BIOGRAPHICALSKETCH
AlthoughBretHarte’snameisidentifiedwithCalifornianlife，itwasnottillhewasfifteenthattheauthorof"PlainLanguagefromTruthfulJames"sawthecountryofhisadoption。FrancisBretHarte，togivethefullnamewhichhecarriedtillhebecamefamous，wasbornatAlbany，NewYork，August25，1839。HewentwithhiswidowedmothertoCaliforniain1854，andwasthrownasayoungmanintothehurly-burlywhichhemorethananyotherwriterhasmaderealtodistantandlaterpeople。Hewasbyturnsaminer，school-
teacher，expressmessenger，printer，andjournalist。Thetypeswhichliveagaininhispagesarethusnotonlywhatheobserved，butwhathehimselfimpersonatedinhisownexperience。
HebegantryinghispeninTheGoldenEraofSanFrancisco，wherehewasworkingasacompositor；andwhenTheCalifornian，editedbyCharlesHenryWebb，wasstartedin1864asaliterarynewspaper，hewasoneofagroupofbrilliantyoungfellows——MarkTwain，CharlesWarrenStoddard，Webbhimself，andPrenticeMulford——whogaveatonceanewinterestinCaliforniabesidewhatminingandagriculturecaused。Hereinanearlynumberappeared"TheBalladoftheEmeu，"
andhecontributedmanypoems，graveandgay，aswellasproseinagreatvarietyofform。AtthesametimehewasappointedSecretaryoftheUnitedStatesBranchMintatSanFrancisco，holdingtheofficetill1870。
ButBretHarte’sgreatopportunitycamewhenTheOverlandMonthlywasestablishedin1868byAntonRoman。Thismagazinewastheoutgrowthoftheracy，exuberantliteraryspiritwhichhadalreadyfoundfreeexpressioninthejournalsnamed。AneagerambitiontoliftallthenewlifeofthePacificintoarecognizedplaceintheworldoflettersmadetheyoungmenwehavenamedputtheirwitstogetherinamonthlymagazinewhichshouldrivaltheAtlanticinBostonandBlackwoodinEdinburgh。Thenamewaseasilyhad，andforasignmanualonthecoversomeonedrewagrizzlybear，thatformidableexemplarofCalifornianwildness。Butthedesigndidnotquitesatisfy，untilBretHarte，withafelicitousstroke，drewtwoparallellinesjustbeforethefeetofthehaltingbrute。Nowitwasthegrizzlyofthewildernessdrawingbackbeforetherailwayofcivilization，andthepicturewascompleteasanemblem。
BretHartebecame，bythecommonurgencyofhiscompanions，thefirsteditoroftheOverland，andatoncehisowntalesandpoemsbegan，andinthesecondnumberappeared"TheLuckofRoaringCamp，"
whichinstantlybroughthimwidefame。Inafewmonthshefoundhimselfbesoughtforpoemsandarticles，sketchesandstories，ininfluentialmagazines，andin1871heturnedawayfromthePacificcoast，andtookuphisresidence，firstinNewYork，afterwardinBoston。
"Noone，"sayshisoldfriend，Mr。Stoddard，"whoknowsMr。Harte，andknewtheCaliforniaofhisday，wondersthatheleftitashedid。Easterneditorswerecryingforhiswork。Citiesviedwithoneanotherintheofferoftemptingbait。WhenheturnedhisbackonSanFrancisco，andstartedforBoston，hebeganatourthatthegreatestauthorofanyagemighthavebeenproudof。Itwasaveritableovationthatswelledfromseatosea：theclassicsheepwassacrificedallalongtheroute。IhaveoftenthoughtthatifBretHartehadmetwithafatalaccidentduringthattranscontinentaljourney，theworldwouldhavedeclaredwithonevoicethatthegreatestgeniusofhistimewaslosttoit。"
InBostonheenteredintoanarrangementwiththepredecessorsofthepublishersofthisvolume，andhiscontributionsappearedintheirperiodicalsandweregatheredintovolumes。Thearrangementinoneformoranothercontinuedtothetimeofhisdeath，andhasforwitnessastatelyarrayofcomelyvolumes；buttheprosehasfaroutstrippedthepoetry。TherearefewwritersofMr。Harte’sprodigalityofnaturewhohaveusedwithsomuchfinereservetheirfacultyformelodiousverse，andthepresentvolumecontainstheentirebodyofhispoeticalwork，growingbyminuteaccretionsduringthirtyoddyears。
In1878hewasappointedUnitedStatesConsulatCrefeld，Germany，andafterthatdateheresided，withlittleinterruption，ontheContinentorinEngland。HewastransferredtoGlasgowinMarch，1880，andremainedthereuntilJuly，1885。DuringtherestofhislifehemadehishomeinLondon。Hisforeignresidenceisdisclosedinanumberofprosesketchesandtalesandinoneortwopoems；butlifeabroadneverdimmedthevividnessoftheimpressionsmadeonhimbytheexperienceofhisearlymanhoodwhenhepartookoftheelixirvitaeofCalifornia，andthestorieswhichfromyeartoyearflowedfromanapparentlyinexhaustiblefountainglitteredwiththegoldwasheddownfromthemountainslopesofthatcountrywhichthroughhisimaginationhehadmadesopeculiarlyhisown。
