POET—LAUREATE
　　CONTENTS
　　EnochArdenAylmer’sFieldSeaDreamsTheGrandmotherNorthernFarmerMiscellaneousTithonusTheVoyageIntheValleyofCauteretzTheFlowerRequiescatTheSailor—BoyTheIsletTheRingletAWelcometoAlexandraOdesungattheOpeningoftheInternationalExhibitionADedicationExperimentsBoadiceaInQuantitySpecimenofaTranslationoftheIliadinBlankVerseLonglinesofcliffbreakinghaveleftachasm；
　　Andinthechasmarefoamandyellowsands；
　　Beyond，redroofsaboutanarrowwharfIncluster；thenamoulder’dchurch；andhigherAlongstreetclimbstoonetall—tower’dmill；
　　AndhighinheavenbehinditagraydownWithDanishbarrows；andahazelwood，Byautumnnuttershaunted，flourishesGreeninacuplikehollowofthedown。
　　Hereonthisbeachahundredyearsago，Threechildrenofthreehouses，AnnieLee，Theprettiestlittledamselintheport，AndPhilipRaythemiller’sonlyson，AndEnochArden，aroughsailor’sladMadeorphanbyawintershipwreck，play’dAmongthewasteandlumberoftheshore，Hardcoilsofcordage，swarthyfishing—nets，Anchorsofrustyfluke，andboatsupdrawn，AndbuilttheircastlesofdissolvingsandTowatchthemoverflow’d，orfollowingupAndflyingthewhitebreaker，dailyleftThelittlefootprintdailywash’daway。
　　Anarrowcaveraninbeneaththecliff：
　　Inthisthechildrenplay’datkeepinghouse。
　　Enochwashostoneday，Philipthenext，WhileAnniestillwasmistress；butattimesEnochwouldholdpossessionforaweek：
　　`Thisismyhouseandthismylittlewife。’
　　`Minetoo’saidPhilip`turnandturnabout：’
　　When，iftheyquarrell’d，Enochstronger—madeWasmaster：thenwouldPhilip，hisblueeyesAllfloodedwiththehelplesswrathoftears，Shriekout`Ihateyou，Enoch，’andatthisThelittlewifewouldweepforcompany，Andpraythemnottoquarrelforhersake，Andsayshewouldbelittlewifetoboth。
　　Butwhenthedawnofrosychildhoodpast，Andthenewwarmthoflife’sascendingsunWasfeltbyeither，eitherfixthisheartOnthatonegirl；andEnochspokehislove，ButPhiliplovedinsilence；andthegirlSeem’dkinderuntoPhilipthantohim；
　　ButshelovedEnoch；tho’sheknewitnot，Andwouldifask’ddenyit。EnochsetApurposeevermorebeforehiseyes，Tohoardallsavingstotheuttermost，Topurchasehisownboat，andmakeahomeForAnnie：andsoprosper’dthatatlastAluckierorabolderfisherman，Acarefullerinperil，didnotbreatheForleaguesalongthatbreaker—beatencoastThanEnoch。LikewisehadheservedayearOnboardamerchantman，andmadehimselfFullsailor；andhethricehadpluck’dalifeFromthedreadsweepofthedown—streamingseas：
　　Andallmelook’duponhimfavorably：
　　Anderehetouch’dhisone—and—twentiethMayHepurchasedhisownboat，andmadeahomeForAnnie，neatandnestlike，halfwayupThenarrowstreetthatclamber’dtowardthemill。
　　Then，onagoldenautumneventide，Theyoungerpeoplemakingholiday，Withbagandsackandbasket，greatandsmall，Wentnuttingtothehazels。Philipstay’d（Hisfatherlyingsickandneedinghim）
　　Anhourbehind；butasheclimb’dthehill，JustwheretheproneedgeofthewoodbeganTofeathertowardthehollow，sawthepair，EnochandAnnie，sittinghand—in—hand，Hislargegrayeyesandweather—beatenfaceAll—kindledbyastillandsacredfire，Thatburn’dasonanaltar。Philiplook’d，Andintheireyesandfacesreadhisdoom；
　　Then，astheirfacesdrewtogether，groan’d，Andsliptaside，andlikeawoundedlifeCreptdownintothehollowsofthewood；
　　There，whiletherestwereloudinmerrymaking，Hadhisdarkhourunseen，androseandpastBearingalifelonghungerinhisheart。
　　Sothesewerewed，andmerrilyrangthebells，Andmerrilyrantheyears，sevenhappyyears，Sevenhappyyearsofhealthandcompetence，Andmutualloveandhonorabletoil；
　　Withchildren；firstadaughter。Inhimwoke，Withhisfirstbabe’sfirstcry，thenoblewishTosaveallearningstotheuttermost，Andgivehischildabetterbringing—upThanhishadbeen，orhers；awishrenew’d，WhentwoyearsaftercameaboytobeTherosyidolofhersolitudes，WhileEnochwasabroadonwrathfulseas，Oroftenjourneyinglandward；forintruthEnoch’swhitehorse，andEnoch’socean—spoilInocean—smellingosier，andhisface，Rough—redden’dwithathousandwintergales，Notonlytothemarket—crosswereknown，Butintheleafylanesbehindthedown，Farastheportal—wardinglion—whelp，Andpeacock—yewtreeofthelonelyHall，WhoseFridayfarewasEnoch’sministering。
　　Thencameachange，asallthingshumanchange。
　　TenmilestonorthwardofthenarrowportOpen’dalargerhaven：thitherusedEnochattimestogobylandorsea；
　　Andoncewhenthere，andclamberingonamastInharbor，bymischancehesliptandfell：
　　Alimbwasbrokenwhentheyliftedhim；
　　Andwhilehelayrecoveringthere，hiswifeBorehimanotherson，asicklyone：
　　AnotherhandcrepttooacrosshistradeTakingherbreadandtheirs：andonhimfell，Altho’agraveandstaidGod—fearingman，Yetlyingthusinactive，doubtandgloom。
　　Heseem’d，asinanightmareofthenight，ToseehischildrenleadingevermoreLowmiserablelivesofhand—to—mouth，Andher，heloved，abeggar：thenhepray’d`Savethemfromthis，whatevercomestome。’
　　Andwhilehepray’d，themasterofthatshipEnochhadservedin，hearinghismischance，Came，forheknewthemanandvaluedhim，ReportingofhisvesselChina—bound，Andwantingyetaboatswain。Wouldhego？
　　Thereyetweremanyweeksbeforeshesail’d，Sail’dfromthisport。WouldEnochhavetheplace？
　　AndEnochallatonceassentedtoit，Rejoicingatthatanswertohisprayer。
　　Sonowthattheshadowofmischanceappear’dNograverthanaswhensomelittlecloudCutsoffthefieryhighwayofthesun，Andislesalightintheoffing：yetthewife——
　　Whenhewasgone——thechildren——whattodo？
　　ThenEnochlaylong—ponderingonhisplans；
　　Toselltheboat——andyethelovedherwell——
　　Howmanyaroughseahadheweather’dinher!
