Avitor！
Myotherfailuresletmepass：
Thedireexplosions，and，alas！
ThefriendsIchokedwithnoxiousgas。
Avitor！
Forlo！IseeperfectedriseThevisionofmyboyisheyes，Themessengerofupperskies。
Avitor！
THEWILLOWS
（AFTEREDGARALLANPOE）
Theskiestheywereashenandsober，Thestreetstheyweredirtyanddrear；
ItwasnightinthemonthofOctober，Ofmymostimmemorialyear。
Liketheskies，Iwasperfectlysober，AsIstoppedatthemansionofShear，——
AttheNightingale，——perfectlysober，Andthewillowywoodlanddownhere。
Here，onceinanalleyTitanicOfTen-pins，Iroamedwithmysoul，——
OfTen-pins，withMary，mysoul；
Theyweredayswhenmyheartwasvolcanic，Andimpelledmetofrequentlyroll，Andmademeresistlesslyroll，Tillmyten-strikescreatedapanicIntherealmsoftheBorealpole，——
Tillmyten-strikescreatedapanicWiththemonkeyatopofhispole。
Irepeat，Iwasperfectlysober，Butmythoughtstheywerepalsiedandsear，——
Mythoughtsweredecidedlyqueer；
ForIknewnotthemonthwasOctober，AndImarkednotthenightoftheyear；
IforgotthatsweetmorceauofAuberThatthebandoftperformeddownhere，AndImixedthesweetmusicofAuberWiththeNightingale’smusicbyShear。
Andnowasthenightwassenescent，Andstar-dialspointedtomorn，Andcar-drivershintedofmorn，AttheendofthepathaliquescentAndbibulouslustrewasborn；
’Twasmadebythebar-keeperpresent，Whomixedaduplicatehorn，——
HistwohandsdescribingacrescentDistinctwithaduplicatehorn。
AndIsaid："Thislooksperfectlyregal，Forit’swarm，andIknowIfeeldry，——
IamconfidentthatIfeeldry。
Wehavecomepasttheemeuandeagle，Andwatchedthegaymonkeyonhigh；
Letusdrinktotheemeuandeagle，Totheswanandthemonkeyonhigh，——
Totheeagleandmonkeyonhigh；
Forthisbar-keeperwillnotinveigle，Bullyboywiththevitreouseye，——
Hesurelywouldneverinveigle，Sweetyouthwiththecrystallineeye。"
ButMary，upliftingherfinger，Said："SadlythisbarImistrust，——
Ifearthatthisbardoesnottrust。
Oh，hasten！oh，letusnotlinger！
Oh，fly，——letusfly，——arewemust！"
Interrorshecried，lettingsinkherParasoltillittrailedinthedust；
Inagonysobbed，lettingsinkherParasoltillittrailedinthedust，——
Tillitsorrowfullytrailedinthedust。
ThenIpacifiedMaryandkissedher，Andtemptedherintotheroom，Andconqueredherscruplesandgloom；
Andwepassedtotheendofthevista，Butwerestoppedbythewarningofdoom，——
Bysomewordsthatwerewarningofdoom。
AndIsaid，"Whatiswritten，sweetsister，Attheoppositeendoftheroom？"
Shesobbed，assheanswered，"AllliquorsMustbepaidforereleavingtheroom。"
Thenmyheartitgrewashenandsober，Asthestreetsweredesertedanddrear，Formypocketswereemptyanddrear；
AndIcried："ItwassurelyOctober，Onthisverynightoflastyear，ThatIjourneyed，Ijourneyeddownhere，——
ThatIbroughtafairmaidendownhere，Onthisnightofallnightsintheyear！
Ah！tomethatinscriptionisclear；
WellIknownow，I’mperfectlysober，Whynolongertheycreditmehere，——
WellIknownowthatmusicofAuber，AndthisNightingale，keptbyoneShear。"
NORTHBEACH
（AFTERSPENSER）
Lo！wherethecastleofboldPfeifferthrowsItssullenshadowontherollingtide，——
Nomorethehomewherejoyandwealthrepose，Butnowwherewassailersincellsabide；
Seeyonlongquaythatstretchesfarandwide，WellknowntocitizensaswharfofMeiggs：
ThereeachsweetSabbathwalksinmaidenprideThepensiveMargaret，andbravePat，whoselegsEncasedinbroadclothoftkeeptimewithPeg’s。
Herecomethoftthetendernursery-maid，Whileinherearherlovehistaledothpour；