Mr。HartediedsuddenlyatCamberley，England，May6，1902。
CONTENTS
I。NATIONAL。
JOHNBURNSOFGETTYSBURG
"HOWAREYOU，SANITARY？"
BATTLEBUNNY
THEREVEILLE
OURPRIVILEGE
RELIEVINGGUARD
THEGODDESS
ONAPENOFTHOMASSTARRKING
ASECONDREVIEWOFTHEGRANDARMY
THECOPPERHEAD
ASANITARYMESSAGE
THEOLDMAJOREXPLAINS
CALIFORNIA’SGREETINGTOSEWARD
THEAGEDSTRANGER
THEIDYLOPBATTLEHOLLOW
CALDWELLOFSPRINGFIELD
POEM，DELIVEREDONTHEFOURTEENTHANNIVERSARYOFCALIFORNIA’S
ADMISSIONINTOTHEUNION
MISSBLANCHESAYS
ANARCTICVISION
ST。THOMAS
OFFSCARBOROUGH
CADETGREY
II。SPANISHIDYLSANDLEGENDS。
THEMIRACLEOFPADREJUNIPERO
THEWONDERFULSPRINGOFSANJOAQUIN
THEANGELUS
CONCEPCIONDEARGUELLO
"FORTHEKING"
RAMON
DONDIEGOOFTHESOUTH
ATTHEHACIENDA
FRIARPEDRO’SRIDE
INTHEMISSIONGARDEN
THELOSTGALLEON
III。INDIALECT。
"JIM"
CHIQUITA
DOW’SFLAT
INTHETUNNEL
"CICELY"
PENELOPE
PLAINLANGUAGEFROMTRUTHFULJAMES
THESOCIETYUPONTHESTANISLAUS
LUKE
"THEBABESINTHEWOODS"
THELATESTCHINESEOUTRAGE
TRUTHFULJAMESTOTHEEDITOR
ANIDYLOFTHEROAD
THOMPSONOFANGELS
THEHAWK’SNEST
HERLETTER
HISANSWERTO"HERLETTER"
"THERETURNOFBELISARIUS"
FURTHERLANGUAGEFROMTRUTHFULJAMES
AFTERTHEACCIDENT
THEGHOSTTHATJIMSAW
"SEVENTY-NINE"
THESTAGE-DRIVER’SSTORY
AQUESTIONOFPRIVILEGE
THETHOUGHT-READEROFANGELS
THESPELLINGBEEATANGELS
ARTEMISINSIERRA
JACKOFTHETULES
IV。MISCELLANEOUS。
AGREYPORTLEGEND
ANEWPORTROMANCE
SANFRANCISCO
THEMOUNTAINHEART’S-EASE
GRIZZLY
MADRONO
COYOTE
TOASEA-BIRD
WHATTHECHIMNEYSANG
DICKENSINCAMP
TWENTYYEARS
FATE
GRANDMOTHERTENTERDEN
GUILD’SSIGNAL
ASPIRINGMISSDELAINE
ALEGENDOFCOLOGNE
THETALEOFAPONY
ONACONEOFTHEBIGTREES
LONEMOUNTAIN
ALNASCHAR
THETWOSHIPS
ADDRESS（OPENINGOFTHECALIFORNIATHEATRE，SANFRANCISCO，JANUARY
19，1870）
DOLLYVARDEN
TELEMACHUSVERSUSMENTOR
WHATTHEWOLFREALLYSAIDTOLITTLEREDRIDING-HOOD
HALFANHOURBEFORESUPPER
WHATTHEBULLETSANG
THEOLDCAMP-FIRE
THESTATION-MASTEROFLONEPRAIRIE
THEMISSIONBELLSOFMONTEREY
"CROTALUS"
ONWILLIAMFRANCISBARTLETT
THEBIRDSOFCIRENCESTER
LINESTOAPORTRAIT，BYASUPERIORPERSON
HERLASTLETTER：BEINGAREPLYTO"HISANSWER"
V。PARODIES。
BEFORETHECURTAIN
TOTHEPLIOCENESKULL
THEBALLADOFMR。COOKE
THEBALLADOFTHEEMEU
MRS。JUDGEJENKINS
AGEOLOGICALMADRIGAL
AVITOR
THEWILLOWS
NORTHBEACH
THELOSTTAILSOFMILETUS
THERITUALIST
AMORALVINDICATOR
CALIFORNIAMADRIGAL
WHATTHEENGINESSAID
THELEGENDSOFTHERHINE
SONGSWITHOUTSENSE
VI。LITTLEPOSTERITY。
MASTERJOHNNY’SNEXT-DOORNEIGHBOR
MISSEDITH’SMODESTREQUEST
MISSEDITHMAKESITPLEASANTFORBROTHERJACK
MISSEDITHMAKESANOTHERFRIEND
WHATMISSEDITHSAWFROMHERWINDOW
ONTHELANDING
NOTES
POEMS
I。NATIONAL
JOHNBURNSOFGETTYSBURG
HaveyouheardthestorythatgossipstellOfBurnsofGettysburg？——No？Ah，well：
Briefistheglorythatheroearns，BrieferthestoryofpoorJohnBurns。
Hewasthefellowwhowonrenown，——
Theonlymanwhodidn’tbackdownWhentherebelsrodethroughhisnativetown；
Butheldhisowninthefightnextday，Whenallhistownsfolkranaway。
ThatwasinJulysixty-three，TheverydaythatGeneralLee，FlowerofSouthernchivalry，Baffledandbeaten，backwardreeledFromastubbornMeadeandabarrenfield。
ImighttellhowbutthedaybeforeJohnBurnsstoodathiscottagedoor，Lookingdownthevillagestreet，Where，intheshadeofhispeacefulvine，Heheardthelowofhisgatheredkine，Andfelttheirbreathwithincensesweet；
OrImightsay，whenthesunsetburnedTheoldfarmgable，hethoughtitturnedThemilkthatfelllikeababblingfloodIntothemilk-pailredasblood！
OrhowhefanciedthehumofbeesWerebulletsbuzzingamongthetrees。
ButallsuchfancifulthoughtsastheseWerestrangetoapracticalmanlikeBurns，Whomindedonlyhisownconcerns，TroublednomorebyfanciesfineThanoneofhiscalm-eyed，long-tailedkine，——
Quiteold-fashionedandmatter-of-fact，Slowtoargue，butquicktoact。
