ABookofPoems
ToW。R。B。
DedicationAndso，toyou，whoalwayswerePerseus，D’Artagnan，LancelotTome，IgivetheseweedyrhymesInmemoryofearliertimes。
Nowallthosecarelessdaysarenot。
Ofallmyheroes，youendure。
Wordsaresuchsillythings！toorough，Toosmooth，theyboiluporcongeal，Andneitherofuslikesemotion——
ButIcan’tmeasuremydevotion！
AndyouknowhowIreallyfeel——
Andwe’retogether。There，enough，……！
ForewordbyChaunceyBrewsterTinkerInthesedayswhentheoldcivilisationiscrumblingbeneathourfeet，thethoughtofpoetrycrossesthemindlikethedearmemoryofthingsthathavelongsincepassedaway。Inourpassionatedesireforthenewera，itisdifficulttorefrainoneselffromthecommonplacepracticeofspeculatingontheeffectsofwarfareandofprophesyingallmannerofnovelrebirths。Butitmaybewellforustorememberthattheerawhichhasrecentlyclosedwasitselfmarkedbyamadidealisationofallnovelties。Intheliterarymovementsofthelastdecade——
when，indeed，anymovementatallhasbeenperceptible——wehavewitnessedabewilderingriseandfallofmethodsandideals。Wewerecaptivatedforatimebythequestofthegoldenphraseandtheaccompanyingcultivationofexoticemotions；andthen，wearyingoftheprettyandthetemperamental，weplungedintothebloodshotbrutalitiesofnaturalism。
Fromthesmooth-flowingimitationsofTennysonandSwinburne，wepassedintoafalsefreedomthathadatitsheartarepudiationofalllawandstandards，foraparalleltowhichoneturnsinstinctivelytocertainrecentdevelopmentsinthepoliticalworld。Wemayhopethattheeagersearchfornoveltyofformandsubjectmayhaveitsinfluenceinreleasingusfromouroldbondagetothecommonplaceandinbroadeningthescopeofpoetry；butwecannotblindourselvestothefactthatithasatthesametimecompletedthatestrangementbetweenthepoetandthegeneralpublicwhichhasbeendevelopingforhalfacentury。Thegreatmassofthereadingworld，towhomtheartsshouldminister，havenowforgottenthatpoetryisaconsolationintimesofdoubtandperil，abeacon，and\"anever-fixedmark\"inacrazedandshiftingworld。Ourpoetry——
andIamspeakinginparticularofAmericanpoetry——hasbeencentrifugal；
ourpoetshavebrokenupintosmallerandeversmallergroups。
Individualismhastriumphed。
Tothegeneralconfusion，critics，iftheymaybesaidtohaveexistedatall，haveaddedbytheirpaltryconceptionoftheart。
Theyhavedeemeditasufficientdenunciationofapoettoaccusehimofimitatinghismasters；asthoughthehistoryofanartwereratheraseriesofviolentrebellionsthanagrowthandaprogressiveillumination。
Notallgenerationsareprivilegedtoseetheworkingofagreatcreativeimpulse，butthewant，keenthoughitbe，furnishesnoreasonfortheutterrejectionofAtremulousmurmurfromgreatdayslongdead。
Butthisfearofechoingthepastmayworkusayetgreatermisfortune。
Intherejectionofthemannerofanearlierepochmaybeimplicitalsotherejectionoftheverysourcesfromwhichspringsthelifeofthefairart。Melody，andaloveofthegreenearth，andayearningforGodareoftheveryfabricofpoetry，denyitwhowill。
TheMusesstillreignonParnassus，waxtheheathenneversofurious。
PoetswholovepoetrybetterthantheirownfameinGrubStreetwilldowelltorememberTheflame，thenoblepageantofourlife；
Theburningsealthatstampsman’shighindentureTovainattemptandmostforlornadventure；
Romanceandpurpleseas，andtopplingtowns，Andthewind’svaliancecryingo’erthedowns。
Itisapoorbusinesstofindinsuchwordsonlytheillusionsofyouthandanewenthusiasm。Thedesirefornovelty，thepassionforforceanddirt，andthehankeringafterfreakishnessofmood，whichmanyhaveattemptedtosubstitutefortheolderandsimplerthings，arethemselvesthebestevidenceofdisillusionandjadednerves。Thereisawearinessandadisgustinourrecentimpatiencewithbeautywhichindicatetooclearlytheexhaustionofourspiritualresources。Itmaywellbethattherebirthofpoetryistobemanifestinareappearanceoftheobvious，——
inaloveoftheseaandofthebeautyofclouds，intheadventureofdeathandtheyetmoreamazingadventureofliving，inavitalloveofcolour，whetheroftheOrientorthedrug-shop，inchildlikeloveofmelody，andthecoolcleansingofrain，instrangefacesandoldmemories。
This，inthepast，hasbeenpoetry，andthiswillbepoetryagain。
Thesingerwho，outofafullheart，canoffertotheworldhisvisionofitsbeauty，andoutofanoblemind，hisconceptionofitsdestiny，willbestowuponhistimethemostpreciousgiftwhichwecannowreceive，thegiftofhishealingpower。
C。B。T。
ContentsDedicationForewordbyChaunceyBrewsterTinkerI。
TheDrug-Shop，or，EndymioninEdmonstounII。
