WHATTHEWOLFREALLYSAIDTOLITTLEREDRIDING-HOOD
Wonderingmaiden，sopuzzledandfair，Whydostthoumurmurandponderandstare？
\"Whyaremyeyelidssoopenandwild？\"
Onlythebettertoseewith，mychild！
OnlythebetterandclearertoviewCheeksthatarerosyandeyesthatareblue。
Dostthoustillwonder，andaskwhythesearmsFillthysoftbosomwithtenderalarms，Swayingsowickedly？AretheymisplacedClaspingorshieldingsomedelicatewaist？
HandswhosecoarsesinewsmayfillyouwithfearOnlythebetterprotectyou，mydear！
LittleRedRiding-Hood，wheninthestreet，WhydoIpressyoursmallhandwhenwemeet？
Why，whenyoutimidlyofferedyourcheek，WhydidIsigh，andwhydidn’tIspeak？
Why，well：yousee——ifthetruthmustappear——
I’mnotyourgrandmother，Riding-Hood，dear！
HALFANHOURBEFORESUPPER
\"Soshe’shere，yourunknownDulcinea，theladyyoumetonthetrain，Andyoureallybelieveshewouldknowyouifyouweretomeetheragain？\"
\"Ofcourse，\"hereplied，\"shewouldknowme；thereneverwaswomankindyetForgottheeffectsheinspired。Sheexcuses，butdoesnotforget。\"
\"Thenyoutoldheryourlove？\"askedtheelder。Theyoungerlookedupwithasmile：
\"Isatbyhersidehalfanhour——whatelsewasIdoingthewhile？
\"What，sitbythesideofawomanasfairasthesuninthesky，Andlooksomewhereelselestthedazzleflashbackfromyourowntohereye？
\"No，Iholdthatthespeechofthetonguebeasfrankandasboldasthelook，AndIheldupherselftoherself，——thatwasmorethanshegotfromherbook。\"
\"Youngblood！\"laughedtheelder；\"nodoubtyouarevoicingthemodeofTo-Day：
Butthenweoldfogiesatleastgavetheladysomechancefordelay。
\"There’smywife（youmustknow），——wefirstmetonthejourneyfromFlorencetoRome：
Ittookmethreeweekstodiscoverwhowassheandwherewasherhome；
\"Threemoretobedulypresented；threemoreereIsawheragain；
AndayeareremyromanceBEGANwhereyoursendedthatdayonthetrain。\"
\"Oh，thatwasthestyleofthestage-coach；wetravelto-daybyexpress；
Fortymilestothehour，\"heanswered，\"won’tadmitofapassionthat’sless。\"
\"Butwhatifyoumakeamistake？\"quoththeelder。Theyoungerhalfsighed。
\"Whathappenswhensignalsarewrongorswitchesmisplaced？\"hereplied。
\"Verywell，Imustbowtoyourwisdom，\"theelderreturned，\"butsubmitYourchancesofwinningthiswomanyourboldnesshasbetterednowhit。
\"Why，youdonotatbestknowhername。AndwhatifItryyouridealWithsomething，ifnotquitesofair，atleastmoreenregleandreal？
\"Letmefindyouapartner。Nay，come，Iinsist——youshallfollow——
thisway。
Mydear，willyounotaddyourgracetoentreatMr。Rapidtostay？
\"Mywife，Mr。Rapid——Eh，what！Why，he’sgone——yethesaidhewouldcome。
Howrude！Idon’twonder，mydear，youareproperlycrimsonanddumb！\"
WHATTHEBULLETSANG
OjoyofcreationTobe！
OrapturetoflyAndbefree！
Bethebattlelostorwon，Thoughitssmokeshallhidethesun，Ishallfindmylove，——theoneBornforme！
Ishallknowhimwherehestands，Allalone，WiththepowerinhishandsNoto’erthrown；
Ishallknowhimbyhisface，Byhisgodlikefrontandgrace；
Ishallholdhimforaspace，Allmyown！
Itishe——Omylove！
Sobold！
ItisI——allthyloveForetold！
ItisI。Olove！whatbliss！
Dostthouanswertomykiss？
Osweetheart！whatisthisLieththeresocold？
THEOLDCAMP-FIRE
Nowshifttheblanketpadbeforeyoursaddlebackyoufling，Anddrawyourcinchuptightertillthesweatdropsfromthering：
We’veadozenmilestocovererewereachthenextdivide。
Ourlimbsarestiffernowthanwhenwefirstsetouttoride，Andworse，thehorsesknowit，andfeeltheleg-griptire，Sinceinthedayswhen，longago，wesoughttheoldcamp-fire。
Yes，twentyyears！Lord！howwe’dscentitsincensedownthetrail，Throughbalmofbayandspiceofspruce，wheneyeandearwouldfail，Andwornandfaintfromuselessquestwecrept，likethis，torest，Or，flushedwithluckandyouthfulhope，werode，likethis，abreast。
Ay！straightenup，oldfriend，andletthemustangthinkhe’snigher，Throughlooserreinandstirrupstrain，thewelcomeoldcamp-fire。
Youknowtheshoutthatwouldringoutbeforeusdowntheglade，Andstartthebluejayslikeaflightofarrowsthroughtheshade，Andsiftthethinpineneedlesdownlikeslanting，shiningrain，Andsendthesquirrelsscamperingbacktotheirholesagain，Untilwesaw，blue-veiledanddim，orleapinglikedesire，Thatflameoftwentyyearsago，whichlittheoldcamp-fire。
