Whydoyousitthereonthefloorsolong，SmilingatmewhileItrytobesolemn？
　　Doyounothearitsaidforyoursalvation，WhenIsaytruth？Areyou，atfourandtwenty，SolittledeceivedinusthatyouinterpretThehumorofawomantobenoticedAsherchoicebetweenyouandAcheron？
　　AreyousounscathedyetastoinferThatifawomanworrieswhenaman，Oraman-child，haswetshoesonhisfeetShemayaswellcommemoratewithashesThelasteclipseofhertranquillity？
　　Ifyoulookupatmeandblinkagain，IshallnothavetomakeyoutellmeliesToknowthelettersyouhavenotbeenreading。
　　IseenowthatImayhavehadfornothingAmostunpleasantshiveringinmyconscienceWhenIlaidopenforyourcontemplationThewealthofmyworncasket。IfIdid，Thefaultwasnotyourswholly。SearchagainThiswreckagewemaycallforsportaface，AndyoumaychanceuponthepriceofhavocThatIhavepaidforafewsorrystonesThatshineandhavenolight——yetoncewerestars，Andsparkledonacrown。LittleandweakTheyseem；andtheyarecold，Ifear，foryou。
　　ButtheythatoncewerefireformemaynotBecoldagainformeuntilIdie；
　　AndonlyGodknowsiftheymaybethen。
　　ThereisalovethatceasestobeloveInbeingourselves。How，then，arewetoloseit？
　　YouthataresurethatyouknoweverythingThereistoknowoflove，answermethat。
　　Well？……Youarenoteveninterested。
　　OnceonafarofftimewhenIwasyoung，Ifeltwithyourassurance，andallthroughme，ThatIhadundergonethelastandworstOflove’sinventions。TherewasaboywhobroughtThesunwithhimandwokemeupwithit，Andthatwaseverymorning；everynightItriedtodreamofhim，butnevercould，MorethanImighthaveseeninAdam’seyesTheirfonduncertaintywhenEvebeganTheplaythatallhertirelessprogenyArenotyetwearyof。OnesceneofitWasbrief，butwaseternalwhileitlasted；
　　AndthatwaswhileIwasthehappiestOfanimaginarysixorseven，Somewhereinhistorybutnotonearth，ForwhomtheskyhadshakenandletstarsRaindownlikediamonds。Thentherewereclouds，Andasadendofdiamonds；whereuponDespaircame，likeablastthatwouldhavebroughtTearstotheeyesofallthebearsinFinland，Andlovewasdone。ThatwashowmuchIknew。
　　Poorlittlewretch！IwonderwhereheisThisafternoon。Outofthisrain，Ihope。
　　Atlast，whenIhadseensomanydaysDressedallalike，andintheirmarchingorder，GobymethatIwouldnotalwayscountthem，Onestopped——shatteringthewholefileofTime，Orsoitseemed；andwhenIlookedagain，Therewasaman。Hestruckoncewithhiseyes，Andthentherewasawoman。I，whohadcomeTowisdom，ortovision，orwhatyoulike，Bytheoldhiddenroadthathasnoname，——
　　I，whowasusedtoseeingwithoutflyingSomuchthatothersflyfromwithoutseeing，Stilllooked，andwasafraid，andlookedagain。
　　Andafterthat，whenIhadreadthestoryToldinhiseyes，andfeltwithinmyheartThebleedingwoundoftheirnecessity，Iknewthefearwashis。IfIhadfailedhimAndflownawayfromhim，IshouldhavelostIngloriouslymywingsinscramblingback，Andfoundthemarmsagain。IfhehadstruckmeNotonlywithhiseyesbutwithhishands，Imighthavepitiedhimandhatedlove，Andthengonemad。I，whohavebeensostrong——
　　Whydon’tyoulaugh？——mightevenhavedoneallthat。
　　I，whohavelearnedsomuch，andsaidsomuch，AndhadthecommendationsofthegreatForonewhorulesherself——whydon’tyoucry？——
　　AndownacertainsmallauthorityAmongtheblind，whoseenomorethanever，Butlikemyvoice，——IwouldhavetosseditallToTophetforoneman；andhewasjealous。
　　IwouldhavewoundasnakearoundmyneckAndthenhaveletitbitemetillIdied，IfmysodoingwouldhavemademesureThatonemanmighthavelived；andhewasjealous。
　　IwouldhavedriventhesehandsintoacageThatheldathousandscorpions，andcrushedthem，IfonlybysopoisonousatrialIcouldhavecrushedhisdoubt。IwouldhavewrungMylivingbloodwithmediaevalenginesOutofmyscreamingflesh，ifonlythatWouldhavemadeonemansure。IwouldhavepaidForhimthetiresomepriceofbodyandsoul，Andletthelashofatongue-wearytownFallasitmightuponmyblisteredname；
