Contents：
MomentsofVisionTheVoiceofThings\"Whybeatpains？\"
\"Wesatatthewindow\"
AfternoonServiceatMellstockAttheWicket—gateInaMuseumApostrophetoanOldPsalmTuneAttheWord\"Farewell\"
FirstSightofHerandAfterTheRivalHeredity\"Youwerethesortthatmenforget\"
She，I，andTheyNearLanivet，1872
JoysofMemoryTotheMoonCopyingArchitectureinanOldMinsterToShakespeareQuidhicagis？
OnaMidsummerEveTimingHerBeforeKnowledgeTheBlindedBird\"Thewindblewwords\"
TheFadedFaceTheRiddleTheDuelAtMayfairLodgingsTomyFather’sViolinTheStatueofLibertyTheBackgroundandtheFigureTheChangeSittingontheBridgeTheYoungChurchwarden\"Itravelasaphantomnow\"
LinestoaMovementinMozart’sE—flatSymphony\"Intheseventies\"
ThePedigreeThisHeart。AWoman’sDreamWheretheylivedTheOccultationLifelaughsOnwardThePeace—offering\"Somethingtapped\"
TheWoundAMerrymakinginQuestion\"Isaidandsangherexcellence\"
AJanuaryNight。1879
AKissTheAnnouncementTheOxenTheTressesThePhotographOnaHeathAnAnniversary\"BytheRunicStone\"
ThePinkFrockTransformationsInherPrecinctsTheLastSignalTheHouseofSilenceGreatThingsTheChimesTheFigureintheScene\"WhydidIsketch\"
ConjectureTheBlowLovetheMonopolistAtMiddle—fieldGateinFebruaryTheYouthwhocarriedaLightTheHeadabovetheFogOverlookingtheRiverStourTheMusicalBoxOnSturminsterFoot—bridgeRoyalSponsorsOldFurnitureAThoughtinTwoMoodsTheLastPerformance\"Youonthetower\"
TheInterloperLogsontheHearthTheSunshadeTheAgeingHouseTheCagedGoldfinchAtMadameTussaud’sinVictorianYearsTheBalletTheFiveStudentsTheWind’sProphecyDuringWindandRainHeprefersherEarthlyTheDollsMollygoneABackwardSpringLookingAcrossAtaSeasideTownin1869
TheGlimpseThePedestrian\"Who’sinthenextroom？\"
AtaCountryFairTheMemorialBrass：186—
HerLove—birdsPayingCallsTheUpperBirch—Leaves\"Itneverlookslikesummer\"
EverythingcomesTheManwithaPastHefearshisGoodFortuneHewondersaboutHimselfJubilateHerevisitshisFirstSchool\"Ithought，myheart\"
FragmentMidnightontheGreatWesternHoneymoonTimeatanInnTheRobin\"IroseandwenttoRou’tortown\"
TheNettlesInaWaiting—roomTheClock—winderOldExcursionsTheMaskedFaceInaWhisperingGalleryTheSomethingthatsavedHimTheEnemy’sPortraitImaginingsOntheDoorstepSignsandTokensPathsofFormerTimeTheClockoftheYearsAtthePianoTheShadowontheStoneIntheGardenTheTreeandtheLadyAnUpbraidingTheYoungGlass—stainerLookingataPictureonanAnniversaryTheChoirmaster’sBurialTheManwhoforgotWhiledrawinginaChurchyard\"ForLifeIhadnevercaredgreatly\"
POEMSOFWARANDPATRIOTISM：
\"Menwhomarchaway\"（SongoftheSoldiers）
HisCountryEnglandtoGermanyin1914
OntheBelgianExpatriationAnAppealtoAmericaonbehalfoftheBelgianDestituteThePityofItInTimeofWarsandTumultsInTimeof\"theBreakingofnations\"
CryoftheHomelessBeforeMarchingandAfter\"Oftenwhenwarring\"
ThenandNowACalltoNationalServiceTheDeadandtheLivingOneANewYear’sEveinWarTime\"Imetaman\"
\"Ilookedupfrommywriting\"
FINALE：
TheComingoftheEndAfterwardsMOMENTSOFVISION
ThatmirrorWhichmakesofmenatransparency，WhoholdsthatmirrorAndbidsussuchabreast—barespectacleseeOfyouandme？
ThatmirrorWhosemagicpenetrateslikeadart，WholiftsthatmirrorAndthrowsourmindbackonus，andourheart，Untilwestart？
ThatmirrorWorkswellinthesenighthoursofache；
WhyinthatmirrorAretinctsweneverseeourselvesoncetakeWhentheworldisawake？
ThatmirrorCantesteachmortalwhenunaware；
Yea，thatstrangemirrorMaycatchhislastthoughts，wholelifefoulorfair，Glassingit——where？
THEVOICEOFTHINGS
FortyAugusts——aye，andseveralmore——ago，WhenIpacedtheheadlandsloosedfromdullemploy，Thewaveshuzza’dlikeamultitudebelowIntheswayofanall—includingjoyWithoutcloy。
BlanklyIwalkedthereadoubledecadeafter，Whenthwartshadflungtheirtoilsinfrontofme，AndIheardthewaterswagginginalongironiclaughterAtthelotofmen，andallthevapouryThingsthatbe。
WheelingchangehassetmeagainstandingwhereOnceIheardthewaveshuzzaatLammas—tide；
Buttheysupplicatenow——likeacongregationthereWhomurmurtheConfession——Ioutside，Prayerdenied。
\"WHYBEATPAINS？\"
（Wooer’sSong）
WhybeatpainsthatIshouldknowYousoughtnotme？
Dobreezes，then，makefeaturesglowSorosily？
Come，thelitportisatourback，Andthetumblingsea；
ElsewherethelamplessuphilltrackTouncertainty!
