第2章

类别:其他 作者:Thomas Hardy字数:18359更新时间:19/01/04 13:52:20
Nextnightshedied;andherobsequiesIntheFieldofTombs,bytheViarenowned,Hadherhusband’sheed。Histendancespent,IoftenwentAndponderedbyhermound。 Allthatyearandthenextyearwhiled,AndIstillwentthitherwardinthegloam; ButtheTownforgotherandhernook,AndherhusbandtookAnotherLovetohishome。 AndtherumourflewthatthelamelonechildWhomshewishedforitssafetychildofmine,WastreatedillwhenoffspringcameOfthenew-madedame,Andmarkedamorevigorousline。 AsmartergriefwithinmewroughtThanevenatlossofhersodear; Deadthebeingwhosesoulmysoulsuffused,Herchildill-used,Ihelplesstointerfere! OneeveasIstoodatmyspotofthoughtInthewhite-stonedGarth,broodingthusherwrong,Herhusbandneared;andtoshunhisviewByherhallowedmewIwentfromthetombsamongTotheCirqueoftheGladiatorswhichfaced- ThathaggardmarkofImperialRome,WhosePaganechoesmockthechimeOfourChristiantime: Itwasvoid,andIinwardclomb。 Scarcenightthesun’sgoldtouchdisplacedFromthevastRotundandtheneighbouringdeadWhenherhusbandfollowed;bowed;half-passed,Withlipupcast; Then,halting,sullenlysaid: \"Itisnoisedthatyouvisitmyfirstwife’stomb。 Now,IgaveheranhonourednametobearWhileliving,whendead。SoI’veclaimtoaskBywhatrightyoutaskMypatiencebyvigilingthere? \"There’sdecencyevenindeath,Iassume; Preserveit,sir,andkeepaway; Forthemotherofmyfirst-bornyouShowmindundue! ——Sir,I’venothingmoretosay。\" AdesperatestrokediscernedIthen- Godpardon——orpardonnot——thelie; Shehadsighedthatshewished(lestthechildshouldpineOfslights)’tweremine,SoIsaid:\"ButthefatherI。 \"Thatyouthoughtityoursisthewayofmen; ButIwonhertrothlongereyourday: Youlearnthow,indying,shesummonedme? ’Twasinfealty。 ——Sir,I’venothingmoretosay,\"Savethat,ifyou’llhandmemylittlemaid,I’lltakeher,andrearher,andspareyoutoil。 Thinkitmorethanafriendlyactnonecan; I’malonelyman,Whileyou’vealargepottoboil。 \"Ifnot,andyou’llputittoballorblade- To-night,to-morrownight,anywhen- I’llmeetyouhere……Butthinkofit,AndinseasonfitLetmehearfromyouagain。\"- Well,Iwentaway,hoping;butnoughtIheardOfmystrokeforthechild,tilltheregreetedmeAlittlevoicethatonedaycameTomywindow-frameAndbabbledinnocently: \"Myfatherwho’snotmyown,sendswordI’mtostayhere,sir,whereIbelong!\" Nextawritingcame:\"SincethechildwasthefruitOfyourlawlesssuit,Praytakeher,torightawrong。\" AndIdid。AndIgavethechildmylove,Andthechildlovedme,andestrangedusnone。 Butcompunctionsloomed;forI’dharmedthedeadBywhatI’dsaidForthegoodofthelivingone- Yetthough,Godwot,Iamsinnerenough,Andunworthythewomanwhodrewmeso,Perhapsthiswrongforherdarling’sgoodSheforgives,orwould,Ifonlyshecouldknow! THEDANCEATTHEPHOENIX ToJennycameagentleyouthFrominlandleazeslone,Hislovewasfreshasapple-bloothByParrett,Yeo,orTone。 AnddulyheentreatedherTobehistenderminister,Andcallhimayeherown。 FairJenny’slifehadhardlybeenAlifeofmodesty; AtCasterbridgeexperiencekeenOfmanyloveshadsheFromscarcelysixteenyearsabove; AmongthemsundrytroopersofTheKing’s-OwnCavalry。 Buteachwithcharger,sword,andgun,HadbluffedtheBiscaywave; AndJennyprizedhergentleoneForallthelovehegave。 Shevowedtobe,iftheywerewed,HishonestwifeinheartandheadFrombride-alehourtograve。 Weddedtheywere。Herhusband’strustInJennyknewnobound,AndJennykeptherpureandjust,TillevenmalicefoundNosinorsignofilltobeInonewhowalkedsodecentlyTheduteoushelpmate’sround。 Twosonswereborn,andbloomedtomen,Androamed,andwereasnot: AlonewasJennyleftagainAserehermindhadsoughtAsolaceindomesticjoys,AnderethevanishedpairofboysWeresenttosunhercot。 Shenumberednearonsixtyyears,Andpassedaselderly,When,inthestreet,withflushoffears,Onedaydiscoveredshe,Fromshineofswordsandthumpofdrum。 Herearlylovesfromwarhadcome,TheKing’s-OwnCavalry。 Sheturnedaside,andbowedherheadAnighSaintPeter’sdoor; \"Alasforchastenedthoughts!\"shesaid; \"I’mfadednow,andhoar,Andyetthosenotes——theythrillmethrough,AndthosegayformsmovemeanewAsintheyearsofyore!\"…… ’TwasChristmas,andthePhoenixInnWaslitwithtaperstall,ForthirtyofthetroopermenHadvowedtogiveaballAs\"Theirs\"haddone(’twashandeddown) WhenlyingintheselfsametownEreBuonaparte’sfall。 Thatnightthethrobbing\"Soldier’sJoy,\" ThemeasuredtreadandswayOf\"Fancy-Lad\"and\"MaidenCoy,\" ReachedJennyasshelayBesideherspouse;tillspringtidebloodSeemedscouringthroughherlikeafloodThatwhiskedtheyearsaway。 Sherose,andrayed,anddeckedherheadWherethebleachedhairsranthin; UponhercaptwobowsofredShefixedwithhastypin; Unhearddescendingtothestreet,Shetrodtheflagswithtune-ledfeet,AndstoodbeforetheInn。 Saveforthedancers’,notasoundDisturbedtheicyair; NowatchmanonhismidnightroundOrtravellerwasthere; ButoverAll-Saints’,highandbright,PulsedtothemusicSiriuswhite,TheWainbyBullstakeSquare。 