"`……SeesmallportionsoftheEternalWorldthatevergroweth’:……
SosangaFairy,mocking,ashesatonastreak’dtulip,Thinkingnonesawhim:whenheceas’dIstartedfromthetrees,Andcaughthiminmyhat,asboysknockdownabutterfly。"
WilliamBlake。"Europe。AProphecy。"
`Thouhastalapfullofseed,Andthisisafinecountry。’
WilliamBlake。
PrefaceThisisabookofstories。ForthatreasonIhaveexcludedallpurelylyricalpoems。Buttheword"stories"hasbeenstretchedtoitsfullestapplication。Itincludesbothnarrativepoems,properlysocalled;talesdividedintoscenes;andafewpiecesoflessobviousstory-tellingimportinwhichonemightsaythatthedramatispersonaeareair,clouds,trees,houses,streets,andsuchlikethings。
Ithaslongbeenafavouriteideaofminethattherhythmsof`verslibre’
havenotbeensufficientlyplumbed,thatthereisinthemapowerofvariationwhichhasneveryetbeenbroughttothelightofexperiment。
IthinkitwasthepianopiecesofDebussy,withtheirstrangelikenesstoshortverslibrepoems,whichfirstshowedmetheclosekinshipofmusicandpoetry,andthereflashedintomymindtheideaofusingthemovementofpoetryinsomewhatthesamewaythatthemusicianusesthemovementofmusic。
Itwasquiteevidentthatthiscouldneverbedoneinthestrictpatternofametricalform,buttheflowing,fluctuatingrhythmofverslibreseemedtoopenthedoortosuchanexperiment。First,however,Iconsideredthesamemethodasappliedtothemorepronouncedmovementsofnaturalobjects。Ifthereaderwillturntothepoem,"ARoxburyGarden",hewillfindinthefirsttwosectionsanattempttogivethecircularmovementofahoopbowlingalongtheground,andtheupanddown,ellipticalcurveofaflyingshuttlecock。
Fromtheseexperiments,itisbutasteptotheflowingrhythmofmusic。
In"TheCremonaViolin",Ihavetriedtogivethisflowing,changingrhythmtothepartsinwhichtheviolinisbeingplayed。Theeffectisfartherheightened,becausetherestofthepoemiswritteninthesevenlineChaucerianstanza;and,bydesertingthisorderedpatternfortheundulatinglineofverslibre,Ihopedtoproducesomethingofthesuave,continuoustoneofaviolin。Again,intheviolinpartsthemselves,themovementconstantlychanges,aswillbequiteplaintoanyonereadingthesepassagesaloud。
In"TheCremonaViolin",however,therhythmsarefairlyobviousandregular。
IsetmyselfafarhardertaskintryingtotranscribethevariousmovementsofStravinsky’s"ThreePieces`Grotesques’,forStringQuartet"。
Severalmusicians,whohaveseenthepoem,thinkthemovementaccuratelygiven。
Theseexperimentsleadmetobelievethatthereisheremuchfoodforthoughtandmatterforstudy,andIhopemanypoetswillfollowmeinopeningupthestillhardlyexploredpossibilitiesofverslibre。
Agoodmanyofthepoemsinthisbookarewrittenin"polyphonicprose"。
AformaboutwhichIhavewrittenandspokensomuchthatitseemshardlynecessarytoexplainithere。Letmehastilyadd,however,thattheword"prose"initsnamerefersonlytothetypographicalarrangement,forinnosenseisthisaproseform。
Onlyreaditaloud,GentleReader,Ibeg,andyouwillseewhatyouwillsee。
Forapurelydramaticform,Iknownonebetterinthewholerangeofpoetry。
Itenablesthepoettogivehischaractersthevivid,realeffecttheyhaveinaplay,whileatthesametimewritinginthe`decor’。
OnelastinnovationIhavestilltomention。Itwillbefoundin"SpringDay",andmorefullyenlargeduponintheseries,"TownsinColour"。Inthesepoems,Ihaveendeavouredtogivethecolour,andlight,andshade,ofcertainplacesandhours,stressingthepurelypictorialeffect,andwithlittleornoreferencetoanyotheraspectoftheplacesdescribed。Itisanenchantingthingtowanderthroughacitylookingforitsunrelatedbeauty,thebeautybywhichitcaptivatesthesensuoussenseofseeing。
Ihavealwayslovedaquariums,butforyearsIwenttothemandlooked,andlooked,atthoseswirling,shooting,loopingpatternsoffish,whichalwaysdefiedtranscriptiontopaperuntilIhituponthe"unrelated"method。Theresultisin"AnAquarium"。
IthinkthefirstthingwhichturnedmeinthisdirectionwasJohnGouldFletcher’s"LondonExcursion",in"SomeImagistPoets"。
Ihererecordmythanks。
Forthesubstanceofthepoems——why,thepoemsarehere。
Noonewritingto-daycanfailtobeaffectedbythegreatwarraginginEuropeatthistime。Wearetoonearittodomorethantouchuponit。But,obliquely,itissuggestedinmanyofthesepoems,mostnotablythoseinthesection,"BronzeTablets"。TheNapoleonicEraisanepicsubject,andwaitsagreatepicpoet。Ihaveonlybeenabletoopenafewwindowsuponithereandthere。Butthescenefromthewindowsisauthentic,andthewatcherhasusedeyes,andears,andheart,inwatching。
AmyLowellJuly10,1916。
ContentsFigurinesinOldSaxePatternsPickthornManorTheCremonaViolinTheCross-RoadsARoxburyGarden1777
BronzeTabletsTheFruitShopMalmaisonTheHammersTwoTravellersinthePlaceVendomeWarPicturesTheAlliesTheBombardmentLeadSoldiersThePainteronSilkABalladofFootmenTheOvergrownPastureReapingOfftheTurnpikeTheGroceryNumber3ontheDocketClocksTickaCenturyNightmare:ATaleforanAutumnEveningThePaperWindmillTheRedLacquerMusic-StandSpringDayTheDinner-PartyStravinsky’sThreePieces"Grotesques",forStringQuartetTownsinColourRedSlippersThompson’sLunchRoom——GrandCentralStationAnOperaHouseAfternoonRaininStateStreetAnAquariumThetwoseasongsquotedin"TheHammers"aretakenfrom`Songs:NavalandNautical,ofthelateCharlesDibdin’,London,JohnMurray,1841。The"HangingJohnny"refrain,in"TheCremonaViolin",isborrowedfromtheold,well-knownchantyofthatname。
————————————————————-
Men,WomenandGhosts————————————————————-
FigurinesinOldSaxePatternsIwalkdownthegardenpaths,AndallthedaffodilsAreblowing,andthebrightbluesquills。
Iwalkdownthepatternedgarden-pathsInmystiff,brocadedgown。
Withmypowderedhairandjewelledfan,ItooamararePattern。AsIwanderdownThegardenpaths。
Mydressisrichlyfigured,AndthetrainMakesapinkandsilverstainOnthegravel,andthethriftOftheborders。
Justaplateofcurrentfashion,Trippingbyinhigh-heeled,ribbonedshoes。
Notasoftnessanywhereaboutme,Onlywhaleboneandbrocade。
AndIsinkonaseatintheshadeOfalimetree。FormypassionWarsagainstthestiffbrocade。
ThedaffodilsandsquillsFlutterinthebreezeAstheyplease。
AndIweep;
Forthelime-treeisinblossomAndonesmallflowerhasdroppeduponmybosom。
AndtheplashingofwaterdropsInthemarblefountainComesdownthegarden-paths。
Thedrippingneverstops。
UnderneathmystiffenedgownIsthesoftnessofawomanbathinginamarblebasin,AbasininthemidstofhedgesgrownSothick,shecannotseeherloverhiding,Butsheguessesheisnear,AndtheslidingofthewaterSeemsthestrokingofadearHanduponher。
WhatisSummerinafinebrocadedgown!
Ishouldliketoseeitlyinginaheapupontheground。
Allthepinkandsilvercrumpledupontheground。
IwouldbethepinkandsilverasIranalongthepaths,Andhewouldstumbleafter,Bewilderedbymylaughter。
Ishouldseethesunflashingfromhissword-hiltandthebucklesonhisshoes。
IwouldchooseToleadhiminamazealongthepatternedpaths,Abrightandlaughingmazeformyheavy-bootedlover,Tillhecaughtmeintheshade,Andthebuttonsofhiswaistcoatbruisedmybodyasheclaspedme,Aching,melting,unafraid。
Withtheshadowsoftheleavesandthesundrops,Andtheploppingofthewaterdrops,Allaboutusintheopenafternoon——
IamveryliketoswoonWiththeweightofthisbrocade,Forthesunsiftsthroughtheshade。
UnderneaththefallenblossomInmybosom,IsaletterIhavehid。
ItwasbroughttomethismorningbyariderfromtheDuke。
"Madam,weregrettoinformyouthatLordHartwellDiedinactionThursdayse’nnight。"
AsIreaditinthewhite,morningsunlight,Theletterssquirmedlikesnakes。
"Anyanswer,Madam,"saidmyfootman。
"No,"Itoldhim。
"Seethatthemessengertakessomerefreshment。
No,noanswer。"
AndIwalkedintothegarden,Upanddownthepatternedpaths,Inmystiff,correctbrocade。
Theblueandyellowflowersstoodupproudlyinthesun,Eachone。
Istooduprighttoo,HeldrigidtothepatternBythestiffnessofmygown。
UpanddownIwalked,Upanddown。
Inamonthhewouldhavebeenmyhusband。
Inamonth,here,underneaththislime,Wewouldhavebrokethepattern;
Heforme,andIforhim,HeasColonel,IasLady,Onthisshadyseat。
HehadawhimThatsunlightcarriedblessing。
AndIanswered,"Itshallbeasyouhavesaid。"
Nowheisdead。
InSummerandinWinterIshallwalkUpanddownThepatternedgarden-pathsInmystiff,brocadedgown。
ThesquillsanddaffodilsWillgiveplacetopillaredroses,andtoasters,andtosnow。
IshallgoUpanddown,Inmygown。
Gorgeouslyarrayed,Bonedandstayed。
AndthesoftnessofmybodywillbeguardedfromembraceByeachbutton,hook,andlace。
Forthemanwhoshouldloosemeisdead,FightingwiththeDukeinFlanders,Inapatterncalledawar。
Christ!Whatarepatternsfor?
