Well，takewhatyouwill，——thoughitbeonthesly，Maraudingorbegging，——Ishallnotaskwhy，Butwillcallitadole，justtohelponhiswayAfour-footedfriarinordersofgray！
TOASEA-BIRD
（SANTACRUZ，1869）
Saunteringhitheronlistlesswings，Carelessvagabondofthesea，Littlethouheedestthesurfthatsings，Thebarthatthunders，theshalethatrings，——
Givemetokeepthycompany。
Littlethouhast，oldfriend，that’snew；
Stormsandwrecksareoldthingstothee；
SickamIofthesechanges，too；
Littletocarefor，littletorue，——
Iontheshore，andthouonthesea。
Allofthywanderings，farandnear，Bringtheeatlasttoshoreandme；
Allofmyjourneyingsendthemhere：
Thisourtethermustbeourcheer，——
Iontheshore，andthouonthesea。
Lazilyrockingonocean’sbreast，Somethingincommon，oldfriend，havewe：
Thouontheshingleseek’stthynest，Itothewaterslookforrest，——
Iontheshore，andthouonthesea。
WHATTHECHIMNEYSANG
Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew；
AndtheWomanstopped，asherbabeshetossed，Andthoughtoftheoneshehadlongsincelost，Andsaid，asherteardropsbacksheforced，"Ihatethewindinthechimney。"
Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew；
AndtheChildrensaid，astheycloserdrew，"’Tissomewitchthatiscleavingtheblacknightthrough，’Tisafairytrumpetthatjustthenblew，Andwefearthewindinthechimney。"
Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew；
AndtheMan，ashesatonhishearthbelow，Saidtohimself，"Itwillsurelysnow，Andfuelisdearandwageslow，AndI’llstoptheleakinthechimney。"
Overthechimneythenight-windsangAndchantedamelodynooneknew；
ButthePoetlistenedandsmiled，forheWasManandWomanandChild，allthree，Andsaid，"ItisGod’sownharmony，Thiswindwehearinthechimney。"
DICKENSINCAMP
Abovethepinesthemoonwasslowlydrifting，Theriversangbelow；
ThedimSierras，farbeyond，upliftingTheirminaretsofsnow。
Theroaringcamp-fire，withrudehumor，paintedTheruddytintsofhealthOnhaggardfaceandformthatdroopedandfaintedInthefierceraceforwealth；
Tillonearose，andfromhispack’sscanttreasureAhoardedvolumedrew，AndcardsweredroppedfromhandsoflistlessleisureTohearthetaleanew。
Andthen，whileroundthemshadowsgatheredfaster，Andasthefirelightfell，HereadaloudthebookwhereintheMasterHadwritof"LittleNell。"
Perhaps’twasboyishfancy，——forthereaderWasyoungestofthemall，——
But，asheread，fromclusteringpineandcedarAsilenceseemedtofall；
Thefir-trees，gatheringcloserintheshadows，Listenedineveryspray，Whilethewholecampwith"Nell"onEnglishmeadowsWanderedandlosttheirway。
Andsoinmountainsolitudes——o’ertakenAsbysomespelldivine——
TheircaresdroppedfromthemliketheneedlesshakenFromoutthegustypine。
Lostisthatcampandwastedallitsfire；
Andhewhowroughtthatspell？
Ah！toweringpineandstatelyKentishspire，Yehaveonetaletotell！
Lostisthatcamp，butletitsfragrantstoryBlendwiththebreaththatthrillsWithhop-vine’sincenseallthepensivegloryThatfillstheKentishhills。
AndonthatgravewhereEnglishoakandhollyAndlaurelwreathsentwine，Deemitnotallatoopresumptuousfolly，ThissprayofWesternpine！
July，1870。
"TWENTYYEARS"
Begyourpardon，oldfellow！IthinkIwasdreamingjustnowwhenyouspoke。
Thefactis，themusicalclinkOftheiceonyourwine-goblet’sbrinkAchordofmymemorywoke。
AndIstoodinthepasture-fieldwhereTwentysummersagoIhadstood；
AndIheardinthatsound，Ideclare，Theclinkingofbellsintheair，Ofthecowscominghomefromthewood。
Thentheapple-bloomshookonthehill；
Andthemullein-stalkstiltedeachlance；
AndthesunbehindRapalye’smillWasmyuttermostWest，andcouldthrillLikesomefancifullandofromance。
Thenmyfriendwasahero，andthenMygirlwasanangel。Infine，Idrankbuttermilk；forattenFaithaskslesstoaidherthanwhenAtthirtywedoubtoverwine。
Ah，well，itDOESseemthatImustHavebeendreamingjustnowwhenyouspoke，Orlost，verylike，inthedustOftheyearsthatslowfashionedthecrustOnthatbottlewhosesealyoulastbroke。
Twentyyearswasitsage，didyousay？
Twentyyears？Ah，myfriend，itistrue！
Allthedreamsthathaveflownsincethatday，Allthehopesinthattimepassedaway，Oldfriend，I’vebeendrinkingwithyou！
FATE
"Theskyisclouded，therocksarebare，Thesprayofthetempestiswhiteinair；
Thewindsareoutwiththewavesatplay，AndIshallnottempttheseato-day。
"Thetrailisnarrow，thewoodisdim，Thepantherclingstothearchinglimb；
Andthelion’swhelpsareabroadatplay，AndIshallnotjoininthechaseto-day。"
Buttheshipsailedsafelyoverthesea，Andthehunterscamefromthechaseinglee；
AndthetownthatwasbuildeduponarockWasswallowedupintheearthquakeshock。
GRANDMOTHERTENTERDEN
（MASSACHUSETTSSHORE，1800）
Iminditwasbutyesterday：
Thesunwasdim，theairwaschill；
Belowthetown，belowthehill，Thesailsofmyson’sshipdidfill，——
MyJacob，whowascastaway。
Hesaid，"Godkeepyou，motherdear，"
Butdidnotturntokisshiswife；
Theyhadsomefoolish，idlestrife；
