Itwasrough，——mightyrough；
Buttheboystheystoodby，AndtheybroughthimthestuffForahouse，onthesly；
Andtheoldwoman，——well，shedidwashing，andtookonwhennoonewasnigh。
Butthis’yerluckofDow’sWassopowerfulmeanThatthespringnearhishouseDriedrightuponthegreen；
Andhesunkfortyfeetdownforwater，butnaryadroptobeseen。
Thenthebarpeteredout，Andtheboyswouldn’tstay；
Andthechillsgotabout，Andhiswifefellaway；
ButDowinhiswellkeptapeggin’inhisusualridikilousway。
Oneday，——itwasJune，Andayearago，jest——
ThisDowkematnoonTohisworkliketherest，Withashovelandpickonhisshoulder，andderringerhidinhisbreast。
Hegoestothewell，Andhestandsonthebrink，AndstopsforaspellJesttolistenandthink：
Forthesuninhiseyes（jestlikethis，sir！），yousee，kindermadethecussblink。
HistworaggedgalsInthegulchwereatplay，AndagowndthatwasSal’sKinderflappedonabay：
Notmuchforamantobeleavin’，buthisall，——asI’veheer’dthefolkssay。
And——That’sapearthossThetyou’vegot，——ain’titnow？
Whatmightbehercost？
Eh？Oh！——Well，then，Dow——
Let’ssee，——well，thatforty-footgravewasn’this，sir，thatday，anyhow。
ForablowofhispickSortercavedintheside，Andhelookedandturnedsick，Thenhetrembledandcried。
Foryouseethederncusshadstruck——"Water？"——Begyourparding，youngman，——thereyoulied！
ItwasGOLD，——inthequartz，Anditranallalike；
AndIreckonfiveoughtsWastheworthofthatstrike；
Andthathousewiththecoopilow’shis’n，——whichthesameisn’tbadforaPike。
Thet’swhyit’sDow’sFlat；
AndthethingofitisThathekindergotthatThroughsheercontrairiness：
For’twasWATERthedernedcusswasseekin’，andhisluckmadehimcertaintomiss。
Thet’sso！Thar’syourway，Totheleftofyontree；
But——a——lookh’yur，say？
Won’tyoucomeuptotea？
No？Well，thenthenexttimeyou’repassin’；andaskafterDow，——
andthet’sME。
INTHETUNNEL
Didn’tknowFlynn，——
FlynnofVirginia，——
Longashe’sbeen’yar？
Look’eehere，stranger，WharHEVyoubeen？
HereinthistunnelHewasmypardner，ThatsameTomFlynn，——
Workingtogether，Inwindandweather，Dayoutandin。
Didn’tknowFlynn！
Well，thatISqueer；
Why，it’sasinTothinkofTomFlynn，——
Tomwithhischeer，Tomwithoutfear，——
Stranger，look’yar！
Tharinthedrift，Backtothewall，HeheldthetimbersReadytofall；
TheninthedarknessIheardhimcall：
"Runforyourlife，Jake！
Runforyourwife’ssake！
Don’twaitforme。"
AndthatwasallHeardinthedin，HeardofTomFlynn，——
FlynnofVirginia。
That’sallaboutFlynnofVirginia。
Thatletsmeout。
Hereinthedamp，——
Outofthesun，——
That’ardernedlampMakesmyeyesrun。
Well，there，——I’mdone！
But，sir，whenyou’llHearthenextfoolAskingofFlynn，——
FlynnofVirginia，——
Justyouchipin，SayyouknewFlynn；
Saythatyou’vebeen’yar。
"CICELY"
（ALKALISTATION）
Cicelysaysyou’reapoet；maybe，——Iain’tmuchonrhyme：
Ireckonyou’dgivemeahundred，andbeatmeeverytime。
Poetry！——that’sthewaysomechapsputsupanidee，ButItakesmine"straightwithoutsugar，"andthat’swhat’sthematterwithme。
Poetry！——justlookroundyou，——alkali，rock，andsage；
Sage-brush，rock，andalkali；ain’titaprettypage！
Sunintheeastatmornin’，suninthewestatnight，Andtheshadowofthis’yerstationtheon’ythingmovesinsight。
Poetry！——Wellnow——Polly！Polly，runtoyourmam；
Runrightaway，mypooty！By-by！Ain’tshealamb？
Poetry！——thatremindsmeo’suthin’rightinthatsuit：
Jestshetthatdoorthar，willyer？——forCicely’searsiscute。
YenoticedPolly，——thebaby？Amonthaforeshewasborn，Cicely——myoldwoman——wasmoody-likeandforlorn；
Outofherheadandcrazy，andtalkedofflowersandtrees；
Familymanyourself，sir？Well，youknowwhatawomanbe’s。
Narvousshewas，andrestless，——saidthatshe"couldn’tstay。"
Stay！——andthenearestwomanseventeenmilesaway。
ButIfixeditupwiththedoctor，andhesaidhewouldbeonhand，AndIkinderstuckbytheshanty，andfencedinthatbito’land。
Onenight，——thetenthofOctober，——Iwokewithachillandafright，Forthedooritwasstandingopen，andCicelywarn’tinsight，Butanotewaspinnedontheblanket，whichitsaidthatshe"couldn’tstay，"
Buthadgonetovisitherneighbor，——seventeenmilesaway！
Whenandhowshestampeded，Ididn’twaitfortosee，Foroutintheroad，nextminit，Istartedaswildasshe；
Runningfirstthiswayandthatway，likeahoundthatisoffthescent，Fortherewarn’tnotrackinthedarknesstotellmethewayshewent。
I’vehadsomemightymeanmomentsaforeIkemtothisspot，——
LostonthePlainsin’50，drowndedalmostandshot；
