*"WAPPINGOLDSTAIRS。
"YourMollyhasneverbeenfalse,shedeclares,SincethelasttimewepartedatWappingOldStairs;
WhenIsaidthatIwouldcontinuethesame,AndIgaveyouthe’bacco-boxmarkedwithmyname。
WhenIpassedawholefortnightbetweendeckswithyou,DidIe’ergiveakiss,Tom,tooneofyourcrew?
TobeusefulandkindtomyThomasIstay’d,ForhistrousersIwashed,andhisgrogtooImade。
ThoughyoupromisedlastSundaytowalkintheMallWithSusanfromDeptfordandlikewisewithSall,InsilenceIstoodyourunkindnesstohearAndonlyupbraidedmyTomwithatear。
WhyshouldSall,orshouldSusan,thanmebemoreprized?
Fortheheartthatistrue,Tom,shouldne’erbedespised;
Thenbeconstantandkind,noryourMollyforsake,StillyourtrousersI’llwashandyourgrogtooI’llmake。"
THEALMACK’SADIEU。
YourFannywasneverfalse-hearted,Andthissheprotestsandshevows,FromthetristemomentwhenwepartedOnthestaircaseofDevonshireHouse!
Iblushedwhenyouaskedmetomarry,IvowedIwouldneverforget;
AndatpartingIgavemydearHarryAbeautifulvinegarette!
WespentenprovinceallDecember,AndIne’ercondescendedtolookAtSirCharles,ortherichcountymember,OrevenatthatdarlingoldDuke。
Youwerebusywithdogsandwithhorses,AloneinmychamberIsat,Andmadeyouthenicestofpurses,Andthesmartestblacksatincravat!
AtnightwiththatvileLadyFrances(Jefaisoismoitapisserie)
Youdancedeveryoneofthedances,Andneveroncethoughtofpoorme!
Monpauvrepetitcoeur!whatashiverIfeltasshedancedthelastset;
Andyougave,OmonDieu!toreviveherMybeautifulvinegarette!
Return,love!awaywithcoquetting;
Thisflirtingdisgracesaman!
Andah!allthewhileyou’reforgettingTheheartofyourpoorlittleFan!
Reviens!breakawayfromthoseCirces,Reviens,foranicelittlechat;
AndI’vemadeyouthesweetestofpurses,Andalovelyblacksatincravat!
WHENTHEGLOOMISONTHEGLEN。
Whenthemoonlight’sonthemountainAndthegloomisontheglen,AtthecrossbesidethefountainThereisonewillmeettheethen。
Atthecrossbesidethefountain;
Yes,thecrossbesidethefountain,Thereisonewillmeettheethen!
Ihavebraved,sincefirstwemet,love,Manyadangerinmycourse;
ButInevercanforget,love,Thatdearfountain,thatoldcross,Where,hermantleshroudedo’erher——
Forthewindswerechillythen——
FirstImetmyLeonora,Whenthegloomwasontheglen。
ManyaclimeI’verangedsincethen,love,ManyalandI’vewanderedo’er;
Butavalleylikethatglen,love,HalfsodearIneversor!
Ne’ersawmaidenfairer,coyer,Thanwertthou,mytruelove,whenInthegloamingfirstIsawyer,Inthegloamingoftheglen!
THEREDFLAG。
WherethequiveringlightningflingsHisarrowsfromouttheclouds,AndthehowlingtempestsingsAndwhistlesamongtheshrouds,’Tispleasant,’tispleasanttorideAlongthefoamingbrine——
WiltbetheRover’sbride?
Wiltfollowhim,ladymine?
Hurrah!
Forthebonny,bonnybrine。
Amidstthestormandrack,Youshallseeourgalleypass,Asaserpent,litheandblack,Glidesthroughthewavinggrass。
Asthevultureswiftanddark,Downonthering-doveflies,YoushallseetheRoversbarkSwoopdownuponhisprize。
Hurrah!
Forthebonny,bonnyprize。
Overhersideswedash,Wegallopacrossherdeck——
Ha!there’saghastlygashOnthemerchant-captain’sneck——
Wellshot,wellshot,oldNed!
Wellstruck,wellstruck,blackJames!
Ourarmsarered,andourfoesaredead,Andweleaveashipinflames!
Hurrah!
Forthebonny,bonnyflames!
DEARJACK。
DearJack,thiswhitemugthatwithGuinnessIfill,AnddrinktothehealthofsweetNanoftheHill,WasonceTommyTosspot’s,asjovialasotAse’erdrewaspigot,ordrain’dafullpot——
Indrinkingallround’twashisjoytosurpass,Andwithallmerrytipplersheswigg’doffhisglass。
Onemorninginsummer,whileseatedsosnug,Intheporchofhisgarden,discussinghisjug,SternDeath,onasudden,toTomdidappear,Andsaid,"HonestThomas,cometakeyourlastbier。"
Wekneadedhisclayintheshapeofthiscan,FromwhichletusdrinktothehealthofmyNan。
COMMANDERSOFTHEFAITHFUL。
ThePopeheisahappyman,HisPalaceistheVatican,Andtherehesitsanddrainshiscan:
ThePopeheisahappyman。
IoftensaywhenI’mathome,I’dliketobethePopeofRome。
Andthenthere’sSultanSaladin,ThatTurkishSoldanfullofsin;
Hehasahundredwivesatleast,Bywhichhispleasureisincreased:
I’veoftenwished,Ihopenosin,ThatIwereSultanSaladin。
Butno,thePopenowifemaychoose,AndsoIwouldnotwearhisshoes;
NowinemaydrinktheproudPaynim,AndsoI’drathernotbehim:
Mywife,mywine,Ilove,Ihope,AndwouldbeneitherTurknorPope。
WHENMOONLIKEORETHEHAZURESEAS。
WhenmoonlikeorethehazureseasInsofteffulgenceswells,WhensilverjewsandbalmybreazeBenddowntheLily’sbells;
Whencalmanddeap,therosysleepHaslaptyoursoalindreems,RHangeline!Rladymine!
DostthourememberJeames?
ImarktheeintheMarbleAll,WhereEngland’sloveliestshine——
IsaythefairestofthemhallIsLadyHangeline。
Mysoul,indesolateeclipse,Withrecollectionteems——
AndthenIhask,withweepinglips,DostthourememberJeames?
Away!ImaynottelltheehallThissoughringheartendures——
Thereisalonelysperrit-callThatSorrownevercures;
Thereisalittle,littleStar,Thatstillabovemebeams;
ItistheStarofHope——butar!
DostthourememberJeames?
KINGCANUTE。
KINGCANUTEwaswearyhearted;hehadreignedforyearsascore,Battling,struggling,pushing,fighting,killingmuchandrobbingmore;
Andhethoughtuponhisactions,walkingbythewildsea-shore。
’TwixttheChancellorandBishopwalkedtheKingwithstepssedate,Chamberlainsandgroomscameafter,silversticksandgoldsticksgreat,Chaplains,aides-de-camp,andpages,——alltheofficersofstate。
Slidingafterlikehisshadow,pausingwhenhechosetopause,Ifafrownhisfacecontracted,straightthecourtiersdroppedtheirjaws;
Iftolaughthekingwasminded,outtheyburstinloudhee-haws。
Butthatdayasomethingvexedhim,thatwascleartooldandyoung:
ThricehisGracehadyawnedattable,whenhisfavoritegleemensung,OncetheQueenwouldhaveconsoledhim,buthebadeherholdhertongue。
"Somethingailsmygraciousmaster,"criedtheKeeperoftheSeal。
"Sure,mylord,itisthelampreysservedtodinner,ortheveal?"