PickthornManorI
HowfreshtheDartle’slittlewavesthatday!
Asteelysilver,underlinedwithblue,Andflashingwheretheroundclouds,blownaway,LetdroptheyellowsunshinetogleamthroughAndtiptheedgesofthewaveswithshiftsAndspotsofwhitestfire,hardlikegemsCutfromthemidnightmoontheywere,andsharpAswindthroughleaflessstems。
TheLadyEunicewalkedbetweenthedriftsOfbloomingcherry-trees,andwatchedtheriftsOfcloudsdrawnthroughtheriver’sazurewarp。
II
Herlittlefeettappedsoftlydownthepath。
Hersoulwaslistless;eventhemorningbreezeFlutteringthetreesandstrewingalightswathOffallenpetalsonthegrass,couldpleaseHernotatall。ShebrushedahairasideWithaswiftmove,andahalf-angryfrown。
Shestoppedtopulladaffodilortwo,AndheldthemtohergownTotestthecolours;putthematherside,Thenatherbreast,thenloosenedthemandtriedSomenewarrangement,butitwouldnotdo。
III
AladyinaManor-house,alone,WhosehusbandisinFlanderswiththeDukeOfMarlboroughandPrinceEugene,she’sgrownTooapatheticeventorebukeHeridleness。WhatissheonthisEarth?
Nowomansurely,sincesheneithercanBewednorsingle,mustnotlethermindBuildthoughtsuponamanExceptforhers。IndeedthatwerenodearthWereherLordhere,forwellsheknewhisworth,Andwhenshethoughtofhimhereyeswerekind。
IV
Toolatelywedtohaveforgotthewooing。
ToounaccustomedasabridetofeelOtherthanstrangedelightatherwife’sdoing。
EvenatthethoughtagentleblushwouldstealOverherface,andthenherlipswouldframeSomelittlewordofloving,andhereyesWouldbrimandspilltheirtears,whenalltheysawWasthebrightsun,slantwiseThroughburgeoningtrees,andallthemorning’sflameBurningandquiveringroundher。WithquickshameSheshutherheartandbentbeforethelaw。
V
Hewasasoldier,shewasproudofthat。
Thiswashishouseandshewouldkeepitwell。
Hishonourwasinfighting,hersinwhatHe’dleftherhereinchargeof。ThenaspellOfconsciencesentherthroughtheorchardspyingUponthegardeners。Weretheirtoolsabout?
Wereanybranchesbroken?HadtheweedsBeendulytakenoutUnderthe’spalieredpears,andweretheselyingNailedsnugagainstthesunnybricksanddryingTheirleavesandsatisfyingalltheirneeds?
VI
Shepickedastoneupwithalittlepout,Stoneslookedsoillinwell-keptflower-borders。
Whereshouldsheputit?AllthepathsaboutWerestrewnwithfair,redgravelbyherorders。
Nostonecouldmartheirsiftedsmoothness。SoShehurriedtotheriver。AttheedgeShestoodamomentcharmedbytheswiftblueBeyondtheriversedge。
Shewatcheditcurdling,crinkling,andthesnowPurfleduponitswave-tops。Then,"Hullo,MyBeauty,gently,oryou’llwrigglethrough。"
VII
TheLadyEunicecaughtawillowsprayTosaveherselffromtumblingintheshallowsWhichrippledtoherfeet。ThenstraightawayShepeereddownstreamamongthebuddingsallows。
AyouthinleatherbreechesandashirtOffinestbroideredlawnlayoutuponAnoverhangingboleanddeftlyswayedAwell-hookedfishwhichshoneInthepalelemonsunshinelikeaspurtOfsilver,bowedanddamascened,andgirtWithcrimsonspotsandmoonswhichwanedandplayed。
VIII
Thefishhungcircledforamoment,ringedAndbright;thenflungitselfout,athinbladeOfspottedlightning,anditstailwaswingedWithchippedandsparkledsunshine。AndtheshadeBrokeupandsplinteredintoshaftsoflightWheelingaboutthefish,whochurnedtheairAndmadethefish-linehum,andbenttherodAlmosttosnapping。CareTheyoungmantookagainstthetwigs,withslight,DeftmovementshekeptfishandlineintightObediencetohiswillwitheveryprod。
IX
Helaythere,andthefishhungjustbeyond。
Heseemeduncertainwhatmoreheshoulddo。
Hedrewback,pulledtherodtocorrespond,Tosseditandcaughtit;everytimehethrew,Hecaughtitnearertothepoint。AtlastThefishwasnearenoughtotouch。Hepaused。
Euniceknewwellthecraft——"What’sgotthething!"
Shecried。"Whatcanhavecaused——
Whereishisnet?Themomentwillbepast。
Thefishwillwrigglefree。"Shestoppedaghast。
Heturnedandbowed。Onearmwasinasling。
X
Thebroad,blackribbonshehadthoughthisbasketMusthangfrom,heldinsteadauselessarm。
"Idonotwonder,Madam,thatyouaskit。"
Hesmiled,forshehadspokealoud。"ThecharmOftroutfishingisinmyeyesenhancedWhenyoumustplayyourfishonlandaswell。"
"Howwillyoutakehim?"Euniceasked。"IntruthIreallycannottell。
’Twasstupidofme,butitsimplychancedIneverthoughtofthatuntilheglancedIntothebranches。’Tisabituncouth。"
XI
Hewatchedthefishagainsttheblowingsky,Writhingandglittering,pullingattheline。
"Thehookisfast,Imightjustlethimdie,"
Hemused。"ButthatwouldjaragainstyourfineSenseoftruesportsmanship,Iknowitwould,"
CriedEunice。"Letmedoit。"SwiftandlightSherantowardshim。"ItissolongnowSinceIhavefeltabite,Ilostallheartforeverything。"Shestood,Suppleandstrong,besidehim,andherbloodTingledherlissombodytoaglow。
XII
ShequicklyseizedthefishandwithastoneEndeditsflurry,thenremovedthehook,Untiedtheflywithwell-poisedfingers。Done,Sheaskedhimwherehekepthisfishing-book。
Hepointedtoacoatflungontheground。
Shesearchedthepockets,foundashagreencase,Replacedthefly,noticedagoldenstampFillingthemiddlespace。
Twolettershalfrubbedoutwerethere,androundAboutthemgayrococoflowerswoundAndtossedasprayofrosestotheclamp。
XIII
TheLadyEunicepuzzledoverthese。
"G。D。"theyoungmangravelysaid。"MynameIsGervaseDeane。Yourservant,ifyouplease。"
"Oh,Sir,indeedIknowyou,foryourfameForexploitsinthefieldhasreachedmyears。
Ididnotknowyouwoundedandreturned。"
"Butjustcomeback,Madam。AsillyprickTogainmesuchunearnedHolidaymaking。Andyou,itappears,MustbeSirEverard’slady。AndmyfearsAtbeingcaughta-trespassingwerequick。"
XIV
Helookedsoruefulthatshelaughedoutloud。
"Youareforgiven,Mr。Deane。Evenmore,Iofferyouthefishing,andamproudThatyoushouldfinditpleasantfromthisshore。
Nobodyfishesnow,myhusbandusedToangledaily,andItoowithhim。
Helovedthespottedtrout,andpike,anddace。
HeevenhadawhimThatfliesmyfingerstiedswiftlyconfusedThegreaterfish。Andhemustbeexcused,Loveweavesoddfanciesinalonelyplace。"
XV
Shesighedbecauseitseemedsolongago,ThosedayswithEverard;unthinkingtookThepathbacktotheorchard。StrollingsoShewalked,andhebesideher。InanookWhereastoneseatwithdrewbeneathlowboughs,Full-blossomed,hummedwithbees,theysatthemdown。
Shequestionedhimaboutthewar,theshareHerhusbandhad,andgrownEagerbyhisclearanswers,straightallowsHerhiddenhopesandfearstospeak,androuseHernumbedlove,whichhadslumberedunaware。
XVI
UndertheorchardtreesdaffodilsdancedAndjostled,turningsidewaystothewind。
AdroppingcherrypetalsoftlyglancedOverherhair,andslidawaybehind。
Atthefarendthroughtwistedcherry-treesTheoldhouseglowed,geranium-hued,withbricksBloomedinthesunlikeroses,lowandlong,Gabled,andwithquainttricksOfchimneyscarvedandfretted。OutoftheseGreysmokewasshaken,whichthefaintSpringbreezeTossedintonothing。Thenathrush’ssongXVII
Needleditswaythroughsoundofbeesandriver。
Thenotesfell,roundandstarred,betweenyoungleaves,Trilledtoaspirallilt,stoppedonaquiver。
TheLadyEunicelistensandbelieves。
GervasehasmanytalesofherdearLord,Hisbravery,hisknowledge,hischarmedlife。
Shequiteforgetswho’sspeakinginthegladnessOfbeingthisman’swife。
Gervaseiswounded,graveindeed,thewordIskindlysaid,buttoasofterchordShestringshervoicetoaskwithwistfulsadness,XVIII