AndthenthatrestonNature’sbreast，whentalkhaddropped，andslowThenightwindwentfromtreetotreewithchallengesoftandlow！
Welayonlazyelbowspropped，orstoodtostirtheflame，Tillupthesoaringredwood’sshaftourshadowsdancedandcame，Asiftodrawuswiththesparks，higho’eritsunseenspire，Tothefivestarsthatkepttheirwardabovetheoldcamp-fire，——
Thosepicketstarswhosetranquilwatchhalfsoothed，halfshamedoursleep。
Whatreckedwethenwhatbeastsormenaroundmightlurkorcreep？
Welayandheardwithlistlessearsthefar-offpanther’scry，Thenearcoyote’ssnarlingsnap，thegrizzly’sdeep-drawnsigh，Thebrownbear’sblunderinghumantread，thegraywolves’yelpingchoirBeyondthemagiccircledrawnaroundtheoldcamp-fire。
Andthenthatmorn！Wasevermornsofilledwithallthingsnew？
Thelightthatfellthroughlongbrownaislesfromoutthekindlingblue，Thecreakandyawnofstretchingboughs，thejay-bird’searlycall，Therat-tat-tatofwoodpeckerthatwakedthewoodlandhall，Thefainterstiroflowerlifeinfernandbrakeandbrier，TillflashingleapedthetorchofDayfromlastnight’soldcamp-fire！
Well，well！we’llseeitonceagain；weshouldbenearitnow；
It’sscarceamiletowherethetrailstrikesofftoskirttheslough，AndthenthediptoIndianSpring，thewoodedrise，and——strange！
Yethereshouldstandtheblastedpinethatmarkedourfartherrange；
Andhere——what’sthis？Araggedswabofrutsandstumpsandmire！
Surethisisnotthesacredgrovethathidtheoldcamp-fire！
Yethere’sthe\"blaze\"Icutmyself，andthere’sthestumblingledge，Withquartz\"outcrop\"thatlayatop，nowleveledtoitsedge，Andmoundsofmoss-grownstumpsbesidethewoodman’srottingchips，Andgashesinthehillside，thatgapewithdumbredlips。
Andyetabovetheshatteredwreckandruin，curlinghigher——
Ahyes！——stillliftsthesmokethatmarkedthewelcomeoldcamp-fire！
PerhapssomefriendoftwentyyearsstilllingerstheretoraiseTowearyheartsandtiredeyesthatbeaconofolddays。
Perhapsbutstay；’tisgone！andyetoncemoreitliftsasthoughTomeetourtardyblunderingsteps，andseemstoMOVE，andlo！
Whirlsbyusinarushofsound，——thevanishedfuneralpyreOfhopesandfearsthattwentyyearsburnedintheoldcamp-fire！
Forsee，beyondtheprospectspreads，withchimney，spire，androof，——
Twoironbandsacrossthetrailclanktoourmustang’shoof；
Abovethemleaptwoblackenedthreadsfromlimb-loppedtreetotree，Towherethewhitewashedstationspeedsitsmessagetothesea。
Reinin！Reinin！Thequestiso’er。ThegoalofourdesireIsbutthetrainwhosetrackhaslainacrosstheoldcamp-fire！
THESTATION-MASTEROFLONEPRAIRIE
Anemptybench，askyofgrayestetching，Abare，bleakshedinblackestsilhouette，Twelveyearsofplatform，andbeforethemstretchingTwelvemilesofprairieglimmeringthroughthewet。
North，south，east，west，——thesamedullgraypersistence，Thetatteredvaporsofavanishedtrain，Thenarrowingrailsthatmeettopiercethedistance，Orbreakthecolumnsofthefar-offrain。
Naughtbutmyself；norformnorfigurebreakingThelonghushedlevelandstarkshiningwaste；
Nothingthatmovestofillthevisionaching，Whenthelastshadowfledinsullenhaste。
Nothingbeyond。Ahyes！FromoutthestationAstiff，gauntfigurethrownagainstthesky，BeckoningmewithsomewoodensalutationCaughtfromhissignalsasthetrainflashedby；
YieldingmeplacebesidehimwithdumbgestureBornofthatreticenceofskyandair。
Wesitapart，yetwrappedinthatonevestureOfsilence，sadness，andunspokencare：
Eachfollowinghisownthought，——aroundusdarkeningTherain-washedboundariesandstretchingtrack，——
EachfollowingthosedimparallelsandhearkeningForlong-lostvoicesthatwillnotcomeback。
Until，unasked，——Iknewnotwhyorwherefore，——
Heyielded，bitbybit，hisdrearypast，LikegatheredcloudsthatseemedtothickenthereforSomedulldown-droppingoftheircareatlast。
Longhadhelivedthere。AsaboyhadstartedFromthestackedcorntheIndian’spaintedface；
Heardthewolves’howlthewearyingwastethatpartedHisfather’shutfromthelastcamping-place。
Naturehadmockedhim：thricehadclaimedthereaping，Withscytheoffire，oflandssheoncehadsown；
Sentthetornado，roundhishearthstoneheapingRafters，deadfacesthatwerelikehisown。
ThencametheWarTime。WhenitsshadowbeckonedHehadwalkeddumblywheretheflaghadledThroughswampandfen，——unknown，unpraised，unreckoned，——