Butoutonthisalkalidesert，a-huntingacrazywife，Wasra’lyason-satis-factoryasanythinginmylife。
"Cicely！Cicely！Cicely！"Icalled，andIheldmybreath，And"Cicely！"camefromthecanyon，——andallwasasstillasdeath。
And"Cicely！Cicely！Cicely！"camefromtherocksbelow，Andjestbutawhisperof"Cicely！"downfromthempeaksofsnow。
Iain’twhatyoucallreligious，——butIjestlookeduptothesky，And——this’yer’stowhatI’mcoming，andmaybeyethinkIlie：
Butupawaytotheeast’ard，yallerandbigandfar，Isawofasuddentrisingthesingleristkindofstar。
Bigandyalleranddancing，itseemedtobeckontome：
Yallerandbiganddancing，suchasyouneversee：
Bigandyalleranddancing，——Ineversawsuchastar，AndIthoughtofthemsharpsintheBible，andIwentforitthenandthar。
OverthebrushandbowldersIstumbledandpushedahead，Keepingthestaraforeme，Iwentwhereveritled。
Itmighthevbeenforanhour，whensuddentandpeartandnigh，Outoftheyearthaforemetharrizupababy’scry。
Listen！thar’sthesamemusic；butherlungstheyarestrongernowThanthedayIpackedherandhermother，——I’mdernedifIjestknowhow。
Butthedoctorkemthenextminit，andthejokeo’thewholethingisThatCisneverknewwhathappenedfromthatverynighttothis！
ButCicelysaysyou’reapoet，andmaybeyoumight，someday，Jestslingherarhyme’boutababythatwasborninacuriousway，Andseewhatshesays；and，oldfellow，whenyouspeakofthestar，don’ttellAshow’twasthedoctor’slantern，——formaybe’twon’tsoundsowell。
PENELOPE
（SIMPSON’SBAR，1858）
Soyou’vekem’yeragen，Andoneanswerwon’tdo？
Well，ofallthedernedmenThatI’vestruck，itisyou。
OSal！’yer’sthatdernedfoolfromSimpson’s，cavortin’round’yerinthedew。
Kemin，efyouWILL。
Thar，——quit！Takeacheer。
Notthat；youcan’tfillThemtheercushingsthisyear，——
Forthatcheerwasmyoldman’s，JoeSimpson，andtheydon’tmakesuchmenabout’yer。
Hewastall，wasmyJack，Andasstrongasatree。
Thar’shisgunontherack，——
Jestyouheftit，andsee。
AndYOUcomeacourtin’hiswidder！Lord！wherecanthatcritter，Sal，be！
You’dfillmyJack’splace？
Andamanofyoursize，——
Withnobairdtohisface，Norasnaptohiseyes，Andnary——Sho！thar！Iwasfoolin’，——Iwas，Joe，forsartain，——don’trise。
Sitdown。Law！why，sho！
I’masweakasagal。
Sal！Don’tyougo，Joe，OrI’llfaint，——sure，Ishall。
Sitdown，——ANYWHEER，whereyoulike，Joe，——inthatcheer，ifyouchoose，——Lord！where’sSal？
PLAINLANGUAGEFROMTRUTHFULJAMES
（TABLEMOUNTAIN，1870）
WhichIwishtoremark，Andmylanguageisplain，ThatforwaysthataredarkAndfortricksthatarevain，TheheathenChineeispeculiar，WhichthesameIwouldrisetoexplain。
AhSinwashisname；
AndIshallnotdeny，Inregardtothesame，Whatthatnamemightimply；
Buthissmileitwaspensiveandchildlike，AsIfrequentremarkedtoBillNye。
ItwasAugustthethird，Andquitesoftwastheskies；
WhichitmightbeinferredThatAhSinwaslikewise；
YetheplayeditthatdayuponWilliamAndmeinawayIdespise。
Whichwehadasmallgame，AndAhSintookahand：
ItwasEuchre。ThesameHedidnotunderstand；
Buthesmiledashesatbythetable，Withthesmilethatwaschildlikeandbland。
YetthecardstheywerestockedInawaythatIgrieve，AndmyfeelingswereshockedAtthestateofNye’ssleeve，Whichwasstuffedfullofacesandbowers，Andthesamewithintenttodeceive。
ButthehandsthatwereplayedBythatheathenChinee，Andthepointsthathemade，Werequitefrightfultosee，——
Tillatlastheputdownarightbower，WhichthesameNyehaddealtuntome。
ThenIlookedupatNye，Andhegazeduponme；
Andherosewithasigh，Andsaid，"Canthisbe？
WeareruinedbyChinesecheaplabor，"——
AndhewentforthatheathenChinee。
InthescenethatensuedIdidnottakeahand，ButtheflooritwasstrewedLiketheleavesonthestrandWiththecardsthatAhSinhadbeenhiding，Inthegame"hedidnotunderstand。"
Inhissleeves，whichwerelong，Hehadtwenty-fourpacks，——
Whichwascomingitstrong，YetIstatebutthefacts；
Andwefoundonhisnails，whichweretaper，Whatisfrequentintapers，——that’swax。
WhichiswhyIremark，Andmylanguageisplain，ThatforwaysthataredarkAndfortricksthatarevain，TheheathenChineeispeculiar，——
WhichthesameIamfreetomaintain。
THESOCIETYUPONTHESTANISLAUS
IresideatTableMountain，andmynameisTruthfulJames；
Iamnotuptosmalldeceitoranysinfulgames；
AndI’lltellinsimplelanguagewhatIknowabouttherowThatbrokeupourSocietyupontheStanislow。