Oshouldnotwetwowaifsjoinhands？
Iamalone，YouwouldenrichmemorethanlandsBybeingmyown。
Yet，thoughthisfacilemomentflies，Closeisyourtone，Andereto—morrow’sdewfalldriesIploughtheunknown。
\"WESATATTHEWINDOW\"
（Bournemouth，1875）
Wesatatthewindowlookingout，AndtheraincamedownlikesilkenstringsThatSwithin’sday。EachgutterandspoutBabbleduncheckedinthebusywayOfwitlessthings：
Nothingtoread，nothingtoseeSeemedinthatroomforherandmeOnSwithin’sday。
Wewereirkedbythescene，byourownselves；yes，ForIdidnotknow，nordidsheinferHowmuchtherewastoreadandguessByherinme，andtoseeandcrownBymeinher。
Wastedweretwosoulsintheirprime，Andgreatwasthewaste，thatJulytimeWhentheraincamedown。
AFTERNOONSERVICEATMELLSTOCK
（Circa1850）
OnafternoonsofdrowsycalmWestoodinthepanelledpew，Singingone—voicedaTate—and—BradypsalmTothetuneof\"CambridgeNew。\"
Wewatchedtheelms，wewatchedtherooks，Thecloudsuponthebreeze，Betweenthewhilesofglancingatourbooks，Andswayinglikethetrees。
Somindlesswerethoseoutpourings!—
ThoughIamnotawareThatIhavegainedbysubtlethoughtonthingsSincewestoodpsalmingthere。
ATTHEWICKET—GATE
Therefloatedthesoundsofchurch—chiming，Butnoonewasnigh，Tilltherecame，asabreakintheloneness，Herfather，she，I。
Andweslowlymovedontothewicket，Anddownlookingstood，Tillanonpeoplepassed，andamidthemWepartedforgood。
Greater，wiser，mayparttherethanwethreeWhopartedtherethen，ButneverwillFatescolder—featuredHoldswaythereagain。
OfthechurchgoersthroughthestillmeadowsNosingleoneknewWhataplaywasplayedundertheireyesthereAsthencewewithdrew。
INAMUSEUM
I
Here’sthemouldofamusicalbirdlongpassedfromlight，Whichovertheearthbeforemancamewaswinging；
There’sacontraltovoiceIheardlastnight，Thatlodgesinmestillwithitssweetsinging。
II
SuchadreamisTimethatthecooofthisancientbirdHasperishednot，butisblent，orwillbeblendingMidvisionlesswildsofspacewiththevoicethatIheard，Inthefull—fuguedsongoftheuniverseunending。
EXETER。
APOSTROPHETOANOLDPSALMTUNE
Imetyoufirst——ah，whendidIfirstmeetyou？
WhenIwasfullofwonder，andinnocent，Standingmeek—eyedwiththoseofchoricbent，WhiledimmingdaygrewdimmerInthepulpit—glimmer。
MuchriperinyearsImetyou——inatempleWheresummersunsetstreameduponourshapes，Andyouspreadovermelikeagauzethatdrapes，Andflappedfromfloortorafters，Sweetasangels’laughters。
ButyouhadbeenstrippedofsomeofyouroldvestureByMonk，oranother。Nowyouworenofrill，Andatfirstyoustartledme。ButIknewyoustill，ThoughImissedtheminim’swaver，Andthedottedquaver。
Igrewaccustomedtoyouthus。AndyouhailedmeThroughonewhoevokedyouoften。ThenatlastYourraiserwasborneoff，andImournedyouhadpassedFrommylifewithyourlateoutsetter；
TillIsaid，\"’Tisbetter!\"
Butyouwaylaidme。Iroseandwentasaghostgoes，Andsaid，eyes—full\"I’llneverhearitagain!
ItisovermuchforscathedandmemoriedmenWhensittingamongstrangepeopleUndertheirsteeple。\"
Now，anewstirreroftonescallsyouupbeforemeAndwakesyourspeech，assheofEndordid（WhensoughtbySaulwho，indisguiseshid，Felldownontheearthtohearit）
Samuel’sspirit。
So，yourquiredoraclesbeattilltheymakemetrembleAsIdiscernyourmienintheoldattire，HereintheseturmoiledyearsofbelligerentfireLivingstillon——andonward，maybe，TillDoom’sgreatdaybe!
Sunday，August13，1916。
ATTHEWORD\"FAREWELL\"
ShelookedlikeabirdfromacloudOntheclammylawn，Movingalone，bare—browedInthedimofdawn。
ThecandlesalightintheroomFormypartingmealMadeallthingswithoutdoorsloomStrange，ghostly，unreal。
Thehouritselfwasaghost，AnditseemedtomethenAsofchancesthechancefurthermostIshouldseeheragain。
IbeheldnotwhereallwassofleetThataPlanofthepastWhichhadruledusfrombirthtimetomeetWasinworkingatlast：
NopreludedidIthereperceiveToadramaatall，OrforeshadowwhatfortunemightweaveFrombeginningssosmall；
ButIroseasifquickedbyaspurIwasboundtoobey，AndsteppedthroughthecasementtoherStillaloneinthegray。
\"Iamleavingyou……Farewell!\"Isaid，AsIfollowedheronByanalleybareboughsoverspread；
\"Isoonmustbegone!\"
EventhenthescalemighthavebeenturnedAgainstlovebyafeather，—ButcrimsononecheekofhersburnedWhenwecameintogether。
FIRSTSIGHTOFHERANDAFTER
AdayisdrawingtoitsfallIhadnotdreamedtosee；
ThefirstofmanytoenthrallMyspirit，willitbe？
OristhisevetheendofallSuchnewdelightforme？
Ijourneyhome：thepatterngrowsOfmoonshadesontheway：
\"Soonthefirstquarter，Isuppose，\"
Sky—glancingtravellerssay；
Irealizethatit，forthose，Hasbeenacommonday。
THERIVAL
Ideterminedtofindoutwhoseitwas—
Theportraithelookedatso，andsighed；
BitterlyhaveIruedmymeannessAndweptforitsincehedied!
Isearchedhisdeskwhenhewasaway，Andtherewasthelikeness——yes，myown!
TakenwhenIwastheseason’sfairest，Andtime—linesallunknown。
Ismiledatmyimage，andputitback，Andhewentoncherishingit，untilIwaschafedthathelovednotthemethenliving，Butthatpastwomanstill。
Well，suchwasmyjealousyatlast，Idestroyedthatfaceoftheformerme；
CouldyoueverhavedreamedtheheartofwomanWouldworksofoolishly!
HEREDITY
Iamthefamilyface；
Fleshperishes，Iliveon，ProjectingtraitandtraceThroughtimetotimesanon，AndleapingfromplacetoplaceOveroblivion。
Theyears—heiredfeaturethatcanIncurveandvoiceandeyeDespisethehumanspanOfdurance——thatisI；
Theeternalthinginman，Thatheedsnocalltodie。
\"YOUWERETHESORTTHATMENFORGET\"
Youwerethesortthatmenforget；
ThoughI——notyet!—
Perhapsnotever。YourslightedweaknessAddstothestrengthofmyregret!