Hertonguewaslikeatwo-edgedknife，Andhewasproudasanypeer。
HowbeitthatnightItooknonoteOfseanorsky，forallwasdrear；
Imarkednotthatthehillslookednear，Northatthemoon，thoughcurvedandclear，Throughcurd-likescuddiddriveandfloat。
ForwithmydarlingwentthejoyOfautumnwoodsandmeadowsbrown；
Icametohatethelittletown；
ItseemedasifthesunwentdownWithhim，myonlydarlingboy。
Itwasthemiddleofthenight：
Thewind，itshiftedwest-by-south，——
Itpiledhighuptheharbormouth；
Themarshes，blackwithsummerdrouth，Wereallabroadwithsea-foamwhite。
Itwasthemiddleofthenight：
Theseauponthegardenleapt，Andmyson’swifeinquietslept，AndI，hismother，wakedandwept，Whenlo！therecameasuddenlight。
Andtherehestood！Hisseaman’sdressAllwetanddrippingseemedtobe；
ThepalebluefiresoftheseaDrippedfromhisgarmentsconstantly，——
Icouldnotspeakthroughcowardness。
"Icomethroughnightandstorm，"hesaid。
"Throughstormandnightanddeath，"saidhe，"Tokissmywife，ifitsobeThatstrifestillholds’twixtherandme，Forallbeyondispeace，"hesaid。
"TheseaisHis，andHewhosentThewindandwavecansoothetheirstrifeAndbriefandfoolishisourlife。"
Hestoopedandkissedhissleepingwife，Thensighed，andlikeadreamhewent。
Now，whenmydarlingkissednotme，Buther——hiswife——whodidnotwake，Myheartwithinmeseemedtobreak；
Isworeavow，northenceforthspakeOfwhatmyclearereyesdidsee。
Andwhentheslowweeksbroughthimnot，Somehowwespakeofaughtbeside：
Forshe——herhopeupheldherpride；
AndI——inmeallhopehaddied，Andmysonpassedasifforgot。
Itwasaboutthenextspringtide：
Shepinedandfadedwhereshestood，Yetspakenowordofillorgood；
Shehadthehard，coldEdwards’bloodInallherveins——andsoshedied。
OnetimeIthought，beforeshepassed，Togiveherpeace；butereIspakeMethought，"HEwillbefirsttobreakThenewsinheaven，"andforhissakeIheldminebackuntilthelast。
AndhereIsit，norcaretoroam；
Ionlywaittohearhiscall。
IdoubtnotthatthisdaynextfallShallseemesafeinport，whereallAndeveryshipatlastcomeshome。
AndyouhavesailedtheSpanishMain，AndknewmyJacob？……Eh！Mercy！
Ah！Godofwisdom！haththeseaYieldeditsdeadtohumbleme？
Myboy！……MyJacob！……Turnagain！
GUILD’SSIGNAL
[WilliamGuildwasengineerofthetrainwhichonthe19thofApril，1813，plungedintoMeadowBrook，onthelineoftheStoningtonandProvidenceRailroad。Itwashiscustom，asoftenashepassedhishome，towhistlean"All’swell"tohiswife。Hewasfound，afterthedisaster，dead，withhishandonthethrottle-valveofhisengine。]
Twolowwhistles，quaintandclear：
Thatwasthesignaltheengineer——
ThatwasthesignalthatGuild，’tissaid——
GavetohiswifeatProvidence，Asthroughthesleepingtown，andthence，Outinthenight，Ontothelight，Downpastthefarms，lyingwhite，hesped！
Asahusband’sgreeting，scant，nodoubt，Yettothewomanlookingout，Watchingandwaiting，noserenade，Love-song，ormidnightroundelaySaidwhatthatwhistleseemedtosay：
"Tomytrusttrue，So，love，toyou！
Workingorwaiting，good-night！"itsaid。
Briskyoungbagmen，touristsfine，Oldcommutersalongtheline，Brakemenandportersglancedahead，Smiledasthesignal，sharp，intense，PiercedthroughtheshadowsofProvidence：
"Nothingamiss——
Nothing！——itisOnlyGuildcallinghiswife，"theysaid。
SummerandwintertheoldrefrainRango’erthebillowsofripeninggrain，Piercedthroughthebuddingboughso’erhead，FlewdownthetrackwhentheredleavesburnedLikelivingcoalsfromtheenginespurned；
Sangasitflew，"Toourtrusttrue，Firstofall，duty。Good-night！"itsaid。
Andthen，onenight，itwasheardnomoreFromStoningtonoverRhodeIslandshore，AndthefolkinProvidencesmiledandsaidAstheyturnedintheirbeds，"TheengineerHasonceforgottenhismidnightcheer。"
ONEonlyknew，Tohistrusttrue，Guildlayunderhisengine，dead。
ASPIRINGMISSDELAINE
（ACHEMICALNARRATIVE）
CertainfactswhichservetoexplainThephysicalcharmsofMissAddieDeLaine，Who，asthecommonreportsobtain，Surpassedincomplexionthelilyandrose；
Withaverysweetmouthandaretroussenose；
AfigurelikeHebe’s，orthatwhichrevolvesInamilliner’swindow，andpartiallysolvesThatquestionwhichmentorandmoralistpains，Ifgracemayexistminusfeelingorbrains。
Ofcoursetheyoungladyhadbeauxbythescore，Allthatshewanted，——whatgirlcouldaskmore？
Loversthatsighedandloversthatswore，Loversthatdancedandloversthatplayed，Menofprofession，ofleisure，andtrade；
Butone，whowasdestinedtotakethehighpartOfholdingthatmythicaltreasure，herheart，——
Thislover，thewonderandenvyoftown，Wasapracticingchemist，afellowcalledBrown。
Imighthereremarkthat’twasdoubtedbymany，Inregardtotheheart，ifMissAddiehadany；
Butnoonecouldlookinthateloquentface，Withitsexquisiteoutlineandfeaturesofgrace，Andmark，throughthetransparentskin，howthetideEbbedandflowedattheimpulseofpassionorpride，——
Nonecouldlook，whobelievedintheblood’scirculationAsarguedbyHarvey，butsawconfirmationThathere，atleast，Naturehadtriumphedo’erart，Andasfarascomplexionwentshehadaheart。
