第6章

AndIprayTheedealwithmeasThouwilt，YetthebloodofThyfoesIhavefreelyspilt，And，moreover，mineisthegreaterguiltInthesightofTheeandThyFather。

Thatsaint，Thyservant，wascounteddearWhoseswordinthegardengrazedtheearOfThineenemy，LordRedeemer！

Notthusontheshatteringvisorjarr’dInthishandtheironofthehiltcross-barr’d，Whenthebladewasswallow’duptotheguardThroughtheteethofthestrongblasphemer。

IfeverIsmoteasamanshouldsmite，IfIstruckonestrokethatseem’dgoodinThysight，ByThylovingmercyprevailing，Lord！letherstandinthelightofThyface，Cloth’dwithThyloveandcrown’dwithThygrace，WhenIgnashmyteethintheterribleplaceThatisfill’dwithweepingandwailing。

ShallIcomfortmysoulonaccountofthis？

Intheworldtocome，whatsoeveritis，Thereisnomoreearthlyill-doing——

Forthedustydarknessshallslaydesire，Andthechaffmayburnwithunquenchablefire，ButforgreenwildgrowthofthistleandbriarAtleastthereisnorenewing。

AndthisgrievousburdenoflifeshallchangeInthedimhereafter，dreamyandstrange，Andsorrowsandjoysdiurnal。

AndpartialblessingsandperishingillsShallfadeinthepraise，orthepangthatfillsThegloryofGod’seternalhills，OrthegloomofHisgulfeternal。

YetifallthingschangetothegloryofOneWhoforallill-doersgaveHisOwnsweetSon，ToHisgoodnesssoshallHechangeill，Whentheworldasawither’dleafshallbe，Andtheskylikeashrivell’dscrollshallflee，Andsoulsshallbesummon’dfromlandandsea，AttheblastofHisbrightarchangel。

Thora’sSong（"Ashtaroth"）

Weseveredinautumnearly，Eretheearthwastornbytheplough；

ThewheatandtheoatsandthebarleyAreripefortheharvestnow。

Wesunder’donemistymorning，Erethehillsweredimm’dbytherain，Throughtheflowersthosehillsadorning——

Thoucomestnotbackagain。

MyheartisheavyandwearyWiththeweightofawearysoul；

Themid-dayglaregrowsdreary，Anddrearythemidnightscroll。

Thecorn-stalkssighforthesickle，’Neaththeloadofthegoldengrain；

Isighforamatemorefickle——

Thoucomestnotbackagain。

Thewarmsunrisethandsetteth，Thenightbringethmoist’ningdew，ButthesoulthatlongethforgettethThewarmthandthemoisture，too；

InthehotsunrisingandsettingThereisnaughtsavefeverishpain；

Therearetearsinthenight-dewswetting——

Thoucomestnotbackagain。

ThyvoiceinmineearstillminglesWiththevoicesofwhisp’ringtrees；

ThykissonmycheekstilltinglesAteachkissofthesummerbreeze；

WhiledreamsofthepastarethrongingForsubstanceofshadesinvain，Iamwaiting，watching，andlonging——

Thoucomestnotbackagain。

Waitingandwatchingever，Longingandlingeringyet，Leavesrustleandcorn-stalksquiver，Windsmurmurandwatersfret；

Noanswertheybring，nogreeting，Nospeechsavethatsadrefrain，Norvoice，saveanechorepeating——

Hecomethnotbackagain。

TheThreeFriends（FromtheFrench）

Theswordslewoneindeadlystrife；

Oneperish’dbythebowl；

Thethirdliesself-slainbytheknife；

Forthreethebellsmaytoll——

Ilovedherbetterthanmylife，Andbetterthanmysoul。

Aye，father！hastthoucomeatlast？

’Tissomewhatlatetopray；

Life’scrimsontidesareebbingfast，Theydrainmysoulaway；

Mineeyeswithfilmareovercast，Thelightsarewaninggrey。

ThiscurlfromherbrightheadIshore，Andthisherhandsgavemine；

See，oneisstainedwithpurplegore，Andonewithpoison’dwine；

Givethesetoherwhenalliso’er——

Howserpent-liketheytwine！

Wethreewerebrethreninarms，Andsworncompanionswe；

Weheldthismotto，"WhosoharmsTheoneshallharmthethree！"

Till，matchlessforhersubtlecharms，Belovedofeachwasshe。

（ThesetwowereslainthatImightkissHersweetmouth。Ididwell；

Isaid，"ThereisnogreaterblissForthoseinheaventhatdwell；"