ButfirstIwouldremark，thatitisnotaproperplanForanyscientificgenttowhalehisfellow-man，And，ifamemberdon’tagreewithhispeculiarwhim，Tolayforthatsamememberforto"putahead"onhim。
NownothingcouldbefinerormorebeautifultoseeThanthefirstsixmonths’proceedingsofthatsameSociety，TillBrownofCalaverasbroughtalotoffossilbonesThathefoundwithinatunnelnearthetenementofJones。
ThenBrownhereadapaper，andhereconstructedthere，Fromthosesamebones，ananimalthatwasextremelyrare；
AndJonesthenaskedtheChairforasuspensionoftherules，Tillhecouldprovethatthosesameboneswasoneofhislostmules。
ThenBrownhesmiledabittersmile，andsaidhewasatfault，ItseemedhehadbeentrespassingonJones’sfamilyvault；
Hewasamostsarcasticman，thisquietMr。Brown，Andonseveraloccasionshehadcleanedoutthetown。
NowIholditisnotdecentforascientificgentTosayanotherisanass，——atleast，toallintent；
NorshouldtheindividualwhohappenstobemeantReplybyheavingrocksathim，toanygreatextent。
ThenAbnerDeanofAngel’sraisedapointoforder，whenAchunkofoldredsandstonetookhimintheabdomen，Andhesmiledakindofsicklysmile，andcurleduponthefloor，Andthesubsequentproceedingsinterestedhimnomore。
For，inlesstimethanIwriteit，everymemberdidengageInawarfarewiththeremnantsofapalaeozoicage；
Andthewaytheyheavedthosefossilsintheirangerwasasin，TilltheskullofanoldmammothcavedtheheadofThompsonin。
AndthisisallIhavetosayoftheseimpropergames，ForIliveatTableMountain，andmynameisTruthfulJames；
AndI’vetoldinsimplelanguagewhatIknowabouttherowThatbrokeupourSocietyupontheStanislow。
LUKE
（INTHECOLORADOPARK，1873）
Wot’sthatyou’rereadin’？——anovel？Anovel！——well，darnmyskin！
Youamangrownandbeardedandhistin’suchstuffezthatin——
Stuffaboutgalsandtheirsweethearts！Nowonderyou’rethinezaknife。
Lookatme——clartwohundred——andneverreadoneinmylife！
That’smyopiniono’novels。Andeztotheirlyin’roundhere，TheybelongtotheJedge’sdaughter——theJedgewhocameuplastyearOnaccountofhislungsandthemountainsandthebalsamo’pineandfir；
Andhisdaughter——well，shereadnovels，andthat’swhat’sthematterwithher。
YetshewassweetontheJedge，andstuckbyhimdayandnight，Aloneinthecabinup’yer——tillshegrewlikeaghost，allwhite。
Shewusonlyaslipofathing，ezlightandezupandawayEzriflesmokeblownthroughthewoods，butshewasn’tmykind——noway！
Speakin’o’gals，d’yemindthathouseezyourisethehill，AmileandahalffromWhite’s，andjistaboveMattingly’smill？
Youdo？WellnowTHAR’sagal！What！yousawher？Oh，comenow，thar！quit！
Shewasonlybedevlin’youboys，fortomeshedon’tcottononebit。
Nowshe’swhatIcallagal——ezprettyandplumpezaquail；
Teethezwhiteezahound’s，andthey’dgothroughaten-pennynail；
Eyesthatkinsnaplikeacap。Sosheaskedtoknow"wharIwashid？"
Shedid！Oh，it’sjistlikehersass，forshe’speartezaKatydid。
ButwhatwasItalkingof？——Oh！theJedgeandhisdaughter——shereadNovelsthewholedaylong，andIreckonshereadthemabed；
AndsometimesshereadthemoutloudtotheJedgeontheporchwherehesat，And’twashow"LordAugustus"saidthis，andhow"LadyBlanche"shesaidthat。
ButthesickestofallthatIheerdwasayarnthettheyread’boutachap，"Leather-stocking"byname，andahunterchockfullo’thegreenesto’sap；
Andtheyaskedmetohear，butIsays，"MissMabel，notanyforme；
WhenIlikesIkinslingmyownlies，andthetchapandIshouldn’tagree。"
YetsomehoworotherthatgalallussaidthatIbroughthertomindOffolksaboutwhomshehadread，orsuthinbelikeofthetkind，Andtharwarn’tnoendo’thenamesthatshegivemethetsummeruphere——
"RobinHood，""Leather-stocking""RobRoy，"——Oh，Itellyou，thecritterwasqueer！
Andyet，efshehadn’tbeenspiled，shewasharmlessenoughinherway；
ShecouldjabberinFrenchtoherdad，andtheysaidthatsheknewhowtoplay；
Andsheworkedmethatshot-pouchupthar，whichthemandoesn’tliveezkinuse；
Andslippers——yousee’emdown’yer——ezwouldcradleanInjin’spapoose。
Yetalongo’themnovels，yousee，shewaswastin’andmopin’away，Andthenshegotshywithhertongue，andatlastshehadnothin’tosay；
AndwheneverIhappenedaround，herfaceitwashidbyabook，Anditwarn’ttillthedaysheleftthatshegivemeezmuchezalook。
Andthiswasthewayitwas。ItwasnightwhenIkemuphereTosayto’emall"good-by，"forIreckonedtogofordeerAt"sunup"thedaytheyleft。SoIshook’emallroundbythehand，’CeptMabel，andshewassick，eztheygivemetounderstand。
ButjistezIpassedthehousenextmorningatdawn，someone，Likealittlewavero’mistgotuponthehillwiththesun；
