ABookofPoems
　　ToW。R。B。
　　DedicationAndso，toyou，whoalwayswerePerseus，D’Artagnan，LancelotTome，IgivetheseweedyrhymesInmemoryofearliertimes。
　　Nowallthosecarelessdaysarenot。
　　Ofallmyheroes，youendure。
　　Wordsaresuchsillythings！toorough，Toosmooth，theyboiluporcongeal，Andneitherofuslikesemotion——
　　ButIcan’tmeasuremydevotion！
　　AndyouknowhowIreallyfeel——
　　Andwe’retogether。There，enough，……！
　　ForewordbyChaunceyBrewsterTinkerInthesedayswhentheoldcivilisationiscrumblingbeneathourfeet，thethoughtofpoetrycrossesthemindlikethedearmemoryofthingsthathavelongsincepassedaway。Inourpassionatedesireforthenewera，itisdifficulttorefrainoneselffromthecommonplacepracticeofspeculatingontheeffectsofwarfareandofprophesyingallmannerofnovelrebirths。Butitmaybewellforustorememberthattheerawhichhasrecentlyclosedwasitselfmarkedbyamadidealisationofallnovelties。Intheliterarymovementsofthelastdecade——
　　when，indeed，anymovementatallhasbeenperceptible——wehavewitnessedabewilderingriseandfallofmethodsandideals。Wewerecaptivatedforatimebythequestofthegoldenphraseandtheaccompanyingcultivationofexoticemotions；andthen，wearyingoftheprettyandthetemperamental，weplungedintothebloodshotbrutalitiesofnaturalism。
　　Fromthesmooth-flowingimitationsofTennysonandSwinburne，wepassedintoafalsefreedomthathadatitsheartarepudiationofalllawandstandards，foraparalleltowhichoneturnsinstinctivelytocertainrecentdevelopmentsinthepoliticalworld。Wemayhopethattheeagersearchfornoveltyofformandsubjectmayhaveitsinfluenceinreleasingusfromouroldbondagetothecommonplaceandinbroadeningthescopeofpoetry；butwecannotblindourselvestothefactthatithasatthesametimecompletedthatestrangementbetweenthepoetandthegeneralpublicwhichhasbeendevelopingforhalfacentury。Thegreatmassofthereadingworld，towhomtheartsshouldminister，havenowforgottenthatpoetryisaconsolationintimesofdoubtandperil，abeacon，and"anever-fixedmark"inacrazedandshiftingworld。Ourpoetry——
　　andIamspeakinginparticularofAmericanpoetry——hasbeencentrifugal；
　　ourpoetshavebrokenupintosmallerandeversmallergroups。
　　Individualismhastriumphed。
　　Tothegeneralconfusion，critics，iftheymaybesaidtohaveexistedatall，haveaddedbytheirpaltryconceptionoftheart。
　　Theyhavedeemeditasufficientdenunciationofapoettoaccusehimofimitatinghismasters；asthoughthehistoryofanartwereratheraseriesofviolentrebellionsthanagrowthandaprogressiveillumination。
　　Notallgenerationsareprivilegedtoseetheworkingofagreatcreativeimpulse，butthewant，keenthoughitbe，furnishesnoreasonfortheutterrejectionofAtremulousmurmurfromgreatdayslongdead。
　　Butthisfearofechoingthepastmayworkusayetgreatermisfortune。
　　Intherejectionofthemannerofanearlierepochmaybeimplicitalsotherejectionoftheverysourcesfromwhichspringsthelifeofthefairart。Melody，andaloveofthegreenearth，andayearningforGodareoftheveryfabricofpoetry，denyitwhowill。
　　TheMusesstillreignonParnassus，waxtheheathenneversofurious。
　　PoetswholovepoetrybetterthantheirownfameinGrubStreetwilldowelltorememberTheflame，thenoblepageantofourlife；
　　Theburningsealthatstampsman’shighindentureTovainattemptandmostforlornadventure；
　　Romanceandpurpleseas，andtopplingtowns，Andthewind’svaliancecryingo’erthedowns。
　　Itisapoorbusinesstofindinsuchwordsonlytheillusionsofyouthandanewenthusiasm。Thedesirefornovelty，thepassionforforceanddirt，andthehankeringafterfreakishnessofmood，whichmanyhaveattemptedtosubstitutefortheolderandsimplerthings，arethemselvesthebestevidenceofdisillusionandjadednerves。Thereisawearinessandadisgustinourrecentimpatiencewithbeautywhichindicatetooclearlytheexhaustionofourspiritualresources。Itmaywellbethattherebirthofpoetryistobemanifestinareappearanceoftheobvious，——
　　inaloveoftheseaandofthebeautyofclouds，intheadventureofdeathandtheyetmoreamazingadventureofliving，inavitalloveofcolour，whetheroftheOrientorthedrug-shop，inchildlikeloveofmelody，andthecoolcleansingofrain，instrangefacesandoldmemories。
　　This，inthepast，hasbeenpoetry，andthiswillbepoetryagain。
　　Thesingerwho，outofafullheart，canoffertotheworldhisvisionofitsbeauty，andoutofanoblemind，hisconceptionofitsdestiny，willbestowuponhistimethemostpreciousgiftwhichwecannowreceive，thegiftofhishealingpower。
　　C。B。T。
　　ContentsDedicationForewordbyChaunceyBrewsterTinkerI。
　　TheDrug-Shop，or，EndymioninEdmonstounII。
　　RainafteraVaudevilleShowTheCityRevisitedGoingBacktoSchoolNosImmortalesYoungBloodTheQualityofCourageCampusSonnets：