Ilosther；thenIsaid，"ThereisNofiercerpanginhell！"）

Wehaveupheldeachother’srights，Sharedpurse，andborrow’dblade；

Havestrickensidebysideinfights；

AndsidebysidehaveprayedInchurches。WewereChristianknights，AndsheaChristianmaid。

Wemetatsunrise，heandI，Mycomrade——’twasagreedThesteelourquarrelfirstshouldtry，Thepoisonshouldsucceed；

Fortwoofthreeweredoom’dtodie，Andonewasdoom’dtobleed。

Webuckledtothedoubtfulfray，Atfirstwithsomeremorse；

Buthewhomustbeslain，orslay，Soonstrikeswithvengefulforce。

Hefell；Ilefthimwherehelay，Amongthetrampledgorse。

DidpassionwarpmyheartandheadTomadness？And，ifso，Canmadnesspalliatebloodshed？——

Itmaybe——IshallknowWhenGodshallgatherupthedeadFromwherethefourwindsblow。

Wemetatsunset，heandI——

Mysecondcomradetrue；

Twocupswithwinewerebrimminghigh，Andonewasdrugg’d——weknewNotwhich，norsoughtwetodescry；

Ourchoicebylotwedrew。

AndthereIsatwithhimtosup；

IheardhimblithelyspeakOfby-gonedays——thefatalcupForgottenseem’d——hischeekWasruddy：father，raisemeup，Myvoiceiswaxingweak。

Wedrank；hislipsturnedlividwhite，Hischeeksgrewleadenash；

Hereel’d——IheardhistemplessmiteThethresholdwithacrash！

Andfromhishand，inshiversbright，Isawthegobletflash。

Themorrowdawn’dwithfragrancerare，TheMaybreeze，fromthewest，Justfann’dthesleepyolives，whereSheheardandIconfess’d；

Myhairentangledwithherhair，Herbreaststrainedtomybreast。

OnthedreadvergeofendlessgloomMysoulrecallsthathour；

Skieslanguishingwithbalmofbloom，Andfieldsaflamewithflower；

Andslowcaressesthatconsume，Andkissesthatdevour。

Ah！nowwithstormthedayseemsrife，MydullearscatchtherollOfthunder，andthefarseastrife，Onbeachandbarandshoal——

Ilovedherbetterthanmylife，Andbetterthanmysoul。

Shefled！Icannotproveherguilt，NorwouldIanIcould；

See，lifeforlifeisfairlyspilt！

Andbloodisshedforblood；

Herwhitehandsneithertouchedthehilt，Noryetthepotionbrew’d。

Aye！turnmefromthesicklysouth，Towardsthegustynorth；

Thefruitsofsinaredustanddrouth，Theendofcrimeiswrath——

Thelipsthatpressedherrose-likemouthArechokedwithblood-redfroth。

Thendigthegrave-pitdeepandwide，Threegravesthrownintoone，Andlaythreecorpsessidebyside，Andtelltheirtaletonone；

ButbringherbackinallherprideToseewhatshehathdone。

ASongofAutumn"WhereshallwegoforourgarlandsgladAtthefallingoftheyear，Whentheburnt-upbanksareyellowandsad，Whentheboughsareyellowandsere？

Wherearetheoldonesthatoncewehad，Andwhenarethenewonesnear？

WhatshallwedoforourgarlandsgladAtthefallingoftheyear？"

"Child！canItellwherethegarlandsgo？

CanIsaywherethelostleavesveerOnthebrown-burntbanks，whenthewildwindsblow，Whentheydriftthroughthedead-wooddrear？

Girl！whenthegarlandsofnextyearglow，YOUmaygatheragain，mydear——

ButIgowherethelastyear’slostleavesgoAtthefallingoftheyear。"

TheRomanceofBritomarteAsrelatedbySergeantLeighonthenighthegothiscaptaincyattheRestoration。

I’lltellyouastory；butpassthe"jack"，Andletusmakemerryto-night，mymen。

Aye，thosewerethedayswhenmybeardwasblack——

Iliketorememberthemnowandthen——

ThenMileswasliving，andCuthbertthere，Onhislipwasneverasignofdown；

ButIcarryaboutsomebraidedhair，ThathasnotyetchangedfromtheglossybrownThatitshowedthedaywhenIbroketheheartOfthatbravestofdestriers，"Britomarte"。

SirHughwasslain（mayhissoulfindgrace！）

InthefraythatwasneitherlostnorwonAtEdgehill——thentoSt。Hubert’sChaseLordGoringdespatchedagarrison——

Butmenandhorseswereilltospare，Anderelongthesoldierswereshiftedfast。

Asforme，IneverwasquarteredthereTillMarstonMoorhadbeenlost；atlast，Asluckwouldhaveit，alone，andlateInthenight，Irodetothenortherngate。