Tofamine，fever，andaprisonbed。
Tillthestormpassed，andtheslowtidereturningCasthim，awreck，beneathhisnativesky；
Here，athiswatch，gavehimthechanceofearningScantmeanstolive——whowontherighttodie。
AllthisIheard——orseemedtohear——halfblendingWiththelowmurmurofthecomingbreeze，Thecallofsomelostbird，andtheunendingAndtirelesssobbingofthosegrassyseas。
UntilatlastthespellofdesolationBrokewithatremblingstarandfar-offcry。
Thecomingtrain！Iglancedaroundthestation，Allwasasemptyastheuppersky！
Naughtbutmyself；norformnorfigurewakingThelonghushedlevelandstarkshiningwaste；
Naughtbutmyself，thatcry，andthedullshakingOfwheelandaxle，stoppedinbreathlesshaste！
\"Now，then——looksharp！Eh，what？TheStation-Master？
THAR’SNONE！Westoppedhereofourownaccord。
Themangotkilledinthatdown-traindisasterThistimelastevening。Rightthere！Allaboard！\"
THEMISSIONBELLSOFMONTEREY
Obellsthatrang，ObellsthatsangAbovethemartyrs’wilderness，Tillfromthatreddenedcoast-linesprangTheGospelseedtocheerandbless，Whatareyourgarneredsheavesto-day？
OMissionbells！Eleisonbells！
OMissionbellsofMonterey！
Obellsthatcrash，ObellsthatclashAbovethechimney-crowdedplain，Onwallandtoweryourvoicesdash，Butneverwiththeoldrefrain；
Inmartandtemplegoneastray！
Yedanglebells！Yejanglebells！
YewranglebellsofMonterey！
Obellsthatdie，sofar，sonigh，Comebackoncemoreacrossthesea；
Notwiththezealot’sfuriouscry，Notwiththecreed’sausterity；
ComewithHislovealonetostay，OMissionbells！Eleisonbells！
OMissionbellsofMonterey！
NOTE。ThispoemwassettomusicbyMonsieurCharlesGounod。
\"CROTALUS\"
（RATTLESNAKEBAR，SIERRAS）
Nolifeinearth，orair，orsky；
Thesunbeams，brokensilently，Onthebaredrocksaroundmelie，——
Coldrockswithhalf-warmedlichensscarred，Andscalesofmoss；andscarceayardAway，onelongstrip，yellow-barred。
Lostinacleft！’TisbutastrideToreachit，thrustitsrootsaside，Andliftitonthystickastride！
Yetstay！Thatmomentisthygrace！
Forroundthee，thrillingairandspace，Achatteringterrorfillstheplace！
AsoundasofdrybonesthatstirInthedeadValley！ByyonfirThelocuststopsitsnoondaywhir！
Thewildbirdhears；smotewiththesound，Asifbybulletbroughttoground，Onbrokenwing，dips，wheelinground！
Thehare，transfixed，withtremblinglip，Halts，breathless，onpulsatinghip，Andpalsiedtread，andheelsthatslip。
Enough，oldfriend！——’tisthou。ForgetMyheedlessfoot，norlongerfretThepeacewiththygrimcastanet！
Iknowthee！Yes！ThoumaystforegoThatliftedcrest；themeasuredblowBeyondwhichthypridescornstogo，Oryetretract！FormenospellLightsthoseslitorbs，where，somethink，dwellMachicolatedfiresofhell！
Ionlyknowtheehumble，bold，Haughty，withmiseriesuntold，AndtheoldCursethatlefttheecold，Anddrovetheeevertothesun，Onblisteringrocks；normadetheeshunOurcabin’shearth，whendaywasdone，Andthespentasheswarmedtheebest；
Weknewthee，——silent，joylessguestOfourrudeingle。E’enthyquestOftheraremilk-bowlseemedtobeNaughtbutabrother’spoverty，AndSpartantastethatkepttheefreeFromlustandrapine。Thou！whosefameSearchestthegrasswithtongueofflame，Makingallcreaturesseemthygame；
Whenthewholewoodsbeforetheerun，Askedbut——whenallwassaidanddone——
Tolie，untrodden，inthesun！
ONWILLIAMFRANCISBARTLETT
DEADATPITTSFIELD，MASS。，1876
OpoorRomancer——thouwhoseprintedpage，Filledwithrudespeechandruderformsofstrife，WasgiventoheroesinwhosevulgarrageNotraceappearsofgentlerwaysandlife！——
ThouwhowastwontofcommonerclaytobuildSomeroughAchillesorsomeAjaxtall；
ThouwhosefreebrushtoooftwaswonttogildSomesinglevirtuetillitdazzledall；——
WhatrighthastthoubesidethislaureledbierWhereonallmanhoodlies——whereonthewreathOfHarvardrests，theciviccrown，andhereThestarryflag，andswordandjeweledsheath？
Seestthouthesehatchments？KnowestthouthisbloodNourishedtheheroesofColonialdays——
Senttothedimandsavage-hauntedwoodThosesad-eyedPuritanswithhymnsofpraise？
Lookroundthee！Everywhereisclassicground。
ThereGreylockrears。Besideyonsilver\"Bowl\"
GreatHawthornedwelt，andinitsmirrorfoundThosequaint，strangeshapesthatfilledhispoet’ssoul。
Stillsilent，Stranger？ThouwhonowandthenTouchedthetoocredulousearwithpathos，canstnotspeak？
