WHATTHEWOLFREALLYSAIDTOLITTLEREDRIDING-HOOD
　　Wonderingmaiden，sopuzzledandfair，Whydostthoumurmurandponderandstare？
　　"Whyaremyeyelidssoopenandwild？"
　　Onlythebettertoseewith，mychild！
　　OnlythebetterandclearertoviewCheeksthatarerosyandeyesthatareblue。
　　Dostthoustillwonder，andaskwhythesearmsFillthysoftbosomwithtenderalarms，Swayingsowickedly？AretheymisplacedClaspingorshieldingsomedelicatewaist？
　　HandswhosecoarsesinewsmayfillyouwithfearOnlythebetterprotectyou，mydear！
　　LittleRedRiding-Hood，wheninthestreet，WhydoIpressyoursmallhandwhenwemeet？
　　Why，whenyoutimidlyofferedyourcheek，WhydidIsigh，andwhydidn’tIspeak？
　　Why，well：yousee——ifthetruthmustappear——
　　I’mnotyourgrandmother，Riding-Hood，dear！
　　HALFANHOURBEFORESUPPER
　　"Soshe’shere，yourunknownDulcinea，theladyyoumetonthetrain，Andyoureallybelieveshewouldknowyouifyouweretomeetheragain？"
　　"Ofcourse，"hereplied，"shewouldknowme；thereneverwaswomankindyetForgottheeffectsheinspired。Sheexcuses，butdoesnotforget。"
　　"Thenyoutoldheryourlove？"askedtheelder。Theyoungerlookedupwithasmile：
　　"Isatbyhersidehalfanhour——whatelsewasIdoingthewhile？
　　"What，sitbythesideofawomanasfairasthesuninthesky，Andlooksomewhereelselestthedazzleflashbackfromyourowntohereye？
　　"No，Iholdthatthespeechofthetonguebeasfrankandasboldasthelook，AndIheldupherselftoherself，——thatwasmorethanshegotfromherbook。"
　　"Youngblood！"laughedtheelder；"nodoubtyouarevoicingthemodeofTo-Day：
　　Butthenweoldfogiesatleastgavetheladysomechancefordelay。
　　"There’smywife（youmustknow），——wefirstmetonthejourneyfromFlorencetoRome：
　　Ittookmethreeweekstodiscoverwhowassheandwherewasherhome；
　　"Threemoretobedulypresented；threemoreereIsawheragain；
　　AndayeareremyromanceBEGANwhereyoursendedthatdayonthetrain。"
　　"Oh，thatwasthestyleofthestage-coach；wetravelto-daybyexpress；
　　Fortymilestothehour，"heanswered，"won’tadmitofapassionthat’sless。"
　　"Butwhatifyoumakeamistake？"quoththeelder。Theyoungerhalfsighed。
　　"Whathappenswhensignalsarewrongorswitchesmisplaced？"hereplied。
　　"Verywell，Imustbowtoyourwisdom，"theelderreturned，"butsubmitYourchancesofwinningthiswomanyourboldnesshasbetterednowhit。
　　"Why，youdonotatbestknowhername。AndwhatifItryyouridealWithsomething，ifnotquitesofair，atleastmoreenregleandreal？
　　"Letmefindyouapartner。Nay，come，Iinsist——youshallfollow——
　　thisway。
　　Mydear，willyounotaddyourgracetoentreatMr。Rapidtostay？
　　"Mywife，Mr。Rapid——Eh，what！Why，he’sgone——yethesaidhewouldcome。
　　Howrude！Idon’twonder，mydear，youareproperlycrimsonanddumb！"
　　WHATTHEBULLETSANG
　　OjoyofcreationTobe！
　　OrapturetoflyAndbefree！
　　Bethebattlelostorwon，Thoughitssmokeshallhidethesun，Ishallfindmylove，——theoneBornforme！
　　Ishallknowhimwherehestands，Allalone，WiththepowerinhishandsNoto’erthrown；
　　Ishallknowhimbyhisface，Byhisgodlikefrontandgrace；
　　Ishallholdhimforaspace，Allmyown！
　　Itishe——Omylove！
　　Sobold！
　　ItisI——allthyloveForetold！
　　ItisI。Olove！whatbliss！
　　Dostthouanswertomykiss？
　　Osweetheart！whatisthisLieththeresocold？
　　THEOLDCAMP-FIRE
　　Nowshifttheblanketpadbeforeyoursaddlebackyoufling，Anddrawyourcinchuptightertillthesweatdropsfromthering：
　　We’veadozenmilestocovererewereachthenextdivide。
　　Ourlimbsarestiffernowthanwhenwefirstsetouttoride，Andworse，thehorsesknowit，andfeeltheleg-griptire，Sinceinthedayswhen，longago，wesoughttheoldcamp-fire。
　　Yes，twentyyears！Lord！howwe’dscentitsincensedownthetrail，Throughbalmofbayandspiceofspruce，wheneyeandearwouldfail，Andwornandfaintfromuselessquestwecrept，likethis，torest，Or，flushedwithluckandyouthfulhope，werode，likethis，abreast。
　　Ay！straightenup，oldfriend，andletthemustangthinkhe’snigher，Throughlooserreinandstirrupstrain，thewelcomeoldcamp-fire。
　　Youknowtheshoutthatwouldringoutbeforeusdowntheglade，Andstartthebluejayslikeaflightofarrowsthroughtheshade，Andsiftthethinpineneedlesdownlikeslanting，shiningrain，Andsendthesquirrelsscamperingbacktotheirholesagain，Untilwesaw，blue-veiledanddim，orleapinglikedesire，Thatflameoftwentyyearsago，whichlittheoldcamp-fire。
