首页 >出版文学> DON JUAN>第9章

第9章

  Theircolumn,thoughtheTurkishbatteriesthunder'dUponthem,ne'erthelesshadreach'dtherampart,Andnaturallythoughttheycouldhaveplunder'dThecity,withoutbeingfartherhamper'd;
  Butasithappenstobravemen,theyblunder'd-
  TheTurksatfirstpretendedtohavescamper'd,Onlytodrawthem'twixttwobastioncorners,FromwhencetheysalliedonthoseChristianscorners。
  Thenbeingtakenbythetail-atakingFataltobishopsastosoldiers-theseCossacqueswereallcutoffasdaywasbreaking,Andfoundtheirliveswereletatashortlease-
  Butperish'dwithoutshiveringorshaking,Leavingasladderstheirheap'dcarcasses,O'erwhichLieutenant-ColonelYesouskoiMarch'dwiththebravebattalionofPolouzki:-
  Thisvaliantmankill'dalltheTurkshemet,Butcouldnoteatthem,beinginhisturnSlainbysomeMussulmans,whowouldnotyet,Withoutresistance,seetheircityburn。
  Thewallswerewon,but'twasanevenbetWhichofthearmieswouldhavecausetomourn:
  'Twasblowforblow,disputinginchbyinch,Foronewouldnotretreat,nort'otherflinch。
  Anothercolumnalsosuffer'dmuch:-
  Andherewemayremarkwiththehistorian,YoushouldbutgivefewcartridgestosuchTroopsasaremeanttomarchwithgreatestgloryon:
  WhenmattersmustbecarriedbythetouchOfthebrightbayonet,andtheyallshouldhurryon,Theysometimes,withahankeringforexistence,Keepmerelyfiringatafoolishdistance。
  AjunctionoftheGeneralMeknop'smenWithouttheGeneral,whohadfallensometimeBefore,beingbadlysecondedjustthen
  WasmadeatlengthwiththosewhodaredtoclimbThedeath-disgorgingrampartonceagain;
  AndthoughtheTurk'sresistancewassublime,Theytookthebastion,whichtheSeraskierDefendedatapriceextremelydear。
  JuanandJohnson,andsomevolunteers,Amongtheforemost,offer'dhimgoodquarter,AwordwhichlittlesuitswithSeraskiers,OratleastsuitednotthisvaliantTartar。
  Hedied,deservingwellhiscountry'stears,Asavagesortofmilitarymartyr。
  AnEnglishnavalofficer,whowish'dTomakehimprisoner,wasalsodish'd:
  ForalltheanswertohispropositionWasfromapistol-shotthatlaidhimdead;
  Onwhichtherest,withoutmoreintermission,Begantolayaboutwithsteelandlead-
  ThepiousmetalsmostinrequisitionOnsuchoccasions:notasingleheadWasspared;-threethousandMoslemsperish'dhere,AndsixteenbayonetspiercedtheSeraskier。
  Thecity'staken-onlypartbypart-
  Anddeathisdrunkwithgore:there'snotastreetWherefightsnottothelastsomedesperateheartForthoseforwhomitsoonshallceasetobeat。
  HereWarforgothisowndestructiveartInmoredestroyingNature;andtheheatOfcarnage,liketheNile'ssun-soddenslime,Engender'dmonstrousshapesofeverycrime。
  ARussianofficer,inmartialtreadOveraheapofbodies,felthisheelSeizedfast,asif'twerebytheserpent'sheadWhosefangsEvetaughtherhumanseedtofeel:
  Invainhekick'd,andswore,andwrithed,andbled,Andhowl'dforhelpaswolvesdoforameal-
  Theteethstillkepttheirgratifyinghold,Asdothesubtlesnakesdescribedofold。
  AdyingMoslem,whohadfeltthefootOfafoeo'erhim,snatch'datit,andbitTheverytendonwhichismostacuteThatwhichsomeancientMuseormodernwitNamedafterthee,Achilles,andquitethrough'tHemadetheteethmeet,norrelinquish'ditEvenwithhislife-forbuttheylie'tissaidTothelivelegstillclungthesever'dhead。
  Howeverthismaybe,'tisprettysureTheRussianofficerforlifewaslamed,FortheTurk'steethstuckfasterthanaskewer,Andlefthim'midsttheinvalidandmaim'd:
  TheregimentalsurgeoncouldnotcureHispatient,andperhapswastobeblamedMorethantheheadoftheinveteratefoe,Whichwascutoff,andscarceeventhenletgo。
  Butthenthefact'safact-and'tisthepartOfatruepoettoescapefromfictionWhene'erhecan;forthereislittleartInleavingversemorefreefromtherestrictionOftruththanprose,unlesstosuitthemartForwhatissometimescalledpoeticdiction,AndthatoutrageousappetiteforliesWhichSatanangleswithforsouls,likeflies。
  Thecity'staken,butnotrender'd!-No!
  There'snotaMoslemthathathyieldedsword:
  Thebloodmaygushout,astheDanube'sflowRollsbythecitywall;butdeednorwordAcknowledgeaughtofdreadofdeathorfoe:
  Invaintheyellofvictoryisroar'dBytheadvancingMuscovite-thegroanOfthelastfoeisechoedbyhisown。
  Thebayonetpiercesandthesabrecleaves,Andhumanlivesarelavish'deverywhere,AstheyearclosingwhirlsthescarletleavesWhenthestripp'dforestbowstothebleakair,Andgroans;andthusthepeopledcitygrieves,Shornofitsbestandloveliest,andleftbare;
  Butstillitfallsinvastandawfulsplinters,Asoaksblowndownwithalltheirthousandwinters。
  Itisanawfultopic-but'tisnotMycueforanytimetobeterrific:
  Forchecker'dasisseenourhumanlotWithgood,andbad,andworse,alikeprolificOfmelancholymerriment,toquoteToomuchofonesortwouldbesoporific;-
  Without,orwith,offencetofriendsorfoes,Isketchyourworldexactlyasitgoes。
  AndonegoodactioninthemidstofcrimesIs'quiterefreshing,'intheaffectedphraseOftheseambrosial,Pharisaictimes,Withalltheirprettymilk-and-waterways,Andmayservethereforetobedewtheserhymes,Alittlescorch'datpresentwiththeblazeOfconquestanditsconsequences,whichMakeepicpoesysorareandrich。
  Uponatakenbastion,wheretherelayThousandsofslaughter'dmen,ayetwarmgroupOfmurder'dwomen,whohadfoundtheirwayTothisvainrefuge,madethegoodheartdroopAndshudder;-while,asbeautifulasMay,AfemalechildoftenyearstriedtostoopAndhideherlittlepalpitatingbreastAmidstthebodieslull'dinbloodyrest。
  TwovillainousCossacquespursuedthechildWithflashingeyesandweapons:match'dwiththem,TherudestbrutethatroamsSiberia'swildHasfeelingspureandpolish'dasagem,-
  Thebeariscivilised,thewolfismild;
  Andwhomforthisatlastmustwecondemn?
  Theirnatures?ortheirsovereigns,whoemployAllartstoteachtheirsubjectstodestroy?