Hastlostthyreadyskilloftongueandpen？
What，Jester！Tearsuponthatpaintedcheek？
Pardon，goodfriends！IamnotheretomarHislaureledwreathswiththispoortinseledcrown——
Thismanwhotaughtmehow’twasbetterfarTobethepoemthantowriteitdown。
Ibringnolesson。WellhaveotherspreachedThisswordthatdealtfullmanyagallantblow；
IcomeoncemoretotouchthehandthatreachedItsknightlygauntlettothevanquishedfoe。
OpaleAristocrat，thatliestthere，Socold，sosilent！CouldstthounotingraceHavebornewithusstilllonger，andsospareThescornweseeinthatproud，placidface？
\"Hailandfarewell！\"SotheproudRomancriedO’erhisdeadhero。\"Hail，\"butnot\"farewell。\"
Witheachhighthoughtthouwalkestsidebyside；
Wefeelthee，touchthee，knowwhowroughtthespell！
THEBIRDSOFCIRENCESTER
DidIevertellyou，mydears，thewayThatthebirdsofCisseter——\"Cisseter！\"eh？
Well\"Ciren-cester\"——oneOUGHTtosay，From\"Castra，\"or\"Caster，\"
AsyourLatinmasterWillfurtherexplaintoyousomeday；
Thougheventhewisesterr，AndShakespearewrites\"Ci-cester，\"
WhileeveryvisitorWhodoesn’tsay\"Cissiter\"
Isin\"Ciren-cester\"consideredastray。
AhundredmilesfromLondontown——
WheretherivergoescurvingandbroadeningdownFromtree-toptospire，andspiretomast，TillittumblesoutrightintheChannelatlast——
AhundredmilesfromthatflatforeshoreThattheDanesandtheNorthmenhauntnomore——
There’salittlecupintheCotswoldhillsWhichaspringinameadowbubblesandfills，Spannedbyaheron’swing——crossedbyastride——
Calmanduntroubledbydreamsofpride，GuiltlessofFameorambition’saims，ThatisthesourceofthelordlyThames！
RemarkhereagainthatcustomcontemnsBoth\"Tames\"andThames——youmustSAY\"Tems！\"
ButWHY？nomatter！——fromthemyoucanseeCirencester’stallspiresloomupo’erthelea。
A。D。FiveHundredandFifty-two，TheSaxoninvaders——aterriblecrew——
HadforcedthelinesoftheBritonsthrough；
AndCirencester，halfmudandthatch，Dryandcrispasatindermatch，Wasfiercelybeleagueredbyfoes，who’dcatchAtanydevicethatcouldharryandroutThefolkthatsoboldlywereholdingout。
Forthestreetsofthetown——asyou’llseeto-day——
WeretwistedandcurvedinacuriouswayThatkepttheinvadersstillatbay；
AndthelongestboltthataSaxondrewWasstoppedereadozenofyardsitflew，Byaturninthestreet，andalawsotrueThateventheserobbers——ofalllawsscorners！——
Knewyoucouldn’tshootarrowsAROUNDstreetcorners。
Sotheysatthemdownonalittleknoll，AndeachmanscratchedhisSaxonpoll，Andstaredatthesky，where，clearandhigh，Thebirdsofthatsummerwentsingingby，Asif，inhisglee，eachmotleyjesterWeremockingthefoesofCirencester，TillthejeeringcrowandthesaucylinnetSeemedalltobesaying：\"Ah！you’renotinit！\"
Higho’ertheirheadsthemavisflew，Andthe\"ouzel-cocksoblackofhue；\"
Andthe\"throstle，\"withhis\"notesotrue\"
（YourememberwhatShakespearesays——HEknew）；
Andthesoaringlark，thatkeptdroppingthroughLikeabucketspillinginwellsofblue；
Andthemerlin——seenonheraldicpanes——
WithlegsasvagueastheQueenofSpain’s；
AndthedashingswiftthatwouldricochetFromthetuftsofgrassesbeforethem，yet——
LikeboldAntaeus——wouldeachtimebringNewlifefromtheearth，barelytouchedbyhiswing；
AndtheswallowandmartletthatalwaysknewThestraightestwayhome。HereaSaxonchurldrewHisbreath——tappedhisforehead——anideahadgotthrough！
Sotheybroughtthemsomenets，whichstraightwaytheyfilledWiththeswallowsandmartlets——thesweetbirdswhobuildInthehousesofman——allthatinnocentguildWhosingattheirlaboroneavesandinthatch——
AndtheystuckontheirfeathersarudelightedmatchMadeofresinandtow。ThentheyletthemallgoTobefree！Asachild-likediversion？Ah，no！
ToworkCirencester’sredruinandwoe。
Forstraighttoeachnesttheyflew，inwildquestOftheirhomesandtheirfledgelings——thattheylovedthebest；
AndstraighterthanarrowofSaxone’erspedTheyshoto’erthecurvingstreets，highoverhead，Bringingfireandterrortorooftreeandbed，Tillthetownbrokeinflame，wherevertheycame，TotheBriton’sredruin——theSaxon’sredshame！
Yetthey’reallgonetogether！To-dayyou’lldigupFrom\"mound\"orfrom\"barrow\"somearroworcup。
Theirfameisforgotten——theirstoryisended——