　　1。BeforeanExamination2。Talk3。MayMorning4。Return——1917
　　AlexanderVIDineswiththeCardinalofCapuaTheBreakingPointLonelyBurialDinnerinaQuickLunchRoomTheHempPoorDevil！
　　GhostsofaLunaticAsylumTheWhitePeacockColorsAMinorPoetTheLoverinHellWingedManMusicTheInnovatorLoveinTwilightTheFiddlingWoodPortraitofaBoyPortraitofaBabyTheGeneralPublicRoadandHillsElegyforanEnemyI。
　　TheDrug-Shop，or，EndymioninEdmonstounPrefatoryNote。
　　ThispoemreceivedthenineteenthawardoftheprizeofferedbyProfessorAlbertStanburroughCooktoYaleUniversityforthebestunpublishedverse，theCommitteeofAwardconsistingofProfessorsC。F。TuckerBrooke，ofYaleUniversity，RobertFrost，ofAmherstCollege，andCharlesM。Gayley，oftheUniversityofCalifornia。
　　I。
　　TheDrug-Shop，or，EndymioninEdmonstoun"Ohyes，IwentovertoEdmonstountheotherdayandsawJohnny，mooningaroundasusual！Hewillnevermakehisway。"
　　LetterofGeorgeKeats，18——
　　Nightfalls；thegreatjarsglowagainstthedark，Darkgreen，duskred，and，likeacoilingsnake，Writhingeternallyinsmokygyres，GreatropesofgorgeousvaportwistandturnWithinthem。SotheEasternfishermanSawtheswartgenierisewhentheleadseal，Scribbledwithcharms，wasliftedfromthejar；
　　And——well，howwentthetale？Likethis，likethis？……
　　Noherbagebrokethebarrenflatsofland，Nowindsdaredloiterwithinsmilingtrees，Norwerethereanybrooksoneitherhand，Onlythedry，brightsand，Nakedandgolden，laybeforetheseas。
　　Oneboattoilednoiselesslyalongthedeep，ThethirstyripplesdyingsilentlyUponitstrack。Faroutthebrownnetssweep，AndnightbeginstocreepAcrosstheintolerablemirrorofthesea。
　　Twicethenetsrise，a-trailwithsea-plantsbrown，Distortedshells，androcksgreen-mossedwithslime，Noughtelse。Thefisher，sickatheart，kneelsdown；
　　"PrayermayappeaseGod’sfrown，"
　　Hethinks，then，kneeling，castsforthethirdtime。
　　Andlo！anearthenjar，boundroundwithbrass，Liestangledinthecordageofhisnet。
　　Aboutthebrightwavesgleamlikeshatteredglass，Andwherethesea’srimwasThesundips，flatandred，abouttoset。
　　Theprowgratesonthebeach。ThefishermanStoops，tearingatthecordsthatbindtheseal。
　　Shallpearlsrollout，lustrousandwhiteandwan？
　　Lapis？carnelian？
　　Unheard-ofstonesthatmakethesickmindreelWithwonderoftheirbeauty？Rubies，then？
　　Greenemeralds，glitteringliketheeyesofbeasts？
　　Poisonousopals，goodtomaddenmen？
　　Goldbezants，tenandten？
　　Hard，regaldiamonds，likekinglyfeasts？
　　Hetugged；thesealgaveway。AlittlesmokeCurledlikeafeatherinthedarkeningsky。
　　Ablindinggushoffireburst，flamed，andbroke。
　　Avoicelikeawindspoke。
　　Armoredwithlight，andturbanedterribly，Agenietrampedtheroundearthunderfoot；
　　Hisheadsoughtoutthestars，hiscuppedrighthandMadehalftheskyonedarkness。Hewasmute。
　　Thesun，aripenedfruit，Droopedlower。Scarleteddiedo’erthesand。
　　Thegeniespoke："Omiserableone！
　　Thyprizeawaitsthee；come，andhugitclose！
　　AnoblecrownthydragglednetshavewonForthisthatthouhastdone。
　　Blessedarefools！Agiftremainsforthose！"
　　Hishandsoughtouthissword，andlightningsflaredAcrosstheskyinonegreatbloomoffire。
　　Poisedlikeatopplingmountain，ithungbared；
　　SunsthatwerejewelsglaredAlongitshilt。Theairburntlikeapyre。
　　Oncemorethegeniespoke："SomethingIoweTothee，thoufool，thoufool。Come，canstthousing？
　　Yea？Singthen；ifthysongbebrave，thengoFreeandreleased——orno！
　　Findfirstsometask，someovermasteringthingIcannotdo，andfinditspeedily，Forifthoudostnotthoushaltsurelydie！"
　　Theswordwhirledback。Thefishermanuprose，AndifatfirsthisvoicewasweakwithfearAndhislimbstrembled，itwasbutadoze，Andatthehighsong’scloseHestoodupstraight。Hisvoicerangloudandclear。
　　TheSong。
　　Lastnightthequayswerelighted；
　　CressetsofsmokingpineGlaredo’ertheroaringmarinersThatdrinktheyellowwine。
　　Theirsongrolledtotherafters，Itstruckthehighstarspale，Suchworthwasintheirdiscourse，Suchwonderintheirtale。
　　Blueboragefilledtheclinkingcups，Themurkynightgrewwan，Tillonerose，crownedwithlaurel-leaves，Thatwasanoutlandman。
　　"Come，letusdrinktowar！"saidhe，"Thetorchofthesackedtown！
　　Theswan’s-bathandthewolf-ships，AndHaraldofrenown！
　　"Yea，whilethemilkwasonhislips，Beforethedaywasborn，HetooktheAlmayneKaiser’sheadTobehisdrinking-horn！
　　"Yea，whilethedownwasonhischin，Oryethisbeardwasgrown，HebrokethegatesofMicklegarth，Andstolethelion-throne！
　　"DrinktoHarald，kingoftheworld，Lordofthetongueandthetroth！
　　TothebellowinghornsofOstfriesland，AndthetrumpetsoftheGoth！"