  Theirsabresglitter'do'erherlittlehead,Whenceherfairhairrosetwiningwithaffright,Herhiddenfacewasplungedamidstthedead:
  WhenJuancaughtaglimpseofthissadsight,Ishallnotsayexactlywhathesaid,Becauseitmightnotsolace'earspolite;'
  Butwhathedid,wastolayontheirbacks,ThereadiestwayofreasoningwithCossacques。
  One'shipheslash'd,andsplittheother'sshoulder,AnddrovethemwiththeirbrutalyellstoseekIftheremightbechirurgeonswhocouldsolderThewoundstheyrichlymerited,andshriekTheirbaffledrageandpain;whilewaxingcolderAsheturn'do'ereachpaleandgorycheek,DonJuanraisedhislittlecaptivefromTheheapamomentmorehadmadehertomb。
  Andshewaschillasthey,andonherfaceAslenderstreakofbloodannouncedhownearHerfatehadbeentothatofallherrace;
  ForthesameblowwhichlaidhermotherhereHadscarr'dherbrow,andleftitscrimsontrace,Asthelastlinkwithallshehadhelddear;
  Butelseunhurt,sheopen'dherlargeeyes,AndgazedonJuanwithawildsurprise。
  Justatthisinstant,whiletheireyeswerefix'dUponeachother,withdilatedglance,InJuan'slook,pain,pleasure,hope,fear,mix'dWithjoytosave,anddreadofsomemischanceUntohisprotege;whilehers,transfix'dWithinfantterrors,glaredasfromatrance,Apure,transparent,pale,yetradiantface,Liketoalightedalabastervase;-
  UpcameJohnJohnsonIwillnotsay'Jack,'
  Forthatwerevulgar,cold,andcommonplaceOngreatoccasions,suchasanattackOncities,ashathbeenthepresentcase:
  UpJohnsoncame,withhundredsathisback,Exclaiming;-'Juan!Juan!On,boy!braceYourarm,andI'llbetMoscowtoadollarThatyouandIwillwinSt。George'scollar。
  'TheSeraskierisknock'duponthehead,Butthestonebastionstillremains,whereinTheoldPachasitsamongsomehundredsdead,Smokinghispipequitecalmly'midstthedinOfourartilleryandhisown:'tissaidOurkill'd,alreadypileduptothechin,Lieroundthebattery;butstillitbatters,Andgrapeinvolleys,likeavineyard,scatters。
  'Thenupwithme!'-ButJuananswer'd,'LookUponthischild-Isavedher-mustnotleaveHerlifetochance;butpointmeoutsomenookOfsafety,whereshelessmayshrinkandgrieve,AndIamwithyou。'-WhereonJohnsontookAglancearound-andshrugg'd-andtwitch'dhissleeveAndblacksilkneckcloth-andreplied,'You'reright;
  Poorthing!what'stobedone?I'mpuzzledquite。'
  SaidJuan:'WhatsoeveristobeDone,I'llnotquithertillsheseemssecureOfpresentlifeagooddealmorethanwe。'
  QuothJohnson:'NeitherwillIquiteensure;
  Butattheleastyoumaydiegloriously。'
  Juanreplied:'AtleastIwillendureWhate'eristobeborne-butnotresignThischild,whoisparentless,andthereforemine。'
  Johnsonsaid:'Juan,we'venotimetolose;
  Thechild'saprettychild-averypretty-
  Ineversawsucheyes-buthark!nowchooseBetweenyourfameandfeelings,prideandpity;-
  Hark!howtheroarincreases!-noexcuseWillservewhenthereisplunderinacity;-
  Ishouldbelothtomarchwithoutyou,but,ByGod!we'llbetoolateforthefirstcut。'
  ButJuanwasimmovable;untilJohnson,whoreallylovedhiminhisway,Pick'doutamongsthisfollowerswithsomeskillSuchashethoughttheleastgivenuptoprey;
  AndswearingiftheinfantcametoillThattheyshouldallbeshotonthenextday;
  Butifsheweredeliver'dsafeandsound,Theyshouldatleasthavefiftyrublesround,AndallallowancesbesidesofplunderInfairproportionwiththeircomrades;-thenJuanconsentedtomarchonthroughthunder,Whichthinn'dateverysteptheirranksofmen:
  Andyettherestrush'deagerly-nowonder,Fortheywereheatedbythehopeofgain,Athingwhichhappenseverywhereeachday-
  Noherotrustethwhollytohalfpay。
  Andsuchisvictory,andsuchisman!
  Atleastninetenthsofwhatwecallso;-GodMayhaveanothernameforhalfwescanAshumanbeings,orhiswaysareodd。
  Buttooursubject:abraveTartarkhan-
  Or'sultan,'astheauthortowhosenodInproseIbendmyhumbleversedothcallThischieftain-somehowwouldnotyieldatall:
  Butflank'dbyfivebravesonssuchispolygamy,Thatshespawnswarriorsbythescore,wherenoneAreprosecutedforthatfalsecrimebigamy,HeneverwouldbelievethecitywonWhilecourageclungbuttoasingletwig-AmI
  DescribingPriam's,Peleus',orJove'sson?
  Neither-butagood,plain,old,temperateman,Whofoughtwithhisfivechildreninthevan。
  Totakehimwasthepoint。Thetrulybrave,Whentheybeholdthebraveoppress'dwithodds,Aretouch'dwithadesiretoshieldandsave;-
  AmixtureofwildbeastsanddemigodsArethey-nowfuriousasthesweepingwave,Nowmovedwithpity:evenassometimesnodsTheruggedtreeuntothesummerwind,Compassionbreathesalongthesavagemind。
  Buthewouldnotbetaken,andrepliedToallthepropositionsofsurrenderBymowingChristiansdownoneveryside,AsobstinateasSwedishCharlesatBender。
  Hisfivebraveboysnolessthefoedefied;
  WhereontheRussianpathosgrewlesstender,Asbeingavirtue,liketerrestrialpatience,Apttowearoutontriflingprovocations。
  AndspiteofJohnsonandofJuan,whoExpendedalltheirEasternphraseologyInbegginghim,forGod'ssake,justtoshowSomuchlessfightasmightformanapologyFortheminsavingsuchadesperatefoe-
  Hehew'daway,likedoctorsoftheologyWhentheydisputewithsceptics;andwithcursesStruckathisfriends,asbabiesbeattheirnurses。
  Nay,hehadwounded,thoughbutslightly,bothJuanandJohnson;whereupontheyfell,Thefirstwithsighs,thesecondwithanoath,Uponhisangrysultanship,pell-mell,AndallaroundweregrownexceedingwrothAtsuchapertinaciousinfidel,Andpour'duponhimandhissonslikerain,WhichtheyresistedlikeasandyplainThatdrinksandstillisdry。Atlasttheyperish'd-
  Hissecondsonwaslevell'dbyashot;
  Histhirdwassabred;andthefourth,mostcherish'dOfallthefive,onbayonetsmethislot;
  Thefifth,who,byaChristianmothernourish'd,Hadbeenneglected,ill-used,andwhatnot,Becausedeform'd,yetdiedallgameandbottom,Tosaveasirewhoblush'dthathebegothim。
  TheeldestwasatrueandtamelessTartar,AsgreatascorneroftheNazareneAseverMahometpick'doutforamartyr,Whoonlysawtheblack-eyedgirlsingreen,Whomakethebedsofthosewhowon'ttakequarterOnearth,inParadise;andwhenonceseen,Thosehouris,likeallotherprettycreatures,Dojustwhate'ertheyplease,bydintoffeatures。
  AndwhattheypleasedtodowiththeyoungkhanInheavenIknownot,norpretendtoguess;
  ButdoubtlesstheypreferafineyoungmanTotougholdheroes,andcandonoless;
  Andthat'sthecausenodoubtwhy,ifwescanAfieldofbattle'sghastlywilderness,Foronerough,weather-beaten,veteranbody,You'llfindtenthousandhandsomecoxcombsbloody。
  YourhourisalsohaveanaturalpleasureInloppingoffyourlatelymarriedmen,BeforethebridalhourshavedancedtheirmeasureAndthesad,secondmoongrowsdimagain,OrdullrepentancehathhaddrearyleisureTowishhimbackabachelornowandthen。
  AndthusyourhouriitmaybedisputesOfthesebriefblossomstheimmediatefruits。
  Thustheyoungkhan,withhourisinhissight,Thoughtnotuponthecharmsoffouryoungbrides,Butbravelyrush'donhisfirstheavenlynight。
  Inshort,howe'erourbetterfaithderides,Theseblack-eyedvirginsmaketheMoslemsfight,Asthoughtherewereoneheavenandnonebesides,-
  Whereas,ifallbetruewehearofheavenAndhell,theremustatleastbesixorseven。
  Sofullyflash'dthephantomonhiseyes,Thatwhentheverylancewasinhisheart,Heshouted'Allah!'andsawParadiseWithallitsveilofmysterydrawnapart,AndbrighteternitywithoutdisguiseOnhissoul,likeaceaselesssunrise,dart:-
  Withprophets,houris,angels,saints,descriedInonevoluptuousblaze,-andthenhedied,Butwithaheavenlyraptureonhisface。
  Thegoodoldkhan,wholonghadceasedtoseeHouris,oraughtexcepthisfloridraceWhogrewlikecedarsroundhimgloriously-
  WhenhebeheldhislatestherograceTheearth,whichhebecamelikeafell'dtree,Pausedforamoment,fromthefight,andcastAglanceonthatslainson,hisfirstandlast。
  Thesoldiers,whobeheldhimdrophispoint,Stopp'dasifoncemorewillingtoconcedeQuarter,incasehebadethemnot'aroynt!'
