthepoet'sfunction.Thatwhichmakeshimapoetisnotthepowerofwritingmelodiousrhymes,itisnotthe
possessionofordinaryhumansensibilitiesnorevenofboththesequalitiesinconnectionwitheachother.Ishouldrathersay,ifIwerenowcalledupontodefineit,itisthepoweroftransfiguringtheexperiencesandshowsoflifeintoanaspectwhichcomesfromhisimaginationandkindlesthatofothers.Emotionisitsstimulusandlanguagefurnishesitsexpression;butthesearenotall,assomemightinferwasthedoctrineofthepoembeforethereader.
Acommonmistakemadebyyoungpersonswhosupposethemselvestohavethepoeticalgiftisthattheirownspiritualexaltationfindsatrue
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expressionintheconventionalphraseswhichareborrowedfromthevoicesofthesingerswhoseinspirationtheythinktheyshare.
Lookingatthispoemasanexpressionofsomeaspectsofthe_arspoetica_,withsomepassageswhichIcanreadevenatthismatureperiodoflifewithoutblushingforthem,itmaystandasthemostseriousrepresentationofmyearlyefforts.Intendedasitwasforpublicdelivery,manyofitsparagraphsmaybetraythefactbytheirsomewhatrhetoricalandsonorouscharacter.
SCENESofmyyouth!awakeitsslumberingfire!YewindsofMemory,sweepthesilentlyre!Rayofthepast,ifyetthoucanstappear,BreakthroughthecloudsofFancy'swaningyear;Chasefromherbreastthethinautumnalsnow,Ifleaforblossomstillisfreshbelow!
LonghaveIwandered;thereturningtideBroughtbackanexiletohiscradle'sside;Andasmybarkhertime-wornflagunrolled,Togreettheland-breezewithitsfadedfold,So,inremembranceofmyboyhood'stime,Ilifttheseensignsofneglectedrhyme;Oh,morethanblest,that,allmywanderingsthrough,
Myanchorfallswherefirstmypennonsflew!
.........
Themorninglight,whichrainsitsquiveringbeamsWideo'ertheplains,thesummits,andthestreams,InonebroadblazeexpandsitsgoldenglowOnallthatanswerstoitsglancebelow;Yet,changedonearth,eachfarreflectedrayBraidswithfreshhuestheshiningbrowofday;Now,clothedinblushesbythepaintedflowers,Tracksontheircheekstherosy-fingeredhours;Now,lostinshades,whosedarkentangledleaves
Dripatthenoontidefromtheirpendenteaves,Fadesintogloom,orgleamsinlightagainFromeverydew-droponthejewelledplain.
We,liketheleaf,thesummit,orthewave,Reflectthelightourcommonnaturegave,Buteverysunbeam,fallingfromherthrone,WearsonourheartssomecoloringofourownChilledintheslave,andburninginthefree,Likethesealedcavernbythesparklingsea;Lost,likethelightninginthesullenclod,Orsheddingradiance,likethesmilesofGod;
Pure,paleinVirtue,asthestarabove,OrquiveringroseateontheleavesofLove;Glaringlikenoontide,whereitglowsuponAmbition'ssands,--thedesertinthesun,--Orsoftsuffusingo'erthevariedsceneLife'scommoncoloring,--intellectualgreen.
ThusHeaven,repeatingitsmaterialplan,Archedoveralltherainbowmindofman;Buthewho,blindtouniversallaws,
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Seesbuteffects,unconsciousoftheircause,--Believeseachimageinitselfisbright,Notrobedindraperyofreflectedlight,--Isliketherusticwho,amidsthistoil,Hasfoundsomecrystalinhismeagresoil,And,lostinrapture,thinksforhimaloneEarthworkedherwondersonthesparklingstone,NordreamsthatNature,withasnicealine,Carvedcountlessanglesthroughtheboundlessmine.
Thuserrthemany,who,entrancedtofindUnwontedlustreinsomeclearermind,BelievethatGeniussetsthelawsatnaughtWhichchainthepinionsofourwildestthought;Untaughttomeasure,withtheeyeofart,Thewanderingfancyorthewaywardheart;Whomatchthelittleonlywiththeless,Andgazeinraptureatitsslightexcess,Proudofapebble,asthebrightestgemWhoselightmightcrownanemperor'sdiadem.