"Psha!"exclaimedtheangrymonarch,"Keeper,’tisnotthatIfeel。
"’TistheHEART,andnotthedinner,fool,thatdothmyrestimpair:
CanakingbegreatasIam,prithee,andyetknownocare?
Oh,I’msick,andtired,andweary。"——Someonecried,"TheKing’sarm-
chair!"
Thentowardsthelackeysturning,quickmyLordtheKeepernodded,StraighttheKing’sgreatchairwasbroughthim,bytwofootmenable-
bodied;
Languidlyhesankintoit:itwascomfortablywadded。
"Leadingonmyfiercecompanions,"criedhe,"overstormandbrine,IhavefoughtandIhaveconquered!Wherewasgloryliketomine?"
Loudlyallthecourtiersechoed:"Whereisgloryliketothine?"
"Whatavailmeallmykingdoms?WearyamInowandold;
ThosefairsonsIhavebegotten,longtoseemedeadandcold;
WouldIwere,andquietburied,underneaththesilentmould!
"Oh,remorse,thewrithingserpent!atmybosomtearsandbites;
Horrid,horridthingsIlookon,thoughIputoutallthelights;
Ghostsofghastlyrecollectionstroopaboutmybedatnights。
"Citiesburning,conventsblazing,redwithsacrilegiousfires;
Mothersweeping,virginsscreamingvainlyfortheirslaughteredsires。——"
Suchatenderconscience,"criestheBishop,"everyoneadmires。
"Butforsuchunpleasantbygones,cease,mygraciouslord,tosearch,They’reforgottenandforgivenbyourHolyMotherChurch;
Never,neverdoessheleaveherbenefactorsinthelurch。
"Look!thelandiscrownedwithminsters,whichyourGrace’sbountyraised;
Abbeysfilledwithholymen,whereyouandHeavenaredailypraised:
YOU,mylord,tothinkofdying?onmyconscienceI’mamazed!"
"Nay,Ifeel,"repliedKingCanute,"thatmyendisdrawingnear。"
"Don’tsayso,"exclaimedthecourtiers(strivingeachtosqueezeatear)。
"SureyourGraceisstrongandlusty,andmaylivethisfiftyyear。"
"Livethesefiftyyears!"theBishoproared,withactionsmadetosuit。
"Areyoumad,mygoodLordKeeper,thustospeakofKingCanute!
Menhavelivedathousandyears,andsurehisMajestywilldo’t。
"Adam,Enoch,Lamech,Cainan,Mahaleel,Methusela,Livedninehundredyearsapiece,andmayn’ttheKingaswellasthey?"
"Fervently,"exclaimedtheKeeper,"ferventlyItrusthemay。"
"HEtodie?"resumedtheBishop。HeamortalliketoUS?
Deathwasnotforhimintended,thoughcommunisomnibus:
Keeper,youareirreligious,fortotalkandcavilthus。
"Withhiswondrousskillinhealingne’eradoctorcancompete,Loathsomelepers,ifhetouchthem,startupcleanupontheirfeet;
Surelyhecouldraisethedeadup,didhisHighnessthinkitmeet。
"DidnotoncetheJewishcaptainstaythesunuponthehill,And,thewhileheslewthefoemen,bidthesilvermoonstandstill?
So,nodoubt,couldgraciousCanute,ifitwerehissacredwill。"
"MightIstaythesunaboveus,goodsirBishop?"Canutecried;
"CouldIbidthesilvermoontopauseuponherheavenlyride?
Ifthemoonobeysmyorders,sureIcancommandthetide。
"Willtheadvancingwavesobeyme,Bishop,ifImakethesign?"
SaidtheBishop,bowinglowly,"Landandsea,mylord,arethine。"
Canuteturnedtowardstheocean——"Back!"hesaid,"thoufoamingbrine。
"FromthesacredshoreIstandon,Icommandtheetoretreat;
Venturenot,thoustormyrebel,toapproachthymaster’sseat:
Ocean,bethoustill!Ibidtheecomenotnearertomyfeet!"
Butthesullenoceanansweredwithalouder,deeperroar,Andtherapidwavesdrewnearer,fallingsoundingontheshore;
BacktheKeeperandtheBishop,backthekingandcourtiersbore。
Andhesternlybadethemnevermoretokneeltohumanclay,ButalonetopraiseandworshipThatwhichearthandseasobey:
Andhisgoldencrownofempireneverworehefromthatday。
KingCanuteisdeadandgone:Parasitesexistalway。
FRIAR’SSONG。
Somelovethematin-chimes,whichtellThehourofprayertosinner:
Butbetterfar’sthemid-daybell,Whichspeaksthehourofdinner;
ForwhenIseeasmokingfish,Orcapondrown’dingravy,Ornoblehaunchonsilverdish,FullgladIsingmyave。
Mypulpitisanalehousebench,WhereonIsitsojolly;
AsmilingrosycountrywenchMysaintandpatronholy。
Ikisshercheeksoredandsleek,Ipressherringletswavy,AndinherwillingearIspeakAmostreligiousave。
AndifI’mblind,yetheaveniskind,Andholysaintsforgiving;
ForsureheleadsarightgoodlifeWhothusadmiresgoodliving。
Above,theysay,ourfleshisair,Ourbloodcelestialichor:
Oh,grant!midallthechangesthere,Theymaynotchangeourliquor!
ATRACURA。
BeforeIlostmyfivepoorwits,ImindmeofaRomishclerk,WhosanghowCare,thephantomdark,Besidethebeltedhorsemansits。
MethoughtIsawthegrislyspriteJumpupbutnowbehindmyKnight。
Andthoughhegallopashemay,ImarkthatcursedmonsterblackStillsitsbehindhishonor’sback,Tightsqueezingofhisheartalway。
LiketwoblackTemplarssittheythere,Besideonecrupper,KnightandCare。
NoknightamIwithpennonedspear,Topranceuponabolddestrere:
IwillnothaveblackCareprevailUponmylong-earedcharger’stail,Forlo,Iamawitlessfool,AndlaughatGriefandrideamule。
REQUIESCAT。
Underthestoneyoubehold,Buried,andcoffined,andcold,LiethSirWilfridtheBold。
Alwayshemarchedinadvance,WarringinFlandersandFrance,Doughtywithswordandwithlance。
FamousinSaracenfight,Rodeinhisyouththegoodknight,ScatteringPaynimsinflight。
BriantheTemplaruntrue,Fairlyintourneyheslew,SawHierusalemtoo。
Nowheisburiedandgone,Lyingbeneaththegraystone:
Whereshallyoufindsuchaone?
Longtimehiswidowdeplored,Weepingthefateofherlord,Sadlycutoffbythesword。
Whenshewaseasedofherpain,CamethegoodLordAthelstane,Whenherladyshipmarriedagain。
LINESUPONMYSISTER’SPORTRAIT。
BYTHELORDSOUTHDOWN。
ThecastletowersofBareacresarefairuponthelea,WherethecliffsofbonnyDiddlesexriseupfromoutthesea:
Istooduponthedonjonkeepandview’dthecountryo’er,IsawthelandsofBareacresforfiftymilesormore。
Istooduponthedonjonkeep——itisasacredplace,——
Wherefloatedforeighthundredyearsthebannerofmyrace;
Argent,adextersinople,andgulesanazurefield:
Therene’erwasnoblercognizanceonknightlywarrior’sshield。
ThefirsttimeEnglandsawtheshield’twasroundaNormanneck,OnboardashipfromValery,KingWilliamwasondeck。
ANormanlancethecolorswore,inHastings’fatalfray——
St。WillibaldforBareacres!’twasdoublegulesthatday!