　　AndwhileitfellIcouldhavelaughedatit，KnowingthathehadfoundoutfinallyWherethewrongwas。ButtherewasevilinhimThatwouldhavemadenomoreofhispossessionThanconfirmationofanotherfault；
　　Andtherewashonor——ifyoucallithonorThathoodsitselfwithdoubtandwearsacrownOfleadthatmightaswellbegoldandfire。
　　GiveitasheavyoraslightanameAsanythereisthatfits。IseemyselfWithoutthepowertosweartothisorthatThatImightbeifhehadbeenwithoutit。
　　WhateverImighthavebeenthatIwasnot，Itonlyhappenedthatitwasn’tso。
　　Meanwhile，youmightseemtobelistening：
　　Ifyouforgetyourselfandgotosleep，Mytreasure，Ishallnotsaythisagain。
　　Lookuponcemoreintomypooroldface，Whereyouseebeauty，ortheLordknowswhat，AndsaytomealoudwhatelsethereisThanruinsinitthatyoumostadmire。
　　No，therewasneveranythinglikethat；
　　NaturehasneverfastenedsuchamaskOfradiantandimpenetrablemeritOnanywomanasyousaythereisOnthisone。Notamask？Ithankyou，sir，Butyouseemorewithyourdetermination，Ifear，thanwithyourprudenceoryourconscience；
　　AndyouhavenevermetmewithmyeyesInallthemirrorsI’vemadefacesat。
　　No，Ishallnevercallyoustrangeagain：
　　YouaretheyoungandinconvincibleEpitomeofallblindmensinceAdam。
　　Maytheblindleadtheblind，ifthatbeso？
　　Andweshallneednomirrors？YouaresayingWhatmostIfearedyoumight。Butiftheblind，Oroneofthem，benotsofortunateAstoputouttheeyesofrecollection，Shemightatlast，withouthermeaningit，Leadontheother，withouthisknowingit，UntilthetwoofthemshouldlosethemselvesAmongdeadcratersinalava-fieldAsemptyasadesertonthemoon。
　　Iamnotspeakinginatheatre，ButinaroomsorealandsofamiliarThatsometimesIwouldwreckit。ThenIpause，RememberingthereisaKinginWeimar——
　　Amonarch，andapoet，andashepherdOfallwhoareastrayandareoutsideTherealmwheretheyshouldrule。Ithinkofhim，Andsavethefurniture；Ithinkofyou，Andamforlorn，findinginyoutheoneTolavishaspirationsandillusionsUponafadedandforsakenhouseWherelove，beinglockedalone，wasnightoburningHouseandhimselftogether。Yes，youarestrange，ToseeinsuchaninjuredarchitectureRoomfornewlovetolivein。Areyoulaughing？
　　No？Well，youarenotcrying，asyoushouldbe。
　　Tears，eveniftheytoldonlygratitudeForyourescape，andhadnootherstory，WeresurelymorebecomingthanasmileFormyunwomanlystraightforwardnessInseeingforyou，throughmyclosegateofyearsYourfortywaystofreedom。Whydoyousmile？
　　AndwhileI’mtremblingatmyfaithinyouIngivingyoutoreadthisbookofdangerThatonlyonemanlivingmighthavewritten——
　　Theseletters，whichhavebeenapartofmeSolongthatyoumayreadthemallagainAsoftenasyoulookintomyface，AndhearthemwhenIspeaktoyou，andfeelthemWheneveryouhavetotouchmewithyourhand，——
　　Whyareyousounwillingtobespared？
　　Whydoyoustillbelieveinme？Butno，I’llfindanotherwaytoaskyouthat。
　　IwonderifthereisanotherwayThatsaysitbetter，andmeansanything。
　　Thereisnootherwaythatcouldbeworse？
　　Iwasnotaskingyou；itwasmyselfAlonethatIwasasking。WhydoIdipForlies，whenthereisnothinginmywellButshiningtruth，yousay？Howdoyouknow？
　　Truthhasalonelylifedownwhereshelives；
　　Andmanyatime，whenshecomesuptobreathe，Shesinksbeforeweseizeher，andmakesripples。
　　PossiblyyoumayknownomoreofmeThanafewripples；andtheymaysoonbegone，LeavingyouthenwithallmyshiningtruthDrownedinashiningwater；andwhenyoulookYoumaynotseemethere，butsomethingelseThatneverwasawoman——beingyourself。
　　Yousaytomemytruthispastalldrowning，Andsafewithyouforever？Youknowallthat？
　　Howdoyouknowallthat，andwhohastoldyou？
