Mythanksareyours，noless，foronethingclear：
　　Thoughyouaresilent，whatyousayistrue。
　　"Theremayhavebeenthedevilinmyfeet，FordownIblundered，likeafugitive，TofindtheoldroominEleventhStreet。
　　Godsaveus！——Icamehereagaintolive。"
　　Weroseatthat，andalltheghostsrosethen，Andfollowedusunseentohisoldroom。
　　NolongeragoodplaceforlivingmenWefoundit，andweshiveredinthegloom。
　　Thegoodshetookawayfromtherewerefew，Andsoonwefoundourselvesoutsideoncemore，WherenowthelampsalongtheAvenueBloomedwhiteformilesaboveanironfloor。
　　"Nowleadmetothenewestofhotels，"
　　Hesaid，"andletyourspleenbeundeceived：
　　Thisruinisnotmyself，butsomeoneelse；
　　Ihaven’tfailed；I’vemerelynotachieved。"
　　Whetherheknewornot，helaughedanddinedWithmoreofanimmuneregardlessnessOfpitsbeforehimandofsandsbehindThanmanyachildatfortywouldconfess；
　　Andafter，whenthebellsin`Boris’rangTheirtumultattheMetropolitan，Herockedhimself，andIbelievehesang。
　　"Godlives，"hecroonedaloud，"andI’mtheman！"
　　Hewas。AndeventhoughthecreaturespoiledAllprophecies，Icherishhisacclaim。
　　Threeweekshefattened；andfiveyearshetoiledInYonkers，——andthensaunteredintofame。
　　Andhemaygonowtowhatstreetshewill——
　　Eleventh，orthelast，andlittlecare；
　　ButhewouldfindtheoldroomverystillOfevenings，andtheghostswouldallbethere。
　　Idoubtifhegoesafterthem；IdoubtIfmanyofthemevercometohim。
　　Hismemoriesarelikelamps，andtheygoout；
　　Oriftheyburn，theyflickerandaredim。
　　Alightofothergleamshehasto-dayAndadulationsofapplaudinghosts；
　　Afamousdanger，butasaferwayThangrowingoldaloneamongtheghosts。
　　Butwemaystillbegladthatwewerewrong：
　　Hefooledus，andwe’dshriveltodenyit；
　　Thoughsometimeswhenoldechoesringtoolong，Iwishthebellsin`Boris’wouldbequiet。
　　TheUnforgivenWhenhe，whoistheunforgiven，Beheldherfirst，hefoundherfair：
　　NopromiseeverdreamtinheavenCouldthenhaveluredhimanywhereThatwouldhavebeenawayfromthere；
　　Andallhiswitshadlightlystriven，Foiledwithhervoice，andeyes，andhair。
　　There’snothinginthesaintsandsagesTomeettheshaftsherglanceshad，OrsuchashershavehadforagesToblindamantillhebeglad，Andhumblehimtillhebemad。
　　Thestorywouldhavemanypages，Andwouldbeneithergoodnorbad。
　　And，havingfollowed，youwouldfindhimWhereproperlytheplaybegins；
　　Butlookfornoredlightbehindhim——
　　Nofumesofmany-coloredsins，Fannedhighbyscreamingviolins。
　　Godknowswhatgooditwastoblindhim，Orwhethermanorwomanwins。
　　Andbythesameeternaltoken，Whoknowsjusthowitwillallend？——
　　Thisdramaofhardwordsunspoken，Thisfiresidefarce，withoutafriendOrenemytocomprehendWhataugurswhentwolivesarebroken，Andfearfindsnothinglefttomend。
　　Hestaresinvainforwhatawaitshim，AndseesinLoveacointotoss；
　　Hesmiles，andhercoldhushberateshimBeneathhishardhalfofthecross；
　　Theywonderwhyiteverwas；
　　Andshe，theunforgiving，hateshimMoreforherlackthanforherloss。
　　Hefeedswithpridehisindecision，Andshrinksfromwhatwillnotoccur，BequeathingwithinfirmderisionHisashestothedaysthatwere，Beforeshemadehimprisoner；
　　AndlaborstoretrievethevisionThathemustoncehavehadofher。
　　Hewaits，andthereawaitsanending，Andheknowsneitherwhatnorwhen；
　　ButnomagiciansareattendingTomakehimseeashesawthen，AndhewillneverfindagainThefacethatoncehadbeentherendingOfallhispurposeamongmen。
　　Heblameshernot，nordoeshechideher，Andshehasnothingnewtosay；
　　IfhewereBluebeardhecouldhideher，Butthat’snotwrittenintheplay，Andtherewillbenochangeto-day；
　　Although，tothesereneoutsider，Therestillwouldseemtobeaway。
　　TheophilusBywhatserenemalevolenceofnamesHadyouthegiftofyours，Theophilus？
　　NotevenasmearedyoungCyclopsathisgamesWouldhaveyoulong，——andyouareoneofus。
　　ToldofyourdeedsIshudderforyourdreams，Andthey，nodoubt，arefewandinnocent。
　　Meanwhile，Imarvel；forinyou，itseems，Heredityoutshinesenvironment。
　　WhatlingeringbitofBelial，unforeseen，Survivesandamplifiesitselfinyou？
　　WhatmannerofdevilryhaseverbeenThatyourobliquitymayneverdo？
　　Humilitybefitsafather’seyes，Butnotafriendofuswouldhavehimweep。
　　Admiringeverythingthatlivesanddies，Theophilus，welikeyoubestasleep。
　　Sleep——sleep；andletusfindanothermanTolendanothernamelesshazardous：
　　Caligula，maybe，orCaliban，OrCain，——butsurelynotTheophilus。
　　VeteranSirensTheghostofNinonwouldbesorrynowTolaughatthem，wereshetoseethemhere，SobraveandsoalertforlearninghowTofencewithreasonforanotheryear。
