Wehavepennednewplanssincethatfairfondday,Andinseasonshewillappearagain-
Perhapsinthesamesoftwhitearray-
Butneverasthen!-
"Andwhy,youngman,musteternallyflyAjoyyou’llrepeat,ifyouloveherwell?"
——Ofriend,noughthappenstwicethus;why,Icannottell!
INACATHEDRALCITY
Thesepeoplehavenotheardyourname;
NoloungersinthisplacidplaceHavehelpedtobruityourbeauty’sfame。
ThegreyCathedral,towardswhosefaceBendeyesuntold,hasmetnotyours;
Yourshadehasneversweptitsbase,Yourformhasneverdarkeditsdoors,NorhaveyourfaultlessfeetoncethrownApensivepit-patonitsfloors。
AlongthestreettomaidswellknownBlithelovershumtheirtenderairs,Butinyourpraisevoicenotatone-
Sincenoughtbespeaksyouhere,orbears,AsI,yourimprintthroughandthrough,HeremightIrest,tillmyheartsharesThespot’sunconsciousnessofyou!
SALISBURY。
"ISAYI’LLSEEKHER"
Isay,"I’llseekhersideErehindranceinterposes;"
Buteveinmidnightcloses,AndhereIstillabide。
WhendarknesswearsIseeHersadeyesinavision;
Theyask,"WhatindecisionDetainsyou,Love,fromme?-
"Thecreakinghingeisoiled,Ihaveunbarredthebackway,Butyoutreadnotthetrackway;
Andshallthethingbespoiled?
"Farcockcrowsechoshrill,Theshadowsareabating,AndIamwaiting,waiting;
ButO,youtarrystill!"
HERFATHER
Imether,aswehadprivilyplanned,Wherepassingfeetbeatbusily:
Shewhispered:"Fatherisathand!
Hewishedtowalkwithme。"
HispresenceashejoinedusthereBanishedourwordsofwarmthaway;
Wefelt,withcloudingsofdespair,WhatLovemustlosethatday。
Hercrimsonlipsremainedunkissed,Ourfingerskeptnotenderhold,HislackoffeelingmadethetrystEmbarrassed,stiff,andcold。
Acynicghostthenroseandsaid,"ButishisloveforhersosmallThat,nightoyours,itmaybereadAsofnoworthatall?
"Youloveherforherpinkandwhite;
Butwhatwhentheirfreshsplendoursclose?
HislovewilllastherindespiteOfTime,andwrack,andfoes。"
WEYMOUTH。
ATWAKING
Whennightwaslifting,Anddawnhadcreptunderitsshade,AmidcoldcloudsdriftingDead-whiteasacorpseoutlaid,WithasuddenscareIseemedtobeholdMyLoveinbareHardlinesunfold。
Yea,inamoment,AninsightthatwouldnotdieKilledheroldendowmentOfcharmthathadcappedallnigh,WhichvanishedtononeLikethegiltofacloud,AndshowedherbutoneOfthecommoncrowd。
SheseemedbutasampleOfearth’spooraveragekind,LitupbynoampleEnrichmentsofmienormind。
IcoveredmyeyesAstocoverthethought,AndunrecognizeWhatthemornhadtaught。
OvisionappallingWhentheonebelieved-inthingIsseenfalling,falling,Withalltowhichhopecancling。
Off:itisnottrue;
ForitcannotbeThattheprizeIdrewIsablanktome!
WEYMOUTH,1869。
FOURFOOTPRINTS
HerearethetracksuponthesandWherestoodlasteveningsheandI-
Pressedhearttoheartandhandtohand;
Themorningsunhasbakedthemdry。
Ikissedherwetface——wetwithrain,Foraridgriefhadburntuptears,WhilereachedusasinsleepingpainThedistantgurglingoftheweirs。
"Ihavemarriedhim——yes;feelthatring;
’Tisaweekagothatheputiton……
Adutifuldaughterdoesthisthing,Andresignationsucceedsanon!
"ButthatIbodyandsoulwasyoursErehe’dpossession,he’llneverknow。
He’saconfidentman。’Thehusbandscores,’
Hesays,’inthelongrun’……Now,Dear,go!"
Iwent。Andto-dayIpassthespot;
Itisonlyasmartthemoretoendure;
AndshewhomIheldisasthoughshewerenot,Fortheyhaveresumedtheirhoneymoontour。
INTHEVAULTEDWAY
Inthevaultedway,wherethepassageturnedTotheshadowycornerthatnonecouldsee,Youpausedforourparting,——plaintively;
ThoughovernighthadcomewordsthatburnedMyfondfrailhappinessoutofme。
AndthenIkissedyou,——despitemythoughtThatourspellmustendwhenreflectioncameOnwhatyouhaddeemedme,whoseonelongaimHadbeentoserveyou;thatwhatIsoughtLaynotinaheartthatcouldbreathesuchblame。
ButyetIkissedyou;whereonyouagainAsofoldkissedme。Why,whywasitso?
Doyoucleavetomeafterthatlight-tonguedblow?
Ifyouscornedmeateventide,howlovethen?
Thethingisdark,Dear。Idonotknow。
INTHEMIND’SEYE
Thatwasoncehercasement,Andthetapernigh,Shiningfromwithinthere,Beckoned,"HereamI!"
Now,asthen,IseeherMovingatthepane;
Ah;’tisbutherphantomBornewithinmybrain!-
ForemostinmyvisionEverywheregoesshe;
Changedissolvesthelandscapes,Sheabideswithme。
Shapesosweetandshy,Dear,Whocansaytheenay?
NeveroncedoI,Dear,Wishthyghostaway。
THEENDOFTHEEPISODE
IndulgenomoremayweInthissweet-bitterpastime:
Thelove-lightshinesthelasttimeBetweenyou,Dear,andme。
ThereshallremainnotraceOfwhatsocloselytiedus,AndblankasereloveeyedusWillbeourmeeting-place。
Theflowersandthymyair,Willtheynowmissourcoming?