Sheknocked,butfoundherfurtherstrideCheckedbyasergeanttall: \"GayGranny,whencecomeyou?\"hecried; \"Thisisaprivateball。\"- \"Noonehasmorerightherethanme! Ereyouwereborn,man,\"answeredshe,\"Iknewtheregimentall!\" \"Takenotthelady’svisitill!\" Upspokethestewardfree; \"Welacksufficientpartnersstill,So,pritheeletherbe!\" Theyseizedandwhirledher’midthemaze,AndJennyfeltasinthedaysOfherimmodesty。 Hourchasedeachhour,andnightadvanced; Shespedasshodwithwings; Eachtimeandeverytimeshedanced- Reels,jigs,poussettes,andflings: Theycheeredherasshesoaredandswooped,(She’dlearntereartindancingdroopedFromhopstoslothfulswings)。 ThefavouriteQuick-step\"SpeedthePlough\"- (Crosshands,castoff,andwheel)—— \"TheTriumph,\"\"Sylph,\"\"TheRow-dow-dow,\" Famed\"MajorMalley’sReel,\" \"TheDukeofYork’s,\"\"TheFairyDance,\" \"TheBridgeofLodi\"(broughtfromFrance),Shebeatout,toeandheel。 The\"FallofParis\"clangeditsclose,AndPeter’schimetoldfour,WhenJenny,bosom-beating,roseToseekhersilentdoor。 Theytiptoedinescortingher,LeststrokeofheelorclinkofspurShouldbreakhergoodman’ssnore。 ThefirethatlatehadburntfellslackWhenloneatlaststoodshe; Hernine-and-fiftyyearscameback; ShesankuponherkneeBesidethedurn,andlikeadartAsomethingarrowedthroughherheartInshootsofagony。 Theirfootstepsdiedassheleantthere,LitbythemorningstarHangingabovethemoorland,whereTheagedelm-rowsare; And,aso’ernight,fromPummeryRidgeToMaemburyRingandStandfastBridgeNolifestirred,nearorfar。 Thoughinnermischiefworkedamain,Shereachedherhusband’sside; Where,toil-weary,ashehadlainBeneaththepatchworkpiedWhenyestereveshe’dforthwardcrept,Andasunwitting,stillhesleptWhodidinherconfide。 AtearsprangassheturnedandviewedHisfeaturesfreefromguile; Shekissedhimlong,aswhen,justwooed,Shechosehisdomicile。 ShefeltshecouldhavegivenherlifeTobethesingle-heartedwifeThatshehadbeenerstwhile。 Timeworetosix。HerhusbandroseAndstruckthesteelandstone; HeglancedatJenny,whosereposeSeemeddeeperthanhisown。 Withdumbdismay,onclosersight,Hegatheredsensethatinthenight,Ormorn,hersoulhadflown。 WhentoldthatsometoomightystrainForonesomany-yearedHadburstherbosom’smaster-vein,Hisdoubtsremainedunstirred。 HisJennyhadnotlefthissideBetwixttheeveandmorning-tide: ——TheKing’ssaidnotaword。 Well!timesarenotastimeswerethen,Norfaironeshalfsofree; Andtrulytheyweremartialmen,TheKing’s-OwnCavalry。 AndwhentheywentfromCasterbridgeAndvanishedoverMellstockRidge,’Twassaddestmorntosee。 THECASTERBRIDGECAPTAINS (KHYBERPASS,1842) ATRADITIONOFJ。B。L-,T。G。B-,ANDJ。L。 ThreecaptainswenttoIndianwars,Andonlyonereturned: Theirmateofyore,hesinglyworeThelaurelsallhadearned。 AthomehesoughttheancientaisleWherein,untrumpedoffame,Thethreehadsatinpupilage,Andeachhadcarvedhisname。 Thenames,rough-hewn,ofequalsize,Stoodonthepanelstill; Unequalsince。——\"’Twastheirstoaim,Minewasittofulfil!\"- \"Whosaveshislifeshallloseit,friends!\" Outspakethepreacherthen,Unweetinghehislistener,whoLookedatthenamesagain。 Thathehadcomeandthey’dbeenstayed,’Twasbutthechanceofwar: Anotherchance,andthey’dsathere,Andhehadlainafar。 YetsawhesomethinginthelivesOfthosewho’dceasedtoliveThatspheredthemwithamajestyWhichlivingfailedtogive。 TranscendenttriumphinreturnNolongerlithisbrain; TranscendencerayedthedistanturnWheresleptthefallentwain。 ASIGN-SEEKER Imarkthemonthsinliveriesdankanddry,Thenoontidesmany-shapedandhued; Iseethenightfallshadessubtrude,Andhearthemonotonoushoursclangnegligentlyby。 IviewtheeveningbonfiresofthesunOnhillswheremorningrainshavehissed; TheeyelesscountenanceofthemistPallidlyrisingwhenthesummerdroughtsaredone。 Ihaveseenthelightning-blade,theleapingstar,Thecauldronsoftheseainstorm,Havefelttheearthquake’sliftingarm,Andtroddenwhereabysmalfiresandsnow-conesare。 Ilearntoprophesythehideclipse,Thecomingofeccentricorbs; Tometethedusttheskyabsorbs,Toweighthesun,andfixthehoureachplanetdips。 Iwitnessfellowearth-mensurgeandstrive; Assembliesmeet,andthrob,andpart; Death’ssoothingfinger,sorrow’ssmart;- Allthevastvariousmoilsthatmeanaworldalive。 ButthatIfainwouldwotofshunsmysense- Thosesightsofwhicholdprophetstell,Thosesignsthegeneralwordsowell,Vouchsafedtotheirunheed,deniedmylongsuspense。 Ingraveyardgreen,behindhismonumentToglimpseaphantomparent,friend,Wearinghissmile,and\"Nottheend!\" Outbreathingsoftly:thatwereblestenlightenment; Or,ifadeadLove’slips,whomdreamsrevealWhenmidnightimpsofKingDecayDelveslytosolvemebacktoclay,Shouldleavesomeprinttoproveherspirit-kissesreal; Or,whenEarth’sFrailliebleedingofherStrong,IfsomeRecorder,asinWrit,NeartothewearysceneshouldflitAnddroponeplumeaspledgethatHeaveninscrollsthewrong- Therearewho,rapttoheightsoftrancedtrust,Thesetokensclaimtofeelandsee,Readradianthintsoftimestobe- Ofhearttoheartreturningafterdusttodust。 