第4章

Arewewise？OurabstrusecalculationsArebasedonexperiencelong；

Arewesanguine？OurhighexpectationsArefoundedonhopethatisstrong；

Thuswebuildanair-castlethatcrumblesAnddriftstillnotracesremain，Andthefoolbuildsagainwhilehegrumbles，Andthewiseonelaughs，buildingagain。

"Howcametheytopass，theserashblunders，Thesefalsestepssohardtodefend？"

Ourfriendputsthequestionandwonders，Welaughandreply，"Ah！myfriend，Couldyoutracethefirststridefalselytaken，Thedistancemisjudged，whereorhow，Whenyoupick’dyourselfup，stunn’dandshaken，Atthefence’twixttheturfandtheplough？"

Inthejarofthepanelrebounding！

Inthecrashofthesplinteringwood！

Intheearstotheearthshockresounding！

Intheeyesflashingfireandblood！

Inthequartersaboveyourevolving！

Inthesodsunderneathheavinghigh！

TherewaslittletoaidyouinsolvingSuchquestions——thehoworthewhy。

Anddestiny，steadfastintrifles，IssteadfastforbetterorworseIngreatthings，itcrushesandstifles，Andswallowsthehopesthatwenurse。

Menwiserthanwearemaywonder，Whenthefuturetheyclingtosofast，Totherollofthatdestiny’sthunder，Goesdownwiththewrecksofthepast。

*****

Thepast！thedeadpast！thathasswallow’dAllthehoneyoflifeandthemilk，Brighterdreamsthanmerepastimeswe’vefollow’d，Betterthingsthanourscarletorsilk；

Aye，andworsethings——thatpastisitreallyDeadtouswhoagainandagainFeelsharply，hearplainly，seeclearly，Pastdayswiththeirjoyandtheirpain？

Likecorpsesembalm’dandunburiedTheylie，andinspiteofourwill，Oursoulsonthewingsofthoughtcarried，Revisittheirsepulchresstill；

Downthechannelsofmysterygliding，Theyconjurestrangetales，rarelyread，OfthepriestsofdeadPharaohspresidingAtmysticalfeastsofthedead。

Weirdpicturesarise，quaintdevices，Rudeemblems，bakedfuneralmeats，Strongincense，rarewines，andrichspices，Theashes，theshrouds，andthesheets；

DoesourthraldomfallshortofcompletenessForthemagicofacharnel-housecharm，Andtheflavourofapoisonoussweetness，Andtheodourofapoisonousbalm？

Andthelinksofthepast——but，nomatter，ForI’mgettingbeyondyou，Iguess，Andyou’llcallme"asmadasahatter"

IfmythoughtsItoofreelyexpress；

Isubjoinaquotation，praylearnit，AndwiththeaidofyourlexicontellusThemeaningthereof——"ResdiscernitSapiens，quasconfunditasellus。"

Alreadygreenhillocksareswelling，Andcombingwhitelocksonthebar，Whereadull，droningmurmuristellingOfwindsthathavegather’dafar；

Thusweknownottheday，northemorrow，Noryetwhatthenightmaybringforth，Northestorm，northesleep，northesorrow，Northestrife，northerest，northewrath。

Yettheskiesarestilltranquilandstarlit，Thesun’twixtthewaveandthewestDiesinpurple，andcrimson，andscarlet，Andgold；letushopeforthebest，SinceagainfromtheearthhiseffulgenceThedarknessanddamp-dewsshallwipe。

Kindreader，extendyourindulgenceTothisthelastlayof"ThePipe"。

TheRolloftheKettledrum；or，TheLayoftheLastCharger"YouhavethePyrrhicdanceasyet，WhereisthePyrrhicphalanxgone？

Oftwosuchlessons，whyforgetThenoblerandthemanlierone？"——Byron。

Onelineofswartprofilesandbeardedlipsdressing，Oneridgeofbrighthelmets，onecrestoffairplumes，Onestreakofbluesword-bladesallbaredforthefleshing，Onerowofrednostrilsthatscentbattle-fumes。

Forward！thetrumpetsweresoundingthecharge，Therollofthekettledrumrapidlyran，Thatmusic，likewild-firespreadingatlarge，Madden’dthewar-horseaswellastheman。

Forward！stillforward！wethunder’dalong，Steadilyyet，forourstrengthwewerenursing；

TallEwart，oursergeant，washummingasong，Lance-corporalBlackWillwasblasphemingandcursing。

Open’dtheirvolleyofgunsonourright，Puffsofgreysmoke，veilinggleamsofredflame，Curlingtoleeward，wereseenontheheight，Wherethebatterieswereposted，asonwardwecame。

Spreadingbeforeustheircavalrylay，Squadrononsquadron，troopupontroop；

Weweresofew，andsomanywerethey——

Eagleswaitcalmlythesparrow-hawk’sstoop。

Forward！stillforward！steedansweringsteedCheerilyneigh’d，whilethefoamflakesweretoss’dFrombridletobridle——thetopofourspeedWasgain’d，buttheprideofourorderwaslost。

Onewasthereleadingbynearlyarood，Thoughwewereracinghekepttothefore，Stillasarockinhisstirrupshestood，Highinthesunlighthissabrehebore。