ThedumblesthintheirhummingTofindwehauntnotthere?
Thoughferventwasourvow,Thoughruddilyranourpleasure,Blisshasfulfilleditsmeasure,Andseesitssentencenow。
Achedeep;butmakenomoans:
Smileout;butstillysuffer:
ThepathsoflovearerougherThanthoroughfaresofstones。
THESIGH
Littleheadagainstmyshoulder,Shyatfirst,thensomewhatbolder,Andup-eyed;
Tillshe,withatimidquaver,YieldedtothekissIgaveher;
But,shesighed。
ThattheremingledwithherfeelingSomesadthoughtshewasconcealingItimplied-
Notthatshehadceasedtoloveme,Noneonearthshesetaboveme;
Butshesighed。
Shecouldnotdisguiseapassion,Dread,ordoubt,inweakestfashionIfshetried:
Nothingseemedtoholdussundered,Heartswerevictors;soIwonderedWhyshesighed。
AfterwardsIknewherthroughly,Andshelovedmestaunchly,truly,Tillshedied;
ButshenevermadeconfessionWhy,atthatfirstsweetconcession,Shehadsighed。
ItwasinourMay,remember;
AndthoughnowInearNovember,AndabideTillmyappointedchange,unfretting,SometimesIsithalfregrettingThatshesighed。
"INTHENIGHTSHECAME"
ItoldherwhenIleftonedayThatwhatsoeverweightofcareMightstrainourlove,Time’smereassaultWouldworknochangesthere。
Andinthenightshecametome,Toothless,andwan,andold,Withleadenconcavesroundhereyes,Andwrinklesmanifold。
Itremblinglyexclaimedtoher,"Owhereforedoyoughostmethus!
IhavesaidthatdulldefacingTimeWillbringnodreadstous。"
"AndisthattrueofYOU?"shecriedInvoiceoftroubledtune。
Ifaltered:"Well……IdidnotthinkYouwouldtestmequitesosoon!"
Shevanishedwithacurioussmile,Whichtoldme,plainlierthanbyword,ThatmystaunchpledgecouldscarcebeguileThefearshehadaverred。
Herdoubtsthenwroughttheirshapeinme,AndwhennextdayIpaidMyduecaress,weseemedtobeDividedbysomeshade。
THECONFORMERS
Yes;we’llwed,mylittlefay,Andyoushallwriteyoumine,AndinavillachastelygrayWe’llhouse,andsleep,anddine。
Butthosenight-screened,divine,Stolentrystsofheretofore,WeofchoiceecstasiesandfineShallknownomore。
TheformalfacedcohueWillthennomoreupbraidWithsmitingsmilesandwhisperingstwoWhohavethrownlesslovesinshade。
WeshallnomoreevadeThesearchinglightofthesun,Ourgameofpassionwillbeplayed,Ourdreamingdone。
WeshallnotgoinstealthTorendezvousunknown,Butfriendswillaskmeofyourhealth,Andyouaboutmyown。
Whenweabidealone,Noleapingseachtoeach,ButsyllablesinfrigidtoneOfhouseholdspeech。
WhendowntodustweglideMenwillnotsayaskance,Asnow:"HowallthecountrysideRingswiththeirmadromance!"
ButastheygravewardglanceRemark:"InthemweloseAworthypair,whohelpedadvanceSoundparishviews。"
THEDAWNAFTERTHEDANCE
Hereisyourparents’dwellingwithitscurtainedwindowstellingOfnothoughtofuswithinitorofourarrivalhere;
TheirslumbershavebeennormalafteronedaymoreofformalMatrimonialcommonplaceandhouseholdlife’smechanicgear。
Iwouldbecandidwillingly,butdawndrawsonsochillinglyAstorenderfurthercheerlessnessintolerablenow,SoIwillnotstandendeavouringtodeclareadayforsevering,Butwillclaspyoujustasalways——justtheoldenloveavow。
Throughsereneandsurlyweatherwehavewalkedthewaystogether,Andthislongnight’sdancethisyear’sendevenowfinishesthespell;
YetwedreamtusbutbeginningasweetsempiternalspinningOfacordwehavespuntobreaking——toointemperately,toowell。
Yes;lastnightwedancedIknow,Dear,aswedidthatyearago,Dear,Whenanewstrangebondbetweenourdayswasformed,andfelt,andheard;
WouldthatdancingweretheworstthingfromthelatesttothefirstthingThatthefadedyearcanchargeuswith;butwhatavailsaword!
Thatwhichmakesman’slovethelighterandthewoman’sburnnobrighterCametopasswithusinevitablywhileslippedtheshorteningyear……
Andtherestandsyourfather’sdwellingwithitsblindbleakwindowstellingThatthevowsofmanandmaidarefrailasfilmygossamere。
WEYMOUTH,1869。
THESUNONTHELETTER
Idrewtheletterout,whilegleamedTheslopingsunfromunderaroofOfcloudwhosevergerosevisibly。
TheburningballflungraysthatseemedStretchedlikeawarpwithoutawoofAcrossthelevelsoftheleaTowhereIstood,andwheretheybeamedAsbrightlyonthepageofproofThatshehadshownherfalsetomeAsifithadshownhertrue——hadteemedWithpassionatethoughtformybehoofExpressedwiththeirownardency!
