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第3章

  Shehadonebow—gunofahundredton,Andagreatstern—gunbeside;
  Theydippedtheirnosesdeepinthesea,TheyrackedtheirstaysandstanchionsfreeInthewashofthewind—whippedtide。
  Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~,FellinwithacruiserlightThatcarriedthedaintyHotchkissgunAndapairo’heelswherewithtorunFromthegripofaclose—foughtfight。
  Sheopenedfireatsevenmiles——
  Asyeshootatabobbingcork——
  Andonceshefiredandtwiceshefired,Tillthebow—gundroopedlikealilytiredThatlollsuponthestalk。
  "Captain,thebow—gunmeltsapace,Thedeck—beamsbreakbelow,’Twerewelltorestforanhourortwain,Andbotchtheshatteredplatesagain。"
  Andheanswered,"Makeitso。"
  Sheopenedfirewithinthemile——
  Asyeshootattheflyingduck——
  Andthegreatstern—gunshotfairandtrue,Withtheheaveoftheship,tothestainlessblue,Andthegreatstern—turretstuck。
  "Captain,theturretfillswithsteam,Thefeed—pipesburstbelow——
  Youcanhearthehissofthehelplessram,Youcanhearthetwistedrunnersjam。"
  Andheanswered,"Turnandgo!"
  Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~,Andgrimlydidsheroll;
  Swungroundtotakethecruiser’sfireAstheWhiteWhalefacestheThresher’sireWhentheywarbythefrozenPole。
  "Captain,theshellsarefallingfast,Andfasterstillfallwe;
  AnditisnotmeetforEnglishstockTobideintheheartofaneight—dayclockThedeaththeycannotsee。"
  "Liedown,liedown,myboldA。B。,Wedriftuponherbeam;
  Wedarenotram,forshecanrun;
  Anddareyefireanothergun,Anddieinthepeelingsteam?"
  Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~
  Thatcarriedanarmour—belt;
  ButfiftyfeetatsternandbowLaybareasthepaunchofthepurser’ssow,Tothehailofthe~Nordenfeldt~。
  "Captain,theyhackusthroughandthrough;
  Thechilledsteelboltsareswift!
  Wehaveemptiedthebunkersinopensea,Theirshrapnelburstswhereourcoalshouldbe。"
  Andheanswered,"Letherdrift。"
  Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~,Swungrounduponthetide,Hertwodumbgunsglaredsouthandnorth,Andthebloodandthebubblingsteamranforth,Andshegroundthecruiser’sside。
  "Captain,theycry,thefightisdone,Theybidyousendyoursword。"
  Andheanswered,"Grapplehersternandbow。
  Theyhaveaskedforthesteel。Theyshallhaveitnow;
  Outcutlassesandboard!"
  Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~
  Spewedupfourhundredmen;
  Andthescaldedstokersyelpeddelight,AstheyrolledinthewaistandheardthefightStampo’ertheirsteel—walledpen。
  Theyclearedthecruiserendtoend,Fromconning—towertohold。
  TheyfoughtastheyfoughtinNelson’sfleet;
  Theywerestrippedtothewaist,theywerebaretothefeet,Asitwasinthedaysofold。
  Itwasthesinking~Clampherdown~
  Heavedupherbatteredside——
  Andcarriedamillionpoundsinsteel,Tothecodandthecorpse—fedconger—eel,AndthescouroftheChanneltide。
  Itwasthecrewofthe~Clampherdown~
  Stoodouttosweepthesea,Onacruiserwonfromanancientfoe,Asitwasinthedaysoflongago,Andasitstillshallbe。
  THEBALLADOFTHE"BOLIVAR"
  Sevenmenfromalltheworld,backtoDocksagain,RollingdowntheRatcliffeRoaddrunkandraisingCain:
  Givethegirlsanotherdrink’forewesignaway——
  Wethattookthe~Bolivar~outacrosstheBay!
  WeputoutfromSunderlandloadeddownwithrails;
  WeputbacktoSunderland’causeourcargoshifted;
  WeputoutfromSunderland——metthewintergales——
  SevendaysandsevennightstotheStartwedrifted。
  Racketingherrivetsloose,smoke—stackwhiteassnow,Allthecoalsadriftadeck,halftherailsbelow,Leakinglikealobster—pot,steeringlikeadray——
  Outwetookthe~Bolivar~,outacrosstheBay!
  OnebyonetheLightscameup,winkedandletusby;
  Milebymilewewaddledon,coalandfo’c’sleshort;
  Metablowthatlaidusdown,heardabulkheadfly;
  Leftthe~Wolf~behinduswithatwo—footlisttoport。
  Trailinglikeawoundedduck,workingouthersoul;
  Clanginglikeasmithy—shopaftereveryroll;
  Justafunnelandamastlurchingthroughthespray——
  Sowethreshedthe~Bolivar~outacrosstheBay!
  ’Feltherhogandfelthersag,bettedwhenshe’dbreak;
  Wonderedeverytimesheracedifshe’dstandtheshock;
  Heardtheseaslikedrunkenmenpoundingatherstrake;
  HopedtheLord’udkeephisthumbontheplummer—block。
  Bangedagainsttheirondecks,bilgeschokedwithcoal;
  Flayedandfrozenfootandhand,sickofheartandsoul;
  Lastweprayedshe’dbuckherselfintojudgmentDay——
  Hi!wecursedthe~Bolivar~knockingroundtheBay!
  Ohernoseflunguptosky,groaningtobestill——
  Upanddownandbackwewent,nevertimeforbreath;
  ThenthemoneypaidatLloyd’scaughtherbytheheel,Andthestarsranroundandrounddancin’atourdeath。
  Achingforanhour’ssleep,dozingoffbetween;
  ’Heardtherottenrivetsdrawwhenshetookitgreen;
  ’Watchedthecompasschaseitstaillikeacatatplay——
  Thatwasonthe~Bolivar~,southacrosstheBay。
  Oncewesawbetweenthesqualls,lyin’headtoswell——
  Madwithworkandweariness,wishin’theywaswe——
  SomedamnedLiner’slightsgobylikealonghotel;
  Cheeredherfromthe~Bolivar~swampin’inthesea。
  Thenagraybackclearedusout,thentheskipperlaughed;
  "Boys,thewheelhasgonetoHell——rigthewinchesaft!
  Yokethekickingrudder—head——getherunderway!"
  Sowesteeredher,pulley—haul,outacrosstheBay!
  Justapacko’rottenplatesputtiedupwithtar,Inwecame,an’timeenough,’crossBilbaoBar。
  Overloaded,undermanned,meanttofounder,weEuchredGodAlmighty’sstorm,bluffedtheEternalSea!
  Sevenmenfromalltheworld,backtotownagain,Rollin’downtheRatcliffeRoaddrunkandraisingCain:
  SevenmenfromoutofHell。Ain’ttheownersgay,’Causewetookthe"Bolivar"safeacrosstheBay?
