"Herearethelovelyshipsthatwe，Mother，arebyandbygoingtosee!
Whenwegetthereit’s’mostsuretobefine，Andthebandwillplay，andthesunwillshine!"
ItrainedontheskylightwithadinAswewaitedandstillnotraincamein；
ButthewordsofthechildinthesqualidroomHadspreadaglorythroughthegloom。
THECLOCK—WINDER
Itisdarkasacave，OravaultinthenaveWhentheirondoorIsclosed，andthefloorOfthechurchrelaidWithtrowelandspade。
Buttheparish—clerkCaresnotforthedarkAshewindsinthetowerAtaregularhourTherheumaticclock，WhosedilatoryknockYoucanhearwhenprayingAttheday’sdecaying，OratanylonewhileFromapewintheaisle。
Up，upfromthegroundAroundandaroundIntheturretstairHeclambers，towhereThewheelworkis，Withitstick，click，whizz，ReposefullymeasuringEachdaytoitsendThatmortalmenspendInsorrowingandpleasuringNightlythusdoesheclimbTothetrackwayofTime。
HimIfollowedonenightTothisplacewithoutlight，And，ereIspoke，heardHimsay，wordbyword，Attheendofhiswinding，Thedarknessunminding：—
"SoIwipeoutonemore，MyDear，ofthesoreSaddaysthatstillbe，LikeadryingDeadSea，Betweenyouandme!"
Whoshewasnomanknew：
HehadlongbornehimblindToallwomankind；
AndwaseveronewhoKepthispastoutofview。
OLDEXCURSIONS
"What’sthegoodofgoingtoRidgeway，Cerne，orSydlingMill，OrtoYell’hamHill，BlithelybearingCasterbridge—wayAsweusedtodo？
Shewillnomoreclimbupthere，OrbevisibleanywhereInthosehauntsweknew。"
Butto—night，whilewalkingweary，Nearmeseemedhershade，Comeas’tweretoupbraidThismymoodindeemingdrearyScenesthatusedtoplease；
And，ifshedidcometome，Stillsolicitous，theremaybeGoodingoingtothese。
So，I’llcaretoroamtoRidgeway，Cerne，orSydlingMill，OrtoYell’hamHill，BlithelybearingCasterbridge—wayAsweusedtodo，Sinceherphasmmayflitoutthere，AndmaygreetmeanywhereInthosehauntsweknew。
April1913。
THEMASKEDFACE
Ifoundmeinagreatsurgingspace，Ateitherendadoor，AndIsaid："Whatisthisgiddyingplace，Withnofirm—fixedfloor，ThatIknewnotofbefore？"
"ItisLife，"saidamask—cladface。
Iasked："ButhowdoIcomehere，Whoneverwishedtocome；
Canthelightandairbemademoreclear，Thefloormorequietsome，Andthedoorssetwide？TheynumbFast—locked，andfillwithfear。"
Themaskputonableaksmilethen，Andsaid，"Ovassal—wight，ThereoncecomplainedagoosequillpenTothescribeoftheInfiniteOfthewordsithadtowriteBecausetheywerepastitsken。"
INAWHISPERINGGALLERY
ThatwhispertakesthevoiceOfaSpirit’scompassioningsClose，butinvisible，AndthrowsmeunderaspellAtthekindlingvisionitbrings；
AndforamomentIrejoice，AndbelieveintranscendentthingsThatwouldmouldfromthismuddyearthAspotforthesplendidbirthOfeverlastinglives，Wheretononightarrives；
AndthisgauntgraygalleryAtabernacleofworthOnthisdrab—airedafternoon，WhenyoucanbarelyseeAcrossitshazedlacuneIfoppositeaughttherebeOffleshedhumanityWherewithImaycommune；
OrifthevoicesonearBeasoul’svoicefloatinghere。
THESOMETHINGTHATSAVEDHIM
ItwaswhenWhirlsofthickwaterslavedmeAgainandagain，Thatsomethingaroseandsavedme；
Yea，itwasthen。
InthatdayUnseeingtheazurewentI
Onmyway，AndtowhitewinterbentI，KnowingnoMay。
Reftofrenown，UnderthenightcloudsbeatingUpanddown，InmyneedfulnessgreetingCitandclown。
LongtherehadbeenMuchofamurkycolourInthescene，Dullprospectsmeetingduller；
Noughtbetween。
Last，thereloomedAclosing—inblindalley，ThoughthereboomedAfeeblesummonstorallyWhereitgloomed。
Theclockrang；
Thehourbroughtahandtodeliver；
Iupsprang，Andlookedbackatden，ditchandriver，Andsang。
THEENEMY’SPORTRAIT
Hesawtheportraitofhisenemy，offeredAtauctioninastreethejourneyednigh，Thatenemy，nowlatedead，whoinhislife—timeHadinjureddeeplyhimthepasser—by。
"Togetthatpicture，pleasedbeGod，I’lltry，Andutterlydestroyit；andnomoreShallbeinflictedonman’smortaleyeAcountenancesosinisterandsore!"