"AndisSirEverardstillunscathed?IfainWouldknowthetruth。""Quitewell,dearLady,quite。"
Shesmiledinhercontent。"Somanyslain,Youmustforgivemeforalittlefright。"
Andheforgaveher,notaloneforthat,Butbecauseshewasfingeringhisheart,Pressingandsqueezingit,andthinkingsoOnlytoeasehersmartOfpainful,apprehensivelonging。AtTheirfeettheriverswirledandchucked。TheysatAnhourthere。Thethrushflewtoandfro。
XIX
TheLadyEunicesuppedalonethatday,AsalwayssinceSirEverardhadgone,Intheoak-panelledparlour,whosearrayOffadedportraitsincarvedmouldingsshone。
Warriorsandladies,armoured,ruffed,peruked。
VanDykeswithlong,slimfingers;Holbeins,stoutAndheavy-featured;andoneRubensdame,Apeonyjustburstout,Withflaunting,crimsonflesh。EunicerebukedHerthoughtsofgentlerblood,whenthesehaddukedItwiththebest,andscornedtochangetheirname。
XX
Asturdyfamily,andoldbesides,Mucholderthanherown,theEarlsofCrowe。
SinceSaxondays,thesemenhadsoughttheirbridesAmongthehighestborn,butalwaysso,Takingthemtothemselves,theirwealth,theirlands,Butnevertheirtitles。Sternperhaps,butstrong,TheFramptonsfedtheirbloodfromricheststreams,Scorningthecommonthrong。
Gazinguponthesemen,sheunderstandsThetoughnessofthewebwroughtfromsuchstrandsAndprideofEverardcoloursallherdreams。
XXI
Euniceforgetstoeat,watchingtheirfacesFlickeringinthewind-blowncandle’sshine。
Blue-coatedlackeystiptoetotheirplaces,Andsetoutplatesoffruitandjugsofwine。
ThetableglittersblacklikeWinterice。
TheDartle’srushing,andthegentleclashOfblossomedbranches,driftsintoherears。
AndthroughthecasementsashSheseeseachcherrystemapointedsliceOfsplinteredmoonlight,toppedwithallthespiceAndshimmeroftheblossomsituprears。
XXII
"Insuchanight——"shelaidthebookaside,Shecouldoutnightthepoetbythinkingback。
Insuchanightshecamehereasabride。
ThedatewasgraveninthealmanackOfherclaspedmemory。InthisveryroomHadEverarduncloakedher。OnthisseatHaddrawnhertohim,badehernotethetrees,HowwhitetheywereandsweetAndlater,comingtoher,herdeargroom,HerLord,hadlainbesideherinthegloomOfmoonandshade,andwhisperedhertoease。
XXIII
Herlittletapermadetheroomseemvast,Cavernedandempty。AndherbeatingheartRappedthroughthesilenceallabouthercastLikesomeloud,dreadfuldeath-watchtakingpartInthissadvigil。Slowlysheundrest,Putoutthelightandcreptintoherbed。
Thelinensheetswerefragrant,butsocold。
Andbrimmingtearssheshed,Sobbingandquiveringinherbarrennest,Herweepinglipsintothepillowprest,Hereyessealedfastwithinitssmotheringfold。
XXIV
Themorningbroughtheramorestoicmind,Andsunshinestruckacrossthepolishedfloor。
ShewonderedwhetherthisdaysheshouldfindGervasea-fishing,andsolistenmore,Muchmoreagain,toallhehadtotell。
Andhewasthere,butwaitingtobeginUntilshecame。Theyfishedawhile,thenwentTotheoldseatwithinThecherry’sshade。HepleasedherverywellByhisdiscourse。ButeverhemustdwellUponSirEverard。EachincidentXXV
Mustberelatedandeachtermexplained。
Howtroopsweresetinbattle,howasiegeWasorderedandconducted。ShecomplainedBecausehebungledatthefallofLiege。
Thecuriousnamesofpartsoffortssheknew,Andairedwithconsciousprideherravelins,Andcounterscarps,andlunes。Thedaydrewon,Andhisdeadfish’sfinsInthehotsunshineturnedamauve-greenhue。
AtlastGervase,guessingthehour,withdrew。
Butshesatlonginstilloblivion。
XXVI
Thenhewouldbringherbooks,andreadtoherThepoemsofDr。Donne,andtheblueriverWouldmurmurthroughthereading,andastirOfbirdsandbeesmakethewhitepetalsshiver,AndoneortwowouldflutterproneandlieSpottingthesmooth-clippedgrass。ThedayswentbyThreadedwithtalkandverses。GreenleavespushedThroughblossomsstubbornly。
Gervase,unconsciousofdishonesty,Fellintostrongandwatchfulloving,freeHethought,sincealwayswouldhislipsbehushed。
XXVII
Butlipsdonotstaysilentatcommand,AndGervasestroveinvaintoorderhis。
LuckilyEunicedidnotunderstandThathebutreadhimselfaloud,forthisTheirfriendshipwouldhavesnapped。ShetreatedhimAndspoilthimlikeabrother。Itwasnow"Gervase"and"Eunice"withthem,andhedinedWhenevershe’dallow,Intheoakparlour,underneaththedimOldpicturedFramptons,oppositeherslimFigure,sobrightagainstthechairbehind。
XXVIII
EunicewashappierthanshehadbeenFormanydays,andyetthehourswerelong。
AllGervasetoldtoherbutmadeherleanMoreheavilyuponthepast。AmongHerhopesshelived,evenwhenshewasgivingHermorningorders,evenwhenshetwinedNosegaystodeckherparlours。WiththethoughtOfEverard,hermindSolaceditssolitude,andinherstrivingTodoashewouldwishwasallherliving。
ShewelcomedGervaseforthenewshebrought。
XXIX
Black-heartsandwhite-hearts,bubbledwiththesun,Hidintheirleavesandknockedagainsteachother。
Eunicewasstanding,pantingwithherrunUptothetool-housejusttogetanotherBasket。Allthosewhichshehadbroughtwerefilled,AndstillGervasepeltedherfromabove。
ThebucklesofhisshoesflashedhigherandhigherUntilhisshouldersstroveQuitethroughthetop。"Eunice,yourspirit’sfilledThistree。White-hearts!"Heshook,andcherriesspilledAndspatoutfromtheleaveslikefallingfire。
XXX
Thewide,sun-wingedJunemorningspreaditselfOverthequietgarden。AndtheypackedFulltwentybasketswiththefruit。"MyshelfOfcordialswillbestoredwithwhatitlacked。
Infuture,noneofuswilldrinkstrongale,Butcherry-brandy。""Vastlygood,Ivow,"
AndGervasegavethetreeanothershake。
ThecherriesseemedtoflowOutoftheskyincloudfuls,likeblownhail。
SwiftLadyEuniceran,herfarthingale,Unnoticed,tanglinginafallenrake。
XXXI
ShegavealittlecryandfellquiteproneInthelonggrass,andlaythereverystill。
Gervaseleaptfromthetreeathersoftmoan,Andkneelingoverher,withclumsyskillUnloosedherbodice,fannedherwithhishat,Andhisunguardedlipspronouncedhisheart。
"Eunice,myDearestGirl,whereareyouhurt?"
HistremblingfingersdartOverherlimbsseekingsomewound。ShestroveToanswer,openedwidehereyes,aboveHerkneltSirEverard,withfacealert。
XXXII
Hereyelidsfellagainatthatsweetsight,"MyLove!"shemurmured,"Dearest!Oh,myDear!"
HetookherinhisarmsandboreherrightAndtenderlytotheoldseat,and"HereIhaveyoumineatlast,"shesaid,andswoonedUnderhiskisses。WhenshecameoncemoreTosightofhim,shesmiledincomfortknowingHerselflaidasbeforeClosecoveredonhisbreast。AndallherglowingYouthansweredhim,andevernearergrowingShetwinedhiminherarmsandsoftfestoonedXXXIII
Herselfabouthimlikeafloweringvine,Drawinghislipstoclinguponherown。
ArayofsunlightpiercedtheleavestoshineWhereherhalf-openedbodiceletbeshownHerwhitethroatflutteringtohissoftcaress,Half-gaspingwithhergladness。AndherpledgeShewhispers,meltingwithdelight。AtwigSnapsinthehornbeamhedge。
Acacklinglaughtearsthroughthequietness。
Eunicestartsupinterribledistress。
"MyGod!What’sthat?"Herstaringeyesarebig。
XXXIV
RevulsedemotionsetherbodyshakingAsthoughshehadanague。Gervaseswore,JumpedtohisfeetinsuchadreadfultakingHisfacewasghastlywiththelookitwore。
Crouchingandslippingthroughthetrees,amanInworn,bluelivery,ahumpbackedthing,Madeoff。ButturnedeveryfewstepstogazeAtEunice,andtoflingVilelooksandgesturesback。"Theruffian!
ByChrist’sDeath!IwillsplithimtoaspanOfhog’sthongs。"Shegraspedathissleeve,"Gervase!
