But，come！Thesunishasteningwestward，whilethemarchofhumanlife，thatneverpausedbefore，isdelayedbyourattempttorearrangeitsorder。Itisdesirabletofindsomecomprehensiveprinciple，thatshallrenderourtaskeasierbybringingthousandsintotherankswherehithertowehavebroughtone。Thereforeletthetrumpet，ifpossible，splititsbrazenthroatwithaloudernotethanever，andtheheraldsummonallmortals，who，fromwhatevercause，havelost，orneverfound，theirproperplacesinthewold。
　　Obedienttothiscall，agreatmultitudecometogether，mostofthemwithalistlessgait，betokeningwearinessofsoul，yetwithagleamofsatisfactionintheirfaces，ataprospectofatlengthreachingthosepositionswhich，hitherto，theyhavevainlysought。Butherewillbeanotherdisappointment；forwecanattemptnomorethanmerelytoassociateinonefraternityallwhoareafflictedwiththesamevaguetrouble。Somegreatmistakeinlifeisthechiefconditionofadmittanceintothisclass。
　　Herearemembersofthelearnedprofessions，whomProvidenceendowedwithspecialgiftsfortheplough，theforge，andthewheelbarrow，orfortheroutineofunintellectualbusiness。Wewillassigntothem，aspartnersinthemarch，thoselowlylaborersandhandicraftsmen，whohavepined，aswithadyingthirst，aftertheunattainablefountainsofknowledge。Thelatterhavelostlessthantheircompanions；yetmore，becausetheydeemitinfinite。Perchancethetwospeciesofunfortunatesmaycomfortoneanother。HereareQuakerswiththeinstinctofbattleinthem；andmenofwarwhoshouldhavewornthebroadbrim。
　　AuthorsshallberankedherewhomsomefreakofNature，makinggameofherpoorchildren，hadimbuedwiththeconfidenceofgeniusandstrongdesireoffame，buthasfavoredwithnocorrespondingpower；andothers，whoseloftygiftswereunaccompaniedwiththefacultyofexpression，oranyofthatearthlymachinerybywhichetherealendowmentsmustbemanifestedtomankind。Allthese，therefore，aremelancholylaughing-stocks。
　　Next，herearehonestandwellintentionedpersons，whobyawantoftact——byinaccurateperceptions——byadistortingimagination——havebeenkeptcontinuallyatcrosspurposeswiththeworldandbewildereduponthepathoflife。Letusseeiftheycanconfinethemselveswithinthelineofourprocession。Inthisclass，likewise，wemustassignplacestothosewhohaveencounteredthatworstofillsuccess，ahigherfortunethantheirabilitiescouldvindicate；writers，actors，painters，thepetsofaday，butwhoselaurelswitherunrenewedamidtheirhoaryhair；politicians，whomsomemaliciouscontingencyofaffairshasthrustintoconspicuousstation，where，whiletheworldstandsgazingatthem，thedrearyconsciousnessofimbecilitymakesthemcursetheirbirthhour。Tosuchmen，wegiveforacompanionhimwhoseraretalents，whichperhapsrequireaRevolutionfortheirexercise，areburiedinthetombofsluggishcircumstances。
　　Notfarfromthese，wemustfindroomforonewhosesuccesshasbeenofthewrongkind；themanwhoshouldhavelingeredinthecloistersofauniversity，diggingnewtreasuresoutoftheHerculaneumofantiquelore，diffusingdepthandaccuracyofliteraturethroughouthiscountry，andthusmakingforhimselfagreatandquietfame。Buttheoutwardtendenciesaroundhimhaveprovedtoopowerfulforhisinwardnature，andhavedrawnhimintothearenaofpoliticaltumult，theretocontendatdisadvantage，whetherfronttofront，orsidebyside，withthebrawnygiantsofactuallife。Hebecomes，itmaybe，anameforbrawlingpartiestobandytoandfro，alegislatoroftheUnion；
　　agovernorofhisnativestate；anambassadortothecourtsofkingsorqueens；andtheworldmaydeemhimamanofhappystars。
　　Butnotsothewise；andnotsohimself，whenhelooksthroughhisexperience，andsighstomissthatfitness，theoneinvaluabletouchwhichmakesallthingstrueandreal。Somuchachieved，yethowabortiveishislife！Whomshallwechooseforhiscompanion？Someweakframedblacksmith，perhaps，whosedelicacyofmusclemighthavesuitedatailor'sshopboardbetterthantheanvil。
　　Shallwebidthetrumpetsoundagain？Itishardlyworththewhile。Thereremainafewidlemenoffortune，tavernandgrog-shoploungers，lazzaroni，oldbachelors，decayingmaidens，andpeopleofcrookedintellectortemper，allofwhommayfindtheirlike，orsometolerableapproachtoit，intheplentifuldiversityofourlatterclass。Theretoo，ashisultimatedestiny，mustwerankthedreamer，who，allhislifelong，hascherishedtheideathathewaspeculiarlyaptforsomething，butnevercoulddeterminewhatitwas；andtherethemostunfortunateofmen，whosepurposeithasbeentoenjoylife'spleasures，buttoavoidamanfulstrugglewithitstoilandsorrow。Theremainder，ifany，mayconnectthemselveswithwhateverrankoftheprocessiontheyshallfindbestadaptedtotheirtastesandconsciences。Theworstpossiblefatewouldbetoremainbehind，shiveringinthesolitudeoftime，whilealltheworldisonthemovetowardseternity。Ourattempttoclassifysocietyisnowcomplete。Theresultmaybeanythingbutperfect；yetbetter——togiveittheverylowestpraise——thantheantiqueruleoftheherald'soffice，orthemodernoneofthetax-gatherer，wherebytheaccidentsandsuperficialattributeswithwhichtherealnatureofindividualshasleasttodo，areacteduponasthedeepestcharacteristicsofmankind。Ourtaskisdone！Nowletthegrandprocessionmove！
　　Yetpauseawhile！WehadforgottentheChiefMarshal。
　　Hark！Thatworld-wideswellofsolemnmusic，withtheclangofamightybellbreakingforththroughitsregulateduproar，announceshisapproach。Hecomes；asevere，sedate，immovable，darkrider，wavinghistruncheonofuniversalsway，ashepassesalongthelengthenedline，onthepalehorseoftheRevelation。
　　ItisDeath！Whoelsecouldassumetheguidanceofaprocessionthatcomprehendsallhumanity？Andifsome，amongthesemanymillions，shoulddeemthemselvesclassedamiss，yetletthemtaketotheirheartsthecomfortabletruththatDeathlevelsusallintoonegreatbrotherhood，andthatanotherstateofbeingwillsurelyrectifythewrongofthis。Thenbreathethywailupontheearth'swailingwind，thoubandofmelancholymusic，madeupofeverysighthatthehumanheart，unsatisfied，hasuttered！Thereisyettriumphinthytones。Andnowwemove！Beggarsintheirrags，andKingstrailingtheregalpurpleinthedust；theWarrior'sgleaminghelmet；thePriestinhissablerobe；thehoaryGrandsire，whohasrunlife'scircleandcomebacktochildhood；theruddySchool-boywithhisgoldencurls，friskingalongthemarch；theArtisan'sstuffjacket；theNoble'sstar-decoratedcoat；——thewholepresentingamotleyspectacle，yetwithaduskygrandeurbroodingoverit。Onward，onward，intothatdimnesswherethelightsofTimewhichhaveblazedalongtheprocession，areflickeringintheirsockets！Andwhither！Weknownot；andDeath，hithertoourleader，desertsusbythewayside，asthetrampofourinnumerablefootstepsechoesbeyondhissphere。Heknowsnot，morethanwe，ourdestinedgoal。ButGod，whomadeus，knows，andwillnotleaveusonourtoilsomeanddoubtfulmarch，eithertowanderininfiniteuncertainty，orperishbytheway！
　　FEATHERTOP:AMORALIZEDLEGEND
　　“Dickon，“criedMotherRigby，“acoalformypipe！“
　　Thepipewasintheolddame'smouthwhenshesaidthesewords。
　　Shehadthrustitthereafterfillingitwithtobacco，butwithoutstoopingtolightitatthehearth，whereindeedtherewasnoappearanceofafirehavingbeenkindledthatmorning。
　　Forthwith，however，assoonastheorderwasgiven，therewasanintenseredglowoutofthebowlofthepipe，andawhiffofsmokecamefromMotherRigby'slips。Whencethecoalcame，andhowbroughtthitherbyaninvisiblehand，Ihaveneverbeenabletodiscover。
　　“Good！“quothMotherRigby，withanodofherhead。“Thankye，Dickon！Andnowformakingthisscarecrow。Bewithincall，Dickon，incaseIneedyouagain。“
　　Thegoodwomanhadrisenthusearlyforasyetitwasscarcelysunriseinordertosetaboutmakingascarecrow，whichsheintendedtoputinthemiddleofhercorn-patch。ItwasnowthelatterweekofMay，andthecrowsandblackbirdshadalreadydiscoveredthelittle，green，rolledupleafoftheIndiancornjustpeepingoutofthesoil。Shewasdetermined，therefore，tocontriveaslifelikeascarecrowaseverwasseen，andtofinishitimmediately，fromtoptotoe，sothatitshouldbeginitssentinel'sdutythatverymorning。NowMotherRigbyaseverybodymusthaveheardwasoneofthemostcunningandpotentwitchesinNewEngland，andmight，withverylittletrouble，havemadeascarecrowuglyenoughtofrightentheministerhimself。