  THESACRIFICEOFER—HEB
  Er—HebbeyondtheHillsofAo—SafaiBearswitnesstothetruth,andAo—SafaiHathtoldthemenofGorukh。ThencethetaleComeswestwardo’erthepeakstoIndia。
  ThestoryofBisesa,Armod’schild,——
  AmaidenplightedtotheChiefinWar,TheManofSixtySpears,whoheldthePassThatleadstoThibet,butto—dayisgoneToseekhiscomfortoftheGodcalledBudhTheSilent——showinghowtheSicknessceasedBecauseofherwhodiedtosavethetribe。
  TamanisOneandgreaterthanusall,TamanisOneandgreaterthanallGods:
  TamanisTwoinOneandridesthesky,Curvedlikeastallion’scroup,fromdusktodawn,Anddrumsuponitwithhisheels,wherebyIsbredtheneighingthunderinthehills。
  ThisisTaman,theGodofallEr—Heb,WhowasbeforeallGods,andmadeallGods,AndpresentlywillbreaktheGodshemade,AndstepupontheEarthtogovernmenWhogivehimmilk—dryewesandcheathisPriests,Orleavehisshrineunlighted——asEr—HebLeftitunlightedandforgotTaman,WhenalltheValleyfollowedafterKyshAndYabosh,littleGodsbutverywise,AndfromtheskyTamanbeheldtheirsin。
  HesenttheSicknessoutuponthehills,TheRedHorseSicknesswiththeironhooves,ToturntheValleytoTamanagain。
  AndtheRedHorsesnuffedthriceintothewind,Thenakedwindthathadnofearofhim;
  AndtheRedHorsestampedthriceuponthesnow,Thenakedsnowthathadnofearofhim;
  AndtheRedHorsewentoutacrosstherocks,Theringingrocksthathadnofearofhim;
  Anddownward,wheretheleanbirchmeetsthesnow,Anddownward,wherethegraypinemeetsthebirch,Anddownward,wherethedwarfoakmeetsthepine,Tillathisfeetourcup—likepastureslay。
  Thatnight,theslowmistsoftheeveningdropped,Droppedasaclothuponadeadman’sface,AndwelteredintheValley,bluish—whiteLikewaterverysilent——spreadabroad,Likewaterverysilent,fromtheShrineUnlightedofTamantowherethestreamIsdammedtofillourcattle—troughs——sentupWhitewavesthatrockedandheavedandthenwerestill,TillalltheValleyglitteredlikeamarsh,Beneaththemoonlight,filledwithsluggishmistKnee—deep,sothatmenwadedastheywalked。
  Thatnight,theRedHorsegrazedabovetheDam,Beyondthecattle—troughs。Menheardhimfeed,Andthosethatheardhimsickenedwheretheylay。
  ThuscametheSicknesstoEr—Heb,andslewTenmen,strongmen,andofthewomenfour;
  AndtheRedHorsewenthillwardwiththedawn,Butnearthecattle—troughshishoof—printslay。
  Thatnight,theslowmistsoftheeveningdropped,Droppedasaclothuponthedead,butroseAlittlehigher,toayounggirl’sheight;
  TillalltheValleyglitteredlikealake,Beneaththemoonlight,filledwithsluggishmist。
  Thatnight,theRedHorsegrazedbeyondtheDam,Astone’s—throwfromthetroughs。Menheardhimfeed,Andthosethatheardhimsickenedwheretheylay。
  ThuscametheSicknesstoEr—Heb,andslewOfmenascore,andofthewomeneight,Andofthechildrentwo。
  BecausetheroadToGorukhwasaroadofenemies,AndAo—Safaiwasblockedwithearlysnow,WecouldnotfleefromouttheValley。DeathSmoteatusinaslaughter—pen,andKyshWasmuteasYabosh,thoughthegoatswereslain;
  AndtheRedHorsegrazednightlybythestream,Andlater,outward,towardstheUnlightedShrine,Andthosethatheardhimsickenedwheretheylay。
  ThensaidBisesatothePriestsatdusk,Whenthewhitemistroseupbreast—high,andchokedThevoicesinthehousesofthedead:——
  "YaboshandKyshavailnot。IftheHorseReachtheUnlightedShrinewesurelydie。
  YehaveforgottenofallGodstheChief,Taman!"HererolledthethunderthroughtheHillsAndYaboshshookuponhispedestal。
  "YehaveforgottenofallGodstheChiefToolong。"Andallweredumbsaveone,whocriedOnYaboshwiththeSapphire’twixtHisknees,Butfoundnoanswerinthesmokyroof,And,beingsmittenoftheSickness,diedBeforethealtaroftheSapphireShrine。
  ThensaidBisesa:——"IamneartoDeath,AndhavetheWisdomoftheGraveforgiftTobearmeonthepathmyfeetmusttread。
  Iftherebewealthonearth,thenIamrich,ForArmodisthefirstofallEr—Heb;
  Iftherebebeautyontheearth,"——hereyesDroppedforamomenttothetemplefloor,——
  "YeknowthatIamfair。Iftherebelove,Yeknowthatloveismine。"TheChiefinWar,TheManofSixtySpears,brokefromthepress,Andwouldhaveclaspedher,butthePriestswithstood,Saying:——"ShehasamessagefromTaman。"
  ThensaidBisesa:——"BymywealthandloveAndbeauty,IamchosenoftheGodTaman。"HererolledthethunderthroughtheHillsAndKyshfellforwardontheMoundofSkulls。
  Indarkness,andbeforeourPriests,themaidBetweenthealtarscastherbraceletsdown,TherewiththeheavyearringsArmodmade,Whenhewasyoung,outofthewater—goldOfGorukh——threwthebreast—platethickwithjadeUpontheturquoiseanklets——putasideThebandsofsilveronherbrowandneck;
  Andasthetrinketstinkledonthestones,ThethunderofTamanlowedlikeabull。
  ThensaidBisesa,stretchingoutherhands,AsoneindarknessfearingDevils:——"Help!
  OPriests,Iamawomanveryweak,AndwhoamItoknowthewillofGods?
  Tamanhathcalledme——whithershallIgo?"
  TheChiefinWar,theManofSixtySpears,Howledinhistorment,fetteredbythePriests,Butdarednotcometohertodragherforth,AnddarednotlifthisspearagainstthePriests。
  Thenallmenwept。
  TherewasaPriestofKyshBentwithahundredwinters,hairless,blind,AndtalonedasthegreatSnow—Eagleis。
  Hisseatwasnearesttothealtar—fires,AndhewascounteddumbamongthePriests。
  But,whetherKyshdecreed,orfromTamanTheimpotenttonguefoundutteranceweknowAslittleasthebatsbeneaththeeaves。
  Hecriedsothattheyheardwhostoodwithout:——
  "TotheUnlightedShrine!"andcreptasideIntotheshadowofhisfallenGodAndwhimpered,andBisesawentherway。
  Thatnight,theslowmistsoftheeveningdropped,Droppedasaclothuponthedead,androseAbovetheroofs,andbytheUnlightedShrineLayastheslimywaterofthetroughsWhenmurrainthinsthecattleofEr—Heb:
  AndthroughthemistmenheardtheRedHorsefeed。
  InArmod’shousetheyburnedBisesa’sdower,AndkilledherblackbullTor,andbrokeherwheel,Andloosedherhair,asforthemarriage—feast,Withcriesmoreloudthanmourningforthedead。
  Acrossthefields,fromArmod’sdwelling—place,WeheardBisesaweepingwhereshepassedToseektheUnlightedShrine;theRedHorseneighedAndfollowedher,andontheriver—mintHishoovesstruckdeadandheavyinourears。
  Outofthemistsofevening,asthestarOfAo—Safaiclimbsthroughtheblacksnow—blurToshowthePassisclear,BisesasteppedUponthegreatgrayslopeofmortisedstone,TheCausewayofTaman。TheRedHorseneighedBehindhertotheUnlightedShrine——thenfledNorthtotheMountainwherehisstablelies。
  TheyknowwhodaredtheangerofTaman,Andwatchedthatnightabovetheclingingmists,Farupthehill,Bisesa’spassingin。
  Shesetherhanduponthecarvendoor,Fouledbyamyriadbats,andblackwithtime,WhereonisgravedtheGloryofTamanInlettersolderthantheAo—Safai;
  Andtwicesheturnedasideandtwiceshewept,Castdownuponthethreshold,clamouringForhimsheloved——theManofSixtySpears,Andforherfather,——andtheblackbullTor,Hersandherpride。Yea,twicesheturnedawayBeforetheawfuldarknessofthedoor,AndthegreathorroroftheWallofManWhereManismadetheplaythingofTaman,AnEyelessFacethatwaitsaboveandlaughs。
  ButthethirdtimeshecriedandputherpalmsAgainstthehewnstoneleaves,andprayedTamanTospareEr—Hebandtakeherlifeforprice。
  Theyknowwhowatched,thedoorswererentapartAndcloseduponBisesa,andtherainBrokelikeafloodacrosstheValley,washedThemistaway;butlouderthantherainThethunderofTamanfilledmenwithfear。
  SomesaythatfromtheUnlightedShrineshecriedForsuccour,verypitifully,thrice,Andothersthatshesangandhadnofear。
  Andsomethattherewasneithersongnorcry,Butonlythunderandthelashingrain。
  Howbeit,inthemorningmenroseup,Perplexedwithhorror,crowdingtotheShrine。
  AndwhenEr—HebwasgatheredatthedoorsThePriestsmadelamentationandpassedinToastrangeTempleandaGodtheyfearedButknewnot。
  FromthecrevicesthegrassHadthrustthealtar—slabsapart,thewallsWeregraywithstainsunclean,theroof—beamsswelledWithmany—colouredgrowthofrottenness,AndlichenveiledtheImageofTamanInleprosy。TheBasinoftheBloodAbovethealtarheldthemorningsun:
  Awinkingrubyonitsheart:below,Facehidinhands,themaidBisesalay。
  Er—HebbeyondtheHillsofAo—SafaiBearswitnesstothetruth,andAo—SafaiHathtoldthemenofGorukh。ThencethetaleComeswestwardo’erthepeakstoIndia。
  THEEXPLANATION
  LoveandDeathonceceasedtheirstrifeAttheTavernofMan’sLife。
  Calledforwine,andthrew——alas!——
  Eachhisquiveronthegrass。
  Whentheboutwaso’ertheyfoundMingledarrowsstrewedtheground。
  HastilytheygatheredthenEachthelovesandlivesofmen。
  Ah,thefatefuldawndeceived!