OHeavenandsweetSt。Willibald!inmanyabattlesinceAloyal-heartedBareacreshasriddenbyhisPrince!
AtAcrewithPlantagenet,withEdwardatPoictiers,ThepennonoftheBareacreswasforemostonthespears!
’Twaspleasantinthebattle-shocktohearourwar-cryringing:
Ohgrantme,sweetSt。Willibald,tolistentosuchsinging!
Threehundredsteel-cladgentlemen,wedrovethefoebeforeus,AndthirtyscoreofBritishbowskepttwangingtothechorus!
Oknights,mynobleancestors!andshallIneverhearSt。WillibaldforBareacresthroughbattleringingclear?
I’dcutmeoffthisstrongrighthandasinglehourtoride,AndstrikeablowforBareacres,myfathers,atyourside!
Dashdown,dashdown,yonMandolin,belovedsistermine!
Thoseblushinglipsmayneversingthegloriesofourline:
Ourancientcastlesechototheclumsyfeetofchurls,Thespinning-jennyhousesinthemansionofourEarls。
Singnot,singnot,myAngeline!indayssobaseandvile,’Tweresinfultobehappy,’tweresacrilegetosmile。
I’llhiemetomylonelyhall,andbyitscheerlesshobI’llmuseonotherdays,andwish——andwishIwere——ASNOB。
THELEGENDOFST。SOPHIAOFKIOFF。
ANEPICPOEM,INTWENTYBOOKS。
I。
[ThePoetdescribesthecityandspellingofKiow,Kioff,orKiova。]
Athousandyearsago,ormore,Acityfilledwithburghersstout,Andgirtwithrampartsroundabout,StoodontherockyDniepershore。
Inarmorbright,bydayandnight,Thesentriestheypacedtoandfro。
Wellguardedandwalledwasthistown,andcalledBydifferentnames,I’dhaveyoutoknow;
Forifyoulooksintheg’ographybooks,Inthosedictionariesthenameitvaries,AndtheywriteitoffKiefforKioff,KiovaorKiow。
II。
[Itsbuildings,publicworks,andordinances,religiousandcivil。]
Thusguardedwithoutbywallandredoubt,Kiovawithinwasaplaceofrenown,WithmoreadvantagesthaninthosedarkagesWerecommonlyknowntobelongtoatown。
Therewereplacesandsquares,andeachyearfourfairs,Andregularaldermenandregularlord-mayors;
Andstreets,andalleys,andabishop’spalace;
Andachurchwithclocksfortheorthodox——
Withclocksandwithspires,asreligiondesires;
AndbeadlestowhipthebadlittleboysOvertheirpoorlittlecorduroys,Inservice-time,whentheyDIDN’Tmakeanoise;
Andachapteranddean,andacathedral-greenWithancienttrees,underneathwhoseshadesWanderedniceyoungnursery-maids。
[ThepoetshowshowacertainpriestdweltatKioff,agodlyclergyman,andonethatpreachedraregoodsermons。]
Ding-dong,ding-dong,ding-ding-a-ring-ding,Thebellstheymadeamerrymerryring,Fromthetalltallsteeple;andallthepeople(ExcepttheJews)cameandfilledthepews——
Poles,RussiansandGermans,TohearthesermonsWhichHYACINTHpreachedgodlytothoseGermansandPoles,Forthesafetyoftheirsouls。
III。
[Howthispriestwasshortandfatofbody;]
Aworthypriesthewasandastout——
You’veseldomlookedonsuchaone;
For,thoughhefastedthriceinaweek,Yetneverthelesshisskinwassleek;
HiswaistitspannedtwoyardsaboutAndheweighedascoreofstone。
IV。
[Andlikeuntotheauthorof"Plymley’sLetters。"]
AworthypriestforfastingandprayerAndmortificationmostdeserving;
Andasforpreachingbeyondcompare,He’dexerthispowersforthreeorfourhours,WithgreaterpiththanSydneySmithOrtheReverendEdwardIrving。
V。
[Ofwhatconventhewasprior,andwhentheconventwasbuilt。]
HewasthepriorofSaintSophia(ACockneyrhyme,butnobetterIknow)——
OfSt。Sophia,thatChurchinKiow,BuiltbymissionariesIcan’ttellwhen;
WhobytheirdiscussionsconvertedtheRussians,AndmadethemChristianmen。
VI。
[OfSaintSophiaofKioff;andhowherstatuemiraculouslytravelledthither。]
SaintedSophia(sothelegendvows)
Withspecialfavordidregardthishouse;
Andtoupholdherconverts’newdevotionHerstatue(needingbutherlegsforHERship)
WalksofitselfacrosstheGermanOcean;
AndofasuddenperchesInthisthebestofchurches,WhitherallKiovitescomeandpayitgratefulworship。
VII。
[AndhowKioffshouldhavebeenahappycity;butthat]
Thuswithherpatron-saintsandpiouspreachersRecordedhereincatalogueprecise,Agoodlycity,worthymagistrates,YouwouldhavethoughtinalltheRussianstatesThecitizensthehappiestofallcreatures,——
ThetownitselfaperfectParadise。
VIII。
[CertainwickedCossacksdidbesiegeit,]
No,alas!thiswell-builtcityWasinaperpetualfidget;
FortheTartars,withoutpity,Didremorselesslybesiegeit。
Tartarsfierce,withswordandsabres,HunsandTurks,andsuchasthese,EnviedmuchtheirpeacefulneighborsBytheblueBorysthenes。
[Murderingthecitizens,]
Downtheycame,theseruthlessRussians,Fromtheirsteppes,andwoods,andfens,FortolevycontributionsOnthepeacefulcitizens。
Winter,Summer,Spring,andAutumn,DowntheycametopeacefulKioff,Killedtheburgherswhentheycaught’em,Iftheirlivestheywouldnotbuyoff。
[Untiltheyagreedtopayatributeyearly。]
Tillthecity,quiteconfoundedBytheravagestheymade,Humblywiththeirchiefcompounded,Andayearlytributepaid。
[Howtheypaidthetribute,andsuddenlyrefusedit,]
Which(becausetheircouragelaxwas)
Theydischargedwhiletheywereable:
Toleratedthusthetaxwas,Tillitgrewintolerable,[TothewonderoftheCossackenvoy。]
AndtheCalmucenvoysent,Asbeforetotaketheirduesall,Got,tohisastonishment,Aunanimousrefusal!
[Ofamightygallantspeech]
"MenofKioff!"thuscourageousDidthestoutlord-mayorharanguethem,"WhereforepaythesesneakingwagesTothehectoringRussians?hangthem!
[Thatthelord-mayormade,]
"Hark!IheartheawfulcryofOurforefathersintheirgraves;
"’Fight,yecitizensofKioff!