Andsoheboughtthepainting。Drivinghomeward，"Theframewillcomeinuseful，"hedeclared，"Therestisfuel。"Onhisarrival，weary，Askedwhatheborewithhim，andhowhefared，Hesaidhehadbidforapicture，thoughhecaredFortheframeonly：onthemorrowheWouldburnthecanvas，whichcouldwellbespared，Seeingthatitportrayedhisenemy。
Nextdaysomeotherdutyfoundhimbusy；
Thefoewaslaidhisfaceagainstthewall；
ButonthenexthesethimselftoloosenThestraining—strips。AndthenacasualcallPreventedhisproceedingtherewithal；
Andthusthepicturewaited，daybyday，Itsowner’spleasure，likeawretchedthrall，Untilamonthandmorehadslippedaway。
Andthenuponamornhefounditshifted，Hunginacornerbyaservitor。
"Whydidyoutakeonyoutohangthatpicture？
YouknowitwastheframeIboughtitfor。"
"Itstoodinthewayofeveryvisitor，AndIjusthitcheditthere。"——"Well，itmustgo：
Idon’tcommemoratemenwhomIabhor。
Remindme’tistodo。TheframeI’llstow。"
Butthingsbecomeforgotten。IntheshadowOfthedarkcornerhungitbyitsstring，Andthereitstayed——oncenoticedbyitsowner，Whosaid，"Ahme——Imustdestroythatthing!"
Butwhenhedied，there，noneremembering，Ithung，tillmovedtoprominence，asonesees；
Andcomerspauseandsay，examining，"Ithoughttheywerethebitterestenemies？"
IMAGININGS
ShesawherselfaladyWithfiftyfrocksinwear，Androllingwheels，androomsthebest，Andfaithfulmaidens’care，AndopenlawnsandshadyForweatherswarmordrear。
Shefoundherselfastriver，Allliberalgiftsdebarred，Withdaysofgloom，andmovementsstressed，Andearlyvisionsmarred，AndgotnomantowiveherButonewhoselotwashard。
Yetinthemoonynight—timeShestealstostileandleaDuringhisheavyslumberousrestWhenhomecomewearily，Anddreamsofsomeblestbright—timeSheknowscanneverbe。
ONTHEDOORSTEP
Therainimprintedthestep’swetshineWithtarget—circlesthatquiveredandcrossedAsIwasleavingthisporchofmine；
WhenfromwithinthereswelledandpausedAsong’ssweetnote；
AndbackIturned，andthought，"HereI’llabide。"
Thestepshineswetbeneaththerain，Whichprintsitscirclesasheretofore；
Iwatchthemfromtheporchagain，Butnosong—noteswithinthedoorNowcalltomeToshunthedrippingleaAndforthIstride。
Jan。1914。
SIGNSANDTOKENS
Saidthered—cloakedcroneInawhisperedmoan：
"ThedeadmanwaslimpWhenlaidinhischest；
Yea，limp；andwhyButtosignifyThatthegravewillcrimpErenextyear’ssunYetanotheroneOfthoseinthathouse—
Itmaybethebest—
Foritsendlessdrowse!"
Saidthebrown—shawleddameToconfirmthesame：
"AndtheslothfulfliesOntherottingfruitHavebeenseentowearWhilecrawlingthereCrapescarves，byeyesThatwerequickandacute；
AsdidthosethathadpitchedOnthecowsbythepails，AndwithflapsoftheirtailsWerefarawayswitched。"
Saidthethirdinplaid，Eachwordbeingweighed：
"AndtrottingdoesInthepark，inthelane，AndjustoutsideTheshutteredpane，Havealsobeenheard—
QuickfeetaslightAsthefeetofasprite—
AndthewisemindknowsWhatthingsmaybetideWhensuchhasoccurred。"
Criedtheblack—crapedfourth，Coldfacedasthenorth：
"O，thoughgivingsuchSomehead—room，IsmileAtyourfalteringsWhennotingthosethingsRoundyourdomicile!
Forwhat，whatcantouchOnewhom，rivenofallThatmakeslifegay，NohintscanappalOfmoretakingsaway!"
PATHSOFFORMERTIME
No；no；
Itmustnotbeso：
Theyarethewayswedonotgo。
StillchewThekine，andmooInthemeadowsweusedtowanderthrough；
StillpurlTherivuletsandcurlTowardstheweirswithamusicalswirl；
HaymakersAsinformeryearsRakerollsintoheapsthatthepitchforkrears；
WheelscrackOntheturfytrackThewaggonpursueswithitstopplingpack。
"Whythenshun—
Sincesummer’snotdone—
Allthisbecauseofthelackofone？"
HadyoubeenSharerofthatsceneYouwouldnotaskwhileitbitesinkeenWhyitissoWecannomoregoBythesummerpathsweusedtoknow!