Thatwasthereason，assomefolksay，Hefoughtsowellonthatterribleday。
Anditwasterrible。OntherightRagedforhourstheheadyfight，Thunderedthebattery’sdoublebass，——
DifficultmusicformentofaceWhileontheleft——wherenowthegravesUndulatelikethelivingwavesThatallthatdayunceasingsweptUptothepitstherebelskept——
Roundshotploughedtheuplandglades，Sownwithbullets，reapedwithblades；
ShatteredfenceshereandthereTossedtheirsplintersintheair；
Theverytreeswerestrippedandbare；
ThebarnsthatonceheldyellowgrainWereheapedwithharvestsoftheslain；
Thecattlebellowedontheplain，Theturkeysscreamedwithmightandmain，Andbroodingbarn-fowllefttheirrestWithstrangeshellsburstingineachnest。
Justwherethetideofbattleturns，ErectandlonelystoodoldJohnBurns。
Howdoyouthinkthemanwasdressed？
Heworeanancientlongbuffvest，Yellowassaffron，——buthisbest；
AndbuttonedoverhismanlybreastWasabrightbluecoat，witharollingcollar，Andlargegiltbuttons，——sizeofadollar，——
Withtailsthatthecountry-folkcalled"swaller。"
Heworeabroad-brimmed，bell-crownedhat，Whiteasthelocksonwhichitsat。
NeverhadsuchasightbeenseenForfortyyearsonthevillagegreen，SinceoldJohnBurnswasacountrybeau，Andwenttothe"quiltings"longago。
Closeathiselbowsallthatday，VeteransofthePeninsula，Sunburntandbearded，chargedaway；
Andstriplings，downyoflipandchin，——
ClerksthattheHomeGuardmusteredin，——
Glanced，astheypassed，atthehathewore，Thenattheriflehisrighthandbore，Andhailedhim，fromouttheiryouthfullore，Withscrapsofaslangyrepertoire：
"Howareyou，WhiteHat？""Putherthrough！"
"Yourhead’slevel！"and"Bullyforyou！"
Calledhim"Daddy，"——beggedhe’ddiscloseThenameofthetailorwhomadehisclothes，Andwhatwasthevaluehesetonthose；
WhileBurns，unmindfulofjeerandscoff，Stoodtherepickingtherebelsoff，——
Withhislongbrownrifleandbell-crownhat，Andtheswallow-tailstheywerelaughingat。
’Twasbutamoment，forthatrespectWhichclothesallcouragetheirvoiceschecked；
AndsomethingthewildestcouldunderstandSpakeintheoldman’sstrongrighthand，Andhiscordedthroat，andthelurkingfrownOfhiseyebrowsunderhisoldbell-crown；
Until，astheygazed，therecreptanaweThroughtheranksinwhispers，andsomemensaw，Intheantiquevestmentsandlongwhitehair，ThePastoftheNationinbattlethere；
AndsomeofthesoldierssincedeclareThatthegleamofhisoldwhitehatafar，LikethecrestedplumeofthebraveNavarre，Thatdaywastheiroriflammeofwar。
Soragedthebattle。Youknowtherest：
Howtherebels，beatenandbackwardpressed，Brokeatthefinalchargeandran。
AtwhichJohnBurns——apracticalman——
Shoulderedhisrifle，unbenthisbrows，Andthenwentbacktohisbeesandcows。
ThatisthestoryofoldJohnBurns；
Thisisthemoralthereaderlearns：
Infightingthebattle，thequestion’swhetherYou’llshowahatthat’swhite，orafeather！
"HOWAREYOU，SANITARY？"
Downthepicket-guardedlaneRolledthecomfort-ladenwain，Cheeredbyshoutsthatshooktheplain，Soldier-likeandmerry：
Phrasessuchascampsmayteach，Sabre-cutsofSaxonspeech，Suchas"Bully！""Them’sthepeach！"
"Wadein，Sanitary！"
RightandleftthecaissonsdrewAsthecarwentlumberingthrough，QuicksucceedinginreviewSquadronsmilitary；
Sunburntmenwithbeardslikefrieze，Smooth-facedboys，andcrieslikethese，——
"U。S。San。Com。""That’sthecheese！"
"Passin，Sanitary！"
InsuchcheeritstruggledonTillthebattlefrontwaswon：
Thenthecar，itsjourneydone，Lo！wasstationary；
AndwherebulletswhistlingflyCamethesadder，faintercry，"Helpus，brothers，erewedie，——
Saveus，Sanitary！"
Suchthework。Thephantomflies，Wrappedinbattlecloudsthatrise：
Butthebrave——whosedyingeyes，Veiledandvisionary，Seethejaspergatesswungwide，Seethepartedthrongoutside——
Hearsthevoicetothosewhoride：
"Passin，Sanitary！"
BATTLEBUNNY
（MALVERNHILL，1864）
"Afterthemenwereorderedtoliedown，awhiterabbit，whichhadbeenhoppinghitherandthitheroverthefieldsweptbygrapeandmusketry，tookrefugeamongtheskirmishers，inthebreastofacorporal。"——ReportoftheBattleofMalvernHill。
Bunny，lyinginthegrass，Sawtheshiningcolumnpass；
Sawthestarrybannerfly，Sawthechargersfretandfume，Sawtheflappinghatandplume，——