　　AndthenthatrestonNature’sbreast，whentalkhaddropped，andslowThenightwindwentfromtreetotreewithchallengesoftandlow！
　　Welayonlazyelbowspropped，orstoodtostirtheflame，Tillupthesoaringredwood’sshaftourshadowsdancedandcame，Asiftodrawuswiththesparks，higho’eritsunseenspire，Tothefivestarsthatkepttheirwardabovetheoldcamp-fire，——
　　Thosepicketstarswhosetranquilwatchhalfsoothed，halfshamedoursleep。
　　Whatreckedwethenwhatbeastsormenaroundmightlurkorcreep？
　　Welayandheardwithlistlessearsthefar-offpanther’scry，Thenearcoyote’ssnarlingsnap，thegrizzly’sdeep-drawnsigh，Thebrownbear’sblunderinghumantread，thegraywolves’yelpingchoirBeyondthemagiccircledrawnaroundtheoldcamp-fire。
　　Andthenthatmorn！Wasevermornsofilledwithallthingsnew？
　　Thelightthatfellthroughlongbrownaislesfromoutthekindlingblue，Thecreakandyawnofstretchingboughs，thejay-bird’searlycall，Therat-tat-tatofwoodpeckerthatwakedthewoodlandhall，Thefainterstiroflowerlifeinfernandbrakeandbrier，TillflashingleapedthetorchofDayfromlastnight’soldcamp-fire！
　　Well，well！we’llseeitonceagain；weshouldbenearitnow；
　　It’sscarceamiletowherethetrailstrikesofftoskirttheslough，AndthenthediptoIndianSpring，thewoodedrise，and——strange！
　　Yethereshouldstandtheblastedpinethatmarkedourfartherrange；
　　Andhere——what’sthis？Araggedswabofrutsandstumpsandmire！
　　Surethisisnotthesacredgrovethathidtheoldcamp-fire！
　　Yethere’sthe"blaze"Icutmyself，andthere’sthestumblingledge，Withquartz"outcrop"thatlayatop，nowleveledtoitsedge，Andmoundsofmoss-grownstumpsbesidethewoodman’srottingchips，Andgashesinthehillside，thatgapewithdumbredlips。
　　Andyetabovetheshatteredwreckandruin，curlinghigher——
　　Ahyes！——stillliftsthesmokethatmarkedthewelcomeoldcamp-fire！
　　PerhapssomefriendoftwentyyearsstilllingerstheretoraiseTowearyheartsandtiredeyesthatbeaconofolddays。
　　Perhapsbutstay；’tisgone！andyetoncemoreitliftsasthoughTomeetourtardyblunderingsteps，andseemstoMOVE，andlo！
　　Whirlsbyusinarushofsound，——thevanishedfuneralpyreOfhopesandfearsthattwentyyearsburnedintheoldcamp-fire！
　　Forsee，beyondtheprospectspreads，withchimney，spire，androof，——
　　Twoironbandsacrossthetrailclanktoourmustang’shoof；
　　Abovethemleaptwoblackenedthreadsfromlimb-loppedtreetotree，Towherethewhitewashedstationspeedsitsmessagetothesea。
　　Reinin！Reinin！Thequestiso’er。ThegoalofourdesireIsbutthetrainwhosetrackhaslainacrosstheoldcamp-fire！
　　THESTATION-MASTEROFLONEPRAIRIE
　　Anemptybench，askyofgrayestetching，Abare，bleakshedinblackestsilhouette，Twelveyearsofplatform，andbeforethemstretchingTwelvemilesofprairieglimmeringthroughthewet。
　　North，south，east，west，——thesamedullgraypersistence，Thetatteredvaporsofavanishedtrain，Thenarrowingrailsthatmeettopiercethedistance，Orbreakthecolumnsofthefar-offrain。
　　Naughtbutmyself；norformnorfigurebreakingThelonghushedlevelandstarkshiningwaste；
　　Nothingthatmovestofillthevisionaching，Whenthelastshadowfledinsullenhaste。
　　Nothingbeyond。Ahyes！FromoutthestationAstiff，gauntfigurethrownagainstthesky，BeckoningmewithsomewoodensalutationCaughtfromhissignalsasthetrainflashedby；
　　YieldingmeplacebesidehimwithdumbgestureBornofthatreticenceofskyandair。
　　Wesitapart，yetwrappedinthatonevestureOfsilence，sadness，andunspokencare：
　　Eachfollowinghisownthought，——aroundusdarkeningTherain-washedboundariesandstretchingtrack，——
　　EachfollowingthosedimparallelsandhearkeningForlong-lostvoicesthatwillnotcomeback。
　　Until，unasked，——Iknewnotwhyorwherefore，——
　　Heyielded，bitbybit，hisdrearypast，LikegatheredcloudsthatseemedtothickenthereforSomedulldown-droppingoftheircareatlast。
　　Longhadhelivedthere。AsaboyhadstartedFromthestackedcorntheIndian’spaintedface；
　　Heardthewolves’howlthewearyingwastethatpartedHisfather’shutfromthelastcamping-place。
　　Naturehadmockedhim：thricehadclaimedthereaping，Withscytheoffire，oflandssheoncehadsown；
　　Sentthetornado，roundhishearthstoneheapingRafters，deadfacesthatwerelikehisown。
　　ThencametheWarTime。WhenitsshadowbeckonedHehadwalkeddumblywheretheflaghadledThroughswampandfen，——unknown，unpraised，unreckoned，——
　　Tofamine，fever，andaprisonbed。
