ContentsPrefaceTheTemporaryTheAllAmabelHap"InVisionIRoamed"
AtaBridalPostponementAConfessiontoaFriendinTroubleNeutralTonesSheHerInitialsHerDilemmaRevulsionShe，ToHim，I。
""II。
""III。
""IV。
DittyTheSergeant’sSongValenciennesSanSebastianTheStranger’sSongTheBurghersLeipzigThePeasant’sConfessionTheAlarmHerDeathandAfterTheDanceatthePhoenixTheCasterbridgeCaptainsASign-SeekerMyCicelyHerImmortalityTheIvy-WifeAMeetingwithDespairUnknowingFriendsBeyondToOuterNatureThoughtsofPhenaMiddle-AgeEnthusiasmsInaWoodToaLadyToanOrphanChildNature’sQuestioningTheImpercipientAtAnInnTheSlowNatureInaEweleazeNearWeatherburyADDITIONS：
TheFireatTranterSweatley’sHeiressandArchitectTheTwoMenLines"ILookintomyGlass"
PREFACE
Ofthemiscellaneouscollectionofversethatfollows，onlyfourpieceshavebeenpublished，thoughmanywerewrittenlongago，andotherpartlywritten。Insomefewcasestheverseswereturnedintoproseandprintedassuch，ithavingbeenunanticipatedatthattimethattheymightseethelight。
Wheneveranancientandlegitimatewordofthedistrict，forwhichtherewasnoequivalentinreceivedEnglish，suggesteditselfasthemostnatural，nearest，andoftenonlyexpressionofathought，ithasbeenmadeuseof，onwhatseemedgoodgrounds。
Thepiecesareinalargedegreedramaticorpersonativeinconception；andthisevenwheretheyarenotobviouslyso。
Thedatesattachedtosomeofthepoemsdonotapplytotheroughsketchesgiveninillustration，whichhavebeenrecentlymade，and，asmaybesurmised，areinsertedforpersonalandlocalreasonsratherthanfortheirintrinsicqualities。
T。H。
September1898。
THETEMPORARYTHEALL
Changeandchancefulnessinmyfloweringyouthtime，Setmesunbysunneartooneunchosen；
Wroughtusfellow-like，anddespitedivergence，Friendsinterlinkedus。
"CherishhimcanIwhilethetrueoneforthcome-
Cometherichfulfillerofmyprevision；
Lifeisroomyyet，andtheoddsunbounded。"
Soself-communedI。
Thwartmywistfulwaydidadamselsaunter，Fair，thewhileunformedtobeall-eclipsing；
"Maidenmeet，"heldI，"tillarisemyforefeltWonderofwomen。"
Longavisionedhermitagedeepdesiring，TenementsuncouthIwasfaintohousein；
"Letsuchlodgingbeforabreath-while，"thoughtI，"Soonamoreseemly。
"Then，highhandiworkwillImakemylife-deed，TruthandLightoutshow；buttheripetimepending，Intermissiveaimatthethingsufficeth。"
ThusI……Butlo，me！
Mistress，friend，place，aimstobebetteredstraightway，BetterednothasFateormyhand’sachieving；
Soletheshowancethoseofmyonwardearth-track-
Nevertranscended！
AMABEL
Imarkedherruinedhues，Hercustom-straitenedviews，Andasked，"CanthereindwellMyAmabel？"
Ilookeduponhergown，Oncerose，nowearthenbrown；
ThechangewasliketheknellOfAmabel。
Herstep’smechanicwaysHadlostthelifeofMay’s；
Herlaugh，oncesweetinswell，SpoiltAmabel。
Imused："WhosingsthestrainIsangerewarmthdidwane？
WhothinksitsnumbersspellHisAmabel？"-
Knowingthat，thoughLovecease，Love’sraceshowsundecrease；
AllfindindorpordellAnAmabel-
IfeltthatIcouldcreepTosomehousetop，andweep，ThatTimethetyrantfellRuledAmabel！
Isaid（thewhileIsighedThatlovelikeourshaddied），"FondthingsI’llnomoretellToAmabel，"Butleavehertoherfate，Andflingacrossthegate，’TilltheLastTrump，farewell，OAmabel！’"
1865。
HAP
IfbutsomevengefulgodwouldcalltomeFromupthesky，andlaugh："Thousufferingthing，Knowthatthysorrowismyecstasy，Thatthylove’slossismyhate’sprofiting！"
ThenwouldIbear，andclenchmyself，anddie，Steeledbythesenseofireunmerited；
Half-easedinthataPowerfullerthanI
HadwilledandmetedmethetearsIshed。
Butnotso。Howarrivesitjoyliesslain，Andwhyunbloomsthebesthopeeversown？-
CrassCasualtyobstructsthesunandrain，AnddicingTimeforgladnesscastsamoan……
ThesepurblindDoomstershadasreadilystrownBlissesaboutmypilgrimageaspain。
1866。
"INVISIONIROAMED"
TO-
InvisionIroamedtheflashingFirmament，SofierceinblazonthattheNightwaxedwan，Asthoughwithanawedsenseofsuchostent；
AndasIthoughtmyspiritrangedonandonInfootlesstraversethroughghastheightsofsky，TothelastchambersofthemonstrousDome，Wherestarsthebrightestheretodarknessdie：
Then，anyspotonourownEarthseemedHome！
AndthesickgriefthatyouwerefarawayGrewpleasantthankfulnessthatyouwerenear？
Whomighthavebeen，setonsomeoutstepsphere，LessthanaWanttome，asdaybydayIlivedunware，uncaringallthatlayLockedinthatUniversetaciturnanddrear。
1866。
ATABRIDAL
TO-
Whenyoupacedforth，towaitmaternity，Adreamofotheroffspringheldmymind，CompoundedofustwainasLovedesigned；