Ithought，asIpassedthroughthemoonlitpark，OntheboyishdaysIusedtospendInthehallsoftheknightlyingstiffandstark——

Thoughtonhislady，myfather’sfriend（Mine，too，inspiteofmysinisterbar，Butwiththatmystoryhasnaughttodo）——

Shediedthewinterbeforethewar——

DiedgivingbirthtothebabyHugh。

Hepass’derethegreenleavesclothedthebough，Andtheorphangirlwastheheiressnow。

WhenIwasarudeandarecklessboy，Andsheabraveandabeautifulchild，Iwasherpage，herplaymate，hertoy——

Ihavecrown’dherhairwiththefield-flowerswild，Cowslipandcrow-footandcolt’s-footbright——

Ihavecarriedhermileswhenthewoodswerewet，Ihavereadherromancesofdameandknight；

Shewasmyprincess，mypride，mypet，Therewasthenthisproverbustwainbetween，ForthegloryofGodandofGwendoline。

Shehadgrowntoamaidenwonderfulfair，ButforyearsIhadscarcelyseenherface。

Now，withtroopersHoldsworth，Huntly，andClare，OldMileskeptguardatSt。Hubert’sChase，AndthechatelainewasaMistressRuth，SirHugh’shalf-sister，anancientdame，Butamettlesomesoulhadsheforsooth，Assheshow’dwhenthetimeofhertrialcame。

IboredespatchestoMilesandtoher，TowarnthemagainstthebandsofKerr。

AndminewouldhavebeenaperilousrideWiththerebelhorsemen——weknewnotwhereTheywerescatteredoverthatcountryside，——

Ifithadnotbeenformybravebrownmare。

Shewasiron-sinew’dandsatin-skinn’d，Ribb’dlikeadrumandlimb’dlikeadeer，Fierceasthefireandfleetasthewind——

Therewasnothingshecouldn’tclimborclear——

Richlordshadvex’dme，invain，topart，Fortheirgoldandsilver，withBritomarte。

Nextmornwemuster’dscarcehalfascore，Withtheservingmen，whowerepoorlyarm’d——

Fivesoldiers，countingmyself，nomore，Andaculverin，whichmightwellhaveharm’dUs，hadweusedit，butnotourfoes，When，withhorsesandfoot，toourdoorstheycame，Andapsalm-singersummon’dus（throughhisnose），Anddeliver’d——"This，inthepeople’sname，Untowhosoholdeththisfortresshere，Surrender！orbidethesiege——JohnKerr。"

’Twasamansionbuiltinastyletoonew，Acastlebycourtesy，heliedWhocalleditafortress——yet，’tistrue，Ithadbeenindifferentlyfortified——

Wewerewellprovidedwithboltandbar——

AndwhileIhurriedtoplaceourmen，OldMileswascall’dtoacouncilofwarWithMistressRuthandwithHER，andwhenTheyhadarguedloudlyandlong，thosethree，Theysent，asalastresource，forme。

InthechairofstatesaterectDameRuth；

Shehadcastasideherembroidery；

Shehadbeenabeauty，theysay，inheryouth，Therewasmuchfiercefireinherboldblackeye。

"AmIdeceivedinyouboth？"quothshe。

"Ifonesparkofherfather’sspiritlivesInthisgirlhere——so，thisLeigh，RalphLeigh，Letushearwhatcounselthespringaldgives。"

ThenIstammer’d，somewhattakenaback——

（Simon，youale-swiller，passthe"jack"）。

Thedamewax’dhotter——"Speakout，lad，say，Mustwefallinthatcantingcaitiff’spower？

Shallweyieldtoaknaveandaturncoat？Nay，Ihadlieverleapfromourtopmosttower。

Forawhilewecansurelyawaitrelief；

Ourwallsarehighandourdoorsarestrong。"

ThisKerrwasindeedacantingthief——

Iknownotrightly，someprivatewrongHehaddoneSirHugh，butIknowthismuch，Traitororturncoat，hesuffer’dassuch。

QuothMiles——"Enough！yourwillshallbedone；

Reliefmayarrivebythemerestchance，Butyourhouseereduskwillbelostandwon；

Theyhavegotthreepiecesofordnance。"

ThenIcried，"LordGuy，withfourtroopsofhorse，EvennowisbidingatWestbrooketown；

Ifaridercouldbreakthroughtherebelforce，Hewouldbringrelieferethesungoesdown；

ThroughtheposterndoorcouldImakeonedart，IcouldbafflethemalluponBritomarte。"