’Neaththefeetoftheracetheyhavemixedwithandblended。
Butthebirdsareunchanged——theouzel-cocksings，Stillgoldonhiscrestandstillblackonhiswings；
Andthelarkchantsonhigh，ashemountstothesky，Stillbrowninhiscoatandstilldiminhiseye；
WhiletheswallowormartletisstillafreenesterIntheeavesandtheroofsofthrice-builtCirencester。
LINESTOAPORTRAIT，BYASUPERIORPERSON
WhenIboughtyouforasong，Yearsago——Lordknowshowlong！——
Iwasstruck——Imaybewrong——
Byyourfeatures，And——asomethinginyourairThatIcouldn’tquitecompareTomyotherplainorfairFellowcreatures。
Inyoursimple，ovalframeYouwerenotwellknowntofame，Buttome——’twasallthesame——
Whoe’erdrewyou；
ForyourfaceIcan’tforget，ThoughIoftentimesregretThat，somehow，IneveryetSawquitethroughyou。
Yeteachmorning，whenIrise，Igofirsttogreetyoureyes；
And，inturn，YOUscrutinizeMypresentment。
Andwhenshadesofeveningfall，Asyouhanguponmywall，You’rethelastthingIrecallWithcontentment。
Itisweakness，yetIknowThatIneverturnedtogoAnywhere，forwealorwoe，ButIlingeredForoneparting，thrillingflashFromyoureyes，togivethatdashTothecurlofmymustache，ThatIfingered。
Iftosomeyoumayseemplain，AndwhenpeopleglanceagainWhereyouhang，theirlipsrefrain。
Fromconfession；
Yettheyturninstealthaside，AndInote，theytrytohideHowmuchtheyaresatisfiedInexpression。
OtherfacesIhaveseen；
Otherformshavecomebetween；
OtherthingsIhave，Iween，Doneanddaredfor！
ButOURtiestheycannotsever，And，thoughIshouldsayitnever，You’retheonlyoneIeverReallycaredfor！
Andyou’llstillbehangingthereWhenwe’reboththeworseforwear，Andthesilver’sonmyhairAndoffyourbacking；
YetmyfaithshallneverpassInmydearoldshaving-glass，Tillmyfaceandyours，alas！
Botharelacking！
HERLASTLETTER
BEINGAREPLYTO\"HISANSWER\"
June4th！Doyouknowwhatthatdatemeans？
June4th！Bythisairandthesepines！
Well，——onlyyouknowhowIhatescenes，——
Thesemightbemyverylastlines！
Forperhaps，sir，you’llkindlyremember——
IfsomeOTHERthingsyou’veforgot——
Thatyoulastwrotethe4thofDECEMBER，——
JustsixmonthsagoI——fromthisspot；
Fromthisspot，thatyousaidwas\"thefairestForoncebeingheldinmythought。\"
Now，reallyIcallthatthebarestOf——well，Iwon’tsaywhatIought！
ForhereIambackfrommy\"riches，\"
My\"triumphs，\"my\"tours，\"andallthat；
AndYOU’REnottobefoundintheditchesOrtemplesofPovertyFlat！
FromPariswewentfortheseasonToLondon，whenpawired，\"Stop。\"
Mamasays\"hisHEALTH\"wasthereason。
（I’veheardthatsomethingstooka\"drop。\"）
ButshesaidifmypatienceI’dsummonIcouldgobackwithhimtotheFlat——
PerhapsIwasthinkingofsomeoneWhoofme——well——wasnotthinkingTHAT！
OfcourseyouwillSAYthatI\"neverRepliedtotheletteryouwrote。\"
Thatisjustlikeaman！But，however，Ireadit——orhowcouldIquote？
Andastothestoriesyou’veheard（No，Don’ttellmeyouhaven’t——Iknow！），You’llnotbelieveoneblessedword，Joe；
Butjustwhencetheycame，letthemgo！
AndtheycamefromSadeLotskiofYolo，WhosefathersoldclothesontheBar——
YoucalledhimJob-lotski，youknow，Joe，AndtheboyssaidHERvaluewaspar。
Well，wemetherinParis——justflaringWithdiamonds，andlostinahatAndsheaskedme\"howJosephwasfaringInhislove-suitonPovertyFlat！\"
Shethoughtitwouldshameme！ImetherWithalook，Joe，thatmadehereyesdrop；
AndIsaidthatyour\"love-suitfaredbetterThananysuitoutofTHEIRshop！\"
AndIdidn’tblushTHEN——asI’mdoingTofindmyselfhere，allalone，Andleft，Joe，todoallthe\"sueing\"
Toaloverthat’scertainlyflown。
Inthisbrand-newhotel，called\"TheLily\"
（Iwonderwhogaveitthatname？）
Ireallyamfeelingquitesilly，TothinkIwasoncecalledthesame；
AndIstarefromitswindows，andfancyI’mlabeledtoeachpasser-by。
Ah！goneistheoldnecromancy，Fornothingseemsrighttomyeye。
OnthathilltherearestoresthatIknewnot；
There’sastreet——whereIoncelostmyway；
Andthecopsewhereyouoncetiedmyshoe-knotIsshamelesslyopenasday！
Andthatbankbythespring——Ioncedrankthere，AndyoucalledtheplaceEden，youknow；
NowI’mbanishedlikeEve——thoughthebankthereIsbelongingto\"AdamsandCo。\"
There’stherustleofsilkonthesidewalk；
Justnowtherepassedbyatallhat；
Butthere’sgloominthis\"boom\"andthiswildtalkOfthe\"future\"ofPovertyFlat。