And,mostofall,thepureetherealfireWhichseemstoradiatefromthepoet'slyreIstotheworldamysteryandacharm,
AnAEgiswieldedonamortal'sarm,WhileReasonturnsherdazzledeyeaway,Andbowshersceptretohersubject'ssway;Andthusthepoet,clothedwithgodlikestate,UsurpedhisMaker'stitle--tocreate;He,whosethoughtsdifferingnotinshape,butdress,Whatothersfeelmorefitlycanexpress,Sitslikethemaniaconhisfanciedthrone,Peepsthroughthebars,andcallstheworldhisown.
TherebreathesnobeingbuthassomepretenceTothatfineinstinctcalledpoeticsenseTherudestsavage,roamingthroughthewild;
Thesimplestrustic,bendingo'erhischild;Theinfant,listeningtothewarblingbird;Themother,smilingatitshalf-formedword;Theboyuncaged,whotracksthefieldsatlarge;Thegirl,turnedmatrontoherbabe-likecharge;Thefreeman,castingwithunpurchasedhandThevotethatshakestheturretoftheland;Theslave,who,slumberingonhisrustedchain,Dreamsofthepalm-treesonhisburningplain;Thehot-cheekedreveller,tossingdownthewine,Tojointhechoruspealing"Auldlangsyne";Thegentlemaid,whoseazureeyegrowsdim,WhileHeavenislisteningtohereveninghymn;
Thejewelledbeauty,whenherstepsdrawnearThecirclingdanceanddazzlingchandelier;E'entremblingage,whenSpring'srenewingairWavesthethinringletsofhissilveredhair;--All,allareglowingwiththeinwardflame,Whosewiderhalowreathesthepoet'sname,While,unenbalmed,thesilentdreamerdies,Hismemorypassingwithhissmilesandsighs!
Ifgloriousvisions,bornforallmankind,
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Thebrightaurorasofourtwilightmind;Iffancies,varyingastheshapesthatlieStainedonthewindowsofthesunsetsky;Ifhopes,thatbeckonwithdelusivegleams,Tilltheeyedancesinthevoidofdreams;Ifpassions,followingwiththewindsthaturgeEarth'swildestwanderertoherfarthestverge;--IftheseonallsometransienthoursbestowOfrapturetinglingwithitshecticglow,Thenallarepoets;andifearthhadrolledHermyriadcenturies,andherdoomweretold,EachmoaningbillowofhershorelesswaveWouldwailitsrequiemo'erapoet'sgrave!
IftoembodyinabreathingwordTonesthatthespirittrembledwhenitheard;Tofixtheimageallunveiledandwarm,Andcarveinlanguageitsetherealform,Sopure,soperfect,thatthelinesexpressNomeagreshrinking,nounlacedexcess;Tofeelthatart,inlivingtruth,hastaughtOurselves,reflectedinthesculpturedthought;--IfthisalonebestowtherighttoclaimThedeathlessgarlandandthesacredname,
Thennonearepoetssavethesaintsonhigh,Whoseharpscanmurmurallthatwordsdeny!
ButthoughtononeisgrantedtorevealInperfectsemblanceallthateachmayfeel,Aswitheredflowersrecallforgottenlove,So,warmedtolife,ourfadedpassionsmoveIneveryline,wherekindlingfancythrowsThegleamofpleasuresortheshadeofwoes.
When,schooledbytime,thestatelyqueenofartHadsmoothedthepathwaysleadingtotheheart,Assumedhermeasuredtread,hersolemntone,
Androundhercourtsthecloudsoffablethrown,Thewreathsofheavendescendedonhershrine,AndwonderingearthproclaimedtheMusedivine.YetifhervotarieshadbutdaredprofaneThemysticsymbolsofhersacredreign,HowhadtheysmiledbeneaththeveiltofindWhatslenderthreadscanchainthemightymind!