　　Heknewher，asahorsemanknowshishorse——
　　Andyettosellher——thenwithwhatshebroughtBuygoodsandstores——setAnnieforthintradeWithallthatseamenneededortheirwives——
　　Somightshekeepthehousewhilehewasgone。
　　Shouldhenottradehimselfoutyonder？goThisvoyagemorethanonce？yeatwiceorthrice——
　　Asoftasneeded——last，returningrich，Becomethemasterofalargercraft，Withfullerprofitsleadaneasierlife，Haveallhisprettyyoungoneseducated，Andpasshisdaysinpeaceamonghisown。
　　ThusEnochinhisheartdeterminedall：
　　ThenmovinghomewardcameonAnniepale，Nursingthesicklybabe，herlatest—born。
　　Forwardshestartedwithahappycry，Andlaidthefeebleinfantinhisarms；
　　WhomEnochtook，andhandledallhislimbs，Appraisedhisweightandfondledfatherlike，ButhadnohearttobreakhispurposesToAnnie，tillthemorrow，whenhespoke。
　　ThenfirstsinceEnoch’sgoldenringhadgirtHerfinger，Anniefoughtagainsthiswill：
　　Yetnotwithbrawlingoppositionshe，Butmanifoldentreaties，manyatear，Manyasadkissbydayandnightrenew’d（Surethatallevilwouldcomeoutofit）
　　Besoughthim，supplicating，ifhecaredForhereorhisdearchildren，nottogo。
　　Henotforhisownselfcaringbuther，Herandherchildren，letherpleadinvain；
　　Sogrievingheldhiswill，andboreitthro’。
　　ForEnochpartedwithhisoldsea—friend，BoughtAnniegoodsandstores，andsethishandTofittheirlittlestreetwardsitting—roomWithshelfandcornerforthegoodsandstores。
　　SoalldaylongtillEnoch’slastathome，Shakingtheirprettycabin，hammerandaxe，Augerandsaw，whileAnnieseem’dtohearHerowndeath—scaffoldraising，shrill’dandrang，Tillthiswasended，andhiscarefulhand，——
　　Thespacewasnarrow，——havingorder’dallAlmostasneatandcloseasNaturepacksHerblossomorherseedling，paused；andhe，WhoneedswouldworkforAnnietothelast，Ascendingtired，heavilyslepttillmorn。
　　AndEnochfacedthismorningoffarewellBrightlyandboldly。AllhisAnnie’sfears，Save，ashisAnnie’s，werealaughtertohim。
　　YetEnochasabraveGod—fearingmanBow’dhimselfdown，andinthatmysteryWhereGod—in—manisonewithman—in—God，Pray’dforablessingonhiswifeandbabesWhatevercametohim：andthenhesaid`Annie，thisvoyagebythegraceofGodWillbringfairweatheryettoallofus。
　　Keepacleanhearthandaclearfireforme，ForI’llbeback，mygirl，beforeyouknowit。’
　　Thenlightlyrockingbaby’scradle`andhe，Thispretty，puny，weaklylittleone，——
　　Nay——forIlovehimallthebetterforit——
　　Godblesshim，heshallsituponmykneesAndIwilltellhimtalesofforeignparts，Andmakehimmerry，whenIcomehomeagain。
　　ComeAnnie，come，cheerupbeforeIgo。’
　　Himrunningonthushopefullysheheard，Andalmosthopedherself；butwhenheturn’dThecurrentofhistalktograverthingsInsailorfashionroughlysermonizingOnprovidenceandtrustinHeaven，sheheard，Heardandnotheardhim；asthevillagegirl，Whosetsherpitcherunderneaththespring，Musingonhimthatusedtofillitforher，Hearsandnothears，andletsitoverflow。
　　Atlengthshespoke`OEnoch，youarewise；
　　AndyetforallyourwisdomwellknowI
　　ThatIshalllookuponyourfacenomore。’
　　`Wellthen，’saidEnoch，`Ishalllookonyours。
　　Annie，theshipIsailinpasseshere（Henamedtheday）getyouaseaman’sglass，Spyoutmyface，andlaughatallyourfears。’
　　Butwhenthelastofthoselastmomentscame，`Anniemygirl，cheerup，becomforted，Looktothebabes，andtillIcomeagain，Keepeverythingshipshape，forImustgo。
　　Andfearnomoreforme；orifyoufearCastallyourcaresonGod；thatanchorholds。
　　IsHenotyonderinthoseuttermostPartsofthemorning？ifIfleetotheseCanIgofromHim？andtheseaisHis，TheseaisHis：Hemadeit。’
　　Enochrose，Casthisstrongarmsabouthisdroopingwife，Andkiss’dhiswonder—strickenlittleones；
　　Butforthethird，sicklyone，whosleptAfteranightoffeverouswakefulness，WhenAnniewouldhaveraisedhimEnochsaid`Wakehimnot；lethimsleep；howshouldthischildRememberthis？’andkiss’edhiminhiscot。
　　ButAnniefromherbaby’sforeheadcliptAtinycurl，andgaveit：thishekeptThro’allhisfuture；butnowhastilycaughtHisbundle，wavedhishand，andwenthisway。
　　Shewhentheday，thatEnochmention’d，came，Borrow’daglass，butallinvain：perhapsShecouldnotfixtheglasstosuithereye；
　　Perhapshereyewasdim，handtremulous；
　　Shesawhimnot：andwhilehestoodondeckWaving，themomentandthevesselpast。
　　Ev’ntothelastdipofthevanishingsailShewatch’dit，anddepartedweepingforhim；
　　Then，tho’shemourn’dhisabsenceashisgrave，Sethersadwillnolesstochimewithhis，Butthrovenotinhertrade，notbeingbredTobarter，norcompensatingthewantByshrewdness，neithercapableoflies，Noraskingovermuchandtakingless，Andstillforeboding`whatwouldEnochsay？’
　　Formorethanonce，indaysofdifficultyAndpressure，hadshesoldherwaresforlessThanwhatshegaveinbuyingwhatshesold：
　　Shefail’dandsadden’dknowingit；andthus，Expectantofthatnewsthatnevercame，Gain’dforhereownascantysustenance，Andlivedalifeofsilentmelancholy。
