Wehavepennednewplanssincethatfairfondday，Andinseasonshewillappearagain-
Perhapsinthesamesoftwhitearray-
Butneverasthen！-
"Andwhy，youngman，musteternallyflyAjoyyou’llrepeat，ifyouloveherwell？"
——Ofriend，noughthappenstwicethus；why，Icannottell！
INACATHEDRALCITY
Thesepeoplehavenotheardyourname；
NoloungersinthisplacidplaceHavehelpedtobruityourbeauty’sfame。
ThegreyCathedral，towardswhosefaceBendeyesuntold，hasmetnotyours；
Yourshadehasneversweptitsbase，Yourformhasneverdarkeditsdoors，NorhaveyourfaultlessfeetoncethrownApensivepit-patonitsfloors。
AlongthestreettomaidswellknownBlithelovershumtheirtenderairs，Butinyourpraisevoicenotatone-
Sincenoughtbespeaksyouhere，orbears，AsI，yourimprintthroughandthrough，HeremightIrest，tillmyheartsharesThespot’sunconsciousnessofyou！
SALISBURY。
"ISAYI’LLSEEKHER"
Isay，"I’llseekhersideErehindranceinterposes；"
Buteveinmidnightcloses，AndhereIstillabide。
WhendarknesswearsIseeHersadeyesinavision；
Theyask，"WhatindecisionDetainsyou，Love，fromme？-
"Thecreakinghingeisoiled，Ihaveunbarredthebackway，Butyoutreadnotthetrackway；
Andshallthethingbespoiled？
"Farcockcrowsechoshrill，Theshadowsareabating，AndIamwaiting，waiting；
ButO，youtarrystill！"
HERFATHER
Imether，aswehadprivilyplanned，Wherepassingfeetbeatbusily：
Shewhispered："Fatherisathand！
Hewishedtowalkwithme。"
HispresenceashejoinedusthereBanishedourwordsofwarmthaway；
Wefelt，withcloudingsofdespair，WhatLovemustlosethatday。
Hercrimsonlipsremainedunkissed，Ourfingerskeptnotenderhold，HislackoffeelingmadethetrystEmbarrassed，stiff，andcold。
Acynicghostthenroseandsaid，"ButishisloveforhersosmallThat，nightoyours，itmaybereadAsofnoworthatall？
"Youloveherforherpinkandwhite；
Butwhatwhentheirfreshsplendoursclose？
HislovewilllastherindespiteOfTime，andwrack，andfoes。"
WEYMOUTH。
ATWAKING
Whennightwaslifting，Anddawnhadcreptunderitsshade，AmidcoldcloudsdriftingDead-whiteasacorpseoutlaid，WithasuddenscareIseemedtobeholdMyLoveinbareHardlinesunfold。
Yea，inamoment，AninsightthatwouldnotdieKilledheroldendowmentOfcharmthathadcappedallnigh，WhichvanishedtononeLikethegiltofacloud，AndshowedherbutoneOfthecommoncrowd。
SheseemedbutasampleOfearth’spooraveragekind，LitupbynoampleEnrichmentsofmienormind。
IcoveredmyeyesAstocoverthethought，AndunrecognizeWhatthemornhadtaught。
OvisionappallingWhentheonebelieved-inthingIsseenfalling，falling，Withalltowhichhopecancling。
Off：itisnottrue；
ForitcannotbeThattheprizeIdrewIsablanktome！
WEYMOUTH，1869。
FOURFOOTPRINTS
HerearethetracksuponthesandWherestoodlasteveningsheandI-
Pressedhearttoheartandhandtohand；
Themorningsunhasbakedthemdry。
Ikissedherwetface——wetwithrain，Foraridgriefhadburntuptears，WhilereachedusasinsleepingpainThedistantgurglingoftheweirs。
"Ihavemarriedhim——yes；feelthatring；
’Tisaweekagothatheputiton……
Adutifuldaughterdoesthisthing，Andresignationsucceedsanon！
"ButthatIbodyandsoulwasyoursErehe’dpossession，he’llneverknow。
He’saconfidentman。’Thehusbandscores，’
Hesays，’inthelongrun’……Now，Dear，go！"
Iwent。Andto-dayIpassthespot；
Itisonlyasmartthemoretoendure；
AndshewhomIheldisasthoughshewerenot，Fortheyhaveresumedtheirhoneymoontour。
INTHEVAULTEDWAY
Inthevaultedway，wherethepassageturnedTotheshadowycornerthatnonecouldsee，Youpausedforourparting，——plaintively；
ThoughovernighthadcomewordsthatburnedMyfondfrailhappinessoutofme。
AndthenIkissedyou，——despitemythoughtThatourspellmustendwhenreflectioncameOnwhatyouhaddeemedme，whoseonelongaimHadbeentoserveyou；thatwhatIsoughtLaynotinaheartthatcouldbreathesuchblame。
ButyetIkissedyou；whereonyouagainAsofoldkissedme。Why，whywasitso？
Doyoucleavetomeafterthatlight-tonguedblow？
Ifyouscornedmeateventide，howlovethen？
Thethingisdark，Dear。Idonotknow。
INTHEMIND’SEYE
Thatwasoncehercasement，Andthetapernigh，Shiningfromwithinthere，Beckoned，"HereamI！"
Now，asthen，IseeherMovingatthepane；
Ah；’tisbutherphantomBornewithinmybrain！-
ForemostinmyvisionEverywheregoesshe；
Changedissolvesthelandscapes，Sheabideswithme。
Shapesosweetandshy，Dear，Whocansaytheenay？
NeveroncedoI，Dear，Wishthyghostaway。
THEENDOFTHEEPISODE
IndulgenomoremayweInthissweet-bitterpastime：
Thelove-lightshinesthelasttimeBetweenyou，Dear，andme。
ThereshallremainnotraceOfwhatsocloselytiedus，AndblankasereloveeyedusWillbeourmeeting-place。
Theflowersandthymyair，Willtheynowmissourcoming？
ThedumblesthintheirhummingTofindwehauntnotthere？
