第6章

类别:其他 作者:Bret Harte字数:18161更新时间:19/01/04 15:19:00
Well,takewhatyouwill,——thoughitbeonthesly,Maraudingorbegging,——Ishallnotaskwhy,Butwillcallitadole,justtohelponhiswayAfour-footedfriarinordersofgray! TOASEA-BIRD (SANTACRUZ,1869) Saunteringhitheronlistlesswings,Carelessvagabondofthesea,Littlethouheedestthesurfthatsings,Thebarthatthunders,theshalethatrings,—— Givemetokeepthycompany。 Littlethouhast,oldfriend,that’snew; Stormsandwrecksareoldthingstothee; SickamIofthesechanges,too; Littletocarefor,littletorue,—— Iontheshore,andthouonthesea。 Allofthywanderings,farandnear,Bringtheeatlasttoshoreandme; Allofmyjourneyingsendthemhere: Thisourtethermustbeourcheer,—— Iontheshore,andthouonthesea。 Lazilyrockingonocean’sbreast,Somethingincommon,oldfriend,havewe: Thouontheshingleseek’stthynest,Itothewaterslookforrest,—— Iontheshore,andthouonthesea。 WHATTHECHIMNEYSANG Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew; AndtheWomanstopped,asherbabeshetossed,Andthoughtoftheoneshehadlongsincelost,Andsaid,asherteardropsbacksheforced,\"Ihatethewindinthechimney。\" Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew; AndtheChildrensaid,astheycloserdrew,\"’Tissomewitchthatiscleavingtheblacknightthrough,’Tisafairytrumpetthatjustthenblew,Andwefearthewindinthechimney。\" Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew; AndtheMan,ashesatonhishearthbelow,Saidtohimself,\"Itwillsurelysnow,Andfuelisdearandwageslow,AndI’llstoptheleakinthechimney。\" Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew; ButthePoetlistenedandsmiled,forheWasManandWomanandChild,allthree,Andsaid,\"ItisGod’sownharmony,Thiswindwehearinthechimney。\" DICKENSINCAMP Abovethepinesthemoonwasslowlydrifting,Theriversangbelow; ThedimSierras,farbeyond,upliftingTheirminaretsofsnow。 Theroaringcamp-fire,withrudehumor,paintedTheruddytintsofhealthOnhaggardfaceandformthatdroopedandfaintedInthefierceraceforwealth; Tillonearose,andfromhispack’sscanttreasureAhoardedvolumedrew,AndcardsweredroppedfromhandsoflistlessleisureTohearthetaleanew。 Andthen,whileroundthemshadowsgatheredfaster,Andasthefirelightfell,HereadaloudthebookwhereintheMasterHadwritof\"LittleNell。\" Perhaps’twasboyishfancy,——forthereaderWasyoungestofthemall,—— But,asheread,fromclusteringpineandcedarAsilenceseemedtofall; Thefir-trees,gatheringcloserintheshadows,Listenedineveryspray,Whilethewholecampwith\"Nell\"onEnglishmeadowsWanderedandlosttheirway。 Andsoinmountainsolitudes——o’ertakenAsbysomespelldivine—— TheircaresdroppedfromthemliketheneedlesshakenFromoutthegustypine。 Lostisthatcampandwastedallitsfire; Andhewhowroughtthatspell? Ah!toweringpineandstatelyKentishspire,Yehaveonetaletotell! Lostisthatcamp,butletitsfragrantstoryBlendwiththebreaththatthrillsWithhop-vine’sincenseallthepensivegloryThatfillstheKentishhills。 AndonthatgravewhereEnglishoakandhollyAndlaurelwreathsentwine,Deemitnotallatoopresumptuousfolly,ThissprayofWesternpine! July,1870。 \"TWENTYYEARS\" Begyourpardon,oldfellow!IthinkIwasdreamingjustnowwhenyouspoke。 Thefactis,themusicalclinkOftheiceonyourwine-goblet’sbrinkAchordofmymemorywoke。 AndIstoodinthepasture-fieldwhereTwentysummersagoIhadstood; AndIheardinthatsound,Ideclare,Theclinkingofbellsintheair,Ofthecowscominghomefromthewood。 Thentheapple-bloomshookonthehill; Andthemullein-stalkstiltedeachlance; AndthesunbehindRapalye’smillWasmyuttermostWest,andcouldthrillLikesomefancifullandofromance。 Thenmyfriendwasahero,andthenMygirlwasanangel。Infine,Idrankbuttermilk;forattenFaithaskslesstoaidherthanwhenAtthirtywedoubtoverwine。 Ah,well,itDOESseemthatImustHavebeendreamingjustnowwhenyouspoke,Orlost,verylike,inthedustOftheyearsthatslowfashionedthecrustOnthatbottlewhosesealyoulastbroke。 Twentyyearswasitsage,didyousay? Twentyyears?Ah,myfriend,itistrue! Allthedreamsthathaveflownsincethatday,Allthehopesinthattimepassedaway,Oldfriend,I’vebeendrinkingwithyou! FATE \"Theskyisclouded,therocksarebare,Thesprayofthetempestiswhiteinair; Thewindsareoutwiththewavesatplay,AndIshallnottempttheseato-day。 \"Thetrailisnarrow,thewoodisdim,Thepantherclingstothearchinglimb; Andthelion’swhelpsareabroadatplay,AndIshallnotjoininthechaseto-day。\" Buttheshipsailedsafelyoverthesea,Andthehunterscamefromthechaseinglee; AndthetownthatwasbuildeduponarockWasswallowedupintheearthquakeshock。 GRANDMOTHERTENTERDEN (MASSACHUSETTSSHORE,1800) Iminditwasbutyesterday: Thesunwasdim,theairwaschill; Belowthetown,belowthehill,Thesailsofmyson’sshipdidfill,—— MyJacob,whowascastaway。 