THENIGHTOFTHEDANCE
Thecoldmoonhangstotheskybyitshorn,Andcentresitsgazeonme;
Thestars,likeeyesinreverie,Theirwesteringasforawhileforborne,Quizdownwardcuriously。
OldRobertdrawsthebackbrandin,Thegreenlogssteamandspit;
Thehalf-awakenedsparrowsflitFromtheriddledthatch;andowlsbeginTowhoofromthegable-slit。
Yes;farandnighthingsseemtoknowSweetscenesareimpendinghere;
Thatallisprepared;thatthehourisnearForwelcomes,fellowships,andflowOfsally,song,andcheer;
Thatspigotsarepulledandviolsstrung;
ThatsoonwillarisethesoundOfmeasurestrodtotunesrenowned;
ThatShewillreturninLove’slowtongueMyvowsaswewheelaround。
MISCONCEPTION
IbusiedmyselftofindasureSnughermitageThatshouldpreservemyLovesecureFromtheworld’srage;
Wherenounseemlysaturnals,Orstridenttraffic-roars,OrhumofintervolvedcabalsShouldechoatherdoors。
IlabouredthatthediurnalspinOfvanitiesShouldnotcontrivetosuckherinBydarkdegrees,AndcunninglyoperatetoblurSweetteachingsIhadbegun;
AndthenIwentfull-hearttoherToexpoundthegladdeedsdone。
Shelookedatme,andsaidtheretoWithapityingsmile,"AndTHISiswhathasbusiedyouSolongawhile?
Opoorexhaustedone,IseeYouhavewornyouoldandthinFornaught!ThosemoilsyoufearformeIfindmostpleasurein!"
THEVOICEOFTHETHORN
I
WhenthethornonthedownQuiversnakedandcold,Andthemid-agedandoldPacethepaththeretotown,InthesewordsdryanddrearItseemstothemsighing:
"OwinteristryingTosojournershere!"
II
WhenitstandsfullytressedOnahotsummerday,AndtheewesthereastrayFinditsshadeasweetrest,BythebreathofthebreezeItinquiresofeachfarer:
"WhowouldnotbesharerOfshadowwiththese?"
III
Butbydayorbynight,Andinwinterorsummer,ShouldIbethecomerAlongthatloneheight,InitsvoicingtomeOnlyonespeechisspoken:
"HereoncewasnighbrokenAheart,andbythee。"
FROMHERINTHECOUNTRY
IthoughtandthoughtofthycrassclangingtownTofolly,tillconvincedsuchdreamswereill,Iheldmyheartinbond,andtethereddownFancytowhereIwas,byforceofwill。
Isaid:Howbeautifularetheseflowers,thiswood,OnelittlebudisfarmoresweettomeThanallman’surbanshows;andthenIstoodUrgingnewzestforbird,andbush,andtree;
AndstrovetofeelmynaturebroughtitforthOfinstinct,ornoruralmaidwasI;
Butitwasvain;forIcouldnotseeworthEnougharoundtocharmamidgeorfly,Andmusedagainoncitydinandsin,LongingtomadnessImightmovetherein!
16W。P。V。,1866。
HERCONFESSION
Assomeblandsoul,towhomadebtorsays"I’llnowrepaytheamountIowetoyou,"
IninwardgladnessfeignsforgetfulnessThatsuchapaymenteverwashisdue(Hislongthoughtnotwithstanding),sodidI
AtourlastmeetingwaiveyourprofferedkissWithquickdivergenttalkofscenerynigh,Bysuchsuspensiontoenhancemybliss。
AndashislooksinconsternationfallWhen,gatheringthatthedebtislightlydeemed,Thedebtormakesasnottopayatall,SofalteredI,whenyourintentionseemedConvertedbymyfalseuneagernessToputtingoffforeverthecaress。
W。P。V。,1865-67。
TOANIMPERSONATOROFROSALIND
Didhewhodrewherintheyearsago-
Tillnowconceivedcreatorofhergrace-
Withtelescopicsighthighnaturesknow,DiscernremoteinTime’suntravelledspaceYoursoftsweetmien,yourgestures,asdowe,Andwithacopyist’shandbutsetthemdown,GlowingyetmoretodreamourecstasyWhenhisOriginalshouldbeforthshown?
For,kindledbythatanimatedeye,Wheretoallfairnessesabouttheebrim,Andbythytendertones,whatwightcanflyThewildconvictionwellingupinhimThatheatlengthbeholdswoo,parley,plead,The"very,veryRosalind"indeed!
8ADELPHITERRACE,21stApril1867。
TOANACTRESS
Ireadyournamewhenyouwerestrangetome,Whereitstoodblazonedboldwithmanymore;
Ipasseditvacantly,anddidnotseeAnygreatgloryintheshapeitwore。
Ocruelty,theinsightbarredmethen!
WhydidInotpossessmewithitssound,AndinitscadencecatchandcatchagainYournature’sessencefloatingtherearound?
CouldTHATmanbethisI,unknowingyou,Whennowtheknowingyouisallofme,Andtheoldworldofthenisnowanew,Andpurposenomorewhatitusedtobe-
Athingofformaljourneywork,butdueTospringsthatthenweresealeduputterly?
1867。
THEMINUTEBEFOREMEETING
ThegreygauntdaysdividingusintwainSeemedhopelesshillsmystrengthmustfainttoclimb,Buttheyaregone;andnowIwoulddetainThefewclock-beatsthatpartus;reinbackTime,AndliveincloseexpectanceneverclosedInchangeforfarexpectanceclosedatlast,SoharshlyhasexpectancebeenimposedOnmylongneedwhiletheseslowblankmonthspassed。
AndknowingthatwhatisnowabouttobeWillallHAVEBEENinO,soshortaspace!
IreadbeyonditmydespondencyWhenmoredividingmonthsshalltakeitsplace,TherebydenyingtothishourofgraceAfull-upmeasureoffelicity。
1871。
HEABJURESLOVE
AtlastIputofflove,FortwicetenyearsThedaysmanofmythought,Andhope,anddoing;
Beingashamedthereof,AndfaintoffearsAnddesolations,wroughtInhispursuing,SincefirstinyouthtimethoseDisquietingsThatheart-enslavementbringsTohaleandhoary,Becamemyhousefellows,And,foolandblind,IturnedfromkithandkindTogivehimglory。
IwasaschildrenbeWhohavenocare;
Ididnotshrinkorsigh,Ididnotsicken;
Butlo,Lovebeckonedme,AndIwasbare,Andpoor,andstarved,anddry,Andfever-stricken。
ToomanytimesablazeWithfatuousfires,EnkindledbyhiswilesTonewembraces,DidI,bywilfulwaysAndbaselessires,ReturntheanxioussmilesOffriendlyfaces。
NomorewillnowrateI
Thecommonrare,Themidnightdrizzledew,Thegrayhourgolden,Thewindayearningcry,Thefaultyfair,Thingsdreamt,ofcomelierhueThanthingsbeholden!……
——IspeakasonewhoplumbsLife’sdimprofound,OnewhoatlengthcansoundClearviewsandcertain。
But——afterlovewhatcomes?