Thoughferventwasourvow，Thoughruddilyranourpleasure，Blisshasfulfilleditsmeasure，Andseesitssentencenow。
Achedeep；butmakenomoans：
Smileout；butstillysuffer：
ThepathsoflovearerougherThanthoroughfaresofstones。
THESIGH
Littleheadagainstmyshoulder，Shyatfirst，thensomewhatbolder，Andup-eyed；
Tillshe，withatimidquaver，YieldedtothekissIgaveher；
But，shesighed。
ThattheremingledwithherfeelingSomesadthoughtshewasconcealingItimplied-
Notthatshehadceasedtoloveme，Noneonearthshesetaboveme；
Butshesighed。
Shecouldnotdisguiseapassion，Dread，ordoubt，inweakestfashionIfshetried：
Nothingseemedtoholdussundered，Heartswerevictors；soIwonderedWhyshesighed。
AfterwardsIknewherthroughly，Andshelovedmestaunchly，truly，Tillshedied；
ButshenevermadeconfessionWhy，atthatfirstsweetconcession，Shehadsighed。
ItwasinourMay，remember；
AndthoughnowInearNovember，AndabideTillmyappointedchange，unfretting，SometimesIsithalfregrettingThatshesighed。
"INTHENIGHTSHECAME"
ItoldherwhenIleftonedayThatwhatsoeverweightofcareMightstrainourlove，Time’smereassaultWouldworknochangesthere。
Andinthenightshecametome，Toothless，andwan，andold，Withleadenconcavesroundhereyes，Andwrinklesmanifold。
Itremblinglyexclaimedtoher，"Owhereforedoyoughostmethus！
IhavesaidthatdulldefacingTimeWillbringnodreadstous。"
"AndisthattrueofYOU？"shecriedInvoiceoftroubledtune。
Ifaltered："Well……IdidnotthinkYouwouldtestmequitesosoon！"
Shevanishedwithacurioussmile，Whichtoldme，plainlierthanbyword，ThatmystaunchpledgecouldscarcebeguileThefearshehadaverred。
Herdoubtsthenwroughttheirshapeinme，AndwhennextdayIpaidMyduecaress，weseemedtobeDividedbysomeshade。
THECONFORMERS
Yes；we’llwed，mylittlefay，Andyoushallwriteyoumine，AndinavillachastelygrayWe’llhouse，andsleep，anddine。
Butthosenight-screened，divine，Stolentrystsofheretofore，WeofchoiceecstasiesandfineShallknownomore。
TheformalfacedcohueWillthennomoreupbraidWithsmitingsmilesandwhisperingstwoWhohavethrownlesslovesinshade。
WeshallnomoreevadeThesearchinglightofthesun，Ourgameofpassionwillbeplayed，Ourdreamingdone。
WeshallnotgoinstealthTorendezvousunknown，Butfriendswillaskmeofyourhealth，Andyouaboutmyown。
Whenweabidealone，Noleapingseachtoeach，ButsyllablesinfrigidtoneOfhouseholdspeech。
WhendowntodustweglideMenwillnotsayaskance，Asnow："HowallthecountrysideRingswiththeirmadromance！"
ButastheygravewardglanceRemark："InthemweloseAworthypair，whohelpedadvanceSoundparishviews。"
THEDAWNAFTERTHEDANCE
Hereisyourparents’dwellingwithitscurtainedwindowstellingOfnothoughtofuswithinitorofourarrivalhere；
TheirslumbershavebeennormalafteronedaymoreofformalMatrimonialcommonplaceandhouseholdlife’smechanicgear。
Iwouldbecandidwillingly，butdawndrawsonsochillinglyAstorenderfurthercheerlessnessintolerablenow，SoIwillnotstandendeavouringtodeclareadayforsevering，Butwillclaspyoujustasalways——justtheoldenloveavow。
Throughsereneandsurlyweatherwehavewalkedthewaystogether，Andthislongnight’sdancethisyear’sendevenowfinishesthespell；
YetwedreamtusbutbeginningasweetsempiternalspinningOfacordwehavespuntobreaking——toointemperately，toowell。
Yes；lastnightwedancedIknow，Dear，aswedidthatyearago，Dear，Whenanewstrangebondbetweenourdayswasformed，andfelt，andheard；
WouldthatdancingweretheworstthingfromthelatesttothefirstthingThatthefadedyearcanchargeuswith；butwhatavailsaword！
Thatwhichmakesman’slovethelighterandthewoman’sburnnobrighterCametopasswithusinevitablywhileslippedtheshorteningyear……
Andtherestandsyourfather’sdwellingwithitsblindbleakwindowstellingThatthevowsofmanandmaidarefrailasfilmygossamere。
WEYMOUTH，1869。
THESUNONTHELETTER
Idrewtheletterout，whilegleamedTheslopingsunfromunderaroofOfcloudwhosevergerosevisibly。
TheburningballflungraysthatseemedStretchedlikeawarpwithoutawoofAcrossthelevelsoftheleaTowhereIstood，andwheretheybeamedAsbrightlyonthepageofproofThatshehadshownherfalsetomeAsifithadshownhertrue——hadteemedWithpassionatethoughtformybehoofExpressedwiththeirownardency！
THENIGHTOFTHEDANCE
Thecoldmoonhangstotheskybyitshorn，Andcentresitsgazeonme；
Thestars，likeeyesinreverie，Theirwesteringasforawhileforborne，Quizdownwardcuriously。
OldRobertdrawsthebackbrandin，Thegreenlogssteamandspit；
Thehalf-awakenedsparrowsflitFromtheriddledthatch；andowlsbeginTowhoofromthegable-slit。
Yes；farandnighthingsseemtoknowSweetscenesareimpendinghere；