　　Theirshoutsrolledtotherafters，Thedrink-hornscrashedandrang，Andalltheirtalkwasaclangorofwar，Asswordstogethersang！
　　Butdimly，throughthedeepnight，Wherestarslikeflowersshone，Apassionateshapecamegliding——
　　Isawonethingalone。
　　IonlysawmyyoungloveShiningagainstthedark，Thewhitenessofherraiment，Theheadthatbenttohark。
　　Ionlysawmyyounglove，Likeflowersinthesun——
　　Herhandslikewaxenpetals，Whereyawningpoppiesrun。
　　Ionlyfeltthere，chrysmal，Againstmycheekherbreath，Thoughallthewindswerebaying，AndtheskybrightwithDeath。
　　Redsparkswhirledupthechimney，Ahungryflaughtofflame，AndaleanmanfromGreecearose；
　　Thrasylloswashisname。
　　"Ipraiseallnoblewines！"hecried，"Greenrobesoftissuefine，Peacocksandapesandivory，AndHomer’ssea-loudline，"Statuesandringsandcarvengems，Andthewisecrawlingsea；
　　Butmostofallthecrownsofkings，Theruletheywieldthereby！
　　"Power，firedpower，blankandbright！
　　Afithiltforthehand！
　　Theonegoodswordforafreeman，Whileyetthecoldstarsstand！"
　　Theirshoutsrolledtotherafters，Theairwasthickwithwine。
　　Ionlyknewherdeepeyes，Andfeltherhandinmine。
　　Softlyasquietwater，Onefingertouchedmycheek；
　　Herfacelikegraciousmoonlight——
　　Imightnotmovenorspeak。
　　Ionlysawthatbeauty，IonlyfeltthatformThere，inthesilkendarkness——
　　Godwotmyheartwaswarm！
　　Theirshoutsrolledtotherafters，Anotherchiefbegan；
　　HisslitlipsshowedhimforaHun；
　　Hewasanevilman。
　　"Singtothejoysofwomen！"heyelled，"Thehotdelicioustents，Thesoftcouch，andthewhitelimbs；
　　Theairasteamofscents！"
　　Hiseyesgleamed，andhewethislips，Theraftersshookwithcheers，Ashesangofwoman，whoisman’sslaveForallunhonoredyears。
　　"Whetherthewantonlaughsamain，Withonewhiteshoulderbare，OrinasackedroomyouunbindSomecrouchingmaiden’shair；
　　"Thisistheonlygoodforman，LikespicesoftheSouth——
　　ToseetheglimmeringbodylaidAspasturetohismouth！
　　"Toleavenoleeswithinthecup，Toseeandtakeandrend；
　　Tolapagirl’slimbsuplikewine，Andlaugh，knowingtheend！"
　　Only，likelow，stillbreathing，Iheardonevoice，oneword；
　　Andhotspeechpoureduponmylips，Asmyhandsheldasword。
　　"Fools，thricefoolsoflust！"Icried，"YoureyesareblindtoseeEternalbeauty，movingfar，Moregloriousthanhornsofwar！
　　Butthoughmyeyeswereoneblindscar，Thatsightisshowntome！
　　"Younuzzleattheivoryside，Youclaspthegoldenhead；
　　Fools，fools，whochatterandsing，Youhavetakenthesignofaterriblething，YouhavedrunkdownGodwithyourbeeswing，Andbrokenthesaintsforbread！
　　"ForGodmovesdarkly，Insilenceandinstorm；
　　ButinthebodyofwomanHeshowsoneburningform。
　　"ForGodmovesblindly，Indarknessandindread；
　　ButinthebodyofwomanHeraisesupthedead。
　　"Gracileandstraightasbirches，Swiftasthequestingbirds，Theyfilltrue-lovers’drink-hornsup，Whospeaknot，havingnowords。
　　"Loveisnotdelicatetoying，Aslimandshimmeringmesh；
　　Itistwosoulswrenchedintoone，Twobodiesmadeoneflesh。
　　"Lustisasprightlyservant，Gallantwherewinesarepoured；
　　Loveisabittermaster，Loveisanironlord。
　　"Satineaseofthebody，Fattenedslothofthehands，Theseandtheirlikehewillnotsend，Onlyimmortalfirestorend——
　　Andtheworld’sendisyourjourney’send，Andyourstreamchokesinthesands。
　　"Pleachedcalmsshallnotawaityou，Peaceyoushallneverfind；
　　NoughtbutthelivingmoorlandScourgednakedbythewind。
　　"Noughtbutthelivingmoorland，Andyourlove’shandinyours；
　　Thestrengthmoresurethansurety，Themercythatendures。
　　"Then，thoughtheygiveyoutobeburned，Andslayyoulikeastoat，Youhavefoundtheworld’sheartintheturnofacheek，Heavenintheliftofathroat。
　　"Althoughtheybreakyouonthewheel，Thatstoodsostraightinthesun，Behindyouthetrumpetssplitthesky，Wherethelostandfuriousfightgoesby——
　　AndGod，ourGod，willhavevictoryWhenthereddayisdone！"
　　Theirmirthrolledtotherafters，Theybellowedlechery；
　　LightasadriftingfeatherMyloveslippedfrommyknee。
　　Within，thelightswereyellowIndrowsyroomsandwarm；
　　Without，thestabbinglightningShatteredacrossthestorm。
　　Within，thegreatlogscrackled，Thedrink-hornsemptiedsoon；
　　Without，theblackcloaksofthecloudsStrangledthewaningmoon。
　　Mylovecrossedo’erthethreshold——
　　God！butthenightwasmurk！
　　Isetmyselfagainstthecold，Andleftthemtotheirwork。
　　Theirshoutsrolledtotherafters；
　　Abittererwaywasmine，AndIlefttheminthetavern，Drinkingtheyellowwine！
　　Thelastfaintechoesrangalongtheplains，Died，andweregone。Thegeniespoke："ThysongServeswellenough——butyetthytaskremains；
　　ManyandrendingpainsShalltorturehimwhodaresdelaytoolong！"
　　Hisbrownfacehardenedtoaleadenmask。
　　Abitterbrinecrustedthefisher’scheek——