Butthisparparenthesis。BrownwasthemanPreferredofallotherstocarryherfan，Hookherglove，drapehershawl，anddoallthatabelleMaydemandofthelovershewantstotreatwell。
FolkswonderedandstaredthatafellowcalledBrown——
Abstractedandsolemn，inmanneraclown，Illdressed，withalingeringsmelloftheshop——
Shouldappearasherescortatpartyorhop。
Somesworehehadcookedupsomevillainouscharm，Orlovephilter，notintheregularPharm-
Acopoeia，andthus，frompuremaliceprepense，Hadbewitchedandbamboozledtheyounglady’ssense；
Othersthought，withmorereason，thesecrettolieInamagicalwashorindelibledye；
WhileSociety，withitscensoriouseyeAndjudgmentimpartial，stoodreadytodamnWhatwasn’timproperasbeingasham。
ForafortnightthetownfolkhadallbeenagogWithaparty，thefinesttheseasonhadseen，TobegiveninhonorofMissPollywog，Whowasjustcomingoutasabelleofsixteen。
Theguestswereinvited；butonenightbeforeAcarriagedrewupatthemodestbackdoorOfBrown’slab’ratory，and，fullintheglareOfabigpurplebottle，somecloselyveiledfairAlightedandentered：tomakemattersplain，Spiteofveilsanddisguises，’twasAddieDeLaine。
Asabowerfortruelove，’twashardlytheoneThataladywouldchoosetobewooedinorwon：
Noodorofroseorsweetjessamine’ssighBreathedafragrancetohallowtheirpledgeoftrothby，Northebalmthatexhalesfromtheodorousthyme；
Butthegaseouseffusionsofchlorideoflime，Andsalts，whichyourchemistdelightstoexplainAsthebaseofthesmelloftheroseandthedrain。
Thinkofthis，Oyeloversofsweetness！andknowWhatyousmellwhenyousnuffupLubinorPinaud。
Ipassbythegreetings，thetransportsandbliss，Whichofcoursedulyfollowedameetinglikethis，Andcomedowntobusiness，——forsuchtheintentOftheladywhonowo’erthecrucibleleant，Intheglowofafurnaceofcarbonandlime，Likeafairycalledupinthenewpantomime，——
Andgivebutherwords，asshecoylylookeddownInreplytothequestioningglancesofBrown：
"Iamtakingthedrops，andamusingthepaste，Andthelittlewhitepowdersthathadasweettaste，Whichyoutoldmewouldbrightentheglanceofmyeye，Andthedepilatory，andalsothedye，AndI’mcharmedwiththetrial；andnow，mydearBrown，Ihaveoneotherfavor，——now，ducky，don’tfrown，——
Onlyone，forachemistandgeniuslikeyouButatrifle，andoneyoucaneasilydo。
Nowlisten：to-morrow，youknow，isthenightOfthebirthdaysoireeofthatPollywogfright；
AndI’mtobethere，andthedressIshallwearIsTOOlovely；but"——"Butwhatthen，machere？"
SaidBrown，astheladycametoafullstop，Andglancedroundtheshelvesofthelittlebackshop。
"Well，Iwant——IwantsomethingtofillouttheskirtTotheproperdimensions，withoutbeinggirtInastiffcrinoline，orcagedinahoopThatshowsthroughone’sskirtlikethebarsofacoop；
Somethinglight，thataladymaywaltzin，orpolk，WithafreedomthatnonebutyoumasculinefolkEverknow。For，howeverpoorwomanaspires，She’salwaysbounddowntotheearthbythesewires。
Areyoulistening？Nonsense！don’tstarelikeaspoon，Idiotic；somelightthing，andspacious，andsoon——
Somethinglike——well，infact——somethinglikeaballoon！"
Hereshepaused；andhereBrown，overcomebysurprise，Gaveadoubtingassentwithstillwonderingeyes，Andtheladydeparted。ButjustatthedoorSomethinghappened，——’tistrue，ithadhappenedbeforeInthissanctumofscience，——asibilantsound，Likesomeelementjustfromitstrammelsunbound，Ortwosubstancesthattheiraffinitiesfound。
ThenightoftheanxiouslylookedforsoireeHadcome，withitsfaironesingorgeousarray；
Withtherattleofwheelsandthetinkleofbells，Andthe"Howdoyedo’s"andthe"Hopeyouarewell’s；"
Andthecrushinthepassage，andlastlingeringlookYougiveasyouhangyourbesthatonthehook；
Therushofhotairasthedooropenswide；
Andyourentry，——thatblendingofself-possessedprideAndhumilityshowninyourperfect-bredstareAtthefolk，asifwonderinghowtheygotthere；
WithothertricksworthyofVanityFair。
Meanwhile，thesafetopic，thebeatoftheroom，Alreadywaslosingitsfreshnessandbloom；
Youngpeoplewereyawning，andwonderingwhenThedancewouldcomeoff；andwhydidn’titthen：
Whenavagueexpectationwasthrillingthecrowd，Lo！thedoorswungitshingeswithutteranceproud！
AndPompeyannounced，withatrumpet-likestrain，TheentranceofBrownandMissAddieDeLaine。
Sheentered；butoh！howimperfecttheverbToexpresstothesenseshermovementsuperb！
Tosaythatshe"sailedin"moreclearlymighttellHergraceinitsbuoyantandbillowyswell。
Herrobewasavaguecircumambientspace，Withshadowyboundariesmadeofpoint-lace；
Therestwasbutguesswork，andwellmightdefyThepowerofcriticalfeminineeyeTodefineordescribe：’twereasfutiletotryThegossamerwebofthecirrustotrace，Floatingfarintheblueofawarmsummersky。
’MidstthehummingofpraisesandglancesofbeauxThatgreetourfairmaidenwherevershegoes，Brownslippedlikeashadow，grim，silent，andblack，Withalookofanxiety，closeinhertrack。