　　Nowthethirdchildwassickly—bornandgrewYetsicklier，tho’themothercaredforitWithallamother’scare：nevertheless，Whetherherbusinessoftencall’dherfromit，Orthro’thewantofwhatitneededmost，OrmeanstopaythevoicewhobestcouldtellWhatmostitneeded——howsoe’eritwas，Afteralingering，——ereshewasaware，——
　　Likethecagedbirdescapingsuddenly，Thelittleinnocentsoulflittedaway。
　　InthatsameweekwhenAnnieburiedit，Philip’strueheart，whichhunger’dforherpeace（SinceEnochlefthehadnotlook’duponher），Smotehim，ashavingkeptaloofsolong。
　　`Surely’saidPhilip`Imayseehernow，Maybesomelittlecomfort；’thereforewent，Pastthro’thesolitaryroominfront，Pausedforamomentataninnerdoor，Thenstruckitthrice，and，nooneopening，Enter’d；butAnnie，seatedwithhergrief，Freshfromtheburialofherlittleone，Carednottolookonanyhumanface，Butturn’dherowntowardthewallandwept。
　　ThenPhilipstandingupsaidfalteringly`Annie，Icametoaskafavorofyou。’
　　Hespoke；thepassioninhermoan’dreply`FavorfromonesosadandsoforlornAsIam!’halfabash’dhim；yetunask’d，Hisbashfulnessandtendernessatwar，Hesethimselfbesideher，sayingtoher：
　　`Icametospeaktoyouofwhathewish’d，Enoch，yourhusband：IhaveeversaidYouchosethebestamongus——astrongman：
　　ForwherehefixthishearthesethishandTodothethinghewill’d，andboreitthro’。
　　Andwhereforedidhegothiswearyway，Andleaveyoulonely？nottoseetheworld——
　　Forpleasure？——nay，butforthewherewithalTogivehisbabesabetterbringing—upThanhishadbeen，oryours：thatwashiswish。
　　Andifhecomeagain，vextwillhebeTofindthepreciousmorninghourswerelost。
　　Anditwouldvexhimeveninhisgrave，IfhecouldknowhisbabeswererunningwildLikecoltsaboutthewaste。SoAnnie，now——
　　Havewenotknowneachotherallourlives？
　　IdobeseechyoubytheloveyoubearHimandhischildrennottosaymenay——
　　For，ifyouwill，whenEnochcomesagainWhythenheshallrepayme——ifyouwill，Annie——forIamrichandwell—to—do。
　　Nowletmeputtheboyandgirltoschool：
　　ThisisthefavorthatIcametoask。’
　　ThenAnniewithherbrowsagainstthewallAnswer’d`Icannotlookyouintheface；
　　Iseemsofoolishandsobrokendown。
　　Whenyoucameinmysorrowbrokemedown；
　　AndnowIthinkyourkindnessbreaksmedown；
　　ButEnochlives；thatisborneinonme：
　　Hewillrepayyou：moneycanberepaid；
　　Notkindnesssuchasyours。’
　　AndPhilipask’d`Thenyouwillletme，Annie？’
　　Theresheturn’d，Sherose，andfixtherswimmingeyesuponhim，Anddweltamomentonhiskindlyface，ThencallingdownablessingonhisheadCaughtathishandandwrungitpassionately，Andpastintothelittlegarthbeyond。
　　Soliftedupinspirithemovedaway。
　　ThenPhilipputtheboyandgirltoschool，Andboughtthemneedfulbooks，andeveryway，Likeonewhodoeshisdutybyhisown，Madehimselftheirs；andtho’forAnnie’ssake，Fearingthelazygossipoftheport，Heoftdeniedhishearthisdearestwish，Andseldomcrostherthreshold，yethesentGiftsbythechildren，garden—herbsandfruit，Thelateandearlyrosesfromhiswall，Orconiesfromthedown，andnowandthen，WithsomepretextoffinenessinthemealTosavetheoffenceofcharitable，flourFromhistallmillthatwhistledonthewaste。
　　ButPhilipdidnotfathomAnnie’smind：
　　Scarcecouldthewomanwhenhecameuponher，OutoffullheartandboundlessgratitudeLightonabrokenwordtothankhimwith。
　　ButPhilipwasherchildren’sall—in—all；
　　FromdistantcornersofthestreettheyranTogreethisheartywelcomeheartily；
　　Lordsofhishouseandofhismillwerethey；
　　WorriedhispassiveearwithpettywrongsOrpleasures，hunguponhim，play’dwithhimAndcall’dhimFatherPhilip。Philipgain’dAsEnochlost；forEnochseem’dtothemUncertainasavisionoradream，FaintasafigureseeninearlydawnDownatthefarendofanavenue，Goingweknownotwhere：andsotenyears，SinceEnochlefthishearthandnativeland，Fledforward，andnonewsofEnochcame。
　　ItchancedoneeveningAnnie’schildrenlong’dTogowithothers，nuttingtothewood，AndAnniewouldgowiththem；thentheybegg’dForFatherPhilip（astheycall’dhim）too：
　　Him，liketheworkingbeeinblossom—dust，Blanch’dwithhismill，theyfound；andsayingtohim`ComewithusFatherPhilip’hedenied；
　　Butwhenthechildrenpluck’dathimtogo，Helaugh’d，andyieldingreadilytotheirwish，ForwasnotAnniewiththem？andtheywent。
　　Butafterscalinghalfthewearydown，JustwheretheproneedgeofthewoodbeganTofeathertowardthehollow，allherforceFail’dher；andsighing`letmerest’shesaid。
　　SoPhiliprestedwithherwell—content；
　　WhilealltheyoungeroneswithjubilantcriesBrokefromtheirelders，andtumultuouslyDownthro’thewhiteninghazelsmadeaplungeTothebottom，anddispersed，andbeatorbrokeThelithereluctantboughstotearawayTheirtawnyclusters，cryingtoeachotherAndcalling，hereandthere，aboutthewood。
　　ButPhilipsittingathersideforgotHerpresence，andremember’donedarkhourHereinthiswood，whenlikeawoundedlifeHecreptintotheshadow：atlasthesaidLiftinghishonestforehead`Listen，Annie，Howmerrytheyaredownyonderinthewood。’
　　`Tired，Annie？’forshedidnotspeakaword。
　　`Tired？’butherfacehadfall’nuponherhands；
　　Atwhich，aswithakindangerinhim，`Theshipwaslost’hesaid`theshipwaslost!