1913。
THECLOCKOFTHEYEARS
"Aspiritpassedbeforemyface；thehairofmyfleshstoodup。"
AndtheSpiritsaid，"Icanmaketheclockoftheyearsgobackward，Butamlothtostopitwhereyouwill。"
AndIcried，"AgreedTothat。Proceed：
It’sbetterthandead!"
Heanswered，"Peace"；
Andcalledherup——aslastbeforeme；
Thenyounger，youngershefreshed，totheyearIfirsthadknownHerwoman—grown，AndIcried，"Cease!—
"Thusfarisgood—
Itisenough——letherstaythusalways!"
Butalasforme。Heshookhishead：
Nostopwasthere；
Andshewanedchild—fair，Andtobabyhood。
StilllessinmienTomygreatsorrowbecamesheslowly，AndsmalledtillshewasnoughtatallInhischecklessgriff；
AnditwasasifShehadneverbeen。
"Better，"Iplained，"Sheweredeadasbefore!ThememoryofherHadlivedinme；butitcannotnow!"
Andcoldlyhisvoice：
"ItwasyourchoiceTomartheordained。"
1916。
ATTHEPIANO
Awomanwasplaying，Amanlookingon；
Andthemouldofherface，Andherneck，andherhair，WhichtheraysfelluponOfthetwocandlesthere，SenthimmentallystrayingInsomefancy—placeWherepainhadnotrace。
AcowledApparitionCamepushingbetween；
Andhernotesseemedtosigh，Andthelightstoburnpale，Asaspellnumbedthescene。
Butthemaidsawnobale，Andthemannomonition；
AndTimelaughedawry，AndthePhantomhidnigh。
THESHADOWONTHESTONE
IwentbytheDruidstoneThatbroodsinthegardenwhiteandlone，AndIstoppedandlookedattheshiftingshadowsThatatsomemomentsfallthereonFromthetreehardbywitharhythmicswing，AndtheyshapedinmyimaginingTotheshadethatawell—knownheadandshouldersThrewtherewhenshewasgardening。
Ithoughtherbehindmyback，Yea，herIlonghadlearnedtolack，AndIsaid："Iamsureyouarestandingbehindme，Thoughhowdoyougetintothisoldtrack？"
AndtherewasnosoundbutthefallofaleafAsasadresponse；andtokeepdowngriefIwouldnotturnmyheadtodiscoverThattherewasnothinginmybelief。
YetIwantedtolookandseeThatnobodystoodatthebackofme；
ButIthoughtoncemore："Nay，I’llnotunvisionAshapewhich，somehow，theremaybe。"
SoIwentonsoftlyfromtheglade，Andleftherbehindmethrowinghershade，Asshewereindeedanapparition—
Myheadunturnedlestmydreamshouldfade。
Begun1913：finished1916。
INTHEGARDEN
（M。H。）
WewaitedforthesunTobreakitscloudyprison（Fordaywasnotyetdone，Andnightstillunbegun）
Leaningbythedial。
Aftermanyatrial—
Weallsilentthere—
Itburstasnew—arisen，ThrowingashadetowhereTimetravelledatthatminute。
Littlesawweinit，ButthismuchIknow，Oflookersonthatshade，HertowardswhomitmadeSoonesthadtogo。
1915。
THETREEANDTHELADY
IhavedoneallIcouldForthatladyIknew!ThroughtheheatsIhaveshadedher，Drawntohersongsterswhensummerhasjadedher，Homefromtheheathorthewood。
Atthemirth—timeofMay，Whenmyshadowfirstluredher，I’ddonnedmynewbraveryOfgreenth：’twasmyall。NowIshiverinslavery，Iciclesgrievingmegray。
Plumedtoeverytwig’sendIcouldtemptherchairunderme。MuchdidItreasureherDuringthosedaysshehadnothingtopleasureher；
Mutelysheusedmeasfriend。
I’maskeletonnow，Andshe’sgone，cravingwarmth。Therimestickslikeaskintome；
ThroughmeArcturuspeers；Nor’lightsshootintome；
Goneisshe，scorningmybough!
ANUPBRAIDING
NowIamdeadyousingtomeThesongsweusedtoknow，ButwhileIlivedyouhadnowishOrcarefordoingso。
NowIamdeadyoucometomeInthemoonlight，comfortless；
Ah，whatwouldIhavegivenaliveTowinsuchtenderness!
Whenyouaredead，andstandtomeNotdifferenced，asnow，Butlikeagain，willyoubecoldAswhenwelived，orhow？
THEYOUNGGLASS—STAINER
"TheseGothicwindows，howtheywearmeoutWithcuspandfoil，andnothingstraightorsquare，Crudecolours，leadenbordersroundabout，AndfittinginPeterhere，andMatthewthere!