Suddenlytottering，backwardshecrash’d，Loudlyhishelmrightinfrontofusrung；

Ironhoofsthunder’d，andnakedsteelflash’dOverhim——youngest，wheremanywereyoung。

Nowwewereclosetothem，everyhorsestridingMadly；——St。Lucepass’dwithneveragroan；——

Sadlymymasterlook’dround——hewasridingOntheboy’sright，withalineofhisown。

Thrustinghishandinhisbreastorbreast-pocket，Whilefromhiswristtheswordswungbyachain，Swiftlyhedrewoutsometrinketorlocket，Kiss’dit（Ithink）andreplaceditagain。

Burst，whilehisfingersreclosedonthehaft，Jarringconcussionandearthshakingdin，Horse’counter’dhorse，andIreel’d，buthelaugh’d，Downwenthisman，clovencleantothechin！

Wedgedinthemidstofthatstrugglingmass，Afterthefirstshock，whereeachhisfoesingled，Littlewasseen，saveadazzle，likeglassInthesun，withgreysmokeandblackdustintermingled。

Hereandthereredden’dapistolshot，flashingThroughtheredsparkleofsteeluponsteel！

Redderthesparkseem’d，andloudertheclashing，Struckfromthehelmbytheiron-shodheel！

Overfallenriders，likewither’dleavesstrewingUplandsinautumn，wesunder’dtheirranks；

Steedsrearingandplunging，menhackingandhewing，Fiercegrindingofsword-blades，sharpgoadingofflanks。

Shortwasthecrisisofconflictsoonover，Beingtoogood（Isuppose）tolastlong；

Throughthemwecut，asthescythecutstheclover，Batter’dandstain’dweemerg’dfromtheirthrong。

Someofoursaddleswereemptied，ofcourse；

Toheaven（orelsewhere）BlackWillhadbeencarried！

NedSullivanmountedWill’sriderlesshorse，Hismarebeinghurt，whiletensecondswetarried。

Andthenwere-formed，andwentatthemoncemore，Anderetheyhadrightlycloseduptheoldtrack，Webrokethroughthelanewehadopen’dbefore，Andaswewentforwarde’ensowecameback。

Ournumberswerefew，andourlossfarfromsmall，Theycouldfight，and，besides，theyweretwentytoone；

Wewereclearofthemallwhenweheardtherecall，Andthuswereturned，butmytaleisnotdone。

Forthehandofmyriderfeltstrangeonmybit，Hebreathedonceortwicelikeonepartiallychoked，Andsway’dinhisseat，thenIknewhewashit；——

Hemusthavebledfast，formywithersweresoak’d，Andscarcelyaninchofmyhousingwasdry；

Islacken’dmyspeed，yetIneverquitestopp’d，Erehepattedmyneck，said，"Oldfellow，good-bye！"

Anddropp’doffmegently，andlaywherehedropp’d！

Ah，me！afterall，theymaycallusdumbcreatures——

Itriedhardtoneigh，butthesobstookmybreath，YetIguess’dgazingdownatthosestill，quietfeatures，Hewasnevermorehappyinlifethanindeath。

*****

Twoyearsback，atAldershot，ElringtonmentionedMynametoourcolonelonefield-day。Hesaid，"`Count’，`Steeltrap’，and`Challenger’oughttobepension’d；"

"Count"diedthesameweek，andnow"Steeltrap"isdead。

Thatmorningourcolonelwasriding"Theresa"，Thefillyby"Teddington"outof"Mistake"；

Hisgirls，prettyAliceandfair-hairedLouisa，WerethereontheponieshepurchasedfromBlake。

Irememberhepointedmeouttohisdaughters，Saidhe，"InthistroopImayfairlytakepride，ButI’venoneleftlikehiminmyofficers’quarters，Whoselife-bloodthemaneofold`Challenger’dyed。"

Wherearethey？thewar-steedswhosharedinourglory，The"Lanercost"colt，andthe"Acrobat"mare，AndtheIrishdivision，"KateKearney"and"Rory"，Andrushing"Roscommon"，andeager"Kildare"，And"Freeny"，afavouriteoncewithmymaster，And"Warlock"，asluggard，buthonestandtrue，And"Tancred"，ashonestas"Warlock"，butfaster，And"Blacklock"，and"Birdlime"，and"MollyCarew"？——

Allvanish’d，whatwonder！twelvesummershavepass’dSincethen，andmycomradeliesburiedthisday，——

Old"Steeltrap"，thekicker，——andnowI’mthelastOfthechargerswhosharedinthatgloriousfray。

*****

Come，"Harlequin"，keepyournoseoutofmymanger，You’llgetyourallowance，myboy，andnomore；

Snort！"Silvertail"，snort！whenyou’veseenasmuchdangerAsIhave，youwon’tmindtheratsinthestraw。

*****

Ourgallantoldcolonelcamelimpingandhalting，Thedaybeforeyesterday，intomystall；

Oh！lighttothesaddleI’veonceseenhimvaulting，Infullmarchingorder，steelbroadswordandall。

AndnowhisleftlegthanhisrightismadeshorterThreeinches，hestoops，andhischestisunsound；

Hespoketomegently，andpattedmyquarter，Ilaidmyearsback，andlook’dplayfullyround。

Forthatwordkindlymeant，thatcaresskindlygiven，Ithank’dhim，thoughdumb，butmycheerfulnessfled；

MoresadnessIdrewfromthefaceofthelivingThanyearsbackIdidfromthefaceofthedead。

Forthedeadface，upturn’d，tranquil，joyous，andfearless，Look’dstraightfromgreensodtobluefathomlessskyWithasmile；butthelivingface，gloomyandtearless，Andhaggardandharass’d，look’ddownwithasigh。