There’sadecorouschillintheair，Joe，Whereonceweweresimpleandfree；
AndIhearthey’vebeenmakingamayor，Joe，OfthemanwhoshotSandyMcGee。
Butthere’sstillthe\"lap，lap\"oftheriver；
There’sthesongofthepines，deepandlow。
（HowmylongingforthemmademequiverIntheparkthattheycallFontainebleau！）
There’sthesnow-peakthatlookedonourdances，Andblushedwhenthemorningsaid，\"Go！\"
There’salotthatremainswhichonefancies——
Butsomehowthere’sneveraJoe！
Perhaps，onthewhole，itisbetter，Foryoumighthavebeenchangedliketherest；
Thoughit’sstrangethatI’mtrustingthisletterTopapa，justtohaveitaddressed。
Hethinkshemayfindyou，andreallySeemskindernowI’mallalone。
Youmighthavebeenhere，Joe，ifmerelyToLOOKwhatI’mwillingtoOWN。
Well，well！that’sallpast；sogood-night，Joe；
Good-nighttotheriverandFlat；
Good-nighttowhat’swrongandwhat’sright，Joe；
Good-nighttothepast，andallthat——
ToHarrison’sbarn，anditsdancers；
Tothemoon，andthewhitepeakofsnow；
Andgood-nighttothecanyonthatanswersMy\"Joe！\"withitsechoof\"No！\"
P。S。
I’vejustgotyournote。Youdeceiver！
Howdaredyou——howCOULDyou？Oh，Joe！
TothinkI’vebeenkeptabelieverInthingsthatweresixmonthsago！
Andit’sYOU’VEbuiltthishouse，andthebank，too，Andthemills，andthestores，andallthat！
AndforeverythingchangedImustthankYOU，Whohave\"struckit\"onPovertyFlat！
Howdaredyougetrich——yougreatstupid！——
Likepapa，andsomementhatIknow，InsteadofjusttrustingtoCupidAndtomeforyourmoney？Ah，Joe！
Justtothinkyousentneveraword，dear，Tillyouwrotetopapaforconsent！
NowIknowwhytheyhadmetransferredhere，And\"thehealthofpapa\"——whatTHATmeant！
NowIknowwhytheycallthis\"TheLily；\"
WhythemanwhoshotSandyMcGeeYoumademayor！’Twasbecause——oh，yousilly！——
Heonce\"wentdownthemiddle\"withme！
I’vebeenfooledtothetopofmybenthere，Socome，andaskpardon——youknowThatyou’vestillgottogetMYconsent，dear！
Andjustthinkwhatthatechosaid——Joe！
V。PARODIES
BEFORETHECURTAIN
Behindthefootlightshangstherustybaize，AtrifleshabbyintheupturnedblazeOfflaringgasandcuriouseyesthatgaze。
Thestage，methinks，perhapsisnonetoowide，AndhardlyfitforroyalRichard’sstride，OrFalstaff’sbulk，orDenmark’syouthfulpride。
Ah，well！nopassionwalksitshumbleboards；
O’eritnokingnorvaliantHectorlords：
Thesimplestskillisallitsspaceaffords。
Thesongandjest，thedanceandtriflingplay，Thelocalhitatfolliesoftheday，Thetricktopassanidlehouraway，——
ForthesenotrumpetsthatannouncetheMoor，Noblastthatmakesthehero’swelcomesure，——
Asinglefiddleintheoverture！
TOTHEPLIOCENESKULL*
（AGEOLOGICALADDRESS）
\"Speak，Oman，lessrecent！Fragmentaryfossil！
Primalpioneerofplioceneformation，HidinlowestdriftsbelowtheearlieststratumOfvolcanictufa！
\"Olderthanthebeasts，theoldestPalaeotherium；
Olderthanthetrees，theoldestCryptogami；
Olderthanthehills，thoseinfantileeruptionsOfearth’sepidermis！
\"Eo——Mio——Plio——whatsoe’erthe’cene’wasThatthosevacantsocketsfilledwithaweandwonder，——
WhethershoresDevonianorSilurianbeaches，——
Tellusthystrangestory！
\"OrhastheprofessorslightlyantedatedBysomethousandyearsthyadventonthisplanet，Givingtheeanairthat’ssomewhatbetterfittedForcold-bloodedcreatures？
\"WertthoutruespectatorofthatmightyforestWhenabovethyheadthestatelySigillariaReareditscolumnedtrunksinthatremoteanddistantCarboniferousepoch？
\"Tellusofthatscene，——thedimandwaterywoodland，Songless，silent，hushed，withneverbirdorinsect，Veiledwithspreadingfrondsandscreenedwithtallclubmosses，Lycopodiacea，——
\"WhenbesidetheewalkedthesolemnPlesiosaurus，AndaroundtheecreptthefestiveIchthyosaurus，WhilefromtimetotimeabovetheeflewandcircledCheerfulPterodactyls。
\"Tellusofthyfood，——thosehalf-marinerefections，CrinoidsontheshellandBrachipodsaunaturel，——
CuttlefishtowhichthepieuvreofVictorHugoSeemsaperiwinkle。
\"Speak，thouawfulvestigeoftheearth’screation，Solitaryfragmentofremainsorganic！
Tellthewondroussecretofthypastexistence，——
Speak！thouoldestprimate！\"
EvenasIgazed，athrillofthemaxilla，Andalateralmovementofthecondyloidprocess，Withpost-pliocenesoundsofhealthymastication，Groundtheteethtogether。
