"Youmakethelittlemantobeafraid，Captain，"saidtheGermanJew，turningupthedarkandstrongoutlineofhisvisagefromhisstoopingposture。"Butlookagain，and，bychance，Ishallcauseyoutoseesomewhatthatisveryfine，uponmyword！"
　　EthanBrandgazedintotheboxforaninstant，andthenstartingback，lookedfixedlyattheGerman。Whathadheseen？Nothing，apparently;foracuriousyouth，whohadpeepedinalmostatthesamemoment，beheldonlyavacantspaceofcanvas。
　　"Irememberyounow，"mutteredEthanBrandtotheshowman。
　　"Ah，Captain，"whisperedtheJewofNuremberg，withadarksmile，"Ifindittobeaheavymatterinmyshow-box，——thisUnpardonableSin！Bymyfaith，Captain，ithasweariedmyshoulders，thislongday，tocarryitoverthemountain。"
　　"Peace，"answeredEthanBrand，sternly，"orgettheeintothefurnaceyonder！"
　　TheJew’sexhibitionhadscarcelyconcluded，whenagreat，elderlydog——whoseemedtobehisownmaster，asnopersoninthecompanylaidclaimtohim——sawfittorenderhimselftheobjectofpublicnotice。Hitherto，hehadshownhimselfaveryquiet，well-disposedolddog，goingroundfromonetoanother，and，bywayofbeingsociable，offeringhisroughheadtobepattedbyanykindlyhandthatwouldtakesomuchtrouble。Butnow，allofasudden，thisgraveandvenerablequadruped，ofhisownmeremotion，andwithouttheslightestsuggestionfromanybodyelse，begantorunroundafterhistail，which，toheightentheabsurdityoftheproceeding，wasagreatdealshorterthanitshouldhavebeen。Neverwasseensuchheadlongeagernessinpursuitofanobjectthatcouldnotpossiblybeattained;neverwasheardsuchatremendousoutbreakofgrowling，snarling，barking，andsnapping，——asifoneendoftheridiculousbrute’sbodywereatdeadlyandmostunforgivableenmitywiththeother。Fasterandfaster，roundaboutwentthecur;andfasterandstillfasterfledtheunapproachablebrevityofhistail;andlouderandfiercergrewhisyellsofrageandanimosity;until，utterlyexhausted，andasfarfromthegoalasever，thefoolisholddogceasedhisperformanceassuddenlyashehadbegunit。
　　Thenextmomenthewasasmild，quiet，sensible，andrespectableinhisdeportment，aswhenhefirstscrapedacquaintancewiththecompany。
　　Asmaybesupposed，theexhibitionwasgreetedwithuniversallaughter，clappingofhands，andshoutsofencore，towhichthecanineperformerrespondedbywaggingallthattherewastowagofhistail，butappearedtotallyunabletorepeathisverysuccessfulefforttoamusethespectators。
　　Meanwhile，EthanBrandhadresumedhisseatuponthelog，andmoved，asitmightbe，byaperceptionofsomeremoteanalogybetweenhisowncaseandthatofthisself-pursuingcur，hebrokeintotheawfullaugh，which，morethananyothertoken，expressedtheconditionofhisinwardbeing。Fromthatmoment，themerrimentofthepartywasatanend;theystoodaghast，dreadinglesttheinauspicioussoundshouldbereverberatedaroundthehorizon，andthatmountainwouldthunderittomountain，andsothehorrorbeprolongedupontheirears。Then，whisperingonetoanotherthatitwaslate，——thatthemoonwasalmostdown，-thattheAugustnightwasgrowingchill，——theyhurriedhomewards，leavingthelime-burnerandlittleJoetodealastheymightwiththeirunwelcomeguest。Saveforthesethreehumanbeings，theopenspaceonthehill-sidewasasolitude，setinavastgloomofforest。Beyondthatdarksomeverge，thefirelightglimmeredonthestatelytrunksandalmostblackfoliageofpines，intermixedwiththelighterverdureofsaplingoaks，maples，andpoplars，whilehereandtherelaythegiganticcorpsesofdeadtrees，decayingontheleaf-strewnsoil。AnditseemedtolittleJoe——atimorousandimaginativechild——thatthesilentforestwasholdingitsbreathuntilsomefearfulthingshouldhappen。
　　EthanBrandthrustmorewoodintothefire，andclosedthedoorofthekiln;thenlookingoverhisshoulderatthelime-burnerandhisson，hebade，ratherthanadvised，themtoretiretorest。
　　"Formyself，Icannotsleep，"saidhe。"Ihavemattersthatitconcernsmetomeditateupon。Iwillwatchthefire，asIusedtodointheoldtime。"
　　"AndcalltheDeviloutofthefurnacetokeepyoucompany，I
　　suppose，"mutteredBartram，whohadbeenmakingintimateacquaintancewiththeblackbottleabovementioned。"Butwatch，ifyoulike，andcallasmanydevilsasyoulike！Formypart，I
　　shallbeallthebetterforasnooze。Come，Joe！"
　　Astheboyfollowedhisfatherintothehut，helookedbackatthewayfarer，andthetearscameintohiseyes，forhistenderspirithadanintuitionofthebleakandterriblelonelinessinwhichthismanhadenvelopedhimself。
　　Whentheyhadgone，EthanBrandsatlisteningtothecracklingofthekindledwood，andlookingatthelittlespirtsoffirethatissuedthroughthechinksofthedoor。Thesetrifles，however，oncesofamiliar，hadbuttheslightestholdofhisattention，whiledeepwithinhismindhewasreviewingthegradualbutmarvellouschangethathadbeenwroughtuponhimbythesearchtowhichhehaddevotedhimself。Herememberedhowthenightdewhadfallenuponhim，——howthedarkforesthadwhisperedtohim，——howthestarshadgleameduponhim，——asimpleandlovingman，watchinghisfireintheyearsgoneby，andevermusingasitburned。Herememberedwithwhattenderness，withwhatloveandsympathyformankindandwhatpityforhumanguiltandwoe，hehadfirstbeguntocontemplatethoseideaswhichafterwardsbecametheinspirationofhislife;withwhatreverencehehadthenlookedintotheheartofman，viewingitasatempleoriginallydivine，and，howeverdesecrated，stilltobeheldsacredbyabrother;withwhatawfulfearhehaddeprecatedthesuccessofhispursuit，andprayedthattheUnpardonableSinmightneverberevealedtohim。Thenensuedthatvastintellectualdevelopment，which，initsprogress，disturbedthecounterpoisebetweenhismindandheart。TheIdeathatpossessedhislifehadoperatedasameansofeducation;ithadgoneoncultivatinghispowerstothehighestpointofwhichtheyweresusceptible;ithadraisedhimfromthelevelofanunletteredlaborertostandonastar-liteminence，whitherthephilosophersoftheearth，ladenwiththeloreofuniversities，mightvainlystrivetoclamberafterhim。Somuchfortheintellect！Butwherewastheheart？That，indeed，hadwithered，——hadcontracted，——hadhardened，——hadperished！Ithadceasedtopartakeoftheuniversalthrob。Hehadlosthisholdofthemagneticchainofhumanity。Hewasnolongerabrother-man，openingthechambersorthedungeonsofourcommonnaturebythekeyofholysympathy，whichgavehimarighttoshareinallitssecrets;hewasnowacoldobserver，lookingonmankindasthesubjectofhisexperiment，and，atlength，convertingmanandwomantobehispuppets，andpullingthewiresthatmovedthemtosuchdegreesofcrimeasweredemandedforhisstudy。