Didhethinkonthefirsttimehekiss’dLadyMary？

Onthemorninghewing’dHoraceGrevillethebeau？

Onthewinnerhesteer’dinthegrandmilitary？

Onthechargethatheheadedtwelvelongyearsago？

Didhethinkoneachfreshyear，offreshgrieftheherald？

Onlidsthataresunken，andlocksthataregrey？

OnAlice，whoboltedwithBrianFitzgerald？

OnRupert，hisfirst-born，dishonour’dby"play"？

OnLouey，hisdarling，whosleeps’neaththecypress，Thatshadesherandonewhoselastbreathgaveherlife？

Isawthosestrongfingershardovereacheyepress——

Oh！thedeadrestinpeacewhenthequicktoilinstrife！

*****

Scoff，man！egotistical，proud，unobservant，SinceIwithman’sgriefdaretosympathisethus；

Whyscoff？——fellow-creatureIam，fellow-servantOfGod，canmanfathomGod’sdealingswithus？

ThewidegulfthatpartsusmayyetbenowiderThanthatwhichpartsyoufromsomebeingmoreblest；

Andtheremaybemorelinks’twixtthehorseandhisriderThaneveryourshallowphilosophyguess’d。

Youareproudofyourpower，andvainofyourcourage，Andyourblood，Anglo-Saxon，orNorman，orCelt；

Thoughyourgiftsyouextol，andourgiftsyoudisparage，Yourperils，yourpleasures，yoursorrowswe’vefelt。

We，too，sprungfrommaresoftheprophetofMecca，Andnursedonthepridethatwasbornwiththemilk，Andfilteredthrough"Crucifix"，"Beeswing"，"Rebecca"，Welovesheenofscarletandshimmerofsilk。

We，too，sprungfromloinsoftheIshmaelitestallions，Wegloryindaringthatdiesorprevails；

From’counterofsquadrons，andcrashofbattalions，Torendingofblackthorns，andrattleofrails。

Inallstrifewherecourageistested，andpower，Fromthemeetonthehill-side，thehorn-blast，thefind，Theburst，thelonggallopthatseemstodevourThechampaign，allobstaclesflingingbehind，Tothecheerandtheclarion，thewar-musicblendedWithwar-cry，thefuriousdashatthefoe，Theterribleshock，therecoil，andthesplendidBaresword，flashingblue，risingredfromtheblow。

I’veborneONEthroughperilswheremanyhaveseenus，Notyrant，akindfriend，apatientinstructor，AndI’vefeltsomestrangeelementflashingbetweenus，Tillthesaddleseem’dturn’dtoalightningconductor。

Didhesee？couldhefeelthroughthefaintness，thenumbness，Whilelinger’dthespirithalf-loosedfromtheclay，Dumbeyesseekinghisintheirpiteousdumbness，Dumbquiveringnostrils，toostrickentoneigh？

Andwhatthen？thecoloursreversed，thedrumsmuffled，Theblacknoddingplumes，thedeadmarchandthepall，Thesternfaces，soldier-like，silent，unruffled，Theslowsacredmusicthatfloatsoverall！

Crosscarbineandboar-spear，hangbugleandbanner，Spur，sabre，andsnaffle，andhelm——Isitwell？

Vain’scutcheon，falsetrophiesofMarsandDiana，——

Canthedeadlaurelsproutwiththeliveimmortelle？

Itmaybe，——wefollow，andthoughweinheritOurstrengthforaseason，ourprideforaspan，Say！vanityarethey？vexationofspirit？

Notso，sincetheyserveforatimehorseandman。

Theyserveforatime，andtheymakelifeworthliving，Inspiteoflife’stroubles——’tisvaintodespond；

Oh，man！WEatleast，WEenjoy，withthanksgiving，God’sgiftsonthisearth，thoughwelooknotbeyond。

YOUsin，andYOUsuffer，andwe，too，findsorrow，PerchancethroughYOURsin——yetitsoonwillbeo’er；

Welabourto-day，andweslumberto-morrow，Stronghorseandboldrider！——andWHOKNOWETHMORE？

*****

Inourbarrack-squareshoutedDrill-sergeantM’Cluskie，Therollofthekettledrumrapidlyran，Thecolonelwheel’dshort，speakingonce，dryandhusky，"WouldtoGodIhaddiedwithyourmaster，oldman！"

[EndofSeaSprayandSmokeDrift。]

BushBallads&GallopingRhymesADedicationtotheAuthorof"HolmbyHouse"

TheyarerhymesrudelystrungwithintentlessOfsoundthanofwords，Inlandswherebrightblossomsarescentless，Andsonglessbrightbirds；

Where，withfireandfiercedroughtonhertresses，InsatiableSummeroppressesSerewoodlandsandsadwildernesses，Andfaintflocksandherds。

Whereindreariestdays，whenalldewsend，Andallwindsarewarm，WildWinter’slargeflood-gatesareloosen’d，Andfloods，freedbystorm，Frombrokenupfountainheads，dashonDrydesertswithlongpentuppassion——

Hererhymewasfirstframedwithoutfashion，Songshapedwithoutform。

Whencegather’d？——Thelocust’sgladchirrupMayfurnishastave；

Theringofarowelandstirrup，Thewashofawave。

Thechauntofthemarshfroginrushes，ThatchimesthroughthepausesandhushesOfnightfall，thetorrentthatgushes，Thetempeststhatrave。

