BIOGRAPHICALSKETCH
AlthoughBretHarte’snameisidentifiedwithCalifornianlife，itwasnottillhewasfifteenthattheauthorof\"PlainLanguagefromTruthfulJames\"sawthecountryofhisadoption。FrancisBretHarte，togivethefullnamewhichhecarriedtillhebecamefamous，wasbornatAlbany，NewYork，August25，1839。HewentwithhiswidowedmothertoCaliforniain1854，andwasthrownasayoungmanintothehurly-burlywhichhemorethananyotherwriterhasmaderealtodistantandlaterpeople。Hewasbyturnsaminer，school-
teacher，expressmessenger，printer，andjournalist。Thetypeswhichliveagaininhispagesarethusnotonlywhatheobserved，butwhathehimselfimpersonatedinhisownexperience。
HebegantryinghispeninTheGoldenEraofSanFrancisco，wherehewasworkingasacompositor；andwhenTheCalifornian，editedbyCharlesHenryWebb，wasstartedin1864asaliterarynewspaper，hewasoneofagroupofbrilliantyoungfellows——MarkTwain，CharlesWarrenStoddard，Webbhimself，andPrenticeMulford——whogaveatonceanewinterestinCaliforniabesidewhatminingandagriculturecaused。Hereinanearlynumberappeared\"TheBalladoftheEmeu，\"
andhecontributedmanypoems，graveandgay，aswellasproseinagreatvarietyofform。AtthesametimehewasappointedSecretaryoftheUnitedStatesBranchMintatSanFrancisco，holdingtheofficetill1870。
ButBretHarte’sgreatopportunitycamewhenTheOverlandMonthlywasestablishedin1868byAntonRoman。Thismagazinewastheoutgrowthoftheracy，exuberantliteraryspiritwhichhadalreadyfoundfreeexpressioninthejournalsnamed。AneagerambitiontoliftallthenewlifeofthePacificintoarecognizedplaceintheworldoflettersmadetheyoungmenwehavenamedputtheirwitstogetherinamonthlymagazinewhichshouldrivaltheAtlanticinBostonandBlackwoodinEdinburgh。Thenamewaseasilyhad，andforasignmanualonthecoversomeonedrewagrizzlybear，thatformidableexemplarofCalifornianwildness。Butthedesigndidnotquitesatisfy，untilBretHarte，withafelicitousstroke，drewtwoparallellinesjustbeforethefeetofthehaltingbrute。Nowitwasthegrizzlyofthewildernessdrawingbackbeforetherailwayofcivilization，andthepicturewascompleteasanemblem。
BretHartebecame，bythecommonurgencyofhiscompanions，thefirsteditoroftheOverland，andatoncehisowntalesandpoemsbegan，andinthesecondnumberappeared\"TheLuckofRoaringCamp，\"
whichinstantlybroughthimwidefame。Inafewmonthshefoundhimselfbesoughtforpoemsandarticles，sketchesandstories，ininfluentialmagazines，andin1871heturnedawayfromthePacificcoast，andtookuphisresidence，firstinNewYork，afterwardinBoston。
\"Noone，\"sayshisoldfriend，Mr。Stoddard，\"whoknowsMr。Harte，andknewtheCaliforniaofhisday，wondersthatheleftitashedid。Easterneditorswerecryingforhiswork。Citiesviedwithoneanotherintheofferoftemptingbait。WhenheturnedhisbackonSanFrancisco，andstartedforBoston，hebeganatourthatthegreatestauthorofanyagemighthavebeenproudof。Itwasaveritableovationthatswelledfromseatosea：theclassicsheepwassacrificedallalongtheroute。IhaveoftenthoughtthatifBretHartehadmetwithafatalaccidentduringthattranscontinentaljourney，theworldwouldhavedeclaredwithonevoicethatthegreatestgeniusofhistimewaslosttoit。\"
InBostonheenteredintoanarrangementwiththepredecessorsofthepublishersofthisvolume，andhiscontributionsappearedintheirperiodicalsandweregatheredintovolumes。Thearrangementinoneformoranothercontinuedtothetimeofhisdeath，andhasforwitnessastatelyarrayofcomelyvolumes；buttheprosehasfaroutstrippedthepoetry。TherearefewwritersofMr。Harte’sprodigalityofnaturewhohaveusedwithsomuchfinereservetheirfacultyformelodiousverse，andthepresentvolumecontainstheentirebodyofhispoeticalwork，growingbyminuteaccretionsduringthirtyoddyears。
In1878hewasappointedUnitedStatesConsulatCrefeld，Germany，andafterthatdateheresided，withlittleinterruption，ontheContinentorinEngland。HewastransferredtoGlasgowinMarch，1880，andremainedthereuntilJuly，1885。DuringtherestofhislifehemadehishomeinLondon。Hisforeignresidenceisdisclosedinanumberofprosesketchesandtalesandinoneortwopoems；butlifeabroadneverdimmedthevividnessoftheimpressionsmadeonhimbytheexperienceofhisearlymanhoodwhenhepartookoftheelixirvitaeofCalifornia，andthestorieswhichfromyeartoyearflowedfromanapparentlyinexhaustiblefountainglitteredwiththegoldwasheddownfromthemountainslopesofthatcountrywhichthroughhisimaginationhehadmadesopeculiarlyhisown。