Rareforms，thatcorporatenowwillneverbe！
ShouldI，too，wedasslavetoMode’sdecree，Andeachthusfoundapart，offalsedesire，Astolidline，whomnohighaimswillfireAshadfiredourscouldeverhavemingledwe；
And，grievedthatlivessomatchedshouldmis-compose，Eachmournthedoublewaste；andquestiondareTotheGreatDamewhenceincarnationflows。
Whythosehigh-purposedchildrenneverwere：
Whatwillsheanswer？ThatshedoesnotcareIftheraceallsuchsovereigntypesunknows。
1866。
POSTPONEMENT
Snow-boundinwoodland，amournfulword，Droptnowandthenfromthebillofabird，Reachedmeonwind-wafts；andthusIheard，Wearilywaiting：-
"Iplannedheranestinaleaflesstree，Butthepasserseyedandtwittedme，Andsaid：’Howrecklessabirdishe，Cheerilymating！’
"Fear-filled，Istayedmetillsummer-tide，Inlewthofleavestothroneherbride；
Butalas！herloveformewanedanddied，Wearilywaiting。
"Ah，hadIbeenlikesomeIsee，Borntoanevergreennesting-tree，Nonehadeyedandtwittedme，Cheerilymating！"
1866。
ACONFESSIONTOAFRIENDINTROUBLE
Yourtroublesshrinknot，thoughIfeelthemlessHere，faraway，thanwhenItarriednear；
Ievensmileoldsmiles——withlistlessness-
Yetsmilestheyare，notghastlymockeriesmere。
AthoughttoostrangetohousewithinmybrainHauntingitsouterprecinctsIdiscern：-
ThatIwillnotshowzealagaintolearnYourgriefs，andsharingthem，renewmypain……
Itgoes，likemurkybirdorbuccaneerThatshapesitslawlessfigureonthemain，AndeachnewimpulsetendstomakeoutfleeTheunseemlyinstinctthathadlodgmenthere；
Yet，comradeold，canbittererknowledgebeThanthat，thoughbanned，suchinstinctwasinme！
1866。
NEUTRALTONES
Westoodbyapondthatwinterday，Andthesunwaswhite，asthoughchiddenofGod，Andafewleaveslayonthestarvingsod，——Theyhadfallenfromanash，andweregray。
YoureyesonmewereaseyesthatroveOvertediousriddlessolvedyearsago；
Andsomewordsplayedbetweenustoandfro-
Onwhichlostthemorebyourlove。
ThesmileonyourmouthwasthedeadestthingAliveenoughtohavestrengthtodie；
AndagrinofbitternessswepttherebyLikeanominousbirda-wing……
Sincethen，keenlessonsthatlovedeceives，Andwringswithwrong，haveshapedtomeYourface，andtheGod-curstsun，andatree，Andapondedgedwithgrayishleaves。
1867。
SHE
ATHISFUNERAL
Theybearhimtohisresting-place-
Inslowprocessionsweepingby；
Ifollowatastranger’sspace；
Hiskindredthey，hissweetheartI。
Unchangedmygownofgarishdye，Thoughsable-sadistheirattire；
Buttheystandroundwithgrieflesseye，Whilstmyregretconsumeslikefire！
187。
HERINITIALS
Uponapoet’spageIwroteOfoldtwolettersofhername；
PartseemedsheoftheeffulgentthoughtWhencethathighsinger’srapturecame-
WhennowIturntheleafthesameImmortallightillumesthelay，ButfromthelettersofhernameTheradiancehasdiedaway！
1869。
HERDILEMMA
（IN——-CHURCH）
Thetwoweresilentinasunlesschurch，Whosemildewedwalls，unevenpaving-stones，Andwastedcarvingspassedantiqueresearch；
Andnothingbroketheclock’sdullmonotones。
Leaningagainstawormypoppy-head，Sowanandwornthathecouldscarcelystand，-Forhewassoontodie，——hesoftlysaid，"Tellmeyouloveme！"——holdinghardherhand。
Shewouldhavegivenaworldtobreathe"yes"truly，Somuchhislifeseemedhandingonhermind，Andhenceshelied，herheartpersuadedthroughly’Twasworthhersoultobeamomentkind。
Butthesadneedthereof，hisnearingdeath，SomockedhumanitythatsheshamedtoprizeAworldconditionedthus，orcareforbreathWhereNaturesuchdilemmascoulddevise。
1866。
REVULSION
ThoughIwastewatchesframingwordstofetterSomespirittomineowninclaspandkiss，Outofthenightthereloomsasense’twerebetterTofailobtainingwhomonefailstomiss。
Forwinninglovewewintheriskoflosing，Andlosingloveisasone’slifewereriven；
Itcutslikecontumelyandkeenill-usingTocedewhatwassuperfluouslygiven。
LetmethenfeelnomorethefatefulthrillingThatdevastatesthelove-wornwooer’sframe，Thehotadooffeveredhopes，thechillingThatagonizesdisappointedaim！
SomayIlivenojunctivelawfulfilling，Andmyheart’stablebearnowoman’sname。
1866。
SHE，TOHIM——I
WhenyoushallseemeinthetoilsofTime，Mylaudedbeautiescarriedofffromme，Myeyesnolongerstarsasintheirprime，MynameforgotofMaidenFairandFree；
Wheninyourbeingheartconcedestomind，Andjudgment，thoughyouscarceitsprocessknow，RecallstheexcellenciesIonceenshrined，Andyouareirkedthattheyhavewitheredso：
Rememberingthatwithmeliesnottheblame，ThatSportsmanTimebutrearshisbroodtokill，Knowingmeinmysoultheverysame-
Onewhowoulddietospareyoutouchofill！-
Willyounotgranttooldaffection’sclaimThehandoffriendshipdownLife’ssunlesshill？