　　Nomoreofthat!whyshouldyoukillyourselfAndmakethemorphansquite？’AndAnniesaid`Ithoughtnotofit：but——Iknownnotwhy——
　　Theirvoicesmakemefeelsosolitary。’
　　ThenPhilipcomingsomewhatcloserspoke。
　　`Annie，thereisathinguponmymind，Andithasbeenuponmymindsolong，Thattho’Iknownotwhenitfirstcamethere，Iknowthatitwilloutatlast。OAnnie，Itisbeyondallhope，againstallchance，ThathewholeftyoutenlongyearsagoShouldstillbeliving；wellthen——letmespeak：
　　Igrievetoseeyoupoorandwantinghelp：
　　IcannothelpyouasIwishtodoUnless——theysaythatwomenaresoquick——
　　PerhapsyouknowwhatIwouldhaveyouknow——
　　Iwishyouformywife。IfainwouldproveAfathertoyourchildren：IdothinkTheylovemeasafather：IamsureThatIlovethemasiftheyweremineown；
　　AndIbelieve，ifyouwerefastmywife，Thatafterallthesesaduncertainyears，WemightbestillashappyasGodgrantsToanyofHiscreatures。Thinkuponit：
　　ForIamwell—to—do——nokin，nocare，Noburthen，savemycareforyouandyours：
　　Andwehaveknowneachotherallourlives，AndIhavelovedyoulongerthanyouknow。’
　　Thenanswer’dAnnie；tenderlyshespoke：
　　`YouhavebeenasGod’sgoodangelinourhouse。
　　Godblessyouforit，Godrewardyouforit，Philip，withsomethinghappierthanmyself。
　　Canonelivetwice？canyoubeeverlovedAsEnochwas？whatisitthatyouask？’
　　`Iamcontent’heanswer’d`tobelovedAlittleafterEnoch。’`O’shecriedScaredasitwere`dearPhilip，waitawhile：
　　IfEnochcomes——butEnochwillnotcome——
　　Yetwaitayear，ayearisnotsolong：
　　SurelyIshallbewiserinayear：
　　Owaitalittle!’Philipsadlysaid`Annie，asIhavewaitedallmylifeIwellmaywaitalittle。’`Nay’shecried`Iambound：youhavemypromise——inayear：
　　WillyounotbideyouryearasIbidemine？’
　　AndPhilipanswer’d`Iwillbidemyyear。’
　　Herebothweremute，tillPhilipglancingupBeheldthedeadflameofthefallendayPassfromtheDanishbarrowoverhead；
　　ThenfearingnightandchillforAnnierose，Andsenthisvoicebeneathhimthro’thewood。
　　Upcamethechildrenladenwiththeirspoil；
　　Thenalldescendedtotheport，andthereAtAnnie’sdoorhepausedandgavehishand，Sayinggently`Annie，whenIspoketoyou，Thatwasyourhourofweakness。Iwaswrong。
　　Iamalwaysboundtoyou，butyouarefree。’
　　ThenAnnieweepinganswer’d`Iambound。’
　　Shespoke；andinonemomentasitwere，Whileyetshewentaboutherhouseholdways，Ev’nasshedweltuponhislatestwords，Thathehadlovedherlongerthansheknew，Thatautumnintoautumnflash’dagain，Andtherehestoodoncemorebeforeherface，Claimingherpromise。`Isitayear？’sheask’d。
　　`Yes，ifthenuts’hesaid`beripeagain：
　　Comeoutandsee。’Butshe——sheputhimoff——
　　Somuchtolookto——suchachange——amonth——
　　Giveheramonth——sheknewthatshewasbound——
　　Amonth——nomore。ThenPhilipwithhiseyesFullofthatlifelonghunger，andhisvoiceShakingalittlelikeadrunkard’shand，`Takeyourowntime，Annie，takeyourowntime。’
　　AndAnniecouldhaveweptforpityofhim；
　　AndyetsheheldhimondelayinglyWithmanyascarce—believableexcuse，Tryinghistruthandhislong—sufferance，Tillhalf—anotheryearhadsliptaway。
　　Bythisthelazygossipsoftheport，Abhorrentofacalculationcrost，Begantochafeasatapersonalwrong。
　　SomethoughtthatPhilipdidbuttriflewithher；
　　Somethatshebutheldofftodrawhimon；
　　Andotherslaugh’datherandPhiliptoo，Assimplefolksthatknewnottheirownminds；
　　Andone，inwhomallevilfanciesclungLikeserpenteggstogether，laughinglyWouldhintaworseineither。HerownsonWassilent，tho’heoftenlook’dhiswish；
　　ButevermorethedaughterprestuponherTowedthemansodeartoallofthemAndliftthehouseholdoutofpoverty；
　　AndPhilip’srosyfacecontractinggrewCarewornandwan；andallthesethingsfellonherSharpasreproach。
　　AtlastonenightitchancedThatAnniecouldnotsleep，butearnestlyPray’dforasign`myEnochishegone？’
　　Thencompass’droundbytheblindwallofnightBrook’dnottheexpectantterrorofherheart，Startedfrombed，andstruckherselfalight，ThendesperatelyseizedtheholyBook，Suddenlysetitwidetofindasign，Suddenlyputherfingeronthetext，`Underapalmtree。’Thatwasnothingtoher：
　　Nomeaningthere：sheclosedthebookandslept：
　　Whenlo!herEnochsittingonaheight，Underapalmtree，overhimtheSun：
