ShefoundherhusbandallthatshehadfeltHismusictocontain。HerdaysweresetInhisasthoughshewereanamuletCasedinbrightgold。Shejoyedinherconfining;
Hereyesputoutherlooking-glasswithshining。
Charlottawassogaythatold，dulltasksWerefurbisheduptoseemlikerituals。
ShebakedandbrewedasonewhoonlyasksTherighttoserve。HerdailymanualsOfprayerwereduties，andherfestivalsWhenTheodorepraisedsomedish，orfranklysaidShehadaknackinmakingupabed。
SoAutumnwent，andallthemountainsroundThecityglitteredwhitewithfallensnow，ForitwasWinter。OverthehardgroundHerrAltgelt’sfootstepscame，eachoneablow。
OnthesweptflagsbehindthecurrantrowCharlottastoodtogreethim。ButhislipOnlyflickedhers。HisConcert-MeistershipWasfirstagain。ThiseveninghehadgotImportantnews。TheoperaorderedfromYoungMozartwasarrived。Thatolddespot，TheBishopofSalzburg，hadlethimcomeHimselftoleadit，andtheparts，stillhotFromcopying，hadbeentriedover。NeverHadanymusicstartedsuchafever。
Theorchestrahadcheeredtilltheywerehoarse，Thesingersclappedandclapped。Thetownwasmade，WithsuchagreatattractionthroughthecourseOfCarnivaltime。InwhatuttershadeAllothercitieswouldbeleft！ThetradeInmusicwouldalldriftherenaturally。
Inhisexcitementheforgothistea。
LottawasforcedtotakehiscupandputItinhishand。Butstillherattledon，Sippingatintervals。ThenewcatgutStringshewasusinggaveoutsuchatoneThe"Maestro"hadremarkedit，andhadgoneOutofhiswaytopraisehim。Lottasmiled，Hewasashappyasalittlechild。
Fromthatdayon，HerrAltgelt，moreandmore，Absorbedhimselfinwork。LottaatfirstWaspatientandwell-wishing。ButitworeUponherwhentwoweekshadbroughtnoburstOflovingfromhim。Thenshefearedtheworst;
ThathisshortinterestinherwasalightFlaredupaninstantonlyinthenight。
`Idomeneo’wastheopera’sname，AnamethatpoorCharlottalearnttohate。
HerrAltgeltworkedsohardheseldomcameHomeforhistea，anditwasverylate，Pastmidnightsometimes，whenheknocked。HisstateWaslikeaflabbyorangewhosecrushedskinIsthinwithpulling，andalldentedin。
HepractisedeverymorningandherheartFollowedhisbow。Butoftenshewouldsit，Whilehewasplaying，quitewithdrawnapart，Absentlyfingeringandtouchingit，Thelocket，whichnowseemedtoherabitOfsomegoneyouth。Hismusicdrewhertears，Andthroughthenotesheplayed，herdreadingearsHeardHeinrich’svoice，sayinghehadnotchanged;
BeermerchantshadnoecstasiestotakeTheirmindsofflove。SofarherthoughtshadrangedAwayfromhersternvow，shechancedtotakeHerway，onemorning，quitebyamistake，AlongthestreetwhereHeinrichhadhisshop。
Whatharmtopassitsincesheshouldnotstop！
ItmattersnothinghowonedayshemetHimonabridge，andblushed，andhurriedby。
NorhowthefollowingweekhestoodtoletHerpass，thepavementnarrowingsuddenly。
Howoncehetookherbasket，andoncehePulledbackarearinghorsewhomighthavestruckHerwithhishoofs。ItseemedtheoddestluckHowmanytimestheirbusinesstookthemeachRighttotheother。Thenatlasthespoke，Butshewouldonlynod，hegotnospeechFromher。Nexttimehetreateditinjoke，AndthatsolightlythathervowshebrokeAndanswered。SotheydriftedintoseeingEachotherasbefore。Therewasnofleeing。
ChristmaswasoverandtheCarnivalWasverynear，andtrippingfromeachtongueWastalkofthenewopera。Eachbook-stallFlaunteditoutinbills，whatairsweresung，Whatsingershired。Picturesoftheyoung"Maestro"wereforsale。Thetownwasmad。
OnlyCharlottafeltdepressedandsad。
Eachdaynowbroughtastruggle’twixtherwillAndHeinrich’s。’TwixtherloveforTheodoreAndhim。SometimesshewishedtokillHerselftosolveherproblem。ForascoreOfreasonsHeinrichtemptedher。HeboreHermoodswithpatience，andsosurelyurgedHimselfuponher，shewasslowlymergedIntohiswayofthinking，andtoflyWithhimseemedeasy。ButnextmorningwouldTheStradivariusundohermood。
ThenshewouldrealizethatshemustcleaveAlwaystoTheodore。AndshewouldtryToconvinceHeinrichsheshouldneverleave，Andafterwardsshewouldgohomeandgrieve。
AllthoughtinMunichcenteredonthepartOfJanuarywhentherewouldbegiven`Idomeneo’byWolfgangMozart。
Thetwenty-ninthwasfixed。Andallseats，evenThosealmostattheceiling，whichweredrivenBehindthehighestgallery，weresold。
Theinchesofthetheatrewentforgold。
HerrAltgeltwasashadowwornsothinWithwork，hehardlyprintedblackbehindThecandle。HeandhisoldviolinMadeuponeperson。Hewasnotunkind，Butdazedoutsidehisplaying，andtherind，Thepineandmapleofhisfiddle，guardedApartofhimwhichhehadquitediscarded。
Itwokeinthesilenceoffrost-brightnights，Inlittlelights，Likewill-o’-the-wispsflickering，fluttering，Here——there——
Spurting，sputtering，Fadingandlighting，Together，asunder——
TillLottasatupinbedwithwonder，AndthefaintgreypatchofthewindowshoneUponhersittingthere，alone。
ForTheodoreslept。
Thetwenty-eighthwaslastrehearsalday，’Twascalledfornoon，soearlymorningmeantHerrAltgelt’sonlytimeinwhichtoplayHispartalone。Drawnlikeamonkwho’sspentHimselfinprayerandfasting，TheodorewentIntothekitchen，withawearywordOfcheertoLotta，carelessifsheheard。
Lottaheardmorethanhisspokenword。
Sheheardthevibratingofstringsandwood。
Shewaswashingthedishes，herhandsallsuds，Whenthesoundbegan，LongasthespanOfawhiteroadsnakingaboutahill。
TheorchardsarefilledWithcherryblossomsatbutterflypoise。
Hawthornbudsarecracking，AndinthedistanceashepherdisclackingHisshears，snip-snippingthewoolfromhissheep。
Thenotesareasleep，LyingadriftontheairInlevellinesLikesunlighthanginginpinesandpines，Strungandthreaded，AllimbeddedIntheblue-greenofthehazypines。
Lines——long，straightlines！
Andstems，Long，straightstemsPushingupTothecupofblue，bluesky。
StemsgrowingmistyWiththemanyofthem，Red-greenmistOfthetrees，AndtheseWood-flavourednotes。
Thebackismapleandthebellyispine。
TherichnotestwineAsthoughweavinginandoutofleaves，BroadleavesFlappingslowlylikeelephants’ears，Wavingandfalling。
AnothersoundpeersThroughlittlepinefingers，Andlingers，peeping。
Ping！Ping！pizzicato，somethingischeeping。
Thereisatwitteringupinthebranches，Achirpandalilt，Andcrimsonatiltonaswayingtwig。
Wings！Wings！
Andalittleruffled-outthroatwhichsings。
Theforestbends，tumultuousWithsong。