　　Butonthisoccasion，asshehadawakenedinanuncommonlypleasanthumor，andwasfurtherdulcifiedbyherpipetobacco，sheresolvedtoproducesomethingfine，beautiful，andsplendid，ratherthanhideousandhorrible。
　　“Idon'twanttosetupahobgoblininmyowncorn-patch，andalmostatmyowndoorstep，“saidMotherRigbytoherself，puffingoutawhiffofsmoke；“IcoulddoitifIpleased，butI'mtiredofdoingmarvellousthings，andsoI'llkeepwithintheboundsofevery-daybusinessjustforvariety'ssake。Besides，thereisnouseinscaringthelittlechildrenforamileroundabout，though'tistrueI'mawitch。“
　　Itwassettled，therefore，inherownmind，thatthescarecrowshouldrepresentafinegentlemanoftheperiod，sofarasthematerialsathandwouldallow。Perhapsitmaybeaswelltoenumeratethechiefofthearticlesthatwenttothecompositionofthisfigure。
　　Themostimportantitemofall，probably，althoughitmadesolittleshow，wasacertainbroomstick，onwhichMotherRigbyhadtakenmanyanairygallopatmidnight，andwhichnowservedthescarecrowbywayofaspinalcolumn，or，astheunlearnedphraseit，abackbone。OneofitsarmswasadisabledflailwhichusedtobewieldedbyGoodmanRigby，beforehisspouseworriedhimoutofthistroublesomeworld；theother，ifImistakenot，wascomposedofthepuddingstickandabrokenrungofachair，tiedlooselytogetherattheelbow。Asforitslegs，therightwasahoehandle，andtheleftanundistinguishedandmiscellaneousstickfromthewoodpile。Itslungs，stomach，andotheraffairsofthatkindwerenothingbetterthanamealbagstuffedwithstraw。
　　Thuswehavemadeouttheskeletonandentirecorporosityofthescarecrow，withtheexceptionofitshead；andthiswasadmirablysuppliedbyasomewhatwitheredandshrivelledpumpkin，inwhichMotherRigbycuttwoholesfortheeyesandaslitforthemouth，leavingabluish-coloredknobinthemiddletopassforanose。
　　Itwasreallyquitearespectableface。
　　“I'veseenworseonesonhumanshoulders，atanyrate，“saidMotherRigby。“Andmanyafinegentlemanhasapumpkinhead，aswellasmyscarecrow。“
　　Buttheclothes，inthiscase，weretobethemakingoftheman。
　　Sothegoodoldwomantookdownfromapeganancientplum-coloredcoatofLondonmake，andwithrelicsofembroideryonitsseams，cuffs，pocket-flaps，andbutton-holes，butlamentablywornandfaded，patchedattheelbows，tatteredattheskirts，andthreadbareallover。Ontheleftbreastwasaroundhole，whenceeitherastarofnobilityhadbeenrentaway，orelsethehotheartofsomeformerwearerhadscorcheditthroughandthrough。TheneighborssaidthatthisrichgarmentbelongedtotheBlackMan'swardrobe，andthathekeptitatMotherRigby'scottagefortheconvenienceofslippingitonwheneverhewishedtomakeagrandappearanceatthegovernor'stable。Tomatchthecoattherewasavelvetwaistcoatofveryamplesize，andformerlyembroideredwithfoliagethathadbeenasbrightlygoldenasthemapleleavesinOctober，butwhichhadnowquitevanishedoutofthesubstanceofthevelvet。Nextcameapairofscarletbreeches，oncewornbytheFrenchgovernorofLouisbourg，andthekneesofwhichhadtouchedthelowerstepofthethroneofLouisleGrand。TheFrenchmanhadgiventhesesmall-clothestoanIndianpowwow，whopartedwiththemtotheoldwitchforagillofstrongwaters，atoneoftheirdancesintheforest。Furthermore，MotherRigbyproducedapairofsilkstockingsandputthemonthefigure'slegs，wheretheyshowedasunsubstantialasadream，withthewoodenrealityofthetwosticksmakingitselfmiserablyapparentthroughtheholes。
　　Lastly，sheputherdeadhusband'swigonthebarescalpofthepumpkin，andsurmountedthewholewithadustythree-corneredhat，inwhichwasstuckthelongesttailfeatherofarooster。
　　Thentheolddamestoodthefigureupinacornerofhercottageandchuckledtobeholditsyellowsemblanceofavisage，withitsnobbylittlenosethrustintotheair。Ithadastrangelyself-satisfiedaspect，andseemedtosay，“Comelookatme！“
　　“Andyouarewellworthlookingat，that'safact！“quothMotherRigby，inadmirationatherownhandiwork。“I'vemademanyapuppetsinceI'vebeenawitch，butmethinksthisisthefinestofthemall。'Tisalmosttoogoodforascarecrow。And，bytheby，I'lljustfillafreshpipeoftobaccoandthentakehimouttothecorn-patch。“
　　Whilefillingherpipetheoldwomancontinuedtogazewithalmostmotherlyaffectionatthefigureinthecorner。Tosaythetruth，whetheritwerechance，orskill，ordownrightwitchcraft，therewassomethingwonderfullyhumaninthisridiculousshape，bedizenedwithitstatteredfinery；andasforthecountenance，itappearedtoshrivelitsyellowsurfaceintoagrin——afunnykindofexpressionbetwixtscornandmerriment，asifitunderstooditselftobeajestatmankind。ThemoreMotherRigbylookedthebettershewaspleased。
　　“Dickon，“criedshesharply，“anothercoalformypipe！“
　　Hardlyhadshespoken，than，justasbefore，therewasared-glowingcoalonthetopofthetobacco。Shedrewinalongwhiffandpuffeditforthagainintothebarofmorningsunshinewhichstruggledthroughtheonedustypaneofhercottagewindow。
　　MotherRigbyalwayslikedtoflavorherpipewithacoaloffirefromtheparticularchimneycornerwhencethishadbeenbrought。
　　Butwherethatchimneycornermightbe，orwhobroughtthecoalfromit，——furtherthanthattheinvisiblemessengerseemedtorespondtothenameofDickon，——Icannottell。
　　“Thatpuppetyonder，“thoughtMotherRigby，stillwithhereyesfixedonthescarecrow，“istoogoodapieceofworktostandallsummerinacorn-patch，frighteningawaythecrowsandblackbirds。He'scapableofbetterthings。Why，I'vedancedwithaworseone，whenpartnershappenedtobescarce，atourwitchmeetingsintheforest！WhatifIshouldlethimtakehischanceamongtheothermenofstrawandemptyfellowswhogobustlingabouttheworld？“
　　Theoldwitchtookthreeorfourmorewhiffsofherpipeandsmiled。
　　“He'llmeetplentyofhisbrethrenateverystreetcorner！“
　　continuedshe。“Well；Ididn'tmeantodabbleinwitchcraftto-day，furtherthanthelightingofmypipe，butawitchIam，andawitchI'mlikelytobe，andthere'snousetryingtoshirkit。I'llmakeamanofmyscarecrow，wereitonlyforthejoke'ssake！“
　　Whilemutteringthesewords，MotherRigbytookthepipefromherownmouthandthrustitintothecrevicewhichrepresentedthesamefeatureinthepumpkinvisageofthescarecrow。
　　“Puff，darling，puff！“saidshe。“Puffaway，myfinefellow！yourlifedependsonit！“
　　Thiswasastrangeexhortation，undoubtedly，tobeaddressedtoamerethingofsticks，straw，andoldclothes，withnothingbetterthanashrivelledpumpkinforahead，——asweknowtohavebeenthescarecrow'scase。Nevertheless，aswemustcarefullyholdinremembrance，MotherRigbywasawitchofsingularpoweranddexterity；and，keepingthisfactdulybeforeourminds，weshallseenothingbeyondcredibilityintheremarkableincidentsofourstory。Indeed，thegreatdifficultywillbeatoncegotover，ifwecanonlybringourselvestobelievethat，assoonastheolddamebadehimpuff，therecameawhiffofsmokefromthescarecrow'smouth。Itwastheveryfeeblestofwhiffs，tobesure；butitwasfollowedbyanotherandanother，eachmoredecidedthantheprecedingone。
　　“Puffaway，mypet！puffaway，myprettyone！“MotherRigbykeptrepeating，withherpleasantestsmile。“Itisthebreathoflifetoye；andthatyoumaytakemywordfor。“
　　Beyondallquestionthepipewasbewitched。Theremusthavebeenaspelleitherinthetobaccoorinthefiercely-glowingcoalthatsomysteriouslyburnedontopofit，orinthepungently-aromaticsmokewhichexhaledfromthekindledweed。Thefigure，afterafewdoubtfulattemptsatlengthblewforthavolleyofsmokeextendingallthewayfromtheobscurecornerintothebarofsunshine。Thereiteddiedandmeltedawayamongthemotesofdust。Itseemedaconvulsiveeffort；forthetwoorthreenextwhiffswerefainter，althoughthecoalstillglowedandthrewagleamoverthescarecrow'svisage。Theoldwitchclappedherskinnyhandstogether，andsmiledencouraginglyuponherhandiwork。Shesawthatthecharmworkedwell。Theshrivelled，yellowface，whichheretoforehadbeennofaceatall，hadalreadyathin，fantastichaze，asitwereofhumanlikeness，shiftingtoandfroacrossit；sometimesvanishingentirely，butgrowingmoreperceptiblethaneverwiththenextwhifffromthepipe。Thewholefigure，inlikemanner，assumedashowoflife，suchasweimparttoill-definedshapesamongtheclouds，andhalfdeceiveourselveswiththepastimeofourownfancy。