RainafteraVaudevilleShowTheCityRevisitedGoingBacktoSchoolNosImmortalesYoungBloodTheQualityofCourageCampusSonnets：
1。BeforeanExamination2。Talk3。MayMorning4。Return——1917
AlexanderVIDineswiththeCardinalofCapuaTheBreakingPointLonelyBurialDinnerinaQuickLunchRoomTheHempPoorDevil！
GhostsofaLunaticAsylumTheWhitePeacockColorsAMinorPoetTheLoverinHellWingedManMusicTheInnovatorLoveinTwilightTheFiddlingWoodPortraitofaBoyPortraitofaBabyTheGeneralPublicRoadandHillsElegyforanEnemyI。
TheDrug-Shop，or，EndymioninEdmonstounPrefatoryNote。
ThispoemreceivedthenineteenthawardoftheprizeofferedbyProfessorAlbertStanburroughCooktoYaleUniversityforthebestunpublishedverse，theCommitteeofAwardconsistingofProfessorsC。F。TuckerBrooke，ofYaleUniversity，RobertFrost，ofAmherstCollege，andCharlesM。Gayley，oftheUniversityofCalifornia。
I。
TheDrug-Shop，or，EndymioninEdmonstoun\"Ohyes，IwentovertoEdmonstountheotherdayandsawJohnny，mooningaroundasusual！Hewillnevermakehisway。\"
LetterofGeorgeKeats，18——
Nightfalls；thegreatjarsglowagainstthedark，Darkgreen，duskred，and，likeacoilingsnake，Writhingeternallyinsmokygyres，GreatropesofgorgeousvaportwistandturnWithinthem。SotheEasternfishermanSawtheswartgenierisewhentheleadseal，Scribbledwithcharms，wasliftedfromthejar；
And——well，howwentthetale？Likethis，likethis？……
Noherbagebrokethebarrenflatsofland，Nowindsdaredloiterwithinsmilingtrees，Norwerethereanybrooksoneitherhand，Onlythedry，brightsand，Nakedandgolden，laybeforetheseas。
Oneboattoilednoiselesslyalongthedeep，ThethirstyripplesdyingsilentlyUponitstrack。Faroutthebrownnetssweep，AndnightbeginstocreepAcrosstheintolerablemirrorofthesea。
Twicethenetsrise，a-trailwithsea-plantsbrown，Distortedshells，androcksgreen-mossedwithslime，Noughtelse。Thefisher，sickatheart，kneelsdown；
\"PrayermayappeaseGod’sfrown，\"
Hethinks，then，kneeling，castsforthethirdtime。
Andlo！anearthenjar，boundroundwithbrass，Liestangledinthecordageofhisnet。
Aboutthebrightwavesgleamlikeshatteredglass，Andwherethesea’srimwasThesundips，flatandred，abouttoset。
Theprowgratesonthebeach。ThefishermanStoops，tearingatthecordsthatbindtheseal。
Shallpearlsrollout，lustrousandwhiteandwan？
Lapis？carnelian？
Unheard-ofstonesthatmakethesickmindreelWithwonderoftheirbeauty？Rubies，then？
Greenemeralds，glitteringliketheeyesofbeasts？
Poisonousopals，goodtomaddenmen？
Goldbezants，tenandten？
Hard，regaldiamonds，likekinglyfeasts？
Hetugged；thesealgaveway。AlittlesmokeCurledlikeafeatherinthedarkeningsky。
Ablindinggushoffireburst，flamed，andbroke。
Avoicelikeawindspoke。
Armoredwithlight，andturbanedterribly，Agenietrampedtheroundearthunderfoot；
Hisheadsoughtoutthestars，hiscuppedrighthandMadehalftheskyonedarkness。Hewasmute。
Thesun，aripenedfruit，Droopedlower。Scarleteddiedo’erthesand。
Thegeniespoke：\"Omiserableone！
Thyprizeawaitsthee；come，andhugitclose！
AnoblecrownthydragglednetshavewonForthisthatthouhastdone。
Blessedarefools！Agiftremainsforthose！\"
Hishandsoughtouthissword，andlightningsflaredAcrosstheskyinonegreatbloomoffire。
Poisedlikeatopplingmountain，ithungbared；
SunsthatwerejewelsglaredAlongitshilt。Theairburntlikeapyre。
Oncemorethegeniespoke：\"SomethingIoweTothee，thoufool，thoufool。Come，canstthousing？
Yea？Singthen；ifthysongbebrave，thengoFreeandreleased——orno！
Findfirstsometask，someovermasteringthingIcannotdo，andfinditspeedily，Forifthoudostnotthoushaltsurelydie！\"
Theswordwhirledback。Thefishermanuprose，AndifatfirsthisvoicewasweakwithfearAndhislimbstrembled，itwasbutadoze，Andatthehighsong’scloseHestoodupstraight。Hisvoicerangloudandclear。
TheSong。
Lastnightthequayswerelighted；
CressetsofsmokingpineGlaredo’ertheroaringmarinersThatdrinktheyellowwine。
Theirsongrolledtotherafters，Itstruckthehighstarspale，Suchworthwasintheirdiscourse，Suchwonderintheirtale。
Blueboragefilledtheclinkingcups，Themurkynightgrewwan，Tillonerose，crownedwithlaurel-leaves，Thatwasanoutlandman。
\"Come，letusdrinktowar！\"saidhe，\"Thetorchofthesackedtown！
Theswan’s-bathandthewolf-ships，AndHaraldofrenown！
\"Yea，whilethemilkwasonhislips，Beforethedaywasborn，HetooktheAlmayneKaiser’sheadTobehisdrinking-horn！
\"Yea，whilethedownwasonhischin，Oryethisbeardwasgrown，HebrokethegatesofMicklegarth，Andstolethelion-throne！
\"DrinktoHarald，kingoftheworld，Lordofthetongueandthetroth！
TothebellowinghornsofOstfriesland，AndthetrumpetsoftheGoth！\"