You’dnottheart——youneverhadForgoodorbad—
Tomakemenseehowsweetyourmeaning，Which，visible，hadcharmedthemglad。
Youwould，bywordsineptletfall，Offendthemall，EveniftheysawyourwarmdevotionWouldholdyourlife’sbloodattheircall。
YoulackedtheeyetounderstandThosefriendsoffhandWhosemodewascrude，thoughwhosedimpurportOutpricedthecourtesiesofthebland。
IamnowtheonlybeingwhoRemembersyouItmaybe。WhatawastethatNatureGrudgedsoulsodeartheartitsdue!
SHE，I，ANDTHEY
Iwassitting，Shewasknitting，Andtheportraitsofourfore—folkhungaround；
Whentherestruckonusasigh；
\"Ah——whatisthat？\"saidI：
\"Wasitnotyou？\"saidshe。\"Asighdidsound。\"
Ihadnotbreathedit，Northenight—windheavedit，Andhowitcametouswecouldnotguess；
AndwelookedupateachfaceFramedandglazedthereinitsplace，Stillhearkening；butthenceforthwassilentness。
Halfindreaming，\"Thenitsmeaning，\"
Saidwe，\"mustbesurelythis；thattheyrepineThatweshouldbethelastOfstocksonceunsurpassed，Andunabletokeepuptheirsturdyline。\"
1916。
NEARLANIVET，1872
Therewasastuntedhandpostjustonthecrest，Onlyafewfeethigh：
Shewastired，andwestoppedinthetwilight—timeforherrest，Atthecrosswaysclosethereby。
Sheleantback，beingsoweary，againstitsstem，Andlaidherarmsonitsown，Eachopenpalmstretchedouttoeachendofthem，Hersadfacesidewaysthrown。
Herwhite—clothedformatthisdim—litceaseofdayMadeherlookasonecrucifiedInmygazeatherfromthemidstofthedustyway，Andhurriedly\"Don’t，\"Icried。
Idonotthinksheheard。Loosingthenceshesaid，Asshesteppedforthreadytogo，\"Iamrestednow。——Somethingstrangecameintomyhead；
IwishIhadnotleantso!\"
AndwordlesswemovedonwarddownfromthehillInthewestcloud’smurkedobscure，AndlookingbackwecouldseethehandpoststillInthesolitudeofthemoor。
\"Itstruckhertoo，\"Ithought，forasifafraidSheheavilybreathedaswetrailed；
Tillshesaid，\"Ididnotthinkhow’twouldlookintheshade，WhenIleanttherelikeonenailed。\"
I，lightly：\"There’snothinginit。ForYOU，anyhow!\"
——\"OIknowthereisnot，\"saidshe……
\"YetIwonder……Ifnooneisbodilycrucifiednow，Inspiritonemaybe!\"
Andwedraggedonandon，whileweseemedtoseeIntherunningofTime’sfarglassHercrucified，asshehadwonderedifshemightbeSomeday。——Alas，alas!
JOYSOFMEMORY
Whenthespringcomesround，andacertaindayLooksoutfromthebrumebytheeasterncopsetreesAndsays，Remember，Ibeginagain，asifitwerenew，AdayoflikedateIoncelivedthrough，Whilingithourbyhouraway；
SoshallIdotillmyDecember，Whenspringcomesround。
ItakemyholidaythenandmyrestAwayfromthedunlifehereaboutme，Oldhoursre—greetingWiththequietsensethatbringtheymustSuchthrobsasatfirst，tillIhousewithdust，AndinthenumbnessmyheartsomezestForthingsthatwere，bepastrepeatingWhenspringcomesround。
TOTHEMOON
\"Whathaveyoulookedat，Moon，Inyourtime，Nowlongpastyourprime？\"
\"O，Ihavelookedat，oftenlookedatSweet，sublime，Sorethings，shudderful，nightandnoonInmytime。\"
\"Whathaveyoumusedon，Moon，Inyourday，Soaloof，sofaraway？\"
\"O，Ihavemusedon，oftenmusedonGrowth，decay，Nationsalive，dead，mad，aswoon，Inmyday!\"
\"Haveyoumuchwondered，Moon，Onyourrounds，Self—wrapt，beyondEarth’sbounds？\"
\"Yea，Ihavewondered，oftenwonderedAtthesoundsReachingmeofthehumantuneOnmyrounds。\"
\"Whatdoyouthinkofit，Moon，Asyougo？
IsLifemuch，orno？\"
\"O，Ithinkofit，oftenthinkofitAsashowGodoughtsurelytoshutupsoon，AsIgo。\"
COPYINGARCHITECTUREINANOLDMINSTER
（Wimborne）
HowsmartlythequartersofthehourmarchbyThatthejack—o’—clockneverforgets；
Ding—dong；andbeforeIhavetracedacusp’seye，Orgotthetruetwistoftheogeeover，Adoubleding—dongricochetts。
JustsodidheclangherebeforeIcame，AndsowillheclangwhenI’mgoneThroughtheMinster’scavernoushollows——thesameTaleofhoursnevermoretobewillhedeliverTothespeechlessmidnightanddawn!