  Ashebeforehaddone。HedidnotheedTheirpausenorsigns:hisheartwasoutofjoint,Andshooktillnowunshakenlikeareed,Ashelook'ddownuponhischildrengone,Andfelt-thoughdonewithlife-hewasaloneBut'twasatransienttremor;-withaspringUpontheRussiansteelhisbreastheflung,AscarelesslyashurlsthemothherwingAgainstthelightwhereinshedies:heclungCloser,thatallthedeadliertheymightwring,Untothebayonetswhichhadpiercedhisyoung;
  Andthrowingbackadimlookonhissons,Inonewidewoundpour'dforthhissoulatonce。
  'Tisstrangeenough-therough,toughsoldiers,whoSparedneithersexnorageintheircareerOfcarnage,whenthisoldmanwaspiercedthrough,Andlaybeforethemwithhischildrennear,Touch'dbytheheroismofhimtheyslew,Weremeltedforamoment:thoughnotearFlow'dfromtheirbloodshoteyes,allredwithstrife,Theyhonour'dsuchdeterminedscornoflife。
  Butthestonebastionstillkeptupitsfire,Wherethechiefpachacalmlyheldhispost:
  SometwentytimeshemadetheRussretire,Andbaffledtheassaultsofalltheirhost;
  AtlengthhecondescendedtoinquireIfyetthecity'srestwerewonorlost;
  Andbeingtoldthelatter,sentabeyToanswerRibas'summonstogiveway。
  Inthemeantime,cross-legg'd,withgreatsang-froid,AmongthescorchingruinshesatsmokingTobaccoonalittlecarpet;-TroySawnothinglikethescenearound:-yetlookingWithmartialstoicism,noughtseem'dtoannoyHissternphilosophy;butgentlystrokingHisbeard,hepuff'dhispipe'sambrosialgales,Asifhehadthreelives,aswellastails。
  Thetownwastaken-whetherhemightyieldHimselforbastion,littlematter'dnow:
  Hisstubbornvalourwasnofutureshield。
  Ismail'snomore!Thecrescent'ssilverbowSunk,andthecrimsoncrossglaredo'erthefield,Butredwithnoredeeminggore:theglowOfburningstreets,likemoonlightonthewater,Wasimagedbackinblood,theseaofslaughter。
  Allthatthemindwouldshrinkfromofexcesses;
  Allthatthebodyperpetratesofbad;
  Allthatweread,hear,dream,ofman'sdistresses;
  Allthatthedevilwoulddoifrunstarkmad;
  Allthatdefiestheworstwhichpenexpresses;
  Allbywhichhellispeopled,orassadAshell-meremortalswhotheirpowerabuse-
  Washereasheretoforeandsinceletloose。
  IfhereandtheresometransienttraitofpityWasshown,andsomemorenobleheartbrokethroughItsbloodybond,andsavedperhapssomeprettyChild,oranaged,helplessmanortwo-
  What'sthisinoneannihilatedcity,Wherethousandloves,andties,anddutiesgrew?
  CockneysofLondon!MuscadinsofParis!
  Justponderwhatapiouspastimewaris。
  ThinkhowthejoysofreadingaGazetteArepurchasedbyallagoniesandcrimes:
  Orifthesedonotmoveyou,don'tforgetSuchdoommaybeyourowninaftertimes。
  MeantimetheTaxes,Castlereagh,andDebt,Arehintsasgoodassermons,orasrhymes。
  ReadyourownheartsandIreland'spresentstory,ThenfeedherfaminefatwithWellesley'sglory。
  Butstillthereisuntoapatriotnation,Whichlovessowellitscountryanditsking,Asubjectofsublimestexultation-
  Bearit,yeMuses,onyourbrightestwing!
  Howe'erthemightylocust,Desolation,Stripyourgreenfields,andtoyourharvestscling,Gauntfaminenevershallapproachthethrone-
  ThoughIrelandstarve,greatGeorgeweighstwentystone。
  Butletmeputanenduntomytheme:
  TherewasanendofIsmail-haplesstown!
  Farflash'dherburningtowerso'erDanube'sstream,Andredlyranhisblushingwatersdown。
  Thehorridwar-whoopandtheshrillerscreamRosestill;butfainterwerethethundersgrown:
  Offortythousandwhohadmann'dthewall,Somehundredsbreathed-therestweresilentall!
  Inonethingne'ertheless'tisfittopraiseTheRussianarmyuponthisoccasion,Avirtuemuchinfashionnow-a-days,Andthereforeworthyofcommemoration:
  Thetopic'stender,soshallbemyphrase-
  Perhapstheseason'schill,andtheirlongstationInwinter'sdepth,orwantofrestandvictual,Hadmadethemchaste;-theyravish'dverylittle。
  Muchdidtheyslay,moreplunder,andnolessMighthereandthereoccursomeviolationIntheotherline;-butnottosuchexcessAswhentheFrench,thatdissipatednation,Taketownsbystorm:nocausescanIguess,Exceptcoldweatherandcommiseration;
  Butalltheladies,savesometwentyscore,Werealmostasmuchvirginsasbefore。
  Someoddmistakes,too,happen'dinthedark,Whichshow'dawantoflanterns,oroftaste-
  IndeedthesmokewassuchtheyscarcecouldmarkTheirfriendsfromfoes,-besidessuchthingsfromhasteOccur,thoughrarely,whenthereisasparkOflighttosavethevenerablychaste:
  Butsixolddamsels,eachofseventyyears,Werealldeflower'dbydifferentgrenadiers。
  Butonthewholetheircontinencewasgreat;
  SothatsomedisappointmentthereensuedTothosewhohadfelttheinconvenientstateOf'singleblessedness,'andthoughtitgoodSinceitwasnottheirfault,butonlyfate,TobearthesecrossesforeachwaningprudeTomakeaRomansortofSabinewedding,Withouttheexpenseandthesuspenseofbedding。
  Somevoicesofthebuxommiddle-agedWerealsoheardtowonderinthedinWidowsoffortywerethesebirdslongcaged
  'Whereforetheravishingdidnotbegin!'