　　ThusEthanBrandbecameafiend。Hebegantobesofromthemomentthathismoralnaturehadceasedtokeepthepaceofimprovementwithhisintellect。Andnow，ashishighesteffortandinevitabledevelopment，——asthebrightandgorgeousflower，andrich，deliciousfruitofhislife’slabor，——hehadproducedtheUnpardonableSin！
　　"WhatmorehaveItoseek？whatmoretoachieve？"saidEthanBrandtohimself。"Mytaskisdone，andwelldone！"
　　Startingfromthelogwithacertainalacrityinhisgaitandascendingthehillockofearththatwasraisedagainstthestonecircumferenceofthelime-kiln，hethusreachedthetopofthestructure。Itwasaspaceofperhapstenfeetacross，fromedgetoedge，presentingaviewoftheuppersurfaceoftheimmensemassofbrokenmarblewithwhichthekilnwasheaped。Alltheseinnumerableblocksandfragmentsofmarblewereredhotandvividlyonfire，sendingupgreatspoutsofblueflame，whichquiveredaloftanddancedmadly，aswithinamagiccircle，andsankandroseagain，withcontinualandmultitudinousactivity。
　　Asthelonelymanbentforwardoverthisterriblebodyoffire，theblastingheatsmoteupagainsthispersonwithabreaththat，itmightbesupposed，wouldhavescorchedandshrivelledhimupinamoment。
　　EthanBrandstooderect，andraisedhisarmsonhigh。Theblueflamesplayeduponhisface，andimpartedthewildandghastlylightwhichalonecouldhavesuiteditsexpression;itwasthatofafiendonthevergeofplungingintohisgulfofintensesttorment。
　　"OMotherEarth，"criedhe，"whoartnomoremyMother，andintowhosebosomthisframeshallneverberesolved！Omankind，whosebrotherhoodIhavecastoff，andtrampledthygreatheartbeneathmyfeet！Ostarsofheaven，thatshoneonmeofold，asiftolightmeonwardandupward！——farewellall，andforever。Come，deadlyelementofFire，-henceforthmyfamiliarfriend！Embraceme，asIdothee！"
　　Thatnightthesoundofafearfulpealoflaughterrolledheavilythroughthesleepofthelime-burnerandhislittleson;dimshapesofhorrorandanguishhauntedtheirdreams，andseemedstillpresentintherudehovel，whentheyopenedtheireyestothedaylight。
　　"Up，boy，up！"criedthelime-burner，staringabouthim。"ThankHeaven，thenightisgone，atlast;andratherthanpasssuchanother，Iwouldwatchmylime-kiln，wideawake，foratwelvemonth。ThisEthanBrand，withhishumbugofanUnpardonableSin，hasdonemenosuchmightyfavor，intakingmyplace！"
　　Heissuedfromthehut，followedbylittleJoe，whokeptfastholdofhisfather’shand。Theearlysunshinewasalreadypouringitsgolduponthemountain-tops，andthoughthevalleyswerestillinshadow，theysmiledcheerfullyinthepromiseofthebrightdaythatwashasteningonward。Thevillage，completelyshutinbyhills，whichswelledawaygentlyaboutit，lookedasifithadrestedpeacefullyinthehollowofthegreathandofProvidence。Everydwellingwasdistinctlyvisible;thelittlespiresofthetwochurchespointedupwards，andcaughtafore-glimmeringofbrightnessfromthesun-giltskiesupontheirgildedweather-cocks。Thetavernwasastir，andthefigureoftheold，smoke-driedstage-agent，cigarinmouth，wasseenbeneaththestoop。OldGraylockwasglorifiedwithagoldenclouduponhishead。Scatteredlikewiseoverthebreastsofthesurroundingmountains，therewereheapsofhoarymist，infantasticshapes，someofthemfardownintothevalley，othershighuptowardsthesummits，andstillothers，ofthesamefamilyofmistorcloud，hoveringinthegoldradianceoftheupperatmosphere。Steppingfromonetoanotherofthecloudsthatrestedonthehills，andthencetotheloftierbrotherhoodthatsailedinair，itseemedalmostasifamortalmanmightthusascendintotheheavenlyregions。Earthwassomingledwithskythatitwasaday-dreamtolookatit。
　　Tosupplythatcharmofthefamiliarandhomely，whichNaturesoreadilyadoptsintoascenelikethis，thestage-coachwasrattlingdownthemountain-road，andthedriversoundedhishorn，whileEchocaughtupthenotes，andintertwinedthemintoarichandvariedandelaborateharmony，ofwhichtheoriginalperformercouldlayclaimtolittleshare。Thegreathillsplayedaconcertamongthemselves，eachcontributingastrainofairysweetness。
　　LittleJoe’sfacebrightenedatonce。
　　"Dearfather，"criedhe，skippingcheerilytoandfro，"thatstrangemanisgone，andtheskyandthemountainsallseemgladofit！"
　　"Yes，"growledthelime-burner，withanoath，"buthehasletthefiregodown，andnothankstohimiffivehundredbushelsoflimearenotspoiled。IfIcatchthefellowhereaboutsagain，I
　　shallfeelliketossinghimintothefurnace！"
　　Withhislongpoleinhishand，heascendedtothetopofthekiln。Afteramoment’spause，hecalledtohisson。
　　"Comeuphere，Joe！"saidhe。
　　SolittleJoeranupthehillock，andstoodbyhisfather’sside。
　　Themarblewasallburntintoperfect，snow-whitelime。Butonitssurface，inthemidstofthecircle，——snow-whitetoo，andthoroughlyconvertedintolime，——layahumanskeleton，intheattitudeofapersonwho，afterlongtoil，liesdowntolongrepose。Withintheribs——strangetosay——wastheshapeofahumanheart。