Mr。HartediedsuddenlyatCamberley，England，May6，1902。
CONTENTS
I。NATIONAL。
JOHNBURNSOFGETTYSBURG
\"HOWAREYOU，SANITARY？\"
BATTLEBUNNY
THEREVEILLE
OURPRIVILEGE
RELIEVINGGUARD
THEGODDESS
ONAPENOFTHOMASSTARRKING
ASECONDREVIEWOFTHEGRANDARMY
THECOPPERHEAD
ASANITARYMESSAGE
THEOLDMAJOREXPLAINS
CALIFORNIA’SGREETINGTOSEWARD
THEAGEDSTRANGER
THEIDYLOPBATTLEHOLLOW
CALDWELLOFSPRINGFIELD
POEM，DELIVEREDONTHEFOURTEENTHANNIVERSARYOFCALIFORNIA’S
ADMISSIONINTOTHEUNION
MISSBLANCHESAYS
ANARCTICVISION
ST。THOMAS
OFFSCARBOROUGH
CADETGREY
II。SPANISHIDYLSANDLEGENDS。
THEMIRACLEOFPADREJUNIPERO
THEWONDERFULSPRINGOFSANJOAQUIN
THEANGELUS
CONCEPCIONDEARGUELLO
\"FORTHEKING\"
RAMON
DONDIEGOOFTHESOUTH
ATTHEHACIENDA
FRIARPEDRO’SRIDE
INTHEMISSIONGARDEN
THELOSTGALLEON
III。INDIALECT。
\"JIM\"
CHIQUITA
DOW’SFLAT
INTHETUNNEL
\"CICELY\"
PENELOPE
PLAINLANGUAGEFROMTRUTHFULJAMES
THESOCIETYUPONTHESTANISLAUS
LUKE
\"THEBABESINTHEWOODS\"
THELATESTCHINESEOUTRAGE
TRUTHFULJAMESTOTHEEDITOR
ANIDYLOFTHEROAD
THOMPSONOFANGELS
THEHAWK’SNEST
HERLETTER
HISANSWERTO\"HERLETTER\"
\"THERETURNOFBELISARIUS\"
FURTHERLANGUAGEFROMTRUTHFULJAMES
AFTERTHEACCIDENT
THEGHOSTTHATJIMSAW
\"SEVENTY-NINE\"
THESTAGE-DRIVER’SSTORY
AQUESTIONOFPRIVILEGE
THETHOUGHT-READEROFANGELS
THESPELLINGBEEATANGELS
ARTEMISINSIERRA
JACKOFTHETULES
IV。MISCELLANEOUS。
AGREYPORTLEGEND
ANEWPORTROMANCE
SANFRANCISCO
THEMOUNTAINHEART’S-EASE
GRIZZLY
MADRONO
COYOTE
TOASEA-BIRD
WHATTHECHIMNEYSANG
DICKENSINCAMP
TWENTYYEARS
FATE
GRANDMOTHERTENTERDEN
GUILD’SSIGNAL
ASPIRINGMISSDELAINE
ALEGENDOFCOLOGNE
THETALEOFAPONY
ONACONEOFTHEBIGTREES
LONEMOUNTAIN
ALNASCHAR
THETWOSHIPS
ADDRESS（OPENINGOFTHECALIFORNIATHEATRE，SANFRANCISCO，JANUARY
19，1870）
DOLLYVARDEN
TELEMACHUSVERSUSMENTOR
WHATTHEWOLFREALLYSAIDTOLITTLEREDRIDING-HOOD
HALFANHOURBEFORESUPPER
WHATTHEBULLETSANG
THEOLDCAMP-FIRE
THESTATION-MASTEROFLONEPRAIRIE
THEMISSIONBELLSOFMONTEREY
\"CROTALUS\"
ONWILLIAMFRANCISBARTLETT
THEBIRDSOFCIRENCESTER
LINESTOAPORTRAIT，BYASUPERIORPERSON
HERLASTLETTER：BEINGAREPLYTO\"HISANSWER\"
V。PARODIES。
BEFORETHECURTAIN
TOTHEPLIOCENESKULL
THEBALLADOFMR。COOKE
THEBALLADOFTHEEMEU
MRS。JUDGEJENKINS
AGEOLOGICALMADRIGAL
AVITOR
THEWILLOWS
NORTHBEACH
THELOSTTAILSOFMILETUS
THERITUALIST
AMORALVINDICATOR
CALIFORNIAMADRIGAL
WHATTHEENGINESSAID
THELEGENDSOFTHERHINE
SONGSWITHOUTSENSE
VI。LITTLEPOSTERITY。
MASTERJOHNNY’SNEXT-DOORNEIGHBOR
MISSEDITH’SMODESTREQUEST
MISSEDITHMAKESITPLEASANTFORBROTHERJACK
MISSEDITHMAKESANOTHERFRIEND
WHATMISSEDITHSAWFROMHERWINDOW
ONTHELANDING
NOTES
POEMS
I。NATIONAL
JOHNBURNSOFGETTYSBURG
HaveyouheardthestorythatgossipstellOfBurnsofGettysburg？——No？Ah，well：
Briefistheglorythatheroearns，BrieferthestoryofpoorJohnBurns。
Hewasthefellowwhowonrenown，——
Theonlymanwhodidn’tbackdownWhentherebelsrodethroughhisnativetown；
Butheldhisowninthefightnextday，Whenallhistownsfolkranaway。
ThatwasinJulysixty-three，TheverydaythatGeneralLee，FlowerofSouthernchivalry，Baffledandbeaten，backwardreeledFromastubbornMeadeandabarrenfield。
ImighttellhowbutthedaybeforeJohnBurnsstoodathiscottagedoor，Lookingdownthevillagestreet，Where，intheshadeofhispeacefulvine，Heheardthelowofhisgatheredkine，Andfelttheirbreathwithincensesweet；
OrImightsay，whenthesunsetburnedTheoldfarmgable，hethoughtitturnedThemilkthatfelllikeababblingfloodIntothemilk-pailredasblood！
OrhowhefanciedthehumofbeesWerebulletsbuzzingamongthetrees。
ButallsuchfancifulthoughtsastheseWerestrangetoapracticalmanlikeBurns，Whomindedonlyhisownconcerns，TroublednomorebyfanciesfineThanoneofhiscalm-eyed，long-tailedkine，——
Quiteold-fashionedandmatter-of-fact，Slowtoargue，butquicktoact。