Inthedeep’ningofdawn，whenitdapplesTheduskofthesky，Withstreaksliketheredd’ningofapples，Theripeningofrye。

Toeastward，whenclusterbycluster，Dimstarsanddullplanetsthatmuster，WaxwaninaworldofwhitelustreThatspreadsfarandhigh。

Inthegatheringofnightgloomo’erhead，inThestillsilentchange，Allfire-flushedwhenforesttreesreddenOnslopesoftherange。

Whenthegnarl’d，knottedtrunksEucalyptianSeemcarved，likeweirdcolumnsEgyptian，Withcuriousdevice——quaintinscription，Andhieroglyphstrange。

IntheSpring，whenthewattlegoldtrembles’Twixtshadowandshine，Wheneachdew-ladenairdraughtresemblesAlongdraughtofwine；

Whenthesky-line’sblueburnish’dresistanceMakesdeeperthedreamiestdistance，Somesonginallheartshathexistence，——

Suchsongshavebeenmine。

Theycameinallguises，somevividToclaspandtokeep；

SomesuddenandswiftasthelividBluethunder-flame’sleap。

ThissweptthroughthefirstbreathofcloverWithmemoriesrenew’dtotherover——

Thatflash’dwhiletheblackhorseturn’doverBeforethelongsleep。

Toyou（havingcunningtocolourApagewithyourpen，Thatthroughdulldays，andnightsevenduller，Longyearsagoten，Fairpicturesinfeverafforded）——

Isendtheserudestaves，roughlywordedByoneinwhosebrainstandsrecordedAsclearnowasthen，"Thegreatrushofgrey`Northernwater’，Thegreenridgeofbank，The`sorrel’withcurvedsweepofquarterCurl’dclosetocleanflank，TheRoyalistsaddlefastsquarely，Andwherethebrightuplandsstretchfairly，Behind，beyondpistol-shotbarely，TheRoundheadedrank。

"Alonglaunch，withclingingofmuscles，Andclenchingofteeth！

Theloosedoubletripplesandrustles！

Theswirlshootsbeneath！"

Enough。Inreturnforyourgarland——

Inlieuoftheflowersfromyourfarland——

Takewildgrowthofdreamlandorstarland，Takeweedsforyourwreath。

Yetrhymehadnotfail’dmeforreason，Norreasonforrhyme，SweetSong！hadIsoughtyouinseason，Andfoundyouintime。

Youbeckoninyourbrightbeautyyonder，AndI，waxingfainter，yetfonder，NowwearytoosoonwhenIwander——

NowfallwhenIclimb。

Itmattersbutlittleinthelongrun，Theweakhavesomeright——

Someshareintheracethatthestrongrun，Thefightthestrongfight。

Ifwordsthatareworthlessgowestward，Yettheworstwordshallbeasthebestword，Inthedaywhenallriotsweepsrestward，Indarknessorlight。

TheSickStockriderHoldhard，Ned！Liftmedownoncemore，andlaymeintheshade。

Oldman，you’vehadyourworkcutouttoguideBothhorses，andtoholdmeinthesaddlewhenIsway’d，Allthroughthehot，slow，sleepy，silentride。

Thedawnat"Moorabinda"wasamistrackdullanddense，Thesunrisewasasullen，sluggishlamp；

IwasdozinginthegatewayatArbuthnot’sbound’ryfence，IwasdreamingontheLimestonecattlecamp。

WecrossedthecreekatCarricksford，andsharplythroughthehaze，Andsuddenlythesunshotflamingforth；

Tosouthwardlay"Katawa"，withthesandpeaksallablaze，Andtheflush’dfieldsofGlenLomondlaytonorth。

NowwestwardwindsthebridlepaththatleadstoLindisfarm，Andyonderloomsthedouble-headedBluff；

Fromthefarsideofthefirsthill，whentheskiesareclearandcalm，YoucanseeSylvester’swoolshedfairenough。

FivemilesweusedtocallitfromourhomesteadtotheplaceWherethebigtreespanstheroadwaylikeanarch；

’TwashereweranthedingodownthatgaveussuchachaseEightyearsago——orwasitnine？——lastMarch。

’Twasmerryintheglowingmorn，amongthegleaminggrass，Towanderaswe’vewanderedmanyamile，Andblowthecooltobaccocloud，andwatchthewhitewreathspass，Sittinglooselyinthesaddleallthewhile。

’Twasmerry’midtheblackwoods，whenwespiedthestationroofs，Towheelthewildscrubcattleattheyard，Witharunningfireofstockwhipsandafieryrunofhoofs；

Oh！thehardestdaywasneverthentoohard！

Aye！wehadagloriousgallopafter"Starlight"andhisgang，WhentheyboltedfromSylvester’sontheflat；

Howthesun-driedreed-bedscrackled，howtheflint-strewnrangesrangTothestrokesof"Mountaineer"and"Acrobat"。

Hardbehindtheminthetimber，harderstillacrosstheheath，Closebesidethemthroughthetea-treescrubwedash’d；

Andthegolden-tintedfernleaves，howtheyrustledunderneath！

Andthehoneysuckleosiers，howtheycrash’d！

Weledthehuntthroughout，Ned，onthechestnutandthegrey，Andthetrooperswerethreehundredyardsbehind，Whileweemptiedoursix-shootersonthebushrangersatbay，Inthecreekwithstuntedbox-treeforablind！