　　"AlmightyGod，onethingaloneIask，Showmeatask，atask！"
　　Thehardcupoftheskyshone，gemmedandbleak。
　　"Olove，whomIhavesoughtbydeviousways；
　　Ohiddenbeauty，nakedasastar；
　　Youwhosebrighthairhasburnedacrossmydays，Makingthemlampsofpraise；
　　Odawn-wind，breathingofArabia！
　　"YouhaveIserved。Nowfirehasparchedthevine，AndDeathisonthesingersandthesong。
　　Nolongeraretherelipstoclingtomine，Andtheheartweariesofwine，AndIamsick，formydesireislong。
　　"Olove，soft-moving，delicateandtender！
　　Inhergoldhousethepipecallsquerulously，Theycloudwiththingreensilksherbodyslender，Theytalktoherandtendher；
　　Come，piteous，gentlelove，andsetmefree！"
　　Heceased——and，slowlyrisingo’erthedeep，Afaintsongchimed，grewclearer，tillatlastAgoldenhornoflightbegantocreepWherethedumbripplessweep，Makingtheseaonesplendorwhereitpassed。
　　Agoldenboat！Thebrightoarsrestedsoon，Andtheprowmetthesand。ThepurpleveilsMistingthecabinfell。FairasthemoonWhenthemorningcomestoosoon，Andalltheairissilverinthedales，Agold-robedprincesssteppeduponthebeach。
　　Thefisherkneltandkissedhergarment’shem，Andthenherlips，andstroveatlastforspeech。
　　Thewaterslappedthereach。
　　"Herethystrengthbreaks，thymightisnoughttostem！"
　　Hecriedatlast。Speechshookhimlikeaflame：
　　"Yea，thoughthoupluckedthestarsfromoutthesky，Eachlovelyonewouldbeawitheredshame——
　　Eachthoucouldstfindorname——
　　Tothisfire-heartedbeauty！"WearilyThegenieheard。AslowsmilecamelikedawnOverhisface。"Thytaskisdone！"hesaid。
　　Awhirlwindroared，smokeshattered，hewasgone；
　　And，likeasuddenhorn，Themoonshoneclear，nolongersmokedandred。
　　Theypassedintotheboat。ThegoldoarsbeatLoudly，thenfainter，fainter，tillatlastOnlythequietwatersbarelymovedAlongthewhisperingsand——tillallthevastExpanseofseabegantoshakewithheat，Andmorningbroughtsoftairs，bysailorsloved。
　　Andafter？……Well……
　　Theshop-bellclangs！Whocomes？
　　Quinine——IpourthelittlebittergrainsOutuponblue，glazedsquaresofpaper。So。
　　AndalltheduskIshallsitherealone，Withmanypowersinmyhands——ah，seeHowtheblurredlabelsrunontheoldjars！
　　Opium——andacruelandsleepyscent，Theharshtasteofwhitepoppies；India——
　　Thewrithingwoodsa-crawlwithmonstrouslife，Savewherethedeodarsaresetlikespears，Andacalmpoolismirroredebony；
　　Opium——brownandwarmandslender-breastedSherises，shakingoffthecoolblackwater，Andtwistingupherhair，thatripplesdown，Atorrentofblackwater，toherfeet；
　　Howthedropssparkleinthemoonlight！OnceImadearhymeaboutit，singingsoftly：
　　OverDamascuseverystarKeepshisunchangingcourseandcold，Thedarkweighslikeanironbar，Theintenseandpallidnightisold，Dimthemoon’sscimitar。
　　Stillthelampsblazewithinthosehalls，WherepoppiesheapthemarblevatsForgirlstotread；thethickairpalls；
　　AndshadowshanglikeevilbatsAboutthescentedwalls。
　　Thegirlsaremany，andtheysing；
　　Theirwhitefeetfalllikeflakesofsnow，Makingaceaselessmurmuring——
　　Whispersoflove，deadlongago，Anddear，forgottenSpring。
　　Onealonesingsnot。TiredlySheseesthewhitebloomscrushed，andsmellsTheheavyscent。Theychatter："See！
　　WhiteZirathinksofnothingelseButthemorn’sjollity——
　　"ThenHarountakesher！"Butshedreams，Unhearing，ofacertainfieldOfpoppies，cutbymanystreams，LikelinesacrossaroundTurkshield，Wherenowthehotsungleams。
　　Thefieldwhereontheywalkedthatday，Andsplendorfilledherbodyup，Andhis；andthenthetrampledclay，Andslowsmokeclimbingthesky’scupFromwherethevillagelay。
　　Andafter——muchacheofthewrists，Wherethecordsirkedher——tillshecame，Thepriceofmanyamethysts，Hither。AndnowtheultimateshameBlewtrumpetinthelists。
　　Andsoshetrodthepoppiesthere，Rememberingotherpoppies，too，Anddidnotseemtoseeorcare。
　　Without，thefirstgraydropsofdewSweetenedthetremblingair。
　　Shetrodthepoppies。HourspassedUntilshesleptatlength——andTimeDraggedhisslowsickle。WhenatlastShewoke，themoonshone，brightasrime，Andnight’stiderolledonfast。
　　Shemoanedonce，knowingeverything；
　　Then，bittererthandeath，shefoundThesofthandmaidens，inaring，Cometoanointher，allaround，Thatshemightpleasetheking。
　　Opium——andtheodordiesaway，Leavingtheairyetheavy——cassia——myrrh——