Hesaid,\"Godkeepyou,motherdear,\" Butdidnotturntokisshiswife; Theyhadsomefoolish,idlestrife; Hertonguewaslikeatwo-edgedknife,Andhewasproudasanypeer。 HowbeitthatnightItooknonoteOfseanorsky,forallwasdrear; Imarkednotthatthehillslookednear,Northatthemoon,thoughcurvedandclear,Throughcurd-likescuddiddriveandfloat。 ForwithmydarlingwentthejoyOfautumnwoodsandmeadowsbrown; Icametohatethelittletown; ItseemedasifthesunwentdownWithhim,myonlydarlingboy。 Itwasthemiddleofthenight: Thewind,itshiftedwest-by-south,—— Itpiledhighuptheharbormouth; Themarshes,blackwithsummerdrouth,Wereallabroadwithsea-foamwhite。 Itwasthemiddleofthenight: Theseauponthegardenleapt,Andmyson’swifeinquietslept,AndI,hismother,wakedandwept,Whenlo!therecameasuddenlight。 Andtherehestood!Hisseaman’sdressAllwetanddrippingseemedtobe; ThepalebluefiresoftheseaDrippedfromhisgarmentsconstantly,—— Icouldnotspeakthroughcowardness。 \"Icomethroughnightandstorm,\"hesaid。 \"Throughstormandnightanddeath,\"saidhe,\"Tokissmywife,ifitsobeThatstrifestillholds’twixtherandme,Forallbeyondispeace,\"hesaid。 \"TheseaisHis,andHewhosentThewindandwavecansoothetheirstrifeAndbriefandfoolishisourlife。\" Hestoopedandkissedhissleepingwife,Thensighed,andlikeadreamhewent。 Now,whenmydarlingkissednotme,Buther——hiswife——whodidnotwake,Myheartwithinmeseemedtobreak; Isworeavow,northenceforthspakeOfwhatmyclearereyesdidsee。 Andwhentheslowweeksbroughthimnot,Somehowwespakeofaughtbeside: Forshe——herhopeupheldherpride; AndI——inmeallhopehaddied,Andmysonpassedasifforgot。 Itwasaboutthenextspringtide: Shepinedandfadedwhereshestood,Yetspakenowordofillorgood; Shehadthehard,coldEdwards’bloodInallherveins——andsoshedied。 OnetimeIthought,beforeshepassed,Togiveherpeace;butereIspakeMethought,\"HEwillbefirsttobreakThenewsinheaven,\"andforhissakeIheldminebackuntilthelast。 AndhereIsit,norcaretoroam; Ionlywaittohearhiscall。 IdoubtnotthatthisdaynextfallShallseemesafeinport,whereallAndeveryshipatlastcomeshome。 AndyouhavesailedtheSpanishMain,AndknewmyJacob?……Eh!Mercy! Ah!Godofwisdom!haththeseaYieldeditsdeadtohumbleme? Myboy!……MyJacob!……Turnagain! GUILD’SSIGNAL [WilliamGuildwasengineerofthetrainwhichonthe19thofApril,1813,plungedintoMeadowBrook,onthelineoftheStoningtonandProvidenceRailroad。Itwashiscustom,asoftenashepassedhishome,towhistlean\"All’swell\"tohiswife。Hewasfound,afterthedisaster,dead,withhishandonthethrottle-valveofhisengine。] Twolowwhistles,quaintandclear: Thatwasthesignaltheengineer—— ThatwasthesignalthatGuild,’tissaid—— GavetohiswifeatProvidence,Asthroughthesleepingtown,andthence,Outinthenight,Ontothelight,Downpastthefarms,lyingwhite,hesped! Asahusband’sgreeting,scant,nodoubt,Yettothewomanlookingout,Watchingandwaiting,noserenade,Love-song,ormidnightroundelaySaidwhatthatwhistleseemedtosay: \"Tomytrusttrue,So,love,toyou! Workingorwaiting,good-night!\"itsaid。 Briskyoungbagmen,touristsfine,Oldcommutersalongtheline,Brakemenandportersglancedahead,Smiledasthesignal,sharp,intense,PiercedthroughtheshadowsofProvidence: \"Nothingamiss—— Nothing!——itisOnlyGuildcallinghiswife,\"theysaid。 SummerandwintertheoldrefrainRango’erthebillowsofripeninggrain,Piercedthroughthebuddingboughso’erhead,FlewdownthetrackwhentheredleavesburnedLikelivingcoalsfromtheenginespurned; Sangasitflew,\"Toourtrusttrue,Firstofall,duty。Good-night!\"itsaid。 Andthen,onenight,itwasheardnomoreFromStoningtonoverRhodeIslandshore,AndthefolkinProvidencesmiledandsaidAstheyturnedintheirbeds,\"TheengineerHasonceforgottenhismidnightcheer。\" ONEonlyknew,Tohistrusttrue,Guildlayunderhisengine,dead。 ASPIRINGMISSDELAINE (ACHEMICALNARRATIVE) CertainfactswhichservetoexplainThephysicalcharmsofMissAddieDeLaine,Who,asthecommonreportsobtain,Surpassedincomplexionthelilyandrose; Withaverysweetmouthandaretroussenose; AfigurelikeHebe’s,orthatwhichrevolvesInamilliner’swindow,andpartiallysolvesThatquestionwhichmentorandmoralistpains,Ifgracemayexistminusfeelingorbrains。 Ofcoursetheyoungladyhadbeauxbythescore,Allthatshewanted,——whatgirlcouldaskmore? Loversthatsighedandloversthatswore,Loversthatdancedandloversthatplayed,Menofprofession,ofleisure,andtrade; Butone,whowasdestinedtotakethehighpartOfholdingthatmythicaltreasure,herheart,—— Thislover,thewonderandenvyoftown,Wasapracticingchemist,afellowcalledBrown。 Imighthereremarkthat’twasdoubtedbymany,Inregardtotheheart,ifMissAddiehadany; Butnoonecouldlookinthateloquentface,Withitsexquisiteoutlineandfeaturesofgrace,Andmark,throughthetransparentskin,howthetideEbbedandflowedattheimpulseofpassionorpride,—— Nonecouldlook,whobelievedintheblood’scirculationAsarguedbyHarvey,butsawconfirmationThathere,atleast,Naturehadtriumphedo’erart,Andasfarascomplexionwentshehadaheart。 