SawthemwithhismoistandshyMostunspeculativeeye，Thinkingonly，inthedew，Thatitwasafinereview。
Tillaflash，notallofsteel，Wheretherollingcaissonswheel，BroughtarumbleandaroarRollingdownthatvelvetfloor，AndlikeblowsofautumnflailSharplythreshedtheironhail。
Bunny，thrilledbyunknownfears，Raisedhissoftandpointedears，Mumbledhisprehensilelip，Quiveredhispulsatinghip，AsthesharpvindictiveyellRoseabovethescreamingshell；
Thoughttheworldandallitsmen，——
Allthechargingsquadronsmeant，——
Allwererabbit-huntersthen，Alltocapturehimintent。
Bunnywasnotmuchtoblame：
Wiserfolkhavethoughtthesame，——
WiserfolkwhothinktheyspyEveryillbeginswith"I。"
Wildlypantinghereandthere，Bunnysoughtthefreerair，Tillhehoppedbelowthehill，Andsaw，lyingcloseandstill，Menwithmusketsintheirhands。
（NeverBunnyunderstandsThathypocrisyofsleep，Inthevigilsgrimtheykeep，AsrecumbentonthatspotTheyeludethelevelshot。）
One——agraveandquietman，ThinkingofhiswifeandchildFarbeyondtheRapidan，WheretheAndroscogginsmiled——
Feltthelittlerabbitcreep，Nestlingbyhisarmandside，Wakenedfromstrategicsleep，Tothatsoftappealreplied，Drewhimtohisblackenedbreast，And——Butyouhaveguessedtherest。
Softlyo’erthatchosenpairOmnipresentLoveandCareDrewamightierHandandArm，Shieldingthemfromeveryharm；
Rightandleftthebulletswaved，Savedthesaviourforthesaved。
——————
WhobelievesthatequalgraceGodextendsineveryplace，LittledifferencehescansTwixtarabbit’sGodandman’s。
THEREVEILLE
Hark！Ihearthetrampofthousands，Andofarmedmenthehum；
Lo！anation’shostshavegatheredRoundthequickalarmingdrum，——
Saying，"Come，Freemen，come！
Ereyourheritagebewasted，"saidthequickalarmingdrum。
"Letmeofmyhearttakecounsel：
Warisnotoflifethesum；
WhoshallstayandreaptheharvestWhentheautumndaysshallcome？"
ButthedrumEchoed，"Come！
Deathshallreapthebraverharvest，"saidthesolemn-soundingdrum。
"Butwhenwonthecomingbattle，Whatofprofitspringstherefrom？
Whatifconquest，subjugation，Evengreaterillsbecome？"
ButthedrumAnswered，"Come！
Youmustdothesumtoproveit，"saidtheYankeeansweringdrum。
"Whatif，’midthecannons’thunder，Whistlingshotandburstingbomb，Whenmybrothersfallaroundme，Shouldmyheartgrowcoldandnumb？"
ButthedrumAnswered，"Come！
Betterthereindeathunited，thaninlifearecreant。——Come！"
Thustheyanswered，——hoping，fearing，Someinfaith，anddoubtingsome，Tillatrumpet-voiceproclaiming，Said，"Mychosenpeople，come！"
Thenthedrum，Lo！wasdumb，Forthegreatheartofthenation，throbbing，answered，"Lord，wecome！"
OURPRIVILEGE
Notours，wherebattlesmokeupcurls，Andbattledewsliewet，TomeetthechargethattreasonhurlsByswordandbayonet。
NotourstoguidethefatalscytheThefleshlessReaperwields；
TheharvestmoonlookscalmlydownUponourpeacefulfields。
Thelonggrassdimplesonthehill，Thepinessingbythesea，AndPlenty，fromhergoldenhorn，Ispouringfarandfree。
Obrothersbythefarthersea！
Thinkstillourfaithiswarm；
ThesamebrightflagaboveuswavesThatswathedourbabyform。
ThesameredbloodthatdyesyourfieldsHerethrobsinpatriotpride，——
ThebloodthatflowedwhenLanderfell，AndBaker’scrimsontide。
AndthusapartourheartskeeptimeWitheverypulseyefeel，AndMercy’sringinggoldshallchimeWithValor’sclashingsteel。
RELIEVINGGUARD
THOMASSTARRKING。OBIITMARCH4，1864
Cametherelief。"What，sentry，ho！
Howpassedthenightthroughthylongwaking？"
"Cold，cheerless，dark，——asmaybefitThehourbeforethedawnisbreaking。"
"Nosight？nosound？""No；nothingsaveTheploverfromthemarshescalling，Andinyonwesternsky，aboutAnhourago，astarwasfalling。"
"Astar？There’snothingstrangeinthat。"
"No，nothing；but，abovethethicket，SomehowitseemedtomethatGodSomewherehadjustrelievedapicket。"
THEGODDESS
CONTRIBUTEDTOTHEFAIRFORTHELADIES’PATRIOTICFUNDOFTHEPACIFIC
"Whocomes？"Thesentry’swarningcryRingssharplyontheeveningair：
Whocomes？Thechallenge：noreply，Yetsomethingmotionsthere。
Awoman，bythosegracefulfolds；
Asoldier，bythatmartialtread：
"Advancethreepaces。Halt！untilThynameandrankbesaid。"