　　Tillthestormpassed，andtheslowtidereturningCasthim，awreck，beneathhisnativesky；
　　Here，athiswatch，gavehimthechanceofearningScantmeanstolive——whowontherighttodie。
　　AllthisIheard——orseemedtohear——halfblendingWiththelowmurmurofthecomingbreeze，Thecallofsomelostbird，andtheunendingAndtirelesssobbingofthosegrassyseas。
　　UntilatlastthespellofdesolationBrokewithatremblingstarandfar-offcry。
　　Thecomingtrain！Iglancedaroundthestation，Allwasasemptyastheuppersky！
　　Naughtbutmyself；norformnorfigurewakingThelonghushedlevelandstarkshiningwaste；
　　Naughtbutmyself，thatcry，andthedullshakingOfwheelandaxle，stoppedinbreathlesshaste！
　　"Now，then——looksharp！Eh，what？TheStation-Master？
　　THAR’SNONE！Westoppedhereofourownaccord。
　　Themangotkilledinthatdown-traindisasterThistimelastevening。Rightthere！Allaboard！"
　　THEMISSIONBELLSOFMONTEREY
　　Obellsthatrang，ObellsthatsangAbovethemartyrs’wilderness，Tillfromthatreddenedcoast-linesprangTheGospelseedtocheerandbless，Whatareyourgarneredsheavesto-day？
　　OMissionbells！Eleisonbells！
　　OMissionbellsofMonterey！
　　Obellsthatcrash，ObellsthatclashAbovethechimney-crowdedplain，Onwallandtoweryourvoicesdash，Butneverwiththeoldrefrain；
　　Inmartandtemplegoneastray！
　　Yedanglebells！Yejanglebells！
　　YewranglebellsofMonterey！
　　Obellsthatdie，sofar，sonigh，Comebackoncemoreacrossthesea；
　　Notwiththezealot’sfuriouscry，Notwiththecreed’sausterity；
　　ComewithHislovealonetostay，OMissionbells！Eleisonbells！
　　OMissionbellsofMonterey！
　　NOTE。ThispoemwassettomusicbyMonsieurCharlesGounod。
　　"CROTALUS"
　　（RATTLESNAKEBAR，SIERRAS）
　　Nolifeinearth，orair，orsky；
　　Thesunbeams，brokensilently，Onthebaredrocksaroundmelie，——
　　Coldrockswithhalf-warmedlichensscarred，Andscalesofmoss；andscarceayardAway，onelongstrip，yellow-barred。
　　Lostinacleft！’TisbutastrideToreachit，thrustitsrootsaside，Andliftitonthystickastride！
　　Yetstay！Thatmomentisthygrace！
　　Forroundthee，thrillingairandspace，Achatteringterrorfillstheplace！
　　AsoundasofdrybonesthatstirInthedeadValley！ByyonfirThelocuststopsitsnoondaywhir！
　　Thewildbirdhears；smotewiththesound，Asifbybulletbroughttoground，Onbrokenwing，dips，wheelinground！
　　Thehare，transfixed，withtremblinglip，Halts，breathless，onpulsatinghip，Andpalsiedtread，andheelsthatslip。
　　Enough，oldfriend！——’tisthou。ForgetMyheedlessfoot，norlongerfretThepeacewiththygrimcastanet！
　　Iknowthee！Yes！ThoumaystforegoThatliftedcrest；themeasuredblowBeyondwhichthypridescornstogo，Oryetretract！FormenospellLightsthoseslitorbs，where，somethink，dwellMachicolatedfiresofhell！
　　Ionlyknowtheehumble，bold，Haughty，withmiseriesuntold，AndtheoldCursethatlefttheecold，Anddrovetheeevertothesun，Onblisteringrocks；normadetheeshunOurcabin’shearth，whendaywasdone，Andthespentasheswarmedtheebest；
　　Weknewthee，——silent，joylessguestOfourrudeingle。E’enthyquestOftheraremilk-bowlseemedtobeNaughtbutabrother’spoverty，AndSpartantastethatkepttheefreeFromlustandrapine。Thou！whosefameSearchestthegrasswithtongueofflame，Makingallcreaturesseemthygame；
　　Whenthewholewoodsbeforetheerun，Askedbut——whenallwassaidanddone——
　　Tolie，untrodden，inthesun！
　　ONWILLIAMFRANCISBARTLETT
　　DEADATPITTSFIELD，MASS。，1876
　　OpoorRomancer——thouwhoseprintedpage，Filledwithrudespeechandruderformsofstrife，WasgiventoheroesinwhosevulgarrageNotraceappearsofgentlerwaysandlife！——
　　ThouwhowastwontofcommonerclaytobuildSomeroughAchillesorsomeAjaxtall；
　　ThouwhosefreebrushtoooftwaswonttogildSomesinglevirtuetillitdazzledall；——
　　WhatrighthastthoubesidethislaureledbierWhereonallmanhoodlies——whereonthewreathOfHarvardrests，theciviccrown，andhereThestarryflag，andswordandjeweledsheath？
　　Seestthouthesehatchments？KnowestthouthisbloodNourishedtheheroesofColonialdays——
　　Senttothedimandsavage-hauntedwoodThosesad-eyedPuritanswithhymnsofpraise？
　　Lookroundthee！Everywhereisclassicground。
　　ThereGreylockrears。Besideyonsilver"Bowl"
　　GreatHawthornedwelt，andinitsmirrorfoundThosequaint，strangeshapesthatfilledhispoet’ssoul。
　　Stillsilent，Stranger？ThouwhonowandthenTouchedthetoocredulousearwithpathos，canstnotspeak？