Ascenethatlours,Afewsadvacanthours,Andthen,theCurtain。
1883。
ASETOFCOUNTRYSONGS
LETMEENJOY
(MINORKEY)
I
LetmeenjoytheearthnolessBecausetheall-enactingMightThatfashionedforthitslovelinessHadotheraimsthanmydelight。
II
AboutmypaththereflitsaFair,Whothrowsmenotawordorsign;
I’llcharmmewithherignoringair,Andlaudthelipsnotmeantformine。
III
FrommanuscriptsofmovingsongInspiredbyscenesanddreamsunknownI’llpouroutrapturesthatbelongToothers,astheyweremyown。
IV
Andsomedayhence,towardsParadise,Andallitsblest——ifsuchshouldbe-
Iwillliftglad,afar-offeyes,Thoughitcontainnoplaceforme。
ATCASTERBRIDGEFAIR
I
THEBALLAD-SINGER
Sing,Ballad-singer,raiseaheartytune;
MakemeforgetthattherewaseveraoneIwalkedwithinthemeeklightofthemoonWhentheday’sworkwasdone。
Rhyme,Ballad-rhymer,startacountrysong;
MakemeforgetthatshewhomIlovedwellSworeshewouldlovemedearly,lovemelong,Then——whatIcannottell!
Sing,Ballad-singer,fromyourlittlebook;
Makemeforgetthoseheart-breaks,achings,fears;
Makemeforgethername,hersweetsweetlook-
Makemeforgethertears。
II
FORMERBEAUTIES
Thesemarket-dames,mid-aged,withlipsthin-drawn,Andtissuessere,Aretheytheoneswelovedinyearsagone,Andcourtedhere?
ArethesethemuslinedpinkyoungthingstowhomWevowedandsworeInnooksonsummerSundaysbytheFroom,OrBudmouthshore?
DotheyrememberthosegaytuneswetrodClaspedonthegreen;
Aye;trodtillmoonlightsetonthebeatensodAsatinsheen?
Theymustforget,forget!TheycannotknowWhatoncetheywere,Ormemorywouldtransfigurethem,andshowThemalwaysfair。
III
AFTERTHECLUB-DANCE
Black’onfrownseastonMaidon,Andwestwardtothesea,ButonneitherishisfrownladenWithscorn,ashisfrownonme!
Atdawnmyheartgrewheavy,Icouldnotsipthewine,IleftthejocundbevyAndthatyoungmano’mine。
Theroadsideelmspassbyme,-
WhydoIsinkwithshameWhenthebirdsa-perchthereeyeme?
They,too,havedonethesame!
IV
THEMARKET-GIRL
Nobodytookanynoticeofherasshestoodonthecauseykerb,Alleagertosellherhoneyandapplesandbunchesofgardenherb;
Andifshehadofferedtogiveherwaresandherselfwiththemtoothatday,Idoubtifasoulwouldhavecaredtotakeabargainsochoiceaway。
ButchancingtotracehersunburntgracethatmorningasIpassednigh,IwentandIsaid"Poormaidydear!——andwillnoneofthepeoplebuy?"
Andsoitbegan;andsoonweknewwhattheendofitallmustbe,AndIfoundthatthoughnoothershadbid,aprizehadbeenwonbyme。
V
THEINQUIRY
AndareyeoneofHermitage-
OfHermitage,byIvelRoad,Anddoyeknow,inHermitageAthatch-roofedhousewheresengreensgrow?
AnddoesJohnWaywoodlivetherestill-
HeofthenamethatthereabodeWhenfatherhurdledonthehillSomefifteenyearsago?
Doeshenowspeako’PattyBeech,ThePattyBeechheusedto——see,OraskatallifPattyBeechIsknownorheardofoutthisway?-
Askeverifshe’slivingyet,Andwhereherpresenthomemaybe,Andhowshebearslife’sfagandfretAftersolongaday?
InyearsagoneatHermitageThisfadedfacewascountedfair,Nonefairer;andatHermitageWesworetowedwhenheshouldthrive。
ButneverachancehadheorI,Andwaitingmadehiswishoutwear,AndTime,thatdoomsman’slovetodie,Preservesamaid’salive。
VI
AWIFEWAITS
Will’satthedanceintheClub-roombelow,Wherethetallliquor-cupsfoam;
IonthepavementupherebytheBow,Wait,wait,tosteadyhimhome。
Willandhispartneraretreadingatune,Lovingcompanionstheybe;
Willy,beforeweweremarriedinJune,Saidhelovednoonebutme;
SaidhewouldlethisoldpleasuresallgoEvertolivewithhisDear。
Will’satthedanceintheClub-roombelow,ShiveringIwaitforhimhere。
NOTE。——"TheBow"(line3)。Theoldnameforthecurvedcornerbythecross-
streetsinthemiddleofCasterbridge。
VII
AFTERTHEFAIR
ThesingersaregonefromtheCornmarket-placeWiththeirbroadsheetsofrhymes,ThestreetringsnolongerintrebleandbassWiththeirskitsonthetimes,AndtheCross,latelythronged,isadimnakedspaceThatbutechoesthestammeringchimes。
FromClock-cornersteps,aseachquarterding-dongs,AwaythefolkroamBythe"Hart"andGrey’sBridgeintobywaysand"drongs,"
Oracrosstheridgedloam;
Theyoungeronesshrillingthelatelyheardsongs,Theoldsaying,"Wouldwewerehome。"
Theshy-seemingmaidensomuteinthefairNowrattlesandtalks,AndthatonewholookedthemostswaggeringthereGrowssadasshewalks,AndshewhoseemedeatenbycankeringcareInstatuesquesturdinessstalks。
AndmidnightclearsHighStreetofallbuttheghostsOfitsburiedburghees,FromthelatestfarbacktothoseoldRomanhostsWhoseremainsoneyetsees,Wholoved,laughed,andfought,hailedtheirfriends,dranktheirtoastsAttheirmeeting-timeshere,justasthese!