XXXV
Whatareyoudoinghere?Putdownthatsword,That’sonlypooroldTony,crazedandlame。
Wenevernoticehim。WithmydearLordIoughtnottohavemindedthathecame。
But,Gervase,itsurprisesmethatyouShouldsolackgracetostayhere。"WithonehandSheheldhergapingbodicetoconcealHerbreast。"ImustdemandYourinstantabsence。Everard,butnewReturned,willhardlycareforguests。Adieu。"
"Eunice,you’remad。"Hisbrainbegantoreel。
XXXVI
Hetriedagaintotakeher,triedtotwistHerarmsabouthim。Truly,shehadsaidNothingshouldeverpartthem。InamistShepushedhimfromher,claspedherachingheadInbothherhands,androckedandsobbedaloud。
"Oh!WhereisEverard?Whatdoesthismean?
Solatelycometoleavemethusalone!"
ButGervasehadnotseenSirEverard。Then,gently,toherbowedAndsickeningspirit,hetoldofherproudSurrendertohim。Hecouldhearhermoan。
XXXVII
Thenshamesweptoverherandheldhernumb,Hidingheranguishedfaceagainsttheseat。
Atlastsherose,awomanstricken——dumb——
Andtrailedawaywithslowly-draggingfeet。
Gervaselookedafterher,butfearedtopassThebarriersetbetweenthem。AllhisrareJoybroketofragments——worsethanthat,unreal。
Andstandinglonelythere,Hisswollenheartburstout,andonthegrassHeflunghimselfandwept。Heknew,alas!
Thelosssogreathislifecouldneverheal。
XXXVIII
FordaysthereafterEunicelivedretired,Waiteduponbyoneoldserving-maid。
Shewouldnotleaveherchamber,anddesiredOnlytohideherself。ShewasafraidOfwhathereyesmighttrickherintoseeing,Ofwhatherlongingurgeherthentodo。
WhatwasthisdreadfulillnesssolitudeHadtorturedherinto?
HerhourswentbyinalongconstantfleeingThethoughtofthatonemorning。AndherbeingBruiseditselfonahappeningsorude。
XXXIX
ItgrewripeSummer,whenonemorningcameHertirewomanwithaletter,printedUponthesealweretheDeanecrestandname。
Withutmostgentleness,theletterhintedHisunderstandingandhisdeepregret。
ButwouldshenotpermithimonceagainTopayherhisprofoundrespects?NowordOfwhathadpassedshouldpainHerresolution。OnlyletthemgetBacktheoldcomradeship。HereyeswerewetWithstartingtears,nowtrulyshedeploredXL
Hismisery。Yes,shewaswrongtokeepAwayfromhim。Hehardlywastoblame。
’Twasshe——sheshudderedandbegantoweep。
’Twasherfault!Hers!HereverlastingshameWasthatshesufferedhim,whomnotatallSheloved。PoorBoy!Yes,theymuststillbefriends。
Sheowedhimthattokeepthebalancestraight。
ItwassuchpooramendsWhichshecouldmakeforrousinghopestogallHimwiththeirunfulfilment。TragicalItwas,andshemustleavehimdesolate。
XLI
HardsilencehehadforceduponhislipsForlongandlong,andwouldhavedonesostillHadnotshe——hereshepressedherfingertipsAgainstherheavyeyes。ThenwithforcedwillShewrotethathemightcome,sealedwiththearmsOfCroweandFramptontwined。HerheartfeltlighterWhenthiswasdone。ItseemedherconstantcareMightsomedayceasetofrighther。
Illnesscouldbenocrime,anddreadfulharmsDidcomefromtoomuchsunshine。HeralarmsWouldlessenwhenshesawhimstandingthere,XLII
Simpleandkind,abrotherjustreturnedFromjourneying,andhewouldtreatherso。
Sheknewhishonestheart,andifthereburnedAsparkinithewouldnotletitshow。
Butwhenhereallycame,andstoodbesideHerunderneaththefruitlesscherryboughs,Heseemedatiredman,gaunt,leaden-eyed。
Hemadehernomorevows,NordidhementiononethinghehadtriedToputintohisletter。WarsuppliedHimtopics。Andhismindseemedoccupied。
XLIII
Dailytheymet。Andgravelywalkedandtalked。
Hereadhernomoreverses,andhestayedOnlyuntiltheirconversation,balkedOfeverynaturalchannel,fleddismayed。
Againthenextdayshewouldmeethim,tryingTogivehertonesomehealthysprightliness,ButhisuneagerdignitysoonchilledHerwell-preparedaddress。
ThusSummerwaned,andinthemornings,cryingOfwildgeesestartledEunice,andtheirflyingWhirredoverheadfordaysandneverstilled。
XLIV
Oneafternoonofgreycloudsandwhitewind,EuniceawaitedGervasebytheriver。
TheDartlesplashedamongthereedsandwhinedOverthewillow-roots,andalongsliverOfcakedandslobberedfoamcreptupthebank。
Allthroughthegarden,driftsofskirlingleavesBlewup,andsettleddown,andblewagain。
Thecherry-treeswereweavesOfempty,knottedbranches,andadankMisthidthehouse,mouldyitsmeltandrankWithsoddenwood,andstillunfallingrain。
XLV
Eunicepacedupanddown。NojoyshetookAtmeetingGervase,butthecustomgrownStillheldher。Hewaslate。Shesuddenshook,Andcaughtatherstoppedheart。HereyeshadshownSirEverardemergingfromthemist。
Hisuniformwastravel-stainedandtorn,Hisjackbootsmuddy,andhiseagerstrideJangledhisspurs。AthornEntangled,trailedbehindhim。TothetrystHehastened。Euniceshuddered,ran——atwistRoundasharpturningandshefledtohide。
XLVI
Buthehadseenherassheswiftlyran,Aflashofwhiteagainsttheriver’sgrey。
"Eunice,"hecalled。"MyDarling。Eunice。CanYouhearme?ItisEverard。AlldayIhavebeenridingliketheverydevilToreachyousooner。Areyoustartled,Dear?"
Hebrokeintoarunandfollowedher,Andcaughther,faintwithfear,CoweringandtremblingasthoughshesomeevilSpiritwereseeing。"WhatmeansthisuncivilGreeting,DearHeart?"Hesawhersensesblur。
XLVII
Swayingandcatchingattheseat,shetriedTospeak,butonlygurgledinherthroat。
Atlast,strainingtoholdherself,shecriedTohimforpity,andherstrangewordssmoteAcoldnessthroughhim,forshebeggedGervaseToleaveher,’twastoomuchasecondtime。
Gervasemustgo,alwaysGervase,hermindRepeatedlikearhymeThisnamehedidnotknow。InsadamazeHewatchedher,andthathunted,fearfulgaze,Sounrememberingandsounkind。
XLVIII
Softlyhespoketoher,patientlydealtWithwhathefearedhermadness。ByandbyHepiercedherunderstanding。ThenhekneltUpontheseat,andtookherhands:"NowtryTothinkaminuteIamcome,myDear,Unharmedandbackonfurlough。AreyougladTohaveyourloverhomeagain?Tome,PickthornhasneverhadAgreaterpleasantness。CouldyounotbearTocomeandsitawhilebesidemehere?