　　Bitterandsplendid。See，thepoisonscome，Troopinginsquatgreenvials，blazonedredWithgrinningskulls：strychnine，apalliddustOftinygrains，likebonesgroundfine；andnextThemuddygreenofarsenic，alllivid，Likestthefaceofonelongdead——theycreepAlongthedustyshelflikedeadlybeetles，Whosefangsarecarvedwithrunnels，thatthebloodMayrundowneasilytotheblindmouthThatsnapsandgapes；andhighabovethemthere，Mymaster’spride，acobwebbed，yellowpotOfhoneyfromMountHybla。DothebeesStillmoanamongthelowsweetpurpleclover，Endlesslymany？Stillindeep-hushedwoods，WhentheincrediblesilverofthemoonComeslikealivingwindthroughsleep-bowedbranches，Stillstealdarkshapesfromtheenchantedglens，Whichyetarepurplewithhighdreams，andstillFrontingthatquietandeternalshieldWhichismuchmorethanPeace，doestherestillstandOnesharpblackshadow——andtheshort，smoothhornsAreclearagainstthatdisk？
　　OgreatDiana！
　　I，Ihavepraisedthee，yetIdonotknowWhatmovesmymindsostrangely，savethatonceIlayallnightuponathymyhill，Andwatchedtheslowcloudspasslikeheaped-upfoamAcrossbluemarble，tillatlastnospeckBlottedtheclearexpanse，andthefullmoonRoseinmuchlight，andallnightlongIsawHerorderedprogress，till，inmidmostheaven，Therecameaterriblesilence，andthemiceCrepttotheirholes，thecricketsdidnotchirp，Allthesmallnight-soundsstopped——andclearpurelightRippledlikesilkovertheuniverse，Mostcoldandbleak；andyetmyheartbeatfast，Waitinguntilthestillnessbroke。IknownotForwhatIwaited——somethingverygreat——
　　IdarednotlookuptotheskyforfearAbrittlecracklingshouldclashsuddenlyAgainstthequiet，andablacklinecreepAcrossthesky，andwidenlikeamouth，Untilthebrokenheavensstreamedapart，Liketornlostbanners，andtheimmortalfires，Roaringlikelions，askedtheirmeatfromGod。
　　Ilaythere，ablackblotuponashieldOfquivering，waterywhiteness。ThehushheldUntilIstaggeredupandcriedaloud，AndthenitseemedthatsomethingfartoogreatForknowledge，andillimitableasGod，Rentthedarkskylikelightning，andIfell，And，falling，heardawildandrushingwindOfmusic，andsawlightsthatblindedmeWithwhite，impenetrableswords，andfeltApressureofsofthandsuponmylips，Uponmyeyelids——andsincethenIcoughAttimes，andhavestrangethoughtsaboutthestars，Thatsomeday——someday——
　　Come，Imustbequick！
　　Mymasterwillbebacksoon。LetmelightThinblueArabianpastilles，andsitLikeadeadgodincensedbychantingpriests，Andwatchthepungentsmokewreatheupandup，Untilhecomes——thoughhemayragebecauseTheycostgoodmoney。ThenIshallwalkhomeOverthemoor。AlreadythemoonclimbsAbovetheworld’sedge。BythetimehecomesShewillbefullyrisen。——There’shisstep！
　　II。
　　Miscellaneous。
　　RainafteraVaudevilleShowThelastposeflickered，failed。Thescreen’sdeadwhiteGlaredinasuddenfloodingofharshlightStabbingtheeyes；andasIstumbledoutThecurtainrose。AfatgirlwithapoutAndlegslikehams，begantosing"HisMother"。
　　Gustsofbadairroseinachokingsmother；
　　Smoke，thewetsteamofclothes，thestenchofplush，Powder，cheapperfume，mingledinarush。
　　Isteppedintothelobby——andstoodstillStruckdumbbysuddenbeauty，bodyandwill。
　　Cleannessandrapture——excellencemadeplain——
　　Thestorming，thrashingarrowsoftherain！
　　Pouringanddrippingontheroofsandrods，Smellingofwoodsandhillsandfresh-turnedsods，Blackonthesidewalks，grayinthefarsky，Crashingonthirstypanes，onguttersdry，Hurryingthecrowdtoshelter，makingfairThestreets，thehouses，andtheheat-soakedair，——
　　Merciful，holy，charging，sweeping，flashing，Itsmotethesoulwithamostironclashing！……
　　Likedragons’eyesthestreet-lampssuddenlygleamed，Yellowandroundanddim-lowglobesofflame。
　　And，scarce-perceived，theclouds’tallbannersstreamed。
　　Outofthepettywars，thedailyshame，Beautystrovesuddenly，androse，andflowered……
　　Igrippedmycoatandplungedwhereawningslowered。
　　Madeonewithhissingblackness，caught，embraced，Bysplendorandbystrivingandswifthaste——
　　Springcominginwiththunderingsandstrife——
　　Istampedthegroundinthestrongjoyoflife！
　　TheCityRevisitedThegreygullsdriftacrossthebaySoftlyandstillasflakesofsnowAgainstthethinningfog。AlldayIsatandwatchedthemcomeandgo；
　　Andnowatlastthesunwasset，FillingthewaveswithcoloredfireTilleachseemedlikeajewelledspireThrustupfromsomedrownedcity。SoonFrompeakandcliffandminaretThecity’slightsbegantowink，Eachlikeafriendlyword。ThemoonBegantobroadenouthershield，Spurtingwithsilver。StraightbeforeThebrownhillslaylikequietbeastsStretchedoutbesideawell-loveddoor，AndfillingearthandskyandfieldWiththecalmheavingoftheirbreasts。
　　Nothingwasgone，nothingwaschanged，ThesmallestwavewasunestrangedByallthelongacheoftheyearsSincelastIsawthem，blindwithtears。
　　Theirwelcomelikethehillsstoodfast：
　　AndI，Ihadcomehomeatlast。
　　SoIlaughedoutwiththemaloudTothinkthatnowthesunwasbroad，Andclimbinguptheironsky，WheretherawstreetsstretchedsullenlyAboutanotherroomIknew，Inameanhouse——andsoonthere，too，ThesmithwouldbursttheflimsydoorAndfindmelyingonthefloor。