Thereyougrappledwiththeleader，mantomanandhorsetohorse，Andyouroll’dtogetherwhenthechestnutrear’d；

Heblazedawayandmissedyouinthatshallowwatercourse——

Anarrowshave——hispowdersingedyourbeard！

Inthesehourswhenlifeisebbing，howthosedayswhenlifewasyoungComebacktous；howclearlyIrecallEventheyarnsJackHallinvented，andthesongsJemRopersung；

AndwherearenowJemRoperandJackHall？

Aye！nearlyallourcomradesoftheoldcolonialschool，Ourancientbooncompanions，Ned，aregone；

Hardliversforthemostpart，somewhatrecklessasarule，ItseemsthatyouandIareleftalone。

TherewasHughes，whogotintroublethroughthatbusinesswiththecards，Itmatterslittlewhatbecameofhim；

Butasteerripp’dupMacPhersonintheCooramintayards，AndSullivanwasdrown’datSink-or-swim；

AndMostyn——poorFrankMostyn——diedatlastafearfulwreck，In"thehorrors"，attheUpperWandinong，AndCarisbrooke，therider，attheHorsefallbrokehisneck，Faith！thewonderwashesavedhisnecksolong！

Ah！thosedaysandnightswesquanderedattheLogans’intheglen——

TheLogans，manandwife，havelongbeendead。

Elsie’stallestgirlseemstallerthanyourlittleElsiethen；

AndEthelisawomangrownandwed。

I’vehadmyshareofpastime，andI’vedonemyshareoftoil，Andlifeisshort——thelongestlifeaspan；

Icarenotnowtotarryforthecornorfortheoil，Orforthewinethatmakethgladtheheartofman。

Forgoodundoneandgiftsmisspentandresolutionsvain，’Tissomewhatlatetotrouble。ThisIknow——

Ishouldlivethesamelifeover，ifIhadtoliveagain；

AndthechancesareIgowheremostmengo。

Thedeepblueskieswaxdusky，andthetallgreentreesgrowdim，Theswardbeneathmeseemstoheaveandfall；

Andsickly，smokyshadowsthroughthesleepysunlightswim，Andontheverysun’sfaceweavetheirpall。

Letmeslumberinthehollowwherethewattleblossomswave，Withneverstoneorrailtofencemybed；

Shouldthesturdystationchildrenpullthebushflowersonmygrave，Imaychancetohearthemrompingoverhead。

TheSwimmerWithshort，sharp，violentlightsmadevivid，Tosouthwardfarasthesightcanroam，Onlytheswirlofthesurgeslivid，Theseasthatclimbandthesurfsthatcomb。

Onlythecragandtheclifftonor’ward，Andtherocksreceding，andreefsflungforward，Andwaifswreck’dseawardandwastedshorewardOnshallowssheetedwithflamingfoam。

Agrim，greycoastandaseaboardghastly，Andshorestrodseldombyfeetofmen——

Wherethebatter’dhullandthebrokenmastlie，Theyhavelainembeddedtheselongyearsten。

Love！whenwewander’dheretogether，Handinhandthroughthesparklingweather，Fromtheheightsandhollowsoffernandheather，Godsurelylovedusalittlethen。

Theskieswerefairerandshoreswerefirmer——

Theblueseaoverthebrightsandroll’d；

Babbleandprattle，andrippleandmurmur，Sheenofsilverandglamourofgold——

Andthesunsetbath’dinthegulftolendherAgarlandofpinksandofpurplestender，Atingeofthesun-god’srosysplendour，Atitheofhisgloriesmanifold。

Man’sworksaregraven，cunning，andskilfulOnearth，wherehistabernaclesare；

Buttheseaiswanton，theseaiswilful，Andwhoshallmendherandwhoshallmar？

ShallwecarvesuccessorrecorddisasterOnthebosomofherheavingalabaster？

WillherpurplepulsebeatfainterorfasterForfallensparroworfallenstar？

Iwouldthatwithsleepy，softembracesTheseawouldfoldme——wouldfindmerest，Inluminousshadesofhersecretplaces，Indepthswherehermarvelsaremanifest；

SotheearthbeneathhershouldnotdiscoverMyhiddencouch——northeheavenaboveher——

Asastrongloveshieldingawearylover，Iwouldhavehershieldmewithshiningbreast。

Whenlightintherealmsofspacelayhidden，Whenlifewasyetinthewomboftime，Erefleshwasfetteredtofruitsforbidden，Andsoulswereweddedtocareandcrime，Wasthecourseforeshapedforthefuturespirit——

Aburdenoffolly，avoidofmerit——

Thatwouldfainthewisdomofstarsinherit，Andcannotfathomtheseassublime？

Undertheseaorthesoil（whatmatter？

Theseaandthesoilareunderthesun），Asintheformerdaysinthelatter，Thesleepingorwakingisknownofnone。

SurelythesleepershallnotawakenTogriefsforgottenorjoysforsaken，Forthepriceofallthingsgivenandtaken，Thesumofallthingsdoneandundone。

Shallwecountoffencesorcoinexcuses，Orweighwithscalesthesoulofaman，Whomastronghandbindsandasurehandlooses，Whoselightisasparkandhislifeaspan？

Theseedhesow’dorthesoilhecumber’d，Thetimeheservedorthespaceheslumber’d，Willitprofitamanwhenhisdaysarenumber’d，Orhisdeedssincethedaysofhislifebegan？