  Butwhilethethirstforgoreandplunderraged,Therewassmallleisureforsuperfluoussin;
  Butwhethertheyescapedorno,lieshidIndarkness-Icanonlyhopetheydid。
  Suwarrownowwasconqueror-amatchForTimourorforZinghisinhistrade。
  Whilemosquesandstreets,beneathhiseyes,likethatchBlazed,andthecannon'sroarwasscarceallay'd,Withbloodyhandshewrotehisfirstdespatch;
  Andhereexactlyfollowswhathesaid:-
  'GlorytoGodandtotheEmpress!'PowersEternal!suchnamesmingled!'Ismail'sours。'
  Methinksthesearethemosttremendouswords,Since'Mene,Mene,Tekel,'and'Upharsin,'
  Whichhandsorpenshaveevertracedofswords。
  Heavenhelpme!I'mbutlittleofaparson:
  WhatDanielreadwasshort-handoftheLord's,Severe,sublime;theprophetwrotenofarceonThefateofnations;-butthisRusssowittyCouldrhyme,likeNero,o'eraburningcity。
  HewrotethisPolarmelody,andsetit,Dulyaccompaniedbyshrieksandgroans,Whichfewwillsing,Itrust,butnoneforgetit-
  ForIwillteach,ifpossible,thestonesToriseagainstearth'styrants。NeverletitBesaidthatwestilltruckleuntothrones;-
  Butye-ourchildren'schildren!thinkhowweShow'dwhatthingswerebeforetheworldwasfree!
  Thathourisnotforus,but'tisforyou:
  Andas,inthegreatjoyofyourmillennium,YouhardlywillbelievesuchthingsweretrueAsnowoccur,IthoughtthatIwouldpenyou'em;
  Butmaytheirverymemoryperishtoo!-
  Yetifperchanceremember'd,stilldisdainyou'emMorethanyouscornthesavagesofyore,Whopaintedtheirbarelimbs,butnotwithgore。
  Andwhenyouhearhistorianstalkofthrones,Andthosethatsateuponthem,letitbeAswenowgazeuponthemammoth'sbones,'Andwonderwhatoldworldsuchthingscouldsee,OrhieroglyphicsonEgyptianstones,Thepleasantriddlesoffuturity-
  Guessingatwhatshallhappilybehid,Astherealpurposeofapyramid。
  Reader!Ihavekeptmyword,-atleastsofarAsthefirstCantopromised。YouhavenowHadsketchesoflove,tempest,travel,war-
  Allveryaccurate,youmustallow,Andepic,ifplaintruthshouldprovenobar;
  ForIhavedrawnmuchlesswithalongbowThanmyforerunners。CarelesslyIsing,ButPhoebuslendsmenowandthenastring,WithwhichIstillcanharp,andcarp,andfiddle。
  WhatfartherhathbefallenormaybefallTheheroofthisgrandpoeticriddle,Ibyandbymaytellyou,ifatall:
  ButnowIchoosetobreakoffinthemiddle,WornoutwithbatteringIsmail'sstubbornwall,WhileJuanissentoffwiththedespatch,ForwhichallPetersburghisonthewatch。
  Thisspecialhonourwasconferr'd,becauseHehadbehavedwithcourageandhumanity-
  Whichlastmenlike,whentheyhavetimetopauseFromtheirferocitiesproducedbyvanity。
  Hislittlecaptivegain'dhimsomeapplauseForsavingheramidstthewildinsanityOfcarnage,-andIthinkhewasmoregladinherSafety,thanhisneworderofSt。Vladimir。
  TheMoslemorphanwentwithherprotector,Forshewashomeless,houseless,helpless;allHerfriends,likethesadfamilyofHector,Hadperish'dinthefieldorbythewall:
  HerveryplaceofbirthwasbutaspectreOfwhatithadbeen;theretheMuezzin'scalToprayerwasheardnomore!-andJuanwept,Andmadeavowtoshieldher,whichhekept。
  CANTOTHENINTH。
  OH,Wellington!or'Villainton'-forFameSoundstheheroicsyllablesbothways;
  Francecouldnotevenconqueryourgreatname,Butpunn'ditdowntothisfacetiousphrase-
  Beatingorbeatenshewilllaughthesame,Youhaveobtain'dgreatpensionsandmuchpraise:
  Glorylikeyoursshouldanydaregainsay,Humanitywouldrise,andthunder'Nay!'
  Idon'tthinkthatyouusedKinnairdquitewellInMarinet'saffair-infact,'twasshabby,Andlikesomeotherthingswon'tdototellUponyourtombinWestminster'soldabbey。
  Upontherest'tisnotworthwhiletodwell,Suchtalesbeingforthetea-hoursofsometabby;
  Butthoughyouryearsasmantendfasttozero,Infactyourgraceisstillbutayounghero。
  ThoughBritainowesandpaysyoutoosomuch,YetEuropedoubtlessowesyougreatlymore:
  Youhaverepair'dLegitimacy'scrutch,Apropnotquitesocertainasbefore:
  TheSpanish,andtheFrench,aswellasDutch,Haveseen,andfelt,howstronglyyourestore;
  AndWaterloohasmadetheworldyourdebtorIwishyourbardswouldsingitratherbetter。
  Youare'thebestofcut-throats:'-donotstart;
  ThephraseisShakspeare's,andnotmisapplied:
  War'sabrain-spattering,windpipe-slittingart,Unlesshercausebyrightbesanctified。
  Ifyouhaveactedonceagenerouspart,Theworld,nottheworld'smasters,willdecide,AndIshallbedelightedtolearnwho,Saveyouandyours,havegain'dbyWaterloo?