Thewoodpeckerknocks，Andthesong-sparrowtrills，Everyfir，andcedar，andyewHasanestorabird，ItisquiteabsurdTohearthemcuttingacrosseachother：
Peewits，andthrushes，andlarks，allatonce，AndaloudcuckooistryingtosmotherAwood-pigeonperchedonabirch，"Roo——coo——oo——oo——"
"Cuckoo！Cuckoo！That’soneforyou！"
Ablackbirdwhistles，howsharp，howshrill！
AndthegreattreestossAndleavesblowdown，Youcanalmosthearthemsplashontheground。
Thewhistleagain：
Itisdoubleandloud！
Theleavesaresplashing，AndwaterisdashingOverthosecreepers，fortheyareshrouds;
Andmenarerunningupthemtofurlthesails，Forthereisacapfulofwindto-day，Andwearealreadywellunderway。
Thedeckisaslantinthebubblingbreeze。
"Theodore，please。
Oh，Dear，howyoutease！"
Andtheboatswain’swhistlesoundsagain，Andthemenpullonthesheets：
"MynameisHangingJohnny，Away-i-oh;
TheycallmeHangingJohnny，Sohang，boys，hang。"
Thetreesoftheforestaremasts，tallmasts;
TheyareswingingoverHerandherlover。
AlmostswooningUndertheballooningcanvas，SheliesLookingupinhiseyesAshebendsfartherover。
Theodore，stillherlover！
ThesudsweredrieduponCharlotta’shands，Sheleantagainstthetableforsupport，Whollyforgotten。Theodore’seyeswerebrandsBurninguponhismusic。Hestoppedshort。
CharlottaalmostheardthesoundofbandsSnapping。Sheputonehanduptoherheart，Herfingerstouchedthelocketwithastart。
HerrAltgeltputhisviolinawayListlessly。"Lotta，Imusthavesomerest。
Thestrainwillbeahideousoneto-day。
Don’tspeaktomeatall。ItwillbebestIfIamquiettillIgo。"AndlestShedisobey，helefther。OnthestairsSheheardhismountingsteps。Whatusewereprayers！
Hecouldnothear，hewasnotthere，forsheWasmarriedtoamummy，amachine。
Herhandclosedonthelocketbitterly。
Beforeher，onachair，laytheshagreenCaseofhisviolin。ShesawthecleanSunflashtheopenclasp。Thelocket’sedgeCutatherfingerslikeapushingwedge。
Aheavycartwentby，adistantbellChimedten，thefireflickeredinthegrate。
Shewasalone。HerthroatbegantoswellWithsobs。Whatkeptherhere，whyshouldshewait？
TheviolinshehadbeguntohateLayinitscasebeforeher。HeresheflungThecoveropen。WiththefiddleswungOverherhead，thehangingclock’sloudtickingCaughtonherear。’Twasslow，andasshepausedThelittledoorinitcameopen，flickingAwoodencuckooout："Cuckoo！"ItcausedTheforestdreamtocomeagain。"Cuckoo！"
Smashedonthegrate，theviolinbrokeintwo。
"Cuckoo！Cuckoo！"theclockkeptstrikingon;
Butnoonelistened。FrauAltgelthadgone。
TheCross-RoadsAbulletthroughhisheartatdawn。Onthetablealettersignedwithawoman’sname。Awindthatgoeshowlingroundthehouse，andweepingasinshame。ColdNovemberdawnpeepingthroughthewindows，colddawncreepingoverthefloor，creepinguphiscoldlegs，creepingoverhiscoldbody，creepingacrosshiscoldface。
Aglazeofthinyellowsunlightonthestaringeyes。Windhowlingthroughbentbranches。Awindwhichneverdiesdown。Howling，wailing。
Thegazingeyesglitterinthesunlight。Thelidsarefrozenopenandtheeyesglitter。
Thethuddingofapickonhardearth。Aspadegrindingandcrunching。
Overhead，brancheswrithing，winding，interlacing，unwinding，scattering;
torturedtwinings，tossings，creakings。Windflingingbranchesapart，drawingthemtogether，whisperingandwhiningamongthem。Awaning，lobsidedmooncuttingthroughblackclouds。Astreamofpebblesandearthandtheemptyspadegleamsclearinthemoonlight，thenisrammedagainintotheblackearth。Trampingoffeet。Menandhorses。
Squeakingofwheels。
"Whoa！Ready，Jim？"
"Allready。"
Somethingfalls，settles，isstill。Suicideshavenocoffin。
"Giveusthestake，Jim。Now。"
Pound！Pound！
"He’llneverwalk。Nailedtotheground。"
Anashstickpierceshisheart，ifitbudstherootswillholdhim。
Heisapartoftheearthnow，claytoclay。Overheadthebranchessway，andwrithe，andtwistinthewind。He’llneverwalkwithabulletinhisheart，andanashsticknailinghimtothecold，blackground。
Sixmonthshelaystill。Sixmonths。Andthewaterwelledupinhisbody，andsoftbluespotschequeredit。Helaystill，fortheashstickheldhiminplace。Sixmonths！Thenherfacecameoutofamistofgreen。
PinkandwhiteandfraillikeDresdenchina，lilies-of-the-valleyatherbreast，puce-colouredsilksheeningabouther。Undertheyounggreenleaves，thehorseatafoot-pace，thehighyellowwheelsofthechaisescarcelyturning，herface，ripplinglikegraina-blowing，underherpuce-colouredbonnet;andburningbesideher，flamingwithinhiscorrectbluecoatandbrassbuttons，issomeone。Whathasdimmedthesun？
Thehorsestepsonarollingstone;awindinthebranchesmakesamoan。
Thelittleleavestrembleandshake，turnandquake，overandover，tearingtheirstems。Thereisashowerofyoungleaves，andasudden-sprunggalewailsinthetrees。
Theyellow-wheeledchaiseisrocking——rocking，andallthebranchesareknocking——knocking。Thesunintheskyisaflat，redplate，thebranchescreakandgrate。Shescreamsandcowers，forthegreenfoliageisaloweringwavesurgingtosmotherher。Butsheseesnothing。
Thestakeholdsfirm。Thebodywrithes，thebodysquirms。
Thebluespotswiden，thefleshtears，butthestakewearswellinthedeep，blackground。Itholdsthebodyinthestill，blackground。
Twoyears！Thebodyhasbeeninthegroundtwoyears。Itiswornaway;
itisclaytoclay。Wheretheheartmoulders，agreenishdust，thestakeisthrust。LateAugustitis，andnight;anightflauntinglyjewelledwithstars，anightofshootingstarsandloudinsectnoises。
DowntheroadtoTilbury，silence——andtheslowflappingoflargeleaves。
DowntheroadtoSutton，silence——andthedarknessofheavy-foliagedtrees。
DowntheroadtoWayfleet，silence——andthewhirringscrapeofinsectsinthebranches。DowntheroadtoEdgarstown，silence——andstarslikestepping-stonesinapathwayoverhead。Itisveryquietatthecross-roads，andthesign-boardpointsthewaydownthefourroads，endlesslypointsthewaywherenobodywishestogo。
Ahorseisgalloping，gallopingupfromSutton。Shakingthewide，stillleavesashegoesunderthem。Strikingsparkswithhisironshoes;
silencingthekatydids。Dr。Morganridingtoachild-birthoverTilburyway;
ridingtodeliverawomanofherfirst-bornson。Oneo’clockfromWayfleetbelltower，whatashowerofshootingstars！Andabreezeallofasudden，jarringthebigleavesandmakingthemjerkupanddown。
Dr。Morgan’shatisblownfromhishead，thehorseswerves，andcurvesawayfromthesign-post。Anoath——spurs——ablurringofgreymist。