　　Ifwemustneedsprycloselyintothematter，itmaybedoubtedwhethertherewasanyrealchange，afterall，inthesordid，wornoutworthless，andill-jointedsubstanceofthescarecrow；
　　butmerelyaspectralillusion，andacunningeffectoflightandshadesocoloredandcontrivedastodeludetheeyesofmostmen。
　　Themiraclesofwitchcraftseemalwaystohavehadaveryshallowsubtlety；and，atleast，iftheaboveexplanationdonothitthetruthoftheprocess，Icansuggestnobetter。
　　“Wellpuffed，myprettylad！“stillcriedoldMotherRigby。
　　“Come，anothergoodstoutwhiff，andletitbewithmightandmain。Puffforthylife，Itellthee！Puffoutoftheverybottomofthyheart，ifanyheartthouhast，oranybottomtoit！Welldone，again！Thoudidstsuckinthatmouthfulasifforthepureloveofit。“
　　Andthenthewitchbeckonedtothescarecrow，throwingsomuchmagneticpotencyintohergesturethatitseemedasifitmustinevitablybeobeyed，likethemysticcalloftheloadstonewhenitsummonstheiron。
　　“Whylurkestthouinthecorner，lazyone？“saidshe。“Stepforth！Thouhasttheworldbeforethee！“
　　Uponmyword，ifthelegendwerenotonewhichIheardonmygrandmother'sknee，andwhichhadestablisheditsplaceamongthingscrediblebeforemychildishjudgmentcouldanalyzeitsprobability，IquestionwhetherIshouldhavethefacetotellitnow。
　　InobediencetoMotherRigby'sword，andextendingitsarmasiftoreachheroutstretchedhand，thefiguremadeastepforward——akindofhitchandjerk，however，ratherthanastep——thentotteredandalmostlostitsbalance。Whatcouldthewitchexpect？Itwasnothing，afterall，butascarecrowstuckupontwosticks。Butthestrong-willedoldbeldamscowled，andbeckoned，andflungtheenergyofherpurposesoforciblyatthispoorcombinationofrottenwood，andmustystraw，andraggedgarments，thatitwascompelledtoshowitselfaman，inspiteoftherealityofthings。Soitsteppedintothebarofsunshine。Thereitstood，poordevilofacontrivancethatitwas！——withonlythethinnestvestureofhumansimilitudeaboutit，throughwhichwasevidentthestiff，rickety，incongruous，faded，tattered，good-for-nothingpatchworkofitssubstance，readytosinkinaheapuponthefloor，asconsciousofitsownunworthinesstobeerect。ShallIconfessthetruth？Atitspresentpointofvivification，thescarecrowremindsmeofsomeofthelukewarmandabortivecharacters，composedofheterogeneousmaterials，usedforthethousandthtime，andneverworthusing，withwhichromancewritersandmyself，nodoubt，amongtheresthavesooverpeopledtheworldoffiction。
　　Butthefierceoldhagbegantogetangryandshowaglimpseofherdiabolicnaturelikeasnake'shead，peepingwithahissoutofherbosom，atthispusillanimousbehaviorofthethingwhichshehadtakenthetroubletoputtogether。
　　“Puffaway，wretch！“criedshe，wrathfully。“Puff，puff，puff，thouthingofstrawandemptiness！thouragortwo！thoumealbag！thoupumpkinhead！thounothing！WhereshallIfindanamevileenoughtocalltheeby？Puff，Isay，andsuckinthyfantasticlifewiththesmoke！elseIsnatchthepipefromthymouthandhurltheewherethatredcoalcamefrom。“
　　Thusthreatened，theunhappyscarecrowhadnothingforitbuttopuffawayfordearlife。Asneedwas，therefore，itapplieditselflustilytothepipe，andsentforthsuchabundantvolleysoftobaccosmokethatthesmallcottagekitchenbecameallvaporous。Theonesunbeamstruggledmistilythrough，andcouldbutimperfectlydefinetheimageofthecrackedanddustywindowpaneontheoppositewall。MotherRigby，meanwhile，withonebrownarmakimboandtheotherstretchedtowardsthefigure，loomedgrimlyamidtheobscuritywithsuchportandexpressionaswhenshewaswonttoheaveaponderousnightmareonhervictimsandstandatthebedsidetoenjoytheiragony。Infearandtremblingdidthispoorscarecrowpuff。Butitsefforts，itmustbeacknowledged，servedanexcellentpurpose；for，witheachsuccessivewhiff，thefigurelostmoreandmoreofitsdizzyandperplexingtenuityandseemedtotakedensersubstance。Itsverygarments，moreover，partookofthemagicalchange，andshonewiththeglossofnoveltyandglistenedwiththeskilfullyembroideredgoldthathadlongagobeenrentaway。And，halfrevealedamongthesmoke，ayellowvisagebentitslustrelesseyesonMotherRigby。
　　Atlasttheoldwitchclinchedherfistandshookitatthefigure。Notthatshewaspositivelyangry，butmerelyactingontheprinciple——perhapsuntrue，ornottheonlytruth，thoughashighaoneasMotherRigbycouldbeexpectedtoattain——thatfeebleandtorpidnatures，beingincapableofbetterinspiration，mustbestirredupbyfear。Butherewasthecrisis。Shouldshefailinwhatshenowsoughttoeffect，itwasherruthlesspurposetoscatterthemiserablesimulacreintoitsoriginalelements。
　　“Thouhastaman'saspect，“saidshe，sternly。“Havealsotheechoandmockeryofavoice！Ibidtheespeak！“
　　Thescarecrowgasped，struggled，andatlengthemittedamurmur，whichwassoincorporatedwithitssmokybreaththatyoucouldscarcelytellwhetheritwereindeedavoiceoronlyawhiffoftobacco。SomenarratorsofthislegendholdtheopinionthatMotherRigby'sconjurationsandthefiercenessofherwillhadcompelledafamiliarspiritintothefigure，andthatthevoicewashis。
　　“Mother，“mumbledthepoorstifledvoice，“benotsoawfulwithme！Iwouldfainspeak；butbeingwithoutwits，whatcanIsay？“
　　“Thoucanstspeak，darling，canstthou？“criedMotherRigby，relaxinghergrimcountenanceintoasmile。“Andwhatshaltthousay，quoth-a！Say，indeed！Artthouofthebrotherhoodoftheemptyskull，anddemandestofmewhatthoushaltsay？Thoushaltsayathousandthings，andsayingthemathousandtimesover，thoushaltstillhavesaidnothing！Benotafraid，Itellthee！
　　WhenthoucomestintotheworldwhitherIpurposesendingtheeforthwiththoushaltnotlackthewherewithaltotalk。Talk！
　　Why，thoushallbabblelikeamill-stream，ifthouwilt。Thouhastbrainsenoughforthat，Itrow！“
　　“Atyourservice，mother，“respondedthefigure。
　　“Andthatwaswellsaid，myprettyone，“answeredMotherRigby。
　　“Thenthouspeakestlikethyself，andmeantnothing。Thoushalthaveahundredsuchsetphrases，andfivehundredtothebootofthem。Andnow，darling，Ihavetakensomuchpainswiththeeandthouartsobeautiful，that，bymytroth，Ilovetheebetterthananywitch'spuppetintheworld；andI'vemadethemofallsorts——clay，wax，straw，sticks，nightfog，morningmist，seafoam，andchimneysmoke。Butthouarttheverybest。SogiveheedtowhatIsay。“
　　“Yes，kindmother，“saidthefigure，“withallmyheart！“
　　“Withallthyheart！“criedtheoldwitch，settingherhandstohersidesandlaughingloudly。“Thouhastsuchaprettywayofspeaking。Withallthyheart！Andthoudidstputthyhandtotheleftsideofthywaistcoatasifthoureallyhadstone！“
　　Sonow，inhighgoodhumorwiththisfantasticcontrivanceofhers，MotherRigbytoldthescarecrowthatitmustgoandplayitspartinthegreatworld，wherenotonemaninahundred，sheaffirmed，wasgiftedwithmorerealsubstancethanitself。And，thathemightholduphisheadwiththebestofthem，sheendowedhim，onthespot，withanunreckonableamountofwealth。ItconsistedpartlyofagoldmineinEldorado，andoftenthousandsharesinabrokenbubble，andofhalfamillionacresofvineyardattheNorthPole，andofacastleintheair，andachateauinSpain，togetherwithalltherentsandincometherefromaccruing。Shefurthermadeovertohimthecargoofacertainship，ladenwithsaltofCadiz，whichsheherself，byhernecromanticarts，hadcausedtofounder，tenyearsbefore，inthedeepestpartofmid-ocean。Ifthesaltwerenotdissolved，andcouldbebroughttomarket，itwouldfetchaprettypennyamongthefishermen。Thathemightnotlackreadymoney，shegavehimacopperfarthingofBirminghammanufacture，beingallthecoinshehadabouther，andlikewiseagreatdealofbrass，whichsheappliedtohisforehead，thusmakingityellowerthanever。
　　“Withthatbrassalone，“quothMotherRigby，“thoucanstpaythywayallovertheearth。Kissme，prettydarling！Ihavedonemybestforthee。“
　　Furthermore，thattheadventurermightlacknopossibleadvantagetowardsafairstartinlife，thisexcellentolddamegavehimatokenbywhichhewastointroducehimselftoacertainmagistrate，memberofthecouncil，merchant，andelderofthechurchthefourcapacitiesconstitutingbutoneman，whostoodattheheadofsocietyintheneighboringmetropolis。Thetokenwasneithermorenorlessthanasingleword，whichMotherRigbywhisperedtothescarecrow，andwhichthescarecrowwastowhispertothemerchant。