　　YouknowsomuchthatI’manatomfrightenedBecauseyouknowsolittle。Andwhatisthis？
　　YouknowtheluxurythereisinhauntingTheblastedthoroughfaresofdisillusion——
　　Ifthat’syournameforthem——withonlyghostsForcompany？YouknowthatwhenawomanIsblessed，orcursed，withadivineimpatience（Anothernameofyoursforabadtemper）
　　Shemusthaveoneathandonwhomtowreakit（That’swhatyoumean，whatevertheturnyougiveit），Sureofakindredsympathy，andtherebyEffectamutualcalm？Youknowthatwisdom，GiveninvaintomakeafoodforthoseWhoarewithoutit，willbeseenatlast，Andevenatlastonlybythosewhogaveit，AsoneormoreoftheforgottencrumbsThatothersleave？Youknowthatmen’sapplauseAndwomen’senvysavorsomuchofdustThatIgohungry，havingathomenofareButthesamechangelessbreadthatImayswallowOnlywithtearsandprayers？Whotoldyouthat？
　　YouknowthatifIread，andreadalone，Toomanybooksthatnomenyethavewritten，Imaygoblind，orworse？Youknowyourself，Ofallinsistentandinsidiouscreatures，Tobetheonetosaveme，andtoguardFormetheirflaminglanguage？AndyouknowThatifIgivemuchheadwaytothewhimThat’sinmenevertobequitesurethatevenThroughallthoseyearsofstormandfireIwaitedForthisonerainyday，Imaygoon，Andon，andonalone，throughsmokeandashes，Toacoldend？YouknowsodismalmuchAsthataboutme？……Well，Ibelieveyoudo。
　　NimmoSinceyourememberNimmo，andarriveAtsuchafalseandfloridandfardrawnConfusionofoddnonsense，IconniveNolonger，thoughImayhaveledyouon。
　　Somuchistoldandheardandtoldagain，Somanywithhislegendareengrossed，ThatI，moresorrynowthanIwasthen，Mayliveontobesorryforhisghost。
　　Youknewhim，andyoumusthaveknownhiseyes，——
　　Howdeeptheywere，andwhatavelvetlightCameoutofthemwhenangerorsurprise，Orlaughter，orFrancesca，madethembright。
　　No，youwillnotforgetsucheyes，Ithink，——
　　Andyousaynothingofthem。Verywell。
　　Iwonderifallhistory’sworthawink，Sometimes，orifmytalebeonetotell。
　　Fortheybegantolosetheirvelvetlight；
　　Theirfiregrewdeadwithoutandsmallwithin；
　　AndmanyofyoudeploredtheneedlessfightThatsomewhereinthedarktheremusthavebeen。
　　Allfightsareneedless，whenthey’renotourown，ButNimmoandFrancescaneverfought。
　　Rememberthat；andwhenyouarealone，Rememberme——andthinkwhatIhavethought。
　　Now，mindyou，Isaynothingofwhatwas，Orneverwas，orcouldorcouldnotbe：
　　Bringnotsuspicion’scandletotheglassThatmirrorsafriend’sfacetomemory。
　　Ofwhatyousee，seeall，——butseenomore；
　　ForwhatIshowyouherewillnotbethere。
　　Thedevilhashadhiswaywithpaintbefore，Andhe’sanartist，——andyouneedn’tstare。
　　Therewasapainterandhepaintedwell：
　　He’dpaintyouDanielinthelions’den，Beelzebub，Elaine，orWilliamTell。
　　I’mcomingbacktoNimmo’seyesagain。
　　Thepainterputthedevilinthoseeyes，Unlessthedevildid，andtherehestayed；
　　Andthentheladyfledfromparadise，Andthere’syourfact。Theladywasafraid。
　　Shemusthavebeenafraid，ormayhavebeen，Ofevilintheirvelvetallthewhile；
　　ButsureasI’masinnerwithaskin，I’lltrustthemanaslongashecansmile。
　　ItrusthimwhocansmileandthenmayliveInmyheart’shouse，whereNimmoistoday。
　　GodknowsifIhavemorethanmenforgiveTotellhim；butIplayed，andIshallpay。
　　Iknewhimthen，andifIknowhimyet，Iknowinhim，defeatedandestranged，ThecalmofmenforbiddentoforgetThecalmofwomenwhohavelovedandchanged。
　　Buttherearewaysthatarebeyondourways，Orhewouldnotbecalmandshebemute，AsonebyonetheirlostandemptydaysPasswithouteventhewarmthofadispute。
　　Godhelpusallwhenwomenthinktheysee；
　　Godsaveuswhentheydo。I’mfair；butthoughIknowhimonlyashelookstome，Iknowhim，——andItellFrancescaso。
　　AndwhatofNimmo？LittlewouldyouaskOfhim，couldyoubutseehimasIcan，AthisbewilderedandunfruitfultaskOfbeingwhathewasborntobe——aman。