Suchscopeisgrantednottoliveslikemine…… Ihavelainindeadmen’sbeds,havewalkedThetombsofthosewithwhomI’dtalked,Calledmanyagoneandgoodlyonetoshapeasign,Andpantedforresponse。Butnonereplies; Nowarningsloom,norwhisperingsToopenoutmylimitings,AndNesciencemutelymuses:Whenamanfallshelies。 MYCICELY (17-) \"Alive?\"——AndIleaptinmywonder,Wasfaintofmyjoyance,AndgrassesandgroveshoneingarmentsOfglorytome。 \"Shelives,inaplenteouswell-being,To-dayasaforehand; Thedeadborethename——thougharareone- Thenamethatboreshe。\" Shelived……I,afarinthecityOffrenzy-ledfactions,HadsquanderedgreenyearsandmaturerInbowingthekneeToBaalsillusiveandspecious,TillchancehadtherevoicedmeThatoneIlovedvainlyinnonageHadceasedhertobe。 Thepassiontheplanetshadscowledon,Andchangehadletdwindle,Herdeath-rumoursmartlyreliftedTofullapogee。 ImountedasteedinthedawningWithachefulremembrance,AndmadefortheancientWestHighwayTofarExonb’ry。 Passingheaths,andtheHouseofLongSieging,InearedthethinsteepleThattopsthefairfaneofPoore’soldenEpiscopalsee; And,changinganewmyonbearer,ItraversedthedownlandWhereonthebleakhill-gravesofChieftainsBulgebarrenoftree; AndstillsadlyonwardIfollowedThatHighwaytheIcen,WhichtrailsitspaleribanddownWessexO’erlynchetandlea。 AlongthroughtheStour-borderedForum,WhereLegionshadwayfared,AndwheretheslowriverupglassesItsgreencanopy,AndbyWeatherburyCastle,andthencefromThroughCasterbridgeheldI Stillon,toentombhermyvisionSawstretchedpallidly。 Nohighwayman’strotblewthenight-windTomesolife-weary,ButonlythecreakofthegibbetsOrwaggoners’jee。 Triple-rampartedMaidongloomedgraylyAbovemefromsouthward,Andnorththehill-fortressofEggar,AndsquarePummerie。 TheNine-PillaredCromlech,theBride-streams,TheAxe,andtheOtterIpassed,tothegateofthecityWhereExescentsthesea; Till,spent,inthegraveacrepausing,Ilearnt’twasnotmyLoveTowhomMotherChurchhadjustmurmuredAlastlullaby- \"Then,wheredwellstheCanon’skinswoman,Myfriendofaforetime?\"—— (’Twashardtorepressmyheart-heavingsAndnewecstasy。) \"Shewedded。\"——\"Ah!\"——\"Weddedbeneathher- Shekeepsthestage-hostelTenmileshence,besidethegreatHighway- ThefamedLions-Three。 \"Herspousewasherlackey——nooption’Twixtwedlockandworsethings; Alapseover-sadforaladyOfherpedigree!\" Ishuddered,saidnothing,andwanderedToshadesofgreenlaurel: TooghastlyhadgrownthosefirsttidingsSobrightsomeofblee! For,onmyridehither,I’dhaltedAwhileattheLions,Andher——herwhosenamehadonceopenedMyheartasakey—— I’dlookedon,unknowing,andwitnessedHerjestswiththetapsters,Herliquor-firedface,herthickaccentsInnamingherfee。 \"OGod,whythisseemingderision!\" Icriedinmyanguish: \"OonceLoved,OfairUnforgotten- ThatThing——meantitthee! \"Inurnedandatpeace,lostbutsainted,WeregriefIcouldcompass; Depraved——’tisforChrist’spoordependentAcrueldecree!\" IbackedontheHighway;butpassednotThehostel。WithinthereToomockingtoLove’sre-expressionWasTime’srepartee! UptrackingwhereLegionshadwayfared,Bycromlechsunstoried,Andlynchets,andsepulturedChieftains,Inself-colloquy,AfeelingstirredinmeandstrengthenedThatSHEwasnotmyLove,Butsheofthegarth,wholayraptinHerlongreverie。 Andthencetillto-dayIpersuademeThatthiswasthetrueone; ThatDeathstoleintactheryoungdearnessAndinnocency。 Frail-witted,illudedtheycallme; Imaybe。’TisbetterTodreamthantoownthedebasementOfsweetCicely。 MoreoverIrateitunseemlyToholdthatkindHeavenCouldworksuchdevice——toherruinAndmymisery。 So,lestIdisturbmychoicevision,IshuntheWestHighway,Evennow,whentheknapsringwithrhythmsFromblackbirdandbee; Andfeelthatwithslumberhalf-consciousSherestsinthechurch-hay,Herspiritunsoiledasinyouth-timeWhenloverswerewe。 HERIMMORTALITY UponanoonIpilgrimedthroughApasture,milebymile,UntotheplacewhereIlastsawMydeadLove’slivingsmile。 AndsorrowingIlaymedownUpontheheatedsod: ItseemedasifmybodypressedTheverygroundshetrod。 Ilay,andthought;andinatranceShecameandstoodmeby—— Thesame,eventothemarvellousrayThatusedtolighthereye。 \"Youdrawme,andIcometoyou,Myfaithfulone,\"shesaid,InvoicethathadthemovingtoneItboreerebreathhadfled。 Shesaid:\"’TissevenyearssinceIdied: Fewnowrememberme; Myhusbandclaspsanotherbride; Mychildren’slovehasshe。 \"Mybrethren,sisters,andmyfriendsCarenottomeetmysprite: WhoprizedmemostIdidnotknowTillIpasseddownfromsight。\" Isaid:\"Mydaysarelonelyhere; Ineedthysmilealway: I’llusethisnightmyballorblade,Andjointheeeretheday。\" Atremorstirredhertenderlips,Whichpartedtodissuade: \"Thatcannotbe,Ofriend,\"shecried; \"Think,IambutaShade! \"AShadebutinitsmindfulonesHasimmortality; Byliving,meyoukeepalive,Bydyingyouslayme。 \"InyouresidesmysinglepowerOfsweetcontinuancehere; OnyourfidelityIcountThroughmanyacomingyear。