Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the — Complete by Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 1809-1894

8/14/2019 Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the Complete by Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 1809-1894

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Title:ThePoeticalWorksofOliverWendellHolmes,Complete

Author:OliverWendellHolmes,Sr.

ReleaseDate:October27,2006[EBook#7400]

Language:English

Charactersetencoding:ASCII

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKPOETICALWORKSOFHOLMES***

ProducedbyDavidWidger

THEPOETICALWORKS

OF

OLIVERWENDELLHOLMES

[1893threevolumeset]

CONTENTS:

TOMYREADERS

EARLIERPOEMS(1830-1836).OLDIRONSIDESTHELASTLEAFTHECAMBRIDGECHURCHYARDTOANINSECTTHEDILEMMA

MYAUNTREFLECTIONSOFAPROUDPEDESTRIANDAILYTRIALS,BYASENSITIVEMANEVENING,BYATAILORTHEDORCHESTERGIANTTOTHEPORTRAITOF"ALADY"THECOMETTHEMusic-GRINDERSTHETREADMILLSONGTHESEPTEMBERGALE


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THEHEIGHTOFTHERIDICULOUSTHELASTREADERPOETRY:AMETRICALESSAY

ADDITIONALPOEMS(1837-1848):THEPILGRIM'SVISIONTHESTEAMBOATLEXINGTONONLENDINGAPUNCHBOWLASONGFORTHECENTENNIALCELEBRATIONOFHARVARDCOLLEGE,THEISLANDHUNTING-SONGDEPARTEDDAYSTHEONLYDAUGHTERSONGWRITTENFORTHEDINNERGIVENTOCHARLESDICKENS,BYTHEYOUNGMENOFBOSTON,FEBRUARY1,1842LINESRECITEDATTHEBERKSHIREJUBILEENUXPOSTCOENATICAVERSESFORAFTER-DINNERAMODESTREQUEST,COMPLIEDWITHAFTERTHEDINNERATPRESIDENTEVERETT'SINAUGURATIONTHEPARTINGWORDASONGOFOTHERDAYSSONGFORATEMPERANCEDINNERTOWHICHLADIESWEREINVITED(NEWYORKMERCANTILELIBRARYASSOCIATION,NOVEMBER,1842)

ASENTIMENTARHYMEDLESSON(URANIA)ANAFTER-DINNERPOEM(TERPSICHORE)

MEDICALPOEMS:THEMORNINGVISITTHETWOARMIESTHESTETHOSCOPESONGEXTRACTSFROMAMEDICALPOEMAPOEMFORTHEMEETINGOFTHEAMERICANMEDICALASSOCIATIONATNEWYORK,MAY5,1853ASENTIMENTRIPVANWINKLE,M.D.

SONGSINMANYKEYS(1849-1861)PROLOGUEAGNESTHEPLOUGHMANSPRINGTHESTUDYTHEBELLSNON-RESISTANCETHEMORALBULLYTHEMIND'SDIETOURLIMITATIONSTHEOLDPLAYER

APOEMDEDICATIONOFTHEPITTSFIELDCEMETERY,SEPTEMBER9,1850TOGOVERNORSWAINTOANENGLISHFRIENDAFTERALECTUREONWORDSWORTHAFTERALECTUREONMOOREAFTERALECTUREONKEATSAFTERALECTUREONSHELLEYATTHECLOSEOFACOURSEOFLECTURESTHEHUDSONTHENEWEDEN


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SEMI-CENTENNIALCELEBRATIONOFTHENEWENGLANDSOCIETY,NEWYORK,DECEMBER22,1855FAREWELLTOJ.R.LOWELLFORTHEMEETINGOFTHEBURNSCLUB,1856ODEFORWASHINGTON'SBIRTHDAYBIRTHDAYOFDANIELWEBSTERTHEVOICELESSTHETWOSTREAMSTHEPROMISEAVISTHELIVINGTEMPLEATABIRTHDAYFESTIVAL:TOJ.R.LOWELLABIRTHDAYTRIBUTETOJ.F.CLARKETHEGRAYCHIEFTHELASTLOOK:W.W.SWAININMEMORYOFCHARLESWENTWORTHUPHAM,JR.MARTHAMEETINGOFTHEALUMNIOFHARVARDCOLLEGETHEPARTINGSONGFORTHEMEETINGOFTHENATIONALSANITARYASSOCIATIONFORTHEBURNSCENTENNIALCELEBRATION,ATAMEETINGOFFRIENDSBOSTONCOMMON:THREEPICTURESTHEOLDMANOFTHESEA

INTERNATIONALODEVIVELAFRANCEBROTHERJONATHAN'SLAMENTFORSISTERCAROLINE

NOTES

[Volume2ofthe1893threevolumeset]

CONTENTS:

POEMSOFTHECLASSOF'29(1851-1889)BILLANDJOEASONGOF"TWENTY-NINE"QUESTIONSANDANSWERSANIMPROMPTUTHEOLDMANDREAMSREMEMBER--FORGETOURINDIANSUMMERMARERUBRUMTHEBoysLINESAVOICEOFTHELOYALNORTHJ.D.R.

VOYAGEOFTHEGOODSHIPUNION"CHOOSEYOUTHISDAYWHOMYEWILLSERVE"F.W.C.THELASTCHARGEOUROLDESTFRIENDSHERMAN'SINSAVANNAHMYANNUALALLHEREONCEMORETHEOLDCRUISER


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HYMNFORTHECLASS-MEETINGEVEN-SONGTHESMILINGLISTENEROURSWEETSINGER:J.A.H.C.M.,H.S.,J.K.W.WHATIHAVECOMEFOROURBANKERFORCLASS-MEETING"ADAMICOS"HOWNOTTOSETTLEITTHELASTSURVIVORTHEARCHBISHOPANDGILBLASTHESHADOWSBENJAMINPEIRCEINTHETWILIGHTALOVING-CUPSONGTHEGIRDLEOFFRIENDSHIPTHELYREOFANACREONTHEOLDTUNETHEBROKENCIRCLETHEANGEL-THIEFAFTERTHECURFEW

POEMSFROMTHEAUTOCRATOFTHEBREAKFAST-TABLE(1857-1858)

THECHAMBEREDNAUTILUSSUNANDSHADOWMUSAAPARTINGHEALTH:ToJ.L.MOTLEYWHATWEALLTHINKSPRINGHASCOMEPROLOGUELATTER-DAYWARNINGSALBUMVERSESAGOODTIMEGOING!THELASTBLOSSOMCONTENTMENTAESTIVATION

THEDEACON'SMASTERPIECE;OR,THEWONDERFUL"ONE-HOSESHAY"PARSONTURELL'SLEGACY;OR,THEPRESIDENT'SOLDARM-CHAIRODEFORASOCIALMEETING,WITHSLIGHTALTERATIONSBYATEETOTALER

POEMSFROMTHEPROFESSORATTHEBREAKFAST-TABLE(1858-1859)UNDERTHEVIOLETSHYMNOFTRUSTASUN-DAYHYMNTHECROOKEDFOOTPATHIRIS,HERBOOKROBINSONOFLEYDENSTANTHONYTHEREFORMERTHEOPENINGOFTHEPIANO

MIDSUMMERDESAUTY

POEMSFROMTHEPOETATTHEBREAKFAST-TABLE(1871-1872)HOMESICKINHEAVENFANTASIAAUNTTABITHAWIND-CLOUDSANDSTAR-DRIFTSEPILOGUETOTHEBREAKFAST-TABLESERIES


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SONGSOFMANYSEASONS(1862-1874)OPENINGTHEWINDOWPROGRAMME

INTHEQUIETDAYSANOLD-YEARSONGDOROTHYQ:AFAMILYPORTRAITTHEORGAN-BLOWERATTHEPANTOMIMEAFTERTHEFIREABALLADOFTHEBOSTONTEA-PARTYNEARINGTHESNOW-LINE

INWARTIMETOCANAAN:APURITANWAR-SONG"THUSSAITHTHELORD,IOFFERTHEETHREETHINGS"NEVERORNOWONECOUNTRYGODSAVETHEFLAG!HYMNAFTERTHEEMANCIPATIONPROCLAMATIONHYMNFORTHEFAIRATCHICAGOUNDERTHEWASHINGTONELM,CAMBRIDGEFREEDOM,OURQUEENARMYHYMN

PARTINGHYMNTHEFLOWEROFLIBERTYTHESWEETLITTLEMANUNIONANDLIBERTY

SONGSOFWELCOMEANDFAREWELLAMERICATORUSSIAWELCOMETOTHEGRANDDUKEALEXISATTHEBANQUETTOTHEGRANDDUKEALEXISATTHEBANQUETTOTHECHINESEEMBASSYATTHEBANQUETTOTHEJAPANESEEMBASSYBRYANT'SSEVENTIETHBIRTHDAYAFAREWELLTOAGASSIZ

ATADINNERTOADMIRALFARRAGUTATADINNERTOGENERALGRANTToHWLONGFELLOWToCHRISTIANGOTTFRIEDEHRENBERGATOASTTOWILKIECOLLINS

MEMORIALVERSESFORTHESERVICESINMEMORYOFABRAHAMLINCOLN,BOSTON,1865FORTHECOMMEMORATIONSERVICES,CAMBRIDGEJULY21,1865EDWARDEVERETT:JANUARY30,1865SHAKESPEARETERCENTENNIALCELEBRATION,APRIL23,1864INMEMORYOFJOHNANDROBERTWARE,MAY25,1864HUMBOLDT'SBIRTHDAY:CENTENNIALCELEBRATION,SEPTEMBER14,1869

POEMATTHEDEDICATIONOFTHEHALLECKMONUMENT,JULY8,1869HYMNFORTHECELEBRATIONATTHELAYINGOFTHECORNER-STONEOFHARVARDMEMORIALHALL,CAMBRIDGE,OCTOBER6,1870HYMNFORTHEDEDICATIONOFMEMORIALHALLATCAMBRIDGE,1874HYMNATTHEFUNERALSERVICESOFCHARLESSUMNER,APRIL29,1874

RHYMESOFANHOURADDRESSFORTHEOPENINGOFTHEFIFTHAVENUETHEATRE,N.Y.1873ASEADIALOGUECHANSONWITHOUTMUSIC


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I.ATTHESUMMITII.THEWORLD'SHOMAGEAWELCOMETODR.BENJAMINAPTHORPGOULDTOFREDERICKHENRYHEDGEONHISEIGHTIETHBIRTHDAYTOJAMESRUSSELLLOWELLTOJOHNGREENLEAFWHITTIERONHISEIGHTIETHBIRTHDAYPRELUDETOAVOLUMEPRINTEDINRAISEDLETTERSFORTHEBLINDBOSTONTOFLORENCEATTHEUNITARIANFESTIVAL,MARCH8,1882POEMFORTHETWOHUNDREDANDFIFTIETHANNIVERSARYOFTHEFOUNDINGOFHARVARDCOLLEGEPOST-PRANDIAL:PHIBETAKAPPA,1881THEFLANEUR:DURINGTHETRANSITOFVENUS,1882AVEKING'SCHAPELREADATTHETWOHUNDREDTHANNIVERSARYHYMNFORTHESAMEOCCASIONHYMN.--THEWORDOFPROMISEHYMNREADATTHEDEDICATIONOFTHEOLIVERWENDELLHOLMESHOSPITALATHUDSON,WISCONSIN,JUNE7,1887ONTHEDEATHOFPRESIDENTGARFIELDTHEGOLDENFLOWERHAIL,COLUMBIA!POEMFORTHEDEDICATIONOFTHEFOUNTAINATSTRATFORD-ON-AVON,

PRESENTEDBYGEORGECHILDS,OFPHILADELPHIATOTHEPOETSWHOONLYREADANDLISTENFORTHEDEDICATIONOFTHENEWCITYLIBRARYFORTHEWINDOWINST.MARGARET'SJAMESRUSSELLLOWELL:1819-1891

POEMSFROMOVERTHETEACUPS.TOTHEELEVENLADIESWHOPRESENTEDMEWITHASILVERLOVINGCUPTHEPEAUDECHAGRINOFSTATESTREETCACOETHESSCRIBENDITHEROSEANDTHEFERNILIKEYOUANDILOVEYOU

LAMAISOND'ORBARHARBORTOOYOUNGFORLOVETHEBROOMSTICKTRAIN;OR,THERETURNOFTHEWITCHESTARTARUSATTHETURNOFTHEROADINVITAMINERVA

READINGSOVERTHETEACUPSTOMYOLDREADERSTHEBANKER'SSECRETTHEEXILE'SSECRETTHELOVER'SSECRETTHESTATESMAN'SSECRET

THEMOTHER'SSECRETTHESECRETOFTHESTARS

VERSESFROMTHEOLDESTPORTFOLIOFIRSTVERSES:TRANSLATIONFROMTHETHEMEETINGOFTHEDRYADSTHEMYSTERIOUSVISITORTHETOADSTOOLTHESPECTREPIGTOACAGEDLIONTHESTARANDTHEWATER-LILY


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ILLUSTRATIONOFAPICTURE:"ASPANISHGIRLREVERIE"AROMANAQUEDUCTFROMABACHELOR'SPRIVATEJOURNALLAGRISETTEOURYANKEEGIRLSL'INCONNUESTANZASLINESBYACLERKTHEPHILOSOPHERTOHISLOVETHEPOET'SLOTTOABLANKSHEETOFPAPERTOTHEPORTRAITOF"AGENTLEMAN"INTHEATHENAEUMGALLERYTHEBALLADOFTHEOYSTERMANANOONTIDELYRICTHEHOTSEASONAPORTRAITANEVENINGTHOUGHT.WRITTENATSEATHEWASPANDTHEHORNET"QUIVIVE?"