Meantimeherinfantdothherchargeevade，Andramblethsagelyonthesandyshore，Tilltheslysea-crab，lowinambushlaid，Seizethhislegandbitethhimfullsore。
Ahme！whatsoundstheshudderingechoesboreWhenhissmalltreblemixedwithOcean’sroar！
Hardbytherestandsanancienthostelrie，Andatitssideagarden，wherethebear，Thestealthycatamount，andcoonagreeToworkdeceitonallwhogatherthere；
AndwhenAugusta——thatunconsciousfair——
WithnutsandapplespliethBruinfree，Lo！thegreenparrotclawethherbackhair，AndthegraymonkeygrabbethfruitsthatsheOnhergaybonnetwears，andlaughethloudinglee！
THELOSTTAILSOFMILETUS
HighontheThracianhills，halfhidinthebillowsofclover，Thyme，andtheasphodelblooms，andlulledbyPactolianstreamlet，SheofMiletuslay，andbesideheranagedsatyrScratchedhisearwithhishoof，andplayfullymumbledhischestnuts。
VainlytheMaenidandtheBassaridgamboledabouther，Thefree-eyedBacchantesang，andPan——therenowned，theaccomplished——Executedhisdifficultsolo。Invainweretheirgambolsanddances；
Higho’ertheThracianhillsrosethevoiceoftheshepherdess，wailing：
"Ai！forthefleecyflocks，themeek-nosed，thepassionlessfaces；
Ai！forthetallow-scented，thestraight-tailed，thehigh-stepping；
Ai！forthetimidglance，whichisthatwhichtherustic，sagacious，Appliestohimwholovesbutmaynotdeclarehispassion！"
HerthenZeusansweredslow："Odaughterofsongandsorrow，Haplesstenderofsheep，arisefromthylonglamentation！
Sincethoucanstnottrustfate，norbehaveasbecomesaGreekmaiden，Lookandbeholdthysheep。"Andlo！theyreturnedtohertailless！
THERITUALIST
（BYACOMMUNICANTOF"ST。JAMES’S"）
Hewore，Ithink，achasuble，thedaywhenfirstwemet；
Astoleandsnowyalblikewise，——Irecollectityet。
Hecalledme"daughter，"asheraisedhisjeweledhandtobless；
Andthen，inthrillingundertones，heasked，"WouldIconfess？"
Omotherdear！blamenotyourchild，ifthenonbendedkneesIdropped，andthoughtofAbelard，andalsoEloise；
Orwhen，besidethealtarhigh，hebowedbeforethepyx，Ienviedthatseraphickisshegavethecrucifix。
Thecruelworldmaythinkitwrong，perhapsmaydeemmeweak，And，speakingofthatsaintedman，maycallhisconduct"cheek；"
And，likethatwickedbarristerwhomCousinHarryquotes，Maytermhismixedchalice"grog，"hisvestments"petticoats；"
But，whatsoe’ertheydoorsay，I’llbuildaChristian’shopeOnincenseandonaltar-lights，onchasubleandcope。
Letothersprove，byprecedent，thefaiththattheyprofess：
"Hiscan’tbewrong"that’ssymbolizedbysuchbecomingdress。
AMORALVINDICATOR
IfMr。Jones，LycurgusB。，Hadonepeculiarquality，’TwashissevereadvocacyOfconjugalfidelity。
Hisviewsofheavenwereveryfree；
HisviewsoflifewerepainfullyRidiculous；butferventlyHedweltonmarriagesanctity。
Hefrequentlywentonaspree；
Butinhiswildestrevelry，OnthisespecialsubjectheBetrayednoambiguity。
AndthoughattimesLycurgusB。
DidlayhishandsnotlovinglyUponhiswife，thesanctityOfwedlockwashisguaranty。
ButMrs。JonesdeclinedtoseeAffairsinthesamelightashe，AndquietlygotadecreeDivorcingherfromthatL。B。
AndwhatdidJones，LycurgusB。，Withhisknownidiosyncrasy？
Hesmiled，——abittersmiletosee，——
AnddrewtheweaponofBowie。
HedidwhatSicklesdidtoKey，——
WhatColeonHiscockwrought，didhe；
Infact，onpersonstwenty-threeHeprovedthemarriagesanctity。
Thecounselorwhotookthefee，Thewitnessesandreferee，Thejudgewhograntedthedecree，Diedinthatwholesalebutchery。