\"- Istartedthroughmeatherplight,Sosuddenlyconfessed: Dismissinglatedistasteforlife,Icraveditsbleakunrest。 \"Iwillnotdie,myOneofall!- TolengthenoutthydaysI’llguardmefromminutestharmsThatmayinvestmyways!\" Shesmiledandwent。SincethenshecomesOftwhenherbirth-moonclimbs,Orattheseasons’ingressesOranniversarytimes; Butgrowsmygrief。WhenIsurcease,Throughwhomalonelivesshe,CeasesmyLove,herwords,herways,Neveragaintobe! THEIVY-WIFE Ilongedtoloveafull-boughedbeechAndbeashighashe: Istretchedanarmwithinhisreach,Andsignalledunity。 Butwithhisdripheforcedabreach,Andtriedtopoisonme。 IgavethegraspofpartnershipTooneofotherrace—— Aplane:hebarkedhimstripbystripFromupperboughtobase; Andmetherewith;forgonemygrip,Myarmscouldnotenlace。 InnewaffectionnextIstroveTocollanashIsaw,Andheintrustreceivedmylove; TillwithmysoftgreenclawIcrampedandboundhimasIwove…… Suchwasmylove:ha-ha! BythisIgainedhisstrengthandheightWithouthisrivalry。 ButinmytriumphIlostsightOfafterhaps。Soonhe,Beingbark-bound,flagged,snapped,felloutright,Andinhisfallfelledme! AMEETINGWITHDESPAIR AseveningshapedIfoundmeonamoorWhichsightcouldscarcesustain: Theblackleanland,offeaturelesscontour,Waslikeatractinpain。 \"Thisscene,likemyownlife,\"Isaid,\"isoneWheremanygloomsabide; Tonedbyitsfortunetoadeadlydun- Lightlessoneveryside。 Iglancedaloftandhalted,pleasure-caughtToseethecontrastthere: Theray-litcloudsgleamedglory;andIthought,\"There’ssolaceeverywhere!\" Thenbitterself-reproachesasIstoodIdealtmesilentlyAsoneperverse——misrepresentingGoodIngracelessmutiny。 Againstthehorizon’sdim-discernedwheelAformrose,strangeofmould: Thathewashideous,hopeless,IcouldfeelRatherthancouldbehold。 \"’Tisadeadspot,whereeventhelightliesspentTodarkness!\"croakedtheThing。 \"Notifyoulookaloft!\"saidI,intentOnmynewreasoning。 \"Yea——butawaitawhile!\"hecried。\"Ho-ho!- Looknowaloftandsee!\" Ilooked。There,too,satnight:Heaven’sradiantshowHadgone。Thenchuckledhe。 UNKNOWING When,soulinsoulreflected,Webreathedanaetheredair,WhenweneglectedAllthingselsewhere,AndleftthefriendlyfriendlessTokeepourloveaglow,Wedeemeditendless…… ——Wedidnotknow! When,bymadpassiongoaded,Weplannedtohieaway,But,unforeboded,Thestorm-shaftsgraySoheavilydown-patteredThatnonecouldforthwardgo,Ourlivesseemedshattered…… ——Wedidnotknow! WhenIfoundyou,helplesslying,Andyouwaivedmydeepmisprise,Andsworeme,dying,Inphantom-guiseTowingtomewhengrieving,Andtouchawaymywoe,Wekissed,believing…… ——Wedidnotknow! Butthough,yourpowersoutreckoning,Youholdyoudeadanddumb,Orscornmybeckoning,Andwillnotcome; AndIsay,\"’TweremoodungainlyTostorehermemoryso:\" Isayitvainly- Ifeelandknow! FRIENDSBEYOND WilliamDewy,TranterReuben,FarmerLedlowlateatplough,Robert’skin,andJohn’s,andNed’s,AndtheSquire,andLadySusan,lieinMellstockchurchyardnow! \"Gone,\"Icallthem,goneforgood,thatgroupoflocalheartsandheads; Yetatmothycurfew-tide,Andatmidnightwhenthenoon-heatbreathesitbackfromwallsandleads,They’veawayofwhisperingtome——fellow-wightwhoyetabide- Inthemuted,measurednoteOfarippleunderarchways,oralonecave’sstillicide: \"Wehavetriumphed:thisachievementturnsthebanetoantidote,Unsuccessestosuccess,-Manythought-wornevesandmorrowstoamorrowfreeofthought。 \"Nomoreneedwecornandclothing,feelofoldterrestrialstress; Chilldetractionstirsnosigh; Fearofdeathhasevenbygoneus:deathgaveallthatwepossess。\" W。D。——\"Yemidburnthewoldbass-violthatIsetsuchvallieby。\" Squire。——\"Youmayholdthemanseinfee,Youmaywedmyspouse,mychildren’smemoryofmemaydecry。\" Lady。——\"Youmayhavemyrichbrocades,mylaces;takeeachhouseholdkey; Ransackcoffer,desk,bureau; Quizthefewpoortreasureshidthere,contheletterskeptbyme。\" Far。——\"Yemidzellmyfavouriteheifer,yemidletthecharlockgrow,Foulthegrinterns,giveupthrift。\" Wife。——\"Ifyebreakmybestbluechina,children,Ishan’tcareorho。\" All。——\"We’venowishtohearthetidings,howthepeople’sfortunesshift; Whatyourdailydoingsare; Whoarewedded,born,divided;ifyourlivesbeatsloworswift。 \"Curiousnottheleastareweifourintentsyoumakeormar,Ifyouquiretoouroldtune,IftheCitystagestillpasses,iftheweirsstillroarafar。\"- Thus,withverygods’composure,freedthosecrosseslateandsoonWhich,inlife,theTrineallow(Why,nonewitteth),andignoringallthathapsbeneaththemoon,WilliamDewy,TranterReuben,FarmerLedlowlateatplough,Robert’skin,andJohn’s,andNed’s,AndtheSquire,andLadySusan,murmurmildlytomenow。 TOOUTERNATURE ShowtheeasIthoughttheeWhenIearlysoughtthee,Omen-scouting,AllundoubtingLovealonehadwroughtthee- Wroughttheeformypleasure,PlannedtheeasameasureForexpoundingAndresoundingGladthingsthatmentreasure。 OforbutamomentOfthatoldendowment- LighttogailySeethydailyIrisedembowment! Butsuchre-adorningTimeforbidswithscorning- MakesmeseethingsCeasetobethingsTheywereinmymorning。 