MissMabelitwas，alone——allwrappedinamantleo’lace——
Andshestoodtherestraightintheroad，withatoucho’thesuninherface。
Andshelookedmerightintheeye——I’dseensuthin’likeitbeforeWhenIhuntedawoundeddoetotheedgeo’theClearLakeShore，AndIhadmykneeonitsneck，andIjistwasraisin’myknife，Whenitgivemealooklikethat，and——well，itgotoffwithitslife。
"Wearegoingto-day，"shesaid，"andIthoughtIwouldsaygood-byToyouinyourownhouse，Luke——thesewoodsandthebrightbluesky！
You’vealwaysbeenkindtous，Luke，andpapahasfoundyoustillAsgoodastheairhebreathes，andwholesomeasLaurelTreeHill。
"Andwe’llalwaysthinkofyou，Luke，asthethingwecouldnottakeaway，——
Thebalsamthatdwellsinthewoods，therainbowthatlivesinthespray。
Andyou’llsometimesthinkofME，Luke，asyouknowyouonceusedtosay，Ariflesmokeblownthroughthewoods，amoment，butnevertostay。"
Andthenweshookhands。Sheturned，buta-suddentshetotteredandfell，AndIcaughthersharpbythewaist，andheldheraminit。Well，Itwasonlyaminit，youknow，thetezcoldandezwhiteshelayEzasnowflakehereonmybreast，andthen——well，shemeltedaway——
Andwasgone……Andtharareherbooks；butIsaysnotanyforme；
Goodenoughmaybeforsome，butthemandImightn’tagree。
Theyspiledadecentgalezmighthevmadesomechapawife，Andlookatme！——clartwohundred——andneverreadoneinmylife！
"THEBABESINTHEWOODS"
（BIGPINEFLAT，1871）
"Somethingcharacteristic，"eh？
Humph！IreckonyoumeanbythatSomethingthathappenedinourway，Hereatthecrossin’ofBigPineFlat。
Timesaren’tnowastheyusedtobe，Whengoldwasflushandtheboyswerefrisky，AndamanwouldpullouthisbatteryForanything——maybethepriceofwhiskey。
Nothingofthatsort，eh？That’sstrange！
Why，IthoughtyoumightbedivertedHearinghowJonesofRedRockRangeDrawedhis"hinttotheunconverted，"
Andsaying，"Wharwillyouhaveit？"shotCherokeeBobatthelastdebating！
WhatwasthequestionIforgot，ButJonesdidn’tlikeBob’swayofstating。
Nothingofthatkind，eh？YoumeanSomethingmilder？Let’ssee！——OJoe！
TelltothestrangerthatlittlesceneOutofthe"BabesintheWoods。"Youknow，"Babes"wasthenamethatwegave’em，sir，Twoleanladsintheirteens，andgreenerThaneventhebeltofspruceandfirWheretheybuilttheirnest，andeachdaygrewleaner。
Nooneknewwheretheycamefrom。NoneCaredtoaskiftheyhadamother。
Runawayschoolboys，maybe。OneTallanddarkasaspruce；theotherBlueandgoldintheeyesandhair，Softandlowinhisspeech，butrarelyTalkingwithus；andwedidn’tcareTogetattheirsecretatallunfairly。
Fortheyweresoquiet，sosadandshy，Contenttotrusteachothersolely，Thatsomehowwe’dalwaysshutoneeye，AndneverseemtoobservethemwhollyAstheypassedtotheirwork。’Twasaworn-outclaim，Anditpaidthemgrub。Theycouldlivewithoutit，FortheboyshadawayofleavinggameIntheirtent，andforgettingallaboutit。
Yetnooneaskedfortheirsecret。DumbItlayintheirbigeyes’heavyhollows。
ItwasunderstoodthatnooneshouldcomeTotheirtentunawares，savethebeesandswallows。
Sotheylivedalone。UntilonewarmnightIwassittinghereatthetent-door，——so，sir！
Whenoutofthesunset’srosylightUprosetheSheriffofMariposa。
Iknewatoncetherewassomethingwrong，Forhishandandhisvoiceshookjustalittle，Andthereisn’tmuchyoucanfetchalongTomakethesinewsofJackHillbrittle。
"GowarntheBabes！"hewhispered，hoarse；
"TellthemI’mcoming——togetandscurry；
ForI’vegotastorythat’sbad，——andworse，I’vegotawarrant：G-dd——nit，hurry！"
Toolate！theyhadseenhimcrossthehill；
IrantotheirtentandfoundthemlyingDeadineachother’sarms，andstillClaspingthedrugtheyhadtakenflying。
Andtherelaytheirsecretcoldandbare，Theirlife，theirtrial——theold，oldstory！
ForthesweetblueeyesandthegoldenhairWasaWOMAN’SshameandaWOMAN’Sglory。
"Whowerethey？"Asknomore，oraskThesunthatvisitstheirgravesolightly；
Askofthewhisperingreeds，ortaskThemourningcricketsthatchirrupnightly。
Alloftheirlifebutitsloveforgot，Everythingtenderandsoftandmystic，TheseareourBabesintheWoods，——you’vegot，Well——humannature——that’scharacteristic。
THELATESTCHINESEOUTRAGE
Itwasnoonbythesun；wehadfinishedourgame，Andwaspassin’remarksgoin’backtoourclaim；
Joneswascountin’hischips，Smithrelievin’hismindOfideasthata"straight"shouldbeat"threeofakind，"