　　“Goutyastheoldfellowis，he'llrunthyerrandsforthee，whenoncethouhastgivenhimthatwordinhisear，“saidtheoldwitch。“MotherRigbyknowstheworshipfulJusticeGookin，andtheworshipfulJusticeknowsMotherRigby！“
　　Herethewitchthrustherwrinkledfaceclosetothepuppet's，chucklingirrepressibly，andfidgetingallthroughhersystem，withdelightattheideawhichshemeanttocommunicate。
　　“TheworshipfulMasterGookin，“whisperedshe，“hathacomelymaidentohisdaughter。Andharkye，mypet！Thouhastafairoutside，andaprettywitenoughofthineown。Yea，aprettywitenough！Thouwiltthinkbetterofitwhenthouhastseenmoreofotherpeople'swits。Now，withthyoutsideandthyinside，thouarttheverymantowinayounggirl'sheart。Neverdoubtit！I
　　telltheeitshallbeso。Putbutaboldfaceonthematter，sigh，smile，flourishthyhat，thrustforththyleglikeadancing-master，putthyrighthandtotheleftsideofthywaistcoat，andprettyPollyGookinisthineown！“
　　Allthiswhilethenewcreaturehadbeensuckinginandexhalingthevaporyfragranceofhispipe，andseemednowtocontinuethisoccupationasmuchfortheenjoymentitaffordedasbecauseitwasanessentialconditionofhisexistence。Itwaswonderfultoseehowexceedinglylikeahumanbeingitbehaved。ItseyesforitappearedtopossessapairwerebentonMotherRigby，andatsuitablejuncturesitnoddedorshookitshead。Neitherdiditlackwordsproperfortheoccasion:“Really！Indeed！Praytellme！Isitpossible！Uponmyword！Bynomeans！Oh！Ah！Hem！“andothersuchweightyutterancesasimplyattention，inquiry，acquiescence，ordissentonthepartoftheauditor。Evenhadyoustoodbyandseenthescarecrowmade，youcouldscarcelyhaveresistedtheconvictionthatitperfectlyunderstoodthecunningcounselswhichtheoldwitchpouredintoitscounterfeitofanear。Themoreearnestlyitapplieditslipstothepipe，themoredistinctlywasitshumanlikenessstampedamongvisiblerealities，themoresagaciousgrewitsexpression，themorelifelikeitsgesturesandmovements，andthemoreintelligiblyaudibleitsvoice。Itsgarments，too，glistenedsomuchthebrighterwithanillusorymagnificence。Theverypipe，inwhichburnedthespellofallthiswonderwork，ceasedtoappearasasmoke-blackenedearthenstump，andbecameameerschaum，withpaintedbowlandambermouthpiece。
　　Itmightbeapprehended，however，thatasthelifeoftheillusionseemedidenticalwiththevaporofthepipe，itwouldterminatesimultaneouslywiththereductionofthetobaccotoashes。Butthebeldamforesawthedifficulty。
　　“Holdthouthepipe，mypreciousone，“saidshe，“whileIfillitfortheeagain。
　　ItwassorrowfultobeholdhowthefinegentlemanbegantofadebackintoascarecrowwhileMotherRigbyshooktheashesoutofthepipeandproceededtoreplenishitfromhertobacco-box。
　　“Dickon，“criedshe，inherhigh，sharptone，“anothercoalforthispipe！“
　　Nosoonersaidthantheintenselyredspeckoffirewasglowingwithinthepipe-bowl；andthescarecrow，withoutwaitingforthewitch'sbidding，appliedthetubetohislipsanddrewinafewshort，convulsivewhiffs，whichsoon，however，becameregularandequable。
　　“Now，mineownheart'sdarling，“quothMotherRigby，“whatevermayhappentothee，thoumuststicktothypipe。Thylifeisinit；andthat，atleast，thouknowestwell，ifthouknowestnoughtbesides。Sticktothypipe，Isay！Smoke，puff，blowthycloud；
　　andtellthepeople，ifanyquestionbemade，thatitisforthyhealth，andthatsothephysicianorderstheetodo。And，sweetone，whenthoushaltfindthypipegettinglow，goapartintosomecorner，andfirstfillingthyselfwithsmokecrysharply，'Dickon，afreshpipeoftobacco！'and，'Dickon，anothercoalformypipe！'andhaveitintothyprettymouthasspeedilyasmaybe。Else，insteadofagallantgentlemaninagold-lacedcoat，thouwiltbebutajumbleofsticksandtatteredclothes，andabagofstraw，andawitheredpumpkin！Nowdepart，mytreasure，andgoodluckgowiththee！“
　　“Neverfear，mother！“saidthefigure，inastoutvoice，andsendingforthacourageouswhiffofsmoke，“Iwillthrive，ifanhonestmanandagentlemanmay！“
　　“Oh，thouwiltbethedeathofme！“criedtheoldwitch，convulsedwithlaughter。“Thatwaswellsaid。Ifanhonestmanandagentlemanmay！Thouplayestthyparttoperfection。Getalongwiththeeforasmartfellow；andIwillwageronthyhead，asamanofpithandsubstance，withabrainandwhattheycallaheart，andallelsethatamanshouldhave，againstanyotherthingontwolegs。Iholdmyselfabetterwitchthanyesterday，forthysake。DidnotImakethee？AndIdefyanywitchinNewEnglandtomakesuchanother！Here；takemystaffalongwiththee！“
　　Thestaff，thoughitwasbutaplainoakenstick，immediatelytooktheaspectofagold-headedcane。
　　“Thatgoldheadhasasmuchsenseinitasthineown，“saidMotherRigby，“anditwillguidetheestraighttoworshipfulMasterGookin'sdoor。Gettheegone，myprettypet，mydarling，mypreciousone，mytreasure；andifanyaskthyname，itisFeathertop。Forthouhastafeatherinthyhat，andIhavethrustahandfuloffeathersintothehollowofthyhead，andthywig，too，isofthefashiontheycallFeathertop，——sobeFeathertopthyname！“
　　And，issuingfromthecottage，Feathertopstrodemanfullytowardstown。MotherRigbystoodatthethreshold，wellpleasedtoseehowthesunbeamsglistenedonhim，asifallhismagnificencewerereal，andhowdiligentlyandlovinglyhesmokedhispipe，andhowhandsomelyhewalked，inspiteofalittlestiffnessofhislegs。Shewatchedhimuntiloutofsight，andthrewawitchbenedictionafterherdarling，whenaturnoftheroadsnatchedhimfromherview。
　　Betimesintheforenoon，whentheprincipalstreetoftheneighboringtownwasjustatitsacmeoflifeandbustle，astrangerofverydistinguishedfigurewasseenonthesidewalk。
　　Hisportaswellashisgarmentsbetokenednothingshortofnobility。Heworearichly-embroideredplum-coloredcoat，awaistcoatofcostlyvelvet，magnificentlyadornedwithgoldenfoliage，apairofsplendidscarletbreeches，andthefinestandglossiestofwhitesilkstockings。Hisheadwascoveredwithaperuke，sodaintilypowderedandadjustedthatitwouldhavebeensacrilegetodisorderitwithahat；which，thereforeanditwasagold-lacedhat，setoffwithasnowyfeather，hecarriedbeneathhisarm。Onthebreastofhiscoatglistenedastar。Hemanagedhisgold-headedcanewithanairygrace，peculiartothefinegentlemenoftheperiod；and，togivethehighestpossiblefinishtohisequipment，hehadlacerufflesathiswrist，ofamostetherealdelicacy，sufficientlyavouchinghowidleandaristocraticmustbethehandswhichtheyhalfconcealed。
　　Itwasaremarkablepointintheaccoutrementofthisbrilliantpersonagethatheheldinhislefthandafantastickindofapipe，withanexquisitelypaintedbowlandanambermouthpiece。
　　Thisheappliedtohislipsasoftenaseveryfiveorsixpaces，andinhaledadeepwhiffofsmoke，which，afterbeingretainedamomentinhislungs，mightbeseentoeddygracefullyfromhismouthandnostrils。
　　Asmaywellbesupposed，thestreetwasallastirtofindoutthestranger'sname。
　　“Itissomegreatnobleman，beyondquestion，“saidoneofthetownspeople。“Doyouseethestarathisbreast？“
　　“Nay；itistoobrighttobeseen，“saidanother。“Yes；hemustneedsbeanobleman，asyousay。Butbywhatconveyance，thinkyou，canhislordshiphavevoyagedortravelledhither？Therehasbeennovesselfromtheoldcountryforamonthpast；andifhehavearrivedoverlandfromthesouthward，praywherearehisattendantsandequipage？“
　　“Heneedsnoequipagetosetoffhisrank，“remarkedathird。“Ifhecameamongusinrags，nobilitywouldshinethroughaholeinhiselbow。Ineversawsuchdignityofaspect。HehastheoldNormanbloodinhisveins，Iwarranthim。“
　　“IrathertakehimtobeaDutchman，oroneofyourhighGermans，“saidanothercitizen。“Themenofthosecountrieshavealwaysthepipeattheirmouths。“
　　“AndsohasaTurk，“answeredhiscompanion。“But，inmyjudgment，thisstrangerhathbeenbredattheFrenchcourt，andhaththerelearnedpolitenessandgraceofmanner，whichnoneunderstandsowellasthenobilityofFrance。Thatgait，now！A
　　vulgarspectatormightdeemitstiff——hemightcallitahitchandjerk——but，tomyeye，ithathanunspeakablemajesty，andmusthavebeenacquiredbyconstantobservationofthedeportmentoftheGrandMonarque。Thestranger'scharacterandofficeareevidentenough。HeisaFrenchambassador，cometotreatwithourrulersaboutthecessionofCanada。“