　　Hastlostthyreadyskilloftongueandpen？
　　What，Jester！Tearsuponthatpaintedcheek？
　　Pardon，goodfriends！IamnotheretomarHislaureledwreathswiththispoortinseledcrown——
　　Thismanwhotaughtmehow’twasbetterfarTobethepoemthantowriteitdown。
　　Ibringnolesson。WellhaveotherspreachedThisswordthatdealtfullmanyagallantblow；
　　IcomeoncemoretotouchthehandthatreachedItsknightlygauntlettothevanquishedfoe。
　　OpaleAristocrat，thatliestthere，Socold，sosilent！CouldstthounotingraceHavebornewithusstilllonger，andsospareThescornweseeinthatproud，placidface？
　　"Hailandfarewell！"SotheproudRomancriedO’erhisdeadhero。"Hail，"butnot"farewell。"
　　Witheachhighthoughtthouwalkestsidebyside；
　　Wefeelthee，touchthee，knowwhowroughtthespell！
　　THEBIRDSOFCIRENCESTER
　　DidIevertellyou，mydears，thewayThatthebirdsofCisseter——"Cisseter！"eh？
　　Well"Ciren-cester"——oneOUGHTtosay，From"Castra，"or"Caster，"
　　AsyourLatinmasterWillfurtherexplaintoyousomeday；
　　Thougheventhewisesterr，AndShakespearewrites"Ci-cester，"
　　WhileeveryvisitorWhodoesn’tsay"Cissiter"
　　Isin"Ciren-cester"consideredastray。
　　AhundredmilesfromLondontown——
　　WheretherivergoescurvingandbroadeningdownFromtree-toptospire，andspiretomast，TillittumblesoutrightintheChannelatlast——
　　AhundredmilesfromthatflatforeshoreThattheDanesandtheNorthmenhauntnomore——
　　There’salittlecupintheCotswoldhillsWhichaspringinameadowbubblesandfills，Spannedbyaheron’swing——crossedbyastride——
　　Calmanduntroubledbydreamsofpride，GuiltlessofFameorambition’saims，ThatisthesourceofthelordlyThames！
　　RemarkhereagainthatcustomcontemnsBoth"Tames"andThames——youmustSAY"Tems！"
　　ButWHY？nomatter！——fromthemyoucanseeCirencester’stallspiresloomupo’erthelea。
　　A。D。FiveHundredandFifty-two，TheSaxoninvaders——aterriblecrew——
　　HadforcedthelinesoftheBritonsthrough；
　　AndCirencester，halfmudandthatch，Dryandcrispasatindermatch，Wasfiercelybeleagueredbyfoes，who’dcatchAtanydevicethatcouldharryandroutThefolkthatsoboldlywereholdingout。
　　Forthestreetsofthetown——asyou’llseeto-day——
　　WeretwistedandcurvedinacuriouswayThatkepttheinvadersstillatbay；
　　AndthelongestboltthataSaxondrewWasstoppedereadozenofyardsitflew，Byaturninthestreet，andalawsotrueThateventheserobbers——ofalllawsscorners！——
　　Knewyoucouldn’tshootarrowsAROUNDstreetcorners。
　　Sotheysatthemdownonalittleknoll，AndeachmanscratchedhisSaxonpoll，Andstaredatthesky，where，clearandhigh，Thebirdsofthatsummerwentsingingby，Asif，inhisglee，eachmotleyjesterWeremockingthefoesofCirencester，TillthejeeringcrowandthesaucylinnetSeemedalltobesaying："Ah！you’renotinit！"
　　Higho’ertheirheadsthemavisflew，Andthe"ouzel-cocksoblackofhue；"
　　Andthe"throstle，"withhis"notesotrue"
　　（YourememberwhatShakespearesays——HEknew）；
　　Andthesoaringlark，thatkeptdroppingthroughLikeabucketspillinginwellsofblue；
　　Andthemerlin——seenonheraldicpanes——
　　WithlegsasvagueastheQueenofSpain’s；
　　AndthedashingswiftthatwouldricochetFromthetuftsofgrassesbeforethem，yet——
　　LikeboldAntaeus——wouldeachtimebringNewlifefromtheearth，barelytouchedbyhiswing；
　　AndtheswallowandmartletthatalwaysknewThestraightestwayhome。HereaSaxonchurldrewHisbreath——tappedhisforehead——anideahadgotthrough！
　　Sotheybroughtthemsomenets，whichstraightwaytheyfilledWiththeswallowsandmartlets——thesweetbirdswhobuildInthehousesofman——allthatinnocentguildWhosingattheirlaboroneavesandinthatch——
　　AndtheystuckontheirfeathersarudelightedmatchMadeofresinandtow。ThentheyletthemallgoTobefree！Asachild-likediversion？Ah，no！
　　ToworkCirencester’sredruinandwoe。
　　Forstraighttoeachnesttheyflew，inwildquestOftheirhomesandtheirfledgelings——thattheylovedthebest；
　　AndstraighterthanarrowofSaxone’erspedTheyshoto’erthecurvingstreets，highoverhead，Bringingfireandterrortorooftreeandbed，Tillthetownbrokeinflame，wherevertheycame，TotheBriton’sredruin——theSaxon’sredshame！
　　Yetthey’reallgonetogether！To-dayyou’lldigupFrom"mound"orfrom"barrow"somearroworcup。
　　Theirfameisforgotten——theirstoryisended——
　　’Neaththefeetoftheracetheyhavemixedwithandblended。