Butthisparparenthesis。BrownwasthemanPreferredofallotherstocarryherfan,Hookherglove,drapehershawl,anddoallthatabelleMaydemandofthelovershewantstotreatwell。 FolkswonderedandstaredthatafellowcalledBrown—— Abstractedandsolemn,inmanneraclown,Illdressed,withalingeringsmelloftheshop—— Shouldappearasherescortatpartyorhop。 Somesworehehadcookedupsomevillainouscharm,Orlovephilter,notintheregularPharm- Acopoeia,andthus,frompuremaliceprepense,Hadbewitchedandbamboozledtheyounglady’ssense; Othersthought,withmorereason,thesecrettolieInamagicalwashorindelibledye; WhileSociety,withitscensoriouseyeAndjudgmentimpartial,stoodreadytodamnWhatwasn’timproperasbeingasham。 ForafortnightthetownfolkhadallbeenagogWithaparty,thefinesttheseasonhadseen,TobegiveninhonorofMissPollywog,Whowasjustcomingoutasabelleofsixteen。 Theguestswereinvited;butonenightbeforeAcarriagedrewupatthemodestbackdoorOfBrown’slab’ratory,and,fullintheglareOfabigpurplebottle,somecloselyveiledfairAlightedandentered:tomakemattersplain,Spiteofveilsanddisguises,’twasAddieDeLaine。 Asabowerfortruelove,’twashardlytheoneThataladywouldchoosetobewooedinorwon: Noodorofroseorsweetjessamine’ssighBreathedafragrancetohallowtheirpledgeoftrothby,Northebalmthatexhalesfromtheodorousthyme; Butthegaseouseffusionsofchlorideoflime,Andsalts,whichyourchemistdelightstoexplainAsthebaseofthesmelloftheroseandthedrain。 Thinkofthis,Oyeloversofsweetness!andknowWhatyousmellwhenyousnuffupLubinorPinaud。 Ipassbythegreetings,thetransportsandbliss,Whichofcoursedulyfollowedameetinglikethis,Andcomedowntobusiness,——forsuchtheintentOftheladywhonowo’erthecrucibleleant,Intheglowofafurnaceofcarbonandlime,Likeafairycalledupinthenewpantomime,—— Andgivebutherwords,asshecoylylookeddownInreplytothequestioningglancesofBrown: \"Iamtakingthedrops,andamusingthepaste,Andthelittlewhitepowdersthathadasweettaste,Whichyoutoldmewouldbrightentheglanceofmyeye,Andthedepilatory,andalsothedye,AndI’mcharmedwiththetrial;andnow,mydearBrown,Ihaveoneotherfavor,——now,ducky,don’tfrown,—— Onlyone,forachemistandgeniuslikeyouButatrifle,andoneyoucaneasilydo。 Nowlisten:to-morrow,youknow,isthenightOfthebirthdaysoireeofthatPollywogfright; AndI’mtobethere,andthedressIshallwearIsTOOlovely;but\"——\"Butwhatthen,machere?\" SaidBrown,astheladycametoafullstop,Andglancedroundtheshelvesofthelittlebackshop。 \"Well,Iwant——IwantsomethingtofillouttheskirtTotheproperdimensions,withoutbeinggirtInastiffcrinoline,orcagedinahoopThatshowsthroughone’sskirtlikethebarsofacoop; Somethinglight,thataladymaywaltzin,orpolk,WithafreedomthatnonebutyoumasculinefolkEverknow。For,howeverpoorwomanaspires,She’salwaysbounddowntotheearthbythesewires。 Areyoulistening?Nonsense!don’tstarelikeaspoon,Idiotic;somelightthing,andspacious,andsoon—— Somethinglike——well,infact——somethinglikeaballoon!\" Hereshepaused;andhereBrown,overcomebysurprise,Gaveadoubtingassentwithstillwonderingeyes,Andtheladydeparted。ButjustatthedoorSomethinghappened,——’tistrue,ithadhappenedbeforeInthissanctumofscience,——asibilantsound,Likesomeelementjustfromitstrammelsunbound,Ortwosubstancesthattheiraffinitiesfound。 ThenightoftheanxiouslylookedforsoireeHadcome,withitsfaironesingorgeousarray; Withtherattleofwheelsandthetinkleofbells,Andthe\"Howdoyedo’s\"andthe\"Hopeyouarewell’s;\" Andthecrushinthepassage,andlastlingeringlookYougiveasyouhangyourbesthatonthehook; Therushofhotairasthedooropenswide; Andyourentry,——thatblendingofself-possessedprideAndhumilityshowninyourperfect-bredstareAtthefolk,asifwonderinghowtheygotthere; WithothertricksworthyofVanityFair。 Meanwhile,thesafetopic,thebeatoftheroom,Alreadywaslosingitsfreshnessandbloom; Youngpeoplewereyawning,andwonderingwhenThedancewouldcomeoff;andwhydidn’titthen: Whenavagueexpectationwasthrillingthecrowd,Lo!thedoorswungitshingeswithutteranceproud! AndPompeyannounced,withatrumpet-likestrain,TheentranceofBrownandMissAddieDeLaine。 Sheentered;butoh!howimperfecttheverbToexpresstothesenseshermovementsuperb! Tosaythatshe\"sailedin\"moreclearlymighttellHergraceinitsbuoyantandbillowyswell。 Herrobewasavaguecircumambientspace,Withshadowyboundariesmadeofpoint-lace; Therestwasbutguesswork,andwellmightdefyThepowerofcriticalfeminineeyeTodefineordescribe:’twereasfutiletotryThegossamerwebofthecirrustotrace,Floatingfarintheblueofawarmsummersky。 ’MidstthehummingofpraisesandglancesofbeauxThatgreetourfairmaidenwherevershegoes,Brownslippedlikeashadow,grim,silent,andblack,Withalookofanxiety,closeinhertrack。 