"Myname？Hername，inancientsong，WhofearlessfromOlympuscame：
Lookonme！MortalsknowmebestInbattleandinflame。"
"Enough！Iknowthatclarionvoice；
Iknowthatgleamingeyeandhelm，Thosecrimsonlips，——andintheirdewThebestbloodoftherealm。
"Theyoung，thebrave，thegoodandwise，Havefalleninthycurstembrace：
ThejuicesofthegrapesofwrathStillstainthyguiltyface。
"Mybrotherliesinyonderfield，Facedownwardtothequietgrass：
Goback！hecannotseetheenow；
Butherethoushaltnotpass。"
Acrackupontheeveningair，Awakenedechofromthehill：
ThewatchdogonthedistantshoreGivesmouth，andallisstill。
ThesentrywithhisbrotherliesFacedownwardonthequietgrass；
Andbyhim，inthepalemoonshine，Ashadowseemstopass。
Nolanceorwarlikeshielditbears：
AhelmetinitspityinghandsBringswaterfromthenearestbrook，Tomeethislastdemands。
Canthisbesheofhaughtymien，Thegoddessoftheswordandshield？
Ah，yes！TheGrecianpoet’smythSwaysstilleachbattlefield。
FornotalonethatruggedWarSomegraceorcharmfromBeautygains；
But，whenthegoddess’workisdone，Thewoman’sstillremains。
ONAPENOFTHOMASSTARRKING
Thisisthereedthedeadmusiciandropped，Withtunefulmagicinitssheathstillhidden；
Thepromptallegroofitsmusicstopped，Itsmelodiesunbidden。
Butwhoshallfinishtheunfinishedstrain，Orwaketheinstrumenttoaweandwonder，Andbidtheslenderbarrelbreatheagain，Anorgan-pipeofthunder！
Hispen！whathumblermemoriesclingaboutItsgoldencurves！whatshapesandlaughinggracesSlippedfromitspoint，whenhisfullheartwentoutInsmilesandcourtlyphrases？
Thetruth，halfjesting，halfinearnestflung；
Thewordofcheer，withrecognitioninit；
Thenoteofalms，whosegoldenspeechoutrungThegoldengiftwithinit。
Butallinvaintheenchanter’swandwewave：
Nostrokeofoursrecallshismagicvision：
TheincantationthatitspowergaveSleepswiththedeadmagician。
ASECONDREVIEWOFTHEGRANDARMY
IreadlastnightofthegrandreviewInWashington’schiefestavenue，——
Twohundredthousandmeninblue，Ithinktheysaidwasthenumber，——
TillIseemedtoheartheirtramplingfeet，Thebugleblastandthedrum’squickbeat，Theclatterofhoofsinthestonystreet，Thecheersofpeoplewhocametogreet，AndthethousanddetailsthattorepeatWouldonlymyverseencumber，——
TillIfellinareverie，sadandsweet，Andthentoafitfulslumber。
When，lo！inavisionIseemedtostandInthelonelyCapitol。OneachhandFarstretchedtheportico，dimandgrandItscolumnsrangedlikeamartialbandOfsheetedspectres，whomsomecommandHadcalledtoalastreviewing。
Andthestreetsofthecitywerewhiteandbare，Nofootfallechoedacrossthesquare；
ButoutofthemistymidnightairIheardinthedistanceatrumpetblare，Andthewanderingnight-windsseemedtobearThesoundofafartattooing。
ThenIheldmybreathwithfearanddreadForintothesquare，withabrazentread，ThererodeafigurewhosestatelyheadO’erlookedthereviewthatmorning，Thatneverbowedfromitsfirm-setseatWhenthelivingcolumnpasseditsfeet，YetnowrodesteadilyupthestreetTothephantombugle’swarning：
TillitreachedtheCapitolsquare，andwheeled，AndthereinthemoonlightstoodrevealedAwell-knownformthatinStateandfieldHadledourpatriotsires：
Whosefacewasturnedtothesleepingcamp，Afarthroughtheriver’sfoganddamp，Thatshowednoflicker，norwaninglamp，Norwastedbivouacfires。
AndIsawaphantomarmycome，Withneverasoundoffifeordrum，ButkeepingtimetoathrobbinghumOfwailingandlamentation：
ThemartyredheroesofMalvernHill，OfGettysburgandChancellorsville，ThemenwhosewastedfiguresfillThepatriotgravesofthenation。
Andtherecamethenamelessdead，——themenWhoperishedinfeverswampandfen，Theslowly-starvedoftheprisonpen；
And，marchingbesidetheothers，CametheduskymartyrsofPillow’sfight，Withlimbsenfranchisedandbearingbright；
Ithought——perhaps’twasthepalemoonlight——
Theylookedaswhiteastheirbrothers！
Andsoallnightmarchedthenation’sdead，Withneverabannerabovethemspread，Norabadge，noramottobrandished；
Nomark——savethebareuncoveredheadOfthesilentbronzeReviewer；
Withneveranarchsavethevaultedsky；
WithneveraflowersavethosethatlieOnthedistantgraves——forlovecouldbuyNogiftthatwaspurerortruer。