Igrowtoconceiveitacalltoghosts，Whosemouldliesbelowandaround。
Yes；thenext\"Come，come，\"drawsthemoutfromtheirposts，Andtheygather，andoneshadeappears，andanother，Astheeve—dampscreepfromtheground。
See——aCourtenaystandsbyhisquatre—foiledtomb，AndaDukeandhisDuchessnear；
AndoneSirEdmundincolumnedgloom，AndaSaxonkingbythepresbyterychamber；
Andshapesunknownintherear。
MaybetheyhavemetforaparleonsomeplanTobetterail—strickenmankind；
Icatchtheircheepings，thoughthinnerthanTheoverheadcreakofapassager’spinionWhenleavinglandbehind。
Orperhapstheyspeaktotheyetunborn，AndcautionthemnottocomeToaworldsoancientandtrouble—torn，Offoiledintents，vainlovingkindness，Andardourschilledandnumb。
TheywastetofogasIstirandstand，Andmovefromthearchedrecess，Andpickupthedrawingthatslippedfrommyhand，AndfeelforthepencilIdroppedinthecrannyInamoment’sforgetfulness。
TOSHAKESPEARE
AFTERTHREEHUNDREDYEARS
BrightbafflingSoul，leastcapturableofthemes，Thou，whodisplay’dstalifeofcommon—place，LeavingnointimatewordorpersonaltraceOfhighdesignoutsidetheartistryOfthypenneddreams，Stillshaltremainatheartunreadeternally。
Throughhumanorbitsthydiscourseto—day，Despitethyformalpilgrimage，throbsonInharmoniesthatcowOblivion，And，likethewind，withall—uncaredeffectMaintainaswayNotfore—desired，intracksunchosenandunchecked。
Andyet，atthylastbreath，withmindlessnoteTheboroughclocksbutsamelytonguedthehour，TheAvonjustasalwaysglassedthetower，Thyagewaspublishedonthypassing—bellButindueroteWithotherdwellers’deathsaccordedalikeknell。
Andatthestrokessometownsman（met，maybe，Andthereonqueriedbysomesquire’sgooddameDrivinginshopward）mayhavegiventhyname，With，\"Yes，aworthymanandwell—to—do；
Though，asforme，Iknewhimbutbyjustaneighbour’snod，’tistrue。
\"I’faith，fewknewhimmuchhere，savebyword，Hehavingelsewhereledhisbusierlife；
Thoughtobesureheleftwithushiswife。\"
——\"Ah，oneofthetradesmen’ssons，Inowrecall……
Witty，I’veheard……
Wedidnotknowhim……Well，good—day。Deathcomestoall。\"
So，likeastrangebrightbirdwesometimesfindTominglewiththebarn—doorbroodawhile，Thenvanishfromtheirhomelydomicile—
Intoman’spoesy，wewotnotwhence，Flewthystrangemind，Lodgedtherearadiantguest，andspedforeverthence。
1916。
QUIDHICAGIS？
I
WhenIweeklyknewAnancientpew，AndmurmuredthereTheformsofprayerAndthanksandpraiseIntheancientways，AndheardreadoutDuringAugustdroughtThatchapterfromKingsHarvest—timebrings；
—Howtheprophet，brokenBygriefsunspoken，WentheavilyawayTofastandtopray，And，whilewaitingtodie，TheLordpassedby，AndawhirlwindandfireDrewnigherandnigher，AndasmallvoiceanonBadehimupandbegone，—
IdidnotapprehendAsIsattotheendAndwatchedforhersmileAcrossthesunnedaisle，ThatthistaleofaseerWhichcameonceayearMight，whensandswereheaping，Belikeasweatcreeping，OrinanydegreeBearonheroronme!
II
Whenlater，bychanceOfcircumstance，ItbefelmetoreadOnahotafternoonAtthelecternthereTheselfsamewordsAsthelessondecreed，TothegatheredfewFromthehamletsnear—
FolkofflocksandherdsSittinghalfaswoon，WholistenedtheretoAswomenandmenNotovermuchConcernedatsuch—
So，likethemthen，IdidnotseeWhatdroughtmightbeWithme，withher，AstheKalendarMovedon，andTimeDevouredourprime。
III
Butnow，atlast，Whenourgloryhaspassed，AndthereisnosmileFromherintheaisle，ButwhereitonceshoneAmarble，mensay，WithhernamethereonIsdiscernedto—day；
AndspiritlessInthewildernessIshrinkfromsightAnddesirethenight，（Though，asinoldwise，Imightstillarise，Goforth，andstandAndprophesyintheland），IfeeltheshakeOfwindandearthquake，AndconsumingfireNigherandnigher，Andthevoicecatchclear，\"Whatdoestthouhere？\"
TheSpectator1916。DuringtheWar。
ONAMIDSUMMEREVE
Iidlycutaparsleystalk，Andblewthereintowardsthemoon；
IhadnotthoughtwhatghostswouldwalkWithshiveringfootstepstomytune。
Iwent，andknelt，andscoopedmyhandAsiftodrink，intothebrook，AndafaintfigureseemedtostandAboveme，withthebygonelook。
Ilippedroughrhymesofchance，notchoice，Ithoughtnotwhatmywordsmightbe；
TherecameintomyearavoiceThatturnedatendererverseforme。
TIMINGHER
（Writtentoanoldfolk—tune）
Lalage’scoming：
Whereisshenow，O？
Turningtobow，O，Andsmile，isshe，Justatparting，Parting，parting，AssheisstartingTocometome？
Whereisshenow，O，Now，andnow，O，Shadowingabough，O，OfhedgeortreeAssheisrushing，Rushing，rushing，GossamersbrushingTocometome？
Lalage’scoming；
Whereisshenow，O；
Climbingthebrow，O，OfhillsIsee？
Yes，sheisnearing，Nearing，nearing，WeatherunfearingTocometome。
Nearisshenow，O，Now，andnow，O；
Milktherichcow，O，Forwardthetea；
Shakethedownbedforher，Linensheetsspreadforher，DraperoundtheheadforherComingtome。
Lalage’scoming，She’snearernow，O，Endanyhow，O，To—day’shusbandry!
Wouldagiltchairweremine，Slippersofvairweremine，BrushesforhairweremineOfivory!
Whatwillshethink，O，Shewho’ssocomely，ViewinghowhomelyAsortarewe!
Nothingresplendent，Nopromptattendant，NotonedependentPertainingtome!
Lalage’scoming；
Whereisshenow，O？
FainI’davow，O，FullhonestlyNoughthere’senoughforher，Allistooroughforher，EvenmyloveforherPoorindegree。
She’snearernow，O，Stillnearernow，O，She’tis，Ivow，O，Passingthelea。
Rushdowntomeetherthere，Calloutandgreetherthere，NeverasweeterthereCrossedtome!
Lalage’scome；aye，Comeisshenow，O!……
DoesHeavenallow，O，Ameetingtobe？
Yes，sheisherenow，Herenow，herenow，Nothingtofearnow，Here’sLalage!
BEFOREKNOWLEDGE
WhenIwalkedroselesstracksandwide，Eredawnedyourdateformeetingme，OwhydidyounotcryHallooAcrossthestretchbetween，andsay：
\"Wemove，whileyearsasyetdivide，Onclosinglineswhich——thoughitbeYouknowmenotnorIknowyou—
Willintersectandjoinsomeday!\"
ThenwellIhadborneEachscrapingthorn；
Butthewintersfroze，Andgrewnorose；
NobridgebestrodeThegapatall；
Noshapeyoushowed，AndIheardnocall!
