第7章

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。