　　"Wasthefellow’sheartmadeofmarble？"criedBartram，insomeperplexityatthisphenomenon。"Atanyrate，itisburntintowhatlookslikespecialgoodlime;and，takingallthebonestogether，mykilnishalfabushelthericherforhim。"
　　Sosaying，therudelime-burnerliftedhispole，and，lettingitfallupontheskeleton，therelicsofEthanBrandwerecrumbledintofragments。
　　THECANTERBURYPILGRIMS
　　Thesummermoon，whichshinesinsomanyatale，wasbeamingoverabroadextentofunevencountry。Someofitsbrightestrayswereflungintoaspringofwater，wherenotraveller，toiling，asthewriterhas，upthehillyroadbesidewhichitgushes，everfailedtoquenchhisthirst。Theworkofneathandsandconsiderateartwasvisibleaboutthisblessedfountain。Anopencistern，hewnandhollowedoutofsolidstone，wasplacedabovethewaters，whichfilledittothebrim，butbysomeinvisibleoutletwereconveyedawaywithoutdrippingdownitssides。Thoughthebasinhadnotroomforanotherdrop，andthecontinualgushofwatermadeatremoronthesurface，therewasasecretcharmthatforbadeittooverflow。Iremember，thatwhenIhadslakedmysummerthirst，andsatpantingbythecistern，itwasmyfancifultheorythatNaturecouldnotaffordtolavishsopurealiquid，asshedoesthewatersofallmeanerfountains。
　　Whilethemoonwashangingalmostperpendicularlyoverthisspot，twofiguresappearedonthesummitofthehill，andcamewithnoiselessfootstepsdowntowardsthespring。Theyweretheninthefirstfreshnessofyouth;noristhereawrinklenowoneitheroftheirbrows，andyettheyworeastrange，old-fashionedgarb。One，ayoungmanwithruddycheeks，walkedbeneaththecanopyofabroad-brimmedgrayhat;heseemedtohaveinheritedhisgreat-grandsire’ssquare-skirtedcoat，andawaistcoatthatextendeditsimmenseflapstohisknees;hisbrownlocks，also，hungdownbehind，inamodeunknowntoourtimes。Byhissidewasasweetyoungdamsel，herfairfeaturesshelteredbyaprimlittlebonnet，withinwhichappearedthevestalmuslinofacap;
　　herclose，long-waistedgown，andindeedherwholeattire，mighthavebeenwornbysomerusticbeautywhohadfadedhalfacenturybefore。Butthattherewassomethingtoowarmandlife-likeinthem，Iwouldherehavecomparedthiscoupletotheghostsoftwoyoungloverswhohaddiedlongsinceintheglowofpassion，andnowwerestrayingoutoftheirgraves，torenewtheoldvows，andshadowforththeunforgottenkissoftheirearthlylips，besidethemoonlitspring。
　　"TheeandIwillresthereamoment，Miriam，"saidtheyoungman，astheydrewnearthestonecistern，"forthereisnofearthattheeldersknowwhatwehavedone;andthismaybethelasttimeweshallevertastethiswater。"
　　Thusspeaking，withalittlesadnessinhisface，whichwasalsovisibleinthatofhiscompanion，hemadehersitdownonastone，andwasabouttoplacehimselfveryclosetoherside;
　　she，however，repelledhim，thoughnotunkindly。
　　"Nay，Josiah，"saidshe，givinghimatimidpushwithhermaidenhand，"theemustsitfartheroff，onthatotherstone，withthespringbetweenus。Whatwouldthesisterssay，iftheeweretositsoclosetome？"
　　"Butweareoftheworld’speoplenow，Miriam，"answeredJosiah。
　　Thegirlpersistedinherprudery，nordidtheyouth，infact，seemaltogetherfreefromasimilarsortofshyness;sotheysatapartfromeachother，gazingupthehill，wherethemoonlightdiscoveredthetopsofagroupofbuildings。Whiletheirattentionwasthusoccupied，apartyoftravellers，whohadcomewearilyupthelongascent，madeahalttorefreshthemselvesatthespring。Therewerethreemen，awoman，andalittlegirlandboy。Theirattirewasmean，coveredwiththedustofthesummer’sday，anddampwiththenight-dew;theyalllookedwoebegone，asifthecaresandsorrowsoftheworldhadmadetheirstepsheavierastheyclimbedthehill;eventhetwolittlechildrenappearedolderinevildaysthantheyoungmanandmaidenwhohadfirstapproachedthespring。
　　"Goodeveningtoyou，youngfolks，"wasthesalutationofthetravellers;and"Goodevening，friends，"repliedtheyouthanddamsel。
　　"IsthatwhitebuildingtheShakermeeting-house？"askedoneofthestrangers。"AndarethosetheredroofsoftheShakervillage？"
　　"Friend，itistheShakervillage，"answeredJosiah，aftersomehesitation。
　　Thetravellers，who，fromthefirst，hadlookedsuspiciouslyatthegarboftheseyoungpeople，nowtaxedthemwithanintentionwhichallthecircumstances，indeed，renderedtooobvioustobemistaken。
　　"Itistrue，friends，"repliedtheyoungman，summoninguphiscourage。"MiriamandIhaveagifttoloveeachother，andwearegoingamongtheworld’speople，toliveaftertheirfashion。Andyeknowthatwedonottransgressthelawoftheland;andneitherye，northeeldersthemselves，havearighttohinderus。"
　　"Yetyouthinkitexpedienttodepartwithoutleave-taking，"
　　remarkedoneofthetravellers。
　　"Yea，ye-a，"saidJosiah，reluctantly，"becausefatherJobisaveryawfulmantospeakwith;andbeingagedhimself，hehasbutlittlecharityforwhathecallstheiniquitiesoftheflesh。"
　　"Well，"saidthestranger，"wewillneitheruseforcetobringyoubacktothevillage，norwillwebetrayyoutotheelders。
　　Butsityouhereawhile，andwhenyouhaveheardwhatweshalltellyouoftheworldwhichwehaveleft，andintowhichyouaregoing，perhapsyouwillturnbackwithusofyourownaccord。
　　Whatsayyou？"addedhe，turningtohiscompanions。"Wehavetravelledthusfarwithoutbecomingknowntoeachother。Shallwetellourstories，herebythispleasantspring，forourownpastime，andthebenefitofthesemisguidedyounglovers？"
　　Inaccordancewiththisproposal，thewholepartystationedthemselvesroundthestonecistern;thetwochildren，beingveryweary，fellasleepuponthedampearth，andtheprettyShakergirl，whosefeelingswerethoseofanunoraTurkishlady，creptascloseaspossibletothefemaletraveller，andasfarasshewellcouldfromtheunknownmen。Thesamepersonwhohadhithertobeenthechiefspokesmannowstoodup，wavinghishatinhishand，andsufferedthemoonlighttofallfulluponhisfront。