　　“MoreprobablyaSpaniard，“saidanother，“andhencehisyellowcomplexion；or，mostlikely，heisfromtheHavana，orfromsomeportontheSpanishmain，andcomestomakeinvestigationaboutthepiracieswhichourgovernmentisthoughttoconniveat。ThosesettlersinPeruandMexicohaveskinsasyellowasthegoldwhichtheydigoutoftheirmines。“
　　“Yellowornot，“criedalady，“heisabeautifulman！——sotall，soslender！suchafine，nobleface，withsowell-shapedanose，andallthatdelicacyofexpressionaboutthemouth！And，blessme，howbrighthisstaris！Itpositivelyshootsoutflames！“
　　“Sodoyoureyes，fairlady，“saidthestranger，withabowandaflourishofhispipe；forhewasjustpassingattheinstant。
　　“Uponmyhonor，theyhavequitedazzledme。“
　　“Waseversooriginalandexquisiteacompliment？“murmuredthelady，inanecstasyofdelight。
　　Amidthegeneraladmirationexcitedbythestranger'sappearance，therewereonlytwodissentingvoices。Onewasthatofanimpertinentcur，which，aftersnuffingattheheelsoftheglisteningfigure，putitstailbetweenitslegsandskulkedintoitsmaster'sbackyard，vociferatinganexecrablehowl。Theotherdissentientwasayoungchild，whosqualledatthefulleststretchofhislungs，andbabbledsomeunintelligiblenonsenseaboutapumpkin。
　　Feathertopmeanwhilepursuedhiswayalongthestreet。Exceptforthefewcomplimentarywordstothelady，andnowandthenaslightinclinationoftheheadinrequitaloftheprofoundreverencesofthebystanders，heseemedwhollyabsorbedinhispipe。Thereneedednootherproofofhisrankandconsequencethantheperfectequanimitywithwhichhecomportedhimself，whilethecuriosityandadmirationofthetownswelledalmostintoclamoraroundhim。Withacrowdgatheringbehindhisfootsteps，hefinallyreachedthemansion-houseoftheworshipfulJusticeGookin，enteredthegate，ascendedthestepsofthefrontdoor，andknocked。Intheinterim，beforehissummonswasanswered，thestrangerwasobservedtoshaketheashesoutofhispipe。
　　“Whatdidhesayinthatsharpvoice？“inquiredoneofthespectators。
　　“Nay，Iknownot，“answeredhisfriend。“Butthesundazzlesmyeyesstrangely。Howdimandfadedhislordshiplooksallofasudden！Blessmywits，whatisthematterwithme？“
　　“Thewonderis，“saidtheother，“thathispipe，whichwasoutonlyaninstantago，shouldbeallalightagain，andwiththereddestcoalIeversaw。Thereissomethingmysteriousaboutthisstranger。Whatawhiffofsmokewasthat！Dimandfadeddidyoucallhim？Why，asheturnsaboutthestaronhisbreastisallablaze。“
　　“Itis，indeed，“saidhiscompanion；“anditwillgoneartodazzleprettyPollyGookin，whomIseepeepingatitoutofthechamberwindow。“
　　Thedoorbeingnowopened，Feathertopturnedtothecrowd，madeastatelybendofhisbodylikeagreatmanacknowledgingthereverenceofthemeanersort，andvanishedintothehouse。Therewasamysteriouskindofasmile，ifitmightnotbetterbecalledagrinorgrimace，uponhisvisage；but，ofallthethrongthatbeheldhim，notanindividualappearstohavepossessedinsightenoughtodetecttheillusivecharacterofthestrangerexceptalittlechildandacurdog。
　　Ourlegendherelosessomewhatofitscontinuity，and，passingoverthepreliminaryexplanationbetweenFeathertopandthemerchant，goesinquestoftheprettyPollyGookin。Shewasadamselofasoft，roundfigure，withlighthairandblueeyes，andafair，rosyface，whichseemedneitherveryshrewdnorverysimple。Thisyoungladyhadcaughtaglimpseoftheglisteningstrangerwhilestandingonthethreshold，andhadforthwithputonalacedcap，astringofbeads，herfinestkerchief，andherstiffestdamaskpetticoatinpreparationfortheinterview。
　　Hurryingfromherchambertotheparlor，shehadeversincebeenviewingherselfinthelargelooking-glassandpractisingprettyairs-nowasmile，nowaceremoniousdignityofaspect，andnowasoftersmilethantheformer，kissingherhandlikewise，tossingherhead，andmanagingherfan；whilewithinthemirroranunsubstantiallittlemaidrepeatedeverygestureanddidallthefoolishthingsthatPollydid，butwithoutmakingherashamedofthem。Inshort，itwasthefaultofprettyPolly'sabilityratherthanherwillifshefailedtobeascompleteanartificeastheillustriousFeathertophimself；and，whenshethustamperedwithherownsimplicity，thewitch'sphantommightwellhopetowinher。
　　NosoonerdidPollyhearherfather'sgoutyfootstepsapproachingtheparlordoor，accompaniedwiththestiffclatterofFeathertop'shigh-heeledshoes，thansheseatedherselfboltuprightandinnocentlybeganwarblingasong。
　　“Polly！daughterPolly！“criedtheoldmerchant。“Comehither，child。“
　　MasterGookin'saspect，asheopenedthedoor，wasdoubtfulandtroubled。
　　“Thisgentleman，“continuedhe，presentingthestranger，“istheChevalierFeathertop，——nay，Ibeghispardon，myLordFeathertop，——whohathbroughtmeatokenofremembrancefromanancientfriendofmine。Payyourdutytohislordship，child，andhonorhimashisqualitydeserves。“
　　Afterthesefewwordsofintroduction，theworshipfulmagistrateimmediatelyquittedtheroom。But，eveninthatbriefmoment，hadthefairPollyglancedasideatherfatherinsteadofdevotingherselfwhollytothebrilliantguest，shemighthavetakenwarningofsomemischiefnighathand。Theoldmanwasnervous，fidgety，andverypale。Purposingasmileofcourtesy，hehaddeformedhisfacewithasortofgalvanicgrin，which，whenFeathertop'sbackwasturned，heexchangedforascowl，atthesametimeshakinghisfistandstampinghisgoutyfoot——anincivilitywhichbroughtitsretributionalongwithit。ThetruthappearstohavebeenthatMotherRigby'swordofintroduction，whateveritmightbe，hadoperatedfarmoreontherichmerchant'sfearsthanonhisgoodwill。Moreover，beingamanofwonderfullyacuteobservation，hehadnoticedthatthesepaintedfiguresonthebowlofFeathertop'spipewereinmotion。Lookingmorecloselyhebecameconvincedthatthesefigureswereapartyoflittledemons，eachdulyprovidedwithhornsandatail，anddancinghandinhand，withgesturesofdiabolicalmerriment，roundthecircumferenceofthepipebowl。Asiftoconfirmhissuspicions，whileMasterGookinusheredhisguestalongaduskypassagefromhisprivateroomtotheparlor，thestaronFeathertop'sbreasthadscintillatedactualflames，andthrewaflickeringgleamuponthewall，theceiling，andthefloor。
　　Withsuchsinisterprognosticsmanifestingthemselvesonallhands，itisnottobemarvelledatthatthemerchantshouldhavefeltthathewascommittinghisdaughtertoaveryquestionableacquaintance。Hecursed，inhissecretsoul，theinsinuatingeleganceofFeathertop'smanners，asthisbrilliantpersonagebowed，smiled，puthishandonhisheart，inhaledalongwhifffromhispipe，andenrichedtheatmospherewiththesmokyvaporofafragrantandvisiblesigh。GladlywouldpoorMasterGookinhavethrusthisdangerousguestintothestreet；buttherewasaconstraintandterrorwithinhim。Thisrespectableoldgentleman，wefear，atanearlierperiodoflife，hadgivensomepledgeorothertotheevilprinciple，andperhapswasnowtoredeemitbythesacrificeofhisdaughter。
　　Itsohappenedthattheparlordoorwaspartlyofglass，shadedbyasilkencurtain，thefoldsofwhichhungalittleawry。Sostrongwasthemerchant'sinterestinwitnessingwhatwastoensuebetweenthefairPollyandthegallantFeathertopthat，afterquittingtheroom，hecouldbynomeansrefrainfrompeepingthroughthecreviceofthecurtain。
　　Buttherewasnothingverymiraculoustobeseen；nothing——exceptthetriflespreviouslynoticed——toconfirmtheideaofasupernaturalperilenvironingtheprettyPolly。Thestrangeritistruewasevidentlyathoroughandpractisedmanoftheworld，systematicandself-possessed，andthereforethesortofapersontowhomaparentoughtnottoconfideasimple，younggirlwithoutduewatchfulnessfortheresult。Theworthymagistratewhohadbeenconversantwithalldegreesandqualitiesofmankind，couldnotbutperceiveeverymotionandgestureofthedistinguishedFeathertopcameinitsproperplace；nothinghadbeenleftrudeornativeinhim；awell-digestedconventionalismhadincorporateditselfthoroughlywithhissubstanceandtransformedhimintoaworkofart。Perhapsitwasthispeculiaritythatinvestedhimwithaspeciesofghastlinessandawe。Itistheeffectofanythingcompletelyandconsummatelyartificial，inhumanshape，thatthepersonimpressesusasanunrealityandashavinghardlypithenoughtocastashadowuponthefloor。AsregardedFeathertop，allthisresultedinawild，extravagant，andfantasticalimpression，asifhislifeandbeingwereakintothesmokethatcurledupwardfromhispipe。