Thatwasthereason，assomefolksay，Hefoughtsowellonthatterribleday。
Anditwasterrible。OntherightRagedforhourstheheadyfight，Thunderedthebattery’sdoublebass，——
DifficultmusicformentofaceWhileontheleft——wherenowthegravesUndulatelikethelivingwavesThatallthatdayunceasingsweptUptothepitstherebelskept——
Roundshotploughedtheuplandglades，Sownwithbullets，reapedwithblades；
ShatteredfenceshereandthereTossedtheirsplintersintheair；
Theverytreeswerestrippedandbare；
ThebarnsthatonceheldyellowgrainWereheapedwithharvestsoftheslain；
Thecattlebellowedontheplain，Theturkeysscreamedwithmightandmain，Andbroodingbarn-fowllefttheirrestWithstrangeshellsburstingineachnest。
Justwherethetideofbattleturns，ErectandlonelystoodoldJohnBurns。
Howdoyouthinkthemanwasdressed？
Heworeanancientlongbuffvest，Yellowassaffron，——buthisbest；
AndbuttonedoverhismanlybreastWasabrightbluecoat，witharollingcollar，Andlargegiltbuttons，——sizeofadollar，——
Withtailsthatthecountry-folkcalled\"swaller。\"
Heworeabroad-brimmed，bell-crownedhat，Whiteasthelocksonwhichitsat。
NeverhadsuchasightbeenseenForfortyyearsonthevillagegreen，SinceoldJohnBurnswasacountrybeau，Andwenttothe\"quiltings\"longago。
Closeathiselbowsallthatday，VeteransofthePeninsula，Sunburntandbearded，chargedaway；
Andstriplings，downyoflipandchin，——
ClerksthattheHomeGuardmusteredin，——
Glanced，astheypassed，atthehathewore，Thenattheriflehisrighthandbore，Andhailedhim，fromouttheiryouthfullore，Withscrapsofaslangyrepertoire：
\"Howareyou，WhiteHat？\"\"Putherthrough！\"
\"Yourhead’slevel！\"and\"Bullyforyou！\"
Calledhim\"Daddy，\"——beggedhe’ddiscloseThenameofthetailorwhomadehisclothes，Andwhatwasthevaluehesetonthose；
WhileBurns，unmindfulofjeerandscoff，Stoodtherepickingtherebelsoff，——
Withhislongbrownrifleandbell-crownhat，Andtheswallow-tailstheywerelaughingat。
’Twasbutamoment，forthatrespectWhichclothesallcouragetheirvoiceschecked；
AndsomethingthewildestcouldunderstandSpakeintheoldman’sstrongrighthand，Andhiscordedthroat，andthelurkingfrownOfhiseyebrowsunderhisoldbell-crown；
Until，astheygazed，therecreptanaweThroughtheranksinwhispers，andsomemensaw，Intheantiquevestmentsandlongwhitehair，ThePastoftheNationinbattlethere；
AndsomeofthesoldierssincedeclareThatthegleamofhisoldwhitehatafar，LikethecrestedplumeofthebraveNavarre，Thatdaywastheiroriflammeofwar。
Soragedthebattle。Youknowtherest：
Howtherebels，beatenandbackwardpressed，Brokeatthefinalchargeandran。
AtwhichJohnBurns——apracticalman——
Shoulderedhisrifle，unbenthisbrows，Andthenwentbacktohisbeesandcows。
ThatisthestoryofoldJohnBurns；
Thisisthemoralthereaderlearns：
Infightingthebattle，thequestion’swhetherYou’llshowahatthat’swhite，orafeather！
\"HOWAREYOU，SANITARY？\"
Downthepicket-guardedlaneRolledthecomfort-ladenwain，Cheeredbyshoutsthatshooktheplain，Soldier-likeandmerry：
Phrasessuchascampsmayteach，Sabre-cutsofSaxonspeech，Suchas\"Bully！\"\"Them’sthepeach！\"
\"Wadein，Sanitary！\"
RightandleftthecaissonsdrewAsthecarwentlumberingthrough，QuicksucceedinginreviewSquadronsmilitary；
Sunburntmenwithbeardslikefrieze，Smooth-facedboys，andcrieslikethese，——
\"U。S。San。Com。\"\"That’sthecheese！\"
\"Passin，Sanitary！\"
InsuchcheeritstruggledonTillthebattlefrontwaswon：
Thenthecar，itsjourneydone，Lo！wasstationary；
AndwherebulletswhistlingflyCamethesadder，faintercry，\"Helpus，brothers，erewedie，——
Saveus，Sanitary！\"
Suchthework。Thephantomflies，Wrappedinbattlecloudsthatrise：
Butthebrave——whosedyingeyes，Veiledandvisionary，Seethejaspergatesswungwide，Seethepartedthrongoutside——
Hearsthevoicetothosewhoride：
\"Passin，Sanitary！\"
BATTLEBUNNY
（MALVERNHILL，1864）
\"Afterthemenwereorderedtoliedown，awhiterabbit，whichhadbeenhoppinghitherandthitheroverthefieldsweptbygrapeandmusketry，tookrefugeamongtheskirmishers，inthebreastofacorporal。\"——ReportoftheBattleofMalvernHill。
Bunny，lyinginthegrass，Sawtheshiningcolumnpass；
Sawthestarrybannerfly，Sawthechargersfretandfume，Sawtheflappinghatandplume，——