1866。
SHE，TOHIM——II
Perhaps，longhence，whenIhavepassedaway，Someother’sfeature，accent，thoughtlikemine，WillcarryyoubacktowhatIusedtosay，Andbringsomememoryofyourlove’sdecline。
Thenyoumaypauseawhileandthink，"Poorjade！"
Andyieldasightome——asampledue，NotasthetittleofadebtunpaidToonewhocouldresignheralltoyou-
Andthusreflecting，youwillneverseeThatyourthinthought，intwosmallwordsconveyed，Wasnosuchfleetingphantom-thoughttome，ButtheWholeLifewhereinmypartwasplayed；
AndyouamiditsfitfulmasqueradeAThought——asIinyoursbutseemtobe。
1866。
SHE，TOHIM——III
Iwillbefaithfultothee；aye，Iwill！
AndDeathshallchoosemewithawonderingeyeThathedidnotdiscernanddomicileOnehisbyrighteversincethatlastGood-bye！
Ihavenocareforfriends，orkin，orprimeOfmanhoodwhodealgentlywithmehere；
AmidthehappypeopleofmytimeWhoworktheirlove’sfulfilment，IappearNumbasavanethatcankersonitspoint，Truetothewindthatkissederecankercame；
DespisedbysoulsofNow，whowoulddisjointThemindfrommemory，andmakeLifeallaim，Myolddexteritiesofhuequitegone，AndnothingleftforLovetolookupon。
1866。
SHE，TOHIM——IV
Thisloveputsallhumanityfromme；
Icanbutmaledicther，prayherdead，Forgivingloveandgettingloveofthee-
Feedingaheartthatelsemineownhadfed！
HowmuchIloveIknownot，lifenotknown，SaveassomeunitIwouldaddloveby；
ButthisIknow，mybeingisbutthineown——
Fusedfromitsseparatenessbyecstasy。
AndthusIgraspthyamplitudes，ofherUngrasped，thoughhelpedbynigh-regardingeyes；
CanstthouthenhatemeasanenvierWhoseeunreckedwhatIsodearlyprize？
Believeme，LostOne，LoveislovelierThemoreitshapesitsmoaninselfish-wise。
1866。
DITTY
（E。LG。）
BeneathaknapwhereflownNestlingsplay，Withinwallsofweatheredstone，FarawayFromthefilesofformalhouses，Bytheboughthefirstlingbrowses，LivesaSweet：nomerchantsmeet，Nomanbarters，nomansellsWhereshedwells。
Uponthatfabricfair"Hereisshe！"
SeemswritteneverywhereUntome。
Buttofriendsandnoddingneighbours，Fellow-wightsinlotandlabours，WhodescrythetimesasI，NosuchlucidlegendtellsWhereshedwells。
ShouldIlapsetowhatIwasErewemet；
（Suchcannotbe，butbecauseSomeforgetLetmefeignit）——nonewouldnoticeThatwheresheIknowbyroteisSpreadastrangeandwitheringchange，LikeadryingofthewellsWhereshedwells。
TofeelImighthavekissed-
Lovedastrue-
Otherwhere，norMinehavemissedMylifethrough。
HadIneverwanderednearher，Isasmartsevere——severerInthethoughtthatsheisnought，EvenasI，beyondthedellsWhereshedwells。
AndDevotiondroopsherglanceTorecallWhatbond-servantsofChanceWeareall。
Ibutfoundherinthat，goingOnmyerrantpathunknowing，Ididnotout-skirtthespotThatnospotonearthexcels，——Whereshedwells！
1870。
THESERGEANT’SSONG
（1803）
WhenLawyersstrivetohealabreach，AndParsonspractisewhattheypreach；
ThenLittleBoneyhe’llpouncedown，AndmarchhismenonLondontown！
Rollicum-rorum，tol-lol-lorum，Rollicum-rorum，tol-lol-lay！
WhenJusticesholdequalscales，AndRoguesareonlyfoundinjails；
ThenLittleBoneyhe’llpouncedown，AndmarchhismenonLondontown！
Rollicum-rorum，&c。
WhenRichMenfindtheirwealthacurse，AndfilltherewiththePoorMan’spurse；
ThenLittleBoneyhe’llpouncedown，AndmarchhismenonLondontown！
Rollicum-rorum，&c。
WhenHusbandswiththeirWivesagree，AndMaidswon’twedfrommodesty；
ThenLittleBoneyhe’llpouncedown，AndmarchhismenonLondontown！
Rollicum-rorum，tol-tol-lorum，Rollicum-rorum，tol-lol-lay！
1878。
Publishedin"TheTrumpet-Major，"1880。
VALENCIENNES
（1793）
BYCORP’LTULLIDGE：see"TheTrumpet-Major"
INMEMORYOFS。C。（PENSIONER）。DIED184-
Wetrenched，wetrumpetedanddrummed，AndfromourmortarstonsofironhummedAth’arttheditch，themonthwebombedTheTowno’Valencieen。
’TwasintheJuneo’Ninety-dree（TheDukeo’YarkourthenCommanderbeen）
TheGermanLegion，Guards，andweLaidsiegetoValencieen。
ThiswasthefirsttimeinthewarThatFrenchandEnglishspilledeachother’sgore；
——FewdreamthowfarwouldrolltheroarBegunatValencieen！
’Twassaidthatwe’dnobusinessthereA-topperentheFrenchfordisagreen；
However，that’snotmyaffair-
WewereatValencieen。
Suchsnocksandslats，sincewarbeganNeverknewrawrecruitorveteran：
Stone-deaftherencewentmanyamanWhoservedatValencieen。
Intothestreets，ath’artthesky，Ahundredthousandballsandbombswerefleen；
AndharmlesstownsfolkfelltodieEachhouratValencieen！
And，sweatenwi’thebombardiers，Ashellwasslenttoshardsanighstmyears：
——’TwasnightheendofhopesandfearsFormeatValencieen！