Thatallisprepared；thatthehourisnearForwelcomes，fellowships，andflowOfsally，song，andcheer；
Thatspigotsarepulledandviolsstrung；
ThatsoonwillarisethesoundOfmeasurestrodtotunesrenowned；
ThatShewillreturninLove’slowtongueMyvowsaswewheelaround。
MISCONCEPTION
IbusiedmyselftofindasureSnughermitageThatshouldpreservemyLovesecureFromtheworld’srage；
Wherenounseemlysaturnals，Orstridenttraffic-roars，OrhumofintervolvedcabalsShouldechoatherdoors。
IlabouredthatthediurnalspinOfvanitiesShouldnotcontrivetosuckherinBydarkdegrees，AndcunninglyoperatetoblurSweetteachingsIhadbegun；
AndthenIwentfull-hearttoherToexpoundthegladdeedsdone。
Shelookedatme，andsaidtheretoWithapityingsmile，"AndTHISiswhathasbusiedyouSolongawhile？
Opoorexhaustedone，IseeYouhavewornyouoldandthinFornaught！ThosemoilsyoufearformeIfindmostpleasurein！"
THEVOICEOFTHETHORN
I
WhenthethornonthedownQuiversnakedandcold，Andthemid-agedandoldPacethepaththeretotown，InthesewordsdryanddrearItseemstothemsighing：
"OwinteristryingTosojournershere！"
II
WhenitstandsfullytressedOnahotsummerday，AndtheewesthereastrayFinditsshadeasweetrest，BythebreathofthebreezeItinquiresofeachfarer：
"WhowouldnotbesharerOfshadowwiththese？"
III
Butbydayorbynight，Andinwinterorsummer，ShouldIbethecomerAlongthatloneheight，InitsvoicingtomeOnlyonespeechisspoken：
"HereoncewasnighbrokenAheart，andbythee。"
FROMHERINTHECOUNTRY
IthoughtandthoughtofthycrassclangingtownTofolly，tillconvincedsuchdreamswereill，Iheldmyheartinbond，andtethereddownFancytowhereIwas，byforceofwill。
Isaid：Howbeautifularetheseflowers，thiswood，OnelittlebudisfarmoresweettomeThanallman’surbanshows；andthenIstoodUrgingnewzestforbird，andbush，andtree；
AndstrovetofeelmynaturebroughtitforthOfinstinct，ornoruralmaidwasI；
Butitwasvain；forIcouldnotseeworthEnougharoundtocharmamidgeorfly，Andmusedagainoncitydinandsin，LongingtomadnessImightmovetherein！
16W。P。V。，1866。
HERCONFESSION
Assomeblandsoul，towhomadebtorsays"I’llnowrepaytheamountIowetoyou，"
IninwardgladnessfeignsforgetfulnessThatsuchapaymenteverwashisdue（Hislongthoughtnotwithstanding），sodidI
AtourlastmeetingwaiveyourprofferedkissWithquickdivergenttalkofscenerynigh，Bysuchsuspensiontoenhancemybliss。
AndashislooksinconsternationfallWhen，gatheringthatthedebtislightlydeemed，Thedebtormakesasnottopayatall，SofalteredI，whenyourintentionseemedConvertedbymyfalseuneagernessToputtingoffforeverthecaress。
W。P。V。，1865-67。
TOANIMPERSONATOROFROSALIND
Didhewhodrewherintheyearsago-
Tillnowconceivedcreatorofhergrace-
Withtelescopicsighthighnaturesknow，DiscernremoteinTime’suntravelledspaceYoursoftsweetmien，yourgestures，asdowe，Andwithacopyist’shandbutsetthemdown，GlowingyetmoretodreamourecstasyWhenhisOriginalshouldbeforthshown？
For，kindledbythatanimatedeye，Wheretoallfairnessesabouttheebrim，Andbythytendertones，whatwightcanflyThewildconvictionwellingupinhimThatheatlengthbeholdswoo，parley，plead，The"very，veryRosalind"indeed！
8ADELPHITERRACE，21stApril1867。
TOANACTRESS
Ireadyournamewhenyouwerestrangetome，Whereitstoodblazonedboldwithmanymore；
Ipasseditvacantly，anddidnotseeAnygreatgloryintheshapeitwore。
Ocruelty，theinsightbarredmethen！
WhydidInotpossessmewithitssound，AndinitscadencecatchandcatchagainYournature’sessencefloatingtherearound？
CouldTHATmanbethisI，unknowingyou，Whennowtheknowingyouisallofme，Andtheoldworldofthenisnowanew，Andpurposenomorewhatitusedtobe-
Athingofformaljourneywork，butdueTospringsthatthenweresealeduputterly？
1867。
THEMINUTEBEFOREMEETING
ThegreygauntdaysdividingusintwainSeemedhopelesshillsmystrengthmustfainttoclimb，Buttheyaregone；andnowIwoulddetainThefewclock-beatsthatpartus；reinbackTime，AndliveincloseexpectanceneverclosedInchangeforfarexpectanceclosedatlast，SoharshlyhasexpectancebeenimposedOnmylongneedwhiletheseslowblankmonthspassed。
AndknowingthatwhatisnowabouttobeWillallHAVEBEENinO，soshortaspace！
IreadbeyonditmydespondencyWhenmoredividingmonthsshalltakeitsplace，TherebydenyingtothishourofgraceAfull-upmeasureoffelicity。
1871。
HEABJURESLOVE
AtlastIputofflove，FortwicetenyearsThedaysmanofmythought，Andhope，anddoing；
Beingashamedthereof，AndfaintoffearsAnddesolations，wroughtInhispursuing，SincefirstinyouthtimethoseDisquietingsThatheart-enslavementbringsTohaleandhoary，Becamemyhousefellows，And，foolandblind，IturnedfromkithandkindTogivehimglory。
IwasaschildrenbeWhohavenocare；
Ididnotshrinkorsigh，Ididnotsicken；