OncehewhisperedasideinherdelicateearAsentenceofwarning，——itmightbeoffear：
"Don’tstandinadraught，ifyouvalueyourlife。"
（Nothingmore，——suchadvicemightbegivenyourwifeOryoursweetheart，intimesofbronchitisandcough，Withoutmystery，romance，orfrivolousscoff。）
Butharktothemusic；thedancehasbegun。
Thecloselydrapedwindowswideopenareflung；
Thenotesofthepiccolo，joyousandlight，Likebubblesburstforthonthewarmsummernight。
Roundaboutgothedancers；incirclestheyfly；
Trip，trip，gotheirfeetastheirskirtseddyby；
Andswifterandlighter，butsomewhattooplain，WhisksthefaircircumvolvingMissAddieDeLaine。
TaglioniandCeritowellmighthavepinedForthevigorandeasethathermovementscombined；
E’enRigelbocheneverflunghigherherrobeInthenaughtiestcitythat’sknownontheglobe。
’Twasamazing，’twasscandalous；lostinsurprise，Someopenedtheirmouths，andafewshuttheireyes。
Buthark！AtthemomentMissAddieDeLaine，CirclingroundattheouteredgeofanellipseWhichbroughtherfairformtothewindowagain，Fromthearmsofherpartnerincautiouslyslips！
Andashriekfillstheair，andthemusicisstill，AndthecrowdgatherroundwhereherpartnerforlornStillfrenziedlypointsfromthewidewindow-sillIntospaceandthenight；forMissAddiewasgone！
Gonelikethebubblethatburstsinthesun；
Gonelikethegrainwhenthereaperisdone；
Gonelikethedewonthefreshmorninggrass；
Gonewithoutpartingfarewell；andalas！
Gonewithaflavorofhydrogengas！
Whentheweatherispleasant，youfrequentlymeetAwhite-headedmanslowlypacingthestreet；
Histremblinghandshadinghislack-lustreeye，Halfblindwithcontinuallyscanningthesky。
Rumorpointshimassomeastronomicalsage，Re-perusingbydaythecelestialpage；
Butthereader，sagacious，willrecognizeBrown，Tryingvainlytoconjurehislostsweetheartdown，Andlearnthesternmoralthisstorymustteach，ThatGeniusmayliftitsloveoutofitsreach。
ALEGENDOFCOLOGNE
AbovethebonesSt。Ursulaowns，Andthoseofthevirginsshechaperons；
Abovetheboats，Andthebridgethatfloats，AndtheRhineandthesteamers’smokythroats；
Abovethechimneysandquaint-tiledroofs，Abovetheclatterofwheelsandhoofs；
AboveNewmarket’sopenspace，AbovethatconsecratedplaceWherethegenuinebonesoftheMagiseenare，AndthedozenshopsoftherealFarina；
HigherthanevenoldHohestrasse，Whosehousesthreatenthetimidpasser，——
Abovethemall，Throughscaffoldstall，Andspireslikedelicatelimbsinsplinters，ThegreatCologne’sCathedralstonesClimbthroughthestormsofeighthundredwinters。
Unfinishedthere，Inhighmid-airThetowershaltlikeabrokenprayer；
Throughyearsbelated，Unconsummated，Thehopeofitsarchitectquitefrustrated。
ItsveryyouthTheysay，forsooth，Withaquiteimproperpurposemated；
AndeverystoneWithacurseofitsownInsteadofthatsermonShakespearestated，Sincethedayitschoir，Whichalladmire，ByCologne’sArchbishopwasconsecrated。
Ah！THATwasaday，Onewellmightsay，Tobemarkedwiththelargest，whiteststoneTobefoundinthetowersofallCologne！
AlongtheRhine，FromoldRheinstein，Thepeopleflowedliketheirowngoodwine。
FromRudesheim，AndGeisenheim，Andeveryspotthatisknowntorhyme；
FromthefamedCat’sCastleofSt。Goarshausen，TothepicturedroofsofAssmannshausen，Anddownthetrack，FromquaintSchwalbachTotheclusteringtilesofBacharach；
FromBingen，henceTooldCoblentz：
Fromeverycastellatedcrag，Wheretherobberchieftainskepttheir"swag，"
Thefolkflowedin，andOber-CasselShonewiththepompofknightandvassal；
Andpouringinfromnearandfar，AstheRhinetoitsbosomdrawstheAhr，OrtakesthearmofthesoberMosel，SoinCologne，knight，squire，andlosel，Chokedupthecity’sgateswithmenFromoldSt。StephentoZintMarjen。
Whathadtheycometosee？Ahme！
Ifearnoglitterofpageantry，NorsacredzealForChurch’sweal，Norfaithinthevirgins’bonestoheal；
NorchildliketrustinfrankconfessionDrewthese，who，dyedindeeptransgression，StillineachnestOneverycrestKeptstolengoodsintheirpossession；
ButonlytheirgoutForsomethingnew，Morerarethanthe"roast"ofawanderingJew；
Or——tobeexact——
Tosee——infact——
AChristiansoul，intheveryactOfbeingdamned，secundumartem，Bythedevil，beforeasoulcouldpart’em。
ForarumorhadflownThroughoutCologneThatthechurch，infact，wasthedevil’sown；
Thatitsarchitect（Beinglong"suspect"）
HadconfessedtotheBishopthathehadwreckedNotonlyhisOWNsoul，buthadlostTheVERYFIRSTCHRISTIANSOULthatcrossedThesacredthreshold：andall，infine，ForthatverybeautifuldesignOfthewonderfulchoirTheywerepleasedtoadmire。
Andreally，hemustbeallowedtosay——
Tospeakinapurelybusinessway——
That，takingtherulingmarketpricesOfsoulsandchurches，insuchacrisisItwouldbeshown——
AndhisGracemustown——
ItwasreallyaBARGAINforCologne！
SuchwasthetaleThatturnedcheekspaleWiththethoughtthattheenemymightprevail，AndthechurchdoorssnapWithathunderclapOnaChristiansoulinthatdevil’strap。
Butawiserfew，WhothoughtthattheyknewCologne’sArchbishop，replied，"Pooh，pooh！