One，gladbecauseofthelight，saith，"ShallnotTherighteousJudgeofalltheearthdoright，Forbeholdthesparrowsonthehouse-topsfallnotSaveasseemethtoHimgoodinHissight？"

Andthisman’sjoyshallhavenoabiding，Throughlightsdepartingandlivesdividing，Heissoonasoneinthedarknesshiding，Onelovingdarknessratherthanlight。

Alittleseasonofloveandlaughter，Oflightandlife，andpleasureandpain，Andahorrorofouterdarknessafter，Anddustreturnethtodustagain。

Thenthelesserlifeshallbeasthegreater，Andtheloveroflifeshalljointhehater，Andtheonethingcomethsoonerorlater，Andnooneknoweththelossorgain。

Loveofmylife！wehadlightsinseason——

Hardtopartfrom，hardertokeep——

Wehadstrengthtolabourandsoulstoreason，Andseedtoscatterandfruitstoreap。

Thoughtimeestrangesandfatedisperses，WehaveHADourlovesandourlovingmercies；

Thoughthegiftsofthelightintheendarecurses，Yetbidesthegiftofthedarkness——sleep！

See！girtwithtempestandwing’dwiththunder，Andcladwithlightningandshodwithsleet，ThestrongwindstreadingtheswiftwavessunderTheflyingrollerswithfrothyfeet。

Onegleamlikeabloodshotsword-bladeswimsonThesky-line，stainingthegreengulfcrimson，Adeathstrokefiercelydealtbyadimsun，Thatstrikesthroughhisstormywinding-sheet。

Oh！bravewhitehorses！yougatherandgallop，Thestormspriteloosensthegustyreins；

NowthestoutestshipwerethefrailestshallopInyourhollowbacks，oryourhigharch’dmanes。

IwouldrideasneveramanhasriddenInyoursleepy，swirlingsurgeshidden，Togulfsforeshadow’dthroughstraitsforbidden，Wherenolightweariesandnolovewanes。

FromtheWreck"Turnout，boys！"——"What’supwithoursuper。to-night？

Theman’smad——TwohourstodaybreakI’dswear——

Starkmad——why，thereisn’taglimmeroflight。"

"TakeBolingbroke，Alec，giveJacktheyoungmare；

Looksharp。Alargevesselliesjamm’donthereef，Andmanyonboardstill，andsomewash’donshore。

Ridestraightwiththenews——theymaysendsomereliefFromthetownship；andwe——wecandolittlemore。

You，Alec，youknowthenearcuts；youcancross`TheSugarloaf’fordwithascramble，Ithink；

Don’tsparethebloodfilly，noryettheblackhorse；

Shouldthewindrise，Godhelpthem！theshipwillsoonsink。

OldPeter’sawaydownthepaddock，todriveThenagstothestockyardasfastashecan——

Alifeanddeathmatter；so，lads，lookalive。"

Half-dress’d，inthedark，tothestockyardweran。

Therewasbridlingwithhurry，andsaddlingwithhaste，Confusionandcursingforlackofamoon；

"Bequickwiththesebuckles，we’venotimetowaste；"

"Mindthemare，shecanuseherhindlegstosometune。"

"Makesureofthecrossing-place；striketheoldtrack，They’vefencedoffthenewone；lookoutfortheholesOnthewombathills。""Downwiththesliprails；standback。"

"Andride，boys，thepairofyou，rideforyoursouls。"

Inthelowbranchesheavilyladenwithdew，Inthelonggrassesspoilingwithdeadwoodthatday，Wheretheblackwood，thebox，andthebastardoakgrew，Betweenthetallgum-treeswegallop’daway——

Wecrash’dthroughabrushfence，wesplash’dthroughaswamp——

Westeeredforthenorthnear"TheEaglehawk’sNest"——

Weboretotheleft，justbeyond"TheRedCamp"，Androundtheblacktea-treebeltwheel’dtothewest——

Wecross’dalowrangesicklyscentedwithmuskFromwattle-treeblossom——weskirtedamarsh——

Thenthedawnfaintlydappledwithorangethedusk，Andpeal’doverheadthejay’slaughternoteharsh，Andshotthefirstsunstreakbehindus，andsoonThedimdewyuplandsweredreamywithlight；

Andfullonourleftflash’d"TheReedyLagoon"，Andsharply"TheSugarloaf"rear’donourright。

Asmotheredcursebrokethroughthebushman’sbrownbeard，Heturn’dinhissaddle，hisbrick-colour’dcheekFlush’dfeeblywithsundawn，said，"JustwhatIfear’d；

Lastfortnight’slaterainfallhasfloodedthecreek。"

BlackBolingbrokesnorted，andstoodonthebrinkOneinstant，thendeepinthedarksluggishswirlPlungedheadlong。Isawthehorsesuddenlysink，Tillroundtheman’sarmpitsthewavesseemedtocurl。

Wefollow’d，——onecoldshock，anddeeperwesankThantheydid，andtwicetriedthelandinginvain；

Thethirdstrugglewonit；straightupthesteepbankWestagger’d，thenoutontheskirtsoftheplain。

Thestockrider，Alec，atstartinghadgotThelead，andhadkeptitthroughout；’twashisboastThatthroughthickestofscrubhecouldsteerlikeashot，Andtheblackhorsewascountedthebestonthecoast。

Themarehadbeenawkwardenoughinthedark，Shewaseagerandheadstrong，andbarelyhalfbroke；