Aquicklefttwist，andthegeldingissnortingandracingdowntheTilburyroadwiththewinddroppingawaybehindhim。
Thestakehaswrenched，thestakehasstarted，thebody，fleshfromflesh，hasparted。Butthebonesholdtight，socketandball，andclampingthemdowninthehard，blackgroundisthestake，wedgedthroughribsandspine。
Thebonesmaytwist，andheave，andtwine，butthestakeholdsthemstillinline。Thebreezegoesdown，andtheroundstarsshine，forthestakeholdsthefleshlessbonesinline。
Twentyyearsnow！Twentylongyears！Thebodyhaspowdereditselfaway;
itisclaytoclay。Itisbrownearthmingledwithbrownearth。Onlyflakybonesremain，laintogethersolongtheyfit，althoughnotoneboneisknittoanother。Thestakeistheretoo，rottedthrough，butuprightstill，andstillpiercingdownbetweenribsandspineinastraightline。
Yellowstillnessisonthecross-roads，yellowstillnessisonthetrees。
Theleaveshangdrooping，wan。Thefourroadspointfouryellowways，saffronandgambogeribbonstothegaze。AlittleswirlofdustblowsupTilburyroad，thewindwhichfansithasnotstrengthtodomore;
itceases，andthedustsettlesdown。AlittlewhirlofwindcomesupTilburyroad。Itbringsasoundofwheelsandfeet。
Thewindreelsamomentandfaintstonothingunderthesign-post。
Windagain，wheelsandfeetlouder。Windagain——again——again。
Adropofrain，flatintothedust。Drop！——Drop！Thickheavyraindrops，andashriekingwindbendingthegreattreesandwrenchingofftheirleaves。
Undertheblacksky，bowedanddrippingwithrain，upTilburyroad，comestheprocession。Afuneralprocession，boundforthegraveyardatWayfleet。Feetandwheels——feetandwheels。Andamongthemonewhoiscarried。
Thebonesinthedeep，stillearthshiverandpull。Thereisaquiverthroughtherottedstake。Thenstakeandbonesfalltogetherinalittlepuffingofdust。
Likemeshesoflinkedsteeltherainshutsdownbehindtheprocession，nowwellalongtheWayfleetroad。
Hewaverslikesmokeinthebuffetingwind。Hisfingersblowoutlikesmoke，hisheadripplesinthegale。Underthesign-post，inthepouringrain，hestands，andwatchesanotherquaveringfiguredriftingdowntheWayfleetroad。Thenswiftlyhestreamsafterit。Itflickersamongthetrees。Helicksoutandwindsaboutthem。Over，under，blown，contorted。Spindriftafterspindrift;smokefollowingsmoke。
Thereisawailingthroughthetrees，awailingoffear，andafteritlaughter——laughter——laughter，skirlinguptotheblacksky。
Lightningjagsoverthefuneralprocession。Aheavyclapofthunder。
Thendarknessandrain，andthesoundoffeetandwheels。
ARoxburyGardenI
HoopsBlueandpinksashes，Criss-crossshoes，MinnaandStellarunoutintothegardenToplayathoop。
Upanddownthegarden-pathstheyrace，Intheyellowsunshine，EachwithabigroundhoopWhiteasastrippedwillow-wand。
Roundandroundturnthehoops，Theirdiamondwhitenesscleavingtheyellowsunshine。
Thegravelcrunchesandsqueaksbeneaththem，AndalargepebblespringsthemintotheairTogowhirlingforafootortwoBeforetheytouchtheearthagainInaseriesoflittlejumps。
Spring，Hoops！
Spitoutashowerofblueandwhitebrightness。
Thelittlecriss-crossshoestwinklebehindyou，Thepinkandbluesashesflutterlikeflags，Thehoop-sticksarereadytobeatyou。
Turn，turn，Hoops！Intheyellowsunshine。
TurnyourstrippedwillowwhitenessAlongthesmoothpaths。
Stellasings：
"Roundandround，rollsmyhoop，Scarcelytouchingtheground，Withaswoop，Andabound，Roundandround。
Withabumpety，crunching，scatteringsound，Downthegardenitflies;
InoureyesThesunlies。
SeeitspinOutandin;
Throughthepathsitgoeswhirling，Aboutthebedscurling。
Swaynowtotheloop，Faster，faster，myhoop。
Roundyoucome，Upyoucome，Quickandstraightasbefore。
Run，run，myhoop，run，Awayfromthesun。"
Andthegreathoopboundsalongthepath，Leapingintothewind-brightair。
Minnasings：
"Turn，hoop，Burnhoop，TwistandtwineHoopofmine。
Flashalong，Leapalong，Rightatthesun。
Run，hoop，run。
Fasterandfaster，Whirl，twirl。
Wheellikefire，Andspinlikeglass;
Fire’snowhiterGlassisnobrighter。
Dance，Prance，Overandover，Aboutandabout，Withthetopofyouunder，Andthebottomattop，Butneverastop。
Turnabout，hoop，tothetapofmystick，IfollowbehindyouTotouchandremindyou。
Burnandglitter，sowhiteandquick，Roundandround，tothetapofastick。"
Thehoopfliesalongbetweentheflower-beds，Swayingtheflowerswiththewindofitspassing。
Besidethefoxglove-borderrollthehoops，AndthelittlepinkandwhitebellsshakeandjingleUpanddowntheirtallspires;
Theyrollunderthesnow-ballbush，Andthegroundbehindthemisstrewnwithwhitepetals;
Theyswirlroundacorner，AndjarabeeoutofaCanterburybell;
TheycasttheirshadowsforaninstantOverabedofpansies，Catchagainstthespursofacolumbine，Jostlethequietnessfromaclusterofmonk’s-hood。
Pat！Pat！behindthemcomethelittlecriss-crossshoes，Andtheblueandpinksashesstreamoutinflappingsofcolour。
Stellasings：
"Hoop，hoop，Rollalong，Fasterbowlalong，Hoop。
Slow，totheturning，Nowgo！——Go！
Quick！
Here’sthestick。
Rat-a-tap-tapit，Patit，flapit。
Flylikeabirdorayellow-backedbee，Seehowsoonyoucanreachthattree。
Hereisapaththatisperfectlystraight。
Rollalong，hoop，orweshallbelate。"
Minnasings：
"Tripabout，slipabout，whipaboutHoop。
Wheellikeatopatitsquickestspin，Then，dearhoop，weshallsurelywin。
FirsttothegreenhouseandthentothewallCircleandcircle，Andletthewindpushyou，Pokeyou，Brushyou，Andnotletyoufall。
Whirringyouroundlikeawreathofmist。
Hoopetyhoop，Twist，Twist。"
Tap！Tap！gothehoop-sticks，Andthehoopsbowlalongunderagrapearbour。
Foraninstanttheirwillowwhitenessisgreen，Palewhite-green。
Thentheyareoutinthesunshine，Leavingthehalf-formedgrapeclustersA-trembleundertheirbigleaves。
"Iwillbeatyou，Minna，"criesStella，Hittingherhoopsmartlywithherstick。
"Stella，Stella，wearewinning，"callsMinna，Asherhoopcurvesroundabedofclove-pinks。
Ahumming-birdwhizzespastStella’sear，Andtwoorthreeyellow-and-blackbutterfliesFlutter，startled，outofapillarrose。
RoundandroundracethelittlegirlsAftertheirgreatwhitehoops。
SuddenlyMinnastops。
Herhoopwaversaninstant，Butshecatchesituponherstick。
"Listen，Stella！"
Boththelittlegirlsarelistening;
Andthescentsofthegardenriseupquietlyaboutthem。
"It’sthechaise！It’sFather！
Perhapshe’sbroughtusabookfromBoston。"
Twinkle，twinkle，thelittlecriss-crossshoesUpthegardenpath。
Blue——pink——aninstant，againstthesyringahedge。