OncehewhisperedasideinherdelicateearAsentenceofwarning,——itmightbeoffear: \"Don’tstandinadraught,ifyouvalueyourlife。\" (Nothingmore,——suchadvicemightbegivenyourwifeOryoursweetheart,intimesofbronchitisandcough,Withoutmystery,romance,orfrivolousscoff。) Butharktothemusic;thedancehasbegun。 Thecloselydrapedwindowswideopenareflung; Thenotesofthepiccolo,joyousandlight,Likebubblesburstforthonthewarmsummernight。 Roundaboutgothedancers;incirclestheyfly; Trip,trip,gotheirfeetastheirskirtseddyby; Andswifterandlighter,butsomewhattooplain,WhisksthefaircircumvolvingMissAddieDeLaine。 TaglioniandCeritowellmighthavepinedForthevigorandeasethathermovementscombined; E’enRigelbocheneverflunghigherherrobeInthenaughtiestcitythat’sknownontheglobe。 ’Twasamazing,’twasscandalous;lostinsurprise,Someopenedtheirmouths,andafewshuttheireyes。 Buthark!AtthemomentMissAddieDeLaine,CirclingroundattheouteredgeofanellipseWhichbroughtherfairformtothewindowagain,Fromthearmsofherpartnerincautiouslyslips! Andashriekfillstheair,andthemusicisstill,AndthecrowdgatherroundwhereherpartnerforlornStillfrenziedlypointsfromthewidewindow-sillIntospaceandthenight;forMissAddiewasgone! Gonelikethebubblethatburstsinthesun; Gonelikethegrainwhenthereaperisdone; Gonelikethedewonthefreshmorninggrass; Gonewithoutpartingfarewell;andalas! Gonewithaflavorofhydrogengas! Whentheweatherispleasant,youfrequentlymeetAwhite-headedmanslowlypacingthestreet; Histremblinghandshadinghislack-lustreeye,Halfblindwithcontinuallyscanningthesky。 Rumorpointshimassomeastronomicalsage,Re-perusingbydaythecelestialpage; Butthereader,sagacious,willrecognizeBrown,Tryingvainlytoconjurehislostsweetheartdown,Andlearnthesternmoralthisstorymustteach,ThatGeniusmayliftitsloveoutofitsreach。 ALEGENDOFCOLOGNE AbovethebonesSt。Ursulaowns,Andthoseofthevirginsshechaperons; Abovetheboats,Andthebridgethatfloats,AndtheRhineandthesteamers’smokythroats; Abovethechimneysandquaint-tiledroofs,Abovetheclatterofwheelsandhoofs; AboveNewmarket’sopenspace,AbovethatconsecratedplaceWherethegenuinebonesoftheMagiseenare,AndthedozenshopsoftherealFarina; HigherthanevenoldHohestrasse,Whosehousesthreatenthetimidpasser,—— Abovethemall,Throughscaffoldstall,Andspireslikedelicatelimbsinsplinters,ThegreatCologne’sCathedralstonesClimbthroughthestormsofeighthundredwinters。 Unfinishedthere,Inhighmid-airThetowershaltlikeabrokenprayer; Throughyearsbelated,Unconsummated,Thehopeofitsarchitectquitefrustrated。 ItsveryyouthTheysay,forsooth,Withaquiteimproperpurposemated; AndeverystoneWithacurseofitsownInsteadofthatsermonShakespearestated,Sincethedayitschoir,Whichalladmire,ByCologne’sArchbishopwasconsecrated。 Ah!THATwasaday,Onewellmightsay,Tobemarkedwiththelargest,whiteststoneTobefoundinthetowersofallCologne! AlongtheRhine,FromoldRheinstein,Thepeopleflowedliketheirowngoodwine。 FromRudesheim,AndGeisenheim,Andeveryspotthatisknowntorhyme; FromthefamedCat’sCastleofSt。Goarshausen,TothepicturedroofsofAssmannshausen,Anddownthetrack,FromquaintSchwalbachTotheclusteringtilesofBacharach; FromBingen,henceTooldCoblentz: Fromeverycastellatedcrag,Wheretherobberchieftainskepttheir\"swag,\" Thefolkflowedin,andOber-CasselShonewiththepompofknightandvassal; Andpouringinfromnearandfar,AstheRhinetoitsbosomdrawstheAhr,OrtakesthearmofthesoberMosel,SoinCologne,knight,squire,andlosel,Chokedupthecity’sgateswithmenFromoldSt。StephentoZintMarjen。 Whathadtheycometosee?Ahme! Ifearnoglitterofpageantry,NorsacredzealForChurch’sweal,Norfaithinthevirgins’bonestoheal; NorchildliketrustinfrankconfessionDrewthese,who,dyedindeeptransgression,StillineachnestOneverycrestKeptstolengoodsintheirpossession; ButonlytheirgoutForsomethingnew,Morerarethanthe\"roast\"ofawanderingJew; Or——tobeexact—— Tosee——infact—— AChristiansoul,intheveryactOfbeingdamned,secundumartem,Bythedevil,beforeasoulcouldpart’em。 ForarumorhadflownThroughoutCologneThatthechurch,infact,wasthedevil’sown; Thatitsarchitect(Beinglong\"suspect\") HadconfessedtotheBishopthathehadwreckedNotonlyhisOWNsoul,buthadlostTheVERYFIRSTCHRISTIANSOULthatcrossedThesacredthreshold:andall,infine,ForthatverybeautifuldesignOfthewonderfulchoirTheywerepleasedtoadmire。 Andreally,hemustbeallowedtosay—— Tospeakinapurelybusinessway—— That,takingtherulingmarketpricesOfsoulsandchurches,insuchacrisisItwouldbeshown—— AndhisGracemustown—— ItwasreallyaBARGAINforCologne! SuchwasthetaleThatturnedcheekspaleWiththethoughtthattheenemymightprevail,AndthechurchdoorssnapWithathunderclapOnaChristiansoulinthatdevil’strap。 