Astonebetweenussurelyshouldnotbe。"
XLIX
Shesmiledalittlewanandravelledsmile,ThencametohimandonhisshoulderlaidHerhead,andtheytworestedthereawhile,Eachtakingcomfort。Notawordwassaid。
ButwhenheputhishanduponherbreastAndfeltherbeatingheart,andwithhislipsSoughtsolaceforherandhimself。ShestartedAsonesharplashedwithwhips,Andpushedhimfromher,moaning,hisdumbquestDeniedandshudderedfrom。Andhe,distrest,Loosenedhiswife,andlongtheysatthere,parted。
L
Eunicewasveryquietallthatday,Alittledazed,andyetsheseemedcontent。
Atcandle-time,heaskedifshewouldplayUponherharpsichord,atonceshewentAndtinkledairsfromLully’s`Carnival’
And`Bacchus’,newlybroughtawayfromFrance。
ThenjauntedthroughalivelyrigadoonTopleasehimwithadanceByPurcell,forhesaidthatsurelyallGoodEnglishmenhadprideinnationalAccomplishment。ButtiringofitsoonLI
HewhisperedherthatifshehadforgivenHisstartlingherthatafternoon,theclockMarkedearlybed-time。SurelyitwasHeavenHeenteredwhensheopenedtohisknock。
ThehoursrustledinthetrailingwindOverthechimney。ClosetheylayandknewOnlythattheywerewedded。AthistouchAnxietyshethrewAwaylikeashedgarment,andinclinedHerselftocherishhim,herhappymindQuivering,unthinking,lovingovermuch。
LII
EunicelaylongawakeinthecoolnightAfterherhusbandslept。ShegazedwithjoyIntotheshadows,paintingthemwithbrightPicturesofallherfuturelife’semploy。
Twingemstheywere,settoasinglejewel,Eachshiningwiththeother。SoftsheturnedAndfelthisbreathuponherhair,andprayedHerhappinesswasearned。
PastEarlsofCroweshouldgivetheirbloodforfuelTolightthisFrampton’shearth-fire。BynocruelAffrightingswouldsheeverbedismayed。
LIII
WhenEverard,nextday,askedherinjokeWhatnameitwasthatshehadcalledhimby,ShetoldhimofGervase,andasshespokeShehardlyrealizeditwasalie。
Hervisionsherelated,butshehidThefondnessintowhichshehadbeenled。
SirEverardjustlaughedandpinchedherear,AndquiteoutofherheadThematterdrifted。ThenSirEverardchidHimselfforlaziness,andoffheridToseehismenandcounthisfarming-gear。
LIV
Atsupperheseemedoverspreadwithgloom,Butgavenoreasonwhy,heonlyaskedMorequestionsofGervase,androundtheroomHewalkedwithrestlessstrides。AtlasthetaskedHerwithagreaterfeelingforthismanThanshehadgiven。EunicequickdeniedTheslightestinterestotherthanafriendMightclaim。ButherepliedHethoughtsheunderrated。ThenabanHeputontalkandmusic。He’daplanToworkat,drainingswampsatPickthornEnd。
LV
NextmorningEunicefoundherLordstillchanged,Hardandunkind,withburstsofanger。PrideKepthimfromspeakingout。HisprobingsrangedAllroundhistorment。LadyEunicetriedTosoothhim。Soaweekwentby,andthenHisanguishfloodedover;withclenchedhandsStrivingtostemhiswords,hetoldherplainTonyhadseenthem,"brandsBurninginHell,"themanhadsaid。AgainEunicedescribedhervision,andhowwhenAwokeatlastshehadknowndreadfulpain。
LVI
Hecouldnotcreditit,andmiseryfedUponhisspirit,daybydayitgrew。
ToGervaseheforbadethehouse,andledTheLadyEunicesuchalifesheflewAthisapproachingfootsteps。WintercameSnowingandblusteringthroughtheManortrees。
Alltheroof-edgesspikedwithiciclesInflutedcompanies。
TheLadyEunicewithhertambour-frameKeptherselfsighingcompany。TheflameOfthebirchfireglitteredonthewalls。
LVII
Aletterwasbroughttoherasshesat,Unsealed,unsigned。Ittoldherthathiswound,Thewriter’s,hadsowellrecoveredthatTojoinhisregimenthefelthimbound。
Butwouldshenotwishhimoneshort"Godspeed",Heaskednomore。Hergreetingwouldsuffice。
Hehadresolvedhenevershouldreturn。
WouldshethissacrificeMakeforadyingman?HowcouldshereadTherest!Butforcinghereyestothedeed,Sheread。Thendroppeditinthefiretoburn。
LVIII
GervasehadsettheriverfortheirmeetingAsfarthestfromthefarmswhereEverardSpentallhisdays。HowshouldheknowsuchcheatingWasquiteexpected,atleastnodullardWasEverardFrampton。HoursbyhourshehidAmongthewillowswatching。Duskhadcome,AndfromtheManorhehadlongbeengone。
EuniceherburdensomeTasksetabout。Hoodedandcloaked,sheslidOvertheslipperypaths,andsoonamidThesallowssawaboattiedtoastone。
LIX
Gervasearose,andkissedherhand,thenpointedIntotheboat。Sheshookherhead,butheBeggedhertorealizewhy,andwithdisjointedWordstoldherofwhatperiltheremightbeFromlistenersalongtheriverbank。
Apushwouldtakethemoutofearshot。TenMinuteswasallheasked,thensheshouldland,Hegoawayagain,Foreverthistime。YethowcouldhethankHerforsomuchcompassion。HereshesankUponathwart,andbidhimquickunstrandLX
Hisboat。Hecasttherope,andshovedthekeelFreeofthegravel;jumped,anddroppedbesideHer;tooktheoars,andtheybegantostealUndertheoverhangingtrees。AwideGashofredlantern-lightcleftlikeabladeIntothegloom,andstruckonEunicesittingRigidandstarkupontheafterthwart。
ItblazedupontheirflittingInmercilesslight。Amomentsoitstayed,Thenwasextinguished,andSirEverardmadeOneleap,andlandedjustafractionshort。
LXI
HisweightuponthegunwaletippedtheboatTostrainingbalance。EverardlurchedandseizedHiswifeandheldhersmotheredtohiscoat。
"Everard,looseme,weshalldrown——"andsqueezedAgainsthim,shebeatwithherhands。Hegasped"Never,byGod!"ThesliddenboatgavewayAndtheblackfoamywatersplit——andmet。
BubbledupthroughthesprayAwailingroseandinthebranchesrasped,Andcreaked,andstilled。Overthetreetops,claspedIntheblueevening,aclearmoonwasset。
LXII
Theylieentangledinthetwistingroots,Embracedforever。TheircoldmarriagebedClose-canopiedandcurtainedbytheshootsOfwillowsandpalebirches。Atthehead,Whitelilies,likestillswans,placidlyfloatAndswayabovethepebbles。HerearewavesSun-smittenforathreadedcounterpaneGold-wovenontheirgraves。
Inperfectquietnesstheysleep,remoteInthegreen,rippledtwilight。DeathhassmoteThemtoperpetualonenesswhoweretwain。
TheCremonaViolinPartFirstFrauConcert-MeisterAltgeltshutthedoor。
Astormwasrising,heavygustsofwindSwirledthroughthetrees,andscatteredleavesbeforeHerontheclean,flaggedpath。TheskybehindThedistanttownwasblack,andsharpdefinedAgainstitshonethelinesofroofsandtowers,Superimposedandflatlikecardboardflowers。
Apastedcityonapurpleground,Pickedoutwithluminouspaint,itseemed。ThecloudSplitonanedgeoflightning,andasoundOfriversfullandrushingboomedthroughbowed,Tossed,hissingbranches。ThunderrumbledloudBeyondthetownfastswallowingintogloom。
FrauAltgeltclosedthewindowsofeachroom。
ShebustledroundtoshakebyconstantmovingThestrange,weirdatmosphere。Shestirredthefire,Shetwitchedthesupper-clothasthoughimprovingItscarefulsetting,thenherownattireCameinfornotice,tiptoeinghigherandhigherShepeeredintothewall-glass,nowadjustingAstrayinglock,orelsearibbonthrustingThiswayorthattosuither。Atlastsitting,Orratherplumpingdownuponachair,Shetookherwork,thestockingshewasknitting,AndwatchedtherainuponthewindowglareInwhite,brightdrops。ThroughtheblackglassaflareOflightningsquirmedaboutherneedles。"Oh!"
Shecried。"WhatcanbekeepingTheodoreso!"
Arollofthundersetthecasementsclapping。
FrauAltgeltflungherworkasideandran,Pulledopenthehousedoor,withkerchiefflappingShestoodandgazedalongthestreet。AmanFlungbackthegarden-gateandnearlyranHerdownasshestoodinthedoor。"Why,Dear,Whatinthenameofpatiencebringsyouhere?
Quick,Lotta,shutthedoor,myviolinIfeariswetted。Now,Dear,bringalight。
Thisclaspisverymuchtoowornandthin。
I’lltaketheotherfiddleoutto-nightIfitstillrains。Tut!Tut!mychild,you’requiteClumsy。Here,helpme,holdthecasewhileI——
Givemethecandle。No,theinside’sdry。
ThankGodforthat!Well,Lotta,howareyou?
Abadstorm,butthehousestillstands,Isee。
Ismypipefilled,myDear?I’llhaveafewPuffsandasnoozebeforeIeatmytea。
Whatdoyousay?Thatyouwerefearedforme?
Nonsense,mychild。Yes,kissme,nowdon’ttalk。
Ineedarest,thetheatre’salongwalk。"
Herneedlesstill,herhandsuponherlapPatientlylaid,CharlottaAltgeltsatAndwatchedtherain-runwindow。InhisnapHerhusbandstirredandmuttered。Seeingthat,Charlottaroseandsoftly,pit-a-pat,Climbedupthestairs,andinherlittleroomFoundsighingcomfortwithamooninbloom。
Butevenrainywindows,silver-litByanew-burst,storm-whettedmoon,maygiveButpoorcontenttoloneliness,anditWashardforyoungCharlottasotostriveAnddownhereagernessandlearntoliveInplacidquiet。Whileherhusbandslept,Charlottainherupperchamberwept。
HerrConcert-MeisterAltgeltwasamanGentleandunambitious,thataloneHadkepthimback。Heplayedasfewmencan,DrawingoutofhisinstrumentatoneSoshimmering-sweetandpalpitant,itshoneLikeabrightthreadofsoundhungintheair,Afloatandswingingupward,slimandfair。
Aboveallthings,aboveCharlottahiswife,HerrAltgeltlovedhisviolin,afineCremonapattern,Stradivari’slifeWasfloweringoutofearlydisciplineWhenthiswasfashioned。Ofsoft-cuttingpineThebellywas。ThebackofbroadlycurledMaple,theheadmadethickandsharplywhirled。
Theslanting,youthfulsound-holesthroughThebellyoffine,vigorouspineMellowedeachnoteandblewItoutagainwithawoodyflavourTangedandfragrantasfir-treesareWhenbreezesintheirneedlesjar。
Thevarnishwasanorange-brownLusteredlikeglassthat’slonglaiddownUnderacrumblingvillastone。
Purfledstoutly,withmitreswhichpointStraightupthecorners。EachcurveandjointClear,andbold,andthin。
SuchwasHerrTheodore’sviolin。
Seveno’clock,theConcert-MeistergoneWithhisbestviolin,therainbeingstopped,FrauLottainthekitchensataloneWatchingtheemberswhichthefiredropped。
Thechinashoneuponthedresser,toppedBypolishedcoppervesselswhichherskillKeptbrightlyburnished。Itwasverystill。
Anairfrom`Orfeo’hummedinherhead。
HerrAltgelthadbeenpractisingbeforeThenight’sperformance。CharlottahadpleadWithhimtostaywithher。EvenatthedoorShe’dbeggedhimnottogo。"IdoimploreYouforthisevening,Theodore,"shehadsaid。
"Leavethemto-night,andstaywithmeinstead。"
"Asillypoppet!"Theodorepinchedherear。
"You’dliketohaveourgoodElectorturnMeoutIthink。""But,Theodore,somethingqueerAilsme。Oh,dobutnoticehowtheyburn,Mycheeks!Thethunderworriedme。You’restern,Andcold,andonlyloveyourwork,Iknow。
ButTheodore,forthisevening,donotgo。"
Buthehadgone,hurriedlyattheend,Forshehadkepthimtalking。NowshesatAloneagain,alwaysalone,thetrendOfallherthinkingbroughtherbacktothatShewishedtobanish。Whatwouldlifebe?What?