　　JustwhereIfelltheothernight，Afterthatbreakingwaveofpain。——
　　Howtheywillstormandrageandfight，Servantsandmistress，oneandall，"Nomoneyforthefuneral！"
　　Ibrokemylifethere。LetitstandAtthat。
　　Thewatersareaplain，Heavingandbrightoneitherhand，AtremulousandlustralpeaceWhichshallendurethoughallthingscease，FillingmyheartaswaterfillsAcup。Therestandthequiethills。
　　So，waitingformywingstogrow，Iwatchthegullssailtoandfro，Risingandfalling，softandswift，Driftingalongasbubblesdrift。
　　And，thoughIseethefaceofGodHereafter——thisdayhaveItrodNearertoHimthanIshalltreadEveragain。Thenightisdead。
　　Andthere’sthedawn，pouredoutlikewineAlongthedimhorizon-line。
　　Andfromthecitycomesthechimes——
　　Wehaveourheavenonearth——sometimes！
　　GoingBacktoSchoolTheboatploughedon。NowAlcatrazwaspastAndallthegreywavesflamedtoredagainAtthedeadsun’slastglimmer。FarandvastTheSausalitolightsburnedsuddenlyInlittledotsandclumps，asifapenHadscrawledvaguelinesofgoldacrossthehills；
　　Theskywaslikeacupsomerarewinefills，Andstarscameashewatched——andhewasfreeOnesplendidinstant——backinthegreatroom，CurledinachairwithallofthembesideAndthewholeworldarushofhappyvoices，Withlaughterbeatinginaclamoroustide……
　　SawonceagaintheheatofharvestfumeUptotheemptyskyinthreadslikeglass，Andran，andwasapartofwhatrejoicesInthunderousnightsofrain；layinthegrassSun-bakedandtired，lookingthroughamazeOftinystemsintoanewgreenworld；
　　Oncemoreknewevesofperfume，daysablazeWithclear，dryheatonthebrown，rollingfields；
　　ShudderedwithfearfulecstasyinbedOverabookofknightsandbloodyshields……
　　Theshipslowed，jarredandstopped。There，straightahead，Weredockandfellows。Stumbling，hewaswhirledOutandawaytomeetthem——andhisbackSlumpedtotheoldhalf-cringe，hishandsfellslack；
　　Abigboy’sarmwentroundhim——andatwistSentshatteringpainalonghistorturedwrist，Asavoicecried，abloatedvoiceandfat，"Whyit’sMissNancy！Comealong，yourat！"
　　NosImmortalesPerhapswegowithwindandcloudandsun，Intothefreecompanionshipofair；
　　Perhapswithsunsetswhenthedayisdone，All’sonetome——Idonotgreatlycare；
　　Solongastherearebrownhills——andatreeLikeamadprophetinalandofdearth——
　　AndIcanlieandheareternallyThevastmonotonousbreathingoftheearth。
　　Ihaveknownhours，slowandgolden-glowing，Lovelywithlaughterandsuffusedwithlight，OLord，insuchatimeappointmygoing，Whenthehandsclench，andthecoldfacegrowswhite，Andthesparkdieswithinthefeeblebrain，Spillingitsstar-dustbacktodustagain。
　　YoungBlood"But，sir，"Isaid，"theytellmethemanisliketodie！"
　　TheCanonshookhisheadindulgently。"Youngblood，Cousin，"heboomed。
　　"Youngblood！Youthwillbeserved！"——D’Hermonville’sFabliaux。
　　HewokeupwithasicktasteinhismouthAndlaythereheavily，whiledancingmotesWhirledthroughhisbraininendless，ripplingstreams，AndagreymistweigheddownuponhiseyesSothattheycouldnotopenfully。YetAftersometimehisblurredmindstumbledbackToitslastraggedmemory——aroom；
　　Airfoulwithwine；ashouting，reelingcrowdOffriendswhodraggedhim，dazedandblindwithdrinkOuttothestreet；acrazyroutofcabs；
　　Thesteadymutterofhisneighbor’svoice，Mumblingoutdullobscenitybyrote；
　　Andthen……well，theyhadbroughthimhomeitseemed，Sinceheawokeinbed——oh，damnthebusiness！
　　Hehadnotwantedit——thesillyjokes，"Onelast，greatnightoffreedomereyou’remarried！"
　　"You’llgetnofunthen！""H-ssh，don’ttellthatstory！
　　He’llhaveawifesoon！"——God！thesittingdownTodrinktillyouweresodden！……
　　LikegreatlightShecameintohisthoughts。Thatwastheworst。
　　TowallowinthemudlikethisbecauseHisfriendswerefools……Hewasnotfittotouch，Tosee，ohfar，faroff，thatsilverplaceWhereGodstoodmanifesttomaninher……
　　Foulinghimself……Onethinghebroughttoher，Atleast。Hehadbeenclean；hadtakenitAkindofpointofhonorfromthefirst……
　　Othersmightdoit……buthedidn’tcareForthosethings……
　　Suddenlyhisvisioncleared。
　　Andsomethingseemedtogrowwithinhismind……
　　Somethingwaswrong——thecolorofthewall——
　　Thequeershapeofthebedposts——everythingWaschanged，somehow……hisroom。Wasthishisroom？……Heturnedhishead——andsawbesidehimthereThesaggingbody’sslope，thepaint-smearedface，Andtheloose，openmouth，laxandawry，Thebreasts，thebleachedandbrittlehair……thesethings……AsifallHellwerecrushedtoonebrightlineOflightningforamoment。Thenhesank，Pronebeneathanintolerableweight。
　　Andbitterloathingcreptupallhislimbs。
　　TheQualityofCourageBlacktreesagainstanorangesky，Treesthatthewindshookterribly，Likeaharshspumealongtheroad，Quaveringuplikewitheredarms，Writhinglikestreams，liketwistedcharmsOfhotleadflunginsnow。BelowTheironicestunglikeagoad，Slashingthetornshoesfrommyfeet，Andalltheairwasbittersleet。