"Whatavocation!HeredoIdrawnowTheabnormal，lovingtheHellenicnorm；
MarthaIpaint，anddreamofHera’sbrow，Mary，andthinkofAphrodite’sform。"
Nov。1893。
LOOKINGATAPICTUREONANANNIVERSARY
Butdon’tyouknowit，mydear，Don’tyouknowit，Thatthisdayoftheyear（Whatrainbow—raysembowit!）
Wemet，strangersconfessed，Butparted——blest？
Thoughatthisquery，mydear，ThereinyourframeUnmovedyoustillappear，Youmustbethinkingthesame，ButkeepthatlookdemureJusttoallure。
AndnowatlengthatraceIsurelyvisionUponthatwistfulfaceOfold—timerecognition，Smilingforth，"Yes，asyousay，Itistheday。"
ForthisonephaseofyouNowleftonearthThisgreatdatemustendueWithpulsingsofrebirth？—
IseethemvitalizeThosetwodeepeyes!
ButifthisfaceIconDoesnotdeclareConsciousnesslivingonStillinit，littleIcareTolivemyself，mydear，Lone—labouringhere!
Spring1913。
THECHOIRMASTER’SBURIAL
HeoftenwouldaskusThat，whenhedied，AfterplayingsomanyTotheirlastrest，IfoutofusanyShouldhereabide，Anditwouldnottaskus，WewouldwithourlutesPlayoverhimByhisgrave—brimThepsalmhelikedbest—
Theonewhosesensesuits"MountEphraim"—
AndperhapsweshouldseemTohim，inDeath’sdream，Liketheseraphim。
AssoonasIknewThathisspiritwasgoneIthoughtthishisdue，Andspokethereupon。
"Ithink，"saidthevicar，"AreadservicequickerThanviolsout—of—doorsInthesefrostsandhoars。
Thatold—fashionedwayRequiresafineday，AnditseemstomeIthadbetternotbe。"
Hence，thatafternoon，ThoughneverknewheThathiswishcouldnotbe，TogetthroughitfasterTheyburiedthemasterWithoutanytune。
But’twassaidthat，whenAtthedeadofnextnightThevicarlookedout，TherestruckonhiskenThrongedroundabout，WherethefrostwasgrayingTheheadstonedgrass，AbandallinwhiteLikethesaintsinchurch—glass，SingingandplayingTheancientstaveBythechoirmaster’sgrave。
SuchthetenormantoldWhenhehadgrownold。
THEMANWHOFORGOT
Atalonelycrosswherebye—roadsmetIsatuponagate；
Isawthesundeclineandset，Andstillwasfaintowait。
AtrottingboypassedupthewayAndrousedmefrommythought；
Icalledtohim，andshowedwherelayAspotIshylysought。
"Asummer—housefairstandshiddenwhereYouseethemoonlightthrown；
Go，tellmeifwithinitthereAladysitsalone。"
Hehalfdemurred，buttookthetrack，Andsilenceheldthescene；
Isawhisfigureramblingback；
Iaskedhimifhehadbeen。
"Iwentjustwhereyousaid，butfoundNosummer—housewasthere：
Beyondtheslope’tisallbareground；
Nothingstandsanywhere。
"Amanaskedwhatmybrainswereworth；
Thehouse，hesaid，grewrotten，Andwaspulleddownbeforemybirth，Andisalmostforgotten!"
Myrightmindwoke，andIstooddumb；
Fortyyears’frostandflowerHadfleetedsinceI’dusedtocomeTomeetherinthatbower。
WHILEDRAWINGINACHURCH—YARD
"Itissadthatsomanyofworth，Stillintheflesh，"soughedtheyew，"MisjudgetheirlotwhomkindlyearthSecludesfromview。
"TheyridetheirdiurnalroundEachday—span’ssumofhoursInpeerlessease，withoutjoltorboundOrachelikeours。
"IfthelivingcouldbuthearWhatisheardbymyrootsastheycreepRoundtherestfulflock，andthethingssaidthere，Noonewouldweep。"
"’Nowsetamongthewise，’
Theysay：’Enlargedinscope，ThatnoGodtrumpetustoriseWetrulyhope。’"
IlistenedtohisstrangetaleInthemoodthatstillnessbrings，AndIgrewtoacceptasthedayworepaleThatshowofthings。
"FORLIFEIHADNEVERCAREDGREATLY"
ForLifeIhadnevercaredgreatly，Asworthaman’swhile；
Peradventuresunsought，Peradventuresthatfinishedinnought，HadkeptmefromyouthandthroughmanhoodtilllatelyUnwonbyitsstyle。
Inearliestyears——whyIknownot—
Ivieweditaskance；
Conditionsofdoubt，Conditionsthatleakedslowlyout，MayhaplyhavebentmetostandandtoshownotMuchzestforitsdance。
WithsymphoniessoftandsweetcolourItcourtedmethen，Tillevasionsseemedwrong，Tillevasionsgaveintoitssong，AndIwarmed，untillivingalooflyloomeddullerThanlifeamongmen。
AnewIfoundnoughttoseteyeson，When，liftingitshand，Ituncloakedastar，Uncloakeditfromfog—dampsafar，AndshoweditsbeamsburningfrompoletohorizonAsbrightasabrand。
Andso，theroughhighwayforgetting，IpacehillanddaleRegardingthesky，Regardingthevisiononhigh，Andthusre—illumedhavenohumourforlettingMypilgrimagefail。
"MENWHOMARCHAWAY"
（SONGOFTHESOLDIERS）
WhatofthefaithandfirewithinusMenwhomarchawayErethebarn—cockssayNightisgrowinggray，Leavingallthatherecanwinus；
WhatofthefaithandfirewithinusMenwhomarchaway？
Isitapurblindprank，Othinkyou，Friendwiththemusingeye，WhowatchussteppingbyWithdoubtanddoloroussigh？
Canmuchponderingsohoodwinkyou!