　　BetterforgetthatIsaidanythingOfwhatyourtorturedmemorymaydisclose；
　　Iknowhim，andyourworstrememberingWouldcountasmuchasnothing，Isuppose。
　　Meanwhile，Itrusthim；andIknowhiswayOftrustingme，asalwaysinhisyouth。
　　I’mpaintinghereabetterman，yousay，ThanI，thepainter；andyousaythetruth。
　　PeaceonEarthHetookafrayedhatfromhishead，And"PeaceonEarth"waswhathesaid。
　　"Amorseloutofwhatyou’reworth，Andtherewehaveit：PeaceonEarth。
　　Notmuch，althoughalittlemoreThanwhattherewasonearthbefore。
　　I’masyousee，I’mIchabod，——
　　ButnevermindthewaysI’vetrod；
　　I’msobernow，sohelpmeGod。"
　　Icouldnotpassthefellowby。
　　"DoyoubelieveinGod？"saidI；
　　"AndistheretobePeaceonEarth？"
　　"Tonightwecelebratethebirth，"
　　Hesaid，"ofOnewhodiedformen；
　　TheSonofGod，wesay。Whatthen？
　　YourGod，ormine？I’dmakeyoulaughWereItotellyouevenhalfThatIhavelearnedofminetodayWhereyourswouldhardlyseemtostay。
　　CouldHebutfollowinandoutSomeanthropoidsIknowabout，TheGodtowhomyoumayhaveprayedMightseeaworldHenevermade。"
　　"Yourwordsareflowingfull，"saidI；
　　"Butyettheygivemenoreply；
　　Yourfountainmightaswellbedry。"
　　"AwiserOnethanyou，myfriend，Wouldwaitandhearmetotheend；
　　AndforHiseyesalightwouldshineThroughthisunpleasantshellofmineThatinyourfancymakesofmeAChristmascuriosity。
　　Allright，Imightbeworsethanthat；
　　Andyoumightnowbelyingflat；
　　Imighthavedoneitfrombehind，Andtakenwhattherewastofind。
　　Don’tworry，forI’mnotthatkind。
　　`DoIbelieveinGod？’IsthatThepricetonightofanewhat？
　　HasHecommandedthatHisnameBewritteneverywherethesame？
　　HaveallwholiveineveryplaceIdentifiedHishiddenface？
　　WhoknowsbutHemaylikeaswellMystoryasoneyoumaytell？
　　AndifHeshowmetherebePeaceOnEarth，astherebefieldsandtreesOutsideajail-yard，amIwrongIfnowIsingHimanewsong？
　　Yourworldisinyourself，myfriend，Foryourendurancetotheend；
　　AndallthePeacethereisonEarthIsfaithinwhatyourworldisworth，Andsaying，withoutanylies，Yourworldcouldnotbeotherwise。"
　　"Onemightsaythatandthenbeshot，"
　　Itoldhim；andhesaid："Whynot？"
　　Iceased，andgavehimrathermoreThanhewascountingofmystore。
　　"AndsinceIhaveit，thankstoyou，Don’taskmewhatImeantodo，"
　　Saidhe。"BelievethatevenI
　　Wouldrathertellthetruththanlie——
　　OnChristmasEve。Nomatterwhy。"
　　Hisunshaved，educatedface，Hisinextinguishablegrace，Andhishardsmile，arewithmestill，DeplorethevisionasIwill；
　　Forwhatsoeverhebeat，SodrolladerelictasthatShouldhaveatleastanotherhat。
　　LateSummer（Alcaics）
　　Confused，hefoundherlavishingfeminineGolduponclay，andfoundherinscrutable；
　　Andyetshesmiled。Why，then，shouldhorrorsBeastheywere，withoutend，herplaythings？
　　AndwhyweredeadyearshungrilytellingherLiesofthedead，whotoldthemagaintoher？
　　Ifnowsheknew，theremightbekindnessClamoringyetwhereafaithlaystifled。
　　Alittlefaithinhim，andtheruinousPastwouldbefortimetoannihilate，Andwashout，likeatidethatwashesOutofthesandwhatachildhasdrawnthere。
　　God，whatashininghandfulofhappiness，Madeoutofdaysandoutofeternities，Werenowthepulsingendofpatience——
　　Couldhebuthavewhataghosthadstolen！
　　Whatwasamanbeforehim，ortenofthem，Whilehewasherealivewhocouldanswerthem，AndintheirteethflingconfirmationsHarderthanagatesagainstanegg-shell？
　　Butnowthemanwasdead，andwouldcomeagainNever，thoughshemighthonorineffablyTheflimsywraithofhimsheconjuredOutofadreamwithhiswandofabsence。
　　Andifthetruthwerenowbutamummery，Meritingpride’simplacableirony，Somuchtheworseforpride。Moreover，Saveherorfail，therewasconsciencealways。