1902。
NOTE。——"TheChimes"(line6)willbelistenedforinvainhereatmidnightnow,havingbeenabolishedsomeyearsago。
THEDARK-EYEDGENTLEMAN
I
Ipitchedmyday’sleazingsinCrimmercrockLane,Totieupmygarterandjogonagain,Whenadeardark-eyedgentlemanpassedthereandsaid,Inawaythatmadeallo’mecolourrose-red,"WhatdoIsee-
Oprettyknee!"
Andhecameandhetiedupmygarterforme。
II
’Twixtsunsetandmoonriseitwas,Icanmind:
Ah,’tiseasytolosewhatwenevermorefind!-
Ofthedearstranger’shome,ofhisname,Iknewnought,ButIsoonknewhisnatureandallthatitbrought。
ThenbitterlySobbedIthatheShouldeverhavetiedupmygarterforme!
III
YetnowI’vebesidemeafinelissomlad,Andmyslip’snighforgot,andmydaysarenotsad;
Myowndearestjoyishe,comrade,andfriend,Heitiswhosafe-guardsme,onhimIdepend;
Nosorrowbringshe,AndthankfulIbeThathisdaddyoncetiedupmygarterforme!
NOTE。——"Leazings"(line1)。——Bundleofgleanedcorn。
TOCARREYCLAVEL
Youturnyourback,youturnyourback,Andneveryourfacetome,Aloneyoutakeyourhomewardtrack,Andscornmycompany。
WhatwillyoudowhenCharley’sseenDewbeatingdownthisway?-
You’llturnyourbackasnow,youmean?
Nay,CarreyClavel,nay!
You’llseenone’slooking;putyourlipUplikeatulip,so;
Andhewillcollyou,bend,andsip:
Yes,Carrey,yes;Iknow!
THEORPHANEDOLDMAID
Iwantedtomarry,butfathersaid,"No-
’Tisweaknessinwomentogivethemselvesso;
Ifyoucareforyourfreedomyou’lllistentome,Makeaspouseinyourpocket,andletthemenbe。"
Ispakeon’tagainandagain:fathercried,"Why——ifyougohusbanding,whereshallIbide?
Forneverahome’sformeelsewherethanhere!"
AndIyielded;forfatherhadeverbeendear。
Butnowfather’sgone,andIfeelgrowingold,AndI’mlonelyandpoorinthishouseonthewold,Andmysweetheartthatwasfoundapartnerelsewhere,Andnobodyflingsmeathoughtoracare。
THESPRINGCALL
DownWessexway,whenspring’sa-shine,Theblackbird’s"pret-tyde-urr!"
InWessexaccentsmarkedasmineIsheardafarandnear。
Heflutesitstrong,asifinsongNoR’soffeeblertoneThanhisappearin"prettydear,"
Haveblackbirdseverknown。
Yettheypipe"prattiedeerh!"Iglean,BeneathaScottishsky,And"pehtyde-aw!"amidthetreenOfMiddlesexornigh。
Whilesomefolksay——perhapsinplay-
WhoknowtheIrishisle,’Tis"purritydare!"intreelandthereWhensongsterswouldbeguile。
Well:I’llsaywhatthelisteningbirdsSay,hearing"pret-tyde-urr!"-
Howeverstrangerssoundsuchwords,That’showwesoundthemhere。
Yes,inthisclimeatpairingtime,AssoonaseyescanseeherAtdawnofday,theproperwayTocallis"pret-tyde-urr!"
JULIE-JANE
Sing;how’awouldsing!
How’awouldraisethetuneWhenwerodeinthewaggonfromharvestingBythelighto’themoon!
Dance;how’awoulddance!
IfafiddlestringdidbutsoundShewouldholdouthercoats,giveaslantingglance,Andgoroundandround。
Laugh;how’awouldlaugh!
HerpeonylipswouldpartAsifnonesuchaplaceforalovertoquaffAtthedeepsofaheart。
Julie,Ogirlofjoy,Soon,soonthatloverhecame。
Ah,yes;andgavetheeababy-boy,Butneverhisname……
——Tollingforher,asyouguess;
Andthebabytoo……’Tiswell。
Youknewherinmaidhoodlikewise?——Yes,That’sherburialbell。
"Isuppose,"withalaugh,shesaid,"IshouldblushthatI’mnotawife;
Buthowcanitmatter,sosoontobedead,Whatonedoesinlife!"
WhenwesatmakingthemourningByherdeath-bedside,saidshe,"Dears,howcanyoukeepfromyourlovers,adorningInhonourofme!"
Bubblingandbrightsomeeyed!
Butnow——Oneveragain。
ShechoseherbearersbeforeshediedFromherfancy-men。
NOTE。——Itis,orwas,acommoncustominWessex,andprobablyothercountryplaces,topreparethemourningbesidethedeath-bed,thedyingpersonsometimesassisting,whoalsoselectshisorherbearersonsuchoccasions。
"Coats"(line7)。——Oldnameforpetticoats。
NEWSFORHERMOTHER
I
OnemilemoreisWhereyourdoorisMothermine!-
Harvest’scoming,Millsarestrumming,Applesfine,Andthecidermadeto-yearwillbeaswine。
II
Yet,notviewingWhat’sa-doingHerearoundIsitthrillsme,AndsofillsmeThatIboundLikeaballorleaforlambalongtheground。
III
TremblenotnowAtyourlotnow,Sillysoul!