　　"Inme，"saidhe，withacertainmajestyofutterance，——"inme，youbeholdapoet。"
　　Thoughalithographicprintofthisgentlemanisextant，itmaybewelltonoticethathewasnownearlyforty，athinandstoopingfigure，inablackcoat，outatelbows;notwithstandingtheillconditionofhisattire，therewereabouthimseveraltokensofapeculiarsortoffoppery，unworthyofamatureman，particularlyinthearrangementofhishairwhichwassodisposedastogiveallpossibleloftinessandbreadthtohisforehead。
　　However，hehadanintelligenteye，and，onthewhole，amarkedcountenance。
　　"Apoet！"repeatedtheyoungShaker，alittlepuzzledhowtounderstandsuchadesignation，seldomheardintheutilitariancommunitywherehehadspenthislife。"Oh，ay，Miriam，hemeansavarse-maker，theemustknow。"
　　Thisremarkjarreduponthesusceptiblenervesofthepoet;norcouldhehelpwonderingwhatstrangefatalityhadputintothisyoungman’smouthanepithet，whichill-naturedpeoplehadaffirmedtobemorepropertohismeritthantheoneassumedbyhimself。
　　"True，Iamaverse-maker，"heresumed，"butmyverseisnomorethanthematerialbodyintowhichIbreathethecelestialsoulofthought。Alas！howmanyapanghasitcostme，thissameinsensibilitytotheetherealessenceofpoetry，withwhichyouhaveheretorturedmeagain，atthemomentwhenIamtorelinquishmyprofessionforever！OFate！whyhastthouwarredwithNature，turningallherhigherandmoreperfectgiftstotheruinofme，theirpossessor？Whatisthevoiceofsong，whentheworldlackstheearoftaste？HowcanIrejoiceinmystrengthanddelicacyoffeeling，whentheyhavebutmadegreatsorrowsoutoflittleones？HaveIdreadedscornlikedeath，andyearnedforfameasotherspantforvitalair，onlytofindmyselfinamiddlestatebetweenobscurityandinfamy？ButIhavemyrevenge！
　　Icouldhavegivenexistencetoathousandbrightcreations。I
　　crushthemintomyheart，andthereletthemputrefy！Ishakeoffthedustofmyfeetagainstmycountrymen！Butposterity，tracingmyfootstepsupthiswearyhill，willcryshameupontheunworthyagethatdroveoneofthefathersofAmericansongtoendhisdaysinaShakervillage！"
　　Duringthisharangue，thespeakergesticulatedwithgreatenergy，and，aspoetryisthenaturallanguageofpassion，thereappearedreasontoapprehendhisfinalexplosionintoanodeextempore。
　　Thereadermustunderstandthat，forallthesebitterwords，hewasakind，gentle，harmless，poorfellowenough，whomNature，tossingheringredientstogetherwithoutlookingatherrecipe，hadsentintotheworldwithtoomuchofonesortofbrain，andhardlyanyofanother。
　　"Friend，"saidtheyoungShaker，insomeperplexity，"theeseemesttohavemetwithgreattroubles;and，doubtless，Ishouldpitythem，if——ifIcouldbutunderstandwhattheywere。"
　　"Happyinyourignorance！"repliedthepoet，withanairofsublimesuperiority。"Toyourcoarsermind，perhaps，ImayseemtospeakofmoreimportantgriefswhenIadd，whatIhadwell-
　　nighforgotten，thatIamoutatelbows，andalmoststarvedtodeath。Atanyrate，youhavetheadviceandexampleofoneindividualtowarnyouback;forIamcomehither，adisappointedman，flingingasidethefragmentsofmyhopes，andseekingshelterinthecalmretreatwhichyouaresoanxioustoleave。"
　　"Ithankthee，friend，"rejoinedtheyouth，"butIdonotmeantobeapoet，nor，Heavenbepraised！doIthinkMiriamevermadeavarseinherlife。Soweneednotfearthydisappointments。But，Miriam，"headded，withrealconcern，"theeknowestthattheeldersadmitnobodythathasnotagifttobeuseful。Now，whatunderthesuncantheydowiththispoorvarse-maker？"
　　"Nay，Josiah，donottheediscouragethepoorman，"saidthegirl，inallsimplicityandkindness。"Ourhymnsareveryrough，andperhapstheymaytrusthimtosmooththem。"
　　Withoutnoticingthishintofprofessionalemployment，thepoetturnedaway，andgavehimselfuptoasortofvaguereverie，whichhecalledthought。Sometimeshewatchedthemoon，pouringasilveryliquidontheclouds，throughwhichitslowlymeltedtilltheybecameallbright;thenhesawthesamesweetradiancedancingontheleafytreeswhichrustledasiftoshakeitoff，orsleepingonthehightopsofhills，orhoveringdownindistantvalleys，likethematerialofunshapeddreams;lastly，helookedintothespring，andtherethelightwasminglingwiththewater。Initscrystalbosom，too，beholdingallheavenreflectedthere，hefoundanemblemofapureandtranquilbreast。Helistenedtothatmostetherealofallsounds，thesongofcrickets，cominginfullchoiruponthewind，andfanciedthat，ifmoonlightcouldbeheard，itwouldsoundjustlikethat。
　　Finally，hetookadraughtattheShakerspring，and，asifitwerethetrueCastalia，wasforthwithmovedtocomposealyric，aFarewelltohisHarp，whichhesworeshouldbeitsclosingstrain，thelastversethatanungratefulworldshouldhavefromhim。Thiseffusion，withtwoorthreeotherlittlepieces，subsequentlywritten，hetookthefirstopportunitytosend，byoneoftheShakerbrethren，toConcord，wheretheywerepublishedintheNewHampshirePatriot。
　　Meantime，anotheroftheCanterburypilgrims，onesodifferentfromthepoetthatthedelicatefancyofthelattercouldhardlyhaveconceivedofhim，begantorelatehissadexperience。Hewasasmallman，ofquickandunquietgestures，aboutfiftyyearsold，withanarrowforehead，allwrinkledanddrawntogether。Heheldinhishandapencil，andacardofsomecommission-merchantinforeignparts，onthebackofwhich，fortherewaslightenoughtoreadorwriteby，heseemedreadytofigureoutacalculation。
　　"Youngman，"saidhe，abruptly，"whatquantityoflanddotheShakersownhere，inCanterbury？"
　　"ThatismorethanIcantellthee，friend，"answeredJosiah，"butitisaveryrichestablishment，andforalongwaybytheroadsidetheemayguessthelandtobeours，bytheneatnessofthefences。"