　　Meanwhile，afewmisgivingsofinnocence，Imploringtobeshelteredandcredited，Werenotamisswhensherevealedthem。
　　Whethershestruggledornot，hesawthem。
　　Also，hesawthatwhileshewashearinghimHereyeshadmoreandmoreofthepastinthem；
　　AndwhilehetoldwhatcautioushonorToldhimwasallhehadbestbesureof，Hewonderedonceortwice，inadvertently，Whereshiftingwindsweredrivinghisargosies，Longanchoredandaslongunladen，Overthefoamforthegoldenchances。
　　"Ifmenwerenotforkillingsocarelessly，Andwomenwereforwiserendurances，"
　　Hesaid，"wemighthaveyetaworldhereFitterforTruthtobeseenabroadin；
　　"IfTruthwerenotsostrangeinhernakedness，Andwewerelessforbiddentolookatit，Wemightnothavetolook。"HestaredthenDownatthesandwherethetidethrewforwardItscold，unconqueredlines，thatunceasinglyFoamedagainsthope，andfell。Hewascalmenough，AlthoughheknewhemightbesilencedOutofallcalm；andthenightwascoming。
　　"IclimbforyouthepeakofhisinfamyThatyoumaychooseyourfallifyouclingtoit。
　　Nomoreformeunlessyousaymore。
　　Allyouhaveleftofadreamdefendsyou：
　　"ThetruthmaybeasevilanauguryAsitwasneedfulnowforthetwoofus。
　　Wecannothavethedeadbetweenus。
　　Tellmetogo，andIgo。"——Shepondered：
　　"WhatyoubelieveisrightforthetwoofusMakesitasrightthatyouarenotoneofus。
　　Ifthisbeneedfultruthyoutellme，Spareme，andletmehavelieshereafter。"
　　ShegazedawaywhereshadowswerecoveringThewholecoldocean’shealingindifference。
　　Noshipwascoming。WhenthedarknessFell，shewasthere，andalone，stillgazing。
　　AnEvangelist’sWife"WhyamInotmyselfthesemanydays，Youask？Andhaveyounothingmoretoask？
　　Idoyouwrong？IdonothearyourpraiseToGodforgivingyoumetoshareyourtask？
　　"Jealous——ofHer？Becausehercheeksarepink，Andshehaseyes？No，notifshehadseven。
　　Ifyoushouldonlystealanhourtothink，Sometime，theremightbelesstobeforgiven。
　　"No，youarenevercruel。IfonceortwiceIfoundyouso，Icouldapplaudandsing。
　　Jealousof——What？Youarenotverywise。
　　DoesnotthegoodBooktellyouanything？
　　"InDavid’stimepoorMichalhadtogo。
　　JealousofGod？Well，ifyoulikeitso。"
　　TheOldKing’sNewJesterYouthatinvainwouldfrontthecomingorderWitheyesthatmeetforlornlywhattheymust，AndonlywithafurtiverecognitionSeedustwherethereisdust，——
　　Besureyoulikeitalwaysinyourfaces，Obscuringyourbestgraces，Blindingyourspeechandsight，BeforeyouseekagainyourdustyplacesWheretheoldwrongseemsright。
　　Longeragothancave-menhadtheirchangesOurfathersmayhaveslainasonortwo，DiscouragingafurtherdialecticRegardingwhatwasnew；
　　AndaftertheirunstudiedadmonitionOccasionalcontritionFortheirold-fashionedwaysMayhavereducedtheirdoubts，andinadditionSoftenedtheirfinaldays。
　　FartherawaythanfeetshallevertravelArethevaguetowersofourunbuildedState；
　　Buttherearemightierthingsthanwetoleadus，Thatwillnotletuswait。
　　AndwegoonwithnonetotelluswhetherOrnotwe’veeachatetherDetermininghowfastorfarwego；
　　Anditiswell，sincewemustgotogether，Thatwearenottoknow。
　　IftheoldwrongandallitsinjuredglamourHauntsyoubydayandgivesyournightnopeace，Youmayaswell，agreeablyandserenely，Givethenewwrongitslease；
　　ForshouldyounourishatoofervidyearningForwhatisnotreturning，TheviciousandunfusedingredientMaygiveyouqualms——andoneortwoconcerningThelastofyourcontent。
　　Lazarus"No，Mary，therewasnothing——notaword。
　　Nothing，andalwaysnothing。GoagainYourself，andhemaylisten——oratleastLookupatyou，andletyouseehiseyes。
　　Imightaswellhavebeenthesoundofrain，Awindamongthecedars，orabird；
　　Ornothing。Mary，makehimlookatyou；
　　Andevenifheshouldsaythatwearenothing，Toknowthatyouhaveheardhimwillbesomething。