　　Butthebirdsareunchanged——theouzel-cocksings，Stillgoldonhiscrestandstillblackonhiswings；
　　Andthelarkchantsonhigh，ashemountstothesky，Stillbrowninhiscoatandstilldiminhiseye；
　　WhiletheswallowormartletisstillafreenesterIntheeavesandtheroofsofthrice-builtCirencester。
　　LINESTOAPORTRAIT，BYASUPERIORPERSON
　　WhenIboughtyouforasong，Yearsago——Lordknowshowlong！——
　　Iwasstruck——Imaybewrong——
　　Byyourfeatures，And——asomethinginyourairThatIcouldn’tquitecompareTomyotherplainorfairFellowcreatures。
　　Inyoursimple，ovalframeYouwerenotwellknowntofame，Buttome——’twasallthesame——
　　Whoe’erdrewyou；
　　ForyourfaceIcan’tforget，ThoughIoftentimesregretThat，somehow，IneveryetSawquitethroughyou。
　　Yeteachmorning，whenIrise，Igofirsttogreetyoureyes；
　　And，inturn，YOUscrutinizeMypresentment。
　　Andwhenshadesofeveningfall，Asyouhanguponmywall，You’rethelastthingIrecallWithcontentment。
　　Itisweakness，yetIknowThatIneverturnedtogoAnywhere，forwealorwoe，ButIlingeredForoneparting，thrillingflashFromyoureyes，togivethatdashTothecurlofmymustache，ThatIfingered。
　　Iftosomeyoumayseemplain，AndwhenpeopleglanceagainWhereyouhang，theirlipsrefrain。
　　Fromconfession；
　　Yettheyturninstealthaside，AndInote，theytrytohideHowmuchtheyaresatisfiedInexpression。
　　OtherfacesIhaveseen；
　　Otherformshavecomebetween；
　　OtherthingsIhave，Iween，Doneanddaredfor！
　　ButOURtiestheycannotsever，And，thoughIshouldsayitnever，You’retheonlyoneIeverReallycaredfor！
　　Andyou’llstillbehangingthereWhenwe’reboththeworseforwear，Andthesilver’sonmyhairAndoffyourbacking；
　　YetmyfaithshallneverpassInmydearoldshaving-glass，Tillmyfaceandyours，alas！
　　Botharelacking！
　　HERLASTLETTER
　　BEINGAREPLYTO"HISANSWER"
　　June4th！Doyouknowwhatthatdatemeans？
　　June4th！Bythisairandthesepines！
　　Well，——onlyyouknowhowIhatescenes，——
　　Thesemightbemyverylastlines！
　　Forperhaps，sir，you’llkindlyremember——
　　IfsomeOTHERthingsyou’veforgot——
　　Thatyoulastwrotethe4thofDECEMBER，——
　　JustsixmonthsagoI——fromthisspot；
　　Fromthisspot，thatyousaidwas"thefairestForoncebeingheldinmythought。"
　　Now，reallyIcallthatthebarestOf——well，Iwon’tsaywhatIought！
　　ForhereIambackfrommy"riches，"
　　My"triumphs，"my"tours，"andallthat；
　　AndYOU’REnottobefoundintheditchesOrtemplesofPovertyFlat！
　　FromPariswewentfortheseasonToLondon，whenpawired，"Stop。"
　　Mamasays"hisHEALTH"wasthereason。
　　（I’veheardthatsomethingstooka"drop。"）
　　ButshesaidifmypatienceI’dsummonIcouldgobackwithhimtotheFlat——
　　PerhapsIwasthinkingofsomeoneWhoofme——well——wasnotthinkingTHAT！
　　OfcourseyouwillSAYthatI"neverRepliedtotheletteryouwrote。"
　　Thatisjustlikeaman！But，however，Ireadit——orhowcouldIquote？
　　Andastothestoriesyou’veheard（No，Don’ttellmeyouhaven’t——Iknow！），You’llnotbelieveoneblessedword，Joe；
　　Butjustwhencetheycame，letthemgo！
　　AndtheycamefromSadeLotskiofYolo，WhosefathersoldclothesontheBar——
　　YoucalledhimJob-lotski，youknow，Joe，AndtheboyssaidHERvaluewaspar。
　　Well，wemetherinParis——justflaringWithdiamonds，andlostinahatAndsheaskedme"howJosephwasfaringInhislove-suitonPovertyFlat！"
　　Shethoughtitwouldshameme！ImetherWithalook，Joe，thatmadehereyesdrop；
　　AndIsaidthatyour"love-suitfaredbetterThananysuitoutofTHEIRshop！"
　　AndIdidn’tblushTHEN——asI’mdoingTofindmyselfhere，allalone，Andleft，Joe，todoallthe"sueing"
　　Toaloverthat’scertainlyflown。
　　Inthisbrand-newhotel，called"TheLily"
　　（Iwonderwhogaveitthatname？）
　　Ireallyamfeelingquitesilly，TothinkIwasoncecalledthesame；
　　AndIstarefromitswindows，andfancyI’mlabeledtoeachpasser-by。
　　Ah！goneistheoldnecromancy，Fornothingseemsrighttomyeye。
　　OnthathilltherearestoresthatIknewnot；
　　There’sastreet——whereIoncelostmyway；
　　Andthecopsewhereyouoncetiedmyshoe-knotIsshamelesslyopenasday！
　　Andthatbankbythespring——Ioncedrankthere，AndyoucalledtheplaceEden，youknow；
　　NowI’mbanishedlikeEve——thoughthebankthereIsbelongingto"AdamsandCo。"
　　There’stherustleofsilkonthesidewalk；
　　Justnowtherepassedbyatallhat；
　　Butthere’sgloominthis"boom"andthiswildtalkOfthe"future"ofPovertyFlat。
　　There’sadecorouschillintheair，Joe，Whereonceweweresimpleandfree；