Soallnightlongsweptthestrangearray，SoallnightlongtillthemorninggrayIwatchedforonewhohadpassedaway；
Withareverentaweandwonder，——
Tillabluecapwavedinthelength’ningline，AndIknewthatonewhowaskinofmineHadcome；andIspake——andlo！thatsignAwakenedmefrommyslumber。
THECOPPERHEAD
（1864）
ThereispeaceintheswampwheretheCopperheadsleeps，Wherethewatersarestagnant，thewhitevaporcreeps，WherethemuskofMagnoliahangsthickintheair，Andthelilies’phylacteriesbroadeninprayer。
Thereispeaceintheswamp，thoughthequietisdeath，Thoughthemistismiasma，theupas-tree’sbreath，Thoughnoechoawakestothecooingofdoves，——
Thereispeace：yes，thepeacethattheCopperheadloves。
Goseekhim：hecoilsintheoozeandthedrip，Likeathongidlyflungfromtheslave-driver’swhip；
Butbewarethefalsefootstep，——thestumblethatbringsAdeadlierlashthantheoverseerswings。
Neverarrowsotrue，neverbulletsodread，Asthestraightsteadystrokeofthathammer-shapedhead；
Whetherslaveorproudplanter，whobravesthatdullcrest，WoetohimwhoshalltroubletheCopperhead’srest！
Thenwhywasteyourlabors，braveheartsandstrongmen，IntrackingatrailtotheCopperhead’sden？
Layyouraxetothecypress，hewopentheshadeTothefreeskyandsunshineJehovahhasmade；
LetthebreezeoftheNorthsweepthevaporsaway，Tillthestagnantlakeripples，thefreedwatersplay；
AndthentoyourheelcanyourighteouslydoomTheCopperheadbornofitsshadowandgloom！
ASANITARYMESSAGE
Lastnight，abovethewhistlingwind，Iheardthewelcomerain，——
Afusilladeupontheroof，Atattooonthepane：
Thekeyholepiped；thechimney-topAwarliketrumpetblew；
Yet，minglingwiththesesoundsofstrife，Asoftervoicestolethrough。
"Givethanks，Obrothers！"saidthevoice，"ThatHewhosenttherainsHathsparedyourfieldsthescarletdewThatdripsfrompatriotveins：
I’veseenthegrassonEasterngravesInbrighterverdurerise；
But，oh！therainthatgaveitlifeSprangfirstfromhumaneyes。
"IcometowashawaynostainUponyourwastedlea；
Iraisenobanners，savetheonesTheforestwavestome：
Uponthemountainside，whereSpringHerfarthestpicketsets，MyreveilleawakesahostOfgrassybayonets。
"Ivisiteveryhumbleroof；
Iminglewiththelow：
OnlyuponthehighestpeaksMyblessingsfallinsnow；
Until，intricklingsofthestreamAnddrainingsofthelea，MyunspentbountycomesatlastTominglewiththesea。"
Andthusallnight，abovethewind，Iheardthewelcomerain，——
Afusilladeupontheroof，Atattooonthepane：
Thekeyholepiped；thechimney-topAwarliketrumpetblew；
But，minglingwiththesesoundsofstrife，Thishymnofpeacestolethrough。
THEOLDMAJOREXPLAINS
（RE-UNION，ARMYOFTHEPOTOMAC，12THMAY，1871）
Well，yousee，thefactis，Colonel，Idon’tknowasIcancome：
Forthefarmisnothalfplanted，andthere’sworktodoathome；
Andmylegisgettingtroublesome，——itlaidmeuplastfall，——
Andthedoctors，theyhavecutandhacked，andneverfoundtheball。
Andthen，foranoldmanlikeme，it’snotexactlyright，Thiskindo’playingsoldierwithnoenemyinsight。
"TheUnion，"——thatwaswellenoughwayupto’66；
Butthis"Re-Union，"maybenowit’smixedwithpolitics？
No？Well，youunderstanditbest；butthen，yousee，mylad，I’mdeaconnow，andsomemightthinkthattheexample’sbad。
AndweekfromnextisConference……YousaidthetwelfthofMay？
Why，that’sthedaywebroketheirlineatSpottsylvan-i-a！
Hotwork；eh，Colonel，wasn’tit？Yemindthatnarrowfront：
Theycalleditthe"Death-Angle"！Well，well，mylad，wewon’tFightthatoldbattleovernow：IonlymeanttosayIreallycan’tengagetocomeuponthetwelfthofMay。
How’sThompson？What！willhebethere？Well，nowIwanttoknow！
Thefirstmanintherebelworks！theycalledhim"SwearingJoe。"
Awildyoungfellow，sir，Ifeartherascalwas；butthen——
Well，shortofheaven，therewa’n’taplacehedursn’tleadhismen。
AndDick，yousay，iscomingtoo。AndBilly？ah！it’strueWeburiedhimatGettysburg：Imindthespot；doyou？
Alittlefieldbelowthehill，——itmustbegreenthisMay；
Perhapsthat’swhythefieldsaboutbringhimtometo-day。
Well，well，excuseme，Colonel！buttherearesomethingsthatdropThetail-boardoutone’sfeelings；andtheonlyway’stostop。
Sotheywanttoseetheoldman；ah，therascals！dothey，eh？
Well，I’vebusinessdowninBostonaboutthetwelfthofMay。