Poets,likepainters,theirmachineryclaim,Andversebestowsthevarnishandtheframe;OurgratingEnglish,whoseTeutonicjarShakestherackedaxleofArt'srattlingcar,
FitslikemosaicinthelinesthatgirdFastinitsplaceeachmany-angledword;FromSaxonlipsAnacreon'snumbersglide,AsoncetheymeltedontheTeiantide,And,freshtransfused,theIliadthrillsagainFromAlbion'scliffsaso'erAchaia'splainTheproudheroic,with,itspulse-likebeat,Ringslikethecymbalsclashingastheymeet;ThesweetSpenserian,gatheringasitflows,Sweepsgentlyonwardtoitsdyingclose,
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Wherewavesonwavesinlongsuccessionpour,Tilltheninthbillowmeltsalongtheshore;Thelonelyspiritofthemournfullay,WhichlivesimmortalastheverseofGray,Insableplumageslowlydriftsalong,Oneaglepinion,throughtheairofsong;Theglitteringlyricboundselasticby,Withflashingringletsandexultingeye,Whileeveryimage,inherairywhirl,Gleamslikeadiamondonadancinggirl!
Bornwithmankind,withman'sexpandedrangeAndvaryingfatesthepoet'snumberschange;ThusinhishistorymaywehopetofindSomeclearerepochsofthepoet'smind,Asfromthecradleofitsbirthwetrace,Slowwanderingforth,thepatriarchalrace.
I.
Whenthegreenearth,beneaththezephyr'swing,WearsonherbreastthevarnishedbudsofSpring;
Whentheloosedcurrent,asitsfoldsuncoil,Slidesinthechannelsofthemellowedsoil;WhentheyounghyacinthreturnstoseekTheairandsunshinewithheremeraldbeak;Whenthelightsnowdrops,startingfromtheircells,Hangeachpagodawithitssilverbells;WhenthefrailwillowtwineshertrailingbowWithpallidleavesthatsweepthesoilbelow;Whenthebroadelm,soleempressoftheplain,Whosecirclingshadowspeaksacentury'sreign,Wreathesinthecloudsherregaldiadem,--Aforestwavingonasinglestem;--Thenmarkthepoet;thoughtohimunknown
Thequaint-mouthedtitles,suchasscholarsown,SeehowhiseyeinecstasypursuesThestepsofNaturetrackedinradianthues;Nay,inthyself,whate'ermaybethyfate,Pallidwithtoilorsurfeitedwithstate,Markhowthyfancies,withthevernalrose,Awake,allsweetness,fromtheirlongrepose;Thenturntopondero'ertheclassicpage,Tracedwiththeidylsofagreenerage,AndlearntheinstinctwhicharosetowarmArt'searliestessayandhersimplestform.
Tothemeslikethesehernarrowpathconfined
Thefirst-bornimpulsemovinginthemind;Invalesunshakenbythetrumpet'ssound,WherepeacefulLabortillshisfertileground,Thesilentchangesoftherollingyears,Markedonthesoilordialledonthespheres,Thecrestedforestsandthecoloredflowers,Thedewygrottosandtheblushingbowers,--These,andtheirguardians,who,withliquidnames,StrephonsandChloes,meltinmutualflames,WootheyoungMusesfromtheirmountainshade,
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TomakeArcadiasinthelonelyglade.
NorthinktheyvisitonlywiththeirsmilesThefabledvalleysandElysianisles;HewhoisweariedofhisvillageplainMayroamtheEdensoftheworldinvain.'Tisnotthestar-crownedcliff,thecataract'sflow,Thesofterfoliageorthegreenerglow,Thelakeofsapphireorthespar-hungcave,Thebrightersunsetorthebroaderwave,CanwarmhisheartwhomeverywindhasblownToeveryshore,forgetfulofhisown.
Homeofourchildhood!howaffectionclingsAndhoversroundtheewithherseraphwings!Dearerthyhills,thoughcladinautumnbrown,Thanfairestsummitswhichthecedarscrown!SweeterthefragranceofthysummerbreezeThanallArabiabreathesalongtheseas!Thestranger'sgalewaftshometheexile'ssigh,Fortheheart'stempleisitsownbluesky!
Ohhappiestthey,whoseearlyloveunchanged,Hopesundissolved,andfriendshipunestranged,
Tiredoftheirwanderings,stillcandeigntoseeLove,hopes,andfriendship,centringallinthee!