Milesmutter’d"Madness！"DameRuthlook’dgrave，Said，"True，thoughwecannotkeeponehourThecourtyard，no，northestablessave，Theywillhavetobatterpiecemealthetower，Andthus————"Butsuddenlyshehaltedthere。

WithashininghandonmyshoulderlaidStoodGwendoline。Shehadleftherchair，And，"Nay，ifitneedsmustbedone，"shesaid，"RalphLeighwillgladlydoit，Iween，ForthegloryofGodandofGwendoline。"

IhadundertakenaheaviertaskForalighterword。Isaddledwithcare，Norcumber’dmyselfwithcorseletnorcasque（Beinglothtoburdenthebravebrownmare）。

YoungClarekeptwatchonthewall——hecried，"Now，haste，Ralph！thisisthetimetoseize；

Therebelsareroundusoneveryside，Butheretheystragglebytwosandthrees。"

ThenoutIledher，andupIsprung，Andtheposterndooronitshingesswung。

Ihaddrawnthissword——youmaydrawitandfeel，ForthisisthebladethatIborethatday——

There’sanotchevennowonthelonggreysteel，Anickthathasneverbeenrasp’daway。

Ibow’dmyheadandIburiedmyspurs，Oneboundbroughttheglidinggreenbeneath；

Icouldtellbyherback-flung，flatten’dears，Shehadfairlytakenthebitinherteeth——

（What，Jack，haveyoudrain’dyournamesakedry，Leftnothingtoquenchthethirstofafly？）

Thesethingsaredone，andaredonewith，lad，Infarlesstimethanyourtalkertells；

Theswardwiththeirhoof-strokesshooklikemad，Andrangwiththeircarbinesandpetronels；

Andtheyshouted，"Crosshimandcuthimoff，"

"Surroundhim，""Seizehim，""Capturetheclown，Orkillhim，""ShallheescapetoscoffInyourfaces？""Shoothimorcuthimdown。"

Andtheirbulletswhistledoneveryside；

Manywerenearusandmorewerewide。

NotabullettolduponBritomarte；

Suddenlysnorting，shelaunchedalong；

Sotheospreydiveswheretheseagullsdart，Sothefalconswoopswherethekestrelsthrong。

Andfullinmyfrontonepistolflash’d，Andrightinmypaththeirsergeantgot。

Howarejack-bootsjarr’d，howarestirrupsclash’d，Whilethemarelikeameteorpasthimshot；

ButIclovehisskullwithabackstrokeclean，ForthegloryofGodandofGwendoline。

Andasonewhomthefiercewindstormsintheface，Withspikesofhailandwithsplintersofrain，I，whilewefledthroughSt。Hubert’sChase，Benttillmycheekwasamongsthermane。

Tothenorth，fullaleagueofthedeer-parklay，Smooth，springyturf，andshefairlyflew，Andthesoundoftheirhoof-strokesdiedaway，Andtheirfarshotsfaintinthedistancegrew。

LoudlyIlaughed，havingwonthestart，AtthefollyoffollowingBritomarte。

Theyhadpostedaguardatthenortherngate——

Somedozenofpikemenandmusketeers。

TothetallparkpalingsIturn’dherstraight；

Sheveer’dinherflightastheswallowveers。

Andsomeblewmatchesandsomedrewswords，Andoneofthemwildlyhurl’dhispike，Butsheclear’dbyinchestheoakenboards，Andshecarriedmeyardsbeyondthedyke；

ThengailyoverthelonggreendownWegallop’d，headingforWestbrooketown。

Thegreendownslopestothegreatgreymoor，ThegreymoorsinkstothegleamingSkelt——

Suddenandsullen，andswiftandsure，Thewhirlingwaterwasroundmybelt。

Shebreastedthebankwithasavagesnort，Andabackwardglanceofherbloodshoteye，And"OurLadyofAndover’s"flash’dlikethought，AndflittedSt。Agatha’snunnery，Andthefirsat"TheFerngrove"fledontheright，And"Falconer’sTower"onthelefttookflight。

Andover"TheRavenswold"weraced——

Weroundedthehillby"TheHermit’sWell"——

WeburstontheWestbrookeBridge——"Whathaste？

Whaterrand？"shoutedthesentinel。

"ToBeelzebubwiththeBrewer’sknave！"

"CarolusRexandheoftheRhine！"

Gallopingpasthim，IgotandgaveInthegalloppasswordandcountersign，Allsoak’dwithwaterandsoil’dwithmud，Withthesleeveofmyjerkinhalfdrench’dinblood。

Now，HeavenbepraisedthatIfoundhimthere——

LordGuy。Hesaid，havingheardmytale，"Leigh，letmyownmanlooktoyourmare，Restandrecruitwithourwineandale；