　　AgeoffersafarcomelierdiademThantheirs；butanguishhasnoeyeforgrace，Whentime’smaliciousmercycautionsthemTothinkawhileofnumberandofspace。
　　Theburninghope，thewornexpectancy，Themartyredhumor，andthemaimedallure，Cryoutfortimetoendhislevity，Andagetosoftenitsinvestiture；
　　Butthey，thoughothersfadeandarestillfair，Defytheirfairnessandareunsubdued；
　　Althoughtheysuffer，theymaynotforswearThepatientardoroftheunpursued。
　　Poorflesh，tofightthecalendarsolong；
　　Poorvanity，soquaintandyetsobrave；
　　Poorfolly，sodeceivedandyetsostrong，SofarfromNinonandsonearthegrave。
　　SiegePerilousLongwarnedofmanyterrorsmoresevereToscorchhimthanhell’senginescouldawaken，Hescannedagain，toofartobesonear，Thefearfulseatnomanhadevertaken。
　　SomanyothermenwitholdereyesThanhistoseewitholdersightbehindthemHadknownsolongtheironewaytobewise，——
　　Wasanyotherthingtodothanmindthem？
　　SomanyablastingparallelhadsearedConfusiononhisfaith，——couldhebutwonderIfheweremadandright，orifhefearedGod’sfurytoldinshaftedflameandthunder？
　　TherefellonedayuponhiseyesalightEthereal，andheheardnomoremenspeaking；
　　Hesawtheirshakenheads，butnolongsightWashisbutfortheendthathewentseeking。
　　Theendhesoughtwasnottheend；thecrownHewonshalluntomanystillbegiven。
　　Moreover，therewasreasonheretofrown：
　　Nofurythundered，noflamefellfromheaven。
　　AnotherDarkLadyThinknot，becauseIwonderwhereyoufled，ThatIwouldliftapintoseeyouthere；
　　Youmay，forme，beprowlinganywhere，Solongasyoushownotyourlittlehead：
　　NodarkandevilstoryofthedeadWouldleaveyoulessperniciousorlessfair——
　　NotevenLilith，withherfamoushair；
　　AndLilithwasthedevil，Ihaveread。
　　Icannothateyou，forIlovedyouthen。
　　Thewoodsweregoldenthen。TherewasaroadThroughbeeches；andIsaidtheirsmoothfeetshowedLikeyours。Truthmusthaveheardmefromafar，ForIshallneverhavetolearnagainThatyoursareclovenasnobeech’sare。
　　TheVoiceofAgeShe’dlookuponus，ifshecould，AshardasRhadamanthuswould；
　　Yetonemaysee，——whoseesherface，Hercrownofsilverandoflace，HermysticalsereneaddressOfagealloyedwithloveliness，——
　　ThatshewouldnotannihilateThefrailestofthingsanimate。
　　Shehasopinionsofourways，Andifwe’renotallmad，shesays，——
　　IfourwaysarenotwhollyworseThanothers，fornotbeinghers，——
　　TheremightsomehowbefoundafewLessinsanethingsforustodo，AndwemighthavealittleheedOfwhatBelshazzarcouldn’tread。
　　Shefeels，withallourfurniture，RoomyetforsomethingmoresecureThanourself-kindledaureolesToguideourpoorforgottensouls；
　　ButwhenwehaveexplainedthatgraceDwellsnowindoingfortherace，Shenods——asifshewererelieved；
　　Almostasifsheweredeceived。
　　Shefrownsatmuchofwhatshehears，Andshakesherhead，andhasherfears；
　　Thoughnonemayknow，byanychance，Whatrose-leafashesofromanceArefaintlystirredbylaterdaysThatwouldbewellenough，shesays，Ifonlypeopleweremorewise，Andgrown-upchildrenusedtheireyes。
　　TheDarkHouseWhereafaintlightshinesalone，DwellsaDemonIhaveknown。
　　Mostofyouhadbettersay"TheDarkHouse"，andgoyourway。
　　DonotwonderifIstay。
　　ForIknowtheDemon’seyes，Andtheirlurethatneverdies。
　　Banishallyourfondalarms，ForIknowthefoilingcharmsOfhereyesandofherarms，AndIknowthatinoneroomBurnsalampasinatomb；
　　AndIseetheshadowglide，Backandforth，ofonedeniedPowertofindhimselfoutside。
　　Thereheiswhoismyfriend，Damned，hefancies，totheend——
　　Vanquished，eversinceadoorClosed，hethought，forevermoreOnthelifethatwasbefore。
　　AndthefriendwhoknowshimbestSeeshimasheseestherestWhoarestrivingtobewiseWhileaDemon’sarmsandeyesHoldthemasawebwouldflies。
　　Allthewordsofalltheworld，Aimedtogetherandthenhurled，WouldbestillerinhisearsThanaclosingofstillshearsOnathreadmadeoutofyears。
　　Buttherelivesanothersound，Morecompelling，moreprofound；
　　There’samusic，soitseems，Thatassuagesandredeems，Morethanreason，morethandreams。
　　There’samusicyetunheardBythecreatureoftheword，ThoughitmatterslittlemoreThanawave-washonashore——
　　TillaDemonshutsadoor。
　　So，ifhebeverystillWithhisDemon，andonewill，MurmursofitmaybeblownTomyfriendwhoisaloneInaroomthatIhaveknown。
　　AfterthatfromeverywhereSinginglifewillfindhimthere；
　　Thenthedoorwillopenwide，Andmyfriend，againoutside，Willbeliving，havingdied。
　　ThePoorRelationNolongertornbywhatsheknowsAndseeswithintheeyesofothers，Herdoubtsarewhenthedaylightgoes，Herfearsareforthefewshebothers。
　　ShetellsthemitiswhollywrongOfhertostayalivesolong；