HostshavespedthemQuicktowedthem,Greatandsmall,Sincethefirsttwosighinghalf-heartsmadeawhole。
IV
YetIwonder,WillitsunderHerfromme?
WillsheguessthatIsaid"Yes,"——thatHisI’dbe,EreIthoughtshemightnotseehimasIsee!
V
Oldbrowngable,Granary,stable,Hereyouare!
Omymother,CananotherEverbarMinefromthyheart,makethynearnessseemafar?
THEFIDDLER
Thefiddlerknowswhat’sbrewingTotheliltofhislyricwiles:
ThefiddlerknowswhatrueingWillcomeofthisnight’ssmiles!
Heseescouplesjointhemfordancing,Andafterwardsjoiningforlife,HeseesthempayhighfortheirprancingByawelterofweddedstrife。
Hetwangs:"Musichailsfromthedevil,Thoughvauntedtocomefromheaven,ForitmakespeopledoatarevelWhatmultipliessinsbyseven。
"There’smanyaheartnowmangled,Andwaitingitstimetogo,WhosetendrilswerefirstentangledBymysweetviolandbow!"
THEHUSBAND’SVIEW
"CananythingavailBeldame,formyhidgrief?-
Listen:I’lltellthetale,Itmaybringfaintrelief!-
"IcamewhereIwasnotknown,Inhopetofleemysin;
AndwalkingforthaloneAyoungmansaid,’Goode’en。’
"IngentlevoiceandtrueHeaskedtomarryme;
’Youonly——onlyyouFulfilmydream!’saidhe。
"Wemarriedo’Mondaymorn,Inthemonthofhayandflowers;
Mycareswerenighforsworn,Andperfectlovewasours。
"ButerethedaysarelongUntimelyfruitwillshow;
MyLovekeepsuphissong,Undreamingitisso。
"AndIawakeinthenight,Andthinkofmonthsgoneby,AndofthatcauseofflightHiddenfrommyLove’seye。
"Discoverybordersnear,Andthen!……Butsomethingstirred?-
Myhusband——heishere!
Heaven——hasheoverheard?"-
"Yes;Ihaveheard,sweetNan;
Ihaveknownitallthetime。
Iamnotaparticularman;
Misfortunesarenocrime:
"AndwhatwithourseriousneedOfsonsforsoldiering,Thataccident,indeed,Tomaids,isausefulthing!"
ROSE-ANN
Whydidn’tyousayyouwaspromised,Rose-Ann?
Whydidn’tyounameittome,Ereeveryoutemptedmehither,Rose-Ann,Sooften,sowearifully?
Owhydidyouletmebenear’ee,Rose-Ann,Talkingthingsaboutwedlocksofree,Andneverbynodorbywhisper,Rose-Ann,Giveahintthatitwasn’ttobe?
DownhomeIwasraisingaflockofstockewes,Cocksandhens,andweechickensbyscores,Andlavenderedlinenallreadytouse,A-dreamingthattheywouldbeyours。
Mothersaid:"She’sasport-makingmaiden,myson";
Andaprettysharpquarrelhadwe;
OwhydoyouprovebythiswrongyouhavedoneThatIsawnotwhatmothercouldsee?
Neveroncedidyousayyouwaspromised,Rose-Ann,NeveroncedidIdreamittobe;
Anditcutstothehearttobetreated,Rose-Ann,Asyouinyourscorningtreatme!
THEHOMECOMING
GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerdownlandbroadandbare,Andlonesomewasthehouse,anddark;andfewcamethere。
"Nowdon’tyerubyoureyessored;we’rehomeandhavenocares;
Here’saskimmer-cakeforsupper,peckledonions,andsomepears;
I’vegotalittlekego’summatstrong,too,understairs:-
What,slightyourhusband’svictuals?Otherbridescantackletheirs!"
Thewindofwintermooedandmouthedtheirchimneylikeahorn,Androundthehouseandpastthehouse’twasleaflessandlorn。
"Butmydearandtenderpoppet,then,howcameyetoagreeInIvelchurchthismorning?Sure,there-rightyoumarriedme!"-
"Hoo-hoo!——Idon’tknow——Iforgothowstrangeandfar’twouldbe,An’IwishIwasathomeagainwithdeardaddee!"
GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerdownlandbroadandbare,Andlonesomewasthehouseanddark;andfewcamethere。
"Ididn’tthinksuchfurnitureasthiswasallyou’down,Andgreatblackbeamsforceiling,andaflooro’wretchedstone,Andnastypewterplatters,horridforksofsteelandbone,Andamonstrouscrockinchimney。’Twastomequiteunbeknown!"
Rattlerattlewentthedoor;downflappedacloudofsmoke,Asshiftingnorththewickedwindassayedasmarterstroke。
"Nowsityebythefire,poppet;putyourselfatease:
Andkeepyourlittlethumboutofyourmouth,dear,please!
AndI’llsingto’eeaprettysongoflovelyflowersandbees,Andhappyloverstakingwalkswithinagroveo’trees。"
GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerDown,sobleakandbare,Andlonesomewasthehouse,anddark;andfewcamethere。
"Now,don’tyegnawyourhandkercher;’twillhurtyourlittletongue,Andifyoudofeelspitish,’tisbecauseyeareoveryoung;
Butyou’llbegettingolder,likeusall,ereverylong,Andyou’llseemeasIam——amanwhoneverdid’eewrong。"
StraightfromWhit’sheetHilltoBenvillLanetheblusterspass,Hittinghedges,milestones,handposts,trees,andtuftsofgrass。
"Well,hadIonlyknown,mydear,thatthiswashowyou’dbe,I’dhavemarriedherofriperyearsthatwassofondofme。
ButsinceIcan’t,I’vehalfamindtorunawaytosea,Andleave’eetogobarefoottoyourd-ddaddee!"
Uponewallanddowntheother——pasteachwindow-pane-
Prancethegusts,andthenawaydownCrimmercrock’slonglane。
"I——I——don’tknowwhattosayto’t,sinceyourwifeI’vevowedtobe;
Andas’tisdone,Is’posehereImustbide——poorme!