Butthehoops，whiteasstrippedwillow-wands，Lieinthegrass，AndthegrasshoppersjumpbackandforthOverthem。
II
BattledoreandShuttlecockTheshuttlecocksoarsupwardInaparabolaofwhiteness，Turns，Andsinkstoaperfectarc。
Plat！thebattledorestrikesit，Anditrisesagain，Withouthaste，Wingedandcurving，TracingitswhiteflightAgainsttheclippedhemlock-trees。
Plat！
Upagain，Orangeandsparklingwithsun，Roundingunderthebluesky，Dropping，Fadingtogrey-greenIntheshadowoftheconedhemlocks。
"Ninety-one。""Ninety-two。""Ninety-three。"
ThearmsofthelittlegirlsComeup——andup——
Precisely，Likemechanicaltoys。
Thebattledoresbeatatnothing，AndtossthedazzleofsnowOfftheirparchmentdrums。
"Ninety-four。"Plat！
"Ninety-five。"Plat！
BackandforthGoestheshuttlecock，Icicle-white，Leapingatthesharp-edgedclouds，Overturning，Falling，Down，Anddown，TincturedwithpinkFromtheupthrustingshineOfOrientalpoppies。
Thelittlegirlsswaytothecountingrhythm;
Leftfoot，Rightfoot。
Plat！Plat！
Yellowheattwinesroundthehandlesofthebattledores，Theparchmentcrackswithdryness;
ButtheshuttlecockSwingsslowlyintotheice-bluesky，HeavinguponthewarmairLikeafoam-bubbleonawave，Withfeathersslantedandsustaining。
Higher，Untiltheearthturnsbeneathit;
Poisedandswinging，Withallthegardenflowingbeneathit，Scarlet，andblue，andpurple，andwhite——
Blurredcolourreflectionsinrippledwater——
Changing——streaming——
ForthemomentthatStellatakestoliftherarm。
Thentheshuttlecockrelinquishes，Bows，Descends;
AndthesharpbluespearsoftheairThrustittoearth。
Againitmounts，Steppingupontherisingscentsofflowers，Buoyedupandunderbytheshiningheat。
Abovethefoxgloves，Abovetheguelder-roses，Abovethegreenhouseglitter，TilltheshaftsofcoolerairMeetit，Deflectit，Rejectit，Thendown，Down，Pastthegreenhouse，Pasttheguelder-rosebush，Pastthefoxgloves。
"Ninety-nine，"Stella’sbattledorespringstotheimpact。
Plunk！Likethesnapofatautstring。
"Oh！Minna！"
Theshuttlecockdropszigzagedly，Outoforbit，Hitsthepath，Androllsoverquitestill。
Deadwhitefeathers，Withaweightattheend。
III
GardenGamesThetallclockisstrikingtwelve;
Andthelittlegirlsstopinthehalltowatchit，Andthebigshipsrockinginahalf-circleAbovethedial。
Twelveo’clock！
DownthesidestepsGothelittlegirls，Undertheirbigroundstrawhats。
Minna’shasapinkribbon，Stella’sablue，Thatisthewaytheyknowwhichiswhich。
Twelveo’clock！
Anhouryetbeforedinner。
Motherisbusyinthestill-room，AndHannahismakinggingerbread。
Slowly，withlaggingsteps，Theyfollowthegarden-path，Crushingaleafofboxforitsacridsmell，Discussingwhattheyshalldo，Anddoingnothing。
"Stella，seethatgrasshopperClimbingupthebank！
Whatajump！
Almostaslongasmyarm。"
Run，children，run。
Forthegrasshopperisleapingaway，Inhalf-circlecurves，Shuttlecockcurves，Overthegrasses。
Handinhand，thelittlegirlscalltohim：
"Grandfather，grandfathergray，Givememolasses，orI’llthrowyouaway。"
Thegrasshopperleapsintothesunlight，Golden-green，Andisgone。
"Let’scatchabee。"
Roundwhirlthelittlegirls，Andupthegarden。
TwoheadsarethrustamongtheCanterburybells，Listening，AndfingersclaspandunclaspbehindbacksInastrainofsilence。
Whitebells，Bluebells，Hollowandreflexed。
Deeptunnelsofblueandwhitedimness，Coolwine-tunnelsforbees。
ThereisaflounderingandbuzzingoverMinna’shead。
"Benditdown，Stella。Quick！Quick！"
ThewidemouthofablossomIspressedtogetherinMinna’sfingers。
Thestemfliesup，jigglingitsflower-bells，AndMinnaholdsthedarkbluecupinherhand，WiththebeeImprisonedinit。
Whirr！Buzz！Bump！
Bump！Whiz！Bang！
BANG！！
Theblueflowertearsacrosslikepaper，Andagold-blackbeedartsawayinthesunshine。
"Ifwecouldfly，wecouldcatchhim。"
ThesunshineishotonStella’supturnedface，Asshestaresafterthebee。
"We’llfollowhiminadovechariot。
Comeon，Stella。"
Run，children，Alongtheredgravelpaths，Forabeeishardtocatch，Evenwithachariotofdoves。
Tall，still，andcowled，Standthemonk’s-hoods;
Tallerthantheheadsofthelittlegirls。
AblossomforMinna。
AblossomforStella。
Offcomesthecowl，Andthereisapurple-paintedchariot;
Offcomestheforwardpetal，Andtherearetwolittlegreendoves，Withgreentracestyingthemtothechariot。
"Nowwewillgetin，andflyrightuptotheclouds。
Fly，Doves，upinthesky，WithMinnaandme，Afterthebee。"
Uponepath，Downanother，Runthelittlegirls，Holdingtheirdovechariotsinfrontofthem;
Butthebeeishiddeninthetrumpetofahoneysuckle，Withhiswingsfoldedalonghisback。
Thedovechariotsarethrownaway，Andthelittlegirlswanderslowlythroughthegarden，Suckingthesalviatips，AndsqueezingthesnapdragonsTomakethemgape。
"I’msohot，Let’spickapansyAndseethelittlemaninhisbath，Andplaywe’rehe。"
Aroyalbath-tub，Hungwithpurplestuffsandyellow。
Thegreatpurple-yellowwingsRiseupbehindthelittleredandgreenman;
Thepurple-yellowwingsfanhim，Hedabbleshisfeetincoolgreen。
Offwiththegreensheath，Andtherearetwospindlylegs。
"Heigho！"sighsMinna。
"Heigho！"sighsStella。
Thereisnotaflutterofwind，Andthesunisdirectlyoverhead。
AlongtheedgeofthegardenWalkthelittlegirls。
Theirhats，roundandyellowlikecheeses，Aredanglingbytheribbons。
Thegrassisatumultofbuttercupsanddaisies;
ButtercupsanddaisiesstreamingawayUpthehill。
Thegardenispurple，andpink，andorange，andscarlet;
Thegardenishotwithcolours。
Butthemeadowisonlyyellow，andwhite，andgreen，Cool，andlong，andquiet。
ThelittlegirlspickbuttercupsAndholdthemundereachother’schins。
"You’reasgoldasGrandfather’ssnuff-box。
You’regoingtobeveryrich，Minna。"
"Oh-o-o！ThenI’llaskmyhusbandtogivemeapairofgarnetearringsJustlikeAuntNancy’s。
Iwonderifhewill。
Iknow。We’lltellfortunes。
That’swhatwe’lldo。"
Plumpdowninthemeadowgrass，StellaandMinna，Withtheirroundyellowhats，Likecheeses，Besidethem。
Drop，Drop，Daisypetals。
"OneIlove，TwoIlove，ThreeIloveIsay……"
Thegroundispepperedwithdaisypetals，Andthelittlegirlsnibblethegoldencentres，Andplayitiscake。
Abellrings。
Dinner-time;
Andafterdinnertherearelessons。
1777
I
TheTrumpet-VineArbourThethroatsofthelittleredtrumpet-flowersarewideopen，Andtheclangourofbrassbeatsagainstthehotsunlight。
Theybrayandblareattheburningsky。
Red！Red！Coarsenotesofred，Trumpetedatthebluesky。