Fad’stthou,glow-forsaken,Darkness-overtaken! Thyfirstsweetness,Radiance,meetness,Noneshallre-awaken。 WhynotsempiternalThouandI?OurvernalBrightnesskeeping,Timeoutleaping; Passedthehodiernal! THOUGHTSOFPHENA ATNEWSOFHERDEATH NotalineofherwritinghaveI,Notathreadofherhair,Nomarkofherlatetimeasdameinherdwelling,wherebyImaypictureherthere; AndinvaindoIurgemyunsightToconceivemylostprizeAtherclose,whomIknewwhenherdreamswereupbrimmingwithlight,Andwithlaughterhereyes。 Whatscenesspreadaroundherlastdays,Sad,shining,ordim? DidhergiftsandcompassionsenrayandenarchhersweetwaysWithanaureatenimb? Ordidlife-lightdeclinefromheryears,AndmischancescontrolHerfullday-star;unease,orregret,orforebodings,orfearsDisennoblehersoul? ThusIdobutthephantomretainOfthemaidenofyoreAsmyrelic;yethaplythebestofher——finedinmybrainItmaybethemoreThatnolineofherwritinghaveI,Norathreadofherhair,Nomarkofherlatetimeasdameinherdwelling,wherebyImaypictureherthere。 March1890。 MIDDLE-AGEENTHUSIASMS ToM。H。 WepassedwhereflagandflowerSignalledajocundthrong; Wesaid:\"Goto,thehourIsapt!\"——andjoinedthesong; And,kindling,laughedatlifeandcare,Althoughweknewnolaughlaythere。 WewalkedwhereshybirdsstoodWatchingus,wonder-dumb; Theirfriendshipmetourmood; Wecried:\"We’lloftencome: We’llcomemorn,noon,eve,everywhen!\"- Wedoubtedweshouldcomeagain。 WejoyedtoseestrangesheensLeapfromquaintleavesinshade; AsecretlightofgreensThey’dfortheirpleasuremade。 Wesaid:\"We’llsetsuchsortsasthese!\"- Weknewwithnightthewishwouldcease。 \"Sosweettheplace,\"wesaid,\"Itstacittalessodear,Ourthoughts,whenbreathhassped,Willmeetandminglehere!\"…… \"Words!\"musedwe。\"Passedthemortaldoor,Ourthoughtswillreachthisnooknomore。\" INAWOOD See\"THEWOODLANDERS\" Palebeechandpine-treeblue,Setinoneclay,BoughtoboughcannotyouBideoutyourday? Whentherainsskimandskip,Whymarsweetcomradeship,Blightingwithpoison-dripNeighbourlyspray? Heart-haltandspirit-lame,City-opprest,UntothiswoodIcameAstoanest; DreamingthatsylvanpeaceOfferedtheharrowedease—— NatureasoftreleaseFrommen’sunrest。 But,havingenteredin,GreatgrowthsandsmallShowthemtomenakin- Combatantsall! Sycamoreshouldersoak,Binestheslimsaplingyoke,Ivy-spunhalterschokeElmsstoutandtall。 Touchesfromash,Owych,Stingyoulikescorn! You,too,bravehollies,twitchSidelongfromthorn。 EventherankpoplarsbearIllyarival’sair,CankeringinblackdespairIfoverborne。 Since,then,nograceIfindTaughtmeoftrees,TurnIbacktomykind,Worthyasthese。 Thereatleastsmilesabound,Therediscoursetrillsaround,There,nowandthen,arefoundLife-loyalties。 1887:1896。 TOALADY OFFENDEDBYABOOKOFTHEWRITER’S Nowthatmypageupcloses,doomed,maybe,Nevertopressthycosycushionsmore,OrwakethyreadyYeasasheretofore,Orstirthygentlevowsoffaithinme: Knowingthynaturalreceptivity,Ifigurethat,asflambeauxbanisheve,Mysombreimage,warpedbyinsidiousheaveOfthoselessforthright,mustloseplaceinthee。 Sobeit。Ihavebornesuch。LetthydreamsOfmeandminediminishdaybyday,Andyieldtheirspacetoshineofsmuggerthings; TillIshapetotheebutinfitfulgleams,Andtheninfarandfeeblevisitings,Andthensurcease。Truthwillbetruthalway。 TOANORPHANCHILD AWHIMSEY Ah,child,thouartbuthalfthydarlingmother’s; Herscouldstthouwhollybe,Mylightintheewouldoutglowallinothers; Shewouldrelivetome。 ButniggardNature’strickofbirthBars,lestsheoverjoy,RenewalofthelovedonearthSavewithalloy。 TheDamehasnoregard,alas,mymaiden,Forloveandlosslikemine- Nosympathywithmind-sightmemory-laden; Onlywithfickleeyne。 TohermechanicartistryMydreamsareallunknown,AndwhyIwishthatthoucouldstbeButOne’salone! NATURE’SQUESTIONING WhenIlookforthatdawning,pool,Field,flock,andlonelytree,AllseemtogazeatmeLikechastenedchildrensittingsilentinaschool; Theirfacesdulled,constrained,andworn,Asthoughthemaster’swaysThroughthelongteachingdaysTheirfirstterrestrialzesthadchilledandoverborne。 Andonthemstirs,inlippingsmere(Asifonceclearincall,Butnowscarcebreathedatall)- \"Wewonder,everwonder,whywefindushere! \"HassomeVastImbecility,Mightytobuildandblend,Butimpotenttotend,Framedusinjest,andleftusnowtohazardry? \"OrcomeweofanAutomatonUnconsciousofourpains?…… OrareweliveremainsOfGodheaddyingdownwards,brainandeyenowgone? \"OrisitthatsomehighPlanbetides,Asyetnotunderstood,OfEvilstormedbyGood,WetheForlornHopeoverwhichAchievementstrides?\" Thusthingsaround。NoanswererI…… Meanwhilethewinds,andrains,AndEarth’soldgloomsandpainsArestillthesame,andgladdestLifeDeathneighboursnigh。 THEIMPERCIPIENT (ATACATHEDRALSERVICE) ThatfromthisbrightbelievingbandAnoutcastIshouldbe,ThatfaithsbywhichmycomradesstandSeemfantasiestome,Andmirage-miststheirShiningLand,Isadreardestiny。 