Butlo，Lovebeckonedme，AndIwasbare，Andpoor，andstarved，anddry，Andfever-stricken。
ToomanytimesablazeWithfatuousfires，EnkindledbyhiswilesTonewembraces，DidI，bywilfulwaysAndbaselessires，ReturntheanxioussmilesOffriendlyfaces。
NomorewillnowrateI
Thecommonrare，Themidnightdrizzledew，Thegrayhourgolden，Thewindayearningcry，Thefaultyfair，Thingsdreamt，ofcomelierhueThanthingsbeholden！……
——IspeakasonewhoplumbsLife’sdimprofound，OnewhoatlengthcansoundClearviewsandcertain。
But——afterlovewhatcomes？
Ascenethatlours，Afewsadvacanthours，Andthen，theCurtain。
1883。
ASETOFCOUNTRYSONGS
LETMEENJOY
（MINORKEY）
I
LetmeenjoytheearthnolessBecausetheall-enactingMightThatfashionedforthitslovelinessHadotheraimsthanmydelight。
II
AboutmypaththereflitsaFair，Whothrowsmenotawordorsign；
I’llcharmmewithherignoringair，Andlaudthelipsnotmeantformine。
III
FrommanuscriptsofmovingsongInspiredbyscenesanddreamsunknownI’llpouroutrapturesthatbelongToothers，astheyweremyown。
IV
Andsomedayhence，towardsParadise，Andallitsblest——ifsuchshouldbe-
Iwillliftglad，afar-offeyes，Thoughitcontainnoplaceforme。
ATCASTERBRIDGEFAIR
I
THEBALLAD-SINGER
Sing，Ballad-singer，raiseaheartytune；
MakemeforgetthattherewaseveraoneIwalkedwithinthemeeklightofthemoonWhentheday’sworkwasdone。
Rhyme，Ballad-rhymer，startacountrysong；
MakemeforgetthatshewhomIlovedwellSworeshewouldlovemedearly，lovemelong，Then——whatIcannottell！
Sing，Ballad-singer，fromyourlittlebook；
Makemeforgetthoseheart-breaks，achings，fears；
Makemeforgethername，hersweetsweetlook-
Makemeforgethertears。
II
FORMERBEAUTIES
Thesemarket-dames，mid-aged，withlipsthin-drawn，Andtissuessere，Aretheytheoneswelovedinyearsagone，Andcourtedhere？
ArethesethemuslinedpinkyoungthingstowhomWevowedandsworeInnooksonsummerSundaysbytheFroom，OrBudmouthshore？
DotheyrememberthosegaytuneswetrodClaspedonthegreen；
Aye；trodtillmoonlightsetonthebeatensodAsatinsheen？
Theymustforget，forget！TheycannotknowWhatoncetheywere，Ormemorywouldtransfigurethem，andshowThemalwaysfair。
III
AFTERTHECLUB-DANCE
Black’onfrownseastonMaidon，Andwestwardtothesea，ButonneitherishisfrownladenWithscorn，ashisfrownonme！
Atdawnmyheartgrewheavy，Icouldnotsipthewine，IleftthejocundbevyAndthatyoungmano’mine。
Theroadsideelmspassbyme，-
WhydoIsinkwithshameWhenthebirdsa-perchthereeyeme？
They，too，havedonethesame！
IV
THEMARKET-GIRL
Nobodytookanynoticeofherasshestoodonthecauseykerb，Alleagertosellherhoneyandapplesandbunchesofgardenherb；
Andifshehadofferedtogiveherwaresandherselfwiththemtoothatday，Idoubtifasoulwouldhavecaredtotakeabargainsochoiceaway。
ButchancingtotracehersunburntgracethatmorningasIpassednigh，IwentandIsaid"Poormaidydear！——andwillnoneofthepeoplebuy？"
Andsoitbegan；andsoonweknewwhattheendofitallmustbe，AndIfoundthatthoughnoothershadbid，aprizehadbeenwonbyme。
V
THEINQUIRY
AndareyeoneofHermitage-
OfHermitage，byIvelRoad，Anddoyeknow，inHermitageAthatch-roofedhousewheresengreensgrow？
AnddoesJohnWaywoodlivetherestill-
HeofthenamethatthereabodeWhenfatherhurdledonthehillSomefifteenyearsago？
Doeshenowspeako’PattyBeech，ThePattyBeechheusedto——see，OraskatallifPattyBeechIsknownorheardofoutthisway？-
Askeverifshe’slivingyet，Andwhereherpresenthomemaybe，Andhowshebearslife’sfagandfretAftersolongaday？
InyearsagoneatHermitageThisfadedfacewascountedfair，Nonefairer；andatHermitageWesworetowedwhenheshouldthrive。
ButneverachancehadheorI，Andwaitingmadehiswishoutwear，AndTime，thatdoomsman’slovetodie，Preservesamaid’salive。
VI
AWIFEWAITS
Will’satthedanceintheClub-roombelow，Wherethetallliquor-cupsfoam；
IonthepavementupherebytheBow，Wait，wait，tosteadyhimhome。
Willandhispartneraretreadingatune，Lovingcompanionstheybe；
Willy，beforeweweremarriedinJune，Saidhelovednoonebutme；
SaidhewouldlethisoldpleasuresallgoEvertolivewithhisDear。
Will’satthedanceintheClub-roombelow，ShiveringIwaitforhimhere。
NOTE。——"TheBow"（line3）。Theoldnameforthecurvedcornerbythecross-
streetsinthemiddleofCasterbridge。
VII
AFTERTHEFAIR
ThesingersaregonefromtheCornmarket-placeWiththeirbroadsheetsofrhymes，ThestreetringsnolongerintrebleandbassWiththeirskitsonthetimes，AndtheCross，latelythronged，isadimnakedspaceThatbutechoesthestammeringchimes。
FromClock-cornersteps，aseachquarterding-dongs，AwaythefolkroamBythe"Hart"andGrey’sBridgeintobywaysand"drongs，"
Oracrosstheridgedloam；