Theyboremywowndedframetocamp，Andshutmygapenskull，andwashedenclean，Andjinedenwi’azilverclampThiknightatValencieen。
"We’vefetchedenbacktoquickfromdead；
ButnevermoreonearthwhileroseisredWilldrumrouseCorpel！"DoctorsaidO’meatValencieen。
’Twertrue。Novoiceo’friendorfoeCanreachmenow，oranylivenbeen；
AndlittlehaveIpowertoknowSincethenatValencieen！
IneverhearthezummerhumsO’bees；anddon’knowwhenthecuckoocomes；
ButnightanddayIhearthebombsWethrewatValencieen……
AsfortheDukeo’Yarkinwar，Therebesomevolkwhosejudgmento’enismean；
ButthisIsay——awasnotfarFromgreatatValencieen。
O’wildwetnights，whenallseemssad，Mywowndscomeback，asthoughnewwowndsI’dhad；
Butyet——attimesI’msorto’gladIfoutatValencieen。
Well：Heavenwi’itsjasperhallsIsnowtheon’yTownIcaretobein……
GoodLord，ifNickshouldbombthewallsAswedidValencieen！
1878-1897。
SANSEBASTIAN
（August1813）
WITHTHOUGHTSOFSERGEANTM-（PENSIONER），WHODIED185。
"Why，Sergeant，strayontheIvelWay，Asthoughathometherewerespectresrife？
Fromfirsttolast’twasaproudcareer！
AndyoursunnyyearswithagraciouswifeHavebroughtyouadaughterdear。
"Iwatchedherto-day；amorecomelymaid，Asshedancedinhermuslinbowedwithblue，RoundaHintockmaypolenevergayed。"-
"Aye，aye；Iwatchedherthisday，too，Asithappens，"theSergeantsaid。
"Mydaughterisnow，"heagainbegan，"OfjustsuchanageasoneIknewWhenweoftheLineandForlorn-hopevan，OnanAugustmorning——achosenfew-
StormedSanSebastian。
"She’sascorelessthree；soaboutwasSHE-
ThemaidenIwrongedinPeninsulardays……
Youmayprateofyourprowessinlustytimes，Butasyearsgnawinwardyoublinkyourbays，Andseetoowellyourcrimes！
"We’dstormeditatnight，bythevlanker-lightOfburningtowers，andthemortar’sboom：
We’dtoppedthebreach；buthadfailedtostay，Forourfilesweremisledbythebafflinggloom；
Andwesaidwe’dstormbyday。
"So，outofthetrenches，withfeaturesset，Onthathot，stillmorning，inmeasuredpace，Ourcolumnclimbed；climbedhigheryet，Pastthefauss’bray，scarp，upthecurtain-face，Andalongtheparapet。
"FromthebattenedhornworkthecannoneersHovecrashingballsofironfire；
OntheshakinggapmountthevolunteersInfiles，andastheymountexpireAmidcurses，groans，andcheers。
"Fivehoursdidwestorm，fivehoursre-form，AsDeathcooledthosehotbloodprickedon；
Tillourcausewashelpedbyawoewithin：
Theyswayedfromthesummitwe’dleaptupon，Andmadlyweenteredin。
"Onendforplunder，’midrainandthunderThatburstwiththelullofourcannonade，Wevampedthestreetsinthestiflingair-
Ourhungerunsoothed，ourthirstunstayed-
Andransackedthebuildingsthere。
"Downthestonystepsofthehouse-frontswhiteWerolledrichpuncheonsofSpanishgrape，Tillatlength，withthefireofthewinealight，Isawatadoorwayafairfreshshape-
Awoman，asylph，orsprite。
"Afeardshefled，andwithheatedheadIpursuedtothechambershecalledherown；-
Whenmightisrightnoqualmsdeter，AndhavingherhelplessandaloneIwreakedmywillonher。
"Sheraisedherbeseechingeyestome，AndIheardthewordsofprayershesentInherownsoftlanguage……SeeminglyIcopiedthoseeyesformypunishmentInbegettingthegirlyousee！
"So，to-dayIstandwithaGod-setbrandLikeCain’s，whenhewanderedfromkindred’sken……
IservedthroughthewarthatmadeEuropefree；
Iwivedmeinpeace-year。But，hidfrommen，Ibearthatmarkonme。
"AndInightlystrayontheIvelWayAsthoughathometherewerespectresrife；
Idelightmenotinmyproudcareer；
And’tiscoalsoffirethatagraciouswifeShouldhavebroughtmeadaughterdear！"
THESTRANGER’SSONG
（AssungbyMR。CHARLESCHARRINGTONintheplayof"TheThreeWayfarers"）
Omytradeitistherarestone，Simpleshepherdsall-
Mytradeisasighttosee；
FormycustomersItie，andtake’emuponhigh，Andwaft’emtoafarcountree！
Mytoolsarebutcommonones，Simpleshepherdsall-
Mytoolsarenosighttosee：
Alittlehempenstring，andapostwhereontoswing，Areimplementsenoughforme！
To-morrowismyworkingday，Simpleshepherdsall-
To-morrowisaworkingdayforme：
Forthefarmer’ssheepisslain，andtheladwhodiditta’en，AndonhissoulmayGodha’mer-cy！
Printedin"TheThreeStrangers，"1883。
THEBURGHERS
（17-）
ThesunhadwheeledfromGrey’stoDammer’sCrest，AndstillImusedonthatThingimminent：
AtlengthIsoughttheHigh-streettotheWest。
ThelevelflarerakedpaneandpedimentAndmywreckedface，andshapedmynearingfriendLikeoneofthosetheFurnaceheldunshent。
"I’venewsconcerningher，"hesaid。"Attend。
Theyflyto-nightatthelatemoon’sfirstgleam：
Watchwiththysteel：tworighteousthrustswillendHershamelessvisionsandhispassioneddream。
I’llwatchwiththee，totestifythywrong-
Toaid，maybe。——Lawconsecratesthescheme。"