AndthenwhenJones，LycurgusB。，HadwipedtheweaponofBowie，TwelvejurymendidinstantlyAcquitandsetLycurgusfree。
CALIFORNIAMADRIGAL
（ONTHEAPPROACHOFSPRING）
Oh，come，mybeloved，fromthywinterabode，FromthyhomeontheYuba，thyranchoverflowed；
Forthewatershavefallen，thewinterhasfled，Andtheriveroncemorehasreturnedtoitsbed。
Oh，markhowthespringinitsbeautyisnear！
Howthefencesandtulesoncemorereappear！
HowsoftliesthemudonthebanksofyonsloughBytheholeintheleveethewatersbrokethrough！
Allnature，dearChloris，isbloomingtogreetTheglanceofyoureyeandthetreadofyourfeet；
Forthetrailsareallopen，theroadsareallfree，Andthehighwayman’swhistleisheardonthelea。
Againswingsthelashonthehighmountaintrail，Andthepipeofthepackerisscentingthegale；
Theoathandthejestringinghigho’ertheplain，Wherethesmutisnotalwaysconfinedtothegrain。
Oncemoreglaresthesunlightonawningandroof，Oncemoretheredclay’spulverizedbythehoof，Oncemorethedustpowdersthe"outsides"withred，Oncemoreatthestationthewhiskeyisspread。
Thenflywithme，love，erethesummer’sbegun，Andthemercurymountstoonehundredandone；
Erethegrassnowsogreenshallbewitheredandsear，Inthespringthatobtainsbutonemonthintheyear。
WHATTHEENGINESSAID
（OPENINGOFTHEPACIFICRAILROAD）
WhatwasittheEnginessaid，Pilotstouching，——headtoheadFacingonthesingletrack，Halfaworldbehindeachback？
ThisiswhattheEnginessaid，Unreportedandunread。
Withaprefatoryscreech，InafloridWesternspeech，SaidtheEnginefromtheWEST：
"IamfromSierra’screst；
Andifaltitude’satest，Why，Ireckon，it’sconfessedThatI’vedonemylevelbest。"
SaidtheEnginefromtheEAST：
"Theywhoworkbesttalktheleast。
S’poseyouwhistledownyourbrakes；
Whatyou’vedoneisnogreatshakes，Prettyfair，——butletourmeetingBeadifferentkindofgreeting。
Letthesefolkswithchampagnestuffing，NottheirEngines，dothePUFFING。
"Listen！WhereAtlanticbeatsShoresofsnowandsummerheats；
WheretheIndianautumnskiesPaintthewoodswithwampumdyes，——
Ihavechasedtheflyingsun，Seeingallhelookedupon，Blessingallthathehasblessed，NursinginmyironbreastAllhisvivifyingheat，Allhiscloudsaboutmycrest；
AndbeforemyflyingfeetEveryshadowmustretreat。"
SaidtheWesternEngine，"Phew！"
Andalong，lowwhistleblew。
"Come，now，reallythat’stheoddestTalkforonesoverymodest。
YoubragofyourEast！YOUdo？
Why，IbringtheEasttoYOU！
AlltheOrient，allCathay，Findthroughmetheshortestway；
AndthesunyoufollowhereRisesinmyhemisphere。
Really，——ifonemustberude，——
Length，myfriend，ain’tlongitude。"
SaidtheUnion："Don’treflect，orI’llrunoversomeDirector。"
SaidtheCentral："I’mPacific；
But，whenriled，I’mquiteterrific。
Yetto-dayweshallnotquarrel，Justtoshowthesefolksthismoral，HowtwoEngines——intheirvision——
Oncehavemetwithoutcollision。"
ThatiswhattheEnginessaid，Unreportedandunread；
Spokenslightlythroughthenose，Withawhistleattheclose。
THELEGENDSOFTHERHINE
Beetlingwallswithivygrown，Frowningheightsofmossystone；
Turret，withitsflauntingflagFlungfrombattlementedcrag；
Dungeon-keepandfortaliceLookingdownaprecipiceO’erthedarklyglancingwaveBytheLurline-hauntedcave；
Robberhauntandmaidenbower，HomeofLoveandCrimeandPower，——
That’sthescenery，infine，OftheLegendsoftheRhine。
Oneboldbaron，double-dyedBigamistandparricide，And，asmostthestoriesrun，PartneroftheEvilOne；
Injuredinnocenceinwhite，Fairbutidioticquite，Wringingofherlilyhands；