Butfirstmustoursurgeonattendtoyou；

Youaresomewhatshrewdlystricken，nodoubt。"

Thenhesnatchedahornfromthewallandblew，Making"BootandSaddle"ringsharplyout。

"HaveIdonegoodservicethisday？"quothI。

"ThenIwillridebackinyourtroop，LordGuy。"

InthestreetIheardhowthetrumpetspeal’d，AndIcaughtthegleamofamorionFromthewindow——thentothedoorIreel’d；

IhadlostmorebloodthanIreckon’dupon；

Heeyedmecalmlywithkeengreyeyes——

Sterngreyeyesofasteel-bluegrey——

Said，"Thewilfulmancanneverbewise，Nathless，thewilfulmusthavehisway，"

Andhepour’dfromaflagonsomefierywine；

Idrain’dit，andstraightwaystrengthwasmine。

*****

Iwaswiththemallthewayonthebrown——

"Guytotherescue！""Godandtheking！"

Wewerejustintime，forthedoorsweredown；

Anddidn’toursword-bladesraspandring，Anddidn’twehewanddidn’twehack？

Thesportscarcelastedminutesten——

（Aye，thosewerethedayswhenmybeardwasblack；

Iliketorememberthemnowandthen）。

Thoughtheyfoughtlikefiends，wewerefourtoone，Andwecapturedthosethatrefusedtorun。

Wehavenotforgottenit，Cuthbert，boy！

Thatsupperscenewhenthelampswerelit；

Howthewomen（someofthem）sobb’dforjoy，Howthesoldiersdrankthedeeperforit；

Howthedamedidhonours，andGwendoline，Howgrandlysheglidedintothehall，Howshestoop’dwiththegraceofagirlishqueen，Andkiss’dmegravelybeforethemall；

AndthesternLordGuy，howgailyhelaugh’d，Tillmoreofhiscupwasspiltthanquaff’d。

BrownBritomartelaydeadinherstrawNextmorn——weburiedher——braveoldgirl！

JohnKerr，wetriedhimbymartiallaw，Andwetwistedsomehempforthetrait’rouschurl；

Andshe——Imetheralone——saidshe，"Youhaverisk’dyourlife，youhavelostyourmare，AndwhatcanIgiveinreturn，RalphLeigh？"

Ireplied，"Onebraidofthatbrightbrownhair。"

Andwiththatshebow’dherbeautifulhead，"Youcantakeasmuchasyouchoose，"shesaid。

AndItookit——itmaybe，morethanenough——

AndIshoreitrudely，closetotheroots。

Thewineorwoundsmayhavemademerough，Andmenatthebottomaremerelybrutes。

ThreeweeksIsleptatSt。Hubert’sChase；

WhenIwokefromthefeverofwoundsandwine，IcouldscarcebelievethattheghastlyfaceThattheglassreflectedwasreallymine。

Isoughtthehall——whereaweddingHADBEEN——

TheweddingofGuyandofGwendoline。

Theromanceofagrizzledoldtrooper’slifeMaymakeyoulaughinyoursleeves：laughout，Lads；wehavemostofusseensomestrife；

Wehaveallofushadsomesport，nodoubt。

Ihavewonsomehonourandgain’dsomegold，Nowthatourkingreturnstohisown；

Ifthepulsesbeatslow，ifthebloodrunscold，Andiffriendshavefadedandloveshaveflown，Thenthegreaterreasonisourstodrink，Andthemoreweswallowthelessweshallthink。

AtthebattleofNaseby，Mileswasslain，AndHuntlysankfromhiswoundsthatweek；

WeleftyoungClareuponWorcesterplain——

Howthe"Ironside"gash’dhisgirlishcheek。

Aye，strut，andswagger，andruffleanew，Gaygallants，nowthatthewarisdone！

Theyfoughtlikefiends（givethefiendhisdue）——

Wefoughtlikefops，itwasthustheywon。

HoldsworthislivingforaughtIknow，Atleasthewaslivingtwoyearsago，AndGuy——LordGuy——sostatelyandstern，Heischanged，ImethimatWinchester；