　　Andyethelovedus，anditwasforloveTheMastergavehimback。WhydidHewaitSolongbeforeHecame？WhydidHeweep？
　　IthoughtHewouldbeglad——andLazarus——
　　ToseeusallagainasHehadleftus——
　　Allasitwas，allasitwasbefore。"
　　Mary，whofelthersister’sfrightenedarmsLikethoseofsomeonedrowningwhohadseizedher，FearingatlasttheyweretofailandsinkTogetherinthisfog-strickenseaofstrangeness，Foughtsadly，withbereavedindignanteyes，TofindagainthefadingshoresofhomeThatshehadseenbutnowcouldseenolonger。
　　Nowshecouldonlygazeintothetwilight，Andinthedimnessknowthathewasthere，Likesomeonethatwasnot。HewhohadbeenTheirbrother，andwasdead，nowseemedaliveOnlyindeathagain——orworsethandeath；
　　Fortombsatleast，alwaysuntiltoday，Thoughsadwerecertain。TherewasnothingcertainFormanorGodinsuchadayasthis；
　　Fortheretheywerealone，andtherewashe——
　　Alone；andsomewhereoutofBethany，TheMaster——whohadcometothemsolate，Onlyforloveofthemandthensoslowly，AndwasfortheirsakehuntednowbymenWhofearedHimastheyfearednootherprey——
　　Fortheworld’ssakewashidden。"BetterthetombForLazarusthanlife，ifthisbelife，"
　　Shethought；andthentoMartha，"No，mydear，"
　　Shesaidaloud；"notasitwasbefore。
　　Nothingiseverasitwasbefore，WhereTimehasbeen。HerethereismorethanTime；
　　AndwethataresolonelyandsofarFromhome，sinceheiswithushereagain，ArefarthernowfromhimandfromourselvesThanwearefromthestars。HewillnotspeakUntilthespiritthatisinhimspeaks；
　　Andwemustwaitforallwearetoknow，Oreventolearnthatwearenottoknow。
　　Martha，wearetooneartothisforknowledge，Andthatiswhyitisthatwemustwait。
　　Ourfriendsarecomingifwecallforthem，Andtherearecoverswe’llputoverhimTomakehimwarmer。Wearetooyoung，perhaps，TosaythatweknowbetterwhatisbestThanhe。Wedonotknowhowoldheis。
　　IfyourememberwhattheMastersaid，Trytobelievethatweneedhavenofear。
　　Letme，theselfishandthecarelessone，Behousewifeandamotherfortonight；
　　ForIamnotsofearfulasyouare，AndIwasnotsoeager。"
　　MarthasankDownathersister’sfeetandtheresatwatchingAflowerthathadasmallfamiliarnameThatwasasoldasmemory，butwasnotThenameofwhatshesawnowinitsbriefAndinfinitemysterythatsofrightenedherThatlifebecameaterror。TearsagainFloodedhereyesandoverflowed。"No，Mary，"
　　Shemurmuredslowly，hatingherownwordsBeforesheheardthem，"youarenotsoeagerToseeourbrotherasweseehimnow；
　　NeitherisHewhogavehimbacktous。
　　Iwastobethesimpleone，asalways，Andthiswasallforme。"ShestaredagainOveramongthetreeswhereLazarus，Whoseemedtobeamanwhowasnotthere，Mighthavebeenonemoreshadowamongshadows，Ifshehadnotremembered。ThenshefeltThecoolcalmhandsofMaryonherface，Andshivered，wonderingifsuchhandswerereal。
　　"TheMasterlovedyouasHelovedusall，Martha；andyouaresayingonlythingsThatchildrensaywhentheyhavehadnosleep。
　　Trysomehownowtorestalittlewhile；
　　YouknowthatIamhere，andthatourfriendsArecomingifIcall。"
　　MarthaatlastArose，andwentwithMarytothedoor，Wheretheystoodlookingoffatthesameplace，AndatthesameshapethatwasalwaysthereAsifitwouldnotevermoveorspeak，Andalwayswouldbethere。"Mary，gonow，Beforethedarkthatwillbecominghideshim。
　　Iamafraidofhimouttherealone，UnlessIseehim；andIhaveforgottenWhatsleepis。Gonow——makehimlookatyou——
　　AndIshallhearhimifhestirsorwhispers。
　　Go！——orI’llscreamandbringallBethanyTocomeandmakehimspeak。MakehimsayonceThatheisglad，andGodmaysaytherest。
　　ThoughHesayIshallsleep，andsleepforever，Ishallnotcareforthat……Go！"
　　Mary，movingAlmostasifanangrychildhadpushedher，Wentforwardafewsteps；andhavingwaitedAslongasMartha’seyeswouldlookathers，Wentforwardafewmore，andafewmore；