Isitapurblindprank，Othinkyou，Friendwiththemusingeye？
Nay。Wewellseewhatwearedoing，Thoughsomemaynotsee—
Dalliersastheybe—
England’sneedarewe；
Herdistresswouldleaveusrueing：
Nay。Wewellseewhatwearedoing，Thoughsomemaynotsee!
InourheartofheartsbelievingVictorycrownsthejust，AndthatbraggartsmustSurelybitethedust，Presswetothefieldungrieving，InourheartofheartsbelievingVictorycrownsthejust。
HencethefaithandfirewithinusMenwhomarchawayErethebarn—cockssayNightisgrowinggray，Leavingallthatherecanwinus；
HencethefaithandfirewithinusMenwhomarchaway。
September5，1914。
HISCOUNTRY
[Hetravelssouthward，andlooksaround；]
IjourneyedfrommynativespotAcrossthesouthseashine，AndfoundthatpeopleinhallandcotLabouredandsufferedeachhislotEvenasIdidmine。
[andcannotdiscerntheboundary]
ThusnotingtheminmeadsandmartsItdidnotseemtomeThatmydearcountrywithitshearts，Minds，yearnings，worseandbetterpartsHadendedwiththesea。
[ofhisnativecountry；]
Ifurtherandfurtherwentanon，AssuchIstillsurveyed，Andfurtheryet——yea，onandon，AndallthemenIlookeduponHadheart—stringsfellow—made。
[orwherehisdutiestohisfellow—creaturesend；]
Itracedthewholeterrestrialround，Homingtheotherside；
ThensaidI，"WhatistheretoboundMydenizenship？ItseemsIhavefoundItsscopetobeworld—wide。"
[norwhoarehisenemies]
Iaskedme："WhomhaveItofight，AndwhomhaveItodare，Andwhomtoweaken，crush，andblight？
MycountryseemstohavekeptinsightOnmywayeverywhere。"
1913。
ENGLANDTOGERMANYIN1914
"OEngland，mayGodpunishthee!"
—IsitthatTeutongeniusflowersOnlytobreathemalignityUponitsfriendofearlierhours？
—Wehaveeatenyourbread，youhaveeatenours，Wehavelovedyourburgs，yourpines’greenmoan，FairRhine—stream，anditsstoriedtowers；
YourshiningsoulsofdeathlessdowersHavewonusastheywereourown：
Wehavenursednodreamstoshedyourblood，Wehavematchedyourmightnotrancorously，SaveaflushedfewwhoseblatantmoodYouheardandmarkedaswellasweTotonguenotintheircountry’skey；
Butyetyoucrywithfaceaflame，"OEngland，mayGodpunishthee!"