Forshewasyoung,andloved,whilehewasmovedOnlybymusic。Eachdaythatwasproved。
Eachdayheroseandpractised。Whileheplayed,Shestoppedherworkandlistened,andherheartSwelledpainfullybeneathherbodice。SwayedAndlonging,shewouldhidefromhimhersmart。
"Well,Lottchen,willthatdo?"ThenwhatastartShegave,andshewouldruntohimandcry,Andhewouldgentlychideher,"Fie,Dear,fie。
I’mgladIplayeditwell。Butsuchataking!
You’llhearthethingenoughbeforeI’vedone。"
Andshewoulddrawawayfromhim,stillshaking。
Hadhebutguessedshewasanotherone,Anotherviolin。Herstringswereaching,Stretchedtothetouchofhisbowhand,againHeplayedandshealmostbrokeatthestrain。
Wherewastheuseofthinkingofitnow,Sittingaloneandlisteningtotheclock!
She’dbestmakehasteandknitanotherrow。
ThreehoursatleastmustpassbeforehisknockWouldstartleher。Italwayswasashock。
Shelistened——listened——forsolongbefore,Thatwhenitcameherhearingalmosttore。
Shecaughtherselfjuststartingintolisten。
Whatnervesshehad:rattlinglikebrittlesticks!
Shewanderedtothewindow,fortheglistenOfabrightmoonwastempting。SnuffedthewicksOfhertwocandles。StillshecouldnotfixToanything。ThemooninabroadswathBeckonedheroutanddownthegarden-path。
Againstthehouse,herhollyhocksstoodhighAndblack,theirshadowsdoublingthem。ThenightWaswhiteandstillwithmoonlight,andasighOfblowingleaveswasthere,andthedimflightOfinsects,andthesmellofaconite,Andstocks,andMarvelofPeru。SheflittedAlongthepath,whereblocksofshadowpittedTheevenflags。SheletherselfgodreamingOfTheodoreherhusband,andthetuneFrom`Orfeo’swamthroughhermind,butseemingChanged——shriller。Ofasudden,theclearmoonShowedherapasser-by,inopportuneIndeed,butherehewas,whistlingandstriding。
Lottasqueezedinbetweenthecurrants,hiding。
"Thebestlaidplansofmiceandmen,"alas!
Thestrangercameindeed,butdidnotpass。
Instead,heleantuponthegarden-gate,Foldinghisarmsandwhistling。Lotta’sstate,Crouchedinthepricklycurrants,onwetgrass,Wasfarfrompleasant。Stillthestrangerstayed,AndLottainhercurrantswatched,dismayed。
HeseemedaproperfellowstandingthereInthebrightmoonshine。HiscockedhatwaslacedWithsilver,andheworehisownbrownhairTied,butunpowdered。HiswholebearinggracedAfineclothcoat,andruffledshirt,andchasedSword-hilt。Charlottalooked,butherpositionWashardlyeasy。WhenwouldhisvolitionSuggesthiswalkingon?Andthenthattune!
Ahalf-a-dozenbarsfrom`Orfeo’
Goneoverandover,andmurdered。WhatFortuneHadbroughthimtheretostareabouthimso?
"Ach,GottimHimmel!Whywillhenotgo!"
ThoughtLotta,buttheyoungmanwhistledon,Andseemedinnogreathurrytobegone。
Charlotta,crouchedamongthecurrantbushes,Watchedthemoonslowlydipfromtwigtotwig。
IfTheodoreshouldchancetocome,andblushesStreamedoverher。Hewouldnotcareafig,He’donlylaugh。ShepushedasideasprigOfsharp-edgedleavesandpeered,thensheuproseAmidherbushes。"Sir,"saidshe,"praywhoseGardendoyousupposeyou’rewatching?WhyDoyoustandthere?IreallymustinsistUponyourleaving。’TisunmannerlyTostaysolong。"TheyoungmangaveatwistAndturnedabout,andintheamethystMoonlighthesawherlikeanymphhalf-risenFromthegreenbusheswhichhadbeenherprison。
Heswepthishatoffinahurriedbow。
"Yourpardon,Madam,IhadnoideaIwasnotquitealone,andthatishowIcametostay。MytrespasswasnotsheerImpertinence。Ithoughtnoonewashere,Andreallygardenscrytobeadmired。
To-nightespeciallyitseemedrequired。
AndmayIbegtointroducemyself?
HeinrichMarohlofMunich。Andyourname?"
Charlottatoldhim。AndtheartfulelfPromptlyexclaimedaboutherhusband’sfame。
SoLotta,half-unwilling,slowlycameToconversationwithhim。WhenshewentIntothehouse,shefoundtheeveningspent。
Theodorearrivedquiteweariedoutandteased,Withallexcitementinhimburnedaway。
Ithadgonewell,hesaid,theaudiencepleased,Andhehadplayedhisverybestto-day,ButafterwardshehadbeenforcedtostayAndpractisewiththestupidones。HisheadAchedfuriously,andhemustgettobed。
PartSecondHerrConcert-MeisterAltgeltplayed,AndthefourstringsofhisviolinWerespinninglikebeesonadayinSpring。
Thenotesroseintothewidesun-moteWhichslantedthroughthewindow,Theylaylikecolouredbeadsa-row,Theyknockedtogetherandparted,Andstartedtodance,Skipping,tripping,eachoneslippingUnderandovertheotherssoThatthepolychromefirestreamedlikealanceOracomet’stail,Behindthem。
Thenawailarose——crescendo——
Anddroppedfromofftheendofthebow,Andthedancingstopped。
Ascentofliliesfilledtheroom,Longandslow。EachlargewhitebloomBreathedasoundwhichwasholyperfumefromablessedcenser,Andthehumofanorgantone,AndtheywavedlikefansinahallofstoneOverabierstandingthereinthecentre,alone。
Eachlilybentslowlyasitwasblown。
Likesmoketheyrosefromtheviolin——
ThenfadedasaswifterbowingJumbledthenoteslikewaveletsflowingInasplashing,pashing,ripplingmotionBetweenbroadmeadowstoanoceanWideasadayandblueasaflower,WhereeveryhourGullsdipped,andscattered,andsquawked,andsquealed,AndoverthemarshestheAngeluspealed,Andtheprowsofthefishing-boatswerespatteredWithspray。
AndawayacoupleoffrigateswerestartingToracetoJavawithallsailsset,Topgallants,androyals,andstunsails,andjibs,Andwidemoonsails;andtheshiningrailsWerepolishedsobrighttheysparkedinthesun。
Allthesailswentupwitharun:
"TheycallmeHangingJohnny,Away-i-oh;
TheycallmeHangingJohnny,Sohang,boys,hang。"
Andthesunhadsetandthehighmoonwhitened,Andtheshipheeledovertothebreeze。
Hedrewherintotheshadeofthesails,AndwhisperedtalesOfvoyagesintheChinaseas,AndhisarmaroundherHeldandboundher。
Shealmostswooned,WiththebreezeandthemoonAndtheslippingsea,Andhebesideher,Touchingher,leaning——
Theshipcareening,WiththewhitemoonsteadilyshiningoverHerandherlover,Theodore,stillherlover!
Thenaquiverfellonthecrowdednotes,AndslowlyfloatedAsinglenotewhichspreadandspreadTillitfilledtheroomwithashimmerlikegold,Andnoisesshiveredthroughoutitslength,Andtrieditsstrength。
Theypulledit,andtoreit,Andthestuffwanedthinner,butstillitboreit。
ThenawiderentSplitthearchingtent,Andballsoffirespurtedthrough,Spittingyellow,andmauve,andblue。
Onebyonetheywerequenchedastheyfell,Onlytheblueburnedsteadily。
Palerandpaleritgrew,and——faded——away。
HerrAltgeltstopped。
"Well,Lottachen,myDear,whatdoyousay?
IthinkI’mingoodtrim。Nowlet’shavedinner。
What’sthis,myLove,you’reverysweetto-day。
IwonderhowithappensI’mthewinnerOfsomuchsweetness。ButIthinkyou’rethinner;
You’relikeabagoffeathersonmyknee。
Why,Lottachild,you’realmoststranglingme。
I’mgladyou’regoingoutthisafternoon。
Thedaysaregettingshort,andI’msotiedAttheCourtTheatremypoorlittlebrideHasnotmuchjunketingIfear,butsoonI’llaskourmanagertograntaboon。
To-night,perhaps,I’llgetapassforyou,AndwhenIgo,whyLottacancometoo。
Nowdinner,Love。IwantsomeonionsoupTowhipmeuptillthatrehearsal’sover。
Youknowit’soddhowsomewomencanstoop!