Aye——asyouareki-ki-kind,I’lltrytolivealongwith’ee,AlthoughI’dfainhavestayedathomewithdeardaddee!"
GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerDown,sobleakandbare,Andlonesomewasthehouseanddark;andfewcamethere。
"That’sright,myHeart!AndthoughonhauntedTollerDownwebe,Andthewindswearsthingsinchimley,we’lltosuppermerrily!
Sodon’tyetapyourshoesopettish-like;butsmileatme,Andye’llsoonforgettosockandsighfordeardaddee!"
December1901。
PIECESOCCASIONALANDVARIOUS
ACHURCHROMANCE
(MELLSTOCKcirca1835)
Sheturnedinthehighpew,untilhersightSweptthewestgallery,andcaughtitsrowOfmusic-menwithviol,book,andbowAgainstthesinkingsadtower-windowlight。
Sheturnedagain;andinherpride’sdespiteOnestrenuousviol’sinspirerseemedtothrowAmessagefromhisstringtoherbelow,Whichsaid:"Iclaimtheeasmyownforthright!"
Thustheirhearts’bondbegan,induetimesigned。
Andlongyearsthence,whenAgehadscaredRomance,AtsomeoldattitudeofhisorglanceThatgallery-scenewouldbreakuponhermind,Withhimasminstrel,ardent,young,andtrim,Bowing"NewSabbath"or"MountEphraim。"
THERASHBRIDE
ANEXPERIENCEOFTHEMELLSTOCKQUIRE
I
WeChristmas-carolleddowntheVale,anduptheVale,androundtheVale,Weplayedandsangthatnightaswewereyearlywonttodo-
Acarolinaminorkey,acarolinthemajorD,Thenateachhouse:"Goodwishes:manyChristmasjoystoyou!"
II
Next,tothewidow’sJohnandIandalltherestdrewon。AndI
DiscernedthatJohncouldhardlyholdthetongueofhimforjoy。
ThewidowwasasweetyoungthingwhomJohnwasbentonmarrying,Andquiringathercasementseemedromantictotheboy。
III
"She’llmakereply,Itrust,"saidhe,"tooursalute?Shemust!"saidhe,"AndthenIwillaccosthergently——muchtohersurprise!-
ForknowingnotIamwithyouhere,whenIspeakupandcallherdearAtendernesswillfillhervoice,abashfulnesshereyes。
IV
So,byherwindow-squarewestood;ay,withourlanternstherewestood,Andhealongwithus,——notsinging,waitingforasign;
Andwhenwe’dquiredhercarolsthreealightwaslitandoutlookedshe,Ashawlaboutherbedgown,andhercolourredaswine。
V
Andsweetlythenshebowedherthanks,andsmiled,andspokealoudherthanks;
Whenlo,behindherbackthere,intheroom,amanappeared。
Iknewhim——onefromWoolcombway——GilesSwetman——honestastheday,Buteager,hasty;andIfeltthatsomestrangetroubleneared。
VI
"Howcomeshethere?……Suppose,"saidwe,"she’swedoflate!Whoknows?"saidwe-
"Shemarriedyester-morning——onlymotheryethasknownThesecreto’t!"shrilledonesmallboy。"ButnowI’vetold,let’swish’emjoy!"
Aheavyfallarousedus:Johnhadgonedownlikeastone。
VII
Werushedtohimandcaughthimround,andliftedhim,andbroughthimround,When,hearingsomethingwronghadhappened,opedthewindowshe:
"Hasoneofyoufallenill?"sheasked,"bythesenightlaboursovertasked?"
Noneanswered。Thatshe’ddonepoorJohnacruelturnfeltwe。
VIII
TillupspokeMichael:"Fie,youngdame!You’vebrokeyourpromise,slyyoungdame,Byformingthisnewtie,youngdame,andjiltingJohnsotrue,Whotrudgedto-nighttosingto’eebecausehethoughthe’dbringto’eeGoodwishesasyourcomingspouse。Mayyesuchtriflingrue!"
IX
Hermanhadsaidnowordatall;butbeingbehindhadhearditall,Andnowcried:"Neighbours,onmysoulIknewnot’twaslikethis!"
Andthentoher:"IfIhadknownyou’dhadintownotmealone,Nowifeshouldyouhavebeenofmine。Itisadearboughtbliss!"
X
Shechangeddeath-white,andheavedacry:we’dneverheardsogrievedacryAscamefromheratthisfromhim:heart-brokenquiteseemedshe;
Andsuddenly,aswelookedon,sheturned,andrushed;andshewasgone,Whither,herhusband,followingafter,knewnot;norknewwe。
XI
Wesearchedtilldawnaboutthehouse;withinthehouse,withoutthehouse,Wesearchedamongthelaurelboughsthatgrewbeneaththewall,Andthenamongthecrocksandthings,andstoresforwinterjunketings,Inlinhay,loft,anddairy;butwefoundhernotatall。
XII
ThenJohnrushedin:"Ofriends,"hesaid,"hearthis,this,this!"andbendshishead:
"I’ve——searchedroundbythe——WELL,andfindthecoveropenwide!