NOTES

TOMYREADERS

NAY,blamemenot;ImighthavesparedYourpatiencemanyatrivialverse,Yetthesemyearlierwelcomeshared,So,letthebettershieldtheworse.

Andsomemightsay,"ThoserudersongsHadfreshnesswhichthenewhavelost;Tospringtheopeningleafbelongs,Thechestnut-bursawaitthefrost."

WhenthoseIwrote,mylockswerebrown,WhentheseIwrite--ah,wella-day!Theautumnthistle'ssilverydownIsnotthepurplebloomofMay.

Go,littlebook,whosepagesholdThosegarneredyearsinlovingtrust;HowlongbeforeyourblueandgoldShallfadeandwhiteninthedust?

Osextonofthealcovedtomb,Wheresoulsinleatherncerementslie,Tellmeeachlivingpoet'sdoom!

Howlongbeforehisbookshalldie?

Itmatterslittle,soonorlate,Aday,amonth,ayear,anage,--Ireadoblivioninitsdate,AndFinisonitstitle-page.

Beforewesighed,ourgriefsweretold;Beforewesmiled,ourjoysweresung;Andallourpassionsshapedofold


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Inaccentslosttomortaltongue.

Invainafreshermouldweseek,--CanallthevariedphrasestellThatBabel'swanderingchildrenspeakHowthrushessingorlilacssmell?

Cagedinthepoet'slonelyheart,Lovewastesunhearditstenderesttone;Thesoulthatsingsmustdwellapart,Itsinwardmelodiesunknown.

Dealgentlywithus,yewhoreadOurlargesthopeisunfulfilled,--Thepromisestilloutrunsthedeed,--Thetower,butnotthespire,webuild.

Ourwhitestpearlweneverfind;Ourripestfruitweneverreach;ThefloweringmomentsofthemindDrophalftheirpetalsinourspeech.

Thesearemyblossoms;iftheywearOnestreakofmornorevening'sglow,

Acceptthem;buttomemorefairThebudsofsongthatneverblow.April8,1862.

EARLIERPOEMS

1830-1836OLDIRONSIDES

ThiswasthepopularnamebywhichthefrigateConstitution

wasknown.ThepoemwasfirstprintedintheBostonDailyAdvertiser,atthetimewhenitwasproposedtobreakuptheoldshipasunfitforservice.Isubjointheparagraphwhichledtothewritingofthepoem.ItisfromtheAdvertiserofTuesday,September14,1830:--

"OldIronsides.--IthasbeenaffirmedupongoodauthoritythattheSecretaryoftheNavyhasrecommendedtotheBoardofNavyCommissionerstodisposeofthefrigateConstitution.Sinceithasbeenunderstoodthatsuchastepwasincontemplationwehaveheardbutoneopinionexpressed,andthatindecideddisapprobationofthemeasure.Suchanationalobjectofinterest,soendearedtoournationalprideasOldIronsidesis,should

neverbyanyactofourgovernmentceasetobelongtotheNavy,solongasourcountryistobefounduponthemapofnations.InEnglanditwaslatelydeterminedbytheAdmiraltytocuttheVictory,aone-hundredgunship(whichitwillberecollectedboretheflagofLordNelsonatthebattleofTrafalgar,)downtoaseventy-four,butsoloudwerethelamentationsofthepeopleupontheproposedmeasurethattheintentionwasabandoned.WeconfidentlyanticipatethattheSecretaryoftheNavywillinlikemannerconsultthegeneralwishinregardtotheConstitution,andeitherletherremaininordinaryorrebuildherwheneverthe


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publicservicemayrequire."--NewYorkJournalofCommerce.

Thepoemwasanimpromptuoutburstoffeelingandwaspublishedonthenextdaybutoneafterreadingtheaboveparagraph.

AY,tearhertatteredensigndownLonghasitwavedonhigh,AndmanyaneyehasdancedtoseeThatbannerinthesky;Beneathitrungthebattleshout,Andburstthecannon'sroar;--ThemeteoroftheoceanairShallsweepthecloudsnomore.

Herdeck,onceredwithheroes'blood,Wherekneltthevanquishedfoe,Whenwindswerehurryingo'ertheflood,Andwaveswerewhitebelow,Nomoreshallfeelthevictor'stread,Orknowtheconqueredknee;--TheharpiesoftheshoreshallpluckTheeagleofthesea!

Ohbetterthathershatteredhulk

Shouldsinkbeneaththewave;Herthundersshookthemightydeep,Andthereshouldbehergrave;Nailtothemastherholyflag,Seteverythreadbaresail,Andgivehertothegodofstorms,Thelightningandthegale!

THELASTLEAF

ThispoemwassuggestedbytheappearanceinoneofourstreetsofavenerablerelicoftheRevolution,saidtobeoneofthepartywhothrewtheteaoverboardinBostonHarbor.Hewasafinemonumentalspecimeninhiscockedhatandkneebreeches,withhisbuckledshoesandhissturdycane.ThesmilewithwhichI,asayoungman,greetedhim,meantnodisrespecttoanhonoredfellow-citizenwhosecostumewasoutofdate,butwhosepatriotismneverchangedwithyears.Idonotrecallanyearlierexampleofthisformofverse,whichwascommendedbythefastidiousEdgarAllanPoe,whomadeacopyofthewholepoemwhichIhaveinhisownhandwriting.GoodAbrahamLincolnhadagreatlikingforthepoem,andrepeateditfrommemorytoGovernorAndrew,

asthegovernorhimselftoldme.

ISAWhimoncebefore,Ashepassedbythedoor,AndagainThepavementstonesresound,Ashetotterso'erthegroundWithhiscane.

Theysaythatinhisprime,


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Erethepruning-knifeofTimeCuthimdown,NotabettermanwasfoundBytheCrieronhisroundThroughthetown.

Butnowhewalksthestreets,AndhelooksatallhemeetsSadandwan,Andheshakeshisfeeblehead,Thatitseemsasifhesaid,"Theyaregone."

ThemossymarblesrestOnthelipsthathehasprestIntheirbloom,AndthenameshelovedtohearHavebeencarvedformanyayearOnthetomb.

Mygrandmammahassaid--Pooroldlady,sheisdeadLongago--ThathehadaRomannose,

AndhischeekwaslikearoseInthesnow.

Butnowhisnoseisthin,AnditrestsuponhischinLikeastaff,Andacrookisinhisback,AndamelancholycrackInhislaugh.

IknowitisasinFormetositandgrinAthimhere;

Buttheoldthree-corneredhat,Andthebreeches,andallthat,Aresoqueer!

AndifIshouldlivetobeThelastleafuponthetreeInthespring,Letthemsmile,asIdonow,AttheoldforsakenboughWhereIcling.

THECAMBRIDGECHURCHYARD

OURancientchurch!itslowlytower,Beneaththeloftierspire,IsshadowedwhenthesunsethourClothesthetallshaftinfire;ItsinksbeyondthedistanteyeLongeretheglitteringvane,


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Highwheelinginthewesternsky,Hasfadedo'ertheplain.

LikeSentinelandNun,theykeepTheirvigilonthegreen;Oneseemstoguard,andonetoweep,Thedeadthatliebetween;Andbothrollout,sofullandnear,Theirmusic'sminglingwaves,Theyshakethegrass,whosepennonedspearLeansonthenarrowgraves.

Thestrangerpartstheflauntingweeds,WhoseseedsthewindshavestrownSothick,beneaththelinehereads,Theyshadethesculpturedstone;Thechildunveilshisclusteredbrow,AndpondersforawhileThegravenwillow'spendentbough,Orrudestcherub'ssmile.

Butwhattothemthedirge,theknell?Thesewerethemourner'sshare,--Thesullenclang,whoseheavyswell

Throbbedthroughthebeatingair;Therattlingcord,therollingstone,Theshelvingsandthatslid,And,farbeneath,withhollowtoneRungonthecoffin'slid.

Theslumberer'smoundgrowsfreshandgreen,Thenslowlydisappears;Themossescreep,thegraystoneslean,Earthhideshisdateandyears;But,longbeforetheonce-lovednameIssunkorwornaway,Nolipthesilentdustmayclaim,

Thatpressedthebreathingclay.

Gowheretheancientpathwayguides,SeewhereoursireslaiddownTheirsmilingbabes,theircherishedbrides,Thepatriarchsofthetown;Hastthouatearforburiedlove?Asighfortransientpower?Allthatacenturyleftabove,Go,readitinanhour!

TheIndian'sshaft,theBriton'sball,Thesabre'sthirstingedge,

Thehotshell,shatteringinitsfall,Thebayonet'srendingwedge,--Herescattereddeath;yet,seekthespot,Notracethineeyecansee,Noaltar,--andtheyneeditnotWholeavetheirchildrenfree!

Lookwheretheturbidrain-dropsstandInmanyachiselledsquare;Theknightlycrest,theshield,thebrand


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Ofhonorednameswerethere;--Alas!foreverytearisdriedThoseblazonedtabletsknew,Savewhentheicymarble'ssideDripswiththeeveningdew.

Orgazeuponyonpillaredstone,Theemptyurnofpride;TherestandtheGobletandtheSun,--Whatneedofmorebeside?Wherelivesthememoryofthedead,Whomadetheirtombatoy?Whoseashespressthatnamelessbed?Go,askthevillageboy!

Leano'ertheslenderwesternwall,Yeever-roaminggirls;ThebreaththatbidstheblossomfallMayliftyourfloatingcurls,TosweepthesimplelinesthattellAnexile'sdateanddoom;Andsigh,forwherehisdaughtersdwell,Theywreathethestranger'stomb.

Andoneamidtheseshadeswasborn,Beneaththisturfwholies,Oncebeamingasthesummer'smorn,Thatclosedhergentleeyes;Ifsinlessangelsloveaswe,Whostoodthygravebeside,Threeseraphwelcomeswaitedthee,Thedaughter,sister,bride.

IwanderedtothyburiedmoundWhenearthwashidbelowTheleveloftheglaringground,Chokedtoitsgateswithsnow,

Andwhenwithsummer'sflowerywavesThelakeofverdurerolled,AsifaSultan'swhite-robedslavesHadscatteredpearlsandgold.

Nay,thesoftpinionsoftheair,Thatliftthistremblingtone,ItsbreathoflovemayalmostbearTokissthyfuneralstone;And,nowthysmileshavepassedaway,Forallthejoytheygave,MaysweetestdewsandwarmestrayLieonthineearlygrave!

WhendampsbeneathandstormsaboveHavebowedthesefragiletowers,Stillo'erthegravesyonlocustgroveShallswingitsOrientflowers;AndIwouldasknomoulderingbust,Ife'erthishumbleline,Whichbreathedasigho'erother'sdust,Mightcallatearonmine.


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TOANINSECT

TheKatydidis"aspeciesofgrasshopperfoundintheUnitedStates,socalledfromthesoundwhichitmakes."--Worcester.IusedtohearthisinsectinProvidence,RhodeIsland,butIdonotrememberhearingitinCambridge,Massachusetts,whereIpassedmyboyhood.ItiswellknowninothertownsintheneighborhoodofBoston.

ILOVEtohearthineearnestvoice,Whereverthouarthid,Thoutestylittledogmatist,ThouprettyKatydidThoumindestmeofgentlefolks,--Oldgentlefolksarethey,--Thousay'stanundisputedthingInsuchasolemnway.

Thouartafemale,KatydidIknowitbythetrill

Thatquiversthroughthypiercingnotes,Sopetulantandshrill;IthinkthereisaknotofyouBeneaththehollowtree,--AknotofspinsterKatydids,---DoKatydidsdrinktea?

OhtellmewheredidKatylive,AndwhatdidKatydo?Andwassheveryfairandyoung,Andyetsowicked,too?DidKatyloveanaughtyman,Orkissmorecheeksthanone?

IwarrantKatydidnomoreThanmanyaKatehasdone.

Dearme!I'lltellyouallaboutMyfusswithlittleJane,AndAnn,withwhomIusedtowalkSooftendownthelane,Andallthattoretheirlocksofblack,Orwettheireyesofblue,--Praytellme,sweetestKatydid,WhatdidpoorKatydo?

Ahno!thelivingoakshallcrash,

Thatstoodforagesstill,TherockshallrenditsmossybaseAndthunderdownthehill,BeforethelittleKatydidShalladdoneword,totellThemysticstoryofthemaidWhosenamesheknowssowell.

Peacetotheever-murmuringrace!Andwhenthelatestone


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ShallfoldindeathherfeeblewingsBeneaththeautumnsun,Thenshallsheraiseherfaintingvoice,Andliftherdroopinglid,AndthenthechildoffutureyearsShallhearwhatKatydid.

THEDILEMMA

Now,bytheblessedPaphianqueen,Whoheavesthebreastofsweetsixteen;ByeverynameIcutonbarkBeforemymorningstargrewdark;ByHymen'storch,byCupid'sdart,Byallthatthrillsthebeatingheart;Thebrightblackeye,themeltingblue,--Icannotchoosebetweenthetwo.

Ihadavisioninmydreams;--Isawarowoftwentybeams;

Fromeverybeamaropewashung,Ineveryropealoverswung;IaskedthehueofeveryeyeThatbadeeachlucklessloverdie;Tenshadowylipssaid,heavenlyblue,Andtenaccusedthedarkerhue.

IaskedamatronwhichshedeemedWithfairestlightofbeautybeamed;Sheanswered,somethoughtbothwerefair,--Giveherblueeyesandgoldenhair.Imighthavelikedherjudgmentwell,But,asshespoke,sherungthebell,

Andallhergirls,norsmallnorfew,Camemarchingin,--theireyeswereblue.

Iaskedamaiden;backsheflungThelocksthatroundherforeheadhung,Andturnedhereye,agloriousone,Brightasadiamondinthesun,Onme,untilbeneathitsraysIfeltasifmyhairwouldblaze;Shelikedalleyesbuteyesofgreen;Shelookedatme;whatcouldshemean?