  Iamnoflatterer-you'vesupp'dfullofflattery:
  Theysayyoulikeittoo-'tisnogreatwonder。
  Hewhosewholelifehasbeenassaultandbattery,Atlastmaygetalittletiredofthunder;
  Andswallowingeulogymuchmorethansatire,heMaylikebeingpraisedforeveryluckyblunder,Call'd'SaviouroftheNations'-notyetsaved,And'Europe'sLiberator'-stillenslaved。
  I'vedone。NowgoanddinefromofftheplatePresentedbythePrinceoftheBrazils,AndsendthesentinelbeforeyourgateAsliceortwofromyourluxuriousmeals:
  Hefought,buthasnotfedsowelloflate。
  Somehunger,too,theysaythepeoplefeels:-
  Thereisnodoubtthatyoudeserveyourration,Butpraygivebackalittletothenation。
  Idon'tmeantoreflect-amansogreatasYou,mylordduke!isfarabovereflection:
  ThehighRomanfashion,too,ofCincinnatus,Withmodernhistoryhasbutsmallconnection:
  ThoughasanIrishmanyoulovepotatoes,Youneednottakethemunderyourdirection;
  AndhalfamillionforyourSabinefarmIsratherdear!-I'msureImeannoharm。
  Greatmenhavealwaysscorn'dgreatrecompenses:
  EpaminondassavedhisThebes,anddied,Notleavingevenhisfuneralexpenses:
  GeorgeWashingtonhadthanksandnoughtbeside,Excepttheall-cloudlessglorywhichfewmen'sisTofreehiscountry:Pitttoohadhispride,Andasahigh-soul'dministerofstateisRenown'dforruiningGreatBritaingratis。
  Neverhadmortalmansuchopportunity,ExceptNapoleon,orabuseditmore:
  YoumighthavefreedfallenEuropefromtheunityOftyrants,andbeenblestfromshoretoshore:
  Andnow-whatisyourfame?ShalltheMusetuneitye?
  Now-thattherabble'sfirstvainshoutsareo'er?
  Go!hearitinyourfamish'dcountry'scries!
  Beholdtheworld!andcurseyourvictories!
  Asthesenewcantostouchonwarlikefeats,ToyoutheunflatteringMusedeignstoinscribeTruths,thatyouwillnotreadintheGazettes,Butwhich'tistimetoteachthehirelingtribeWhofattenontheircountry'sgore,anddebts,Mustberecited,and-withoutabribe。
  Youdidgreatthings;butnotbeinggreatinmind,Haveleftundonethegreatest-andmankind。
  Deathlaughs-Gopondero'ertheskeletonWithwhichmenimageouttheunknownthingThathidesthepastworld,liketoasetsunWhichstillelsewheremayrouseabrighterspring-
  Deathlaughsatallyouweepfor:-lookuponThishourlydreadofall!whosethreaten'dstingTurnslifetoterror,eventhoughinitssheath:
  Markhowitsliplessmouthgrinswithoutbreath!
  Markhowitlaughsandscornsatallyouare!
  Andyetwaswhatyouare:fromeartoearItlaughsnot-thereisnownofleshybarSocall'd;theAnticlonghathceasedtohear,Butstillhesmiles;andwhethernearorfar,HestripsfrommanthatmantlefarmoredearThaneventhetailor's,hisincarnateskin,White,black,orcopper-thedeadboneswillgrin。
  AndthusDeathlaughs,-itissadmerriment,Butstillitisso;andwithsuchexampleWhyshouldnotLifebeequallycontentWithhissuperior,inasmiletotrampleUponthenothingswhicharedailyspentLikebubblesonanoceanmuchlessampleThantheeternaldeluge,whichdevoursSunsasrays-worldslikeatoms-yearslikehours?
  'Tobe,ornottobe?thatisthequestion,'
  SaysShakspeare,whojustnowismuchinfashion。
  IamneitherAlexandernorHephaestion,Noreverhadforabstractfamemuchpassion;
  ButwouldmuchratherhaveasounddigestionThanBuonaparte'scancer:couldIdashonThroughfiftyvictoriestoshameorfame-
  Withoutastomachwhatwereagoodname?
  'Odurailiamessorum!'-'OhYerigidgutsofreapers!'ItranslateForthegreatbenefitofthosewhoknowWhatindigestionis-thatinwardfateWhichmakesallStyxthroughonesmallliverflow。
  Apeasant'ssweatisworthhislord'sestate:
  Letthisonetoilforbread-thatrackforrent,Hewhosleepsbestmaybethemostcontent。
  'Tobe,ornottobe?'-EreIdecide,Ishouldbegladtoknowthatwhichisbeing?
  'Tistruewespeculatebothfarandwide,Anddeem,becausewesee,weareall-seeing:
  Formypart,I'llenlistonneitherside,UntilIseebothsidesforonceagreeing。
  Forme,Isometimesthinkthatlifeisdeath,Ratherthanlifeamereaffairofbreath。
  'Quescais-je?'wasthemottoofMontaigne,Asalsoofthefirstacademicians:
  Thatallisdubiouswhichmanmayattain,Wasoneoftheirmostfavouritepositions。
  There'snosuchthingascertainty,that'splainAsanyofMortality'sconditions;
  Solittledoweknowwhatwe'reaboutinThisworld,Idoubtifdoubtitselfbedoubting。
  Itisapleasantvoyageperhapstofloat,LikePyrrho,onaseaofspeculation;
  Butwhatifcarryingsailcapsizetheboat?
  Yourwisemendon'tknowmuchofnavigation;
  AndswimminglongintheabyssofthoughtIsapttotire:acalmandshallowstationWellnightheshore,whereonestoopsdownandgathersSomeprettyshell,isbestformoderatebathers。
  'Butheaven,'asCassiosays,'isaboveall-
  Nomoreofthis,then,-letuspray!'WehaveSoulstosave,sinceEve'sslipandAdam'sfall,Whichtumbledallmankindintothegrave,Besidesfish,beasts,andbirds。'Thesparrow'sfallIsspecialprovidence,'thoughhowitgaveOffence,weknownot;probablyitperch'dUponthetreewhichEvesofondlysearch'd。
  Oh,yeimmortalgods!whatistheogony?
  Oh,thoutoo,mortalman!whatisphilanthropy?
  Oh,world!whichwasandis,whatiscosmogony?
  Somepeoplehaveaccusedmeofmisanthropy;
  AndyetIknownomorethanthemahoganyThatformsthisdesk,ofwhattheymean;lykanthropyIcomprehend,forwithouttransformationMenbecomewolvesonanyslightoccasion。
  ButI,themildest,meekestofmankind,LikeMoses,orMelancthon,whohavene'erDoneanythingexceedinglyunkind,-
  AndthoughIcouldnotnowandthenforbearFollowingthebentofbodyorofmind
  Havealwayshadatendencytospare,-
  Whydotheycallmemisanthrope?BecauseTheyhateme,notIthem-andherewe'llpause。
  'Tistimeweshouldproceedwithourgoodpoem,-
  ForImaintainthatitisreallygood,Notonlyinthebodybuttheproem,HoweverlittlebothareunderstoodJustnow,-butbyandbytheTruthwillshow'emHerselfinhersublimestattitude:
  Andtillshedoth,IfainmustbecontentToshareherbeautyandherbanishment。
  Ourheroand,Itrust,kindreader,yours
  WasleftuponhiswaytothechiefcityOftheimmortalPeter'spolish'dboorsWhostillhaveshownthemselvesmorebravethanwitty。
  IknowitsmightyempirenowalluresMuchflattery-evenVoltaire's,andthat'sapity。
  Forme,IdeemanabsoluteautocratNotabarbarian,butmuchworsethanthat。
  AndIwillwar,atleastinwordsand-shouldMychancesohappen-deeds,withallwhowarWithThought;-andofThought'sfoesbyfarmostrude,Tyrantsandsycophantshavebeenandare。
  Iknownotwhomayconquer:ifIcouldHavesuchaprescience,itshouldbenobarTothismyplain,sworn,downrightdetestationOfeverydepotismineverynation。
  ItisnotthatIadulatethepeople:
  Withoutme,therearedemagoguesenough,Andinfidels,topulldowneverysteeple,Andsetupintheirsteadsomeproperstuff。
  Whethertheymaysowscepticismtoreaphell,AsistheChristiandogmaratherrough,Idonotknow;-IwishmentobefreeAsmuchfrommobsaskings-fromyouasme。
  Theconsequenceis,beingofnoparty,Ishalloffendallparties:nevermind!