Butawiserfew,WhothoughtthattheyknewCologne’sArchbishop,replied,\"Pooh,pooh! Justwatchhimandwait,Andassureasfate,You’llfindthattheBishopwillgivecheckmate。\" OneheremightnoteHowthepopularvote,Asshowninalllegendsandanecdote,DeclaresthatabreachOftrusttoo’erreachThedevilissomethingquiteproperforeach。 And,really,ifyouGivethedevilhisdueInspiteoftheproverb——it’ssomethingyou’llrue。 Buttolieanddeceivehim,Touseandtoleavehim,FromJobuptoFaustisthewaytoreceivehim,ThoughnoonehasheardIteveraverredThatthe\"FatherofLies\"everyetbrokeHISword,Buthasleftthisposition,Ineverytradition,Tobetakenalonebythe\"truth-loving\"Christian! Bom!fromthetower! Itisthehour! Thehostpoursin,initspompandpowerOfbannersandpyx,Andhighcrucifix,Andcrosiersandotherprocessionalsticks,AndnoendofMarysInquaintreliquaries,Togladdenthesoulsofalltrueantiquaries; AndanOsculumPacis(AmythtothemassesWhotrustedtheirbonesmoretomailandcuirasses)—— AllbornebythethrongWhoaremarchingalongTothesquareoftheDomwithprocessionalsong,Withtheflaringofdips,Andbendingofhips,Andthechantingofhundredperfunctorylips; AndsomegoodlittleboysWhohadcomeupfromNeussAndtheQuirinuskirchetoshowofftheirvoice: AllmarchtothesquareOfthegreatDom,andthereFilerightandleft,leavingaloneandquitebareAcoveredsedan,Containing——soranTherumor——thevictimtotakeofftheban。 Theyhaveleftitalone,TheyhavesprinkledeachstoneOftheporchwithasanctifiedEaudeCologne,GuaranteedinthiscaseTodisguiseeverytraceOfasulphurouspresenceinthatsacredplace。 TwoCarmelitesstandOntherightandlefthandOfthecoveredsedanchair,towaitthecommandOftheprelatetothrowUpthecoverandshowTheformofthevictiminterrorbelow。 There’sapauseandaprayer,Thenthesignal,andthere—— IsaWOMAN!——byallthatisgoodandisfair! Awoman!andknownTothemall——onemustownTOOWELLKNOWNtothemany,to-daytobeshownAsamartyr,ore’enAsaChristian!AqueenOfpleasanceandrevel,ofglitterandsheen; SobadthattheworstOfColognespakeupfirst,Anddeclared’twasanoutragetosufferonecurst,AndalreadyafiefOftheSatanicchief,TomartyrherselffortheChurch’srelief。 ButinvainfelltheirsneerOnthemob,whoIfearOnthewholefeltastrongdispositiontocheer。 Awoman!andthereShestandsintheglareOfthepitilesssunandtheirpityingstare,—— Awomanstillyoung,WithgarmentsthatclungToafigure,thoughwastedwithpassionandwrungWithremorseanddespair,Yetstillpassingfair,Withjewelsandgoldinherdarkshininghair,Andcheeksthatarefaint’Neathherdyesandherpaint。 Awomanmostsurely——buthardlyasaint! Shemoves。ShehasgoneFromtheirpityandscorn; ShehasmountedaloneThefirststepofstone,Andthehighswingingdoorsshewideopenhasthrown,Thenpausesandturns,AsthealtarblazeburnsOnhercheeks,andwithonesuddengestureshespurnsArchbishopandPrior,Knight,ladye,andfriar,Andhervoiceringsouthighfromthevaultofthechoir。 \"OmenofCologne! WhatIWASyehaveknown; WhatIAM,asIstandhere,Oneknowethalone。 IfitbebutHiswillIshallpassfromHimstill,Lost,curst,anddegraded,Ireckonnoill; IfstillbythatsignOfHisangerdivineOnesoulshallhesaved,Hehathblessedmorethanmine。 OmenofCologne! Standforth,ifyeownAfaithliketothis,ormorefittoatone,Andtakeyemyplace,AndGodgiveyougraceTostandandconfrontHim,likeme,facetoface!\" Shepaused。YetaloofTheyallstand。NoreproofBreaksthesilencethatfillsthecelestialroof。 Oneinstant——nomore—— Shehaltsatthedoor,Thenenters!……AfloodfromtherooftothefloorFillsthechurchrosyred。 Sheisgone! Butinstead,WhoisthisleaningforwardwithglorifiedheadAndhandsstretchedtosave? SurethisisnoslaveOfthePowersofDarkness,withaspectsobrave! Theypresstothedoor,Buttoolate!Alliso’er。 Naughtremainsbutawoman’sformproneonthefloor; ButtheystillseeatraceOfthatglowinherfaceThattheysawinthelightofthealtar’shighblazeOntheimagethatstandsWiththebabeinitshandsEnshrinedinthechurchesofallChristianlands。 ATeDeumsung,Acenserhighswung,Withpraise,benediction,andincensewide-flung,ProclaimthattheCURSE ISREMOVED——andnoworseIstheDomforthetrial——infact,theREVERSE; ForinsteadoftheirlosingAsoulinabusingTheEvilOne’sfaith,theygainedoneofhischoosing。 Thusthelegendistold: YouwillfindintheoldVaultedaislesoftheDom,stiffinmarbleorcoldInironandbrass,Ingownandcuirass,Theknights,priests,andbishopswhocametothatMass; Andhigho’ertherest,Withherbabeatherbreast,TheimageofMaryMadonnatheblest。 Butyoulookroundinvain,Oneachhighpicturedpane,Forthewomanmostworthytowalkinhertrain。 Yet,standingto-dayO’erthedustandtheclay,’Midsttheghostsofalifethathaslongpassedaway,Withtheslow-sinkingsunLookingsoftlyuponThatstained-glassprocession,IscarcemisstheoneThatitdoesnotreveal,ForIknowandIfeelThatthesearebutshadows——thewomanwasreal! THETALEOFAPONY Nameofmyheroine,simply\"Rose;\" Surname,tolerableonlyinprose; Habitat,Paris,——thatiswhereSheresidedforchangeofair; Aetattwenty;complexionfair; Rich,goodlooking,anddebonnaire; SmarterthanJerseylightning。