Theirshoutsrolledtotherafters，Thedrink-hornscrashedandrang，Andalltheirtalkwasaclangorofwar，Asswordstogethersang！
Butdimly，throughthedeepnight，Wherestarslikeflowersshone，Apassionateshapecamegliding——
Isawonethingalone。
IonlysawmyyoungloveShiningagainstthedark，Thewhitenessofherraiment，Theheadthatbenttohark。
Ionlysawmyyounglove，Likeflowersinthesun——
Herhandslikewaxenpetals，Whereyawningpoppiesrun。
Ionlyfeltthere，chrysmal，Againstmycheekherbreath，Thoughallthewindswerebaying，AndtheskybrightwithDeath。
Redsparkswhirledupthechimney，Ahungryflaughtofflame，AndaleanmanfromGreecearose；
Thrasylloswashisname。
\"Ipraiseallnoblewines！\"hecried，\"Greenrobesoftissuefine，Peacocksandapesandivory，AndHomer’ssea-loudline，\"Statuesandringsandcarvengems，Andthewisecrawlingsea；
Butmostofallthecrownsofkings，Theruletheywieldthereby！
\"Power，firedpower，blankandbright！
Afithiltforthehand！
Theonegoodswordforafreeman，Whileyetthecoldstarsstand！\"
Theirshoutsrolledtotherafters，Theairwasthickwithwine。
Ionlyknewherdeepeyes，Andfeltherhandinmine。
Softlyasquietwater，Onefingertouchedmycheek；
Herfacelikegraciousmoonlight——
Imightnotmovenorspeak。
Ionlysawthatbeauty，IonlyfeltthatformThere，inthesilkendarkness——
Godwotmyheartwaswarm！
Theirshoutsrolledtotherafters，Anotherchiefbegan；
HisslitlipsshowedhimforaHun；
Hewasanevilman。
\"Singtothejoysofwomen！\"heyelled，\"Thehotdelicioustents，Thesoftcouch，andthewhitelimbs；
Theairasteamofscents！\"
Hiseyesgleamed，andhewethislips，Theraftersshookwithcheers，Ashesangofwoman，whoisman’sslaveForallunhonoredyears。
\"Whetherthewantonlaughsamain，Withonewhiteshoulderbare，OrinasackedroomyouunbindSomecrouchingmaiden’shair；
\"Thisistheonlygoodforman，LikespicesoftheSouth——
ToseetheglimmeringbodylaidAspasturetohismouth！
\"Toleavenoleeswithinthecup，Toseeandtakeandrend；
Tolapagirl’slimbsuplikewine，Andlaugh，knowingtheend！\"
Only，likelow，stillbreathing，Iheardonevoice，oneword；
Andhotspeechpoureduponmylips，Asmyhandsheldasword。
\"Fools，thricefoolsoflust！\"Icried，\"YoureyesareblindtoseeEternalbeauty，movingfar，Moregloriousthanhornsofwar！
Butthoughmyeyeswereoneblindscar，Thatsightisshowntome！
\"Younuzzleattheivoryside，Youclaspthegoldenhead；
Fools，fools，whochatterandsing，Youhavetakenthesignofaterriblething，YouhavedrunkdownGodwithyourbeeswing，Andbrokenthesaintsforbread！
\"ForGodmovesdarkly，Insilenceandinstorm；
ButinthebodyofwomanHeshowsoneburningform。
\"ForGodmovesblindly，Indarknessandindread；
ButinthebodyofwomanHeraisesupthedead。
\"Gracileandstraightasbirches，Swiftasthequestingbirds，Theyfilltrue-lovers’drink-hornsup，Whospeaknot，havingnowords。
\"Loveisnotdelicatetoying，Aslimandshimmeringmesh；
Itistwosoulswrenchedintoone，Twobodiesmadeoneflesh。
\"Lustisasprightlyservant，Gallantwherewinesarepoured；
Loveisabittermaster，Loveisanironlord。
\"Satineaseofthebody，Fattenedslothofthehands，Theseandtheirlikehewillnotsend，Onlyimmortalfirestorend——
Andtheworld’sendisyourjourney’send，Andyourstreamchokesinthesands。
\"Pleachedcalmsshallnotawaityou，Peaceyoushallneverfind；
NoughtbutthelivingmoorlandScourgednakedbythewind。
\"Noughtbutthelivingmoorland，Andyourlove’shandinyours；
Thestrengthmoresurethansurety，Themercythatendures。
\"Then，thoughtheygiveyoutobeburned，Andslayyoulikeastoat，Youhavefoundtheworld’sheartintheturnofacheek，Heavenintheliftofathroat。
\"Althoughtheybreakyouonthewheel，Thatstoodsostraightinthesun，Behindyouthetrumpetssplitthesky，Wherethelostandfuriousfightgoesby——
AndGod，ourGod，willhavevictoryWhenthereddayisdone！\"
Theirmirthrolledtotherafters，Theybellowedlechery；
LightasadriftingfeatherMyloveslippedfrommyknee。
Within，thelightswereyellowIndrowsyroomsandwarm；
Without，thestabbinglightningShatteredacrossthestorm。
Within，thegreatlogscrackled，Thedrink-hornsemptiedsoon；
Without，theblackcloaksofthecloudsStrangledthewaningmoon。
Mylovecrossedo’erthethreshold——
God！butthenightwasmurk！
Isetmyselfagainstthecold，Andleftthemtotheirwork。
Theirshoutsrolledtotherafters；
Abittererwaywasmine，AndIlefttheminthetavern，Drinkingtheyellowwine！
Thelastfaintechoesrangalongtheplains，Died，andweregone。Thegeniespoke：\"ThysongServeswellenough——butyetthytaskremains；
ManyandrendingpainsShalltorturehimwhodaresdelaytoolong！\"
Hisbrownfacehardenedtoaleadenmask。
Abitterbrinecrustedthefisher’scheek——