  Mingledarrowseachonesheaved;
  Death’sdreadarmourywasstoredWiththeshaftshemostabhorred;
  Love’slightquivergroanedbeneathVenom—headeddartsofDeath。
  ThusitwastheywroughtourwoeAttheTavernlongago。
  Tellme,doourmastersknow,Loosingblindlyastheyfly,Oldmenlovewhileyoungmendie?
  THEGIFTOFTHESEA
  Thedeadchildlayintheshroud,Andthewidowwatchedbeside;
  Andhermotherslept,andtheChannelsweptThegaleintheteethofthetide。
  Butthemotherlaughedatall。
  "Ihavelostmymaninthesea,Andthechildisdead。Bestill,"shesaid,"Whatmorecanyedotome?"
  Thewidowwatchedthedead,Andthecandlegutteredlow,AndshetriedtosingthePassingSongThatbidsthepoorsoulgo。
  And"Marytakeyounow,"shesang,"Thatlayagainstmyheart。"
  And"Marysmoothyourcribto—night,"
  Butshecouldnotsay"Depart。"
  Thencameacryfromthesea,Butthesea—rimeblindedtheglass,And"Heardyenothing,mother?"shesaid,"’Tisthechildthatwaitstopass。"
  Andthenoddingmothersighed。
  "’Tisalambingeweinthewhin,ForwhyshouldthechristenedsoulcryoutThatneverknewofsin?"
  "OfeetIhaveheldinmyhand,Ohandsatmyhearttocatch,Howshouldtheyknowtheroadtogo,Andhowshouldtheyliftthelatch?"
  Theylaidasheettothedoor,Withthelittlequiltatop,Thatitmightnothurtfromthecoldorthedirt,Butthecryingwouldnotstop。
  ThewidowliftedthelatchAndstrainedhereyestosee,AndopenedthedooronthebittershoreToletthesoulgofree。
  Therewasneitherglimmernorghost,Therewasneitherspiritnorspark,And"Heardyenothing,mother?"shesaid,"’Tiscryingformeinthedark。"
  Andthenoddingmothersighed:
  "’Tissorrowmakesyedull;
  Haveyeyettolearnthecryofthetern,Orthewailofthewind—blowngull?"
  "Theternsareblowninland,Thegraygullfollowstheplough。
  ’Twasneverabird,thevoiceIheard,Omother,Ihearitnow!"
  "Liestill,dearlamb,liestill;
  Thechildispassedfromharm,’Tistheacheinyourbreastthatbrokeyourrest,Andthefeelofanemptyarm。"
  Sheputhermotheraside,"InMary’snameletbe!
  ForthepeaceofmysoulImustgo,"shesaid,Andshewenttothecallingsea。
  Intheheelofthewind—bitpier,Wherethetwistedweedwaspiled,Shecametothelifeshehadmissedbyanhour,Forshecametoalittlechild。
  Shelaiditintoherbreast,Andbacktohermothershecame,Butitwouldnotfeedanditwouldnotheed,Thoughshegaveitherownchild’sname。
  Andthedeadchilddrippedonherbreast,Andherownintheshroudlaystark;
  And"Godforgiveus,mother,"shesaid,"Weletitdieinthedark!"
  EVARRAANDHISGODS
  ~Readhere:
  ThisisthestoryofEvarra——man——
  MakerofGodsinlandsbeyondthesea。~
  Becausethecitygavehimofhergold,Becausethecaravansbroughtturquoises,BecausehislifewasshelteredbytheKing,Sothatnomanshouldmaimhim,noneshouldsteal,OrbreakhisrestwithbabbleinthestreetsWhenhewaswearyaftertoil,hemadeAnimageofhisGodingoldandpearl,Withturquoisediademandhumaneyes,Awonderinthesunshine,knownafar,AndworshippedbytheKing;but,drunkwithpride,BecausethecitybowedtohimforGod,Hewroteabovetheshrine:"~ThusGodsaremade,Andwhosomakesthemotherwiseshalldie。~"
  Andallthecitypraisedhim……Thenhedied。
  ~ReadherethestoryofEvarra——man——
  MakerofGodsinlandsbeyondthesea。~
  Becausethecityhadnowealthtogive,Becausethecaravanswerespoiledafar,BecausehislifewasthreatenedbytheKing,Sothatallmendespisedhiminthestreets,Hehewedthelivingrock,withsweatandtears,AndrearedaGodagainstthemorning—gold,Aterrorinthesunshine,seenafar,AndworshippedbytheKing;but,drunkwithpride,Becausethecityfawnedtobringhimback,Hecarvedupontheplinth:"~ThusGodsaremade,Andwhosomakesthemotherwiseshalldie。~"
  Andallthepeoplepraisedhim……Thenhedied。
  ~ReadherethestoryofEvarra——man——
  MakerofGodsinlandsbeyondthesea。~
  Becausehelivedamongasimplefolk,Becausehisvillagewasbetweenthehills,Becausehesmearedhischeekswithbloodofewes,Hecutanidolfromafallenpine,Smearedblooduponitscheeks,andwedgedashellAboveitsbrowsforeyes,andgaveithairOftrailingmoss,andplaitedstrawforcrown。
  Andallthevillagepraisedhimforthiscraft,Andbroughthimbutter,honey,milk,andcurds。
  Wherefore,becausetheshoutingsdrovehimmad,Hescratcheduponthatlog:"~ThusGodsaremade,Andwhosomakesthemotherwiseshalldie。~"
  Andallthepeoplepraisedhim……Thenhedied。
  ~ReadherethestoryofEvarra——man——
  MakerofGodsinlandsbeyondthesea。~
  BecausehisGoddecreedoneclotofbloodShouldswerveonehair’s—breadthfromthepulse’spath,Andchafehisbrain,Evarramowedalone,Rag—wrapped,amongthecattleinthefields,Countinghisfingers,jestingwiththetrees,Andmockingatthemist,untilhisGodDrovehimtolabour。OutofdungandhornsDroppedinthemirehemadeamonstrousGod,Abhorrent,shapeless,crownedwithplantaintufts,Andwhenthecattlelowedattwilight—time,Hedreameditwastheclamouroflostcrowds,Andhowledamongthebeasts:"~ThusGodsaremade,Andwhosomakesthemotherwiseshalldie。~"
  Thereatthecattlebellowed……Thenhedied。
  YetatthelasthecametoParadise,AndfoundhisownfourGods,andthathewrote;
  Andmarvelled,beingveryneartoGod,WhatoafonearthhadmadehistoilGod’slaw,TillGodsaidmocking:"Mocknot。Thesebethine。"
  ThencriedEvarra:"Ihavesinned!"——"Notso。
  Ifthouhadstwrittenotherwise,thyGodsHadrestedinthemountainandthemine,AndIwerepoorerbyfourwondrousGods,Andthymorewondrouslaw,Evarra。Thine,Servantofshoutingcrowdsandlowingkine。"
  Thereat,withlaughingmouth,buttear—weteyes,EvarracasthisGodsfromParadise。
  ~ThisisthestoryofEvarra——man——
  MakerofGodsinlandsbeyondthesea。~
  THECONUNDRUMOFTHEWORKSHOPS
  Whentheflushofanew—bornsunfellfirstonEden’sgreenandgold,OurfatherAdamsatundertheTreeandscratchedwithastickinthemould;
  Andthefirstrudesketchthattheworldhadseenwasjoytohismightyheart,TilltheDevilwhisperedbehindtheleaves,"It’spretty,butisitArt?"