　　"Andwhatmaybethevalueofthewhole，"continuedthestranger，"withallthebuildingsandimprovements，prettynearly，inroundnumbers？"
　　"Oh，amonstroussum，——morethanIcanreckon，"repliedtheyoungShaker。
　　"Well，sir，"saidthepilgrim，"therewasaday，andnotverylongago，neither，whenIstoodatmycounting-roomwindow，andwatchedthesignalflagsofthreeofmyownshipsenteringtheharbor，fromtheEastIndies，fromLiverpool，andfromuptheStraits，andIwouldnothavegiventheinvoiceoftheleastofthemforthetitle-deedsofthiswholeShakersettlement。Youstare。Perhaps，now，youwon’tbelievethatIcouldhaveputmorevalueonalittlepieceofpaper，nobiggerthanthepalmofyourhand，thanallthesesolidacresofgrain，grass，andpasture-landwouldsellfor？"
　　"Iwon’tdisputeit，friend，"answeredJosiah，"butIknowIhadratherhavefiftyacresofthisgoodlandthanawholesheetofthypaper。"
　　"Youmaysaysonow，"saidtheruinedmerchant，bitterly，"formynamewouldnotbeworththepaperIshouldwriteiton。Ofcourse，youmusthaveheardofmyfailure？"
　　Andthestrangermentionedhisname，which，howevermightyitmighthavebeeninthecommercialworld，theyoungShakerhadneverheardofamongtheCanterburyhills。
　　"Notheardofmyfailure！"exclaimedthemerchant，considerablypiqued。"Why，itwasspokenofon’ChangeinLondon，andfromBostontoNewOrleansmentrembledintheirshoes。Atallevents，Ididfail，andyouseemehereonmyroadtotheShakervillage，where，doubtless（fortheShakersareashrewdsect），theywillhaveaduerespectformyexperience，andgivemethemanagementofthetradingpartoftheconcern，inwhichcaseIthinkIcanpledgemyselftodoubletheircapitalinfourorfiveyears。Turnbackwithme，youngman;forthoughyouwillnevermeetwithmygoodluck，youcanhardlyescapemybad。"
　　"Iwillnotturnbackforthis，"repliedJosiah。calmly，"anymorethanfortheadviceofthevarse-maker，betweenwhomandthee，friend，Iseeasortoflikeness，thoughIcan’tjustlysaywhereitlies。ButMiriamandIcanearnourdailybreadamongtheworld’speopleaswellasintheShakervillage。Anddowewantanythingmore，Miriam？"
　　"Nothingmore，Josiah，"saidthegirl，quietly。
　　"Yea，Miriam，anddailybreadforsomeotherlittlemouths，ifGodsendthem，"observedthesimpleShakerlad。
　　Miriamdidnotreply，butlookeddownintothespring，wheresheencounteredtheimageofherownprettyface，blushingwithintheprimlittlebonnet。Thethirdpilgrimnowtookuptheconversation。Hewasasunburntcountryman，oftallframeandbonystrength，onwhoserudeandmanlyfacethereappearedadarker，moresullenandobstinatedespondency，thanonthoseofeitherthepoetorthemerchant。
　　"Well，now，youngster，"hebegan，"thesefolkshavehadtheirsay，soI’lltakemyturn。Mystorywillcutbutapoorfigurebythesideoftheirs;forIneversupposedthatIcouldhavearighttomeatanddrink，andgreatpraisebesides，onlyfortaggingrhymestogether，asitseemsthismandoes;norevertriedtogetthesubstanceofhundredsintomyownhands，likethetraderthere。WhenIwasaboutofyouryears，Imarriedmeawife，——justsuchaneatandprettyyoungwomanasMiriam，ifthat’shername，——andallIaskedofProvidencewasanordinaryblessingonthesweatofmybrow，sothatwemightbedecentandcomfortable，andhavedailybreadforourselves，andforsomeotherlittlemouthsthatwesoonhadtofeed。Wehadnoverygreatprospectsbeforeus;butIneverwantedtobeidle;andI
　　thoughtitamatterofcoursethattheLordwouldhelpme，becauseIwaswillingtohelpmyself。"
　　"Anddidn’tHehelpthee，friend？"demandedJosiah，withsomeeagerness。
　　"No，"saidtheyeoman，sullenly;"forthenyouwouldnothaveseenmehere。Ihavelaboredhardforyears;andmymeanshavebeengrowingnarrower，andmylivingpoorer，andmyheartcolderandheavier，allthetime;tillatlastIcouldbearitnolonger。IsetmyselfdowntocalculatewhetherIhadbestgoontheOregonexpedition，orcomeheretotheShakervillage;butI
　　hadnothopeenoughleftinmetobegintheworldoveragain;
　　and，tomakemystoryshort，hereIam。Andnow，youngster，takemyadvice，andturnback;orelse，somefewyearshence，you’llhavetoclimbthishill，withasheavyaheartasmine。"
　　Thissimplestoryhadastrongeffectontheyoungfugitives。Themisfortunesofthepoetandmerchanthadwonlittlesympathyfromtheirplaingoodsenseandunworldlyfeelings，qualitieswhichmadethemsuchunprejudicedandinflexiblejudges，thatfewmenwouldhavechosentotaketheopinionofthisyouthandmaidenastothewisdomorfollyoftheirpursuits。Butherewasonewhosesimplewisheshadresembledtheirown，andwho，aftereffortswhichalmostgavehimarighttoclaimsuccessfromfate，hadfailedinaccomplishingthem。
　　"Butthywife，friend？"exclaimedtheyoungerman。"Whatbecameoftheprettygirl，likeMiriam？Oh，Iamafraidsheisdead！"
　　"Yea，poorman，shemustbedead，——sheandthechildren，too，"
　　sobbedMiriam。
　　Thefemalepilgrimhadbeenleaningoverthespring，whereinlatterlyatearortwomighthavebeenseentofall，andformitslittlecircleonthesurfaceofthewater。Shenowlookedup，disclosingfeaturesstillcomely，butwhichhadacquiredanexpressionoffretfulness，inthesamelongcourseofevilfortunethathadthrownasullengloomoverthetemperoftheunprosperousyeoman。
　　"Iamhiswife，"saidshe，ashadeofirritabilityjustperceptibleinthesadnessofhertone。"Thesepoorlittlethings，asleepontheground，aretwoofourchildren。Wehadtwomore，butGodhasprovidedbetterforthemthanwecould，bytakingthemtoHimself。"
　　"AndwhatwouldtheeadviseJosiahandmetodo？"askedMiriam，thisbeingthefirstquestionwhichshehadputtoeitherofthestrangers。
　　"’Tisathingalmostagainstnatureforawomantotrytoparttruelovers，"answeredtheyeoman’swife，afterapause;"butI’llspeakastrulytoyouasiftheseweremydyingwords。