　　AndwhenshesmilesherforeheadshowsAcrinklethathadbeenhermother’s。
　　Beneathherbeauty，blanchedwithpain，Andwistfulyetforbeingcheated，AchildwouldseemtoaskagainAquestionmanytimesrepeated；
　　ButnorebellionhasbetrayedHerwonderatwhatshehaspaidFormemoriesthathavenostain，Fortriumphborntobedefeated。
　　Tothosewhocomeforwhatshewas——
　　Thefewleftwhoknowwheretofindher——
　　Sheclings，fortheyareallshehas；
　　Andshemaysmilewhentheyremindher，Asheretofore，ofwhattheyknowOfrosesthatarestilltoblowBywayswherenotsomuchasgrassRemainsofwhatsheseesbehindher。
　　Theystayawhile，andhavingdoneWhatpenanceorthepastrequires，Theygo，andleavehertherealoneTocountherchimneysandherspires。
　　Herlipshakeswhentheygoaway，Andyetshewouldnothavethemstay；
　　SheknowsaswellasanyoneThatPity，havingplayed，soontires。
　　Butonefriendalwaysreappears，Agoodghost，nottobeforsaken；
　　WhereatshelaughsandhasnofearsOfwhataghostmayreawaken，Butwelcomes，whileshewearsandmendsThepoorrelation’soddsandends，Hertruantfromatombofyears——
　　Herpowerofyouthsoearlytaken。
　　Poorlaugh，moreslenderthanhersongItseems；andtherearenonetohearitWitheventhestoppedearsofthestrongForbreakingheartorbrokenspirit。
　　Thefriendswhoclamoredforherplace，Andwouldhavescratchedherforherface，HavelostherlaughterforsolongThatnonewouldcareenoughtofearit。
　　NonelivewhoneedfearanythingFromher，whoselossesaretheirpleasure；
　　TheploverwithawoundedwingStaysnottheflightthatothersmeasure；
　　Sothereshewaits，andwhileshelives，Anddeathforgets，andfaithforgives，HermemoriesgoforagingForbitsofchildhoodsongtheytreasure。
　　AndlikeagiantharpthathumsOnalways，andisalwaysblendingThecomingofwhatnevercomesWithwhathaspastandhadanending，TheCitytrembles，throbs，andpoundsOutside，andthroughathousandsoundsThesmallintolerabledrumsOfTimearelikeslowdropsdescending。
　　BereftenoughtoshameasageAndgivenlittletolongsighing，WithnoillusiontoassuageThelonelychangelessnessofdying，——
　　Unsought，unthought-of，andunheard，Shesingsandwatcheslikeabird，SafeinacomfortablecageFromwhichtherewillbenomoreflying。
　　TheBurningBookOrtheContentedMetaphysicianTotheloreofnomannerofmenWouldhisvisionhaveyieldedWhenhefoundwhatwillneveragainFromhisvisionbeshielded，——
　　ThoughhepaidwithasmuchofhislifeAsanuncouldhavegiven，Andto-nightwouldhavebeenasaknife，Devil-drawn，devil-driven。
　　Forto-night，withhisflame-wearyeyesOntheworkheisdoing，HeconsidersthetinderthatfliesAndthequickflamepursuing。
　　IntheleavesthatarecrinkledandcurledArehisashesofglory，AndwhatoncewereanendoftheworldIsanendofastory。
　　Buthesmiles，fornomoreshallhisdaysBeatoilandacallingForawaytomakeotherstogazeOnGod’sfacewithoutfalling。
　　Hehascometotheendofhiswords，AndaloneherejoicesInthechoiringthatsilenceaffordsOfineffablevoices。
　　ToarealmthathiswordsmaynotreachHemayleadnonetofindhim；
　　Anadept，andwithnothingtoteach，Heleavesnothingbehindhim。
　　Fortherest，hewillhavehisrelease，Andhisembers，attendedBythelargeandunclamoringpeaceOfadreamthatisended。
　　FragmentFaintwhitepillarsthatseemtofadeAsyoulookfromherearethefirstoneseesOfhishousewhereithidesanddiesinashadeOfbeechesandoaksandhickorytrees。
　　Nowmanyaman，givenwoodslikethese，Andahouselikethat，andtheBrionygold，Wouldhavesaid，"Therearestillsomegodstoplease，Andhousesarebuiltwithouthands，we’retold。"
　　Therearethepillars，andallgonegray。
　　Briony’shairwentwhite。YoumayseeWherethegardenwasifyoucomethisway。
　　Thatsun-dialscaredhim，hesaidtome；
　　"Soonerorlatertheystrike，"saidhe，Andhenevergotthatfromthebooksheread。
　　Othersareflourishing，worsethanhe，Butheknewtoomuchforthelifeheled。
　　AndwhoknowsallknowseverythingThatapatientghostatlastretrieves；
　　There’smoretobeknownofhisharvestingWhenTimethethresherunbindsthesheaves；
　　Andthere’smoretobeheardthanawindthatgrievesForBrionynowinthisagelessoak，DrivingthefirstofitswitheredleavesOverthestoneswherethefountainbroke。
　　LisetteandEileen"Whenhewasherealive，Eileen，Therewasawordyoumighthavesaid；
　　SonevermindwhatIhavebeen，Oranything，——foryouaredead。
　　"AndafterthiswhenIamthereWhereheis，you’llbedyingstill。
　　Youreyesaredead，andyourblackhair，——
　　Therestofyoubewhatitwill。
　　"’Twasalltosavehim？Nevermind，Eileen。Yousavedhim。Youarestrong。
　　I’dhardlywonderifyourkindPaideverything，foryoulivelong。