  Mywords,atleast,aremoresincereandheartyThanifIsoughttosailbeforethewind。
  Hewhohasnoughttogaincanhavesmallart:heWhoneitherwishestobeboundnorbind,Maystillexpatiatefreely,aswillI,Norgivemyvoicetoslavery'sjackalcry。
  That'sanappropriatesimile,thatjackal;-
  I'veheardthemintheEphesianruinshowlBynight,asdothatmercenarypackall,Power'sbasepurveyors,whoforpickingsprowl,Andscentthepreytheirmasterswouldattackall。
  However,thepoorjackalsarelessfoulAsbeingthebravelions'keenproviders
  Thanhumaninsects,cateringforspiders。
  Raisebutanarm!'twillbrushtheirwebaway,Andwithoutthat,theirpoisonandtheirclawsAreuseless。Mind,goodpeople!whatIsayOrratherpeoples-goonwithoutpause!
  ThewebofthesetarantulaseachdayIncreases,tillyoushallmakecommoncause:
  None,savetheSpanishflyandAtticbee,Asyetarestronglystingingtobefree。
  DonJuan,whohadshoneinthelateslaughter,Wasleftuponhiswaywiththedespatch,Wherebloodwastalk'dofaswewouldofwater;
  AndcarcassesthatlayasthickasthatchO'ersilencedcities,merelyservedtoflatterFairCatherine'spastime-wholook'donthematchBetweenthesenationsasamainofcocks,Whereinshelikedherowntostandlikerocks。
  Andthereinakibitkaheroll'donAcursedsortofcarriagewithoutsprings,Whichonroughroadsleavesscarcelyawholebone,Ponderingonglory,chivalry,andkings,Andorders,andonallthathehaddone-
  Andwishingthatpost-horseshadthewingsOfPegasus,orattheleastpost-chaisesHadfeathers,whenatravellerondeepwaysis。
  Ateveryjolt-andtheyweremany-stillHeturn'dhiseyesuponhislittlecharge,Asifhewish'dthatsheshouldfarelessillThanhe,inthesesadhighwaysleftatlargeToruts,andflints,andlovelyNature'sskill,Whoisnopaviour,noradmitsabargeOnhercanals,whereGodtakesseaandland,Fisheryandfarm,bothintohisownhand。
  Atleasthepaysnorent,andhasbestrightTobethefirstofwhatweusedtocall'Gentlemenfarmer'-aracewornoutquite,Sincelatelytherehavebeennorentsatall,And'gentlemen'areinapiteousplight,And'farmers'can'traiseCeresfromherfall:
  ShefellwithBuonaparte-WhatstrangethoughtsArise,whenweseeemperorsfallwithoats!
  ButJuanturn'dhiseyesonthesweetchildWhomhehadsavedfromslaughter-whatatrophyOh!yewhobuildupmonuments,defiledWithgore,likeNadirShah,thatcostivesophy,Who,afterleavingHindostanawild,AndscarcetotheMogulacupofcoffeeTosoothehiswoeswithal,wasslain,thesinner!
  Becausehecouldnomoredigesthisdinner;-
  Ohye!orwe!orhe!orshe!reflect,Thatonelifesaved,especiallyifyoungOrpretty,isathingtorecollectFarsweeterthanthegreenestlaurelssprungFromthemanureofhumanclay,thoughdeck'dWithallthepraiseseversaidorsung:
  Thoughhymn'dbyeveryharp,unlesswithinYourheartjoinschorus,Fameisbutadin。
  Oh!yegreatauthorsluminous,voluminous!
  Yetwicetenhundredthousanddailyscribes!
  Whosepamphlets,volumes,newspapers,illumineus!
  Whetheryou'repaidbygovernmentinbribes,Toprovethepublicdebtisnotconsumingus-
  Or,roughlytreadingonthe'courtier'skibes'
  Withclownishheel,yourpopularcirculationFeedsyoubyprintinghalftherealm'sstarvation;-
  Oh,yegreatauthors!-'Aproposdesbottes,'-
  IhaveforgottenwhatImeanttosay,Assometimeshavebeengreatersages'lots;
  'TwassomethingcalculatedtoallayAllwrathinbarracks,palaces,orcots:
  Certesitwouldhavebeenbutthrownaway,Andthat'sonecomfortformylostadvice,Althoughnodoubtitwasbeyondallprice。
  Butletitgo:-itwillonedaybefoundWithotherrelicsof'aformerworld,'
  Whenthisworldshallbeformer,underground,Throwntopsy-turvy,twisted,crisp'd,andcurl'd,Baked,fried,orburnt,turn'dinside-out,ordrown'd,Likealltheworldsbefore,whichhavebeenhurl'dFirstoutof,andthenbackagaintochaos,Thesuperstratumwhichwilloverlayus。
  SoCuviersays;-andthenshallcomeagainUntothenewcreation,risingoutFromouroldcrash,somemystic,ancientstrainOfthingsdestroy'dandleftinairydoubt:
  LiketothenotionswenowentertainOfTitans,giants,fellowsofaboutSomehundredfeetinheight,nottosaymiles,Andmammoths,andyourwingedcrocodiles。
  ThinkifthenGeorgetheFourthshouldbedugup!
  HowthenewworldlingsofthethennewEastWillwonderwheresuchanimalscouldsup!
  Fortheythemselveswillbebutoftheleast:
  Evenworldsmiscarry,whentooofttheypup,AndeverynewcreationhathdecreasedInsize,fromoverworkingthematerial-
  MenarebutmaggotsofsomehugeEarth'sburial。
  Howwill-totheseyoungpeople,justthrustoutFromsomefreshParadise,andsettoplough,Anddig,andsweat,andturnthemselvesabout,Andplant,andreap,andspin,andgrind,andsow,Tillalltheartsatlengtharebroughtabout,Especiallyofwarandtaxing,-how,Isay,willthesegreatrelics,whentheysee'em,Looklikethemonstersofanewmuseum?