ValorfreshfromPaynimlands，Abbotruddy，hermitpale，Minstrelfraughtwithmanyatale，——
AretheactorsthatcombineIntheLegendsoftheRhine。
Bell-mouthedflagonsroundaboard；
Suitsofarmor，shield，andsword；
Kerchiefwithitsbloodystain；
Ghostsoftheuntimelyslain；
Thunder-clapandclankingchain；
Headsman’sblockandshiningaxe；
Thumb-screw，crucifixes，racks；
Midnight-tollingchapelbell，Heardacrossthegloomyfell，——
TheseandotherpleasantfactsArethepropertiesthatshineIntheLegendsoftheRhine。
Maledictions，whisperedvowsUnderneaththelindenboughs；
Murder，bigamy，andtheft；
Travelersofgoodsbereft；
Rapine，pillage，arson，spoil，——
Everythingbuthonesttoil，ArethedeedsthatbestdefineEveryLegendoftheRhine。
ThatVirtuealwaysmeetsreward，Butquickerwhenitwearsasword；
ThatProvidencehasspecialcareOfgallantknightandladyfair；
Thatvillains，asathingofcourse，Arealwayshauntedbyremorse，——
Isthemoral，Iopine，OftheLegendsoftheRhine。
SONGSWITHOUTSENSE
FORTHEPARLORANDPIANO
I。THEPERSONIFIEDSENTIMENTAL
Affection’scharmnolongergildsTheidoloftheshrine；
ButcoldOblivionseekstofillRegret’sambrosialwine。
ThoughFriendship’sofferingburiedlies’NeathcoldAversion’ssnow，RegardandFaithwilleverbloomPerpetuallybelow。
Iseetheewhirlinmarblehalls，InPleasure’sgiddytrain；
Remorseisneveronthatbrow，NorSorrow’smarkofpain。
Deceithasmarkedtheeforherown；
Inconstancythesame；
AndRuinwildlyshedsitsgleamAthwartthypathofshame。
II。THEHOMELYPATHETIC
Thedewsareheavyonmybrow；
Mybreathcomeshardandlow；
Yet，motherdear，grantonerequest，Beforeyourboymustgo。
Oh！liftmeeremyspiritsinks，Anderemysensesfail，Placemeoncemore，Omotherdear，Astridetheoldfence-rail。
Theoldfence-rail，theoldfence-rail！
Howofttheseyouthfullegs，WithAlice’andBenBolt’s，werehungAcrossthosewoodenpegs！
’TwastherethenauseatingsmokeOfmyfirstpipearose：
Omotherdear，theseagoniesArefarlesskeenthanthose。
Iknowwhereliesthehazeldell，WheresimpleNelliesleeps；
IknowthecotofNettieMoore，Andwherethewillowweeps。
Iknowthebrooksideandthemill，ButalltheirpathosfailsBesidethedayswhenonceIsatAstridetheoldfence-rails。
III。SWISSAIR
I’magaytra，la，la，Withmyfal，lal，la，la，Andmybright——
Andmylight——
Tra，la，le。[Repeat。]
Thenlaugh，ha，ha，ha，Andring，ting，ling，ling，Andsingfal，la，la，La，la，le。[Repeat。]
VI。LITTLEPOSTERITY
MASTERJOHNNY’SNEXT-DOORNEIGHBOR
ItwasspringthefirsttimethatIsawher，forherpapaandmammamovedinNextdoor，justasskatingwasover，andmarblesabouttobegin；
Forthefenceinourbackyardwasbroken，andIsaw，asIpeepedthroughtheslat，Therewere"Johnny-jump-ups"allaroundher，andIknewitwasspringjustbythat。
Ineverknewwhethershesawme，forshedidn’tsaynothingtome，But"Ma！here’saslatinthefencebroke，andtheboythatisnextdoorcansee。"
ButthenextdayIclimbedonourwood-shed，asyouknowMammasaysI’vearight，Andshecallsout，"Well，peekin’ismanners！"andIansweredher，"Sassisperlite！"
ButIwasn’tabitmad，no，Papa，andtoproveit，theverynextday，WhensheranpastourfenceinthemorningIhappenedtogetinherway，——
ForyouknowIam"chunked"andclumsy，asshesaysareallboysofmysize，——
Andshenearlyupsetme，shedid，Pa，andlaughedtilltearscameinhereyes。
Andthenwewerefriendsfromthatmoment，forIknewthatshetoldKittySage，——
Andshewasn’tagirlthatwouldflatter——"thatshethoughtIwastallformyage。"