\"AlmightyGod，onethingaloneIask，Showmeatask，atask！\"
Thehardcupoftheskyshone，gemmedandbleak。
\"Olove，whomIhavesoughtbydeviousways；
Ohiddenbeauty，nakedasastar；
Youwhosebrighthairhasburnedacrossmydays，Makingthemlampsofpraise；
Odawn-wind，breathingofArabia！
\"YouhaveIserved。Nowfirehasparchedthevine，AndDeathisonthesingersandthesong。
Nolongeraretherelipstoclingtomine，Andtheheartweariesofwine，AndIamsick，formydesireislong。
\"Olove，soft-moving，delicateandtender！
Inhergoldhousethepipecallsquerulously，Theycloudwiththingreensilksherbodyslender，Theytalktoherandtendher；
Come，piteous，gentlelove，andsetmefree！\"
Heceased——and，slowlyrisingo’erthedeep，Afaintsongchimed，grewclearer，tillatlastAgoldenhornoflightbegantocreepWherethedumbripplessweep，Makingtheseaonesplendorwhereitpassed。
Agoldenboat！Thebrightoarsrestedsoon，Andtheprowmetthesand。ThepurpleveilsMistingthecabinfell。FairasthemoonWhenthemorningcomestoosoon，Andalltheairissilverinthedales，Agold-robedprincesssteppeduponthebeach。
Thefisherkneltandkissedhergarment’shem，Andthenherlips，andstroveatlastforspeech。
Thewaterslappedthereach。
\"Herethystrengthbreaks，thymightisnoughttostem！\"
Hecriedatlast。Speechshookhimlikeaflame：
\"Yea，thoughthoupluckedthestarsfromoutthesky，Eachlovelyonewouldbeawitheredshame——
Eachthoucouldstfindorname——
Tothisfire-heartedbeauty！\"WearilyThegenieheard。AslowsmilecamelikedawnOverhisface。\"Thytaskisdone！\"hesaid。
Awhirlwindroared，smokeshattered，hewasgone；
And，likeasuddenhorn，Themoonshoneclear，nolongersmokedandred。
Theypassedintotheboat。ThegoldoarsbeatLoudly，thenfainter，fainter，tillatlastOnlythequietwatersbarelymovedAlongthewhisperingsand——tillallthevastExpanseofseabegantoshakewithheat，Andmorningbroughtsoftairs，bysailorsloved。
Andafter？……Well……
Theshop-bellclangs！Whocomes？
Quinine——IpourthelittlebittergrainsOutuponblue，glazedsquaresofpaper。So。
AndalltheduskIshallsitherealone，Withmanypowersinmyhands——ah，seeHowtheblurredlabelsrunontheoldjars！
Opium——andacruelandsleepyscent，Theharshtasteofwhitepoppies；India——
Thewrithingwoodsa-crawlwithmonstrouslife，Savewherethedeodarsaresetlikespears，Andacalmpoolismirroredebony；
Opium——brownandwarmandslender-breastedSherises，shakingoffthecoolblackwater，Andtwistingupherhair，thatripplesdown，Atorrentofblackwater，toherfeet；
Howthedropssparkleinthemoonlight！OnceImadearhymeaboutit，singingsoftly：
OverDamascuseverystarKeepshisunchangingcourseandcold，Thedarkweighslikeanironbar，Theintenseandpallidnightisold，Dimthemoon’sscimitar。
Stillthelampsblazewithinthosehalls，WherepoppiesheapthemarblevatsForgirlstotread；thethickairpalls；
AndshadowshanglikeevilbatsAboutthescentedwalls。
Thegirlsaremany，andtheysing；
Theirwhitefeetfalllikeflakesofsnow，Makingaceaselessmurmuring——
Whispersoflove，deadlongago，Anddear，forgottenSpring。
Onealonesingsnot。TiredlySheseesthewhitebloomscrushed，andsmellsTheheavyscent。Theychatter：\"See！
WhiteZirathinksofnothingelseButthemorn’sjollity——
\"ThenHarountakesher！\"Butshedreams，Unhearing，ofacertainfieldOfpoppies，cutbymanystreams，LikelinesacrossaroundTurkshield，Wherenowthehotsungleams。
Thefieldwhereontheywalkedthatday，Andsplendorfilledherbodyup，Andhis；andthenthetrampledclay，Andslowsmokeclimbingthesky’scupFromwherethevillagelay。
Andafter——muchacheofthewrists，Wherethecordsirkedher——tillshecame，Thepriceofmanyamethysts，Hither。AndnowtheultimateshameBlewtrumpetinthelists。
Andsoshetrodthepoppiesthere，Rememberingotherpoppies，too，Anddidnotseemtoseeorcare。
Without，thefirstgraydropsofdewSweetenedthetremblingair。
Shetrodthepoppies。HourspassedUntilshesleptatlength——andTimeDraggedhisslowsickle。WhenatlastShewoke，themoonshone，brightasrime，Andnight’stiderolledonfast。
Shemoanedonce，knowingeverything；
Then，bittererthandeath，shefoundThesofthandmaidens，inaring，Cometoanointher，allaround，Thatshemightpleasetheking。
Opium——andtheodordiesaway，Leavingtheairyetheavy——cassia——myrrh——