  Whereforehecalledtohiswife,andfledtofashionhisworkanew——
  Thefirstofhisracewhocaredafigforthefirst,mostdreadreview;
  Andhelefthisloretotheuseofhissons——andthatwasagloriousgainWhentheDevilchuckled"IsitArt?"intheearofthebrandedCain。
  TheyfoughtandtheytalkedintheNorthandtheSouth,theytalkedandtheyfoughtintheWest,Tillthewatersroseonthepitifulland,andthepoorRedClayhadrest——
  Hadresttillthatdankblank—canvasdawnwhenthedovewaspreenedtostart,AndtheDevilbubbledbelowthekeel:"It’shuman,butisitArt?"
  Theybuildedatowertoshivertheskyandwrenchthestarsapart,TilltheDevilgruntedbehindthebricks:"It’sstriking,butisitArt?"
  Thestonewasdroppedatthequarry—sideandtheidlederrickswung,WhileeachmantalkedoftheaimsofArt,andeachinanalientongue。
  ThetaleisasoldastheEdenTree——andnewasthenew—cuttooth——
  Foreachmanknowserehislip—thatchgrowsheismasterofArtandTruth;
  Andeachmanhearsasthetwilightnears,tothebeatofhisdyingheart,TheDevildrumonthedarkenedpane:"Youdidit,butwasitArt?"
  WehavelearnedtowhittletheEdenTreetotheshapeofasurplice—peg,Wehavelearnedtobottleourparentstwainintheyelkofanaddledegg,Weknowthatthetailmustwagthedog,forthehorseisdrawnbythecart;
  ButtheDevilwhoops,ashewhoopedofold:"It’sclever,butisitArt?"
  WhentheflickerofLondonsunfallsfaintontheClub—room’sgreenandgold,ThesonsofAdamsitthemdownandscratchwiththeirpensinthemould——
  Theyscratchwiththeirpensinthemouldoftheirgraves,andtheinkandtheanguishstart,FortheDevilmuttersbehindtheleaves:"It’spretty,butisitArt?"
  Now,ifwecouldwintotheEdenTreewheretheFourGreatRiversflow,AndtheWreathofEveisredontheturfassheleftitlongago,Andifwecouldcomewhenthesentrysleptandsoftlyscurrythrough,BythefavourofGodwemightknowasmuch——asourfatherAdamknew!
  THELEGENDOFEVIL
  I
  ThisisthesorrowfulstoryToldwhenthetwilightfailsAndthemonkeyswalktogetherHoldingtheirneighbours’tails:——
  "Ourfatherslivedintheforest,Foolishpeoplewerethey,TheywentdowntothecornlandToteachthefarmerstoplay。
  "Ourfathersfriskedinthemillet,Ourfathersskippedinthewheat,Ourfathershungfromthebranches,Ourfathersdancedinthestreet。
  "Thencametheterriblefarmers,Nothingofplaytheyknew,Only……theycaughtourfathersAndsetthemtolabourtoo!
  "SetthemtoworkinthecornlandWithploughsandsicklesandflails,Puttheminmud—walledprisonsAnd——cutofftheirbeautifultails!
  "Now,wecanwatchourfathers,Sullenandbowedandold,Stoopingoverthemillet,Sharingthesillymould,"Drivingafoolishfurrow,Mendingamuddyyoke,Sleepinginmud—walledprisons,Steepingtheirfoodinsmoke。
  "Wemaynotspeaktoourfathers,ForifthefarmersknewTheywouldcomeuptotheforestAndsetustolabourtoo。"
  ThisisthehorriblestoryToldasthetwilightfailsAndthemonkeyswalktogetherHoldingtheirkinsmen’stails。
  II
  ’Twaswhentherainfellsteadyan’theArkwaspitchedan’ready,ThatNoahgothisordersfortotakethebastesbelow;
  Hedraggedthemalltogetherbythehornan’hidean’feather,An’allexcipttheDonkeywasagreeabletogo。
  ThinNoahspokehimfairly,thintalkedtohimsevarely,An’thinhecursedhimsquarelytothegloryavtheLord:——
  "Diviltaketheassthatbredyou,andthegreaterassthatfedyou——
  Divilgowidyou,yespalpeen!"an’theDonkeywentaboard。
  Butthewindwasalwaysfailin’,an’’twasmostonaisysailin’,An’theladiesinthecabincouldn’tstandthestableair;
  An’thebastesbetwuxtthehatches,theytukan’diedinbatches,TillNoahsaid:——"There’swanavusthathasn’tpaidhisfare!"
  Forheheardaflusteration’midthebastesavallcreation——
  Thetrumpetin’avelephintsan’bellowin’avwhales;
  An’hesawforninstthewindywhinhewinttostoptheshindyTheDivilwidastable—forkbedivillin’theirtails。
  TheDivilcursedoutrageous,butNoahsaidumbrageous:——
  "TowhatamIindebtedforthistenant—rightinvasion?"
  An’theDivilgaveforanswer:——"Evictmeifyoucan,sir,ForIcameinwidtheDonkey——onYourHonour’sinvitation。"
  THEENGLISHFLAG
  Abovetheporticoaflag—staff,bearingtheUnionJack,remainedflutteringintheflamesforsometime,butultimatelywhenitfellthecrowdsrenttheairwithshouts,andseemedtoseesignificanceintheincident。——DAILYPAPERS。
  WindsoftheWorld,giveanswer!Theyarewhimperingtoandfro——
  AndwhatshouldtheyknowofEnglandwhoonlyEnglandknow?——
  Thepoorlittlestreet—bredpeoplethatvapourandfumeandbrag,TheyareliftingtheirheadsinthestillnesstoyelpattheEnglishFlag!
  MustweborrowacloutfromtheBoer——toplasteranewwithdirt?
  AnIrishliar’sbandage,oranEnglishcoward’sshirt?
  WemaynotspeakofEngland;herFlag’stosellorshare。
  WhatistheFlagofEngland?WindsoftheWorld,declare!
  TheNorthWindblew:——"FromBergenmysteel—shodvanguardsgo;
  IchaseyourlazywhalershomefromtheDiskofloe;
  BythegreatNorthLightsabovemeIworkthewillofGod,Andthelinersplitsontheice—fieldortheDoggerfillswithcod。
  "Ibarredmygateswithiron,Ishutteredmydoorswithflame,Becausetoforcemyrampartsyournutshellnaviescame;
  Itookthesunfromtheirpresence,Icutthemdownwithmyblast,Andtheydied,buttheFlagofEnglandblewfreeerethespiritpassed。
  "Theleanwhitebearhathseenitinthelong,longArcticnight,Themusk—oxknowsthestandardthatfloutstheNorthernLight:
  WhatistheFlagofEngland?Yehavebutmybergstodare,Yehavebutmydriftstoconquer。Goforth,foritisthere!"