　　"Youlast，Imean。That’swhatImean。
　　Imeanyoulastaslongaslies。
　　Youmighthavesaidthatword，Eileen，——
　　Andyoumighthaveyourhairandeyes。
　　"AndwhatyouseemightbeLisette，Insteadofthisthathasnoname。
　　Yoursilence——Icanfeelityet，Aliveandinme，likeaflame。
　　"WheremightIbewithhimto-day，Couldhehaveknownbeforeheheard？
　　Butno——yoursilencehaditsway，Withoutaweaponoraword。
　　"Becauseawordwasnevertold，I’mgoingasaworntoygoes。
　　Andyouaredead；andyou’llbeold；
　　AndIforgiveyou，Isuppose。
　　"I’llsoonbechangingasalldo，Tosomethingwehavealwaysbeen；
　　Andyou’llbeold……Helikedyou，too。
　　Imighthavekilledyouthen，Eileen。
　　"IthinkhelikedasmuchofyouAshadareasontobeseen，——
　　AsmuchasGodmadeblackandblue。
　　Helikedyourhairandeyes，Eileen。"
　　LlewellynandtheTreeCouldhehavemadePriscillashareTheparadisethathehadplanned，LlewellynwouldhavelovedhiswifeAswellasanyintheland。
　　CouldhehavemadePriscillaceaseTogoadhimforwhatGodleftout，LlewellynwouldhavebeenasmildAsanywehavereadabout。
　　Couldallhavebeenasallwasnot，Llewellynwouldhavehadnostory；
　　HewouldhavestayedaquietmanAndgonehisquietwaytoglory。
　　ButhowsoevermildhewasPriscillawasimplacable；
　　AndwhatsoevertimidhopesHebuilt——shefoundthem，andtheyfell。
　　Andthiswenton，withintervalsOflaboredharmonybetweenResoundingdiscords，tillatlastLlewellynturned——aswillbeseen。
　　Priscilla，warmerthanhername，Andshrillerthanthesoundofsaws，PursuedLlewellynoncetoofar，Notknowingquitethemanhewas。
　　Themoreshesaid，thefiercerclungThestinginggarmentofhiswrath；
　　AndthiswasallbeforethedayWhenTimetossedrosesinhispath。
　　BeforetherosesevercameLlewellynhadalreadyrisen。
　　Therosesmayhaveruinedhim，Theymayhavekepthimoutofprison。
　　Andshewhobroughtthem，beingFate，Maderosesdotheworkofspears，——
　　ThoughmanymadenomoreofherThancivet，coral，rouge，andyears。
　　YouaskuswhatLlewellynsaw，Butwhyaskwhatmaynotbegiven？
　　TosomewillcomeatimewhenchangeItselfisbeauty，ifnotheaven。
　　OneafternoonPriscillaspoke，Andhershrillhistorywasdone；
　　Atanyrate，sheneverspokeLikethatagaintoanyone。
　　OnegoldOctoberafternoonGreatfurysmotethesilentair；
　　AndthenLlewellynleaptandfledLikeonewithhornetsinhishair。
　　Llewellynleftus，andhesaidForever，leavingfewtodoubthim；
　　Andso，throughfrostandclickingleaves，TheTilburywaywentonwithouthim。
　　Andslowly，throughtheTilburymist，ThestillnessofOctobergoldWentoutlikebeautyfromaface。
　　Priscillawatchedit，andgrewold。
　　Hefled，stillclutchinginhisflightTherosesthathadbeenhisfall；
　　TheScarletOne，asyousurmise，Fledwithhim，coral，rouge，andall。
　　Priscilla，waiting，sawthechangeOftwentyslowOctobermoons；
　　Andthenshevanished，inherturnTobeforgotten，likeoldtunes。
　　Sotheyweregone——allthreeofthem，Ishouldhavesaid，andsaidnomore，HadnotafaceonceonBroadwayBeenonethatIhadseenbefore。
　　Thefaceandhandsandhairwereold，ButneithertimenorpenuryCouldquenchwithinLlewellyn’seyesTheshineofhisonevictory。
　　Theroses，fadedandgoneby，Leftruinwheretheyoncehadreigned；
　　Butonthewreck，asonoldshells，Thecoloroftheroseremained。
　　HisfictivemerchandiseIboughtForhimtokeepandshowagain，ThenledhimslowlyfromthecrushOfhiscold-shoulderedfellowmen。
　　"Andso，Llewellyn，"Ibegan——
　　"Notso，"hesaid；"notso，atall：
　　I’vetriedtheworld，andfounditgood，Formorethantwentyyearsthisfall。
　　"AndwhattheworldhasleftofmeWillgonowinalittlewhile。"
　　AndwhattheworldhadleftofhimWaspartlyanunholyguile。
　　"ThatIhavepaidforbeingcalmIswhatyousee，ifyouhaveeyes；
　　Forletamanbecalmtoolong，Hepaysformuchbeforehedies。
　　"BecalmwhenyouaregrowingoldAndyouhavenothingelsetodo；
　　PournotthewineoflifetoothinIfwatermeansthedeathofyou。
　　"YousayImighthavelearnedathomeThetruthinseasontobestrong？
　　Notso；ItookthewineoflifeToothin，andIwascalmtoolong。
　　"Likeotherswhoarestrongtoolate，Formetherewasnogoingback；
　　ForIhadfoundanotherspeed，AndIwasontheothertrack。
　　"GodknowshowfarImighthavegoneOrwhattheremighthavebeentosee；
　　Butmyspeedhadasuddenend，Andhereyouhavetheendofme。"
　　Theendornot，itmaybenowButlittlefartherfromthetruthTosaythosewornsatiriceyesHadsomethingofimmortalyouth。
　　HemayamongthemillionshereBeone；orhemay，quiteaswell，BegonetofindagaintheTreeOfKnowledge，outofwhichhefell。
　　Hemaybenearus，dreamingyetOfunrepentedrougeandcoral；
　　OrinagravewithoutanameMaybeasfaroffasamoral。
　　BewickFinzerTimewaswhenhishalfmilliondrewThebreathofsixpercent；