Kioffwasnotmadeforslaves。’
[Exhortingtheburgherstopaynolonger。]
"Alltoolonghaveyebetrayedher;
Rouse,yemenandaldermen,Sendtheinsolentinvader——
Sendhimstarvingbackagain。"
IX。
[Oftheirthanksandheroicresolves。]
Hespokeandhesatdown;thepeopleofthetown,Whowerefiredwithabraveemulation,Nowrosewithoneaccord,andvotedthanksuntothelord-
Mayorforhisoration:
[Theydismisstheenvoy,andsetaboutdrilling。]
Theenvoytheydismissed,neverplacinginhisfistSomuchasasingleshilling;
Andallwithcouragefired,ashislordshiphedesired,Atoncesetabouttheirdrilling。
[OftheCityguard:viz。Militia,dragoons,andbombardiers,andtheircommanders。]
Theneverycitywardestablishedaguard,Diurnalandnocturnal:
Militiavolunteers,lightdragoons,andbombardiers,Withanaldermanforcolonel。
[Ofthemajorsandcaptains。]
Therewasmusterandroll-calls,andrepairingcitywalls,Andfillingupoffosses:
Andthecaptainsandthemajors,gallantandcourageous,A-ridingaboutontheirhosses。
[Thefortificationsandartillery。]
Tobeguardedatallhourstheybuiltthemselveswatch-towers,Witheverytoweramanon;
Andsurelyandsecure,eachfromouthisembrasure,Lookeddowntheironcannon!
[Oftheconductoftheactorsandtheclergy。]
Abattle-songwaswritforthetheatre,whereitWassungwithvastenergyAndrapturousapplause;andbesides,thepubliccause,Wassupportedbytheclergy。
Theprettyladies’-maidswerepinningofcockades,Andtyingonofsashes;
Anddroppinggentletears,whiletheirloversbluster’dfierce,Aboutgunshotandgashes;
[Oftheladies;]
Theladiestookthehint,andalldaywerescrapinglint,Asbecametheirsoftergenders;
AndgotbandagesandbedsforthelimbsandfortheheadsOfthecity’sbravedefenders。
[And,finally,ofthetaylors。]
Themen,bothyoungandold,feltresoluteandbold,Andpantedhotforglory;
Eventhetailors’gantobrag,andembroideredontheirflag,"AUTWINCEREAUTMORI。"
X。
[OftheCossackchief,——hisstratagem;]
Seeingthecity’sresolutecondition,TheCossackchief,toocunningtodespiseit,Saidtohimself,"NothavingammunitionWherewithtobattertheplaceinproperform,SomeofthesenightsI’llcarryitbystorm,Andsuddenescaladeitorsurpriseit。
[Andtheburghers’sillievictorie。]
"Let’ssee,however,ifthecitsstandfirmish。"
Herodeuptothecitygates;foranswers,Outrushedaneagertroopofthetownelite,Andstraightwaydidbeginagallantskirmish:
TheCossackhereupondidsoundretreat,Leavingthevictorywiththecitylancers。
[Whatprisonerstheytook,]
Theytooktwoprisonersandasmanyhorses,AndthewholetowngrewquicklysoelateWiththissmallvictoryoftheirvirginforces,ThattheydiddeemtheirprivatesandcommandersSomanyCaesars,Pompeys,Alexanders,Napoleons,orFrederickstheGreat。
[Andhowconceitedtheywere。]
AndpuffingwithinordinateconceitTheyutterlydespisedtheseCossackthieves;
AndthoughttheruffianseasiertobeatThanporterscarpetsthink,orushersboys。
Meanwhile,aslyspectatoroftheirjoys,TheCossackcaptaingiggledinhissleeves。
[OftheCossackchief,——hisorders;]
"Whene’eryoumeetyonstupidcityhogs。"
(Hebadehistroopsprecisethisorderkeep),"Don’tstandamoment——runaway,youdogs!"
’Twasdone;andwhentheymetthetownbattalions,TheCossacks,asiffrightenedattheirvaliance,Turnedtail,andboltedlikesomanysheep。
[Andhowhefeignedaretreat。]
Theyfled,obedienttotheircaptain’sorder:
Andnowthisbloodlesssiegeamonthhadlasted,When,viewingthecountryround,thecitywarder(Who,likeafaithfulweathercock,didperchUponthesteepleofSt。Sophy’schurch),Suddenhistrumpettook,andamightyblastheblasted。
[ThewarderproclaymstheCossacks’retreat,andthecitiegreatlyrejoyces。]
Hisvoiceitmightbeheardthroughallthestreets(Hewasawarderwondrousstronginlung),Victory,victory!thefoeretreats!"
"Thefoeretreats!"eachcriestoeachhemeets;
"Thefoeretreats!"eachinhisturnrepeats。
Gods!howthegunsdidroar,andhowthejoy-bellsrung!
Arminginhastehisgallantcitylancers,Themayor,tolearniftruethenewsmightbe,Aleagueortwooutissuedwithhisprancers。
TheCossacks(somethinghadgiventheircourageadamper)
Hastenedtheirflight,and’ganlikemadtoscamper:
Blessedbeallthesaints,Kiovatownwasfree!
XI。
Now,puffedwithpride,themayorgrewvain,Foughtallhisbattleso’eragain;
Andthriceheroutedallhisfoes,andthriceheslewtheslain。
’Tistruehemightamusehimselfthus,Andnotbeverymurderous;
ForasofthosewhotodeathweredoneThenumberwasexactlyNONE,Hislordship,inhissoul’selation,Didtakeabloodlessrecreation——
[Themannerofthecitie’srejoycings,]
Goinghomeagain,hedidordainAverysplendidcoldcollationForthemagistratesandthecorporation;
Likewiseagrandillumination,Fortheamusementofthenation。
Thatnightthetheatreswerefree,TheconduitstheyranMalvolsie;
EachhousethatnightdidbeamwithlightAndsoundwithmirthandjollity;
[Anditsimpiety。]
Butshame,Oshame!notasoulinthetown,NowthecitywassafeandtheCossacksflown,EverthoughtofthebountifulsaintbywhosecareThetownhadbeenridoftheseterribleTurks——
Saidevenaprayertothatpatronessfair,Fortheseherwondrousworks!
[Howthepriest,Hyacinth,waitedatchurch,andnobodycamethither。]
LordHyacinthwaited,themeekestofpriors——
Hewaitedatchurchwiththerestofhisfriars;
Hewentthereatnoonandhewaitedtillten,Expectinginvainthelord-mayorandhismen。
Hewaitedandwaitedfrommid-daytodark;
Butinvain——youmightsearchthroughthewholeofthechurch,Notalayman,alas!tothecity’sdisgrace,Frommid-daytodarkshowedhisnoseintheplace。
Thepew-woman,organist,beadle,andclerk,Keptawayfromtheirwork,andweredancinglikemadAwayinthestreetswiththeothermadpeople,Notthinkingtopray,buttoguzzleandtippleWhereverthedrinkmightbehad。
XII。
[Howhewentforthtobidthemtoprayer。]
Amidstthisdinandrevelrythroughoutthecityroaring,Thesilvermoonrosesilently,andhighinheavensoaring;
PriorHyacinthwasferventlyuponhiskneesadoring:
"Towardsmypreciouspatronessthisconductsureunfairis;
Icannotthink,Imustconfess,whatkeepsthedignitariesAndourgoodmayoraway,unlesssomebusinessthemcontraries。"
Heputshislongwhitemantleonandforththepriorsallies——
(Hispiousthoughtswerebentupongooddeedsandnotonmalice):
Heavens!howthebanquetlightstheyshoneaboutthemayor’spalace!
[Howthegroomsandlackeysjeeredhim。]
Aboutthehallthescullionsranwithmeatsbothandfreshandpotted;
Thepagescamewithcupandcan,allfortheguestsallotted;
Ah,howtheyjeeredthatgoodfatmanasupthestairshetrotted!