SawthemwithhismoistandshyMostunspeculativeeye，Thinkingonly，inthedew，Thatitwasafinereview。
Tillaflash，notallofsteel，Wheretherollingcaissonswheel，BroughtarumbleandaroarRollingdownthatvelvetfloor，AndlikeblowsofautumnflailSharplythreshedtheironhail。
Bunny，thrilledbyunknownfears，Raisedhissoftandpointedears，Mumbledhisprehensilelip，Quiveredhispulsatinghip，AsthesharpvindictiveyellRoseabovethescreamingshell；
Thoughttheworldandallitsmen，——
Allthechargingsquadronsmeant，——
Allwererabbit-huntersthen，Alltocapturehimintent。
Bunnywasnotmuchtoblame：
Wiserfolkhavethoughtthesame，——
WiserfolkwhothinktheyspyEveryillbeginswith\"I。\"
Wildlypantinghereandthere，Bunnysoughtthefreerair，Tillhehoppedbelowthehill，Andsaw，lyingcloseandstill，Menwithmusketsintheirhands。
（NeverBunnyunderstandsThathypocrisyofsleep，Inthevigilsgrimtheykeep，AsrecumbentonthatspotTheyeludethelevelshot。）
One——agraveandquietman，ThinkingofhiswifeandchildFarbeyondtheRapidan，WheretheAndroscogginsmiled——
Feltthelittlerabbitcreep，Nestlingbyhisarmandside，Wakenedfromstrategicsleep，Tothatsoftappealreplied，Drewhimtohisblackenedbreast，And——Butyouhaveguessedtherest。
Softlyo’erthatchosenpairOmnipresentLoveandCareDrewamightierHandandArm，Shieldingthemfromeveryharm；
Rightandleftthebulletswaved，Savedthesaviourforthesaved。
——————
WhobelievesthatequalgraceGodextendsineveryplace，LittledifferencehescansTwixtarabbit’sGodandman’s。
THEREVEILLE
Hark！Ihearthetrampofthousands，Andofarmedmenthehum；
Lo！anation’shostshavegatheredRoundthequickalarmingdrum，——
Saying，\"Come，Freemen，come！
Ereyourheritagebewasted，\"saidthequickalarmingdrum。
\"Letmeofmyhearttakecounsel：
Warisnotoflifethesum；
WhoshallstayandreaptheharvestWhentheautumndaysshallcome？\"
ButthedrumEchoed，\"Come！
Deathshallreapthebraverharvest，\"saidthesolemn-soundingdrum。
\"Butwhenwonthecomingbattle，Whatofprofitspringstherefrom？
Whatifconquest，subjugation，Evengreaterillsbecome？\"
ButthedrumAnswered，\"Come！
Youmustdothesumtoproveit，\"saidtheYankeeansweringdrum。
\"Whatif，’midthecannons’thunder，Whistlingshotandburstingbomb，Whenmybrothersfallaroundme，Shouldmyheartgrowcoldandnumb？\"
ButthedrumAnswered，\"Come！
Betterthereindeathunited，thaninlifearecreant。——Come！\"
Thustheyanswered，——hoping，fearing，Someinfaith，anddoubtingsome，Tillatrumpet-voiceproclaiming，Said，\"Mychosenpeople，come！\"
Thenthedrum，Lo！wasdumb，Forthegreatheartofthenation，throbbing，answered，\"Lord，wecome！\"
OURPRIVILEGE
Notours，wherebattlesmokeupcurls，Andbattledewsliewet，TomeetthechargethattreasonhurlsByswordandbayonet。
NotourstoguidethefatalscytheThefleshlessReaperwields；
TheharvestmoonlookscalmlydownUponourpeacefulfields。
Thelonggrassdimplesonthehill，Thepinessingbythesea，AndPlenty，fromhergoldenhorn，Ispouringfarandfree。
Obrothersbythefarthersea！
Thinkstillourfaithiswarm；
ThesamebrightflagaboveuswavesThatswathedourbabyform。
ThesameredbloodthatdyesyourfieldsHerethrobsinpatriotpride，——
ThebloodthatflowedwhenLanderfell，AndBaker’scrimsontide。
AndthusapartourheartskeeptimeWitheverypulseyefeel，AndMercy’sringinggoldshallchimeWithValor’sclashingsteel。
RELIEVINGGUARD
THOMASSTARRKING。OBIITMARCH4，1864
Cametherelief。\"What，sentry，ho！
Howpassedthenightthroughthylongwaking？\"
\"Cold，cheerless，dark，——asmaybefitThehourbeforethedawnisbreaking。\"
\"Nosight？nosound？\"\"No；nothingsaveTheploverfromthemarshescalling，Andinyonwesternsky，aboutAnhourago，astarwasfalling。\"
\"Astar？There’snothingstrangeinthat。\"
\"No，nothing；but，abovethethicket，SomehowitseemedtomethatGodSomewherehadjustrelievedapicket。\"
THEGODDESS
CONTRIBUTEDTOTHEFAIRFORTHELADIES’PATRIOTICFUNDOFTHEPACIFIC
\"Whocomes？\"Thesentry’swarningcryRingssharplyontheeveningair：
Whocomes？Thechallenge：noreply，Yetsomethingmotionsthere。
Awoman，bythosegracefulfolds；
Asoldier，bythatmartialtread：
\"Advancethreepaces。Halt！untilThynameandrankbesaid。\"