AndIgaveherfourapplesthatevening，andtookhertorideonmysled，And——"WhatamItellingyouthisfor？"Why，Papa，myneighborisDEAD！
Youdon’thearonehalfIamsaying，——Ireallydothinkit’stoobad！
Why，youmighthaveseencrapeonherdoor-knob，andnoticedto-dayI’vebeensad。
Andthey’vegotheracoffinofrosewood，andtheysaytheyhavedressedherinwhite，AndI’veneveroncelookedthroughthefence，Pa，sinceshedied——atelevenlastnight。
AndMasaysit’sdecentandproper，asIwasherneighborandfriend，ThatIshouldgotheretothefuneral，andshethinksthatYOUoughttoattend；
ButIamsoclumsyandawkward，IknowIshallbeintheway，Andsupposetheyshouldspeaktome，Papa，Iwouldn’tknowjustwhattosay。
SoIthinkIwillgetupquiteearly，——IknowIsleeplate，butIknowI’llbesuretowakeupifourBridgetpullsthestringthatI’lltietomytoe；
AndI’llcrawlthroughthefence，andI’llgatherthe"Johnny-jump-ups"
astheygrewRoundherfeetthefirstdaythatIsawher，and，Papa，I’llgivethemtoyou。
Foryou’reabigman，and，youknow，Pa，cancomeandgojustwhereyouchoose，Andyou’lltaketheflowersintoher，andsurelythey’llneverrefuse；
But，Papa，don’tSAYthey’refromJohnny；THEYwon’tunderstand，don’tyousee？
Butjustlaythemdownonherbosom，and，Papa，SHE’LLknowthey’refromMe。
MISSEDITH’SMODESTREQUEST
MyPapaknowsyou，andhesaysyou’reamanwhomakesreadingforbooks；
ButIneverreadnothingyouwrote，nordidPapa，——Iknowbyhislooks。
SoIguessyou’relikemewhenItalk，andItalk，andItalkalltheday，Andtheyonlysay，"Dostopthatchild！"or，"Nurse，takeMissEdithaway。"
ButPapasaidifIwasgoodIcouldaskyou——alonebymyself——
Ifyouwouldn’twritemeabooklikethatlittleoneupontheshelf。
Idon’tmeanthepictures，ofcourse，fortomakeTHEMyou’vegottobesmartButthereadingthatrunsallaroundthem，youknow，——justtheeasiestpart。
Youneedn’tmindwhatit’sabout，fornoonewillseeitbutme，AndJane，——that’smynurse，——andJohn，——he’sthecoachman，——justonlyusthree。
You’retowriteofabadlittlegirl，thatwaswickedandboldandallthat；
Andthenyou’retowrite，ifyouplease，somethinggood——verygood——
ofacat！
Thiscat，shewasvirtuousandmeek，andkindtoherparents，andmild，Andcarefulandneatinherways，thoughhermistresswassuchabadchild；
Andhoursshewouldsitandwouldgazewhenhermistress——that’sme——
wassobad，Andblink，justasifshewouldsay，"Oh，Edith！youmakemyheartsad。"
Andyet，youwouldscarcelybelieveit，thatbeautiful，angeliccatWasblamedbytheservantsforstealingwhatever，theysaid，she’dgetat。
AndwhenJohndrankmymilk，——don’tyoutellme！Iknowjustthewayitwasdone，——
Theysaid’twasthecat，——andshesittingandwashingherfaceinthesun！
AndthentherewasDick，mycanary。WhenIleftitscageopenoneday，Theyallmadebelievethatsheateit，thoughIknowthatthebirdflewaway。
Andwhy？Justbecauseshewasplayingwithafeathershefoundonthefloor。
Asifcatscouldn’tplaywithafeatherwithoutpeoplethinking’twasmore！
Why，oncewewererompingtogether，whenIknockeddownavasefromtheshelf，Thatcatwasasgrievedanddistressedasifshehaddoneitherself；
Andshewalkedawaysadlyandhidherself，andnevercameoutuntiltea，——
Sotheysay，fortheysentMEtobed，andshenevercameeventome。
Nomatterwhateverhappened，itwaslaidatthedoorofthatcat。
Why，oncewhenItoremyapron，——shewaswrappedinit，andIcalled"Rat！"——
Why，theyblamedthatonHER。Ishallnever——no，nottomydyingday——
ForgetthepainedlookthatshegavemewhentheyslappedMEandtookmeaway。
Ofcourse，youknowjustwhatcomesnext，whenachildisaslovelyasthat：