Andfoulinonwardhistory，Andpresentsight，yourancientname。
Autumn1914。
ONTHEBELGIANEXPATRIATION
IdreamtthatpeoplefromtheLandofChimesArrivedoneautumnmorningwiththeirbells，TohoistthemonthetowersandcitadelsOfmyowncountry，thatthemusicalrhymesRungbythemintospaceatmetedtimesAmidthemarket’sdailystirandstress，Andthenight’semptystar—litsilentness，Mightsolacesoulsofthisandkindredclimes。
ThenIawoke；andlo，beforemestoodThevisionedones，butpaleandfulloffear；
FromBrugestheycame，andAntwerp，andOstend，Nocarillonsintheirtrain。FoesofmadmoodHadshatteredthesetoshardsamidthegearOfravagedroof，andsmoulderinggable—end。
October18，1914。
ANAPPEALTOAMERICA
ONBEHALFOFTHEBELGIANDESTITUTE
SevenmillionsstandEmaciate，inthatancientDelta—land：—
Wehere，full—chargedwithourownmaimedanddead，Andcoiledinthrobbingconflictsslowandsore，CanpoorlysoothetheseailsunmeritedOfsoulsforlornuponthefacingshore!—
Wherenaked，gaunt，inendlessbandonbandSevenmillionsstand。
NomancansayToyourgreatcountrythat，withscantdelay，Youmust，perforce，easethemintheirloudneed：
Weknowthatnearerfirstyourdutylies；
But——isitmuchtoaskthatyouletpleadYourlovingkindnesswithyou——wooing—wise—
Albeitthataughtyouowe，andmustrepay，Nomancansay？
December1914。
THEPITYOFIT
IwalkedinloamyWessexlanes，afarFromrail—trackandfromhighway，andIheardInfieldandfarmsteadmanyanancientwordOflocallineagelike"Thubist，""Erwar，"
"Ichwoll，""Ersholl，"andby—talksimilar，Nighastheyspeakwhointhismonth’smoongirdAtEngland’sveryloins，thereuntospurredBygangswhoseglorythreatsandslaughtersare。
ThenseemedaHeartcrying："WhosoevertheybeAtrootandbottomofthis，whoflungthisflameBetweenkinfolkkintonguedevenasarewe，"Sinister，ugly，lurid，betheirfame；
Maytheirfamiliarsgrowtoshuntheirname，Andtheirbroodperisheverlastingly。"
April1915。
INTIMEOFWARSANDTUMULTS
"WouldthatI’dnotdrawnbreathhere!"someonesaid，"Tostalkuponthisstageofevildeeds，WherepurposelesslymonthbymonthproceedsAplaysosorelyshapedandblood—bespread。"
Yethadhissparknotquickened，butlaindeadTothegrossspectaclesofthisourday，Andneverputontheprofferedcloakofclay，Hehadbutknownnotthingsnowmanifested；
Lifewouldhaveswirledthesame。MornswouldhavedawnedOntheuprootingbythenight—gun’sstrokeOfwhattheyesternoonshinebroughttoflower；
BrownmartialbrowsindyingthroeshavewannedDespitehisabsence；heartsnofewerbeenbrokeByEmpery’sinsatiatelustofpower。
1915。
INTIMEOF"THEBREAKINGOFNATIONS"{1}
I
OnlyamanharrowingclodsInaslowsilentwalkWithanoldhorsethatstumblesandnodsHalfasleepastheystalk。
II
OnlythinsmokewithoutflameFromtheheapsofcouch—grass；
YetthiswillgoonwardthesameThoughDynastiespass。
III
YonderamaidandherwightComewhisperingby：
War’sannalswillcloudintonightEretheirstorydie。
1915。
CRYOFTHEHOMELESS
AFTERTHEPRUSSIANINVASIONOFBELGIUM
"Instigatoroftheruin—
WhichsoeverthoumaystbeOfthemasterfulofEuropeThatcontrivedourmisery—
Hearthewormwood—wordedgreetingFromeachcity，shore，andleaOfthyvictims：
"Conqueror，allhailtothee!"
"Yea：’Allhail!’wegrimlyshouttheeThatwastauthor，fount，andheadOfthesewounds，whoeverprovenWhenourtimesarethroughlyread。
’Maythylovedbeslighted，blighted，Andforsaken，’beitsaidBythyvictims，’Andthychildrenbegtheirbread!’
"Nay：arichermalediction!—
RatherletthisthingbefallIntime’shurlingandunfurlingOnthenightwhencomesthycall；
ThatcompassiondewthypillowAndbedrenchthysensesallForthyvictims，Tilldeathdarktheewithhispall。"
August1915。
BEFOREMARCHINGANDAFTER
（inMemoriamF。W。G。）
OrionswungsouthwardaslantWherethestarvedEgdonpine—treeshadthinned，ThePleiadsaloftseemedtopantWiththeheatherthattwitchedinthewind；
Buthelookedonindifferenttosightssuchasthese，Unswayedbylove，friendship，homejoyorhomesorrow，Andwonderedtowhathewouldmarchonthemorrow。
Thecrazedhousehold—clockwithitswhirrRangmidnightwithinashestood，HeheardthelowsighingofherWhohadstrivenfromhisbirthforhisgood；
Buthestillonlyaskedthespringstarlight，thebreeze，WhatgreatthingorsmallthinghishistorywouldborrowFromthatGamewithDeathhewouldplayonthemorrow。
Whentheheathworetherobeoflatesummer，Andthefuchsia—bells，hotinthesun，Hungredbythedoor，aquickcomerBroughttidingsthatmarchingwasdoneForhimwhohadjoinedinthatgameoverseasWhereDeathstoodtowin，thoughhisnamewastoborrowAbrightnesstherefromnottofadeonthemorrow。
September1915。
"OFTENWHENWARRING"
Oftenwhenwarringforhewistnotwhat，Anenemy—soldier，passingbyoneweak，Hastenderedwater，wipedtheburningcheek，Andcooledthelipssoblackandclammedandhot；
Thengonehisway，andmaybequiteforgotThedeedofgraceamidtheroarandreek；
YetlargervisionthanloudarmsbespeakHetherehasreached，althoughhehasknownitnot。
Fornaturalmindsight，triumphingintheactOverthethroesofartificialrage，Hasthuswisemuffledvictory’spealofpride，Rendedtoribandspolicy’sspeciouspageThatdealsbutwithevasion，code，andpact，Andwar’sapologywhollystultified。
1915。
THENANDNOW
WhenbattleswerefoughtWithachivalroussenseofShouldandOught，Inspiritmensaid，"Endwequickordead，Honourissomereward!