Shehadhadmetooclosetoabigstringy-bark，Andhadmadeanearthingofacrookedsheoak；

Butnowontheopen，litupbythemorn，Sheflungthewhitefoam-flakesfromnostriltoneck，Andchasedhim——Ihatless，withshirtsleevesalltorn（Forhemayrideraggedwhoridesfromawreck）——

AndfasterandfasteracrossthewideheathWerodetillweraced。ThenIgaveherherhead，Andshe——stretchingoutwiththebitinherteeth——

Shecaughthim，outpacedhim，andpassedhim，andled。

Wenearedthenewfence，wewerewideofthetrack；

Ilook’drightandleft——shehadneverbeentriedAtastiffleap；’twaslittlehecaredontheblack。

"You’remorethanamilefromthegateway，"hecried。

Ihungtoherhead，touchedherflankwiththespurs（Intheredstreakofrailnottheghostofagap）；

Sheshortenedherlongstroke，sheprickedhersharpears，Sheflungitbehindherwithhardlyarap——

IsawthepostquiverwhereBolingbrokestruck，AndguessedthatthepacewehadcomethelastmileHadblownhimabit（hecouldjumplikeabuck）。

Wegallopedmoresteadilythenforawhile。

Theheathwassoonpass’d，inthedimdistancelayThemountain。ThesunwasjustclearingthetipsOftherangestoeastward。Themare——couldshestay？

ShewasbredverynearlyascleanasEclipse；

Sheled，andasoftashecametoherside，Shetookthebitfreeanduntiringasyet；

Herneckwasarcheddouble，hernostrilswerewide，Andthetipsofhertaperingearsnearlymet——

"You’relighterthanIam，"saidAlecatlast；

"Thehorseisdeadbeatandthemareisn’tblown。

Shemustbeagoodone——rideonandridefast，Youknowyourwaynow。"SoIrodeonalone。

Stillgallopingforwardwepass’dthetwoflocksAtM’Intyre’shutandM’Allister’shill——

ShewasgallopingstrongattheWarrigalRocks——

OntheWallabyRangeshewasgallopingstill——

Andoverthewastelandandunderthewood，Bydownandbydale，andbyfellandbyflat，Shegallop’d，andhereinthestirrupsIstoodToeaseher，andthereinthesaddleIsatTosteerher。WesuddenlystrucktheredloamOfthetracknearthetroughs——thenshereeledontherise——

Fromhercresttohercroupcoveredoverwithfoam，Andblood-redhernostrils，andbloodshothereyes，Adipinthedellwherethewattlefirebloomed——

Abendroundabankthathadshutouttheview——

Largeframedinthemildlightthemountainhadloomed，Withatall，purplepeakburstingoutfromtheblue。

Ipull’dhertogether，Ipress’dher，andsheShotdownthedeclinetotheCompany’syard，Andonbythepaddocks，yetundermykneeIcouldfeelherheartthumpingthesaddle-flapshard。

Yetamileandanother，andnowwewerenearThegoal，andthefieldsandthefarmsflittedpast；

And’twixtthetwofencesIturnedwithacheer，Foragreengrass-fedmare’twasafarthingandfast；

Andlabourers，rousedbyhergallopinghoofs，Sawbare-headedriderandfoam-sheetedsteed；

Andshonethewhitewallsandtheslate-colouredroofsOfthetownship。Isteadiedherthen——Ihadneed——

Wherestoodtheoldchapel（wherestandsthenewchurch——

Sincechapelstochurcheshavechangedinthattown）。

Ashort，sidelongstagger，along，forwardlurch，Aslight，chokingsob，andthemarehadgonedown。

Islipp’doffthebridle，Islacken’dthegirth，Iranonandleftherandtoldthemmynews；

Isawhersoonafterwards。Whatwassheworth？

Howmuchforherhide？Shehadneverwornshoes。

NoName"Astoneuponherheartandhead，Butnonamewrittenonthatstone；

Sweetneighbourswhisperlowinstead，Thissinnerwasalovingone。"——Mrs。Browning。

’Tisanamelessstonethatstandsatyourhead——

ThegustsinthegloomygorgeswhirlBrownleavesandredtilltheycoveryourbed——

NowItrustthatyoursleepisasoundone，girl！

Isaidinmywrath，whenhisshadowcross’dFromyourgardengatetoyourcottagedoor，"Whatdoesitmatterforonesoullost？

Millionsofsoulshavebeenlostbefore。"

YetIwarn’dyou——ah！butmywordscametrue——

"Perhapssomedayyouwillfindhimout。"

Hewhowasnotworthytoloosenyourshoe，Doeshisconsciencethereforeprickhim？Idoubt。

Youlaughedandweredeaftomywarningvoice——

Blush’dandwereblindtohisclovenhoof——

Youhavehadyourchance，youhavetakenyourchoiceHowcouldIhelpyou，standingaloof？

Hehasprosper’dwellwiththeworld——hesaysIammad——ifso，andifhebesane，I，atleast，giveGodthanksgivingandpraiseThatthereliesbetweenusonedifferenceplain。

*****

YouinyourbeautyabovemebentInthepauseofawildwestcountryball——

Spoketome——touchedmewithoutintent——

Mademeyourservantforonceandall。

Lightlaughterrippledyourrose-redlip，Andyousweptmycheekwithashiningcurl，Thatstray’dfromyourshoulder’ssnowytip——