　　Butsoonthewormofwhat-was-notFedhardonhiscontent；
　　AndsomethingcrumbledinhisbrainWhenhishalfmillionwent。
　　Timepassed，andfilledalongwithhisTheplaceofmanymore；
　　Timecame，andhardlyoneofusHadcredencetorestore，Fromwhatappearedoneday，themanWhomwehadknownbefore。
　　Thebrokenvoice，thewitheredneck，Thecoatwornoutwithcare，Thecleanlinessofindigence，Thebrillianceofdespair，ThefondimponderabledreamsOfaffluence，——allwerethere。
　　PoorFinzer，withhisdreamsandschemes，Fareshardnowintherace，WithheartandeyethathaveataskWhenhelooksinthefaceOfonewhomightsoeasilyHavebeeninFinzer’splace。
　　HecomesunfailingfortheloanWegiveandthenforget；
　　Hecomes，andprobablyforyearsWillhebecomingyet，——
　　Familiarasanoldmistake，Andfutileasregret。
　　BokardoWell，Bokardo，hereweare；
　　Makeyourselfathome。
　　Lookaround——youhaven’tfarTolook——andwhybedumb？
　　Nottheplacethatusedtobe，Notsomanythingstosee；
　　Butthere’sroomforyouandme。
　　Andyou——you’vecome。
　　Talkalittle；or，ifnot，ShowmewithasignWhyitwasthatyouforgotWhatwasyoursandmine。
　　Friends，Igather，aresmallthingsInanagewhencoinsarekings；
　　Evenatthat，onehardlyflingsFriendsbeforeswine。
　　Ratherstrong？Iknewasmuch，Foritmadeyouspeak。
　　Nooffensetoswine，assuch，Butwhythishide-and-seek？
　　Youhavesomethingonyourside，Andyouwishyoumighthavedied，Soyoutellme。AndyoutriedOnenightlastweek？
　　Youtriedhard？AndeventhenFoundatimetopause？
　　Whenyoutryashardagain，You’llhaveanothercause。
　　WhenyoufindyourselfatoddsWithalldreamersofallgods，Youmaysmiteyourselfwithrods——
　　Butnotthelaws。
　　ThoughtheyseemtoshowaspiteRatherdevilish，TheymoveonaswithamightStrongerthanyourwish。
　　Still，howeverstrongtheybe，Theybideman’sauthority：
　　Xerxes，whenhefloggedthesea，May’vescaredafish。
　　It’sacomfort，ifyoulike，Tokeephonorwarm，ButasoftenasyoustrikeThelaws，youdonoharm。
　　Tothelaws，Imean。Toyou——
　　That’sanotherpointofview，OneyoumayaswellindueWithsomealarm。
　　NotthemostheroicfaceTopresent，Igrant；
　　NorwillyouinsuredisgraceByfearingwhatyouwant。
　　Freedomhasaworldofsides，AndifreasononcederidesCourage，thenyourcouragehidesAdealofcant。
　　LearnalittletoforgetLifewasonceafeast；
　　Youaren’tfitfordyingyet，Sodon’tbeabeast。
　　Fewmenwithamindwillsay，Thinkingtwice，thattheycanpayHalftheirdebtsofyesterday，Orbereleased。
　　There’sadebtnowonyourmindMorethananygold？
　　Andthere’snothingyoucanfindOutthereinthecold？
　　Only——what’shisname？——Remorse？
　　AndDeathridingonhishorse？
　　Well，begladthere’snothingworseThanyouhavetold。
　　LeaveRemorsetowarmhishandsOutsideintherain。
　　AsforDeath，heunderstands，Andhewillcomeagain。
　　Therefore，tillyourwitsareclear，Flourishandbequiet——here。
　　ButadevilateachearWillbeastrain？
　　Pastadoubttheywillindeed，Morethanyouhaveearned。
　　IsaythatbecauseyouneedAblution，beingburned？
　　Well，ifyoumusthaveitso，Yourlastflightwentratherlow。
　　BettersayyouhadtoknowWhatyouhavelearned。
　　Andthat’sover。Hereyouare，Batteredbythepast。
　　Timewillhavehislittlescar，Butthewoundwon’tlast。
　　NorshallharrowingsurpriseFindaworldwithoutitseyesIfastarfadeswhentheskiesAreovercast。
　　Godknowstherearelivesenough，Crushed，andtoofargoneLongertomakesermonsof，Andthoseweleavealone。
　　Others，iftheywill，mayrendThewornpatienceofafriendWho，thoughsmiling，seestheend，Withnothingdone。
　　ButyourfervortobefreeFledthefaithitscorned；
　　DeathdemandsadecencyOfyou，andyouarewarned。
　　ButforallwegivewegetMostlyblows？Don’tbeupset；
　　You，Bokardo，arenotyetConsumedormourned。
　　There’llbefallingintoviewMuchtorearrange；
　　Andthere’llbeatimeforyouTomarvelatthechange。
　　TheythathavetheleasttofearQuestionhardestwhatishere；
　　Whenlong-hiddenskiesareclear，Thestarslookstrange。
　　TheManagainsttheSkyBetweenmeandthesunset，likeadomeAgainstthegloryofaworldonfire，Nowburnedasuddenhill，Bleak，round，andhigh，byflame-litheightmadehigher，WithnothingonitfortheflametokillSaveonewhomovedandwasaloneupthereToloombeforethechaosandtheglareAsifhewerethelastgodgoinghomeUntohislastdesire。
　　Dark，marvelous，andinscrutablehemovedonTilldownthefierydistancehewasgone，——
　　Likeoneofthoseeternal，remotethingsThatrangeacrossaman’simaginingsWhenasuremusicfillshimandheknowsWhathemaysaythereaftertofewmen，——
　　ThetouchofageshavingwroughtAnechoandaglimpseofwhathethoughtAphantomoralegenduntilthen；