There! That’sherphotograph,donewithcare。 InParis,whatevertheydobesides,EVERYLADYINFULLDRESSRIDES! MoireantiquesyounevermeetSweepingthefilthofadirtystreetButeverywoman’sclaimtotonDependsuponTheteamshedrives,whetherphaeton,Landau,orbritzka。Henceit’splainThatRose,whowasofhertoiletvain,ShouldhaveateamthatoughttobeEqualtoanyinallParis! \"Bringforththehorse!\"ThecommissaireBowed,andbroughtMissRoseapairLeadinganequipagerichandrare。 Whydoththatlovelyladystare? Why?ThetailoftheoffgraymareIsbobbed,byallthat’sgoodandfair! Liketheshaving-brushesthatsoldierswear,ScarcelyshowingasmuchbackhairAsTamO’Shanter’s\"Meg,\"——andthere,Lordknows,she’dlittleenoughtospare。 ThatstareandfrowntheFrenchmanknew,Butdidaswell-bredFrenchmendo: Raisedhisshouldersabovehiscrown,Joinedhisthumbswiththefingersdown,Andsaid,\"Ah,Heaven!\"——then,\"Mademoiselle,Delayoneminute,andalliswell!\" Hewent——returned;bywhatgoodchanceThesethingsaremanagedsowellinFranceIcannotsay,buthemadethesale,Andthebob-tailedmarehadaflowingtail。 AllthatisfalseinthisworldbelowBetraysitselfinaloveofshow; IndignantNaturehidesherlashInthepurple-blackofadyedmustache; TheshallowestfopwilltripinFrench,Thewould-becriticwillmisquoteTrench; Inshort,you’realwayssuretodetectAshaminthethingsfolksmostaffect; Bean-podsarenoisiestwhendry,Andyoualwayswinkwithyourweakesteye: Andthat’sthereasontheoldgraymareForeverhadhertailintheair,Withflourishesbeyondcompare,ThougheverywhiskIncurredtheriskOfleavingthatsensitiveregionbare。 Shedidsomethingsthatyoucouldn’tbutfeelShewouldn’thavedonehadhertailbeenreal。 ChampsElysees:time,pastfive。 Theregothecarriages,——lookalive! Everythingthatmancandrive,Orhisinventiveskillcontrive,—— YankeebuggyorEnglish\"chay,\" Dog-cart,droschky,andsmartcoupe,Adesobligeantequitebulky(FrenchideaofaYankeesulky); Bandinthedistanceplayingamarch,Footmanstandingstiffasstarch; Savans,lorettes,deputies,Arch- Bishops,andtheretogetherrangeSous-lieutenantsandcent-gardes(strangeWaythesesoldier-chapsmakechange),Mixedwithblack-eyedPolishdames,Withunpronounceableawfulnames; Lacestrembleandribbonsflout,Coachmenwrangleandgendarmesshout—— Blessus!whatistherowabout? Ah!herecomesRosy’snewturnout! Smart!Youbetyourlife’twasthat! Nifty!(shortformagnificat)。 Mulberrypanels,——heraldicspread,—— Ebonywheelspickedoutwithred,Andtwograymaresthatwerethoroughbred: Nowonderthateverydandy’sheadWasturnedbytheturnout,——and’twassaidThatCaskowhisky(friendoftheCzar),Averygoodwhip(asRussiansare),WastiedtoRosy’striumphalcar,Entranced,thereaderwillunderstand,By\"ribbons\"thatgracedherheadandhand。 Alas!thehouryouthinkwouldcrownYourhighestwishesshouldletyoudown! OrFateshouldturn,byyourownmischance,Yourvictor’scartoanambulance,Fromcloudlessheavensherlightningsglance! (Andthesethingshappen,eveninFrance。) AndsoMissRose,asshetrottedby,Thecynosureofeveryeye,Sawtoherhorrortheoffmareshy,FlourishhertailsoexceedinglyhighThat,disregardingtheclosesttie,Andwithoutgivingareasonwhy,SheflungthattailsofreeandfriskyOffinthefaceofCaskowhisky。 Excuses,blushes,smiles:infine,Endofthepony’stail,andmine! ONACONEOFTHEBIGTREES (SEQUOIAGIGANTEA) BrownfoundlingoftheWesternwood,Babeofprimevalwildernesses! LongonmytablethouhaststoodEncountersstrangeandrudecaresses; Perchancecontentedwiththylot,Surroundingsnew,andcuriousfaces,AsthoughtencenturieswerenotImprisonedinthyshiningcases。 Thoubring’stmebackthehalcyondaysOfgratefulrest,theweekofleisure,Thejourneylappedinautumnhaze,Thesweetfatiguethatseemedapleasure,Themorningride,thenoondayhalt,Theblazingslopes,thereddustrising,Andthenthedim,brown,columnedvault,Withitscool,damp,sepulchralspicing。 OncemoreIseetherockingmastsThatscrapethesky,theironlytenantThejay-bird,thatinfroliccastsFromsomehighyardhisbroadbluepennant。 IseetheIndianfilesthatkeepTheirplacesinthedustyheather,Theirredtrunksstandingankle-deepInmoccasinsofrustyleather。 Iseeallthis,andmarvelmuchThatthou,sweetwoodlandwaif,artableTokeepthecompanyofsuchAsthrongthyfriend’s——thepoet’s——table: Thelatestspawnthepresshathcast,—— The\"modernpopes,\"\"thelaterByrons,\"—— Why,e’enthebestmaynotoutlastThypoorrelation——Sempervirens。 ThysiresawthelightthatshoneOnMohammed’supliftedcrescent,OnmanyaroyalgildedthroneAnddeedforgotteninthepresent; HesawtheageofsacredtreesAndDruidgrovesandmysticlarches; AndsawfromforestdomesliketheseThebuilderbringhisGothicarches。 