Andthou,myvillage!asagainItreadAmidstthylivingandabovethydead;ThoughsomefairplaymatesguardwithcharterfearsTheircheeks,grownholywiththelapseofyears;Thoughwiththedustsomereverendlocksmayblend,Wherelife'slastmile-stonemarksthejourney'send;Oneverybudthechangingyearrecalls,Thebrighteningglanceofmorningmemoryfalls,StillfollowingonwardasthemonthsuncloseThebalmylilacorthebridalrose;
Andstillshallfollow,tilltheysinkoncemoreBeneaththesnow-driftsofthefrozenshore,Aswhenmybark,longtossinginthegale,Furledinherporthertempest-rendedsail!
WhatshallIgivethee?Canasimplelay,Flungonthybosomlikeagirl'sbouquet,Domorethandecktheeforanidlehour,Thenfallunheeded,fadingliketheflower?Yet,whenItrod,withfootstepswildandfree,Thecracklingleavesbeneathyonlinden-tree,Pantingfromplayordrippingfromthestream,Howbrightthevisionsofmyboyishdream
Or,modestCharles,alongthybrokenedge,Blackwithsoftoozeandfringedwitharrowysedge,AsonceIwanderedinthemorningsun,Withreekingsandalandsuperfluousgun,Howoft,asFancywhisperedinthegale,ThouwasttheAvonofherflatteringtale!Yehills,whosefoliage,frettedontheskies,Printsshadowyarchesontheireveningdyes,HowshouldmysongwithholiestcharminvestEachdarkravineandforest-liftingcrest!
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Howclotheinbeautyeachfamiliarscene,Tillallwasclassiconmynativegreen!
Asthedrainedfountain,filledwithautumnleaves,Thefieldsweptnakedofitsgarneredsheaves,Sowastesatnoonthepromiseofourdawn,Thespringsallchoking,andtheharvestgone.
YethearthelayofonewhosenatalstarStillseemedthebrightestwhenitshoneafar;Whosecheek,grownpallidwithungracioustoil,Glowsinthewelcomeofhisparentsoil;Andasknogarlandssoughtbeyondthetide,Buttaketheleafletsgatheredatyourside.
II.
Buttimeswerechanged;thetorchofterrorcame,Tolightthesummitswiththebeacon'sflame;Thestreamsrancrimson,thetallmountainpinesRoseanewforesto'erembattledlines;Thebloodlesssicklelentthewarrior'ssteel,
Theharvestbowedbeneathhischariotwheel;Wherelatethewood-doveshelteredherreposeTheravenwaitedfortheconflict'sclose;ThecuirassedsentrywalkedhissleeplessroundWhereDaphnesmiledorAmaryllisfrowned;Wheretimidminstrelssungtheirblushingcharms,SomewildTyrtaeuscalledaloud,"Toarms!"
WhenGlorywakes,whenfieryspiritsleap,Rousedbyheraccentsfromtheirtranquilsleep,Theraythatflashesfromthesoldier'screstLights,asitglances,inthepoet'sbreast;--Notinpaledreamers,whosefantasticlay
Toyswithsmoothtrifleslikeachildatplay,Butmen,whoactthepassionstheyinspire,Whowavethesabreastheysweepthelyre!
Yemildenthusiasts,whosepacificfrownsArelostlikedew-dropscaughtinburningtowns,Pluckasyewilltheradiantplumesoffame,BreakCaesar'sbusttomakeyourselvesaname;Butifyourcountrybarestheavenger'sbladeForwrongsunpunishedorfordebtsunpaid,Whentherousednationbidsherarmiesform,Andscreamshereaglethroughthegatheringstorm,Whenfromyourportsthebanneredfrigaterides,
Herblackbowsscowlingtothecrestedtides,Yourhourhaspast;invainyourfeeblecryAsthebabe'swailingstothethunderingsky!
Scourgeofmankind!withallthedreadarrayThatwrapsinwraththydesolatingway,Asthewildtempestwakestheslumberingsea,Thouonlyteachestallthatmancanbe.AlikethytocsinhasthepowertocharmThetoil-knitsinewsoftherustic'sarm,
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Orswellthepulsesinthepoet'sveins,Andbidthenationstrembleathisstrains.