Theyoungeronesshrillingthelatelyheardsongs，Theoldsaying，"Wouldwewerehome。"
Theshy-seemingmaidensomuteinthefairNowrattlesandtalks，AndthatonewholookedthemostswaggeringthereGrowssadasshewalks，AndshewhoseemedeatenbycankeringcareInstatuesquesturdinessstalks。
AndmidnightclearsHighStreetofallbuttheghostsOfitsburiedburghees，FromthelatestfarbacktothoseoldRomanhostsWhoseremainsoneyetsees，Wholoved，laughed，andfought，hailedtheirfriends，dranktheirtoastsAttheirmeeting-timeshere，justasthese！
1902。
NOTE。——"TheChimes"（line6）willbelistenedforinvainhereatmidnightnow，havingbeenabolishedsomeyearsago。
THEDARK-EYEDGENTLEMAN
I
Ipitchedmyday’sleazingsinCrimmercrockLane，Totieupmygarterandjogonagain，Whenadeardark-eyedgentlemanpassedthereandsaid，Inawaythatmadeallo’mecolourrose-red，"WhatdoIsee-
Oprettyknee！"
Andhecameandhetiedupmygarterforme。
II
’Twixtsunsetandmoonriseitwas，Icanmind：
Ah，’tiseasytolosewhatwenevermorefind！-
Ofthedearstranger’shome，ofhisname，Iknewnought，ButIsoonknewhisnatureandallthatitbrought。
ThenbitterlySobbedIthatheShouldeverhavetiedupmygarterforme！
III
YetnowI’vebesidemeafinelissomlad，Andmyslip’snighforgot，andmydaysarenotsad；
Myowndearestjoyishe，comrade，andfriend，Heitiswhosafe-guardsme，onhimIdepend；
Nosorrowbringshe，AndthankfulIbeThathisdaddyoncetiedupmygarterforme！
NOTE。——"Leazings"（line1）。——Bundleofgleanedcorn。
TOCARREYCLAVEL
Youturnyourback，youturnyourback，Andneveryourfacetome，Aloneyoutakeyourhomewardtrack，Andscornmycompany。
WhatwillyoudowhenCharley’sseenDewbeatingdownthisway？-
You’llturnyourbackasnow，youmean？
Nay，CarreyClavel，nay！
You’llseenone’slooking；putyourlipUplikeatulip，so；
Andhewillcollyou，bend，andsip：
Yes，Carrey，yes；Iknow！
THEORPHANEDOLDMAID
Iwantedtomarry，butfathersaid，"No-
’Tisweaknessinwomentogivethemselvesso；
Ifyoucareforyourfreedomyou’lllistentome，Makeaspouseinyourpocket，andletthemenbe。"
Ispakeon’tagainandagain：fathercried，"Why——ifyougohusbanding，whereshallIbide？
Forneverahome’sformeelsewherethanhere！"
AndIyielded；forfatherhadeverbeendear。
Butnowfather’sgone，andIfeelgrowingold，AndI’mlonelyandpoorinthishouseonthewold，Andmysweetheartthatwasfoundapartnerelsewhere，Andnobodyflingsmeathoughtoracare。
THESPRINGCALL
DownWessexway，whenspring’sa-shine，Theblackbird’s"pret-tyde-urr！"
InWessexaccentsmarkedasmineIsheardafarandnear。
Heflutesitstrong，asifinsongNoR’soffeeblertoneThanhisappearin"prettydear，"
Haveblackbirdseverknown。
Yettheypipe"prattiedeerh！"Iglean，BeneathaScottishsky，And"pehtyde-aw！"amidthetreenOfMiddlesexornigh。
Whilesomefolksay——perhapsinplay-
WhoknowtheIrishisle，’Tis"purritydare！"intreelandthereWhensongsterswouldbeguile。
Well：I’llsaywhatthelisteningbirdsSay，hearing"pret-tyde-urr！"-
Howeverstrangerssoundsuchwords，That’showwesoundthemhere。
Yes，inthisclimeatpairingtime，AssoonaseyescanseeherAtdawnofday，theproperwayTocallis"pret-tyde-urr！"
JULIE-JANE
Sing；how’awouldsing！
How’awouldraisethetuneWhenwerodeinthewaggonfromharvestingBythelighto’themoon！
Dance；how’awoulddance！
IfafiddlestringdidbutsoundShewouldholdouthercoats，giveaslantingglance，Andgoroundandround。
Laugh；how’awouldlaugh！
HerpeonylipswouldpartAsifnonesuchaplaceforalovertoquaffAtthedeepsofaheart。
Julie，Ogirlofjoy，Soon，soonthatloverhecame。
Ah，yes；andgavetheeababy-boy，Butneverhisname……
——Tollingforher，asyouguess；
Andthebabytoo……’Tiswell。
Youknewherinmaidhoodlikewise？——Yes，That’sherburialbell。
"Isuppose，"withalaugh，shesaid，"IshouldblushthatI’mnotawife；
Buthowcanitmatter，sosoontobedead，Whatonedoesinlife！"
WhenwesatmakingthemourningByherdeath-bedside，saidshe，"Dears，howcanyoukeepfromyourlovers，adorningInhonourofme！"
Bubblingandbrightsomeeyed！
Butnow——Oneveragain。
ShechoseherbearersbeforeshediedFromherfancy-men。
NOTE。——Itis，orwas，acommoncustominWessex，andprobablyothercountryplaces，topreparethemourningbesidethedeath-bed，thedyingpersonsometimesassisting，whoalsoselectshisorherbearersonsuchoccasions。
"Coats"（line7）。——Oldnameforpetticoats。
NEWSFORHERMOTHER
I
OnemilemoreisWhereyourdoorisMothermine！-
Harvest’scoming，Millsarestrumming，Applesfine，Andthecidermadeto-yearwillbeaswine。
II
Yet，notviewingWhat’sa-doingHerearoundIsitthrillsme，AndsofillsmeThatIboundLikeaballorleaforlambalongtheground。
III
TremblenotnowAtyourlotnow，Sillysoul！
HostshavespedthemQuicktowedthem，Greatandsmall，Sincethefirsttwosighinghalf-heartsmadeawhole。