Ah!manylidsLovelurksbetween,

Norheedsthecoloringofhisscreen;Andwhenhisrandomarrowsfly,Thevictimfalls,butknowsnotwhy.Gazenotuponhisshieldofjet,Theshaftuponthestringisset;Looknotbeneathhisazureveil,Thougheverylimbwerecasedinmail.

Well,bothmightmakeamartyrbreakThechainthatboundhimtothestake;


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Andboth,withbutasingleray,Canmeltourveryheartsaway;Andboth,whenbalanced,hardlyseemTostirthescales,orrockthebeam;Butthatisdearest,allthewhile,Thatwearsforusthesweetestsmile.

MYAUNT

MYaunt!mydearunmarriedaunt!Longyearshaveo'erherflown;YetstillshestrainstheachingclaspThatbindshervirginzone;Iknowithurtsher,--thoughshelooksAscheerfulasshecan;Herwaistisamplerthanherlife,Forlifeisbutaspan.

Myaunt!mypoordeludedaunt!Herhairisalmostgray;

WhywillshetrainthatwintercurlInsuchaspring-likeway?Howcanshelayherglassesdown,Andsayshereadsaswell,WhenthroughadoubleconvexlensShejustmakesouttospell?

Herfather--grandpapaIforgiveThiserringlipitssmiles--VowedsheshouldmakethefinestgirlWithinahundredmiles;Hesenthertoastylishschool;'TwasinherthirteenthJune;

Andwithher,astherulesrequired,"Twotowelsandaspoon."

Theybracedmyauntagainstaboard,Tomakeherstraightandtall;Theylacedherup,theystarvedherdown,Tomakeherlightandsmall;Theypinchedherfeet,theysingedherhair,Theyscreweditupwithpins;--OhnevermortalsufferedmoreInpenanceforhersins.

So,whenmypreciousauntwasdone,

Mygrandsirebroughtherback;(Bydaylight,lestsomerabidyouthMightfollowonthetrack;)"Ah!"saidmygrandsire,asheshookSomepowderinhispan,"WhatcouldthislovelycreaturedoAgainstadesperateman!"

Alas!norchariot,norbarouche,Norbanditcavalcade,


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Torefromthetremblingfather'sarmsHisall-accomplishedmaid.ForherhowhappyhaditbeenAndHeavenhadsparedtomeToseeonesad,ungatheredroseOnmyancestraltree.

REFLECTIONSOFAPROUDPEDESTRIAN

ISAWthecurlofhiswavinglash,Andtheglanceofhisknowingeye,AndIknewthathethoughthewascuttingadash,Ashissteedwentthunderingby.

Andhemayrideintherattlinggig,OrflourishtheStanhopegay,AnddreamthathelooksexceedingbigTothepeoplethatwalkintheway;

Butheshallthink,whenthenightisstill,

Onthestable-boy'sgatheringnumbers,AndtheghostofmanyaveteranbillShallhoveraroundhisslumbers;

Theghastlydunshallworryhissleep,Andconstablesclusteraroundhim,Andheshallcreepfromthewood-holedeepWheretheirspectreeyeshavefoundhim!

Ay!gatheryourreins,andcrackyourthong,Andbidyoursteedgofaster;Hedoesnotknow,ashescramblesalong,Thathehasafoolforhismaster;

Andhurryawayonyourlonelyride,Nordeignfromthemiretosaveme;IwillpaddleitstoutlyatyoursideWiththetandemthatnaturegaveme!

DAILYTRIALS

BYASENSITIVEMAN

OH,therearetimesWhenallthisfretandtumultthatwehearDoseemmorestalethantothesexton'searHisowndullchimes.

Dingdong!dingdong!TheworldisinasimmerlikeaseaOverapentvolcano,--woeismeAllthedaylong!


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Fromcribtoshroud!Nurseo'erourcradlesscreamethlullaby,Andfriendsinbootstramproundusaswedie,Snufflingaloud.

Atmorning'scallThesmall-voicedpug-dogwelcomesinthesun,Andflea-bitmongrels,wakeningonebyone,Giveanswerall.

WheneveningdimDrawsroundus,thenthelonelycaterwaul,Tartsolo,sourduet,andgeneralsquall,--Theseareourhymn.

Women,withtonguesLikepolarneedles,everonthejar;Men,pluglessword-spouts,whosedeepfountainsareWithintheirlungs.

Children,withdrumsStrappedroundthembythefondpaternalass;Peripateticswithabladeofgrass

Betweentheirthumbs.

Vagrants,whoseartsHavecagedsomedevilintheirmadmachine,Whichgrinding,squeaks,withhuskygroansbetween,Comeoutbystarts.

CockneysthatkillThinhorsesofaSunday,--men,withclams,HoarseasyoungbisonsroaringfortheirdamsFromhilltohill.

Soldiers,withguns,

Makinganuisanceoftheblessedair,Child-cryingbellmen,childrenindespair,Screechingforbuns.

Storms,thunders,waves!Howl,crash,andbellowtillyegetyourfill;Yesometimesrest;mennevercanbestillButintheirgraves.

EVENING

BYATAILOR

DAYhathputonhisjacket,andaroundHisburningbosombuttoneditwithstars.HerewillIlaymeonthevelvetgrass,Thatislikepaddingtoearth'smeagreribs,Andholdcommunionwiththethingsaboutme.Ahme!howlovelyisthegoldenbraid


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Thatbindstheskirtofnight'sdescendingrobe!Thethinleaves,quiveringontheirsilkenthreads,Domakeamusicliketorustlingsatin,Asthelightbreezessmooththeirdownynap.

Ha!whatisthisthatrisestomytouch,Solikeacushion?Canitbeacabbage?Itis,itisthatdeeplyinjuredflower,Whichboysdofloutuswith;--butyetIlovethee,Thougiantrose,wrappedinagreensurtout.DoubtlessinEdenthoudidstblushasbrightAsthese,thypunybrethren;andthybreathSweetenedthefragranceofherspicyair;Butnowthouseemestlikeabankruptbeau,Strippedofhisgaudyhuesandessences,Andgrowingportlyinhissobergarments.

Isthataswanthatridesuponthewater?Ohno,itisthatothergentlebird,Whichisthepatronofournoblecalling.Iwellremember,inmyearlyyears,Whentheseyounghandsfirstcloseduponagoose;Ihaveascaruponmythimblefinger,Whichchroniclesthehourofyoungambition.

Myfatherwasatailor,andhisfather,Andmysire'sgrandsire,allofthemweretailors;Theyhadanancientgoose,--itwasanheirloomFromsomeremotertailorofourrace.IthappenedIdidseeitonatimeWhennonewasnear,andIdiddealwithit,Anditdidburnme,--oh,mostfearfully!

Itisajoytostraightenoutone'slimbs,Andleapelasticfromthelevelcounter,Leavingthepettygrievancesofearth,Thebreakingthread,thedinofclashingshears,Andalltheneedlesthatdowoundthespirit,

Forsuchapensivehourofsoothingsilence.KindNature,shufflinginherlooseundress,Laysbarehershadybosom;--IcanfeelWithallaroundme;--IcanhailtheflowersThatsprigearth'smantle,--andyonquietbird,Thatridesthestream,istomeasabrother.Thevulgarknownotallthehiddenpockets,WhereNaturestowsawayherloveliness.ButthisunnaturalpostureofthelegsCrampsmyextendedcalves,andImustgoWhereIcancoilthemintheirwontedfashion.

THEDORCHESTERGIANT

The"pudding-stone"isaremarkableconglomeratefoundveryabundantlyinthetownsmentioned,allofwhichareintheneighborhoodofBoston.Weusedinthoseprimitivedaystoaskfriendsto_ride_withuswhenwemeanttotakethemto_drive_withus.


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THEREwasagiantintimeofold,Amightyonewashe;Hehadawife,butshewasascold,Sohekepthershutinhismammothfold;Andhehadchildrenthree.

Ithappenedtobeanelectionday,AndthegiantswerechoosingakingThepeoplewerenotdemocratsthen,Theydidnottalkoftherightsofmen,Andallthatsortofthing.

Thenthegianttookhischildrenthree,Andfastenedtheminthepen;Thechildrenroared;quoththegiant,"Bestill!"AndDorchesterHeightsandMiltonHillRolledbackthesoundagain.

Thenhebroughtthemapuddingstuffedwithplums,AsbigastheState-Housedome;Quothhe,"There'ssomethingforyoutoeat;Sostopyourmouthswithyour'lectiontreat,Andwaittillyourdadcomeshome."

Sothegiantpulledhimachestnutstout,Andwhittledtheboughsaway;Theboysandtheirmothersetupashout,Saidhe,"You'rein,andyoucan'tgetout,Bellowasloudasyoumay."

Offhewent,andhegrowledatuneAshestrodethefieldsalong;'Tissaidabuffalofaintedaway,Andfellascoldasalumpofclay,Whenheheardthegiant'ssong.

Butwhetherthestory'strueornot,

Itisn'tformetoshow;There'smanyathingthat'stwiceasqueerInsomebody'slecturesthatwehear,Andthosearetrue,youknow.

Whatarethoseloneonesdoingnow,Thewifeandthechildrensad?Oh,theyareinaterriblerout,Screaming,andthrowingtheirpuddingabout,Actingastheyweremad.

TheyflungitovertoRoxburyhills,Theyflungitovertheplain,

AndalloverMiltonandDorchestertooGreatlumpsofpuddingthegiantsthrew;Theytumbledasthickasrain.

Giantandmammothhavepassedaway,Forageshavefloatedby;Thesuetishardasamarrow-bone,Andeveryplumisturnedtoastone,Buttherethepuddingslie.


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Andif,somepleasantafternoon,You'llaskmeouttoride,ThewholeofthestoryIwilltell,Andyoushallseewherethepuddingsfell,Andpayforthepunchbeside.

TOTHEPORTRAITOF"ALADY"INTHEATHENAEUMGALLERY

WELL,Miss,Iwonderwhereyoulive,Iwonderwhat'syourname,IwonderhowyoucametobeInsuchastylishframe;Perhapsyouwereafavoritechild,Perhapsanonlyone;PerhapsyourfriendswerenotawareYouhadyourportraitdone.

Yetyoumustbeaharmlesssoul;IcannotthinkthatSin

Wouldcaretothrowhisloadeddice,Withsuchastaketowin;IcannotthinkyouwouldprovokeThepoet'swickedpen,Ormakeyoungwomenbitetheirlips,Orruinfineyoungmen.

Pray,didyoueverhear,mylove,Ofboysthatgoabout,Who,foraverytriflingsum,Willsnipone'spictureout?I'mnotaversetoredandwhite,Butallthingshavetheirplace,

IthinkaprofilecutinblackWouldsuityourstyleofface!

Ilovesweetfeatures;IwillownThatIshouldlikemyselfToseemyportraitonawall,Orbustuponashelf;ButnaturesometimesmakesoneupOfsuchsadoddsandends,ItreallymightbequiteaswellHushedupamongone'sfriends!

THECOMET

THEComet!Heisonhisway,Andsingingasheflies;ThewhizzingplanetsshrinkbeforeThespectreoftheskies;Ah!wellmayregalorbsburnblue,


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Andsatellitesturnpale,Tenmillioncubicmilesofhead,Tenbillionleaguesoftail!

On,onbywhistlingspheresoflightHeflashesandheflames;Heturnsnottotheleftnorright,Heasksthemnottheirnames;Onespurnfromhisdemoniacheel,--Away,awaytheyfly,WheredarknessmightbebottledupAndsoldfor"Tyriandye."

Andwhatwouldhappentotheland,Andhowwouldlookthesea,Ifinthebeardeddevil'spathOurearthshouldchancetobe?Fullhotandhightheseawouldboil,Fullredtheforestsgleam;MethoughtIsawandhearditallInadyspepticdream!

IsawatutortakehistubeTheComet'scoursetospy;

Iheardascream,--thegatheredraysHadstewedthetutor'seye;Isawafort,--thesoldiersallWerearmedwithgogglesgreen;Popcrackedtheguns!whizflewtheballs!Bangwentthemagazine!

IsawapoetdipascrollEachmomentinatub,Ireaduponthewarpingback,"TheDreamofBeelzebub;"Hecouldnotseehisversesburn,Althoughhisbrainwasfried,

AndeverandanonhebentTowetthemastheydried.

IsawthescaldingpitchrolldownThecrackling,sweatingpines,Andstreamsofsmoke,likewater-spouts,Burstthroughtherumblingmines;IaskedthefiremenwhytheymadeSuchnoiseaboutthetown;Theyanswerednot,--butallthewhileThebrakeswentupanddown.

Isawaroastingpulletsit

Uponabakingegg;IsawacripplescorchhishandExtinguishinghisleg;IsawninegeeseuponthewingTowardsthefrozenpole,Andeverymother'sgoslingfellCrispedtoacracklingcoal.

IsawtheoxthatbrowsedthegrassWritheintheblisteringrays,


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TheherbageinhisshrinkingjawsWasallafieryblaze;Isawhugefishes,boiledtorags,Bobthroughthebubblingbrine;Andthoughtsofsuppercrossedmysoul;Ihadbeenrashatmine.

Strangesights!strangesounds!Ohfearfuldream!Itsmemoryhauntsmestill,Thesteamingsea,thecrimsonglare,Thatwreathedeachwoodedhill;Stranger!ifthroughthyreelingbrainSuchmidnightvisionssweep,Spare,spare,oh,sparethineeveningmeal,Andsweetshallbethysleep!

THEMUSIC-GRINDERS

THEREarethreewaysinwhichmentakeOne'smoneyfromhispurse,

AndveryharditistotellWhichofthethreeisworse;ButallofthemarebadenoughTomakeabodycurse.