Thecitysleptbeneaththemoonbeam'sglance,HerwhitewallsgleamingthroughthevinesofFrance,Andallwashushed,savewherethefootstepsfell,Onsomehightower,ofmidnightsentinel.Butonestillwatched;noself-encircledwoesChasedfromhislidstheangelofrepose;Hewatched,hewept,forthoughtsofbitteryearsBowedhisdarklashes,wetwithburningtearsHiscountry'ssufferingsandherchildren'sshameStreamedo'erhismemorylikeaforest'sflame;Eachtreasuredinsult,eachrememberedwrong,Rolledthroughhisheartandkindledintosong.Histaperfaded;andthemorninggalesSweptthroughtheworldthewar-songofMarseilles!
Now,whilearoundthesmilesofPeaceexpand,AndPlenty'swreathsfestoonthelaughingland;WhileFranceshipsoutwardherreluctantore,Andhalfournavybasksupontheshore;Fromruderthemesourmeek-eyedMusesturnTocrownwithrosestheirenamelledurn.
Ife'eragainreturnthoseawfuldaysWhosecloudswerecrimsonedwiththebeacon'sblaze,Whosegrasswastrampledbythesoldier'sheel,Whosetideswerereddenedroundtherushingkeel,GodgrantsomelyremaywakeanoblerstrainTorendthesilenceofourtentedplain!WhenGallia'sflagitstriplefolddisplays,HermarshalledlegionspealtheMarseillaise;WhenroundtheGermanclosethewar-cloudsdim,Farthroughtheirshadowsfloatshisbattle-hymn;When,crownedwithjoy,thecamps'ofEnglandring,Athousandvoicesshout,"GodsavetheKing!"
Whenvictoryfollowswithoureagle'sglance,Ournation'santhempipesacountrydance!
SomeprouderMuse,whencomesthehouratlast,Mayshakeourhillsideswithherbugle-blast;Notoursthetask;butsincethelyricdressRelievesthestatelierwithitssprightliness,Hearanoldsong,whichsome,perchance,haveseenInstalegazetteorcobwebbedmagazine.TherewasanhourwhenpatriotsdaredprofaneThemastthatBritainstrovetobowinvain;Andone,wholistenedtothetaleofshame,Whoseheartstillansweredtothatsacredname,
Whoseeyestillfollowedo'erhiscountry'stidesThygloriousflag,ourbraveOldIronsidesFromyonloneattic,onasmilingmorn,Thusmockedthespoilerswithhisschool-boyscorn.
III.
WhenfloridPeaceresumedhergoldenreign,
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Andartsrevived,andvalleysbloomedagain,WhileWarstillpantedonhis-brokenblade,OncemoretheMuseherheavenlywingessayed.Rudewasthesong:someballad,sternandwild,Lulledthelightslumbersofthesoldier'schild;Oryoungromancer,withhisthreateningglanceAndfearfulfablesofhisbloodlesslance,Scaredthesoftfancyoftheclinginggirls,Whosesnowyfingerssmoothedhisravencurls.Butwhenlongyearsthestatelyformhadbent,AndfaithlessMemoryherillusionslent,SovasttheoutlinesofTraditiongrewThatHistorywonderedattheshapesshedrew,AndveiledatlengththeirtooambitioushuesBeneaththepinionsoftheEpicMuse.
Farsweptherwing;forstormierdayshadbroughtWithdarkerpassionsdeepertidesofthought.Thecamp'sharshtumultandtheconflict'sglow,Thethrilloftriumphandthegaspofwoe,Thetenderpartingandthegladreturn,Thefestalbanquetandthefuneralurn,AndallthedramawhichatonceuprearsItsspectralshadowsthroughtheclashofspears,
Fromcampandfieldtoechoingversetransferred,Swelledtheproudsongthatlisteningnationsheard.WhyfloatstheamaranthineternalbloomO'erIlium'sturretsandAchilles'tomb?WhylingersfancywherethesunbeamssmileOnCirce'sgardensandCalypso'sisle?WhyfollowsmemorytothegateofTroyHerplumeddefenderandhistremblingboy?Lo!theblinddreamer,kneelingonthesandTotracetheserecordswithhisdoubtfulhand;Infabledtoneshisownemotionflows,Andotherlipsrepeathissilentwoes;InHector'sinfantseethebabesthatshun
Thosedeathlikeeyes,unconsciousofthesun,Orinhisherohearhimselfimplore,"Givemetosee,andAjaxasksnomore!"