　　Andallthelandwascrampedwithsnow，Steel-strongandfierceandglimmeringwan，Likepaleplainsofobsidian。
　　——AndyetIstrove——andIwasfireAndice——andfireandicewereoneInonevasthungerofdesire。
　　Adimdesire，ofpleasantplaces，Andlushfieldsinthesummersun，Andlogsaflame，andwalls，andfaces，——Andwine，andoldambrosialtalk，Agoldenballinfountainsdancing，Andunforgottenhands。（Ah，God，ItrodthemdownwhereIhavetrod，Andtheyremain，andtheyremain，Etchedinunutterablepain，Lovedlipsandfacesnowapart，Thatoncewerecloserthanmyheart——
　　Inagony，inagony，Andhorriblyapartofme……
　　ForLetheisfornomanset，AndinHellmaynomanforget。）
　　Andtherewereflowers，andjugs，bright-glancing，AndoldItalianswords——andlooks，Amoment’sglanceoffire，offire，Spiring，leaping，flaminghigher，Intotheintense，thecloudlessblue，Untiltwosoulswereone，andflame，Andveryflesh，andyetthesame！
　　AsifallspringswerecrushedanewIntooneglobeddropofdew！
　　ButforthemostIthoughtofheat，Desiringgreatly……HotwhitesandThelazybodyliesatrestin，Orsun-dried，scentedgrasstonestin，Andfires，innumerablefires，GreatfagotshurlinggoldengyresOfsparksfarup，andtheredheartInsea-coals，crashingastheypartTotinyflares，andkindlingsnapping，BunchedsticksthatbursttheirstringandwrappingAndfalllikejackstraws；greenandblueTheevilflamesofdriftwoodtoo，Andheavy，sullenlumpsofcokeWithstill，fierceheatanduglysmoke……Andthenthevisionofhisface，Andtheirs，alltheirs，camelikeasword，Thrice，totheheart——andasIfellIthoughtIsawalightbefore。
　　Iwoke。Myhandswereblueandsore，Tornontheice。IscarcelyfeltThefrozensleetbegintomeltUponmyfaceasIbreatheddeeper，Butlaytherewarmly，likeasleeperWhoshiftshisarmonce，andmoanslow，Andthensinksbacktonight。Slow，slow，AndstillasDeath，cameSleepandDeathAndlookedatmewithquietbreath。
　　Unbendingfigures，blackandstarkAgainsttheintensedeepsofthedark。
　　Tallandliketrees。LikesweetandfireRestcreptandcreptalongmyveins，Gently。Andtherewerenomorepains……
　　Wasitnotbettersotolie？
　　Thefightwasdone。EvengodstireOffighting……Mywaywasthewrong。
　　NowIshoulddriftanddriftalongToendlessquiet，goldenpeace……
　　Andletthetorturedbodycease。
　　Andthenalightwinkedlikeaneye……AndverymanymilesawayAgirlstoodatawarm，litdoor，Holdingalamp。RayuponrayItcloakedthesnowwithperfectlight。
　　AndwhereshewastherewasnonightNorcouldbe，ever。Godissure，Andinhishandsarethingssecure。
　　ItisnotgivenmetotraceThelovelylaughterofthatface，Likeaclearbrookmostfulloflight，Orolivesswayingonaheight，Sosilvertheyhavewings，almost；
　　LikeagreatwordonceknownandlostAndmeaningallthings。NorhervoiceAhappysoundwherelarksrejoice，Herbody，thatgreatloveliness，Thetenderfashionofherdress，Imaynotpaintthem。
　　TheseIsee，Blazingthroughalleternity，Afire-wingedsign，aglorioustree！
　　Shestoodthere，andatonceIknewThebitterthingthatImustdo。
　　Therecouldbenosurrendernow；
　　ThoughSleepandDeathwerewhisperinglow。
　　Mywaywaswrong。So。WoulditmendIfIshrankbackbeforetheend？
　　Andsanktodeathandcowardice？
　　No，thelastleesmustbedrainedup，Basewinefromanignoblecup；
　　（YetnotsobaseassleekcontentWhenIhadshrunkfrompunishment）
　　Thewretchedbodystrainanew！
　　Lifewasastormtowanderthrough。
　　Itookthewrongway。Goodandwell，AtleastmyfeetsoughtoutnotHell！
　　ThoughnightwereoneconsumingflameImustgoonformybaseaim，Andso，perhaps，makeevilgrowTosomethingcleanbyagony……
　　Andreachthatlightuponthesnow……
　　Andtouchherdressatlast……
　　So，so，Icrawled。IcouldnotspeakorseeSavedimly。Theiceglaredlikefire，AlongbrightHellofchokingcold，Andeachveinwasatautenedwire，Throbbingwithtorture——andIcrawled。
　　Myhandswerewounds。
　　SoIattainedThesecondHell。ThesnowwasstainedIthought，andshookmyheadatitHowreditwas！Blacktree-rootsclutchedAndtore——andsoonthesnowwassmutchedAnew；andIlurchedbabblingon，Andthenfelldowntorestabit，AndcameuponanotherHell……
　　Loosestonesthaticemadeterrible，Thatrolledandgashedmenastheyfell。
　　Istumbled，slipped……andallwasgoneThatIhadgained。OncemoreIlayBeforethelongbrightHellofice。
　　Andstillthelightwasfaraway。
　　TherewasredmistbeforemyeyesOrIcouldtellyouhowIwentAcrosstheswayingfirmament，Aglitteringtortureofcoldstars，AndhowIfoughtinTitanwars……
　　Anddied……andlivedagainuponTherack……andhowthehorsesstrainWhentheirredtaskisnearlydone……
　　IonlyknowthattherewasPain，InfiniteandeternalPain。
　　AndthatIfell——androseagain。