You'reridingoutsomepleasantday,Andcountingupyourgains;Afellowjumpsfromoutabush,Andtakesyourhorse'sreins,AnotherhintssomewordsaboutAbulletinyourbrains.

It'shardtomeetsuchpressingfriends

Insuchalonelyspot;It'sveryhardtoloseyourcash,Buthardertobeshot;Andsoyoutakeyourwalletout,Thoughyouwouldrathernot.

Perhapsyou'regoingouttodine,--SomeodiouscreaturebegsYou'llhearaboutthecannon-ballThatcarriedoffhispegs,AndsaysitisadreadfulthingFormentolosetheirlegs.

Hetellsyouofhisstarvingwife,Hischildrentobefed,Poorlittle,lovelyinnocents,Allclamorousforbread,--AndsoyoukindlyhelptoputAbachelortobed.

You'resittingonyourwindow-seat,Beneathacloudlessmoon;Youhearasound,thatseemstowear


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Thesemblanceofatune,AsifabrokenfifeshouldstriveTodrownacrackedbassoon.

Andnearer,nearerstill,thetideOfmusicseemstocome,There'ssomethinglikeahumanvoice,Andsomethinglikeadrum;Yousitinspeechlessagony,Untilyourearisnumb.

Poor"home,sweethome"shouldseemtobeAverydismalplace;Your"auldacquaintance"allatonceIsalteredintheface;TheirdiscordsstingthroughBurnsandMoore,Likehedgehogsdressedinlace.

Youthinktheyarecrusaders,sentFromsomeinfernalclime,ToplucktheeyesofSentiment,AnddockthetailofRhyme,TocrackthevoiceofMelody,AndbreakthelegsofTime.

Buthark!theairagainisstill,Themusicallisground,Andsilence,likeapoultice,comesTohealtheblowsofsound;Itcannotbe,--itis,--itis,--Ahatisgoinground!

No!PaythedentistwhenheleavesAfractureinyourjaw,AndpaytheownerofthebearThatstunnedyouwithhispaw,Andbuythelobsterthathashad

Yourknucklesinhisclaw;

Butifyouareaportlyman,Putonyourfiercestfrown,AndtalkaboutaconstableToturnthemoutoftown;Thencloseyoursentencewithanoath,Andshutthewindowdown!

Andifyouareaslenderman,Notbigenoughforthat,Or,ifyoucannotmakeaspeech,Becauseyouareaflat,

GoveryquietlyanddropAbuttoninthehat!

THETREADMILLSONG

THEstarsarerollinginthesky,


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Theearthrollsonbelow,AndwecanfeeltherattlingwheelRevolvingaswego.Thentreadaway,mygallantboys,Andmaketheaxlefly;Whyshouldnotwheelsgoroundabout,Likeplanetsinthesky?

Wakeup,wakeup,myduck-leggedman,AndstiryoursolidpegsArouse,arouse,mygawkyfriend,Andshakeyourspiderlegs;Whatthoughyou'reawkwardatthetrade,There'stimeenoughtolearn,--Soleanupontherail,mylad,Andtakeanotherturn.

They'vebuiltusupanoblewall,Tokeepthevulgarout;We'venothingintheworldtodoButjusttowalkabout;Sofaster,now,youmiddlemen,Andtrytobeattheends,--It'spleasantworktorambleround

Amongone'shonestfriends.

Here,treaduponthelongman'stoes,Hesha'n'tbelazyhere,--Andpunchthelittlefellow'sribs,Andtweakthatlubber'sear,--He'slostthemboth,--don'tpullhishair,Becausehewearsascratch,Butpokehiminthefurthereye,Thatisn'tinthepatch.

Hark!fellows,there'sthesupper-bell,Andsoourworkisdone;

It'sprettysport,--supposewetakeAroundortwoforfun!Ifevertheyshouldturnmeout,WhenIhavebettergrown,Nowhangme,butImeantohaveAtreadmillofmyown!

THESEPTEMBERGALE

Thistremendoushurricaneoccurredonthe23dofSeptember,1815.Irememberitwell,beingthensevenyearsold.Afullaccountofitwaspublished,Ithink,intherecordsoftheAmericanAcademyofArtsandSciences.SomeofmyrecollectionsaregiveninTheSeasons,anarticletobefoundinabookofmineentitledPagesfromanOldVolumeofLife.

I'Mnotachicken;IhaveseenFullmanyachillSeptember,AndthoughIwasayoungsterthen,


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ThatgaleIwellremember;Thedaybefore,mykite-stringsnapped,AndI,mykitepursuing,Thewindwhiskedoffmypalm-leafhat;Formetwostormswerebrewing!

Itcameasquarrelssometimesdo,Whenmarriedfolksgetclashing;Therewasaheavysighortwo,Beforethefirewasflashing,--Alittlestiramongtheclouds,Beforetheyrentasunder,--Alittlerockingofthetrees,Andthencameonthethunder.

Lord!howthepondsandriversboiled!Theyseemedlikeburstingcraters!AndoakslayscatteredonthegroundAsiftheywerep'taters;Andallabovewasinahowl,Andallbelowaclatter,--Theearthwaslikeafrying-pan,Orsomesuchhissingmatter.

Itchancedtobeourwashing-day,Andallourthingsweredrying;Thestormcameroaringthroughthelines,Andsetthemallaflying;IsawtheshirtsandpetticoatsGoridingofflikewitches;Ilost,ah!bitterlyIwept,--IlostmySundaybreeches!

Isawthemstraddlingthroughtheair,Alas!toolatetowinthem;Isawthemchasetheclouds,asifThedevilhadbeeninthem;

Theyweremydarlingsandmypride,Myboyhood'sonlyriches,--"Farewell,farewell,"Ifaintlycried,--"Mybreeches!Ohmybreeches!"

ThatnightIsawtheminmydreams,HowchangedfromwhatIknewthem!Thedewshadsteepedtheirfadedthreads,ThewindshadwhistledthroughthemIsawthewideandghastlyrentsWheredemonclawshadtornthem;Aholewasintheiramplestpart,Asifanimphadwornthem.

Ihavehadmanyhappyyears,Andtailorskindandclever,ButthoseyoungpantaloonshavegoneForeverandforever!AndnottillfatehascutthelastOfallmyearthlystitches,ThisachingheartshallceasetomournMyloved,mylong-lostbreeches!


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THEHEIGHTOFTHERIDICULOUS

IWROTEsomelinesonceonatimeInwondrousmerrymood,Andthought,asusual,menwouldsayTheywereexceedinggood.

Theyweresoqueer,soveryqueer,IlaughedasIwoulddie;Albeit,inthegeneralway,AsobermanamI.

Icalledmyservant,andhecame;HowkinditwasofhimTomindaslendermanlikeme,Heofthemightylimb.

"Thesetotheprinter,"Iexclaimed,And,inmyhumorousway,Iadded,(asatriflingjest,)

"There'llbethedeviltopay."

Hetookthepaper,andIwatched,Andsawhimpeepwithin;Atthefirstlineheread,hisfaceWasalluponthegrin.

Hereadthenext;thegringrewbroad,Andshotfromeartoear;Hereadthethird;achucklingnoiseInowbegantohear.

Thefourth;hebrokeintoaroar;

Thefifth;hiswaistbandsplit;Thesixth;heburstfivebuttonsoff,Andtumbledinafit.

Tendaysandnights,withsleeplesseye,Iwatchedthatwretchedman,Andsince,IneverdaretowriteAsfunnyasIcan.

THELASTREADER

ISOMETIMESsitbeneathatreeAndreadmyownsweetsongs;Thoughnaughttheymaytoothersbe,EachhumblelineprolongsAtonethatmighthavepassedawayButforthatscarcerememberedlay.

Ikeepthemlikealockorleaf


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Thatsomedeargirlhasgiven;Frailrecordofanhour,asbriefAssunsetcloudsinheaven,ButspreadingpurpletwilightstillHighovermemory'sshadowedhill.

Theylieuponmypathwaybleak,Thoseflowersthatonceranwild,Asonafather'scareworncheekTheringletsofhischild;Thegoldenminglingwiththegray,Andstealinghalfitssnowsaway.

WhatcareIthoughthedustisspreadAroundtheseyellowleaves,Oro'erthemhissarcasticthreadOblivion'sinsectweavesThoughweedsaretangledonthestream,Itstillreflectsmymorning'sbeam.

AndthereforeloveIsuchassmileOntheseneglectedsongs,Nordeemthatflattery'sneedlesswileMyopeningbosomwrongs;

Forwhowouldtrample,atmyside,Afewpalebuds,mygarden'spride?

ItmaybethatmyscantyoreLongyearshavewashedaway,AndwhereweregoldensandsbeforeIsnaughtbutcommonclay;StillsomethingsparklesinthesunFormemorytolookbackupon.

Andwhenmynamenomoreisheard,Mylyrenomoreisknown,Stillletme,likeawinter'sbird,

Insilenceandalone,FoldoverthemthewearywingOnceflashingthroughthedewsofspring.

Yes,letmyfancyfondlywrapMyyouthinitsdecline,AndriotintherosylapOfthoughtsthatonceweremine,AndgivethewormmylittlestoreWhenthelastreaderreadsnomore!

POETRY:

AMETRICALESSAY,READBEFORETHEPHIBETAKAPPASOCIETY,HARVARDUNIVERSITY,AUGUST,1836

TOCHARLESWENTWORTHUPHAM,THEFOLLOWINGMETRICALESSAYISAFFECTIONATELYINSCRIBED.


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ThisAcademicPoempresentsthesimpleandpartialviewsofayoungpersontrainedaftertheschoolsofclassicalEnglishverseasrepresentedbyPope,Goldsmith,andCampbell,withwhoselineshismemorywasearlystocked.Itwillbeobservedthatitdealschieflywiththeconstructivesideofthepoet'sfunction.Thatwhichmakeshimapoetisnotthepowerofwritingmelodiousrhymes,itisnotthepossessionofordinaryhumansensibilitiesnorevenofboththesequalitiesinconnectionwitheachother.Ishouldrathersay,ifIwerenowcalledupontodefineit,itisthepoweroftransfiguringtheexperiencesandshowsoflifeintoanaspectwhichcomesfromhisimaginationandkindlesthatofothers.Emotionisitsstimulusandlanguagefurnishesitsexpression;butthesearenotall,assomemightinferwasthedoctrineofthepoembeforethereader.

Acommonmistakemadebyyoungpersonswhosupposethemselvestohavethepoeticalgiftisthattheirownspiritualexaltationfindsatrueexpressionintheconventionalphraseswhichareborrowedfromthevoicesofthesingerswhoseinspirationtheythinktheyshare.

Lookingatthispoemasanexpressionofsomeaspectsofthe_arspoetica_,withsomepassageswhichIcanreadevenatthismatureperiodoflifewithoutblushingforthem,itmaystandasthemostseriousrepresentationofmyearlyefforts.Intendedasitwasforpublicdelivery,manyofitsparagraphsmaybetraythefactbytheirsomewhat

rhetoricalandsonorouscharacter.

SCENESofmyyouth!awakeitsslumberingfire!YewindsofMemory,sweepthesilentlyre!Rayofthepast,ifyetthoucanstappear,BreakthroughthecloudsofFancy'swaningyear;Chasefromherbreastthethinautumnalsnow,Ifleaforblossomstillisfreshbelow!

LonghaveIwandered;thereturningtideBroughtbackanexiletohiscradle'sside;Andasmybarkhertime-wornflagunrolled,Togreettheland-breezewithitsfadedfold,

So,inremembranceofmyboyhood'stime,Ilifttheseensignsofneglectedrhyme;Oh,morethanblest,that,allmywanderingsthrough,Myanchorfallswherefirstmypennonsflew!

.........

Themorninglight,whichrainsitsquiveringbeamsWideo'ertheplains,thesummits,andthestreams,InonebroadblazeexpandsitsgoldenglowOnallthatanswerstoitsglancebelow;Yet,changedonearth,eachfarreflectedrayBraidswithfreshhuestheshiningbrowofday;

Now,clothedinblushesbythepaintedflowers,Tracksontheircheekstherosy-fingeredhours;Now,lostinshades,whosedarkentangledleavesDripatthenoontidefromtheirpendenteaves,Fadesintogloom,orgleamsinlightagainFromeverydew-droponthejewelledplain.

We,liketheleaf,thesummit,orthewave,Reflectthelightourcommonnaturegave,


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Buteverysunbeam,fallingfromherthrone,WearsonourheartssomecoloringofourownChilledintheslave,andburninginthefree,Likethesealedcavernbythesparklingsea;Lost,likethelightninginthesullenclod,Orsheddingradiance,likethesmilesofGod;Pure,paleinVirtue,asthestarabove,OrquiveringroseateontheleavesofLove;Glaringlikenoontide,whereitglowsuponAmbition'ssands,--thedesertinthesun,--Orsoftsuffusingo'erthevariedsceneLife'scommoncoloring,--intellectualgreen.

ThusHeaven,repeatingitsmaterialplan,Archedoveralltherainbowmindofman;Buthewho,blindtouniversallaws,Seesbuteffects,unconsciousoftheircause,--Believeseachimageinitselfisbright,Notrobedindraperyofreflectedlight,--Isliketherusticwho,amidsthistoil,Hasfoundsomecrystalinhismeagresoil,And,lostinrapture,thinksforhimaloneEarthworkedherwondersonthesparklingstone,NordreamsthatNature,withasnicealine,

Carvedcountlessanglesthroughtheboundlessmine.

Thuserrthemany,who,entrancedtofindUnwontedlustreinsomeclearermind,BelievethatGeniussetsthelawsatnaughtWhichchainthepinionsofourwildestthought;Untaughttomeasure,withtheeyeofart,Thewanderingfancyorthewaywardheart;Whomatchthelittleonlywiththeless,Andgazeinraptureatitsslightexcess,Proudofapebble,asthebrightestgemWhoselightmightcrownanemperor'sdiadem.