　　Forwhetherlightedoverwaysthatsave，Orluredfromallrepose，Ifhegoontoofartofindagrave，Mostlyalonehegoes。
　　Evenhe，whostoodwhereIhadfoundhim，Onhighwithfireallroundhim，——
　　Whomovedalongthemoltenwest，Andovertheroundhill’screstThatseemedhalfreadywithhimtogodown，Flame-bittenandflame-cleft，——
　　AsifthereweretobenolastthingleftOfanamelessunimaginabletown，——
　　EvenhewhoclimbedandvanishedmayhavetakenDowntotheperilsofadepthnotknown，Fromdeathdefendedthoughbymenforsaken，Thebreadthateverymanmusteatalone；
　　HemayhavewalkedwhileothershardlydaredLookontoseehimstandwheremanyfell；
　　Andupwardoutofthat，asoutofhell，HemayhavesungandstrivenTomountwheremoreofhimshallyetbegiven，Bereftofallretreat，Tosevenfoldheat，——
　　AsonadaywhenthreeinDurasharedThefurnace，andweresparedForglorybythatkingofBabylonWhomadehimselfsogreatthatGod，whoheard，Coveredhimwithlongfeathers，likeabird。
　　Again，hemayhavegonedowneasily，Bycomfortablealtitudes，andfound，Asalways，underneathhimsolidgroundWhereontobesufficientandtostandPossessedalreadyofthepromisedland，Farstretchedandfairtosee：
　　Agoodsight，verily，AndonetomaketheeyesofherwhoborehimShinegladwithhiddentears。
　　Whyquestionofhiseaseofwhobeforehim，InoneplaceoranotherwheretheyleftTheirnamesasfarbehindthemastheirbones，Andyetbydintofslaughtertoilandtheft，Andshrewdlysharpenedstones，CarvedhardthewayforhisascendencyThroughdesertsoflostyears？
　　WhytroublehimnowwhoseesandhearsNomorethanwhathisinnocencerequires，AndthereforetonootherheightaspiresThanoneatwhichheneitherquailsnortires？
　　HemaydomorebyseeingwhatheseesThanotherseagerforiniquities；
　　Hemay，byseeingallthingsforthebest，Incitefuturitytodotherest。
　　Orwithanevenlikelihood，HemayhavemetwithatrabiliouseyesThefiresoftimeonequaltermsandpassedIndifferentlydown，untilatlastHisonlykindofgrandeurwouldhavebeen，Apparently，inbeingseen。
　　HemayhavehadforevilorforgoodNoargument；hemayhavehadnocareForwhatwithouthimselfwentanywhereTofailureortoglory，andleastofallForsuchastale，flamboyantmiracle；
　　HemayhavebeentheprophetofanartImmovabletooldidolatries；
　　Hemayhavebeenaplayerwithoutapart，AnnoyedthateventhesunshouldhavetheskiesForsuchaflamingwaytoadvertise；
　　HemayhavebeenapaintersickatheartWithNature’stoilingforanewsurprise；
　　Hemayhavebeenacynic，whonow，forallOfanythingdivinethathiseffeteNegationmayhavetasted，Sawtruthinhisownimage，rathersmall，Forboretofevertheephemeral，FoundanybarrenheightagoodretreatFromanyswarmingstreet，Andinthesunsawpowersuperblywasted；
　　Andwhentheprimitiveold-fashionedstarsCameoutagaintoshineonjoysandwarsMoreprimitive，andallarrayedfordoom，HemayhaveprovedaworldasorrythingInhisimagining，Andlifealightedhighwaytothetomb。
　　Or，mountingwithinfirmunsearchingtread，Hishopestochaosled，Hemayhavestumbleduptherefromthepast，AndwithanachingstrangenessviewedthelastAbysmalconflagrationofhisdreams，——
　　AflamewherenothingseemsToburnbutflameitself，bynothingfed；
　　Andwhileitallwentout，NoteventhefaintanodyneofdoubtMaythenhaveeasedapainfulgoingdownFrompicturedheightsofpowerandlostrenown，RevealedatlengthtohisoutlivedendeavorRemoteandunapproachableforever；
　　AndathishearttheremayhavegnawedSickmemoriesofadeadfaithfoiledandflawedAndlongdishonoredbythelivingdeathAssignedalikebychanceTobrutesandhierophants；
　　AndanguishfallenonthosehelovedaroundhimMayoncehavedealtthelastblowtoconfoundhim，Andsohavelefthimasdeathleavesachild，Whoseesitalltoonear；
　　AndhewhoknowsnoyoungwaytoforgetMaystruggletothetombunreconciled。
　　WhateversunsmayriseorsetTheremaybenothingkinderforhimhereThanshaftsandagonies；
　　AndundertheseHemaycryoutandstayonhorribly；
　　Or，seeingindeathtoosmallathingtofear，HemaygoforwardlikeastoicRomanWherepangsandterrorsinhispathwaylie，——
　　Or，seizingtheswiftlogicofawoman，CurseGodanddie。
　　Ormaybethere，likemanyanotheroneWhomighthavestoodaloftandlookedahead，Black-drawnagainstwildred，Hemayhavebuilt，unawedbyfierygulesThatinhimnocommotionstirred，AlivingreasonoutofmoleculesWhymoleculesoccurred，AndoneforsmilingwhenhemighthavesighedHadheseenfarenough，AndinthesameinevitablestuffDiscoveredanoddreasontooforprideInbeingwhathemusthavebeenbylawsInfrangibleandfornokindofcause。