CALIFORNIA’SGREETINGTOSEWARD
（1869）
Weknowhimwell：noneedofpraiseOrbonfirefromthewindyhillTolighttosofterpathsandwaysTheworld-wornmanwehonorstill。
NoneedtoquotethetruthshespokeThatburnedthroughyearsofwarandshame，WhileHistorycarveswithsurerstrokeAcrossourmaphisnoondayfame。
NoneedtobidhimshowthescarsOfblowsdealtbytheScaeangate，Wholivedtopassitsshatteredbars，Andseethefoecapitulate：
WholivedtoturnhisslowerfeetTowardthewesternsettingsun，Toseehisharvestallcomplete，Hisdreamfulfilled，hisdutydone，Theoneflagstreamingfromthepole，Theonefaithbornefromseatosea：
Forsuchatriumph，andsuchgoal，Poormustourhumangreetingbe。
Ah！ratherthattheconsciouslandInsimplerwayssalutetheMan，——
Thetallpinesbowingwheretheystand，ThebaredheadofElCapitan！
Thetumultofthewaterfalls，Pohono’skerchiefinthebreeze，Thewavingfromtherockywalls，Thestirandrustleofthetrees；
Till，lappedinsunsetskiesofhope，Insunsetlandsbysunsetseas，TheYoungWorld’sPremiertreadstheslopeOfsunsetyearsincalmandpeace。
THEAGEDSTRANGER
ANINCIDENTOFTHEWAR
"IwaswithGrant"——thestrangersaid；
Saidthefarmer，"Saynomore，Butresttheehereatmycottageporch，Forthyfeetarewearyandsore。"
"IwaswithGrant"——thestrangersaid；
Saidthefarmer，"Nay，nomore，——
Ipritheesitatmyfrugalboard，Andeatofmyhumblestore。
"Howfaresmyboy，——mysoldierboy，OftheoldNinthArmyCorps？
IwarrantheborehimgallantlyInthesmokeandthebattle’sroar！"
"Iknowhimnot，"saidtheagedman，"And，asIremarkedbefore，IwaswithGrant"——"Nay，nay，Iknow，"
Saidthefarmer，"saynomore：
"Hefellinbattle，——Isee，alas！
Thou’dstsmooththesetidingso’er，——
Nay，speakthetruth，whateveritbe，Thoughitrendmybosom’score。
"Howfellhe？Withhisfacetothefoe，Upholdingtheflaghebore？
Oh，saynotthatmyboydisgracedTheuniformthathewore！"
"Icannottell，"saidtheagedman，"Andshouldhaveremarkedbefore。
ThatIwaswithGrant，——inIllinois，——
Somethreeyearsbeforethewar。"
Thenthefarmerspakehimneveraword，ButbeatwithhisfistfullsoreThatagedmanwhohadworkedforGrantSomethreeyearsbeforethewar。
THEIDYLOFBATTLEHOLLOW
（WAROFTHEREBELLION，1884）
No，Iwon’t，——thar，now，so！Anditain’tnothin’，——no！
Andthar’snarytotellthatyoufolksyerdon’tknow；
Andit’s"Belle，tellus，do！"andit’s"Belle，isittrue？"
And"Wot’sthisyeryarnoftheMajorandyou？"
TillI’msickofitall，——soIam，butIs’poseThetisnothin’toyou……Well，then，listen！yergoes！
Itwasafterthefight，andaroundusallnightTharwaspoppin’andshootin’apowerfulsight；
Andtheniggershadfled，andAuntChlowasabed，AndPinkyandMillywerehidintheshed：
AndIranoutatdaybreak，andnothin’wasnighButthegrowlin’ofcannonlowdowninthesky。
AndIsawnotathing，asIrantothespring，Butasplinteredfencerailandabroken-downswing，Andabirdsaid"Kerchee！"asitsatonatree，Asifitwaslonesome，andgladtoseeme；
AndIfilledupmypailandwasrisin’togo，WhenupcomestheMajora-canterin’slow。
Whenhesawmehedrewinhisreins，andthenthrewOnthegate-posthisbridle，and——whatdoeshedoButcomedownwhereIsat；andheliftedhishat，Andhesays——well，tharain’tanyneedtotellTHAT；
’Twassomefoolishness，sure，butit’mountedtothis，Thetheaskedforadrink，andhewanted——akiss。
ThenIsaid（Iwasmad），"Forthewater，mylad，You’retoobigandmuststoop；forakiss，it’sasbad，——
Youain’tnearbigenough。"AndIturnedinahuff，WhenthatMajorhelaidhiswhitehandonmycuff，Andhesays，"You’reatrump！Takemypistol，don’tfear！
Butshootthenextmanthatinsultsyou，mydear。"
Thenhestoopedtothepool，veryquietandcool，Leavin’mewiththatpistolstucktherelikeafool，WhentharflashedonmysightaquickglimmeroflightFromthetopofthelittlestonefenceontheright，AndIknew’twasarifle，andbackofitallRosethefaceofthatbushwhacker，CherokeeHall！
ThenIfeltinmydreadthatthemomenttheheadOftheMajorwaslifted，theMajorwasdead；
AndIstoodstillandwhite，butLord！gals，inspiteOfmycare，thatdernedpistolwentoffinmyfright！
Wentoff——trueasgospil！——and，strangestofall，ItactooallyinjuredthatCherokeeHall！
Thet’sall——now，go’long！Yes，somefolksthinksit’swrong，Andthar’ssomewantstoknowtowhatsideIbelong；