Andfromthatimperfectdentalexhibition，Stainedwithexpressjuicesoftheweednicotian，Camethesehollowaccents，blentwithsoftermurmursOfexpectoration：
\"WhichmynameisBowers，andmycrustwasbustedFallingdownashaftinCalaverasCounty；
ButI’dtakeitkindlyifyou’dsendthepiecesHometooldMissouri！\"
*Seenotesatend。
THEBALLADOFMR。COOKE
LEGENDOFTHECLIFFHOUSE，SANFRANCISCO）
WherethesturdyoceanbreezeDrivesthesprayofroaringseas，ThattheCliffHousebalconiesOverlook：
There，inspiteofrainthatbalked，Withhissandalsdulychalked，Onceuponatight-ropewalkedMr。Cooke。
Butthejester’slightsomemien，Andhisspanglesandhissheen，AllhadvanishedwhenthesceneHeforsook。
Yetinsomedelusivehope，Insomevaguedesiretocope，ONEstillcametoviewtheropeWalkedbyCooke。
AmidBeauty’sbrightarray，Onthatstrangeeventfulday，Partlyhiddenfromthespray，Inanook，StoodFlorindaVeredeVere；
Who，withwind-disheveledhair，Andarapt，distractedair，GazedonCooke。
Thensheturned，andquicklycriedToherloveratherside，WhileherformwithloveandprideWildlyshook：
\"CliffordSnook！oh，hearmenow！
HereIbreakeachplightedvow；
There’sbutonetowhomIbow，Andthat’sCooke！\"
Haughtilythatyoungmanspoke：
\"Idescendfromnoblefolk；
’SevenOaks，’andthen’Se’nnoak，’
Lastly’Snook，’
IsthewaymynameItrace。
ShallayouthofnobleraceInaffairsoflovegiveplaceToaCooke？\"
\"CliffordSnook，IknowthyclaimTothatlineageandname，AndIthinkI’vereadthesameInHorneTooke；
ButIswear，byalldivine，Never，never，tobethine，TillthoucanstuponyonlineWalklikeCooke。\"
ThoughtothatgymnasticfeatHenoclosermightcompeteThantostrikeaBALANCE-sheetInabook；
YetthenceforwardfromthatdayHehisfigurewoulddisplayInsomewildathleticway，AfterCooke。
Onsomehouseholdeminence，Onaclothes-lineorafence，Overditches，drains，andthenceO’erabrook，He，byhighambitionled，Everwalkedandbalanced，Tillthepeople，wondering，said，\"HowlikeCooke！\"
Stepbystepdidheproceed，Nervedbyvalor，notbygreed，AndatlastthecrowningdeedUndertook。
Mistywasthemidnightair，Andthecliffwasbleakandbare，Whenhecametodoanddare，JustlikeCooke。
Throughthedarkness，o’ertheflow，Stretchedthelinewhereheshouldgo，StraightacrossasfliesthecrowOrtherook。
Onewildglancearoundhecast；
Thenhefacedtheoceanblast，AndhestrodethecablelastTouchedbyCooke。
Vainlyroaredtheangryseas，Vainlyblewtheoceanbreeze；
But，alas！thewalker’skneesHadacrook；
AndbeforehereachedtherockDidtheybothtogetherknock，Andhestumbledwithashock——
UnlikeCooke！
Downwarddroppinginthedark，Likeanarrowtoitsmark，Orafish-polewhenasharkBitesthehook，Droppedthepolehecouldnotsave，Droppedthewalker，andthewaveSwiftengulfedtherivalbraveOfJ。Cooke！
CamearoaracrosstheseaOfsea-lionsintheirglee，InatongueremarkablyLikeChinook；
Andthemaddenedsea-gullseemedStilltoutter，ashescreamed，\"PerishthusthewretchwhodeemedHimselfCooke！\"
ButonmistymoonlitnightsComesaskeletonintights，WalksoncemorethegiddyheightsHemistook；
Andunseentomortaleyes，Purgedofgrosserearthlyties，NowatlastinspiritguiseOutdoesCooke。
StillthesturdyoceanbreezeSweepsthesprayofroaringseas，WheretheCliffHousebalconiesOverlook；
Andthemaidensintheirprime，Readingofthismournfulrhyme，Weepwhere，intheoldentime，WalkedJ。Cooke。
THEBALLADOFTHEEMEU
Oh，say，haveyouseenattheWillowssogreen——
Socharmingandrurallytrue——
Asingularbird，withamannerabsurd，WhichtheycalltheAustralianEmeu？
HaveyouEverseenthisAustralianEmeu？
Ittrotsallaroundwithitsheadontheground，Orerectsitquiteoutofyourview；
Andtheladiesallcry，whenitsfiguretheyspy，\"Oh！whatasweetprettyEmeu！
Oh！doJustlookatthatlovelyEmeu！\"
Onedaytothisspot，whentheweatherwashot，CameMatildaHortenseFortescue；
Andbesidehertherecameayouthofhighname，——
AugustusFlorellMontague：
ThetwoBothlovedthatwild，foreignEmeu。
Withtwoloavesofbreadthentheyfedit，insteadOfthefleshofthewhiteCockatoo，WhichoncewasitsfoodinthatwildneighborhoodWhererangesthesweetKangaroo，ThattooIsgameforthefamousEmeu！
Oldsawsandgimletsbutitsappetitewhets，Liketheworld-famousbarkofPeru；
There’snothingsohardthatthebirdwilldiscard，AndnothingitstastewilleschewThatyouCangivethatlong-leggedEmeu！