Bitterandsplendid。See，thepoisonscome，Troopinginsquatgreenvials，blazonedredWithgrinningskulls：strychnine，apalliddustOftinygrains，likebonesgroundfine；andnextThemuddygreenofarsenic，alllivid，Likestthefaceofonelongdead——theycreepAlongthedustyshelflikedeadlybeetles，Whosefangsarecarvedwithrunnels，thatthebloodMayrundowneasilytotheblindmouthThatsnapsandgapes；andhighabovethemthere，Mymaster’spride，acobwebbed，yellowpotOfhoneyfromMountHybla。DothebeesStillmoanamongthelowsweetpurpleclover，Endlesslymany？Stillindeep-hushedwoods，WhentheincrediblesilverofthemoonComeslikealivingwindthroughsleep-bowedbranches，Stillstealdarkshapesfromtheenchantedglens，Whichyetarepurplewithhighdreams，andstillFrontingthatquietandeternalshieldWhichismuchmorethanPeace，doestherestillstandOnesharpblackshadow——andtheshort，smoothhornsAreclearagainstthatdisk？
OgreatDiana！
I，Ihavepraisedthee，yetIdonotknowWhatmovesmymindsostrangely，savethatonceIlayallnightuponathymyhill，Andwatchedtheslowcloudspasslikeheaped-upfoamAcrossbluemarble，tillatlastnospeckBlottedtheclearexpanse，andthefullmoonRoseinmuchlight，andallnightlongIsawHerorderedprogress，till，inmidmostheaven，Therecameaterriblesilence，andthemiceCrepttotheirholes，thecricketsdidnotchirp，Allthesmallnight-soundsstopped——andclearpurelightRippledlikesilkovertheuniverse，Mostcoldandbleak；andyetmyheartbeatfast，Waitinguntilthestillnessbroke。IknownotForwhatIwaited——somethingverygreat——
IdarednotlookuptotheskyforfearAbrittlecracklingshouldclashsuddenlyAgainstthequiet，andablacklinecreepAcrossthesky，andwidenlikeamouth，Untilthebrokenheavensstreamedapart，Liketornlostbanners，andtheimmortalfires，Roaringlikelions，askedtheirmeatfromGod。
Ilaythere，ablackblotuponashieldOfquivering，waterywhiteness。ThehushheldUntilIstaggeredupandcriedaloud，AndthenitseemedthatsomethingfartoogreatForknowledge，andillimitableasGod，Rentthedarkskylikelightning，andIfell，And，falling，heardawildandrushingwindOfmusic，andsawlightsthatblindedmeWithwhite，impenetrableswords，andfeltApressureofsofthandsuponmylips，Uponmyeyelids——andsincethenIcoughAttimes，andhavestrangethoughtsaboutthestars，Thatsomeday——someday——
Come，Imustbequick！
Mymasterwillbebacksoon。LetmelightThinblueArabianpastilles，andsitLikeadeadgodincensedbychantingpriests，Andwatchthepungentsmokewreatheupandup，Untilhecomes——thoughhemayragebecauseTheycostgoodmoney。ThenIshallwalkhomeOverthemoor。AlreadythemoonclimbsAbovetheworld’sedge。BythetimehecomesShewillbefullyrisen。——There’shisstep！
II。
Miscellaneous。
RainafteraVaudevilleShowThelastposeflickered，failed。Thescreen’sdeadwhiteGlaredinasuddenfloodingofharshlightStabbingtheeyes；andasIstumbledoutThecurtainrose。AfatgirlwithapoutAndlegslikehams，begantosing\"HisMother\"。
Gustsofbadairroseinachokingsmother；
Smoke，thewetsteamofclothes，thestenchofplush，Powder，cheapperfume，mingledinarush。
Isteppedintothelobby——andstoodstillStruckdumbbysuddenbeauty，bodyandwill。
Cleannessandrapture——excellencemadeplain——
Thestorming，thrashingarrowsoftherain！
Pouringanddrippingontheroofsandrods，Smellingofwoodsandhillsandfresh-turnedsods，Blackonthesidewalks，grayinthefarsky，Crashingonthirstypanes，onguttersdry，Hurryingthecrowdtoshelter，makingfairThestreets，thehouses，andtheheat-soakedair，——
Merciful，holy，charging，sweeping，flashing，Itsmotethesoulwithamostironclashing！……
Likedragons’eyesthestreet-lampssuddenlygleamed，Yellowandroundanddim-lowglobesofflame。
And，scarce-perceived，theclouds’tallbannersstreamed。
Outofthepettywars，thedailyshame，Beautystrovesuddenly，androse，andflowered……
Igrippedmycoatandplungedwhereawningslowered。
Madeonewithhissingblackness，caught，embraced，Bysplendorandbystrivingandswifthaste——
Springcominginwiththunderingsandstrife——
Istampedthegroundinthestrongjoyoflife！
TheCityRevisitedThegreygullsdriftacrossthebaySoftlyandstillasflakesofsnowAgainstthethinningfog。AlldayIsatandwatchedthemcomeandgo；
Andnowatlastthesunwasset，FillingthewaveswithcoloredfireTilleachseemedlikeajewelledspireThrustupfromsomedrownedcity。SoonFrompeakandcliffandminaretThecity’slightsbegantowink，Eachlikeafriendlyword。ThemoonBegantobroadenouthershield，Spurtingwithsilver。StraightbeforeThebrownhillslaylikequietbeastsStretchedoutbesideawell-loveddoor，AndfillingearthandskyandfieldWiththecalmheavingoftheirbreasts。
Nothingwasgone，nothingwaschanged，ThesmallestwavewasunestrangedByallthelongacheoftheyearsSincelastIsawthem，blindwithtears。
Theirwelcomelikethehillsstoodfast：
AndI，Ihadcomehomeatlast。
SoIlaughedoutwiththemaloudTothinkthatnowthesunwasbroad，Andclimbinguptheironsky，WheretherawstreetsstretchedsullenlyAboutanotherroomIknew，Inameanhouse——andsoonthere，too，ThesmithwouldbursttheflimsydoorAndfindmelyingonthefloor。