　　ButprettyPollyGookinfeltnotthus。Thepairwerenowpromenadingtheroom:Feathertopwithhisdaintystrideandnolessdaintygrimace，thegirlwithanativemaidenlygrace，justtouched，notspoiled，byaslightlyaffectedmanner，whichseemedcaughtfromtheperfectartificeofhercompanion。Thelongertheinterviewcontinued，themorecharmedwasprettyPolly，until，withinthefirstquarterofanhourastheoldmagistratenotedbyhiswatch，shewasevidentlybeginningtobeinlove。Norneedithavebeenwitchcraftthatsubduedherinsuchahurry；
　　thepoorchild'sheart，itmaybe，wassoveryferventthatitmeltedherwithitsownwarmthasreflectedfromthehollowsemblanceofalover。NomatterwhatFeathertopsaid，hiswordsfounddepthandreverberationinherear；nomatterwhathedid，hisactionwasheroictohereye。AndbythistimeitistobesupposedtherewasablushonPolly'scheek，atendersmileabouthermouthandaliquidsoftnessinherglance；whilethestarkeptcoruscatingonFeathertop'sbreast，andthelittledemonscareeredwithmorefranticmerrimentthaneveraboutthecircumferenceofhispipebowl。OprettyPollyGookin，whyshouldtheseimpsrejoicesomadlythatasillymaiden'sheartwasabouttobegiventoashadow！Isitsounusualamisfortune，sorareatriumph？
　　ByandbyFeathertoppaused，andthrowinghimselfintoanimposingattitude，seemedtosummonthefairgirltosurveyhisfigureandresisthimlongerifshecould。Hisstar，hisembroidery，hisbucklesglowedatthatinstantwithunutterablesplendor；thepicturesquehuesofhisattiretookaricherdepthofcoloring；therewasagleamandpolishoverhiswholepresencebetokeningtheperfectwitcheryofwell-orderedmanners。Themaidenraisedhereyesandsufferedthemtolingeruponhercompanionwithabashfulandadmiringgaze。Then，asifdesirousofjudgingwhatvalueherownsimplecomelinessmighthavesidebysidewithsomuchbrilliancy，shecastaglancetowardsthefull-lengthlooking-glassinfrontofwhichtheyhappenedtobestanding。Itwasoneofthetruestplatesintheworldandincapableofflattery。NosoonerdidtheimagesthereinreflectedmeetPolly'seyethansheshrieked，shrankfromthestranger'sside，gazedathimforamomentinthewildestdismay，andsankinsensibleuponthefloor。Feathertoplikewisehadlookedtowardsthemirror，andtherebeheld，nottheglitteringmockeryofhisoutsideshow，butapictureofthesordidpatchworkofhisrealcompositionstrippedofallwitchcraft。
　　Thewretchedsimulacrum！Wealmostpityhim。Hethrewuphisarmswithanexpressionofdespairthatwentfurtherthananyofhispreviousmanifestationstowardsvindicatinghisclaimstobereckonedhuman，forperchancetheonlytimesincethissooftenemptyanddeceptivelifeofmortalsbeganitscourse，anillusionhadseenandfullyrecognizeditself。
　　MotherRigbywasseatedbyherkitchenhearthinthetwilightofthiseventfulday，andhadjustshakentheashesoutofanewpipe，whensheheardahurriedtrampalongtheroad。Yetitdidnotseemsomuchthetrampofhumanfootstepsastheclatterofsticksortherattlingofdrybones。
　　“Ha！“thoughttheoldwitch，“whatstepisthat？Whoseskeletonisoutofitsgravenow，Iwonder？“
　　Afigureburstheadlongintothecottagedoor。ItwasFeathertop！
　　Hispipewasstillalight；thestarstillflameduponhisbreast；
　　theembroiderystillgloweduponhisgarments；norhadhelost，inanydegreeormannerthatcouldbeestimated，theaspectthatassimilatedhimwithourmortalbrotherhood。Butyet，insomeindescribablewayasisthecasewithallthathasdeludeduswhenoncefoundout，thepoorrealitywasfeltbeneaththecunningartifice。
　　“Whathasgonewrong？“demandedthewitch。“Didyondersnifflinghypocritethrustmydarlingfromhisdoor？Thevillain！I'llsettwentyfiendstotormenthimtillheoffertheehisdaughteronhisbendedknees！“
　　“No，mother，“saidFeathertopdespondingly；“itwasnotthat。“
　　“Didthegirlscornmypreciousone？“askedMotherRigby，herfierceeyesglowingliketwocoalsofTophet。“I'llcoverherfacewithpimples！Hernoseshallbeasredasthecoalinthypipe！Herfrontteethshalldropout！Inaweekhencesheshallnotbeworththyhaving！“
　　“Letheralone，mother，“answeredpoorFeathertop；“thegirlwashalfwon；andmethinksakissfromhersweetlipsmighthavemademealtogetherhuman。But，“headded，afterabriefpauseandthenahowlofself-contempt，“I'veseenmyself，mother！I'veseenmyselfforthewretched，ragged，emptythingIam！I'llexistnolonger！“
　　Snatchingthepipefromhismouth，heflungitwithallhismightagainstthechimney，andatthesameinstantsankuponthefloor，amedleyofstrawandtatteredgarments，withsomesticksprotrudingfromtheheap，andashrivelledpumpkininthemidst。
　　Theeyeholeswerenowlustreless；buttherudely-carvedgap，thatjustbeforehadbeenamouthstillseemedtotwistitselfintoadespairinggrin，andwassofarhuman。
　　“Poorfellow！“quothMotherRigby，witharuefulglanceattherelicsofherill-fatedcontrivance。“Mypoor，dear，prettyFeathertop！Therearethousandsuponthousandsofcoxcombsandcharlatansintheworld，madeupofjustsuchajumbleofwornout，forgotten，andgood-for-nothingtrashashewas！Yettheyliveinfairrepute，andneverseethemselvesforwhattheyare。Andwhyshouldmypoorpuppetbetheonlyonetoknowhimselfandperishforit？“
　　Whilethusmuttering，thewitchhadfilledafreshpipeoftobacco，andheldthestembetweenherfingers，asdoubtfulwhethertothrustitintoherownmouthorFeathertop's。
　　“PoorFeathertop！“shecontinued。“Icouldeasilygivehimanotherchanceandsendhimforthagaintomorrow。Butno；hisfeelingsaretootender，hissensibilitiestoodeep。Heseemstohavetoomuchhearttobustleforhisownadvantageinsuchanemptyandheartlessworld。Well！well！I'llmakeascarecrowofhimafterall。'Tisaninnocentandusefulvocation，andwillsuitmydarlingwell；and，ifeachofhishumanbrethrenhadasfitaone，'twouldbethebetterformankind；andasforthispipeoftobacco，Ineeditmorethanhe。“
　　SosayingMotherRigbyputthestembetweenherlips。“Dickon！“
　　criedshe，inherhigh，sharptone，“anothercoalformypipe！“
　　EGOTISM[1]
　　OR，THEBOSOMSERPENT
　　[1]Thephysicalfact，towhichitishereattemptedtogiveamoralsignification，hasbeenknowntooccurinmorethanoneinstance。
　　“Herehecomes！“shoutedtheboysalongthestreet。“Herecomesthemanwithasnakeinhisbosom！“
　　Thisoutcry，salutingHerkimer'searsashewasabouttoentertheirongateoftheEllistonmansion，madehimpause。Itwasnotwithoutashudderthathefoundhimselfonthepointofmeetinghisformeracquaintance，whomhehadknowninthegloryofyouth，andwhomnowafteranintervaloffiveyears，hewastofindthevictimeitherofadiseasedfancyorahorriblephysicalmisfortune。
　　“Asnakeinhisbosom！“repeatedtheyoungsculptortohimself。
　　“Itmustbehe。Nosecondmanonearthhassuchabosomfriend。
　　Andnow，mypoorRosina，Heavengrantmewisdomtodischargemyerrandaright！Woman'sfaithmustbestrongindeedsincethinehasnotyetfailed。“
　　Thusmusing，hetookhisstandattheentranceofthegateandwaiteduntilthepersonagesosingularlyannouncedshouldmakehisappearance。Afteraninstantortwohebeheldthefigureofaleanman，ofunwholesomelook，withglitteringeyesandlongblackhair，whoseemedtoimitatethemotionofasnake；for，insteadofwalkingstraightforwardwithopenfront，heundulatedalongthepavementinacurvedline。Itmaybetoofancifultosaythatsomething，eitherinhismoralormaterialaspect，suggestedtheideathatamiraclehadbeenwroughtbytransformingaserpentintoaman，butsoimperfectlythatthesnakynaturewasyethidden，andscarcelyhidden，underthemereoutwardguiseofhumanity。Herkimerremarkedthathiscomplexionhadagreenishtingeoveritssicklywhite，remindinghimofaspeciesofmarbleoutofwhichhehadoncewroughtaheadofEnvy，withhersnakylocks。
　　Thewretchedbeingapproachedthegate，but，insteadofentering，stoppedshortandfixedtheglitterofhiseyefulluponthecompassionateyetsteadycountenanceofthesculptor。
　　“Itgnawsme！Itgnawsme！“heexclaimed。