WhythusmysoulshouldbeconsignedToinfelicity,WhyalwaysImustfeelasblindTosightsmybrethrensee,Whyjoysthey’vefoundIcannotfind,Abidesamystery。 SinceheartofmineknowsnotthateaseWhichtheyknow;sinceitbeThatHewhobreathesAll’sWelltotheseBreathesnoAll’s-Welltome,MylackmightmovetheirsympathiesAndChristiancharity! IamlikeagazerwhoshouldmarkAninlandcompanyStandingupfingered,with,\"Hark!hark! Thegloriousdistantsea!\" Andfeel,\"Alas,’tisbutyondarkAndwind-sweptpinetome!\" YetIwouldbearmyshortcomingsWithmeettranquillity,ButforthechargethatblessedthingsI’dlieferhaveunbe。 O,dothabirddeprivedofwingsGoearth-boundwilfully! *** Enough。AsyetdisquietclingsAboutus。Restshallwe。 ATANINN WhenweasstrangerssoughtTheircateringcare,VeiledsmilesbespoketheirthoughtOfwhatwewere。 TheywarmedastheyopinedUsmorethanfriends- ThatwehadallresignedForlove’sdearends。 AndthatswiftsympathyWithlivingloveWhichquickstheworld——maybeThespheresabove,Madethemourministers,Movedthemtosay,\"Ah,God,thatblissliketheirsWouldflushourday!\" AndwewereleftaloneAsLove’sownpair; Yetneverthelove-lightshoneBetweenusthere! ButthatwhichchilledthebreathOfafternoon,AndpalsieduntodeathThepane-fly’stune。 Thekisstheirzealforetold,Andnowdeemedcome,Camenot:withinhisholdLovelingered-numb。 WhycastheonourportAbloomnotours? WhyshapedusforhissportInafter-hours? AsweseemedwewerenotThatdayafar,AndnowweseemnotwhatWeachingare。 Oseveringseaandland,Olawsofmen,Eredeath,onceletusstandAswestoodthen! THESLOWNATURE (ANINCIDENTOFFROOMVALLEY) \"Thyhusband——poor,poorHeart!——isdead—— Dead,outbyMorefordRise; Abullescapedthebarton-shed,Goredhim,andtherehelies!\"- \"Ha,ha——goaway!’Tisatale,methink,ThoujokerKit!\"laughedshe。 \"I’veknowntheemanyayear,KitTwink,Andeverhastthoufooledme!\"- \"But,MistressDamon——IcanswearThygoodmanJohnisdead! Andsoonth’ltheartheirfeetwhobearHisbodytohisbed。\" Sounwontedlysadwasthemerryman’sface- Thatfacewhichhadlongdeceived- Thatshegazedandgazed;andthencouldtraceThetruththere;andshebelieved。 Shelaidahandonthedresser-ledge,AndscannedfarEgdon-side; Andstood;andyouheardthewind-sweptsedgeAndtheripplingFroom;tillshecried: \"Omychamber’suntidied,unmademybedThoughthedayhasbeguntowear! ’Whataslovenlyhussif!’itwillbesaid,Whentheyallgoupmystair!\" Shedisappeared;andthejokerstoodDepressedbyhisneighbour’sdoom,AndamazedthatawifestrucktowidowhoodThoughtfirstofherunkemptroom。 Butafortnightthenceshecouldtakenofood,Andshepinedinaslowdecay; WhileKitsoonlosthismournfulmoodAndlaughedinhisancientway。 1894。 INAEWELEAZENEARWEATHERBURY TheyearshavegatheredgraylySinceIdanceduponthisleazeWithonewhokindledgailyLove’sfitfulecstasies! Butdespitethetermasteacher,IremainwhatIwasthenIneachessentialfeatureOfthefantasiesofmen。 YetInotethelittlechiselOfnever-nappingTime,DefacingghastandgrizzelTheblazonofmyprime。 Whenatnighthethinksmesleeping,IfeelhimboringslyWithinmybones,andheapingQuaintestpainsforby-and-by。 Still,I’dgotheworldwithBeauty,Iwouldlaughwithherandsing,IwouldshundivinestdutyToresumeherworshipping。 Butshe’dscornmybraveendeavour,ShewouldnotbalmthebreezeBymurmuring\"Thineforever!\" Asshediduponthisleaze。 1890。 THEFIREATTRANTERSWEATLEY’S Theyhadlongmeto’Zundays——hertrueloveandshe- Andatjunketings,maypoles,andflings; Butshebodewi’athirtoveruncle,andheSworebynoonandbynightthathergoodmanshouldbeNaibourSweatley——agafferoftweakatthekneeFromtakingo’sommatmorecheerfulthantea- Whotranted,andmovedpeople’sthings。 Shecried,\"Opraypityme!\"Noughtwouldhehear; Thenwithwildrainyeyessheobeyed。 ShechidwhenherLovewasforclinkingoffwi’her。 Thepa’sonwastold,astheseasondrewnearTothrowoverpu’pitthenamesofthepeairAsfittingonefleshtobemade。 Thewedding-daydawnedandthemorningdrewon; Thecouplestoodbridegroomandbride; Theeveningwaspassed,andwhenmidnighthadgoneThefolkshornedout,\"GodsavetheKing,\"andanonThetwohome-alonggloomilyhied。 TheloverTimTankensmournedheart-sickanddrearTobethusofhisdarlingdeprived: Heroamedinthedarkath’artfield,mound,andmere,And,a’mostwithoutknowingit,foundhimselfnearThehouseofthetranter,andnowofhisDear,Wherethelantern-lightshowed’emarrived。 Thebridesoughthercham’ersocalmandsopaleThataNorthernhadthoughtherresigned; Buttoeyesthathadseenherintide-timesofweal,Likethewhitecloudo’smoke,theredbattle-field’svail,Thatlookspak’ofhavocbehind。 Thebridegroomyetlaiteredabeakertodrain,Thenreeledtothelinhayformore,Whenthecandle-snoffkindledsomechafffromhisgrain- Flamesspread,andredvlankers,wi’mightandwi’main,Androundbeams,thatch,andchimley-tunroar。 YoungTimawayyond,raftedupbythelight,Throughbrimbleandunderwoodtears,Tillhecomestotheorchet,whencroopingthererightInthelewthofacodlin-tree,biveringwi’fright,Wi’on’yhernight-railtoscreenherfromsight,HislonesomeyoungBarbreeappears。 