ThusliveundyingthroughthelapseoftimeThesolemnlegendsofthewarrior'sclime;LikeEgypt'spyramidorPaestum'sfane,Theystandtheheraldsofthevoicelessplain.Yetnotlikethem,forTime,byslowdegrees,Sapsthegraystoneandwearstheembroideredfrieze,AndIsissleepsbeneathhersubjectNile,AndcrumbledNeptunestrewshisDorianpile;ButArt'sfairfabric,strengtheningasitrears
Itslaurelledcolumnsthroughthemistofyears,AsthebluearchesofthebendingskiesStillgirdthetorrent,followingasitflies,Spreads,withthesurgesbearingonmankind,Itsstarredpaviliono'erthetidesofmind!
InvainthepatriotaskssomeloftylayTodressinstateourwarsofyesterday.Theclassicdays,thosemothersofromance,Thatrousedanationforawoman'sglance;
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Theageofmystery,withitshoardedpower,Thatgirtthetyrantinhisstoriedtower,Havepassedandfadedlikeadreamofyouth,Andripererasaskforhistory'struth.
Onothershores,abovetheirmoulderingtowns,Insullenpompthetallcathedralfrowns,Prideinitsaislesandpaupersatthedoor,Whichfeedsthebeggarswhomitfleecedofyore.Simpleandfrail,ourlowlytemplesthrowTheirslendershadowsonthepathsbelow;Scarcestealthewinds,thatsweephiswoodlandtracks,Thelarch'sperfumefromthesettler'saxe,Ere,likeavisionofthemorningair,Hisslight--framedsteeplemarksthehouseofprayer;Itsplanksallreekinganditspaintundried,Itsrafterssproutingontheshadyside,ItshedstheraindropsfromitsshingledeavesEreitsgreenbrothersoncehavechangedtheirleaves.
YetFaith'spurehymn,beneathitsshelterrude,BreathesoutassweetlytothetangledwoodAswheretheraysthroughpicturedgloriespourOnmarbleshaftandtessellatedfloor;--
Heavenasksnosurpliceroundtheheartthatfeels,Andallisholywheredevotionkneels.Thusonthesoilthepatriot'skneeshouldbendWhichholdsthedustoncelivingtodefend;Where'erthehirelingshrinksbeforethefree,Eachpassbecomes"anewThermopylae"!Where'erthebattlesofthebravearewon,Thereeverymountain"looksonMarathon"!
Ourfatherslive;theyguardinglorystillThegrass-grownbastionsofthefortressedhill;Stillringtheechoesofthetrampledgorge,With_GodandFreedom.EnglandandSaintGeorge_!
TheroyalcipheronthecapturedgunMocksthesharpnight-dewsandtheblisteringsun;Thered-crossbannershadesitscaptor'sbust,Itsfoldsstillloadedwiththeconflict'sdust;Thedrum,suspendedbyitstatteredmarge,OncerolledandrattledtotheHessian'scharge;ThestarshavefloatedfromBritannia'smast,Theredcoat'strumpetsblowntherebel'sblast.
Pointtothesummitswherethebravehavebled,Whereeveryvillageclaimsitsgloriousdead;Say,whentheirbosomsmetthebayonet'sshock,Theironlycorseletwastherusticfrock;
Say,whentheymusteredtothegatheringhorn,Thetitledchieftaincurledhislipinscorn,Yet,whentheirleaderbadehislinesadvance,Nomusketwaveredinthelion'sglance;Say,whentheyfaintedintheforcedretreat,Theytrackedthesnow-driftswiththeirbleedingfeet,Yetstilltheirbanners,tossingintheblast,BoreEverReady,faithfultothelast,Throughstormandbattle,tilltheywavedagainOnYorktown'shillsandSaratoga'splain.
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Then,ifsofiercetheinsatiatepatriot'sflame,Truthlookstoopaleandhistoryseemstootame,BidhimawaitsomenewColumbiad'spage,Togildthetabletsofanironage,Andsavehistears,whichyetmayfalluponSomefabledfield,somefanciedWashington!