Justwatchhimandwait，Andassureasfate，You’llfindthattheBishopwillgivecheckmate。"
OneheremightnoteHowthepopularvote，Asshowninalllegendsandanecdote，DeclaresthatabreachOftrusttoo’erreachThedevilissomethingquiteproperforeach。
And，really，ifyouGivethedevilhisdueInspiteoftheproverb——it’ssomethingyou’llrue。
Buttolieanddeceivehim，Touseandtoleavehim，FromJobuptoFaustisthewaytoreceivehim，ThoughnoonehasheardIteveraverredThatthe"FatherofLies"everyetbrokeHISword，Buthasleftthisposition，Ineverytradition，Tobetakenalonebythe"truth-loving"Christian！
Bom！fromthetower！
Itisthehour！
Thehostpoursin，initspompandpowerOfbannersandpyx，Andhighcrucifix，Andcrosiersandotherprocessionalsticks，AndnoendofMarysInquaintreliquaries，Togladdenthesoulsofalltrueantiquaries；
AndanOsculumPacis（AmythtothemassesWhotrustedtheirbonesmoretomailandcuirasses）——
AllbornebythethrongWhoaremarchingalongTothesquareoftheDomwithprocessionalsong，Withtheflaringofdips，Andbendingofhips，Andthechantingofhundredperfunctorylips；
AndsomegoodlittleboysWhohadcomeupfromNeussAndtheQuirinuskirchetoshowofftheirvoice：
AllmarchtothesquareOfthegreatDom，andthereFilerightandleft，leavingaloneandquitebareAcoveredsedan，Containing——soranTherumor——thevictimtotakeofftheban。
Theyhaveleftitalone，TheyhavesprinkledeachstoneOftheporchwithasanctifiedEaudeCologne，GuaranteedinthiscaseTodisguiseeverytraceOfasulphurouspresenceinthatsacredplace。
TwoCarmelitesstandOntherightandlefthandOfthecoveredsedanchair，towaitthecommandOftheprelatetothrowUpthecoverandshowTheformofthevictiminterrorbelow。
There’sapauseandaprayer，Thenthesignal，andthere——
IsaWOMAN！——byallthatisgoodandisfair！
Awoman！andknownTothemall——onemustownTOOWELLKNOWNtothemany，to-daytobeshownAsamartyr，ore’enAsaChristian！AqueenOfpleasanceandrevel，ofglitterandsheen；
SobadthattheworstOfColognespakeupfirst，Anddeclared’twasanoutragetosufferonecurst，AndalreadyafiefOftheSatanicchief，TomartyrherselffortheChurch’srelief。
ButinvainfelltheirsneerOnthemob，whoIfearOnthewholefeltastrongdispositiontocheer。
Awoman！andthereShestandsintheglareOfthepitilesssunandtheirpityingstare，——
Awomanstillyoung，WithgarmentsthatclungToafigure，thoughwastedwithpassionandwrungWithremorseanddespair，Yetstillpassingfair，Withjewelsandgoldinherdarkshininghair，Andcheeksthatarefaint’Neathherdyesandherpaint。
Awomanmostsurely——buthardlyasaint！
Shemoves。ShehasgoneFromtheirpityandscorn；
ShehasmountedaloneThefirststepofstone，Andthehighswingingdoorsshewideopenhasthrown，Thenpausesandturns，AsthealtarblazeburnsOnhercheeks，andwithonesuddengestureshespurnsArchbishopandPrior，Knight，ladye，andfriar，Andhervoiceringsouthighfromthevaultofthechoir。
"OmenofCologne！
WhatIWASyehaveknown；
WhatIAM，asIstandhere，Oneknowethalone。
IfitbebutHiswillIshallpassfromHimstill，Lost，curst，anddegraded，Ireckonnoill；
IfstillbythatsignOfHisangerdivineOnesoulshallhesaved，Hehathblessedmorethanmine。
OmenofCologne！
Standforth，ifyeownAfaithliketothis，ormorefittoatone，Andtakeyemyplace，AndGodgiveyougraceTostandandconfrontHim，likeme，facetoface！"
Shepaused。YetaloofTheyallstand。NoreproofBreaksthesilencethatfillsthecelestialroof。
Oneinstant——nomore——
Shehaltsatthedoor，Thenenters！……AfloodfromtherooftothefloorFillsthechurchrosyred。
Sheisgone！
Butinstead，WhoisthisleaningforwardwithglorifiedheadAndhandsstretchedtosave？
SurethisisnoslaveOfthePowersofDarkness，withaspectsobrave！
Theypresstothedoor，Buttoolate！Alliso’er。
Naughtremainsbutawoman’sformproneonthefloor；
ButtheystillseeatraceOfthatglowinherfaceThattheysawinthelightofthealtar’shighblazeOntheimagethatstandsWiththebabeinitshandsEnshrinedinthechurchesofallChristianlands。
ATeDeumsung，Acenserhighswung，Withpraise，benediction，andincensewide-flung，ProclaimthattheCURSE
ISREMOVED——andnoworseIstheDomforthetrial——infact，theREVERSE；
ForinsteadoftheirlosingAsoulinabusingTheEvilOne’sfaith，theygainedoneofhischoosing。
Thusthelegendistold：
YouwillfindintheoldVaultedaislesoftheDom，stiffinmarbleorcoldInironandbrass，Ingownandcuirass，Theknights，priests，andbishopswhocametothatMass；
Andhigho’ertherest，Withherbabeatherbreast，TheimageofMaryMadonnatheblest。
Butyoulookroundinvain，Oneachhighpicturedpane，Forthewomanmostworthytowalkinhertrain。
Yet，standingto-dayO’erthedustandtheclay，’Midsttheghostsofalifethathaslongpassedaway，Withtheslow-sinkingsunLookingsoftlyuponThatstained-glassprocession，IscarcemisstheoneThatitdoesnotreveal，ForIknowandIfeelThatthesearebutshadows——thewomanwasreal！
THETALEOFAPONY
Nameofmyheroine，simply"Rose；"
Surname，tolerableonlyinprose；