And,mostofall,thepureetherealfireWhichseemstoradiatefromthepoet'slyreIstotheworldamysteryandacharm,AnAEgiswieldedonamortal'sarm,WhileReasonturnsherdazzledeyeaway,Andbowshersceptretohersubject'ssway;Andthusthepoet,clothedwithgodlikestate,UsurpedhisMaker'stitle--tocreate;He,whosethoughtsdifferingnotinshape,butdress,Whatothersfeelmorefitlycanexpress,Sitslikethemaniaconhisfanciedthrone,Peepsthroughthebars,andcallstheworldhisown.

TherebreathesnobeingbuthassomepretenceTothatfineinstinctcalledpoeticsenseTherudestsavage,roamingthroughthewild;Thesimplestrustic,bendingo'erhischild;Theinfant,listeningtothewarblingbird;Themother,smilingatitshalf-formedword;Theboyuncaged,whotracksthefieldsatlarge;Thegirl,turnedmatrontoherbabe-likecharge;Thefreeman,castingwithunpurchasedhandThevotethatshakestheturretoftheland;


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Theslave,who,slumberingonhisrustedchain,Dreamsofthepalm-treesonhisburningplain;Thehot-cheekedreveller,tossingdownthewine,Tojointhechoruspealing"Auldlangsyne";Thegentlemaid,whoseazureeyegrowsdim,WhileHeavenislisteningtohereveninghymn;Thejewelledbeauty,whenherstepsdrawnearThecirclingdanceanddazzlingchandelier;E'entremblingage,whenSpring'srenewingairWavesthethinringletsofhissilveredhair;--All,allareglowingwiththeinwardflame,Whosewiderhalowreathesthepoet'sname,While,unenbalmed,thesilentdreamerdies,Hismemorypassingwithhissmilesandsighs!

Ifgloriousvisions,bornforallmankind,Thebrightaurorasofourtwilightmind;Iffancies,varyingastheshapesthatlieStainedonthewindowsofthesunsetsky;Ifhopes,thatbeckonwithdelusivegleams,Tilltheeyedancesinthevoidofdreams;Ifpassions,followingwiththewindsthaturgeEarth'swildestwanderertoherfarthestverge;--Iftheseonallsometransienthoursbestow

Ofrapturetinglingwithitshecticglow,Thenallarepoets;andifearthhadrolledHermyriadcenturies,andherdoomweretold,EachmoaningbillowofhershorelesswaveWouldwailitsrequiemo'erapoet'sgrave!

IftoembodyinabreathingwordTonesthatthespirittrembledwhenitheard;Tofixtheimageallunveiledandwarm,Andcarveinlanguageitsetherealform,Sopure,soperfect,thatthelinesexpressNomeagreshrinking,nounlacedexcess;Tofeelthatart,inlivingtruth,hastaught

Ourselves,reflectedinthesculpturedthought;--IfthisalonebestowtherighttoclaimThedeathlessgarlandandthesacredname,Thennonearepoetssavethesaintsonhigh,Whoseharpscanmurmurallthatwordsdeny!

ButthoughtononeisgrantedtorevealInperfectsemblanceallthateachmayfeel,Aswitheredflowersrecallforgottenlove,So,warmedtolife,ourfadedpassionsmoveIneveryline,wherekindlingfancythrowsThegleamofpleasuresortheshadeofwoes.

When,schooledbytime,thestatelyqueenofartHadsmoothedthepathwaysleadingtotheheart,Assumedhermeasuredtread,hersolemntone,Androundhercourtsthecloudsoffablethrown,Thewreathsofheavendescendedonhershrine,AndwonderingearthproclaimedtheMusedivine.YetifhervotarieshadbutdaredprofaneThemysticsymbolsofhersacredreign,HowhadtheysmiledbeneaththeveiltofindWhatslenderthreadscanchainthemightymind!


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Poets,likepainters,theirmachineryclaim,Andversebestowsthevarnishandtheframe;OurgratingEnglish,whoseTeutonicjarShakestherackedaxleofArt'srattlingcar,FitslikemosaicinthelinesthatgirdFastinitsplaceeachmany-angledword;FromSaxonlipsAnacreon'snumbersglide,AsoncetheymeltedontheTeiantide,And,freshtransfused,theIliadthrillsagainFromAlbion'scliffsaso'erAchaia'splainTheproudheroic,with,itspulse-likebeat,Ringslikethecymbalsclashingastheymeet;ThesweetSpenserian,gatheringasitflows,Sweepsgentlyonwardtoitsdyingclose,Wherewavesonwavesinlongsuccessionpour,Tilltheninthbillowmeltsalongtheshore;Thelonelyspiritofthemournfullay,WhichlivesimmortalastheverseofGray,Insableplumageslowlydriftsalong,Oneaglepinion,throughtheairofsong;Theglitteringlyricboundselasticby,Withflashingringletsandexultingeye,

Whileeveryimage,inherairywhirl,Gleamslikeadiamondonadancinggirl!

Bornwithmankind,withman'sexpandedrangeAndvaryingfatesthepoet'snumberschange;ThusinhishistorymaywehopetofindSomeclearerepochsofthepoet'smind,Asfromthecradleofitsbirthwetrace,Slowwanderingforth,thepatriarchalrace.

I.

Whenthegreenearth,beneaththezephyr'swing,WearsonherbreastthevarnishedbudsofSpring;Whentheloosedcurrent,asitsfoldsuncoil,Slidesinthechannelsofthemellowedsoil;WhentheyounghyacinthreturnstoseekTheairandsunshinewithheremeraldbeak;Whenthelightsnowdrops,startingfromtheircells,Hangeachpagodawithitssilverbells;WhenthefrailwillowtwineshertrailingbowWithpallidleavesthatsweepthesoilbelow;Whenthebroadelm,soleempressoftheplain,Whosecirclingshadowspeaksacentury'sreign,

Wreathesinthecloudsherregaldiadem,--Aforestwavingonasinglestem;--Thenmarkthepoet;thoughtohimunknownThequaint-mouthedtitles,suchasscholarsown,SeehowhiseyeinecstasypursuesThestepsofNaturetrackedinradianthues;Nay,inthyself,whate'ermaybethyfate,Pallidwithtoilorsurfeitedwithstate,Markhowthyfancies,withthevernalrose,Awake,allsweetness,fromtheirlongrepose;


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Thenturntopondero'ertheclassicpage,Tracedwiththeidylsofagreenerage,AndlearntheinstinctwhicharosetowarmArt'searliestessayandhersimplestform.

TothemeslikethesehernarrowpathconfinedThefirst-bornimpulsemovinginthemind;Invalesunshakenbythetrumpet'ssound,WherepeacefulLabortillshisfertileground,Thesilentchangesoftherollingyears,Markedonthesoilordialledonthespheres,Thecrestedforestsandthecoloredflowers,Thedewygrottosandtheblushingbowers,--These,andtheirguardians,who,withliquidnames,StrephonsandChloes,meltinmutualflames,WootheyoungMusesfromtheirmountainshade,TomakeArcadiasinthelonelyglade.

NorthinktheyvisitonlywiththeirsmilesThefabledvalleysandElysianisles;HewhoisweariedofhisvillageplainMayroamtheEdensoftheworldinvain.'Tisnotthestar-crownedcliff,thecataract'sflow,Thesofterfoliageorthegreenerglow,

Thelakeofsapphireorthespar-hungcave,Thebrightersunsetorthebroaderwave,CanwarmhisheartwhomeverywindhasblownToeveryshore,forgetfulofhisown.

Homeofourchildhood!howaffectionclingsAndhoversroundtheewithherseraphwings!Dearerthyhills,thoughcladinautumnbrown,Thanfairestsummitswhichthecedarscrown!SweeterthefragranceofthysummerbreezeThanallArabiabreathesalongtheseas!Thestranger'sgalewaftshometheexile'ssigh,Fortheheart'stempleisitsownbluesky!

Ohhappiestthey,whoseearlyloveunchanged,Hopesundissolved,andfriendshipunestranged,Tiredoftheirwanderings,stillcandeigntoseeLove,hopes,andfriendship,centringallinthee!

Andthou,myvillage!asagainItreadAmidstthylivingandabovethydead;ThoughsomefairplaymatesguardwithcharterfearsTheircheeks,grownholywiththelapseofyears;Thoughwiththedustsomereverendlocksmayblend,Wherelife'slastmile-stonemarksthejourney'send;Oneverybudthechangingyearrecalls,

Thebrighteningglanceofmorningmemoryfalls,StillfollowingonwardasthemonthsuncloseThebalmylilacorthebridalrose;Andstillshallfollow,tilltheysinkoncemoreBeneaththesnow-driftsofthefrozenshore,Aswhenmybark,longtossinginthegale,Furledinherporthertempest-rendedsail!

WhatshallIgivethee?Canasimplelay,Flungonthybosomlikeagirl'sbouquet,


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Domorethandecktheeforanidlehour,Thenfallunheeded,fadingliketheflower?Yet,whenItrod,withfootstepswildandfree,Thecracklingleavesbeneathyonlinden-tree,Pantingfromplayordrippingfromthestream,HowbrightthevisionsofmyboyishdreamOr,modestCharles,alongthybrokenedge,Blackwithsoftoozeandfringedwitharrowysedge,AsonceIwanderedinthemorningsun,Withreekingsandalandsuperfluousgun,Howoft,asFancywhisperedinthegale,ThouwasttheAvonofherflatteringtale!Yehills,whosefoliage,frettedontheskies,Printsshadowyarchesontheireveningdyes,HowshouldmysongwithholiestcharminvestEachdarkravineandforest-liftingcrest!Howclotheinbeautyeachfamiliarscene,Tillallwasclassiconmynativegreen!

Asthedrainedfountain,filledwithautumnleaves,Thefieldsweptnakedofitsgarneredsheaves,Sowastesatnoonthepromiseofourdawn,Thespringsallchoking,andtheharvestgone.

YethearthelayofonewhosenatalstarStillseemedthebrightestwhenitshoneafar;Whosecheek,grownpallidwithungracioustoil,Glowsinthewelcomeofhisparentsoil;Andasknogarlandssoughtbeyondthetide,Buttaketheleafletsgatheredatyourside.

II.

Buttimeswerechanged;thetorchofterrorcame,Tolightthesummitswiththebeacon'sflame;

Thestreamsrancrimson,thetallmountainpinesRoseanewforesto'erembattledlines;Thebloodlesssicklelentthewarrior'ssteel,Theharvestbowedbeneathhischariotwheel;Wherelatethewood-doveshelteredherreposeTheravenwaitedfortheconflict'sclose;ThecuirassedsentrywalkedhissleeplessroundWhereDaphnesmiledorAmaryllisfrowned;Wheretimidminstrelssungtheirblushingcharms,SomewildTyrtaeuscalledaloud,"Toarms!"

WhenGlorywakes,whenfieryspiritsleap,Rousedbyheraccentsfromtheirtranquilsleep,

Theraythatflashesfromthesoldier'screstLights,asitglances,inthepoet'sbreast;--Notinpaledreamers,whosefantasticlayToyswithsmoothtrifleslikeachildatplay,Butmen,whoactthepassionstheyinspire,Whowavethesabreastheysweepthelyre!

Yemildenthusiasts,whosepacificfrownsArelostlikedew-dropscaughtinburningtowns,Pluckasyewilltheradiantplumesoffame,


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BreakCaesar'sbusttomakeyourselvesaname;Butifyourcountrybarestheavenger'sbladeForwrongsunpunishedorfordebtsunpaid,Whentherousednationbidsherarmiesform,Andscreamshereaglethroughthegatheringstorm,Whenfromyourportsthebanneredfrigaterides,Herblackbowsscowlingtothecrestedtides,Yourhourhaspast;invainyourfeeblecryAsthebabe'swailingstothethunderingsky!

Scourgeofmankind!withallthedreadarrayThatwrapsinwraththydesolatingway,Asthewildtempestwakestheslumberingsea,Thouonlyteachestallthatmancanbe.AlikethytocsinhasthepowertocharmThetoil-knitsinewsoftherustic'sarm,Orswellthepulsesinthepoet'sveins,Andbidthenationstrembleathisstrains.

Thecitysleptbeneaththemoonbeam'sglance,HerwhitewallsgleamingthroughthevinesofFrance,Andallwashushed,savewherethefootstepsfell,Onsomehightower,ofmidnightsentinel.Butonestillwatched;noself-encircledwoes

Chasedfromhislidstheangelofrepose;Hewatched,hewept,forthoughtsofbitteryearsBowedhisdarklashes,wetwithburningtearsHiscountry'ssufferingsandherchildren'sshameStreamedo'erhismemorylikeaforest'sflame;Eachtreasuredinsult,eachrememberedwrong,Rolledthroughhisheartandkindledintosong.Histaperfaded;andthemorninggalesSweptthroughtheworldthewar-songofMarseilles!

Now,whilearoundthesmilesofPeaceexpand,AndPlenty'swreathsfestoonthelaughingland;WhileFranceshipsoutwardherreluctantore,

Andhalfournavybasksupontheshore;Fromruderthemesourmeek-eyedMusesturnTocrownwithrosestheirenamelledurn.

Ife'eragainreturnthoseawfuldaysWhosecloudswerecrimsonedwiththebeacon'sblaze,Whosegrasswastrampledbythesoldier'sheel,Whosetideswerereddenedroundtherushingkeel,GodgrantsomelyremaywakeanoblerstrainTorendthesilenceofourtentedplain!WhenGallia'sflagitstriplefolddisplays,HermarshalledlegionspealtheMarseillaise;WhenroundtheGermanclosethewar-cloudsdim,

Farthroughtheirshadowsfloatshisbattle-hymn;When,crownedwithjoy,thecamps'ofEnglandring,Athousandvoicesshout,"GodsavetheKing!"Whenvictoryfollowswithoureagle'sglance,Ournation'santhempipesacountrydance!