WhenJohnsonofElkocamegallopin’down，Withalookonhisface’twixtagrinandafrown，Andhecalls，"Dropyourshovelsandfacerightabout，ForthemChineesfromMurphy’sarecleanin’usout——
Withtheirching-a-ring-chowAndtheirchic-colorowThey’rebentuponmakingNoslouchofarow。"
ThenJones——myownpardner——looksupwithasigh；
"It’syourwash-bill，"sezhe，andIanswers，"Youlie！"
Butaforehecoulddrawortheotherscouldarm，UptumblestheBatesboys，whoheardthealarm。
Andayellfromthehill-topandroarofagong，Mixedupwithremarkslike"Hi！yi！Chang-a-wong，"
Andbombs，shells，andcrackers，thatcrashedthroughthetrees，Revealedintheirwar-togsfourhundredChinees！
FourhundredChinee；
Weareeight，don’tyesee！
ThatmadeasquarefiftyTojustoneo’we。
Theyweredressedintheirbest，butIgrievethatthatsameWaslargelymadeupofourown，totheirshame；
Andmypardner’sbestshirtandhistrouserswerehungOnaspear，andabovehimweretauntinglyswung；
Whilethatbeggar，CheyLee，likeaconjurersatPullin’outeggsandchickensfromJohnson’sbesthat；
AndBates’sgameroosterwaspartoftheir"loot，"
AndallofSmith’spigswereskyugledtoboot；
ButtheclimaxwasreachedandIliketohavediedWhenmydemijohn，empty，camedownthehillside，——
Downthehillside——
WhatonceheldtheprideOfRobertsonCountyPitcheddownthehillside！
Thenweaxedforaparley。WhenoutofthedinTothefrontcomesa-rockin’thatheathen，AhSin！
"Youoweflowtydollee——mewasheeyoucamp，Youcatcheemywashee——mecatcheenostamp；
Onedollarhapdozen，menocatcheeyet，Nowthatflowtydollee——nohab？——howcanget？
Mecatcheeyoupiggee——meselleeforcash，Itcatcheemelicee——youcatcheeno’hash；’
MebellygoodSheliff——melebbeewhencan，MealleesamehalppinasMelicanman！
ButMelicanmanHewasheehimpanOnBOTTOMsidehilleeAndcatchee——howcan？"
"Arewemen？"saysJoeJohnson，"andlisttothisjaw，Withoutprocessofwarrantorcoloroflaw？
Arewemenor——a-chew！"——herebegaspedinhisspeech，Forastink-pothadfallenjustoutofhisreach。
"Shallwestandhereasidle，andletAsiapourHerbarbarichordesonthiscivilizedshore？
HastheWhiteMannocountry？Areweleftinthelurch？
Andlikewisewhat’sgoneoftheEstablishedChurch？
Onemantofourhundredisgreatodds，Iown，Butthis’yer’saWhiteMan——Iplaysitalone！"
Andhesprangupthehillside——tostophimnonedare——
Tillayellfromthetoptolda"WhiteManwasthere！"
AWhiteManwasthere！
WeprayedhemightspareThosemisguidedheathensThefewclothestheywear。
Theyfled，andhefollowed，butnomatterwhere；
Theyfledtoescapehim，——the"WhiteManwasthere，"——
Tillwemissedfirsthisvoiceonthepine-woodedslope，Andweknewfortheheathenhenceforthwasnohope；
Andtheyellstheygrewfainter，whenPetersensaid，"Itsimplywashumantoburyhisdead。"
Andthen，withslowtread，Wecreptup，indread，Butfoundnarymortalthere，Livingordead。
Buttherewashistrail，andthewaythattheycame，Andyonder，nodoubt，hewasbagginghisgame。
WhenJonesdropshispickaxe，andThompsonsays"Shoo！"
Andbothof’empointstoacageofbambooHangingdownfromatree，withalabelthatswungConspicuous，withlettersinsomeforeigntongue，Which，whenfreelytranslated，thesamedidappearWastheChineseforsaying，"AWhiteManishere！"
Andaswedrewnear，Inangerandfear，Boundhandandfoot，JohnsonLookeddownwithaleer！
Inhismouthwasanopiumpipe——whichwaswhyHeleeredatussowithadrunken-likeeye！
Theyhadshavedoffhiseyebrows，andtackedonacue，Theyhadpaintedhisfaceofacopperyhue，Andriggedhimallupinaheathenishsuit，Thensoftlydeparted，eachmanwithhis"loot。"
Yes，everygaloot，AndAhSin，toboot，HadlefthimtherehangingLikeripeningfruit。
AtamassmeetingheldupatMurphy’snextdayTherewereseventeenspeakersandeachhadhissay；
Thereweretwelveresolutionsthatinstantlypassed，Andeachresolutionwasworsethanthelast；
Therewerefourteenpetitions，which，grantingthesame，WilldeterminewhatGovernorMurphy’sshallname；
AndthemanfromourdistrictthatgoesupnextyearGoesupononeissue——that’spatentandclear：
"Cantheworkofamean，Degraded，uncleanBelieverinBuddhaBeheldasalien？"
TRUTHFULJAMESTOTHEEDITOR
（YREKA，1873）
WhichitisnotmystyleToproduceneedlesspainBystatementsthatrileOrthatgo’ginthegrain，Buthere’sCaptainJackstilla-livin’，andNyehasnoskelponhisbrain！
OnthatCaucasianheadThereisnocrownofhair；
Ithasgone，ithasfled！
AndEchosez"Where？"
AndIasks，"IsthisNationaWhiteMan’s，andisgenerallythingsonthesquare？"
ShewasknowninthecampAs"Nye’sothersquaw，"