JustwhereIfelltheothernight，Afterthatbreakingwaveofpain。——
Howtheywillstormandrageandfight，Servantsandmistress，oneandall，\"Nomoneyforthefuneral！\"
Ibrokemylifethere。LetitstandAtthat。
Thewatersareaplain，Heavingandbrightoneitherhand，AtremulousandlustralpeaceWhichshallendurethoughallthingscease，FillingmyheartaswaterfillsAcup。Therestandthequiethills。
So，waitingformywingstogrow，Iwatchthegullssailtoandfro，Risingandfalling，softandswift，Driftingalongasbubblesdrift。
And，thoughIseethefaceofGodHereafter——thisdayhaveItrodNearertoHimthanIshalltreadEveragain。Thenightisdead。
Andthere’sthedawn，pouredoutlikewineAlongthedimhorizon-line。
Andfromthecitycomesthechimes——
Wehaveourheavenonearth——sometimes！
GoingBacktoSchoolTheboatploughedon。NowAlcatrazwaspastAndallthegreywavesflamedtoredagainAtthedeadsun’slastglimmer。FarandvastTheSausalitolightsburnedsuddenlyInlittledotsandclumps，asifapenHadscrawledvaguelinesofgoldacrossthehills；
Theskywaslikeacupsomerarewinefills，Andstarscameashewatched——andhewasfreeOnesplendidinstant——backinthegreatroom，CurledinachairwithallofthembesideAndthewholeworldarushofhappyvoices，Withlaughterbeatinginaclamoroustide……
SawonceagaintheheatofharvestfumeUptotheemptyskyinthreadslikeglass，Andran，andwasapartofwhatrejoicesInthunderousnightsofrain；layinthegrassSun-bakedandtired，lookingthroughamazeOftinystemsintoanewgreenworld；
Oncemoreknewevesofperfume，daysablazeWithclear，dryheatonthebrown，rollingfields；
ShudderedwithfearfulecstasyinbedOverabookofknightsandbloodyshields……
Theshipslowed，jarredandstopped。There，straightahead，Weredockandfellows。Stumbling，hewaswhirledOutandawaytomeetthem——andhisbackSlumpedtotheoldhalf-cringe，hishandsfellslack；
Abigboy’sarmwentroundhim——andatwistSentshatteringpainalonghistorturedwrist，Asavoicecried，abloatedvoiceandfat，\"Whyit’sMissNancy！Comealong，yourat！\"
NosImmortalesPerhapswegowithwindandcloudandsun，Intothefreecompanionshipofair；
Perhapswithsunsetswhenthedayisdone，All’sonetome——Idonotgreatlycare；
Solongastherearebrownhills——andatreeLikeamadprophetinalandofdearth——
AndIcanlieandheareternallyThevastmonotonousbreathingoftheearth。
Ihaveknownhours，slowandgolden-glowing，Lovelywithlaughterandsuffusedwithlight，OLord，insuchatimeappointmygoing，Whenthehandsclench，andthecoldfacegrowswhite，Andthesparkdieswithinthefeeblebrain，Spillingitsstar-dustbacktodustagain。
YoungBlood\"But，sir，\"Isaid，\"theytellmethemanisliketodie！\"
TheCanonshookhisheadindulgently。\"Youngblood，Cousin，\"heboomed。
\"Youngblood！Youthwillbeserved！\"——D’Hermonville’sFabliaux。
HewokeupwithasicktasteinhismouthAndlaythereheavily，whiledancingmotesWhirledthroughhisbraininendless，ripplingstreams，AndagreymistweigheddownuponhiseyesSothattheycouldnotopenfully。YetAftersometimehisblurredmindstumbledbackToitslastraggedmemory——aroom；
Airfoulwithwine；ashouting，reelingcrowdOffriendswhodraggedhim，dazedandblindwithdrinkOuttothestreet；acrazyroutofcabs；
Thesteadymutterofhisneighbor’svoice，Mumblingoutdullobscenitybyrote；
Andthen……well，theyhadbroughthimhomeitseemed，Sinceheawokeinbed——oh，damnthebusiness！
Hehadnotwantedit——thesillyjokes，\"Onelast，greatnightoffreedomereyou’remarried！\"
\"You’llgetnofunthen！\"\"H-ssh，don’ttellthatstory！
He’llhaveawifesoon！\"——God！thesittingdownTodrinktillyouweresodden！……
LikegreatlightShecameintohisthoughts。Thatwastheworst。
TowallowinthemudlikethisbecauseHisfriendswerefools……Hewasnotfittotouch，Tosee，ohfar，faroff，thatsilverplaceWhereGodstoodmanifesttomaninher……
Foulinghimself……Onethinghebroughttoher，Atleast。Hehadbeenclean；hadtakenitAkindofpointofhonorfromthefirst……
Othersmightdoit……buthedidn’tcareForthosethings……
Suddenlyhisvisioncleared。
Andsomethingseemedtogrowwithinhismind……
Somethingwaswrong——thecolorofthewall——
Thequeershapeofthebedposts——everythingWaschanged，somehow……hisroom。Wasthishisroom？……Heturnedhishead——andsawbesidehimthereThesaggingbody’sslope，thepaint-smearedface，Andtheloose，openmouth，laxandawry，Thebreasts，thebleachedandbrittlehair……thesethings……AsifallHellwerecrushedtoonebrightlineOflightningforamoment。Thenhesank，Pronebeneathanintolerableweight。
Andbitterloathingcreptupallhislimbs。