THEBLINDEDBIRD
Sozestfullycanstthousing？
Andallthisindignity，WithGod’sconsent，onthee!
Blindedereyeta—wingBythered—hotneedlethou，IstandandwonderhowSozestfullythoucanstsing!
Resentingnotsuchwrong，Thygrievouspainforgot，Eternaldarkthylot，Gropingthywholelifelong；
Afterthatstaboffire；
Enjailedinpitilesswire；
Resentingnotsuchwrong!
Whohathcharity？Thisbird。
Whosufferethlongandiskind，Isnotprovoked，thoughblindAndaliveensepulchred？
Whohopeth，endurethallthings？
Whothinkethnoevil，butsings？
Whoisdivine？Thisbird。
\"THEWINDBLEWWORDS\"
Thewindblewwordsalongtheskies，AndtheseitblewtomeThroughthewidedusk：\"Liftupyoureyes，Beholdthistroubledtree，Complainingasitswaysandplies；
Itisalimbofthee。
\"Yea，too，thecreaturesshelteringround—
Dumbfigures，wildandtame，Yea，too，thyfellowswhoabound—
EitherofspeechthesameOrfarandstrange——black，dwarfed，andbrowned，Theyarestuffofthyownframe。\"
ImovedoninasurgingaweOfinarticulatenessAtthepatheticMeIsawInallhishugedistress，Makingself—slaughterofthelawTokill，break，orsuppress。
THEFADEDFACE
HowwasthisIdidnotseeSuchalookasherewasshownEreitswomanhoodhadblownPastitsfirstfelicity？—
ThatIdidnotknowyouyoung，FadedFace，Knowyouyoung!
WhydidTimesoillbesteadThatIheardnovoiceofyoursHailfromoutthecurvedcontoursOfthoselipswhenrosyred；
Weetednotthesongstheysung，FadedFace，Songstheysung!
Bytheseblanchings，bloomsofold，Andtherelicsofyourvoice—
LeavingsrareofrichandchoiceFromyourearlytoneandmould—
Letmemourn，——aye，sorrow—wrung，FadedFace，Sorrow—wrung!
THERIDDLE
I
StretchingeyeswestOverthesea，Windfoulorfair，AlwaysstoodsheProspect—impressed；
SolelyoutthereDidhergazerest，NeverelsewhereSeemedcharmtobe。
II
AlwayseyeseastPondersshenow—
Asindevotion—
HillsofblankbrowWherenowavesplough。
NevertheleastRoomforemotionDrawnfromtheoceanDoessheallow。
THEDUEL
\"Iamheretotime，yousee；
Thegladeiswell—screened——eh？——againstalarm；
FitplacetovindicatebymyarmThehonourofmyspotlesswife，WhoscornsyourlibeluponherlifeInboastingintimacy!
\"’Allhush—offeringsyou’llspurn，Myhusband。Twomustcome；oneonlygo，’
Shesaid。’Thathe’llbeyouIknow；
TofaithlikeoursHeavenwillbejust，AndIshallabideinfullesttrustYourspeedygladreturn。’\"
\"Good。HereamalsoI；
Andwe’llproceedwithoutmorewasteofwordsTowarmyourcockpit。OftheswordsTakeyouyourchoice。IshalltherebyFeelthatonmenoblamecanlie，WhateverFateaccords。\"
Sostrippedtheythere，andfought，Andtheswordsclickedandscraped，andtheonsetssped；
Tillthehusbandfell；andhisshirtwasredWithstreamsfromhisheart’shotcistern。NoughtCouldsavehimnow；andtheother，wroughtMaybetopity，said：
\"Whydidyouurgeonthis？
Yourwifeassuredyou；and’thadbetterbeenThatyouhadletthingspass，sereneInconfidenceoflong—triedbliss，HoldingtherecouldbenoughtamissInwhatmywordsmightmean。\"
Then，seeingnorruthnorrageCouldmovehisfoemanmore——nowDeath’sdeafthrall—
Hewipedhissteel，and，withacallLiketurtledovetodove，swiftbrokeIntothecopse，whereunderanoakHishorsecropt，heldbyapage。
\"All’sover，Sweet，\"hecriedTothewife，thusguised；fortheyoungpagewasshe。
\"’Tisaswehopedandsaid’twouldbe。
Heneverguessed……WemountandrideTowhereourlovecanreignuneyed。
He’sclay，andwearefree。\"
ATMAYFAIRLODGINGS
HowcouldIbeaware，TheoppositewindoweyeingAsIlaylistlessthere，ThatthroughitsblindswasdyingOneIhadratedrareBeforeIhadsetmesighingForanothermorefair？
Hadthehouse—frontbeenglass，Myvisionunobscuring，CouldaughthavecometopassMorehappiness—insuringToher，lovedasalassWhenspouseless，all—alluring？
Ireckonnot，alas!
So，thesquarewindowstood，Steadilynight—longshiningInmycloseneighbourhood，WholookedforthundiviningThatsoonwouldgoforgoodOnethereinpainreclining，Unpardoned，unadieu’d。
SilentlyscreenedfromviewHertragedywasendingThatneednothavecomedueHadshebeenlessunbending。
Hownear，nearwerewetwoAtthatlastvitalrending，—
Andneitherofusknew!