　　Soshewaswalkingintheroad。
　　AndIstooduprightlikeaman，Once，andfellblind，andheardhercry……
　　Andthentherecamelongagony。
　　TherewasnopainwhenIawoke，Nopainatall。Rest，likeagoad，Spurredmyeyesopen——andlightbrokeUponthemlikeamillionswords：
　　Andshewasthere。Therearenowords。
　　Heavenisforamoment’sspan。
　　Andever。
　　SoIspokeandsaid，"Myhonorstandsupunbetrayed，AndIhaveseenyou。Dear……"
　　SharppainClosedlikeacloak……
　　Imoanedanddied。
　　Here，evenhere，thesethingsremain。
　　Ishalldrawnearertoherside。
　　Ohdearandlaughing，losttome，HiddeningreyEternity，Ishallattain，withburningfeet，Toyouandtothemercy-seat！
　　Theagescrumbledownlikedust，Darkroses，deviouslythrustAndscatteredinsweetwine——butI，Ishallliftuptoyoumycry，AndkissyourwetlipspresentlyBeneaththeever-livingTree。
　　ThisinmyheartIkeepforgoad！
　　Somewhere，inHeavenshewalksthatroad。
　　Somewhere……inHeaven……shewalks……that……road……
　　CampusSonnets：
　　1。BeforeanExaminationThelittlelettersdanceacrossthepage，Flauntandretire，andtrickthetiredeyes；
　　Sickofthestrain，theglaringlight，IriseYawningandstretching，fullofemptyrageAtthedullmaunderingsofalongdeadsage，Flingupthewindows，flingasidehislies；
　　Choosingtobreathe，notstifleandbewise，Andlettheairpourinuponmycage。
　　ThebreezeblowscoolandtherearestarsandstarsBeyondthedark，softmassesoftheelmsThatwhisperthingsinwindytonesandlight。
　　Theyseemtowheelfordim，celestialwars；
　　AndI——IheartheclashofsilverhelmsRingicy-clearfromthefardeepsofnight。
　　2。TalkTobaccosmokedriftsuptothedimceilingFromhalfadozenpipesandcigarettes，Curlinginendlessshapes，inblueringswheeling，Asformlessasourtalk。Phil，drawling，betsCornellwillwintherelayinawalk，WhileBobandMacdiscusstheGiants’chances；
　　Deepinamorris-chair，Billscowlsat"Falk"，Johngiveslargeviewsaboutthelastfewdances。
　　Andsoitgoes——anidlespeechandaimless，Afewchancephrases；yetIseebehindTheemptywordsthegleamofabeautytameless，Friendshipandpeaceandfiretostrikemenblind，Tillthewholeworldseemssmallandbrighttohold——
　　Ofallouryouththishourispuregold。
　　3。MayMorningIliestretchedoutuponthewindow-seatAnddoze，andreadapageortwo，anddoze，Andfeeltheairlikewateronmeclose，GreatwavesofsunnyairthatlipandbeatWithasmallnoise，monotonousandsweet，Againstthewindow——andthescentofcool，Frailflowersbysomebrownanddew-drenchedpoolPossessesmefromdrowsyheadtofeet。
　　Thisisthetimeofall-sufficinglaughterAtidioticthingssomeonehasdone，Andthereisneitherpastnorvaguehereafter。
　　AndallyourbodystretchesinthesunAnddrinksthelightinlikealiquidthing；
　　Filledwiththedivinelanguoroflatespring。
　　4。Return——1917
　　"TheCollegewillreopenSept。——。"`Catalogue’。
　　IwasjustaimingatthejaggedholeTornintheyellowsandbagsoftheirtrench，Whensomethingthrewmesidewayswithawrench，AndtheskiesseemedtoshrivellikeascrollAnddisappear……andproppedagainsttheboleOfabigelmIlay，andwatchedthecloudsFloatthroughtheblue，deepskyinspecklesscrowds，AndIwascleanagain，andyoung，andwhole。
　　Lord，whatadreamthatwas！AndwhatadozeWaitingforBilltocomealongtoclass！
　　I’vecutitnow——andhe——Oh，hello，Fred！
　　Why，what’sthematter？——here——don’tbeanass，Sitdownandtellme！——Whatdoyousuppose？
　　IdreamedI……AMI……wounded？"YOUAREDEAD。"
　　AlexanderVIDineswiththeCardinalofCapuaNext，then，thepeacock，giltWithallitsfeathers。Look，whatgorgeousdyesFlowintheeyes！
　　Andhowdeep，lustrousgreensaresplashedandspiltAlongtheback，thatlikeasea-wave’screstScatterssoftbeautyo’erth’emblazonedbreast！
　　Astrangefowl！ButmostfitForfeastslikethis，wherebyIhonoronePureasthesun！
　　Yetglowingwiththefieryzealofit！
　　Somewine？Yourgoblet’sempty？Letitfoam！
　　ItisnotoftenthatyoucometoRome！
　　YouliketheVeniceglass？
　　Rippledwithlinesthatfloatlikewomen’scurls，Necklikeagirl’s，Fierce-glowingasachaliceintheMass？
　　Youstart——’twasartistthen，notPopewhospoke！
　　AveMariastella！——ah，itbroke！
　　’TissaidtheybreakaloneWhenpoisonwritheswithin。Afoolishtale！
　　What，youlookpale？
　　Caraffa，fetchasilvercup！……YouownABirthofVenus，now——orsoI’veheard，Lovelyasthebreast-plumageofabird。
　　AlsoaDancingFaun，HewnwiththelithegraceofPraxiteles；
　　GlobedpearlstopleaseAsultan；goldenveilsthatdroplikelawn——
　　HowhappyIcouldbewithbutatitheOfyourpossessions，fortunateone！Don’twritheButtakethesecushionshere！
　　Nowforthefruit！Greatpeaches，satin-skinned，Roughtamarind，Pomegranatesredaslips——ohtheycomedear！
　　Butmenlikeyouwefeastatanyprice——
　　Aplumperhaps？They’relookingrathernice！
　　I’llcutthethinginhalf。