　　DeterredbynoconfusionorsurpriseHemayhaveseenwithhismechaniceyesAworldwithoutameaning，andhadroom，Aloneamidmagnificenceanddoom，TobuildhimselfanairymonumentThatshould，orfailhiminhisvagueintent，Outlastanaccidentaluniverse——
　　Tocallitnothingworse——
　　Or，bytheburrowingguileOfTimedisintegratedandeffaced，Likeonce-rememberedmightytreesgodownToruin，ofwhichbymanmaynowbetracedNopartsufficienteventoberotten，AndinthebookofthingsthatareforgottenIsenteredasathingnotquiteworthwhile。
　　HemayhavebeensogreatThatsatrapswouldhaveshiveredathisfrown，AndallheprizedalivemayruleastateNolargerthanagravethatholdsaclown；
　　Hemayhavebeenamasterofhisfate，Andofhisatoms，——readyasanotherInhisemergencetoexonerateHisfatherandhismother；
　　Hemayhavebeenacaptainofahost，Self-eloquentandripeforprodigies，Doomedheretoswellbydangerousdegrees，Andthengiveuptheghost。
　　Nahum’sgreatgrasshoppersweresuchasthese，Sun-scatteredandsoonlost。
　　Whateverthedarkroadhemayhavetaken，ThismanwhostoodonhighAndfacedalonethesky，Whateverdroveorluredorguidedhim，——
　　Avisionansweringafaithunshaken，Aneasytrustassumedofeasytrials，Asicknegationbornofweakdenials，Acrazedabhorrenceofanoldcondition，Ablindattendanceonabriefambition，——
　　Whateverstayedhimorderidedhim，Hiswaywasevenasours；
　　Andwe，withallourwoundsandallourpowers，MusteachawaitaloneathisownheightAnotherdarknessoranotherlight；
　　Andthere，ofourpoorselfdominionreft，IfinferenceandreasonshunHell，Heaven，andOblivion，Maythwartedwill（perforceprecarious，Butforourconservationbetterthus）
　　HavenomisgivingleftOfdoingyetwhathereweleaveundone？
　　Orifuntothelastofthesewecleave，BelievingorprotestingwebelieveInsuchanidleandephemeralFlorescenceofthediabolical，——
　　If，robbedoftwofondoldenormities，Ourbeinghadnoonwardauguries，WhatthenwerethisgreatloveofourstosayForlaunchingotherlivestovoyageagainAlittlefartherintotimeandpain，AlittlefasterinafutilechaseForakingdomandapowerandaRaceThatwouldhavestillinsightAmanifestendofashesandeternalnight？
　　IsthisthemusicofthetoysweshakeSoloud，——asiftheremightbenomistakeSomewhereinourindomitablewill？
　　ArewenogreaterthanthenoisewemakeAlongoneblindatomicpilgrimageWhereonbycrasschancebilletedwegoBecauseourbrainsandbonesandcartilageWillhaveitso？
　　Ifthiswesay，thenletusallbestillAboutourshareinit，andliveanddieMorequietlythereby。
　　Wherewashegoing，thismanagainstthesky？
　　Youknownot，nordoI。
　　Butthisweknow，ifweknowanything：
　　ThatwemaylaughandfightandsingAndofourtransienceheremakeofferingToanorientWordthatwillnotbeerased，Or，saveinincommunicablegleamsToopermanentfordreams，Befoundorknown。
　　NotonicandambitiousirritantOfincreaseorofwantHasmadeanotherwiseinsensatewasteOfagesoverthrownAruthless，veiled，implacableforetasteOfotheragesthatarestilltobeDepletedandrewardedvariouslyBecauseafew，byfate’seconomy，Shallseemtomovetheworldthewayitgoes；
　　Nosoftevangelofequality，SafecradledinacommunalreposeThathuddlesintodeathandmayatlastBecoveredwellwithequatorialsnows——
　　Andallforwhat，thedevilonlyknows——
　　WillaggregateaninklingtoconfirmThecreditofasageorofaworm，OrtelluswhyonemaninfiveShouldhaveacaretostayaliveWhileinhishearthefeelsnoviolenceLaidonhishumorandintelligenceWheninfantSciencemakesapleasantfaceAndwavesagainthathollowtoy，theRace；
　　NoplanetarytrapwheresoulsarewroughtFornothingbutthesakeofbeingcaughtAndsentagaintonothingwillattuneItselftoanykeyofanyreasonWhymanshouldhungerthroughanotherseasonTofindoutwhy’twerebetterlatethansoonTogoawayandletthesunandmoonAndallthesillystarsilluminateAplaceforcreepingthings，Andthosethatrootandtrumpetandhavewings，Andherdandruminate，Ordiveandflashandpoiseinriversandseas，OrbytheirloyaltailsinloftytreesHangscreechinglewdvictoriousderisionOfman’simmortalvision。
　　Shallwe，becauseEternityrecordsToovastananswerforthetime-bornwordsWespell，whereofsomanyaredeadthatonceInourcapriciouslexiconsWeresoaliveandfinal，hearnomoreTheWorditself，thelivingwordnomanHaseverspelt，AndfewhaveeverfeltWithoutthefearsandoldsurrenderingsAndterrorsthatbeganWhenDeathletfallafeatherfromhiswingsAndhumbledthefirstman？
　　Becausetheweightofourhumility，WherefromwegainAlittlewisdomandmuchpain，Fallsheretoosoreandtheretootedious，Areweinanguishorcomplacency，NotlookingfarenoughaheadToseebywhatmadcouriersweareledAlongtheroadsoftheridiculous，TopityourselvesandlaughatfaithAndwhilewecurselifebearit？