　　Thoughmyhusbandtoldyousomeofourtroubles，hedidn’tmentionthegreatest，andthatwhichmakesalltherestsohardtobear。Ifyouandyoursweetheartmarry，you’llbekindandpleasanttoeachotherforayearortwo，andwhilethat’sthecase，youneverwillrepent;but，byandby，he’llgrowgloomy，rough，andhardtoplease，andyou’llbepeevish，andfulloflittleangryfits，andapttobecomplainingbythefireside，whenhecomestoresthimselffromhistroublesoutofdoors;soyourlovewillwearawaybylittleandlittle，andleaveyoumiserableatlast。Ithasbeensowithus;andyetmyhusbandandIweretrueloversonce，ifevertwoyoungfolkswere。"
　　Assheceased，theyeomanandhiswifeexchangedaglance，inwhichtherewasmoreandwarmeraffectionthantheyhadsupposedtohaveescapedthefrostofawintryfate，ineitheroftheirbreasts。Atthatmoment，whentheystoodontheutmostvergeofmarriedlife，onewordfitlyspoken，orperhapsonepeculiarlook，hadtheyhadmutualconfidenceenoughtoreciprocateit，mighthaverenewedalltheiroldfeelings，andsentthemback，resolvedtosustaineachotheramidthestrugglesoftheworld。
　　Butthecrisispassedandnevercameagain。Justthen，also，thechildren，rousedbytheirmother’svoice，lookedup，andaddedtheirwailingaccentstothetestimonybornebyalltheCanterburypilgrimsagainsttheworldfromwhichtheyfled。
　　"Wearetiredandhungry！"criedthey。"IsitfartotheShakervillage？"
　　TheShakeryouthandmaidenlookedmournfullyintoeachother’seyes。Theyhadbutsteppedacrossthethresholdoftheirhomes，whenlo！thedarkarrayofcaresandsorrowsthatroseuptowarnthemback。Thevariednarrativesofthestrangershadarrangedthemselvesintoaparable;theyseemednotmerelyinstancesofwofulfatethathadbefallenothers，butshadowyomensofdisappointedhopeandunavailingtoil，domesticgriefandestrangedaffection，thatwouldcloudtheonwardpathofthesepoorfugitives。Butafteroneinstant’shesitation，theyopenedtheirarms，andsealedtheirresolvewithaspureandfondanembraceaseveryouthfullovehadhallowed。
　　"Wewillnotgoback，"saidthey。"Theworldnevercanbedarktous，forwewillalwaysloveoneanother。"
　　ThentheCanterburypilgrimswentupthehill，whilethepoetchantedadrearanddesperatestanzaoftheFarewelltohisHarp，fittingmusicforthatmelancholyband。Theysoughtahomewhereallformertiesofnatureorsocietywouldbesundered，andallolddistinctionslevelled，andacoldandpassionlesssecuritybesubstitutedformortalhopeandfear，asinthatotherrefugeoftheworld’swearyoutcasts，thegrave。TheloversdrankattheShakerspring，andthen，withchastenedhopes，butmoreconfidingaffections，wentontomingleinanuntriedlife。
　　THEDEVILINMANUSCRIPT
　　OnabittereveningofDecember，Iarrivedbymailinalargetown，whichwasthentheresidenceofanintimatefriend，oneofthosegiftedyouthswhocultivatepoetryandthebelles-lettres，andcallthemselvesstudentsatlaw。Myfirstbusiness，aftersupper，wastovisithimattheofficeofhisdistinguishedinstructor。AsIhavesaid，itwasabitternight，clearstarlight，butcoldasNovaZembla，——theshop-windowsalongthestreetbeingfrosted，soasalmosttohidethelights，whilethewheelsofcoachesthunderedequallyloudoverfrozenearthandpavementsofstone。Therewasnosnow，eitheronthegroundortheroofsofthehouses。Thewindblewsoviolently，thatIhadbuttospreadmycloaklikeamain-sail，andscudalongthestreetattherateoftenknots，greatlyenviedbyothernavigators，whowerebeatingslowlyup，withthegalerightintheirteeth。OneoftheseIcapsized，butwasgoneonthewingsofthewindbeforehecouldevenvociferateanoath。
　　Afterthispictureofaninclementnight，beholdusseatedbyagreatblazingfire，whichlookedsocomfortableanddeliciousthatIfeltinclinedtoliedownandrollamongthehotcoals。
　　Theusualfurnitureofalawyer’sofficewasaroundus，——rowsofvolumesinsheepskin，andamultitudeofwrits，summonses，andotherlegalpapers，scatteredoverthedesksandtables。Buttherewerecertainobjectswhichseemedtointimatethatwehadlittledreadoftheintrusionofclients，orofthelearnedcounsellorhimself，who，indeed，wasattendingcourtinadistanttown。Atall，decanter-shapedbottlestoodonthetable，betweentwotumblers，andbesideapileofblottedmanuscripts，altogetherdissimilartoanylawdocumentsrecognizedinourcourts。Myfriend，whomIshallcallOberon，——itwasanameoffancyandfriendshipbetweenhimandme，——myfriendOberonlookedatthesepaperswithapeculiarexpressionofdisquietude。
　　"Idobelieve，"saidhe，soberly，"or，atleast，Icouldbelieve，ifIchose，thatthereisadevilinthispileofblottedpapers。
　　Youhavereadthem，andknowwhatImean，——thatconceptioninwhichIendeavoredtoembodythecharacterofafiend，asrepresentedinourtraditionsandthewrittenrecordsofwitchcraft。Oh，Ihaveahorrorofwhatwascreatedinmyownbrain，andshudderatthemanuscriptsinwhichIgavethatdarkideaasortofmaterialexistence！Wouldtheywereoutofmysight！"
　　"Andofmine，too，"thoughtI。
　　"Youremember，"continuedOberon，"howthehellishthingusedtosuckawaythehappinessofthosewho，byasimpleconcessionthatseemedalmostinnocent，subjectedthemselvestohispower。Justsomypeaceisgone，andallbytheseaccursedmanuscripts。Haveyoufeltnothingofthesameinfluence？"
　　"Nothing，"repliedI，"unlessthespellbehidinadesiretoturnnovelist，afterreadingyourdelightfultales。"
　　"Novelist！"exclaimedOberon，halfseriously。"Then，indeed，mydevilhashisclawonyou！Youaregone！Youcannotevenprayfordeliverance！Butwewillbethelastandonlyvictims;forthisnightImeantoburnthemanuscripts，andcommitthefiendtohisretributionintheflames。"
　　"Burnyourtales！"repeatedI，startledatthedesperationoftheidea。
　　"Evenso，"saidtheauthor，despondingly。"Youcannotconceivewhataneffectthecompositionofthesetaleshashadonme。I