Habitat，Paris，——thatiswhereSheresidedforchangeofair；
Aetattwenty；complexionfair；
Rich，goodlooking，anddebonnaire；
SmarterthanJerseylightning。There！
That’sherphotograph，donewithcare。
InParis，whatevertheydobesides，EVERYLADYINFULLDRESSRIDES！
MoireantiquesyounevermeetSweepingthefilthofadirtystreetButeverywoman’sclaimtotonDependsuponTheteamshedrives，whetherphaeton，Landau，orbritzka。Henceit’splainThatRose，whowasofhertoiletvain，ShouldhaveateamthatoughttobeEqualtoanyinallParis！
"Bringforththehorse！"ThecommissaireBowed，andbroughtMissRoseapairLeadinganequipagerichandrare。
Whydoththatlovelyladystare？
Why？ThetailoftheoffgraymareIsbobbed，byallthat’sgoodandfair！
Liketheshaving-brushesthatsoldierswear，ScarcelyshowingasmuchbackhairAsTamO’Shanter’s"Meg，"——andthere，Lordknows，she’dlittleenoughtospare。
ThatstareandfrowntheFrenchmanknew，Butdidaswell-bredFrenchmendo：
Raisedhisshouldersabovehiscrown，Joinedhisthumbswiththefingersdown，Andsaid，"Ah，Heaven！"——then，"Mademoiselle，Delayoneminute，andalliswell！"
Hewent——returned；bywhatgoodchanceThesethingsaremanagedsowellinFranceIcannotsay，buthemadethesale，Andthebob-tailedmarehadaflowingtail。
AllthatisfalseinthisworldbelowBetraysitselfinaloveofshow；
IndignantNaturehidesherlashInthepurple-blackofadyedmustache；
TheshallowestfopwilltripinFrench，Thewould-becriticwillmisquoteTrench；
Inshort，you’realwayssuretodetectAshaminthethingsfolksmostaffect；
Bean-podsarenoisiestwhendry，Andyoualwayswinkwithyourweakesteye：
Andthat’sthereasontheoldgraymareForeverhadhertailintheair，Withflourishesbeyondcompare，ThougheverywhiskIncurredtheriskOfleavingthatsensitiveregionbare。
Shedidsomethingsthatyoucouldn’tbutfeelShewouldn’thavedonehadhertailbeenreal。
ChampsElysees：time，pastfive。
Theregothecarriages，——lookalive！
Everythingthatmancandrive，Orhisinventiveskillcontrive，——
YankeebuggyorEnglish"chay，"
Dog-cart，droschky，andsmartcoupe，Adesobligeantequitebulky（FrenchideaofaYankeesulky）；
Bandinthedistanceplayingamarch，Footmanstandingstiffasstarch；
Savans，lorettes，deputies，Arch-
Bishops，andtheretogetherrangeSous-lieutenantsandcent-gardes（strangeWaythesesoldier-chapsmakechange），Mixedwithblack-eyedPolishdames，Withunpronounceableawfulnames；
Lacestrembleandribbonsflout，Coachmenwrangleandgendarmesshout——
Blessus！whatistherowabout？
Ah！herecomesRosy’snewturnout！
Smart！Youbetyourlife’twasthat！
Nifty！（shortformagnificat）。
Mulberrypanels，——heraldicspread，——
Ebonywheelspickedoutwithred，Andtwograymaresthatwerethoroughbred：
Nowonderthateverydandy’sheadWasturnedbytheturnout，——and’twassaidThatCaskowhisky（friendoftheCzar），Averygoodwhip（asRussiansare），WastiedtoRosy’striumphalcar，Entranced，thereaderwillunderstand，By"ribbons"thatgracedherheadandhand。
Alas！thehouryouthinkwouldcrownYourhighestwishesshouldletyoudown！
OrFateshouldturn，byyourownmischance，Yourvictor’scartoanambulance，Fromcloudlessheavensherlightningsglance！
（Andthesethingshappen，eveninFrance。）
AndsoMissRose，asshetrottedby，Thecynosureofeveryeye，Sawtoherhorrortheoffmareshy，FlourishhertailsoexceedinglyhighThat，disregardingtheclosesttie，Andwithoutgivingareasonwhy，SheflungthattailsofreeandfriskyOffinthefaceofCaskowhisky。
Excuses，blushes，smiles：infine，Endofthepony’stail，andmine！
ONACONEOFTHEBIGTREES
（SEQUOIAGIGANTEA）
BrownfoundlingoftheWesternwood，Babeofprimevalwildernesses！
LongonmytablethouhaststoodEncountersstrangeandrudecaresses；
Perchancecontentedwiththylot，Surroundingsnew，andcuriousfaces，AsthoughtencenturieswerenotImprisonedinthyshiningcases。
Thoubring’stmebackthehalcyondaysOfgratefulrest，theweekofleisure，Thejourneylappedinautumnhaze，Thesweetfatiguethatseemedapleasure，Themorningride，thenoondayhalt，Theblazingslopes，thereddustrising，Andthenthedim，brown，columnedvault，Withitscool，damp，sepulchralspicing。
OncemoreIseetherockingmastsThatscrapethesky，theironlytenantThejay-bird，thatinfroliccastsFromsomehighyardhisbroadbluepennant。
IseetheIndianfilesthatkeepTheirplacesinthedustyheather，Theirredtrunksstandingankle-deepInmoccasinsofrustyleather。
Iseeallthis，andmarvelmuchThatthou，sweetwoodlandwaif，artableTokeepthecompanyofsuchAsthrongthyfriend’s——thepoet’s——table：
Thelatestspawnthepresshathcast，——
The"modernpopes，""thelaterByrons，"——
Why，e’enthebestmaynotoutlastThypoorrelation——Sempervirens。
ThysiresawthelightthatshoneOnMohammed’supliftedcrescent，OnmanyaroyalgildedthroneAnddeedforgotteninthepresent；
HesawtheageofsacredtreesAndDruidgrovesandmysticlarches；
AndsawfromforestdomesliketheseThebuilderbringhisGothicarches。