IV
YetIwonder，WillitsunderHerfromme？
WillsheguessthatIsaid"Yes，"——thatHisI’dbe，EreIthoughtshemightnotseehimasIsee！
V
Oldbrowngable，Granary，stable，Hereyouare！
Omymother，CananotherEverbarMinefromthyheart，makethynearnessseemafar？
THEFIDDLER
Thefiddlerknowswhat’sbrewingTotheliltofhislyricwiles：
ThefiddlerknowswhatrueingWillcomeofthisnight’ssmiles！
Heseescouplesjointhemfordancing，Andafterwardsjoiningforlife，HeseesthempayhighfortheirprancingByawelterofweddedstrife。
Hetwangs："Musichailsfromthedevil，Thoughvauntedtocomefromheaven，ForitmakespeopledoatarevelWhatmultipliessinsbyseven。
"There’smanyaheartnowmangled，Andwaitingitstimetogo，WhosetendrilswerefirstentangledBymysweetviolandbow！"
THEHUSBAND’SVIEW
"CananythingavailBeldame，formyhidgrief？-
Listen：I’lltellthetale，Itmaybringfaintrelief！-
"IcamewhereIwasnotknown，Inhopetofleemysin；
AndwalkingforthaloneAyoungmansaid，’Goode’en。’
"IngentlevoiceandtrueHeaskedtomarryme；
’Youonly——onlyyouFulfilmydream！’saidhe。
"Wemarriedo’Mondaymorn，Inthemonthofhayandflowers；
Mycareswerenighforsworn，Andperfectlovewasours。
"ButerethedaysarelongUntimelyfruitwillshow；
MyLovekeepsuphissong，Undreamingitisso。
"AndIawakeinthenight，Andthinkofmonthsgoneby，AndofthatcauseofflightHiddenfrommyLove’seye。
"Discoverybordersnear，Andthen！……Butsomethingstirred？-
Myhusband——heishere！
Heaven——hasheoverheard？"-
"Yes；Ihaveheard，sweetNan；
Ihaveknownitallthetime。
Iamnotaparticularman；
Misfortunesarenocrime：
"AndwhatwithourseriousneedOfsonsforsoldiering，Thataccident，indeed，Tomaids，isausefulthing！"
ROSE-ANN
Whydidn’tyousayyouwaspromised，Rose-Ann？
Whydidn’tyounameittome，Ereeveryoutemptedmehither，Rose-Ann，Sooften，sowearifully？
Owhydidyouletmebenear’ee，Rose-Ann，Talkingthingsaboutwedlocksofree，Andneverbynodorbywhisper，Rose-Ann，Giveahintthatitwasn’ttobe？
DownhomeIwasraisingaflockofstockewes，Cocksandhens，andweechickensbyscores，Andlavenderedlinenallreadytouse，A-dreamingthattheywouldbeyours。
Mothersaid："She’sasport-makingmaiden，myson"；
Andaprettysharpquarrelhadwe；
OwhydoyouprovebythiswrongyouhavedoneThatIsawnotwhatmothercouldsee？
Neveroncedidyousayyouwaspromised，Rose-Ann，NeveroncedidIdreamittobe；
Anditcutstothehearttobetreated，Rose-Ann，Asyouinyourscorningtreatme！
THEHOMECOMING
GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerdownlandbroadandbare，Andlonesomewasthehouse，anddark；andfewcamethere。
"Nowdon’tyerubyoureyessored；we’rehomeandhavenocares；
Here’saskimmer-cakeforsupper，peckledonions，andsomepears；
I’vegotalittlekego’summatstrong，too，understairs：-
What，slightyourhusband’svictuals？Otherbridescantackletheirs！"
Thewindofwintermooedandmouthedtheirchimneylikeahorn，Androundthehouseandpastthehouse’twasleaflessandlorn。
"Butmydearandtenderpoppet，then，howcameyetoagreeInIvelchurchthismorning？Sure，there-rightyoumarriedme！"-
"Hoo-hoo！——Idon’tknow——Iforgothowstrangeandfar’twouldbe，An’IwishIwasathomeagainwithdeardaddee！"
GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerdownlandbroadandbare，Andlonesomewasthehouseanddark；andfewcamethere。
"Ididn’tthinksuchfurnitureasthiswasallyou’down，Andgreatblackbeamsforceiling，andaflooro’wretchedstone，Andnastypewterplatters，horridforksofsteelandbone，Andamonstrouscrockinchimney。’Twastomequiteunbeknown！"
Rattlerattlewentthedoor；downflappedacloudofsmoke，Asshiftingnorththewickedwindassayedasmarterstroke。
"Nowsityebythefire，poppet；putyourselfatease：
Andkeepyourlittlethumboutofyourmouth，dear，please！
AndI’llsingto’eeaprettysongoflovelyflowersandbees，Andhappyloverstakingwalkswithinagroveo’trees。"
GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerDown，sobleakandbare，Andlonesomewasthehouse，anddark；andfewcamethere。
"Now，don’tyegnawyourhandkercher；’twillhurtyourlittletongue，Andifyoudofeelspitish，’tisbecauseyeareoveryoung；
Butyou’llbegettingolder，likeusall，ereverylong，Andyou’llseemeasIam——amanwhoneverdid’eewrong。"
StraightfromWhit’sheetHilltoBenvillLanetheblusterspass，Hittinghedges，milestones，handposts，trees，andtuftsofgrass。
"Well，hadIonlyknown，mydear，thatthiswashowyou’dbe，I’dhavemarriedherofriperyearsthatwassofondofme。
ButsinceIcan’t，I’vehalfamindtorunawaytosea，Andleave’eetogobarefoottoyourd-ddaddee！"
Uponewallanddowntheother——pasteachwindow-pane-
Prancethegusts，andthenawaydownCrimmercrock’slonglane。
"I——I——don’tknowwhattosayto’t，sinceyourwifeI’vevowedtobe；