FraeuleinGebnitzhastakenonalover,AJewnamedGoldstein。NoonecandiscoverIfit’shismoney。ButshelivesalonePractically。Gebnitzisastone,Poresoverbooksallday,andhasnoearForhiswife’ssinging。Artistsmusthavemen;
Theyneedappreciation。Butit’squeerWhatmessespeoplemakeoftheirlives,whenTheyshouldknowmore。IfGebnitzfindsout,thenHiswifewillpack。Yes,shutthedooratonce。
Ididnotfeelitcold,Iamadunce。"
FrauAltgelttiedherbonnetonandwentIntothestreets。Abright,crispAutumnwindFlirtedherskirtsandhair。Aturbulent,Audaciouswinditwas,nowclosebehind,PushingherbonnetforwardtillittwinedThestringsacrossherface,thenfrominfrontSlantinglyswingingatherwithashunt,Untilshelayagainstit,struggling,pushing,DismayedtofindherclothingtightlyboundAroundher,everyfoldandwrinklecrushingItselfuponher,sothatshewaswoundIndraperiesasclingingasthosefoundSuckingaboutaseanymphonthefriezeOfsomeoldGreciantemple。InthebreezeTheshopsandhouseshadaqualityOfhardanddazzlingcolour;somethingsharpAndbuoyant,likewhite,puffingsailsatsea。
Thecitystreetsweretwanginglikeaharp。
Charlottacaughtthemovement,skippinglySheblewalongthepavement,hardlyknowingTowardwhatdestinationshewasgoing。
Shefetchedupoppositeajeweller’sshop,Wherefiligreedtiarasshonelikecrowns,AndnecklacesofemeraldsseemedtodropAndthenfloatupagainwithlightness。BrownsOfstripedagatesstruckherlikecoldfrownsAmidthegaietyoftopazseals,Carvedthoughtheywerewithheads,andarms,andwheels。
ArowofpencilsknobbedwithquartzorsardDelightedher。AndringsofeverysizeTurnedsmartlyroundlikehoopsbeforehereyes,Amethyst-flamedorruby-girdled,jarredTospokesandflashingtriangles,andstarredLikerocketsburstingonafestalday。
Charlottacouldnottearherselfaway。
Witheyesgluedtightlyonagoldenbox,Whoserareenamelpiquedherwithitshue,Changeable,iridescent,shuttlecocksOfshadesandlustresalwaysdartingthroughItslevel,superimposingsheetofblue,Charlottadidnothearfootstepsapproaching。
Shestartedatthewords:"AmIencroaching?"
"Oh,Heinrich,howyoufrightenedme!IthoughtWeweretomeetatthree,isitquitethat?"
"No,itisnot,"heanswered,"butI’vecaughtThetrickofmissingyou。Onethingisflat,Icannotgoonthisway。LifeiswhatMightbestbeconjuredupbytheword:`Hell’。
Dearest,whenwillyoucome?"Lotta,toquellHiseffervescence,pointedtothegemsWithinthewindow,askedhimtoadmireAbraceletorabuckle。ButonestemsUneasilytheburningofafire。
Heinrichwaschafing,prickedbyhisdesire。
LittlebylittleshewooedhimtohermoodUntilatlasthepromisedtobegood。
Butherehestartedonanothertack;
Tobuyajewel,whichonewouldLottachoose。
ShevainlyurgedagainsthimallherlackOfothertrinkets。ShouldshedaretouseAringorbroochherhusbandmightaccuseHerofextravagance,andasktoseeAstrictaccounting,orstillworsemightbe。
ButHeinrichwouldnotbepersuaded。WhyShouldhenotgiveherwhatheliked?AndinHewent,determinedcertainlytobuyAthingsobeautifulthatitwouldwinHerwaveringfancy。Altgelt’sviolinHewouldoutscorebysuchahandsomejewelThatLottacouldnolongerbesocruel!
PityCharlotta,tornindiverseways。
Ifshewentinwithhim,theshopmanmightRecognizeher,giveherhername;indaysTocomehecoulddenounceher。InherfrightShealmostfled。ButHeinrichwouldbequiteCapableofpursuing。ByandbyShepushedthedoorandenteredhurriedly。
IttooksomepainstokeephimfrombestowingApairofrubyearrings,carvedlikeroses,ThesettingtwinedtorepresentthegrowingTendrilsandleaves,uponher。"WhosupposesIcouldobtainsuchthings!ItsimplyclosesAllcomfortforme。"SohechangedhismindAndboughtasslightagiftashecouldfind。
Alocket,frostedoverwithseedpearls,Oblongandslim,forwearingattheneck,Orhiddeninthebosom;theirjoinedcurlsShouldlieinit。AndfurthertobedeckHislove,Heinrichhadpickedawhiff,afleck,Themerestpuffofathin,linkedchainTohangitfrom。LottacouldnotrefrainFromweepingastheysauntereddownthestreet。
Shedidnotwantthelocket,yetshedid。
Tohavehimlovehershefoundverysweet,Butitishardtokeeplovealwayshid。
ThentherewassomethinginherheartwhichchidHer,toldhershelovedTheodoreinhim,Thatallthesemeetingswereafoolishwhim。
ShethoughtofTheodoreandthelifetheyled,Soneartogether,butsolittlemingled。
Thegreatcloudsbulgedandbelliedoverhead,Andthefreshwindaboutherbodytingled;
Thecraneofalargewarehousecreakedandjingled;
Charlottaheldherbreathforveryfear,Aboutherinthestreetsheseemedtohear:
"TheycallmeHangingJohnny,Away-i-oh;
TheycallmeHangingJohnny,Sohang,boys,hang。"
AnditwasTheodore,undertheracingskies,Whoheldherandwhowhisperedinherear。
Sheknewherheartwastellinghernolies,Beatingandhammering。Hewassodear,ThetouchofhimwouldsendherinaqueerSwoonthatwashalfanecstasy。AndyearningForTheodore,shewandered,slowlyturningStreetafterstreetasHeinrichwisheditso。
Hehadsomeaim,shehadforgottenwhat。
Theirprogresswasconfusedandveryslow,Butatthelasttheyreachedalonelyspot,AgardenfarabovethehighestshotOfsoaringsteeple。Attheirfeet,thetownSpreadopenlikeachequer-boardlaiddown。
Lottawasdimlyconsciousoftherest,VaguelyrememberedhowheclaspedthechainAboutherneck。Shetreateditinjest,Andsawhisfacecloudoverwithsharppain。
ThensuddenlyshefeltasthoughastrainWereputuponher,collaredlikeaslave,Leashedinthemeshesofthisthinghegave。
SheseizedtheflimsyringswithbothherhandsTosnapit,buttheyheldwithoddpersistence。
Hereyeswereblindedbytwowind-blownstrandsOfhairwhichhadbeenloosened。HerresistanceMeltedwithinher,fromremotestdistance,Misty,unreal,hisfacegrewwarmandnear,Andgivingwaysheknewhimverydear。
Forlongheheldher,andtheybothgazeddownAtthewidecity,anditsblue,bridgedriver。
Fromwooinghejestedwithher,snippedtheblownStrandsofherhair,andtiedthemwithasliverCutfromhisownhead。ButshegaveashiverWhen,openingthelocket,theywereplacedUndertheglass,commingledandenlaced。
"Whenwillyouhaveitsowithus?"Hesighed。
Sheshookherhead。Hepressedherfurther。"No,No,Heinrich,Theodorelovesme,"andshetriedTofreeherselfandrise。Heheldherso,Clippedbyhisarms,shecouldnotmovenorgo。
"Butyouloveme,"hewhispered,withhisfaceBurningagainstherthroughherkerchief’slace。
FrauAltgeltknewshetoyedwithfire,knewThatwhatherhusbandlitthisothermanFannedtohotflame。ShetoldherselfthatfewWomenweresodiscreetasshe,whoranNodangersincesheknewwhatthingstoban。
Sheopenedherhousedooratfiveo’clock,Ashorthalf-hourbeforeherhusband’sknock。
PartThirdThe`Residenz-Theater’sparkedandhummedWithlightsandpeople。Gebnitzwastosing,Thatraresoprano。AllthefiddlesstrummedWithtuningup;thewood-windsmadearingOfreedybubblingnoises,andthestingOfsharp,redbrasspiercedeveryear-drum;pattingFrommuffledtympanimadeadarkslattingAcrossthesilvershimmeringofflutes;
Abassoongrunted,andanoboewailed;
The’cellipizzicato-edlikegreatlutes,AndmutteringsofdoublebassestrailedAwaytosilence,whileloudharp-stringshailedTheirthin,brightcoloursdowninsuchascatterTheylostthemselvesamidthegeneralclatter。
FrauAltgeltinthegallery,alone,Feltliftedupintoanotherworld。
BeforehereyesathousandcandlesshoneInthegreatchandeliers。AmazeofcurledAndpowderedperiwigspasthereyesswirled。
Shesmeltthesmokeofcandlesguttering,AndcaughttheglintofjewelledfansflutteringAllroundherintheboxes。Redandgold,Thehouse,likerubiessetinfiligree,Fillipedthecandlelightabout,andboldYoungsparkswitheye-glasses,unblushinglyOgledfairbeautiesinthebalcony。
Anofficerwentby,hissteelspursjangling。
BehindCharlottaanoldmanwaswranglingAboutaplay-billhehadboughtandlost。
Threedrunkensoldiershadtobeejected。
FrauAltgelt’seyesstaredatthevacantpostOfConcert-Meister,sheatoncedetectedThestirwhichbroughthim。ButshefeltneglectedWhenwithnoglanceabouthimorherway,Helifteduphisviolintoplay。
Thecurtainwentup?Perhaps。Ifso,Charlottaneversawitgo。
ThefamousFraeuleinGebnitz’singingOnlycametoherliketheringingOfbellsatafestaWhichswingintheairAndnobodyrealizestheyarethere。
Theyjingleandjangle,Andclang,andbang,Andneverasoulcouldtellwhethertheyrang,FortheploppingofgunsandrocketsAndthechinkingofsilvertospend,inone’spockets,Andtheshufflingandclappingoffeet,AndtheloudflappingOfflags,withthedrums,Asthemilitarycomes。
It’safamoustunetowalkto,AndIwonderwherethey’reoffto。
Step-step-steppingtothebeatingofthedrums。
ButtherhythmchangesasthoughamistWerecurlingandtwistingOverthelandscape。
Foramomentarhythmless,tunelessfogEncompassesher。ThenhersensesjogTothebreathofastatelyminuet。
HerrAltgelt’sviolinissetIntunetotheslow,sweepingbows,andretreatsandadvances,TocurtsiesbrushingthewaxenfloorastheCourtdances。
LongandpeacefullikewarmSummernightsWhenstarsshineinthequietriver。AndagainstthelightsBlunderinginsectsknock,Andthe`Rathaus’clockBoomstwice,throughtheshrillsoundsOfflutesandhornsinthelamplitgrounds。
PressedagainsthiminthemazywaveringOfacountrydance,withhershortbreathquaveringSheleansuponthebeating,throbbingMusic。Laughing,sobbing,Feetglidingafterslidingfeet;
His——hers——
Theballroomblurs——
ShefeelstheairLiftingherhair,Andthelappingofwateronthestonestair。
Heisthere!Heisthere!