Letusfightfair——forourownbestorworst；
So，GentlemenoftheGuard，Firefirst!"
Intheopentheystood，Mantomaninhisknightlihood：
TheywouldnotdeignToprofitbyastainOnthehonourablerules，KnowingthatpractiseperfidynomandurstWhointheheroicschoolsWasnurst。
Butnow，behold，whatIswarfarewhereinhonourisnot!
RamalamentsItsdeadinnocents：
Herodbreathes："SlyslaughterShallrule!Letus，bymodesoncecalledaccurst，Overhead，underwater，Stabfirst。"
1915。
ACALLTONATIONALSERVICE
Upandbedoing，allwhohaveahandTolift，abacktobend。ItmustnotbeIntimeslikethesethatvaguelylingerweToairourvauntsandhopes；andleaveourlandUntendedasawildofweedsandsand。
—Say，then，"Icome!"andgo，OwomenandmenOfpalace，ploughshare，easel，counter，pen；
Thatscareless，scathless，Englandstillmaystand。
WouldyearsbutletmestirasonceIstirredAtmanyadawntotaketheforwardtrack，Andwithastrideplungedontoenterprize，InowwouldspeedlikeyesterwindthatwhirredThroughyieldingpines；andservewithneveraslack，Soloudforpromptnessallaroundoutcries!
March1917。
THEDEADANDTHELIVINGONE
Thedeadwomanlayinherfirstnight’sgrave，Andtwilightfellfromtheclouds’concave，Andthoseshehadaskedtoforgiveforgave。
ThewomanpassingcametoapauseBytheheapedwhiteshapesofwreathandcross，Andlookeduponwheretheotherwas。
Andasshemusedtherethusspokeshe：
"NeveryourcountenancedidIsee，Butyou’vebeenagoodgoodfriendtome!"
Roseaplaintivevoicefromthesodbelow：
"OwomanwhoseaccentsIdonotknow，Whatisitthatmakesyouapprovemeso？"
"Odeadone，eremysoldierwent，Iheardhimsaying，withwarmintent，Tohisfriend，whenwonbyyourblandishment：
"’Iwouldchangeforthatlasshereandnow!
AndifIreturnImaybreakmyvowTomypresentLove，andcontrivesomehow"’Tocallmyownthisnew—foundpearl，Whoseeyeshavethelight，whoselipsthecurl，Ialwayshavelookedforinagirl!’
"——Andthisiswhythatbyceasingtobe—
ThoughneveryourcountenancedidIsee—
Youproveyouagoodgoodfriendtome；
"AndIprayeachhourforyoursoul’sreposeIngratitudeforyourjoiningthoseNoloverwillclaspwhenhiscampaignsclose。"
Awaysheturned，whenarosetohereyeAmartialphantomofgorydye，Thatsaid，withathinandfar—offsigh：
"Osweetheart，neithershallIclaspyou，Forthefoethisdayhaspiercedmethrough，Andsentmetowheresheis。Adieu!—
"Andforgetnotwhenthenight—wind’swhineCallsoverthisturfwhereherlimbsrecline，Thatittravelsontolamentbymine。"
Therewasacrybythewhite—floweredmound，Therewasalaughfromunderground，Therewasadeepergloomaround。
1915。
ANEWYEAR’SEVEINWARTIME
I
Phantasmalfears，Andtheflapoftheflame，Andthethroboftheclock，Andaloosenedslate，Andtheblindnight’sdrone，Whichtiredlythespectralpinesintone!
II
AndthebloodinmyearsStrummingalwaysthesame，Andthegable—cockWithitsfitfulgrate，Andmyself，alone。
III
ThetwelfthhournearsHand—hid，asinshame；
Iundothelock，Andlisten，andwaitFortheYoungUnknown。
IV
Inthedarktherecareers—
AsifDeathastridecameTonumballwithhisknock—
AhorseatmadrateOverrutandstone。
V
Nofigureappears，Nocallofmyname，Nosoundbut"Tic—toc"
Withoutcheck。PastthegateItclatters——isgone。
VI
WhatrideritbearsThereisnonetoproclaim；
AndtheOldYearhasstruck，And，scarceanimate，TheNewmakesmoan。
VII
Maybethat"MoreTears!—
MoreFamineandFlame—
MoreSeveranceandShock!"