SomeprouderMuse,whencomesthehouratlast,Mayshakeourhillsideswithherbugle-blast;Notoursthetask;butsincethelyricdressRelievesthestatelierwithitssprightliness,


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Hearanoldsong,whichsome,perchance,haveseenInstalegazetteorcobwebbedmagazine.TherewasanhourwhenpatriotsdaredprofaneThemastthatBritainstrovetobowinvain;Andone,wholistenedtothetaleofshame,Whoseheartstillansweredtothatsacredname,Whoseeyestillfollowedo'erhiscountry'stidesThygloriousflag,ourbraveOldIronsidesFromyonloneattic,onasmilingmorn,Thusmockedthespoilerswithhisschool-boyscorn.

III.

WhenfloridPeaceresumedhergoldenreign,Andartsrevived,andvalleysbloomedagain,WhileWarstillpantedonhis-brokenblade,OncemoretheMuseherheavenlywingessayed.Rudewasthesong:someballad,sternandwild,Lulledthelightslumbersofthesoldier'schild;Oryoungromancer,withhisthreateningglanceAndfearfulfablesofhisbloodlesslance,Scaredthesoftfancyoftheclinginggirls,

Whosesnowyfingerssmoothedhisravencurls.Butwhenlongyearsthestatelyformhadbent,AndfaithlessMemoryherillusionslent,SovasttheoutlinesofTraditiongrewThatHistorywonderedattheshapesshedrew,AndveiledatlengththeirtooambitioushuesBeneaththepinionsoftheEpicMuse.

Farsweptherwing;forstormierdayshadbroughtWithdarkerpassionsdeepertidesofthought.Thecamp'sharshtumultandtheconflict'sglow,Thethrilloftriumphandthegaspofwoe,Thetenderpartingandthegladreturn,

Thefestalbanquetandthefuneralurn,AndallthedramawhichatonceuprearsItsspectralshadowsthroughtheclashofspears,Fromcampandfieldtoechoingversetransferred,Swelledtheproudsongthatlisteningnationsheard.WhyfloatstheamaranthineternalbloomO'erIlium'sturretsandAchilles'tomb?WhylingersfancywherethesunbeamssmileOnCirce'sgardensandCalypso'sisle?WhyfollowsmemorytothegateofTroyHerplumeddefenderandhistremblingboy?Lo!theblinddreamer,kneelingonthesandTotracetheserecordswithhisdoubtfulhand;

Infabledtoneshisownemotionflows,Andotherlipsrepeathissilentwoes;InHector'sinfantseethebabesthatshunThosedeathlikeeyes,unconsciousofthesun,Orinhisherohearhimselfimplore,"Givemetosee,andAjaxasksnomore!"

ThusliveundyingthroughthelapseoftimeThesolemnlegendsofthewarrior'sclime;LikeEgypt'spyramidorPaestum'sfane,


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Theystandtheheraldsofthevoicelessplain.Yetnotlikethem,forTime,byslowdegrees,Sapsthegraystoneandwearstheembroideredfrieze,AndIsissleepsbeneathhersubjectNile,AndcrumbledNeptunestrewshisDorianpile;ButArt'sfairfabric,strengtheningasitrearsItslaurelledcolumnsthroughthemistofyears,AsthebluearchesofthebendingskiesStillgirdthetorrent,followingasitflies,Spreads,withthesurgesbearingonmankind,Itsstarredpaviliono'erthetidesofmind!

InvainthepatriotaskssomeloftylayTodressinstateourwarsofyesterday.Theclassicdays,thosemothersofromance,Thatrousedanationforawoman'sglance;Theageofmystery,withitshoardedpower,Thatgirtthetyrantinhisstoriedtower,Havepassedandfadedlikeadreamofyouth,Andripererasaskforhistory'struth.

Onothershores,abovetheirmoulderingtowns,Insullenpompthetallcathedralfrowns,Prideinitsaislesandpaupersatthedoor,

Whichfeedsthebeggarswhomitfleecedofyore.Simpleandfrail,ourlowlytemplesthrowTheirslendershadowsonthepathsbelow;Scarcestealthewinds,thatsweephiswoodlandtracks,Thelarch'sperfumefromthesettler'saxe,Ere,likeavisionofthemorningair,Hisslight--framedsteeplemarksthehouseofprayer;Itsplanksallreekinganditspaintundried,Itsrafterssproutingontheshadyside,ItshedstheraindropsfromitsshingledeavesEreitsgreenbrothersoncehavechangedtheirleaves.

YetFaith'spurehymn,beneathitsshelterrude,

BreathesoutassweetlytothetangledwoodAswheretheraysthroughpicturedgloriespourOnmarbleshaftandtessellatedfloor;--Heavenasksnosurpliceroundtheheartthatfeels,Andallisholywheredevotionkneels.Thusonthesoilthepatriot'skneeshouldbendWhichholdsthedustoncelivingtodefend;Where'erthehirelingshrinksbeforethefree,Eachpassbecomes"anewThermopylae"!Where'erthebattlesofthebravearewon,Thereeverymountain"looksonMarathon"!

Ourfatherslive;theyguardinglorystill

Thegrass-grownbastionsofthefortressedhill;Stillringtheechoesofthetrampledgorge,With_GodandFreedom.EnglandandSaintGeorge_!TheroyalcipheronthecapturedgunMocksthesharpnight-dewsandtheblisteringsun;Thered-crossbannershadesitscaptor'sbust,Itsfoldsstillloadedwiththeconflict'sdust;Thedrum,suspendedbyitstatteredmarge,OncerolledandrattledtotheHessian'scharge;ThestarshavefloatedfromBritannia'smast,


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Theredcoat'strumpetsblowntherebel'sblast.

Pointtothesummitswherethebravehavebled,Whereeveryvillageclaimsitsgloriousdead;Say,whentheirbosomsmetthebayonet'sshock,Theironlycorseletwastherusticfrock;Say,whentheymusteredtothegatheringhorn,Thetitledchieftaincurledhislipinscorn,Yet,whentheirleaderbadehislinesadvance,Nomusketwaveredinthelion'sglance;Say,whentheyfaintedintheforcedretreat,Theytrackedthesnow-driftswiththeirbleedingfeet,Yetstilltheirbanners,tossingintheblast,BoreEverReady,faithfultothelast,Throughstormandbattle,tilltheywavedagainOnYorktown'shillsandSaratoga'splain.

Then,ifsofiercetheinsatiatepatriot'sflame,Truthlookstoopaleandhistoryseemstootame,BidhimawaitsomenewColumbiad'spage,Togildthetabletsofanironage,Andsavehistears,whichyetmayfalluponSomefabledfield,somefanciedWashington!

IV.

Butonceagain,fromtheirAEoliancave,ThewindsofGeniuswanderedonthewave.Tiredofthescenesthetimidpencildrew,Sickofthenotesthesoundingclarionblew,SatedwithheroeswhohadwornsolongTheshadowyplumageofhistoricsong,Thenew-bornpoetleftthebeatencourse,Totrackthepassionstotheirlivingsource.

ThenrosetheDrama;--andtheworldadmiredHervariedpagewithdeeperthoughtinspiredBoundtonoclime,forPassion'sthrobisoneInGreenland'stwilightorinIndia'ssun;Bornfornoage,forallthethoughtsthatrollInthedarkvortexofthestormysoul,Unchainedinsong,nofreezingyearscantame;Godgavethembirth,andmanisstillthesame.Sofullonlifehermagicmirrorshone,HersisterArtspaidtributetoherthrone;Onerearedhertemple,onehercanvaswarmed,AndMusicthrilled,whileEloquenceinformed.Thewearyrusticlefthisstintedtask

Forsmilesandtears,thedaggerandthemask;Thesage,turnedscholar,halfforgothislore,Tobethewomanhedespisedbefore.O'ersenseandthoughtshethrewhergoldenchain,AndTime,theanarch,sparesherdeathlessreign.

ThuslivesMedea,inourtamerage,AswhenherbuskinpressedtheGrecianstage;NotinthecellswherefrigidlearningdelvesInAldinefoliosmoulderingontheirshelves,


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Butbreathing,burningintheglitteringthrong,Whosethousandbravoesrolluntiredalong,Circlingandspreadingthroughthegildedhalls,FromLondon'sgalleriestoSanCarlo'swalls!

ThusshallhelivewhosemorethanmortalnameMockswithitsraythepallidtorchofFame;SoproudlyliftedthatitseemsafarNoearthlyPharos,butaheavenlystar,Who,unconfinedtoArt'sdiurnalbound,Girdsherwholezodiacinhisflaminground,Andleadsthepassions,liketheorbthatguides,Frompoletopole,thepalpitatingtides!

V.

ThoughroundtheMusetherobeofsongisthrown,Thinknotthepoetlivesinversealone.LongerethechiselofthesculptortaughtThelifelessstonetomockthelivingthought;LongerethepainterbadethecanvasglowWitheverylinetheformsofbeautyknow;

LongeretheirisoftheMusesthrewOneveryleafitsowncelestialhue,Infable'sdressthebreathofgeniuspoured,Andwarmedtheshapesthatlatertimesadored.

UntaughtbySciencehowtoforgethekeysThatloosethegatesofNature'smysteries;UnschooledbyFaith,who,withherangeltread,Leadsthroughthelabyrinthwithasinglethread,Hisfancy,hoveringroundherguardedtower,RainedthroughitsbarslikeDanae'sgoldenshower.

Hespoke;thesea-nymphansweredfromhercave

Hecalled;thenaiadlefthermountainwaveHedreamedofbeauty;lo,amidsthisdream,Narcissus,mirroredinthebreathlessstream;Andnight'schasteempress,inherbridalplay,LaughedthroughthefoliagewhereEndymionlay;Andoceandimpled,asthelanguidswellKissedtheredlipofCytherea'sshell.

Ofpower,--Bellonasweptthecrimsonfield,Andblue-eyedPallasshookherGorgonshield;O'erthehushedwavestheirmightiermonarchdrove,AndIdatrembledtothetreadofJove!

SoeverygracethatplasticlanguageknowsTonamelesspoetsitsperfectionowes.Therough-hewnwordstosimplestthoughtsconfinedWerecutandpolishedintheirnicermind;Caughtontheiredge,imagination'sraySplitsintorainbows,shootingfaraway;--Fromsensetosoul,fromsoultosense,itflies,Andthroughallnaturelinksanalogies;HewhoreadsrightwillrarelylookuponAbetterpoetthanhislexicon!


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Thereisaracewhichcold,ungenialskiesBreedfromdecay,asfungousgrowthsarise;Thoughdyingfast,yetspringingfastagain,Whichstillusurpsanunsubstantialreign,Withframestoolanguidforthecharmsofsense,Andmindsworndownwithactiontoointense;Tiredofaworldwhosejoystheyneverknew,Themselvesdeceived,yetthinkingalluntrue;Scarcemenwithout,andlessthangirlswithin,Sickoftheirlifebeforeitscaresbegin;--Thedulldisease,whichdrainstheirfeeblehearts,Tolife'sdecaysomehecticthrill'simparts,Andlendsaforcewhich,likethemaniac'spower,Payswithblankyearsthefrenzyofanhour.

AndthisisGenius!Say,doesHeavendegradeThemanlyframe,forhealth,foractionmade?Breakdownthesinews,rackthebrowwithpains,Blanchtherightcheekanddrainthepurpleveins,Toclothethemindwithmoreextendedsway,Thusfaintlystrugglingindegenerateclay?

No!gentlemaid,tooreadytoadmire,

Thoughfalseitsnotes,thepaleenthusiast'slyre;Ifthisbegenius,thoughitsbitterspringsGlowedlikethemornbeneathAurora'swings,SeeknotthesourcewhosesullenbosomfeedsButfruitlessflowersanddark,envenomedweeds.

But,ifsobrightthedearillusionseems,Thouwouldstbepartnerofthypoet'sdreams,Andhanginraptureonhisbloodlesscharms,Ordie,likeRaphael,inhisangelarms,Goandenjoythyblessedlot,--toshareInCowper'sgloomorChatterton'sdespair!

Notsuchweretheywhom,wanderingo'erthewaves,Ilookedtomeet,butonlyfoundtheirgraves;Iffriendship'ssmile,thebetterpartoffame,ShouldlendmysongtheonlywreathIclaim,Whosevoicewouldgreetmewithasweetertone,Whoselivinghandmorekindlypressmyown,Thantheirs,--couldMemory,ashersilenttreadPrintsthepaleflowersthatblossomo'erthedead,Thosebreathlesslips,nowclosedinpeace,restore,Orwakethosepulseshushedtobeatnomore?

Thoucalm,chastescholar!Icanseetheenow,Thefirstyounglaurelsonthypallidbrow,

O'erthyslightfigurefloatinglightlydownIngracefulfoldstheacademicgown,OnthycurledliptheclassiclinesthattaughtHownicethemindthatsculpturedthemwiththought,Andtriumphglisteningintheclearblueeye,Toobrighttolive,--butoh,toofairtodie!

Andthou,dearfriend,whomSciencestilldeplores,AndLovestillmourns,onocean-severedshores,Thoughthebleakforesttwicehasbowedwithsnow


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Sincethouwastlaiditsbuddingleavesbelow,Thineimagemingleswithmyclosingstrain,AswhenwewanderedbytheturbidSeine,Bothblessedwithhopes,whichrevelled,brightandfree,Onallwelongedorallwedreamedtobe;Totheetheamaranthandthecypressfell,--AndIwassparedtobreathethislastfarewell!