\"Myname？Hername，inancientsong，WhofearlessfromOlympuscame：
Lookonme！MortalsknowmebestInbattleandinflame。\"
\"Enough！Iknowthatclarionvoice；
Iknowthatgleamingeyeandhelm，Thosecrimsonlips，——andintheirdewThebestbloodoftherealm。
\"Theyoung，thebrave，thegoodandwise，Havefalleninthycurstembrace：
ThejuicesofthegrapesofwrathStillstainthyguiltyface。
\"Mybrotherliesinyonderfield，Facedownwardtothequietgrass：
Goback！hecannotseetheenow；
Butherethoushaltnotpass。\"
Acrackupontheeveningair，Awakenedechofromthehill：
ThewatchdogonthedistantshoreGivesmouth，andallisstill。
ThesentrywithhisbrotherliesFacedownwardonthequietgrass；
Andbyhim，inthepalemoonshine，Ashadowseemstopass。
Nolanceorwarlikeshielditbears：
AhelmetinitspityinghandsBringswaterfromthenearestbrook，Tomeethislastdemands。
Canthisbesheofhaughtymien，Thegoddessoftheswordandshield？
Ah，yes！TheGrecianpoet’smythSwaysstilleachbattlefield。
FornotalonethatruggedWarSomegraceorcharmfromBeautygains；
But，whenthegoddess’workisdone，Thewoman’sstillremains。
ONAPENOFTHOMASSTARRKING
Thisisthereedthedeadmusiciandropped，Withtunefulmagicinitssheathstillhidden；
Thepromptallegroofitsmusicstopped，Itsmelodiesunbidden。
Butwhoshallfinishtheunfinishedstrain，Orwaketheinstrumenttoaweandwonder，Andbidtheslenderbarrelbreatheagain，Anorgan-pipeofthunder！
Hispen！whathumblermemoriesclingaboutItsgoldencurves！whatshapesandlaughinggracesSlippedfromitspoint，whenhisfullheartwentoutInsmilesandcourtlyphrases？
Thetruth，halfjesting，halfinearnestflung；
Thewordofcheer，withrecognitioninit；
Thenoteofalms，whosegoldenspeechoutrungThegoldengiftwithinit。
Butallinvaintheenchanter’swandwewave：
Nostrokeofoursrecallshismagicvision：
TheincantationthatitspowergaveSleepswiththedeadmagician。
ASECONDREVIEWOFTHEGRANDARMY
IreadlastnightofthegrandreviewInWashington’schiefestavenue，——
Twohundredthousandmeninblue，Ithinktheysaidwasthenumber，——
TillIseemedtoheartheirtramplingfeet，Thebugleblastandthedrum’squickbeat，Theclatterofhoofsinthestonystreet，Thecheersofpeoplewhocametogreet，AndthethousanddetailsthattorepeatWouldonlymyverseencumber，——
TillIfellinareverie，sadandsweet，Andthentoafitfulslumber。
When，lo！inavisionIseemedtostandInthelonelyCapitol。OneachhandFarstretchedtheportico，dimandgrandItscolumnsrangedlikeamartialbandOfsheetedspectres，whomsomecommandHadcalledtoalastreviewing。
Andthestreetsofthecitywerewhiteandbare，Nofootfallechoedacrossthesquare；
ButoutofthemistymidnightairIheardinthedistanceatrumpetblare，Andthewanderingnight-windsseemedtobearThesoundofafartattooing。
ThenIheldmybreathwithfearanddreadForintothesquare，withabrazentread，ThererodeafigurewhosestatelyheadO’erlookedthereviewthatmorning，Thatneverbowedfromitsfirm-setseatWhenthelivingcolumnpasseditsfeet，YetnowrodesteadilyupthestreetTothephantombugle’swarning：
TillitreachedtheCapitolsquare，andwheeled，AndthereinthemoonlightstoodrevealedAwell-knownformthatinStateandfieldHadledourpatriotsires：
Whosefacewasturnedtothesleepingcamp，Afarthroughtheriver’sfoganddamp，Thatshowednoflicker，norwaninglamp，Norwastedbivouacfires。
AndIsawaphantomarmycome，Withneverasoundoffifeordrum，ButkeepingtimetoathrobbinghumOfwailingandlamentation：
ThemartyredheroesofMalvernHill，OfGettysburgandChancellorsville，ThemenwhosewastedfiguresfillThepatriotgravesofthenation。
Andtherecamethenamelessdead，——themenWhoperishedinfeverswampandfen，Theslowly-starvedoftheprisonpen；
And，marchingbesidetheothers，CametheduskymartyrsofPillow’sfight，Withlimbsenfranchisedandbearingbright；
Ithought——perhaps’twasthepalemoonlight——
Theylookedaswhiteastheirbrothers！
Andsoallnightmarchedthenation’sdead，Withneverabannerabovethemspread，Norabadge，noramottobrandished；
Nomark——savethebareuncoveredheadOfthesilentbronzeReviewer；
Withneveranarchsavethevaultedsky；
WithneveraflowersavethosethatlieOnthedistantgraves——forlovecouldbuyNogiftthatwaspurerortruer。