Hehasgrownquitegloomyandtaciturn。

Gwendoline！——whydoyouaskforher？

Diedashermotherhaddiedbefore——

DiedgivingbirthtothebabyGuy！

Didmyvoiceshake？ThenamIfoolthemore。

Soonerorlaterweallmustdie；

But，atleast，letuslivewhileweliveto-night。

TheDAYSmaybedark，buttheLAMPSarebright。

Fortomethesunlightseemswornandwan：

Thesun，heislosinghissplendournow——

HecannevershineasofoldheshoneOnherglorioushairandglitteringbrow。

Ah！thoseDAYSTHATWERE，whenmybeardwasblack，NOWIhaveonlytheNIGHTSTHATARE。

What，landlord，ho！bringinhasteburntsack，Andaflaskofyourfiercestusquebaugh。

You，Cuthbert！surelyyouknowbyheartThestoryofHERandofBritomarte。

LaudamusTheLordshallslayortheLordshallsave！

HeisrighteouswhetherHesaveorslay——

Brother，givethanksforthegiftsHegave，ThoughthegiftsHegaveHehathtakenaway。

Shallwestriveforthatwhichisnothing？Nay。

Shallwehateeachotherforthatwhichfled？

Sheisbutamarvelofmodelledclay，Andthesmooth，clearwhite，andthesoft，purered，Thatwecoveted，shallendurenoday。

WasitwiseorwellthatIhatedyouForthefruitthathungtoohighonthetree？

Fortheblossomoutofourreachthatgrew，Wasitwellorwisethatyouhatedme？——

Myhatehasflown，andyourhateshallflee。

Letusveilourfaceslikechildrenchid——

CanthatvioletorbwesworebyseeThroughthatviolet-vein’d，transparentlid？——

NowtheLordforbidthatthisstrifeshouldbe。

Wouldyouknittheforeheadorclenchthefist，Forthecurlsthatneverwerewellcaress’d——

Fortheredthatneverwasfairlykiss’d——

Forthewhitethatneverwasfondlypress’d？

ShallwenourishwrathwhilesheliesatrestBetweenus？Surelyourwrathshallcease。

Wewouldfainknowbetter——theLordknowsbest——

Istherepeacebetweenus？Yea，thereispeace，Inthesoul’sreleasesheatleastisblest。

LetusthanktheLordforHisbountiesall，Forthebraveolddaysofpleasureandpain，Whentheworldforbothofusseem’dtoosmall——

Thoughthelovewasvoidandthehatewasvain——

Thoughthewordwasbitterbetweenustwain，Andthebitterwordwaskintotheblow，Forherglossandrippleofrichgoldrain，Forhervelvetcrimsonandsatinsnow——

Thoughwenevershallknowtheolddaysagain。

TheLord！——Hismercyisgreat，mensay；

Hiswrath，mensay，isaburningbrand——

LetuspraiseHimwhetherHesaveorslay，Andaboveherbodylethandjoinhand。

Weshallmeet，myfriend，inthespiritland——

Willourstriferenew？Nay，Idarenottrust，Forthegrim，greatgulfthatcannotbespann’dWilldivideusfromher。TheLordisjust，Sheshallnotbethrustwhereourspiritsstand。

ABasketofFlowersfromDawntoDuskDawnOnskiesstillandstarlitWhitelustrestakehold，Andgreyflushesscarlet，Andredflashesgold。

Andsun-gloriescoverTheroseshedaboveher，LikeloverandloverTheyflameandunfold。

*****

StillbloominthegardenGreengrass-plot，freshlawn，ThoughpasturelandshardenAnddroughtfissuresyawn。

Whileleavesnotafewfall，Letroseleavesforyoufall，Leavespearl-strungwithdew-fall，Andgoldshotwithdawn。

Doesthegrass-plotrememberThefallofyourfeetInautumn’sredember，Whendroughtleagueswithheat，WhenthelastoftherosesDespairinglyclosesInthelullthatreposesErestormwindswaxfleet？

Love’smelodieslanguishIn"Chastelard’s"strain，And"Abelard’s"anguishIslove’spleasantpain！

And"Sappho"rehearsesLove’sblessingsandcursesInpassionateversesAgainandagain。

AndI！——IhaveheardofAlltheselongago，YetneveronewordofTheirsong-loreIknow；

NotundermyfingerInsongsofthesingerLove’slitanieslinger，Love’srhapsodiesflow。

Freshflowersinabasket——

Anofferingtoyou——

Thoughyoudidnotaskit，UnbiddenIstrew；

Withheatanddroughtstriving，SomeblossomsstilllivingMayrenderthanksgivingFordawnandfordew。

ThegarlandsIgather，TherhymesIstringfast，ArehurriedlyratherThanheedlesslycast。

Yontree’sshadyawningIsshort’ning，andwarningFarspentisthemorning，AndImustridefast。

Songsempty，yetairy，I’vestriventowrite，Forfailure，dearMary！

Forgiveme——Good-night！

Songsandflowersmaybesetyou，Icanonlyregretyou，WhilethesoilwhereImetyouRecedesfrommysight。