Istarted，andwepacedtheflagsalongTillIreplied："SinceithascometothisI’lldoit！Butalone。Icanbestrong。"
ThreehourspastCurfew，whentheFroom’smildhissReignedsole，undulledbywhirrofmerchandize，FromPummery-TouttowheretheGibbetis，IcrossedmypleasauncehardbyGlyd’pathRise，Andstoodbeneaththewall。Elevenstrokeswent，Andtothedoortheycame，contrariwise，AndmetinclaspsocloseIhadbutbentMyliftedbladeuponthemtohaveletTheirtwosoulslooseuponthefirmament。
Butsomethingheldmyarm。"AmomentyetAspray-timeereyouwantonsdie！"Isaid；
Andthentheysawme。SwifthergazewassetWitheyeandcryofloveillimitedUponherHeart-king。NeveruponmeHadshethrownlookoflovesothorough-sped！……
AtoncesheflungherfaintformshieldinglyOnhis，againstthevengeanceofmyvows；
Thewhicho’erruling，hershapeshieldedhe。
Blankedbysuchlove，Istoodasinadrowse，Andtheslowmoonedgedfromtheuplandnigh，Mysadthoughtsmovingthuswise："ImayhouseAndImayhusbandher，yetwhatamI
Butlicensedtyranttothisbondedpair？
SaysCharity，Doasyewouldbedoneby。"……
Hurlingmyirontothebushesthere，Ibadethemstay。And，asifbrainandbreastWerepassive，theywalkedwithmetothestair。
Insidethehousenonewatched；andonweprestBeforeamirror，inwhosegleamIreadHerbeauty，his，——andmineownmienunblest；
TillatherroomIturned。"Madam，"Isaid，"Haveyouthewherewithalforthis？Prayspeak。
Lovefillsnocupboard。You’llneeddailybread。"
"We’venothing，sire，"saidshe；"andnothingseek。
’Twerebaseinmetorobmylordunware；
Ourhandswillearnapittanceweekbyweek。"
AndnextIsawshe’dpiledherraimentrareWithinthegarde-robes，andherhouseholdpurse，Herjewels，andleastlaceofpersonalwear；
Andstoodinhomespun。Nowgrownwhollyhers，Ihandedherthegold，herjewelsall，Andhimthechoicestofherrobesdiverse。
"I’lltakeyoutothedoorwayinthewall，Andthenadieu，"Itothem。"Friends，withdraw。"
Theydidso；andshewent——beyondrecall。
AndasIpausedbeneaththearchIsawTheirmoonlitfigures——slow，asinsurprise-
Descendtheslope，andvanishonthehaw。
"’Fool，’somewillsay，"Ithought。"Butwhoiswise，SaveGodalone，toweighmyreasonswhy？"-
"Hastthoustruckhome？"camewiththeboughs’night-sighs。
Itwasmyfriend。"Ihavestruckwell。Theyfly，Butcarrywoundsthatnonecancicatrize。"-
"Notmortal？"saidhe。"Lingering——worse，"saidI。
LEIPZIG
（1813）
Scene：TheMaster-tradesmen’sParlourattheOldShipInn，Casterbridge。Evening。
"OldNorbertwiththeflatbluecap——
AGermansaidtobe-
Whyletyourpipedieonyourlap，Youreyesblinkabsently？"——
"Ah！……Well，IhadthoughttillmycheekwaswetOfmymother——hervoiceandmienWhensheusedtosingandpirouette，Andtousethetambourine"Tothemarchthatyonstreet-fiddlerplies：
Shetoldme’twasthesameShe’dheardfromthetrumpets，whentheAlliesHercityovercame。
"MyfatherwasoneoftheGermanHussars，MymotherofLeipzig；buthe，Longquarteredhere，fetchedheratcloseofthewars，AndaWessexladrearedme。
"AndasIgrewup，againandagainShe’dtell，aftertrillingthatair，Ofheryouth，andthebattlesonLeipzigplainAndofallthatwassufferedthere！……
"——’Twasatimeofalarms。ThreeChiefs-at-armsCombinedthemtocrushOne，Andbynumbers’might，forinequalfightHestoodthematchedofnone。
"CarlSchwarzenbergwasoftheplot，AndBlucher，promptandprow，AndJeantheCrown-PrinceBernadotte：
Buonapartewasthefoe。
"CityandplainhadfelthisreignFromtheNorthtotheMiddleSea，Andhe’dnowsatdowninthenobletownOftheKingofSaxony。
"October’sdeepdewitswetgossamerthrewUponLeipzig’slawns，leaf-strewn，WherelatelyeachfairavenueWroughtshadeforsummernoon。
"TowestwardtwodullriverscreptThroughmilesofmarshandslough，Whereoverastreakofwhitenessswept-
TheBridgeofLindenau。
"Hardby，intheCity，theOne，care-tossed，Gloomedoverhisshrunkenpower；
AndwithoutthewallsthehemminghostWaxeddensereveryhour。
"Hehadspeechthatnightonthemorrow’sdesignsWithhischiefsbythebivouacfire，Whilethebeltofflamesfromtheenemy’slinesFlarednigherhimyetandnigher。
"Threesky-lightsthenfromthegirdlingtrineTold，’Ready！’AstheyroseTheirflashesseemedhisJudgment-SignForbleedingEurope’swoes。
"’TwasseenhowtheFrenchwatch-firesthatnightGlowedstillandsteadily；
AndtheThreerejoiced，fortheyreadinthesightThattheOnedisdainedtoflee……
"——FivehundredgunsbegantheaffrayOnnextdaymornatnine；
Suchmadandmanglingcannon-playHadnevertornhumanline。
"Aroundthetownthreebattlesbeat，Contractinglikeagin；
AsnearermarchedthemillionfeetOfcolumnsclosingin。
"ThefirstbattlenighedonthelowSouthernside；
ThesecondbytheWesternway；