Soallnightlongsweptthestrangearray，SoallnightlongtillthemorninggrayIwatchedforonewhohadpassedaway；
Withareverentaweandwonder，——
Tillabluecapwavedinthelength’ningline，AndIknewthatonewhowaskinofmineHadcome；andIspake——andlo！thatsignAwakenedmefrommyslumber。
THECOPPERHEAD
（1864）
ThereispeaceintheswampwheretheCopperheadsleeps，Wherethewatersarestagnant，thewhitevaporcreeps，WherethemuskofMagnoliahangsthickintheair，Andthelilies’phylacteriesbroadeninprayer。
Thereispeaceintheswamp，thoughthequietisdeath，Thoughthemistismiasma，theupas-tree’sbreath，Thoughnoechoawakestothecooingofdoves，——
Thereispeace：yes，thepeacethattheCopperheadloves。
Goseekhim：hecoilsintheoozeandthedrip，Likeathongidlyflungfromtheslave-driver’swhip；
Butbewarethefalsefootstep，——thestumblethatbringsAdeadlierlashthantheoverseerswings。
Neverarrowsotrue，neverbulletsodread，Asthestraightsteadystrokeofthathammer-shapedhead；
Whetherslaveorproudplanter，whobravesthatdullcrest，WoetohimwhoshalltroubletheCopperhead’srest！
Thenwhywasteyourlabors，braveheartsandstrongmen，IntrackingatrailtotheCopperhead’sden？
Layyouraxetothecypress，hewopentheshadeTothefreeskyandsunshineJehovahhasmade；
LetthebreezeoftheNorthsweepthevaporsaway，Tillthestagnantlakeripples，thefreedwatersplay；
AndthentoyourheelcanyourighteouslydoomTheCopperheadbornofitsshadowandgloom！
ASANITARYMESSAGE
Lastnight，abovethewhistlingwind，Iheardthewelcomerain，——
Afusilladeupontheroof，Atattooonthepane：
Thekeyholepiped；thechimney-topAwarliketrumpetblew；
Yet，minglingwiththesesoundsofstrife，Asoftervoicestolethrough。
\"Givethanks，Obrothers！\"saidthevoice，\"ThatHewhosenttherainsHathsparedyourfieldsthescarletdewThatdripsfrompatriotveins：
I’veseenthegrassonEasterngravesInbrighterverdurerise；
But，oh！therainthatgaveitlifeSprangfirstfromhumaneyes。
\"IcometowashawaynostainUponyourwastedlea；
Iraisenobanners，savetheonesTheforestwavestome：
Uponthemountainside，whereSpringHerfarthestpicketsets，MyreveilleawakesahostOfgrassybayonets。
\"Ivisiteveryhumbleroof；
Iminglewiththelow：
OnlyuponthehighestpeaksMyblessingsfallinsnow；
Until，intricklingsofthestreamAnddrainingsofthelea，MyunspentbountycomesatlastTominglewiththesea。\"
Andthusallnight，abovethewind，Iheardthewelcomerain，——
Afusilladeupontheroof，Atattooonthepane：
Thekeyholepiped；thechimney-topAwarliketrumpetblew；
But，minglingwiththesesoundsofstrife，Thishymnofpeacestolethrough。
THEOLDMAJOREXPLAINS
（RE-UNION，ARMYOFTHEPOTOMAC，12THMAY，1871）
Well，yousee，thefactis，Colonel，Idon’tknowasIcancome：
Forthefarmisnothalfplanted，andthere’sworktodoathome；
Andmylegisgettingtroublesome，——itlaidmeuplastfall，——
Andthedoctors，theyhavecutandhacked，andneverfoundtheball。
Andthen，foranoldmanlikeme，it’snotexactlyright，Thiskindo’playingsoldierwithnoenemyinsight。
\"TheUnion，\"——thatwaswellenoughwayupto’66；
Butthis\"Re-Union，\"maybenowit’smixedwithpolitics？
No？Well，youunderstanditbest；butthen，yousee，mylad，I’mdeaconnow，andsomemightthinkthattheexample’sbad。
AndweekfromnextisConference……YousaidthetwelfthofMay？
Why，that’sthedaywebroketheirlineatSpottsylvan-i-a！
Hotwork；eh，Colonel，wasn’tit？Yemindthatnarrowfront：
Theycalleditthe\"Death-Angle\"！Well，well，mylad，wewon’tFightthatoldbattleovernow：IonlymeanttosayIreallycan’tengagetocomeuponthetwelfthofMay。
How’sThompson？What！willhebethere？Well，nowIwanttoknow！
Thefirstmanintherebelworks！theycalledhim\"SwearingJoe。\"
Awildyoungfellow，sir，Ifeartherascalwas；butthen——
Well，shortofheaven，therewa’n’taplacehedursn’tleadhismen。
AndDick，yousay，iscomingtoo。AndBilly？ah！it’strueWeburiedhimatGettysburg：Imindthespot；doyou？
Alittlefieldbelowthehill，——itmustbegreenthisMay；
Perhapsthat’swhythefieldsaboutbringhimtometo-day。
Well，well，excuseme，Colonel！buttherearesomethingsthatdropThetail-boardoutone’sfeelings；andtheonlyway’stostop。
Sotheywanttoseetheoldman；ah，therascals！dothey，eh？
Well，I’vebusinessdowninBostonaboutthetwelfthofMay。