　　Andifweseethesoul’sdeadendindeath，Arewetofearit？
　　WhatfollyisherethathasnotyetanameUnlesswesayoutrightthatweareliars？
　　WhathaveweseenbeyondoursunsetfiresThatlightsagainthewaybywhichwecame？
　　Whypaywesuchaprice，andonewegiveSoclamoringly，foreachrackedemptydayThatleadsonemorelasthumanhopeaway，AsquietfiendswouldleadpastourcrazedeyesOurchildrentoanunseensacrifice？
　　Ifafterallthatwehavelivedandthought，AllcomestoNought，——
　　IftherebenothingafterNow，Andwebenothinganyhow，Andweknowthat，——whylive？
　　’Tweresurebutweaklings’vaindistressTosufferdungeonswheresomanydoorsWillopenonthecoldeternalshoresThatlooksheerdownTothedarktidelessfloodsofNothingnessWhereallwhoknowmaydrown。
　　[Endoftext。]
　　Fromtheoriginaladvertisements：
　　Bythesameauthor——————————————
　　CaptainCraig，ABookofPoemsRevisededitionwithadditionalpoems，12mo，cloth，$1。25
　　"TherearefewpoetswritinginEnglishto-daywhoseworkissopermeatedbyindividualcharmasisMr。Robinson’s。
　　Alwaysonefeelsthepresenceofamanbehindthepoet——
　　amanwhoknowslifeandpeopleandthingsandwritesofthemclearly，withasubtlepoeticinsightthatisnotvisibleintheworkofanyotherlivingwriter。"——`BrooklynDailyEagle’。
　　"The`BookofAnnandale’，asplendidpoemincludedinthiscollection，isoneofthemostmovingemotionalnarrativesfoundinmodernpoetry。"
　　——`ReviewofReviews’。
　　"……HishandlingofGreekthemesrevealshimasalyricalpoetofinimitablecharmandskill。"——`Reedy’sMirror’。
　　"Apoemthatmustendure；ifthingsthatdeservelonglifegetit。"
　　——`N。Y。EveningSun’。
　　"WhereveryouhearpeoplewhoknowspeakofAmericanpoets……
　　theyassumethatyoutakethegeniusandplaceofEdwinArlingtonRobinsonasgranted……Amanwithsomethingtosaythathasvalueandbeauty。
　　Histhoughtisdeepandhisideasarehighandstimulating。"
　　——`BostonTranscript’。
　　Bythesameauthor——————————————
　　ThePorcupine：ADramainThreeActsCloth，12mo，$1。25
　　EdwinArlingtonRobinson’scomedy"VanZorn"provedhimtobeoneofthemostaccomplishedoftheyoungergenerationofAmericandramatists。
　　Ofthisplaythe`BostonTranscript’said，"ItisaneffectivepresentationofmodernlifeinNewYorkCity，inwhichapoetshowshisskillofplaywrighting……hebringstotheAmericandramato-dayathingitsadlylacks，andthatischaracter。"InmannerandtechniqueMr。Robinson’snewplay，"ThePorcupine"，recallssomeoftheworkofIbsen。
　　Writtenadroitlyandwiththeliteraryclevernessexhibitedin"VanZorn"，ittellsastoryofadomesticentanglementinadramaticfashionwellcalculatedtoholdthereader’sattention。
　　"ContainsallofthequalitiesthataresaidtobeconspicuouslylackinginAmericanDrama。"——`N。Y。EveningSun’。
　　VanZorn：AComedyinThreeActsCloth，12mo，$1。25
　　Mr。Robinsonisknownastheleaderofpresent-dayAmericanpoets。
　　Inthisdelightfulplayhetellswithabitinghumorthestoryofthesalvationofasoul。Bycleverarrangementofincidentandskillfulcharacterizationhearousesstronglythereader’scuriosity，andthesuspenseisadmirablysustained。Thedialogueisbright，andtheconstructionoftheplotshowstheworkofonewellversedinthetechniqueofthedrama。
　　Abouttheauthor：EdwinArlingtonRobinson，1869-1935。
　　FromtheBiographicalNotesof"TheSecondBookofModernVerse"（1919，1920），editedbyJessieB。Rittenhouse：
　　Robinson，EdwinArlington。BornatHeadTide，Maine，Dec。22，1869。
　　EducatedatHarvardUniversity。Mr。Robinsonisapsychologicalpoetofgreatsubtlety；hispoemsareusuallystudiesoftypesandhehasgivenusaremarkableseriesofportraits。Heisrecognizedasoneofthefinestandmostdistinguishedpoetsofourtime。
　　Hissuccessivevolumesare："ChildrenoftheNight"，1897；
　　"CaptainCraig"，1902；"TheTownDowntheRiver"，1910；
　　"TheManagainsttheSky"，1916；"Merlin"，1917；and"Launcelot"，1920。
　　Thelast-namedvolumewasawardedaprizeoffivehundreddollars，givenbyTheLyricSocietyforthebestbookmanuscriptofferedtoitin1919。
　　Inadditiontohisworkinpoetry，Mr。Robinsonhaswrittentwoproseplays，"VanZorn"，and"ThePorcupine"。
　　In"AmericanPoetrySince1900"，LouisUntermeyernotes，"hisnamewasknownonlytoafewoftheliteratiuntilTheodoreRoosevelt……
　　acclaimedandaidedhim。"Rittenhouse’sBiographicalNotes（abovequoted）
　　containthisentryimmediatelybeforeEdwinArlingtonRobinson’s：
　　"Robinson，CorinneRoosevelt……Mrs。Robinson，whoisasistertoCol。TheodoreRoosevelt，……haswrittenseveralvolumesofverse……"
　　Itisalwaysinterestingtoseethecoincidenceofeventsinhistory，anditisworthaskingifthiswasnotevenacausalrelationship。——A。L。