Butlivedthereoneinunremembereddays,Orlivestherestill,whospurnsthepoet'sbays,Whosefingers,dewyfromCastalia'ssprings,Restonthelyre,yetscorntotouchthestrings?WhoshakesthesenatewiththesilvertoneThegrovesofPindusmighthavesighedtoown?Havesuche'erbeen?RememberCanning'sname!Dosuchstilllive?Let"Alaric'sDirge"proclaim!

ImmortalArt!where'ertheroundedskyBendso'erthecradlewherethychildrenlie,Theirhomeisearth,theirheraldeverytongueWhoseaccentsechotothevoicethatsung.OneleapofOceanscattersonthesandThequarriedbulwarksofthelooseningland;Onethrillofearthdissolvesacentury'stoil

Strewedliketheleavesthatvanishinthesoil;Onehillo'erflows,andcitiessinkbelow,Theirmarblessplinteringinthelava'sglow;Butonesweettone,scarcewhisperedtotheair,Fromshoretoshoretheblastsofagesbear;Onehumblename,whichoft,perchance,hasborneThetyrant'smockeryandthecourtier'sscorn,Towerso'erthedustofearth'sforgottengraves,Asonce,emergingthroughthewasteofwaves,TherockyTitan,roundwhoseshatteredspearCoiledthelastwhirlpoolofthedrowningsphere!

ADDITIONALPOEMS

1837-1848

THEPILGRIM'SVISION

INthehouroftwilightshadowsThePilgrimsirelookedout;

Hethoughtofthe"bloudySalvages"Thatlurkedallroundabout,OfWituwamet'spicturedknifeAndPecksuot'swhoopingshout;Forthebaby'slimbswerefeeble,Thoughhisfather'sarmswerestout.

Hishomewasafreezingcabin,Toobareforthehungryrat;Itsroofwasthatchedwithraggedgrass,


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Andbaldenoughofthat;TheholethatservedforcasementWasglazedwithanancienthat,AndtheicewasgentlythawingFromthelogwhereonhesat.

AlongthedrearylandscapeHiseyeswenttoandfro,

Thetreesallcladinicicles,Thestreamsthatdidnotflow;Asuddenthoughtflashedo'erhim,--Adreamoflongago,--Hesmotehisleathernjerkin,Andmurmured,"Evenso!"

"Comehither,God-be-Glorified,Andsituponmyknee;Beholdthedreamunfolding,WhereofIspaketotheeBythewinter'shearthinLeydenAndonthestormysea.Trueisthedream'sbeginning,--Somayitsendingbe!

"IsawinthenakedforestOurscatteredremnantcast,AscreenofshiveringbranchesBetweenthemandtheblast;Thesnowwasfallingroundthem,Thedyingfellasfast;Ilookedtoseethemperish,Whenlo,thevisionpassed.

"Againmineeyeswereopened;--Thefeeblehadwaxedstrong,Thebabeshadgrowntosturdymen,

Theremnantwasathrong;Byshadowedlakeandwindingstream,Andalltheshoresalong,ThehowlingdemonsquakedtohearTheChristian'sgodlysong.

"Theyslept,thevillagefathers,Byriver,lake,andshore,WhenfaradownthesteepofTimeThevisionroseoncemoreIsawalongthewintersnowAspectralcolumnpour,Andhighabovetheirbrokenranks

Atatteredflagtheybore.

"TheirLeaderrodebeforethem,Ofbearingcalmandhigh,ThelightofHeaven'sownkindlingThronedinhisawfuleye;ThesewereaNation'schampionsHerdreadappealtotry.Godfortheright!Ifaltered,Andlo,thetrainpassedby.


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"Oncemore;--thestrifeisended,Thesolemnissuetried,TheLordofHosts,hismightyarmHashelpedourIsrael'sside;GraystoneandgrassyhillockTellwhereourmartyrsdied,Butpeacefulsmilestheharvest,Andstainlessflowsthetide.

"Acrash,aswhensomeswollencloudCrackso'erthetangledtreesWithsidetoside,andspartospar,Whosesmokingdecksarethese?IknowSaintGeorge'sblood-redcross,ThouMistressoftheSeas,ButwhatisshewhosestreamingbarsRolloutbeforethebreeze?

"Ah,wellherironribsareknit,WhosethundersstrivetoquellThebellowingthroats,theblazinglips,ThatpealedtheArmada'sknell!Themistwascleared,--awreathofstars

Roseo'erthecrimsonedswell,And,waveringfromitshaughtypeak,ThecrossofEnglandfell!

"OtremblingFaith!thoughdarkthemorn,Aheavenlytorchisthine;Whilefeeblerracesmeltaway,Andpalerorbsdecline,Stillshallthefierypillar'srayAlongthypathwayshine,TolightthechosentribethatsoughtThisWesternPalestine.

"Iseethelivingtiderollon;ItcrownswithflamingtowersTheicycapesofLabrador,TheSpaniard's'landofflowers'!ItstreamsbeyondthesplinteredridgeThatpartsthenorthernshowers;FromeasternrocktosunsetwaveTheContinentisours!"

Heceased,thegrimoldsoldier-saint,ThensoftlybenttocheerThePilgrim-child,whosewastingfaceWasmeeklyturnedtohear;

Anddrewhistoil-wornsleeveacrossTobrushthemanlytearFromcheeksthatneverchangedinwoe,Andneverblanchedinfear.

ThewearyPilgrimslumbers,Hisresting-placeunknown;Hishandswerecrossed,hislipswereclosed,Thedustwaso'erhimstrown;Thedriftingsoil,themoulderingleaf,


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Alongthesodwereblown;Hismoundhasmeltedintoearth,Hismemorylivesalone.

Soletitliveunfading,Thememoryofthedead,LongasthepaleanemoneSpringswheretheirtearswereshed,Or,raininginthesummer'swindInflakesofburningred,ThewildrosesprinkleswithitsleavesTheturfwhereoncetheybled!

Yea,whenthefrowningbulwarksThatguardthisholystrandHavesunkbeneaththetramplingsurgeInbedsofsparklingsand,WhileinthewasteofoceanOnehoaryrockshallstand,Bethisitslatestlegend,--HEREWASTHEPILGRIM'SLAND!

THESTEAMBOAT

SEEhowyonflamingheraldtreadsTheridgedandrollingwaves,As,crashingo'ertheircrestedheads,Shebowshersurlyslaves!Withfoambeforeandfirebehind,Sherendstheclingingsea,Thatfliesbeforetheroaringwind,Beneathherhissinglee.

Themorningspray,likesea-bornflowers,Withheapedandglisteningbells,Fallsroundherfast,inringingshowers,Witheverywavethatswells;And,burningo'erthemidnightdeep,Inluridfringesthrown,ThelivinggemsofoceansweepAlongherflashingzone.

Withclashingwheelandliftingkeel,Andsmokingtorchonhigh,Whenwindsareloudandbillowsreel,Shethundersfoamingby;

Whenseasaresilentandserene,Withevenbeamsheglides,ThesunshineglimmeringthroughthegreenThatskirtshergleamingsides.

Now,likeawild,nymph,farapartSheveilshershadowyform,ThebeatingofherrestlessheartStillsoundingthroughthestorm;Nowanswers,likeacourtlydame,


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Thereddeningsurgeso'er,Withflyingscarfofspangledflame,ThePharosoftheshore.

To-nightyonpilotshallnotsleep,Whotrimshisnarrowedsail;To-nightyonfrigatescarceshallkeepHerbroadbreasttothegale;Andmanyaforesail,scoopedandstrained,Shallbreakfromyardandstay,BeforethissmokywreathhasstainedTherisingmistofday.

Hark!hark!Ihearyonwhistlingshroud,Iseeyonquiveringmast;TheblackthroatofthehuntedcloudIspantingforththeblast!Anhour,and,whirledlikewinnowingchaff,ThegiantsurgeshallflingHistresseso'eryonpennonstaff,Whiteasthesea-bird'swing.

Yetrest,yewanderersofthedeep;Norwindnorwaveshalltire

Thosefleshlessarms,whosepulsesleapWithfloodsoflivingfire;Sleepon,and,whenthemorninglightStreamso'ertheshiningbay,OhthinkofthoseforwhomthenightShallneverwakeinday.

LEXINGTON

SLOWLYthemisto'erthemeadowwascreeping,Brightonthedewybudsglistenedthesun,Whenfromhiscouch,whilehischildrenweresleeping,Rosetheboldrebelandshoulderedhisgun.WavinghergoldenveilOverthesilentdale,Blithelookedthemorningoncottageandspire;Hushedwashispartingsigh,WhilefromhisnobleeyeFlashedthelastsparkleofliberty'sfire.

OnthesmoothgreenwherethefreshleafisspringingCalmlythefirst-bornofgloryhavemet;

Hark!thedeath-volleyaroundthemisringing!Look!withtheirlife-bloodtheyounggrassiswetFaintisthefeeblebreath,Murmuringlowindeath,"Telltooursonshowtheirfathershavedied;"Nervelesstheironhand,Raisedforitsnativeland,Liesbytheweaponthatgleamsatitsside.

Overthehillsidesthewildknellistolling,


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Fromtheirfarhamletstheyeomanrycome;Asthroughthestorm-cloudsthethunder-burstrolling,Circlesthebeatofthemusteringdrum.Fastonthesoldier'spathDarkenthewavesofwrath,--Longhavetheygatheredandloudshalltheyfall;Redglaresthemusket'sflash,Sharpringstherifle'scrash,Blazingandclangingfromthicketandwall.

Gaylytheplumeofthehorsemanwasdancing,Nevertoshadowhiscoldbrowagain;Proudlyatmorningthewar-steedwasprancing,Reekingandpantinghedroopsontherein;Paleisthelipofscorn,Voicelessthetrumpethorn,Tornisthesilken-fringedredcrossonhigh;ManyabeltedbreastLowontheturfshallrestErethedarkhunterstheherdhavepassedby.

Snow-girdledcragswherethehoarsewindisraving,Rockswherethewearyfloodsmurmurandwail,Wildswherethefernbythefurrowiswaving,

Reeledwiththeechoesthatrodeonthegale;FarasthetempestthrillsOverthedarkenedhills,Farasthesunshinestreamsovertheplain,Rousedbythetyrantband,Wokeallthemightyland,Girdedforbattle,frommountaintomain.

Greenbethegraveswherehermartyrsarelying!Shroudlessandtomblesstheysunktotheirrest,Whileo'ertheirashesthestarryfoldflyingWrapstheproudeagletheyrousedfromhisnest.BorneonherNorthernpine,

Longo'erthefoamingbrineSpreadherbroadbannertostormandtosun;Heavenkeephereverfree,Wideaso'erlandandseaFloatsthefairemblemherheroeshavewon.

ONLENDINGAPUNCH-BOWL

This"punch-bowl"was,accordingtooldfamilytradition,acaudle-cup.

Itisamassivepieceofsilver,itscherubsandotherornamentsofcoarserepoussework,andhastwohandleslikealoving-cup,bywhichitwasheld,orpassedfromguesttoguest.

THISancientsilverbowlofmine,ittellsofgoodoldtimes,Ofjoyousdaysandjollynights,andmerryChristmastimes;Theywereafreeandjovialrace,buthonest,brave,andtrue,Whodippedtheirladleinthepunchwhenthisoldbowlwasnew.

ASpanishgalleonbroughtthebar,--sorunstheancienttale;


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'TwashammeredbyanAntwerpsmith,whosearmwaslikeaflail;Andnowandthenbetweenthestrokes,forfearhisstrengthshouldfail,HewipedhisbrowandquaffedacupofgoodoldFlemishale.

'TwaspurchasedbyanEnglishsquiretopleasehislovingdame,Whosawthecherubs,andconceivedalongingforthesame;Andoftasontheancientstockanothertwigwasfound,'Twasfilledwithcandlespicedandhot,andhandedsmokinground.

But,changinghands,itreachedatlengthaPuritandivine,WhousedtofollowTimothy,andtakealittlewine,Buthatedpunchandprelacy;andsoitwas,perhaps,HewenttoLeyden,wherehefoundconventiclesandschnapps.

Andthen,ofcourse,youknowwhat'snext:itlefttheDutchman'sshoreWiththosethatintheMayflowercame,--ahundredsoulsandmore,--Alongwithallthefurniture,tofilltheirnewabodes,--Tojudgebywhatisstillonhand,atleastahundredloads.

'Twasonadrearywinter'seve,thenightwasclosing,dim,WhenbraveMilesStandishtookthebowl,andfilledittothebrim;ThelittleCaptainstoodandstirredthepossetwithhissword,Andallhissturdymen-at-armswererangedabouttheboard.

HepouredthefieryHollandsin,--themanthatneverfeared,--Hetookalongandsolemndraught,andwipedhisyellowbeard;Andonebyonethemusketeers--thementhatfoughtandprayed--Alldrankas'tweretheirmother'smilk,andnotamanafraid.

Thatnight,affrightedfromhisnest,thescreamingeagleflew,HeheardthePequot'sringingwhoop,thesoldier'swildhalloo;Andtherethesachemlearnedtherulehetaughttokithandkin,Runfromthewhitemanwhenyoufindhesmellsof"Hollandsgin!"

Ahundredyears,andfiftymore,hadspreadtheirleavesandsnows,Athousandrubshadflatteneddowneachlittlecherub'snose,Whenonceagainthebowlwasfilled,butnotinmirthorjoy,--

'Twasmingledbyamother'shandtocheerherpartingboy.

Drink,John,shesaid,'twilldoyougood,--poorchild,you'llneverbearThisworkinginthedismaltrench,outinthemidnightair;Andif--Godblessme!--youwerehurt,'twouldkeepawaythechill.SoJohndiddrink,--andwellhewroughtthatnightatBunker'sHill!

Itellyou,therewasgenerouswarmthingoodoldEnglishcheer;Itellyou,'twasapleasantthoughttobringitssymbolhere.'Tisbutthefoolthatlovesexcess;hastthouadrunkensoul?Thybaneisinthyshallowskull,notinmysilverbowl!