Thetimeslippedawayinthisinnocentplay，WhenupjumpedtheboldMontague：
\"Where’sthatspecimenpinthatIgaylydidwinInraffle，andgaveuntoyou，Fortescue？\"
NowordspoketheguiltyEmeu！
\"Quick！tellmehisnamewhomthougavestthatsame，ErethesehandsinthybloodIimbrue！\"
\"Nay，dearest，\"shecried，assheclungtohisside，\"I’minnocentasthatEmeu！\"
\"Adieu！\"
Hereplied，\"MissM。H。Fortescue！\"
Downshedroppedathisfeet，allaswhiteasasheet，Aswildlyhefledfromherview；
Hethought’twashersin，——forheknewnotthepinHadbeengobbledupbytheEmeu；
AllthroughThevoracityofthatEmeu！
MRS。JUDGEJENKINS
（BEINGTHEONLYGENUINESEQUELTO\"MAUDMULLER\"
MaudMullerallthatsummerdayRakedthemeadowsweetwithhay；
Yet，lookingdownthedistantlane，ShehopedtheJudgewouldcomeagain。
Butwhenhecame，withsmileandbow，Maudonlyblushed，andstammered，\"Ha-ow？\"
Andspokeofher\"pa，\"andwonderedwhetherHe’dgiveconsenttheyshouldwedtogether。
OldMullerburstintears，andthenBeggedthattheJudgewouldlendhim\"ten；\"
Fortradewasdull，andwageslow，Andthe\"craps，\"thisyear，weresomewhatslow。
Anderethelanguidsummerdied，SweetMaudbecametheJudge’sbride。
Butonthedaythattheyweremated，Maud’sbrotherBobwasintoxicated；
AndMaud’srelations，twelveinall，WereverydrunkattheJudge’shall。
Andwhenthesummercameagain，Theyoungbrideborehimbabiestwain；
AndtheJudgewasblest，butthoughtitstrangeThatbearingchildrenmadesuchachange；
ForMaudgrewbroadandredandstout，AndthewaistthathisarmonceclaspedaboutWasmorethanhenowcouldspan；andheSighedashepondered，ruefully，HowthatwhichinMaudwasnativegraceInMrs。Jenkinswasoutofplace；
Andthoughtofthetwins，andwishedthattheyLookedlesslikethemenwhorakedthehayOnMuller’sfarm，anddreamedwithpainOfthedayhewandereddownthelane。
Andlookingdownthatdrearytrack，Hehalfregrettedthathecameback；
For，hadhewaited，hemighthavewedSomemaidenfairandthoroughbred；
Fortherebewomenfairasshe，Whoseverbsandnounsdomoreagree。
Alasformaiden！alasforjudge！
Andthesentimental，——that’sone-half\"fudge；\"
ForMaudsoonthoughttheJudgeabore，Withallhislearningandallhislore；
AndtheJudgewouldhavebarteredMaud’sfairfaceFormorerefinementandsocialgrace。
If，ofallwordsoftongueandpen，Thesaddestare，\"Itmighthavebeen，\"
Moresadarethesewedailysee：
\"Itis，buthadn’toughttobe。\"
AGEOLOGICALMADRIGAL
Ihavefoundoutagiftformyfair；
Iknowwherethefossilsabound，WherethefootprintsofAvesdeclareThebirdsthatoncewalkedontheground。
Oh，come，and——intechnicalspeech——
We’llwalkthisDevonianshore，OronsomeSilurianbeachWe’llwander，mylove，evermore。
IwillshowtheethesinuoustrackBytheslow-movingAnnelidmade，OrtheTrilobitethat，fartherback，IntheoldPotsdamsandstonewaslaid；
Thoushaltsee，inhisJurassictomb，ThePlesiosaurusembalmed；
InhisOoliticprimeandhisbloom，Iguanodonsafeandunharmed。
Youwished——Irememberitwell，AndIlovedyouthemoreforthatwish——
ForaperfectcystedianshellAndaWHOLEholocephalicfish。
Andoh，ifEarth’sstratacontainsInitslowestSiluriandrift，OrpalaeozoicremainsThesame，’tisyourlover’sfreegift！
Thencome，love，andneversaynay，Butcalmallyourmaidenlyfears；
We’llnote，love，inonesummer’sdayTherecordofmillionsofyears；
AndthoughtheDarwinianplanYoursensitivefeelingsmayshock，We’llfindthebeginningofman，Ourfossilancestors，inrock！
AVITOR
（ANAERIALRETROSPECT）
Whatwasitfilledmyyouthfuldreams，InplaceofGreekorLatinthemes，Orbeauty’swild，bewilderingbeams？
Avitor！
WhatvisionsandcelestialscenesIfilledwithaerialmachines，Montgolfier’sandMr。Green’s！
Avitor！
Whatfairytalesseemedthingsofcourse！
TherocthatbroughtSindbadacross，TheCalendar’sownwingedhorse！
Avitor！
HowmanythingsItookforfacts，——
Icarusandhisconductlax，Andhowhesealedhisfatewithwax！
Avitor！
ThefirstballoonsIsoughttosail，Soap-bubblesfair，butalltoofrail，Orkites，——buttherebyhangsatail。
Avitor！
WhatmademelaunchfromattictallAkittenandaparasol，Andwatchtheirbitter，frightfulfall？
Avitor！
WhatyouthfuldreamsofhighrenownBademeinflatetheparson’sgown，Thatwentnotup，noryetcamedown？
Avitor！
MyfirstascentImaynottell；
EnoughtoknowthatinthatwellMyfirsthighaspirationsfell。