Forthesakeofpasthours，Fortheloveofoldtimes，Take"ABasketofFlowers"，Andabundleofrhymes；

ThoughallthebloomperishE’enYOURhandcancherish，WhilechurlishandbearishTheverse-jinglechimes。

AndEastwardbyNor’wardLoomssadlyMYtrack，AndImustrideforward，AndstillIlookback，——

Lookback——ah，howvainly！

ForwhileIseeplainly，MyhandsonthereinslieUncertainandslack。

Thewarmwindbreathesstrongbreath，Thedustdimsmineeye，AndIdrawonelongbreath，Andstifleonesigh。

Greenslopes，softlyshaded，Haveflittedandfaded——

Mydreamsflitastheydid——

Good-night！——and——Good-bye！

*****

DuskLostrose！endmystory！

Deadcoreanddryhusk——

DepartedthygloryAndtaintedthymusk。

NightspreadsherdarklimbsonThefaceofthedimsun，SoflamefadestocrimsonAndcrimsontodusk。

AFragmentTheysaythatpoison-sprinkledflowersAresweeterinperfumeThanwhen，untouchedbydeadlydew，Theyglowedinearlybloom。

TheysaythatmencondemnedtodieHavequaffedthesweetenedwineWithhigherrelishthanthejuiceOftheuntamperedvine。

Theysaythatinthewitch’ssong，Thoughrudeandharshitbe，Thereblendsawild，mysteriousstrainOfweirdestmelody。

AndIbelievethedevil’svoiceSinksdeeperinourearThananywhispersentfromHeaven，Howeversweetandclear。

[EndofBushBallads。]

MiscellaneousPoemsToMySisterLineswrittenbythelateA。L。GordonOn4thAugust，1853，BeingthreedaysbeforehesailedforAustralia。

AcrossthetracklessseasIgo，Nomatterwhenorwhere，Andfewmyfuturelotwillknow，Andfewerstillwillcare。

Myhopesaregone，mytimeisspent，Ilittleheedtheirloss，AndifIcannotfeelcontent，Icannotfeelremorse。

Myparentsbidmecrosstheflood，Mykindredfrownedatme；

TheysayIhavebeliedmyblood，Andstainedmypedigree。

ButImustturnfromthosewhochide，Andlaughatthosewhofrown；

Icannotquenchmystubbornpride，Norkeepmyspiritsdown。

IoncehadtalentsfittowinSuccessinlife’scareer，AndifIchoseapartofsin，Mychoicehascostmedear。

ButthosewhobrandmewithdisgraceWillscarcelydaretosayTheyspokethetauntbeforemyface，Andwentunscathedaway。

Myfriendswillmissacomrade’sface，Andpledgemeontheseas，Whosharedthewine-cuporthechase，Orfolliesworsethanthese。

Acarelesssmile，apartingglass，Ahandthatwavesadieu，Andfrommysighttheysoonwillpass，Andfrommymemorytoo。

Ilovedagirlnotlongago，And，tillmysuitwastold，Ithoughtherbreastasfairassnow，’Twasverynearascold；

AndyetIspoke，withfeelingsmoreOfrecklessnessthanpain，ThosewordsIneverspokebefore，Nornevershallagain。

Hercheekgrewpale，inherdarkeyeIsawthetear-dropshine；

Herredlipsfalteredinreply，Andthenwerepressedtomine。

Aquickpulsationoftheheart！

Aflutterofthebreath！

Asmotheredsob——andthuswepart，Tomeetnomoretilldeath。

AndyetImayattimesrecallHermemorywithasigh；

AttimesformethetearsmayfallAnddimhersparklingeye。

Butabsentfriendsaresoonforgot，Andinayearorless’Twilldoubtlessbeanother’slotThoseverylipstopress！

WithadversefatewebestcancopeWhenallweprizehasfled；

Andwherethere’slittlelefttohope，There’slittlelefttodread！

Oh，timeglideseverquicklyby！

Destroyingallthat’sdear；

Onearththere’slittleworthasigh，Andnothingworthatear！

WhatfearshaveI？Whathopesinlife？

WhatjoyscanIcommand？

AfewshortyearsoftoilandstrifeInastrangeanddistantland！

Whengreengrasssproutsabovethisclay（Andthatmightbeerelong），Somefriendsmayreadtheselinesandsay，Theworldhasjudgedhimwrong。

ThereisaspotnotfarawayWheremyyoungsistersleeps，Whoseemsalivebutyesterday，Sofreshhermemorykeeps；

ForwehaveplayedinchildhoodthereBeneaththehawthorn’sbough，AndbentourkneeinchildishprayerIcannotutternow！

Oflatesorecklessandsowild，ThatspotrecallstomeThatIwasoncealaughingchild，Asinnocentasshe；