Heenteredintheante-roomswheresatthemayor’scourtin;
Hefoundapackofdrunkengroomsa-dicinganda-sporting;
Thehorridwineand’baccofumes,theysetthepriora-snorting!
Thepriorthoughthe’dspeakabouttheirsinsbeforehewenthence,Andlustilybegantoshoutofsinandofrepentance;
Therogues,theykickedtheprioroutbeforehe’ddoneasentence!
Andhavinggotnoportionsmallofbuffetingandtussling,Atlasthereachedthebanquet-hall,wheresatthemayora-
guzzling,Andbyhissidehisladytalldressedoutinwhitesprigmuslin。
[Andthemayor,mayoress,andaldermen,beingtipsierefusedtogochurch。]
Aroundthetableinaringtheguestsweredrinkingheavy;
They’ddrunkthechurch,anddrunktheking,andthearmyandthenavy;
Infactthey’dtoastedeverything。Thepriorsaid,"Godsaveye!"
Themayorcried,"Bringasilvercup——there’soneuponthebeaufet;
And,Prior,havethevenisonup——it’scapitalrechauffe。
Andso,SirPriest,you’vecometosup?Andprayyou,how’sSaintSophy?"
Theprior’sfacequiteredwasgrown,withhorrorandwithanger;
Heflungtheprofferedgobletdown——itmadeahideousclangor;
And’gana-preachingwithafrown——hewasafierceharanguer。
Hetriedthemayorandaldermen——theyallsetupa-jeering:
Hetriedthecommon-councilmen——theytoobegana-sneering;
Heturnedtowardsthemay’ressthen,andhopedtogetahearing。
Hekneltandseizedherdinner-dress,madeofthemuslinsnowy,"Tochurch,tochurch,mysweetmistress!"hecried;"thewayI’llshowye。"
Alas,thelady-mayoressfellbackasdrunkasChloe!
XIII。
[Howthepriorwentbackalone。]
OutfromthisdissoluteanddrunkencourtWentthegoodprior,hiseyeswithweepingdim:
Hetriedthepeopleofameanersort——
Theytoo,alas,werebentupontheirsport,Andnotasinglesoulwouldfollowhim!
Butallwereswiggingschnapsandguzzlingbeer。
Hefoundthecits,theirdaughters,sons,andspouses,Spendingthelive-longnightinfiercecarouses:
Alas,unthinkingofthedangernear!
Oneortwosentinelstherampartsguarded,Therestweresharinginthegeneralfeast:
"Godwot,ourtipsytownispoorlywarded;
SweetSaintSophiahelpus!"criedthepriest。
Aloneheenteredthecathedralgate,Carefulhelockedthemightyoakendoor;
Withinhiscompanyofmonksdidwait,Adozenpooroldpiousmen——nomore。
Oh,butitgrievedthegentlepriorsore,Tothinkofthoselostsouls,givenuptodrinkandfate!
[AndshuthimselfintoSaintSophia’schapelwithhisbrethren。]
Themightyoutergatewellbarredandfast,Thepooroldfriarsstirredtheirpooroldbones,Andpatteringswiftlyonthedampcoldstones,Theythroughthesolitarychancelpassed。
Thechancelwallslookedblackanddimandvast,Andrendered,ghost-like,melancholytones。
Onwardthefatherssped,tillcomingnighaSmallirongate,thewhichtheyenteredquickat,Theylockedanddouble-lockedtheinnerwicketAndstoodwithinthechapelofSophia。
Vainwereittodescribethissaintedplace,Vaintodescribethatcelebratedtrophy,ThevenerablestatueofSaintSophy,Whichformeditschiefestornamentandgrace。
Herethegoodprior,hispersonalgriefsandsorrowsInhisextremedevotionquicklymerging,Atoncebegantopraywithvoicesonorous;
Theotherfriarsjoinedinpiouschorus,Andpassedthenightinsinging,praying,scourging,InhonorofSophia,thatsweetvirgin。
XIV。
[TheepisodeofSneezoffandKatinka。]
LeavingthusthepiouspriestinHumblepenitenceandprayer,Andthegreedycitsa-feasting,Letustothewallsrepair。
Walkingbythesentry-boxes,Underneaththesilvermoon,Lo!thesentryboldlycockshis——
Boldlycockshismusketoon。
Sneezoffwashisdesignation,Fair-hairedboy,foreverpitied;
Fortotakehiscruelstation,HebutnowKatinkaquitted。
Poorinpursewereboth,butrichinTenderlove’sdeliciousplenties;
Sheadamselofthekitchen,Heahaberdasher’s’prentice。
’Tinka,maidentender-hearted,Wasdissolvedintearfulfits,OnthatfatalnightshepartedFromherdarling,fair-hairedFritz。
WarmhersoldierladshewraptinComforterandmuffettee;
Calledhim"general"and"captain,"
Thoughasimpleprivatehe。
"Onyourbosomwearthisplaster,’Twilldefendyoufromthecold;
Inyourpipesmokethiscanaster,Smuggled’tis,mylove,andold。
"Allthenight,mylove,I’llmissyou。"
Thusshespoke;andfromthedoorFair-hairedSneezoffmadehisissue,Toreturn,alas,nomore。
HeitiswhocalmlywalkshisWalkbeneaththesilvermoon;
HeitiswhoboldlycockshisDetonatingmusketoon。
Hetheblandcanasterpuffing,Asuponhisroundhepaces,SuddenseesaragamuffinClamberingswiftlyuptheglacis。
"Whogoesthere?"exclaimsthesentry;
"WhenthesunhasoncegonedownNooneevermakesanentryIntothisherefortifiedtown!"
[HowthesentrieSneezoffwassurprisedandslayn。]
ShoutedthusthewatchfulSneezoff;
But,ereanyonereplied,Wretchedyouth!hefiredhispieceoffStarted,staggered,groaned,anddied!
XV。
[HowtheCossacksrushedinsuddenlyandtookthecitie。]
Ah,fullwellmightthesentinelcry,"Whogoesthere!"
Butechowasfrightenedtoomuchtodeclare。
Whogoesthere?whogoesthere?CananyoneswearTothenumberofsandssurlesbordsdelamer,OrthewhiskersofD’OrsayCountdowntoahair?
Aswellmightyoutellofthesandstheamount,OrnumbereachhairineachcurloftheCount,AseverproclaimthenumberandnameOfthehundredsandthousandsthatupthewallcame!
[OftheCossacktroops,]
Down,downtheknavespouredwithfireandwithsword:
TherewerethievesfromtheDanubeandroguesfromtheDon;
TherewereTurksandWallacks,andshoutingCossacks;
Ofallnationsandregions,andtonguesandreligions——
Jew,Christian,Idolater,Frank,Mussulman:
Ah,horriblesightwasKioffthatnight!
[Andoftheirmannerofburning,murdering,andravishing。]
Thegateswerealltaken——nochancee’enofflight;
AndwithtorchandwithaxethebloodyCossacksWenthitherandthithera-huntinginpacks:
TheyslashedandtheyslewbothChristianandJew——
Womenandchildren,theyslaughteredthemtoo。
Some,savingtheirthroats,plungedintothemoats,Ortheriver——butoh,theyhadburnedalltheboats!……
[Howtheyburnedthewholecitiedown,savethechurch,]
Buthereletuspause——forIcan’tpursuefurtherThissceneofrack,ravishment,ruin,andmurther。
ToowelldidthecunningoldCossacksucceed!