ThenearingofthethirdontheNorthwasheard：
——TheFrenchheldallatbay。
"AgainstthefirstbanddidtheEmperorstand；
AgainstthesecondstoodNey；
Marmontagainstthethirdgavetheorder-word：
——Thusrageditthroughouttheday。
"Fiftythousandsturdysoulsonthosetrampledplainsandknolls，Whometthedawnhopefully，Andwerelottedtheirsharesinaquarrelnottheirs，Droptthenintheiragony。
"’O，’theoldfolkssaid，’yePreachersstern！
Oso-calledChristiantime！
Whenwillmen’sswordstoploughsharesturn？
Whencomethepromisedprime？’……
"——Theclashofhorseandmanwhichthatdaybegan，Closednotaseveningwore；
Andthemorrow’sarmies，rearandvan，Stillmusteredmoreandmore。
"FromtheCitytowerstheConfederatePowersWereeyedinglitteringlines，AndupfromthevastamurmuringpassedAsfromawoodofpines。
"’’TiswelltocoverafeebleskillBynumbers！’scoffedHe；
’Butgivemeathirdoftheirstrength，I’dfillHalfHellwiththeirsoldiery！’
"Allthatdayragedthewartheywaged，Andagaindumbnightheldreign，SavethateverupspreadfromthedarkdeathbedAmiles-widepantofpain。
"HardhadstrivenbraveNey，thetrueBertrand，Victor，andAugereau，BoldPoniatowski，andLauriston，Tostaytheiroverthrow；
"But，asinthedreamofonesicktodeathTherecomesanarrowingroomThatpenshim，bodyandlimbsandbreath，Towaitahideousdoom，"SotoNapoleon，inthehushThatheldthetownandtowersThroughthesedirenights，acreepingcrushSeemedinbornewiththehours。
"Oneroadtotherearward，andbutone，DidfitfulChanceallow；
’TwaswherethePleiss’andElsterrun-
TheBridgeofLindenau。
"Thenineteenthdawned。DownstreetandPlatzThewastedFrenchsankback，StretchinglonglinesacrosstheFlatsAndonthebridge-waytrack；
"Whentheresurgedontheskyanearthenwave，Andstones，andmen，asthoughSomerebelchurchyardcrewupdraveTheirsepulchresfrombelow。
"ToHeavenisblownBridgeLindenau；
Wreckedregimentsreeltherefrom；
AndrankandfileinmassesploughThesullenElster-Strom。
"AgulfwasLindenau；anddeadWerefifties，hundreds，tens；
AndeverycurrentrippledredWithMarshal’sbloodandmen’s。
"ThesmartMacdonaldswamtherein，Andbarelywontheverge；
BoldPoniatowskiplungedhiminNevertore-emerge。
"Thenstayedthestrife。TheremnantswoundTheirRhinewardwaypell-mell；
AndthusdidLeipzigCitysoundAnEmpire’spassingbell；
"Whileincavalcade，withbandandblade，CameMarshals，Princes，Kings；
Andthetownwastheirs……Ay，assimplemaid，Mymothersawthesethings！
"Andwheneverthosenotesinthestreetbegin，Irecallher，andthatfarscene，AndheractingofhowtheAlliesmarchedin，Andhertouseofthetambourine！"
THEPEASANT’SCONFESSION
"SilemarechalGrouchyavaiteterejointparl’officierqueNapoleonluiavaitexpedielaveilleadixheuresdusoir，toutequestioneutdisparu。Maiscetofficiern’etaitpointparvenuasadestination，ainsiquelemarechaln’acessedel’affirmertoutesavie，etilfautl’encroire，carautrementiln’auraiteuaucuneraisonpourhesiter。Cetofficieravait-iletepris？avait-ilpasseal’ennemi？
C’estcequ’onatoujoursignore。"-
THIERS：Histoiredel’Empire。"Waterloo。"
GoodFather！……’TwasaneveinmiddleJune，AndwarwaswagedanewBygreatNapoleon，whoforyearshadstrewnMen’sbonesallEuropethrough。
Threenightserethis，withcolumnedcorpshe’dcrossedTheSambreatCharleroi，TomoveonBrussels，wheretheEnglishhostDalliedinParcandBois。
Theyestertidewe’dheardthegloomygunGrowlthroughthelong-sunneddayFromQuatre-BrasandLigny；tillthedunTwilightsuppressedthefray；
Albeittherein——aslatedtonguesbespoke-
Brunswick’shighheartwasdrained，AndPrussia’sLineandLandwehr，thoughunbroke，Stoodcorneredandconstrained。
Andatnextnoon-timeGrouchyslowlypassedWiththirtythousandmen：
Wehopedthenceforthnoarmy，smallorvast，Wouldtroubleusagain。
Myhutlaydeeplyinavalerecessed，AndneverasoulseemednighWhen，reassuredatlength，wewenttorest-
Mychildren，wife，andI。
Butwhatwasthisthatbrokeourhumbleease？
Whatnoise，abovetherain，AbovethedrippingofthepoplartreesThatsmotealongthepane？-
Acallofmastery，biddingmearise，Compelledmetothedoor，Atwhichahorsemanstoodinmartialguise-
Splashed——sweatingfromeverypore。
HadIseenGrouchy？Yes？Whichtracktookhe？
CouldIleadthitheron？-
Fulfilmentwouldensuregoldpiecesthree，Perchancemoregiftsanon。
"IbeartheEmperor’smandate，"thenhesaid，"ChargingtheMarshalstraightTostrikebetweenthedoublehostaheadEretheyco-operate，"EngagingBluchertilltheEmperorputLordWellingtontoflight，AndnextthePrussians。ThistosetafootIsmyempriseto-night。"
Ijoinedhiminthemist；but，pausing，soughtToestimatehissay。
GrouchyhadmadeforWavre；andyet，onthought，Ididnotleadthatway。