TOMYFATHER’SVIOLIN
DoeshewantyoudownthereIntheNetherGloomswhereThehoursmaybeadraggingloaduponhim，AshehearstheaxlegrindRoundandroundOfthegreatworld，intheblindStillprofoundOfthenight—time？HemightlivenatthesoundOfyourstring，revealingyouhadnotforgonehim。
Inthegallerywestthenave，Butafewyardsfromhisgrave，Didyou，tuckedbeneathhischin，tohisbowingGuidethehomelyharmonyOfthequireWhoforlongyearsstrenuously—
Sonandsire—
CaughtthestrainsthatathisfingeringloworhigherFromyourfourthinthreadsandeff—holescameoutflowing。
And，too，whatmerrytunesHewouldbowatnightsornoonsThatchancedtofindhimbenttoluteameasure，WhenhemadeyouspeakhisheartAsindream，Withoutbookormusic—chart，OnsomethemeElusiveasajack—o’—lanthorn’sgleam，Andthepsalmofdutyshelvedfortrillofpleasure。
Well，youcannot，alas，ThebarrieroverpassThatscreenshiminthoseMournfulMeadshereunder，WherenofiddlingcanbeheardInthegladesOfsilentness，nobirdThrillstheshades；
Wherenoviolistouchedforsongsorserenades，Nobowingwakesacongregation’swonder。
Hemustdowithoutyounow，StiryounomoreanyhowToyearningconcordstaughtyouinyourglory；
While，yourstringsatangledwreck，Oncesmartdrawn，Tenworm—woundsinyourneck，PurflingswanWithdust—hoar，herealoneIsadlyconYourpresentdumbness，shapeyouroldenstory。
1916。
THESTATUEOFLIBERTY
ThisstatueofLiberty，busyman，Hereerectinthecitysquare，Ihavewatchedwhileyourscrubbings，thisearlymorning，Strangelywistful，Andhalftristful，Haveturnedherfromfoultofair；
Withyourbucketofwater，andmop，andbrush，BringingheroutofthegrimeThathassmearedherduringthesmokesofwinterWithsuchglumnessInherdumbness，Andagedherbeforehertime。
Youhavewashedherdownwithmotherlycare—
Head，shoulders，arm，andfoot，Totheveryhemoftherobesthatdrapeher—
AllexpertlyAndalertly，Tillalongstream，blackwithsoot，Flowsoverthepavementtotheroad，Andhershapeloomspureassnow：
IreadyouarehiredbytheCityguardians—
Maybeyearly，Oroncemerely—
Totreatthestatuesso？
\"Oh，I’mnothiredbytheCouncilmenTocleansethestatueshere。
Idothisoneasaself—willedduty，Notaspaidto，Oratallmadeto，Butbecausethedoingisdear。\"
Ah，thenIhailyoubrotherandfriend!
Liberty’sknightdivine。
Whatyouhavedonewouldhavebeenmydoing，Yea，mostverily，Well，andthoroughly，Hadbutyourcouragebeenmine!
\"OhIcarenotforLiberty’smould，Libertycharmsnotme；
What’sFreedombutanidler’svision，Vain，pernicious，Oftenvicious，Ofthingsthatcannotbe!
\"Memoryitisthatbringsmetothis—
Ofadaughter——myonesweetown。
Shegrewafamouscarver’smodel，OneofthefairestAndoftherarest：—
Shesatforthefigureasshown。
\"Butalas，shediedinthisdistantplaceBeforeIwaswarnedtobetakeMyselftoherside!……Andinloveofmydarling，Inloveofthefameofher，Andthegoodnameofher，Idothisforhersake。\"
AnswerIgavenot。OfthatformThecarverwasIathisside；
Hischild，mymodel，heldsosaintly，Grandinfeature，Grossinnature，Inthedensofvicehaddied。
THEBACKGROUNDANDTHEFIGURE
（Lover’sDitty）
Ithinkoftheslopewheretherabbitsfed，Oftheperiwinks’rockworklair，Ofthefuchsiasringingtheirbellsofred—
Andthesomethingelseseenthere。
Betweenthebloomswherethesodbaskedbright，Bythebobbingfuchsiatrees，Wasanotherandyetmoreeyesomesight—
Thesightthatrichenedthese。
Ishallseekthosebeautiesinthespring，Whenthedaysarefitandfair，ButonlyasfoilstotheonemorethingThatalsowillflowerthere!
THECHANGE
Outofthepastthererisesaweek—
WhoshallreadtheyearsO!—
OutofthepastthererisesaweekEnringedwithapurplezone。
OutofthepastthererisesaweekWhenthoughtswerestrungtoothicktospeak，Andthemagicofitslineamentsremainswithmealone。
Inthatweektherewasheardasinging—
Whoshallspelltheyears，theyears!—
Inthatweektherewasheardasinging，Andthewhiteowlwonderedwhy。
Inthatweek，yea，avoicewasringing，AndforthfromthecasementwerecandlesflingingRadiancethatfellonthedeodarandlitupthepaththereby。
Couldthatsonghaveamockingnote？—
WhoshallunrolltheyearsO!—
CouldthatsonghaveamockingnoteTothewhiteowl’ssenseasitfell？
CouldthatsonghaveamockingnoteAsittrilledoutwarmfromthesinger’sthroat，Andwhowasthemockerandwhothemockedwhentwofeltallwaswell？
Inatedioustramplingcrowdyetlater—
Whoshallbaretheyears，theyears!—
Inatedioustramplingcrowdyetlater，Whensilverysingingsweredumb；
Inacrowduncaringwhattimemightfateher，MidmurksofnightIstoodtoawaither，Andthetwangingofironwheelsgaveoutthesignalthatshewascome。
Shesaidwithatravel—tiredsmile—
WhoshalllifttheyearsO!—
Shesaidwithatravel—tiredsmile，Halfscaredbyscenesostrange；
Shesaid，outwornbymileonmile，Theblurredlampswanningherfacethewhile，\"OLove，Iamhere；Iamwithyou!\"……Ah，thatthereshouldhavecomeachange!
Othedoombysomeonespoken—
Whoshallunsealtheyears，theyears!—
Othedoomthatgavenotoken，Whennothingofbalesawwe：
Othedoombysomeonespoken，Otheheartbysomeonebroken，Theheartwhosesweetreverberancesarealltimeleavestome。
Jan。—Feb。1913。
SITTINGONTHEBRIDGE
（Echoofanoldsong）
SittingonthebridgePastthebarracks，townandridge，AtoncethespiritseizedusTosingasongthatpleasedus—
As\"TheFifth\"weremuchinrumour；
Itwas\"WhilstI’minthehumour，Takeme，Paddy，willyounow？\"
Andalancersoondrewnigh，AndhisRoyalIrisheyeSaid，\"Willing，faith，amI，O，totakeyouanyhow，dears，Totakeyouanyhow。\"
But，lo!——dadwalkingby，Cried，\"What，youlightheels!Fie!