　　havebecomeambitiousofabubble，andcarelessofsolidreputation。Iamsurroundingmyselfwithshadows，whichbewilderme，byapingtherealitiesoflife。Theyhavedrawnmeasidefromthebeatenpathoftheworld，andledmeintoastrangesortofsolitude，——asolitudeinthemidstofmen，-wherenobodywishesforwhatIdo，northinksnorfeelsasIdo。Thetaleshavedoneallthis。Whentheyareashes，perhapsIshallbeasIwasbeforetheyhadexistence。Moreover，thesacrificeislessthanyoumaysuppose，sincenobodywillpublishthem。"
　　"Thatdoesmakeadifference，indeed，"saidI。
　　"Theyhavebeenoffered，byletter，"continuedOberon，reddeningwithvexation，"tosomeseventeenbooksellers。Itwouldmakeyoustaretoreadtheiranswers;andreadthemyoushould，onlythatIburntthemasfastastheyarrived。Onemanpublishesnothingbutschool-books;anotherhasfivenovelsalreadyunderexamination。"
　　"WhatavoluminousmasstheunpublishedliteratureofAmericamustbe！"criedI。
　　"Oh，theAlexandrianmanuscriptswerenothingtoit！"saidmyfriend。"Well，anothergentlemanisjustgivingupbusiness，onpurpose，Iverilybelieve，toescapepublishingmybook。Several，however，wouldnotabsolutelydeclinetheagency，onmyadvancinghalfthecostofanedition，andgivingbondsfortheremainder，besidesahighpercentagetothemselves，whetherthebooksellsornot。Anotheradvisesasubscription。"
　　"Thevillain！"exclaimedI。
　　"Afact！"saidOberon。"Inshort，ofalltheseventeenbooksellers，onlyonehasvouchsafedeventoreadmytales;andhe——aliterarydabblerhimself，Ishouldjudge——hastheimpertinencetocriticisethem，proposingwhathecallsvastimprovements，andconcluding，afterageneralsentenceofcondemnation，withthedefinitiveassurancethathewillnotbeconcernedonanyterms。"
　　"Itmightnotbeamisstopullthatfellow’snose，"remarkedI。
　　"Ifthewhole’trade’hadonecommonnose，therewouldbesomesatisfactioninpullingit，"answeredtheauthor。"But，theredoesseemtobeonehonestmanamongtheseseventeenunrighteousones;andhetellsmefairly，thatnoAmericanpublisherwillmeddlewithanAmericanwork，——seldomifbyaknownwriter，andneverifbyanewone，——unlessatthewriter’srisk。"
　　"Thepaltryrogues！"criedI。"Willtheylivebyliterature，andyetrisknothingforitssake？But，afterall，youmightpublishonyourownaccount。"
　　"AndsoImight，"repliedOberon。"Butthedevilofthebusinessisthis。Thesepeoplehaveputmesooutofconceitwiththetales，thatIloathetheverythoughtofthem，andactuallyexperienceaphysicalsicknessofthestomach，wheneverIglanceatthemonthetable。Itellyouthereisademoninthem！I
　　anticipateawildenjoymentinseeingthemintheblaze;suchasIshouldfeelintakingvengeanceonanenemy，ordestroyingsomethingnoxious。"
　　Ididnotverystrenuouslyopposethisdetermination，beingprivatelyofopinion，inspiteofmypartialityfortheauthor，thathistaleswouldmakeamorebrilliantappearanceinthefirethananywhereelse。Beforeproceedingtoexecution，webroachedthebottleofchampagne，whichOberonhadprovidedforkeepinguphisspiritsinthisdolefulbusiness。Weswallowedeachatumblerful，insparklingcommotion;itwentbubblingdownourthroats，andbrightenedmyeyesatonce，butleftmyfriendsadandheavyasbefore。Hedrewthetalestowardshim，withamixtureofnaturalaffectionandnaturaldisgust，likeafathertakingadeformedinfantintohisarms。
　　"Pooh！Pish！Pshaw！"exclaimedhe，holdingthematarm’s-length。
　　"ItwasGray’sideaofheaven，toloungeonasofaandreadnewnovels。Now，whatmoreappropriatetorturewouldDantehimselfhavecontrived，forthesinnerwhoperpetratesabadbook，thantobecontinuallyturningoverthemanuscript？"
　　"Itwouldfailofeffect，"saidI，"becauseabadauthorisalwayshisowngreatadmirer。"
　　"Ilackthatonecharacteristicofmytribe，——theonlydesirableone，"observedOberon。"Buthowmanyrecollectionsthronguponme，asIturnovertheseleaves！ThisscenecameintomyfancyasIwalkedalongahillyroad，onastarlightOctoberevening;inthepureandbracingair，Ibecameallsoul，andfeltasifI
　　couldclimbthesky，andrunaracealongtheMilkyWay。Hereisanothertale，inwhichIwraptmyselfduringadarkanddrearynight-rideinthemonthofMarch，tilltherattlingofthewheelsandthevoicesofmycompanionsseemedlikefaintsoundsofadream，andmyvisionsabrightreality。ThatscribbledpagedescribesshadowswhichIsummonedtomybedsideatmidnight：
　　theywouldnotdepartwhenIbadethem;thegraydawncame，andfoundmewideawakeandfeverish，thevictimofmyownenchantments！"
　　"Theremusthavebeenasortofhappinessinallthis，"saidI，smittenwithastrangelongingtomakeproofofit。
　　"Theremaybehappinessinafeverfit，"repliedtheauthor。"AndthenthevariousmoodsinwhichIwrote！Sometimesmyideaswerelikepreciousstonesundertheearth，requiringtoiltodigthemup，andcaretopolishandbrightenthem;butoftenadeliciousstreamofthoughtwouldgushoutuponthepageatonce，likewatersparklingupsuddenlyinthedesert;andwhenithadpassed，Ignawedmypenhopelessly，orblunderedonwithcoldandmiserabletoil，asiftherewereawalloficebetweenmeandmysubject。"
　　"Doyounowperceiveacorrespondingdifference，"inquiredI，"betweenthepassageswhichyouwrotesocoldly，andthosefervidflashesofthemind？"
　　"No，"saidOberon，tossingthemanuscriptsonthetable。"IfindnotracesofthegoldenpenwithwhichIwroteincharactersoffire。Mytreasureoffairycoinischangedtoworthlessdross。Mypicture，paintedinwhatseemedtheloveliesthues，presentsnothingbutafadedandindistinguishablesurface。Ihavebeeneloquentandpoeticalandhumorousinadream，——andbehold！itisallnonsense，nowthatIamawake。"