AndfolksofthatstampHeznorightsinthelaw，Butistreacherous，sinful，andslimy，asNyemighthevwellknownbefore。
ButshesaidthatsheknewWheretheInjinswashid，Andthestatementwastrue，Foritseemedthatshedid，SincesheledWilliamwherehewascoveredbyseventeenModocs，and——
slid！
Thentheyreachedforhishair；
ButNyesez，"BythelawOfnations，forbear！
Isurrenders——nomore：
AndIlookstobetreated，——youhearme？——asapris’ner，apris’nerofwar！"
ButCaptainJackroseAndhesez，"It’stoothin！
SuchstatementsasthoseIt’stoolatetobegin。
There’saMODOCINDICTMENTaginyou，OPaleface，andyou’regoin’in！
"YoustoleSchonchin’ssquawIntheyearsixty-two；
Itwasinsixty-fourThatLongJackyouwentthrough，AndyouburnedNastyJim’srancheria，andhiswivesandhispapoosestoo。
"ThisguninmyhandWassoldmebyyou’Gainstthelawoftheland，AndIgrievesitistrue！"
Andheburiedhisfaceinhisblanketandweptashehiditfromview。
Butyou’retriedandcondemned，Andskelping’syourdoom，"
Andhepausedandhehemmed——
Butwhythisresume？
Hewasskelped’gainstthecustomofnations，andcutofflikearoseinitsbloom。
SoIaskswithoutguile，AndItrustsnotinvain，IfthisisthestyleThatisgoingtoobtain——
Ifhere’sCaptainJackstilla-livin’，andNyewithnoskelponhisbrain？
ANIDYLOFTHEROAD
（SIERRAS，1876）
DRAMATISPERSONAE
FirstTouristSecondTouristYubaBill，DriverAStrangerFIRSTTOURIST
Lookhowtheuplandplungesintocover，Greenwherethepinesfadesullenlyaway。
Wonderfulthoseolivedepths！andwonderful，moreover——
SECONDTOURIST
Thereddustthatrisesinasuffocatingway。
FIRSTTOURIST
Smallisthesoulthatcannotsoaraboveit，Cannotbutclingtoitsever-kindredclay：
Betterbeyonbird，thatseemstobreatheandloveit——
SECONDTOURIST
Doubtlessahawkorsomeotherbirdofprey。
Werewe，likehim，assureofadinnerThatonourstomachswouldcomfortablystay；
Orwerethefriedhamashadeortwojustthinner，Thatmustconfrontusatclosingoftheday：
ThenmightyousinglikeTheocritusorVirgil，Thenmightweeachmakeametricalessay；
Butversejustnow——Imustprotestandurge——illFitsadigestionbytravelledastray。
CHORUSOFPASSENGERS
Speed，YubaBill！oh，speedustoourdinner！
Speedtothesunsetthatbeckonsfaraway。
SECONDTOURIST
WilliamofYuba，OSonofNimshi，hearken！
Checkthyprofanity，butnotthychariot’splay。
Tellus，OWilliam，beforetheshadowsdarken，Where，and，oh！howweshalldine？OWilliam，say！
YUBABILL
Itain’tmyfault，northeKumpeney’s，Ireckon，Yecan’tgetezsquaremealezanyontheBay，Upatyouplace，wharthesenset’pearstobeckon——
Ezthetsharpallowsinhisairysorto’way。
Tharwozaplaceworyerhashyemighthevwrestled，Keptbyawomanezchipperezajay——
Warminherbreastallthemorningsunshinenestled；
Redonhercheeksalltheevening’ssunshinelay。
SECONDTOURIST
Praiseisbutbreath，Ochariotcompeller！
Yetofthathashwewouldbidyoufarthersay。
YUBABILL
Tharwozasnipe——likeyou，afancytourist——
Kemtothatrancheziftomakeastay，Ranoffthegal，andruinedjistthepuristCritterthatlived——
STRANGER（quietly）
You’realiar，driver！
YUBABILL（reachingforhisrevolver）。
Eh！
Heretakemylines，somebody——
CHORUSOFPASSENGERS
Hush，boys！listen！
Insidethere’salady！Remember！Noaffray！
YUBABILL
Efthatmanlives，thefaultain’tmineorhis’n。
STRANGER
Waitforthesunsetthatbeckonsfaraway，Then——asyouwill！But，meantime，friends，believeme，Nowhereonearthlivesapurerwoman；nay，Ifmyperceptionsdosurelynotdeceiveme，Sheistheladywehaveinsideto-day。
Asfortheman——youseethatblackenedpinetree，Upwhichthegreenvinecreepsheavenwardaway！
Hewasthatscarredtrunk，andshethevinethatsweetlyClothedhimwithlifeagain，andlifted——
SECONDTOURIST
Yes；butprayHowknowyouthis？
STRANGER
She’smywife。
YUBABILL
Theh-llyousay！
THOMPSONOFANGELS
ItisthestoryofThompson——ofThompson，theheroofAngels。
FrequentlydrunkwasThompson，butalwayspolitetothestranger；
LightandfreewasthetouchofThompsonuponhisrevolver；
Greatthemortalityincidentonthatlightnessandfreedom。
YetnothappyorgaywasThompson，theheroofAngels；
Oftenspoketohimselfinaccentsofanguishandsorrow，"WhydoImakethegravesofthefrivolousyouthwhoinfollyThoughtlesslypassmyrevolver，forgettingitslightnessandfreedom？
"Whyinmydailywalksdoesthesurgeondrophislefteyelid，Theundertakersmile，andthesculptorofgravestonemarblesLeanonhischiselandgaze？Icarenoto’ermuchforattention；