  ButIamapttogrowtoometaphysical:
  'Thetimeisoutofjoint,'-andsoamI;
  Iquiteforgetthispoem'smerelyquizzical,Anddeviateintomattersratherdry。
  Ine'erdecidewhatIshallsay,andthisIcalMuchtoopoetical:menshouldknowwhyTheywrite,andforwhatend;but,noteortext,Ineverknowthewordwhichwillcomenext。
  SoonIramble,nowandthennarrating,Nowpondering:-itistimeweshouldnarrate。
  IleftDonJuanwithhishorsesbaiting-
  Nowwe'llgeto'erthegroundatagreatrate。
  IshallnotbeparticularinstatingHisjourney,we'vesomanytoursoflate:
  SupposehimthenatPetersburgh;supposeThatpleasantcapitalofpaintedsnows;
  Supposehiminahandsomeuniform,-
  Ascarletcoat,blackfacings,alongplume,Waving,likesailsnewshiver'dinastorm,Overacock'dhatinacrowdedroom,Andbrilliantbreeches,brightasaCairnGorme,Ofyellowcasimerewemaypresume,WhitestockingdrawnuncurdledasnewmilkO'erlimbswhosesymmetrysetoffthesilk;
  Supposehimswordbyside,andhatinhand,Madeupbyyouth,fame,andanarmytailor-
  Thatgreatenchanter,atwhoserod'scommandBeautyspringsforth,andNature'sselfturnspaler,SeeinghowArtcanmakeherworkmoregrandWhenshedon'tpinmen'slimbsinlikeagaoler,-
  Beholdhimplacedasifuponapillar!HeSeemsLoveturn'dalieutenantofartillery:-
  Hisbandageslipp'ddownintoacravat;
  Hiswingssubduedtoepaulettes;hisquiverShrunktoascabbard,withhisarrowsatHissideasasmallsword,butsharpasever;
  Hisbowconvertedintoacock'dhat;
  Butstillsolike,thatPsycheweremorecleverThansomewiveswhomakeblundersnolessstupid,IfshehadnotmistakenhimforCupid。
  Thecourtiersstared,theladieswhisper'd,andTheempresssmiled:thereigningfavouritefrown'd-
  IquiteforgetwhichofthemwasinhandJustthen;astheyarerathernumerousfound,WhotookbyturnsthatdifficultcommandSincefirsthermajestywassinglycrown'd:
  Buttheyweremostlynervoussix-footfellows,AllfittomakeaPatagonianjealous。
  Juanwasnoneofthese,butslightandslim,Blushingandbeardless;andyetne'erthelessTherewasasomethinginhisturnoflimb,Andstillmoreinhiseye,whichseem'dtoexpress,Thatthoughhelook'doneoftheseraphim,Therelurk'damanbeneaththespirit'sdress。
  Besides,theempresssometimeslikedaboy,Andhadjustburiedthefair-facedLanskoi。
  NowonderthenthatYermoloff,orMomonoff,OrScherbatoff,oranyotheroffOron,mightdreadhermajestyhadnotroomenoughWithinherbosomwhichwasnottootough
  Foranewflame;athoughttocastofgloomenoughAlongtheaspect,whethersmoothorrough,Ofhimwho,inthelanguageofhisstation,Thenheldthat'highofficialsituation。'
  O,gentleladies!shouldyouseektoknowTheimportofthisdiplomaticphrase,BidIreland'sLondonderry'sMarquessshowHispartsofspeech;andinthestrangedisplaysOfthatoddstringofwords,allinarow,Whichnonedivine,andeveryoneobeys,Perhapsyoumaypickoutsomequeernomeaning,Ofthatweakwordyharvestthesolegleaning。
  IthinkIcanexplainmyselfwithoutThatsadinexplicablebeastofprey-
  ThatSphinx,whosewordswouldeverbeadoubt,Didnothisdeedsunriddlethemeachday-
  Thatmonstroushieroglyphic-thatlongspoutOfbloodandwater,leadenCastlereagh!
  AndhereImustananecdoterelate,Butluckilyofnogreatlengthorweight。
  AnEnglishladyask'dofanItalian,WhatweretheactualandofficialdutiesOfthestrangethingsomewomensetavalueon,Whichhoversoftaboutsomemarriedbeauties,Called'Cavalierservente?'-aPygmalionWhosestatueswarmIfear,alas!tootrue'tis
  Beneathhisart。Thedame,press'dtodisclosethem,Said-'Lady,Ibeseechyoutosupposethem。'
  AndthusIsupplicateyoursupposition,Andmildest,matron-likeinterpretation,Oftheimperialfavourite'scondition。
  'Twasahighplace,thehighestinthenationInfact,ifnotinrank;andthesuspicionOfanyone'sattainingtohisstation,Nodoubtgavepain,whereeachnewpairofshoulders,Ifratherbroad,madestocksriseandtheirholders。
  Juan,Isaid,wasamostbeauteousboy,Andhadretain'dhisboyishlookbeyondTheusualhirsuteseasonswhichdestroy,Withbeardsandwhiskers,andthelike,thefondParisianaspectwhichupsetoldTroyAndfoundedDoctors'Commons:-Ihaveconn'dThehistoryofdivorces,which,thoughchequer'd,CallsIlion'sthefirstdamagesonrecord。
  AndCatherine,wholovedallthingssaveherlord,Whowasgonetohisplace,andpass'dformuchAdmiringthosebydaintydamesabhorr'd
  Giganticgentlemen,yethadatouchOfsentiment;andheshemostadoredWasthelamentedLanskoi,whowassuchAloverashadcosthermanyatear,Andyetbutmadeamiddlinggrenadier。
  Ohthou'teterrimacausa'ofall'belli'-
  Thougateoflifeanddeath-thounondescript!
  Whenceisourexitandourentrance,-wellI
  MaypauseinponderinghowallsoulsarediptInthyperennialfountain:-howmanfellI
  Knownot,sinceknowledgesawherbranchesstriptOfherfirstfruit;buthowhefallsandrisesSince,thouhastsettledbeyondallsurmises。
  Somecallthee'theworstcauseofwar,'butI
  Maintainthouartthebest:forafterallFromtheewecome,totheewego,andwhyTogetattheenotbatterdownawall,Orwasteaworld?sincenoonecandenyThoudostreplenishworldsbothgreatandsmall:
  With,orwithoutthee,allthingsatastandAre,orwouldbe,thouseaoflife'sdryland!
  Catherine,whowasthegrandepitomeOfthatgreatcauseofwar,orpeace,orwhatYoupleaseitcausesallthethingswhichbe,Soyoumaytakeyourchoiceofthisorthat-
  Catherine,Isay。wasverygladtoseeThehandsomeherald,onwhoseplumagesatVictory;andpausingasshesawhimkneelWithhisdespatch,forgottobreaktheseal。
  Thenrecollectingthewholeempress,norforgettingquitethewomanwhichcomposedAtleastthreepartsofthisgreatwhole,shetoreTheletteropenwithanairwhichposedThecourt,thatwatch'deachlookhervisagewore,UntilaroyalsmileatlengthdisclosedFairweatherfortheday。Thoughratherspacious,Herfacewasnoble,hereyesfine,mouthgracious。
  Greatjoywashers,orratherjoys:thefirstWasata'encity,thirtythousandslain。
  Gloryandtriumpho'erheraspectburst,AsanEastIndiansunriseonthemain。
  Thesequench'damomentherambition'sthirst-
  SoArabdesertsdrinkinsummer'srain:
  Invain!-Asfallthedewsonquenchlesssands,BloodonlyservestowashAmbition'shands!