　　Myfriendnowthrewsticksofwoodanddrychipsuponthefire，andseeingitblazelikeNebuchadnezzar’sfurnace，seizedthechampagnebottle，anddranktwoorthreebrimmingbumpers，successively。Theheadyliquorcombinedwithhisagitationtothrowhimintoaspeciesofrage。Helaidviolenthandsonthetales。Inoneinstantmore，theirfaultsandbeautieswouldalikehavevanishedinaglowingpurgatory。But，allatonce，I
　　rememberedpassagesofhighimagination，deeppathos，originalthoughts，andpointsofsuchvariedexcellence，thatthevastnessofthesacrificestruckmemostforcibly。Icaughthisarm。
　　"Surely，youdonotmeantoburnthem！"Iexclaimed。
　　"Letmealone！"criedOberon，hiseyesflashingfire。"Iwillburnthem！Notascorchedsyllableshallescape！Wouldyouhavemeadamnedauthor？——Toundergosneers，taunts，abuse，andcoldneglect，andfaintpraise，bestowed，forpity’ssake，againstthegiver’sconscience！Ahissingandalaughing-stocktomyowntraitorousthoughts！Anoutlawfromtheprotectionofthegrave，——onewhoseasheseverycarelessfootmightspurn，unhonoredinlife，andrememberedscornfullyindeath！AmItobearallthis，whenyonderfirewillinsuremefromthewhole？
　　No！Theregothetales！Maymyhandwitherwhenitwouldwriteanother！"
　　Thedeedwasdone。Hehadthrownthemanuscriptsintothehottestofthefire，whichatfirstseemedtoshrinkaway，butsooncurledaroundthem，andmadethemapartofitsownferventbrightness。Oberonstoodgazingattheconflagration，andshortlybegantosoliloquize，inthewildeststrain，asifFancyresistedandbecameriotous，atthemomentwhenhewouldhavecompelledhertoascendthatfuneralpile。Hiswordsdescribedobjectswhichheappearedtodiscerninthefire，fedbyhisownpreciousthoughts;perhapsthethousandvisionswhichthewriter’smagichadincorporatedwiththesepagesbecamevisibletohiminthedissolvingheat，brighteningfortheretheyvanishedforever;
　　whilethesmoke，thevividsheetsofflame，theruddyandwhiteningcoals，caughttheaspectofavariedscenery。
　　"Theyblaze，"saidhe，"asifIhadsteepedthemintheintensestspiritofgenius。ThereIseemyloversclaspedineachother’sarms。Howpuretheflamethatburstsfromtheirglowinghearts！
　　Andyonderthefeaturesofavillainwrithinginthefirethatshalltormenthimtoeternity。Myholymen，mypiousandangelicwomen，standlikemartyrsamidtheflames，theirmildeyesliftedheavenward。Ringoutthebells！Acityisonfire。
　　See！——destructionroarsthroughmydarkforests，whilethelakesboilupinsteamingbillows，andthemountainsarevolcanoes，andtheskykindleswithaluridbrightness！Allelementsarebutonepervadingflame！Ha！Thefiend！"
　　Iwassomewhatstartledbythislatterexclamation。Thetaleswerealmostconsumed，butjustthenthrewforthabroadsheetoffire，whichflickeredaswithlaughter，makingthewholeroomdanceinitsbrightness，andthenroaredportentouslyupthechimney。
　　"Yousawhim？Youmusthaveseenhim！"criedOberon。"Howheglaredatmeandlaughed，inthatlastsheetofflame，withjustthefeaturesthatIimaginedforhim！Well！Thetalesaregone。"
　　Thepaperswereindeedreducedtoaheapofblackcinders，withamultitudeofsparkshurryingconfusedlyamongthem，thetracesofthepenbeingnowrepresentedbywhitelines，andthewholemassflutteringtoandfrointhedraughtsofair。Thedestroyerkneltdowntolookatthem。
　　"Whatismorepotentthanfire！"saidhe，inhisgloomiesttone。
　　"Eventhought，invisibleandincorporealasitis，cannotescapeit。Inthislittletime，ithasannihilatedthecreationsoflongnightsanddays，whichIcouldnomorereproduce，intheirfirstglowandfreshness，thancauseashesandwhitenedbonestoriseupandlive。There，too，Isacrificedtheunbornchildrenofmymind。AllthatIhadaccomplished——allthatIplannedforfutureyears——hasperishedbyonecommonruin，andleftonlythisheapofembers！Thedeedhasbeenmyfate。Andwhatremains？Awearyandaimlesslife，——alongrepentanceofthishour，——andatlastanobscuregrave，wheretheywillburyandforgetme！"
　　Astheauthorconcludedhisdolorousmoan，theextinguishedembersaroseandsettleddownandaroseagain，andfinallyflewupthechimney，likeademonwithsablewings。Justastheydisappeared，therewasaloudandsolitarycryinthestreetbelowus。"Fire！"Fire！Othervoicescaughtupthatterribleword，anditspeedilybecametheshoutofamultitude。Oberonstartedtohisfeet，infreshexcitement。
　　"Afireonsuchanight！"criedhe。"Thewindblowsagale，andwhereveritwhirlstheflames，theroofswillflashuplikegunpowder。Everypumpisfrozenup，andboilingwaterwouldturntoicethemomentitwasflungfromtheengine。Inanhour，thiswoodentownwillbeonegreatbonfire！Whataglorioussceneformynext——Pshaw！"
　　Thestreetwasnowallalivewithfootsteps，andtheairfullofvoices。Weheardoneenginethunderingroundacorner，andanotherrattlingfromadistanceoverthepavements。Thebellsofthreesteeplesclangedoutatonce，spreadingthealarmtomanyaneighboringtown，andexpressinghurry，confusion，andterror，soinimitablythatIcouldalmostdistinguishintheirpealtheburdenoftheuniversalcry，——"Fire！Fire！Fire！"
　　"Whatissoeloquentastheirirontongues！"exclaimedOberon。
　　"Myheartleapsandtrembles，butnotwithfear。Andthatothersound，too，-deepandawfulasamightyorgan，——theroarandthunderofthemultitudeonthepavementbelow！Come！Wearelosingtime。Iwillcryoutintheloudestoftheuproar，andminglemyspiritwiththewildestoftheconfusion，andbeabubbleonthetopoftheferment！"
　　Fromthefirstoutcry，myforebodingshadwarnedmeofthetrueobjectandcentreofalarm。Therewasnothingnowbutuproar，above，beneath，andaroundus;footstepsstumblingpell-mellupthepublicstaircase，eagershoutsandheavythumpsatthedoor，thewhizanddashofwaterfromtheengines，andthecrashoffurniturethrownuponthepavement。Atonce，thetruthflasheduponmyfriend。Hisfrenzytookthehueofjoy，and，withawildgestureofexultation，heleapedalmosttotheceilingofthechamber。