IsthisthewayyouroamAndmockthesunsetgleam？\"
Andhemarchedusstraightwayhome，Thoughwesaid，\"Weareonly，daddy，Singing，’Willyoutakeme，Paddy？’\"
——Well，weneversawfromthenIfwesangthereanywhen，Thesoldierdearagain，Exceptatnightindream—time，Exceptatnightindream。
Perhapsthatsoldier’sfightingInalandthat’sfaraway，OrhemaybeidlyplightingSomeforeignhussygay；
OrperhapshisbonesarewhitingInthewindtotheirdecay!……
Ah!——doeshemindhimhowThegirlshesawthatdayOnthebridge，weresittingsingingAtthetimeofcurfew—ringing，\"Takeme，Paddy；willyounow，dear？
Paddy，willyounow？\"
GREY’SBRIDGE。
THEYOUNGCHURCHWARDEN
Whenhelitthecandlesthere，Andthelightfellonhishand，AndittrembledashescannedHerandme，hisvanquishedairHintedthathisdreamwasdone，AndIsawhehadbegunTounderstand。
WhenLove’sviolwasunstrung，SoreIwishedthehandthatshookHadbeenminethatsharedherbookWhilethateveninghymnwassung，Histhevictor’s，ashelitCandleswherehehadbiddenussitWithvanquishedlook。
Nowherdustlieslistlessthere，Hisafarfromtendinghand，Whatavailsthevictoryscanned？
Doeshesmilefromupperair：
\"Ah，myfriend，yourdreamisdone；
And’tisYOUwhohavebegunTounderstand!
\"ITRAVELASAPHANTOMNOW\"
Itravelasaphantomnow，ForpeopledonotwishtoseeInfleshandbloodsobareaboughAsNaturemakesofme。
AndthusIvisitbodilessStrangegloomyhouseholdsoftenatodds，AndwonderifMan’sconsciousnessWasamistakeofGod’s。
AndnextImeetyou，andIpause，Andthinkthatifmistakeitwere，Assomehavesaid，OthenitwasOnethatIwellcanbear!
1915。
LINES
TOAMOVEMENTINMOZART’SE—FLATSYMPHONY
ShowmeagainthetimeWhenintheJunetide’sprimeWeflewbymeadsandmountainsnortherly!—
Yea，tosuchfreshness，fairness，fulness，fineness，freeness，Lovelureslifeon。
ShowmeagainthedayWhenfromthesandybayWelookedtogetheruponthepesteredsea!—
Yea，tosuchsurging，swaying，sighing，swelling，shrinking，Lovelureslifeon。
ShowmeagainthehourWhenbythepinnacledtowerWeeyedeachotherandfearedfuturity!—
Yea，tosuchbodings，broodings，beatings，blanchings，blessings，Lovelureslifeon。
Showmeagainjustthis：
ThemomentofthatkissAwayfromtheprancingfolk，bythestrawberry—tree!—
Yea，tosuchrashness，ratheness，rareness，ripeness，richness，Lovelureslifeon。
BegunNovember1898。
\"INTHESEVENTIES\"
\"Quiderideturabamicosuosicutego。\"——JOB。
IntheseventiesIwasbearinginmybreast，Pennedtight，CertainstarrythoughtsthatthrewamagiclightOntheworktimesandthesoundlesshoursofrestIntheseventies；aye，IboretheminmybreastPennedtight。
Intheseventieswhenmyneighbours——evenmyfriend—
Sawmepass，Headswereshaken，andIheardthewords，\"Alas，Forhisonwardyearsandnameunlesshemend!\"
Intheseventies，whenmyneighboursandmyfriendSawmepass。
IntheseventiesthosewhometmedidnotknowOfthevisionThatimmunedmefromthechillingsofmis—prisionAndthedampsthatchokedmygoingstoandfroIntheseventies；yea，thosenoddersdidnotknowOfthevision。
Intheseventiesnoughtcoulddarkenordestroyit，Lockedinme，Thoughasdelicateaslamp—worm’slucency；
NeithermistnormurkcouldweakenoralloyitIntheseventies!——couldnotdarkenordestroyit，Lockedinme。
THEPEDIGREE
I
IbentinthedeepofnightOverapedigreethechroniclergaveAsmine；andasIbentthere，half—unrobed，Theuncurtainedpanesofmywindow—squareletinthewaterylightOfthemooninitsoldage：
Andgreen—rheumedcloudswerehurryingpastwheremuteandcolditglobedLikeadriftingdolphin’seyeseenthroughalappingwave。
II
So，scanningmysire—sowntree，Andthehieroglyphsofthisspousetiedtothat，Withoffspringmappedbelowinlineage，Tillthetanglestroubledme，ThebranchesseemedtotwistintoasearedandcynicfaceWhichwinkedandtokenedtowardsthewindowlikeaMageEnchantingmetogazeagainthereat。
III
Itwasamirrornow，AndinitalongperspectiveIcouldtraceOfmybegetters，dwindlingbackwardeachpasteachAllwiththekindredlook，WhosenameshadsincebeeninkeddownintheirplaceOntherecorder’sbook，Generationandgenerationofmymien，andbuild，andbrow。
IV
AndthendidIdivineThateveryheaveandcoilandmoveImadeWithinmybrain，andinmymoodandspeech，WasintheglassportrayedAslongforestalledbytheirsomakingit；
Thefirstofthem，theprimestfuglemenofmyline，Beingfoggedinfarantiquenesspastsurmiseandreason’sreach。
V
SaidIthen，sunkintone，\"Iammerestmimickerandcounterfeit!—
Thoughthinking，IAMI
ANDWHATIDOIDOMYSELFALONE。\"
——ThecynictwistofthepagethereatunknitBacktoitsnormalfigure，havingwroughtitspurportwry，TheMage’smirrorleftthewindow—square，Andthestainedmoonanddriftretooktheirplacesthere。
1916。
THISHEART
AWOMAN’SDREAM
Atmidnight，intheroomwherehelaydeadWhominhislifeIhadneverclearlyread，IthoughtifIcouldpeerintothatcitadelHisheart，IshouldatlastknowfullandwellWhatheretohadbeenknowntohimalone，Despiteourlongsit—outofyearsforeflown，\"Andif，\"Isaid，\"Idothisforhismemory’ssake，Itwouldnotwoundhim，evenifhecouldwake。\"
SoIbentoverhim。HeseemedtosmileWithacalmconfidencethewholelongwhileThatI，withdrawinghisheart，helditand，bitbybit，Perusedtheunguessedthingsfoundwrittenonit。
ItwasinscribedlikeaterrestrialsphereWithquaintvermiculationscloseandclear—
Hisgraving。HadIknown，wouldIhaveriskedthestrokeItsreadingbrought，andmyownheartnighbroke!