　　`Heisgone’shethought`heishappy，heissingingHosannainthehighest：yondershinesTheSunofRighteousness，andthesebepalmsWhereofthehappypeoplestrowingcried"Hosannainthehighest!"’Hereshewoke，Resolved，sentforhimandsaidwildlytohim`Thereisnoreasonwhyweshouldnotwed。’
　　`ThenforGod’ssake，’heanswer’d，`bothoursakes，Soyouwillwedme，letitbeatonce。’
　　Sothesewerewedandmerrilyrangthebells，Merrilyrangthebellsandtheywerewed。
　　ButnevermerrilybeatAnnie’sheart。
　　Afootstepseem’dtofallbesideherpath，Sheknewnotwhence；awhisperinherear，Sheknewnotwhat；norlovedshetobeleftAloneathome，norventuredoutalone。
　　Whatail’dherthen，thateresheenter’d，oftenHerhanddweltlingeringlyonthelatch，Fearingtoenter：Philipthoughtheknew：
　　Suchdoubtsandfearswerecommontoherstate，Beingwithchild：butwhenherchildwasborn，Thenhernewchildwasasherselfrenew’d，Thenthenewmothercameaboutherheart，ThenhergoodPhilipwasherall—in—all，Andthatmysteriousinstinctwhollydied。
　　AndwherewasEnoch？prosperouslysail’dTheship`GoodFortune，’tho’atsettingforthTheBiscay，roughlyridgingeastward，shookAndalmostoverwhelm’dher，yetunvextShesliptacrossthesummeroftheworld，ThenafteralongtumbleabouttheCapeAndfrequentinterchangeoffoulandfair，Shepassingthro’thesummerworldagain，ThebreathofheavencamecontinuallyAndsenthersweetlybythegoldenisles，Tillsilentinherorientalhaven。
　　ThereEnochtradedforhimself，andboughtQuaintmonstersforthemarketofthosetimes，Agildeddragon，also，forthebabes。
　　Lessluckyherhome—voyage：atfirstindeedThro’manyafairsea—circle，daybyday，Scarce—rocking，herfull—bustedfigure—headStaredo’ertheripplefeatheringfromherbows：
　　Thenfollow’dcalms，andthenwindsvariable，Thenbaffling，alongcourseofthem；andlastStorm，suchasdroveherundermoonlessheavensTillharduponthecryof`breakers’cameThecrashofruin，andthelossofallButEnochandtwoothers。Halfthenight，Buoy’duponfloatingtackleandbrokenspars，Thesedrifted，strandingonanisleatmornRich，butloneliestinalonelysea。
　　Nowantwasthereofhumansustenance，Softfruitage，mightynuts，andnourishingroots；
　　NorsaveforpitywasithardtotakeThehelplesslifesowildthatitwastame。
　　Thereinaseaward—gazingmountain—gorgeTheybuilt，andthatch’dwithleavesofpalm，ahut，Halfhut，halfnativecavern。Sothethree，SetinthisEdenofallplenteousness，Dweltwitheternalsummer，ill—content。
　　Forone，theyoungest，hardlymorethanboy，Hurtinthatnightofsuddenruinandwreck，Laylingeringoutathree—years’death—in—life。
　　Theycouldnotleavehim。Afterhewasgone，Thetworemainingfoundafallenstem；
　　AndEnoch’scomrade，carelessofhimself，Fire—hollowingthisinIndianfashion，fellSun—stricken，andthatotherlivedalone。
　　InthosetwodeathshereadGod’swarning`wait。’
　　Themountainwoodedtothepeak，thelawnsAndwindinggladeshighuplikewaystoHeaven，Theslendercoco’sdroopingcrownofplumes，Thelightningflashofinsectandofbird，ThelustreofthelongconvolvulusesThatcoil’daroundthestatelystems，andranEv’ntothelimitoftheland，theglowsAndgloriesofthebroadbeltoftheworld，Allthesehesaw；butwhathefainhadseenHecouldnotsee，thekindlyhumanface，Noreverhearakindlyvoice，butheardThemyriadshriekofwheelingocean—fowl，Theleague—longrollerthunderingonthereef，Themovingwhisperofhugetreesthatbranch’dAndblossom’dinthezenith，orthesweepOfsomeprecipitousrivulettothewave，Asdowntheshoreheranged，oralldaylongSatoftenintheseaward—gazinggorge，Ashipwreck’dsailor，waitingforasail：
　　Nosailfromdaytoday，buteverydayThesunrisebrokenintoscarletshaftsAmongthepalmsandfernsandprecipices；
　　Theblazeuponthewaterstotheeast；
　　Theblazeuponhisislandoverhead；
　　Theblazeuponthewaterstothewest；
　　ThenthegreatstarsthatglobedthemselvesinHeaven，Thehollower—bellowingocean，andagainThescarletshaftsofsunrise——butnosail。
　　Thereoftenashewatch’dorseem’dtowatch，Sostill，thegoldenlizardonhimpaused，AphantommadeofmanyphantomsmovedBeforehimhauntinghim，orhehimselfMovedhauntingpeople，thingsandplaces，knownFarinadarkerislebeyondtheline；
　　Thebabes，theirbabble，Annie，thesmallhouse，Theclimbingstreet，themill，theleafylanes，Thepeacock—yewtreeandthelonelyHall，Thehorsehedrove，theboathesold，thechillNovemberdawnsanddewy—gloomingdowns，Thegentleshower，thesmellofdyingleaves，Andthelowmoanofleaden—color’dseas。