Shewastedquiteslowlyaway；itwasgoodnesswaskillingthatcat。
Iknowitwasnothingsheate，forhertastewasexceedinglynice；
ButtheysaidshestoleBobby’sicecream，andcaughtabadcoldfromtheice。
Andyou’llpromisetomakemeabooklikethatlittleoneupontheshelf，Andyou’llcallher"Naomi，"becauseit’sanamethatshejustgaveherself；
Forshe’dscratchatmydoorinthemorning，andwheneverI’dcallout，"Who’sthere？"
Shewouldanswer，"Naomi！Naomi！"likeaChristian，Ivowanddeclare。
Andyou’llputmeandherinabook。Andmind，you’retosayIwasbad；
AndImighthavebeenbadderthanthatbutfortheexampleIhad。
Andyou’llsaythatshewasaMaltese，and——what’sthatyouasked？
"Isshedead？"
Why，please，sir，THEREAIN’TANYCAT！You’retomakeoneupoutofyourhead！
MISSEDITHMAKESITPLEASANTFORBROTHERJACK
"Crying！"OfcourseIamcrying，andIguessyouwouldbecrying，too，Ifpeopleweretellingsuchstoriesastheytellaboutme，aboutYOU。
Ohyes，youcanlaughifyouwantto，andsmokeasyoudidn’tcarehow，Andgetyourbrainssoftenedlikeuncle’s。Dr。Jonessaysyou’regettin’itnow。
Whydon’tyousay"Stop！"toMissIlsey？ShecriestwiceasmuchasIdo，Andshe’solderandcriesjustfrommeanness，——foraribbonoranythingnew。
Masaysit’sher"sensitivenature。"Ohmy！No，Isha’n’tstopmytalk！
AndIdon’twantnoapplesnorcandy，andIdon’twanttogotakeawalk！
Iknowwhyyou’remad！Yes，Ido，now！YouthinkthatMissIlseylikesYOU，AndI’veheardherREPEATEDLYcallyouthebold-facestboythatsheknew；
Andshe’d"liketoknowwhereyoulearntmanners。"Ohyes！Kickthetable，——that’sright！
Spilltheinkonmydress，andgothenroundtellingMathatIlooklikeafright！
Whatstories？Pretendyoudon’tknowthatthey’resayingIbrokeoffthematchTwixtoldMoney-grubberandMary，bysayingshecalledhim"Crosspatch，"
WhentheonlyallusionImadehimaboutsisterMarywas，sheCaredmoreforhiscashthanhistemper，andyouknow，Jack，yousaidthattome。
Andit’strue！Butit’sME，andI’mscolded，andPasaysifIkeeponImightByandbygetmynameinthepapers！Whocares？Why，’twasonlylastnightIwasreadinghowPaandthesheriffweresellingsomelots，andit’splainIfit’sawfultobeinthepapers，why，Papawouldgoandcomplain。
Youthinkitain’ttrueaboutIlsey？Well，IguessIknowgirls，andIsayThere’snothingIseeaboutIlseytoshowshelikesyou，anyway！
IknowwhatitmeanswhenagirlwhohascalledhercatafteroneboyGoesandchangesitsnametoanother’s。Andshe’sdoneit——andI
wishyoujoy！
MISSEDITHMAKESANOTHERFRIEND
Oh，you’rethegirllivesonthecorner？Comein——ifyouwantto——
comequick！
There’snoonebutmeinthehouse，andthecook——butshe’sonlyastick。
Don’ttrythefrontway，butcomeoverthefence——throughthewindow——that’show。
Don’tmindthebigdog——hewon’tbiteyou——justseehimobeyme！
there，now！
What’syourname？MaryEllen？Howfunny！Mine’sEdith——it’snicer，yousee；
Butyoursdoesforyou，foryou’replainer，thoughmaybeyou’regooderthanme；
ForJacksaysI’msometimesadevil，butJack，ofallfolks，needn’ttalk，ForIdon’tcalltheseamstressanangeltillMasaysthepoorthingmust"walk。"
Comein！It’squitedarkintheparlor，forsisterwillkeeptheblindsdown，Foryouknowhercomplexionissallowlikeyours，butsheisn’tasbrown；
ThoughJacksaysthatisn’tthereasonshelikestositherewithJimMoore。
Doyouthinkthathemeantthatshekissedhim？Wouldyou——ifyourlipswasn’tsore？
Ifyoulike，youcantryourpiano。’Tain’tours。AmanleftithereTorentbythemonth，althoughMasayshehasn’tbeenpaidforayear。