Andmustthou,foundling,stillforegoThyheritageandhighambition,Toliefulllowlyandfulllow,Adjustedtothynewcondition? Nothiddeninthedriftedsnows,Butunderink-dropsidlyspattered,AndleavesephemeralasthoseThatonthywoodlandtombwerescattered? Yetliethouthere,Ofriend!andspeakThemoralofthysimplestory: Thoughlifeisallthatthoudostseek,Andagealonethycrownofglory,NotthinetheonlygermsthatfailThepurposeoftheirhighcreation,IftheirpoortenementsavailForworldlyshowandostentation。 LONEMOUNTAIN (CEMETERY,SANFRANCISCO) ThisisthathillofaweThatPersianSindbadsaw,—— Themountmagnetic; Andonitsseawardface,Scatteredalongitsbase,Thewrecksprophetic。 HerecometheargosiesBlownbyeachidlebreeze,Toandfroshifting; YettothehillofFateAlldrawing,soonorlate,—— Daybydaydrifting; DriftingforeverhereBarksthatformanyayearBravedwindandweather; ShallopsbutyesterdayLaunchedonyonshiningbay,—— Drawnalltogether。 Thisistheendofall: Sunthyselfbythewall,OpoorerHindbad! EnvynotSindbad’sfame: HerecomealikethesameHindbadandSindbad。 ALNASCHAR Here’syertoyballoons!Allsizes! Twentycentsforthat。ItrisesJestasquickasthat’ere,Miss,Twiceasbig。YeseeitisSomemorefancy。MakeitsquareFiftyfor’emboth。That’sfair。 That’sthesixthI’vesoldsincenoon。 Trade’sreviving。JustassoonAsthislot’sworkedoff,I’lltakeWholesalefiggers。Makeorbreak,—— That’smymotto!ThenI’llbuyInsomefirst-classlotteryOnehalfticket,numberedright—— AsIdreamedaboutlastnight。 That’llfetchit。Don’ttellme! Whenaman’sinluck,yousee,Allthingshelphim。EverychanceHitshimlikeanavalanche。 Here’syourtoyballoons,Miss。Eh? Youwon’tturnyourfacethisway? Mebbeyou’llbegladsomeday。 WiththatcleartenthousandprizeThis’yertradeI’lldrop,andriseIntowholesale。No!I’lltakeStocksinWallStreet。Makeorbreak,—— That’smymotto!Withmyluck,Where’sthechanceofbeingstuck? Callitsixtythousand,clear,MadeinWallStreetinoneyear。 Sixtythousand!Umph!Let’ssee! Bondandmortgage’lldoforme。 Good!ThatgalthatpassedmebyScornfullike——why,mebbeI Someday’llholdinpawn——whynot?—— Allherfather’sprop。She’llspotWhat’smylittlegame,andseeWhatI’mafter’sHER。He!he! He!he!Whenshecomestosue—— Let’ssee!What’sthethingtodo? Kickher?No!There’stheperliss! Sorterthrowherofflikethis。 Hello!Stop!Help!Murder!Hey! There’smywholestockgotaway,Kitingonthehouse-tops!Lost! Allapoorman’sfortin!Cost? Twentydollars!Eh!What’sthis? Fiftycents!Godblessye,Miss! THETWOSHIPS AsIstandbythecrossonthelonemountain’screst,Lookingovertheultimatesea,Inthegloomofthemountainashipliesatrest,Andonesailsawayfromthelea: Onespreadsitswhitewingsonafar-reachingtrack,Withpennantandsheetflowingfree; Onehidesintheshadowwithsailslaidaback,—— Theshipthatiswaitingforme! Butlo!inthedistancethecloudsbreakaway,TheGate’sglowingportalsIsee; AndIhearfromtheoutgoingshipinthebayThesongofthesailorsinglee。 SoIthinkoftheluminousfootprintsthatboreThecomforto’erdarkGalilee,Andwaitforthesignaltogototheshore,Totheshipthatiswaitingforme。 ADDRESS (OPENINGOFTHECALIFORNIATHEATRE,SANFRANCISCO,JANUARY19,1870) Briefwords,whenactionswait,arewell: Theprompter’shandisonhisbell; Thecomingheroes,lovers,kings,Areidlyloungingatthewings; Behindthecurtain’smysticfoldTheglowingfutureliesunrolled; Andyet,onemomentforthePast,Oneretrospect,——thefirstandlast。 \"Theworld’sastage,\"theMastersaid。 To-nightamightiertruthisread: Notintheshiftingcanvasscreen,Theflashofgasortinselsheen; NotintheskillwhosesignalcallsFromemptyboardsbaronialhalls; But,frontingseaandcurvingbay,Beholdtheplayersandtheplay。 Ah,friends!beneathyourrealskiesTheactor’sshort-livedtriumphdies: Onthatbroadstageofempirewon,Whosefootlightswerethesettingsun,WhoseflatsadistantbackgroundroseIntracklesspeaksofendlesssnows; Heregeniusbows,andtalentwaitsTocopythatbutOnecreates。 Yourshiftingscenes:theleagueofsand,Anavenuebyoceanspanned; Thenarrowbeachofstragglingtents,Amileofstatelymonuments; Yourstandard,lo!aflagunfurled,Whoseclingingfoldsclasphalftheworld,—— Thisisyourdrama,builtonfacts,With\"twentyyearsbetweentheacts。\" Onemomentmore:ifhereweraiseTheoft-sunghymnoflocalpraise,Beforethecurtainfactsmustsway; HEREwaitsthemoralofyourplay。 Glassedinthepoet’sthought,youviewWhatmoneycan,yetcannotdo; Thefaiththatsoars,thedeedsthatshine,Abovethegoldthatbuildstheshrine。 Andoh!whenotherstakeourplace,AndEarth’sgreencurtainhidesourface,Ereonthestage,sosilentnow,Thelastnewheromakeshisbow: Somayourdeeds,recalledoncemoreInMemory’ssweetbutbriefencore,Downallthecirclingagesrun,Withtheworld’splauditof\"Welldone!