SimpleamIinmyways，savebutforthislightnessandfreedom。"
Sospakethatpensiveman——thisThompson，theheroofAngels，Bitterlysmiledtohimself，ashestrodethroughthechapparalmusing。
"Why，oh，why？"echoedthepinesinthedarkolivedepthfarresounding。
"Why，indeed？"whisperedthesagebrushthatbent’neathhisfeetnon-elastic。
Pleasantindeedwasthatmornthatdawnedo’erthebarroomatAngels，Whereintheirmanhood’sprimewasgatheredtheprideofthehamlet。
Six"tooksugarintheirs，"andninetothebarkeeperlightlySmiledastheysaid，"Well，Jim，youcangiveusourregularfusil。"
Suddenlyasthegrayhawkswoopsdownonthebarnyard，alightingWhere，pensivelypickingtheircorn，thefavoritepulletsaregathered，Sointhatfestivebar-roomdroppedThompson，theheroofAngels，Graspinghisweapondreadwithhispristinelightnessandfreedom。
Neverawordhespoke；divestinghimselfofhisgarments，Dancedthewar-danceoftheplayfulyettruculentModoc，Utteredasinglewhoop，andthen，intheaccentsofchallenge，Spake："Oh，beholdinmeaCrestedJayHawkofthemountain。"
Thenroseapallidman——amansickwithfeverandague；
Smallwashe，andhisstepwastremulous，weak，anduncertain；
SlowlyaDerringerdrew，andcoveredthepersonofThompson；
Saidinhisfeeblestpipe，"I’maBald-headedSnipeoftheValley。"
Asonitsnativeplainsthekangaroo，startledbyhunters，Leapswithsuccessivebounds，andhurriesawaytothethickets，SoleapedtheCrestedHawk，andquietlyhoppingbehindhimRan，andoccasionallyshot，thatBald-headedSnipeoftheValley。
VainatthefestivebarstilllingeredthepeopleofAngels，Hearingafarinthewoodsthepetulantpopofthepistol；
NeveragainreturnedtheCrestedJayHawkofthemountains，NeveragainwasseentheBald-headedSnipeoftheValley。
YetinthehamletofAngels，whentruculentspeechesareuttered，Whenbloodshedandlifealonewillatoneforsometriflingmisstatement，MaidensandmenintheirprimerecallthelastheroofAngels，ThinkofandvainlyregrettheBald-headedSnipeoftheValley！
THEHAWK’SNEST
（SIERRAS）
Wecheckedourpace，theredroadsharplyrounding；
WeheardthetroubledflowOfthedarkolivedepthsofpinesresoundingAthousandfeetbelow。
Abovethetumultofthecanyonlifted，Thegrayhawkbreathlesshung，OronthehillawingedshadowdriftedWherefurzeandthorn-bushclung；
Orwherehalf-waythemountainsidewasfurrowedWithmanyaseamandscar；
Orsomeabandonedtunneldimlyburrowed，——
Amole-hillseensofar。
WelookedinsilencedownacrossthedistantUnfathomablereach：
Asilencebrokenbytheguide’sconsistentAndrealisticspeech。
"WalkerofMurphy’sblewaholethroughPetersFortellinghimhelied；
ThenupanddustedoutofSouthHornitosAcrosstheLongDivide。
"WeranhimoutofStrong’s，andupthroughEden，And’crossthefordbelow，Andupthiscanyon（Peters’brotherleadin’），AndmeandClarkandJoe。
"Hefou’tusgame：somehowIdisrememberJesthowthethingkemround；
Somesay’twaswadding，someascatteredemberFromfiresontheground。
"ButinoneminuteallthehillbelowhimWasjustonesheetofflame；
Guardin’thecrest，SamClarkandIcalledtohim，And，——well，thedogwasgame！
"Hemadenosign：thefiresofhellwereroundhim，Thepitofhellbelow。
Wesatandwaited，butweneverfoundhim；
Andthenweturnedtogo。
"Andthen——youseethatrockthat’sgrownsobristlyWithchapparalandtan——
Suthincrep’out：itmighthevbeenagrizzlyItmighthevbeenaman；
"Suthinthathowled，andgnasheditsteeth，andshoutedInsmokeanddustandflame；
Suthinthatsprangintothedepthsaboutit，Grizzlyorman，——butgame！
"That’sall！Well，yes，itdoeslookratherrisky，AndkindermakesonequeerAnddizzylookingdown。AdropofwhiskeyAin’tabadthingrighthere！"
HERLETTER
I’msittingalonebythefire，DressedjustasIcamefromthedance，InarobeevenYOUwouldadmire，——
ItcostacoolthousandinFrance；
I’mbe-diamondedoutofallreason，Myhairisdoneupinacue：
Inshort，sir，"thebelleoftheseason"
Iswastinganhouruponyou。
AdozenengagementsI’vebroken；
Ileftinthemidstofaset；
Likewiseaproposal，halfspoken，Thatwaits——onthestairs——formeyet。
Theysayhe’llberich，——whenhegrowsup，——
Andthenheadoresmeindeed；
Andyou，sir，areturningyournoseup，Threethousandmilesoffasyouread。
"AndhowdoIlikemyposition？"
"AndwhatdoIthinkofNewYork？"
"Andnow，inmyhigherambition，WithwhomdoIwaltz，flirt，ortalk？"
"Andisn’titnicetohaveriches，Anddiamondsandsilks，andallthat？"
"Andaren’ttheyachangetotheditchesAndtunnelsofPovertyFlat？"