IV.
Butonceagain,fromtheirAEoliancave,ThewindsofGeniuswanderedonthewave.Tiredofthescenesthetimidpencildrew,Sickofthenotesthesoundingclarionblew,SatedwithheroeswhohadwornsolongTheshadowyplumageofhistoricsong,Thenew-bornpoetleftthebeatencourse,Totrackthepassionstotheirlivingsource.
ThenrosetheDrama;--andtheworldadmiredHervariedpagewithdeeperthoughtinspiredBoundtonoclime,forPassion'sthrobisone
InGreenland'stwilightorinIndia'ssun;Bornfornoage,forallthethoughtsthatrollInthedarkvortexofthestormysoul,Unchainedinsong,nofreezingyearscantame;Godgavethembirth,andmanisstillthesame.Sofullonlifehermagicmirrorshone,HersisterArtspaidtributetoherthrone;Onerearedhertemple,onehercanvaswarmed,AndMusicthrilled,whileEloquenceinformed.ThewearyrusticlefthisstintedtaskForsmilesandtears,thedaggerandthemask;Thesage,turnedscholar,halfforgothislore,Tobethewomanhedespisedbefore.
O'ersenseandthoughtshethrewhergoldenchain,AndTime,theanarch,sparesherdeathlessreign.
ThuslivesMedea,inourtamerage,AswhenherbuskinpressedtheGrecianstage;NotinthecellswherefrigidlearningdelvesInAldinefoliosmoulderingontheirshelves,Butbreathing,burningintheglitteringthrong,Whosethousandbravoesrolluntiredalong,Circlingandspreadingthroughthegildedhalls,FromLondon'sgalleriestoSanCarlo'swalls!
Thusshallhelivewhosemorethanmortalname
MockswithitsraythepallidtorchofFame;SoproudlyliftedthatitseemsafarNoearthlyPharos,butaheavenlystar,Who,unconfinedtoArt'sdiurnalbound,Girdsherwholezodiacinhisflaminground,Andleadsthepassions,liketheorbthatguides,Frompoletopole,thepalpitatingtides!
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V.
ThoughroundtheMusetherobeofsongisthrown,Thinknotthepoetlivesinversealone.LongerethechiselofthesculptortaughtThelifelessstonetomockthelivingthought;LongerethepainterbadethecanvasglowWitheverylinetheformsofbeautyknow;LongeretheirisoftheMusesthrewOneveryleafitsowncelestialhue,Infable'sdressthebreathofgeniuspoured,Andwarmedtheshapesthatlatertimesadored.
UntaughtbySciencehowtoforgethekeysThatloosethegatesofNature'smysteries;UnschooledbyFaith,who,withherangeltread,Leadsthroughthelabyrinthwithasinglethread,Hisfancy,hoveringroundherguardedtower,RainedthroughitsbarslikeDanae'sgoldenshower.
Hespoke;thesea-nymphansweredfromhercaveHecalled;thenaiadlefthermountainwaveHedreamedofbeauty;lo,amidsthisdream,Narcissus,mirroredinthebreathlessstream;
Andnight'schasteempress,inherbridalplay,LaughedthroughthefoliagewhereEndymionlay;Andoceandimpled,asthelanguidswellKissedtheredlipofCytherea'sshell.
Ofpower,--Bellonasweptthecrimsonfield,Andblue-eyedPallasshookherGorgonshield;O'erthehushedwavestheirmightiermonarchdrove,AndIdatrembledtothetreadofJove!
SoeverygracethatplasticlanguageknowsTonamelesspoetsitsperfectionowes.Therough-hewnwordstosimplestthoughtsconfined
Werecutandpolishedintheirnicermind;Caughtontheiredge,imagination'sraySplitsintorainbows,shootingfaraway;--Fromsensetosoul,fromsoultosense,itflies,Andthroughallnaturelinksanalogies;HewhoreadsrightwillrarelylookuponAbetterpoetthanhislexicon!