　　Oncelikewise，intheringingofhisears，Tho’faintly，merrily——farandfaraway——
　　Heheardthepealingofhisparishbells；
　　Then，tho’heknewnotwherefore，startedupShuddering，andwhenthebeauteoushatefulisleReturn’duponhim，hadnothispoorheartSpokenwithThat，whichbeingeverywhereLetsnone，whospeakswithHim，seemallalone，Surelythemanhaddiedofsolitude。
　　ThusoverEnoch’searly—silveringheadThesunnyandrainyseasonscameandwentYearafteryear。Hishopestoseehisown，Andpacethesacredoldfamiliarfields，Notyethadperish’d，whenhislonelydoomCamesuddenlytoanend。Anothership（Shewantedwater）blownbybafflingwinds，LiketheGoodFortune，fromherdestinedcourse，Stay’dbythisisle，notknowingwhereshelay：
　　ForsincethematehadseenatearlydawnAcrossabreakonthemist—wreathenisleThesilentwaterslippingfromthehills，TheysentacrewthatlandingburstawayInsearchofstreamorfount，andfill’dtheshoresWithclamor。DownwardfromhismountaingorgeSteptthelong—hair’dlong—beardedsolitary，Brown，lookinghardlyhuman，strangelyclad，Mutteringandmumbling，idiotlikeitseem’d，Withinarticulaterage，andmakingsignsTheyknewnotwhat：andyetheledthewayTowheretherivuletsofsweetwaterran；
　　Andeverashemingledwiththecrew，Andheardthemtalking，hislong—boundentongueWasloosen’d，tillhemadethemunderstand；
　　Whom，whentheircaskswerefill’dtheytookaboard：
　　Andtherethetaleheutter’dbrokenly，Scarcecreditedatfirstbutmoreandmore，Amazedandmeltedallwholisten’dtoit：
　　Andclothestheygavehimandfreepassagehome；
　　Butofthework’damongtherestandshookHisisolationfromhim。NoneoftheseCamefromhiscounty，orcouldanswerhim，Ifquestion’d，aughtofwhathecaredtoknow。
　　Anddullthevoyagewaswithlongdelays，Thevesselscarcesea—worthy；butevermoreHisfancyfledbeforethelazywindReturning，tillbeneathacloudedmoonHelikealoverdownthro’allhisbloodDrewinthedewymeadowymorning—breathOfEngland，blownacrossherghostlywall：
　　AndthatsamemorningofficersandmenLeviedakindlytaxuponthemselves，Pityingthelonelyman，andgavehimit：
　　Thenmovingupthecoasttheylandedhim，Ev’ninthatharborwhencehesail’dbefore。
　　ThereEnochspokenowordtoanyone，Buthomeward——home——whathome？hadheahome？
　　Hishome，hewalk’d。Brightwasthatafternoon，Sunnybutchill；tilldrawnthro’eitherchasm，Whereeitherhavenopen’donthedeeps，Roll’dasea—hazeandwhelm’dtheworldingray；
　　Cutoffthelengthofhighwayonbefore，AndleftbutnarrowbreadthtoleftandrightOfwither’dholtortilthorpasturage。
　　Onthenigh—nakedtreetheRobinpipedDisconsolate，andthro’thedrippinghazeThedeadweightofthedeadleafboreitdown。
　　Thickerthedrizzlegrew，deeperthegloom；
　　Last，asitseem’d，agreatmist—blottedlightFlaredonhim，andhecameupontheplace。
　　Thendownthelongstreethavingslowlystolen，Hisheartforeshadowingallcalamity，Hiseyesuponthestones，hereach’dthehomeWhereAnnielivedandlovedhim，andhisbabesInthosefar—offsevenhappyyearswereborn；
　　Butfindingneitherlightnormurmurthere（Abillofsalegleam’dthro’thedrizzle）creptStilldownwardthinking`deadordeadtome!’
　　Downtothepoolandnarrowwharfhewent，Seekingatavernwhichofoldheknew，Afrontoftimber—crostantiquity，Sopropt，worm—eaten，ruinouslyold，Hethoughtitmusthavegone；buthewasgoneWhokeptit；andhiswidow，MiriamLane，Withdaily—dwindlingprofitsheldthehouse；
　　Ahauntofbrawlingseamenonce，butnowStiller，withyetabedforwanderingmen。
　　ThereEnochrestedsilentlymanydays。
　　ButMiriamLanewasgoodandgarrulous，Norlethimbe，butoftenbreakingin，Toldhim，withotherannalsoftheport，Notknowing——Enochwassobrown，sobow’d，Sobroken——allthestoryofhishouse。
　　Hisbaby’sdeath，hergrowingpoverty，HowPhilipputherlittleonestoschool，Andkepttheminit，hislongwooingher，Herslowconsent，andmarriage，andthebirthOfPhilip’schild：ando’erhiscountenanceNoshadowpast，normotion：anyone，Regarding，wellhaddeem’dhefeltthetaleLessthantheteller：onlywhensheclosed`Enoch，poorman，wascastawayandlost’
　　He，shakinghisgrayheadpathetically，Repeatedmuttering`castawayandlost；’
　　Againindeeperinwardwhispers`lost!’