  TheSouthWindsighed:——"FromtheVirginsmymid—seacoursewasta’enOverathousandislandslostinanidlemain,Wherethesea—eggflamesonthecoralandthelong—backedbreakerscroonTheirendlessoceanlegendstothelazy,lockedlagoon。
  "Strayedamidlonelyislets,mazedamidouterkeys,Iwakedthepalmstolaughter——Itossedthescudinthebreeze——
  Neverwasislesolittle,neverwasseasolone,Butoverthescudandthepalm—treesanEnglishflagwasflown。
  "IhavewrencheditfreefromthehalliardtohangforawispontheHorn;
  IhavechaseditnorthtotheLizard——ribbonedandrolledandtorn;
  Ihavespreaditsfoldo’erthedying,adriftinahopelesssea;
  Ihavehurleditswiftontheslaver,andseentheslavesetfree。
  "Mybaskingsunfishknowit,andwheelingalbatross,WherethelonewavefillswithfirebeneaththeSouthernCross。
  WhatistheFlagofEngland?Yehavebutmyreefstodare,Yehavebutmyseastofurrow。Goforth,foritisthere!"
  TheEastWindroared:——"FromtheKuriles,theBitterSeas,Icome,AndmemencalltheHome—Wind,forIbringtheEnglishhome。
  Look——lookwelltoyourshipping!BythebreathofmymadtyphoonIsweptyourclose—packedPrayaandbeachedyourbestatKowloon!
  "Thereelingjunksbehindmeandtheracingseasbefore,Irapedyourrichestroadstead——IplunderedSingapore!
  IsetmyhandontheHoogli;asahoodedsnakesherose,AndIflungyourstouteststeamerstoroostwiththestartledcrows。
  "Neverthelotuscloses,neverthewild—fowlwake,ButasoulgoesoutontheEastWindthatdiedforEngland’ssake——
  Manorwomanorsuckling,motherorbrideormaid——
  BecauseonthebonesoftheEnglishtheEnglishFlagisstayed。
  "Thedesert—dusthathdimmedit,theflyingwild—assknows,Thescaredwhiteleopardwindsitacrossthetaintlesssnows。
  WhatistheFlagofEngland?Yehavebutmysuntodare,Yehavebutmysandstotravel。Goforth,foritisthere!"
  TheWestWindcalled:——"InsquadronsthethoughtlessgalleonsflyThatbearthewheatandcattleleststreet—bredpeopledie。
  Theymakemymighttheirporter,theymakemyhousetheirpath,TillIloosemyneckfromtheirrudderandwhelmthemallinmywrath。
  "Idrawtheglidingfog—bankasasnakeisdrawnfromthehole,Theybellowonetotheother,thefrightedship—bellstoll,FordayisadriftingterrortillIraisetheshroudwithmybreath,Andtheyseestrangebowsabovethemandthetwogolockedtodeath。
  "Butwhetherincalmorwrack—wreath,whetherbydarkorday,Iheavethemwholetothecongerorriptheirplatesaway,Firstofthescatteredlegions,underashriekingsky,Dippingbetweentherollers,theEnglishFlaggoesby。
  "Thedeaddumbfoghathwrappedit——thefrozendewshavekissed——
  Thenakedstarshaveseenit,afellow—starinthemist。
  WhatistheFlagofEngland?Yehavebutmybreathtodare,Yehavebutmywavestoconquer。Goforth,foritisthere!"
  "CLEARED"
  (InMemoryofaCommission)
  Helpforapatriotdistressed,aspotlessspirithurt,Helpforanhonourableclansoretrampledinthedirt!
  FromQueenstownBaytoDonegal,Olistentomysong,Thehonourablegentlemenhavesufferedgrievouswrong。
  Theirnoblenameswerementioned——Otheburningblackdisgrace!——
  ByabrutalSaxonpaperinanIrishshooting—case;
  Theysatuponitforayear,thensteeledtheirhearttobraveit,And"coruscatinginnocence"thelearnedJudgesgaveit。
  Bearwitness,Heaven,ofthatgrimcrimebeneaththesurgeon’sknife,Thehonourablegentlemendeploredthelossoflife!
  Bearwitnessofthosechantingchoirsthatburkandshirkandsnigger,Nomanlaidhandupontheknifeorfingertothetrigger!
  Clearedinthefaceofallmankindbeneaththewinkingskies,Likeph]oenixesfromPh]oenixPark(andwhatlaythere)theyrise!
  Goshoutittotheemeraldseas——givewordtoErinnow,Herhonourablegentlemenarecleared——andthisishow:——
  TheyonlypaidtheMoonlighterhiscattle—hockingprice,Theyonlyhelpedthemurdererwithcounsel’sbestadvice,But——sureitkeepstheirhonourwhite——thelearnedCourtbelievesTheynevergaveapieceofplatetomurderersandthieves。
  Theynevertoldtherampingcrowdtocardawoman’shide,Theynevermarkedamanfordeath——whatfaultoftheirshedied?——
  Theyonlysaid"intimidate",andtalkedandwentaway——
  ByGod,theboysthatdidtheworkwerebravermenthanthey!
  Theirsinitwasthatfedthefire——smallblametothemthatheard——
  The"bhoys"getdrunkonrhetoric,andmaddenataword——
  Theyknewwhomtheyweretalkingat,iftheywereIrishtoo,ThegentlementhatliedinCourt,theyknew,andwelltheyknew。
  TheyonlytooktheJudas—goldfromFeniansoutofjail,Theyonlyfawnedfordollarsontheblood—dyedClanna—Gael。
  Ifblackisblackorwhiteiswhite,inblackandwhiteit’sdown,They’reonlytraitorstotheQueenandrebelstotheCrown。
  "Cleared",honourablegentlemen!Bethankfulit’snomore:——
  Thewidow’scurseisonyourhouse,thedeadareatyourdoor。
  Onyoutheshameofopenshame,onyoufromNorthtoSouthThehandofeveryhonestmanflat—heeledacrossyourmouth。
  "Lessblackthanwewerepainted"?——Faith,nowordofblackwassaid;
  Thelightesttouchwashumanblood,andthat,youknow,runsred。
  It’sstickingtoyourfistto—dayforallyoursneerandscoff,AndbytheJudge’swell—weighedwordyoucannotwipeitoff。
  Holdupthosehandsofinnocence——go,scareyoursheeptogether,Theblundering,trippingtupsthatbleatbehindtheoldbell—wether;
  Andiftheysnuffthetaintandbreaktofindanotherpen,Tellthemit’starthatglistensso,anddaubthemyoursagain!
  "Thechargeisold"?——AsoldasCain——asfreshasyesterday;
  OldastheTenCommandments——haveyetalkedthoselawsaway?
  Ifwordsarewords,ordeathisdeath,orpowdersendstheball,Youspokethewordsthatspedtheshot——thecursebeonyouall。
  "Ourfriendsbelieve"?——Ofcoursetheydo——asshelteredwomenmay;
  Buthavetheyseentheshriekingsoulrippedfromthequiveringclay?
  They!——Iftheirownfrontdoorisshut,they’llswearthewholeworld’swarm;
  Whatdotheyknowofdreadofdeathorhangingfearofharm?
  Thesecrethalfacountykeeps,thewhisperinthelane,Theshriekthattellstheshotwenthomebehindthebrokenpane,Thedrybloodcrispinginthesunthatscaresthehonestbees,Andshowsthe"bhoys"haveheardyourtalk——whatdotheyknowofthese?