  Hernextamusementwasmorefanciful;
  ShesmiledatmadSuwarrow'srhymes,whothrewIntoaRussiancoupletratherdullThewholegazetteofthousandswhomheslew。
  HerthirdwasfeminineenoughtoannulTheshudderwhichrunsnaturallythroughOurveins,whenthingscall'dsovereignsthinkitbestTokill,andgeneralsturnitintojest。
  Thetwofirstfeelingsrantheircoursecomplete,Andlightedfirsthereye,andthenhermouth:
  Thewholecourtlook'dimmediatelymostsweet,Likeflowerswellwater'dafteralongdrouth。
  ButwhenonthelieutenantatherfeetHermajesty,wholikedtogazeonyouthAlmostasmuchasonanewdespatch,Glancedmildly,alltheworldwasonthewatch。
  Thoughsomewhatlarge,exuberant,andtruculent,Whenwroth-whilepleased,shewasasfineafigureAsthosewholikethingsrosy,ripe,andsucculent,Wouldwishtolookon,whiletheyareinvigour。
  ShecouldrepayeachamatorylookyoulentWithinterest,andinturnwaswontwithrigourToexactofCupid'sbillsthefullamountAtsight,norwouldpermityoutodiscount。
  Withherthelatter,thoughattimesconvenient,Wasnotsonecessary;fortheytellThatshewashandsome,andthoughfiercelook'dlenient,Andalwaysusedherfavouritestoowell。
  Ifoncebeyondherboudoir'sprecinctsinyewent,Your'fortune'wasinafairway'toswellAman'asGilessays;forthoughshewouldwidowallNations,shelikedmanasanindividual。
  Whatastrangethingisman?andwhatastrangerIswoman!Whatawhirlwindisherhead,AndwhatawhirlpoolfullofdepthanddangerIsalltherestabouther!WhetherwedOrwidow,maidormother,shecanchangeherMindlikethewind:whatevershehassaidOrdone,islighttowhatshe'llsayordo;-
  Theoldestthingonrecord,andyetnew!
  OhCatherine!forofallinterjections,Totheebothoh!andah!belongofrightInloveandwarhowoddaretheconnectionsOfhumanthoughts,whichjostleintheirflight!
  Justnowyourswerecutoutindifferentsections:
  FirstIsmail'scapturecaughtyourfancyquite;
  Nextofnewknights,thefreshandgloriousbatch;
  Andthirdlyhewhobroughtyouthedespatch!
  Shakspearetalksof'theheraldMercuryNewlightedonaheaven-kissinghill;'
  Andsomesuchvisionscross'dhermajesty,Whileheryoungheraldkneltbeforeherstill。
  'Tisverytruethehillseem'dratherhigh,Foralieutenanttoclimbup;butskillSmooth'deventheSimplon'ssteep,andbyGod'sblessingWithyouthandhealthallkissesare'heaven-kissing。'
  Hermajestylook'ddown,theyouthlook'dup-
  Andsotheyfellinlove;-shewithhisface,Hisgrace,hisGod-knows-what:forCupid'scupWiththefirstdraughtintoxicatesapace,Aquintessentiallaudanumor'blackdrop,'
  Whichmakesonedrunkatonce,withoutthebaseExpedientoffullbumpers;fortheeyeInlovedrinksalllife'sfountainssavetearsdry。
  He,ontheotherhand,ifnotinlove,Fellintothatnolessimperiouspassion,Self-love-which,whensomesortofthingaboveOurselves,asinger,dancer,muchinfashion,Orduchess,princess,empress,'deignstoprove'
  'TisPope'sphraseagreatlonging,thougharashone,Foroneespecialpersonoutofmany,Makesusbelieveourselvesasgoodasany。
  Besides,hewasofthatdelightedageWhichmakesallfemaleagesequal-whenWedon'tmuchcarewithwhomwemayengage,AsboldasDanielinthelion'sden,SothatwecanournativesunassuageInthenextocean,whichmayflowjustthen,Tomakeatwilightin,justasSol'sheatisQuench'dinthelapofthesaltsea,orThetis。
  AndCatherinewemustsaythusmuchforCatherine,Thoughboldandbloody,wasthekindofthingWhosetemporarypassionwasquiteflattering,Becauseeachloverlook'dasortofking,Madeupuponanamatorypattern,Aroyalhusbandinallsavethering-
  Which,beingthedamn'destpartofmatrimony,Seem'dtakingoutthestingtoleavethehoney。
  Andwhenyouaddtothis,herwomanhoodInitsmeridian,herblueeyesorgrayThelast,iftheyhavesoul,arequiteasgood,Orbetter,asthebestexamplessay:
  Napoleon's,Mary'squeenofScotland,shouldLendtothatcolouratranscendentray;
  AndPallasalsosanctionsthesamehue,Toowisetolookthroughopticsblackorblue-
  Hersweetsmile,andherthenmajesticfigure,Herplumpness,herimperialcondescension,HerpreferenceofaboytomenmuchbiggerFellowswhomMessalina'sselfwouldpension,Herprimeoflife,justnowinjuicyvigour,Withotherextras,whichweneednotmention,-
  Allthese,oranyoneofthese,explainEnoughtomakeastriplingveryvain。
  Andthat'senough,forloveisvanity,Selfishinitsbeginningasitsend,Exceptwhere'tisamereinsanity,AmaddeningspiritwhichwouldstrivetoblendItselfwithbeauty'sfrailinanity,Onwhichthepassion'sselfseemstodepend:
  AndhencesomeheathenishphilosophersMakelovethemainspringoftheuniverse。
  BesidesPlatoniclove,besidestheloveOfGod,theloveofsentiment,thelovingOffaithfulpairsIneedsmustrhymewithdove,Thatgoodoldsteam-boatwhichkeepsversesmoving'Gainstreason-Reasonne'erwashand-and-gloveWithrhyme,butalwaysleantlesstoimprovingThesoundthansense-besideallthesepretencesTolove,therearethosethingswhichwordsnamesenses;
  Thosemovements,thoseimprovementsinourbodiesWhichmakeallbodiesanxioustogetoutOftheirownsand-pits,tomixwithagoddess,Forsuchallwomenareatfirstnodoubt。
  Howbeautifulthatmoment!andhowoddisThatfeverwhichprecedesthelanguidroutOfoursensations!WhatacuriouswayThewholethingisofclothingsoulsinclay!
  ThenoblestkindofloveislovePlatonical,Toendortobeginwith;thenextgrandIsthatwhichmaybechristen'dlovecanonical,Becausetheclergytakethethinginhand;
  ThethirdsorttobenotedinourchronicleAsflourishingineveryChristianland,IswhenchastematronstotheirothertiesAddwhatmaybecall'dmarriageindisguise。
  Well,wewon'tanalyse-ourstorymustTellforitself:thesovereignwassmitten,Juanmuchflatter'dbyherlove,orlust;-
  Icannotstoptoalterwordsoncewritten,Andthetwoaresomix'dwithhumandust,Thathewhonamesone,bothperchancemayhiton:
  ButinsuchmattersRussia'smightyempressBehavednobetterthanacommonsempstress。
  Thewholecourtmeltedintoonewidewhisper,Andalllipswereapplieduntoallears!
  Theelderladies'wrinklescurl'dmuchcrisperAstheybeheld;theyoungercastsomeleersOnoneanother,andeachlovelylisperSmiledasshetalk'dthemattero'er;buttearsOfrivalshiproseineachcloudedeyeOfallthestandingarmywhostoodby。
  AlltheambassadorsofallthepowersEnquired,Whowasthisverynewyoungman,Whopromisedtobegreatinsomefewhours?
  Whichisfullsoon-thoughlifeisbutaspan。
  AlreadytheybeheldthesilvershowersOfrublesrain,asfastasspeciecan,Uponhiscabinet,besidesthepresentsOfseveralribands,andsomethousandpeasants。
  Catherinewasgenerous,-allsuchladiesare:
  Love,thatgreatopeneroftheheartandallThewaysthatleadthere,betheynearorfar,Above,below,byturnpikesgreatorsmall,-
  Lovethoughshehadacursedtasteforwar,Andwasnotthebestwife,unlesswecallSuchClytemnestra,thoughperhaps'tisbetterThatoneshoulddie,thantwodragonthefetter-