　　ButEnochyearn’dtoseeherfaceagain；
　　`IfImightlookonhersweetfacegainAndknowthatsheishappy。’SothethoughtHauntedandharass’dhim，anddrovehimforth，AteveningwhenthedullNovemberdayWasgrowingdullertwilight，tothehill。
　　Therehesatdowngazingonallbelow；
　　Theredidathousandmemoriesrolluponhim，Unspeakableforsadness。ByandbyTheruddysquareofcomfortablelight，Far—blazingfromtherearofPhilip’shouse，Alluredhim，asthebeacon—blazealluresThebirdofpassage，tillhemadlystrikesAgainstit，andbeatsouthiswearylife。
　　ForPhilip’sdwellingfrontedonthestreet，Thelatesthousetolandward；butbehind，Withonesmallgatethatopen’donthewaste，Flourish’dalittlegardensquareandwall’d：
　　Andinitthroveanancientevergreen，Ayewtree，andallrounditranawalkOfshingle，andawalkdividedit：
　　ButEnochshunn’dthemiddlewalkandstoleUpbythewall，behindtheyew；andthenceThatwhichhebettermighthaveshunn’d，ifgriefsLikehishaveworseorbetter，Enochsaw。
　　Forcupsandsilverontheburnish’dboardSparkledandshone；sogenialwasthehearth：
　　AndontherighthandofthehearthhesawPhilip，theslightedsuitorofoldtimes，Stout，rosy，withhisbabeacrosshisknees；
　　Ando’erhersecondfatherstooptagirl，AlaterbutaloftierAnnieLee，Fair—hair’dandtall，andfromherliftedhandDangledalengthofribbonandaringTotemptthebabe，whorear’dhiscreasyarms，Caughtatandevermiss’dit，andtheylaugh’d：
　　AndonthelefthandofthehearthhesawThemotherglancingoftentowardherbabe，Butturningnowandthentospeakwithhim，Herson，whostoodbesidehertallandstrong，Andsayingthatwhichpleasedhim，forhesmiled。
　　NowwhenthedeadmancometolifebeheldHiswifehiswifenomore，andsawthebabeHers，yetnothis，uponthefather’sknee，Andallthewarmth，thepeace，thehappiness，Andhisownchildrentallandbeautiful，Andhim，thatother，reigninginhisplace，Lordofhisrightsandofhischildren’slove，——
　　Thenhe，tho’MiriamLanehadtoldhimall，Becausethingsseenaremightierthanthingsheard，Stagger’dandshook，holdingthebranch，andfear’dTosendabroadashrillandterriblecry，Whichinonemoment，liketheblastofdoom，Wouldshatterallthehappinessofthehearth。
　　Hethereforeturningsoftlylikeathief，Lesttheharshshingleshouldgrateunderfoot，Andfeelingallalongthegarden—wall，Lestheshouldswoonandtumbleandbefound，Crepttothegate，andopen’dit，andclosed，Aslightlyasasickman’schamber—door，Behindhim，andcameoutuponthewaste。
　　Andtherehewouldhaveknelt，butthathiskneesWerefeeble，sothatfallingpronehedugHisfingersintothewetearth，andpray’d。
　　`Toohardtobear!whydidtheytakemehence？
　　OGodAlmighty，blessedSaviour，ThouThatdidstupholdmeonmylonelyisle，Upholdme，Father，inmylonelinessAlittlelonger!aidme，givemestrengthNottotellher，nevertoletherknow。
　　Helpmenotobreakinuponherpeace。
　　Mychildrentoo!mustInotspeaktothese？
　　Theyknowmenot。Ishouldbetraymyself。
　　Never：notfather’skissforme——thegirlSolikehermother，andtheboy，myson。’
　　Therespeechandthoughtandnaturefail’dalittle，Andhelaytranced；butwhenheroseandpacedBacktowardhissolitaryhomeagain，AlldownthelongandnarrowstreethewentBeatingitinuponhiswearybrain，Astho’itweretheburthenofasong，`Nottotellher，nevertoletherknow。’
　　Hewasnotallunhappy。HisresolveUpborehim，andfirmfaith，andevermorePrayerfromalivingsourcewithinthewill，Andbeatingupthro’allthebitterworld，Likefountainsofsweetwaterinthesea，Kepthimalivingsoul。`Thismiller’swife’
　　HesaidtoMiriam`thatyoutoldmeof，Hasshenofearthatherfirsthusbandlives？’
　　`Ayay，poorsoul’saidMiriam，`fearenow!
　　Ifyoucouldtellheryouhadseenhimdead，Why，thatwouldbehercomfort；’andhethought`AftertheLordhascall’dmesheshallknow，IwaitHistime’andEnochsethimself，Scorninganalms，toworkwherebytolive。
　　Almosttoallthingscouldheturnhishand。
　　Cooperhewasandcarpenter，andwroughtTomaketheboatmenfishing—nets，orhelp’dAtladingandunladingthetallbarks，Thatbroughtthestintedcommerceofthosedays；
　　Thusearn’dascantylivingforhimself：
　　Yetsincehedidbutlaborforhimself，Workwithouthope，therewasnotlifeinitWherebythemancouldlive；andastheyearRoll’ditselfroundagaintomeetthedayWhenEnochhadreturn’d，alanguorcameUponhim，gentlesickness，graduallyWeakeningtheman，tillhecoulddonomore，Butkeptthehouse，hischair，andlasthisbed。
　　AndEnochborehisweaknesscheerfully。
　　ForsurenogladlierdoesthestrandedwreckSeethro’thegrayskirtsofaliftingsquallTheboatthatbearsthehopeoflifeapproachTosavethelifedespair’dof，thanhesawDeathdawningonhim，andthecloseofall。
　　Forthro’thatdawninggleam’dakindlierhopeOnEnochthinking`afterIamgone，ThenmayshelearnIlovedhertothelast。’
　　Hecall’daloudforMiriamLaneandsaid`Woman，Ihaveasecret——onlyswear，BeforeItellyou——swearuponthebookNottorevealit，tillyouseemedead。’
　　`Dead’clamor’dthegoodwoman`hearhimtalk!
　　Iwarrant，man，thatweshallbringyouround。’
　　`Swear’addEnochsternly`onthebook。’
　　Andonthebook，half—frighted，Miriamswore。
　　ThenEnochrollinghisgrayeyesuponher，`DidyouknowEnochArdenofthistown？’
　　`Knowhim？’shesaid`Iknewhimfaraway。
　　Ay，ay，Imindhimcomingdownthestreet；
　　Heldhisheadhigh，andcaredfornoman，he。’
　　SlowlyandsadlyEnochanswer’dher；
　　`Hisheadislow，andnomancaresforhim。
　　IthinkIhavenotthreedaysmoretolive；
　　Iamtheman。’AtwhichthewomangaveAhalf—incredulous，half—hystericalcry。
　　`YouArden，you!nay，——surehewasafootHigherthanyoube。’Enochsaidagain`MyGodhasbow’dmedowntowhatIam；
　　Mygriefandsolitudehavebrokenme；
　　Nevertheless，knowthatIamheWhomarried——butthatnamehastwicebeenchanged——
　　ImarriedherwhomarriedPhilipRay。
　　Sit，listen。’Thenhetoldherofhisvoyage，Hiswreck，hislonelylife，hiscomingback，HisgazinginonAnnie，hisresolve，Andhowhekeptit。Asthewomanheard，Fastflow’dthecurrentofhereasytears，Whileinherheartsheyearn’dincessantlyTorushabroadallroundthelittlehaven，ProclaimingEnochArdenandhiswoes；
　　Butawedandpromise—boundedsheforbore，Sayingonly`Seeyourbairnsbeforeyougo!