　　Andthentherewasanaudiblehiss，butwhetheritcamefromtheapparentlunatic'sownlips，orwastherealhissofaserpent，mightadmitofadiscussion。Atallevents，itmadeHerkimershuddertohisheart'score。
　　“Doyouknowme，GeorgeHerkimer？“askedthesnake-possessed。
　　Herkimerdidknowhim；butitdemandedalltheintimateandpracticalacquaintancewiththehumanface，acquiredbymodellingactuallikenessesinclay，torecognizethefeaturesofRoderickEllistoninthevisagethatnowmetthesculptor'sgaze。Yetitwashe。ItaddednothingtothewondertoreflectthattheoncebrilliantyoungmanhadundergonethisodiousandfearfulchangeduringthenomorethanfivebriefyearsofHerkimer'sabodeatFlorence。Thepossibilityofsuchatransformationbeinggranted，itwasaseasytoconceiveiteffectedinamomentasinanage。
　　Inexpressiblyshockedandstartled，itwasstillthekeenestpangwhenHerkimerrememberedthatthefateofhiscousinRosina，theidealofgentlewomanhood，wasindissolublyinterwovenwiththatofabeingwhomProvidenceseemedtohaveunhumanized。
　　“Elliston！Roderick！“criedhe，“Ihadheardofthis；butmyconceptioncamefarshortofthetruth。Whathasbefallenyou？
　　WhydoIfindyouthus？“
　　“Oh，'tisamerenothing！Asnake！Asnake！Thecommonestthingintheworld。Asnakeinthebosom——that'sall，“answeredRoderickElliston。“Buthowisyourownbreast？“continuedhe，lookingthesculptorintheeyewiththemostacuteandpenetratingglancethatithadeverbeenhisfortunetoencounter。“Allpureandwholesome？Noreptilethere？Bymyfaithandconscience，andbythedevilwithinme，hereisawonder！A
　　manwithoutaserpentinhisbosom！“
　　“Becalm，Elliston，“whisperedGeorgeHerkimer，layinghishandupontheshoulderofthesnake-possessed。“Ihavecrossedtheoceantomeetyou。Listen！Letusbeprivate。IbringamessagefromRosina——fromyourwife！“
　　“Itgnawsme！Itgnawsme！“mutteredRoderick。
　　Withthisexclamation，themostfrequentinhismouth，theunfortunatemanclutchedbothhandsuponhisbreastasifanintolerablestingortortureimpelledhimtorenditopenandletoutthelivingmischief，evenshoulditbeintertwinedwithhisownlife。HethenfreedhimselffromHerkimer'sgraspbyasubtlemotion，and，glidingthroughthegate，tookrefugeinhisantiquatedfamilyresidence。Thesculptordidnotpursuehim。Hesawthatnoavailableintercoursecouldbeexpectedatsuchamoment，andwasdesirous，beforeanothermeeting，toinquirecloselyintothenatureofRoderick'sdiseaseandthecircumstancesthathadreducedhimtosolamentableacondition。
　　Hesucceededinobtainingthenecessaryinformationfromaneminentmedicalgentleman。
　　ShortlyafterElliston'sseparationfromhiswife——nownearlyfouryearsago——hisassociateshadobservedasingulargloomspreadingoverhisdailylife，likethosechill，graymiststhatsometimesstealawaythesunshinefromasummer'smorning。Thesymptomscausedthemendlessperplexity。Theyknewnotwhetherillhealthwererobbinghisspiritsofelasticity，orwhetheracankerofthemindwasgraduallyeating，assuchcankersdo，fromhismoralsystemintothephysicalframe，whichisbuttheshadowoftheformer。Theylookedfortherootofthistroubleinhisshatteredschemesofdomesticbliss，——wilfullyshatteredbyhimself，——butcouldnotbesatisfiedofitsexistencethere。Somethoughtthattheironcebrilliantfriendwasinanincipientstageofinsanity，ofwhichhispassionateimpulseshadperhapsbeentheforerunners；othersprognosticatedageneralblightandgradualdecline。FromRoderick'sownlipstheycouldlearnnothing。Morethanonce，itistrue，hehadbeenheardtosay，clutchinghishandsconvulsivelyuponhisbreast，——“Itgnawsme！
　　Itgnawsme！“——but，bydifferentauditors，agreatdiversityofexplanationwasassignedtothisominousexpression。WhatcoulditbethatgnawedthebreastofRoderickElliston？Wasitsorrow？
　　Wasitmerelythetoothofphysicaldisease？Or，inhisrecklesscourse，oftenverginguponprofligacy，ifnotplungingintoitsdepths，hadhebeenguiltyofsomedeedwhichmadehisbosomapreytothedeadlierfangsofremorse？Therewasplausiblegroundforeachoftheseconjectures；butitmustnotbeconcealedthatmorethanoneelderlygentleman，thevictimofgoodcheerandslothfulhabits，magisteriallypronouncedthesecretofthewholemattertobeDyspepsia！
　　Meanwhile，Roderickseemedawarehowgenerallyhehadbecomethesubjectofcuriosityandconjecture，and，withamorbidrepugnancetosuchnotice，ortoanynoticewhatsoever，estrangedhimselffromallcompanionship。Notmerelytheeyeofmanwasahorrortohim；notmerelythelightofafriend'scountenance；
　　buteventheblessedsunshine，likewise，whichinitsuniversalbeneficencetypifiestheradianceoftheCreator'sface，expressinghisloveforallthecreaturesofhishand。TheduskytwilightwasnowtootransparentforRoderickElliston；theblackestmidnightwashischosenhourtostealabroad；andifeverhewereseen，itwaswhenthewatchman'slanterngleameduponhisfigure，glidingalongthestreet，withhishandsclutcheduponhisbosom，stillmuttering，“Itgnawsme！Itgnawsme！“Whatcoulditbethatgnawedhim？
　　Afteratime，itbecameknownthatEllistonwasinthehabitofresortingtoallthenotedquacksthatinfestedthecity，orwhommoneywouldtempttojourneythitherfromadistance。Byoneofthesepersons，intheexultationofasupposedcure，itwasproclaimedfarandwide，bydintofhandbillsandlittlepamphletsondingypaper，thatadistinguishedgentleman，RoderickElliston，Esq。，hadbeenrelievedofaSNAKEinhisstomach！Soherewasthemonstroussecret，ejectedfromitslurkingplaceintopublicview，inallitshorribledeformity。
　　Themysterywasout；butnotsothebosomserpent。He，ifitwereanythingbutadelusion，stilllaycoiledinhislivingden。Theempiric'scurehadbeenasham，theeffect，itwassupposed，ofsomestupefyingdrugwhichmorenearlycausedthedeathofthepatientthanoftheodiousreptilethatpossessedhim。WhenRoderickEllistonregainedentiresensibility，itwastofindhismisfortunethetowntalk——themorethanninedays'wonderandhorror——while，athisbosom，hefeltthesickeningmotionofathingalive，andthegnawingofthatrestlessfangwhichseemedtogratifyatonceaphysicalappetiteandafiendishspite。
　　Hesummonedtheoldblackservant，whohadbeenbredupinhisfather'shouse，andwasamiddle-agedmanwhileRodericklayinhiscradle。
　　“Scipio！“hebegan；andthenpaused，withhisarmsfoldedoverhisheart。“Whatdopeoplesayofme，Scipio。“
　　“Sir！mypoormaster！thatyouhadaserpentinyourbosom，“
　　answeredtheservantwithhesitation。
　　“Andwhatelse？“askedRoderick，withaghastlylookattheman。
　　“Nothingelse，dearmaster，“repliedScipio，“onlythatthedoctorgaveyouapowder，andthatthesnakeleapedoutuponthefloor。“
　　“No，no！“mutteredRodericktohimself，asheshookhishead，andpressedhishandswithamoreconvulsiveforceuponhisbreast，“Ifeelhimstill。Itgnawsme！Itgnawsme！“
　　Fromthistimethemiserablesuffererceasedtoshuntheworld，butrathersolicitedandforcedhimselfuponthenoticeofacquaintancesandstrangers。Itwaspartlytheresultofdesperationonfindingthatthecavernofhisownbosomhadnotproveddeepanddarkenoughtohidethesecret，evenwhileitwassosecureafortressfortheloathsomefiendthathadcreptintoit。Butstillmore，thiscravingfornotorietywasasymptomoftheintensemorbidnesswhichnowpervadedhisnature。Allpersonschronicallydiseasedareegotists，whetherthediseasebeofthemindorbody；whetheritbesin，sorrow，ormerelythemoretolerablecalamityofsomeendlesspain，ormischiefamongthecordsofmortallife。Suchindividualsaremadeacutelyconsciousofaself，bythetortureinwhichitdwells。Self，therefore，growstobesoprominentanobjectwiththemthattheycannotbutpresentittothefaceofeverycasualpasser-by。Thereisapleasure——perhapsthegreatestofwhichthesuffererissusceptible——indisplayingthewastedorulceratedlimb，orthecancerinthebreast；andthefoulerthecrime，withsomuchthemoredifficultydoestheperpetratorpreventitfromthrustingupitssnake-likeheadtofrightentheworld；foritisthatcancer，orthatcrime，whichconstitutestheirrespectiveindividuality。
　　RoderickElliston，who，alittlewhilebefore，hadheldhimselfsoscornfullyabovethecommonlotofmen，nowpaidfullallegiancetothishumiliatinglaw。Thesnakeinhisbosomseemedthesymbolofamonstrousegotismtowhicheverythingwasreferred，andwhichhepampered，nightandday，withacontinualandexclusivesacrificeofdevilworship。