Ilovethememoryofthepast,--itspressedyetfragrantflowers,--Themossthatclothesitsbrokenwalls,theivyonitstowers;Nay,thispoorbaubleitbequeathed,--myeyesgrowmoistanddim,Tothinkofallthevanishedjoysthatdancedarounditsbrim.

Thenfillafairandhonestcup,andbearitstraighttome;Thegoblethallowsallitholds,whate'ertheliquidbe;AndmaythecherubsonitsfaceprotectmefromthesinThatdoomsonetothosedreadfulwords,--"Mydear,whereHAVEyoubeen?"


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ASONG

FORTHECENTENNIALCELEBRATIONOFHARVARDCOLLEGE,1836

Thissong,whichIhadthetemeritytosingmyself(_felixauda-cia_,Mr.FranklinDexterhadthegoodnesstocallit),wassentinalittletoolatetobeprintedwiththeofficialaccountofthecelebration.ItwaswrittenatthesuggestionofDr.JacobBigelow,whothoughtthepopulartune"ThePoacher'sSong"wouldbeagoodmodelforalivelyballadorditty.HehimselfwrotetheadmirableLatinsongtobefoundintherecordofthemeeting.

WHENthePuritanscameoverOurhillsandswampstoclear,Thewoodswerefullofcatamounts,AndIndiansredasdeer,Withtomahawksandscalping-knives,Thatmakefolks'headslookqueer;OhtheshipfromEnglandusedtobringAhundredwigsayear!

ThecrowscamecawingthroughtheairTopluckthePilgrims'corn,ThebearscamesnuffingroundthedoorWhene'erababewasborn,TherattlesnakeswerebiggerroundThanthebutoftheoldramshornThedeaconblewatmeetingtimeOnevery"Sabbath"morn.

Butsoontheyknockedthewigwamsdown,Andpine-treetrunkandlimbBegantosproutamongtheleaves

Inshapeofsteeplesslim;AndoutthelittlewharveswerestretchedAlongtheocean'srim,Andupthelittleschool-houseshotTokeeptheboysintrim.

AndwhenatlengththeCollegerose,ThesachemcockedhiseyeAteverytutor'smeagreribsWhosecoat-tailswhistledbyButwhentheGreekandHebrewwordsCametumblingfromhisjaws,Thecopper-coloredchildrenall

Ranscreamingtothesquaws.

AndwhowasontheCatalogueWhencollegewasbegun?TwonephewsofthePresident,AndtheProfessor'sson;(TheyturnedalittleIndianby,Asbrownasanybun;)Lord!howtheseniorsknockedaboutThefreshmanclassofone!


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TheyhadnotthenthedaintythingsThatcommonsnowafford,ButsuccotashandhominyWeresmokingontheboard;Theydidnotrattleroundingigs,Ordashinlong-tailedblues,ButalwaysonCommencementdaysThetutorsblackedtheirshoes.

GodblesstheancientPuritans!Theirlotwashardenough;Buthonestheartsmakeironarms,Andtendermaidsaretough;SoloveandfaithhaveformedandfedOurtrue-bornYankeestuff,AndkeepthekernelintheshellTheBritishfoundsorough!

THEISLANDHUNTING-SONG

Theislandreferredtoisadomainofprincelyproportions,whichhaslongbeentheseatofageneroushospitality.NaushonisitsoldIndianname.WilliamSwain,Esq.,commonlyknownas"theGovernor,"wastheproprietorofitatthetimewhenthissongwaswritten.Mr.JohnM.Forbesishisworthysuccessorinterritorialrightsandasahospitableentertainer.TheIslandBookhasbeentherecipientofmanypoemsfromvisitorsandfriendsoftheownersoftheoldmansion.

Nomorethesummerfloweretcharms,Theleaveswillsoonbesere,AndAutumnfoldshisjewelledarmsAroundthedyingyear;

So,erethewaningseasonsclaimOurleaflessgrovesawhile,WithgoldenwineandglowingflameWe'llcrownourlonelyisle.

OncemorethemerryvoicessoundWithintheantleredhall,AndlongandloudthebayinghoundsReturnthehunter'scall;Andthroughthewoods,ando'erthehill,Andfaralongthebay,Thedriver'shornissoundingshrill,--Up,sportsmen,andaway!

NobarsofsteelorwallsofstoneOurlittleempirebound,But,circlingwithhisazurezone,Thesearunsfoaminground;Thewhiteningwave,thepurpledskies,Theblueandliftedshore,BraidwiththeirdimandblendingdyesOurwidehorizono'er.


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AndwhowillleavethegravedebateThatshakesthesmokytown,Toruleamidourisland-state,Andwearouroak-leafcrown?AndwhowillbeawhilecontentTohuntourwoodlandgame,AndleavethevulgarpackthatscentThereekingtrackoffame?

Ah,whothatsharesintoilsliketheseWillsighnottoprolongOurdaysbeneaththebroad-leavedtrees,Ournightsofmirthandsong?Thenleavethedustofnoisystreets,Yeoutlawsofthewood,AndfollowthroughhisgreenretreatsYournobleRobinHood.

DEPARTEDDAYS

YES,deardeparted,cherisheddays,CouldMemory'shandrestoreYourmorninglight,youreveningrays,FromTime'sgrayurnoncemore,Thenmightthisrestlessheartbestill,Thisstrainingeyemightclose,AndHopeherfaintingpinionsfold,Whilethefairphantomsrose.

But,likeachildinocean'sarms,Westriveagainstthestream,EachmomentfartherfromtheshoreWherelife'syoungfountainsgleam;

Eachmomentfainterwavethefields,Andwiderrollsthesea;Themistgrowsdark,--thesungoesdown,--Daybreaks,--andwherearewe?

THEONLYDAUGHTER

ILLUSTRATIONOFAPICTURE

THEYbidmestriketheidlestrings,AsifmysummerdaysHadshakensunbeamsfromtheirwingsTowarmmyautumnlays;Theybringtometheirpaintedurn,AsifitwerenottimeToliftmygauntletandtospurnThelistsofboyishrhyme;AndwereitnotthatIhavestillSomeweaknessinmyheart


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TheleafthataskedanidlesongMustbearmytearsaway.Yet,inthymemoryshouldstthoukeepThiselseforgottenstrain,Tillyearshavetaughtthineeyestoweep,Andflattery'svoiceisvain;Ohthen,thoufledglingofthenest,Likethelong-wanderingdove,Thywearyheartmayfaintforrest,Asmine,onchangelesslove;AndwhilethesesculpturedlinesretraceThehoursnowdancingby,ThisvisionofthygirlishgraceMaycostthee,too,asigh.

SONG

WRITTENFORTHEDINNERGIVENTOCHARLESDICKENSBYTHEYOUNGMENOFBOSTON,FEBRUARY1,1842

THEstarstheirearlyvigilskeep,Thesilenthoursarenear,Whendroopingeyesforgettoweep,--Yetstillwelingerhere;Andwhat--thepassingchurlmayask--Canclaimsuchwondrouspower,ThatToilforgetshiswontedtask,AndLovehispromisedhour?

TheIrishharpnolongerthrills,Orbreathesafaintertone;TheclarionblastfromScotland'shills,Alas!nomoreisblown;

AndPassion'sburninglipbewailsHerHarold'swastedfire,Stilllingeringo'erthedustthatveilsTheLordofEngland'slyre.

Butgrievenoto'eritsbrokenstrings,Northinkitssoulhathdied,Whileyetthelarkatheaven'sgatesings,Asonceo'erAvon'sside;Whilegentlesummershedsherbloom,Anddewyblossomswave,Alikeo'erJuliet'sstoriedtombAndNelly'snamelessgrave.

Thougloriousislandofthesea!ThoughwidethewastingfloodThatpartsourdistantlandfromthee,Weclaimthygenerousblood;Noro'erthyfarhorizonspringsOnehallowedstaroffame,Butkindles,likeanangel'swings,Ourwesternskiesinflame!


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LINES

RECITEDATTHEBERKSHIREJUBILEE,PITTSFIELD,MASS.,AUGUST23,1844

COMEbacktoyourmother,yechildren,forshame,Whohavewanderedliketruantsforrichesorfame!Withasmileonherface,andaspriginhercap,Shecallsyoutofeastfromherbountifullap.

Comeoutfromyouralleys,yourcourts,andyourlanes,Andbreathe,likeyoungeagles,theairofourplains;Takeawhifffromourfields,andyourexcellentwivesWilldeclareit'sallnonsenseinsuringyourlives.

Comeyouofthelaw,whocantalk,ifyouplease,Tillthemaninthemoonwillallowit'sacheese,Andleave"theoldlady,thatnevertellslies,"Tosleepwithherhandkerchiefoverhereyes.

Yehealersofmen,foramomentdeclineYourfeatsintherhubarbandipecacline;Whileyoushutupyourturnpike,yourneighborscangoTheoldroundaboutroadtotheregionsbelow.

Youclerk,onwhoseearsareacoupleofpens,Andwhoseheadisanant-hillofunitsandtens,ThoughPlatodeniesyou,wewelcomeyoustillAsafeatherlessbiped,inspiteofyourquill.

Poordrudgeofthecity!howhappyhefeels,WiththebursonhislegsandthegrassathisheelsNododgerbehind,hisbandannastoshare,

Noconstablegrumbling,"Youmustn'twalkthere!"

Inyondergreenmeadow,tomemorydear,Heslapsamosquitoandbrushesatear;Thedew-dropshangroundhimonblossomsandshoots,Hebreathesbutonesighforhisyouthandhisboots.

Therestandstheoldschool-house,hardbytheoldchurch;Thattreeatitssidehadtheflavorofbirch;Oh,sweetwerethedaysofhisjuveniletricks,Thoughtheprairieofyouthhadsomany"biglicks."

Bythesideofyonriverheweepsandheslumps,

Thebootsfillwithwater,asiftheywerepumps,Till,satedwithrapture,hestealstohisbed,Withaglowinhisheartandacoldinhishead.

'Tispast,--heisdreaming,--Iseehimagain;Theledgerreturnsasbylegerdemain;Hisneckclothisdampwithaneasterlyflaw,Andheholdsinhisfingersanomnibusstraw.

Hedreamsthechillgustisablossomygale,


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Thatthestrawisarosefromhisdearnativevale;Andmurmurs,unconsciousofspaceandoftime,"A1.Extrasuper.Ah,isn'titPRIME!"

Oh,whataretheprizesweperishtowinTothefirstlittle"shiner"wecaughtwithapin!NosoiluponearthissodeartooureyesAsthesoilwefirststirredinterrestrialpies!

Thencomefromallpartiesandpartstoourfeast;Thoughnotatthe"Astor,"we'llgiveyouatleastAbiteatanapple,aseatonthegrass,Andthebestofold--water--atnothingaglass.

NUXPOSTCOENATICA

IWASsittingwithmymicroscope,uponmyparlorrug,Withaveryheavyquartoandaverylivelybug;Thetruebughadbeenorganizedwithonlytwoantennae,Butthehumbuginthecopperplatewouldhavethemtwiceasmany.

AndIthought,likeDr.Faustus,oftheemptinessofart,Howwetakeafragmentforthewhole,andcallthewholeapart,WhenIheardaheavyfootstepthatwasloudenoughfortwo,Andamanoffortyentered,exclaiming,"Howd'yedo?"

Hewasnotaghost,myvisitor,butsolidfleshandbone;HeworeaPaloAltohat,hisweightwastwentystone;(It'soddhowhatsexpandtheirbrimsasriperyearsinvade,Asifwhenlifehadreacheditsnoonitwantedthemforshade!)

Ilostmyfocus,--droppedmybook,--thebug,whowasaflea,Atonceexploded,andcommencedexperimentsonme.

Theyhaveacertainheartinessthatfrequentlyappalls,--Thosemediaevalgentlemeninsemilunarsmalls!

"Myboy,"hesaid,(colloquialways,--thevast,broad-hattedman,)"ComedinewithusonThursdaynext,--youmust,youknowyoucan;We'regoingtohavearoaringtime,withlotsoffunandnoise,Distinguishedguests,etcetera,theJUDGE,andalltheboys."

Notso,--Isaid,--mytemporalbonesareshowingprettyclear.It'stimetostop,--justlookandseethathairabovethisear;Mygoldendaysaremorethanspent,--and,whatisverystrange,Ifthesearerealsilverhairs,I'mgettinglotsofchange.

Besides--myprospects--don'tyouknowthatpeoplewon'temployAmanthatwrongshismanlinessbylaughinglikeaboy?Andsuspecttheazureblossomthatunfoldsuponashoot,Asifwisdom'soldpotatocouldnotflourishatitsroot?

It'saveryfinereflection,whenyou'reetchingoutasmileOnacopperplateoffacesthatwouldstretchatleastamile,That,whatwithsneersfromenemiesandcheapeningshrugsoffriends,Itwillcostyoualltheearningsthatamonthoflaborlends!


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It'savastlypleasingprospect,whenyou'rescrewingoutalaugh,Thatyourverynextyear'sincomeisdiminishedbyahalf,AndalittleboytripsbarefootthatPegasusmaygo,Andthebaby'smilkiswateredthatyourHeliconmayflow!

No;--thejokehasbeenagoodone,--butI'mgettingfondofquiet,AndIdon'tlikedeviationsfrommycustomarydiet;SoIthinkIwillnotgowithyoutohearthetoastsandspeeches,ButsticktooldMontgomeryPlace,andhavesomepigandpeaches.

Thefatmananswered:Shutyourmouth,andhearthegenuinecreed;Thetrueessentialsofafeastareonlyfunandfeed;Theforcethatwheelstheplanetsrounddelightsinspinningtops,Andthatyoungearthquaket'otherdaywasgreatat

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Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the — Complete by Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 1809-1894