Hercwoldlittlefigurehalf-nakedheviewsPlayedaboutbythefrolicsomebreeze,Herlight-trippingtotties,hertenlittletooes,Allbareandbesprinkledwi’Fall’schillydews,Whilehergreatgalliedeyes,throughherhairhangingloose,Sheenedasstarsthroughatardleo’trees。 Sheeyeden;and,aswhenaweir-hatchisdrawn,Hertears,pennedbyterrorafore,Witharushingofsobsinashowerwerestrawn,Tillherpowertopour’emseemedwastedandgoneFromthehefto’misfortuneshebore。 \"OTim,myOWNTimImustcall’ee——Iwill! Alltheworldha’turnedroundonmeso! Canyouhelpherwholoved’ee,thoughactingsoill? Canyoupityhermisery——feelforherstill? WhenworsethanherbodysoquiveringandchillIsherheartinitswintero’woe! \"IthinkImidalmostha’borneit,\"shesaid,\"Hadmygriefsonebyonecometohand; ButO,tobeslavetothikhusbirdforbread,Andthen,upontopo’that,driventowed,Andthen,upontopo’that,burntouto’bed,Ismorethanmynatercanstand!\" Tim’ssoullikealion’ithinenoutsprung- (Timhadagreatsoulwhenhisfeelingswerewrung)—— \"Feelfor’ee,dearBarbree?\"hecried; Andhiswarmworking-jacketaboutherheflung,Madeaback,horsedherup,tillbehindhimsheclungLikeachielonagipsy,herfigureuphungBythesleevesthataroundherhetied。 Overpiggeries,andmixens,andapples,andhay,Theylumperedstraightintothenight; Andfindingbylongwhereahalter-pathlay,AtdawnreachedTim’shouse,on’yseenontheirwayByanaibourortwowhowereupwi’theday; Buttheygatherednocluetothesight。 ThentenderTimTankenshesearchedhereandthereForsomegarmenttoclotheherfairskin; Butthoughhehadbreechesandwaistcoatstospare,HehadnothingquiteseemlyforBarbreetowear,Who,halfshrammedtodeath,stoodandcriedonachairAtthecaddleshefoundherselfin。 Therewasonethingtodo,andthatonethinghedid,Helenthersomecloutsofhisown,Andshetook’emperforce;andwhilein’emsheslid,Timturnedtothewinder,asmodestybid,Thinking,\"OthatthepictermydutykeepshidTothesighto’myeyesmidbeshown!\" Inthetallethestowedher;therehuddiedshelay,Shorteningsleeves,legs,andtailstoherlimbs; Butmosto’thetimeinamortalbadway,Wellknowingthatthere’dbethediveltopayIf’twerefoundthat,insteado’theelements’prey,ShewaslivinginlodgingsatTim’s。 \"Where’sthetranter?\"saidmenandboys;\"wherecanerbe?\" \"Where’sthetranter?\"saidBarbreealone。 \"Whereone’thisthetranter?\"saideverybod-y: Theysiftedthedustofhisperishedroof-tree,Andalltheycouldfindwasabone。 Thentheunclecried,\"Lord,prayhavemercyonme!\" Andinterrorbegantorepent。 Butbefore’twascomplete,andtillsureshewasfree,Barbreedrewupherloft-ladder,tightturnedherkey- Timbringingupbreakfastanddinnerandtea- Tillthenewsofherhidinggotvent。 Thenfollowedthecustom-keptrout,shout,andflareOfaskimmington-ridethroughthenaibourhood,ereFolkhadproofo’woldSweatley’sdecay。 Whereupondecentpeopleallstoodinastare,SayingTimandhislodgershouldriskit,andpair: Sohetookhertochurch。An’somelaughingladsthereCriedtoTim,\"AfterSweatley!\"Shesaid,\"IdeclareIstandasamaidento-day!\" Written1866;printed1875。 HEIRESSANDARCHITECT FORA。W。B。 ShesoughttheStudios,beckoningtohersideAnarch-designer,forsheplannedtobuild。 Hewasofwisecontrivance,deeplyskilledIneveryintervolveofhighandwide- Wellfittobeherguide。 \"Whateveritbe,\" Respondedhe,Withcold,clearvoice,andcold,clearview,\"IntrueaccordwithprudentfashioningsForsuchvicissitudesaslivingbrings,Andthwartingnotthelawofstablethings,ThatwillIdo。\" \"Shapeme,\"shesaid,\"highhallswithtraceryAndopenogive-work,thatscentandhueOfbuds,andtravellingbees,maycomeinthrough,Thenoteofbirds,andsingingsofthesea,Forthesearemuchtome。\" \"Anidlewhim!\" BrokeforthfromhimWhomnoughtcouldwarmtogallantries: \"Cedeallthesebudsandbirds,thezephyr’scall,Andscents,andhues,andthingsthatfalterall,Andchooseasbestthecloseandsurlywall,Forwintersfreeze。\" \"Thenframe,\"shecried,\"widefrontsofcrystalglass,ThatImayshowmylaughterandmylight- Lightlikethesun’sbyday,thestars’bynight- Tillrivalheart-queens,envying,wail,’Alas,Herglory!’astheypass。\" \"Omaidmisled!\" Hesternlysaid,Whosefacileforesightpiercedherdire; \"Whereshallabidethesoulwhen,sickofglee,Itshrinks,andhides,andpraysnoeyemaysee? Thosehousethembestwhohouseforsecrecy,Foryouwilltire。\" \"Alittlechamber,then,withswananddoveRangedthickly,andengrailedwithraredeviceOfredsandpurples,foraParadiseWhereinmyLovemaygreetme,ImyLove,Whenheshallknowthereof?\" \"This,too,isill,\" Heansweredstill,Themanwhoswayedherlikeashade。 \"AnhourwillcomewhensightofsuchsweetnookWouldbringabitternesstoosharptobrook,Whenbrightereyeshavewonawayhislook; Foryouwillfade。\" Thensaidshefaintly:\"O,contrivesomeway- Somenarrowwindingturret,quitemineown,ToreachaloftwhereImaygrievealone! Itisaslightthing;hencedonot,Ipray,Thislastdearfancyslay!