Thereisaracewhichcold,ungenialskiesBreedfromdecay,asfungousgrowthsarise;Thoughdyingfast,yetspringingfastagain,Whichstillusurpsanunsubstantialreign,Withframestoolanguidforthecharmsofsense,
Andmindsworndownwithactiontoointense;Tiredofaworldwhosejoystheyneverknew,Themselvesdeceived,yetthinkingalluntrue;Scarcemenwithout,andlessthangirlswithin,Sickoftheirlifebeforeitscaresbegin;--Thedulldisease,whichdrainstheirfeeblehearts,Tolife'sdecaysomehecticthrill'simparts,Andlendsaforcewhich,likethemaniac'spower,Payswithblankyearsthefrenzyofanhour.
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AndthisisGenius!Say,doesHeavendegradeThemanlyframe,forhealth,foractionmade?Breakdownthesinews,rackthebrowwithpains,Blanchtherightcheekanddrainthepurpleveins,Toclothethemindwithmoreextendedsway,Thusfaintlystrugglingindegenerateclay?
No!gentlemaid,tooreadytoadmire,Thoughfalseitsnotes,thepaleenthusiast'slyre;Ifthisbegenius,thoughitsbitterspringsGlowedlikethemornbeneathAurora'swings,SeeknotthesourcewhosesullenbosomfeedsButfruitlessflowersanddark,envenomedweeds.
But,ifsobrightthedearillusionseems,Thouwouldstbepartnerofthypoet'sdreams,Andhanginraptureonhisbloodlesscharms,Ordie,likeRaphael,inhisangelarms,Goandenjoythyblessedlot,--toshareInCowper'sgloomorChatterton'sdespair!
Notsuchweretheywhom,wanderingo'erthewaves,Ilookedtomeet,butonlyfoundtheirgraves;Iffriendship'ssmile,thebetterpartoffame,
ShouldlendmysongtheonlywreathIclaim,Whosevoicewouldgreetmewithasweetertone,Whoselivinghandmorekindlypressmyown,Thantheirs,--couldMemory,ashersilenttreadPrintsthepaleflowersthatblossomo'erthedead,Thosebreathlesslips,nowclosedinpeace,restore,Orwakethosepulseshushedtobeatnomore?
Thoucalm,chastescholar!Icanseetheenow,Thefirstyounglaurelsonthypallidbrow,O'erthyslightfigurefloatinglightlydownIngracefulfoldstheacademicgown,Onthycurledliptheclassiclinesthattaught
Hownicethemindthatsculpturedthemwiththought,Andtriumphglisteningintheclearblueeye,Toobrighttolive,--butoh,toofairtodie!
Andthou,dearfriend,whomSciencestilldeplores,AndLovestillmourns,onocean-severedshores,ThoughthebleakforesttwicehasbowedwithsnowSincethouwastlaiditsbuddingleavesbelow,Thineimagemingleswithmyclosingstrain,AswhenwewanderedbytheturbidSeine,Bothblessedwithhopes,whichrevelled,brightandfree,Onallwelongedorallwedreamedtobe;Totheetheamaranthandthecypressfell,--
AndIwassparedtobreathethislastfarewell!
Butlivedthereoneinunremembereddays,Orlivestherestill,whospurnsthepoet'sbays,Whosefingers,dewyfromCastalia'ssprings,Restonthelyre,yetscorntotouchthestrings?WhoshakesthesenatewiththesilvertoneThegrovesofPindusmighthavesighedtoown?Havesuche'erbeen?RememberCanning'sname!Dosuchstilllive?Let"Alaric'sDirge"proclaim!
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ImmortalArt!where'ertheroundedskyBendso'erthecradlewherethychildrenlie,Theirhomeisearth,theirheraldeverytongueWhoseaccentsechotothevoicethatsung.OneleapofOceanscattersonthesandThequarriedbulwarksofthelooseningland;Onethrillofearthdissolvesacentury'stoilStrewedliketheleavesthatvanishinthesoil;Onehillo'erflows,andcitiessinkbelow,Theirmarblessplinteringinthelava'sglow;Butonesweettone,scarcewhisperedtotheair,Fromshoretoshoretheblastsofagesbear;Onehumblename,whichoft,perchance,hasborneThetyrant'smockeryandthecourtier'sscorn,Towerso'erthedustofearth'sforgottengraves,Asonce,emergingthroughthewasteofwaves,TherockyTitan,roundwhoseshatteredspearCoiledthelastwhirlpoolofthedrowningsphere!
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