Sisterplays——oh，suchfinevariations！——why，IonceheardagentlemansayThatshedidn’tmindTHATforthemusic——infact，itwasjustinherway！
Ain’tIfunny？Andyetit’sthequeerestofallthat，whateverI
say，Onehalfofthefolksdiea-laughing，andtherest，theyalllookt’otherway。
Andsomesay，"Thatchild！"Dotheyeversaythattosuchpeopleasyou？
Thoughmaybeyou’renaturallysilly，andthatmakesyoureyessoaskew。
Nowstop——don’tyoudaretobecrying！Justassureasyoulive，ifyoudo，I’llcallinmybigdogtobiteyou，andI’llmakemyPapakillyou，too！
Andthenwhere’llyoube？Soplaypretty。There’smydoll，andanicepieceofcake。
Youdon’twantit——youthinkitispoison！ThenI’LLeatit，dear，justforyoursake！
WHATMISSEDITHSAWFROMHERWINDOW
Ourwindow’snotmuch，thoughitfrontsonthestreet；
There’saflyinthepanethatgetsnothin’toeat；
Butit’scurioushowpeoplethinkit’satreatForMEtolookoutofthewindow！
Why，whencompanycomes，andthey’reallspeakinglow，Withtheirchairsdrawntogether，thensomeonesays，"Oh！
Edithdear！——that’sagoodchild——nowrun，love，andgoAndamuseyourselfthereatthewindow！"
OrBob——that’smybrother——comesinwithhischum，Andtheywhisperandchuckle，thesamewordswillcome。
Andit’s"Edith，lookhere！Oh，Isay！whatarumLotofthingsyoucanseefromthatwindow！"
Andyet，asItoldyou，there’sonlythatflyBuzzingroundinthepane，andabitofbluesky，Andthegirlintheoppositewindow，thatI
LookatwhenSHElooksfromHERwindow。
Andyet，I’vebeenthinkingI’dsoliketoseeIfwhatgoesonbehindHER，goesonbehindME！
Andthen，goodnessgracious！whatfunitwouldbeForusBOTHaswesitbyourwindow！
Howwe’dknowwhentheparcelswerehidinadrawer，Orthingstakenoutthatoneneverseesmore；
Whatpeoplecomeinandgooutofthedoor，Thatweneverseefromthewindow！
AndthatnightwhenthestrangercamehomewithourJaneImightSEEwhatIHEARDthen，thatsoundedsoplain——
LikewhenmywetfingersIrubonthepane（Whichtheywon’tletMEdoonmywindow）。
AndI’dknowwhypapashutthedoorwithaslam，Andsaidsomethingfunnythatsoundedlike"jam，"
Andthen"Edith——whereareyou？"Isaid，"HereIam。"
"Ah，that’sright，dear，lookoutofthewindow！"
TheysaywhenI’mgrownupthesethingswillappearMoreplainthantheydowhenIlookatthemhere，ButIthinkIseesomethingsuncommonlyclear，AsIsitandlookdownfromthewindow。
Whatthings？Oh，thethingsthatImakeup，youknow，OutofstoriesI’veread——andtheyallpassbelow。
AliBaba，theFortyThieves，allinarow，Goby，asIlookfrommywindow。
That’sonlyatchurchtime；otherdaysthere’snocrowd。
Don’tlaugh！Seethatbigmanwholookedupandbowed？
That’sourbutcher——IcallhimtheSultanMahoudWhenhenodstomehereatthewindow！
AndTHATman——he’sourneighbor——justgoneforarideHasthreewivesinthechurchyardthatliesidebyside。
SoIcallhim"Bluebeard"insearchofhisbride，WhileI’mSisterAnneatthewindow。
AndwhatdoIcallyou？Well，here’swhatIDO：
Whenmysisterexpectsyou，sheputsmehere，too；
ButIwaittillyouenter，toseeifit’syou，Andthen——IjustOPENthewindow！
"Dearchild！"Yes，that’sme！Oh，youaskwhatthat’sfor？
Well，Papasaysyou’re"Poverty’sself，"andwhat’smore，Iopenthewindow，whenYOU’REatthedoor，ToseeLoveflyoutofthewindow！"
ONTHELANDING
（ANIDYLOFTHEBALUSTERS）
BOBBY，aetat。31/2。JOHNNY，aetat。41/2。
BOBBY
Doyouknowwhythey’veputusinthatbackroom，Upintheattic，closeagainstthesky，Andmadebelieveournursery’sacloak-room？
Doyouknowwhy？
JOHNNY
NomoreIdon’t，norwhythatSammy’smother，WhatMathinkshorrid，’causehebungedmyeye，Eatsanicecream，downthere，likeanyother！