Hisplanofattackwassuccessfulindeed!
Thenightwashisown——thetownitwasgone;
’Twasaheapstilla-burningoftimberandstone。
[Whereofthebellsbegantoring。]
Onebuildingalonehadescapedfromthefires,SaintSophy’sfairchurch,withitssteeplesandspires,Calm,stately,andwhite,Itstoodinthelight;
Andasif’twoulddefyalltheconqueror’spower,——
Asifnoughthadoccurred,MightclearlybeheardThechimesringingsoberlyeveryhalf-hour!
XVI。
Thecitywasdefunct——silencesucceededUntoitslastfierceagonizingyell;
AndthenitwastheconquerorfirstheededThesoundofthesecalmbells。
[HowtheCossackchiefbadethemburnthechurchtoo。]
Furioustowardshisaides-de-campheturns,And(speakingasifByron’sworksheknew)
"Villains!"hefiercelycries,"thecityburns,Whynotthetempletoo?
Burnmeyonchurch,andmurderallwithin!"
[Howtheystormedit,andofHyacinth,hisangerthereat。]
TheCossacksthunderedattheouterdoor;
AndFatherHyacinth,who,heardthedin,(Andthoughthimselfandbrethrenindistress,Desertedbytheirladypatroness)
Didtoherstatueturn,andthushiswoesoutpour。
XVII。
[HisprayertotheSaintSophia。]
"Andisitthus,Ofalsestofthesaints,Thouhearestourcomplaints?
Tellme,didevermyattachmentfalterToservethyaltar?
Wasnotthyname,ereeverIdidsleep,Thelastuponmylip?
WasnotthynametheveryfirstthatbrokeFrommewhenIawoke?
HaveInottriedwithfasting,flogging,penance,AndmortifiedcountenanceFortofindfavor,Sophy,inthysight?
Andlo!thisnight,Forgetfulofmyprayers,andthineownpromise,Thouturnestfromus;
Lettesttheheathenenterinourcity,And,withoutpity,Murderoutburghers,seizeupontheirspouses,Burndowntheirhouses!
Issuchabreachoffaithtobeendured?
SeewhataluridLightfromtheinsolentinvader’storchesShinesonyourporches!
E’ennow,withthunderingbattering-ramandhammerAndhideousclamor;
Withaxemen,swordsmen,pikemen,billmen,bowmen,Theconqueringfoemen,OSophy!beatyourgateaboutyourears,Alas!andhere’sAhumblecompanyofpiousmen,Likemuttonsinapen,Whosesoulsshallquicklyfromtheirbodiesbethrusted,Becauseinyoutheytrusted。
DoyounotknowtheCalmucchiefsdesires——
KILLALLTHEFRIARS!
Andyou,ofallthesaintsmostfalseandfickle,Leaveusinthisabominablepickle。"
[Thestatuesuddenliespeaks;]
"RASHHYACINTHUS!"
(Here,totheastonishmentofallherbackers,SaintSophy,openingwideherwoodenjaws,LiketoapairofGermanwalnut-crackers,Began),"Ididnotthinkyouhadbeenthus,——
Omonkoflittlefaith!IsitbecauseArascalscumoffilthyCossackheathenBesiegeourtown,thatyoudistrustinME,then?
Think’stthouthatI,whoinaformerdayDidwalkacrosstheSeaofMarmora(Notmentioning,forshortness,otherseas),——
ThatI,whoskimmedthebroadBorysthenes,Withoutsomuchaswettingofmytoes,AmfrightenedatasetofmenlikeTHOSE?
Ihaveamindtoleaveyoutoyourfate:
Suchcowardiceasthismyscorninspires。"
[ButisinterruptedbythebreakinginoftheCossacks。]
SaintSophywashereCutshortinherwords,——
Foratthisverymomentintumbledthegate,Andwithawildcheer,Andaclashingofswords,Swiftthroughthechurchporches,Withawavingoftorches,AndashriekandayellLikethedevilsofhell,WithpikeandwithaxeInrushedtheCossacks,——
InrushedtheCossacks,crying,"MURDERTHEFRIARS!"
[OfHyacinth,hisoutrageousaddress;]
Ah!whatathrillfeltHyacinth,WhenheheardthatvillanousshoutCalmuc!
Now,thoughthe,mytrialbeginneth;
Saints,Ogivemecourageandpluck!
"Courage,boys,’tisuselesstofunk!"
Thusuntothefriarshebegan:
"NeverletitbesaidthatamonkIsnotlikewiseagentleman。
Thoughthepatronsaintofthechurch,Spiteofallthatwe’vedoneandwe’vepray’d,Leavesuswickedlyhereinthelurch,Hangit,gentlemen,who’safraid!"
[Andpreparationfordying。]
AsthusthegallantHyacinthusspoke,He,withanairaseasyandasfreeasIfthequick-comingmurderwereajoke,Foldedhisrobesaroundhissides,andtookPlaceundersaintedSophy’slegsofoak,LikeCaesaratthestatueofPompeius。
Themonksnoleisurehadabouttolook(Eachbeingabsorbedinhisparticularcase),ElsehadtheyseenwithwhatcelestialraceAwoodensmilestoleo’erthesaint’smahoganyface。
[SaintSophia,herspeech。]
"Welldone,welldone,Hyacinthus,myson!"
Thusspokethesaintedstatue。
"Thoughyoudoubtedmeinthehourofneed,Andspokeofmeveryrudeindeed,Youdeservegoodluckforshowingsuchpluck,AndIwon’tbeangryatyou。"
[Shegetsontheprior’sshoulderstraddle-back,]
Themonksby-standing,oneandall,Ofthiswondrousscenebeholders,Tothiskindpromiselistenedcontent,Andcouldn’tcontaintheirastonishment,WhenSaintSophiamovedandwentDownfromherwoodenpedestal,Andtwistedherlegs,sureaseggsiseggs,RoundHyacinthus’sshoulders!
[Andbidshimrun。]
"Ho!forwards,"criedSophy,"there’snotimeforwaiting,TheCossacksarebreakingtheverylastgatein:
Seetheglareoftheirtorchesshinesredthroughthegrating;
We’vestillthebackdoor,andtwominutesormore。
Nowboys,nowornever,wemustmakefortheriver,Forweonlyaresafeontheoppositeshore。
Runswiftlyto-day,lads,ifeveryouran,——
Putoutyourbestleg,Hyacinthus,myman;
AndI’lllayfivetotwothatyoucarryusthrough,Onlyscamperasfastasyoucan。"
XVIII。
[Herunneth,]
Awaywentthepriestthroughthelittlebackdoor,Andlightonhisshoulderstheimagehebore:
Thehonestoldpriestwasnotpunishedtheleast,Thoughtheimagewaseightfeet,andhemeasuredfour。
Awaywenttheprior,andthemonksathistailWentsnorting,andpuffing,andpantingfullsail;
Andjustasthelastatthebackdoorhadpassed,InfurioushuntbeholdatthefrontTheTartarssofierce,withtheirterriblecheers;
Withaxes,andhalberts,andmuskets,andspears,Withtorchesa-flamingthechapelnowcamein。
Theytoreupthemass-book,theystampedonthepsalter,Theypulledthegoldcrucifixdownfromthealtar;
Thevestmentstheyburnedwiththeirblasphemousfires,Andmanycried,"Curseonthem!wherearethefriars?"
