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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.
ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwithalmostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayorre-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincludedwiththiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.net
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!
1857.
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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