  Butyou——youknow——ay,tentimesmore;thesecretsofthedead,Blackterroronthecountry—sidebywordandwhisperbred,Themangledstallion’sscreamatnight,thetail—croppedheifer’slow。
  Whosetthewhispergoingfirst?Youknow,andwellyouknow!
  Mysoul!I’dsoonerlieinjailformurderplainandstraight,PurecrimeI’ddonewithmyownhandformoney,lust,orhate,ThantakeaseatinParliamentbyfellow—felonscheered,Whileoneofthose"notprovens"provedmeclearedasyouarecleared。
  Cleared——youthat"lost"theLeagueaccounts——go,guardourhonourstill,Go,helptomakeourcountry’slawsthatbrokeGod’slawatwill——
  Onehandstuckoutbehindtheback,tosignal"strikeagain";
  Theotheronyourdress—shirt—fronttoshowyourheartisclane。
  Ifblackisblackorwhiteiswhite,inblackandwhiteit’sdown,You’reonlytraitorstotheQueenandrebelstotheCrown。
  Ifprintisprintorwordsarewords,thelearnedCourtperpends:——
  Wearenotruledbymurderers,butonly——bytheirfriends。
  ANIMPERIALRESCRIPT
  NowthisisthetaleoftheCounciltheGermanKaiserdecreed,Toeasethestrongoftheirburden,tohelptheweakintheirneed,Hesentawordtothepeoples,whostruggle,andpant,andsweat,Thatthestrawmightbecountedfairlyandthetallyofbricksbeset。
  TheLordsofTheirHandsassembled;fromtheEastandtheWesttheydrew——
  Baltimore,Lille,andEssen,Brummagem,Clyde,andCrewe。
  Andsomewereblackfromthefurnace,andsomewerebrownfromthesoil,Andsomewerebluefromthedye—vat;butallwereweariedoftoil。
  AndtheyoungKingsaid:——"Ihavefoundit,theroadtotherestyeseek:
  Thestrongshallwaitfortheweary,thehaleshallhaltfortheweak;
  Withtheeventrampofanarmywherenomanbreaksfromtheline,Yeshallmarchtopeaceandplentyinthebondofbrotherhood——sign!"
  Thepaperlayonthetable,thestrongheadsbowedthereby,Andawailwentupfromthepeoples:——"Ay,sign——giverest,forwedie!"
  Ahandwasstretchedtothegoose—quill,afistwascrampedtoscrawl,When——thelaughofablue—eyedmaidenranclearthroughthecouncil—hall。
  AndeachoneheardHerlaughingaseachonesawHerplain——
  Saidie,Mimi,orOlga,Gretchen,orMaryJane。
  AndtheSpiritofManthatisinHimtothelightofthevisionwoke;
  Andthemendrewbackfromthepaper,asaYankeedelegatespoke:——
  "There’sagirlinJerseyCitywhoworksonthetelephone;
  We’regoingtohitchourhorsesanddigforahouseofourown,Withgasandwaterconnections,andsteam—heatthroughtothetop;
  And,W。Hohenzollern,IguessIshallworktillIdrop。"
  AndanEnglishdelegatethundered:——"Theweakan’thelamebeblowed!
  I’veaberthintheSou’—Westworkshops,ahomeintheWandsworthRoad;
  Andtillthe’sociationhasfootedmyburyin’bill,Iworkforthekidsan’themissus。Pullup?IbedamnedifIwill!"
  AndovertheGermanbenchesthebeardedwhisperran:——
  "Lager,dergirlsundderdollars,deymakesordeybreaksaman。
  IfSchmitthafcollaredderdollars,hecollarsdergirlderemit;
  ButifSchmittbustinderpizness,wecollarsdergirlfromSchmitt。"
  Theypassedoneresolution:——"Yoursub—committeebelieveYoucanlightenthecurseofAdamwhenyou’velightenedthecurseofEve。
  Buttillwearebuiltlikeangels,withhammerandchiselandpen,Wewillworkforourselfandawoman,foreverandever,amen。"
  NowthisisthetaleoftheCounciltheGermanKaiserheld——
  ThedaythattheyrazoredtheGrindstone,thedaythattheCatwasbelled,ThedayoftheFigsfromThistles,thedayoftheTwistedSands,ThedaythatthelaughofamaidenmadelightoftheLordsofTheirHands。
  TOMLINSON
  NowTomlinsongaveuptheghostinhishouseinBerkeleySquare,AndaSpiritcametohisbedsideandgrippedhimbythehair——
  ASpiritgrippedhimbythehairandcarriedhimfaraway,Tillheheardastheroarofarain—fedfordtheroaroftheMilkyWay:
  TillheheardtheroaroftheMilkyWaydiedownanddroneandcease,AndtheycametotheGatewithintheWallwherePeterholdsthekeys。
  "Standup,standupnow,Tomlinson,andanswerloudandhighThegoodthatyedidforthesakeofmenoreveryecametodie——
  Thegoodthatyedidforthesakeofmeninlittleearthsolone!"
  AndthenakedsoulofTomlinsongrewwhiteasarain—washedbone。
  "OIhaveafriendonearth,"hesaid,"thatwasmypriestandguide,Andwellwouldheanswerallformeifhewerebymyside。"
  ——"Forthatyestroveinneighbour—loveitshallbewrittenfair,ButnowyewaitatHeaven’sGateandnotinBerkeleySquare:
  Thoughwecalledyourfriendfromhisbedthisnight,hecouldnotspeakforyou,Fortheraceisrunbyoneandoneandneverbytwoandtwo。"
  ThenTomlinsonlookedupanddown,andlittlegainwasthere,Forthenakedstarsgrinnedoverhead,andhesawthathissoulwasbare:
  TheWindthatblowsbetweentheworlds,itcuthimlikeaknife,AndTomlinsontookuphistaleandspokeofhisgoodinlife。
  "ThisIhavereadinabook,"hesaid,"andthatwastoldtome,AndthisIhavethoughtthatanothermanthoughtofaPrinceinMuscovy。"
  Thegoodsoulsflockedlikehomingdovesandbadehimclearthepath,AndPetertwirledthejanglingkeysinwearinessandwrath。
  "Yehaveread,yehaveheard,yehavethought,"hesaid,"andthetaleisyettorun:
  Bytheworthofthebodythatonceyehad,giveanswer——whatha’yedone?"
  ThenTomlinsonlookedbackandforth,andlittlegooditbore,FortheDarknessstayedathisshoulder—bladeandHeaven’sGatebefore:——
  "OthisIhavefelt,andthisIhaveguessed,andthisIhaveheardmensay,AndthistheywrotethatanothermanwroteofacarlinNorroway。"
  ——"Yehaveread,yehavefelt,yehaveguessed,goodlack!
  YehavehamperedHeaven’sGate;
  There’slittleroombetweenthestarsinidlenesstoprate!
  Ononemayreachbyhiredspeechofneighbour,priest,andkinThroughborroweddeedtoGod’sgoodmeedthatliessofairwithin;
  Gethence,gethencetotheLordofWrong,fordoomhasyettorun,And……thefaiththatyesharewithBerkeleySquareupholdyou,Tomlinson!"……
  TheSpiritgrippedhimbythehair,andsunbysuntheyfellTilltheycametothebeltofNaughtyStarsthatrimthemouthofHell:
  Thefirstareredwithprideandwrath,thenextarewhitewithpain,Butthethirdareblackwithclinkeredsinthatcannotburnagain:
  Theymayholdtheirpath,theymayleavetheirpath,withneverasoultomark,Theymayburnorfreeze,buttheymustnotceaseintheScornoftheOuterDark。
  TheWindthatblowsbetweentheworlds,itnippedhimtothebone,AndheyearnedtotheflareofHell—Gatethereasthelightofhisownhearth—stone。
  TheDevilhesatbehindthebars,wherethedesperatelegionsdrew,ButhecaughtthehastingTomlinsonandwouldnotlethimthrough。
  "Wotyethepriceofgoodpit—coalthatImustpay?"saidhe,"Thatyerankyoursel’sofitforHellandasknoleaveofme?