TheQualityofCourageBlacktreesagainstanorangesky，Treesthatthewindshookterribly，Likeaharshspumealongtheroad，Quaveringuplikewitheredarms，Writhinglikestreams，liketwistedcharmsOfhotleadflunginsnow。BelowTheironicestunglikeagoad，Slashingthetornshoesfrommyfeet，Andalltheairwasbittersleet。
Andallthelandwascrampedwithsnow，Steel-strongandfierceandglimmeringwan，Likepaleplainsofobsidian。
——AndyetIstrove——andIwasfireAndice——andfireandicewereoneInonevasthungerofdesire。
Adimdesire，ofpleasantplaces，Andlushfieldsinthesummersun，Andlogsaflame，andwalls，andfaces，——Andwine，andoldambrosialtalk，Agoldenballinfountainsdancing，Andunforgottenhands。（Ah，God，ItrodthemdownwhereIhavetrod，Andtheyremain，andtheyremain，Etchedinunutterablepain，Lovedlipsandfacesnowapart，Thatoncewerecloserthanmyheart——
Inagony，inagony，Andhorriblyapartofme……
ForLetheisfornomanset，AndinHellmaynomanforget。）
Andtherewereflowers，andjugs，bright-glancing，AndoldItalianswords——andlooks，Amoment’sglanceoffire，offire，Spiring，leaping，flaminghigher，Intotheintense，thecloudlessblue，Untiltwosoulswereone，andflame，Andveryflesh，andyetthesame！
AsifallspringswerecrushedanewIntooneglobeddropofdew！
ButforthemostIthoughtofheat，Desiringgreatly……HotwhitesandThelazybodyliesatrestin，Orsun-dried，scentedgrasstonestin，Andfires，innumerablefires，GreatfagotshurlinggoldengyresOfsparksfarup，andtheredheartInsea-coals，crashingastheypartTotinyflares，andkindlingsnapping，BunchedsticksthatbursttheirstringandwrappingAndfalllikejackstraws；greenandblueTheevilflamesofdriftwoodtoo，Andheavy，sullenlumpsofcokeWithstill，fierceheatanduglysmoke……Andthenthevisionofhisface，Andtheirs，alltheirs，camelikeasword，Thrice，totheheart——andasIfellIthoughtIsawalightbefore。
Iwoke。Myhandswereblueandsore，Tornontheice。IscarcelyfeltThefrozensleetbegintomeltUponmyfaceasIbreatheddeeper，Butlaytherewarmly，likeasleeperWhoshiftshisarmonce，andmoanslow，Andthensinksbacktonight。Slow，slow，AndstillasDeath，cameSleepandDeathAndlookedatmewithquietbreath。
Unbendingfigures，blackandstarkAgainsttheintensedeepsofthedark。
Tallandliketrees。LikesweetandfireRestcreptandcreptalongmyveins，Gently。Andtherewerenomorepains……
Wasitnotbettersotolie？
Thefightwasdone。EvengodstireOffighting……Mywaywasthewrong。
NowIshoulddriftanddriftalongToendlessquiet，goldenpeace……
Andletthetorturedbodycease。
Andthenalightwinkedlikeaneye……AndverymanymilesawayAgirlstoodatawarm，litdoor，Holdingalamp。RayuponrayItcloakedthesnowwithperfectlight。
AndwhereshewastherewasnonightNorcouldbe，ever。Godissure，Andinhishandsarethingssecure。
ItisnotgivenmetotraceThelovelylaughterofthatface，Likeaclearbrookmostfulloflight，Orolivesswayingonaheight，Sosilvertheyhavewings，almost；
LikeagreatwordonceknownandlostAndmeaningallthings。NorhervoiceAhappysoundwherelarksrejoice，Herbody，thatgreatloveliness，Thetenderfashionofherdress，Imaynotpaintthem。
TheseIsee，Blazingthroughalleternity，Afire-wingedsign，aglorioustree！
Shestoodthere，andatonceIknewThebitterthingthatImustdo。
Therecouldbenosurrendernow；
ThoughSleepandDeathwerewhisperinglow。
Mywaywaswrong。So。WoulditmendIfIshrankbackbeforetheend？
Andsanktodeathandcowardice？
No，thelastleesmustbedrainedup，Basewinefromanignoblecup；
（YetnotsobaseassleekcontentWhenIhadshrunkfrompunishment）
Thewretchedbodystrainanew！
Lifewasastormtowanderthrough。
Itookthewrongway。Goodandwell，AtleastmyfeetsoughtoutnotHell！
ThoughnightwereoneconsumingflameImustgoonformybaseaim，Andso，perhaps，makeevilgrowTosomethingcleanbyagony……
Andreachthatlightuponthesnow……
Andtouchherdressatlast……
So，so，Icrawled。IcouldnotspeakorseeSavedimly。Theiceglaredlikefire，AlongbrightHellofchokingcold，Andeachveinwasatautenedwire，Throbbingwithtorture——andIcrawled。
Myhandswerewounds。
SoIattainedThesecondHell。ThesnowwasstainedIthought，andshookmyheadatitHowreditwas！Blacktree-rootsclutchedAndtore——andsoonthesnowwassmutchedAnew；andIlurchedbabblingon，Andthenfelldowntorestabit，AndcameuponanotherHell……
Loosestonesthaticemadeterrible，Thatrolledandgashedmenastheyfell。
Istumbled，slipped……andallwasgoneThatIhadgained。OncemoreIlayBeforethelongbrightHellofice。
Andstillthelightwasfaraway。
TherewasredmistbeforemyeyesOrIcouldtellyouhowIwentAcrosstheswayingfirmament，Aglitteringtortureofcoldstars，AndhowIfoughtinTitanwars……
Anddied……andlivedagainuponTherack……andhowthehorsesstrainWhentheirredtaskisnearlydone……
IonlyknowthattherewasPain，InfiniteandeternalPain。