Nomoredon’tI！
BOBBY
DoyouknowwhyNursesaysitisn’tmannersForyouandmetoaskfolkstwiceforpie，Andnoonehitsthatmanwithtwobananas？
Doyouknowwhy？
JOHNNY
NomoreIdon’t，norwhythatgirl，whosedressisOffofhershoulders，don’tcatchcoldanddie，WhenyouandmegetscroupwhenWEundresses！
Nomoredon’tI！
BOBBY
Perhapssheain’tasgoodasyouandIis，AndGoddon’twantherupthereinthesky，Andletsherlive——tocomeinjustwhenpieis——
Perhapsthat’swhy！
JOHNNY
Doyouknowwhythatmanthat’sgotacroppedheadRubbeditjustnowasifhefeltafly？
Coulditbe，Bobby，somethingthatIdropded？
Andisthatwhy？
BOBBY
Goodboysbehaves，andsotheydon’tgetscolded，Nordrophotmilkonfolksastheypassby。
JOHNNY（piously）
MarbleswouldbounceonMr。Jones’baldhead——
ButIsha’n’ttry！
BOBBY
DoyouknowwhyAuntJaneisalwayssnarlingAtyouandmebecausewetellsalie，Andshedon’tslapthatmanthatcalledherdarling？
Doyouknowwhy？
JOHNNY
NomoreIdon’t，norwhythatmanwithMammaJustkissedherhand。
BOBBY
Shehurtit——andthat’swhy；
Hemadeitwell，theverywaythatMammaDoesdotoI。
JOHNNY
Ifeelsosleepy……WasthatPapakissedus？
Whatmadehimsigh，andlookuptothesky？
BOBBY
Weweren’tdownstairs，andheandGodhadmissedus，Andthatwaswhy！
NOTES
THELOSTGALLEON。Asthecustomonwhichthecentralincidentofthislegendisbasedmaynotbefamiliartoallreaders，Iwillrepeatherethatitisthehabitofnavigatorstodropadayfromtheircalendarincrossingwesterlythe180thdegreeoflongitudeofGreenwich，addingadayincomingeast；andthattheideaofthelostgalleonhadanoriginasprosaicasthelogofthefirstChinaMailSteamerfromSanFrancisco。Theexplanationofthecustomanditsastronomicalrelationsbelongsrathertotheusualtext-booksthantopoeticalnarration。IfanyreaderthinksIhaveoverdrawnthecreduloussuperstitionsoftheancientnavigators，IreferhimtotheveraciousstatementsofMaldonado，DeFonte，thelatervoyagesofLaPerouseandAnson，andthechartsof1640。InthechartsofthatdaySpanishnavigatorsreckonedlongitudeE。360
degreesfromthemeridianoftheIsleofFerro。Forthesakeofperspicuitybeforeamodernaudience，themorerecentmeridianofMadridwassubstituted。ThecustomofdroppingadayatsomearbitrarypointincrossingthePacificwesterly，Ineednotsay，remainsunaffectedbyanychangeofmeridian。Iknownotifanygalleonwaseverreallymissing。FortwohundredandfiftyyearsanannualtripwasmadebetweenAcapulcoandManila。Itmaybesomesatisfactiontothemoreseverelypracticalofmyreaderstoknowthat，accordingtothebeststatisticsofinsurance，thelossduringthatperiodwouldbeexactlythreevesselsandsixhundredthsofavessel，whichwouldcertainlyjustifymeinthissummarydispositionofONE。
THEPLIOCENESKULL。ThisextraordinaryfossilisinthepossessionofProf。JosiahD。Whitney，oftheStateGeologicalSurveyofCalifornia。Thepoemwasbasedonthefollowingparagraphfromthedailypressof1868："AhumanskullhasbeenfoundinCalifornia，intheplioceneformation。ThisskullistheremnantnotonlyoftheearliestpioneerofthisState，buttheoldestknownhumanbeing……
Theskullwasfoundinashaft150feetdeep，twomilesfromAngelsinCalaverasCounty，byaminernamedJamesWatson，whogaveittoMr。Scribner，amerchant，whogaveittoDr。Jones，whosentittotheStateGeologicalSurvey……ThepublishedvolumeoftheStateSurveyoftheGeologyofCaliforniastatesthatmanexistedherecontemporaneouslywiththemastodon，butthisfossilprovesthathewasherebeforethemastodonwasknowntoexist。"