  Iamallo’er—sibtoAdam’sbreedthatyeshouldgivemescorn,ForIstrovewithGodforyourFirstFatherthedaythathewasborn。
  Sitdown,sitdownupontheslag,andanswerloudandhighTheharmthatyedidtotheSonsofMenoreveryoucametodie。"
  AndTomlinsonlookedupandup,andsawagainstthenightThebellyofatorturedstarblood—redinHell—Mouthlight;
  AndTomlinsonlookeddownanddown,andsawbeneathhisfeetThefrontletofatorturedstarmilk—whiteinHell—Mouthheat。
  "OIhadaloveonearth,"saidhe,"thatkissedmetomyfall,AndifyewouldcallmylovetomeIknowshewouldanswerall。"
  ——"Allthatyedidinloveforbiditshallbewrittenfair,ButnowyewaitatHell—MouthGateandnotinBerkeleySquare:
  Thoughwewhistledyourlovefromherbedto—night,Itrowshewouldnotrun,Forthesinyedobytwoandtwoyemustpayforonebyone!"
  TheWindthatblowsbetweentheworlds,itcuthimlikeaknife,AndTomlinsontookupthetaleandspokeofhissininlife:——
  "OnceIha’laughedatthepowerofLoveandtwiceatthegripoftheGrave,AndthriceIha’pattedmyGodontheheadthatmenmightcallmebrave。"
  TheDevilheblewonabranderedsoulandsetitasidetocool:——
  "DoyethinkIwouldwastemygoodpit—coalonthehideofabrain—sickfool?
  IseenoworthinthehobnailedmirthorthejoltheadjestyedidThatIshouldwakenmygentlementhataresleepingthreeonagrid。"
  ThenTomlinsonlookedbackandforth,andtherewaslittlegrace,ForHell—GatefilledthehouselessSoulwiththeFearofNakedSpace。
  "Nay,thisIha’heard,"quo’Tomlinson,"andthiswasnoisedabroad,AndthisIha’gotfromaBelgianbookonthewordofadeadFrenchlord。"
  ——"Yeha’heard,yeha’read,yeha’got,goodlack!
  andthetalebeginsafresh——
  Haveyesinnedonesinfortheprideo’theeyeorthesinfullustoftheflesh?"
  ThenTomlinsonhegrippedthebarsandyammered,"Letmein——
  ForImindthatIborrowedmyneighbour’swifetosinthedeadlysin。"
  TheDevilhegrinnedbehindthebars,andbankedthefireshigh:
  "Didyereadofthatsininabook?"saidhe;andTomlinsonsaid,"Ay!"
  TheDevilheblewuponhisnails,andthelittledevilsran,Andhesaid:"Gohuskthiswhimperingthiefthatcomesintheguiseofaman:
  Winnowhimout’twixtstarandstar,andsievehisproperworth:
  There’ssoredeclineinAdam’slineifthisbespawnofearth。"
  Empusa’screw,sonaked—newtheymaynotfacethefire,Butweepthattheybintoosmalltosintotheheightoftheirdesire,OverthecoaltheychasedtheSoul,andrackeditallabroad,Aschildrenrifleacaddis—caseortheraven’sfoolishhoard。
  AndbacktheycamewiththetatteredThing,aschildrenafterplay,Andtheysaid:"ThesoulthathegotfromGodhehasbarteredcleanaway。
  Wehavethreshedastookofprintandbook,andwinnowedachatteringwindAndmanyasoulwherefromhestole,buthiswecannotfind:
  Wehavehandledhim,wehavedandledhim,wehavesearedhimtothebone,Andsureiftoothandnailshowtruthhehasnosoulofhisown。"
  TheDevilhebowedhisheadonhisbreastandrumbleddeepandlow:——
  "I’mallo’er—sibtoAdam’sbreedthatIshouldbidhimgo。
  Yetclosewelie,anddeepwelie,andifIgavehimplace,Mygentlementhataresoproudwouldfloutmetomyface;
  They’dcallmyhouseacommonstewsandmeacarelesshost,And——Iwouldnotangermygentlemenforthesakeofashiftlessghost。"
  TheDevilhelookedatthemangledSoulthatprayedtofeeltheflame,AndhethoughtofHolyCharity,buthethoughtofhisowngoodname:——
  "Nowyecouldhastemycoaltowaste,andsityedowntofry:
  Didyethinkofthattheftforyourself?"saidhe;andTomlinsonsaid,"Ay!"
  TheDevilheblewanoutwardbreath,forhisheartwasfreefromcare:——
  "Yehavescarcethesoulofalouse,"hesaid,"buttherootsofsinarethere,AndforthatsinshouldyecomeinwereIthelordalone。
  Butsinfulpridehasruleinside——andmightierthanmyown。
  HonourandWit,fore—damnedtheysit,toeachhispriestandwhore:
  Nay,scarceIdaremyselfgothere,andyouthey’dtorturesore。
  Yeareneitherspiritnorspirk,"hesaid;"yeareneitherbooknorbrute——
  Go,getyebacktothefleshagainforthesakeofMan’srepute。
  I’mallo’er—sibtoAdam’sbreedthatIshouldmockyourpain,Butlookthatyewintoworthiersinereyecomebackagain。
  Gethence,thehearseisatyourdoor——thegrimblackstallionswait——
  Theybearyourclaytoplaceto—day。Speed,lestyecometoolate!
  GobacktoEarthwithalipunsealed——gobackwithanopeneye,AndcarrymywordtotheSonsofMenoreveryecometodie:
  Thatthesintheydobytwoandtwotheymustpayforonebyone——
  And……theGodthatyoutookfromaprintedbookbewithyou,Tomlinson!"
  L’ENVOITO"LIFE’SHANDICAP"
  Mynew—cutashlartakesthelightWherecrimson—blankthewindowsflare;
  Bymyownwork,beforethenight,GreatOverseerImakemyprayer。
  IftherebegoodinthatIwrought,Thyhandcompelledit,Master,Thine;
  WhereIhavefailedtomeetThythoughtIknow,throughThee,theblameismine。
  Oneinstant’stoiltoTheedeniedStandsallEternity’soffence,OfthatIdidwithTheetoguideToThee,throughThee,beexcellence。
  Who,lestallthoughtofEdenfade,Bring’stEdentothecraftsman’sbrain,Godliketomuseo’erhisowntradeAndManlikestandwithGodagain。
  Thedepthanddreamofmydesire,ThebitterpathswhereinIstray,ThouknowestWhohastmadetheFire,ThouknowestWhohastmadetheClay!
  OnestonethemoreswingstoherplaceInthatdreadTempleofThyWorth——
  ItisenoughthatthroughThygraceIsawnaughtcommononThyearth。
  Takenotthatvisionfrommyken;
  Ohwhatsoe’ermayspoilorspeed,HelpmetoneednoaidfrommenThatImayhelpsuchmenasneed!
  L’ENVOI
  There’sawhisperdownthefieldwheretheyearhasshotheryield,Andthericksstandgraytothesun,Singing:——"Overthen,comeover,forthebeehasquittheclover,AndyourEnglishsummer’sdone。"
  Youhaveheardthebeatoftheoff—shorewind,Andthethreshofthedeep—searain;
  Youhaveheardthesong——howlong!howlong?
  Pulloutonthetrailagain!