Imused："IfGrouchythusinstructedbe，Theclashcomessheerhereon；
Myfarmisstript。While，asforpiecesthree，MoneytheFrenchhavenone。
"Grouchyunwarned，moreo’er，theEnglishwin，Andmineislefttome-
Theybuy，notborrow。"——HencedidIbeginToleadhimtreacherously。
ByJoidoigne，neartoeast，asweondrew，Dawnpiercedthehumidair；
AndeastwardfacedIwithhim，thoughIknewNevermarchedGrouchythere。
NearOttignieswepassed，acrosstheDyle（Lim’letteleftfaraside），AndthencedirecttowardPervezandNovilleThroughgreengrain，tillhecried：
"Idoubtthyconduct，man！notrackishere-
Idoubtthygagedword！"
Thereathescowledonme，andprancedmenear，Andprickedmewithhissword。
"Nay，Captain，hold！Weskirt，nottracethecourseOfGrouchy，"saidIthen：
"Aswego，yonderwenthe，withhisforceOfthirtythousandmen。"-
Atlengthnoonnighed；whenwest，fromSaint-John’s-Mound，Ahoarseartilleryboomed，AndfromSaint-Lambert’supland，chapel-crowned，ThePrussiansquadronsloomed。
Thentothewaylesswetgraygroundheleapt；
"Mymissionfails！"hecried；
"ToolateforGrouchynowtointercept，For，peasant，youhavelied！"
Heturnedtopistolme。Isprang，anddrewThesabrefromhisflank，And’twixthisnapeandshoulder，ereheknew，Istruck，anddeadhesank。
Ihidhimdeepinnoddingryeandoat-
Hisshroudgreenstalksandloam；
Hisrequiemthecorn-blade’shuskynote-
AndthenIhastenedhome，-
Twoarmieswritheincoilsofredandblue，AndbrassandironclangFromGoumont，pastthefrontofWaterloo，ToPap’lotteandSmohain。
TheGuardImperialwaveredontheheight；
TheEmperor’sfacegrewglum；
"Isent，"hesaid，"toGrouchyyesternight，Andyethedoesnotcome！"
’Twasthen，GoodFather，thattheFrenchespied，Streakingthesummerland，ThemenofBlucher。ButtheEmperorcried，"Grouchyisnowathand！"
AndmeanwhileVand’leur，Vivian，Maitland，Kempt，Metd’Erlon，Friant，Ney；
ButGrouchy——mis-sent，blamed，yetblame-exempt-
Grouchywasfaraway。
Byeven，slainorstruck，Michelthestrong，BoldTravers，Dnop，Delord，SmartGuyot，Reil-le，l’Heriter，Friant，Scatteredthatchampaigno’er。
FallenlikewisewrongedDuhesme，andskilledLobauDidthatredsunsetsee；
Colbert，Legros，Blancard！……AndofthefoePictonandPonsonby；
WithGordon，Canning，Blackman，Ompteda，L’Estrange，Delancey，Packe，Grose，D’Oyly，Stables，Morice，Howard，Hay，VonSchwerin，Watzdorf，Boek，Smith，Phelips，Fuller，Lind，andBattersby，Andhostsofranksmenround……
MemorialslingeryettospeaktotheeOfthosethatbittheground！
TheGuards’lastcolumnyielded；dykesofdeadLaybetweenvaleandridge，As，thinnedyetclosing，faintyetfierce，theyspedInpackstoGenappeBridge。
Safewasmystock；mycapplecowunslain；
Intacteachcockandhen；
ButGrouchyfaratWavrealldayhadlain，Andthirtythousandmen。
OSaints，hadIbutlostmyearingcornAndsavedthecauseonceprized！
OSaints，whysuchfalsewitnesshadIborneWhenlateI’dsympathized！……
Sonow，beingold，mychildreneyeaskanceMyslowlydwindlingstore，Andcravemymite；till，wornwithtarriance，Icareforlifenomore。
ToAlmightyGodhenceforthIstandconfessed，AndVirgin-SaintMarie；
OMichael，John，andHolyOnesinrest，EntreattheLordforme！
THEALARM
（1803）
See"TheTrumpet-Major"
INMEMORYOFONEOFTHEWRITER’SFAMILYWHOWASAVOLUNTEERDURING
THEWARWITHNAPOLEON
InafernybywayNearthegreatSouth-WessexHighway，Ahomesteadraiseditsbreakfast-smokealoft；
Thedew-dampsstilllaysteamless，forthesunhadmadenosky-way，Andtwilightcloakedthecroft。
’TwashardtorealizeonThissnugsidethemutehorizonThatbeyondithostilearmamentsmightsteer，SavefromseeingintheporchwayafairwomanweepwitheyesonAharnessedVolunteer。
Inhastehe’dflownthereTohiscomelywifealonethere，Whilemarchingsouthhardby，tostillherfears，Forshesoonwouldbeamother，andfewmessengerswereknownthereInthesecampaigningyears。
’TwastimetobeGood-bying，Sincetheassembly-hourwasnighingInroyalGeorge’stownatsixthatmorn；
AndbetwixtitswharvesandthisretreatweretengoodmilesofhieingEreringofbugle-horn。
"I’velaidinfood，Dear，Andbroachedthespicedandbrewed，Dear；
AndifourJulyhopeshouldantedate，Letthechar-wenchmountandgallopbythehalterpathandwood，Dear，Andfetchassistancestraight。
"AsforBuonaparte，forgethim；
He’snotliketoland！Butlethim，Thosestrikewithaimwhostrikeforwivesandsons！
Andthewar-boatsbuilttofloathim；’twerebutwantedtoupsethimAslatfromNelson’sguns！
"But，toassurethee，Andofcreepingfearstocurethee，IfheSHOULDberumouredanchoringintheRoad，DrivewiththenursetoKingsbere；andletnothingthencealluretheeTillwe’vehimsafe-bestowed。
"Now，toturntomarchingmatters：-