Twangharps,andsqueal,youthinviolins,Thatthedancersmaydance,andneverdiscoverTheoldstonestairleadingdowntotheriverWiththechestnut-treebrancheshangingoverHerandherlover。
Theodore,stillherlover!
Theeveningpassedlikethis,inahalffaint,DeliriumwithwakingintervalsWhichweretheentr’acts。UndertherestraintOfalargecompany,theconstantcallsFororangesorsyropsfromthestallsOutside,thetalk,thepassingtoandfro,Lottasatillatease,incognito。
SheheardtheGebnitzpraised,thetenorlauded,Themusicvauntedasmostexcellent。
Thesceneryandthecostumeswereapplauded,ThelatteritwaswhisperedhadbeensentFromItaly。TheHerrDirektorspentAfortuneonthem,sothegossipssaid。
Charlottafeltalightnessinherhead。
Whenthenextactbegan,hereyeswereswimming,Herproddedearswereachingandconfused。
ThefirstnotesfromtheorchestrasentskimmingHeroutwardconsciousness。HerbrainwasfusedIntothemusic,Theodore’smusic!UsedTohearhimplay,shecaughthissingletone。
Forallshenoticedtheytwowerealone。
PartFourthFrauAltgeltwaitedinthechillystreet,HustledbylackeyswhoranupanddownShoutingtheircoachmen’snames;forcedtoretreatApaceortwobylurchingchairmen;thrownRudelyasidebylinkboys;boldlyshownTheoglingraptureintwoblearyeyesThrustclosetohersinmostunpleasantwise。
Escapingthese,shehitaliveriedarm,WasswornatbythisglitteringgentlemanAndorderedoff。However,nogreatharmCametoher。ButshelookedatriflewanWhenTheodore,herbelatedguardian,Emerged。Shesnuggledupagainsthim,trembling,Halfoutoffear,halfoutoftheassemblingOfallthethoughtsandneedshisplayinghadgiven。
Hadsheenjoyedherself,hewishedtoknow。
"Oh!Theodore,can’tyoufeelthatitwasHeaven!"
"Heaven!MyLottachen,andwasitso?
Gebnitzwasingoodvoice,butalltheflowOfherlastariawasspoiledbyKlops,Awretchedflutist,shewasmadashops。"
Hewassosimple,somatter-of-fact,CharlottaAltgeltknewnotwhattosayTobringhimtoherdream。HislackoftactKepthimexplainingallthehomewardwayHowthisthinghadgonewell,thatbadly。"Stay,Theodore!"shecriedatlast。"YouknowtomeNothingwasreal,itwasanecstasy。"
AndhewasheartilygladshehadenjoyedHerselfsomuch,andsaidso。"Butit’sgoodTobegothomeagain。"HewasemployedInlookingathisviolin,thewoodWasold,andeveningairdiditnogood。
ButwhenhedrewuptothetableforteaSomethingabouthiswife’svivacityStruckhimashectic,worriedhiminshort。
Hetalkedofthisandthatbutwatchedherclose。
Teaover,heendeavouredtoextortThecauseofherexcitement。ShearoseAndstoodbesidehim,tryingtocomposeHerself,allwhipttoquivering,curdledlife,Andhe,poorfool,misunderstoodhiswife。
Suddenly,brokenthroughheranxiousgrasp,Hermusic-kindledlovecrashedonhimthere。
Amazed,hefeltherflingagainsthim,claspHerarmsabouthim,weighingdownhischair,Sobbingoutallherhoursofdespair。
"Theodore,awomanneedstohearthingsproved。
Unlessyoutellme,IfeelI’mnotloved。"
Theodorewentunderinthistearingwave,Heyieldedtoit,anditsheadlongflowFilledhimwithalltheenergyshegave。
Hewasayouthagain,andthisbrightglow,Thisliving,vividjoyhehadtoshowHerwhatshewastohim。Laughingandcrying,Sheaskedassurancesthere’snodenying。
Overandoveragainherquestions,tillHequiteconvincedher,everynowandthenShekissedhim,shiveringasthoughdoubtingstill。
ButlaterwhentheywerecomposedandwhenShedaredrelaxherprobings,"Lottachen,"
Heasked,"howisityourlovehaswithstoodMyinadvertence?Iwasmadeofwood。"
Shetoldhim,andnodoubtshemeantittruly,Thathewassun,andgrass,andwind,andskyToher。AndevenifconsciencewereunrulyShesalveditbyneatsophistries,butwhySupposeherinsincere,itwasnolieShesaid,forHeinrichwasasmuchforgotAsthoughhe’dneverbeenwithinearshot。
ButTheodore’shandsinstrayingandcaressingFumbledagainstthelocketwhereitlayUponherneck。"WhatisthisthingI’mpressing?"
Heasked。"Let’sbringittothelightofday。"
Heliftedupthelocket。"ItshouldstayOutside,myDear。Yourmotherhasgoodtaste。
Tokeepithiddensurelyisawaste。"
PityagainCharlotta,straightarousedOutofherhappiness。ThelocketbroughtAchillyjetoftruthuponher,sousedUnderitsicyspurtingshewascaught,Andchoked,andfrozen。SuddenlyshesoughtTheclasp,butwithsuchartwasthiscontrivedHerfumblingfingersneveroncearrivedUponit。Feeling,twisting,roundandround,Shepulledthechainquitethroughthelocket’sringAndstillitheld。Herneck,encompassed,bound,Chafedattheslidingmeshes。SuchathingTohurlheroutofjoy!AgildedstringBindingherfollytoher,andthosecurlsWhichlayentwinedbeneaththeclusteredpearls!
Againshetriedtobreakthecord。Itstood。
"Unclaspit,Theodore,"shebegged。ButheRefused,andbeinginahappymood,Twittedherwithherinefficiency,Thenlookingatherveryseriously:
"Ithink,Charlotta,itiswelltohaveAlwaysaboutonewhatamothergave。
AsshehastakenthegreatpainstosendThisjeweltoyoufromDresden,itwillbeIngratitudeifyoudonotintendTocarryitaboutyouconstantly。
Withherfinetasteyoucannotdisagree,Thelocketismostbeautifullydesigned。"
Heopeneditandtherethecurlswere,twined。
Charlotta’sheartdroppedbeatslikeknitting-stitches。
Sheburnedamoment,flaming;thenshefroze。
Herfacewasjerkedbylittle,nervoustwitches,Sheheardherhusbandasking:"Whatarethose?"
Putoutherhandquicklytointerpose,Butstopped,thegesturehalf-complete,astoundedAtthecalmwaythequestionwaspropounded。
"Aprettyfancy,Dear,Idodeclare。
IndeedIwillnotletyouputitoff。
Alovelythought:yoursandyourmother’shair!"
Charlottahidagaspunderacough。
"NeverwithmyconnivanceshallyoudoffThischarminggift。"Hekissedheronthecheek,AndLottasufferedhim,quitecrushedandmeek。
Whenlaterintheirroomshelayawake,Watchingthemoonlightslipalongthefloor,ShefeltthechainandweptforTheodore’ssake。
ShehadlovedHeinrichalso,andthecoreOftruth,unlovely,startledher。WhereforeShevowedfromnowtobreakthisdoublelifeAndseeherselfonlyasTheodore’swife。
PartFifthItwasnoeasymattertoconvinceHeinrichthatitwasfinished。HardtosayThatthoughtheycouldnotmeet(hesawherwince)
ShestillmustkeepthelockettoallaySuspicioninherhusband。ShewouldpayHimfromhersavingsbitbybit——theoathHesworeatthatwasstartlingtothemboth。
Herresolutiontaken,FrauAltgeltAdheredtoit,andsufferednoregret。