  Ha’donewiththeTentsofShem,dearlass,We’veseentheseasonsthrough,Andit’stimetoturnontheoldtrail,ourowntrail,theouttrail,Pullout,pullout,ontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
  It’sNorthyoumayruntotherime—ringedsun,OrSouthtotheblindHorn’shate;
  OrEastallthewayintoMississippiBay,OrWesttotheGoldenGate;
  Wheretheblindestbluffsholdgood,dearlass,Andthewildesttalesaretrue,Andthemenbulkbigontheoldtrail,ourowntrail,theouttrail,AndliferunslargeontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
  Thedaysaresickandcold,andtheskiesaregrayandold,Andthetwice—breathedairsblowdamp;
  AndI’dsellmytiredsoulforthebuckingbeam—searollOfablackBilbaotramp;
  Withherload—lineoverherhatch,dearlass,AndadrunkenDagocrew,Andhernosehelddownontheoldtrail,ourowntrail,theouttrailFromCadizBarontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
  Therebetriplewaystotake,oftheeagleorthesnake,Orthewayofamanwithamaid;
  Butthefairestwaytomeisaship’supontheseaIntheheeloftheNorth—EastTrade。
  Canyouhearthecrashonherbows,dearlass,Andthedrumoftheracingscrew,Assheshipsitgreenontheoldtrail,ourowntrail,theouttrail,Assheliftsand’scendsontheLongTrail——
  thetrailthatisalwaysnew?
  Seetheshakingfunnelsroar,withthePeteratthefore,Andthefendersgrindandheave,Andthederricksclackandgrate,asthetacklehooksthecrate,Andthefall—ropewhinesthroughthesheave;
  It’s"Gang—plankupandin,"dearlass,It’s"Hawserswarpherthrough!"
  Andit’s"Allclearaft"ontheoldtrail,ourowntrail,theouttrail,We’rebackingdownontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
  Othemutteroverside,whentheport—fogholdsustied,Andthesirenshoottheirdread!
  Whenfootbyfootwecreepo’erthehuelessviewlessdeepTothesobofthequestinglead!
  It’sdownbytheLowerHope,dearlass,WiththeGunfleetSandsinview,TilltheMouseswingsgreenontheoldtrail,ourowntrail,theouttrail,AndtheGullLightliftsontheLongTrail——
  thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
  Otheblazingtropicnight,whenthewake’saweltoflightThatholdsthehotskytame,Andthesteadyfore—footsnoresthroughtheplanet—powderedfloorsWherethescaredwhaleflukesinflame!
  Herplatesarescarredbythesun,dearlass,Andherropesaretautwiththedew,Forwe’reboomingdownontheoldtrail,ourowntrail,theouttrail,We’resaggingsouthontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
  Thenhome,getherhome,wherethedrunkenrollerscomb,Andtheshoutingseasdriveby,Andtheenginesstampandring,andthewetbowsreelandswing,AndtheSouthernCrossrideshigh!
  Yes,theoldloststarswheelback,dearlass,Thatblazeinthevelvetblue。
  They’realloldfriendsontheoldtrail,ourowntrail,theouttrail,They’reGod’sownguidesontheLongTrail——
  thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
  Flyforward,Omyheart,fromtheForelandtotheStart——
  We’resteamingall—tooslow,Andit’stwentythousandmiletoourlittlelazyisleWherethetrumpet—orchidsblow!
  Youhaveheardthecalloftheoff—shorewind,Andthevoiceofthedeep—searain;
  Youhaveheardthesong——howlong!howlong?
  Pulloutonthetrailagain!
  TheLordknowswhatwemayfind,dearlass,AndTheDeuceknowswhatwemaydo——
  Butwe’rebackoncemoreontheoldtrail,ourowntrail,theouttrail,We’redown,hulldownontheLongTrail——thetrailthatisalwaysnew。
  THESEVENSEAS
  1891—1896
  DEDICATION
  TotheCityofBombayTheCitiesarefullofpride,Challengingeachtoeach——
  Thisfromhermountain—side,Thatfromherburthenedbeach。
  Theycounttheirshipsfulltale——
  Theircornandoilandwine,Derrickandloomandbale,Andrampart’sgun—fleckedline;
  CitybyCitytheyhail:
  "Hastaughttomatchwithmine?"
  AndthementhatbreedfromthemTheytrafficupanddown,Butclingtotheircities’hemAsachildtotheirmother’sgown。
  Whentheytalkwiththestrangerbands,Dazedandnewlyalone;
  Whentheywalkinthestrangerlands,Byroaringstreetsunknown;
  BlessingherwhereshestandsForstrengthabovetheirown。
  (OnhightoholdherfameThatstandsallfamebeyond,Byoathtobackthesame,Mostfaithful—foolish—fond;
  Makinghermere—breathednameTheirbondupontheirbond。)
  SothankIGodmybirthFellnotinislesaside——
  Wasteheadlandsoftheearth,Orwarringtribesuntried——
  ButthatshelentmeworthAndgavemerighttopride。
  SurelyintoilorfrayUnderanaliensky,Comfortitistosay:
  "OfnomeancityamI!"
  (NeitherbyservicenorfeeComeItomineestate——
  MotherofCitiestome,ForIwasborninhergate,Betweenthepalmsandthesea,Wheretheworld—endsteamerswait。)
  NowforthisdebtIowe,Andforherfar—bornecheerMustImakehasteandgoWithtributetoherpier。
  AndsheshalltouchandremitAftertheuseofkings(Orderly,ancient,fit)
  Mydeep—seaplunderings,Andpurchaseinalllands。
  AndthiswedoforasignHerpowerisovermine,AndmineIholdatherhands!
  THESEVENSEAS
  ASONGOFTHEENGLISH
  Fairisourlot——Ogoodlyisourheritage!
  (Humbleye,mypeople,andbefearfulinyourmirth!)
  FortheLordourGodMostHighHehathmadethedeepasdry,HehathsmoteforusapathwaytotheendsofalltheEarth!
  Yea,thoughwesinned——andourrulerswentfromrighteousness——
  Deepinalldishonourthoughwestainedourgarments’hem。
  Ohbeyenotdismayed,Thoughwestumbledandwestrayed,Wewereledbyevilcounsellors——theLordshalldealwiththem!
  HoldyetheFaith——theFaithourFathersseal]\edus;
  Whoringnotwithvisions——overwiseandoverstale。
  ExceptyepaytheLordSingleheartandsinglesword,OfyourchildrenintheirbondageshallHeaskthemtreble—tale!
  KeepyetheLaw——beswiftinallobedience——
  Clearthelandofevil,drivetheroadandbridgetheford。
  MakeyesuretoeachhisownThathereapwherehehathsown;
  BythepeaceamongOurpeoplesletmenknowweservetheLord!……
  Hearnowasong——asongofbrokeninterludes——
  Asongoflittlecunning;ofasingernothingworth。
  ThroughthenakedwordsandmeanMayyeseethetruthbetweenAsthesingerknewandtoucheditintheendsofalltheEarth!
  TheCoastwiseLightsOurbrowsareboundwithspindriftandtheweedisonourknees;
  Ourloinsarebattered’neathusbytheswinging,smokingseas。
  Fromreefandrockandskerry——overheadland,ness,andvoe——
  TheCoastwiseLightsofEnglandwatchtheshipsofEnglandgo!
  Throughtheendlesssummerevenings,onthelineless,levelfloors;
  ThroughtheyellingChanneltempestwhenthesirenhootsandroars——
  Bydaythedippinghouse—flagandbynighttherocket’strail——
  Asthesheepthatgrazebehindussoweknowthemwheretheyhail。
  Webridgeacrossthedarkandbidthehelmsmanhaveacare,Theflashthatwheelinginlandwakeshissleepingwifetoprayer;
  Fromourvexedeyries,headtogale,webindinburningchainsTheloverfromthesea—rimdrawn——hisloveinEnglishlanes。
  Wegreettheclipperswing—and—wingthatracetheSouthernwool;
  Wewarnthecrawlingcargo—tanksofBremen,Leith,andHull;
  Toeachandallourequallampatperilofthesea——
  Thewhitewall—sidedwar—shipsorthewhalersofDundee!