Andmustthou，foundling，stillforegoThyheritageandhighambition，Toliefulllowlyandfulllow，Adjustedtothynewcondition？
Nothiddeninthedriftedsnows，Butunderink-dropsidlyspattered，AndleavesephemeralasthoseThatonthywoodlandtombwerescattered？
Yetliethouthere，Ofriend！andspeakThemoralofthysimplestory：
Thoughlifeisallthatthoudostseek，Andagealonethycrownofglory，NotthinetheonlygermsthatfailThepurposeoftheirhighcreation，IftheirpoortenementsavailForworldlyshowandostentation。
LONEMOUNTAIN
（CEMETERY，SANFRANCISCO）
ThisisthathillofaweThatPersianSindbadsaw，——
Themountmagnetic；
Andonitsseawardface，Scatteredalongitsbase，Thewrecksprophetic。
HerecometheargosiesBlownbyeachidlebreeze，Toandfroshifting；
YettothehillofFateAlldrawing，soonorlate，——
Daybydaydrifting；
DriftingforeverhereBarksthatformanyayearBravedwindandweather；
ShallopsbutyesterdayLaunchedonyonshiningbay，——
Drawnalltogether。
Thisistheendofall：
Sunthyselfbythewall，OpoorerHindbad！
EnvynotSindbad’sfame：
HerecomealikethesameHindbadandSindbad。
ALNASCHAR
Here’syertoyballoons！Allsizes！
Twentycentsforthat。ItrisesJestasquickasthat’ere，Miss，Twiceasbig。YeseeitisSomemorefancy。MakeitsquareFiftyfor’emboth。That’sfair。
That’sthesixthI’vesoldsincenoon。
Trade’sreviving。JustassoonAsthislot’sworkedoff，I’lltakeWholesalefiggers。Makeorbreak，——
That’smymotto！ThenI’llbuyInsomefirst-classlotteryOnehalfticket，numberedright——
AsIdreamedaboutlastnight。
That’llfetchit。Don’ttellme！
Whenaman’sinluck，yousee，Allthingshelphim。EverychanceHitshimlikeanavalanche。
Here’syourtoyballoons，Miss。Eh？
Youwon’tturnyourfacethisway？
Mebbeyou’llbegladsomeday。
WiththatcleartenthousandprizeThis’yertradeI’lldrop，andriseIntowholesale。No！I’lltakeStocksinWallStreet。Makeorbreak，——
That’smymotto！Withmyluck，Where’sthechanceofbeingstuck？
Callitsixtythousand，clear，MadeinWallStreetinoneyear。
Sixtythousand！Umph！Let’ssee！
Bondandmortgage’lldoforme。
Good！ThatgalthatpassedmebyScornfullike——why，mebbeI
Someday’llholdinpawn——whynot？——
Allherfather’sprop。She’llspotWhat’smylittlegame，andseeWhatI’mafter’sHER。He！he！
He！he！Whenshecomestosue——
Let’ssee！What’sthethingtodo？
Kickher？No！There’stheperliss！
Sorterthrowherofflikethis。
Hello！Stop！Help！Murder！Hey！
There’smywholestockgotaway，Kitingonthehouse-tops！Lost！
Allapoorman’sfortin！Cost？
Twentydollars！Eh！What’sthis？
Fiftycents！Godblessye，Miss！
THETWOSHIPS
AsIstandbythecrossonthelonemountain’screst，Lookingovertheultimatesea，Inthegloomofthemountainashipliesatrest，Andonesailsawayfromthelea：
Onespreadsitswhitewingsonafar-reachingtrack，Withpennantandsheetflowingfree；
Onehidesintheshadowwithsailslaidaback，——
Theshipthatiswaitingforme！
Butlo！inthedistancethecloudsbreakaway，TheGate’sglowingportalsIsee；
AndIhearfromtheoutgoingshipinthebayThesongofthesailorsinglee。
SoIthinkoftheluminousfootprintsthatboreThecomforto’erdarkGalilee，Andwaitforthesignaltogototheshore，Totheshipthatiswaitingforme。
ADDRESS
（OPENINGOFTHECALIFORNIATHEATRE，SANFRANCISCO，JANUARY19，1870）
Briefwords，whenactionswait，arewell：
Theprompter’shandisonhisbell；
Thecomingheroes，lovers，kings，Areidlyloungingatthewings；
Behindthecurtain’smysticfoldTheglowingfutureliesunrolled；
Andyet，onemomentforthePast，Oneretrospect，——thefirstandlast。
"Theworld’sastage，"theMastersaid。
To-nightamightiertruthisread：
Notintheshiftingcanvasscreen，Theflashofgasortinselsheen；
NotintheskillwhosesignalcallsFromemptyboardsbaronialhalls；
But，frontingseaandcurvingbay，Beholdtheplayersandtheplay。
Ah，friends！beneathyourrealskiesTheactor’sshort-livedtriumphdies：
Onthatbroadstageofempirewon，Whosefootlightswerethesettingsun，WhoseflatsadistantbackgroundroseIntracklesspeaksofendlesssnows；
Heregeniusbows，andtalentwaitsTocopythatbutOnecreates。
Yourshiftingscenes：theleagueofsand，Anavenuebyoceanspanned；
Thenarrowbeachofstragglingtents，Amileofstatelymonuments；
Yourstandard，lo！aflagunfurled，Whoseclingingfoldsclasphalftheworld，——
Thisisyourdrama，builtonfacts，With"twentyyearsbetweentheacts。"
Onemomentmore：ifhereweraiseTheoft-sunghymnoflocalpraise，Beforethecurtainfactsmustsway；
HEREwaitsthemoralofyourplay。
Glassedinthepoet’sthought，youviewWhatmoneycan，yetcannotdo；
Thefaiththatsoars，thedeedsthatshine，Abovethegoldthatbuildstheshrine。
Andoh！whenotherstakeourplace，AndEarth’sgreencurtainhidesourface，Ereonthestage，sosilentnow，Thelastnewheromakeshisbow：
Somayourdeeds，recalledoncemoreInMemory’ssweetbutbriefencore，Downallthecirclingagesrun，Withtheworld’splauditof"Welldone！"
DOLLYVARDEN
DearDolly！whodoesnotrecallThethrillingpagethatpicturedallThosecharmsthatheldoursenseinthrallJustastheartistcaughther，——