Inlongstreaksofsound，moltenmetal，Thevinedeclaresitself。
Clang！——fromitsredandyellowtrumpets。
Clang！——fromitslong，nasaltrumpets，Splittingthesunlightintoribbons，tatteredandshotwithnoise。
Isitinthecoolarbour，inagreen-and-goldtwilight。
Itisverystill，forIcannothearthetrumpets，Ionlyknowthattheyareredandopen，Andthatthesunabovethearbourshakeswithheat。
Myquillisnewlymended，Andmakesfine-drawnlineswithitspoint。
Downthelong，whitepaperitmakeslittlelines，Justlines——up——down——criss-cross。
Myheartisstrainedoutatthepin-pointofmyquill;
Itisthinandwrithinglikethemarksofthepen。
Myhandmarchestoasqueakytune，Itmarchesdownthepapertoasquealingoffifes。
Mypenandthetrumpet-flowers，AndWashington’sarmiesawayoverthesmoke-treetotheSouthwest。
"YankeeDoodle，"myDarling！ItisyouagainsttheBritish，MarchinginyourraggedshoestobatterdownKingGeorge。
Whathaveyougotinyourhat？Notafeather，Iwager。
Justahay-straw，foritistheharvestyouarefightingfor。
Hayinyourhat，andthewhitesoftheireyesforatarget！
LikeBunkerHill，twoyearsago，whenIwatchedalldayfromthehouse-topThroughFather’sspy-glass。
Theredcity，andtheblue，brightwater，Andpuffsofsmokewhichyoumade。
Twentymilesaway，RoundbyCambridge，orovertheNeck，Butthesmokewaswhite——white！
To-daythetrumpet-flowersarered——red——
AndIcannotseeyoufighting，ButoldMr。DimondhasfledtoCanada，AndMyrasings"YankeeDoodle"athermilking。
Theredthroatsofthetrumpetsbrayandclanginthesunshine，Andthesmoke-treepuffsdunblossomsintotheblueair。
II
TheCityofFallingLeavesLeavesfall，Brownleaves，Yellowleavesstreakedwithbrown。
Theyfall，Flutter，Fallagain。
Thebrownleaves，Andthestreakedyellowleaves，LoosenontheirbranchesAnddriftslowlydownwards。
One，One，two，three，One，two，five。
AllVeniceisafallingofAutumnleaves——
Brown，Andyellowstreakedwithbrown。
"Thatsonnet，Abate，Beautiful，Iamquiteexhaustedbyit。
YourphrasesturnaboutmyheartAndstiflemetoswooning。
Openthewindow，Ibeg。
Lord！Whatastrummingoffiddlesandmandolins！
’Tisreallyashametostopindoors。
Callmymaid，orIwillmakeyoulacemeyourself。
Fie，howhotitis，notabreathofair！
Seehowstraighttheleavesarefalling。
Marianna，Iwillhavetheyellowsatincaughtupwithsilverfringe，Itpeepsoutdelightfullyfromunderamantle。
AmIwellpaintedto-day，`caroAbatemio’？
Youwillbeproudofmeatthe`Ridotto’，hey？
Proudofbeing`CavalierServente’tosuchalady？"
"Canyoudoubtit，`BellissimaContessa’？
Apinchmorerougeontherightcheek，AndVenusherselfshinesless……"
"Youboreme，Abate，IvowImustchangeyou！
Aletter，Achmet？
Runandlookoutofthewindow，Abate。
Iwillreadmyletterinpeace。"
ThelittleblackslavewiththeyellowsatinturbanGazesathismistresswithstrainedeyes。
HisyellowturbanandblackskinAregorgeous——barbaric。
TheyellowsatindresswithitssilverflashingsLiesonachairBesideablackmantleandablackmask。
Yellowandblack，Gorgeous——barbaric。
Theladyreadsherletter，AndtheleavesdriftslowlyPastthelongwindows。
"Howsillyyoulook，mydearAbate，Withthatgreatbrownleafinyourwig。
Pluckitoff，Ibegyou，OrIshalldieoflaughing。"
AyellowwallAflareinthesunlight，Chequeredwithshadows，Shadowsofvineleaves，Shadowsofmasks。
Maskscoming，printingthemselvesforaninstant，Thenpassingon，Moremasksalwaysreplacingthem。
MaskswithtricornsandrapiersstickingoutbehindPursuingmaskswithplumesandhighheels，Thesunlightshiningundertheirinsteps。
One，One，two，One，two，three，Thereisathrongingofshadowsonthehotwall，Filigreedatthetopwithmovingleaves。
Yellowsunlightandblackshadows，Yellowandblack，Gorgeous——barbaric。
Twomasksstandtogether，Andtheshadowofaleaffallsthroughthem，Markingthewallwheretheyarenot。
Fromhat-tiptoshoulder-tip，Fromelbowtosword-hilt，Theleaffalls。
Theshadowsmingle，Blurtogether，Slidealongthewallanddisappear。
Goldofmosaicsandcandles，Andnightblacknesslurkingintheceilingbeams。
SaintMark’sglitterswithflamesandreflections。
Acloakbrushesaside，AndtheyellowofsatinLicksoutoverthecolouredinlaysofthepavement。
UnderthegoldcrucifixesThereisameetingofhandsReachingfromblackmantles。
Sighingembraces，boldinvestigations，Hideinconfessionals，Shelteredbytheshufflingoffeet。
Gorgeous——barbaricInitsmailofjewelsandgold，SaintMark’slooksdownattheswarmofblackmasks;
Andoutsideinthepalacegardensbrownleavesfall，Flutter，Fall。
Brown，Andyellowstreakedwithbrown。
Blue-black，theskyoverVenice，Withaprickingofyellowstars。
Thereisnomoon，AndthewavespushdarklyagainsttheprowOfthegondola，ComingfromMalamoccoAndstreamingtowardVenice。
Itisblackunderthegondolahood，ButtheyellowofasatindressGlaresoutliketheeyeofawatchingtiger。
Yellowcompassedaboutwithdarkness，Yellowandblack，Gorgeous——barbaric。
Theboatmansings，ItisTassothathesings;
Theloversseekeachotherbeneaththeirmantles，Andthegondoladriftsoverthelagoon，aslanttothecomingdawn。
ButatMalamoccoinfront，InVenicebehind，Falltheleaves，Brown，Andyellowstreakedwithbrown。
Theyfall，Flutter，Fall。
BronzeTabletsTheFruitShopCross-ribbonedshoes;amuslingown，High-waisted，girdledwithbrightblue;
AstrawpokebonnetwhichhidthefrownShepluckeredherlittlebrowsintoAsshepickedherdaintypassagethroughThedustystreet。"Ah，Mademoiselle，Adirtypathway，weneedrain，Mypoorfruitssuffer，andtheshellOfthisnut’stoobigforitskernel，lainHereinthesunithasshrunkagain。
ThebakerdownatthecornersaysWeneedabattletoshaketheclouds;
ButIamamanofpeace，mywaysDon’tlooktothekillingofmenincrowds。
Poorfellowswithgunsandbayonetsforshrouds！
Pray，Mademoiselle，comeoutofthesun。
Letmedustoffthatwickerchair。It’scoolInhere，forthegreenleavesIhaverunInacurtainoverthedoor，makeapoolOfshade。Youseethepearsonthatstool——
Theshadowkeepsthemplumpandfair。"
Overthefruiterer’sdoor，theleavesHeldbackthesun，agreenishflareQuiveredandsparkedtheshop，thesheavesOfsunbeams，glancedfromthesignontheeaves，Shotfromthegoldenletters，brokeAndsplinteredtolittlescatteredlights。
JeanneTourmontenteredtheshop，herpokeBonnettilteditselftorights，AndherfacelookedoutlikethemoononnightsOfflickeringclouds。"MonsieurPopain，I
Wantgooseberries，anappleortwo，Orexcellentplums，butnotifthey’rehigh;