Whenloadedwithplunder,yetseekingformore,Onechancedtoflingopenthelittlebackdoor,Spiedoutthefriars’whiterobesandlongshadowsInthemoon,scamperingoverthemeadows,AndstoppedtheCossacksinthemidstoftheirarsons,Bycryingoutlustily,"THEREGOTHEPARSONS!"
[AndtheTartarsafterhim。]
Withawhoopandayell,andascreamandashout,Atoncethewholemurderousbodyturnedout;
Andswiftasthehawkpouncesdownonthepigeon,Pursuedthepoorshort-windedmenofreligion。
[Howthefriarssweated。]
Whenthesoundofthatcheeringcametothemonks’hearing,Oheaven!howthepoorfellowspantedandblew!
Atfightingnotcunning,unaccustomedtorunning,WhentheTartarscameup,whatthedeuceshouldtheydo?
"They’llmakeusallmartyrs,thosebloodthirstyTartars!"
QuothfatFatherPetertofatFatherHugh。
Theshoutstheycameclearer,thefoetheydrewnearer;
Oh,howtheboltswhistled,andhowthelightsshone!
"Icannotgetfurther,thisrunningismurther;
Comecarryme,someone!"criedbigFatherJohn。
Andeventhestatuegrewfrightened,"Odratyou!"
Itcried,"Mr。Prior,Iwishyou’dgeton!"
Ontuggedthegoodfriar,butnigherandnigherAppearedthefierceRussians,withswordandwithfire。
OntuggedthegoodprioratSaintSophy’sdesire,——
Ascramblethroughbramble,throughmud,andthroughmire,Theswiftarrows’whizzinesscausingadizziness,Nighdonehisbusiness,fittoexpire。
[Andthepursuersfixedarrowsintotheirtayles。]
FatherHyacinthtugged,andthemonkstheytuggedafter:
Thefoemenpursuedwithahorriblelaughter,Andhurl’dtheirlongspearsroundthepoorbrethren’sears,Sotrue,thatnextdayinthecoatsofeachpriest,Thoughneverawoundwasgiven,therewerefoundAdozenarrowsatleast。
[Howatthelastgasp,]
Nowthechaseseemedatitsworst,Priorandmonkswerefittoburst;
Scarceyouknewthewhichwasfirst,Orpursuersorpursued;
Whenthestatue,byheaven’sgrace,SuddenlydidchangethefaceOfthisinterestingrace,Asasaint,sure,onlycould。
ForasthejockeywhoatEpsomrides,Whenthathissteedisspentandpunishedsore,Diggethhisheelsintothecourser’ssides,Andtherebymakeshimrunoneortwofurlongsmore;
Eventhus,betwixttheeighthribandtheninth,Thesaintrebukedtheprior,thatwearycreeper;
Freshstrengthintohislimbsherkicksimparted,Oneboundhemade,asgayaswhenhestarted。
[Thefriarswon,andjumpedintoBorysthenesfluvius。]
Yes,withhisbrethrenclingingathiscloak,Thestatueonhisshoulders——fittochoke——
OnemosttremendousboundmadeHyacinth,Andsousedfriars,statue,andall,slap-dashintotheDnieper!
XIX。
[AndhowtheRussianssaw]
AndwhentheRussians,inafieryrank,Pantingandfierce,drewupalongtheshore;
(Forherethevainpursuingtheyforbore,Norcaredtheytosurpasstheriver’sbank,)
Then,lookingfromtherocksandrushesdank,Asighttheywitnessedneverseenbefore,Andwhich,withitsaccompanimentsglorious,Iswriti’thegoldenbook,orliberaureus。
[ThestatuegetoffHyacinthhisback,andsitdownwiththefriarsonHyacinthhiscloak。]
PlumpintheDnieperflouncedthefriarandfriends——
Theydanglingroundhisneck,hefittochoke。
WhensuddenlyhismostmiraculouscloakOverthebillowywavesitselfextends,DownfromhisshouldersquietlydescendsThevenerableSophy’sstatueofoak;
Which,sittingdownuponthecloaksoample,Bidsallthebrethrenfollowitsexample!
[Howinthismannerofboattheysayledaway。]
Eachatherbiddingsat,andsatatease;
Thestatue’ganagraciousconversation,And(wavingtothefoeasalutation)
Sail’dwithherwonderinghappyprotegesGaylyadownthewideBorysthenes,Untiltheycameuntosomefriendlynation。
AndwhentheheathenhadatlengthgrownshyofTheirconquest,sheonedaycamebackagaintoKioff。
XX。
[Finis,ortheend。]
THINKNOT,OREADER,THATWE’RELAUGHINGATYOU;
YOUMAYGOTOKIOFFNOW,ANDSEETHESTATUTE!
TITMARSH’SCARMENLILLIENSE。
LILLE,Sept。2,1843。
Myheartisweary,mypeaceisgone,HowshallIe’ermywoesreveal?
Ihavenomoney,Ilieinpawn,AstrangerinthetownofLille。
I。
WithtwentypoundsbutthreeweekssinceFromParisforthdidTitmarshwheel,IthoughtmyselfasrichaprinceAsbeggarpoorI’mnowatLille。
Confidinginmyamplemeans——
Introth,Iwasahappychiel!
IpassedthegatesofValenciennes,IneverthoughttocomebyLille。
IneverthoughtmytwentypoundsSomerascalknavewoulddaretosteal;
IgaylypassedtheBelgicboundsAtQuievrain,twentymilesfromLille。
ToAntwerptownIhasten’dpost,AndasItookmyeveningmealIfeltmypouch,——mypursewaslost,OHeaven!WhycameInotbyLille?
Istraightwaycalledforinkandpen,TograndmammaImadeappeal;
MeanwhilealoanofguineastenIborrowedfromafriendsoleal。
Igotthecashfromgrandmamma(Hergentleheartmywoescouldfeel,)
ButwhereIwent,andwhatIsaw,Whatmatters?HereIamatLille。
Myheartisweary,mypeaceisgone,HowshallIe’ermywoesreveal?
Ihavenocash,Ilieinpawn,AstrangerinthetownofLille。
II。
TostealingIcannevercome,TopawnmywatchI’mtoogenteel,Besides,Ileftmywatchathome,HowcouldIpawnitthenatLille?
"Lanote,"attimestheguestswillsay。
Iturnaswhiteascoldboil’dveal;
Iturnandlookanotherway,IdarenotaskthebillatLille。
Idarenottothelandlordsay,"Goodsir,Icannotpayyourbill;"
HethinksIamaLordAnglais,AndisquiteproudIstayatLille。
HethinksIamaLordAnglais,LikeRothschildorSirRobertPeel,AndsoheservesmeeverydayThebestofmeatanddrinkinLille。
YetwhenhelooksmeinthefaceIblushasredascochineal;
Andthinkdidhebutknowmycase,Howchangedhe’dbe,myhostofLille。
Myheartisweary,mypeaceisgone,HowshallIe’ermywoesreveal?
Ihavenomoney,Ilieinpawn,AstrangerinthetownofLille。
III。
Thesunburstsoutinfuriousblaze,Iperspiratefromheadtoheel;
I’dliketohireaone-horsechaise,HowcanI,withoutcashatLille?
IpassinsunshineburninghotBycafeswhereinbeertheydeal;
Ithinkhowpleasantwereapot,AfrothingpotofbeerofLille!
Whatisyonhousewithwallssothick,Allgirtaroundwithguardandgrille?
Ograciousgods!itmakesmesick,ItisthePRISON-HOUSEofLille!
Ocursedprisonstrongandbarred,Itdoesmyverybloodcongeal!