IstheorderfromFateThattheRiderspeedsonTopaleEurope；andtiredlythepinesintone。
1915—1916。
"IMETAMAN"
Imetamanwhennightwasnigh，Whosaid，withshiningfaceandeyeLikeMoses’afterSinai：—
"IhaveseentheMoulderofMonarchies，Realms，peoples，plainsandhills，Sittinguponthesunlitseas!—
And，asHesat，soliloquiesFellfromHimlikeanantiphonicbreezeThatpricksthewavestothrills。
"MeseemedthatofthemaimedanddeadMowndownupontheglobe，—
TheirplenteousbloomsofpromiseshedErefruiting—time——Hiswordsweresaid，SittingagainstthewesternwebofredWraptinHiscrimsonrobe。
"AndIcouldcatchthemnowandthen：
——’WhyletthesegamblingclansOfhumanCockers，pitliegemenFrommartandcity，daleandglen，Indeath—mains，buttoswellandswellagainTheirswollenAll—Emperyplans，"’Whenamerenod（ifmymalignCompeerbutpassivekeep）
WouldmendthatoldmistakeofmineImadewithSaul，andeverconsignAllLordsofWarwhosesanctuariesenshrineLiberticide，tosleep？
"’WithviolencethelandsarespreadEvenasinIsrael’sday，AnditrepentethmeIbredCharteredarmipotentslust—ledTofeuds……Yea，grievesmyheart，asthenIsaid，Toseetheirevilway!’
——"Theutterancegrew，andflappedlikeflame，AndfurtherspeechIfeared；
ButnoCelestialtonguedacclaim，Andnohuzzasfromearthlingscame，Andtheheavensmutelymaskedas’twereinshameTilldaylightdisappeared。"
Thusendedheasnightrodehigh—
Themanofshiningfaceandeye，LikeMoses’afterSinai。
1916。
"ILOOKEDUPFROMMYWRITING"
Ilookedupfrommywriting，Andgaveastarttosee，Asifraptinmyinditing，Themoon’sfullgazeonme。
HermeditativemistyheadWasspectralinitsair，AndIinvoluntarilysaid，"Whatareyoudoingthere？"
"Oh，I’vebeenscanningpondandholeAndwaterwayhereaboutForthebodyofonewithasunkensoulWhohasputhislife—lightout。
"Didyouhearhisfrenziedtattle？
ItwassorrowforhissonWhoisslaininbrutishbattle，Thoughhehasinjurednone。
"AndnowIamcurioustolookIntotheblinkeredmindOfonewhowantstowriteabookInaworldofsuchakind。"
Hertemperoverwroughtme，AndIedgedtoshunherview，ForIfeltassuredshethoughtmeOnewhoshoulddrownhimtoo。
THECOMINGOFTHEEND
Howitcametoanend!
Themeetingafarfromthecrowd，Andthelove—looksandlaughtersunpenned，Thepartingwhenmuchwasavowed，Howitcametoanend!
Itcametoanend；
Yes，theoutgazingoverthestream，Withthesunoneachserpentinebend，Or，later，theluringmoon—gleam；
Itcametoanend。
Itcametoanend，Thehousebuilding，furnishing，planting，AsiftherewereagestospendInwelcoming，feasting，andjaunting；
Itcametoanend。
Itcametoanend，Thatjourneyofonedayaweek：
（"Italwaysgoeson，"saidafriend，"Justthesameinbrightweathersorbleak；"）
Butitcametoanend。
"HOWwillcometoanendThisorbitsosmoothlybegun，Unlesssomeconvulsionattend？"
Ioftensaid。"WhatwillbedoneWhenitcomestoanend？"
Well，itcametoanendQuitesilently——stoppedwithoutjerk；
Betterclosenoprevisioncouldlend；
WorkingoutasOneplanneditshouldworkEreitcametoanend。
AFTERWARDS
WhenthePresenthaslatcheditsposternbehindmytremulousstay，AndtheMaymonthflapsitsgladgreenleaveslikewings，Delicate—filmedasnew—spunsilk，willtheneighbourssay，"Hewasamanwhousedtonoticesuchthings"？
Ifitbeintheduskwhen，likeaneyelid’ssoundlessblink，Thedewfall—hawkcomescrossingtheshadestoalightUponthewind—warpeduplandthorn，agazermaythink，"Tohimthismusthavebeenafamiliarsight。"
IfIpassduringsomenocturnalblackness，mothyandwarm，Whenthehedgehogtravelsfurtivelyoverthelawn，Onemaysay，"Hestrovethatsuchinnocentcreaturesshouldcometonoharm，Buthecoulddolittleforthem；andnowheisgone"？
If，whenhearingthatIhavebeenstilledatlast，theystandatthedoor，Watchingthefull—starredheavensthatwintersees，Willthisthoughtriseonthosewhowillmeetmyfacenomore，"Hewasonewhohadaneyeforsuchmysteries"？
Andwillanysaywhenmybellofquittanceisheardinthegloom，Andacrossingbreezecutsapauseinitsoutrollings，Tilltheyriseagain，astheywereanewbell’sboom，"Hehearsitnotnow，butusedtonoticesuchthings"？
Footnotes：
{1}Jer。li。20。