AndthatIfell——androseagain。
Soshewaswalkingintheroad。
AndIstooduprightlikeaman，Once，andfellblind，andheardhercry……
Andthentherecamelongagony。
TherewasnopainwhenIawoke，Nopainatall。Rest，likeagoad，Spurredmyeyesopen——andlightbrokeUponthemlikeamillionswords：
Andshewasthere。Therearenowords。
Heavenisforamoment’sspan。
Andever。
SoIspokeandsaid，\"Myhonorstandsupunbetrayed，AndIhaveseenyou。Dear……\"
SharppainClosedlikeacloak……
Imoanedanddied。
Here，evenhere，thesethingsremain。
Ishalldrawnearertoherside。
Ohdearandlaughing，losttome，HiddeningreyEternity，Ishallattain，withburningfeet，Toyouandtothemercy-seat！
Theagescrumbledownlikedust，Darkroses，deviouslythrustAndscatteredinsweetwine——butI，Ishallliftuptoyoumycry，AndkissyourwetlipspresentlyBeneaththeever-livingTree。
ThisinmyheartIkeepforgoad！
Somewhere，inHeavenshewalksthatroad。
Somewhere……inHeaven……shewalks……that……road……
CampusSonnets：
1。BeforeanExaminationThelittlelettersdanceacrossthepage，Flauntandretire，andtrickthetiredeyes；
Sickofthestrain，theglaringlight，IriseYawningandstretching，fullofemptyrageAtthedullmaunderingsofalongdeadsage，Flingupthewindows，flingasidehislies；
Choosingtobreathe，notstifleandbewise，Andlettheairpourinuponmycage。
ThebreezeblowscoolandtherearestarsandstarsBeyondthedark，softmassesoftheelmsThatwhisperthingsinwindytonesandlight。
Theyseemtowheelfordim，celestialwars；
AndI——IheartheclashofsilverhelmsRingicy-clearfromthefardeepsofnight。
2。TalkTobaccosmokedriftsuptothedimceilingFromhalfadozenpipesandcigarettes，Curlinginendlessshapes，inblueringswheeling，Asformlessasourtalk。Phil，drawling，betsCornellwillwintherelayinawalk，WhileBobandMacdiscusstheGiants’chances；
Deepinamorris-chair，Billscowlsat\"Falk\"，Johngiveslargeviewsaboutthelastfewdances。
Andsoitgoes——anidlespeechandaimless，Afewchancephrases；yetIseebehindTheemptywordsthegleamofabeautytameless，Friendshipandpeaceandfiretostrikemenblind，Tillthewholeworldseemssmallandbrighttohold——
Ofallouryouththishourispuregold。
3。MayMorningIliestretchedoutuponthewindow-seatAnddoze，andreadapageortwo，anddoze，Andfeeltheairlikewateronmeclose，GreatwavesofsunnyairthatlipandbeatWithasmallnoise，monotonousandsweet，Againstthewindow——andthescentofcool，Frailflowersbysomebrownanddew-drenchedpoolPossessesmefromdrowsyheadtofeet。
Thisisthetimeofall-sufficinglaughterAtidioticthingssomeonehasdone，Andthereisneitherpastnorvaguehereafter。
AndallyourbodystretchesinthesunAnddrinksthelightinlikealiquidthing；
Filledwiththedivinelanguoroflatespring。
4。Return——1917
\"TheCollegewillreopenSept。——。\"`Catalogue’。
IwasjustaimingatthejaggedholeTornintheyellowsandbagsoftheirtrench，Whensomethingthrewmesidewayswithawrench，AndtheskiesseemedtoshrivellikeascrollAnddisappear……andproppedagainsttheboleOfabigelmIlay，andwatchedthecloudsFloatthroughtheblue，deepskyinspecklesscrowds，AndIwascleanagain，andyoung，andwhole。
Lord，whatadreamthatwas！AndwhatadozeWaitingforBilltocomealongtoclass！
I’vecutitnow——andhe——Oh，hello，Fred！
Why，what’sthematter？——here——don’tbeanass，Sitdownandtellme！——Whatdoyousuppose？
IdreamedI……AMI……wounded？\"YOUAREDEAD。\"
AlexanderVIDineswiththeCardinalofCapuaNext，then，thepeacock，giltWithallitsfeathers。Look，whatgorgeousdyesFlowintheeyes！
Andhowdeep，lustrousgreensaresplashedandspiltAlongtheback，thatlikeasea-wave’screstScatterssoftbeautyo’erth’emblazonedbreast！
Astrangefowl！ButmostfitForfeastslikethis，wherebyIhonoronePureasthesun！
Yetglowingwiththefieryzealofit！
Somewine？Yourgoblet’sempty？Letitfoam！
ItisnotoftenthatyoucometoRome！
YouliketheVeniceglass？
Rippledwithlinesthatfloatlikewomen’scurls，Necklikeagirl’s，Fierce-glowingasachaliceintheMass？
Youstart——’twasartistthen，notPopewhospoke！
AveMariastella！——ah，itbroke！
’TissaidtheybreakaloneWhenpoisonwritheswithin。Afoolishtale！
What，youlookpale？
Caraffa，fetchasilvercup！……YouownABirthofVenus，now——orsoI’veheard，Lovelyasthebreast-plumageofabird。
AlsoaDancingFaun，HewnwiththelithegraceofPraxiteles；
GlobedpearlstopleaseAsultan；goldenveilsthatdroplikelawn——
HowhappyIcouldbewithbutatitheOfyourpossessions，fortunateone！Don’twritheButtakethesecushionshere！
Nowforthefruit！Greatpeaches，satin-skinned，Roughtamarind，Pomegranatesredaslips——ohtheycomedear！
Butmenlikeyouwefeastatanyprice——
Aplumperhaps？They’relookingrathernice！
I’llcutthethinginhalf。