　　AndIhearthey’vebeenmakingamayor，Joe，OfthemanwhoshotSandyMcGee。
　　Butthere’sstillthe"lap，lap"oftheriver；
　　There’sthesongofthepines，deepandlow。
　　（HowmylongingforthemmademequiverIntheparkthattheycallFontainebleau！）
　　There’sthesnow-peakthatlookedonourdances，Andblushedwhenthemorningsaid，"Go！"
　　There’salotthatremainswhichonefancies——
　　Butsomehowthere’sneveraJoe！
　　Perhaps，onthewhole，itisbetter，Foryoumighthavebeenchangedliketherest；
　　Thoughit’sstrangethatI’mtrustingthisletterTopapa，justtohaveitaddressed。
　　Hethinkshemayfindyou，andreallySeemskindernowI’mallalone。
　　Youmighthavebeenhere，Joe，ifmerelyToLOOKwhatI’mwillingtoOWN。
　　Well，well！that’sallpast；sogood-night，Joe；
　　Good-nighttotheriverandFlat；
　　Good-nighttowhat’swrongandwhat’sright，Joe；
　　Good-nighttothepast，andallthat——
　　ToHarrison’sbarn，anditsdancers；
　　Tothemoon，andthewhitepeakofsnow；
　　Andgood-nighttothecanyonthatanswersMy"Joe！"withitsechoof"No！"
　　P。S。
　　I’vejustgotyournote。Youdeceiver！
　　Howdaredyou——howCOULDyou？Oh，Joe！
　　TothinkI’vebeenkeptabelieverInthingsthatweresixmonthsago！
　　Andit’sYOU’VEbuiltthishouse，andthebank，too，Andthemills，andthestores，andallthat！
　　AndforeverythingchangedImustthankYOU，Whohave"struckit"onPovertyFlat！
　　Howdaredyougetrich——yougreatstupid！——
　　Likepapa，andsomementhatIknow，InsteadofjusttrustingtoCupidAndtomeforyourmoney？Ah，Joe！
　　Justtothinkyousentneveraword，dear，Tillyouwrotetopapaforconsent！
　　NowIknowwhytheyhadmetransferredhere，And"thehealthofpapa"——whatTHATmeant！
　　NowIknowwhytheycallthis"TheLily；"
　　WhythemanwhoshotSandyMcGeeYoumademayor！’Twasbecause——oh，yousilly！——
　　Heonce"wentdownthemiddle"withme！
　　I’vebeenfooledtothetopofmybenthere，Socome，andaskpardon——youknowThatyou’vestillgottogetMYconsent，dear！
　　Andjustthinkwhatthatechosaid——Joe！
　　V。PARODIES
　　BEFORETHECURTAIN
　　Behindthefootlightshangstherustybaize，AtrifleshabbyintheupturnedblazeOfflaringgasandcuriouseyesthatgaze。
　　Thestage，methinks，perhapsisnonetoowide，AndhardlyfitforroyalRichard’sstride，OrFalstaff’sbulk，orDenmark’syouthfulpride。
　　Ah，well！nopassionwalksitshumbleboards；
　　O’eritnokingnorvaliantHectorlords：
　　Thesimplestskillisallitsspaceaffords。
　　Thesongandjest，thedanceandtriflingplay，Thelocalhitatfolliesoftheday，Thetricktopassanidlehouraway，——
　　ForthesenotrumpetsthatannouncetheMoor，Noblastthatmakesthehero’swelcomesure，——
　　Asinglefiddleintheoverture！
　　TOTHEPLIOCENESKULL*
　　（AGEOLOGICALADDRESS）
　　"Speak，Oman，lessrecent！Fragmentaryfossil！
　　Primalpioneerofplioceneformation，HidinlowestdriftsbelowtheearlieststratumOfvolcanictufa！
　　"Olderthanthebeasts，theoldestPalaeotherium；
　　Olderthanthetrees，theoldestCryptogami；
　　Olderthanthehills，thoseinfantileeruptionsOfearth’sepidermis！
　　"Eo——Mio——Plio——whatsoe’erthe’cene’wasThatthosevacantsocketsfilledwithaweandwonder，——
　　WhethershoresDevonianorSilurianbeaches，——
　　Tellusthystrangestory！
　　"OrhastheprofessorslightlyantedatedBysomethousandyearsthyadventonthisplanet，Givingtheeanairthat’ssomewhatbetterfittedForcold-bloodedcreatures？
　　"WertthoutruespectatorofthatmightyforestWhenabovethyheadthestatelySigillariaReareditscolumnedtrunksinthatremoteanddistantCarboniferousepoch？
　　"Tellusofthatscene，——thedimandwaterywoodland，Songless，silent，hushed，withneverbirdorinsect，Veiledwithspreadingfrondsandscreenedwithtallclubmosses，Lycopodiacea，——
　　"WhenbesidetheewalkedthesolemnPlesiosaurus，AndaroundtheecreptthefestiveIchthyosaurus，WhilefromtimetotimeabovetheeflewandcircledCheerfulPterodactyls。
　　"Tellusofthyfood，——thosehalf-marinerefections，CrinoidsontheshellandBrachipodsaunaturel，——
　　CuttlefishtowhichthepieuvreofVictorHugoSeemsaperiwinkle。
　　"Speak，thouawfulvestigeoftheearth’screation，Solitaryfragmentofremainsorganic！
　　Tellthewondroussecretofthypastexistence，——
　　Speak！thouoldestprimate！"
　　EvenasIgazed，athrillofthemaxilla，Andalateralmovementofthecondyloidprocess，Withpost-pliocenesoundsofhealthymastication，Groundtheteethtogether。