NowIpraythatyoursleepisasoundone，girl！

FromalongwayofftolookatyourcharmsMademybloodrunredderineveryvein，Andhe——hehasheldyoulonginhisarms，Andhaskiss’dyouoverandoveragain。

Isitwellthathekeepswelloutofmyway？

Ifwemet，heandI——wealone——wetwo——

WouldIgivehimonemoment’sgracetopray？

NotI，forthesakeofthesoulheslew。

Alifelikeashuttlecockmaybetoss’dWiththehandoffateforabattledore；

Butitmattersmuchforyoursweetsoullost，Asmuchasamillionsoulsandmore。

AndIknowthatif，hereorthere，alone，Ifoundhim，fairlyandfacetoface，Havingslainhisbody，Iwouldslaymyown，ThatmysoultoSatanhissoulmightchase。

Hehardenshisheartinthepublicway——

WhoamI？Iambutanamelesschurl；

ButGodwillputallthingsstraightsomeday——

Tillthenmayyoursleepbeasoundone，girl！

WolfandHound"ThehillslikegiantsatahuntinglayChinuponhand，toseethegameatbay。"——Browning。

You’lltakemytalewithalittlesalt，Butitneedsnone，nevertheless，Iwasfoil’dcompletely，fairlyatfault，Dishearten’d，too，Iconfess。

Atthesplitters’tentIhadseenthetrackOfhorse-hoofsfreshonthesward，AndthoughDarbyLynchandDonovanJack（Whocouldswearthroughaten-inchboard）

Solemnlysworehehadnotbeenthere，Iwasjustassurethattheylied，FortoDarbyallthatisfoulwasfair，AndJackforhislifewastried。

WehadrunhimforsevenmilesandmoreAshardasournagscouldsplit；

Atthestarttheywerealltoowearyandsore，Andhiswasquitefreshandfit。

YoungMarsden’sponyhadhadenoughOntheplain，wherethechasewashot；

WebreastedtheswelloftheBittern’sBluff，AndMarkcouldn’traiseatrot；

Whenthesea，likeasplendidsilvershield，Tothesouth-westsuddenlylay；

OnthebrowoftheBeetlethechestnutreel’d，AndIbidgood-byetoM’Crea——

AndIwasalonewhenthemarefelllame，Withapointedflintinhershoe，OntheStonyFlats：Ihadlostthegame，Andwhatwasamantodo？

IturnedawaywithnofixedintentAndheadedforHawthorndell；

Icouldneithereatinthesplitters’tent，Nordrinkatthesplitters’well；

Iknewthattheygloriedinmymishap，AndIcursedthembetweenmyteeth——

Ablood-redsunsetthroughBrayton’sGapFlungaluridfireontheheath。

CouldIreachtheDell？Ihadlittlereck，AndwithscarceachoiceofmyownIthrewthereinsonMiladi’sneck——

Ihadfreedherfootfromthestone。

Thatseasonmostoftheswampsweredry，Andaftersohardaburst，Inthesultrynoonofsohotasky，Shewaskeentoappeaseherthirst——

Orbyinstincturgedorimpelledbyfate——

Icarenottosolvethesethings——

CertainitisthatshetookmestraightTotheWarrigalwatersprings。

IcanshutmyeyesandrecallthegroundAsthoughitwereyesterday——

Withashelfofthelow，greyrocksgirtround，Thespringsintheirbasinlay；

WoodstotheeastandwoldstothenorthInthesundownsullenlybloom’d；

DeadblackonacurtainofcrimsonclothLargepeakstothewestwardloomed。

IledMiladithroughweedandsedge，Sheleisurelydrankherfill；

Therewassomethingclosetothewater’sedge，Andmyheartwithoneleapstoodstill，Forahorse’sshoeandarider’sbootHadleftcleanprintsontheclay；

Someonehadwateredhisbeastonfoot。

’Twashe——hehadgone。Whichway？

Thenthemouthofthecavernfacedmefair，AsIturnedandfrontedtherocks；

So，atlast，Ihadpressedthewolftohislair，Ihadruntohisearththefox。

Ithoughtso。Perhapshewasresting。PerhapsHewaswaiting，watchingforme。

Iexaminedallmyrevolvercaps，Ihitchedmymaretoatree——

Ihadsworntohavehim，aliveordead，Andtogivehimachancewasloth。

Heknewhislifehadbeenforfeited——

Hehadevenheardofmyoath。

InmystockingsolestotheshelfIcrept，Icrawl’dsafeintothecave——

Allsilent——ifhewastherehesleptNotthere。Alldarkasthegrave。

ThroughthecrackIcouldheartheleadenhiss！

Seethelividfacethroughtheflame！

HowstrangeitseemsthatamanshouldmissWhenhislifedependsonhisaim！

Therecouldn’thavebeenabetterlightForhim，noraworseforme。

Wewerecoop’dup，cagedlikebeastsforafight，Anddumbasdumbbeastswerewe。

Flash！flash！bang！bang！andweblazedaway，Andthegreyroofreddenedandrang；

Flash！flash！andIfelthisbulletflayThetipofmyear。Flash！bang！

Bang！flash！andmypistolarmfellbroke；

Istruckwithmylefthandthen——

Struckatacorpsethroughacloudofsmoke——

Ihadshothimdeadinhisden！

DeTeAburningglassofburnishedbrass，Thecalmseacaughtthenoontiderays，AndsunnyslopesofgoldengrassAndwastesofweed-flowerseemtoblaze。