　　Hesoonexhibitedwhatmostpeopleconsideredindubitabletokensofinsanity。Insomeofhismoods，strangetosay，hepridedandgloriedhimselfonbeingmarkedoutfromtheordinaryexperienceofmankind，bythepossessionofadoublenature，andalifewithinalife。Heappearedtoimaginethatthesnakewasadivinity，——notcelestial，itistrue，butdarklyinfernal，——andthathethencederivedaneminenceandasanctity，horrid，indeed，yetmoredesirablethanwhateverambitionaimsat。Thushedrewhismiseryaroundhimlikearegalmantle，andlookeddowntriumphantlyuponthosewhosevitalsnourishednodeadlymonster。Oftener，however，hishumannatureasserteditsempireoverhimintheshapeofayearningforfellowship。Itgrewtobehiscustomtospendthewholedayinwanderingaboutthestreets，aimlessly，unlessitmightbecalledanaimtoestablishaspeciesofbrotherhoodbetweenhimselfandtheworld。Withcankeredingenuity，hesoughtouthisowndiseaseineverybreast。Whetherinsaneornot，heshowedsokeenaperceptionoffrailty，error，andvice，thatmanypersonsgavehimcreditforbeingpossessednotmerelywithaserpent，butwithanactualfiend，whoimpartedthisevilfacultyofrecognizingwhateverwasugliestinman'sheart。
　　Forinstance，hemetanindividual，who，forthirtyyears，hadcherishedahatredagainsthisownbrother。Roderick，amidstthethrongofthestreet，laidhishandonthisman'schest，andlookingfullintohisforbiddingface，“Howisthesnaketo-day？“
　　heinquired，withamockexpressionofsympathy。
　　“Thesnake！“exclaimedthebrotherhater——“whatdoyoumean？“
　　“Thesnake！Thesnake！Doesitgnawyou？“persistedRoderick。
　　“Didyoutakecounselwithhimthismorningwhenyoushouldhavebeensayingyourprayers？Didhesting，whenyouthoughtofyourbrother'shealth，wealth，andgoodrepute？Didhecaperforjoy，whenyourememberedtheprofligacyofhisonlyson？Andwhetherhestung，orwhetherhefrolicked，didyoufeelhispoisonthroughoutyourbodyandsoul，convertingeverythingtosournessandbitterness？Thatisthewayofsuchserpents。Ihavelearnedthewholenatureofthemfrommyown！“
　　“Whereisthepolice？“roaredtheobjectofRoderick'spersecution，atthesametimegivinganinstinctiveclutchtohisbreast。“Whyisthislunaticallowedtogoatlarge？“
　　“Ha，ha！“chuckledRoderick，releasinghisgraspoftheman——
　　“Hisbosomserpenthasstunghimthen！“
　　Oftenitpleasedtheunfortunateyoungmantovexpeoplewithalightersatire，yetstillcharacterizedbysomewhatofsnake-likevirulence。Onedayheencounteredanambitiousstatesman，andgravelyinquiredafterthewelfareofhisboaconstrictor；forofthatspecies，Roderickaffirmed，thisgentleman'sserpentmustneedsbe，sinceitsappetitewasenormousenoughtodevourthewholecountryandconstitution。Atanothertime，hestoppedaclose-fistedoldfellow，ofgreatwealth，butwhoskulkedaboutthecityintheguiseofascarecrow，withapatchedbluesurtout，brownhat，andmouldyboots，scrapingpencetogether，andpickinguprustynails。Pretendingtolookearnestlyatthisrespectableperson'sstomach，Roderickassuredhimthathissnakewasacopper-headandhadbeengeneratedbytheimmensequantitiesofthatbasemetalwithwhichhedailydefiledhisfingers。Again，heassaultedamanofrubicundvisage，andtoldhimthatfewbosomserpentshadmoreofthedevilinthemthanthosethatbreedinthevatsofadistillery。ThenextwhomRoderickhonoredwithhisattentionwasadistinguishedclergyman，whohappenedjustthentobeengagedinatheologicalcontroversy，wherehumanwrathwasmoreperceptiblethandivineinspiration。
　　“Youhaveswallowedasnakeinacupofsacramentalwine，“quothhe。
　　“Profanewretch！“exclaimedthedivine；but，nevertheless，hishandstoletohisbreast。
　　Hemetapersonofsicklysensibility，who，onsomeearlydisappointment，hadretiredfromtheworld，andthereafterheldnointercoursewithhisfellow-men，butbroodedsullenlyorpassionatelyovertheirrevocablepast。Thisman'sveryheart，ifRoderickmightbebelieved，hadbeenchangedintoaserpent，whichwouldfinallytormentbothhimanditselftodeath。
　　Observingamarriedcouple，whosedomestictroubleswerematterofnotoriety，hecondoledwithbothonhavingmutuallytakenahouseaddertotheirbosoms。Toanenviousauthor，whodepreciatedworkswhichhecouldneverequal，hesaidthathissnakewastheslimiestandfilthiestofallthereptiletribe，butwasfortunatelywithoutasting。Amanofimpurelife，andabrazenface，askingRoderickiftherewereanyserpentinhisbreast，hetoldhimthattherewas，andofthesamespeciesthatoncetorturedDonRodrigo，theGoth。Hetookafairyounggirlbythehand，andgazingsadlyintohereyes，warnedherthatshecherishedaserpentofthedeadliestkindwithinhergentlebreast；andtheworldfoundthetruthofthoseominouswords，when，afewmonthsafterwards，thepoorgirldiedofloveandshame。Twoladies，rivalsinfashionablelifewhotormentedoneanotherwithathousandlittlestingsofwomanishspite，weregiventounderstandthateachoftheirheartswasanestofdiminutivesnakes，whichdidquiteasmuchmischiefasonegreatone。
　　ButnothingseemedtopleaseRoderickbetterthantolayholdofapersoninfectedwithjealousy，whichherepresentedasanenormousgreenreptile，withanice-coldlengthofbody，andthesharpeststingofanysnakesaveone。
　　“Andwhatoneisthat？“askedaby-stander，overhearinghim。
　　Itwasadark-browedmanwhoputthequestion；hehadanevasiveeye，whichinthecourseofadozenyearshadlookednomortaldirectlyintheface。Therewasanambiguityaboutthisperson'scharacter，——astainuponhisreputation，——yetnonecouldtellpreciselyofwhatnature，althoughthecitygossips，maleandfemale，whisperedthemostatrocioussurmises。Untilarecentperiodhehadfollowedthesea，andwas，infact，theveryshipmasterwhomGeorgeHerkimerhadencountered，undersuchsingularcircumstances，intheGrecianArchipelago。
　　“Whatbosomserpenthasthesharpeststing？“repeatedthisman；
　　butheputthequestionasifbyareluctantnecessity，andgrewpalewhilehewasutteringit。
　　“Whyneedyouask？“repliedRoderick，withalookofdarkintelligence。“Lookintoyourownbreast。Hark！myserpentbestirshimself！Heacknowledgesthepresenceofamasterfiend！“
　　Andthen，astheby-standersafterwardsaffirmed，ahissingsoundwasheard，apparentlyinRoderickElliston'sbreast。Itwassaid，too，thatanansweringhisscamefromthevitalsoftheshipmaster，asifasnakewereactuallylurkingthereandhadbeenarousedbythecallofitsbrotherreptile。Iftherewereinfactanysuchsound，itmighthavebeencausedbyamaliciousexerciseofventriloquismonthepartofRoderick。
　　Thusmakinghisownactualserpent——ifaserpentthereactuallywasinhisbosom——thetypeofeachman'sfatalerror，orhoardedsin，orunquietconscience，andstrikinghisstingsounremorsefullyintothesorestspot，wemaywellimaginethatRoderickbecamethepestofthecity。Nobodycouldeludehim——nonecouldwithstandhim。Hegrappledwiththeugliesttruththathecouldlayhishandon，andcompelledhisadversarytodothesame。Strangespectacleinhumanlifewhereitistheinstinctiveeffortofoneandalltohidethosesadrealities，andleavethemundisturbedbeneathaheapofsuperficialtopicswhichconstitutethematerialsofintercoursebetweenmanandman！ItwasnottobetoleratedthatRoderickEllistonshouldbreakthroughthetacitcompactbywhichtheworldhasdoneitsbesttosecurereposewithoutrelinquishingevil。Thevictimsofhismaliciousremarks，itistrue，hadbrothersenoughtokeepthemincountenance；for，byRoderick'stheory，everymortalbosomharboredeitherabroodofsmallserpentsoroneovergrownmonsterthathaddevouredalltherest。Stillthecitycouldnotbearthisnewapostle。Itwasdemandedbynearlyall，andparticularlybythemostrespectableinhabitants，thatRoderickshouldnolongerbepermittedtoviolatethereceivedrulesofdecorumbyobtrudinghisownbosomserpenttothepublicgaze，anddraggingthoseofdecentpeoplefromtheirlurkingplaces。
　　Accordingly，hisrelativesinterferedandplacedhiminaprivateasylumfortheinsane。Whenthenewswasnoisedabroad，itwasobservedthatmanypersonswalkedthestreetswithfreercountenancesandcoveredtheirbreastslesscarefullywiththeirhands。
　　Hisconfinement，however，althoughitcontributednotalittletothepeaceofthetown，operatedunfavorablyuponRoderickhimself。Insolitudehismelancholygrewmoreblackandsullen。