Haven’tyousomewhichastrongwindblew？
I’veonlyacoupleoffrancsforyou。"
MonsieurPopainshruggedandrubbedhishands。
Whatcouldhedo，thetimesweresad。
Acoupleoffrancsandsuchdemands！
Andaskingforfruitsalittlebad。
Wind-blownindeed！HeneverhadAnythingelsethantheverybest。
HepointedtobasketsofbluntedpearsWiththethinskintightlikeaburstingvest，Allyellow，andred，andbrown，insmears。
MonsieurPopain’svoicedenotedtears。
Hetookupapearwithtendercare，Andpresseditwithhishardenedthumb。
"Smellit，Mademoiselle，theperfumethereIslikelavender，andsweetthoughtscomeOnlyfromhavingadishathome。
Andthosegrapes！Theymeltinthemouthlikewine，Justaclickofthetongue，andtheybursttohoney。
They’reonlythismorningoffthevine，AndIpaidforthemdowninsilvermoney。
TheCorporal’swidowiswitness，herponyBroughttheminatsunriseto-day。
Thoseoranges——Gold！They’realmostred。
TheyseemlittlechipsjustbrokenawayFromthesunitself。OrperhapsinsteadYou’dlikeapomegranate，they’rerarelygay，Whenyousplitthemtheseedsarelikecrimsonspray。
Yes，they’rehigh，they’rehigh，andthoseTurkeyfigs，TheyallcomefromtheSouth，andNelson’sshipsMakeitalittlehardforourrigs。
TheymustbeforevergivingtheslipsTothecursedEnglish，andwhenmenclipsThroughpowdertobringthem，whydaintiesmountsAbitinprice。Thosealmondsnow，I’llstripoffthathusk，whenonediscountsAlifeortwoinaniggerrowWiththemanwhogrewthem，itdoesseemhowTheywouldcomedear;andthenthefightAtseaperhaps，ourboatshaveheelsAndmostlytheysailalongatnight，Butonceinawaythey’recaught;onefeelsIvory’snotbetternorfiner——whypeelsFromanalmondkernelareworthtwosous。
It’shardtosellthemnow，"hesighed。
"Pursesaretight，butIshallnotlose。
There’splentyofcheaperthingstochoose。"
HepickedsomecurrantsoutofawideEarthenbowl。"TheymakethetongueAlmostflyouttosuckthem，brideCurrantstheyare，theywereplantedlongAgoforsomenewMarquise，amongOthergreatbeauties，beforetheChateauWaslefttorot。NowtheGardener’swife，HethatmarchedofftohisdeathatMarengo，Sellsthemtome;shekeepsherlifeFromsnuffingout，withherpruningknife。
She’sapooroldthing，butshelearntthetradeWhenhermanwasyoung，andtheyoungMarquisCouldn’thaveenoughgarden。TheflowershemadeAllnew！Andthefruits！But’twassaidthatheWasnofriendtothepeople，andsotheylaidSomechargeagainsthim，acavalcadeOfcitizenstookhimaway;theymeantWell，butIthinktherewassomemistake。
Hejustpotteredroundinhisgarden，bentOngrowingthings;weweresoawakeInthosedaysfortheNewRepublic’ssake。
He’sgone，andthegardenisallthat’sleftNotinruin，butthecurrantsandapricots，Andpeaches，furredandsweet，withacleftFullofmorningdew，inthosegreen-glazedpots，Why，Mademoiselle，thereisneveraneftOrwormamongthem，andasfortheft，HowtheoldwomankeepsthemIcannotsay，Butthey’refinerthananygrownthisway。"
JeanneTourmontdrewbackthefiligreeringOfherstripedsilkpurse，tippeditupsidedownAndshookit，twocoinsfellwithadingOfstrikingsilver，beneathhergownOnerolled，theotherlay，athingSparkedwhiteandsharplyglistening，Inadropofsunlightbetweentwoshades。
Shejerkedthepurse，tookitsemptyendsAndcrumpledthemtowardthecentrebraids。
ThewholecollapsedtoamassofblendsOfcoloursandstripes。"MonsieurPopain，friendsWehavealwaysbeen。InthedaysbeforeTheGreatRevolutionmyauntwaskindWhenyouneededhelp。Youneednomore;
’Tiswenowwhomustbegatyourdoor，Andwillyourefuse？"ThelittlemanBustled，denied，hisheartwasgood，Buttimeswerehard。HewenttoapanAndpoureduponthecounterafloodOfpungentraspberries，tangedlikewood。
HetookamelonwithroughgreenrindAndrubbeditwellwithhisaprontip。
ThenhehuntedovertheshoptofindSomewalnutscrackingatthelip，AndaddedtotheseabarberryslipWhoseacrid，ovalberrieshungLikefringeandtrembled。HereachedaroundBasket，withhandles，fromwhereitswungAgainstthewall，laiditonthegroundAndfilledit，thenhesearchedandfoundThefrancsJeanneTourmonthadletfall。
"You’llreturnthebasket，Mademoiselle？"
Shesmiled，"ThenexttimethatIcall，Monsieur。Youknowthatverywell。"
’Twaslightlysaid，butmeanttotell。
MonsieurPopainbowed，somewhatabashed。
Shetookherbasketandsteppedout。
ThesunlightwassobrightitflashedHereyestoblindness，andtheroutOfthelittlestreetwasallabout。
Throughglareandnoiseshestumbled，dazed。
Theheavybasketwasacare。
SheheardashoutandalmostgrazedThepanelsofachaiseandpair。
Thepostboyyelled，andanamazedFacefromthecarriagewindowgazed。
Shejumpedbackjustintime，herheartBeatingwithfear。ThroughwhirlinglightThechaisedeparted，buthersmartWaskeenandbitter。InthewhiteDustofthestreetshesawabrightStreakofcolours，wetandgay，Redlikeblood。Crushedbutfair，Herfruitstainedthecobblesoftheway。
MonsieurPopainjoinedherthere。
"Tiens，Mademoiselle，c’estleGeneralBonaparte，partantpourlaGuerre！"
MalmaisonI
Howtheslatesoftheroofsparkleinthesun，overthere，overthere，beyondthehighwall！HowquietlytheSeinerunsinloopsandwindings，overthere，overthere，slidingthroughthegreencountryside！Likeshipsoftheline，statelywithcanvas，thetallcloudspassalongthesky，overtheglitteringroof，overthetrees，overtheloopedandcurvingriver。
Abreezequiversthroughthelinden-trees。RosesbloomatMalmaison。
Roses！Roses！Buttheroadisdusty。AlreadytheCitoyenneBeauharnaisweariesofherwalk。Herskinischalkedandpowderedwithdust，shesmellsdust，andbehindthewallareroses！Roseswithsmoothopenpetals，poisedaboveripplingleaves……Roses……
Theyhavetoldherso。TheCitoyenneBeauharnaisshrugshershouldersandmakesalittleface。Shemustmendherpaceifshewouldbebackintimefordinner。Rosesindeed！Theguillotinemorelikely。
ThetieredcloudsfloatoverMalmaison，andtheslateroofsparklesinthesun。
II
Gallop！Gallop！TheGeneralbrooksnodelay。Makeway，goodpeople，andscatteroutofhispath，you，andyourhens，andyourdogs，andyourchildren。TheGeneralisreturnedfromEgypt，andiscomeina`caleche’andfourtovisithisnewproperty。Throwopenthegates，you，PorterofMalmaison。Pulloffyourcap，myman，thisisyourmaster，thehusbandofMadame。Faster！Faster！Ajerkandajingleandtheyarearrived，heandshe。Madamehasredeyes。Fie！Itisforjoyatherhusband’sreturn。Learnyourplace，Porter。Agentlemanherefortwomonths？Fie！Fie，then！Sincewhenhaveyoutakentogossiping。