Iamfearfulthat——Ican’tsaywhat……Bringlanterns,andsomecordstoknot。"
Wedidso,andwewentandstoodthedeepdarkholebeside。
XIII
Andthenthey,ropesinhand,andI——ay,John,andalltheband,andI
Letdownalanterntothedepths——somehundredfeetandmore;
Itglimmeredlikeafog-dimmedstar;andthere,besideitslight,afar,Whitedraperyfloated,andweknewthemeaningthatitbore。
XIV
Therestisnaught……Weburiedhero’Sunday。Neighbourscarriedher;
AndSwetman——hewho’dmarriedher——nowmiserablestofmen,Walkedmourningfirst;andthenwalkedJohn;justquivering,butcomposedanon;
Andwethequireformedroundthegrave,aswasthecustomthen。
XV
Ouroldbassplayer,asIrecall——hiswhitehairblown——butwhyrecall!-
Hisviolupstrapped,bentfigure——doomedtofollowherfullsoon-
Stoodbowing,paleandtremulous;andnexttohimtherestofus……
WesangtheNinetiethPsalmtoher——settoSaintStephen’stune。
THEDEADQUIRE
I
BesidetheMeadofMemories,WhereChurch-waymountstoMoaningHill,Thesadmansighedhisphantasies:
Heseemstosighthemstill。
II
"’TwastheBirth-tideEve,andthehamleteersMademerrywithancientMellstockzest,ButtheMellstockquireofformeryearsHadenteredintorest。
III
"OldDewylaybythegauntyewtree,AndReubenandMichaelapacebehind,AndBowmanwithhisfamilyBythewallthattheiviesbind。
IV
"Thesingershadfollowedonebyone,Treble,andtenor,andthorough-bass;
AndthewormthatwastethhadbegunTominetheirmoulderingplace。
V
"Fortwo-scoreyears,ereChrist-daylight,Mellstockhadthrobbedtostrainsfromthese;
ButnowthereechoedonthenightNoChristmasharmonies。
VI
"Threemeadowsoff,atadormeredinn,Theyouthhadgatheredinhighcarouse,And,rangedonsettles,somethereinHaddrunkthemtoadrowse。
VII
"Loud,lively,reckless,somehadgrown,EachdandlingonhisjiggingkneeEliza,Dolly,Nance,orJoan-
Liversinlevity。
VIII
"ThetaperflamesandhearthfireshineGrewsmoke-hazedtoaluridlight,AndsongsonsubjectsnotdivineWerewarbledforththatnight。
IX
"YetmanyweresonsandgrandsonshereOfthosewho,onsuchevesgoneby,AtthatstillhourhadthroatedclearTheiranthemstothesky。
X
"Theclockbelledmidnight;anderelongOneshouted,’Now’tisChristmasmorn;
Here’stoourwomenoldandyoung,AndtoJohnBarleycorn!’
XI
"Theydrinkthetoastandshoutagain:
Thepewter-wareringsbacktheboom,Andforabreath-whilefollowsthenAsilenceintheroom。
XII
"Whennighwithout,asinolddays,TheancientquireofvoiceandstringSeemedsingingwordsofprayerandpraiseAstheyhadusedtosing:
XIII
"’Whileshepherdswatch’dtheirflocksbynight,’-
ThusswellsthelongfamiliarsoundInmanyaquaintsymphonicflight-
To,’Gloryshonearound。’
XIV
"Thesonsdefinedtheirfathers’tones,Thewidowhiswhomshehadwed,AndothersintheminormoansTheviolsofthedead。
XV
"SomethingsupernalhasthesoundAsversebyversethestrainproceeds,AndstillystaringonthegroundEachroystererholdsandheeds。
XVI
"TowardsitschordedclosingbarPlaintively,thinly,wanedthehymn,Yetlingered,likethenotesafarOfbandedseraphim。
XVII
"Withbrowsabashed,andreverenttread,Thehearkenerssoughtthetaverndoor:
Butnothing,savewanmoonlight,spreadTheemptyhighwayo’er。
XVIII
"WhileontheirhearingfixedandtenseTheaerialmusicseemedtosink,AsitweregentlymovingthenceAlongtheriverbrink。
XIX
"ThendidtheQuickpursuetheDeadBycrystalFroomthatcrinklesthere;
AndstilltheviewlessquireaheadVoicedtheoldholyair。
XX
"ByBank-walkwicket,brightlybleached,Itpassed,and’twixtthehedgestwain,Doggedbytheliving;tillitreachedThebottomofChurchLane。
XXI
"There,attheturning,itwasheardDrawingtowherethechurchyardlay:
ButwhentheyfollowedthitherwardItsmalled,anddiedaway。
XXII
"Eachheadstoneofthequire,eachmound,Confrontedthembeneaththemoon;
ButnomorefloatedtherearoundThatancientBirth-nighttune。
XXIII
"ThereDewylaybythegauntyewtree,ThereReubenandMichael,apacebehind,AndBowmanwithhisfamilyBythewallthattheiviesbind……
XXIV
"AsfromadreameachsoberedsonAwoke,andmusingreachedhisdoor:
’Twassaidthatofthemall,notoneSatinatavernmore。"
XXV-
Thesadmanceased;andceasedtoheedHislistener,andcrossedtheleazeFromMoaningHilltowardsthemead-
TheMeadofMemories。
1897。
THECHRISTENING
WhosechildisthistheybringIntotheaisle?-
AtsosuperbathingThecongregationsmileAndturntheirheadsawhile。
Itseyesareblueandbright,Itscheekslikerose;
ItssimplerobesuniteWhitestofcalicoesWithlawn,andsatinbows。
AprideinthehumanraceAtthisparagonOfmortals,lightseachfaceWhiletheoldritegoeson;
Butah,theyareshockedanon。
WhatgirlisshewhopeepsFromthegallerystair,Smilespalely,redlyweeps,WithfeverishfurtiveairAsthoughnotfitlythere?
"Iamthebaby’smother;
ThisgemoftheraceThedecentfainwouldsmother,AndformydeepdisgraceIambiddentoleavetheplace。"
"Whereisthebaby’sfather?"-
"Inthewoodsafar。
Hesaysthereisnonehe’dratherMeetundermoonorstarThanme,ofallthatare。
"Toclaspmeinlovelikeweather,Wishfixingwhen,Hesays:TobetogetherAtwill,justnowandthen,Makeshimtheblestofmen;
"ButchainedanddoomedforlifeTosloveningAsvulgarmanandwife,Hesays,isanotherthing:
Yea:sweetLove’ssepulchring!"
1904。
ADREAMQUESTION
"Itshallbedarkuntoyou,thatyeshallnotdivine。"
Micahiii。6。