Andas’tisdone，Is’posehereImustbide——poorme！
Aye——asyouareki-ki-kind，I’lltrytolivealongwith’ee，AlthoughI’dfainhavestayedathomewithdeardaddee！"
GrufflygrowledthewindonTollerDown，sobleakandbare，Andlonesomewasthehouseanddark；andfewcamethere。
"That’sright，myHeart！AndthoughonhauntedTollerDownwebe，Andthewindswearsthingsinchimley，we’lltosuppermerrily！
Sodon’tyetapyourshoesopettish-like；butsmileatme，Andye’llsoonforgettosockandsighfordeardaddee！"
December1901。
PIECESOCCASIONALANDVARIOUS
ACHURCHROMANCE
（MELLSTOCKcirca1835）
Sheturnedinthehighpew，untilhersightSweptthewestgallery，andcaughtitsrowOfmusic-menwithviol，book，andbowAgainstthesinkingsadtower-windowlight。
Sheturnedagain；andinherpride’sdespiteOnestrenuousviol’sinspirerseemedtothrowAmessagefromhisstringtoherbelow，Whichsaid："Iclaimtheeasmyownforthright！"
Thustheirhearts’bondbegan，induetimesigned。
Andlongyearsthence，whenAgehadscaredRomance，AtsomeoldattitudeofhisorglanceThatgallery-scenewouldbreakuponhermind，Withhimasminstrel，ardent，young，andtrim，Bowing"NewSabbath"or"MountEphraim。"
THERASHBRIDE
ANEXPERIENCEOFTHEMELLSTOCKQUIRE
I
WeChristmas-carolleddowntheVale，anduptheVale，androundtheVale，Weplayedandsangthatnightaswewereyearlywonttodo-
Acarolinaminorkey，acarolinthemajorD，Thenateachhouse："Goodwishes：manyChristmasjoystoyou！"
II
Next，tothewidow’sJohnandIandalltherestdrewon。AndI
DiscernedthatJohncouldhardlyholdthetongueofhimforjoy。
ThewidowwasasweetyoungthingwhomJohnwasbentonmarrying，Andquiringathercasementseemedromantictotheboy。
III
"She’llmakereply，Itrust，"saidhe，"tooursalute？Shemust！"saidhe，"AndthenIwillaccosthergently——muchtohersurprise！-
ForknowingnotIamwithyouhere，whenIspeakupandcallherdearAtendernesswillfillhervoice，abashfulnesshereyes。
IV
So，byherwindow-squarewestood；ay，withourlanternstherewestood，Andhealongwithus，——notsinging，waitingforasign；
Andwhenwe’dquiredhercarolsthreealightwaslitandoutlookedshe，Ashawlaboutherbedgown，andhercolourredaswine。
V
Andsweetlythenshebowedherthanks，andsmiled，andspokealoudherthanks；
Whenlo，behindherbackthere，intheroom，amanappeared。
Iknewhim——onefromWoolcombway——GilesSwetman——honestastheday，Buteager，hasty；andIfeltthatsomestrangetroubleneared。
VI
"Howcomeshethere？……Suppose，"saidwe，"she’swedoflate！Whoknows？"saidwe-
"Shemarriedyester-morning——onlymotheryethasknownThesecreto’t！"shrilledonesmallboy。"ButnowI’vetold，let’swish’emjoy！"
Aheavyfallarousedus：Johnhadgonedownlikeastone。
VII
Werushedtohimandcaughthimround，andliftedhim，andbroughthimround，When，hearingsomethingwronghadhappened，opedthewindowshe：
"Hasoneofyoufallenill？"sheasked，"bythesenightlaboursovertasked？"
Noneanswered。Thatshe’ddonepoorJohnacruelturnfeltwe。
VIII
TillupspokeMichael："Fie，youngdame！You’vebrokeyourpromise，slyyoungdame，Byformingthisnewtie，youngdame，andjiltingJohnsotrue，Whotrudgedto-nighttosingto’eebecausehethoughthe’dbringto’eeGoodwishesasyourcomingspouse。Mayyesuchtriflingrue！"
IX
Hermanhadsaidnowordatall；butbeingbehindhadhearditall，Andnowcried："Neighbours，onmysoulIknewnot’twaslikethis！"
Andthentoher："IfIhadknownyou’dhadintownotmealone，Nowifeshouldyouhavebeenofmine。Itisadearboughtbliss！"
X
Shechangeddeath-white，andheavedacry：we’dneverheardsogrievedacryAscamefromheratthisfromhim：heart-brokenquiteseemedshe；
Andsuddenly，aswelookedon，sheturned，andrushed；andshewasgone，Whither，herhusband，followingafter，knewnot；norknewwe。
XI
Wesearchedtilldawnaboutthehouse；withinthehouse，withoutthehouse，Wesearchedamongthelaurelboughsthatgrewbeneaththewall，Andthenamongthecrocksandthings，andstoresforwinterjunketings，Inlinhay，loft，anddairy；butwefoundhernotatall。
XII
ThenJohnrushedin："Ofriends，"hesaid，"hearthis，this，this！"andbendshishead：
"I’ve——searchedroundbythe——WELL，andfindthecoveropenwide！
Iamfearfulthat——Ican’tsaywhat……Bringlanterns，andsomecordstoknot。"
Wedidso，andwewentandstoodthedeepdarkholebeside。
XIII
Andthenthey，ropesinhand，andI——ay，John，andalltheband，andI
Letdownalanterntothedepths——somehundredfeetandmore；
Itglimmeredlikeafog-dimmedstar；andthere，besideitslight，afar，Whitedraperyfloated，andweknewthemeaningthatitbore。
XIV
Therestisnaught……Weburiedhero’Sunday。Neighbourscarriedher；
AndSwetman——hewho’dmarriedher——nowmiserablestofmen，Walkedmourningfirst；andthenwalkedJohn；justquivering，butcomposedanon；