CALIFORNIA’SGREETINGTOSEWARD
（1869）
Weknowhimwell：noneedofpraiseOrbonfirefromthewindyhillTolighttosofterpathsandwaysTheworld-wornmanwehonorstill。
NoneedtoquotethetruthshespokeThatburnedthroughyearsofwarandshame，WhileHistorycarveswithsurerstrokeAcrossourmaphisnoondayfame。
NoneedtobidhimshowthescarsOfblowsdealtbytheScaeangate，Wholivedtopassitsshatteredbars，Andseethefoecapitulate：
WholivedtoturnhisslowerfeetTowardthewesternsettingsun，Toseehisharvestallcomplete，Hisdreamfulfilled，hisdutydone，Theoneflagstreamingfromthepole，Theonefaithbornefromseatosea：
Forsuchatriumph，andsuchgoal，Poormustourhumangreetingbe。
Ah！ratherthattheconsciouslandInsimplerwayssalutetheMan，——
Thetallpinesbowingwheretheystand，ThebaredheadofElCapitan！
Thetumultofthewaterfalls，Pohono’skerchiefinthebreeze，Thewavingfromtherockywalls，Thestirandrustleofthetrees；
Till，lappedinsunsetskiesofhope，Insunsetlandsbysunsetseas，TheYoungWorld’sPremiertreadstheslopeOfsunsetyearsincalmandpeace。
THEAGEDSTRANGER
ANINCIDENTOFTHEWAR
\"IwaswithGrant\"——thestrangersaid；
Saidthefarmer，\"Saynomore，Butresttheehereatmycottageporch，Forthyfeetarewearyandsore。\"
\"IwaswithGrant\"——thestrangersaid；
Saidthefarmer，\"Nay，nomore，——
Ipritheesitatmyfrugalboard，Andeatofmyhumblestore。
\"Howfaresmyboy，——mysoldierboy，OftheoldNinthArmyCorps？
IwarrantheborehimgallantlyInthesmokeandthebattle’sroar！\"
\"Iknowhimnot，\"saidtheagedman，\"And，asIremarkedbefore，IwaswithGrant\"——\"Nay，nay，Iknow，\"
Saidthefarmer，\"saynomore：
\"Hefellinbattle，——Isee，alas！
Thou’dstsmooththesetidingso’er，——
Nay，speakthetruth，whateveritbe，Thoughitrendmybosom’score。
\"Howfellhe？Withhisfacetothefoe，Upholdingtheflaghebore？
Oh，saynotthatmyboydisgracedTheuniformthathewore！\"
\"Icannottell，\"saidtheagedman，\"Andshouldhaveremarkedbefore。
ThatIwaswithGrant，——inIllinois，——
Somethreeyearsbeforethewar。\"
Thenthefarmerspakehimneveraword，ButbeatwithhisfistfullsoreThatagedmanwhohadworkedforGrantSomethreeyearsbeforethewar。
THEIDYLOFBATTLEHOLLOW
（WAROFTHEREBELLION，1884）
No，Iwon’t，——thar，now，so！Anditain’tnothin’，——no！
Andthar’snarytotellthatyoufolksyerdon’tknow；
Andit’s\"Belle，tellus，do！\"andit’s\"Belle，isittrue？\"
And\"Wot’sthisyeryarnoftheMajorandyou？\"
TillI’msickofitall，——soIam，butIs’poseThetisnothin’toyou……Well，then，listen！yergoes！
Itwasafterthefight，andaroundusallnightTharwaspoppin’andshootin’apowerfulsight；
Andtheniggershadfled，andAuntChlowasabed，AndPinkyandMillywerehidintheshed：
AndIranoutatdaybreak，andnothin’wasnighButthegrowlin’ofcannonlowdowninthesky。
AndIsawnotathing，asIrantothespring，Butasplinteredfencerailandabroken-downswing，Andabirdsaid\"Kerchee！\"asitsatonatree，Asifitwaslonesome，andgladtoseeme；
AndIfilledupmypailandwasrisin’togo，WhenupcomestheMajora-canterin’slow。
Whenhesawmehedrewinhisreins，andthenthrewOnthegate-posthisbridle，and——whatdoeshedoButcomedownwhereIsat；andheliftedhishat，Andhesays——well，tharain’tanyneedtotellTHAT；
’Twassomefoolishness，sure，butit’mountedtothis，Thetheaskedforadrink，andhewanted——akiss。
ThenIsaid（Iwasmad），\"Forthewater，mylad，You’retoobigandmuststoop；forakiss，it’sasbad，——
Youain’tnearbigenough。\"AndIturnedinahuff，WhenthatMajorhelaidhiswhitehandonmycuff，Andhesays，\"You’reatrump！Takemypistol，don’tfear！
Butshootthenextmanthatinsultsyou，mydear。\"
Thenhestoopedtothepool，veryquietandcool，Leavin’mewiththatpistolstucktherelikeafool，WhentharflashedonmysightaquickglimmeroflightFromthetopofthelittlestonefenceontheright，AndIknew’twasarifle，andbackofitallRosethefaceofthatbushwhacker，CherokeeHall！
ThenIfeltinmydreadthatthemomenttheheadOftheMajorwaslifted，theMajorwasdead；
AndIstoodstillandwhite，butLord！gals，inspiteOfmycare，thatdernedpistolwentoffinmyfright！
Wentoff——trueasgospil！——and，strangestofall，ItactooallyinjuredthatCherokeeHall！
Thet’sall——now，go’long！Yes，somefolksthinksit’swrong，Andthar’ssomewantstoknowtowhatsideIbelong；