I’vemyknapsack，firelock，spatters，Crossbelts，priming-horn，stock，bay’net，blackball，clay，Pouch，magazine，flints，flint-boxthatateveryquick-stepclatters；……Myheart，Dear；thatmuststay！"
——WithbreathingsbrokenFarewellwaskissedunspoken，Andtheypartedthereasmorningstrokedthepanes；
AndtheVolunteerwenton，andturned，andtwirledhisglovefortoken，Andtookthecoastwardlanes。
WhenaboveHe’thHillshefoundhim，Hesaw，ongazingroundhim，TheBarrow-Beaconburning——burninglow，Asif，perhaps，uplightedeversincehe’dhomewardboundhim；
Anditmeant：ExpecttheFoe！
Leavingthebyway，Andfollowingswiftthehighway，Carandchariotmethe，faringfastinland；
"He’sanchored，Soldier！"shoutedsome："Godsavethee，marchingthyway，Th’ltfronthimonthestrand！"
Heslowed；hestopped；hepalteredAwhilewithself，andfaltered，"Whycourtingmisadventureshorewardroam？
ToMolly，surely！Seekthewoodswithhertilltimeshavealtered；
Charityfavourshome。
Else，mydenyingHewouldcomeshe’llreadaslying-
ThinktheBarrow-Beaconmusthavemetmyeyes——
Thatmywordswerenotunwareness，butdeceitofher，whiletryingMylifetojeopardize。
"Athomeisstockedprovision，Andto-night，withoutsuspicion，Wemightbearitwithustoacovertnear；
Suchsin，tosaveachildingwife，wouldearnitChrist’sremission，Thoughnoneforgiveithere！"
Whilethushe，thinking，Alittlebird，quickdrinkingAmongthecrowfoottuftstheriverbore，Wastangledintheirstringyarms，andfluttered，well-nighsinking，Nearhim，uponthemoor。
Hesteppedin，reached，andseizedit，And，preening，hadreleaseditButthatathoughtofHolyWritoccurred，AndSignsDivineerebattle，tillitseemedhimHeavenhadpleaseditAsguidetosendthebird。
"OLord，directme！……
DothDutynowexpectmeTomarcha-coast，orguardmyweakonesnear？
Givethisbirdaflightaccording，thatIthenceknowtoelectmeThesouthwardortherear。"
Heloosedhisclasp；when，rising，Thebird——asifsurmising-
Boreduetosouthward，crossingbytheFroom，AndDurnoverGreat-FieldandFort，thesoldierclearadvising-
PromptedhewistbyWhom。
ThenonhepantedBygrimMai-Don，andslantedUpthesteepRidge-way，hearkeningbetwixtwhiles；
Till，nearingcoastandharbour，hebeheldtheshore-lineplantedWithFootandHorseformiles。
Mistrustingnottheomen，Hegainedthebeach，whereYeomen，Militia，Fencibles，andPikemenbold，WithRegularsinthousands，wereenmassedtomeettheFoemen，Whosefleethadnotyetshoaled。
CaptainandColonel，SereGenerals，Ensignsvernal，Werethere；ofneighbour-natives，Michel，Smith，Meggs，Bingham，Gambier，Cunningham，rousedbythehuednocturnalSwoopontheirlandandkith。
ButBuonapartestilltarried；
Hisprojecthadmiscarried；
Atthelasthour，equippedforvictory，Thefleethadpaused；hissubtlecombinationshadbeenparriedByBritishstrategy。
HomewardreturningAnon，nobeaconsburning，Noalarms，theVolunteer，inmodestbliss，TeDeumsangwithwifeandfriends："WepraiseThee，Lord，discerningThatThouhasthelpedinthis！"
HERDEATHANDAFTER
’Twasadeath-bedsummons，andforthIwentBythewayoftheWesternWall，sodrearOnthatwinternight，andsoughtagate-
Thehome，byFate，OfoneIhadlonghelddear。
Andthere，asIpausedbyhertenement，Andthetreesshedonmetheirrimeandhoar，Ithoughtofthemanwhohadleftherlone-
HimwhomadeherhisownWhenIlovedher，longbefore。
TheroomswithinhadthepiteousshineThathome-thingswearwhenthere’saughtamiss；
FromthestairwayfloatedtheriseandfallOfaninfant’scall，Whosebirthhadbroughthertothis。
Herlifewasthepriceshewouldpayforthatwhine-
Forachildbythemanshedidnotlove。
"Butletthatrestforever，"Isaid，AndbentmytreadTothechamberupabove。
Shetookmyhandinherthinwhiteown，Andsmiledherthanks——thoughnightooweak-
AndmadethemasigntoleaveusthereThenfaltered，ereShecouldbringherselftospeak。
"’TwastoseeyoubeforeIgo——he’llcondoneSuchanaturalthingnowmytime’snotmuch——
WhenDeathissonearithustleshenceAllpassionedsenseBetweenwomanandmanassuch！
"Myhusbandisabsent。AsheretoforeTheCitydetainshim。But，intruth，Hehasnotbeenkind……Iwillspeaknoblame，But——thechildislame；
O，Iprayshemayreachhisruth！
"Forgivepastdays——Icansaynomore-
Maybeifwe’dweddedyou’dnowrepine！……
ButItreatedyouill。Iwaspunished。Farewell！
——TruthshallItell？
Wouldthechildwereyoursandmine！
"AsawifeIwastrue。But，suchmyuneaseThat，couldIinsertadeedbackinTime，I’dmakeheryours，tosecureyourcare；
Andthescandalbear，Andthepenaltyforthecrime！"-
WhenIhadleft，andtheswingingtreesRangaboveme，aslaudinghercandidsay，AnotherwasI。Herwordswereenough：
Camesmooth，camerough，IfeltIcouldlivemyday。