Andwethequireformedroundthegrave，aswasthecustomthen。
XV
Ouroldbassplayer，asIrecall——hiswhitehairblown——butwhyrecall！-
Hisviolupstrapped，bentfigure——doomedtofollowherfullsoon-
Stoodbowing，paleandtremulous；andnexttohimtherestofus……
WesangtheNinetiethPsalmtoher——settoSaintStephen’stune。
THEDEADQUIRE
I
BesidetheMeadofMemories，WhereChurch-waymountstoMoaningHill，Thesadmansighedhisphantasies：
Heseemstosighthemstill。
II
"’TwastheBirth-tideEve，andthehamleteersMademerrywithancientMellstockzest，ButtheMellstockquireofformeryearsHadenteredintorest。
III
"OldDewylaybythegauntyewtree，AndReubenandMichaelapacebehind，AndBowmanwithhisfamilyBythewallthattheiviesbind。
IV
"Thesingershadfollowedonebyone，Treble，andtenor，andthorough-bass；
AndthewormthatwastethhadbegunTominetheirmoulderingplace。
V
"Fortwo-scoreyears，ereChrist-daylight，Mellstockhadthrobbedtostrainsfromthese；
ButnowthereechoedonthenightNoChristmasharmonies。
VI
"Threemeadowsoff，atadormeredinn，Theyouthhadgatheredinhighcarouse，And，rangedonsettles，somethereinHaddrunkthemtoadrowse。
VII
"Loud，lively，reckless，somehadgrown，EachdandlingonhisjiggingkneeEliza，Dolly，Nance，orJoan-
Liversinlevity。
VIII
"ThetaperflamesandhearthfireshineGrewsmoke-hazedtoaluridlight，AndsongsonsubjectsnotdivineWerewarbledforththatnight。
IX
"YetmanyweresonsandgrandsonshereOfthosewho，onsuchevesgoneby，AtthatstillhourhadthroatedclearTheiranthemstothesky。
X
"Theclockbelledmidnight；anderelongOneshouted，’Now’tisChristmasmorn；
Here’stoourwomenoldandyoung，AndtoJohnBarleycorn！’
XI
"Theydrinkthetoastandshoutagain：
Thepewter-wareringsbacktheboom，Andforabreath-whilefollowsthenAsilenceintheroom。
XII
"Whennighwithout，asinolddays，TheancientquireofvoiceandstringSeemedsingingwordsofprayerandpraiseAstheyhadusedtosing：
XIII
"’Whileshepherdswatch’dtheirflocksbynight，’-
ThusswellsthelongfamiliarsoundInmanyaquaintsymphonicflight-
To，’Gloryshonearound。’
XIV
"Thesonsdefinedtheirfathers’tones，Thewidowhiswhomshehadwed，AndothersintheminormoansTheviolsofthedead。
XV
"SomethingsupernalhasthesoundAsversebyversethestrainproceeds，AndstillystaringonthegroundEachroystererholdsandheeds。
XVI
"TowardsitschordedclosingbarPlaintively，thinly，wanedthehymn，Yetlingered，likethenotesafarOfbandedseraphim。
XVII
"Withbrowsabashed，andreverenttread，Thehearkenerssoughtthetaverndoor：
Butnothing，savewanmoonlight，spreadTheemptyhighwayo’er。
XVIII
"WhileontheirhearingfixedandtenseTheaerialmusicseemedtosink，AsitweregentlymovingthenceAlongtheriverbrink。
XIX
"ThendidtheQuickpursuetheDeadBycrystalFroomthatcrinklesthere；
AndstilltheviewlessquireaheadVoicedtheoldholyair。
XX
"ByBank-walkwicket，brightlybleached，Itpassed，and’twixtthehedgestwain，Doggedbytheliving；tillitreachedThebottomofChurchLane。
XXI
"There，attheturning，itwasheardDrawingtowherethechurchyardlay：
ButwhentheyfollowedthitherwardItsmalled，anddiedaway。
XXII
"Eachheadstoneofthequire，eachmound，Confrontedthembeneaththemoon；
ButnomorefloatedtherearoundThatancientBirth-nighttune。
XXIII
"ThereDewylaybythegauntyewtree，ThereReubenandMichael，apacebehind，AndBowmanwithhisfamilyBythewallthattheiviesbind……
XXIV
"AsfromadreameachsoberedsonAwoke，andmusingreachedhisdoor：
’Twassaidthatofthemall，notoneSatinatavernmore。"
XXV-
Thesadmanceased；andceasedtoheedHislistener，andcrossedtheleazeFromMoaningHilltowardsthemead-
TheMeadofMemories。
1897。
THECHRISTENING
WhosechildisthistheybringIntotheaisle？-
AtsosuperbathingThecongregationsmileAndturntheirheadsawhile。
Itseyesareblueandbright，Itscheekslikerose；
ItssimplerobesuniteWhitestofcalicoesWithlawn，andsatinbows。
AprideinthehumanraceAtthisparagonOfmortals，lightseachfaceWhiletheoldritegoeson；
Butah，theyareshockedanon。
WhatgirlisshewhopeepsFromthegallerystair，Smilespalely，redlyweeps，WithfeverishfurtiveairAsthoughnotfitlythere？
"Iamthebaby’smother；
ThisgemoftheraceThedecentfainwouldsmother，AndformydeepdisgraceIambiddentoleavetheplace。"
"Whereisthebaby’sfather？"-
"Inthewoodsafar。
Hesaysthereisnonehe’dratherMeetundermoonorstarThanme，ofallthatare。
"Toclaspmeinlovelikeweather，Wishfixingwhen，Hesays：TobetogetherAtwill，justnowandthen，Makeshimtheblestofmen；
"ButchainedanddoomedforlifeTosloveningAsvulgarmanandwife，Hesays，isanotherthing：
Yea：sweetLove’ssepulchring！"
1904。
ADREAMQUESTION
"Itshallbedarkuntoyou，thatyeshallnotdivine。"
Micahiii。6。