ItrembleasIpasstheguard,AndquitthatuglypartofLille。
Thechurch-doorbeggarwhinesandprays,IturnawayathisappealAh,church-doorbeggar!gothyways!
You’renotthepoorestmaninLille。
Myheartisweary,mypeaceisgone,HowshallIe’eranywoesreveal?
Ihavenomoney,Ilieinpawn,AstrangerinthetownofLille。
IV。
Say,shallItoyouFlemishchurch,AndataPopishaltarkneel?
Oh,donotleavemeinthelurch,——
I’llcry,yepatron-saintsofLille!
Yevirginsdressedinsatinhoops,Yemartyrsslainformortalweal,Lookkindlydown!beforeyoustoopsThemiserablestmaninLille。
Andlo!asIbeheldwithaweApicturedsaint(Iswear’tisreal),Itsmiled,andturnedtograndmamma!——
Itdid!andIhadhopeinLille!
’Twasfiveo’clock,andIcouldeat,AlthoughIcouldnotpaymymeal:
IhastenbackintothestreetWhereliesmyinn,thebestLille。
WhatseeIonmytablestand,——
Aletterwithawell-knownseal?
’Tisgrandmamma’s!Iknowherhand,——
"ToMr。M。A。Titmarsh,Lille。"
Ifeelachokinginmythroat,Ipantandstagger,faintandreel!
Itis——itis——aten-poundnote,AndI’mnomoreinpawnatLille!
[Hegoesoffbythediligencethatevening,andisrestoredtothebosomofhishappyfamily。]
THEWILLOW-TREE。
Knowyethewillow-treeWhosegrayleavesquiver,WhisperinggloomilyToyonpaleriver;
Lady,ateven-tideWandernotnearit,TheysayitsbrancheshideAsad,lostspirit?
Oncetothewillow-treeAmaidcamefearful,Paleseemedhercheektobe,Herblueeyetearful;
Soonasshesawthetree,Herstepmovedfleeter,Noonewasthere——ahme!
Noonetomeether!
QuickbeatherhearttohearThefarbell’schimeTollfromthechapel-towerThetrystingtime:
ButtheredsunwentdownIngoldenflame,Andthoughshelookedround,Yetnoonecame!
Presentlycamethenight,Sadlytogreether,——
Mooninhersilverlight,Starsintheirglitter;
ThensankthemoonawayUnderthebillow,Stillweptthemaidalone——
Therebythewillow!
Throughthelongdarkness,Bythestreamrolling,HourafterhourwentonTollingandtolling。
Longwasthedarkness,Lonelyandstilly;
Shrillcamethenight-wind,Piercingandchilly。
Shrillblewthemorningbreeze,Bitingandcold,BleakpeersthegraydawnOverthewold。
BleakovermoorandstreamLooksthegreydawn,Gray,withdishevelledhair,Stillstandsthewillowthere——
THEMAIDISGONE!
Domine,Domine!
Singwealitany,——
Singforpoormaiden-heartsbrokenandweary;
Domine,Domine!
Singwealitany,WailweandweepweawildMiserere!
THEWILLOW-TREE。
(ANOTHERVERSION)。
I。
Longbythewillow-treesVainlytheysoughther,Wildrangthemother’sscreamsO’erthegraywater:
"Whereismylovelyone?
Whereismydaughter?
II。
"Rousethee,sirconstable——
Rousetheeandlook;
Fisherman,bringyournet,Boatmanyourhook。
Beatinthelily-beds,Diveinthebrook!"
III。
VainlytheconstableShoutedandcalledher;
VainlythefishermanBeatthegreenalder,Vainlyheflungthenet,Neverithauledher!
IV。
MotherbesidethefireSat,hernightcapin;
Father,ineasychair,Gloomilynapping,Whenatthewindow-sillCamealighttapping!
V。
AndapalecountenanceLookedthroughthecasement。
Loudbeatthemother’sheart,Sickwithamazement,AndatthevisionwhichCametosurpriseher,Shriekedinanagony——
"Lor!it’sElizar!"
VI
Yes,’twasElizabeth——
Yes,’twastheirgirl;
Palewashercheek,andherHairoutofcurl。
"Mother!"thelovingone,Blushing,exclaimed,"LetnotyourinnocentLizzybeblamed。
VII。
"Yesterday,goingtoauntJones’stotea,Mother,dearmother,I
FORGOTTHEDOOR-KEY!
Andasthenightwascold,Andthewaysteep,Mrs。JoneskeptmetoBreakfastandsleep。"
VIII。
WhetherherPaandMaFullybelievedher,Thatweshallneverknow,Sterntheyreceivedher;
AndfortheworkofthatCruel,thoughshort,night,SenthertobedwithoutTeaforafortnight。
IX。
MORAL
Heydiddlediddlety,CatandtheFiddlety,MaidensofEnglandtakecautionbyshe!
LetloveandsuicideNevertemptyouaside,Andalwaysremembertotakethedoor-key。
LYRAHIBERNICA
THEPOEMSOFTHEMOLONYOFKILBALLYMOLONY。
THEPIMLICOPAVILION。
Yepathronsofjanius,MinervaandVanius,WhositonParnassus,thatmountainofsnow,DescindfromyourstationandmakeobservationOfthePrince’spavilioninsweetPimlico。
Thisgarden,byjakurs,isfortypooracres,(Thegarnerhetouldme,andsureoughttoknow;)
Andyetgreatlybigger,insizeandinfigure,ThanthePhanixitself,seemstheParkPimlico。
O’tistherethatthespoortis,whentheQueenandtheCourtisWalkingmagnanimousallofarow,ForgetfulwhatstateisamongthepatatiesAndthepine-applegardensofsweetPimlico。
Thereinblossomsodorousthebirdssingachorus,Of"GodsavetheQueen"astheyhoptoandfro;
Andyousitonthebinchesandharktothefinches,SingingmelodiousinsweetPimlico。
Thereshuitingtheirphanthasies,theypluckpolyanthusesThatroundinthegardensresplindentlygrow,Widrosesandjessimins,andothersweetspecimins,WouldcharmbouldLinnayusinsweetPimlico。
Youseewhenyouinther,andstandinthecinther,Wheretheroses,andnecturns,andcollyflowersblow,Ahillsotremindous,ittopsthetop-windowsOftheeleganthousesoffamedPimlico。
Andwhenyou’veascindedthatprecipicesplindidYouseeonitssummitawondtherfulshow——
AlovelySwishbuilding,allpaintingandgilding,ThefamousPavilionofsweetPimlico。
PrinceAlbert,ofFlandthers,thatPrinceofCommandthers,(OnwhommybestblessingsherebyIbestow,)
WithgooldandvermilionhasdeckedthatPavilion,WheretheQueenmaytaketayinhersweetPimlico。
There’slinesfromJohnMiltonthechamberallgilton,Andpicturesbeneaththemthat’sshapedlikeabow;
IwasgreatlyastoundedtothinkthatthatRoundheadShouldfindanadmissiontofamedPimlico。
Olovely’seachfresco,andmostpicturesqueO;
AndwhileroundthechamberastonishedIgo,IthinkDanMaclise’sitbaitsallthepiecesSurroundingthecottageoffamedPimlico。
Eastlakehasthechimney,(agoodonetolimnhe,)
Andavarginhepaintswithasarpentbelow;
Whilebulls,pigs,andpanthers,andotherenchanthers,ArepaintedbyLandseerinsweetPimlico。
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