Madamemayhaveabrother，Isuppose。That——allgreen，andred，andglitter，withfleshasdarkasebony——thatisaslave;abloodthirsty，stabbing，slashingheathen，comefromthehotcountriestocureyourtongueofidlewhispering。
Afineafternoonitis，withtallbrightcloudssailingoverthetrees。
"Bonaparte，monami，thetreesaregoldenlikemystar，thestarIpinnedtoyourdestinywhenImarriedyou。Thegypsy，yourememberherprophecy！
Mydearfriend，nothere，theservantsarewatching;sendthemaway，andthatflashingsplendour，Roustan。Superb——Imperial，but……
Mydear，yourarmistrembling;Ifainttofeelittouchingme！No，no，Bonaparte，notthat——sparemethat——didwenotburythatlastnight！
Youhurtme，myfriend，youaresohotandstrong。Notlong，Dear，no，thankGod，notlong。"
Theloopedriverrunssaffron，forthesunissetting。Itisgettingdark。
Dark。Darker。Inthemoonlight，theslateroofshinespalelymilkilywhite。
TheroseshavefadedatMalmaison，nippedbythefrost。Whatneedforroses？
Smooth，openpetals——herarms。Fragrant，outcurvedpetals——herbreasts。
Heriseslikeasunaboveher，stoopingtotouchthepetals，pressthemwider。
Eagles。Bees。Whataretheytoopenroses！Alittleshiveringbreezerunsthroughthelinden-trees，andthetieredcloudsblowacrosstheskylikeshipsoftheline，statelywithcanvas。
III
ThegatesstandwideatMalmaison，standwideallday。Thegraveloftheavenueglintsunderthecontinualrollingofwheels。
Anofficergallopsupwithhissabreclicking;amamelukegallopsdownwithhischargerkicking。`Valetsdepied’runaboutinones，andtwos，andgroups，likeswirledblownleaves。Tramp！Tramp！Theguardischanging，andthegrenadiersoffdutyloungeoutofsight，rangingalongtheroadstowardParis。
Theslateroofsparklesinthesun，butitsparklesmilkily，vaguely，thegreatglass-housesputoutitsshining。Glass，stone，andonyxnowforthesun’smirror。MuchhascometopassatMalmaison。
Newrocksandfountains，blocksofcarvenmarble，flutedpillarsuprearingantiquetemples，vasesandurnsinunexpectedplaces，bridgesofstone，bridgesofwood，arboursandstatues，andafloodofflowerseverywhere，newflowers，rareflowers，parterreafterparterreofflowers。Indeed，therosesbloomatMalmaison。Itisyouth，youthuntrammeledandadvancing，trundlingacountryaheadofitasthoughitwereahoop。Laughter，andspurjanglingsintessellatedvestibules。Trippingofclockedandembroideredstockingsinlittlelow-heeledshoesoversmoothgrass-plots。
Indiamuslinsspangledwithsilverpatternsslidethroughtrees——
mingle——separate——whitedayfirefliesflashingmoon-brillianceintheshadeoffoliage。
"Thekangaroos！Ivow，Captain，Imustseethekangaroos。"
"Asyouplease，dearLady，butIrecommendtheshadylindenalleyandfeedingthecockatoos。"
"TheysaythatMadameBonaparte’sbreedofsheepisthebestinallFrance。"
"And，oh，haveyouseentheenchantinglittlecedarsheplantedwhentheFirstConsulsenthomethenewsofthevictoryofMarengo？"
Picking，choosing，thechatteringcompanyflitstoandfro。Overthetreesthegreatcloudsgo，tiered，stately，likeshipsofthelinebrightwithcanvas。
Prisoners’-base，anditsswooping，veering，racing，giggling，bumping。
TheFirstConsulrunsplumpintoM。deBeauharnaisandfalls。
Buthepickshimselfupsmartly，andstartsafterM。Isabey。Toolate，M。LePremierConsul，MademoiselleHortenseisoutafteryou。Quickly，mydearSir！Stiryourshortlegs，sheisswiftandeager，andasgracefulashermother。Sheisthere，thatother，playingtoo，butlightly，warily，bearingherselfwithcare，ratherfloatingoutupontheairthanrunning，neverfarfromgoal。Sheisthere，borneupaboveherguestsassomethingindefinablyfair，aroseaboveperiwinkles。Ablownrose，smoothassatin，reflexed，oneloosenedpetalhangingbackanddown。
Arosethatundulateslanguorouslyasthebreezetakesit，restinguponitsleavesinafaintnessofperfume。
TherearerumoursabouttheFirstConsul。Malmaisonisfullofwomen，andParisisonlytwoleaguesdistant。MadameBonapartestandsonthewoodenbridgeatsunset，andwatchesablackswanpushingthepinkandsilverwaterinfrontofhimasheswims，crinklingitssmoothnessintopleatsofchangingcolourwithhisbreast。
MadameBonapartepressesagainsttheparapetofthebridge，andthecrushedrosesatherbeltmelt，petalbypetal，intothepinkwater。
IV
Avileday，Porter。Butkeepyourwitsaboutyou。TheEmpresswillsoonbehere。Queer，withouttheEmperor！Itisindeed，butbestnotconsiderthat。Scratchyourheadandprickupyourears。
Divorceisnotforyoutodebateabout。Sheislate？Ah，well，theroadsaremuddy。Therainspearsareassharpaswhettedknives。
Theydartdownanddown，edgedandshining。Clop-trop！Clop-trop！
Acarriagegrowsoutofthemist。Hist，Porter。Youcankeeponyourhat。
ItisonlyHerMajesty’sdogsandherparrot。Clop-trop！
TheLadiesinWaiting，Porter。Clop-trop！ItisHerMajesty。Atleast，Isupposeitis，buttheblindsaredrawn。
"InalltheyearsIhaveservedHerMajestysheneverbeforepassedthegatewithoutgivingmeasmile！"
You’readrollfellow，toexpecttheEmpresstoputoutherheadinthepouringrainandsaluteyou。Shehasaffairsofherowntothinkabout。
Clangthegate，noneedforfurtherwaiting，nobodyelsewillbecomingtoMalmaisonto-night。
Whiteunderherveil，drainedandshaking，thewomancrossestheantechamber。
Empress！Empress！Foolishsplendour，perishedtodust。Ashesofroses，ashesofyouth。Empressforsooth！
Overtheglassdomesofthehot-housesdrenchestherain。Behindheraclockticks——ticksagain。Thesoundknocksuponherthoughtwiththeechoingshudderofhollowvases。Sheplacesherhandsonherears，buttheminutespass，knocking。TearsinMalmaison。Andyearstocomeeachknockingby，minuteafterminute。Years，manyyears，andtears，andcoldpouringrain。
"IfeelasthoughIhaddied，andtheonlysensationIhaveisthatIamnomore。"
Rain！Heavy，thuddingrain！
V
TherosesbloomatMalmaison。Andnotonlyroses。Tulips，myrtles，geraniums，camelias，rhododendrons，dahlias，doublehyacinths。
Alltheyearthrough，underglass，underthesky，flowersbud，expand，die，andgivewaytoothers，alwaysothers。Fromdistantcountriestheyhavebeenbrought，andtaughttoliveinthecooltemperatenessofFrance。
Thereisthe`Bonapartea’fromPeru;the`NapoleoneImperiale’;
the`JosephiniaImperatrix’，apearl-whiteflower，purple-shadowed，thecalixprickedoutwithcrimsonpoints。Malmaisonwearsitsflowersasaladywearshergems，flauntingly，assertively。Malmaisondecksherselftohidethehollowwithin。