Well，yes，——ifyousawusoutdrivingEachdayinthePark，four-in-hand，IfyousawpoordearmammacontrivingTolooksupernaturallygrand，——
Ifyousawpapa’spicture，astakenByBrady，andtintedatthat，You’dneversuspecthesoldbaconAndflouratPovertyFlat。
Andyet，justthismoment，whensittingIntheglareofthegrandchandelier，——
InthebustleandglitterbefittingThe"finestsoireeoftheyear，"——
InthemistsofagazedeChambery，Andthehumofthesmallestoftalk，——
Somehow，Joe，Ithoughtofthe"Ferry，"
Andthedancethatwehadon"TheFork；"
OfHarrison’sbarn，withitsmusterOfflagsfestoonedoverthewall；
OfthecandlesthatshedtheirsoftlustreAndtallowonhead-dressandshawl；
Ofthestepsthatwetooktoonefiddle，Ofthedressofmyqueervis-a-vis；
AndhowIoncewentdownthemiddleWiththemanthatshotSandyMcGee；
OfthemoonthatwasquietlysleepingOnthehill，whenthetimecametogo；
OfthefewbabypeaksthatwerepeepingFromundertheirbedclothesofsnow；
Ofthatride——thattomewastherarest；
Of——thesomethingyousaidatthegate。
Ah！Joe，thenIwasn’tanheiressTo"thebest-payingleadintheState。"
Well，well，it’sallpast；yetit’sfunnyTothink，asIstoodintheglareOffashionandbeautyandmoney，ThatIshouldbethinking，rightthere，Ofsomeonewhobreastedhighwater，AndswamtheNorthFork，andallthat，JusttodancewitholdFolinsbee’sdaughter，TheLilyofPovertyFlat。
Butgoodness！whatnonsenseI’mwriting！
（Mammasaysmytastestillislow），Insteadofmytriumphsreciting，I’mspooningonJoseph，——heigh-ho！
AndI’mtobe"finished"bytravel，——
Whatever’sthemeaningofthat。
Oh，whydidpapastrikepaygravelIndriftingonPovertyFlat？
Good-night！——here’stheendofmypaper；
Good-night！——ifthelongitudeplease，——
Formaybe，whilewastingmytaper，YOURsun’sclimbingoverthetrees。
Butknow，ifyouhaven’tgotriches，Andarepoor，dearestJoe，andallthat，Thatmyheart’ssomewherethereintheditches，Andyou’vestruckit，——onPovertyFlat。
HISANSWERTO"HERLETTER"
（REPORTEDBYTRUTHFULJAMES）
Beingaskedbyanintimateparty，——
WhichthesameIwouldtermasafriend，——
Thoughhishealthitwerevaintocallhearty，Sincethemindtodeceititmightlend；
Forhisarmitwasbrokenquiterecent，Andthere’ssomethinggonewrongwithhislung，——
WhichiswhyitisproperanddecentIshouldwritewhatherunsoffhistongue。
First，hesays，Miss，he’sreadthroughyourletterTotheend，——and"theendcametoosoon；"
Thata"slightillnesskepthimyourdebtor，"
（Whichforweekshewaswildasaloon）；
That"hisspiritsarebuoyantasyoursis；"
Thatwithyou，Miss，he"challengesFate，"
（WhichthelanguagethatinvalidusesAttimesitwerevaintorelate）。
Andhesays"thatthemountainsarefairerForoncebeingheldinyourthought；"
Thateachrock"holdsawealththatisrarerThaneverbygold-seekersought。"
（Whicharewordshewouldputinthesepages，Byapartynotgiventoguile；
Thoughtheclaimnot，atdate，payingwages，Mightproduceinthesinfulasmile。）
HerememberstheballattheFerry，Andtheride，andthegate，andthevow，Andtherosethatyougavehim，——thatverySameroseheis"treasuringnow。"
（Whichhisblankethe’skickedonhistrunk，Miss，AndinsistsonhislegsbeingfreeAndhislanguagetomefromhisbunk，Miss，Isfrequentandpainfulandfree。）
Hehopesyouarewearingnowillows，Butarehappyandgayallthewhile；
Thatheknows——（whichthisdodgingofpillowsImpartsbutsmalleasetothestyle，Andthesameyouwillpardon）——heknows，Miss，That，thoughpartedbymanyamile，Yet，wereHElyingunderthesnows，Miss，They’dmeltintotearsatyoursmile。"
And"you’llstillthinkofhiminyourpleasures，Inyourbrieftwilightdreamsofthepast；
Inthisgreenlaurelspraythathetreasures，——
Itwaspluckedwhereyourpartingwaslast；
Inthisspecimen，——butasmalltrifle，——
Itwilldoforapinforyourshawl。"
（Which，thetruthnottowickedlystifle，Washislastweek’s"cleanup，"——andHISALL。）
He’sasleep，whichthesamemightseemstrange，Miss，WereitnotthatIscorntodenyThatIraisedhislastdose，forachange，Miss，Inviewthathisfeverwashigh；
Butheliestherequitepeacefulandpensive。
Andnow，myrespects，Miss，toyou；
Whichmylanguage，althoughcomprehensive，Mightseemtobefreedom，istrue。
ForIhaveasmallfavortoaskyou，Asconcernsabull-pup，andthesame，——
Ifthedutywouldnotovertaskyou，——
Youwouldpleasetoprocureforme，GAME；
AndsendperexpresstotheFlat，Miss，——
FortheysayYorkisfamedforthebreed，Which，thoughwordsofdeceitmaybethat，Miss，I’lltrusttoyourtaste，Miss，indeed。