　　Andso，untilshecametoLazarus，Whocrouchedwithhisfacehiddeninhishands，Likeonethathadnoface。Beforeshespoke，Feelinghersister’seyesthatwerebehindherAsifthedoorwhereMarthastoodwerenowAsfarfromherasEgypt，MaryturnedOncemoretoseethatshewasthere。Then，softly，FearinghimnotsomuchaswonderingWhathisfirstwordmightbe，said，"Lazarus，Forgiveusifweseemedafraidofyou；"
　　Andhavingspoken，pitiedherpoorspeechThathadsolittleseeminggladnessinit，Solittlecomfort，andsolittlelove。
　　Therewasnosignfromhimthathehadheard，Orthatheknewthatshewasthere，orcaredWhethershespoketohimagainordiedThereathisfeet。"Weloveyou，Lazarus，Andwearenotafraid。TheMastersaidWeneednotbeafraid。WillyounotsayTomethatyouareglad？Look，Lazarus！
　　Lookatmyface，andseeme。ThisisMary。"
　　Shefoundhishandsandheldthem。Theywerecool，Likehers，buttheywerenotsocalmashers。
　　ThroughthewhiterobesinwhichhisfriendshadwrappedhimWhenhehadgropedoutofthatawfulsleep，Shefelthimtremblingandshewasafraid。
　　Atlasthesighed；andsheprayedhungrilyToGodthatshemighthaveagainthevoiceOfLazarus，whosehandsweregivinghernowTherecognitionofalivingpressureThatwasalmostalanguage。Whenhespoke，OnlyonewordthatshehadwaitedforCamefromhislips，andthatwordwashername。
　　"Iheardthemsaying，Mary，thatHeweptBeforeIwoke。"Thewordswerelowandshaken，YetMaryknewthathewhoutteredthemWasLazarus；andthatwouldbeenoughUntilthereshouldbemore……"WhomadeHimcome，ThatHeshouldweepforme？……Wasityou，Mary？"
　　ThequestionsheldinhisincredulouseyesWeremorethanshewouldsee。Shelookedaway；
　　Butshehadfeltthemandshouldfeelforever，Shethought，theircoldandlonelydesperationThathadthebitternessofallcoldthingsThatwerenotcruel。"Ishouldhavewept，"hesaid，"IfIhadbeentheMaster……"
　　NowshecouldfeelHishandsaboveherhair——thesameblackhairThatoncehemadeajestof，praisingit，WhileMartha’sbusyeyeshadlefttheirworkToflashwithlaughingenvy。NothingofthatWastobetheirsagain；andsuchathoughtWasliketheflyingbyofaquickbirdSeenthroughashadowydoorwayinthetwilight。
　　Fornowshefelthishandsuponherhead，Likeweightsofkindness："Iforgiveyou，Mary……
　　Youdidnotknow——Marthacouldnothaveknown——
　　OnlytheMasterknew……WhereisHenow？
　　Yes，Iremember。TheycameafterHim。
　　MaythegoodGodforgiveHim……IforgiveHim。
　　Imust；andImayknowonlyfromHimTheburdenofallthis……Marthawashere——
　　ButIwasnotyethere。Shewasafraid……
　　WhydidHedoit，Mary？Wasit——you？
　　Wasitforyou？……WherearethefriendsIsaw？
　　Yes，Iremember。Theyallwentaway。
　　Imadethemgoaway……WhereisHenow？……
　　WhatdoIseedownthere？DoIseeMartha——
　　Downbythedoor？……Imusthavetimeforthis。"
　　Lazaruslookedabouthimfearfully，AndthenagainatMary，whodiscoveredAwakeningapprehensioninhiseyes，Andshiveredathisfeet。AllshehadfearedWashere；andonlyintheslowreproachOfhisforgivenesslivedhisgratitude。
　　WhyhadheaskedifitwasallforherThathewashere？AndwhathadMarthameant？
　　WhyhadtheMasterwaited？WhatwascomingToLazarus，andtothem，thathadnotcome？
　　WhathadtheMasterseenbeforeHecame，ThatHehadcomesolate？
　　"WhereisHe，Mary？"
　　Lazarusaskedagain。"WheredidHego？"
　　Oncemorehegazedabouthim，andoncemoreAtMaryforananswer。"HavetheyfoundHim？
　　OrdidHegoawaybecauseHewishedNevertolookintomyeyesagain？……
　　That，Icouldunderstand……WhereisHe，Mary？"
　　"Idonotknow，"shesaid。"YetinmyheartIknowthatHeisliving，asyouareliving——
　　Living，andhere。Heisnotfarfromus。
　　Hewillcomebacktousandfindusall——
　　Lazarus，Martha，Mary——everything——
　　Allasitwasbefore。Marthasaidthat。
　　AndHesaidwewerenottobeafraid。"