ButIsays，"Servedhimright！"andIgo，allmymight，Inloveorinwar，forafairstand-upfight；
AndasfortheMajor——sho！gals，don’tyouknowThet——Lord！thar’shisstepinthegardenbelow。
CALDWELLOFSPRINGFIELD
（NEWJERSEY，1780）
Here’sthespot。Lookaroundyou。AboveontheheightLaytheHessiansencamped。BythatchurchontherightStoodthegauntJerseyfarmers。Andhereranawall，——
Youmaydiganywhereandyou’llturnupaball。
Nothingmore。Grassesspring，watersrun，flowersblow，Prettymuchastheydidninety-threeyearsago。
Nothingmore，didIsay？Stayonemoment：you’veheardOfCaldwell，theparson，whooncepreachedthewordDownatSpringfield？What，no？Come——that’sbad；why，hehadAlltheJerseysaflame！AndtheygavehimthenameOfthe"rebelhighpriest。"Hestuckintheirgorge，ForhelovedtheLordGod——andhehatedKingGeorge！
Hehadcause，youmightsay！WhentheHessiansthatdayMarchedupwithKnyphausen，theystoppedontheirwayAtthe"farms，"wherehiswife，withachildinherarms，Sataloneinthehouse。HowithappenednoneknewButGod——andthatoneofthehirelingcrewWhofiredtheshot！Enough！——thereshelay，AndCaldwell，thechaplain，herhusband，away！
Didhepreach——didhepray？ThinkofhimasyoustandBytheoldchurchto-day，——thinkofhimandhisbandOfmilitantploughboys！SeethesmokeandtheheatOfthatrecklessadvance，ofthatstragglingretreat！
Keeptheghostofthatwife，foullyslain，inyourview——
Andwhatcouldyou，whatshouldyou，whatwouldYOUdo？
Why，justwhatHEdid！TheywereleftinthelurchForthewantofmorewadding。Herantothechurch，Brokethedoor，strippedthepews，anddashedoutintheroadWithhisarmsfullofhymn-books，andthrewdownhisloadAttheirfeet！ThenabovealltheshoutingandshotsRanghisvoice："PutWattsinto’em！Boys，give’emWatts！"
Andtheydid。Thatisall。Grassesspring，flowersblow，Prettymuchastheydidninety-threeyearsago。
Youmaydiganywhereandyou’llturnupaball——
Butnotalwaysaherolikethis——andthat’sall。
POEM
DELIVEREDONTHEFOURTEENTHANNIVERSARYOFCALIFORNIA’SADMISSION
INTOTHEUNION，SEPTEMBER9，1864
Wemeetinpeace，thoughfromournativeEastThesunthatsparklesonourbirthdayfeastGlancedasheroseonfieldswhosedewswereredWithdarkertintsthanthoseAuroraspread。
Thoughshornhisrays，hiswelcomediskconcealedInthedimsmokethatveiledeachbattlefield，Stillstrivingupward，inmeridianpride，HeclimbedthewallsthatEastandWestdivide，——
Sawhisbrightfaceflashedbackfromgoldensand，AndsapphireseasthatlavetheWesternland。
StrangewasthecontrastthatsuchscenesdiscloseFromhishighvantageo’ereternalsnows；
ThereWar’salarmthebrazentrumpetrings——
Herehislove-songthemailedcicalasings；
Therebayonetsglitterthroughtheforestglades——
Hereyellowcornfieldsstacktheirpeacefulblades；
TherethedeeptrenchwhereValorfindsagrave——
Herethelongditchthatcurbsthepeacefulwave；
Theretheboldsapperwithhislightedtrain——
Herethedarktunnelanditsstoresofgain；
Herethefullharvestandthewain’sadvance——
TheretheGrimReaperandtheambulance。
Withscenessoadverse，whatmysteriousbondLinksourfairfortunestotheshoresbeyond？
Whycomewehere——lastofascatteredfold——
Topournewmetalinthebrokenmould？
Toyieldourtribute，stampedwithCaesar’sface，ToCaesar，strickeninthemarket-place？
Ah！loveofcountryisthesecrettieThatjoinsthesecontrasts’neathonearchingsky；
Thoughbrighterpathsourpeacefulstepsexplore，WemeettogetherattheNation’sdoor。
Warwindsherhorn，andgiantcliffsgodownLikethehighwallsthatgirtthesacredtown，Andbaresthepathwaytoherthrobbingheart，Fromclusteredvillageandfromcrowdedmart。
PartofGod’sprovidenceitwastofoundANation’sbulwarkonthischosenground；
NotJesuit’szealnorpioneer’sunrestPlantedthesepicketsinthedistantWest，ButHewhofirsttheNation’sfateforecastPlacedhereHisfountainssealedforagespast，Rock-ribbedandguardedtillthecomingtimeShouldfitthepeoplefortheirworksublime；
WhenanewMoseswithhisrodofsteelSmotethetallcliffswithonewide-ringingpeal，AndtheoldmiracleinrecordtoldTothenewNationwasrevealedingold。
Judgenottooidlythatourtoilsaremean，Thoughnonewleviesmarshalonourgreen；
Nordeemtoorashlythatourgainsaresmall，Weighedwiththeprizesforwhichheroesfall。