Theglass-housesgrowandgrow，andeveryyearflinguphotterreflectionstothesailingsun。
Thecostrunsintomillions，butawomanmusthavesomethingtoconsoleherselfforabrokenheart。Onecanplaybackgammonandpatience，andthenpatienceandbackgammon，andstakegoldnapoleonsoneachgamewon。
Sporttruly！Itisanunrulyspiritwhichcouldaskbetter。Withherjewels，herlaces，hershawls;hertwohundredandtwentydresses，herfichus，herveils;herpictures，herbusts，herbirds。Itisabsurdthatshecannotbehappy。TheEmperorsmartsunderthethoughtofheringratitude。
Whatcouldhedomore？Andyetshespends，spendsasneverbefore。
Itisridiculous。Canshenotenjoylifeatasmallerfigure？
Wasevermonarchplaguedwithsoextravagantanex-wife。Sheowesherchocolate-merchant，hercandle-merchant，hersweetmeatpurveyor;
hergrocer，herbutcher，herpoulterer;herarchitect，andtheshopkeeperwhosellsherrouge;herperfumer，herdressmaker，hermerchantofshoes。
Sheowesforfans，plants，engravings，andchairs。Sheowesmasonsandcarpenters，vintners，lingeres。Thelady’saffairsareinsadconfusion。
Andwhy？Why？
Canariverflowwhenthespringisdry？
Night。TheEmpresssitsalone，andtheclockticks，oneafterone。
Theclocknicksofftheedgesofherlife。Sheischippedlikeanoldbitofchina;sheisfrayedlikeagarmentoflastyear’swearing。
Sheissoft，crinkled，likeafadingrose。Andeachminuteflowsbybrushingagainsther，shearingoffanotherandanotherpetal。
TheEmpresscrushesherbreastswithherhandsandweeps。AndthetallcloudssailoverMalmaisonlikeaprocessionofstatelyshipsboundforthemoon。
Scarlet，clear-blue，purpleepaulettedwithgold。Itisaparadeofsoldierssweepinguptheavenue。Eighthorses，eightImperialharnesses，fourcaparisonedpostilions，acarriagewiththeEmperor’sarmsonthepanels。
Ho，Porter，popoutyoureyes，andnowonder。WhereelseundertheHeavenscouldyouseesuchsplendour！
Theysitonastoneseat。ThelittlemaninthegreencoatofaColonelofChasseurs，andthelady，beautifulasasatinseed-pod，andaspale。
Thehousehasmemories。Thesatinseed-podholdshisgermsofEmpire。
Wewillstayhere，undertheblueskyandtheturretedwhiteclouds。
Shedrawshim;hefeelsherfadedlovelinessurgehimtoreplenishit。
Hersofttransparenttexturewooshisnervousfingering。Hespeakstoherofdebts，ofresignation;ofherchildren，andhis;hepromisesthatsheshallseetheKingofRome;hesayssomeharshthingsandsomepleasant。
Butsheisthere，closetohim，rosetonedtoamber，whiteshotwithviolet，pungenttohisnostrilsasembalmedrose-leavesinatwilitroom。
SuddenlytheEmperorcallshiscarriageandrollsawayacrosstheloopingSeine。
VI
Crystal-bluebrightnessovertheglass-houses。Crystal-bluestreaksandripplesoverthelake。Amacawonagildedperchscreams;
theyhaveforgottentotakeouthisdinner。Thewindowsshake。Boom！Boom！
ItistherumblingofPrussiancannonbeyondPecq。RosesbloomatMalmaison。
Roses！Roses！Swimmingabovetheirleaves，rottingbeneaththem。
Fallenflowersstrewtheunrakedwalks。FallenflowersforafallenEmperor！
TheGeneralinchargeofhimdrawsbackandwatches。Snatchesofmusic——
snarling，sneeringmusicofbagpipes。TheysayaScotchregimentisbesiegingSaint-Denis。TheEmperorwipeshisface，orisithiseyes。
Histiredeyeswhichseenowherethegracetheylongfor。Josephine！
Somebodyaskshimaquestion，hedoesnotanswer，somebodyelsedoesthat。
Therearevoices，butonevoicehedoesnothear，andyethehearsitallthetime。Josephine！TheEmperorputsuphishandtoscreenhisface。
Thewhitelightofabrightcloudspearssharplythroughthelinden-trees。
`Vivel’Empereur！’Therearetroopspassingbeyondthewall，troopswhichsingandcall。Boom！ApinkroseisjarredoffitsstemandfallsattheEmperor’sfeet。
"Verywell。Igo。"Where！Doesitmatter？Thereisnoswordtoclatter。
Nothingbutsoftbrushinggravelandagatewhichshutswithaclick。
"Quick，fellow，don’tspareyourhorses。"
Awhipcracks，wheelsturn，whyburnone’seyesfollowingafleckofdust。
VII
Overtheslaterooftallclouds，likeshipsoftheline，passalongthesky。
Theglass-housesglittersplotchily，formanyoftheirlightsarebroken。
Rosesbloom，fierycindersquenchingunderdampweeds。Wreckageandmisery，andatrailingofpettydeedssmearingoveroldrecollections。
Themustyroomsareemptyandtheirshuttersareclosed，onlyinthegallerythereisastuffedblackswan，coveredwithdust。Whenyoutouchit，thefeatherscomeoffandfloatsoftlytotheground。Throughachinkintheshutters，onecanseethestatelycloudscrossingtheskytowardtheRomanarchesoftheMarlyAqueduct。
TheHammersI
Frindsbury，Kent，1786
Bang！
Bang！
Tap！
Tap-a-tap！Rap！
AllthroughtheleadandsilverWinterdays，AllthroughthecopperofAutumnhazes。
Taptotheredrisingsun，Taptothepurplesettingsun。
Fouryearspassbeforethejobisdone。
Twothousandoaktreesgrownandfelled，TwothousandoaksfromthehedgerowsoftheWeald，SussexhadyieldedtwothousandoaksWithhugebolesRoundwhichthetaperollsThirtymortalfeet，saythevillagefolks。
TwohundredloadsofelmandScottishfir;
PlankingfromDantzig。
My！Whattimbergoesintoaship！
Tap！Tap！
Twoyearstheyhaveseasonedherribsontheways，Tapping，tapping。
Youcanhear，thoughthere’snothingwhereyougaze。
Throughthefogdownthereachesoftheriver，Thetappinggoesonlikeheart-beatsinafever。
Thechurch-bellschimeHoursandhours，Droppingdaysinshowers。
Bang！Rap！Tap！
Gothehammersallthetime。
TheyhaveplankeduphertimbersAndthenailsaredriventothehead;
Theyhavedeckedherover，Andagain，andagain。
Theshoring-upbeamsshudderatthestrain。
Blackandbluebreeches，Pigtailsboundandshining：
Likeantscrawlingabout，Thehullswarmswithcarpenters，runninginandout。
Joiners，calkers，Andtheyareallterribletalkers。
JemWilsonhasbeentoseaandhetellssomewonderfultalesOfwhales，andspiceislands，AndpiratesofftheBarbarycoast。
Heboastsmagnificently，withhismouthfullofnails。
StephenPiboldhasatenorvoice，Heshiftshisquidoftobaccoandsings：
"Thesecondincommandwasblear-eyedNed：
Whilethesurgeonhislimbwasa-lopping，Anine-poundercameandsmackwenthishead，Pullaway，pullaway，pullaway！Isay;
RarenewsformyMegofWapping！"
EverySundayPeoplecomeincrowds（Afterchurch-time，ofcourse）
Incurricles，andgigs，andwagons，AndsomehavebroughtcoldchickenandflagonsOfwine，Andbeerinstopperedjugs。
"Dear！Dear！ButItell’ee’twillbeafineship。