　　Andfromthatimperfectdentalexhibition，Stainedwithexpressjuicesoftheweednicotian，Camethesehollowaccents，blentwithsoftermurmursOfexpectoration：
　　"WhichmynameisBowers，andmycrustwasbustedFallingdownashaftinCalaverasCounty；
　　ButI’dtakeitkindlyifyou’dsendthepiecesHometooldMissouri！"
　　*Seenotesatend。
　　THEBALLADOFMR。COOKE
　　LEGENDOFTHECLIFFHOUSE，SANFRANCISCO）
　　WherethesturdyoceanbreezeDrivesthesprayofroaringseas，ThattheCliffHousebalconiesOverlook：
　　There，inspiteofrainthatbalked，Withhissandalsdulychalked，Onceuponatight-ropewalkedMr。Cooke。
　　Butthejester’slightsomemien，Andhisspanglesandhissheen，AllhadvanishedwhenthesceneHeforsook。
　　Yetinsomedelusivehope，Insomevaguedesiretocope，ONEstillcametoviewtheropeWalkedbyCooke。
　　AmidBeauty’sbrightarray，Onthatstrangeeventfulday，Partlyhiddenfromthespray，Inanook，StoodFlorindaVeredeVere；
　　Who，withwind-disheveledhair，Andarapt，distractedair，GazedonCooke。
　　Thensheturned，andquicklycriedToherloveratherside，WhileherformwithloveandprideWildlyshook：
　　"CliffordSnook！oh，hearmenow！
　　HereIbreakeachplightedvow；
　　There’sbutonetowhomIbow，Andthat’sCooke！"
　　Haughtilythatyoungmanspoke：
　　"Idescendfromnoblefolk；
　　’SevenOaks，’andthen’Se’nnoak，’
　　Lastly’Snook，’
　　IsthewaymynameItrace。
　　ShallayouthofnobleraceInaffairsoflovegiveplaceToaCooke？"
　　"CliffordSnook，IknowthyclaimTothatlineageandname，AndIthinkI’vereadthesameInHorneTooke；
　　ButIswear，byalldivine，Never，never，tobethine，TillthoucanstuponyonlineWalklikeCooke。"
　　ThoughtothatgymnasticfeatHenoclosermightcompeteThantostrikeaBALANCE-sheetInabook；
　　YetthenceforwardfromthatdayHehisfigurewoulddisplayInsomewildathleticway，AfterCooke。
　　Onsomehouseholdeminence，Onaclothes-lineorafence，Overditches，drains，andthenceO’erabrook，He，byhighambitionled，Everwalkedandbalanced，Tillthepeople，wondering，said，"HowlikeCooke！"
　　Stepbystepdidheproceed，Nervedbyvalor，notbygreed，AndatlastthecrowningdeedUndertook。
　　Mistywasthemidnightair，Andthecliffwasbleakandbare，Whenhecametodoanddare，JustlikeCooke。
　　Throughthedarkness，o’ertheflow，Stretchedthelinewhereheshouldgo，StraightacrossasfliesthecrowOrtherook。
　　Onewildglancearoundhecast；
　　Thenhefacedtheoceanblast，AndhestrodethecablelastTouchedbyCooke。
　　Vainlyroaredtheangryseas，Vainlyblewtheoceanbreeze；
　　But，alas！thewalker’skneesHadacrook；
　　AndbeforehereachedtherockDidtheybothtogetherknock，Andhestumbledwithashock——
　　UnlikeCooke！
　　Downwarddroppinginthedark，Likeanarrowtoitsmark，Orafish-polewhenasharkBitesthehook，Droppedthepolehecouldnotsave，Droppedthewalker，andthewaveSwiftengulfedtherivalbraveOfJ。Cooke！
　　CamearoaracrosstheseaOfsea-lionsintheirglee，InatongueremarkablyLikeChinook；
　　Andthemaddenedsea-gullseemedStilltoutter，ashescreamed，"PerishthusthewretchwhodeemedHimselfCooke！"
　　ButonmistymoonlitnightsComesaskeletonintights，WalksoncemorethegiddyheightsHemistook；
　　Andunseentomortaleyes，Purgedofgrosserearthlyties，NowatlastinspiritguiseOutdoesCooke。
　　StillthesturdyoceanbreezeSweepsthesprayofroaringseas，WheretheCliffHousebalconiesOverlook；
　　Andthemaidensintheirprime，Readingofthismournfulrhyme，Weepwhere，intheoldentime，WalkedJ。Cooke。
　　THEBALLADOFTHEEMEU
　　Oh，say，haveyouseenattheWillowssogreen——
　　Socharmingandrurallytrue——
　　Asingularbird，withamannerabsurd，WhichtheycalltheAustralianEmeu？
　　HaveyouEverseenthisAustralianEmeu？
　　Ittrotsallaroundwithitsheadontheground，Orerectsitquiteoutofyourview；
　　Andtheladiesallcry，whenitsfiguretheyspy，"Oh！whatasweetprettyEmeu！
　　Oh！doJustlookatthatlovelyEmeu！"
　　Onedaytothisspot，whentheweatherwashot，CameMatildaHortenseFortescue；
　　Andbesidehertherecameayouthofhighname，——
　　AugustusFlorellMontague：
　　ThetwoBothlovedthatwild，foreignEmeu。
　　Withtwoloavesofbreadthentheyfedit，insteadOfthefleshofthewhiteCockatoo，WhichoncewasitsfoodinthatwildneighborhoodWhererangesthesweetKangaroo，ThattooIsgameforthefamousEmeu！
　　Oldsawsandgimletsbutitsappetitewhets，Liketheworld-famousbarkofPeru；
　　There’snothingsohardthatthebirdwilldiscard，AndnothingitstastewilleschewThatyouCangivethatlong-leggedEmeu！