Yes，thereatlast，eyesopened，didIseeHiswholesinceresymmetrichistory；
Therewerehistruth，hissimplesinglemindedness，Strained，maybe，bytime’sstorms，buttherenoless。
TherewerethedailydeedsfromsuntosunInblindness，butgoodfaith，thathehaddone；
Therewereregrets，atinstanceswhereinheswerved（Asheconceived）fromcherishingsIhaddeserved。
Therewereoldhoursallfigureddownasbliss—
Thosespentwithme——（howlittlehadIthoughtthis!）
Therethosewhen，atmyabsence，whetherhesleptorwaked，（ThoughIknewnot’twasso!）hisspiritached。
Therethatwhenweweresevered，howdaydulledTilltimejoinedusanew，waschronicled：
AndargumentsandbattlingsindefenceofmeThatheartrecordedclearlyandruddily。
Iputitback，andlefthimashelayWhilepiercedthemorningpinkandthenthegrayIntoeachdrearyroomandcorridoraround，WhereIshallwait，buthisstepwillnotsound。
WHERETHEYLIVED
DishevelledleavescreepdownUponthatbankto—day，Somegreen，someyellow，andsomepalebrown；
Thewetbentsbobandsway；
TheoncewarmslipperyturfissoddenWherewelaughinglysatorlay。
Thesummerhouseisgone，Leavingaweedyspace；
ThebushesthatveileditoncehavegrownGaunttreesthatinterlace，ThroughwhoselanklimbsIseetooclearlyThenakednessoftheplace。
Andwherewerehillsofblue，Blinddriftsofvapourblow，Andthenamesofformerdwellersfew，Ifany，peopleknow，Andinsteadofavoicethatcalled，\"Comein，Dears，\"
Timecalls，\"Passbelow!\"
THEOCCULTATION
Whenthecloudshutdownonthemorningshine，Anddarkenedthesun，Isaid，\"SoendedthatjoyofmineYearsbackbegun。\"
ButdaycontinueditslustrousrollInupperair；
AnddidmylateirradiatesoulLiveonsomewhere？
LIFELAUGHSONWARD
RamblingIlookedforanoldabodeWhere，yearsback，onehadlivedIknew；
Itssiteadwellingdulyshowed，Butitwasnew。
Iwentwhere，notsolongago，Thesodhadriventwobreastsasunder；
Daisiesthrovegailythere，asthoughNogravewereunder。
IwalkedalongaterracewhereLoudchildrengambolledinthesun；
ThefigurethathadoncesatthereWasmissedbynone。
Lifelaughedandmovedonunsubdued，IsawthatOldsuccumbedtoYoung：
’Twaswell。MytooregretfulmoodDiedonmytongue。
THEPEACE—OFFERING
Itwasbutalittlething，YetIknewitmeanttomeEasefromwhathadgivenastingTotheverybirdsingingLatterly。
ButIwouldnotwelcomeit；
AndforallIthendeclinedOtheregrettingsinfiniteWhenthenight—processionsflitThroughthemind!
\"SOMETHINGTAPPED\"
SomethingtappedonthepaneofmyroomWhentherewasneveratraceOfwindorrain，andIsawinthegloomMywearyBeloved’sface。
\"OIamtiredofwaiting，\"shesaid，\"Night，morn，noon，afternoon；
Socolditisinmylonelybed，AndIthoughtyouwouldjoinmesoon!\"
Iroseandnearedthewindow—glass，Butvanishedthencehadshe：
Onlyapallidmoth，alas，Tappedatthepaneforme。
August1913。
THEWOUND
Iclimbedtothecrest，And，fog—festooned，ThesunlaywestLikeacrimsonwound：
LikethatwoundofmineOfwhichnoneknew，ForI’dgivennosignThatitpiercedmethrough。
AMERRYMAKINGINQUESTION
\"Iwillgetanewstringformyfiddle，Andcalltotheneighbourstocome，AndpartnersshalldancedownthemiddleUntiltheoldpewter—wareshum：
Andwe’llsipthemead，cyder，andrum!\"
Fromthenightcametheoddestofanswers：
Ahollowwind，likeabassoon，Andheadstonesallrangedupasdancers，Andcypressesdroningacroon，Andgurgoylesthatmouthedtothetune。
\"ISAIDANDSANGHEREXCELLENCE\"
（FickleLover’sSong）
Isaidandsangherexcellence：
Theycalleditlaudundue。
（Haveyourway，myheart，O!）
YetwhatwashomagefaraboveTheplaindesertsofmyoldenLoveProvedverityofmynew。
\"Shemovesasylphinpicture—land，Wherenothingfroststheair：\"
（Haveyourway，myheart，O!）
\"ToallwingedpipersoverheadSheisknownbyshapeandsong，\"Isaid，Consciousoflicencethere。
IsangofherinadimoldhallDream—builttoofancifully，（Haveyourway，myheart，O!）
Butlo，theripemonthschancedtoleadMyfeettosuchahallindeed，WherestoodtheveryShe。
Strange，startling，wasitthentolearnIhadglanceddownunborntime，（Haveyourway，myheart，O!）
Andprophesied，wherebyIknewThatwhichtheyearshadplannedtodoInwarrantyofmyrhyme。
BYRUSHY—POND。
AJANUARYNIGHT
（1879）
Therainsmitesmoreandmore，Theeastwindsnarlsandsneezes；
ThroughthejointsofthequiveringdoorThewaterwheezes。
Thetipofeachivy—shootWrithesonitsneighbour’sface；
ThereissomehiddreadafootThatwecannottrace。
IsitthespiritastrayOfthemanatthehousebelowWhosecoffintheytookinto—day？
Wedonotknow。
AKISS
Byawallthestrangernowcallshis，Wasbornofoldaparticularkiss，Withoutforethoughtinitsgenesis；
Whichinatricetookwingontheair。
Andwherethatspotisnothingshows：
Thereivycalmlygrows，AndnooneknowsWhatabirthwasthere!
Thatkissisgonewherenonecantell—
Noteventhosewhofeltitsspell：
Itcannothavedied；thatknowwewell。