ButIsays，\"Servedhimright！\"andIgo，allmymight，Inloveorinwar，forafairstand-upfight；
AndasfortheMajor——sho！gals，don’tyouknowThet——Lord！thar’shisstepinthegardenbelow。
CALDWELLOFSPRINGFIELD
（NEWJERSEY，1780）
Here’sthespot。Lookaroundyou。AboveontheheightLaytheHessiansencamped。BythatchurchontherightStoodthegauntJerseyfarmers。Andhereranawall，——
Youmaydiganywhereandyou’llturnupaball。
Nothingmore。Grassesspring，watersrun，flowersblow，Prettymuchastheydidninety-threeyearsago。
Nothingmore，didIsay？Stayonemoment：you’veheardOfCaldwell，theparson，whooncepreachedthewordDownatSpringfield？What，no？Come——that’sbad；why，hehadAlltheJerseysaflame！AndtheygavehimthenameOfthe\"rebelhighpriest。\"Hestuckintheirgorge，ForhelovedtheLordGod——andhehatedKingGeorge！
Hehadcause，youmightsay！WhentheHessiansthatdayMarchedupwithKnyphausen，theystoppedontheirwayAtthe\"farms，\"wherehiswife，withachildinherarms，Sataloneinthehouse。HowithappenednoneknewButGod——andthatoneofthehirelingcrewWhofiredtheshot！Enough！——thereshelay，AndCaldwell，thechaplain，herhusband，away！
Didhepreach——didhepray？ThinkofhimasyoustandBytheoldchurchto-day，——thinkofhimandhisbandOfmilitantploughboys！SeethesmokeandtheheatOfthatrecklessadvance，ofthatstragglingretreat！
Keeptheghostofthatwife，foullyslain，inyourview——
Andwhatcouldyou，whatshouldyou，whatwouldYOUdo？
Why，justwhatHEdid！TheywereleftinthelurchForthewantofmorewadding。Herantothechurch，Brokethedoor，strippedthepews，anddashedoutintheroadWithhisarmsfullofhymn-books，andthrewdownhisloadAttheirfeet！ThenabovealltheshoutingandshotsRanghisvoice：\"PutWattsinto’em！Boys，give’emWatts！\"
Andtheydid。Thatisall。Grassesspring，flowersblow，Prettymuchastheydidninety-threeyearsago。
Youmaydiganywhereandyou’llturnupaball——
Butnotalwaysaherolikethis——andthat’sall。
POEM
DELIVEREDONTHEFOURTEENTHANNIVERSARYOFCALIFORNIA’SADMISSION
INTOTHEUNION，SEPTEMBER9，1864
Wemeetinpeace，thoughfromournativeEastThesunthatsparklesonourbirthdayfeastGlancedasheroseonfieldswhosedewswereredWithdarkertintsthanthoseAuroraspread。
Thoughshornhisrays，hiswelcomediskconcealedInthedimsmokethatveiledeachbattlefield，Stillstrivingupward，inmeridianpride，HeclimbedthewallsthatEastandWestdivide，——
Sawhisbrightfaceflashedbackfromgoldensand，AndsapphireseasthatlavetheWesternland。
StrangewasthecontrastthatsuchscenesdiscloseFromhishighvantageo’ereternalsnows；
ThereWar’salarmthebrazentrumpetrings——
Herehislove-songthemailedcicalasings；
Therebayonetsglitterthroughtheforestglades——
Hereyellowcornfieldsstacktheirpeacefulblades；
TherethedeeptrenchwhereValorfindsagrave——
Herethelongditchthatcurbsthepeacefulwave；
Theretheboldsapperwithhislightedtrain——
Herethedarktunnelanditsstoresofgain；
Herethefullharvestandthewain’sadvance——
TheretheGrimReaperandtheambulance。
Withscenessoadverse，whatmysteriousbondLinksourfairfortunestotheshoresbeyond？
Whycomewehere——lastofascatteredfold——
Topournewmetalinthebrokenmould？
Toyieldourtribute，stampedwithCaesar’sface，ToCaesar，strickeninthemarket-place？
Ah！loveofcountryisthesecrettieThatjoinsthesecontrasts’neathonearchingsky；
Thoughbrighterpathsourpeacefulstepsexplore，WemeettogetherattheNation’sdoor。
Warwindsherhorn，andgiantcliffsgodownLikethehighwallsthatgirtthesacredtown，Andbaresthepathwaytoherthrobbingheart，Fromclusteredvillageandfromcrowdedmart。
PartofGod’sprovidenceitwastofoundANation’sbulwarkonthischosenground；
NotJesuit’szealnorpioneer’sunrestPlantedthesepicketsinthedistantWest，ButHewhofirsttheNation’sfateforecastPlacedhereHisfountainssealedforagespast，Rock-ribbedandguardedtillthecomingtimeShouldfitthepeoplefortheirworksublime；
WhenanewMoseswithhisrodofsteelSmotethetallcliffswithonewide-ringingpeal，AndtheoldmiracleinrecordtoldTothenewNationwasrevealedingold。
Judgenottooidlythatourtoilsaremean，Thoughnonewleviesmarshalonourgreen；
Nordeemtoorashlythatourgainsaresmall，Weighedwiththeprizesforwhichheroesfall。