AsdownthatEnglishlaneshetripped，Inboweredchintz，hatsidewaystipped，Trim-bodiced，bright-eyed，roguish-lipped，——
Thelocksmith’sprettydaughter？
SweetfragmentoftheMaster’sart！
Osimplefaith！Orusticheart！
OmaidthathathnocounterpartInlife’sdry，dog-earedpages！
Whereshallwefindthylike？Ah，stay！
MethinksIsawheryesterdayInchintzthatflowered，asonemightsay，Perennialforages。
Herfather’smodestcotwasstone，Fivestorieshigh；instyleandtoneComposite，and，Ifranklyown，WithinitswallsrevealingSomecertainnovel，strangeideas：
AGothicdoorwithRomanpiers，Andfloorsremovedsomethousandyears，FromtheirPompeianceiling。
ThesmallsalonwhereshereceivedWasLouisQuatorze，andrelievedByChinesecabinets，conceivedGrotesquelybytheheathen；
Thesofaswereaclassicsight，——
TheRomanbench（sediliahight）；
ThechairswereFrenchingoldandwhite，AndoneElizabethan。
Andshe，thegoddessofthatshrine，Tworingedfingersplacedinmine，——
Thestonesweremanycaratsfine，Andofthepurestwater，——
Thendroppedacurtsy，farenoughTofairlyfillhercretonnepuffAndshowthepetticoat’srichstuffThatherfondparentboughther。
Herspeechwassimpleasherdress，——
NotFrenchthemore，butEnglishless，Sheloved；yetsometimes，Iconfess，Iscarcecouldcomprehendher。
Hermannerswerequitefarfromshy。
TherewasaquietinhereyeAppallingtotheHughwho’dtryWithrudenesstooffendher。
"Butwhence，"Icried，"thismasquerade？
Somefigureforto-night’scharade，AWatteaushepherdessormaid？"
Shesmiledandbeggedmypardon：
"Why，surelyyoumustknowthename，——
ThatwomanwhowasShakespeare’sflameOrByron’s，——well，it’sallthesame：
Why，Lord！I’mDollyVarden！"
TELEMACHUSVERSUSMENTOR
Don’tmindme，Ibegyou，oldfellow，——I’lldoverywellherealone；
Youmustnotbekeptfromyour"German"becauseI’vedroppedinlikeastone。
Leaveallceremonybehindyou，leaveallthoughtofaughtbutyourself；
Andleave，ifyoulike，theMadeira，andadozencigarsontheshelf。
Asforme，youwillsaytoyourhostess——well，Iscarcelyneedgiveyouacue。
Chantmypraise！AllwilllisttoApollo，thoughMercurypipetoafew。
Sayjustwhatyouplease，mydearboy；there’smoreeloquenceliesinyouth’srashOutspokenheart-impulsethanevergrowledunderthisgrizzlingmustache。
Go，donthedresscoatofourtyrant，——youth’spanopliedarmorforfight，——
Andtiethewhiteneckcloththatrumples，likepleasure，andlastsbutanight；
AndpraytheNineGodstoavertyouwhattimetheThreeSistersshallfrown，Andyou’llloseyourhigh-comedyfigure，andsitmoreateaseinyourgown。
He’soff！There’shisfootonthestaircase。ByJove，whatabound！
ReallynowDidIeverleaplikethisspringald，withLove’schapletgreenonmybrow？
WasIsuchanass？No，Ifancy。Indeed，IrememberquiteplainAgravitymixedwithmytransports，acheerfulnesssoftenedmypain。
He’sgone！There’stheslamofhiscabdoor，there’stheclatterofhoofsandthewheels；
Andwhilehethelighttoeistripping，inthisarmchairI’lltiltupmyheels。
He’sgone，andforwhat？Foratremorfromawaistlikeateetotumspun；
Forarosebudthat’scrumpledbymanybeforeitisgatheredbyone。
Istherenaughtinthehaloofyouthbuttheglowofapassionaterace——’Midstthecheersandapplauseofacrowd——tothegoalofabeautifulface？
Aracethatisnottotheswift，aprizethatnomeritsenforce，Butiswonbysomefaineantyouth，whoshallsimplywalkoverthecourse？
Poorboy！shallIshockhisconceit？Whenhetalksofhercheek’sloveliness，ShallIsay’twastheairoftheroom，andwasduetocarbonicexcess？
Thatwhenwaltzingshedroopedonhisbreast，andtheveinsofhereyelidsgrewdim，’Twasoxygen’sabsenceshefelt，butneverthepresenceofhim？
ShallItellhimfirstloveisafraud，aweaklingthat’sstrangledinbirth，Recalledwithperfunctorytears，butlostinunsanctifiedmirth？
OrshallIgobidhimbelieveinallwomankind’scharm，andforgetInthelightringinglaughoftheworldtherattlesnake’sgaycastanet？
ShallItearoutaleaffrommyheart，fromthatbookthatforeverisshutOnthepast？ShallIspeakofmyfirstlove——Augusta——myLalage？
ButIforget。WasitreallyAugusta？No。’TwasLucy！No。Mary！
No。Di！
Nevermind！theywereallfirstandfaithless，andyet——I’veforgottenjustwhy。
No，no！Lethimdreamonandever。Alas！hewillwakentoosoon；
Anditdoesn’tlookwellforOctobertoalwaysbepreachingatJune。
Poorboy！Allhisfondfoolishtrophiespinnedyonder——abowfromHERhair，Afewbillets-doux，invitations，and——what’sthis？Myname，I
declare！
Humph！"You’llcome，forI’vegotyouaprize，withbeautyandmoneynoend：
Youknowher，Ithink；’twasonditsheoncewasengagedtoyourfriend；
Butshesaysthat’sallover。"Ah，isit？SweetEthel！incomparablemaid！
Or——whatifthethingwereatrick？——thislettersofreelydisplayed！——
Myopportunepresence！No！nonsense！Willnobodyanswerthebell？
Callacab！Halfpastten。Nottoolateyet。Oh，Ethel！Whydon’tyougo？Well？
"Mastersaidyouwouldwait"——Hangyourmaster！"HaveIeveramessagetosend？"
Yes，tellhimI’vegonetotheGermantodancewiththefriendofhisfriend。