\" DOLLYVARDEN DearDolly!whodoesnotrecallThethrillingpagethatpicturedallThosecharmsthatheldoursenseinthrallJustastheartistcaughther,—— AsdownthatEnglishlaneshetripped,Inboweredchintz,hatsidewaystipped,Trim-bodiced,bright-eyed,roguish-lipped,—— Thelocksmith’sprettydaughter? SweetfragmentoftheMaster’sart! Osimplefaith!Orusticheart! OmaidthathathnocounterpartInlife’sdry,dog-earedpages! Whereshallwefindthylike?Ah,stay! MethinksIsawheryesterdayInchintzthatflowered,asonemightsay,Perennialforages。 Herfather’smodestcotwasstone,Fivestorieshigh;instyleandtoneComposite,and,Ifranklyown,WithinitswallsrevealingSomecertainnovel,strangeideas: AGothicdoorwithRomanpiers,Andfloorsremovedsomethousandyears,FromtheirPompeianceiling。 ThesmallsalonwhereshereceivedWasLouisQuatorze,andrelievedByChinesecabinets,conceivedGrotesquelybytheheathen; Thesofaswereaclassicsight,—— TheRomanbench(sediliahight); ThechairswereFrenchingoldandwhite,AndoneElizabethan。 Andshe,thegoddessofthatshrine,Tworingedfingersplacedinmine,—— Thestonesweremanycaratsfine,Andofthepurestwater,—— Thendroppedacurtsy,farenoughTofairlyfillhercretonnepuffAndshowthepetticoat’srichstuffThatherfondparentboughther。 Herspeechwassimpleasherdress,—— NotFrenchthemore,butEnglishless,Sheloved;yetsometimes,Iconfess,Iscarcecouldcomprehendher。 Hermannerswerequitefarfromshy。 TherewasaquietinhereyeAppallingtotheHughwho’dtryWithrudenesstooffendher。 \"Butwhence,\"Icried,\"thismasquerade? Somefigureforto-night’scharade,AWatteaushepherdessormaid?\" Shesmiledandbeggedmypardon: \"Why,surelyyoumustknowthename,—— ThatwomanwhowasShakespeare’sflameOrByron’s,——well,it’sallthesame: Why,Lord!I’mDollyVarden!\" TELEMACHUSVERSUSMENTOR Don’tmindme,Ibegyou,oldfellow,——I’lldoverywellherealone; Youmustnotbekeptfromyour\"German\"becauseI’vedroppedinlikeastone。 Leaveallceremonybehindyou,leaveallthoughtofaughtbutyourself; Andleave,ifyoulike,theMadeira,andadozencigarsontheshelf。 Asforme,youwillsaytoyourhostess——well,Iscarcelyneedgiveyouacue。 Chantmypraise!AllwilllisttoApollo,thoughMercurypipetoafew。 Sayjustwhatyouplease,mydearboy;there’smoreeloquenceliesinyouth’srashOutspokenheart-impulsethanevergrowledunderthisgrizzlingmustache。 Go,donthedresscoatofourtyrant,——youth’spanopliedarmorforfight,—— Andtiethewhiteneckcloththatrumples,likepleasure,andlastsbutanight; AndpraytheNineGodstoavertyouwhattimetheThreeSistersshallfrown,Andyou’llloseyourhigh-comedyfigure,andsitmoreateaseinyourgown。 He’soff!There’shisfootonthestaircase。ByJove,whatabound! ReallynowDidIeverleaplikethisspringald,withLove’schapletgreenonmybrow? WasIsuchanass?No,Ifancy。Indeed,IrememberquiteplainAgravitymixedwithmytransports,acheerfulnesssoftenedmypain。 He’sgone!There’stheslamofhiscabdoor,there’stheclatterofhoofsandthewheels; Andwhilehethelighttoeistripping,inthisarmchairI’lltiltupmyheels。 He’sgone,andforwhat?Foratremorfromawaistlikeateetotumspun; Forarosebudthat’scrumpledbymanybeforeitisgatheredbyone。 Istherenaughtinthehaloofyouthbuttheglowofapassionaterace——’Midstthecheersandapplauseofacrowd——tothegoalofabeautifulface? Aracethatisnottotheswift,aprizethatnomeritsenforce,Butiswonbysomefaineantyouth,whoshallsimplywalkoverthecourse? Poorboy!shallIshockhisconceit?Whenhetalksofhercheek’sloveliness,ShallIsay’twastheairoftheroom,andwasduetocarbonicexcess? Thatwhenwaltzingshedroopedonhisbreast,andtheveinsofhereyelidsgrewdim,’Twasoxygen’sabsenceshefelt,butneverthepresenceofhim? ShallItellhimfirstloveisafraud,aweaklingthat’sstrangledinbirth,Recalledwithperfunctorytears,butlostinunsanctifiedmirth? OrshallIgobidhimbelieveinallwomankind’scharm,andforgetInthelightringinglaughoftheworldtherattlesnake’sgaycastanet? ShallItearoutaleaffrommyheart,fromthatbookthatforeverisshutOnthepast?ShallIspeakofmyfirstlove——Augusta——myLalage? ButIforget。WasitreallyAugusta?No。’TwasLucy!No。Mary! No。Di! Nevermind!theywereallfirstandfaithless,andyet——I’veforgottenjustwhy。 No,no!Lethimdreamonandever。Alas!hewillwakentoosoon; Anditdoesn’tlookwellforOctobertoalwaysbepreachingatJune。 Poorboy!Allhisfondfoolishtrophiespinnedyonder——abowfromHERhair,Afewbillets-doux,invitations,and——what’sthis?Myname,I declare! Humph!\"You’llcome,forI’vegotyouaprize,withbeautyandmoneynoend: Youknowher,Ithink;’twasonditsheoncewasengagedtoyourfriend; Butshesaysthat’sallover。\"Ah,isit?SweetEthel!incomparablemaid! Or——whatifthethingwereatrick?——thislettersofreelydisplayed!—— Myopportunepresence!No!nonsense!Willnobodyanswerthebell? Callacab!Halfpastten。Nottoolateyet。Oh,Ethel!Whydon’tyougo?Well? \"Mastersaidyouwouldwait\"——Hangyourmaster!\"HaveIeveramessagetosend?\" Yes,tellhimI’vegonetotheGermantodancewiththefriendofhisfriend。