\" \"SuchwindingwaysFitnotyourdays,\" Saidhe,themanofmeasuringeye; \"Imustevenfashionasmyruledeclares,Towit:Givespace(sincelifeendsunawares) Tohaleacoffinedcorpseadownthestairs; Foryouwilldie。\" 1867。 THETWOMEN Thereweretwoyouthsofequalage,Wit,station,strength,andparentage; Theystudiedattheselfsameschools,Andshapedtheirthoughtsbycommonrules。 Oneponderedonthelifeofman,Hishopes,hisending,andbeganToratetheMarket’ssordidwarAssomethingscarceworthlivingfor。 \"I’llbracetohigheraims,\"saidhe,\"I’llfurtherTruthandPurity; TherebytomendthemortallotAndsweetensorrow。ThriveInot,\"Winningtheirhearts,mykindwillgiveEnoughthatImaylowlylive,AndhousemyLoveinsomedimdell,Forpleasingthemandtheirssowell。\" Idlyattired,withfeatureswan,Insecretswifthelabouredon: SuchpressofpowerhadbroughtmuchgoldAppliedtothingsofmeanermould。 SometimeshewishedhisaimshadbeenTogathergainslikeothermen; ThenthankedhisGodhe’dtracedhistrackToofarforwishtodraghimback。 HelookedfromhisloftonedayTowherehisslightedgardenlay; Nettlesandhemlockhideachlawn,Andeveryflowerwasstarvedandgone。 Hefaintedinhisheart,whereonHerose,andsoughthisplightedone,Resolvedtolooseherbondwithal,Lestsheshouldperishinhisfall。 Hemetherwithacarelessair,Asthoughhe’dceasedtofindherfair,Andsaid:\"Trueloveisdusttome; Icannotkiss:Itireofthee!\" (Thatshemightscornhimwashefain,Toputhersooneroutofpain; Forincensedlovebreathesquickanddies,Whenfamishedlovea-lingeringlies。) Oncedone,hissoulwassobetossed,Itfoundnomoretheforceitlost: Hopewashisonlydrinkandfood,Andhopeextinct,decayensued。 And,livinglongsocloselypenned,Hehadnotkeptasinglefriend; Hedwindledthinasphantomsbe,Anddroopedtodeathinpoverty…… MeantimehisschoolmatehadgoneoutTojointhefortune-findingrout; Helikedthewinningsofthemart,Butweariedoftheworkingpart。 Heturnedtoseekaprivylair,Neglectingnoteofgarbandhair,AnddaybydayreclinedandthoughtHowhemightlivebydoingnought。 \"Iplanavaluedscheme,\"hesaidTosome。\"Butlendmeofyourbread,Andwhenthevastresultloomsnigh,InprofityoushallstandasI。\" YettheytookcounseltorestrainTheirkindnesstilltheysawthegain; And,sincehissubstancenowhadrun,Herosetodowhatmightbedone。 HewentuntohisLovebynight,Andsaid:\"MyLove,Ifaintinfight: Deservingasthoudostacrown,Mycaresshallneverdragtheedown。\" (HehaddescriedamaidwhoselineWouldhandheronmuchcornandwine,AndheldherfarinworthaboveOnewhocouldonlyprayandlove。) ButthisFairreadhim;whencehefailedTodothedeedsoblithelyhailed; Hesawhisprojectswhollymarred,Andgloomandwantoppressedhimhard; Till,livingtosomeananend,Wherebyhe’dlosthiseveryfriend,Heperishedinapaupersty,Hismatethedyingpaupernigh。 Andmoralists,reflecting,said,As\"dusttodust\"inburialreadWasechoedfromeachcoffin-lid,\"Thesemenwerelikeinalltheydid。\" 1866。 LINES SpokenbyMissADAREHANattheLyceumTheatre,July23,1890,ataperformanceonbehalfofLadyJeune’sHolidayFundforCityChildren。 Beforeweparttoalienthoughtsandaims,Permittheonebriefwordtheoccasionclaims:- Whenmummingandgraveprojectsareallied,PerhapsanEpilogueisjustified。 Ourunder-purposehas,intruth,to-dayCommandedmostourmusings;leasttheplay: Apurposefutilebutforyourgood-willSwiftlyresponsivetothecryofill: Apurposealltoolimited!——toaidFrailhumanflowerets,sickliedbytheshade,Inwinningsomeshortspellofuplandbreeze,Orstrengtheningsunlightonthelevelleas。 Whohasnotmarked,wherethefullcheekshouldbe,Incipientlinesoflankflaccidity,Lymphaticpallorwherethepinkshouldglow,Andwherethethroboftransport,pulseslow?- MosttragicalofshapesfromPoletoLine,Owonderingchild,unwittingTime’sdesign,WhyshouldArtaddtoNature’squandary,Andworsenillbythusimmuringthee?- Thatracesdodespiteuntotheirown,ThatMightsupernaldoindeedcondoneWrongsindividualforthegeneralease,Instancetheproofinvictimssuchasthese。 Launchedintothoroughfarestoothrongedbefore,Motheredbythosewhoseprotestis\"Nomore!\" Vitalizedwithoutoption:whoshallsayThatdidLifehangonchoosing——YeaorNay- Theyhadnotscorneditwithsuchpenalty,AndnothingnessimploredofDestiny? AndyetbehindthehorizonsmilesereneThedown,thecornland,andthestretchinggreen- Space——thechild’sheaven:sceneswhichatleastensureSomepalliativeforilltheycannotcure。 Dearfriends——nowmovedbythispoorshowofoursTomakeyourownlongjoyinbudsandbowersForonebriefwhilethejoyofinfanteyes,Changingtheirurbanmurktoparadise- Youhaveourthanks!——mayyourrewardincludeMorethanourthanks,farmore:theirgratitude。 \"ILOOKINTOMYGLASS\" Ilookintomyglass,Andviewmywastingskin,Andsay,\"WouldGoditcametopassMyhearthadshrunkasthin!\" Forthen,I,undistrestByheartsgrowncoldtome,CouldlonelywaitmyendlessrestWithequanimity。 ButTime,tomakemegrieve; Partsteals,letspartabide; AndshakesthisfragileframeateveWiththrobbingsofnoontide。