　　Thetimeslippedawayinthisinnocentplay，WhenupjumpedtheboldMontague：
　　"Where’sthatspecimenpinthatIgaylydidwinInraffle，andgaveuntoyou，Fortescue？"
　　NowordspoketheguiltyEmeu！
　　"Quick！tellmehisnamewhomthougavestthatsame，ErethesehandsinthybloodIimbrue！"
　　"Nay，dearest，"shecried，assheclungtohisside，"I’minnocentasthatEmeu！"
　　"Adieu！"
　　Hereplied，"MissM。H。Fortescue！"
　　Downshedroppedathisfeet，allaswhiteasasheet，Aswildlyhefledfromherview；
　　Hethought’twashersin，——forheknewnotthepinHadbeengobbledupbytheEmeu；
　　AllthroughThevoracityofthatEmeu！
　　MRS。JUDGEJENKINS
　　（BEINGTHEONLYGENUINESEQUELTO"MAUDMULLER"
　　MaudMullerallthatsummerdayRakedthemeadowsweetwithhay；
　　Yet，lookingdownthedistantlane，ShehopedtheJudgewouldcomeagain。
　　Butwhenhecame，withsmileandbow，Maudonlyblushed，andstammered，"Ha-ow？"
　　Andspokeofher"pa，"andwonderedwhetherHe’dgiveconsenttheyshouldwedtogether。
　　OldMullerburstintears，andthenBeggedthattheJudgewouldlendhim"ten；"
　　Fortradewasdull，andwageslow，Andthe"craps，"thisyear，weresomewhatslow。
　　Anderethelanguidsummerdied，SweetMaudbecametheJudge’sbride。
　　Butonthedaythattheyweremated，Maud’sbrotherBobwasintoxicated；
　　AndMaud’srelations，twelveinall，WereverydrunkattheJudge’shall。
　　Andwhenthesummercameagain，Theyoungbrideborehimbabiestwain；
　　AndtheJudgewasblest，butthoughtitstrangeThatbearingchildrenmadesuchachange；
　　ForMaudgrewbroadandredandstout，AndthewaistthathisarmonceclaspedaboutWasmorethanhenowcouldspan；andheSighedashepondered，ruefully，HowthatwhichinMaudwasnativegraceInMrs。Jenkinswasoutofplace；
　　Andthoughtofthetwins，andwishedthattheyLookedlesslikethemenwhorakedthehayOnMuller’sfarm，anddreamedwithpainOfthedayhewandereddownthelane。
　　Andlookingdownthatdrearytrack，Hehalfregrettedthathecameback；
　　For，hadhewaited，hemighthavewedSomemaidenfairandthoroughbred；
　　Fortherebewomenfairasshe，Whoseverbsandnounsdomoreagree。
　　Alasformaiden！alasforjudge！
　　Andthesentimental，——that’sone-half"fudge；"
　　ForMaudsoonthoughttheJudgeabore，Withallhislearningandallhislore；
　　AndtheJudgewouldhavebarteredMaud’sfairfaceFormorerefinementandsocialgrace。
　　If，ofallwordsoftongueandpen，Thesaddestare，"Itmighthavebeen，"
　　Moresadarethesewedailysee：
　　"Itis，buthadn’toughttobe。"
　　AGEOLOGICALMADRIGAL
　　Ihavefoundoutagiftformyfair；
　　Iknowwherethefossilsabound，WherethefootprintsofAvesdeclareThebirdsthatoncewalkedontheground。
　　Oh，come，and——intechnicalspeech——
　　We’llwalkthisDevonianshore，OronsomeSilurianbeachWe’llwander，mylove，evermore。
　　IwillshowtheethesinuoustrackBytheslow-movingAnnelidmade，OrtheTrilobitethat，fartherback，IntheoldPotsdamsandstonewaslaid；
　　Thoushaltsee，inhisJurassictomb，ThePlesiosaurusembalmed；
　　InhisOoliticprimeandhisbloom，Iguanodonsafeandunharmed。
　　Youwished——Irememberitwell，AndIlovedyouthemoreforthatwish——
　　ForaperfectcystedianshellAndaWHOLEholocephalicfish。
　　Andoh，ifEarth’sstratacontainsInitslowestSiluriandrift，OrpalaeozoicremainsThesame，’tisyourlover’sfreegift！
　　Thencome，love，andneversaynay，Butcalmallyourmaidenlyfears；
　　We’llnote，love，inonesummer’sdayTherecordofmillionsofyears；
　　AndthoughtheDarwinianplanYoursensitivefeelingsmayshock，We’llfindthebeginningofman，Ourfossilancestors，inrock！
　　AVITOR
　　（ANAERIALRETROSPECT）
　　Whatwasitfilledmyyouthfuldreams，InplaceofGreekorLatinthemes，Orbeauty’swild，bewilderingbeams？
　　Avitor！
　　WhatvisionsandcelestialscenesIfilledwithaerialmachines，Montgolfier’sandMr。Green’s！
　　Avitor！
　　Whatfairytalesseemedthingsofcourse！
　　TherocthatbroughtSindbadacross，TheCalendar’sownwingedhorse！
　　Avitor！
　　HowmanythingsItookforfacts，——
　　Icarusandhisconductlax，Andhowhesealedhisfatewithwax！
　　Avitor！
　　ThefirstballoonsIsoughttosail，Soap-bubblesfair，butalltoofrail，Orkites，——buttherebyhangsatail。
　　Avitor！
　　WhatmademelaunchfromattictallAkittenandaparasol，Andwatchtheirbitter，frightfulfall？
　　Avitor！
　　WhatyouthfuldreamsofhighrenownBademeinflatetheparson’sgown，Thatwentnotup，noryetcamedown？
　　Avitor！
　　MyfirstascentImaynottell；
　　EnoughtoknowthatinthatwellMyfirsthighaspirationsfell。