　　Eh，letmefetch’em，Arden，’andaroseEagertobringthemdown，forEnochhungAmomentonherwords，butthenreplied。
　　`Woman，disturbmenotnowatthelast，ButletmeholdmypurposetillIdie。
　　Sitdownagain；markmeandunderstand，WhileIhavepowertospeak。Ichargeyounow，Whenyoushallseeher，tellherthatIdiedBlessingher，prayingforher，lovingher；
　　Saveforthebarbetweenus，lovingherAswhenshelaidherheadbesidemyown。
　　AndtellmydaughterAnnie，whomIsawSolikehermother，thatmylatestbreathWasspentinblessingherandprayingforher。
　　AndtellmysonthatIdiedblessinghim。
　　AndsaytoPhilipthatIblesthimtoo；
　　Henevermeantusanythingbutgood。
　　Butifmychildrencaretoseemedead，Whohardlysawmeliving，letthemcome，Iamtheirfather；butshemustnotcome，Formydeadfacewouldvexherafter—life。
　　Andnowthereisbutoneofallmyblood，Whowillembracemeintheworld—to—be：
　　Thishairishis：shecutitoffandgaveit，AndIhaveborneitwithmealltheseyears，Andthoughttobearitwithmetomygrave；
　　Butnowmymindischanged，forIshallseehim，Mybabeinbliss：whereforewhenIamgone，Take，giveherthis，foritmaycomforther：
　　Itwillmoreoverbeatokentoher，ThatIamhe。’
　　Heceased；andMiriamLaneMadesuchavolubleanswerpromisingall，Thatonceagainheroll’dhiseyesuponherRepeatingallhewish’d，andonceagainShepromised。
　　Thenthethirdnightafterthis，WhileEnochslumber’dmotionlessandpale，AndMiriamwatch’danddozedatintervals，Therecamesoloudacallingofthesea，Thatallthehousesinthehavenrang。
　　Hewoke，herose，hespreadhisarmsabroadCryingwithaloudvoice`asail!asail!
　　Iamsaved’；andsofellbackandspokenomore。
　　Sopastthestrongheroicsoulaway。
　　AndwhentheyburiedhimthelittleportHadseldomseenacostlierfuneral。
　　AYLMER’SFIELD。
　　1793。
　　AYLMER’SFIELD。
　　1793。
　　————————————
　　Dustareourframes；andgildeddust，ourprideLooksonlyforamomentwholeandsound；
　　Likethatlong—buriedbodyoftheking，Foundlyingwithhisurnsandornaments，Whichatatouchoflight，anairofheaven，Sliptintoashesandwasfoundnomore。
　　HereisastorywhichinroughershapeCamefromagrizzledcripple，whomIsawSunninghimselfinawastefieldalone——
　　Old，andamineofmemories——whohadserved，Longsince，abygoneRectoroftheplace，Andbeenhimselfapartofwhathetold。
　　SirAylmerAylmerthatalmightyman，ThecountyGod——inwhosecapacioushall，Hungwithahundredshields，thefamilytreeSprangfromthemidriffofaprostrateking——
　　Whoseblazingwyvernweathercock’dthespire，Stoodfromhiswallsandwing’dhisentry—gatesAndswangbesidesonmanyawindysign——
　　WhoseeyesfromunderapyramidalheadSawfromhiswindowsnothingsavehisown——
　　Whatlovelierofhisownhadhethanher，Hisonlychild，hisEdith，whomhelovedAsheiressandnotheirregretfully？
　　But`hethatmarrieshermarrieshername’
　　Thisfiatsomewhatsoothedhimselfandwife，HiswifeafadedbeautyoftheBaths，InsipidastheQueenuponacard；
　　HerallofthoughtandbearinghardlymoreThanhisownshadowinasicklysun。
　　Alandofhopsandpoppy—mingledcorn，Littleaboutitstirringsaveabrook!
　　AsleepylandwhereunderthesamewheelThesameoldrutwoulddeepenyearbyyear；
　　Wherealmostallthevillagehadonename；
　　WhereAylmerfollow’dAylmerattheHallAndAverillAverillattheRectoryThriceover；sothatRectoryandHall，Boundinanimmemorialintimacy，Wereopentoeachother；tho’todreamThatLovecouldbindthemcloserwellhadmadeThehoarhairoftheBaronetbristleupWithhorror，worsethanhadheheardhispriestPreachaninvertedscripture，sonsofmenDaughtersofGod；sosleepywastheland。
　　AndmightnotAverill，hadhewill’ditso，Somewherebeneathhisownlowrangeofroofs，Havealsosethismany—shieldedtree？
　　TherewasanAylmer—Averillmarriageonce，Whentheredrosewasredderthanitself，AndYork’swhiteroseasredasLancaster’s，Withwoundedpeacewhicheachhadprick’dtodeath。
　　`Notproven’Averillsaid，orlaughingly`SomeotherraceofAverills’——prov’norno，Whatcaredhe？what，ifotherorthesame？
　　Helean’dnotonhisfathersbuthimself。
　　ButLeolin，hisbrother，livingoftWithAverill，andayearortwobeforeCall’dtothebar，butevercall’dawayByonelowvoicetoonedearneighborhood，Wouldoften，inhiswalkswithEdith，claimAdistantkinshiptothegraciousbloodThatshooktheheartofEdithhearinghim。
　　Sanguinehewas：abutlessvividhueThanofthatisletinthechestnut—bloomFlamedhischeek；andeagereyes，thatstillTookjoyfulnoteofallthingsjoyful，beam’d，Beneathamanelikemassofrollinggold，Theirbestandbrightest，whentheydweltonhers。
　　Edith，whosepensivebeauty，perfectelse，Butsubjecttotheseasonorthemood，ShonelikeamysticstarbetweenthelessAndgreatergloryvaryingtoandfro，Weknownotwherefore；bounteouslymade，Andyetsofinely，thatatroubloustouchThinn’d，orwouldseemtothinherinaday，Ajoyoustodilate，astowardthelight。
　　Andthesehadbeentogetherfromthefirst。