Andthere，whileAugust’swildflow’rswave，Iwanderedallalone，Strewedblossomsonherlittlegrave，Andkneltbesidethestone。

Iseemtohavealoadtobear，Aheavy，chokinggrief；

CouldIhaveforcedasingletearImighthavefeltrelief。

IthinkmyhotandrestlessheartHasscorchedthechannelsdry，FromwhichthosesighsofsorrowstartTomoistencheekandeye。

Sister，farewell！farewelloncemoreToeveryyouthfultie！

Friends！parents！kinsmen！nativeshore！

Toeachandallgood-bye！

AndthoughtswhichforthemomentseemTobindmewithaspell，Ambitioushope！love’sboyishdream！

Toyoualastfarewell！

"TheOldLeaven"

ADialogueMark：

So，Maurice，yousailto-morrow，yousay？

Andyoumayormaynotreturn？

Besociable，man！foronceinaway，Unlessyou’retoooldtolearn。

TheshadowsarecoolbythewatersideWherethewillowsgrowbythepond，Andtheyellowlaburnum’sdroopingprideShedsagoldengleambeyond。

Fortheblendedtintsofthesummerflowers，Forthescentsofthesummerair，Forallnature’scharmsinthisworldofours，’Tislittleornaughtyoucare。

YetIknowforcertainyouhaven’tstirredSincenoonfromyourchosenspot；

Andyou’vehardlyspokenasingleword——

Areyoutired，orcross，orwhat？

You’refrettingaboutthosesharesyoubought，Theyweretohavegoneupfast；

ButIheardhowtheyfelltonothing——inshort，Theyweregivenawayatlast。

Maurice：

No，Mark，I’mnotsoeasilycross’d；

’TistruethatI’vehadarunOfbadlucklately；indeed，I’velost；

Well！somebodyelsehaswon。

Mark：

Theglasshasfallen，perhapsyoufearAreturnofyourancientstitch——

ThatsouveniroftheLady’sMere，Parkpalingsanddoubleditch。

Maurice：

You’rewrong。I’mnotintheleastafraidOfthat。Ifthetruthbetold，Whenthestiffnessvisitsmyshoulder-blade，Ithinkonthedaysofold；

Itrecallstherushofthefresheningwind，Thestrainofthechestnutspringing，Andtherollingthunderofhoofsbehind，LiketheRataplanchorusringing。

Mark：

Areyouboundtoborrow，orlothtolend？

Haveyoupurchasedanotherscrew？

Orbackedabillforanotherfriend？

Orhadabadnightatloo？

Maurice：

Notoneofthose，you’reallinthedark，Ifyouchooseyoucanguessagain；

Butyou’dbettergiveoverguessing，Mark，It’sonlylabourinvain。

Mark：

I’lltryoncemore；doesitplagueyoustill，Thattrifleofleadyoucarry？

Aguestthatlingersagainstyourwill，Unwelcome，yetboundtotarry。

Maurice：

Notso！ThatburdenI’musedtobear，’Tisseldomitgivesmetrouble；

AndtoearnitasIdidthenandthere，I’dcarryadeadweightdouble。

AshocklikethatforasplinteredribCanathousand-foldrepay——

Astheswallowskimsthroughthespider’sweb，Werodethroughtheirranksthatday！

Mark：

Come，Maurice，yousha’n’tescapemeso！

I’llhazardanotherguess：

Thatgirlthatjiltedyoulongago，You’rethinkingofher，confess！

Maurice：

Tho’thebluelakeflush’dwitharosylight，Reflectedfromyondersky，MightconjureavisionofAphroditeToapoet’sorpainter’seye；

Tho’thegoldendrop，withitsdroopingcurl，Betweenthewaterandwood，HangsdownlikethetressofawaywardgirlInherdreamymaidenhood：

SuchboyishfanciesseemoutofdateToonehalfinclinedtocensureTheirfolly，andyet——yourshaftflewstraight，Thoughyoudrewyourbowataventure。

IsawmyladytheothernightInthecrowdedoperahall，Whentheboxessparkledwithfacesbright，Iknewheramongstthemall。

Tho’littleforthesethingsnowIreck，IsingledherfromthethrongBythequeenlycurvesofherheadandneck，Bythedroopofhereyelashlong。

Oh！passionless，placid，andcalm，andcold，DoesthefirestilllurkwithinThatlithermagnificenteyesofold，Andcolouredhermarbleskin？

Forawearylookontheproudfacehung，Whilethemusicclash’dandswell’d，AndtherestlesschildtothesilkskirtclungUnnoticedtho’unrepelled。