　　LazarusclosedhiseyeswhileonhisfaceAtorturedadumbrationofasmileFlickeredaninstant。"Allasitwasbefore，"
　　Hemurmuredwearily。"Marthasaidthat；
　　AndHesaidyouwerenottobeafraid……
　　Notyou……Notyou……Whyshouldyoubeafraid？
　　Giveallyourlittlefears，andMartha’swiththem，Tome；andIwilladdthemuntomine，Likeafewrain-dropstoGennesaret。"
　　"Ifyouhadfrightenedmeinotherways，Notwillingit，"Marysaid，"IshouldhaveknownYoustillforLazarus。Butwhoisthis？
　　TellmeagainthatyouareLazarus；
　　AndtellmeiftheMastergavetoyouNosignofanewjoythatshallbecomingTothishousethatHeloved。Areyouafraid？
　　Areyouafraid，whohavefelteverything——
　　Andseen……？"
　　ButLazarusonlyshookhishead，StaringwithhisbewilderedshiningeyesHardintoMary’sface。"Idonotknow，Mary，"hesaid，afteralongtime。
　　"WhenIcameback，IknewtheMaster’seyesWerelookingintomine。IlookedatHis，AndtherewasmoreinthemthanIcouldsee。
　　AtfirstIcouldseenothingbutHiseyes；
　　Nothingelseanywherewastobeseen——
　　OnlyHiseyes。Andtheylookedintomine——
　　Longintomine，Mary，asifHeknew。"
　　MarybegantobeafraidofwordsAsshehadneverbeenafraidbeforeOflonelinessordarkness，orofdeath，Butnowshemusthavemoreofthemordie：
　　"Hecannotknowthatthereisworsethandeath，"
　　Shesaid。"Andyou……"
　　"Yes，thereisworsethandeath。"
　　SaidLazarus；"andthatwaswhatHeknew；
　　AndthatiswhatitwasthatIcouldseeThismorninginhiseyes。Iwasafraid，Butnotasyouare。Thereisworsethandeath，Mary；andthereisnothingthatisgoodForyouindyingwhileyouarestillhere。
　　Mary，nevergobacktothatagain。
　　YouwouldnothearmeifItoldyoumore，ForIshouldsayitonlyinalanguageThatyouarenottolearnbygoingback。
　　Tobeachildagainistogoforward——
　　Andthatismuchtoknow。Manygrowold，Andfade，andgoaway，notknowinghowmuchThatistoknow。Mary，thenightiscoming，Andtherewillsoonbedarknessallaroundyou。
　　LetusgodownwhereMarthawaitsforus，Andlettherebelightshininginthishouse。"
　　Herose，butMarywouldnotlethimgo：
　　"Martha，whenshecamebackfromhere，saidonlyThatsheheardnothing。AndhaveyounomoreForMarynowthanyouhadthenforMartha？
　　IsNothing，Lazarus，allyouhaveforme？
　　WasNothingallyoufoundwhereyouhavebeen？
　　Ifthatbeso，whatisthereworsethanthat——
　　Orbetter——ifthatbeso？Andwhyshouldyou，Withevenourlove，gothesamedarkroadover？"
　　"Icouldnotanswerthat，ifthatwereso，"
　　SaidLazarus，——"notevenifIwereGod。
　　WhyshouldHecarewhetherIcameorstayed，Ifthatwereso？WhyshouldtheMasterweep——
　　Forme，orfortheworld，——orsaveHimselfLongerfornothing？Andifthatwereso，Whyshouldafewyears’moremortalityMakeHimafugitivewhereflightwereneedless，HadHebutheldhispeaceandgivenhisnodToanoldLawthatwouldbenewasany？
　　Icannotsaytheanswertoallthat；
　　ThoughImaysaythatHeisnotafraid，AndthatitisnotforthejoythereisInservinganeternalIgnoranceOfourfutilitythatHeishere。
　　IsthatwhatyouandMarthameanbyNothing？
　　Isthatwhatyouarefearing？Ifthatbeso，Therearemoreweedsthanlentilsinyourgarden。
　　AndonewhoseweedsarelaughingathisharvestMayaswellhavenogarden；fornotthereShallhebegleaningthefewbitsandortsOflifethataretosavehim。Formypart，Iamagainwithyou，hereamongshadowsThatwillnotalwaysbesodarkasthis；
　　ThoughnowIseethere’syetanevilinmeThatmademeletyoubeafraidofme。
　　No，Iwasnotafraid——notevenoflife。
　　IthoughtIwas……Imusthavetimeforthis；
　　Andallthetimethereiswillnotbelong。
　　IcannottellyouwhattheMastersawThismorninginmyeyes。Idonotknow。
　　IcannotyetsayhowfarIhavegone，OrwhyitisthatIamhereagain，Orwheretheoldroadleads。Idonotknow。
　　IknowthatwhenIdidcomeback，IsawHiseyesagainamongthetreesandfaces——
　　OnlyHiseyes；andtheylookedintomine——
　　Longintomine——long，long，asifHeknew。"